The Grandmaster Strategist

In the cold garden of Prince Yong's Mansion, I was sitting in the pavilion wearing a brocade robe. The spring flowers in the garden had faded, and the trees were lush and exquisite. I got up early this morning to enjoy the morning sun. Xiao Shunzi was worried that I would catch the cold, so he insisted that I wear brocade. Robe, I looked at the rising sun and the morning glow in the sky, but there was only one thought in my heart, just one person.

Xiao Shunzi saw that I was silent and the guards around me had been sent away, so he approached me and said calmly: 'Master, are you still worried about what His Highness King Yong said? '

I sighed softly and said, 'Xiao Shunzi, tell me, is Princess Changle really interested in me? Why do I never feel it? '

Xiao Shunzi chuckled and said: "Master, you have never been close to young women. Every day you are either reading books or admiring the scenery. Between you and the wife, the wife is the first to take the initiative. Her Royal Highness the Princess has a dignified and chaste temperament. She has never expressed her feelings. No wonder." Young Master, I don’t know. I think the princess is definitely interested in you, otherwise she wouldn’t play with the young master’s poems every day. I think the princess already knows some truth about the Nanchu matter, but no one else knows. Besides, if it weren’t for the princess’s half-knowledge, Shen, the young master's life has been in danger for a long time. If the princess says that she has no affection for you, I don't believe it. However, the princess probably has the same thoughts as you, so she never wants to express her feelings. Young Master, don't you treat the princess quite differently? These little Shunzi also take note of everything in your heart. It's just that you two are unwilling to express your feelings to each other because of your status as monarch and minister. '

I glanced at Xiao Shunzi lightly and said, 'Are you blaming me for being burdened by fame and refusing to accept the princess' affection? '

Xiao Shunzi remained silent, obviously acquiescing, and I sighed: "I, Jiang Zhe, am not a person who cares about reputation, but there are some things that I must not do. I didn't tell a lie when I answered Qin Qing's question last time. I and I The princess has a different title, but I did not refuse this marriage for this reason. If I really have my own feelings, then nothing can stop me, but you should know that the princess has never said a word about marrying me. It shows that even if the princess is interested in me, she is absolutely unwilling to violate etiquette. In this case, how can I propose to King Yong according to King Yong's wishes? This will ruin the reputation of the princess. Although due to the majesty of the royal family, she may not dare to say it clearly, but the pen and ink Ruthless, I don’t want the princess to leave a stigma in history. Besides, I have only met the princess a few times, so how do I know if the princess truly loves me? '

Xiao Shunzi whispered: 'Young Master is right, my servant misunderstood. '

I said calmly: "I am talking about personal matters. If I am talking about official matters, why should I, a surrendered minister of Southern Chu, ask to marry a princess? I am afraid that Emperor Yong agreed to it in person, and then sent someone to kill him in the blink of an eye." Although the emperor allowed the princess to choose, he probably just wanted the princess to marry a handsome man from Dayong. And if I do such a thing at this time, I am afraid that it will bring trouble to King Yong. Am I someone who harms the public with my own private interests? Besides, you still don’t know my body well. If there is any misfortune, how can you make the princess feel so embarrassed? '

Xiao Shunzi didn't say anything, and after a while he said: 'I just hope that the young master will not be lonely all his life. '

I smiled slightly and said: 'When I protect King Yong from ascending the throne and take revenge for killing my wife, I will put everything down. If I get better by then, I will marry a virtuous and virtuous woman. Do you agree? '

Xiao Shunzi smiled and said: 'Of course that's good. I'm waiting for you to marry your mistress and then have a little master. '

I breathed a sigh of relief, fell on the chair and said, 'King Yong must have figured it out in the past few days, so he won't force me. By the way, what's the situation outside? '

Xiao Shunzi looked strange and said: 'Master, do you want to hear good news or bad news? '

I smiled bitterly and said, ‘Let’s hear the bad news first. '

Xiao Shunzi said: 'The bad news is that something big has happened in the capital. Now everyone is going to watch the fun, but they don't pay attention to the prince's actions. '

I frowned slightly and said, 'What major event has diverted the attention of both the government and the public? '

Xiao Shunzi said: "This matter was originally a Jianghu matter. Does the young master know about Guanzhong Lian?" '

I said: ‘Remember, the co-leader Sha Qingyuan’s daughter Sha Zhijing is a disciple of Fengyi Sect.

It is the largest gang in Chang'an. '

Xiao Shunzi said: "Speaking of which, the young master had a relationship with them. A few days ago, Sha Zhijing went to Xianyang to visit her grandmother, but she was killed. It is said that she died miserably. The female disciple of Fengyi Sect No matter how bad his martial arts skills are, he has still practiced a kind of martial arts called "Meteor Jade Fighting Technique". This is a martial art created by Fengyi Sect Master himself. It is all based on the flexibility of the female body and can be used in close combat. In the extreme, this is what those female disciples use when they encounter a strong enemy and have no way to escape. Even if they can't kill the enemy, they can die together. Even if it doesn't work, they can commit suicide. Now that I think about it, it was really a pity. Liang Wan Because I didn't dare to act rashly for fear of hurting the princess, I didn't use this martial arts. In short, as soon as Sha Zhijing died, Guan Zhonglian and Fengyimen tried their best to hunt down the murderer, and the murderer caused tragedies one after another. In the past ten days, many people in Xianyang area died again. There are many women in the boudoir, and the murderer has already revealed his traces. '

I said: 'In this case, with the power of Fengyi Sect and Guanzhong Lian, this person should be caught and executed soon. '

Xiao Shunzi shook his head and said: 'Originally, because Fengyi Sect's main force did not arrive, this person was wreaking havoc in the Xianyang area. Now that Fengyi Sect's men have arrived, this person has already escaped. '

I frowned and said, 'How could this matter attract the attention of the officials in the court? '

Xiao Shunzi smiled bitterly and said: "The dead women all showed signs of being harvested, so people in the world suspected that people from the Demon Sect had returned to the Central Plains. When Jing Wuji, the leader of the Demon Sect, worshiped in the desert, the disciples of the Demon Sect also followed him. Those who went, even those who did not leave, remained anonymous. One of the demon sect's "Lianxiang Sect" is the best at collecting supplements. If the demon sect reappears, it means that Jing Wuji may re-enter the Central Plains. Now that he is the Northern Han Dynasty's national master, his comeback may symbolize that the Northern Han Dynasty is about to make a big move. Attack, if so, how could the civil and military forces of North Korea and China not care about this matter, so now no one still remembers the Splendid Alliance. '

I subconsciously shook the folding fan and asked: ‘What do you think? '

Xiao Shunzi said: "I don't think it's strange for the disciples of the Demon Sect to stay in the Central Plains. It would be strange if I were not there. Moreover, the whereabouts of the Demon Sect's people are secretive. Although their whereabouts have been reported from time to time in recent years, they are all based on suspicion." , so I think Fengyimen may use the topic to draw people's attention. '

I smiled coldly and said: "The power of the Demon Sect has attached itself to the Northern Han Dynasty. If Jing Wuji wants to compete with Fan Huiyao, there is no point in relying on martial arts. I am afraid that the unification of the world will be their victory." key. As soon as something happens to the prince, the Demon Sect appears, and he really knows how to rush for time. In this case, I will join in the fun, Xiao Shunzi, you know what Liang Jinqian, the Minister of Revenue, is doing now. '

Xiao Shunzi said: 'He is now guilty of meritorious service, but according to the information of His Highness King Yong, the prince is making arrangements to take over his power, and Liang Jinqian has been placed under house arrest. '

I smiled slightly and said, 'Has Han Wuji settled Huo Jicheng's affairs? '

Xiao Shunzi smiled and said, "This is the good news I want to tell you. Huo Jicheng has disappeared, but he left a fake corpse to hide it. Now Fengyimen and the prince are chasing him everywhere, but unfortunately there is no trace of him." The secret camp has sent Huo Jicheng's token. '

I stood up and said: 'Then you do something, kill Liang Jinqian without using your hands, and kill him with poison. What do you think everyone will think? '

Xiao Shunzi looked strange and said: 'Of course it was the prince who killed the person and silenced him. This plan of the young master is really vicious. '

I smiled and said: 'This is exactly my plan. I still have something to leave to you. Huo Jicheng will not die. Although he is dead, he will live in the hearts of others. This is me repaying him for giving me millions of gold and silver. You can't insult his reputation. '

Xiao Shunzi suppressed a smile and said: 'Don't worry, young master, I will make Huo Jicheng become the prince's nightmare. '

I told you: 'Be careful, if your identity is revealed, I will be in trouble. '

Xiao Shunzi said sternly: ‘Don’t worry, if you can’t beat me, just run away, I will never let them catch you. '

I was still a little worried, but I felt relieved after thinking that I would arrange for Jing Chi and the others to take over. Just as I was about to say a few more words, Xiao Shunzi laughed at me and acknowledged my words, but I heard footsteps in the distance. Just by hearing the sound, I knew that it was King Yong who was coming. He should have come to apologize. I always have to give He is on the same level. I waved Xiao Shunzi to leave, and I waited for King Yong to come. But there was an unspeakable sadness on King Yong's face. My heart moved and I asked: 'Why is Your Highness so sad? Li Zhi said bitterly: "Today, the imperial sister insisted on leaving the palace and going to Wuchen nunnery to practice cultivation. Her father and imperial concubine Changsun couldn't help but agreed, but she was not allowed to be ordained and become a monk." 'My heart was shocked and I couldn't say a word anymore. Looking at King Yong's eager eyes, I said calmly: 'Your Highness, marriage cannot be forced. The princess prays to Buddha wholeheartedly. Maybe that is where she can be safe and happy. . '

Li Zhi sighed slightly and said: "No more talking. As long as the imperial sister does not shave her head, there will always be room for change in the future. What should we do next? The marriage between Qin Qing and Princess Jingjiang disappoints me so much." '

I smiled and said, "Your Highness, there is no need to worry. On this occasion, please be kind to the Qin family. Otherwise, it would be bad for them to join the prince's side. I don't think General Qin would be so unwise. The Qin family is still There are a few young masters. '

Li Zhi's eyes lit up but he said nothing. I knew that he knew how to do these things better than I did. At this time, I saw Jing Chi's sneaking figure. He must have slipped out last night. Who asked Han Yuan to restrain him? I originally thought that I couldn't see him, but then I thought about it and said, "General Jing, why don't you come back?" But come and see His Highness. '

Jing Chi stopped, walked over, and greeted His Highness politely. I smiled and said, "Your Highness wants you to compose a poem, what do you think?" '

Jing Chi opened his mouth wide, not knowing what to do. King Yong smiled and said: "I heard that you learned to compose poetry, and I am very interested. Let's do this. I will give you a topic. By the way, what were you going to do just now?" '

Jing Chi said awkwardly: "I went out to gamble last night, and now I want to go to bed when I come back." '

Li Zhi glared at him and said: 'Well, you can just talk about sleeping. '

Jing Chi thought for a long time and said: "Lord Buddha, sleep well." '

Li Zhi burst into laughter and said, "This is interesting. It seems that you have visited the reclining Buddha in Dahua Temple." '

Jing Chi quickly said: 'Yes, General Mo and General Changsun went to Dahua Temple yesterday, but they did not come back because it was too late. '

I smiled and said: 'Okay, no need to explain, go ahead and write a poem. If you write a poem, I will spare you, otherwise I will let you copy the military strategy for a day. '

Jing Chi hurriedly said: "Okay, I'll be done with it as soon as I sleep." I want to sleep with him. ‘After reading this, I can’t think of the last sentence.

Li Zhi smiled and said: "Although this second sentence is a bit like a limerick, it's just okay. What's the last sentence? Jing Chi, if you can't do it, Mr. Jiang will lose." '

Jing Chi immediately became dizzy, thinking that if Mr. Jiang loses, I'm afraid I won't be able to catch up on sleep today. After thinking about it, I couldn't think of anything, and I just remembered that I was sweating profusely. Li Zhi smiled slightly and said: "Forget it if you can't think of it. As a general, you can pacify the world, but I'm afraid you can't write poetry." '

At this time, Jing Chi had an idea and remembered that every time Jiang Zhe gave a lecture to him, he often mentioned the words "Jing Hu Chen and sweeping away the smoke". Then he said: ‘There is no one to sweep away the smoke. '

Li Zhi and I were both stunned. In fact, I had never thought about winning against King Yong. I didn't expect that Jing Chi actually wrote a poem.

Li Zhi thought: "The Buddha slept well, and everything happened once he fell asleep. I want to sleep like him, and there is no one to sweep away the smoke." Okay, this last sentence turns stone into gold and shows the true qualities of a hero. I am convinced that I have lost. After saying that, he took off his jade pendant and handed it to me and said, "Li Zhi is convinced that Suiyun was able to make Jing Chi learn to write poems in more than half a month." '

I took the jade pendant, smiled bitterly, and said, "Jing Chi, His Highness lost this jade pendant to me, so I borrowed flowers to offer it to you. If you can't compose a poem, I will be the loser." '

Jing Chi took the jade pendant respectfully and said, 'Thank you, sir, for the reward. '

I smiled and shook my head. What can I say? I never thought that this rude general really impressed me. I originally wanted to deliberately lose to King Yong and give this self-defense jade belt to King Yong. It seems that this time it is No more.

In Yongningfang, Liang Jin, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, stared at the lonely lamp, his heart full of sorrow. He is an old fox who has been in the officialdom for many years. He can't see through the weather. Ever since the smuggling case of the Ministry of Revenue was exposed, he has understood the cause and effect. What Cui Yang was ordered to do? The inspection was basically smuggling under the orders of the prince, and he was excluded in advance. Although he was not removed from his post afterwards, he saw that the prince was just busy taking over his own power, so he knew what his future would be like. He was really unwilling to do so. He really wanted to report the prince with the privately recorded account book, but when he thought about the deep friendship between the king, his subjects, and his son, he was already disheartened. What was even more frightening was that after much thought, he couldn't figure out why the prince would want to give up on him. Unintentionally, he thought of his wife and brother who had not seen each other for many days. With a thought in his heart, he checked the account book he had secretly recorded, and found that all the secret notes he had made were gone. At this moment, he felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on him in the dead of winter. Body, in a cold cave, thinking that after his death, his wife, family and children will not be spared, he really wants to escape immediately, but in the whole world, where can he escape to, if it is not the king's land? Before he could think of a way out, the assassins from Fengyi Sect had already appeared next to him. This was a woman in plain clothes. She was beautiful, but she had a murderous aura all over her body. Looking at this woman holding his beloved youngest son, he gave in. , according to her order, he handed over all the power in his hands. Now he is a useless person. He is under house arrest by His Highness the Crown Prince. It must be that after some time, after the matter calms down, he will be punished for the crime of smuggling arms and persuaded to fight. To be killed is to cut down one's position to serve the people, and then die on the road. He can really die. He has enjoyed all the glory, wealth, money and beauty in this life, but if he dies, what will his family do? After more than half a month, his hair had become as gray as frost, and his originally well-maintained appearance had become old and haggard.

He was thinking hard when suddenly the door of the study room was gently pushed open and a man in black walked in. Liang Jinqian saw it at a glance, but he didn't seem surprised. He said coldly: "Are you here to take my life? I'm already here" I've been waiting for a long time. In fact, the girl has been in the back house. Wouldn't it be more convenient for her to kill me? '

The man in black closed the door and said, 'If you die, your family will be affected. Don't you want to resist? '

Liang Jinqian's heart moved. The voice was soft and sweet, unlike an ordinary person. He raised his head and looked at the man's face. The man was covered with a black scarf, only revealing a pair of cold and piercing eyes.

He said slowly: "I don't know, but now I am trapped in a trap and unable to struggle." '

The man gently took off his veil, revealing a face as delicate as ice and snow. He smiled slightly and said: "Death can be lighter than a feather, or heavier than Mount Tai. If you die under the king's law, not only will your family be harmed, but you will also be a traitor." If you are willing to commit suicide and die, I can guarantee that your family will be able to live in peace for the rest of their lives, and your descendants who are promising in the future will also gain fame. '

Liang Jinqian's eyes lit up and he committed suicide. If he committed suicide and died, maybe those people would not embarrass his family, but how could this be guaranteed? He really couldn't believe the credibility of His Royal Highness. He took a long time to say: 'You are from His Highness the Crown Prince. If I commit suicide, I can really ask the Crown Prince to let my family go. 'The tone was full of suspicion.

The man smiled softly and said: 'The Prince's promise cannot be guaranteed, but do you believe in His Highness King Yong's promise? '

Liang Jinqian was shocked and said: 'You are from His Highness King Yong. '

The man said calmly: "His Royal Highness King Yong knows that you have done a lot for the prince, but now the prince is ready to abandon you, and your family and children will be buried with you. If you are willing to commit suicide, your family, King Yong, will Arrange for them to settle in Youzhou. Your Highness will stick to your word and will never deceive you. '

Liang Jinqian thought a lot and finally said: "I can trust His Highness King Yong's sincerity. If I had followed His Highness earlier, the result today would not have happened." After saying that, he took out a book with fresh ink and said: "I once recorded an account book in which His Royal Highness the Prince embezzled money from the Ministry of Revenue, but it has been taken away. I wrote this down based on my memory these days. I hope it will be useful to His Highness King Yong. '

The man took the book and said sternly: "Your Highness will thank you for your hard work. This is Crane Crown Red. You will never be in pain. I know you want to say goodbye to your family, but I can't take the risk, so I have wronged you. You If you have any last words, you can write them down. '

Liang Jinqian smiled slightly, picked up the pen and wrote a short message without sealing it. He handed it to the man like this, and then said with a smile: "I have committed capital crimes against ministers, and the emperor often gives him the crown of the crane. As expected, His Highness King Yong He is very scheming. Please tell His Highness that I believe in his promise. ‘After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp. In an instant, he bled to death from his seven orifices.

The man opened it and saw two lines of words written on it:

‘Don’t be greedy for money and lose your reputation; don’t love power and lose your reputation.

Liang Jinqian's last work

The second day of the sixth lunar month of the Jiaxu period in the twenty-fourth year of Wuwei

The second part is finished

The third part, "The Legend of the King", will be updated starting from Monday, and I will take two days off to revise it. There is a class today, so I will post the text in advance, otherwise I would have to wait until nine o'clock.