The Grandmaster Strategist - Chapter 185

[Chapter 16 3 Gu Frequency Troubled]

In December of the seventh year of Longsheng, Dayong was defeated in Huainan. Pei Yun, the military governor of Huainan, and Sun Ji, the general of Jingbei, wrote to apologize. Emperor Yong sighed and said that the two ministers are not guilty. Sacrifice the sky to tell the hero.

– “Zizhi Tongjian Yongji III”

“Jiangxia camp went east on November 4th, and the guards were heavily guarded along the way. They claimed that because of Huaixi’s emergency, Jiujiang was empty, and they would go to Jiujiang to prevent Yong’s army from crossing the river.”

In the cold garden, under the bright lights, Huo Cong was reading aloud while holding the paper, while Jiang Zhe was leaning on the soft couch and leisurely playing with the crystal clear black jade chess pieces, while Xiao Shunzi was sitting on the chess piece. On the chair opposite Ping, he frowned at the chessboard in front of him. On the board, a big dragon with white chess was about to be surrounded by black chess. A national player, but it is easy to beat Jiang Zhe, so Huo Cong was clearly reading the military newspaper from the Ministry of War, and still watched from time to time.

When Huo Cong read that Jiangxia Camp joined the battle at Guazhou Ferry, I stopped playing chess pieces, raised my head and said, “Lu Can has grown a lot and has enough courage, the emptiness of Jiujiang is not caused by him alone. Why, instead of competing with Pei Yun in Huaidong, they moved the Jiujiang camp to Jingkou, showing signs that the defense line in the central part of Southern Chu was unstable, and then mobilized the Jiangxia camp to Jiujiang on the pretext that Jiujiang was empty, which seemed to demolish the west. The wall to fill the east wall actually confuses the eyes and ears of our army. On the one hand, it does not let our army think of the possibility of riding a battalion to help Shouchun. On the other hand, it also makes our army ignore the Jiangxia camp and the Jiujiang camp to fight decisively in Yangzhou. However, Lu Can’s plan is also extremely dangerous. The outcome of the Huaixi battle is still undecided, and Jingxiang has our army cruising again. Once Shouchun falls, or General Changsun bypasses Jingxiang and goes straight into Jingnan, then the southern Chu army will be It will fall into a doomed place. But Lu Can must have been well aware that this time our army’s main attack direction is not Xiangyang. It’s dangerous, but this move has the style of a famous general. If there is a 30% chance of winning the battle of Huaixi, it will be worth it. Well, Cong’er, read the military report of Huaixi, I want to see how Lu Can is there. arranged?”

Huo Cong found Huaixi’s military report and read it in detail in order. When he read Lu Yun and Shi Guan’s son, Shi Yujin, beheading Dong Shan, my hand shook, but the expression on my face did not change in the slightest. He said with a smile: “Okay, Lu Can did a good job. If the pheasant eagles don’t drive out of the nest, they won’t be able to fly high. Lu Can put his parents and children in a dangerous place. No wonder the Huaixi Army is so tenacious, otherwise Cui Jue and Dong Shan He is also a rare general and will not be blocked in Shouchun. In fact, it is also the emperor who underestimates the enemy. If you send a cautious general, and send tens of thousands of horses to guard against enemy reinforcements, the army will definitely not be exhausted due to a long battle. In fact, it is no wonder that Lu Can’s cavalry camp is so secretive, Si Wen and Cao Quan do not know about it, and I am afraid that even the Southern Chu court does not know, neither knows that Shouchun will have reinforcements, and also No wonder Cui Jue and Dong Shan are slack. However, it is quite surprising that Dong Shan was killed by two teenagers under fifteen years old. I remember him as a fierce general.”

Huo Cong said: “According to Si Wencao’s investigation after the incident, General Dong had to fight hard, and it should have been the end of the battle, and General Lu and General Shi were both rare young warriors, so they were able to achieve such a record. I heard that at that time. The situation is very dangerous, and the two major generals almost lost their lives.”

I sighed softly: “After this battle, the morale of the Huaixi military and civilians has been high. Although Lu Yun is young, he has become a force that cannot be ignored by the Southern Chu military. Lu Can will definitely take this opportunity to expand his army in Huaixi to prepare for the war and strengthen his support for Huaixi. Control. When Huaixi’s military is strong, he can attack Suzhou and Xuzhou from the northeast, or Haozhou and Suiyang from the northwest. In a few years, Lu Can will send troops from Huaixi to attack Huaibei and train his soldiers.”

Huo Cong said suspiciously: “Sir, although Lu Can has already mastered the military power in the south of the Yangtze River, Dayong has a million armies. This defeat did not hurt his bones. Lu Can should rest and recuperate and guard against Dayong’s southern expedition.

How can you take the initiative to start a war?

”

I chuckled: “Although Lu Can has mastered the Jianghuai military power, his heart is not ruthless enough. Most of the forbidden army is still in the hands of Shang Weijun, and Jianye is still the world of the Shang family. The more military power in Lu Can’s hand, There will be more and more civilian officials who call themselves loyal ministers who worry that he will use military power to rebel, so Shang Weijun’s supporters will become more and more. So if he wants to protect himself, he can only take the initiative to send troops, and the border wars are endless, so that he can save his life.”

A cold light flashed in Huo Cong’s eyes, and he said, “No reward for meritorious deeds. This is an unforgivable crime. Will General Lu simply become king by himself, then Jiangnan will be a monolith, and there will be no chance.”

I raised my voice and laughed: “Cong’er, do you think mutiny is so easy, yes, Lu Can has a lot of troops in his hands, and once the troops are deployed, he can plow the courtyard and sweep the caves, control the Southern Chu court, and even become a king by himself. However, some things cannot be achieved only by the army. Once Lu Can rebels, those soldiers who serve him because of the Lu family’s reputation for loyalty and righteousness will be disappointed, and some people will even raise troops to serve as kings. Don’t forget Xiangyang Rongyuan and Huai. Although Xi Shiguan and Jiameng Guan Yumen respect Lu Can as the leader, and they have many ties with the Lu family, they are also loyal ministers of Southern Chu. If they are allowed to rebel with Lu Can, I am afraid they will not be able to. Shang Weijun has been in control of the court for many years, and has an intricate relationship with the major families of Southern Chu. Now, six or seven of the officials of the Southern Chu court are all part of the Shang family. If Lu Can clears the king’s side, what will these officials do? After they were all killed, the Nanchu court was empty, and the political situation immediately plunged into chaos. If they didn’t kill them, would these people truly respect the Lu family as their king? The imperial court, I am afraid that the government will be controlled by the power of the aristocratic family that takes advantage of the emptiness. At that time, the major families will inevitably criticize each other in order to compete for power and profit. I am afraid that the situation in Nanchu will become more corrupt. Therefore, Lu Can cannot solve it by mutiny. The only way to face the pressure is naturally to provoke foreign aggression. As long as the Jianghuai war is still going on, Shang Weijun and others will not dare to harm Lu Can and his soldiers casually. Moreover, Dayong’s heart of the south will not be eliminated. Well, instead of sitting and waiting for Dayong to attack, it is better to take the initiative to attack, and you can use these small-scale battles to sharpen morale, train your soldiers, and make the border of Southern Chu as stable as Mount Tai, such a thing that kills two birds with one stone, why would Lu Can not do it?”

Huo Cong was fascinated by what he heard, and it took a long time to say: “Sir, Shang Weijun is afraid of Lu Can’s military power, so he must not dare to act rashly, and instead of fighting for power in the DPRK, Lu Can might as well control the army and respond to the outside world, but in this way, If the situation in Jiangnan is stable, Dayong will not be able to quell Southern Chu smoothly, and it will be difficult for the world to be unified.

I glanced at him and said, “Lu Can is a very loyal person. The reason why he is fighting for military power is because he doesn’t want to see Dayong’s iron cavalry heading south. For him, he leads the army and Shang Weijun leads the army. Governance, that is the best. Of course, in the future, he will have a high and powerful position, and it is not known whether he will be disobedient, but in my opinion, there is no possibility for this person to rebel. Lu Can is no exception. Although his methods are more powerful and his actions are less fearful, he has no self-reliance. It’s just that although he has good intentions, Shang Weijun will not agree. Now it’s just a temporary compromise. This kind of separation between the military and the government cannot last forever, unless the lord of Southern Chu has enough prestige to take back the military and political power, or Shang Weijun is willing to surrender, but these two points are not realistic. After all, the confrontation between the north and the south cannot last for a long time. , one side must be wiped out, the two countries are fighting like this, and the same is the case when the two powerful ministers are fighting. Even if Lu Can compromises, or uses some thunderous means to suppress this hidden danger, once it erupts, it will be a shocking change. It’s just that if the monarch and minister of Nanchu were not If it’s too stupid, it shouldn’t be a problem to maintain a balanced situation for a few years. However, Cong’er, what are you asking about these things, do you also want to compete with Lu Can to see who is the first person in my family?”

Huo Cong said with an embarrassed look on his face: “How could this disciple have such an intention? It was the King of Jiajun who asked me to test Mr.’s words, and wanted to know if Mr. had a plan to calm down, maybe it was under the order of His Royal Highness King Qi. Bar.”

I sneered and said, “Don’t mind your own business, since Li Lin is the prince of the county, it’s okay to put some thought into it, you’re just a white robe, why so many things, you just need to read your book well, by the way, tomorrow You sorted out the military newspapers sent by the Ministry of War and handed them back, saying that Jiang was an idle person and was not interested in these military newspapers. If such documents are sent in the future, you will say that I am recovering from illness and have no time to take care of myself. You are not allowed to accept these military reports without authorization.”

Huo Cong muttered in his heart, didn’t you listen very seriously just now, and analyzed the situation plausibly, but now you have changed your mind, but he hastily said: “It’s all disciples who make decisions without permission, sir, please forgive me.” backed out.

Looking at Huo Cong’s back, there is a sneer on the corner of my mouth, huh, what does King Qi mean? King Jia Jun is mostly ordered by the prince, and the prince is mostly ordered by the emperor, but he just wants to test mine. Mind.

It seems that the fiasco of this attack on Chu has made Dayong Junchen a lot more sane, and he naturally thought of my letter that day. It seems that the emperor has understood that it is not that I am attached to my homeland, but that they underestimate the enemy.

Now that the situation has changed, these people must all want to hear my judgment.

But I, Jiang Zhe, are people who come and go when they are called. Since they once doubted me, I will simply not intervene in the battle of Yongchu. This is my hope. Anyway, their monarchs and ministers are all experienced The famous generals of the war are fighting step by step. In this case, with 20 to 30 years of hard work, there should be no problem in capturing Southern Chu, right?

After all, there are still many worries within Nanchu. If Lu Can is not aggressive, I expect him to experience drastic changes within four or five years. The current lord of Nanchu, Zhao Long, should be crowned in a few years. The time should be pro-government, that is Shang Weijun’s best chance to regain military power.

However, Lu Can’s methods these days are ruthless, unlike his style. It is difficult to change the style of acting alone. Most of it is Wei Ying’s plan.

That’s all, why am I thinking about things of peace again? Didn’t I think about staying out of it?

I turned my face and saw that Xiao Shunzi was still thinking about it. I snickered. I got a chess manual of a national player a few days ago. There are several exquisite chess games on it. With some face, I remembered the tragic situation in which he was killed in cold sweats before, and I looked at Xiao Shunzi proudly, hoping to see the scene where he admits defeat.

Unexpectedly, when I was complacent, Xiao Shunzi’s brows suddenly stretched, and he put down a white crystal chess piece, and the situation on the board was suddenly reversed.

I sighed, knowing that I didn’t find it difficult for Xiao Shunzi, I took out the chess book from under the jade pillow and threw it to him. I pushed the chess board away in a fit of anger, and lay on my back on the soft couch. The soft bedding, with a faint fragrance in the air, made me feel a little tired.

In order not to want Changle to speak for the emperor, I plan to stay in Hanyuan these days.

Xiao Shunzi smiled slightly, opened the chess book and turned it over, took it in his arms, and then while packing the pieces, he said, “Young Master, are you fighting with the emperor? After all, he is the king, and the son is a minister.”

For a long time, Jiang Zhe remained silent, just when Xiao Shunzi packed up his pieces and thought that Jiang Zhe would not answer, Jiang Zhe said lightly: “If something goes wrong, you have to be careful. This time the emperor can distrust me, so what about the future? I can’t leave hidden dangers. And if I show generosity and tolerance, and rely on the intelligence of the emperor, how can I not see that I have doubts about him, only by my nature and embarrassing him, he will believe that I have no reason for it It changed the perception of him.”

Xiao Shunzi was silent, he did not continue to ask, for example, is Jiang Zhe really dissatisfied with the emperor in his heart?

Is Jiang Zhe really still nostalgic for Southern Chu, so he is unwilling to offer advice to calm Chu?

Once Jiang Zhe made a decision, no matter how unreasonable it was, he would not object.

After putting away the chess flat, he added some benzoin to the incense burner, and then took a blanket and covered Jiang Zhe, who was already in a drowsy sleep.

After doing all this, he sat on the futon beside him to meditate and adjust his breath. For him, sleep was no longer a very important thing.

After a while, he suddenly frowned slightly and glanced at Jiang Zhe, who was still sleeping. He turned around and pushed open the door and walked out. At a glance, he saw a group of people walking here. One of them was wearing a cloak, covering the However, the faintly exposed bright yellow robe and the guards beside him still made Xiao Shunzi recognize his identity at a glance.

Those people approached, and the middle-aged man who covered his face said, “Has Suiyun already fallen asleep?”

Xiao Shunzi lowered his head and raised his eyebrows and said, “Young master has fallen asleep, and it is very difficult for you to fall asleep recently, so I lit a benzoin, I am afraid that you will not wake up before tomorrow morning, and you are feeling unwell recently, so I am afraid that you will not be able to pick it up. drive.”

The man smiled wryly, raised his head, his hood slipped, revealing a face that had passed away, but still had a graceful face. He ordered the Ministry of War to send documents in advance, and then passed Huo Cong’s test. Originally, it was to express his apology, but now I see it. Lai Jiang Zhe didn’t appreciate it. This person was still the same temperament back then, and has not changed since then. Thinking of this, Li Zhi felt even more guilty for his suspicion of Jiang Zhe a few days ago.

Looking at Li Shun standing in front of him, although his posture was so humble, Li Zhi knew that that kind of obedience was just a disguise. He believed that if he wanted to force entry, the evil shadow Li Shun would not be concerned about his identity. Once things get to that point, there is no room for recovery.

In desperation, Li Zhi had to turn around and leave, thinking about how to convince Jiang Zhe this time, it shouldn’t be more difficult than convincing him to serve him at first, right?

Next, when Dayong monarchs and ministers were busy taking care of the aftermath of the defeat, the Chu Junhou, who had always lived in seclusion, became the object of attention of the Dayong courtiers.

A rumor circulated quietly among the officials of Yongdu. The emperor visited Princess Changle’s mansion several times, but was actually rejected by Jiang Zhe from Hanyuan. Except for Shi Yu and others who had seen Jiang Zhe’s fierce side, the rest of the courtiers were I can’t believe this, in fact, it’s just speculation.

The emperor would not say such a shameful thing, and the guards and servants beside him dared not say it. Most of the Princess Changle’s mansion was carefully arranged by the emperor and the queen, so this matter was originally unknown.

But no matter how secretive things are, there are traces to be found. The emperor visited Princess Changle’s mansion several times, but he always returned in disappointment.

It was spread by people with a heart, and it was involved in street discussions.

It’s just about this matter, even the most upright admonishing officer is silent, not to mention the power of the Chu Junhou secretly, just relying on the emperor’s trust and favor on him, and also know that if this person can’t kill him with a single blow, the most important thing is Well don’t offend.

And if no one knows about this matter, the emperor can still save some face. If it spreads out, I am afraid that it will make the emperor angry and angry, and the officials who provoked trouble will be troublesome.

This rumor has not yet subsided, and after a few days, new rumors spread. Some people say that the reason why Jiangzhe, the Marquis of Chu County, refused to give advice and refused to see the car was because he was nostalgic for his home country, and now he is a famous general in Nanchu. It is his direct disciple, Jiang Zhe and the Nanchu Lu family have been inseparable until now, and they have many contacts.

This rumor is well-founded, and many officials and people believe it, even the most important officials in the DPRK can’t help but believe it.

Hearing this rumor, Li Zhi was very annoyed. Now, he naturally does not doubt that Jiang Zhe will leave Dayong for Nan Chu, but he also knows that Jiang Zhe has the most stubborn temperament. If he knew about this rumor, maybe he would actually keep silent when he was angry, wouldn’t that be extremely bad.

So he ordered Mingjian Division to investigate the source of the rumors, and he issued a strict order not to let anyone pass the news to Jiang Zhe’s ears.

It’s just that there are rumors and rumors in Chang’an, but there is no source to find out. Li Zhi can’t help Longyan’s anger, and the atmosphere in Yongdu becomes extremely tense.

A few days later, Li Xian came to the Hanyuan lightly, and he came to ask for peace at the will of Li Zhi.

This time, Li Xian did not send a letter to ask for orders to go on the expedition. First, he did not take the military strength of Jianghuai in Southern Chu into his eyes. In his opinion, he did not need to sit in Jianghuai this time. It’s not too late to ask for orders. Second, it’s also because Lin Bi is about to give birth, and he can’t let go of his beloved wife and son, so Li Zhi has no intention of letting him go to the south, so he didn’t take the initiative to mention it, but was the counselor beside him when he was making plans for the south expedition. That’s it.

When Jiang Zhe wrote a letter against this southern expedition, he, like Li Zhi, thought that Jiang Zhe would inevitably have feelings for his homeland, so the two brothers cooperated and tacitly concealed the matter, so that no one would take the opportunity to attack Jiang Zhe.

Unexpectedly, the Southern Expedition was defeated, Jiang Zhe said every word, Li Zhi and Li Xian were both generals killed from the battlefield. Naturally, they were not ordinary people. They soon realized their mistake of underestimating the enemy.

After ten years of recuperation, it is not only Dayong who has restored national strength, but also Nanchu is no longer the tired scene it used to be.

However, although they realized this, the change in the situation was irreversible. Lu Can took control of Jiangnan’s military power. As a result, half of Jiangnan would be difficult to overturn. In their eyes, Lu Can became the biggest obstacle to the Great Yongnan expedition. Lu Can, if you want to get rid of Lu Can, the opinion of one person is the most important, and this person is Jiang Zhe.

No matter how outstanding Lu Can is, it cannot be denied that most of this person’s ability is related to Jiang Zhe. In this case, besides Jiang Zhe, who else can come up with a peaceful plan?

Neither Li Zhi nor Li Xian want the two countries to face off for decades.

Since Jiang Zhe didn’t sell Li Zhi’s face, Li Xian also came to persuade him, but even though he asked others, Li Xian’s temper was still so arrogant, and he went on a rampage all the way, and the guards in Princess Changle’s mansion dared not dare. Blocking, although the master said that there would be no guests, but Li Xian went all the way to the cold garden, but no one dared to stop it.

As soon as Li Xian walked to the door of the study, he heard Jiang Zhe’s violent scolding.

Li Xian was curious. After all these years, he seemed to have never seen Jiang Zhe curse like this, so he could not help but stop and listen.

I looked at the honest Shener kneeling there, and my heart was full of anger. This stinky boy was obviously punished for kneeling there, but when you see his eyes keep rolling, you can see that he is clearly thinking nonsense, and he has no regrets. mean?

He couldn’t help but scolded again: “I only know how to practice martial arts and have fun all day long. I teach you to read myself, but you actually sneaked me around. After reading a book of Analects for half a year, you still can’t memorize it. Listen, I will punish you for copying the Analects today. Three times, if you can’t make it, don’t even think about having dinner.”

Shen’er is eight years old this year. He is beautiful, smart and cute, but he has a stupid stomach. It is more difficult for him to read than anything else. I don’t know who he is. His mother is also a smart person, why is he so stupid, but that old monk Cizhen actually said that he is a martial arts genius, is it really unreasonable?

As soon as I finished talking about the punishment method, Shen’er jumped up and said: “Dad, then I will go to copy the book, but Daddy, I can’t memorize the Analects and it’s none of my business. It’s because you didn’t teach me well. In this article, Daddy wants to talk about it, and there are a lot of things, and my sister also said that if you want to study, it is much better to follow Brother Huo.”

I almost fainted when I heard these words, and when I picked up the ruler, I was about to hit him in the palm. Unexpectedly, Jiang Shen turned around and fled out. He was very agile and disappeared at the door like a wisp of smoke. : “Xiao Shunzi, bring him back for me, and I will smash his palms.” Before he could finish his sentence, he heard Shen’er cheering: “Father-in-law.”

I froze in my heart, and immediately changed my words: “Shen’er, run slowly, don’t fall.” With an absolute fatherly tone, Xiao Shunzi, who was standing beside him, showed an interesting smile, but of course the smile disappeared before I ran away. .

Then I saw Li Xian drag Shen’er in, with a very unkind expression on his face, I swallowed my anger and stepped forward to salute: “It turns out that the sixth brother is here, I made you laugh, Shen’er is too naughty.” Alas, ever since Li Xian After returning to Chang’an, he almost occupied Shen’er. Every time Shen’er came back from Fuyun Temple, he would be picked up by him before he stayed at home for two or three days. If I didn’t agree, I would face his coldness. Sen’s face, that is, the years when he pursued Lin Bi was better.

After Li Ning was born, King Qi became even more aggressive, first kidnapped Shen’er and called him his father-in-law, and then led him in a grand manner.

As a father, it is difficult for me to discipline my son.

However, I touched my nose. If I hadn’t liked to bully Shen’er since I was a child, this kid wouldn’t have changed his mind so quickly, right?

Li Xian hesitated for a moment. He treated Shen’er as his own son. He was unhappy when he heard that Jiang Zhe was going to beat Shen’er. Jiang Zhe looked at his face, hesitated again and again, and finally said: “Suiyun, I think you should ask Shen’er an enlightened gentleman. If you don’t want to, let Huo Cong teach him. Listen to Rou Lan. He likes to cite scriptures when he speaks books, so it’s no wonder that Shen’er can’t understand.”

Shen’er was very smart, and when she heard that her father-in-law’s tone was a little weak, she immediately became honest, looked at me eagerly, and said, “Dad, it’s because Shen’er is too stupid to understand your book, unlike Huo Huo. Brother, if you hear one and know ten, you should let someone teach me.”

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly in my heart, who is this kid like?

At this time, King Qi said again: “Actually, Shen’er won’t need ten years of cold window in the future. Wouldn’t it be good for him to be a general in the future? I think this kid has a solid foundation in martial arts, and he is very courageous. He looks a bit like me.” Somewhat proudly, he stroked Shen’er’s head.

Shen’er also looked smug, as if Li Xian was his father.

There was a sour feeling in my heart, and I said in a bad tone: “Xiao Shunzi, send Shen’er to his study to copy the book, and copy the Analects a hundred times. Look at him, if he dares to sneak back to Fuyun Temple, you will Take him back and play his board for me.”

When Shen’er heard it, it was like a thunderclap, and she stood still, until Xiao Shunzi stepped forward to pick him up and walked out the door, then he shouted: “Uncle Shun, spare your life, my neck hurts, father-in-law help me. Ah, mother help, brother Huo help, sister help.” After a moment, the earth-shattering cry for help gradually faded away.

I couldn’t help but feel ashamed, this kid really humiliated me and gave Li Xian a stern look, because he spoiled Shen’er, so no matter what he does today, I won’t let him get his wish.

Li Xian is so smart, he knew at first sight that he still stabbed the hornet’s nest. Jiang Zhe was clearly preparing to avenge his personal revenge, and he couldn’t help showing a wry smile. The purpose of this visit is absolutely impossible to achieve.

Nine-layered palace tower, Qianbailoutai, golden hall road, jade-carved railings, and inside the imperial study, Li Zhichou frowned, looking at the secret memorial of a book case, but he couldn’t calm down and read it, Song Wan took it lightly. He walked in and reported: “Your Majesty, His Royal Highness King Qi is waiting for the order outside.”

Li Zhi hurriedly said: “What are you waiting for? When did he become so disciplined? Let’s announce it.” Song Wan walked out and led Li Xian into the study after a while. The palace maid and the maid withdrew, leaving room for the two brothers to talk secretly.

As soon as the figures of these people disappeared, Li Xian immediately returned to his old ways. He pulled a chair and sat down, complaining, “Brother Huang, I can’t handle this matter. Suiyun doesn’t listen to my persuasion at all.”

Li Zhi didn’t take Li Xian’s arrogant behavior at all, and said with a smile, “Didn’t you pat your chest when you were about to go and say you could succeed?”

Li Xian sternly said: “This is really a coincidence.” After that, Li Xian recounted today’s situation, Li Zhi listened to the bitter smile, Li Xian said seriously: “Brother Huang, it seems that Suiyun is just a momentary spirit, You will change your mind after a while, so don’t worry, Suiyun is in the same boat with us now, and he won’t watch us capsize.”

Li Zhi said with a wry smile: “Time waits for no one, if it’s a few more months, I’m afraid that the Jianghuai defense line will be solid, and we will have no chance. Don’t worry, the current Nanchu is not the former Nanchu. I don’t want to win this battle, lose both sides, and the people’s livelihood will be in ruins. Therefore, I must convince Suiyun to participate in this battle. In fact, I plan to build Jiangnan Xingyuan after the year. You are in charge of yourself, and Suiyun, the governor of Jingxiang and Jianghuai, also intends to let him accompany the military counselor, so I need to persuade him quickly, Suiyun’s temperament is too stubborn.”

When Li Xian heard the matter of Jiangnan Xingyuan, he only raised his eyebrows, but did not make a sound, but when he heard the last sentence, he smiled and said: “Suiyun is a state scholar, and the emperor treats him as a state scholar, so that he can be willing to serve his orders. Apart from the royal brother, who else can control him? I think he was just annoyed for a while. In fact, I think his anger has subsided, but he just didn’t go down the stairs. Come with me into the palace.”

Li Zhi also smiled slightly. He had seen a lot of eyes and ears at Princess Changle’s mansion. Naturally, he knew that Jiang Zhe’s mood had returned to normal in the past few days. Going to persuade, after thinking about it for a long time, there are not many important officials in the whole dynasty who can talk to Jiang Zhe. Over the years, Jiang Zhe has been hidden in the dynasty in Yongdu, and he has no acquaintance. Officials have little contact.

What’s more, this kind of thing can’t be known to too many people, Li Zhi doesn’t want to give the impression that Jiang Zhe is pampered and arrogant.

For a while, the two brothers were sitting in the city of troubled sorrow, and they had no idea.

At this time, Song Wan came in again to report: “Report to the emperor, Lord Xiahou Yuanfeng asks to see you.”

Li Zhi didn’t say anything, just waved his hand and Song Wan backed away.

Li Xian knew that Xiahou Yuanfeng was Li Zhi’s confidant, and he was responsible for supervising hundreds of officials. He couldn’t help but have some secret things.

Li Zhi smiled and said: “It’s okay, sixth brother doesn’t need to avoid it, I asked Xiahou to check who is spreading rumors recently, trying to alienate our monarchs and relatives, I think he has a result, you can listen to it.”

Not long after, Xiahou Yuanfeng walked in. Although he was already in his early thirties, he had been in the officialdom for many years, adding a bit of wind and frost. Yuan Feng is still personable, handsome and elegant, and lives up to his reputation as a handsome man.

Entering the study, Xiahou Yuanfeng stepped forward and saluted: “Report to the emperor, under the careful investigation of the minister, I am afraid that those who spread rumors have something to do with Nan Chu.”

Li Zhi was not surprised. Now that the north and the south are facing each other, if someone wants to divide him and Jiang Zhe, it is naturally the people of Southern Chu who are most attentive. He said lightly: “This matter is inconvenient to publicize. Monitor them carefully and control them if there is any change.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng presented the written document, and was about to turn around and leave. He saw Li Xian’s troubled face inadvertently, and moved in his heart, and said, “Are the emperor and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi troubled by the matter of the Duke and Duchess of Chu?”

Li Zhi heard the words and smiled bitterly: “Xiahou, do you have any way to solve this?” He just asked casually, Xiahou Yuanfeng and Jiang Zhe have always had some old grudges, and Li Zhi would never believe that Xiahou Yuanfeng could convince Jiang Zhe. Philosophy.

Unexpectedly, Xiahou Yuanfeng stepped forward and said respectfully: “The responsibility of the minister is to share the worries of the king and the father, and the minister is willing to go to persuade the Duke of Chu.”

Li Zhi was startled, looked Xiahou Yuanfeng up and down for a moment, and then said: “You can try it.” Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and retreated, it seemed that persuading Jiang Zhe was an extremely easy thing, which made Li Zhi and Li Xian also give birth. of hope.

The snow is flying in the sky, and the clouds are densely covered. Sitting in the Linbo Pavilion, I sit quietly and play the piano.

For a long time, I pushed the jade qin away and sighed softly. The trees wanted to be quiet but the wind kept blowing. How could the turbulent undercurrents of Chang’an hide from my eyes and ears these days? Although the emperor intended to protect me, how could I not know these rumors that attacked me? exist.

Stroking the broken lines on the body of the piano, I remembered Qiu Yufei. Since the fall of the Northern Han Dynasty, the Demon Sect has retired, but Duan Lingxiao and others naturally can’t get out of the way. Duan Lingxiao lives in seclusion in the big interior, and Xiao Tong is by Lin Bi’s side. , Other Mozong disciples either joined the army, or stayed in the country as bodyguards. Although the Mozong disciples were relatively unruly, their abilities and means were outstanding. Now Mozong has faintly become a force that can compete with Shaolin and other sects.

Among them, only Qiu Yufei stayed out of the matter, and took Ling Duan to live in seclusion in the Jinghai Villa I gave him.

You can enjoy the scenery of the East China Sea all the year round, or a flat boat, lingbo alone the sea, or playing the qin under the moon.

After taking the warm wine that Xiao Shunzi handed over, I drank it all in one go. The soft and sweet nectar juice made me feel intoxicated.

A guard came over the snow, and Xiao Shunzi walked out of the pavilion to listen to what he reported, then turned around and said, “Sir, Xiahou Yuanfeng asks to see you.”

I was slightly taken aback, why did Xiahou Yuanfeng come to me? Since the Dongchuan incident, this person has always been hiding far away, as if I were a ghost, and I was curious, and I smiled: “Please come here, Lord Xiahou. .”

Not long after, Xiahou Yuanfeng came along with the guards, the snow-colored light fur, the jade trees facing the wind, and the bright moonlight. If he looked at the appearance, he would never have imagined that he was actually the head of the Mingjian Division with blood-stained hands.

I stood up and greeted me in the pavilion. Outside the pavilion was snowing like a weave. Naturally, I would not go to experience the cold air in it. I stretched out my hand and invited Xiahou Yuanfeng to sit down. Come to visit when you have time, it is snowing in the sky, and there are good guests coming to your door, you must have wine, Xiao Shunzi, bring a jar of royal wine, this pot of ‘Ningchun’ is too fragrant, and Lord Xiahou will not like it.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said, “You don’t have to worry about it, Lord Hou, I have heard for a long time that the ‘Ningchun’ wine brewed by Her Royal Highness Princess Chang from the essence of hundreds of flowers is mellow and soft. Enter, I am fortunate to see it in person today, how can I miss the wine.”

A gleam of light flashed in my eyes, and I said, “This ‘Ningchun’ wine is brewed by Changle. In addition to the essence of a hundred flowers, many medicines to nourish the body are also added. Drinking it all year round can make one’s ears and eyes bright and healthy, but only It is too soft and mellow, and it is not suitable for the taste of Yong people, but I did not expect that Lord Xiahou can understand the beauty of it.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said respectfully, “His Royal Highness Princess Eldest is deeply in love with the heavens, and this wine is made for the sake of Lord Kangtai. How can those outsiders know the heart of the Eldest Princess, and how can they appreciate the profound meaning of this wine, besides, those ordinary people are not qualified to taste this peerless wine? Good wine.”

I heard that I already knew Xiahou Yuanfeng’s purpose here, and reminded me with Changle’s affection not to forget the unbreakable ties between myself and the Dayong royal family, but he was smart enough to use this “Ningchun” wine that enshrined Changle’s love Expressing my mind, it makes me not annoyed.

I motioned him to sit down, I poured a glass of wine for him myself, and said, “Since Lord Xiahou knows the value of this wine, please have a drink. Only twenty-four jars of this wine are brewed every year, except for the empress dowager and the queen. Outside of the altars of the Empress and Princess Qi, there is no news.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng took his seat calmly and said, “Zhuojing received the grace of the Empress and gave a pot of ‘Ningchun’, and I was fortunate enough to taste this rare wine. ”

I have already guessed the purpose of Xiahou Yuanfeng’s visit, but I was also curious about why he believed that he could persuade me, so I deliberately did not ask his purpose, but diligently persuaded him to drink. Poems and songs come, I have known Xiahou Yuanfeng for so many years, I only know that he has a careful mind, a powerful belly, martial arts, and a ruthless heart, but when I talk about it today, I realize that this person is indeed both civil and military. After talking for a long time, I felt that chatting with this person was very pleasant, and I could not help but gradually forget his purpose.

Xiahou Yuanfeng saw that the atmosphere was warm, and was secretly delighted, and said to the wine: “Xiaguan heard that Hou Ye once wrote a poem in the Northern Han Dynasty to express his feelings, there are two sentences in it, “I don’t want to go to the south to return to the wild, and I die. When you bury me on the banks of the Chu River, I don’t know if it’s the truth?”

My heart moved, and I knew that he finally started to attack. The verse he mentioned was the sadness and sympathy of Tan Ji’s death sentence. Xiahou Yuanfeng also knew about this, but it was not surprising. He was the head of the Mingjian Division. At that time, the guards around me were all masters of Hu Benwei. Someone must have sent this poem to the imperial front. Xiahou Yuanfeng was favored by Li Zhi. This is not a secret, he knows it is possible.

But does he mean that I am nostalgic for my motherland?

There was a faint mocking smile on the corner of my mouth, and I said lightly, “Thinking of the motherland, it’s human nature, does Lord Xiahou dare to ask me to join me?”

However, Xiahou Yuanfeng changed the subject again and said: “This time General Pei took risks in Huaidong lightly and planned to take Chuzhou. Although he made great achievements, it was too risky.”

I said casually: “General Pei has such a temperament and likes to fight in person, but if it comes to a critical moment, he will not do it.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said, “But General Pei is very courageous. Zhenhuailou openly humiliated Lord Hou’s relatives. If you want to come, it will also make the subordinates admire.”

I froze in my heart and lowered my eyes: “Although Jing Changqing is Jiang’s cousin, he is a loyal minister of Southern Chu. There is nothing wrong with General Pei’s actions.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng shook his head and said, “General Pei just didn’t pay attention. If he had known the identity of that person earlier, he would not have humiliated him, but Lord Hou is very caring for his relatives, and within a few days, Jing Changqing was released from the Chuzhou prison. He disappeared, and I heard that he has returned to Jiaxing. Although Nan Chu won this battle, his cousin could not help but give up his job and run away, but no one would embarrass the Jing family. After all, General Lu is now in power. In his face, no one will attack the Jing family.”

I showed a sneer. Back then in Dongchuan, Xiahou Yuanfeng wanted to seize the power of the Splendid Alliance. Although I made his wish come true, I also taught him a lesson. Now, does he want to interfere with my power in Nanchu?

Could it be that he didn’t come here to convince me to reconcile with Li Zhi?

I stood up, walked to the side of the piano platform, caressed the strings of the piano, the sound of the piano was loud, revealing the meaning of killing, I said lightly: “Master Xiahou, do you have anything else to say?”

Xiahou Yuanfeng ignored my intention to chase away guests, drank another glass of wine, and said, “Lu Can’s eldest son Lu Yun, a young Yingjie, who killed Dongshan in array, was famous in Huaixi. Chang’an stayed for many days.”

There was a look of sarcasm in my eyes, I already knew that Lu Yun’s affairs would be difficult to hide from Ming Jiansi’s eyes and ears, otherwise why would I involve Huo Cong, Li Lin and Rou Lan? Rat bogeyman.

But in the blink of an eye, the look in my eyes became sad. I originally hoped to keep Lu Yun, but what he did in Huaixi had made my efforts come to nothing. Who would have thought that a thirteen-year-old boy could have such a thing? Skill achievement?

Xiahou Yuanfeng may have sensed the change in my mind, and said: “Master Hou was born in Southern Chu, and he has a lot of attachment to his homeland, and he has relatives, friends and disciples there. When the war is together, it is inevitable that jade and stones will be burned, and Hou Ye may have a comprehensive meaning, but if it is Marquis stayed out of the matter, and in the future, He Gongxun will be used to soften the cheeks of Jing and Lu. The lower official once heard that Marquis had promised Prince De to protect Nanchu’s line of cigarettes. If Marquis refused to offer advice to calm Chu, what would he do to the emperor in the future? Statement. The change of the hunting palace, the Hou Ye used to be a great contributor to the Dayong royal family, but the royal family married the eldest princess, it can be said that there is no loss to the Hou Ye. The Duke of the country, the daughter is the county master, the family is well-loved, and the merits of Ping Han have been paid. Could it be that when the fall of Southern Chu, the Hou Ye will exchange these old achievements for the grace of the emperor, then the emperor will not say it What, can Lord Hou be worthy of his conscience? Moreover, if Lord Hou did not go to Jiangnan to preside over the Pingchu strategy, I’m afraid that Lord Hou’s hard work would be in vain, and he would be presumptuous, but every sentence is from the bottom of his heart, please Hou. Master Mingjian.”

An inexplicable look flashed in my eyes, and I looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng, this person is really not simple, these words have completely convinced me, and only he can say these words, if Li Zhi and Li Xian said this, instead It will make me feel that they intend to threaten. If Shi Yu and the ministers say it, they will inevitably become high-sounding. Instead, they seem to blame each other with righteousness, which makes me feel rebellious. Only Xiahou Yuanfeng, who only has utility in his heart, said it. , I feel sincere.

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled slightly and said again: “There is one more thing, I don’t know if Lord Hou knows, Wei Ying is now serving as a guest secretary in Lu Canmu, although this matter is secret, it can’t be hidden from the eyes and ears of Si Wencao and Ming Jian. ”

My expression was indifferent. I already knew about this matter, and in front of a smart man like Xiahou Yuanfeng, I was too lazy to pretend.

Xiahou Yuanfeng knew very well, and said: “Wei Ying hates Lord Hou very much. He is extremely intelligent and cruel. General Lu is an outstanding military strategy. Hou Ye understands very well that when these two join forces, they must be a strong enemy of Hou Ye. UU read www.sonicmtl.com Hou Ye is very talented. When encountering such an opponent, don’t you want to have a contest with them? Lu Can holds the military power of Nanchu. , Hou Ye can also control Dayong Ping Chu’s strategy, why not play a game in the south of the Yangtze River to see if the Marquis is incomparable, or if General Lu is outstanding, wouldn’t this be a great pleasure?”

Hearing this, even if it was me, I couldn’t help but feel competitive. I couldn’t help laughing and said, “Lord Xiahou’s words are as good as Su Qin and Zhang Yi. Zhe learned it today.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng’s expression remained unchanged: “Master Hou is so wrong, I am ashamed to be an official, but I have offended Master Hou a lot in the past, so I came to persuade Master Hou today, and I hope that Master Hou can remember one of Xiaguan’s achievements. Well-intentioned, don’t still hate the next official.”

I finally couldn’t help laughing out loud and said, “Okay, okay, Xiahou Yuanfeng really deserves to be Xiahou Yuanfeng, if you want to come, you are in a hurry to go back and return to your life, I will not leave you, report to Your Majesty, I will meet tomorrow morning. Enter the palace to see you.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said with a smile: “Your Majesty’s intentions, Xiaguan must be very clear, but I don’t know if I can give Xiaguan a pot of ‘Ningchun’, this wine is really liked by Xiaguan.”

I looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng’s face, but I couldn’t see any hypocrisy in him. This “Ningchun” wine is sweet and mellow, but it does not suit the taste of northern men, so this wine is not only for the Queen Mother, the Queen and Apart from Princess Qi, Changle is not given to anyone else, even Princess Qi Lin Bi, I guess she also prefers the spirits from the north.

I couldn’t help shaking my head lightly, and I said lightly, “Xiao Shunzi, let someone send a jar of ‘Ningchun’ to Lord Xiahou’s house.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng thanked him with a smile, then said goodbye and left. Looking at his handsome demeanor in the vast flying snow, admiration arose in my heart. Be careful, I used to be able to play him on the palm of my hand. He is willing to do this, if he is not careful, I am afraid that it will be me who will suffer in the future.

[End of this Chapter]