The Grandmaster Strategist

In May of the first year of Tongtai in the Southern Chu Dynasty, Emperor Yong sent Princess Xu Weiying of Changle to her, and she was a virtuous person. However, the emperor broke the oath and refused to obey. The emperor was furious. After a long time, he finally calmed down and secretly whispered to the princess: "If you have a heart, no matter what I agree with you whether you are wise or foolish, noble or humble." The princess remained silent.

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

The waning moon is like a hook, and the night sky is quiet and peaceful. Standing on the imperial steps, Princess Changle is dressed in plain clothes, silently looking at the dim moonlight. Her face, which has gradually become plump these days, is filled with sadness, like ink blue silk cut in half. , now only reaches below the shoulders, and a palace maid has trimmed it for her, but it is too short, so she cannot wear a bun. It is just tied with a silk scarf. The night breeze is cool, Princess Changle's clothes are thin, and she is already freezing to the bone. Still refused to go back to the room. It was hard for him to fall asleep at night like this. After a long time, she raised her bare hands. In her hands was a folding fan with a quatrain written on it.

"It's colder than the water in Bei and lighter than autumn, and you can only see the crossing point at the beginning of a distant road. It's because there is no painting in it. The painting is a way to relieve a lifetime of sorrow." She recited in a low voice. This was brought to her by Princess Yong a few days ago. It was a folding fan handwritten by that person. Princess Yong knew that she liked Jiang Zhe's poems, so she asked for it and gave it to her. Jiang Zhe may not care about a poetry fan, but she has never left it for a moment since she got it, and she never wanted to leave it again. Give up.

At this time, Lu'e came over, holding a cloak, and begged: "Your Highness, you are so miserable, my servant can't bear to see you. If your Majesty and the empress know about it, they will definitely blame your servant for not taking good care of you."

Princess Changle smiled slightly, took the cloak and said: "I am not that delicate, I just like this night. Okay, you go to rest first, I will go to bed later."

Seeing that the princess looked fine, Lu'e had the courage to ask: "Princess, I don't understand. Mr. Xiahou is both civilized and military, and he is very handsome. It's fine if you don't like him. After all, everyone says that Mr. Xiahou is suave. Princess He has a gentle and kind temperament, so it would be no surprise if he doesn't like him, but Mr. Wei is not only good-looking, but also clean and self-sufficient, and has never had any romantic affairs, but the princess doesn't even like him, which is really puzzling to me."

Princess Changle said calmly: "What do you know? Okay, let's go."

Lu'e's heart froze, and she saw a faint sneer on the princess's elegant face. The unique majesty of the royal family made Lu'e dare not say any more, and tiptoed back.

Princess Changle sighed slightly, feeling that the night was cold, the steps were cold, and her embroidered shoes were cold. She was about to turn around and go back to the bedroom to rest. There was a sighing sound in the night wind. Princess Changle frowned slightly and said: "What? Where are people spying on me?"

The green shadow flashed, and a woman wearing green palace clothes stood in front of Princess Changle. Princess Changle was slightly startled and said: "It turns out it's sister Hanyou. Why did she come to Cuiluan Palace to visit me in the middle of the night like this?"

Li Hanyou bowed down and said: "I am engaged to General Qin today, but thinking about my sister's loneliness in the palace, I couldn't help but feel uneasy, so I came here specially. As expected, my sister has not slept peacefully yet. I wonder if my sister can invite Han You in to talk. "

Princess Changle said calmly: "My sister often comes to accompany me these days. Changle is very grateful. However, it is quiet tonight and it is inconvenient to talk. My sister should go back and rest."

Li Hanyou frowned slightly, then thought about it and thought, I heard that Princess Yong entered the palace two days ago. Could it be that Princess Changle knew that I made things difficult for Jiang Zhe in the Qin Mansion? Princess Changle likes Jiang Zhe's poems, everyone knows, and I heard that Princess Changle is attracted to that person. Now it seems that it is indeed possible. Otherwise, the last time they met, they were very affectionate and warm. Why are they so cold now? If so, you must ask the truth, otherwise things will be out of control. .

Thinking of this, Li Hanyou smiled and said: "I have heard for a long time that His Highness likes the poems of Southern Chu talents. A few days ago, Hanyou had the honor to see Jiang Zhuangyuan reciting poems in Qin Mansion. Although the poems were not written by Zhuangyuan, there is a saying that is good, so-called Poetry expresses aspirations, sister, don’t you want to know the details?”

Princess Changle's heart moved. Princess Yong entered the palace two days ago and accidentally mentioned the poetry meeting. However, her mother and concubine were nearby at the time, so she had no chance to ask in detail.

Then he said: "I would like to hear the details."

Li Hanyou ignored everyone's intrigues and just talked about the poems they had chosen. When he finally said, "At the end of the song, no one is seen, and the peaks on the river are green." Suddenly Princess Changle smiled slightly. Li Hanyou knew something was wrong, but pretended not to know. , continued: "The poem chosen by Mr. Jiang is excellent. The last two sentences are the most meaningful. What does the princess think of Mr. Jiang's vision?"

Princess Changle smiled and said: "Master Jiang chose this poem mostly perfunctorily. I think his poems are either remote and elegant, or majestic, or affectionate, or peaceful and tranquil, but they don't have such a spooky air." Works." As he spoke, he couldn't help but look at the poetry fan in his hand.

Li Hanyou's heart moved and he said, "Sister's fan, would you like to lend it to me to look at?"

Princess Changle glanced at Li Hanyou and said: "Everything should be said to others. I snatched this fan from Er Wang's sister-in-law. Mr. Jiang has rarely circulated poems in recent years, and his handwriting is even rarer." He said and handed over the fan.

Li Hanyou read the poem above gently, and felt a touch of sadness coming over him. The poems were elegant and timeless, and he couldn't help but say: "Master Jiang's poetic talent is truly unparalleled in the world."

Princess Changle took back the poetry fan and said with a smile: "Master Jiang's poems are spread all over the world. If my sister likes them, you might as well look for them."

Seeing the faint joy on Princess Changle's face, Li Hanyou suddenly asked: "Why did Your Highness refuse the marriage? Could it be that you already have someone you like?"

Princess Changle's expression remained unchanged, she said calmly: "Sister, do you know why your father is so eager to choose a son-in-law for me?"

Li Hanyou said: "Your Majesty loves the princess, and everyone in the world knows it."

Princess Changle said calmly: "Family ties are weak in the Tian family. Although my father loves me, he is not eager to choose a son-in-law for me. That day, my father sent me to marry far away, and he was always worried about it. Therefore, if I can't marry a good man, Jun, my father always feels sorry for me."

The look in Li Hanyou's eyes changed and he said, "Does my sister resent His Majesty?"

Princess Changle shook her head and said: "I have no resentment in my heart from beginning to end. Changle has been fond of poetry since childhood, and her temperament is even more submissive. She is not as strong and decisive as my Dayong daughter. If it were not for the love and pampering of my father, the emperor, mother and concubine, Changle would probably have no status at all. It can be said, so my father ordered me to marry far away. Although I am sad, I do not complain. Besides, I am supported by the people of the world, how can I not sacrifice for Dayong. Therefore, although I marry far away in an enemy country, my husband and wife are destined to not grow old together in this life. , and even killed my unborn child with his own hands. Changle has never complained about Dayong or his father in his heart. Now that my father wants me to marry, he naturally hopes that I can be happy. However, I have gone through many hardships and have long been against I am disheartened by the word love. I only hope that my father, emperor, mother, and concubines will be filial to me. No matter which brother ascends the throne in the future, I, a widow and a weak woman, will definitely not be suspected. When the time comes, I will be able to live happily with the ancient Buddha with a green lantern. That’s it.”

Li Hanyou sighed: "Your Highness, are you still thinking about the Lord of Southern Chu? He is just a mediocre person, why do you have to keep integrity for him." While saying things that he didn't believe, Li Hanyou looked at Changle with sad eyes. Princess.

Princess Changle said calmly: "There is no such thing. I am just frustrated. Not everyone wants to imitate Wenjun."

Li Hanyou said: "Wenjun is a lady, but she couldn't help herself when she met the talented Sima Xiangru. If Mr. Jiang wants to pursue Huang, I don't know what the princess will do."

Princess Changle looked at Li Hanyou deeply, with a hint of coldness in her eyes. Li Hanyou smiled and said: "The emperor has already said that if the princess is willing, anyone can be the consort. Lord Jiang is extremely talented. If the princess agrees, my little sister I am willing to inform the Emperor on behalf of His Highness."

Princess Changle's eyes became even colder, and she said coldly: "Li Hanyou, I have been in the Great Yongshen Palace for many years, and as a queen in Nanchu, although I live in seclusion, do you really think that I have no scheming at all?"

Li Hanyou's expression changed drastically, and he bowed down and said, "Your Highness, please calm down. My little sister is really sincere and can't bear to see the princess furrowing her eyebrows. If there is any offense, Hanyou is willing to take the blame."

Princess Changle's expression became even colder, and she said slowly: "Master Jiang has a noble character. If he were not a person like Brother Erwang, ordinary people would never be able to persuade him to surrender. Even so, he is not something ordinary people can humiliate. I love him." Talent, respect for others' character, how can I let you misinterpret my thoughts. I know that the affairs in the court are complicated now, but Changle is already an outsider. Why do you insist on involving me, Princess Jingjiang, I Although I don’t like fighting, if you continue to push each other hard, I will have no choice but to inform my father and become a nun immediately, and then your wish will be fulfilled."

Then, Princess Changle said coldly: "I'm tired, Princess Jingjiang, please come back and reveal yourself more. You have to be careful. If there are such rumors again, I will ask my father and mother to make the decision." .”

Li Hanyou looked at Princess Changle's back with a trace of regret in her eyes. She never expected that the usually gentle and sweet Princess Changle would have such an awe-inspiring and inviolable side. If she continued to mess with it, if she angered the princess, she would be angry. As for becoming a monk, I am afraid that no one can convince His Majesty to calm down the anger of Thunder. Now, I can only let go temporarily.

Hurrying back to her residence, she saw Concubine Ji waiting for her with a solemn expression. She quickly stepped forward and said, "Uncle, why are you here? Is there anything important?"

Concubine Ji said: "The master of the sect has sent an order. Huo Jicheng has been decorated by your senior sister, and he will definitely not be able to escape. However, there are a lot of discussions between the government and the public, so we must handle it with caution."

Li Han said happily: "Senior Sister has peerless martial arts skills, she will definitely be able to capture her." But he frowned slightly and said, "But how can we save the prince's affairs? It is better to guard against others than to guard against rivers. The master of the sect always teaches his disciples like this, no matter how I know if my uncle has any ideas."

Concubine Ji said: "You don't have to worry too much. You have done a thorough job of eradicating the roots. No one has evidence to prove that the prince is involved in this matter. Now Liang Shangshu is a caged bird. As long as some time passes, he can be killed again." Just silence them. Although it is important to control the household affairs, we can't arouse the prince's vigilance, so we can't do it openly. We can only find a way to arrange for a few of our people to come in. This position of minister is very important. It’s better for the prince to do the trouble, but the party cooperating with the Splendid Alliance may also know something, do you have any clues.”

Li Hanyou smiled bitterly and said: "How should I put it? The Tianji Pavilion of Nanchu is cooperating with the Jinxiu Alliance, but their power is in the dark, and now there is no trace. Even the trading houses they control have all been taken away. This Tianji Pavilion The pavilion is really mysterious and unpredictable, and our power in Nanchu is not strong enough, so it is really beyond our reach."

Concubine Ji said calmly: "Just remember this matter. The sect leader said that if people have to talk, then let them divert their attention. Since something like this happened to the prince, we have to let others do something too." , the more we fight, the better, so who will remember the prince's affairs, just remember that as long as we help the prince ascend the throne, no one will dare to mention this matter. The top priority is not to lose the emperor's favor. You should not interfere with Changle's affairs. "

Li Hanyou said: "Disciple, I already have an idea. Please don't worry, uncle."

Concubine Ji said faintly: "You are the beloved disciple of the sect master. How can I not be worried? You should do your job well. Although your senior sister has obtained the true inheritance of the sect master, the sect master has not chosen a successor after all. If you have done enough, Da, I will definitely give you advice in front of the sect master."

As soon as these words came out, a trace of ecstasy flashed in Li Hanyou's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and said, "Thank you, uncle, for your kindness. Hanyou respects senior sister very much and does not dare to have such delusions."

Concubine Ji smiled slightly and said, "Okay, you go and do your business."

Looking at Li Hanyou's back, Concubine Ji smiled faintly. After being in this position for a long time, she already knew that no matter who said that they could easily give up the temptation of fame and fortune, it was a lie. How could fame, wealth, power, wealth and splendor be easily given up? He just doesn't love money and fame. The majesty of holding power and having the world bow to him when he speaks out is even more fascinating. How many people in this world can resist this kind of temptation.

Huo Jicheng lay crouched in the grass, holding his breath and not daring to move. At this moment, his heart was like a fire, and he kept cursing his subordinates for their incompetence and failure to implement his plan properly. He was easily wiped out by Qin Qing's army. The most despicable thing was It was Fengyi Sect. They had been chasing him all day and night. If he hadn't been good at concealing his whereabouts, he would have died at the hands of that woman.

Suddenly, Huo Jicheng saw a figure suddenly appear under the dim moonlight. It was a woman in green clothes. Her clothes were simple, which was the favorite style of common women in Dayong. Huo Jicheng was originally from Shu and had a good appreciation of brocade fabrics. It was immediately obvious that the clothes on this woman's body were not made by a famous tailor, but rather looked like they were made by a woman who was good at weaving and tailoring. If he had seen it normally, Huo Jicheng would have thought that this woman was just a country girl, but here and now , but it gave Huo Jicheng a chill in his heart. At this time, the woman lit the fire, and the flames went out, reflecting an ordinary woman's face. This woman's appearance was just average, but the cold and calm look between her eyebrows made her image instantly A little more unpredictable and profound. Huo Jicheng's heart skipped a beat. He had already remembered the rumors about the Fengyi Sect. It was said that the master of the Fengyi Sect was so beautiful that all the disciples she accepted had to be pretty. There was only one exception, and that person was her first disciple Wen. Zi Yan, I heard that Zi Yan was the disciple of Fengyi Sect Master when he was young. Not only is she ordinary in appearance, but her qualifications are also not superior. However, this woman's perseverance is really impressive. She actually got the true inheritance of Fengyi Sect Master. Today He is only thirty years old, and it is said that he already possesses 70% to 80% of the martial arts skills of Fengyi Sect Master. Back then, Fengyi Sect assisted Li Yuandong in his expedition to the west. Wen Ziyan was Fengyi Sect Master’s most capable assistant. It can be said that he fought all over the world, with bloody hands. , it was not until Dayong pacified the Central Plains that this woman retreated to Fengyi Sect and rarely went out. It is said that she taught most of the martial arts to the disciples of Fengyi Sect for their master.

Huo Jicheng was good at a mental technique that could make his heartbeat and breathing very low. At this moment, he seemed like a lifeless stone. He felt that this woman was listening to the surroundings attentively, so he didn't dare to take a breath.

For a long time, the woman seemed a little disappointed. She put out the fire with her hand and disappeared into the night. After another half an hour, Huo Jicheng moved his body slightly, moving his numb limbs. He adjusted his breath for a moment, Look at the stars in the sky and judge the direction. News came from Tianji Pavilion that if he could reach a farmhouse thirty miles ahead, he could be sent out of the Dayong Kingdom. Huo Jicheng felt that his energy had recovered a lot. The journey started again.

Traveling in the dark night was very difficult, and Huo Jicheng was frightened. He looked forward and backward along the way, and finally arrived at the small farmhouse at dawn. The farmhouse was very remote and deserted. Huo Jicheng secretly monitored it for a long time, but did not notice any ambush. Just then he stepped forward and knocked on the door. When the door opened, two teenagers aged fifteen or sixteen looked happy when they saw Huo Jicheng. Huo Jicheng walked into the farmhouse and saw Han Wuji's figure.

Han Wuji saw Huo Jicheng and sighed: "Leader Huo, why are you so stubborn? The first time you succeeded in a sneak attack, I advised you to evacuate quickly, but you still refused. Now that the Jinxiu Alliance has been hit hard, what should you do? Is good."

Huo Jicheng said in shock: "It was all my men who tricked me into falling into the trap, but it doesn't matter, Jinxiu Alliance still has half of its men outside. As long as I find them, I can make a comeback in three to five years. It's just that batch of goods, I have to ask you to take action for me."

Han Wuji smiled and said: "Why do I need to help you? I bought this batch of goods at 50% of the price. If you leave with the banknote, wouldn't it be better than leaving empty-handed?"

Huo Jicheng said in surprise: "Brother Han, are you telling the truth?"

Han Wuji said: "How dare I lie? We will sell these goods slowly and we will never lose money. Brother Huo, you want to reorganize the Jinxiu Alliance. How can you do it without money?"

Mayor Huo Jicheng bowed his head to the tunnel and said, "Thank you very much, Brother Han, for your kindness. If Huo ever gets over his situation, he will definitely not treat Brother Han badly."

Han Wuji smiled and said, "I don't dare. Many friends lead to many paths. I am also adhering to the master's decree. Okay, Brother Huo, you take a shower and change clothes first. I have prepared food and wine. After you have a good meal, change into my clothes." I have prepared the clothes, disguise modifications, and a full set of identity documents for you, and you can leave in a swaggering way."

Huo Jicheng said worriedly: "But Wen Ziyan from Fengyi Sect is chasing after her, how can she give up?"

Han Wuji smiled and said: "Don't worry, leader, I have prepared a corpse that can replace the leader. The body is in the next room. When the leader leaves, I will burn the farmhouse to make it look like the leader was killed."

Huo Jicheng's heart moved and he said, "Let me see if the substitute looks similar first."

Han Wuji pointed at a small door. Huo Jicheng walked in and saw that there was indeed a corpse on a wooden bed inside. The figure was very similar to his own. He was relieved this time. It seemed that Tianji Pavilion was not planning to add insult to injury.

After changing clothes and devouring a full stomach, Huo Jicheng drank another cup of tea. He only felt that his whole body was sore and unbearable. It must be that running around all night was too hard, and he wished he could sleep before talking, but the pursuers were behind him, so Huo Jicheng had to Said: "It seems I have to go, it's too unsafe here."

Han Wuji smiled slightly and said, "I'm sorry, Leader Huo, you can't go anywhere."

Huo Jicheng was shocked and was about to jump up, but felt that his legs were so weak that he could not move. He looked at Han Wuji in horror and said, "You are going to betray him too."

Han Wuji said coldly: "We are both Shu people. Although we have not worked hard to restore the country, we will not harm our own people. As the leader of the Jinxiu Alliance, you have killed many Shu people who did not want to join the same trend. Your crimes are too numerous to describe. .”

Huo Jicheng said angrily: "What does this have to do with you? You have benefited a lot from me."

Han Wuji said lightly: "Yes, we rely on you a lot, but today you are at the end of your rope, but we don't want to be implicated by you. You know some things about our Tianji Pavilion, and the master of the pavilion has already issued an order. , I want to kill you before Fengyi Sect, and we must not let Fengyi Sect know that we are behind you."

Huo Jicheng felt a chill in his heart, remembering that although he was very proud of himself these days, most of his actions were really suggested by him. Could it be that he had become someone else's chess piece? He thought very highly of himself, and when he thought of this, he couldn't help but be so angry that his eyes were about to burst.

Han Wuji smiled slightly and said: "Leader Huo, under Jiuquan, don't forget to apologize to Han Zhang and his wife when you see them. My young master asked me to tell you that everything is fine with Miss Roulan." Huo Jicheng's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light. Enlightenment, he said: "You are here to avenge Han Zhang."

Han Wuji said no more, slipped out a dagger from his sleeve, and slit Huo Jicheng's throat with a single wave. When the life of this wanton man came to an end, his eyes were still full of injustice and gnashing anger.

Han Wuji took out a jade bottle and poured the powder inside onto Huo Jicheng's body. After a frightening hissing sound, Huo Jicheng's body turned into a puddle of water, leaving only his clothes, shoes, socks and some scattered items. , Han Wuji said lightly: "Shanzi, Quhuang, you put your things away, it's time for us to leave."

When Han Wuji took the two teenagers to clear out all the clues, set fire to the farmhouse and left shortly after, Wen Ziyan also rushed here. She had already discovered that someone had covered up Huo Jicheng's whereabouts and created many false traces. She led her astray, but she finally found Huo Jicheng's true whereabouts. Unfortunately, she arrived a step too late and only found a burnt corpse. There was an inexplicable cold light in her eyes, and she checked the corpse. Because she arrived in time, most of the corpse had not been burned, but the face was already charred. Wen Ziyan smiled coldly. Just by looking at the hands and feet, one could tell that this corpse was not a martial arts practitioner. Huo Jicheng wanted Jin Chan to escape from his shell, but it still depended on whether he agreed or not.