Zheqi County, Taishou Mansion.

Xiao Huaishuo strode into the house, and the attendants bowed their heads and stepped forward to help him remove his armor. The Fuzhong Record Office stepped forward to report on government affairs, Xiao Huaishuo listened while walking, and before he could enter the house, someone from outside came to pass the ceremony, "Fan Mingzhi Fan is waiting in the side hall. ”

Xiao Huaishuo raised his hand and ordered the notebook room to wait for a while, and ordered, "Please come in." ”

Fan Hao Fan Mingzhi, the youngest son of Fan Rong, the right servant of Shangshu, is a classic, good at poetry, and a bachelor of arts. Fan Rong was Xiao Huaishuo's teacher, and Li Hu had just returned home before the rebellion, so he was not trapped in Jiankang. After the fall of Jiankang, he heard that Xiao Huaishuo had come to Nanling, so he ordered his youngest son Fan Hao to come to Xiao Huaishuo.

Fan Rong is a highly respected Zaifu, a celebrity, and an old friend of Gu Huai and the Son of Heaven. Xiao Huaishuo had the intention to order Fan Hao to envoy Yongzhou, so he wrote to Fan Rong to ask for advice, and Fan Hao took the initiative to meet him today.

Xiao Huaishuo hurriedly took off his armor, and only put on a crane to meet Fan Hao. When the two brothers saw the salute, he pulled Fan Hao to sit down and asked, "What did the teacher say?" ”

Fan Hao took out Fan Rong's letter from his arms and said, "This is a letter from my father to Gu Gong." He added, "My father heard that His Highness had detained Zhang Guang, and he asked me to bring it to His Highness." ”

Xiao Huaishuo took the letter, and was not in a hurry to open it to see, but only looked up and asked, "What does the teacher have to teach?" ”

Fan Hao said, "Father said that although the Zhang family is not a noble, in terms of seniority, Zhang Guang is His Royal Highness's cousin, and he is also in-law with His Royal Highness's fourth uncle, King Baling. That's why he looked down on the junior vassal king and provoked the revenge of King Jingling. Then again, now that the Quartet vassal kings are about to move, the Baling King is especially restless. Zhang Guang is hateful, but after all, his seniority and reputation are high, His Royal Highness must not treat him slowly, and teach him the truth. ”

Xiao Huaishuo smiled and said, "I should keep it in mind." He asked again, "What did the teacher say about Gu Huai?" ”

Fan Hao paused for a moment before he said, "Father only said that the countryman is very well known. It is a national warrior who is unparalleled. He didn't understand why Gu Gong made this move. ”

Xiao Huaishuo couldn't help but be stunned - he had heard Fan Rong say this sentence. It seems to be ......

Just as he was thinking about it, someone came in with a letter and said, "Princess Wuyang ordered the villain to come and tell His Highness that Gu Jinglou, the youngest son of Gu Huai, the assassin of Jiangzhou, has come to ochre." ”

Xiao Huaishuo and Fan Haoju were both startled and couldn't help but glance at each other. Xiao Huaishuo immediately asked, "How did he get here?" ”

The messenger hurriedly said, "He came alone in a boat. When the villain came, Her Royal Highness the princess had just ordered someone to stop him. ”

Hearing that Gu Jinglou came in private, Fan Hao was silent.

Xiao Huaishuo asked, "What do you think?" ”

Fan Hao hesitated for a moment and said, "Since Gu Gong sent his son here, it must be good news." But how it is specific depends on what Gu Gongzi says. ”

Fan Hao felt that Gu Huai sent his son to show favor in itself, but Xiao Huaishuo's feelings were completely different from his. He didn't trust Gu Jinglou.

- Gu Jinglou himself, even the edict of the Son of Heaven and the entrustment of the prince can be disobeyed, of course he will not be a gentleman who keeps promises and keeps promises. If he had come openly and openly to send messengers to and fro, and to make appointments to see him, what sincerity would he have when he had come in such a sneaky and private manner as he is now?

With his credibility at the moment, no matter how sincere and sincere he is in private, it doesn't count. Once he leaves Nanling, I am afraid that he will be like the previous time, leaving his promises behind and playing them like a monkey show.

But Xiao Huaishuo couldn't help but accompany him to act.

Xiao Huaishuo said to Fan Hao, "Then you don't have to rush back, just meet him here with Lone and listen to what he has to say." ”

Not long after, a report came from outside - Gu Huai, the assassin of Jiangzhou, sent an envoy Gu Jinglou to ask for a meeting.

Xiao Huaishuo didn't get up, sat down on the seat.

The guards inside and outside the main hall were in clear armor, with long knives in their hands, and their military appearance was solemn, and they didn't hear any noise.

Gu Jinglou entered the house and first met Xiao Huaishuo's star-like eyes. The gaze is not friendly, but it is not as good as wishful thinking. He only uses his gaze to convey a kind of coercion, expressing his calmness and superiority.

Gu Jinglou had been tossed around by Ruyi, and when he faced this battle, he immediately understood that these two sisters and brothers were not soft-hearted and innocent young men like Vimana, who repeatedly gave people opportunities.

- However, he knew before he came that this time there was no good feast.

He didn't look at the guards on both sides, he only stepped forward calmly and saluted Xiao Huaishuo, "The minister Gu Jinglou, on the order of his father, led three thousand Jiangzhou children to come to His Highness and wait for His Highness's dispatch." ”

He was also dressed in plain cloth and did not even carry a weapon. However, the gestures were crisp and neat, but they didn't lose the battle at all.

Fan Hao heard him call him a minister, and he breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Hearing him say that there were still 3,000 soldiers under his command, he was overjoyed and then shocked, and hurriedly looked at Xiao Huaishuo.

Xiao Huaishuo was calm, as if he didn't take the three thousand horses that appeared in Gu Jinglou's mouth in vain to heart. only said, "Are you from Jiangzhou or from Yongzhou?" ”

Gu Jinglou paused, and then said, "Yongzhou-the minister is afraid," even so, there was no fear in his eyes, he only stared at Xiao Huaishuo for a moment, as if he was curious about Xiao Huaishuo's response, and said slowly, "Since His Royal Highness already knows about the affairs of Yongzhou, the minister does not dare to hide it anymore - Xiao Maoyou, the assassin of Yongzhou, took advantage of Li Hu's rebellion to lead the Western Wei army into the city, intending to seize the throne with the help of the power of the Western Wei." My father had no choice but to kill first and then play, and supported troops to occupy Yongzhou to resist the Western Wei Dynasty. Regarding this matter, my father gave it to His Highness and asked His Highness to read it. ”

He presented the recital. Xiao Huaishuo ordered someone to take it, but he was not in a hurry to open it. He only pressed the fold on the case, turned to look at Gu Jinglou, and said, "When did Gu Yuanjun go north?" ”

Gu Jinglou felt a little tricky.

No matter whether Xiao Huaishuo asked about Yongzhou, or asked Gu Huai why he didn't go north to King Qinwang in time last year, he could explain the cause and effect clearly, and give Xiao Huaishuo an explanation or a step. But Xiao Huaishuo asked from the middle. And this question is exactly to the point. Advance can be attacked, retreat can be defended.

If he doesn't answer well, Xiao Huaishuo will probably take the opportunity to ask for guilt.

It's nothing to ask about the crime, Hengzhu just wants to take the lead, and it is impossible to really want to take Gu Huai's form steadily.

And Gu Jinglou knew that this trip would definitely suffer a loss - in his father's words, he should also learn some lessons. But this young man has a problem, he has a good face. Let him bow his knees to Xiao Huaishuo and apologize, he is not so righteous.

"Last year." Gu Jinglou pondered for a moment and replied.

"When did the emperor's will come to Jiangzhou?" And Xiao Huaishuo really got into trouble.

Gu Jinglou could only say, "October-the minister is guilty." He could only succumb to it, and observed Xiao Huaishuo again. He could clearly see the anger in Xiao Huaishuo's eyes, but the anger only flashed, and it was immediately suppressed.

Xiao Huaishuo only looked at him and said slowly, "Oh? ”

- He did not continue to press, but gave Gu Jinglou a chance to explain.

Gu Jinglou said, "Your Highness, do you remember that when the minister came to Jiankang, he was assassinated by five assassins of the Qianren?" He paused, and said, "The Assassins have not only found their ministers, but also their fathers. The Assassins who entertained their fathers were more elaborate and cruel than those who dealt with their courtiers. They figured out their father's itinerary and ambushed heavy crossbows on the way when their father went out to patrol. Although my father attacked and killed the messenger, he broke his left arm and wounded his bones with an arrow. This happened the day before Chen returned to Xunyang. ”

He glanced at Xiao Huaishuo again, and saw that his gaze was slightly loose, so he said again, "Despite this, if you receive the edict of the first emperor, my father will definitely leave for the north immediately." The minister was worried about the situation in Jiangzhou and his father's injury, so he concealed His Majesty's will without authorization. ”

Xiao Huaishuo said, "Because of his selfish intentions, he delayed major events, resulting in the loss of the capital, the monarch fell into the hands of the enemy, and thousands of people died. You're so smart. ”

Gu Jinglou was silent in his heart - what Xiao Huaishuo said was exactly the shame in his father's heart. He was speechless.

Xiao Huaishuo said again, "Why did Gu Gong go north again?" ”

Gu Jinglou said, "Daddy heard that Jiankang was besieged, and the princes had an army of nearly 200,000 when they entered Beijing, and felt that it would be useless to send another army north, so he only ordered someone to escort 200,000 Hu grain to the north." ”

Xiao Huaishuo didn't make a sound—he couldn't help but admit that Gu Huai's thoughts were not wrong. Although the statement is a little cold, what is done is honest and blameless.

Gu Jinglou continued, "Who knows that until Layue, the siege of Taicheng is still unresolved. My father realized that the reinforcements were unreliable, and although his injuries had not healed, he still ordered the army to be prepared immediately and went north to King Qin. However, before he set off, he received a letter of help from Qinzhou. The Western Wei army marched south, and Hanzhong fell. My father thought that Li Hu's foundation was shallow, and it was just a temporary turmoil. However, if the Jingzhou generation fell into the hands of the Western Wei people, it would threaten the fortunes of the country, so it was decided to go north to help. ”

Xiao Huaishuo was stunned.

In Gu Huai's heart, the gains and losses of Hanzhong, Xiangyang, and Nanjun were heavier than the imminent catastrophe of Jiankang City - more important than the life of the Son of Heaven.

From the position of the prince, such an idea is really perverse. After all, there are the Son of Heaven and the crown prince living in Jiankang City, and the king is the national ancestor.

However, who told him that he was born only the second son of the Son of Heaven and never became a prince for a day?

In a certain way, he actually recognized Gu Huai's logic.

Because he has guarded Taicheng.

He remembers the indignation of the battle for the defense of the city - he had 100,000 soldiers and civilians, and 200,000 reinforcements outside the city. Even if the reinforcements don't move, can't he break through the city and take the initiative to join the reinforcements? Couldn't he just go out of the city and take the initiative to attack?

He couldn't, because the city dwelt the Son of Heaven and the Prince. He must firmly protect Taicheng like an iron bucket, and there can be no mistake or half a risk.

Because the family and the country can be sacrificed for these two people, but these two people cannot risk their home and country.

-- The Battle of Taicheng was his famous battle, but in his heart, he felt ashamed and depressed about this battle.

He was the first to move with loyalty and filial piety, but was scolded by Xiao Huaishuo. At this time, he said the most scolding fallacy, and Xiao Huaishuo seemed to be moved. Gu Jinglou felt a little strange in his heart, secretly thinking, his father always said how the eldest prince is benevolent, righteous, courteous and faithful, and now it seems that this second prince understands his "loyalty" better. Is there really anyone in the world who can understand his father? It's not that he complains, even if he is his father's own son, he often feels that his father's temperament is simply out of place.

He said, "When my father arrived in Yongzhou, the news of the fall of Taicheng spread. Xiao Ke, the king of Baling, and Xiao Maoyou, the king of Xinye, competed to win over Wang Ji, the assassin of Jingzhou, and they didn't know what Xiao Maoyou was stimulated, so they suddenly wanted to attack Wang Ji because the Western Wei people went south. The rest of the matter is as the minister said before. Now my father is fighting against the Western Wei people in Xiangyang, and I heard that His Royal Highness has summoned the princes of the world, although he is willing to serve the work of dogs and horses, but he has no choice but to part. So he allocated 3,000 men and horses to his ministers, and ordered them to come and wait for the dispatch. ”

He arched his hand, and finally raised his eyes to look at Xiao Huaishuo.

Probably he himself knew that Gu Huai's series of self-made assertions was really not something that ordinary loyal ministers could do. At this point, he couldn't stand any longer, so he said, "Your Highness, do you want to take a look at my father's performance?" ”

Xiao Huaishuo was still not in a hurry, he also looked at Gu Jinglou.

Gu Jinglou's face looked like a Hu man, his eyes were deep and his gaze was untamed. Xiao Huaishuo was born with a bright and bright beauty, but his nature is arrogant and treacherous. They both looked down on each other very much. But at this moment, both of them are unguarded on some kind of Cheng dù. The kind of innocent identity that belongs only to young people has surfaced.

And, it's all at once.

Gu Jinglou lowered his eyes. And Xiao Huaishuo picked up the fold, clearly knowing it, but he still had to ask, "What about the 3,000 people you brought?" ”

Gu Jinglou also replied shamelessly, "The minister was afraid of causing a misunderstanding, so he didn't let them cross the river." If His Highness sends them, the minister will order them to go south, but he will also send a ship to meet them. ”

Xiao Huaishuo opened Gu Huai's recital.

Although I had a premonition, it was still dark to read.

On the letter, Gu Huai chatted and explained the reason why he forcibly occupied Yongzhou. It's roughly as Gu Jinglou said.

And this twist has a more important function than explaining the original situation. Gu Huai said plainly and deceptively - now that the situation in Yongzhou is tense, someone is urgently needed to guard the overall situation, and Xiao Huaishuo is asked to move him to the assassin of Yongzhou, and temporarily supervise the military in the northwest.

Xiao Huaishuo handed the fold to Fan Hao, Rao was a bachelor of Fan's cultivation, and when he saw Gu Huai begging for an official, he couldn't help but gasp, and immediately looked at Xiao Huaishuo.

Xiao Huaishuo's face was calm as usual, and he only said, "Jiangzhou can't be chaotic." Ling Gu Huai was still the assassin of Jiangzhou, and he also led the Yongzhou pastor, and supervised the military of Qin, Yong, Henan, and Jing, and he was not allowed to let a single soldier of the Western Wei pass through Xiangyang. ”

Xiao Huaishuo finally remembered when Fan Rong told him that Gu Huai was "a peerless warrior".

That was when Fan Rong and Xu Mao talked about history for him together, and they talked about "those who are like Han Xin, the countrymen are unparalleled", and for some reason they talked about Gu Huai - these two people actually agreed that Gu Huai was more than a peerless countryman. At that time, Fan Rong said, "The actions of the countrymen are very well known." Xu Mao didn't think so, and only replied, "The gentleman is righteous, not just for himself." What is incomprehensible? Fan Rong said, "The gentleman is righteous, and the villain is profitable." Seeing profit and forgetting righteousness is the common feeling of ordinary people, and without hesitation, it is a gentleman's move. However, even if he is a gentleman, he will inevitably regret his name. If you die of stigma, who can not be careless, even if the righteousness is in the present? Therefore, I said that Gu Changzhou's actions are not in line with human feelings and are difficult to speculate. ”

…… Now Xiao Huaishuo can somewhat understand why these two people said this.

He can finally understand why Han Gaozu "rejoiced and pity" when he learned of Han Xin's death.

Gu Jinglou saw that Xiao Huaishuo was not even moved, so he made a decision neatly, and he couldn't help but admire this young man's determination and perseverance.

Then he asked, "What are the three thousand armor soldiers?" ”

Xiao Huaishuo said, "Lonely accepted it." But he didn't say what to do.

Gu Jinglou didn't bargain with him - after all, he had just said that he would wait for the dispatch. What's more, in the current situation, it is only natural that he was taken hostage by Xiao Huaishuo. He thought about it for a moment, and then smiled, "There is still something I want to ask Your Highness for help...... Princess Wuyang seems to have some misunderstanding of the minister, can His Royal Highness intercede for the minister? Let her not be so angry? ”

After sending Gu Jinglou away, Xiao Huaishuo asked Fan Haodao, "What do you think?" ”

Fan Hao took a breath, finally shook his head, and said, "Gu Jiangzhou doesn't care, but this young man's words are erratic, with more excuses and less sincerity. Your Highness should not be gullible to him, and do not let him go back. ”

Xiao Huaishuo smiled lightly and said, "Yes......"

Fan Hao hesitated for a moment and said, "No matter what, Gu Jiangzhou has occupied Yongzhou and bowed to His Highness. At present, the most important thing is to quell Li Hu's rebellion, recapture Jiankang as much as possible, and stabilize the situation. Xiao Huaishuo nodded, and Fan Hao said, "And to pacify Li Hu's rebellion, so that in the future, it is necessary to have Gu Jiangzhou's support." Has His Highness ever thought about forming an alliance with Gu Huai? ”

Xiao Huaishuo didn't make a sound, just looked at him.

Fan Hao said, "...... Princess Wuyang is not yet married, and Gu Huai's youngest son is currently in Nanling. ”