The setting sun was blurry, illuminating half of the city's skyline gray and half dim.
Cui Luo, the head of the Cui Mansion, walked out of the Taiwei Palace quickly, with sullen eyes and a gloomy face. All that came to his mind were the crowds and ridicules he received when he paid homage to Duke Jin of Qi. If he hadn't been in office for many years and had excellent qi-nurturing skills, I'd be afraid that
At that time, I wanted to stand up and walk away.
Shu Zi is arrogant and bullies others too much!
But he said that an hour ago, Cui Lu secretly asked Shan Ling Guards to do something, and after several days of planning, he finally succeeded in one fell swoop. The little Taoist priest who made Wan'er obsessed was finally confirmed and imprisoned in a cage.
The key to success was that the government staff followed Tan Qing that day, followed the clues, and found her hiding place. They wanted to find traces of Tan Xiangchu through Tan Qing, so as to report the news to Taiwei Palace. Who knows that in Nanshi
After guarding for several days, they discovered that Yang Chaoxi, who had been hiding for many days, took Tan Qing and other people, old and young, to play in the water of King Wei's pool.
So Cui Luo made a decisive decision and ordered the remaining mountain guards to come out. He made many arrangements and rushed to the King of Wei Pond. Taking advantage of those few people who were not prepared, he captured Tan Qing first and used it as bait. As expected, Yang Chaoxi pursued him.
, until you plunge headlong into the trap prepared in advance... The whole set of operations are interlocking and watertight, which is a wonderful work!
Cui Luo had a calculation in his mind: Tan Qing was in his hands, and Tan Xiangchu could be lured to rescue him. If he gave it to Taiwei Palace, how could Wang Jin not miss his favor? As for Yang Chaoxi, he needed to pay more attention.
Later, after Wan'er set off to marry in Chang'an, she would treat it as a generous gift and secretly give it to Wang Jin for disposal. This matter must be done with great caution, after all, the master of the little Taoist priest was the famous "White Mountain Man" Li Changyuan.
If you offend too much, wouldn't there be another powerful enemy in the court?
Cui Luo was so happy that he immediately urged the housekeeper to prepare carriages and horses, and rushed to Taiwei Palace. He thought that what happened today was all a credit to him no matter what. If Wang Jin is willing to accept the favor, he can also join the Yuan and Cui families.
Marriage, it is possible that he will not be able to move up to the next level in his lifetime; even if Wang Jin's attitude is vague, after all, he will not hit the smiling person. If he comes to show his goodwill, will he still be rejected?
The wheels rolled over the stone slabs, making an urgent sound that resounded throughout Jianchunmen Street. When people passing by saw the word "Cui" carried in front of the car, they all stayed away to make way for the oil-walled truck. Cui Wanduan sat in the car.
, through the curtains, I caught a glimpse of the passers-by on the street, and I couldn't help but feel a proud smile on my lips.
The car entered Jishanfang and when it approached the gate, it was stopped by Su Wei.
Cui Luo knew the rules and told the guard about his future plans, and quietly stuffed a piece of silver collar worth ten taels. The guard immediately said "Wait a moment", turned around and slipped into the palace gate to report to the palace envoy.
went.
The visit was uneventful. Coupled with the attentiveness of the guards, after two cups of tea, Cui Luo entered the ginkgo courtyard smoothly. When he bowed his hands and saluted, he saw Wang Jin sitting on the right side of the ancient ginkgo tree.
A colleague was wearing a dark green robe and a haughty face. The two of them were sipping tea and chatting happily.
When Wang Jin saw him coming in, he paused for a moment with the teacup in his hand, then smiled and nodded, gesturing for him to sit down and talk. But the colleague was sipping tea by himself, looking indifferent.
Cui Luo felt a little unhappy at the moment.
He naturally recognized that colleague, it was Yuan Zhongwu, the second son of Yuan Zai, who was currently holding the post of Wailang, a member of the ancestral hall. From the sixth rank, although the rank was not high, the position was very important, and with his status as the son of Yuan Xiang, the court
Most officials in China want to give him three points.
But I am a dignified doctor of Yinqing Guanglu, from the third rank, with purple robe, gold and jade belt, more than one level higher than him? The two clans of Jianyuan and Cui have made an engagement, and I am the elder of this person. Now that I bumped into him by chance, how can he be so arrogant?
, it can be seen how domineering and domineering he is in his daily behavior!
What's even more irritating is that there are two dudes standing behind Yuan Zhongwu: one is very unfamiliar, playing with a red sandalwood Ruyi in his hand; the other is Wang Chuo. When he sees him coming in, he turns his eyes and turns out to be...
Turn a blind eye, let alone salute and bow.
Seeing his hesitant expression, Wang Jin saw the reason and immediately smiled and said, "I wonder what Mr. Cui can teach you when he comes here?"
Cui Luo then suppressed his displeasure and put on a smiling face: "I don't dare, lower officials! It's just that today, the 'Shan Ling Guards' in the mansion accidentally caught a woman, it was Tan Qing, the daughter of the emperor merchant Tan Xiangchu, who came here specially
Give me advice!”
Wang Jin's brows twitched, showing a look of emotion: "If Mr. Cui has any great opinions, you might as well speak out."
Seeing his interested expression, Cui Lu couldn't help but feel secretly happy. He hurriedly raised his hands and said with a smile: "Mr. Qi, I know that you are searching for the remnants of Zoroastrianism. And the emperor Shang Tan Xiangchu is one of the eight guardians of Zoroastrianism.
If the king's head can be captured and killed to scare the monkeys, the Zoroastrian will surely be frightened into submission.
According to the official's knowledge, Tan Xiangchu regarded his two children as treasures and did not hesitate to send his daughter Tan Qing to Linji Temple to practice Taoism, and his son Tan Ming to Chonghua Temple to study Buddhism. Presumably he knew that he had a special status, so he
Make arrangements early to avoid worries.
If Tan Qing is used as bait today, then Tan Xiangchu’s beloved daughter will be eager to rescue him. At that time, a dragnet will be laid, and no matter whether he comes alone or brings a Zoroastrian demon with him, he can all be caught in one catch!"
Wang Jin frowned slightly when he heard the words. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Yuan Zhongwu sneer and said: "Master Cui's vicious plan! Not to mention whether this plan works, just because he kidnapped his daughter and punished his father, the Duke of Qi will
I can't bear it. You, the Cui family, don't value official status, but the Duke of Qi is an upright person. How could you use such despicable means?"
After Cui Luo heard this, his expression suddenly changed. He was about to retort a few words, but he heard Wang Jin mutter: "What nephew Yuan said is indeed reasonable. Cui Gong's method is very inappropriate."
Yuan Zhongwu laughed and said proudly: "Besides, Taiwei Palace has raided the Cui Mansion in accordance with the law and imprisoned the Cui family for many days. However, Tan Xiangchu and the Zoroastrian monster have not come to rescue. It can be seen that people in Zoroastrianism
, everyone has a cold nature, and you have captured both his children, how can you be sure that he will risk his life to save him? Mr. Cui! We are all officials of the imperial court. We can kill decisively, but we cannot be despicable!"
Cui Luo's face turned red immediately, his eyes were about to burst, and he didn't know how to refute. Although his teeth were clenching, he still did not dare to rush forward and punch the person who was lying.
Seeing his embarrassment, Wang Chuo couldn't help laughing, and felt an inexplicable sense of joy in his heart.
Cui Luo saw that Wang Jin acted as if the matter had nothing to do with him. He neither stopped Yuan Zhongwu nor tried to smooth things over for him. Only then did he realize that his kindness had fed the dog. He was originally planning to report to Wang Jin about catching Yang Chaoxi.
Jin asked for some benefits, but since asking for them is boring now, there is no need to bother with it.
After thinking about it, his anger seemed to disappear out of thin air. He hurriedly raised his hands and said with shame, "It's Cui who made such lies. Don't blame me, Duke of Qi! There are still things in the house, so I'll take my leave!"
Wang Jin still smiled and nodded, watching Cui Luo leave the courtyard.
However, when he walked out of the Ginkgo Villa, only seven or eight feet away, he heard a burst of unbridled laughter in the backyard behind him.
The wild laughter was like a sharp ice blade, poking into his internal organs. For a moment, his chest and lungs were about to explode, and he was so embarrassed and angry. He wished he could find two iron thorns to poke himself deaf, so as to make the world peaceful.
"There's no such thing as humiliating yourself! If you prosper in the future, you'll pay back a hundredfold!"
Cui Luo roared in his heart, clenched his fists tightly, and dug his nails into his flesh. The slightly viscous liquid that oozed out quickly gathered on his knuckles and dripped onto the stone floor, like scattered peach petals...
Lidefang, inside the Zoroastrian Temple.
Liu Xiaomu was wearing a purple skirt and green skirt, sitting cross-legged on the flat roof, holding a white jade flute at an angle, her six fingers flying, as if she was intoxicated. The sound of the flute was thin and high, reaching into the clouds, and the music was curling, sad and low, but
It is a piece of music known to everyone in Shengchao Jiaofang, "Ziyun Hui".
Divine Fire Protector Zhu Yanli and Mage Shitali stood under the house, raising their heads and saying nothing. They seemed to be listening to the sound of the flute and did not dare to disturb the saint's elegant mood. They were very anxious with their eyebrows. They wanted to speak several times, but they couldn't speak.
Swallowed it back.
The music was lingering and pathos and gradually stopped. Liu Xiaomu put away the jade flute and lowered his head to look at the two of them: "Shenhuo, how have you been exploring the Taiwei Palace dungeon these days?"
Zhu Yanli immediately made a flame with his hands and saluted like a ceremonial man: "Honorable Saint! I found out that the dungeon of Taiwei Palace was in Luobinfang. I and Brother Shuanggewei bought a courtyard in the adjacent place.
We worked day and night to dig tunnels. At the fourth watch of the night last night, we happened to dig through a prison. To be cautious, I and others took a peek at the situation in the dungeon, and then blocked the hole again to avoid being noticed by the armored guards in the prison."
Liu Xiaomu nodded slightly after hearing this: "Well done. Just now I sent Lily Guard to send you a message, asking you to find some armor guard outfits. Do you have any clues?"
Zhu Yanli's complexion changed slightly and he knelt down on one knee: "I have made a hasty arrangement and sent brothers to change into regular clothes and squat in the hiding place of the armored guards. However, the armored guards were very alert and had not yet found a good opportunity to steal a pair of locks.
Jiadou came out..."
Liu Xiaomu said with displeasure: "Shenhuo! Auntie, no matter whether you steal it secretly or openly, before today's Youshi, at least three pairs of mail bags will be sent to Nanshi, and someone will take care of them by then."
"Ma Gu! Even if you humble yourself and do everything wrong, you will still fulfill your mission!" Zhu Yanli responded, but he did not dare to stay any longer and hurriedly retreated.
Liu Xiaomu smiled brightly, looked at the stone pagoda standing dumbly under the house and said politely: "Go and wait at the entrance of the Zoroastrian Temple. There will be distinguished guests coming to the door later."
Shita Li hurriedly agreed, taking three steps and two steps at a time, and soon disappeared. Liu Xiaomu then took out the white jade flute and started playing it casually.
Less than half an hour later, I saw a middle-aged Taoist with plain clothes and a sapphire crown slowly coming in from the outside. What he held in his hand was not a fly whisk, but a bamboo flute more than two feet long.
.The bamboo flute is purple-black all over and has a shiny pulp. It is obviously an antique.
Liu Xiaomu then jumped down from the roof, held his hands to the passerby and said, "Master Li is indeed a person who keeps his promise. When this purple bamboo flute was handed down to you, I think Ye Fashan, an old master, would have told you its magical effect a long time ago, right?"
The person who came was none other than Li Changyuan, but he responded with a complex expression: "The purple bamboo flute is playing for no reason, and it must be the white jade flute that calls for something, and vice versa. I remember that the last time the flute and flute played in harmony, I was on the top of Cuiyun Peak, watching the outside.
I just don’t know what Miss Liu did today to be so mysterious."
Liu Xiaomu chuckled: "Of course I need your help if I need something."
Li Changyuan frowned: "There's nothing Miss Liu can do, and I'm afraid I can't help you. Besides, Chong Lingzi and Yue Xizi are missing, and I'm really worried. Where can I find the time to help you do it?"
Something weird?"
"Oh? My aunt hasn't spoken yet, how can you tell that it must be something weird?"
Liu Xiaomu was also greatly surprised. This Li Changyuan had always been calm and detached, but today he acted like a common man, with anxiety in and out of his words, which shows that care leads to chaos.
Li Changyuan then raised his hand and returned the gift: "Miss Liu sent Ye Sanqiu to look for me a few days ago, but it was to transport the corpses of a few believers out of the city. Isn't it strange? What is the reason for summoning me today? Please tell me frankly. If it is not urgent, I will wait for you.
I have found Chong Lingzi and will do my best to help."
Liu Xiaomu knew that he was worried, so he stopped trying to keep it secret: "I have a good plan on how to find the disciple. But last time I went to Guangli Square to save people at night, I was tracked and killed by bad guards, and even broke a Lily guard. So.
Master Li, please help me to 'borrow' some bad guard uniforms and swords, so that the people in my teaching can go about their business at night more conveniently."
Li Changyuan's expression softened slightly: "This matter is not difficult. All we need is Henan Yin Xiaojing or Shaoyin Chen Wanglu to nod and take some out of the treasury. I just don't know how much Miss Liu wants to 'borrow' and when."
Want to use it?"
"Of course the faster the better, lest the night be long and full of dreams." Liu Xiaomu flipped her palms lightly, and the white jade flute was like a spiritual snake, circling up and down, turning out several phantoms.
Li Changyuan pondered for a moment, then immediately agreed: "Pindao will go to Henan Mansion now. When Chong Lingzi is found and a middleman is found, I hope that Miss Liu will be true to her word and give Pindao some thin noodles. I will meet Duke Qi for a while.
Wang Jin has settled the public case of "Hu Shang's Strike". As for the old and new grudges between Zoroastrianism and Taiwei Palace, Pindao will never say anything."
The sky is bright and the day is getting higher.
Yang Zhaoxi and Tan Qing were imprisoned in an iron cage and thrown into the small courtyard shack, as if they had been forgotten by the world. The surroundings were surprisingly quiet. After the morning drums stopped ringing, the noise of some people and the neighing of horses began to be heard.
, vague, not very clear.
Yang Chaoxi got lucky overnight and the injury on his arm improved greatly. He waved the Xuantong Sword, found a slightly thin iron fence, and chopped it. Sparks flew everywhere, and he was exhausted, but he didn't stop.
Cutting off an iron fence. The strength that had been restored was wasted a lot, and he had to sit down and gasp for air.
It seemed that the Shanling Guards had been warned by Cui Gong. No one dared to torture them anymore. Naturally, no one sent them food. Even though he chopped down the iron cage until it made a clanging noise, the Shanling Guards turned a deaf ear to it. Obviously
It was expected that he would not be able to break out of the cage.
Until around 6:00 the next day, for more than ten hours, the two of them were injured, had no water and rice, and were illuminated by the southward sun for a long time, and they both became a little sluggish.
Unable to escape, Yang Zhaoxi managed to cheer up and sat cross-legged again. Keeping his mind clear, he began to breathe in and out, practice his luck, and try to put the drying sun behind him. He felt the discomfort all over his body, inch by inch.
Expelled from the body.
Not long after she had "entered trance", she suddenly heard an unbearable groan coming from Tan Qing's mouth. She dispersed the exercise and opened her eyes to look, only to see that her legs were weirdly twisted together for some reason. Her face was red and white, and she was sweating.
Xiancheng, but the injury affected her calf, and the pain made her burst into tears.
"Junior sister Qin, does your leg hurt? Maybe it's a swelling of the wound... Senior brother will help you look at the wound..." Yang Zhaoxi couldn't help but expressed concern when he saw her like this.
"No, no need...hiss-"
As Tan Qing spoke, another stream of tears ran down his cheeks, and he couldn't help but sniff, "I, I just want to... urinate, I can't help it... Ouch! But my leg happened to be injured.
Can’t squat up… ugh ugh ugh!”
After hearing this, Yang Chaoxi couldn't help but blush slightly, and she was at a loss for words: "It's a matter of urination, uh... if the man is okay, he can turn his back and unbutton some of his undergarments, and he will be able to escape a thousand miles. If it's a woman, it's okay."
It's a bit troublesome, so I have to squat down... It's just that there are differences between men and women, so what should I do...
Tan Qing sobbed for a moment, then suddenly plucked up the courage, blushed and said, "Senior Brother Yang... Qing'er, Qing'er can't help it... Could you please give me some help! But, please don't peek..."
After hearing this, Yang Chaoxi didn't know how to respond. He hesitated for a long time before walking towards Tan Qing. He thought to himself: Now that I am imprisoned here, I am not even as good as an ox or a horse. How can I talk about the defense of men and women? Moreover, if the matter is urgent, as long as I can deal with Tan Qing.
Junior sister has no evil thoughts and is open-minded, so what is there to be taboo about?
Tan Qing saw that he had indeed arrived in front of her, with a pretty face that was already red to the root of her neck. She didn't even dare to look at him, and said in a voice like a mosquito: "Senior Brother Yang...you, help me stand up first, don't scream.
I fell... I couldn't hold myself up with only one leg..."
Yang Chaoxi helped her up as instructed, but closed her eyes tightly and said with a jerky face: "Okay, what's next?"
"Pfft--" Tan Qing caught a glimpse of his embarrassment and couldn't help laughing. He was not as embarrassed as before, and continued, "I... you hold your armpits and help me squat down... No, don't open your eyes.
!”
Yang Zhaoxi had no choice but to close her eyes and slowly lower her down. Because she was so close, Tan Qing's broken hair on her forehead and temples rubbed against Yang Zhaoxi's cheek and neck, tickling her... and it felt a little comfortable!
The sweet fragrance from the girl's body hit his nostrils and was refreshing, better than any flower fragrance he knew. Involuntarily, Yang Chaoxi sniffed, feeling quite intoxicated.
At this moment, the weak rustling sound suddenly stopped, and Tan Qing scolded in his ear: "Senior Brother Yang, what are you doing!"
Yang Chaoxi was startled and stammered: "No, it's nothing, I just think...it smells good!"
Qin Qing was silent for a moment. He endured the pain in his left leg and continued his previous actions. After a while, the sound of the stream quietly sounded, and there was a sudden silence inside and outside the iron cage.
Yang Zhaoxi held Qin Qing in her hands, but turned her head away to avoid bumping into her. Suddenly, there was a drum beating in her chest, as if she had done something shameful, and all she could think about was that
The indescribable sound of brooks and springs.
"Yang, Senior Brother Yang... help me up!" Tan Qing reminded him slightly before pulling him out of his embarrassment.
Yang Chaoxi followed the instructions and used both hands to lift her up slowly. However, her eyes opened involuntarily, and she caught a glimpse of the white snow, which quickly disappeared under her skirt. She quickly closed her eyes again, but a trace of disappointment surged in her heart, and her chest suddenly began to beat.
He was much more anxious, almost breaking his ribs.
After Qin cleaned up her skirt, the shame on her face faded a little, her bright eyes stared at Senior Brother Yang who was very close at hand, and suddenly giggled: "Okay! Senior Brother Yang, you can open your eyes! Let's stay away, don't
Just step on it."
Yang Chaoxi slowly opened her eyes again, clumsily helped Tan Qing aside and sat down. Suddenly she sighed:
"I don't know when Gang Leader Long and the others will find this place. What happened today was actually caused by me, and it has implicated you, Junior Sister Tan. If Cui Shibo is sensible, if he listens to Cui Jiu's instigation,
If you really kill me, I'm afraid they may not be willing to let you go..."
Tan Qing leaned against the iron fence, but there was no regret or fear in his eyes: "Senior Brother Yang, you have underestimated Qing'er! Everyone is destined to die. If you can go to hell with the one you admire, what's the regret?
If Cui Jiu is really crazy and wants to kill you and me, you... just think that I am that Guan Lin'er and go to the underworld like this, and you will feel better!"
After Tan Qing said this, two more lines of tears appeared on his smile. Yang Chaoxi felt warm in his heart when he saw her sincere affection, and couldn't help but reach out his hand to wipe away her tears.
"Bah, bang, bang!" Several crisp high-fives suddenly sounded in the backyard.
Yang and Qin turned their faces and saw the disgusting Cui Jiu walking towards them with a strange smile on his face: "What a miserable mandarin duck, I am moved by heaven and earth! If Cui hadn't received such great kindness from the master of the family, he would definitely have to do it."
I will die in repayment, and it will definitely help both of you. But unfortunately today, the head of the family has an order, and we must put an end to this matter today! Haha!"
Yang Chaoxi stood up with his sword, guarded Tan Qing behind him, and shouted angrily: "Cui! If you want my two lives, show your true skills. Who are you such a despicable and shameless hero?! Come on!"
! Mr. Yang is about to fight to the death with you and other bastards!"
"Stop, stop! Stop it! Young Master Yang, who said that I want to take your life? The master of the house happens to be free today, so he came to see you. If you still want to live, you should bow your head to the master of the house and be submissive, and maybe this matter will be settled
It’s over!”
After Cui Jiu said that, he ignored him and turned around to leave the small courtyard. Soon, he led a man with a solemn expression to walk towards the iron cage.