The Demon Soul is Coming

() Liu Sang entered the main gate of the Dragon Palace and came to the main hall.

Chu Yugong sat on the hall, his second son Chu Tianmu, and a group of civil servants and generals stood on both sides.

Liu Sang stood at the bottom of the steps and said salutingly: "Duke Chu, my princess Yu Xudong personally escorted the food and grass, and now she has arrived in the east of Fu County, please send troops to receive it with me."

Chu Yugong sighed: "Lu Yao knows the horsepower, and it takes a long time to see people's hearts. I am very grateful for the help of the princess and the son-in-law."

Liu Sang said: "Mr. Chu is too polite. If Nanyuan dies, Xu Dong will not be protected. His lips are dead and his teeth are cold. Helping others is also helping oneself." After reporting, he folded his hands and said goodbye.

After Liu Sang left, Chu Yugong continued to discuss countermeasures with everyone, and one of them suddenly came out of the crowd and said, "My lord, I have a plan."

Chu Yugong looked over and saw that the one who stood up to speak was Qiu Danyang who had been promoted to be a minister, so he said, "Say it."

Qiu Danyang said: "Although our side occupies the right time and place, we have been repeatedly frustrated when we fight against Jin Jian. The main reason is that Jin Jian is good at tricks and tricks. Although we can see through his tricks many times, we can't cope with them flawlessly." It's just that people who count people are good at counting, why don't we use strange tricks to deal with Jin Jian?" ..

Chu Yugong became interested: "How to do it?"

Qiu Danyang sneered and said: "Jin Jian will definitely choose the strategy of besieging the city in the end. If he wants to besiege, he will not let Princess Ningyun transport the food and grass into the city. The soldiers attacked by detour and cut off my food and grass, and our side will use the plan again." He told the plan in his heart.

When Chu Yugong heard it, it turned out to be an interlocking trick, but he frowned and said: "If you do this, won't you put Princess Ningyun and Liu Sang in danger? They came to help me from Nanyuan, but we used it They are bait..."

Qiu Danyang said: "Not to mention, the military situation is the most important thing, as long as we can win the victory. There is nothing wrong with sacrificing one or two people. On the other hand, Qiu thought about it, and felt that if the two of them don't die, our army will die." has hope."

Chu Yugong was astonished: "Why?"

Qiu Danyang said in a low voice: "My lord, do you still remember that nursery rhyme that was spread around Nanyuan a few days ago, and the celestial phenomena on Yinan Mountain? Those nursery rhymes and auspiciousness can certainly be applied to the lord, but they can also be applied to Liu Sang With Xia Yingchen."

Chu Yugong was moved: "How to say?"

Qiu Danyang said: "King Hekou, Simuzu... the word 'mulberry' in Ningyun's son-in-law's name, according to Qin Zhuan, isn't it exactly 'Simu'? And Ziyun came to the east, but Xia Yingchen 'Princess Ningyun', this time the grain shipment happened to come from the east..."

Chu Yugong did not expect that the nursery rhyme could be explained in this way.Startled for a moment, but seeing all the generals in the ranks also discussing quietly, he couldn't help complaining secretly: "Qiu Danyang used to be thorough in everything he did, and our army has repeatedly seen through Jin Jian's strange soldiers. It's all due to him, why is he doing so today? If you are not careful, how can you say this conjecture in public, and it will only confuse people's hearts?"

At the moment, he only said to think about it more, turned around, and when he reached the back hall, he secretly recruited Qiu Danyang, saying: "Although your plan is good, but Liu Sang is also smart, if you find out that we use him as a bait..."

Qiu Danyang said ruthlessly: "The lord sent a general to go with him to receive the grain and grass, he is convinced of it."

Chu Yugong said: "Who do you want to send?"

Qiu Danyang said sinisterly: "Then He Xiang is only loyal to Ximen's family, not to the lord, and he has a good relationship with Ningyun's son-in-law. Sending him to be buried with Ningyun's son-in-law can not only lure gold into the ambush, but also take the opportunity Get rid of Princess Ningyun, and then disintegrate Xu Dong's army. When Jin Jian attacked the food and grass, when he was in a hurry to retreat, the lord led the army and cut off his return at Lushan, blocking the enemy army. It will definitely boost morale and regain lost ground.”

Chu Yugong thought quickly in his mind, only to feel that although this plan is insidious, it is a coup. He nodded slightly, but thought in his heart that although Qiu Danyang is good at strategy, as a literati, he has a stomach full of bad water.

***

Liu Sang left Dragon Palace, wondering whether Qiu Danyang's "suggestion" would be successful.

However, around Chu Yugong, there are not many capable advisers, and since Qiu Danyang joined, he has repeatedly offered advice and indeed helped the Chu Clan solve many problems. Chu Yugong has become more and more dependent on him, let alone this " The "plan" was carefully considered by him, Qiu Danyang, and Youyou, and there was no need for Chu Yugong to use it.

Walking in front of the official road, I saw a group of ladies and ladies walking back from shopping in the distance. The eldest lady of the Chu family, Chu Leying, and the young lady, Nainai Wenlu, were all inside. Although the group of people were talking and laughing, they couldn't hide their worries and fears. When the war broke out, as women, most of them could only wait for the unknowable fate to come, and could not do anything, even Chu Leying, a strong woman who took care of many things on a daily basis, was no exception. The city was destroyed and their homes were destroyed. No one knew what kind of tragic experience awaited them.

I don't know if I read it wrong, but from a distance, Wen Lu actually got a little fat.

Liu Sang thought, could it be that because her husband was raped, she started to gain weight by overeating in grief?

On the other side, those wives and ladies also saw him, and one of them said: "That man is..."

Although Chu Leying couldn't participate in major military affairs, she was in charge of the Chu Clan after all, and knew better, so she said in a low voice, "That is Princess Ningyun's husband."

So that person is Liu Sang?Wen Lu couldn't help but look curiously.

Another person said: "The son-in-law of Ningyun City, why is he here?"

Chu Leying said: "Xu Dong has already joined forces with Nanyuan to resist the enemy. I heard that the third uncle lost Tianwuling that day, and he was the one who snatched it back in time, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."

When the war was brought up, all the women couldn't help talking in low voices, all worried.

Wen Lu said anxiously: "Sister Le Ying, do you think Youyi City can really be defended?"

Chu Leying thought, how would I know?It's just that these words can't be said like this after all, so he comforted: "You just have to rest assured and raise the baby, and nothing will happen."

Wen Lu lowered her head and remained silent.

Chu Leying sighed softly, remembering that since the last time my younger brother encountered such a tragedy, there have been gossips outside. In the past, my younger brother was spending time outside and always forgetting his younger siblings at home. Now, my younger brother drank alcohol all day to drown his sorrows, and his younger siblings also became indifferent to him. .I thought that Wen Lu was pregnant, and the relationship between the two would always be better, but unexpectedly, it seemed to become more rigid.

She put this aside in advance, and looked at the woman next to her: "Aunt Liu. Nainai wants you to move to Dragon Palace first, just in case..." The words were not finished, but everyone understood the meaning.In case Youyi City is broken, Dragon Palace can at least hold out for a while.It's just that if the situation is really bad to that point, it depends on a dragon palace.What can be done?

Aunt Liu said: "How is the old madame's health these days? I should go to the palace to see her."

Chu Leying said: "Fortunately, Nainai spent the past two days with the girl he picked up, and chatted to relieve boredom."

Aunt Liu said, "The girl you picked up?"

Chu Leying said: "The ex-rinainai was worried. I went to the temple in the north of the city to worship the gods and offer incense. When I came back, the driver accidentally knocked down a blind little girl about ten years old. The little girl was also pitiful and couldn't see anything I realized that my family members also died in the flames of war. Nainai saw her lonely, so she took her in by her side, which was considered a good deed, and maybe the gods would bless her, so that my Chu family was safe and sound."

Diagonally opposite.Liu Sang happened to pass by, and saluted them slightly, and they returned the salute gently, passing both sides alternately.

Liu Sang shook her head as she walked...to take a little magic star home, and still want to ask for the blessing of the gods?

How superficial! ! !

***

That night, Liu Sang spent the night in Youyi City.

Keeping his personal soldiers outside, he once again entered the star realm with the map of stars.

As soon as the dark goddess saw him, she said, "Daddy, I have already sneaked into the Dragon Palace."

Liu Sang said: "I already know."

"Also," the dark goddess showed a sinister smile, "I have already found out the exact location of the Nanyuan Army's grain and grass."

Liu Sang knows that Youyou now controls the "dark alliance" formed by various gangs in Nanyuan. These are people from the Jianghu. Jin Jian will not directly target them. .With these gangsters as eyeliner, it is very difficult for Nanyuan to escape Youyou's eyes and ears.

"Youyou," he said, hugging the dark goddess lightly, "after the incident in Nanyuan is over, come back to me. I know you want to help me, but I don't want you to run around outside."

The dark goddess was silent for a while, and said: "The one who will accompany Daddy will be Youyou, and it will only be Youyou..."

Liu Sang couldn't figure out why she confused her with Youyou all of a sudden, and separated herself from Youyou all of a sudden.

The dark goddess looked down at his belly again, laughing non-stop.

Liu Sang coughed dryly, feeling helpless. Ever since he became a soul eclipse, although he was able to absorb the energy of witch spirits from the astral world and refine spiritual sand outside, when he entered the astral world, his yang essence and soul merged into one, while his body Staying outside, here you can only see a naked girl, it's hard not to be "excited".

Youyou said: "Although the main location of the Nanyuan army's food and grass has been found out, it is well-prepared and it is difficult to burn it..."

"It's okay," Liu Sang said, "this matter has its own way."

The two discussed again, and Liu Sang left the star realm.

***

In the early morning of the second day, Liu Sang led 2000 people from the headquarters, together with He Xiang's 3000 people, headed for Fu County.

The two rode on horseback, Liu Sang looked behind him and saw that most of the people Chu Yugong pulled out for He Xiang this time were old, weak, sick and disabled, and he knew immediately that Chu Yugong had adopted the plan offered by Qiu Danyang Knowing that these 3000 people would undoubtedly die, he was reluctant to send out the elite soldiers, so he sent these weak soldiers who could not fight to prepare to be buried with him and his wife. <After the rain, the mountains in the distance glow green.

Liu Sang sighed and said, "I don't know what the final outcome of this battle will be?"

He Xiang's country-shaped face twitched a few times, and said lightly: "How many people have fought in ancient and modern times, as a general, even if they die in battle, it is also an honor."

Just looking at his answer, Liu Sang already knew that he was not optimistic about the outcome of this war.Liu Sang said helplessly: "A scholar dies for his confidant. If he can die for a famous master, it's fine. I'm afraid that the death will be unclear and inexplicable, so I will die."

He Xiang remained silent.

That night, people and horses were stationed in the forest outside the town.

Just as He Xiang was about to rest, a personal guard entered the camp and reported that an official had urgently requested to see him.

When He Xiang stepped out of the tent, he saw Li Zhenghuangfuzhang who came. Huangfuzhang was just like him. He was related to Ximen's family by marriage and they were good friends on weekdays.It's just that Huangfuzhang is a civil servant, and he is in charge of the storage and harvesting of grain and grass, why did he come here?

He Xiang was surprised: "Why did Brother Huangfu come here?"

Huangfuzhang said in a low voice: "Let's go inside and talk."

It was even more strange for He Xiang to see him so mysterious.

When the two entered the camp, Huangfu Zhang saw that there was no one around, so he said: "My brother, I'm going to Fu County. Be careful, be careful."

He Xiang frowned: "Be careful of what?"

Huangfuzhang said in a low voice: "The head of the family has found out the news, and the Duke of Chu intends to use Princess Ningyun and the large amount of food and grass escorted by her as bait to lure money to attack the food. The head of the house is worried that you will be drawn into it for no reason and die with them Together." He is from the family of Ximen, and the head of the family in his mouth is Ximen Chang.

He Xiang was moved: "The princess and the son-in-law join forces with us to fight against Duke Yu, how can we put them to death?"

Huangfu Zhangdao: "My dear brother, have you ever heard the new interpretation of 'King of Hekou. Four wooden feet, Ziyun comes, Die Shuichang'?"

He Xiang said coldly: "You mean. Simu is referring to Liu Sang, and Ziyun is referring to Princess Ningyun? Hmph, victory or defeat depends only on strategic planning and the right time, place and people. How can you believe these things?" Street nursery rhymes, strange talks?"

Huangfu Zhang sighed: "Although my virtuous brother doesn't believe it, Duke Chu has already become suspicious. Besides, even if these four sentences are not considered, if Princess Ningyun and her son-in-law are used as bait to lure gold into the ambush, Nanyuan will not lose anything. It's just a pity The Duke of Chu wants to make Liu Sang not suspicious, but also wants to clear up the responsibility afterwards, so he has to send an important general to bury them with them. My brother has gotten too close to Liu Sang recently, and he was not originally from Chu People at home..."

He Xiang stood there stunned, as if being poured by cold water.Although I know that this war will end in a fierce battle, but instead of dying in the confrontation between the enemy and ourselves, I will die under the schemes of my own people, I can't help but feel angry in my heart.There was silence for a while, and finally he let out a long sigh: "Even if I know the truth, what can I do? Just abandoning my troops and fleeing like this, Duke Chu can kill me just for the crime of disobeying the military order and fleeing in battle."

"The military order is like a mountain, and I also know that it is difficult for my virtuous brother," Huangfuzhang said in a low voice, "It's just that my virtuous brother already knows the inside story, and with my virtuous brother's ability, when the food and grass are attacked, I can escape in time..."

He Xiang smiled bitterly and said: "Even if I escape alone, Princess Ningyun dies there, Duke Chu will definitely kill me in order not to let people suspect that he designed to kill the princess. Not only will I die, but I will also get a fugitive In the name of death, you will be ruined even if you die."

Huangfu Zhang said: "My dear brother..."

"Forget it," He Xiang sighed, "I was born in a poor family, and it is an honor to die on the battlefield as a general. If they want me to die, then I will die."

Huangfuzhang tried to persuade him, but he couldn't persuade him, so he could only tell him to be careful and leave quietly.

***

The sky began to brighten, and Liu Sang and He Xiang led the army and continued to set off on the road.

Along the way, I photographed the refugees, looking at them with pale eyes, either cold or disgusted.

War affects the life and death, sorrow and grief of countless ordinary people, but most ordinary people can't even figure out why the war broke out. , leaving home, fleeing everywhere, or being pulled by a strong man, or starving to death on the journey?

Seeing these locust-like poor people who didn't know where to go, Liu Sang sighed.

He Xiang said: "What is the son-in-law thinking?"

Liu Sang said: "I just remembered that I used to be a farm boy with his face facing the loess and his back facing the sky. If he hadn't strayed into Ningyun City and met my wife, he might be like them now. Money and food were robbed, and his flesh and blood were scattered. Today Hungry for days and nights, and finally died in an unknown corner, and no one even buried the body."

He Xiang was silent.

Liu Sang said with a smile: "I remember that day, when I just woke up from Ningyun City, I found out that I was married to a princess who looked like a fairy. I just thought it was like a dream. At that time, she was relatively cold to me. Later, as the days passed day by day, the two of us finally came to today. We thought that there might be a happy future, but we don’t know when this battle will end. Thinking about it now, the general is fine Whether it's a poor man, a princess, or a commoner's daughter, in many cases, they may not be able to decide their own destiny. They are still alive and well, and they may die for no reason at some point, even if they don't know it. what happened."

He Xiang said expressionlessly: "Perhaps only the gods can truly control one's own destiny."

Liu Sang sighed: "That would only be possible if there were gods. What's more, would gods be able to control their own destiny? I don't think so."

He Xiang fell silent.

Liu Sang said with a smile: "I think too much, don't blame General He." He applauded the horse and galloped.

***

They finally arrived in Fu County.

The Fuhe River is a tributary of the Diejiang River. On the surface of the Fuhe River, more than a dozen large boats filled with grain and grass were lined up. On the bank, Xia Yingchen led two thousand Xu Dong soldiers and waited there.

Surrounded by iron armor and bronze swords, she is still wearing deep clothes with curly trains, hooped by jade rings, and the flying fairy bun with the double maids, matched with green clothes and red clothes, jade belts and blue knots, elegant and noble, although standing in the middle of the world. But it doesn't seem to belong to this world.

Liu Sang stepped forward and looked at her.

Xia Yingchen looked at him and smiled sweetly. Such a smile, appearing on the face of this stunning woman who was always as cold as snow, made many people around me go crazy.

He Xiang stepped forward and said: "The last general, He Xiang, see Your Highness the Princess."

Xia Yingchen frowned: "Why did the general only bring this few soldiers?"

He Xiang said: "Princess has 3000 troops, plus 2000 generals and 7000 troops led by the son-in-law, there are [-] troops, and there is another large army assembled in the west to block the enemy army. This place is already safe, so there should be no problem." But he thought in his heart that if Chu Yugong really used them as bait, Chu Tiancheng in the west would have already been transferred away by now.

Xia Yingchen raised his head and sighed, "It's getting dark."

... (To be continued.)