The Grandmaster Strategist

In May of the twenty-fifth year of Wuwei, Princess Jingjiang and Princess Xiao used their bodyguard Xia to flatter and seduce their lord. They wanted to kill him, but the king stopped him. Since then, the rift between the king and his wife and princess has deepened.

--"Yong Shi·Biography of King Ru"

Xiao Lan's eyebrows were raised, her expression was as cold as ice, and she said coldly: "Okay, since you still dare to quibble, then I will explain to you clearly what you have done in the past year, do you still want me to come with you? , as a subject, you don’t know how to persuade your lord, you only know how to flatter your superiors, and instigate the prince to do such unethical things, shouldn’t you die? You are unfaithful as a minister and unjust as a person. Since you are If these disloyal and unjust people have any semblance of conscience, they should kill themselves with a sword, why should I take action?"

Xia Jinyi looked calm and said: "This subordinate is just a wanderer. He has neither poetry nor martial arts. He is only good at some trivial skills. Your Highness the Crown Prince saved your life. I have nothing to repay, so I can only try my best." Let His Highness be happy. If this can be regarded as disloyal, the subordinates have nothing to say. When it comes to injustice, the subordinates recognize it, but the subordinates only want to be loyal to His Highness the Crown Prince. Loyalty and justice cannot be balanced, so that's all. Besides, In the whole world, is it the land of the king, the shore of the land, the ministers of the king, or His Highness the Crown Prince has some excessive things? What does it matter? If not, why do you kill people and silence them instead of annihilating relatives in a just and righteous way?"

Xiao Lan was speechless. At this time, Li Hanyou sneered: "What a sharp-tongued slave. His Highness the Crown Prince is the king, and you are the minister. His Highness can make mistakes, but you can't. You have hindered His Highness's great cause, and I am too lazy to argue with you." , Senior Sister, there is no need to talk too much with this servant, it is better to ask Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess to pass down the order as soon as possible. Naturally, His Highness the Crown Prince has the final say in external matters, and the Crown Princess has the final say in matters within the palace."

Xiao Lan realized it immediately and said in a loud voice: "Go and report to your sister quickly. Tell me that Xia Jinyi, the slave who confused the master, has been bound. Please give me your instructions."

Xia Jinyi smiled coldly and thought to himself, Concubine Lan was very scheming, and she did a good job of killing someone with a borrowed knife, but he had no fear in his heart. Death had long been a dream for him.

Li Hanyou frowned slightly. She originally thought that Xia Jinyi was just a villain who wanted to follow others' influence. Once such people faced a life-or-death crisis, they were often servile and had no integrity at all. But now this young man just sneered slightly and neither begged for mercy nor begged. , this made Li Hanyou feel very uneasy. Did he have any way to protect himself, or was he just like this in nature? If so, he probably had ulterior motives for doing these harmful things.

In Crown Princess Cui's bedroom, Xiu Chun was kneeling on the ground and pleading. Cui said helplessly: "I also know that Xia Jinyi is your lover, and he often speaks kind words for me in front of His Highness. How can I not be grateful?" But Concubine Lan is right. His Highness the Crown Prince is our husband and our support. If something happens to the Crown Prince, what should we do? I have no choice but to offend the Emperor."

Xiu Chun cried and said: "Your Majesty, I didn't say anything bad about Concubine Lan. Over the years, Concubine Lan has never looked down upon you. She has asked your opinion on anything. One of her orders is worth more than a thousand words." , why do you think of asking your Majesty to order people to be dealt with now? Besides, Jin Yi is not good in every possible way. He is loyal to His Highness the Crown Prince, and he is extremely respectful to His Majesty. Haven't you felt that your Majesty has been there these days? No matter what happens, he always I'm trying to say good things for my mother-in-law. It wasn't him who tipped off what happened to my uncle last year. My mother-in-law was still kept in the dark. If my mother-in-law hadn't cried and begged in front of His Highness, I'm afraid that my uncle would have been charged after he died. But what will your family do? It will also affect you and the young prince. Judging from Jin Yi’s intentions, you should also help him. "

Mrs. Cui sighed and said: "Yes, this person is indeed respectful to me. In the past year, it has been extremely difficult for the concubines around the prince to see the prince. Only I am very convenient.

The prince has replied to the snacks and snacks sent by me, and he always stays here a few days every month. I know that Xia Jinyi has put a lot of thought into this. "

Xiu Chun's expression was brightened and he said: "Empress, please let me say something that I shouldn't say. Although His Highness the Crown Prince has not treated you particularly well this year, he has not neglected you either. He has come here many times in the past and many times now. Your Highness is No matter how romantic you are, what's the harm in being with the empress? But if you order Xia Jinyi to be killed this time, His Highness will definitely be furious when he comes back. At that time, he will only say that it was the empress's wish, and I'm afraid that the prince will never come to the empress again in the future. Well, who will take advantage then? The one who covets your position will not be a matter of a day or two. You should not only think about yourself but also think about the Crown Prince. Not to mention now, but also in the future after His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, if this is not the case There is a confidant beside the prince, how can you deal with those charming people?"

The more Cui heard, the more chilled she became, and said: "Xiuchun, you are right, I was almost deceived by that bitch. You immediately go and deliver my order, saying that Guard Xia is the prince's confidant, and it is inconvenient for me to do so." To deal with it, detain him first, and then hand him over to the prince for disposal when he comes back." Xiu Chun was overjoyed and hurriedly went to deliver the order in person.

Hearing Xiuchun's reply, Xiao Lan's beautiful face showed anger, and she angrily said: "You are a cheap servant, but you caused trouble and made my sister change her mind. I had heard that you had an affair with this slave, and now It seems that it is indeed true, that’s all, I’m not asking for help, I will kill you two adulterers and whores here today.”

There was a look of fear on Xiu Chun's face. She was originally worried about Xia Jinyi's safety, so she came to deliver the order in person this time. Unexpectedly, Xiao Lan actually wanted to deal with her as well. She was too scared to speak out, but although she was ashamed, she looked stubborn. , refused to plead for mercy. Xia Jinyi said coldly: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Crown Princess have already known about the matter between my subordinate and Xiu Chun. It's just that the empress likes Xiu Chun to serve, and His Highness also likes my subordinate to serve him, so he is not in a hurry to get married. These four adulterers and adulterers This is a word that my subordinates would not dare to take seriously."

Li Hanyou's expression suddenly changed, and he said coldly: "What are you still talking about with them, senior sister, they are stalling for time."

Xiao Lan immediately stood up and said: "Come here, use torture. Beat this couple to death."

Li Hanyou said coldly: "That girl has her own master. She has no shame and she should be taught a lesson by her master."

Xiao Lan said: "Did you hear that? Send Xiuchun back and ask my sister to discipline this cheap servant. If you don't want to be punished, what are you waiting for?"

Two guards came over, holding red paint torture sticks in their hands, and another palace maid dragged Xiu Chun away. Xiu Chun struggled and cried: "Xia Lang, Xia Lang." But those palace ladies were extremely powerful. It was loud, and soon Xiuchun's voice could no longer be heard. The two guards walked up to Xia Jinyi, who was kneeling. One of them whispered: "Your Majesty is watching from above. Please forgive me for not being merciful." As he said this, a cane hit Xia Jinyi hard on the shoulder and back. Xia Jinyi felt a sharp pain on his back. He knew that these people wanted to cut through the knot with a sharp knife, and a few sticks could break his spine. However, although he was like a grassroots person on weekdays, at this time, facing the enemy he hated so hard, he actually He will never ask for mercy. He closed his eyes and said nothing, gritting his teeth and waiting for the pain that would follow.

Unexpectedly, the next stick never came. When he opened his eyes, he saw a big man with wide-eyed anger and tightly grasping the stick. He exclaimed: "Senior brother." It turned out that the man was his senior brother. Zhang Jinxiong, at this moment, he looked majestic and terrifying, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Xiao Lan's face darkened and she said, "Mr. Zhang, what are you going to do? How dare you be rude to me."

Zhang Jinxiong said coldly: "Xiao Lan, you don't have to use your status to suppress me. In terms of status, you are the master and I am the general manager. But I, Zhang Jinxiong, am the disciple of the head of Kongtong Sect, and you, Xiao Lan, are the senior disciple of Fengyi Sect. Back then, The envoys from the Fengyi Sect came to Kongtong to form an alliance. I came here under the orders of my master to encourage you. But why did my junior brother bother you? You actually want to kill him with a stick? Do you really not take me, Zhang Jinxiong, into your heart? Or thought I would sit back and watch him being humiliated and killed by you."

Xiao Lan was furious and was about to speak when Li Hanyou said coldly: "Master Zhang, to be fair, let me not say that this man is your unworthy disciple of Kongtong. What has he done around His Highness now? Haven't you heard any rumors? We killed him to eliminate harm for the people. You are the future leader of Kongtong. You should be clean and self-respecting, how can you protect evil people?"

Zhang Jinxiong said coldly: "Princess Jingjiang, don't think of me as a fool. Even if Jin Yi is wrong, his crime will not lead to death. If you have the ability, you'd better go and persuade His Highness. Although my junior brother is not talented, he is not a bad person." , even if he is working for the tiger, you don't kill the tiger, but you are in trouble with my junior brother, it is really a good plan."

Xiao Lan couldn't bear it any longer and suddenly jumped forward. There was no sword in her hand, and her long sleeves were coiled like a dragon and snake. When she arrived in front of Zhang Jinxiong, she was already like a dragon rising from the sea, and the strong wind swept towards Zhang Jinxiong. Zhang Jinxiong did not dare to neglect, and met him with a punch. This punch was intended to be punched first, but it seemed real and empty. It was the Shenmen Boxing that can only be practiced by the direct descendants of the Kongtong sect. The fists and sleeves met, and Xiao Lan was forced to take a step back. , she felt a chill in her heart. She usually relied on her master's unique mental skills and her own internal strength to be strong. She didn't expect that this Kongtong disciple's internal strength was so strong. Now that she was fearful in her heart, she flew back. At this time, Li Hanyou had already pulled out his hand. The long sword was handed over to her. She took it and raised her flat finger. In an instant, her expression was solemn and her mood was leisurely. Zhang Jinxiong said with great enthusiasm, the disciples of Fengyi Sect are indeed worthy of their reputation. A long sword makes them fierce and ruthless. , her Qinggong was so good that in a blink of an eye the whole room was filled with sword light. Zhang Jinxiong's pair of iron palms showed no sign of weakness, and Kongtong's martial arts were already very good. Both of them were necessary to attack the enemy, using offense instead of defense. In the blink of an eye, they fought for dozens of rounds. Although Xiao Lan's sword Fa Qing Gong was excellent, but after all, she was just a woman, and she had always been pampered. How could she be compared to Zhang Jinxiong, who was proficient in martial arts and had rich fighting experience, so she gradually fell behind.

Li Hanyou frowned slightly at the side. If it had been someone else, she might have given Zhang Jinxiong face, but this Xia Jinyi was beyond her expectation. He did things to follow the crowd's influence, but he was actually stubborn and refused to plead guilty or say anything. There is no trace of regret or fear. If he is let go today, he will definitely hold a grudge. Over the past year, the prince has been a lot colder towards Xiao Lan. If this person is to fan the flames again, it will affect the influence of our sect on the prince. force. Thinking of this, her expression turned cold, and she said calmly: "Master Zhang, Manager Zhang, it seems that you are determined to protect this villain. Forget it, let Han You ask you for advice." After that, she floated forward and approached Zhang Jinxiong slapped his heart in the back. Zhang Jinxiong was being pestered by Xiao Lan. Li Hanyou's martial arts was superior to him. He was about to be injured by Li Hanyou. Xia Jinyi suddenly jumped up and rushed towards Li Hanyou like crazy. Li Hanyou's eyes flashed with cold light and he struck with a palm. Xia Jinyi's body fell like a kite with broken strings. Li Hanyou saw that although Xia Jinyi's mouth was bleeding and his expression was sad, but the light in his eyes was still there, he wanted to make up a chapter as soon as his body fell. Xia Jinyi smiled coldly and raised his head. There was a flash of silver light on his cuff, and Li Hanyou felt a chill in his heart. He had already remembered that Kongtong disciples were good at several hidden weapons for self-defense. He quickly folded his waist and stepped aside, and the silver light disappeared into the wall and disappeared. Li Hanyou sneered and said, "Let's see if you have any other magic weapons to defend yourself." After saying that, he stepped forward again, and Xia Jinyi raised his hand again. This time, Li Hanyou stretched out his jade hand lightly, revealing his silver wrist guard, blocking the silver light, and then twisted it When he looked carefully at the fallen hidden weapon, he saw that it was a five-inch long, three-edged, double-edged needle, made of sharply polished stainless steel. If one of these hidden weapons were hit, he would definitely bleed. Li Han was cold. He said coldly: "Okay, I will let you reap the consequences." After saying that, he flicked his fingers and shot the double-edged needle towards Xia Jinyi. , that kind of deep-seated hatred made Li Hanyou feel a chill in his heart. Just when the double-edged needle was about to hit Xia Jinyi's heart. An angry voice came from outside: "Stop."

As soon as he heard this voice, not only Li Hanyou's expression changed, but even Xiao Lan and Zhang Jinxiong stopped holding hands. At this time, the hall door was kicked open, and Li An walked in angrily. Li Hanyou was congratulating himself that he had killed Xia Jinyi, but he saw that Xia Jinyi had already rolled towards Li An, knelt in front of him and cried loudly: "Your Highness, please save the lives of your subordinates, Concubine Lan and Your Highness the Princess I want to kill my subordinates."

Li Hanyou was stunned, why was this person not dead yet? The prince asked hurriedly: "Are you okay? Guyi rushed back when he heard about it. It was finally very timely."

I saw Xia Jinyi unbuttoning his coat, and he was actually wearing a breast shield underneath. Now it had been cracked by double-edged needles. Xia Jinyi cried out: "I can hardly see Your Highness."

Li An was furious and said: "Li Hanyou, there is no need for you to interfere in Gu's family affairs, you, you can leave."

Li Hanyou sighed and said: "Your Highness, since you are unwilling to accept the loyal advice, what else can I say to you? It's just that I really can't keep this person. Please think again, Your Highness." Li An was unmoved and said coldly: "I know. Yes, you go."

Li Hanyou put on his clothes as a courtesy, sighed again, and went out. Xiao Lan looked a little nervous. He stepped forward and said hesitantly: "Your Highness, I am just..." Before he could finish speaking, a servant came in from the outside and said as he entered the door: "Master Lan, the Crown Princess has sent a message..." Before he finished speaking, Seeing the prince's livid face, he was so frightened that he knelt down. Li An said coldly: "What did the princess want you to say?"

The eunuch said tremblingly: "The empress said, 'Since Concubine Lan you are so bold and reckless, and have dealt with his beloved bodyguard without telling His Highness, and also tied up my maid, I will write to the Empress, you will be the Crown Princess." Okay.'" Hearing this, Li An couldn't bear it any longer. With a wave of his hand, he swept the tea on the table to the ground, leaving a mess. Li An said angrily: "Xiao Lan, hello, you are dealing with Gu's without permission. I will force the Crown Princess to give up the throne even if I don’t say anything to my confidants. I will write to my father tomorrow to abandon you. I am not worthy of you, the senior disciple of Fengyi Clan.”

Xiao Lan was shocked and hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Your Highness, please calm down. It's my fault. I beg you to see that I am doing this for your Highness's sake and please spare me."

Although Li An was very angry, he remembered the importance of Fengyi Sect to him. If he expelled Xiao Lan, he was afraid that the position of the prince would be lost soon, so he couldn't help but hesitate. At this time, Xia Jinyi said: "Your Highness, it's all This subordinate is not good and has offended Empress Lan, and the Crown Princess is also angry with the empress because of this matter. If His Highness allows me to make amends to Empress Lan, the empress will definitely spare my subordinate."

Li An looked at Xiao Lan. Xiao Lan also knew that this was a step, and said quickly: "I don't blame you anymore. From now on, you must be careful in your words and deeds."

Xia Jinyi quickly said yes, and Li An said with satisfaction: "That's good, Concubine Lan, you go to the Crown Princess to apologize. If you offend her, your father, the Queen, and your mother will not agree to it." Xiao Lan was already very regretful, I shouldn't fall for anyone's remarks, so I quickly said: "I will go immediately, your highness, please rest assured."

Li An nodded with satisfaction and said, "That's fine, Xia Jinyi, why don't you go back with me?"

Xia Jinyi quickly followed the prince and left, giving his senior brother a grateful look before leaving. When he walked away, Zhang Jinxiong said with a cold expression: "My subordinates are leaving." Xiao Lan quickly said: "Mr. Zhang, it's all my fault. Please don't take it to heart, so as not to hurt the friendship between the two families."

Zhang Jinxiong said calmly: "Your Majesty is the king and Jinxiong is a minister. How dare you take this matter to your heart? My junior brother has a pitiful background and may have some inappropriate behavior, but he is kind-hearted. Please be patient."

Xiao Lan smiled bitterly and said, "Do you really not know what he has done?"

Zhang Jinxiong said coldly: "This is exactly what Jinxiong wants to ask the empress. Does the Fengyi Sect really think that such a master is worth protecting? Jinxiong will report this matter back to the master's sect and ask the empress to ask herself, those things, Is it really Jin Yi’s fault?”

Xiao Lan looked solemn and did not answer. Looking at Zhang Jinxiong's retreating back, she whispered: "This is really a mistake this time. I have to make up for it. Otherwise, Master will blame me. What will I do?"