Chapter 91 Liyang Envoy General Gu
Daxing City!
The towering city walls have a unique aura under the sunlight.

Below the city wall, passers-by stopped and looked towards the east, their eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

It was a huge convoy.

Teams of armored cavalrymen armed with guns guarded the convoy on both sides.

Just looking at the number of people, there are thousands of them.

Of course, for the people of Daxing City.

The military is not something too unusual.

Not to mention just a few thousand people, they have also seen armies of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people traveling together.

And the reason why it aroused such curiosity among the people around.

The biggest reason is the way the team is dressed.

Whether it is the style of weapons and armor or the formation and flags, anyone with a little knowledge can see that these are not the troops of the Sui Dynasty.

And the most important point.

The color of the team's attire.

Each cavalryman's armor is red.

From head to toe, from the helmet on top to the armor on the body, and even the gun and arrow in the hand, it is all red.

And it is not the murderous red that is common in the military, but the bright pink that most women prefer.

Such a style is bound to attract people's attention.

Even the horses under the cavalry and the carriages in the team were surrounded by pink ribbons.

At first glance, the entire team looked like a peacock spreading its feathers to the opposite sex.

"This, this, I wonder which country's envoy this is from. Why is he so eccentric?"

As they walked along, passers-by couldn't help but look stunned when they saw the team's attire.

"Uh... I don't know. Could it be the Song Dynasty in the west? I heard that the Song Dynasty's style of doing things is quite elegant..." someone guessed.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, he was immediately met with a lot of eye rolls.

The Song Dynasty was not an unknown country.

Of course, the Song Dynasty court’s governing policy has always been to emphasize culture over military, so military ethics is slightly weak.

But relatively speaking, the literary style of the Song Dynasty was the most prosperous among the surrounding countries.

In any case, the Song Dynasty was considered one of the great powers in the Central Plains, and with its emphasis on Confucianism and literature, it also attached great importance to etiquette.

If it were a delegation from the Song Dynasty, they would not have dressed like this.

"It must be some foreign country!"

Someone said, "Our Great Sui conquered Goguryeo, and the Duke of Qi was a young hero. His battle shook the world, so the surrounding foreign tribes were naturally terrified, and it was understandable that they sent envoys."

"That makes sense!" As soon as the words came out, people around him echoed them.

Just as the pedestrians on both sides were talking and paying their respects to the convoy.

Several people in the convoy were also communicating with each other.

At the front of the huge convoy, there were three people riding on horses.

Two middle-aged people and one young man.

On the left is a middle-aged man with a pale face, no beard and gloomy eyes.

An experienced person could tell at a glance that this person must be a eunuch from the palace.

At this moment, the pale face was constantly turning purple.

There seemed to be pent-up anger in his eyes.

On his right, in the center of the three people, a middle-aged man was looking forward with his head raised, his body swaying wildly with the vibration of the horse, his face full of red glow, completely different from the eunuch next to him.

"The general's arrangement is really unique and eye-opening."

At this time, the young man on the far right suddenly smiled and spoke, looking around with interest. After noticing the pairs of eyes around him, he quickly straightened his chest.

As soon as the words fell, the voice of the eunuch on the far left sounded at the same time:
"I wonder what explanation General Gu has for the uniforms of these soldiers? Is this the general's arrangement?"

The voice was eerie and low, and one could clearly hear the suppressed anger in it.

"Hahaha, is there anything wrong? Look, how many people are paying attention to us along the way? Since we are on a diplomatic mission, we must be open and aboveboard and let everyone know us. Now we are halfway successful." This person was none other than the great General Li Yang, Gu Jiantang, who had appeared in Lingnan before.

The man laughed heartily, ignoring the teasing looks from people on both sides of the road. Instead, he really enjoyed this state.

After hearing this, the young man on the right nodded unconsciously.

Gu Jiantang seemed to sense the young man's reaction, and instantly turned his head and laughed:
"I think you are a man who knows how to appreciate things, unlike Eunuch Han, who has been in the palace for too long and is inevitably a bit old-fashioned."

Gu Jiantang knew the identity of this young man very well. He didn't care about it at first, but now he saw it, he found it quite interesting and it aroused some interest.

As soon as these words were spoken, the eunuch on the far left's face darkened again, especially when he saw the young man nodded involuntarily due to the influence of Gu Jiantang's words, the fire in his eyes became even more intense.

"General Gu, we hope that you will weigh the pros and cons clearly before doing anything."

"Your Majesty has allowed the general to lead the mission to the Sui Dynasty this time. This is a rare opportunity. I believe the general himself knows it."

"If the general does not seize this opportunity and ruins His Majesty's plans, the consequences will be unpredictable."

The words were spoken obscurely, but the people around were all familiar with the situation and naturally understood the meaning of the words.

As a famous general in Liyang second only to Xu Xiao, Gu Jiantang’s reputation is quite prominent.

But that is precisely the case, because they are afraid that there will be another Xu Xiao in Liyang.

For so many years, Emperor Li Yang has been keeping Gu Jiantang pinned down in Tai'an City, like a dragon locked in a cage.

Hearing this, a hint of fierceness flashed in Gu Jiantang's eyes.

Long has been trapped in the shallows for twenty years. He has all the strength and ambition but no chance to display them. No one knows that feeling better than him.

"Haha, don't worry, Eunuch Han. Everyone knows the center of the court, and His Majesty knows it very clearly. How could I miss the important matter?"

"That would be the best." Han Diaosi looked at Gu Jiantang deeply.

"We naturally believe in the general's loyalty, but it would be best if he did not suddenly leave the delegation and disappear like before."

"After all, the entire mission is led by the general. If the backbone suddenly disappears, turmoil is inevitable."

"Of course, we understand. The general hasn't left Tai'an for twenty years. This time he's out, he must visit his old friends!"

"But it's best to discuss this matter after the mission is over. What do you think, General Gu?"

Gu Jiantang shook his head and smiled when he heard this:
"Eunuch Han, you misunderstood. You said that this general has not left Tai'an for twenty years. Even in Liyang, there are not many old friends left, let alone in this foreign country."

"I was just out looking at the scenery and got lost for a while."

"I see!" Han Diaosi shook his head: "It seems that we have misunderstood. Let me apologize to the general first."

"I have heard that Song Que of Lingnan has always been known as the Heavenly Sword, and the general is the best swordsman in Liyang. I thought that General Gu was excited to see the prey and went to find Song Que to discuss the swordsmanship."

While speaking, Han Diaosi's eyes were fixed on Gu Jiantang's face.

However, when Gu Jiantang heard this, he did not feel embarrassed at all about being exposed.

He just shook his head and smiled:

"Haha, Eunuch Han thinks too highly of me!"

"I have cultivated myself in Tai'an City for many years. I have long since given up martial arts and turned to literature. I have completely lost my sword skills. Now I don't even know how to hold the hilt of a sword. How can I challenge others?"

Han Diaosi did not continue speaking.

Gu Jiantang is now in a completely helpless state. Even if he really puts the factual evidence in front of the other party, he will probably shake his head to deny it.

There is a saying that goes, "When the water is too clear, there will be no fish; when the person is too mean, he will have no enemy."

Han Diaosi didn't know this sentence. If he knew, he would definitely agree with it.

Obviously, Gu Jiantang is in this state now.

Gu Jiantang, who had escaped from the cage and left Tai'an, now felt as if he had completely let himself go.

Without looking at Gu Jiantang again, Han Diaosi turned his gaze to the other side.

"Sir, the situation in Daxing City is still unclear. You must be more careful in your actions."

"Got it, Master Chef!"

Han Diaosi nodded and continued, "As far as we know, the battle in the north of the Sui Dynasty has ended, and the Duke of Qi has returned to the court ahead of schedule."

"This man is extremely talented and will surely be the future military leader of the Sui Dynasty and a pillar of the imperial court. Young Master, you can try to get in touch with him."

The two of them didn't notice that when Gu Jiantang, who was standing beside them, heard their names, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

Just when the Li Yang delegation entered Daxing City in a noisy manner.

On the other side of Daxing City, in a remote restaurant close to the outer city.

Two people were sitting opposite each other and drinking comfortably.

Beside the two men, an old man with a ruddy face was holding a wine jug and pouring wine for them.

"Tsk tsk, the emperor and his officials came out of the city thirty miles to welcome you. Brother Gao can be considered successful."

Hearty laughter rang out.

It was obvious that the two people were Gao Changsheng Lu Xiaofeng who had returned to Beijing early.

The person pouring wine for them now was none other than Gao Mansion’s steward, Gao Bo.

Hearing Lu Xiaofeng's laughter, a smile instantly appeared on Gao Bo's face, and he quickly picked up the kettle and poured Lu Xiaofeng a cup.

"But there is one thing I am curious about." Lu Xiaofeng said with a smile.

"Brother Gao entered the city yesterday. Isn't it time for you to enjoy your honor now?"

"The palace banquet, invitations from various families in the city, and singing girls at the banquets should have overwhelmed Brother Gao. How could he have the time to drink with me in this tavern?"

Gao Changsheng took a sip of wine before raising his eyes:
"It seems that Brother Lu feels that this place is too simple and lacks the company of a singing girl? Uncle Gao?"

"I understand. I will arrange it for Master Lu right away!"

"Don't worry, Master Lu. With the current reputation of Duke Qi's Mansion, all the singing girls and prostitutes in the entire Daxing City are at your disposal."

"Wait, Uncle Gao, that's not what I meant!" Lu Xiaofeng stretched out his hands to stop him.

"Ha ha!"

Gao Bo laughed: "It is inevitable for young people to be romantic. If you need anything, you can always speak up."

Lu Xiaofeng's face flashed with embarrassment, and he turned to glare at the man opposite him: "Gao Changsheng!"

Gao Changsheng was drinking by himself and ignored the voice from the other side.

Gao Bo laughed and said:

"This matter, I can explain to Master Lu."

"Although His Majesty has led all the officials out of the city to welcome us, King Kaoshan and the army have not yet returned, so the palace banquet will naturally be postponed."

"As for the invitations from the city, most of them are from people who are just trying to curry favor with the powerful. Young Master, you don't need to pay attention to them."

Lu Xiaofeng nodded. He already understood a lot of things. He said that just to be funny.

"Uncle Gao, has anything happened in Daxing City during the time when the army was on the march?"

Gao Changsheng spoke softly.

Gao Bo shook his head when he heard this: "It's nothing serious."

"The army is marching north, and the entire court's attention is basically on the front line."

"Except for the recent time when His Majesty suddenly issued an edict to gather civilians to build the canal, the only major move was the canonization of the young master."

"The canal?"

Gao Changsheng murmured softly.

He already knew about the canal when it was being built.

The sudden appearance of this fateful canal naturally made Gao Changsheng feel a little touched.

Moreover, Yang Guang issued the order so suddenly, even when a fierce battle was going on at the front line, which made Gao Changsheng inevitably feel confused.

Yang Guang in this life is not the greatest emperor in history as many people boasted in his previous life.

But he is definitely not a stupid and incompetent person.

Even if he really wanted to show off, it would be impossible for him to do anything at this time according to common sense.

The Sui army had hundreds of thousands of troops on the march, and if anything went wrong it would be no joke.

After all, in this world, the situation around the Sui Dynasty is extremely complicated.

Building a canal and even mobilizing large amounts of food and fodder from the rear were all actions that were simply crazy.

Moreover, Yang Guang is not someone who doesn't understand military affairs.

He had been in the army when the Southern Chen Dynasty was destroyed, and later he led troops to fight a great battle with Song Que in Lingnan.

Although he was defeated by the latter, he at least managed to keep the system intact.

From this point of view, Yang Guang actually had the ability to command troops.

How could a person who knows and understands military affairs do something like destroying his own Great Wall at the critical moment of a war?

And since this has happened.

Either Yang Guang was really crazy, or there was some necessity for this matter.

Gao Changsheng shook his head gently, and did not think about it any further. Instead, he turned to look at Gao Bo:
"What about the Jianghu? Is there any news in the Jianghu?"

Gao Bo nodded:

"In the martial arts world, quite a lot of things have happened recently!"

"First, the four great holy monks appeared at the same time. Rumor has it that they are here to hunt down the evil king Shi Zhixuan again."

"In addition, the successors of this generation of Cihang Jingzhai and Yingui Sect have already been born. After the two met, several battles broke out. Someone who saw it described that the two women looked like Chang'e from the Moon Palace who had fallen to the mortal world."

"Oh? Is it born?" Gao Changsheng raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, this is the most sensational thing in the world right now." Gao Bo said with a smile.

"However, a few days ago, the Holy Maiden Wanwan of the Yin Gui Sect seemed to have been ambushed by a master from the Jing Nian Zen Temple."

Gao Bo recounted the story: "This action also attracted the masters of the Yin Gui Sect, who surrounded and intercepted Master Feixuan of Jingzhai."

"The masters of both sides fought back and forth, and the fight was really intense. In the end, Blood Hand Li Gong and the independent Ning Daoqi were even brought out, and a fierce battle broke out between the two sides."

Hearing this, Gao Changsheng finally showed a hint of interest in his eyes.

However, he did not ask about the battle situation between the two sides, but suddenly asked about another matter.

"By the way, Uncle Gao, is there any news about Yang Xuyan recently?"

"Yang Xuyan?"

Gao Bo's face was stunned, and his hand that was holding the pot to pour wine paused in the air.

"No, no, it's like this person has completely disappeared."

Lu Xiaofeng, who was drinking and listening to the news of the martial arts world with great interest, narrowed his eyes unconsciously.

He quickly raised his head and looked at Gao Changsheng. The next second, he saw a fleeting smile in Gao Changsheng's eyes.

The corners of his mouth twitched, but Lu Xiaofeng didn't say anything. He just continued to raise the wine glass and bring it to his mouth.

"Uncle Gao, it seems that someone from the mansion has come downstairs. Can you go and see if anything has happened?"

"Ah?" Gao Bo was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses. He turned his head and looked into the distance. Sure enough, he saw several familiar figures, who were the servants in Gao's mansion.

"Brother Gao..."

Seeing Gao Bo walking away, Lu Xiaofeng looked up and spoke.

However, Gao Changsheng did not respond, but just waved his hand casually.

Seeing this, Lu Xiaofeng did not ask any more questions, but chatted with Gao Changsheng about the rumors in the martial arts world of Sui and Ming.

It was not until a moment later that Gao Bo's footsteps sounded again, interrupting their conversation.

"Master, someone in the mansion came to report that someone from the palace came to summon us."

"Oh? What's the matter?"

Gao Changsheng raised his head.

"It is His Majesty who summoned the young master."

"That's all for today, Uncle Gao. Take Brother Lu back home first."

"Master, rest assured, this old slave saved it!"

Looking at Gao Changsheng's frosty eyes, Gao Bo lowered his head unconsciously.

With a slight smile and a wave to Lu Xiaofeng, Gao Changsheng left the restaurant directly.

He did not stop on the way, but did not deliberately speed up. He just moved towards the palace at a normal speed, and waited until Gao Changsheng saw the main gate of the palace.

The eyes of several eunuchs who were anxiously waiting at the palace gate also lit up.

"Duke Qi, you are finally here."

In order to inform Gao Changsheng, they first went to Gao's mansion. After hearing that Gao Changsheng was in the restaurant, they hurried to the restaurant. But when they arrived at the restaurant, they heard that Gao Changsheng had gone to the palace according to the report from his servants.

The few of them could only rush to the palace again without stopping.

Seeing Gao Changsheng arriving late, he was naturally anxious and happy.

"Master, please come with me quickly. His Majesty has been waiting for you for a long time."

Gao Changsheng did not refuse, and signaled the other party with his eyes to lead the way.

Soon, with the eunuchs constantly speeding up, they arrived at their destination.

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Qi has arrived!"

"Please come in, Duke Qi!"

Following two shrill shouts, the palace door slowly opened.

Gao Changsheng did not hesitate and stepped straight in.

But soon, his body froze in place, and his eyes were filled with deep doubts.

Because the person sitting in the center of the hall was not Yang Guang as expected.

Instead, it was a woman wearing a phoenix robe and with an extraordinary appearance.

The woman sat upright on the chair, her face was cold, but her eyes, like rippling water, were naturally filled with a kind of charm.

Cool, charming, noble, all these different temperaments appeared in one person at the same time.

"Don't panic, Duke Qi. His Majesty is busy, so I am here to see you on his behalf."

"Greetings, Queen!" Gao Changsheng bowed and said.

(End of this chapter)