Under the sky

Chapter 180 Intriguing

When Gu Qingshang passed Lingling, she saw Yin Molan's army standing across the bank. She felt a little relieved, but she didn't know why the Yinjiabao troops did not cross the river to join forces.

But she had no time to ask, she had to rush to Qingcheng as soon as possible.

At the end of June, Gu Qingshang arrived in Qingcheng, sent a greeting card, and was received immediately.

Shen Yuqing sat on the main seat of Juntian Hall.Somehow, Shen Yuqing seemed more majestic when he sat on this seat, and Gu Qingshang felt that he was a little distant.Shen Yuqing's identity was no longer the same as before, and it was not appropriate to come forward to exchange greetings. She cupped her hands and said: "Gu Qingshang of Hengshan has met Master Shen." She handed Li Xuanxuan's letter to Shen Yuqing, her superior, and said: "Dian Cang betrayed Kunlun and agreed with us. , invading the border, the nine families are attacking together, the alliance leader has an order, please ask the leader of Qingcheng to attack Dian Cang."

Shen Yuqing read the letter and asked Gu Qingshang: "Miss Gu, how many letters like this have been written by Leader Li?"

Gu Qingshang couldn't help but be stunned. She just followed the order and wondered if the same letter had been given to the Shaolin Wudang Tang Sect.

Shen Yuqing saw her hesitation and said: "I accept this letter. It still needs to be discussed. Miss Gu will talk to my little sister about old times first."

Seeing Shen Yuqing's lukewarm response, Gu Qingshang asked, "Isn't Master Shen planning to help Hengshan?"

She knew very well that Shen Yuqing was a human being and always disbelieved the rumors about usurping the throne, but it was related to the survival of Hengshan, and she couldn't help but worry. Who knew whether Qingcheng was willing to dip into this muddy water?He couldn't help but continue: "Master Shen, master has always trusted you. Do you still remember the words on the painting..."

Previously, Li Xuanxuan gave Shen Yuqing a handwritten scroll saying "I heard that five-color stones can mend the sky, so I believe it" to thank Shen Yuqing for working for Hengshan.Gu Qingshang wanted to express his feelings, but Shen Yuqing said softly: "Miss Gu, if you want to take over your master's mantle, you should know what matters are up to you and what matters are up to others. You are not showing weakness to others. ?"

Gu Qingshang was stunned for a while and knew what Shen Yuqing meant. If Qingcheng was unwilling to help, it would be useless to show his affection. On the contrary, it would be a sign of weakness.

"It's okay to show weakness, and you can show your affection, but you can't use it so quickly." Shen Yuqing said with a smile, "Miss Gu won't dislike me and want to be a teacher, right?"

At this moment, he saw the familiar Shen Yuqing. Gu Qingshang smiled and said, "If I dislike him, I'm afraid I will be taught a lesson by you again."

"My little sister has been worried a lot lately. Miss Gu will talk to her about old times first. This matter must be discussed in the long term."

"I have good news to tell her to make my little sister happy." Gu Qingshang said with a smile.

"What news?" Shen Yuqing was curious.

Gu Qingshang became jealous and said with a smile: "Master Shen, you have to know what matters are up to you and what matters are up to others."

Shen Yuqing laughed, but her heart sank.When Gu Qingshang left, he summoned Dong Zhaoyan, the left envoy of the war hall, Liang Shen, the right envoy of the war hall, Ni Yan, the leader of the auditorium, Shen Lianyun, and Chang Buren.Ni Yan and Liang Shen had some complaints in their words. They felt that they should not send a letter to Shaolin to express their support for Hengshan, which ruined the concept of Qingcheng Middle Way. Once Hengshan was in danger, Qingcheng would offend Dian Cang.

Lingling has been lost, and Hengshan is in ruins. If Lengshuitan is also lost, Diancang can attack Hengyang. When Qidong and Changning fall, they can attack the city.

"There are only female disciples in Hengshan. How can the Women's Army fight?" Dong Zhaoyan commented, "Headmaster Li is a female disciple even though he is so majestic. He cannot defeat little Zhuge."

"There are also the Beggar Clan and Huashan who are helping to clear the air." Liang Shen also said, "Hengshan will definitely be defeated."

This brings up another calculation - what benefit does helping Hengshan bring to Qingcheng?Ni Yan thought more deeply, there was no benefit to helping Hengshan, but after Dian Cang won, he would definitely bring trouble to Qingcheng.He did have a thought, but he didn't dare to speak. He only hinted: "Now that things have come to this, why don't we be on good terms with Dian Cang again?"

"How to make good friends?" Shen Lianyun asked, "Qingcheng supports Hengshan, and now he supports Diancang? How can he win the trust of Diancang after repeated actions?"

Ni Yan said: "There is always a way to make Dian Cang believe in Qingcheng's sincerity."

"Say it!" Shen Lianyun asked in a deep voice, "If Hall Master Ni has any idea, just say it!"

Ni Yan suddenly fell silent.

Shen Yuqing did not show his disappointment. He asked: "No one agrees with rescuing Hengshan?"

"Qingcheng has always adhered to the middle way. The fight between the two sects of Dian Cang and Hengshan..." Ni Yan was talking, and Shen Lianyun suddenly interrupted: "This is not a fight between two sects, but a fight between the leaders of the nine families. This is the fight between the nine sects. No one can stay out of everyone’s fight!”

Shen Yuqing looked at Shen Lianyun calmly and asked, "What do you think, Hall Master Shen?"

"We must help Hengshan." Shen Lianyun said, "Qingcheng must send troops to assist Hengshan."

Ni Yan, Dong Zhaoyan, Liang Shen, and Chang Buping all changed their expressions.

"Diancang and Hengshan are both powerful forces above Qingcheng. The two tigers are fighting each other. Why bother to intervene and let them fight to the death and reap the benefits?" Dong Zhaoyan asked.

"Wudang wants our fleet to withdraw from the Han River. Huashan Mountain is eyeing tigers. There are wolves at the front door, so we have to open the back door to fight tigers?" Ni Yan also disagreed, "Why should the people of Qingcheng get involved in the war?"

"Just because Huashan is in front, we must help Hengshan." Shen Lianyun said, "Huashan is Dian Cang's dog. If Hengshan falls, Dian Cang will unleash his dogs to bite people."

Shen Yuqing nodded: "Hall Master Shen is right."

Ni Yan said anxiously: "Master, think twice! Qingcheng really has no reason to offend Dian Cang! Even if Dian Cang becomes the leader of the alliance... it may not be detrimental to Qingcheng!"

"As long as Qingcheng shows goodwill and shows sincerity?" Shen Yuqing looked at Ni Yan, "When will Qingcheng need to rely on Dian Cang's tolerance to live?"

Ni Yan was at a loss for words, but he just tried to persuade him. At this moment when Huashan Mountain is watching with eager eyes, Qingcheng should not be involved in danger.

"If Dian Cang dares to break the rules once, he will dare to break them a second time." Shen Yuqing said, "To cause such a big commotion, just to be the leader of the alliance for ten years? Those who subjugate the six kingdoms are bribing Qin."

"If we help Hengshan, Huashan will probably invade immediately." Ni Yan said, "Qingcheng wants to use troops from both ends? Help Hengshan, which is almost certain to be defeated? Qingcheng and Hengshan may not be able to defeat Diancang and Huashan together, let alone There is a gang of beggars, not to mention that Tang Sect is still waiting and watching... I heard that Songshan sent people to send money and food to Huashan, why should Qingcheng attack?"

Ni Yan's tone was already a little excited. He was really worried about Shen Yuqing's reckless decision: "Master, think twice! Think twice! Qingcheng can protect itself. I will remember that during the New Year..."

He hesitated whether to say it or not. At this point, even Chang Buping, Dong Zhaoyan, and Liang Shen understood what he meant.

Shen Yuqing interrupted him: "Dong Zhaoyan and Liang Shen, you two will formulate a battle strategy within two days, mainly to aid Hengshan and resist Huashan. Uncle Chang, please pay attention to the battle situation in Hengshan. If there is any change, report it to me." ." After saying that, he waved his hand and said, "Step back."

Ni Yan wanted to persuade him again, but Shen Yuqing had already stood up and walked towards the hall, so everyone had to retreat.Walking outside the palace gate, Ni Yan was still unwilling to give up and said to Shen Lianyun: "Master Shen, I can't tell whether you are catering to the master's wishes or whether you really think so."

"You shouldn't talk about being friends with Dian Cang in front of the leader. Do you think the leader can't understand? He just gave you the ladder to prevent you from falling down." Shen Lianyun said, "You made him more determined to help Hengshan ."

Shen Yuqing left Juntian Palace and rode straight to the Changsheng Palace without calling for a sedan chair.Xie Gubai was still lying down. He shouldn't have disturbed Xie Gubai's rest. He had expected this day and didn't want to worry Xie Gubai. No matter what Xie Gubai asked, he only wanted Xie Gubai to rest in peace and recover from his injuries.

When the news came that Dian Cang had taken Lingling, he had many discussions with his staff, and many people secretly complained that he should not break up with Dian Cang so easily.He knew that his judgment was correct, but he really needed Xie Gubai to make a decision at this time.

When Shen Yuqing arrived at Xie Gubai's room, Zhu Menshang was giving Xie Gubai acupuncture.All the bamboo tubes on Xie Gubai's body have been removed, and the wounds have been sutured.Seeing Shen Yuqing arriving, Zhu Menshang said hello and took off the needles on Xie Gubai's body one by one.

Shen Yuqing had many things to ask Xie Gubai, not only the situation, not only how to deal with two powerful enemies, but also the mark on his shoulders.

One by one, Shen Yuqing pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, calling softly: "Brother."

Xie Gubai struggled to take a deep breath. He had to inhale hard to avoid being out of breath.He asked in a very thin voice: "Master...is there something wrong?"

Zhu Menshang frowned: "Don't let him talk too much." He was alert and knew that Shen Yuqing would not disturb Xie Gubai for no reason. There must be a reason for coming here.

Shen Yuqing said: "I have some ideas to share with my eldest brother. Listen, eldest brother. If I am wrong, I will correct you."

Xie Gubai nodded.

Zhu Menshang lit the Anshen incense, knowing that they were not interested in talking about the secrets of dignitaries, so he walked to the door and said, "I'll be guarding the door. Call me if you need anything."

Shen Yuqing looked at Xie Gubai, starting from Dian Cang's invasion of Hengshan and declaring his support for Hengshan, to Wudang asking Qingcheng to withdraw the fleet, Lingling falling, Gu Qingshang asking for help, and he had ordered people to formulate a battle strategy.

"Hengshan must be saved." Shen Yuqing said, "Shaolin is across Wudang and it is difficult to rescue the emergency. The Iron Sword Silver Guards cannot leave Gansu. The Tang Sect is waiting and watching. Wudang is weak. If Dian Cang wins, the Tang Sect will inevitably turn against Dian Cang. Dian Cang will Cang can slowly advance slowly. Once the rules are messed up, even if Qingcheng wants to defend itself, there is Huashan in the north and Dian Cang in the south. Dian Cang wants to reward Huashan for restraining him, and Qingcheng is a gift. Only by repelling Dian Cang, Communicate with Hengshan, retreat to protect Qingcheng, and advance to exploit other plans."

Xie Gubai nodded, obviously agreeing.

"Brother, what do you think?" Shen Yuqing asked.

"Send a letter to Dian Cang Huashan, saying to support Dian Cang, and ask Huashan to use the road to help Dian Cang." Xie Gubai's voice was very low, but it did not prevent Shen Yu from listening clearly.Shen Yuqing couldn't help being stunned. It was already a decision to unite with Hengshan to fight against Dian Cang. How could Xie Gubai want to support Dian Cang instead?If Dian Cang defeats Hengshan, Qingcheng will have no use value and will only become more intimidated.

What's more, Shen Yuqing felt that Huashan's borrowing the road was by no means that simple, and it was more likely to be aimed at Qingcheng.He believed that Xie Gubai must have other ideas and listened attentively.

"According to the march route of Huashan, set up ambushes in Guangyuan, Bazhong, and Tongzhou, and set up formations on the Jialing River to meet the enemy. When Huashan crosses the river, the ambush will cut off the retreat. The fleet stationed in Xiangyang Gang should not withdraw. Go straight to Hanzhong, abandon the ship, and station on the south bank. , waiting at the intersection."

"The troops from Huashan are exhausted and attacked front and back. Even if they break out and escape and walk through the mountain roads back to Hanzhong, they will still be attacked by the Han River. Even if the entire army is not wiped out, it will be [-]% or [-]% better."

"In this way, we can severely damage Mount Huashan, bring all the south of the Han River back to Qingcheng, cross the river to threaten Chang'an, and follow the river to Danjiangkou to join forces with the Xiangyang Gang and point directly at Wudang Mountain." Shen Yuqing's heart suddenly jumped, Xie Gubai His schemes are more ruthless than his.

"Will Huashan believe Qingcheng?" Shen Yuqing asked.

"The content of the letter must be tactful and humble. It seems that the situation in Hengshan has changed its course, and the corresponding chips must be used." Xie Gubai replied, "There are always chips to make them believe."

"What chips?" Shen Yuqing asked.

Xie Gubai remained silent.Shen Yuqing thought for a while, suddenly realized, and whispered: "Brother, Miss Gu is a friend of the younger sister and a disciple of Head Li. Besides, this may not be useful."

Xie Gubai's intention was to tie up Gu Qingshang and give it to Huashan, indicating that Qingcheng would change course in response to the wind, support Dian Cang, use the passage to lure Huashan into depth, annihilate him in one fell swoop, and seize the south of the Han River.

"If we can help Hengshan defeat the enemy, perhaps Master Li won't mind." Xie Gubai whispered.

"This is also risky." Shen Yuqing said, "If Huashan sees through it and launches an attack as soon as they enter Qingcheng, then let them drive straight in."

"There is no loss." Xie Gubai replied, "The intruders from Huashan will also take Guangyuan, Bazhong or Tongzhou. These places must be defended."

"Exchanging Gu Niang's life for an opportunity is just an opportunity..." Shen Yuqing said, "and risk offending Hengshan..."

"There is no risk of offending Hengshan." Xie Gubai said, "Without Qingcheng, Hengshan cannot defend itself against the beggar gang and Dian Cang. Even if Shaolin comes to help, it will be too slow. Hengshan needs Qingcheng."

"This is not the only way." Shen Yuqing shook his head, "It's not the best way either, it's just not worth a try."

Xie Gubai nodded slightly and said, "It's not a good idea now."

Xie Gubai understood that when Shen Yuqing was stigmatized for forcing his father to seize power, his reputation as a gentleman with embroidered pillows had changed. Huashan would definitely be more vigilant against a person who forced his father to seize power. If he was in After Shen Yongci died and succeeded to the throne, the name of Embroidered Pillow made it easier for people to think that he surrendered out of cowardice.

But this matter is a foregone conclusion and there is no need to regret it.

What he didn't say was that compared to taking the south of the Han River, severely damaging the Huashan army, and thus threatening the interests of the hinterlands of the Huashan and Wudang families, exchanging Gu Qingshang for such an opportunity would not be a loss, and it was at least worth a try.

The sharp pain in his chest warned him to stop talking.

"If this strategy doesn't work, is there any other strategy?" Shen Yuqing asked.

"Find out where Huashan came from and hold on to the city." Xie Gubai said, "Is Lengshui Beach still there?"

Shen Yuqing said: "Deputy Leader Lan is leading the elite and is confronting Dian Cang."

"Let Mr. Fu lead his troops to disturb Dian Cangliang Road. There is no need for direct confrontation for the time being, just keep intruding."

"Going to Guilin to invade the border of Diancang? There are not enough soldiers to repel the enemy, and it is difficult to defend ourselves. If a large number of soldiers and horses enter..." Shen Yuqing pondered.

"Go from Hecheng and harass the enemy in Hengshan Mountain." Xie Gubai said.

"Dian Cang captured Lingling. There will be no shortage of food. Disturbing the food route will have little effect."

"If Hengshan wins, this battle will take a long time. Lingling doesn't have enough food." Xie Gubai looked at the top of the bed, "It will take a long time." After saying this, he couldn't help but gasp.

"Who will be sent to lead the army to resist Huashan?" Shen Yuqing wanted his eldest brother to rest, but he had to ask clearly.

"Let Peng Tiancong lead the army." Xie Gubai said, "He is a relative who came to join us and is eager to make meritorious deeds."

"Afraid of losing prestige." Shen Yuqing hesitated.After all, my eldest uncle was new here, and his surname was Peng. In the past, this was a good surname. Old Beggar Peng's brothers could get some respect, but since last year he has been despised.

"Ask Liang Shen to assist and use Li Xiangbo as his staff. This is his chance to make meritorious deeds." Xie Gubai coughed suddenly and turned pale. Zhu Menshang hurriedly came in to perform acupuncture on him.

"Let him rest and talk to him later." Zhu Menshang said.

Shen Yuqing ordered someone to call Gu Qingshang and told Qingcheng that they would send troops to assist Hengshan. Gu Qingshang was overjoyed and grateful beyond words.He said happily: "Master really did not make a mistake in trusting you."

Wrong letter?If Li Xuanxuan really believed in him, there would be no need to ask Gu Qingshang to propose marriage again and again, and use in-laws to strengthen the alliance between the two families. Shen Yuqing did not say this to Gu Qingshang, and only invited her to the family banquet, and invited the wealthy family by the way. Shang joined in the fun. During the dinner, Shen Weichen's expression was uncertain. He was happy and angry, laughing and worried. She didn't know what Gu Qingshang said to her. Zhu Menshang couldn't hold it back and finally asked.Only then did Gu Qingshang talk about Li Jingfeng coming to see him.

When Zhu Menshang heard that Li Jingfeng was still alive, he cursed: "This heartless guy, we are miserable here while he is happy outside."

Finally, Shen Yuqing was kind and said, "It's inconvenient for my third brother. I don't ask Miss Gu to convey this to me." He was overjoyed when he heard that Li Jingfeng was not dead, thinking that he had to report this to his mother.Then he asked: "Has Jingfeng said when he will return to Qingcheng?"

"That's not true." Gu Qingshang agreed to hide it for Li Jingfeng so as not to worry anyone, and said, "I didn't say where I was going."

"Smelly boy." Zhu Menshang muttered and cursed again.

Shen Weichen whispered: "He will always come back."

A few days later, a fast horse galloped into Qingcheng, bringing news of the defeat at Lengshuitan in Hengshan Mountain.And Huashan sent his army southward, preparing to enter Bazhong from Micang Road.

The war between Qingcheng and Huashan is about to break out.

■

Monk Guangde was a famous monk nearby. He was born into a wealthy family. His parents died young and he only had two younger sisters. He inherited the family business when he was 15 years old. In order to fight for the property, many members of his clan were causing trouble, which made him upset.Because his parents were devout believers during their lifetime, they often invited monks to come to their home to chant sutras and pray for blessings. He was influenced by the sutras and became interested in the sutras and determined to practice. When he was 20 years old, he distributed all his family property to his clan members and became a monk at Ciyun Temple. He has been 50 years old now. Year.

Ciyun Temple is located on Wugong Mountain. Every fifth day of the Lunar New Year, he will give lectures. People always come from far distances to listen to the scriptures. Ciyun Temple is also considered to be at its peak.

That was before.

Since Peng Qianqi took charge of Jiangxi, the people have become more disbelieving in the destiny of heaven. Not only is there a shortage of incense, but I heard that some temples were smashed by angry people.

It was really Amitabha. Monk Guangde held a seven-day Dharma meeting to chant sutras and pray for this matter. On the surface, it was to pray for good weather in Jiangxi, but many people came to pray for Lao Beggar Peng and his family.

The world is getting harder.

Monk Guangde is famous because he has a miracle.The incident happened when he was 42 years old. At that time, his abbot was still alive and he was just an older monk in the temple. He told his brothers that he was going to meditate in the Zen room on the back mountain and not to disturb him. He also locked the door to prevent others from entering.He didn't drink any water for several days, just practicing. The first two days all the monks were just watching and curious. On the third day, the brothers were all frightened. The news spread from ten to ten, and the people nearby came out of the Zen room to be curious. Onlookers, seven days later, just when everyone thought he had died in the house, Monk Guangde came out of meditation. When he walked out of the door, the crowd outside the Zen room exclaimed in unison and knelt down in worship.

The Living Bodhisattva Monk Guangde became famous from then on, and Ciyun Temple became the most popular temple within a hundred miles.From then on, he would be in samadhi for three days every month, during which he would not drink or eat. Everyone said that he had developed magical powers. Although he did not dare to say that he knew the past and the future, he must know good and bad luck by observing people's energy.

That morning, Monk Guangde lectured as usual on the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. Although the audience was not as large as before, he still had a lotus-like tongue and brilliant insights.

He noticed that a young man among the believers was dressed in white and looked pious.After the believers dispersed, the young man stepped forward.

"Disciple Ming unknown, he is a disciple of Shaolin." Ming unknown took out his knight's name with a respectful attitude, "I heard the master's teachings and I was enlightened. The master talked about the "Nirvana Sutra" today. The disciple would like to ask the master what he thinks about whether Wuxing Chanti has Buddha nature. ?”

A Chanti refers to a person who does not believe in cause and effect, does not believe in good teachers, does not believe in Buddhist precepts, and cuts off all good roots. It is also divided into a nature Chanti and an unnatural Chanti. The non-nature Chanti means that one cannot become a Buddha at any time.

Whether Yichanti can become a Buddha has aroused controversy. The Consciousness-Only Sect believes that Yichanti cannot become a Buddha based on the five-nature theory, while other sects believe that Yichanti can become a Buddha if he meets the opportunity.

Monk Guangde smiled and said: "All living beings have Buddha nature, and they can become Buddhas by themselves."

Ming unknown asked: "Even a stinky wolf can become a Buddha?"

Monk Guangde was stunned for a moment, then said after a while: "Of course. Peng Qianqi has deep evil roots in this life, and there will be endless future lives. If he gets the chance, he will eventually become a Buddha."

He couldn't help but feel guilty when he said this.

"If he is saved, will the cause and effect be fair?" Ming Ming asked again, not sure.

"Cause and effect are naturally fair." Monk Guangde said, "It's unfair if you only look at it in one life. If you look at it after thousands of lives, it's fair when the cause and effect are repaid. If you look at it as one person, it's unfair. But if you look at it as all sentient beings, it's fair."

The unknown person clasped his hands together and said, "I still have many questions about the scriptures. I would like to ask the master to take me under my wing for a few days to help my disciples clear up my doubts."

Monk Guangde did not refuse.

(End of this chapter)