Chapter 13 Chapter Forty-Third

The promotion to General Pian was ordered.Both Cao Wendao and Qian Wenyi came to congratulate me, and the Qianfeng camp was very excited.The vanguard battalion was only at the rank of general. Now that I am promoted, the rank of the whole army has also become a rank of general. They are naturally happy.It's just that compared with yesterday's Pu Anli's attack on Marquis Wu, my promotion ceremony is terribly shabby.After confessing to Cao and Qian, I went to pay the order to Marquis Wen.As soon as he entered Wenhou's mansion, he was frowning, looking preoccupied.I was a little uneasy, handed in the general order, and was about to leave when Marquis Wen suddenly stopped me and said, "Chu Xiuhong, do you have anyone under your command who can be called a general?"

I was startled, not knowing what Wenhou said.Cao Wendao is naturally absolutely reliable, and I think Qian Wenyi can also be trusted now, but they are not considered generals.I said: "The last general seems to lack such talents." Marquis Wen sighed and said, "That's right. You are very suitable, but it's a pity that you can't leave here. Alas, it's not so easy for a general." He praised me very much, and I was very grateful.In fact, Lu Gongxing should be very suitable for this position, but I know that if I want to say Lu Gongxing, I am afraid that Marquis Wen will think that I am too dull.Suddenly, I remembered a person and said, "My lord, actually there is a general in the imperial capital, but my lord..."

Marquis Wen said: "Hesitating to do what you do, you should only use your talents, know people and do them well, as long as you have the ability, you don't need to worry about anything else!" I said: "Yes. My lord, the former General Shao Fengguan opened a Pingning bodyguard company in the imperial capital after leaving the army..." Marquis Wen stood up abruptly and said, "It's him?" I was taken aback by saying something wrong, and said, "The last general is dull, please forgive me, my lord." Shao Fengguan played a great role in Wenhou's plan to seize the military power of the second prince. Afterwards, Wenhou originally wanted to silence him, but it was not as good as God's plan. Zhen Yining rescued Shao Fengguan, but he himself died of serious injuries due to the battle.After the war, Wen Hou turned his anger on Shao Fengguan and dismissed him.In the past, I often went to drink with him. Although Shao Fengguan was a little cynical during the chat, he could also hear his ambition.With his talent, he can indeed be alone, but I don't know if Marquis Wen can let go of his grievances.

Marquis Wen took two steps and sighed: "Feng Guan must also be deeply dissatisfied with me, and refuses to come out." Hearing that Marquis Wen called him "Feng Guan", I knew that Marquis Wen would be a little moved, and continued: "My lord, the national crisis is at the head of the line. Although Brother Shao is not in the army, as long as he treats people with sincerity, I think he will still contribute to the country. .” Marquis Wen thought for a while, then raised his head and said, "You don't have to go to call for soldiers today, go check out his tone, and come back and tell me."

I was overjoyed and said, "Yes, my lord." Leaving Marquis Wen's mansion, I urged my horse to run towards Pingning's bodyguard.Shao Fengguan has a deep understanding of the art of war, so it would be a pity if he died in the escort industry all his life.Marquis Wen already intends to be promoted again, no matter what, I will persuade Shao Fengguan to come back. When we arrived at the Pingning Escort in the south of the city, because the city was besieged by snake men a while ago and business trips were greatly reduced, the Pingning Escort seemed very deserted.I arrived at the entrance of the escort agency, and just as I jumped off the horse, a man greeted me and said, "General Chu! Ha, what a rare visitor."

That was Zhuge Fang, who was in the Chinese army before Shao Fengguan.I said, "Is brother Shao here?" "Master Shao is inside." He came over to help me lead the horse, and whispered: "But his temper is not very good. When he heard the sound of fighting outside, he became restless." Shao Fengguan is still a soldier after all.Just as I was thinking about it, Shao Fengguan rushed out and shouted: "Chu Xiuhong? Come on, come on, tell me how you killed the snake man." He was impatient and dragged me in. I smiled and said, "Brother Shao, don't worry, you will be re-enlisted in the army."

Shao Fengguan was startled, and said: "What?" He looked at Zhuge Fang, Zhuge Fang hurriedly said: "I'll get some food for General Chu's horse." He led the horse and walked to the stable.I said: "Brother Shao, Lord Wenhou wants to choose a general, and I recommend you with all my strength." Shao Fengguan smiled dryly and said, "You think of me again? Don't go!" He let go of me, turned and walked inside.I followed him without saying much.When they arrived in the inner room, they saw a pot of beef and a pot of wine scattered on the table, presumably Shao Fengguan was drinking.On the wall, Shao Fengguan's armor, guns and knives are still hanging.I said, "Brother Shao, it is our duty to contribute to the country, so don't be too stingy."

Shao Fengguan poured me a glass of wine, picked another piece of beef and threw it into his mouth to chew, saying: "It's true to contribute to the country, but I can't let others slaughter me." Marquis Wen wants to kill Shao Fengguan's mouth, so it's no wonder that Shao Fengguan has a grudge.I said: "Brother Shao, there is no unsolved hatred in the world, have you forgotten Zhen Yining?" Shao Fengguan was about to drink, when he moved his hand, some of the wine in the cup spilled out.I know that his heart is moved. Although he hates Marquis Wen, he will never forget his life-saving grace to Zhen Yining. My words must have touched him.I said, "If Zhen Yining is here, will you come out of the mountain?"

Shao Feng said: "Zhen Yining is dead!" He picked up the cup irritably, drank the wine in one gulp, and said, "Drink, drink." I said: "Be selfish with others, and serve the country with the public. Brother Shao, what you have learned in this life is hard-won. Wouldn't it be a pity if you waste it by caring about grievances?" Shao Fengguan raised his head and said, "Brother Chu, why don't I want to contribute to the country? But from top to bottom, there are all intrigues. I spend less time and energy for the country, but more for others. Isn't it a ladder for powerful officials to climb up? Forget it, Brother Chu, today we only drink and don't talk about state affairs."

What he said was very painful, and I couldn't answer it for a while.Indeed, even though I thought I was fighting for the people of the world, in the end I was still just spinning around in temple battles.I wanted to persuade him, but he made me feel a little uncomfortable, almost doubting the meaning of my bloody struggle.I sighed, sat down too, picked up the glass of wine and drank it down. The wine is hot, like burning in the chest.Shao Feng looked at the armor, swords and guns on the wall, and murmured: "I joined the army when I was young, and I only hope that one day I can make great achievements and see the real story with the enemy on the battlefield with swords and guns, but I have seen it a lot. Even though you have great ambitions, in the eyes of those powerful officials, you are still just a tool for them to fight for power. Haha, Brother Chu, I know you have good intentions, but I will tell you that my blood is still hot, but my heart is already cold."

I was so upset that I didn't know how to persuade him.I also know that I have sunk deeper and deeper into this vortex, and it is hard to extricate myself.But even if it is a tool for power and officials to fight, at least I can still be myself, at least I am fighting for the people of the world.But he wanted to use these high-sounding principles to persuade him, but he couldn't say it. We had a few drinks one by one, and we came here excitedly, hoping that Shao Fengguan would be grateful to me, but I didn't think I would be persuaded by him instead.I was about to find an opportunity to say goodbye when Zhuge Fang suddenly said in shock, "My lord!" Zhuge Fang's voice was extremely surprised, I don't know who came, I was about to stand up, when suddenly I heard someone say at the door: "Shaofengguan!" That was the voice of Marquis Wen!I turned around, knelt down on the ground, and said: "My lord, I will be rude." Wen Hou walked over slowly.He only wore an ordinary dress, but he couldn't hide the wisdom of his body.He walked past me and stood in front of Shao Fengguan. Shao Fengguan must have never expected that Marquis Wen would come in disguise. He was a little dumbfounded, but he tried not to stand up.Marquis Wen didn't think it was disobedient, he looked into the room and saw Shao Fengguan's armored swords and guns hanging on the wall. hot." Marquis Wen probably didn't hear what Shao Fengguan said, but these words seemed to refute what he just said.Shao Fengguan couldn't hold on any longer, left his seat at once, knelt down on the tunnel and said, "My lord, Fengguan is polite." Marquis Wen put his hand on his shoulder and said: "Feng Guan, put on your armor, pick up your sword and gun, and follow me to fight again." Shao Fengguan didn't know what he was thinking, and his body couldn't help shaking.I was afraid that he would say no, but he opened his mouth and said "yes".Marquis Wen smiled slightly, turned to me and said, "Chu Xiuhong, you can bring Feng Guan to my mansion and wait, I have to go and order troops to go out." He turned and walked out without another word.After he left, Shao Fengguan was still kneeling on the ground and couldn't get up. I was startled, and I only said what happened to him. When I walked up to him, I saw Shao Fengguan punch the ground violently, and cursed: "Bastard!" I only knew that he was scolding Marquis Wen, but he said again: "I have made up my mind not to go out, why do you kneel down when we meet? What a bitch! You bitch!" He is scolding himself.I wanted to laugh a little, but I couldn't.Marquis Wen usually doesn't see much power, but sometimes he feels that standing in front of him is like standing under a lofty mountain, and we can't get out of his shadow.Shao Fengguan was originally one of the four generals of the military academy, "Earth", "Fire", "Water", and "Feng". Later, he was single-handedly promoted by Marquis Wen to be the guard of Dongping City. In his heart, Marquis Wen has also become a deadlock. I can't help but feel a little chill in my heart.Could it be that before I knew it, I would also become one of Marquis Wen's shadows? Bi Wei led the army to set off, and even Lu Gongxing became one of his generals.Originally, Bi Wei and Lu Gongxing were both partial generals, and Lu Gongxing's military exploits were even higher than his, but now Marquis Wen has monopolized the power, and no one dared to disobey the orders he issued.In the end, Marquis Wen showed some kindness to Tu Fang and didn't let him go out with the army. Otherwise, with Tu Fang's name as the thirteenth uncle, he would definitely feel unwilling to become Bi Wei's subordinate of the younger generation. When the Qianfeng Battalion went out with Bi Wei, the giant ax warriors brought by the princess refused to leave.One of these fifty people died in the battle, and there were only forty-nine left. The officer who led the team said that the princess had said that they could not leave my side anyway, so only these fifty people remained in the camp. They are the soldiers chosen by the princess for me.I felt a little warmth in my heart.No matter how intriguing those powerful officials are, the princess is always sincere to me. I took Shao Fengguan to Wenhou's mansion, and waited for a long time before Wenhou came back.He had already changed into his official robe, once he entered the door, he said to us without saying a word, "Are you coming, come on." He led us into the hall.Shao Fengguan probably used to come here often, but it has been more than a year since he came here.As soon as Marquis Wen asked us to sit down, he took out a silk script from his bosom and said, "Look at it." Shao Fengguan took it, and saw the words "Wind Legion Organization" written on it in full pen and ink.I was excited for a while, and said: "My lord, is Brother Shao commanding this wind army?" Shao Fengguan wanted him to lead an army as soon as he came, and I couldn't help feeling a little jealous.Marquis Wen smiled and said, "That's right. The Feng Legion has 800 people and is short of a general who is well versed in the art of war." When we heard that the Feng Legion had only 800 members, Shao Fengguan and I both let out a "huh".When the Fire Corps first formed an army of 10,000, it was later reorganized to become the Thunder Crossbow Army with 5,000 troops and the Shenlong Artillery Corps with 2,000 troops, which is the smallest formed army.I didn't expect that there would be only 800 people in this Wind Legion, it was just a joke.I was afraid that Shao Fengguan would be angry, but seeing him still respectfully said: "I don't know what's so special about this Wind Legion?" Marquis Wen smiled and said, "General Chu is very clear about this, let's see." I was baffled, so I reached out to take the silk book and opened it. Only after reading the first page, I couldn't help shouting: "Flying machine!" The picture on the first page above is exactly that of a flying machine.Marquis Wen said: "That's right. On the Tianshou Festival, I saw the flying machine flying in the sky, so I wanted to train this army, but it was too difficult, and I had to strictly keep the secrets. It took almost a year to achieve a small success. It's just those Although the soldiers have some initial success in manipulating the aircraft, they will inevitably lose their true qualities as soldiers, and they must be trained and commanded by a general. Look!" When Shao Fengguan heard Marquis Wen calling him, he shuddered again, and said, "Fengguan is here." "I have already asked for the title for you. Since you have been away from the army for a long time, I can only temporarily give you the title of Metropolitan Commander, and you will be granted the title after you have made great achievements." Shao Fengguan said: "Thank you, sir." But there was still some reluctance in his words.Marquis Wen smiled and said: "Don't underestimate these 800 people. Although the number of the Feng Legion is small, its power is the crown of the whole army. This is an unprecedented army. Fengguan depends on you." I flipped through it, and saw that there were several kinds of tactics of the Wind Legion written in this silk book.It turned out that the Wind Corps was responsible for exploring the camp, and the enemy naturally had nowhere to hide when they passed by in the air.What's even more powerful is that each aircraft can carry two flat mines, which can be dropped from the air.This kind of combat method is indeed unprecedented. Although the dragon cannon is powerful, it cannot reach far. The flying machine has no such restrictions, and there is no obstacle in the air. No matter where the enemy flees, the wind army Same catch up. This is indeed a strange army. I handed the silk script to Shao Fengguan, but a question arose in my heart.Marquis Wen must have noticed it, and said with a smile, "Chu Xiuhong, what are you still thinking about?" I said: "I remember Xue Yuanwai said that the flying machine needs to rely on horses to fly, or it can..." When I said this, my heart suddenly brightened, and I shouted: "It's a catapult!" Marquis Wen also smiled slightly and said, "You guessed it." Many small riprap trucks were built in the Ministry of Industry before the war, but they were not used much.Because the power of using catapults in the city was not very powerful, I didn't pay much attention to it. Later, I didn't use it so much in the defense of the city. I thought it was because Marquis Wen's plan was wrong.It wasn't until then that I realized that those catapults were not actually catapults, but a frame for launching the flying machine. I didn't expect Xue Wenyi to hide it from me so hard. Marquis Wen yawned, and said to Shao Fengguan: "Fengguan, take this book back and read it, and know a little bit about the Feng Corps. I will take you to inspect it tomorrow." Shao Fengguan and I bid farewell to Marquis Wen and walked out of Marquis Wen's mansion.Deng Canglan, Bi Wei, and Shao Fengguan have all become generals of the unified armies, but I am still only in command of a vanguard battalion.Originally, I thought Marquis Wen kept me from chasing the Snake Man for other purposes, but he didn't say a word about my whereabouts, so I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Walking together with Shao Fengguan, Shao Fengguan suddenly sighed: "Brother Chu, some people really cannot be enemies." I also sighed: "Yes. Lord Wenhou is resourceful and far-sighted..." "I am talking about you." Shao Fengguan interrupted me.I was stunned and said, "What?" Shao Fengguan smiled and said, "It's you, General Chu." He added a whip and ran forward.I was baffled by his words, and just stared blankly at him going away in the street.The sky is also getting dark, and the twilight is all around, but I am dazed and motionless. Shao Fengguan disappeared the next day.Not only him, but Ping Ning's bodyguard company also closed down, the gates were locked, and he disappeared, and he didn't know where the Wind Legion that Marquis Wen wanted to train was stationed. These few days I have been surprisingly leisurely. Marquis Wen usually asked me to take orders in the Marquis Mansion, and I also let the forty-nine giant ax warriors take the leave. Playing the flute, sometimes I wonder if Marquis Wen specially asked me to practice playing the flute.Since ancient times, the imperial capital has been famous for its folk customs, because under the rule of the emperor, a large part of the national taxation is used to build the city, so the roads are open, the houses are tall and spacious, and the people of the imperial capital are naturally satisfied.At this time, the siege of the Snake Man was lifted, and the city was full of jubilation, and those shops reopened one by one.It's just that the chaos has just passed, and the order in the city is still in disarray, and we are also patrolling everywhere.Although most of these big men who hold the Jinwu are very burly and have a good skin, they have not received much training, so they can only do this kind of thing.When I saw them, I kind of wanted to laugh. The 30,000 imperial troops, because most of them were from officials and eunuchs, received good treatment, and looked much more respectable than ordinary troops.It's just that these 30,000 troops may not even be as powerful as 10,000. I am confident that my 5,000 vanguard battalion is enough to completely defeat the 30,000 forbidden troops.In fact, those forbidden soldiers may not be born with embroidered pillows. If they can be trained strictly, they will not become a strong soldier in the beginning. It's just that no one dares to train such an army full of princes and grandchildren like the new army. At noon, I felt a little hungry, so I found a tavern to drink by myself.What does Marquis Wen want me to do?Do you just let me eat and drink here? While I was eating, there was a sudden commotion from outside. I looked at the door and saw a group of soldiers with crooked armor coming in.These soldiers were all wounded, and some of them didn't even wipe off the blood.As soon as they sat down, they yelled for wine and food.Listening to their conversation, it seems like wounded soldiers who have retreated from the front line. Bi Wei suffered a defeat?But looking at the appearance of those wounded soldiers, they didn't seem to be retreating.Maybe it's the normal wounded soldiers returning, I was thinking, a soldier slammed the table and cursed: "His mother, I deserve to die just because I belong to the First Army?" The First Army was previously commanded by Xing Tiefeng, and now Xing Tiefeng has been imprisoned, and it is unknown who is leading it.Now that Bi Wei is leading the team, this team is naturally pushed to the forefront.I went to the counter to pay, and was about to go back, but I heard a soldier shout: "Bastard, why are you so slow?" He thinks the food is served slowly.I looked back, and the soldier saw me looking at him, and shouted, "What are you looking at? I took my life and came back, but I'm not afraid of anything." That's exactly the kind of soldier who lacks military discipline.It seems that Xing Tiefeng is also a person like Shen Xiping in the past. He has a good way of commanding troops to charge, but he is unable to rectify military discipline.I didn't want to talk too much, so I turned my head and walked out.As soon as he went out, he saw a few people in Zhijinwu's military uniform, and the first one was Lu Zhengyang, the leader of Zhijinwu. Lu Zhengyang is a partial general, and now he is at the same level as me, so I don't need to salute him.It's just that he didn't notice me, and hurried in, and I heard him shout immediately: "Who dares to make trouble?" He also came really fast, which is not like Zhi Jinwu's style.I was wondering when two people beside me whispered to each other: "Commander Lu is here, those soldiers are going to suffer." .” This tavern was actually opened by Lu Zhengyang!I can't help but be a little dumbfounded.Lu Zhengyang's mind was probably focused on how to attract guests, how to lead such a commander well. Lu Zhengyang was still yelling loudly inside, saying "Marshal Guan Dian" and "Second Prince", but the commotion inside also quieted down.I don't want to listen anymore, so I left.Because I came out for a stroll today, and I didn’t ride a horse. I walked slowly all the way and turned a corner. In front of me, there were several Zhijinwu with knives who set up a card and were searching passers-by. One of them had a knife on his body. The kitchen knife was also confiscated.Now for some reason, Zhi Jin Wu is very active, they are useless in battle, they are probably using the name of "anti-disruption" to save some face in these places.I was only wearing casual clothes, and I was wearing a Baipi knife, and I didn't want to show my identity, maybe it would be a waste of time.Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly heard someone behind him say: "Young Master Chu." No one has ever called me that before.I looked back, and it was a maid who called me. Behind her was a carriage with the family crest of King Anle printed on the curtain. That's the princess!Now Marquis Wen is about to take me to propose marriage to King An Le, so I feel a little embarrassed at this time.I walked to the car, knelt down and said, "Princess, the young general is polite." Although she is going to be my wife, but she is not there yet, and this kind of etiquette is still required.Seeing my situation, the maid covered her mouth and let out a "puchi" laugh, but the princess was very generous and whispered inside: "General Chu, get in the car." I just felt a little hot on the face.The princess is generous, but not too generous. Others are fine. Her two maids see it, and they don't know what they will say about us behind our backs.I was about to push back, but the princess covered the curtain of the car and said, "Hurry up." Her expression was very dignified, quite different.I was taken aback, didn't dare to think about it, and got into the car quickly.There is a small coffee table in this car. Although the space is not big, it is very elegantly arranged.I got into the car, and as soon as I closed the door, the princess said: "General Chu, sit down." At first I thought she had something personal to say to me, but this was very unusual.I sat down, and the car drove forward again, I whispered: "Princess, what happened?" The princess still looked thoughtful, and said in a low voice: "Lord Wenhou didn't send you out to fight, but what did he ask you to do?" I said: "Nothing happened these two days, Lord Wenhou is busy with his own affairs." The princess said "Oh" and didn't say anything more. I said, "Princess, what do you think is wrong?" The princess said: "Yesterday, Bi Wei's attack on the remnant Snakeman army was frustrated, and thousands of troops were lost." I was taken aback, and was about to ask whether the snake man still had such a strong fighting power, but then I realized that this matter would not be so simple.With Marquis Wen's ability, he would never underestimate the enemy like this, I asked, "Is it... that all the troops lost are Lu Gongxing's troops?" The princess's eyes lit up, and she smiled for the first time: "Exactly, General Lu disappeared in the chaos, and I'm afraid he died in battle." Then it is definitely not as simple as just being frustrated in offense.Although Bi Wei looked rude, he was by no means a brave man. I'm afraid that Marquis Wen would take this opportunity to further weaken the power of the second prince.He used the emperor's power to deal with Xing Li, and the second prince had no choice but to hold back his anger in order not to confront him head-on.But now the second prince's lineage is only left with less than 10,000 people under Lu Gongxing's subordinates. Marquis Wen can't let the second prince retain even this little power. The only thing the prince can control is 20,000 flashy forbidden troops. He pressed on every step of the way, when will the second prince retreat?Thinking of Lu Gongxing finally dying in battle, I couldn't help feeling a little sad.Lu Gongxing is a talented general, but he must have chosen the wrong master.I figured this out, and was about to ask the princess, when I heard someone shouting outside: "Which one is the master?" That was the leader of the Zhijinwu team who was inspecting and questioning.A follower of the princess said: "This is the car of Princess Anle. Didn't you see the family emblem?" Although Zhijinwu is very powerful in the imperial capital, he never dared to neglect the clan.The team leader hurriedly said: "Yes, yes, please let the princess go, the general will be rude." After passing this checkpoint, I said anxiously: "Princess, is this move by Lord Wenhou declaring war on the Second Crown Prince?" The princess's face became more worried: "I advised Marquis Zhen not to push the second brother too hard, but he doesn't seem to listen to me at all. The second brother is now ordering the third battalion of the imperial army to stand by urgently, I'm afraid there will be It's changed." I said, "Could it be that the Second Highness wants to harm Marquis Wen?" There are 30,000 imperial guards in total, 10,000 of which are guards guarding the imperial city, 15,000 people in the five battalions guarding the outer city, and 5,000 Jinwu who maintain order in the imperial capital.Although the imperial army's combat effectiveness is very poor, it is still an army after all, and it is now in the hands of the second prince.And almost all the army followed Bi Wei to chase the snake man. If the second prince really wants to make trouble, now should be a golden opportunity.Marquis Wen should try to slow down the second prince, but he really shouldn't be so aggressive at this time, it is almost forcing the second prince to start. The princess smiled wryly, and said: "If Marquis Zhen hadn't thought of this, I'm afraid he would have been punished by someone long ago." I was dumbfounded, and said: "Could it be that Marquis Wen also controlled the imperial army?" No matter how weak the Forbidden Army is, it is still an army. Of course, Marquis Wen will not sit back and watch the second prince have such power. It is very likely that, like Tao Shouzhuo of Fudun City who secretly bought Zhou Nuo's subordinates back then, many of the Forbidden Army have already been bought by Marquis Wen. , That's why Marquis Wen was confident and launched a series of offensives against the second prince.Of course he will not be disadvantageous to the second prince himself, but if this continues, the only remaining power in the hands of the second prince will be wiped out by Wenhou Jian, and he will no longer have the strength to compete with the prince.For the arrogant second prince, this was more uncomfortable than killing him. The princess nodded and said: "Although there is no evidence, I think it is absolutely so." Marquis Wen really wants to force the second prince to do it.Showing weakness to others and then annihilating them with one blow is exactly the essence of the art of war.The second prince is also well versed in the art of war, so he will not be unaware of Marquis Wen's plan, and now is also an excellent opportunity for him to start an incident.Marquis Wen fought against the Snake Man in the imperial capital, and the desperate gamble has already been won, and now it is the second prince's turn to make the desperate gamble.But I know that the second prince's chances of winning are very small, but as long as he is not willing to give up, there is only one chance left to make money. The princess sighed, and said in a low voice: "No matter who wins or loses, the empire will undergo great changes. Alas, external troubles are roughly fixed, and internal troubles are resurfacing. Is the empire really dying and dying?" Her voice trembled.My heart also trembled suddenly, I have never known the princess's political views.Unlike Marquis Wen, the princess's status is aloof. Both the second prince and the prince are her cousins, so there is probably no difference.If she supports the second prince and wants me to help the second prince, what should I do? If it was just Marquis Wen, I might agree to her.As Marquis Wen said, this world belongs to the strong. If I help the second prince win the throne, and with the status of princess, I dare say that I will replace Marquis Wen and become the commander of the imperial army in the future.But, can I do this? and she... My heart throbbed.The princess smiled suddenly and said, "Don't worry, I won't make it difficult for you." She seemed to know what I was thinking.I blushed and didn't dare to talk too much.The princess said: "Eldest brother and second elder brother are normal to me, but elder brother is weak and better at controlling, no wonder Marquis Zhen chooses him. Alas, if the temperament of elder brother and second elder brother are changed, I'm afraid It's all over." If the status of the prince and the second prince were changed, Marquis Wen would definitely not have the power he has now, but I also can't believe that the second prince can repel the snake man.I'm afraid there won't be a fight for the position, but we're all going to die at the hands of the snake people.I murmured: "Princess, what should I do?" The princess glanced at me, then suddenly reached out to hold my hand, and said, "General Chu, no matter what others say, the most important thing for you is to survive yourself. Do you understand?" I nodded.Needless to say, the princess, of course I know this too.I will no longer listen to the instigation of throwing my head and blood. At that time, I thought that if the snake people really broke the imperial capital, the general situation was over, and I was afraid that I would flee with a group of people. Even an extra day is good. The princess sighed, and said: "I and Zhenhou jointly asked the emperor to open the literary school, but the second brother was the one who opposed it the most. Alas, I don't want Zhenhou to be too big, but there is really no way." She suddenly looked at me, and said with burning eyes: "General Chu, I told you these words. If you tell Marquis Wen, then we will be cut off from now on, and we may become enemies. Tell me, will you? " I felt a sudden chill in my heart.The county magistrate married me, and I always thought she was the one who took a fancy to me.However, I didn't understand until now that it was true that she was interested in me, but she must not only choose a husband-in-law, but also an assistant in her heart.And what she said would not make it difficult for me, and now she has a problem for me. I am silent.The princess is just a girl under twenty years old, but she has a power far beyond her age. At this moment, I even think that if there will be a female emperor in the empire one day, it will probably be the princess.But if there is such a day, then what is my identity?The husband of the empress, this identity is really weird, it is comparable to the empress of the emperor. I couldn't help showing a smile, the princess suddenly stood up, hugged me, and said in a trembling voice: "I know you will, Xiu Hong, you will." Her voice was a little choked up, and she also had unbearable excitement, which was very different from the indifference and calmness just now.My heart trembled, and I really didn't dare to deny it. After all, she is still a girl, a girl who loves me, no matter what her identity, status, or ability is.At this moment, she is no different from an ordinary young girl. I hugged her too, and murmured: "Yes. Even if one day you want to become an enemy of Marquis Wen, I will stand by your side, and I will not back down even if I die." As soon as I said this, I knew that my identity had also changed. From now on, I could no longer be considered as Marquis Wen's confidant.Of course Wenhou won't know my promise now, but will he guess it? I hope there won't be such a day.I can only think silently. The princess hugged me, suddenly raised her head, and said in a low voice: "Xiu Hong, you can stay at my house tonight." Her words were as thin as gossamer, almost inaudible, her face was already flushed, and she probably felt ashamed to say such words.I am no longer an innocent boy, but I also felt a little fever on my face, and said in a low voice: "It's not enough now, Princess, wait until we get married." She was a little disappointed, but still nodded, and said: "That's fine." Let go of me, took a step back, straightened her messy clothes, and said: "Xiu Hong, you should go back to Marquis Wen's Mansion first." I bowed and turned to get out of the car, the Princess suddenly said: "Be careful." Of course she didn't mean to tell me to get out of the car and be careful.I turned my head, smiled and said: "Life and death are up to fate, wealth is in the sky, I will save my life to marry you." The next day Marquis Wen went out early in the morning, but still didn't assign me any tasks, so I practiced the flute all morning.Now he can play two short and simple tunes, which can probably bluff people, but it is still very different from the miraculous flute skills of the prince and Wenhou.Sometimes I really feel that my hand that is used to wielding knives and guns probably has no chance to play the flute, but thinking that Marquis Wu is also a warrior, but he is also good at playing the flute, this reason probably does not make sense.In the afternoon, I was playing chess with a tent in Marquis Wen's mansion when I heard Marquis Wen coming in with a smile. Marquis Wen seemed very happy, most likely the battle has progressed.The tent and I didn't wait for Marquis Wen to come in, we immediately knelt down to greet him.Marquis Wen's face was full of joy, and he said as soon as he came in: "Get up, haha. Chu Xiuhong, you have made great achievements in recommending people." I was startled, and immediately understood that Shao Fengguan must have made extraordinary achievements.I said, "General Shao made meritorious service?" Marquis Wen twirled his beard and said with a smile: "The Feng Legion arrived on the battlefield today. Shao Fengguan commanded it well and blasted through the snake camp with scattered flowers. More than ten thousand snake corpses were buried and they are retreating." At first, I was still a little skeptical, thinking that Marquis Wen would not let Lu Gongxing die, but he actually had a plan to destroy the enemy long ago. He used minefields to destroy the enemy outside the city, and then bombed them with flying planes. People fled to the big river, thinking that they would be saved, but Deng Canglan's water army had been waiting there for a long time.Every step in this battle was seamless, without any flaws, and the snake man was used to kill Lu Gongxing, so the second prince was not given any trouble at all.From a reasonable point of view, he is well aware of the second prince's rebellion, and he is definitely prepared for it. It is my luck not to become an enemy with Marquis Wen.Just thinking about it, I immediately thought of what the Princess said.If one day, Marquis Wen really wants to have a conflict with the princess, what should I do? My face only changed slightly, but Marquis Wen had already noticed it, and said, "Chu Xiuhong, what's on your mind?" I glanced at the tent, Marquis Wen understood, and said: "Old Fang, you can step back." When the tent went down, I whispered: "My lord, the second prince is currently dispatching the imperial army, and it seems that he has made a move." Marquis Wen smiled slightly: "Did you see it too? I'll wait for him to do something. By the way, after dinner, I'll take you to Prince Anle's Mansion. This time, don't be offended by that donkey." His words at this time are like an elder of mine, extremely friendly.I couldn't help feeling a little ashamed in my heart, and said: "Everything is arranged by the adults." Wenhou said: "Just listen to me, hehe." He opened the door and walked out, humming: "Lei Cao is beating the drums and the wind is strong, and a river is boiling with gold and iron. Millions of Pixiu can make a fortune for thousands of years. Ah, this is not a river, but the blood of heroes that flows continuously." .” He sang the libretto of a play "War Warriors", which is very famous in the empire.This play is sung by the military saint Na Tingtian, and the part Wen Hou hummed was Na Tingtian's emotion when he saw that the river was full of corpses after he won the water battle on the river.The real Na Tingtian probably didn't say anything similar, but the desolation and agitation in it matched Na Tingtian's identity quite well. After dinner, Marquis Wen asked me to change into the white silk shirt again, and took his car to Anle Palace.Because Bi Wei had won again, Marquis Wen was very excited and spoke to me a lot more kindly.Along the way there were still many Zhijinwu, so they naturally did not dare to block Marquis Wen's car, so we passed without hindrance.I listened to Marquis Wen talking endlessly, but it was only nonsense. After marrying the princess, which side am I going to belong to?If it is true as the princess said, one day Marquis Wen will feel disobedient, do I really want to meet Marquis Wen?I don't believe that I can beat Wen Hou. Maybe, before Wen Hou really rebels, he will kill me if he knows that I won't follow him.If that day really comes, can I escape it? My heart was disturbed for a while, and I hardly knew what Wenhou was talking about.文侯大概也不在乎我听不听，只是顺口说着，有时还哼了两句戏文。车行辚辚，很快就到了安乐王府。 一进王府，小王子抢先迎了出来。按身份，文侯该对小王子行礼的，不过小王子笑容满面，倒是先行给文侯行了一礼，道：“甄叔叔，父王正等着你们呢。”他说着，还冲我一挤眼。文侯笑道：“小殿下，快请带我们去见令尊大人。” 到了会客厅，安乐王已等候多时了，郡主却不在边上。文侯将我的生辰帖交给安乐王，换回了郡主的生辰帖，又让我跪下给安乐王谢恩，这件事便算圆满完成。安乐王兴致未尽，非要留文侯在府中作彻夜之饮，大概还要深谈婚事该如何办理，文侯让我先坐车回去后，再让车来王府接他。 向安乐王告辞后，我走出安乐王府。小王子蹦蹦跳跳地走在前面，向我问飞行机到底怎么个用法。上次天寿节，文侯想出用飞行机给帝君撒花，博得帝君欢心。那时，文侯大概就已经想到要利用飞行机作战了吧，现在终于进入了实用阶段。小王子那时便对飞行机极感兴趣，很想坐一坐，但飞行机仍然很危险，他没能坐上，大概心犹不死。 走到门口，小王子忽然诡秘地一笑，道：“楚将军，小心点啊，嘻嘻。” 我不知他说这话是什么意思，他已跑了进去。我也不再多想，转身上了车。 刚开门，郡主的声音幽幽地从里面传来：“休红，你来了？” 我吃了一惊，连忙跪下道：“郡主，末将失礼。” 郡主“扑嗤”一声笑了出来：“关上车门再说吧。” 我关上了门，郡主拉着我的手，笑道：“都这时候了，你还那么多礼做什么。我叫茵，你叫我小茵便成。” 她眼中满含笑意，车中虽暗，却仿佛被她的笑容照亮。我心头感到一阵甜意，道：“郡主……小茵，您怎么来了？旁人……” 郡主仍是笑着：“走吧，我送你回去。”她见我有点担心的样子，又道：“甄侯的车夫我给了他一壶酒几个菜，他正吃得不亦乐乎呢，不用担心，现在驾车的是王府的人。” 她的声音温柔缱绻，但是我知道她要和我说的多半不会如此简单。I nodded and said, "Yes." 她拉了拉铃，车夫听得铃声，赶着车向前驶去。郡主拉着我的手，低声道：“真好。休红，你真的喜欢我么？” 我喜欢郡主么？I'm at a loss.郡主不论从哪一点来说，都是极其出色的，不论是谁娶到这样一个妻子都会感到高兴。但是我知道，我心中永远都不会忘记的，只有那个人。 淡黄衣衫，雪白的手指，碎珠崩玉一般的琵琶声。 我也低声道：“是。” 她长吁了口气，微笑道：“父王曾给我说过各家的贵族公子，但我觉得他们都只是一些平庸之辈，可是你不同，你虽然只是布衣出身，可是听小弟说起你时，我就觉得你和他们完全不一样。他们只是些笼中的鸣禽，纵然毛羽灿烂，都飞不了多高，可是你却如抟风掣电的大鹏，终有一天会飞上云霄的。” 我心中暗自苦笑。郡主也太高看我了，大概她见过的王孙公子都只是些一无所长的贵族子弟，而小王子时常在她跟前帮我吹牛，当她第一次在文侯府中见到我时，一下便觉得我是矫然不凡。其实我知道，我也很平庸，如果不是机缘巧合，我不是战死，顶多也只是个骁骑一类的下级军官。 郡主拉着我的手，见我也没说话，她低低道：“休红，你心里不乐意么？” 我抬起头道：“不会，郡……小茵，能娶你，哪里会不乐意的。” 郡主笑了，道：“我知道你想着枫贵妃。” 她的话象是当头一棒，我张大了嘴，道：“什么？……当然不是。” 郡主又是“嗤”一声笑了，道：“别骗我。男人就该这样的，我不会怪你。可是，你以后要把心思都放在我身上，不许再念着别人了。对了，我那两个贴身侍女小慧小莹也是美人，到时我让她们陪嫁过来，一块儿嫁给你吧，这样好不好？” 郡主那两个侍女的确长得很是清丽，也是少有的美人，但是我心头乱成一片。郡主怎么会知道她的事？薛文亦他们是知道的，但他们肯定不会说，那么郡主一定是自行查出来的。一想到她曾经暗中查过我，我就极是不快。 郡主的确不是个普通的人物。她如果是个男人，只怕地位会在文侯之上也未可知，大概将来也只有她才能做文侯的对手。娶了这样一个妻子，难道我真的会幸福么？我心乱如麻，脑中也只是空空一片。我最厌恶别人替我做主，我要做的是我自己。可是，娶了郡主后，我身上究竟能保留多少自己？ 郡主见我没说话，忽然又是一笑，柔声道：“休红，你喜欢我的话，亲我一下吧，我已经是你妻子了。” 我抬起头看着她，只见她颊上晕红一片。我心中一动，不管郡主到底是怎么样的人，她爱我还是真的。说实话，我又何尝不爱她？当知道要娶郡主后，我很难得才会想到她了。将来婚后，我大概会慢慢忘了她，只记得郡主了吧。It's not easy to be single-handedly.这话说说容易，做起来却大是困难。 她闭上眼，等着我去亲她，我心中一热，一把揽住了她的腰，正要在她的红唇上吻下去，突然，耳中听到了一声细细的尖啸。