After wearing a sick and weak cannon fodder as a prince

Pei Jian's eyes widened suddenly when he heard what the prince said, and he looked at Qin Xuechuan in disbelief: "His... Your Highness, is what you said true?"

Qin Xuechuan smiled: "Once I say what I say, it's hard to follow. Besides, if it weren't for your impassionedness just now, I wouldn't be able to take care of those unruly people so smoothly."

After Pei Jian heard this, she suddenly realized, it turns out...it is like this!

Their family's ancestors have been farming for generations. Even though his father loved poetry and books, he still couldn't get out of Shu in the end.Pei Jian knew his father's ambition in life, and now was a good opportunity, how could he refuse?

When thinking of this, Pei Jian came back to her senses and kowtowed to Qin Xuechuan again: "The grass people kowtow to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

***

A rain after autumn is not enough to solve the severe drought brought by Chu State this year, especially the military rations collected by the imperial court are more than ten times less than last year. The only thing Chu State can boast about is that they fought well. Rong has guarded the border for decades, and no foreign enemies have ever invaded.

But among them, many spies from enemy countries sneaked into Chu State to inquire about news.

Those soldiers fought on the battlefield and suffered from the wind and sand at the border all the year round. If there is a shortage of military supplies, it will definitely cause dissatisfaction among the soldiers.

But... This year, many people did starve to death in the wilderness, let alone take out food and send it to the border.

It stands to reason that the emperor should be worried about the issue of military rations, but at the moment Qin Yuan has been ill in bed for a long time, and he has not asked about the political affairs of the court for a long time.In recent years, King Nanling has not been suppressed by the emperor, and his life has become much more relaxed.

Xianglu knew that Qin Xuechuan was worried about the military rations at the border, so he happened to come to visit at this moment.Qin Xuechuan may not have seen Xianglu for a long time, and when he saw Xianglu, he quickly got up and greeted him, "Why don't you send someone to tell me in advance when uncle is coming, so that I can ask someone to prepare the refreshments that uncle likes. "

Xianglu used to come to the East Palace often, and there was not so much red tape between him and Qin Xuechuan. He smiled when he heard Qin Xuechuan say this: "This time, I didn't come here to eat your dim sum. Uncle Axue has a meal. I want to discuss something with you."

After hearing what he said, Qin Xuechuan said again: "Uncle has something important, why don't you sit down and talk about it first?"

Xianglu nodded his head when he heard this, and then he sat across from Qin Xuechuan: "Axue, your father has been in poor health for the past few years, and you have become more and more careless about government affairs. Know?"

Qin Xuechuan heard that he mentioned the court affairs, so he was slightly stunned for a moment, and then said: "Father has not been in good health for the past few years, so he let the court affairs be handled by the officials, naturally it is understandable. What does uncle think about this?"

"No, I'm just worried that once someone has the idea of ​​treason, what should I do if it doesn't end well? Xue, you have to know that if a person has power, he will lose his original heart."

After hearing these words, Qin Xuechuan suddenly looked at him in surprise: "How did uncle say this today, I remember that you never talk like this."

"It's different now, Axue." He looked at Qin Xuechuan and continued: "You are the prince of our Da Chu, but the government of Da Chu is controlled by foreign ministers. This is really against the rules."

Qin Xuechuan smiled: "As my uncle, I came to my palace for some important matter, so it was only for this reason. Uncle, it is my father, the emperor, who let the foreign ministers control the government. If uncle said this, it is against my father. Are you dissatisfied with the emperor's will?"

After hearing Qin Xuechuan's words, Xianglu froze for a moment in surprise: "Axue... what are you talking about? As a minister of Great Chu, how could I be dissatisfied with His Majesty's will? It's just that I think, It will be bad if you go down, many people in the court have already started to discuss whether you can ascend to the throne?"

Qin Xuechuan laughed suddenly, and suddenly looked at Xianglu with his chin resting like a child: "Whether this palace can successfully inherit the throne depends on uncle. Uncle knows that the current government is controlled by foreign ministers, so you You made a lot of foreign ministers in private, right?"

After Xianglu heard Qin Xuechuan's words, he suddenly stared at him dumbfounded: "Ah... Axue..."

Qin Xuechuan has always stayed at home, lived in seclusion, why is he so clear about the situation in the DPRK and China?

Qin Xuechuan smiled again at this moment: "Fortunately, my uncle is loyal to me. Since my uncle has already planned everything for me, why should I worry about whether I can ascend to the throne? All I have to do is rely on my uncle. It doesn't matter who the matter falls into the hands of. What I, Da Chu, value most is orthodoxy, and this palace is that orthodoxy. As long as my father hasn't abolished this palace, this palace will still be supported by the people and ascend to the throne. Come, it's better than those rebellious officials and thieves seeking power and usurping the throne."

Xianglu stayed for a long time after hearing his words... He didn't expect that his always docile nephew could suddenly say such powerful words.

At this moment, Xiang Lu suddenly smiled: "His Royal Highness is worthy of being a prince. You have prepared well and have a clear understanding of the affairs of the court. I think that the affairs of the court should not be bothered by me. But, Axue, do you know? You need one more thing."

Qin Xuechuan understood what he said: "Military power."

Xianglu nodded in agreement: "That's right, the one who has the military power now is the King of Linchuan who is outside, and the military amulet to mobilize our 40 troops in the Great Chu is in the hands of His Majesty. The heart must be gained by everyone and punished.”

"Is uncle coming to Bengong today to discuss with Bengong how to take care of the Xiao family?"

Xianglu said again at this moment: "No, it's still too early to finish taking care of the Xiao family. I do have an important matter to tell His Highness this time, and I know that His Highness has been worrying about border military rations."

When Qin Xuechuan heard what he said, he suddenly frowned: "What can uncle do?"

Xianglu replied: "This year, there is a drought in our big Chu, and the people are not able to live, let alone hand over the military rations. The army at the border is the most important thing in our Chu country. The army guards the border and suffers from the wind, sand and cold. If the imperial court even provides military rations If not, I'm afraid I will fall into a situation of internal and external troubles. But I have come up with two ways to solve the current crisis."

After hearing his words, Qin Xuechuan's eyes suddenly flashed a light, and he quickly asked: "What is the solution?"

Xianglu said: "The first is to borrow military rations from neighboring countries. Naturally... this year is not only my country of Chu suffering a severe drought, I am afraid that the surrounding countries may not have much military rations. If we want to borrow food, I am afraid that we must give them a lot of benefits. All right. Gold, silver and treasures have never been what emperors pursue."

Qin Xuechuan was a little surprised at the moment and said, "Uncle, you mean to cut the city?"

Xianglu said: "This is the fastest solution."

After Qin Xuechuan listened to his words, he lowered his head and frowned for a long time, and finally he said: "For mere food, to cut off the territory that Chu State has not lost for a hundred years, presumably the soldiers eat the food. Will you be chilled? Uncle, let’s talk about the second method.”

After hearing what Qin Xuechuan said, Xianglu continued: "Every year in our Great Chu, bandits and bandits camp in various places and establish themselves as kings. They are also called bandits by the people. As far as I know, the food they garrison can It will last half a year for our army, and if the common people have this half a year to recuperate, there will be enough food to fill the treasury next year."

After Qin Xuechuan heard his words, he was stunned for a moment, and then looked at him with some surprise: "Could it be that uncle wants to catch all the bandits in our Dachu?"

Xiang Lu said: "Your Highness, don't you think this idea is very good? This way you can clear away the troubles of soldiers and bandits in various places, and at the same time get military rations. Isn't this a beautiful thing that kills two birds with one stone?"

The truth is this, but...Qin Xuechuan actually thought of this method before, but he has also heard that some bandits are not evil people who slaughtered people, burned, killed and looted. Even when some people fled their homes and fled, some bandits Also offered a helping hand.

In fact, if you think about it carefully, if you are not forced to, who would want to become a bandit?

Even though the bandits are a great disaster for the Chu country, there are also some moral people. It would be inappropriate to catch them all in one go.

But... this is indeed the best way.

Qin Xuechuan thought about it for a long time, and finally raised his head and asked, "Since we want to eliminate the bandits, would uncle be willing to lead the army?"

When Xianglu heard Qin Xuechuan finally asked this sentence, he quickly laughed and said: "Axue, uncle is waiting for your words. Your Majesty has always been on guard against the family, so people from the family are not allowed to lead the army. Would Axue be willing to join the army?" Your Majesty came forward with a few words of persuasion, in order to solve the current difficulties of Chu State."

Qin Xuechuan felt that there was something wrong with Xianglu from the time he heard Xianglu's proposal to wipe out the bandits to obtain military rations. If Xianglu was really loyal, he would naturally not do such things that the king feared.Moreover, it is indeed very troublesome to lead troops from aristocratic families. As the saying goes-it is easy to zip a tiger, but difficult to capture it.

If the Nanling family has military power, what is the difference from the Xiao family who is now in power?At that time, even the royal family may have no place to stand. Now Qin Yuan still holds a soldier talisman in his hand. Before the hearts of the Chu people are scattered, Qin Xuechuan, the prince, may still be able to be the prince until Qin Yuan dies.At that time, if he ascended to the throne of God, wouldn't he become a puppet of the Nanling family?

***

Seeing Qin Xuechuan's solemn expression, Xianglu was stunned for a long time without speaking, so he hurriedly said: "Axue? Axue...have you thought about it?"

Qin Xuechuan looked at him with a smile at this moment: "Uncle's suggestion is very good, but... you also know that the emperor has always disliked the aristocratic family leading the army, so naturally the prince of this palace can't get in the way, and you still My uncle, so I still have to avoid suspicion."

Xianglu narrowed his eyes slightly after hearing this answer: "Then...does Axue have a favorite leader?"

After hearing his question, Qin Xuechuan replied without thinking: "You don't need to bother about this, I already know it in my heart."

After Xianglu heard this, a smile suddenly appeared on his face: "Since Axue already knew it, then uncle won't bother you here anymore, and uncle heard that you had a high fever a few days ago, so he was very worried. , Uncle brought back a lot of expensive tonics from Outland this time, and will send someone to your palace later."

At this moment, Qin Xuechuan got up quickly and said, "Uncle Lao, don't worry."

After speaking, Xianglu turned and left the East Palace.

When he was leaving, Qin Xuechuan suddenly saw a trace of unwillingness on his face.This shows that his deduction just now was indeed correct, Xianglu wanted to use the bandit trouble to let the Nanling family lead the army again, but unfortunately he made a wrong calculation this time.

It turns out that Xianglu is also a person who likes power.

That's right, among those born in Fengdu City, who doesn't like power?

Not long after Xianglu left, something suddenly came to Qin Xuechuan's mind. He sat alone for a long time, and it was not until the evening sun shone on his face that he finally regained his composure. Come.

By the way... When Cai Xianglu talked to him just now, there seemed to be something wrong.

Where is it?

Qin Xuechuan thought and thought, and finally he suddenly thought of what Xianglu said before he left. He said that he brought some tonics from Outland...

Outland?

All the places outside the Chu Kingdom, except for the four countries of Wu, Yue, Yan, and Jiang on the four sides of the Chu Kingdom, all places can be called "outside domains"... And Pei Xing once said that the Gu worms in his body came from childhood. It was planted, and it is a kind of Gu worm that is a specialty of southern Xinjiang.

Southern Border is considered an Outland...

When Qin Xuechuan thought of this, he suddenly felt a chill down his back... Could it be his own uncle who gave him the Gu worm?Pei Xing once said that he must have suffered from a serious illness when he was young, and this illness was enough to kill him at that time, so someone made such a plan to plant Gu worms in her body so that he could continue his life .

In Qin Xuechuan's impression, except for that thick-skinned man who was going to die in Fengdu, he was the only uncle who treated him best.Maybe Xianglu really did the planting of Gu in his body.

If he really did it, then what happened back then?

Xianglu once told him that Xiang Muling died of illness, but Qin Xuechuan didn't believe his words. From the performance of the emperor and the fact that the palace people kept silent about Concubine Xiang, Qin Xuechuan always felt that this matter was terrible. It's not that simple.

If it was really the Gu worm that Xiang Lu had planted in his body, then Xiang Muling's death was mostly inseparable from it.Because Pei Xing once said that the time when he was planted with Gu worms was probably after his early childhood, and Xiang Muling passed away around that time, so what is the difference between the two?

Although the emperor apparently forbids people to mention Xiang Mu Ling, there is a portrait of Xiang Mu Ling in his bedroom. This is too contradictory. What happened between him, Xiang Lu and Xiang Mu Ling? What's the matter?

Herring once told him that he had a serious illness when he was a child, and when he woke up he was in a daze, and then he was sick for a long time, and he also said that he couldn't remember what happened at that time.If Xiang Muling didn't die of illness, then what did Qin Xuechuan see when he was young?

Qin Xuechuan sat on a chair in the main hall and kept thinking, but it was almost late at night.

At this moment, Qin Xuechuan suddenly smelled a very pleasant fragrance of plum blossoms, and just when he was about to recover and look up, something suddenly covered his eyes.

Qin Xuechuan froze for a moment, then smiled helplessly: "What kind of tricks are you playing?"

The man didn't speak, he walked slowly to Qin Xuechuan's side and blew lightly in his ear, Qin Xuechuan's ears are very sensitive, at this moment his auricles turned a thin crimson color.

"Have you had enough trouble?" Qin Xuechuan said impatiently, just as he was about to tear off the cloth strips covering his eyes, Xiao Yu grabbed his hand at this moment, "Why are you in such a hurry, Your Highness?"

"Don't play tricks in front of me, I hate others showing off in front of me the most."

Xiao Yu hugged him at this moment, Qin Xuechuan almost thought he was going to fall because he couldn't see anything.Xiao Yu took advantage of the opportunity to sit on his crown prince's throne, and then he put Qin Xuechuan on his lap.

Qin Xuechuan also felt it at this moment, he felt that this posture was very shameful, as early as when he was three years old, he already didn't like other people hugging him in this posture.I didn't expect this Xiao Yu...

Qin Xuechuan raised his hand at this moment to give him a slap, but who knew that the man grabbed his wrist as soon as he raised his hand: "Your Highness still wants to hit me, I am very sad now."

"If you don't want me to beat you, then let me down quickly."

When Xiao Yu heard this, his tone suddenly changed: "Oh? It's inconvenient for Your Highness to be blindfolded now. If you stand up and bump into something, it's my fault. Besides, Your Highness is uncomfortable sitting like this. ?"

After finishing speaking, he gently moved his lips close to Qin Xuechuan's ear and whispered, "Didn't you like sitting like this the most that day?"

After Qin Xuechuan heard this, the blush on his face suddenly spread to his ears: "You...will you let me down or not?"

Xiao Yu heard that he seemed to be a little angry, so he said: "If Your Highness can kiss me blindfolded, I will let His Highness come down."

It's late at night, and there's no one around... It's okay if that's the case.

It's just that Qin Xuechuan hated Xiao Yu's self-sufficient appearance the most, and he had already taken advantage of him a few days ago.He must not be allowed to succeed this time.

"Do you know what you are doing now?"

Xiao Yu laughed: "Of course I know, is it possible that Your Highness still wants to look at my head?" Speaking of this, he suddenly sighed with some regret: "It's a pity... If Your Highness loses me in the future, how can I get rid of it?" Is this a long night?"

"Your Highness, do you think so?"

After hearing his words, Qin Xuechuan felt overwhelmed with shame, his hands seemed to be bound by something at the moment by Xiao Yu, and now he couldn't see anything, and he couldn't even move.

Xiao Yu laughed again: "Your Highness, we haven't seen each other for three days. I think you're thinking too hard. Is it too much to want a kiss?"

Qin Xuechuan silently settled an account for him in his heart: "Okay, I promise you, but you have to promise me one thing."

Now Xiao Yu doesn't think Qin Xuechuan can make any excessive demands on him, he smiled lightly: "Don't say one thing, His Highness wants me to do things for you for the rest of his life, whether it's killing people and setting fires, or destroying corpses and traces. All without hesitation."

After Qin Xuechuan heard his words, he suddenly sneered: "I want you to do business, not to be a bandit."

"Busy?"

Just when Xiao Yu was thinking about what Qin Xuechuan would let him do, he suddenly saw Qin Xuechuan's face approaching him, and his slightly cool lips covered it.

Xiao Yu's eyes suddenly widened at this moment, this time he was a little surprised, after the kiss, there seemed to be the tenderness between the two of them on his lips.Xiao Yu said with a smile: "Your Highness is so active today. Could it be that you want me to do some dirty work?"

Taking advantage of his inattention, Qin Xuechuan took off the black cloth covering his face at once.

Xiao Yu saw that he had broken free from the restraint of the rope, and looked at him with some surprise: "Your Highness can still bring surprises to you everywhere."

At this moment, Qin Xuechuan suddenly held a dagger against Xiao Yu's Adam's apple: "Do you feel wronged when someone uses your knife to kill you?"

Xiao Yu was stunned for a moment...

It turned out that Qin Xuechuan was much more cunning than he had imagined, just now Qin Xuechuan kissed him just to smooth the dagger in his waist, making him think that he was immersed in the gentleness and complacent.

"Your Highness, be careful. This dagger is very sharp. If Your Highness accidentally kills you, you will be charged with murdering your husband."

Qin Xuechuan suddenly laughed when he heard this: "Really? Didn't you say that you would still be the princess of the palace on the Shangsi Festival that day? Why did it change today? It seems that the son's sincerity towards the palace is nothing more than that. "

Xiao Yu took a deep breath at this moment, Qin Xuechuan didn't know where he got the courage, he snatched the dagger from Qin Xuechuan's hand at once, and then threw the dagger down, he tightly gripped Qin Xuechuan's wrist.

Xiao Yu's strength was so great that red marks appeared on Qin Xuechuan's wrists.

"It's not good for Your Highness to take advantage of others' danger."

Qin Xuechuan panicked at this moment, he suddenly lost his balance and fell backwards, at this moment Xiao Yu grabbed his waist.

Qin Xuechuan's face turned even redder at this time, because his waist cannot be touched either...

"Presumptuous! Let me go!"

Xiao Yu pinched Qin Xuechuan's waist with a smile, and at this moment, frowned slightly: "How come your highness still doesn't gain weight after raising her for so long, and instead hugs her hands a little tight, did your highness eat properly while your highness was away? "

"Aren't you talking nonsense?" Qin Xuechuan suddenly stared at me.

Xiao Yu smiled, then got up by himself, and let Qin Xuechuan sit on it.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

The crimson color on Qin Xuechuan's face faded a little, at this moment he looked at Xiao Yu and said: "The military rations at the border are in short supply, you know that."

Xiao Yu nodded his head: "My father is on guard at the border and will bring a letter from home every three months. I am naturally very clear about this."