"Cough cough cough!" Xiao Huli coughed rapidly, and the sound was earth-shattering and resounded throughout the palaces of the imperial city.

In the second month after Yuan Changli proclaimed himself emperor, Xiao Huli accidentally fell into the lake while swimming with Zhong Rou. After that, he fell ill.

Xiao Huli's serious illness directly affected the plans of garrison troops in various places, including the deployment of the westward march to the two Sichuan provinces of the Zhengxi Prefecture and the deployment of the North and East Sea Prefectures to defend the East China Sea. In the face of the situation in Lianghuai and Jiuqu, each

Both parties had a tacit understanding and did not ignore it.

Yuan Changli dispatched three groups of troops respectively. The first group was Taishijun who directly sent Chen Bing to Niangziguan to threaten Changshan, causing Quan Hanliang to have a headache. The second group was Quan Zheng stationed troops and Suiyang troops directed Dang County. This group of troops was arranged ingeniously.

The Cui family, the Changsun family and the Chen family were all faced with formidable enemies; the third group, Yang Kuang, the eldest son of the auxiliary general Yang Feng, led his troops into and out of Dongchuan, putting pressure on the Tushan family and Xichuan, which strengthened Dongchuan's power.

With such strength, Nanchen Zhengxi Mansion did not dare to invade the territory easily.

Quanbo of the Xiling Dynasty sent Zhuge Xingyu to station heavy troops in Langzhong to guard against enemies that might come from Dongchuan or Hanzhong. He also sent Nanchen to conquer the Xifu many times to repair. This time, under Meng Yan's instruction, Jin Qian sent his deputy.

As an envoy, Shuai Luping held friendly talks with Zhuge Xinghai in Jianwei and reached an agreement on mutual non-aggression, but this agreement never appeared on Xiao Huli's desk.

"Your Majesty, you should rest well and stop working too hard." Zhong Rouning shed tears in a rare pear blossom. She has always been strong, but the disease came with such ferocity that the imperial doctors were helpless.

"Ning'er, don't worry. I know my body is not strong enough. Have they come back?" Xiao Huli said with difficulty.

As soon as this was mentioned, Zhong Rouning immediately became vigilant, wiped away her tears, frowned and said, "Is it appropriate for Your Majesty to recall them at this moment?"

Xiao Huli forced out a smile, struggled to hold Zhong Rouning's hand and said: "Ning'er, don't worry, our child must be the heir to this empire, but he is too young, I always have to consider him.

.”

"Your Majesty, I am confident that I can maintain this empire. I don't need their help." Zhong Rouning said stubbornly.

After Xiao Huli woke up, he immediately ordered Lu Chongzong to recall Meng Yan, Xiao Yu, Zhong Roulan and others. At the same time, he ordered Lu Chongzong to seal the nine gates. Even with the orders from the Central Academy and the Military Machine Pavilion, Zhong Rou could not get out.

Ning became nervous. She didn't believe Lu Chongzong at all. In her heart, she wanted Zhong Jue to take charge of the overall situation.

Xiao Huli shook his head and said helplessly: "I have pursued Big Brother's thoughts all my life, hoping to calm the world, eliminate the influence of wealthy families, and give the people a peaceful and contented life. Now that we have just stabilized the southeast, the goal of calming the Central Plains is still far away. With your

If you can't do it at all, they will be your support."

"Your Majesty, what are your plans for calling them back?" Zhong Rouning understood that now is not the time to argue with Xiao Huli. Since it is inevitable that Xiao Yu and others will come back, they should first find out Xiao Huli's plan.

Seeing that Zhong Rouning's attitude had softened, Xiao Huli struggled to get up, leaned on Zhong Rouning's body and said: "I have asked the Central Academy to send people to make peace with Yuan Changli and Quan Hanliang. Yuan Changli now inherits the mausoleum.

North Korea has most of the strength and controls the central and northwest, so we cannot easily go to war with him, and Quan Hanliang has a delicate relationship with the East China Sea, so repairing with him is actually to prevent the invasion of the East China Sea."

Zhong Rouning pondered for a moment and said, "What about Xiling? The alliance between the Zhuge family and the Zhu Mu family should not be underestimated."

"This is what I mean by calling them back. Meng Yan has always been eyeing Xichuan, but he has not received my support. This time I call him back to support his westward march. The condition is that when he enters Sichuan, he must give up the removal of Jiangxia and Yue

Out of state.”

Hearing this, Zhong Rouning's expression changed and she said, "Your Majesty, you mean to let Xiling consume Meng Yan's strength and then trap him in the southwest?"

Xiao Huli nodded with a smile and said: "Yes, Meng Yan is a great talent. The southwest has always been barren, and the wild land is in constant war. Only the southwest can trap him."

"What about the vacant land from Zhengxi Mansion?" Zhong Rouning was obviously interested.

"This is what I am considering for you mother and son. Let your father-in-law and Lan'er step aside. The entire Xingtan, Jiangyou and the south are all under your control. You can separate your father-in-law and Lan'er so that you can control them." Xiao Huli

Said meaningfully.

Zhong Rouning was devastated, tears falling down her cheeks. She didn't expect Xiao Huli to make such a big move for her, "Your Majesty, how do you plan to arrange Xiao Yu?"

"Lan'er has been having a fierce fight with the Changsun family recently. This is not good. Lan'er is handsome and talented, but the Changsun family's purpose is not simple. Lan'er cannot be fooled. The Chen family is Yu'er's mother clan. In this case, Yu'er

The turmoil in the Huaihe River and the incident in the East China Sea will make Yu'er unable to take any action. Do you understand that only when Yu'er and Meng Yan are at peace can they hope to unify the Central Plains. This will give you and Meng Yan more opportunities.

Children grow up over time." After Xiao Huli finished speaking, he coughed and his face turned red.

"Will they agree?" Zhong Rouning murmured, this is the key point, not to mention Meng Yan and Xiao Yu, even his biological sister Zhong Roulan will not compromise easily.

"I'm making arrangements. I think that person will take action at the critical moment." Xiao Huli said with confidence.

Zhong Rouning was about to ask something when suddenly Lu Chongzong's voice of return came from outside the hall. Zhong Rouning had to shut up. She was very worried about Xiao Huli's arrangements. None of these people were easy to mess with. Most of Chen Dynasty's military power was controlled.

in their hands.

"Your Majesty, King Yuzhang has arrived in Chencheng and has only brought back the Qilin Guards." Lu Chongzong said respectfully.

"Where are the others? Have the people from Zhongshuyuan set off?"

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Chu and his wife and daughter, Bai Zewei, have already passed Shaonan Pass. They can reach Chencheng in three days at most. The water route taken by King Dongyang and Princess Chenyang can be reached in five days. The people from Zhongshuyuan have already arrived.

Out of town."

"Meng Yan actually brought his wife and daughter back with him? This guy really knows how to behave." Xiao Huli's tone was a little strange, making it difficult for Zhong Rouning and Lu Chongzong to judge whether he meant appreciation or criticism.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Xiahou has been waiting outside the palace. He seems very anxious. Do you want him?..." Lu Chongzong asked tentatively.

Xiao Huli waved his hand and said impatiently: "It's just a matter between Lianghuai and Huaihe. You tell him this and I have my own arrangements. You can also tell him in a private name. I don't know the contact between him and Xiao Yu."

.”

Xiao Huli became more and more disgusted with Xia Houming. He resented Xia Houming's self-conceited cleverness. His actions in Chencheng were just to support Xiao Yu's inheritance. Especially after Zhong Rouning gave birth to his son, the old guy Xia Houming became even more disgusted.

There were so many moves that even Cang Shuliang couldn't see past them, and he reminded his old friend many times to pay attention to his sense of proportion.

Lu Chongzong accepted the order in embarrassment and was about to go out when he was suddenly stopped by Xiao Huli and said: "Hai Sheng, wait a minute."

Xiao Huli has never called Lu Chongzong by his cousin name since he came to Chencheng. It's not that the two of them are estranged, but that the change of status does not allow them to be so close. It's been so many years since I heard Xiao Huli say this again.

He didn't respond to the title for a while, but the excitement in his heart could not be concealed. Lu Chongzong turned around and knelt down directly and said: "Whatever your Majesty orders, Chongzong will be shattered to pieces and you will do it for your Majesty!"

"Silly boy, what are you doing? You have been by my side for so many years. We haven't had a good conversation since we came to Chencheng. Today is quite free. The queen is also tired these days. Can you stay with me?"

Xiao Huli said with a smile that he was very satisfied with Lu Chongzong's performance.

Zhong Rouning was a little surprised, and just as she was about to speak, Xiao Huli squeezed Zhong Rouning's hand and gave her a reassuring look. Zhong Rouning said nothing more, and signaled to Lu Chongzong before slowly turning out of the palace door.

Seeing Zhong Rouning's disappearing figure, Xiao Huli wanted to get up, but he couldn't get up, so he had to wave to Lu Chongzong to come forward.

Lu Chongzong hurriedly came forward and knelt down. Xiao Huli patted Lu Chongzong on the shoulder and said, "Hai Sheng! Hai Sheng, our fate is about to end. I, Xiao Huli, thank you for staying with me for so long."

"Your Majesty, don't say that. Master Kumu will be here soon. I also sent people to find Mr. Sang." There was a hint of crying in Lu Chongzong's words. This emotion did come from the heart, even this

For a moment, Lu Chongzong was condemning himself for betraying Xiao Huli's many years of kindness for the sake of family ties. Meng Zhao gave him life, but most of this kindness in raising and upbringing came from the person in front of him.

"Don't be like this. When a person's life comes to an end, I just don't want to be able to watch the Central Plains unify!" Xiao Huli said unwillingly, followed by a heartbreaking cough.

He finally recovered and grabbed Lu Chongzong's shoulders and said: "Hai Sheng, you must have seen that the Queen does not trust you. I want to change your position. Firstly, it will guarantee your future. Secondly, if the Queen's side

Is there really any danger? You can protect mother and child at any time, okay?"

There was a hint of request in Xiao Huli's voice. Lu Chongzong quickly knelt down with his head on the ground and said loyally: "Your Majesty, no matter what position I am, I will only live for your Majesty's blood!"

Xiao Huli wanted to help him up, but unfortunately he had no strength at all, so he had to say: "Hai Sheng, get up quickly. Sit down and let's talk."

Seeing the sad look on Lu Chongzong's face, Xiao Huli knew that his situation could not make him feel relieved at all, so he had to force himself to look cheerful and said: "Hai Sheng, I'm not going to hide it from you, I'm afraid it will be difficult for the queen to control the three palaces after I go. I have already

I plan to promote Xiao Yu to the throne of Wu King and let him handle the affairs of Lianghuai and Quan Hanliang."

"Your Majesty wants to transfer King Yuzhang away from Jiangyou?" Although Lu Chongzong has always existed as a pro-army general, it does not mean that he is not sensitive to politics at all. He basically guessed what Xiao Huli meant.

"Yes, at the same time, Meng Yan will be promoted to the throne of Jincheng County, and he will be asked to lead the soldiers of the Western Prefecture to conquer Xiling and the Zhu Mu family in the west to stabilize the southwest."

"Then Xingtan and Jiangyou will be empty. Your Majesty means to connect Xingtan, Jiangyou and the southern border together?"

"Haisheng is a talented general. It's a pity to be by my side all these years. You are right. This is the position I have found for you. I plan to let you settle in Changsha and let Princess Chenyang settle in Yuzhang."

Lu Chongzong hesitated. Xiao Huli's arrangement was really profound. He wanted to stay in Changsha to contain all forces, and at the same time, he could support Zhong Rou. It was a good method. Everyone in the world said that Xiao Huli was not ambitious enough.

But this arrangement shows that the city is extremely deep.

"Are you unwilling?" Although Xiao Huli's tone was gentle, Lu Chongzong could still hear the harshness mixed with it.

"Uh, forget it, I will definitely do my duty well." Lu Chongzong thought carefully, hesitated for a while and then agreed.
Chapter completed!