In the early morning of the next day, when the sky was gray and just dawning, Wu Chengsi was awakened by red tea.
"Your Majesty, please wake up quickly, Princess Taiping is here."
Wu Chengsi sat up in one breath, and Li Zhiying also sat up rubbing her eyes.
"It's still early, you should sleep a little longer." Wu Chengsi said to his wife.
Li Zhiying responded vaguely and lay back down again.
When Wu Chengsi came to the study, Princess Taiping was holding his inkstone and looking at it.
Seeing Wu Chengsi come in, he said, "Second cousin, why are you using such an ordinary inkstone? I also have a dragon-patterned inkstone in my library. I will bring it to you next time I come here."
"I don't write often, so there's no need to use such a good inkstone. Do you have any good news for coming here so early in the morning?"
Princess Taiping said: "I haven't had a good rest in the past few days. I have been checking the Wei family's property. Although they are not directly connected with the palace, I still found clues." She raised her chin and showed a smile on her face.
"What clues?"
Wu Chengsi asked as he walked behind the desk and sat down.
Princess Taiping said: "They have very close relations with many merchants, and those merchants are supplying goods to the royal family. Among those merchants is Cai Yang."
Wu Chengsi had a thought in his mind and said sharply: "You mean, these businessmen are all affiliated with the same organization as Cai Yang. They conspired with the Wei family to steal the treasury?"
"Yes, I think it's quite possible."
"In that case, why did the people from that organization want to kill Uncle Wei?" Wu Chengsi asked.
Princess Taiping thought for a while, tilted her head and said, "Could it be that the spoils were unevenly distributed, causing internal strife?"
Wu Chengsi shook his head and said: "This matter cannot be completed in a day or two. Even if they really have conflicts, they cannot delay it until now."
"why?"
Wu Chengsi thought for a long time, his eyes flickered and said: "I do have a suspicion."
"What suspicion?"
"One thing has always made me wonder. Why did the murderer choose to kill Yan Yaosheng next to the secret treasury of the Wei Mansion?"
Princess Taiping clapped her hands and said, "Yes, I think it's quite strange too."
Wu Chengsi said slowly: "If the Wei family really has contact with that organization, then it is not surprising that they know the location of the Wei Mansion's secret vault. I suspect that they chose that place deliberately!"
Princess Taiping was surprised and said: "Aren't they in the same group? What good will it do to them if Wei Mansion's secret treasury is exposed?"
"If this matter is really a conspiracy between the Wei family and that organization, they probably want to divert our attention to the Wei family." Wu Chengsi narrowed his eyes.
Princess Taiping frowned and thought for a while, then said, "Could it be that they already know that we are investigating them?"
Wu Chengsi nodded and said in a solemn tone: "I'm afraid they not only know that we are investigating the treasury, but also see through my disguise."
Princess Taiping was stunned for a while and said in shock: "Second cousin, you have always stayed in the hall, unless the person behind the organization is in the hall!"
"It's not impossible that he sent a subordinate in the main hall. All in all, now that they know that we are investigating them, they will never sit still and wait for death. Remember to bring more guards with you when you go out recently."
Princess Taiping snorted: "Do they still dare to assassinate me?"
"They even dare to take ideas from the treasury, so why not? If you don't obey, I won't let you continue the investigation."
"I know, I just listen to you." Princess Taiping flattened her mouth and said, "Then what will I be responsible for in the future?"
Wu Chengsi said: "Just go investigate those imperial merchants and pay close attention to them. Don't act rashly."
Princess Taiping got the task and left with satisfaction.
Not long after she left, Wu Chengsi also left the palace, and another quarter of an hour passed before Li Zhiying came out of the bedroom.
As she walked towards Nuange, she asked Hongming, "Is the prince still discussing matters with Princess Taiping?"
"No, Her Royal Highness the Princess left early, and the Prince also went to the military camp." Hong Ming replied.
"What about Jade Brocade?"
"Miss Yujin hasn't gotten up yet."
Li Zhiying didn't ask any more questions. After having breakfast in Nuang Pavilion, she changed into an ordinary dress.
He also ordered his servants to pack some prepared medicine and fruit, and then called Lu Xiong, the commander of the bodyguards, over.
She ordered Lu Xiong to also change into casual clothes, and bring two guards in casual clothes with her to go out.
Soon, an extremely simple carriage drove out from the second gate of the palace, with Lu Xiong and two guards accompanying the carriage.
The carriage went south, and when it came to a small alley, Li Zhiying ordered the carriage to stop.
Then, he took three guards and Hong Ming into the alley.
In front of a dilapidated house, Li Zhiying stopped and was about to ask Hong Ming to knock on the door, but found that the door was locked.
She frowned slightly, stood there for a while, then turned and walked deeper into the alley.
She seemed to be quite familiar with this place, and after going around and around, she came to a dirty wine shop.
Before entering the door, you can hear noisy, vulgar, and dirty words coming from the wine shop.
Just by listening to the sounds, you can tell that there are some hooligans inside.
Although Lu Xiong didn't understand why the princess came to such a place, he didn't dare to ask any more questions.
Li Zhiying stood outside for a while and then stepped into the liquor store.
As soon as I entered the wine shop, it was like a switch was pressed, and all the noise disappeared.
A pair of two-colored eyes, like honey attracted by honey, stared at Li Zhiying intently.
Drooling saliva kept flowing from his mouth.
Although Li Zhiying wears ordinary clothes, she can't hide her graceful figure and beautiful face.
In the wine shop, many people saw this beauty for the first time, as if they were in a dream.
Li Zhiying turned a blind eye to these glances and went straight to the liquor store to search.
Soon, she discovered Li Jingye.
He was sitting in the corner, drinking wine, and next to him was a man with a deer head and a rat-like eyes.
Li Zhiying walked towards the two of them.
There was a strange light in the eyes of the man with the deer head and rat eyes, and his tone was trembling: "Here, this lady...are you here to find me?"
Li Zhiying shook her head slightly, turned to Li Jingye, frowned and said: "Brother, why do you come here to drink so early in the morning?"
Li Jingye seemed to have noticed her just then. He looked up and said with drunken eyes, "It's you, why are you here to see me?"
Li Zhiying frowned.
From the drunken appearance of Li Jingye, it can be seen that he must have been drinking here all night.
The man with a deer head and rat eyes screamed strangely:
"Okay, Brother Li, you have such a handsome sister and you don't even want to introduce her to me. Do you think you don't regard me as your brother?"
A big man with bare chest hair has been staring here.
After hearing what Li Zhiying said, she stood up and walked over, patting Li Jingye on the shoulder.
"What a good boy, you still dare to lie to Mr. Niu and say that you have no family. For the money you owe Mr. Niu, just use your sister to pay off the debt."
Hong Ming was the timid one. When she saw the big man, she hurriedly shrank behind Li Zhiying.
Li Jingye's face turned red for a while, and he said loudly: "Niu Scar, the money I owe you will be paid back to you sooner or later, so don't waste time here."
The big red-haired man picked up Li Jingye and roared: "How dare you talk to Mr. Niu like that, are you so impatient?"
The saliva was sprayed all over his face.
Li Jingye struggled desperately, but he couldn't move the big man's arm even with all his strength.
Li Zhiying was surprised and sad at the same time. How long had passed before her brother became like this?
She couldn't bear it anymore and shouted: "Stop."
The big man laughed ferociously and said: "Little beauty, you..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a fist as big as a casserole hit his face. The big man flew two feet away and hit a table hard, causing him to faint immediately.
In the wine shop, the people who were about to move towards Li Zhiying all took two steps back and looked at Lu Xiong in horror.
Lu Xiong wiped the blood on his fist and said coldly: "Whoever is rude to my wife again will be an example."
Li Zhiying helped Li Jingye up and said softly: "Brother, how much money do you owe that person, let me help you pay it back, okay?"
Li Jingye was filled with shame and anger, and threw away Li Zhiying's hand.
"You don't need to meddle in other people's business. Whether I live or die is none of your business!"
Li Zhiying bit her lip, put the food box on the table, and said: "There are some medicinal foods in here, please remember to take some. Alcohol is the most harmful to the body, so it is better to drink less in the future."
Li Jingye waved his hand, threw the food box on the ground, and said coldly: "I don't want your things, and I don't need you to pity me!"
Li Zhiying pursed her lips tightly, feeling aggrieved in her heart.
After a long while, he silently left the wine shop.
The man surnamed Wu with the deer-headed eyes looked Li Jingye up and down, clapped his hands and said:
"Damn it, you really have the spirit of disowning all your relatives. If I have a sister like this, I will be willing to eat fast and chant Buddha's name even if she asks me to do so."
Li Jingye said nothing and sat back at the table, drinking silently.
The man named Wu was about to sit down when he suddenly found a hand on his shoulder.
When he turned around, he saw a fat man looking at him with squinting eyes and said: "Wu Er Laizi, let me have a word with Brother Li."
The man surnamed Wu smiled apologetically and said: "I understand, then Wu will not disturb you two."
This man is the manager of a wine shop. He has been able to open a wine shop in such a place for more than ten years. His background is not simple. Naturally, the man named Wu does not dare to offend him.
The shopkeeper of the wine shop came to Li Jingye, said something to him, then turned around and left.
Li Jingye was shocked and followed him silently.
The two came to a room in the backyard, and a waiter closed the door and stood guard outside.
Li Jingye asked coldly: "What did you mean by that sentence just now?"
The wine shop owner said calmly: "That's what it means literally. Your Highness King Pei asked me to come to you and do something for him?"
Li Jingye gritted his teeth and said, "Do you have any letters or certificates from His Highness King Pei on you?"
"No."
Li Jingye said angrily: "Then how can I believe that you are from His Highness King Pei?"
The wine shop owner smiled and said, "At this time, would anyone risk taking the risk of King Peng? To be honest, if our boss didn't owe Prince Pei some favors, he wouldn't be willing to take the risk to spread this message."
Li Jingye stared at the shopkeeper silently, as if judging the authenticity of his words.
"Anyway, my message has arrived and the task has been completed. It's up to you whether you agree or not."
"Actually, I don't think you need to agree. King Pei is already finished. If you continue to work for him, there are only risks and no benefits." The shopkeeper curled his lips.
Li Jingye sneered and said, "People like you don't understand the word 'loyalty'. Tell me, what does His Highness King Pei want me to do?"
The hotel manager said calmly: "It's up to you whether you want to do it or not. I'm only responsible for delivering oral messages. This is the content. You can read it yourself."
He said and handed over a piece of paper.
After Li Jingye took it, he took a look and said in surprise: "What is the relationship between this person and His Royal Highness King Pei? Why do you want me to kill him?"
The hotel manager curled his lips and said: "I have already said that I am just a messenger and know nothing else. You can leave."
Li Jingye glanced at him coldly, opened the door and strode away.
The waiter entered the room and said with confusion on his face: "Shopkeeper, with your attitude like this, will he go?"
The shopkeeper smiled and said: "He will definitely go. Among King Pei's party, this person is the most loyal. The more I underestimate King Pei, the angrier he becomes. He will definitely go all out to carry out King Pei's last order."
The waiter sneered: "What a fool, he doesn't even know he is doing things for us."
The shopkeeper smiled and said: "He is the eldest grandson of the British Duke Li Ji and the brother-in-law of King Wu Chengsi of Zhou. If he is not stupid, how could he get into this situation."
The waiter nodded and said, "That's true."
After a pause, he asked again: "But shopkeeper, haven't we already found a good person before? Why did you suddenly change your mind and let Li Jingye do this?"
The shopkeeper smiled and said: "Because there is no better candidate than him. If others fail, there is a risk of exposing us. If he fails, there is no risk."
The guy was stunned: "Why?"
The shopkeeper touched his chubby chin and said proudly: "Let me ask you, even if Jingzhao Mansion finds out Li Jingye, who would dare to arrest King Zhou's brother-in-law?"
The waiter clapped his hands and said, "Yes, even if you give them the courage, they won't dare."
After a while, he frowned and said: "But if King Zhou asks Li Jingye, will he expose us?"
The shopkeeper glanced at him and said: "Idiot, Li Jingye only takes it as an order from King Pei. Even if he dies, he will not tell anyone a word."
The clerk said with a smile: "He is indeed the best candidate."
…
Li Jingye left the liquor store, holding the note tightly, and quickly returned to his house.
As soon as I opened the door, my pupils couldn't help but shrink, and I saw a strange man in black standing in the small courtyard.
Li Jingye glanced at the sword in the opponent's hand, took a step back, and shouted: "Who are you? Why did you break into my house without permission?"
The man said quietly: "You don't have to worry about who I am, I just want to tell you who the person who gave you the note is."
Li Jingye was taken aback and said, "Did you eavesdrop on our conversation just now?"
The man in black did not answer, but said slowly: "That man's name is Yin Hong, and I have been watching him for a long time. His boss is a businessman named Cai Yang, and he has nothing to do with King Pei Li Xian!"
Li Jingye said loudly: "Then this note..."
"Of course it's fake. They just want to use you to kill someone for them."
Li Jingye froze in place, unable to say a word for a long time.
The man in black walked slowly and passed by him, as if he really just wanted to say this.
Li Jingye suddenly turned around and shouted: "Who are you? Why do you want to help me?"
The man in black said without looking back: "You don't have to think too much, I'm just targeting Yin Hong, not to help you."
Li Jingye's shoulders slumped and he collapsed on the ground, as if he had suddenly lost all strength.
After the man in black left Li Jingye's house, he went all the way north to Dali Temple. The guard bowed his hands respectfully and said, "Nie Si Cheng."
Nie Ziyun nodded, went straight into Dali Temple, picked a black horse from the stables, led the horse out of Dali Temple, and ran all the way to the west gate.
After passing through the west gate, we rode to the Xidu Camp. After the announcement, we met Wu Chengsi in the commander's tent.
In a few words, he told the story of Cai Yang's men buying and killing people, but did not mention Li Jingye.
Wu Chengsi stood up from the low stool, frowned, and said: "He wants to pay for another murder? Who is he killing this time?"
"My name is Tong An, a famous stonemason in Chang'an City." Nie Ziyun replied.
Wu Chengsi pondered for a long time and hummed: "First a monk, now a stonemason, what exactly does Cai Yang want to do?"
Nie Ziyun said: "The stonemason named Tong An recently built a Buddha statue in Daci'en Temple."
"Da Ci'en Temple? Which temple did the dead monk belong to?"
“It’s also the Great Ci’en Temple!”
Wu Chengsi took a long breath and said with a smile: "Finally found a connection point."
After thinking for a moment, he ordered: "You can close the net on Cai Yang's subordinate, and then send people to Daci'en Temple to investigate. If I guessed correctly, Cai Yang is in that temple."
Nie Ziyun nodded, cupped his hands and said, "I will personally go to Da Ci'en Temple to investigate."
It was noon, there was still no sunlight in the sky, and the chill was getting colder day by day.
But on the long street, most people had festive smiles on their faces.
In recent nights, the most prosperous neighborhood in the city often holds lantern festivals. The New Year is approaching, and people who have worked hard for a year will relax their body and mind at this time.
As long as you have a good year, you will have the motivation to work hard in the coming year.
For the Xue family, this year is probably the most difficult one to endure, but Xue Yujin is already energetic and ready to face everything.
She packed up her last few clothes and jewelry and prepared to go to Daci'en Temple.
This afternoon, there will be a Buddhist debate in the temple, which will definitely attract many ladies from the imperial court and young ladies from aristocratic families to watch.
She can then take the opportunity to sell things to them.
Two quarters after noon, Cheng Caiyi arrived at the palace. The three girls had lunch together, and then rode a carriage straight to the Great Ci'en Temple.
On the carriage, Cheng Caiyi was about to speak but stopped.
Xue Yujin said in a deep voice: "Caiyi, did you hear something again? If you have anything to say, just say it, don't worry about me."
Cheng Caiyi said: "It's not about you." He glanced at Li Zhiying.
Xue Yujin asked curiously: "Is it related to Zhiying?"
Cheng Caiyi nodded, saw Li Zhiying looking over, and said: "Zhiying, what's going on with Miss Xu in your house? I heard that she is the daughter of the governor of Yangzhou."
Before Li Zhiying could speak, Xue Yujin rushed to say: "She helped Brother Wu, so Brother Wu asked Zhiying to treat her eyes, and she will leave after the treatment."
Cheng Caiyi stared at Li Zhiying and said, "Is this really the case?"
Xue Yujin shouted: "Caiyi, what do you mean by this?"
Cheng Caiyi was silent for a moment and said: "Recently, word of what Brother Wu did in Yangzhou has spread to Chang'an. Many teahouses and restaurants in the city are talking about Brother Wu and Miss Xu."
Xue Yujin's face changed slightly and said: "What are you talking about them?"
"For example, in order to save Miss Xu, Brother Wu used the strategy of luring the tiger away from the mountain to lure the King of Yue out, and then sent an army to rescue Miss Xu from the tiger's mouth."
"In order to save Governor Xu, Brother Wu pretended to insult Miss Xu and tricked the King of Yue into releasing Governor Xu."
She sighed and continued: "These things have even been made into stories by storytellers. Many people say that Brother Wu and Miss Xu are a perfect match for their talents and looks."
Xue Yujin was furious: "That's nonsense. Brother Wu has already married Zhiying as his princess. Don't those people know?"
"Don't forget, Brother Wu is now a prince. With his status and prestige, it is not out of the ordinary to accept the daughter of a governor as a concubine. Moreover, it was Brother Wu who saved Governor Xu's life."
Xue Yujin became even more angry and said: "I originally said that the woman was pitiful and that she really came to see a doctor. It turned out that I wanted to seduce Brother Wu. Zhiying, let's go back right now and kick her out of the palace!"
Li Zhiying shook her head and said: "Yujin, Caiyi is right, Wu Lang is already a prince, and sooner or later he will have a concubine."
Xue Yujin was surprised: "Zhiying, you are not going to accept her, are you?"
Li Zhiying looked out the window and said quietly: "Since Wu Lang likes her and her character is not bad, what reason do I have not to accept her?"
Xue Yujin was shocked and said: "Wu, does Brother Wu like her?"
Li Zhiying nodded slightly.
Xue Yujin stared blankly at the top of the carriage and said no more.
Seeing that the atmosphere had become like this, Cheng Caiyi felt a little regretful.
She originally just wanted to remind her friends, but she didn't expect it would turn out like this. She quickly changed the topic and said:
"I heard that the lamas who came to Da Ci'en Temple will have three competitions with the masters of Da Ci'en Temple. Today is only the first competition."
Li Zhiying said: "In addition to discussing Buddhism, what else should we compare?"
Cheng Caiyi said: "Discussing Buddhism is just a literary fight, and there will be a military fight next."
When Xue Yujin heard the word "武", he immediately took the bait and said, "Are they still going to compete in martial arts?"
Cheng Caiyi said: "Yes, after the fighting, the last part is sitting meditation."
"How can sitting meditation be compared?" Xue Yujin asked curiously.
Li Zhiying said with a smile: "Of course. Buddhists value sitting meditation most and call it meditation. The longer the sitting meditation lasts, the more people will respect it."
Xue Yujin said "Oh", obviously not interested in this kind of competition.