〖In the May of the first year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, Emperor Yong named Xu Weiying, Princess of Changle, as a virtuous person. However, the Lord made an oath and refused to submit. The Emperor was furious, and after a long time, he sighed and whispered to the Princess: "If you have a heart, No matter the virtuous, the foolish, the noble or the lowly, I promise it." The princess was silent.
— "The History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties: The Biography of Jiang Suiyun"〗
The waning moon is like a hook, the night sky is quiet and peaceful, standing on the royal steps, Princess Changle is dressed in plain clothes, silently watching the dim moonlight, these days, her already plump face is filled with sadness, like black silk cut in half , Now it is only under the shoulders, and a palace maid has already trimmed it for her, but it is too short, so the bun cannot be tied, but is tied with a silk scarf, the night wind is cool, Princess Changle's clothes are thin, it is freezing Always refused to go back to the room. In such a night, he could not sleep well in the middle of the night. For a long time, she raised her plain hand, holding a folding fan with a quatrain written on it.
"It's colder than the water, and the water is lighter than the autumn. It's too far away to see the ferry head. Lai Shi Danqing has no place to paint, and the painting should be sent to a lifetime of sorrow." She recited in a low voice, which was brought to her by Princess Yong a few days ago. It was the folding fan written by that person. Princess Yong knew that she liked Jiang Zhe's poems, so she asked for it and gave it to her. Jiang Zhe probably didn't care about a poem fan, but since she got this folding fan, she never left it and never wanted it again. give up.
At this time, Lu'e came over, holding a cloak, and pleaded, "Your Highness, you are so self-sacrificing, and the servants can't bear to see them. If your majesty and the empress know, they will definitely blame the servants for not serving them properly."
Princess Changle smiled slightly, took the cape and said, "How can this palace be so delicate, I just like this night, well, you go to rest first, this palace will go to sleep later."
Seeing that the princess looked fine, Lu'e dared to ask: "Princess, this servant doesn't understand, Xiahou is both talented in both humanities and martial arts, and he is very handsome, so it's fine if you don't like it. After all, everyone says that Young Master Xiahou is suave and suave. He has a gentle and kind-hearted temperament, and if you don't like it, it's not surprising, but Master Wei is not only good-looking, but also has a clean body and never has an affair, but the princess doesn't even like him.
Princess Changle said lightly: "What do you know, okay, let's go."
Lu E's heart froze, only to see a faint sneer on the face of the princess Xiuya, the kind of royal majesty that made Lu E dare not say more, and quietly retreated.
Princess Changle sighed slightly, she felt that the night was cold and the embroidery was cold, and she was about to turn around and go back to the sleeping hall to rest when there was a faint sigh in the night wind, Princess Changle frowned slightly and said, "What? Where are people spying on this palace?"
A green shadow flashed, and a woman in a green palace dress stood in front of Princess Changle. Princess Changle was slightly startled, and said, "It turned out to be younger sister Hanyou, why did you come to Cuiluan Hall at midnight to visit this palace?"
Li Hanyou fluttered down and bowed: "My concubine is engaged to General Qin today, but when I think of my sister's loneliness in the palace, I can't help but feel uneasy, so I came here on purpose. Sure enough, my sister hasn't slept yet, and I don't know if I can invite Hanyou to speak. "
Princess Changle said lightly: "Sister often comes to accompany you these days, Changle is grateful, but it's quiet tonight, so it's inconvenient to talk, sister should go back and rest."
Li Hanyou frowned slightly, then thought about it, and thought, I heard that Princess Yong entered the palace two days ago. Could it be that Princess Changle knew that I was embarrassing Jiang Zhe in Qin Mansion. Princess Changle likes Jiang Zhe's poems, everyone knows it, and I heard that Princess Changle is in love with that person. Now, it seems that there is a possibility. Otherwise, the last time we met, we were intimate and warm, but now it is as cold as frost. .
Thinking of this, Li Hanyou smiled and said, "I have heard for a long time that Your Highness likes the poems and prose of the talented Southern Chu. A few days ago, Hanyou was fortunate to see Jiang Zhuangyuan reciting poems in Qin Mansion. Although it is not the poems written by Zhuangyuan, there is a saying that is well said, the so-called Poetry expresses will, doesn't my sister want to know the details?"
Princess Changle's heart moved. Two days ago, when Princess Yong entered the palace, she inadvertently talked about the poetry meeting, but at that time, the mother was by her side, and she didn't have the opportunity to ask in detail, so she said, "I would like to hear the details."
Li Hanyou skipped everyone's intrigue and didn't mention it, just said that everyone had chosen poems and prose, and finally read "The end of the song is gone, there are many peaks on the river", suddenly Princess Changle smiled slightly, Li Hanyou knew something was different, and pretended not to know. , continued: "Master Jiang's poems are excellent. These last two sentences are the most meaningful. What does the princess think of Master Jiang's vision?"
Princess Changle smiled and said: "Mr. Jiang's choice of this poem is mostly perfunctory, I see his poems, either secluded and elegant, or majestic, or affectionate, or peaceful and tranquil, but there is no such ghostly atmosphere. Works." As he spoke, he couldn't help looking at the poetry fan in his hand.
Li Hanyou's heart moved, and he said, "My sister's fan, are you willing to lend it to my little sister?"
Princess Changle glanced at Li Hanyou and said, "Everything can't be told to others. I snatched this fan from Erwang's sister-in-law. Mr. Jiang has rarely circulated poetry and handwriting in the past few years." Said and handed over the fan.
Li Hanyou recited the above poems lightly, only to feel a touch of sadness rushing towards his face.
Princess Changle retrieved the poem fan and said with a smile: "Master Jiang's poems are spread all over the world. If your sister likes it, you might as well look for it."
Li Hanyou saw the faint joy on Princess Changle's face, and suddenly asked: "Why does Your Highness strictly refuse to grant marriage, does it mean that you already have someone you like?"
Princess Changle's expression did not change, she said lightly, "Sister, do you know why the royal father is so eager to choose a son-in-law for me?"
Li Hanyou said: "Your Majesty loves the princess, and the world knows it."
Princess Changle said lightly: "The family of heaven is flesh and blood, and the family relationship is weak. Although the royal father loves me, he is not in a hurry to choose a son-in-law for me. That day, the royal father sent me to marry far away. Jun, the royal father always feels sorry for me."
The expression in Li Hanyou's eyes changed, and he said, "Could my sister resent Your Majesty?"
Princess Changle shook her head and said: "I have no resentment in my heart from beginning to end. Changle has been fond of poetry since childhood, and her temperament is even more submissive. She is not as strong and decisive as my Dayong girl. It can be said that my father ordered me to marry far away. Although I am sad, I do not complain. Besides, this palace is supported by the people of the world, so how can I not sacrifice for Dayong. Therefore, although I marry far away from the enemy country, it is destined that my husband and wife will not grow old in this life. , and even killed my unborn child with his own hands, but Changle never complained about Dayong or his father. Now that my father wants me to marry, he naturally hopes that I can be happy, but this palace has experienced wind and frost, and has already The word love is disheartening, and I only wish the father, the emperor, the mother and the concubine to be filial. No matter which elder brother ascends the throne in the future, I am a widow, a weak girl, and I will definitely not be suspicious. That's it."
Li Hanyou sighed and said, "Your Highness, are you still thinking about the Lord of Southern Chu? He is just a mediocre person, why should you observe the festival for him?" While saying what he didn't believe, Li Hanyou looked at Changle with sad eyes. Princess.
Princess Changle said lightly: "There is no such thing, this palace is just disheartened, not everyone wants to imitate Wenjun."
Li Hanyou said: "Jun Wen was originally a lady, but she just met the talented Sima Xiangru, and she couldn't help it. If Lord Jiang had the heart to ask for the Phoenix, I don't know what the princess would like."
Princess Changle looked at Li Hanyou deeply, with a hint of coldness in her eyes, Li Hanyou smiled and said: "The emperor has already said that if the princess is willing, anyone can be the concubine. Master Jiang is talented, if the princess is willing, little sister. I am willing to tell the Emperor for His Highness.”
Princess Changle's eyes were even colder, and she said coldly: "Li Hanyou, this palace has been in the Great Lama Temple for many years, and she is a queen in Nanchu. Although she lives in a secluded place, do you think this palace really has no scheming?"
Li Hanyou's expression changed greatly, and he bowed down and said, "Your Highness, please calm down, my little sister is really sincere, and I can't bear to see the princess frowning. If there is any offense, Hanyou is willing to take the blame."
Princess Changle's expression became even colder, and she said slowly: "Master Jiang has a noble character, if it weren't for a person like the second prince, ordinary people would never persuade him to surrender, but even so, he is not something ordinary people can humiliate, and this palace loves him. Talent, respect for his character, how can you let me misunderstand Ben Gong's intentions. I know that the affairs of the court are complicated, but Changle is already an outsider, why do you insist on involving Ben Gong, Princess Jingjiang, Ben Gong Although I don't like fighting, but if you two continue to push each other hard, this palace will have to report to the emperor and become a nun immediately, and your wish will be fulfilled at that time."
Then, Princess Changle said coldly: "Bengong is tired, Princess Jingjiang, please come back, it's more serious, you have to be careful, if there are rumors like this again, I will ask the father and mother to decide. ."
Li Hanyou watched Princess Changle's back, and her eyes flashed with a hint of regret. She never expected that Princess Changle, who was usually gentle and pleasant, would have such an awe-inspiring and inviolable side. And to become a monk, I am afraid that no one can persuade His Majesty to quell Thunder's anger. Now, he can only let go temporarily.
She hurriedly returned to her residence, only to see Concubine Ji waiting for her with a solemn expression, she hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Uncle, why are you here, but is there anything important?"
Concubine Ji said: "The sect master has sent an decree that Huo Jicheng has been decorated by your senior sister, and he must not be able to escape, but now there is a lot of discussion in the court and the opposition, and it must be handled with caution."
Li Hanyou said happily: "Senior elder sister's martial arts are unparalleled, and she will definitely be able to capture it." But Liu Mei frowned slightly, "However, how can the matter of the prince be saved? It is better to guard against people's mouths than to guard against Sichuan. The sect master always teaches his disciples like this. I know what the uncle can do."
Concubine Ji said: "You don't have to worry too much. You have done a thorough job of cutting the grass and rooting. Now no one has evidence to prove that the prince was involved in this matter. Now Liang Shangshu is already a bird in a cage. It’s enough to silence the mouth. Although it is important to control the Ministry of Household Affairs, we can’t trigger the prince’s vigilance, so we can’t make it clear. I’m just afraid that we can arrange a few of our people. This office of minister is very important. It's still up to the prince to toss, but the party that cooperates with the Splendid Alliance may also know some things, and you have some ideas."
Li Hanyou said with a wry smile: "How should I say, the Tianji Pavilion of Nanchu is the one who cooperated with the Jinxiu Alliance, but their power is in the dark, and now there is no trace of them, and even the businesses under their control have all let go, this Tianji The pavilion is really mysterious and unpredictable, and our forces in Southern Chu are not strong enough, and we are really beyond our reach."
Concubine Ji said lightly: "You just need to remember this matter. The sect master said that if it is unavoidable to let people talk, then let them turn their attention away. Since this kind of thing happened to the prince, we have to let others do something too. , the more you fight, the better, so who will remember the matter of the prince, that is, as long as we help protect the prince to ascend the throne, who dares to mention this matter, the top priority is not to lose the emperor's favor, you should not interfere in the matter of Changle. "
Li Hanyou said: "Disciple obeys, I already have an idea, please rest assured, Master."
Concubine Ji said quietly: "You are the beloved disciple of the sect master, how can I be worried? You should work hard. Although your senior sister has obtained the true inheritance of the sect master, the sect master has not yet chosen an heir. If you have done enough credit Da, I will definitely speak for you in front of the sect master."
As soon as this statement came out, Li Hanyou's eyes flashed with ecstasy, but she quickly regained her composure, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle.
Concubine Ji smiled slightly and said, "Okay, go and do your business."
Looking at Li Hanyou's back, Concubine Ji smiled lightly. She has long known that no matter who she is in this lucrative field, it is a lie to say that she can easily abandon the temptation of fame and fortune. What's more, he doesn't love money, fame and fortune. The kind of majesty that holds power in his hand, and the world bows his head as soon as he speaks, but it is even more ecstatic. How many people in this world can resist this temptation.
Huo Jicheng was lying in the grass, holding his breath, not daring to move a little. At this moment, his heart seemed to be on fire, and he kept cursing his subordinates for being incompetent. He didn't implement his plan well, and was easily wiped out by Qin Qing's army. It was Fengyi Sect. They had been chasing them all day and night. If they weren't good at hiding their whereabouts, they would have been killed by that woman long ago.
Suddenly, Huo Jicheng saw a figure in the dim moonlight. It was a woman in green clothes. She was dressed in plain clothes. It was the style that Dayong commoner women liked to wear. At a glance, it can be seen that this woman's clothes are not made by a famous tailor, but rather like a woman who is good at weaving and tailoring. , but made Huo Jicheng feel a chill in his heart. At this time, the woman lit the fire, and the fire went out, reflecting an ordinary woman's face. This woman's appearance was only a middle-aged person, but the cold and calm expression between her eyebrows made her image immediately. A little more inscrutable. Huo Jicheng's heart skipped a beat, he already remembered the rumors of Fengyi Sect. It was said that because of his beautiful appearance, the master of Fengyi Sect had to accept all the disciples of good looks. There was only one exception, and this person was her first disciple Wen Wen Ziyan, Wen Ziyan was the disciple of Fengyi's sect master when she was young. Not only her appearance is ordinary, but her aptitude is not excellent, but this woman's perseverance and perseverance are really convincing, and she has actually obtained the true biography of Fengyi's sect master. Today He is only thirty years old, and it is said that he already has 70% to 80% of the martial arts of the master of Fengyi. Back then, Fengyimen assisted Li Yuan in his expeditions from the east to the west. Wen Ziyan was the most effective assistant of the master of Fengyi. It was not until after Dayong pacified the Central Plains that this woman went back to Fengyi Sect and did not go out.
Huo Jicheng is good at a kind of mental method, which can make his heartbeat and breathing very low. At this moment, he is like a lifeless stone. He feels that this woman is listening intently to the wind and grass around him, so he does not dare to breathe.
For a long time, the woman seemed a little disappointed. She waved her hand to extinguish the fire, and her figure disappeared into the night. After another half an hour, Huo Jicheng moved his body slightly, moving his already numb limbs. Look at the stars in the sky and judge the direction. There was news from Tianji Pavilion that if he can reach a farmhouse thirty miles away, he can be sent out of Dayong Kingdom. Huo Jicheng feels that his energy has recovered a lot. Started the journey again.
Traveling in the dark is a very difficult task, and Huo Jicheng was a bird in shock. He looked forward and backward along the way, and finally arrived at the small farmhouse at dawn. This farmhouse was very remote and surrounded by no one. They just stepped forward to pat the door, the door opened, and the two fifteen or sixteen year olds were all happy when they saw Huo Jicheng. Huo Jicheng walked into the farmhouse and saw Han Wuji's figure.
Seeing Huo Jicheng, Han Wuji sighed: "Meng Huo, why are you so stubborn, the first time you succeeded in a sneak attack, I advised you to leave quickly, but you still refused. Now that the Splendid League has been hit hard, what should you do? Is good."
Huo Jicheng said sternly: "It's all my subordinates who harassed me, and that's why I fell into the trap, but it doesn't matter, there are still half of the people in the Jinxiu League, I just need to find them, and it will only take three years and five years to make a comeback, it's just that batch of goods, I'm going to ask you to do it for me."
Han Wuji smiled and said, "Why do you need to take action for you? I bought this batch of goods at 50% of the price. Wouldn't it be better for you to leave with a silver note than empty-handed."
Huo Jicheng said in surprise, "Brother Han, are you telling the truth?"
Han Wuji said: "How dare I deceive, we will take these goods slowly, and we will not lose money. Brother Huo, you have to rebuild the Splendid Alliance, how can you do it without money."
Mayor Huo Ji bowed to the tunnel and said, "Thank you brother Han for your kindness. If Huo Mou has a day to turn over, he will definitely not treat brother Han badly."
Han Wuji said with a smile: "Don't dare, there are many friends and there are many paths, and I am also adhering to the decree of the pavilion master. Well, brother Huo, you should bathe and change first, I have prepared the wine and food, after you have a full meal, put on me The clothes I have prepared for you have been remodeled, and I have prepared a full set of identity documents, so you can leave with a swagger."
Huo Jicheng said worriedly: "But Wen Ziyan from Fengyi Sect is chasing after her, how can she give up."
Han Wuji smiled and said: "Don't worry, the leader, I have prepared a corpse to replace the leader. The corpse is in the next room. When the leader leaves, I will set the farmhouse on fire to make a fake appearance of the leader's murder."
Huo Jicheng moved in his heart and said, "Let me see if the stand-in is similar."
Han Wuji pointed at a small door, Huo Jicheng walked in and saw that there was a corpse on a wooden bed inside, with a body very similar to himself.
After changing clothes, he devoured his stomach and ate his stomach. Huo Jicheng drank another cup of tea. He felt unbearable pain all over his body. He thought it was too hard to run around all night. Said: "It seems that I have to go, it's too unsafe here."
Han Wuji smiled and said: "I'm sorry, Huo Mengzhu, you can't go anywhere."
Huo Jicheng was startled and was about to jump up, but he felt his legs were soft and he couldn't move. He looked at Han Wuji in horror and said, "You guys are going to betray you too."
Han Wuji said coldly: "Although we are both from Shu, although we are not committed to restoring the country, we will not harm our own people. As the leader of the Jinxiu Alliance, you have killed many people from Shu who do not want to be the same. Your crimes are countless. ."
Huo Jicheng said angrily: "What does this have to do with you, you have gotten a lot of benefits from me."
Han Wuji said lightly: "Yes, we rely on you a lot, but today you are at the end of the road, and we don't want to be implicated by you. You know some things about our Tianji Pavilion, and the pavilion master has already issued an order. If you want to kill you before Fengyimen, you must never let Fengyimen know that there is our chief behind you."
Huo Jicheng froze in his heart, remembering that although he was proud of himself these days, most of what he did was suggested by him. Could it be that he actually became someone else's pawn? He regarded himself very highly, and when he thought of this, he couldn't help but be furious and his eyes were splitting.
Han Wuji smiled slightly and said, "Mengzhu Huo, under Jiuquan, don't forget to apologize to Han Zhang and his wife when you see them, and my son asked me to tell me that Miss Rou Lan is all right." Huo Jicheng's eyes flashed a little light Wu, said: "You are avenging for Han Zhang."
Han Wuji said no more, slipped a dagger from his sleeve, and with a light wave, cut Huo Jicheng's throat. When the rampant man's life came to an end, his eyes were still filled with grievances and gnashing anger.
Han Wuji took out a jade bottle and poured the powder inside on Huo Jicheng's body. After a frightening sizzling sound, Huo Jicheng's body turned into a pool of water, leaving only clothes, shoes, socks and some odds and ends. , Han Wuji said lightly: "Shanzi, Qu Huang, you have put away your things, we should go too."
When Han Wuji took the two teenagers to clear all the clues, and soon after setting the farmhouse on fire and leaving, Wen Ziyan also rushed here. She had already discovered that someone was covering up Huo Jicheng's whereabouts and made a lot of fake traces. She was led astray, but she finally found out Huo Jicheng's true whereabouts by pulling the cocoon. Unfortunately, she came a step late and only found a charred body. There was an inexplicable cold light in her eyes, and she checked the corpse since then. Because it came in time, most of the corpses had not been burned, but the face was already charred. Wen Ziyan smiled coldly, this corpse knew just by looking at its siblings that it was not a martial arts practitioner. Huo Jicheng wanted Jin Chan to escape, but it was up to him whether he agreed or not.