Jiang Yun looked up at the person in front of him, and like that spring day, he confidently walked towards him. He possesses the strongest and most powerful body in the world, as well as a love that thrives like the morning sun.
Meeting him was the luckiest thing in his life.
Sui Heng said, “What are you waiting for? Catch it.”
Jiang Yun’s gaze fell on the flower, it was a smaller one with a more vibrant color than the Jisang flower. After a while, the corner of his mouth gently rose and he said, “Thank you, Doggy Sui. However, I cannot accept this flower.”
Everyone on the Jiang Empire side was stunned.
Fan Zhou even suspected that he had misheard. What did His Highness just call the Crown Prince of Sui?
What Sui?
Jiang Yun had already stretched out his sleeves and stood up, his black eyes bright and radiant. He looked at Sui Heng and said, “Sui Jichu, let’s have a fair and upright competition. Let no one give way to anyone and leave the world speechless.”
A moment later, the generals of the two countries lined up on both sides and sat in a makeshift camp with a clear distinction.
Jimo Qingyu was invited over.
“Chess warfare?”
He showed a hint of surprise as he looked at the young Crown Prince, dressed in a green robe and as warm as jade, standing gracefully in the tent. It was as if he had seen the young child standing in front of the gate of the Prime Minister’s mansion in the rain on that rainy night last spring.
He has always admired this child very much.
Now that he knows his true identity, his appreciation has not diminished at all, but he feels a little pity.
It’s not easy to be the Crown Prince of a country. The weight of the country and the people is too heavy. As a child who is as clear as jade, one should indulge in the mountains and rivers and focus on learning.
However, it was fortunate for the people of Jiangnan to have such a Crown Prince in the Jiang Empire. Emperor Jiang did a good deed.
Jimo Qingyu’s gaze then fell on Sui Heng, who was standing on the other side folding his arms.
Sui Heng was still playing with the red flower in his hand, his eyes bright and sharp, his eyes cold and heavy, and he couldn’t see any expression.
This is someone with a strong physique, suitable for expanding territory and unleashing great ambitions in this chaotic era. Unfortunately, he has a bad temper.
Jimo Qingyu averted his eyes, his sight still falling on Jiang Yun.
“I wonder what this chess battle is about?”
Jiang Yun tilted his head and looked at Sui Heng.
“You didn’t share our opinions with the Left Prime Minister?”
Sui Heng coolly returned, “That is you, Highness Rongyu’s opinion, not Gu’s.”
In his opinion, he has already directly taken the person back to the camp.
Jiang Yun said himself, “The meaning of a chess formation is to imitate the chessboard and arrange troops and formations. Soldiers from both sides can distinguish black and white pieces based on the color of their armor, use the sound of drums as a signal, and change the formation. In the end, if one side can surround the other, it is a victory.”
“300,000 troops cannot be wasted in this half month, but as the Crown Prince of Jiang, Gu cannot voluntarily offer up the Muyun Pass, disregarding hundreds of thousands of people in Jiangnan. Therefore, Gu wants to set up a chess formation under the Muyun Pass, with 600 soldiers from each side participating in the battle, using the formation to determine the winner. All advisors and generals from both sides can offer their opinions and suggestions, and whether to adopt them or not will be decided by the Commander.”
The tent was filled with silence, and the pleasant sound of the young Crown Prince, like a clear spring falling, echoed through the tent.
Although Sui Heng also listened, more than anything else, he was sizing up Jiang Yun.
This was the first time he had stood here with him side by side as the Crown Prince.
This was also his first time seeing him refer to himself as “Gu”, commanding and speaking confidently, completely different from his little lover, who always whispered softly on his shoulders. However, that irreplaceable elegance convinced him that they were indeed the same person.
Jiang Yun still wore a green robe today, but not an ordinary green shirt. Instead, he wore a light green long robe with golden-dark patterns embroidered on the edges and a cloak of the same color. In addition to elegance, he also had the unique noble aura of a Crown Prince.
He really found a treasure.
Sun Heng thinks.
Now listening to the three words “Jiang Rongyu” is simply more beautiful than any beautiful music in the world.
However, as the Crown Prince of Jiang, why did he wander to places like Qingque Terrace? After three whole years, no one went to find him? He said he was the first to know about this, but what about Emperor Jiang?
Sui Heng’s heart couldn’t help but twitch when he thought of the rumors that Emperor Jiang favored King Chu.
Jiang Yun turned his head to look at him again and said, “Gu has heard that Your Highness has been training in Mount Li for the past year and a half and has invented more than 20 new formations. Gu has long wanted to see them. Today, many Generals are gathered, and Gu hopes Your Highness will not hesitate to teach Gu.”
Sui Heng tilted his head to the other side, his tone still chilly.
“Gu has?”
“How could Gu doesn’t know?”
Xu Qiao: “……”
The Sui Empire’s Generals: “……”
Jiang Yun said, “Not having is also fine. With Your Highness’s intelligence and talent, Gu believes that even if Your Highness plays it on the spot, Your Highness can still strategize and amaze the world.”
“Jiang Rongyu.”
Sui Heng turned his head and sneered, gritting his teeth and saying, “Gu only realized today that you are really eloquent, articulate, and clever.”
Jiang Yun’s eyes curved.
“Gu is flattered by Your Highness’ compliments, and Gu is ashamed to say that Gu doesn’t deserve it.”
The Generals of the Sui Empire were not surprised; after all, apart from the outrageous behavior of sending plums, flowers, and honey water just now, His Highness’s military affairs were always subject to ridicule towards the Crown Prince of Jiang.
Led by Fan Zhou and Gongsun Yang, the generals of the Jiang Empire were extremely vigilant as they looked at Sui Heng, afraid that this cruel and ruthless Crown Prince of Sui would flip out on the spot and cause harm to their Highness.
Jimo Qingyu sat behind the table and cleared his throat heavily.
“Rongyu ah, your idea is good, but what is this game’s bargaining chip?”
This was also the most concerning matter for the generals on both sides. Everyone’s gaze turned to Jiang Yun once again, and Sui Heng also looked up, suddenly wanting to hear Jiang Yun’s thoughts.
Jiang Yun said, “Connecting the Yellow River, north and south.”
Jimo Qingyu shook, and the Generals in the tent also shook.
These eight short words are like a thunderbolt, and it is self-evident what weight they carry when placed in the context of today’s world situation.
The confrontation between Jiangnan and Jiangbei has been going on for nearly a hundred years, and both sides have accumulated a wealth of blood feuds since their ancestors. For a hundred years, they have been ruling with a river dividing them. Both sides were filled with talented individuals, and in between, although there were a few heroic figures attempting to unify the world, they all ended in failure due to various reasons.
Until the emergence of Sui Heng, a new generation of young warlords, the young Crown Prince was ambitious, and in just three years, he unified the northern states of the Yangtze River, then pointed his sword towards the southern region.
Jiangnan has fertile land, beautiful scenery, and a rich cultural atmosphere, which Jiangbei lacks. Jiangbei also has vast and spectacular central plains and the fertile grasslands of the desert north, which Jiangnan also lacks. Jiangnan Jiangbei, and even a lot of people who are rooted out of the same origins, just because of the confrontation, gradually cut off contact.
Even the deeply rooted Jimo family in the north of the Yangtze River, tracing a hundred years back, can also find traces of their ancestors in the south of the Yangtze River.
If peace and exchange are achieved between the south and north of the Yangtze River, many resources will also be complementary, and many people will be able to return to their true hometowns and seek their ancestors.
It’s just that there are too many benefits involved in this, and no one has ever dared to propose such a bold idea.
Jimo Qingyu’s gaze was slightly cloudy, and many Generals in the tent’s eyes were also slightly bright, even watery.
Jiang Yun said, “If the Sui Empire wins this game, Gu is willing to actively open the door of Muyun Pass. Allow all the people stranded in Jiangnan due to the war scourge to voluntarily return to the northern part of the river in the past 30 years, and trade between Jiangnan and Jiangbei will be opened. Jiangbei will purchase goods from Jiangnan at the most cost-effective price. Jiangbei merchants can enter Jiangnan for business as long as they rely on the road guide. Jiangbei scholars can freely enter Jiangnan for study tours with the recommendation letter of the government. If the Jiang Empire wins, the Sui Empire shall withdraw the troops and cannot invade Jiangnan for three years. Your Highness can decide again whether or not to interoperate.”
“Of course, regardless of which side wins, Gu is willing to make half of the compensation for all the food and supplies consumed by the Sui army in this area for half a month.”
This is indeed a fair and just solution for both parties. Moreover, it is a peaceful solution that avoids large-scale casualties and bloodshed.
Jimo Qingyu slowly stood up, stroked his beard, and nodded, saying, “This old man thinks that this method is very good. Using a chess formation instead of a bloody war can lead to a decisive victory without regret. What do you think?”
The Generals in the tent stood up with a joyful expression on their faces and said, “We also agree!”
“The world, the common people.”
Jimo Qingyu stepped out of the battle and smiled as he said to Zhao Yan, “This is another exquisite chess game. Amazing! It’s really amazing!”
It was the first time Zhao Yan had seen his master so happy, so he busily said, “How about the disciple go and brew Master’s favorite Kunshan Snow Sprouts?”
Jimo Qingyu waved his hand. “What tea? We’re going to drink wine!”
“Yes!”
Zhao Yan joyfully followed.
All the Guozhu and ministers of subordinate countries, as well as the soldiers of both sides, are still anxiously waiting for news. It is astonishing that the Crown Princes of two hostile countries, led by their generals, entered the same camp for discussion.
After half an hour had passed, the door of the tent remained tightly closed and motionless, and there was no news. The Wei Kingdom’s Guozhu couldn’t help but ask the Chen’s Guozhu:
“Brother Chen, this-this… they should not fight, right?”
The Chen’s Guozhu was giving him his old glance.
“Don’t worry, even if you and I fight, there won’t be any fighting inside.”
The Wei Kingdom’s Guozhu: “…”
“Brother Chen, do you know any insider information?”
The Chen’s Guozhu’s face was immediately filled with melancholy: “What kind of insider information can I know? Now, I’m almost worried to death.”
On the opposite side of the city gate of Muyun Pass, Luo Changqing, the Guozhu of the Luo Kingdom, and Yun Hao, the Guozhu of the Yun Kingdom, were also anxiously watching.
The conflict between two powerful countries not only affects the overall situation of the world but also involves small countries like them. Both of them were worried and looked at the endless barracks and iron cavalry on the opposite side.
Luo Fengjun, still dressed in white, was sitting on the gate tower, playing a joyful tune.
Luo Changqing really didn’t understand where his son’s joy came from, and he felt that the melody he played didn’t match the tense scene at present at all. He couldn’t help but say, “Fengjun, stop for a moment.”
Luo Feng shook his head.
Although he was playing a cheerful tone with his fingers, but his face was as cold as snow.
He said, “Son thinks that he has suddenly realized something.”
“What thing?”
“Emotional things. He’s right, playing music requires not only skill but also emotions.”
Luo Changqing felt that his son must have gone crazy.
At this moment, the tightly closed tent finally opened, and the generals of the two armies rushed out in unison, with their swords still intact and straddling their waists. They did not engage in a fight, as everyone had speculated.
Luo Changqing and Yun Hao quickly looked over, facing the south and north of the Yangtze River, and the Guozhu and officials of each subordinate country also eagerly fixed their eyes on them. But those generals gathered outside the tent and did not disperse.
Fan Zhou was so anxious that he flew into rage. Just now, the overbearing and domineering Crown Prince of Sui even directly pulled His Highness’s hand and entered the inner room behind the screen, saying that he wanted to talk to His Highness alone.
Talking about things is talking about things, there is no such thing as going directly into the inner room to talk about things!
Fan Zhou realized that something was not right until then.
His Highness may have known the Crown Prince of Sui for a long time? Impossible. If that’s the case, then why did the Crown Prince of Sui slander His Highness everywhere? He met on the river last year and even forced His Highness to drink liquor, using a hidden arrow to injure His Highness too.
His Highness’s attitude was also very strange. Not only was he not angry, but he also made them all wait outside.
As an informant, Xu Qiao felt very ashamed. He could only grit his teeth and approach Fan Zhou, salute him, and say, “Is this Master Fan?”
Fan Zhou, Fan Shiyuan, was the top advisor under the Crown Prince of Jiang. He was upright and serious, with a meticulous mind, and was deeply trusted by the Crown Prince of Jiang. Xu Qiao saw that Fan Zhou was the leader of many advisors and had an outstanding demeanor, so he vaguely guessed Fan Zhou’s identity.
Fan Zhou nodded, “May I ask who you are?”
“My name is Xu Qiao, and I hold the position of the Right General in the Qinglang Battalion.”
This is already a high position among the ranks of generals in the Qinglang Battalion, and many generals from the Jiang Empire have looked over.
Fan Zhou naturally heard of the name Xu Qiao. Xu Qiao was not only a fierce general under Sui Heng but is also a wise man who held the position of half a military advisor and had a considerable reputation in the north of the Yangtze River. The two of them officially saluted each other, and Xu Qiao said, “Master, rest assured that our Highness will never harm your Highness Rongyu.”
Fan Zhou was still very angry at Sui Heng’s reckless behavior. His Highness received the most rigorous and good etiquette education from a young age, and his conduct was elegant and dignified. He never did anything that did not conform to his status as a crown prince. Even eating and drinking water could serve as a benchmark for scholars around the world. Encountering this rough and rude Crown Prince of Sui was like a little lamb encountering a fierce, hungry wolf. He was really worried that His Highness would suffer losses and be harmed by violence.
“Your country’s Crown Prince is really too barbaric and impolite!”
“Yes, yes, our Highness has always been used to being domineering. Ai, I have wronged Your Highness Rongyu. Let’s go, Master Fan, let’s talk over here.”
Xu Qiao pulled Fan Zhou, who was furious, aside.
Inside the tent, Jiang Yun was directly pressed onto the bed by Sui Heng, who was passionately kissing him.
Sui Heng’s attack was fierce and domineering. Jiang Yun was kissed by him and couldn’t breathe. He wanted to push him away, but Sui Heng pressed his wrists and blocked his breath.
Sui Heng was particularly dissatisfied and continued to tear off Jiang Yun’s outer robe.
Jiang Yun frowned and saw that he was like a wolf cub with no signs of stopping. He quickly reached out to block him and said, “Not now.”
Sui Heng frowned. “You’re afraid now? Gu thinks that you’re very capable, Your Highness Rongyu, who is regarded as a god by the people of Jiangnan. Today, not only have you conquered your Jiang Empire Generals, but you have also conquered Gu’s fierce Generals, you have really impressed Gu. Today, you will have no face to go out to meet people.”
He reached out and then probed his hand inside.
Jiang Yun then wrapped his arms around his neck and gently kissed him on one side of his face.
He said, “Doggy Sui, I know your intentions, but the weight of 300,000 troops is too heavy. I can’t just watch you bear all the consequences alone. Let’s face it together and give an explanation to the people in the world, is that alright?”
Sui Heng remained silent, his movements froze, and his eyes gradually turned red.
He reached out and rolled up Jiang Yun’s right sleeve bit by bit, looking at the scar that had not completely disappeared. His heart shrank, and he gritted his teeth, saying, “It’s already like this, and you still want to beat the drum and fight against Gu. Jiang Rongyu, Gu doesn’t need you to explain to the world, nor does Gu need you to face it together. Gu just hope that you’re fine. Can you understand?”
“Gu already hate himself enough. You still want to stab Gu in the heart, don’t you?”
Jiang Yun raised the corner of his mouth, extended his finger, and slowly wiped away the wetness from the corners of his eyes.
He said, “I naturally know, but I can’t let you become a sinner because of me. Doggy Sui, life is long, and every moment of beautiful time is worth cherishing. I don’t want you to waste this time on guilt. Instead of that, I would rather sit on the river and drink with you, cup after cup, watching the clouds roll and flow, and live like this for a lifetime.”
“Let’s work together to solve this battle, and then take our little boy and live a good life, alright?”
Sui Heng closed his eyes, and a wet trace slid down from the corner of his eyes once again.
“Alright.”
“Gu accompany you, and together we will battle this world.”
“Don’t worry, Gu will never let you off the hook this time.”
He spoke harshly and opened his eyes again. Although there was still a hint of redness in his eyes, they had regained their usual flamboyance and wildness.
“But Gu still wants you to know one fact.”
Jiang Yun’s black eyes fixed on him.
Sui Heng said, “Gu agreed to fight against you not only for the sake of the world but also for the benefit of the people. Gu wants everyone to see that you, Jiang Rongyu, are not a hypocrite and ugly monster. You have unparalleled talent and charm. The Crown Prince of Jiangnan is worthy of fighting against Gu.”
**
The Crown Princes of the two countries, Jiangnan and Jiangbei, were about to set up a chess formation at Muyun Pass. The news of a decisive victory quickly spread, and famous scholars from Jiangnan and Jiangbei flocked to Muyun Pass overnight to watch the battle.
Jiang Yun proposed that all famous scholars can offer advice and suggestions to the commanders of their respective countries to help them break through. This battle is the Battle of the North and the South, and the world is fighting together.
The next day, when the first glow of the morning sun fell on the Muyun Pass, 1200 soldiers in bright armor had divided into two phalanxes, forming a formation below the city.
One side is as white as snow, and the other side is as black as ink.
Clear black and white, just like the black and white chess pieces arranged in clear rows on a chessboard.
Two huge red war drums were erected on the walls of Muyun Pass and another high platform was across from them. In the bright winter sun, the two Crown Princes of Jiangnan and Jiangbei, along with their respective advisors and generals, appeared on the high platform on time.
This is the second time that the two Crown Princes have faced each other head-on after last year’s meeting on the river, and they have decided the situation in this world in a more serious way.
One is in a green robe elegant, warm, and quiet as jade. Another is red, bright, open and passionate.
In the south and north of the Yangtze River, the two Crown Princes, like the mountains and rivers in the south and the fierce horses in the north, formed a strong and distinct contrast in temperament.
Jiang Yun’s sleeves fluttered as he climbed up the city tower and stood under the war drum. At the same time, Sui Heng also climbed onto the opposite high platform, which was originally an abandoned observation tower and could be used as a drum stand.
Today, Sui Heng was dressed in bright and flamboyant red, covered in black armor, and his forehead was also tied with a red cloth. He was wild and unrestrained, handsome and charming, full of energy, like a god of war in the sky.
The two of them looked at each other from afar.
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows and did not immediately pick up the drumstick. Instead, he extended his left hand and took a sharp black iron arrow from his own soldier’s hand. In the shocked eyes of the generals, he fiercely stabbed his right arm. Blood splattered out and landed on the red robe, but no trace was visible.
“Your Highness!”
The generals cried out in alarm but were stopped by Sui Heng raising his hand.
He looked at the green color on the opposite city wall, ignoring the arrow. With a smile, he withdrew his gaze, grabbed two drumsticks, and made the first sound.
At the same time, two unexpected observers were also present from both camps.
The Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, personally welcomed at the gate of the military camp. He lifted his robe and kneeled down. “The minister respectfully welcomed Your Majesty.”
Outside the camp of the Jiang Empire, the defending generals were also shocked and looked at the ruler coming from the Jiang capital, all of them kneeling down.
