The Grandmaster Strategist

At that time, Ying was imprisoned for treason, but escaped without being imprisoned. The general ordered his arrest, and Ying committed suicide. The general was still angry and was hastily buried in the northern suburbs of Qinzhou.

In the twenty-fifth year of its prosperity, the Northern Han Dynasty fell, and King Yongqi made it known to the world that the innocent people of Ying were killed.

——"The Biography of Shi Ying in the History of the Northern Han Dynasty"

Qiu Yufei stood on the corridor, listening to the sound of pipa playing like clouds and flowing water in the pavilion, and felt relaxed and happy.

After Miss Qingdai was brought into the General's Mansion, Qiu Yufei hid in the dark when Xiao Tong interrogated her. He cherished Qingdai's talent and beauty, especially her good pipa skills, and was worried that Xiao Tong would destroy the flowers with his ruthless skills, so he secretly maintain. No matter how Xiao Tong tried hard and soft, Qingdai only responded coldly. Even Qiu Yufei could see the woman's hatred for the Northern Han Dynasty. She was cold and distant towards Xiao Tong, she spoke of Duan Wudi with hatred, but when she mentioned Quartz, her expression was melancholy and apologetic. Qiu Yufei could understand her thoughts. She might not have feelings for Quartz. She was not affectionate, but Quartz's infatuation moved her very much. If such a woman were to be a secret agent of Yong Dynasty, she would be too incompetent. Based on her temperament, she is not suitable for being a spy.

After Xiao Tong initially confirmed that the woman was innocent, he did not release her. Firstly, he wanted to carefully investigate the woman's past. In addition, Long Tingfei also hinted that he should keep Qingdai. Duan Wudi had been busy with military affairs for many years and had not gotten married. He was in a hurry yesterday and knew that he had not forgotten Qingdai. If they could get back together, it would be a good story. However, in the past few days, Duan Wudi was busy with military affairs. After Shi Ying's death, appeasing his old troops and dealing with the aftermath of the smuggling case were not simple tasks. Duan Wudi had almost no time to meet Qingdai, but Qiu Yufei vaguely felt that the two I'm afraid it's impossible among people, because Qingdai has been in a daze except playing the pipa for several days, and has never asked to meet Duan Wudi. If it were not to hinder Duan Wudi, Qiu Yufei would like to discuss the music with Qingdai. Ichiban.

There were low footsteps behind him. Qiu Yufei just listened to the footsteps and knew that Ling Duan was coming. Without looking back, Ling Duan's voice came to his ears: "Fourth Master, the wine is here. Fourth Master, listen to the music." You are fascinated, don’t you want to meet Miss Qingdai?”

Qiu Yufei turned around and rolled his eyes at Ling Duan. Seeing a strange smile on his face, he reached out and gave him a slap. Ling Duan made a grimace. Since Shi Ying's death, Ling Duan felt that General Tan and Li Hu My hatred has been avenged, I no longer have any worries in my heart, and I have regained my former cheerfulness. Seeing his strange expression, Qiu Yufei scolded: "Nonsense, a gentleman will not win someone's love. General Duan and Miss Qingdai had a marriage agreement. Although they parted ways midway, I think they have not forgotten their love. Besides, I admire Qingdai." The girl’s character and talent do not mean she wants to be married to someone else.”

At this time, Ling Duan saw Duan Wudi walking slowly from a distance, and quickly pulled Qiu Yufei's lapel. Qiu Yufei thought it would be inconvenient for him to see him, so he quickly pulled Ling Duan and hid behind the rockery. Duan Wudi was seen standing in front of the door, hesitating. He reached out several times to push the door open, but he always put his hand down. At this time, a cold and cold voice came from the door: "Is this General Duan? Please come in."

Qiu Yufei smiled slightly and turned to leave. He didn't want to get involved in other people's personal affairs, but Ling Duan was curious in his heart. He was young and didn't have so many scruples. Seeing that Qiu Yufei had gone away, he covered himself up. Eavesdropping on the conversation under the window. If it were in the past, his actions would naturally not be hidden from Duan Wudi and Qingdai inside, but now the two people who reunited after a long separation were so excited that they didn't even notice that someone was eavesdropping outside.

When Qingdai saw Duan Wudi walking in, she didn't stand up to greet him. She still touched the pipa and gently plucked the strings from time to time. Duan Wudi stood at the door, looking at Qingdai, with a lot of emotions in his heart. The Qingdai at that time was not as cold and beautiful as it is now. If today she is like a plum blossom in winter, she was like a pear blossom after the rain. Generally solitary and charming.

Qing Dai's eyes fell on Duan Wudi. It had been seven years. The young general back then was now a mature and steady middle-aged man. The things that once made her attracted still existed, but the two of them were already separated by an ocean. ,

Seven years ago, she was just a confused girl. Apart from her deep hatred for the Northern Han Dynasty, she could not even think of how to take revenge. When she met Duan Wudi that day, she really wanted to share her life with him, but after all, this man only had one word of loyalty in his heart, so the two parted ways. He became his loyal minister of the Northern Han Dynasty, but he took another path. the way. Qingdai, Su Qing, who was originally a famous lady of the Northern Han Dynasty, is now the general sentry of the Northern Han Dynasty intelligence network under the jurisdiction of Wencao, the commander of the Yong Military Department. Maybe he had some affair with Duan Wudi, the iron wall general of the Northern Han Dynasty.

Duan Wudi saw that Qingdai remained silent, and finally said: "Qingdai, I haven't seen you for many years, you have suffered a lot. Haven't you met someone you fell in love with in so many years? With your talent and appearance, you should have chosen a good son-in-law early."

Qingdai turned away and said coldly: "General Shi is interested in Qingdai, hasn't he been forced to death by you?"

Duan Wudi hurriedly said: "Qingdai, please listen to my explanation. When I saw Quartz falling in love with you that day, I deliberately avoided it. I know you will never forgive me. Quartz has a straightforward temperament. If you marry him, you will definitely be able to Happy, but I never expected that he would betray the country and surrender to the enemy, let alone commit suicide."

Qingdai played the pipa coldly and said: "You don't need to say more. General Shi's favor for me does not mean that I will marry him, but he is a very affectionate person, which is much better than someone like you." ”

Duan Wudi sighed and said, "Do you still blame me?"

Qingdai said indifferently: "I once blamed you. After I left you that day, I only felt that life was boring, so I broke into the mountains and just wanted to die silently. If I hadn't been saved by my mentor, Qingdai would have died in the mouth of a wild beast. Later Qingdai figured out Yes, I hate the Northern Han Dynasty and you are loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty. This is an irreconcilable conflict. It is not your fault or my fault. It is just that we ignored the differences between the two of us at the beginning."

Duan Wudi shook his head and said: "It's not your fault, it's my fault. You told me your feelings very early that day, and I agreed to live in seclusion with you. However, I went back on my word and hurt you. You are still not married, and I feel extremely sad. Guilt is just Qingdai, so many years have passed, are you still so resentful towards Beihan? That is a state matter and has nothing to do with personal hatred, so why should you be so obsessed with it."

A sarcastic smile appeared on Qingdai's face and she said: "State affairs, personal grudges, I only know that my people died or dispersed, all because of the king's decree. My mother died of poverty and illness, and I was forced to sell songs in a brothel. It's because of the Northern Han Dynasty. I still stay in the Northern Han Dynasty and refuse to leave, just because I want to see the day when the Northern Han Dynasty is overthrown, so this is my wish."

"Pa" was heard as a clear slap. After Duan Wudi took action, he saw the redness and swelling on Qingdai's bare face and couldn't help but said guiltily: "Qingdai, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done anything to you. You shouldn't have said these words. If others heard, You'll be considered a spy. And you shouldn't—"

Qingdai intercepted his words and said: "And I shouldn't say such depressing words in front of your Northern Han general, right? Over the years, the people have been in great hardship. Except for a few powerful families, they still have good food and clothing, and the common people have not received any benefits. What good is it, let alone live and work in peace and contentment? What's the big deal if the Northern Han Dynasty falls?"

Duan Wudi looked grave and said, "Qing Dai, this is the General's Mansion."

Qingdai snorted coldly and turned away. Duan Wudi said: "I just pretend that I didn't hear what you said today. You should know one thing or two. From the royal family to the common people, except for a few powerful people, no one is fighting to the death. Who knows the tragic situation of the subjugated slaves? Dayong and the Northern Han Dynasty have deep grudges. If the Northern Han Dynasty is destroyed, our people may not be able to stand up for several generations. This war must be fought. Even if we are defeated in the end, Dayong will suffer heavy losses. By then , even if Dayong destroyed the Northern Han Dynasty, he would not dare to persecute our people too much. He would always worry about our people rising up. Qingdai, I only say these words to you, the situation in the Northern Han Dynasty is indeed critical now, and it is impossible not to fight. Death, fighting may be death, but we have to fight. If we can win, it would be best. If we cannot win, we must let Dayong always remember the terror of the Northern Han warriors. Only in this way can we protect our people from being attacked by others. Humiliation, you are also familiar with classics and history. Don’t you remember that when the Eastern Jin Dynasty was established, after Daizhou, Jinyang, and Qinzhou surrendered, for more than a hundred years, the taxes here were 30% higher than elsewhere. Barbarians invaded from time to time, and the people sent by the Eastern Jin Dynasty Officials deliberately exploited us, and it was not until a hundred years later that the situation improved. Qingdai, do you also want our folks to suffer like this?"

Qingdai did not argue. If the Northern Han Dynasty were defeated, how Dayong would treat the subjugated people of the Northern Han Dynasty in the future was not something she could decide. Moreover, even if Dayong treated the people of the Northern Han Dynasty well, the royal family, civil servants and generals of the Northern Han Dynasty would also end up worrying. At this point, the Northern Han Dynasty would not give up the battle easily. What's more, given the current situation, Dayong may not have a guaranteed chance of victory. But what she is most interested in is whether Duan Wudi is really so pessimistic. If a general of Beihan's status is in such a mood, then Dayong's chances of winning will be better. Thinking of this, Qingdai couldn't help but smile bitterly in her heart. Years of experience have allowed her to stay calm all the time. Even her "gaffe" just now only deepened her aloof impression in Duan Wudi's eyes. With such an impression, she could Duan Wudi would not have thought of the possibility that he was a spy.

Seeing that she stopped talking, Duan Wudi said apologetically: "Qingdai, I know you will not forgive me. In a few days, I will ask the general to let you go free. You should have a good rest these days."

Qingdai was shocked. Being detained here was not what she wanted. She knew that Xiao Tong still had not given up on tracking her. Although she had been cautious for many years, she still had some unclear whereabouts. For safety, she should leave as soon as possible. OK. Thinking of this, she said coldly: "Has General Shi been buried?"

Duan Wudi hesitated and said, "General Shi was buried in the northern suburbs. The general was very angry, so he ordered a hasty burial."

Qingdai lowered her head and said, "General Shi was very affectionate to me when he was alive. I want to pay homage to him, but I don't know if it's possible."

Duan Wudi felt sour in his heart. Although he had long since dared not have the extravagant hope of reuniting with Qingdai, seeing that Qingdai was quite affectionate towards Quartz still made him feel a little unhappy. But after all, he had already let go of the matter, and after thinking about it, he said: " That’s fine, I should have nothing to do tomorrow, so just let me accompany you to pay homage to General Shi.”

Qingdai nodded slightly, it would be best to have Duan Wudi by her side. She picked up the pipa again and caressed it with her fingers. The sad music sounded. Duan Wudi knew that Qingdai no longer wanted to talk to her. He looked at Qingdai deeply and said, He engraved this woman's face in his heart, then turned around and walked out. It was impossible to close the gap between the two. He only hoped that the general would not blame Qingdai. After all, in the current situation, killing a No one can object to a singer who harbors hatred.

Looking at Duan Wudi's back, Qingdai sighed softly. If the two had not separated, or they would not be in the hostile situation today, how could she say that she had no hatred? If she did not intend revenge, why would she change the plan without authorization. The original order from above was for him to arrange to frame evidence of Quartz's surrender to the enemy, and then release rumors of Duan Wudi's smuggling of military supplies, treason and surrender to the enemy, and finally careful arrangements to lead the clues to Quartz. Although this task was difficult, the Dayong Army The hidden forces in Qinzhou are enough to do this. But when Qingdai came to arrange the matter in person, an accident happened. Quartz actually fell in love with her at first sight. After meeting Duan Wudi in Feiyan Tower, it aroused resentment in her heart, so she chose a strategy that she could not control. , deliberately incited Quartz to be jealous of Duan Wudi, and then arranged for Quartz to get the information she provided so that he could attack Duan Wudi. Originally, the request above was to cast doubt on Shi Ying, so that Duan Wudi's reputation would be damaged a little. However, due to his actions, Duan Wudi was almost accused, and Quartz also died tragically in Feiyan Tower. If it weren't for Quartz's temperament, he would be like As mentioned above, I was afraid that my move would inevitably fail. Fortunately, I succeeded in the end, but I was also placed under house arrest. Now that I think about it, I am still scared.

Qingdai didn't know if she had gone too far, she was just afraid that she would be criticized and punished when she returned. But being able to see Duan Wudi's dilemma made her even more happy. But this was all in the past. After the two met today, Qingdai knew that she really no longer hated Duan Wudi. The differences in ideas could not be covered up by love. Even if Duan Wudi lived in seclusion with her, they would eventually part ways. day.

With a faint sigh, Qingdai remembered Shi Ying's voice and smile again. She recalled that when she went to the Zezhou camp to report to Master Jiang, the gentle and indifferent young man said to the point: "Shi Ying, although he is a famous general, he is... He suffered less setbacks. Soon after he joined the army, he was appreciated by Long Tingfei. From then on, it was almost smooth sailing. Under the protection of Long Tingfei, there were many dark things that he didn't understand clearly. Moreover, this person had a bad character, that is, he suffered He must not be aggrieved, especially he cannot tolerate anyone doubting or distrusting him. As long as Long Tingfei suspects that he may surrender to the enemy, this person will definitely be angry. As long as he is given a little guidance, he will do something out of control. When the time comes, , even if Long Tingfei wants to doubt him, it's impossible." Mr. Jiang is indeed very accurate in judging people. If it weren't for Shi Ying's temperament, if he had conveyed his love to Long Tingfei, he would probably be the one who died. . However, even with his current hard-hearted heart, he could not help but feel pity for him. Although this time it was an excuse for him to escape, he also really wanted to worship him. Such a person, even he could not help but be tempted by. .

The cold wind whistled, and the world was vast. Standing in front of Quartz's simple tomb, Qingdai felt an indescribable sadness in her heart. After burning the paper money, Duan Wudi said softly: "Qingdai, go back. It's freezing. You can't stay for a long time. If you come to see General Shi today, if he knows it at the foot of the spring, he will definitely close his eyes."

Qingdai smiled bitterly, fearing that Quartz Ying's soul had a spirit. Knowing how she framed and deceived him, it would be difficult to close her eyes. She poured the strong wine from the jug she brought specially on the grave, and silently prayed in her heart: "General Shi, Qingdai has no choice but to tarnish your reputation. When Dayong rules the world, Qingdai will definitely find a way to clear your grievances." After the prayer, Qingdai took off the pipa from her back and played it in the cold wind. He played the last part of "House of Flying Daggers" which is almost never played - "Back to Camp".

Duan Wudi didn't find it strange. After seeing Qingdai again, he found that Qingdai seemed to have an almost crazy love for Pipa and almost refused to leave her. It was natural for her to play Pipa in front of the quartz grave. But just when the music suddenly stopped, Duan Wudi suddenly heard a whistling sound in his ears. He subconsciously looked back and saw that the two guards behind him had fallen to the ground screaming, with black feather arrows stuck in their throats. Thirty feet away, a dozen knights in black, all wearing black scarves and carrying carved bows, looked at him coldly. Duan Wudi was shocked. How could there be an assassin attack? Could it be that someone under Quartz had a grudge? He couldn't help but regret that he only brought out two personal guards. He pulled out his sword, protected it in front of Qingdai, and said in a low voice: "Get on the horse, let's rush out." Unexpectedly, Qingdai sighed softly, and Duan Wudi felt a ray of true energy penetrate into his body, and the strong sense of paralysis made him feel uncomfortable again. Unable to stand, he fell limply to the ground. Then a pair of plain hands lifted him up and made him sit up leaning against the quartz tomb. Qingdai's cold and beautiful face fell into his eyes.

Duan Wudi suddenly understood a lot of things, why Quartz was so angry at him, and why he died in Feiyan Tower. He said sternly: "Qingdai, have you already taken refuge in Dayong?"

A cold light flashed in Qingdai's eyes. At this moment, a knight in black dismounted carrying a package and walked over, saying: "Miss, please change your clothes quickly. We can't stay long. We must leave Qinzhou City before anyone notices." He His voice was clear and sweet, and looking at his figure, you knew he was a woman. Qingdai handed the pipa to her and then took the package and walked behind the stone monument. Not long after, she had changed into a black men's riding clothes and came out and took the black cloak handed by another man in black. At this moment, Qingdai was wearing men's clothing, with a long sword hanging from her waist, and a stern expression. She was no longer a singing girl in a brothel, but Su Qing, the general outpost of the Northern Han intelligence network who commanded more than a thousand secret spies.

She walked up to Duan Wudi and said indifferently: "Seven years ago, you were so heartless that I almost committed suicide in the valley, but I finally survived. Since you are so loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty, I have nothing to say and can only choose this path." Lu, if the Northern Han Dynasty is not destroyed, I will not be able to rest in peace in this life. I am invincible. Now you and I are strangers and enemies. Although I know it is impossible, I still want to ask you, are you willing to surrender to Dayong?"

Duan Wudi sneered: "Since you know my loyalty, how could you commit treason and surrender to the enemy? Qingdai, I was blinded by my personal feelings. Now that I think about it, you provoked Quan Ying to attack me. Is that what you intended? Is General Shi serious? The rebellion was still framed by you."

Qingdai sighed softly. She had known that Duan Wudi would not surrender. Since this person could not be killed, then she could only continue to frame Shi Ying. She showed anger on her face and said: "Shi Ying is much more knowledgeable than you. If it weren't for him." The reason why I provoke you without permission is that I, Dayong, will not lose such an excellent internal response."

Duan Wudi sighed in his heart, he had become a prisoner of his subordinates, and Quartz had committed suicide. Since Qingdai said this, then Quan Ying was indeed a traitor. He raised his head with force and said, "Qingdai, I don't blame you for seeking refuge in Dayong. You have hatred in your heart, so it is natural for you to act like this, but I, Duan Wudi, will never surrender. For the sake of our past friendship, just give me a break."

Qingdai said coldly: "Don't worry, I didn't even think about taking you to Dayong. I know your character well. You will die on both sides, so why should I let you suffer more humiliation?"

Duan Wudi felt a little relieved and said: "Well, in that case, I can repay what I owed you with my life. From now on, our grudges will be eliminated." After saying that, he closed his eyes and waited for Qing Dai to do something.

Qingdai put her hand on the hilt of the sword, feeling a pain in her heart, and murmured: "Whether we end our love or not, we will have this day one day." After that, she raised her sword and stabbed Duan Wudi. At this time, the masked woman in black suddenly drew her sword out of its sheath and blocked Qingdai's sword. Duan Wudi heard something strange in the voice and opened his eyes. Seeing such a scene, he felt a little strange in his heart, but his expression remained calm and composed. Seeing his expression, Qingdai's heart softened, and the deep feelings from the past surged into her heart. She thought to herself, even if there is no one to stop him, can I really stab him with this sword?

The woman who stopped Qingdai said: "Miss, you caused General Shi to die because of selfish motives. If you can bring General Duan back, or atone for your sins, it would be a pity to kill him."

Qingdai's heart moved. Although she could only rely on Pipa tunes to spread the news and launch the pre-arranged plan, her trusted assistants only knew to save Duan Wudi's life, but the reason she said was not false. This time she If you change the plan without authorization, even though the result will be more satisfactory, I am afraid that the superiors will blame it, but unfortunately you can only bear the responsibility. Deliberately looking at Duan Wudi, he saw a faint uneasiness in his expression, knowing that he was afraid that he would really kidnap him. She smiled bitterly in her heart. She was really obsessed with the authorities. She had no ability to return to Dayong with a prisoner. But the play still has to be played. She deliberately held her sword in silence, and finally sighed for a moment: "Since I have made a big mistake, I don't expect to redeem myself. After all, this man treats me sincerely. Without his help, I am afraid I will be trapped in Qinzhou. I can't." Survive, that's all, I would rather die to repay his kindness, leave him here, let's go."

Another man in black rode out and said: "Miss, this man is a general of the Northern Han Dynasty. If we don't kill him, I am afraid that this man will kill countless of my soldiers in the future. How can I indulge him because of his personal feelings?"

Qingdai raised her eyebrows and said, "It's not up to you to decide what's going on here. Since I've decided on this matter, if the blame comes from above, I'll be responsible for it myself."

At this time, a man in black rode up on horseback and said loudly: "Miss, it's not good, Xiao Tong and Qiu Yu are coming here quickly. Miss, let's leave quickly." Qingdai took the reins handed over by her subordinates. , got on his horse, and said coldly to Duan Wudi: "You and I will have nothing to do with each other from now on. If Qingdai is lucky enough to survive, and I meet you on the battlefield, you won't show any mercy." After saying that, he rode off with his whip and whipped his horse. The man in black whom Qingdai scolded looked at Duan Wudi angrily and then rode his horse to follow. But the masked woman in black was the last to move, her murderous eyes turned on Duan Wudi's face, and finally left. Before she left, she popped out a double-edged needle from her right hand behind her and shot it into Duan Wudi's body. . Duan Wudi smiled bitterly, and heard the sound of horse hooves gradually disappearing, and then he heard the rapid sound of horse hooves coming from the direction of Qinzhou City. He felt a strange itching at the place where the needle was inserted, and a feeling of dizziness came, Duan Wudi gradually Lost consciousness.