Chapter 64: Mission

Huan Yu was praised repeatedly after hearing this. Although Jian Shiyi admired my king's righteousness, he was even more worried about his safety.

Xiao Xu outside listened to Zhou Shengchen's words and couldn't help but frown secretly and began to think. If Zhou Shengchen is restrained and persuaded to surrender, or killed or placed under house arrest, Nan Xiao will lose a formidable enemy. The hundreds of thousands of royal troops on the north bank will immediately fall into a leaderless situation. The already uneasy Beichen court will be shaken by this, and there will definitely be many factions competing for the leadership of the royal army.

If Beichen fell into chaos, wouldn't it be a good opportunity for Nan Xiao to take advantage of it and move northward in a big way?

As for the peace agreement, Xiao Xu could only smile bitterly: In this complicated world, who else would keep the agreement except you, Xiao Nanchen, Wang Zhoushengchen! Don't talk about anything else, just say that the emperor and the court of Beichen have reneged on your oath - as long as they can use it, they will let you keep the promise; as long as they can't use it, they will help you break the promise. .

Xiao Xu sneered in his heart and replied: "Your Highness, don't worry too much. I just want you to stay in Nanxiao for a while."

Before Zhou Shengchen could answer, Huan Yu couldn't help but walk out of the pavilion. After saluting, he looked at Xiao Xu and said, "Your Majesty, King Xiao Nanchen is coming from afar. We should receive him with great courtesy. But how can he have the intention to do harm?"

Xiao Xu nodded indifferently, and then replied coldly: "My second prince Xiao Wen may have been bewitched by someone and defected to Beichen. Now I heard that he changed his name to Xiao Yan and was granted the title of "Xiao Yan" by the Emperor of Beichen. 'King Fengyang'. If Beichen left me as Nanxiao, wouldn't he have broken his promise long ago? Could it be that my prince is not as good as the little Nanchen King?"

Huan Yu couldn't answer for a moment, so Zhou Shengchen walked out slowly regardless of Shi Shiyi's obstruction.

This was his first face-to-face contact with the Emperor of Southern Xiao, Xiao Xu, not to mention that because they were standing close to each other, they could clearly appreciate each other's elegance.

Xiao Xu has the demeanor of a Confucian scholar, and King Xiao Nanchen is an extremely heroic young man.

"What a young man!" Xiao Xu immediately praised him.

Zhou Shengchen nodded and said, "Xiao Yan is willing to go north on his own. As for the reason why he left Nanxiao, perhaps His Majesty knows better. We just took him in and did not restrict his freedom at all. At present, he is here In the military camp across the river. If he wants, he can go wherever he wants."

After he said it calmly, Xiao Xu blushed at first.

Xiao Xu naturally felt guilty for taking away the imperial power from Xiao Yan's father. Now that Zhou Shengchen did not restrict Xiao Yan's personal freedom, how could Xiao Xu not know that Xiao Yan was someone who wanted to cross the river at any time to take his life.

Thinking about the cruelty of the power struggle, Xiao Xu just shook his head helplessly, looked at Zhou Shengchen and said: "This is not what he imagined, and I won't blame him. As long as King Xiao Nanchen issues an order to let him come back, even if it is too late. Jiang Lai reunites our father and son for a while, and I will be satisfied. At that time, I will respectfully send King Xiao Nanchen back to the north bank."

Even Zhou Shengchen, let alone Zhou Shengchen, would not believe the words spoken by such a thoughtful and ruthless person.

After hearing this, Zhou Shengchen just smiled indifferently, looked at him again and said, "Xiao Yan is indeed in Bei'an, but he is now the Fengyang King of Beichen. How can I order him?"

Xiao Yan was crowned king in the North, which Xiao Xu knew well. But Xiao Yan also served as the king's army's military advisor, which Xiao Xu didn't understand at this time.

Hearing Zhou Shengchen's answer, Xiao Xu was also in a dilemma, thinking about how to find another excuse to detain Zhou Shengchen and even control Xiao Yan.

Everyone at the scene was silent, and Nao Shiyi in the pavilion was extremely anxious. It is naturally impossible to say that she has become as knowledgeable about world affairs as Zhou Shengchen, Huan Yu and others. But even as innocent as she was, she knew at this time that Xiao Xu had the heart of a tiger or a wolf.

Thinking about helping to save Zhou Shengchen again, she gritted her teeth and was about to come out of the pavilion to plead with Xiao Xu, but she saw the situation outside and took a turn for the worse.

While Xiao Xu was meditating for a moment, he suddenly saw the guards who were following him running over in a hurry. Before he even opened his mouth to scold him, Huan Yu, who was opposite him, thought that these guards were coming to arrest Zhou Shengchen, and he was already very angry.

But before Huan Yu could reprimand him, he saw a guard whispering something to Xiao Xu.

The color on his face suddenly changed, and Xiao Xu looked flustered and nervous. After lowering his head and thinking for a while, he looked at Zhou Shengchen and said with a very regretful tone: "I still have important things to do. Prince Xiao Nanchen will stay with Mr. Huan for a few more days. I will come to visit you another day." After that, he Chong Zhou Shengchen and Huan Yu nodded, turned around and took the civil servants with them, and hurriedly left Longkang Academy under the close protection of the guards.

Seeing this man leaving quickly, Ji Shiyi in the pavilion was so happy and excited that tears filled his eyes, knowing that our king was safe, at least for now.

Huan Yu watched Xiao Xu and others go away, then turned around, saluted Zhou Shengchen solemnly and said, "If it weren't for me, the king, to decide the affairs of the world, I really don't know when another wise master will show up."

After that, he ignored Zhou Shengchen's obstruction and bowed to him seriously.

After helping him up, Zhou Shengchen said silently: "I will neither let down Beichen, nor will I dare to let down the world."

It is unclear how he could realize such a wish, but how could Huan Yu not know about his talents and strategies? At this time, he no longer hesitated. Huan Yu was so excited that he could only hold his hands in agreement.

Yan Shiyi looked strange. Before he came out and asked, he heard distant roaring sounds coming from outside Longkang Academy. These sounds came from far and near, and sounded like a large number of people.

The color on his face changed again, but Yu Shiyi was no longer afraid. With the determination that she and Zhou Shengchen would be together for life and death, she leaned close to him, hugged his arm tightly, and looked up at him.

The look in her eyes was full of unwavering loyalty and love. Zhou Shengchen was so moved that he couldn't help but nodded to her and said, "You don't have to be afraid. Don't ever be afraid again."

After hearing about his safety, Jian Shiyi nodded vigorously, and two tears fell instantly. Zhou Shengchen quickly raised his hand lovingly and gently wiped it away for her.

Huan Yu, who was watching from the side, was even more moved: this is the most beautiful thing in the world.

The three of them stood in silence for a while. Huan Yu came to his senses and was about to invite Zhou Shengchen and Min Shiyi back to the pavilion when he saw another little book boy running over in a panic to report: "Sir, no, it's not good! Many, many,”

"I've told you a long time ago that even if something really happens, you should tell it carefully." Huan Yu said with a smile.

Driven by his calm expression, the little book boy saluted seriously and said: "There are many natives who gathered together for some unknown reason and rushed over here shouting and killing."

"The natives must have been in such a commotion because the government oppressed them too much." Huan Yu replied calmly, "Even if they break into the academy, they cannot be stopped."

The little book boy blinked his eyes a few times and saw that Huan Yu's expression was extremely calm and solemn when he spoke, so he had no choice but to turn around.

Huan Yu smiled and watched him run away, and then saluted Zhou Shengchen and Yang Shiyi to go back to the pavilion. When Huan Yu took up the matter of donating books from Shi Yi again, he happily asked for advice on the titles of the books.

Yang Shiyi was originally worried about the "natives making trouble", but when he saw that Huan Yu and Zhou Shengchen looked calm, he felt relieved for the time being. But when she was about to answer Huan Yu's question, she heard the noise in the academy again, and she felt nervous again.

"Please see His Highness Prince Xiao Nanchen!"

Several people shouted questions from the courtyard. Zhou Shengchen in the pavilion stood up with a smile and walked out slowly. Huan Shiyi nervously tried to grab his arm again, and Huan Yu next to him laughed softly: "Young lady, you don't have to worry anymore." After that, he got up and followed Zhou Shengchen out.

Yan Shiyi could only look outside through the gauze curtain in the pavilion with an anxious mood.

As soon as Zhou Shengchen walked outside, he saw several native leaders, all bowing to him and saying, "Meet His Highness, Prince Xiao Nanchen!"

He quickly approached and pulled them up, and Zhou Shengchen said seriously: "I am the brother of several of them, so I should bow to my elder brother." After that, he was about to bow to him, but was pulled by the natives.

Huan Yu approached and exchanged greetings with several people, and then invited them to enter the pavilion together. When Nao Shiyi saw that these people were all fierce-looking, he couldn't help feeling frightened again.

Several native leaders received Zhou Shengchen's introduction and quickly addressed her directly: "I have heard Mr. Huan talk about Miss Yu a long time ago, and now I see it with my own eyes, and hereby pay my respects to my king and princess!"

Although Jian Shiyi's face was red, he no longer hesitated. He saluted and replied: "These are all my king's brothers, and I have heard about them. Now that I see them, I should be the one to bow to them."

The few natives couldn't stop him, so they had no choice but to thank him again. When he raised his head again, Mao Shiyi was already in tears.

"If a few people don't arrive, my king will definitely be in danger." She whispered, wiping away her tears.

Zhou Shengchen said consolingly: "Mr. Huan risked his life to inform the brothers."

At this time, everyone knew what was going on. Huan Yu, under Zhou Shengchen's secret instructions, immediately ordered his confidants to contact the native leaders Huang Tianhe, Shi Mengyuan, and Bashan Hu.

When these three people learned that Zhou Shengchen came to Nanxiao alone, they were first surprised and then frightened. It was also heard that Zhou Shengchen came to rescue a female apprentice. After listening to the informant's detailed statement, the three of them roughly understood the relationship between this girl named Miao Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen.

The informant then talked about Zhou Shengchen's dangerous situation, and the three of them immediately made corresponding arrangements.

"Fortunately, we have arrived. If something went wrong with our king, I would not be able to survive even if I didn't say sorry." Huang Tianhe said with emotion.

Zhou Shengchen only said that he had put them in danger. Shi Mengyuan stood up and said: "Since we are sworn brothers, we must share life and death!" The two people also agreed.

There was a long silence, and Zhou Shengchen did not speak yet. Huang Tianhe waved his hands to stop the shouting of the two people, and said in a low voice: "We have all listened to Mr. Huan's words, and we must help my king to stabilize the world! The peace of the people of all races should be my king's mission."

When he said this, Shi Mengyuan and Bashan Hu immediately bowed. Huan Yu next to him sighed and bowed to the ground. No matter how much Zhou Shengchen tried to persuade them, they never got up.

Before he could say anything more, Zhou Shengchen saw that Miao Shiyi beside him was also affected by everyone's emotions. He couldn't help but burst into tears and bowed. He said in his mouth: "Master, please save all the people in the world! Naturally, I don't dare to be wiser than Mr. Huan." I don’t dare to be braver than a few brothers. But I don’t want to see so many nameless disputes anymore, and I don’t want to see any more miserable and wailing people.”

As a woman from a wealthy family, saying such generous and righteous words at this time is the sublimation of Miao Shiyi's compassion, the perfection of her personality, and the inevitable expression of her true love for King Xiao Nanchen.

Zhou Shengchen nodded silently, stretched out his hand to help a few people up: "I have already made up my mind, and if Nan Xiao takes the lead in betraying the alliance, I have no choice but to listen to everyone's advice."

Huan Yu and others were immediately happy, and Zhou Shengchen immediately made corresponding arrangements. Afterwards, Huan Yu saluted and said goodbye to Zhou Shengchen and Jian Shiyi, and sent them off to the riverside under the protection of Huang Tianhe and others.

Zhou Shengchen and Minshi should take a boat to go north. Huang Tianhe and others immediately started a commotion nearby.

Emperor Xiao Xu of Southern Xiao originally wanted to detain Zhou Shengchen, but he did not expect that the natives near Jiangling City rebelled because the government was too harsh.

Fortunately, he returned to Jiangling City in time and was not caught by the natives. After his mood calmed down, Xiao Xu immediately issued an order: assemble the troops in and around Jiangling City and drive these natives back to the mountains as soon as possible!

But when a prairie fire breaks out, it becomes an uncontrollable situation. Xiao Xu was trapped in the city again and had long been unable to care about Zhou Shengchen's affairs. He could only worry about his own safety.

After the king's order was issued, not to mention Jiangling City, which was temporarily unprepared, even Jinling City, which was far downstream of the Yangtze River, was also shaken. The civil and military ministers who were left behind in the court were in a panic, and the queen and princes on duty were the first to become confused.

First, everyone was vying for the right to lead troops to rescue the emperor, and then who would perform the emperor's duties in Jinling City. These people kept shouting and fighting, and even started fighting.

Fortunately, Xiao Xu's decree came quickly, instructing the queen to temporarily serve as regent, while the other princes either stayed behind to cooperate, or led troops upstream to Jiangling City to quell the chaos.

Everyone received the decree, and whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied, they all followed it.

A large group of people either rushed to Jiangling City in the west by land, or took a boat upstream to the west for rescue. Jinling City and its surroundings suddenly appeared to be a busy scene.

Xiao Xu was trapped in the city for many days. Seeing the many soldiers and horses gathered by the natives, he did not dare to order people out of the city to respond to the enemy, so he had to defend passively.

After receiving Zhou Shengchen's secret order, Huang Tianhe and others naturally had to do their homework to make the situation in Jinling even more chaotic and complicated.

These people were all native leaders from different areas, and they came well prepared. Therefore, although the attack on Jiangling City was a sheep attack, they were also desperate.

Flames and smoke were everywhere that entered his eyes. Xiao Xu was frightened even when he was standing on the high building in the government office of Jiangling City, looking at the battles on the four city walls.

After many days in a row, just when he felt that his life might be in danger, news came that soldiers from all sides were arriving one after another.

As the number of government soldiers increased, Huang Tianhe and others temporarily led their troops to retreat. But they did not stay away. They just used their familiarity with the terrain and their almost innate ability to climb mountains and cross ridges to deal with the officers and soldiers of the brigade in the wild.