Chapter 59 Chapter 29: The Shadow of the Crescent Moon

The Second Rebellion of Xiao Qiang Chapter 29 Shadow of the Crescent Moon In May of the first year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, Emperor Yong used Xu Weiying, the princess of Changle, as a virtuous person to hear about, but the Lord made an oath and refused to obey. The virtuous and the stupid, the noble and the humble, I promise." The princess was silent. ——"The History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties·Jiang Suiyun Biography" The waning moon is like a hook, and the night sky is quiet and peaceful. Standing on the imperial steps, Princess Changle is dressed in plain clothes, watching the faint moonlight silently. These days, her already plump appearance is full of sadness, like black silk cut in half , now only down to the shoulders, has already been trimmed for her by a court lady, but it is too short, so she can't wear a bun, but tied it with a silk scarf. Always refused to go back to the room.In such a night, he can hardly sleep through the night.After a long time, she raised her plain hand, holding a folding fan with a quatrain written on it.

"It's colder in the Pi, the water is lighter than autumn, and Yuanmo first saw the ferry in poverty. Lai is the place where there is no painting in the painting, and the painting should be a lifetime of worry." She chanted in a low voice, which was brought to her by Princess Yong a few days ago. It was the folding fan written in hand. Princess Yong knew that she liked Jiang Zhe's poems, so she begged for it and gave it to her. Jiang Zhe might not care about a fan for poetry, but since she got this folding fan, she has never left it for a moment, and never wants to. Let go.

At this time, Lu'e came, holding a cloak, and begged: "Your Highness, you are so self-sufficient, the servants can't bear to see it, if your majesty and the empress know, they will definitely blame the servants for not serving you well." Princess Changle smiled slightly, took the cloak and said: "I am so delicate, I just like the night, well, you go to rest first, I will go to sleep later." Seeing that the princess looked okay, Lv'e asked boldly: "Princess, I don't understand that Mr. Xiahou is both civil and military, and he is very handsome. It's fine if you don't like it. After all, everyone says that Mr. Xiahou is suave. He has a gentle and kind personality, so it’s not surprising if he doesn’t like it, but Mr. Wei is not only good-looking, but also clean and self-sufficient, and has never had any affairs, but the princess doesn’t even like him, it’s really puzzling.”

Princess Changle said lightly: "What do you know, well, go." Lu'e's heart trembled, and she saw the princess's elegant face with a faint sneer. The unique majesty of the royal family made Lu'e dare not say more, and she tiptoed back. Princess Changle sighed slightly, feeling that the night was cold and her shoes were icy cold, she was about to turn around and go back to the bedroom to rest, when there was a vague sigh in the night wind, Princess Changle frowned slightly, and said: "What? Where are people spying on this palace?" The emerald shadow flashed, and a woman in a green palace dress stood in front of Princess Changle.Princess Changle was slightly taken aback, and said: "So it's sister Hanyou, why did you come to Cuiluan Hall to visit me in the middle of the night?"

Li Hanyou fluttered down and said: "I am engaged to General Qin today, but thinking of my sister's loneliness in the palace, I can't help but feel uneasy, so I came here on purpose. Sure enough, my sister has not gone to bed yet, I wonder if my sister can invite Hanyou in to talk. " Princess Changle said lightly: "My sister often comes to accompany me these days, Changle is very grateful, but tonight is quiet, so it's inconvenient to talk, my sister should go back and rest." Li Hanyou frowned slightly, then thought about it, and thought, I heard that Princess Yong entered the palace two days ago, could it be that Princess Changle knew about my embarrassment for Jiang Zhe in the Qin residence, Princess Changle likes Jiang Zhe's poems, everyone knows, and I heard that Princess Changle's favorite is that person. Now it seems that it is possible. Otherwise, the last time we met, they were still very affectionate, but now they are as cold as ice. If this is the case, I have to ask the truth. .

Thinking of this, Li Hanyou smiled and said: "I have heard for a long time that Your Highness likes the poems of Southern Chu talents. A few days ago, Hanyou was fortunate to see Jiang Zhuangyuan recite poems in the Qin Mansion. Poetry expresses ambition, sister, don’t you want to know the details?” Princess Changle's heart moved, two days ago when Princess Yong entered the palace, she accidentally mentioned the poetry meeting, but at that time the mother and concubine were by her side, and she didn't have a chance to ask, so she said: "I would like to hear the details."

Li Hanyou ignored the intrigue of the crowd and did not mention it. He just said that the poems and essays selected by the crowd, and finally said "The end of the song is gone, and there are many peaks on the river", when Princess Changle suddenly smiled. , continued: "The poems chosen by Mr. Jiang are excellent, and the last two sentences are the most meaningful. What does the princess think of Mr. Jiang?" Princess Changle said with a smile: "Master Jiang chose this poem mostly in a perfunctory way. I think his poems are either remote and elegant, or magnificent, or deeply affectionate, or peaceful, but they don't have such a ghostly look." A work." As he spoke, he couldn't help looking at the poetry fan in his hand.

Li Hanyou's heart moved, and he said, "Sister's fan, would you lend it to my younger sister?" Princess Changle took a look at Li Hanyou and said, "I have nothing to say to others. I snatched this fan from Mrs. Second Wife. Mr. Jiang has rarely circulated poems in recent years, and his handwriting is even rarer." As he spoke, he handed over the fan. Li Hanyou read the above poems lightly, only to feel a touch of sadness rushing towards his face, the poems are elegant and meaningful, and he couldn't help saying: "Master Jiang's poetry is indeed unparalleled in the world."

Princess Changle took back the poetry fan and said with a smile: "Master Jiang's poems are spread all over the world. If my sister likes it, you might as well look for it." Li Hanyou saw the faint joy on Princess Changle's face, and suddenly asked: "Why does Your Highness strictly refuse to grant the marriage? Could it be that he already has someone he likes?" Princess Changle's expression did not change, she said indifferently: "Sister, do you know why my father is so eager to choose a son-in-law for me?" Li Hanyou put on his back and said: "Your Majesty loves the princess, and everyone in the world knows it."

Princess Changle said lightly: "Flesh and blood in the Tian family, family affection is weak. Although the father loves me, he is not in a hurry to choose a son-in-law for me. When the father sent me to marry far away, he always had a grudge in his heart, so if I can't marry a good man Jun, Father always feels sorry for me." The expression in Li Hanyou's eyes changed, and he said, "Does my sister resent Your Majesty?" Princess Changle shook her head and said: "I have no resentment in my heart from the beginning to the end. Changle has loved poetry since childhood, and her temperament is even more submissive. She is not as strong and decisive as my Dayong daughter. If it weren't for the love of my father, mother and concubine, Changle might have no status It can be said that my father ordered me to marry far away, although I was sad, but I did not complain, besides, my palace is supported by the people of the world, how could I not sacrifice for Dayong, so even though I marry far away from the enemy country, it is destined that the husband and wife will not live forever , and even killed my unborn child with my own hands, but Changle has never complained about Dayong or Father. Now that Father wants me to marry, he naturally hopes that I can be happy. The word love is disheartened, and I only hope that my father, queen, mother and concubine will be filial to my knees. In the future, no matter which elder brother ascends the throne, I, a widow and a weak girl, will not be suspected. carry on."

Li Hanyou sighed: "Your Highness, are you still thinking about the Lord of Southern Chu? He is just a mediocre person, why do you have to keep the festival for him?" Li Hanyou looked at Changle with mournful eyes while saying something that he didn't believe Princess. Princess Changle said lightly: "There is no such thing, I am just disheartened, not everyone wants to imitate Wenjun." Li Hanyou said: "Mr. Wen was originally a lady, but she just met the talented Sima Xiangru, so she couldn't help it. If Mr. Jiang wants to seek a phoenix, I don't know what the princess will do." Princess Changle looked deeply at Li Hanyou, and there was a trace of coldness in her eyes. Li Hanyou smiled and said: "The emperor has said that if the princess is willing, anyone can be a son-in-law. Master Jiang is talented. If the princess wishes, my little sister Willing to tell the emperor on behalf of His Highness." Princess Changle's gaze became even colder, and she said coldly: "Li Hanyou, I have been in the Great Yongshen Palace for many years, and as the queen in Southern Chu, although I live in seclusion, do you think I really have no scheming at all?" Li Hanyou's expression changed drastically, and he knelt down to pay homage: "Your Highness, please calm down. The younger sister is really sincere. I can't bear to see the princess frowning. If there is any offense, Hanyou is willing to accept the crime." Princess Changle's expression became even colder, and she said slowly: "Master Jiang has a noble character. If it weren't for the character of the Second Prince, it would be difficult for ordinary people to persuade him to surrender. Even so, he is not something ordinary people can insult. I love him." Talent, respect for other people's character, how can you allow you to misinterpret this palace's intentions. I know that things in the court are complicated, but Changle is already an outsider, why do you insist on involving this palace, Princess Jingjiang, this palace Although I don't like fighting, but if you continue to push each other hard, I have no choice but to tell my father to become a nun immediately, and your wish will be fulfilled at that time." Then, Princess Changle said coldly: "I'm tired, Princess Jingjiang, please go back, it's even more serious, you have to be careful, if there are any more rumors like this, I will ask father and mother to make decisions .” Li Hanyou watched Princess Changle's back, with regret flashing in her eyes. She never expected that the usually gentle and pleasant Princess Changle would have such an inviolable side. As for becoming a monk, I am afraid that no one will be able to persuade His Majesty to appease the Thunder's anger. Now, I can only let go temporarily. Returning to the residence in a hurry, she saw Concubine Ji waiting for her with a dignified expression, she hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Master Uncle, why are you here, but is there anything important?" Concubine Ji said: "The head of the sect sent an order that Huo Jicheng has been affixed by your elder sister, so he must not escape, but now there are many discussions between the government and the public, so we must handle it carefully." Li Hanyou said happily: "Master's kung fu is unrivaled, so she must be able to capture it easily." But Liu Mei frowned slightly, "But how can the matter of the prince be saved? It's better to guard against others than Fangchuan. The sect master always teaches his disciples like this. I know what Master Uncle can do." Concubine Ji said: "You don't have to worry too much, you have done a thorough job of eradicating the roots, no one has evidence to prove that the crown prince is involved in this matter, and now Liang Shangshu is already a bird in a cage, as long as he is killed after a while It’s enough to keep the mouth shut. Although the matter of controlling the household department is important, we can’t alert the prince, so we can’t make it clear. We just need to find a way to arrange a few of our people. The position of Shangshu is very important. It's better for the crown prince to make a fuss, but the party that cooperates with Jinxiu League may also know something, you have clues." Li Hanyou said with a wry smile: "How should I put it, the Tianji Pavilion in Nanchu is cooperating with the Jinxiu League, but their power is in the dark, and now they have disappeared, and even the commercial firms they control have all been sold. This Tianji Pavilion The pavilion is really mysterious, and our power in Southern Chu is not strong enough, so it is beyond our reach." Concubine Ji said lightly: "You just need to remember this matter. The sect master said, if people have to talk, then let them divert their attention. Since the prince has something like this, we have to let others do something too." , The more you fight, the better, so who will remember the matter of the crown prince, just remember, as long as we help the crown prince ascend the throne, who dares to mention this matter, the most urgent thing is not to lose the emperor's favor, you should not interfere with the matter of Changle. " Li Hanyou said: "Disciple obeys, I already have an idea, please rest assured, uncle." Concubine Ji said quietly: "You are the sect master's beloved closed disciple, how can I not worry about it, you should do your job well. Although your senior sister has obtained the sect master's true biography, the sect master has not yet selected an heir after all, if you have done enough Da, I will definitely speak for you in front of the sect master." As soon as this remark came out, Li Hanyou's eyes flashed with ecstasy, but she quickly regained her composure, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Uncle. Han You respects Senior Sister very much, and dare not have such delusions." Concubine Ji smiled slightly and said: "Okay, you can go about your business." Looking at Li Hanyou's back, Concubine Ji smiled faintly. She has long been in this Vanity Fair, and she has long known that no matter who can easily give up the temptation of fame and fortune, it is a lie. The real thing is that he doesn't love money, fame and wealth. The kind of authority that holds power in one's hand and bows to the world is even more fascinating. How many people in this world can resist this kind of temptation. Huo Jicheng lay in the bushes, holding his breath, not daring to move a little. At this moment, his heart was burning like a fire, and he kept cursing his subordinates for their incompetence. They didn't carry out their plan well, and they were easily wiped out by Qin Qing's army. The most hateful thing It's Fengyimen, they have been chasing him for a day and a night, if he is not good at hiding his whereabouts, he might have died at the hands of that woman long ago. Suddenly, under the dim moonlight, Huo Jicheng saw a figure suddenly appearing. It was a woman in Tsing Yi. The clothes were plain, which was the favorite style of commoner girls in Dayong. Huo Jicheng was originally from Shu, and he had a good appreciation for beautiful fabrics. One can tell at a glance that the woman's clothes are not made by a famous tailor, but rather made by a woman who is good at weaving and tailoring. If he sees this woman often, Huo Jicheng will only think that this woman is just a country girl, but right here and now , but Huo Jicheng felt a chill in his heart.At this time, the woman lit the fire, and the fire was extinguished, reflecting an ordinary woman's face. This woman's appearance was only average, but the indifferent and calm expression between her brows made her image immediately A little more unpredictable.Huo Jicheng's heart skipped a beat. He had already thought of the rumors about Fengyi Sect. It is said that because the master of Fengyi Sect is extremely beautiful, all the disciples he accepts must be quite beautiful. Among them, there is only one exception. This person is her first disciple Wen Ziyan, I heard that Ziyan was a disciple of Fengyi Sect Master when he was young. Not only is she ordinary in appearance, but also her aptitude is not high-quality, but this woman's perseverance is really admirable, and she has actually received the true biography of Fengyi Sect Master. He is only thirty years old, and it is said that he already has 70% to 80% of the martial arts of the master of Fengyi sect. Back then, Fengyi sect assisted Li Yuan in his conquests, and Wen Ziyan was the most powerful assistant of the master of Fengyi sect. It was not until Dayong pacified the Central Plains that this woman retired to the Fengyi Sect and did not go out easily. It is said that most of the martial arts of the disciples of the Fengyi Sect were taught by her for their master. Huo Jicheng is good at a kind of mental method, which can make the heartbeat and breathing very low. At this moment, he seems like a lifeless stone. He feels that this woman is listening to the wind and grass around him attentively, so he dare not take a breath. After a long time, the woman seemed a little disappointed, she waved her hand to extinguish the fire, and her figure disappeared into the night. After another half an hour, Huo Jicheng moved her body lightly, moving her already numb limbs, and adjusted her breath for a moment. Look at the stars in the sky and judge the direction. There was news from Tianji Pavilion that if he could reach a farmhouse thirty miles away, he could be sent out of the Dayong Kingdom. Huo Jicheng felt that his energy had recovered a lot. Started the trip again. Walking in the dark is a very difficult task, and Huo Jicheng was a frightened bird. He looked forward and backward along the way, and finally arrived at the small farmhouse at dawn. This farmhouse is very remote and surrounded by no one. Just stepped forward to knock on the door, and the door opened, and the two fifteen or sixteen-year-old boys were all happy when they saw Huo Jicheng. Huo Jicheng walked into the farmhouse and saw Han Wuji's figure. Seeing Huo Jicheng, Han Wuji sighed and said, "Leader Huo, why are you so stubborn? The first time you succeeded in a sneak attack, I advised you to withdraw quickly, but you still refused. Now that the Jinxiu League has been hit hard, what should you do?" Is good." Huo Jicheng said embarrassingly: "It was my subordinates who pushed me, that's why I fell into the trap, but it doesn't matter, Jinxiu League still has half of its staff out, as long as I find them, it will take three to five years, and I can make a comeback. It's just that batch of goods, I'm asking you to do it for me." Han Wuji said with a smile: "Why do you need to do it for you? I bought this batch of goods at 50% price. Wouldn't it be better for you to leave with a bank note than to be empty-handed?" Huo Jicheng said in surprise: "Brother Han is telling the truth?" Han Wuji said: "How dare I lie, we will sell these goods slowly, we will never lose money, but Brother Huo, you want to reorganize the Splendid League, how can you do it without money." City Chief Huo Ji bowed to the tunnel and said, "Thank you Brother Han for your kindness. If Huo ever recovers, he will definitely not treat Brother Han badly." Han Wuji smiled and said: "Don't dare, many friends have many paths, and I also uphold the imperial edict of the pavilion master. Well, Brother Huo, you take a bath and change clothes first, I have prepared wine and food, after you have a full meal, change into me." I have prepared the clothes for you, the disguise and modification, and a full set of identity documents, so you can leave with a big swagger." Huo Jicheng said worriedly: "But Wen Ziyan from Fengyimen is chasing after her, how can she give up?" Han Wuji smiled and said: "Leader, don't worry, I have prepared a corpse to replace the leader. The corpse is in the next room. When the leader leaves, I will burn the farmhouse to make it look like the leader was killed." Huo Jicheng's heart moved, and he said, "Let me see if the double is similar." Han Wuji pointed to a small door, Huo Jicheng walked in and saw that there was a corpse on a wooden bed inside, very similar in figure to himself, he was relieved this time, it seemed that Tianji Pavilion was not planning to make trouble. After changing his clothes, he wolfed down his stomach, and Huo Jicheng drank another cup of tea. He felt sore and unbearable all over his body. It must have been too hard to travel all night, so he wished he could sleep. Said: "It seems that I have to go, it's too unsafe here." Han Wuji smiled slightly and said, "I'm sorry, Chairman Huo, you can't go anywhere." Huo Jicheng was shocked, and was about to jump up, but felt that his legs were so weak that he couldn't move. He looked at Han Wuji in horror, and said, "You guys are going to betray too." Han Wuji said coldly: "We are both Shu people. Although we did not devote ourselves to restoring the country, we will not harm our own people. You served as the leader of Jinxiu and killed many Shu people who did not want to be with you. Your crimes are too numerous to write down." .” Huo Jicheng said angrily: "What does this have to do with you, you have benefited a lot from me." Han Wuji said indifferently: "Yes, we rely on you a lot, but today you are at the end of the road, and we don't want to be implicated by you. You know some things about our Tianji Pavilion, and the pavilion master has already issued an order , I want to kill you before Fengyimen, and we must never let Fengyimen know that there is our master behind you." Huo Jicheng's heart trembled, thinking that although he was proud of himself these days, most of what he did was suggested by him, could it be that he was actually someone else's pawn?He thinks highly of himself, thinking of this, he can't help being furious, his eyes tearing open. Han Wuji smiled slightly, and said: "Leader Huo, under the Nine Springs, don't forget to plead guilty to Han Zhang and his wife when you see Han Zhang and his wife, and my son asked me to tell you that everything is fine for Miss Roulan." A gleam of light flashed in Huo Jicheng's eyes Wu Wu said, "You are avenging Han Zhang." Han Wuji didn't say any more, slipped a dagger out of his sleeve, swung it lightly, and cut Huo Jicheng's throat.When the life of this reckless man ended, his eyes were still filled with the anger of injustice and gnashing of teeth. Han Wuji took out a jade bottle and poured the powder on Huo Jicheng's body. After a frightening sizzling sound, Huo Jicheng's body turned into a pool of clear water, leaving only clothes, shoes, socks and some odds and ends. , Han Wuji said indifferently: "Shanzi, Quhuang, put away your things, we should go too." Not long after Han Wuji took the two teenagers to clear all the clues, set fire to the farmhouse and left, Wen Ziyan also rushed here. She was led astray, but she finally found out Huo Jicheng's real whereabouts. Unfortunately, she came a step too late and only found a charred corpse.There was an inexplicable cold light in her eyes, and since then she checked the corpse. Because she arrived in time, most of the corpse has not been burned, but the face has already been scorched.Wen Ziyan smiled coldly, just by looking at his siblings, he could tell that this corpse was not a martial arts practitioner, and Huo Jicheng's desire to get Jin Chan out of its shell depends on whether he agrees or not.