Danchu stood still at his original position, showing no intention of getting punished. Xiang Shaolong also sat quietly in his seat. Everyone was shouting hoarsely. Seeing this strange situation, they gradually stopped cheering and cheering, and even became completely silent.
Xiang Shaolong looked at the angry Shanrou and smiled.
When he first raised his voice, he guessed that Dan Chu would not accept the challenge.
Dan Chu did not need to take this risk. Xiang Shaolong was already so powerful without the unparalleled magic weapon and the sword of hundreds of battles. The current Xiang Shaolong made Dan Chu even more uncertain. Cao Qiudao would personally deal with Xiang Shao tomorrow.
Long, how could he take this risk?
Sure enough, Dan Chu saluted and said: "Your Majesty has issued a strict decree that no one, except Duke Cao, is allowed to compete with the general. How dare you make a mistake if you are not a general?"
There was a burst of disappointed boos from the onlookers.
Zhongsunlong, who was sitting on the other side of Tian Jian, stood up and shouted: "Who dares to disobey the king's decree?"
The crowd immediately fell silent, giving people a strange feeling about Zhongsun Long's "authority".
Shanrou said proudly: "Then the general will show off his skills."
Dan Chu looked at Tian Jian for help.
Tian Jian understood his dilemma and said with a smile: "Mrs. Rou's swordsmanship is very good. Everyone in Linzi knows it. General Dan was in a hurry just now. Now that General Shang has provided a buffer, how can he end up again? This battle is abandoned."
alright."
These words were finally appropriate, implying that Tian Bang was not Shanrou's opponent and giving Shanrou face.
Shanrou knew that in the future Master Qi would be unable to defeat him even if he opened his mouth. She glared at Xiang Shaolong fiercely and sat down disappointed.
Xiang Shaolong knew that Shanrou would not let him go, but he was not worried at all. Beating and scolding Shanrou was the joy of life.
Xie Ziyuan cast a grateful look at him.
The sword competition continued, and although there was a competition, everyone felt that it was not interesting. It ended in a hurry before noon, and the challenge to Xu Shang was abandoned.
Xiang Shaolong had lunch with Tian Jian, Tian Dan, Lu Buwei and other officials in Jixia. Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but look at Zhongsun Xuanhua and asked, "Why are all the envoys from other countries missing? Brother Xuanhua didn't invite them?"
Zhongsun Xuanhua pretended to be an old friend and answered him mysteriously: "Two days ago, the king met with envoys from various countries. Everyone had their own opinions and it was very unpleasant. So they all avoided attending today, otherwise it would be even more lively.
a little."
In this way, Xiang Shaolong realized that what he was talking about must be about joining forces to resist Qin, while Qi State still adhered to its past strategy, and of course it could not reach an agreement with the Eastern countries.
I remembered that I was the one who defeated the combined armies twice. The first time I made a secret move and let Wei Zeng return to the country. This aroused the suspicion of King Xinling of Wei and forcibly transferred him back from the battlefield, leaving all the dragons dead.
On the second trip, he personally led the army to defeat He Cong's army on the way to Xianyang, causing the defeat of He Cong's army.
In the eyes of the people from the five eastern countries, he was considered a heinous sinner. No wonder Li Yuan and other old friends turned against Xiang Shaolong.
During the dinner, Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to tell Tian Jian that tonight was Feng Fei's last farewell performance before she retired and hoped that he would announce this in public.
Tian Jiandao: "My father appreciates the eldest lady's performance the most. It would be better if he announced it."
Xiang Shaolong said: "That's even better. After I don't say congratulations tonight, I have to go back to rest in order to prepare for the battle tomorrow night. I asked the second prince to express my sincere gratitude to the king first."
Tian Jian understood and agreed to his request.
Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to resign and run away.
Returning to Tingsongyuan, the song and dance troupe has all moved to the palace, leaving only a few maidservants guarding the door, which is quiet and deserted.
Just as Xiang Shaolong was about to climb the steps of the main hall, Yao Sheng caught up from behind and said, "General, I have something important to report to you."
Only then did Xiang Shaolong wake up and had asked him to monitor Guo Kai and Han Chuang. Later, he realized that Zhongsunlong and his son were secretly colluding with these people, and Yao Sheng was sent by the Zhongsun family, so he didn't take it to heart.
.
After the two sat down in a corner, Yao Sheng said with a solemn expression: "In the past two days, envoys from the three Jin and Chu Yan countries have been meeting constantly. Among them, the most frequent ones were from the two countries of Zhao and Yan. After our investigation, the two countries
Swordsmen from all over the country entered Zicheng among the crowds of people from all over the country who came to watch the birthday celebrations."
Xiang Shaolong asked first: "Have you told Master Long and Brother Xuanhua about this?"
Yao Sheng shook his head and said: "The young master has already told me that during the period of following the general, there is no need to tell him anything, so they don't know anything about it."
Xiang Shaolong praised: "Only those of you who are familiar with the situation in Zicheng can detect the true identity of the Yanzhao swordsman."
Yao Sheng lowered his voice and said: "Xu Yize from Yan State and Guo Kai from Zhao State visited Jixiaguan together at dusk yesterday. According to the observation of those following them, they seemed to be surveying the terrain."
Xiang Shaolong was confused in his heart. Could it be that Guo Kai and others were smart enough to guess that he would slip away tomorrow, so they prepared to ambush him.
Of course, this will only happen after he passes the test with Cao Qiudao.
For the sake of national interests, everyone becomes unscrupulous. The same is true for Xu Yi. If he can pretend to be a Qi man in Qi territory and kill him, Xiang Shaolong, it will be strange if Qin Qi does not turn against him.
Yao Sheng said: "I don't know whether the general knows that Duke Cao has asked the king to issue a royal order. When he and the general fight, no one is allowed to harass and watch from far or near. Therefore, everyone must stay in the city until the result of the competition.
Here, even we are not allowed to enter the palace."
Xiang Shaolong thought that although this was helpful for escaping, it also provided the greatest convenience for those who wanted to assassinate him.
He frowned and said, "Have you ever seen them stop somewhere in particular?"
Yao Sheng took out a scroll of silk pictures depicting the situation of Shanggi and lower officials, and pointed out in detail where Guo Kai and Xu Yi went during the rebellion, including how long they stayed in a certain place.
Xiang Shaolong was surprised and said: "The people following them are very careful."
Yao Sheng said happily: "The villain knows that the matter is important, so he goes to observe their behavior personally."
Xiang Shaolong praised him sincerely and told him not to leak the matter to anyone.
Yao Sheng said angrily: "I have known that not many Yan people are good people. This trip is obviously a conspiracy to destroy our diplomatic relations with your country. Why don't the general tell the king directly about this matter and let him arrange it?"
Manpower may be needed to protect the general, or we may be given special permission to wait for the general to return to the city under the observatory."
Xiang Shaolong had other plans and of course he would not listen to his suggestion. He smiled and patted him on the shoulder and said: "They don't dare to attack near the academy. From what I think, they are ambushing on the way back to the city. There are dense snow forests along the way."
, for the most advantageous sneak attack, can you prepare some fireworks and rockets for me? When I want to return to the city, I will set off the fireworks to summon you to come and meet me."
Yao Sheng agreed that this was the best method, but still couldn't help but said: "Isn't the general indignant about this matter?"
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Xu Yize and Guo Kai are both friends who have had friendship with me. It is inevitable that they will face life and death on the battlefield this time, but if a head-on conflict can be avoided, then let's forget it.
"
Yao Sheng showed admiration and withdrew.
Xiang Shaolong sat alone in the hall, his thoughts fluctuating, and he sat blankly for a while before returning to the backyard.
It was cold and lonely along the way, and it felt quite desolate as if people were leaving the buildings empty.
But thinking that he would be setting off back to Xianyang tomorrow night, Xiang Shaolong's heart began to heat up again.
After returning home, I must comfort my beloved wives and maidservants. I remember that when I returned to Qin from Zhao, Tingfang had passed away, and I couldn't help but feel anxious and full of emotions.
"Good boy finally found you"
Xiang Shaolong turned around in shock, only to see Shanrou Rufei rushing towards him to bring bad luck to him.
Xiang Shaolong was filled with sorrow, and he spread his hands and said, "What do you want to do to me, Sister Rou?"
Shanrou grabbed his lapel with her hands, her almond-shaped eyes widened and she said, "How dare you ruin this girl's good deeds? Who wants you to come forward? Are you really better than me?" At the end of the sentence, she couldn't help but smile.
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but pat her tender face and said with a smile: "I am a mother of two children, but I still like to fight and kill so much. Sister Rou should think about Brother Jie and stop looking for people casually. Let’s fight together.”
This was the first time the two of them had such close contact in Linzi. Shanrou's pretty face turned red and she said angrily: "Believe it or not, I will cut off your hand that touches me."
Xiang Shaolong said dejectedly: "I'm leaving tomorrow night, I can take advantage of as much as I can."
Shanrou was shocked and said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Xiang Shaolong said in a low voice: "I just decided not long ago that I must not tell anyone else about this. I will leave immediately after taking ten blows from your master."
Shanrou revealed her concern for Xiang Shaolong and asked: "Except for the river, the road leaving Linzi is still blocked by heavy snow. Tomorrow night you will be the center of attention, how can you escape quietly by boat? Who gave you Arranged?"
Xiang Shaolong pulled her into the garden and said, "I have a perfect plan, otherwise I won't be able to avoid the thousands of miles of siege from the Sanjin people. What do you want me to take back to my two good sisters?"
Shanrou chuckled and said, "Tell them that I will never die earlier than Tian Dan, and I will appreciate his decline and suffering every day."
Suddenly her pretty face turned red, she lowered her head and bit her lower lip and said, "There's no one around, why don't we go into the room and make out?"
Xiang Shaolong was shocked and said in horror: "How can this be done? Brother Jie is my good friend."
Shan Rouxiang said: "I deliberately let him go out to fool around, just because I want to fool around with you, it is the most fair thing to even out the two."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "You have misunderstood Brother Jie. He is only able to compose new songs with great inspiration in an environment like a brothel. He must be doing some random things."
Shanrou was stunned for a long time, then she kissed her lips and said affectionately: "Then just a kiss on the lips will be considered as a token of appreciation for your performance in the competition tomorrow night, and it will also be considered as a farewell to you."
Just as Shanrou left, Xie Ziyuan arrived.
Xiang Shaolong secretly exclaimed, "It's so dangerous."
Xie Ziyuan looked at him carefully for a while, then breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I thought she would beat you up. Xuanhua told me that she left angrily after she found out you were back home."
Xiang Shaolong said without conscience: "My wife is not an unreasonable person, she just has a bad temper sometimes."
Xie Ziyuan sat down and said: "There is no one else at this time, so it is quiet and we can talk about our thoughts."
Xiang Shaolong sat next to him and asked in surprise: "Brother Xie, what do you want to say?"
Xie Ziyuan sighed and said, "You don't believe me. I want to resign but I'm afraid the two kings won't."
Xiang Shaolong wondered: "Brother Xie is so proud of his officialdom, why do you suddenly want to retire?"
Xie Ziyuan smiled bitterly and said: "Not many officials have a good ending. The bigger the official, the more enemies you make. When you are in a high and powerful position, no one can do anything to you. Once you are a little weaker, others will compete for your position.
.Not only do you have to deal with the people below, but you also have to worry all day long, wondering what the higher ups think of you, and what’s the point of living like this. My wife often says that I am not an official material and that I am not ruthless enough. People like Zhong Sunlong and his son make me very disappointed.
He actually met Lu Buwei in private but didn't tell me."
Xiang Shaolong sighed with him and said: "There is no way to resign, just pretend to be sick."
A word woke up the dreamer, Xie Ziyuan's eyes immediately shone, and he slapped the table and said: "Brother Xiang is really smart, so let's do it like this. Maybe I can go to Xianyang to visit Brother Xiang and Ji Cainv later. Hey, yes.
Brother Xiang introduced me through it, and maybe even Widow Qing can see it."
Xiang Shaolong knew that he didn't know the relationship between him and Qin Qing, so he patted his chest and promised: "This will be taken care of by my little brother."
At the same time, he remembered Xiaopan's identity crisis and couldn't help but feel a twitch in his heart.
Xie Ziyuan looked at the sky outside the hall and said: "I want to enter the palace early. I will send someone to pick up Brother Xiang later."
Xiang Shaolong politely refused and sent him out before returning to his room and lying on the couch to study the silk pictures Yao Sheng left for him.
If they were Xu Yize and Guo Kai, they would have laid an ambush along the long official road between Jixia Palace and the city wall. If arrows were fired densely from the snow forests on both sides, and they were caught off guard, they would surely die.
What would happen if I pretended to be back in Linzi City, and then suddenly escaped to the far reaches of the snowy fields? What would my enemies who were on sentry duty to monitor me do?
There was a knock on the door and it was Xiao Yuetan who came in.
Xiang Shaolong jumped up, handed him the terrain map, and turned away from Yao Sheng's report.
Xiao Yuetan pointed to a spot in the southwest outside Jixia Palace and said: "Tomorrow I will put the hiking equipment and snowboards on the hill, right on the top of the westward slope, so that you can slide down easily."
Xiang Shaolong said happily: "Has it been made?"
Xiao Yuetan said: "There is still one night left. I will not go to the birthday banquet tonight so as not to be recognized by Lu Buwei."
Xiang Shaolong said sheepishly: "Isn't it a pity?"
Xiao Yuetan sighed slightly: "What's going on with Fenghuaxueyue? Only when Shaolong returns to Xianyang safely can we deal with Old Thief Lu. You may not be able to see me tomorrow. I'm here to say goodbye to you."
Xiang Shaolong reached out to hold his hand and said gratefully: "I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. I don't know what to say to express my feelings."
Xiao Yuetan smiled and said: "Maybe you won't think so later. In short, I am doing it for your benefit. I sent a message to Yanran and the others to let them know, saying that I always care about them in my heart."
Xiang Shaolong said in confusion: "Brother, why do you have such strange words? No matter what, I, Xiang Shaolong, will not blame you."
Xiao Yuetan stared at him deeply and said: "People's hearts are unpredictable. Don't just make ten moves and count them. Just in case he gets angry from shame and suddenly regrets it."
Xiang Shaolong nodded and said, "After what Li Yuan and Han Chuang taught me, will I still trust people easily?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yuetan relaxed and warned: "As long as you can overcome this difficulty and return to Xianyang safely, you will be completely victorious, otherwise all your efforts will be in vain."
Xiang Shaolong thought that Xiao Pan's identity was in crisis, but he couldn't express it. Su Rong responded: "I will never lose."
Xiao Yuetan said happily: "Shaolong finally regained his confidence."
Xiang Shaolong muttered: "It's strange. After the Hundred Battles Sword was lost and recovered, I felt completely different. It was like I had never been defeated by Li Mu. I was really depressed for a while."
Xiao Yuetan stood up and said: "There is no need to send me off, please take it seriously. Maybe one day we will go to the outside of the Great Wall together to face the challenges of the prairie."
Watching Xiao Yuetan's back disappear at the end of the corridor, Xiang Shaolong remembered the first time he met Xiao Yuetan in Handan. As soon as this versatile man finished talking about business, he asked the Wu family to send him a singer to accompany him for the night, which left a bad impression on him. Unexpectedly,
But he is a heroic and heroic figure, and everyone has become friends of life and death.
The road of life is indeed full of twists and turns.
well
It would be nice to go there early tonight.
Since his escape, there hasn't been a day when he didn't want to go home. Only there could he find the long-lost happiness and comfort.