The old friend left the Yellow Crane Tower in the west, and the fireworks descended from Yangzhou in March.
In March in Yangzhou, catkins are like smoke and flowers are blooming, but in September, it looks a bit bleak.
Wu Chengsi stood on the hillside of Guanyin Mountain. Looking far into the distance from here, he could vaguely see the outline of Yangzhou City, which was about the size of a palm.
He came to Yangzhou yesterday. At that time, Yangzhou governor Yuan Shutong and all the officials were waiting at the south gate.
However, Wu Chengsi did not enter the city. He sent someone to tell Yangzhou officials that they did not have to wait any longer, and then issued an order to set up camp at the foot of Guanyin Mountain.
Since being named the Grand Governor of Yangzhou, Wu Chengsi eradicated the Huofeng Society and made Fanyang County Prince, and then went head-to-head with the Han King Li Yuanjia.
Others, even his enemies, thought that all he did was to expand the strength of the Wu family in Jiangnan. Maybe even Empress Wu thought that he was following the plan to deal with the relationship network of the Li family kings.
No one knows, this is just him taking advantage of the situation.
After arriving in Yangzhou, there was only one thing he really wanted to do, which was to establish a powerful Tang Dynasty navy, completely defeat the Japanese country, and eliminate the hidden dangers for thousands of years in the future.
All other actions serve this purpose.
But having said that, if you want to defeat the Japanese country, there is still one thing missing - artillery.
In land battles, artillery may not play a big role, but naval battles are different. The key to naval battles lies in the range of ships and weapons.
The shipbuilding technology of the Tang Dynasty was already superior to that of the Japanese. If it had artillery, it would be even more powerful and it would be able to defeat the Japanese navy without much investment.
Shenhuo Workshop has gathered outstanding craftsmen from the Tang Dynasty and is studying the gun barrel.
Taking advantage of this period, he needed to take Yangzhou into his hands as soon as possible and train his navy.
The two largest forces in Yangzhou are the King of Yue and the King of Han, and the relationship between these two people is extremely close. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are the same power.
Wu Chengsi had already received the information sent by Princess Taiping on a 800-mile rush and had a preliminary understanding of the two of them.
The King of Yue and the King of Han held the positions of Governor of Annan and Governor of Qinzhou respectively, but they were chief officials with vacuous positions and received salaries, and the specific work was done by their deputies.
Just like King Pei, he held the highest position in the Shanyu Protectorate for many years, but rarely stayed in Monan.
Although Wu Chengsi planned to bring Yangzhou under his control, he did not intend to kill the two princes.
After all, Li Zhi is not dead yet. No matter how wise a monarch is, he will feel dissatisfied when he sees someone persecuting his relatives.
This is also the reason why Wu Chengsi did not delve into the story of King Li Yuanjia of Han.
In addition to regaining the military and political power in Yangzhou, Wu Chengsi also paid great attention to the stone monument built by the Fire Phoenix Society.
If it was just an ordinary stone tablet, they wouldn't be able to kidnap the stonemason and build it secretly on Changye Island.
Especially their violent behavior against the family members of the masons.
It can be predicted that that stone tablet plays a very important role to them, and it is a shady one.
However, so far, apart from knowing that the other party's plan is related to Xu Yuanju, nothing else is known.
Wu Chengsi has sent Zhugenan to contact Xu Wenqing, and now he can only hope that she can gain something.
While he was thinking about it, a personal guard suddenly came to report that Yuan Shutong, the governor of Yangzhou, wanted to see him.
Wu Chengsi returned to the military camp and met Wu Mei's confidant in the commander's tent.
The governor of Yangzhou was about forty-seven or eighteen years old, with thick eyebrows and big eyes. He seemed to be a straight man.
However, anyone who understands the situation in Yangzhou will not be deceived by his appearance.
Before Yuan Shutong, Empress Wu had sent many people into Yangzhou, but no one could persist for more than half a year. Because of one or other reasons, they were quickly eliminated.
This situation lasted until Yuan Shutong came to Yangzhou.
He was like a small boat in the storm. No matter how violent the storm, I drifted with the wind. After he established his feet, Xu Yuanju was also sent.
With the combined efforts of the two, they slowly occupied a place in Yangzhou.
However, to this day, most of the wealthy families and military generals in Yangzhou still follow the lead of King Li Zhen of Yue. If they are not careful, they will end up like Xu Yuanju now.
When entering the commander's tent, Yuan Shutong had an expression of relief on his face.
"Your Highness, if you don't come over, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on much longer." He said with a wry smile.
Wu Chengsi made a gesture to please sit down and said slowly: "Let's talk about the situation in Yangzhou."
Yuan Shutong sighed and said: "Since Xu Changshi was imprisoned for accepting black money from businessmen, the Yu family and the Yan family who originally relied on us have defected to the King of Yue and the King of Han."
"Yu family and Yan family?"
Yuan Shutong explained: "They all belong to the eight major families in Yangzhou. We have been wooing them over the years, and it was not easy to win over the two families."
He continued: "Now the eight major families have defected to the King of Yue. Yang Sijian, the navy commander who originally remained neutral, also has close contacts with the King of Yue. Only Zhou Shuting, the pacifier of Huainan Road, still remains neutral."
Wu Chengsi frowned and said, "You, the governor of Yangzhou, shouldn't you have been sidelined too?"
Yuan Shutong smiled bitterly and said: "That's not true, but the people of Yangzhou love the King of Yue very much and are very repulsive to the governor's office. It is difficult to get down in the official position."
After hearing Yuan Shutong's situation, Wu Chengsi suddenly remembered something.
I remember that a civil uprising was launched in Huainan Road last year. Later, Di Renjie investigated and found that someone was deliberately inciting the people behind the scenes.
At that time, Di Renjie found out that the mastermind of this incident was Huofengshe, so Wu Chengsi didn't think much about it.
But looking at it now, the person behind Huofeng Society should be ordered by the King of Yue, and his real purpose is to deal with the subordinates sent by Wu Mei.
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and asked: "What's going on with Xu Yuanju? You have been in Yangzhou for many years, how could you fall into someone else's scheme?"
Yuan Shutong gritted his teeth and said: "He was deceived by the Yan family, and I was also deceived by the Yan family."
Wu Chengsi said calmly: "So, it is also a lie that the Yan family was attracted by you before?"
Yuan Shutong clenched his fingers and said, "Yes, they are following the orders of the King of Yue and pretending to surrender to us."
After a pause, he continued: "The matter started a few months ago. At that time, the Yan family's merchant ship was robbed by pirates. The Yan family donated a sum of money to the governor's office to support our fight against pirates."
Wu Chengsi listened quietly and did not interrupt.
Yuan Shutong continued: "At that time, the Han Palace also donated a sum of money to the governor's office, hoping that the government would build bridges and roads outside the city to benefit the people."
Yuan Shutong glanced at Wu Chengsi, lowered his head and said: "Originally we didn't want to accept it, but if this matter was known to the people, it would deepen the dissatisfaction with the governor's office. After discussion with Xu Changshi, I had no choice but to accept it.
"
"One day, Xu Changshi contacted the Luo family with the money donated by the Yan family."
"Luo family?"
"The Luo family is one of the three largest ship merchants in Yangzhou, and they are the best at building dragon boats."
Wu Chengsi nodded.
"The news somehow leaked out at that time, and someone spread the rumor that Xu Changshi took the money donated by the Han Palace and gave it to the Luo Palace as a betrothal gift."
Wu Chengsi was slightly startled and said: "Bowry gift?"
Yuan Shutong said bitterly: "There have been rumors in the city for a long time that Xu Changshi has been taking care of the Luo family for the purpose of marrying Miss Luo's family!"
Wu Chengsi touched his chin and said, "Xu Changshi must be quite old."
"Isn't it true? His daughter is already twenty years old, and he has never met Miss Luo at all, but others say that he wants an old cow to nibble on young grass."
"Then the fact that he took care of the Luo family is also a lie?"
"Of course it's false. In fact, other ship dealers colluded with officials to frame the Luo family. Xu Changshi only upheld justice for the Luo family, so those people said he was looking after the Luo family."
Wu Chengsi nodded secretly, knowing who was spreading the rumors without even thinking.
In Yangzhou, the King of Yue and the King of Han have indeed had the ability to confuse right and wrong. No wonder Wu Mei's strength has not been able to insert people into Yangzhou for so long.
"The people who heard the news at that time blocked the Luo family and reported the matter to the Han Palace. Prince Yingchuan, the eldest son of the Han Dynasty, personally led people to rush into the Luo family and found the money."
"At that time, Xu Changshi argued that the money was donated by the Yan family. Who would have thought that the Yan family suddenly rebelled and denied the matter. The King of Yue strictly ordered me to arrest Xu Changshi."
With a wry smile, Yuan Shutong said: "In that case, the lower official has no choice but to arrest Xu Changshi."
"Later, the King of Yue reported to the court again, and the Ministry of Punishment sent officials to investigate. If Her Highness the Queen hadn't exerted pressure from it, I'm afraid Xu Changshi would have been convicted."
Wu Chengsi pondered for a long time and frowned: "Then the governor's house should still have the money sent by Prince Han's house. Can't that money prove it?"
Yuan Shutong smiled bitterly and said: "The money suddenly disappeared. Later, the Yingchuan County Prince led people to search Xu Changshi's secret room. Now, the money has become evidence that Xu Changshi accepted bribes."
Wu Chengsi sighed and said, "So, the governor's office also has their people."
Yuan Shutong said with a grimace: "I'm afraid it's quite a lot. I'm afraid that every move I make now will be exposed to their eyes, so I don't even dare to go out on weekdays."
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "I understand the situation. You can go back first and behave as usual. If anything happens, I will send someone to inform you."
Yuan Shutong said: "Your Highness, won't you live in the city? Your governor's mansion has almost been built."
Wu Chengsi waved his hand and said: "No need, I prefer to live in the military camp. You can go down."
After Yuan Shutong left, Wu Chengsi did not go out again, but sat in the handsome tent and waited quietly.
At noon, Zhuge Nan came back.
"Your Highness, I have been squatting in Huang Guogong's mansion all morning. Huang Guogong came in and out twice, but Miss Xu did not go with him."
Wu Chengsi frowned and said, "That's strange. If Li Wen wants to please Miss Xu, it's impossible not to accompany her. Where did Li Wen go?"
"First I went to the theater, and then I went to the brothel. Your Highness, I feel something is wrong." Zhugenan said in a deep voice.
Wu Chengsi nodded.
Something is indeed wrong. If Li Wen wanted to pursue Xu Wenqing, it would be impossible for him to go to a brothel.
Will Xu Wenqing’s identity be exposed?
He suddenly felt regretful, maybe he shouldn't let this simple girl carry out such a dangerous mission.
"Send more people to find out Miss Xu's whereabouts. If there is any news, report back immediately!"
Zhugenan nodded in agreement.
After leaving the camp, Zhugenan got on his horse and planned to return to Yangzhou immediately.
While passing through a valley, he suddenly saw a black shadow appearing in front of him.
After getting closer, Zhugenan opened his mouth wide. In front of him, there was a little girl of six or seven years old dragging a teenage woman forward.
The little girl tied the woman with a rope, and tied the other end of the rope around her waist. She held a sword with a handle higher than herself and used it as a crutch.
When Zhuge Nan saw the appearance of the woman being dragged on the ground, he immediately got off his horse and asked, "Little girl, who are you? What is your relationship with the woman on the ground?"
The woman being dragged away turned out to be Xu Wenqing's maid, Lu Wei.
The little girl immediately stopped, holding the hilt of the sword with both hands, and looked at him warily.
Zhuge Nan hurriedly said: "Don't get me wrong, I am friends with the woman on the ground. Is her name Luwei? Is there another woman with her?"
The little girl stared at Zhugenan for a while, then let go of the hilt of the sword and pouted: "I don't know, I don't know her."
"Then why are you dragging her like this?" Zhugenan asked in surprise.
The little girl said: "My master and I rescued her at Heicang Wharf."
"Black Cang Pier?"
"Yes, it's near the Yangzhou City Canal. Master and I have been watching there for half a month."
After all, the little girl is very young, so she unknowingly reveals her true identity when she speaks.
Zhugenan knelt down to check Luwei's injuries and found that although she had some external injuries, they were not particularly serious.
"Who is your master? Where is Heicang Pier? Why are you staring at it?"
What he really wanted to know was why Reed appeared there, but when he asked the little girl, she probably didn't know either.
"Master is master. There are bad people in Heicang Pier. Master and I want to get rid of the bad people!" the little girl said with her chest raised.
"Then what's your name?"
"My name is Gongsun Xiaoniang!"
"What a weird name." Zhuge Nan thought to himself.
"Mom, this person is my friend, I want to take her for treatment."
Gongsun Xiaoniang nodded and said: "Then you take her away. I just need to go to pick up the master."
After saying that, he untied the rope around his waist, turned around and left.
Zhuge Nan hurriedly said: "You are so young, it's better not to go. What's wrong with your master? If you need help, I can bring someone to help him later."
Gongsun Xiaoniang raised her head and said, "I feel like you are looking down on me. I am very powerful!"
Zhuge Nan laughed and said: "You are so young, how powerful can you be!" He is just a half-grown child, and he will not consider other people's feelings when he speaks.
The little girl suddenly became unhappy. She first placed the long sword on a stone, then pulled out two daggers from her waist and said, "I want to challenge you!"
Zhuge Nan laughed and said: "Why don't you use that sword?"
Gongsun Xiaoniang replied honestly: "I am too short to use that sword."
"Do you also know that you are young?" Zhugenan said with a smile.
Gongsun Xiaoniang blushed, shouted "I'm coming" and rushed towards Zhuge Nan.
After the fight, Zhugenan was shocked. Although the girl was young, her body was extremely flexible. The two daggers were like two little snake heads, fast and cruel.
Zhugenan was beaten back and forth for a while. Every time he fought back, the little girl would always place the dagger in the path of his fists and feet in advance, forcing him to change his moves midway.
After ten moves, Zhugenan still couldn't take down Gongsun Xiaoniang. His face turned red and he couldn't help but look around for fear of being seen.
At this moment, Gongsun Xiaoniang took advantage of his distraction and slashed his sword, leaving a gash on his sleeve.
Zhuge Nan was furious, shouted loudly, unsheathed the dagger at his waist, and knocked away Gongsun Xiaoniang's dagger.
Gongsun Xiaoniang's little hand was numb from the shock. She silently picked up the dagger and put it away, and whispered: "I lost."
She formally admitted defeat, but Zhugenan felt very angry and raised his head and said: "Isn't this natural? You can practice for another twenty years and challenge me again!"
Gongsun Xiaoniang hummed: "I can beat you in three years." After saying that, she left without looking back.
Zhuge Nan hummed: "Little thing, you are quite crazy."
After Gongsun Xiaoniang walked away, he remembered the reeds on the ground, put her on his horse, and returned to the military camp at the foot of Guanyin Mountain.
The last ray of the setting sun shines on the military camp at the foot of Guanyin Mountain. Soldiers who have been training for a day are gathering together in groups to eat, and the rich aroma of rice wafts throughout the camp.
Luwei woke up from hunger, and shouted as soon as she got up: "So... so hungry!"
As soon as the words came out, she hurriedly got up and realized that the place she was in was no longer a dark cell.
Looking around, she found that this place seemed to be a tent.
Sitting on a table in the middle of the camp was a young man of eighteen or nineteen years old. His bright eyes were staring at the reeds, he was holding a steamed bun in one hand, and his mouth was bulging.
"Master Zhu! It's you!" Lu Wei was overjoyed.
Zhuge Nan said: "You finally woke up. Where is your young lady?"
Lu Wei was about to speak when he suddenly felt his whole body go weak and he had no strength at all.
The two bowls of porridge on the table instantly caught her eye, one of which had two steamed buns stacked on it.
Lu Wei got out of bed, walked to the table, and said, "Master Zhu, can I eat it?"
"Eat, there is a bowl that is yours."
Lu Wei hurriedly sat next to Zhugenan, grabbed the steamed bun and bit into it, and soon his face was bulging with food even more than Zhugenan's just now.
"I told you, don't just eat. Where is your lady?"
Before Lu Wei could answer, Zhugenan patted his forehead, stood up and said, "I almost forgot, His Highness said you should notify him as soon as you wake up. You wait here and don't run around."
When Wu Chengsi came in with a bunch of people, Lu Wei had already finished his bowl of porridge and two steamed buns.
"Hey, why did you eat my rice too!" Zhugenan said angrily, looking at the empty rice bowl.
Lu Wei lowered his head and pinched the corner of his clothes, and said shyly: "I'm sorry, I haven't eaten in three days."
Wu Chengsi said warmly: "You don't need to apologize. Tell me, did Li Wen discover your identities and lock you up?"
Lu Wei nodded, suddenly fell to his knees and cried: "Your Highness, I'm sorry, I told them about you!"
Wu Chengsi stretched out his hand to help her up, and said gently: "Don't be anxious, get up quickly, and tell her slowly if you have anything to do."
Lu Wei refused to get up and cried even harder.
"They... arrested the young lady and I for torture. The young lady refused to tell us, and they... blinded her eyes with poisonous smoke. I was so scared, really scared!"
On the side, Hei Te Changzhi and Wang Fangyi were asking Zhuge Nan about what happened.
After hearing what Lu Wei said, Hei Te Changzhi said angrily: "Your Highness, they are too lawless. I will take people to Li Wen's house to rescue Miss Xu right now!"
Wang Fangyi muttered: "Then Li Wen is the son of the King of Yue. We need to think carefully before taking action."
Hei Te Changzhi said angrily: "So what if the son of the King of Yue can lynch two weak women like this?"
Zhuge Nan followed: "Yes! They have gone too far, they must be taught a lesson!"
Zhuge Sanyuan glared at him and licked his lips in the direction where Wu Chengsi was standing, signaling him not to speak.
Zhugenan turned to look at Wu Chengsi, and then noticed that his face was extremely ugly, with a hint of pain on his face, and he hurriedly asked: "Your Highness, are you okay?"
Wu Chengsi took a deep breath and said, "It's okay."
Then he pulled Luwei up and said slowly: "Luwei, don't be afraid, I will definitely rescue your lady. But before that, I have a few questions to ask you."
Lu Wei wiped her tears and said, "You can ask."
"How did they find out who you were?"
Lu Wei raised his eyes and recalled, "One day, the lady and I were discussing in a low voice in the house."
"We clearly checked the doors and windows at that time. There was no one outside at all, and our voices were very low. Who knew that as soon as we said a few words, a Taoist nun broke in and arrested us."
Zhugenan said angrily: "You are too careless. As long as I hang upside down on the corridor beam, I can avoid your detection."
Lu Wei lowered her head and said nothing. How could she, a little maid who had never read a book, think of this?
…
Due to the issue of uniform ordering, I will update the two chapters into one chapter in the future. I hope you will forgive me.
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