On the outskirts of Songhai City, the Mohist stronghold.
Master Ban stood next to a large table, looking down at the tabletop.
There is a huge map on the table. Looking at the ink marks and patterns on it, you can tell that this is a detailed topographic map around Songhai, and it should be newly drawn recently.
Xue Nu and Gao Jianli opened the door and walked in.
Master Ben raised his head when he heard the sound, "What, what's the news?"
Gao Jianli nodded, "Taizhi sent a message, he has locked the East Patrol Team."
"Oh, then it seems that the news from the farmer's side is quite reliable." Master Ban said with a smile while stroking his beard.
As the snow girl walked to the map, she reminded, "The source of information from the farmer is the most critical."
"On this point, we have to wait for the response from the farmer's side." Master Ban waved to the two of them, "Let's not mention those things for now. Old man, I have chosen a few places that I feel are more suitable. You can also give them some advice. See if there are any.
No good ideas."
The two looked at the map, and there were several small flags on it, marking several points.
These locations are basically west of Songhai City, the distance is moderate, and the terrain is suitable for ambush.
There is no doubt that Master Ban was choosing a suitable location to ambush the Eastern Patrol Team.
Snow Girl was the first to veto the easternmost locations, "These locations are relatively close to Songhai City. I think it's best not to consider them if it's not necessary."
Gao Jianli nodded, "Axue is right."
Master Ban did not object. He also did not think that those locations were suitable enough and were just alternatives. Those locations were not suitable, but they were very suitable for an ambush and were the only way for the Eastern Patrol Team to enter Songhai.
road.
"In this case, these places can be ignored." Master Ban followed up and rejected several places on the west side.
Gao Jianli nodded and agreed, "These places are not the only way to enter Songhai. They are too scattered and the terrain is not particularly suitable. It is really not feasible."
Although they have now focused on the east patrol convoy and can obtain their real-time location, for ambush, real-time location is not the only important thing, the convoy's route is also critical.
Because the Mo family needs to make arrangements in advance, they can't wait for the fleet to be in place and then mobilize manpower at the last minute.
Master Ban will mark several locations that are too close to Songhai because they are the only way to pass by. There is no need to consider whether the convoy will pass by. He only needs to calculate when the convoy will pass by.
Once you get away from Songhai, the route will become more complicated and the number of roads you can take will increase.
Several positions on the west side were rejected because each of them was possible for the east patrol team, and the probability of each one was not high.
Only these locations in the middle are at a moderate distance. Although most of them are not necessary routes, the probability of the fleet passing by is relatively high, and the location is relatively compact, making it easier to arrange manpower.
Master Ban stretched out his hand and drew a circle around the suitable area, "Looking at it now, this area is more suitable."
"Old man, this is what I value more!"
Master Ban reached out and clicked on one of the places. Xue Nu and Gao Jianli looked at that location and nodded.
This position was also important to both of them at a glance.
This place is not only one of the few that is still on the only way to enter Songhai, but it is also a small valley, perfect for an ambush.
The location is not too close to Songhai City, so it will neither alarm the city nor make it convenient for the convoy to call for help.
"In this case, let's tentatively decide here. If the situation changes, we will discuss it separately." Master Ban finalized the matter and left it as such for the time being.
As for whether there will be changes later...the three of them are actually inclined to believe that there will be.
Because no matter what they do during this period, there always seems to be accidents.
Moreover, the imperial court also has the ability to create surprises at any time.
For example, they chose a road that the convoy must pass this time. It seems to be foolproof, but it is possible that the court will arrange for someone to temporarily open a road.
Ordinary carriages have relatively high requirements for driving roads. Otherwise, the carriage will be damaged due to poor road conditions, and the people sitting in the carriage will also suffer serious consequences.
However, the carriages of the Eastern Patrol Team are all specially made by the Gongshu family, and their ability to withstand pressure and shock absorption is fully maximized. Although they cannot go off-road, they can still travel on ordinary dirt roads.
Some places that were originally inaccessible, such as those blocked by woods, are not difficult to open. In this way, a brand new 'road' can be opened in a short time, exclusively for the east patrol team.
If this is really the case, the Mo family will be in big trouble.
But...there's nothing much to say.
Assassinating the emperor is the biggest trouble in the world.
………………
After Genie's last visit, the General's Mansion once again welcomed a rare guest.
However, unlike Ge Nie who sneaked in through the wall, this one was upright. He handed in his greeting card two days in advance and then came to visit on time.
In Songhai City, the only people who would take the initiative to seek out Gu Xun, dare to take the initiative to seek out Gu Xun, and would seek out Gu Xun in such a polite manner were the only people from the Confucian Xiaoshengxian Village.
This visitor was none other than Fu Nian, the head of the Three Great Masters of Qilu and the head of Confucianism.
They handed over the greeting card seriously, so Gu Xun didn't want to be too negligent. He went to the gate of the General's Mansion to greet Fu Nian in person, and then led him to the other courtyard where he lived.
We exchanged pleasantries on the way, then went into the house and poured some tea. After everyone sat down, Gu Xun was too lazy to talk nonsense and went straight to the point, and asked first:
"Mr. Fu Nian is here today. What are you doing for me?"
"To be honest, I have something to ask."
Seeing that Gu Xun was so straightforward, Fu Nian did not hide anything and said frankly, "I want to ask about Mr. Fusu."
"Oh..." Gu Xun was stunned for a moment, and then he figured out the key, and nodded suddenly, "It seems that Mr. Fu Nian is also because of the turmoil in the court these days."
"But with your wisdom, it's not difficult to see that this is actually useless, right?"
Fu Nian nodded, "It doesn't make much sense to request the recall of His Highness Fusu on the grounds of military merit."
"But it's really time to find a way to deal with His Highness Fusu's matter."
"It seems that Xiaoshengxian Village really hopes that Fusu can inherit the throne." Hearing this, Gu Xun took a sip of tea and replied with a smile.
Fu Nian did not hide anything, nodded and replied, "No matter what you consider, His Highness Fusu is the best choice for the crown prince."
"If he continues to be relegated to the outside world, I am afraid that the people within the court will be unstable and the situation will be unstable."
Establishing a throne is a very important issue, related to the stability of the government and the opposition.
Although the emperor originally did not appoint a crown prince, everyone believed that the eldest son Fusu was the only candidate, so it was almost like he had a crown prince.
But Fusu was demoted, which meant that the originally stable position of prince was once again in uncertainty, and anyone could take it.
Fu Nian was anxious, firstly because the court really needed a prince, and secondly because he was worried that the position of prince would really fall to someone else.
As long as this position is uncertain, it will be almost his when Fusu comes back. But once it is determined, it will be difficult to take it back even if Fusu comes back.
Gu Xun calmly continued to drink two sips of tea before replying slowly, "I understand Mr. Fu Nian's worries. I'm afraid the reason why you came to me directly is because you don't understand why I didn't do anything."
Fu Nian nodded, "I do have some doubts in my heart."
"You are confused because you don't understand the emperor." Gu Xun replied calmly, "He has no intention of establishing a heir apparent. It's the same wherever Fusu is."
"In other words, being in Xianyang is not as good as being in Beidi. At least there is Mengtian in Beidi and quicksand to protect him."
Fu Nian fell into silence.
If what Gu Xun said is true and the emperor has no intention of making Fusu the crown prince, then Fusu might really be worse off in the government than in the opposition.
Fu Nian also knows the story of Shen Sheng dying inside and Chong Er living peacefully outside.
"But... the position of the crown prince has been undecided for a long time, and the current situation of the court..." Fu Nian said with some confusion and dissatisfaction.
The establishment of a heir apparent has been a major event since ancient times, and what Ying Zheng did was outrageous in Fu Nian's opinion.
The throne must always be passed on to one's own son. Even if he doesn't like Fusu, the prince can still appoint someone else!
What's the point of holding it in all this time?
"The emperor has a dream of immortality. If he doesn't wake up from the dream, how can he admit that he will die?" Gu Xun replied with a smile.
"It seems that Fu Nian was reckless." Fu Nian sighed and stopped worrying about this issue.
In the empire, all problems have solutions, but the problem of the emperor has no solution.
Since it is an unsolvable problem, there is nothing to say.
Fu Nian has no choice. It depends on whether Gu Xun, as Fusu's teacher, can make a difference.
"Sorry for disturbing you today, Fu Nian said goodbye." Without further delay, Fu Nian stood up and said goodbye.
………………
While Gu Xun and Fu Nian were discussing the Fusu issue, Zhao Gao, who was in the Eastern Patrol Team, also welcomed his visitor.
Of course, he did not consider the visitors to be guests, but only considered them to be his subordinates, or even just slaves.
When meeting 'Tian Yan', of course Zhao Gao would not meet him in the motorcade. Instead, while the team was resting, he led his men to a deep forest a few miles away from the motorcade.
He took the people to get into position, and 'Tian Yan' also appeared at the right time.
As the leader of Luowang, Zhao Gao must not lose his dignity when meeting the Luowang killer.
Like last time, Six Sword Slave specially brought over a luxurious and large armchair.
Zhao Gao slumped lazily on the chair, behind him were Six Sword Slaves with different looks and postures.
Seeing a scene that was very similar to the last time they met, 'Tian Yan' walked closer step by step with a smile on his face, carrying his sword, and then raised his hand and bowed:
"Zuluo, I have met Lord Zhao Gao."
"Hmph!" Zhao Gao's soft and cold voice sounded, and he let out a muffled groan, and then said in a neutral tone, "So you are still the one who caught the trap, which surprised me."
Faced with Zhao Gao's strange aura, 'Tian Yan' calmly replied, "Sir, you are joking."
"Are you kidding?" Zhao Gao replied with a smile, "If it's not a joke, according to the rules of Luowang, what will be the consequences of disobeying orders?"
Zhao Gao ordered Tian Yan not to continue to use the network to find out the emperor's intelligence, but she still didn't stop, even after receiving the order letter from him.
According to the rules of the net, there is no other punishment than death!
'Tian Yan' remained calm and calm, "I just want to make sure that the order really comes from you, my lord, so as not to be deceived."
"Hmph!" Zhao Gao sneered, raised his hand and waved it casually, "You don't have to say such empty words to me."
"Next time, Luowang won't tolerate it!"
"Thank you for your understanding, sir." 'Tian Yan' didn't insist on arguing. Seeing that Zhao Gao was willing to relent, he immediately surrendered.
"Also, stop all your current actions!" Zhao Gao then ordered.
"I have promised the Zhu family, the master of Shennong Hall, about this matter, and I really can't refuse halfway." On this issue, 'Tian Yan' could not let go easily.
"That's your business." Zhao Gao ignored her explanation and fully demonstrated Luo Wang's principles of doing things - only looking for results, not the process.
"This matter is related to my subordinate's further control of the Sixth Hall of the Farm. I really can't give up. I hope you will give me your support." 'Tian Yan' could only continue to bite his tongue and not let go.
"I said, that's your business!" Zhao Gao emphasized his tone, but also did not give in even half a point.
Now, both of them are stretching.
‘Tian Yan’ must persist and show Zhao Gao in a subtle way that he is indeed determined to support the implementation of the Qinglong Plan.
Zhao Gao must order 'Tian Yan' to stop, and he cannot show any support for the peasant family in this matter - this matter refers to 'Tian Yan' snooping on the emperor's intelligence, and is not directly related to the Qinglong Project.
As for the Qinglong Project, they couldn't mention it directly. As long as Zhao Gao mentioned it, he had to stop it, otherwise he might get into trouble in the future.
Of course, it won't work if both parties keep stretching, as the thread will break sooner or later.
Someone still needs to make concessions, and this person can only be 'Tian Yan' - Zhao Gao's status and mentality do not allow him to make concessions to his subordinates.
‘Tian Yan’ clearly understood this, so he was prepared from the beginning.
The two argued back and forth several times.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Zhao Gao just said one sentence - I don't care, you have to stop.
‘Tian Yan’ explained from various angles that he could not give up and why he could not give up.
In the end, both sides fell into silence.
The atmosphere gradually became deadlocked, and then ‘Tian Yan’ spoke again to break the silence:
"I can continue to investigate information without using the power of the net, but the farmer cannot stop!"
"I have to complete the deal with the Zhu family."
"I'm only asking about the snare, the farmer...that's your business." "Tian Yan" relented, and Zhao Gao's answer also changed accordingly.
The two of them didn't mention the Qinglong Project during the whole process, so even though they both knew that this plan was behind it, the only content on the surface was that the peasants were spying on the emperor's intelligence.
Zhao Gao has the responsibility and obligation to ensure that the net will not leak the emperor's top secret information, but what the farmer wants to investigate is not under his control or responsible.
Even if the Qinglong Project turns out to be a big deal and the court investigates it, Zhao Gao will at most be found guilty of negligence, which is of no concern at all.
At this point, although the Qinglong Project matter has not been dealt with in any substantial way, Zhao Gao has already begun to leave.
The Six Sword Slaves directly carried the chair and carried the person away with it.
Before leaving, Zhao Gao gave one final ‘exhortation’, “Remember, if you disobey me again, the only one who can come to see me is your head!”
‘Tian Yan’ was not surprised by Zhao Gao’s sudden departure and watched him leave calmly.
The purpose of this meeting is to test attitudes. As for what to do next and how to do it, they cannot say it clearly - although it seems that they are not very clear about this meeting.
Although Zhao Gao's attitude was more ambiguous, 'Tian Yan' judged that he was most likely willing to wade into this muddy water, otherwise his attitude towards him would have been tougher and more ruthless.
