The Grandmaster Strategist

In the second year of Longsheng's reign, Qing was ordered to enter Chang'an and was granted the title of marquis. The Yongshi woman was granted the title of marquis since Qing.

In the seventh year of the Longsheng period, Qingxia married Hu Yanshou, the deputy commander of the Hu Ben Guards. The emperor personally issued an edict to marry her. Since the newlyweds had no relatives, the prince was ordered to attend the wedding in person.

——"Yongshi's Biography of Chenghou"

Time passed slowly, and the lights were still on and off. Lu Yun waited anxiously. At this time, a soft sigh came from his ears, and the platform shook slightly. The man seemed to be walking towards the room. Lu Yun felt happy, but Hearing a woman say in surprise: "General Duan, is it really you?" Then Lu Yun felt someone walking onto the platform, and from the sound of footsteps, it seemed that they were two people. Lu Yun almost wanted to hug each other and cry.

At this time, he heard the man's voice saying coldly: "Your Highness, long time no see. Mr. Xiao, how are you?" Lu Yun was shocked, and then he heard that the woman was actually Princess Qi Lin Bi. Was that Mr. Xiao? As for the General Manager Xiao who was following the Princess in her car today, I heard from Prince Jiajun’s guards that the General Manager Xiao was originally from the Northern Han Dynasty and followed the Princess and the Queen into the palace. It is said that he is very skilled in martial arts, but he doesn’t take care of things very much. Show your face.

Lin Bi sighed and said, "Before I came here, I knew you would be like this, but do you resent me for not persisting until I was defeated and everyone died?"

Duan Wudi said coldly: "Actually, everyone already knows that Jinyang is just struggling to survive. The king's request to surrender has helped millions of soldiers and civilians. We, the ministers, can only accept it. Although everyone has become a high-ranking official in the blink of an eye. It is human nature to forget the soldiers and civilians of Qinzhou who sacrificed their lives for the country due to the wealth and wealth, not to mention the fact that some people forget their old love and marry an enemy to enjoy the honor of a princess."

Lin Bi did not speak, but just sighed, her voice full of melancholy. Another man's voice sounded: "Duan Wudi, you are going too far. Do you know how hard the princess has worked so hard? If the princess had not committed herself to marry, what would the king have done?" Even though we can enjoy the glory in peace, we will also be worried. The princess resolutely married for the sake of my Northern Han soldiers and civilians. Besides, General Long also had his last words before his death, how could you be so rude."

Duan Wudi's voice became sarcastic, and he raised his voice: "Really? I went to Qinzhou to pay homage to the general, but I heard everyone singing a slang song, 'The princess of Han in the past, the princess of Qi today, looking at the old general in the distance, Jiacheng Depressed.'"

There was suddenly no sound on the stage, but Lu Yun could feel the stagnant atmosphere above, so dull that he could hardly breathe. However, he was very conflicted in his heart. He clearly felt that General Duan was not as weak and kind as he was, but was strong and decisive, but he also felt that Princess Jiaping was not as bad as General Duan said. I can't help but listen attentively and wait for the next development. Unexpectedly, at this moment, a gust of wind blew, and the lantern on the platform suddenly flickered out, and the river suddenly became dark. Lu Yun was so happy that he didn't care to continue eavesdropping, and quickly dived into the water and swam against the current. Having left the range of the platform, the lights behind him were lit again. Lu Yun looked back and saw three people standing on the platform. Lin Bi was dressed in a princess costume, with a bright yellow cloak that rustled, but her expression was melancholy and sentimental. Behind her, it was indeed the thin and gloomy Manager Xiao, and Opposite the two people, stood a middle-aged man in civilian clothes. He had an elegant appearance and a weathered face. Although he was just standing so casually, his posture was as straight as a green pine and poplar. The expression on his face was cold and angry, and he was overbearing. Why? It was unexpected that he would have such a gentle tone and tolerant attitude just now. Lu Yun couldn't think too much. He didn't have much time, so he struggled to swim upstream.

On the platform, Lin Bi calmed down and said calmly: "What General Duan blames is that Lin Bi can make it clear to you about some things. Although it is not necessary, you were Ting Fei's confidant during his lifetime, and I also I treat you as one of my own, so I don’t want to hide it from you. Yes, I, Lin Bi, did compromise and marry the enemy who killed my husband. There is no use in covering up this matter. But I have never regretted it. When the country was destroyed and the family was destroyed, I can You can kill yourself as a husband, or you can swear to death and never marry.

I believe no one dares to force me to get married, but Lin Bi is not alone. I am the princess of the Northern Han Dynasty and the general of Daizhou. My death is a small matter, but Dayong and the Northern Han Dynasty have an endless hatred that is difficult to resolve. You also miss me in the Northern Han Dynasty. Are the Han people as ostracized and humiliated as they were in the early Eastern Jin Dynasty? One thing you don’t know is why Ting Fei got married on the battlefield that day. It’s not that he looked down on me, Lin Bi, and thought that I would have no happiness after he died, so I had to entrust it to others to rest assured. It’s that he already knew about Beihan that day. The building was about to collapse, and the only way to protect the people of the country was to surrender. Moreover, he may have seen through Dayong's intention to make an emergency landing, and also seen through the outcome of the king's eventual surrender, so he left a letter to me to arrange his posthumous affairs. I must not give up my responsibility for the sake of hatred. This marriage is Ting Fei's wish. "

Duan Wudi said angrily: "I don't believe it. I don't believe General Long would do this. Show me what letter he left for you."

Lin Bi smiled faintly and took out a yellowed mandarin duck purse from her arms, which still had blood stains on it. She handed the purse to Duan Wudi.

Duan Wudi's hands trembled as he took the purse. He knew that it was a token of love from a woman to her lover. Su Qing had also given it to him back then, but when she passed away thirteen years ago, the purse was also given to her. Throw it into the fire and be burned. A lock of green silk is often placed in the purse to show that the king will follow you thousands of miles away. He opened his purse and saw a lock of black hair, and then he saw a piece of white silk. He took out the white silk and shook it open. On it was a blood letter, made of iron and steel, which was the handwriting of Long Tingfei.

"When you see this book, Ting Feiye has sacrificed his life for the country. Although he died without hatred, he still misses the Han family. There is no one behind him, so he can only entrust it to you. You must endure the humiliation and bear the heavy burden. You must not sever the loyalty of the king and his ministers for personal enmity."

Duan Wudi shook his hand, and the white silk fell to the ground. Lin Bi stepped forward to pick it up, looking at the white silk, a look of sadness flashed in his eyes, and said: "This blood letter was secretly given to Master Xiao by Ting Fei. It was given to me at the appropriate time. After my uncle asked for surrender, Xiao Tong gave me the blood letter. I didn't understand what he meant at the time. Later, I learned about Ting Fei's marriage proposal before the battle. Ting Fei may have been deceived. It has been a long time, but when he is in danger, he is clear-minded and has seen through everything. He is very clear about the difficulties that his uncle may face after surrendering. The only way to solve this problem is marriage. Unfortunately, I, Lin Bi, am a princess of the Northern Han Dynasty. The only pillar of support, if I don't marry into the royal family, it will be impossible to eliminate Er's hatred. I don't know if he is too cruel. For the safety of the king and the continuation of the Northern Han Dynasty, he has the heart to ask me to marry another person. Now that I think about it, that day in the imperial court Fei Zijue, not because he refused to suffer the humiliation of being captured, but because he was completely loyal. He, he actually knew that he had to die."

Duan Wudi raised his head and said sadly: "General!" Then he said: "Your Highness, who else knows about this matter?"

Lin Bi shook her head and said: "This matter is related to Ting Fei's reputation. No one knows about it except me and Xiao Tong. I originally wanted to burn the blood book, but I just thought that you might come back, so I left it for you to see. You are the fourth general under Ting Fei's command." As the only remaining person, if I cannot get your forgiveness, I will feel uneasy, and I will certainly not be able to rest in peace under the Tingfei Spring."

Duan Wudi said sadly: "Your Highness has been wronged to this extent, but I have spoken out to blame you. Please forgive me for my sins."

To his surprise, Lin Bi shook her head and said: "No, you are right. Although I agreed to the marriage for Ting Fei's request and for the peace of Northern Han Dynasty, if it weren't for Li Xian's attraction to me, I would have I will not marry him. If I, Lin Bi, want to marry, there are many good men in the Dayong royal family. Even if I want to marry into the palace, I will have to have the title of noble concubine. I accept Li Xian just because he is not inferior to Ting Fei. Hero, I have not been wronged all these years, Li Xian has been very affectionate and affectionate to me, and I have never regretted it."

If she had said this just now, Duan Wudi would have just sneered. But now that she said this, Duan Wudi felt comforted in his heart. It was a foregone conclusion that Lin Bi would marry into the royal family. Being able to marry a good man and a hero was already a misfortune. Great luck.

Lin Bi took off the gauze cover of the wind lantern, burned the blood letter on the fire, and then said: "Invincible, the matter is over, there is no need to talk more, now everything is calm, His Majesty Dayong has not treated us badly, your talent and character, Ting Fei and I have always respected each other, so why not dedicate ourselves to the imperial court and live up to this life. My uncle wronged you in the past, and if you can worship the Prime Minister in Dayong, I will feel much more at ease."

Duan Wudi's expression had returned to calm and easy-going, he bowed and said: "The princess loves you deeply, Wudi understands it, but Wudi has long been cold and disheartened, not to mention that power and wealth are not what he wanted. Along the way, Wudi is very satisfied to see the country is peaceful and the people are safe. So I am going back to Qinzhou. General Long committed suicide and died for his country. General Su died in Yongdu. General Tan died on the battlefield. General Shi died unjustly. Of all the generals in Qinzhou in the past, only Wu Di is still alive. Even though Wu Di is shameless, I also don’t want to serve Emperor Dayong. Invincible has no worries and cares. Unlike a princess, she still has to bear the honor, disgrace and safety of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Therefore, Invincible decided to return to Qinzhou to live in seclusion. This matter has not yet been formally approved by the Marquis of Chu. Please invite the princess. I beg you for mercy on behalf of Wu Di."

Lin Bi sighed softly. At this point, she naturally knew that Duan Wudi's mind could not be changed. In fact, she did not want to stop Duan Wudi from returning to seclusion. She was just worried about whether Jiang Zhe would let go. Jiang Zhe was ruthless when facing the enemy. She was very spicy and would never give the enemy a way out. If Duan Wudi lived in seclusion in the countryside, it would most likely be a hidden danger when the world was not unified yet. She didn't know if Jiang Zhe could let Duan Wudi go. If Duan Wudi waited until ten years to Maybe when you come back, you won't be so worried. But Lin Bi also knew the pain of leaving home and abroad. She was in Chang'an and still often thought of Yanmen Yeyue, not to mention that Duan Wudi was traveling across the ocean.

Finally, she sighed softly and said: "I will tell Marquis Jiang about you. He should give me a favor. Wudi, where are you going to live in seclusion in Qinzhou from now on?"

Duan Wudi said calmly: "There are too many people who know me in Qinzhou, and I don't want to cause trouble. When General Tan was buried in his hometown, I went to the funeral in person. It was a good place. I said back then that one day I would go there to live in seclusion. , I met a few old troops on the way, they have already disbanded and returned to their fields. I mentioned that I wanted to live in General Tan’s hometown, and they have already gone there first, and now they must be overcoming all obstacles and reorganizing their fields.”

Lin Bi sighed again. In the past few years, she had not sighed as much as she did today. After Tan Ji's death, although there were rewards in the Northern Han Dynasty, Tan Ji was not taken seriously by the Northern Han Dynasty. His posthumous affairs could be regarded as depressed. After the fall of the Northern Han Dynasty, Dayong also had some titles for the generals who sacrificed their lives for the country in the Northern Han Dynasty. However, Tan Ji was ignored because he had massacred people in Zezhou. Presumably Tan Ji's grave has no one to take care of it. The general who once fought for the Northern Han Dynasty through life and death is very miserable. However, the deceased is gone and whoever comes can be chased. Not many people care about this matter. After all, Tan Ji was too much. Extremely extreme, she didn't expect Duan Wudi to still miss him, so how could she not feel guilty. Turning around and leaving, Lin Bi left a decisive message: "Don't worry, General Duan. As long as I am here, Lin Bi, I will never let anyone make things difficult for you. In front of General Tan's tomb, every Qingming Festival, please burn a stick for me." Xiang, it’s Mrs. Liu and I, Lin Bi, who can’t stand up to General Tan and you.”

After all the hard work, Lu Yun finally reached the last waterside pavilion. At the fifth waterside pavilion, he soaked in the cold water for a long time, and his limbs were already paralyzed. This last section of the road made it almost impossible for him to hold on. Seeing the similar layout to the fifth water pavilion, he finally smiled. In the sixth water pavilion, he saw Princess Qi's maid, so this water pavilion must be Jiang Zhe's residence. Looking at the door that was not completely closed and the dim light shining through the crack in the door, he looked around cautiously, but did not see any guards. He climbed onto the platform gently, walked on the ground and leaned against the crack in the door to look inside.

The floor is covered with blankets and brocade felt, surrounded by hanging gauze curtains, with sandalwood floating in the air, a chess and piano table, and shelves full of books. There is a brocade screen behind it, and a brocade curtain hangs faintly behind it. This is a luxurious and comfortable room. With one glance, Lu Yun was sure that this must be Jiang Zhe's residence, but the room was quiet and there seemed to be no one there. He originally thought that the waterside pavilion was not guarded at all. If he hid indoors, he should be able to wait until Jiang Zhe returned and kill him suddenly. He couldn't help but be secretly happy. But then he thought, if he entered the house like this, he would definitely leave traces of water. When Jiang Zhe returned, the guards would You will notice it after a short inspection, but if you stay on the platform outside the door, if a patrolling guard passes by, I am afraid that you will see yourself at a glance. Thinking of this, you can't help but frown.

At this time, Lu Yun's eyes flashed inadvertently and he saw some clothes scattered on a spring bench behind the screen. He was moved in his heart. He took off his night clothes, wiped off the water marks on his body, and stuffed the night clothes under the carpet at the door. , then walked indoors, picked out a piece of clothing and put it on. This piece of clothing was very inconspicuous. I thought for a while, no one would notice that it was missing. Then he moved behind the screen, hid under the bed, held the sharp knife, and waited for Jiang Zhe to return and go to bed.

Not long after, the door on the other side opened, and two people walked in. Lu Yun could only see the legs of the two people. The person in front was wearing green clothes, which seemed to be the attire of a servant, but the person behind was in blue. The robes were trailing to the floor, and the clothes were luxurious. Neither of them entered the inner room behind the screen. The man in luxurious clothes sat on the brocade pier and said, "Has the princess finished talking to General Duan?" Lu Yun's heart trembled, knowing This person was none other than Jiang Zhe. His voice was clear and elegant, and his tone was gentle and casual. He did not have the arrogant tone of a man with great power at all. Another person said respectfully: "The princess ordered Mr. Xiao to spread the word and want to meet with you for a detailed discussion." This person's voice was cold and ruthless, but also had a touch of gentleness, like a gentle breeze in winter. Lu Yun guessed that this person must be Evil Shadow Li Shun even slowed down his breathing and did not dare to make a sound.

The man stood up and said, "The princess has summoned us. Let's go over. General Duan must have made a decision."

At this time, someone outside the door said coldly: "No need, Mr. Jiang, I, Lin Bi, am already here." After saying that, the two pushed the door open and walked in. Just by hearing the sound, Lu Yun knew it was Lin Bi and Manager Xiao.

After the two parties met, Lin Bi got straight to the point and said: "Master Jiang, I would like to ask you to be more generous and let General Duan go. What do you think?"

Jiang Zhe said unhurriedly: "Your Highness has old feelings, and Zhe understands in his heart, but General Duan used to be a general of the Northern Han Dynasty, and both the Emperor and His Highness King Qi paid attention to him. That day I pardoned General Duan, and the Emperor got Although he didn't blame me after he found out, he still sighed and said that such famous generals were let go by me."

Lin Bi said coldly: "You forced Duan Wudi to stay that day, but in the end you just left a desperate man. He will never surrender."

Jiang Zhe said calmly: "I know this matter well. The Qinzhou army is all General Long's generals, loyal to the Liu family, and has a deep enmity with Dayong. General Duan is also a stubborn person who chooses good and will never surrender on that day. Yes, so I finally let him live. Fortunately, he is also a person who keeps his promise and lived up to my kindness."

Lin Bi's tone became softer and said: "In that case, why do you have to embarrass him today? He will not be an enemy of Dayong. All he wants is to live in seclusion in the countryside."

Jiang Zhe said with a smile: "If this is the case, I'm afraid it will be a pity for General Duan's ability. If he is willing to surrender, he will definitely be granted the title of Marquis and Prime Minister. Why not?"

Lin Bi said helplessly: "General Duan is a man who has no intention of fame. He intends to live in seclusion in General Tan's hometown. If you are not at ease, the most you can do is arrange some people to monitor him. He is disheartened now. Even if you force him to stay in the court , is of no use. Ting Fei and his four generals are the only ones left now. It is impossible for him to surrender. You should know that it is not possible to resolve the hatred between the soldiers and civilians of Qinzhou and Zezhou. What happened over the past ten years and eight years, since General Duan has no intention of becoming an enemy of Dayong, it would be inappropriate for you to forcefully place him under house arrest."

Jiang Zhe seemed to have been thinking for a long time, and finally said: "Since Her Royal Highness the Princess softened his cheeks, I will indulge him again, but Your Highness must ensure that General Duan will not have any objections."

Lin Bi said calmly: "We have already surrendered, will he still raise a flag of rebellion? He just wants to find a place to settle down. Although a foreign country is good, it is not his hometown. He must not have expected to come back after taking such a risk after so many years. You still remember his existence.”

Jiang Zhe sighed: "Loyal ministers and righteous men will always be remembered in the hearts of the people. How could I forget it. General Duan wants to live in seclusion in General Tan's hometown. This is also good. General Tan is in depression after his death, and it is best to have General Duan take care of his tomb."

Lin Bi heard this and said coldly: "Didn't you agree with the removal of General Tan from the Spring and Autumn Festival of the Martial Temple that day? If you had been willing to speak up, how could you have done so."

Jiang Zhe said lightly: "I have always admired General Tan as a person. Although the imperial court's Spring and Autumn Festival sacrifices are precious, how can General Tan's temperament be valued? Rather than letting people worship him with hatred and disrespect, it is better to let him live in a quiet place. It’s a good place to sleep peacefully.”

Lin Bi was silent, feeling that what this person said was very reasonable. It was already too late. Now that Duan Wudi's matter had been resolved, she stood up to leave. Before leaving, Lin Bi suddenly asked: "Mr. Jiang, Nan Chu Lu Can is your disciple. One day, when the two countries are at war, how will you treat him? Will you also kill him like this?"

Jiang Zhe seemed to hesitate for a moment and said: "Of course I hope to save him, but as my disciple has a strong heart, I am afraid that he will die. Although I hope that he can at least go into seclusion like General Duan, I am afraid it is not possible." He did not answer directly, but the meaning was very clear. Lu Yun felt a chill in his heart and tightened his grip on the dagger. Lin Bi smiled slightly when she heard this, turned and left.