Chapter 127 Chapter Four

At dusk, the clouds in the sky descend slowly, while the water vapor in the ground rises upwards, and when the two meet, a condensed spring mist accumulates on the earth, forming a hazy haze. On a high ground about three miles southwest of the small hill, the neighing of horses and people could be heard from time to time. It was obvious that the other party had lost patience and mistakenly thought that they had gone back to the pasture earlier. Up to this moment, the enemy and us have not only not fought each other, but have not even seen each other's shadow.But it involves fierce struggles in wisdom, training, patience, and physical strength.One mistake, Xiang Shaolong must be on the spot in a situation where the enemy is strong and we are weak.

At this time, taking advantage of the night and the mist, after finding out the nearby enemies who had not been detected, Jing Jun and others put the three rafts that had been tied up secretly into the water, tied them to the shore with ropes, and hid them among the aquatic plants. Returning to Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi and Ji Yanran, he said, "What should we do now?" Xiang Shaolong replied to the soldier's calmness and calmness, and said: "It depends on the enemy's movement. If my guess is correct, the enemy staying behind should search here to verify whether we have hidden, or to report to the front guard. If your own people tell you, that's when we go on the offensive."

Teng Yi nodded and said: "This move is very clever. After the enemy is attacked, they will retreat to the rear, while trying their best to cut off our retreat, and at the same time notify the people in front with fireworks, so that they can trap us from front to back. It's a good time to escape here." Ji Yanran exclaimed: "I want Sun Wu to come back to life, but I can't think of a better plan." Strong confidence and fighting spirit surged in Xiang Shaolong's heart. With an order, Jing Jun and the Eighteen Iron Guards immediately went into groups of three or four, respectively, and sneaked into strategic positions that were both advantageous for offense and defense. , all placed within the range of the arrow.

Although they are small in number, they are all proficient in mountain and wild night warfare, and their lethality cannot be underestimated. Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi, and Ji Yanran stayed on the hill, hiding behind a pile of rocks, recharging their energy, and waiting for the enemy's attack. The new moon slowly rose above the horizon, the night sky was bright with stars, and when the fog receded, the enemy finally came. They were divided into more than ten groups and slowly moved towards this side along the river. There were also three groups of people on the other side of the river, the number of which was estimated to be between seventeen and eight. They first came within range of Jing Jun and the three Jing clan hunters lying on the other side.

Xiang Shaolong and the others also noticed that more than a dozen people were approaching the hill where they were hiding, and the atmosphere was as tense as a bowstring being stretched. They held their breath and waited patiently. The war horse hidden in the dense forest by the river, under the deliberate action of a soldier of its own side, let out a cry that shattered the tranquility.The enemy's movement changed from a slow speed to the place where the horse neighed. A series of screams sounded, needless to say, they were all set by Jing Jun and others, which could injure and kill the beast on the tripwire equipped with spikes.

Xiang Shaolong waited until he knew it was time, he first shot more than a dozen large cloth balls soaked in fat and flaming, and they fell to the enemy's surroundings, and then he fired all the arrows. In the dim light of the fire, the enemy was caught off guard, and the sound of screaming and falling could not be heard, and they were extremely embarrassed. The most formidable one is Teng Yi, who always shoots without fail, as long as the enemy shows his body, his arrows will find the opponent's body as if he has eyes, and penetrate through the armor. Since their hiding places were scattered throughout the river bank area, the arrows seemed to come from any direction, and the enemy didn't know where to hide to be safe.

Not long after, at least ten people from the other side fell to the ground with arrows, the whistle blew urgently, and hurriedly retreated.The fireworks soared into the sky, bursting out with silvery white rays of light. Xiang Shaolong led the charge down the hillside, chased the enemy for a while with his tail in his mouth, and killed another seven or eight people before he went to the forest to retrieve the horse, escorted Wu Jie, Shi Shiran boarded three rafts, and let him go. go. Finally let out a mouthful of bad breath that had been pent up in my heart. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ In the lobby of the main house of the Wu family ranch, Wu Ting was like a defeated rooster, and Wu Jie knelt in front of Wu Yingyuan, whose face was blue with anger.

Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi, Jing Jun, Wu Guo, Pu Bu, Liu Chao and Tao Fang stood on both sides, watching the two traitors from the Wu family coldly. Wu Tingwei was still holding on and said: "My boy is just thinking about the family, how can we win against the Right Prime Minister?" Wu Yingyuan said angrily: "Unexpectedly, Wu Yingyuan, who was shrewd in my life, gave birth to such a stupid and rebellious son. If Lu Buwei succeeds in killing Shaolong this time, the first person to kill will be you, a fool, so that you will not be in danger of being raped." The plot was exposed. Tell me! Did the people from the Lu Mansion ask you to meet somewhere afterwards?"

Wu Tingwei was stunned on the spot, obviously something happened.Although he is not a very intelligent person, he can still understand the simple truth of killing and silence. On the other side, Wu Jie thought of the harshness of the family law, and his whole body trembled. Wu Yingyuan sighed and said: "I, Wu Yingyuan, do what I say. Not only have you disobeyed my orders, but you are also inferior to animals. Come here! Put these two people to death immediately according to family law." This time it was Wu Tingwei's turn to collapse, and he said in shock, "I know I was wrong, dad..."

The four masters rushed to the side of the two and forcibly pulled them up. Xiang Shaolong said: "Yue Zhang, please listen to my son-in-law, why don't you send them out of the Great Wall, let them help your elder brother to plead, so that you can atone for your sins." Wu Yingyuan sighed dejectedly and said: "Of course I understand Shaolong's intentions. But at this moment when the family is alive and dead, if I let him go because he is my own son, then my Wu clan will lose all power." Cun, everyone is not convinced, and other patriarchs will blame me for having selfish thoughts. I, Wu Yingyuan, have three sons, and Bendang only gave birth to two. Come! Take him to the ancestral hall for me, and invite all the elders of the clan, I want to teach everyone that if you betray the family, this will be the only end."

Only then did Wu Tingwei realize that his father wasn't trying to scare him, and immediately became limp as mud, crying and begging for mercy. Xiang Shaolong still wanted to speak. Wu Yingyuan said coldly: "I have made up my mind, and no one can change it. If I sacrifice a son, I will get everyone's vigilance. I, Wu Yingyuan, will never hesitate." With everyone dumbfounded, Wu Tingwei and Wu Jie were escorted out. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ What Wu Yingyuan said was right, his insistence on executing Wu Tingwei had indeed received a shocking effect, and no one in the clan would dare to oppose his intention to deal with Lu Buwei to the end.But such an ingenious scheme still won't kill Xiang Shaolong, and it also made them have confidence in Xiang Shaolong. The situation of their Wu family in Xianyang is no longer like when they first arrived, they were looked down upon everywhere.Since Xiang Shaolong's relationship with the military has greatly improved, and he and Lu Buwei's number one confidant, Meng Ao, are like brothers, their situation is more favorable than ever before.Lu Buwei failed with one plan, so he will use another poisonous plan. However, Wu Tingwei's death brought disturbing aftermath.Both Mrs. Wu and Wu Tingfang fell ill one after another, but Wu Yingyuan was surprisingly strong. He handled the affairs of the clan as usual, and recalled his two sons who were doing business in other places, and sent them to open up pastures in northern Xinjiang. Expand the power to the place close to the Great Wall. This was something that King Zhuang Xiang had approved a long time ago, even Lu Buwei couldn't stop it. Xiang Shaolong and others concentrated on training the family soldiers. After two months of calm, Tao Fang brought the latest news from Xianyang. Apart from Wu Yingyuan, Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi, and Jing Jun who listened to the report, Wu Yingyuan's two younger brothers, Wu Yingjie and Wu Yingen, also participated. Tao Fang said: "According to the state system of the Qin State, King Zhuang Xiang's coffin will stay in the Taimiao for almost three months, and the funeral will be held in 15 days. All countries have sent envoys to express their condolences. I heard that it is Tian Dan who came from the State of Qi. It is really puzzling." Xiang Shaolong was stunned and said: "Tian Dan must have a purpose when he comes. I'm not surprised that Qi sent people here, but half a year ago, in the coalition army that joined forces to attack Qin, there was no one from Qi. Didn't the other five countries join us? Is Daqin in a state of war? Why did he still send people here?" Tao Fangdao: "Lord Xinling's military power was taken away, and he was idle in Daliangtou, doing nothing, and the discussion of joining forces disappeared. The five countries withdrew their troops one after another, and made peace with Lu Buwei respectively. When I am afraid that Daqin will take them with swords and guns, who would dare not come to please us? Xianyang is full of excitement again." Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that Lord Longyang must be the one who came to the Kingdom of Wei, but who would be sent by other countries?He really didn't want to see shameless people like Li Yuan and Guo Kai. Wu Yingjie asked: "Is there any movement from Lu Buwei's side?" Tao Fang shrugged and said: "It seems that he still has no time to pay attention to us for the time being. At this moment when the old and new monarchs are changing, the most important thing is to consolidate their own power. I heard that with the support of Empress Ji, he replaced a group of ministers and military generals. But he didn't dare to move Xu Xian and Wang Yan's people, so his people won some irrelevant positions." Wu Yingen said: "He will carry out his conspiracy step by step." Everyone nodded in agreement. Teng Yi said to Xiang Shaolong: "If you can destroy the relationship between Lu Buwei and Empress Ji, and if you lose one of Lu Buwei's arms, can third brother think of a way in this regard?" Seeing that everyone was looking at him with eyes full of hope, Xiang Shaolong smiled wryly and said, "I'll take care of this matter." Tao Fang said: "Shaolong should go to Xianyang for a visit. Empress Ji has sent people to look for you three times. If you still can't get sick, I'm afraid it's not good?" Xiang Shaolong cheered up and said, "I'll go back to Xianyang tomorrow." Everyone is pleased. What Xiang Shaolong thought of was seeing Zhu Ji. Now that King Zhuang Xiang is dead, what should Zhu Ji do if she wants to continue her unfinished relationship with him?He had developed a deep affection for King Zhuang Xiang, so he shouldn't have caused an affair with his widow.This was something Xiang Shaolong couldn't accept. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ Back at the Yinlong Hospital, Ji Yanran was talking secretly to Wu Tingfang who was lying on the sickbed. This beautiful woman whose brother was executed by the family was pale and her eyes were sunken, Xiang Shaolong's heart was pierced when she saw it. Seeing him coming, Ji Yanran stood up and said, "Come and chat with Ting Fang!" She winked at him and walked out of the dormitory. Xiang Shaolong understands that Wu Tingfang's knot is difficult to solve, he hates Naixiong for betraying his husband, and also blames his father for not thinking of the relationship between father and son. After sighing secretly, he sat beside the couch, gently hugged her fragrant shoulders, held her wrist, and saw that the bowl of medicinal soup on the table was still completely still, before taking a sip, he said softly: " Are you refusing to drink the medicine?" Wu Tingfang's eyes turned red, she lowered her head, tears poured out of her eyes without crying, and she didn't make a sound. Xiang Shaolong was aware of the stubborn temper of her rich lady, so when she raised her temper, no one would give in, leaned into her ear and said, "You are blaming Father-in-law wrongly, the real person to blame should be the culprit, Lu Buwei, others People are innocent. If you give up on yourself, not only will your mother’s illness not be cured, but your father and I will be in a state of confusion because of you, unable to cope with the persecution of the villain, do you understand what I mean?” Wu Tingfang thought for a while, then nodded slightly. Xiang Shaolong wiped away the tears for her, took the opportunity to bring the medicinal soup, fed her, and said: "This is a good and obedient child, you must recover quickly before you can serve your mother." Wu Tingfang said softly: "This medicine is very bitter!" Xiang Shaolong kissed her cheek, covered her with a quilt, and waited for her to fall asleep before leaving the room and going to the hall. Zhao Zhi, Ji Yanran and Tian's sisters are teasing their son Xiang Baoer, if not for Wu Tingfang, they should be happy. He took Bao'er over, and seeing his sweet smile, a strong fighting spirit surged in his heart. Since Lu Buwei can do anything to harm him, he should also repay him in the same way. The first person to be killed was not Lu Buwei, but his chief think tank, Mo Ao.If this person does not die for a day, they will be killed by him one day. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ After coming down, Wu Tingfang's spirit improved, and on the third day, she was able to leave the sick bed where she had been lingering for a long time, and went to visit her mother. She was silent for a long time, unwilling to talk or meet outsiders, but her eyes showed a strong look that was never there before, and it was obvious that Yin Fulang's words untied her heart, and transferred the object of resentment to Lu Buwei. Seeing her recovery, Xiang Shaolong left the ranch in peace, and set foot on the road to Xianyang with Teng Yi and Jing Jun. The number of iron guards has increased to eighty, strengthening their strength.The group of people was mighty, awakened twelve spirits, and after a day's journey, they arrived in Xianyang the next morning. Xiang Shaolong went straight to the palace to meet Zhu Ji, who became the Empress Dowager, and Xiao Pan, who was about to ascend the Qin King's throne. Zhu Ji had obviously lost weight, but Xiao Pan was in high spirits and radiant, which did not match the filial piety clothes she was wearing. The two of them were very happy when they saw him coming, and after waving the servants away, Zhu Ji snapped her head and said, "Shaolong, what are you disturbing, you suddenly slipped back to the pasture, I was so tired that I couldn't find someone to talk to." Xiang Shaolong was shocked in his heart, Zhu Ji who died of her husband was like a colorful sparrow that had escaped from its cage, there was nothing to tie her to. After paying respects to Xiao Pan who was sitting with Zhu Ji on the steps of the inner court, he sat down respectfully and said: "Please don't take offense, Queen Mother, I really have unspeakable difficulties." Xiao Pan lowered his head and understood the meaning of his words. Zhu Ji said angrily: "If you don't want to say it, you have to say it, otherwise I will never let you go." Just by listening to her tone, one could tell that she did not treat Xiang Shaolong as a courtier. Xiao Pan interjected: "My queen, please spare Xiang Taifu! If you can tell your mother, he will say so." Zhu Ji angrily said, "Are you two colluding to deal with me?" Xiao Pan gave Xiang Shaolong an ambiguous wink, and said, "Wang'er is resigning, let's have a good chat with Mrs. Xiang for a while!" Looking at Xiao Pan's back, Xiang Shaolong almost wanted to pull him back, the last thing he wanted right now was to be alone with Zhu Ji. When the two of them were left alone, Zhu Ji fell silent. After a while, she sighed softly, "Did something happen between you and Buwei?" Xiang Shaolong was dejected and speechless. After Zhu Ji looked at him intently for a while, she slowly said: "When you came back from a mission that day, I saw that you were very unpleasant, unlike your usual behavior; The eyes are also very strange. I know too well that in order to succeed, I will do whatever it takes to send me to the king. Isn’t it the best example? I only told me during the day that I would never be separated, and at night I belong to another He's a man." Suddenly he said in a low voice without beginning or end: "Will Shaolong blame others for not distinguishing between grievances and grievances?" I am afraid that only Xiang Shaolong can understand this sentence. Now the fate of Zhu Ji, Xiao Pan and Lu Buwei can be said to be hooked, and one is indispensable. Of course, Lu Buwei had to rely on Zhu Ji and Xiao Pan, the heirs to the throne, so that he could take over the government in a legitimate way; but Zhu Ji's mother and son also wanted to use Lu Buwei to fight against the ministers and generals in Qin who opposed their mother and son. Because of the rumors that Xiao Pan is Lu Buwei's son, if Zhu Ji gets rid of Lu Buwei, because her mother and son are weak in the Qin court, without Lu Buwei and Xiao Pan has not officially ascended to the throne, the status of her mother and son It is really dangerous, and it will be crushed at any time. Xiang Shaolong bowed his head and said, "How could I blame the Queen Mother?" Zhu Ji showed a bitter smile, and said softly: "I still remember when I left Wujiabao in Handan, I once said to Master Wu: As long as I, Zhu Ji, is alive, I will guarantee the wealth and glory of your Wujia. I, Zhu Ji, will never forget this sentence, Shaolong, don't worry." Xiang Shaolong was moved in his heart, it was rare for Zhu Ji to still miss her old love in this situation, and she was speechless for a while. Zhu Ji suddenly cheered up, and said: "The day before yesterday, Xu Xian, Lu Gong and Wang three ministers jointly signed a memorial, please Wang Er Ce to appoint you as the commander of the imperial capital, command the 10,000 cavalry guards in Xianyang, and be responsible for the safety of the royal city. But because of Buwei's objection, it was nothing. I didn't know your intentions, so I didn't dare to insist. I didn't expect that the three most powerful people in the military would support you so much. Shaolong! You can't hide anymore, I Both Xiaozheng and Xiaozheng need you by my side!" Xiang Shaolong was stunned, could it be that Xu Xian and the others had received the news that he and Lu Buwei were at odds? Zhu Ji said angrily again: "You man! Don't you even care about the survival of the Wu family?" Of course Xiang Shaolong understood what she meant. The implication of Zhu Ji's words is that if there is only one choice between Lu Buwei and him, she would rather choose him.If he can replace Lu Buwei to consolidate the power of her mother and son, then Lu Buwei will be dispensable. I only hate that he knew that Lu Buwei would never be overthrown so easily, it was written in all Chinese history books.Suddenly nodded and said: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your attention!" Zhu Ji's pretty face suddenly turned red, she lowered her head and said, "As long as you don't treat me as an outsider, Zhu Ji will be satisfied." Xiang Shaolong smiled wryly: "I have never treated you as an outsider, but the king has shown great kindness to me, how could I... Sigh!" Zhu Ji's eyes shot out the color of resentment, and she said sadly: "Can I forget his favor for a moment? I have already guessed a little bit of what Shaolong said before the king died that day, but please don't tell me, I still have to give up now." I don't want to know, but I hope Shaolong can understand me, a miserable person." Xiang Shaolong became more and more aware of Zhu Ji's difficulty. He thought of Lai Ai, and secretly wondered whether he should challenge fate again. When he warned her in advance, the guard sent a report: "The right minister Lu Buwei, please see the queen mother." Xiang Shaolong almost wanted to run away, how could he be so narrow-minded?