The discussion in the restaurant was all arranged by Zhao Jin in advance, in order to spread the rumors as soon as possible.
Sure enough, within six or seven days, the whole Guanjia Town was full of rumors, and the rumors became more and more outrageous.
People are talking about the fact that the Qingzhou garrison wanted to seize the Cheng family property. After Cheng Chang was killed, they not only failed to arrest the murderer, but instead massacred the entire Cheng family.
Sometimes rumors are so strange, with truth mixed in with lies, and lies with truth in them.
The news quickly spread to Haixing Mansion, and Lord Tongpan was furious when he found out.
"This is simply nonsense! How can anyone believe such a ridiculous rumor?!"
The subordinates did not dare to get into trouble, so they had to explain: "Maybe... maybe it's because all the Cheng family members died when Zhong Dujian went there, so such rumors spread, right?"
"Ningshan Town is close to Qingzhou, and is only half a day's journey from the Qingzhou Camp. A tragedy occurred in the Cheng family. According to the previous regulations, any major case that occurs along the coast can be investigated by the nearest military camp. The purpose is to clear out the rampant pirates.
Lord Tongpan paused and said: "That day I sent Guo Shan to check the scene. What did he say when he came back?"
"Doctor Zhong said that when he arrived at the Cheng Mansion, everyone in the Cheng Mansion had been killed by the thieves." The subordinate replied.
"The people who went with me that day also said so?"
"Yes."
"Since no pirates were found on the spot, this murder case has been handed over to Jianzhou Zhechong Mansion for investigation. Why are there such ridiculous rumors directed at our Qingzhou army in recent days?" Lord Tongjian frowned, looking very unhappy. "This subordinate really doesn't know."
"Where are the others in Guo Shan?"
"Guo Dujian has been staying in the military camp these days, neither going out nor going home."
"Investigate! Immediately send someone to investigate the whole case of the Cheng family's extermination." Lord Tong Juan ordered.
"Sir, the murder case is now under the jurisdiction of the Zhejiang Chongfu. Is it inappropriate for us to get involved again?" the subordinate reminded.
"They investigate theirs, and we investigate ours. This matter has affected the reputation of our Qingzhou camp, and it must be investigated."
"Yes!" After receiving the order, the subordinate turned and left.
"Wait a minute!" Master Tongjian stopped his subordinates who were leaving and said: "Guo Shan is not doing his job well and has failed to arrest the pirates. He has also come back in a state of disgrace. I have ordered him to be suspended from all positions and fined for one year."
, go home immediately and think about your mistakes behind closed doors!"
"My lord..."
"Let's do it like this," Lord Tongpan interrupted directly, "It won't be too late to talk about other things after the matter is found out."
Guo Shan, who had been staying in the military camp, had a gloomy face after receiving the order from the judge, but he did not dare to say a word, so he could only pack his things and prepare to leave.
After all, he knew in his heart that he had killed dozens of members of the Cheng family. At this time, he could only keep a low profile, otherwise if he was really found out, neither the organization behind it nor the general judge would let him go. p>
Fortunately, the people I brought with me that day were all my cronies. We were all grasshoppers on the same rope. I believe no one would be stupid enough to seek death.
Before leaving the camp, Guo Shan whispered to the people around him.
"Damn it, let our people keep an eye on this, something is wrong!"
......
Zhejiang Chongfu, other courtyard.
"Rumors that are too obvious will be easily exposed." Chen Ping said while holding the book: "It is mixed with a certain amount of truth to make people feel uneasy."
"Then when will we leave?" Ye Chongwen couldn't wait.
"The time is almost up. We will rush to Guanjia Town early tomorrow morning." Chen Ping looked at the Su family siblings and expressed his thoughts, "Don't follow me this time. It's better to rush back to the capital this morning."
, so that the family will not keep thinking about it."
Su Lin became anxious when he heard this: "Brother-in-law, how can this be possible? How can you abandon us at this time?"
"We will go with you!" Su Yiyi naturally would not agree. She knew that this trip was quite dangerous. Even if Chen Ping had a comprehensive plan, who could guarantee that there would be no accidents?
Once the situation is out of control, the status of Minister of War still has some effect.
"No! You shouldn't be too involved in this matter. If you don't control it well, it will affect your father. I don't want to see such a situation. Besides, if you return to the capital first, you can help me inquire about Qi Hongming's situation. In the future,
It will always be useful." Chen Ping shook his head with a firm attitude.
"But..." Su Lin still wanted to fight for it.
Ye Chongwen naturally understood Chen Ping's concerns and knew that what he decided would not be changed easily. He stepped forward and patted Su Lin on the shoulder and said: "Chen Ping is right. Your mother has urged you several times to go back."
I guess we have to send someone to arrest you and your sister. It’s better to go back quickly and see you in the capital then."
Su Yiyi knew that her and her brother's abilities were limited, and staying would cause trouble for Chen Ping, but she still couldn't worry about Chen Ping's safety. "If something is impossible, you must not act recklessly. Safety first."
Chen Ping smiled and said with relief: "Don't worry, I have Brother Luo to protect me, nothing will happen to me. Right?"
After saying that, he turned to look at Luo Li.
Luo Li suddenly looked a little arrogant. Although he still didn't speak, he tightened the long knife in his waist, seemingly telling everyone that as long as he was there, Chen Ping would be safe.
Su Yiyi and Su Lin did not insist anymore, but repeatedly reminded everyone to pay attention to safety, and then returned to the room to pack their luggage.
In the early morning of the next day, everyone said goodbye outside the city. Su Yiyi looked back at Chen Ping three times with each step, her reluctance to say goodbye was palpable.
Chen Ping just smiled and waved, watching the carriage go further and further away, and suppressed the thoughts in his heart, because he knew that now was not the time to talk about his children's personal affairs.
Guanjia Town can connect to Qingzhou and Jianzhou. It is close to the sea and has developed commerce and trade.
The Qingzhou camp was not located in Haixing Mansion because it was here to resist pirate raids on the trade routes.
But the common people never imagined that one day what really troubled them would not be pirates but the rumored "military bandits".
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The carriage stopped outside Guanjia Town, and everyone could see the military flags along the road from a distance.
"Going north from this official road, you can directly reach Haixing Mansion." Ye Chongwen opened the curtain and looked out.
"The atmosphere in Guanjia Town has been tense recently. No traffic is allowed at night and a curfew is imposed. We can just stay outside." Chen Ping had already arranged for Zhao Jin to rent a separate courtyard outside the town.
As soon as everyone got off the carriage, Ye Chongwen was attracted by the golden pine trees beside the courtyard wall.
"This is a good place. The green pines are long and tough, which is a good sign."
"I would say peach trees are better to ward off evil spirits and avoid evil!" Zhao Jin opened the door, and he was already waiting in the courtyard.
Ye Chongwen smiled and said, "It's not easy to get a peach tree. Just find a place to dig one and bring it back."
Chen Ping followed behind him slowly and said, "Brother Zhao likes peach blossoms?"
Ye Chongwen directly grabbed the topic and said: "This peach blossom is not that peach blossom. It's time for Brother Zhao to find us a sister-in-law."
"You kid made fun of me again." Zhao Jin rarely showed a relaxed expression, pointed at Ye Chongwen and smiled.
"Everyone has a love for beauty." Chen Ping also felt that Zhao Jin really should start a family. He has been busy investigating the behind-the-scenes organization over the past few years, and his own affairs have been delayed.
"Same for you?" Luo Li finally walked into the other courtyard and asked.
Chen Ping stopped, looked back at him, and replied with a half-smile: "There are many beauties and beautiful scenery in the world. Men can appreciate women, and so can women. In life, in addition to beauties, there are also wind, flowers, snow, moon, the rotation of the four seasons, and even good deeds.
Same reason!"
Luo Li curled his lips and said, "I didn't expect that you are a philanthropic person."
Chen Ping's expression was slightly startled, and he was a little surprised at Luo Li's change. Unexpectedly, after getting along for a long time, he found that he didn't seem so cold.
Zhao Jin and Ye Chongwen smiled at each other and noticed that Luo Li was starting to feel a little different.
The people in the Jiulong Hall in the other courtyard have not yet left. As soon as they saw Chen Ping, they told him everything they had seen and heard in the past few days.
"Guo Shan has a guilty conscience as a thief. He has been staying at home recently and refused to go out. There are people guarding him both inside and outside the mansion."
Chen Ping was not surprised. If Guo Shan was not a fool, he would definitely be aware of the danger in Guanjia Town.
"Guo Shan can't figure out the situation now, so he is in a passive position, and the surroundings must be heavily guarded."
After hearing the investigation, Ye Chongwen felt that the matter was a bit tricky, "The Guo Mansion is not far from the military camp, and there are wives, daughters, and nursing homes at home. He is now hiding in the mansion, and we can't kill him directly with a knife.
Come in?"
Luo Li stood up and was about to say something, but Chen Ping interrupted him directly. Without asking, Luo Li definitely said that he could go in, but this was not in line with Chen Ping's plan: "The matter is of great importance, and the investigation is the most important."
Luo Li had no choice but to sit down quietly and wait for Chen Ping to assign tasks to him.
"It can lead people out."
Naturally, Chen Ping would not act recklessly. After all, the opponent was a member of the military, and he was still near someone else's base camp. It was definitely not the best idea to attack him head-on, so he had to find a way to lure Guo Shan out and create an opportunity to meet alone.
"Luring the snake out of its hole, where did we get the bargaining chip?" Zhao Jin asked puzzledly.
Chen Ping took out Ling Shu's jade finger from his sleeve, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes.
……
The sky is getting dark, and bright lights are lit up in the flower streets and willow alleys.
There was a wave of laughter upstairs in Yuelai, and the bright-eyed woman stretched out her hands to lift her sleeves and sent flirtatious glances downstairs.
The window of the private room on the second floor was opened, and Chen Ping was leaning against the window and looking down. Zhao Jin, Ye Chongwen, and the five hall masters were all in the room.
The guests in the Yuelai Building were drunk and lying in bed, enjoying themselves and not thinking about Shu. Zhao Jin was also intoxicated in a gentle country and had been staying here for several days.
"Master?" The girl touched the drink with a charming look, "What do you want to do today?"
"Let's talk about something today. Just do what you agreed to do yesterday." Zhao Jin took out a hundred-tael silver note from his arms and put it on the table.
"Whatever I say is what I say. The little girl just takes money to do things. Once tonight is over, she won't remember anything." The girl understood and pulled her sleeves and smiled shyly.
"The girl is smart. Then it's my job to help you."
After getting the money, the girl happily went downstairs and bumped into a guest in the stairwell.
The man was drunk and about to get angry, but suddenly he smelled a fragrance and heard a voice as soft as honey.
"Oh, sir, are you okay? Did you crash somewhere?"
The drinker squinted his eyes and saw that she was a beauty. He smiled seductively and hugged her waist.
"My lord, my health is so fragile. My beauty, you don't have anyone to accompany you today, right?"
"I'm just waiting for you to favor me."
Zhao Jin stood at the door of the private room, watching condescendingly as the man put his arms around the girl and left his sight.
"That person is from the military camp. He is an escort officer. Although he is not directly under Guo Shan, he has a close relationship with him." The fifth hall leader explained to everyone.
Guo Shan is now staying at home, but he has not refused visitors, and the escort officer can enter and leave Guo's house.
"Keep an eye on him." Chen Ping ordered.
The fourth hall master nodded, turned to look at the hall on the first floor, and winked at the crowd.
Immediately, a man as thin as a monkey stood up, walked out, waited for the escort officer to come out, and then followed him.
Not long after, the escorting officer walked out of the room drunkenly. It seemed that he had finished his work and was about to leave.
The girl then walked out of the room and nodded slightly towards Zhao Jin.
"Do you have a clear understanding of this person's situation?" Chen Ping asked, standing at the window, watching the people from Kowloon Hall following the escort officer.
"You can do it at any time." Zhao Jin nodded.
"In that case, there is no need to delay."
Chen Ping played with the thumb in his hand and slowly gathered his thoughts, "Qingzhou's ships can bypass the land and conduct inspections directly to the north. Haixing Prefecture and Guanjia Town are close at hand, leaving us not much time."
Ye Chongwen was a little excited, but still didn't understand what Chen Ping's plan was, and asked: "But what reason can we use to let Guo Shan come out?"
"What is Guo Shan afraid of?" Chen Ping asked.
"Death?" Ye Chongwen said without hesitation.
"They are outlaws themselves when they embark on this road. They are more worried about not being able to complete the mission assigned to them than death." Chen Pinghan said in a cold voice, with a stern look in his eyes. "When Ling Shu Gou jumped over the wall, wasn't it because he was worried about the transportation mission?
That’s why we have to take action before the time limit.”
When everyone heard this, they immediately understood what Chen Ping wanted to do.
"Is this too dangerous?" the fifth hall leader asked worriedly
"If you take a wrong approach with your sword, you may easily injure yourself." Ye Chongwen also has this worry.
Zhao Jin looked at Chen Ping silently.
"If you don't enter the tiger's den, you won't get the tiger's cubs." Chen Ping naturally would not drag everyone into a dangerous situation, so he had considered it as carefully as possible. "The biggest flaw of that organization is that they all use tokens as identity verification and communication.
, then this is a good thing for us, we can use this loophole to lure Guo Shan out."
Everyone gathered around and sat down, and Chen Ping whispered his plan.
In the end, it was unanimously agreed that this matter was feasible.
.......
In the evening of the next day, Yuelailou.
The escort officer was wearing sapphire blue brocade and stepped into the building with a smile. He immediately saw the beauty with red makeup walking in front of him.
"Oh, isn't this the beauty from yesterday!"
There was a spring breeze last night, and the escort officer couldn't forget it. When he saw it again, his eyes were straight.
After hearing the sound, the girl turned her head and saw the person clearly. She immediately glared at him angrily and said softly.
"The general came here very early today, but I don't know which sister he was looking for to have fun with?"
She wrung her handkerchief and walked inside while talking, which took away the spirit of the escort officer.
The escort officer hurriedly caught up with her, took her hand and said: "Where can I find anyone else? My beauty, I came here specifically to see you today."
"I don't believe it. How can a big man like the general remember me?"
"Oh, no matter how powerful I am, I can't compare to the delicate fingers of a beauty!"
The escort officer in the army is actually just a nobody. When he heard others call him a general, he was so happy that he forgot about himself.
He put his arm around the girl's waist and pouted to kiss her, completely ignoring that she was in the hall.
"General, it's so noisy outside, why don't you and I go sit in the private room?" The girl quickly took a few steps back and said shyly.
The escort officer was so amused by her that he nodded eagerly.
Chen Ping and others were sitting in another private room, watching everything that had just happened.
"I heard that some drugs are added to the wine in brothels to enhance pleasure. Is it true?" Ye Chongwen was curious and asked Zhao Jin.
"You'll know if you try it?" Zhao Jin couldn't help teasing Ye Chongwen.
"You can't give this medicine easily, right? What if you encounter a sick person and have an accident?"
"Then die." Luo Li said with a straight face.
Ye Chongwen suddenly put down his wine glass. Although he was in good health, he still felt that it was better not to try this kind of thing randomly.
Chen Ping laughed loudly and found it very interesting to see Ye Chongwen's embarrassment. There was no tense atmosphere of action in the private room, as if everything was under control.
Just as they were joking, the door of the escort officer's private room was opened, and a figure squeezed in through the crack in the door.
The two Yas were not far apart, and they heard a scream immediately, but it was quickly covered by the noise.
Chen Ping glanced down and saw the singing and dancing birds downstairs. The scene was very confusing.
Compared with the beautified brothels in previous movies and TV dramas, the real situation before us is really difficult to describe.
The escort officer's private room was now in a mess.
The charm and ambiguity were swept away, and the girl's beauty was eclipsed, hiding behind the curtain and shivering.
The escort officer turned pale and was frightened by the sudden appearance of the man.
"Do you know who I am? I am a general in the army. If you dare to attack me, I...can't spare you!"
The man had a strange appearance, a cold expression, and a slightly sinister look at the corner of his mouth. He was still holding the escort officer's steel knife in his hand. The knife passed in front of the escort officer, and the cold light was very scary.
"Don't worry, Qingzhou Camp is not far away. I don't want to cause trouble, I just want you to send a message for me."
"What's the message?" the escort officer asked vigilantly.
"You know Guo Shan, right?" The man sat down, took out a letter and threw it to him, "Give this to Guo Shan."
There is no name on the letter, only a red seal with a pattern and text.
The escort officer didn't look carefully, but asked in shock: "If you want to find him, can't you just go to his house directly?"
"Nonsense!" The man's expression changed, and he cursed with gloomy eyes: "He knows what this bastard did! His Guo Mansion has been targeted for a long time!"
As soon as these words came out, the escort officer looked up and down at the man in front of him in surprise and asked.
"What do you mean? Who are you?"
Others don't know about the Cheng family, but he knows a thing or two.
Guo Shan once said that although there are a lot of rumors outside, there is no real evidence and they will disappear after some time.
Could it be that this person came because of the Cheng family’s affairs?
The escort officer's eyes rolled around, and when he saw that the man didn't reply, he could only pick up his clothes from the ground and squeeze out a smile.
"Brother, if you have something to say, please tell me. Has Guo Shan offended you?"
"This is not something you can inquire about," the man suddenly said in a cold voice, with a fierce aura, "Guo Shan ruined a big thing from above..." Before the man finished speaking, he frowned as if it was inappropriate, and started talking again.
Reposted. "Anyway, you send this letter to him and tell him that time is running out and get things ready quickly. Otherwise... hum, he knows the consequences!"
After saying that, the man turned around and left the private room without giving the escorting officer a chance to ask further questions.
It’s a big chapter of 5,200 words, so I won’t break it into chapters.
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