The Grandmaster Strategist

The footsteps stopped in front of the door. After a while, a pleasant voice said: "Xiahou Yuanfeng, please see me."

I was shocked and glanced at Dong Que. A dagger was quietly falling on his right hand. I sighed in my heart. If Xiao Shunzi was here, Xiahou Yuanfeng could easily hold it, but if it was Dong Que, I'm afraid it won't work. According to Xiao Shunzi's estimation, Dong Que's martial arts is only second-rate. Although he is much stronger than before, if he uses weapons, I'm afraid it won't work. It's inappropriate for him to stay and protect me except for other people. , and another reason is that he is good at a lot of chicken and dog stealing skills. This is where I rely on him. Anyway, if it is a real fight, even Xiao Shunzi will be useless. So I decided to use Dong Que, but now I was in a dilemma.

I winked and said, "Master Xiahou, please come in."

The door opened, and Xiahou Yuanfeng was dressed in a yellow guard uniform. After walking in, he bowed and said: "Since the last time I was spared my life by your mercy, Xiahou no longer misses you all the time."

I said coldly: "Master Xiahou is serious. Last time, Master told me about the real culprit who assassinated Zhe. This was your kindness. How could Jiang repay kindness with enmity? Now, Master controls Jiang's life and death with only one hand. He doesn't know what happened in the past." What else is there to mention?”

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and looked even more prosperous. He said: "Although Wei Ying and others are quite intelligent, they are somewhat lacking in this kind of thing. If Xiahou is in charge of the search, he must send someone to monitor him for half a day to be wary of anyone." Hide in the shadows, or come back here.”

Dong Que frowned, he also understood this truth, but time was tight, and he was worried that tapping Jiang Zhe's acupuncture points for too long would be harmful.

Xiahou Yuanfeng's expression became even softer when he saw this, and his eyes fell on the secret decree of Lingpa on the desk. He said lightly: "Excuse me, Mr. Jiang, I don't know how to discuss it with the princess. In fact, although King Yong is temporarily out of danger, Wen Ziyan is If there are no reinforcements in the pursuit, King Yong will be trapped in a trap sooner or later. I also want to know how Master Jiang can turn the tide and live up to his status as King Yong's chief think tank?"

My expression gradually became calmer. If the matter really came to an emergency, I would always be calmer. I picked a chair and sat down. I smiled and said, "Master Xiahou is a confidant of the prince. Why didn't he bring the imperial guards to Jiang?" Caught, this is a great achievement."

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said: "Now the prince relies on Fengyi Sect. Even if Fengyi Sect's general Lu Shaofu is under house arrest, the prince does not dare to interfere. Even if I have made great achievements, it is of no use. What's more, the evil shadow is still alive. If I sacrifice you to the prince, I'm afraid this life will be lost in a few days."

I was confused, this was not the reason for him to let me go. Time was tight, and I didn’t want to get entangled with him, so I said: "Although Xiao Shunzi has great martial arts skills, he is just a human being. Mr. Xiahou will be a high official in the future. Are you afraid of what he will do? But I don’t know what Mr. Xiahou wants Jiang to do for you?"

A hint of joy flashed between Xiahou Yuanfeng's brows, and he said: "My request is very simple. If Mr. Jiang is willing to give up his love and give Xie Ying to me as a slave, Xiahou will definitely risk his life to save Mr. Jiang today."

I just felt a bang in my head and almost lost my mind. Fortunately, Dong Que pushed me in time. I suppressed my anger and said: "Although Xiao Shunzi and I are called master and servant, we are the same flesh and blood. Mr. Xiahou This request is too much.”

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled slightly and said: "Xie Ying treats Mr. Jiang as a father and brother, and is loyal to him. Xia Hou is very envious. I think if Mr. Jiang is under my command, Xie Ying will also obey my orders."

I said coldly: "Master Xiahou, you are so proud, but you shouldn't have come by yourself."

Xiahou Yuanfeng glanced at Dong Que, shook his head and said, "He is no match for me. If I hadn't known that Li Shun was protecting King Yong and escaped, I wouldn't have dared to catch you alone. Lord Jiang, don't worry, I will never You leave it to the Crown Prince and Fengyi Sect, Mr. Jiang is extremely intelligent, and Xiahou is also eager to learn from you."

At this moment, Dong Que suddenly took action, piercing Xiahou Yuan Peak with a ray of cold light.

Xiahou Yuanfeng, however, was unhurried and drew his sword to meet him. The two of them fought together, their figures crisscrossing each other in the dormitory, and the sword light was like meteors and lightning. Both of them did not want to alarm others, so they were very restrained. Before long, Dong Que was gradually losing ground. His strength was not in martial arts. He had no chance of winning against someone like Xia Hou whose martial arts skills were much higher than his own.

After a few more moves, Xiahou Yuanfeng pierced Dong Que's thigh with his sword. The moment Dong Que fell to the ground, Xiahou Yuanfeng saw a dagger in Jiang Zhe's hand out of the corner of his eye. , was stabbing at the heart. He felt anxious and quickly flew towards Jiang Zhe. For him, Jiang Zhe could not die. At this critical moment, he suddenly saw a cluster of cold light shooting out from Jiang Zhe's waist. It was faster than the streamer, and the angle was very tricky. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng tried his best to avoid it, a small part of it still hit his body. Xiahou Yuanfeng subconsciously struck out with a palm, causing Jiang Zhe to fall backward. But Xiahou Yuanfeng only felt sore and weak all over, and couldn't help but fall to the ground. At this time, Dong Que rushed over in panic and leaned over to see Jiang Zhe's condition.

I woke up leisurely, saw Dong Que's frightened look, and whispered: "I'm fine. Has anyone caught me?"

Dong Que said with a smile: "Young Master's hidden weapon is really powerful. After Xiahou Yuanfeng was hit, he couldn't move immediately."

I breathed a sigh of relief. Just now, I had been thinking about how to get out of the predicament, because I understood that Dong Que was no match for Xiahou Yuanfeng. The only opportunity was for Xiahou Yuanfeng to come alone. I am not a fool, Xiao Shunzi. His martial arts and talents are rare in the world. For such a talent to be inferior to me, I don’t know how many people feel sorry for him, and I don’t know how many people want to recruit him. It’s just a hindrance to King Yong. Xiahou Yuanfeng’s ambition is not small. , actually wanted to take advantage of him, but for this reason, he couldn't hand me over to Fengyimen. Since he came alone, as long as I restrained him, I would be safe, but this is also The most difficult thing is, how can I, a weak scholar with no strength, restrain a top master?

Fortunately, I finally thought of a way. Since he wanted something, he couldn't let me commit suicide. So when Dong Que was defeated, I committed suicide with my sword. To him, this was in line with me, the chief of King Yong. As a counselor, I would rather die than be humiliated, so he flew to rescue me. Even if he knocked down my dagger in other ways, he would definitely come over and restrain me. I took this opportunity to hide it in the jade belt around my waist. The poisonous needles were shot out. Those poisonous needles were originally quenched with a poison that could see blood and seal the throat. But a few days ago, I replaced it with an anesthetic I had just prepared, which can make people collapse in the middle of breathing. The time limit is very short. Of course, I still encountered the danger I imagined. Xiahou Yuanfeng's counterattack hit me. Fortunately, he had almost lost all his strength at that time, and I was able to save my life.

I stood up and looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng, who looked a little ferocious. I was still a little worried. My beloved hairpin made of black iron essence had been given to Xiao Shunzi. He usually doesn't use weapons, but for his It's safe. When we broke out last night, I gave him the hairpin. It was a more powerful weapon than anything else to him. So I took off the current three-point gold and seven-point fine iron hairpin, and the sharp hairpin penetrated into several hidden points of Xiahou Yuanfeng. Now I can ensure that he can't fight back. Now it's me who controls the situation. .

After a while, Xiahou Yuanfeng began to be able to move, but he could feel that all the strength in his body was lost. He smiled bitterly and said, "I didn't expect Master Jiang to have such means."

I said humbly: "This is really a villain's trick that can only succeed by relying on surprise."

Xiahou Yuanfeng looked calm, as if I was the prisoner of his subordinates now. He smiled and said, "I don't know what Mr. Jiang will do with me. If my official disappears suddenly, I'm afraid some people won't let it go."

I glanced at him lightly and said: "Don't worry, I will kill you and hide you in a secret compartment, so you don't have to worry about anyone finding your body. Maybe they will think you escaped privately?" Some people will be very afraid if King Yong escapes." After hearing my words, Dong Que immediately opened the secret compartment on the bed. I said: "Dong Que, don't see any blood, lest the smell of blood is too strong and attract others' attention." Dong Que smiled and said: "I obey your orders." After that, he slowly pointed at Xiahou Yuanfeng's fatal point with one finger.

Xiahou Yuanfeng knew clearly that these two people were deliberately trying to scare him, otherwise why would Jiang Zhe just ban his martial arts? However, fear still arose in his heart. Dong Que looked cold and ruthless, and he was a murderer at first sight. At this time, Jiang Zhe said again: "I have never killed anyone with my own hands, so you should do it." At this time, Xiahou Yuanfeng couldn't help it. He knew that most of these counselors were the followers of the gentleman Yuan Chef. If he really died like this, it would be too worthless. With cold sweat pouring down his face, he exclaimed: "Master Jiang, spare your life, I am willing to surrender." However, Jiang Zhe did not say anything, just smiled lightly, Dong Que's finger got closer and closer, and finally pointed at Xiahou Yuanfeng's critical point. Xiahou Yuanfeng felt his heart trembling with fear. He was about to scream, but Dong Que had already reached out and covered his mouth. Feng felt dizzy for a while, and then he woke up. It turned out that Dong Que only used two points of force on his finger, so he did not kill Xiahou Yuanfeng. However, Xiahou Yuanfeng turned pale with fright. He had never been so close. died.

I sat down and looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng who had returned to normal in an instant. I couldn't help but be a little impressed. This man is a talented person, with a deep mind, adaptable to changes, and adaptable. Unfortunately, he is a member of the prince's party. I looked at him with some regret. It's not me now. If there was the slightest mistake when showing mercy, King Yong would really be doomed.

Xiahou Yuanfeng felt cold in his heart when he saw Jiang Zhe's cold and regretful eyes. Although he was scared to death just now, he could feel that Jiang Zhe was just venting his anger. But now, with that look, it seemed that he Right and wrong had to die, and he quickly shouted: "Master Jiang, even if I don't want to reveal the assassin's good intentions to you today, please remember Yuan Feng's loyalty to the princess."

I wish Ben was about to issue a killing order. When I heard what he said, I couldn't help being stunned. Even if the palace was in danger, it would not be possible for a subordinate to come to the rescue, but if the princess had not been prepared in advance, how could she have been so lucky."

Hearing this, my heart softened. The princess did inform me of Fengyi Sect's plan through Princess Yong that day. However, His Highness Prince Yong and I both thought that Fengyi Sect would use coercion and inducement, but we did not expect that they would use such methods. Despicable means. If Xiao Shunzi and I hadn't arranged someone in advance, the princess would have inevitably fallen into a trap. However, I still have to thank Xiahou Yuanfeng for his kindness. Looking at Xiahou Yuanfeng again, I sighed: "Master Xiahou, you It is indeed a service to the princess, but you also know the current situation, what can you use to convince me that letting you go is worth it."

Xiahou Yuanfeng used his brain to think of ways to survive. Not long after, his eyes fell on the bookcase. Fang Lingpa's secret decree, his eyes lit up and he said: "Except me, no one can deliver these things more conveniently." Get out, that’s the emperor’s secret order, I think Her Royal Highness Princess Lan Xinhuizhi will never do useless things.”

I said calmly: "You are very smart, but this matter does not have to be done by you."

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said: "Although the emperor's decree and the military talisman of General Qin have been obtained, in order to mobilize the army, someone must pass on the decree. I don't know who the spy of His Highness King Yong is beside the prince, but the prince only knows It is inconvenient for Fengyimen to come forward to let the confidants convey the decree. Nowadays, the prince does not have many confidants, and Shaofu Lu is the best among them. I am Shaofu Lu’s nephew. Besides me, who else is more suitable for this job? item of work.

I frowned after hearing this. Yes, although Zhang Jinxiong can ask to go, he is not as legitimate as Xiahou Yuanfeng. But can I trust him? He looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng with doubtful eyes. At this time, a few birds chirped outside. Dong Que's expression changed and he looked at me and said, "Master?"

I knew in my heart that Zhang Jinxiong had arrived, so I nodded lightly.

Dong Que walked out. Under the moonlight, a brave-looking man stood there. When he saw Dong Que, his expression widened and he whispered: "I only have a moment. Just now, His Highness the Crown Prince discussed with Shaofu Lu to send Mr. Xiahou went to deliver the order, and Zhang accompanied him to protect him. I came here on the pretext of going out to look for Mr. Xiahou."

Dong Que's heart was moved and he whispered: "Please wait a moment, Mr. Zhang. Now that Xiahou Yuanfeng has been controlled by my young master, please come to the side hall to speak."

Zhang Jinxiong was stunned. He knew Xiahou Yuanfeng's martial arts. If the two of them fought, even if he would not lose, it would be difficult for him to win. Unexpectedly, Xiahou Yuanfeng was restrained. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Jiang Zhejiang. Suiyun likes it even more.

The two entered the side hall. Dong Que walked back to the princess's bedroom and whispered a few words in Jiang Zhe's ear.

After hearing this, I was very surprised. I didn’t know if this was God’s blessing. After thinking about it, I took out a few pills from the secret compartment of the jade belt around my waist. I looked at them for a long time, selected one of them, and looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng said: "If you take this pill, I will believe that you sincerely abandon the darkness and turn to the light. You should know that I am the successor of the medical sage. This kind of poison does not have an antidote, but within ten days and a half, the antidote is not suitable." Okay, if you want glory and wealth, the prince can give it to you, and King Yong can give it to you, but if you want life, there is only one way to go."

Xiahou Yuanfeng hesitated for a moment, but he was a decisive person, not to mention that if he didn't take this poison, it would be impossible to leave Hanxiang Garden, so he immediately took the pill and drank it. Seeing that he was convinced, I added: "One more thing. Since you and Fengyimen work together as the crown prince, do you recognize Liang Wan?" Being destroyed and losing consciousness, although the Fengyi Sect keeps it secret, I heard Young Master Lu say it."

I smiled lightly and said, "I was the one who poisoned Liang Wan with drugs that day."

Xiahou Yuanfeng's eyes widened and he looked at me in disbelief and said, "Impossible. Did you already seek refuge with King Yong at that time?"

I was stunned and immediately understood what he meant, so I smiled and said, "This matter has nothing to do with His Highness King Yong. Liang Wan is my enemy who killed my wife. I only dealt with her for revenge."

Xiahou Yuanfeng felt a chill in his heart and looked at Jiang Zhe. At this moment, he really believed that Jiang Zhe could kill him with just one move. However, he became calm and said, "I don't know if there is anything else I can do for you." ."

But I became a little confused and said, "Why did Mr. Xiahou say this? It seems that he cares more about this matter than Jiang."

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said: "Now that I have been controlled by the Lord, I have boarded His Highness King Yong's ship. In this case, I naturally hope that the ship will be as stable as possible. It is best for me to make more contributions, so as not to I won’t have the chance to be promoted to a higher position in the future.”

I smiled reassuringly. If Xiahou Yuanfeng wanted to be promoted to a higher position, I would feel more at ease. I waved Dong Que to take the silk handkerchief and solemnly handed it to Xiahou Yuanfeng. Xiahou Yuanfeng also took it with a solemn expression. I bowed deeply and said, "This is the Holy Emperor's secret decree. You must hand it to General Qin Yong." , let General Qin Yong come to rescue King Qin." Xiahou Yuanfeng saluted and said: "Don't worry, sir, Xiahou will definitely live up to his trust. Your Highness, King Yong, please give me your kind words."

After Dong Que sent Xiahou Yuanfeng away, he came back and said, "Master, he has really left."

I said to Dong Que: "Go and ask Manager Zhang to come over."

Looking at Zhang Jinxiong's back, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. If Xiahou Yuanfeng would not betray, then it would be safer. If Xiahou Yuanfeng was not telling the truth, then he would not think that I had other messengers, so that I could Rest assured about Zhang Jinxiong’s safety. Moreover, the restriction I originally planned to place on Zhang Jinxiong has also been lifted. Since I want him to be the secret envoy, I must show my trust in him. For disciples from well-known and upright families, this will make them do their best. With Xiahou Yuanfeng as the overt envoy, the secret envoy does not need to be strictly controlled. What's more, Zhang Jinxiong is more trustworthy after all, both in terms of his character and his sect. Now the Kongtong sect has separated from the Fengyi sect. Not long ago, important figures in Kongtong secretly contacted Shaolin. Expressed intention to cooperate. Even if Xiahou Yuanfeng immediately brings people to capture me, I don’t have to worry. As long as Qin Yong can be summoned, my safety does not matter. Moreover, I believe that General Qin’s jade pendant can make Qin Yong more powerful than the emperor’s secret decree. I believe it, not to mention my preparation in advance. Feeling that all the energy in my body had been exhausted, I lay down on the bed and thought, what else can I do next? Anyway, it's better for me to stay here, so that Xiahou Yuanfeng will think that I trust him, and even if he betrays me, he won't suspect that there are other messengers.