It was almost three o'clock, and the night sky was as dark as ink, with only a few stars occasionally flashing, making the sky look even more lonely.

In Tokyo, in the back garden of the Taishi Mansion, Cai Jing, who was powerful in the dynasty, did not go to bed early as usual, but was supported by a group of servants, walking slowly in the flower path, with an old face full of inexplicable thoughts.

Not long ago, Liang Shicheng, the Taifu, who had always had a rift with him, suddenly came to visit him and then told him a shocking news. Gao Qiu's death was not an accident, but was killed by Sun Tu. Moreover, his close friends were almost all killed and silenced. Only one general named Gao De was able to escape and returned to Tokyo after several twists and turns.

Although Cai Jing had great doubts about Gao Qiu's sudden death from the beginning, he did not make any further investigations because he could not get any clues and evidence. Now, with Liang Shicheng's proof and the general named Gao De's words that day in an angry and painful tone, he was completely convinced that the matter was true. Sun Tu was indeed more bold and ruthless than he thought.

At that time, Liang Shicheng said frankly that he would submit a report to the emperor immediately, and then sent troops to capture Sun Tu and other relevant criminals, and cut these bold and reckless guys who ignored the king's law into pieces and made a clear punishment. However, Cai Jing did not nodded, and only said that he wanted to verify the authenticity of this statement, so he sent the person away.

Then, Cai Jing returned to the backyard, walked slowly in the garden under the night sky, and began to ponder. He did not do this because he had always had a gap with Liang Shicheng and Gao Qiu, so he did not want to avenge him, but because he had a bigger concern that Liang Shicheng didn't know yet. Just a few days ago, a secret report was reported back on the front line. The Western Army generals Zhong Shidao, Zong Shizhong and others had joined forces with Sun Tu and others to directly under house arrest, and robbed all the military power of the Northern Expedition Army.

When Cai Jing received the news, he was still a little unbelievable that this was true, and felt that those generals could not be so bold. After all, after so many years, the generals of the Song Dynasty had long been suppressed by civil servants and had no temper at all. How could they do such a rebellious thing that would affect the lives of the whole family?

But now, he had to believe it. Because there was an alien in the army named Sun Tu. If you think about it carefully, this person has killed many officials in the court over the years, and the status of officials who died under him has been increasing. From the local magistrate at the beginning to the senior imperial envoy later, even a grand lieutenant like Gao Qiu killed him as soon as possible. If he was under house arrest, he would be no major issue.

After thinking about all this, Cai Jing's hesitation became even more serious. Because at this moment, Sun Tu had the most elite army of hundreds of thousands of Song Dynasty, and was still at the critical moment of the Northern Expedition when he was fighting against the Liao Kingdom. What if he attacked him at this time, what would he do if he resisted? Or, if he took him alone, it would be wrong in the entire Northern Expedition and defeated the army at the hands of the Liao army, who should be the crime?

At this moment, Cai Jing finally understood why Sun Tu avoided being held accountable again and again when he killed court officials, because this person could always find opportunities to make the court jealous of him. This person's ruthless methods and vicious minds were truly unprecedented.

Because of these many concerns, Cai Jing was unable to respond to Liang Shicheng's request. Then, until late at night, he was strolling in the yard and thinking in a striking way, but he couldn't come up with a decision for a long time.

"Taishi, it's already midnight. You're so important, so you'd better take a break." When other slaves dared not speak, Zhang Xu, a confidant think tank who had been following him for a long time, finally plucked up his courage and stepped forward and whispered.

These words really made Cai Jing, who was still walking slowly, paused and said slowly: "When is it?"

"When I go back to the Grand Master, it's already past the third update. You'll have to go to the Political Affairs Hall tomorrow morning."

"Is it so late?" Cai Jing sighed a little surprised. After thinking, he walked for almost an hour. However, he did not go back, but asked: "Zhang Xu, how do you think I should deal with this person?"

Of course, Zhang Xu understood why Cai Jing was worried that night. When he followed, he had made many plans in his mind, so he took another step forward and replied: "It depends on whether you plan for a while or for a long time."

"How do you say this?"

"If we plan for a while, then I think we shouldn't attack the front-line generals at this time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Maybe soon, our army will be able to capture Youzhou and defeat the Liao people. At least from the military newspapers sent over the past few days, our front-line army has slowly gained an advantage. Perhaps this is also the reason why they seized military power. Tong Guan is actually not the most suitable candidate for the head coach."

Cai Jing smiled and did not comment on this argument. Because he knew that what Zhang Xu said was indeed true, Tong Guan's ability was very clear. He was far from being able to compare with Western generals such as Zhong Shidao in the army. The only reason why the imperial court used him was that he was more at ease.

"What if I plan for a long time?" After pondering for a while, he asked again.

"If you are planning for a long time, you cannot let them do whatever you want. You must immediately take down the relevant people and escort them back to Beijing to kill them as a warning. Otherwise, there may be major changes in the army. Even if they have not yet made up their minds, others may become like this in the future. How did the previous dynasty decline from prosperity and why did our dynasty suppress military generals? It is all here."

Cai Jing's face changed several times, and his breathing became a little heavy. It was obviously making the final weighing. Should he want to see or the future? If Sun Tu and the others can really take Youzhou, it will be of great benefit to the court and him. After all, that is the wish of countless people in the government and the people over the past century. Once it comes true, it will be famous in history. Such an opportunity is really hard to come by, and he really doesn't want to miss it.

After a while, he finally spoke again: "Do you think if they really have such ability, when will they be able to accomplish anything?"

"I dare not speak nonsense. But before the beginning of winter, there will be a result." Zhang Xu understood the true thoughts of the Grand Master, so he followed the trend and said: "In fact, I think that the current situation and the long term can still have the best of both worlds. As long as the Grand Master can seize his military power in time..." As he said that, he got closer and quietly explained his plans.

Cai Jing's face immediately showed a hint of joy: "You are right. Whether it is Zhong Shidao or Sun Tu, they are just my ministers of the Song Dynasty. Since they have a handle in my hands, they are not afraid that they can come up with anything. At that time, they can easily take them down with just one piece of saint's will. Could it be that they really dare to take the blame and do something wrong in the world?" "The Grand Master is wise, and this method is the most perfect." Zhang Xu said hurriedly.

Cai Jing just smiled and didn't say much. As long as he set a strategy, the next thing would be much easier. With Liang Shicheng, who is only one person left, it is naturally impossible to compete with him. It is easy to suppress the things ahead. What he needs to do now is to keep a close eye on the war in the north and wait for the battle to end. Regardless of his merits and demerits, he would have to let the emperor issue a quick order to take down Sun Tu and other criminals!

Cai Jing is really familiar with the method of destroying bridges across the river. Didn’t he be able to successfully break out of the court and gain such great power by first trying to win over new party members and then eradicate them one by one on various charges?

Mr. Cai, who had already made up his mind, could go back to his room to rest with peace of mind, but under the same night sky, there were too many people unable to rest. For example, Sun Tu and his subordinates were watching the Song army flag fluttering high above the city of Youzhou, and were in a state of great excitement. For example, he was running towards Youzhou at full speed, hoping to enter the city before the Song army and guard this important city of the Liao army, led by Yelu Dashi.

On this Liao official road from south to north and directly to Nanjing, thousands of horses flew forward with four hooves and galloped forward. The five hundred cavalry on it had already reached the limit. Almost everyone leaned forward and pressed against the horse's back. But even so, they still thought it was too slow and kept whipping the horse under their crotch with whips, completely losing their previous attitude of cherishing horsepower.

It is precisely because of this determination that this team of cavalry teams with one man and two riders can run for more than 200 miles in just half a day. Now there are only fifty or sixty miles left from Nanjing, and you can even see the overall outline of the huge city during the day.

But such a rapid running also made the horse's physical fitness reach a limit. Especially when they were completely stormy before, they were extremely tired at this moment.

Sure enough, with a sudden scream, a cavalry running in front of Yelu Dashima horse suddenly fell down because the horse stepped on a puddle, and then tripped at the foot of the Dashima mount, which actually brought him to the ground.

"Lin Ya..." Seeing this, the subordinates quickly stopped their horses and stepped forward to rescue them.

Fortunately, Yelu Dashi was not the weak scholar who was powerless. Even though he encountered a sudden change, he quickly took off the stirrup and jumped off the horse. He turned in the air and finally landed safely. However, his mount broke his front leg because of this, and it seemed that he could only change the horse.

"Lin Ya, Bei Zhi..." The fallen knight was full of fear. Just as he was about to admit his mistake, Dashi waved his hand: "It's no wonder you. We are really tired from running so much, let alone horses. Now is not the time to say this, we must hurry up and continue to rush."

Everyone responded softly, and just as they were about to speed up again, they saw a man suddenly pointing at the dark sky ahead and screaming: "Is that... the fire?"
Chapter completed!