The inn was very quiet, and the sound of the waves and wind and rain outside became more and more obvious. Occasionally, a gust of wind came in from the window, causing the candles and the bed tent to flicker slightly. Duan Baiyue turned sideways and raised the quilt for him, covering his exposed shoulders.
Chu Yuan opened his eyes.
"Wake you up?" Duan Baiyue gently stroked his hair with the palm of his hand, "It's still a while before dawn, continue to sleep."
Chu Yuan turned sideways, buried his face in his arms, and continued his unfinished dream.
Duan Baiyue didn't sleep all night, didn't want to sleep, and was not willing to sleep. It wasn't until the night dissipated a little bit, and the fine golden light shone into the window lattice that the person in his arms was awakened.
Chu Yuan didn't want to open his eyes and asked, "Is it dawn?"
Duan Baiyue said: "You said last night to go back earlier."
"Well." Chu Yuan sat up, "It has been passed down that some local officials, the army will go to sea in a few days, there are still a lot of things in Da Kun City that need to be explained."
Duan Baiyue hugged him from behind: "I will follow you to attack Baiwu Island."
"The Southwest Army doesn't know water, so it's not allowed." Chu Yuan shook his head.
"Who said that the Southwest Army is going." Duan Baiyue dressed him, "The Chu army is going to sea, and the war in Da Kun City is beginning to rest, and it is difficult to guarantee that there will be no remnants of chaos. Instead of deploying troops from other places, it is better to send the Southwest The army will stay and maintain order, and it will not be too late for me to go back when you return with a great victory."
Chu Yuan said: "So you want to stay in Dakun City?"
"It's the Southwest Army who stayed in Dakun City." Duan Baiyue put his chin on his shoulder, "I'll go to sea with you, because I have to sleep."
Chu Yuan slapped his backhand.
"Then it's settled." Duan Baiyue rubbed against him, and reminded, "If Ye Guzhu knows and spreads medicine, you have to stand up for me."
Chu Yuan stepped on his shoes and got out of bed, and said neatly, "It doesn't matter."
Duan Baiyue sat cross-legged on the bed and sighed.
No matter how it works, my brother-in-law is very scary.
Although this inn looks mottled, the food is really good. Chu Yuan ate a large bowl of noodles, ordered dim sum and carried it, Fang and Duan Baiyue returned to the palace together. Because it was early, most of the people didn't wake up, but it was quiet. Duan Baiyue held his hand all the way, and after sending the person to the study, she turned around and returned to her small courtyard, but happened to meet Shen Qianfan on the way.
"General." Duan Baiyue said, "But going to the study?"
"Yes." Shen Qianfan nodded, "Most of Li Que's matter has been clarified, go and report back to the emperor."
"The emperor is surrounded by adults now, and there are still three guards in the courtyard. I am afraid that it will not be free until the afternoon." Duan Baiyue said, "The general asked what happened, can you tell this king first?"
Shen Qianfan nodded: "Naturally."
Seeing him so cheerful, Duan Baiyue was a little surprised.
Shen Qianfan said: "The emperor has previously instructed that nothing should be concealed from the prince's desire to know."
That's it... The King of Southwest touched his chin and his smile deepened.
Shen Qianfan coughed twice, returned to the courtyard with him, and repeated what Li Que had said.
"Chu Xiang?" Duan Baiyue frowned.
"This is what the artist painted last night." Shen Qianfan took out a roll of paper from his bosom, "Although it's not 100% similar, it's not too different."
"If it's really Chu Xiang, then Li Que didn't show anything strange when he was in the face of the saint before?" Duan Baiyue was puzzled.
"The lights in the room were dim that night, and she didn't look up, she was frightened." Shen Qianfan said, "Perhaps she didn't see the emperor's appearance clearly at all."
"So that's the case." Duan Baiyue put the scroll on the table, "So the ultimate goal of Chu Xiang's so much trouble is to take Linglong from Li Que and use it to revive someone?"
"In this world, except for Senior Nan Moxie, there is no credibility for others to come back from the dead." Shen Qianfan shook his head, "But no matter what the purpose is, it is true that Chu Xiang wants the exquisite lamp. Besides, I There is one more thing I don’t know, why is he pretending to be a prince to deceive?” After all, the Southwest Mansion is famous for its ambitions, and when an ordinary girl in Chu country hears that it is Duan Baiyue, she is probably frightened enough. Not to mention that he is still impersonating in Dali City. If it spreads out, wouldn't he have caused another big trouble for himself.
"Perhaps you want to provoke a conflict between Tianying Pavilion and Southwest Mansion?" Duan Baiyue guessed, "And Tianying Pavilion master and general came quickly to make friends, knowing that his sister was insulted by this, he would definitely not be able to swallow this breath, and then You can't directly attack the Southwest Mansion, 80% will ask the general for help."
Shen Qianfan was thoughtful.
"If the general agrees to help, it is unlikely to use the troops of the DPRK, but there is still a Riyue Villa." Duan Baiyue said, "No one wants to easily provoke the first martial arts sect in the Central Plains, and neither does the Southwest House. After all, Riyue Behind the villa is the entire river and lake."
"Then Chu Xiang will come forward and persuade the lord to work with him to get rid of this situation where there is no help for the imperial court and martial arts?" Shen Qianfan said.
Duan Baiyue nodded: "Eight and nine are inseparable from ten."
"It's just that he didn't expect that the emperor and the prince were on the same boat, and he didn't expect that Li Ying would choose to hide it and just swallow it." Shen Qianfan said, "What's the next step?"
"Any plan?" Duan Baiyue poured tea for the two of them.
Shen Qianfan said: "But the lord has joined forces with the emperor, and this matter has already spread all over the world."
"The bustling and bustling are all for the benefit of coming and going." Duan Baiyue said, "The reputation of the Southwest Mansion for so many years cannot be washed away by a single battle. Emperor Chu gave more benefits than Chu Cheng, so I agreed to join forces with him. But if Emperor Chu wants to cross the river and demolish the bridge, the Southwest Mansion can turn his face and refuse to recognize anyone."
"If this can attract Chu Xiang to appear, it will save trouble." Shen Qianfan said, "The emperor can be the first person in the ages to be able to calm the East China Sea and settle the South Ocean in such a short period of time."
Duan Baiyue smiled and handed him another cup of tea.
Sure enough, it wasn't until the afternoon that Chu Yuan was free.
"Your Majesty." Sixi said at the door, "Can you pass the meal?"
"No one?" Chu Yuan walked into the courtyard and finally let out a breath.
"Master Wen has been here before," said Sixi, "but he was stopped by the lord halfway, saying that he had something to come back tomorrow morning and sent him away."
Chu Yuan laughed dumbly: "Can he send Wen Aiqing away?"
Sixi said: "I used three packets of dim sum, and one of the best Pu'er bricks."
Chu Yuan nodded: "Yes, Wen Aiqing earned it."
"But this king is at a loss." Duan Baiyue came in from outside the courtyard, followed by Shen Qianfan.
"Your Highness, General." Eunuch Sixi saluted and reminded, "Your Majesty hasn't eaten yet, so he just rested."
"It's okay, just bring some clear porridge and side dishes." Chu Yuan said, "Save your stomach and eat it at night. It is said that the young heroes in Chasing Shadow Palace want to cook hot pot." As the king of a country, this kind of rice can also be eaten. A meal - after all, it is the Palace of Chasing Shadows, and it has always only taken advantage of others.
"Yes." Father Sixi hurriedly went down to prepare. Chu Yuan didn't even enter the door, he sat on the small stool in the courtyard and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"It's the matter of Li Que." Duan Baiyue sat beside him and said the matter again.
Shen Qianfan added: "Li Que is still in the room. When she calms down, the general will send her back."
Chu Yuan frowned.
"How?" Duan Baiyue asked, "Let's play another show together and trick Chu Xiang into taking the bait."
Chu Yuan shook his head: "I'm not allowed."
Duan Baiyue was surprised: "Why?"
"No, no, no." Chu Yuan stood up and said to Shen Qianfan, "When sending Li Que home, tell Li Ying by the way that if one more person knows about this matter, it will be treated as treason."
"Yes!" Seeing his gloomy expression, Shen Qianfan bowed his head to lead the order, and exited the courtyard wisely.
"What's wrong?" Duan Baiyue held his hand, "If you're not happy, don't do it, don't be angry."
"What Chu Xiang thinks, I can't control it. This account will be calculated later." Chu Yuan said, "It's just that from now on, the Southwest House can only be an ally of the Great Chu, and there is no need to play any more dramas."
"Why?" Duan Baiyue asked.
"What you look like is what you should look like in the eyes of the world." Chu Yuan looked at him, "The stability of this country should not be based on the infamy you carry."
Duan Baiyue shook his head, curled his fingers and scratched the bridge of his nose: "What are you thinking about again, I have been here for so many years-"
"It's been like this for so many years, because I'm incompetent, and I want you to protect me, kill people for me, please the emperor for me, and clear up foreign enemies for me." Chu Yuan interrupted him, "But now that I have secured the throne, I want to protect you." After the battle of Da Kun City, it was difficult to improve the reputation of the Southwest House, and no matter what, I didn't want to smear it again.
Duan Baiyue looked into his eyes, there were too many things to say in his heart, but he was speechless.
"Even if it can't be protected, I don't want to use it again." Chu Yuan broke away his hand, his voice low.
"Knowing that I liked you when I was a child, you lied to me and let me fight for the world for you. This is called taking advantage." Duan Baiyue sighed, hugged him tightly, and whispered in his ear, "But if you really like it Me, it's not called use, it's called mutual affection, I'm willing to. Don't talk nonsense in the future, eh?"
Chu Yuan closed his eyes, buried his face on the side of his neck, and said after a long time, "En."
"Okay." Duan Baiyue patted him on the back, "When I didn't say anything about Li Que, you can do whatever you want. After the fight in the East China Sea, I will accompany you to fight in the South China Sea, how about it?"
Chu Yuan nodded: "Okay."
Duan Baiyue smiled and lowered her head to kiss his hair.
Sixi's father-in-law stood outside holding a tray, feeling emotional and anxious.
The porridge is going to be cold, so why can't the lord let go.
The emperor should be starving.
"There's one more thing." After a while, Duan Baiyue said, "If the person who lied to Li Que is really Chu Xiang, then he has seen Zi Longjue. Will he guess the relationship between you and me?"
Chu Yuan shook his head: "No. The Southwest Mansion has always respected purple. Although this stone is not common, it is not so rare that there is one piece in the whole world. It is not uncommon for you to have it. Besides, when I heard the news, I went to the father and emperor. After discussing it, Chu Xiang has never even seen it, and it is estimated that he has long forgotten about it."
Duan Baiyue nodded: "That's good."
Eunuch Sixi took a chance and hurriedly brought in the porridge and rice - if you want to talk about it, you have to eat it.
Three days later, Shen Qianfan sent his cronies to send Li Que back to Tianying Pavilion, and the matter was temporarily over. When the carriage left the house, Chu Yuan happened to enter the door, and the guard in charge of escorting was about to salute, but he raised his hand to stop it. Four Xi followed Chu Yuan down the path back to the residence, and Li Que just lifted the curtain of the car and glanced outside.
I didn't dare to look up that night, but this time I happened to see the real face of the emperor. He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, his black hair was tied by a jade crown, and the ends of his eyes were slightly raised, which made him look familiar.
Li Que was stunned for a moment, then tried to lean out to take a closer look, but the carriage had already left the house.
Ten days later, the army of the state of Chu officially went to Baiwu Island. In the early morning, the horns rang between the sky and the sea, and the fishermen crowded on the shore, praying for the blessing of Mazu, and the army returned victorious.
Ye Jin sat on the fence, nibbled on water pears, and watched the King of Southwest by the way. Don't run around casually!
Shen Qianfeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Chu Yuan was in a good mood—days at sea were always boring, and he quite liked watching the two make trouble.
Although Dachu's navy is well-equipped, Qingqiu was after all a subordinate of the Daming King Yun Duanhun. He has been entrenched in the East China Sea for a long time, and he is very familiar with this area. Baiwu Island is cloudy and foggy, and no one can tell what is inside. So no one dared to take it lightly.
In a flash of time, it was more than a month, and the people on the main battle ship were already used to the ninth highness chasing the King of Southwest to run around, very fierce. So when I heard that Ye Jin had left the boat alone, the first reaction was that the King of Southwest was angry.
"Don't have an accident." Xiao Bing was very worried.
"What can come out, the Shen alliance leader immediately chased after him, and Lord Wen and the leader of Zhao also went." Another person answered, "The two masters, plus Lord Wen's lip service, not to mention a ninth highness, Even if it is the nine Nine Highnesses, it can be brought back properly."
"I'm wronged." In the cabin, Duan Baiyue spread his hands, "The army is mooring here to get fresh water, and I'm also helping, so I don't have time to provoke him."
"Could it be that you quarreled with Qian Feng?" Chu Yuan frowned.
Duan Baiyue suddenly brought his face closer.
"What!" Chu Yuan was startled, stepped back and warned, "Sit back!"
"Kiss." Duan Baiyue said, "Then I will tell you what they are going to do."
Chu Yuan was surprised: "How did you know?"
"I don't know, but I will guess and know who owns this sea area." Duan Baiyue said, "Otherwise give me a kiss, that's fine."
Chu Yuan thought about it for a while, then looked at his face again, and made a decision: "If you love to say it or not, don't say it out."
The King of Southwest was quite injured: "Really don't listen?"
Chu Yuan waved his hand to chase people away: "Go out."
Duan Baiyue raised his hand and surrendered: "I admit defeat, I said yes. This area is Rainbow Mouth."
"What's wrong with Rainbow Mouth?" Chu Yuan supported his head with one hand.
"There are fishtails in the rainbow mouth." Duan Baiyue said, "Have you ever heard of this?"
Chu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "Well."
Although it is called Yuwei, it is not a mermaid, but a tribe living in the East China Sea. It has excellent water quality, is good at metallurgy and iron making, and can create the most sophisticated weapons and mechanisms in the world. A few years ago, he followed the King of Daming in the east and west, and wiped out countless sea bandits and Japanese pirates. He was the protector of fishermen. After that accident, Yun Duanhun's life and death were unknown, and the Fishtail Clan disappeared completely and never appeared again.
"With the presence of Lord Wen, perhaps I can really convince the Yuwei people to join the Dachu Navy." Duan Baiyue said, "With their help, it can be worth thousands of troops."
"Even if we can find it, the other party won't be willing." Chu Yuan shook his head, "What happened back then... These days, Wen Aiqing has often been sidetracking, saying something about the previous naval battle. Although it didn't make it clear, I can see it. He has always firmly believed that King Daming has never changed, and that it was the father who was deceived and framed Zhongliang."
"Master Wen wants to rehabilitate King Daming?" Duan Baiyue asked.
"Maybe." Chu Yuan said, "In front of others, I can only pretend to be confused, but in front of you, I don't want to pretend."
"You also know that King Daming is by no means a traitor?" Duan Baiyue sat beside him.
"I can't say for sure, but if he wanted to rebel, he would have had too many opportunities along the way." Chu Yuan said, "At that time, the navy of Great Chu was weak and had no experience in water combat, so it couldn't compare to 30% of the Yun family's army. And after the naval battle The three characters of King Daming are in the East China Sea area, but he is more famous than Emperor Chu. It is easy to think about it, why should he follow all the way to the king's city, and even agree to let the Yun family army be dispersed into the Dachu army, leaving himself isolated and helpless Turn back after the ground."
Duan Baiyue asked him to lean on his shoulder.
Chu Yuan closed his eyes and said nothing. In this position, even if you know the truth about some things, you can only pretend that you don't know, otherwise, if someone with intentions uses it to fan the flames, I'm afraid it will be another turbulent war.
"If you can't make a decree to clarify, then do something else to make up for it." Duan Baiyue wrapped his arms around his shoulders, "There is no reason for you to bear the consequences for the wrong things that the first emperor did. Don't think about it."
"If I knew that Xiao Jin's trip was for the fishtail clan, I wouldn't agree." Chu Yuan said, "I was almost wiped out at the time, and I finally had an Ansheng son.
"Everyone is also for the war." Duan Baiyue said, "It's okay to try it, what if it really works?"
Chu Yuan was silent for a while, then nodded: "Well."
If it can be done, then the chances of winning this war will be more than one point.
In the early morning of the second day, Ye Jin and his party drove the boat back as scheduled, but they didn't seem to be in a good mood. When they asked, they were rejected by the other party. .
"It's okay." Chu Yuan smiled reluctantly. Although he didn't hold out hope, he was really... disappointed.
Duan Baiyue turned around to find Shen Qianfeng.
"Your Highness is going to the Fishtail Clan?" Shen Qianfeng was surprised.
Duan Baiyue nodded.
"Forget it." Shen Qianfeng said, "We didn't find the island where the Yuwei people lived last night. It was they who showed up and said they didn't want to be disturbed again."
Duan Baiyue insisted: "I will not force others to be difficult, but at least try again."
Shen Qianfeng shook his head: "My lord is not familiar with this area. Even if you arrive at the Rainbow Mouth, you may not be able to meet the Yuwei people."
"But it may not be impossible." Duan Baiyue said, "I will go to sea in the afternoon, and the leader only needs to do one favor."
Shen Qianfeng asked, "Are you looking at Xiao Jin?"
Duan Baiyue said: "Exactly."
Alliance Leader Shen didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "I have offended King Duan these days."
Duan Baiyue waved his hand open-mindedly: "The leader of the alliance is polite, it doesn't matter." These days are good, and it will continue to be like this in the future.
"Are you going to fish for shells?" Chu Yuan wondered after hearing the news, "What shells are you looking for?"
"Pick up some rare things for Yao'er." Duan Baiyue said, "There are flower needles in the sea area ahead, which can be used to raise Gu."
"Is it fun?" Chu Yuan asked.
Duan Baiyue smiled: "It's not very fun, it's very boring." Don't follow.
Chu Yuan quickly let go: "Go back quickly, be careful of the wind and waves."
Duan Baiyue breathed a sigh of relief.
On the other hand, Ye Jin heard that she was going to fish for the snails. She wanted to go too, but she refused to leave while clinging to the door. In the end, she was coaxed and deceived by Shen Qianfeng and was forcibly carried back to the cabin.
The weather has been fine these days, and the sea is calm. Duan Baiyue and Duan Nian sailed smoothly towards the direction of Rainbow Mouth. Halfway through the trip, Duan Nian said, "My lord, there seems to be a boat chasing us behind."
Duan Baiyue looked back.
A small warship is moving fast, with a lot of flags hanging on it, again "My son can call the wind and call the rain", and "Unify the Three Realms", and "We don't know each other at all" and a few ink lumps, watching. Incredibly tattered.
Looking at this demon-like style, you can tell who came here.
The King of Southwest has a headache.
Duan Nian also had a headache.
The shadow guards of the Chasing Shadow Palace scrambled for each other, hanging on the railing and waving fiercely, enthusiastic and enthusiastic.
They were originally sent by Qin Shaoyu to protect Wen Liunian, but because they were so noisy on weekdays that others couldn't stand it, they were given a small warship by Chu Yuandan and hung at the end of the team to follow the army. But because the days at sea are too boring, so every now and then, I will drive a boat to and fro, help the people on the islands along the way to sell and sell goods, cut some firewood, get a matchmaker, and then carry three or four jars of wedding wine. , chasing after the large army beamingly, and living a very fulfilling life. This time, they went to Yuhua Island to eat large yellow croaker again, and they bumped into Duan Baiyue and Duan Nian when they turned back.
"Where is the lord going?" the dark guard asked.
Duan Baiyue replied: "I don't go anywhere."
The dark guard continued to smile: "Oh."
…
Duan Baiyue had a headache: "You can, if you make trouble, this king will tell Brother Qin."
The dark guard nodded immediately, that's totally fine! How can we make trouble? The son has always taught us to be helpful and not to run away as soon as the goods are finished.
As for who the "Brother Qin" is in the prince's mouth, we don't know very well, and we don't know why we need to mention it.
Rainbow Mouth is not too far from the island where the army takes fresh water, and it can be reached early the next morning after one afternoon and one night.
Surrounded by the vast sea, Duan Nian said, "It doesn't look like there is an island."
"Rainbow mouth, it's right here." Duan Baiyue said, "Look for it, there are at least three days left, maybe you can find it."
As soon as the voice fell, there was a "pop" behind him, and someone jumped into the sea.
Duan Baiyue: "..."
The rest of the dark guards sat on the deck and continued to talk and laugh and eat melon seeds.
After a full cup of tea, the dark guard emerged from the sea, spit out the salty water in his mouth, and said, "Go southeast, there are people living there."
Duan Nian opened his mouth blankly, is this okay