The Grandmaster Strategist

On the evening of September 22nd, Pingyuan Town, fifteen miles away from the Hunting Palace, had become the main camp of King Qin's army. Now all the roads to the outside of the Hunting Palace had been cut off. King Yong sat in the temporary commander's tent and was filled with emotion. He never expected to get out of trouble like this. On the way here, he had already asked Qin Yong, Xiahou Yuanfeng and others about the whole story. Although they didn't know some things clearly, Li Zhi still understood most of the story.

When he left Jiang Zhe behind, Li Zhi actually didn't have high hopes. Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhe actually turned the tide. When he heard that Xiahou Yuanfeng had brought Jiao Zhao and his father's secret decree to Qin Yong's camp, Li Zhi He already found it incredible, and what shocked him even more was that when Qin Yong was still hesitant about correcting the imperial edict and the secret decree, Zhang Jinxiong, the chief guard of the prince's bodyguard who was escorting and monitoring Xiahou Yuanfeng, actually took out General Qin's token. In order to mobilize Qin Yong's troops, Jiang Zhe actually used triple insurance, and the people mobilized actually included people close to the prince. This incident not only made Qin Yong and Xiahou Yuanfeng more and more disappointed the more they thought about it, but even Li Zhi felt that Jiang Zhe Zhe does have unpredictable opportunities.

Especially when he summoned Xiahou Yuanfeng alone, Xiahou Yuanfeng did not hide anything. He told how he guessed that Jiang Zhe was hiding in Hanxiang Garden, how he went to capture Jiang Zhe alone out of selfish motives, and how he was controlled by Jiang Zhe who risked his life. Li Zhi couldn't help but listen. He admired and marveled, and at the same time he had a better impression of Xiahou Yuanfeng. Although this person was a bit sinister and wavering, his vision was far-reaching. If used well, he could be a helping hand. Therefore, he comforted Xiahou Yuanfeng.

Li Zhi also commended Zhang Jinxiong for his achievements and made it clear that he would no longer pursue Kongtong's past mistakes. However, Zhang Jinxiong did not stay. He claimed that he only betrayed the prince because he could not stand the actions of the prince and Fengyimen, but was unwilling to participate. An attack on the old master, so he asked to leave. Li Zhi admired his loyal character and wrote a warrant to Zhang Jinxiong, allowing him to leave freely.

Qin Yong also came to apologize in person, saying that rescue arrived late because of his hesitation, and asked King Yong to punish him, but Li Zhi did not blame Qin Yong. In King Yong's mind, since Qin Yi's troops were only loyal to the imperial court, if Qin Yong easily leaned towards him and came to the rescue without getting his life, although he would feel grateful at the moment, he would be worried about similar situations in the future. Qin Yong will make a big mistake because of his wrong judgment. From this point of view, although Qin Yong was too cautious, he was a good candidate to defend the capital. Therefore, Li Zhi not only comforted him with gentle words, but also personally rewarded Qin Yong with a sword, which made Qin Yong burst into tears of gratitude.

After a tense military discussion, Li Zhi ordered Xiahou Yuanfeng to sneak into the hunting palace with some masters to reinforce Xiaoshuang Palace, and then the army plowed the court to sweep holes, cooperated internally and externally, and quelled the rebellion in one fell swoop. The one who followed Xiahou Yuanfeng into the hunting palace was Xiao Shunzi, which really troubled Xiahou Yuanfeng. When Xiahou Yuanfeng went to the Qin camp to deliver the edict, in order to prevent the news from being exposed, he first delivered the edict in front of all the generals, and then showed the secret edict to Qin Yong privately. So he was almost beaten to death by Xiao Shunzi who came after hearing the news. That's all. When Xiao Shunzi asked about Hanxiang Garden and heard that he slapped Jiang Zhe, he kept a cold face and looked at him with murderous intent. With all this going on, Xiahou Yuanfeng couldn't help but shed a cold sweat. At this moment, he really couldn't believe that he had ever thought of taking Xiao Shunzi under his command.

The night had just darkened, and Xiahou Yuanfeng led a dozen night travelers with high martial arts skills to approach a corner of the hunting palace, which was very close to the Jade Lin Palace where the prince lived. The people guarding here were the guards and forbidden troops controlled by Xiahou Yuanfeng, so after Xiahou Yuanfeng appeared, these people easily entered the hunting palace. Then Xiahou Yuanfeng ordered them to bring some forbidden army uniforms, and everyone changed into them. After that, he followed Xiahou Yuanfeng to cover up towards Xiaoshuang Palace. But when passing by Hanxiang Garden, as expected by Xiahou Yuanfeng, Xiao Shunzi insisted on meeting Jiang Zhe first. Xiahou Yuanfeng had already prepared. He felt that Hanxiang Garden was very close to Xiaoshuang Palace, and if he went to Xiaoshuang Palace now, it would easily alarm Fengyi Sect. It would be better to wait until Li Zhi's army arrived before taking action. So he agreed.

After everyone entered Hanxiang Garden, others went to the side hall to rest first, while Xiao Shunzi and Xiahou Yuanfeng went to the princess's bedroom. Naturally, Xiao Shunzi was the first to break into the princess's palace, but when Xiahou Yuanfeng followed, he saw Xiao Shunzi looking at him angrily. Xiahou Yuanfeng looked around, but could not see Master Jiang Zhe. The servant couldn't help being startled, but then he thought about it and said with a smile: "Maybe Master Jiang has gone elsewhere, Master Li, don't worry too much."

Xiao Shunzi felt that what he said made sense, and his expression gradually calmed down. But then he heard someone approaching gently, and his heart moved. After a while, someone gently pushed the door open. When Xiao Shunzi saw Dong Que, he couldn't help but feel happy and asked, "Where is the young master? Is he okay?"

Dong Que lowered his head with a guilty conscience and did not dare to speak. At this time, both Xiao Shunzi and Xiahou Yuanfeng trembled in their hearts. Xiahou Yuanfeng knew that if he couldn't get the antidote, all the glory and wealth would be of no use, so he quickly asked: "What happened to Mr. Jiang?"

Dong Que said helplessly: "The prince has been kidnapped by the people of His Highness King Qi." This news shocked the two of them like a thunderbolt from the blue. Both Xiao Shunzi and Xiahou Yuanfeng were quick-thinking and asked at the same time: "The prince has not fallen into the trap." In the hands of Fengyimen, right?" Dong Que quickly replied: "No, I have been monitoring him for a long time. The prince is still with King Qi, so the prince must not know." The two of them felt at ease. Xiahou Yuanfeng glanced at Dong Que suspiciously, wondering why he wasn't with him. Xiao Shunzi knew the reason. He said coldly: "I want to go to Xuanhua Garden first."

Xiahou Yuanfeng stopped him and said, "His Royal Highness King Qi and His Highness the Crown Prince are not of the same mind. If King Yong's army arrives, King Qi will never dare to harm Mr. Jiang. If Mr. Li goes now, King Qi may use Mr. Jiang to blackmail Mr. Li. "

Xiao Shunzi also knew this, but Jiang Zhe was in the hands of King Qi. He was worried that King Qi would eventually use Jiang Zhe as a hostage to blackmail King Yong, so he said nothing, but his firm eyes showed his unwillingness to compromise.

Xiahou Yuanfeng had a headache. At this time, Dong Que whispered: "The young master's condition has worsened after Mr. Young Master, it is better to wait until King Yong arrives, the overall situation has been decided, and I think King Qi will not be ignorant."

Xiao Shunzi's expression gradually calmed down, but the look he looked at Xiahou Yuanfeng became colder and colder. Xiahou Yuanfeng didn't understand what he was thinking. He was blaming himself for aggravating Jiang Zhe's condition, but he could only smile bitterly. . After a while, Xiao Shunzi sighed to himself. He was frozen three feet, and it was not cold in a day. Jiang Zhe's condition was not serious because of Xiahou Yuanfeng's palm. After thinking about it, he looked out the window silently, waiting for the opportunity to start. Sir, I hope you are safe and sound.

At dawn, according to the predetermined plan, Xiahou Yuanfeng and others quietly concealed themselves towards Xiaoshuang Palace, which is the most heavily defended place in the hunting palace. When approaching Xiaoshuang Palace, Xiahou Yuanfeng asked others to hide, and he took the lead. Walking towards the palace gate, the guards guarding the gate were on alert. After a few gestures, Xiahou Yuanfeng had vaguely seen the white clothes of the Fengyi Gate female swordsman. He deliberately said arrogantly: "I am Xiahou Yuanfeng, the deputy general manager of the palace. I have come to see your majesty on the order of the prince. I can't pass the news quickly." Several forbidden soldiers did not dare to neglect. They knew that Xiahou Yuanfeng was the They are the prince's party. No matter what, the prince will always be the future emperor, so they naturally dare not offend him. Not long after, Li Hanyou walked out of it. She looked a little troubled. There was still no news of King Yong's arrest for such a long time, so she was naturally very uneasy. Seeing Xiahou Yuanfeng, she said coldly: "Master Xiahou, didn't you go to deliver the order? Why are you here late at night? What's the matter?"

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled mysteriously and said: "I have to ask you now. Although Miss Wen is good at martial arts, she still failed to catch King Yong. On the contrary, I was lucky. Now King Yong's head has been examined by the prince. The prince Let me come and report this to His Majesty."

Li Hanyou said doubtfully: "If what you said is true, why didn't the prince come to report to the emperor in person? Instead, he asked you to come. I haven't seen where the head is?"

Xiahou Yuanfeng looked around and whispered: "Princess, you are confused now. We all know what is going on. If the prince comes to see your majesty now with the head of King Yong, Your Majesty did something inappropriate in his anger, and it is not good for this to spread. Although the official has a humble position, he has been accompanying you all year round, and he is familiar with the emperor's temperament. Mr. Young Master asked me to come and talk to your Majesty first, and wait until Your Majesty is angry and has calmed down. The prince will come to see you in person again. Princess, please don't say anything. No one knows about this matter now. I didn't even let the troops who captured King Yong come over. They will wait until your Majesty agrees to abdicate. Only then will the news of King Yong’s death be announced to the world.”

Li Hanyou frowned and said, "Why, have you seen Mr. Lu?"

Xiahou Yuanfeng sneered: "Princess, I'm not blaming you. In any case, we are all in the same boat. Before the birds are gone, does the princess want to hide the good bow? I don't want to embarrass your noble family, so Master Lu has not been released, but I want to have a few words with Master Lu, and even Princess Xiao cannot unreasonably obstruct it."

Li Hanyou's eyes flashed with a cold light. Although he hated Lu Jingzhong, he had to say that this was a very safe method. But look at the two guards behind Xiahou Yuanfeng who were standing respectfully with their heads lowered. Li Hanyou said: "You can go in, but these two guards can't."

Xiahou Yuanfeng's face changed and he said: "That's not okay. To be blunt, now that King Yong is dead, we are all on the prince's ship, but who knows when you are going to unload the mill and kill the donkey. These two guards of mine are My close personal guards are not inferior to my subordinates in martial arts. Without their protection, I would not dare to enter the Xiaoshuang Palace."

Li Hanyou mistakenly thought that the two guards were dead soldiers of the Yuezong, so she hid her head and tail. Of course, this was also the result of Xiahou Yuanfeng deliberately misleading her, so she said sarcastically: "You are more cautious, that's all. I am just being more careful. Will you do anything unjust? You go in, and you have to say it first. If you want to do something evil, I won't let you go. Now that I, Senior Sister Yan, and Senior Sister Xie are inside, the three of you can't turn it over. What a big wave. By the way, where is Wei Ying, is he still patrolling?"

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled and said: "No matter what he does, the son of a dignified prime minister insists on competing with us for credit. He is usually sanctimonious, but I don't like him."

Li Hanyou frowned and said, "You are too narrow-minded. Isn't it because Wei Ying has deceived you? You will all be officials in the same court from now on, so it's best not to have a falling out."

Xiahou Yuanfeng smiled coldly and said casually: "As ordered." Li Hanyou saw that he was smiling but not smiling, and there was a sarcastic look on his handsome face. He just thought he was jealous and stopped talking. He said: "Okay, you go in. Your Majesty and the others are resting in the Nuan Pavilion in the main hall of Xiaoshuang Palace. We are not allowed to enter the main hall. You can go and see them yourself."

After entering the Xiaoshuang Palace, Xiahou Yuanfeng breathed a sigh of relief. He looked around in a circle. The guards were very tight. At the door of the West Side Palace, a gorgeous woman with a sword in her hand was looking at him there. Come, Xiahou Yuanfeng knew that the woman was Yan Wushuang, because she was not good at riding, and because she did not follow Zi Yan to chase King Yong, but came here to help Li Hanyou. He smiled slightly and nodded to Yan Wushuang. Yan Wushuang frowned slightly and returned to the side hall. Xiahou Yuanfeng then walked to the door of the main hall, knocked on the door and said, "I, Xiahou Yuanfeng, would like to see your Majesty."

In addition to the Golden Palace in the front, the main hall of Xiaoshuang Palace also has six warm pavilions at the back. Now Yong Emperor Li Yuan and others are resting inside. Only the guards, Qin Yi and Cheng Shu take turns guarding the Golden Palace. This is to prevent rebellion. attack. Hearing Xiahou Yuanfeng's voice, Cheng Shu, who was in charge of the night watch, frowned. If it were Qin Yi, he might have told Xiahou Yuanfeng to come back after dawn with a straight face. However, Cheng Shu's temperament was the most unpredictable. There was no point in offending Xiahou Yuanfeng for no reason now, so he walked to the door of the palace and asked the guard guarding the door to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Cheng Shu saw Xiahou Yuanfeng and two guards with their heads lowered behind him. He was about to say that only Xiahou Yuanfeng would be allowed in. One of the guards raised his head slightly. Cheng Shu was stunned and immediately woke up. Come over and say coldly: "Come in, if you want to use two of your men to cause trouble, I, Old Cheng, will not let you off lightly, you are a rebellious minister who has failed the emperor's favor."

Xiahou Yuanfeng and the others entered the main hall, and the door was closed again. Cheng Shu wanted to speak, but after all, he had weathered the storm for a long time, so he said: "The emperor is still resting, and there is no etiquette to say between kings and ministers now. You guys can come in with me." After that, he led Xiahou Yuanfeng and the others back. Go. Although the guards were a little strange, they didn't ask any more questions.

The outside of the Nuan Pavilion where the emperor was resting was heavily guarded. Concubine Changsun, Yan Guifei and Princess Changle were resting in another Nuan Pavilion. As soon as Cheng Shu led Xiahou Yuanfeng and the others to the door of the Nuan Pavilion, the guards looked at them with vigilant eyes. Xiahou Yuanfeng, they all know that Xiahou Yuanfeng is from the prince's lineage. At this time, the Nuange door opened, and Leng Chuan came out, with hostility in his eyes. He said coldly: "The emperor asked what happened."

The guard standing on the right side behind Xiahou Yuanfeng raised his head, took off his hat, and said: "Li Shun of Prince Yong's Palace has been ordered by His Highness to come to pay his respects to His Majesty."

Leng Chuan's eyes lit up and he said, "Are you Evil Shadow Li Shun?" This handsome young man's eyes were as cold as ice and his voice was soft, which fit the image of Evil Shadow Li Shun. However, he still looked at Cheng Shu with questioning eyes. And Qin Yi came from Nuange next door. The two of them looked at Li Shun for a moment, and both nodded in the affirmative.

After Leng Chuan went in for a while, he came out and said, "Your Majesty has summoned Li Shun, Xiahou Yuanfeng, the general and Wei Guogong."

Li Shun and Xiahou Yuanfeng walked in. Emperor Yong Li Yuan had been anxious for the past two days and looked even older. In order to prevent accidents, he slept with his clothes on. At this moment, he was sitting on the dragon bed, his eyes were hopeful and he said: "Zhi How is your son doing now?"

Li Shun had been in the Nanchu Palace for many years, so he naturally knew the etiquette. He stepped forward and knelt down and said: "Slave Li Shun, on the order of His Highness King Yong, came to say hello. Now His Highness King Yong has joined General Qin Yong to pursue His Highness. The rebels have all been put to death. Your Highness’s camp is in Ping’an Town, and troops will be sent out to hunt for the palace today. However, Your Highness is worried about His Majesty’s safety, so he sent a special servant to report.”

Li Yuanlong was overjoyed. The dark clouds in the sky finally began to disperse. He couldn't help but jump out of bed, turned around on the ground a few times, and said, "Xiahou, what's the matter with you? How come you brought King Yong's messenger here."

Xiahou Yuanfeng was not stupid enough to tell the truth, and said: "Your Majesty, I have a good relationship with the prince just because the prince is the prince and has no intention of betrayal, so the prince sent his ministers with fake edicts to mobilize the troops under General Qin Yong's command. While riding the horse, I also took with me His Majesty's secret decree given by King Yong's Sima Jiang Zhejiang. General Qin Yong was loyal and immediately sent troops to rescue His Highness King Yong. After seeing His Highness, I was ordered to sneak back to the hunting palace to respond internally. ." Although his words are not entirely true, since he has made great achievements, naturally no one will expose him.

Li Yuan smiled and nodded. He had been worried about the coup for a long time. Now that the matter was decided, he couldn't help but think about how Yongwang Sima Jiangzhe could ask for his seal through Changle. Could it be that there was a rumor in the former palace that Changle was in love with that man? It really doesn't work, but let's not say that the man is a surrendered minister of Southern Chu, and his identity is incompatible with Changle, and it is said that this man is extremely weak. Although Jiang Zhe has made great achievements this time, and it is necessary to grant him a marriage, he is frail and sick, so how can he bring happiness to Changle? I will reward him in other ways. I forgive him and he does not dare to violate etiquette and ask me for help. Marry the princess as your wife.

The plan in mind was decided, Li Yuan ordered to wake up everyone, and they all went to the main hall to wait for King Yong's army. Xiahou Yuanfeng even discussed with Leng Chuan and found a weak point that could allow several outside masters to sneak in. Shunzi and Lengchuan took action together, restrained more than a dozen forbidden troops, and introduced the reinforcements that came in with them. Although this is very risky, King Yong is about to launch, so he doesn't care about it. After temporarily hiding these people behind the palace, Xiahou Yuanfeng quickly went to deal with the people in Fengyi's sect who had become suspicious.

Concubine Ji's face was as frosty as she stood in front of the palace door and insisted on going in. She had been in the palace for many years and was used to intrigues. When she heard Yan Wushuang talking about this matter, although she thought it was reasonable, she was very suspicious of Wen Ziyan. She would let Xiahou Yuanfeng take advantage, and with the mentality that she would rather kill the wrong person than let him go, she came to the main hall to inspect. Qin Yi and Cheng Shu blocked the door of the palace and did not allow her to enter. Although they said that the emperor did not want to see her, Ji Xia was determined to see Li Yuan and Xiahou Yuanfeng. For her, if Xiahou Yuanfeng is telling the truth, then the most she will do is offend Xiahou Yuanfeng, and she does not take the people of the Demon Sect lightly. If there is fraud, then she may be able to save the overall situation. . So her words became more and more intense, and Li Hanyou, Yan Wushuang, and Xie Xiaotong were all summoned by her. Although the three of them may not agree with Ji Xia's views, the same hatred makes them at least not oppose Ji Xia's decision.

At this moment, the trumpet sounded outside the hunting palace, and King Yong's army arrived. Within an hour, under the cover of night, the army stopped and quietly sneaked into the hunting palace, because the people in the hunting palace were loyal to Fengyi Sect. There were not many people there, so Fengyimen had no choice but to give up patrolling the perimeter, and King Yong ordered all the troops to have their men wear titles, pick their bells from their horses, and wrap their hooves in thick cloth, and arrived outside the hunting palace at dawn. No one in the palace has noticed yet. King Yong waited until the first ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, then ordered the horn to sound and launched a massive attack. The imperial army in the hunting palace was full of doubts and had no fighting spirit, but the army brought by King Yong had a clear purpose and invaded the hunting palace in an instant.