Chapter 50 Chapter Forty-Nine

In the Dali Imperial Palace, Duan Zhengming passed on the throne to his nephew Duan Yu, admonishing him to love the people and accept advice, and not to make rash changes in state affairs, and not to use weapons without authorization.At this time, thousands of miles away, in the Bianliang Imperial Palace, the capital city of Song Dynasty in the north, in the back pavilion of Chongqing Palace, the Empress Dowager Gao's condition took a turn for the worse, and she was exhorting her grandson Zhao Xu (note: later known as Zhezong in history): " My son, it was difficult for our ancestors to start a business. Fortunately, our ancestors were rich and rich, so there is peace today. But when your father came to power, the whole country was in a state of turmoil, which almost caused great changes. Even now, the people still feel fear when they think about it. What do you think is the reason?"

Zhao Xu said: "My child often hears from grandma that the emperor listened to Wang Anshi's words and changed the old law, so that the people are in dire straits." The empress dowager's withered face moved slightly, and she sighed: "Wang Anshi is knowledgeable and capable, and he was not a bad person at first, so he naturally puts his heart into serving the country and the people, but... oh... but your father, he has a quick temper, and he only wants to be quick." It’s about to succeed, but they don’t know that things in the world often fail quickly, and they mess up in a hurry.” When she said this, she took a breath for a while, and then said: “Secondly... secondly, he can’t listen to a word that is harsh, others can only He only likes to sing praises and say that he is the son of Shengtian. If he is said to have acted improperly and a few words of advice, he will lose his temper. Those who are dismissed from office and those who are exiled are exiled. In this way, who would dare to speak out to him What about remonstrance?"

Zhao Xu said: "Grandma, it's a pity that the father's last will was not fulfilled. His good laws and good intentions have been corrupted by the villain." The Empress Dowager was taken aback, and asked in a trembling voice, "What...what good law and kindness? What...what villain?" Zhao Xu said: "The young crop method, horse protection method, and armor protection method created by my father are not all good methods to enrich the country and strengthen the army? I only hate Sima Guang, Lu Gong, Su Shi and other corrupt scholars for spoiling important events."

The empress dowager's face changed color, and she tried to sit up, but she was extremely weak, and it was difficult to lift her body an inch or two, she couldn't help coughing.Zhao Xu said: "Grandma, don't be angry, rest more, your body is important." Although he was consoling, there was no affection or concern in his tone. The Empress Dowager coughed for a while, then gradually calmed down, and said, "Boy, you have been emperor for nine years, but these nine years... During these nine years, the real emperor is your grandma, you have to listen to everything." Grandma ordered it to be done, you...you must be very angry and hate your grandma very much, don't you?"

Zhao Xu said: "Grandma is the emperor for me. That's because she loves me. I'm afraid I'll be exhausted. The servants are for grandma, and the imperial decree is issued by grandma. If the child is free, what's wrong with that? How dare you blame grandma? " The Empress Dowager sighed, and said softly: "You are exactly like your father. You think you are smart and capable, and you always want to make a big career out of it. You have always hated me in your heart. I...don't I know?" Zhao Xu smiled slightly, and said, "Naturally, grandma knows. The commander of the imperial forest army in the palace is grandma's confidant, the head of the eunuchs is her confidant, and the court ministers are appointed by grandma. Apart from obediently obeying grandma's orders, the child In addition, do you still dare to do something casually or say a word casually?"

The Empress Dowager looked directly at the roof of the tent, and said: "You are counting on today every day, you only hope that once I die of a serious illness, you... you can show your talents." Zhao Xu said: "Everything is bestowed by grandma, my child. Grandma presided over it all, and when the father died, the ministers in the court did not establish King Yong, but also King Cao. How dare the child forget Grandma's deep kindness? It's just...just..." The Empress Dowager said : "Just what? What do you want to say, just say it, why hesitate?" Zhao Xudao: "Ha'er once heard people say that grandma wanted to establish Hai'er because she wanted him to be young so that grandma can manage the government by herself." He boldly said these few words, his heart was pounding, and he looked towards the gate of the palace. After a few glances, I saw that the eunuchs guarding the door were still my confidantes, and the guards were tight, so I felt relieved.

The Empress Dowager nodded slowly, and said: "Your words are correct. I really want to govern the country by myself. How have I managed the past nine years?" Zhao Xu took out a roll of paper from his bosom, and said, "Grandma, I don't know how much the scholars of the government and the public have said in the past nine years. I'm afraid grandma will get tired of hearing it. Someone came from the north today and said that the Prime Minister of the Liao Kingdom had a The memorial was presented to Emperor Liao, mentioning Grandma's governance. This is the opinion of the minister of the enemy country, grandma wants to hear it?"

The Empress Dowager sighed: "It doesn't matter if virtue is spread all over the world or slandered all over the world, old... old body won't survive tonight. I... I don't know if I can still see the sun tomorrow morning? Prime Minister of Liao Kingdom ... What ... what did he say about me?" Zhao Xu unfolded the scroll and said: "The prime minister said in the memorial that the Empress Dowager said: 'Since the curtain was drawn, famous ministers have been summoned, the new law and tyranny have been abolished, nine years in office, the court is clear, and Huaxia Sui'an. Put an end to internal luck. , to reduce the personal favor of the family, the things offered by Wensiyuan, no matter how big or small, you will never choose one for life...'" He read this, paused, and saw the eyes of the Empress Dowager who had lost the slightest brilliance. In the middle, a few rays of excited light shot out, and then read: "...'People think that Yao and Shun are women!'"

The Empress Dowager murmured: "People think that Yao and Shun are girls, and people think that Yao and Shun are girls! Even if it is really Yao and Shun, he will inevitably die in the end." Suddenly, a flash of light flashed in her increasingly blurred and dull mind. Ling Guang asked, "Why did the Prime Minister of Liao Kingdom mention me? My child, you...you have to be careful, they know that I am dying and want to bully you." A look of pride appeared on Zhao Xu's young face, and he said, "You want to bully me, hmph, it's a good word, but it's not that easy. The Khitan people worked in Tokyo and knew that grandma was seriously ill, but didn't we do it carefully?" In Shangjing? Didn’t we copy all the memorials of their prime ministers? The Khitan monarchs and ministers discussed it and said that after grandma... grandma will live forever, if the ministers of civil and military affairs do not change anything, do not adopt new laws, and protect the environment and the people, then that’s all. If the child If there is something... hum, if there is something rash...to act rashly, they will also act rashly."

The Empress Dowager lost her voice: "If that's the case, are they going to send troops south?" Zhao Xu said: "That's right!" He turned around and walked to the window, only to see the Big Dipper shining in the sky, his eyes followed the dipper, stared at the North Star, and murmured: "My Great Song army has enough food and has a large number of people. Why are you afraid of Khitan? He will not go south, but I will go north to compete with him!" The Empress Dowager was deaf and asked, "What did you say? What are you competing for?" Zhao Xu walked to the sick bed and said, "Grandma, our Great Song has ten times more people than Liao, and thirty times more food and grass. Double, isn't it? With ten enemies and one, can't you still beat them?" The Empress Dowager said tremblingly: "You said you want to go to war with the Liao Kingdom? Back then, Emperor Zhenzong was so heroic, and he personally marched to form the Chanyuan Alliance. You... how dare you use weapons?"

Zhao Xu said angrily: "Grandma always looks down on the child, and only treats the child as a baby who doesn't know anything. Even if the child is not as good as Taizu and Taizong, it may not be as good as Emperor Zhenzong." Taihuang The Empress Dowager said in a low voice: "Emperor Taizong also defeated the Northern Kingdom back then. He was seriously injured and his sores were hard to heal, and finally died because of it." Zhao Xu said, "How can we generalize everything in the world. We couldn't defeat the Khitan people back then. It may not always be defeated." The Empress Dowager is full of words to say, but she feels that her energy is leaving her body bit by bit. There are white mist dangling in front of her eyes, her mind is at a loss, and it is extremely difficult to speak, but deep in her heart There was a strong and clear voice constantly ringing: "The soldiers are fierce and the battle is in danger, and the lives of the people are dying, but you must not act rashly." After a while, she took a deep breath and said slowly: "My child, I have seized the power in the past nine years, and I didn't explain it to you. It's grandma's fault. I always thought that I still have many years to live." , When you are older, I will enlighten you, and it will be easier for you to understand, how do you know... how do you know..." She coughed a few times, and then said: "It's good that we have enough food, but Da Song Humanity is weak, not as brave as the Khitan people. What's more, when a war breaks out, the soldiers and civilians will be overwhelmed. I don't know how many people will die, how many houses will be burned, and how many families will be destroyed and their wives will be scattered. A king must always have a " The word benevolence, not to mention that the number of winners and losers is unpredictable, even if you are sure of victory, it is better not to fight this battle." Zhao Xu said: "The sixteen prefectures of Yanyun were occupied by the Liao people, and we have to pay him gold and silk every year. It is like a vassal and a subject. As the emperor of the Song Dynasty, how can we swallow this breath? Don't we Is it possible to be bullied by the Liao people forever?" His voice became louder and louder: "When Wang Anshi reformed the law and created the law of Baojia and Baoma, it was not to make the country prosperous and strong, and to wash away the shame of the ancestors over the years. Those who are descendants can avenge their ancestors Is this a great filial piety. The father has worked hard all his life to govern, isn’t it for this? The child must inherit the will of the father. This ambition is not fulfilled, and there is such a chair.” Suddenly pulled out the sword from his waist, and split a chair beside him in two . The emperor never wore a sword or sword except during military parades. The empress dowager was startled when she saw the child suddenly pull out the sword and cut the chair, and thought vaguely: "Why does he bring the sword? Me? Are you not allowed to listen to the government behind the curtain? This child is bold and reckless, I abolished him." Although she has a loving nature, she has been in power for a long time. Whenever the power is threatened, she immediately thinks of eliminating the enemy, even if it is a close relative. Not forgiving, in an instant, she forgot that she was exhausted, and in an instant she was going to die forever. What Zhao Xu was thinking about was how to defeat the enemy and recover the Yanyun sixteen prefectures. He fantasized that he would sit on a tall horse, lead a million soldiers, break through Shangjing, and Yelu Hongji, the leader of the Liao Dynasty, surrendered naked.Holding his sword high, he said proudly: "The important affairs of the country are all in the hands of ordinary cowardly and timid rotten scholars. They call themselves gentlemen, but they are all selfish villains who are greedy for life and afraid of death. I...I will punish them severely No." The Empress Dowager suddenly came to her senses and said in her heart: "This child is the current emperor. He has his own ideas. I can no longer make him listen to me. I am an old woman who is dying, and he is a young and vigorous emperor. He is the emperor, he is the emperor." She tried her best to raise her voice, and said, "Grandma, grandma is very happy that you have such ambition." Zhao Xu was overjoyed, put his sword back into its sheath, and said, "Grandma, I speak very well. That's right, isn't it?" The Empress Dowager said, "Do you know what is a surefire strategy, a surefire strategy?" Zhao Xu frowned, and said, "Choose generals to train soldiers, feed horses and store food, and fight the Liao people on the battlefield. Male and female, there is a way to win, but there is no reason to win." The Empress Dowager said: "You also know that there is no way to win in a gladiatorial battlefield. But our Great Song Dynasty can win without fighting." Zhao Xu said: "Relax with the people, promulgate benevolent government, and you can defeat others without fighting, right? Grandma, this is the pedantic opinion of Sima Guang and the others. What great things will it help?" The Empress Dowager sighed, and said slowly: "Mr. Sima has excellent knowledge and insight. How can you say that is a pedantic view of a scholar? You are the ruler of a country, so you must read the works written by Mr. Sima from time to time. For more than a thousand years, every The reason why a dynasty prospered, declined, failed, and died is clearly remembered in that book. Our Song Dynasty is rich in land and has a large population, which is ten times better than that of Liao. As long as there is no war, in ten years, In twenty years, we have become richer. The Liao people are brave and aggressive. As long as we strictly guard the border, other tribes will definitely kill each other. If they are defeated again and again, they will be seriously injured. The elite soldiers of the country were killed and wounded a lot..." Zhao Xu patted his thigh, and said: "Yes! At that time, the boy thought that he should send his troops northward, and give him an internal and external attack. The Liao people have internal worries, and they must be difficult to deal with. Alas, it's a pity that we missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The Empress Dowager said sharply: "You never forget to start a war with the Liao Kingdom, you...you...you..." suddenly sat up, stretched out the index finger of his right hand, and pointed at Zhao Xu. Under the Empress Dowager's prestige, Zhao Xu was so frightened that he took three steps back, staggered, and nearly fell down. He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, his heart skipped a beat, and he shouted, "Quick, come quickly." The eunuchs listened to the emperor's call and rushed into the palace immediately.Zhao Xu said in a trembling voice: "She...she...you look at her, what's wrong?" He was full of ambitions just now, and wanted to fight to the death with the Khitan people, but when a sick old woman showed her strength, he immediately became terrified He was overwhelmed and at a loss what to do.A eunuch walked up a few steps, stared at the Empress Dowager for a moment, boldly stretched out his hand to check his pulse, and said, "Qi Zou, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is now in control of Bintian." Zhao Xu was overjoyed, laughed loudly, and shouted: "Very good, very good! I am the emperor, I am the emperor!" He has actually been the emperor for nine years, but in the past nine years, the emperor has been in name only, and the power is all in the hands of the empress dowager. Until now, he is the real emperor.
Zhao Xu took charge of government affairs in person, and the first thing he did was to demote Su Shi, Minister of Rites, to be the prefect of Dingzhou.Su Shi's writing was famous all over the world, and he was highly expected at that time.He is Wang Anshi's deadly enemy and has always opposed the new law.During the Yuanyou period, the Empress Dowager listened to the government behind the curtain, and used Sima Guang, Su Shi, and Su Zhe brothers.Now when the empress dowager dies, the emperor demotes Su Shi. From the imperial court to the people, there is a shadow over everyone's mind: "The emperor is going to implement a new policy again, and he is going to harm the people again!" Of course, some people secretly rejoice If the emperor implements a new deal, they will have the opportunity to be promoted and make a fortune. At this time, all the ruling courts were former ministers appointed by the Empress Dowager.Fan Zuyu, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, said: "The empress dowagers of the late emperors took the righteousness as their heart, dismissed the new laws of Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing and carried out the old policies of the ancestors, so the society was in danger and restored, and the hearts of the people were separated and reunited. Even the Liao Lord also discussed with the prime minister. Said: "The Southern Dynasty obeyed Renzong's political affairs, so Yanjing can be ordered to stay behind, so that the border officials are restrained and there is no trouble." Your Majesty sees the feelings of the enemy's country like this, and the Chinese people's hearts can be known. Now your Majesty is close to everything, and the villain must want to be shaken. And all those who hold benefits are also waiting and watching. I hope that your majesty will remember the hardships of the ancestors, the hard work of the empress dowager, and the heartbroken, and take listening to the villain as a deep-seated precept, and guard the government blessed by God. Be as firm as gold and stone, as heavy as a mountain, and make Chinese and foreign alike With one heart, returning to the most upright, the world will be blessed!" The more Zhao Xu looked at it, the more angry he threw the memorial on the case, and said: "'Heartbroken, take listening to and using a villain as a deep-seated warning', these two sentences are good. But I don't know who is a gentleman and who is a villain?" With piercing eyes, staring at Fan Zuyu. Fan Zuyu kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty is very observant. When the Empress Dowager was in charge of the government, tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign subjects wrote letters, saying that the government order was inconvenient and harmed the people. The Empress Dowager followed the will of the people and changed the law. Those who acted are guilty. When they are expelled, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager will also follow the people's will. These expelled courtiers are villains." Zhao Xu sneered, and said loudly: "That was dismissed by the Empress Dowager, what does it have to do with me?" Flicking his sleeves, he retreated. Zhao Xu hated to see the ministers, but at the beginning of the pro-government, it was inconvenient to dismiss all the ministers, so he immediately issued an imperial edict, promoting the officials of the servants Xuan, Liu Weijian, Liang Congzheng and others, rewarding them for their contribution to him, and taking care of his illness for days not toward. The eunuch sent in a memorial, with fat and straight handwriting, signed by Su Shi.Zhao Xu said: "Big Beard Su writes well, but he doesn't know what nonsense he is talking about." See Shu wrote: "The ministers serve the tents every day, and they are on the frontier. They don't care about seeing them; It's difficult." Zhao Xu said: "I don't like to look at you with a big beard, and I will never see you again." Then he looked down: "However, I dare not be loyal to you because I can't be right. The ancient sages will have For this reason, you must first be in the dark to observe the light, and to observe the movement in the quiet, so that all things will be presented in front of you. Your Majesty is sage and wise, and the spring and autumn are at their peak..." Zhao Xu smiled slightly, thinking: "This bearded man is very handsome. Slippery, I would flatter and call me 'sage and wisdom'. But he also said that I was 'spring and autumn', which means that I am young, and I am not sensible when I am young." Then read: "The minister is willing to be open-minded and rational. If you do nothing, contemplate the benefits and disadvantages of the general affairs and the righteousness of the officials, for a period of three years, once you get the facts, and then act accordingly, so that after you have done it, there will be no hatred in the world, and your Majesty will have no regrets. From this point of view , Your Majesty's promise is only worrying about being too early, not later, and it is already clear. I am afraid that I will rush into the ministers who are interested in profit, and I will always persuade my majesty to change slightly. Therefore, I come here to say that I dare to hope that your majesty will pay attention. The blessings of the Jiji Temple, The world is very fortunate." After reading the memorial, Zhao Xu thought to himself: "Everyone says that Su Dahuzi is an extremely intelligent talent, and he really deserves his reputation. He knew that I was determined to introduce the late emperor and implement the new law, so he didn't come to obstruct me. He just advised me to postpone it for three years. Hmph , What do you mean, "after you have done something, there will be no hatred in the world, and your Majesty will have no regrets". He said it tactfully, but the meaning is not the same? He said that if I am eager for quick success and quick benefits, I will not only have hatred in the world, but also myself. Regret." In a rage, he immediately tore the memorial to pieces. Looking at the court a few days later, Fan Zuyu wrote another memorial: "At the beginning of Xu Ning, Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing established three new laws, all of which changed the politics of the ancestors, and attracted villains to mislead the country. Introduce. Use troops to open the frontier, build grievances against foreign barbarians, the world is miserable, and the people are displaced." Zhao Xu became angry when he saw this, and said in his heart: "You are scolding Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing, but you are not scolding my father? "Looking on again: "Cai Que set up a big prison, Wang Shao created Xihe, Zhang Dun opened Wuxi, Shen started to disturb the traffic control, Shen Kuo and others started to create Western affairs, and the soldiers and civilians died and injured no less than 200,000. The first emperor came to the court Condolences, saying that the imperial court has to accept the blame..." Zhao Xu became more and more angry as he watched, skipped a few lines, and saw the following: "...the people are in distress, and they are more worried than their houses. Your Majesty Lai and the Empress Dowager came together to save them. In other words, the people of the world are like a solution..." Zhao Xu couldn't bear it anymore when he saw this, and stood up. Zhao Xu was only 18 years old at that time, with the honor of the emperor and the vigor of a young man, he suddenly lost his temper in the court, and all the officials were pale, only to hear him say in a sharp voice: "Fan Zuyu, what you said in this memorial , isn’t that slandering the late emperor?” Fan Zuyu kowtowed again and again, and said: “Your Majesty has learned from you, and my humble minister must never dare.” At the beginning of Zhao Xu's exercise of power, he saw that the officials were terrified, he was very proud of himself, his anger disappeared, but his face still had a fierce look on his face, and he said loudly: "The late emperor, with the talent of the sky, has great ambitions, and is about to To flatten the barbarians, to mess around with the world, and unfortunately to die in the prime of life, what's wrong with me introducing the late emperor's will? You are nagging endlessly, but you are saying that the late emperor reformed!" A minister flashed out from the group of ministers, with a clear appearance, awe-inspiring and dignified, it was the Prime Minister Su Zhe.Zhao Xu was displeased, and said in his heart: "This man is Su Dabeard's younger brother, the two brothers work hand in hand, and the dog's mouth must not produce ivory." Su Zhe said: "Your Majesty clearly observed that the late emperor had many facilities, far surpassing those of his predecessors. For example, the first emperor reigned for twelve years, but he was not honored throughout his life. The ministers praised the merits and virtues in the first chapter, but the first emperor was always modest. As for the misconduct in government affairs, which dynasty did not miss it? What the father did before, the son saved. The latter is the filial piety of the former." Zhao Xu snorted, and said coldly: "What do you mean by 'Father does it before, and the son saves it later'?" Su Zhe said, "For example, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Wealth was exhausted, so we repaired the government of salt and iron, disputing food, and losing all. The people's sources of profit and property were robbed, and the people were in dire straits, almost leading to chaos. After Emperor Wu died, Emperor Zhao took over the throne and appointed Huo Guang. The Han family is settled." Zhao Xu snorted again, and said in his heart: "You compare my father with Emperor Wu of the Han!" Su Zhe saw that the emperor's expression was not good, and the matter was very dangerous, so he thought: "If I continue talking, the emperor will be angry, and maybe my life may be in danger, but if I obey his will, the world will be in trouble again, and thousands of people will be in trouble again." The living beings are hungry and cold, and they are homeless. As a minister of the country, how can I bear it? Today is the time for me to repay the empress dowager's deep kindness with a small life." Prophecy made decisions, believed in false and untrue heresies, and checked the words and deeds of officials and bureaucrats in every possible way. At that time, everyone was afraid and people were uneasy. Emperor Zhang took over the throne, learned from his mistakes, and replaced it with a generous and loyal government. People's hearts are happy This is the great filial piety of a sage." Knowing that Zhao Xu ascended the throne at the age of ten and had obeyed the Empress Dowager in everything for nine years, he must secretly be angry and determined to destroy the Empress Dowager In order to show filial piety to his father, he specially quoted the words "the great filial piety of a saint" to persuade the emperor. Zhao Xu said loudly: "Emperor Han Ming respected Confucianism, and there is nothing wrong with that. You compare Emperor Wu of Han to the previous emperor. What is your intention? Isn't this a public insult? blame, his behavior is absurd, and he will be laughed at by future generations, how can he compare with the late emperor?" The more he spoke, the louder his voice became. Su Zhe kowtowed again and again, went down to the court, knelt down and waited for the crime, not daring to say another word. Many ministers thought in their hearts: "The reform of the first emperor made the people of the world precarious. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty is much better than him." But who dare to say these words?Who dares to defend Su Zhe? A minister with a white beard came out of the crowd, but it was Fan Chunren, who calmly said, "Your Majesty, don't be angry. Su Zhe's words may be inappropriate, but they are loyal to the emperor and patriotic. At the beginning of your majesty's administration, you should treat ministers politely and not Such as scolding servants. What's more, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty regretted his mistakes in the last years, and he can correct his mistakes, so he is not a bad emperor." Zhao Xu said: "Everyone says 'Emperor Qin, Han Wu'. Isn't that the ultimate indifference?" Fan Chunren said: "Su Zhe's discussion is about the current situation and events, not about people." Hearing Fan Chunren's repeated excuses, Zhao Xu's anger died down, and he shouted: "Su Zhe is back!" Su Zhe returned to the hall from the court, not daring to stand in the same class again, knelt down at the end of the group of officials, and said, "I offend Your Majesty, Begging to be screened." The next day, the edict came down, and Su Zhe was sent to be a bachelor of Duanming Palace and the magistrate of Ruzhou, and sent the prime minister to be a small state official.
The movement of the monarchs and ministers in the Southern Dynasty has long been reported to Beijing.Lord Yelu Hongji of the Liao Dynasty was overjoyed when he learned that the empress dowager of the Southern Dynasty had passed away, and the young emperor Zhao Xu reprimanded and expelled important ministers, obviously intending to carry out a new policy. Yelu Hongji said again: "The Southern Dynasties sent a lot of fine work in Shangjing. If you know that I am going to Nanjing, you will be on guard. Let's ride lightly and follow quickly, and go quickly, but we don't need to know the king of Huinanyuan." Immediately led 3000 armored soldiers , heading southward in a radial direction, in view of the failure of the king of Chu to rebel last time, the officers and soldiers staying in Shangjing were led by Empress Xiao himself.Another 100,000 soldiers and horses escorted them, and then they came south in batches. Not a day later, Yujia came to the outside of Nanjing.Today Xiao Feng was leading more than 20 guards to hunt in the northern suburbs, when he heard that the Lord of Liao had arrived suddenly, his flying horse went north to meet him, and seeing Baiyan Huanggai from a distance, he dismounted immediately, rushed forward, and bowed to the ground . Yelu Hongji laughed loudly, got off his horse, and said: "Brother, you and I are called monarchs and ministers, but we are actually flesh and blood, why do you need to perform such a great gift?" Immediately helped him up, and asked with a smile: "How many beasts are there?" Xiao Feng said: "For days It was very cold, all the wild animals took refuge in the south, after hunting for half a day, they only got some green wolves and roe deer, nothing big." Yelu Hongji was also very fond of hunting, and said: "Let's go to the southern suburbs to look for it." Xiao Feng Said: "The southern suburbs are bordered by the Southern Dynasties, I am afraid that the peace between the two countries will be lost, so I strictly forbid my subordinates to go hunting." Yelu Hongji frowned slightly, and asked: "Then don't you want to hunt grass valleys anymore?" Xiao Feng said: "I have already banned it." "Yelu Hongji said: "Today we brothers gather together, what's the harm in making an exception?" Xiao Feng said: "Yes!" The horn sounded, Yelu Hongji and Xiao Feng rode side by side, bypassed the city wall of Nanjing, and headed south.Three thousand armored soldiers followed.After galloping for more than 20 miles, all the armored soldiers shouted in unison, scattered from east to west, and surrounded them like a fan from a distance, but they heard the horses neighing and dogs barking, forming a group, slowly encircled them in all directions, and rushed up from the grass. Some genus of foxes and rabbits. Yelu Hongji didn't want to shoot these small beasts. After waiting for a long time, he still didn't see any giant beasts such as bears and tigers appearing. He was looking down on himself, when suddenly he heard a cry, and more than ten men from the southeast corner rushed over. The woodcutters and hunters of the Southern Dynasties and the like.The Liao soldiers couldn't catch the wild beasts, knowing that the emperor didn't like it, they just surrounded these dozen or so southerners, and immediately chased them away, forcing them to the emperor's horse. Yelu Hongji smiled and said: "Good time!" He drew back the iron bow inlaid with gold and jade, put on the carved feather and wolf-toothed arrow, and shot the arrows with a series of "chi chi chi chi chi" sounds, the arrows shot down in no time killed six southerners.The rest of the southerners were so frightened that they turned around and fled, but they were stabbed with spears by the Liao soldiers and chased back. Xiao Feng couldn't bear to see it, and shouted: "Your Majesty!" Yelu Hongji smiled and said: "Leave the rest to you, I'll come and see Brother Shenjian!" Xiao Feng shook his head and said: "These people have not committed any crimes, please forgive them. Let them go." Yelu Hongji said with a smile: "There are too many southerners, so they must be killed, and the world will be at peace. It is a sin for them to reincarnate into the wrong birth to be southerners." As he spoke, he fired arrows, and another arrow One, less than half of a pot of arrows was shot, and none of the more than ten Han people was spared. Some were killed immediately, and some were shot in the stomach.All the Liao soldiers cheered loudly, shouting in unison: "Long live!" If Xiao Feng wanted to stop it at that time, he would have knocked down Liao Emperor's feathered arrow, but in front of the army, he blatantly cut the emperor's face, it can be said that he is treasonous, but a look of disapproval has been revealed involuntarily on his face. Yelu Hongji smiled and said, "How?" Just as he was about to retract his bow, he suddenly saw a horse riding past the hunting enclosure and galloping towards him.Yelu Hongji saw that the man on horseback was dressed as a Han Chinese, he didn't ask any more questions, he bent his bow and set an arrow, swished an arrow, and shot at the man.As soon as the man stretched out his hand, raised two fingers, and held the feather arrow.At this moment, Yelu Hongji's second arrow came again, the man stretched out his left hand, and held the second arrow again, the horse under his hips did not stop at all, and charged towards Liao Lord.Yelu Hongji's arrows shot out in succession, the back arrow connected to the front arrow, almost end to end.But he shot it fast, and the other side also caught it quickly. In an instant, one shot seven arrows, and the other received seven arrows. The Liao soldiers and guards yelled loudly, each with a spear, standing in front of the Liao Lord, for fear that someone would startle him. At that time the distance between the two was not very far, Xiao Feng saw the face of the person clearly, he was shocked, he shouted: "Ah Zi, it's you? Don't be rude to the emperor." The rider on the horse giggled, threw the caught seven spiked arrows to the guards, jumped off the horse, knelt down to Yelu Hongji and saluted, saying: "Your Majesty, don't be surprised if I take your arrows." Yelu Hongji Laughing: "Good skills, good skills!" AhZi stood up and called out: "Brother-in-law, are you here to meet me?" With both feet on her feet, she leaped in front of Xiao Feng's horse. Xiao Feng saw that her eyes had become piercing, he was both surprised and happy, and shouted: "Ah Zi, why are your eyes healed?" Ah Zi smiled and said: "It was your second brother who cured it for me, do you think it's okay?" Okay?" Xiao Feng glanced at her again, suddenly, his heart shuddered, and he felt that there seemed to be an indescribable sadness in her eyes, and she should be very happy to see her eyesight again, and to meet him again That's right, why is the mood revealed in the eyes so sad?But her laughter was full of joy.Xiao Feng thought to himself: "Presumably little Ah Zi suffered some kind of grievance on the way." Ah Zi suddenly screamed and jumped forward.At the same time Xiao Feng also felt that someone was plotting against him behind him, he immediately turned around, only to see a three-pronged hunting fork flying towards his chest.AhZi stretched out her left hand to grab it, and threw the hunting fork into the chest of a person lying on the ground.That man was a Han Orion, he was shot down by Yelu Hongji, he survived for a while, with all his strength, he threw the hunting fork at Xiao Feng's back.He saw that Xiao Feng was wearing the uniform of a high-ranking official of Liao Kingdom, he only hoped that he could be killed, Xiaoxue felt the hatred of being innocently killed. AhZi pointed at the breathless Orion and cursed: "You pig and dog who are overconfident, you actually want to plot against my brother-in-law!" Yelu Hongji was very happy when he saw AhZi threw the hunter to death with a fork, and said: "My good girl, you are very agile, you are really good. Of course the fork just now can't hurt our King of the Southern Court, but what if he does so However, if you suffer a slight injury, you will inevitably miss my major event. Good girl, how should I reward you?" Ah Zi said: "Your Majesty, if you make my brother-in-law a high official, I will also be an official for fun. I don't need to be as big as my brother-in-law, but I can't be too small, so that people look down on me." Yelu Hongji He laughed and said: "In our Daliao Kingdom, there are only women in charge, but no women are officials. Well, you are already a princess. I will promote you to a level and make you a princess. What kind of princess is it called? Yes, it is called a princess." 'Princess Pingnan'!" Ah Zi pursed her mouth and said, "Being a princess is not an option!" Yelu Hongji wondered, "Why not?" Ah Zi said, "You and my brother-in-law are sworn brothers , if I was conferred the title of princess, would I be a generation shorter than your daughter?" Yelu Hongji saw Ah Zi's affectionate expression towards Xiao Feng, and Xiao Feng, although he occupies a high position, is not close to women, according to the usual habits of Liao people, such a high-ranking official, let alone three wives and four concubines, even thirty wives and forty concubines She is also married, and presumably has a lot of affection for Ah Zi, probably because she is too young to get married, so she smiled and said: "You are the eldest princess, the same generation as my sister, not my daughter. I not only named you 'Princess Pingnan', how about fulfilling even one of your wishes?" A Ziqiao blushed, and said: "What wish do I have? How did Your Majesty know? You are an emperor, but you also talk so casually." She has always been afraid of the sky and the earth, and she speaks to Yelu Hongji without any restrictions The gift of the monarch and his ministers. The etiquette and laws of Liao Kingdom are very rough, and Xiao Feng is Yelu Hongji's most favored nobleman, when Ah Zi said so, Yelu Hongji just smiled and said: "If you don't do this Princess Pingnan, I won't seal it up. , Two, three, do you want to do it?" AZi Yingying bowed down and said in a low voice: "AZi thank you." Xiao Feng also bowed and said: "Thank you for your kindness." He treated AZi like his own sister, since she was bestowed by Emperor Liao, Xiao Feng himself also thank. But Yelu Hongji said that what he expected was right, he said in his heart: "I let him get married in a splendid manner, and then ordered him to conquer the Song Dynasty, he will work harder." But Xiao Feng was thinking in his heart: "The emperor is coming south this time, What's his intention? Why did he call Ah Zi's princess 'Ping Nan'? Ping Nan, Ping Nan, does he want to use troops in the Southern Dynasty?" Yelu Hongji held Xiao Feng's right hand and said: "Brother, we haven't seen each other for a few days, let's talk for a while."
The two of them rode southward together, their horses were on a smooth road, and they had covered more than ten miles in a short time.The fields on the plains are barren, and the wheat fields are full of thorns and weeds.Xiao Feng pondered: "People in Song Dynasty were afraid that we would come out to dig grass and valleys, so that hundreds of thousands of mu of fertile land would be abandoned." Yelu Hongji rode his horse up a small hill, stood on top of the hill, looked proudly.Xiao Feng followed, and followed his gaze to the south, but he saw undulating mountains and hills, and the earth is endless. Yelu Hongji pointed to the south with the tip of his whip, and said: "Brother, I remember that more than thirty years ago, my father brought me here to point out the beautiful mountains and rivers of Song Dynasty to the south." Xiao Feng said: "Yes." Yelu Hongji said: "You grew up in the southern barbarian land since you were young, and you know a lot about the mountains and rivers and people in the south. After all, living in the south is much more comfortable than our northern country's bitter cold?" Xiao Feng said: "Everywhere is normal. When it comes to the word "comfortable", as long as you live comfortably and comfortably, you will be happy in your heart. Northerners are not used to living in the south, and southerners are not used to living in the north. Since God has made such an arrangement, if it is forced to change, it will inevitably Looking for troubles." Yelu Hongji said: "You live in the south as a northerner, and when you get used to it, you move to the north again, don't you feel troubled?" Xiao Feng said: "I am a wanderer. , The whole world is home, unlike ordinary farmers and herdsmen. The minister has been given a place to live by His Majesty, a high official and a generous salary, and is deeply grateful, what more troubles?" Yelu Hongji turned his head and stared at his face.It was inconvenient for Xiao Feng to look at him, so he smiled and looked away. Yelu Hongji said slowly: "Brother, although you and I have the status of a monarch and a minister, we are sworn brothers. We haven't seen each other for a long time, but how are we born?" Xiao Feng said: "Back then, I didn't know that your Majesty was the emperor of the Daliao Kingdom. As a result, there are a lot of blasphemy and arrogance, and after knowing it, how dare you still call yourself a sworn brother?" Yelu Hongji sighed: "A man who is an emperor can't make friends with a few men who are sincere and loyal. Brother, if I follow you Walking in the rivers and lakes. Unrestrained, I'm afraid it will be happier." Xiao Feng said happily: "Your Majesty loves friends, that's not difficult. I have two sworn brothers in Central China, one is Xu Zhuzi from Lingjiu Palace, the other is Dali Duan Yu, they are both daring and passionate men. If Your Majesty wishes to see I would like to invite them to Liao Kingdom for a visit." Since he returned to Nanjing, he has been in the company of officials and soldiers of Liao Kingdom every day, and his speech and temperament are out of tune. He misses Xu Zhu and Duan Yu very much, and really hopes to invite them to come. The Liao Kingdom gathered for a while. Yelu Hongji said happily: "Since he is my brother's sworn brother, he is also my brother. You can dispatch letters to invite them to Liao Kingdom, and I can give them both great official positions." Xiao Feng smiled. Said: "It's a good idea to invite them to play. These two brothers cannot be officials." 耶律洪基沉默片刻，说道：“兄弟，我观你神情言语，心中常有郁郁不足之意。我富有天下，君临四海，何事不能为你办到？却何以不对做哥哥的说？” 萧峰心下感动，说道：“不瞒陛下说，此事是我平生恨事，铸成大错，再难挽回。”当下将如何误杀阿朱之事大略说了。 耶律洪基左手一拍大腿，大声道：“难怪兄弟三十多岁年纪，却不娶妻，原来是难忘旧人。兄弟，你所以铸成这个大错，推寻罪魁祸首，都是那些汉人南蛮不好，尤其是丐帮一干叫化子，更是忘恩负义。你也休得烦恼，我克日兴兵，讨伐南蛮，把中原武林、丐帮众人，一古脑儿的都杀了，以泄你雁门关外杀母之仇，聚贤庄中受困之恨。你既喜欢南蛮的美貌女子，我挑一千个、二千个来服侍你，却又何难？” 萧峰脸上露出一丝苦笑，心道：“我既误杀阿朱，此生终不再娶。阿朱就是阿朱，四海列国，千秋万载，就只一个阿朱。岂是一千个、一万个汉人美女所能代替得了的？皇上看惯了后宫千百名宫娥妃子，哪懂得'情'之一字？”说道：“多谢陛下厚恩，只是臣与中原武人之间的仇怨，已然一笔勾销。微臣手底已杀了不少中原武人，怨怨相报，实是无穷无尽。战衅一启，兵连祸结，更是非同小可。” 耶律洪基哈哈大笑，说道：“宋人文弱，只会大言炎炎，战阵之上，实是不堪一击。兄弟英雄无敌，统兵南征，南蛮指日可定，哪有甚么兵连祸结？兄弟，哥哥此次南来，你可知为的是甚么事？”萧峰道：“正要陛下示知。” 耶律洪基笑道：“第一件事，是要与贤弟畅聚别来之情。贤弟此番西行，西夏国的形势险易，兵马强弱，想必都已了然于胸。以贤弟之见，西夏是否可取？” 萧峰吃了一惊，寻思：“皇上的图谋着实不小，既要南占大宋，又想西取西夏。”便道：“臣子此番西去，只想瞧瞧西夏公主招亲的热闹，全没想到战阵攻伐之事。陛下明鉴，臣子历险江湖，近战搏击，差有一日之长，但行军布阵，臣子实在一窍不通。”耶律洪基笑道：“贤弟不必过谦。西夏国王这番大张旗鼓的招驸马，却闹了个虎头蛇尾，无疾而终，当真好笑。其实当日贤弟带得十万兵去，将西夏公主娶回南京，倒也甚好。”萧峰微微一笑，心想：“皇上只道有强兵在手，要甚么便有甚么。” 耶律洪基说道：“做哥哥的此番南来，第二件事为的是替兄弟增爵升官。贤弟听封。”萧峰道：“微臣受恩已深，不敢再望……”耶律洪基朗声道：“南院大王萧峰听封！”萧峰只得翻身下鞍，拜伏在地。 耶律洪基说道：“南院大王萧峰公忠体国，为朕股肱，兹进爵为宋王，以平南大元帅统率三军，钦此。” 萧峰心下迟疑，不知如何是好，说道：“微臣无功，实不敢受此重恩。”耶律洪基森然道：“怎么？你拒不受命么？”萧峰听他口气严峻，知道无可推辞，只得叩头道：“臣萧峰谢恩。”洪基哈哈大笑，道：“这样才是我的好兄弟呢。”双手扶起，说道：“兄弟，我这次南来，却不是以南京为止，御驾要到汴梁。” 萧峰又是一惊，颤声道：“陛下要到汴梁，那……那怎么……”耶律洪基笑道：“兄弟以平南大元帅统率三军，为我先行，咱们直驱汴梁。日后兄弟的宋王府，便设在汴梁赵煦小子的皇宫之中。”萧峰道：“陛下是说咱们要和南朝开仗？” 洪基道：“不是我要和南朝开仗，而是南蛮要和我较量。南朝太皇太后这老婆子主政之时，一切总算井井有条，我虽有心南征，却也没十足把握。现下老太婆死了，赵煦这小子乳臭未干，居然派人整饬北防、训练三军，又要募兵养马，筹办粮秣，嘿嘿，这小子不是为了对付我，却又对付谁？” 萧峰道：“南朝训练士卒，那也不必去理他。这几年来宋辽互不交兵，两国都很太平。赵煦若来侵犯，咱们自是打他个落花流水。他若畏惧陛下声威，不敢轻举妄动，咱们也不必去跟这小子一般见识。” 耶律洪基道：“兄弟有所不知，南朝地广人稠，物产殷富，如果出了个英主，真要和大辽为敌，咱们是斗他们不过的。天幸赵煦这小子胡作非为，斥逐忠臣，连苏大胡子也给他贬斥了。此刻君臣不协，人心不附，当真是千载难逢的良机。此时不举，更待何时？” 萧峰举目向南望去，眼前似是出现一片幻景：成千成万辽兵向南冲去，房舍起火，烈焰冲天，无数男女老幼在马蹄下辗转呻吟，羽箭蔽空，宋兵辽兵互相斫杀，纷纷堕于马下，鲜血与河水一般奔流，骸骨遍野…… 耶律洪基大声道：“我契丹列祖列宗均想将南朝收列版图，好几次都是功败垂成。今日天命攸归，大功要成于我手。好兄弟，他日我和你君臣名垂青史，那是何等的美事？” 萧峰双膝跪下，连连磕头，道：“陛下，微臣有一事求恳。”耶律洪基微微一惊，道：“你要甚么？做哥哥的只须力之所及，无有不允。”萧峰道：“请陛下为宋辽两国千万生灵着想，收回南征的圣意。咱们契丹人向来游牧为生，纵得南朝土地，亦是无用。何况兵凶战危，难期必胜，假如小有挫折，反而损了陛下的威名。” 耶律洪基听萧峰的言语，自始至终不愿南征，心想自来契丹的王公贵人、将帅大臣，一听到“南征”二字，无不鼓舞踊跃，何以萧峰却一再劝阻？斜睨萧峰，只见他双眉紧蹙，若有重忧，寻思：“我封他为宋王、平南大元帅，那是我大辽一人之下、万人之上的高官，他为甚么反而不喜？是了，他虽是辽人，但自幼为南蛮抚养长大，可说一大半是南蛮子。大宋于他乃是父母之邦，听我说要发兵去伐南蛮，他便竭力劝阻。以此看来，纵然我勉强他统兵南行，只怕他也不肯尽力。”便道：“我南征之意已决，兄弟不必多言。” 萧峰道：“征战乃国家大事，务请三思。倘若陛下一意南征，还是请陛下另委贤能的为是。以臣统兵，只怕误了陛下大事。” 耶律洪基此番兴兴头头的南来，封赏萧峰重爵，命他统率雄兵南征，原是顾念结义兄弟的情义，给他一个大大的恩典，料想他定然喜出望外，哪知他先是当头大泼冷水，又不肯就任平南大元帅之职，不由大为不快，冷冷的道：“在你心目中，南朝是比辽国更为要紧了？你是宁可忠于南朝，不肯忠于我大辽？” 萧峰拜伏于地，说道：“陛下明鉴。萧峰是契丹人，自是忠于大辽。大辽若有危难，萧峰赴汤蹈火，尽忠报国，万死不辞。” 耶律洪基道：“赵煦这小子已萌觊觎我大辽国土之意。常言道得好：先下手为强，后下手遭殃。咱们如不先发制人，说不定便有亡国灭种的大祸。你说甚么尽忠报国，万死不辞，可是我要你为国统兵，你却不奉命？” 萧峰道：“臣平生杀人多了，实不愿双手再沾血腥，求陛下许臣辞官，隐居山林。” 耶律洪基听他说要辞官，更是愤怒，心中立时生出杀意，手按刀柄，便要拔刀向他颈中斫将下去，但随即转念：“此人武功厉害，我一刀斫他不死，势必为他所害。何况昔日他于我有平乱大功，又和我有结义之情，今日一言不合，便杀功臣，究竟于恩义有亏。”当下长叹一声，手离刀柄，说道：“你我所见不同，一时也难以勉强，你回去好好的想想，望你能回心转意，拜命南征。” 萧峰虽拜伏于地，但身侧之人便扬一扬眉毛、举一举指头，他也能立时警觉，何况耶律洪基手按刀柄、心起杀人之念？他知若再和耶律洪基多说下去，越说越僵，难免翻脸，当即说道：“遵旨！”站起身来，牵过耶律洪基的坐骑。 耶律洪基一言不发，一跃上马，疾驰而去。先前君臣并骑南行，北归时却是一先一后，相距里许。萧峰知道耶律洪基对己已生疑忌，倘若跟随太近，既令他心中不安，而他提及南征之事，又不能不答，索性远远堕后。 回到南京城中，萧峰请辽帝驻跸南院大王王府。耶律洪基笑道：“我不来打扰你啦，你清静下来，细想这中间的祸福利害。我自回御营下榻。”当下萧峰恭送耶律洪基回御营。 耶律洪基从上京携来大批宝刀利剑、骏马美女，赏赐于他。萧峰谢恩，领回王府。 萧峰甚少亲理政务，文物书籍，更是不喜，因此王府中也没甚么书房，平时便在大厅中和诸将坐地，传酒而饮，割肉而食，不失当年与群丐纵饮的豪习。契丹诸将在大漠毡帐中本来也是这般，见大王随和豪迈，遇下亲厚，尽皆欢喜。 此刻萧峰从御营归来，天时已晚，踏进大厅，只见牛油大烛火光摇曳之下，虎皮上伏着一个紫衫少女，正是阿紫。 她听得脚步声响，一跃而起，扑过去搂着萧峰的脖子，瞧着他眼睛，问道：“我来了，你不高兴么？为甚么一脸都是不开心的样子？”萧峰摇了摇头，道：“我是为了别的事。阿紫，你来了，我很高兴。在这世界上，我就只挂念你一个人，怕你遭到甚么危难。你回到了我身边，眼睛又治好了，我就甚么也没牵挂了。” 阿紫笑道：“姊夫，我不但眼睛好了，皇帝还封了我做公主，你很开心么？”萧峰道：“封不封公主，小阿紫还是小阿紫。皇上刚才又升我的官，唉！”说着一声长叹，提过一只牛皮袋子，拔去塞子，喝了两大口酒。大厅四周放满了盛酒的皮袋，萧峰兴到即喝，也不须人侍候。阿紫笑道：“恭喜姊夫，你又升了官啦！” 萧峰摇了摇头，说道：“皇上封我为宋王、平南大元帅，要我统兵去攻打南朝。你想，这征战一起，要杀多少官兵百姓？我不肯拜命，皇上为此着恼。” 阿紫道：“姊夫，你又来古怪啦。我听人说，你在聚贤庄上曾杀了无数中原武林中的豪杰，也不见你叹一口气，中原武林那些蛮子欺侮得你这等厉害，今日好容易皇上让你吐气扬眉，叫你率领大军，将这些家伙尽数杀了，你怎么反而不喜欢啦？” 萧峰举起皮袋喝了一大口酒，又是一声长叹，说道：“当日我和你姊姊二人受人围攻，若不奋战，便被人乱刀分尸，那是出于无奈。当日给我杀了的人中，有不少是我的好朋友，事后想来，心中难过得很。” 阿紫道：“啊。我知道啦，当年你是为了阿朱，这才杀人。那么现下我请你为我去杀那些南朝蛮子，好不好呢？” 萧峰瞪了她一眼，怫然道：“人命大事，在你口中说来，却如是宰牛杀羊一般。你爹爹虽是大理国人，妈妈却是南朝宋人。” 阿紫嘟起了嘴，转过了身，道：“我早知在你心中，一千个我也及不上一个她，一万个活着的阿紫，也及不上一个不在人世的阿朱。看来只有我快快死了，你才会念着我一点儿。早知如此……我……我也不用这么远路来探望你。你……你几时又把人家放在心上了？” 萧峰听她话中大有幽怨之意，不由得怦然心惊，想起她当年发射毒针暗算自己，便是为要自己长陪在她身边，说道：“阿紫，你年纪小，就只顽皮淘气，不懂大人的事……”阿紫抢着道：“甚么大人小孩的，我早就不是小孩啦。你答应姊姊照顾我，你……你只照顾我有饭吃，有衣穿，可是……可是你几时照顾到我的心事了？你从来就不理会我心中想甚么。”萧峰越听越惊，不敢接口。 阿紫转背了身子，续道：“那时候我眼睛瞎了，知道你决不会喜欢我，我也不来跟你亲近。现下我眼睛好了，你仍不来睬我。我……我甚么地方不及阿朱了？相貌没她好看么？人没她聪明么？只不过她已经死了，你就时时刻刻惦念着她。我……我恨不得那日就给你一掌打死了，你也就会像想念阿朱一般的念着我……” 她说到伤心处，突然一转身，扑在萧峰怀里，大哭起来。萧峰一时手足无措，不知说甚么才好。 阿紫呜咽一阵，又道：“我怎么是小孩子？在那小桥边的大雷雨之夜，我见到你打死我姊姊，哭得这么伤心，我心中就非常非常喜欢你。我心中说：'你不用这么难受。你没了阿朱，我也会像阿朱这样，真心真意的待你好。'我打定了主意，我一辈子要跟着你。可是你又偏偏不许，于是我心中说：'好罢，你不许我跟着你，那么我便将你弄得残废了，由我摆布，叫你一辈子跟着我。'” 萧峰摇了摇头，说道：“这些旧事，那也不用提了。” 阿紫叫道：“怎么是旧事？在我心里，就永远和今天的事一样新鲜。我又不是没跟你说过，你就从来不把我放在心上。” 萧峰轻轻抚摩阿紫的秀发，低声道：“阿紫，我年纪大了你一倍有余，只能像叔叔、哥哥这般的照顾你。我这一生只喜欢过一个女子，那就是你的姊姊。永远不会有第二个女子能代替阿朱，我也决计不会再去喜欢哪一个女子。皇上赐给我一百多名美女，我从来正眼也不去瞧上一眼。我关怀你，全是为了阿朱。” 阿紫又气又恼，突然伸起手来，拍的一声，重重打了他一记巴掌。萧峰若要闪避，这一掌如何能击到他脸上？只是见阿紫气得脸色惨白，全身发颤，目光中流露出凄苦之色，看了好生难受，终于不忍避开她这一掌。 阿紫一掌打过，好生后悔，叫道：“姊夫，是我不好，你……你打还我，打还我！” 萧峰道：“这不是孩子气么？阿紫，世上没甚么大不了的事，用不着这么伤心！你的眼色为甚么这样悲伤？姊夫是个粗鲁汉子，你老是陪伴着我，叫你心里不痛快！” 阿紫道：“我眼光中老是现出悲伤难过的神气，是不是？唉，都是那丑八怪累了我。”萧峰问道：“甚么那丑八怪累了你？”阿紫道：“我这对眼睛，是那个丑八怪、铁头人给我的。”萧峰一时未能明白，问道：“丑八怪？铁头人？”阿紫道：“那个丐帮帮主庄聚贤，你道是谁？说出来当真教人笑破了肚皮，竟然便是那个给我套了一个铁面具的游坦之。就是那聚贤庄二庄主游驹的儿子，曾用石灰撒过你眼睛的。也不知他从甚么地方学来了一些古怪武功，一直跟在我身旁，拚命讨我欢心。我可给他骗得苦了。那时我眼睛瞎了，又没旁人依靠，只好庄公子长、庄公子短的叫他。现下想来，真是羞愧得要命。” 萧峰奇道：“原来那丐帮的庄帮主，便是受你作弄的铁丑，难怪他脸上伤痕累累，想是揭去铁套时弄伤了脸皮。这铁丑便是游坦之吗？唉，你可真也太胡闹了，欺侮得人家这个样子。这人不念旧恶，好好待你，也算难得。” 阿紫冷笑道：“哼，甚么难得？他哪里安好心了？只想哄得我嫁了给他。” 萧峰想起当日在少室山上的情景，游坦之凝视阿紫的目光之中，依稀是孕育深情，只是当时没加留心，便道：“你得知真相，一怒之下便将他杀了？挖了他的眼睛？”阿紫摇头道：“不是，我没杀他，这对眼睛是他自愿给我的。”萧峰更加不懂了，问道：“他为甚么肯将自己的眼珠挖出来给你？” 阿紫道：“这人傻里傻气的。我和他到了缥缈峰灵鹫宫里，寻到了你的把弟虚竹子，请他给我治眼。虚竹子找了医书来看了半天，说道必须用新鲜的活人眼睛换上才成。灵鹫宫中个个是虚竹子的下属，我既求他换眼，便不能挖那些女人的眼睛。我叫游坦之到山下去掳一个人来。这家伙却哭了起来，说道我治好眼睛，看到他真面目，便不会再理他了。我说不会不理他，他总是不信。哪知道他竟拿了尖刀，去找虚竹子，愿意把自己的眼睛换给我。虚竹子说甚么也不肯答允。那铁头人便用刀子在他自己身上、脸上划了几刀，说道虚竹子倘若不肯，他立即自杀。虚竹子无奈，只好将他的眼睛给我换上。” 她这般轻描淡写的说来，似是一件稀松寻常之事，但萧峰听入耳中，只觉其中的可畏可怖，较之生平种种惊心动魄的凶杀斗殴，实尤有过之。