The Grandmaster Strategist

Jinghai Villa in early spring is quiet and deep. Outside Tingtao Pavilion, the blue sea is tidal, and the huge waves are emptying. They hit the rocks again and again, splashing like broken jade, and like the remaining snow blown by the wind. The spring tide of the East China Sea is magnificent. Wanfang. It was early in the morning, and the servants in the village had already started their busy day quietly. At this moment, the exciting sound of the piano suddenly came from Tingtao Pavilion. The sound was like a tide, passionate and continuous. Everyone in the village couldn't help but stand and listened to the touching piano sound. In a trance, it seemed that it was so majestic. The tide has crossed the cliff and appears in front of you. When the song ended, the servants each marveled and began to get busy again. In a pavilion at the highest point of Jinghai Villa, an old man with white hair put down the book in his hand and focused his eyes on Tingtao Pavilion in the distance. This old man is over seventy years old, but he has white hair and a childish face. His expression is cold and indifferent. He is the medical saint Sang Chen. At this time, a clear and sweet voice came from outside the door: "Master, Qing Yan has come to greet you."

Sang Chen was originally from Penglai, Donghai. After he returned to his hometown and lived in seclusion, Jiang Zhe specially sent people to build Jinghai Villa and brought Sang Chen here to retire. Although Sang Chen had a cold temperament, he treated Jiang Zhe as his grandson. , so I stayed here without objection. After Jiang Zhe successfully helped King Yong seize the throne, he came to Jinghai Villa to help the sick. Sang Chen spent a lot of time to take good care of Jiang Zhe's body. Over the past few years, the family enjoyed themselves happily. Sang Chen also loved Roulan and Shen'er very much. It's a little less cold and a little more tender. Jinghai Villa is picturesque, and Sang Chen also intends to retire here. Even though Jiang Zhe and his wife have left, Sang Chen still lives here, but it is Jiang Haitao and Yue Qingyan who are the happy ones. The poison in Yue Qingyan's body has been removed by Sang Chen. Although he will still need to use medicine for treatment within a few years, his life is no longer in danger. Moreover, although Yue Qingyan is a woman, she is talented and knowledgeable in medicine. Sang Chen is very fond of it. Satisfied with her beauty and talent, he kept her in the villa to teach her medical skills. In addition to taking care of official duties, Jiang Haitao also lives in Jinghai Villa. Who makes him and Yue Qingyan live in harmony and cannot bear to be separated. Therefore, Jinghai Villa is still very lively and not lonely at all.

Hearing Yue Qingyan's voice, Sang Chen smiled slightly and said, "Come in, why didn't Haitao come over? Didn't he come back yesterday?"

Yue Qingyan walked into the room with two maids, and bowed respectfully. After several months, Yue Qingyan's skin was still as frosty as snow, but the difference was that her cheeks had a little more blood, making her look... More and more beautiful and elegant. Hearing Sang Chen's question, she said with a smile: "Master, Haitao also wants to come to greet you, but Mr. Cai's messenger has just arrived, and Haitao needs to receive the envoy, so I'm afraid it will take a while before he can come."

Sang Chen nodded and said, "Whoever plays the piano is really good at it."

Yue Qingyan said: "Qing Yan heard from your husband that he is Qiu Yufei, the envoy from the Northern Han Dynasty, the direct disciple of the leader of Mozong Jing. My father-in-law has handed over all matters to my husband, so my husband sent someone to bring him here. "

Sang Chen frowned slightly, Mo Sect, Qiu Yufei, ripples appeared in his heart, that was a strange but familiar name. Sixty years ago, he, Sang Chen, was also a candidate for the head of the Demon Sect Star Sect, but he didn't care about it. But he had no interest, and in the end he lost the chance to succeed as the head of the Star Sect because of his status as a medical saint. However, Sang Chen has never regretted it, and he is not a troubled person. Although the poison on his body has been removed by him long ago, he never thought of revealing this secret, and Xingzong became a distant memory in his memory. , until Dong Que appeared. As soon as he saw Dong Que, Sang Chen knew that he must be a disciple of the Xing Sect. He once hinted to Jiang Zhe that Dong Que's identity was secretive, but Jiang Zhe just smiled and said: "Dong Que has some secrets in his heart. I know this. But as long as he is loyal to me, I don't want to interfere with his personal affairs." After hearing this, Sang Chen stopped interfering. In his opinion, Dong Que had no ill intentions and was just looking for a place to stay. Just in case, he still called Xiao Shunzi over and taught him some of the secret knowledge he had learned. In this way, if there was a conflict between Xing Zong and Jiang Zhe in the future, Xiao Shunzi would be able to deal with the masters of Xing Zong.

He doesn't have to worry about Jiang Zhe's safety, but judging from the purpose of Xingzong, he doesn't believe that Xingzong will oppose Jiang Zhe. As for himself, martial arts has long surpassed the scope of the Demon Sect, so he is not worried about Dong Que discovering his former identity. What's more, even if he knows, what can he do?

Dong Que was not mentioned for the moment, but Qiu Yufei's arrival made Sang Chen's heart slightly moved. The Demon Sect of the Northern Han Dynasty and Jiang Zhe have a hostile relationship. Qiu Yufei does not have any good intentions when he comes to Donghai. If he meets Qiu Yufei, he should be able to understand the current strength of the Demon Sect. Although Sang Chen is not worried about Jiang Zhe's safety, he is protected by hundreds of thousands of troops and Da Yong's master guards, and Xiao Shunzi, who has been personally taught by him, is beside him. Even Jing Wuji's martial arts has exceeded the scope of two sects and entered the ranks of masters. This kind of restraint still exists. Jiang Zhe shouldn't be in danger so easily, right?

In the Tingtao Pavilion, Qiu Yufei caressed his Aiqin, and his heart felt much more peaceful. A few days ago, he entered the East China Sea and was taken to Guanyi in Binzhou by people from the East China Sea. He was waiting to be received by the young Marquis Jiang Haitao. It was not until yesterday that anyone would He took himself to Jinghai Villa. Before he came, Qiu Yufei had heard that Jinghai Villa was Jiang Zhe's secluded place. Now living there was Jiang Haitao, the son of the Marquis of Donghai, and his wife Yue Qingyan. Thinking that he was about to step into Jiang Zhe's residence, Qiu Yufei couldn't help but have mixed feelings in his heart. Yesterday, he tossed and turned all night and couldn't sleep. In the early morning, he asked the servants in the village to lead the way to Tingtao Pavilion to watch the waves. When he got to the pavilion, the sea breeze was fresh and he could not help but feel relaxed and happy while leaning on the railing and gazing far away. So he played the piano and expressed his feelings, and the song ended. I just felt that all the worries and pains of the past few days were gone. Qiu Yufei stood up and looked at the tide outside the fence. The sea breeze blew against his face, bringing coldness and freshness. Qiu Yufei couldn't help but think of what it would be like if Jiang Zhe was here too, and the two of them watched the tide and listened to the piano together. So comfortable. It's a pity that the two are enemies now, and I'm afraid they will never have such an opportunity in this life.

When Qiu Yufei was melancholy, he heard the sound of steady footsteps in his ears. Qiu Yufei's heart was moved. The person coming was not an ordinary person. He returned to the piano and sat down, waiting for the person to come. A hearty voice came from outside the door and said: "Young Master Qiu is in such a good mood, watching the sea and playing the harp, you must have endless fun. I wonder if you like the scenery of Jinghai Villa." Before the voice stopped, a handsome young man walked in. Yes Jiang Haitao.

Qiu Yufei stood up and bowed: "Jinghai Villa is picturesque and Qiu loves it very much. The young marquis came here specially to see it, but have you made a decision?"

Jiang Haitao placed a letter next to the piano and said, "Mr. Jiang's envoy arrived in the East China Sea this morning. This is a letter from Mr. Jiang to the Young Master."

Qiu Yufei was shocked. Although he thought that Donghai might inform Jiang Zhe of his whereabouts, it still couldn't dispel the horror in his heart. It seemed that Jiang Zhe had very tight control over Donghai. If his request was not accepted, could it be that he himself Do you really want to go on a killing spree in the East China Sea? In this case, I'm afraid I have no choice but to escape from the East China Sea.

Opening the letter, Qiu Yufei's eyes narrowed and he saw it read: "

My dear brother Yu Fei met:

After saying goodbye to Wanfo Temple, I heard that you had returned home safely. I was very happy. Although the incident in Qinzhou had harmed my virtuous brother, everyone was their own master, and Zhe had no complaints. I know that you are on a mission to the East China Sea, and Zhe intends to keep you in Jinghai temporarily. Although the humble house is humble, it has a collection of thousands of books, and is even more beautiful than the rivers and seas. If you are interested, you can watch the sea and play the harp, or cruise in a boat. How could this happiness be so great? Why should you be trapped in a battlefield, with your hands stained with blood and your mood difficult to calm down. The clear wind in the East China Sea and the bright moonlight are just in line with your heart. I wish you to stay here, hoping that you will stay away from worldly disputes. If we meet again the next day, I hope that all the past grudges between you and me will be gone. I will sing peace with you on the lute and tell my farewell. "

Qiu Yufei felt relieved at first. Jiang Zhe didn't resent him. But when he saw it later, he couldn't help frowning. Jiang Zhe actually wanted to put him under house arrest in the East China Sea. It was really unreasonable. He put down the letter and said coldly: "Xiao Hou Are you confident that you can control Qiu?"

Jiang Haitao waved his hand and said: "Young Master Qiu is overly worried. My father was favored by the imperial master in the past, and Donghai also received money and food from your country. How could he repay kindness with enmity? Besides, the young master is highly skilled in martial arts, and Haitao is unable to imprison the young master. However, Donghai has decided not to participate." This battle, but after this battle, Donghai will no longer owe anything to the Northern Han Dynasty, and I am afraid that it will no longer have anything to do with your country in the future."

Qiu Yufei was overjoyed and asked doubtfully: "Then why is the young Marquis so confident that he can keep Qiu?"

Jiang Haitao smiled slightly and said: "Although Donghai received a favor from the Northern Han Dynasty in the past, Donghai also repaid it later. In fact, the two sides have already become even. Although your country's kindness in providing help in times of need has not been repaid, your country will not count on us no matter what." Send troops to help. We promise not to send troops this time, and we are also willing to help you transport the money and grain your military purchased here. In this way, we have repaid our kindness and we have nothing to owe each other. But We have prepared an additional batch of grain, grass and medicine, which are urgently needed by you. However, I am afraid that you are no longer able to purchase them. Haitao has already paid for them. Your country can transport them at any time to replenish military supplies. However, we also have conditions, that is Mr. Qiu will stay in the East China Sea for a year and a half at most and a few months at the least. What do you think, Mr. Qiu?"

Qiu Yufei was silent for a long time. He vaguely understood in his heart that Jiang Zhe was determined to strand him in the East China Sea, even at the cost of joining the enemy. However, he had no other talents except martial arts. He could not march, fight, or make plans. He is good at it. It can be said that he has neither the strengths of the Demon Sect, the Sun and the Moon Sect, and his personal martial arts strength is not conducive to military affairs. Is it worth paying the price to stay in the East China Sea? Did Jiang Zhe really make this decision for personal friendship?

Seeing his hesitation, Jiang Haitao said: "Young Master Qiu, don't worry too much. My husband loves Young Master Qiu very much and doesn't want him to get involved in worldly affairs, so he ordered Haitao to finance your country's food and grass in exchange for Young Master Qiu staying in the East China Sea. This way. Come on, Young Master Qiu can be considered acceptable to our master. It won’t be too late for Young Master to return to the Northern Han Dynasty after the situation calms down."

Qiu Yufei sighed. Jiang Haitao's words really spoke to his heart. Compared with that batch of food and grass, whether he stayed in Beihan was already a trivial matter. This was indeed a good excuse, but leaving behind If the master ignores me, can I feel at ease?

Seeing his expression, Jiang Haitao already knew what he was thinking, and added: "If Mr. Qiu refuses to stay in the East China Sea, then Jiang has nothing to say, but your country does not want to take away a penny of food from Binzhou. If I am accused of being ungrateful, Donghai will immediately surrender to Dayong. Please think carefully, Mr. Qiu, about your choice."

Qiu Yufei couldn't help but smile bitterly and said: "Young Master Xiaohou said this, does Qiu have any other choice?"

Jiang Haitao smiled slightly and said: "Jinghai Villa is where Mr. Jinghai lives. It has a large collection of books, including many piano scores for Young Master Qiu to enjoy. My wife is recuperating in the Villa. If Young Master Qiu needs anything and I am not here, you can go to my wife." Explain that, in addition, Mr. Sang, the medical saint, is reclusive in the villa, and he said that if there is a chance, the young master might as well go and meet Mr. Sang."

Qiu Yufei sighed slightly and said: "Jinghai Villa is a fairyland on earth. Yufei is staying here. I don't expect there will be any pain. But does the young marquis really think that Dayong will win?"

Jiang Haitao smiled and said nothing. After marrying his wife, his temperament became much calmer. He just said: "The army is in danger and the war is fierce. How can we say such things accurately?" However, he secretly thought in his heart that since the husband has come out of the mountain, so the Northern Han Dynasty Destruction is just a matter of time, but although he does not know why his husband must leave Qiu Yufei in the East China Sea, he knows that his husband loves Qiu Yufei very much, and although Qiu Yufei has not said it explicitly, he seems to treat his husband as a confidant. I promise, I will never say such hurtful words again.

Seeing that the overall situation had been decided, Qiu Yufei became clear in his heart. He thought, no matter how good Jiang Zhe is, he understands my intentions and knows that I don't want to join the bloody battlefield. When these two countries are fighting, no matter who wins or loses. , what does it have to do with me? Besides, Dayong has won. Couldn’t we, the Demon Sect, escape in time? Moreover, although Dayong is powerful, there are more than 100,000 Northern Han cavalry, and Qinzhou is easy to defend and difficult to attack, so why should I? Worried about this, it is better to live in the East China Sea to avoid the storm of the war. After thinking clearly, I became more and more close to Jiang Zhe. I couldn't help but stroke the strings, and a song "Mountains and Flowing Waters" flowed out from the strings. , majestic like a mountain, like an ocean like water, with the sound of the piano, everything in Jinghai Villa is quiet, everyone feels relaxed and happy, and the spiritual platform is bright and clean.

After the song ended, Yue Qingyan came from outside and said: "Young Master Qiu's piano skills are unparalleled. Qing Yan admires him. I, Master, invite you to come and see him."

Qiu Yufei was slightly startled, but with his status as a medical saint, even Jing Wuji would not be reserved here. Qiu Yufei stood up and said, "How dare you disobey your orders."

Under the guidance of Jiang Haitao and Yue Qingyan, Qiu Yufei walked through the many pavilions and walked into Baicao Pavilion where Sang Chen lived. Before he walked into the room, Qiu Yufei felt something wrong in his heart. He knew clearly that there must be someone in the room, but he felt as if that person did not exist. Qiu Yufei had such a feeling before, that is, in front of the master. , Could it be that there is such a grand master in Jinghai Villa? Qiu Yufei smiled bitterly. He was afraid that Jiang Haitao would tell him his decision here because he was worried that no one could suppress him. If he resisted with his martial arts, he would probably get a bloody blow. Jiang Zhe's actions were indeed flawless. If she fell into his trap, she would have absolutely no chance to escape, but strangely, Qiu Yufei felt more at ease. Since it was impossible for him to leave the East China Sea, he had no choice but to give in and stay. Qiu Yufei couldn't help but look up at the clear sky. Qiu Yufei felt peaceful and joyful as never before.

Putting down the letter from the East China Sea, I put on my big cloak and walked out of the camp. It was already early February, the snow and ice had disappeared, and spring plowing was just around the corner. The army sergeants even went into battle bare-chested during their daily morning exercises, but I still felt bitingly cold. , Alas, the serious illness in the past still left many traces on my body, but Shaolin’s mentality is indeed good. At least my hands and feet are warm. Although I am not strong enough, I will not be out of breath when I walk. Presumably I will not endure too much hardship during this Northern Expedition. It is a pity that I cannot hide in the East China Sea or Chang'an to recuperate. If Dayong cannot dominate the world, I am afraid I will have no chance to be a vegetarian.

There was the sound of footsteps in the distance, and the shadow of Prince Qi appeared in my heart. I didn't turn around and said, "Your Majesty is here. Is there something important?"

King Qi said dullly: "Suiyun, what do you mean? Donghai has declared neutrality, and also sent a batch of food and weapons to the Northern Han Dynasty. I don't believe this is what the Jiang family meant. You have been in Donghai for several years, don't tell I still can’t control the situation there.”

I smiled slightly and said: "What are you talking about? Zhe is recuperating in Donghai and living in seclusion. How can he think of controlling the Jiang family in Donghai? The Jiang family is related to the Dayong royal family, and the young Marquis has received great favor from His Majesty and the prince. Isn't it your business to persuade them to submit, and didn't the Jiang family discuss recruitment matters with the imperial court a few months ago?"

King Qi said: "Why don't you tell me these high-sounding words? Donghai's surrender to Dayong is the general trend, and no one can change it. But why did it suddenly become neutral this time and support the Northern Han Dynasty against us? Don't tell me that you are plotting it secretly. If The emperor blames you, but I will not intercede for you."

I said calmly: "Okay, let the emperor punish me when the time comes. It's best to go to my title. I will take Changle back to the East China Sea to live in seclusion. Do you think it would be okay to go overseas with Haishi's ship?" good?"

King Qi said with both laughter and laughter: "Okay, don't be angry with me. If you and the emperor have any consensus, I will always explain it clearly to the generals below."

I was silent for a while and said: "When will the prince need to explain to the generals below? I can tell the prince to know, but it is better for the generals below not to know for the time being."

When King Qi came over, the guards around the two of us dispersed, protecting the surroundings to prevent our conversation from leaking out. I said without hesitation: "Now that King Qing of Dongchuan has rebelled, although Nanchu has been appeased, he still has to worry about their repeated actions. If Donghai now submits to Dayong, Nanchu and Dongchuan will definitely be under pressure. Desperate to challenge Dayong, now that Donghai has expressed neutrality and supports the Northern Han Dynasty, no matter what the people in the world think, they will temporarily relax. They even think that Dayong will fall into a bitter battle with the Northern Han Dynasty, and it can delay Nan Chu and Dong Dynasty. This is the first benefit of Sichuan's actions. In addition, with the war, we can cut off the access between the East China Sea and the Northern Han Dynasty, so the Northern Han Dynasty will still be trapped in the dilemma of insufficient money and food. Moreover, our battle is not prepared for a long-term siege , it doesn’t matter whether the Northern Han Dynasty has sufficient money and food. I have asked Changle to make a statement to the emperor about this matter. After the fall of the Northern Han Dynasty, wouldn’t it be the icing on the cake for Donghai to surrender? Besides, consider defeat before winning. If this attack does not go smoothly, , can Donghai remain neutral and maintain relations with Beihan?"

After a pause, I said calmly: "Besides, by doing this, I can take the opportunity to leave Qiu Yufei in the East China Sea. I don't want him to die on the battlefield. His piano skills are unparalleled in the world. Such a person should not die in Qinzhou." .”

King Qi gave Jiang Zhe a strange look and said, "I don't believe you would make such a decision because of a personal relationship. After all, how are you going to use Qiu Yufei this time? Wasn't it enough to use him for counterintuitive tactics last time? ?”

I became a little angry and glared at King Qi, saying, "Why are you so anxious? You will know when the last moment comes." This man always exposes my sinister thoughts. But I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Compared to Qiu Yufei, although he had murderous intentions towards me, he was indeed much more sincere. Then I thought about it, was I just asking him to do something for me when I was trying to save his life? Otherwise, he was a disciple of the Demon Sect, how could I protect him in a high-sounding manner?

The King of Qi also knew what was going on. Seeing that I was angry, he changed the subject and said, "Suiyun, do you have any plans for sending troops to Qinzhou this time?"

I said lazily: "The date for dispatching the troops has been decided a long time ago. What is Your Highness planning to do this time?"

This was an itch for King Qi, and he said excitedly: "Let's go to your tent and talk." After that, he strode into my tent, and I followed him in. I personally took out a map and put it on the table. .

The King of Qi pointed at the map and said: "I have asked Jing Chi to take 50,000 people to set off in advance and attack Huguan from Zhenzhou via Taihang Baixing. I will take my own army of 150,000 people to go north. The troops behind me will go to Qinshui to attack from two directions. , what do you think of joining forces in Qinzhou?"

I had already made a plan in my mind and said: "Your Highness will be enough to bring 100,000 people. Leave 50,000 people in Zezhou and put up multiple flags to make it look like an army of 150,000 people. In addition, please send out scouts and soldiers along the way." Spies, intercept and kill the Northern Han army’s scouts and spies, and they must not be allowed to pass through the army’s defense line.”

A cold light flashed in King Qi's eyes, and he said: "Suiyun, do you and the Emperor have any plans?"

I smiled slightly, pointed at the map in a low voice and told my overall plan. King Qi nodded while listening, and finally said proudly: "Maybe this move is not necessary. My army of one hundred thousand plus Jing Chi's five Wan, can't we capture Long Tingfei?"

I chuckled and said, "It would be even better if His Highness could accomplish such a great feat. However, Long Tingfei is not an ordinary person. This time the Northern Han Dynasty will use all the strength of the country to resist the army. Your Highness must not underestimate it."

King Qi looked at the map and studied my strategy thoughtfully, and finally said: "Okay, but in this case, do you still want to go north with the army?"

I sighed and said: "I don't want to take risks, but if I don't show up, I'm afraid the spies of the Northern Han Dynasty will risk their lives to go to the rear to investigate the military situation. I don't want to do this, but when I think about riding a horse and riding a carriage, I feel nervous all over. Feeling sore."

King Qi smiled and said: "I will prepare a fast boat for you. You can go north along the Qinshui River to avoid the hardships of the journey. The road in Qinzhou is difficult and your carriage will not be of use."

The two of us had decided on the plan. At this time, someone outside the tent said loudly: "Your Majesty, Supervisor, the emperor's decree has arrived at the camp." King Qi and I walked excitedly outside the tent. According to the time, the emperor allowed us to go to war. The imperial edict should arrive within the next few days. When we walked out of the camp, the sky was covered with clouds. I guess Heaven and Earth knew that there was going to be a bloody battle, so they were probably worried about it.