As expected, Yang Weiqi left them alone for three full days.

During these three days, none of them went out, and except for the people who delivered meals, they had little contact with outsiders. However, they took this opportunity to secretly have some sweet time.

However, they were not completely inactive. Every day, Yan Sikong would bury a few pieces of silver in the leftover soup. After a day or two, the guards who delivered meals looked at them with a gleam in their eyes.

On the third day, Yan Sikong found a small piece of paper in his meal. He opened it and saw four words written on it: What can I do for you?

Yan Sikong waved the note towards Feng Ye and said with a smile, "The fish has taken the bait."

The court salary was not high. Even if one was a high-ranking official, if one relied solely on salary to support a family and maintain a decent life, one would inevitably have to live in poverty. For example, Yan Sikong's salary was not enough to support a carriage, so greed and money had become a "bad rule" in the officialdom. Although it was avoided, it was an unwritten rule. From the top to the bottom, everyone could not keep themselves away. When he was promoted to the prince's tutor, he also accepted some gifts.

In such an environment, it is impossible to expect the lowest-level guards and clerks to be loyal and honest, so these people are very easy to bribe, and small favors will suffice.

Feng Ye took the note and said, "I'm afraid I've fallen into a trap."

"It's worth taking a risk. If it's really a trap, we can use the same trick against them and put the blame on King Liang." Yan Sikong picked up a pen and wrote a note. When the ink was dry, he carefully rolled it up and put it in his sleeve.

At noon, the guard came to deliver the meal. Yan Sikong gave him a look and buried the note and the silver in the leftover soup again.

After the sun set, Yang Weiqi suddenly appeared at the inn.

Yan Sikong was a Hanlin after all, the most admired palace for scholars in the world, a great scholar with a promising future, and an important official in the court. However, he said respectfully to Yang Weiqi, the military advisor of the rebel army: "Alas, I have been waiting for you for many days."

Yang Weiqi was very pleased with Yan Sikong's attitude. Instead, he put on airs and sat on the armchair: "Master Yan, are you used to living here these days? If there is any inconvenience, please let me know."

"This posthouse has eaves and walls. It is much more comfortable than a military tent. How can it be inconvenient?"

They smiled at each other.

Yang Weiqi said, "I'm afraid General Zhao has high hopes for Lord Yan's trip."

"That's right. Although there were some misunderstandings when Lord Liang came, General Zhao still hopes to negotiate with General Bao." Yan Sikong said earnestly, "War means death. Stopping war is the best way to fight. Haha."

"Lord Yan, what you said makes sense, but my master has been hesitant about the issue of recruiting the enemy..." Yang Weiqi observed Yan Sikong's expression, "We have so many mouths to feed, we are really forced to do so."

"I understand."

"Your Majesty is so gracious that you are willing to give us a chance. My lord and I are deeply grateful. If Your Majesty grants us a title of nobility and gives us a place to live and work in peace, who would want to rebel?"

In his heart, Yan Sikong cursed the traitor for being so shameless. He wanted to be granted land and title, which was really a lion's request. On the surface, he smiled and said, "I think this is not a problem. Your Majesty is more worried about the rebellion of Prince Liang. As long as General Bao and Mr. are willing to serve Your Majesty and fight against Prince Liang together, they will have made great contributions to the court, and rewards will naturally be a piece of cake."

Yang Weiqi evaded the question and said, "Prince Liang is guarding Jingzhou and controlling the waterway fortress. He has 30,000 elite soldiers under his command. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack."

"That's why I need your help even more." Yan Sikong whispered, "Sir, you are extremely talented and you are definitely not an ordinary person. Do you want to bury yourself in this mere Kuizhou?"

Yang Weiqi narrowed his eyes and said, "I am a commoner. Now I can fight for a way out for my fellow countrymen in need. I hope I will not live in vain. How dare I say I will be buried."

"Sir, you are wrong. Whether it is the King of Liang or General Bao, do you really believe that they can become kings or emperors? Sir, you have studied hard for decades. If you really care about the people, you should know that the road to pursuing your ideals and achieving your goals cannot bypass the upright career path. This is not letting down the world or yourself."

"Official career, haha." Yang Weiqi sneered twice, "I am not very talented and learned, and I have failed many examinations. I am afraid that I don't have the ability to 'seek my ambition and achieve the truth'."

"Sir, you are wrong again." Yan Sikong said sincerely, "The disadvantage of the imperial examination is that it only respects Confucius and Mencius and selects scholars based on the eight-legged essay, which has constrained many talented people with real thoughts and knowledge. In order to pass the imperial examination, I studied the eight-legged essay hard. If I were not young and kept myself awake, I would have become one of those corrupt scholars sooner or later. Your talent and knowledge are not inferior to ours in any way. If you belittle yourself because of your achievements, I cannot agree with you."

There was a hint of satisfaction in Yang Weiqi's eyes, but he tried his best to hide it. These words obviously touched upon his heart.

As the saying goes, flattery never wears out. Yan Sikong was a dependent at the age of nine and a wanderer at the age of thirteen. In his early twenties, he had met countless people and understood people's hearts just right. Sometimes he could tell what a person wanted or wanted to hear just by looking at him.

Such ability is extremely rare in a person of Yan Sikong's age. Because from the royal family to the nobles and the common people, the class has been completely solidified for thousands of years. Except for those who passed the imperial examinations, almost no one can cross the class. The people of the world are based on farming, and the vast majority of people are tied to the land. The people they come into contact with throughout their lives are all people from the same place and the same class as them. This is true for most people, regardless of their wealth.

But Yan Sikong was different. He was born in a wealthy family, grew up in the house of a minor official, and wandered for ten years. He had begged for food, done odd jobs, and farmed. He was a bookboy for a landlord's son, worked as a bookkeeper in a teahouse and tavern, and was a guest in the house of an old gentleman. He also joined the rebel army for a few months. Later, he raised and treated horses, resold seafood, and finally sold private salt. He was almost beheaded, but he turned around and made great progress. He passed the imperial examinations twice, entered the Hanlin Academy, lectured on classics, and served the prince. In his short life, he has traveled across most of the Da Sheng territory, from the emperor to the common people. He has seen all kinds of people, and his life has been richer than that of an ordinary person in several lifetimes. It is very easy for him to control a person.

Yang Weiqi coughed lightly and said, "Lord Yan is too kind to me. Who among the scholars in the world doesn't have the ambition to serve the country and the people? It's just that..."

"Sir," Yan Sikong whispered, "To be honest, I am a minister of great importance, but I also admire your strategy in private. I have defeated the Shu army, seized Kuizhou, and recruited many talents. I think it is all your credit that General Bao has been able to get to where he is now."

Yang Weiqi stroked his beard and nodded.

Yan Sikong sighed, "Sir, you are a genius. If Kong Ming were still alive, he would probably be no more than this. People in the capital have been secretly discussing recently that there must be a master behind General Bao. Sure enough, it is true!"

Yang Weiqi blinked his eyes and asked, "Is everyone in the capital discussing this?"

"Such an important matter must be discussed, but of course, it cannot be discussed in front of Your Majesty." Yan Sikong shook his head and sighed, "With you here, we can only sigh for Kuizhou for now."

Yang Weiqi was extremely pleased with the praise, but he was still clear-headed and did not completely relax his vigilance. He just said, "Just do your job."

Yan Sikong suddenly changed the subject: "Now, sir, do you plan to continue to be trapped in Kuizhou, or do you plan to join King Liang in rebellion?"

Yang Weiqi pursed his lips and frowned.

Yan Sikong smiled faintly and said, "Sir, you should understand that Kuizhou is not a place of long-term peace, and King Liang is not a person you can trust. Sir, you are so wise, don't let yourself become a dried fish."

Yang Weiqi said coldly: "I'm afraid General Zhao is in a more difficult situation than us now."

"That's true for now, but the imperial court is still sending troops and food to the two lakes. How long can Kuizhou, an isolated city, hold out? Mr. Bumen, if I return without success this time, General Zhao and General Di will join forces to besiege the city."

Yang Weiqi's eyes widened: "How dare you say that to me? Aren't you afraid that you will never come back?"

Yan Sikong laughed and said, "I am just a small Hanlin and a clerk in the army. What good would it do to kill me? I revealed the military secrets because I truly admire you and value your talent. If you don't appreciate it, I won't say anything."

Yang Weiqi said in a deep voice: "Go on."

"Okay, when the city is besieged someday, do you think the King of Liang will lend a helping hand as he said?"

Yang Weiqi didn't say anything.

"The King of Liang has only 30,000 soldiers. His advantage is that he occupies Jingzhou, a strategic stronghold. Once he leaves Jingzhou, his advantage will be gone and he will probably be defeated by our army. If you were the King of Liang, would you come to rescue him?"

Yang Weiqi remained silent.

Yan Sikong lowered his voice and tried to persuade him: "If you were the King of Liang, you would use Kuizhou as bait to delay our army, and then follow the flow to recruit soldiers and horses, and point your sword at Nanjing. As long as you take Nanjing, you will have a lot of money. Do you still care about the small Kuizhou?"

Yang Weiqi stood up anxiously, put his hands behind his back, and stared at Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong also stood up, bowed to Yang Weiqi, and pointed to a large wooden box on the bed: "That treasure is not for General Bao, but for you, sir."

Yang Weiqi raised his eyebrows: "You are so brave."

"I have the courage to give, do you have the courage to accept?" Yan Sikong looked at Yang Weiqi deeply, "Sir, you are different from General Bao. You are a talent that the court can use. Don't let down your bright future."

Yang Weiqi stared at Yan Sikong for a while, then turned and left.

Feng Ye was standing at the door, acting as a guard dutifully. After seeing Yang Weiqi leave, he turned around, went into the house, and closed the door.

Yan Sikong was pouring himself a glass of water and took two big gulps.

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong with a complicated expression.

Yan Sikong sighed, "I am so tired. This person is not easy to deal with."

"Really? I heard you keep leading him. He is smart, but not as smart as you."

Yan Sikong shook his head: "People's hearts are hard to predict. Never underestimate anyone, especially your enemies."

Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Yan Sikong asked, "What's wrong?" He said with a smile, "The prince of Jingyuan is guarding the gate for us. Yang Weiqi is really a traitor."

Feng Ye didn't laugh, but just sighed: "Kong'er, sometimes you are so smart that I feel..."

"What do you think?"

Feng Ye paused, shook his head, and said with a smile: "You have indeed grown up. I can't figure you out anymore."

"Could it be that you could figure me out when you were a kid?"

Feng Ye took his hand, kissed him on the forehead, and laughed softly: "No, I only started to study you after I grew up. I studied you thoroughly inside and out, and found you to be extremely delicious."

Yan Sikong also laughed: "Not serious again."

Feng Ye then hugged his waist and kissed his hair and eyebrows carefully: "If it weren't for the military emergency, I really want to stay here for a few more days. I always feel that the time with you is not enough."

Yan Sikong stroked Feng Ye's temples gently: "If we were always together, it would be boring. I think it's good now."

Feng Ye placed his lips on Yan Sikong's, kissed him gently, and said vaguely: "But I just want to be together all the time..."

Yan Sikong hugged his neck and responded emotionally, while teasing: "You are right, your father will definitely reward you with a weapon when he sees you like this."

"I also said that for you, it's worth it to get stabbed." Feng Ye turned around, picked up Yan Sikong, and pressed him on the bed...

——

On the second day, Yang Weiqi ordered someone to take away a box of gold and silver, but the person did not show up.

Yan Sikong knew that the mission was almost completed. If his old subordinates in Kuizhou could successfully receive his message, they could return and then join forces to besiege the city. Yang Weiqi would naturally persuade Bao Yunyong to surrender.

The waiting time is extremely difficult, current affairs are unpredictable and variables are everywhere.

When the two discussed the King of Liang's move, Feng Ye said, "If we really besiege the city, even if the King of Liang has a hundred reasons to abandon Kuizhou, there is still a possibility that he will come to help. After all, there are 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers and horses available here."

Yan Sikong nodded: "Yes, although I advised Yang Weiqi in that way, there is still at least a 30% chance that King Liang will come to help. We must not let King Liang come to Kuizhou."

"To be on the safe side, after I return, I will ask General Zhao for permission to lead a cavalry to set up an ambush on the road from Jingzhou to Kuizhou. I don't know whether the King of Liang will go by land or by water. If he goes by land, I will make sure he can't get past me."

"I see that you are focused on the battlefield." Yan Sikong said helplessly.

Feng Ye's eyes flashed with wild fighting spirit: "A good man should be invincible on the battlefield, killing the enemy, it is very exciting."

Yan Sikong's face was a little sad: "Feng Ye, you always told me not to put myself in danger, but you know how uneasy I would be if you charged into the battle line?"

Feng Ye suddenly felt a little embarrassed: "Kong'er... I, I'm just talking nonsense. My father taught me how to be a general since I was a child. I am a general and I will not put myself in danger easily."

Yan Sikong glanced at him: "Really?"

"Really?" Feng Ye said affectionately, "How could I bear to make you feel uneasy?"

"Feng Ye, you have an unruly and impulsive temperament. You must promise me that you will think twice before doing anything in the future."

Feng Ye smiled helplessly: "Look at you, you haven't even got married yet, but you've already started scolding me like my dad."

Yan Sikong laughed: "Nonsense again, I am serious."

"Don't worry, I understand."

Yan Sikong gazed at Feng Ye's young and handsome face, and could fully sense Feng Jianping's feeling as he looked at his only remaining son and wished he could devote all his life's knowledge to teaching him to stay away from danger.

——

The sun was about to set, and the two were waiting for the guards to bring today's dinner. If all went well, they should have news from their old subordinates in Kuizhou.

But things don't always go smoothly. Before they could have dinner, the door of the inn was kicked open and a group of guards rushed in and arrested the two men without saying a word.

The two looked at each other, both very calm. Feng Ye even mouthed "Don't be afraid" to Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong smiled knowingly. If others always treated him like a woman, he would definitely feel deeply humiliated. But when Feng Ye treated him like this, he only felt hurt.

Yan Sikong said calmly: "We are envoys from Dasheng after all. No matter what the matter is, we should at least dress properly."

The leader thought about it and let them go temporarily.

Yan Sikong and Feng Ye each wore a crown and armor. Yan Sikong glanced at the leader and said, "You are an old subordinate of Kuizhou, right?"

The man was stunned and looked at Yan Sikong without answering.

Yan Sikong smiled slightly, straightened his clothes, and stroked his sleeves: "Please."

The two of them calmly followed the guards and left the inn.

As expected, their secret communication with the old subordinates in Kuizhou was discovered, and the two were brought before Bao Yunyong and Yang Weiqi.

Bao Yunyong had a look of anger on his face, and Yang Weiqi's eyes were cold. They obviously felt that they were played by Yan Sikong. On the surface, he was trying to appease him, but secretly he was doing mischief, intending to incite his old subordinates in Kuizhou to rebel.

Even with their eyes closed, they could still feel the murderous aura coming towards them.

Bao Yunyong slammed the table fiercely and said, "Yan Sikong, you scoundrel, you came here to persuade me to revolt. I should have killed you the moment you entered the city!"

Yan Sikong bowed calmly and said, "I have absolutely no intention of inciting rebellion or sowing discord. I wonder why General Bao said this?"

"You still dare to make excuses?" Bao Yunyong shouted, "Come here, bring him up!"

Soon, a ferocious-looking man was brought in. Yan Sikong took a quick glance and saw that it was the guard who had taken his money.

Bao Yunyong threw a note to Yan Sikong: "Didn't you write this?!"

"It is indeed written by Zai Xia." Yan Sikong didn't even look at the note.

Bao Yunyong was so angry that his mouth twisted: "Then why are you still trying to make excuses?"

Yan Sikong bowed and said, "General, have you read what I wrote on it?"

Bao Yunyong's face darkened and veins popped on his forehead.

Yan Sikong made a surprised expression: "Someone must have told the general."

Bao Yunyong could not read, and Yan Sikong's question seemed unintentional, but it made Bao Yunyong feel embarrassed. He had no way to get angry, but Yan Sikong was not interested in that. He glanced at Yang Weiqi and saw a flash of contempt in his eyes.

"I have indeed contacted my old subordinates in Kuizhou. Please listen to my explanation, General." Yan Sikong said calmly.