Long Tingfei sat on the futon with a dazed expression, silently looking at the flickering lights. It has been seven days. Since the battle of Zezhou, the border has been fine for the time being. Long Tingfei was recalled to Jinyang by the Northern Han Lord. Fei was originally full of guilt, and as long as he was reprimanded, who knew that after returning to Jinyang, the Lord of the Northern Han Dynasty would call him into the Jinyang Palace, and the one who received him was Jing Wuji, the national teacher of the Northern Han Dynasty. Although Long Tingfei was not a disciple of the Demon Sect, but he received a lot of teachings from Jing Wuji, and he had long regarded him as a teacher in his heart. If Jing Wuji scolded him a few words, he would feel much more comfortable in his heart, but the Demon Sect's defeat in the battle was one thing. Not a word was mentioned, but he was ordered to face the wall for seven days in this empty and quiet room.
In the past seven days, due to the rare peace, Long Tingfei thought carefully about his own fault, and thought about the events before and after the battle of Zezhou for countless times, but after thinking about it, Long Tingfei felt sadly that this Even if you know about the trap in advance, it will only be a tragic victory at best. Could it be that your illustrious name is only obtained without encountering an opponent, so Jiang Zhe, who has never seen it, must be his nemesis. Every time he thought about it, Long Tingfei became more and more chilled. After seven days, Long Tingfei felt that his belt was getting wider, and he couldn't help laughing bitterly in his heart, but he felt much brighter in his heart. Although he knew the strength of the enemy, Long Tingfei felt in his heart. After calming down, he has no choice. Dayong's troops are pressing Qinzhou, and a war will break out next year at the latest. In this battle, either the Northern Han Dynasty will be subjugated, or Dayong will be unable to go north within a few years.
At this time, someone pushed the door and came in, but Long Tingfei didn't look back and remained silent. The man sighed softly, "The Sect Master has called you to see him."
Only then did Long Tingfei get up, tidied up his clothes, turned around and bowed respectfully to the tall, middle-aged man, and said, "Tingfei has seen Senior Brother Duan." This middle-aged man is the first disciple of the Demon Sect. Duan Lingxiao, although Long Tingfei is not a disciple of the Demon Sect, he has also received advice from the Demon Sect, and Duan Lingxiao is very caring for him.
The inheritance of Mozong is extremely strict, and there is absolutely no matter of accepting disciples. Although many masters and soldiers of the Northern Han Dynasty have received training from the Mozong, they are only a named disciple at most. Jing Wuji has been in the Northern Han for many years, and there are only four disciples , and the rest of the descendants of the Demon Sect elders add up to only half a hundred.
Jing Wuji personally passed down the four major disciples, the first apprentice Duan Lingxiao, who has been a disciple of Mozong for many years. Jing Wuji is in retreat all year round to thank guests, and Duan Lingxiao is in charge of almost all things of Mozong. He is the best candidate for the next suzerain, and Tan Ji once learned his martial arts skills from Gefa.
The second disciple of the Demon Sect, Su Dingluan, was one of the four generals under Long Tingfei's command. He had a straightforward and brave temperament, and was the most beloved of Jing Wuji. Unfortunately, Dayong died at a young age.
The three disciples of the Demon Sect, Xiao Tong and Long Tingfei's guards, are responsible for investigating the military situation. They are ruthless and decisive, suspicious of temperament, and rarely make mistakes in investigating the military situation. They are Long Tingfei's confidant and Long Tingfei's right-hand man.
Qiu Yufei, the fourth disciple of the Demon Sect, was originally a disciple of the Moon Sect. His teacher passed away at an early age, and he was left in Beijing Wuji. This son is only twenty-six years old this year. He can hurt people with music, and his martial arts talent is very outstanding. This person does not like to be restrained by nature. Although outsiders knew that the Demon Sect had four disciples, almost no one knew Qiu Yufei's physical abilities.
Duan Lingxiao smiled slightly and said, "Ting Fei, don't worry too much. If the Sect Master summons you, there must be a way to help."
Long Tingfei felt a little at ease, and smiled bitterly: "Tingfei has already made a fool of himself, and only hopes that the national teacher can turn the tide."
Duan Lingxiao said lightly: "Even if the sect master has a plan, it will be useless if you don't have a general to lead the battle. Let's go, the fourth brother has returned and is waiting for you at the sect master's place."
There was still some distance from the palace where Jing Wuji lived. Suddenly, the sound of the qin was heard in the wind. Just listening to the superb sound of the qin, Long Tingfei knew that it was played by Qiu Yufei. He smiled slightly and said: "Jade Fei's piano skills have improved."
As soon as I said this, the sound of the piano changed, and the sound of killing filled the world. Long Tingfei couldn't help but stop. This melody seemed familiar, and Long Tingfei was considered both civil and military. After listening for a while, he suddenly remembered that it was Qin Ze. At the time of the decisive battle, the sound of drums from the enemy's formation was actually translated into the melody by Qiu Yufei. Long Tingfei stood in dismay, how could he forget that day, it was the sound of the drum that made the soldiers of Dayong stabilize his mind and resisted his attack. He clearly remembered that when he was looking at Dayong Zhongjun from afar, there was a thin figure under the commanding flag, holding drumsticks in both hands, standing on a high place and struggling to beat the drums. It was the weak scholar who made his success close to failure. Thinking of this, Long Tingfei suddenly understood why there was a horn sound on the battlefield that day to help him. It must have been Qiu Yu who flew to Qin Ze. Seeing Jiang Zhe playing drums, he helped the Northern Han army with music. did not succeed. These days, Qiu Yufei must be trying to figure out how to translate Jiang Zhe's drum sound into the qin music. Presumably, the defeat of the day was his own defeat and the great shame of this arrogant young man.
Sighing lightly, Long Tingfei took another step and walked up the jade steps. In front of him was Lantai, the place where the Northern Han Dynasty teacher Jing Wuji retreated.
Lantai is a three-story building with carved beams and painted buildings. Meilun Meiyang and Jinyang Palace were originally the palaces of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. They have been rebuilt and rebuilt several times over the past 100 years. In addition to the necessary repairs, no buildings have been added, but there are still fascinating beautiful landscapes and magnificent palaces. The Lantai on the west side of Jinyang Palace is the crown of them. This was originally the most popular palace of the Northern Han Dynasty, but since Jing Wuji was sealed as a national teacher, in order to show respect and intimacy, the Northern Han Dynasty deliberately gave Lantai to Jing Wuji as a residence. Since then, unless it is invited by Jing Wuji, even the Lord of the Northern Han Dynasty will not come here without authorization.
As the servants of the Demon Sect walked up to Lantai, the third floor of Lantai was built in the open air, with a dome to cover the sun, supported by jade pillars and golden beams, and a splendid felt carpet on the ground, surrounded by jade fences. On the other hand, the bead curtain gauze curtain hangs down, and the layers are hidden, like a Qionglou Yuyu, not like the human world. Long Tingfei walked along the jade steps to the Lantai, and saw a comfortable soft couch in the center of the back of the Lantai. A middle-aged man in a blue shirt was leaning on the soft couch, eyes closed, as if taking a nap. , in front of the soft couch on the right side, a young man in black sat on the ground, with a jade guqin in front of him, the young man was playing the qin wholeheartedly. On the left side of the soft couch, a faint cigarette is rising from an incense burner, which makes the place look like a fairyland.
Long Tingfei glanced at it, walked to the futon in Taichung and knelt down, while Duan Lingxiao bowed to the blue-shirted man Jing Wuji, and then sat down.
At this moment, the sound of "Zheng" came, but a string was broken, and the sound of the piano suddenly stopped. The young man in black raised his head, and there was a hint of sadness on his flawless face. Jing Wuji sat up and sighed: "Yu Fei, your heart is messed up, it seems that the deep cultivation these days still can't cheer you up from the blow that day."
The black-clothed youth showed embarrassment and bowed down: "Master, the disciple has nothing to do in his life, only loves the rhythm, and is conceited that there is no rival in the world, but that Jiang Zhe only used the battle drum to make a song, and he won the disciple. I can't be convinced, but the disciple couldn't compose that piece into the qin. That Jiang Zhe was only thirty years old, and he had been sick for many years. How could the disciple believe that his work on rhythm was better than my years of hard work? Is there really someone so talented?"
Jing Wuji looked at Long Tingfei's tall and straight body and said with a smile, "Tingfei, do you think Yufei's rhythm is really inferior to that of Jiang Zhe?"
Long Tingfei hesitated for a moment and said, "The disciple doesn't know much about the rhythm, but it still seems that Yufei is better than Jiang Zhe."
Jing Wuji smiled and said: "Yu Fei, these days you have been preoccupied with the victory and defeat of the rhythm, but you have forgotten that you and that person are fighting on the battlefield. The sound of your drums and horns has affected the morale of the army, but also the morale of the army. Your music, even if Jiang Zhe is playing the drums again, it is impossible to reproduce the drum music of that day. Yufei, your rhythm is unparalleled in the world, but my Northern Han army is no match for those who have been motivated. Dayong Army, so your disastrous defeat does not lie in the rhythm. Jiang Zhe is good at generating momentum from the situation, and he is also good at using the situation to generate feelings. Don't slack off."
Qiu Yufei, a young man in black, flashed enlightenment in his eyes, bowed down and said, "This disciple is thanking Master for his teachings."
When Long Tingfei heard this, he only felt that the jade face was burning like fire, and he was too ashamed. Jing Wuji smiled slightly and said, "Tingfei, are you ashamed because of your defeat?"
Long Tingfei bowed his head and said, "Tingfei is incompetent and has let down the love of the king and the national teacher."
Jing Wuji stood up, walked near and picked up Long Tingfei with his own hands, saying: "Tingfei, you are wrong, to be able to take 200,000 troops to resist Dayong for many years, except you, there are a few people in the world who can do it. For fourteen years, Dayong has garrisoned 500,000 troops in Zezhou at most. He has invaded Qinzhou four times, and even once he has reached the city of Jinyang, but since you guarded Qinzhou, Dayong can no longer set foot on it. The land of the Northern Han Dynasty, your merits, the king knows, the court officials know, the suzerain knows, the Northern Han army and people also know. Dayong occupies the fertile soil of the Central Plains, and there are many famous generals in the dynasty. The current Emperor Yong Li Zhi is the Dayong army. God, although King Li Xian of Qi guarding Zezhou is not as far-sighted as his brother Nai, he is also a famous general in the world. Although the Yong army guarding Zezhou has only 300,000 people, there are enough soldiers. Once there are losses, they can be replenished very quickly. Although my Northern Han army has a nominal number of 400,000, except for your 200,000 who are all elites, it is impossible for the rest of the army to be transferred to help you. Although there are 100,000 troops in Daizhou, they are half army and half civilian. The barbarians are acceptable, but it is impossible to mobilize them to deal with the Yong army. Jinyang also has 100,000 troops, but they are also responsible for the defense of various parts of the Northern Han. Your 200,000 elites have already done their best for the whole country. In such a predicament, if you hadn't used your soldiers like a god, and forced Dayong to go north, I'm afraid that the Northern Han Dynasty would have already been destroyed. of."
Long Tingfei said with a miserable expression: "It's all because the end generals didn't see through their tricks. It's a pity that General Tan and countless soldiers."
Jing Wuji said with a wry smile: "It's no wonder you, let alone you, this is the sect, and I didn't expect that Jiang Zhe would have such courage, that an ordinary general would confront you, and King Qi trusts Jiang Zhe so much. Unexpected things, our carefully arranged rumors were suppressed by the Dayong royal family. Who would have thought that a delicate Princess Changle would easily calm many local officials, and now King Qi and Jiang Zhe have won this time. Great victory, if you want to use alienation again in the future, it will be as difficult as reaching the sky."
Long Tingfei said bitterly: "National division, although Nanchu has troops in Dongchuan, General Lu made it very clear that it is not easy to make Nanchu really send troops. Although the general is eager to fight, it is extremely impossible."
Jing Wuji took Long Tingfei's hand, pulled him to the soft couch, motioned Long Tingfei to sit down, and said leisurely: "There are some things, this sect has been in business for a long time, and now I should tell you, this sect knew The disadvantage of Han is that if Dayong cannot be trapped in internal and external troubles, I, Northern Han, have no chance of gaining the world at all. So over the years, this sect has made arrangements in Southern Chu and Shu. This time Lu Can sent troops to Dongchuan, you think it was him. Is it decided by one person? I, a junior brother of the Moon Sect of Demon Gate, is now one of the leaders of the Southern Chu military. Although we have our own masters, we will not let this mutually beneficial thing go. A few years ago, I I have already contacted him. This time, Lu Can's move to Dongchuan is his suggestion. Although this move can't change anything, at least Dayong can't blatantly transfer troops to Zezhou. In this way, you can still defend Qin State control."
Long Tingfei was shocked when he heard such secret news, but his face did not reveal it, and said: "If this is the case, the disciple is confident that he can defend Qinzhou, but the Nanchu army can only respond from a distance. If Dayong is cruel, Zezhou will be destroyed. It is still possible to amass half a million troops.
Jing Wuji smiled and said: "Of course, although the Nanchu army cannot send troops for the time being, but after the situation changes, even if the Nanchu court does not allow it, Lu Can will not let go of the good opportunity, let's not talk about this. The thorn that was planted has now played its role. When King Qing Li Kang returned to Dongchuan this time, he immediately purged Dongchuan's civil and military affairs, and put all the confidants of Emperor Yong Li Zhi under house arrest. If he hadn't dared to raise the flag of rebellion, he would have killed them long ago. Yes. Although the Dayong court is still in the dark about this matter, it won't be long before the Qing King's resentment will be hard to cover up."
Long Tingfei said in amazement, "This disciple once heard Princess Bi say that King Qing seems to be at odds with King Qi, but he probably won't get along with Li Zhi. Now that the new emperor of the Dayong Dynasty has been firmly seated on the throne, it's a bit strange to rebel at this time. ."
Jing Wuji showed a meaningful smile and said: "There is something you don't know, King Qing Li Kang was taught martial arts strategies in the past, and he held a deep hatred for Dayong in his heart. Under one person, more than ten thousand people, but King Qi’s status in Emperor Yong’s heart is actually much higher than him. If not, this son might have endured for a few more years, but now King Qi is about to be reinstated. This Li Kang is no longer difficult and condescending. However, this son is very scheming. He deliberately formed a good family of Shu Kingdom in Dongyuan to win over those rebels who wanted to restore Shu Kingdom. Although he is the Dayong royal family, but with his background , actually made those people believe that the hatred between him and the Dayong royal family was very deep. This time the change in Emperor Yong's harem was the trick of this kid. He instigated the noble daughter sent by the Sima family to the harem to commit a serious crime, and then forced the Dayong royal family to secretly Kill that concubine. In order to save King Qing's face, it is only said that this woman died suddenly. This will give me King Qing an opportunity. Li Kang told Sima that the Dayong royal family was unwilling to accept the daughter of a subjugated country. Concubine, deliberately mutilated her daughter. In this way, the Shu family held a grudge in their hearts. This time, Li Kang was able to successfully control the overall situation of Dongchuan. To avoid forcing Li Kang to simply collude with Southern Chu, he would not dare to act lightly. In this way, with Southern Chu and Northern Han as enemies outside, and King Qing separatly ruled within, the situation in Dayong is not very good."
Long Tingfei couldn't help asking: "Who is the person who taught King Qing's martial arts, and is there any way to influence King Qing through him and make him move bigger?"
Jing Wuji laughed and said, "It's easy, just ask Ling Xiao."
Long Tingfei glanced at Duan Lingxiao, saw him smiling slightly, excited look flashed in his eyes, and turned to be a little distressed: "The national teacher really has a long-term vision, several years of planning, and it is only effective today, but the most urgent task is Ming Chunyong. The army is likely to attack Qinzhou, and now Southern Chu is still watching, and King Qing has not raised the flag of rebellion, if we bear the brunt, I am afraid that we will suffer heavy losses, and even if we win, we will hardly gain any benefits."
Jing Wuji sighed and said, "This is also something that can't be helped. Although King Qing was influenced by us, it was also because he was too ambitious. If he were to rebel now, it would be equivalent to asking him to die. This kind of thing is for him to do. It is also difficult to do. Although Nan Chu has our people, after all, there is the country's prime minister, and the Lu family's father and son have more power than him. He can't do more things, and for him, Nan Chu's interests are the most important, but this time is probably the last chance to contain Dayong, if Dayong is freed from the siege, domination of the world is just around the corner."
Duan Lingxiao interjected: "If you want to prevent the Yong Army from sending troops in Mingchun, there is only one way. Now the commander of the Yong Army's northern front is the King of Qi, but it is the Hou Jiangzhe of Chu Township who makes the northern front as stable as Mount Tai. The line will inevitably be chaotic, there will be no boats between Emperor Yong and King Qi, and the attack in the next spring will inevitably be strong from the outside, and if the master allows it, the disciple is willing to try to infiltrate the Yong army and assassinate Jiang Zhe."
Long Tingfei's face showed a happy expression, but after thinking about it, he said helplessly: "I'm afraid not, Princess Bi said that Jiang Zhe has a master evil shadow Li Shun, although brother Duan is strong in martial arts, but this person has Yong Jun's help, I'm afraid Senior brother is very difficult to win, if we miss, we will never have a chance, and General Su's death in Yongdu has already made Long Mou's heartache very much.
At this time, Qiu Yufei suddenly stood up and said, "If General Long is trusted, Yufei is willing to take on this important task."
Duan Lingxiao and Long Tingfei were both shocked. Qiu Yufei was addicted to the rhythm of his heart. Although his martial arts were excellent, he was no match for Duan Lingxiao, or even Su Dingluan, who fought on the battlefield all the year round. Now Xiao Tong, who was serving in the army, he Another arrogant person, this assassin is not something anyone can do.
Jing Wuji was calm and calm, and said, "Has Yufei already made a plan?"
Qiu Yufei said: "The disciple has already thought about it, if you want to make a sword and a gun, I am afraid that the disciple will not be able to do it. On that day, he and Jiang Zhe compared the spelling of the rhythm, and the disciple's horn was broken. It relies on the internal strength of others to compete with the disciple. It can be seen that the internal strength of that person has surpassed that of the disciple. Even if the senior brother goes, it may not have a chance of winning. Moreover, that person is in the army, surrounded by armor and guards, and it is easier to assassinate him. After thinking about it, it is only possible to find an opportunity to assassinate him if he mingles with that person. I know that Jiang Zhe is a talented man from Southern Chu, and his talent is amazing. The generals that the generals fought against were recommended by him. If I could enter the Yong Army, it would not be difficult for me to gain this person's appreciation based on my disciple's talent and learning. As time goes by, when his vigilance subsides, the disciple can kill him calmly. If it's freezing cold today, the Yong Army will be able to kill him. Being trapped in Zezhou is the best time, in a few months, the disciple may be able to complete the mission, and please ask the master for permission."
Jing Wuji pondered for a moment, and said, "Alright, you already have a heart for Jiang Zhe, if you can kill him, you should be able to restore your state of mind, but it is not easy to get close to Jiang Zhe. The emperor and King Qi both love this person very much, not to mention the evil shadow Li Shun beside him, even the guards around him are also appointed by Emperor Yong himself. If you want to get close to him, you must have a suitable identity, yours Although few people know his appearance and identity, it is not easy to get close to Jiang Zhe smoothly, and the time in March is fleeting and cannot be easily wasted."
Qiu Yufei frowned slightly. He was not very sure about this. Ling Xiao said at this time, "Master, please let the disciple arrange this matter. The disciple happens to have a suitable identity for the junior and junior to borrow."
Jing Wuji knew that he was steady, so he didn't ask any more questions, and smiled: "If that's the case, I'll leave this matter to you. Although it is not a good strategy to assassinate him, this Jiang Zhe is the son-in-law of the Dayong royal family and Emperor Yong. Confidant advisor, killing this person is a good thing, you must not be careful."
Qiu Yufei said sternly: "With the help of the senior brother, the disciple will definitely succeed. If not, the disciple would rather die as a martyr."
Jing Wuji, Duan Lingxiao and Long Tingfei all frowned. They all heard the ominous sign from Qiu Yufei's words. Duan Lingxiao and Long Tingfei looked at Jing Wuji at the same time, and their eyes showed the meaning of consultation. Jing Wuji's thoughts turned around, and finally he said: "You have to be careful, don't sacrifice your life lightly." After that, he turned around and walked to the side of the fence, looking at the cold clouds on the horizon, thinking, this is also his fate, if he can't get rid of his heart Demons, it is difficult to advance an inch in life, it is better to die.
Long Tingfei thought of one more thing, and said: "Master, there is one more thing for this disciple, please ask the master for guidance." Then he slowly talked about the secret letter. When he returned to Qinzhou this time, he specially asked Xiao Tong to do so. Pay attention to the movements of the subordinate generals, but after thinking about it for the past few days, I always feel that it is paradoxical, so I finally asked Jing Wuji for advice.
Jing Wuji hesitated for a while, but didn't answer, and after a while, he said, "This sect can't answer you either, but this sect may wish to say bluntly, Prime Minister Bai is still pressing his sword, and this sect will never trust anyone. But you are If the general who leads the army is too suspicious, I am afraid it will hurt the hearts of his subordinates. If you are too gullible, this sect is worried that you will be betrayed. You may wish to discuss this matter with the king."
Long Tingfei was confused for a while after hearing this, and he didn't know what to do.
After leaving Lantai, Long Tingfei thought that when he returned to Jinyang this time, he just met Wang Shang in a hurry, so he should go to report his work. After the internal attendant passed the report, the empress Liu You summoned him in the study.
Walking into the study, Long Tingfei only felt a pain in his heart when he saw Liu You, the queen. He was not yet fifty years old, but Liu You had gray hair. Heroic style. Long Tingfei stepped forward and bowed down, choked and said, "I will bear the kindness of Your Majesty at the end of the day, please punish your Majesty severely."
The queen sighed softly, stretched out his hand to pick him up, and said, "Longqing is the pillar of my Northern Han Dynasty, so alone can punish crimes, victory or defeat is a matter of military affairs, don't take it to heart, after the new year you will return to Qinzhou Guarding, I hope you don’t have any worries, just do your best to fight. I have been established in Northern Han for 23 years, but my Liu family has split the earth and sealed it as a marquis for nearly 70 years. There is no reason why I don't know, but Gu can't watch Liu's country fall into the hands of people, so I can only tire you out. Long Qing has been worshipped by Gu, now it is the autumn of life and death, Gu will entrust the country's military strength to you, if you Unfortunately defeated, I will kill myself to thank my subjects."
Long Tingfei was crying like rain, crawling on the ground, and could no longer hide his sorrow, but in his heart he could no longer mention his generals or rebellion. But he made up his mind, even if he killed a thousand by mistake, he couldn't let go of a rebel.
After the monarch and minister discussed a few words, Long Tingfei was about to leave, but the queen smiled and said: "There is one more thing, the marriage between you and Bi'er has been delayed for a long time, how about you complete the big ceremony before the new year?"
Long Tingfei was silent for a while, and then said, "Now that the enemy army is overwhelmed, the minister is unwilling to make a statement, so let's wait until the state affairs settle down for a while."
Looking at Long Tingfei's back, the Northern Han Lord couldn't help but sighed and said, "Long Qing is too perfect and reproached. Forget it, it is inconvenient for these children to be alone, Bi'er, what do you think?"
Lin Bi's figure flashed behind the screen, and she said sadly: "Tingfei is concerned with national affairs, Bi only admires him in his heart, and only hopes that he will win a big victory, and he will no longer be worried about Zezhou's defeat."
The Lord of Beihan also sighed endlessly, looking at the haggard-looking niece and righteous daughter, a thought suddenly came to mind, I struggled so hard, just to keep my foundation, but let these children suffer so much, is it a little selfish? Woolen cloth