As New Year's Eve approached, Chen Xing's mood went through several ups and downs, from being full of expectations at the beginning, to being extremely manic, to despair, and under the comfort of Xiang Shu, hope was rekindled, and finally he lost his temper.
"I now have considerable reasons to suspect that maybe I won't know how Ding Haizhu is used until the last day." Chen Xing said to himself.
"The last day?" Xiang Shu overheard this sentence when he entered the bedroom.
Chen Xing immediately changed his tune and said, "The day the war started."
In the past few months, Feng Qianjun, Xiao Shan and others have not found the whereabouts of the rotten dragon, and the search scope has also further narrowed towards Jiankang. At this speed, they will return to Jiankang when the next spring begins. The news from the north also became more and more tense. Murong Chong was placed under house arrest after returning to Luoyang. Under Fu Jian's instruction, Luoyang had begun a full-scale martial law, and Chang'an began to levy military supplies, preparing to go south to fight against Jin.
Countless military newspapers were sent to Jiankang one after another, but Fu Jian blocked most of the news channels. Xie An could only judge Fu Jian's movements by marching and collecting taxes. Everyone knew that this battle had to be fought and could not be avoided. However, in the south of the Yangtze River, there was very little public opinion willing to support the first battle of the Jin court. So far, the Jin court has not dared to mobilize the whole country to meet Fu Jian's invincible iron cavalry.
Even more afraid to tell the common people that there is still a terrible army of living dead in the north waiting for the situation to go south.
"The emperor of the Han wants to talk to you," Xiang said, "perhaps about starting a war."
"No progress," Chen Xing said tiredly, "no progress."
"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve," Xiang Shu replied, "Are you going to make sacrifices to heaven?"
Only then did Chen Xing realize that before he knew it, it was the end of the year, with one year and nine months to go. Sima Yao will make a routine sacrifice to the sky in Jiankang with a group of royal families tomorrow. Xie Anxing has made preparations and will deliver a speech to the people in the south of the Yangtze River tomorrow, informing the severe situation in the north and south of the Yangtze River today.
Sima Yao specially invited Xiang Shu and Chen Xing, and asked him to attend the ceremony tomorrow, thinking that he had something to discuss.
The next day, Chen Xing had to pack up, put on clothes for the ceremony with Xiang Shu, and accompany the Sima family to worship the heavens. Chen Xing did not hold an official position, but he dressed up as an exorcist in the Han Dynasty, wearing a black robe inlaid with jade.
Xiang Shu is also dressed in white gilt, with Wenwu sleeves, and wears a crown on his sword.
On New Year's Eve, all the people in Jiankang flocked to both sides of the Huai River to participate in the ceremony of the Sima royal family's sacrifice to heaven hosted by Xie An. The military attache cleared the field early, and the banks of the Shili Huai River were full of people, offering incense and three sacrifices to the sky, and the atmosphere of the New Year was looming in the smoke.
After the Lunar New Year dinner in the evening, when the child arrives, Sima Yao will also take civil and military officials and go to Xixuan Temple to ring the bell in person to pray for the people of Dajin. Therefore, today, every household wears new clothes, holds peach amulet, and follows the truth of the world. Son of Heaven, go to the grand event of farewell to the old and welcome the new.
When leaving Taichu Palace to go to the Huai River, Chen Xing and Sima Yao shared a car, and Xiang Shu was escorted by the generals on horseback, causing people outside the car to cheer from time to time.
Every time he heard a discussion when he went out, Chen Xing knew that this Dharma protector was being watched over and over again.
"I thought that Da Danyu would come to participate in the ceremony in his previous capacity." Sima Yao said to Chen Xing, who was very leisurely today.
There were only Chen Xing and Sima Yao in the car. Chen Xing could guess that what Sima Yao wanted to see was that Xiang Shu, wearing a Hu Ren Dadan and Wang robe, rode in the chariot, showed up in Jiangnan, and let Sima and the Xie family, in the next gained the support of the people during the Civil War.
"Your Majesty, Shulukong's identity is no longer a big Chanyu." Chen Xing said politely.
Since the last time he offended Sima Yao because of Sima Wei, Chen Xing didn't want to have more contact with Sima Yao. After all, people who are kings have their own positions. Just like Fu Jian's obsession with conquering the south, Sima Yao also has his own mission. Many times, everyone doesn't think of disputes, but the situation dictates that Chen Xing and Sima Yao understand each other quite well, and it's unnecessary to talk too much and make trouble with each other.
"Have you found the whereabouts of that dragon?" Sima Yao said.
"That's not a dragon," Chen Xing thought for a while, then said, "It's a dragon. Its origin is very deep with us Han people, and I can't tell for a while..."
"Master Pu has already told me," Sima Yao said casually, "I thought that if you can control the dragon, maybe you can make it work for me."
Chen Xing said: "Your Majesty, this is really too difficult."
"That's why," Sima Yao said, "As Your Majesty, it's really boring to be refuted for whatever you propose. You can't even grow a single hair."
Chen Xing said: "Let's be honest and prepare to fight. Only this matter cannot be tricked."
For a while, the two were speechless, and Chen Xing also knew that many of Sima Yao's proposals were involuntarily. After all, the responsibility to protect a country and people is still very heavy, and it is not surprising for his whimsical and whimsical suggestions.
"Then there is one thing you can always do." Sima Yao asked again.
"Just do your best." Chen Xing said politely, thinking that he only had more than a year to live, and he couldn't help but worry.
Sima Yao said, "Leave that Prince Ye and his dragon in the south of the Yangtze River. No matter what, you can't let the monsters and ghosts join the war on the day we fight with Fu Jian."
"This is what we are doing right now." Chen Xing said, "Gu Qing's whereabouts are unknown, and Big Brother Feng must find her."
"That little girl is probably already dead." Sima Yao sighed again, "Tianchi, people always have to learn to accept reality. If they can't be rescued, either dragon or Jiao, if they appear on the battlefield, you know. What are the consequences."
Regarding the current Kuaiji incident about the "Dragon", for more than half a year, Jiangnan folks have long been rumored, and there are even rumors that Sima Yao is going against the sky, and Jiangnan will change the court. Sima Yao was so annoyed that he checked the source of the rumors everywhere, but he couldn't find the source of the talk about him.
Chen Xing naturally knew the consequences. If during the war between the two armies, a thing that looked like a dragon suddenly flew out of the sky and helped Fu Jian, the soldiers would not be able to distinguish the origin of this thing, and would only think that Emperor Qin was recognized by God. The true destiny of the emperor, the morale of his own party was completely lost, and the collapse was in an instant.
Sometimes the so-called "destiny" is on which side, which side is invincible, not just kidding.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty," Chen Xing comforted. "As long as I'm still alive, I'll never let it wreak havoc on the battlefield."
Among the military attaches outside the convoy, Xiang Shu rode his horse unhurriedly. His robes, costumes, and appearance were the most conspicuous. Although he was among the generals of the Jin Dynasty, he received the most enthusiasm from the people. Xiang Shu didn't like being pointed by others, so he turned his head slightly, slightly towards the carriage, and listened to the conversation between Chen Xing and Sima Yao in the noisy voice. But on one side, the side of the face looked better, so the cheers became louder.
Puyang rode his horse from the other side and made a gesture to Xiang Shu. Xiang Shu deliberately fell behind and walked side by side with him.
"What Martial God wants to investigate," Pu Yang said, "there is a general explanation. In the past few months, I have read all the records about astrology and natal charts handed down from the teacher's door."
"Speak." Xiang Shu said solemnly.
Pu Yang said: "As for the case of Suixing's death, it is very rare, but what is certain is..."
When the convoy arrived in Huaishui, Chen Xing helped Sima Yao to get out of the car. The case for sacrificing the sky was almost ready. Today, Sima Yao specially instructed him to have the exorcist and the protector of martial arts beside him, and let Chen Xing appear in front of the people in the south of the Yangtze River. , in order to show that he has the "mandate of heaven" and guide the public opinion.
"Where's the Martial God?" Sima Yao said.
"Where did Xiang Shu go?" Chen Xing frowned, looked towards the end of the team, and at a glance found Xiang Shu, who was very prominent in Yushu Linfeng.
It's so beautiful, Chen Xing thought to himself, the civil and military officials of the Great Jin Dynasty were well-organized, but only Xiang Shu was so different.
Xiang Shu was talking to Puyang, to be precise, Puyang rode his horse and explained in a low voice to Xiang Shu, but Xiang Shu did not look at him, his deep eyes passed over the officials, without blinking, only staring at Chen Chen. star.
Chen Xing was busy gesturing, the sacrifice to the sky was about to begin, all the people were silent, and now everyone was waiting for Xiang Shu, Pu Yang finished his words quickly, Chen Xing was extremely anxious, but saw Xiang Shu say "Drive!" Passing the crowd, the warhorse almost knocked over the person, and the rest of the people made way, and Sima Yao's expression changed.
I saw Xiang Shu dismount from his horse, leap onto the altar in a few steps in front of hundreds of thousands of people, and grab Chen Xing's hand suddenly.
Everyone around was startled, and Chen Xing said blankly: "What's wrong?! What are you doing again?"
"You..." Xiang Shu frowned deeply, as if extremely angry, and said, "You..."
"Don't quarrel at this time!" Chen Xing whispered, "If you have any dissatisfaction, can you go back and say it? Hundreds of thousands of people are watching!"
Hundreds of thousands of people on the banks of the Huai River, thousands of officials in the Jin court, as well as the royal family, the emperor, Xie An, and others all looked at Xiang Shu suspiciously, only to see Xiang Shu raised his hand, actually holding Chen Xing. keep your wrist.
Chen Xing: "Pain... Pain! You are too strong!"
Xiang Shu put down his hand and couldn't help gasping for breath. Seeing that the situation was not good, Sima Yao hurried forward to make a round of it and said, "Martial God? For the sake of face, do you want to let it go first? Look at so many people below... "
Hundreds of thousands of people in Jiangnan first looked up, and then began to talk about it. Chen Xing never expected that Xiang Shu would suddenly become emotionally unstable in front of so many people.
"Okay," Chen Xingchao said, "what do you want to say? Come on, let's make a right and wrong first, let them wait, Your Majesty, please wait..."
Xiang Shu suddenly let go of Chen Xing's wrist and said indifferently to Sima Yao, "Continue."
Sima Yao observed the expressions of the two of them, and was really angry. If he was an official under his command, he would make such a fuss during the sacrifice to the heavens. The key point is that Chen Xing is not under his control, and there is nothing he can do about Xiang Shu. He puts on the air of the emperor, maybe he will be beaten by Xiang Shu at any time, so he has to swallow his anger and nodded to Xie An.
Xie An cleared his throat and said, "Let's start then."
The entourage spread out the yellow brocade and ignited a huge brazier. Chen Xing took a peach wood sword and said loudly: "The exorcist in the world, the protector of the martial arts, specially protects the emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Spring Festival in Renwu."
"Louder." Sima Yao whispered.
Chen Xing: "My throat hurts... Let Xiang Shu speak."
Xiang Shu frowned deeply, and when Chen Xing moved him, Xiang Shufang shouted impatiently, "Chen Xing, the exorcist in the world, Shulukong, the protector of martial arts! Protect the emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty, Renwu Spring Festival!"
The shocking shout was like a bell shaking, and the faces of the soldiers in the Jin Dynasty suddenly changed. On both sides of the Huai River, almost ten miles away, Xiang Shu's voice was clearly heard. What level is this? Even Fu Jian, who is known as the best warrior in the world, can't do it! In the south of the Yangtze River, there are nearly 10,000 military attachés under the altar, and even ask yourself that no one can do it!
Sima Yao was the closest to Chen Xing, and was almost shocked by Xiang Shu and vomited blood. Chen Xing's face was pale, and suddenly Xiang Shu put one hand on his shoulder, and a soft and abundant qi injected into his body, which made him feel better. few.
"Today is the sixty-ninth year after the Yongjia Rebellion." Sima Yao took a good breath and said slowly, "In these years, I have never forgotten the grief I suffered in the Jin Dynasty..."
There was a jade seal of Chuan Guo on Huang Jin, and Sima Yao put his hand on the jade seal and said loudly: "My people of the great Jin Dynasty! Apart from the Spring Festival today, I have something else to say to you—"
Hundreds of thousands of people along the Huai River listened with bated breath.
At this moment, a huge black shadow with a length of twenty feet appeared on the bottom of the Huai River. Under the pale sky, someone began to notice the huge shadow. Chen Xing heard the whispers coming, turned his head to look at Xie An, and his eyes were filled with tears. With a suspicious look.
Xiang Shu also discovered it, and Sima Yao still said loudly: "—I have to tell you that even this land in Jiangnan has already—"
The next moment, Xiang Shu pressed his sword, the water of the Huai River suddenly exploded, and the rotten dragons emitting resentment shot up into the sky!
At that moment, the entire bank of the Huai River was in chaos, and the people rushed to push and shove, and many people fell into the river. On the other side of the river, Feng Qianjun and Xiao Shan jumped up, squatted on the guardrail, and locked their eyes on the rotten dragon that was emerging from Huai Shui.
Chen Xing: "!!!"
Xiang Shu murmured, "I knew you didn't leave."
Gu Qing on Jiao's head was shrouded in heavy resentment, and he was one with the rotten Jiao, Xiang Shu drew his sword and blocked Chen Xing and Sima Yao.
"Jin Tianzi—" Wang Ziye's voice resounded on both sides of the Huai River.
Chen Xing's blood seemed to solidify, but Xie An seemed to be ready, raised his hand, and the ambush in all directions finally showed up at this moment. Nearly 20,000 Beifu soldiers armed with crossbows and hooks appeared on the roofs and terraces!
"It's finally here." Xie An said slowly.
Chen Xing turned his head and saw that everyone was not surprised at all. He was already prepared. He expected that Xiang Shu had already made a comprehensive arrangement when he was studying Ding Haizhu, and the shock gradually subsided.
"Your anger is about to end," Wang Ziye's voice said calmly, "the earth on earth, the new emperor will replace you, and everything is irreversible. This is the will of heaven that sent me here. If No matter how obsessed you are, Jiangnan will be turned into scorched earth in an instant.”