Chapter 12 Chapter 42: Victory and Pursuit

After setting up the vanguard battalion, I asked Qian Wenyi to set up a mourning hall for the soldiers who died in the battle, open up the list of the dead and put it on it, and lead the whole army to pay homage to the dead. After that, I patted my horse and walked towards Wenhou's mansion.In this battle, the snake people died everywhere, and the ground was bombed with potholes. After the rainwater accumulated, it became muddy. The soldiers who cleaned the battlefield were also very hard. When we arrived at Wenhou's mansion, we could see bright lights from a distance.Marquis Wen commanded a complete victory in this battle, and his prestige reached its peak. There was an endless stream of officials who came to congratulate and celebrate.

The rain also stopped, but I didn't have time to change clothes, so I just took off my battle armor and changed into casual clothes, but the guards of Marquis Wen's Mansion still recognized me, and greeted me: "General Chu, you are here, Your Excellency is waiting Waiting for you, hurry up." He took me into the inner room.At the door, he said: "My lord, General Chu is here." "Come in." Marquis Wen said calmly inside.The guard gave way to me and withdrew.I opened the door curtain and walked inside. Marquis Wen was sitting at a desk drinking tea, looking at something, I knelt down and said, "The end general has seen your lord."

Marquis Wen put down his cup and said, "Chu Xiuhong, get up." He put the thing in his hand face down on the table, I glanced at it, it was a small portrait, it belonged to Zhen Yining. At this time, Marquis Wen missed Zhen Yining even more.I have always felt sorry for Wen Hou's son who has almost no shortcomings.Marquis Wen's mansion is too deep, and I always dare not confide in him. If Zhen Yining takes the position of Marquis Wen, it will be another matter.Perhaps, at that time, the trend of the empire would also change because of Zhen Yining. I stood up, and Marquis Wen looked at me, and suddenly sighed: "Chu Xiuhong, Yi Ning asked me to regard you as his substitute before he died, alas, I really didn't do a good job, and I let you take such a big risk this time." risk."

I said: "My lord, this battle is related to the survival of the empire. My lord let me take this responsibility. It is really a trust in me. It is too late to be grateful." Marquis Wen smiled and said, "That's right. But during the day, I'm really afraid that your vanguard battalion won't be able to withstand the first attack of the snakemen. At that time, the snakemen hadn't all entered the minefield. If the ignition was early, then my Even if you put all your eggs in one basket, you will fail. Fortunately, you did not take the heavy responsibility, and finally withstood it."

I was at a loss for words.Marquis Wen asked me to take on such important tasks, causing one-fifth of the vanguard battalion to die. He really believed that I could do it.But, in case I can't stand it, Zhang Longyou said that he asked Bi Wei to use the Shenlong Cannon as a fire bomb, and he would not hesitate to blow up me and the snake people to death.If Zhen Yining were replaced, Marquis Wen would never have such an idea. What he said about using me as Zhen Yining's substitute was just to make me grateful. After all, I am not Zhen Yining. In my mind, the position of the second general Deng Bi is also behind, at best it is only the third place.I know this, but dare not say it.

I said: "My lord's kindness in cultivation will never be forgotten. It's just that my lord, the snake man's strength should not be underestimated, and I still can't be careless." Marquis Wen nodded and said: "The snake people have sent a total of 100,000 troops to the north to invade the imperial capital. According to the report I sent, there are about 100,000 snake people in the south of the river. I really have the will to win. Today I thought I could burn more than 80,000 of them to death, but I didn’t expect that I escaped with 30,000 to 40,000. It’s really not as good as God’s calculation, alas.”

Burning 60,000 to 70,000 snake people to death is already a remarkable result, but it is indeed not yet time to taste the fruit.But I don't understand why Marquis Wen held the celebration party at this time since he knew about it. The most important thing now is to try to wipe out the remaining snake-man remnants, so as to make the imperial capital completely safe.I said: "I don't know if my lord has a plan to wipe out the remnants of the snake people?" Marquis Wen smiled again and said: "There are no difficulties in the world, and all people do it. The three armies are powerful, and it is really easy to wipe out the remnant snake-man army, but..."

As soon as he changed the subject, I knew there must be something inside, so I pricked up my ears and listened carefully.But Marquis Wen didn't say anything. He stood up, opened the door, looked at it, and said after closing it, "Chu Xiuhong, there is a patient with internal and external injuries. Do you think the internal injury is intractable or the external injury is intractable?" Marquis Wen is naturally not a medical officer, nor is he interested in treating injuries. Of course, what he said is a metaphor, and I understand what he means.Now there are two major factions in the court, the crown prince and Marquis Wen control the army, and because of the victory in this battle, Marquis Wen has been praised as half human and half holy, but the second prince and concubine Jiang control the imperial army and the officials of the court. Mostly.In Wenhou's view, the snake man is an external injury, while the second prince and concubine Jiang are internal injuries.Although I knew what Marquis Wen meant, I didn't dare to say it clearly, and I didn't dare to pretend to be stupid. I just said: "The internal and external are not easy to treat, but we have to prioritize them. The most urgent ones should be treated first."

Marquis Wen clapped his palms together and said with a smile: "Sure enough. Chu Xiuhong, you are a smart person and you know what I mean. Now is the time to treat this acute and serious injury." I said: "My lord means..." A sneer appeared at the corner of Marquis Wen's mouth: "Cut off its wings first, and then destroy its heart and lungs. Chu Xiuhong, I'm afraid this is more difficult to deal with than the snake man, do you dare?" I was taken aback.What is Wen Hou going to do?Does he want to use the army to deal with political enemies in North Korea and China?Marquis Wen also saw my doubts, and said again: "I don't want you to do anything else. I just want you to follow me. If there is any abnormality, you will suppress it."

Marquis Wen wants to do something at this celebration banquet!It dawned on me, but there was one thing I had to ask.My voice trembled and I asked, "My lord, are you... going to deal with the Lu Bingbu?" Lu Xiang is the minister of the Ministry of War. He was supposed to control the country's military affairs, but now he is pushed aside by Marquis Wen.In addition, he is the cousin of Concubine Jiang, the backbone of the second prince's party, and the biggest political enemy of Marquis Wen in the court.However, if Marquis Wen deals with him now, he is afraid that the imperial capital will suffer from external troubles and internal strife will break out again.

Marquis Wen raised his eyebrows and said with a smile: "Although Lu Bingbu has an internal disease, it is not an emergency. You don't have to worry about it, just stay by my side, understand?" "understood." I agreed, but felt very uncomfortable.After parting ways with Lu Gongxing, I knew there would be conflicts sooner or later, but I hope the conflicts come as late as possible.However, this day finally came, and I could almost see the knife flashing in front of my eyes. Marquis Wen looked at me again, and suddenly said: "Go and change your clothes. You have contributed a lot to this battle, don't dress like a soldier." He stretched out his hand and pulled the wire of the calling bell by the table. After a while, a The maid said outside the door: "My lord, what are your orders?" Marquis Wen opened the door and said to the maid, "Change some clothes for General Chu. It's the white satin battle robe." The maid seemed slightly taken aback, and said, "Isn't that your son's? You said..." Before she could finish speaking, Marquis Wen's expression darkened, and he said, "Go." The maid promised, then turned to me and said, "General Chu, please follow me." I followed her to the wing room, and the maid took out a white satin robe from the closet and said, "General Chu, please change." This satin robe may have been produced in Zhijiang Province.Zhijiang Province and Tianshui Province both produce silk, and the products of the two places are comparable, but the climate in Tianshui Province is too humid, so the dyed color is mostly a bit dark, not as bright as Zhijiang Province.This white satin shirt is mercerized, although there is no pattern at all, it looks like there is light flowing faintly, making it look very luxurious. Only the Crown Prince and the Second Prince wore this kind of battle robe. Perhaps, this battle robe belonged to Zhen Yining.The maid put on the battle robe and belt for me. I looked at the bronze mirror, and I was so shocked that I almost didn't recognize myself. When the maid took me back to Marquis Wen's room, Marquis Wen was also startled when he saw me, and immediately smiled and said, "It's true that people depend on their clothes. No wonder Princess Anle said 'Zhilan may not be born in Huatang'." I also understand the meaning of these words. I am a commoner. If King An Le wants to recruit me as his son-in-law, he must also attract opposition from the clan members. Maybe the princess will stop them with these words.My face flushed slightly, and I said, "My lord made fun of me." Marquis Wen still smiled and said: "That's really true. Since the military academy recruited civilian children, two-thirds of the new generals in their early years are of civilian origin. Chu Xiuhong, you have to work hard, hehe, Do you remember that Zhong Yugu?" This Zhong Yugu was the one with the best grades among the students who graduated early from the military academy last year. I still remember his impassioned oath when the crown prince gave him the golden knife.I nodded and said, "I still remember." "This person is very active in this battle, and his record is quite good, and he will be promoted to a reserve general in an exceptional way, young and talented." Marquis Wen sighed again: "Chu Xiuhong, don't be fooled by this little junior brother." caught up." I'm going to be promoted to general, that is to say, I'm about to pass the "Tianmen Pass", which is much higher than Zhong Yugu's general.However, I have been a centurion for a few years after I joined the army, and Zhong Yugu was promoted from a centurion to a general in just one year. In terms of speed, it is much faster than me.I heard that Zhong Yugu's father was a minor official in the Ministry of Punishment, so he was born as a commoner. I said: "The last general understands." Wenhou stood up and said: "Okay, let's go." He suddenly smiled and said: "The princess is here too." My heart skipped a beat.Before the decisive battle, the princess vaguely revealed that if I can come back victorious, he will marry me.At that time, she said that she wanted to see my flute skills, but I had never learned them. If I really wanted to see my flute skills, then I would have to make a fool of myself. Thinking of this, I blurted out: "My lord..." Wen Hou said: "Is there anything else?" "My lord, I want to learn how to play the flute from my lord when I have time." Marquis Wen was startled, and suddenly smiled and said, "Okay. If you can become a famous flute player, His Highness will definitely look at you with admiration. Haha, let's go." Wenhou Mansion is very large.Originally, two thousand soldiers were stationed in the backyard, but now that Deng Canglan and Bi Wei had become leading generals, there were only a hundred soldiers left in the army, and the courtyard suddenly seemed much empty.The hall was brightly lit, and the family performers of Marquis Wen's Mansion were playing an unknown tune, the tune was very brisk.When Marquis Wen led me in, the salute shouted loudly: "Lord Wenhou is here!" Many clans and high officials of the empire have already gathered in the lobby.The battle of the imperial capital finally ended with our victory. Marquis Wen's reputation was comparable to that of the military saint Na Tingtian almost overnight. Those high-ranking officials of the clan almost all had flattering smiles when they faced Marquis Wen, and they rushed to flatter Marquis Wen , Even I, who followed Marquis Wen, praised me a lot.Listening to those high-ranking officials who I hardly dared to look at in the past said their flattering words to me, I was a little disgusted and a little flattered at the same time.After sitting for a while, Lu Xiang, Lu Gongxing and his son also arrived. Marquis Wen stepped forward and said, "Lu Bingbu, what a rare visitor." Lu Xiang is the most important official in the four official books. Everyone knows that he and Marquis Wen are mortal enemies in the court.Lu Xiang was originally the minister of the Ministry of War, and should be in charge of all military affairs, but this time defending the imperial capital, Lu Xiang was completely evacuated, and he won this battle without making any contribution.Not only him, but also Lu Gongxing was only in charge of the backup and had never fought directly, so it was at best a last-minute contribution.Everyone knew that it was Marquis Wen's suppression of his father and son, but Lu Xiang's face was calm, he just smiled and said, "Mr. Wenhou is good. If you don't come to see you often, you will be sentenced to death for your lowly position." Marquis Wen chatted with him for a while, probably no one would have imagined that they would be irreconcilable enemies, I also talked to Lu Gongxing, his tone was indifferent, just some polite words, I don't know what he was thinking.Thinking of our birth and death together in Gaojiu City, although we were not too close at that time, we can also be said to have shared weal and woe, reminiscing about the past, it seems like a lifetime away. At this moment, the salutation shouted again: "His Royal Highness King Anle is here." I turned my head, but saw the princess slowly coming in with the help of King Anle, and the little prince followed behind them. When he saw me, he immediately ran over and shouted: "General Chu, you have arrived." I gave a military salute and said with a smile, "Your Highness, hello." The little prince wiped his nose and said with a smile: "General Chu, I saw you fighting the snake man, haha, it's amazing. What is that fire-breathing thing?" I said, "That's the Shenlong Cannon." "It's amazing." The little prince smacked his lips and praised, "It's really amazing, much stronger than a crossbow arrow." The Shenlong Cannon and the Thundering Crossbow are two different things. The Thundering Crossbow is certainly powerful, but compared to the Shenlong Cannon, it is indeed far behind.But no matter how powerful the Shenlong Cannon is, it doesn't actually have much practical effect. Wen Hou used the Shenlong Cannon not so much to kill the enemy, but to lure the enemy.Wen Hou is indeed far-sighted. No matter what I think about Wen Hou, I admire his resourcefulness so much. At this time, King An Le came over.King Anle seemed to have a high prestige in the clan, and several descendants of the clan came forward to pay their respects.King Anle first congratulated Marquis Wen, then turned to me and said, "General Chu is indeed loyal and brave, haha." He also seemed to be in a good mood, I knelt down unconsciously and said, "Thank you, my lord, for your compliment." The relationship between King An Le and me is very different, so naturally I can't just give a military salute like I do to others.The Princess smiled and said nothing, probably happy for my victory.King An Le smiled and said, "Get up, get up, I saw you right." I couldn't help but smile wryly to myself, King An Le said that he saw me right, but he was actually saying that the Princess has good eyesight.I was about to say a few more words of humility, when Zan Li suddenly said: "Pu Shangshu, General Pu Anli is here!" Everyone gave a "wow", and Pu Anli charged into the battle. Moreover, he was a son of a family, he was mighty and tall, and he was very popular with those clans. At this time, Pu Anli came in with his father, one of his arms was bandaged, and princess Tang walked beside him.Marquis Wen went up to greet him, and said with a smile: "Pu Shangshu, you are here too, and you are so radiant. Your son is worthy of being a brave man. Tang Hou has this son-in-law, and he should rest in peace under the nine springs." Pu Zhi looked at me standing next to Marquis Wen and said, "Is this Chu Xiuhong who was recently promoted by Marquis Zhen?" I saluted and said, "Lord Pu, the last general Chu Xiuhong is very polite." Pu Anli let out a "hum" from his nose.He has never been able to get along with me since the beginning, and he is still the same now.But he might want to attack the Marquis of Wu, he is much taller than me, I'm afraid he will look down on me even more. Marquis Wen smiled and said: "Pu Shangshu supervised the building of warships, and General Pu charged into battle. The virtuous father and son are worthy of being the pillars of the country, which is admirable. Lord Pu, I have written to the emperor to ask for praise for General Pu." Although Pu Zhi has not expressed his attitude clearly now, it seems that he intends to fall on the side of the second prince.When Marquis Wen said this, he was afraid that he still wanted to pull Pu Zhi back to his side.But Pu Zhi just smiled slightly and said: "My lord, don't worry, these are just the duties of a lowly rank." Marquis Wen and Pu Zhi chatted a few words, the words were polite, but I know they have their own plans, I'm afraid they are very clear about each other.The Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry ranks last in the four Shangshu of Bing, Xing, Hu, and Gong. Pu Zhi may also have his own plans. After waiting for a while, there was a sudden noise at the door. It was the prince and the second prince coming together.Although the emperor has many children, the only ones who can succeed to the throne are the two sons born in the main palace. They also often fight with each other. I didn't expect that they would come here together. The prince and the second prince appeared at the door almost at the same time, and everyone knelt down and saluted.After the silence came down, the crown prince glanced at us and said with a smile: "My lords, today our warriors fought bloody battles and won a big victory. The emperor was overjoyed upon hearing the news, and ordered me to reward the first hero in this battle." My heart skipped a beat, most likely it was Marquis Wen who asked for his order to reward me, and I couldn't help feeling ecstatically, puffed up my chest, but saw the crown prince took out a scroll of silk scrolls from his side and handed it to Marquis Wen, Marquis Wen read out: " General Pu Anli stepped forward to accept the seal." I was about to go forward, but when I heard these words, I couldn't help being stunned.Pu Anli showed joy on his face, and he stepped forward and said, "The last general is here." Marquis Wen said again: "Emperor Tianbao issued an edict on May 13th in the twenty-seventh year: General Pu Anli, who was played by Zhenli Zhiqing, Marquis Cha Wen, has long cherished loyalty, A real pillar of talent, I am allowed to attack the Marquis of Wu, and I honor this." Of course, I had heard that Pu Anli wanted to seize the title, but I didn't expect that it was proposed by Marquis Wen, and it was so fast, after a battle in the daytime, it was announced immediately at night.At this time, Pu Anli was also trembling in surprise. Maybe he thought that Marquis Wen would probably object, but he didn't expect that it was proposed by Marquis Wen. He kowtowed gratefully and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness, it will never be repaid." The people around cheered, and in the crowd, I found that Lu Gongxing didn't say anything, but just whispered something in Lu Xiang's ear, and the second prince's expression was ugly, as if he was both surprised and annoyed. After the cheers, Marquis Wen said loudly: "My lords, there are warriors like Marquis Pu, who are not afraid of hardships and dangers, and are the blessings of our empire. Beast dark pass song?" Marquis Wen's voice was not loud, but it was like a bolt from the blue, and I saw the second prince's face change.Of course I didn't believe that the second prince would have any collusion with the snake man, but I also immediately understood what the second prince was thinking. Marquis Wen is going to attack the second prince and his party!He rushed to submit a memorial before the second prince proposed that Pu Anli should attack the prince, and snatched this favor, and then immediately wanted to designate the second prince's important officials as rebels. As soon as I figured this out, I just felt chills all over my body.Marquis Wen's methods are like thunder, and I am afraid that they are completely beyond the second prince's expectations.Now it's the celebration banquet, and there are all important ministers here. Half of these important ministers belong to the Second Prince's Party and the Prince's Party, and everyone is ecstatic about defeating the Snake Man. reached his peak.At this time, unless he said that the second prince himself was a traitor, no one would dare to object no matter what he said.I originally thought that Marquis Wen was too anxious to hold a celebration banquet at this time, but I didn't realize until now that this was also one of Marquis Wen's strategies. It's just that I don't know which important minister of the second prince will be pushed out, could it be Lu Xiang?But Marquis Wen said that he would not deal with him yet.There are also some courtiers who belong to the second prince's party, but those people are not urgent, and it seems unnecessary to bring it up at this time. Who is this man? Standing behind Wenhou, I felt that Wenhou's aura was a bit rough.At this time, everyone in the hall held their breath, wondering whose name Wenhou would call.Marquis Wen took a deep breath and said loudly: "Emperor Tianbao said: Xing Li, the Minister of the Household Investigation Department, has a first-class official residence, is greedy, and leaked military plans to the Snake in private. " After he finished reading, he suddenly shouted: "Come here, take Xing Li down!" Just as Marquis Wen finished speaking, two people from the crowd suddenly grabbed Xing Li.Xing Li was also standing there listening, but he didn't expect such a thing to happen, and shouted: "Lord Wenhou, what's the meaning of this?" Marquis Wen shouted: "Xing Li, you opened the north gate privately and transported your family property to Xiongguan City when the snake people besieged the city, is it true?" Xing Li is the Minister of the Household Department, and he is also in charge of the national financial power. He has always been known as greedy. When the snake man attacked, it was not unusual for him to transfer his family property to other places. At that time, most of the wealthy people in the empire transferred their family property After leaving, didn't the emperor himself transfer the treasures of the inner palace to Qamdo province?It would be too far-fetched to arrest Xing Li for this reason. Sure enough, Xing Li shouted: "When a disaster comes, who will not avoid evil and seek good fortune? My lord, it is true that there is a low-level job to transfer family property, but if the military plan is leaked, the low-level job will never dare to admit it." Marquis Wen sneered and said, "If you want others to not know, you have to do nothing yourself. Someone here will put Xing Li in prison and wait for the tribunal of the Judiciary." The door opened at once, and a few fully armed government soldiers came out from inside, grabbing Xing Li.Xing Li opened his mouth wide, just shouting "wronged", at this moment, a person suddenly squeezed through the crowd and rushed over, knelt in front of Marquis Wen and said: "My lord, my father must have been wronged, please be careful." That was Xing Tiefeng. He also charged with Pu Anli today, and his body was still wounded. He must have rushed now, and blood oozes from his shoulder.Marquis Wen glanced at him and said, "Are you Xing Li's son?" Xing Tiefeng said: "The last general is Xing Tiefeng, the captain of the first army of the empire, my lord, the last general dares to guarantee with his life that my father will never have an affair with the snake man." Marquis Wen said coldly: "Is it true? I have Wei Shangshu to interrogate. General Xing will step back." Xing Li had already been dragged out by the two of them at this time, when he was about to leave, he suddenly shouted: "That is a false edict! Your Majesty will never issue such an edict!" This remark made everyone in the room commotion, Xing Tiefeng's expression changed several times, he jumped up and shouted: "My lord, your imperial edict is fake!" Marquis Wen said: "Bold, do you dare to say that His Royal Highness issued a false edict? Someone, tie him up!" As soon as Marquis Wen finished speaking, Xing Tiefeng rushed forward and said, "Your Excellency, I'm sorry!" He had no weapons around him, and he rushed forward with bare hands. Before Marquis Wen said anything, the prince was startled and said, "Help me! Help me!" Pu Anli took a step forward at this time, and shouted: "Xing Tiefeng, stop!" He was tall and tall, standing in front of Wenhou like an iron tower, Xing Tiefeng rushed forward, bumped into Pu Anli, suddenly fell to the ground and turned over, steady stand on the ground.I was taken aback, I didn't expect that Xing Tiefeng's skills have also improved a lot now, this move is neat and flexible.He put one hand on the ground and shouted: "Brother Pu, if they deal with my father today, they will deal with you tomorrow, don't you know?" There was an uproar around, and Marquis Wen's face sank, and he shouted: "Chu Xiuhong, go and help General Pu and capture him!" Xing Tiefeng's words were not wrong.Xing Li has shown signs of turning to the second prince's side, but he has not publicly stated that Wen Hou's dealing with Xing Li at this time is also to let Pu Zhi, who is also hesitant, understand.I don't believe that Xing Li will really vote for the snake man, but with Marquis Wen's ability, I also think he will find convincing evidence, and he must have found it.And he wins Pu Zhi over to deal with Xing Li, probably because Pu Anli is going to succeed Wuhou now, right?If Princess Tang had taken a fancy to Xing Tiefeng at that time, I am afraid that Marquis Wen would have found evidence of Pu Zhi's collaboration with the enemy. Just as I was thinking about it, I heard Marquis Wen yell at me, I trembled all over, took a step forward, and said, "Yes." I stretched out my hand to draw my sword, of course none of the people who came to the banquet had any weapons, and I am Wen Hou Xuxu held the saber, but just touched the hilt of the saber with his hand, but his heart sank. Xing Tiefeng was empty-handed and asked me to draw a knife to deal with him, no matter how much Xing Tiefeng and I were at odds, I couldn't do it.I was thinking whether I should intercede for Xing Tiefeng, but I haven't made up my mind yet, but I heard Pu Anli say: "Lord Wenhou, Xing Tiefeng is sorry for his father's change. Apologize." Wenhou smiled slightly and said, "Puhou is truly a benevolent person." Xing Tiefeng's face was also cloudy and sunny. At this time, Xing Li had been dragged down. He was surrounded by a large number of people. Everyone looked at him like a monster. I couldn't help feeling pity for him.Although Xing Tiefeng is not an outstanding general, he is still conscientious and has fought hard with the snake people many times. If he is not the son of Xing Li, he will not be promoted to the captain now, but he will probably be promoted to the reserve general like Qian Wenyi and Cao Wendao .Now, he has changed from Shang Shugongzi to a rebel in just a short moment. He really doesn't know what he is thinking in his heart, but he just stands there blankly. Marquis Wen shouted: "Take General Xing Tiefeng down, don't treat him badly." As he spoke, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.Two government soldiers had already stepped forward, supported Xing Tiefeng and went down.Xing Tiefeng was at their mercy, and no longer resisted.When he was about to take him down, Xing Tiefeng suddenly called out: "Second prince, Marquis Wen attacked my father, and will eventually attack you! If you don't speak now, there will be no one by your side in the future." The second prince's face turned red, but he didn't say a word. He must have thought that Xing Tiefeng's words were correct, but he just shouted them out in front of the public, exposing the superficially good relationship between the prince and the second prince.Wenhou didn't stop Xing Tiefeng's words, but just stroked his beard and looked at the second prince with a half-smile.The second prince raised his head, as if he wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he still didn't say anything. Xing Li was probably wronged, and Marquis Wen's move was just to shake the hearts of those ministers who had voted for the second prince.But he chose such an opportunity, if the second prince spoke for Xing Li, he might be suspected of being a traitor.The imperial capital guard battle was victorious, the names of the crown prince and Marquis Wen were in full swing, the second crown prince had already lost, and even if he felt unwilling at this time, he was too busy to take care of himself. I looked at Xing Tiefeng's back, he was still yelling, but his voice was getting farther and farther away, but his heart felt a little heavy unconsciously.The fate of people is also really weird. When Xing Tiefeng came to participate in this celebration party excitedly, he must have never expected this ending. The lights were feasting and feasting, and everyone was cheering for the prince and Marquis Wen.On this occasion, the second prince seems to have been forgotten.I was a little dazed thinking.Among these dignitaries, I seem to be a bit out of place.But Pu Anli was like a fish in water. At the celebration party, he was the focus of everyone's attention, and even Princess Tang smiled.At this time, Princess Tang was so bright and beautiful that she couldn't tell that this woman would kill without blinking an eye. At the beginning, I was the same centurion as Pu Anli and Xing Tiefeng. Now that Pu Anli has taken the title of Marquis of Wu, I also want to be named partial general, but Xing Tiefeng has become a prisoner.Many things are probably predestined, right?However, those who lost their lives in the flames of war, are their fates also destined?If it is really determined by the number of days, then all efforts are in vain? No, absolutely not.I clenched my fist. "General Chu." Suddenly the princess's voice sounded behind me, I turned around, and she came behind me at some point.I hurriedly knelt down and said, "Princess..." I just called out, but I don't know how to call myself.Fortunately, the princess didn't say anything, just said: "General Chu, congratulations on your triumphant return." Before the war, the princess promised to marry me after the victory. When I heard these two words, I remembered this sentence again. I stood up and said with a smile: "Yes, and congratulations to the princess for coming out of the cabinet soon." The princess was very graceful and magnanimous, but at this time her cheeks flushed, and she said in a low voice, "What nonsense, others will hear." I also meant to make fun of me when I said this, but the princess didn't take it as disobedience.I was beautiful in my heart, but immediately felt that I had lost my composure.The princess looked at Princess Tang and Pu Anli surrounded by a group of officials, and sighed: "Sister Tang finally has a home." I don't know how, with Princess Tang's character, he has such a strong friendship with the princess.But looking at Princess Tang over there smiling like a spring, Pu Anli was full of vigor, and he couldn't help but feel a little jealous. The princess suddenly said softly: "General Chu, what do you think of what Marquis Wen did today?" I didn't expect her to ask this suddenly, and said: "Lord Wenhou is far-sighted, everything is planned and acted on, it is indeed remarkable." The princess smiled slightly: "Indeed, Marquis Zhen is a great person, but I hope he will not be too great." The princess is also worried about whether Marquis Wen will take credit for his pride and eventually pose a threat to the empire.In any case, the princess is still a member of the clan, and the first thing she thinks about is the continuation of the empire.The current Marquis Wen has monopolized the military and political power of the empire, so it is not impossible to replace the emperor with him.And I'm about to become a clan. Could it be that my fate has to be tied to the empire?If Marquis Wen really had a day of rebellion, which side should I be on? At this time, I suddenly felt at a loss.I suddenly felt that no matter what, for her sake, for the princess, if Marquis Wen really rebelled, maybe I would fight against Marquis Wen, right? As long as there is that day, I have this ability. At this time, the princess said softly again: "General Chu, I have already written to my eldest brother, asking him to open the ban on recruiting students from liberal arts schools, and my eldest brother agreed." I didn't understand who the "big brother" she was talking about for a while, but after a second thought, I realized that it was the prince.In the martial arts school of the empire, considering that the children of aristocratic families were unwilling to join the army, Marquis Wen proposed to lift the ban on recruiting civilians, so I was able to enroll. There are also some middle and low-level generals who were born as civilians in the army.The literary school is to train officials at all levels for the empire. Once the ban is lifted, civilians can also be promoted in official careers step by step. This point was exactly one of the eight deadly crimes Cang Yuegong criticized the empire when the Republican Army started the uprising.At that time, Duke Cang Yue promulgated the "Call to Expedition to the North", which declared that the empire was "the dignitaries occupy the upper class, and the talented people sink into the lower bureaucrats". Prohibition, the imperial crime that the Republican Army criticized does not exist. Surprised and delighted, I said, "Really?" The princess said: "Of course it is true." She stroked her temples and said with a smile: "This empire is not just a country with one family name, but a country owned by all people in the world." Since it is a country owned by the people of the world, there is no need for emperors and dignitaries.I wanted to say it, but I didn't say it. The princess coughed suddenly, covered her mouth with her hand, and her body shook.I didn't dare to help her, but said: "Princess, you have to be careful." The princess put down her hands and said with a smile: "It's not a problem." She looked at me, and suddenly said softly: "You should also be careful, by Zhenhou's side." She turned around and walked to the side. I looked at her back with mixed feelings in my heart, and I didn't know what it was like. The next day, I followed Marquis Wen to inspect the battlefield.The losses in this battle have not yet been fully counted. The imperial army killed about 10,000, and the wounded were twice as many.Although we won a complete victory in this battle, the price was not light. Many soldiers cleaned up the battlefield, and some family members of the dead waited at the gate of the city. Sad cries. I looked at those people, and I couldn't help but feel sad.For these families, victory is not important, what is important is that their loved ones will never come back.Marquis Wen looked at it with great interest, and suddenly said: "Chu Xiuhong, let's go up to the high platform to have a look." The high platform of the snake man still stands outside the south gate, only thirty feet away from the city.Although Pu Anli had used flat mines to blow them up, the snake man was built too solidly, and only a small piece was blown away.The platform built by the snake man has no steps, and a road spirals upwards. When we got to the bottom of the platform, there were some soldiers discussing around there. When they saw Marquis Wen approaching, they knelt down and saluted. Marquis Wen looked up and said: "Which one are you from?" A team official said: "My lord, we are from the Fire Legion. General Bi is on top to check." Marquis Wen showed a smile of approval: "Okay, let's go up." They moved out of the way, and I followed Marquis Wen up.Marquis Wen is not tall, a little fat, but his movements are very fast, and his steps are extremely light.Turned around a few times, then turned to the top, and before poking his head out, he heard Bi Wei shouting loudly from above: "What a snake man, you really have guts!" I don't know why he expressed such emotion, he thought that there were still unkilled snake men on it, so he was taken aback, took a step to block Wenhou, and said, "My lord, be careful!" But when he looked closely, he saw Bi Wei Zheng Patting a catapult truck and expressing emotion.It turned out that the snake man put the catapult in this place.But although the high platform is big, it can only accommodate more than ten catapults, and it is so high that it is not easy for a snake man to lift the stones up. Looking around, there is not even a single stone on this platform.Although the rocks here are more powerful than flat ground and can directly attack the top of the city, but after all, there are too few, unless the snake people can build hundreds of high platforms along the city, and thousands of catapults can send rocks at the same time, I'm afraid it will be practical . Marquis Wen also came up, patted my shoulder lightly, pushed me away, and said: "Bi Wei." He couldn't scream, Bi Wei turned around, came over hurriedly and knelt down and said, "My lord, How did you come?" "Let me take a look." Marquis Wen also walked in front of a catapult, touched the shelf, and said, "Sure enough, the snake man is thinking about it." Bi Wei raised his head and said: "Thanks to your lord's ingenious calculation, the snake man's frame has not been completely completed. In two days, if we wait for them to be completed, I'm afraid we will have no chance." I was taken aback, Bi Wei attached so much importance to this high platform, could it be that the snake man also used some new weapons?Could it be that the snake people also have land mines?As soon as I thought about it, I overturned it immediately.If the Snakeman had flat mines, how could he not use them on the battlefield? What exactly are they? Marquis Wen probably also saw the doubts in my heart, and said with a smile: "Chu Xiuhong, I'm afraid you haven't seen the mystery yet, have you?" Bi Wei looked at me with some complacency, and there was some mockery in his eyes. Maybe he felt that I didn't see the mystery, and I was a step behind him.I was annoyed in my heart, and suddenly, my eyes lit up again. These trebuchets are large, but unlike ordinary trebuchets, there is no leather pocket for stones, but a very solid wooden frame instead.This wooden shelf is flat, if it were a stone, it might not be able to fit on it at all.I took a deep breath and said, "Yes...is the snake man going to throw it over?" Bi Wei was startled, but Marquis Wen slapped me heavily on the shoulder, and said with a smile: "By analogy, Chu Xiuhong, you have improved again. Indeed, the snake man just wanted to throw himself over there." I was shocked at first, but immediately relieved.如果是人，这么三十余丈的距离抛过来，非粉身碎骨不可，可是蛇人皮肤很厚，虽然三十余丈也不是一个很短的距离，但由于在这个高度抛射，到了城头时速度大减，自然可以安然着地。抛石车一次可以抛射两到三个，如果真的建成了，那么到时蛇人如下雨一般落到城内，根本不必再爬城墙。以前我们在守城时让蛇人屡攻不克，就是因为蛇人不善爬墙，同时上城的最多只有十来个，我们能前仆后继地将蛇人击退。一旦城头上在很短时间内聚集数百个蛇人，那么我们的城门哪里还守得住？ 事情虽然已经过去，但我心中还是有些后怕，后背冷汗直冒。这种主意也只有蛇人才想得出，也只有蛇人才办得到。也幸亏文侯的总攻恰是时候，再晚一天，恐怕大势已去了。战机瞬息万变，我以前觉得文侯谋定而动，此战实际是胜券在握，可现在才知道，我们曾经被逼到了悬崖边上，文侯的计划差点全盘落空。我越想越怕，不由得浑身都发起抖来。 “楚休红，你现在才怕了？”文侯轻声说道。我道：“是，大人。我们得胜得实在侥幸。” 毕炜哼了一声，道：“楚将军你也真个胆小。” 我脸上有些发烧，知道又被他看不起了。他没骂我是胆小鬼，大概还是因为文侯在跟前，不好对我太过无礼。在与蛇人正面交锋时我能一往无前，只是因为当时来不及害怕，战后想想，我却仍然大生惧意。 文侯叹道：“害怕是人之常情，毕炜，那一日我和你说时你难道不怕么？” 毕炜一怔，垂下头道：“是，大人，我也怕。” 文侯走上几步，到了高台边上。这个高度几乎与城墙齐平，那城墙也似乎伸手便可触及。文侯喃喃道：“那天我看出了蛇人的这个打算，连我也吓得几乎魂不附体。唉，连我都会如此，何况他人？”他突然转过身，厉声道：“但是箭在弦上，不得不发。勇者无惧是假的，能战胜惧意，方是真正的勇者。” 我浑身一颤，毕炜也一下抬起头，我们不约而同地跪下，道：“是。” 文侯脸上又露出了笑意，重又转过身，向着帝都城张开双臂，道：“这个世界，惟有强者才是一切，楚休红，毕炜，你们都是帝国新一代的勇将，去吧，去征服这个世界！” 他的声音不大，却有着无穷的力量，连他那不高的身材也突然间伟岸之极。我身上微微一颤，毕炜声音微颤地道：“此生能得大人指挥，末将就算肝脑涂地，也在所不辞。” 他说得很快，我觉得自己也该像他那样说点效忠的话，但这话到了嘴边还是吞了回去。 strong.这世界真属于强者么？ 不，这天下是属于万千黎民百姓的！ 文侯又转过头来，在我们脸上扫了一下。我觉得他看我的眼神有些异样，幸好文侯的眼光在我身上只是一扫而过，停留在毕炜身上。他喝道：“毕炜，蛇人残部未尽，我命你统率全军，乘胜追击，务必要将蛇人一网打尽！” 毕炜身上猛地一震，不敢相信地问道：“我？” 文侯道：“不错，你！” 守城的主将名义上是屠方，而屠方身为长安伯，副将军，地位也远在毕炜之上。毕炜可能连自己也没想到自己竟然会超过了屠方，竟然要统率全军追击。他道：“可是屠爵爷……” 文侯打断了他的话道：“屠方暮气沉沉，已难当大用。毕炜，沧澜水军已在大江设伏，你率军乘胜追击，连一个蛇人都不能让它们逃过江去！” 邓沧澜已在大江设伏！这话让我更是大吃一惊。怪不得邓沧澜的水军团在守城战时踪影皆无，原来文侯竟然已命他去断绝蛇人的后路。 毕炜脸上露出一丝喜色，文侯又转向我道：“楚休红。” 我知道文侯定是要我协助毕炜，行了一礼道：“末将在。” “你将前锋营交与你的副将，暂且编入毕将军麾下，协同南征，速去办理，不得有误。” 文侯的话如一个晴天霹雳，让我差点晕了过去。文侯要解我的兵权？虽然只是暂时而已，但我还是大为不服。我道：“大人……” 没待我说完，文侯已道：“走吧，事不宜迟。”他已向高台下走去，我再不敢说，跟着他下了高台。在走下去时，我似乎看到毕炜在幸灾乐祸地冷笑。我心乱如麻，不知到底哪一点违背了文侯之意，难道是表忠心时慢了毕炜一步么？ 文侯一直没有说话，下了高台，他走进了车中，道：“楚休红，跟我进来吧。” 我心头一喜，连忙跟了进去。一进车中，文侯忽然微笑道：“楚休红，我让你暂且将前锋营兵权交出，你是不是有些不满？” 我慌忙跪下道：“大人，末将不敢，只是末将以为，为将者，当不避锋矢，冲锋在前。末将尚有余勇可贾，愿领兵杀敌。” 文侯仍是淡淡笑着：“楚休红，你难道以为帝都的危难已经解了？” 我又是大吃一惊。文侯这话到底是什么意思？难道蛇人竟有反扑之意？可是蛇人明明已经元气大伤，有毕炜追击，我不相信它们还有这个能力。Could it be... 我不敢再想，文侯忽然轻轻道：“楚休红，你比毕炜要精细机敏，冲锋陷阵，可能你不如他，但随机应变，他可远不及你了。我不让你再得这现成的功劳，是有一件更重大的事要你去做。” 我忙道：“得为大人挽辔执鞭，是末将无上荣耀，愿听大人驱使。”这拍马屁的话憋了很久，虽然不愿说，也迟了点，但我知道说了总比不说好。 文侯笑了笑，撩起车帘看了看外面，轻声道：“昨日剪除了邢历，二太子不敢多说，但他心中定是恼怒异常。他已被我逼到了悬崖之上，随时都会反扑。此战我让毕炜率军，将他的班底统统带走，看他还敢有什么异动。” 我心头不觉一寒，道：“大人，是要对路尚书下手了？” 文侯微微一笑，道：“釜底抽薪，也不必再对付旁枝了。”他脸上又极快地闪过一丝忧伤之意，道：“伤口若不挑破放出脓水，只怕永远都好不了的。”