The Grandmaster Strategist

After leaving the flower hall, Li An breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Xia Jinyi. If it weren't for this subordinate, he really wouldn't give up, and he wouldn't want to fall out with Xiao Lan and Li Hanyou. Besides, these two people are really hateful regardless of their own face. If they really let them kill Xia Jinyi, wouldn't he become an incompetent person who can't even protect his subordinates? It seems that Lu Jingzhong is right, Fengyi Sect must take good precautions, otherwise he will become a master one day. A puppet in someone else's hands, a puppet emperor. Thinking of this, he said gently: "Jin Yi, go and call Master Lu over. I have something to ask him. I will ask your senior brother to guard you tonight. You might as well go out to relax and calm down."

Xia Jinyi burst into tears and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I am willing to serve Your Highness."

Li An smiled and said: "Don't worry, I won't have time tonight. You have been almost here this year, so you must be very tired. I have no way to compensate you for what happened today, so I will give you a day off." Go out and relax, and bring a few more subordinates with you, lest someone takes the opportunity to plot against you."

Xia Jinyi quickly thanked him and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Highness. I will go and invite Young Master Lu right now."

Li An waved his hand and said: "Go ahead. There are some things that I can't do anything about, so don't worry about it." It is tolerable to be stepped on, but what is intolerable?" Li An's expression changed slightly: "That's all, don't say more, go to the Crown Princess to see her first, you can go and invite Master Lu." Xia Jinyi was respectful. He stepped back respectfully, his lowered eyes filled with pride.

Sitting in the study room that he had not entered for a long time, Li Jing quietly looked at Lu Jingzhong who was sitting opposite him. After a long time, he said calmly: "Are you also going to persuade me to kill Xia Jinyi?"

Lu Jingzhong said respectfully: "I don't care about Xia Jinyi's life or death, but if Fengyi Sect separates from His Highness because of this matter, it will be more than worth the loss. If Your Highness is willing to do so, I naturally hope that His Highness will not offend Fengyi Sect."

Li An said angrily: "Fengyi Sect doesn't pay much attention to Gu. Xia Jinyi is just a lucky minister. He can neither harm King Gu's great cause nor have the capital to compete with them for power. They are too arrogant."

Lu Jingzhong smiled and said: "This is just to express your anger. Some of the things you did by your Highness are just romantic affairs to the ministers, but they are intolerable to them. However, we cannot blame Your Highness, so we have to take it out on Guard Xia. Your Highness is now Now that we have saved our face, we should comfort them now. The situation is not very favorable to us now. Your Highness must not destroy the Great Wall."

Li An nodded and said, "What you said is polite, young master. Who do you think killed Liang Jinqian that day and made it difficult for him to say anything?"

Lu Jingzhong frowned and said, "I have also thought about this matter. After much deliberation, in addition to King Yong, there are two people who are the most suspicious."

Li An said with interest: "Last time I asked you, you said that King Yong was the biggest suspect. Just because you killed Liang Jinqian, the one who benefited the most was King Yong. But now you mentioned two more people. Who is this person? "

Lu Jingzhong said calmly: "Qi Wang Li Xian and Qing Wang Li Kang are both possible."

Li An was stunned and said: "Although King Qing has enmity with Fengyi Sect, he is respectful to Gu. How could he do such a thing? And King Qi, he and Gu are on the same boat, how could he do this? ."

Lu Jingzhong sneered and said: "I say that King Qing is suspicious. I found out that King Qing has placed many people in the capital in recent years. He is a flesh and blood of the Tian family, but he was banished to Dongchuan because of people from the Fengyi Sect. Although Yizhou is rich, but it is not as prosperous and beautiful as Chang'an. Besides, the hatred of killing one's mother is irreconcilable. Now that Fengyimen protects His Highness, he will naturally go against His Highness. When Fengyimen favored King Yong, he Aren't you always in trouble with King Yong? I recently captured King Qing's spies. After being tortured, I learned that when Liang Jinqian was killed by poison, Ye Tianxiu, the number one master under King Qing, was in the capital. If it weren't for fishing in troubled waters, How could he let this bodyguard leave his side?"

Li An's expression changed,

He said coldly: "If it is really him, how do you think we should deal with it? Do you want me to say a few words in front of my father and deal with him?"

Lu Jingzhong shook his head and said: "No, Your Highness. Prince Qing has no chance of inheriting the throne, so Your Highness should seek help. What's more, in the future, Your Highness will rely on Prince Qing to check and balance Fengyi Sect. How can we deal with him? Besides, there is no real evidence." It proves that it was Prince Qing who did it, but His Highness should also be careful. These days, Prince Qing’s people are becoming more and more wanton in Chang’an.”

Li An nodded and said, "Then why would Young Master think of King Qi again?"

Lu Jingzhong said: "His Royal Highness King Qi was originally His Highness's right-hand man, but in recent years, His Highness has been somewhat indifferent to him. In fact, this is no wonder, Your Highness. Although King Qi has always been an enemy of His Highness King Yong, he has never gone too far. Your Majesty always shows mercy when it comes to your affairs. It is natural for His Highness to doubt King Qi. In the past year, King Qi has requested to guard the border several times, but you have refused. In King Qi’s view, Your Highness is deliberately obstructing his meritorious service. , but in His Highness’s view, King Qi wanted to avoid the tit-for-tat scene with King Yong. In fact, I feel that both His Highness and King Qi were not at fault. Although King Qi did not say it, he was indeed a little afraid of King Yong, and His Highness did not allow it. He went on an expedition because he didn’t want his reputation to grow even more. Your Highness is also on guard against King Qi. After all, when two tigers fight, one of them will be injured. Isn’t this what Concubine Lan advised you?"

Li An said nervously: "I also think Concubine Lan is right, and King Qi is too arrogant. I always feel that he is a bit disrespectful."

Lu Jingzhong stroked his beard and said: "Well, what Your Highness did is not wrong, but it would be better if you could give King Qi some comfort. After all, King Qi is your general who protects you from the sky, so you can't offend him." If he hadn't had King Qi's army, King Yong would have rebelled long ago."

Li An was convinced and said: "You are right. I will invite the sixth brother to come over in a few days to persuade him and let him stay in the capital with peace of mind. Are you afraid that there will be no war in the future?"

Lu Jingzhong said meaningfully: "Actually, there is another person, and His Highness should also think of ways to win over him."

Li An looked at Lu Jingzhong, who smiled and said, "Xiahou Yuanfeng."

Li An laughed and said: "Xiahou has been my king's man for a long time. Aren't you unaware that their father and son have also taken refuge with me?"

Lu Jingzhong sneered and said: "Most of the power in your hands now belongs to Fengyi Sect. The people in Fengyi Sect have listened to the orders of Sect Master Fan Huiyao. Today, if Fengyi Sect Master supports you, they will help you. Tomorrow, if the Fengyi Sect Master supports King Qi or King Qing, they will change their tune. His Highness has secretly recruited many refugees this year, just to build up his own force. Xiahou Yuanfeng has great martial arts skills and is favored by the emperor. If His Highness can make him sincerely obey him, then he will be a sharp knife in His Highness' hands. Now Pei Yun, the commander of the North Camp of the Imperial Guard, is already a member of King Yong. Although he still respects King Qi so much, he has no respect for His Highness. What a good impression. Xiahou Yuanfeng once defeated Pei Yun. It would be a pity not to take him under your command. As long as you, courtesy of Corporal Xian, drag Xiahou Yuanfeng onto our ship, then you will have an extra person with great martial arts skills and scheming skills. He is a master of depth, and he can command him without going through Fengyi Gate. But His Highness treats him aloof, and it would be a pity to let this person go."

Li An was a little uneasy, and he couldn't say that he was a little repelled by Xiahou Yuanfeng, just because this person was always very mysterious and could not be seen through. He said: "Tell me, how should I win over him?"

Lu Jingzhong's eyes drooped and he said: "I heard that His Highness recently got a soft sword. It can cut gold and break jade. It is very precious. Xiahou Yuanfeng likes soft swords best. It is said that he sent people to various places to search for it."

Li An smiled and said: "I thought it was a treasure, but it turned out to be just a soft sword. Although this soft sword is precious, it is just a plaything for me. I will have someone send it over tomorrow."

Lu Jingzhong saluted and said, "Your Highness is very responsive to your advice. I am deeply grateful."

Li An smiled and said, "Well, Gu Ye has endured enough this year. You should also think of a way to get rid of this bad temper."

Lu Jingzhong smiled and said: "What's the difficulty? Now that things have changed, it is a good time for us to fight back. If His Highness feels that there is no obstacle, start with Pei Yun."

Li An frowned and said: "What role can a small guard commander play? My father also admires him very much. I think it's better to change him to someone else."

Lu Jingzhong said: "Select Pei Yun. Firstly, he is very close to King Yong. If we attack him, we will kill him as a warning. Secondly, this person has made Fengyimen lose face. We can attack him through Fengyimen." , so that Fengyi Sect and Shaolin take over the feud, His Highness can better control Fengyi Sect. Moreover, His Highness King Qi also appreciates Pei Yun, so he can use this to warn King Qi that if the time comes, If the King of Qi intercedes for him, Your Highness can sell a favor to the King of Qi. Anyway, His Highness just wants to take his official position, and his life is not critical."

Li An nodded and said, "Then where do we start?"

Lu Jingzhong smiled slightly, leaned close to Li An's ear, and whispered a few words. Li Anxi smiled brightly and said, "Tell Xiahou that if things come true, I will definitely be rewarded heavily, and I will never treat him badly." The two of them. People looked at each other and smiled, with endless cruelty in their laughter.

On a moonlit night, with the beauty by his side, Xia Jinyi had a sad face. He lay on his soft gums and stared blankly at the roof. Today he brought a few guards to this famous brothel, and after having a banquet with everyone, He was drunk and helped a stunning prostitute into the embroidery room, but he came to his senses after entering the room. After a lot of confusion, the courtesan snuggled up to him docilely, but Xia Jinyi felt empty in his heart. For him, he would rather hold Xiuchun and have a good sleep in the Prince's Mansion, but he also knew that since the Prince had something to say, it would be better for him to come out, but today's life-and-death shock still left him with lingering fears. At this moment, he was even more worried. He desperately wanted to see Jiang Zhe, otherwise he wouldn't know what to do next. While he was thinking wildly, someone suddenly knocked on the door.

Xia Jinyi was startled. He looked back and saw that the prostitute was already asleep, but he was still worried. He gently tapped her acupuncture points, then walked to the door, stood behind the door, opened the door gently, and saw a young woman in Tsing Yi. The maid lowered her head and walked in carrying a pot of tea. The little maid glanced at the bed with low curtains, put the hot tea on the table, and then seemed to turn around and go out. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Xia Jinyi looking at her coldly. She seemed frightened and covered her head. Heartbroken.

Xia Jinyi smiled apologetically and opened the door. The little maid took the tea tray to the door as a courtesy and was about to go out. Just as Xia Jinyi was about to get out of the way, the little maid suddenly took out a sleeve arrow from her sleeve and pointed it at Xia Jinyi. Xia Jinyi was shocked. He knew it was three arrows. The sleeve arrows that can easily penetrate light armor within ten steps, but now the distance between the two of them is only three steps, and I can't force them away even if I want to dodge. But since this little maid didn't take action, it means there is still room for change. Xia Jinyi looked at the little maid calmly. She had raised her head and looked at him with a smile.

Xia Jinyi was stunned. It turned out that this little maid was someone he recognized, one of Jiang Zhe's followers, Chi Ji. Chi Ji's appearance was originally delicate and elegant, and his figure was not tall. Even though he was disguised as a maid, he looked very similar to Xia Jin Yisong. After taking a breath, he whispered: "Brother Chiji, you scared me to death." Then he said excitedly: "What, do you want to see me?"

Chi Ji smiled and said, "Young master is waiting next door. Please ask Mr. Xia to come over."

Xia Jinyi looked at his body. He looked like this, how could he meet anyone, but if he had been cleaned, it would inevitably arouse the suspicion of the prostitute tomorrow. After thinking for a moment, he picked up his robe, put it on his body, followed Chi Ji out of the room, and quickly stepped into a side room next to him. After entering, Jiang Zhe was seen wearing a blue silk robe, sitting on a chair, looking at a chessboard on the table with a leisurely expression. Next to him, an elegant young man in green clothes stood playing chess with him.

As soon as Xia Jinyi saw the two people, he stepped forward and bowed down and said, "Xia Jinyi kowtows to your lord Jin An."

I stood up, stepped forward and extended my hands to support him, saying, "Young Master Xia, you don't need to be polite. Jiang can't bear it."

Xia Jinyi stood up respectfully, as obediently as a slave. I couldn't help but feel happy. Originally, I thought that he might not be willing to obey my orders, so I prepared a method of threats and coercion. I didn't expect that he was so understanding. It seems that I No need to force it.

After gesturing for him to sit down, I smiled and said, "For more than a year, Mr. Xia has been favored by His Highness the Crown Prince. I didn't expect that I would still remember my old friend."

Xia Jinyi stood up and said: "Since I said goodbye to you last time, Jin Yi has been eager to see you again day and night. In the past year, Jin Yi has tried his best to deal with it, just hoping to be able to help the young master. If the master can realize Jin Yi's wish, then Jin Yi will Yi is willing to break into pieces to repay your kindness."

I looked at Xia Jinyi thoughtfully, and I got the answer. I used to force him to serve. In the past year, he has been honored and favored, but he still did not forget the Old Testament. I was a little strange at first, but after hearing what he said I just know what I said. How could I do this if I didn't have a desire from my heart.

I was not in a hurry and said slowly: "Master Xia, please tell me in detail. If you have anything to ask for, Jiang will definitely consider it carefully."

Xia Jinyi bowed down and kowtowed: "If your Excellency can help Jin Yi to ruin Princess Jingjiang's reputation and die in prison, Jin Yi will obey all your orders no matter what Your Excellency may have."

I was slightly stunned and said: "Xia Jinyi, you were originally a prodigal son of the world, but Li Hanyou is the princess of the clan, and now you are the princess. In terms of status in the world, and the senior disciple of Fengyi Clan, how can you have any enmity with you?"

A look of resentment flashed in Xia Jinyi's eyes, and he said sadly: "What kind of clan princess, princess, Li Hanyou is just a pheasant pretending to be a phoenix. Although the feathers are gorgeous, he is vicious, ungrateful, and a betrayal of the alliance."

I was shocked and said, "Please tell me in detail. If it's true, Jiang will definitely make the decision for you."

Xia Jinyi's expression became very stern, and he said slowly: "Xia's original name is Xia Quan, and his family has a single lineage for three generations. Although the bloodline is weak, the family enjoys it happily. His hometown is remote, and the war in the Central Plains did not affect Hanxiang, so the family People share the joy of family life, but because they were worried that their bloodline would be cut off, when Jin Yi was five years old, my parents adopted a girl and let us get married as soon as I became an adult. This girl’s parents were also from the same hometown, but their family was poor. I gave birth to six or seven more daughters in a row and couldn't raise them, so my family had an extra child bride. I was young at the time and just thought I had an extra sister. But this girl was beautiful, extraordinary, and extremely smart. , my parents loved her very much and asked her to study with me. She could memorize everything at a glance. It’s a troubled time, if I learn some martial arts I can defend myself, so I’m very happy. She was only seven years old at the time, and she still pulled me and asked me to go home often to see her.”

"Studying martial arts in the mountains, I don't know how many years have passed. When I had just achieved some success, I finally got the master's permission to go home to visit relatives. I was sixteen years old and she was eleven years old. Although she was young, she already knew the personnel. That time, because of me My mother was sick, so to celebrate the occasion, she and I got married under the auspices of my parents. Although she was still young and did not consummate the marriage because I had to practice martial arts, we were already legally married. Not long after the marriage, I returned home again. When we arrived in Kongtong, even though we were young, we also made a white-headed covenant. Unexpectedly, within two months, I received a letter from my clan saying that my parents had died. I rushed home in confusion and asked. The clansmen knew that not long after I left, some women with swords passed by our village one day. It was said that they had gone the wrong way. My father was the clan leader, so they treated me warmly. Unexpectedly, they met my wife and said that she was qualified. Wushuang wanted to take her away, and my parents naturally refused, but they persuaded my wife. I don’t know what they said, but in the end, my wife followed them willingly, leaving them to stay forcibly. The few hundred taels of silver he paid were said to be to redeem my wife's life. My mother died of grief and anger, and not long after that, my father also fell ill and died. I checked my father's injuries and found that someone had injured his meridians with his own hands. No need to say who did it? I also want to take revenge, but I am not a fool. After asking about the attire of those women, I knew their identities. Apart from Fengyi Sect, there are so many women who use swords, but Kongtong had an alliance with Fengyi Sect. No matter how good I was at practicing martial arts, no matter what, I and Ben could not get revenge. So I was disheartened and depressed from then on. I was expelled from the sect within half a year. "I have been drifting in the rivers and lakes for many years." At this point, Xia Jinyi burst into tears.

I said solemnly: "You are saying that Li Hanyou is your wife, do you have any evidence?"

Xia Jinyi raised his head and said, "You can't be wrong. Although her temperament has changed drastically, I will never admit her mistake. She is my wife Qiao Cuiyun. Although she is elegant and noble now, she and I grew up together, and her appearance still remains. There are traces of the past, and I won’t mistake some of her little moves. If the adults don’t believe it, the villain also knows that there is a red hemorrhoid on her waist.”

I was really shocked. I didn't expect that Li Hanyou was not from a clan, so how could she become the princess of Jingjiang?