Chapter 23 The 23rd Chapter of the Old Monk's Lost Preface to the Lanting Pavilion, Fu Yun was defeated and fled to the vast sandy moraine

A day later, Xiao Yi returned to visit Biancai with wine.The wine he carries is "Ruoxia" produced in Wucheng (now Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province). The wine has a strong aroma when first smelled, and it tastes sweet and pungent after being sealed and stored.To show respect, Xiao Yi bought the "Ruoxia" wine sealed in a clay jar, this is the top grade wine, and the price is not cheap.The debater was very displeased when he saw Xiao Yi presenting such a precious wine, he lowered his face and reprimanded: "We met by chance, after talking overnight, it seems that we were destined to meet each other in the previous life, and the smell is similar, the most important thing is that the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water. It’s the time when you’re in the middle of nowhere, so why spend so much money? Don’t you think I’m a heavy-duty person?”

Xiao Yi explained: "My disciple is indeed in distress, but it is a matter of merchants. How much money is left in the pocket, and buying a few bottles of wine is a matter of raising your hand. I think, when reciting poems and playing the piano with the teacher and father, if you sip bad wine In the mouth, it would be a disservice to the scenery, but with good wine in the mouth, it will add to the leisurely mood. In fact, this disciple is also selfish, I hope the master will not be held responsible." "When you come here again in the future, don't bring anything with you, otherwise, the old monk will close the door and refuse to accept you."

"Disciple, remember." The debater summoned the boy, told him to put away the wine, and asked him to open a jar of water to warm it, and then the two drank and chanted poems to each other in the house. Since ancient times, monks have had a commandment not to drink meat or drink. However, in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, many monks recited poems and wrote Fu, and it was indispensable to use wine to cheer them up, so they also drank wine quietly.When Biancai first met Xiao Yi, he drank medicinal wine to blind his eyes. This time Xiao Yi came back and forth, he regarded Xiao Yi as a confidant, and he felt close to him, so he did not avoid suspicion and drank freely.The two recite poems and play the piano, which is very harmonious.After taking a nap at noon, the two sat opposite each other and played chess again. This time they didn't play fast chess. When it came to the middle game, they often thought for a long time before making a move, and they didn't enter the closing stage until the lighting time.This time the ending was different from last time, Xiao Yi won the third son instead.

Argument has always been invincible in Yuezhou, because it often feels lonely.Today, when his opponent loses in chess, his expression does not show any dejection, but he is happy and relaxed. He throws a piece and said: "Xiao Sheng's chess skills are indeed safe and sharp. I am willing to bow down." Biancai no longer calls Xiao Yi "Tan Yue" ", directly called "Xiao Sheng". Xiao Yi also changed his address, removing the word "old" and calling him "Master".He praised himself for his eloquence, so he cupped his hands and said modestly: "After all, the master is old, and the disciple relies on his physical strength to spend hours with the master. In other words, the disciple's youth took advantage. If it is about fast chess, then you can truly judge a person's chess skills. The disciple is ashamed of himself." It's not as good." He spoke naturally and modestly, which made Biancai find some comfort.

Xiao Yi didn't live in the dormitory this time, he said that if he wanted to sell silkworm seeds, he had to wait in the dormitory for someone to come.Biancai is full of heart to persuade Xiao Yi to stay, seeing that Xiao Yi really has something to do, he has no choice but to release him reluctantly.For the next ten days, Xiao Yi came to Biancai House to stay in his free time.As Zhiyong's disciple, Biancai filled his house with rubbings and pens and inks of various old posts.Xiao Yi couldn't turn a blind eye, and sometimes asked a few words indifferently.Biancai saw that Xiao Yi didn't pay much attention to calligraphy, thought he was not good at it, and didn't want to force others to make things difficult, so he didn't go deep into this topic.Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi deliberately planned to make the relationship between the two of them closer before discussing this topic.

Xiao Yi came to visit again that day, and he brought an old post with him, unfolding it to the debater and said: "I saw that there are a lot of calligraphy and ink in the master's house, and I think the master's calligraphy must be superb. I have a family heirloom. I would like to invite Master appraise it." Biancai took a closer look and saw that this post was a tribute map written by Emperor Liang Yuan himself, so he approached and appreciated it carefully.For a while, the two held their breaths, and the house was very quiet.After a long time, Biancai raised his head and sighed: "Yes, this is indeed the handwriting of Emperor Liang Yuan. Xiao Sheng, if you didn't pass it down from your family, how could this thing be in your hands? And this post is in troubled times, can you keep it intact? , It really took a lot of effort.”

"That's right, I follow the teachings of my ancestors and regard this thing as the most precious thing, and dare not damage it. Now I have no family and no long-term possessions, so I have to hide this post on my body every day to show how precious it is. "Speaking like this, Xiao Yi also wanted to explain why he carried the old post with him when he was selling silkworm seeds, so as not to arouse the suspicion of debaters. Biancai nodded and said: "That's right, this post was in troubled times, so it's not easy to preserve it so well." He looked at it for a moment, and commented, "It's the book of the ancestors, dignified and reserved, as if sideways but also dignified, as if elegant and elegant. Concentrated, as if the spirit is still diluted, broad and unrestrained, quiet and peaceful, graceful and magnanimous, with extraordinary bearing. However, if his book is compared with Wang Yishao's book, it is less romantic and rich."

"Master's words are very incisive. Although the ancestors and Wang Yishao lived together in the environment of apricot blossoms, spring rain, warblers flying and grass growing, light smoke and willows, and fishing boats singing late, their calligraphy style has the characteristics of clarity and elegance. However, Wang Yishao suffered from hardships and even had a dissolute appearance, which is quite different from the body of his ancestors. Therefore, his calligraphy is as popular as it is in the rain, and the color is blooming. Among the brushwork and style, it is the most romantic. Although it is hard to be unrestrained, it does not lose the charm of Qingyuan. Students learn When I wrote the book, I paid the most attention to Wang Yishao's post, hoping to learn its charm."

The debater shook his head and said with emotion: "Everyone has different circumstances and must learn from others to form their own unique style of writing. If you follow the same steps, it will be difficult to become a top grade in the end. Xiao Sheng, this old man is paraphrasing the words of the former teacher. I hope you will remember it. Wang Yi At least becoming a master of calligraphers of a generation, that is the result of his collection of previous experience, coupled with his dedication to comprehend it." "Students, remember. Dare to ask the master who was the first teacher..."

"Since Xiao Sheng studied books, he must know Zhiyong's name. He is the old monk's former teacher." Xiao Yi was surprised and said: "Ah, I never thought that Master is the successor of Master Zhiyong. This disciple is a low-level person, so it is very lucky to meet a master of calligraphy in this temple. I thought that Master is just a person who loves calligraphy. , I just want to show the ancestor’s post, which also has the meaning of showing off. From this point of view, the disciple is really ashamed.” Biancai smiled and said: "We have been dating for a few days, and the old monk thinks that you have good conversation and knowledge, and you know everything about piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. It is very interesting to get along with you. In the past ten days, you have brought me A lot of happiness, I am grateful."

Xiao Yi reached out for a pen, hung his wrist and wrote the word "Yong" on the paper of the wooden case, and said with emotion: "Wang Yishao first created the 'Eight Techniques of Yongzi' for using brushes, and when he came to Master Zhiyong, he revealed his purpose and explained it. The subtleties of Wang Yishao's calligraphic skills. Although my disciples have been pondering for a long time in daily life, they still can't find the way, so today I just want to ask the master for advice." Zhiyongseng, whose real name was Wang Faji, was the seventh grandson of Wang Xizhi. He experienced the Liang, Chen, and Sui dynasties and lived for nearly a hundred years.He studied calligraphy intensively, and later entered Yongxin Temple as a monk to avoid turmoil.Zhiyong practiced calligraphy hard all his life. When he was writing in Yongxin Temple, he accumulated five bamboo sticks from the scraps of his brushes.On the one hand, Zhiyong kept practicing pens and became a master of calligraphers; on the other hand, he inherited the calligraphic style of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi, explored the inner beauty of calligraphy through his own practice, and promoted the improvement and development of calligraphy.Zhiyong also gave lectures to apprentices, and taught many apprentices, such as Yu Shinan, Biancai, Zhiguo, Shishu, Shite, etc. are all his disciples.Xiao Yi is now asking for advice on the word "Yong", which is actually the essence of Zhiyong's calligraphy skills throughout his life, and Xiao Yi uses this to argue for his preference. Sure enough, Biancai carefully looked at the character "Yong" written by Xiao Yi, concentrated for a moment, and then began to explain it with his fingers.He first compared Xiao Yi's writings with Wang Xizhi's "Yong" brushwork method, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of Xiao Yi's brushwork point by point; then he quoted Zhiyong's exposition on calligraphy, and talked about the rules of appreciation of calligraphy. The old and the young devoted themselves to calligraphy in the dormitory, teaching eloquence to each other, Xiao Yi humbly asked for advice, the two of them didn't know that the time was flying by quickly.The two of them talked until it was time to light the lamps, only then did they realize that dusk was approaching, and only then did Bian shut up and call the little boy to prepare a meal. After a simple dinner, Xiao Yi got up to say goodbye, eloquently said: "It's getting dark outside, Xiao Sheng might as well stay in the dorm tonight, wouldn't it be wonderful for us to talk at night by candlelight?" Xiao Yi cupped his hands and said: "I am really lucky to know Master. I want to take care of all the mundane affairs at hand in the past few days, and then bother Master to guide me, and also enter this monastery as a monk. From then on, I will be with Master day and night. accompany." The debater shook his head and said: "The old monk is about to die, he is already dying, how can I invite you to accompany him? The reason why the old monk is a monk is to avoid the troubled times, and to meet the former teacher, but you are not. Today the world is peaceful, and the old monk is also a monk. I have seen the demeanor of the current emperor with my own eyes, and I heard that the court does not conceal talents. You are still young, and you have great knowledge and talents. To benefit the common people. It is a negative move to become a monk, and it is extremely inappropriate for you." Biancai speaks sincerely, which makes Xiao Yi's heart agitated.At that moment, Xiao Yi felt that he couldn't bear to deceive the old monk here, and felt guilty in his heart.However, the emperor's order cannot be violated, and this scene must be played seriously.He bowed and said in thanks: "The master's words, the disciple will definitely keep in mind. In fact, the disciple wants to return to the hostel, because he wants to bring the left ink of Yi Shao that the disciple has collected for the master to appreciate." "Okay, so you have hidden ink left by Yi Shao. Is it authentic? How many pieces are there?" "My disciples often go to the countryside. Occasionally, I see someone show two old posts. I don't know the authenticity. I see that the price is not bad, so I bought it with money. I think the master must have seen countless inks left by Yi Shao in his life. I just ask the master to distinguish the authenticity. .” Biancai looked lively, but he was not very happy.Biancai took Zhiyong as his teacher and had seen many left inks of Wang Xizhi, so it was not very novel.It's just that he loves books and has become addicted. Hearing that there are old posts, he also wants to see his true face.Now that he heard that Xiao Yi had Wang Xizhi's left ink, he no longer insisted on staying overnight, so he sent Xiao Yi out of the room and said, "Well, I will wait for you to bring the left ink tomorrow." Xiao Yi cupped his hands to say goodbye. Tomorrow, Xiao Yi will come to knock on Caishe's door early in the morning.The little boy opened the door, Xiao Yi went in and saw Biancai, then took out a silk bag from his bosom, put it on the table and opened it slowly, he saw two scrolls side by side.He carefully unfolded the scrolls one by one, and said: "Master, please take a look, this is Yi Shao's left ink, please master to distinguish the authenticity." When Biancai came closer to look at it, he saw that one post was "Aunt Post" and the other post was "Sangluan Post", both of which were written and cursive by Wang Xizhi. "Aunt Tie" was written by Wang Xizhi in the early days. The handwriting is horizontal and vertical, and the horizontal strokes are long and powerful. At this time, he traveled around and saw the books of Li Si, Cao Xi, Cai Yong, etc., integrated them, and reformed and innovated, eliminating the traces of book divisions and chapters, and the structure tended to be longer. The reflection belt is connected up and down, and the air veins are continuous.In comparison, "Sangluan Tie" is much more mature and precious than "Aunt Tie".Bian Cai first looked at the method of using the brush on the post, then checked the paper, ink and seal, nodded and said: "It's not fake, it's the real work. I once saw the "Sangluan Post" in the hands of my predecessor. This post was collected by the Wang family, but it was lost. Folks, it's in your hands again." Xiao Yi beamed with joy, and said happily: "Master said so, it can be seen that this thing is real, and it is worthwhile for me to collect it." "Comparatively speaking, "Aunt Tie" was written by Yi Shao in his early years, and he wrote it casually, and his calligraphy skills are a bit rough; while "Sangluan Tie" is his elaborate work in his later years, with perfect techniques, which is a rare good post .” "So, this is Yi Shao's masterpiece?" A smile appeared on Biancai's face, he shook his head and said, "No way. Xiao Sheng has studied books for many years, don't you know what Yi Shaozhi's name is?" "Therefore, according to legend, Yi Shao's best is "Lanting Preface". I have seen several rubbings on the market, but I don't know their authenticity. Maybe it's because of the turmoil in the world. This post has been destroyed, and I have no chance to watch it." Biancai walked to the window slowly, and said slowly: "The "Lanting Preface" is well-known, it is indeed worthy of the name. The old monk once saw this post at the teacher's place, and its various beauty makes people who study the book intoxicated. Crazy. That’s right, you are right, Yi Shao Mozhong, this post is the first.” Xiao Yi showed envy, and said: "Speaking of which, Master is blessed, after all, he has seen the original "Lanting Preface". It is a pity that after Master Zhiyong passed away, the original "Lanting Preface" disappeared immediately. A treasure has been lost since then. It is indeed a great pity that future generations of book learners will not have the chance to see each other again. Alas, Master, if I had known this day, Master might as well have begged Master Zhiyong, and asked him to give Master the best." Xiao Yi said this with the intention of being aggressive, but Biancai didn't realize it, he just groaned and didn't answer.He pondered in front of the window for a moment, then turned his head and said decisively: "Xiao Sheng, it's rare that we hit it off so well. This old monk told you this secret: the post of "Orchid Pavilion Preface" is actually not lost, and this old monk has kept it." Xiao Yi was overjoyed, thinking that Biancai really vomited.However, his face was very calm, and he said lightly: "Master's words made the disciples a little unbelievable. Thinking about how precious the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" is, how many people can't ask for it, and it has been chaotic. The real "Orchid Pavilion Preface" has long since disappeared. Master What you have in your hand must be a counterfeit.” Xiao Yi once again vigorously debated his talents. Sure enough, Xiao Yi's words made the old debater's face flush red, and he said slightly angrily: "I am eighty-nine years old, and I never tell lies! My teacher cherished the "Lanting Preface" even more when he was in Japan. Before he died, he called the old monk to his couch and entrusted this post to me. He earnestly warned that he should cherish it and not show it to others lightly. He also asked the old monk to properly find someone who loves books and collect them so that they can be passed down from generation to generation. Xiao Sheng, the old monk said this today. It is because of his friendship with you. There is another meaning. How long will the old monk have in his dying years? If this thing can be collected by you in the future, it can be said to be a man, so forget it This is my biggest concern." Biancai wanted to hand over "Lanting Preface" to Xiao Yi's collection, but Xiao Yi was surprised, his heart was overwhelmed and he was extremely excited.He hastily dismissed it and said: "If the master really has the "Lanting Preface" in his hand, he must be entrusted by Master Zhiyong, how can he treat others lightly? The disciple has only met the master for a few days, and the master has favored him, and he is already very grateful. As for asking disciples to collect "Lanting Preface", I really dare not." Biancai made up his mind and said resolutely: "The first teacher handed over the "Lanting Preface" to the old monk for decades, but this post has never been shown to anyone. You don't want to accept this treasure, it is because of your kind heart, which shows that you are not a snob How about this, the old monk didn't dare to leave this post when he was alive, after the old monk dies, you can take this post and keep it as a proper collection." Seeing Biancai talking in plain language, Xiao Yi thought that if he didn't see the true face of "Lanting Preface" during his trip, it would be in vain.He gradually became anxious in his heart, but he didn't dare to speak out to urge him, so he changed his tone and said: "Master, there is a saying called 'Every man is innocent, but he is guilty of conceiving a jade'. Thinking about how precious the "Lanting Preface" is, how many people in the world think about it?" It is my own, and I heard that the current emperor is also eager to see this post. If this post is really in the hands of Master, this news must not be leaked, otherwise, someone will come to steal it, and Master's life will not be peaceful." "This old man knows, God knows what is in front of us, you know and I know, as long as you and I keep our mouths shut, how can the news spread?" "Disciple must keep his mouth shut." After Xiao Yi finished speaking, he walked slowly to the side of the guqin, intending not to talk about the topic of "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion". But the eloquence could not stop abruptly, he called Xiao Yi, with a smug expression on his face, he asked: "Xiao Sheng, "The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" is hidden in this house, with your eyes, you can know where it is hidden ?" Xiao Yi showed a dignified expression, looked around, and then replied: "The furniture in Master's house is simple and rough, and there seems to be nowhere to hide. I have seen a crate next to Master's bed, is it pressed at the bottom of the box?" The debater laughed loudly and said: "Outsiders speculated that the "Lanting Preface" was in the hands of the old monk, so the current emperor summoned the old monk to the palace three times for questioning. The news spread all over the world. Are there still few officials and gentlemen on Liang who come here to visit? The crate has been turned over several times, if the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" was in it, it would have disappeared long ago." "The disciple's mind is dull, and he really can't figure it out." Biancai called the little boy and said, "Bring the ladder." Xiaotong brought a straight ladder, Biancai asked him to move into his bedroom, and put the top of the ladder on the beam.Biancai waved his hand to let the little boy back out, then straightened the ladder himself, let Xiao Yi hold the ladder with both hands, and began to climb up by himself. Although his eloquence is old, his skills are still nimble. He walked steadily, and he gradually climbed up to the beam without being out of breath.He groped there for a while, Xiao Yi vaguely saw him take out something from the beam.Xiao Yi guessed that Biancai must have hollowed out a section of the beam with his own hands, and then hid the things, it seems that it really took a lot of thought and effort. Biancai fell to the ground, and it could be seen that what he was holding in his hand was a section of yellowed moso bamboo.He cleaned his hands first, then wiped his fingers carefully, then unscrewed the top of the moso bamboo, and first took out some charcoal bags wrapped in silk, which were probably used to prevent moisture, and finally slowly took out a bundle of yellow Scrolls sealed with damask.No need to ask, this must be the "Lanting Preface" post collected by Biancai. Biancai unrolled the yellow silk, spread the scroll on the case and unfolded it slowly.I saw that this post was indeed made of silkworm paper. After so many years, the color of the paper is as white as snow, and the ink on it is as good as new.After Biancai fully unfolded the post, he straightened up, motioned to Xiao Yi and said: "Xiao Sheng, you can tell whether this thing is real or not, just look at it." Xiao Yi knew that Biancai cherished this post, so he put his hands behind his back, not daring to put his head too close to the post, in order to avoid hurting his breathing.He stared at it for a long time before sighing, "It really is the original work of Yi Shao! I never thought that I, Xiao Yi, could see this post with my own eyes in this life. The air is bright and the air is clear, the wind is gentle and smooth, to write this chapter with a pen with a mouse whisker, how unrestrained and unrestrained it is!" In Xiao Yi's words, he quoted sentences from the "Preface to the Lanting Pavilion", which showed that he could memorize the "Preface to the Lanting Pavilion" by heart, which made the debaters even more delighted.Bian Cai sighed: "Among all the posts of Yi Shao, this post is the most perfect. "Sangluan Post" shows that his calligraphy skills have reached maturity, after all, it is not as good as this post. The people who study books all over the world admire This post does not wrong them." "It's a pity that there are no extension books around. If you can get a copy and let your disciples carry it with you, you can copy it every day, what a blessing!" "The masters of rubbing books, there are only Zhao Mo, Han Daozheng, Feng Chengsu, and Zhuge Zhen in this world. Unfortunately, they were all recruited by the emperor to the palace. Other people who rubbing books must not let them come here to try, I am afraid they will ruin it. this post." Xiao Yi showed a disappointed look, not interested. Biancai understood what was on his mind, and said with a slight smile, "Xiao Sheng, don't be too sorry. The "Orchid Pavilion Preface" has been posted on the beam of the house for a long time, and the old monk has only read it a few times over the years. I have the habit of reading the book several times a day. , This post is clearly hidden in the house, but I dare not take it out. The suffering is indescribable. How about this, the old monk will not hide this post back to its original place, and you will not retrieve these few posts for the time being, so just put them away Here, let us take a good look at it for a few days. Is that okay?" Xiao Yi was overjoyed, and bowed to thank him: "Master's arrangement is really for the sake of the disciple. I don't want to thank you for the great kindness. The disciple only hopes that he will not leave the "Lanting Preface" these few days, and ask the master for advice more, and strive to improve his calligraphy skills. One floor." "It takes hard work to improve the art of calligraphy. You can appreciate some charm in these few days, which is already good." Biancai said lightly, obviously agreeing to Xiao Yi's stay here to read books. In the next few days, Biancai put these posts on the case and watched and commented on them with Xiao Yi, or copied them with a brush.The sun rises and sets outside the window, and the two are immersed in the joy of discussing calligraphy, unaware of the passing of time. In the afternoon of the second day, the little boy said softly to Biancai: "Master, the abbot sent someone to remind him, asking when Master will get up?" The debater was at a loss and didn't answer. After thinking for a moment, he suddenly realized, patted his forehead and said: "Look, I have completely forgotten about this matter. Xiao Sheng, there is a Yan family in the south of Yipao Bridge, who is the benefactor of Ailai Temple. Ju, today there is something at home to break the fast for seven days, and the old monk in the temple has already agreed to go. I have been studying non-stop for the past few days, but I forgot about it." "Master's promise is the most serious, and it seems to be done immediately. The disciple will leave for the time being." Biancai looked at the sky outside, and said: "If you go today, it will be too late to arrive at Yan's house, so why don't you go early tomorrow morning. You don't have to say goodbye when I go out, you can stay with the little boy to study books. The old monk is short. day, and it will return in six days at the longest." Xiao Yi stayed in the dormitory for more than an hour. He thought for a while and said goodbye to the debater: "Master, you are leaving tomorrow, and my disciple also wants to rush back to the inn to see how the silkworm eggs are selling. I have been busy with calligraphy these days, and unexpectedly Forget about the silkworm eggs completely. If the capital is lost, the disciple's livelihood this year will be embarrassing." "Okay, you go and finish the matter of the silkworm eggs. These few calligraphy posts will be placed on the case, and the boy will be left here to watch over them. If you have free time these days, you can come and copy them at any time." Xiao Yi bowed his hands and resigned. In the early morning of the second day, Xiao Yi stepped on the morning dew on the road and walked towards Jiezhu Temple in the face of the red sun.He speculated that eloquence was already on its way.Sure enough, as soon as he knocked on the door, the little boy poked his head out, saw Xiao Yi who he knew well, and said, "Master left before dawn." Xiao Yi nodded and said: "Master told me yesterday. I forgot a booklet in the dormitory yesterday. It is urgently needed now, so I have to go into the room to get it." These days Xiao Yi has become very familiar with Xiao Tong, upon hearing this, Xiao Tong hastily opened the door of the dormitory and let Xiao Yi in, while he himself was arranging the flowers in the garden.Xiao Yi went straight to the case table, and saw that those few posts were indeed placed on the case table.He first carefully rolled up the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post, and then put away his own three postcards, put them in the cloth bag he carried with him, carried them behind his back, and walked lightly to the door forward.He glanced quietly, and saw the little boy with his back facing the door and buried himself in arranging the flowers and branches, then walked out lightly, avoiding the little boy's sight, turned around and walked out of Jiezhu Temple. It took a long time for the little boy to enter the room, he didn't see Xiao Yi around, so he ignored it, never thinking that he would steal the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post. Xiao Yi returned to the inn, opened the bag that came with him, took out the court clothes, and put them on one by one.Then, he picked up the cloth bag and walked quickly to Yong'an Station.He entered the post, sat on the chair with a carefree face, faced the astonished post chief, and said: "I am Xiao Yi, the censor of the imperial court, and I am here on business by order. You can take this ink order and report it to Yuezhou Commander Qi Shanxing, let him come here to see me." After finishing speaking, he took out an ink order from his pocket, which was written by Li Shimin himself with a brush. State official affairs, civil and military officials are dispatched by order, and the words "this" are stamped with the imperial seal below. Since the postmaster of Yong'an Station took office, because Yuezhou is located by the sea, no high-ranking official from the court has yet come to rest in this post.The censor Xiao Yi in front of him is wearing a bright official uniform and holds the emperor's imperial edict, has he ever seen such a formation?After Xiao Yi finished speaking, he hurriedly took the ink order, bowed to salute, and stammered: "The villain will go, the villain will go." Qi Shanxing, governor of Yuezhou, was taken aback when he heard that the censor was in the post.Ordinarily, when all the officials of the court came here, they had to meet the governor and governor of Yuezhou first. This Xiao Yushi didn't know what kind of tricks he was going to play, but he wanted to summon himself with the emperor's ink order in the small Yong'an post.Thinking of Xiao Yi's status as the supervisor of the censor, don't tell me he has taken advantage of himself or the governor, is he going to come to Xingshi to ask the crime? Qi Shanxing was agitated and rode his horse to Yong'an Station.He met Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi said face to face: "Qi Dudu, I have come to Yuezhou for business according to the emperor's order, and the matter has been settled. Please call the old monk Biancai from Jiezhu Temple to come here. I have something to say. To say." A stone in Qi Shanxing's heart just fell to the ground, his face changed suddenly, and he shouted loudly: "Monk Biancai pays homage to Lord Yushi." "Qi Dudu, the monk Biancai is not in the temple at this time, so I have to go to the Nanyan family of Siqiao in Yiyi to call him." Xiao Yi said. Two hours later, Biancai came down to Yong'an Post under the leadership of Zhouzu. Today, there was a wind in the sky, which covered his face with a layer of dust, making him look haggard.After Biancai entered the post, Qi Shanxing shouted: "Old monk, hurry up and pay homage to Xiao Yushi in court." At this moment, Biancai didn't see who was sitting across from him, he clasped his hands together, and asked: "Old Monk Biancai, I don't know why the officials summoned you?" Xiao Yi's tone was flat, and he said slowly: "Master Biancai, raise your eyes and take a closer look at who I am?" Biancai has been with Xiao Yi these days, how familiar is his tone.He heard that the person who spoke seemed to be Xiao Sheng, and was extremely surprised, so he raised his eyes to look carefully, and saw that familiar face under an official hat.He widened his eyes and looked again, who was it if it wasn't Xiao Sheng?Biancai felt that this was impossible, but the surrounding group of people showed respect towards Xiao Sheng, and the majestic and majestic Dudu Qi just sat on the side, looking at the sky outside the station, the sun was just around the corner. Spreading light.Biancai shook his head, and said in a trembling voice: "You... you... aren't you Xiao Sheng who used to be in the old monk's house? We just parted ways yesterday, you... why did you change your clothes?" With a dignified expression, Xiao Yi leaned over and took out the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post from his cloth bag, which is a very important item for eloquence.As soon as the debater sees the post, he knows what it is.He opened his arms, gesturing to snatch it, and shouted: "You...why did you steal the old monk's belongings again?" Seeing this, the state soldiers at the back rushed up two people, each holding Biancai's arm, making it difficult for him to move.Xiao Yi raised the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post, and said: "I am not a simple person who sells silkworm seeds, and Xiao Yi, the supervisory censor of the capital, is also. The emperor learned that the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post is in your hand, and invited you to Beijing three times. , I order you to offer it. But you hide it in the beams of the house and keep it secret. I am here to pick up the post by order of the emperor. Now that the post has been obtained, I want to return to Beijing. I summoned you to tell You, the emperor will not take this post for nothing, and will pay a lot of money afterwards as compensation." The debater suddenly burst into tears, and shouted in his mouth: "Xiao Sheng, Xiao Yushi, you have deceived me so hard..." Before he could finish his sentence, his body became exhausted and he fainted on the ground. Xiao Yi hurriedly ordered people to pinch Biancai, and ordered them to fetch wet wipes, trying his best to save Biancai.After all, Biancai was old, it took a lot of time to treat him, everyone was in a hurry and couldn't wake up Biancai for a while.Seeing this, the postmaster hurried on his horse to invite the doctor. Xiao Yi felt ashamed of confronting Biancai, and really didn't dare to face Biancai again.He didn't wait for the debate to wake up, and asked Qi Shanxing to send several people to escort him back.Before leaving, Xiao Yi earnestly warned Qi Shanxing to send someone to take care of Biancai's daily life these days, so as to prevent him from committing suicide due to overthinking. Qi Shanxing agreed repeatedly. Li Shimin couldn't help being ecstatic when he saw that Xiao Yi had indeed retrieved the "Lanting Preface" post.Immediately promote Xiao Yi to Yuanwailang, add five grades, and give a silver vase, a witch hazel vase, an agate bowl, two good horses with precious saddles and bridles, and a manor.Thinking of Fang Xuanling and Chu Suiliang who won the prize, each rewarded him with a thousand pieces of brocade.I also thought that Fang Xuanling was getting older, and there were two beautiful palace maids who were regarded as maids and concubines. Li Shimin was very angry at Biancai at first, but because of his old age, he couldn't bear to increase his punishment.Xiao Yi praised the virtue of eloquence many times in front of him, which made Li Shimin gradually return to his heart.A few days later, Li Shimin awarded 3,000 pieces of silk and 3,000 stones of grain, and ordered Yuezhou to pay Biancai as compensation. The debater had come to his senses at this time, and knew that the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" post could not be returned to him, so he sighed and sighed in the dormitory day by day, and became thinner and thinner day by day.Yuezhou sent Li Shimin's reward, but Biancai didn't dare to use it, so he used his money to build a three-story pagoda in Jiezhu Temple for people to watch.On the day of Tacheng, the debater became more and more ill. He couldn't eat normally, he could only drink some gruel, and his body gradually became skinny.At the end of the year, Biancai finally couldn't survive the next year, and died on a cold night with howling wind and snow. Hou Junji led 30,000 troops and marched westward along Jishi Mountain.The south of Jishi Mountain is the source of the river. At the west end of Jishi Mountain, its foothills face the source of the river, Baihai. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the two mirror-like water pools of Baihai.What Li Jing meant was to let Hou Junji lead the troops to sneak along the southern foot of Jishi Mountain, and try not to let Fu Yun notice the movement of the army. After they left Jishi Mountain, they began to move north. At this time, Tang Jun's North Route Army also went south Squeeze over, forming a north-south pincer attack on Fu Yun. The party members acted as the guides of the South Route Army. They were familiar with the terrain of Jishi Mountain and could move along the mountain smoothly without any obstacles in the middle.When they left, they carried enough food and grass to avoid the risk of food shortage.The greatest difficulty they encountered on the road was the ever-changing weather. It was April at this time, and Middle-earth was the time when all flowers were in full bloom and the weather was pleasant, but it was not the case here.When the army was walking on the road, they saw that the surroundings were deserted. Except for the direct sunlight at noon when the weather was slightly calm, other times it was mostly ravaged by strong winds and heavy snow.Sometimes, hailstones the size of eggs will suddenly fall from the sky.At night, the temperature drops sharply, and the coldness penetrates into the bones, making people feel as if they are not wearing clothes. When Hou Junji was leaving, he had asked the party members about the situation along the way carefully, and made preparations in advance to resist the bad weather.He first asked everyone to wear thick cotton clothes and riding boots stuffed with fluff; then he asked every thirty people to form a team, and each team brought a tent, which was opened when they camped. Crowding together to rest can avoid the cold. In this way, Hou Junji led his troops to fight against the bad weather, and he had to be more careful on the snow-covered roads.They moved forward cautiously, and finally arrived at the designated location on the day agreed with Li Jing.From then on, after crossing Jishi Mountain, you can attack the place where Fu Yun is currently stationed in the north. At this time, Li Jing and Li Daozong's Northern Route Army had deployed defenses in Liangzhou and Ganzhou, and gradually moved south; Li Daoyan and Gao Zhensheng's second army in the east marched slowly, unable to reach the designated position for a long time.The reason why it was difficult was because he offended the party department and was stumbling. Li Jing was the commander this time, knowing that the Tang army hadn't completely wiped out Tuyuhun before. The important reason was that he didn't know the geography, so he decided to let Dangxiang people be the guide.If the Tang army wanted to encircle Tuyuhun, they would have to pass through the territory under the jurisdiction of the Dangxiang Department. This made the Dangxiang Chief Tuoba Chici very hesitant. He faced Li Jing in front of all the generals and said: "The governor has an order, and he has given so much money. Bo, I will definitely obey, and be a good guide. It's just that I have been in contact with China for many years, and I have suffered many losses, and I have lingering fears. Like the Sui people who have no faith, they often bully the tribe, and the people are deeply worried. Now that the Tang army passes through our territory, if there is no If you have different intentions, I will definitely support you; if not, I will block the way of the Tang army and make it difficult for you to go." Li Jing resolutely said: "I am marching and fighting, and I have strict orders to take the lead. This battle is to wipe out our common enemy Tuyuhun, and will not occupy an inch of your land. If the generals violate it, I will punish you severely." Tuoba Chici insisted that Li Jing let him make a covenant with the generals.According to Li Jing's custom, he swore his blood to make an alliance, and Tuoba Chici left with peace of mind. Li Daoyan and Gao Zhensheng's mission this time is to lead the army to gather around Hezhou and Maozhou to prevent Fu Yun from leading people eastward.They marched one by one, but before they reached the designated position, seeing that the Party Headquarters was unsuspecting of them, the two of them invariably remembered the anger they had received before, so they got together to discuss and reached a consensus: taking advantage of the fact that the Party Headquarters was unsuspecting, they simply took advantage of it and killed them. Extinguish it, just to sweep away the bird's breath that I had received before. The two of them did what they said, and no longer deployed defenses according to Li Jing's request, but led the troops and horses to attack the depths of the party headquarters with lightning speed.This move had an effect at the beginning, like Li Daoyan led the army to break through Kuoshui, captured more than a thousand party members, and obtained thousands of sheep and horses. This suddenly angered the Dangxiang Department. There used to be several forces in the tribe who were not under each other's control. When they were attacked by this attack, they immediately united and fought against the Tang army under the command of Tuoba Chici.They first occupied the dangerous mountain and played some tricks, mobilizing the Tang army to the point of exhaustion.Chi Ci plotted another trick, setting up an ambush in Yehu Gorge, leading the Tang Army brigade here, and then attacked on a large scale, killing the Tang Army and defeating it.In this battle, the Tang army suffered more than 10,000 casualties.Seeing that Li Daoyan and Gao Zhensheng couldn't resist, they had no choice but to withdraw their troops and retreat to Songzhou. Li Jing was furious when he heard the news, and immediately sent Duan Zhixuan to Songzhou to capture Li Daoyan and Gao Zhensheng and send them to Chang'an.He also submitted a statement to Li Shimin, which detailed the bad behavior of Li and Gao, and demanded that they be punished according to the law.Then please send Shi Danai to Songzhou to take over the defense of the East Route Army and repair the relationship with the Party Headquarters. The upcoming battle was hindered by this, and the date had to be pushed back a few days.Fortunately, Tuyuhun had already turned his back on the Dangxiang Department, and Fu Yun was unable to lead people across the Dangxiang Department's territory and fled eastward.However, Hou Junji's men and horses suffered a lot in this way, so they had to endure a few more days in the high cold climate. According to Li Jing's order, Hou Junji arranged his men and horses into a long snake formation, and began to rush towards Fu Yun's main tent.Fu Yunqi concentrated his attention on the north side, and did not deploy defenses on the south side at all.如此一来，侯君集的南路军如入无人之境，其进军的速度非常快，三日内就将人马推进到离青海湖仅有五十里的地方。 伏允听说从南面突然冒出唐军队伍，顿时惊慌失措，他一时无力组织起有力的抵抗，只好将自己的主帐逐步北移，渐渐到了库山。 伏允此时已经感觉出大唐此次征战下了大力气，对自己采取了合围的态势。他已经得到准确消息，此战的主帅是李靖，此人能征善战，有奇谋，大唐收复江水以南版图以及扑灭东突厥，皆是此人之功。李靖将中军帐设在鄯州，与李道宗一起带领唐军北路军从北面向自己施压；东面为党项部的地盘，那里山高路险，听说唐军已移师驻扎；又听说李大亮率领兵马奔向且末，堵断了自己的西方逃路；眼下侯君集从南杀来。由此看来，唐军的合围之势已经形成。 伏允思索良久，觉得眼前的当务之急是撕破唐军的包围圈。他将眼光投向北方的库山，准备全力拿下此山，从而经此奔向高昌国，再图与西突厥联手，来共同对付大唐。他说干就干，开始集合重兵，准备给予库山雷霆一击。 唐军的斥候探知了伏允的动静，李道宗将此消息报给李靖。李靖沉思片刻，抬头说道：“这就对了。侯君集快马杀向伏允的纵深，给了伏允一个冷不防，他惊慌之余，要作困兽之斗！库山为一天然屏障，伏允若能拿下此山，即可撕开我军防线，从此一直向西逃去了，伏允已经明白了我军合围的意图，不愧为一只大漠中的老狐狸！” 李道宗意气风发，大声道：“请李大都督放心，那伏允休想越过库山一步。我即刻去库山亲自布置，若被伏允攻破，本人愿提头来见。” “你在山上可多设檑木、灰瓶，让兵士尽量用弓弩与之交战。万万不可与其贴身肉搏，那非我们所长。你只要在库山坚守三日，伏允见无计可施，定然罢手不攻。我对库山之役并不操心，唯思伏允攻山受挫之后，他下一步将有何动作？我们现在固然将其合围，然吐谷浑境内多山多谷，气候又如此恶劣，要想彻底降服伏允，还是要费一番工夫的。” “不妨。水来土掩，兵来将挡。谅伏允有多大能耐？大都督不用思虑太过。”李道宗说完，即转身前往库山布置军事。 伏允让手下弃马步战，他们一手持盾牌，一手持弯刀，妄图攀上峰顶后与唐兵近战。李道宗在山顶上准备了大量的檑木和灰瓶，当吐谷浑兵叫喊着逼近峰顶之时，李道宗见其前锋距自己仅有一百步，他大喝一声：“上啊！”就见躲在壕沟里的唐军齐刷刷地冒出头来，他们或扯开拴系檑木的绳索，或扬手抛出灰瓶。檑木快速地滚下山去，将吐谷浑兵碾得鬼哭狼嚎，灰瓶落入敌阵后炸开，腾起白蒙蒙的烟雾，顿时模糊了他们的视线。唐兵办完这些事，各人手中又马上持起了弓弩，准备射杀来犯之敌。可惜那些吐谷浑兵遭遇了檑木、灰瓶的打击之后，像潮水一般向山下退却，不肯再尝弓弩的滋味。 伏允见状，急忙改换了策略。他先派出人正面进攻，以此来吸引唐兵的注意；另派两路人迂回到库山两侧，让他们攀悬崖登上山顶，以此来偷袭唐兵阵地。这些吐谷浑人仗着身手敏捷，很快实现了伏允的意图。他们从两侧登上山顶，抢入唐兵阵地，用弯刀与唐兵贴身相斗。唐军的山顶阵地顿时一派混乱。山下的伏允见自己得了手，急忙喝令正面进攻之人加快速度，前去接应山顶之人。 李道宗此时正在山顶，他挥剑砍倒来攻击自己的两名吐谷浑人，然后令身边之人挥动红旗，让埋伏在后面之人现身，让他们一部分人前来支援山顶，另派二路兵士前往两翼堵截正在攀缘的吐谷浑人。他冷静地判断形势，发现从两翼攀上来的吐谷浑人不多，己方在山顶上占据着优势；山下的吐谷浑人刚刚吃了檑木和灰瓶的苦头，不敢靠得太近，他们若想登上山顶，毕竟要比己方的援军晚上一步。所以当务之急，就是要快速稳定好山顶的局面。 唐军的援兵已经冲上山顶，他们按照李道宗的意图，二队人分往两翼，前去截杀攀岩上来的吐谷浑人；一队来山顶支援，李道宗见状，挥剑一指，自己先抢入阵地，向山顶上的吐谷浑人砍杀起来。如此一来，他们很快控制了山顶上的局面。待他们将山顶上的吐谷浑人完全制服，山下的吐谷浑人已经攻到距山顶不到二百步的地方。李道宗见没有时间再准备檑木和灰瓶，遂挺立身子亲自张弓，带领兵士齐齐向下射箭。 如此，伏允的这一波疯狂进攻宣告夭折。 到了第二日，伏允又指挥人向山上攻击，皆被唐军打退。过了午后，想是伏允觉得进攻无望，不再遣人来攻山，一时间山上山下显得很平静。 这样又过了一晚，第三日伏允不再来攻山。李道宗遥望山下，见那里未见旗幡飘动，心中生疑，遂派人下山去探。当探事之人气喘吁吁地登上山顶，李道宗观其神色，不用听其言语，心中已经十分明白：伏允跑了。 恰在此时，李靖从后方登临库山来观战事。李道宗将伏允逃跑的消息告诉他，李靖微笑说道：“我算来时间也差不多了。伏允久攻库山不下，南面的侯君集领兵逼近，他若继续在这里死撑，定是一个全军覆没的结果。他若不跑，枉有大漠老狐狸的称号。李总管，你再派人去探，看看侯君集现在何处。这个库山也不用据守了，我们现在就下山，与侯君集合兵一处，想法打探到伏允逃往何处，再定下步行止。” 当李道宗的北路军走下库山，侯君集的南路军前锋恰好不期而至。如此，唐军南北两路大军会合一处，昭示唐军取得了此役第一阶段的胜利。 派出去的斥候纷纷回来，他们还捉来吐谷浑人问询伏允的逃向。所有的消息都表明，伏允带领轻兵向西逃去，其路线通向青海湖之西南名为沙碛的地方。沙碛那里四周为一派茫茫的沙漠，中间有若干个绿洲，其南为昆仑山，西为且末河。伏允逃到这里，是想自己熟悉这里的地势，且适应这里恶劣的气候，以此来和唐军周旋。他在逃跑之时，还使出最为歹毒的一招，即是令人将沿途野草全部放火烧掉。伏允的如意算盘是想沙碛路途遥远，唐军之马若无野草为食，定难前行，妄想唐军就此知难而返。 李靖得知了这些消息，就将众将召集到中军帐内，讨论对付伏允的方略。 李靖居中坐在帅位上，下面的将领对面而坐。李靖缓缓说道：“伏允又故伎重施，大家都议一议，大军如何定下下一步的行止。” 薛万均率先发言，说道：“伏允用心险恶，以火烧去沿途的野草。我军若继续追击，马无野草可食，定疲瘦难行。大军入了大漠，若无马匹代步，靠人力行走，那是难以坚持数日的。” 侯君集问道：“依薛将军之言，我们不入大漠，如何与伏允交手呢？” 薛万均答道：“如今这里方圆荒无人烟，我军既不入大漠，也没必要在此坚守。库山一战，大折伏允锐气，谅他一时不敢再轻举妄动。我的意见，使我军退回境内修整，若伏允再卷土重来，我军正好以逸待劳，猛击其势。” 李道宗摇头道：“库山一役，伏允固然被挫败，然未伤其主力。他现在轻装逃脱，有备而去，焉知他是否又行什么图谋呢？” 契苾何力接口道：“不错，这正是伏允惯使的伎俩。我与他交往多年，知道伏允善避锋芒，不计一土一地的得失，常常仗着地势及气候与外来人巧相周旋。如今，他明明知道李总管率兵在且末布防，他还是奔向沙碛，是欺我们不明那里的地势，使我们不敢追击。若大军一退，伏允定会现身再来侵扰——这是他惯使的法子。” 李靖点头道：“契苾何力说得有理，上次段志玄引兵还鄯州，那伏允即领人露出头来，奔往凉州大掠。他确实不计较一土一地的得失，只要其部众在，就是其为祸的本钱。” 此后，众将你一言我一语，纷纷表述自己的意思。话题谈论到最后，归结为对伏允是追还是不追的取舍上。座中大半人赞成薛万均的意见，认为现在去追，太过凶险。不如暂且回军休整，待到了七八月暖季的时候，那时候野草又会生出来，再行进兵。 侯君集的意思也相当明确，就是要深入沙碛彻底降伏吐谷浑。他见众将倾向于退守，就嘿嘿一笑说道：“你们以为到了七八月天气就会晴好吗？错了，那时候照样有大风刮来，且昼夜之间温差更大，白日阳光充足，到了夜间气温陡降，还会下来冰雹。契苾何力，我这样说非是虚言吧？” “侯尚书所言为实，大军若于此时进击，需携带棉衣和单衣，显得非常累赘。”契苾何力点头答道。 侯君集接着说道：“刚才薛将军说伏允大失锐气，其实未必。其攻库山受挫固然不假，然未伤其根本，其部众完备，还有与我军交手的资本。我军现在若退回休整，伏允定引军出沙碛前来袭扰，则我军此来大举围攻，就和段志玄上次进兵有了一样的结果。我们此来大动干戈，未擒获伏允，就此退兵，别说皇上不会答应，我也不会善罢甘休。”他将头转向李靖，大声说道：“李都督，伏允轻装入沙碛，是料定我军不敢去追赶。其入沙碛后，定然不作防备。我军若掩袭而至，定能杀他们个人仰马翻。君集不才，愿领本部兵马为先锋杀入进去，望大都督能调拨来充足的粮草，君集即刻开拔。” 李靖此时心中早有主意，就是伏允逃往天边，也要将其擒拿到手。他让众将发表意见，是想借此机会统一大家的思想。侯君集以主战的姿态站出来，并主动请战，这是他事先没有想到的。侯君集这些年跟随自己学习兵法，看来的确长了不少见识。 李靖立起身来，目视众将说道：“皇上为使此战完胜，让房仆射、长孙无忌居京城为大军调运粮草，可谓使尽全力。侯尚书所言不错，我军若就此退却，让伏允喘过气来再到边境袭扰，就是大违了皇上的心意，也辜负了天下的臣民对此战的期望。伏允以为烧了沿途野草，就可阻退我军，他是痴心妄想。路上没有了，我们就不会随身携带吗？我们就不会快速发现伏允的踪迹，找他的部众去夺吗？” 李靖的这番话，已经很明确地定下了追击伏允的方略。 李靖又目视侯君集，说道：“侯尚书，本人忝为此行军元帅，岂能让你单兵深入不熟之地？我想好了，此次追击伏允，还采用南北二路军齐头向沙碛推进的方略，这样南北呼应，可添胜算。 “北路军由我率领，另通知李大亮引军东移，形成夹击之势。北路军经赤水、积石山西端及河水源头一线，西至且末，从西、从北向沙碛施压。由薛万均、薛万彻、契苾何力带兵完成。 “南路军由侯尚书、任城王道宗带领，辖执失思力、阿史那社尔、拓跋赤辞所部，沿蜀浑山、居茹川、星宿川、柏海一线向沙碛包抄。”史大柰接手了东线的防务之后。主动与拓跋赤辞修补好了关系，拓跋赤辞欣然率领所部来李靖军前效力。 李靖又目视段志玄道：“段将军，大军进击之前，补充粮草最为紧要。另外，我听说沙碛之中难觅清水，你须让每名兵士身上带有水具。” 段志玄将李道彦、高甄生解往京城，又返回前线主持军需之事。他点头答应，补充道：“大都督，方今天寒地冻，天降落雪不止。万一大军缺水，可将冰雪就地烹之饮用。” 李靖摇头道：“天寒地冻，固然有冰雪，可那燃火之薪柴实在难觅。若让兵士吃冰雪解渴，还不闹坏了肚子？他们就无力再打仗。” 李靖又唤契苾何力和拓跋赤辞道：“伏允妄图凭借地势与我军周旋，如此，我军就要多倚仗党项部及契苾部人员先导，一来要识捷径，二来要寻伏允踪迹。想伏允多年来欺压你们，我们借此机会将其彻底降伏，就免了后患。我所以说这些，是想告诉你们，此战非是大唐独自得益，也事关你们两部，望各自尽力。” 契苾何力和拓跋赤辞躬身答应。