The Grandmaster Strategist

On November 2, the 23rd year of the reign of Emperor Yong (the first year of Zhihua in Southern Chu), King Yong returned to the court in victory, with Zhao Jia, the lord of Southern Chu, the princes, concubines, and royal family in front, and hundreds of civil and military officials behind. Dedicate prisoners to the Ancestral Temple.

--"Yong Shi·The Chronicles of Taizong"

I did not see the grand occasion of King Yong being welcomed into the city gate by hundreds of officials, because my current status is a guest at best, and a prisoner at worst. I have neither the elegance nor the honor of being offered to the Ancestral Temple as a prisoner, so Gou Lian and I drove into the city long after the army entered the city. After passing through Mingde Gate, I opened the window of the carriage I was riding in, and what I saw was a 40-foot-wide imperial street with two rows of locust trees planted on both sides. However, it was already winter and there were no more green trees in sight. In Chengyin, there are drainage ditches as wide as small rivers on both sides of the road. Where they intersect with the drainage ditches of other major roads, stone bridges are laid. Although it is cold winter, the ditches are steaming with steam and the water is flowing continuously. , but the locust trees are covered with snow and ice, fully showing the desolation of the harsh winter.

I whispered: "A country with thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, a city with nine gates. If you don't see the emperor's residence, how can you know that the emperor is respected?"

Gou Lian smiled and said: "Qinzhong has been an imperial state since ancient times. Chang'an has a collection of cultural relics and a dangerous terrain. There are overlapping peaks in the middle of the Qinling Mountains in the south, and there are many rolling mountains in the north, echoing the Qinling Mountains in the distance. Chang'an is surrounded by eight rivers, including Jing and Wei, for 800 miles. Qinchuan has been the capital of the emperor since ancient times. Dayong took Chang'an as his capital, which was exactly the image of a king. Dayong unified the world and his power was unstoppable. Southern Chu established its capital and established its industry. The emperor's Qi was not enough to establish the capital in Yan. Decline in one generation.”

I just smiled and said nothing. I knew the weakness of Nanchu very well, and I also knew the strength of Dayong. But this was not the reason why I had to seek refuge with King Yong. A trace of confusion flashed in Gou Lian's eyes. He had never had such a headache. No matter how he tried to persuade him, the young man either agreed or smiled silently, but he could never get him to agree to join King Yong. Gou Lian wondered whether he was too anxious, but if He couldn't be convinced. Wouldn't it be a pity if King Yong couldn't bear it anymore and decided to execute this person. Gou Lian once proposed to put Jiang Zhe under temporary house arrest and slowly persuaded him. Unfortunately, King Yong just smiled bitterly and said nothing, as if time was very tight. What is this for?

I pointed out the window and said to Xiao Shunzi: "Look, this is Zhuque Street, the longest street running from the north to the south of Chang'an City. At the northern end of Zhuque Street is the palace city and the imperial city. It is the residence of the Dayong royal family. Chang'an The official offices of the six ministries in the city are also within the palace city, and the location we are currently in is called Guocheng. Chang'an Guocheng guards the palace city and the imperial city from the left, right and south. Chang'an Guocheng has eleven streets from north to south and fourteen from east to west. The streets crisscross and divide the interior of Guocheng into one hundred and ten squares. Among them, three north-south streets and three east-west streets running through the city gates form the main traffic trunk of Chang'an City. The Zhuque Street where we are now is the most important street in Chang'an. The central street. The end of Suzaku Street is the Suzaku Gate, from where you can enter the palace."

Gou Lian smiled and said: "When Mr. Jiang said this, I feel as if you are the landlord of Chang'an?"

I said calmly: "If we talk about Jianye's situation, I'm afraid brother Yongquan knows it better than me." Gou Lian smiled bitterly again.

I looked at the bustling crowd outside the window. The prosperity here is even better than that of Jianye. However, Jianye is full of people who are rich in wealth, scholars and ladies, but here are impassioned Confucian scholars and majestic warriors, showing the prosperity of the times everywhere. meteorological. I laughed, this was real joy. Although Jiangnan is nice and it’s my hometown, I won’t dislike it because of it. Nanchu, that’s what I remember.

The carriage soon arrived at the Zhuque Gate. Gou Lian opened the curtain and held a token from Prince Yong's Mansion in his hand. The imperial guard guarding the gate took one look at it and stepped back respectfully. Gou Lian was about to give instructions to continue moving forward. A hearty laugh came from the front and said: "Mr. Gou, there are distinguished guests from the Emperor's brother in the car." Gou Lian looked up and saw a luxurious carriage driving in front of him. The curtains were made of brocade embroidered with golden dragons. ,

Behind the tall car curtain, a handsome young man was half leaning and half sitting, being served by two charming concubines, waving to him. Gou Lian was greatly surprised and asked, "His Royal Highness, King Qi, why did you not go to the celebration banquet and instead went out of the city?"

Li Xian stepped out of the carriage with the support of his concubine and said: "The celebration banquet has not started yet. It will not be held until my father pays tribute to the Ancestral Temple. I have been ill for a long time. I heard that my second brother brought When the distinguished guest comes back, I think he must be an old acquaintance of my king, so I have to come to greet him, but Mr. Jiang? This king is Li Xian."

I was a little helpless. Although I knew that this person would come to disrupt the situation, the urgency was still beyond my expectation. I stuck my head out and said with a smile: "It turns out to be His Highness King Qi. Why are you laughing at me, a prisoner of the rank?"

Li Xian walked closer and said loudly: "What are you talking about? Mr. Jiang is a peerless talent. Not to mention the emperor's brother, even my father will not let you go to jail. Even though the emperor's name is in the booklet presented by the emperor. , but after reading it, my father crossed out your name. He also said that he asked the emperor to entertain you well and not to neglect it. In a few days, my father would like to summon you. But I have discussed with my father. If Jiang Your Majesty is willing, my Prince Qi's Mansion is waiting for your visit."

Gou Lian frowned and thought to himself, no wonder His Highness had a hard time. It turned out that he knew that someone would compete with His Highness. He quickly said: "Your Highness, His Highness King Yong has already made a decree. He is destined to receive the late life well. King Qi can't compete with him." Be the master."

Li Xian said arrogantly: "Even if the emperor is here, he will not embarrass me. Mr. Jiang, in the past in Nanchu, you were ordered to entertain me. This time it is my turn to be the landlord." As he said this, he stretched out his hand. Pull toward me. Then Li Xian felt his wrist being held by a cold hand, and then he saw Xiao Shunzi's cold smile. Li Xian wisely withdrew his hand and said briskly: "Since Mr. Gou insists like this, I have no choice but to forget it. Master Jiang must stay at my residence in the next few days."

I smiled slightly, nodded and said, "If there is a chance, I will naturally bother you." Gou Lian looked at me worriedly, but hesitated to speak.

At this moment, the Golden Palace of Dayong was full of monarchs and ministers rejoicing together. After presenting prisoners to the Ancestral Temple today, Li Yuan completed the red tape of sweeping the dust, granting amnesty, accepting worship from hundreds of officials, military parade and other red tapes in accordance with the celebrations set by the Ministry of Rites, and finally arrived at the Golden Palace. During the celebration, after Li Yuan held a banquet, Zhao Jia and Princess Changle were ordered to go to the palace. Li Yuan just said a few words to Zhao Jia who kept begging for forgiveness, "There is a deep affection between the father-in-law and his son-in-law. "More guilt", he asked Zhao Jia to live temporarily in the post house. As for Princess Changle, Li Yuan burst into tears when he saw Princess Changle. After Changle saluted, he took Changle's hand and looked up and down to see that his daughter's appearance had improved. He was no longer as innocent and innocent as before, and was even more heartbroken. He said to Chang Le: "Your Majesty, you have suffered. My father is sorry for you. Your mother and others are waiting for you in the harem. You go to pay homage to your father later." Let’s see you again.” Princess Changle went to the harem surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs.

Li Yuan then raised his wine glass and said loudly: "Today King Yong has returned victorious. Although I am happy that King Yong has conquered crimes and made great achievements, I am even more happy that he has taken back his beloved daughter Changle. I cannot bear the power of wine, so all the ministers will do it for me." Have a few cups of toast to King Yong. Today, you and your ministers are having a feast. If you are not drunk, you will never return." The ministers in the main hall shouted long live, raised the golden cups together, and beamed with joy. King Yong Li Zhi had washed away the dust of levy, and he was sitting next to the crown prince Li An. Li An, who was sitting at the top, accepted the toasts from the officials. Although Li An kept laughing, the cold light in his eyes flashed continuously. He hated it in his heart. He originally arranged for King Li Xian of Qi to go to Nanchu, but he lost his troops and generals, so he had no choice but to let Yong Yong. Wang Li Zhi went to gnaw on this hard nut. Unexpectedly, King Yong attacked Jianye and kidnapped the monarchs and ministers of Southern Chu. Li Yuan was ecstatic, but Li An was very angry.

What makes Li An especially hateful is that he finally got the attachment of Liang Wan, the head of the Nanchu secret spy network. Liang Wan came back as an idiot again, and all his efforts in Nanchu were in vain. Ang Lee was frustrated and angry. Looking at the proud Li Zhi, Li An thought fiercely: "If I don't get the throne, you Li Zhi won't be able to get what you want either."

While Li An was gnashing his teeth and hating, the harem was also in chaos. Queen Dou was the biological mother of Prince Li An, Concubine Changsun was the biological mother of Princess Changle, and the biological mother of King Qi, Concubine Yan, and Concubine Ji were gathered together. In the Queen's Palace, not long ago, the fragrant car that was reported to Princess Changle entered the imperial city, and several people were waiting here eagerly. Concubine Changsun had almost cried her eyes dry over the years. She had not kept any of her sons, and her only daughter was married to Nanchu. This time she heard that King Yong had taken his daughter back. Concubine Changsun had been restless for a long time. Not long after, there was a rush outside the door. With the sound of footsteps, several eunuchs and maids came in to report that the princess was already waiting for the order outside the palace. Queen Dou quickly said: "What are you waiting for? I won't let the children in."

After a moment, Princess Changle in plain clothes came in, held back her tears and paid homage to the queen. Then she fell into the arms of her mother-in-law and burst into tears. Concubine Changsun cried so hard that her heart broke. She looked at Princess Changle's haggard face. , said sadly: "My dear Zhen'er, you married Nanchu when you were fifteen years old. For six years, my mother burned incense and prayed every day. She not only hoped for the harmony between my son and his wife, but also worried about the war between the two countries and the harm to our children. Now you have finally returned safely. , my mother’s heart has calmed down, Zhen’er, don’t worry, your father has promised to choose a good son-in-law for you, this time my mother will make the decision for you, and she will always find a husband you like.”

Queen Dou also shed tears and said: "Good boy, you are suffering in Nanchu, and the Ai family has trouble sleeping and eating for you. This time the Ai family has told the emperor that you have sacrificed a lot for Dayong, and no one will allow you to do so." I'll make up my mind about you again. If you like someone this time, the Aijia will make the decision for you."

Princess Changle covered her face and said: "Your Majesty, mother-in-law, Changle followed the emperor's order and married to Nanchu. Although she is back now, she is still the queen of Nanchu. The child has no shame anymore. How can she remarry someone else while her husband is still alive?" Please ask the empresses to make the decision for the child, and let the child stay with the mother and concubine, stay in peace and quiet for a few years, and be filial to the father, the emperor, and the concubine."

The several empresses looked at each other, and it was really embarrassing to think about it. No matter what their own people said, Changle was married to the leader of the Southern Chu Kingdom after all. We couldn't arrange for him to remarry like this. Concubine Changsun thought of her two princes who died in infancy, and her only daughter. It's such a miserable life, and it makes me cry endlessly. At this time, Concubine Ji walked up to Chang Le and comforted her softly: "Princess, there is no need to be sad. The emperor will naturally arrange everything properly and never embarrass the princess." Several empresses knew that Concubine Ji had always been involved in military and state affairs, so they saw her saying this. , they were all relieved, these empresses were all harem women, and they had never seen anything vicious and sinister. Since the emperor had intentions, Zhao Jia would naturally not live long. Princess Changle couldn't help but feel tender after hearing this. Although she had no affection for Zhao Jia, Zhao Jia had always been respectful to her. Now that she had reached this point, she had become a vicious woman who framed her husband, and she couldn't help but burst into tears. gushing spring.

Concubine Ji had a cheerful temperament and kept joking, which finally made Princess Changle disappear. Concubine Changsun also said with a smile on her face: "Zhen'er, mother has renovated the Cuiluan Palace where you used to live. Come, follow the queen and a few others." Your Majesty, please kneel down and let’s go see your residence.”

The queen and others also smiled and asked Concubine Changsun to settle down in Changle. Concubine Ji said: "Oh, let me just let my sister do it alone. It seems that we people don't care about Changle. I'm young, so let me go and do it." Bar."

Concubine Ji was originally the most arrogant. Seeing her deliberate flattery, Concubine Changsun naturally would not refuse. The three of them said goodbye to the queen and walked towards Cuiluan Palace. The interior of Cuiluan Palace was already completely new. The palace maids and eunuchs selected by Concubine Changsun had already been Just waiting for the arrival of the master, Princess Changle's luggage has been moved here, and the capable maid who accompanied Princess Changle in Nanchu has also arranged everything. Princess Changle supported the eldest grandson, the imperial concubine, and listened to her mother's nagging explanation. While doing things, mother and daughter share the happiness of family together. Concubine Ji was also by the side, offering words of comfort from time to time. She was good with words, and she did not make mother and daughter feel uncomfortable having an outsider around.

After some time, Concubine Changsun got a few years old, and she was so happy that she couldn't help but become tired. Princess Changle was worried about her mother's health and wanted to send her mother back to the palace. Concubine Changsun sympathized with her daughter's hard work and asked her to have a good rest. She went back to the palace to rest. However, Concubine Ji made an excuse to stay. Princess Changle was a little confused, but she had lived in Nanchu for many years. Although she lived in seclusion, she cultivated her Qi and moved her body, and she naturally had the demeanor of a mother who cared about the world, so she quietly waited for Concubine Ji. Show your true feelings. Sure enough, not long after that, Concubine Ji dismissed her servants and asked solemnly: "Princess, Liang Wan has served the princess for many years, why did she come back like this this time? How come my niece, who has been running around for many years, ended up like this, doesn't make me sad. "

Princess Changle's heart moved, and her brother Li Zhi asked her about Liang Wan for a long time. She had long heard that Concubine Ji was from the world, and she also vaguely knew that Liang Wan was recommended by Concubine Ji, so she did not hide it and told her about her experience. Told it once.

Concubine Ji listened very carefully. When she heard that Liang Wan attacked the man in black and was captured, she had a strange look on her face and asked, "Princess, you mean that Liang Wan has no room to fight back."

Princess Changle said apologetically: "I don't understand either. I just felt that the person restrained Sister Liang as soon as he stretched out his hand."

Concubine Ji asked: "Then what are the characteristics of this man in black?"

Princess Changle fell into memories. On that day, she watched with fear as Liang Wan was captured, and then one by one the spies were ordered to restrain themselves. The man in black walked up to her, killed the maid who intended to assassinate him with every move, and stood in front of her. , at that time, she held the hairpin tightly, preparing to commit suicide if this person made the slightest offense, but she heard the soft voice saying lightly: "Queen, don't worry, we are not from Nanchu, please follow us to a place, Queen. We will send the queen to see King Yong afterward." After saying that, he came to help himself. At that time, all he could see was the scene of the maid being killed, and the body of a rich man had never been touched by an unrelated man, so he was very scared. That The voice sounded like a devil to her ears. She trembled and wanted to pierce the golden hairpin into her throat, but was stopped by the man. The man said helplessly: "Queen, please don't worry, the master of the house has no ill intentions towards the queen. I am a eunuch, no." It will desecrate the Queen's innocence." He clicked on his acupuncture points, covered his eyes, and then lost consciousness. When she was under house arrest in the darkroom, the man in black was the one who came to take care of her. Princess Changle was sure that that man was indeed a eunuch. She could even know from his familiarity with etiquette that this man was a palace official from Nanchu. So she didn't believe that she could be free, until that day, she saw the spies who were protecting her. They knelt on the ground to plead guilty to her, and beside them was Liang Wan, whose intelligence had become that of a toddler. Under their protection, he met the emperor's brother, and watched helplessly as they committed suicide, and the blood stained the golden palace.

And she still didn't know what happened. During the process of escorting her, no matter how she asked, they just asked for forgiveness. Gradually, she understood that their suicide must be the request of those men in black, and they wanted to protect them. She agreed. Logically speaking, she should hate those men in black, but strangely, she didn't feel any hatred at all, because those people never treated her in the slightest, and it was risky for them to leave her own life. At least she had heard their voices and knew that one of them was an eunuch, but she did not tell the emperor brother because although the other party had no demands on her, she had accepted the favor of not killing him after all.

Concubine Ji was a little impatient when she saw that Princess Changle was lost in thought, but she knew that the princess might be reminded of something, so she waited patiently. After a long time, the princess said in a sleepy voice: "I only remember that they acted like a military force. Orderly, strict in discipline, strict etiquette for me, nothing else special, the man in black is short and has cold eyes, that's all."

Concubine Ji asked calmly: "Are those people from Dayong or Nanchu?"

Princess Changle gave Concubine Ji a strange look and said, "They must not be Dayong people, because none of the people I met are as tall as Dayong people."

Concubine Ji showed a cold smile and said: "Princess, you have had a hard journey, please have a good rest. I will take my leave now."