Chapter 101 Chapter 2 Intricacies

Inside the carriage, Zhao Ya curled up in Xiang Shaolong's arms, filled with grief. Xiang Shaolong stroked her fragrant shoulders and said softly: "Cheer up! People cannot be resurrected after death, we can only turn grief and anger into strength, and deal with the many crises in front of us well." Zhao Ya twitched and said, "They died so badly that they couldn't even recognize their faces. Who on earth colluded with these murderers, and why did they know how to sneak into the palace through secret passages?" Xiang Shaolong was stunned, if this matter was investigated, Queen Jing might be involved, but if she didn't explain it clearly to Zhao Ya, with her intelligence, she might find out that she was deceiving her in the future, so she said Han Chuang's role in this matter.

Zhao Ya felt great resentment in her heart, and said dissatisfiedly, "How can you let Han Chuang go?" Seeing her beautiful eyes bursting with hateful anger, Xiang Shaolong felt a big headache, and sighed, "I have no choice but to do this, Queen Jing will be involved in this matter, and under the current situation, it will be harmful rather than beneficial to Zhao. If Han and Zhao turn against each other, it's just that Tian Dan and Li Yuan are in vain, can Ya'er understand my painstaking efforts? Don't forget that I promised to help your brother Wang overcome this difficulty!"

The big reason came out, Zhao Ya couldn't pursue it no matter how difficult it was, she leaned back into his arms and said in a low voice: "Shaolong, I hate Brother Wang, he has nothing else that he really cares about other than his own and his own interests. gone." Xiang Shaolong secretly lamented that those who became emperors would end up like this. Absolute power can absolutely corrupt anyone. Thinking of this, I couldn't help thinking of Xiaopan, the future Qin Shihuang, and an inexplicable strong fear surged in my heart. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ Handan passed a calm but not peaceful morning.

Lord Xinling's subordinates were killed, the whole city was shaken, and Xiang Shaolong's reputation as the city guard was pushed to a new peak. In the next few days, Xiang Shaolong and others were extremely busy, and took all kinds of necessary measures for the city defense. In fact, they secretly made precise arrangements to capture Zhao Mu back to Xianyang and complete the mission of this trip. Under Guo Kai's claim, Cheng Xu returned to his original position with guilt, and the two of them hated Xiang Shaolong even more. At the same time, they also wondered why Zhao Mu did not take any action after knowing about Xiang Shaolong's "conspiracy".

Both Tian Dan and Li Yuan became more low-key because of the Lord Xinling incident, and people don't know what their plans are. Han Chuang avoided suspicion even more, seldom came out for activities, and he didn't dare to ask Xiang Shaolong for Tian Zhen and Tian Feng's two maidservants, which saved Xiang Shaolong a trouble. Lord Longyang decided to return to Daliang.Xiaocheng set a date and arranged a banquet in the palace to send off Lord Longyang. On the morning of three days before the farewell banquet, Zhao Mu sent someone to look for Xiang Shaolong. Xiang Shaolong knew what was going on, so he put everything down and went to the Hou Mansion to meet Zhao Mu.

The traitor led Xiang Shaolong into the secret room, and excitedly said: "Your method of loyalty letter is really good. You can immediately try to find out who is loyal to me and who is a villain who is vacillating and steering the rudder depending on the wind." Xiang Shaolong said: "Master Hou, quickly give me the names of those people who seem to be unwilling to sign the pledge of allegiance, so that I can confess to Xiao and punish them." Zhao Mu took out the list from his arms, spread it out on the table, and said with a smile: "Your idea coincides with this Marquis, look! I've already prepared it."

Xiang Shaolong took a closer look and saw more than ten names written on it, including Cheng Xu, and the others were ministers and generals with status in the city. Xiang Shaolong wondered: "Isn't Cheng Xu from Guo Kai? Why did he appear on the list? Could it be... Hey!" Zhao Mu's eyes flashed fiercely and he said, "This kid is ungrateful. If it wasn't for me, how could he be qualified to be the chief of the imperial army? You'd better emphasize your tone, and now when Xiaocheng is dissatisfied with him, come and make trouble. " When he said this, Xiang Shaolong immediately understood that Cheng Xu was not his man at all, he just wanted to use his strength to kill people so that his men could have a chance to take Cheng Xu's place.

In this way, whoever has the best chance to become Xiaocheng's palace guard commander may be Zhao Mu's accomplice. Zhao Mu laughed and said, "Even if we can't hurt him, we have nothing to lose!" Then his face darkened and he said: "Xiaocheng really summoned Li Mu back, a brigade of more than 20,000 elite soldiers led by him is on the way, and will arrive in Handan within seven days. Hmph! But he will only die when he comes back, because Xiaocheng doesn't have much left. God can live." Xiang Shaolong was secretly delighted, knowing that Zhao Mu had made the whole plan to usurp the throne, he pretended to be excited and said, "I've made all the preparations, when will Lord Hou plan to do it?"

Zhao Mu's face trembled for a while, the ugly scar was like a little poisonous snake that wanted to eat someone, his eyes flickered fiercely and he said coldly: "When the farewell banquet of Lord Longyang will be held in three days, all the ministers and generals will Concentrate in the palace, that's a good time to do it." This time even Xiang Shaolong was puzzled, and he said in astonishment: "But that will also be the moment when the security in the palace is the strictest and the most vigilant, so how can we have a chance?" There was a sinister smile on the corner of Zhao Mu's mouth, and he said fiercely: "As long as you can manage to transfer the generals who are loyal to Xiaocheng to the palace, and replace them with me and your people, then the entire city defense will fall into our hands." Handan, in that case, Handan has become the meat on the anvil, let us slaughter it."

Xiang Shaolong said in a deep voice: "Master Hou, can you explain a little more clearly?" Zhao Mu nodded and said: "Our good helper is still that little thief Xiang Shaolong, I will set up traces of his arrival in the city, then you don't need to ask, Xiaocheng, who is already frightened, will force you to search for the thief, so you can Make all the mobilizations, take advantage of the momentum to block the palace heavily, and on the other hand open the city gates to let Tian Dan's army enter the city. At that time, why are you afraid of the tens of thousands of imperial guards in that area, let alone the imperial guards? There are also my people?"

Xiang Shaolong frowned and said, "Couldn't this be hard work? It seems to be a bit different from the original intention of Lord Hou?" Then he lowered his voice and said, "Does Lord Hou really trust Qi people so much?" Zhao Mu said a little displeased: "This Marquis has his own measure, as long as you can hold on to the military power in Handan City and follow my instructions, Xiaocheng will die in three days. You don't need to worry about everything else, everything will be done Afterwards, I guarantee that you will become the commander-in-chief of the three armies of the Zhao State, and you will enjoy endless glory and wealth." Xiang Shaolong knew that things would never be as simple as he said, but he also knew that if he continued to ask questions, he would definitely arouse his doubts, so he said goodbye and left after he promised, and immediately went to the palace to see King Zhao. When Xiaocheng saw him in the inner palace, Xiang Shaolong was afraid that someone from Zhao Mu was among the guards, so he gave him a wink, Xiaocheng understood, and led him for a walk in the imperial garden, while the guards just guarded him from a distance.After listening to Xiang Shaolong's report, Xiaocheng couldn't help sighing: "To this day, only a few people know the loyalty and importance of Li Mu and Lian Po to our Great Zhao. After we wiped out Zhao Mu and his remaining party, our Great Zhao There are Guo Kai and Dong Qing inside Zhao, and Li Mu and Lian Po outside, even if they can't revitalize the country's destiny, and with Lu Gong's secret record in hand, it can be expected to rule the world. Dong Qing will definitely work hard, and I will never Your credit will be forgotten." With Xiaocheng as a person, saying these words is already confiding in him.If filial piety is true and one realizes what is right today and what was wrong yesterday, Zhao Guo will indeed be revitalized in time.But Xiang Shaolong, who heard these words from the bottom of his heart, felt an unexplained ominous feeling in his heart, feeling very uncomfortable.Or it is not in line with Xiaocheng's usual mean and ungrateful behavior, which made him feel abrupt. Looking at Xiaocheng's pale face, Xiang Shaolong said in a deep voice, "If General Cheng is dismissed, which general will the king appoint?" Xiaocheng couldn't understand for a moment, he frowned and said, "Why is General Dong so anxious to know?" Xiang Shaolong said: "Zhao Mu has never trusted me that much, and has kept many things from me. I think he is so sure that he must be loyal to him among the generals of the imperial guards. If General Cheng is dismissed, this Zhao Mu It is very likely that his party will take the position of General Cheng." Xiaocheng shook his head and smiled, "This is just Zhao Mu's wishful thinking. In fact, I can't think of anyone to appoint. There are several candidates. I don't believe that they have all joined the traitor party." Xiang Shaolong's heart moved and he said: "Suppose General Cheng suddenly had an accident, under the current situation, His Majesty will appoint someone to lead the imperial army temporarily, so as not to lose command, then who is that person in His Majesty's mind?" The imperial guards of the Zhao Palace were in command, and there were ten imperial guards under their command, who commanded the ten armies of the Imperial Palace. Each army had a strength of between 1,000 and 1,500 soldiers. Strict selection and excellent training, far better than soldiers defending the city and outside. Under normal circumstances, if the commander of the imperial guards cannot perform his duties, he should choose one of the deputy guards to take the top position. Because they are familiar with the security and operation of the palace, there will be no problems. Xiaocheng thought about it seriously for a while, then sighed, "It's really hard to decide on this right now." Xiang Shaolong understood his indecisive character, so he stopped asking further questions, and said, "It seems that if you can't get those letters of loyalty, you won't be able to figure out Zhao Mu's real arrangement. I'll leave it to you! Don't worry, my lord. .” Xiaocheng had full confidence in him, and said: "Tomorrow, I will give you the other half of the tiger talisman, and you will have full authority to mobilize the troops..." After a pause, he continued: "If Tian Dan really participated in this rebellion intended to overthrow the widow , the widow wants to take the opportunity to kill him, is Dong Qing sure to do it?" Xiang Shaolong said in a deep voice, "Has Your Majesty thought about the consequences?" Xiaocheng sighed: "I have been thinking about this for many days. If the Qi State does not have Tian Dan, it will be like if the tiger has no claws and claws. The problem is that this person is not easy to get along with, so I asked Dong Qing's family for their opinions." Seeing his unresolved distress, Xiang Shaolong gritted his teeth and said, "Leave this on me! Hey! I have a request, I hope the king will grant it." Xiaocheng said: "Dong Qing, please tell me!" Xiang Shaolong said: "The matter of dealing with Zhao Mu, can Your Majesty not tell anyone, including Dr. Guo?" Xiaocheng was stunned, and said displeasedly, "Does Dong Qing doubt Dr. Guo?" Xiang Shaolong said: "If we haven't received those letters of loyalty for a day, we can't be sure who is the traitor. Maybe Dr. Guo has Zhao Mu's people under his command. At this critical moment, all mistakes will be lost. Be careful. Points are always good." Xiaocheng thought for a while, then nodded in agreement.After discussing some details of the operation, Xiang Shaolong left the palace and returned to the command post, found Teng Yi, and told him the matter. Teng Yi's face became congealed, and it took a while before he said decisively: "Zhao Mu started to worry about you, alas! Your performance is too good, especially the matter of snatching back Lu Gong's secret record, if I were Zhao Mu, I would also treat you beware." Xiang Shaolong said distressedly: "Not only is Zhao Mu jealous of me because of this matter, but the biggest problem in my opinion is that I have unintentionally become the biggest beneficiary of Le Cheng's death, and Guo Kai is playing tricks behind his back. Now I The situation has turned from darkness to light, which is very unfavorable." Teng Yi was stunned and said, "What is unintentional planting?" After explaining with a wry smile, Xiang Shaolong said, "Now we have to try to get those letters of loyalty in order to understand Zhao Mu's arrangements. I think this old thief who is as cunning as a fox will teach me to be a vanguard, and He just sits and enjoys it. Alas! I need to talk to Tian Dan." Teng Yi said: "Don't do this. I think Tian Dan is also suspicious of you. If you send him to your door like this, you may show your flaws. Suppose he asks about Duke Lu's secret record, how would you answer him? It's not Xiaocheng, who won't trust you easily. Besides, the genius knows what relationship Han Chuang has with them. There is also Li Yuan, who we have been ignoring recently." When Xiang Shaolong heard that his heart was in a mess and his head was as big as a fight, his subordinates came to report and Lord Longyang came to look for him. Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "The only person who can be trusted now may be this guy who is neither male nor female." After saying that, he went to the main hall to meet Lord Longyang. After waving back and following the others, the two sat in a corner and talked in a low voice. Longyang Jun's spirit is much better, his expression is not much different from before, and he has regained his old self-confidence. After looking at him "affectionately" for a while, he said softly: "Li Yuan came to me this morning and said that as long as I am willing to join hands Xiaocheng retreated from Yan State, and the matter of joining Zong could be agreed immediately, otherwise Qi Chu would use troops against Zhao State. Hmph! His tone is really bold, he has only been a state uncle for a few days, and he is considered to be the representative of Chu Xiaolie. " Xiang Shaolong said: "If Qi and Chu join forces to deal with us, will the Wei Congress send troops to help?" A smile floated from the corner of Long Yangjun's mouth, and he said: "Brother Dong, although his wisdom is as deep as the sea, he is always straightforward by nature. He doesn't understand that a treacherous villain like Li Yuan can say one thing and do another. He That said, it's just to cover up a bigger conspiracy, you'd better teach Xiaocheng to be on guard. Sigh! The slave family is really worried about you, Brother Dong!" Xiang Shaolong was stunned and said, "Why do you say such things, Your Majesty?" Long Yangjun sighed: "I know that you can ascend to the position of city guard, Queen Jing has put in a lot of effort behind the scenes. But I must remind Brother Dong that this woman is very powerful, she can play tricks on people without making a sound , and can also put people in a place of eternal doom without any effort. In the past, when Lord Xinling lived in Handan, he had a fierce fight with her. Now that you are useful to her, she will win over you; when you are useless, let's see what she will do Against you?" Xiang Shaolong broke out in a cold sweat in secret, he really didn't take Queen Jing very seriously.Now that I think about it, she is indeed not simple.In the present struggle, no matter which side wins, the beneficiary is still her. The problem is that Li Mulian and Po are still alive for a day, and no one dares to touch her. Xiang Shaolong put himself in Queen Jing's shoes, and wished that someone would get rid of this titular king's husband on her behalf, so that her son could ascend to the throne, while he himself manipulated everything behind the scenes and listened to the government behind the curtain.At that time, Li Mu and Lian Po, the two famous loyal ministers and generals, would be reused, and their positions would be as stable as Mount Tai. Suddenly he understood the importance of himself as the city guard, only he can let her control Zhao Mu and counteract the foreign forces of Qi and Chu. Thinking of this, a soft "jade hand" touched the back of his hand. Xiang Shaolong was startled, and looked towards Lord Longyang, only to see his tender eyes staring at him, and said sincerely: "Leave Handan! Otherwise Brother Dong will die without a place to bury him, no matter who gets it Zhao Guo's throne will eventually kill you." Xiang Shaolong endured the skin-to-skin relationship he could accept, and shook his head resolutely: "Dong has never put life and death in his heart, especially at the critical moment of our country's life and death, and he is even more unwilling to ignore it, otherwise he will be depressed for the rest of his life." Ann, I am also ashamed of my father's spirit in heaven." Seeing his resolute expression, Lord Longyang withdrew his "jade hand", sighed quietly, and said softly: "Brother Dong is a true hero, I will not force you, but if Brother Dong can't go on one day, please remember that my family is in Daliang Waiting for you." After a pause, he continued: "Even though Queen Jing and Guo Kai have different opinions on the post of city guard, the two finally colluded with each other because of their interests, you have to be careful!" Xiang Shaolong was stunned for a long while, his thoughts flashed across his heart like lightning, and at the same time he secretly blamed himself for being negligent, for not realizing Queen Jing's method of being happy everywhere early. Lord Longyang was at a loss for words, so he stood up and said goodbye. Xiang Shaolong was a little moved, Yin Yin sent him to the carriage outside the command post, and watched him leave. Suddenly he knew that he had to redeploy his strategy, otherwise he would have no chance of leaving Handan, let alone capture Zhao Mu back alive.