The Grandmaster Strategist

In July of the 25th year of Wuwei's reign, Taizong was involved in corruption and malfeasance. As a result, many people resigned from office and were imprisoned. Most of them were close associates of the king. Moreover, Taizong met with Emperor Yong several times, but they were kept secret. The king was suspicious, and the rift with the emperor deepened.

——"Yong Shi·Biography of King Li"

Prince Li An angrily swept the official documents on the desk to the ground. It was King Yong who was doing this again. I don’t know why King Yong was crazy these days. He actually wrote letters one after another about the illegal affairs of the officials. Originally, this had nothing to do with Li An. However, this time King Yong targeted the officials of Li An's family. Not only did he prepare complete evidence, but his methods were like thunder. Often an official would be working in the morning, but in the afternoon he would be sent to prison by a sign. , now the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty are as cold as ice, and everyone is worried about being implicated. After all, there are a few officials who are honest and upright, and some officials have even secretly gone to show their favor to King Yong. After all, King Yong mainly targeted the prince's close relatives. Down.

Lu Jingzhong frowned slightly and said: "Your Highness, it is natural for King Yong to attack you. Now is an unprecedented good opportunity for him. The emperor has a suspicion against you. If he does not take advantage of the opportunity to make progress, he will not be King Yong. But what I am worried about is that the reason why His Highness was always able to suppress King Yong in the past was mainly because of the Emperor’s support. Now if the Emperor intends to depose His Highness, then His Highness will lose his throne in a matter of days.”

"Yes, the emperor has probably changed his mind now." A pleasant voice came, but Li An and Lu Jingzhong frowned at the same time.

The door opened, and two women who were as beautiful as fairies walked in. The one in front was Li Hanyou, and the one behind was Xiao Lan.

Li An said angrily: "Gu's study has become an undefended place. Where are the guards?"

Li Hanyou smiled and said: "Don't worry, Your Highness, it's just that they saw Senior Sister Lan, so they didn't dare to stop her."

Li An was even more annoyed and thought to himself, when Zhang Jinxiong was the head guard, never had someone break into my study like this, so he said: "Jingjiang, Mr. Zhang, you should let him out. He has been kept for such a long time." What are you doing under house arrest?”

Li Hanyou's heart skipped a beat and he said: "Your Highness, Xia Jinyi has a lot to do with what happened to you this time. Zhang Jinxiong is Xia Jinyi's senior brother. The family teacher is worried that he is also involved, so for the sake of safety, he has to temporarily put him under house arrest. After a while, if There is nothing wrong with him, so we will naturally let him go."

Li An was even more dissatisfied. Although he blamed Xia Jinyi for his mistakes in order to shirk responsibility, Xia Jinyi was already dead after all, so he would do this. Zhang Jinxiong was different. Moreover, Li An did not believe that Xia Jinyi had any malicious intentions, so he loved Zhang Jinxiong as much as possible. Just as he was about to speak, Lu Jingzhong kicked him lightly, and Li An immediately realized that now was not the time to argue about these things. He could only hold back his anger and said: "I don't know how you know that my father has changed his mind?"

Li Hanyou sighed softly, sat down, and said: "Although there is no clear evidence of this matter, there are already clues. Your Highness knows that the Emperor's pardon for Your Highness this time was not because of someone else. The master originally planned to meet Your Majesty in person. I interceded for His Highness, but before I could, His Highness was pardoned.”

Li An felt happy and thought, This is good, lest I have to accept your favor. However, Lu Jingzhong frowned and said: "It is very unusual for Your Majesty to be like this. To put it bluntly, the crime His Highness committed this time is really serious. Even if Your Majesty wants to forgive Your Highness, you should calm down after some time." After that, it must be done by someone who is valued by His Majesty. At that time, the Emperor was sincere in pardoning His Highness. Now that we have not started, the Emperor has pardoned His Highness. Sure enough, there are some problems. This is an oversight on my part. Please make it clear to the Princess. .”

Li Hanyou sneered and said: "I got news from the palace that the emperor discussed with Princess Changle before making a decision."

Li An was shocked and said: "How could it be possible? Changle has never participated in political affairs."

Li Hanyou sighed and said: "We think so too,

So although we really hoped to force her to get married, it was just to alienate her from King Yong. Unexpectedly, she would give us a heavy blow at this critical moment, although we did not have any information about what she said to the emperor. , but judging from the current situation, the emperor has intended to depose His Highness, but he lacks some excuses, and His Highness has been the Crown Prince for many years, and there are inevitably some wings around him. The Emperor has had secret talks with King Yong several times, but none of our people can get close to him. I am afraid, the Emperor Really changed my mind. "

Li An felt as if a basin of ice water was poured down on his head, which was freezing to the bone. He had never been so frightened. He knew very well how he had reached his current position. Without the emperor's blessing, what could he do to compete with King Yong? He had never regretted seducing Chun Bin so much. Li An thought in annoyance that he What kind of madness did he have to anger his father?

Lu Jingzhong glanced at the sneer at the corner of Li Hanyou's mouth, and thought to himself, you want to take the opportunity to blackmail His Highness, but you have to get past me, and then said: "Your Highness, don't worry too much. Although the Emperor has been shaken now, he has not yet Make the final decision, so Your Highness still has a chance to save it. The master of Fengyi Sect is not on good terms with King Yong. If King Yong is allowed to become the crown prince, I'm afraid it will be someone else who regrets it."

Li An was a little confused, but Li Hanyou immediately grasped Lu Jingzhong's threat. Lu Jingzhong clearly said that if the prince lost his throne, his Fengyi Sect would also suffer heavy losses, so it was better not to take the opportunity to threaten him. Although she was angry in her heart, she also knew that this was the truth. Fengyimen and the prince were now in the same boat, so she smiled lightly and said: "Your Highness, at this moment, only Your Highness can ascend the throne as soon as possible."

Li An jumped up in fright. He looked up and saw that Li Hanyou, Xiao Lan and Lu Jingzhong all had indifferent expressions. He wanted to refuse sternly at first, but then he thought about it. Now that his reserve position was in danger, he actually retorted. I can't even say anything.

Li Hanyou and Xiao Lan exchanged glances, stood up and said: "Although Your Highness adheres to filial piety, the Emperor Shengcong has been deceived by villains. If it is unfortunate that King Yong is enthroned as emperor, he will inevitably go militarily, and Dayong will never have peace from now on. Your Highness If we can make up our mind, we must support His Highness to ascend the throne. The Emperor is old, so it is better to take good care of him. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Li An said in a weak tone: "But now our power is too weak, the sixth brother has gone to the border, and the imperial army is difficult to control. What should we do?"

Li Hanyou smiled slightly and said: "The sect master has already made arrangements for this. As long as His Highness agrees, our Fengyi Sect will take risks. Your Highness, rest assured that we will be cautious and succeed in one fell swoop."

Li An finally said hesitantly: "What are your plans?"

Li Hanyou smiled proudly and said: "Your Highness, don't worry, we have a proper plan. It will only take a few months for His Highness to succeed to the throne. However, His Highness can be careful in his words and deeds these days to avoid angering the Emperor. If the Emperor deposes His Highness, I’m afraid we can only stop in despair.”

Li An's face turned red and he said: "I must be cautious, but I still have to be careful. It is best to wait until King Qi comes back."

Li Hanyou smiled lightly and said: "Your Highness, don't worry, we have already prepared for this matter. His Highness King Qi will be back in October at the latest. Then it will be the best time for us to launch. Now we have to take advantage of this time to make plans, Prince Your Highness also wants to wipe out King Yong’s power, right?”

At this time, Lu Jingzhong said calmly: "Fengyi Sect attaches so much importance to His Highness's great cause, but they don't know what requirements they have for His Highness."

Li Hanyou smiled slightly and said: "Young Master Lu understands the truth. In fact, our requirements are not high. If His Highness succeeds to the throne and is willing to appoint me, Senior Sister Lan, as his queen, then our Fengyi Sect will serve His Highness wholeheartedly."

Li An looked troubled and said: "Ms. Cui has never lost her moral character, and she has raised the eldest son for me. How can I belittle her for no reason?"

Li Hanyou said: "Your Highness, you were unwilling to depose the Cui family in the past because of the emperor. Now the emperor no longer supports you. If you are unwilling to agree to our conditions, why should we take the risk of ruining our reputation? , Besides, we just want you to make Senior Sister Lan your queen, but we didn’t say that you must denounce Mrs. Cui, and it’s still okay to be a noble concubine.”

Seeing the sneer on Li Hanyou's lips, Li An understood in his heart that if he agreed to this condition, then Cui and the Crown Prince would have absolutely no hope of surviving. How could he bear to do this. Seeing his hesitation, Li Hanyou did not force him and said, "Your Highness, please think about it carefully. This matter is not urgent. You and Shaofu Lu can discuss it slowly." After that, she stood up and said goodbye, "I am still concubine. If you have something to do, please think carefully, Your Highness. After the matter is decided, you can tell me, Senior Sister Lan."

Looking at the backs of Li Hanyou and Xiao Lan, Li An was so angry that he smashed the tea cup and said angrily: "Young Master, tell me, why do they take me seriously? If I agree to this condition, I'm afraid it will be It’s a puppet in their hands.”

Lu Jingzhong looked cold and stern, and after a while he said: "Your Highness, don't worry, there is still room for change in this matter. They are asking for prices all over the sky, and Your Highness can pay back the money."

Li An hesitated for a moment and said: "Young Master, now that Gu is unable to protect himself, why not sacrifice the Cui family and the Crown Prince? If King Yong succeeds to the throne, their mother and son will only die. Let's discuss it with Fengyi Sect. I We can depose the Crown Princess and then grant the Crown Prince the throne.”

Lu Jingzhong sneered in his heart. The prince was indeed a ruthless person. He would abandon his wife and children like this. However, there was no contempt on his face. He said calmly: "Although your highness can sacrifice the prince and the prince now to win the Fengyi Sect." However, if Concubine Lan makes a queen and her son becomes a prince in the future, as long as your highness is not in line with their wishes, they can kill him and make Concubine Lan's son the emperor. Then his highness will probably regret it. Out of reach."

Li An smiled bitterly and said: "But if I don't agree, I'm afraid they will abandon me now. Wouldn't I become a prisoner of King Yong's subordinates?"

Lu Jingzhong smiled sinisterly and said: "Your Highness is overly worried. Even if His Highness wants to give up the throne, Fengyimen is not willing to do so. King Yong has made it clear that he does not want to cooperate with them. Without His Highness, they cannot legitimately join the court. , so as long as Your Highness is tougher, Fengyimen will never dare to fall out with you. Why don't you refuse this and say that you can make Concubine Lan a noble concubine, and you will not establish a heir for the time being. If Concubine Lan's son has outstanding talents, you can make him a prince. Chu, please delay it for now. After His Highness ascends the throne, they will no longer be able to do anything about it. After all, without His Highness’s support, wouldn’t those important officials in the court support Fengyi Clan’s rebellion?”

Li An then smiled and said: "You are right, so let me tell Concubine Lan like this."

Lu Jingzhong said respectfully: "Your Highness also wants to comfort the Crown Princess. If the Crown Princess knows about this matter, I'm afraid she will be very worried."

Li An nodded and said, "Don't worry. By the way, all the officials from the East Palace have come to pay their respects, right?"

Lu Jingzhong smiled and said: "You are already here. Although His Highness cannot manage politics for the time being, these officials should still be selected, so that others will not see that the Emperor is dissatisfied with you."

Li An nodded and said, "You handle these matters. I'm going to see the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince. During this period, she was frightened."

As soon as Li An walked to the back house, he saw some young women coming out in groups. These women were accompanied by maids and servants. When they saw Li An, they all bowed and kowtowed. A maid next to the princess came forward and said: "Your Highness, these are the family members of the newly elected officials from the East Palace who have come to pay their respects to the princess."

Li An nodded and said, "That's it." Without further ado, he was about to go see the princess, but after taking a few steps, he saw a young woman wearing imperial uniforms with a beautiful face and elegant demeanor. Li An couldn't help but feel in his heart Crazy, he recognized this woman, but he was infatuated with Shang Chunbin at the time, so he didn't do anything to her. When he was selecting officials in the East Palace this time, he couldn't help but draw Shaoyan's name on it, although he might not have known it at the time. I had a clear idea, but I also had the idea to win over the couple to get started. I didn't expect to meet Huo so soon. Not long after half a year, she was even more beautiful, especially her gentle and water-like temperament, which made her People feel love and pity when they see it. Li An pretended to be calm and watched these wives leave, with a glimmer of light in his eyes. If Xia Jinyi were here, he would know his intentions immediately, but naturally no one can help him make arrangements now.

After hurriedly comforting the princess, Li An returned to the study. He was the only one left here at the moment. He thought that he should not take action at this time. It was a critical moment, but when he thought about it again, how to arrange the seizure? There is no need for him to contribute at all. Fengyi Sect and Lu Jingzhong will have the overall plan. All he has to do is follow it. No one is better at this kind of thing than them. So, can he relax and make up for these things? The days are frightening.

After struggling for a long time, Li An finally couldn't help it. These days of fasting and house arrest made him very depressed. Although there were singers and dancers in the palace when he returned, he didn't have the slightest interest in this. Years of indulgence have long since made him lose interest in those women who are readily available to him. Li An wondered whether it would cause trouble. After a long time, he remembered that Chun Bin was not willing in the past, but she gave in after he threatened and lured her. As long as she promised to give her husband a promotion, he was afraid of this woman. Don't you give in? Besides, as the wife of an official, even if the father knows about it, he won't be too angry.

The next day, she received a post from the Crown Princess, inviting her to come into the mansion for a while. Huo was not surprised. When she went to meet the Crown Princess at the Crown Prince's mansion yesterday, she felt that the Crown Princess was not in a good mood. It was said that she was not in a good mood. Because in addition to the prince's matter, one of her beloved maids died. The princess was very affectionate to Huo and admired the embroidery that Huo gave to the princess, so Huo was not surprised, not to mention her husband. He is the Attendant of the East Palace. If he can be favored by the Crown Princess, there will always be no harm to his husband. So Huo went happily.

Under the guidance of several palace maids, Huo was taken into an elegant pavilion. She was a little surprised that this place did not look like the princess's palace. Although it was elegant, it lacked a bit of momentum. As soon as she walked into the flower hall, Huo Shi suddenly screamed in fright. This was a very gorgeous private room, with thick blankets on the floor and gorgeous furnishings all around. There was a large bed in the corner of the room, surrounded by pink gauze. There were exquisite erotic pictures hanging on the surrounding walls. Huo just took one look at them and did not dare to look at them again. Her heart was full of fear and she was about to exit when she saw men standing at the door. Huo Recognizing that the person was His Highness the Crown Prince, she felt a shiver in her heart. Although the matter about the Crown Prince had not yet become an uproar, she still knew some rumors. She suppressed her fear and said: "I have entered this place by mistake. Please forgive me, Your Highness." .”

Li An gave an ambiguous smile and said, "I sent someone to invite you, how can I not forgive you?"

Huo was shocked and said: "Your Highness, this is not in line with etiquette." She started to walk out. But she was hugged by Li An. Li An had practiced martial arts and easily hugged her around the waist. Huo was still struggling, but Li An suddenly said viciously: "Believe it or not, I will send someone to kill your husband immediately." Huo Shi. His hands softened, and a look of fear and sadness flashed in his eyes. Li An had already said coldly: "If you obey Gu, then your husband will be able to rise to great heights."

Huo's mind was already lost, and Li An took the opportunity to drag her to the bed. The pink tent hung down, and a low cry came from inside.

In the afternoon of the next day, when Huo got on the sedan and returned home, a pair of eyes took advantage of the brief moment when Huo came in and out to look at her clearly, with a ruthless light flashing in his eyes.

Not long after, Dong Que had returned to Hanyuan. After taking off the disguise that concealed his identity, he said coldly: "The prince has succeeded."

I gently shook the folding fan and said, "Are you sure?"

Dong Que showed a smile and said: "No one knows this kind of thing better than me. This woman has definitely been ravaged by the prince."

I smiled and said, "Of course I trust your judgment on this. What do you think will happen to Huo's family?"

Dong Que showed a hint of sympathy and said: "According to the custom of the prince, he will not be tired for a while, so it is impossible for Huo to commit suicide. I saw her expression, she wanted to cry but she didn't want to die, but she didn't die. Zhi, I don’t think she will commit suicide for the time being, and this Huo is probably not a strong and unyielding woman."

I said calmly: "Do you think she will tell her husband?"

Dong Que shook his head and said: "She won't talk about this kind of thing in the short term. Moreover, Shao Hanlin is a somewhat old-fashioned scholar. It is difficult to forgive this matter. I think she will not be so stupid."

I sighed slightly and said, "Actually, I can tell this woman to be careful."

Dong Que said coldly: "Young master, this kind of compassion is useless. Even if you remind them and your wife, they will only think that you are plotting against the prince, and they will alert the snake."

I smiled bitterly and said, "I also know this truth, so I watched this tragedy with a cold eye. Dong Que, I really feel that the task I gave you before was too cruel."

Dong Que was silent for a long time and said: "This is of my own free will. The person who did such a thing is the prince, what does it have to do with us?"