Xiao Buyi looked at Wang Shichong, the loyal minister who had emerged from the sky, with a smile on his face.

Having experienced more life and death and killing, he already knew how to remain calm in an unfavorable situation. Although Wang Shichong was an old fox, he was also scared when he saw Xiao Buyi's smile. Because Xiao Buyi smiled and took away the treasure of Taiping Road from Yangzhou City, he had always been disappointed and hated.

Xiao Buyi guessed it well, and Wang Shichong couldn't wait to arrive in Dongdu because Xiao Buyi's prestige has increased significantly.

After his troops left Jiangdu, he was not in a hurry to Dongdu. The rafters that stood out were rotten first. He understood this truth more than anyone else. The Huainan soldiers in his hands were the capital of the world, so how could they be easily lost?

At this time, the Supreme King gave him a reason to delay, so he simply stopped moving, thinking that others would consume their troops first. But he didn't expect that Xue Shixiong was defeated by Dou Jiande, and this news shocked Wang Shichong. He knew that this was an opportunity and a turning point. Among the five armies, Xue Shixiong was the commander of the marching, and Wang Shichong was just a supporting role. But once Xue Shixiong was defeated, he could finally officially play the protagonist!

He worked hard to build Jiangdu, thinking that he could dominate Jiangnan, but he didn't expect that the emperor would take away the territory. The depression in his heart was self-evident. Dongdu has become his last chance to compete for hegemony. Sometimes, people have very few choices! Defeating Lu Mingyue did not take too much effort. After all, his elite troops in Huainan were not for nothing. On the way to march towards Dongdu, news kept coming. Li Mi attacked Dongdu, attacked Luocang, and retreated to Luokou. Xiao Buyi was at the peak of the sky!

These news came one by one, and Wang Shichong was anxious. He couldn't wait for the army to follow up and ordered his two sons to command the army and a group of brothers to assist. Guo Shancai and others opened the way to move forward slowly, but he led his adopted son Wang Bian and his personal guards to come to Dongdu day and night. When he came to Dongdu, he was clever and disguised himself into the city, not wanting to let Xiao Buyi know that he was prepared first.

He came with his men and only had one purpose, and this east could not be given to Xiao Buyi. Since Xiao Buyi could come alone to create a huge momentum, Wang Shichong could do it!

Now it seems that he has successfully taken the first step, gained the trust of King Yue, and gained Huangfu Wuyi's praise. What he has to do now is to curb Xiao Buyi's momentum and slowly regain control of Dongdu.

Seeing Xiao Buyi smiling and silent, Wang Shichong couldn't help asking: "I wonder what General Xiao laughed at?"

Xiao Buyi smiled and said, "I was wondering... Is Lord Wang good at painting?"

This sentence suddenly appeared, and the ministers were confused. Wang Shichong thought too much, not knowing Xiao Buyi's original intention, and thought to himself whether he had seen through his thoughts and used paintings to refer to the situation in the Dongdu area?

He shook his head repeatedly. Wang Shichong laughed roughly, "General Xiao was joking. I am a vulgar man. I was lucky enough to recognize a few big words. Where can I make any paintings?"

Xiao Buyi nodded and said, "So that's it." Huangfu Wuyi said, "Now Lord Wang is here, and in a few days, nearly 50,000 Huainan troops led by Lord Wang will also come to Dongdu. In the past, Li Mi was strong, so I should seek to defend the city in order to be safe. But now our army is powerful and we should change from defense to offense. I wonder what kind of tricks can Lord Wang have?"

Although Huangfu Wuyi is not smart, he is not very stupid after all. He knows that he always wants to win over one side no matter what. Wang Shichong is humble and humble, and it is his good helper to fight Xiao Buyi. He looks down on Wang Shichong, but he doesn't know that he is accused of being a tiger and will be eaten by this humble person at any time.

Wang Shichong came quietly, and the intention was exactly that. Although Huangfu Wuyi was old, Xiao Buyi was at the peak of his life recently. Wang Shichong could see at a glance that Huangfu Wuyi was inferior to Xiao Buyi. If he chose to surrender, of course he would choose Xiao Buyi, but he was also planning to the world. There was no doubt that he would join forces with Huangfu Wuyi. The two hit it off and were tacit, but Huangfu Wuyi was still arrogant, while Wang Shichong was experienced and not only did not offend Xiao Buyi, but also respected Huangfu Wuyi.

Hearing Huangfu Wuyi's questioning, Wang Shichong waved his hands repeatedly and said, "I am just a rough man, how can I compare to the two generals' planning? I only ask the two generals to show my advice. I will follow you."

Huangfu Wuyi then looked at Xiao Buyi, "I wonder what General Xiao has to do?"

Xiao Buyi pondered a little, and when he saw the ministers, he looked at him, knowing that although it might not be possible, he had to make a move, otherwise he would always give in and make the ministers lose their trust.

"I still say the same thing: hardness should not be long, softness should not be defended. Wagang is strong, so we can only sit and wait for death to defend Dongdu. Now the morale of each county is low, and we only hope that Dongdu will fight against the bandits and attract the response of the world. We should send troops to fight with dignity. As long as we win a few games, the Sui ministers of the counties near the Dongdu will most likely send troops to respond. Don't say that they will win Wagang at that time, even if they want to pacify the bandits in the world?"

The ministers were all intentional. After Xiao Buyi came to Dongdu, every proposal was reasonable and evidence-based, and this time was no exception. Since returning to Luocang to repel the attack of Wagang bandits, everyone actually had a scale in their hearts. If everyone was asked to choose, Xiao Buyi already had the support of most people. After all, the people who are still in Dongdu are still here, and the family and wealth are all here. They should recommend someone who can take care of their interests. But often the power is in the hands of a few people. Although it is intentional, they can only look at Huangfu Wuyi, hoping that he can obey what Xiao Buyi said.

Huangfu Wuyi also seemed a little moved and pondered: "So, according to General Xiao, how should Dongdu send troops?"

Xiao Buyi said calmly: "Bandits are rampant, spreading all over the counties in Henan, just to occupy the two major granaries of Luokou and Liyang. If you want to fight, treat the symptoms but not the root cause. If I say that if the Eastern Capital sends troops, it should use heavy troops to seize Luokou with thunder. I want to steal Luokou back, and the thieves in Wagang will defeat you without attacking!"

Huangfu Wuyi glanced sideways and said, "Who should we send as General Xiao sees?"

Duan Da, Liu Changgong and others looked at each other and couldn't help but take a step back. Xiao Buyi said solemnly: "If King Yue permits it, Xiao Buyi is willing to go."

He spoke in a deep voice, and the ministers were excited, thinking that although Duan Da and others were defeated in the previous period, Xiao Buyi was extraordinary after all, so he would go there. It is very possible to retake Luokoucang.

King Yue pondered for a moment, looked at Huangfu Wuyi and said, "I don't know what General Huangfu wants?"

The ministers were cold-hearted and knew that Huangfu Wuyi would definitely object and cursed himself secretly. Now he is not afraid of opponents like tigers, but only fears comrades like pigs. Huangfu Wuyi is already arrogant and defeated in the eyes of the ministers. As expected, Huangfu Wuyi beat him up. "General Xiao said very well. But there is one thing that is inappropriate."

Xiao Buyi asked with a smile, "I don't know what General Huangfu has to do with his best ideas."

Huangfu Wuyi said seriously: "General Xiao uses troops like a god, but I actually admire him too. But Dongdu is the foundation of ours after all. I have the trust of the emperor and guard the Dongdu, and I dare not slackewreck for a day. General Xiao cannot leave Dongdu easily. Thinking that Luokoucang is important, Huiluo is also the lifeline of the Dongdu. If Wagang takes advantage of the Dongdu sending troops to counterattack Huiluo, then we must be on guard. Since this is the case, with General Xiao in Dongdu, we can guarantee that Luoluo will not be lost. This will be the first to go to Luokou. General Xiao cannot go."

The ministers sighed, knowing that he was afraid that Xiao Buyi would steal the credit and stomp his feet secretly, but Xiao Buyi didn't look moved. "Who should go according to General Huangfu's words?"

Huangfu Wuyi pretended to be pondering and murmured: "Who should go?"

Liu Changgong suddenly stepped forward and said, "King of Yue, General Huangfu, the last general is not talented, so he dares to recommend one person."

"General Liu Lang, please speak." Huangfu Wuyi smiled. However, the King of Yue frowned, and was also dissatisfied. He thought that Huangfu Wuyi had always respectfully asked for his decision in the past. But now he has begun to make his own decision!

Liu Changgong said in a deep voice: "I think the king and county magistrate have won every battle. Now he has killed the Supreme King again. If he uses his remaining power to attack Luokou, it will definitely be a real truth."

Huangfu Wuyi smiled and turned to King Yue and said, "King Yue, I have this intention, so please make sure that King Yue decides."

King Yue pondered for a long time, "Mr. Wang, what do you think?"

Wang Shichong hurriedly saluted respectfully and said: "If you are going to lead the army, you are certainly not as good as the two generals. But since King Yue and the two generals have orders, the gentle minister will go through fire and water without hesitation."

"What do General Xiao thinks?" King Yue asked again.

Xiao Buyi said: "I have no objection."

The King of Yue finally made up his mind and announced: "The king decided that Lord Wang would lead 30,000 elite soldiers from the East Capital to attack Luokou and choose the day to send troops!"

The ministers received the order, but they had their own thoughts. After every competition, they were filled with hope and disappointment, and the situation kept in their choice. Xiao Buyi was too lazy to talk nonsense and walked straight out of the Longguang Hall. Wang Shichong used a color to Huangfu Wuyi. Huangfu Wuyi nodded, and Wang Shichong then chased after him, "General Xiao stayed."

Xiao Buyi turned around and smiled and said, "What are the instructions of Lord Wang?"

Wang Shichong laughed, "Hello, Xiao Buyi, he actually joked about his friend. Lord Xiao, but still remember, we were here when we met?"

Xiao Buyi looked around and felt a feeling on his face, "It's not here, but it's not far from here." When he first met Wang Shichong, he seemed to have taken the initiative to look for him. After several years, the two became enemies with hidden scheming, and he couldn't help but sigh that the sky was making trouble for others.

Wang Shichong looked around and smiled bitterly: "Mr. Xiao, I have always admired you very much. This time I went to attack Luokou, Lord Xiao was the only one to choose."

"Mr. Wang is too humble." Xiao Buyi sighed, "Actually, you and I are all thinking about the priests. Isn't it the same if you go there?"

Wang Shichong slapped Xiao Buyi on the shoulder heavily and said loudly: "My Lord Xiao's words are exactly what I want! When I think of you and my loyalty are for the Great Sui Dynasty, I know that Lord Xiao will never blame me."

His pretentious behavior caused many court officials to look over, but Wang Shichong lowered his voice, "Mr. Xiao, I don't know when I have time, so I'll invite me to come to the mansion to talk to you. I'll have some confidants to say something to Mr. Xiao."

"Is that true?" Xiao Buyi looked interested, "Then you must go if you have time."

"A word is certain." Wang Shichong laughed again, "If I invite you, if Lord Xiao refuses, he will not give me face."

"I dare not, don't dare." Xiao Buyi also smiled and said goodbye. When Wang Shichong saw Xiao Buyi turn around, his face sinking. Huangfu Wuyi passed by him and said softly, "Go to my house to sit in the evening."

Wang Shichong immediately smiled again, "General Xie, it must be certain."

The two passed by each other, like strangers. But the two of them had smug smiles on their faces, and they looked exactly the same.

Xiao Buyi turned around the general's mansion. Before he could sit down, a guest visited him. When Xiao Buyi received the call, he was slightly stunned. He stood up to greet him. When Dong Qifeng saw him, he hurriedly walked over and said, "I dare not ask the general to come out to greet him."

After Xiao Buyi arrived at the Dongdu, he did not contact Dong Qifeng. Seeing him visiting him, he was somewhat unexpected. He welcomed Dong Qifeng into the inner hall and then asked: "I don't know what advice Mr. Dong has to come."

Dong Qifeng looked at Xiao Buyi's face and suddenly sighed: "Actually, I came here this time to ask General Xiao for help."

Xiao Buyi smiled bitterly and said, "It's ashamed to say that I didn't give any effort when I asked last time."

Dong Qifeng said seriously: "As for Wuyou, alas... that's all fate. You can't force it. Although General Xiao didn't say it, I was not blind. How could I not know that Wuyou could still stay in the palace today? It was a clever plan by General Xiao. If General Xiao had not gone there, Wuyou would have died in the grassland. He would not dare to forget it."

Xiao Buyi was really ashamed this time. He smiled bitterly: "Maybe the old man's sincerity moved the world, or maybe Wuyou was destined to be a disaster..." Without wanting to talk about this matter, Xiao Buyi changed the topic and said, "I don't know what Lord Dong has to give?"

Dong Qifeng stood up and bowed deeply and said, "I came here this time, but I asked General Xiao for the people of Dongdu."

Xiao Buyi frowned. "Please sit down and talk."

Dong Qifeng still stood and said in a deep voice: "Now everyone knows that only General Xiao can save the people of Dongdu, but no one knows that Huangfu Wuyi has tried to use the emperor to make the world and the earth. His intention to exclude General Xiao is self-evident, just to control the power of Dongdu and prepare for the future to become king. But General Xiao has endured Huangfu Wuyi and endured it, which really made us old ministers and others anxious."

Xiao Buyi thought to himself. There is nothing wrong with you. I should be willing to act steadily and will not be filled with righteous indignation from your few words. However, Dong Qifeng's words were definitely good news for him. This at least shows that some of the court officials were already impatient to get rid of Huangfu Wuyi!

"Mr. Dong said this. I think General Huangfu and I have to pay tribute to each other. There may be some conflicts, but I think General Huangfu is loyal and should not be irresponsible. Lord Dong is really serious."

Dong Qifeng was stunned, "Huangfu Wuyi's heart is known to everyone, General Xiao, you..."

"Does King Yue know?" Xiao Buyi laughed, full of sarcasm.

Dong Qifeng suddenly reached out and pulled out the dagger, and the cold light flashed. Xiao Buyi raised his eyebrows, but was not afraid, and just asked, "What does Lord Dong want?" Dong Qifeng smiled bitterly and said, "I know General Xiao doesn't believe me! But if I think about the people of Dongdu, I would like to break my hand and make my heart clear." As soon as he finished speaking, the dagger cuts to his left wrist. Xiao Buyi's face changed slightly, and he didn't stand up, but the tea cover flew out, hitting Dong Qifeng's wrist.

Dong Qifeng's wrist was trembling, and the dagger fell to the ground with a clanging sound, and he couldn't help but change his color. Xiao Buyi smiled bitterly and said, "Mr. Dong wants to chop his hands, so you don't need to chop them here. If you go out with blood, I can't argue."

Dong Qifeng said with a tragic expression: "How can General Xiao believe that I am on your side?"

Xiao Buyi frowned and said, "It doesn't matter whether you believe it or not, but Lord Dong should know that King Yue will not stand on my side at least, otherwise he would not be above the temple today and let General Huangfu act arbitrarily."

Dong Qifeng sighed and said, "Although I only have a few meetings with General Xiao, I know General Xiao's character well, so I don't care about many things, otherwise I wouldn't come here to go straight to the point today. King Yue is young and still can't make decisions on many things, but I am a trusted emperor to defend King Yue and act according to the order! Seeing Huangfu Wuyi becoming more and more arrogant, I am just afraid... I am afraid that the day he will take action is not far away."

"Do your order?" Xiao Buyi sipped tea, "Can this person do whatever he wants?"

He had a hidden hint that Dong Qifeng couldn't hear it, and said with a wry smile: "General Xiao also knows that after all, I have been intimate with the emperor. After all, the emperor went south. The important task of guarding the Eastern Capital might be to be controlled by General Huangfu Wuyi, but the matter of protecting the King of Yue is still left to us to deal with. Both I and Dugu Ji are trusted by the emperor. Seeing that the Eastern Capital is declining day by day, the Emperor's return is far away, and I can't help but feel anxious. In the past, Huangfu Wuyi was still respectful to the King of Yue, but these days, I always feel that Huangfu Wuyi has a conspiracy to launch, so he is not as respectful to the King of Yue as before. If Huangfu Wuyi really takes the Eastern Capital, I would rather fall into General Xiao's hands."

He said it very bluntly, but Xiao Buyi frowned and said, "If I didn't come, how can you check and balance Huangfu Wuyi."

Dong Qifeng hesitated, "Ah... Actually, this is hard to describe. The emperor is very suspicious, even if he is relatives... General Xiao must know this."

Xiao Buyi thought it was normal. Yang Guang's man just seized power from his grandson. How dare he trust his relatives?

"The Lord likes to catch everything. When he left Dongdu, he assigned the right to stay in Dongdu to everyone. Because I was close to the Lord, Dugu Ji was responsible for protecting King Yue and also taking over the military power of the inner palace. The external affairs were handled by King Yue and a group of ministers. Huangfu Wuyi was led by Huangfu Wuyi, including Duan Da, Yuan Wendu, Wei Jin, and Lord Lu Chu. There was no problem at all, because King Yue was only temporarily dealing with affairs, and it had nothing to do the overall situation. The Lord was very kind. Everyone was just doing things loyally. But the matter was broken. The Lord never turned around, and he didn't know when it would turn around!"

"Then Huangfu Wuyi wouldn't rebel, either." Xiao Buyi smiled and said, "He can take power now, but if you want to rebel, I'm afraid that Dongdu will follow him."

Dong Qifeng shook his head and said, "It was different from the past. If General Xiao's words were placed a year ago, it would be absolutely correct. But in this year, Huangfu Wuyi had slowly pulled many court officials around him. Duan Da was one of them. Yuan Wen only wanted to protect himself. Wei Jin had no real power. The only person who could compete with Huangfu Wuyi was Lu Chu. If Huangfu Wuyi had a strange intention at this time, suddenly started, I was afraid that Dongdu would soon fall into the bloody storm. But Huangfu Wuyi was only greedy for the current interests and did not know the crisis that was close to him. If Dongdu fell in his hands, he would probably be taken away by Wagang within a few months. Therefore, no matter what, I would beg General Xiao not to hesitate. Dongdu could compete with Wagang only in the hands of the general."

Xiao Buyi sighed softly. "Can you tell the King of Yue about these things?"

Dong Qifeng shook his head, "As long as General Xiao is willing to nod, I will try my best to contact Dugu Ji and others to lure Huangfu Wuyi, and then report to King Yue. I dare not tell the King of Yue about this, but I am afraid that he will not be able to hide his worries when he is young, and instead will be taken advantage of by Huangfu traitors."

"So, now all this is your own idea?" Xiao Buyi asked with a smile.

Dong Qifeng nodded, "That's true."

Xiao Buyi sighed lightly, "I understand, Lord Dong please come back first, how many days will I consider?"

Dong Qifeng was a little disappointed and finally sighed softly, "Okay, please let General Xiao make a decision early!"

After Dong Qifeng left, Xiao Buyi sat in the hall and thought for a long time. He finally breathed a sigh of relief at the midnight lights and murmured: "If I were Huangfu Wuyi, what should I do now?"

Footsteps sounded outside the hall, and the bat came in and reported, "Boss, Duan Da asks for a meeting."
To be continued...