Late at night, the moon and stars are scarce.

Chu Shixia sat on the roof of the dragon, looking down at the dotted lights in the imperial capital. Countless lamps are like stars that converge into a river ocean, shining brightly. There are colorful lotus-shaped river lanterns floating on the Xijing Lake, which is lonely.

Chu Zhixia suddenly turned his head to look at the distance of the ridge.

Shen Zhou stood at the end of the moonlight, like a cautious kitten, tentatively taking a step forward. Chu Zhixia showed him a tired smile, and Shen Zhou immediately ran over to hug her quickly, and the blazing body temperature made Chu Zhixia's stagnant blood flow again.

"You shouldn't have spoken to the ghost city lord like that today." Chu Zhixia said softly, "He saved me, he is my benefactor." ”

"You won't lose," Shen Zhouwen said inappropriately, his voice hoarse, "You won't lose again." ”

Without words, Shen Zhou knew what Chu Zhixia was thinking. If it's just Beidi who needs to fight, Chu Zhixia doesn't need to be afraid. But Shen Yan's proverbs, Chu Zhixia, and the rebirth of Shen Zhou indicate the existence of another power.

If Chu Zhixia wants to win, the only way to resist the mandate of heaven is to use manpower.

"I don't know, Shen Zhou."

Chu Zhixia felt his warm breath sweeping from the side of his neck, and he collapsed with a strong sense of composure, and said in a daze: "Maybe this is the first time I've come over, maybe I've done it hundreds of times before I know it." It's just that the gods tease me, erase my memory, and watch me repeat the same mistakes again and again. ”

"Then do it all over again, even if it's a thousand, ten thousand." Shen Zhou said paranoidly, "If God is not on your side, then you are an enemy of God." ”

Chu Zhixia buried his head in his firm and powerful embrace, his eyelashes moist.

"A thousand times, ten thousand times, if you don't die, you won't die." Chu Zhixia said softly.

——

Auspicious 10th year, July.

The Beidi delegation finally arrived in the imperial capital, and the emperor ordered a banquet for the envoys. This is the first time that Chu Zhixia has been absent from a major banquet in the palace, and Autumn Leaf Mountain has been snubbed. It is rumored in the court that the Chu clan in the clouds has angered Shengyan, and now there is no war in the north, and the qi of the Chu clan in the clouds is afraid that it will come to an end.

"In addition to the generals of the three major tribes, there is also a special person in the Beidi Mission."

Chu Zhixia flipped through the list of missions, raised his eyes to look at Xu Yan, and motioned for him to continue. Xu Yan's official uniform has not yet faded, and he hastily covered it with a cloak. He hurried from the cabinet and drank three bowls of herbal tea before he could breathe a sigh of relief.

"Hongji Thorn Bosu is a close confidant of Erdan Khan, and he is also the core figure of this mission. It is worth noting that he was not included in the list of the first missions. Xu Yan paused, and glanced at Chu Zhixia hesitantly.

"If I'm not mistaken, the people who sent my court for the first time were all people who disagreed with Erdan." Chu Zhixia understood what he meant, his fingertips wiped the ink general dry list, and muttered for a moment, "The Mosu Division, the Hada Division, and the Blue Eagle Department have a feud, and they may be forced to surrender to Erdan due to the general trend, but they will not settle down. ”

It is highly likely that Erdan's own hand was the work of Erdan. First, it can separate the emperor from the Chu clan in the clouds, and make the emperor mistakenly think that the Chu clan in the clouds will do whatever it takes to prevent peace talks; Second, they can provoke the contradictions between the Mosu Ministry, the Hada Ministry, and the Great Zhou, and force them to stand with the Qingying Ministry.

Xu Yan nodded, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "That's true." You know a lot about the thirteen parts of Beidi. The Chu clan in the clouds bears the anger of His Majesty for no reason, and even you are implicated, but there are still people who want to step on the Chu family and climb up. ”

Xu Yan couldn't speak: "This is simply ......"

Chu Zhixia smiled indifferently and burned the copied list to ashes.

"Does the mission live in the inn?" Chu Zhixia asked.

Xu Yan subconsciously nodded in response, and immediately remembered that there was a murderous King of Jin beside Chu Zhixia, and looked at her with a little horror.

"Don't be nervous, I'm not going to do it right now." Chu Zhixia lowered his eyebrows and said, "I just want to confirm that the person who came is indeed the person on the list." ”

Xu Yan didn't understand what she meant for a while.

"There's a good chance Erdan is mixed up in the mission." Chu Zhixia's knuckles were clasped at the bottom of the celadon tea cup, and he said in a deep voice.

Xu Yan was incredulous and said, "How is it possible? Isn't Erdan afraid that the peace talks will be fake, or that the peace talks will fail, and he will be captured or even killed by us? ”

Although the two countries do not fight each other, if the envoy is the enemy emperor, it is naturally a different matter.

Erdan advocated peace talks in order to buy time to prepare the army and not to start another war with Yunzhong for at least three years. However, Beidi and Yunzhong have mediated for many years, and they have been at a stalemate. If you want to break the situation, there must be variables, such as the Northern Expedition, such as peace talks. ”

Chu Shixia said: "Erdan is a very good learner. ”

The first art of war that Chu Zhixia learned was "knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent, and winning a hundred battles". Erdan regarded the Chu clan in the clouds as an enemy and the Great Zhou as a thing in his pocket, so it was impossible not to study it with effort. And the best opportunity to understand the Chu clan in the clouds and the Great Zhou is this peace talk.

Xu Yan took a deep breath and seemed to feel ashamed of it. In any case, in the situation where the peace talks are undecided, it is too unbelievable for a monarch of a country to go deep into the emperor of an enemy country. While Xu Yan lamented Erdan's recklessness and bravery, he was also worried about the coming war - this was undoubtedly a very formidable enemy.

"If Erdan is really in the Mission, are you going to kill him?" Xu Yan asked worriedly.

Chu Shixia was silent for a long time and did not give an affirmative answer.

There was a sudden knock on the door, Chu Zhixia looked at the door and window vigilantly, and waved Xu Yan to hide.

"Miss, there are guests in the clouds." Yuzhu's voice trembled slightly.

Chu Zhixia got up abruptly and opened the door, and saw the person standing behind Yuzhu.

The man was dusty, his face was a little paler than the last time they had seen each other for a long time, and the color of his eyes was deep. He lifted his hood, smiled, and stretched out his arms towards Chu Zhixia, just such a small movement caused him to cough lowly.

Chu Zhixia involuntarily stepped forward and hugged his thin body tightly.

"Brother." Chu Zhixia's voice trembled, and his eyes couldn't help but turn red.

Chu Shixia's dependence on Chu Mingyan has become a habit, and even if there is a crisis at the moment, Chu Shixia can't help but feel at ease about his arrival. It's like a cat that's out and about and getting soaked in the rain, but it knows that it's good to be home.

A place where there are loved ones is home.

"I've grown taller and thinner." Chu Mingyan hugged Chu Zhixia, stroked her hair, and said pityingly.

——

As soon as the peace talks came out, Chu Mingxiu not only did not reduce the military defense of the Snow Pass, but instead waited for the day. Chu Mingyan came to the imperial capital alone, not surprisingly, for the sake of peace talks. As the lord of the north, Chu Mingyan could not avoid this matter.

"The peach blossom miasma on your body can be unraveled, is it okay?"

In such a sultry weather, Chu Mingyan's hands were so cold that there was no trace of heat. Chu Zhixia personally warmed the decoction that Chu Mingyan had to take every day, and wiped his fingers with a hot towel. Chu Mingyan's face gradually turned a little faint blood.

"It's been around for a long time. Is it Yuzhu or Chu Lin, making such a fuss? Chu Zhi Xia Yun said lightly.

"It's my brother's fault." Chu Mingyan looked at the hair that fell from Chu Zhixia's forehead, and said with remorse, "I knew that this situation was like this today, why did I send you to the imperial capital to suffer." ”

Chu Zhixia raised his head and looked at him, showed a stubborn smile, and said, "Anyway, you are either suffering in Yongxue Pass, or you are suffering in the imperial capital." No one cares about me in the emperor, and I can still invite cats and dogs to drink flower wine while I am suffering, and I don't necessarily have a comfortable snow pass. ”

Chu Mingyan was amused by her, and curled his finger and flicked it on her forehead.

Chu Zhixia held Chu Mingyan's hand, which finally showed a hint of heat, restrained his heartless smile, and asked softly, "Brother, I know what you want to do." You don't want to see the emperor, just let me beg you. ”

Chu Mingyan didn't speak.

Chu Zhixia's heart rose to his throat, his eyes were full of sadness, and he said, "Even if you say that you break the sky, the emperor will not believe you." What is the twenty-year plan in the clouds, what embezzles and encroaches, in his eyes, it is all the rhetoric of the Chu clan in the clouds for power. The emperor was stubborn and selfish, and he only believed what he wanted to believe. ”

Chu Mingyan sighed, pulled up her scattered hair, and said, "But Changle, do you know how many people died in Yanbei in exchange for the current situation?" There are another ten years, as long as ten years, the thirteen departments of Beidi will completely fall apart, and Yongxue Pass will be able to break them one by one. It took so many people to get to where they are today, and now they are going to be ruined. ”

"I know," Chu Zhixia grabbed Chu Mingyan's hand tightly, his throat was tight to the point of pain, "I know everything." But big brother, if you go, you won't be able to come back. Even so, the emperor will not wake up, and peace talks will continue. ”

Chu Mingyan lowered his eyes, he knew that what Chu Shixia said might be right. Gambling on a person's conscience and trust is a big gamble, not to mention that this person is still the emperor. But he had no better way than to fight to the death.

"Beidi can use the peace talks to strengthen the army, and we can also use the name of the peace talks to spy on the military situation and rectify the armament." Chu Zhixia said.

"The emperor has tried to see that once the peace talks are successful, he will gradually take back the military and political power in the northern part of the country." Chu Mingyan shook his head and did not approve, "Once the secret preparations are discovered, the Chu clan will not be able to escape the charge of secretly storing military armor and attempting to rebel." I'm afraid that I won't be able to wait for the day of the decisive battle with Beidi, and the Chu clan in the clouds will be beheaded all over the house. ”

"Then change the emperor."

Chu Mingyan was silent for a moment, looking at Chu Zhixia, who was speaking falsely. Chu Zhixia's expression was resolute and calm, only a pair of eyes were bright and hot, like a blazing sun.

——

Auspicious 10th year, the end of July.

The terms of the peace talks drawn up by the cabinet were gradually finalized, including but not limited to the tribute paid by Beidi to the Great Zhou, and the Northern Di Khan declared vassals to the Great Zhou. The Beidi envoy was respectful and polite, the emperor was tolerant and gentle, and even the Yunzhong Chu clan, who had always been the main battle, was also silent with interest, and the scene was a joy for the guests and hosts.

Hunting grounds on the outskirts of the imperial capital.

A tent of varying heights was set up on the periphery of the hunting ground, and colourful banners fluttered in the wind.

Yulin Wei guarded the distinguished guests at the banquet, and the wine and delicacies were lined up in two columns, and the emperor was on a high place. Hongji Thorn sits on the throne second only to the emperor, Chu Mingyan is slightly shorter than Hongji Thorn, and Chu Zhixia sits at his hand.

Bai Ziche and Shen Zhou sat on either side of the emperor respectively, Shen Zhou was as silent as a jade statue, quietly keeping an eye on the direction of the Chu family brothers and sisters - I don't know if it was intentional or lacking heart, Chu Zhixia and Chu Mingyan were too close to the Beidi mission.

Chu Zhixia naturally separated Chu Mingyan from the Beidi Mission, his fingers clasped on the edge of the table.

Exotic beauties with golden bells on their ankles dance barefoot on red felt, their slender and white calves exposed under the swirling skirts, and the bells are sultry. At the end of the dance, the beauties with deep eyebrows and eyes did not retreat.

Hongji stood up, pressed his chest to salute the emperor, and said, "This is a gift from Beidi to Your Majesty, the famous beauties of the thirteen Beidi tribes. I hope that they will please His Majesty, and that they will live up to the Khan's painstaking efforts. ”

Chu Zhixia turned his head and rolled his eyes secretly.

The emperor quoted scriptures and praised Erdan and accepted the beauty. Immediately after that, the warriors of Beidi proposed to dance the sword to cheer up, Yu Linwei cautiously approached the emperor's side, and Yan Jue nervously clenched the scabbard.

The burly and muscular warriors of Beidi showed off their well-defined muscles and wore hideous tattoos on their shoulders. The Beidi people's knife skills are fierce, and they can see that the hearts of all the Wenchen are cold.

The sick Chu Mingyan was indifferent.

"The Beidi warriors are worthy of the name of bravery." A layer of sweat broke out in the palm of the emperor's hand, and he reluctantly praised.

"Your Majesty praises you, although the Beidi warriors are brave, they are still a little worse than the Chu clan in the clouds." Hongji spurred and said, "I heard the allusion of 'laughing and enmity' in the Central Plains, and the king of Zhenbei is also here today, why not compete in martial arts to eliminate hatred?" ”

The emperor looked at Chu Mingyan and pretended to ask for advice: "What does the king of Zhenbei think? ”

Competing with envoys is a hot potato. If you win too much, the minister will lose face, and both ends will not look good; If you lose too badly, it will damage the face of the emperor, and you will be scolded by the courtiers and despised by the world.

Chu Mingyan smiled lightly: "The minister thinks it's very good." ”

He turned to Chu Lin behind him and said, "Chu Lin, you go." ”

Unexpectedly, the Beidi warrior who stood up said: "I am the first warrior of the Qingying Division, and the king of Zhenbei does not have to deliberately give in and call a little-known soldier to perfunctory me." ”

With contempt in his eyes, he said with an arrogant expression: "Or is it that the King of Zhenbei has no one available except for Chu Mingxiu?" ”

Beidi Shangwu, Chu Mingxiu is a god-killing Rakshasa figure in Beidi. Chu Mingyan seems to be a mediocre person who relies on the old age and etiquette to rely on the position of the king of the north of the town in the rumors of the Beidi people.

Shen Zhou glanced at Chu Zhixia.

Bai Ziche saw Shen Zhou's eyes and had a bad feeling.

In front of everyone's eyes, Chu Zhixia turned the empty teacup upside down on the table. Chu Mingyan didn't raise his eyes, and slapped the back of her hand to make her sit down. Chu Zhixia was stubborn, took off the Buddha beads and put them on the table and stood up slowly.

"Then I'll do it. The eldest lady of the Chu clan in the clouds, can she be qualified to compete with the first samurai of the Blue Eagle Clan? Chu Zhixia curled the corners of his lips and said, "It's just that I have never been light or heavy, but don't hurt the harmony between the two countries." ”

——

"Your Majesty." Shen Zhou lowered his voice and said to the emperor for the first time, "There is still room for regret at this time." ”

Shen Zhou has been ignoring the emperor for a long time, let alone talking, and he doesn't even have a look.

The emperor was surprised and a little confused, "What leeway?" ”

Before Shen Zhou could speak, Xiao Da'er had already answered.

"The king of Zhenbei is clearly here, but he wants his sister to come forward. The Chu clan in the clouds, is it only available to women? "It's not without contempt.

"Just try it." Chu Zhixia was clearly smiling, but his eyes were cold.

Shen Zhou only looked at Chu Zhixia's eyes and knew that she had been angered, even if the emperor opened his mouth to refuse this contest at this moment, it would be useless.

Bai Ziche inquired about Shen Zhou with his eyes.

"In the clouds, no one has dared to talk to King Zhenbei like this for many years."

Shen Zhou answered the questions of the emperor and Bai Ziche, and said lightly: "In the past, it was Chu Mingxiu who was here, and after Chu Mingxiu guarded the Snow Pass, it was Chu Zhixia who was here. They could not bear this provocation even more than the king of Zhenbei himself. ”

Or rather, insults.

The emperor allowed foreign envoys to mock Chu Mingyan in public, and Chu Zhixia was already holding his breath in his heart. The words implied that Chu Mingyan was strong and capable, which made Chu Zhixia unbearable.

"I'm afraid this competition won't end well." Shen Zhou said expressionlessly.

The emperor's face sank, and he said, "At the moment of the overall situation, does Chu Zhixia still dare to kill people under my nose?" ”

Shen Zhou didn't even give the emperor a superfluous look, and went to see Chu Zhixia.

"Beidi is known for its cavalry, and I have long admired the skills of Beidi warriors in riding and archery. It's nothing compared to knives and guns, how about we compare riding and shooting? Chu Zhixia ignored the low noise of the audience, and raised his head and said, "Shoot immediately, bear the casualties, and those who fall off the horse will lose." ”

Xiao Da'er said neatly: "Okay! ”

The emperor's face turned pale for a moment.

——

Yu Linwei temporarily enclosed a circular open space and used it as a racetrack. The emperor stood on the lookout, and was guarded by Yan Jue on the left and right. Hongji led a group of envoys to stand on another lookout and bowed slightly to greet the emperor.

The Emperor barely managed to squeeze out a smile.

"Chu Shixia has always been lawless, and Yunzhong strongly opposes peace talks." The Emperor muttered, "If she had killed the Beidi warriors with an arrow, or had been killed by the Beidi warriors, this farce would have been out of control today." ”

Yan was unable to answer.

If the emperor had refused at the beginning, the banquet would have already ended.

Not far away, Shen Zhou stood silently behind Chu Mingyan's side, in a protective posture. Chu Mingyan looked at Chu Zhixia's heartless back with a cold face, turned his head to look at Shen Zhou again, and suddenly wanted to sigh.

"Mo Xue won't come nonsense." Shen Zhou saw through Chu Mingyan's thoughts and said, "She is no longer the little girl who picked up wine jars and smashed people's heads on the streets of Yunzhong, and fought with the children of the nobles. ”

Chu Mingyan looked at Shen Zhou seriously, but Shen Zhou became nervous. As if to make Chu Mingyan feel relieved, Shen Zhou tried to show a smile.

Chu Mingyan patted Shen Zhou's shoulder and said with a little relief: "Changle is the same as before, I don't know." You're smiling a lot better than you used to. ”

Chu Zhixia in the middle of the racecourse seemed to sense something, and looked back at the two of them. Chu Zhixia was originally carrying a heavy bow, stretched out his hand to twist the bowstring, and suddenly turned around and saw the two of them talking, reaching out to put his nose on his nose and sticking out his tongue, making a grimace.

Chu Mingyan smiled dumbly: "What does it look like." ”

Shen Zhou showed a knowing smile, relaxed and comfortable.

"5K, make up 9.23 that day's less 1K. I wish you all a nice view."