Chapter 8 Chapter VII Hongmen Banquet
Seeing Duan Gong leaving resolutely, Ah Gai never looked at himself again, and sat down on the ground slumped.Polo leaned down and asked in a low voice: "Daughter, don't you like Duan Gong very much? Why do you suddenly want to poison him again?" A Gai was stunned, couldn't help it anymore, and burst into tears.
Duan Gong and Po Luo led the army to advance eastward calmly all the way.Originally, Ming Sheng occupied many states and counties along the way when he was chasing the King of Liang, and there were red scarves stationed there. The entrenched city of Zhongqing.
It's just that most of these states and counties have been looted wantonly, and they are dilapidated and desolate.The common people were not necessarily very happy to see Liang Wang leading the army back, let alone welcome them. Judging from their expressions, it seemed that they were more willing to have the red scarf here.However, these people have never seen the Dali Army before, and they are very curious, and many people even came to watch the excitement.
At this moment, there was news that the Jianchang tribe had defeated the Red Scarf invaders. Duan Gong expected that Ming Yuzhen's army would go deep alone and would inevitably withdraw, so he was not in a hurry to regain Zhongqing.This is one of his strategies. Zhongqing City is high and deep. If the red scarf sticks to it, it will be difficult to get off after a long period of time. He is not willing to risk the lives of his soldiers.He thought that Ming Sheng's plan to capture Yang Shengjian was useful, and he also sent many outposts disguised as ordinary people, flying horses to ambush on the only way from Zhongqing to Sichuan, preparing to capture the red scarf messenger and use letters to make a big fuss .
Arriving in Anning Prefecture in a few days, it has entered the jurisdiction of Zhongqing Road, less than a hundred miles away from Zhongqing City.The Red Scarf occupying Anning had already fled a few days earlier. Anning was the gateway to the west of Zhongqing, and the Red Scarf also abandoned the city. It can be seen that Ming Yuzhen only intends to concentrate his forces and defend a corner of Zhongqing.
Anning has the famous cinnabar hot spring, which is far better than the Yulian Pond of Tang Minghuang. Therefore, it has the reputation of "the best in the world", and it is the favorite place for business travelers to gather.However, when the army entered the city, the whole city was desolate, as if it had been stolen by bandits.All the young and middle-aged men in the city disappeared, either voluntarily or held hostage, and they all joined the red scarf.In a good city, there are only a few helpless old people, women and men left, and there is no half of the prosperous scene of the Zhongqing Gate in the past.
The yamen of Anning prefect was intact, and Duan Gong and Po Luo directly moved in.The prefect of Anning, surnamed Dong, was born in a wealthy family in central Yunnan. He was a hereditary prefect. He had already escaped before the red scarf entered the city, but he remembered that there was a lot of gold, silver and jewels hidden in a separate house. In the end, he was caught and killed by the red scarf, and his body was hung under the archway in front of the magistrate's yamen, exposed to the wind and sun, the flesh and blood had already rotted, revealing the desolate appearance of a skeleton.Polo ordered people to put Dong Zhifu down for burial. The scene in front of him is indeed deplorable, but as long as he thinks about how miserable it will be when he returns to Zhongqing, he will feel even more panic in his heart.
Duan Gongshang was worried about whether Liu Qi found Chen Hui in Anning, the capital of the province, and was about to send someone to inquire, when he suddenly saw Liu Qi rushing to see him, he couldn't help but be extremely surprised.It turned out that Liu Qi had been in Anning for a long time, but he could not find out the whereabouts of Chen Hui. When the red scarf entered the city, he was indeed released from prison. Chen's father was released in court because of his old age and infirmity. Go follow Ming Shengxi to chase Liang Wang.But later, someone saw Chen Hui in Anning City. He managed to escape from the Red Scarf Army. After returning to Anning and finding his parents, he was worried that he would be arrested by the Red Scarf and serve as a soldier again, so he took his parents and hid in Mount Taihua, east of Anning. .The mountain was vast, and Liu Qi led people to search for it for several days, but he had no clue. Later, he heard that Ming Sheng was defeated by Duan Gong, and the red scarf guarding An Ning was also returned to Zhongqing. Anticipating the hardships in the mountains, Chen Hui would take his parents home, so he returned to the city and waited for the rabbit. , Sure enough, I waited for Chen Hui yesterday.Chen Hui was unwilling to leave his aged and sick parents. Liu Qi had no choice but to order Chen Hui to be tied up and taken away by force. Chen's father was frightened, rolled off the bed, and fell to his death.Liu Qi felt quite guilty when he saw such a tragedy, so he ordered someone to untie Chen Hui and let him bury his father first.
Hearing that Liu Qi had left Chuxiong for many days but failed to do a good job, Polo said angrily: "Come here, take Liu Qi out and chop him up." Liu Qi said proudly: "I am an official of the imperial court. Si Zhenfu is not under the jurisdiction of Prince Liang's Mansion, and your Majesty has no right to kill me." Polo became more angry, and his purple face was covered with a layer of black air, looking very scary.He took out the golden seal animal button from his bosom, held it up high, and said: "This king is entrusted by the court to supervise all affairs of the province. I will kill you with the golden seal of the king of Liang. Who dare not accept it! Come, quickly arrest Liu Qi Pull it out and cut it off." Liu Qi didn't beg for mercy, and walked out by himself without waiting for the guards to come and take it.
Duan Gong said: "Wait a minute. Your Majesty, please appease your anger. Now that Zhongqing has not been overcome, it is time to employ people. It is better to let Liu Zhenfu take the blame and make meritorious service." Polo said: "Liu Qi has delayed the important matter. How can I make meritorious deeds?" Duan Gong said: "My lord The anger is nothing more than Liu Zhenfu delaying the separation of Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang. In fact, this matter has taken a turn for the better. I sent news from the outpost that Zhu Yuanzhang has begun to take action against Chen Youliang, and the two sides dispatched their own troops. , Prepare for a decisive battle at Poyang Lake."
It turned out that Zhu Yuanzhang was ambitious and aimed at the world. He was sandwiched between Zhang Shicheng and Chen Youliang.Just as Yang Zhi expected, it was Chen Youliang who he had to deal with first.Kang Maocai, Zhu Yuanzhang's subordinate, was originally Chen Youliang's old department, and he was cousin to Xiao Jiang Kangtai. He ordered Kang Maocai to write to Chen Youliang, falsely claiming to be an internal response and offering Ying Tianfu.Chen Youliang really hit the trick, thinking that the opportunity was not lost, he hurriedly transferred back to Kangtai, who was heading south to Yunnan, and turned to attack Zhu Yuanzhang. As a result, Kangtai completely fell into the trap that Zhu Yuanzhang had set up in advance, and was defeated in Longwan.After Chen Youliang found out what happened, he was furious, assembled heavy troops, and vowed to capture Yingtian and tear Zhu Yuanzhang and Kang Maocai to pieces.He tried his best to deal with Zhu Yuanzhang, so naturally he couldn't help Ming Yuzhen any more. Ming Yuzhen's other two armies were defeated by Dali and retreated to Sichuan.
Only then did Polo turn his anger into joy, and ordered someone to bring Liu Qi back, saying: "Nian is pleading for you in Xinju, and today I will spare your life for the time being, and you are allowed to take the crime and make meritorious service." Liu Qi said: "Thank you Xinju, thank you for your kindness. Grace to kill."
Duan Gong asked: "Liu Zhenfu, Chen Huike is still at home?" Liu Qi said: "Yes. I sent someone to guard his house and never leave. His father died recently, and his mother was seriously ill in bed. Forgive him for being unable to escape. Duan Gong said: "That's good. You go to Chen Hui's house again, and try every means to invite him into the army, but there is one thing, you must let him follow you willingly, and you must not use force. If you can do it, your merits and demerits will be offset. "Liu Qi said in embarrassment: "How can this be done? Now he regards me as the murderer of my father and enemy, and he will come up to me and fight with his life when he sees me. That kid is full of brute strength, and several people can hold him back." Duan Gong said: "If it is not difficult If you can do it, you don't dare to ask Liu Zhen to help you out." Liu Qi only felt that this matter was too difficult, and while hesitating, he suddenly heard Polo shouted sharply: "Hurry up! If you don't bring Chen Hui back, bring your head up." See you." He had to answer: "Follow the order." He took his own manpower and rushed to Chen Hui's house again.
At present, the army is stationed in Anning.Polo wanted to please Duan Gong, so he took him up to the top of the city wall, pointed to Taihua Mountain in the east and said, "There is an Arhat Mountain in the southeast of Taihua Mountain, and my king built a summer palace in the middle of the mountain. Underneath is the vast Dianchi Lake, comparable to the Hengshan Hanging Temple. On the day when Zhongqing is restored, the king will hold a grand banquet in the palace. Firstly, he will celebrate Xinju's success. Second, he will betroth his little girl Agai to you in public. Everyone in the world knows that the King of Liang and the Duan family are originally a family." Duan Gong said: "Your Majesty's kindness, Duan Moumou is very impressed. However, the matter of His Majesty betrothing Princess Agai, I hope His Majesty will consider it." Polo was stunned at first, then he said unhappily: " Could it be that Xinju thinks the little girl is ugly and not worthy of your Dali manager?" Duan Gong hurriedly said: "Princess Agai has a noble status and looks like a fairy, how dare I despise the princess? It's just that I am much older than her, so I am afraid I will delay her Only then did Polo feel relieved, and said: "Xinju is in his prime, and it is a great opportunity for him to do something. If the little girl marries a good husband, the king will also have a good son-in-law. Wouldn't it be the best of both worlds?"
Polo fell into the hands of the red scarf this time, and most of his troops were consumed. Even if he regained Zhongqing, it would be just a show of King Liang.Now the hinterland of the Central Plains is occupied by rebels, fighting with each other, and the Yuan Dynasty is in turmoil. Although he cherishes his daughter, he also knows that in order to survive in this troubled world, he must rebuild a military force. With the power of elite soldiers, Yunnan can temporarily keep one side safe, and if he takes the opportunity to recruit troops, a comeback is just around the corner.But the key to everything right now is Duan Gong, and he must be kept in Zhongqing as a back-up. In this way, his daughter must be sacrificed, and the daughter seems to have affection for Duan Gong, which is a god-sent opportunity.
Duan Gong naturally couldn't guess that Liang Wang was so far-sighted and wanted to refuse, Polo couldn't help saying: "Xinju don't need to thank you again. You and the little girl are talented and beautiful, it should be a good story through the ages. This king will immediately write to the court, requesting seal You are the captain of the son-in-law, and concurrently serve as the political affairs of Pingzhang of Yunnan Province. From now on, you and my husband and son-in-law will be able to break the gold." Duan Gong was stunned, but Polo laughed and went down the city wall .
A few days later, Duan Gong sent a sentry sent to ambush in the north of Zhongqing to bring back a red scarf messenger from Chongqing who was rushing to Zhongqing.Yu Yi stepped forward to remove the black cloth from the messenger's head, and dug out the rag that blocked his mouth. When Duan Gong saw it, he was quite surprised, and said, "So it's you."
It turned out that it was none other than Ji Anli who had followed Zou Xing on his mission to Dali.Ji Anli was quite embarrassed, so he lowered his head.Duan Gong asked several times, but he only responded with silence.Duan Gong looked at the letters found on him, and handed him over to Shi Zong for interrogation.
Therefore, the place was the yamen of the prefect of Anning, so Shi Zong ordered people to escort Ji Anli to the big prison. Entering the forbidden area, with evil intentions, Xinju thinks that you are distinguished guests, and you are tolerant and generous, so you don’t pursue it. Now the situation is very different. You and I are sworn enemies. Many soldiers of our Dali died tragically at the hands of the red scarf. See you in Wuwei Temple Yu Yi, Yang Shengjian, was caught by you when he went out of the city to deliver a letter. After being tortured to pieces, he was taken to our own people and brutally killed. If you look back at the expression my subordinate Yu Yi sees on you, you should think that they want to treat you What you did." Ji Anli looked back, only to see that Yu Yi had a look of hatred.A Yuyi said: "Master Yuyi, why bother to be polite to him, the instruments of torture are ready-made here, try them all on him, if you don't believe him, you won't do it." Winking at his companions, they all went forward and grabbed Ji Anli's arms, Then he dragged it to a blood-stained bench.
Shi Zongdao: "Wait first." Walking in front of Ji Anli, he said seriously, "I can't promise to let you die, but if you are willing to tell the truth, I promise to give you a good time with my own hands, and then I will bury you alive. If you If you refuse to tell the truth, even though you will die in the end, you will suffer a lot of pain and torture before you die. Which one would you choose?" Ji Anli lowered her head and remained silent for a while.Shi Zong waited for a while, but seeing that he still didn't answer, he said, "Come here..." Ji Anli hurriedly said, "I'm willing...I'm willing to confess." Immediately, he explained in detail what happened after he left Dali.It turned out that Zou Xing knew that the Duan family would not form an alliance with the Red Scarf. His purpose of coming to Dali this time was to hold Dali back. When he learned that Ming Yuzhen occupied Zhongqing, he quickly took Li Zhima out of Yangju , rushed to the direction of Beishengzhou, and joined the red scarf who attacked Beishengzhou.It's just that Gao Binxiang, the prefect of Beisheng, was so powerful that he completely destroyed the red scarf attack in one battle. Only Zou Xing, Li Zhima and less than a hundred people fled back to Sichuan.Not long after, there was news of Ming Sheng's defeat. Da Xia heard that the chief executive of Dali had come out in person, and the red scarf had suffered a crushing defeat. People's hearts began to float.After Ming Yuzhen heard that the other two armies had been defeated, he also intended to retreat back to Sichuan. However, Ming Sheng and other important generals disagreed. He was still a little unwilling, so he wrote a letter back to Chongqing to ask his mother, Zhao, for her opinion. .What Ji Anli sent to Zhongqing was a letter written by Ming's mother, Mrs. Zhao.
Shi Zongdao: "Why did I send you to deliver the letter? Aren't you from Li Zhima? You should stay in the army to fight, so why did you work as a messenger?" Ji Anli said: "The Empress Dowager Zhao...is the mother of my lord King Ming... I hope my lord can fight to the death with you in Dali, because I have been to Dali and know something about it, so I was specially sent here." Shi Zongdao: "Are you only sent alone?" Ji Anli said: "I am a messenger, so it is natural for me to be alone. It's easier to deceive people." Shi Zongdao: "Are there no reinforcements?" Ji Anli didn't answer.A Yu Yi shouted: "Hurry up!" Ji Anli knew that he would die sooner or later, so rather than being tortured to death, it would be better to have a good time, and immediately said honestly: "Of course there will be reinforcements, Mr. Zou, the commander, is leading 30,000 soldiers." Soldiers and horses came to support at Xingye." He said again, "I've already told you everything I know, I beg Yu Yichang to fulfill his promise, and then kill me." He was a scholar, and he was forced to reveal the military situation, feeling very ashamed in his heart, He also expected that since he opened his mouth, the forced confession would be endless, and when he really couldn't say anything, he would still be tortured. Rather than living at that time, it is better to seek a quick death now.
Shi Zong really refused to let him go, and asked about the situation of the Red Scarf Army in Zhongqing City.Ji Anli said: "I haven't been in Zhongqing all this time, how can I know what's going on inside?" Seeing that he didn't say anything, Yu Yi was about to punish him immediately.Ji Anli hurriedly said: "Master Yu Yi promised to give me a happy time, but you can't break your word." Shi Zong thought that he had indeed promised him, and guessing that he would be useless, he pulled out his wave sword and asked, "You are in Dali?" I once went to the Wuhua Building and cut open the skin of the red dragon drum, was it to find the treasure map?" Ji Anli said: "Yes, we couldn't find the treasure map in Wuwei Temple, so we suspect it is hidden in Wuwei Temple. Hualou." Shi Zong no longer had any doubts, and said: "Okay, as long as you are honest, I will do what you wish, and I will give you a good time."
Ji Anli originally wanted to die, but when he saw the point of the sword piercing his chest inch by inch, he felt timid and instinctively had a strong desire to survive.Immediately knelt down on both legs, and begged: "I have said everything, Yu Yichang, please hold your hand high and spare my life. I... I am willing to serve Xinju." Shi Zong sneered: "We Xinju will not I want you, a coward who is greedy for life and afraid of death." The long sword was stretched out and pierced into his chest.
Shi Zong stabbed Ji Anli to death with a sword, and arranged for his funeral to fulfill his previous promise. Then he came back to the hall and reported to Duan Gong in detail.Duan Gong pondered: "I didn't want to attack Zhongqing, but I wanted to force Ming Yuzhen to retreat without fighting. Now that he knows that strong reinforcements are coming, he must stick to the city."
Just when he was suffering from a headache, he saw Liu Qi, the governor of the township, bringing in a thin and short man, and said happily: "Fortunately, I did not disgrace my life. Xinju, I brought him back, and this person is Chen Hui." Duan Gong was overjoyed , Said: "God helped me. Liu Zhenfu, you have made a great contribution this time." Liu Qi didn't know why Duan Gong was ecstatic, so he said: "I wish to do the work of a dog and a horse for Xinju."
Duan Gong said: "Come on, go to the study and get your pen and ink ready." Immediately he led Chen Hui to the study, took out the letter found on Ji Anli, and instructed Yang Zhi to draft another letter in imitative tone.The mother of the Ming Dynasty originally believed: "Since I left, I have been safe and sound. To conquer Yunnan, we must obtain it. There is not enough food for soldiers, and it will be sent later, so it cannot be returned lightly."
The most wonderful thing is that at the end of the original letter there is only the words "the second year of the reign of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Empress Dowager of the Ming Dynasty wrote a letter of peace", and there is no seal on it.The writing of the letter is weak, the handwriting is crooked and disorganized, presumably it was written by Ming Yuzhen's mother, Mrs. Zhao, and Ming Yuzhen can recognize the handwriting when she sees it.
Yang Zhi changed the content to: "Since I left, my old body has been restless, and my ministers have messed up the law. I also heard that Chinese soldiers and horses have entered the border, and there is more than one place. You must return urgently, or you will not be safe if you are late." Then I asked Chen Hui in detail. To explain, the font style of the latter letter must be consistent with the content of the previous letter.Chen Hui said: "This person's handwriting is not good-looking, and it is easy to imitate." Putting the two letters on the desk together, he sat down in front of the desk, spread the letter paper, picked up the brush and started writing.Seeing his clumsy posture for holding the pen, Yang Zhi couldn't help feeling a little worried.
After a cup of tea, Chen Hui put down his pen and said, "It's done!" Everyone stepped forward to see that the handwriting of the new letter was exactly the same as that of Mingmu's original letter, as if it was written by one person, and there was no trace of any difference.
Duan Gong pondered: "The letter has no flaws at all, but there is still a lack of a messenger." Yang Zhi said: "If Ji Anli is not dead, you can send him to the city to deliver the letter." If he is really sent to the city to deliver a letter, there is no guarantee that he will not tell Ming Yuzhen the content of the letter." Yang Zhi said: "Having said that, it is very difficult to find someone who can hide the truth from Ming Yuzhen. Messenger."
Liu Qi said: "How about picking a Han from my subordinates?" Yang Zhi said: "Zhenfu's subordinates are all from Zhongqing. If someone in the city recognizes them, all previous efforts will be wasted. We can't take risks."
Then Chen Hui retreated to the corner of the wall after writing the letter, remained silent for a while, and suddenly interjected: "I am willing to deliver the letter." Seeing the surprised gazes from all the people, he added, "My ancestral home is in Hanyang, Huguang, far away from Ming Yuzhen's hometown. Suizhou is not far away, my parents took me to escape to Anning when I was young, but I still speak with an Er accent, so it is easy to win Ming Yuzhen's trust." Duan Gong said: "Do you know that sending letters is extremely dangerous, if it is revealed, Ming Yuzhen will kill killed you?" Chen Hui said, "I know, I'm not afraid of death."
Shi Zongdao: "If things fail, it's not just as simple as death. The red scarf will definitely torture you to extract a confession and force you to tell the content of the original letter. If you can't stand the torture and reveal the content of the original letter, wouldn't we have to waste all our previous efforts?" Chen Huibai Glancing at him, he said coldly: "If you don't tell me, I won't tell you. How would the red scarf know that I have read the original letter? At most, I am just a pawn who sent a false letter." When everyone heard this, they all felt reasonable.
Duan Gong saw that although Chen Hui was just a gold foil maker, he had a calm demeanor and was quite knowledgeable. What is rare is that he has extraordinary courage.In the past, Jing Ke plotted to assassinate the King of Qin with Qin Wuyang as his deputy. Qin Wuyang was known as the number one warrior in the Yan Kingdom. He started killing people when he was twelve years old. Countless souls died under his sword. No one dared to look him in the eye. Frightened by King Qin's majesty, his face changed abruptly and he trembled all over. It can be seen that people who are called warriors are not necessarily brave.And this Chen Hui forged government documents in order to save his father from prison, this courage is enough to make people look at him differently.Thinking of this, he asked: "You know that sending false letters is dangerous, but you are still willing to risk your life?" Chen Hui already knew that he was the manager of Dali, nodded, and said, "But I have three conditions."
Duan Gong said: "Tell me." Chen Hui said: "First, my father accidentally offended Dong Zhifu and was framed by him and imprisoned. Although my father is dead now, you still have to reverse the case for him and prove his innocence." Duan Gong said : "Okay, I agree."
Chen Hui continued: "Secondly, I am the only child in my family, and now I am left with an elderly widowed mother who is seriously ill. You must ask the best doctor to treat my mother. In case I cannot come back, Please also take care of my old mother's retirement." Duan Gong said: "Okay, I will immediately send someone to send your mother to Dali, where there are the best famous doctors and the most precious medicinal materials in the world. Duan is no different. If you can come back alive, you can live together in the general manager's mansion, and I will treat you like a brother."
Chen Hui didn't expect that Duan Gong would promise such a big benefit, so he couldn't help being stunned, and asked: "Is this true?" Duan Gong called Shi Zong and Shi Xiu, pointed to them and said, "These two brothers are by my side. The most powerful Yuyi, I will send him two to do it immediately, and escort your mother to Dali to live in my life." Shi Zong and Shi Xiu bowed together and said: "Follow the order." Chen Hui finally showed a hint of joy, Said: "In this way, I will have no worries."
Duan Gong said: "What about the third condition?" Chen Hui said: "This one is much more difficult." Pointing to Liu Qi, he said, "He killed my father, I want you to kill him." Everyone was stunned.Duan Gong was even more puzzled, thinking to himself: "Since Chen Hui still harbors a grudge against Liu Qi, what method did Liu Qi use to invite him to the magistrate's yamen? That's right, it should be to pardon Chen Hui's crime of forging official documents. Crime is the condition." Chen Hui sneered: "I said earlier that this condition is much more difficult." Duan Gong said: "You have already violated the national law, and you were imprisoned to serve your sentence, and you escaped by going to the city with a red scarf. There is nothing wrong with you, on the contrary, it gave you a chance to make amends. Your father's death is indeed an unfortunate incident, but you can't blame Liu Zhenfu. Besides, Liu Zhenfu is not my subordinate. I really can't meet your condition."
Liu Qi suddenly said: "So you want me to die, and it's easy to do." Pulling out the saber, turning the hilt upside down, and handing it to Chen Hui, he said, "I am willing to die." Chen Hui said, "Very good." Grabbing the saber, he beheaded Liu Qi.
Of course Duan Gong couldn't allow Chen Hui to kill in front of his eyes, so he rushed forward, grabbed his wrist with his backhand, and grabbed the saber with his right hand.Unexpectedly, Chen Hui was extremely powerful, Duan Gong and martial arts were not low, but this snatch failed. The saber was pulled a few inches away, and its strength was also reduced by a few points, but it still hit Liu Qi, with a "click" , more than an inch deep into the shoulder.Shi Zong hurriedly rushed forward, strangled Chen Hui's neck with his cross arm, and raised his leg to press hard on his lower back.Chen Hui didn't know martial arts, so he relied on brute force, and was quickly dragged aside by the uniform.The knife was still on Liu Qi's shoulder. Duan Gong grabbed the handle of the knife with one hand and the tip of the knife with the other, and pulled out the knife forcefully, blood gushed out. Liu Qi remained motionless, and then shook twice.Shi Xiuzao took out the Jinchuang medicine and stepped forward to apply it for him.
Duan Gong ordered Shi Zong to let go of Chen Hui, and said: "Your third condition, I can't fulfill it. If you refuse to send the letter, I will still fulfill the first two conditions..." Chen Hui was surprised and looked at you in amazement. Looking at him, he saw that although he was heroic, he was elegant, and his expression was amiable, without the majesty of a commander in chief.
Duan Gong continued: "But since you have gained insight into the confidential military situation, to be on the safe side, you have to stay here temporarily and deal with it after the Red Turban retreats. I will send someone to take care of your family, so you don't have to worry." He ordered Chen Hui to be taken away first. The prison is closed.Chen Hui said, "Wait a minute..." Duan Gong stared at him with piercing eyes, and asked, "Are you still willing to deliver the letter?"
Chen Hui knew that if he refused to deliver the letter, he would be imprisoned immediately. He had expected that the third condition would not be fulfilled, so beheading Liu Qi was already a big breath of anger, besides Duan Gong promised to do it for his mother. The matter was far beyond his expectations, and he couldn't refuse, so he nodded immediately and said: "I am willing. I only hope that the general manager will earnestly fulfill the first two conditions, so that I, Chen Hui, will die without regret." Immediately took the leave Letter, go out with your head held high.
Duan Gong ordered the sentry who captured Ji Anli to escort Chen Hui to East Zhongqing Road so that he could enter the city through the east gate.He also asked Liu Qi to choose a few reliable Han men, and try to sneak into Zhongqing City first, and if Chen Hui was killed by the red scarf, he would report back immediately.Then order Shi Zong and Shi Xiu to bring Chen's mother to the magistrate's yamen first.Regarding Chen Huisuo's request to reverse the case, Duan Gong thought that although Ma Wenming was young, he was very knowledgeable and capable, and he was working in the provincial court and was in charge of prisons, so he asked him to handle it.However, Ma Wenming can't do anything, because all the files in the Anning Mansion have been burned by the red scarf, and there is no piece of paper left. We can only hope that the files of Zhongqing Province are still there, and we can wait until Zhongqing is restored.
An Ning is only seventy miles away from Zhongqing City, and it was noon when Chen Hui left. Duan Gong predicted that if everything goes well, he will be able to enter the city to see Ming Yuzhen in the middle of the night, and the rest will depend on God's will and good luck, tomorrow morning at the earliest , Tomorrow night at the latest, the spies sent by Liu Qi will send back news.After waiting anxiously for a whole day, in the afternoon of the next day, Duan Gong was discussing matters with Po Luo and other important generals and officials. Suddenly, the spies came back with Chen Hui in their arms, and said repeatedly: "It's done! It's done!" It turned out that Chen Hui's trip went quite smoothly. , to show the city gate guards that he was the empress dowager's messenger, and was immediately sent to the Liang Palace where Ming Yuzhen lived. He didn't ask Chen Hui a word, but only rewarded him with a tael of silver, and ordered him to go back to Chongqing, Sichuan.Chen Huisui left Zhongqing City overnight and rushed back to Anning.
Duan Gong was silent for a moment.When Polo heard that Yuzhen lived in his own palace, he cursed angrily: "This blind man dares to sleep on my king's bed, but later this king catches him and will definitely tear him to pieces." He echoed aloud, only looked at Duan Gong who was meditating, and finally realized that, let alone grabbing Ming Yuzhen's corpse into pieces, without Duan Gong, he might still be drinking the northwest wind in Chuxiong.Even though he knew the facts before him, seeing that the officials present were so snobbish and seemed to be looking ahead, Duan Gong was extremely unhappy, but he didn't say anything more.
Liu Qi said: "Look at the letter, does Ming Yuzhen believe it?" Seeing that Chen Hui was still there, Duan Gong hurriedly said, "Duan is very grateful for the great contribution made by the strong man. There is only one thing, your mother is seriously ill, and the good doctors in the city are all sick." She was kidnapped by the red scarf, and I have ordered someone to send her to Dali for treatment. If you..." Chen Hui turned around and rushed out before he could finish speaking.Prince Liang's lieutenant Aji frowned and said: "This man is so rude." Duan Gong said: "He is also eager to love his mother." Ignoring Chen Hui's matter, he turned to the crowd and said: "I guess the red scarf will return tonight. Let's send troops now, Just in time to attack when the red scarf is out of the city." The military situation is urgent, and they no longer discuss with Po Luo, so they ordered generals Zhang Lian and Yin Gang to lead their headquarters, Luo Juzi, to go around to the outside of Zhongqing City, from the east gate and the north gate. Attack and kill the red scarf who is leaving the city; order Liang Wangfu Wei Aji and Zhenfu Liu Qi to lead an army of 3,000 yuan each, enter Zhongqing from the south gate, attack the red scarf who is still stranded in the city, and then attack the east gate and north gate respectively; He led a team of troops, and together with Gao Binxiang, the prefect of Beisheng, led Qingqi to chase after the red scarf who had already left the city.At present, according to Duan Gong's deployment, everyone brought their own troops, left Anning, and rushed to Zhongqing in the east.
Zhongqing was named Tuodongcheng in ancient times, which means "opening up the eastern border". It was built by Nanzhao during the Guangde period of the Tang Dynasty when Nanzhao aggressively expanded its territory.This city is not as old as Yangjumei city, but since it became the capital of Yunnan Province, it has been operated by Mongolians for a hundred years, and it is as prosperous and lively as Dali.The city wall is tall and strong, with a circumference of nine li, and six city gates, named Chongzheng in the south, Baoshun in the north, Xianhe and Yongqing in the east, and Guangyuan and Hongrun in the west.There are city towers on each gate, and tall buildings are also built on the four corners of the city wall.There are rivers surrounding the city on the east, west and north sides, and boats can pass through it.
When Duan Gong's army marched 20 miles eastward, dusk fell, and the horses in front came to report that teams of cavalry had been leaving the city early in the morning. The three gates of Yongqing gathered together, as if they were going to leave the city overnight when it was dark.When everyone heard this, they were all amazed that Duan Gong's material is as good as a god.Duan Gong ordered the army to advance quietly, and arrived at Julan City at Haishi, which is the northern gateway of Zhongqing, only more than ten miles away from Zhongqing.Seeing that the city gate was wide open, the red scarves stationed in the city had already been withdrawn.Duan Gong ordered Aji and Liu Qixun to approach the North Gate of Zhongqing immediately, and when they saw the Kongming lanterns raised, they attacked and entered the city again, and led the rest of the troops to continue heading east.Arrived at the Jinling River in the middle of the night, on the Yuema Tongji Bridge, looked north, and saw brightly lit lights in the direction of Xianhe Gate in the distance, and a large number of red scarves were pouring out of the city. Immediately ordered Zhang Lian and Yin Gang to attack. When it was up, the Kongming lanterns were lit and rose into the air.
When the red scarf was halfway out of the city, it was suddenly blocked by the Dali army. When it rushed to fight, it was flanked by the Yuan army entering the city from the north gate from behind, and it was defeated immediately.The red scarf who had left the city ignored the life and death of the rear team and fled all the way like a frightened bird.Duan Gong led the army in pursuit all the way, and successively rescued many Confucian scholars, craftsmen, doctors, technicians, musicians, etc. who were kidnapped by the red scarf. Zhen, ordered to stop at Qixingguan, pack up the remnants, lay down the formation, and fight to the death with the pursuers.But Duan Gong sent Gao Binxiang to lead Qingqi to defeat the left and right wings.An ingenious craftsman named Jiao Yu under Gao Binxiang designed and invented a kind of firecracker, using gunpowder to hit rocks, each shot can kill two enemies.Hongjin was terrified and ran away in a hurry.Gao Binxiang took advantage of the situation to cut off the back of the red scarf, and completely forced Ming Yuzhen into the Qixing pass and surrounded her.
Qixingguan is the traffic hub of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.When Zhuge Liang passed by here during his southern expedition, he once lit seven-star lanterns to worship.Duan Gong saw that the pass was easy to defend and difficult to attack, so he didn't attack the city, so he ordered Luo Juzi to guard on the main way out of the pass.Ming Yuzhen was eager to go home, but she really didn't want to stick to it. After a day, she couldn't hold back and wanted to abandon the pass.
Another day later, the closed door suddenly opened a crack, let out a person, and then quickly closed again.Luo Juzi saw that the man raised his hands high and had no weapon on him, so he waited for him to approach, tied him up and went to see Duan Gong.Duan Gong asked and found out that he was Yang Yuan, the attendant, and said: "It is said that all the official documents and notices of the red scarf are from you. I saw one in Anning, and it has a good literary talent."Yang Yuan said: "Thank you Xinju." Duan Gong said: "You came to see me, what's the matter?" Yang Yuan said: "My lord heard that Xinju is generous and kind, and wants to make peace with Xinju. The road from Sichuan. My lord is willing to personally swear an alliance with Xinju, not only will he not violate Dali forever, but also he is willing to become brothers." Duan Gong pondered for a moment, and said: "It is enough to become brothers, but King Ming has to allow traders to come and go freely in Sichuan , Dali." Yang Yuan didn't expect Duan Gong to be so straightforward, overjoyed, he hurriedly said: "That's natural." Duan Gong said: "Okay." He ordered someone to let Yang Yuan go back.
All the generals were puzzled. At this time, Zhongqing had already overcome, and reinforcements from the rear were about to arrive. Ming Yuzhen was already in his pocket. They didn't know why they suddenly swore an oath with him and let him go.Duan Gong said: "If I refuse, Ming Yuzhen will go all out and defend the Qixing Pass. At this moment, Zou Xing is bringing 30,000 red scarf reinforcements, not far from here. If our army attacks the city here, it will be easy to suffer from the enemy. Why don't you release Mingyu here?" After Zhen left, he lost his energy and had no intention of fighting again. Even if he found out that the family letter was false after encountering reinforcements, he had sworn an oath to me and had no choice but to return to Sichuan." Then he made an alliance with Ming Yuzhen before the pass.
Ming Yuzhen is an ordinary person, she was instigated by the generals around her to start this war, and she regretted it a lot. After receiving the handwritten letter from her mother, she was so worried that she wished she could fly back to Chongqing immediately. Originally sending Yang Yuan to negotiate peace with the Dali army was a fluke, but Duan Gong agreed, he was very grateful in his heart, raised his hand and said: "In the future, wherever Xinju goes, our Daxia army will retreat sixty miles and talk about the table. Respect." Duan Gong nodded, waved his hand, and with a bang, Luo Juzi quickly raised his horse to the sides, making way for him like a wave.It was not surprising that Ming Yuzhen saw that he had strict orders, but orders and prohibitions were only for a moment, and the Duan family had ruled the southwest for hundreds of years, and they really had extraordinary abilities, so she couldn't help admiring them.
The audience was much quieter in an instant, the horseshoes were turned off like rain, and no one was heard. The red scarf soldiers walked silently in front of the Dali army. They didn't have to spill blood again, and they could finally go back to their homeland safely. They were all happy meaning.
When Aji, Liu Qi and others led the Yuan army to arrive, Ming Yuzhen had already left Yunnan. Duan Gong handed over the defense of Qixing Pass to the Yuan army, and led the army back to Zhongqing.The matter of his alliance with Ming Yuzhen was later learned by the King of Liang. He didn't say anything on the surface, but he was very angry in his heart. This is a later story.
When Duan Gong entered Zhongqing City, he had mixed feelings in his heart - this was the first time he came to Zhongqing. The four seasons never rested. Soon after the founding of Dali, it was taken over by the Gao family, who was in power. It can be said that Duan has left no shadow here.Now, he has finally become one of the very few Duan royal families who walked into Zhongqing as a victor.Surprisingly, Zhongqing was not as dilapidated as the city occupied by the Dali army all the way to the east, and was not destroyed by the red scarf. It seems that Ming Yuzhen still has some love for the people.
There is a Wuhua Mountain in the center of Zhongqing City, which is the highest point in the city. It is roughly bounded by Wuhua Mountain and is divided into two parts: the north and the south: the north of the city is dominated by the military and political area, where the military camp, Zhongqing Road Mansion, Gongyuan, and Kunming County Government are located. The south of the city is a concentrated area of residents, but the two most important hub buildings in Yunnan are also in the south of the city. The Liangwang Palace is in the east of Chongzhengmen, the south gate, and the Yunnan Provincial Office is in the east of Liangwang Palace.
After Duan Gong entered the city, he did not live in a post house, but was directly led by King Liang Fu Dadu to live in Wuhua Temple in the center of the city.五华寺位于五华山上，风景熙熙，不仅可以俯瞰中庆全城，山脚即是菜海子，碧波粼粼，蒲藻常青，为城中游赏之胜地。梁王安排他住在全城最好的位置，可谓十分尽心。段功既来之则安之，他接到回报，果然明玉珍与邹兴援兵在四川边境会合后即刻返回了重庆，并未再度进攻。他见中庆大局略定，便命北胜知府高斌祥先率部返回，以免大理北部边境有失。
红巾尽退，东部驿道重通，大理源源不断有信使前来，无非是禀告政事、请求决断等等。如此过了数日，有一日信使送来一封家书，是总管夫人高兰的亲笔信。段功拆看一看，并无它文，只有一句诗：“草草莺花春似梦，沉沉风雨夜如年。”一时陷入沉思。
他初与高兰成亲时，还未当上总管，曾与夫人联袂遍游大理名胜，在鸡足山遇到一个自称张三丰的邋遢道人，称是会看面相，索要了五两银子，送了高兰这两句诗。高兰起初不解其意，只爱句子缠绵绮丽，后教授中的一名博士看到，说此句不祥，暗示夫人将会孀闺独宿。
当时段功夫妇新婚燕尔，感情甜蜜，二人听了都是大笑，直说被那张三丰骗去了五两银子。高兰事后回想，心中耿耿，还欲派人往鸡足山追捕张三丰，还是段功笑道：“夫人若真派人捕了他来，反倒是将这谎话当真了。”高兰这才作罢。如今二十年过去，段功再回首此事，竟是恍若隔世。
当夜段功梦见高兰发怒，杀死了总管府所有侍女，惊醒过来，额头冷汗涔涔，心中大生愧意，决心早日返回大理。次日一早再见到大都，便问道：“大王是在忙于政事么？为何始终不见大王前来相见？”大都道：“大王正在操忙一件大事。”段功道：“烦劳王傅转告大王，可否拔冗一见，我有一事相商，然后便要辞别返回大理。”大都笑道：“不敢有瞒信苴，大王目下并不在中庆城内。请信苴再多留两日，大王自会有请信苴前去相见。”
段功见他笑得颇为神秘，颇感诧异，正要仔细询问，却见施宗、施秀赶来相见，忙问道：“你二人这么快便将陈惠母子送到大理了么？”施宗道：“回信苴话，没有，陈老夫人已经不幸去世。”段功惊道：“什么？”施宗道：“陈老夫人病重，车马一路不敢走快，到达楚雄境内时，我们遇到一股红巾溃兵正在抢劫行商财物，红巾人数不多，当即上前援手，交战时马儿受惊，拉着老夫人的车子跌下了悬崖。”杨智问道：“那么陈惠人呢？你们没有见到他么？”施秀道：“陈惠后来追上了我们，同我们一道西行，后来他母亲跌下悬崖，他非要下去寻找，我们便与他一道下去，到人力实在不及之处时才停下。他始终停在那里不肯走，我们劝说不动，只好留了一些财物给他。”
段功想不到会出了这种意外，叹惋不已。施宗道：“这全怪我兄弟二人办事不力，请信苴降罪处罚。”段功道：“这也怪不得你们。”派人召来将军尹岗，命他率所部罗苴子先回罗那关，一路肃清红巾残部。尹岗应命而去。
施秀道：“那被打劫的行商，信苴原也认识，便是那有沈万三之称的沈富。”段功道：“原来是他。他是要回中原去么？”施秀道：“是，他所运货物着实不少，大约还得过十天才能到达中庆。不过与他一道的罗贯中现在仍然留在无为寺中。”
段功有所感怀，又想起一事来，便带着施宗、施秀来到南城行省署，找到马文铭，问道：“前些日子拜托小侯爷的那桩案子可有了眉目？”马文铭道：“是陈惠之父陈亮的案子么？所幸理问所卷宗完好无损。我回中庆后这几日，一直在翻阅钻研陈亮的案子，他也是打金箔人，平生好饮酒，有一次在知府衙门贴金箔时，因喝多了酒摔下梯子，打坏了进献皇帝的贡品，被安宁知府判了死罪，上报后朝廷觉得有些重，他又略有些手艺，遂改判为终生服苦役。这案子案情简单，并无任何疑点。尤其现今董知府被杀，陈亮已死，既成定谳，绝无翻案可能。”段功听说，便道：“有劳小侯爷。”出来行省署，颇为怅然，吩咐道：“陈惠立下大功，我答应他的却一件事也没能做到。你们日后再遇到他，可要好生看待。”施宗道：“是。”
大都一直陪在左右，便道：“中庆尚有许多名胜古迹，信苴这几日一直忙于军务政事，不得丝毫空闲，好不容易今日下了五华山，不如趁势游览一番。下官也聊作向导，稍尽地主之谊。”段功不便推辞，当即道：“也好。”
中庆名山胜迹，数不胜数。又如大理一般，佛寺众多。段功记得当晚初到中庆城外时，曾在夜色中遥见过一座白塔，特意问起来。大都笑道：“共有东、西两座白塔，都在城外，城南常乐寺有一座，俗称西塔，高八十尺；城东觉照寺中有一座，俗称东塔，高一百五十尺；都是唐朝贞观遗物。不知道信苴所见是哪一座？”段功记得当初是在东城外通济桥上望见，便笑道：“当是东塔了。”大都道：“这就是了，我们大王也常去那里烧香布施。”遂引着段功往觉照寺而去。
如此游览了两日，第三日上午，大都又赶来五华山，说是梁王宴请段功，请前去罗汉山避暑行宫相会。段功这才记起当日孛罗要大开盛宴庆功那番话来。他正有意回大理，预备面辞梁王，便带了杨智及众羽仪赶去罗汉山。
那罗汉山位于中庆城西南，与城隔滇池相望，远看山形，活像是一座大肚弥勒，由此而得名罗汉山。众人出了南门，到滇池边渡口上，早有一艘大船等在那里，上船后便径直往西。但见前方峰峦秀拔，危岩千仞，如屏山岭上，一群建筑突出半壁，那便是梁王避暑行宫，依山建造，绝壁而生，飞檐凌空，遥望如空中楼阁，有高不可攀之威，凌空欲飞之势。
到了山脚渡口，梁王司马合伯正率大批侍卫迎候在那里。奇峰汇聚，山崖险峭，苍松翠柏之间，有一条人工开凿的窄小石道蜿蜒而上，奇峭万状，至不可名。一路寒溪湛湛，流水冷冷，走在参天古树中，更是森森凉意。路上的险要之处均搭有望棚或是凉亭，有元兵把守戒备。行了大半个时辰，终于来到一处巨大的凉棚。但见四周山川明媚，危峰秀拔，峻岭崔嵬，云雾缭绕。那凉棚依着一棵千年古树而建，心思巧妙，一眼望去，竟然分不出哪里是树，哪里是棚。
却见梁王世子阿密正领了一大群人守在那里，寒暄几句，又领着段功往山南曲曲折折地走了一段。眼前豁然开朗，一大片建筑兀然出现，一半嵌入岩腹，一半凌驾悬空，地势造型，匪夷所思。并依山势逐步升高，层楼叠宇，叠连嵌缀，共有九层十一阁，上出重霄，下临无地，极其险峻壮观。
段功心道：“这楼阁修在半空中，全凭人力在悬崖峭壁上开凿，何等凶险，昔日隋文帝修建仁寿宫已是颇伤绮丽，大损人丁，丁夫死者数以万计，这避暑宫可要比仁寿宫难多了。”心中对梁王不恤民力很不以为然。梁王孛罗正领着一大群官员等在门楼下，一见段功，便迎上来笑道：“信苴一路辛苦。”亲自牵了段功的手，送入阁榭中。
那水阁雕梁画栋，钩心斗角，又朝东敞开，左右花鸟林壑，下面即是浩渺滇池，海如镜，舟如叶，风景如画。踞山临海，危楼圣境，高远而居，妙境豁然。
阁中早已经酒如池、肉如山，摆满了珍馐美味。孛罗请段功与自己并排坐在上首，说了好些赞扬的话，才笑呵呵地道：“今日要为信苴大饮一场，不醉不归。”众人纷纷笑道：“正是要如此。”性子急的已经伸手去拿酒。孛罗却道：“且慢！开宴之前，还是要先来一曲歌舞助兴才好。”众人料想梁王爱附庸风雅，特意安排了如此节目，立即纷纷大声叫好。
却听见屏风后马头琴响了几下，一名丽人随乐而出，轻快地转到堂中央，扭动手、足、肩，翩然起舞。众人尽皆呆住，目光落在那舞姬身上，阁楼中除了乐声，再无半点声音，她不是旁人，正是阿盖公主。段功也一时愣住，素闻蒙古人奔放豪迈，爱好歌舞，然阿盖毕竟是公主之尊，如何能当众以歌舞助兴？这还是他第一次见她一身蒙古女子的装束，完全是另外一副模样，他还是觉得她穿汉女的衣裳更好看些。
只见阿盖目光在段功脸上停留了片刻，脸色一片晕红，这才开口嘤嘤唱道：
将星挺生扶宝阙，宝阙金枝接玉叶。
灵辉彻南北东西，皓皓中天光映月。
玉文金印大如斗，犹唐贵主结配偶。
父王永寿偕碧鸡，豪杰长作擎天手。
高浪站在段功身侧，听不大懂阿盖所唱之意，拿肘弯撞了撞杨宝，问道：“她唱的是什么意思？”杨宝道：“都是些称赞咱们信苴的话。”高浪很不以为然地撇了一下嘴角，他倒不是反感阿盖，他只是不满段功明明已有夫人，却还为阿盖美色所迷，要娶她为妻，只见新人笑，哪闻旧人哭，有了新欢，当然就忘了原来的旧爱，他自己的父亲不就是如此么？
等阿盖一曲唱完，段功才知道原来今日是梁王寿辰，忙道：“原来是大王寿诞，何不早说，我也好备下礼物。”孛罗笑道：“还有比信苴领军驱走红巾更好的礼物么？”阿盖娉婷上前，端起酒壶，亲自取了两只缠丝玛瑙杯，斟了两杯酒，先奉了一杯给段功，然后才端给父亲一杯。
孛罗举起酒杯，道：“来，本王敬信苴一杯，先干为敬。”段功道：“好。”正要举杯，一旁高潜突然凑上前来，俯身到段功耳边，低声道：“信苴，当心酒里有毒。”段功一愣，随即斥道：“小孩子胡说些什么！”见孛罗已经一饮而尽，便将酒杯递到唇边。高潜蓦地一把夺过酒杯，抢先饮下。众人见状，不明所以，一齐放下酒来，怔怔望过来。段功忙道：“这是我内侄，就爱胡闹。”转身命道，“来人，带高潜出去。”
孛罗虽未听到高潜耳语，却已经猜到段功身边之人怀疑酒中有毒，正大起不快之心，忽听得高潜是段功夫人高兰亲侄，当即释然，暗道：“段功要另娶新欢，小孩子为姑姑抱不平，出头捣乱，做不得数。”尤其见高潜不听号令，犹赖在当地，死活不肯走，心下更是肯定，忙圆场笑道：“由得他留下。今日本就是大喜欢庆的日子，还怕酒水少了。来人，快给高羽仪上酒。”梁王侍卫轰然答应，搬取了数大坛酒，放到段功身侧羽仪脚下。
忽有一人不知道从哪里冒了出来，坦然排开众羽仪、侍卫，自怀中取出一柄尖刀，朝段功扎来。段功正侧头与孛罗说话，丝毫未留意到背后之事。阿盖站在段功和孛罗背后，最先看到刺客与尖刀，想也不想，便朝段功身上扑去。那刺客蓦然见一女子挡在段功身前，他这一刀下去，定会扎死她，略有迟疑，施宗、施秀已自后抢上，掰住他肩头。刺客力气极大，猛力甩脱掌握，大吼一声，又朝前扑去，双脚旋即被施宗兄弟抓住，他已距离段功极近，顺势往前仆倒，手上刀势却是不停。段功已然醒悟，抱住阿盖一滚，那一刀终未刺到要害，只割到了阿盖左臂。
一旁凌云抢上前来，飞起一脚，将刺客手中刀子踢掉，随即扶起阿盖，问道：“公主受伤了么？”
阿盖早已经吓得呆了，只迷蒙看了他一眼，又去望着段功。她原本清亮的眼睛，像是着染了一片雾霾。凌云的心“咯噔”一下，像是平静已久的池水中掉下一颗石子，激起了层层涟漪。恍然间他有些明白了，心中不知道是什么滋味，见她手臂流血，于是取了金创药为她裹伤。
段功已为施秀扶起，见那刺客已经被众人一哄而上压在地上。孛罗也受惊不小，连声道：“是谁负责守卫行宫的？是谁？”施宗听了不住冷笑，暗道：“行宫处于半山，又戒备森严，刺客何以能混进来？说不定这刺客正是你梁王所派，不然为何那刺客适才见阿盖挡在前面便有所迟疑。”孛罗不见人答，心中更怒，连声道：“快将刺客押上来。”
有人取来绳索，将那刺客手脚死死缠住，这才拉他起来跪到堂前。段功立即一眼认出刺客来，奇道：“怎么是你？”那刺客不是旁人，正是曾经为他送信给明玉珍的打金箔人陈惠。陈惠恨恨道：“很好，原来你还认得我。”段功道：“你本于我方有功，为何又突然来行刺于我？”陈惠道：“你答应赡养我老母，却累她惨死，尸骨无存，我要杀你报仇。”段功道：“你母亲病入膏肓，我命人送去大理医治，半途遇到红巾溃兵，非我所能预料。”
孛罗见回头惊见爱女受伤，惊怒不已，喝道：“来人，将刺客拉出去凌迟处死，割下他的肉来，一条条抛入滇池喂鱼。”梁王侍卫应声上前，便要将陈惠拖出去。段功正待阻止，却听见阿盖柔声道：“今日是父王大喜的日子，父王何苦动怒？信苴既说此人曾经立下大功，不如就此放他去吧。”段功心念一动，暗道：“她倒是与我有几分默契。”便道：“公主言之有理，陈惠曾冒险送信给明玉珍，红巾退兵也有他一分功劳，现在杀他容易惹来闲话。况且今日是大王寿辰，杀人不吉，不如免他死罪，放他下山。”孛罗勉强道：“好吧，就交由信苴处置。”
段功走近陈惠，正色道：“我段功顶天立地，从不失信于人。你母亲一事，我已尽心竭力，自认并无失信于你。今日我放你走，下次若再见到你，绝不会再手下容情。”见他肩头刀伤血流不止，命人取一瓶金创药给他。陈惠绑索一解，一把打掉药瓶，往地上“呸”了一声，转身昂然出去，竟似丝毫不将段功、梁王及满堂官员放在眼里。
孛罗勃然大怒，心道：“此人如此不识好歹，又伤我爱女，绝不能容他再活在世上。”回头向凌云使个眼色，暗示他悄悄料理了陈惠，凌云会意，正欲跟上去，忽听得一声闷响，回头望着，羽仪高潜已摔倒在地。众人忙围过去，见他紧捂腹部，脸色煞白，嘴唇发青，似是中了剧毒，一时惊疑不定。还是高浪忍不住先问了出来：“他是中了毒么？”杨宝点了点头，道：“是。”
孛罗抢上前来，惊问道：“中毒？怎么中的毒？”明知道已经来不及，还是回头命道：“快回城去请大夫来。”
高潜叫道：“信苴……信苴……姑父……”额头渐有豆大的汗珠冒出。段功俯身抱起他，问道：“好孩子，你是不是有什么话要对我说？”高潜勉强点点头，声音哽咽，断断续续地道：“孔雀胆……孔雀胆……”段功问道：“孔雀胆怎么了？”
孛罗这才想到高潜可能就是被他用孔雀胆毒死的大理名将高蓬的儿子，怵然而惊，不禁回头望了凌云一眼。
却见高潜抖缩着举起手，遥遥指着梁王一方，道：“他……他就是从药师殿盗走孔雀胆的人。”段功一呆，问道：“什么？”高潜道：“他……凌云……是他下的毒……想害死姑父……”
段功惊讶回头，看见凌云正站在梁王身侧，依旧是一副冷傲的神气。杨智追问道：“你是说凌云盗走了孔雀胆？”高潜嘴角渗出了一丝血迹，再也说不出话来，只眨了两下眼皮，头一歪，就此死去。杨宝与他一道长大，情若兄弟，大是悲恸，叫道：“高潜！高潜！”见他动也不动，忍不住哭出声来。
杨智等人心如肚明，高潜一路跟随段功上山，未进半分饮食，唯一的破绽就是适才抢在段功面前喝了那杯阿盖亲斟的酒。施宗也不多说，取过段功面前的那只玛瑙杯，见杯底尚留有一圈残酒，便取出一块银子，将那酒倒了几滴在上面，银子瞬间变成了青黑色。马文铭也在当场，上前看了一眼，道：“尊羽仪似是中了砒毒。”
高浪恨恨道：“果然是酒中有毒。信苴，高潜是代你而死，他们想毒死的人其实是你。”扭头瞪视着阿盖，怒道，“你与信苴饮金盟誓，亲口许诺要嫁他为妻，如今强敌既退，你想要悔婚，直接开口便是，也不用下此等毒手。”阿盖莫名其妙道：“我……我怎会想要悔婚？”高浪道：“哼，你还要狡辩……”忽听得段功喝道：“高浪住口！”高浪见段功发怒，这才闭了嘴。
出了如此意外，比适才刺客行刺更为惊心动魄，众人尽皆呆住，不知道是怎么回事。孛罗骇然自惊，不由自主地向自己方才饮过的酒杯望去。马文铭忙向人要了两块银子，将孛罗的酒杯及酒壶的酒水一一试过，却均没有毒药落入。既是如此，酒壶、酒杯只经过了阿盖之手，她理所当然地就是下毒之人。就连孛罗也怀疑是她落毒，虽然不解其意，却还是将目光投向爱女。
阿盖见众人目光灼灼，不离己身，这才醒悟过来，连连道：“不，不是我，我已与信苴订有婚约，他是我未婚夫君，我怎会下毒害他？”
然则铁证如山，众人表面不再多说什么，心下却是如明镜般光亮皎然。更是有人心道：“公主性情柔弱，怎敢当众落毒？说不定正是梁王指使她如此。眼下借助段功之处极多，梁王这过河拆桥的一招，未免来得太快了。”
阿盖见众人并不相信自己，大理诸人望向自己的目光中尽是仇恨鄙夷之色，不由得更加慌乱，泪眼涟涟地道：“不是我……真的不是我……”凌云忽道：“是我下的毒。”走到孛罗面前跪下请罪道，“是我不愿意公主嫁给段功，暗中在他的酒杯中抹了毒药，现既然败露，凌云也不愿意牵累他人，任凭大王处置。”孛罗这才长舒一口气，叫道：“来人，快些将凌云绑了。”当即有侍卫上前，摘下凌云腰间兵刃，将他五花大绑起来。
孛罗道：“本王驭下不严，出了这等事，万分抱歉。我这就将凌云交给信苴处置，要杀要剐，悉听尊便。”段功早知道凌云一直站在一侧，根本没有碰过酒壶酒杯，他挺身认罪，不过是为了不让梁王和公主面上难堪，当即道：“国有国法，家有家规，凌云是大王心腹侍卫，段某不敢擅处。”孛罗道：“那好，小侯爷人也在这里，就将凌云交给你审问，你尽可以严刑拷讯。”马文铭心道：“你这不是将天大的难题推给行省么？凌云是为公主顶罪，谁敢拷打他？”不敢当众推谢，只得道：“遵大王命。”命人先将凌云带下。
段功肃色道：“还有一事，段某本是山野匹夫，配不上公主金枝玉叶，原