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The clash of gold and martial prowess, from the Northern lands to Jiangnan, has divided the world into several factions. Search: \(¨End¨Book¨God¨Station¨) to read quality literature for free. As a nominally independent force in this tripartite division, the news of Liu Yu's betrayal and abduction has sent a shockwave, the magnitude of which is difficult to imagine, through the seemingly calm state of affairs. In the grand chessboard of the world, it is difficult to say who benefits and who loses from this news, but the recognition that the strings have suddenly tightened is clearly apparent to everyone.

Similar to the reaction of the Southern Kingdom's princess upon hearing this news, in Weisheng City north of the Yellow River, Lou Shuwan's face turned deathly pale upon understanding the events surrounding Liu Yu's abduction – of course, her face was already pale due to long-term overwork – but this time, the fear and wavering in her eyes were clearly visible.

Less than a year has passed since the coup to usurp power from Tiger King, and the new crops are nowhere near the harvest season. The possibility of a total crop failure looms large.

"Summon the guards and ask Fifth Master Zhan to come over." After a brief arrangement, Lou Shuwan instructed her subordinates to invite the representative of the Xia Army to the mansion. "If he doesn't come... execute him by slow slicing."

Since overthrowing Tian Hu's regime, the new Tian Shi government has engaged in a series of collaborations with the Xia Army, trading for crossbows, cannons, gunpowder, swords, spears, and even books. Lou Shuwan has been actively searching for skilled artisans to replicate many of the Xia Army's equipment – something that would have been on track to begin in the second half of the year if the situation were calm.

These clandestine transactions are not small in scale, and Zhan Wu, the Xia Army's original representative in Tian Hu's territory, has become the coordinator for both sides. This middle-aged man, who was originally partnered with Fang Chengye, has a simple and honest appearance. Perhaps he was already aware of the entire situation, as he obediently followed after Lou Shuwan summoned him.

Lou Shuwan sat in the reception room, her figure slender but appearing formidable, her eyes staring intently at the person entering, as if she wanted to kill him with her gaze first. Over the years, her hands have not been clean of blood. Losing her father and brother, almost losing everything, this woman in a high position is even more terrifying than Lou Jinlin, who once shook Hangzhou. However, Zhan Wu simply bowed respectfully, met her gaze, and remained silent.

After a long silence, realizing that the man before her would not waver, Lou Shuwan stood up. "In the spring, I planted a small patch of land in the outer courtyard, planting all sorts of things haphazardly. I was spoiled since childhood and suffered a lot later, but I never developed the habit of farming. I estimate that I won't be able to harvest much in the autumn. But now it seems, there won't be a chance to see autumn."

Her words were simple and cold. She looked at Zhan Wu again. "I only killed Tian Hu last year. Those people outside have planted a lot of things, but they haven't harvested even once because of your Black Flag Army's actions. Fifth Master Zhan, you've also farmed the land. What do you think?"

Zhan Wu was silent for a moment. "No one wants this kind of situation. But I think Miss Lou has misunderstood."

"Oh? Is that the life-saving argument Ning Liheng taught you?"

"It's my own thought. Even if Mr. Ning is all-knowing, he wouldn't bother with such things." Zhan Wu cupped his hands and smiled sincerely. "Miss Lou blaming this entirely on my Xia Army is a bit unfair."

"Are you trying to tell me that it was those useless officials of Wu who abducted Liu Yu? That this has nothing to do with you?" Lou Shuwan sneered, her cold eyes already carrying a hint of murderous intent.

Zhan Wu shook his head. "No, this time it was the Xia Army's doing. The Wu Dynasty doesn't have such capabilities. Moreover, during the retreat from Little Cang River, our comrades infiltrated Liu Yu's palace and injured him. This was a series of plans: exposing the news of our large-scale infiltration to make the Central Plains forces paranoid and suspicious of each other internally, and to maintain the prestige of our Xia Army in secret. After disrupting Liu Yu's court, we tried to infiltrate it as much as possible, with the aim of killing or abducting Liu Yu when necessary. This should have been a contingency plan left behind, and now it seems, it was indeed successful."

Zhan Wu spoke frankly, and Lou Shuwan's expression became even colder. "Hmph, so you can't be sure if it was your Xia Army or not, but you still think only the Xia Army could do it. How impressive."

"But Miss Lou shouldn't blame my Xia Army for this. There are two reasons." Zhan Wu said, "First, in a battle between two armies, does Miss Lou expect mercy from the opponent?"

Lou Shuwan shook her head and said sharply, "I never expected you to be merciful to me! So if you make the first move, I can make the fifteenth!"

"Then please listen to my second reason. If my Xia Army only acted for its own benefit this time, and made the world embarrassed, Miss Lou can kill me without hesitation. But Zhan Wu believes that this matter is actually a forced win-win situation." Zhan Wu paused under Lou Shuwan's gaze. "Please think about the Jin dogs' actions in the past year. If my Xia Army hadn't acted this time, would the Jin Kingdom have given up its invasion of the Central Plains?"

"At least it wouldn't be so urgent."

"I don't think so." Zhan Wu shook his head. "Last year, when Tiger King staged his coup, the Jin didn't send troops to question him. There were already hints of settling accounts after the autumn harvest. At the beginning of this year, Wanyan Wugun suffered a stroke and was bedridden. Zongfu and Zongbi, in order to check and balance Zonghan, already had news of going south. At this time, Zonghan occupies the majority of the Central Plains. Zongfu and Zongbi ultimately control only a small piece of land in the east. Once Zongfu and Zongbi go south to take Jiangnan, what is the simplest thing for Zonghan to do? Has Miss Lou thought about it?"

He did not wait for Lou Shuwan to answer. "Zonghan's first step is to consolidate his Central Plains territory. To consolidate his Central Plains territory, he only needs to take back the power in Liu Yu's hands. At the beginning of this year, the pseudo-Qi envoy Chen Jumei went north to persuade the Jurchen to send troops south to conquer the Wu Dynasty. This was an annual activity after Liu Yu became emperor. This matter was delayed because of Wanyan Wugun's stroke. For the people in the south, the most important thing that comes with the emperor's stroke and bedridden condition is the internal strife surrounding the establishment of an heir. Who knows, the Jurchen are different. Zongfu and Zongbi want to seize Jiangnan to deter Zonghan with their merits, and when Chen Jumei went south from Datong, the Jurchen unusually arranged a team of guards for Chen Jumei. On the surface, the identity of this team of guards is that of Wanyan Xiyin's family guards."

Zhan Wu paused, and Lou Shuwan said, "Just because of this one unusual thing?"

"Intelligence work is a little bit of accumulation, a little bit of unusualness, and often many problems will arise. To be honest, news from the north once asked me to try my best to observe the unusual clues during Chen Jumei's southward journey. I originally thought it was an ordinary surveillance, and later I didn't make a definite answer. But looking at it later, the comrades in the north arrived in Bianliang one step ahead of Chen Jumei, and then the person in charge of Bianliang made a judgment and launched the entire operation."

Lou Shuwan narrowed her eyes. "Ning Yi didn't make the decision?"

"The north and south are thousands of miles apart, and the situation changes rapidly. Although Mr. Ning had many arrangements when the Jurchen moved, the implementation of local affairs has always been judged by the local person in charge." Zhan Wu said frankly, "Miss Lou, I dare not say absolutely whether the timing of the abduction of Liu Yu is appropriate. However, if Liu Yu really falls into the hands of Wanyan Xiyin or even Zonghan in the end, it may be a different situation for the entire Central Plains."

He spread his hands. "Since the Jurchen went south and drove the Wu Dynasty out of the Central Plains, the resistance in various places has been constant all these years. Even in Liu Yu's court, there are countless people who care about the Wu Dynasty. Outside, like Miss Lou, who are unwilling to submit to foreign invaders, and like Wang Juyun, who openly resists, there are many people now. You are waiting for the best opportunity, but please allow Zhan to say frankly, Miss Lou, where is there such an opportunity? Give you another ten years to train your troops here? Wait until you are strong and powerful and shout, and the world will follow? At that time, I am afraid that the whole world has already belonged to the Jin Kingdom."

"People's ambition will be worn away bit by bit. Liu Yu's defection is the best opportunity to let people in the Central Plains who have an unyielding mind stand up again. We also hope to delay things for a longer time, but there will be no better opportunity. Including the Jurchen, they also hope to have a better opportunity. At least as far as we know, the Jurchen's scheduled Southern Expedition time - the time to completely destroy the Wu Dynasty - was originally two to three years later. We will not let them wait until that time. Wanyan Wugun's illness also forced them to go south in a hurry. So I said, this is the best opportunity, and also the last opportunity. There will be no better opportunity."

Zhan Wu paused. "Of course, Miss Lou can still have her own choice. Either Miss Lou still chooses to feign compliance, submit to the Jurchen, and watch Wang Juyun and others be wiped out by the Jurchen before settling accounts after the autumn harvest. You completely lose the opportunity to resist - after all, the power of our Xia Army and Miss Lou are thousands of miles apart. If you make such a choice, we will not comment, and the relationship will end with the current business. But if Miss Lou chooses to follow the small insistence in her heart and prepares to be an enemy of the Jurchen, then, of course, our Xia Army will choose to fully support Miss Lou."

"You want me to be a scapegoat, well said." Lou Shuwan tilted her head and sneered. She didn't know what she was thinking, but there was a trace of blush on her face.

Zhan Wu nodded. "As Miss Lou said, after all, Miss Lou is in the north and the Xia Army is in the south. If you can protect yourself in front of the Jin, it is also a win-win message for us."

"These are the words left by Ning Liheng, right? If we choose to resist the Jin, what benefits will you get?"

"It was indeed mentioned by Mr. Ning before he left." Zhan Wu nodded. "If Miss Lou's side chooses to fight against the Jin Kingdom this time... support, the Xia Army will do its best, and fully support it."

"...Anything is possible?" Miss Lou looked at Zhan Wu for a moment, and suddenly smiled.

"As long as it can be done, everything can be negotiated."

"I will sell you after I get the benefits." Lou Shuwan's smile at this time was slightly charming. Zhan Wu moved his eyes slightly.

"Miss Lou won't."

"Oh? Are you so sure that I don't want to surrender to the Jin?"

"...Mr. Ning said so when he left."

When Zhan Wu's words came out, the smile on Lou Shuwan's face disappeared. All the blood on her face faded at that time. Looking at Zhan Wu, the expression in the woman's eyes was cold. She seemed to want to get angry, then calmed down, only her chest rose and fell heavily. She walked back to the table, turned her back to Zhan Wu: "I will consider it." Then she swept the teacup off the table with her backhand.

"Get out." She said.

A thoughtful look flashed in Zhan Wu's eyes, and then he cupped his hands and said goodbye.

************

It is like scalding lava, fermenting and boiling under the surface of the Central Plains.

Shouzhou, the sky has entered the night, due to the turbulent situation, the government has closed the city gates and the patrolling soldiers are walking in the city among the lights.

In the inner courtyard of the Zhizhou Mansion, in the study, a special conversation is taking place. Zhizhou Jin Wenkang looked at the tall and sturdy man in front of him in the costume of a headhunter, with caution and enlightenment in his eyes. This tall and sturdy man named Bian Xingmao is a well-known constable in the Shouzhou area. He is generous, loyal, and meticulous when handling cases. Although his official position is not high, he is well-known among the people of the state. Outsiders call him "Bian Hutor". What he is doing today is a rather presumptuous act: persuading the prefect to follow Liu Yu and defect to the Wu Dynasty.

"Bian Hutor, Bian Hutor, we have worked together for so long, and I can't see that you are actually a member of the Black Flag."

"This subordinate is definitely not a member of the Black Flag." Bian Xingmao cupped his hands. "It's just that the Jurchen came fiercely, and there was no chance to fight to the death with the Jin dogs a few years ago. In the past few years, this subordinate has always known that the adults care about the people and are of noble character, but the Jurchen are powerful, and they have to feign compliance. This is the last chance, and this subordinate has come to inform the adults. This humble man is willing to advance and retreat with the adults, and kill the Jurchen to the death in the future."

"Are you so sure that I want to drag the people of this city to fight the Jurchen to the death?"

"There are thousands of people in the Central Plains, and more than one cares about the Wu Dynasty? This time Liu Yu summoned them with a bloody book. As long as the Wu Dynasty responds, countless people will definitely stand up to respond... If we miss this time, there will be no chance."

Jin Wenkang was silent for a moment: "...I'm afraid the Wu Dynasty won't respond."

"Even if the Wu Dynasty is weak, with this good opportunity, it is absolutely impossible to miss it. If it is missed, the Central Plains will really belong to the Jurchen in the future, and it will be impossible to take it back... My lord, the opportunity cannot be missed."

Jin Wenkang looked at him: "You are a constable, and you suddenly tell me this, and say you are not a member of the Black Flag Army..."

"My lord..."

Perhaps similar situations, or similar arguments, have appeared one after another in the residences of officials and gentry who are inclined to the Wu Dynasty and have a good reputation in various places these days. In Xuzhou, the storyteller who claimed to be a member of the Xia Army blatantly arrived at the government office to seek to meet and persuade the local officials. In Yingzhou, people suspected of being members of the Black Flag were chased and killed on their way to persuade them. What appeared in Chenzhou was a large number of leaflets, spreading the news that the Jin Kingdom was about to occupy the Central Plains and the opportunity had come...

In Lin'an City, Zhou Junwu lingered in the Princess's mansion and spoke to his sister, who had a plain and cold face - the siblings had already had a quarrel in the previous chat. Zhou Pei was as unforgiving as if she had been stabbed for the Xia Army's actions this time. Junwu initially thought the same way, but soon after listening to the analysis from various places, his views changed.

"...There are two possibilities for this matter after all. If the Jin dogs hadn't thought about attacking Liu Yu, the southwest would have done such a thing to let the snipe and the clam fight, and the fisherman would benefit. But if the Jin dogs have decided to invade the south, then the southwest has seized the opportunity. Where would there be any war that would allow you to slowly come! If we wait until Liu Yu is recalled to the Jin Kingdom, we will not even have the current opportunity. Now at least we can raise our arms and call on the people of the Central Plains to rise up and resist! Sister, after fighting for so many years, the Central Plains is different from before, and we are different from before. If we go all out and fight the Jurchen again, fight ten times, fight a hundred times, we may not be able to win..."

"You always want to speak for him." Zhou Pei looked at him coldly. "I know we have to fight. Now that things have come to this, what else can we do besides fighting? I will support fighting, but Junwu, don't take Ning Liheng's ruthlessness lightly. Not to mention the knife he stabbed the Wu Dynasty this time, just in Bianliang, in order to catch Liu Yu, how many officials who cared about the Wu Dynasty did he instigate to rise up? These people were all used as bait. They took Liu Yu away, and the whole city was left there. Do you know what will happen there? This debt will be recorded in his name!"

Although Ning Yi ordered some Xia Army members to infiltrate the upper levels of the pseudo-Qi through the way of conscripting troops on a large scale, it was still not an easy task to capture Liu Yu. On the day the operation was launched, the Xia Army almost used all the means it could use. Many of the upright officials who were instigated did not even know that the people who had been instigating themselves all these years were not from the Wu Dynasty. This entire operation almost exhausted the foundation that the Xia Army had left in Bianliang. Although they won a battle in front of the Jurchen, many of the people who participated in this matter were unable to escape. Their end will hardly be good.

"Uh... the matter of war, how can it be a woman's benevolence..."

"That's right, it can't be a woman's benevolence. I have already ordered the publicity of this matter. The people who died in Bianliang this time cared about the Wu Dynasty and gave up their lives to rise up, but they were fooled. This blood debt must be recorded in the name of the Black Flag Army, and it must be recorded in the name of Ning Yi -" Zhou Pei's eyes were slightly red, "Brother, I'm not trying to tell you how evil this matter is, but I know how you look at him. I just want to remind you that one day in the future, when your master wants to attack the Wu Dynasty, he will not show mercy to us either. Don't... die in his hands."

"Uh..." Hearing Zhou Pei talk about this, Junwu was stunned for a moment, and finally sighed, "After all, it's a war. If there is a war, what can be done... Alas, I know, Princess... I know..."

His face was bitter.

Few people know that at the same moment, in the three counties of He Deng, Blair, and Ji Shan in the southwest, there is also a relatively somber atmosphere. During this period of time, assassinations against Ning Yi and even senior members of the Black Flag, and the activities of the nearby Ni people, Wu Dynasty officers and soldiers, and even some high-ranking heroes of the green forest have already begun a month or two ago. The Black Flag Army's action against Liu Yu was at the end of April, and Wanyan Xiyin persuaded Zonghan to make a decision to take back the Central Plains at the beginning of April. And the fighting confrontation thousands of miles away may have been at an earlier time, even when the news of Wanyan Wugun's stroke came out, Xiyin's deployment in the southwest had already issued the order to launch.

During an assassination at the end of April, Jin'er fell while running to transfer, and the child she had just conceived was aborted. Everyone did not know about the pregnancy before...

However, compared to the people who died in these conflicts, it is difficult to summarize where this matter should be placed in the bottom of my heart.

Bianliang City, a piece of terror and silence has enveloped here.

After many days of searching and interrogation, and ultimately failing to recover the result of Liu Yu's abduction, a massacre ordered by Ali Gua is about to begin.

The banner of the Xia Army appeared outside the city gate of Bianliang.

Only one person came, a middle-aged man wearing a black flag. Xue Guangcheng, the head of the Xia Army's pseudo-Qi system and the former commander of the pseudo-Qi Forbidden Army, returned to Bianliang. He did not carry a sword, and faced the mountain of swords and seas gushing out of the city, he stepped forward.

"I request to see General Ali Gua."

The Jurchen general Tong Ao, who led the troops out, originally knew Xue Guangcheng, and at this time, he drew his sword and rode over: "Give me a reason not to skin you alive here!"

"Tell General Ali Gua a name. On behalf of the Xia Army, I want to use him to exchange for some insignificant lives." Xue Guangcheng looked up at Tong Ao and paused.

"...Wanyan Qingjue."

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