Xiang Shaolong walked out from behind the screen like a dragon, knelt on the ground from a distance, and said in a deep voice: "The minister of subjugation, Wan Ruiguang, deserves death for his crime. Please forgive me, the Queen Mother."
Li Yanyan looked at him coldly and said calmly: "Raise your head."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly happy in his heart. He raised his head and looked deeply into her eyes, with a generous look that looked forward to death.
Li Yanyan's beautiful eyes shot out a sharp light, and she said solemnly: "Now if I ask you a question, just answer it. If you hesitate for a moment, I will immediately call someone in, push you out and kill you. Don't deceive me as a female.
The Ai family has been learning the art of riding, archery and swordsmanship since they were young, so a few people can’t even think of getting close to me.”
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that it was no wonder you were so bold, and he sighed and said: "If the Queen Mother had just beheaded me, how could I say anything about Uncle Taiguo without his permission.
"
Li Yanyan said displeasedly: "Who is in charge of our affairs now?"
Xiang Shaolong knew not to go too far and said sadly: "I, Wan Ruiguang, am just a minister of the subjugated country. If I return to Shouchun this time, there is no hope of survival. I can only die trying to do my best for the country. I am already satisfied."
Li Yanyan said angrily: "Do you want to die? I taught you that you can't live, but you can't die. I also assigned you a crime of intending to harm the Ai family, so that you will harm your relatives."
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said: "In the final analysis, it turns out that they want to destroy my banker, so I, Wan Ruiguang, just accept my fate."
He didn't mean to argue with her, but the situation at hand was complicated, and the relationship between Li Yuan and Li Yanyan was even more puzzling. If she surrendered and betrayed Li Yuan, she would definitely feel contempt in her heart. Why not give her a try?
The more sympathetic the banker is, the better the deal will be.
Li Yanyan stared at him fiercely, her face suddenly clearing and darkening, obviously she couldn't make up her mind about this majestic and handsome man who was full of heroic spirit and unafraid of death.
When Xiang Shaolong saw that he was good, he stopped, kowtowed three times on the ground, and said: "This is to thank the Queen Mother for protecting my banker just now. If the Queen Mother has changed her mind now, I will still be very grateful. I only hope that
If I can quell the Queen Mother's anger with one death, I hope the Queen Mother will raise her noble hand and let go of Zhuang Jiao's remaining incense."
After saying this, he quickly took two steps back, knelt down again, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
Li Yanyan shouted: "Wait a minute."
Of course, Xiang Shaolong would not get himself into trouble. If Li Yanyan didn't stop, he would have no choice but to break through the window behind him, escape back to the Zhuang Mansion at the highest altitude, and then try to escape with his life.
At this time, he secretly screamed that he was in danger, with a sword across his neck like a film mirror, and said with a wry smile: "What else does the Queen Mother have to say?"
Li Yanyan sighed and said: "Put the sword back into its sheath first, then sit down in front of me."
Without saying a word, Xiang Shaolong returned the sword to its scabbard, moved ten steps in front of her and sat down comfortably, his expression neither arrogant nor humble.
The most important hero of this era, one has to decide whether Xiang Shaolong is a hero or not. But because he comes from the 21st century where everyone is equal, although he follows the locals and follows the etiquette, he naturally shows a fear of no one.
He has a courage that is not afraid of anything, which gives him a unique and high-spirited feeling.
After Li Yanyan looked at him for a while, she sighed quietly: "Did brother ever instruct you to assassinate Lord Chun Shen?"
This time it was Xiang Shaolong's turn to be shocked. He didn't expect that Li Yanyan was so smart that Li Yuan asked him to hide behind the screen and eavesdrop, and also deliberately spoke ill of Chun Shenjun, so he came to such a conclusion.
Pretending to be deep in thought, he said, "Uncle Taiguo may have this intention, but he has not yet officially told me about it."
Xiang Shaolong vaguely felt that Guo Xiuer had figured out his identity, but he didn't know where the flaw was. He felt a headache, but he felt happy in his heart and returned the favor: "Please forgive me for the offence, Mrs. Taiguo."
"
Guo Xiuer shouted to the four maids behind her: "Why don't you go and see if the Queen Mother is gone?"
It was rare for the four maids to see this gentle and elegant lady speak so harshly. Although she muttered that she didn't know where this person came from, she still hurriedly accepted the order.
Guo Xiuer said softly: "General, are you leaving? Let me give the general a ride."
Leading the way, he arrived at the back door and said to the two guards guarding the back door: "Let me call a carriage for General Wan."
One of them went as ordered. Guo Xiuer made an excuse and dismissed the other guard. When only two people were left, she whispered: "Xiang Shaolong, I miss you so much. Why are you here? Is it right?
Where’s the husband who wants to deal with Xiu’er?”
Only then did Xiang Shaolong really know that she had seen through his disguise and sighed: "How did you know that I am Xiang Shaolong?"
Guo Xiuer whispered: "When I put my hand on your chest just now, I touched the phoenix-shaped jade pendant. I have played with it since I was a child. Of course I am very happy to recognize Xiuer. You have really been hanging it."
Only then did Xiang Shaolong suddenly realize.
Bu Xiu'er said quietly: "Can Shaolong let Xiu'er's husband go?"
Xiang Shaolong was moved in his heart. If Guo Xiuer wanted him to die, all he had to do was cry out and he would be finished. However, even though she guessed that he was here to assassinate Li Yuan, she still refused to do so. She just begged for mercy. This shows that she was determined to do so.
No matter what, I refuse to betray myself.
Can't help but ask: "Does he love you?"
Guo Xiuer nodded affirmatively, then sighed: "What's the use? He has too many women."
Of course Xiang Shaolong knew that Li Yuan was enjoying himself, so he said seriously: "Don't worry, Xiu'er, I'm definitely not here just for him."
After the carriage drove away, Guo Xiuer returned to the hospital in a state of despair.
As soon as the carriage drove out of the palace gate, two riders flew over. One of them, Xiang Shaolong, recognized him as the elegant and elegant Dongluzi. This man had once made a big splash in the competition field in Handan. He and the other swordsman Lou Wuxin were Li Yuan's subordinates.
The two most famous masters.
Dongluzi respectfully reined in his horse and said hello, "Uncle Taiguo is waiting for Lord Wan at the red building. Let me lead the way."
Another man had already ordered the charioteer to change the route. Xiang Shaolong laughed and said, "Why lead the way? Isn't the car heading there? This strong man has a great name."
Dongluzi was a little embarrassed. They were used to this unscrupulous style in Shouchun, so they gave him a dry cough and gave him a name.
At this time, the sound of hoofbeats sounded, and a group of more than 20 knights came towards them. The leader was about 20 years old, wearing a noble warrior uniform, with a rough face and a strong body. It was obvious at a glance that he was a brave man.
Senior, his eyes were fixed on Dongluzi, and he immediately shot out two rays of cold light, looking excited.
When Dong Luzi saw this young man, he snorted coldly and said to Xiang Shaolong in a low voice: "Master Wan, this is Huang Zhan, the seventh son of Lord Chun Shen. He is brave and fierce. He is one of the best in riding, archery and swordsmanship in Shouchun."
My uncle Taiguo once issued a strict order forbidding us to offend him. If he is disrespectful in his words, please forgive me."
When Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that he was an aristocratic bully from Shouchun, Huang Zhan was already blocking the way in front, spreading away from people and actually cutting off the traffic on the entire road.
Dongluzi saluted and said, "Dongluzi wishes Mr. Huang a greeting."
Huang Zhan groaned, rode out on horseback, came to Dongluzi, and glanced at Xiang Shaolong arrogantly.
Dongluzi hurriedly said: "This is General Wan Ruiguang from the Dian Kingdom. He has just arrived in Shouchun."
Huang Zhan perked up and said with a smile: "It turned out to be Wan Ruiguang who kicked Li Chuangwen out of the door. Why don't we change places and let Huang Zhan learn from others, so as not to be ridiculed by outsiders? I have no one in Shouchun."
Xiang Shaolong was amused in his heart. It turned out that this person was just trying to show off his force and was brave and foolhardy. No wonder Li Yuanhui became powerful.
Dongluzi said in a deep voice: "Master Huang..."
Huang Zhan interrupted him mercilessly and said, "I'll let you talk to the dog slave."
Dongluzi lowered his head and said nothing, but it was obvious that he was furious in his heart.
Huang Zhan stared at Xiang Shaolong with disdain and mocked: "Isn't General Wan timid?"
Xiang Shaolong smiled slightly and said: "Young Master Huang has promoted me, and I will not be so arrogant that I can live without anyone in Shouchun. However, the sword in my hand is only used to defeat enemies on the battlefield, or to defend the country and the countryside. I should understand that.
This is the reason."
Huang Zhan's expression changed: "Are you laughing at me for not knowing how to kill the enemy on the battlefield?"
At this time, Xiang Shaolong knew more clearly that he was just a brave and ruthless person, and said calmly: "Master Huang, if you are interested, you can choose a date for a public competition. However, this matter must first obtain the consent of your Majesty. Master, please"
These words were both soft and hard, making it clear that I am not afraid of you. Huang Zhan had never met such a powerful person before. After being stunned for a long time, he shouted: "This is settled. It's best that the surnamed Wan doesn't back down when the time comes."
Xiang Shaolong looked up to the sky and laughed loudly: "Young master, don't worry, being able to compete with masters is exactly what I, Wan Ruiguang, have been dreaming of."
Hearing the pride and confidence in his laughter, Huang Zhan was startled, turned to Dongluzi and said: "Little Zhuer from Fanghua Pavilion is my Huang Zhan, Dongluzi, you'd better not do it in the future.
Go there again.”
After saying this, he roared deafly and led the others on horseback. At this time, the streets were lined up with carriages and horses on both sides.
Dong Luzi stared at Huang Zhan's back with a malicious expression. When they turned onto another street, he took a deep breath and said, "I really hope General Wan can kill this kid with one sword."
Shouchun was the place where Xiang Shaolong came to this era and had the most places for singing and dancing. It was just the most prosperous one adjacent to Fanglie Avenue in the inner city named after the God of Dionysus. There were hundreds of large and small prostitutes' villages, song stages and dances.
The Xiehe Tavern is privately owned, so its prosperity can be seen.
According to Dongluzi, most of the singers came from conquered countries, among which Yue girls were the most valuable. The "source" could be "purchased" directly from places that had been exploited by the Chu royal family for a long time, or they could be purchased from the government.
The captured slaves of the subjugated country, just thinking about the situation, Xiang Shaolong shook his head and sighed.
The Red Building is one of the largest singing and dancing buildings in Shouchun, and the other two are Shenvzhai and Fanglie Pavilion, which Huang Zhan warned Dongluzi not to go to.
The Red Building is a group of courtyards surrounded by high walls. There are seven or eight courtyards scattered in the garden. The main building is two stories high. Looking behind the window, you can see the dense palaces and the splendid Chu Palace and the Chu Palace not far away.
The inner city wall, river protection and Ying Garden, a famous garden resort in Shouchun, are located in the center of the garden. Ying Lake is like a mirror embedded in the trees, with a pleasant scenery. The Dian Prince's Mansion where Xiang Shaolong lived is at the east end of Ying Garden.
Under the guidance of Dong Luzi, Xiang Shaolong climbed to the second floor of the main building. Four beautiful maids in colorful clothes knelt down to greet them, handed them two basins of water, and waited on them to wash their hands and wipe their faces. This kind of pomp was indeed unmatched by the Three Jin Dynasties and Qiang Qin Dynasty.
.
The person in charge was a fat man named Shu Qi. This man was a first-rate flatterer, so rare that he was just right. Even Xiang Shaolong felt that he needed to be rewarded in order to feel at ease.
Li Yuan was drinking in one of the rooms on the side of Ying Garden. He was accompanied by two former defeated generals under Teng Yi, Lou Wuxin and Yan Fu. When he saw Xiang Shaolong coming and invited him to sit down, his expression changed.
She said solemnly: "Did the Queen Mother find Brother Wan hiding behind the screen?"
Xiang Shaolong thought in his mind and knew that he had to make a decision whether to buy Li Yuan or Li Yanyan.
He sighed and said: "The Queen Mother has a strict order not to tell me what happened, but I, Wan Ruiguang, am not afraid of death. Uncle Taiguo has been so dedicated to our banker. Yes, the Queen Mother does not know how to do it.
You will know that I am hiding behind the screen."
He finally decided to buy Li Yuan. The reason is funny. It was because Li Yanyan was kind-hearted. He had offended her and there was still room for change. However, Li Yuan was an out-and-out traitor. If he knew that he was lying, he would be punished.
Big is not good.
Li Yuan said happily: "Brother Wan thinks so highly of me, I, Li Yuan, will naturally try my best to protect Brother Wan. Brother Wan can rest assured. Hey, guess why she knew you were hiding behind the screen? It was an afterthought for me."
Xiang Shaolong really didn’t know, he scratched his head and said: “Uncle Taiguo, please tell me the whole story.”
Li Yuandao: "There are two reasons. First, she knew from the guard that Brother Wan and I were drinking and talking, and secondly, there were footprints on the ground. When the Queen Mother asked me to leave, I looked back and saw that the footprints on the ground were from deep to deep.
If you look slightly towards the screen, you will find a flaw."
Xiang Shaolong secretly said that he was in danger. If he pretended that the Queen Mother was just staying there for a while and then left, Li Yuan would have to see through his lie on the spot.
Li Yuan smiled and said: "Brother Wan, Li Yuan gives you a toast."
Lou Wuxin, Yanfu, Dongluzi and others all raised their glasses.
After drinking for three rounds, Xiang Shaolong took the initiative and said: "The Queen Mother seemed to know that Uncle Taiguo deliberately asked about our country's affairs to let me know who was blocking the restoration of our country. She also reprimanded me sternly.
It’s Dun.”
Li Yuanruo said nonchalantly: "Brother Wan, please tell me the whole process of meeting with the Queen Mother, word for word. This matter is very important, and there must be no hidden omissions."
Xiang Shaolong immediately told everything, giving a half-truth and half-false description. The most critical points, such as Li Yanyan seeing through Li Yuan's words and asking Xiang Shaolong to assassinate Chun Shenjun, naturally had to be concealed.
.
After Li Yuan frowned and thought for a moment, he repeatedly asked for other details. After forcing Xiang Shaolong to tell him that he even drew his sword and killed himself, he said with a strange expression: "I know the character of my Queen Mother sister best, and I rarely tell others so much.
The strangest thing is that Brother Wan was not punished at all."
Turning to the others: "What do you think?"
Lou Wuxin and the other three people all looked strange, but they did not dare to say what they were thinking.
Li Yuan clapped his hands and said angrily: "I'll tell you what you say. Can't I guess it? I just want to confirm it with you."
Lou Wuxin lowered his head and said respectfully: "After all, the Queen Mother is still a woman, maybe...hey, you understand what I mean."
Li Yuan glanced at Xiang Shaolong and laughed: "Look at them, as men, they are so hesitant when talking about women. Isn't it ridiculous?"
At this time, it was Xiang Shaolong's turn to wonder. Could it be that he had guessed wrong? If Li Yuan had an unethical relationship with this beautiful girl, he would be more or less jealous if she fell in love with a second man. But
It doesn't make sense to see him so happy now.
Li Yuan raised his glass and said, "Let's have another drink."
Xiang Shaolong raised a glass to everyone in confusion.
Li Yuan put down the cup, his eyes flashed with awe-inspiring brilliance, and he said with a longing expression: "I, the Queen Mother, finally couldn't bear the loneliness and fell in love with Brother Wan. This kind of thing between men and women is the most difficult to explain, but it's just the truth
This is indeed the case, there is hope for Brother Wan to return to the country this time."
Xiang Shaolong secretly cursed in his heart, earlier he wanted to be a murderer, but this time he wanted to be a gigolo and a male prostitute. He shook his head and said: "Uncle Taiguo misunderstood, the Queen Mother only cares about our banker's affairs, so she and
I said a few more words, so I let you go, and I shouldn't get involved in matters between men and women."
Li Yuan said excitedly... "Of course this may be just an empty joy. But I will use words to test her. I know her very well. She can hide it from anyone, but she can never hide it from me."
Xiang Shaolong said seriously: "Uncle Taiguo wants me, Wan Ruiguang, to pick up the sword and kill the enemy. I will never frown, but..."
Li Yuan interrupted him and said: "You are indeed a good man. But has Brother Wan ever thought that if you want to achieve great things, you must not only not stick to small details, but also do everything possible? Otherwise, Brother Wan would not have to come to Shouchun and would just go back."
Dian Kingdom. See if you can kill all the traitors with the sword in your hand."
Xiang Shaolong was at a loss for words, and at the same time he was confused and said: "I have something unclear. After all, Li Ling is still a member of the Li clan of Taiguo uncle. Why did Chun Shen Jun want to protect him, but Taiguo uncle did not?"
How to deal with him?"
Li Yuan sighed, gestured to Yanfu and said, "Yanfu, please tell me."
Yan Fu said solemnly: "General Wan doesn't know something. Even within the Li clan, there are different parties. The most powerful one is of course our uncle, and the other party is headed by his uncle Tai Zhu Li Quan.
He is in charge of all sacrificial matters in the country, and has recently been colluding with the prime minister, Chun Shenjun. Li Ling and Li Chuangwen both belong to their party, so they are at odds with the uncle."
Only then did Xiang Shaolong understand.
On the surface, Chun Shenjun and Li Yuan seemed to be harmonious, but secretly they were secretly fighting fiercely. Chun Shen Jun then attracted the forces hostile to Li Yuan in the Li clan to attack Li Yuan. It was for this original prisoner that Chun Shen Jun
Shen Jun changed his position from supporting Zhuang's restoration of the country to opposing and sabotaging it. In the end, no one is a good person.
In this case, Li Yanyan naturally becomes the most critical figure. Whoever can gain her support will win in the end.
The most powerful positions in the Chu court are, of course, Chun Shenjun, the right prime minister, and Li Yuan, the left prime minister, followed by Taizhu, Taizong, Taizheng and Taishi. Among the last four, Taizhu, who is also in charge of law, has the most power.
Xiang Guo and Tai Zhu join forces, no wonder Li Yuanhui is at a disadvantage.
From this point of view, Li Yuan did not have any intention of restoring the country to the Zhuang family, because after the restoration of the country, the Zhuang family would become Li Yuan's confidant force, which could not only help him stabilize other vassal states, but also greatly increase his power.
, overwhelm other opposing forces.
Li Yuandao: "The Queen Mother's intention to invite Princess Dian and the Crown Prince to the palace this time was actually Li Quan's idea. Although the superficial reason is high-sounding, in fact she just doesn't want you to contact other vassal states and reach a secret agreement, which is not conducive to Li Ling.
Brother Wan, do you understand now?"
Xiang Shaolong pretended to be grateful and said with tears: "Thank you, Uncle Taiguo, for your guidance."
Li Yuan pondered for a while and then continued: "I will push this matter to the Queen Mother. The matter of Chun Shenjun can be put aside for the time being. The most important thing at the moment is to find out whether the Queen Mother is interested in Brother Wan before we can make a decision.
What’s the next step?”
He stood up and said: "I will go back to the palace now and let the three of them accompany you to drink and have fun. The girls here are very beautiful, and I guarantee that Brother Wan will be satisfied."
Xiang Shaolong was interested, so he stood up and saluted, "I appreciate Uncle Taiguo's kindness. I am a minister of the subjugated country. How about having fun if you have leisure time?"
Li Yuan saw that he was not interested in anything else except the restoration of the country, so he happily said: "Then let me give Brother Wan a try first."