The first month of the ninth year of Qingli.
The New Year has just passed, and Kyoto is still enveloped in the New Year atmosphere that has not dissipated. Two more major events have been reported, once again bringing Kyoto into full swing.
The first news is that both the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty sent envoys to the Xia Kingdom at the same time.
This is news that everyone in Kyoto should cheer for.
Compared with other places, Kyoto is the power and political center of the Xia Kingdom. The people here are knowledgeable and politically influenced, and their attention to family and country affairs is far beyond that of other places. Here are the people from all walks of life in the Xia Kingdom. With talents in this field, even ordinary people can talk eloquently about the country's situation.
The Northern Wei and Southern Jin Dynasties sent envoys to Xia State at the same time.
This is a very strong signal.
Once upon a time, the Xia State paid Sui coins to the Northern Wei and Southern Jin Dynasties for fifteen consecutive years. The annual payment of Sui coins was an astronomical figure, which put heavy pressure on the Xia State in taxation.
It was not until fifteen years ago that the current emperor Ji Yi ascended the throne and discontinued the annual currency system. For this reason, he also fought a four-year war with the Northern Wei and Southern Jin. It was not until the sixth year of Zhidao that the war ended. The Three Kingdoms ended with a truce regardless of the outcome.
In the same year, Ji Yi changed his reign name to Qingli.
From the first year of Qingli to the fifth year of Qingli, both the Northern Wei and the Southern Jin were still fighting over the issue of Sui coins, and wars broke out on the border with Xia from time to time. Both countries also directly refused to establish diplomatic relations with Xia.
In the fifth year of Qingli, the relationship between the Northern Wei and the Southern Jin suddenly deteriorated, and friction between them continued. Only then did they stop harassing the Xia Kingdom. It was not until the beginning of the eighth year of Qingli that the friction between the Northern Wei and the Southern Jin completely escalated, starting a national war.
And between the two countries' national war,
The Chengyang Hou Rebellion also broke out in the Xia Kingdom.
But now, both the Northern Wei and Southern Jin suddenly sent envoys to Xia.
In an instant, many people smelled a different smell.
For a time, people in Kyoto, from the court to the public, were talking about this matter. Most people guessed that because the national war in the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty did not end, the Xia Kingdom solved its internal problems in a short period of time. , are all worried that Xia will join the war.
Both the Northern Wei and the Southern Jin were worried about Xia Guo cooperating with their opponents, so they both chose to send envoys to Xia at the beginning of this year.
And this mission,
This means that the Xia Kingdom has finally taken the initiative among the Three Kingdoms, and it can also have a huge inspiring effect for the people.
However, in this matter,
There are other theories. Many people suspect that it is because Gu Zhan, the Marquis of Yun of the Xia Kingdom, created a method of seeing the gods that may rewrite the rules of martial arts. The other two countries can't sit still and want to join forces to put pressure on the Xia Kingdom to obtain the method of seeing the gods. Law.
For a time, these two statements caused a big stir in Xia Kingdom.
And immediately after,
The second big news came out,
Yunhou Gu Zhan went to Beijing for the first time.
The name of Yunhou Gu Zhan became almost a household name in the Xia Kingdom in the eighth year of Qingli. Let alone the court, he was suddenly granted the title of Marquis and worshiped as the general of the Yunzhou Army. He was already in the court. It caused an earth-shaking commotion, but naturally the most sensational one was in the arena.
Since ancient times, there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts.
Ever since Gu Zhan spread his reputation as the world's greatest master and was invincible under the land gods, there has been an uproar in the entire Xia Kingdom. And then the method of seeing the gods and killing the land gods consecutively caused an uproar in the world, and Qingli At the end of the eighth year, he fought at Daomaguan and became a god in a direct battle. He became the best in the world and shocked the world.
The Battle of Daomaguan was no longer limited to the Jianghu, but also spread among the people.
The three-state battlefield affected the entire Xia Kingdom.
The encirclement and suppression of the White Lotus Sect in Yunzhou was the final battle to suppress the rebellion in the three states. There have been various opinions, but Gu Zhan ended the war on his own and was regarded as the God of War by countless people.
But now, Gu Zhan went to Beijing,
Naturally, it caused a great sensation, not to mention that he may have been one of the reasons why the Northern Wei and Southern Jin sent envoys to the Xia Kingdom.
For a time, the news of Gu Zhan's arrival in the capital became more and more intense. Even before Gu Zhan arrived in the capital, he had already attracted the attention of all parties.
…
On February 2, the dragon raises its head, and the spring is cold.
When Gu Zhan was still hundreds of miles outside the capital, the Yamen of Jingzhao Mansion dispatched all the police officers to maintain order in the city, and the imperial city directly arranged for 6,000 Yulin troops to come out of the city to greet him.
When Gu Zhan's carriage was escorted by thousands of Yulin troops to the Honglu Temple Road, it was crowded with people everywhere. In the lively hustle and bustle, and because Xia's folk customs have always been relatively open, many women even went to the street. He shouted to see if Marquis Yun was as beautiful as the rumors.
In the carriage,
Hearing the sounds outside, Gu Zhan couldn't help but laugh.
He has always been rumored to be three feet tall, with a green face and fangs, three heads and six arms, a hundred people eclipsed by the sun, etc. This image can make a child cry at night. However, since the battle of Shima Pass, his image in the outside world has changed. Diametrically opposed.
Especially after the imperial court announced that he was the youngest marquis in the Xia Kingdom in the past century, many media commented that he was the most talented young man in the world today, and he was sought after by countless people. Eventually, word spread that his The image becomes that of a jade tree facing the wind and a majestic and majestic one.
Even on the way here, Gu Zhan heard rumors that so and so among the top ten beauties in the world fell in love with him at first sight unless he married her. It was also rumored that he had a lifelong love affair with a famous heroine, and even married him. There are the most outrageous rumors that he was originally from the Jianghu, and the reason why he wanted to become an official in the court was because he fell in love with Gu Qingcheng, the most talented woman in Kyoto. In order to break the sectarian prejudice, he resolutely made great achievements and became an official in the court.
When he first heard the love stories with himself as the protagonist, Gu Zhan found them quite interesting. However, after hearing more, Gu Zhan was speechless. He had done nothing in the past few years. He has been in love all the time, and the most outrageous thing is that he has a love-hate relationship with the Empress of the Southern Jin Dynasty...
Gu Zhan was really impressed. He had some imagination of people in this era. He could understand how to create stories with famous young women such as Gu Qingcheng and Qin Hongyi, but they were able to combine him and the Empress of the Southern Jin Dynasty. When linked together, he was really shocked.
After all, he was not even born when the Empress of the Southern Jin Dynasty ascended the throne, and yet he, a person who had been in the Xia Kingdom, was able to have a love story with the Empress of the Southern Jin Dynasty, and even the outrageous things that were heard by anyone could be communicated in an orderly manner.
The carriage passed slowly through the street,
Gu Zhan didn't get off the carriage until he entered Honglu Temple.
Surrounded by officials from Honglu Temple, he entered a manor.
This manor was very luxurious and grand, with no less than a hundred servants and maids just to serve him.
After everything was arranged, all the officials of Honglu Temple retired and left.
Gu Zhan himself brought a group of guards who immediately began to inspect the manor and make security arrangements. Although Gu Zhan felt that it was meaningless, this was arranged by Rong Yichu.
Because Yunzhou still needs Rong Yichu to take charge of the overall situation, Rong Yichu didn't come with him to the capital this time. However, Rong Yichu's housekeeper had a bad temper and made arrangements despite knowing that Gu Zhan was recognized as the best master in the world. In a team of guards, one of the top masters was arranged by Kou Baimen, who was her fellow senior sister. Before leaving, Kou Baimen gave Gu Zhan a look that you know, and then along the way, Gu Zhan did understood.
In addition, there are several great masters drawn from the Yunzhou military and the Wulin Alliance. If Gu Zhan's own situation is not considered, this protective force is indeed very powerful.
…
At night, the full moon is in the sky.
Gu Zhan was eating when a guard came in from outside the door and said with cupped hands: "Master Hou, there is someone outside asking to see him. He said his name is Furukawa and asked you to pick him up. Otherwise, if he doesn't come in, he will have to fight him. You see, Should I go to see you or drive away?"
A smile appeared on Gu Zhan's face, he quickly put down his kuaizi and strode out the door.
As soon as I arrived at the outer courtyard, I heard a voice:
"Oh, big brother, can you stop staring at me like a thief? I am really a friend of your Marquis!"
"Oh, why are you so stubborn?"
"Do you believe that I asked your Marquis to deduct your wages?"
"..."
Hearing this familiar voice, Gu Zhan couldn't help but smile on his face, and said loudly: "The Furukawa I am familiar with is serious and majestic. Why is he so careless now?"
outside the door,
Furukawa was wearing plain clothes and was staring at a tall guard.
Hearing Gu Zhan's voice, the guard stepped aside and bowed to Gu Zhan.
Gu Zhan nodded and walked outside the door.
Furukawa patted the tall guard on the shoulder, then opened his arms, ran over and gave Gu Zhan a big bear hug, then beat Gu Zhan hard on the chest, and laughed and said: "Awesome, brother, I can't believe it even to death. The little brother I met in Linjiang City has now become the best in the world. It's so shameful for me. You don't know, tsk tsk tsk, I can feel the wind when I walk now. !”
Gu Zhan smiled and said: "No, who told me to show off my awesomeness when I was in Linjiang City? If I don't do it, wouldn't I be slapping myself in the face?"
At that moment, the scene when they had their last drink in Linjiang City flashed into their minds.
At that time, both of them were quite drunk and went to the brothel arm in arm.
Furukawa said grandly: "When you come to Kyoto in the future, if something happens to you, please give me Furukawa's name. It will help!"
Gu Zhan patted Furukawa's name and said:
"The day I come to Kyoto, if you Furukawa encounters trouble in the world, you can protect me even if you repay me with Gu Zhan's name!"
Suddenly,
Both of them seemed to have returned to four years ago.
Back when I was in that small Linjiang City,
At that time, we visited brothels together, went to kill people together, drank Bawang wine together, and peed three feet in the wind on the roof together!
Furukawa looked at Gu Zhan in front of him and looked him up and down for a long time. His mouth was about to burst with laughter. However, as he smiled, he couldn't help but feel a sore nose and tears rolled down from the corners of his eyes.
He wiped it off with some embarrassment, then hugged Gu Zhan tightly, choking slightly and said: "Brother, I really miss you!"
Gu Zhan slowly patted Furukawa's back and said softly: "I've wanted to come to the capital to see you for a long time!"
Furukawa wiped his nose with his sleeve, turned around with a smile, lifted two jars of wine from the ground, and said, "Come on, let's stop talking nonsense and drink. This is really good wine!"
Gu Zhan pulled Furukawa and said with a smile: "Let's go!"
The moonlight shines in the courtyard, and the laughter is wild,
The shadows of the two people holding each other's backs stretched very long.
Four years ago, Furukawa said, I am responsible for the brothers I recognize, whether they are human or ghost!
Four years ago, Gu Zhan said, wait until I protect you.
Four years ago, Furukawa said, "The mountains are high and the rivers are far away. No matter what you encounter, just remember to come to the capital to find me!"
Four years ago, Gu Zhan said, what are you afraid of being chopped down? I will chop him back with you.
Four years ago, the two of them hacked people back to back. Furukawa left a share of his three-year inheritance to Gu Zhan overnight. Before leaving, the two made a promise to meet in Kyoto. Later, just because of a letter from Gu Zhan , Furuchuan begged his grandfather and grandma to keep Rong at all costs. Yichu entered Jixia Academy. Later, when he heard that the Gu Zhangu family looked down on Gu Zhan, he left home in anger and never returned!
Now, Gu Zhan came as promised.
…
The two of them drank a lot of wine in the room and talked a lot. They both wanted to say everything they had not said in the past four years in one night.
Until it was almost dawn,
Furukawa burped, and finally remembered to ask something serious, and said, "Is it convenient to talk here?"
Gu Zhan nodded and said, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, I won't let a third person hear our conversation."
Furukawa took off his shoes, raised his legs directly on the table, lay on the chair, opened his clothes, blushed, smiled, and said: "It's almost dawn. If I don't ask about something serious, I'm afraid I'll have to go back." My sister taught me a lesson, hahaha..." While smiling, Furukawa suddenly approached Gu Zhan and asked, "How is it? My sister is pretty, isn't she?"
Gu Zhan raised his eyebrows and said with a confused look on his face: "Is this what you're talking about?"
Furukawa waved his hand and said: "Didn't I say this before? When you come to Kyoto, I will introduce my sister to you!"
Gu Zhan chuckled and said, "I'm afraid, you have been taught a lesson by Miss Gu Qi for this matter, right?"
"Isn't that right?" Furukawa said: "You don't know what my sister said back then. How can I, as an elder brother, joke about my sister's life-long events at will? Then I went back and asked my wife to close the door, and I slept there. There isn’t even a quilt in Yue Study Room!”
As he said that, Furukawa put his hand on Gu Zhan's shoulder and said, "But, you don't know, a few months ago, my sister went to Yunxi to meet you, but she changed after she came back. She smiled and followed me Say, brother, you have such a good eye and you are so accurate in judging people!"
Gu Zhan smiled and said, "I also think you are pretty good at judging people."
"Dese," Furukawa said with a smile, "How about, how about I introduce my sister to you?"
"Forget it," Gu Zhan waved his hand and said, "I only care about martial arts and nothing else."
Furukawa: "That's not what you said when you visited the brothel."
Gu Zhan: "That's just business!"
Furukawa curled his lips and said: "But I heard that you have a lot of people in your house. Four of the top ten beauties in Yunxi are now in your house, and there is also Kou Baimen, the leader of the Yunzhou martial arts alliance. Hmm , it is said that I went to see that so-and-so in Yuncheng two days ago. What is the name of the number one in the new martial arts hall in Yunzhou? I can’t remember. Oh, by the way, the girl who brought us wine just now, and You came here all the way from Yunzhou, hehe!"
Gu Zhan's mouth twitched and he said, "Do you understand it so clearly?"
Furukawa said speechlessly: "You didn't hide it. There are many people in my Gu family under your command now. Who can't see it?"
Gu Zhan smiled and said, "Yes, yes, but what's going on with those women, you still don't understand?"
"Well," Furukawa nodded and said, "That's right, then I won't introduce my girl to you, let's get down to business!"
Furukawa wiped his mouth and said: "The things you asked to inquire about a few days ago have gained some clues. Regarding Echigo three hundred years ago, my Gu family knows something, but everyone has always listened to it as a story. However, According to you, those legends may be true.
Echigo, the Echigo family was born in a Dongtian-level family three hundred years ago. It was once glorious. However, after the fall of Echigo, the Echigo family was liquidated, and finally there was no trace. Echigo had a good reputation at first. It can be called a virtuous queen of a generation. "
Gu Zhan said in surprise: "The empress?"
"Yes," Furukawa said: "Part of the legend of Echigo does have historical facts that can be studied, but there are some strange ghost legends interspersed in the middle."
Gu Zhan frowned slightly and said, "Tell me more specifically."
Furukawa thought for a while and said: "In the past, I only listened to it as a story. It was said that when Echigo was thirty years old, he encountered an accident during a trip and lost his soul. The medicine and stone were useless and he could only wait to die.
Just when nothing could be done, a wandering Taoist priest appeared and pulled Echigo back from the gate of hell. However, he left an instruction, saying that Echigo's spirit was unstable and he needed to pray for the fox at the Spirit Fox Cave in Qixia Mountain on the outskirts of Beijing. The immortal has blessed me with three years.
Later, Echigo went to Linghu Cave according to what the Taoist said. He stayed there for three years. However, after returning from those three years, Echigo seemed to be a changed person. He used various means to clean up the harem again. , and fascinated the emperor at that time, and started the reputation of causing disaster to the country and the people. The emperor refused to go to court all day long because of her, and abandoned three thousand beauties like worn-out shoes. He only favored Echigo, and even ignored the objections of the officials and allowed Echigo to come to the court. , known in history as the coming of two saints.
There is another legend here, which is that Echigo has been possessed by a fox demon in the Spirit Fox Cave and has been replaced by another person. Therefore, the Echigo who comes to court is not the real Echigo, but A vixen, of course, this thing is too similar to folklore, and no one has ever believed it.
Later, the imperial court was gradually controlled by Echigo, and the emperor was reduced to a puppet. Echigo launched various wars, causing the people to live in dire straits. They were suppressed by the Second Sect of Buddhism in the holy land of martial arts. It is rumored that two fifth-level cave heaven monks devoted their cultivation to Only then suppressed.
This is the third legend, and according to true historical records, Echigo was seriously injured by two eminent monks from the second Buddhist sect. In the end, he led the Echigo family to directly rebel and was suppressed, and finally committed suicide in Zhaixing Tower. "
Gu Zhan frowned slightly and said, "Based on the information I have now, that legend is more likely to be true."
Furukawa nodded and said: "So, based on Echigo's legends and historical records, if it is possible to hide her inherited skills, the most likely place is the Spirit Fox Cave in the suburbs of Beijing. However, if it is It might be a little troublesome to enter Linghu Cave now."
Gu Zhan asked: "Why?"
Furukawa said: "Linghu Cave is on Qixia Mountain, and Qixia Mountain is where the Huben Camp of the Beijing garrison is located. With your cultivation level, there is hope that you can sneak in. However, Linghu Cave is closed. You have to go in." , either you have the key, or you have to break the cave door, and the key, as far as I know, is the military talisman of the Huben Camp. It is impossible to get it. It is in your Majesty’s hand. And if you break the cave door, you will definitely alarm the Huben Camp, and Recently, you have been too conspicuous, and your every move has attracted much attention!"
Gu Zhan muttered: "Is there any way? If not, then I will have to force my way in. At worst, I will cover my face, and no one will be able to take off my mask!"
"No, no, no, no," Furukawa said hurriedly: "I'm just worried that you will have this idea. Don't worry. My sister said that she has a way to make it work. During this time, you should prepare the court affairs step by step.
Your Majesty has been ill recently, and it seems to be quite serious. He has not gone to court for several days. Huben camp needs regular inspections. It is very likely that the prince will go there. My sister has a way to do it, and then I can get it from the prince. Borrow military symbols. "
Gu Zhan nodded and said, "Okay, um, the emperor suddenly fell ill. What's going on?"
Furukawa shook his head and said: "I don't know. I suddenly became ill and couldn't go to court. The prince has been acting as the supervisor of the country these days. Even Qin You, the supervisor of Yunzhou Qintian Supervisor, was not allowed to return to the court to receive the title. Delayed."
Gu Zhan frowned and said, "Then you still want me to be admitted to the capital?"
"It was announced that you fell ill on the second day after entering the capital." Furukawa said, "Furthermore, it is said that His Majesty had a dispute with the Queen in Weiyang Palace that day."
Gu Zhan chuckled and said: "The emperor is so small-minded, how can he get angry and sick after a quarrel with his wife?"
"Who knows," Furukawa shook his head and said, "In the past two days, the crown prince received the envoys from the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty when they entered Beijing."
Gu Zhan asked again: "Speaking of which, I'm still a little confused. How come the Northern Wei Dynasty and Southern Jin Dynasty sent envoys to the Xia Kingdom, why haven't they heard anything about it before?"
"Don't talk about you," Furukawa said: "Even I didn't know until the two countries' missions arrived in the suburbs of Beijing. However, the two missions did not come together, but one after the other. It is said that it was because they were mutually exclusive. We were worried about the other party's tricks, so we all tacitly chose to cross the border secretly, and only notified the royal family and Honglu Temple. We didn't dare to show off our carriages and horses openly until we reached the hinterland of Daxia."
Gu Zhan nodded and said, "So that's it."
Furukawa patted his head and said, "Okay, that's enough. It's almost dawn. I have to go back and deliver my errands. In addition to talking about this matter today, I also want to visit you on behalf of my Gu family."
After saying that, Furukawa put a hand on Gu Zhan's shoulder and said: "Brother, I know. In fact, Gu Qiao went to Yunxi before and left without even saying hello. With your temper, you are not good to the Gu family. Not very satisfied, but after my sister went to Yunxi to find you, you didn’t make any request to establish cooperation with the Gu family because you didn’t want to make it difficult for me.”
Furukawa patted his chest and said, "I know it all in my heart!"
Gu Zhan smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this, but let's talk about you. You're so drunk, just rest here!"
"No," Furukawa said, "I'll see you again tomorrow night. I have to go back to Gu's house today, and then I have to prepare for going to court. You can't even think about resting. If I'm not mistaken, the emperor should receive you today! "
…
Yunzhou, in the mansion of Marquis Yun.
Rong Yichu was reviewing official documents when a middle-aged scribe came in, holding a pile of official documents and placing them on the table in front of Rong Yichu, saying: "Mr. Rong, these are the documents handed over by General Nangong. "
This middle-aged scribe came from the Gu family and was named Gu Yao. Because of his outstanding abilities, he had met Rong Yichu when he was in Kyoto. He was deeply appreciated by Rong Yichu. After being sent to Yunxi by the Gu family, he was attracted by Rong Yichu. He was initially promoted to deputy.
Rong Yichu looked at the ancient kiln and asked, "Has the message from Lord Marquis arrived today?"
"Here we are." Gu Yao took out a letter from his arms and handed it to Rong Yichu, saying, "However, this is the news before the Marquis came to Beijing. It was from three days ago."
Rong Yichu nodded slightly, took the letter and read it.
Since Gu Zhan left, people have been sent to send Gu Zhan's itinerary back to Yunxi on time every day. However, because the distance is getting farther and farther, the time gap between the letters is getting bigger and bigger. Now it is three days apart. .
Gu Yao suddenly said: "By the way, Mr. Rong, the Marquis' return may be a little later than expected."
Rong Yichu asked in confusion: "What's wrong?"
Guyao said: "The news just came today. The envoys from the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty arrived in Kyoto. The Marquis happened to be there, so he will definitely be involved in some things."
Rong Yichu suddenly frowned and said, "When did the envoys from the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty enter Beijing? Why didn't we hear anything about it before?"
Gu Yao said: "According to the news from the Gu family, it was because the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty were worried that the other party would stop them, so they chose to enter Daxia secretly in a tacit understanding, and did not notify Honglu Temple until they were close to Kyoto. "
"Is that so?" Rong Yichu nodded slightly. Suddenly, he suddenly raised his head and said in surprise: "What are you talking about? You only informed Honglu Temple when we were approaching Kyoto, instead of Honglu Temple who communicated with you from the beginning?"
Gu Yao nodded and said: "That's it...what's wrong, Mr. Rong, is there any problem?"
"It's not normal," Rong Yichu said with a frown: "This seems reasonable, but if they are trying to win over Daxia, they should notify Honglu Temple in advance even if they hide. After all, sneaking in is too risky. If someone is deliberately If someone takes advantage of it, it may have the opposite effect... Something is wrong, um, is there any other news from Kyoto?"
Gu Yao said: "There is no special news, but I heard that His Majesty suddenly fell seriously ill and is now the crown prince supervising the country!"
Rong Yichu's face changed slightly and he said in shock: "What happened!"
Guyao asked in surprise: "What's wrong?"
Rong Yichu said in a deep voice: "I dare to let the Marquis enter the capital with confidence because I believe that His Majesty will not dig his own grave against the Marquis because of the method of meeting the gods. But if it is the prince... then... It’s hard to say, and what a coincidence!”
Guyao asked doubtfully: "Mr. Rong, do you suspect that the prince is disloyal?"
Rong Yichu said slowly: "I don't believe that the prince will put Xia Guo's country first. The royal family... sounds glorious, but in fact, the ones who really control the world are the royal family Ji and the Lu family!"
As he spoke, Rong Yichu suddenly stood up and said, "You immediately notify the leader of the Kou alliance and General Nangong, gather all the people, and take action immediately after my order!"
Gu Kiln was surprised: "Where are you going?"
Rong Yichu's face was gloomy, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low voice: "Attack Shuntian Mansion and Qintian Prison, take Yunzhou completely, and target Kyoto!"
