The Grandmaster Strategist

On May 12, the 24th year of Wuwei, Cui Yang, the princess's brother and the Minister of Household Affairs, died in Hepingfang.

--"Yong Shi·Biography of King Ru"

Before I walked into the hall, I heard a voice like thunder saying happily: "Sima, you don't know, I am lucky this time. The altar has been burning knives for sixty years. You can't think of it." There would be such good wine in that country shop, so I didn’t even want to drink it, so I brought it back specially. How about, if you invite me to have a nice meal, I’ll treat you to a drink. '

Then a calm voice came and said: 'Old Jing, don't yell so much. His Highness will be here soon, and I'm afraid you will be blamed for not obeying the rules again. '

The thunderous voice said impatiently: "I know, Your Highness will not blame me. This time I have brought something good." '

Then I heard Sima Xiong asked with a smile: "What good thing can you have, isn't it that jar of good wine?" '

The voice said proudly: 'You kid would never guess that His Highness would like it if I brought something like this. '

Li Zhi smiled slightly, coughed slightly, and walked into the hall. I followed behind and walked in. As soon as I entered the hall, I saw two men in military uniforms standing on one side, standing solemnly. Li Zhi took the throne, and these two men came forward to bow down and bow. Just by looking at the respect and respect shown on their bodies, you knew that these two men were Li Zhi's trusted generals.

I looked at the two of them carefully. One of them had long eyebrows, fair face and no beard. He was handsome but delicate. He was nearly eight feet tall, but had the arms and waist of a wasp. He did not appear to be huge at all. The other one was also eight feet tall and leopard He has a ring of eyes, a rough appearance, and a tall figure, but he is as tall as a hill. After the two of them bowed respectfully and said hello, Li Zhi pointed at me and said: "This Jiang Sima is my right-hand man. You have met him before. From now on, treat him like the king. Don't be rude." '

The two of them turned around and came over to salute me. I bowed and returned the salute, smiling and saying: 'Your Highness is serious. Zhe and the two generals are His Highness's subordinates, so we don't dare to treat them as a big gift. '

After the ceremony, I walked to the seat at the head of King Yong and sat down. The two of them stood with hands solemnly waiting for King Yong to speak.

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Sit down, everyone. This is not a military camp. There is no need to be so polite. Grandson, are you safe on your journey?" '

The general with long eyebrows and phoenix eyes stood up and said: 'Your Majesty, the journey was smooth, but there were too many cars and horses, so the walk was inevitably slower. This is the gift list sent by the Nanchu envoy. 'Said handing over a booklet. Li Zhi looked through it and handed it to me casually and said: 'I have no research on these calligraphy and paintings, so you can take a look. '

I flipped through it casually and said calmly: "There are not many real top-quality ones, but they are pretty good. These are not the ones that I pay attention to, but those books. Although Nanchu will definitely leave some important classics, I don't think they should." There will be too many missing, and there is a high probability that there will be something missing. Please ask Your Highness to send the catalog to Hanyuan another day. I will check carefully to see if there are any precious books missing. '

Li Zhi nodded and said: "I have written to my father to sort out these books. My father has already issued an order to the Hanlin Academy to let them handle the matter. Grand Tutor Chu Ping is the Prime Minister. Grand Tutor Chu is rigorous and knowledgeable, so he will definitely handle these books." This is a major event for future generations, and he will not slack off. '

I smiled and said: 'I also trust Taifu Chu, but I only glanced at some books that day, and I asked Your Highness to allow me to borrow a few volumes. '

Li Zhi smiled slightly and said, "You can make the decision yourself. Jing Chi, I heard you yelling outside just now. Did you bring something to me? What is it?" '

Jing Chi quickly stood up and said: 'Your Highness, your Highness will definitely like the things I brought with me. 'After that, he took out an album from his arms and handed it over.

Li Zhi opened it and took a look. He was suddenly shocked. He kept turning page after page. It was not until he finished reading that he exclaimed: "What a complete geographical map of mountains and rivers. Jing Chi, where did you get it? Who drew it?" . '

I am curious,

Stretching out his hand, Li Zhi handed the booklet to me. I opened it and saw that it was full of exquisitely drawn maps. The drawings were of various obstacles, mountains and rivers, and they were very detailed. I had seen the military map of Nanchu. Map, but it is rare to see such a detailed map.

At this time, Jing Chi said proudly: "The general was ordered to guard against the Chu army in Jingxiang. He had to patrol all the checkpoints. A few days ago, he captured a young scholar and found these albums from him. I originally wanted to see this person." He was killed as a spy, but after questioning by the Xuan Can Army, they said that this man was not a spy, but Xu Jun, a descendant of Xu Heng, and a rare talent, so they forcibly kept him in the army. This man was so courageous. , finally found a way out, but actually refused to take up an official position and insisted on leaving. Later, I became angry and said that if he made trouble again, I would kill him as a spy. Only then did he become honest. I originally wanted to bring him here this time. , but Xuan Canjun said that I should ask His Highness for instructions first. This is a letter from Xuan Canjun. 'Said and handed over another letter.

After Li Zhi opened the letter and read it, he glanced at me and said, 'What do Sui Yun think? '

I smiled and said, "This man is indeed a talent, but there are wars going on right now. If he stays among the people, he will be in trouble. Your Highness might as well send him to Mr. Ziyou. Anyway, I see there is no map of Youzhou here, so let him concentrate on surveying and mapping." Not bad. '

Li Zhi smiled and said: "Okay, I will write a letter to Chang Qing later, announcing that he will join the army. His name is Xuan Song. Although he is taciturn, he is proficient in military affairs. He is a man who values ​​wealth and justice. Do you remember that the former Shu Kingdom gave birth to Yang Yang?" Is it brilliant? '

I thought for a while and said, 'I know this person. He once went to His Highness's camp as an envoy from the Kingdom of Shu. '

Li Zhi didn't ask me how I knew, but just said: "This man is a tough guy. After the fall of Shu, he actually threw himself into the water and left a suicide note saying that 800 warriors died in Tian Heng. How could there be no martyrs in Shu?" After his death, his wife and children almost died of cold and starvation. Later, he wrote a letter to Xuan Song in accordance with his last wishes. Xuan Song had had several conversations with Yang Can and said that he was willing to do his best for him. Finally, Chang Qing He actually sent someone to give all his savings to the Yang family. After hearing this, the king respected him very much. Not long after he took refuge with the king, the king saw that he kept his promise and kept his word, so he made him a soldier. Jing Chi was reckless, so he sent Xuan Song to join the army. It seemed that Xuan Song was indeed worthy of reuse. Unfortunately, he had to rely on him to manage military affairs and could not transfer him to Chang'an. '

I smiled and said: 'Military affairs are urgent, and General Jing is now in Chang'an to protect His Highness. If there is no trustworthy person to entrust military affairs to His Highness, His Highness cannot rest assured. On the other hand, this Xu Jun, since he is the son of Xu Heng, should be a man who is good at geography. Your Highness should make good use of him. '

At this time, Jing Chi asked in surprise: "Um, who is this Xu Heng? Why did he announce his joining the army and talk about it as if the general should recognize him?" '

I smiled slightly, knowing that this general was just what he looked like, a rough man, and said calmly: "This man was a famous geographer in the previous dynasty. He liked to travel all over the world and wrote many travel notes. Scholars like to read his travel notes and never go out." Then you can know the customs and customs of the world. Even the generals should take a look. If you know more, it will be beneficial even for marching and fighting. '

Jing Chi immediately showed a troubled look and said: "Although I know a few words, I can't read those complicated books, and there are so many things to do, how can I have time to read?" '

Li Zhi suddenly looked solemn and said: "Jing Chi, you just don't seek progress. Although you are brave in battle, you can only be a general. If you want to be independent in the future, you have to study more. Now that you have come to Chang'an, I will temporarily They won't use you for anything, so just be obedient and read more books. This is a military order. '

Jing Chi, who wanted to complain, immediately stopped, with a look of remorse on his face. I couldn't help but smile and said, "Your Highness, I'm afraid I have to work hard for two generals these days. Why don't you just leave this matter to me? I promise." Please satisfy His Highness. '

Li Zhi said: "This is a good thing. Jing Chi, why don't you come forward and become a disciple." '

Seeing the majestic look on King Yong's face, Jing Chi had no choice but to step forward to greet him, but his look was full of distress. King Yong and I looked at each other and smiled. This Jing Chi has an unruly temperament and is difficult to control. If I give him orders, he will definitely not be obedient. Now I can use this method to order him legitimately. If he is disobedient, I will just Forcing him to copy a few more pages will make him obey orders.

I glanced at Changsun Ji. His expression was indifferent, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. It seemed that he was very smart and must be a good helper. My plan should be implemented smoothly. I showed a hint of joy from the bottom of my heart.

On May 12th, outside the Mingde Gate of Chang'an, it was getting late and the city gate was about to close. A middle-aged man dressed as a businessman walked in. Although it was early summer, this man was wearing a bamboo hat and his face was bright. He could not see clearly under the shadow of the bamboo hat. The guard guarding the gate glanced at the man suspiciously, but did not stop him. It was not an urgent time and there was no need to conduct a strict interrogation. This man seemed to be very familiar with the streets and alleys of Chang'an. He turned east and west, and spent about half an hour walking to Hepingfang in the southwest corner of Chang'an. The lowest-class poor people lived here, and the other poor people lived in Lifang. It’s different. Here at night, there are almost no people except idle hooligans. Both sides of the alley are the residences of the poor. From time to time, laughter and noise can be heard from the cracks in some doors. It is an underground place where people gather for gambling. There are small casinos and the residences of some prostitutes. Here, under the shroud of darkness, there is also a kind of abnormal prosperity.

The man walked through the dark alley, and the dim lights on both sides dragged his figure for a long time. The long-abandoned courtyard in front of him was his destination. He gently opened the courtyard door and walked in. The room was brightly lit, and as soon as the man walked up the steps, two people emerged from the dark corner next to the house. One of them looked at the man's appearance after taking off his bamboo hat through the lantern in front, and then quietly withdrew.

Entering the room, the man saw Cui Yang sitting under the dim light at a glance. He stepped forward and saluted: 'Master Cui, how about you not coming here? '

Cui Yang returned the courtesy and said: "You are still called An Tai. Leader Huo is now famous all over the world. It is really gratifying and congratulatory." '

The man smiled arrogantly and said calmly: "This is the last transaction between you and me. I hope we start well and end well. This is the place to pick up the goods." "As he said that, he took out a wax pill, Cui Yang smiled slightly, handed over a box, and said: "Inside is your final payment. After today, you and I will have nothing to do with each other, but His Highness said that if Leader Huo is willing, we can keep in touch. . '

Huo Jicheng opened the wooden box and saw the gold beads inside. He smiled and said, "His Royal Highness is wise. These gold beads are safer. Otherwise, if you stop paying the banknote, my hard work will be in vain. Mr. Cui, every other time I will send someone to see you in half a month. If anything happens, please tell the messenger. ‘After that, Huo Jicheng turned around and went out. Cui Yang smiled coldly and said to himself: 'Your Highness has already started to eradicate the Jinxiu Alliance. I hope you can survive tonight. '

Not long after, a man in black came in and reported: 'Sir, just as we were about to take action, we found someone approaching Huo Jicheng, so we had to stop temporarily. '

Cui Yang frowned and said, "Who is he? Do you see clearly?" '

The man in black said: "I don't know who they are. They are all dressed as poor people. But before Huo Jicheng came out, they occupied some important terrain. You know, we have to wait until Huo Jicheng comes in before we can lay out the layout. I didn't expect him to bring people." , obviously he entered the city alone. '

Cui Yang sighed and said: 'Forget it, let's go back first and report it to Prince Ming to deal with it separately. Since we didn't take action anyway, we still have a chance to lure him into an ambush. '

At this moment, a short scream suddenly came from outside. The man in black looked stern and whispered: "There is a sneak attack, sir, be careful." 'After saying that, he was about to go out. At this moment, the door opened silently, and a masked man in black walked in. The man was not tall and his eyes were as ice-like as snow.

The man in black stopped Cui Yang and said coldly: 'Who are you? How dare you attack us? Do you know our identities? '

The man glanced at him and flashed, and the man in black immediately counterattacked. The two of them fought a few moves in this small space. The man in black felt his hands were tied up, but the man was able to move freely. With just a few moves, the man struck out. The palm of his hand slapped the man in black's chest, and the man in black screamed: "Great Soul Searching Hand." ', the voice has not dissipated, and the body has fallen. In fact, the martial arts of the man in black is not very bad, but this narrow room makes it difficult for him to perform, and if the opponent he faces attacks in such a narrow space, I'm afraid even the three great masters are not as good as him. The man quietly walked up to the man in black, gently tore off the black scarf on his face, and saw his appearance clearly, and then glanced at Cui Yang. Cui Yang screamed and shrank to the corner, and said tremblingly: "Strong man, spare my life, I will be grateful to you. I am the brother-in-law of the prince. If you need me..." Before he could finish his words, the man had already After walking away, Cui Yang was rejoicing that he had escaped death, but he only felt a sharp pain in his heart, and darkness enveloped him. What on earth was going on, Cui Yang thought hazily.

The man walked outside the door. Dozens of men dressed as poor people stood silently. Lying on the ground were twenty or thirty masked men in black clothes. The man did not make a sound. He just waved his hand and his figure disappeared into the night.

Huo Jicheng walked on the road full of joy. He was thinking about whether to spend the night at the famous flower house in Chang'an. While thinking about it, he lowered his head and walked quickly. After all, he was still on someone else's land. As he walked, Huo Jicheng suddenly stopped. He saw Standing in front of him was a masked man in gray clothes, standing with his hands behind his back. His tall and slender body carried a strong murderous aura, and there was also a faint murderous aura in the dark alleys on both sides. Huo Jicheng didn't look back. He could feel someone standing behind him. Without thinking, Huo Jicheng's body had already risen into the air and rushed towards the dim house. Just as he was rising up, there was a light sound from the bowstring. Huo Jicheng's body sank, and the feather arrows flew past his scalp. Huo Jicheng had landed on the roof of a house. He rolled to the side and ran away. The wind rang in his ears, and several men in black were already outflanking him. Huo Jicheng felt a strong palm wind hitting his back. He turned around and took out his palm. , the man seemed to groan, but Huo Jicheng had to slow down. The swords of several other men in black were already close to his body. Both sides remained silent and started fighting in the darkness. Huo Jicheng only felt that All of these people had good martial arts skills, especially the one who was facing off against him. His martial arts skills were even more outstanding. From the corner of his eye, he saw a man in Tsing Yi standing on the street. His appearance was invisible, and he was holding a stiff bow in his hand. But seeing the slender figure and extraordinary bearing, he knew that this man must be a leader, and probably disdained the siege, so he did not take action. Huo Jicheng was secretly glad in his heart and looked around, hoping to find a possibility of breaking out of the siege. But these people blocked all escape routes. Huo Jicheng fought hard while thinking of strategies.

Just when Huo Jicheng was in danger, a short figure suddenly emerged from the darkness. He threw two fiery red projectiles, and there were two loud thunderbolts, and then red smoke billowed. When Huo Jicheng saw the opportunity coming, he immediately shot towards the already promising person. Rushing in the direction, there were already voices of people all around. Seeing that something was not going well, the masked men quietly retreated while taking advantage of the red smoke.

Huo Jicheng panicked and ran away for a long time. Suddenly a figure appeared in front of him. The man waved his hand. Huo Jicheng recognized the man's appearance and was delighted. He quickly followed him. The man was outstanding in light skills and led Huo Jicheng around here and there. It didn't take long for them to arrive at the back door of a house. The man opened the back door and turned around to signal. Huo Jicheng quickly followed in. It was a private house. Entering the inner room, Huo Jicheng sat tiredly on a chair and said gratefully: "Han Brother, if you hadn't saved me, I would have died long ago. '

The man said regretfully: "Leader Huo, you are too careless. Don't you think that the prince wants to kill people and silence them? If I hadn't been outside to help you, I'm afraid you would have been in trouble. Fortunately, I asked my subordinates to prepare smoke bombs, otherwise There is nothing I can do to save you. '

Huo Jicheng said with a sad expression: 'I didn't expect them to cross the river and demolish the bridge so quickly. And I thought I could at least escape, and the prince couldn't blatantly surround and kill me. I didn't expect that his martial arts were so strong, and the royal family was really full of masters. '

The man sighed and said, "You have a good rest for an hour, and then I will take you out of the city. There are some places on the Chang'an city wall that are not strictly guarded. You are outstanding in lightness skills, so you can go out. I'm afraid there will be people checking everywhere early tomorrow morning. If you don't leave tonight, I'm afraid it's too late. '

Huo Jicheng showed a fierce look on his face and said coldly: 'Thank you, Brother Han, I won't make it easy for the prince. I'm not that easy to bully. '

At the third watch, Huo Jicheng left Chang'an with the help of flying claws from an old city wall that was not well guarded. At the same time, in the cold garden of Prince Yong's Mansion, Xiao Shunzi, who had changed into a servant's attire, respectfully said to me : 'Sir, the hunting operation has been successful. '