The Grandmaster Strategist

In the first month of Jiaxu in the first year of Tongtai in the Southern Chu Dynasty, Zhe Yi, a minister of King Yong, came to the Yong Dynasty Hall. Emperor Yong held a banquet for all the ministers. On the second day of the lunar month, the emperor ordered young talents to compete outside the Zhuque Gate, and the emperor chose the best among them. The reward was actually a way for Princess Changle to choose her son-in-law. Although there were many heroes among them, the princess could only remain silent. At the end of the game, the emperor asked the princess about her family. The princess cried and said, her son-in-law is still alive, how can she marry again. The emperor was furious at first, then depressed. The imperial concubine Changsun was worried and comforted her in many ways, but the princess was silent. Later, the noble lord secretly asked the palace maid, who reported that the princess was fighting upstairs and paid no attention to others. She was only happy to see Yong Wang Sima, and the imperial concubine realized it.

--"History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties Biography of Jiang Suiyun"

A pair of big black eyes carefully stared at the 'tall' figure. He didn't move. He must have fallen asleep. He lay on the ground, with his two white and tender little hands crossed forward, and moved forward quickly with the help of his knees. , closer, closer, the little hand grabbed the target, absolutely as fast as lightning, who knew someone would move faster, and in a flash, his target was taken away, "Ah" the little baby cried earth-shatteringly, and then... Both hands hurriedly picked up the little girl, threatening and coaxing, but the little girl didn't give any face, until the other hand picked up the big-headed doll carved from cork and wrapped in brocade cotton. Putting it in front of the little girl, the little girl burst out laughing, hugged the doll that was almost as big as herself, and babbling to express her joy.

Wiping the cold sweat on his head, Xiao Shunzi said: 'Master, you don't have to bully the young lady all the time. If the princess finds out, she will definitely blame you for not being steady enough. '

I shrank my head subconsciously. Yesterday, I just deliberately lured Roulan to chase me with a toy in order to train her reaction ability. Then the princess called her and gave her a lesson through the curtain. If the princess knew what I did today, Isn't it even worse after crying Roulan? I quickly looked to see if the little-eared reporting god was there or not. I nodded with satisfaction. The prince Li Jun was about to guard Youzhou on behalf of King Yong, so he was called by King Yong today. Yes, this is the result of me reminding King Yong, otherwise, this guy would always stand by and watch me. He was the one who complained to the princess yesterday.

But there was still an obstacle. I looked at Xiao Shunzi and said, 'Xiao Shunzi, you'd better go watch the martial arts competition to see how their martial arts are and who is most likely to win. This matter has a lot to do with it. '

Xiao Shunzi said calmly: 'Didn't His Highness already send someone? '

I was choked by him and quickly said: ‘Don’t I trust you? '

Xiao Shunzi said meaningfully: 'Young master, you don't want to bully Miss Roulan, do you? '

I shook my head quickly and said: 'No, no, Roulan is my sweetheart, how could I bully her? '

Xiao Shunzi smiled and said: "Then let me go and have a look. Master, you have to remember that if the princess is angry, I'm afraid you will have a good life again." '

Looking at Xiao Shunzi's back, I had a sinister smile on my face, walked towards Rou Lan who was having fun, and said, 'Xiao Lan'er, daddy is here to play with you. '

The little girl didn't know that she was in danger. She raised her head, dropped the doll, and opened her hands for me to hug. I was stunned, and a warm current surged from the bottom of my heart. I couldn't help but pick her up and kiss her like an apple. With her little face, she babbling for a long time and shouted: "Daddy." 'I couldn't help but be filled with joy, picked her up and spun her around a few times, and remembered with a silvery laugh that this was Roulan's favorite game.

After stealing half a day of free time, I walked into King Yong's study in a happy mood. As expected, King Yong was still there reading official documents. Although his expression was calm, there was a hint of displeasure.

I stepped forward and saluted: 'Your Highness, I wonder what the situation is outside now? '

Li Zhi raised his head, saw me, his expression relaxed, and said: 'Suiyun, who do you think would be better as the consort of Changle? '

I thought about it and said: 'As far as I know, Wei Ying, Qin Qing, and Xiahou Yuanfeng are the leaders among them. I have been in Chang'an not long ago, and I don't know which of them is more suitable. '

After returning to Prince Yong's Mansion that day, Li Zhi told me that this martial arts competition had a purpose. It turned out that Li Yuan wanted to make up for Princess Changle.

So he wanted to choose a son-in-law for her, but now that the leader of the Southern Chu Kingdom, Zhao Jia, was still in Chang'an, Li Yuan couldn't choose a son-in-law publicly, so he used the name of martial arts to let Concubine Changsun and Princess Changle see Dayong's young heroes. The news of choosing a son-in-law with decent looks and character is now very secret. No one knows the truth except a few empresses in the harem. However, Li Zhi learned it from his princess Gao. Empty, the Gao family has always been virtuous and filial, and because Li Zhi proposed a divorce plan, Changle married far away, so he often let Gao enter the palace to visit the imperial concubine. Over the years, the two had long been in love with each other, so the eldest grandson, the imperial concubine, asked Gao Views.

I didn’t mention it to King Yong. I was very angry from the moment I knew the purpose of this martial arts performance. It was not because Dayong didn’t care about the existence of the king Zhao Jia, but because from the beginning to the end, Princess Changle never had true feelings for the country. I even suspect that there was a reason for Princess Changle's miscarriage. But although I sympathize with Princess Changle's experience, I don't agree with her behavior. In any case, the king of the country is still alive. Even if she wants to remarry, she can't be in such a hurry. At least You have to wait until there is no more status between you and the king before you remarry. In fact, I have been very angry. If Roulan's existence hadn't soothed my soul, I might have been furious. After calming down, I thought again, forget it, Princess Changle is a proud daughter of heaven, why should I think too much of her? Maybe it was the tears she shed under her makeup when she got married, and the tears she shed when she went to the palace to see her. Her gentleness and pleasantness made me feel sympathy and affection for her.

Now that King Yong has asked about it, I will try to use an objective tone to comment on the impact of this matter.

After taking a look at King Yong's expression, I said: "The emperor's love for the princess is just a bridge in the eyes of caring people. If the princess is not suitable for others, it will not only be detrimental to His Highness now, but also hurt the princess's heart in the future. This way First of all, I'm afraid that His Highness will never be able to gain the understanding of the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine. The best possibility is of course that the princess marries someone of His Highness's liking, and the second is to marry someone who is neutral. Although I don't know the actual tendencies of these people. , but the neutrality of General Qin Yi is certain. If the princess marries Qin Qing, it may be the best choice. '

Li Zhi looked happy, but then he said: "You don't care about Qin Qing's humiliation to you. To be fair, I admire you very much, but I'm afraid it's impossible for Qin Qing. If he and Changle's childhood sweethearts hadn't married far away from Changle, , I’m afraid he has become the consort a long time ago, but I asked the princess to ask the imperial concubine what she meant. The imperial concubine said that when Changle married far away, Qin Qing once asked Changle to elope, but Changle refused. Changle said to him at the beginning 'I am a noble daughter of the royal family, and I am favored by the people. How can I ignore the overall situation of the country, the country, and the country? If I escape privately, it will not only damage the reputation of the royal family, but also hurt the hearts of my father, the emperor, mother and concubines. Even if the emperor sends other eldest daughters Marrying far away would inevitably lead to a loss of sincerity and alienate Southern Chu. If the marriage between the two countries failed, it would lead to endless disasters. Although Changle was a weak girl, she did not dare to be unfaithful, unjust, unvirtuous and unfilial." In fact, both the emperor and the imperial concubine knew about this matter, but they cared about General Qin's face and pity Changle, so they did not punish Qin Qing. Now Qin Qing also expressed to the imperial concubine that he wanted to get back together with Changle, but Changle refused, so he chose a son-in-law through a grand ceremony. Didn't outsiders know about this? But Qin Qing may have wasted his time. '

Although I don't understand why Princess Changle rejected Qin Qing, the current result is that I have to consider it, sir. After thinking about it, he said: "Xiahou Yuanfeng is very talented and beautiful. I'm afraid he can't be considerate to the princess, and his father is a prince." Although Lord Wei Guan, a member of the party, is inclined to the prince, he will not do it openly. Wei Ying is an extraordinary character. If the princess can find such a good match, she will be happy. '

King Yong sighed and said, "I think so too, but it is rumored that the prince tried to protect Xiahou. He also persuaded the queen, saying that Xiahou was talented and beautiful, did not get involved in court disputes, and could take good care of the princess. He also said that Xiahou fell in love with the princess at first sight. It is inevitable that the couple will not turn against each other because of the past. Wei Ying is a dragon among people, and a prominent career in the future is inevitable. If he dislikes the princess, a good thing will inevitably turn into a disaster. The queen also persuaded him, and seemed to be interested in Xiahou, and The emperor also favored Xiahou Yuanfeng, which seemed to be quite permissive. '

I said with a serious expression: 'Could it be that the prince intends to obtain the princess's power? The princess is favored, and everyone in the world knows it. If Xiahou borrows the princess's power, I'm afraid he will not be able to contain him. '

Li Zhi smiled bitterly and said: "I also wanted to send people to join me, but I have many powerful generals under my command, but it is too difficult to find such versatile and elegant people. Even if there are a few, they are all of low origin. What's more, If I send someone here, I am afraid that Qin Qing will be the first to bear the brunt. No matter whether he succeeds or not, Qin Qing will be offended. Besides -' Li Zhi hesitated, so I continued: 'Besides, it would make people think that His Highness is coveting the power of the princess. There is no brother or sister. Affection. '

Li Zhi smiled bitterly, looked at me and said, 'Although I don't want to hinder Changle's happiness, if she marries Xiahou Yuanfeng, it will really be detrimental to me. What do you think I should do? '

I lowered my head and thought about it, and said, "Your Highness, there is no need to worry. No matter what the Emperor and the Queen think, it is the Princess herself who makes the decision. Her views will also affect the Princess. Your Highness, why don't you ask the Princess to advise you? I miss you, Princess." I am afraid that the empress will not trust the princess to marry Xiahou. After all, he is too young and not stable enough. The princess has suffered a lot and needs a considerate, gentle, steady and dignified person to take care of her. '

Li Zhi said happily: "Yes, honestly speaking, regardless of anything else, I don't trust Changle to marry Xiahou Yuanfeng. He is too young and too unstable." '

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, outside the Zhuque Gate, the martial arts performance has reached a critical moment. Yesterday's preliminaries were completed, and today is the day to compete for the leader. On the wide field in front of the gate, it is a battle between dragons and tigers. On the west side of the martial arts performance building, the emperor, The Queen and Concubine Changsun were watching the martial arts performance with Princess Changle. The other ladies were sitting in the back. It was rare for these ladies in the harem to come out, so they were all in high spirits.

This was the last race of the horse race. Among the contestants, Wei Ying and Xiahou Yuanfeng had the highest claim to win the championship. Wei Ying's sweaty horse and Xiahou Yuanfeng's Dawan horse were both good horses. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng's horse was slightly Not as good, but his riding skills are worse than Wei Ying's, so the outcome is 50-50. As soon as the red flag was displayed, both of them rushed out at the lead, leaving the other horses far behind. When they reached the end of the track, they turned back. Xiahou won with his excellent equestrian skills, but Wei Ying was not bad either. , coupled with the power of the sweaty BMW, they still caught up. In the final sprint, both of them tried their best. In the end, Wei Ying won and became the leader of the first event.

The imperial concubine said happily: "Mr. Wei is really versatile in both civil and military affairs, but I still think he is more suitable for Zhen'er." '

The queen said, "Actually, Yuan Feng is not bad. If it weren't for his poor horse, he might have surpassed Wei Ying." Moreover, he had to participate in three competitions, even if he finished second, it would not be easy. '

Li Yuan also nodded and said: 'Xia Hou is indeed a young hero, but Wei Ying is a good candidate because he has a good character and is both civil and military. '

Concubine Changsun was a little worried. She looked at Princess Changle, but saw that the princess was not happy at all. She just looked at the martial arts field silently.

At this time, Concubine Yan suddenly said: 'Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness King Yong are here. '

Concubine Changsun looked out and saw that Prince Li An and King Yong Li Zhi were all dressed in casual clothes. There were special seats under the Guanwu Building for them. They had not been there in person in the past two days, but they all came by chance today. . When Princess Changle heard that King Yong was coming, she couldn't help but look around. Sure enough, she saw that man next to King Yong. He was still dressed in blue and plain clothes. He was elegant and elegant. He was sitting next to his second brother, talking and laughing, and standing behind him was The handsome and feminine young man in green seemed to feel her gaze and looked over coldly. The cold gaze made Princess Changle's heart tremble. She seemed to have seen such a pair of cold eyes before, and had seen such a temperamental person before. At this time, the young man came forward to pour him tea. Although they were upstairs and downstairs, the distance was not very far. Princess Changle could clearly see those white and somewhat pale hands. Princess Changle's heart almost jumped out of her chest. He, it was him, she looked at the handsome face in her memory again, could it be him, the mysterious man who drove Liang Wan crazy, forced the death of dozens of spies, but spared her. If it was really him, then Princess Changle would not wonder why he would let her go. She still remembered the only meeting and the poems he sent to the palace. She vaguely felt that this The elegant and elegant young man has long understood his thoughts and difficulties, and will not blame himself for leaving Nanchu. Showing an extremely gentle and joyful smile, Princess Changle suddenly became sad. There was no future between him and her. She lowered her head. She almost wanted to leave this place immediately. At this time, Emperor Li Yuan said happily: "Good archery skills." '

In the second archery competition, Qin Qing pierced the Yang with a hundred steps and hit the red heart with the arrow. Xiahou Yuanfeng did not show any weakness. In the end, the two tied for first place. Qin Qing was very unconvinced. If he really went into battle to kill the enemy, the situation would not be like this, but Since the emperor had made such an assessment, he had no choice but to accept it.

Li Zhi shook his head slightly. He had been in the army for a long time and knew that it was easy to shoot targets like this, but if it was riding and shooting, it would not be so easy. But this was a martial arts exercise, not a military competition, so there was nothing he could do about it. He said to Jiang Zhe: "If it is a competition, Archery should still be tested on horseback. In our army, when a scout reports military information, he needs to shoot with a bow and arrow, five hundred paces away, on horseback. The sounding arrow with the information must be shot to the archery target outside the Chinese army camp. , such an archery competition is useless. '

I am speechless, no wonder King Yong's soldiers are known to all the world.

The emperor and the empress looked at the silent Princess Changle, a little worried. The empress asked in a low voice: "Changle, the Ai family thinks Xiahou's child is really good, don't you like it?" '

Concubine Changsun quickly said: 'Zhen'er, if you don't like him, Wei Ying, Qin Qing or other young talents, no matter which one you like, your father will not stop him. '

Princess Changle remained silent, Li Yuan smiled and said: 'There is another competition, maybe Changle will have a suitable candidate. 'But his smile was a little forced. He must have seen Princess Changle's silent opposition.

At this time, on the battlefield below, Xiahou Yuanfeng and a young man in black stood opposite each other. The young man in black had a sharp face and was calm and indifferent. His body shape is similar to that of Xiahou Yuanfeng. Unlike Xiahou, his figure is like a jade tree facing the wind. He has a fierce aura all over his body, as if his whole body contains explosive power, and his every move is as elegant as a black panther.

I looked at the young man in black, full of admiration in my heart, and asked: 'Your Highness, who is this person? '

Li Zhi said: "His name is Pei Yun. He was once a pioneer and brave general under the command of King Qi and a lay disciple of Shaolin. It is said that this man had outstanding martial arts. A few years ago, his two brothers were killed in battle. His father, Pei, the minister of Zhongshu, I respectfully wrote to my father and requested that he be transferred back to the capital. My father felt sorry for the fact that the Pei family only had this line of cigarettes, so he specially ordered him to return. He is now the commander of the North Camp of the Forbidden Army. This man is loyal and brave, and is deeply loved by his father and General Qin. He is doted on, but his temperament is a little weird and he doesn't like to interact with others. If not, he would probably be the emperor's favorite candidate for his consort. It is said that he participated in the competition because of Xiahou Yuanfeng, because this person is known as one of the top masters of the Imperial Army. He said that there was a lot of controversy over who was the best young master in Chang'an, between him and Xiahou Yuanfeng. Normally, due to his status, he could not compete, but this time he took the opportunity to compete. '

I looked at Xiao Shunzi and asked, "After watching their previous competition, who do you think is more likely to win the championship?" '

Xiao Shunzi said calmly: "Pei Yun is a Shaolin master. I think he may be practicing the invincible vajra power among the seventy-two stunts, and he has already achieved 70% of the power. In another ten years, Xiahou Yuanfeng will definitely not be him." opponent. '

Li Zhi heard this and said: "So now he is not as good as Xiahou Yuanfeng?" '

Xiao Shunzi said: "Your Highness, Xiahou Yuanfeng's martial arts path is the feminine path, so he progresses very quickly. However, in the later stages, he will inevitably suffer many setbacks. Without extraordinary intelligence and perseverance, he can only He is afraid that it will be difficult to reach the peak, so now his martial arts is stronger than Pei Yun, but winning is not easy, because a martial arts competition depends on various factors. Since Pei Yun is a capable general on the battlefield, his calmness and decisiveness are beyond ordinary people, so this victory The defeat should be four or six, but Pei Yun still has a chance. '

At this time, the two people on the field saluted each other and began to fight. Xiahou Yuanfeng used a sword, and Pei Yun used a knife. Although I don't know martial arts, I felt that the sword in Xiahou Yuanfeng's hand moved lightly and gracefully. Snow light is flying, but Pei Yun's sword skills are calm and steady, guarded very tightly, and his moves are even more strict and ancient, giving him the air of a master.

Xiao Shunzi looked at it very seriously, and his eyes were very fiery. I couldn't help but ask: 'How is it? Who has the upper hand now. '

Xiao Shunzi replied: "Pei Yunzhi's swordsmanship is Liuhe swordsmanship, which is directly inherited from Shaolin. It is very different from what is spread outside. It has reached the level of proficiency. Xiahou Yuanfeng's swordsmanship is the swordsmanship of Yue Nu. It is said that it has been passed down since the Spring and Autumn Period." What has been passed down is profound and profound. Although Pei Yun defends very firmly, it is of little use if he cannot fight back. I think Xiahou Yuanfeng's internal energy is also very pure, so I am afraid he will not be unable to succeed. '

At this time, Pei Yun suddenly let out a light scold, and his sword technique changed. It became sharp and fierce, but it still had a hint of compassion. This contradiction made people think deeply. Xiao Shunzi said in surprise: "This is the Shura sword technique secretly taught by Shaolin. It uses Shura means to realize compassion. It is really extraordinary." 'For a moment, the sword shadows and lights on the field were brilliant and brilliant, and a strong sense of blood emerged. At this time, Xiahou Yuanfeng jumped up, then flipped in the air and struck down with a sword. Pei Yun raised his long sword and caught the sword forcefully. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng was condescending, he did not take advantage of it. Without the slightest advantage, he bounced up again. He was as strong and strong as an eagle, floating in the sea of ​​Pei Yun's swords and winds. He fought like an eagle and hunted rabbits, and came and went like a spring swallow. Everyone watching the battle was stunned. It was a loud cheer. Pei Yun was forced to parry left and right, and was in a hurry. At this time, Xiahou Yuanfeng couldn't fight for a long time. He seemed extremely angry. Suddenly, his sword merged into one and stabbed Pei Yun like lightning. Pei Yun blocked it with the long sword in his hand. This sword was Xiahou's. Yuan Feng moved with all his strength, but Pei Yun was a little hasty. There was a crisp sound, but the long knife was broken. The streamer movie pierced Pei Yun's heart. There was only a broken knife in Pei Yun's hand. There was a burst of exclamation in the field. Pei Yun's face was solemn. He dropped the broken knife and raised it with both hands. He only heard the sound of gold and iron, and the two of them The bodies were separated. Xiahou Yuanfeng had a cold expression on his face, which somewhat dimmed his handsome face. However, Pei Yun's sleeves were flying like butterflies, and his skin color was faintly golden under his hands and forearms, but he was unscathed.

At this time, a gong sounded from the Guanwu Tower. After a while, an eunuch came down to deliver the order, saying that His Majesty had an order. If Pei Yun's weapon is broken, it should be considered a defeat. The two ministers are both outstanding figures in the court and cannot fight to the death. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng won, his expression was vaguely unhappy, and he stepped forward to receive the order to thank him. Pei Yun, however, looked calm and retreated after receiving the order.

This is how Dayong's martial arts event ended. Xiahou Yuanfeng became the leader with two first places and one second place. Wei Ying and Qin Qing also had one first place each, which was satisfactory, but they To the surprise of King Yong and I, the emperor did not announce the results of the selection of a son-in-law, nor even the rewards that should be given. What exactly is going on?