The Grandmaster Strategist - Chapter 144

[Chapter 15 Lost can also be happy]

In Wuyin, the first year of Longsheng, on March 14th, general Jing Chi led 30,000 cavalry and 40,000 troops from Zhenzhou Yue Taihang Baixing, attacking Huguan was urgent, and defender Liu Wanli reported to Jinyang and Qinzhou urgently. On the twenty-fifth day, the city of Huguan was broken, and Jing Chi led his army to Qinyuan, and the momentum was like a broken bamboo.

– “Zizhi Tongjian Yongji III”

The clouds covered the sun, the sky was gloomy, and it seemed that it might rain at any time. Hundreds of knights on the official road ran madly. It looked a little embarrassed, and the green steed guarded by these knights was very good, but there were two people sitting on it, it was Jiang Zhe and Li Shun.

He ran for 60 to 70 miles without stopping. Jiang Zhe was not good at riding. In order to speed up the journey, Xiao Shunzi rode with him. , but it is a hundred times more spiritual.

On both sides of the official road, the grass was deep and the forest was dense. Xiao Shunzi carefully supported Jiang Zhe while paying attention to the movements around him. At this time of defeat and fleeing, he was in the territory of the enemy country, so he had to be very careful. There was a slight sound of horse hooves and grass being brushed past, Xiao Shunzi raised his right hand, and more than a hundred horses stopped at the same time, silent, worthy of being one of Dayong’s most elite troops.

Not long after, Su Qing rode a black horse through the forest, she greeted everyone, and raised her voice: “Sir, tonight’s accommodation has been found, and there is an unnamed village ten miles through the woods, which is very far from the official road. It’s far away, very secluded. I walked around outside, but I could hardly see the smoke and smoke. The villagers inside should have fled the military disaster long ago. I didn’t go in to investigate.”

I wearily said: “As soon as our army arrived in Anze, we started to attack the city, and we haven’t cleared the field yet, but the news from Ji’s side came, and the civilians in this area either escaped or hid in Anze. There is no one in this village. Strange, but everyone should be careful. Surround this village for a while, and if there are still people inside, lock them together. Be careful, our army is defeated at the beginning, and it will take at least a few days to regain its strength. If you have the spare energy, you will definitely take the four townships and hunt down our army’s lonely soldiers. These few days are the most dangerous, and this hiding place must be carefully guarded and not leaked.”

Huyan Shouti immediately said, “Don’t worry, my lord, General Su will lead the way. We will surround Zhuangzi first, and then search from house to house, so that no one will slip through the net.” I nodded slightly, they would never miss this kind of thing, a A small village, not to mention that there may be no people, even if there are 180 people, it can be easily swept away for them.

Huyanshou left a few guards to follow to protect me and Xiao Shunzi. They rushed over first. I thought there would be no problem, so Xiao Shunzi slowed down and moved forward.

The road in the forest is rugged and cannot be galloped, and the withered grass on both sides of the trail almost covers the road.

It can be seen that this is a village where few people come and go on weekdays. If it wasn’t to escape the Yong Army, I am afraid that the villagers there would not have escaped. , hurt heaven and earth.

After walking for a long time, the road in front of me suddenly widened and became much smoother, revealing a smooth dirt surface. This should be a place where the villagers often come and go. When I looked forward, I saw that I had reached the edge of the dense forest. Shunja urged the horse to add the whip, and drove the horse out of the woods.

I just feel that my eyes are bright and bright.

Behind the dense forest is a low-lying valley. In the center of the valley, there is a small lake with a radius of several acres. The lake is crystal clear and steaming hot on the lake. I can feel that it is much warmer here than other places. Presumably this lake is a hot spring. converged.

There are more than 30 families scattered around the lake.

If I think it was the Chengping period, it would be a paradise where chickens and dogs hear each other and do not communicate with each other.

But now it has become a battlefield of killing.

More than forty tiger guards surrounded the entire village, and in front of one of the farmhouses,

However, there was the sound of shouting and fighting, and I was shocked. Tiger guards are all first-class masters, how could they meet an opponent in this small village, my curiosity swelled, and I quickly signaled Xiao Shunzi to hurry up , Xiao Shunzi was probably worried that something was wrong, and he rode his horse to the farm in a moment.

This farmhouse covers an area of half an acre. There are three main rooms and three wing rooms on each side. The buildings are built of bluestone and are very bright and spacious. There are sparse fences around the farmhouse. With two rows of chrysanthemums, it can be seen that the owner here is not an ordinary farmer.

Although the weather is still very cold, it may be because the hot spring lake makes the temperature here higher, the green vegetables have broken ground, and the chrysanthemums have green leaves.

At this moment, two tiger guards in the courtyard were joining hands with a young farmer. Huyanshou stood at the gate of the courtyard with his hands behind his back. A dozen tiger guards surrounded the farmhouse tightly.

Seeing me parked outside the gate of the courtyard, Hu Yanshou hurried over and reported, “Sir, everything in the village has been cleared, the villagers here must have left long ago, only this family lives, or one Master.”

I nodded and looked carefully. I saw that the farmer was about twenty-eight or nine years old. He was handsome, with a straight nose and a square mouth. With a single sword in his hand, he blocked the two tiger guards, and he was still able to do it with ease, but his face was a little pale, and he clearly saw that the situation was critical.

Seeing this situation, Xiao Shunzi frowned and said, “Why don’t you let people go in through the window, attack from the front and back, and quickly restrain the person, the son still needs to rest.”

Huyanshou said in awe: “This subordinate sees that this farmhouse has the most open layout and elegant scenery in the entire village. I originally wanted to invite the young master to rest here, so I don’t want to destroy the house.”

I was moved, this farmhouse is really quiet, thanks to Huyanshou’s thoughtful thinking, at this time, Huyanshou probably saw that Xiaoshunzi’s face was not good, and hurriedly said: “Sir, wait a moment, this subordinate will take action in person.” He took a few steps back, turned around and drew his knife and walked towards the door of the main room.

Hu Yanshou was indeed one of the best masters in the Huwei Guards. His swordsmanship was fierce and fierce, and he forced the farmer to be stretched. On the ground, Huyanshou slashed at the farmer with a knife. If such a master kept it, he was afraid that he would be in trouble, so he decided to cut the grass without mercy.

At this time, someone in the house shouted loudly: “Leave someone under the knife!” Huyanshou originally expected that there might be someone in the house, otherwise the farmer would not stick to the main house. The knife suddenly stopped, and the blade stopped on the farmer’s neck. The farmer had already closed his eyes, but he noticed that the blade had stopped. Although the cold air was blowing, it didn’t seem to be bleeding. He opened his eyes and was stunned. Looking at Hu Yanshou.

At this time, the door was pushed open, and an old man in a gray shirt stood in front of the door. He looked haggard, almost skinny, and leaned on a cane in his hand. He looked about fifty or sixty years old, but this man Although he looked terminally ill, his demeanor was outstanding, and he had the demeanor of a superior man.

Huyanshou looked at the old man coldly, and said sternly, “Who are you? Let’s talk about the future. If you hide it a little, don’t blame yourself for being ruthless.”

The old man smiled indifferently, but his eyes fell on the green ji, who was guarded by several guards outside the courtyard gate. A literati in a blue cloak rode on the horse, his expression was faintly tired, his temples were slightly frosted, and his hair was dark. The color is gray and white, and he seems to be very old, but looking at his face, he is elegant and elegant, with a face as white as jade. This contradictory image makes him reveal an inexplicable temperament all over his body, and there is a youth in green clothes with a face like snow. , with an ice-like expression, he held the reins of the horse and stood aside, but his demeanor was stern, and although his expression was respectful, he did not look like an ordinary servant.

The old man sighed and said, “You must be nobles from Dayong, why do you make it difficult for us rural people, the little disciples resisted the generals, it is because you are menacing, please forgive me.”

The young farmer said loudly, “If you want to kill me, just kill me alone. My uncle is old and sick in bed for many years. You can’t kill innocent people indiscriminately, right?”

Huyanshou sent the horizontal knife in his hand forward, the young man felt a tingling pain in his throat, Huyanshou said coldly, “I won’t ask you a lot.” The young man’s eyes were full of anger, but he could only keep his mouth shut.

Huyanshou looked at the old man again, and said: “Name, origin? I don’t want to ask again.”

The old man shook his head gently and said, “Old man Ji Xuan, the general must have never heard of it.”

I was tired when I heard Ji Xuan’s name, my expression lifted, and I said loudly: “Ji Xuan, Ji Zicheng, before the establishment of the Northern Han Dynasty, was the long history of Taiyuan Ling Liu Sheng’s account, familiar with the history of the classics, proficient in the Book of Changes and arithmetic, After Liu Sheng established the country, Ji Xuan was dissatisfied with Liu Sheng’s rebellion, so he hung up the crown and left, making Liu Sheng embarrassed, he must be the master.” After saying that, I got off my horse, walked slowly to the farmhouse, and turned to the old man deeply. With a deep bow, he said, “I learned from Jiang Zhe at the end of the day, and I met Mr. Ji. I was born late and heard for a long time that the old Mr. was very knowledgeable and splendid. I saw it today, how lucky it is.”

After saying these words, the young farmer who fell to the ground flashed a look of surprise in his eyes, but he was stuck with a knife against his throat, so he didn’t dare to speak.

And Ji Xuan’s eyes flashed a deep light, and said: “It turns out that it is the champion of Southern Chu, the concubine of Dayong, and the Hou Jiangzhe of Chu Township. Although this old man lives in the village, he also heard about the reputation of the Lord. I never thought that the Lord would come here.”

When I heard his tone, I felt bad. This Ji Xuan only saw that he was dissatisfied with Liu Sheng’s establishment of the country, and he left with the crown. It can be seen that he is a person who abides by the way of loyalty. Although I have a talent and a name, I am the first to Nan Chu, and then the latter. It happened to Dayong, and he married Princess Changle again. This Ji Xuan must treat me as a thief. If it wasn’t for the young man’s life, this old gentleman would have ridiculed me.

So I didn’t express my admiration very knowingly, and changed the subject: “The elder brother called the old gentleman an uncle. Could it be your nephew?”

Ji Xuan said with a sullen expression: “This son Zhao Liang, whose name is Wenshan, is the son of the old man’s best friend Daizhou Zhao Yi. The old friend and his wife died in the war. This child grew up by the old man’s side since he was a child. I am equal to his father and brother. This child calls me my uncle, but in fact he is in love with the father and son. A few days ago, I heard that the Yong army attacked Qinzhou, killing civilians along the way. The villagers were afraid and uneasy, and they all took refuge in the north. Only the old man was seriously ill and could not stand the journey. Bumpy, I have to stay and die, this child is very filial, and insists that he will not escape on his own, and hope that the Marquis will forgive his life for the sake of the nephew’s reckless ignorance and his filial piety.”

I glanced at Ji Liang, and I admired him very much. This man is indeed a filial son. For the sake of his uncle, regardless of his life and death, seeing him blocking the door all the time, he must have been worried that we would hurt his uncle, and since he was with Ji Xuan, He must also be familiar with the history of the scriptures, seeing that his martial arts are also good, but he is a talented person with both civil and military skills. Although they are from the Northern Han Dynasty, Ji Xuan should not be loyal to the Northern Han royal family, and Zhao Liang should not reject Dayong. Zhao Liang is a talent that can be recruited.

Thinking of this, I smiled and said, “It turns out that Younger Brother Zhao is the most filial person, General Huyan, you should step down. There are many offenses to your subordinates, so please forgive me.”

Huyanshou withdrew his sword and retreated, then Zhao Liang stood up and walked over to support Ji Xuan. He had just picked up a life from the gate of hell, Zhao Liang’s face was also very pale, and he respectfully said: “There are a lot of Marquis, Zhao Liang. Thank you so much, please be merciful to Hou Ye and don’t hurt your uncle’s life.”

I sternly said: “Mr. Ji is a scholar of Confucianism, although Zhe is a late-stage scholar, how dare he have the intention of harming, but our army is newly defeated and needs to be repaired here for a period of time, and Zhao Shaoxiong is also invited to stay in the village. Don’t act without authorization, when Jiang leaves, the two of them will be free.”

Zhao Liang’s face flashed with joy, and I saw that he was delighted, and I knew that he was a man who was not deep in the city, and I loved it more and more in my heart, and said: “Originally, there are many empty houses in the village, but most of my subordinates are warriors, lest they will be disturbed by the etiquette. Mr. Ji, besides, I also like the elegance here, I don’t know if Mr. Ji can allow Jiang to live here?”

Ji Xuan snorted heavily, if he was not worried about Zhao Liang’s life, how could he allow such an unfaithful and unrighteous person to stay in his home, but the situation was stronger than others, he was helpless, and said coldly: “Marquis has a life. , I don’t dare to refuse, the dwelling is simple, but it makes the Hou Ye laugh, Liang Er, pack up the things, we will go to live elsewhere.”

I almost laughed out loud, this old gentleman is really funny, is this a mockery of me, but I am very happy, at least this Ji Xuan knows how to back down, I don’t like meeting that kind of oil. A ruthless person with no salt, but this kind of person has a good talent and a resounding reputation. If I were forced to kill Ji Xuan, wouldn’t it be very unpleasant to spread it out.

But there are many living beings. After all, there are many people who are moderate, firm in mind, unshakable by external things and highly intelligent. Although it happens that I have met several such people.

One is Xiao Shunzi. Don’t look at him when he was young, he seemed to have a smooth heart, but now he can show his true colors. No one can shake his will. Fortunately, God blesses him, he guards me wholeheartedly, and regards me as a confidant.

He will never allow anyone to compromise my safety, including myself, otherwise that time when Qiuyu flew and stabbed me, Xiao Shunzi would not have been furious because of my own risk and let me eat for several days. ‘s top.

The other is Lu Can, my former disciple. He made up his mind to be loyal to Southern Chu. A few days ago, there was an espionage from Jiangnan, and Lu Can was killed because of Shang Weijun’s order to replace Zhao Long, the lord of Southern Chu. It was unthinkable for me to give up the plan to attack Dayong, but he did it and was willing to be placed under house arrest in Jianye by Shang Weijun. It seems that he would never do anything against his ministers. festival thing.

Although I’m glad that the pressure on Dayong’s south has been relieved for this reason, I definitely don’t expect Lu Can to surrender to Dayong in the future.

In fact, there is another person, Li Xian, King of Qi. He is also a guy who can’t make money. The reason why he obeys me now is purely because he likes me, and just by what he has always done in the past, he will know if this person is determined. Once he has made up his mind, no one can change his mind. Speaking of which, I am extremely fortunate. This man never intended to seize the Dayong throne himself, otherwise Li Zhi would win a tragic victory. Turned upside down.

He cursed Li Xian with a few words in his heart. He already had a warning sign in his heart, but he would not listen to Li Xian’s retreat without any reason, so I didn’t talk too much, and it ended up causing me to fall here. planting level.

I stopped the distracting thoughts in my heart, and I stopped Zhao Liang, who was about to go in and pack up the salute, and said apologetically, “Brother Zhao, hold on, old gentleman, don’t say this, Zhe is a junior at the end of school, how dare you expel the old gentleman from the residence, Zhe Seeing that there are wing rooms on both sides, I borrowed a guest room to stay temporarily, what would you like to do with respect?”

Ji Xuan’s face softened, I was so tolerant, he couldn’t speak ill of him, so he said pleasantly: “Thank you so much for the large amount of Hou Ye, Liang Er often cleans the guest room in the east wing, so please ask the Hou Ye to feel wronged.”

I agreed with a smile, and after riding the horse for a long time, I could hardly hold it any longer. I rubbed my forehead, and I reluctantly said, “I am weak and unbearable, so I will retire first. Please go back to your room and rest tomorrow. Does Zhe want to ask the old gentleman for advice?”

Ji Xuan saw that my face was pale and there were beads of sweat on my forehead. In fact, he was also sullen. He had said this for a long time because of spiritual support, so he handed over and retired and went back to his room to rest.

I was helped by Xiao Shunzi into the wing, which was really elegant and clean, and didn’t need to be tidy up. I took off my cloak and fell on the bed, almost falling asleep as soon as I touched the pillow.

When I woke up, I felt refreshed. I opened my eyes and saw Xiao Shunzi sitting in front of the window, holding a book in his hand and reading it with relish. I felt a great sense of accomplishment in my heart. The boy who is about to sleep will consciously search for books to read today. I am still a very good gentleman.

Although I only moved slightly, Xiao Shunzi already realized that I was awake, put down the scroll, he came over with a cup of hot tea, I poured this cup of hot tea, and felt much better, but I was hungry.

Xiao Shunzi said lightly, “The food is hot in the kitchen. I’ll let them bring it.”

I got up and put on my coat, and said lazily, “Alright.” Xiao Shunzi went out to give an order, and after a while, Su Qing walked in with a wooden tray with a few light side dishes on it.

When I saw it was Su Qing, I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed and complained, “Xiao Shunzi, how could you let General Su do such a thing, isn’t it too rude.”

Su Qing said eloquently: “After I woke up, I saw General Huyan refused to rest. After asking, I found out that he must be on duty in person. I don’t want him to be like this. It’s hard work, so please take care of him at night, the adults only treat the last general as General Huyan, don’t mind these little things.”

I just relaxed, thinking that Su Qing has been in the military all the year round, I am afraid that I will not regard myself as a woman long ago. I picked up the bamboo chopsticks and was about to eat when I heard the gentle scolding of the guards outside. I couldn’t help but stop the chopsticks. Su Qing heard the sound. After walking out, he came back after a while and said, “My lord, it’s that son of Zhao Liang and Zhao. He may have learned that the lord is awake and wanted to see him overnight.”

I felt strange in my heart and said, “Let him come in.” Anyway, this Zhao Liang couldn’t make any big waves, so I didn’t take it to heart. Who let me have a master like Xiao Shunzi by my side, if he assassinated Su Qing I will feel dangerous when Duan Lingxiao or Qiu Yufei appear.

Not long after, Zhao Liang walked in. As soon as he walked in the door, he knelt on the ground and nodded again and again. I felt strange and wanted to step forward to help, but Xiao Shunzi came over with a cold look, and I immediately retracted my hand and asked. Said: “Why is Zhao Shaoxiong like this? Please get up and speak.”

Zhao Liang didn’t get up, he just raised his head and said, “Caomin has an unkind request, I beg Lord Hou to save my uncle’s life.”

After a second thought, I understood what he meant. Ji Xuan was very sick. Although I did not diagnose his pulse, I knew that he was seriously ill, and it was widely known that I was a disciple of the sage of medicine. This Zhao Liang was seeking medical treatment. coming.

But I rarely see a doctor for others, and just taking care of my own body is trouble enough.

This is just a trivial matter, and I graciously agreed: “Zhe is here to receive the hospitality of the young brother, and there is no problem with this matter. When tomorrow Zhe will personally diagnose Mr. Ji’s pulse, but life and death have fate, to cure immortal diseases, Zhe also only I can do my best, and if there is something I can’t bear to say, please forgive me.”

Zhao Liang said happily, “The Caomin thanked Lord Hou for his kindness. As long as Lord Hou is willing to take care of him, no matter what, the people of Caomin can only be grateful, how can they blame Lord Lord.”

I looked at the food on the table and said with a smile: “It’s late at night now, young brother must have been waiting for a long time, I am afraid I am also hungry, I am bored to eat alone, young brother may wish to use it with me.”

Zhao Liang didn’t dare to sit at the table with me, but I made up my mind. After a while, another set of tableware was brought. Zhao Liang only meant to eat a little while I was talking to him while eating.

As expected, this Zhao Liang really is familiar with the history of scriptures, and he knows current affairs like the back of his hand.

I had a good time talking with him, even Xiao Shunzi took away the leftovers and put on the fragrant tea. Talented people, but they live in the countryside, and after my Dayong enters Qinzhou, I don’t know if the younger brother is willing to serve Dayong.”

Zhao Liang’s expression changed, and he finally asked, “There is something I don’t know about Caomin, please ask the Lord to teach me.”

I was sipping the fragrant tea, um, the mountain and wild tea, it was really refreshing, and I responded, “What do you want to ask Wenshan?”

Zhao Liang solemnly said: “Now that the Yong army has lost to Anze, why does the Marquis have no worries at all, and it seems that the victory is in hand? Could it be that this defeat of the Yong army is also in the Marquis’ calculations.”

With a shake of my hand, the tea almost overflowed, and I looked at Zhao Liang with fresh eyes. I thought he was just a talent, but now it seems that he is a genius. From my words, I can see a lot of this. Things, I put down the tea cup, and said seriously: “This matter involves military aircraft, does Wen Shan really want to know?”

Zhao Liang’s heart shuddered, but he was very aware of his situation. Since Jiang Zhe was soliciting, he probably had no chance of getting out. If he didn’t ask clearly, Yong Jun really failed miserably, then Dayong’s domination of the world is very likely to succeed. Looking at the mirror, if that’s the case, wouldn’t he be stigmatized by the country in vain.

So Zhao Liang nodded firmly and said, “Caomin really wants to know the reason.”

I thought to myself, I didn’t set a trap, but you took the bait yourself, so I smiled calmly: “Although there are some things I can’t tell you, but I don’t care about this defeat, the Northern Han army is flooded. An Ze, that was a losing game. It can be seen that the Northern Han army is already unable to continue. Although our army was defeated, the main force was not damaged because of the timely retreat. I think the biggest possibility of the Northern Han army is to withdraw to Qinyuan, lured our army to go deep into the enemy’s territory. At that time, our army’s food supply will be difficult, and the Northern Han army can calmly confront the enemy. However, our army has never held the mind of easy victory from beginning to end. This fiasco will only make our army The morale is even higher, and although the food route is blocked, there are still dozens of warships in the Zezhou water camp of our army. As long as the civilian ships are requisitioned, the food route can be maintained. As long as we fight steadily, Qinyuan is not difficult to capture. It should be already attacking Huguan, as long as Huguan is broken, 200,000 troops will besiege Qinyuan, and the city will be broken sooner or later.”

Zhao Liang’s heart sank after hearing this, since Yong Jun’s supervisor was so convinced that he would win, then Yong Jun’s morale was bound to be high. No matter whether Qinyuan could be defeated or not, this battle would cause heavy losses to the Northern Han, although Jiang Zhe did not say anything special. , but as long as you gather enough troops in a dignified manner, and there is a famous general like Qi Wang Li Xian to command, you really don’t need to use any strategies.

Although he was a native of the Northern Han Dynasty, he was neither an official, influenced by Ji Xuan, nor did he intend to be loyal to the Liu family, so it was not difficult for him to surrender Dayong.

But thinking of the villagers who had fled, Zhao Liang asked again: “Excuse me, Lord Hou, since Dayong has the ambition to dominate the world, why did he attack Qinzhou this time, but he burned and killed the people along the way and drove the people northward. Confused.”

I thought to myself, the matter of clearing the wilderness is about military aircraft, so I can’t tell you, so I just said lightly: “Qinzhou military and civilians and Dayong have been fighting for years, and almost every family has their children killed on the battlefield, UU reading www.sonicmtl.com Our army did not want to leave behind troubles to harass the food, so it drove the people north. In fact, apart from deterrence, our army did not wantonly kill civilians. already.”

Zhao Liang was still puzzled, but he knew that he knew enough, so he got up and bowed down and said: “If uncle agrees, Zhao Liang would rather join Dayong, but Zhao Liang is a native of Northern Han, and he also asks the Marquis to forgive and allow Zhao Liang Liang did not participate in the battle of Dayong and Northern Han.”

I hurriedly picked him up and said, “I can decide this matter, and I won’t let the younger brother embarrass me.” I figured in my heart that it would be best to let him appease the place in the future, but of course, I can’t make him a traitor in the eyes of the Northern Han military and civilians. .

On the second day, I treated Ji Xuan. Fortunately, Ji Xuan’s illness can be cured, but now the medicine is not complete, so I will use acupuncture and some medicines on hand to help Ji Xuan first, and I can start treatment when I return to the army. .

As for Zhao Liang’s service to me, Ji Xuan just sighed and stopped asking. In fact, he also understands that if I don’t kill them when I leave, I’m afraid that the Northern Han army will kill them as traitors in the future. , Zhao Liang has no other way to go even if he does not surrender.

I almost want to laugh out loud. With Ji Xuan in hand, it will be easier for Northern Han scholars to accept Dayong’s rule. I get these two people. For the emperor, I am afraid that it is better than breaking a city in the Northern Han Dynasty. The credit is far greater.

In the next few days, I saw that it was hidden here, so I simply stayed and didn’t leave. Anyway, it’s better to be quiet. I only need to wait a few days before I can meet Li Xian, and I don’t want to go out and take risks.

And there are hot springs here, which can prolong life.

Every day, eating rough tea, taking a leisurely bath in the hot springs, holding a scroll of ancient books in hand, and debating scriptures with Mr. Ji, it is really a fairy-like day.

[End of this Chapter]