The Grandmaster Strategist

After the martial arts performance, Emperor Yong Li Yuan asked with a smile: "Changle, what do you think of Xiahou Yuanfeng?" '

Princess Changle said calmly: 'Not bad. '

Li Yuan said happily: "If you take him as the emperor's consort, how about Chang Le?" '

Princess Changle said calmly: "Although he is a good person, his heart is still like water." '

Li Yuan said again: "Since you don't like this person, there are so many talented people in civil and military affairs. Is there anyone you like in Changle?" '

Princess Changle burst into tears. She came forward and bowed down and said: "Father, although the son and minister must return to the knee of the father, he is still the Queen of Southern Chu. The king is still alive. Even if the son is shameless, there is no reason to remarry another husband." . '

Li Yuan was furious and said: 'I am determined to choose a good son-in-law for you, but you are so stubborn. He stood up angrily and was about to reprimand when he saw Princess Changle kneeling on the ground with tears rolling down her cheeks. Although her face was not as haggard as when she first returned, she still lacked the brilliance that a young woman should have. Li Yuan sat down slumped and said after a long time: "I shouldn't force you. Prince, don't worry, I will never embarrass you again." '

When this matter reached my ears, I felt a little happy for some reason. Princess Changle was still as virtuous and courteous as I thought. No matter how she treated the king, she still fulfilled her responsibilities. Even if she really married again in the future, I won't look down upon her either.

The matter did not calm down like this. Although Li Yuan temporarily gave up his plan to let Princess Changle remarry, others did not give up. Queen Dou, Concubine Yan and Concubine Ji all came to persuade them. Princess Changle could neither drive them away nor give up. May she change her mind. On this day, Princess Yong's wife Gao came into the palace. When she heard about this, she persuaded Concubine Changsun to let the princess stay at Prince Yong's Mansion for a few days and then return to the palace on the 15th.

Concubine Changsun did not agree immediately. She glanced at Mrs. Gao hesitantly. There were some things that only she knew. Princess Changle's affairs were not something others would interfere with, so she had to intervene. When she returned to the palace that day, she asked the maid next to her if there was any. Pay attention to who the princess pays more attention to. To her surprise, the palace maid Lu'e reported back: "The princess is always cold and indifferent, but when King Yong came, the slave saw the princess looking at the man next to King Yong and smiling very much. I was happy, but in a blink of an eye it was the same as usual. "Concubine Changsun knew who that person was. Jiang Zhe and Jiang Suiyun. When she went to Cuiluan Palace, she often saw her daughter holding a poetry volume. It was full of Jiang Zhe's poems, and part of it was in his daughter's handwriting. , and the others were all written by a stranger. I once asked, but they were brought to the palace by Jiang Zhe when he was in Nanchu. It turned out that the person my daughter liked was actually the surrendered minister of Nanchu, but I once asked The maids who served her daughter all said that her daughter abided by the palace rules of women's ethics in Nanchu and never violated the etiquette. Liang Wan also sent those poems to the palace after asking Jiang Zhe. She only said that her daughter liked that person's poems. I'm afraid my daughter has already had her heart set on belonging, but she didn't show it in the past due to her status. Of course, it's also possible that her daughter didn't originally have this intention, but now that she mentioned the matter of choosing a son-in-law, she came up with this idea. If you let your daughter go to Prince Yong's Mansion, maybe you can let your daughter meet that man.

But Concubine Changsun frowned. If he was from Dayong, no matter how low his position was, as long as his character was good and his daughter liked him, she wouldn't care. But that man was a surrender official of Nanchu, so even if his daughter was willing, he might not agree. After all, my daughter was once the Queen of Nanchu. After thinking about it, Concubine Changsun thought, no matter what, her daughter would definitely be able to relax when she went to Prince Yong's Mansion. As for her thoughts, I can also explore it. The decision was made, Concubine Changsun said: "It's okay if Changle comes to your place to play. Lu'e, you are always cautious, so you should go with the princess. If anything happens to the princess, you can come back and report it." 'She made up her mind to ask Lu'e to secretly pay attention to Changle's behavior in order to see what her daughter's feelings were.

Princess Changle was also very happy to temporarily leave the palace for a trip. When she arrived at Prince Yong's Mansion, the princess accompanied her to the garden. The garden of the palace was divided into an inner garden and an outer garden from the lake. They were separated by flowers, trees, corridors, etc. There were no very clear boundaries. , but the inside and outside are distinct. The sky is clear today,

In the pavilion in the garden of the inner house, the princess ordered people to place fruits and asked the slave nurse to take the prince Li Jun, the two concubine daughters and Rou Lan to play outside the pavilion. She took her two concubines to accompany the princess. Looking from the pavilion, there is a lake not far away. The weather is clear at this time, the lake water is as clear as jasper, and several children are laughing and playing, which is very innocent and interesting. Princess Changle watched for a while and felt that she was in a very happy mood. She smiled and said: "Wang Sister-in-law, I remember that when I left, Brother Wang didn’t have any children. I didn’t expect that he already has a son and three daughters. '

The princess smiled and said: "Princess, you guessed wrong. Your brother Wang has a difficult life. Apart from Jun'er, he only has two daughters. The youngest, named Roulan, is the daughter of Jiang Zhe and Jiang Sima." '

Princess Changle's hands trembled and she said in a cold voice: 'Oh, is Jiang Sima already married? '

The princess did not notice the princess' uneasiness and said: "This is Jiang Sima's adopted daughter. She is very cute. I heard from the prince that Sima was alone and worried that he would not be able to take care of his daughter, so he sent her to the back house for me to take care of. I told the prince , Jiang Sima was already twenty-six or seven years old, and it was time for him to marry a wife, but the prince said that Jiang Sima was unwilling, as if it was because of the unfortunate death of his former fiancée. Alas, such an infatuated man is really rare. '

Princess Changle felt sad at the same time, but she was also secretly happy. Then she thought about it, there was no way she could be with this person. Although this person’s poems seemed to be free and easy, she didn’t seem to be a deviant. If she wanted to have this person It is probably impossible for a minister to accept his wife. Princess Changle felt even sadder when she thought of this. The man she was silently in love with had no connection with her. Thinking of the day when she read his poems and admired his talent in her heart, when Liang Wan invited him to meet her, she felt even more sad. She was in love with him, but there was a difference between monarch and minister, so she never dared to show her thoughts at all. Later, when he was reprimanded, she was secretly happy, thinking that she didn't have to worry about him being sentenced by Dayong after the fall of Southern Chu. Unexpectedly, he was captured by the king's brother and brought back to the Great Emperor. Yong, I was worried about him all the way, worried that he refused to surrender and would be executed by the king's brother. Now that he had become a minister of Dayong, he was worried that he would be implicated by the two kings. However, no matter what his thoughts were, it was impossible to reconcile with him after all. He was married and couldn't even express her affection for him. Thinking of this, Princess Changle forced a smile and said: 'Sister-in-law Wang, bring Roulan over and let me have a look. '

The princess brought Roulan over. Princess Changle looked at the little girl. The more she looked at it, the more she liked her. She couldn't help but hold her in her arms. Roulan hadn't learned to walk yet and had been playing on the carpet under the tree just now. Looking at Seeing the beautiful and elegant Princess Changle, she curiously stretched out her hand to grab the princess' hair bun, which messed up Princess Changle's black hair. Princess Changle was not angry, but laughed and continued to tease the cute little girl. Her laughter made the princess very happy, but Lu'e, who was standing aside, understood what the princess was thinking.

While everyone was enjoying themselves, across the clear lake, there was a faint sound of music in the distance. The sound was neither silk nor bamboo, but it was touching. This is a popular song in Southern Chu. At this time of year, it is the time to go together. When you are appreciating plum blossoms, you can always hear this piece of music. This piece is called "Winter Plum". Although it is just a simple and cheerful tune, and the person who plays it has no skills, it makes people feel like the sky is blue. Like washing, the winter plum blossoms bloom, and my heart is open. Princess Changle listened intently. After a moment, the music stopped and she murmured: 'Is it Jiang Sima? Is he missing Nan Chu? '

The princess' heart moved, she looked at the princess and said, 'It's Jiang Sima playing music. I wonder what kind of instrument it is? But the sound always sounds very ancient. Sister, it was a coincidence that today, Jiang Sima was enjoying the scenery at Linbo Pavilion. In his free time, Jiang Sima would go to the lake to enjoy the scenery from time to time, or read and play chess in the guest house. It was very comfortable, and he was not as busy as other staff and counselors. 'At this time, a young man in green clothes walked from a distance. He was no more than a young man, but his appearance was delicate and delicate, with just a hint of femininity. The maids all recognized him and did not stop him. The young man walked to the pavilion and said respectfully: 'Princess, my family is here. The young master asked his servant to pick up Miss Roulan. '

The princess was about to agree when she glanced at the princess and suddenly said: "Mr. Jiang is too polite. He has been in the palace for a long time and does not need to be so restrained. The princess is here today. She likes Roulan very much and is reluctant to let go. If she doesn't see anyone else, just Let Mr. Jiang come over. The prince will come over soon. It won't be a problem. '

Xiao Shunzi was stunned for a moment and looked at the princess and the princess. A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still said: 'I obey. '

At this time, King Yong Li Zhi came from a distance, saw Xiao Shunzi, and asked with a smile: "Why, you are here to pick up Roulan again. Your master comes to comfort his daughter whenever he has free time." '

Xiao Shunzi said: 'Your Majesty, the princess said that the princess likes the young lady and asked the young master not to see anyone else but to come here once. '

Li Zhi was stunned for a moment, but he believed that the princess must have her own plan, so he said: 'That's right. Go and invite your young master to come over. '

Xiao Shunzi was even more surprised. His eyes quickly turned around, but he didn't see anything unusual. At this time, his eyes fell on the princess. He saw the princess hugging Roulan and smiling happily. He couldn't help but move, but then he thought When I thought about it, I felt like I was thinking wildly. But he no longer hesitated and hurried back to Linbo Pavilion.

I was drinking with Gou Lian at Linbo Pavilion. When I saw Xiao Shunzi, I smiled and said, 'Where's Roulan? Why didn't you bring her over? Brother Gou still wants to see my good daughter? '

Xiao Shunzi said: "Today Princess Changle went to the palace to relax. She liked the young lady very much and refused to let her go. The princess said that the young master is not an outsider. If the young master is willing, he might as well go over. The prince is also there." '

I frowned and said: 'This is not good, forget it, let's go another day. '

After hearing this, Gou Lian said: 'Suiyun, since the princess has said so, you should go there, otherwise the princess will blame you. '

I thought, yes, it would be fine if the princess didn't say it, but if she did, it would be really bad if I didn't go. Looking at Xiao Shunzi, he was also nodding. Then he said to Gou Lian: "Then I'll go. Brother Gou, please have a few more drinks." Gou Lian smiled and waved his hand and said, "Go quickly. Brother Dong will be here soon, and I will explain it to him." '

Li Zhi sat down, looked at Princess Changle, and said with a smile: "Changle, you are right to come out to relax. The palace is very dull. If you like, you can come here often." '

At this time Roulan suddenly struggled, as if she was eager to play. Princess Changle smiled slightly, handed her to the maid, and asked the maid to take her back. She smiled and said: "Actually, the palace is not boring. I met a few of them." The younger brothers and sisters who were born after leaving are all cute, but the rules in the palace are too strict and not as relaxed as outside. Brother Wang, I heard that Jun'er is going to Youzhou. It's too difficult for a child to leave his parents at such a young age. So cruel. '

Li Zhi smiled and said: 'There is no way around it. Jun'er is the crown prince of King Yong and has his responsibilities to fulfill. Changle, don't feel sorry for him. How many of our royal family can be independent? '

Princess Changle's eyes were a little dim, and when she was about to speak, a young man walked up from a distance. He was wearing a moon-white Confucian shirt, and his carefree look made people feel happy when they saw him. The young man in green who followed him seemed like he Like a shadow, it is clearly under the sun, but it makes people turn a blind eye. Everyone's eyes were focused on this master and servant, and they seemed to feel the joy in their hearts.

When I got closer, I stepped forward and saluted, "I see Your Highness, Your Majesty the Princess." '

Li Zhi smiled and said, "I have nothing to do today, so don't be rigid with Sui Yun. Come and sit down together." '

I glanced at the princess and said with a smile: 'Excuse me, should I be called the queen or the princess? '

Princess Changle leaned forward and said, "Master Jiang, I know that I can't afford Nan Chu, so please forgive me." '

I didn't have any resentment towards her originally, but when I saw her acting like this, I reciprocated and said, "Your Highness, you don't have to be like this. No matter you are the queen of the past or the princess of today, you will always be my king. I can only be respectful and respectful, so there is no blame." reason. '

When Princess Changle saw that I was speaking very sincerely, she felt happy and smiled. This smile was like a spring flower blooming, which immediately added a bit of radiance to her face.

When Li Zhi saw it, he was also moved in his heart. Could it be that the princess meant--? Just when he was thinking wildly, I already saluted and said: "Your Highness and the princess are entertaining the princess today. I don't want to disturb you. I will leave now. Please forgive me." 'After that, without waiting for their agreement, he signaled Xiao Shunzi to hug Roulan, and turned to leave.

Li Zhi was just about to persuade her to stay when she saw a palace maid watching here, so she swallowed her words back. Looking at Jiang Zhe's back, Princess Changle felt happy and worried at the same time. Today she finally learned that he did not blame her, although He is happy, but it is also very sad to think that from now on, he will be locked in the palace and never have the chance to see each other again. He is right, he and he will always be monarchs and ministers, it is absolutely impossible. While she was grieving, she thought about how she could fall in love with other men as she was still a married woman, so she forced a smile to prevent others from seeing the flaw. It's just that King Yong and the princess are both careful people, and they can't see any clues. The princess just paid it back, but Li Zhi was deep in thought. According to his understanding, Jiang Zhe would never agree to this marriage, and I'm afraid no one would agree. No wonder Princess Changle never revealed a word. Presumably even Jiang Zhe Zhe himself doesn't know that the princess is in love with him. Not to mention others, even he would not agree. If this matter spreads out, I am afraid that the prince and the others will be in trouble. If they are allowed to instigate in front of his father, Jiang Zhe may not be able to save his life. What if Zhao Jia also passed away after he ascended the throne? Is it possible? The more Li Zhi thought about it, the more headache he got. It would be a crime for a minister to accept the emperor's wife. Although Jiang Zhe had surrendered to Dayong, if he was allowed to marry the queen, it would be impossible unless Jiang Zhe completely ignored his reputation.

He thought so much, but the princess had another opinion. She thought that if the princess could be betrothed to Jiang Zhe, then Jiang Zhe would be hers. She knew that her husband valued Jiang Zhe very much, and she had racked her brains to think about it. After convincing him, she didn't know how Jiang Zhe surrendered in the end, but she knew that her husband had trouble sleeping at night because of this. If she could facilitate this, her husband would have an extra helping hand, and the princess would have someone to support her for life. She With a woman's sensitive perception, the young man who is now respectfully professing his surrender in front of his husband actually has an otherworldly temperament. If he does not grasp it tightly, he will one day fly away, and in that case, he may fly away. It will make her husband restless again.

I didn't notice what happened at all. I hugged Roulan and said to Xiao Shunzi: 'Do you think I should marry a wife to take care of Roulan. '

Xiao Shunzi said calmly: "It would be a good thing if the young master wants to marry a wife, but what if you marry a wife you don't like? If you have someone you like, of course that's fine. If not, don't force it. Miss Roulan also It’s not like no one is taking care of you. '

I smiled and said: 'Where in the world is there a woman like Piao Xiang? It's okay for me to marry an ordinary virtuous woman. But what you said makes sense. If the words are tasteless, it will be really painful, that's all. '

Xiao Shunzi suddenly said: 'What do you think of the princess? '

I was stunned and said with a smile: "What nonsense are you talking about? Her Royal Highness the Princess has a noble status and was once the mother of the country. How could I think so much of her? If it were spread, wouldn't it be a joke? There are several candidates for the Prince Consort." I'm afraid the princess's consort has been decided before the king returns to Nanchu. well. 'I sighed and said: 'Actually, of those people, I am most optimistic about Wei Ying. He will definitely be able to make the princess happy. '

Xiao Shunzi curled his lips and said nothing. He was too lazy to talk to this master who was very confused about the little things around him. However, he thought with a heavy face. He must pay attention to this matter. The princess has feelings for the young master. This matter It's big or small, if someone is jealous of the young master because of this, it will endanger the young master's safety, and if he is much closer to the princess, he may be in trouble. Thinking of this, he can't help but regret his promise to the young master to let the princess go. He knows that the woman Usually there is a sense beyond reason that she and the princess were very close to each other. If she saw through that he was the one who kidnapped her that day, the young master would be in danger. Alas, I didn't expect to see the princess again. I was really negligent.