The Grandmaster Strategist Chapter 8: Chinese New Year Banquet


In the twenty-fourth year of the Great Emperor Yongwuwei, the emperor issued an edict to make his Majesty the Prince Andai pay tribute to the Taimiao, and be worshipped by a hundred officials in the Wenhua Hall. In February of the same year, the Yongwang wrote a letter and asked for the Fan In Youzhou, the emperor did not allow it to be replaced by his descendants. Then, the king of Yong succumbed to his illness, and the emperor allowed him.

–“Yong Shi·The Book of Emperor Taizong”

In the first year of Jiaxu in the first year of Nanchu Tongtai, Hou Lu of Zhenyuan led hundreds of officials to hold the third son of the king as the lord of the country. He changed the Yuan to Tongtai. Yao respected the king of Yang as the supreme and the concubine as the queen mother. The new lord ascended to the throne, issued a letter to the Emperor Zhenyuan, sent envoys to Da Yong, and paid tribute to become ministers.

–“The History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties·The Biography of King Chu Min”

Amidst the singing of merits and the Yinggeyan dance, New Year’s Day is here. This day is really busy. First, the Great Dynasty. The hundred officials first went to the Taiji Hall to worship Emperor Li Yuan, and then to the East Palace Wenhua Hall to worship the Prince. There is his own mansion in the imperial city, but the East Palace, which symbolizes the authority of the crown prince, has not been able to move in. It was not until this year that Li Ang officially entered the East Palace because of the support of various quarters and secured his position. When King Yong, as the head of the hundreds of officials, went to the East Palace to worship the prince, when he bowed down and bowed six times, Li An was already a veritable prince in the eyes of the world. Seeing Yong Wang Li Zhi, who had always made himself ashamed, bowed in front of him, Li An’s heart was filled with overwhelming joy.

After that, Ang Lee completed the ceremony of paying tribute to the Taimiao on behalf of the emperor. At this moment, Ang Lee was completely intoxicated in the joy of surrender.

Compared, Yong Wang Li Zhi’s expression is inevitably a little cold. The status of the monarch and minister is established, and it is no wonder that he is like this. No one thought that Li Zhi could only admire Jiang Zhe’s strategy at this time. He could see that Li Ann is already floating, and the joy that completely overwhelms him has made him almost go wrong several times, so as long as the plan is right, he can make the prince doomed. It is easy to say that he wants to get first, but it is really good to be able to devise such a bold strategy. He was courageous. Until now, Li Zhi didn’t know Jiang Zhe’s specific plans, or even figured out Jiang Zhe’s intentions. I only feel that Jiang Zhe’s plan seems to be a net of interlocking factors, and Ang Lee is the butterfly that gradually fell into the net.

After sacrificing the Taimiao, Li Yuan decree to set up a banquet in the Nectar Hall, a feast for the officials, I followed Yong Wang to the table, and the Yong Wang was naturally busy exchanging cups with the officials, Shi Yu and I were sitting In the corner, he whispered to guide the important people in the court.

Shi Yu whispered: “The chief civil officer is the Prime Minister Zhongshu Ling Wei Guan. He is the emperor’s arm support. Back then, the emperor and Emperor Yong were both fighting abroad, and the prince supervised the country. But the actual government affairs Relying on his strength to preside, he is a man with a deep mind and knows the way of the emperor, so he has been in the center for many years, and he has been honored and favored for many years. However, he has also become older in recent years, and the battle for reserve in the DPRK has been chaotic, so He is wise to protect himself and does not express his opinions much, but as far as we know, he is more inclined to the prince, because after all, he has worked with the prince for many years, but this person will not really get involved in disputes. If we succeed, he will have no objection. Opinions, the meaning of your Highness, is enough to stabilize him, but you can’t rely on him for assistance. The official in the fifth seat below him is Zheng Xia, who is loyal and daring to advise. In those days, King Qing assassinated Concubine Ji, and many people asked to kill King Qing to punish the crime of assassinating his mother. Directly admonish, said that although His Royal Highness King Qing assassinated the imperial concubine is a bit wrong, but it is also to avenge the birth mother, whether the enmity should be reported or not, and there is no reason to convict it. The emperor also apologized to King Qing, so he sent King Qing outside to the Fan. This person may be against us in the future, but His Highness said that if he can persuade him with righteousness, then this person is a rare minister. ‘

Look at Wei Guan. He looks plain, with Xingshuang on his temples. What is rare is his grace and grace, and he has the commanding attitude of a hundred officials. But Zheng Xia has big ears and looks like a cold star, but at the age of more than 30 years old, her every move carries a faint majestic aura. Just looking at these two people, they compared all the officials of Nanchu, and Dayong became the hegemon of the Central Plains, of course.

Shi Yu said again: “The one next to the prince is the young Prince Fu Lu Jingzhong. Although this person looks plain, but he is very proficient in essay writing, so he became a young Fu, but this man looks loyal and honest. Treacherous is the first counsel of the prince, and we have suffered a lot from him. ‘

I looked at Lu Jingzhong. This man is my worst enemy at the moment. His appearance is really ordinary, but his complexion is a little too fair, and his eyes are always half-open and half-closed. It seems that I cannot wake up. As he was looking at him, Lu Jingzhong seemed to be a little aware, with his eyes widened and flashing like electricity, looking at me, I quickly lowered my head and felt a cold stare flashing from me.

Shi Yu smiled back. Lu Jingzhong looked at Shi Yu and seemed relieved. He raised his glasses to respect each other from a distance. Shi Yu smiled slightly and also raised his wine glass. Both of them drank in one go.

When Lu Jingzhong looked away, I said softly: ‘This person is really extraordinary, thank you Brother Shi for helping me. ‘

Shi Yu said lightly: ‘He and I are old opponents, so he won’t pay attention to you. Look, the one who toasted to your Majesty was Wei Guogong Cheng Shu. This man once saved the emperor’s life, and his military strategy is normal, but he is a blessed general. If he wins every battle, he will be victorious, and if he is defeated, he can always retreat. To make friends, Da Yong’s arrogant soldier is the most respected or King Yong, but the closest person is Cheng Shu. If he wants to do anything, he does not need a document from the Ministry of War, just a letter, I am afraid that no one will not buy it. He valued His Royal Highness very much. He used to do a lot of maintenance and didn’t pay much to the prince. However, the emperor loved him because of the good destiny of others, so the prince could not help him. This person is also very loyal to the emperor, and it might not be possible for him to help his highness, but if his highness ascends the throne, he must be optimistic. ‘

I looked at the general who was lazy and somewhat rude, but surrounded by friendly generals. Although he had reached the age of knowing the fate, his beard was dark and there was no trace of fatigue between his expressions. Seeing him toast, Li Yuan Toasting with a smile, the emperor and his ministers were happy, and it was not an ordinary person.

Shi Yu said again:’My Da Yong army actually has four major factions. The 450,000 army under His Royal Highness King Yong is the most powerful. Many of the current military’s famous generals are under His Royal Highness, but Now they are basically guarded outside, so you didn’t see it. In addition, 200,000 Kings of Qi and 100,000 Kings of Qing. Although these troops are not as sophisticated as King Yong’s soldiers, they are also elite. Another big faction is the Qin Cheng family. The generals of Fuyuan Qin Yi and Wei Guogong Chengshu shared In charge of 150,000 forbidden army and 200,000 frontier army, in other words, they are the most trusted generals of the emperor, and they are the amulet for suppressing the princes. Now the three princes, King Qing is unable to fight for the crown, King Qi and His Royal Highness are incompatible with fire and water. With the 350,000 army of Qin Cheng, the emperor can be as stable as Mount Tai. ‘

Look at the general Qin, the head of the military commander. His appearance was gentle and handsome, his beard was gray, and he looked like a literati Confucian, but when he saw his spirit, talking and laughing, I knew that he was strong and powerful. No wonder Emperor Yong was most dependent on him. general.

At this time, Shi Yu said:’Suiyun, look, although the person is not well-known, but you have to remember that he is Zhongshu assistant Qin Wuqi. This person is only doing his duty on weekdays, but he is in Zhongshu Province. After staying for nine years, his majesty’s edicts were written by him, and you remember, Qi Wangfei Qin Zheng is his eldest daughter. ‘

I was stunned, looked at the gentle scholar, and said calmly: ‘Maybe this person is related to Fengyimen. ‘

Shi Yu smiled and said: ‘Suiyun is really shrewd. It is said that this person had been greatly favored by the master of Fengyi in his youth, so he has been grateful for the illustration. ‘

I remembered this person in my heart, and then said lightly:’I have seen everyone I want to see, and it is a worthwhile trip, Brother Shi, after the banquet is over for a while, I will take a step first. A few days after tomorrow, I want to rest well, how about you? ‘

Shi Yu’s expression is secretive and authentic: ‘I’m afraid you won’t be able to rest. Have you had a good show since the second grade? ‘

I was taken aback for a moment and looked at Shi Yu. He laughed and said: “The emperor is in good spirits this year. After the luncheon, he ordered a martial arts performance outside the Vermilion Bird Gate. All officials of the Fourth Grade or above or children of aristocratic families, and all young people under the age of 30, can sign up to participate in the performance. To win, your Majesty will reappoint the reward. I heard that there are three types of skills. The first is horse racing, the second is archery competition, and the third is a competition of fists and swords. If you get the first prize, you will be able to honor your ancestors. How can you not take a look at the grand occasion. ‘

I smiled and said: ‘So there is such a good thing, I really want to go and see it, but unfortunately I’m not good at riding and shooting martial arts, so there is no possibility to participate? ‘

Shi Yu laughed and said: “This matter has been spread a long time ago. It seems that you don’t hear anything outside the window. This time North Korean officials, large and small officials, and Chang’an people have already opened a gambling game. It has long been known to the world that General Cheng, even Wei Guogong, still sits in the village in person. His old man is the most fair. Of course, several major casinos in Chang’an have also opened gambling games. ‘

I smiled bitterly and said: ‘Although I can make injections, I’m not proficient in martial arts, riding and shooting, and I’m very strange to those who play better. ‘

Shi Yu smiled and said: ‘What are you afraid of? If you understand the people who participated in the competition, I’m afraid that if the Emperor Yong’s Mansion recognizes the second place, you don’t dare to recognize the first place. Are there three hot candidates this time? One is Wei Ying, the fourth son of Wei Xiang, who is now an officer in the bureaucratic department. It is said that he can be promoted to the assistant officer in the bureaucratic department this year. Although he is a civil servant, he is good at equestrianism. There is another BMW in Wei Xiang’s family, so he won the championship Probably the largest; one is the second son of General Fuyuan, Qin Qing. He is General Huwei of Dayong. He was taught by his own riding and shooting. He is second to none among the young generals of Dayong. The last one is Xiahou Yuanfeng, son of Xiahoulan, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites. Known as the number one beautiful man in Chang’an, and the beauty of Pan An and Song Yu, he is very strong in martial arts. Now he is the second-grade guard with a sword and the deputy chief of Ouchi. He is the emperor’s favorite guard. It is said that this man has unpredictable martial arts. The number one master among the young guards in Ouchi, whose teachings are unknown. ‘

I said lightly: ‘Da Yong Junjie is really a lot. ‘

Seeing that I was a little displeased, Shi Yu stopped inexplicably, and then thought about it, knowing that I must have remembered Nanchu Wen Tianwu, but he knew that he couldn’t talk about it, so he just changed the topic and introduced me some more Other officials.

While we were whispering, there was a low voice warning beside me. I looked up and saw that His Royal Highness Qi was walking over with a young official. Shi Yu and I quickly stood up, and Li Xian walked in front of me. Said:’The officials are celebrating a banquet, and now they are toasting to each other, why are the two talking secretly here? ‘

Shi Yu calmly said: “His Royal Highness, Jiang Sima first came to Dayong, and he is still not clear about the affairs of the court, so the minister will give him a brief introduction. Moreover, our official is a small official, how dare you be presumptuous, Master Wei, this It is Jiang Zhe and Jiang Suiyun, the new Sima of Tiance Commander’s House, Suiyun, Wei Yingwei is the number one scholar of Xinweike in the 21st year of Da Yong, and is currently a member of the staff. ‘

I watched the ceremony calmly. I saw that Wei Ying was about twenty-five and sixty years old, similar to me. This person was handsome in appearance, elegant in appearance, and in his demeanor, he had a sense of elegance, although he was rich and honorable. The children of other people are young and noble, but they are not arrogant at all, making people feel good at first sight.

Wei Ying originally heard that the king of Qi said that Jiang Zhe and Jiang Suiyun had already returned to Dayong, and now he is also in the Temple of Ganlu, so he was curious for a while and asked King Qi to introduce him. He was naturally ecstatic when he was the number one winner three years ago. But I often hear people say that if the papers are beautiful, there are still figures in the south of the Yangtze River, and the most important of them is the 16th year of Nanchu Xiande (the 17th year of the Great Yongwuwei) Dingmaoke, Jiangzhe, this humanistic talent is the best in Southern Chu. , A song “Sentiment under the Moon” is famous all over the world, and a song “Broken Time” killed the king of Shu. He has long been hailed as the number one talented man in Southern Chu. It was only after attacking Shu that he seemed to be ill, and his poems were gradually rare outside, Wei Ying once copied down the poems and articles that he could collect, and always loved it. When I saw Jiang Zhe today, Wei Yin felt well-deserved. Although this young man one or two years older than himself is a bit thin, his appearance is not as handsome as himself, but That kind of calm, gentle and indifferent temperament gave Wei Ying an emotion of sympathy.

Wei Ying stepped forward to give a salute and said: ‘For a long time, I heard that Brother Jiang is the most in love with the present. How lucky is it when I saw him today, I came to Wei Ying and met Mr. ‘

My expression moved slightly, and I didn’t think that the prime minister was really as humble as his appearance, so he replied again: “Those who are alive, don’t dare to be the gift of Master Wei. As an adult, he is the best scholar, and he is naturally extraordinary in learning. By chance, Zhe Dang asked the adults for advice. ‘

Wei Yinxi said: ‘If Brother Jiang is willing to give us some lessons and benefits, Wei Yin is grateful, and I will have time to visit later. ‘

Here we are here, you and I are humility, Li Xian can be impatient to hear, he originally wanted to be less of a literati, if Wei Ying came over, he would inevitably ridicule Jiang Zhe a few words, unexpectedly the two see each other, which is not good , He was sensitive, and immediately shouted:’Qin Qing, come here. ‘

A young general came over, and I took a closer look. The appearance of this young general was somewhat similar to Qin Yi, except that he had broad shoulders and long legs, and a handsome stature. Unlike his father, he seemed to be a Confucian general. Very familiar, smiled and said: “What is your Royal Highness looking for? ‘

The king of Qi pointed at me and said, ‘this is Jiang Zhejiang Suiyun who killed King Shu, didn’t you say you want to see and see? ‘

Qin Qing glanced at me, a hint of sarcasm flashed in his eyes, and suddenly said loudly: “In the past, Lord Jiang forced the King of Shu to death for a while, didn’t you think he would kneel and surrender today? ‘His voice was so loud that the Temple of Ganlu suddenly fell silent, all eyes were focused.

Shi Yu and Wei Yin’s faces changed, but they couldn’t help each other in full view, but I looked calmly and said loudly: “The king of Shu lost his country and lost his country. It should be the death of the king, although Zhe is the song. Sending it is also the king of Shu knowing his shame, and it has become such a good story. The Lord of Southern Chu loves his majesty and is as kind as a father and son. I have never heard of a father punishing him and his son deciding himself. Moreover, as a courtier, he was reprimanded for repeated loyalty and would be martyred to the emperor Jiabang. Since ancient times, only Qu Yuan is the only one. Not to mention that the Lord of Southern Chu is still alive. In the history of Qing dynasty, it has been forever, but let future generations regard our lord as the king of Chu, which is an insult to the emperor, and the Festival of Ministers is not my work. Moreover, if my lord is the king, wouldn’t the general regard his majesty as King Qin Hui, Qin II died, I don’t know how many generations the general hoped that Dayong would inherit? ‘

What I said, Qin Qing’s complexion was green, Wei Yin was full of exclamation, Shi Yu lowered his head and smiled, but Li Xian’s eyes were jealous and envious. Our side froze, but someone applauded loudly.

Everyone should go to the prestige, but saw that Li Yuan was applauding and applauded. They all felt relieved. King Yong was beside the emperor and smiled and said: “Qin Qing, you are at a disadvantage, Father, this is the number one in Southern Chu. The gifted Jiang Zhe, Jiang Zhe, just came to see your Majesty. ‘

I calmly stepped forward to salute, neither humble nor overbearing. Li Yuan smiled and said: “Okay, I have long heard about your talent, you can cast aside the dark, I like it very much, I heard King Yong said that you are not in good health, always I am sick in bed. If not, I would also like you to be a housekeeper in Zhongshu Province and act as my imperial court. ‘

I said indifferently: “The physique of the minister was very weak when he was young, and he contracted a disease in the army in the past. Although he recovered, the root of the disease is ~IndoMTL.com~His Royal Highness Nianchen is weak, staying beside him to support him It is the kindness of His Highness and the honor of the minister. ‘

Li Yuan was even more happy and said: ‘Okay, this is also a good story. You must not be discouraged by General Qin’s words. Do your things well. I, Da Yong, will never treat the Magi in all directions. ‘

I thank you again. Li Yuan waved me to retreat, and King Yong also said goodbye. King Yong took me to Qin Qing’s side and said: ‘General Qin, Jiang Sima, you are all young talents. Don’t have a rift. Let this king be the master and you two will reconcile. ‘

Qin Qing’s face was red and ears were red. Seeing King Yong’s persuasion, he took the opportunity to step down and apologize to me. I was also polite.

At this moment, someone behind me smiled and said: ‘Okay, finally let me see Brother Qin softened. ‘

We turned our heads and looked at it, but it was a handsome boy in brocade clothes. This boy was only 22 or 3 years old. His appearance was extremely delicate and elegant, as straight as Song Yupanan, but also a slender body, just like the wind. Yushu, the whole person looks as delicate as a statue of a jade man. This person laughed before saying a word, saying: ‘What a talent in Southern Chu, I really admire Xiahou Yuanfeng. ‘After I said, I went forward and gave a bow, I gave it back without being humble, smiling and silent.

At this time, almost all the eyes of the audience gathered. King Yong, King Qi, Wei Ying, Qin Qing, and Xiahou Yuanfeng are all figures who can attract everyone’s attention. Now standing together like this, it seems like nectar for a moment. All the light in the temple is concentrated here. What attracted the attention of the ministers was that Jiang Zhe, who stood beside these great Yong Junjie, had neither a distinguished identity, no outstanding appearance, nor a compelling demeanor, but he miraculously left deep in their hearts. The deep trace is a kind of existence like green mountains and green water, no matter how strong the light of other people is, it can’t conceal the calmness and elegance of the clear spring in the forest.


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