Next to the uninhabited official road, behind a lush grove, a crystal clear river winds out. This grove is very sparse, and a road that can accommodate a carriage goes deep into the forest. , at a glance, you can see that there are four or five wide thatched huts in the forest, and there are wine flags on the doors. Although it was a time of war, the fragrance of wine was faint in the forest, and it seemed that the business had not closed, but it is not surprising that this is not the main direction of Yong Jun's advance, so many people's lives are still as usual, but there are more Just a little apprehensive. The common people are like this. As long as the knife and axe are not coming, they have to make a living as usual, otherwise how can they support their livelihood this year.
Duan Wudi has changed into the casual clothes of a traveler, with a cloak on the outside, and a top Xinyang bamboo hat on his head. This kind of hat is a common thing for people on the road. It is quite convenient to shelter from the wind and rain. It can cover up the face. The spring and autumn winds in the Northern Han Dynasty are strong, and even men like to use it to cover the wind and dust. He galloped all the way without caring about the horsepower. Although the Yong Army had not yet stationed troops in this area, there were many scouts coming and going. He could only try to avoid it. Sigh the road ahead is vast. Looking at the sky, it was almost noon, he felt a little sleepy, and the horse under his seat was dripping with sweat. He couldn't help looking into the distance and saw the wine flag on the side of the road at a glance. His heart moved, he rushed out, and he didn't have any dry food ready. Why don't he go in and have a rest, buy some dry food, and pack some village wine for food on the road. Here, I am afraid it is difficult to find where the sharpening is ahead. Thinking of this, he rode his horse into the woods, and walked to the door of the wild shop after a short while, only to see that the shop door was wide open, the square tables inside were very clean, and there were already a few guests inside, sitting beside the table on the far right, A middle-aged shopkeeper in his forties is serving wine and serving dishes with a smile. Seeing the relaxed atmosphere, Duan Wudi was relieved, tied his horse to the tree in front of the store, walked into the store, and said loudly, "Come on some good wine and food, I'll be on my way later." Said Well, I picked the leftmost table and sat down, and threw a piece of silver on the table.
The shop owner hurriedly stepped forward to wipe the table, deftly put the silver into his sleeve with his left hand, poured hot tea, and said enthusiastically: "Master Ke has worked hard all the way, although the small shop is remote, but there are still some delicious mountain and game dishes, as well as good ones. Old wine, please wait a moment." After speaking, he shouted to the inside: "Little San, quickly serve good wine and good food." Following his shout, a straight-faced young man came out with wine and food. , This young man in his twenties, with a stubborn back, but a stupid look, obviously lacking in intelligence, he stupidly put a plate of peanuts and a plate of pork head on the table, and filled it from the big wine vat in the corner of the shop. A pot of old wine was placed in front of Duan Wudi, and then he went back to the inner room. Then he heard the sound of a spatula. Not long after, a few game dishes were brought up. The table was full of meat and vegetables, and the aroma was fragrant.
Duan Wudi only felt hungry, but he was still vigilant. He looked at the opposite side intentionally or unintentionally. There were four people on the opposite side. A middle-aged man in a businessman's attire was sitting at the top. He seemed to be the owner. He is dressed in attire, looks brave, and there is a man in Tsing Yi with his back to him. Although he can't see his face, his hair is light gray. He must be not young, but he doesn't look old when he sees his back. Man, he only uses a hosta to tie his hair, and he has no other decorations. He is wearing a blue shirt. He must be a first-class figure in the accountant. After taking a closer look, these people didn't look like people in the military. After confirming that these people should not be chasing soldiers, Duan Wudi breathed a sigh of relief and began to devour it.
Leaving Yangyi in a hurry, he had not eaten for a long time. He was hungry, and the appearance of eating was naturally difficult to look at. After eating seven or eight full, he began to relax. Although the old wine in this shop is a country brew, it is sweet and spicy. , Before he could finish, he wanted to pour another glass, but who knew that there were no more drops left, he frowned and couldn't help asking for another pot. He rarely drinks alcohol on weekdays. Now that he has landed in this field, he is naturally a little less restrained. He drank a few cups, only to feel that his body was much more relaxed, and the sleepiness gradually disappeared. Wine is one of the most confusing things. When people relax, they can't help but start to think wildly, thinking that they are loyal, but they are charged with rebellion and forced to run away in a hurry. There was even more grief and loneliness in his expression. He didn't know that his state was in the eyes of several people on the opposite side. Although the man in Tsing Yi had his back turned to Duan Wudi, a specially made small copper pot reflected Duan Wudi's figure in it. The man looked at his eyes, and his face flashed with sadness. The color of pity.
After drinking more wine, Duan Wudi only felt top-heavy and light-hearted, and he couldn't help chanting in a loud voice: "The descendant of Emperor Gaoyang, the emperor's examination is called Boyong. The chaste is in Meng Qiuxi, only Geng Yin and my descendants. . . . ” This famous piece by Qu Zi was his favorite in his life. Although he was not well versed in scriptures and history, he couldn’t put it down and recited it so much. His voice was hoarse and low because of the suffering in his heart for many days. , but he chanted it with sincerity and sincerity, which made people sigh. When he chanted the sentence "I do what I have done in my heart, although I have died nine times, I still have no regrets." , toast again.
At this moment, someone followed this sentence and began to recite. The voice was like golden jade, with a long rhythm. Duan Wudi was fascinated by it. You are slammed and criticized. Fu Qingbai is straight to death, and he has solidified the former sage's favor." One sentence, Duan Wudi's heart became more and more painful, until the man chanted the last sentence "Chaos said: It's over! No one in the country knows me." , why do you care about the old capital! Since there is nothing to do with the beauty of politics, I will live in Peng Xian's place!" At that time, Duan Wudi suddenly woke up, how could anyone in the country's wild shops and merchants recite Qu Zi's poems , he looked up and saw that there were still the guests on the opposite side, and the other three were drinking silently. The person who recited it must be the one with his back to him.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, the gray-haired man turned around and said with a smile, "I see the general in distress, and I can't sing the whole chapter. When I saw the rise of the hunter, I recited it completely for your Excellency. It must have disturbed the general's drinking. Please forgive me. crime."
Duan Wudi's heart skipped a beat, how does this person know his identity? He looked carefully and saw this gray-haired man with two temples, but his appearance was elegant and handsome. When he saw it, he was filled with admiration. The figure of this person actually felt familiar to him, and a light flashed in his heart, Duan Wudi only felt that his mouth was very bitter, and he drank the spirits in the cup, he calmly said: "How lucky is Duan, who is actually working for the villagers of Chu. to."
I don't find it strange that Duan Wudi sees through my identity. After all, the appearance of a boy like me with white hair is too easy to identify. The businessman and the two bodyguards are all white masters who accompanied the army this time, and there are no military personnel on them. The breath of my life was hidden from Duan Wudi's eyes and ears. Now that my identity was revealed, I immediately stood up to protect me, and when the curtain in the middle was lifted, Li Shun walked out slowly, behind him, pretending to be the shopkeeper and his buddy, the junior three. The two secret agents also recovered their sturdy expressions, and there were two more figures at the door of the store. It was Su Qing and Hu Yanshou. There was a faint sound of repressed breathing and the sound of weapons being unsheathed outside the store. A wild shop has become a net, and Duan Wudi is the bird in the net, and there is no way to escape.
Duan Wudi also understood the current situation in his heart. When things came to an end, he was as calm as a mountain, but he slowly poured another glass of wine for himself, raised a glass and invited him: "Since Hou Ye Donghai came back, our army has encountered many setbacks, Tan General and General Long died one after another, General Shi was forced to commit suicide, Duan Mou was charged with treason, but fell into the trap of Hou Ye, Hou Ye's ingenuity is indeed earth-shattering. It's just that Hou Ye is a rich man, why is he alone in danger? If you want to take Duan's life, you only need a team of cavalry, or a few guards, why go to the danger in person." The last sentence was sarcastic, but his expression was very calm, and he didn't seem to be in a trap.
I didn't feel the slightest bit of pride in my heart, but a little bit of frustration. All my arrangements were made to force this man to run away. From the moment he left Yangyi, at least hundreds of people were monitoring his whereabouts. It was determined that this place must be his top spot, so he controlled this place and waited for him to throw himself into the net. I hope to give him a slap in the face and frustrate his will. But even though this man fell into my hands, he was still so calm and indifferent, as if he had already expected this scene. I could destroy the glory of his life, but not his will, for such a determined person. The premonition of failure, I can only sigh secretly, ready to give it a try regardless of success or failure.
With a slight wry smile, I said, "Although Jiang designed to frame the general, it was because I expected that Princess Jiaping would not harm Zhongliang, but the princess couldn't stand up to many people from the Northern Han Dynasty, so she could only let the general go far away, the general thought. The only way to escape is to go to the East China Sea. Although the East China Sea will be attached to Dayong sooner or later, it is still a way of life. As a man of Jiang Hou, even if he knows that the general's whereabouts have been detected by him, he will pretend not to know. Therefore, Jiang is waiting here. General, with such a heart-pounding fist, the general should not be so indifferent even if he doesn't appreciate it, isn't that not betraying his sincerity."
Duan Wudi's heart skipped a beat, he had already figured out many questions, and said, "The Fourth Young Master Qiu was originally trapped in the East China Sea, but this time he returned safely. Did the Hou Ye expected that the Fourth Young Master would come to protect Duan's life?"
I secretly praised in my heart, this man was sharp and broke my mind, saying: "Yes, I used to put Yufei under house arrest in the East China Sea, just because he is already a congenital master, I don't want him to participate in this battle, but now the overall situation has been decided, I There is still some use for him, so I specially invited him back, but there is another purpose for the general, otherwise he will stay in the East China Sea for at least half a month. Among them, I have wronged the general for this matter. Even if others do not believe in the general’s loyalty, Yu Fei will definitely not suspect the general of treason. He is aloof and independent. Even if Princess Jiaping has to harm the general, he will also help the general. Although Yu Fei's whereabouts are elusive and difficult to track, after all, Qinzhou can be said to be in the hands of our army. The Ji family pays tribute to General Long, Pingyao peeps at King Qi's camp, and rushes to Yangyi to rescue the general. I know everything. General Duan I'm afraid I don't know, Xiao Tong was ordered to come to prevent Princess Jiaping from letting you escape, he wanted to chase after you, but Yufei stopped him."
Duan Wudi's eyes flashed with gratitude, and said: "Duan Mou is very grateful for the life-saving grace of the fourth son of Qiu, but I am afraid that there is no chance to thank him in person. If Hou Ye sees him again, please thank Duan Mou."
I frowned, deliberately ignoring his faint revealing will of death, and said: "There are many generals in the Northern Han Dynasty, Jiang is the one who admires the general the most, the general is loyal, regardless of reputation, honor or disgrace, the talent of the general, especially General Zailong and Above Princess Jiaping, it’s a pity that he came from a poor family and has no one to rely on, so he has no chance to be the main general. If the general is willing to serve Dayong, the emperor and His Royal Highness King Qi will be ecstatic. Although General Xuan was once humiliated by the general, he is also It is very praised. If the general is willing to submit to Dayong, he will definitely not lose his title. If he has no intention of painting shadows, the general has always cherished the common people. Are you willing to continue sacrificing your reputation for the people of Northern Han?"
Duan Wudi smiled slightly, raised his glass and drank it. He felt like fire was burning in his throat. He held down the sword on his waist and said, "No matter how eloquent you are, you can't shake Duan's will. Betrayal is betrayal. Northern Han courtiers don’t care about the wealth and honor bestowed by King Dayong. As for Zhou Quan Beihan people, this is just an excuse. It doesn’t matter if Duan is missing in this world. The common people are naturally the best. If they can't, the righteous people will rise up. Although Duan does not cherish his reputation, he definitely has no chance of surrendering to the enemy. Hou Ye also said that Duan's stigma was mostly given by Hou Ye, since it is not true, Could it be that Duan will still break the can and fall, and really bow his knees and surrender? Lord Hou is so high today, I don’t know what it feels like to remember Nan Chu in the middle of the night.”
I smiled wryly, Duan Wudi's will is firm, I thought that when the country is difficult to run, the family is difficult to return, and he is in trouble, this person's heart may be shaken, but he turned out to be so stubborn. Or seeing that Duan Wudi contradicted me and had nothing to say, Li Shun said coldly: "My son is so rude to persuade you, how can you be so rude, don't you know that you are in a dead place, and you only need a command from the son, it will be a tragic death After the incident, my son will publicize it again, saying that you have surrendered to Dayong, and even if you die, your reputation will be ruined, even if you are brave and loyal, no one will know, I am afraid that even Princess Jiaping and the fourth son of Qiu will think that you are really treasonous."
Duan Wudi smiled lightly, put his hand on the hilt of the sword and said, "You don't need the Lord Hou's order, Duan is absolutely fine. As for external honors and disgrace, Duan does not take it to heart. What's the point, besides, some things can't be covered by paper, and there will be a day when the truth will come out."
A fierce murderous intent flashed in Li Shun's eyes, and he said coldly, "If you want to die in front of me, you may not be able to do it." Then he took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Duan Wudi. Duan Wudi's face turned cold, and he drew the sword with the right hand of the sword. Just when everyone's eyes were focused on his right hand, his left hand pulled out a dagger from the side of his leg like lightning and stabbed it towards his lower abdomen. The moment he pulled out the dagger, Su Qing's hand was about to shoot a double-edged needle, but a thought flashed in her mind, rather than let him suffer humiliation, let him die, she lowered her eyes and didn't say anything. Originally wanted to shoot a needle that wounded Duan Wudi's wrist. But when she heard a painful moan in her ears, she raised her head in surprise, only to see Li Shun holding Duan Wudi's throat with his left hand, and the dagger had reached Li Shun's right hand. Su Qing's heart tightened, and where his eyes wandered, he saw a pair of warm eyes looking at him with interest, and his heart was shocked, and the double-edged needle fell into the dust.
Looking back, I hid the interesting scene just now in my heart. I waved Li Shun to step back and said gently, "General Duan, this subordinate is rude, please don't take offense."
Duan Wudi collapsed softly, the feeling of drinking and the interruption of his breathing made him dizzy, he let Li Shunjie remove the long sword from his waist, and then poured a glass of strong wine into his mouth, he woke up again, smiled bitterly, looked up, but Seeing that handsome young man standing in front of him, holding a silk scarf in his hand, while behind him a pair of cold eyes looked at him coldly, Duan Wudi only felt a chill in his heart, like a frog being stared at by a poisonous snake. Dare to move. He knew that if he acted inappropriately, he would really fall into the dilemma of life and death. He took the silk scarf and wiped off the stains on his face. His heart was clear, and there was only one way to get rid of this situation.
Looking at Jiang Zhe, Duan Wudi said solemnly: "I had a long talk with the Fourth Young Master Qiu, and I know a little about the Marquis. Although the world thinks that Marquis is vicious, I think Marquis is a man of temperament, Nanchu. Prince De treats Lord Hou coldly, but Lord Hou never said any bad words. Lord Lord devoted himself to the world for the sake of the world, and he died. The world knows all kinds of things. I think back to the time when Lord Lord faced Fengyi Sect Master in the past. , also has the courage to ignore life and death. Forcing Duan to do this, if Duan's loyalty can be fulfilled, Duan Jiuquan should be grateful."
I sighed slightly and looked into Duan Wudi's eyes, only to feel that his eyes were sturdy and without fear, and my heart became more and more bitter, knowing that this time was really in vain. At this time, Su Qing took a step forward, his tone was a little sad, and said, "Master Hou, I will ask you to help him at the end." As soon as these words came out, Duan Wudi couldn't help but look at Su Qing with gratitude in his eyes. , Su Qing felt more and more hurt in her heart, turned her head sideways, and did not want to see this situation.
I shook my head lightly, took a few steps back, and turned around. Li Shun knew it, handed back the long sword, and also stepped back a few steps. Su Qing felt a pain in her heart, knowing that the intention was to let Duan Wudi die, and could not bear to watch, she took a step back and turned her face away. Seeing that, Huyanshou gently moved half a step, covering most of Su Qing's body. He felt uneasy in his heart, Su Qing had done something inappropriate, and he was worried that if Duan Wudi killed himself, if Su Qing had any strong reaction, he would be punished. Jiang Zhe was suspicious, so he blocked her figure.
Duan Wudi's heart was half happy and half sad, he stood up and said, "Thank you for your grace." His eyes flicked over Huyanshou and Su Qing. He was originally a careful person, and he saw something strange at a glance and smiled slightly. , he bowed in the direction of Jinyang, and said sadly: "Invincible life can't protect the shrine, after death, only my soul will return to my hometown and protect my hometown."
For some reason, I felt a heat in my heart, and I shouted, "Hold on." Li Shun was ready, he flicked his fingers, and Duan Wudi felt his hand go numb and his sword fell to the ground. If you want to go back on your word, you won’t make fun of Duan.” At this moment, he was so angry that he stood up abruptly, although he was immediately stopped by someone to prevent him from rioting, but he was so angry that his eyes almost turned blood red.
I smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, General, I will never change my mind. I just want to give the general another choice. If the general is unwilling, please do it yourself. Jiang will never stop him."
Duan Wudi looked at Li Shun and the others, knowing that he could not listen to him or not, so he said angrily, "If you have something to say, Lord Hou, please speak."
I said word by word: "I want to let the general go, but I don't know what the general wants?"
Duan Wudi felt a huge shock in his heart, but he quickly smiled and said: "Master Hou thinks it's a joke, Duan is not talented. If he was in the position of Master Hou today, he would never let the bird in the cage go."
I walked over to the table and sat down, waved everyone except Li Shun to retreat, and then asked Duan Wudi to sit across from him. Duan Wudi hesitated and walked over. He had already put everything aside and simply indulged.
I laughed and said: "Jiang must not hide it, it was a disloyal act to turn away from Southern Chu and join His Highness King Yong in the past, and now he has married Princess Changle of Ningguo, and the minister married the monarch's wife, which is even more disloyal and unrighteous, and future generations will inevitably If there is a criticism of me, it is possible to have a bad reputation for thousands of years, but I don’t care about the appearance of the name, just because the choice that day was my willingness, and there is no reluctance.”
When Duan Wudi saw Jiang Zhe suddenly say these words, he could only listen silently.
I remembered the past, with a nostalgic look on my face, and said: "Actually, although Jiang did not have no scruples about loyalty and honor, General Duan should know that Jiang was captured by my current emperor Dayong and brought to Yongdu."
Duan Wudi nodded and said, "The general will know that the Marquis was already a commoner that day. At that time, His Royal Highness Yongwang personally invited him, but the Marquis refused to serve his orders, so he was taken to Yongdu by His Royal Highness. It is said that His Royal Highness undressed and pushed Marquis. Food, respect and love, I finally moved Lord Hou and changed things." Speaking of the last sentence, the irony was already strong.
But I didn't care, and said lightly: "Actually, how can the actions of the so-called corporals shake my mind, who is not the monarch in the world? When starting a business, he treats his subjects as close relatives. Gong Zang, rabbits die and dogs cook, some dwarf monarchs, and even cut off their wings before major events are accomplished. Although Jiang had some common things to worry about that day, he didn’t need to serve others, so I made up my mind and refused to serve King Yong. He even tried to make things difficult, forcing His Royal Highness King Yong to let go. His Highness is very talented, and naturally he would not let me go lightly, so he had to make up his mind to give me death."
Hearing this, Duan Wudi took a deep breath of cold air. Hearing such a secret, he couldn't help but become interested and asked, "Then how could the Marquis serve His Royal Highness Prince Yong?"
I proudly said: "Jiang Mou naturally had a good plan to save his life that day. The overlords of the world are mostly those who obey me, and those who go against me will die. I forced King Yong to give poisonous wine, just to try to escape from death. I’m free and happy, and when I’m done with the mundane things, if I still have my life left, I’ll find a place to be pure and live with this remnant of my life, this is the joy of life.”
Speaking of this, I couldn't help showing a look of emotion, and continued: "Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhe, who is confident that he can do everything in the world, has finally lost to His Royal Highness Prince Yong. His Highness even poured out the poisonous wine at a critical moment, and the golden helmet filled the wine. I am strong and talented, Jiang is not talented, and I know that there are few people in the world who can compete with me, but His Highness can gently let go, such a benevolent Lord, how can I live up to the righteousness for the sake of small details, so I finally became a minister to His Highness, and since then The ruler and his ministers get along with each other, like a fish in water, until now.”
A glimmer of admiration flashed in Duan Wudi's eyes, but he quickly said: "Emperor Dayong is benevolent, but he is not the lord of my Northern Han Dynasty. "
I waved my hand and smiled and said, "That's not the case. The general's determination was unparalleled at that time. I knew that the general would definitely not let the people of Beihan Sheji go. I also knew that the general asked himself to quit because he didn't believe that I would let the general go."
Duan Wudi was silent, this is an obvious fact.
I said lightly: "Indeed, the general is a famous general, and he is loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty. If you say that I am willing to let the general go, no one will believe it, but Jiang Mou just remembered the past events, the emperor loved him that day. Cherish talent, spare my life, it is absolutely impossible, I deeply admire the general as a man, and there is nothing wrong with letting the general go today, so as long as the general promises me one thing, I will let the general go."
Duan Wudi had a mixed look of doubt and expectation in his eyes, but he remained silent.
I affirmed again: "Jiang's heart is clear, the general only needs to promise me one thing, and I will let the general go."
Duan Wudi hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Please give your orders, but there are some things that Duan will not agree to."
I understood in my heart and said, "Don't worry, I will definitely not embarrass you. I know that you are here to transfer to Nanchu from Binzhou. If you promise not to go to Nanchu, I will let you go."
Duan Wudi frowned and said, "The East China Sea will belong to Dayong sooner or later, so how can Duan stay in the enemy's territory?"
Hearing him say this, I knew that he was already tempted, and said, "Nevertheless, there are still many places to go besides Southern Chu. In recent years, people from the Central Plains have often gone to sea with boats, from Goryeo to southern China. If the general is willing to leave the Central Plains, naturally he can no longer be the enemy of Dayong, I will let you go, the emperor and His Royal Highness Qi Wang have also said it in the past, I don’t know what the general thinks?”
Duan Wudi was silent for a long time. If the Northern Han Dynasty collapsed, what would he do when he arrived in Southern Chu? If the Northern Han Dynasty did not perish and he was overseas, what was the point? Thinking of this, he nodded and said, "I will agree to this condition at the end."
I smiled slightly and said, "If that's the case, the general should go to Binzhou on his own to find Hai Li, the young owner of the Hai's Shipping Line, and he will arrange for the general to leave the Central Plains."
Duan Wudi asked suspiciously: "Master Hou often does not leave a trace of leeway when he uses his tactics. Why is he so lenient today? Is it just for me to remind Master Hou of the past?"
I stood up, Xiao Shunzi tied a blue cape for me, and walked to the door, I stopped and said lightly, "I have always used tricks to take advantage of other people's shortcomings, but this time, I took advantage of it. The general's loyalty and benevolence may be the reason for the general's guilt and guilt. From now on, you will be far away from Middle-earth and have no one to rely on. This kind of life is only slightly better than death. But the general needs to remember that if you want to take advantage of my good intentions, Jiang's revenge will also make the general regret too much. Although General Su has cut off her favor with you, she still intercedes for you today and still has the old friendship. If you don't want to get involved She, just stay overseas for a few years, when the Northern Han Dynasty has died out, if you want to come back, there is no problem."
Duan Wudi stood in the shop, the sound of horses' hooves coming from his ears. With mixed feelings in his heart, he slowly picked up the long sword and returned it to the sheath. Is that ray of light in the darkness another world
Sitting on the horse, the corner of my eye glanced, Su Qing kept his head down all the way, thinking that she and Duan Wudi still have a relationship, but there is national hatred and personal hatred between the two, I am afraid it is a mandarin duck dream. With a slight smile, I looked to the north. In the past few days, the emperor has issued four secret edicts, asking me to go to Xinzhou to see the driver. Now that the army is about to encircle, I only need to do things on behalf of the state, and then the Jinyang offensive can be launched. The generals of the Zezhou camp are already very harmonious. I haven't seen you for a few years, so it's no wonder that the emperor was anxious and summoned me to see him. The matter of disobeying the decree was repeated again and again, and I should not leave again and again. Looking up at the sky, I can only feel that the wind is clear and the clouds are calm, which makes me relaxed and happy, but I wonder if that silly boy Chiji is still alive