Delong

Chapter 124 Going to the Forest (3)

When he came back to his senses, Zhang Xing immediately realized his vulgar taste, and turned to be grateful to Dugong Ma, because the other party almost saved Zhang Sanlang with his own life and posthumous name.

If you think about it, you will know that Ma Dugong is one of the three governors of Beiya. He is usually majestic, stamping his feet, the kind who trembles from the Jinwu Guard to the 24 prison... Now he died suddenly, and rumors So bizarre rumors of peachy death, dare to ask who in the capital would not care?
In this case, a mere black ribbon on Jing'an Terrace rejected Uncle Cao's kindness. Although it was a bit bizarre, it didn't seem so conspicuous.

In fact, this point can be confirmed from the attitude of Dugong Gao just now. I thought that Bai Yousi's absence would be a trouble like an interrogation, but because of the death of Dugong Ma, this man was anxious to declare everywhere Sovereignty, unexpectedly let it go so lightly.

However, since it was about Duke Gao, Zhang Xing didn't think that this matter would be lightly exposed by Fu Longwei and ignored as the overjoyed Duke said.

"Mr. Ma was originally one of the three governors of the Beiya, and he was a close attendant. This matter is the duty of the Governor of the West Town. How could he not care about it?"

Sure enough, just as Zhang Xing thought, when Bai Yousi arrived in Yangliulin, he met King Qi and the inspectors, and there was no disturbance. After the public's words, he expressed his position without hesitation and asked to take over related matters.

They looked at each other in blank dismay, and no one said anything for a while, almost all of them looked at Zhang Xingzhang Hei Shou, who might be the last five in cultivation here. This is not to say how prestigious Zhang Hei Shou is, nor does it mean that no one dares to jump out to flatter... but to say, Who made Zhang Saburo the deputy regular inspector?
Let the leaders speak first.

Even Bai Yousi instinctively looked at him.

"I agree." Zhang Xing thought for a while, and simply gave his answer and reasons. "One is that investigating the case itself is our responsibility. I won't say much about it. It is upright and natural; the other is that Dugong Ma is dead, and Dugong Niu is a master. Taking it for granted that he monopolizes power, Chang Jian has just taken office, if he follows his wishes like this, I just think that our superiors are not saints and Zhongcheng, but he is like a governor of the Northern Yamen... Just for this matter, we have to accept it with great fanfare. After passing this case, investigate it carefully, so as to tell the fathers-in-law of the Beiya that Fu Longwei, the governor of Xizhen, has his own dignity."

Hearing this from top to bottom, I feel very cheered up.

Bai Yousi smiled, and simply ordered: "Okay, it's settled... It's just that things are in a hurry, we haven't even succeeded in handing over, just let Qian Tang and Qin Bao follow me to Duke Ma's mansion to take over, see Let’s see if an acquaintance from Zhongzhen Fusi comes over to talk about it; then Zhang Xing, you are the deputy, and you are half a day early, so don’t care about anything else, stay here and reschedule, be sure to choose [-] riders for me, and then go Meet at Duke Ma's mansion... If anyone refuses to follow the arrangement, just make a list and fire him out, and if someone comes from the Beiya, you'll just prevaricate with me."

After finishing speaking, he didn't stop for a moment, holding the long sword directly, and even had no time to change Fu Longwei's dark uniform, so he went out first with two veteran subordinates.

After Bai Yousi left, most of the rest of the people were stunned, and the few old people who were originally useful under Sima Zheng's command took extra care.

In this way, Zhang Xing borrowed Bai Yousi's power, but he was much calmer. He directly followed the instructions, rearranged the shift, selected [-] riders, and then let Wang Zhen, the familiar faces, go to gather his colleagues and go to the horse governor. The government went to support him.

Not only that, when it was dark, Beiya came to ask in amazement, but Zhang Xing directly asked for the imperial edict with a straight face, and finally walked away in embarrassment.

Everything was in place, Zhang Xing simply waited in the Little White Pagoda in Yangliu Forest in Xiyuan, wrote dozens of invitation letters by the way, and only waited for the old lady Qingtian to come back, and then handed it over to the other party for decision.

In fact, if there was no such emergency as Dugong Ma, this would be the most important thing to do under common sense.

After all, Fulongweili are basically masters at the stage of the eight meridians, and they are often very young. As a result, Fulongwei had the same situation as the Second Patrol Team—a dozen or so hard-core players took advantage of the situation and followed Sima Zheng to join the army. As a result, the number of registered personnel hit a new low, only about [-] people .

That's right, Fulongwei needs to recruit new people.

However, Zhang Xing thought about more than a dozen suitable candidates in Jing'an Terrace, sat there and waited until late at night, but Bai Yousi did not come back.

At this time, Deputy Changjian Zhang had already realized that the case of Dugong Ma might not be easy.

But since I stayed behind, I could only wait, so I temporarily suppressed all my worries and curiosity, and stayed in the small white pagoda in the willow forest in Xiyuan—this can be regarded as an achievement of an alternative night in the deep palace.

Early the next morning, Zhang Xing was called up by Zhou Xingfan, because Bai Yousi had just led the team back at this time.

There is no way, this is Xiyuan, even if it is Miss Bai, it is impossible to fly in in the middle of the night, and can only enter after the door is opened on time.

But when Zhang Xing came to the corridor of the side room in the outer courtyard of the pagoda, he saw Bai Yousi, Qian Tang, Qin Bao, and many uniformly dressed Fulongwei, many of whom were dusty and tired, standing there Drinking porridge and eating pancakes - this is a court practice and political tradition that has existed since many dynasties. Except for those officials who are the leaders of the Nanya government, all other officials have to eat in the corridor, which is called the corridor. Food.

It’s hard to say exactly why, but a generally accepted statement is that in the imperial confinement, eunuchs, court ladies, and imperial troops are inside, while officials come from outside, so the food for officials is theoretically the emperor and the court. Rewards should probably be to show that rewards are fair, and to avoid extravagance and waste and private embezzlement, so that everyone can eat and drink at a glance.

However, at present, each department already has its own small coffers and private kitchens, and eating in the corridors is just a tradition.

Even if Zhang Xing's heart moved slightly at this time, he just followed this allusion to think of another meaning-Fu Longwei was still eating in the corridor of Xiyuan, which shows that although Fu Longwei's job type is "Wei", and the general affairs Most of them have to deal with the Beiya, but in fact they still belong to the Jing'antai system, and the members of Fulongwei are still officials of Jing'antai, not the imperial army system or the Ministry of Internal Affairs system.

Thoughts flashed slightly, Zhang Xing had already sat down calmly, and also ordered a bowl of porridge, and then took a pancake, and accompanied the group of people to finish eating and drinking, and then sat there waiting for the next article.

"Mr. Ma's case is a bit difficult." Bai Yousi ate quickly, waiting for Zhang Xing to finish eating before opening his mouth.

"How do you say it?" Zhang Xing, who put down the porridge bowl, asked seriously. "Is it Beiya or Zhongcheng who won't let go?"

"Neither." Bai Yousi looked calm and shook his head in agreement. "I'm not scared by them, and no one dares to fight in front of me... It's the case itself."

"Isn't it immediately windy?" Zhang Xing became curious.

"It is true that the fathers-in-law of the Bei Yamen generally cultivate the true energy of longevity in order to restore Yang; it is also true that many people have gradually changed after practicing it; as for father-in-laws who have money, it is even more common to marry wives and buy concubines... ...but the problem is that Duke Ma is only at the point of perfecting his meridians, how can he use his true energy to play tricks on the bed, and how can he get on the horse?" Bai Yousi didn't hide anything at all, and made it clear on the spot. "The Beiya reported to the Fusi of Zhongzhen, and the Zhongcheng sent Chai Changjian and two familiar old criminal names. They told me that there was no trace of sex between men and women at the scene. It can only be said that the body happened to be found on the bed. That’s all… I’m afraid that the palace is used to being wretched in private, and such ridiculous rumors spread immediately after seeing the disheveled body… In fact, according to the investigation, it is very likely that it was poisoned, but the poison is extremely rare , still needs to be verified.”

"So that's the case, I said the rumors are too absurd." Zhang Xing was stunned for a moment, but thoughtful. "The key should be his concubine who was supposed to have sex at night?"

"That's right." Bai Yousi nodded, then hesitated to speak for a while, but still told the truth honestly. "That's the problem. His little concubine disappeared, and we couldn't find it no matter how hard we looked... We searched all night."

Zhang Xing glanced at the twenty Fu Longwei who were obviously tired in the hall, obviously a little stunned.

"Vice Changjian Zhang, don't want to look at us like that." One of them was Wang Zhen, who caused trouble in Wenroufang back then. "We were not the only ones last night... the fathers-in-law in the Beiya, the Jinwu Guard Brigade, the patrol riders from the Fusi of Zhongzhen, and the Jingjiehu from the Fusi of Dongzhen were all dispatched, and they were never found."

Zhang Xing was even more puzzled, and looked at the people around him again: "He died at night and was found at noon, so we should start searching for this person, right? Even if he was killed and dismembered, traces can be found, right? Was it an alchemy expert in disguise?"

"Some people have already guessed that. After all, Governor Ma is also an important figure in the court." Qian Tang couldn't help but sneered. "But a master of condensing alchemy, in order to assassinate a duke, actually served the duke as a concubine for several years...and then suddenly assassinated...it's too unreasonable."

Zhang Xing nodded, he was just complaining.Of course, he knew that the other party was actually complaining.

"What's more, when she went out in the morning, she didn't look like a master. Instead, she took a few maids and guards, took a car and pretended to go to Beishi to buy spices, and when she arrived in Beishi, she suddenly escaped by using the toilet to climb over the wall." Qin Bao took it over at this time and continued to narrate. Although there was no panic like Qian Tang and Wang Zhen, it was obviously incomprehensible and helpless. "It's just that she couldn't find her alive or dead. A guard rode back to the mansion and went to ask Duke Ma for instructions, only to find that Duke Ma was completely cold."

Zhang Xing was also completely speechless: "So, you can't find it?"

"Yes!" Bai Yousi simply nodded.

"Then everyone is looking for it. Whoever finds it will have the double initiative of the case inside and outside?" Zhang Xing continued to ask. "In the final analysis, is to find someone?"

"Yes." Bai Yousi still nodded decisively.

"Are there any characteristics or sayings?" Zhang Xing asked earnestly.

Of course, Bai Yousi had no reason to hide from Zhang Xing: "Young and beautiful, she was born as a noble girl from Dongyi."

"Dongyi people?" Zhang Xing was even more surprised. "How did a noble girl from Dongyi become Duke Ma's concubine?"

"Before the first expedition to Dongyi, Dongyi was afraid, so he sent envoys to ask for peace, and sent eighteen noble girls by the way." Qian Tang slowed down at this time, and took the initiative to speak on Bai Yousi's place. "Later, when the initial conquest failed, the saint was furious and sent the noble daughters of the palace into slavery. Lord Ma Dugong was the first to get a month near the water, and got one of the daughters into his own house. This is the person involved in today's case... According to this matter, It can be deduced that either this woman is suspected of being a Dongyi spy, or she thinks she is a noble girl, and Dugong Ma is a father-in-law, so she is resentful for this... You know, Dongyi people are very particular about their background, It is said that Dugong Ma looked at her especially because of her status as a noble daughter... In short, there is no shortage of motives for killing people."

Zhang Xing nodded, then shook his head again and again.

Without him, the more clear the origin and the clearer the motive, the more absurd he felt: "So, the case itself is also very clear, but no one can be found?"

"That's right." Bai Yousi nodded and asked sincerely. "Do you have an idea?"

Zhang Xing shook his head: "In a hurry, I have no clue."

"I think so too." Bai Yousi shook his head helplessly. "Our Fulongwei's manpower is far inferior to those of the other companies. We can't find it all night, so we can only press this matter for now...do you have anything else to do?"

"There are many, but the most critical thing is the problem of manpower." Zhang Xing said one thing. "Many people from Fulongwei followed General Sima and transferred to the army. Now there are 40 to [-] people short of full staff, and it is time to add manpower to Jing'antai, the army and other related departments... I made a list last night. , maybe you can invite some people from Zhongzhen Fusi, and send a document to the Ministry of War to request coordination."

"You should do what is natural." Bai Yousi nodded. "I'll also go through the channel of Trinity Orthodox Church to find some people to come over... First get all the people together, and keep an eye on Duke Ma's case... Whether it's to search for people or stay behind, they are already tired. When the next group of guards comes over, each of them will go back to rest."

When everyone heard these words, they were relieved.

And Zhang Xing also put aside all kinds of things for the time being, and concentrated on coordinating and handling official affairs properly. He sent official documents to the Ministry of War, and also sent letters to Jing'an Taichung Town Fusi through official documents. Robe uniform and a set of light armor, together with Qin Bao who had been waiting for a long time, returned to Chengfufang.

Back home, he was still busy, Qin Bao went to take care of the horse he brought back from Jing'an Terrace yesterday, and then went to practice martial arts, but Zhang Xing also received Beishi Yan Qing who had already been waiting here.

Not surprisingly, Yan Qing came to give money, a whole box of golden pancakes, which caught Zhang Sanlang's eyes on the spot.

Yan Qing was very embarrassed about this, mainly because Zhang Xing made it clear that day that he had to act quickly, so he obviously lost a lot.

"The set of Danyang Three Mountains is such a pity." Yan Qing frankly took a piece of gold cake from Zhang Xing, but still couldn't help talking about related matters. "The owner of the copper camel workshop I know told me that he knew that there was a wealthy businessman in Xijing who probably wanted to give a gift, and he had been looking for the authentic work of Wang Canjun...According to him, if he could wait until that wealthy merchant came from Xijing Come here, let's sell together, I'm afraid 3000 taels of silver will be fine... But because I was too anxious, I made a hasty move here, and only got 2000 taels. But even so, once a few calligraphy, paintings and antiques are released, there is still too much silver. , my family is just a horse trader, so I dare not hide it boldly, so I can only go to the silver workshop of the eldest princess's house. I paid half of the silver and exchanged it for gold. It was taken out and delivered."

"It's okay, as long as you can get rid of it." After Zhang Xing listened carefully, he answered calmly, but simply changed the subject. "How is the price of silver now, is it going up or down?"

"It was said a while ago that a large gold pillar will be built, and it has increased a lot." Yan Qing thought for a while before answering seriously. "But for a while, all the princes of the Nanya shirked it together, failed to complete it, and instead fell back... This kind of news cannot be hidden from people, and the families of dignitaries and nobles will react first."

Zhang Xing nodded, and then asked another question: "Then do you know that there was a fugitive who sneaked away in Beishi yesterday?"

"Why don't you know? Beishi was almost overturned by Jinwuwei, Jingjiehu and Jinyi Xunqi. Fortunately, my family escaped the disaster by reporting the name of Brother Zhang..." Yan Qing immediately smiled wryly, but suddenly remembered What, asked carefully in turn. "But Third Brother Zhang, why are those Jinyi Patrollers a little strange to hear your name?"

"How strange?" Zhang Xing himself was also curious.

"I stopped immediately, but the black ribbon who took the lead was obviously afraid." Yan Qing replied earnestly. "The reaction was a bit over the top."

"It's a normal reaction." Zhang Xing thought for a while and responded calmly. "The main reason is that I just followed our Bai Changjian to be transferred to the Fulongwei of the Fusi in Xizhen...by the way, I was promoted to the black ribbon."

"This is my congratulations to Third Brother Zhang and Second Brother Qin." Yan Qing immediately stood in awe. "Especially Brother Zhang, it's only been a year... how did he become a black ribbon? After two years, won't he be a dignified person?"

"Difficult." Zhang Xing laughed and shook his head, but remembered something. "What about you... you said you would take the imperial examination, are you prepared?"

"According to the usual practice, it will probably have to wait until next year." Yan Qing smiled wryly upon hearing this. "I don't have much confidence..."

"Still try harder." Zhang Xing said with a smile. "The main reason is that I myself don't know where I will be next year... If this is still the case, as long as you pass the exam, even if you are not appreciated by the nobles, I can still select you into Fulongwei as a civil servant, step by step. "

Yan Qing became more and more overjoyed, but felt embarrassed, said a few more words, and took the initiative to leave.

But as soon as the person left, Zhang Xing felt bored looking at a box of gold, and because he didn't sleep well last night, he just fell asleep in his seat and thought about things at the same time.

After all, it took several months to go this time. When I came back, I didn’t have time to adapt. I first encountered the drama of being adopted by someone, and then immediately changed to a new environment. There was no time to buffer all kinds of troubles. , to the point of confusion.

It seems that everything is very important, but everything doesn't matter.

Thinking about it, even though there were more people and things experienced in the past two days, compared to the previous experience, it was unavoidably a little childish and lackluster.

What is the high governor's demonstration of power, compared with the pressure of Uncle Cao's request to accept his son, what is it?

What is it that Dugong Ma was poisoned to death by Dongyi's concubine, and then Dongyi's concubine disappeared? Compared with the thrill of Meridian Sword, what is it?

Similarly, there is also the gold in front of him, how is it compared to the food shortage in the seven counties of Jiangdong?
How is the manpower of Fulongwei and next year's imperial examination compared to the river of blood flowing by the vortex?

One piece, one by one, is very interesting, all of which are the same thing, and should be taken seriously, but I just can't get excited... This point, I have to learn like Bai Yousi, that old lady, there is almost a kind of world-size It's really remarkable to have the spirit of being who I am.

Just as I was thinking about it, suddenly someone came in and then went out again.

"What are you hiding?" Zhang Xing opened his eyes, speechless. "Since you're here, help me and Yueniang go to the yard to build a chicken coop and hide the gold."

Li Ding, who had dark circles under his eyes, turned around in embarrassment, and met Yueniang's curious gaze behind him: "I'm sorry, I'm used to being poor. I've never seen so much gold. My first reaction was to hide."

Zhang Xing thought about it for a while, and asked seriously: "By the way, Li Silang, what is your ambition...to be a marshal or a general?"

Li Ding was at a loss for a while, but still answered seriously: "It's nothing, it's about leveling the world and ascending to the dragon."

"Yeah, yeah, level the world, ascend to the throne." Zhang Xing suddenly realized, and finally stood up. "It's better to help me build a chicken coop first, and by the way, help me refer to the case of Duke Ma..."

Li Ding just couldn't figure it out from the beginning to the end.

PS: Good morning everyone.

(End of this chapter)