The Grandmaster Strategist

First, in Dingmao in the sixteenth year of Xiande, Prince De Zhao Jue went to Hengjiang with a secret decree, intending to attack Moling secretly, but the secret was leaked to Yong, so he stopped the army. If you are confused, you will stop fighting.

At the end of the victorious general, he called the crown prince to his couch, and said to him: "I have regretted all my life, failed to keep the ancestor's foundation, and became a minister to Yong. If you have half a filial piety, you should do everything you can to restore the emperor's estate." The crown prince made an oath to heaven. , Ling Wang is dead.

In the fifth month of Gengwu in the nineteenth year of Xiande, King Qi of Da Yong came to Diao. The King of Qi secretly negotiated with the ruler of the state, promised to make a big profit, and planned to attack Shu. The Southern Chu Kingdom was all bad because of this, but people at that time did not understand the disaster, nor did they understand the reason for the great profit. Later, a servant heard that the king cried and told the queen: "If I can restore the emperor's career, I don't want you to be the queen. I also hope that my father will serve Dayong, and now the king of Qi has promised me the emperor's career, and Wang Qing will tell my father tactfully on behalf of Gu, that Southern Chu will never fail Yong." The matter is vented.

The king of Qi, the six sons of Emperor Yong Gaozu, the half-brother of Princess Changle, less stubborn, later saw that King Yong was weak and crowned king, and his meritorious deeds crowned the world. Nai Wu said: "I will replace him." Later he became famous all over the world for his martial arts.

--"The History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties Biography of King Chu Yang"

In May of the nineteenth year of Xiande, Da Yong sent an envoy to hang him. I heard that the envoy was the sixth son of Emperor Yong Li Yuan, King Li Xian of Qi. I like reading. Since the collapse of the Eastern Jin Dynasty 70 years ago and the collapse of the Central Plains, Li Yuan's father, Li Shang, took advantage of the situation and rose up, calling himself King Yong. Enterprising, he changed because of his second son Li Zhi.

Li Zhi, king of Yong, was famous when he was young. More than 20 years ago, Li Yuan's nine-year-old second son, Li Zhi, was dressed in plain clothes at the Chinese New Year banquet. , Li Yuan was ashamed and retreated. Soon after, Li Yuan proclaimed himself emperor and changed his Yuan to Wuwei. After that, he mobilized his troops and encouraged farming. Li Zhi was twelve years old at the time, and went to war with his father. Although Li Zhi was an aristocrat, it was rare for him to live and eat with soldiers and learn to lead troops in battle with generals. Although he was young, he was courageous and brave. It is said that once the enemy army attacked the camp, Li Zhi escorted Emperor Yong out of the siege with his own soldiers, and some soldiers shouted from behind: "Your Highness, don't abandon us." Li Zhi burst into tears and rushed back to the barracks alone The soldiers were so grateful that they fought desperately and forced the enemy to retreat. After Emperor Yong returned to the camp, Li Zhi was seriously injured and still dressed in armor to meet his father. Yu Zhimou, accumulated military merits in a few years and was promoted to general. In the ninth year of Dayong Wuwei, he defeated Xia Wang Yang Laosheng, the most powerful opposition force in the Central Plains at that time, and made great contributions to the consolidation of Dayong. Therefore, Emperor Yong granted him the title of King Yong. When King Yong was the teacher of Li Zhi, Chang'an, the capital of Yong, was full of empty alleys, and hundreds of officials greeted him personally. In 1999, Southern Chu became a minister, and Dayong became the veritable overlord of the Central Plains. That was a later story. At that time, Li Xian saw Li Zhi's glory in the crowd, felt disappointed, and said to his attendants: "I will replace him." At that time, Li Xian was sixteen years old, After that, Li Xian changed his bad habits, studied articles hard, and practiced martial arts diligently. Two years later, he invited himself to join the army on the northern border. In the next ten years, Li Xian participated in several bloody battles with the Northern Han Dynasty at the border. Although Li Xian was not as brave as Li Zhi, he was still a brave general. In the past few years, Dayong guarded the border tightly, and there was no war in the north. Qi Wang Li Xiancai returned to Chang'an, and he was very close to Prince Li An. In Chang'an, Li Xian was the eldest of the honored youths, and he often made troubles without incident. It made Chang'an very restless, but he was Emperor Yong's beloved son and had military merits, so no one dared to make things difficult for him.

I carefully looked at the information in my hand,

Ever since I succeeded in "persuading" the queen, I started to accompany her as an attendant. I said that I was an escort, but in fact, I provided advice for the ruler to consider. This time King Qi was sent as an envoy to Southern Chu. We have a piece of information about the King of Qi, and it seems that Nanchu's intelligence network in Dayong is also very extensive. This time King Qi came to offer condolences nominally, but everyone thought it would not be so simple, otherwise Dayong would not have sent such an important person. In fact, if I want to see it, maybe it’s because King Qi played too hard in Chang’an, and Emperor Yong asked him to come out to avoid the limelight. I read from the information that just a month ago, King Qi forcibly robbed women as concubines , was impeached by the censor, even though Emperor Yong protected his beloved son, he still had to be punished slightly. I think the final punishment is a one-year salary. Is it obvious to protect? At this time, it is also possible for King Qi to go on an envoy to avoid the limelight . But those adults didn't think so, they all thought that it might be something important for Emperor Yong to send King Qi as an envoy.

However, the current situation seems to be quite inclined to their opinion. After offering condolences, King Qi requested to meet the King in private, and now they are talking in secret in the imperial study. Today I am on duty in the imperial study to accompany the driver, so I am waiting outside. I didn't mean to, but my hearing is so good, I listened to 90% of their conversations.

As soon as Qi Wang Li Xian entered the door, he went straight into the tunnel: "Dayong hopes to join forces with Southern Chu to conspire with the Kingdom of Shu. What is the country's plan?"

Zhao Jia was stunned for a long time before saying, "Shu Kingdom and Southern Chu have always been on good terms, so how could they commit crimes without reason?"

Li Xian said with a smile: "A country likes or dislikes, it depends on its interests. Although Shuzhong has good relations with Southern Chu, the two sides have frequent business exchanges, and now most of the weapons and horses needed by Southern Chu need to be purchased from Shuzhong. Your country asks for high prices. A few years ago, your country bought war horses from the Northern Han Dynasty and wanted to transport them back from the middle of Shu, but they were intercepted by Shu. I was forced to promise not to buy horses directly from Beihan in the future, but there is such a thing."

There is no sound inside, but I can imagine that the king's face must be blue and purple. I have heard of that incident, and wonder why the Shu Kingdom is so short-sighted and hates Southern Chu.

He also heard Li Xian say: "My Dayong and Nanchu are both monarchs and ministers, and they are also in-laws. The emperor's sister Changle is my father's beloved daughter, and now she is the queen of Nanchu. Not being a vassal to me, Dayong, and being so arrogant to Southern Chu’s allies, it’s just because it’s easy to defend and hard to attack, and it’s easy to do business with the three countries. Now that Dayong and Southern Chu are open to trade, according to the statistics of the Ministry of Households of our country, the past two years The country's commercial tax has exceeded the commercial tax with the Shu country. In my king's view, the middle of Shu is just a dying day. If our two countries join forces to conquer the Shu country, the father is willing to share the Shu country equally with the king. From now on, the territory will be drawn to the river, and the war will never stop."

Zhao Jia's breathing became very short, and it took a long time before he said: "You must not be careless in raising troops to fight, not to mention that the Kingdom of Shu is easy to defend and difficult to attack. If it cannot be attacked for a long time, it will inevitably waste people and money."

Li Xian seemed to be hesitant, and said after a while: "Before I left, my father secretly told me that if the kingdom of Shu is conquered and Dayong's frontiers are stable, he can take a good rest. If the king is willing to help me conquer Shu, After the matter is completed, the father is willing to acquiesce in allowing the king to restore the emperor's title."

Hearing this, I wailed in my heart. In recent years, there have been many voices from the ruling and opposition parties to restore the title of emperor. I also heard from Xiao Shunzi that when the king was dying, he asked the lord to restore the empire. This temptation is really too great .

Sure enough, the lord hesitated and said: "It's hard to decide on this matter for a while, so let's ask for the opinions of my courtiers."

Li Xian said displeasedly: "For such a big event, the lord should be careful, but this matter is not trivial, and please be careful to keep it secret. As for what my father said, please be very careful, if it is accidentally spread , I, Dayong, will not admit it."

Regardless of the arrogance of Li Xian's words, Zhao Jia said again and again: "Don't worry, Your Highness, Gu must be careful. This matter is of great importance, and Gu Jue dare not take it lightly."

Li Xian said with satisfaction: "Thank you so much for the meeting with the king, this king will take his leave now."

Zhao Jia hurriedly said: "The queen and His Highness King Qi haven't seen each other for many years, and they are eager to meet each other. I wonder when His Highness King Qi will be free?"

Li Xian laughed loudly and said: "The king wanted to see the imperial sister a long time ago, but it's just that he has a duty, and he needs to prioritize public affairs before private affairs, so I will go to see the queen."

Zhao Jiaxi said: "Why do you want to see me, please invite His Royal Highness King Qi and Gu to meet the queen together." As he said that, there were footsteps, and the uncle and uncle walked towards the door. I've already heard this disheartened. It seems that the lord of the country will definitely attack the Kingdom of Shu.

I decided to take a good look at this domineering King Qi, who is going to tie Nanchu to Dayong's chariot. Li Xian, who followed behind the king, came out. Li Xian, who is 26 years old this year, has a handsome appearance. Because he has lived in the army for a long time, his figure is as tall as a pine, and his body is even more tempered. The spirit of slaughter, today is the official court meeting, so he is wearing the service of Prince Dayong, the golden brocade clothes, embroidered with dragons on it, making him look even more majestic and domineering. I fought a cold war, this king of Qi must be a ruthless character.

When King Qi was walking past me, he suddenly glanced at me, with a cold light like ice and snow in his eyes. I quickly lowered my head slightly to avoid his gaze. Although I have seen his murderous gaze before, it is not necessarily true. Let him notice that I am not afraid of him. But he pays attention to what I do, maybe Liang Wan has already reported something to him, but Dayong is really powerful, a Qi king is already so majestic, I don't know what kind of demeanor the Yong king who is above him is.

Li Xian noticed that young man was only for a very special reason. He was born with a beast-like intuition. He had a secret conversation with Zhao Jia in the study just now. For some reason, he always felt uneasy, as if he was being bugged. He also clearly knew that there were no people within a radius of twenty feet, and if their voices could be heard beyond twenty feet, that person's martial arts would be too powerful. He believed that such a person in Nanchu did not exist. Walking out of the room, he looked at the officials and servants outside without any intention, but found that although there were a few people with good martial arts, they should all be masters in Nanchu University, and it was impossible for them to hear the voices in the room , although several accompanying officials of different grades were closer, they obviously didn't know martial arts. When his eyes fell on Jiang Zhe, although he knew that this person would not be an eavesdropper, Li Xian was still a little shocked. Although this young official was young, he had a graceful bearing and an indifferent expression. Li Xian knew he was Huwei, once in Dayong, an official offended him, and he was about to explode in his rage, that official was so frightened that he fainted, and other civil and military officials always looked a little uneasy when they saw him, that is His Royal Highness Be careful in front of him, except for that person, Li Xian thought, since he was crowned, this is the first time he has seen someone so calm and authentic. Thinking of this, his eyes couldn't help becoming more menacing. The young official lowered his head slightly to avoid his eyes. This was supposed to be an expression of admitting defeat, but for some reason, Li Xian felt that this person was not afraid of him.

Thinking of this, Li Xian stopped and asked, "What's your name?"

I was watching Li Xian's movements from the corner of my eye, and when I heard his question and saw his boots parked in front of me, I had no choice but to raise my head, glance at the king, and ask for instructions with my eyes. The king smiled and said: "This is my number one talented scholar in Southern Chu, Jiang Zhe, the number one scholar in Xiande for sixteen years, and the queen likes his poems the most." Li showed a look of sudden realization, and said: "So you are Jiang Zhe , your poems are really well written.'The southeast is shaped well, the three Wu cities, Qiantang has been prosperous since ancient times. Yanliu painted bridges, wind curtains and emerald curtains, there are hundreds of thousands of homes. Clouds and trees surround the embankment and sand. Raging waves roll in frost and snow, and the sky has no boundaries. The city is full of pearls, and the households are full of Luo Qi, competing for luxury. The lakes are stacked with beautiful peaks. There are osmanthus in three autumns and lotus in ten miles. The Qiang Guan clears the sky, and the water chestnut sings in the night. Playing and fishing for old people and lotus babies. Thousands of horses have high teeth. Listen while drunk Xiao drums, sing and enjoy the haze. The beautiful scenery in the future, go back to Fengchi to praise. "This song "Wang Haichao" was written by you, it makes people yearn for the beautiful scenery in the south of the Yangtze River. I also want to see the scenery of Southern Chu."

I stole a glance at the proud King, and said modestly: "The work is simple and crude, and I am fortunate to be appreciated by Your Highness." Li Xian took a deep look at me and greeted the King to leave, but I felt chills in my back because That kind of gaze was an inexplicable madness, a passion like a raging fire. I immediately wondered whether this king of Qi also had a habit of breaking his sleeves besides being fond of flirting. After a cold war, he decided to leave him more and more. The farther the better.

Unexpectedly, the sky is not what people want, the next day, I received a decree, the king ordered me to be responsible for leading King Qi around while His Royal Highness King Qi was in Southern Chu. Oh my god, the heavens are so cruel, I decided to ask Xiao Shunzi if he could take more time to protect me these days while screaming up to the sky. The hateful thing is that Xiao Shunzi said coolly: "I'm very busy, anyway, King Qi is not bad, so you can walk with him more, maybe King Qi will take you back to Dayong to enjoy the blessings." I was so angry I almost fainted, and immediately made up my mind that I will use all means to protect myself, and I must not let King Qi's vicious thoughts succeed.

When I went to the posthouse to report to King Qi, I saw King Qi wearing a light blue robe, sitting in the yard with his arms open in the cold spring breeze and laughing, and beside him sat a beautiful woman in white clothes like snow. The young man looked at him affectionately. I almost turned around and ran away. Then I thought about it, the appearance and character of this white-clothed boy are no more than that of many beautiful women. I should be fine as an ordinary-looking little Hanlin, so I respectfully stepped forward to say hello, Then he said that he came to serve on the order of the lord.

King Qi stared at me for a long time with shining eyes, and then said: "Okay, I heard that there are many beauties in Jianye, who is the best famous prostitute in Qinhuai River?"

I frowned and thought for a long time, and said: "The minister is not very clear, please go back and check your highness, and I will definitely find out the best of them."

King Qi's eyes were full of smiles, and he said: "Forget it, you shouldn't spread the word to Jianye after your investigation, saying that this king is looking for flowers and asking willows. If I let my father know, I'm afraid I will have to be reprimanded again. Let's go, tonight Come with me to have a look, and you must find an excellent leader of fireworks." I was overjoyed, thinking to myself, it would be best if you like to find women. Wenrou Township is a tomb of heroes, I absolutely don't mind if you die young while playing. I must find the best brothel, I thought in my heart, I will secretly ask the officials of the post house later, he must know.

When it was almost dusk, I had already found an opportunity to ask about the depth of the Qinhuai River. If King Qi hadn't insisted on going out in disguise and not allowing others to follow me, I would have asked the post office officials to lead us there. But who is that white-clothed boy? King Qi didn't introduce him. He just said his surname is Qin. I can call him Mr. Qin. However, no matter how I look at it, this white-clothed boy looks like a sword hidden in a scabbard. , box sword curtain lamp, very scary, he looks like Xiao Shunzi, now he looks listless like a wilted carrot, I wonder if his martial arts are getting more and more regressed, but it shouldn’t be, he seems to be getting worse and worse now I just came back from the palace the day before yesterday, and I saw him waiting for me at my house, saying that he was not on duty during the day, so I went to Wuxi, which is nearly seventy or eighty miles away, and brought me fresh specialties there. Meat steamed buns and duck blood vermicelli soup were given to me as a midnight snack. I stared at the still warm steamed buns and duck blood soup in shock. Although there are food boxes to keep them warm, they can't last more than an hour. Thinking of this, I became angry again. This kid, knowing that I was in danger, why didn't he agree to protect me? Next time I cook, I will definitely not leave a portion for him.

I already know that Jianye Brothel is most famous for its Fengyue Building, Xiaoxiang Court, and Yihong Pavilion, which is a famous casino restaurant. Brothels are a hodgepodge, and Piaoxiang Painting Boat is said to be because Liu Piaoxiang, the number one prostitute in Qinhuai, is in charge. Since King Qi is a frequent visitor in Fengyuechang, he must of course be asked to meet Liu Piaoxiang. Even if you go to kilns, you won't like places that are too vulgar. As a result, as soon as I said to go to Piaoxiang Painting Boat, King Qi said excitedly: "Okay, I just want to see the demeanor of Jianye's first prostitute?" Trick me, or let me inquire about it, although the official of the post house already knew that King Qi was going, but he still looked at me with smoldering eyes, I am still a strange man who guards his body like jade.