The Grandmaster Strategist

In the third month of Yiyou in the eighth year of the Longsheng period, Emperor Yong issued an edict, appointing King Xian of Qi as the commander-in-chief of the Jiangnan march, and Prince Jun as the deputy commander. He was the governor of Bashu, Xiangfan, Jianghuai, and Donghai with a million-strong army to conquer Chu in the south. He appointed Marquis Jiang of Chu County as the commander. counselor.

——"Zi Zhi Tong Jian Yong Ji IV"

On the 13th day of the first month of the twelfth year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, the capital of Southern Chu was established, and the Lantern Festival was approaching. There was joy both inside and outside the city. Years ago, the Southern Chu army fought two battles at Huaixi and Guazhou Ferry. The victory sent everyone in Nanchu into a frenzy.

More than ten years ago, King Yong Li Zhi plundered Jianye and kidnapped the king and officials. The blow to Nanchu was beyond many people's imagination. Although the matter has long since passed, Nanchu has a new king and has been re-established. The Jianghuai defense line has been consolidated, but almost all the people in Nanchu have a sense of precariousness. They are always worried that Dayong's iron hoof will crush the prosperity and beauty in front of them. Therefore, over the years, many crazy people in Jiangnan have been determined to avenge their shame. There are many more frivolous prodigals who are drunk and dreaming. This time, Lu Can won the Huaixi Victory and the Guazhou Victory, which not only wiped out the shame of the year, but also restored the confidence of the soldiers and people of Southern Chu. Lu Can was no longer the target of criticism by the literati, but became a famous general who turned the tide. , a hero who can lead the army and people of Southern Chu to fight against Dayong's million-strong army and preserve the prosperity of Jiangnan.

This Lantern Festival is just after the great victory, so both the gentry and the common people intend to express their joy by celebrating the festival. Therefore, this year's lanterns are more lively than in previous years. The city is brightly lit, just like the jade palace of a fairy palace. . Thousands of lotus lanterns are floating on the Qinhuai River, as if the stars in the sky have fallen into the world. All the painted boat cruise ships have various lanterns raised high, like beautiful palaces and jade palaces. There are also singers and dancers wearing colorful clothes, riding on the painted boats. Singing and dancing were performed, the singing voice was loud and clear, like the sounds of nature, and the dancing postures were graceful, like immortals. The sky is full of fire, trees and silver flowers, and this scene is so enchanting that you forget all about this world. This is just the Lantern Festival on the 13th. If it comes to the Lantern Festival, Jianye City will definitely be more prosperous inside and outside.

The capital is covered with crowns, but this person is alone and haggard. On this occasion when the whole world is celebrating, some people are complaining. In the study room of the Prime Minister's Mansion, there is a dark cloud at the moment. Shang Weijun, who had great power in the government and the public, sat behind the desk with a sad look on his face. There were three other people sitting or standing in the study. A middle-aged man with a reserved expression stood behind Shang Weijun. He was Shang Chengye, Shang Weijun's only son. He was mediocre in talent and had no independent opinion in matters. Shang Weijun tried to promote him to important positions many times, but he had no choice but to do so. He gave up, so he could only hold a sinecure position in the official department, and there was no seat for him in this study. In fact, he is also a wanton and frivolous person outside, but in front of his father, he is trembling and does not dare to be presumptuous. Sitting on the Taishi chair on the left is a middle-aged man with thin eyebrows and long eyes. He is Yin Duanhua, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, a disciple of Shang Weijun, and also his confidant. Sitting on the right is an old Confucian scholar. He is Shang Weijun's schemer, Ning Qian. Shang Weijun has been fighting with others in the officialdom for many years, and he often relies on this person for his evil schemes.

After being silent for a long time, Shang Weijun finally couldn't help but said: "Mr. Ning, Duan Hua, do you have any ideas? The truth has been that the reward has been postponed again and again, but the day after tomorrow will be Shangyuan, and the reward should be given no matter what." The army has arrived. But Lu Can is already Duke Zhenyuan and the honor of the general. If he wants to be rewarded again, he will be the king. People with different surnames will not be crowned king. This is the golden rule. But if not, how can we be rewarded? Huaidong is now The military power has been lost, and the military power of Southern Chu is in the hands of the Lu family. Once Lu Can becomes dissatisfied, I am afraid that we will all die without a burial place."

Yin Duanhua said worriedly: "Yes, Lu Can made a statement a few days ago asking for the expansion of the army to prepare for war. He has already controlled almost all military power, but he still wants to expand the army. Isn't this malicious?"

Shang Weijun shook his head and said: "You are overthinking. Army expansion is also necessary. This time the Huaidong Army was almost completely destroyed. If we don't expand our army, we can't consolidate the Jianghuai defense line. And if we expand our army, we will have the opportunity to put our own people in."

A cold light flashed in the old Confucian scholar's eyes, and he said: "Although the prime minister has this intention, if Lu Can is allowed to recruit troops,

I'm afraid these new troops will only obey Lu's orders. "

Shang Weijun waved his hand and said: "There is no way to do this. There is no one among us who can lead troops. That Luo Lou really ruined all my efforts in Huaidong. Alas, let's not mention it. Let's discuss how to reward him. "

The old Confucian scholar twirled his beard and said, "Why don't the prime minister exchange terms with Lu Can? Doesn't he want to expand the army? This matter must be passed through the court. The prime minister promised to support him in recruiting troops and preparing for war, but he asked him to give up this reward. , the Prime Minister can add some fiefs to him at will, but don't upgrade his title. Wouldn't everyone be happy in this way, and it would also make him look good? I think Lu Can will give up his title in exchange for the Prime Minister's support."

Shang Weijun nodded repeatedly and said: "Mr. Ning is right, the expansion of the army is not a trivial matter. Without food and salary from the court, it cannot be carried out smoothly. Although Lu Can is hateful, he is not a person who does not appreciate praise. In this way Well, hasn’t his son made great achievements in war? This time, I will give him the military position of a sixth-grade captain as compensation."

Yin Duanhua said: "This is an advantage for the Lu family and his son, but how should other meritorious soldiers be rewarded? If the reward is light, these people will cause trouble. If the reward is heavy, most of these people are just grateful to Lu Can. How many people will think of it?" Is it the grace of the king and prime minister?"

Ning Qian stared blankly and said nothing. He did not agree with Yin Duanhua's words, but seeing Shang Weijun's thoughtful look there, he did not object.

At this time, Shang Chengye spoke up: "Actually, the military is not monolithic. This time, Lu Can and Shi Guan made great contributions. However, although Yu Mian and Rong Yuan had merit in defending their land, their achievements were small after all. It is better for my father to seal Shi Guan heavily, but to Yu." Mian and Rong Yuan passed by each other, so it was just Yu Mian. Rong Yuan was not Lu Can's best friend, and he was a bit narrow-minded. He must be jealous of Lu Can because of this. His father might as well comfort him in private. This person But there is someone with real talent and knowledge, and he is an old member of Prince De. He is a loyal and patriotic person, so he might join his father's army."

As soon as these words came out, not only Shang Weijun's eyes lit up, but Yin Duanhua and Ning Qian also nodded. Shang Chengye never said much on such occasions, but today he suddenly offered a suggestion, but it was such a clever idea that it made Yin and Ning look at each other with admiration and praised him repeatedly. Shang Weijun knew the depth of his son, and asked in surprise: "You are quite right in what you said today. I wonder whose idea it was?"

Shang Chengye blushed and said: "Father, he is a new friend of mine. He is a scholar from a poor family. He has no intention of taking the imperial examination. He only composes music and lyrics for the singing girls in the Fireworks Willow Alley. Although he is among thousands of flowers, he keeps himself clean. The boy saw that he was so arrogant, so he surrendered. A few days ago, I was drinking with him and accidentally mentioned that the general's authority now surpassed that of his father. He smiled and said that Lu Can still can't cover the sky with one hand. If so, This way, it will definitely be effective.”

Shang Weijun's eyes flashed and he said: "You have carefully checked this person's identity. With your identity, you should not be careless in making friends."

Shang Chengye said in shock: "My son only has poetry and wine with him, so I don't know his life experience. However, this person is elegant and talented, but it is a pity that he has seen through the world and has no intention of fame. If my father is interested, my son can try to recruit him." To my father’s shogunate.”

Shang Weijun shook his head and said: "Let's take a look first. You can't be careless in hiring people, but this person is so talented, so you can't ignore him. You should win over him first. If there is no problem with his identity, you might as well recruit him into the government." After that, Shang Weijun Jun hesitated for a moment and then said: "One more thing. Originally, I had intended to promise my adopted daughter Lingxiang to Lu Can's eldest son. If we could get married, I could have more control over the Lu family. Unfortunately, Lu Can refused. You guys Do you think there is room for redemption?"

Ning Qian frowned. He naturally knew who Lingxiang was. She was the adopted daughter of Ji Xia, the head of the Yihuang Hall of Fengyi Sect, but she also worshiped Shang Weijun as her adopted father. In fact, Ning Qian also knew about the ambiguous relationship between Ji Xia and Shang Weijun. Although Shang Weijun also knew about the rumors about Fengyi Sect, the attraction of a woman who was once a concubine of Dayong was too great, so Shang Weijun still Fell into the tenderness trap of Fengyi Sect. Ning Qian had expected that Lu Can would reject this marriage. It would be strange if Lu Can did not refuse. The future head of the Lu family should naturally marry a lady from a famous family in Nanchu. How could he marry a woman of unknown origin? wife. After hesitating for a moment, Ning Qian said tactfully: "Master Xiang, if you are interested in a marriage, you may wish to consider Princess Shuning."

"Princess Shuning!" Shang Weijun murmured. Princess Shuning is the half-sister of the current king Zhao Long. She is fifteen years old this year. Her appearance is the best choice. However, her mother has died long ago. In the royal family, She has no status, and Shang Weijun didn't even notice her existence. Now that he heard Ning Qian's reminder, his heart moved. If he promised a princess to the Lu family, wouldn't this be the best win over? After all, he still needs to rely on the Lu family to resist. Dayong's. And if the Lu family has any objections, Princess Shuning can also play a role that ordinary people cannot.

While Shang Weijun and his cronies were plotting in the study, Lu Can and others, who had been ordered to return to Beijing to accept the reward, had already entered the city. Not wanting to disturb the people, Lu Can entered the city incognito. Looking at the wealth and prosperity, he sighed softly. Although he had won great victories in Huaixi and Guazhou this time, he did not forget that Chuzhou and Sizhou, the important towns in Huaidong, had already fallen. Yong Jun's hands, and Yong Jun can mobilize the army southward at any time, when the time comes, Nanchu will face even greater pressure. And the most important thing is that if Dayong suffered such a disastrous defeat, Emperor Yong would definitely use Jiang Zhe. He was afraid that when Dayong went south again, his mentor would go south with the army.

However, the distress in his heart obviously did not affect the two teenagers behind him. Shi Xiu looked around at the lanterns on both sides of the road, her handsome face full of surprise and longing, while Lu Yun pointed out the scenery along the way for her one by one, like the most hospitable host. This time, both of them were ordered to enter the court and receive awards. Although Shi Xiu was originally a woman and was not included in the awards as a rule, they are now young heroes praised by everyone in Southern Chu. And because of the ambiguity in military reports, As well as Jianye's mistakes, Shi Xiu also received the decree to go to Beijing to be rewarded. Although Shi Guan wrote a letter to explain the matter, in the end, in order to stimulate military morale, Jianye decided to make the mistake right and reward "Shi Jade Brocade", but the intention was vague. The words did not indicate whether Shi Yujin was a boy or a girl.

Looking at the gorgeous lights on both sides of the street, Lu Yun felt a little uneasy in his heart. He left Jianye without saying goodbye and went to Yongdu. After returning from Chang'an, his father sent him directly to Jiangxia, and then went to the Huaixi battlefield. In total, he left home. It has been nearly ten months, so his mother must be worried about him. I am afraid he will be severely punished by his mother this time. Although being punished by kneeling on the board is nothing, it would be too embarrassing if his younger siblings see him. Then I thought about it, why not think of a way to get some of my younger siblings to plead for me in front of my mother, but this would require bribing a few little guys first. After some calculation, I realized that my second brother also likes riding and shooting, so I would give him the rhinoceros horn bow given to me by King Jiajun. The bows and arrows made by Dayonggong Department are the best choice, and I am too embarrassed to use the bow given by Li Lin. He gave his treasured bow to shoot Dayong's soldiers. My little brother is still young, so just give him the doughboys and puppets you bought on the road. As for the little sister, Lu Yun's heart skipped a beat as he thought of the golden ring in his arms. Then he thought of the charming face of Princess Zhaohua, who was both happy and angry. The already blurry image of a pretty girl became clear again.

At this time, Shi Xiu shouted impatiently: "Brother Yun, what are you doing in a daze? What kind of lamp is that? It's so beautiful."

Lu Yun suddenly woke up and blushed. He turned to look at Shi Xiu and saw that the girl who was fighting alongside him had a bright light on her face. Her face, which was blown red by the cold wind, was so charming and charming. For a moment, he suddenly felt that the person next to him was a girl. Suddenly, he took out the golden ring from his arms and handed it to Shi Xiu and said, "Sister Xiu, this is for you."

Shi Xiu was furious at first, and was about to correct Lu Yun's title, but she caught sight of the golden ring surrounded by flower branches. No matter what, she was a girl after all, with a pair of big bright eyes bent into crescents. She took the golden ring and couldn't put it down. . Lu Yun thought with guilt in his heart that Shi Xiu and he were brothers, so it would be okay to give the golden ring to her, even though Princess Zhaohua originally said it would be given to her sister. At this time, Shi Xiu reluctantly handed the golden ring back and whispered: "This is too valuable, you should take it back." Although Shi Xiu never paid attention to these details, this golden ring is so It was so exquisite that it must be worth a thousand dollars. How could she accept such an expensive gift?

A glimmer of light flashed in Lu Yun's eyes, and he whispered: "This was given to me by a friend, so you can keep it for me."

Shi Xiu wanted to refuse, but couldn't say it for some reason. He just lowered his head and played with the golden ring. Unintentionally, his eyes flashed and he saw two small words as thin as rice grains in the winter plum blossom stamens where the golden ring was connected, Shi Xiu. Xiu looked intently and saw the word "Zhaohua". She couldn't help but feel moved in her heart and said with a smile: "Okay, I'll keep it for you first."

Lu Yun just felt relieved and said with a smile: "On the fifteenth day, how about I take you out to visit the lantern festival? Now it's just a quick tour. There are many interesting places you haven't seen yet?"

Shi Xiu's eyes lit up when he heard this and said: "Okay, I heard that the Qinhuai River is very fun. There are lotus lanterns on the water, and there are also juggling, singing and dancing to watch."

Lu Yun nodded in agreement, and a sweet smile appeared on Shi Xiu's face. The two of them leaned close to the horse and whispered, discussing how to play. At this moment, the two of them were not famous young heroes in the south of the Yangtze River, but just a pair of people who had not grown up. Just a child.

The whispers of the two children were clearly heard by Lu Can. The troubles in his heart were relieved a little. Thinking of the hint of marriage in Shiguan, he couldn't help but smile. Thinking of his wife and children who had not seen each other for more than a year, he felt infinite emotions in his heart. Tenderness, added a whip, speeded up the horse, and walked forward.

Zhenyuan Duke's Mansion is located in the south of Jianye City. The mansion is solemn and solemn. Today, the middle gate is opened wide and lights are decorated in front of the door. When the head of the family returns from a victory, the whole family will naturally come out to greet him. The middle-aged woman at the head is dignified and beautiful, and she is Lu Can's wife. There are two children standing behind her, one on the left and one on the right. The boy on the left is about ten years old, similar in appearance to Lu Yun, but slightly more delicate. He is Lu Can's second son, Lu Feng, and the girl on the right is only seven or eight years old. Although she is young, she is already as beautiful as a fairy dew pearl. She is leaning on her mother's side and secretly looking at everyone. She is Lu Can's only daughter, Lu Mei. Behind the three people, there was a middle-aged woman holding a little boy of two or three years old. This little boy had a tiger-like head and a very cute head, but he was Lu Ting, the youngest son of Lu Can.

Shi Xiu stood next to Lu Yun, her heart pounding for some reason. She had known that Mrs. Lu was from a famous family and must have all four virtues, but she was like a tomboy. Her mother had taught her a lot of lessons in the past two years. If Mrs. Lu What should I do if it's so wordy?

At this time, Mrs. Lu and everyone had finished paying homage to Lu Can. Lu Yun nervously stepped forward to give the gift to his mother. When Mrs. Lu saw her eldest son, her eyes suddenly became hazy. She picked up her son and looked him up and down for a long time to make sure that his son was intact. Then I felt relieved. At this time, it was Shi Xiu's turn to come forward to salute him. Shi Xiu glanced at Lu Yun secretly, then came forward to bow down and salute him.

Mrs. Lu had received a letter from her husband a long time ago. She knew about Shi Xiu and her husband's intention to marry. She also knew that this girl dressed in men's clothing was very brave and fought with her beloved son on the battlefield. She already had a good impression of her in her heart. He stepped forward to help the girl, gently held her in his arms, and said, "You must be Xiu'er, good boy. Thank you very much. If you hadn't risked your life, my Yun'er would have died."

Shi Xiu's face turned red when she heard this. She knew that what Mrs. Lu said was that she stabbed Dong Shan to death after faking his death on the battlefield. Although it effectively saved Lu Yun's life, in fact it was the two of them who She was about to explain what they had done by joining forces, but she saw Lu Yun secretly winking at her and couldn't help but keep silent. When Mrs. Lu saw the girl's uneasy look, she felt even more happy. She took her hand and said, "Don't be restrained. When you get here, you will feel like you are at home. I will treat you just like Yun'er." She held the girl's hand. , I felt that the slender hand was strong and powerful, and the skin was a little rough, which was obviously the traces left by years of martial arts training, and I felt pity in my heart. Then looking at Lu Yun's nervous expression, I suddenly felt that it was not bad to have such a daughter-in-law. She was still alive. A trace of doubt disappeared, and he held Shi Xiu's hand and walked inside with a smile.

Lu Yun felt relieved and patted his chest, feeling that he was no longer so nervous. Then he saw the shining eyes of his second brother Lu Feng and his younger sister Lu Mei. They pulled him from left to right. Lu Feng said fiercely: "Brother, you tricked me into stealing money for you, and as a result, I was punished by my mother." Lu Mei said with tears in her eyes: "Brother, would you like to take Mei'er to run away with you in the future?" Lu Yun felt a wave of pain. Warmth flowed into the lake of his heart, and he stretched out his hands to hug his younger siblings. The excitement of meeting again after a long separation made him almost speechless.

When the door of Zhenyuan Palace slowly closed, in a restaurant across the street, in a box facing the street, a young man drank a glass of wine with a smile, looking at the closed vermilion door, a cold light flashed in his eyes.