The Grandmaster Strategist

In the second year of Tongtai in the Southern Chu Dynasty, Zhe traveled to Chang'an at night. On the way, he met Ye Tianxiu, a guard of King Qing, and Fang Yuanxin, a brave general under Jiang Yong, the Marquis of Donghai.

——"History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties Biography of Jiang Suiyun"

Xiao Shunzi raised the curtain and saw that the twelve guards who were protecting me were already holding the hilts of their knives to protect the carriage. Guard Zhou Wu and Zhou who were clearing the way were pointing at the two people who collided with the car and said: "You guys Who dares to stop me from waiting for my car?"

I looked through the gap in the car curtain and saw two men standing in front of the car. One was handsome in gray clothes and wearing a long sword. The other was in black clothes. Although he looked good, his skin color was bronze. Both hands were holding Zhou Wu's horse rein. I saw that his palms were full of faint scars, and my heart moved. Turning his eyes, he saw the man in gray holding a six or seven-year-old boy in his arms. He was dressed in ragged clothes. Although his expression was excited, he didn't have much fear.

At this time, Zhou Wu was heard sternly saying: "It's quiet at night. Even if we gallop on horseback, it's hard to hurt anyone. Although this child appears suddenly, I am confident that I can stop the horse in time. Why do you have to meddle in other people's business?" "

The man in black said angrily: "How can I ride a horse and gallop in the city at any time? If I didn't have the strength to stop the horse, I'm afraid this poor child would have been injured under the horse's hooves."

Zhou Wu was about to argue, when Jing Chi came around from behind, glared at Zhou Wu, and said coldly: "Flying so late at night, I didn't expect there would be anyone on the street. This is our fault, Jing, my brother Apologize, since you two have the guts to meddle in other people's business, you must be good men, so do you dare to come with us?"

The two men looked at each other and saw the hesitation in each other's eyes. Although the carriage surrounded by this group of people was very simple, it was well made and it was obvious that it was not affordable for ordinary people. Moreover, although these guards were in plain clothes, they But they all have extraordinary aura. Just by the way they sit on the horse, you can tell that they are soldiers, and each of them has extraordinary martial arts. Such a team of guards is absolutely not found in the house of a prince. Their identities all have difficulties. The two exchanged their thoughts, and the man in gray said calmly: "Since you have apologized, that's it. We have other things to do, so we won't bother you."

As he said that the two were about to leave, Jing Chi laughed loudly and waved his hand. Eight guards rushed up from the left and right, and soon surrounded the two people. The expressions of the two people changed greatly, and the man in gray frowned. Wrinkled, but the man in black showed murderous intent. At this time, Jing Chi said: "Jing has been in Chang'an for many days. At first glance, the two of them are foreigners. This is the foot of the emperor. In the imperial capital, there are big thieves from other places who are killing people and stealing goods." You have to follow the rules, there are not many people who dare to walk at night. After all, if you encounter the imperial guards patrolling the night, you will be in trouble. The two of you are so bold, they must be highly skilled in martial arts, and they can go up and down without any problem."

The man in gray said coldly: "Why, there is no night ban in Chang'an. It's our business to walk in the dark. Just because we are meddling in other people's business, do you want to use it as an excuse? Do you want to send us to the official position?"

Jing Chi said with a smile: "That's not true. We just invite you two to be our guests. If both of you are innocent people, Jing will not only apologize to you two, but also make friends with you. If you have any problems in Chang'an in the future, No matter what the obstacle is, as long as Jing can help, I won’t give a shit.”

The man in gray was lying on the hilt of his sword with a solemn look on his face. The man in black also put his hand on his waist and was about to take action. However, they saw that these guards were all looking at him with eager eyes, and Jing Chi's eyes were full of power and murderous intent. The two of them have been enveloped in it, and they can't help but feel very uneasy. Even if they can break out of the encirclement, I am afraid that all traces will be exposed, and they are hesitating. At this time, the curtain of the car was raised, and a young man leaned out. He was wearing a black cloak to cover up his clothes. His appearance was very weak and delicate. He showed up with murderous intent and an arrow on the string. He smiled and said: "General Jing, stop."

As their hearts moved, both of them glanced at Jing Chi, a look of confusion flashed in their eyes, but they looked at me with doubts. I felt even more that my judgment was correct, so I smiled and said: "I am under the command of King Yong of Xiaguan." ,

Sima Jiangzhe of Tiance Commandery Mansion had offended many of his subordinates just now, so Jiang apologized to both of them on their behalf. "Said, I bowed my hands.

The two people also bowed in return, and the man in gray had an inexplicable light in his eyes and said, "It turns out to be Mr. Jiang. I have heard about it for a long time. I have committed the crime of driving. Please forgive me."

The man in black looked surprised and happy, but did not speak. I glanced at him and said with a smile: "Brother Ye, Brother Fang should be careful in Chang'an. His Highness has no ill intentions towards the two masters, but if Brother Fang's whereabouts If it is revealed, my Highness will not be merciful. Although Chang'an is a good place, it is difficult to stay there for a long time, so please leave as soon as possible."

As soon as I said "Brother Fang", the two men were shocked at the same time. Their whole body skills had been condensed and they were about to take action, but my next words made them relax. The man in black hesitated for a moment, then bowed down and said, "Master Jiang, Fang came to Beijing out of necessity. I wonder if you can lend me a moment to speak."

I was stunned. It was accidental to see through the identity of these two people. Ye Tianxiu was originally a subordinate of King Qing, and he had secretly entered the capital many times. I had seen his shadow, and I recognized him as the one with the surname Fang. But I guessed it. This man had a special skin color, which was obviously caused by being exposed to the sun for many years. When I saw that there were marks on his hands that were cut by ropes when reefing sails all the time, and based on my good relationship with Ye Tianxiu, I guessed it. his identity. I originally wanted to say a few nice words and express my goodwill before letting them leave, so as to avoid uncontrollable factors. Unexpectedly, this Fang Yuanxin wanted to talk to me. If this matter got out, Jiang Yong would still be rebellious after all, although Emperor Yong didn't want to embarrass him at all, but he was not very kind to me after all. But seeing his eyes full of pleading, I softened my heart and said, "Brother Fang, please come to the car and talk to me."

Fang Yuanxin glanced at Ye Tianxiu and whispered, "Go back first."

Ye Tianxiu also asked in a low voice: "He is a close confidant of King Yong, you must think carefully."

Fang Yuanxin smiled bitterly and said: "Young master's life is important, so we can't care about it. King Yong will never take advantage of others' danger."

Fang Yuanxin stepped onto the carriage. Ye Tianxiu glanced at me worriedly, bowed and said goodbye, and was about to leave with the child.

I raised my voice and said, "Wait a minute."

Ye Tianxiu's heart trembled, and he turned around and said, "What are your orders, sir?"

I smiled and said, "Brother Ye is just a passerby in Chang'an, so let's leave this child to Jiang."

Ye Tianxiu felt relieved and said, "Then I'll leave it to Master Jiang." After saying that, he quickly disappeared into the night. A guard rode forward, bent down and lifted the child onto the horse. The child struggled stubbornly and looked at the guard with hostile eyes. The guard laughed and patted his head.

As soon as Fang Yuanxin stepped into the carriage, he saw an elegant and feminine young man sitting there. He gave him a cold look. The cold gaze made Fang Yuanxin feel as if his whole body had been poured with a bucket of ice water. He immediately knew the identity of this person, "Evil Shadow" Li Shun, a master with amazing martial arts skills but who was willing to be his servant.

Seeing Fang Yuanxin's restless expression, I gave Xiao Shunzi a wink. The murderous aura around him immediately subsided. Fang Yuanxin only felt relieved and thought to himself, Evil Shadow is indeed unusual. I saw that he had calmed down. Then he said: "I wonder what Brother Fang wants to say to Jiang?"

Fang Yuanxin said with a sad expression: "Since Mr. Jiang knows my identity, he should know who my master is?"

I smiled slightly and said: "Of course Jiang knows, but since General Fang knows that your Majesty is still Dayong's prisoner, why does he have to talk to Jiang in detail? If this matter is leaked, I'm afraid Jiang just wants to It’s impossible to let go.”

Fang Yuanxin said: "It was precisely because Fang saw Master Jiang's intention to protect him that he dared to discuss it with him."

I recalled the whispers he had exchanged with Ye Tianxiu just now. My heart moved and I asked with a smile: "Excuse me, is there anything I can do for you?"

Fang Yuanxin said: "I dare not lie to you, sir. My master is almost young and only has a little bit of blood. Unexpectedly, a few days ago, my young master went to sea and was injured by a sea snake called "Rouge Jade" in the sea. His life is in danger. Although I There are also famous doctors under the master's command, but they are all helpless. They can only watch the young master suffering from poisonous injuries every day. Although his life is barely saved, he can neither survive nor die. The master also sent his men to look for famous doctors everywhere, but everyone Everyone said there was nothing they could do. In the end, the Lord only hoped to find Mr. Sang, the medical saint. However, Mr. Sang had not been seen since the dragon appeared in Chang'an. Fang was ordered to go to Chang'an to look for clues, but he did not get any news, but he learned that Jiang Your Excellency once studied medicine from Mr. Sang, and it is said that he has profound medical skills. Fang asked you to use your rejuvenating hand to save my young master. Not only did Fang express his gratitude for this, but even my master will never forget your great kindness."

I frowned and said: "General Fang, let's not talk about the positions of you and I, which are hostile, nor whether I can save Young Master Jiang. I have been very weak since I was assassinated. Without His Highness King Yong and me, this servant I'm afraid he's already dead if he takes such careful care of me. If I rush all the way to the East China Sea, I'm afraid he'll be dying before he arrives. Besides, King Yong is using me as his counselor now, so I can't leave him for a moment."

Fang Yuanxin knew that Jiang Zhe had not told a lie. Regardless of his master's identity, as long as Jiang Yong was willing to surrender to Emperor Yong, he would definitely be reused by Emperor Yong. However, although Jiang Zhe looked good, he was suffering from various qi and physical weakness. There are also many signs of weakness. If he travels thousands of miles, he may fall ill before reaching the East China Sea, but the young master cannot come to Chang'an no matter what. He thought about it for a long time, but still felt embarrassed. Originally, he wanted to find a way to kidnap Jiang Zhe, but after asking about it, he found out that Jiang Zhe was a person that King Yong valued very much. If he openly opposed King Yong, even the lord would not be willing to do so. Yes, and when we met today, it turned out that Jiang Zhe was heavily guarded, and it was impossible for him to rob Jiang Zhe out of Chang'an.

I looked at Fang Yuanxin's face carefully. At first he was a little troubled, then with a hint of murderous intent, and finally with despair. I still didn't know what he was thinking, but I couldn't leave Chang'an at this time under any circumstances. If Mr. Sang hadn't already I have said that I will no longer practice medicine, and Mr. Sang’s seclusion is a secret and cannot be told to outsiders. I have already recommended him to see Mr. Sang. But at this time, I can only ask his young master to come to Chang’an, just a person. After arriving in Chang'an, I'm afraid there is no chance to leave, which may make Jiang Yong very embarrassed.

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Shunzi suddenly reminded me: "Master, we are almost at the Zhuque Gate."

When Fang Yuanxin heard this, his face turned pale. He knew he had to leave. He said sadly: "Fang will explain this matter to the Lord after he returns. It is a very important matter and Fang cannot make the decision."

I was moved in my heart and said: "Brother Fang, why are you leaving in a hurry? Since you are willing to talk to Jiang, why don't you meet His Highness? Your Highness has a broad mind and a kind temperament. Maybe he can think of a way to help Young Master Ling, at least Jiang I can guarantee that if Brother Fang wants to leave, His Highness will not stop him."

Fang Yuanxin was shocked. He also knew that even if Jiang Zhe was willing to treat the young master, he needed King Yong's permission. Thinking that the master was so kind to him, what could he do if he risked his life? Having made up his mind, Fang Yuanxin said: "Then I'll ask Mr. Jiang to introduce me to you."

I said solemnly: "Don't worry, General Fang. Jiang guarantees that Lord Fang can leave Chang'an safely."

Just as Fang Yuanxin was about to answer, Xiao Shunzi's expression suddenly changed and he said coldly: "Sir, someone is following you."

I asked: "How many people, when did they start?"

Xiao Shunzi said: "These were added when we met General Fang. We had been far away from the car, but then we suddenly got closer. Oh, I understand. There are patrolling imperial troops coming ahead."

My heart moved, and I asked: "Whose subordinates are that forbidden army?"

Xiao Shunzi opened the curtain, took a look, and said in a low voice: "Sir, General Qin is leading the imperial army on patrol and will encounter us soon."

I sneered: "Xiao Shunzi, do you think Qin Qing will search my car?"

Xiao Shunzi frowned and said, "The driver of Prince Yong's Mansion probably doesn't know how to check."

I smiled slightly and said: "According to the law, he has the right to check drivers driving at night. Of course, considering my identity, there is no need to check, but if he really wanted to search, I would not be able to stop him on the spot. I guess those people were following Brother Ye." With Brother Fang, who would have thought that he would encounter a big fish like me, but this person is very decisive and wants to use this method to frame me as a collaborator and treason."

Xiao Shunzi frowned and said, "Young master can't refuse the search, and you can't harm the imperial army. What should we do?"

I smiled and said, "Let Jing Chi deal with it first. It would be bad if I came forward in a hurry. It would be a pity for Qin Qing."

At this time, the team of forbidden troops was in front of us. The leader was a heroic figure, Qin Qing. He rode forward and shouted loudly: "General Jing, why are you personally escorting me? Who is in the car?"

Jing Chi said in a deep voice: "It turns out that he is the commander of Qin. The last general was ordered to protect Jiang Sima. He has a heavy responsibility. It is inconvenient for me to be polite. Please forgive me, General Qin."

Qin Qing laughed and said: "What are you talking about? Although Qin Qing has a slightly higher official position, the general is a brave general on the battlefield. Who doesn't know that the most brave general under His Highness King Yong, the one who is best at beheading generals and capturing flags is General Jing. Qin Qing has learned I don’t dare to accept the general’s gift. It’s late at night and I don’t know if I can let Qin meet Jiang Sima. Qin Qing has the heavy responsibility of protecting the safety of the imperial city and doesn’t dare to slack off. Please forgive me.”

Jing Chi frowned and said: "Although it is natural to check for suspicious persons, this is the carriage of Prince Yong's palace, and Lord Sima is in the car. Why does General Qin have to check it? The night wind is cold, Lord Sima has been in poor health recently, I'm afraid I’m suffering from the cold, so it’s really inconvenient to see each other.”

Qin Qing's expression changed, and she turned around and asked a guard beside her in a low voice: "Jiang Sima is not easy to mess with. Why does the princess insist that I check his car? If King Yong is angry, tell his father, I am afraid I will be blamed."

The guard whispered: "Don't worry, Prince Consort, our people saw Treason in his car, and we are not trying to embarrass Jiang Sima. The general will definitely not agree to this, but if that person enters Prince Yong's Mansion, he will only I am afraid that there will be endless disasters. As long as the consort takes the man away for interrogation, Jiang Sima will not dare to stop him if he is wronged. As long as the consort does not say anything, Jiang Sima will not take the initiative to take the crime of exterminating the family. "

Qin Qing was a little hesitant, but considering that his wife had always been more resourceful than him, it shouldn't be wrong, so he raised his voice and said: "It's just a routine matter, it won't last long, and it shouldn't hurt Jiang Sima's body." After saying this, The car curtain must be lifted immediately.

Two guards blocked the road at the same time. They knew that there was a person in the car who could not be exposed. Qin Qing raised his eyebrows and said, "What, do you want to stop me from carrying out my official duties?"

Jing Chi sneered and said, "If you search the driver, by tomorrow, both the government and the public will know that you, General Qin, are very capable. You actually searched the driver of Prince Yong's Mansion. Then it will be Jing who loses face."

Qin Qingwei said angrily: "If King Yong is here, the general will naturally stay away, but now it's just Jiang Sima in the car, so the general has the power to search. If you don't have any evil intentions in your mind, why not let me take a look. What?" With that said, he waved his hand, and the team of forbidden troops surrounded the driver. Qin Qing looked at Jing Chi coldly, and if he said another word "no", he would go forward and search him forcefully.

Fang Yuanxin's heart trembled, and he pressed his hand on his waist again. He was a rebellious person. If he fell into the hands of the Forbidden Army, he would probably die, so he had the desire to fight desperately. He couldn't help but blame himself secretly. It was time to take the risk and have a secret conversation with Jiang Zhe in the car. He would be willing to die. If he got involved with this young master who might be the only one who could save him, then he would be punished even if he died.

I shook my head slightly and held his hand gently. If I couldn't handle such a thing, would I still be qualified to be King Yong's chief military advisor? I glanced at Xiao Shunzi, took off a gold medal from my waist and handed it to him. , although there are many ways, this one is the simplest and most direct. In order to calm the heart of General Fang, let's bully him once. Unfortunately, Qin Qing is too stubborn. If it were another person, he would never dare to ask for a search of the driver of Prince Yong's Mansion. Yes, not everyone can be impartial and impartial. I can only say that Qin Qing is too naive.

Xiao Shunzi took the gold medal and walked out of the curtain. Within a moment, I smiled lightly. This gold medal really works. It is indeed a good thing that King Yong solemnly lent me for use.