In December of the seventh year of Longsheng, Dayong defeated Huainan, Huainan Jiedu made Pei Yun and Jingbei General Changsun Ji write a letter to apologize, Emperor Yong sighed and said, Erqing is not guilty, all of them are my faults, but they are guilty of their own crimes, fasting and sacrificing to the sky, in order to tell the soul of the hero.

-- "General Guide to Information Governance; Yongji III

"The Jiangxia camp went east on November 4, and the guards were heavily guarded along the way, claiming that because of the emergency in Huaixi, Jiujiang was empty, and it was about to go to Jiujiang to prevent the Yongjun from crossing the river."

In the cold garden, under the bright lights, Huo Cong was holding the scroll and reading aloud, while Jiang Zhe was leaning on the soft couch leisurely playing with the crystal clear black jade chess pieces, Xiao Shunzi was sitting on the chair opposite the chess apron, frowning and looking at the chessboard in front of him. Still peeking at every now and then.

When Huo Cong read that the Jiangxia camp joined the battle of Guazhou Ferry, I stopped playing chess pieces, raised my head and said: "Lu Can has really made great progress, and he is brave enough, isn't the emptiness of Jiujiang caused by him, not to compete with Pei Yun in Huaidong, but to transfer the Jiujiang battalion to Jingkou, creating signs of instability in the defense line in the central part of Southern Chu, and then under the pretext of the emptiness of Jiujiang, and then transferred the Jiangxia battalion to Jiujiang, which seems to have demolished the west wall to make up for the east wall, but in fact it is to confuse the ears and eyes of our army, and not let our army think that there will be a possibility of cavalry galloping to help Shouchun." Second, it also made our army ignore the possibility of the Jiangxia camp meeting with the Jiujiang camp and fighting a decisive battle in Yangzhou. However, Lu Can's plan is also extremely dangerous, the Huaixi battle is not divided, and our army is cruising in Jingxiang, once Shouchun is lost, or General Changsun bypasses Jingxiang and goes straight to Jingnan, then the Southern Chu army will fall into a place of no return. However, presumably Lu Can already knows that this time the main direction of our army's attack is not Xiangyang, and General Changsun is a steady and steady person, and he will not risk breaking through, only the battle of Huaixi, Lu Can did take a risk, but this move has the wind of a famous general, if the battle of Huaixi has a chance of winning, it will be worth it. Well, Cong'er, read Huaixi's military report, I want to see how Lu Can arranged it there? ”

Huo Cong found out Huaixi's military report, read it in detail in order, when he read Lu Yun and Shi Guan's son Shi Yujin array to kill Dong Shan, my hand shook, but the expression on my face did not change in the slightest, but smiled: "Okay, Lu Can did a good job, if the pheasant eagle does not drive out of the nest, it can't fly high, Lu Can puts his parents and children in danger, no wonder the Huaixi army is so tenacious, otherwise Cui Jue and Dong Shan are also rare fierce generals, and they will not be blocked in Shouchun." In fact, it is also the emperor who underestimates the enemy, if he sends a cautious and cautious general, and then sends tens of thousands of horses and horses, to strictly prevent the enemy from reinforcing the army, it will never make the army lose a soldier because of the fatigue of the long battle. In fact, it is no wonder that Lu Can's cavalry battalion is so secretive, Si Wencao doesn't know anything, I'm afraid even the Southern Chu court doesn't know, neither does it know that Shouchun will have reinforcements, and it is no wonder that Cui Jue and Dong Shan are slack. However, Dong Shan was killed by two teenagers under the age of fifteen, which was quite surprising, I remember that he was a fierce general. ”

Huo Cong said: "According to Si Wencao's investigation afterwards, General Dong fought hard after the break, and it should have been the end of the strong crossbow at that time, and General Lu Shao and General Shi Shao are both rare young warriors, so they can achieve such a record, I heard that the battle situation at that time was very dangerous, and the two major generals were also almost killed." ”

I sighed lightly: "After this battle, the morale of the Huaixi army and the people is high, although Lu Yun is young, he has become a force that cannot be ignored by the Southern Chu military, and Lu Can will definitely take the opportunity to expand the military war in Huaixi and strengthen his control over Huaixi." After the Huaixi army is strong, you can attack Suzhou and Xuzhou to the northeast, or Haozhou and Suiyang to the northwest. ”

Huo Cong said suspiciously: "Sir, although Lu Can has mastered the military power in Jiangnan, but Dayong has a million armor, this defeat has not hurt his muscles and bones, Lu Can should rest and recuperate, and prepare for Dayong's southern expedition, how can he take the initiative to provoke a war?" ”

I chuckled and said: "Although Lu Can has mastered the Jianghuai military power, but his heart is not ruthless enough, most of the forbidden army is still in the hands of Shang Weijun, Jianye is still the world of the Shang family, the heavier the military power in Lu Can's hands, the more some civilian officials who claim to be loyal ministers are worried that he will rebel against the military power, so Shang Weijun's supporters will become more and more." Wait, after the meritorious deeds are rewarded, someone will try their best to weaken Lu Can's power. Therefore, if he wants to protect himself, he can only take the initiative to send troops, and the border war is endless, in order to save his net worth and surname. ”

Huo Cong's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said: "There is no reward for high merit, it is an unforgivable crime, will General Lu ask for the surname to establish himself as the king, and then Jiangnan will be an iron plate, and there will be no chance." ”

I laughed loudly and said: "Cong'er, do you think that mutiny is so easy, yes, Lu Can has a heavy army in his hands, once the army is established, he can plow the court and sweep the holes, control the Southern Chu court, and even establish himself as the king." But some things can not be achieved only by the army, once Lu Can rebels, those soldiers who serve because of the loyalty and prestige of the Lu family will be disappointed, and there will even be people who will raise troops to Qin Wang, don't forget that Xiangyang Rongyuan, Huaixi Shiguan, and Jiamengguan Yumian all respect Lu Can as the leader, and they also have a lot of ties with the Lu family, but they are also loyal ministers of Southern Chu, if they are allowed to rebel with Lu Can, I am afraid they can't. And Shang Weijun has controlled the court for many years, and has an intertwined relationship with the major families of Southern Chu, and now the officials of the Southern Chu court, six or seven out of ten are Shang clans, if Lu Can clears the monarch's side, what should these officials do, they are all killed, the Southern Chu court is empty, and the political situation immediately falls into chaos, if they are not killed, will these people really respect the Lu family as the king? The power of the Lu clan is mainly concentrated in the military, and there is no way to control the entire court of Southern Chu, I am afraid that the government will be controlled by the forces of the family that take advantage of the situation, and at that time, the major families will inevitably attack each other in order to compete for power and profit, but I am afraid that the situation in Southern Chu will be even more erosive. Therefore, Lu Can can't use mutiny to solve the pressure he is about to face, the only way is naturally to provoke external trouble, 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. And the heart of Dayong's southern expedition will not be eliminated, instead of sitting and waiting for Dayong to attack, it is better to take the initiative, and you can also use these small-scale battles to sharpen morale, train soldiers, and make the border of Nanchu as stable as Mount Tai, such a thing that kills two birds with one stone, why not Lu Can? ”

Huo Cong listened attentively, and said after a long time: "Sir, Shang Weijun is afraid of Lu Can's military power, and he will definitely not dare to act rashly, and Lu Can is better than fighting for power in the court, it is better to control the army and respond to it outside, but in this way, the situation in Jiangnan is stable, and Dayong will not be able to successfully destroy Southern Chu, and it will be difficult for the world to be unified. ”

I glanced at him and said, "Lu Can, this person is extremely loyal, the reason why he fights for military power is just because he doesn't want to see Dayong Tieqi go south, for him, he is in charge of the army, Shang Weijun is in charge, that is the best." Of course, it is not known whether he will have the intention of not being subordinate in the future, but in my opinion, there is no possibility of rebellion for this person. The Lu family has been a generalist for generations, and the heart of loyalty has been deeply rooted, and Lu Can is no exception, although his methods are more powerful and he is less fearful, but he has no self-reliance. It's just that although his intentions are good, Shang Weijun will not agree, now it is just a temporary compromise, this situation of separation of military and political cannot last after all, unless the lord of Southern Chu has enough prestige to take back the military and political power, or Shang Weijun is willing to submit, but these two points are unrealistic. The confrontation between the north and the south cannot last long after all, and one side will inevitably be wiped out, and the two countries will compete with each other, and the same is true for the two powerful ministers. Even if Lu Can compromised or used some thunderous means to suppress this hidden danger, once it broke out, it would be a shocking tragedy. It's just that if the Southern Chu Junchen is not too stupid, there should be no problem in maintaining 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 under me? ”

Huo Cong said with an embarrassed look on his face: "How can the disciple have such intentions, it is the King of Jiajun who asked me to test Mr.'s tone, and I want to know if Mr. has a strategy for pacifying Chu, maybe it is under the orders of His Royal Highness the King of Qi." ”

I smiled coldly and said: "Nosy, since Li Lin is the king of the county, it's just a matter of bothering about it, you are just a white coat, why bother so much, you just need to read your book, by the way, Ming said that you sorted out the military newspapers sent by the Ministry of War and handed them back, just say that Jiang is an idle person and is not interested in these military newspapers." If such documents are sent in the future, it will be said that I am recuperating from my illness and have no time to pay attention to matters outside of my body, and you are not allowed to take these military reports without permission. ”

Huo Cong muttered in his heart, didn't you listen very carefully, and analyzed the situation vigorously, why did you change your words now, but hurriedly said: "It's all the disciples who make decisions without permission, please forgive me." With that, he respectfully withdrew.

Looking at Huo Cong's back, a sneer appeared at the corner of my mouth, hmph, what does King Qi mean, King Jiajun is mostly on the orders of the prince, and the prince is mostly on the orders of the emperor, but he just wants to test my mind. It seems that the fiasco of this attack on Chu has made Dayong Junchen a lot more sober, and he naturally thought of the book I said, it seems that the emperor has understood that it is not my attachment to my homeland, but that they have underestimated the enemy. Now that the situation has changed to this point, these people must want to hear my judgment. But how can I, Jiang Zhe, be a person who comes and goes when he is called, since they once doubted me, I will ask for the surname not to intervene in the battle of Yongchu, this is my hope, anyway, their monarchs and ministers are all famous generals who have experienced a hundred battles, step by step, in this case, there is a twenty or thirty years of hard work, there should be no problem in capturing Southern Chu, right? After all, there are still many hidden worries in Nanchu, if Lu Can is not enterprising, I expect him to encounter drastic changes within four or five years, Zhao Long, the current lord of Nanchu, should be crowned in a few years, and he should be pro-government at that time, that is Shang Weijun's best chance to regain military power. However, Lu Can's methods are ruthless, not like his style, it is difficult to change the style of acting alone, most of it is Wei Ying's plan, and the cooperation between the two is like a fish in water, which is very unfavorable to the Southern Expedition. That's it, why am I thinking about the peace of things, haven't I thought about staying out of the matter?

Turning his face sideways and looking at Xiao Shunzi still thinking about it, I secretly smiled, I got a chess game of a national player before, there were a few exquisite chess games on it, and I deliberately put one, which finally stumped him, and also let me save some face, remembering the tragic situation of being killed by him in a cold sweat in the past, I looked at Xiao Shunzi proudly, hoping to see him admit defeat and admit defeat. Unexpectedly, when I was triumphant, Xiao Shunzi's brows suddenly stretched, put down a white crystal chess piece, and suddenly the situation on the board reversed, and the white chess puzzle that was originally in trouble stood out, turned defeat into victory, and confronted black chess. I sighed, knowing that I didn't stump Xiao Shunzi, I took out the chess book from under the jade pillow, and after throwing it to him, I pushed away the chessboard with some anger, and lay on my back on the soft couch, with a warm and soft futon under me, and a faint fragrant fragrance in the air, I felt a little tired. In order not to want Changle to speak for the emperor, I am going to stay in the cold garden for these days.

Xiao Shunzi smiled slightly, opened the chess game and flipped it over, received it in his arms, and then said while packing up the chess pieces: "Childe, are you fighting with the emperor?" After all, he is a king, and the son is a minister. ”

For a long time, Jiang Zhe remained silent, and just when Xiao Shunzi packed up the chess pieces, thinking that Jiang Zhe would not answer, Jiang Zhe said lightly: "In case of trouble, you must take precautions, this time the emperor can trust me, so what about the future?" I can't leave the hidden dangers behind. And if I had shown generosity and tolerance, with the wisdom of the emperor, how could I not see that I had doubts about him, and only if I had embarrassed him with my own surname, would he believe that I had not changed my opinion of him because of this matter. ”

Xiao Shunzi was silent, he didn't continue to ask, for example, did Jiang Zhe really feel dissatisfied with the emperor in his heart? Is Jiang Zhe really still nostalgic for Nanchu, so he is reluctant to offer advice to Pingchu? Once Jiang Zhe made a decision, no matter how unreasonable, he would not oppose it. After putting away the chessboard, he added some benzoin to the incense burner, and then took a blanket to cover Jiang Zhe, who was already asleep. After doing all this, he sat down on the futon next to him and meditated pranayama, for him, sleep was no longer an important thing.

After a while, he suddenly frowned slightly, glanced at Jiang Zhe, who was still sleeping, he turned around and pushed open the door, walked out, and saw a group of people walking here, one of them was wearing a big coat to cover his face, but the faintly exposed bright yellow robe and the guards around him still made Xiao Shunzi recognize his identity at a glance. Those people approached, and the middle-aged man who covered his face said, "Is Suiyun already asleep?" ”

Xiao Shunzi lowered his head and frowned and said: "Childe has fallen asleep, and it is difficult for Childe to fall asleep, so I lit a benzoin, but I am afraid that Childe will not wake up before tomorrow morning, and Childe is not feeling well, I am afraid that he will not be able to take over." ”

The man smiled slightly bitterly, raised his head, his hood slipped off, revealing a face that had passed his years, but was still graceful, ordered the military department to send documents in advance, and passed Huo Cong's temptation, originally to express his apology, but now it seems that Jiang Zhe does not appreciate it, this person, or the surname of the year, has not changed so far, thinking of this, Li Zhen is even more sorry for his suspicion of Jiang Zhe a few days ago. Look at Li Shun who is standing in front of him, although the posture is so humble, but Li Zhen knows that that kind of obedience is just a disguise of appearance, he believes that if he wants to forcibly enter, the evil shadow Li Shun will not care about his identity, once things reach that point, there is no room for recovery. In desperation, Li Zhen had no choice but 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 himself at the beginning, right?

Next, when the Dayong monarchs and ministers were busy cleaning up the aftermath of the defeat, the Marquis of Chu County, who had always lived in seclusion, became the object of attention of the Dayong courtiers. A rumor quietly circulated among the hundred officials of Yongdu, the emperor visited Princess Changle's mansion several times, but was actually rejected by Jiang Zhe in the cold garden, except for Shi Yu and others who had seen Jiang Zhe's fierce side, the rest of the courtiers couldn't believe it, in fact, this is just a speculation to catch the wind and shadows. This kind of humiliating thing, the emperor will not say, the guards and servants around him dare not say it, that is, the princess of Changle's mansion up and down, but most of it was carefully arranged by the emperor and queen, so no one spread this matter before. But no matter how secret things are, there are traces, the emperor visited Princess Changle's mansion several times, but he always returned disappointed, and all kinds of clues were passed on by word of mouth in the palace, and the truth was outlined. It was also spread out by people with intentions, and it was involved in street talks. It's just this matter, even the most upright counselor is silent, not to mention how powerful the Marquis of Chu is secretly, only relying on the emperor's trust and favor for him, he also knows that if this person can't kill him with one blow, it's best not to offend. And if no one knows about this matter, the emperor can still save some face, if it spreads, I am afraid that it will make the emperor angry and embarrassed, and the officials who provoked the incident will be troublesome.

This rumor has not subsided, and after some days, there are new rumors spreading, some people say that the reason why Hou Jiangzhe of Chu County is unwilling to give advice and refuse to see the driver is because of nostalgia for his homeland, and now the famous general of Southern Chu is his personal disciple, Jiang Zhe and the Southern Chu Lu clan have broken off the thread so far, and there are many contacts. This rumor is well-founded, and many officials and the people believe it, even the important ministers of the DPRK and the central government cannot help but believe it.

Hearing this rumor, Li Zhen was very angry, and now, he naturally does not still suspect that Jiang Zhe will leave Dayong for the sake of Nanchu, but he also knows that Jiang Zhe's surname is the most stubborn, and now he is already fighting with himself, if he knows this rumor again, maybe he will really keep silent when he is angry, wouldn't it be extremely bad. Therefore, he ordered the Ming Jian Division to track down the source of the rumors, and issued a strict order that no one was allowed to spread the news to Jiang Zhe's ears. It's just that the rumors are full of Chang'an, and if you want to track it down, there is no source to be found, Li Zhen can't help but be angry, and the atmosphere in Yongdu has become extremely tense.

After a few days, Li Xian arrived at the Cold Garden with a light body, and he came to sue for peace at the behest of Li Zhen. In his opinion, this time the attack on Jianghuai does not need him to sit in charge, and when Jianghuai is pacified, he needs to cross the river to fight, and secondly, because Lin Bi is about to give birth, he is also a little reluctant to let go of his wife and son, so Li Zhen has no intention of letting him go south, so he did not take the initiative to mention it, but he was just a counselor next to him when formulating the plan for the southern expedition. At the beginning, Jiang Zhe wrote against this southern expedition, and he, like Li Zhen, thought that Jiang Zhe would inevitably have feelings for his homeland, so the two brothers cooperated tacitly to hide the matter, lest someone take the opportunity to attack Jiang Zhe. Unexpectedly, the Southern Expedition was defeated, Jiang Zhe's words were exquisite, Li Zhen and Li Xian were both generals who were killed from the battlefield, and they were naturally not ordinary people, and they soon realized their mistake of underestimating the enemy. After ten years of recuperation, it is not only Dayong who has restored its national strength, but also Nanchu, which is no longer the tired scene of the past. But although they realized this, the change in the situation was irreversible, Lu Can controlled the military power in Jiangnan, so that half of the Jiangnan was difficult to subvert, and Lu Can became the biggest obstacle to the Dayong Southern Expedition in their eyes. No matter how good Lu Can is, it cannot be denied that most of this person's abilities are related to Jiang Zhe, in this case, apart from Jiang Zhe, who can formulate a strategy for leveling Chu? Neither Li Zhen nor Li Xian wanted the two countries to face off for decades.

Since Jiang Zhe does not sell Li Zhen's face, then Li Xian is duty-bound to come to persuade him, but although he is asking for help, Li Xian's surname is still so arrogant, all the way rampant, the guards in Princess Changle's mansion did not dare to stop him, although the master said that he would not see the guest, but Li Xian went all the way to the cold garden, but no one dared to stop him. As soon as Li Xian walked to the door of the study, he heard Jiang Zhe's thunderous scolding. Li Xian was curious, after so many years of intersection, it seemed that he had never seen Jiang Zhe scold people like this, so he couldn't help but stop and listen.

I looked at Shen'er who was kneeling there honestly, and my heart was furious, this stinky boy was obviously punished for kneeling there, but when you saw his eyes rolling, you knew that he was clearly thinking nonsense, where was the meaning of half repentance? couldn't help but scolded again: "I only know how to practice martial arts and play all day long, I personally teach you to read, you actually sneaked away for me, I can't memorize a book of Analects for half a year, listen, today I will punish you to copy the Analects three times, if you can't hand it in, don't think about dinner." ”

Shen'er is eight years old this year, he was born with clear eyebrows, smart and cute, but he is a stupid belly, it is more difficult for him to read than anything else, and I don't know who he is like, I have long been familiar with the scriptures and history at his age, and his mother is also a smart person, why is he so stupid, but the old monk Cizhen actually said that he is a martial arts wizard, there is really no reason?

As soon as I finished talking about the punishment, Shen'er jumped up and said: "Daddy, then I'll go copy the book, but Daddy, I can't memorize the Analects It's none of my business, it's all Daddy, you don't teach well, a text, Daddy wants to pull a lot of things, and a lot of some and no, my sister also said, if you want to study, it's much better to follow Brother Huo." ”

I was so angry when I heard these words that I almost fainted, and I picked up the ring ruler and was about to hit his palm, but Jiang Shen turned around and fled out, very agile, like a wisp of light smoke, disappeared at the door in a blink of an eye, I yelled: "Xiao Shunzi, catch him back for me, I will break his palm." Before the words fell, I heard Shen'er cheering: "Father-in-law." ”

My heart sank, and I immediately changed my words: "Shen'er, run slowly, don't fall." "Absolutely fatherly tone, the little junko who was originally standing next to me showed a funny smile, of course, the smile had faded before I ran away.

Then I saw Li Xian pull Shen'er in, his face was extremely unkind, I swallowed my anger and stepped forward to salute: "It turned out that the sixth brother came, making you laugh, Shen'er is too naughty." "Alas, since Li Xian returned to Chang'an, he has almost occupied Shen'er, every time Shen'er comes back from Fuyun Temple, he will be picked up by him if he hasn't stayed at home for two or three days, if I don't agree, I have to face his cold face, that is, he pursued Lin Bi for a few years. After Li Ning was born, King Qi intensified, first abducted Shen'er and called him father-in-law, and then took it in a grand manner. But I, the father, have a hard time disciplining my son. However, I touched my nose, if it weren't for the fact that I liked to bully Shen'er since I was a child, this kid wouldn't have changed his mind so quickly, right?

Li Xian hesitated, he treated Shen'er as his own son, as soon as he heard that Jiang Zhe was going to hit Shen'er's palm, he was unhappy, but he came here to ask for peace for the emperor's brother, it was not good to give Jiang Zhe a look on his face, hesitated again and again, and finally said: "Suiyun, I think you should invite an enlightened gentleman for Shen'er, if you don't want to, let Huo Cong teach him too, listen to Roulan, you like to quote scriptures as soon as you talk about books, no wonder Shen'er can't understand." ”

Shen'er was very smart, and when she heard her father-in-law's tone a little weak, she immediately became honest, looked at me with a blank eye, and said, "Daddy, it's Shen'er who is too stupid to understand your lectures, unlike Brother Huo, who knows everything and knows everything, you better let others teach me." ”

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

At this time, King Qi said again: "Actually, Shen'er won't need to be a ten-year cold window in the future, isn't it good to be a general in the future, I think this kid has a solid foundation in martial arts, and he is bold, a little like me." After that, he stroked Shen'er's head a little proudly. Shen'er also looked triumphant, as if Li Xian was his father. There was a sour feeling in my heart, and I said in an unkind tone: "Xiao Shunzi, send Shen'er to his study to copy the book, copy the Analects a hundred times, you look at him, if he dares to sneak back to Fuyun Temple, you will arrest him back and beat his board for me." ”

When Shen'er heard that it was like five thunderbolts, he immediately froze, until Xiao Shunzi stepped forward and picked him up and walked out of the door, he shouted: "Uncle Shun spare his life, his neck hurts, my father-in-law helps, my mother helps, Brother Huo helps, my sister helps." In a moment, the earth-shattering cries for help faded away. I couldn't help but be ashamed, this kid really lost my face, and glared at Li Xian fiercely, he spoiled Shen'er, so no matter what he came to do today, I wouldn't let him get his wish.

Li Xian is so smart, he knew at first sight that he had still stabbed over the hornet's nest, this Jiang Zhe was obviously preparing to announce his personal vendetta, and he couldn't help but show a wry smile, the purpose of coming this time was absolutely impossible to achieve.

Nine-fold Palace, Ganbailoutai, Golden Palace, Jade Carved Railing, Inside the Imperial Study, Li Zhen frowned, looking at the dense folding chapter of a bookcase, but he couldn't calm down to read, Song Wan walked in lightly, and reported: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness King Qi is waiting for the decree outside." ”

Li Zhen hurriedly said: "What are you waiting for, when did he obey the rules so much, announce it quickly." Song Wan walked out, and after a short time, he led Li Xian into the study, and then without commanding, he withdrew with the palace maid who was waiting in the study, leaving space for the two brothers to talk secretly.

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

Li Zhen was not angry at all about Li Xian's arrogant behavior, and said with a smile: "Didn't you pat your chest and say that you would succeed when you left?" ”

Li Xian said suddenly: "This, it's really not a coincidence. After saying that, Li Xian told him about the situation today, Li Zhen smiled bitterly when he heard it, and Li Xian said with a straight face: "Brother Huang, it seems that Suiyun is just a momentary mood, and he will definitely change his mind after a while, you don't have to worry, now Suiyun is in the same boat with us, he will not watch us capsize." ”

Li Zhen smiled bitterly: "Time waits for no one, if it is a few months later, I am afraid that the Jianghuai defense line is impregnable, we will have no chance, if it is in the formulation of the policy of Pingchu, there is no opinion of Suiyun, I really don't worry, the current Nanchu is not the former Nanchu, I don't want this battle to be fought down, both sides will be defeated, and the people's livelihood will wither, so we must persuade Suiyun to participate in this battle, in fact, I am ready to establish Jiangnan Xingyuan after the year, and you will personally sit in charge, the war of Governor Jingxiang and Jianghuai, Suiyun also intends to let him be a military counselor, so I need to convince him quickly, Suiyun's surname is really stubborn. ”

Li Xian heard the matter of Jiangnan Xingyuan, but his eyebrows were slightly raised, but he did not make a sound, but when he heard the last sentence, he smiled and said: "Suiyun is a national soldier, and the emperor treats him as a national soldier, so that he can serve his life willingly, except for the imperial brother, who else can control him, I think he is just angry for a while, in fact, I see that his anger has disappeared, but there is no step down, if it is not for the unfortunate fact that I am going today, maybe he will enter the palace with me now." ”

Li Zhen also smiled slightly, he had a lot of eyes and ears in Princess Changle's mansion, and naturally knew that Jiang Zhe's mood had recovered as before, otherwise he would not have let Li Xian go to persuade him, but now that Li Xian has been pushed back, who should be allowed to persuade him, after thinking for a long time, the important ministers of the Manchu Dynasty, there are few people who can talk to Jiang Zhe, over the years, Jiang Zhe has been hidden in the Yongdu Dynasty, and he has no friends, even with the subordinate officials of the Yongwang Mansion in the past. What's more, this kind of thing can't let too many people know, Li Zhen doesn't want to give people the impression that Jiang Zhe is pampered and arrogant. For a while, the two brothers were trapped in the city of sorrow, and they had no idea.

At this time, Song Wan came in again to report: "Your Majesty, Lord Xiahou Yuanfeng asks to see you." ”

Li Zhen didn't say anything, just waved his hand, and Song Wan retreated. Li Xian knew that Xiahou Yuanfeng was Li Zhen's confidant, and he was responsible for supervising hundreds of officials, so he couldn't help but have some secret things, but he still didn't know it, so he got up and wanted to leave.

Li Zhen smiled and said: "It's okay, the sixth brother doesn't need to avoid it, it was I who asked Xiahou to find out who was spreading rumors recently, and wanted to separate our monarchs and ministers, I think he has a result, and it doesn't hurt for you to listen to it." ”

Not long after, Xiahou Yuanfeng walked in, although he was already in his early thirties, and he had been in the officialdom for many years, adding a little wind and frost, not like the handsome and unparalleled appearance of the year, but the years did not seem to have left many traces on him, Xiahou Yuanfeng was still personable, handsome and elegant, and lived up to the reputation of a beautiful man.

Entering the study, Xiahou Yuanfeng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, under careful investigation by the ministers, I am afraid that the rumor-mongers have something to do with Nanchu. ”

Li Zhen is not surprised, now that the north and the south are facing each other, if someone wants to separate himself and Jiang Zhe, it is naturally the people of Nanchu who are the most earnest, he said lightly: "This matter is inconvenient to publicize, you submit the list, carefully monitor them later, and control it once there is any change." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng presented the written fold, and was about to turn around and leave, when he inadvertently saw Li Xian's troubled face, his heart moved, and said: "The emperor and His Royal Highness the King of Qi are worried about the affairs of the Marquis of Chu?" ”

Li Zhen smiled bitterly when he heard this: "Xiahou, do you have any way to solve this matter?" He just asked casually, Xiahou Yuanfeng and Jiang Zhe had always had a grudge, and Li Zhen wouldn't believe that Xiahou Yuanfeng could persuade Jiang Zhe to give advice. Unexpectedly, Xiahou Yuanfeng stepped forward and said respectfully: "The responsibility of the courtier is to share the worries of the monarch's father, and the courtier is willing to go to persuade the Marquis of Chu." ”

Li Zhen was taken aback, looked Xiahou Yuanfeng up and down for a moment, and then said, "It's okay for you to try." Xiahou Yuanfeng retreated with a smile, it seemed that it was extremely easy to persuade Jiang Zhe, which made Li Zhen and Li Xian also have expectations.

Flying snow in the sky, clouds are dense, sitting in the Linbo Pavilion, I sit quietly and stroke the qin, the sound of the piano imitates the state of flying snow in the sky, and it is one. For a long time, I pushed away the jade qin, sighed softly, the tree wants to be quiet and the wind does not stop, how can these undercurrents of Chang'an be hidden from my ears and eyes, although the emperor intends to defend it, but how can I not know the existence of these rumors that attack me. Stroking the broken lines on the body of the piano, I thought of Qiu Yufei, since the death of the Northern Han Dynasty, the Demon Sect has retired, but Duan Lingxiao and others naturally can't withdraw casually, Duan Lingxiao is in seclusion in Da Nei, Xiao Tong is on Lin Bi's side, and the other Demon Sect disciples are either in the army, or stay in Da Nei as a guard, although the disciples of the Demon Sect are more rebellious, but their abilities and means are outstanding, and now the Demon Sect 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 year round, or a flat boat, Lingbo Duhai, or a moon and a piano, at ease, only hate me but be bound by the red dust, and can't leave Yongdu one step. Taking the warm wine handed over by Xiao Shunzi, I drank it all, and the soft and sweet elixir made me feel intoxicated.

A guard came in the snow, Xiao Shunzi walked out of the pavilion to listen to what he had reported, turned around and came back and said, "Childe, Xiahou Yuanfeng asks to see you." ”

I was slightly stunned, why did Xiahou Yuan come to me, since the Dongchuan incident, this person has always been far away, as if I was a ghost, I was curious, I smiled and said, "Please come here." ”

Not long after, Xiahou Yuanfeng came with the guards, the snow color was light, the wind jade tree, bright as the moon, if this person looked at the appearance, he would never have imagined that it was the head of the Mingjian Division who stained his hands with blood.

I stood up and greeted each other in the pavilion, the snow was fluttering outside the pavilion, I naturally would not go to understand the cold air in it, stretched out my hand to greet the guests, and invited Xiahou Yuanfeng to sit down, I smiled: "I don't know how Lord Xiahou has time to come to visit, the snow is all over the sky, there are good guests coming to the door, not without wine, Xiaoshunzi, take a jar of imperial wine, this pot of 'Ning Chun' is too fragrant, Lord Xiahou will not like it." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said with a smile: "Hou Ye doesn't have to bother, I have heard for a long time that Her Royal Highness the eldest princess has picked the essence of a hundred flowers to brew the 'Ningchun' wine, which is mellow and soft, and it is like a jade dew. ”

A glimmer of light flashed in my eyes, and said: "This 'Ning Chun' wine is Changle's own wine, in addition to the essence of a hundred flowers, it also adds a lot of drugs to nourish the body, and it can be drunk all year round to make people deaf and bright, and the body is light and healthy, but it is too soft and mellow, not very suitable for the taste of Yongren, and I can't imagine that Lord Xiahou can understand the wonders." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said respectfully: "Her Royal Highness the eldest princess has deep feelings for the heavens, and only brewed this wine for the sake of Hou Ye Kangtai, how can those outsiders know the heart of the eldest princess, how can they appreciate the deep meaning of this wine, and those ordinary people are not qualified to taste this peerless wine." ”

I heard that I already knew the intention of Xiahou Yuanfeng here, and reminded me with Changle's deep affection not to forget the inseparable bond between himself and the Dayong royal family, but he was smart enough, and he used this "Ningchun" wine to express his heart, but I couldn't be annoyed.

Motioning for him to sit down, I poured him a glass of wine with my own hands, and said: "Since Lord Xiahou knows the preciousness of this wine, please drink a glass, this wine is only brewed twenty-four jars every year, except for a few jars for the Queen Mother, the Queen Mother, and Her Royal Highness Princess Qi, there is no circulation." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng sat down calmly and said: "Humble Jing was graced by the queen and rewarded with a pot of 'Ning Chun', so that I was fortunate to taste this rare wine. ”

I have guessed Xiahou Yuanfeng's intention, but I am also curious why he believes that he can convince me, so I deliberately did not ask his intention, but diligently persuaded the wine, quoted scriptures to the vast flying snow outside the pavilion, and Xiahou Yuanfeng discussed poetry and songs, I have known Xiahou Yuanfeng for so many years, I only know that he is meticulous, powerful, martial arts, and ruthless, but now I talked about it, only to find that this person is really both civil and military, at the beginning it was intentionally difficult to test, talked about it for a long time, but felt that chatting with this person was very pleasant, I couldn't help but forget his intention.

Xiahou Yuanfeng saw that the atmosphere was harmonious, and he was secretly happy in his heart, and said: "Xia Guan heard that Hou Ye once wrote a poem when he was in the Northern Han Dynasty, in order to express his heart, and there are two sentences of 'I don't want to return to the south of the goose, and I should be buried on the bank of the Chu River when I die', I don't know if it's the truth?" ”

My heart moved, knowing that he finally started to attack, the verse he mentioned was the sorrow of Tan Ji's fateful words, and the poem of it, Xiahou Yuanfeng also knew about this matter, and it was not very surprising, he was the head of the Mingjian Division, and the guards around me at that time were all masters of the Tiger Ben Guard, someone must have sent this poem to the front of the emperor, Xiahou Yuanfeng got Li Zhen's favor letter, this is not a secret, he knows that it is also possible. But is he trying to point me to nostalgia for my homeland? A faint mocking smile appeared at the corner of my mouth, and I said lightly: "The thoughts of the homeland, the common feelings of people, does Lord Xiahou dare to join me?" ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng changed the topic again and said: "This time, General Pei took a risk in Huaidong and planned to capture Chuzhou, although he made great achievements, it was too risky. ”

I said casually: "General Pei's surname is like this, and he likes to fight in person, but if it comes to a critical moment, he won't do it." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said with a smile: "But General Pei is very bold, Zhenhuai Lou openly humiliated the Hou Ye's relatives, and he also admired the lower officials." ”

My heart sank, and I lowered my eyes and said: "Although Jing Changqing is Jiang's cousin, he is a loyal minister of Southern Chu, and there is nothing wrong with General Pei's move." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng shook his head and said: "General Pei just didn't pay attention, if he had known the identity of that person, he would definitely not be humiliated, but Hou Ye is very caring for your relatives, and within a few days, Jing Changqing disappeared from the Chuzhou prison, and I heard that he has returned to Jiaxing, although this battle was won by Southern Chu, so that my cousin will inevitably be suspected of abandoning his post and running away, but I think no one will embarrass Jing's family, after all, General Lu is now in power, and for his sake, no one will attack Jing's family. ”

I showed a sneer, when I was in Dongchuan, Xiahou Yuanfeng wanted to seize the power of the Splendid Alliance, although I let him get his wish, but it also gave him a lesson, and now he wants to meddle in my power in Nanchu? Could it be that he didn't come here to persuade me to reconcile with Li Zhen?

Standing up, walking to the side of the piano platform, caressing the strings, the sound of the piano was loud, revealing the meaning of slaughter, I said lightly: "Lord Xiahou, is there 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 hero, slashed Dong Mountain, and became famous in Huaixi. ”

A mocking look flashed in my eyes, I already knew that it would be difficult to hide Lu Yun's matter from the eyes and ears of Ming Jiansi, otherwise why would I involve Huo Cong, Li Lin and Roulan, in addition to training these children, it is to let some people cast rat traps. But in an instant, the look in my eyes became sad, I originally hoped to be able to keep Lu Yun, but unfortunately what he did in Huaixi had made my efforts come to naught, who would have thought that a thirteen-year-old boy could have such an achievement?

Xiahou Yuanfeng may have noticed the change in my mind, and said: "Hou Ye was born in Southern Chu, he has a lot of attachment to his homeland, and there are relatives, friends and disciples there, the war is together, it is inevitable that the jade will be burned, and Hou Ye may have a thoughtful meaning, but if Hou Ye stays out of the matter, what will be the merits of Jing and Lu in the future, Xia Guan has heard that Hou Ye has promised Prince De to protect the cigarettes of Southern Chu, if Hou Ye is unwilling to offer advice to level Chu, what will he say to the emperor in the future." The change of the hunting palace, Hou Ye used to be said to have contributed to the Dayong royal family, but the royal family married the eldest princess, which can be said to be no loss Hou Ye, Hou Ye has the merit of Ping Han, but Hou Ye is now a county marquis, the son is the prince of the country, the daughter is the county lord, the family is honored and favored, and the merit of the Ping Han has been paid. Could it be that when the fall of Nanchu comes, will Hou Ye want to exchange these old exploits for the emperor's grace, and when the time comes, the emperor will not say anything, and Hou Ye will be able to be worthy of his heart? And if there is no Hou Ye to go to Jiangnan to preside over the policy of Pingchu, I am afraid that Hou Ye's hard work will be in vain, and the officials will be presumptuous, but every sentence is from the bottom of his heart, please Hou Ye Mingjian. ”

An inexplicable look flashed in my eyes, looking at Xiahou Yuanfeng, this person is really not simple, this remark has completely convinced me, and only he can say these words, if Li Zhen and Li Xian say this, it will make me feel that they are deliberately coerced, if Shi Yu and those ministers say it, it will inevitably become high-sounding, but it seems to be responsible for righteousness, and it makes me rebellious, only Xiahou Yuanfeng, a person who only has utilitarianism in his heart, I feel sincere.

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled slightly, and said: "There is another matter, Hou Ye doesn't know if he can know, Wei Ying is now serving as a guest secretary in Lu Canmu, although this matter is secret, but it can't be hidden from the ears and eyes of Si Wencao and Mingjian. ”

My expression was faint, I already knew about this matter, and in front of Xiahou Yuanfeng, a smart person, I was too lazy to behave.

Xiahou Yuanfeng knew it and said: "Wei Ying hates Hou Ye very much, he is brilliant and ruthless, General Lu is also outstanding in military strategy, and he is a young man with Hou Ye, the master and apprentice are deed, and they know Hou Ye very well, these two people join forces, they must be Hou Ye's strong enemies, Hou Ye is very intelligent, when he encounters such an opponent, don't you want to compete with them?" Lu Can has the military power of Southern Chu, and Hou Ye can also influence the strategy of Dayong and Ping Chu, why not play a game in the land south of the Yangtze River to see if Hou Ye is unparalleled in talent and intelligence, or General Lu is out of the blue, wouldn't this be a big deal? ”

Hearing this, even if it was me, I couldn't help but feel competitive, and couldn't help but laugh and said: "Lord Xiahou's tongue is no less than that of Su Qin and Zhang Yi. ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng's face remained unchanged and said: "Hou Ye praised falsely, and the lower officials were ashamed and didn't dare to be, but in the past, they offended Hou Ye a lot, so now they came to persuade him, and I also hope that Hou Ye will succeed and say that he can remember the kindness of the lower officials, and don't still hold a grudge against the lower officials." ”

I finally couldn't help laughing out loud and said, "Okay, okay, Xiahou Yuanfeng really deserves to be Xiahou Yuanfeng, I think you are also in a hurry to go back to restore your life, I won't keep you, report to Your Majesty, I will enter the palace tomorrow morning to meet you." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng said with a smile: "Hou Ye's intentions, the lower officials must be clear, but I don't know if I can give the lower officials a pot of 'Ning Chun', this wine is really loved by the lower officials." ”

I looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng's face, how could I not see that he was half hypocritical, this "Ning Chun" wine is sweet and mellow, but it is not in line with the taste of northern men, so this wine is not given to anyone else except for the queen mother, the queen and the princess of Qi, Changle is not given to others, it is Lin Bi, the princess of Qi, I guess she also prefers the spirits of the north. I couldn't help but shake my head gently, and I said lightly: "Xiao Shunzi, let someone send an altar of 'Ning Chun' to Lord Xiahou's mansion." ”

Xiahou Yuanfeng thanked him with a smile, and then said goodbye and left, looking at his handsome demeanor in the vast snow, I had admiration in my heart, I should pay attention, this person used to be able to play with him in the palm of his hand, most likely he was willing to do so, if you are not careful, I am afraid that I will suffer in the future.

;