〖At the beginning of the twelfth year of Tongtai, the Yong army swept Wuyue, and the public was ordered to supervise Yuhang and train the rebel army to protect the coast. Everyone was unable to take care of the Jianghuai war, so the public secretly ordered Yang Xiu to join the army to attack Sizhou, Chuzhou, and Huaixi general Shi Guan marched into Suzhou, but the Yong army did not expect the public to start a provocation, lost Suzhou and Chuzhou, and Huaibei was in danger.
In March, Xiangyang general Rong Yuan heard about the war, blamed his master for belittling himself, and did not report it. Instead, he led his army to take Nanyang. Zhongyong army tried to lure the enemy, but he lost Xiangyang, and Fenglin Pass was subdued. . The public wanted to commit crimes, but they were still interfering with each other. Rong Yuan then attached the power to the minister, hating the public for wanting to march the law and punishing himself, and hated him deeply.
Yong and Chu fought for more than a month, and the two armies in Jianghuai were victorious. Wu and Yue were stuck in a stalemate. Then they lost Xiangyang, but lost the barrier of Jingxiang. Before the battle was settled, Jiameng Pass was sold by a traitor. Gong Qu protected Yu Mian, and wrote a letter to plead guilty, thanking the main army for being unfavorable, and they still comforted each other, not daring to accuse Yu Mou, but he was suspicious of Gong Zuo Tan's confidant, and he was jealous.
In April, the King of Qi of Dayong was in charge of Jiangnan, and the Duke fought against him. From the middle of Shu to Wuyue, the war was fierce. The Duke asked the court to say: "The war is impermanent, the advance and retreat are uncertain, and all the prefectures and counties need military control." Shang Xiang had no choice but to follow it. , Jianghuai and Jingxiang officials below the fourth rank, Xu Gong was deposed, although he was secretly angry and did not speak.
In the tenth month, Dayong asked for a peace conference, and wanted to gain Suizhou and Jingling, and he would allow him to stop his troops, but Xiang Yin promised him. When the public heard it, the court reprimanded him, saying: "If Jingling and Suizhou are lost, Jiangling and Jiangxia will not be protected. Emperor Wu worked so hard to get it, how could he easily abandon it to tigers and wolves." The peaceful discussion ended, and he was still ashamed, but his jealousy deepened.
In the thirteenth year of Tongtai, Gonglian defeated the Yong army, and Jingling and Suizhou were all safe. However, Qin Yong, the military governor of Hanzhong, took Bajun from Micang Road, and the public urgently ordered Kuizhou to be seized.
In August, the Yong army sent envoys to exchange Chengdu, Jiange and other places with the trapped Jiange, Chengdu Chu army and Ba County. Publicly agreed to them, but still ordered Yumen to guard Ba County. When he was beheaded, it was impossible for the public to argue with force, but the other side stopped. At this time, the idea of killing the public was already born. Because of the outstanding achievements of the public, he did not dare to act lightly.
— "The History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties·Zhongwu Gongzhuan"〗
On September 17, the 14th year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, in Anlu City, the night was dim. The streets were full of solemn-looking sergeants, patrolling silently. The Chu troops who had retreated from Xiangyang arrived at Anlu. Anlu is a large county under Jiangxia. If the Chu army goes north to Xiangyang, it must pass through this place. The Lu family has been operating for many years, and the people here belong to the Lu family. To Anlu people, Lu Can is not just a general of Southern Chu. In the past, when Lu Can passed through Anlu, he would stay for a day and chat with the elders in the city, but this time it was a little different. After entering the city, Lu Can went to Bieye to recuperate. After a while, An Lu's parents learned that Lu Can was actually sick. When An Lu and the people heard about it, they were anxious in their hearts. Almost every family burned incense and prayed to the gods.
Lu's other business in Anlu is just a spacious mansion. Although it has a strict bearing and a broad layout, it has neither peaceful scenery nor luxurious furnishings. Except for a few servants to take care of it, there are no servants. Now this courtyard has been surrounded by Lu Can's personal guards, and no one is allowed to disturb them. In the minds of these officers, the imperial envoy who made the general seriously ill is the most unacceptable figure.
In the inner room, Lu Can was wearing a wide robe, standing in front of the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the bright moon in the sky, his handsome face showed a faint tired look, and he didn't look like he was seriously ill. The night was getting darker, and the sound of drums came from the darkness in the distance, and the sound broke people's hearts. At this time, a personal guard came in and said, "General, Mr. Wei is out to see you."
A cold light flashed in Lu Can's eyes, and he said, "Please come in, Mr. Wei."
The guard hesitated for a moment and said, "General, do you want to send some more people, Mr. Wei's martial arts..."
Lu Can said lightly, "No need."
The guard didn't dare to say more, so he quickly backed out, and after a while, he brought in a graceful man. Lu Can turned to look at him and said, "Mr. Wei, I think you should be here in two days."
As soon as Wei Ying saw Lu Can, she was shocked, but she hadn't seen him for several months, and Lu Can's temples were a little more frosty. However, this was already within Wei Ying's expectations. With a solemn expression, he stepped forward and said, "Wei has met the general. The general has worked hard all the way. I wonder what the general has arranged for what will happen?"
Lu Can smiled slightly and said, "Did Mr. Wei come to see me as the head of Fengyimen's Chentang, or as a guest in the scene of Lu?"
Wei Ying's eyes flashed, and he said, "Of course I came here in the capacity of the Great General Keqing. I have not been able to prevent all kinds of things that are unfavorable to the Great General from happening. I also ask the Great General to forgive me."
Lu Can shook his head and said, "It's not that you can't stop it, but you didn't even think about stopping it."
Wei Ying lowered his head and said, "Why did the general say this, I really didn't expect General Rong to write a letter of impeachment, and I didn't expect the rumors to spread, and even those women and women who didn't know how powerful it was to get in the way, so that the general was forced to retreat. However, the power of a certain Wei cannot be compared with the monk Xiang, Yihuangtang, and Fengwutang, so he is helpless and puts the general in this situation."
Lu Can said lightly: "This year, the king was in charge of the government, and when you established the empress, you persuaded me to try to make Mei'er the queen, but I refused. Later, the queen mother wanted Mei'er to enter the palace as a concubine. The news has not been leaked, Feng'er. I already knew that the little power I had in the capital was just to listen to the movements of the imperial court, and I couldn’t go deep into the inner palace. I learned that such a secret, Feng’er is only the leader in name, but because this kind of thing requires a landlady. The family is responsible, but Feng Er got the news ahead of time, and without his mother, he instigated Mei Er to leave, but you secretly sent experts to guard along the way, according to your temperament, if Mei Er enters the palace, Concubine, you can not only close up the rift with the Lu family and the royal family, but also fight against Concubine Ji Gui, and have all kinds of interests for you, but you secretly help Feng'er, why is this?"
Wei Ying raised his head and said calmly: "The general is an important minister of Southern Chu, and Miss Mei is also both moral and virtuous. If the empress dowager and the country lord intend to make the young lady the queen, this is a matter of course, even the general cannot directly refuse, only However, the general did not want to exchange the lifelong happiness of the young lady for glory and wealth. This is also due to the deep love between the father and daughter, which is understandable. Later, the queen mother wanted Miss Qu to be the concubine. If the general really agreed, wouldn't it be laughing at the world. So I assisted the second son to send the young lady to Shouchun, but the general also looked down on the second son. Although I let the news leak out, the second son knew about this matter from other means. I never thought that the second son would have this With such courage, he immediately tricked the young lady into defecting to the eldest son, and as for escorting along the way, that is also a matter of duty."
Lu Can raised his brows and said, "Don't you envy Jiaofang's favor, Mei'er has a soft nature, how can I bear to let her go to a place where the sun does not see the light and fight with others, otherwise, if I have the heart, I just want Mei'er to be the queen. It's not impossible. But since ancient times, women have been in the middle palace, and fathers have been officials, so I don't want to marry the royal family. Even Yuner, I don't want him to be the master. Although Princess Shuning is good, but I prefer Yujin who can fight side by side with Yun'er as my daughter-in-law. What's more, this is also what Yun'er means. I, Lu's family, have never flattered the master. Although you are a little selfish in this matter, I also want to thank you. The empress dowager made it clear that she intended to establish a concubine. If she refuses again, it will inevitably lead to a confrontation. That is not my will. But about Rong Yuan, you are beyond my expectations. If it is according to your previous habits, I do not agree. Yuan's second impeachment memorial is absolutely impossible to deliver."
Wei Ying's face sank and said: "If the general looks at him like this, he has nothing to say, yes, I can indeed design to assassinate Rong Yuan, or rob the memorial in the middle, but this will be against Feng Wutang, this time Yan Wushuang, the first seat of Fengwutang, personally went out to protect Rong Yuan's safety. The second memorial was sent to Jianye by Xie Xiaotong of Yihuangtang. How could Wei do it? Could it be that the general thought it was natural for Wei to be against them? What's the matter?"
Lu Can smiled lightly and said, "If I hadn't known that Mr. Wei broke up with them two years ago, I wouldn't have trusted Mr. General, and I wouldn't have easily gotten to where I am today. Could it be that Mr. Lu would be gullible to me? you?"
Wei Ying was shocked when he heard the words. He never expected that the dispute between himself and Ji Xia and Yan Wushuang in front of Ling Yu was also known to Lu Can less than two years ago. For him, it was like a thunder in the sky. Since he left Dayong, deep down in his heart, he has long despised himself, and even often has the heart to give up on himself. If there are still enemies living in the world, it is very likely that he can no longer survive like this. , but Lu Can treated him like an ordinary person, as if he had never treasoned against the country, nor had he implicated his relatives. Over the years, he had trusted and reused him. Before he knew it, Lu Can had given priority to everything else in his mind, and he was a little flustered. Authentic: "General, please listen to the explanation, it's really, really..." But he felt that he had nothing to say, and the evasion that he had planned to say could never be said again.
Lu Can didn't look at him, turned to look out the window, and said coldly: "When I retreated to Xiangyang, there were rumors in Jiangnan, your Chentang has been supported by me in recent years, and your power has increased greatly, is there no way? It is inconvenient for Yang Xiu to come forward in public, so why don't you act?"
Wei Ying reluctantly said: "The general should also know that Dayong has always had secret spies in our Southern Chu territory, and there are many weak people in Jiangnan who are afraid of Yong's army. Tell Jianye that if he hadn't cast his teeth against the rat, I'm afraid that the general would have bloodbathed in Jianye first, and this time Si Wencao's boss must be changed, and his methods are more secretive and ruthless than before. They are all beautiful. Ordinary people only praise the general. They don't mind. Even if I do my best to hunt down, I am afraid that it will be difficult to catch Dayong's secret spies. Instead, it will expose the strength of Chentang. Besides, it has not been a day for the general to be suspected by the court. , even if the rumors are quelled, today’s events cannot be avoided, instead of doing some useless work, it is better to plan for the future.”
Hearing this, Lu Can sighed softly and said, "Does Mr. Wei want to persuade Lu Can to rebel?"
After Lu Can sent troops to Xiangyang, Wei Ying was a little embarrassed by the many incidents caused by Rong Yuan's memorial, but if he really did his best, at least he wouldn't be in such a situation, but he also had selfishness in his heart, so he couldn't bear it. Ken moved lightly, but now he was picked on by Lu Can, he showed an embarrassed expression, but he knew that he could no longer pretend to be false, and he stepped forward and bowed: "The general forgives his sins, it's not that Wei does not change the evil of the past, it's just that Wei fled Jiangnan. It has been twelve years now, and when I think of the past, a little bit of hatred will never go away, but Wei also knows that there is a world away from his enemy. There are evil shadows around him. No matter it is civil or military means, I can’t help him. The only means of revenge is to fight in an upright manner on the battlefield. .
It's just that Dayong is in full swing, the Northern Han Dynasty has fallen, Li Kang has also been defeated, and died of illness in Yongdu, and this is the case in Nanchu. , just want to live in the south of the Yangtze River, and dare not mention the word revenge at all. I was already disheartened, but the general gave me hope. At first, I just hoped to prevent the Yong army from going south. As long as Dayong is not allowed to dominate the world, this can already make Dayong lord and ministers hate endlessly. Later, Ying learned that the general also had the ambition of the Central Plains, so he decided to be loyal to the general. Wei did not want to be rich and rich. As long as the general can step on the Central Plains one day, my hatred will be repaid. Love, Qu Hu that person, Wei Mou also has no resentment.
However, even though the general is incomparable, he has no intention of political disputes, and he has the power in the hands of the general. Even if Shang Weijun is removed, and he has the power of the court, it is still an easy task, but the general is willing to be suppressed by that power. Wei also knows Historical facts of all dynasties, since ancient times, there has been no internal authority, and generals can make contributions to the outside world. If you want to sweep the Central Plains, you need to be on the side of the Qing emperor, clean up the Qing Dynasty, and you must first settle in. But Wei also knew that the general was loyal and righteous, and never thought of power, so this time I did not secretly prevent the situation from deteriorating. , the great general will lead the army in the northern expedition, and there will be no obstacles, and he can make achievements for eternity.
If the general is worried about Qingliu's attack, Wei can ensure that those people have no way to cause trouble. Now the court has long been rampant, and Qingliu has retired. However, the general has fought for many years to protect the safety of the community, the people, and the people. Deliberately harming the general, this is a good opportunity for a rebellion. As long as the general does not abolish the position of the lord for the time being, those Qingliu will surely praise the general's achievements in eradicating the traitor. If the general cannot make a decisive decision, I am afraid that not only will the great cause be difficult to achieve, but the general will also be killed. At that time, there will be no eggs under the nest, not only the general's family will be implicated, but also the general's soldiers will not be spared. in difficulty. At that time, when the famous general is dismissed and the hero dies, the Dayong iron cavalry will definitely take advantage of the situation to go south, and the Southern Chu society will be overturned. "
Lu Can was silent for a long time, and said, "I used to study history with my husband when I was young. Most of the famous generals in ancient times did not end well. Being able to wrap the body in horse leather is already a blessing from the heavens, and most of them will die in the court. At that time, the husband said to me, I Lu The family has been a general for generations. If you want to learn from Sun Wugong and retire, you can't learn from Han Xin and be proud of your merits, and don't learn from Li Mu and die alone. But I told my master, if there is no peace, you might as well learn from Sun Wuming and protect your body. It would be easy to retire, even if I became Han Xin and Li Mu, I would not regret it.
Can's grandfather was promoted to the army for Emperor Wu, started in the grass, and became a general. He was favored during his lifetime and buried in the royal tomb after his death. The kindness was deep and rare in the world. He should have been loyal in return, but the previous king was foolish, treacherous, and wise king. When he died, the good ministers repelled him, and the father was worried about protecting himself, so he kept his mouth shut, so that he saw that the capital of the country was in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy, and the ruler and his ministers were taken captive. When my father led Qin Wang's army into Jianye, he saw that the capital city that was protected by flowers and willows was in ruins. I am ashamed that I have never committed a direct remonstrance in order to protect the society. Before I died, I even taught Lu Mou earnestly, not to cherish the life of the family, nor the fame and power. So over the years, Lu has disregarded the ridicule of power officials, acted arbitrarily, and repeatedly disobeyed the relatives. This time, he has offended the king, all for the safety of the society. But if Lu took advantage of the loss of the court and revolted in the name of the Qing monarch, wouldn't it be the cause of his father and ancestors? Being shamed underground has ruined the name of Lu's loyalty. "
Wei Ying got up and hurriedly said: "General, how can you betray the hearts of soldiers in the name of loyalty and righteousness, if the Yong army crosses the Yangtze River and destroys Southern Chu, what is the point of you, general, even if you have the name of loyalty and righteousness. Use, doesn't the general think about the safety of the hundreds of millions of people in the south of the Yangtze River, and endure the destruction of the mountains and rivers in Chu?"
Lu Can smiled slightly and said, "Even if I rebel, can I save the villagers and the people? Then you are too contemptuous of Emperor Yong and Mr. Yong, who considers everything carefully. If I raise an army to rebel, the rivers and mountains in the south of the Yangtze River will be great, and I will immediately deal with it. In the midst of civil strife, although Shang Weijun's troops are far inferior to mine, as long as Rong Yuan and I fight in Jiangxia for ten days, Yong's army will take advantage of the situation and go south. Even if Jiangxia is safe, Jiangling will not be protected. In Shang Xiang's hands, and Ning Hai's general Zhao Qun is a royal family, he will definitely raise troops and diligent kings. When the Donghai Navy takes advantage of the situation to attack, Ning Haijun's mountain will not be guaranteed. You should know what the result will be. Even if Ning Hai, There is nothing wrong with Jiangling. Once the civil strife breaks out, the aristocratic family supporting Shangxiang will inevitably fight against it. At that time, the war will inevitably get out of hand, and there will be no strength to resist the Yong army south. How can someone be a foolish and loyal person, but a man who does something or refrains from doing something and commits a treason for the sake of his own life, this must never be done. Wei Ying, don’t you understand, sir, you are taking advantage of your revenge. If it wasn't for this, I'm afraid this alienation strategy would not have been so successful."
Wei Ying only felt a huge shock in his heart, his body was shaky, and he staggered back a few steps. He also had some expectations about the situation that Lu Can might face when he raised his troops. Jiang Zhe was unexpected. If others say this, Wei Ying will only sneer, but Lu Can is different. He has been with Lu Can for many years. Wei Ying knows Lu Can's intelligence well, and Lu Can was Jiang Zhe's disciple, so he naturally knows Jiang Zhe quite well. If he said this. , he must be sure, the humiliation and panic used by the enemy made him almost unable to control himself. At this time, Lu Can's indifferent voice said in his ear: "Although Lu has no heart of a powerful official, he is a powerful official, but he usually ignores the suspicion of the court, and the rift between General Rong has a long history, so I will be caught in the trap of Mr. Wei. Today's ending is my fault. With Mr. as a person, there must be follow-up measures. It is not long before Mr. Lu's life. Although Mr. Wei is a little selfish, he has never failed Lu. This time I It is impossible to return to Jianghuai, and the road news must have been cut off by Shangxiang, so some things can only ask Mr. Wei for help."
Wei Ying said with difficulty: "Dayong's iron cavalry is still eyeing the tigers. If the government and the public submit a letter to remonstrance, the general will show up to Shang Xiang again. It may not be without life. Shang Xiang is not a confused person, and there is a possibility of recovery." He himself didn't believe what he said. If he didn't believe in Lu Can, how could he come to see Lu Can lightly, and he had also seen Jiang Zhe's methods. If Jiang Zhe's strategy would be so obvious Loopholes, he will not believe.
Lu Can smiled and shook his head: "Let's put aside whether we can survive or not, since Shang Xiang is going to do something this time, he will definitely not only target Lu to a certain person, and there are many old minions. Generals, how can we fight the enemy Yong army, but Yang Xiu in Huaidong, Yumen in the middle of Shu, and Shiguan in Huaixi will not escape the disaster of Chiyu. Although Yang Xiu is a close friend of mine, he is a man of old Shu. There is no foundation in Jiangnan, I will write a book, and you will tell him on my behalf that I wronged him to join Shangxiang. If there is his help, Shangxiang will be able to control the Huaidong army, and Shangxiang will definitely accept him. Yu Mian is my old department. In recent years, he has suffered repeated defeats, but I don't blame him. Almost all the elite soldiers in Shu were spared by me. It was not easy for him to rely on tens of thousands of soldiers to fight against the 200,000 Yong army, but Shang Xiangruo In charge of military power, it is absolutely impossible to let him go. I know Yu Mian's temperament, he has long been very cold to Shang Xiang, and he is not from a noble family. Yong Jun, if he really has an objection, he will definitely disobey it first. Once there is such a sign, you will send someone to seal my sword to Yu Mian, and he will know what to do. The matter of Shi Guan is a bit difficult, his daughter Yu Jin and Yun'er have been married for less than a year, Yu Jin is already pregnant, and her temperament is very virtuous. I am afraid that she will not marry, but Shi Guan should understand it. I can only let it go, you just need to tell Yun’er what I mean.”
Wei Ying is already heartbroken, even though the success of Xiaoshuang Palace in the past was a complete failure, he did not feel so regretful, and bowed in the tunnel: "General, if there is still life in raising troops, does the general not care about his wife and a few young ladies? Although Young Master Yun is young, he is brave and good at fighting. Not long after the wedding, the young lady is pregnant and will give birth in five months. Does the general want his grandson to not even see his father. Well, although Young Master Feng is young, he is smart and enlightened, Miss Mei and Young Master are still underage, and General He Ren and they all suffered together."
A trace of tears flashed in Lu Can's eyes, but he turned his head and said sadly: "In order to bring Lu Mou's old clan together, Shang Xiang will not punish Lu Mouming, let alone immediately attack Lu Mou's wife and children, Yun'er. He has been in the army for a few years and is quite famous. Shangxiang may not let it go, but Fenger, Meier and Tinger are still young. If I expect it to be good, Shangxiang will relocate the Lu family to southern Xinjiang, but presumably They will cause harm on the way. Brother Wei, although you have helped Lu Mou for several years, you still belong to the Fengyi Sect. If the Chentang is destroyed, the Fengyi Sect will also be greatly reduced, so as long as Brother Wei does not know how to fight against them, it will still be a problem. After my death, if I can take care of my old relationship, please try to help me, and I don’t have to entrust it to Lu Mou’s old clan to look after me, find a deserted village and let them live in peace.”
Wei Ying's face was ashes as he heard the words, knowing that Lu Can's mind had been decided, and he would definitely not rebel. Lu Can had arranged everything behind him, just to prevent chaos in the army and prevent Dayong from taking advantage of the situation to invade the south. , thinking that if it wasn't for his own selfishness, Lu Can would not have the slightest chance to deal with it, and Lu Can still trusts him in the future, and doesn't mind his stigma. Gradually, he had an opinion in his heart. He gritted his teeth tightly, blood oozing out, stood up and said, "Don't worry, General, even if Wei sacrificed his life, he would do his best to protect the general's family."
Lu Can said with relief: "I believe that Brother Wei will live up to his trust. You and I have known each other for many years. If we part today, there may be no time to meet again. We should not encourage each other, but the imperial envoy is already on the way, so it is inconvenient to let people Seeing that Brother Wei is still here at the moment, I can only ask Brother Wei to leave overnight."
Wei Ying nodded lightly, took the saber and the letter that Lu Can handed over with both hands, and felt a sharp pain in his heart again, endured the grief, turned around and walked out. As soon as he walked out of the door, he heard the clamor of people outside, and faintly heard the words "envoy" and "decree". He knew in his heart that Jianye's will had arrived. The personal guard was already prepared and led Wei Ying away from the side door. out of business.
When he walked out of the courtyard, Wei Ying couldn't help but go around to the front to look secretly, and saw that the imperial envoy who was blocked by the sergeant was yelling angrily at the soldier guarding the gate, and Wei Ying saw that the imperial envoy was wearing clothes behind him at a glance. The faces of the few people who served in the house were actually very familiar. Although the faces were slightly modified, and the clothes were also manipulated, it could not be seen that they were dressed by women, but they couldn't hide it from his eyes. The famous disciples of Lu Can have fallen into such a state now, and it is enough to stay safe in Nanchu. He only knows how to exclude dissidents, but because Lu Can does not accept their favors, he does not hesitate to destroy the pillars. Such short-sightedness is really hateful.
Just when Wei Ying was gnashing his teeth, Lu Can's personal guard walked out of the door, passed the military order, and let those envoys in, Wei Ying's heart froze, knowing that things could finally be undone. At this time, two middle-aged men secretly walked out, They all bowed and saluted respectfully, and one of them hurriedly said: "First seat, what should we do next?"
Wei Ying raised his head with determination in his eyes, and said, "The kindness of our confidant should not be forgotten. Let's go to Huaixi to see General Lu, and Li Ming will go with me. Cui Wei mobilized all the hands of Chentang and listened to my orders. If I can tell the major general to raise troops, the general still has a chance to survive, if not, I will go to Huaidong to see Yang Xiu, no matter what, I can’t just resign like this.”