Video spoilers history, starting with the blitzkrieg on Poland

The content displayed on the sky screen has come to an end.

As we can see, the frustrated general, frustrated and resigned, abandoned everything and fled abroad.

There was no revenge.

There are no wish-fulfillment stories.

After the barrage comment masters finished watching...

There was a barrage of fierce criticism:

What book is this?

Was the previously popular female-oriented novel about a general who commanded 70 troops ultimately executed?

Yes, it's another story of the only reliable general who can be relied upon being driven away and forced to commit suicide by a tyrannical emperor. It's such a cliché.

It's too hard to keep up.

Who is the author? Does the author follow any logic in their writing?

"How frustrating! I couldn't protect my wife, I couldn't protect my son, I couldn't even protect the name my father gave me."

"If it were me, I would have rebelled long ago."

Thankfully, I'm not the protagonist of this novel.

"By the way, what kind of novel is this? It's so bad!"

And the storyteller on the screen, a popular content creator, snapped to life and continued his tale:
【alright. 】

After reading about the first half of the general's life, did you feel frustrated?

So, what happened to the great general, who was a prince, after he arrived in the enemy country?

Is this the beginning of a prince's revenge story, truly kicking off a wish-fulfillment novel?

[Ahem. 】

No, no.

First, let's see which book this is.

Oh, Zizhi Tongjian.

The protagonist of the book we're discussing is none other than Murong Chui.

At that moment, the viewers in the live chat immediately understood.

Oh, but who is it? It's Hammer Bro!

"Murong Chui, the God of War of the Sixteen Kingdoms!"

It's a pity Murong Ke died too early, otherwise Murong Chui wouldn't have suffered such a tragic fate.

"Our Murong family is so united!"

Murong Chui's military capabilities were truly formidable; he was a figure coveted by sixteen kingdoms. His only flaw was his somewhat eccentric personality.

Okay, I thought it was going to be a cheesy novel, but it turns out to be a history book.

"If he were the lead in a TV series, it would definitely be amazing."

It's so frustrating to have Murong Chui as the protagonist, even though he keeps winning battles...

A life full of twists and turns, regrets, yet also incredibly精彩 (splendid/wonderful).

……

Amidst the comments section, Tianmu continued his narration:

What happened to Murong Chui after he fled to the enemy state of Former Qin?

[This is none other than the Golden Knife Strategy, hailed as the greatest open strategy of all time!]

Just how brilliant was this plan?

First, we need to understand Murong Chui's situation at the time.

There were three minor incidents during his westward escape from the Former Qin dynasty.

The Former Yan general led his elite cavalry in pursuit, but upon seeing Murong Ling covering the rear, he dared not attack.

Officials at the Yellow River ferry prevented Murong Chui from crossing, and Murong Chui immediately killed them, yet none of the guards retaliated.

The last pursuing force was easily defeated by Murong Ling.

How did this escape group of fewer than 100 people manage to repeatedly escape danger while surrounded by pursuers?

These details reveal a crucial piece of information: Murong Chui enjoyed extremely high prestige within the Former Yan army, to the point that even the pursuing troops were "going easy on him."

If he were to launch a coup in Ye City, the chances of success would be extremely high.

However, he chose to leave.

This is Murong Chui's character.

Upon arriving in Chang'an, Murong Chui received exceptional courtesy from Fu Jian, the ruler of the Former Qin dynasty.

[This emperor, who aspired to unify the world, personally went out of the city to welcome him, bestowing upon him the titles of General of the Vanguard and Marquis of Bintu, and granting him five hundred households in Huayin as his fief.]

Fu Jian's enthusiasm was not without reason.

The Former Yan was riddled with internal conflicts, and Murong Chui's surrender was like a shot in the arm, demonstrating the Former Qin's tolerance while simultaneously undermining the enemy's morale.

But this also reflects Fu Jian's personal character.

[His obsession with collecting famous generals is no exaggeration.]

However, Chancellor Wang Meng was deeply worried about this.

In his eyes, Murong Chui and his son were "dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, how could they be content to be subservient to others?" They were by no means people who would willingly remain as subjects.

This strategist, whom Fu Jian praised as having "achievements surpassing Zhuge Liang," repeatedly offered the following advice:

"Murong Chui and his son are cunning and ruthless; if they are allowed to roam free, they will eventually become a threat. They should be eliminated as soon as possible."

But Fu Jian would never agree to that; he only ever killed those who did not betray him.

If someone has betrayed you.

[Especially those who defected, Fu Jian certainly wouldn't kill them.] [Moreover, Murong Chui currently shows no signs of rebellion; rashly executing him would only chill the hearts of the people.]

Therefore, Wang Meng needed to give Fu Jian a reason.

Thus, the "Golden Knife Strategy" was born.

In 370 AD, with the Qin Dynasty's invasion of Yan imminent, Wang Meng was appointed commander-in-chief.

He specifically requested that Murong Ling, Murong Chui's eldest son, accompany the army on the expedition as a guide.

On the eve of his departure, Wang Meng made a secret visit to Murong Chui's residence.

The two sat facing each other, drinking wine, discussing everything from military strategy to the general trend of the world, and had a very pleasant conversation.

[As the wine flowed freely, Wang Meng suddenly sighed deeply:]

"This eastern expedition, I know not when I will return; I wish to receive a token from you to ease my longing."

Murong Chui, unsuspecting, unfastened the golden knife from his waist and handed it to Wang Meng.

This knife accompanied him on his campaigns, serving as both a symbol of his status and a weapon.

It is also a personal keepsake.

That was the prevailing custom among the nobility at the time: exchanging gifts was essential.

Moreover, given Wang Meng's high status, Murong Chui would definitely have to curry favor with him.

[You should give the most representative and valuable gift.]

Now that we've discussed this, why do you think Murong Chui had absolutely no doubts?

[Wang Meng's move was truly impressive.]

Wang Meng was ruthless. Although he consistently advised Fu Jian to eliminate Murong Chui, he remained outwardly calm and collected in front of Murong Chui.

On the surface, they still maintained a friendly relationship with Murong Chui.

At least Murong Chui believed their relationship was good.

Despite carrying such a heavy burden on his mind, Wang Meng acted as if nothing had happened.

[Even someone as shrewd as Murong Chui...]

[There wasn't a single flaw to be found.]

[Unless Murong Chui immediately sends someone to tell Murong Ling: "Your father has given my token, the golden knife, to Wang Meng."]

[But who would have thought that exchanging gifts, such a routine practice, was part of Wang Meng's scheme?]

After Wang Meng led his army to Luoyang, he was not in a hurry.

[Following the normal strategy, we quickly captured Luoyang.]

Then immediately implement the second step of the plan.

He had already bribed Jin Xi, a trusted confidant of Murong Chui, to infiltrate Murong Ling's camp with a golden knife.

Jin Xi feigned panic and said to Murong Ling:

"Your father has fled back to the Former Yan! He sent me with a message: the rulers and ministers of the Former Qin appear magnanimous on the surface, but in reality, their suspicions are growing deeper every day."

"Wang Meng has repeatedly slandered us, trying to harm us."

"Although Fu Jian treated us well, what good could come of offending Wang Meng within the Former Qin state?"

"Now that Luoyang has fallen, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor of the Former Yan have realized their mistake in excluding him."

"I hope that you and I, father and son, will return to court and together save the day from this crisis."

"This knife is proof; delay will only lead to unforeseen consequences!"

Outside the sky.

Han Dynasty.

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was inherently suspicious and had also learned about the witchcraft scandal through the celestial curtain.

Upon seeing the plot of the Golden Knife Scheme, I couldn't help but frown and ponder.

It wasn't that Liu Che thought Wang Meng was hateful.

Instead, he was putting himself in their shoes, imagining himself in their shoes.

Can you see through the conspiracy behind the Golden Knife Scheme?

If I were Murong Chui, would I fall for his trick?

Liu Che was an extremely intelligent man, and besides, this had nothing to do with saving face.

Therefore, after thinking it over in his heart, Liu Che couldn't help but silently admit:

It's really hard to defend against.

If it were me, I would indeed find it hard to imagine that the golden knife I gave to Wang Meng as a normal social gesture to curry favor would become a deadly token.

This method of exploiting the time difference in information reception between father and son is similar to the situation in the witchcraft incident where I was deceived.

The key is Wang Meng's design at every step.

Everything fits perfectly.

And there is no risk of failure.

Is this a top-tier strategy? Truly ruthless!
If you don't take precautions beforehand, you'll never imagine that you've fallen into a trap.

I'm afraid that if Murong Chui wants to break this move...

The only option is to remain highly vigilant in advance, especially if there is any contact between oneself and Wang Meng or Fu Jian.

He promptly informed Murong Ling of everything that happened.

Only in this way is it possible to crack it.

However, having served in the court for many years, he was no longer as apprehensive and cautious as when he first arrived.

How could one possibly check every single detail?
From this perspective, it is indeed impossible to guard against.

No wonder the Golden Knife Strategy is called an open conspiracy. (End of Chapter)