The Grandmaster Strategist

Ying won the favor of the general, traveled thousands of miles, made outstanding military exploits, and flourished for twenty-four years. Ying used a personal vendetta to accuse Duan Wudi of corruption and collusion with enemy merchants. What Wudi did during this period was the tacit approval of the general. Ying is offended.

——"The Biography of Shi Ying in the History of the Northern Han Dynasty"

In the General's Mansion, Long Tingfei stood in the hall with his hands behind his hands, furious in his heart. Over the past few days, while training his soldiers and arranging his armor, he had not forgotten to monitor his generals. In his mind, Duan Wudi and Shi Ying were the most suspicious. , these two are his trusted generals, Shi Ying is good at fighting, but not good at intrigues, and Duan Wudi is good at defense. Although he is the most trustworthy backing of the Northern Han Army, he inevitably lacks some opportunities to kill generals and make meritorious deeds. In this way, Later, Duan Wudi's rewards and promotions were lagging behind, and Duan Wudi's temperament was deep and cautious. Long Tingfei was a little suspicious of him, but Xiao Tong was monitoring the generals, but there was no evidence to prove that the two of them had interacted with the generals. Yong colluded.

Since he returned to Qinzhou, Duan Wudi has been busy adjusting his defenses, and Long Tingfei pays careful attention to all his actions. The defenses Duan Wudi has deployed are impregnable and have no flaws. Quartz originally didn't care about anything except fighting. Apart from his recent crush on a famous singer, there was nothing special about her.

After careful inspection, the singer Xiao Tong found out that she was the daughter of Su E, a former celebrity in Jinyang. The Su family was originally a loyal minister in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, but refused to change his official position in the Northern Han Dynasty. After the former master came to the throne, he made many sarcastic remarks. Finally, the former master was angry and had the Su family's house confiscated. Su E died in prison. It was during the Rongsheng Tenth Period. year thing. Qingdai is Su E's only beloved daughter. After her father died, all her family property was confiscated, leaving her helpless and living in the world. Despite this, this woman is proud, innocent and chaste, and is respected by the world. It can be said that this woman harbored hatred for the Northern Han Dynasty. This can be seen from her daily behavior. She almost never showed disgrace to the powerful and powerful families of the Northern Han Dynasty, and she was ostracized. Fortunately, there were many people who respected this woman's style, otherwise She can't safely entertain herself. Although there was something wrong with Shi Ying falling in love with this woman, just by looking at her behavior, she knew that she would not seek refuge in Dayong, otherwise she would never give up the opportunity to get close to the powerful and obtain information, so Long Tingfei did not interfere with the relationship between Quan Ying and Qing Dai. What's more, in Long Tingfei's opinion, quartz may not be able to impress this woman.

The two most suspected generals showed no signs of counterattack. Long Tingfei had already suspected that he had fallen into the enemy's attempt to alienate him. Unexpectedly, things suddenly broke out. Quartz suddenly accused Duan Wudi of colluding with business travelers for smuggling. This incident made Long Tingfei It's quite tricky. To be honest, although Duan Wudi's smuggling is secretive, it would be too incompetent if Long Tingfei knew nothing about it. But what Duan Wudi did was something that Long Tingfei couldn't do. What's more, all the proceeds were used by Duan Wudi to supplement military pay. Therefore, Long Tingfei not only did not hold the charges accountable, but arranged for the quartermaster to cooperate with Duan Wudi, so that the money was quietly used for food, wages and pensions. It's just that Long Tingfei must not admit this matter. Otherwise, the general guarding one side will blatantly violate the law. Even if the master understands the matter, the admonishers will not let him off easily. Most of the generals under Long Tingfei knew something about it, except Shi Ying. Firstly, because of his straightforward temper, everyone was worried that he would accidentally leak it. Secondly, Shi Ying didn't care about these things, so many people knew things, but only Shi Ying was ignorant. Understand. Therefore, Quartz suddenly launched an attack on Duan Wudi, making Long Tingfei unable to react for a moment, and had no choice but to order Duan Wudi's detention. Of course, Long Tingfei also had some selfish motives. Before the traitor was revealed, he did not mind temporarily suppressing Duan Wudi. After all, if Duan Wudi rebelled, the blow to the Northern Han Army would be too great. Despite this, Long Tingfei was still very angry, because after Duan Wudi's incident was revealed, it would be difficult to clear his name. In this way, regardless of whether Duan Wudi betrayed or not, Long Tingfei would face the loss of one of his generals. Dilemma, so he was very angry with Quartz, and he couldn't help but regret that he had trusted Quartz too much in the past and indulged him to the point where he didn't know the heights of heaven and earth.

Xiao Tong walked in and looked at Long Tingfei's straight back,

After hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward and said, "General, Yu Fei is back and he wants to see you immediately."

Long Tingfei was shocked. Dayong was heavily guarded during this period and it was difficult to send out information. He didn't know the result of Qiu Yu's flying assassination yet. He heard from Xiao Tong's tone that the assassination was not successful. He sighed and said, "That's all. It's difficult to assassinate a dignified supervisor. As long as Yu Fei comes back safely, let him come in. If he has anything urgent to do, he wants to see me."

Xiao Tong said: "Please ask him to report it to the general. This matter concerns our generals. Yu Fei has never had any disputes with the generals. His words should be more fair." Long Tingfei was shocked and said: "Quickly Let him in." He was filled with an ominous premonition.

Qiu Yufei led Ling Duan into the lobby. When Ling Duan saw Long Tingfei, his expression immediately became excited. He looked at Long Tingfei with excitement and admiration. In the hearts of the Northern Han army officers and soldiers, Long Tingfei was the one who was transcendent. All gods. He bowed respectfully and said, "The little man is bowing to the general."

A trace of doubt flashed in Long Tingfei's eyes, and he asked: "Who are you?"

Ling Duan knew that Long Tingfei would not recognize him. After all, he always wore a mask when he appeared in front of Long Tingfei. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of Tan Ji again, couldn't help but burst into tears, and said: "Little man They are the ghost-riding guards under General Tan."

Long Tingfei looked at Ling Duan in surprise for a long time, then stepped forward to help him up, and said: "I didn't expect that General Tan still has his guards alive. Ling Duan, your name is Ling Duan. Alas, I have sent someone to take care of your general's ashes." He was sent back to his hometown for burial, and the court also issued a banquet and reward, but it was a pity that he could not go into battle to kill the enemy." Afterwards, Long Tingfei's tone also contained sadness, but he quickly calmed down and asked again: "How did you escape back? of."

Ling Duan looked at Qiu Yufei, and Qiu Yufei said calmly: "Explain everything to the general." Ling Duan nodded and told what he saw and heard, and then Qiu Yufei added The scene on the day of the assassination. Long Tingfei frowned when he heard this. He had some doubts in his heart. Although what Qiu Yufei and Ling Duan said seemed to be nothing special, he and Xiao Tong listened to the truth revealed after pulling out the cocoons. But it shocked the two of them. After all, Long Tingfei believed in Quartz, whom he personally promoted, more than Duan Wudi, while Xiao Tong was more suspicious of Duan Wudi, who was shrewd and cautious.

Of course they had no doubts about Qiu Yufei, but they had no doubts about Ling Duan. Long Tingfei looked at Xiao Tong, Xiao Tong understood, coughed and said: "Ling Duan, what do you think these things can prove?"

Ling Duan said blankly: "I don't know, I don't know. Although General Shi has always been at odds with our generals and often makes things difficult for the general with sarcasm, I really can't believe it if General Shi has a rebellious heart. But if this is not the case, why would Li Tiger and others were all beheaded. Compared with them, the villain followed General Tan and killed many people in Zezhou. Even if he wanted to explain to the people of Zezhou, he should be beheaded. And although Jiang Houye was not the commander, the villain saw the army. Everyone in the country respects Marquis Jiang very much. When he said he wanted to keep us two by his side, no one dared to object. Even King Qi only warned us a few words after he found out about it, telling us not to be ungrateful. But Suddenly, Li Hu was forcibly taken away and executed. Mr. Jiang did not stop him. I thought if I had not known anything, I would have been killed that day. Moreover, Mr. Jiang was so magnanimous that even Li Hu almost killed him without blaming him. If the stakes weren't so high, I really don't understand why he did this."

Long Tingfei and Xiao Tong exchanged glances. From Ling Duan's words, they could not hear any falsehood. Moreover, Ling Duan's thoughts were a bit messy and did not look like a pre-made lie. This meant that Ling Duan did not surrender to Yong's army. , came back to deliver false information. Qiu Yufei saw what the two were thinking and said coldly: "When I met Ling Duan, he was already dying. If he hadn't met me, he might not have come back alive."

Long Tingfei and Xiao Tong knew what he meant. If Ling Duan betrayed Beihan, it would be absolutely impossible for him to end up in that situation. There is a limit to the bitter plot. Since Qiu Yufei said that Ling Duan almost died, there is absolutely no lie. If Ling Duan can hide it from Qiu Yufei's eyes, Qiu Yufei is not qualified to be Jing Wuji's direct disciple. .

At this time, a guard came to report that Quartz was already waiting outside. Long Tingfei felt a little hesitant. Originally, he called Quartz here because he wanted to find out why Quartz suddenly attacked Duan Wudi, but now he had something in his mind. Doubtful, but worried about arousing suspicion, he glanced at Xiao Tong, Xiao Tong's eyes flashed and said: "It's better to let him in, you always have to ask. Junior brother, you and Ling Duan should retreat to the back first."

Qiu Yufei nodded, but he said calmly: "I met General Duan, Senior General, and Senior Brother on the road. Although General Duan violated military law, I have taken great pains to remember him. Please give him a chance."

Long Tingfei frowned slightly and sighed: "I don't know, but I'm afraid this matter is not that simple. Although Shi Ying is reckless, he actually publicized such a big thing without asking me for permission. I originally thought he was unintentional , but now I think he meant it, Yu Fei, I will handle it well, Ling Duan, Yu Fei, have you made arrangements?" He could see that Qiu Yufei was very kind to Ling Duan, so he asked specifically.

Qiu Yufei said: "I like this boy's qualifications and character very much. I am going to take him back to meet the master and senior brother. If the senior brother is also interested in him, I want him to become his disciple. If not, I will reluctantly accept it. A disciple."

Hearing his answer, Long and Xiao both had expressions on their faces. Xiao Tong stepped forward and looked at Ling Duan carefully for a while, then smiled and said, "Although his qualifications are only above average, this kid has a perseverance and perseverance. He is not someone who is too stubborn and does not know how to adapt. At a young age, he has become one of the best ghost knights in a thousand. Senior brother should like him, okay, junior brother has a good eye."

Qiu Yufei smiled slightly, called Ling Duan, and led him to the back.

Long Tingfei then ordered Shi Ying to come in. Not long after, Shi Ying strode in. He had already driven away the smell of alcohol from his body. After entering, he respectfully performed a military salute and said: "General, here comes the last general. But what are your orders?"

Long Tingfei took a deep look at Quartz and said: "Quartz, there is one thing I have never asked you. Now Duan Wudi is about to be taken into custody. Let me ask you, how did you know that Duan Wudi did the smuggling?" Seriously, why didn't you discuss such a big matter with me in advance, but you said it in public when the generals were discussing the matter, fortunately Duan Wudi did not abscond in fear of crime, if something went wrong, wouldn't it be your fault?"

Quartz hesitated for a moment and said: "It was the general's deputy Shi Jun who found out accidentally and told the general. The general was so angry that he said it during the discussion without having time to think about it. This is the general's fault." Having said this, he showed a slight look of shame. In order to retaliate against Duan Wudi, he never thought of reporting to Long Tingfei privately. Although he was straightforward, he was not stupid. For such large-scale smuggling, his own All his subordinates could find out. It would be strange if Long Tingfei didn't know at all. Only by doing this could he force Long Tingfei to kill Duan Wudi. Shi Ying knew that although the general had always been very fond of him, he relied more on Tan Ji and Duan Wudi. Besides, in the past, Long Tingfei might have severely punished Duan Wudi. Now that the military situation was critical, the general might have concealed this fact. However, if Duan Wudi lives for one more day, Qingdai will lose her joyful face. These days, seeing her look more and more haggard, it hurts Quartz's heart and lungs.

Although his expression changed slightly, Long Tingfei and Xiao Tong were both interested people, and both of them could see clearly. Long Tingfei sighed in his heart and said: "You can wait for Duan Wubi's confrontation downstairs." Quartz Promise to retreat. Long Tingfei's expression turned cold and he said: "Xiao Tong, there is something wrong with Shi Ying. Go to his house in person and search for anything that shouldn't be there." Xiao Tong responded in a low voice and turned around to go out. Long Tingfei was filled with hatred, and slapped the table with his palm. The tea cups and other objects on the table were shaken so much that they jumped up. The tea splashed, and guards immediately rushed into the hall. Long Tingfei calmed down and said, "You guys pack up." Wait, wait until Duan Wudi is escorted, take off his shackles, bring him to see me, bring all the soldiers escorting him to the back, and don't allow them to walk around randomly. Shi Jun is the escorting general, so he will also be escorted. Bring them together."

After less than half an hour, Duan Wudi was finally escorted. When Long Tingfei saw Duan Wudi, who looked calm but looked a little embarrassed, he didn't know what to say for a moment. No matter what Duan Wudi was smuggling for, whether he acquiesced or not, the matter had been exposed. If the truth is told, then the dilemma faced by the Northern Han Dynasty will be known to everyone. The morale of the military is unstable, and the crime of violating national laws will not be easily forgiven by the government and the public. Although the leader of the country trusts and values ​​him, there are still people in the government and the government. There were many forces that were dissatisfied with him, and Long Tingfei knew that he might be recalled to face charges at that time. If it were in the past, Long Tingfei would not mind being accused. As long as he could still lead the army in battle, his title and official position would not matter. But now, Dayong might attack at any time, and he could not leave Qinzhou for a moment. If the leader of the country obviously favors himself, he may lose the support of the people and have a great impact on his reputation. The only solution is to let Duan Wudi take the blame. Although Duan Wudi will definitely comply with his words and will not implicate himself even if he dies, and in fact he did not intervene in this matter, but letting Duan Wudi take the blame on his behalf, Long Ting Fei would never be able to do such a thing.

Duan Wudi understood what Long Tingfei was thinking, and he stepped forward and bowed down: "The guilty general came to see the general and asked the general to deal with the guilty general in accordance with national laws and military regulations. No matter what the punishment, the guilty general was willing to do it, but now the country is When employing people, I ask the general to leave the guilty general alive and let the guilty general die on the battlefield instead of dying on the execution ground."

Long Tingfei's body shook slightly, and after a long time he stepped forward to help Duan Wudi up, bowed deeply and said: "General Duan, this is Ting Fei's fault, but the general is allowed to bear this stigma. Ting Fei is guilty of the greatest crime."

A look of excitement flashed in Duan Wudi's eyes, and he said solemnly: "Why did the general say this? This is all because of the greed of the general, and it has nothing to do with the general."

Long Tingfei understood Duan Wudi's thoughts. Since Duan Wudi had taken the responsibility for this matter, Long Tingfei could not be implicated. He straightened up sadly and said: "Wudi, you are waiting on the side now. There is one more important thing now. You are listening on the side. Come, Chuan Shijun."

Shi Jun looked very uneasy when he walked in. He was quite shrewd. Ever since he met Qiu Yufei on the road, he didn't dare to embarrass Duan Wudi anymore. During the last stretch of the road, he kept beating in his heart. Shi Jun was originally a younger brother of the Quartz clan. When he was young, he was very brave and fierce, and was a well-known rogue in the village. Later, after he defected to Quartz, because of his clever mind and martial arts, he became Quartz's deputy general from a pawn. Although Quartz was brave and good at fighting, , but there was some nepotism in employing people. However, Shi Jun finally knew that his ability was insufficient, so he relied on Shi Ying's trust and used small favors to make friends with the warriors in the army, and he was still able to respond to the call.

A few days ago, Shi Ying told him to investigate Duan Wudi's shortcomings. Shi Jun was really embarrassed, not because of Duan Wudi's prestigious status, but because Duan Wudi had always been strict and Shi Jun had no idea what to do, but he had to obey Quartz's orders. It happened that a general under Duan Wudi was demoted by Duan Wudi for violating military law. The general was resentful and looked for an opportunity to stay in Qinzhou City. After Shi Jun learned about it, he got acquainted with him and took him to drink and have fun. The general was dissatisfied with Duan Wudi, so under Shi Jun's bribery, he let out a hint of Duan Wudi's smuggling. After learning about it, Shi Jun felt like he had found a treasure and reported the news to Quan Ying. Quartz was also a famous general. Since he knew such a thing, he quickly discovered the evidence. After all, Duan Wudi had the support and acquiescence of the senior generals in the army, so he did not keep the secret too much. Under Quartz's planning, he successfully captured Thieves take stolen goods. The whole thing went very smoothly, but there was something that Shi Jun hid from Quan Ying. In the process, Shi Jun "found" many clues of information, but this information was not actually found by Shi Jun, but from Some mysterious people obtained it. Without this information, Quartz would not have been able to seize Duan Wudi's handle so smoothly.

But now Shi Jun regrets his short-sightedness very much. He thinks about those mysterious people who came to the door with gold and silver, saying that the merchants who colluded with Duan Wudi for smuggling were at odds with them. The two parties were rivals in business, so he wanted to help Shi Ying attack Duan Wudi. , so as to eliminate the backstage of those businessmen. This is a very reasonable reason, and he also needs this information, so Shi Jun refuses to do so. But what happened on the road made Shi Jun realize that his boss might have stung a hornet's nest. If there was anything wrong with Shi Ying, his prosperity would be in vain, but it would be useless to regret it. When Shi Jun escorted Duan Wudi to the General's Mansion, Duan Wudi was immediately taken off his shackles and invited in. Instead, Shi Jun himself and the sergeants were detained. Shi Jun felt even more uneasy and thought about how to deal with it. Not long after, Shi Jun was called for questioning. Naturally, he had no way to refuse. He could only bite the bullet and walk into the White Tiger Festival Hall where Long Tingfei summoned the generals. When he saw Long Tingfei, whose face was ashen and full of anger and murderous intent, Shi Jun felt that he could hardly breathe. He took a few steps forward and fell to his knees, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Seeing this situation, Long Tingfei became even more suspicious and asked coldly: "Shi Jun, were you the one who discovered Duan Wudi's smuggling?"

Shi Jun said cautiously: "It's the last general."

Long Tingfei said bitterly: "How did you find out? Do you dare to spy on the general?"

Shi Jun opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't. Bribing Duan Wudi's generals and accepting bribes from businessmen were not things that could be said openly. If he said it himself, without saying whether Duan Wudi was guilty or not, he would be pushed out and beheaded first. . Thinking of this, I couldn't help but sweat dripping from my forehead. I knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, but I didn't dare to speak.

Long Tingfei said angrily: "You still don't tell the truth. If there is even half a lie, I will accuse you of deceiving the coach and kill you with a thousand knives."

Shi Jun turned pale with fright, and quickly told how he got clues from the general, and how he got bribes and information from the mysterious man.

Long Tingfei was furious and kicked Shi Jun aside. Shi Jun vomited blood, but did not dare to wipe it. He got up and fell to his knees, saying repeatedly: "I will admit my guilt, please beg the general." Spare his life." Long Tingfei said coldly: "Take him down and hand him over to Xiao Tong for torture and questioning." Several guards dragged Shi Jun down.

Long Tingfei sat back in his commanding position, closed his eyes tiredly, and thought carefully about Shi Jun's confession. Those who provided information were suspicious. He asked Duan Wudi: "Wudi, do you know anyone who would hold a grudge against you? And we can get detailed information about your smuggling.”

Duan Wudi frowned and thought for a moment, then said: "The businessmen who colluded with General Mo are all big merchants in the country. There are only two or three companies that are qualified to do this kind of business. General Mo will reach an agreement with them to cooperate according to a certain proportion. Even if foreign merchants are greedy, they do not have the financial resources to participate, and there is no way to obtain the information about our shipments. Only the Donghai merchants who deal with those merchants may know the information about our shipments, but how can they be able to participate? The Northern Han Dynasty is engaged in military affairs?"

Long Tingfei smiled bitterly for a moment, with a cold light flashing in his eyes, and said: "How could he be capable? We have all forgotten that that man has been in the East China Sea for nearly three years. I am afraid that this matter has already been under his control."

Duan Wudi's expression changed. He naturally understood who "that person" Long Tingfei was talking about, but he asked cautiously: "General, this may not be the case. The businessmen we cooperate with have specially checked. It should not be the case." People from Dayong, and we also specifically excluded Heidegger because Heidegger and Donghai are too close. There is no problem with the identity of those businessmen, most of them are people from Nanchu, and behind the scenes should be the most mysterious Tianji Pavilion in Nanchu. No matter how clever that person is, he can't stretch his hand that long. And there should be no problem with the information we got from Nanchu. Tianji Pavilion has harmed Dayong's interests many times over the years. We once suspected Tianji Pavilion The backstage is the Nanchu family, and now we share the same enemy with Nanchu, and they will not add insult to injury at this time."

Long Tingfei was quite convinced of Duan Wudi's judgment, but he still believed that Dayong must have intervened in this matter. Who else but Dayong would hope that the Northern Han army would be in chaos. After thinking for a while, he said: "You also said that Heidegger and Donghai are very close. According to Princess Bi, Heidegger and Jiang Zhe also colluded. The smuggled goods all pass through Binzhou. Heidegger covers the sky with one hand there. I'm afraid there are no clues. Escaped from their eyes, if you have the intention, you may not be unable to collect this information, alas."

Duan Wudi was silent this time. Long Tingfei's judgment was very reasonable. The entry and exit of goods could not be hidden from Heizhi's eyes and ears. Could it be that Jiang Zhe had already laid out chess pieces in Binzhou? Duan Wudi suddenly had an absurd idea in his mind. Could it be that Jiang Zhe Zhe lives in seclusion in the East China Sea, supporting the Jiang family and the Hai family in the East China Sea to develop Binzhou into the center of Yuanyang trade. He also has the intention of tempting us to smuggle. If this route is cut off now, I am afraid that the Northern Han Dynasty will immediately fall into the dilemma of insufficient supplies. Thinking of this, Duan Wudi suddenly felt cold all over his body, but he did not dare to speak out his thoughts. He could only comfort himself by saying that no matter how smart Jiang Zhe is, he cannot think so far-reaching. The Jiang family still has the final say on matters in the East China Sea. , it is impossible for him to use his fingers like an arm.

At this time, Xiao Tong came in with a solemn expression. He handed over a brocade box and opened the box, which contained two letters. Long Tingfei took it and took a look, and suddenly felt despair.

Both letters were unheaded and unsigned.

The first letter read, "All your old troops have been silenced. Your kindness has been repaid. Long's Zezhou was defeated miserably. Don't you realize that when the army marches north, it will be too late for you to regret it?" Abandoning darkness and turning to light, you can take the position of marquis, and the general will think deeply about it."

The second letter read, "It is a blessing that you know the current situation and go with the flow. Please remove Duan Wudi first to show your sincerity. I will secretly assist the general in his actions."

Long Tingfei said sadly: "Have you asked his personal guards, but someone framed him?"

Xiao Tong said bitterly: "After careful questioning by my subordinates, no one knew how Quartz contacted Dayong, but this brocade box was placed in the cabinet of Quartz's dormitory, and only Quartz had the key to this cabinet. And some people noticed that Quartz every night Before going to bed, I would check the letters in the brocade box. If someone framed me, at least those letters before last night would not be in it."

Long Tingfei put his hand on his forehead and said nothing, with a cold and gloomy expression. After a moment, he said: "Send Quartz to come see me."

When Quartz walked into the hall, Long Tingfei could no longer suppress the anger in his heart, and threw the brocade box and two letters on Quartz's surface. Quartz's eyes flashed, and when he saw the letters, his face turned red and he said: "Finally, General How could his personal letters be in the hands of the general?"

Long Tingfei, who had been hoping for a chance, was completely disappointed. He said coldly: "Then you admit that these two letters are yours?"

Quartz's face turned red and she said, "It's exactly what General Mo has."

Long Tingfei laughed loudly, his laughter full of sadness, and said: "I have always valued you. Is this how you repay me? Are you worthy of the king and the soldiers of the three armies?"

Quartz was confused and thought, why does the poem Qingdai wrote to me have anything to do with it? He subconsciously picked up the letter and read it. Upon reading it, he was stunned and speechless.

Long Tingfei said coldly: "Originally, I believed that your interception of King Qi was not an accident. I also thought that you attacked Wudi because you couldn't stand this kind of corruption. But now how do you explain that the Northern Han Dynasty never I owe you this, and you will commit treason and surrender to the enemy.”

Quartz was anxious and wanted to explain, but the more anxious she became, the harder it became to explain. She was speechless holding the two letters. His injuries were not fully healed. In his eagerness, he couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood. out.