The end of the year is approaching, but looking across the entire Central Plains, I'm afraid there is no city that is still in the mood to welcome the new year. The war between the Wolf King and the King of Chu may be imminent, and by then, no one will be able to stay out of it.

The envoy sent by Chen Yi to Taiyuan came back, and Feng Ye still claimed to wait for Chen Yi in Taiyuan. Chen Yi dared not go there, so he asked Feng Ye for Qingyang. If he could not get Qingyang and rashly entered the Central Plains, what was waiting for Chen Yi was an attack from both sides. Feng Ye had already sent his own general to guard Qingyang and was determined not to give it to Chen Yi.

The two of them had not yet torn their faces apart, but were just using their envoys to negotiate back and forth, and all the forces on the sidelines were also keeping their troops on hold, waiting to see what would happen.

But Chen Yu could no longer hold back and wanted to take Qingyang as soon as possible.

Chen Yi called Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan to discuss the matter. Yan Sikong was very glad that Yuan Shaoxu at least did not sell the identity of "Quewang" to Chen Yi. If they knew about his relationship with Yuan Nanyu, he would have no reason to come here.

Yan Sikong learned from Chen Yu that Feng Ye had secretly sent reinforcements to Qingyang. But even if Qingyang could be defended, there were still Pingliang and Fengxiang cities, which were also on the main road to the Central Plains. Although the location was not as perfect as Qingyang, they could also be used for the transportation of food and supplies.

Chen Fei holds 100,000 troops, and Qingyang is difficult to attack. He can retreat to Pingliang or Fengxiang. However, unless Feng Ye can know Chen Fei's movements in advance, he will have to defend three cities, and he will have no ability to split his time.

"I invited you two gentlemen here today to discuss this matter." Chen Yu said, "Feng Ye will never give Qingyang to me, and we can't just waste time here. Before the spring, if we can capture one of the three cities of Qingyang, Pingliang, and Fengxiang, we can continue to get food and grass from the southeast. Otherwise, we won't be able to attack Taiyuan."

Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan looked at each other, sat up straight, and said nothing.

The atmosphere in the room was a little awkward for a moment.

Chen Yi's eyes wandered between the two people, and finally landed on Yan Sikong: "Sir..."

"Why not listen to Lord Shen first?" Yan Sikong said.

Shen Hexuan closed his eyes, looking calm and composed: "Lord Yan has been with the Wolf King for a long time, and knows the situation of the three cities like the back of his hand. We should listen to Lord Yan first."

Yan Sikong was not polite either: "Among the three cities of Qingyang, Pingliang, and Fengxiang, Qingyang has the strongest defense. The other two cities have less than 20,000 soldiers. Fengye wants to increase the troops, but he is powerless. I think your highnesses know this."

Chen Mei nodded.

"In fact, there is no trick to speak of. Qingyang has a garrison and needs to be closed off to reinforce the army. It is definitely not a city that can be taken overnight, so the only option is to attack Pingliang or Fengxiang. The distance between Huai'an and the two cities is not far apart. We only need to choose one of the two." Yan Sikong glanced at Shen Hexuan, then looked at Chen Yi, "I think there is no need for me to say more."

"Lord Yan's words are already 'excessive talk'." Shen Hexuan said, "Everyone knows that we have to take one of Pingliang and Fengxiang, but which one should we take? In fact, it doesn't matter which one we take. What's important is that the distance between Qingyang and these two cities is similar, and it is much closer than Huai'an. No matter which one we attack, Qingyang will definitely rescue it." He opened his eyes and glanced at Yan Sikong, "How to stop the masked general is the key to this battle."

Yan Sikong smiled faintly: "I really shouldn't show off, let Master Shen speak."

Just as Chen Yu was about to speak, Shen Hexuan asked, "Who is Que Wang? Why does he keep his face covered? What is his personality like? How does he command troops?"

"This man's origin is very mysterious. It seems that he was originally a gangster. He followed Feng Ye after he escaped from prison. I heard that he always wore a mask because he was injured and had an ugly face. No one except Feng Ye has seen his true face." Yan Sikong frowned and said, "I have a personal relationship with him. He is a straightforward person. He learned military tactics from Feng Ye himself. He has made great military achievements and is very prestigious."

"You've known him for so long, but you haven't gotten anything out of him?" Shen Hexuan clearly didn't believe it.

"I have asked him before. He seems to have amnesia and can't remember who he is. But it was just his talk after drinking. I don't know whether it is true or not." Yan Sikong looked at Shen Hexuan coldly. "I only know that this man is definitely not an idle person. No matter which city we want to take, we must defeat him."

Chen Yu touched his chin and said, "We can only divide our forces. One will attack the city, and the other will set up an ambush to block the enemy."

"We need to make a feint to the east and attack in the west, so that he doesn't know which city we intend to take." Shen Hexuan bowed and said, "Your Highness, from Huai'an to Pingliang or Fengxiang, you have to go east and go straight out of the Jiuhuai Mountains before you need to split up. I suggest that Your Highness personally choose a city and don't tell anyone until you send troops to avoid leaking military secrets."

Chen Yu nodded: "That makes sense. If even the soldiers don't know which city to attack, then even if Feng Ye sends out 10,000 spies, they won't be able to spy on the military situation."

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes slightly. On the surface, this plan was to prevent spies, but in fact, it was to prevent him. As he expected, Shen Hexuan and Chen Yi were both wary of him, but Shen Hexuan dared to speak frankly, while Chen Yi pretended to trust him completely. Maybe Chen Yi really had some feelings for him, but more of it was just a pretense.

In this way, he couldn't even notify Yuan Nanyu in advance.

Yan Sikong said: "Master Shen is right. The so-called surprise attack is to catch the enemy by surprise."

"Sir, how are the armaments, food supplies, soldiers, and generals of these three cities?"

Yan Sikong was unsure to what extent Chen Yi knew about the three cities, so he told him the truth in case Chen Yi was testing him.

Chen Yu thought for a moment: "I have a plan in mind. During this period, we have been preparing for war. Although it is freezing cold and not suitable for attacking the city, if it is delayed until spring, I am afraid that Feng Ye..." He pursed his lips, "I am afraid that Feng Ye will march into the capital. It will be too late to stop him then."

"Feng Ye might really have this plan." Yan Sikong said self-deprecatingly, "It's a pity that he kept everything from me. I'm not sure what he was thinking."

"I plan to send troops in the near future. What do you two gentlemen think?"

Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan looked at each other again, each with their own ulterior motives, but both nodded.

——

When Yan Sikong was returning to his room, he met an acquaintance on the way - Qi Manbi.

"Madam." Yan Sikong bowed.

Qi Manbi bowed slightly and said, "I have met Mr. Yan before."

"Madam, you are so polite. I haven't seen you for a year. You are still in high spirits."

"Really?" Qi Manbi stroked her cheek with her slender hands and sighed, "This little bit of color created by makeup can only deceive outsiders."

"Madam, is there anything on your mind?"

Qi Manbi made a "please" gesture, and the two of them distanced themselves from the servants and walked side by side. Qi Manbi smiled bitterly and said, "Since the prince married his first wife, my life has become increasingly difficult."

"The Prince of Chu is busy with military affairs and has many affairs to attend to every day. He did not intend to neglect the lady." Yan Sikong could tell that Qi Manbi was complaining about the princess, but he naturally could not respond.

Qi Manbi shook her head. Her sad face made me feel sorry for her. "The prince treats me well, but the princess is a noble lady. She looks down on me because I am an actor. She always speaks coldly to me. I really..."

"Madam entered the palace earlier than the princess. You should have supported each other and taken care of the household affairs for the King of Chu so that he could focus on the external affairs. Perhaps the princess is still young, and she will understand you sooner or later."

Qi Manbi squatted down and looked up at Yan Sikong, her eyes as bright as autumn water: "Actually, I know why the princess dislikes me and thinks I'm vulgar, but she's just taking advantage of the situation. After all, it's because..." She stroked her cheek again, "This face."

Yan Sikong felt a little impatient. Qi Manbi had tried to seduce him again and again. Could it be that she thought that they looked a bit similar, so she should let Chen Yi enjoy the blessing of having two children together to please Chen Yi? Now that she was suppressed by the princess, unable to bear children, and without support from her family, she had set her sights on him. What a foolish woman who thought she was smart.

"It's true that the prince dotes on me, but I also know myself." Qi Manbi smiled softly, "The prince has neither me nor the princess in his heart, only you. Speaking of which, I have to thank you, if it weren't for you, how could the prince be so fond of me."

"Madam, please be careful with your words." Yan Sikong was respectful but his tone was cold.

A trace of fear flashed across Qi Manbi's face, but she still did not give up: "Sir, have you ever thought that you and I look alike, and we are companions of the King of Chu? What a great fate this is. When I was young, I had an elder brother, but we were separated during the war. I often thought, if... if you were my brother, how great it would be."

Yan Sikong said, "Thank you Madam for not disliking me. I dare not make any advances."

Qi Manbi was a little embarrassed, but she had relied on her coquettishness to get by with men almost without any obstacles in her life, and it was no exception with Yan Sikong. She coughed lightly and took a few steps closer to Yan Sikong: "Your Highness will be the emperor in the future, and you and I must serve you well. To be honest, when I saw you, I felt particularly friendly, as if I had seen a relative. In the future, inside and outside the home, and even... in and outside the palace, I want to take care of each other with you."

"I am overwhelmed by your kindness." Yan Sikong bowed again, "Actually, I feel the same way about you, Madam."

Qi Manbi covered her lips and smiled: "Your Highness is young and handsome, I am very pleased, do you feel the same way, sir?"

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes and said, "I will assist the prince wholeheartedly, and the rest will be..."

"The prince treats you sincerely. Don't you understand that when you look at me?" Qi Manbi whispered, "The prince and the princess treat each other with respect and love. They really dote on me. If I can give birth to a child as soon as possible, and with your help, I won't have to suffer those grievances."

Yan Sikong smiled faintly: "Madam is right, Madam, just serve the prince well."

"Sir, why don't you..." Qi Manbi hesitated to speak.

Yan Sikong pretended not to know what Qi Manbi wanted to say. He suppressed his annoyance and said, "I have something important to discuss with the prince. I will take my leave for now."

"Oh, then go ahead and get busy, sir."

Yan Sikong bowed, turned and left.

Qi Manbi looked at Yan Sikong's back and slowly revealed a charming smile.