The Grandmaster Strategist

In the twenty-seventh year of the reign of Emperor Yong, the king followed the policy of Hou Zhe of Chuxiang, the supervisor of the army, and used heavy troops as his side troops to kill Tan Ji. Then he quickly marched thousands of miles to attack the main force of the Northern Han army. At that time, Long Tingfei knew that the king was away from the central army, and attacked with all his strength. The Marquis of Chuxiang beat drums to encourage the army's morale, and guarded the Northern Han army all day and night. On November 9, the king led his personal guards forty miles away from Qin Ze. Long retreated after realizing the difficulty, and the king pursued for three hundred miles. Long Tingfei personally cut off the rear army. The two armies fought more than ten times, with each winning or losing. On November 15, the Northern Han Dynasty's invincible leader responded, but Wang Yi's soldiers were exhausted and retreated to Zezhou. The two armies fought for more than half a month, with the Yong army suffering 60,000 casualties and the Northern Han army suffering nearly 40,000 casualties. It may be said that this battle was unwinnable. However, after this battle, the Northern Han army no longer had the strength to attack Zezhou and Zhenzhou.

——"The Family of King Yong and Qi"

In Yongdu and Chang'an, since the urgent military report came from Zezhou at the beginning of the month, almost all the ministers in the court were worried. This time Long Tingfei launched a large-scale attack on Zezhou. Although the Zezhou camp had many generals, But this does not mean that there is a certainty of victory. Not to mention that Long Tingfei is one of the most famous generals in the world. Although King Qi can barely resist in recent years, it is difficult to win. Besides, the knot between King Qi and the emperor is still unresolved. Ze The generals of the state camp are not in harmony, and there are many hidden worries that are causing headaches. These heavy clouds did not dissipate because the emperor sent a new supervisor, the Marquis of Chuxiang. After all, Jiang Zhe was just a scholar. Many people did not believe that he could really suppress the King of Qi. It was because he had the ability to mediate the King of Qi and the generals. In the conflict between them, Long Tingfei may not have a chance of winning.

Moreover, as soon as the Northern Han army entered Zezhou, rumors began to appear in various places in Dayong. Some people said that this time Long Ting flew all the troops from the country to attack Zezhou, and Dayong's troops no longer had the advantage. Some people said that the Yong army was defeated miserably, and the King of Qi did not know. In terms of life and death, some people say that there is internal chaos in the Yong army and that it cannot resist the attack of the Northern Han army. The Northern Han army has been raging in Zezhou for many days, killing countless soldiers and civilians. When rumors spread to Chang'an, people's hearts were in confusion. Although Dayong's prosperity over the years has made the people more confident, the rumors were so vivid that people couldn't help but believe them a little more. Not long after, another voice sounded, saying that Li Zhi was the first choice among the famous generals of Dayong, and that only Li Zhi's personal expedition could reverse the defeat.

But in this situation with lurking undercurrents, Princess Changle played a role in stabilizing people's hearts. Princess Changle had just returned to Beijing, and she heard these rumors on the way. King Qing even asked her privately if Jiang Zhe had any way to control King Qi. Naturally, Princess Changle could only smile and comfort King Qing, saying that there would be no dispute between King Qi and the consort, and that King Qi would be responsible for the war ahead. But King Qing seemed very worried. Although he didn't say it explicitly, he secretly sent people to strengthen the protection of Chachi. Princess Changle is not worried about the war ahead, but she believes that Jiang Zhe can stabilize the Zezhou camp. She also believes in King Qi's military strategy. Even if she cannot win, she will not be defeated. What's more, Jiang Zhe has Xiao Shunzi by his side. Protecting. So she still looked calm and just took Roulan and Li Lin to watch the scenery along the way every day. Of course, sometimes she would hold Jiang Shen in her arms. Speaking of these three children, Jiang Shen seemed to be the most curious. If If I want him to sleep a little longer and not let him look out the window, he will often cry.

However, the rumors were so rampant that Princess Changle also felt that something was wrong. Moreover, after receiving a secret order from Yongdu one day, Princess Changle deliberately slowed down her journey and took detours through many counties. Everywhere she went, she took the initiative to meet with local senior officials. Officials' families. Although she didn't say a word about the war in Zezhou or the rumors, her calm and joyful mood infected the ladies of Gaoming. Everyone knew that the consort Chu Xianghou was in Zezhou. If something happened in Zezhou, how could the princess be so peaceful and calm? This idea quickly spread among the middle and low-level officials in a faster way. By the time Princess Changle returned to Yongdu many days late, although no battle reports had come from Zezhou, the rumors would hardly affect the officials. Although this is due to the control of the imperial court, Princess Changle's contribution is obvious.

On November 17, Princess Changle's Luanjia finally arrived in Chang'an. Emperor Yong issued an order and ordered Prince Li Jun to lead officials of third rank and above to meet him thirty miles out of town.

With her status as Princess Changle of Ning Kingdom, this was not overstepping her bounds, and no one in the capital knew about Princess Changle's achievements in soothing people's hearts on her way back to Beijing.

Lifting the beaded curtain on the Luan Chai, Princess Changle's eyes were hazy, and flashes of memories flashed by. In the seventeenth year of Wuwei, she married Nan Chu. At that time, she felt sad in her heart. She only hated the chariot and drove her too fast. No sight of the smoke and clouds of Chang'an. In the twenty-third year of Wuwei's reign, he returned from Nanchu. Although he returned to the imperial hometown, his heart was as good as the ancient well, and he just wanted to spend the rest of his life beside his relatives. After that, although he tried his best to dodge, he was still disturbed by the regret of taking away his legitimate son, and could hardly live in the palace. At this time, he was already a widow, and his heart was slightly disturbed, but the lover in his heart was just around the corner. It wasn't until Wuwei's twenty-fifth year that she left Chang'an with her husband at all costs, and she found the happiness and peace she had never experienced before. Now that I have returned to Chang'an, I am afraid that I will never have the chance to go back to the East China Sea to live in seclusion. I feel the joy of being reunited with my relatives, but I also feel the helplessness of re-entering the world.

At this time, Zhou Shangyi came over with several palace maids and carried several children. Princess Changle calmed down her excited mood, showed a faint smile, stepped out of the palace, and calmly looked at the people who greeted her.

The nearly ten-year-old prince Li Jun hurriedly waited for the imperial aunt to drive him early in the morning. To be honest, he was not very familiar with the imperial aunt. After all, he had only met her a few times, but he understood the imperial aunt very well. status. If it were not for Princess Ning Guo Changle, his father might not have had the chance to sit on the throne, and he might have died long ago. However, Li Jun certainly understood that the most important thing for his father was that the emperor's aunt was married to Chu Xiang Hou Jiangzhe, in the words of his father, this is the best way to tie the genius of Xianyun Yehe to the Dayong chariot, and there is no forced reconciliation or estrangement. But for Li Jun, perhaps the most important thing is that the little sister he hasn't seen for many years has returned to Beijing with the emperor's aunt. Thinking of this, Li Jun couldn't help but think angrily of when he returned to Chang'an from Youzhou. He originally wanted to reunite with Roulan after a long separation, but suddenly, Roulan was taken away by Mr. Jiang, and two years later... Not even a letter for many times. I felt a little uneasy in my heart, hoping that Roulan wouldn't have forgotten me.

Finally, when Princess Changle arrived, Li Jun's eyes widened when he saw the imperial aunt in a princess dress walking towards him with a smile. He still remembered the imperial aunt's appearance, but now it seems, Although his appearance has not changed much, he seems to have changed into another person. His gentle, elegant, calm and joyful expression makes people feel admiration and admiration.

After the wedding ceremony in the suburbs, at this time, a cute little girl rushed out from among the palace maids standing behind Luan Jia, grabbed Li Jun's sleeve, and said eagerly: "Brother Jun, do you still remember?" Blue.”

Li Jun looked at the familiar little girl, and the past memories almost immediately came back to his mind. At this moment, he forgot all etiquette, stretched out his hands to hug the little girl like before, and said happily: "Lanlan, you are back. , why haven't you written to me in the past two years? I thought you didn't remember me. Mr. Jiang, no, did my uncle bully you? If so, I will report it to my mother, and she will definitely get it back for you."

Roulan looked at Li Jun, whose childishness had subsided and had become handsome. She burst into tears and said, "Dad bullied me and didn't even allow me to send letters to Brother Jun." After that, Roulan, who was sobbing, took out a thick A thick stack of letters, all of which were written but not sent. Li Jun only felt that there was some moisture in his eyes for some reason. At this time, he had already remembered that he could not lose his composure in front of others. He tried hard to raise his head to prevent tears from falling. He solemnly took the letters and said, "Okay, I will read them one by one." , Lanlan just thinks that the letter has been delayed for a long time on the road." Roulan then broke into tears and smiled. Li Jun looked behind him with some guilt. Fortunately, those officials were wise and stayed away. Li Jun took a breath and put Roulan down. When he looked up, he saw Princess Changle's smile and couldn't help but She blushed and said: "Imperial aunt, the emperor's grandfather, emperor's grandmother, father and mother are all waiting for you." Princess Changle smiled and took Roulan's little hand and said: "Okay, let's get on the road quickly. Let's go." After saying that, he led Roulan to the Luanjia, and Zhou Shangyi also sent Shen'er to the Luanjia. Now that they have entered Chang'an, it is inconvenient for Li Lin to sit on the Luan Jiao. From the corner of her eyes, Princess Changle saw Li Lin with a stubborn look and whispered to Li Jun before getting on the Luan Jiao.

After Luan Jia set off, Li Jun walked up to Li Lin and said gently: "You are Brother Lin, right? How about riding with me?"

Li Lin, who had originally looked a little cold, had a flash of warmth in his eyes, and the sourness that Roulan had left him to talk to Li Jun gradually dissipated. He was not good at words and said coldly: "I can ride a horse myself."

Li Jun said with a look of surprise in his eyes: "You can ride a horse at a young age, you are really awesome." He asked the guard to lead a royal horse and said with a smile: "This is the royal horse given to me by my father. It has a very docile temperament. Just take a look, don't be afraid." Li Lin nodded numbly. He was still young, but the saddles on the royal horse were specially made, so after Li Lin got on the horse, he quickly controlled the horse and followed Luan Jia and Li Jun towards Mingde Gate. Along the way, Li Jun asked Li Lin various questions from time to time. While he felt that Li Jun was a bit wordy, Li Lin also felt warmer in his heart. It seemed that he would not be too sad in Chang'an.

When Princess Changle walked into the Cining Palace where the Queen Mother lived, she saw her mother's loving eyes at first glance. She couldn't help crying and came forward to prostrate herself gracefully. Changsun stepped forward to help her daughter up and was delighted to see her daughter's face shining brightly. , no longer as haggard as before, the mother and daughter said a few common words, and the eldest grandson took his daughter and asked her to sit next to him. Only then did Princess Changle see Concubine Yan Gui sitting next to her, and she quickly stood up to pay her respects. Although Concubine Yan has remained favored in recent years, her appearance has become a bit older because she is worried about the estrangement between her beloved son and the current emperor. News in the palace spread quickly, and she had long known that Princess Changle had brought her own grandson. Although she was a little angry that Qin Zheng had harmed her beloved son, in any case, if Qin Zheng had not committed suicide to apologize, I am afraid that things would have been more difficult, and Li Lin is her favorite. Unless she has no choice, she will not let King Qi bring Li Lin to the battlefield. This time she heard that Princess Changle brought Li Lin back, and she was very grateful to Princess Changle, and she also I heard that Changle's consort went to Zezhou to join the army. From now on, the honor and disgrace of his beloved son's life may depend on Jiang Zhe and his wife, so Concubine Yan picked up Changle very politely and said: "Zhen'er, I heard that you brought Roulan and Shen'er are coming over, my sister has been thinking about her grandson for a long time, so why don't you bring them in quickly."

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager Changsun raised her hands and said: "Sister, do you think the Ai family is confused? They originally wanted to let the children in, but when they saw Zhen'er, they forgot everything. Tian Shanggong, hurry up and tell the children Come in."

Not long after, Zhou Shangyi personally hugged Jiang Shen, Roulan and Li Lin followed the prince Li Jun and walked in. However, Li Jun was reluctant to separate from Roulan, so he also followed.

However, the Empress Dowager Changsun first waved Roulan to come closer, held her on her knees, and said, "Little Lanlan, do you still remember the Ai family?"

Roulan's eyes flashed with excitement, and she grabbed the Queen Mother and said, "Remember, Lanlan misses the empress very much, and also misses the Emperor's grandpa."

The Queen Mother said kindly: "Now that you are called Zhen'er's mother, you should change your name to Aijia's grandmother. The Emperor has been talking about you from time to time in the past two years, but today he made an excuse to go hunting. Alas, who allowed him to be so proud? Remember that I didn’t agree with Zhen’er’s marriage to your father, and I was worried that you would look down on him.”

Everyone felt funny when they heard this, but they all endured it. The Queen Mother could say this, but they couldn't laugh at the Emperor.

Then the Queen Mother said: "Okay, quickly bring Shen'er over and let the Ai family see this little grandson."

Princess Changle personally took her beloved son and carried her to the Queen Mother. Roulan jumped down from the Queen Mother's lap obediently. The Queen Mother took the little baby and tears flashed in her eyes. This was her grandson who was bleeding with her flesh and blood. Naturally, she felt Love extremely. Jiang Shen was also very energetic and not afraid of strangers at all. Although he staggered even when walking and was basically still in the crawling stage, it did not prevent him from touching the Queen Mother's phoenix crown with his little hands. The Queen Mother kissed her for a long time and suddenly asked: "Why hasn't the Queen come over yet? Didn't she say she would come over early this morning?"

Tian Shanggong said respectfully: "Queen Mother Qi, the Queen Mother was going to come here, but Duan Cairen suddenly suffered from abdominal pain this morning, and she was probably going to give birth prematurely. The Queen was very worried, so she sent someone to report it, and she had to come later. .”

The Empress Dowager Changsun sighed: "The Queen is indeed virtuous, but it is difficult for the Emperor to have heirs. So far, he only has a legitimate son, Jun'er. If there is any accident, wouldn't it make the Emperor worried? Nowadays, the court is not peaceful, and there is a war at the border. Thanks to the Queen, who is so virtuous. Internal aid. Four months ago, if the Queen hadn’t personally intervened, I’m afraid Duan Cairen’s child would not have been saved.”

Concubine Yan Gui saw that Princess Changle was a little strange and said: "This is also a tragedy in the palace. After the emperor ascended the throne, he instructed the Ministry of Rites to abolish Pinyi from the harem and determine the main positions in the inner court. In order, they are the empress, the four concubines Gui, Xian, Shu, De, Zhaoyi , Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, Xiuyuan, Chongyi, Chongrong and Chongyuan are the nine concubines, nine are Jieyu, nine are beauties, nine are talented people, and the rest of the principal positions have been abolished.

Princess Yong was naturally in the middle of the palace. Both the Zhao family and the Yun family had been concubines for many years and gave birth to princesses, so the Zhao family was named the Xian concubine, and the Yun family was named the Virtuous concubine. Because the harem was too neglected, the Queen Mother Yi ordered a selection of beautiful girls, and the most outstanding one was Sima Ai, the head of Yonghe Palace. This girl was a bit pampered, but she was also talented and beautiful, but she was unexpectedly cruel. Duan Cairen lived in the Lixiang Pavilion in Yonghe Palace. Duan Cairen was born in a poor family and had a gentle temperament. The emperor visited him twice and got pregnant. Duan Cairen was not favored, but he was also a little confused, so he didn't pay attention. However, Sima Ai knew about it first, and she broke into the Lixiang Pavilion with her cronies after the key was released from the palace gate, and forced Duan Cairen to drink abortion pills. The palaces of Yonghe Palace belong to Sima Ai's world, and Lixiang Pavilion is relatively remote, so she is allowed to do whatever she wants. However, this talented man was also soft on the outside and strong on the inside. After being drugged, he took advantage of the lax defense and fled with his life to the West Wing Hall where Cheng Jieyu lived. However, Cheng Jieyu was a distant relative of Wei Guogong and a general in the family. This girl was born with a chivalrous and courageous nature. She usually protected Duan Cai and other concubines who were bullied by Sima Ai. This time, she actually violated the palace rules and climbed over the wall. After leaving Yonghe Palace, he went to Kunning Palace overnight to see the queen and explain the matter. Now things got serious. The queen rushed over overnight and ordered Sima Ai to be placed under house arrest. She also summoned the imperial doctor to give her full treatment. Finally, Duan Cai was strong and struggled desperately. He only drank half a bowl of medicine and was able to survive. The child and life, but it is a pity that it is a premature birth again. No wonder the Queen is so nervous that she does not even bother to pick you up. "

These things were common in the palace, but Princess Changle was still unhappy and asked: "What is the background of this Sima Xiu Ai to be so arrogant? Not to mention a Xiu Ai, even the fourth concubine would not dare to do such a thing. ?”

When Concubine Yan Gui began to talk about this matter, the Empress Dowager Changsun had several children taken outside to play and dismissed the palace people. At this moment, she also looked gloomy and said: "Who says otherwise, in all dynasties, unless it is the emperor's special She was pampered to the point of being lawless. How could any concubine dare to be so presumptuous? Now that the emperor is very indifferent to the harem, and the queen is a person who can shock people, the Ai family found this strange. Later, after the queen investigated in detail, this Sima Xiu Ai She was originally the daughter of an aristocratic family in the former Shu Kingdom. Today, her relatives are still the most famous family in Dongchuan. If not, even if she is talented and beautiful, she would not be able to enter the palace and become a concubine. The Sima family is now also the son of King Qing in Dongchuan. The biggest help was that King Qing personally went to the palace to plead with the queen. Therefore, in order to hurt King Qing's face, the queen could only issue an order to send Sima Ai to the cold palace to settle the matter. Cheng Jieyu made a great contribution and sealed Chongrong. Duan Cairen was an innocent victim, but because he can't get up now and the child hasn't gone into labor, he hasn't been rewarded yet."

A cold light flashed in Princess Changle's eyes. It was King Qing again. She had some sympathy and admiration for this royal brother, but after meeting this time, she saw that he was always in trouble with King Qi. That's okay. Maybe it was. Because what happened to Fengyi Sect in the past made him feel resentful. But what happened to Sima Ai was a bit strange. The Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Taigui exchanged glances. They were very dissatisfied with this matter. Concubine Yan Taigui was naturally because Prince Qing was the main person who attacked her beloved son, but the Empress Dowager Changsun was sympathetic to the same illness. None of her sons survived. To this day, she hates killing children the most. Sima Ai has offended her. However, although the Queen Mother has a noble status, the Changsun family is unwilling to interfere with the affairs of the harem. After all, the emperor is not her biological son, and she does not want to Interfering too much with the queen's power. But Princess Changle is different. As the most noble princess of the Dayong royal family, the consort is also the emperor's confidant. If Princess Changle comes forward, no one will dare to say anything about this matter.

A trace of hesitation flashed in Princess Changle's eyes. She also had murderous intentions towards Sima Ai. Back then, she had no choice but to kill her baby, which made her dream back in the middle of the night with her clothes wet with tears, even though it was the flesh and blood of someone she didn't like. But such interference in royal affairs made Princess Changle a little worried. She knew Jiang Zhe's temperament and didn't like causing trouble the least.

At this moment, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. The three of them looked up, and Shang Gong outside shouted loudly: "The Queen has arrived." Princess Changle stood up, and the Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Gui also looked out eagerly. Go, Queen Gao looked a little haggard, followed by the harem masters and concubines. After coming in to greet the Queen Mother, the Queen said sadly: "Duan Cairen forced herself to give birth to a prince, but it is pity that she abandoned the child. It turned out to be... I didn’t even see the child’s face.”

Everyone was sighing, and Princess Changle was angry and stepped forward to pay tribute to the queen. Mrs. Gao quickly helped Chang Le up and said with a forced smile: "My sister is back today and I didn't even go to greet her. It's really rude."

Princess Changle tried to persuade the emperor's sister-in-law for a few words. She looked up and saw a graceful and graceful woman among the concubines. She was very sad. She asked the queen with her eyes. The queen sighed and said: "Cheng Chongrong, you too Don't be sad, this is fate. I know that you are on good terms with Duan Cairen, and I will not treat her badly after your death. The mother and daughter-in-law want Duan Cairen to have contributed to the birth of the prince, so they will pursue the title of Zhaorong. Bar."

Cheng Chongrong stepped forward and bowed down and said: "The Queen Mother, the Imperial Concubine, the Queen Mother, I am not qualified to speak. Although I have a good relationship with Duan Cairen, it is only in general. However, I am not satisfied with the murderer." Although she has been relegated to the cold palace, she is still alive and will be able to leave the palace and return home when the amnesty is granted in a few years. Poor Duan Cairen is in such a state of disgrace that she still asks her mother and empress to make decisions for her."

The three of them were a little embarrassed. The queen glanced at Princess Changle out of the corner of her eye and said, "Sima has already been punished. It is difficult for me to add blame for this matter."

Cheng Chongrong looked sad and angry, and stood up with tears in his eyes. The Queen saluted the Queen Mother and said: "Mother, the second prince lost his mother when he was born. He should have been raised by this palace. However, my palace has been busy lately, so why not give the second prince to Cheng Chongrong to raise him."

The Queen Mother nodded and said: "Ms. Cheng, you are the Queen of Zhongliang and the benefactor of the second prince. Please raise him well."

Although Cheng Chongrong was sad, he couldn't help being flattered and said, "I'm afraid I can't do my duty." The queen comforted her with gentle words, and Cheng Chongrong finally accepted such a favor.

Seeing that the matter had been suppressed for the time being, the queen smiled and said: "It's almost time. I will hold a family banquet in Kunning Palace to cleanse the dust of Changle. The emperor will come over later. Why don't the queen mother and the concubine go over now? Look. Let’s see if the delicacies prepared by me are satisfactory.”

Empress Dowager Changsun and Concubine Yan Gui were all smiling and went out accompanied by the palace concubines and female officials. The empress deliberately fell behind and took Princess Changle's arm and said: "Sister, your residence has been taken care of by me." , you can live in it, but you can’t leave the palace today.”

Princess Changle's heart warmed, she held the queen's hand with her backhand and said, "Sister-in-law, thank you for your trouble." Then she whispered in a low voice, "What did the emperor say?"

Although she asked vaguely, the queen immediately replied: "The emperor said that it is time to give Prince Qing a small warning, but it is not appropriate to reorganize Dongchuan's defense now, so it is difficult for the emperor and the palace to refute Prince Qing's face. .”

Princess Changle understood in her heart, nodded slightly and stopped talking.

The Kunning Palace was brightly lit that night. Emperor Li Yuan finally couldn't help but miss his daughter. When he saw Princess Changle, he beamed with joy. Seeing his daughter in high spirits, nothing made him happier than this. Shen'er was still young at her age. He was small, so naturally he couldn't sit down at the table, but Rou Lan was pulled by Li Yuan to sit next to him. Li Zhi, who came next, asked Li Jun and Li Lin to sit beside him. Li Kang looked gloomy.

After the happy ending, Princess Changle did not fall asleep at the third watch of the night. She took Zhou Shangyi, Xiao Liuzi and several powerful palace maids and eunuchs into the cold palace, and looked coldly at the originally pampered and beautiful girl, but now she The haggard Sima waited for a long time, and then ordered him to be killed with a stick. That night, Sima's wail shocked the entire Leng Palace.

The next day, Princess Changle apologized to the Queen Mother and the Empress in person. The Queen Mother had just pretended to give Princess Changle a few words, and Li Yuan, who had heard the news, came to excuse the matter. My father protested.

Three days later, good news came from Zezhou, and at almost the same time, military information from Southern Chu came. Lu Can left Luocheng, occupied the middle of Shu, and overwhelmed Jiameng Pass. He was invincible all the way. Jiameng Pass was in danger. Between the two countries, there was another battle. There is no room for change.