The Grandmaster Strategist

The lights in the house were like beans. I felt melancholy and could not sleep. Xiao Shunzi pushed open the door and handed over a scroll of silk books in his hand. He said: "This is information related to Gao Yan. If it weren't for the young master, he has already confirmed that this person is..." I don’t see anything unusual about the assassins of the Northern Han Dynasty.”

I said calmly: "Is Zhuang Jun here? Let him listen tomorrow. This is also a coincidence. This Gao Yan is a real person. I am afraid that he is also in the Northern Han Dynasty now. This person came here under a false name. There is nothing wrong with him. It's a pity that too much is not enough, and the biggest flaw is the 'washing dust' Guqin. Although this Qin is indeed a collection of the Goryeo royal family, it is a pity that it was stolen from the palace many years ago and moved to the south of the Yangtze River. The person who received the stolen goods was Tianji Pavilion. I have personally examined it. The broken pattern on the tail of this violin was repaired by me myself. I secretly auctioned this violin, and few people in the world know about it. However, no matter who the buyer is, it cannot be the real Gao Yan. I think this person wanted to I used this guqin to hide my identity, but it’s a pity that it left such a flaw.”

Xiao Shunzi said regretfully: "It's a pity that this man is talented and a beautiful lady, but he is a thief. But since he is here for the young master, and the young master just wants to use this person, why should he give the music score to me? Isn't it a pity?"

I sighed softly: "Although I have the intention to use this person, my heart in giving the music score is sincere. This person is generous and generous, and loves the piano as much as his life. It is really the best thing to give him this volume of music music. I only hope that this will People should not be too stubborn and remain useful. Don't let down my music score. However, although I don't know his identity, such a talent should not be an ordinary person. I think he should be able to return to the Northern Han Dynasty with his music score. of."

Xiao Shunzi asked: "Then are you prepared to stop using Ling Duan? Moreover, it would be too risky to let Gao Yan assassinate the young master. How can the young master with a rich body be put in danger easily?"

I smiled and said: "If you are by my side tomorrow, and you know in advance that he is going to take action, will you still be taken advantage of by him? Don't worry, just follow the plan tomorrow."

It was late at night, snowy and cold, and Gao Yan was writing urgently at his desk, busy copying the music scores. At this moment, he had forgotten about the assassination and Dayong of the Northern Han Dynasty. It was not until the middle of the night that he finally finished copying. Gao Yan started from scratch again. After checking it over and finding no omissions, he carefully collected the copied piano scores and put away the piano scores that Jiang Zhe lent him, preparing to return them tomorrow. After these were completed, Gao Yan sighed softly. He would have to look for a move tomorrow on the way. If he really had to follow him to the military camp, it would be difficult to escape even if the assassination was successful. Originally, he was trying his best to sneak into the Dayong military camp, but now it is rare to have such a chance. At this opportunity, there are not many guards around Jiang Zhe. If the assassination cannot be successful tomorrow, I am afraid it will be really difficult for him to escape. However, it is said that Evil Shadow Li Shun has great martial arts skills. How could he hide his thunderous strike from his eyes and ears? And even if the assassination is successful, I'm afraid he will regret it for the rest of his life. Gao Yan secretly smiled bitterly in his heart.

Gao Yan was not the only one who had trouble sleeping all night. Ling Duan also had difficulty sleeping this night. When he arrived at Wanfo Temple yesterday, he originally intended to escape during the night. However, shortly after arriving, he discovered that the tiger guards around Jiang Zhe had arrived one after another and had already surrounded Wanfo Temple. Keeping control firmly, that's all. Ling Duan believed that he still had a chance to escape. After all, he was not taken seriously by anyone. However, the guard who shared the same room with him last night brought a bowl of wound medicine. He suffered injuries due to his fight with Hu Yanshou during the day. Even though he had some minor injuries, he didn't refuse, but whether the guard meant it or not, he added some sleeping drugs to the medicine, which actually allowed him to sleep peacefully all night. Today, Ling Duan secretly poured out the medicine and pretended to be asleep, but the guard was also in the room. Ling Duan did not dare to move for fear of disturbing the guard. But he already knew that he would be returning tomorrow. If he didn't find a way to escape, he would really have no chance. He didn't want to be executed for no reason like Li Hu. He had been thinking about this matter for a long time, and he could only think it was related to Quartz, but he still couldn't figure out how a small soldier like Li Hu could encounter such a tragedy.

Finally, in the dead of night, Ling Duan stood up gently and walked to the guard.

I was about to kill him while he was sleeping, but then I thought about it. This guard's martial arts skills were better than mine. If he accidentally alerted others, he would definitely not be able to escape. Moreover, if he did this, he would be a little ungrateful. These days, this guard was very treating him. take care of. Thinking of this, he just lightly tapped the guard's sleeping point to prevent him from waking up.

After thinking about it, Ling Duan was not polite and swept away all the gold and silver on the guard. He was not a gentleman and knew that it was difficult to move without money. He put on casual clothes and a big cloak and sneaked out of the room, maybe because Because he didn't get attention, this room can be said to be relatively remote. As long as he passes through the two lines of defense, there should be no danger. Of course, when they find out tomorrow, they may send troops to search for him, but relying on their familiarity with the terrain of Zezhou , Ling Duan felt that he was somewhat sure of returning to Qinzhou through the mountains.

When Ling Duan carefully sneaked out of the ancient temple according to the observation during the day, several pairs of eyes were watching him secretly. Hu Yanshou laughed softly: "This kid is quite smart and has chosen a safer road. Of course, this is also ours." The main purpose of setting up the defense is to protect the Lord, so there is this gap for him to slip away. The Lord said that Ling Duan will definitely escape today, and it is true."

The guard standing next to him said: "Your Majesty is still very clever. Yesterday a bowl of medicine settled this kid, and he will return to the camp tomorrow. If this kid doesn't escape tonight, he will escape whenever he wants. He has been suffering enough these days. , but Lao Zhao was unlucky. Not only was he beaten up, he was also robbed."

Hu Yanshou smiled and said: "Tomorrow we will send an order to arrest Ling Duan according to the plan. Whether he can escape depends on his own ability. But you can give a hint and say that the Lord actually has pity on him and is not in a hurry to get his head. But Don't leave too many traces. You know these things. It's better to let this person escape. Okay, we have important things to do tomorrow. Let's go back to sleep. "

Standing in front of the window with his hands behind his hands, Qiu Yufei looked indifferent. Today was the day when life and death would meet. He had to make his mind as clear as before in order to complete the task of assassinating Jiang Zhe and escape from the siege. The maid Jin Zhi came in with water. While serving him to wash up, he looked at Jin Zhi and suddenly said in Korean: "No matter whether you succeed or not today, both of you will die. Do you regret it?"

Jin Zhi glanced out the window warily, and said in Korean: "My Lord has received great kindness from Master Duan and has nothing to repay. Both Jin Zhi and Mr. Cui are willing to die. Please don't worry, Sir." Qiu Yufei sighed again. , picked up the piano score from the table, gently touched the cover of Huang Ling, looking infinitely melancholy. When Jin Zhi saw it, he asked doubtfully: "Master, I saw that Mr. Jiang was gentle and elegant, extremely talented, and he confided in him. If he was so tempted, he must not want to kill him, so why did he have to force himself? Jin Zhi It's not that I'm afraid of death, I just feel that if the young master loses such a close friend, I'm afraid he won't be happy in his life."

Qiu Yufei smiled bitterly and said: "The teacher is so kind to us that we cannot take this matter independently. You were not in the hall yesterday and did not hear his words. No matter what kind of person he is, without him, it will be difficult for our Northern Han soldiers to do so." An Xie, in fact, I also know that the general situation is such that it is difficult to survive alone, but even if we can avoid the hard battle this spring, we can still save a little more energy for the Northern Han Dynasty."

Jin Zhi sighed and said, "In this case, I have nothing to say."

Qiu Yufei sighed and reached for the square scarf. Suddenly, there was a faint sound of breathing in his ears. Qiu Yufei was shocked. Could it be that someone was eavesdropping outside? But why didn't he notice it just now? Since that person It was able to be hidden from my own ears, why was it discovered by myself now? He pretended not to be aware of it and put on his robe, and said: "Let's go see Mr. Jiang first. You and Mr. Cui are ready to pack. We have to go on the road today."

After saying that, he pretended not to know that there was anyone outside and opened the door. Sure enough, he saw a young novice monk standing not far away, looking a little embarrassed. When he saw Qiu Yu flying out, he breathed a sigh of relief and said: " The young monk Jingxuan asked to see Gao Tanyue on the order of the abbot."

Gao Yan felt relieved, knowing that Jingxuan was waiting there because Jin Zhi was in his room and could not ask for permission. However, this young monk was good at martial arts. He took a closer look at Jingxuan and saw that he Although he was only eighteen or nineteen years old, he had a majestic appearance and dignified demeanor, and he had the air of an eminent monk. He did not want to be rude and said, "I wonder what Master Abbot has to say?"

Jingxuan said: "This morning the Marquis of Chuxiang was furious and was punishing the guards around him. Buddhist disciples should not be concerned about these matters, but Master Abbot was worried that the Marquis might kill him in his anger. The abbot couldn't bear it and wanted to invite the young master to go there. I advise you, the Marquis treats the young master like a close friend, so he will definitely give you this face."

Now Qiu Yufei felt strange in his heart. Why was Jiang Zhe so angry? Could it be that something big had happened? He said to Jingxuan: "I met the Marquis on a stranger's road. I was favored by the Marquis and treated him as a confidant. It's just that The Marquis is supervising military affairs, and I am afraid that military aircraft are involved, so it is inconvenient for me to intervene, but if possible, I will not stay out of it. Young master, please lead the way."

Under the guidance of Jingxuan, he walked to the guest house where Jiang Zhe lived. Qiu Yufei was shocked when he saw the door of the guest house wide open. More than a hundred guards were scattered around the guest house. Although they were all in casual clothes, they were filled with murderous intent. Jiang Zhe was majestic, and Jiang Zhe was wearing light fur, standing on the steps with his hands behind his hands, his expression cold, and several guards were kneeling at the foot of the steps. Xiao Shunzi and Hu Yanshou stood on either side of Jiang Zhe respectively. Xiao Shunzi looked indifferent, but Hu Yanshou was worried. Qiu Yufei slowed down and wanted to take a look at the situation.

At this time, he heard Jiang Zhe say coldly: "Zhao Weiyi, I once ordered you to monitor Ling Duan carefully. How did you use your intentions, and you were actually restrained by a fool? Although Ling Duan didn't know much, if he escaped back In the Northern Han Dynasty, if someone with an intention to find out the clues, wouldn't it be harmful to the great cause of our army? Come here, drag Zhao Weiyi down and give him a heavy punishment of thirty sticks, and then drive him back to Chang'an and let the emperor deal with him."

The guard next to him obeyed the order, dragging a guard aside like a wolf or a tiger, and beat him with a stick in front of the court. Although the guard was beaten with blood and flesh flying everywhere, he did not dare to cry out the pain, but gritted his teeth and endured it.

I had already noticed "Gao Yan" standing outside the courtyard gate, with a very complicated expression in his eyes. I couldn't help but feel regret in my heart. It was not that I didn't want to deceive myself. This Gao Yan was actually the prince of Goryeo. However, he had the flaw of "washing the dust" first, and then added Yesterday, when I presented the score, I repeatedly tested him. Although his performance was perfect, traces finally emerged in his words. A troubled Goryeo prince, a kind of idiot who loves the piano, how could he care about the affairs of the Central Plains if it was not closely related to his own secrets? Such concern cannot be concealed from prying eyes no matter how clever it is.

Deliberately pretending not to see "Gao Yan", my eyes have fallen on the other guards, showing hesitation, as if thinking about how to punish them. At this time, Hu Yanshou's eyes fell on "Gao Yan" at the right time, showing a faint joy, and said: "Sir, Mr. Gao is here."

When I heard Hu Yanshou's report, I pretended to just realize someone was coming. I looked up and saw "Gao Yan", then my expression softened and I said with a smile: "It turns out it's Xuzhi who's here. I'm here to punish you." The guards made Xuzhi laugh."

Qiu Yufei stepped forward and saluted: "I disturbed Brother Jiang in handling military affairs. I don't know what happened to make Brother Jiang so angry."

I motioned him to come closer and said with a somewhat annoyed expression: "Xuzhi, sometimes women are really unkind. A few days ago, His Royal Highness King Qi defeated Tan Taboo of the Northern Han Dynasty at Miaopo. Almost all of General Tan's troops died, except for one. The ghost rider Ling Duan survived. I saw that he was not very old, and he was a personal guard of General Tan. I couldn't bear to have him suffer in the hard labor camp, so I used both carrot and stick to stay by my side to serve. Although this child was always lukewarm, I also I didn't take it to heart, but pity him for his loyalty and bravery, and he didn't want to harm him. He always thought that in a year or two, after the Northern Han Dynasty was pacified, he would be free. Unexpectedly, this young man was also ungrateful. He actually got rid of the surveillance of the guards last night and went privately. Escape, although I was careful to prevent him from contacting the military plane, but after all, he has been with me for many days, and I am afraid he will know some things that he shouldn't know. Do you think these guards are useless, letting a child who is not yet under age slip from their eyes? He escaped. That day before you and I met for the first time, this son was so moved by the sound of Xuzhi's piano that he actually intended to assassinate me. If I hadn't taken pity on his inner demons, I would have killed him long ago, and Xuzhi might still remember him. "

Qiu Yufei was shocked in his heart, but he didn't dare to show it on his face. When he and Jiang Zhe first met that day, he did see Ling Duan kneeling down to plead guilty, but he didn't pay attention at the time. Looking back now, the young man looked stubborn. Kneeling on the ground, he still showed an unyielding attitude. He didn't expect that the young man was Tan Ji's personal guard, and he never expected that Jiang Zhe would keep the young man by his side.

Qiu Yufei calmed down and said: "I do remember Ling Duan, but I think it is inappropriate for the Marquis to do this. The Marquis is the supervisor of the Zezhou camp, and his identity is very important. Ling Duan has this identity." , the Marquis should not have let him get close to him. Although there is nothing wrong with blaming your subordinates now, the Marquis made a mistake first, so logically he should not blame them too much."

After listening to his advice, I thought to myself that he was right. If I hadn't wanted to take advantage of Ling Duan, I would have made more mistakes in this matter. However, I felt even more love for this "Gao Yan". He is clear in discussing matters, tactful in his words, and good at admonishing. Unfortunately, he is an assassin of the Northern Han Dynasty and cannot stay by his side. Naturally showing a convinced look, I relaxed and said: "Xuzhi is right, but it was my fault. That's all. Although Zhao Weiyi was wrong, thirty sticks are enough to atone for his crime, so there is no need to send him back. Zhao Weiyi, you are convinced."

Zhao Weiyi's lower shirt was covered with blood. He was helped over by his colleagues and bowed down: "My subordinate was negligent and allowed the little thief to escape. Although he was punished, it is natural. Mr. Meng Gao begged for mercy. Your Excellency forgives me. I promise that I will make meritorious service for my crime. I am grateful." Not enough."

I took a look at the blood stains on his body and said with some guilt: "I was so angry just now that I made you suffer. Go down and apply medicine to recover. As for the matter of apprehending Ling Duan, although it is important, you don't need to do it. We will send it to you later." When I return to the camp, please ask His Highness the King of Qi to issue a military order to apprehend this person. However, although this son is ungrateful, I pity his loyalty and try my best to capture him alive. Xuzhi, if you laugh, you might as well have a meal with me. I will do it soon. Let’s set off.”

Qiu Yufei leaned over and saluted and said: "If you dare to disobey, I will return the original jade of the piano score. Please accept it." After saying this, he handed over the piano score with both hands solemnly.

I took the music score from his hand and sighed in my heart. I knew that from now on, I would have to be careful about his assassination. So as soon as I got the music score, I immediately handed it to Xiao Shunzi, who also took the opportunity to get close to me. , avoiding the opportunity for "Gao Yan" to take the opportunity to assassinate.

When Qiu Yufei took the music score from Jiang Zhe, he subconsciously held the hidden weapon, but when he saw those deep and indifferent eyes, he couldn't help but relent. With this hesitation, Xiao Shunzi had already approached Jiang Zhe. Zhe, naturally protected Jiang Zhe. Qiu Yufei sighed in his heart that he had lost an opportunity, but he was secretly happy. He hoped that Jiang Zhe could die unconsciously, and it would be best if the assassin did not know that he was the one who killed him. good.

I took back the music score and extended my right hand to invite "Gao Yan" to come in and have breakfast together. When I saw him looking at me in a daze, my heart moved. I couldn't bear to kill him, and it seemed that he couldn't bear to do anything to me either, so I smiled. Said: "What is Xuzhi thinking about?"

Qiu Yufei reacted and was about to find an excuse for his lack of concentration. Suddenly there was the sound of galloping horses in the distance. Everyone looked at the courtyard gate. After a while, four or five knights in fire-colored armor appeared under the courtyard gate. On the horse, a mighty knight hurriedly walked up to the steps and bowed down. He raised his hands above his head, holding a brocade bag containing documents, and said eagerly: "Zhuang Jun pays homage to your lord. Your Highness has an order. There is an urgent military situation. Please lord it immediately." Return to camp to discuss.”

Hu Yanshou took the brocade bag up, opened it and inspected it, and handed the two documents inside to Jiang Zhe. Qiu Yufei's eyes flashed, and he saw that one of them had the word "Gao Yan" written on it, and the other one only had the upper and lower inscriptions. Although it was only a quick glance, he also saw that it was a letter written by King Qi to Jiang Zhe. . Jiang Zhe opened the letter first, and after reading it, a faint joy appeared on his face. Although it passed briefly, Qiu Yufei could see it clearly. Jiang Zhe folded the letter and handed it to Xiao Shunzi, who casually put the letter in his arms. As for the other document, Jiang Zhe took it over and read it hastily, then looked at it towards himself. Qiu Yufei knew that it must be a secret agent of the Yong Army who would send information to investigate his identity, although he believed that his senior brother would not leave any loopholes. However, Qiu Yufei still felt uneasy in his heart, but showed no awareness on his face.

I showed a cheerful smile and said: "Xuzhi, I wanted to take you back to the camp, but the camp has sent information. There is no problem with your identity, Xuzhi. I will be the master for once and give you identity documents. You are free to leave. Although I would rather spend a few more days with you, the war is dangerous and I don't want you to be involved in the danger. If you are willing, you can stay at my house in Chang'an temporarily for up to two years. I will return to Beijing in at least a year, and then I would like to hear how much your piano skills have improved."

Qiu Yufei's heart was shocked. He watched Jiang Zhe walk into the room. After a while, he took out a document with fresh ink and said to himself with a smile: "With this document, the government will not be in trouble along the way. I will wait for you." When you arrive in Chang'an, you can go see your wife, and she will naturally help you arrange a place to stay. Chang'an is the imperial capital and extremely prosperous, so Xuzhi will definitely be satisfied with the life there."

Jiang Zhe's expression was so happy, but Qiu Yufei was as if he had fallen into an ice cave. How could he have thought that Jiang Zhe would send him away immediately after his identity was "confirmed". Although this showed that Jiang Zhe had a very good impression of him. Deep, he would let himself go freely so easily, but in this way, where would he have the chance to assassinate? By the time he reacted, the document had been thrust into his hand, but Jiang Zhe had already stepped away.

After handing the document to "Gao Yan", I safely returned to Xiao Shunzi, thinking with satisfaction that there wouldn't be too much danger now, but I didn't dare to show my happy mood, my face was full of regrets He said authentically: "Xuzhi, I'm going to leave immediately. If we are destined, we will meet again." At this time, several guards came out of the room, carrying bags in their hands. Xiao Shunzi took the blue cloak and tied it on for me. On the body, I saluted "Gao Yan" again and said: "Xu Zhi is very precious." After saying that, I walked out. Xiao Shunzi and a few guards protected me and walked out.

Qiu Yufei knew that this was his last chance. If he didn't think of a way out, there would be no possibility of assassination. He was so anxious that he said loudly: "Brother Jiang, take a step slowly." After speaking, he quickly stepped forward and stood a few feet behind Jiang Zhe. He knelt down on one knee and bowed down and said, "Brother Jiang shows great love to the man who is in trouble. He gives me piano music. He treats me like a brother. I have no way to repay him. Brother Jiang, please accept a certain bow. We should see each other again in the years to come." After saying this, he kowtowed and went down.

I was shocked. I clearly guessed that he was trying to lure me closer, but I still felt sad in my heart. Of course I had a good way to deal with it. I just had to turn my back to him, say a few words of humility and embarrassment. You don't need to support him if you just talk about the pain of parting. But those who are in ecstasy can only say goodbye, not to mention that after today's separation, we are enemies, and there is no chance to get together to discuss the piano. Looking back on our gathering over the past few days, although I have shown my true feelings, I have always plotted against him. Although he is Assassin, but I think he is a little more sincere than me. I feel a little guilty in my heart. I don’t know why, but I feel hot and can no longer keep calm, so I’ll give him a chance to assassinate me. I won’t owe him anything after that. Thinking of this, I turned around and walked towards him, stretched out my hand to help him, and said, "There is no need to be polite to Xuzhi. Today is just a temporary farewell. We will meet again someday."

Just when Jiang Zhe suddenly turned around, Xiao Shunzi and the guards who knew about it were trembling in their hearts, but they did not dare to stop them. If "Gao Yan" saw through the fraud, the plan of the supervisor would be in vain. They couldn't bear this responsibility, but Jiang Zhe's life safety was more important than anything else. In addition to Xiao Shunzi's special status, he quickly followed and protected Jiang Zhe's side. They also subconsciously approached Jiang Zhe. Fortunately, Qiu Yufei's heart Agitated, he didn't notice anything unusual about these guards.

Just when I was holding "Gao Yan" with my right hand, he raised his head, and I clearly saw the determination in his eyes, and then I saw a black shadow that looked like a dragon or snake flying from his sleeve, so close. From a distance, I could clearly see that it was a black soft whip. At this moment, the whip was slightly full of energy, and it pierced my face like a sharp arrow. I knew in my heart that there would be an assassination, but I heard a cry of grief and anger ringing in my ears: "Xuzhi!" It was obviously my own voice, but why didn't I know how I shouted it?

Just at the moment of life and death, I felt a pain in the bend of my knees. My knees softened and I was about to kneel down. The black whip brushed over my bun, and then a strong force was pulled towards me from behind. I fell on my back, my knees were about to break, and I screamed in pain, but I saw a flash of green shadow in front of my eyes, and then someone dragged my arms and snatched me aside. It wasn't until I woke up that I saw that Xiao Shunzi was already fighting with that "Gao Yan", and it was Hu Yanshou and another guard who saved me. Now I understood that Xiao Shunzi must have used some method to save me. However, this kid was probably annoyed that I was taking risks, or he had no other good way, which is why I suffered some pain. But according to me From what I know about him, the reason is mostly the former. The weakness after escaping from death made me swear secretly in my heart that I would never be impulsive or do such stupid things again. I gently wiped away the cold sweat that I had not known when I broke out, and said loudly: "Xiao Shunzi, give me Gao Yan." If he is captured alive, I will definitely ask him if he still has a conscience." No need to pretend, my tone and expression were absolutely sad, angry and angry. The guards surrounded the surrounding area. The scene where Jiang Zhe was almost assassinated made them still frightened. They hated the assassin deeply and would never allow him to escape.