The Grandmaster Strategist

As the clouds subsided a little, Sang Chen said goodbye to Chang'an. Before leaving, the king offered a thousand pieces of gold as a gift. The gentleman declined, and Zhe advised him that the gold and silk were not for reward for merit, but only to help with travel, and there were many poor and sick people in the world, and the gentleman was good at saving them.

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

What it feels like to escape from death can only be understood by those who have experienced it. So when I opened my eyes, although I felt numb all over my body and the pain in my heart was unbearable, I still couldn't help but smile slightly. I moved my limbs with difficulty, and there was another burst of pain. I was more sure that I was still alive in the world and not in the underworld. I groaned, and the hoarse voice just escaped from my lips. Someone had already come over and lifted up the brocade curtain on the bed. I Looking carefully, I saw an imperial doctor in his forties. I forced a smile. He turned back in surprise and shouted: "Master Jiang is awake. Go and notify Mr. Sang." ‘Then I heard the sound of steady footsteps, and then I saw that familiar face.

Although we haven't seen each other for many years, Mr. Sang's appearance has not changed much. His beard and hair are gray, his appearance is thin, and his eyes always have that kind of focus and ruthlessness. Yes, ruthlessness. People all over the world say that Mr. Sang is a miracle doctor who can rejuvenate his body. He often refuses to leave. He worked hard to heal the poor, but his heart was cold and heartless. I knew this back then. In his eyes, patients are just men and women with blurred faces. Although he is attentive when treating patients, he is well aware of the patient's changes in condition and mood swings. However, if the patient recovers afterwards, he will be a stranger to him. If the patient is unfortunate, Even if he dies, he will definitely not feel sad at all. Perhaps, in Mr. Sang's eyes, there is only the distinction between patients and healthy people. For him, patients are just tools used to verify medical skills. If there is anyone who is an exception, then it is probably me.

I remember that when we first met, my father asked him for medical treatment. He only took one look and said that my father’s disease was deep-rooted and that even if he could be cured, he would only be able to live in a few years. My father was a little disappointed and even planned not to treat him anymore. It was I who said to my father: "A few years is short for ordinary people, but it is very important for us father and son. The son is still young. Without the care of his father, he will inevitably be homeless. If the father cannot afford it, how can he be assured of his child's future livelihood? It is not as good as father and son." Dependent on each other for many more years, if the father is in pain, the son will naturally not dare to force the father, but as long as the child takes good care of the child, the father should not suffer much. '

My father was just temporarily discouraged. Seeing my sincere words, he sought medical treatment again. After hearing what I said, Mr. Sang just said lightly: 'This child is quite sensible. 'After that, he stayed to diagnose and treat my father, and stayed for several months to teach me medical skills. I once heard him say that he had no ambition to practice medicine to help the world, and practicing medicine was just his way of making a living. Although he said it so coldly and ruthlessly, But I just like how frank he is, and Mr. Sang can't see patients in his eyes. Fortunately, he is usually taciturn. If anyone knew the thoughts of Xinglin Medical Sage in the eyes of the world, they would be shocked.

When I saw Mr. Sang, I couldn't help but shed tears. This is my only elder in this world. Mr. Sang understood what I was thinking, came over to check my pulse, and said calmly: "Suiyun, your injury is no longer serious. These days, you have taken a lot of expensive tonics. Although it saved your life, there are still some problems." Your vitality is too strong. You need to take care of yourself these days. I will treat you carefully after your injury recovers. '

I looked at Mr. Sang inquiringly, and he smiled slightly and said, "Are you asking His Highness King Yong and the boy who has been using your zhenqi to keep your life alive? King Yong has been too tired these days, and I have asked him to go back." Rest. It is said that His Highness fell asleep and is not awake yet. Your entourage is indeed loyal, but I saw that his internal energy was too exhausted and he refused to rest, so I took a dose of medicine to let him rest obediently. Now, when he wakes up, it will be a good time to break down and build up again. I will supervise him to practice in seclusion. Your child is not born with enough congenital skills. He will not have much success in martial arts. He is a prodigy in martial arts. Although his martial arts It is indeed very exquisite,

But being able to practice to this level is because of his extraordinary talent. My martial arts skills have not yet been passed down to others, so why not teach them to him? You are my half-disciple, and he is loyal to you, so teach him the same. '

I couldn't help but be overjoyed. Although I didn't know the depth of Mr. Sang's martial arts, I could tell from his tone that he must be extraordinary. After thinking about it, I remembered that King Yong must have been very tired for many days, otherwise how could he not wake up. I couldn't help but feel anxious, so I quickly held Mr. Sang's hand and wrote the word "王" on his palm. Mr. Sang smiled slightly and said: 'It's rare for His Highness to be so kind to you. I have already visited him, so don't worry. '

Only then did I relax. At this time, a maid brought a bowl of medicine and carefully served me to take it. After taking the medicine, I felt sleepy again and fell asleep again. For several days in a row, I spent my time sleeping and taking medicine. It was not until seven days later that I no longer had to drink the soup with added ingredients. , I can finally lie awake in bed.

I touched my stiff legs and wanted to get out of bed and walk around, but I was stopped by Mr. Sang. Xiao Shunzi originally wanted to come to serve me, but who knew that Mr. Sang said, "There are so many martial arts masters in the world, you still can't." Do you want your young master to be injured like this? 'I blocked it, and I am currently practicing hard in seclusion. It seems that although Mr. Sang's internal skills are very different from Xiao Shunzi's, Mr. Sang's research on martial arts is not comparable to Xiao Shunzi's, so my ears are also clear. Well, at least no one is making trouble to plead guilty to me. King Yong and Princess took Roulan to visit me once, but Mr. Sang later banned me from seeing me, saying that he wanted me to cultivate myself well so as not to worry about things outside. Since then, King Yong has not come here except for sending people to greet him every day. According to Mr. Sang, it seems that King Yong is personally rectifying the defense of the palace, because the previous defense had too many loopholes for the masters of the world. Although resting is good for my body, it is too depressing. Even my favorite books are not allowed to be touched by me. Mr. Sang only gave me a few Taoist scriptures about purity and inaction, saying that they would calm my mind. , but it is quite effective. Otherwise, I feel much calmer. After experiencing life and death, I feel that many things have been ignored. Even the shadow of the fragrance will not always linger in my heart. Even if I think about it, Mostly it is the sweetness full of happiness, rather than the pain of heartbreak.

After another five or six days, Mr. Sang finally allowed me to get out of bed and walk around. Xiao Shunzi had also returned to me. With his help, I took the first step after recovering from the illness. My steps felt better than The cotton was still soft, and I was out of breath after not even walking around the room. It was already mid-March, and several peach trees in the garden had already bloomed. Although the spring breeze was still a bit chilly, it was no longer so biting. Xiao Shunzi asked people to surround a pavilion in the garden with Sichuan brocade on three sides to block the spring breeze. He also spread a thick Persian blanket inside the pavilion and put soft couches, tables and chairs. I sat comfortably on the soft couch. , wearing the silver fox fur gifted by His Highness King Yong last winter, Mr. Sang sat on a chair, his eyes slightly closed, while Xiao Shunzi was making tea aside. Not long after, two cups of hot tea were brought over, and I drank them all in one gulp. , I felt a sense of relief all over my limbs.

Mr. Sang drank it all in one gulp and said with a smile: 'The tea sent by His Highness is indeed good. Suiyun, King Yong treats you like a nobleman of the country. It seems that you are not willing to live in seclusion with me. '

I was stunned and asked: 'Why did you say this, sir? Could it be that you don't like Zhe serving King Yong? '

Mr. Sang smiled faintly and said: 'I don't care about these worldly things. King Yong is not a mediocre person. There is nothing wrong with you assisting him. I just want you to resign and go into seclusion for the sake of your health. '

I said calmly: 'But my body can't be tired from now on? '

Mr. Sang shook his head and said: "Not only that, Suiyun, although your injury is serious, as long as you take good care of it, you can return to normal in a few years. As long as you are more careful in the past few years, there will be no serious problems. It's just a heart disease that is difficult to treat. Your If your heart is injured by the seven emotions, if you cannot calm down and recover from the disease, you will be seriously ill in ten years. If my prediction is correct, you must have experienced great joy and great sorrow when you were exhausted both physically and mentally. Therefore, The heart meridian has been injured, and the sadness has not stopped over the years, so I have developed a chronic illness. Although you are good at medical skills, it is just that good doctors cannot treat themselves, which leads to today. '

Xiao Shunzi turned pale after hearing this. He looked at Sang Chen without saying a word. Sang Chen shook his head slightly, sighed and stopped talking.

I walked out from the critical moment of life and death, but I heard such news again, but the strange thing is that I didn't feel sad at all in my heart. I smiled lightly and said: "This is also Zhe's destiny. Zhe used to intend to live in seclusion, but now he is under the influence of His Highness King Yong." If such kindness cannot be repaid, wouldn't it be a life-long unrest? Besides, if the mind is restless, what's the use of practicing hard in the mountains? I dare not hide it from you. I am responsible for the blood revenge of killing my wife. I will never avenge this hatred and die with my eyes in peace. How can I hide it? build. However, ten years is enough time. The disciple is confident that he can avenge his grievances and assist King Yong to achieve great things. When the time comes, he will be drifting in the lake and the sea, life and death will be at a loss, and he will regard wealth and honor as floating clouds. Wouldn't it be happy? After this life, why would he hate death? '

Xiao Shunzi looked pale at first, but after hearing this, his expression turned calm. Sang Chen glanced at him and asked, "Do you allow your master to act mischievously?" '

Xiao Shunzi said respectfully: "The master likes this. The slaves can only rely on him. At most, the slaves will follow him under the spring. I think the master will not be lonely." '

But I was not moved by what he said. After experiencing life and death, many of my thoughts have changed. Xiao Shunzi died for me, and I only felt that I had one more friend under the spring, and with my methods, he It was not difficult for him to survive, so I just glanced at him and smiled slightly to show that I knew his hard work. He just said this to let me work hard to live a few more years.

Sang Chen smiled bitterly and said: 'That's all, it's up to you, but I will take good care of you during this period, and it will be up to you in the future. '

I asked in confusion: "Why do you still want to travel far away? Why do you need to live all over the world when you are so old?" '

Sang Chen said calmly: 'I'm old and don't want to get involved in the disputes of the world. The waves here are rough. I'm no younger than you and I can't withstand the storm. But I am indeed not young anymore. This time I plan to return to my hometown to live in seclusion. If you have something to do in the future, you can go to Penglai, East China Sea to find me. '

I nodded and said, 'Sir, you are right. If the situation calms down, I would also like to see the scenery of the overseas fairy mountains. '

Mr. Sang hesitated for a moment and then said: 'Suiyun, is your enemy the Fengyi Sect? '

I was shocked and said calmly: 'Why would you say that, sir? Fengyi Sect is the leader in martial arts, the spiritual leader of Baidao, and the Great Yong Yuan. How could I be their enemy? '

Sang Chen said calmly: "Don't worry, I have nothing to do with Fengyi Sect. When the master of Fengyi Sect became famous, I was already in my forties. Although she wanted to invite me to be her guest several times, I didn't agree. This time They came to seek medical treatment. When I took a look, I knew that Liang Wan was poisoned by the poison prepared by the Cut-off Grass. There is no cure for the Cut-off Grass, and the only people with this kind of medicine in the world are you and me. So I knew it must be you, but you never do anything unreasonable, so I didn't tell them. I only said that if you take good care of her, Liang Wan can return to normal, but the past memories cannot come back. '

I felt a little relieved and asked, "Sir, won't you blame me for being so ruthless?" '

Sang Chen smiled lightly and said: 'I never ask about worldly affairs, but this grace-breaking grass is too poisonous, so don't use it in the future. '

I asked again: ‘What do you think of Fengyi Gate, sir? '

Sang Chen took a deep look at me and said, "Master Fengyi is a pitiful person. Hateful people must be pitiful. There is nothing wrong with what you want to do, but you must not hurt your body." If there is hatred, you only need to remember who the enemy is. As for the hatred, it is better to forget it. It will burn your heart and bones. Not remembering is the kindest treatment to yourself. '

I gave a gentle salute and said, 'Thank you sir for your teaching. ‘The only person in this world who can make me submit has made it clear that he will not interfere with my affairs, so I really have no worries. Although I don't know what kind of past Mr. Sang has with the Fengyi Sect Master, it is already irrelevant.

Sang Chen sighed. He felt that this child had a similar temperament as soon as he saw him. Although he was as old as his grandson, he really regarded him as his grandson, but he also knew that he could not change his mind. Fengyimen Lord Fan Huiyao had chatted with him over wine several times. That woman was a radiant being. Although he was used to living alone, he had once been attracted to her and kept the fragments of the Taiyin Heart Sutra in his collection. He gave it to her. Without the share he gave her, I believe she would not have achieved what she has today, or would have been at least ten years slower. He has never regretted it, because martial arts is not important to him, but For this child who would sooner or later face off against Fengyi Sect Master, he passed on all his martial arts skills to Li Shun, presumably so that Li Shun could better protect Jiang Zhe.

After looking at Jiang Zhe, Sang Chen said calmly: 'I'm leaving now, so take care of yourself. '

I quickly said: 'Today is too hasty, so I'd better stay a few more days so that I can see my husband off. '

Sang Chen smiled slightly and said: 'No need, you are not in good health, what can you do with me? '

At this time, a brisk voice came from the distance: ‘Why, who is leaving. ‘I looked up and it was King Yong Li Zhi who came over with Sima Xiong. Then he said: 'Your Highness, Mr. Sang is leaving now. '

Li Zhi said hurriedly: "Sir, how can you be in such a hurry? You saved my life last time before I had time to repay you, and this time I saved Jiang Sima's life. If I don't stay for a few more days, I'm afraid I will be accused of poor hospitality." '

Sang Chen said calmly: "It is useless to stay any longer. Suiyun is no longer in serious trouble. I still have things to do, so I have to leave." '

Seeing Sang Chen's firm words, Li Zhi knew not to force him, so he asked someone to fetch gold beads worth thousands of gold and said, "I dare not force you to keep them. Please accept these gold beads. I dare not say thank you, but I am just asking for help." '

Sang Chen said calmly: "Suiyun is my old friend. If His Highness hadn't spared the precious medicine, I would have died long ago. Sang is so grateful, how dare he accept the gold and silver." '

Now King Yong refused to agree, and repeatedly begged Mr. Sang to accept it. I knew Mr. Sang's temper, and I didn't want them to get stiffed, so I advised: "Sir, you'd better keep these gold and silver. If word spreads, it's said to be King Yong's." Your Highness doesn't even pay for travel, which I'm afraid won't sound good. Moreover, your Majesty often treats poor and sick people. They don't have money to buy medicine, and they often ask your Majesty to donate money to help. Your Majesty's gold and silver are accepted by your Majesty on their behalf. Bar. '

My words hit the mark. Although Mr. Sang is as cold-hearted as ice, he always treats sick people when he sees them. Of course, he has to pay for them himself, so he is always empty. Fortunately, he has saved thousands of people everywhere. There were people who received him, but those people probably didn't know that Mr. Sang couldn't remember who they were.

Sang Chen felt that Jiang Zhe was right, so he accepted the gold and silver and left. King Yong sent him off in person, but I was not allowed to follow him. I could only watch Mr. Sang walk out of Hanyuan. Alas, I am the only elder in the world. We will be separated within a few days, and the sadness of separation cannot help but surge into my heart. Those who are in ecstasy can only say goodbye.

Xiao Shunzi came back soon after seeing me off. He looked a little hesitant and said: 'Sir, would you like to check the relationship between Mr. Sang and the master of Fengyi Sect? It seems that there is no intelligence on these matters. '

I said calmly: 'No need, I know Mr. Sang's character very well, and since he said he didn't care, he just didn't care. If we kill Fengyi Sect Master, Mr. Sang won’t be offended, as long as we don’t use excessive means against Fengyi Sect Master. Besides, who is Fengyi Sect Master? Even if we destroy the entire Fengyi Sect, we will It may not be able to hurt her. '

Xiao Shunzi's expression changed and he asked: 'If the master of Fengyi Sect escapes in the future, wouldn't it mean endless troubles? There must be a way to trap her. '

I looked at Xiao Shunzi, smiled slightly and said: 'There is a way to do this, but it depends on you. If you can take on Fengyi Sect Master's hundred moves without losing, then I have a chance of winning. '

Xiao Shunzi looked resolute and said: 'Don't worry, sir, I will do it. 'I smiled and nodded. Then he said: 'Why hasn't His Highness come here yet? He must have something to discuss with me when he comes here today. '

Xiao Shunzi's expression suddenly became very strange, and after a while he said: 'His Highness received some news just now, so he didn't come over. He will probably come over soon. 'As soon as he finished speaking, I saw Li Zhi's figure, but I didn't have time to ask why Xiao Shunzi looked uneasy.