The Grandmaster Strategist - Chapter 197

[Chapter 29 Wu Hookshuang Xueming]

On February 26, the eighth year of Longsheng, it was a sunny day. Standing on the top floor of Zhenhuai, standing in front of the window overlooking the scenery under the city, Pei Yun’s seemingly calm face concealed a trace of annoyance, Huaidong. The defeat in the battlefield, although occupying Chuzhou and Sizhou, could not make him feel better.

But this time, he obeyed the order, only to contain the Chu army in Huaidong, not to take the initiative to attack Lu Can in Wuyue, which made him annoyed.

Thinking of the beacon smoke in Xiangyang, Changsun Ji’s Nanyang camp has increased its troops to 300,000, but he has not been replenished. Now the Xuzhou camp is less than 100,000 troops, and there is not much spare capacity to launch a major military operation. How could he not be pissed off.

Another thing that made him annoyed was the new Chuzhou County Governor Luo Jing.

Originally, he planned to replace Gu Yuanyong after the situation stabilized, lest his foundation be unstable.

Who would have known that Gu Yuanyong was powerless when Luo Louzhen was in control of Chuzhou, and there were always omissions in handling government affairs, but since he voted for Dayong, he actually had divine help and managed Chuzhou’s government affairs in a righteous way. It was thanks to Gu Yuanyong’s help that he was able to hold on to the front lines of Chuzhou and Sizhou.

Pei Yun was originally a person who rewarded and punished justly. Seeing that Gu Yuanyong was very effective, he wanted to let him stay in office, but at this time, the court had already sent Luo Jing to serve as the governor of Chuzhou. Although he was not reconciled, it was reasonable. After all, the location of Chuzhou is very important.

However, although Luo Jing has outstanding ability, his temperament is very reckless. The method of governing Chuzhou is vigorous and resolute, which has caused the people of Chuzhou to complain. If he changed other places, Pei Yun would not oppose him, but Chuzhou is an important frontline. It’s a new arrival and needs to be appeased, so he hinted to Luo Jing.

But the new county governor was self-reliant, but he was unwilling to make any concessions.

If it was someone else, Pei Yun would most likely give him a military stick first, and then drive him back. After all, Chuzhou is still a military town and needs to be under the jurisdiction of Pei Yun.

However, the backstage of this county guard is extremely hard, and he is the beloved son-in-law of the current queen’s brother-in-law, Gao Rong.

Although Pei Yun is not afraid of Gao Rong, he is now the general of the defeated army. Naturally, he doesn’t want to offend Gao Rong easily. It’s just that the civil and military are not in harmony. How can he push Huaidong with all his strength?

How could such troubles not make Pei Yun feel annoyed.

Pei Yun stood there silently, but Gu Yuanyong, who was standing behind him, was calm.

As a subordinate minister, he has already been fully prepared. As for the safety of the family, he is not worried. The Hengyang Gu family has been passed down from generation to generation and will never be wiped out because of an unworthy child. Now he only needs to worry about his own life. That’s it.

He is a person who knows the current affairs. He was a child of the Southern Chu family in the past. He studied carefully, obtained fame, obtained glory for the family, served as an official in Chuzhou, and stood in the strategy of tigers and wolves. Lou Zhen’s dispute was also controlled within the range that Luo Louzhen could endure, and he even deliberately formed a good relationship with the officers of the Chuzhou camp, leaving a way for him to ask for help.

When the Yong army captured Chuzhou, he surrendered sadly. Pei Yun entrusted him with an important task, and he did his best. Now that he has been relieved of his official position, he has no worries, but is planning to find an opportunity to return to his hometown or continue to wait for Yong Ting. appointment.

In Gu Yuanyong’s mind, he considered himself to be a mediocre person, unable to compete with power, as long as his interests were not unduly violated, it would make no difference whether he was a minister of Yong or a minister of Chu.

Of course, if Nan Chu came back from the counterattack now, he would not surrender immediately. After all, a good horse doesn’t eat back, but if someone in Dayong forces him to do something crazy, such as asking him to say that the people of the surrendered tribe should surrender to Yong, the inside and outside should be dealt with together. Nan Chu, he is absolutely unwilling to do this.

Gu Yuanyong was originally such a person, so Pei Yun intended to keep him in Chuzhou, so he naturally stayed, Shi Shiran walked beside Pei Yun, and the new county governor naturally didn’t know that he had many Laws and orders that were not in line with the feelings of the people of Chuzhou were all under the signal of this person, and they instructed officials of Chuzhou to obey the yin and disobey, and to deceive the superior and the inferior, so they did not provoke chaos.

Pei Yun stood for a long time, and finally shook his head helplessly: “Forget it, I don’t want to worry about so many troubles,

Master Gu, it’s good for us to change our clothes and go out for a walk.

Gu Yuanyong said with a smile: “The general is usually busy with military affairs, and he is just walking around the city of Chuzhou. Today, if he wants to relax, he will accompany Yuanyong to watch the scenery of Huai’an.”

Pei Yun nodded with a smile, looked back at Du Lingfeng, and said, “Today’s going out is just for leisure, you are not allowed to cause trouble.

Du Lingfeng responded quickly, but his face turned red. He is aggressive by nature and always likes to cause trouble. If it weren’t for this reason, he would not have refused to officially enter the military.

Although Pei Yun wanted to go out and relax, the three of them were too conspicuous after all. Although Pei Yun was thirty-four years old this year, he had practiced Buddhism since he was a child, and his inner strength was profound, making him look less than thirty years old. His looks and demeanor are like dragons among people. Even if he wears casual clothes, everyone will attract attention. What’s more, the patrol sergeants he encounters will not help salute when they see him, and Gu Yuanyong is the county governor of Chuzhou, and no one knows him. , Du Lingfeng just wandered around the city without incident, and there were many people who knew him.

Pei Yun laughed at himself, his eyes flashed, and when he saw that there was a small restaurant on the side of the street, he walked inward.

The guy in the restaurant almost stumbled inwards to ward off customers. The shopkeeper rushed to the front with three steps and two steps, bowed his head and bowed, and greeted the three people upstairs. There are only six or seven seats upstairs, and three seats by the window. The head is separated by a screen, and there is a pale yellow bamboo curtain hanging outside, which is elegant and chic.

Although Gu Yuanyong has been in Chuzhou for many years, he has never been to this small restaurant. Now that he looks at it, he feels quite regretful.

The three sat down, asked for some food and drink, and then started drinking and chatting.

Pei Yun opened the window and looked down. There were people coming and going on the street, which was naturally more interesting than the coldness downstairs in Zhenhuai.

At this time, the shopkeeper invited a few more guests upstairs. The shopkeeper thought that he would not entertain guests upstairs today, but Du Lingfeng was very smart. He knew that Pei Yun came out today to relax his mind. The shopkeeper was warned not to reveal that there was a distinguished guest upstairs, and let him treat him as usual.

Although the shopkeeper didn’t dare to refuse, he also remained careful, and the guests who brought them upstairs also first guessed whether there was any obstruction.

There were six guests this time, and they were obviously well-known people who traveled a long way, so he assuredly invited people upstairs. Two of them walked directly to the seat on Pei Yun’s left hand, while the other four were outside. Choose a seat next to the stairs, it is obvious that there is a clear distinction between master and slave.

Just as the shopkeeper was about to turn around and go downstairs, he saw two handsome scholars going upstairs. The two were similar in appearance, but one was taller and the other was shorter, and they were a year or two apart in age.

At a glance, the shopkeeper was shocked. The two were brothers. The elder brother Zhou Ming and the younger brother Zhou Hui had always been drinking in his upstairs. Zhou Ming was the most wild and unruly person, and he always had some rebellious words. Now, no one has informed the rumors, but today there are distinguished guests upstairs.

Thinking of this, the shopkeeper was just about to step forward to stop it, but Zhou Ming laughed and said, “Lao Du, you said last time that the green plum wine can be opened today, and our brothers came here to drink a few drinks.”

The shopkeeper sighed in his heart, knowing that it was too late to stop him, so he could only vaguely say: “The green plum wine is sour and astringent, and only your brothers like it.”

Zhou Ming laughed again when he heard the words, but Zhou Hui only smiled slightly, Zhou Ming said, “This green plum wine is brewed by you, Lao Du, from the seven-percent wild green plums you picked in summer and mixed with cold winter ice and snow. Although the taste is sour, But it has a different flavor, how can lay people understand it, not only our brothers like it, Wen Pu also loves this wine, but today he can’t come.” At the end, his voice was a little sigh.

The shopkeeper was shocked again, and quickly changed the topic and said, “Isn’t there two more sons coming to taste wine? The villain will go to fetch the wine. The two sons, please sit down first.” After that, he approached The two were about to whisper, but there was a cold hum in his ears. He trembled, and he noticed the cold eyes from behind the bamboo curtain, so he had to go downstairs.

When he was about to leave, he turned back quietly, but saw that the Zhou brothers had no idea, as if he hadn’t heard the cold snort, and felt strange in his heart, but he could only be saddened.

At this time, Pei Yun inside the curtain gave a faint smile. It was he who warned the shopkeeper through voice transmission, but he also had anxiety in his heart. Thinking of the increasing resistance of the people of Chuzhou to Dayong, he couldn’t help sighing.

The Zhou brothers walked straight into the seat on the far right by the window, as if they were familiar with the road, and Zhou Ming said to his younger brother as he walked, “The year before last, when you and I sent Brother Qingpu to fly away, we had an appointment, and we meet again here today. It’s a pity that Chuzhou is now a Dayong, and the road of communication has been cut off. Brother Qingpu will definitely miss the appointment today.”

Zhou Hui said: “It’s no wonder that Chuzhou is no longer part of Southern Chu. Although Brother Qingpu is a man of a thousand gold and a promise, he can only sigh at his childhood. It’s hard to go home if you have a family, and it’s hard to run away if you have a country.”

Zhou Ming smiled and said: “Actually, this is not necessarily the case. Brother Qingpu has both civil and military skills. He has always been interested in serving the country, but he is not used to the dullness of the court, so he is wandering around and has no intention of official career, but now Huaidong is in charge of General Lu, maybe brother Qingpu. Just in Yangzhou and Guangling, although the two armies faced each other, if he has the will, he may not be able to come back with his ability. Moreover, brother Qingpu has never lost his promise, so I have to wait here today, otherwise if he takes the risk and returns , our brothers hide at home and dare not stand out, isn’t it a shame to be a good friend.”

Zhou Hui said: “Brother is the one who speaks carefully. From the younger brother’s point of view, it is better for brother Qingpu not to come. He regards Mr. Hua as his father. If he learns the bad news, he will definitely not give up. The county governor holds great power, if Brother Qingpu intends to seek revenge, I am afraid that he will lose his life.” Zhou Ming sighed after hearing this.

Pei Yun originally ignored the other drinkers upstairs, but the Zhou brothers didn’t deliberately lower their voices, so he heard it clearly, looked back at Gu Yuanyong, and there were doubts in his eyes.

Gu Yuanyong also heard the words of the two brothers and was worried about them. He glanced at Pei Yun and hesitated, but Du Lingfeng whispered: “These two generals think they forgot, our army was defeated in Guazhou a few years ago. After that, Zhou Ming wrote a poem to ridicule the general, and publicly said that Lu Can would be able to retake Chuzhou. Originally, such a madman should be executed, but the uncle did not care, just let Master Gu control them. After Master Luo took office, and the city’s There are many disputes between scholars Hansheng, and they even send people to monitor these people. If they have any inappropriate words, they will go to jail and ask for the crime. Now most scholars in the city stay behind closed doors to avoid disasters. I am afraid that there is Lord Luo downstairs now. As for what they said, Mr. Hua thought it was Hua Xuan, a famous person in the city. As for brother Qingpu, they thought it was Zhuang Qingpu, a talented Chuzhou scholar who ran away two years ago because he injured Luo Louzhen’s sergeant. Zhuang Qingpu is Chu The leader of the state scholars, and the Zhou brothers are inseparable.”

Only then did Pei Yun remember that incident, and he just smiled lightly. He never cared about the criticism of these mad scribes. As long as Dayong wins every day, as time goes by, these people will naturally stop talking nonsense.

But the matter of Hua Xuan was very troublesome. That man was very knowledgeable, and six or seven out of ten scholars in the city were called disciples under his sect. After Yong Jun entered the city, Hua Xuan had been locked out. Luo Jing intentionally forced him to become an official. He accepted the heart of a scholar, but was rejected by him. Luo Zhangren put him in prison in a rage, or Gu Yuanyong personally pleaded with Pei Yun, Pei Yun issued a warrant to let Luo Jing release him, and that was the only way The old gentleman was released from prison, but Hua Xuan was old and frail, and was insulted again in prison. He died less than half a month after he was released from prison. If it wasn’t for Gu Yuanyong’s mediation, Pei Yun sent additional sergeants to sit in town in time. The Chuzhou scholars who worshipped the spirit of the Hua family almost made trouble. Luo Jing also wrote a letter to impeach Pei Yun for condoning indifference, which made Pei Yun almost dizzy, but Pei Yun was calm by nature. Although he was already extremely angry, he did not show it. It’s just a case of self-defense.

Thinking of Luo Jing’s strong suppression, wouldn’t it be easier to cause right and wrong, and once the people’s hearts are disturbed, how can he keep Chuzhou firmly?

Thinking of this, Pei Yun felt more and more melancholy in his heart, thinking that if Zhuang Qingpu really came, he would be brought back to the camp, lest he seek revenge against Luo Jing. Look out the window.

Gu Yuanyong frowned secretly. Zhuang Qingpu was a famous scholar in Jianghuai, with a strong temperament, excellent literary talent, and good swordsmanship. He was a rare child in Chuzhou. Hua Xuan loves his aptitude, and being taken care of by his family, I’m afraid it will be difficult for him to become a human being. If he knows the news of Hua Xuan’s death, I’m afraid he will really seek revenge against Luo Jing.

Zhuang Qingpu has a very high reputation among the scholars of Chuzhou. If he responds a hundred times and causes chaos, wouldn’t it be a big trouble.

He didn’t know Pei Yun’s intentions, and he was even more worried that Zhuang Qingpu would take the risk today, thinking hard about how he could lead Pei Yun away, or thinking of meeting Zhuang Qingpu privately to persuade him not to cause trouble.

But seeing Pei Yun drinking and admiring the scenery, he had no intention of getting up, and he didn’t dare to show his signs, let alone hint to the Zhou brothers, and his heart became more and more anxious.

At this time, the shopkeeper had already brought up a small wine jar, and as soon as the mud seal on the wine jar was opened, the scent of wine overflowed, and the aroma already contained a sense of loneliness.

Zhou Ming poured a cup of light green wine, took a sip, and said loudly: “Xiaowu locks the Qin Tower, adding sorrow. Linfeng pours the cup into the golden pot. Yangguan can’t stay even after singing it over and over again. This hate is long.” The voice was full of melancholy.

Pei Yun frowned slightly. Although he was not well versed in poetry, he also knew that this should be the first half of the song “Waves and Sands”. Since Zhou Ming is a talented person, how could he not be able to continue the latter half.

At this time, a clear and arrogant voice came from the stairs and continued: “The green plums are full of sleeves, and the snow flakes are sparse. The Du family wine has been brewed over the years.

Zhou Ming and Zhou Hui were both pleasantly surprised. Zhou Ming rushed out of the bamboo curtain, looked at the stairs, and asked in a voiceless voice, “Brother Qingpu, are you actually back?”

Pei Yun was shocked. He never thought that Zhuang Qingpu had really come. No matter how he crossed the city gate, it was amazing how he kept his promises.

Pei Yun looked out from the inside of the curtain and saw Zhou Ming and a scholar looking at each other’s arms. Zhou Ming was actually full of tears, obviously very excited.

The scholar in white was also quite excited, but there was a calm and determined expression in his expression.

Pei Yun looked carefully, only to see the scholar with sword eyebrows and star eyes, graceful and graceful, like a jade tree facing the wind, really looks like a child, and the weather icon is peerless, but the whole body is shrouded in the meaning of arrogance and arrogance, and it lacks a bit of kindness. .

The scholar was dressed in white clothes like snow, with a wide robe and sashes, fluttering sleeves, and a three-foot green front hanging from his waist. It was not a frivolous and gorgeous decorative sword, but a simple and condensed long sword with a black sheath and a black handle. .

It can be seen that this scholar is really a handsome man with both civil and military skills.

Pei Yun was amazed in his heart, his eyes swept away, and fell on the scholar’s face. He saw that although the scholar’s light was not diminished, his face was pale, there was a dark shadow in Yintang, and there was a faint red mark on his temple. Trembling, he couldn’t help sighing sadly: “What a pity, what a pity!”

Unexpectedly, from the seat on the left, there was also an elegant voice: “It’s a pity that such a talent is so talented.”

Pei Yun’s heart moved, and he looked to the left. Through the screen, he couldn’t see the appearance of the guests over there, but the voice was familiar, but he couldn’t remember who it was for a while.

Seeing his expression, Du Lingfeng knew what was going on, and whispered in his ear: “The four came with them.” After saying that, he stretched out his hand and pointed, Pei Yun looked, but there were four young people sitting there with their heads bowed and eating, Pei Yun With just one glance, I can see that these four people are condensed, their eyes are faint, their posture is straight, their clothes and shoes seem to be ordinary, and their weapons are also wrapped in cloth, like ordinary wealthy businessmen guarding them, but now in Chuzhou Where would there be ordinary merchants, not to mention that these four people knew at first sight that they were very skilled.

The more he looked at it, the more strange he felt. Pei Yun couldn’t help but frown slightly. Now that Chuzhou is very strictly guarded, why didn’t he get a report when such a person appeared in Chuzhou?

At this time, the white-clothed scholar also glanced at the drinkers upstairs for a week, smiled faintly, followed the Zhou brothers into the seat, and said, “You still remember the words I wrote when we parted back then, it seems that If I don’t come today, you will definitely scold me to death. Come pour the wine, I have been waiting for today for a long time, all these years have been wandering around the rivers and lakes, what I look forward to most is Lao Du’s green plum wine, and now that my long-cherished wish is fulfilled, I will die immediately It’s not a waste of life.”

Zhou Ming’s heart was full of ecstasy. He only said that he was wild. He quickly took a big wine cup, poured a full glass of green plum wine and handed it over.

Zhou Ming said happily: “Brother Qingpu is still so refreshing, Lao Du only brews ten jars of green plum wine a year, and this time I have bought all of them. You and my brother will come to a drunken rest, talk about parting emotions, and wait until you wake up. After that, no matter what Brother Qingpu ordered, the younger brother happily obeyed.” It was inconvenient for him to ask his friends if he had learned of his teacher’s death, so he said it vaguely.

However, Gu Yuanyong, who was listening across the screen, was so anxious that he could not wait to shout a warning.

The white-robed scholar smiled and said, “I have nothing to ask for for my brother. I came here today just for the promise and this green plum wine.” After saying that, he took the jug on the table and poured himself a drink. The color of the wine was stained. His face became more and more elegant.

Zhou Ming hesitated for a moment, hesitating to speak, and finally reluctant to ask his friends if they had learned of Hua Xuan’s death.

At this time, the pale yellow bamboo curtain was provoked, and two men in blue clothes walked in. The man in front of him had gray hair and frosty temples. He was elegant and handsome, and his bearing was calm and easy. The man in the back seemed to be a servant and followed with his head down.

Zhou Ming was stunned for a moment, seeing that person described as unfamiliar, with a wonderful charm. If he had met such a person before, he would have been interested in making friends, but he thought that Chuzhou already belonged to Dayong, although this person looked quite Chu people. But there is no doubt that it must be the Yongren, so he said angrily: “Why did you break into the table without authorization, it is too rude.”

The man’s eyes flashed, and he said, “I heard that the three of them praised the green plum wine, and I also want to taste this pure and lonely wine. If you are willing, I would like to exchange this thing for a jar of new wine. I wonder what the three will think? ”

After speaking, he opened his right hand, and in the palm of his hand was a wax pill the size of a longan. Zhou Ming was about to ask each other, but the man had already crushed the wax pill, revealing a red elixir like a flame, and the room was immediately filled with aroma, Zhou Ming just smelled it. When you get there, you will feel refreshed.

The scholar has said that if he is not a good person, he is a good doctor. Although he has mediocre medical skills, he also knows that this is an excellent life-sustaining elixir, but the three of them seem to be unable to use it. When he was hesitating, Zhuang Qingpu was already cold. Said: “Thank you, Your Excellency, a jar of green plum wine in exchange for this pill is not worth it. If your Excellency loves this wine, I will ask the shopkeeper to send a jar.” Zhou Ming was at a loss, but subconsciously called the shopkeeper to get the wine. After a long time, shopkeeper Du really brought a jar of green plum wine to him.

The man in Tsing Yi sighed softly and said, “I have too many things to do. There is not much difference in the morning and evening.” After he squeezed it hard, the pill became smashed, and the fragrance in the wing was strong, red The medicinal powder fell to the ground, and the man in Tsing Yi took out the silk, wiped the medicinal powder in his hand, turned around and walked out.

Zhou Ming was startled, and felt a great pity, that the pill must be a life-saving medicine, but it turned into ashes and fell into the dust.

At a glance, I inadvertently saw that the man in Tsing Yi wore a jade ring on his right hand.

The ring was originally a women’s accessory, and it was slightly thin when worn by a man. The Tsing Yi was very popular, but how could it have such a powdery air, Zhou Ming felt contempt in his heart, and there was a look of disdain in his eyes.

Unexpectedly, the servant in Tsing Yi was about to go out at this time. When he saw Zhou Ming’s expression, there was a flash of coldness in his eyes. He gave Zhou Ming a cold look and walked out.

Zhou Ming didn’t pay attention to this move, but was seen by Zhou Hui who was sitting beside him.

The servant in Tsing Yi looked like he was in his twenties, his appearance was fair and fair, but his eyes were as deep and cold as a cold spring. Zhou Hui was startled and felt uneasy.

At this time, Pei Yun was sitting in the chair, his heart was full of surprises, but he couldn’t believe that what he saw was the truth. Just seeing the faces of the two people through the bamboo curtain had already shocked his heart. After listening to a few more words, I became more and more certain of my judgment, and I wished to go out to see each other immediately, but I just thought that if I went out, I would only be afraid of disturbing the people upstairs, but I didn’t dare to move lightly, but I was restless, and I was very afraid of scorning that person. .

At this moment, there was a cold voice in his ears: “Master, please don’t come over to meet me for a while.” Pei Yun’s heart relaxed, and he calmed down, thinking about how to use this opportunity to get rid of his embarrassment. .

At this time, that Zhuang Qingpu also seemed to notice the difference in the atmosphere above the restaurant, got up and said with a smile, “I’ve already drank the wine, and people have already passed, so I’m leaving now.” Zhou Ming said in shock, “Brother Qingpu is rare. Come back, why are you leaving now?” Zhuang Qingpu showed reluctance in his eyes, and his expression was a little awkward.

Zhou Hui had already seen some ominous signs, got up and said, “Brother Qingpu, if there is any difficulty, please let me know. Even if my brother is torn to pieces, he will not lose his trust.”

Knowing that Zhou Hui was always attentive, Zhuang Qingpu smiled and said, “What else is going on, I just hope that the two of you are not involved.” After saying that, he stood up and bowed, and then walked out. Zhou Ming got up and tried to stop him, but Zhuang Qingpu We have reached the top of the stairs and are about to walk downstairs.

Zhou Ming wanted to call him, but Zhou Hui grabbed him and shook his head gently.

Zhou Ming is also a smart person, and suddenly he understood, and he blurted out, “Could it be that Brother Qingpu has already been to the Hua family?” in front of the window.

The smoke and dust billowed on both sides of the street. The iron armor of the Yongjun army in Chuzhou was clearly visible in the smoke and dust. It had blocked all directions. The people on the street were fleeing in all directions. , pointed to the houses on both sides of the street and said: “Someone saw that the assassin appeared here, and he must have fled to the houses and shops on both sides. You go in and search for me from house to house. If there is any resistance, kill me.”

Zhou Ming also looked downstairs from the window at this moment, and he recognized that the big man in brocade clothes was Gao Bing, the captain of the Chuzhou Guard Military Academy.

According to the Dayong military system, each state and county has a guard force, which is relatively weak. The source of troops is mainly from the sergeants who have been dismissed. On weekdays, they assist the county guard to maintain local peace. The Chuzhou guard force has 3,000 people, but now Chuzhou was guarded by Pei Yun, the Jiedu envoy of Huainan, so there were only 1,200 people in Chuzhou.

That Gao Bing was a clan of the country’s uncle Gao Rong, and he served as the captain of the Weijun here. It is not clear what he meant. This person has always been a trusted minion of Luo Jing, the governor of Chuzhou County, and Zhou Ming hated him to the core.

What kind of assassin was he here to capture? Could it be that someone assassinated Luo Jing?

He has always been quick-witted, and he immediately thought of Zhuang Qingpu’s words just now. Listening to his tone, he had already thought about it, and he had no worries. Luo Jing must have given the lead, and it was Zhuang Qingpu who started it.

Thinking of this, Zhou Ming only felt like falling into an ice cave, with the slightest joy in the wicked being rewarded, and he didn’t want to think about how Zhuang Qingpu had a way to assassinate a county governor of Tangtang. He just thought that Zhuang Qingpu was downstairs before going out. , How can Zhuang Qingpu escape from this siege?

Gao Bing downstairs was also cold, thinking of what happened an hour ago, still felt like a dream.

At that time, a scholar suddenly came to ask for an interview, saying that he could persuade the scholars of Chuzhou to serve in the Yongting Court. Luo Jing was very happy. Because of the Huaxuan incident, he fell into a very passive situation, although he temporarily avoided by impeaching Pei Yun. The limelight, but once the court learned the truth of the matter, the future would be ruined, so Luo Jing hurriedly summoned him.

The scholar had a long sword hanging from his waist when he saw it. Other than that, there was no hidden weapon. Luo Jing and Gao Bing only said that this was a scholar’s habit, and they didn’t mind it, but for the sake of safety, they still let him release the sword. get inside.

The scholar who came to ask for a meeting called himself Zhuang Qingpu, a student of Huaxuan. Luo Jing had heard this name before and knew that this person was well-known among the scholars of Chuzhou. Although he despised this person for being ungrateful and ignoring the death of his teacher, he came to seek refuge, but Luo Jing also knew that if there was this person’s help, the great thing of winning Chuzhou scholars was likely to be accomplished.

So I am very courteous to Nazhuang Qingpu.

Zhuang Qingpu talked eloquently. He knew the famous people in Chuzhou well, and when he talked about how to win over these people, he was very knowledgeable. Luo Jing was so excited when he heard it, he was no longer suspicious.

Although Luo Jing is arrogant, but his talent is not shallow, otherwise he would not be able to be a county governor. Seeing that Zhuang Qingpu is very talented and has a heart to recruit, he talked with him in detail. After talking, he felt more speculative. In the heat, Zhuang Qingpu got up and danced with swords, folded willows into swords, and sang a long song to cry, among them “He Yan was abandoned in the middle of the road, and he fell to the edge of the ancient prison. Soaring to the sky. (Note 1)” sentence.

Luo Jing saw that he was wild and flirtatious, and even more doubtless, he laughed and said that the sword dance must not be without a sword, and he was ordered to bring Zhuang Qingpu’s saber.

After Zhuang Qingpu took the sword, he performed the sword dance again, the sword was like a flowing rainbow, and the cold light was like frost and snow.

After the sword dance, Luo Jing stepped forward to greet him, but was violently attacked by Zhuang Qingpu. Gao Bing couldn’t save him, so he could only surround Wei to save Zhao, and slapped Zhuang Qingpu at the back of his heart. Luo Jing died. Although Zhuang Qingpu’s swordsmanship was brilliant, he was not a first-class skill. As long as there was a small gap, Gao Bing would have the confidence to save Luo Jing.

Unexpectedly, Zhuang Qingpu also knew that the opportunity was no longer available, and he was willing to take a slap, a sword pierced his heart, took Luo Jing’s life, and then fled outside.

Gao Bing was confident that this palm could shatter the assassin’s heart, but Zhuang Qingpu still had enough energy to escape. Coupled with the impact of Luo Jing’s death, Gao Bing was stunned for a moment, and when he woke up, Zhuang Qingpu, who was familiar with the terrain of the county governor’s mansion, was stunned. Has disappeared without a trace.

Gao Bing was so angry that he ordered the guards to pursue him, and even asked Pei Yun for help, mobilized the army, closed all the streets, and arrested the assassins.

Gao Bing was not a mediocre person. Although the Yong army in the city was not under the command of Gao Bing, he knew that catching the assassin who assassinated the county governor was of great importance. He is within the confines of this street.

Those Yong Jun had not yet received the general order, so they blocked the passages in all directions, and let Gao Bing lead the guards in to search for them.

Gao Bing thought that he couldn’t talk to his uncle Gao Rong, and his anger rose. As soon as he came in, he ordered the guards to forcibly search. For a time, the houses on both sides of the street were turned over, crying and screaming, and from time to time, the guards whipped the people of violent shouting.

Zhou Ming was in a hurry. He didn’t want Zhuang Qingpu to be caught, and he couldn’t bear to see the people implicated. Besides, Yong Jun would definitely go upstairs to search. If he learned that Zhuang Qingpu had been here, he would definitely be implicated. But thinking of the seriousness of the assassination of the Chuzhou county governor, and the blood of the killing when Pei Yun attacked Chuzhou in the past, I felt a chill in my heart, but I was helpless and didn’t know how to deal with it.

Zhuang Qingpu downstairs looked gloomy. He naturally knew the seriousness of the situation. Before he returned to Chuzhou, he already knew the sad news of his teacher’s death. Although his connections in Chuzhou allowed him to infiltrate the city, he did not see Luo Jing. Knowing his temperament before, he set up a plan to assassinate him, and he succeeded in one fell swoop. Even after escaping from the county governor, there was still a way to change his bloody clothes and leave the dangerous place.

But he also knew that he would never have the chance to sneak out of the city again. The investigation of leaving the city was very strict, and after the assassination, Yong Jun would definitely seal the city.

What’s more, if he leaves, Yong Jun’s anger will definitely lead to the whole city, implicated innocent people, so he has no intention of escaping, not to mention that he has something to hide.

Now it’s too late to go out, but he doesn’t want to fall into Gao Bing’s hands, and he will be humiliated before he dies.

At this time, several guards had already rushed into the restaurant, and one of them saw Zhuang Qingpu standing at the door at a glance, and shouted loudly: “The assassin is here.”

Zhuang Qingpu sighed slightly and walked out. The guards were about to come forward to arrest him, but when they saw his calm demeanor, he was stunned and let him walk into the street. The knife followed, blocking Zhuang Qingpu’s retreat.

Zhuang Qingpu didn’t care, stood in the middle of the road, and said loudly: “Zhuang Qingpu is here, why do you need to disturb the people?”

When Gao Bing was overjoyed, he recognized Zhuang Qingpu at a glance, and said sternly: “Take him down, the captain of the school will cut him into ten thousand pieces.” He really hated the thought that his future might be ruined by this man.

Zhuang Qingpu smiled coldly, the sword was unsheathed, and a cold light flashed, forcing back a few guards who came to capture me, saying: “If you want to capture me, you can come up yourself, these soldiers are ordered to act, I have no interest in killing them yet. .”

Gao Bing was furious, took a step forward, and was about to take a shot himself, determined to humiliate Zhuang Qingpu, but at this time someone shouted: “Hold on.” Gao Bing looked back and saw Pei Yun Baiyi, a subordinate The camp’s Wei Ping stood on the street and shouted loudly. Wei Ping was often ordered to deal with Gao Bing, and Gao Bing naturally recognized him.

Seeing him stop, Gao Bing was slightly angry, and was about to ask a question, but saw Wei Ping wave his hand, and the sturdy Yong Jun sergeants rushed from all directions, quickly controlling the surroundings, strong bows and arrows, swords and spears like forests.

Hearing this, Gao Bing said angrily: “This person should be handed over to our guards for the assassination of Lord Luo.”

Wei Ping said loudly: “Now the two armies are facing each other, this person suddenly came and assassinated the county governor. I suspect that this person is a secret spy of the Chu army and needs to be handed over to the general. Listen to the assassin. I will ask the general for mercy, give you a good time, and surrender immediately.” After Wei Ping learned about this, he was worried that Luo Jing’s death would implicate Pei Yun, so he decided to control the assassin and hurried over. But he didn’t know that Pei Yun was in a small restaurant next to him.

Hearing this, Zhuang Qingpu laughed loudly. Although it was wanton laughter, it was not less handsome and elegant. For a moment, he stopped laughing and said: “Zhuang is an ordinary scholar, although he has the will to serve the country, he has no blue sky. The way, I was forced to leave because I offended that Luo Louzhen. I came back yesterday and learned that my teacher had died at the hands of Luo Jing. Regardless of national enmity, my teacher raised me into a human being. Coffin, today’s assassination is mine alone, and has nothing to do with others, Zhuang is only dead today, and will never fall into your hands.”

Wei Ping frowned and said, “With me here, it’s not easy for you to die.” After he waved his hand, two white-clothed warriors emerged from the crowd, one carrying a red tassel spear and the other carrying a treasured sword, and the two approached from left to right. , Zhuang Qingpu held his sword and smiled, the two of them were about to step forward, but someone in the restaurant next to him said loudly: “Come on, dignified white-clothed warrior, facing a dying man, why do you need so much trouble, Zhuang Qingpu, Pei Mounian wants you to take revenge for your teacher, filial piety and righteousness, I won’t embarrass you today, go ahead, this general promises not to get involved at will.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Qingpu looked up and saw a young man in black standing above the restaurant where he had just come down. In front of the window in the middle, he was calm and calm, handsome and brave. When he left the county governor’s mansion, his heart was completely broken, but although his swordsmanship was not good, his inner strength and heart method was unique, and he could still rely on his will and secret heart method to support it. die.

He couldn’t forget the appointment of the day in his heart, so he also came to drink a glass of green plum wine before he died, and he was worried that his relatives would be implicated by him, so he refused to give up his life.

The man in Tsing Yi gave him the medicine just now, just to see that he was seriously injured and about to die. Although he smelled the aroma of the good medicine, he felt a shock, but Zhuang Qingpu knew that there was no cure, and he didn’t want to owe him a favor, so he didn’t want to. Will accept.

But it was unexpected that Pei Yun was also above the restaurant, and it was even more unexpected that this General Pei could see at a glance that he was seriously injured and was about to die. He was indeed a direct disciple of Shaolin.

Originally, because of Luo Jing’s affairs, he hated Dayong deeply, but seeing Pei Yun’s bearing and heart, he was convinced. He could naturally see the power of these white-clothed warriors. The two of them were dispatched to prevent him from committing suicide. It’s just a chance, if he didn’t have his life hanging by a thread, if he really started, I’m afraid he would be humiliated before he died.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I still had concerns in my heart, I couldn’t rest assured that my relatives and friends had passed away, and I wouldn’t endure a stalemate. Now that I heard Pei Yun’s unintentional connection, my heart widened and my heart shook. I only felt that my limbs were weak, and it was difficult to walk again.

He raised his head and said loudly, “Thank you General Pei for being so generous and innocent.” After speaking, he closed his eyes slightly, but stood still.

Wei Ping stepped forward and looked up, “General, he is dead.”

On the street, Yong Jun and the people of Chuzhou were all moved, especially those people, who had always known Zhuang Qingpu’s reputation, and some even knelt down and kowtowed and prayed in a low voice.

Pei Yun sighed and walked from upstairs to the center of the street. He looked at Zhuang Qingpu’s body with his hands behind his back for a moment, then bowed and said, “Pei has never lied, and will never embarrass the elders of Chuzhou because of one person.” The voice fell. Zhuang Qingpu’s body has fallen into the dust.

Pei Yun sighed slightly, without looking at Gao Bing, and said to Wei Ping: “I will immediately pass on my order, close the city gate, the whole city will be under martial law, and those who walk without permission will be dealt with as spies. Yuan Yong temporarily took his place, Gao Bing was not good at guarding the county guard, so he was temporarily removed from the military position, and the guard army was handed over to you.”

Gao Bing was already furious, and he shouted when he heard this: “Pei Yun, why are you doing such nonsense, the captain of this school is the emperor’s consignment, how can you avoid it if you say it is exempted, that assassin assassinated the county governor, you actually allowed him to kill himself calmly, Then Nan Chu surrendered to take over the position, could it be that this assassin is your ambassador.”

Pei Yun’s expression turned cold when he heard the words, and he said: “Gao Bing, you are just a captain of the guard army, but this general is the Jiedu envoy of Huainan, and Chuzhou is a military town, and is under the control of this general, don’t say you are a small school. Wei, even if the generals and lieutenants are replaced, if there is someone who acts like you and delays the military plan, I will also kill them first and then file. Come and take him down.” Gao Bing wanted to resist, but he saw that it was the guards under his command. He didn’t mean to obey the order at all, so he had to be captured and taken down by a few sergeants.

He has always been rampant, and when he saw him being banned, the streets were filled with cheers.

Pei Yun smiled slightly and walked into the restaurant.

Wei Ping hurriedly stepped forward and said, “General, someone went to Zhenhuai Tower to ask for a meeting, holding the emperor’s royal gold medal in his hand, and his subordinates are here to invite the general back.”

Pei Yundao: “I already know.” Without a smile, UU reading www.sonicmtl.com said, if I didn’t know that person came to Chuzhou, I would not dare to act so recklessly.

Walking upstairs, he was full of doubts and was about to ask the man.

At this time, upstairs, Zhou Ming covered his face and said nothing, tears streaming down his face, seeing his friend dead, but he couldn’t help anything, his voice, face and smile were still in front of his eyes, the people had passed away, and his resentment was endless, and Zhou Hui was also speechless. , but he thought more, thinking that Pei Yun was just next to him, so he naturally saw everything in his eyes, but he wondered if he would embarrass his brother?

At this time, Gu Yuanyong picked up the curtain and entered. When they saw it, they both stood up and bowed. Zhou Ming sobbed hard, and Zhou Hui respectfully said: “I still ask the adults to deal with it and allow our brothers to bury Brother Zhuang.”

Gu Yuanyong sighed when he heard the words, and said, “Although your brothers have hot and cold temperaments, they are all people who value righteousness. Don’t worry, General Pei speaks like a mountain and will never change it. Let me tell your brothers that you should be buried in Qingpu. It is inconvenient for him to come forward. In any case, Qingpu assassinated the governor of Dayong. , and don’t think about revenge for him, Qingpu seeks benevolence, and if you want to come, you will die without any resentment.”

Zhou Ming and Zhou Hui bowed their thanks after hearing the words, Zhou Ming said: “Don’t worry, my lord, our brothers are not people who don’t know how to advance and retreat, and will not blame General Pei for Qingpu’s death. What happened today is that General Pei killed our two brothers immediately. , it may not be unreasonable, not to mention that General Pei also allowed me to wait for the burial of our dead friends.”

Gu Yuanyong lifted the two of them up and said, “You can go now. There is still a noble person in the building. You can’t say much about him. If there is disobedience, even General Pei can’t save you.” It was horrified, but he could only obey.

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Note 1: Tang Guozhen’s “Precious Sword”

[End of this Chapter]