The Grandmaster Strategist

News from Huaidong was cut off. Lu Can, the general of Southern Chu, asked himself to take charge of Huaidong. Shang Weijun refused. Yong's army occupied Yangzhou and set eyes on Jingkou. The army reported to Jianye. Shang Weijun was frightened and inexplicable. Instead, he granted Lu Can military power and Lu Can became the governor. Jiujiang camp has 30,000 troops and 2,500 boats. They are stationed at Jingkou to confront Yong's army.

——"Zi Zhi Tong Jian Yong Ji III"

On the second day of November, Yongdu, Princess Changle's residence, Linbo Pavilion, entering November, the late night in Chang'an was already very cold, not to mention it snowed a few days ago, but Jiang Zhe had to come Watching the moon over the lake didn't give Xiao Shunzi a headache. Early in the morning, he had people burn the fire dragon in Linbo Pavilion to warm it. When Jiang Zhe came to Linbo Pavilion from Hanyuan, the pavilion was already filled with Warm as spring, but looking at Jiang Zhe's lonely and gloomy expression, Xiao Shunzi couldn't help but feel distressed. Since the beginning of the Great Yongnan Campaign, Jiang Zhe has been living in seclusion in his mansion, not going anywhere. Apart from studying in Hanyuan, he is also dazing in Linbo Pavilion. These days, he not only declined Li Zhi's summons, but also Li Xian, Shi Yu and others Also missing. Xiao Shunzi naturally understood why Jiang Zhe was like this. The Great Yongnan Expedition was only a matter of time, but no one expected that once it came true, Jiang Zhe would be so depressed.

After a long time, Jiang Zhe suddenly chanted: "I have been working hard for a long time and have not learned how to maintain health. I am already sick at a young age, how can I live in old age?"

Xiao Shunzi was shocked when he heard that poems about life, old age, illness and death are often easily turned into prophecies. Jiang Zhe spent so much time and energy in his early years that he almost vomited blood and died. Isn't this "working hard for a long time" and "not learning the way of health preservation"? "Although there is a slight deviation, he has also begun to practice some health-preserving exercises in recent years. However, due to his talent, he has not made much progress. It goes without saying that he is already sick at a young age. If the sentence "This body is not worthy of old age" It has come true again, isn't it a prophecy? Thinking of this, Xiao Shunzi felt a cold sweat, and hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Why do you say this, Master? If you feel that you can't live in peace in Yongdu, why don't you accompany me?" Go back to the East China Sea?"

I said calmly: "This time the emperor attacked Jiangnan and did not discuss the strategy of marching with me. Do you know why?"

A flash of light flashed in Xiao Shunzi's eyes, and he said: "Could it be that the emperor was already suspicious of the young master, so he deliberately excluded the young master? This time the army marched to the south, a Pingnan marching camp should be set up to supervise the armies. If so, Qi His Royal Highness is the highly anticipated Marshal of Pingnan, but the Emperor has not issued an order to set it up. Could it be that the Emperor is dissatisfied with the relationship between His Royal Highness Wang Qi and the Young Master?"

I shook my head and said: "It is unclear whether the Emperor is suspicious of King Qi, but even King Qi has not proposed to build a palace. As for me, if the Emperor is really suspicious, he will definitely not show such signs. He is just He was worried that I would miss my homeland and didn't want to make things difficult for me. What's more, after the Pinghan Dynasty, the emperor had already grown arrogant in his heart. He thought that it would be easy to destroy Chu. The three-pronged army with 500,000 horses marched at the same time, and Jiangnan only had 200,000 elite soldiers who could compete with Dayong. Naturally, a battle will be successful, and both jade and stone will be destroyed. Not only the emperor, but also His Royal Highness King Qi and the generals can't help but have the intention to despise Jiangnan. This is where my worries lie."

Xiao Shunzi raised his hand and said: "Young master knows everything about Jiangnan. Could it be that Dayong will lose his troops and generals in this battle? If so, why don't you explain the situation to the emperor?"

I smiled bitterly and said: "Sometimes, if things are not put in front of our eyes, it is difficult for people to believe it. When the emperor and the ministers discussed the matter of peace in Chu, even with Shi Yu's stability, they all said, "There are powerful ministers in Nan Chu. He is good at power, and is troubled by the remnants of Fengyi, and the generals are at odds with each other. Although there are generals like Lu Can, there is no reason to make meritorious deeds. Our army advances in an orderly manner. Even if we cannot defeat Chu in a single battle, we can still conquer Huainan. , occupied Shuzhong, captured Xiangyang, so that Nanchu could only rely on the Yangtze River to survive.' From this, it can be seen that the upper echelons of Dayong have lost their cool. On the contrary, in Nanchu, although Lu Can is controlled by powerful ministers, they share the same hatred and work together, In this battle, Dayong will definitely be defeated by Nanchu. I have already given the secret to the emperor. I said that the victory or defeat is a matter of two and I advise him not to rush to raise troops. It is a pity that the emperor left the secret without asking.

Obviously they don't agree with my opinion, or they may think that I can't bear to see the war in my motherland, so they are making alarmist remarks. In fact, how can a man look forward and backward? I have been favored by Dayong for more than ten years, and I have been so loved by the emperor, so how can I be so evil? , I don’t know what to choose. "

Xiao Shunzi said doubtfully: "Young Master, not to mention whether what Xiang Xiang said can be realized, but the generals of Southern Chu are at odds with each other, and the Fengyi Sect is obstructing it. This is indeed a fact. Although General Lu has outstanding military strategy, he still has How can we win if we cannot control all the military power? General Qin is steady and experienced, General Changsun is deep and wise, and General Pei is brave and decisive. All three of them are talented generals who can stand alone. How can General Lu win alone?"

I sighed: "Shang Weijun is indeed a person who harmed the country, but Zhao Long, the leader of Southern Chu, is his grandson. He regards the country of Southern Chu as his own, so once the situation is critical, he will definitely support Lu Can. As for There is no need to go into detail about the strife and exclusion after the victory, but it was already too late for Dayong at that time. Speaking of Fengyi Sect, I quite regret it. I indulged the remnants of Fengyi Sect because of They failed more than succeeded, but I really shouldn't let Wei Ying go, but because of the situation at that time, I had to let him go. Although this person was ruthless, fettered by fame, wealth and hatred, so that his family was ruined and he was living in Nanchu, but this person After all, he is the son of Wei Guan, and he is valued by the master of Fengyi Sect. He is really talented and has a sharp vision. After learning from the pain, he actually chose Lu Can as his assistant. Over the years, if he hadn't made a difference, Lu Can would still be the person he was. My character has long been ruined by Shang Weijun. Lu Can is different from me. I like to use power to make decisions. All my subordinates, even if they respect me and love me, must have complete control over their life and death. Once they have the heart to disobey, they will But Lu Can handles it decisively. Lu Can employs people with integrity. Even if his subordinates have their own plans in mind, as long as they are harmless and loyal, he will use them without hesitation. Therefore, Wei Ying can be used by him. Having such a person can eliminate political opponents for Lu Can. , solve problems, and only then can Lu Can stand firm in Nanchu."

Xiao Shunzi asked in surprise: "Is Wei Ying really so powerful?"

I sighed slightly and said: "This person is more powerful than you and I imagined. Ever since his plot to the East China Sea failed, this person somehow reached a tacit understanding with Lu Can. Over the years, Shang Weijun and Feng Yi All the sects used tricks against Lu Can, but they were all resolved by him. The Ministry of War Secretary Wen Cao used many tricks to frame Lu Can through the internal power struggle in Southern Chu, but he also eliminated them all. In this matter, Dayong's upper class Shang I don’t know whether it was Wei Ying who did it. I found out from the clues after reading Si Wen Cao’s documents and Tianji Pavilion’s secret reports. Alas, Lu Can can appoint Wei Ying, but this is beyond my reach. Wei Ying can not I didn't expect him to mind the relationship between Lu Can and me."

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment and said: "Sir, the emperor sent a military report to Hanyuan yesterday. War has begun in Jiameng Pass and Xiangyang. Although there is no progress yet, the defenders in these two places have absolutely no time to look around. Huaidong The overall situation has been decided, and only the Nanchu court has responded. Lu Can mobilized Jiujiang Daying Town at Jingkou. However, in one month, Nanchu has lost Huaidong. Wouldn't the young master feel uneasy in such a war situation? If it were not for the constraints of the Nanchu court, Lu Can would How could Can Can just lead his troops to fight now? Now that the Huaidong barrier has been lost, even if Lu Can has the power to recover, he may be helpless."

I looked away at Leng Yue and turned around and said, "Did you know that this time Lu Can did not send troops to Huaidong in time, which was not within the emperor's expectation. When Lu Can uses troops, he often makes decisions on the spot and will be outside." The emperor's fate was not met, which is why he had the courage to attack Jiameng Pass in the first place. Why do you think he was willing to delay in Jianye, and why did Pei Yun report that there was no news between Huaidong and Jianye? "

Xiao Shunzi was shocked and said, "Young Master once said that Lu Can has a bright mind."

I said calmly: "A general must be ruthless. Lu Can is indeed upright and upright towards his enemies and friends, but his methods may not be very kind. Otherwise, he would not have arranged a plan to intercept and kill me, let alone Wei Ying by his side." .”

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment and sighed softly. I continued: "Huaidong has a dangerous terrain and intertwined rivers, which is most suitable for land and water warfare. The Nanchu navy is familiar with geography and is good at using boat divisions to rush up and down rivers. If Lu Can and Pei Yun fight in Huaidong, it will definitely be The momentum of consolidation and the war situation will also be beneficial to Nanchu. However, in this way, it will not be easy for the Nanchu army to give up Huaidong. The troops are connected and cannot retreat easily. If this is the case, it will be in line with the wishes of our army. If Lu Can is tied up in Huaidong, Huaixi, Jiujiang, and Jiangxia will be unprepared. Xuzhou's camp has a fleet of 150,000 infantry and cavalry troops. Why are 30,000 troops missing? Changsun Ji's 200,000 troops are all ready to be in Xiangyang. Are they staying? The other generals of Nan Chu are still unable to take charge of their own affairs. Jiameng, Guan Yu and Mian are just Xiao Gui and Cao Sui. If Xiangyang Rong Yuan leaves Xiangyang, he is just a fish out of water and a lonely goose. The weakness of Nan Chu is that he only has Lu Can can support the overall situation by himself, but he is not as good as the Northern Han Dynasty. After Long Ting died, Princess Jiaping and General Duan could inherit his legacy. Therefore, General Pei steadily attacked Huaidong in order to lure Lu Can into Huaidong, it's a pity that Pei Yun couldn't go too far, and in the end he failed, so that the two armies faced off at Guazhou Crossing. Although Nanchu lost Huaidong, relying on the natural dangers of the Yangtze River, Lu Can could cruise back and forth with ease. On this point, I The army's intentions have already encountered setbacks. However, Huaidong's smooth sailing will inevitably make Dayong's people more wary of Nanchu. One thing is going down, the other is going up, and you can understand Dayong's current situation!"

Xiao Shunzi broke into a cold sweat after hearing this, but he retorted: "Despite this, Lu Can could not move at Jingkou for a while, the Jiangxia camp could not move lightly, and other armies could not rescue. Young Master, our army intends to Huainan, Huainan Although guard Shi Guan is good at fighting, he cannot defeat Dayong's warriors who have fought for the rest of their lives. How can they fight against Dayong's cavalry with the weak Huaixi army?"

I sighed: "I can't think clearly about this at the moment, but sometimes, manpower can defeat the sky. I think that before fifteen years, a military report will arrive, and then it will be clear how Lu Can responded. I only hope that this It’s better not to lose too much in the battle against Dayong.”

Xiao Shunzi remained silent for a long time and then said: "Young master, it's better not to worry. General Pei and General Chang Sun are both capable of conquering and fighting, and they will not be defeated beyond control. Young Master, there was news from Chen Zhen yesterday. Your cousin Jing Changqing was captured in Chuzhou and suffered a lot, but Shanzi and Quhuang have used Tianji Pavilion's secret helm in Huaidong to send their family back to Jiaxing."

I smiled slightly and said, "My cousin is stubborn by nature. My uncle wanted to move to Chang'an, but he refused and adhered to the principle of loyalty. He suffered a lot this time. Pei Yun must not know about his relationship with me, otherwise he wouldn't. Will it embarrass him?"

Xiao Shunzi smiled and said: "Young master has cut off all contact with the Jing family in Jiaxing. Even the young master Shunqing has been kicked out of the house by Mr. Jing. It's no wonder that General Pei didn't pay attention to this matter, but I'm afraid that the people of Mingjian Division have already known about this matter." I know, although Chen Zhen’s arrangements are very thorough and even the Jing family doesn’t know their identities, I’m worried that the Mingjian Department will discover the relationship between Tianji Pavilion and the Young Master.”

I nodded and said: "This matter must be guarded against, but Xiahou Yuanfeng learned a lot from the last incident in Shuzhong. Because of the fall of Jiameng Pass, many ministers blamed him for not doing things well, and we have the King of Shu in our hands. My son, Xiahou Yuanfeng doesn’t dare to offend me too much. Besides, after the Ping of Southern Chu, Tianji Pavilion should have disappeared. In recent years, Lu’er’s achievements and Hai’s profits have been enough to support our lives, so there is no need to worry too much. The survival of Tianji Pavilion is at stake, so let them be careful not to let Lu Can and Wei Ying discover any flaws. In the battle of Pingchu, I still have some use for Tianji Pavilion."

Xiao Shunzi promised in a low voice.

At this time, the sound of crushing snow was heard in the distance. I frowned. Why would someone bother me at this time? When I looked up, I saw Princess Changle with only two maids under the cover of a few palace lanterns. He and Xiao Liuzi were walking this way. There was a warmth in my heart. We have been husband and wife for ten years and have treated each other like guests. This woman is still as affectionate as when we left Chang'an hand in hand that day.

In order to enjoy the snow scene, I deliberately did not allow anyone to sweep away the snow around Linbo Pavilion, and the same was true on the stone path. Seeing her trekking through the deep snow with the support of the maid, I couldn't help but stepped forward to greet her as soon as she walked out of Linbo Pavilion. In Boting, the cold wind blew against my face. I couldn't help but shiver, and my heart ached. I walked a few steps and held Chang Le's hand, saying, "It's so late, what are you doing out here?" He quickly pulled her into Linbo Pavilion.

In the Linbo Pavilion, the lights were like snow. I couldn't help but look at Changle's quiet and beautiful face. After so many years of ups and downs, even after returning to Chang'an, she often had to deal with all kinds of open guns in the palace. Hidden arrows, fighting for a safe and comfortable space for me, but no matter how time passes, her grace has not diminished at all. Although the traces of time have been left between her eyebrows, it can only make her more moving, just like a glance The refreshing spring, although silent and quiet, is sweet and pleasant. Holding her cold hands and looking at her jade face that was blown red by the cold wind, I sighed softly and kissed her lips gently.

Changle's delicate body twitched slightly. Even though we had been married for many years, she was still not used to such intimacy in front of others, but she did not push me away and allowed me to indulge in my love and affection as much as I wanted. Feeling her shyness, I gave up my plan to continue attacking and said with a smile, "I'm fine. Don't worry, you don't have to worry about me."

Changle's jade face became more and more rosy at this moment, and he quickly glanced at the four people outside Linbo Pavilion who were looking at their eyes, nose, nose, mouth, and mouth, and said gently: "I know you must have a plan, and I don't want to ask you. It’s just a cold snowy night, so you should also put on some extra clothes, Xiao Liuzi, bring them over.”

Xiao Liuzi walked in with a package in his arms. Princess Changle shook off the bright yellow fur, took out a large ferret fur cloak and said: "This is what the emperor's sister-in-law sent today. It is Youzhou's tribute this year. It is the most frivolous thing." Warmth, I don’t care if you are admiring the snow or the moon, you must wear some clothes."

I let her tie the cloak for me, then held her hands again, and nodded with satisfaction. Her hands had regained their warmth, and I reached out to hold her slender waist. I smiled and said, "Since you are here, stay with me." Let’s watch this wave of cold moon and cold stars in the sky together.”

Changle raised his head, not looking at the stars and moon in the sky, but looking at me without saying a word. I just feel peaceful and happy in my heart, and I really wish time could stop at this moment forever.

At this time, Xiao Shunzi and others had wisely retreated far away, leaving only our husband and wife chatting under the moonlight. Holding Chang Le in his arms, he temporarily put aside his worries and concentrated on talking with her. A thought came to his mind and then disappeared in an instant. On such a moonlit night, above the Yangtze River, was there anyone enjoying the silent cold moon?

Thousands of miles away, across the mighty river, the Yong Army's camp and the Nanchu Army's water camp were confronting each other. The crescent moon was dim and the stars were shining. Standing on the ship, Lu Can looked at the cold moon in the center of the river, drank wine and prayed: "I only hope that God will bless me, drive away the powerful enemies of Dayong, and protect the people of our country. General Cai has a heroic soul, so he must forgive me for my difficulties." After saying this, he looked at Cai Lin's token in his hand and couldn't help but sigh. Recently, someone held Cai Lin came to see Cai Lin as a token, and then the man went back to Huaidong to rescue Cai Lin. After he confessed that Cai Lin had committed suicide and martyred his country, the man cried bitterly and fainted. Thinking of his abandonment of Huaidong, even if no one blamed him, he felt uneasy.

A person behind him said coldly: "Why should the general be worried? It was Wei who killed him first and then cut off the news exchange between Huaidong and Jianye. If not, how could Shang Xiang be allowed to hand over all his military power? Now the general has controlled all the military power of Nanchu , can fight against the Yong Army with all their strength, so what does it mean to sacrifice Huaidong, not to mention that the Huaidong Army is weak and they are still directly related to each other, so it will only be good for the general if they lose more, right? "

Lu Can smiled bitterly and said: "Brother Wei, why did you say this? I am also an accomplice in this matter. Although the news from Huaidong is cut off, how could I not know Pei Yun's ability? The generals in Huaidong have no one who can fight against them. It's just for the sake of the overall situation. I can only pretend that I don't know. The monk and prime minister were entangled in Jianye, which led to the fall of Huaidong. General Cai died calmly. Alas, this is my fault. Brother Wei was just thinking about our army."

Wei Ying's expression changed, but he just said calmly: "Why does Wei think it's for you? He just wants you to win the battle. Are you sure?"

Lu Can smiled silently and said: "An hour ago in Huaixi, the army reported here. Cui Jue's troops from the Nanyang camp have marched to Shouchun, and Dong Shan, who did not show up in Huaidong this time from the Xuzhou camp, has arrived at Zhongli. Changsun Ji personally led the Nanyang camp with a force of 140,000 to besiege Xiangyang. There were only 30,000 troops from General Shiguan in Huaixi. The Yong army's intention was clear, they wanted to force me to be in trouble. I have sent an order to Zhongli to hold for three days before retreating. When we get to Shouchun, if we really cannot retreat safely, there is no problem in always asking for surrender. In this way, both Yong troops can be attracted to Shouchun."

Wei Ying frowned and said: "Do you really think Shouchun can fight against Yong's army? Shi Guan's talent is only average, but Yong's army has many soldiers and generals."

Lu Can said solemnly: "The key to defending the city lies in the morale of the army and the people. General Shi will be able to defend Shouchun without any hindrance. What's more, Yun'er is my eldest son and the eldest son of Zhenyuan Gong. With him in Shouchun, the soldiers and the people will feel at ease. Shouchun will never be lost."

Wei Ying said: "But just relying on the city to defend it will not last long. What's more, the Jiangxia camp is dominated by naval forces. Although there are three thousand cavalry, it is a drop in the bucket. You will never let the navy fight against Dayong's cavalry. Well, isn't that just sacrificing one's roots to the bottom? The Jiujiang camp is confronting Yong's army here, and Pei Yun only needs to contain our army, and Shouchun will be lost sooner or later. Aren't you worried about the safety of your beloved son?"

Lu Can said calmly: "As the son of the Lu family, he should have the intention to sacrifice his life for the country. What's more, I have already prepared for this battle. This time the Yong army is mainly targeting Huaixi. Huaidong is a trap. Xiangyang and Jiameng Pass is just a dispensable target. It is a pity that Yong's army has no one to lead the overall situation, and they have not dispatched the Donghai Navy. This must be because Emperor Yong despises our Southern Chu soldiers. Lu should give Yong's army a try. The heavy blow made the Yong Army's cavalry no longer dare to spy on Huainan."

Wei Ying was silent when he heard the words. At this moment, he could clearly see the fighting spirit and murderous intent erupting in Lu Can. Perhaps choosing to support this man was the most correct decision in his life. In this case, he had to do it for him. His careful consideration will not allow him to be harmed by the traitors of powerful ministers.

Thinking of this, Wei Ying asked tentatively: "Is Yangzhou County Governor Hu Cheng already in the general's camp?"

Lu Can raised his eyebrows and said: "Yes, this person abandoned the city and fled, abandoning tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Yangzhou. He really deserves to be killed. He crossed the river. This person also wanted to go back to Jianye to enjoy the glory and wealth, but he fell into my hands." In my hand, I have decided to sacrifice his head to the flag before crossing the river to fight."

Wei Ying sighed and said: "Although this man is shameless, he is the county governor chosen by Shang Xiang. It is said that he spent three hundred thousand gold to buy the official position of this county governor. This time he returned to Nanchu and sent his family to bribe Shang Xiang twenty years." Wan Jin, the documents from Shang Xiang will arrive tomorrow, ordering you to send him back to Jianye for disposal."

Lu Can's eyebrows flashed with anger and said: "What a corrupt official. No wonder he openly smuggled sea salt in Yangzhou. It turned out that he wanted to recover the losses. Shang Weijun was really confused. Such a person actually became the governor of Yangzhou. No wonder Yangzhou didn't The attack will be defeated by itself, since the documents will arrive tomorrow." He pondered for a moment and said loudly: "Here comes someone." A personal guard came in from outside and obeyed the order. Lu Can said coldly: "Go back to the camp and pass on my military order to immediately behead Hu Cheng in public." The sergeant agreed and went. Then Lu Can looked at Wei Ying with a half-smile but said, "Brother Wei also wants to plead for Hu Cheng?"

Wei Ying smiled lightly and said, "I just want the general to take action earlier to avoid conflicts between the monks."

Lu Can was startled, shook his head and laughed, looking at the fire in the camp on the opposite river bank, and said, "Brother Wei, do you dare to go with me to peek into the camp?"

Wei Ying smiled and said: "The general called me on board the ship just to inspect the enemy's situation."

Lu Can smiled slightly and ordered the sergeant to drive the building boat to the other side. At this moment, the sky is full of stars, the moon is cold in the center of the river, and apart from the whining of the cold wind, there is only the sound of building boats crossing the water.