The Grandmaster Strategist

In the first month of the fifth year of Tongtai, Da Yong's envoy Gou Lian paid an audience. Lian bribed the ministers with large sums of money. At that time, the king was young, and Prime Minister Shang Weijun controlled the government. Lian and Shang held secret talks with Lu Can. Shang was afraid of Lu Can's great achievements, so he restrained him from doing so. Going into battle resulted in the loss of a good opportunity, and this is an unforgivable sin.

——"The Biography of King Chu Min in the History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties"

Looking at the information in my hand, I almost groaned as I read it. King Qi took the information and said to me: "Suiyun, I didn't expect that your strategy is so sinister, so that all the generals under Long Tingfei's command will die." Injured." I could only weakly defend that this was not my arrangement. In fact, Su Qing's plan, the commander-in-chief of the Northern Han Dynasty, was more vicious and sinister than mine, and the result was more perfect. It not only framed Quartz, The purpose of discrediting Duan Wudi also damaged Long Tingfei's prestige. If Su Qing hadn't been attacked by Qiu Yufei on the way back to Zezhou with some spy masters, Su Qing's outstanding martial arts, hard battle with the spy masters, and the timely response sent by Zezhou could finally force him to retreat. He killed Qiu Yufei, but paid a heavy price. This plan was really performed perfectly by Su Qing.

However, I thought with a guilty conscience that this does not seem to be Su Qing's responsibility. Qiu Yufei was let go by me. Although I don't know how this person suddenly became a congenital master, it seems that it is my responsibility that caused Su Qing's loss. Tragic. Speaking of which, although the Demon Sect is the support of the Northern Han Dynasty, Jing Wuji can only act as a deterrent. If a person of his status personally kills or assassinates the enemy, the soldiers and civilians of the Northern Han Dynasty will feel that the Beihan Building will collapse. , and if Jing Wuji doesn't take action, the master-level experts on our side will not take action, so Jing Wuji will not take action until the critical moment. In comparison, other disciples of the Demon Sect pose a greater threat to us, just like Qiu Yufei. Who would have thought that he would suddenly advance greatly in martial arts and reach the highest level of innate martial arts? No wonder Su Qing made a mistake. I regretted it a little, but Qiu Yufei couldn't be killed after all, so I had to let go of the fait accompli and prepare to deal with the aftermath. I decided to recruit Su Qing into the Chinese Army. After all, the army will attack the Northern Han Dynasty soon. Now that Su Qing’s identity has been leaked, it would be more appropriate to stay as a counselor in the Chinese Army. This woman is really not simple. She has been able to stay in the Northern Han Dynasty for many years. Leaving no flaws, this time I stepped into the tiger's den, and used the tricks of concealment with great proficiency. I really admire it.

After sorting out the information, I ordered Hu Yanshou Chuan Su Qing to come in. Su Qing, who had changed into men's clothing with a green shirt, although still as graceful and graceful as a cold plum in winter, walked into my tent with an indifferent expression, bowed down and kowtowed: "My subordinate Su Qing, I'd like to meet the Lord Supervisor of Chu Township." , my subordinates disobeyed your Majesty’s orders and changed the plan without authorization, causing the death of many colleagues. I also ask Your Majesty to punish him.” After saying that, he coughed a few times, and his face became as pale as snow.

I glanced at this woman in admiration. She was a strange woman. She appeared briefly on Dayongjiang Lake six years ago. She was dressed in a blue scholar's shirt, but she never concealed her identity. Her methods were ruthless, but she was also aboveboard. She never showed her true face to anyone. He became famous in just half a year, and then he took refuge with King Yong and invited himself to serve as a secret agent in the Northern Han Dynasty. He made outstanding achievements and within a few years he became the chief outpost of the Northern Han Dynasty. Regardless of his talent and loyalty, he is the leading spy among the secret agents. Today, This was a great achievement, but I saw that there was no trace of pride in her expression, nor was she worried or overwhelmed because of her unauthorized disobedience. Her green eyebrows and green shirt were indeed extraordinary.

Su Qing was not as calm as she showed. In fact, she was uneasy. Although Mrs. Jiang was gentle and elegant, as the spy chief of the Northern Han Dynasty, she naturally knew a lot about the inside story of the imperial court. What methods this person had, she She knew very well that if it weren't for the entanglement between her and Duan Wudi, and Quartz's unexpected crush on herself, she would never dare to change the plan without authorization. But after the plan was successful, she was even more worried about her own outcome. People with deep wisdom often have the worst things happen out of their control. What she did was just for fear of offending this person. He didn't need to accuse him, just because his elite subordinates were defeated by Qiu Yufei. If you kill and injure half of them, you can make yourself guilty.

I don't think about her thoughts. To me, subordinates can adapt to changes.

That's the best, but since you have the courage to change your plan, you have to bear the consequences. If you lose, you will be severely punished. If you win, you will be rewarded. Su Qing's gains outweigh the losses, so I will naturally reward him. Sighing softly, I said: "This is not your responsibility. Although you changed the plan without authorization, the effect was better than I expected, and you sacrificed a lot. How could I blame you? As for Qiu Yufei chasing after The killing was not expected in advance. This time, the gains finally outweighed the losses. You don’t have to blame yourself too much. Have you taken the medicine I asked Xiao Shunzi to send?"

Su Qing's eyes flashed with gratitude and said: "I would like to thank you for your kindness. The medicine is very effective."

Xiao Shunzi interjected: "Commander Su, after you recover from your injury, I want to fight you to see how Qiu Yufei's skills are now."

Su Qing said cheerfully: "My subordinate only took Qiu Yufei's hundred moves and was defeated and injured. I am incompetent. Please forgive me, Sir and Mr. Li."

I took a deep breath. After Xiao Shunzi guessed that Qiu Yufei had advanced to the innate realm, I felt uneasy. However, Su Qing, a woman, can take on a hundred moves from an innate master. This kind of martial arts is no longer simple, but She is really a hero among women, but she is still alone today. It is really pitiful. I thought about whether I could find a matchmaker for her, but I did not dare to reveal such thoughts, lest she think I was frivolous. I just said: "Mr. Su , now the Northern Han Dynasty will definitely do its best to eliminate our spies, and now that the war is imminent, you don’t have to go back. When our army attacks the Northern Han Dynasty, you can set off with the army, command our hidden spies, and control the intelligence. Fang's scout camp will also be handed over to you to manage, if you are willing."

Su Qing looked overjoyed. She had never expected to be used in such an important way before she came back. She quickly thanked him and said, "Thank you for your love, sir. I will do my best."

After Su Qing retreated, I breathed a sigh of relief and said to Xiao Shunzi: "Things are almost settled now. The war is about to begin. Let's invite King Qi, General Xuan, and Jing Chi to come over. We have to discuss how to attack the Northern Han Dynasty." , and also, when will Chi Ji come? Do Dongchuan and Nanchu have any information? "

Xiao Shunzi said: "Chi Ji followed the order of the young master and went to Nanchu to rectify the intelligence network. He found that the reason why he did not get any information about Fengyi Clan's unusual movements this time was actually because Wei Ying's methods were concealed this time and Tianji Pavilion was inconvenient. Because of his intervention, Chi Ji had already arranged to monitor Fengyi Sect. He thought that there would be no mistakes this time. In addition, Manager Han did not have any dissatisfaction because of the Dongchuan incident, so Chi Ji had already left for Zezhou. , It is expected to arrive in the next two or three days. Dong Que has already arrived in Dongchuan. Chen Zhen is grateful for the kindness of the young master, but he does not believe in King Qing’s promise, and unlike Han Wuji, he does not have much old feelings for Shu, so Dongchuan’s The situation has stabilized, and we have reached an agreement with King Qing. I believe that we will soon be able to enter the core of King Qing's power. However, if King Qing launches his attack too quickly, I'm afraid they will not have time to control King Qing's vital points."

I said calmly: "Don't worry about this. Xiahou Yuanfeng is not a vegetarian. He has already started to attack King Qing and asked Dong Que to contact him. The power King Qing relies on will suffer heavy losses, which will make him rely more on the Splendid Alliance. If King Qing If you want to see Huo Jicheng, just say that it is inconvenient for Huo Jicheng to come forward. When King Qing raises the flag of rebellion, Huo Jicheng will appear. Anyway, King Qing should know that the forces of the original Shu Kingdom will not completely believe him."

Xiao Shunzi chuckled and said: "Not only is Xiahou Yuanfeng not a vegetarian, the emperor is not a vegetarian either. The letter he asked Master Shi to write did not even explicitly say that you should give your advice as soon as possible."

I smiled bitterly and said, "I don't know if I owed their brothers anything in my previous life. I am conceited and smart, but these two people can easily see through me."

At this time, hearty laughter came from outside the tent and said: "What are you talking about? If the emperor could see through you, he wouldn't always be frustrated. There are a few rulers in the world who are like the emperor, who always follow your temper. What? If you don't tell the emperor about things, he won't ask. Such favor makes me jealous." Then King Qi strode in, winked and said: "Suiyun, you are very sympathetic to Su Qing, how about it, do you want it? I am fighting for you, Changle is very virtuous and will not blame you."

I said seriously: "Your Highness, don't talk nonsense. If Miss Su heard this, she would be disheartened. She is not a person who uses sex to interfere with others."

Li Xian was pushed back by me, and he said in awe: "I also have good intentions. Su Qing is still alone. I can't stand a woman struggling like this. Her scheming methods, if not you, who can bear it?" rise?"

I said coldly: "I am no match for His Highness, let alone her. How about I ask Chang Le to report to the Emperor and promise her to the Prince as his concubine?"

Li Xian was startled and said: "No, no, I'm just joking. This Su Qing is very scary. I don't dare to offend her. Besides, she is a third-grade general now, so we can't make fun of her."

I glared at King Qi, not knowing who started the conversation first, but I said strangely: "I was just about to ask Xiao Shunzi to send someone to invite His Highness, Xuan Song and Jing Chi, but why did His Highness come first? But what’s the matter?”

King Qi said seriously: "It's nothing, I just want to discuss the march with you."

I smiled and said, "I am also thinking this. Let's talk about it after the two generals arrive. However, His Highness can handle these matters. Zhe can only listen to them." King Qi said: "When I came, I had already sent I've sent word to them and they'll be here soon." At this time, a guard outside the tent reported, "General Jing and General Xuan want to see you."

The King of Qi and I looked at each other and smiled. A large-scale attack on the Northern Han Dynasty was imminent. The battle to determine the fate of Dayong was about to begin. If this battle could be won quickly, no one in the world could stop Dayong from unifying the world. If it fell into a long-term The quagmire of fighting is the situation where Dayong is attacked by a group. This battle is crucial.

In Southern Chu, Lu Can angrily threw the edict to the ground. He had already planned that once Dayong and the Northern Han Dynasty started a war, he would immediately hand over the defense of Shu to his subordinates and lead his army across the river to attack Dayong. This was Nanchu's plan. Chu's only chance to seize the world was missed. Without the Northern Han cavalry to contain it, Southern Chu could only stay in peace in the south of the Yangtze River. However, Yong's envoy Gou Lian easily frightened the officials in the court with money and intimidation. Looking at the edict preventing him from going to war, Lu Can really felt powerless.

At this time, someone reported: "General, the leader of Chentang wants to see you." Lu Can frowned and thought to himself, how could Wei Ying come? His injury has not yet recovered, and because of the tragic defeat of Donghai, many of his powers were lost to Fengwutang and Fengwutang. Yihuang Hall was divided, now was the time to keep a low profile, how could he come to meet me? However, although he despised Wei Ying's character, he still valued his talent. Lu Can sent an order for Wei Ying to come in.

Wei Ying looked a little haggard. After all, it was not easy to escape from the sea of ​​fire. He was also pursued by Dayong along the way. It was already very difficult to return to Nanchu safely. He calmly saluted Lu Can and said with a smile: "General Lu must have a very headache. I wonder if I can give you any advice?"

Lu Can said calmly: "What kind of advice does Mr. Wei have? The imperial court has already issued a decree. How can I, the general, resist the decree?"

Wei Ying laughed and said: "The general is too pedantic. What's the point of resisting the imperial decree? Your Majesty has long ignored military affairs. Southern Chu has three military powers, and the general controls two. The Jingxiang garrison general Rong Yuan is not as powerful as the general. He usually listens to the general's orders." , General, if he is so determined, I would like to help him clear the emperor's side and get rid of the traitors who have harmed the country. From now on, the general can display his grand ambitions, and Ying can also attach himself to the tail of others and avenge himself. Wei Ying's intention can be expressed in the sky, but I don't know the general. how about?"

Lu Can slapped the table and stood up, scolding: "Wei Ying, how can you say that you have no father and no king? When you were in this difficult situation, if it weren't for the kindness of Shang Xiang and the king, how could you have gained a foothold in Southern Chu. Now you have just gained power. Just as you have committed such a treasonous act, don’t blame me for being ruthless and tying you up and sending you to the Prime Minister so that he can see the ugly face of your Fengyi Sect.”

When he was furious, the guards outside the tent rushed in with weapons. Lu Can's head guard glanced at Wei Ying coldly and said, "General, has this person offended the general? General, please tell me."

With a sarcastic smile on his face, Wei Ying said, "General Lu, even if you want to kill or kidnap me, I have to wait until I finish speaking my heartfelt words. Is it possible that the general doesn't dare to listen to my nonsense?"

Lu Can's face darkened, and he waved his hand to order the guards to retreat, saying: "Wei Ying, Nan Chu is not Dayong. I, the general, hope you will take care of yourself."

Wei Ying smiled slightly and said, "General, would you like to know the content of Monk Gou Lian's secret conversation?"

Lu Can was shocked and said, "How do you know such a confidential matter?"

Wei Ying did not answer, but imitated Gou Lian's tone and said: "The Prime Minister is the ancestor of the country's leader and comes from a family of police officers. His sincerity is beyond words. However, the survival of the country does not depend on the civil servants, but on the generals who command the army. Now your country's military power is three-thirds." , Lu Gong and his son control two points, and Jingxiang Guards General Rong Yuan controls one point. The soldiers in the hands of the Prime Minister can only control the whole city of Jianye. Compared with Lu Xin, Lu Gongye, General Lu Can, Lu and General Rong, they can control Ignoring it, although Mr. Lu is loyal and patriotic, he will never embarrass his son. General Rong also obeys General Lu's orders. If General Lu intends to rebel, your country's society will be overturned in an instant. It means that General Lu has no objection. , the prime minister should also be on guard early. Now that we, Dayong Emperor, have something to do with Northern Xinjiang, General Lu is young and frivolous, and is not afraid of the danger of a mantis riding a chariot. He actually intends to cross the river to attack me. If he is defeated, I, Emperor Dayong, will be furious and will have trouble in Northern Xinjiang. If the emperor is angry, he will definitely raise an army to investigate the crime. When the two countries fight, blood will flow like rivers, and the tragic situation of the past will inevitably reappear. Moreover, your king still has brothers in our country as hostages. If the emperor is angry and establishes a new king, then your king and the prime minister will How do I handle myself? If the other side wins, it will be just that we, Dayong, are fighting on two fronts and have to retreat temporarily. Dayong has millions of soldiers and plenty of money and food. Even if he is defeated for a while, his vitality will not be harmed. General Lu, with the remaining power of the great victory, His great achievements have shocked the Lord. Even if General Lu has no objections, he will inevitably become dissatisfied later. The Prime Minister often restrains General Lu. When the time comes for General Lu to raise the banner beside the Qing Emperor, I am afraid that everyone in Nanchu will respond, and the Prime Minister will It is inevitable that they will die without a burial place, and even your royal family will probably be killed. It can be seen that no matter the victory or defeat, the war between the two countries will be of no benefit to the prime minister, who is just for glory. Wealth and honor, once the sun is blocked by war, the Prime Minister's power will come to naught. For the Prime Minister's plan, there is nothing better than peace negotiation. In the past, your country was defeated in the war, and we agreed to pay compensation every year. Up to now, your country's soldiers and civilians are still suffering from it. If the Prime Minister takes this as an excuse, The conditions are negotiated with our country. Our Majesty will definitely agree to reduce or reduce the indemnity for the war in Northern Xinjiang. At that time, the government and the public will praise the Prime Minister's merits. Isn't it better than the harm of war. If the Prime Minister agrees, our country can also reunite with your country's good relationship between Qin and Jin. My Majesty is willing to pledge his beloved daughter to your Majesty, and when the princess reaches the age of marriage, the two countries will be married. The Northern Han Dynasty has a strong army and cannot be conquered in ten or eight years. Your Majesty is eager to fight the war in Northern Xinjiang, and even hopes to have peace with Southern Chu. I wonder what the prime minister’s wishes are for peace talks?”

Lu Can was a little confused at first, but his expression darkened after hearing a few words. When Wei Ying finished speaking, he sighed and said, "Shang Xiang must have agreed."

Wei Ying said coldly: "Gou Lian has a lotus tongue. Shang Weijun was captured by Da Yong in the past. He has long been frightened. He just wants to be safe. What's more, the general holds a heavy army and is already jealous of the prime minister. Mr. Lu also I am bedridden, and now that the peace agreement has been concluded, unless the general uses military advice, there will be no chance of recovery."

Lu Can's expression changed and he said, "You came here today, is it because of you alone or because of Fengyi Sect?"

Wei Ying looked a little anxious and said: "They are afraid of Dayong's army. How dare they fight against Dayong? They just want to use conspiracy and trickery and fight on the battlefield. They have long since lost the courage to participate. This time it is my intention alone, but If the general is willing to raise troops, I guarantee that they will choose to support the general."

Lu Can sighed deeply and said: "Master Wei, I know you are sincere today, but as a minister of Southern Chu, Lu can never do such an arrogant thing, so I will not raise an army, you I understand your intention and I won’t leak anything about today, so just go ahead.”

Wei Ying said disappointedly: "Do you know that if you compromise today, you will never have the chance to set foot on Dayong's territory?"

Lu Can said sternly: "No matter what happens in the future, Lu cannot do anything unfaithful or filial. If ministers can resist orders and remonstrate with soldiers, then where is the majesty of the imperial court? If Lu does such a thing, the king of Southern Chu will be lost forever." Tong, instead of doing this, Lu Can would rather fight hard against Dayong in the future and save half of the country south of the Yangtze River."

Wei Ying sighed: "You are so stupid and loyal, how can you be Jiang Zhe's opponent? It's just that I was blind. I thought you were a trustworthy lord. Now that you have made a decision, I have nothing to say, but from now on I may offend you a lot in the future, so please forgive me, General."

Lu Can's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and then he said in frustration: "I know you want to control Shang Xiang, but although Shang Xiang doesn't know the military strategy, you may not be his opponent in those intrigues. In any case, if you do too much, That’s too much, don’t forget I still have an army on hand.”

Wei Ying sighed softly and said: "If I can control Fengyi Sect, I will definitely get rid of Shang Weijun so that you can control the government. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it. That's all. This is what Wei's fate is, and there is no way I can help you." The army of Southern Chu captured Chang'an." After saying that, Wei Ying turned around and walked out. Lu Can wanted to call him out, but in the end he had no words. Since he could not do anything unfaithful and unfilial, it was inevitable to break up with Wei Ying. . With a deep sigh, Lu Can said in a low voice: "Even if his body is broken into pieces, Lu will still protect the picturesque country, but for this treason and crime, Lu can't obey even to death. If Mr. Jiang is here , I must be laughing at myself for being too pedantic. In the past, when he was studying, my husband used to make fun of me. Alas, after all, I am not as free and easy as your husband."

After leaving Lu Can's camp, Wei Ying walked in confusion for a long time. It took him a long time to recover from the complete disappointment and chill. As the son of the prime minister and a former high-ranking official, Wei Ying's military strategy skills are by no means ordinary. In today's world, Dayong's soldiers and horses are strong, and the Southern Chu and Northern Han are unable to compete. Now is the only chance to attack from the north and the south to weaken Dayong's power. As long as Dayong suffers heavy losses, even if Dayong cannot be completely destroyed for a while, it will not be able to dominate the world again. If the world is unified, then it will no longer be possible to retaliate against one's own hatred. Although people like Ling Yu, Ji Xia, and Yan Wushuang also have some knowledge of military affairs, they are short-sighted and only want to make Nan Chu peaceful in the south of the Yangtze River. To them, Dayong wants to destroy the Northern Han Dynasty and digest its land and people. More than ten years is not enough, and although Nanchu is weak, it still accounts for half of the country. As long as they guard the Yangtze River, they are not afraid of Dayong's iron hoof going south, so they would rather use various means to hinder Dayong's unification process, but dare not face the enemy head-on. , for fear that Dayong would simply send troops to Nanchu first. In their hearts, having a buffer of ten years is enough for Nanchu to accumulate strength and maintain peace for at least a few decades. The hatred of Fengyi Sect Master is already a thing of the past for them. As long as they can achieve their own prosperity and wealth, they are not willing to risk their lives for revenge. What they want most now is to secretly control the affairs of the Southern Chu Dynasty like they did in Dayong in the past, and a war between the two countries is not in their interests. How could I get involved with these stupid and short-sighted women? Amidst the hatred, Wei Ying came to his senses. He decisively gave up his useless complaints. Since he could not use Lu Can to send troops to Dayong, he would use the power of Fengyi Sect to try his best to control the government of Nanchu, and then Concentrate all your strength to take revenge on Dayong and Jiang Zhe. For this purpose, you are willing to pay any price. With a determined look on his face, Wei Ying quickened his pace. He couldn't waste any more time.