Chapter 87: Hidden Green Mountains
Liu Quedan didn't expect that seeing Lu Yan again would be like this.
The other party did not have the wolf-like appearance of a man whose country was destroyed, nor was he brought in with shackles on his hands like a prisoner. Instead, he was wearing a low-key and luxurious scarlet royal robe, and stood openly behind the Wu Yun envoy team. He smiled lightly, nodded, and performed a half-salute with Shang Junnian.
"Although our monarch has signed an alliance with Dongli, the water and grass supply is blocked, and Wuyun is suffering from severe drought and disasters. The officials of the Taiqing Division observed the stars at night and said that bloody disasters should not occur in recent years, otherwise it will be a punishment from heaven and the people will suffer. Therefore, we have temporarily suspended the dispatch of troops. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Shang Junnian's explanation was very high-sounding, but anyone with a discerning eye knew it was just an excuse. Liu Quedan's eyes fell on Lu Yan, with a hint of surprise and astonishment in his eyes. He quietly tightened his hands in his sleeves and said, "I noticed that one of the envoys looks familiar. I'm afraid he's an old friend. Why don't you show up and meet me?"
This was a private banquet and there were not many people in the hall. Apart from Envoy Wu Yun, there were a few important officials from Dong Li.
Seeing their eyes all looking over at him, Lu Yan knew that he was the one being talked about. He took the initiative to step forward and saluted calmly: "Your Majesty, I have good eyesight. I haven't seen you for a year. Are you well?"
He was like a scumbag, he always greeted everyone with these words. Shang Junnian looked away indifferently, too lazy to stare at Lu Yan's face that was flirting with other girls.
Liu Quedan's eyes darkened: "Should I call you King Fengling, or Chen Yingqi?"
Fengling King Lu Yan who tortured him in every way, and Chen Yingqi who used tricks to trick him into learning sword skills, both of these identities made Liu Quedan feel extremely humiliated.
Lu Yan smiled and said, "They are both old friends. Your Majesty, you can call them whatever you like."
At this point, Liu Quedan had nothing to understand. Wu Yun had already secretly sided with the immortals, and this time he came to force him to withdraw. He never thought that Shang Junnian was so "broad-minded". After being humiliated and tortured by Lu Yan, he was willing to turn around and help him today.
Liu Quedan said coldly: "Give the envoy a seat."
Shang Junnian and Lu Yan sat down together. After three rounds of wine, he took the initiative to pick up the cup and said, "Although the country is big, it is not arrogant. Although the power is strong, it is not without reason. Now Tianshui and Wuyun have withdrawn from the alliance to attack the immortals for some reason. I wonder what your majesty plans to do?"
Liu Quedan did not raise his cup, but said with a hint of meaning: "Although the country is small, it will not be insulted by the villains. Although the words are light, you know that a promise is worth a thousand gold. Now the immortals are suppressing others with their power, how can Dongli not resist?"
Shang Junnian drank the wine in his cup without changing his expression: "From what your majesty said, do you want to continue attacking the immortals?"
Liu Quedan asked back: "Who are you asking for, Shang Xiang? Wu Yun or the immortals? Dong Li doesn't have such a good temper as you. He can laugh it off even if he is insulted."
Shang Junnian pretended not to hear the sharpness in his words, his eyes slightly lowered, and his slender fingertips played with the wine glass: "Of course I'm asking on behalf of Dong Li. War is laborious and costly. If we fail to attack and are instead swallowed up, that would be bad."
Lu Yan echoed the words beside him: "Why do you say that, Shang Xiang? When we were in Xianling in the past, Your Majesty also practiced swordsmanship with me. Your swordsmanship is absolutely superb, far superior to Xianling."
Now two of the three kingdoms have retreated, and Dongli can no longer hold on alone. Even if a fight really breaks out, the immortals have a 70% chance of winning, so those ministers are silent and dare not get involved in the war.
Liu Quedan looked down at Lu Yan from above, his eyes seemed to be condensed into two sharp swords to pierce him. It was hard to imagine that this usually gentle person would be so aggressive: "The past is the past. If we compete again today, I wonder who will win?"
Liu Quedan was filled with hatred for Lu Yan.
As for Chen Yingqi, Liu Quedan regarded him as a friend.
However, when the proton escaped and Lu Yan's identity was exposed, Liu Quedan realized something belatedly -
The other party pretended to be Chen Yingqi and approached him just to learn the Danqing sword technique. Even those caring greetings that came in times of need were covered with a thick shadow, inseparable from interests.
Liu Quedan once regarded the righteousness of a gentleman as more important than his own life. He also hated the most when someone would deceive one's true feelings for the sake of profit. This matter was stuck in his heart and became a knot as the years passed.
Lu Yan was startled when he heard this, then he smiled and said, "My skills are so limited that I dare not show off in front of Your Majesty."
What Lu Yan did back then was not fair. He did not regret it, but he admitted his mistake.
Upon hearing this, Liu Quedan stood up from his throne and suddenly pulled out a sword from the waist of a guard beside him, which surprised everyone. He walked down the steps with the sword in hand, pointing the tip of the sword at Lu Yan, and said word by word:
"King Fengling, didn't you and Shang Xiang come all the way here just to persuade me to withdraw my troops? Let's fight. If you win, I will withdraw my troops. If you lose, you can go back to Xianling. How about that?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the tip of his sword was suddenly knocked off course by a delicate wine glass with such force that Liu Quedan looked in the direction he was headed, and saw Shang Junnian's slightly upturned fox eyes staring at him, with a hidden arrogance that was difficult to fathom:
"Your Majesty, you may have forgotten one thing. Now it is not the fairies who are begging you not to attack, but you should be begging the fairies not to form an alliance and send troops—"
Now that Tianshui and Wuyun are standing behind the fairy, what can Liu Quedan use to fight them?
Shang Junnian said calmly: "Your hands are more suitable for holding paintbrushes. They are not strong enough to hold a sword."
Liu Quedan's expression changed subtly for a moment, and the ministers behind him also hurriedly stood up to stop him, smiling and trying to smooth things over: "Your Majesty has long heard that King Fengling is good at swordsmanship, and wanted to learn from him. I just lost my composure for a moment, so please don't take it to heart, Prime Minister. It's just that the withdrawal of troops is a serious matter, and Dongli needs to discuss it before making a response."
Shang Jun Nian Lao was interested and asked back: "Discuss? How long do you want to discuss it?"
The minister who was speaking glanced at Liu Quedan's expression and asked tentatively, "Maybe half a month at the shortest, or a month at the longest?"
Shang Junnian closed his eyes calmly, and spat out two words: "Today."
The minister wiped his sweat quietly and said, "I'm afraid it's too hasty."
Shang Junnian stood up from his seat, his lips curved coldly: "Then let Dongli send troops directly!"
He turned around and was about to leave with the envoy, but his sleeves suddenly tightened and were grabbed by Lu Yan. He heard the other party's smiling voice in his ears: "If your majesty wants to compete, I will accompany you. How about asking you gentlemen to be witnesses?"
Once Shang Junnian has a trump card in hand, he will not give in easily. The worst that can happen is a fall out. Lu Yan feels that he owes Liu Quedan a little for what happened back then, so he selfishly wants to give the other party a step and doesn't want to make things too embarrassing.
Shang Junnian had no choice but to suppress his temper.
Liu Quedan stared at Lu Yan, gritted his teeth and spat out three words: "You have guts!"
It was noon, the sun was blazing, but the parade ground of the Yulin Army was surrounded by a crowd of people. Liu Quedan changed into casual clothes, stood on the stage, and drew out his sword with a clang. The sword shone coldly in the sun, blinding people:
"Lu Yan, show me your true abilities. Don't let others think you are just a thief!"
When Lu Yan heard this, he knew that Liu Quedan was still brooding over what happened in the past. His weapon was too sharp, and if he used "other world" to fight Liu Quedan, he would inevitably bully him. So he borrowed a handy Qingfeng sword from an envoy and made a sword flower neatly: "Your Majesty, please show mercy, let's stop here and don't hurt the harmony."
"Stop talking nonsense and just attack!"
Liu Que Danyu turned the tip of his sword and stabbed directly at Lu Yan, with a fierce momentum, as if he wanted to vent the anger in his heart for many years. Danqing Sword was known for its agility and agility. He could use such a force, which showed that he was not only good at calligraphy and painting as rumored, but also had good martial arts.
Lu Yan just dodged at first, but later he found that Liu Quedan's moves were aimed at vital points, so he gradually used some of his real skills. The two of them fought fiercely on the martial arts stage, and their weapons collided so quickly that only their shadows could be seen.
The sun was setting in the west, and the soldiers on guard around the area were already sweating profusely, but they stared at the stage without blinking. Not everyone had the opportunity to watch the masters fighting each other. Each move was varied and exquisite. If they could comprehend a few moves from it, they would benefit greatly.
After an unknown amount of time, the situation finally became clear.
Lu Yan leaped into the air and swung his sword downwards fiercely. Liu Quedan raised his sword to block, but was no match for the opponent's overwhelming strength. His weapon broke with a clang and flew everywhere. Lu Yan hit him in the chest with a palm strike. He staggered back half a step and nearly fell off the martial arts stage.
Lu Yan also stepped on tiptoe and lightly retreated to the edge of the platform. He lowered his eyes to look at the sword in his hand, which had already cracked. He secretly exerted strength on his wrist, and the sword broke in the middle with a "clang" sound, leaving only half a piece of broken iron.
Lu Yan smiled and looked at Liu Quedan: "Your Majesty, our weapons are both broken, how about we call it a draw?"
There is something else behind his words.
"If the immortals and Dongli fought, I'm afraid the outcome would be like these two broken swords, killing one thousand enemies but injuring eight hundred of their own. Why not turn hostility into friendship and establish an everlasting friendship?"
Liu Quedan had a hard time swallowing the sweet taste in his mouth. He looked up at Lu Yan, as if he saw his lifelong enemy. When he returned to the country and ascended the throne, he immediately united with the other two countries to attack Xianling. He thought he could avenge his past humiliation, but he didn't expect to be defeated by Lu Yan.
Just now, Lu Yan was willing to give in. How could he not see that the opponent's swordsmanship was now far superior to his, and it was not something he could catch up with just this year's hard training.
Liu Quedan hoarsely asked the question that he had not figured out for a long time: "Lu Yan, your martial arts skills are obviously not inferior to mine, why did you disguise yourself as Chen Yingqi to learn sword skills?"
Lu Yan said nothing, but made a sword flower with his backhand and said, "I forgot."
Liu Quedan frowned: "What did you forget?"
Lu Yan smiled and said, "Danqing Sword Technique, I have already forgotten it."
Liu Quedan closed his eyes, and finally fell to the ground. Lu Yan's words not only failed to answer his doubts, but made him more confused.
一道陰影陡然在眼前投落，有人伸手将他扶了起來，力道輕緩卻不失強硬，柳闕丹正準備開口訓斥，卻見伸手攙扶的人居然是商君年，一時錯愕，下意識順着對方的力道站起了身。
商君年仿佛嘆了口氣，用只有他們兩個能聽見的聲音道：“當初若不交出傳國劍法，帝君必不會放你們活着回去，就算有陸延一路護送，追兵也能殺到渡口将你們全部捉回。”
“昔年你一路平安歸國，路上從無追兵，可曾想過緣由？”
柳闕丹眼底閃過一絲震動：“你什麽意思？”
商君年松開攙扶他的手：“沒什麽意思，你只要知道他當年是為了救你們的性命就夠了，陳嬰齊就是陸延，陸延就是陳嬰齊，他們二人從無分別。”
“如今比武已成平局，東郦萬千百姓的性命皆系在你一人身上。”
太陽西沉，原本灼熱的溫度終于有所緩解，天邊一片火燒似的紅雲，在這樣廣闊的天色映襯下，皇城更顯巍峨孤寂。
柳闕丹擡頭看向遠處，不免有些恍惚，自言自語道：“朕還有得選嗎……”
沒過多久，一封印着國玺的休戰書就越過千山萬水，安穩飛到了帝君的禦案上。
“陛下，大喜！大喜啊！！如今三國皆已退兵，且派使臣遞上國書，願與我仙靈共結永世之好！！！”
劉侍郎欣喜若狂地跑進殿內，因為太過激動還摔了個跟頭，他連帽子都顧不上扶，直接沖進大殿報喜去了，然而找了一圈卻沒瞧見帝君的蹤影。
“哎呦喂劉侍郎，瞧您急的，咱家在後面喊了您半天，您怎麽一句話都不聽啊！”
佘公公抱着拂塵從殿外走進來，步伐不緊不慢的，看起來早就知道這個消息了：“陛下不在萬年殿，今兒個一早就去太一閣了，您還是明日再來吧。”
劉侍郎氣得吹胡子瞪眼：“這麽重要的事怎麽能等明天，本官這就去太一閣……”
他話未說完，便被佘公公用拂塵攔住了：“您啊還是歇歇吧，今天是那位女主子的忌辰，陛下吩咐了不許打擾。”
劉侍郎聞言腳步一頓：“女主子？莫不是風陵王的生母？”
佘公公與他是老熟人，用拂塵在半空中輕彈了一下才道：“都說您消息最靈通，怎麽不好使了呢，如今不該叫風陵王，該改口叫太子殿下了。”
劉侍郎一驚：“可我沒聽見陛下的旨意呀？！”
佘公公意味深長道：“快了，快了。”
一人力勸三國退兵，救仙靈于水深火熱，此等不世之功，封個太子又如何？
太一閣內香霧袅袅，帝君罕見一身素服，在靜室裏盤膝打坐，他面前的牆上挂着一幅畫像，是名身着戎裝的女子，英姿飒爽，美豔不可方物，眉眼依稀與陸延有幾分相似。
司命官捧上一卷經文道：“陛下，為女主子抄寫的祈福經文都在此處了，還是像去年一樣焚燒嗎？”
帝君睜開眼，聲音低沉：“燒吧，将那幾封求和國書也一并燒下去，她總該看看我們的孩子有多麽出息。”
司命官應了聲，正準備退下，卻聽帝君問道：“朕欲立風陵王為太子，你意下如何？”
司命官聞言一頓，輕輕跪下：“微臣不敢妄言國本，不過師父當年給風陵王的批語便是紫薇帝命，只是烏雲遮蔽，需隐二十三年，度過一大命劫，方才紫薇光耀，當上江山之主。”
“二十三年……”
帝君嘆了口氣：“去歲他在郊外遇刺，真是從鬼門關拉回來了一條命，朕原以為他會一直混沌下去，如今總算是醒了過來。”
司命官深深叩地：“此乃天下之福，百姓之福。”
帝君擺了擺手，聲音威嚴：“罷了，命人拟诏吧，風陵王一旦歸國，立刻封為太子，群臣若有反者，誅之！”
……
“啊啊啊啊啊！朕要殺了陸延這個混賬東西！他滾回仙靈也就罷了，居然還帶走了朕的國相！立刻派人去追！追回來！”
襄元宮內，趙玉嶂揪着侍衛的衣領快氣瘋了，他今早收到消息，說陸延昨天不僅帶着侍衛回了仙靈，就連商君年也跟着一起消失了。
他的腦子本來就不好使，陸延把商君年搶走了，以後他可怎麽辦？！！
彼時陸延已經帶着商君年抵達了兩國邊界之地，他們二人騎着快馬在前方遙遙領先，身後是勻速行進的隊伍，隔着百米遠的距離都能聽到陸延上氣不接下氣的笑聲。
“哈哈哈哈哈哈哈哈哈趙玉嶂現在一定氣死了，滿殿亂摔東西呢！活該，誰讓他敲鑼打鼓的給父皇上折子叫本王嫁到巫雲去和親，這就叫現世報！”
陸延毫無形象地趴在馬背上，笑得直打跌，如果不是功夫夠好，早就掉下來了。商君年騎着馬走在旁邊，只覺得沒眼看，涼涼問道：“怎麽，嫁到巫雲來殿下就這麽不情願？”
陸延擦了擦眼淚才道：“你傻呀，我回了仙靈還能繼承皇位，留在巫雲那個地方有什麽用，除非趙玉嶂能把皇位讓給我。”
“你現在可是自家人，胳膊肘不能往外拐！”
商君年一想也是，陸延費了這麽大的勁才勸說三國退兵，如果不趁着立下大功的時候加封太子，遲則生變：“那你也該給他留個信，何必走的如此匆忙，他退兵的時候到底賣了你一個人情。”
陸延道：“你倒是讓他打，巫雲的糧草夠用嗎？”
商君年卻意味深長瞥了他一眼：“你覺得本相傻，還是趙玉嶂傻？去歲巫雲就開始囤積糧草了，真要打起來，鹿死誰手尚未可知。”
趙玉嶂就算沒想到這一點，商君年總不會想不到，一年前巫雲就開始為攻打仙靈做足了準備，豈會把寶都押在天水身上。
陸延略一思索就想通了關竅，坐直身形嘆道：“看來我欠了他一個天大的人情，他這麽傻，能坐穩江山嗎，本王是不是不該偷偷帶着你私奔？”
商君年懶得糾正“私奔”這兩個字，他看向遠處起伏的峰巒疊嶂，山風迎面吹來，只讓人覺得世間已沒什麽可值得仇恨的：
“這江山本就該讓有情義的人來坐，倘若連他們都坐不穩，別人就更坐不穩了。”
陸延笑了笑：“也是。”
他擡手搭在眼前，只見不遠處是一汪圓月形的湖水，在陽光照耀下泛着粼粼波光，四周平原起伏，牛羊遍地，實在生機盎然：“這個地方叫什麽名字，倒是挺有意思。”
商君年順着看去，笑意莫名：“此處叫明月渡，當年打仗的時候，天下有七成以上的高手都死在了此處，你們仙靈死的最多，是個風水寶地。”
陸延：“你是不是在損我父皇？”
商君年：“有嗎？”
陸延：“沒有就好，以後你也得管他叫爹。”
“啪——！”
商君年直接一馬鞭抽在陸延的坐騎屁股上，馬兒得到指令立刻開始疾速奔跑，陸延手忙腳亂才穩住身形，回頭遙遙喊道：“喂！本王死了你可要守活寡了！”
“死不了，我在你後面跟着！”
商君年微微勾唇，笑得開懷又肆意，淺色的衣角被風吹得翻飛不止，身後的青山綠水仿佛都藏在了他盈盈一袖間。
風聲呼嘯，一顆黑色的心髒悄然浮現在空氣中，不緊不慢跟上了陸延，冰冷的機械音久違而又熟悉：【宿主，你的任務成功了。】
陸延頗為稀奇地看了它一眼：“原來是你呀，成功了就成功了呗，本王成功了，你是不是就該走了？”
系統問了一個古怪的問題：【你想留在這嗎？】
陸延用看傻子的目光看了它一眼：【本王不僅馬上就要成親，而且很快就要繼承皇位了，不留在這裏還能去哪兒？】
系統“哦”了一聲，沒再多說什麽，它心想這個宿主大概率還是會做出和上輩子一樣的選擇，問了也白問。
黑色的心髒隔空落在陸延頭頂，輕若無物，經過系統掃描，只見他的腦子裏有一根淺粉色的、亮晶晶的、像絲線一樣柔軟的東西漂浮着。
情絲。
上輩子陸延為了和他交換百年壽命，用一根情絲做了交換，按理說他應該沒這個玩意兒了，沒想到居然又長了出來。
系統匪夷所思，幽幽出聲：【沒想到你居然是……】
後面幾個字聲音太輕，陸延沒聽見，好奇問道：“是什麽？”
戀愛腦。
系統慢半拍把這幾個字咽了回去：【沒什麽，等你死的時候我再回來接你吧。】
陸延：“呸呸呸！”
陸延對它做了個鬼臉：“本王肯定能長命百歲，你才死呢，想接我再等個一百年吧！”
他語罷用力一揮鞭子，大笑着策馬而去，身後的商君年快速跟上，二人在山道上疾馳，兩抹身影漸行漸遠。
他們于風雪嚴寒中相識，将來又會一起度過無數個春光明媚的日子，青山疊嶂，綠水長流，那一刻連風都在送他們歸家。
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