For nearly a month, Xu Mu stayed in Dayuan Pass, working with Dongfang Jing to prepare for the war. As for Sizhou, Chang Sheng had already rushed back and summoned the generals to prepare for the attack.
Zhaowen, who is negotiating peace between Xishu and Beiyu, is like a piece of waste paper that may be torn at any time. Xu Mu understands this truth, and Chang Laosi also understands it.
"Chao Yi's side, the newly joined Wolf Battalion has also been trained well. These people were originally horse slaves of the Qiang people, and they were good at horses from the beginning."
Dongfang Jing nodded, "If the war starts, I always have a hunch that maybe Chang Sheng will not choose Lizhou as the place for the decisive battle again."
"Bo Lie, why is this?"
Dongfang Jing smiled, "It's very simple. Chang Sheng is not a person who follows the rules. Moreover, given his temperament, he is very receptive to lessons. In the Spring War, Beiyu suffered a small defeat. He needs to find a way to change this kind of war. trend.”
"It makes some sense."
In fact, Xu Mu was still vaguely worried about something in his heart. If it really comes to the middle of the year, the ships at Cangwuzhou Ship Port will have to go far into the sea, and then go back to the hinterland of Beiyu via Jijiang River. If they are exposed, the entire plan will be completely scrapped.
Now on the other side of the South China Sea, there is a vague third force, surging undercurrent. It seems like a long time since I saw a letter from Li Liu.
"Lord!" Just as Xu Mu was thinking, suddenly, Chen Sheng came over in a hurry and handed a letter to him.
"Brother Sheng, are you from Nanhai?"
"How did my lord know?" Chen Sheng was startled, "It is indeed a secret message from Nanhai. I heard that a horse died."
Xu Mu breathed out, couldn't wait to pick up the paint, took out the letter paper and read it carefully.
What he was most worried about was that Li Liu was still young and could not control the undercurrent of the South China Sea. But in recent times, Li Liu does have the ability to take charge of the overall situation.
After reading the secret letter, Xu Mu suddenly fell into deep thought.
"Lord, what's wrong?"
"Li Liu said in the letter that the Hezhou general he had always suspected had not been seen for a long time. But seven or eight days ago, he suddenly saw this person again. Wu Zhu, the king of Hezhou, asked someone to give him a bead. From the beginning, it was also said that this man was robbed on the way and was seriously injured."
Dongfang Jing frowned, "At least two or three thousand Hezhou soldiers who sent Zhuzhu could defeat four or five thousand bandits. How could such a thing happen? In the Jiangnan area, the larger Jiang bandit gangs all It has been eliminated by Miao Tong."
"There is something fishy about this matter. I even suspect that the general of Hezhou is someone with a different identity. At this juncture, it is a bit disturbing."
"Indeed." Dongfang Jing thought for a moment, "I know what my lord is thinking. With Li Liu's intelligence, he would test it out. If this person is just injured, there may be other secrets. If this person has a broken arm—— "
"Ling Su." Xu Mu said calmly.
…
Nanhai, Hezhou.
At this time, in the Hezhou Palace, King Wu Zhu of Hezhou had a serious look on his face and drank three glasses of wine in a row.
"What could go wrong! His arms are broken. I originally thought that it was a sure thing for him to enter Changyang this time. Fang Kong, what do you think about this?"
Next to the King of Hezhou, a confidant rolled his eyes and opened his mouth.
"My lord, I think that Master Ling dares to go north alone, which just shows one thing. This person is courageous and resourceful, and he deserves the name of Yinlin. Although the times are not good, there is no plan in one day. But I have no confidence that Master Ling can My ability will eventually work hard and I will become famous one day, which will bring me a great opportunity in Hezhou."
Wu Zhu was silent for a while, "If I remember correctly, Dongling Zuoren used this person in great importance..."
"My lord, Dongling Zuoren is no more than a withered bone in a tomb. He must be arrogant and arrogant. He didn't use Lingshi's plan to make the three states of Dongling fall into the hands of Xishu."
"Fang Kong, I know you have a strategist, so I specially transferred you back to the capital. What do you mean, if you have to choose one between Xi Shu and Master Ling?"
Fang Kong shook his head and smiled lightly, "My lord, Xi Shu is not an option."
"Why?"
"The King of Western Shu, and his military advisor Dongfang Jing, are both plotters. If one day he takes over the country, he will definitely take away the lord's Hezhou. My lord, don't forget, although the wealth of Hezhou is not as good as that of the inner city , but because of the benefits of pearl fishing, it is famous in the South China Sea. If one day Western Shu takes over the country, dare I ask my lord, will he let me in Hezhou, collect pearls and storehouses, and become rich for ten generations?"
Wu Zhu gritted his teeth.
Fang Kong narrowed his eyes and struck again, "My lord, do you remember Gongsun Zu of Yanzhou?"
"Of course I remember."
"In my heart, although Gongsunzu is a dwarf, he is still a hero in the world. He would rather die than surrender than be a horseman in Beiyu. Could this comparison mean that my lord has entered Western Shu and will become a harvester of the Shu people in the future? Are you a slave?"
"How dare you!" Wu Zhu looked horrified and spoke in a deep voice.
"My lord is wise." Fang Kong took two steps back and bowed.
"For the present plan, my lord does not want to be a pearl diver, so cooperating with Master Ling will be a win-win situation."
"Fang Kong, that Shu envoy Li Liu has been staying in Hezhou for many days." Wu Zhu softened his expression and continued to speak.
"Indeed, although this man is young, he is quite strategic and not easy to deal with. He is waiting in Hezhou. If my guess is correct, he is secretly investigating my affairs in Hezhou. In addition-"
Fang Kong rolled his eyes again, "Yesterday when I entered the palace, I met him by chance. Although he talked nonsense, in the end, he asked about Master Ling's whereabouts. It's hard to say that he already knew Master Ling's identity. You are suspicious. If you tell me what I suggest, my lord should cooperate with Master Ling and try to hide the truth."
"Hide the truth?"
"Let me put it bluntly, Li Liu is like the eyes of the King of Western Shu in the South China Sea. As long as you can hide it from him, you can hide it from the King of Western Shu."
Hearing this, Wu Zhu finally smiled.
"Fang Kong, I did not misjudge the person. You have some ability to make plans!"
"It's just a stupid idea. I am willing to solve my lord's worries."
"Fang Kong, you go and discuss with Master Ling first and prepare a decision."
"Message from the Lord."
Walking out of the small palace in Hezhou, the Hezhou staff member had a cold look on his face. He called the carriage and, without any further delay, hurried down the street.
…
"Does it make sense?" In a hidden courtyard in Hezhou City, the pale Ling Su raised his head coldly.
"Master, don't worry, Wu Zhu is not suspicious." Fang Kong entered the house and hurriedly bowed his hands.
"The failure of this matter was not what I wanted. It was because the Huang family dog thief was too cunning and cunning." Ling Su said in a calm voice, "Previously, Li Liu may have been doubting me. I have already found Yi people to cooperate. When the time comes, , I also need you to cooperate with me when Li Liu visits for an excuse. You also know that I have broken half of my arm... If it is exposed, whether it is King Xu Shu or the lame man, he will definitely be suspicious. This matter , you and I have to be careful.”
Fang Kong nodded.
"Master, let me ask one more question about the important matter of dividing the pie in the Central Plains..."
Ling Su closed his eyes, "Don't be impatient, wait for the opportunity. Remember my words, it would be best if Li Liu can be won over. If not, don't expose any flaws and let him leave Hezhou as soon as possible."
…
