Xiang Shaolong and others boarded the fleet of boats sent by Xiaopan and sailed upstream to Xianyang, eliminating the hardship of the journey.
Ji Yanran, Zhao Zhi, Zhou Wei and Lu Daner came with the ship, which made Xiang Shaolong, Wu Guo and Jing Jun overjoyed.
Wu Tingfang, a loving mother who loved her son as much as her son, wanted to stay with Xiang Baoer at home, so she did not come with her. Naturally, the Tian sisters also had to stay.
Everyone talked about their separation.
During the dinner in the cabin, Xiang Shaolong asked about Qin Qing. Ji Yanran looked gloomy and said: "Mrs. Huayang passed away last month. Sister Qing came back with a letter saying that she would observe her filial piety for one year and take care of her family business. For the time being,
I can’t go back to Xianyang.”
Just as he and Jing Jun were whispering to each other, Lu Dan'er, who was talking to me, said proudly: "Brother 3 hasn't thanked me yet. If I, Lu Dan'er, hadn't pestered the prince so much that he couldn't refuse this trip, how would you be able to hug a talented girl on your left and your sister on the right?
?”
Everyone smiled when they saw that she was a woman but still had the innocent look of a young girl.
Zhou Wei sighed: "Since you went on the expedition, we need not say anything. In fact, the whole Xianyang is worried to death from top to bottom. People on the street have lost their smiles, fearing that the combined army will attack the city. Until the good news came, the whole city
Overjoyed, everyone rushed to the streets, sang and danced all night, and kept shouting the names of the prince and Lord Xiang. They were even more convinced that it was the black dragon protecting us that led to this miraculous victory."
Everyone was deeply honored and moved.
Lu Daner suddenly pointed his finger at Huan, and said as an elder sister: "You are going back to Xianyang today, so you should get married. I have my own arrangements for this matter. All you have to do is listen to my instructions."
Wu Guo lost his voice and said, "If you listen to Mrs. Jing's arrangement, wouldn't it be a blind marriage?"
It immediately caused a roar of laughter.
When Lu Dan'er glared at Wu Guo, Ji Yanran said: "I heard that Lu Buwei heard the news of your victory and couldn't eat for three days. Three days before our departure, he led his people to the newly established Dongjun.
, but we suspect that he has other plans, maybe to meet Cheng Qiao, Du Bi and others."
Teng Yi asked: "What is the relationship between Lu Buwei and Miao Du now?"
Lu Dan'er rushed to answer: "There's nothing wrong with the two of them. At the wedding banquet of Guan Zhongxie and Lu Niangrong, they were still close, talking and laughing, but the people below were fighting with each other. Now the guards are
They are obviously divided into two factions, one is Guan Zhongxie and Xu Shang, and the other is Han Jie. And Xu Shang and Han Jie are quarreling over Yang Yu from Zui Feng Tower, and they are noisy."
Turning to Xiang Shaolong, he said: "Chang Pingjun asked me to tell you first that he will hold a separate celebration banquet for you at Zui Feng Tower."
Huan was most concerned about the reinforcements he had trained and asked about the situation of the Meng brothers and Xiao Wang Ben.
Zhao Zhidao said: "Xiao Ben was promoted to general by the prince and sent to Eastern Xinjiang to help the king. That Li Mu is really powerful. He won every battle. If it were not for the king's general's command, I am afraid that all the four counties in the east would have fallen."
Teng Yi asked about Meng Ao, and Ji Yanran sighed: "He fell ill after being recalled to Xianyang. Lu Buwei, a ruthless and unjust person, was very cold to him. Now Lu Buwei is vigorously cultivating Guan Zhongxie, Xu Shang, Zhao Pu and Lian Jiao
, recently sent Guan Zhongxie, Zhao Pu and others to attack South Korea, and I heard they even occupied a city."
Xiang Shaolong has a headache. Lu Buwei has always been powerful, and now he has colluded with Shang Chengqiao and others, making it even more difficult to deal with. Guan Zhongxie is a talented man in both civil and military affairs. If he becomes another Meng Ao and rebels in the future,
The disaster will be more severe.
After everyone talked for a while, everyone went back to their cabins to rest.
The two girls happily waited on Xiang Shaoneng to bathe and change clothes. When they got to the couch, Ji Yanran whispered: "The Queen Mother has gone to Yongdu again, accompanied by Du and Mao Jiao. Can your husband guess what happened?"
Xiang Shaolong said in shock: "Is she happy again?"
This is the second child born for poison.
When Ji Yanran nodded silently, Zhao Zhi hugged him from behind and said affectionately: "Mr. Xiang, we miss you very hard."
The talented girl Ji in front immediately blushed and gave him a charming look.
After coming down, everyone knew what was going to happen.
When Xiang Shaolong and others landed at the pier beside the Wei River outside Xianyang City, the band played welcoming music, while Xiaopan, Changping Jun and other civil and military officials had been waiting on the shore for a long time.
On the way back to the palace, people lined the streets cheering and cheering, setting off firecrackers and fireworks, and every household decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. The atmosphere was blazing, boiling with the gratitude and enthusiasm of the Qin people.
The names of the Crown Prince and Xiang Shaolong were called endlessly.
Under the leadership of Xiaopan, everyone first went to the Zu Temple to pay homage to the ancestors of the Qin Dynasty, and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. Then they announced that a state banquet would be held that night and the three troops would be rewarded at the same time.
Xiaopan then held a meeting with Xiang Shaolong in the inner court, and Xiaopan's three other confidants Wang Ling, Li Si and Changping Jun were also present.
Xiaopan was nominally nineteen years old at this time, but actually twenty-one years old. He was already a fully grown adult man.
Although he is half a head shorter than Xiang Shaolong, he is still tall and tall by ordinary people's standards. And because of his broad eyebrows, thick back, calm confidence, and unpredictable eyes, he has the power to dominate the world.
Teach people to be submissive and willing to sacrifice their lives for him.
He was just sitting casually, but his imposing demeanor was enough to make people have the urge to kneel down and worship.
After everyone congratulated Xiang Shaolong again, Xiaopan said happily: "Does Xiang Qing prefer people to call you Taifu or General?"
Everyone burst out laughing.
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said, "It would be more pleasant to Tai Tu's ears."
Xiaopan shook his head and sighed: "Don't be arrogant when you win. I am afraid that our Great Qin only has the Tutor. This battle has laid the foundation for our Great Qin to unify the world, and it has saved great face for us. Now no one dares to say anything behind our backs."
I treat my master too well."
Lord Changping smiled and said, "Lü Buwei had already made a big fuss about the prince's kindness to Han Chuang. The prince only replied that it was absolutely not the case, and blocked Lu Buwei's quarrel. If someone asks someone the next day, Shaolong can also answer with this famous sentence.
"
Xiang Shaolong felt warm in his heart.
Xiaopan said: "This is just a trivial matter. Even if Han Chuang is let go, how much this person can do is enough to show that the Taifu is not a ruthless and unjust person like Lu Buwei. But if he gets Li Mu in the future, the Taifu will
Never let him go."
Xiang Shaolong's heart sank when he thought that he might meet the most respectable and terrifying Li Mu on the battlefield.
Wang Ling knew his intention and said with a smile: "This should not happen for the time being. Now Li Mu is moving to attack Qi. Not only did he repel the Qi soldiers who wanted to take the opportunity to seize Zhao's land, he also captured Qi's Rao'an.
The king can take a breath. Li Mu is indeed powerful. If this person is not eliminated for a day, he will eventually become the biggest obstacle to our eastward advance."
Li Sidao: "This time Shaolong shows off his great power. Even if Sun Wu comes back to life, I'm afraid he won't be able to win this battle more clearly and beautifully."
After Xiang Shaolong made concessions, he thought: "Now that the prince's power has been greatly enhanced, it's time to call Wang Jian back."
Changping Jun said: "The Crown Prince has this intention, so he is planning to send the two brothers Meng Wu and Meng Tian to fight in Wei State. Once they have gained experience, they can succeed Wang Jian. If they act rashly at this time, they may have the power to guard the border.
The important position will fall into the hands of Lu Buwei and Du."
Xiaopan lowered his voice and said: "Meng Ao is very ill now. When I went to visit him the day before yesterday, he said some words of praise for the Taifu, and he seemed to be quite regretful."
Xiang Shaolong then told what happened when Meng Ao asked him to take care of Brother Meng Wu.
Xiaopan became excited and said: "When the Queen Mother comes back, I will make the Taifu a marquis. The Taifu's power cannot be lower than that of Lu Buwei."
Seeing that there were outsiders present, Xiang Shaolong couldn't say no, so he calmly agreed.
There are still three years until the big day of Xiaopan's coronation ceremony. I just hope that before that day comes, I don't have to face Li Mu on the battlefield. Thank God.
After escaping, Xiang Shaolong returned to Wu Mansion with three hours left before the state banquet.
The outside of Wu Mansion was crowded with people from the neighborhood who welcomed him. As soon as he entered the gate, firecrackers roared in the square, filling the festive atmosphere.
Wu Yingyuan personally led his clan members to greet him. He grabbed Xiang Shaolong's hand and said excitedly: "Our Wu family has finally given birth to a famous general who is powerful in this world. I am so happy that I don't know what to say."
Xiang Baoer covered his ears and rushed into his arms.
Then sisters Wu Tingfang and Tian rushed over, crying and laughing.
Feeling pain and coaxing, Xiang Shaolong embraced his wife, maid, and beloved child, and entered the house. He first paid homage to the ancestors of the Wu family, bathed and changed clothes, and then went to the hall to accept the congratulations of his clan members.
Ji Yanran, Zhao Zhi, Shanlan, Lu Dan'er and others put on their fancy clothes and went out to greet relatives and friends.
Teng Yi, Huan, Zhao Da and others all came back, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Because of Zhou Liang's meritorious service as the Eagle King, his status in the Wu family was very different. The Eagle King became a more prominent protagonist than Xiang Shaolong, and the children all gathered around him to point out and praise him.
Wu Tingfang hung around Xiang Shaolong, acting coquettishly and coquettishly. Although his beloved wife was over twenty years old, her appearance and demeanor were still as charming as the girl she was when they first met her.
Xiang Shaolong found an opportunity and discussed with Teng Yi: "I am going to propose to the prince to resign from the position of commander of the cavalry. From now on, I will have to rely on my second brother."
Teng Yi smiled and said: "Third brother, you should know that I am not interested in an official career. I don't think it would be better for Xiaojun to take over, supplemented by Wu Guo and Zhao Da, and at the same time, we can promote two more people."
Xiang Shaolong said: "Then Zhou Liang and Wu Yan can also place the other iron guards in the capital cavalry, so they don't have to follow us back to the pasture to have nothing to do and play in the wilderness."
Teng Yi nodded in agreement, and the matter was decided.
At this time, Wu Yingyuan came over, pulled the two of them to a corner and said, "I just came back from outside the Great Wall last month. Your sworn brother Wang Jian is indeed a fierce general with both wisdom and courage. Even the Huns are no match for him."
After a pause, he said: "The Huns have always been invincible in the North Fortress. All men, women and children are good at riding and shooting. They are brave and fierce, come and go like the wind, and endure the bitter cold. Who knew that they were defeated by Li Mu first, and then suffered a heavy defeat by your fourth brother?"
.Now that Uzhuo has established a mountain city near Lake Baikal, the weak ethnic groups nearby that have always been bullied by the Huns have come to rely on them. It would be best to mobilize another thousand of our soldiers to increase our strength and be more sure of development."
Xiang and Teng both nodded in agreement and looked yearning.
Only in your own country and home can you have true freedom and happiness.
That night, a celebration banquet was hosted by Xiaopan in the palace, and all residents in the city received free food and wine.
To Xiaopan, Xiang Shaolong's victory with the stick was like winning a battle himself, and he was extremely satisfied and happy.
Xiang Shaolong naturally became the protagonist of the banquet, with cups and cups flowing. Halfway through the banquet, he was so drunk that he fell unconscious and didn't even know how to leave. When he woke up the next day, he found himself sleeping on the dragon couch of the future Qin Shihuang.
It turns out that Xiaopan insisted on treating her like this.
Ji Yanran and others stayed in the palace, waiting for him to get up.
When Xiaopan came back, he had lunch with Xiang Shaolong and others, and it felt like a cordial family reunion.
Xiang Shaolong proposed to Xiaopan that Jing Jun should be the commander of the cavalry, and Wu Guo, Zhou Liang, and Zhao Da should be the deputy. Xiaopan agreed and said with a smile: "It's just a cavalry commander. It really shouldn't be from above."
General and leader."
Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity and proposed that he would like to return to the ranch and live a peaceful life. Although Xiaopan was unwilling, he had no choice but to agree.
After the meal, Xiang Shaolong led his wife and children back to Wu Mansion, took a nap, and woke up feeling refreshed.
Ji Yanran's three darling wives and the Rishi sisters were sitting by the couch chatting about daily life. They were talking about Xiang Baoer's interesting things, and they were very happy. His heart melted when he heard it, and he felt sweet and warm.
Compared to the coldness and cruelty of war, this is really a warm and affectionate paradise.
When the girls saw him waking up, they hurriedly waited for him to get up.
Ji Yanran whispered in his ear: "Butler Tu asked you to meet at your old place in the evening. Mr. Changping has booked a private room at Zuifeng Tower tonight and asked you to go to the banquet tonight. Alas, Mr. Changping, don't you know that you are back?
Don’t you still have time to spend time with your wife and children at home?”
Wu Tingfang, who was standing next to her, said with a smile: "If you don't come back tonight, Fang'er won't go to bed to sleep."
Xiang Shaolong almost made a vow to leave early and come back early before the two girls returned to celebrate.
A long separation is better than a new marriage. When the Tian sisters helped him take a bath, Xiang Shaoneng carried Wu Tingfang into the bathhouse and comforted his wife and maid with practical actions.
After playing with Xiang Baoer for a while, he "went out on patrol incognito" and went to the meeting place first.
After meeting in the secret nest, Tu exchanged a few words and then turned to the main topic: "Shaolong showed great power on this trip and repelled the five-nation coalition. It also disrupted Lu Buwei's deployment and formation. At the same time, Meng Ao was seriously ill.
He had to change his strategy. Now he not only colludes with Du Bi, Pu and others, but also tries to win over the poisonous people in order to make a desperate struggle."
After a pause, he continued: "This old thief has completely given up on the prince. He knows that the day when the prince is crowned will be the day of his defeat, so he will definitely make a desperate move and rebel before that day. This must be guarded against."
.”
Xiang Shaolong frowned and said, "Now that the Crown Prince's authority is increasing day by day, Du will not trust him easily. What tricks can Thief Lu do?"
Tu Xian sighed: "If it's beneficial, then we can cooperate. The problem is that Poison also wants to rebel. You must know that Poison is actually a rogue and a rogue fanatic who is unswervingly evil. Although he is favored by Zhu Ji, in the hearts of Qin people, he is just a domestic slave."
Apart from someone with ulterior motives like Lu Buwei, who else would be willing to rely on and support Xingchen, who has taken on the guise of an eunuch. Under such circumstances, it is not impossible for the two of them to work together again. Of course, their relationship will not last long.
I think the day the rebellion succeeds will be the time for them to break up."
Xiang Shaolong said distressedly: "Will Zhu Ji really sit back and watch the poisonous conspiracy to overthrow her son?"
Tu Xian sighed: "Zhu Ji has been deeply addicted, and the poison has special methods for women. Zhu Ji is also greedy for a moment of love and happiness, and a combination of circumstances has made the poison more and more powerful, forming cliques for personal gain. Young Master
After Long went on the expedition, Po took the position of one of the ministers and took an active part in all the affairs. He also called himself the 'false father', which shows his true intentions."
Xiang Shaolong laughed hoarsely and said: "Fake father? What a shame he could figure it out. First it was Lu Buwei, and then it was poison. Didn't he think that if he wanted to ride on the king's head, it would only lead to death?"
Tu Xian hissed: "How many people like Shaolong know how to retire after success and avoid the end of death and being cooked by lackeys. I heard Tao Gong said that the day when the prince is crowned is the time when you retreat to the north of the Great Wall. I don't know if you are willing to do so.
Do you want me to lead the clan and be attached to Shaolong Jiwei?"
Xiang Shaolong said sternly: "Being able to ride with Manager Tu on the Mobei prairie is something Shaolong has never dreamed of."
Tu Xian moved his hand and shook his hand tightly, and was speechless for a moment.
When Xiang Shaolong asked about the situation in Zhongfu's house, Tu Xian said: "I almost forgot one thing. Two swordsmen came to Qi recently, both of them are disciples of Jixia swordsman Cao Qiudao, one is Ren Qianli, and the other is Ren Qianli.
The other one, Fang Yong, seldom appears in public and has a mysterious attitude. If I guessed correctly, they should be the masters Tian Dan sent to Xianyang at Lu Buwei's request to prepare to assassinate Shaolong if necessary."
Xiang Shaolong was surprised: "If that's the case, how could they let Brother Tu know their identities?"
Tu Xian laughed and said: "It's all because I spread my wires widely and eavesdropped on the private conversations between Xu Shang and them, and I was able to guess Tian Dan's side based on this. Now the two people Lu Tian hates the most are Shaolong, even if
If it’s not for profit, I’d rather go to Shaolong and get there quickly.”
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said: "Are there not many people who want to kill me? Yes, then is Xu Shang competing with Han Jie for Yang Yu? Isn't it possible that Lu's beauty struggle is being continued by them?"
Tu Xian snorted coldly: "What's there to argue about? Lu Buwei has strictly ordered Xu Shang not to compete with Han Jie. That's why I knew that Lu Buwei wanted to collude with poison. Humph, Han Jie became more and more arrogant after he became an official.
He would hurt people at the slightest disagreement, and because of his poisonous backing, the prince did not dare to do anything to him. But now Han Jie lost interest in Yang Yu again, because a beauty came to Zui Feng Tower who was even more beautiful than Shan Meimei. This woman
It’s true that I felt pity for him, and he also stated that he was not selling his body as an artist, so that man didn’t want to get it easy.”
Xiang Shaolong lost his voice and said, "Is there really such a thing as selling one's art without selling one's body? Who can protect her?"
Tu Xian said: "Her name as 'Linglong Yan' Fengfei can keep her innocent. But it was a coincidence that she came just three days before Shaolong returned to Xianyang. Now she has caused a stir among the ministers.
There was a huge commotion, and everyone rushed to Zui Feng Tower."
Xiang Shaolong frowned and said, "Brother Tu, are you implying that she is here to deal with me?"
Tu Xian sighed: "Fengfei is one of the three most famous concubines. She is highly respected by the powerful people of all countries. She was originally a princess of the Song Dynasty. She fell into the world for some reason. It is said that not many people can instigate her, but she is wary of others.
It’s indispensable, Shaolong should be careful. Now in the six eastern countries, the person they want to kill the most is Shaolong.”
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "The problem is that I am going to Zuifeng Tower tonight. I hope those bad friends didn't choose her to accompany me."
Tu Xian smiled and said: "If she is willing to come to accompany you for drinks, Shaolong must be even more careful, because she has been in Xianyang for so long and has yet to agree to anyone to accompany her for drinks."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly for a while and groaned: "Beautiful women have that kind of magic power. Although we men know that the other person is not well-intentioned, no matter what, we always want to find other benefits in them, forgetting that they may just be beautiful.
, really harbors evil intentions.”
Tu Xian smiled and said: "You will understand if you have seen Feng Fei. She must be beautiful both inside and outside, with a blue and bright mind, or she will become an enemy with ulterior motives just because of her different stances. Fortunately, Shaolong is very fond of beauty.
She has always been very determined, but even if Feng Fei has a conspiracy, it will be useless."
After talking for a few more words, the two said goodbye.
Xiang Shaolong suddenly wanted to visit Meng Ao, who was seriously ill, but because he had to attend Lord Changping's banquet, he had to put the matter off until tomorrow.