Pawn Crossing the River

The fall of Kobe means that the gate of Mie County is open, and the Daomen army can march straight in and attack Kono Castle.

For Daomen, Kono Castle is not of great significance, but the Ise Shrine next to Kono Castle is of great significance.

In all the wars in Fenglinzhou, Ise Shrine has maintained its aloof status. Even if someone attacks Kono Castle, it will not affect Ise Shrine. But this time it is different. Dao Sect comes here just for Ise Shrine. It can even be said that the ultimate goal of the entire February offensive is Ise Shrine. Only by capturing Ise Shrine can the plan be completed.

Domon raised a slogan and marched towards Ise Shrine.

But before that, some of the Taoist sect's senior officials took a flying boat back to Xiujing's camp to participate in the dinner to welcome the arrival of the national master.

The banquet was held not in Xingying, but in Xiujing City, where Fenglinzhou Taoist Mansion was located.

Chinese-style banquets are always serious. The Imperial Master did not want to create an overly tense atmosphere before the war, so he adopted a Western-style banquet with a more relaxed and lively tone, including the new regent Sekiba Toyotomi Hidemo, the swordsman Yagyu Munemasa, the wealthy palace, the lucky palace and Other important ministers of the Prime Minister's Office were also invited to the banquet.

It is worth mentioning that Jixiang Palace did not relent, but her attitude had wavered. At least she no longer wanted to die. In addition, her realm cultivation was blocked, so she also attended the dinner.

Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu, two rising stars who had shone brightly on the Ise battlefield, were naturally invited. Not only that, they were also able to follow Master Qingwei, Master Zhang, Master Zhangfu, the chief, and the second in command to greet the Imperial Master. A boat.

The huge "Yinglong" slowly landed on the sea, and lowered the gangway to connect with the trestle extending into the sea.

Because the space on the trestle is limited, the number of people who can board the trestle to greet the Imperial Guard is limited, which also represents a certain special status. The positions on the trestle are arranged one after another like the order of civil and military officials when they go to court. The higher the status, the higher the ranking. Master Qingwei is naturally the first on the left, and the first on the right is Master Zhang Qihan.

Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were just in the middle, almost at the head of the first-level deputy hall master. Before them, they were all second-grade Taiyi Taoist priests.

The figure of National Preceptor Li Changgeng appeared on the gangway and waved to everyone. M..

Everyone saluted.

After the Imperial Master walked down the gangway, only Master Qingwei and Zhang Qihan came up to greet him: "National Master."

"Thank you both for your hard work." The Imperial Master greeted the two of them.

After the Imperial Guard, Li Changge and Yao Pei also walked down the long gangway to "Yinglong".

Li Changge's words came true, and the two of them really took the same boat to Fenglinzhou.

It is said that Qi Xuansu is the best in the Taoist sect, but after the February offensive, a certain gap opened up between the four of them. Qi Xuansu was originally the best in the world by recruiting Suzuka Mountain, but in order to seek a semi-immortal thing, Qi Xuansu He gave part of the credit to Zhang Yuelu, so the two of them went hand in hand. Li Changge and Yao Pei were completely lagging behind. When the war is over, it is almost inevitable that Qi and Zhang will be promoted to the second seat or act as the second seat. Li and Yao will have to stay in the position of deputy hall leaders for a while.

It's not that Qingwei Zhenren is selfless and gave all the credit to Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu, but it's not allowed to be taken as such. He first sent the Tsuchimikado-ryu onmyoji to recruit Suzuka Mountain, but the Tsuchimikado-ryu onmyoji failed, so he sent Qi Xuansu there.

In fact, this is not a simple task. If Qi Xuansu does not have the three evil beings to protect him, he will not be able to see Suzuka Gozen anyway. It is equivalent to Qi Xuansu bringing a pseudo-immortal to complete the task. In other words, this task is aimed at pseudo-immortals. It was normal for Qi Xuansu not to complete it, but it was unexpected if he did.

Next, they attacked Jiuju Castle and killed Pinru of Honganji Temple. Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu played the role of heavenly beings in the creation stage, equivalent to the lower-ranked Shenzhi Zhenren.

This is also the reality that Qingwei Zhenren has to face.

Externally, we must win the hearts and minds of the people and take a stand of justice. Internally, we must not only ensure the smooth progress of the war, but also minimize casualties. In addition to pouring out artillery shells regardless of cost, he also had to frequently use high-end combat power to open up situations. It was impossible for him to hide Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu who had the "Heavenly Master's Male and Female Swords" at this time.

As Taipingdao has repeatedly emphasized, winning the Fenglinzhou war is the most important thing at the moment, and everything else is trivial.

Having said that, couldn't such a big man find a semi-immortal object suitable for Zhang Yuelu? Does it have to be the Heavenly Master’s sword? not necessarily. It was the Tianshi who saw this and deliberately gave the "Tianshi Male and Female Sword" to the two of them, so that they could come to Fenglinzhou battlefield to make contributions and strive for the first-mover advantage. The phrase "It's better to send it to you to kill more Japanese pirates on the battlefield of Fenglinzhou" is not a lie.

Only now did Qi Xuansu gradually understand that this was taking advantage of the situation and going with the flow.

The Heavenly Master seemed to have done nothing, but he did not suffer any loss. Zhang Yuelu, whom he valued, was expected to become the youngest second-grade Taiyi Taoist priest. Zhang Jucheng, whom he wanted to recommend, took advantage of the special opportunity of the Fenglin Prefecture war to force the Li family to compromise. He passed the most difficult threshold and was about to become the real person in charge of Jiangnan Daofu. After arriving at this position, he was promoted to Entering the palace is almost inevitable. Bai Yingqiong, who was in the same position, also moved along. She was only one step away from the real person Shen Zhi. At her age, she could definitely become Zhang Yuelu's right-hand man.

In fact, it was almost acquiescence that Master Cihang was unable to compete for the position of Grand Master. The Heavenly Master also began to plan for the next thirty years, knowing that nothing could be done, and the results were remarkable.

Qi Xuansu couldn't help but sigh. The Heavenly Master looked like a very kind and kind old man. He didn't make any mysteries or say mysterious words on weekdays, but his methods were really clean and neat. My sister and my brother-in-law were chopped off as soon as they were told. It can be said that righteousness kills relatives and a strong man cuts off his wrist. Regardless of whether she is the granddaughter of a biological brother or a cousin, as long as she is promising and capable, she is a biological granddaughter and has room for others. A series of layout plans are really as plain as water, and there is no way that others can't understand them, but they highlight the meaning of a man who is good at fighting but has no great achievements.

As for the national master, he has a different style, more domineering.

The three deputy masters, Da Zhenren, have been evenly matched for many years, maintaining a balance, and each has its own strengths.

After the banquet began, the Imperial Master gave a brief speech, mainly on behalf of Daomen and Jinque, affirming the series of results achieved during Xiujing's camp.

Because it is a Western-style banquet, it is more casual and divided into three stages. The first stage is the prelude to the cocktail reception and buffet dining, which is about socializing with one person holding a glass of wine. In the second stage, during dinner time, Chinese banquets prefer to use round tables, while Western banquets use long tables. The third stage is the after-dinner cocktail party. Men and women are separated, this is also the time to talk about business.

After the Taoist sect had frequent contacts with the Holy Court, in order to entertain guests, it gradually learned some Western etiquette. Zhongyuan has always been like this, good at learning, from kneeling to sitting on a chair.

Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were naturally together. Zhang Yuelu was a good drinker and would not miss such an opportunity. He asked the Taoist in charge of the waiter for a glass of good Western white wine and drank it slowly.

Soon, the two met Li Changge and Li Zhuyu. From a clan relationship point of view, Li Zhuyu is Li Changge's granddaughter, but from a Taoist relationship point of view, Li Zhuyu is actually Li Changge's senior sister, and the two are not related by blood.

Qi Xuansu said: "I'm glad to hear that Brother Yongyan has been cleared of his grievances."

Li Changge smiled and said: "What is the purpose of clearing one's grievances? One cannot escape the crime of dereliction of duty and negligence. This time I returned to Fenglinzhou to atone for my sins. On the contrary, Daoist Brother Tianyuan and fellow Daoist Qingxiao have repeatedly stood up. I have heard about his military exploits in Jiangnan."

"Taoist brother Yongyan is overrated. He is just fulfilling his responsibilities as a Taoist sect." Qi Xuansu said humbly.

Zhang Yuelu didn't like this kind of social interaction very much. Since Qi Xuansu was there to deal with it, she talked less and just drank by herself.

Everyone said that Zhang Yuelu was difficult to get along with, and it was not groundless.

Of course, there is someone even more unsociable than Zhang Yuelu, and that is Yao Pei.

At this time, Yao Pei was standing alone in the corner. Most of the people present were second-grade Taiyi Taoist priests, and the worst were third-grade Youyi Taoist priests. There were very few people who were idle. Of course, Yao Pei could not stand out from the crowd, but he kept a certain distance from everyone. Compared with Zhang Yuelu, who had someone to accompany him, he seemed a bit independent.

However, Yao Pei quite enjoyed this kind of loneliness, drinking alone and enjoying himself.

In just a short prelude, Zhang Yuelu drank a bottle of white wine, half a bottle of rice wine, and a glass of white wine. If this were an ordinary woman, she would be nowhere to be found in Qi Xuansu's arms, but Zhang Yuelu was still in high spirits and not even a little bit drunk even if she didn't need cultivation to resolve it.

There was nothing much to say about the next dinner. Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were at the end of the long table, far away from the Imperial Master. Li Changge and Yao Pei were no exception, and were placed opposite Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu.

At the after-dinner cocktail party, Qi Xuansu, Li Changge and others were together, as were Zhang Yuelu, Yao Pei, Li Zhuyu and others. In fact, there is nothing serious to talk about. After all, they have different orthodoxy and different ways. They are not conspiring with each other. They are just talking about some insignificant and interesting things.

However, other people, including the high-ranking officials of Prime Minister Toyotomi, gathered in small groups in different small rooms, filled with smoke. From time to time, one would walk out of the small circle, carrying the smoke all over his body to the next small circle.

Various waiters rushed back and forth, delivering various drinks or other necessary items.

The Imperial Master and Master Qingwei also had a separate conversation at this time.

The two of them were sitting on a Western-style sofa, separated by a coffee table.

"Wugou, I came here this time not because I don't trust you, but just in case." The Imperial Advisor leaned back in his chair, "They all say that military affairs are the continuation of political affairs. Don't you know that in order to achieve the ultimate strategic goal, or It depends on the outcome of the war. From the beginning, the war must follow its own principles and rules. No one can violate it, and it will not change due to someone's will. It will only change due to specific actions. War is not a horse. A tame horse can be controlled by people, and it will not recognize what is right and wrong in front of it. If it is not careful, it will suffer a big loss and die miserably. "

Master Qingwei was silent for a moment: "What the Imperial Master means is... the last battle, no more holding back?"

The Imperial Master said calmly: "Follow the objective laws of war, what we want is the result."