Shortly after noon, Hongze Lake was shrouded in lead clouds. Amidst the wind and rain, waves lapped at the shore of the lake. Amidst the blue-grey rain, the large ship carrying the birth plan and several ships guarding the shore were looming in the sight of the shore.
At the same moment, Xuyi was also immersed in a lead-blue rain curtain. The rain was not too heavy, but it had been falling continuously since last night, which made it feel a little less like summer. And due to the continuous precipitation in the past day,
The streets in the county town are already muddy and dirty, but for the people living here, they have already adapted to such an environment and it is not that unbearable.
When the carriage drove out of the pier, Ning Yi was opening the curtain and looking outside. The lunch time had passed, and the destination at this time was to go to Xiyuan to take a walk and relax. There were carriages driving in front and behind, and the one behind
Zhuo Yunfeng should be sitting in the carriage. Because in his carriage, Zhou Peizheng was dressed in men's clothing. He seemed a little cautious but couldn't help but chattered to him desperately.
For Zhou Pei, Ning Yi didn't think there was much need to hide this matter. After all, the girl in front of him was completely trustworthy, and after all, he didn't have enough status on his side to be able to use a tiger's skin as a banner when doing things.
It was also great to have a little princess standing next to him. However, it was already close to noon when Zhou Pei got up, and some information came back later. He was not the same as Wen Renbu, the brothers of the Qi family, and even Su Wenyu and others who were following him.
They all met to discuss the development of the matter.
Under such circumstances, Zhou Pei followed along and noticed clues from some fragments of the conversation she overheard. Knowing that Ning Yi planned to go to Xiyuan in the afternoon, she simply dressed up in men's clothing first and then followed him all the way.
Seeing that there was nothing going on around Ning Yi at this time, he chose to speak and asked about the doubts in his heart.
"...Has this matter been arranged? I don't know how you persuaded Vice General Chen, teacher. Also, what I said this morning, teacher, you have already expected it? Who are the kidnappers?
Ah, are you really planning on having a birthday party?"
She was so well-behaved that she was like a little secretary who followed quietly, but then she finally asked the question out loud. Ning Yi looked at Zhuo Yunfeng's carriage behind him and smiled.
"We don't know exactly what happened now, but everything that can be done has been done. I have discussed with Wenren and the others in the past two days. If someone really wants to make plans for the fleet, what is the most likely way?
.I have sorted out a few directions, and you have already done so in the morning
As I said, those juggling troupes, opera singers, and restaurant clerks who were recruited into the pier are most likely to be taken advantage of. We did a... relatively systematic investigation, which can be regarded as training people, and the results are true.
Found a few suspicious guys..."
The girl wearing a ridiculous scholar's hat looked at him and nodded vigorously. This kind of intrigue made her listen with relish: "So someone is really interested in the birthday chapter?"
Ning Yi shook his head: "Someone is monitoring the situation on the ship. It doesn't mean that they are definitely here for the birthday card. It may be more convenient for the kidnappers to get the ransom, or they may have a grudge against a second-generation ancestor who has no conscience.
Even if there is no birthday card on the ship, with so many people heading north, there are many other treasures. It is always great to be able to contribute. We have summarized some methods, such as letting the dock
A fire broke out. Everyone got off the boat quickly, and then tried to find a way to rob the property in the boat, or simply find a way to defraud a boat. No matter what, someone would have to check the bottom and step on the plate. However, once there is really something
People like this are among them, and when we told Vice General Chen, he was afraid, and in the end he had to cooperate with us... But if he is willing to cooperate with us, this matter will be easy to handle."
"Speaking of it this way, things are only a little certain?" Zhou Pei thought about it, but was quite disappointed.
Ning Yi smiled and said: "It's not that simple to be sure. Even if you follow the clues and investigate backwards, it won't be done in a day or two. However, showing weakness to the enemy and borrowing flowers to offer Buddhas, everything that needs to be done has been done. What's next?
It’s time to see if there are any results. It’s best if no one jumps into this pit. If someone does, everyone will be unlucky..."
Things like someone's birthday plan or fleet idea may be quite interesting to the little princess, but for Ning Yi, it is an unwanted side effect. Zhou Pei was still guessing that he would go to Xiyuan.
Wasn't it also to find clues about the kidnapping? After asking a few more questions, she found out that the teacher really didn't take this matter seriously and was just relaxing in the past. After thinking about it for a while, she felt that the teacher was indeed someone who did big things.
.
Ning Yi has already done everything he can to deal with this matter, so there is no need to keep thinking about it and miss the business. Even at this time, in his opinion, the possibility of something happening to the official ship is still small.
However, dozens of miles away, on Hongze Lake under the rain, a fierce encounter was already underway.
******************
Regarding the situation of the battle on Hongze Lake, Ning Yi didn't know about it until around midnight that afternoon. He had already arrived in Xiyuan before that. Although it kept raining and sewage flowed everywhere in the small county town, as the most important person in Xuyi
One of the best brothels, the environment here does not seem much worse than Jiangning or Hangzhou.
If a place like a brothel is just to satisfy the carnal desires, some mid-range venues can basically meet all requirements. Going higher up, there are businesses that are suitable for both refined and popular people, including poetry, poetry, and spiritual pleasure. Compared with flowers in ordinary places,
The sales are ten times and a hundred times higher. Just like not many people go to heaven and earth simply to find prostitutes to vent their anger. Although there is a thousand years between this time and future generations, as long as you have money, you can do whatever you can and enjoy what you can think of.
, there will still be no shortage.
Xiyuan is such a place. The backer behind it is the Xuyi County Magistrate. In the past, it received all kinds of travelers and high-profile dignitaries. This is the only place where it can really be used. The song and dance of the oiran Ji Lianhong
Her skills are all good, and it is said that when she goes to Huai'an, she will be one of the top beauties. But her ability to receive guests in the past few days seems to be a bit lacking.
In the final analysis, the people who came on board this time were either second-generation officials or third-generation emperors. No matter how powerful Ji Lianhong was, she would only receive one or two people at most. During the day, she would talk, laugh and have fun. At night, she would have to do her best to make the other party comfortable.
When it comes to accompanying so many people, keeping the level of her friends at a level without letting everyone go crazy, she can't control such a situation.
Fortunately, this time when Master Li came and passed by Xiyuan, the county magistrate asked for help. After the news of Master Li's presence was released, everyone's attention was finally diverted. She was able to deal with it in the capital.
Among the many dignitaries and literati, he was also known as a courteous man. When many people came to visit, they all acted like elegant and talented people making friends, so as not to cause trouble.
"...I thought you would be quite busy, but I didn't expect you to be so free."
The rain was pouring down, and water formed a curtain between the eaves outside, almost flooding half of the courtyard. The room was exquisitely furnished, with wooden shelves, antiques, bonsai, screens, and bead chains. There were also expensive-looking musical instruments.
There was an incense burner burning on one side of the room, and the faint green smoke was charming. Ning Yi drank the tea brought over, looked at the furnishings in the room, and said smoothly.
"Brother Ning happens to be heading north. Master is also on the way, so why not come and meet him first? The rest of the matter is not urgent."
The person making tea opposite is Li Shishi, who is the oiran of the capital. She has not been seen for a year. Her temperament has become more and more attractive. At this time, she is dressed in a dress like white lotus, with long hair shawl. The headdress is bright red, and every move is full of charm.
It’s pleasing to the eye, impeccable and perfect. laugh
"When I returned to Jiangning last year, I was thinking about when Brother Ning could go to Bianjing, and I must do my best to be a landlord. After I returned, I often talked about it with Brother Yu, Brother Chen Sifeng and Brother Chen, and finally this time
If we make the trip, maybe we can go north together, which would be great."
The relationship between Li Shishi and his childhood friend has always been good. In Hezhong, Chen Sifeng may not miss Ning Yi, but she is still quite sincere when she talks about it. Ning Yi smiled and nodded: "I shouldn't stay in the capital for too long.
It won’t be long, but we must get together if we have the chance.”
The two of them were talking like this, and Zhou Pei, who was sitting upright and enjoying tea at the side, rolled his eyes a few times and was quite interested: "Master and Miss Li have known each other before?"
Ning Yi knocked her on the head: "Follower, please don't interrupt."
"oh"
Zhou Pei shrank his head and answered, Master Li over there was very friendly and said with a smile: "I have known Brother Ning since we were young." Zhou Pei then nodded: "Oh, that's right."
When Ning Yi came over just now, Ning Yi introduced Zhou Pei as just a follower with no rules. Zhou Pei was quite amused and did not refute. But in the eyes of people like Li Shishi, her poor dressing up naturally had no effect. After a while,
, Zhou Pei got up and walked around on the second floor, actually to see who was coming from other courtyards. When there were only two people left in the room, Master Li smiled and said: "She seems to be a young girl with a lot of status, Brother Ning."
Isn’t it a problem to bring her to a place like this?”
"One of the students I teach ran away from home, but it's not a big problem."
Li Shishi laughed for a while, poured tea for Ning Yi, and asked softly: "Is Brother Ning going to Beijing for something this time?"
"There are some things." Ning Yi smiled and nodded, "After finishing it, I will probably go to Shandong for a walk."
"Ah? It's not peaceful over there..." Master Li exclaimed softly, but Ning Yi just echoed and said, "Yes." He said no more. In fact, Master Li was quite concerned about what he had to do in Beijing.
Because most people have to go through various channels no matter what they do in Beijing, she can probably help.
She was busy and willing to help, but since Ning Yi was tight-lipped, she stopped asking any more questions. She was partly frustrated, but also partly appreciative. If it was Yu Hezhong, Chen Sifeng and others in front of her, they would probably be
She couldn't hide what she said, but sometimes she felt that a man who couldn't hide his words might not be able to do great things.
After chatting like this for a while, and reminiscing about old times, I realized that Ning Yi had been to Hangzhou in the past year, and probably experienced the war and danger. Miss Li thought about it, frowned and said: "I just came back from Hangzhou and went back to
Let's run to Shandong, over there... Well, Brother Ning doesn't want to do business related to the war, right? Those things... are not easy to do, and they are not worth it..."
After all, she can be considered a well-informed person. She has heard all kinds of news from various people. Then she told some interesting stories about Shandong, and she couldn't help but talk about Liangshan: "I heard that their reputation is quite good."
Well, it is said that it is doing justice for heaven, although it may not be true.
That's true, but it seems that they tend to attack corrupt officials more often. To be honest, in the capital, my little sister is used to the dirty deeds done by those with power and status. Sometimes she feels that there are some such heroes in the world.
What a bad thing..."
She smiled bitterly, and then waved her hand, which was quite heroic. Ning Yi smiled and nodded in agreement. Only to hear the other party say again: "But that being said, if you go there, you still have to be careful. In fact, the capital is there
There are also a lot of people running around in the world, so you might as well invite one or two to accompany you, Fanlou also has these connections..."
Master Li was sincere and sincere, and he was not lying. Ning Yi nodded and thanked him. Then he talked about the things that happened along the way. After the matter of the little marquis here is settled, Master Li will probably go north with the fleet, so he said.
, Maid Chunmei
Appearing under the eaves outside the door, Li Shishi stood up and walked over. Chunmei whispered something in her ear, and looked at Ning Yi subconsciously. Amidst the sound of rain, Ning Yi heard what she said.
: "That prince came to visit."
With Li Shishi's reputation, it is not strange for someone to come to see him at any time when he lives here. However, Li Shishi and Chunmei had previously told Chunmei to politely refuse anyone who came over. Chunmei still came to pass the news at this time. Obviously, this "Prince Gongzi"
"His identity is unusual. But Li Shishi frowned and said softly: "Is there something wrong with him?"
"Uh... I said I wanted to ask Miss... for some music advice..."
"Why should I see him? Yesterday when he sang that song while I was playing the harp, Ji Lianhong saw that my expression was wrong. I was really ignorant... so I refused."
The conversation was a bit subtle. Although both of them lowered their voices, Ning Yi could hear it clearly. He finished drinking the tea in the cup and stood up: "If something happens, I won't disturb you. You..." said
When I got here, I was slightly stunned, thinking of something in my mind.
Master Li turned around and shook his head: "No, it's Chunmei who just passed the message..." Before she could finish her words, she saw Ning Yi's eyes looking over, with a complex and cautious expression, and then smiled slightly and asked
He said: "I heard...last night there was a young master who sang in harmony with his master while he was playing the harp, and his skills astounded everyone. Is that so?"
When he asked about this, Chunmei who was about to go out also stopped. Li Shishi smiled and frowned: "Brother Ning also heard about it?"
"Oh, a group of people came back in the middle of the night, making a lot of noise..."
"That's the man outside, and his speech and behavior are quite outstanding. If Brother Ning wants to get acquainted, I can introduce him to him. Although he is quite popular with Miss Ji Lian and Hong Ji." Master Li pursed his lips and chuckled, "I heard that this
That prince
He is also going to Beijing. He is very popular and well-spoken. This time, many people in Brother Ning's fleet have made friends with him and invited him to go north together. There must be places to deal with in the future... Well, Chunmei, you go and invite him.
Come in."
Chunmei was about to nod, but Ning Yi shook his hand: "No, no need, I'm just curious to ask. I heard that my master's konghou skills are unparalleled, but I didn't expect anyone to be able to match it. That... Mr. Wang, he really sang
Very well?"
"Although others have probably overrated my little sister, that Prince Wang Xian... really sings very well." Master Li nodded sincerely, and then said with a smile: "I will play for Brother Ning someday when I have time.
Listen." As she spoke, she waved to Chunmei, apparently telling her not to call the prince in. Chunmei nodded and went out, looking a little sad. At this time, there was a sound from the other side of the courtyard.
Zhou Pei's voice sounded: "Teacher, teacher..."
She ran all the way and was quite pleasantly surprised. When she arrived at the door here, she said excitedly: "It's starting to fight, it's starting to happen, it's really starting to happen..." Master Li thought someone was jealous outside and started fighting, but he heard that
Zhou Pei said: "There are really water bandits in Hongze Lake."
In the birthday card, thousands of people have been plotted, and now they are being scattered and running away. It's really amazing, teacher, how did you fight? I...oh, it's your cousin named Su Yanping.
My brother sent me the news, uh, where has he gone..."
Zhou Pei looked behind him, but there was no sign of Su Yanping, and he looked around excitedly...