Gaochang City is the imperial capital of Gaochang Kingdom.
In the entire Western Region, the prosperity of Gaochang City is one of the best. The reason is that Ma Yan, the Prime Minister of Gaochang State, has been committed to the development of Gaochang City, giving many preferential treatment to businessmen, and providing various policy encouragement and support.
In addition, Gaochang's geographical location borders Daqin, so Gaochang City is also extremely prosperous.
This area is the transit point between the Western Regions and Great Qin, as well as Jin, Qi, Xia and other countries.
Gaochang City's business is prosperous, and countless people come and go every day. From here, countless businessmen will go west every day, because there are many small countries in the west. At the same time, countless merchants from the west entered Gaochang every day to resell goods, so that many goods were transported to Daqin and even further.
This is also the reason why Gaochang is relatively wealthy.
In the imperial city, in the palace hall, Qu Yan was handling government affairs.
In the past, Ma Yan was responsible for most government affairs. Ma Yan directly made a report, and Qu Yan approved it. Now that Ma Yan has gone to the front line, Qu Yan can only be responsible for the government affairs in the court.
If it were anyone else, he wouldn't be worried.
After Qu Yan finished handling the government affairs in his hands, it was already around midnight in the afternoon, and it was rare for him to relax and rest.
Qu Yan looked at Pulai, the general manager of the inner circle, and asked, "What is this boy Qu Guang doing during this time?"
When Qu Guang came back from Da Qin last year, Qu Yan dealt with him harshly. After all, his failure to go to Da Qin to propose marriage was mainly because Qu Guang caused trouble in Guzang County, which led to a conflict with Lin Feng.
But no matter what, Qi Guang was still his favorite son, and being ordered to stay behind closed doors to think about his mistakes was already a very harsh punishment.
Pu Lai, who was over fifty years old, had a fair face and a respectful expression, and said with a smile: "Reporting to the Lord, Prince Qu Guang has been studying behind closed doors during this period. I heard that he has not gone out for a long time."
Qu Yan's slightly tired and old face also showed a smile, and he praised: "Every time you suffer, you gain wisdom. Now that you have suffered a loss, you know how to work hard. This is a good thing. This bastard has been like me since he was a child. Smart, but a little lazy."
Pry smiled and nodded.
Qu Yan asked: "Is there any news from the Prime Minister?"
"No!"
Pry shook his head.
Qu Yan frowned and said, "The Prime Minister is facing Da Qin this time. I don't know if he can win."
Pu Lai said: "Don't worry, Lord. The Prime Minister has outstanding abilities and is both civil and military. He will definitely be able to win the war. Over the years, the Prime Minister has never let down the Lord. What's more, there is also General Mo Lihe. With one word and one weapon, we will win.”
Qu Yan looked serious.
Will the front line win?
too difficult.
The most likely possibility is that according to the agreed plan, after the front line was defeated, the army pretended to be defeated and returned to the capital, and then pretended to surrender in an attempt to murder Lin Feng.
However, Qu Yan still has a hint of ambition.
What if Ma Yan wins?
As long as the Qin army is defeated, Gaochang's influence will be further enhanced.
At this moment, a burst of rapid footsteps came. A chamberlain hurried to Pu Lai's side and whispered for a while. Pu Lai trembled, and a hint of paleness appeared on his pale, beardless face.
He did not dare to delay, turned to look at Qu Yan, and said quickly: "My lord, something serious has happened."
Qu Yan said in a deep voice: "What happened?"
At this moment, Qu Yan also panicked. All he could think of was related to Ma Yan on the front line.
This is extremely possible.
Pulai said quickly: "The king, the prime minister and the general died for the country. The 40,000 troops fighting on the front line were all destroyed. However, this news has just spread among the people. The people we sent out have not yet been Send the message back.”
boom! !
There seemed to be thunder exploding in Qu Yan's mind.
He was completely confused.
Ma Yan and Mo Lihe were actually dead.
Qu Yan was absent-minded for a long time before he came back to his senses. His eyes were a little erratic, as if he saw Ma Yan.
In the past, when Ma Yan first returned to Gaochang Kingdom, he was high-spirited, confident and calm. At that time, Ma Yan met Qu Yan and directly said that he could help Qu Yan revitalize Gaochang and make Gaochang dominate the Western Regions. Qu Yan was doubtful, but he also used Ma Yan.
In the end, everything Ma Yan did was successful, and Ma Yan also gained Qu Yan's trust.
With Ma Yan around, Gaochang State developed rapidly.
Qu Yan became the true king of Gaochang and had a strong influence in the Western Regions.
Now, Ma Yan died on the battlefield.
This is his most trusted confidant.
They are not only kings and ministers, but also close friends and confidants who work together to make progress together.
Pulai was worried about Qu Yan and said quickly: "The king, the king..."
Qu Yan was immersed in his own thoughts, and it took him a while to come back to his senses. He gritted his teeth and said, "Lin Feng, you are so disgusting."
Pu Lai comforted him and said, "My lord, it's just popular news at the moment. What if Lin Feng deliberately spreads false news and deliberately disturbs people's hearts?"
"No, it's impossible."
Qu Yan gritted his teeth and said: "If this news is false. In the end, it will be Lin Feng slapping himself in the face. People will no longer believe any news he releases in the future, and public opinion will not make any waves." The prime minister and the general must be dead, and only when they die can they really make waves."
Pu Lai was also panicked and said quickly: "Master, what should we do now?"
Qu Yan took a deep breath to calm down and said in a deep voice: "Now, there are three things to do."
Pu Lai bowed and said: "Please give me the king's instructions. I will make arrangements immediately."
Qu Yan said in a deep voice: "With the death of the prime minister and the general, there will definitely be turmoil in Gaochang City and people's hearts will be unstable. Even some Qin spies arranged by Lin Feng will come out to stir up trouble. The first thing is that Gaochang City is closed. No one is allowed to enter or exit until Lin Feng’s army arrives.”
"Second, notify Kang Changde, the commander of the Forbidden Army, and ask him to stick to the imperial city and arrange for people to inspect the city. During this period, the Forbidden Army must be under Kang Changde's control. Whoever wants to mobilize troops must report to him personally. The king asks for instructions.”
"Third, the arsenal in the city is closed. No one is allowed to approach the arsenal."
"Fourth, arrange for people to keep an eye on the big families in the city. If there is any change in the big families in the city, they will be killed without mercy. At this time, it is already the most dangerous time. Gaochang cannot cause any trouble."
Qu Yan's thinking is very clear. After the death of Ma Yan and Mo Lihe, Gaochang is extremely prone to instability and must control the imperial city.
The army and arsenal are the key.
Then there are the big families in the city, which must be monitored. After achieving this step, if there is no turmoil in the city, Lin Feng will not be able to easily capture Gaochang City.
Pu Lai said: "Old slave, go make arrangements immediately."
"Go ahead."
Qu Yan waved his hand.
After Pu Lai turned around and left, Qu Yan sat in the main hall and continued to think about government affairs without any thought. His mind was filled with Ma Yan's voice and smile, and he could not forget this incident because he was used to Ma Yan's presence.
With Ma Yan around, he felt at ease.
Now, it is gone.
Qu Yan was in a trance, and when his thoughts were flying, a sound of footsteps came, which made Qu Yan come back to his senses.
A chamberlain came in and saluted: "Your Majesty, Prince Qu Guang wishes to see you."
"pass!"
Qu Yan nodded.
A rare smile appeared on his face full of sorrow.
Qu Guang is the son of his beloved concubine and the younger of his sons. He is well-behaved and obedient. Even Qu Guang's appearance is almost 70% similar to Qu Yan's. In Qu Yan's opinion, Qu Guang's character is the same as his, that's why Qu Yan likes her so much.
Not long after, Qu Guang entered the main hall.
Facing Qu Yan, Qu Guang showed no frivolity. Instead, he looked calm and down-to-earth. He bowed and said, "Father."
Qu Yan said, "I asked you to study behind closed doors. What do you want to do when you come to the palace today?"
Qu Guang said respectfully: "Father, my son has been studying during this period. From last year to this year, he calmed down and studied and gained a lot. Before, my son was ignorant and caused trouble to his father. The son was very ashamed."
Qu Yan sighed: "We, Gaochang State, and Da Qin are hostile to each other, so I can't blame you."
Qu Guang said: "It is my son's fault after all."
After a pause, Qu Guang said again: "My son's mission to the Qin Dynasty this time has made him realize that without a strong national power, it will be difficult for the Gaochang Kingdom to truly rise. Therefore, the army is very important. My son himself also wants to gain experience in the army." Fan, please ask your father for permission. I went to my eldest brother first about this matter, but he didn’t agree. He is the prince, and he objects to his son going to the army, so he has no choice but to go to his father."
Listening to Qu Guang's words, Qu Yan wanted to say something about the front line, but when it came to his lips, he swallowed it back.
What's the use of telling Qu Guang?
Of no use.
It is better to arrange a way out for Qu Guang and Ai Fei. This is the key.
Qu Yan put away his thoughts and waved his hand: "My father will make arrangements for you to go to the army for training. You can go down first. My father has other things to do."
"Thank you, father."
Qu Guang was happy in his heart.
Qu Guang turned around and went down, and Qu Yan ordered: "Whoever comes, please inform the prince to come and discuss matters."
The chamberlain went to inform him, but not long after, there was a sound of rapid footsteps.
Qu Yong, the crown prince of Gaochang Kingdom, entered.
Qu Yong is in his early thirties, slightly thinner, and has slightly narrow eyes. After he stood still, he bowed and said, "My son, I pay homage to my father."
Qu Yan said: "Prince, do you know that the Prime Minister on the front line was defeated and killed?"
"Know."
Qu Yong nodded in reply.
He had also received the news before, and was extremely panicked. Ma Yan was the pillar of Da Qin's country. Ma Yan was killed, and even Gaochang's 40,000-strong army was defeated. On this occasion, there was no longer any chance to resist Da Qin.
When Qu Yong was in the East Palace, he discussed it with the officials in the East Palace. When the Qin Dynasty came to kill, although Gaochang State still had a small number of forbidden troops and two thousand elite cavalry to guard it, in fact, it was completely unable to stop the Qin army.
Qu Yan said in a deep voice: "Do you think you can resist the Great Qin now?"
Qu Yong's heart moved when he heard this.
What does that mean?
Is your father planning to retreat and leave Gaochang City? In Qu Yong's heart, he also felt that Gao Changguo was unstoppable and had only two choices.
First, surrender to Da Qin.
Second, escape from Gaochang City.
It's that simple.
After all, Qu Yong had been the prince for more than ten years and acted cautiously. In particular, Qu Yan has always loved Qu Guang and doted on Qu Guang's mother-in-law. As a result, Qu Yong, the prince, was often suppressed. That is to say, Qu Yong has always been cautious and never made any big mistakes. In addition, he is the eldest son. , to stabilize his identity.
Otherwise, it would have been overthrown by Qu Guang and the people behind him.
Qu Yong said sternly: "Father, our Gaochang Kingdom still has troops. In addition, my father had previously arranged envoys to go to the countries in the Western Regions for help. Although these people are unwilling to fight against the Qin Dynasty, but our Gaochang is destroyed, it will be a threat to the countries in the Western Regions. He said, they are not much better. If Da Qin can destroy Gaochang today, then it can destroy all the countries in the Western Regions. In the words of the Xia Kingdom in the Central Plains, it will be as if the lips are dead and the teeth are cold."
Qu Yan said: "You think we should fight to the death."
"Yes, my son thinks we should fight to the death."
Qu Yong answered firmly.
Qu Yan stroked his beard under his chin, with a look of approval on his face, and said solemnly: "Yes, you are worthy of being the crown prince of Gaochang."
call! !
Qu Yong let out a breath of air.
He secretly thought that the danger was very high. If he proposed other arrangements or mentioned evacuation, the consequences would be disastrous. Thanks to his cleverness.
Qu Yan continued: "Yong'er, I, Gaochang, are now facing a life and death crisis. The 40,000 elites led by the Prime Minister and the General were all destroyed on the front line. We do not have more troops to resist now. Admittedly, there are still some The Forbidden Army and two thousand cavalry. The problem is that this force is too small. Of course, our Gaochang side will still have to resist with all our strength. I intend to stay and defend Gaochang. As the prince of Gaochang, you should also stay and defend."
Qu Yong's cheeks twitched.
Stick to it?
This isn't the wisest decision.
Qu Yong saw Qu Yan's expression and knew that Qu Yan's character was always very strong. What Qu Yan decided cannot be changed. At the moment, it is impossible to persuade, and even once you do, you may be scolded or even punished.
Qu Yong said: "My father has decided to defend to the end, and my sons and ministers should respect their father's arrangements and advance and retreat together with him."
"Well, you are worthy of being my son."
Qu Yan had an expression of approval on his face.
He changed the topic and said: "However, it is impossible to predict what the final outcome of this battle will be. If the troops of Great Qin are blocked, it will be best for Gaochang State to continue to survive."
"If we can't stop it, our Gaochang Qu family may be completely wiped out and the whole clan will be slaughtered. Therefore, before fighting to the death, a little bloodline must be left. I plan to have someone escort Qu Guang out of Gaochang and go to Kucha country."
"The Kingdom of Kucha has a good relationship with our Kingdom of Gaochang. Your aunt is the princess of the Kingdom of Kucha. The guard commander of your East Palace, Buluke, is highly skilled in martial arts and is also a disciple of Mo Lihe. He is just a hair away from being able to enter the Grandmaster realm."
"With him here, there will be no problem in protecting Qu Guang and my concubine. Let Qu Guang and his son go to Kucha to leave a bloodline for our country, Gaochang."
Qu Yan said: "What do you think?"
brush!
Qu Yong's expression changed slightly.
So unfair.
Why?
Why did Qu Guang leave Gaochang? Even if we arrange for Qu Guang and the witch to go to Kucha, that's it. Why would he transfer Brooke from the East Palace? That was his only support and he was the most powerful person in the East Palace.
Qu Yong was extremely angry inside.
Facing Qu Yan, Qu Yong still suppressed all his dissatisfaction, and said with a trace of respect on his face: "My father has arranged it, and I have no objection. Qu Guang is a man of many talents, and he is also good at adapting to changes. He is suitable to go to Guizhou." This country."
Qu Yan smiled and said: "Okay, you can go down."
"Here!"
Qu Yong bowed his head, turned around and left.
Qu Yong walked out of the hall, his expression changed completely, he clenched his fists and hurriedly left the imperial city and returned to the East Palace. But as soon as he returned to the East Palace, he became furious and even smashed many vases bought from Xia Kingdom in the room.
Qu Yong roared for a while, and the entire East Palace was as silent as a shiver. Soon after, news came out that Brooke would be transferred to escort Qu Guang and his son away.
There was a lot of anger in the East Palace.
Everyone is unwilling to accept it.
This news also spread to a house outside the west city of Gaochang City.
The people in the house were surprisingly Fang Bo, and Wei Hong, the person in charge of the Black Ice Platform who was in charge of operations in the city. He was ordered to operate in Gaochang City to confuse public opinion. Because he learned about Fang Bo's arrival and that Fang Bo's mission was to instigate people in Gaochang City, Wei Hong contacted Fang Bo.
To this day, they support three big families in Gaochang City, and the people from these families all work in Gaochang.
The disaster was imminent, and people in Gaochang were panicked. No one thought that Gaochang could stop Da Qin.
This is fundamental.
With this premise and the defeat of Ma Yan and Mo Lihe on the front line, Fang Bo and Wei Hong's plan could go so smoothly.
Fang Bo looked solemn and continued: "Master Wei, it is known to everyone that Qu Yan favors Qu Guang. Prince Qu Yong is unhappy, but he does not dare to express it. This time's news further shows that Qu Yan favors Qu Guang. Qu Guang made Qu Yong feel angry."
"I think we can win over Qu Yong."
"Just imagine, once Qu Yong is incited to rebel, the next step is that he will personally take people to the city gate to inspect, etc., and then he can directly open the city gate and welcome the governor into the city. Although the other three major families have surrendered to Da Qin. The problem is , if they want to welcome the Governor, they have to storm the city gate, seize it, and then open the city gate."
"Prince Qu Yong is different. He can legitimately inspect and even lead people there in the name of protecting the city gate."
"This has so many benefits."
Fang Bo looked serious and said in a deep voice: "For us, it's worth a try."
Wei Hong said in a deep voice: "Such an arrangement is quite dangerous."
There was a blazing light in Fang Bo's eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "Wealth is sought in danger. How can we know if we don't give it a try? I will go to the Prince's East Palace, Mr. Wei, please move the place immediately. Even if I am caught, even if Qu Yong wants to check, They can't find out our situation. If I'm not arrested and I leave the East Palace, you can arrange for someone to contact me."
Wei Hong thought for a while and said: "Okay, I will follow your opinion. I hope you can complete everything smoothly. If you can instigate Qu Yong to rebel, it will be a great achievement. I will report the truth to the Governor."
"Thank you!"
Fang Bo bowed and thanked him.
He didn't stay any longer, changed his clothes and left.
Wei Hong temporarily took his people to evacuate, but he still had to take precautions. In case the plan fails, Fang Bo is caught. Not many people could hold on under severe torture. Anyway, when the time comes, just wait for Fang Bo to leave the East Palace and contact him again.
Fang Bo went straight to the East Palace and asked to see him directly. Today's East Palace is a bit chaotic and people are panicked. It is not like the strict investigation in the past. Qu Yong used to be very busy and didn't have time to meet people casually. Nowadays, government affairs are not handled, and no officials come to visit.
Therefore, Fang Bo successfully entered the East Palace and met the decadent Qu Yong in a main hall. Fang Bo looked calm and said respectfully: "Fang Bo, the son of Fang Liang, the Lord of Yiwu City, pays homage to His Highness the Crown Prince."
