Chapter 186 Chapter Thirteen

Part Six Forever and Everlasting Chapter Thirteen The Cold Moon is Silent The news of Huaidong was cut off. Southern Chu General Lu Can asked himself to take charge of Huaidong, but Shang Weijun refused to allow it. The Yong army occupied Yangzhou and watched Jingkou. There are 30,000 people in the Jiujiang camp, and 2,500 boats and ships. Chen Bing Jingkou confronts the Yong army. ——"Zi Zhi Tong Jian".Yongji III On the second day of November, in Yongdu, Princess Changle's mansion, within the Linbo Pavilion, the night in Chang'an was already very cold in November, not to mention there was a snowfall a few days ago, but Jiang Zhe was about to come. Looking at the moon in the lake, why not give Xiao Shunzi a headache. Early in the morning, he ordered people to heat up the fire dragon inside the Linbo Pavilion. It was as warm as spring, but looking at Jiang Zhe's lonely and gloomy expression, Xiao Shunzi couldn't help feeling distressed.Since the start of the Great Yong Southern Expedition, Jiang Zhe has been living in seclusion in the mansion, not going anywhere, except to study in Hanyuan, and to be in a daze at the Linbo Pavilion. Not at all.Xiao Shunzi naturally understood why Jiang Zhe was like this. The Great Yong's Southern Expedition was a matter of time, but no one expected that once it came true, Jiang Zhe would be so depressed.

After a long time, Jiang Zhe suddenly chanted: "I've been working hard for a long time, and I don't learn how to keep in good health. I'm already sick when I'm young, how can I be old?" Xiao Shunzi was startled when he heard this. Poems involving birth, old age, sickness and death are often easily turned into poems. Jiang Zhe worked so hard in his early years that Huafa was born prematurely, and he almost vomited blood to death. "Although there is a slight deviation, he has also started to practice some health-preserving exercises these years, but due to his natural talent, he has not made much progress. It goes without saying that "you are already sick at a young age", if you say "this body is too old" If it was fulfilled again, wouldn’t it be a prophecy? Thinking of this, Xiao Shunzi felt a cold sweat all over his body, and hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Young master, why did you say that? If you feel that you can’t live in Yong, how about I accompany you?" Go back to the East China Sea?"

I said lightly: "This time the emperor attacked Jiangnan, but he didn't discuss with me the strategy of marching. Do you know why?" A sharp light flashed in Xiao Shunzi's eyes, and he said: "Could it be that the emperor has grown suspicious of the young master, so he deliberately excluded the young master, this time when the army marches south, it should set up a Pingnan Xingyuan to supervise all the troops, if so, Qi His Royal Highness is the Marshal Pingnan Xingyuan whom everyone expects, but the emperor did not decree to set it up, could it be that the emperor is dissatisfied with the friendship between His Royal Highness and the young master?"

I shook my head and said, "Whether the emperor is suspicious of the king of Qi is still unknown, but even the king of Qi has not proposed to build Xingyuan. As for me, if the emperor is really suspicious, he will definitely not show such signs. He just I am worried that I will miss my homeland, so I don’t want to make it difficult for me. What’s more, after the Ping-Han period, the emperor’s heart has already grown arrogance. He thought that destroying Chu would be as easy as turning the palm of his hand. The first battle, of course, is a successful battle, and both jade and stone will be destroyed. Not only the emperor, but His Royal Highness Qi Wang and the generals also have the intention of despising Jiangnan. My worries lie in this."

Xiao Shunzi clapped his hands and said: "Young Master knows all about Jiangnan's affairs, could it be that Dayong will lose his troops in this battle? In that case, why didn't you explain the situation to the Emperor?" I smiled bitterly and said: "Sometimes, if things are not right in front of our eyes, it is difficult for people to believe. When the emperor and his ministers discussed the matter of Pingchu, even with Shi Yu's stability, he said, 'the powerful ministers in Southern Chu Domination of power, and there is a remnant of Fengyi, and the generals are at odds. Although there are generals like Lu Can, there is absolutely no reason to make meritorious deeds. Our army advances in order. , Occupy the middle of Shu, and capture Xiangyang, so that Southern Chu can only rely on the Yangtze River to survive.' In this way, it can be seen that the upper echelons of Dayong have lost their composure. On the contrary, it is Southern Chu. In this battle, Dayong will definitely be defeated by Southern Chu. I have already given the emperor a secret letter, saying that the victory or defeat is in between, and I advise him not to rush to raise troops. It is a pity that the emperor will not ask about the secret letter, obviously If you don't agree with me, or you think that I can't bear to see the soldiers of the old country, so I'm alarmist. In fact, how can a man look forward to the future? I have been supported by Dayong for more than ten years, and I have been so loved by the emperor. How can I be at both ends? I don't know the choice."

Xiao Shunzi said doubtfully: "My lord, let alone whether what Prime Minister Shi said can be realized, but the Southern Chu generals are at odds, and the Fengyi sect is acting as a hindrance. This is indeed a fact. Can't control all the military power, is it possible to win like this? General Qin is steady and experienced, General Changsun is deep and wise, General Pei is brave and decisive, all three are capable generals on their own, how can General Lu win by himself." I sighed and said: "Shang Weijun is indeed a man who has wronged the country, but Zhao Long, the lord of Southern Chu, is his grandson. He regards the country of Southern Chu as his own, so if the situation is critical, he will definitely support Lu Can with all his strength. As for There is no need to elaborate on the strife after the victory, but it was too late for Dayong at that time. When it comes to Fengyimen, I have some regrets. Back then, I indulged the remnants of Fengyimen because They didn't succeed enough, and failed more than they did, but I really shouldn't let Wei Ying go, but because of the situation at the time, I had to. Although this person was cruel and merciless, he was fettered by the hatred of fame and fortune, so that his family was ruined and he was exiled in Southern Chu, but this person After all, he is the son of Wei Guan, and he is valued by the head of the Fengyi Sect. He is really talented and has a bright eye. After learning from the pain, he chose Lu Can as the object of his assistance. Over the years, if he hadn't been able to turn around, he would have taken Lu Can's life as a person. Personal character, monk Weijun has long been hurt. Lu Can is different from me. I like to use power to employ people. All my subordinates, even if they respect and love me, must completely control their life and death. Once they have a disobedient heart, they will It can be dealt with decisively. Lu Can employs people with integrity. Even if his subordinates have their own plans in mind, as long as they are harmless and loyal, he will use them without any doubt. Therefore, Wei Ying can be used by him. There is such a person who can eliminate political enemies for Lu Can Only by solving worries and problems can Lu Can stand firm in Southern Chu."

Xiao Shunzi asked in surprise, "Is Wei Ying really that powerful?" I sighed slightly, and said: "This person is more powerful than you and I imagined. Ever since he failed to plot the East China Sea, this person somehow reached a tacit understanding with Lu Can. Over the years, Shang Weijun and Feng Yi All of them used tricks against Lu Can, but they were all resolved by him. Wen Cao of the Ministry of War used tactics many times to frame Lu Can through the internal power struggle in Southern Chu, but he also eliminated them invisible. I don't know what Wei Ying did, but I found out from the clues after reading Si Wencao's documents and Tianji Pavilion's secret report. Alas, Lu Can was able to appoint Wei Ying, which is beyond my reach. Wei Ying can not Minding the relationship between Lu Can and me is also beyond my expectation."

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment, then said: "My lord, yesterday the Emperor ordered someone to send the military report to Hanyuan, saying that Jiamengguan and Xiangyang had already started fighting. Although there was no progress, the defenders of these two places absolutely had no time to look around. The overall situation has been decided, and the Southern Chu court can only respond. Lu Can mobilized Jiujiang Daying to town Jingkou. However, within a month, Southern Chu had already lost Huaidong. Do you still feel uneasy in such a situation? How could Can lead the troops to fight now, now that the Huaidong barrier has been lost, even if Lu Can has the power to recover, there is nothing he can do about it."

I looked away at Leng Yue, turned around and said: "You know, this time Lu Can did not send troops to Huaidong in time, which was not expected by the emperor. The king's fate is not accepted, which is why he had the courage to attack Jiamengguan. Why do you think he was willing to procrastinate in Jianye, and why did Pei Yun report that there was no news between Huaidong and Jianye?" Xiao Shunzi was startled, and said, "Master once said that Lu Can has a bright heart." I said lightly: "To be a general, you must be cruel and ruthless. Lu Can is indeed open and aboveboard to his enemies and friends, but his methods may not be very kind, otherwise he would not have arranged the plan to intercept and kill me back then, let alone Wei Ying by his side .”

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment, then sighed softly.I continued: "The terrain in Huaidong is dangerous and the rivers intersect. It is most suitable for land and water warfare. The Southern Chu navy is familiar with geography and is good at using boats to rush back and forth in the river. If Lu Can and Pei Yun are fighting in Huaidong, it must be The situation of cementing and fighting will also be beneficial to Nanchu. But in this way, it will not be easy for the Southern Chu army to abandon Huaidong. The army is connected and cannot retreat easily. If this is the case, it will be in line with our army's intentions. If Lu Can is tied to Huaidong, Huaixi, Jiujiang, and Jiangxia will be unprepared. Xuzhou Daying's navy has 150,000 cavalry, why 30,000 troops are missing, and Changsun Ji's 200,000 troops are all planning to go to Xiangyang Are they staying? The other generals of Southern Chu cannot stand on their own. Jiameng Guan Yumian is nothing more than Xiao Gui and Cao Sui. Lu Can alone can support the overall situation, but it is not as good as in the Northern Han Dynasty. After Long Tingfei died, there are still Princess Jiaping and General Duan who can inherit his will. Therefore, General Pei's steady raids in Huaidong are to lure Lu Can into Huaidong, it's a pity that Pei Yun couldn't go too far. In the end, the two armies faced each other at Guazhoudu. Although Southern Chu lost Huaidong, Lu Can can swim freely and flexibly relying on the natural danger of the Yangtze River. On this point, we The army's intentions have already encountered setbacks. However, Huaidong's smooth sailing will inevitably make Dayong's wariness against Southern Chu even weaker. You can understand Dayong's current situation!"

Xiao Shunzi was in a cold sweat when he heard it, but he retorted: "Even so, Lu Can can't move at Jingkou for a while, Jiangxia camp can't move lightly, and other armies can't rescue. My son, our army intends to Huainan, Huainan Although the guard Shi Guan is good at fighting, he can't beat Dayong's warrior who survived a hundred battles, how can he fight against Dayong's iron cavalry with Huaixi's underdogs?" I sighed: "I can't think clearly about this for a while, but sometimes manpower can conquer the sky. I think there must be a military report before the 15th, and it will be clear how Lu Can will deal with it. I just hope this It is better not to lose too much in the first battle of Dayong." Xiao Shunzi remained silent, and said after a long time: "My lord, you don't have to worry about it. General Pei Zhen and General Changsun are both able to fight well, and they will definitely not be defeated so badly. My lord, there is news from Chen yesterday. Your cousin Jing Changqing was captured in Chuzhou and suffered a lot, but Shanzi and Quhuang have already used Tianji Pavilion's secret rudder in Huaidong to send their family back to Jiaxing." I smiled slightly and said: "My cousin is stubborn by nature, and my uncle intends to move to Chang'an, but he is the only one who refuses to stick to the principle of loyalty. This time he has suffered a lot. Pei Yun must not know the relationship between him and me, otherwise he would not Will make things difficult for him?" Xiao Shunzi said with a smile: "Young Master and the Jing family in Jiaxing have long since cut off ties, even Young Master Shunqing was kicked out of the house by Master Jing, so it's no wonder General Pei didn't pay attention to this matter, but I'm afraid the people of Mingjian Division have already I see, although Chen Zhen's arrangements are very careful, even the Jing family doesn't know their identities, but I'm worried that Mingjian Division will find out about the relationship between Tianji Pavilion and the young master." I nodded and said: "This matter must be guarded against, but Xiahou Yuanfeng has learned a lot in the incident in the middle of Shu last time. Because of the loss of Jiameng Pass, many ministers blamed him for not doing things well, and we have the King of Shu in our hands." Legacy son, Xiahou Yuanfeng dare not offend me too much. Besides, after Nan Chuping, Tianji Pavilion should disappear. These years, Lu Er's achievements and Hai's profits are enough to support our lives, so there is no need to worry too much The survival of the Tianji Pavilion is at stake, let them be careful not to be discovered by Lu Can and Wei Ying. In the battle of Pingchu, I still use the Tianji Pavilion." Xiao Shunzi agreed in a low voice. At this time, there was the sound of crushing snow in the distance, and I frowned. Why would someone come to Boting to disturb me at this time? I looked up and saw Princess Changle with only two maids under the cover of a few palace lanterns He and Xiaoliuzi came this way.There was a burst of warmth in my heart, ten years of husband and wife, respect each other like a guest, this woman is still as affectionate as when we left Chang'an hand in hand that day. In order to enjoy the snow scene, I deliberately did not allow anyone to sweep away the snow around the Linbo Pavilion, and the same was true on the stone path. Bo Ting, the cold wind was blowing towards my face, I couldn't help shivering, and even felt a pain in my heart, I took a few steps and held Chang Le's plain hand, and said: "It's so late, what are you doing out here?" He quickly pulled her into the Linbo Pavilion. In the Linbo Pavilion, the lights were like snow, and I couldn't help looking at Changle's quiet and beautiful face. After so many years of ups and downs, even after returning to Chang'an, she often had to deal with various bright guns in the court. Hitting in the dark, trying to fight for a comfortable space for me, but no matter how time passes, her demeanor has not been diminished in the slightest. Although the traces of time have been left between her eyebrows and eyes, it can only make her more moving, just like a glance The refreshing spring, although silent and quiet, is sweet and pleasant.Holding her cold hands, looking at her jade face that was blown red by the cold wind, I sighed softly and kissed her cherry lips lightly. Chang Le's delicate body moved slightly, even though she has been married for many years, she is still not used to such intimacy in front of others, but she did not push me away, letting me love and caress me wantonly.Feeling her shyness, I gave up my plan to continue attacking, and said with a smile: "I'm fine, don't worry, don't worry about me." At this moment, Changle's jade face became more and more bright red, and she quickly glanced at the four people outside the Linbo Pavilion who were looking at the nose, nose, and mouth, and said gently: "I know you must have plans, and I don't want to ask you, It's just that the snowy night is cold, so you should add some clothes, little six, bring them here." The little six sons came in with a package in their arms. Princess Changle shook off the bright yellow fur skin, took out a ferret fur cloak and said, "This is sent by the emperor's sister-in-law today. It is a tribute from Youzhou this year. It is the most frivolous." Warm, I don't care if you are admiring the snow or the moon, you always need to add some clothes." I let her tie the cloak for me, then held her hands again, and nodded in satisfaction. Her hands had recovered their warmth, and I stretched out my arms to wrap around her slender waist. I smiled and said, "Since you're here, stay with me." Let's look at this wave of cold moon and stars in the sky." Chang Le raised his head, instead of looking at the stars and moon in the sky, he looked at me, without saying a word.I just feel peaceful and happy in my heart, and I really hope that time will stop at this moment forever. At this time, Xiao Shunzi and the others had retreated far away tactfully, leaving only us husband and wife whispering.Holding Changle in my arms, temporarily putting aside my troubles, and concentrating on talking with her, a thought popped up in my heart, and then disappeared in a flash. On such a moonlit night, on the Yangtze River, is there anyone who is also savoring the silent cold moon? Thousands of miles away, across the mighty river, the big camp of the Yong army and the water camp of the Southern Chu army are facing each other. The new moon is dim, and the stars are full of stars. Standing on the building boat, Lu Can looks at the cold moon in the heart of the river, drinking wine and praying: "I only hope that the heavens will bless me, drive away the powerful enemies of Dayong, and protect the people of our country. General Cai has a spirit, so please forgive me for my difficulties." After speaking, he looked at Cai Lin's token in his hand, and couldn't help but sigh. Cai Lin's token came to see him, and then the man wanted to return to Huaidong to save Cai Lin. After he confessed that Cai Lin had committed suicide and died for his country, the man cried and passed out.Thinking of his abandonment of Huaidong, even if no one blames him, he still feels uneasy. A person behind him said coldly: "Why should the general worry about it? It was Wei who cut off the news between Huaidong and Jianye first. If you can fight against the Yong army with all your strength, sacrificing Huaidong is nothing, not to mention that the Huaidong army is extremely weak, and it is Shangxiang's direct line, and their losses are only good for the general, isn't it?" Lu Can smiled wryly and said: "Brother Wei, why did you say that? I am also an accomplice in this matter. Although there is no news from Huaidong, I don't know Pei Yun's ability. The generals in Huaidong have no one to fight against. It's just for the sake of the overall situation. I can only pretend that I don’t know that the monk and minister were entangled in Jianye, so Huaidong fell, General Cai died calmly, alas, this is my crime, brother Wei is just thinking about our army.” Wei Ying's expression changed, but he just said indifferently: "Why is Wei doing it for you? It's just that you want to win a big battle. Are you sure?" Lu Can smiled and said, "The army reported here an hour ago in Huaixi, the Cui Jue Department of the Nanyang camp has already marched towards Shouchun, and Dong Shan, who didn't show up in Huaidong this time, has already arrived in Zhongli, the eldest grandson of the Xuzhou camp. Ji Qin led an army of 140,000 troops from the Nanyang camp to besiege Xiangyang, and Huaixi only had General Shi Guan with 30,000 troops. The Yong army's intentions were clear, and they wanted to force me to be at a loss. When it comes to Shouchun, if you really can’t retreat safely, it’s okay to always ask to surrender, in this way, you can attract both the Yong army to Shouchun.” Wei Ying frowned and said, "Do you really think that Shouchun can fight against the Yong army? Shi Guanzhi's talent is no more than average, but the Yong army has many soldiers and generals." Lu Can said solemnly: "The key to defending the city lies in the hearts of the soldiers and the people. General Shi will surely be able to guard Shouchun without hindrance, not to mention that Yun'er is my eldest son and the son of Duke Zhenyuan. With him in Shouchun, the soldiers and the people will feel at ease. Shouchun will never fall." Wei Ying said: "But just relying on the city to stick to it, it will not last long after all, not to mention that the Jiangxia camp is dominated by navy troops. Although there are 3,000 cavalry, it is still a drop in the bucket. You will never let the navy go to fight Dayong's iron cavalry. Well, wouldn’t that be the end of the matter, and the Jiujiang battalion is here to confront the Yong army, Pei Yun only needs to contain our army, and Shouchun will be lost sooner or later, don’t you worry about the safety of your beloved son?” Lu Can said lightly: "As the son of the Lu family, he should have the intention of sacrificing himself for the country, not to mention that I have already prepared for this battle. This time, the Yong army is mainly targeting Huaixi, and Huaidong is a trap. Jiameng Pass is just a dispensable goal, but it's a pity that the Yong army has no one to lead the overall situation, and they have not dispatched the East China Sea navy. This must be the reason why Emperor Yong despised our Southern Chu soldiers. Lu should give it to the Yong army once. The heavy blow made the iron cavalry of the Yong army no longer dare to spy on Huainan." Hearing this, Wei Ying remained silent. At this moment, he could clearly see the killing intent erupting from Lu Can. Perhaps choosing to support this man was really the most correct decision in his life. He is thoughtful and will not let him be victimized by powerful ministers and treacherous people. Thinking of this, Wei Ying tentatively asked: "Yangzhou County Governor Hu Cheng is already in the general's camp?" Lu Can raised his eyebrows and said, "That's right, this person abandoned the city and fled, abandoning tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Yangzhou. He really should be killed. After crossing the river, this person also wanted to go back to Jianye to enjoy the glory and wealth, but he fell into my trap." In my hand, I have decided to use his head to sacrifice the flag before crossing the river to fight." Wei Ying sighed and said, "Although this man is shameless, he is the sheriff chosen by Shang Xiang. It is said that he spent 300,000 gold to buy the position of the sheriff. When he returned to Southern Chu this time, he sent his family to bribe Shang Xiang 200,000 gold." Wan Jin, Shang Xiang's documents will arrive tomorrow, so you should send him back to Jianye for disposal." Anger flashed across Lu Can's brows, and he said, "What a corrupt official, no wonder he smuggled sea salt openly in Yangzhou. He originally wanted to recover the loss. Shang Weijun was really confused. Such a person actually became the sheriff of Yangzhou. The attack is self-defeating, since the documents will arrive tomorrow." He pondered for a moment, then said loudly: "Come here." A personal guard came in from outside to listen to the order.Lu Can said coldly: "Go back to the camp and pass on my military order to immediately behead Hu Cheng for public display." The sergeant agreed and went.Then Lu Can looked at Wei Ying with a half-smile and said, "Brother Wei also wants to intercede for Hu Cheng?" Wei Ying smiled lightly and said, "It's just that I want the general to act earlier so that the monks won't conflict." Lu Can was startled, shook his head and laughed, looked at the fire in the camp on the opposite river bank, and said, "Brother Wei, do you dare to spy on the camp with me?" Wei Ying laughed and said: "The general called me on board, isn't it just to check on the enemy's situation?" Lu Can smiled slightly, and ordered the sergeant to drive the boat to the opposite bank.At this moment, the sky is full of stars, the river is cold and the moon is cold, apart from the cold wind whimpering, there is only the sound of buildings and boats crossing the water.