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November.

the capital.It's the first day after the snow.

Emperor Zheng Yi, who had only been enthroned for three months, stood in front of the Zihuang Palace, standing alone, looking into the distance.

The Purple Phoenix Palace is the first palace in the capital, occupying the highest terrain, facing east, with a magnificent momentum.In front of the hall are more than a hundred steps paved with white marble. Looking from top to bottom, it is a piece of snow white, and the vast mountains and rivers are all in the white.On top of the snow, there were layers of mist, and Zheng Yi watched Tao Xiao, the prime minister whom he relied on the most, coming from the snow—Tao Xiao was wearing a dark red official robe, climbing up the steps, with a solemn expression.

And Tao Xiao looked up at the new emperor above the palace.

There was a stir in my heart.

Three days of heavy snow turned the entire capital into white. Today, he was summoned by the emperor and rushed there.The Purple Phoenix Palace faces south, the first sun rises, the clouds are steaming, and the magnificent light is slanting on the robes of the new emperor. The bright yellow robes are floating in gold, reflecting the magnificent dark red palace. magnificent.

The king is in the world, and the momentum is overwhelming.

Tao Xiao stopped slightly.

He saw Zheng Yi frowning slightly in thought.

After following Zheng Yi for more than ten years, Tao Xiao knew exactly what was going on in his mind.Looking south from Zihuang Palace, you can see the distant mountains outside the capital, which are occupied by the Qianyuan Army.Since August, Zheng Yi's army broke through Cen Pojing's defenses five times, and was forced to retreat five times.

"My humble minister Tao Xiao sees the Holy One!"

"Pingshen. Tao Xiao, look at this snow, which conquered the entire capital overnight. I have prepared for a long time today, and I must enjoy the snow and plum blossoms with you so as not to live up to this good snow." Zheng Yi brushed his sleeves, golden The embroidery thread is as smooth as flowing clouds and flowing water.

"Holy Majesty, I'm in good spirits!"

Zheng Yi took Tao Xiao's hands into the highest floor of the Purple Phoenix Palace.

Standing on a high place, looking into the distance, the gorgeous sun slanting on the snow, shining with colorful lights on the snow, Tao Xiao praised.

The stove is warm.

"Tao Xiao, have a taste, this is Yanzhou's Hongmeng Snow Wine, it's special." Zheng Yi poured a glass of wine for Tao Xiao, and the aroma of the wine hooked into the soul.

Tao Xiao took a sip, and the sweetness entered his throat.

Zheng Yi today is very elegant, unknowingly talking about the past: "15 years ago, when I first entered the capital, I was stunned when I saw the palaces in the capital. They are also made of wood, tiles, and stones, but they can be built so beautifully." , such a style, where else can it be?"

After finishing speaking, Zheng Yi took a sip of his drink.

"Later, by chance, I got a chance to meet the last emperor of the previous dynasty. He was only 20 years old, pale and weak, and was suppressed by the queen mother of the previous dynasty. I was very disappointed, it turned out that the so-called real dragon emperor turned out to be like this. At that time, I thought, how could such a worthless man occupy such a great country for nothing." Zheng Yi smiled.

The former emperor and the former empress dowager were not biological mother and child.

At that time, the empress dowager of the former dynasty was only in her 20s, but she was backed by powerful officials and powerful.Afterwards, Zheng Yi gradually became the grand master through his friendship with the former empress dowager, and took power in the capital, turned his hands into clouds and rain, and finally replaced her—— Tao Xiao knew all of this.

I just don't know why he said this, Tao Xiao just listened attentively.

"The Yuanxi Dynasty has been in decline for a long time. I have traveled through many states and pools. The various forces are constantly fighting for their own self-interest, and the people are in dire straits. When I first entered the dynasty, I was also very excited. I thought that even if I was loyal to a woman, if I could It is a pity that a country is not a country, and a minister is not a minister. After hitting a wall from left to right, I decided to replace it!" Zheng Yi smiled and said, "I was in the imperial court yesterday. In the study room, I accidentally found out the memorial that was presented that day, and I still feel emotional in my heart."

Tao Xiao said: "The actions of the sage are the blessings of the common people."

Zheng Yi suddenly sighed with emotion: "If I were born ten years earlier, no, five years earlier would be enough! Five years earlier, I only need to launch a coup d'état, easily wipe out the Yan family, and take over smoothly." Xiayuan Xiguo, not like now, can let Chi Heng threaten this great country!"

"Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much, good things always take time."

Zheng Yi filled a glass for Tao Xiao with emotion, while the two were narrating the past, one glass after another, Tao Xiao's palms gradually became hot, and fine sweat broke out on his forehead.

Zheng Yi stood up and took off his official uniform for him.

Unknowingly, ten cups down.

Zheng Yi looked at Tao Xiao: "Tao Xiao, are you still entangled in Hong Yao's matter? I must kill Hong Yao and investigate his accomplices, otherwise there will be endless troubles."

Hong Yao, the general stationed at Qingfu in Xinbei Province, led his troops to surrender to the Qianyuan army.Zheng Yi was furious, and went to the root cause, because Hong Yao was the favorite general of the former Nine Kings, and he had a good relationship with Bian Cheng, who had surrendered to the Qianyuan Army before.So in a rage, Zheng Yi beheaded Hong Yao's family, and at the same time ordered a thorough investigation of all the generals of the Nine Kings, Zheng Yi's army was shocked.

Not only the old subordinates of the Nine Kings, but also those who surrendered to Zheng Yi before are all in danger.

Tao Xiao did not agree with such an overly severe punishment, and had argued hard at the court, but of course he could not resist Zheng Yi, and finally succumbed.

It has been more than half a month since this matter happened, and no one in the court dared to speak again.

Now that Zheng Yi mentioned it again, Tao Xiaoning thought for a moment and replied cautiously: "In the Qing Dynasty, there will be no fish. We can't abandon it just because a general was once someone's confidant. I still say the same thing, because of Hong Yao's fault alone. , and angering a large number of innocent generals will fluctuate the morale of the army, and let Chi Heng take advantage of it. Especially now that the two armies are fighting, the generals are so hot-blooded and irritable, I am afraid that if they are too strict, it will backfire."

"Why don't I know? I want to make an example to others. How many people have surrendered? Why do we always wait until after the surrender before we realize that they are cronies of the deposed king?"

Indeed, there were no fewer than four generals who surrendered.

Why not make Zheng Yi furious.

Tao Xiao is not ambiguous: "Because most of the recruits in our army are various forces, old courtiers, and old royal families, there is a mixed bag of fish and dragons. In addition, the enthronement of the Holy Majesty has deterred the generals who have different hearts, so it is not surprising that this kind of thing happened. .We should guard against the erroneous things, and clear the rivers to guide the stagnation. I have ordered the generals to repeatedly enforce military discipline and clear up the chaos in the army. Now is the most vigilant time, and we should not add fuel to the fire. Your Majesty, let the matter of Hongyao stop here!"

Tao Xiao spoke earnestly, and Zheng Yi sighed: "I know it all, and only you dare to speak up in front of me. Without Tao Xiao, I would be walking in the dark."

"Your Majesty's words are too much."

"Tao Xiao, I have known you for more than twelve years, and you know me best. My biggest regret is that I despised Yan Luan of the Yan family, thinking that he would not be able to stir up trouble if he was not given a soldier but only an empty title. It really turned a nihilistic 'Yan Wangjun' into a real army." Zheng Yi got up, his face solemn, "When I beat the killer, Yan Wangjun was torn apart, when I thought Yan Wangjun existed in name only, I didn't expect a year later Chi Heng popped up again."

This is Zheng Yi's pain, Zheng Yijun's pain.

Today's Zheng Yi is a little sentimental, and people don't know how to comfort him. Tao Xiao said vaguely: "Good things take time, Chi Heng is just a strong outsider, and his battle is so fast, the foundation must be unstable."

It would be great if Chi Heng attacked more fiercely in August. It would be better to attack the capital. Tao Xiao had already prepared an ambush plan.Unexpectedly, Chi Heng divided his troops in an instant, which really caught people off guard.

It really backfired.

Zheng Yi drank his glass in one gulp: "Yesterday, the two messengers came back, Gan Na flatly refused, and King Suoge pretended to be false. I regret it, why didn't I do it sooner!"

It is a good strategy to use troops to attack from a distance.

In the Southwest Territory, Zheng Yiyuan made friends with the Southwest King, and Chi Heng secretly helped Ganna.As a result, Ganna won, and quickly expanded to the outer domain after eradicating the Southwest King.Afterwards Zheng Yi tried to win over again, but it was too late, Gan Na was not moved at all.The same is true for Xijiang. Zheng Yi even hinted that Fengtu Prefecture and the states of the Western Regions would be promised to him, but King Sog remained on hold.

Zheng Yidao: "What method did Chi Heng use to make them so determined? Isn't the great land of Yuanxi not enough temptation?!"

Tao Xiao pondered and said: "Chi Heng is not using conditions, but people. A few years ago, the Southern Border and the Western Regions were at war, and Chi Heng would choose these two people, probably because their ambitions are not in Yuanxi. These few days In the past few years, Chi Heng has continuously strengthened his relationship with these two people, and at the same time, he has also strengthened the troops on the border, and he has a clear attitude. Besides, his strength is getting stronger and stronger, and those two people will probably be more afraid."

Zheng Yi sighed: "Although I sneer at Chi Heng's brutality and cruelty, I have to admit that he does have foresight. When Yuanzhou was occupied by the Duan enemy and my army marched south, he could calm down and make friends with Ganna." And King Sog. Even hiding the strength of the Qianyuan Army's naval battle until this year's attack on Xinbei Prefecture, it is indeed calm."

After pondering for a moment, Tao Xiao said, "Chi Heng, is it really cruel?"

If the character is cruel, why are there so few generals in the Qianyuan army who surrendered to the enemy?Moreover, once many of the defeated enemy generals joined the Qianyuan Army, they turned out to be surprisingly loyal, and their ranks rose step by step, and some even reached the position of deputy general!Chi Heng had indeed slaughtered a city, but he definitely did not conquer so many generals by means of iron and blood!

Tao Xiao poured a glass of wine for Zheng Yi: "Your Majesty, don't worry, the two armies confront each other, even if we don't rely on external assistance, we can still win."

"I had two chances to kill him."

Tao Xiao remained calm.

Zheng Yi braced his temples with two fingers: "One time in Anzhou, because of Changying's obstruction, he was only blinded; once in Shuzhou, because he was also trapped in the evil forest of the ancient country; in fact, if I make up my mind faster, it's not that I can't kill him." He, Chi Heng, can confuse people. It is not unreasonable for Ji Ce, Shi Wei, and Yan Jian to be subdued by him. Especially Ji Ce, who sent Yan Wangjun out, he was willing to be a ladder and worked hard. It is impossible for Chi Heng to smooth out general affairs and local affairs, if we say that Chi Heng has no ability at all."

"I heard that Chi Heng and Ji Ce have an ambiguous relationship? Could it be a lover relationship?"

Zheng Yi suddenly showed a mocking face: "Chi Heng is very promiscuous, and there are no less than ten people in the newspaper who have no clear relationship with him. However, since he is so lustful, why can't we get close to any of the stunning beauties in the past? The news all say that he was singing and dancing in Zhaojin City of Shuzhou, and he was drunk and lying beautiful, I don't believe that he can make the army break through our defenses again and again with such a wild/lewd person!"

"Chi Heng is particularly vigilant."

"Back then, Yu Changying stole so many letters in just one month. Wasn't it a trick of beauty? If it wasn't for Rong Yue's luck, he would have died in my hands long ago. Now, Chi Heng is at ease in Zhaojin City, If you don’t start now, when will you wait?”

Tao Xiao smiled wryly: "How many people can be like Yu Changying? Besides, Ji Ce was not by Chi Heng's side at that time." Now, with Ji Ce around, there is no possibility of a beauty trap.

"Why can't the trickster kill Ji Ce?"

"Because Chi Heng's defenses are extremely strict, and it is said that he even strictly forbids Ji Ce to leave Zhaojin City privately - such a secret order is indeed weird, and it also makes it impossible for tricksters to attack." Chi Heng treats Ji Ce like a lover , Therefore, assassination is not easy.

Zheng Yidao: "Chi Heng is already frightened, he treats his lover just like he treats a child."

"Will the protected person be very tired?"

"Maybe it's fun." Zheng Yi took a sip of wine, his face as clear as frost: "It's also a meticulous work, Ji Ce's spies are everywhere, disturbing the hearts of civil servants and generals, and they even climbed onto my dragon bed. Yes. Why are our spies so incompetent? If we had known that Chi Heng would divide his troops, we should have concentrated on one place to attack, and missed a great opportunity! Tell me, how many days have there been no reports about Chi Heng? Man, if you want to say anything else, it’s fine, except for beauties who are not at all wary!"

Tao Xiao said solemnly: "Chi Heng has a unique eye for picking people, he is not keen on peerless beauties."

"..."

"I also sent someone who looked very similar to Yan Luan before, but he was indifferent."

Zheng Yi snorted coldly: "It's so obvious, didn't you wait for Ji Ce to kill you? Tao Xiao, do you know the biggest gap between us and the Qianyuan Army? Yan Wangjun is very pure. After Chi Heng took over, The first thing to do is to eliminate or suppress the old forces and dissatisfied people until they can be used for our own purposes. But we are a mixed bag, and the many forces that we have previously incorporated have complicated roots. These thieves are making trouble, can I still keep this country?"

Tao Xiao raised his head suddenly: "My lord..."

"Tao Xiao, you don't need to speak too much on their behalf. The courtiers and generals of the old court like Jiu Wang, Ji Guang, Xin Boshi, etc., are always singing the opposite tune. I can't bear it long ago! I have made up my mind to eliminate them all!"

Tao Xiao stood up suddenly, his expression pale: "My lord, you..."

"I know you can't be cruel, my servant! When you came, they were already prisoners!" Zheng Yi slowly got up and looked directly at Tao Xiao.

Tao Xiao's expression changed, and his voice suddenly increased: "But we are different from the Qianyuan Army. They won the world by fighting, but we were able to lay the foundation by relying on the support of various forces. Yes, there are one or two people who are ready to move now. But most of the people still submit to the Holy Majesty, and now the Holy Majesty...isn't he forcing those people to rebel? He's caught in Ji Ce's trick! It's completely possible to wait for this period of time before settling old accounts!"

"It's too late now!"

Tao Xiao couldn't contain his anger: "Your Majesty! Yes, power disputes have indeed weakened the army, but have you ever thought that centipedes are dead but not stiff, and once they counterattack, they will suffer from internal disasters! The power that the Nine Kings can rely on has been exhausted. There is not much left, Bian Chengxia Sinian and several of his subordinates have already rebelled, can he make trouble again? But if you kill him, his forces will fight to the death, wasting our energy in vain! Don't talk about Ji Guang and Xin Boshi, they are nothing more than making sarcastic remarks in the court, what can they do? Why are you so impatient!"

Zheng Yi said coldly: "I already regret that it was too late!"

Tao Xiao was about to argue, but suddenly stopped, his eyes were full of disbelief: "My lord, my lord..."

"Tao Xiao, I have endured it for a long time. If I had used this method earlier, I would have killed Chi Heng!" Zheng Yi turned around and threw the five tiger cards on the table, which symbolized that they had changed hands, and even more so, the old The owner has been taken care of.

Tao Xiao fell back on the chair all of a sudden.

The snow outside the window was still gorgeous, but Tao Xiao was as cold as being in an ice cave. He was trembling all over, and he was chilling all over. He stared at the old tiger badge for a long time, and the anger in his heart turned into sorrow and silent regret.

Slowly, Tao Xiaosong developed his white knuckles, and looked at Zheng Yi coldly: "Your Majesty, you often ask me what makes Chi Heng outstanding? Wei Chen has never told the truth! Today, why not talk about Wei Chen?" My opinion. Chi Heng was born as a general, and he is brave and good at fighting, and he regards death as home, which is incomparable to the Holy One."

Zheng Yi's face suddenly changed.

Tao Xiao continued: "If the forces that are about to perish are allowed to choose, they will defect to Chi Heng, because Chi Heng is more magnanimous than the Holy One. Once the enemy surrenders, he will never chase after them, let alone cook them to death. Not bad. He slaughtered the city, but it was only once, and it was to avenge the general, even if he hates his cruelty, he has to respect his loyalty and show his sincerity—we all hate him, but there is no one who does not admire him."

Zheng Yi's eyes shot out disgust.

Tao Xiao had no fear on his face: "What we are proud of is that Feng Zhencang actually took refuge in the Holy One. But does Feng Zhencang have a choice? He is the one who killed Yan Luan. Chi Heng can accommodate everyone but will never forgive him." Pass him! Chi Heng told the world plainly: In this world, he only kills two people, and he vows to die without compromise. Others, as long as they come, will be rewarded for meritorious deeds. He has no prejudice and follows him , I don’t have any worries, I just need to fight, win, and ask for credit!”

Zheng Yi suddenly drank a glass of wine.

Tao Xiao smiled bitterly: "Is it terrible to be an opponent of such a person? He has only one purpose, and only one condition. To be his subordinate, you only need to fight forward. You don't have to speculate on his mind at all, and you don't have to worry about what is going on." One day, the situation suddenly changed, and all struggles were destroyed!"

Zheng Yi slapped on the case, a vase rolled down and shattered with a bang.

Tao Xiao raised his head and said bluntly: "I once thought about why Ji Ce was willing to let Chi Heng seize the power. Isn't he greedy for the temptation of power? He was also suppressed by Chi Heng, so a smart person can't detect it. Why is there almost no resistance? If Ji Ce is... handing over to you, the Holy Spirit, I am afraid he will not be so relieved-he will be worried about what will be left for him after the full power is handed over? Can he still survive unscathed? Will you survive?"

"Tao Xiao! Are you trying to provoke me on purpose?"

Tao Xiao had a desolate look on his face: "My lord, we have changed from an absolute chance of winning to an equal share of the country with him. What is the reason? Yes, Chi Heng only knows how to fight, and is only good at fighting, but he clearly understands his own strength. Advantages and disadvantages, the general decision-making of all affairs is handed over to Ji Ce, the strategizing is handed over to Shi Wei, local affairs are handed over to Luo Jinghan, and all matters of war are handed over to Cen Po, Jing Rongyue and Liang Qianlie. For subordinates , this kind of appreciation, this kind of kindness, this kind of absolute decentralization, will make people feel embarrassed for him, vow to die without regret, and rewards will become dispensable——Do you think there is any spy who can How can we pry this kind of loyalty?"

Zheng Yi scolded angrily: "Tao Xiao! Didn't I give you these?"

"Give it to me. When you don't make a mistake, you trust it with all your heart, but what if you make a mistake? Not to mention Weichen, such as Li Yuqi, he is a rare general. He started with more than [-] people and successively regained the governor of Kaizhou Qi Lingzhou and other places have made great achievements in battle, so is his ability questionable? But in the duel with Cen Pojing, he lost a few battles before he was reprimanded so that he couldn't hold his head up."

"I gave him an army of 50, but if I can't attack him, shouldn't I be angry?"

Tao Xiao raised his head: "Your Majesty, you are wrong. You should give him 50 troops and send him whatever he wants. If he thinks the capital can be abandoned, we will follow suit; if he thinks that it is more important to keep Kaizhou than Qizhou, We should defend Kaizhou - instead, let's tell him to defend the capital and defeat Cen Pojing."

"What if the entire front line falls? Tao Xiao, can he afford the consequences? Can you?"

Tao Xiao smiled miserably: "So, only the Holy One can!"

Zheng Yi's face was livid.

Tao Xiao flicked his sleeves, knelt down on the ground and said solemnly: "Thank you for the wine, my lord, this is all I can say."

Zheng Yi stared angrily for a long time and said, "Tao Xiao, no one else dares to say such a thing to me. I will treat what you said today as if you drank too much. Get up!"

Tao Xiao smiled wryly: "My minister, I'm too drunk to drink, so I'll take my leave."

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