The counterattack of the villains

Chapter 115 Entering the Palace to Meet Officials

"Li has only one question to ask Master Xuanci."

Li Mu paused, staring at Xuanci and said slowly: "Who is the person who sent a letter to the master, saying that a master from the Liao Kingdom is coming to seize Shaolin martial arts?"

The monks understood it, they had already guessed that if Li Mu went to Shaolin, he would definitely ask this question, and it was as expected.

Xiao Feng looked at Xuanci without blinking, waiting for him to reveal the identity of that person.

Xuanci's face was full of regret, and he even declared: "Amitabha, sin is sin."

"Don't dare to hide Li Juxia. That person was originally a close friend of the poor monk. Back then, he probably mistrusted people's words and made unintentional mistakes. He felt guilty and died young."

Xiao Feng's whole body was shocked, his eyes were wide open, and his fists were unconsciously clenched.

die young?
So the person who delivered the fake news is dead, so who should I seek to avenge my blood?
Li Mu said unmoved: "Whether he is dead or alive, Li would be very grateful for asking Master to reveal his identity."

"This..." Xuanci said hesitantly: "That person still has a family member alive, if the poor monk reveals the identity of that person, what is Li Juxia's plan?"

Li Mu took it for granted, "Master, don't you know that there is a saying in this world called 'father's debt is paid by son'?"

Xuanci said with a look of impatience: "But there is also a saying in this world, which is 'the debt of one's death is eliminated'."

Xiao Feng couldn't help but said: "If it's an ordinary debt, it's true that the debt can be wiped out by death, but a blood debt can only be paid with blood."

"The enmity between parents is irreconcilable, please tell the master the identity of the enemy, Xiao Feng is very grateful."

Xuanci persuaded: "Benefactor Xiao, when is the time to repay the injustice!"

Li Mu's face darkened slightly, and he said: "Master, has it never occurred to you that if that person really mistrusted others' words, then who is the one who told him the news? What is his purpose?"

"The real culprit who murdered my apprentice's biological parents and the lives of many heroes in the Central Plains is still at large. The master does not want to find out the truth, but only cares about protecting his friend's family. Where is the justice of heaven?"

After hearing Li Mu's words, Xuan Ci's face changed slightly, and he said with great shame: "Li Juxia's words are justified, what happens for what you make, what you do for what you do, this matter needs to be settled after all."

"Forget it, the person who told the old monk the news is Murong Bo, the previous Patriarch of Gusu Nan Murong."

A cold light flashed in Xiao Feng's eyes, he cupped his fists and bowed to Xuan Ci, saying: "Thank you, master, for letting me know."

Xuanci lowered his head, he said, "Amitabha, sin is sin."

Li Muruo said thoughtfully: "If it were Murong Bo, then the matter might not be so simple. Master, you are certainly mistrusting people's words, but he may not be."

All the monks were shocked when they heard the words, Xuanci asked solemnly: "Why did Li Juxia say that?"

Li Mu asked back: "Master, do you know the origin of the Murong family in Gusu?"

Xuanci pondered: "Murong is originally a Xianbei surname, everyone knows that."

Li Mudao: "But according to the information that my Changkong Sword Sect has, Gusu Murong is different from ordinary Murong."

"The Murong family in Gusu is the descendant of the royal family of the Yan Kingdom during the Sixteen Kingdoms period. If the Yan Kingdom is still alive, Murong Bo should be the emperor."

"What?" The faces of Xuan Ci and the monks changed drastically, even Xiao Feng thought of a lot in an instant, his face became extremely ugly.

Li Muyu said without being surprised, "Furthermore, after the news of Murong Bo's death spread at Murong's house in Gusu, according to Li's investigation, it is very likely that Murong Bo faked his death and escaped from the world."

Xuanci's face turned pale and said: "Li Juxia is serious?"

Li Mu nodded and said: "In recent years, a large number of martial arts masters have died because of the method of 'returning the other's way'."

"How could my Sky Sword Sect not investigate such a major incident in the Central Plains Wulin?"

"Li has no direct evidence, but all kinds of clues show that those martial arts masters who died of their own skills are likely to be written by Murong Bo."

"Contemporary Nan Murong's single name has the word 'Fu', what do you guys think of?"

Xiao Feng's eyes were full of resentment at this moment, he gritted his teeth and said: "The world has been at peace for a long time, even if there are conflicts among countries, it only happens on the border and within a small area."

"If they want to restore their country, they must cause chaos in the world. Only in this way will they have the opportunity to profit from the chaos."

Xuanci said with regret and self-blame on his face: "So he spread the false news in order to make my Great Song Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom forge a deep hatred, so that the two countries will fight each other, and they will take advantage of the situation to rise up."

Li Mu continued: "It's a pity that he didn't expect that the Xiao family had already lost power in the Liao Kingdom back then, and the death of Feng'er's parents did not attract the attention of the Liao Kingdom, so the plan fell through."

"Afterwards, Master Abbot will inevitably question him. He has no excuse, and he can't directly admit what happened, ruining his reputation for the rest of his life."

"He expected that with the character of the abbot, as long as he died, you would not reveal the truth and damage his reputation after death, so he came up with a suspended animation."

Under Li Mu's guidance, the truth was fully revealed by the few people.

At this time, the people in the main hall no longer had any respect or admiration for Nan Murong, only anger and hatred.

Especially Xiao Feng, at the beginning he had a sympathy with Nan Murong, and proved to the beggar gang that he was definitely not the murderer, thinking about it now, he just felt that he was a joke.

Xiao Feng clasped his fists to Li Mu and said: "Master, this disciple will rush to Gusu and wipe out Nan Murong's family."

"Revenge for my biological parents, seek justice for the heroes of the Central Plains who died in vain."

Li Mu raised his hand to comfort him: "Be safe and don't be impatient, Murong and his son may not be at home at this moment, if you go rashly, you may be in vain."

"If you try to scare the snakes out of the grass and let them notice, maybe they will be completely hidden. At that time, it may not be easy to find them out."

Xiao Feng also felt reasonable when he heard the words, temporarily suppressed his anger and said: "What Master said is very true, so how should we act?"

Li Mulue pondered for a while, and said to Xuanci: "In my opinion, it would be better to hold a hero meeting jointly by the Sky Sword Sect and Shaolin Temple."

"The name is that in recent years, a large number of martial arts heroes have lost their lives under the means of 'using the way of the other, and giving back to the other'. I specially invite Mr. Murong to go to Shaolin and share this matter in front of the heroes of the martial arts."

"In this way, Murong Fu will definitely not stop coming, otherwise he will have no place to gain a foothold in the Central Plains martial arts."

"When the martial arts heroes are all here, let's try to force Murong Bo out, and expose Nan Murong's conspiracy in front of the martial arts heroes."

After listening to Li Mu's words, Xiao Feng shouted: "Okay, first let them be ruined and go to the end of the road, and then kill them to comfort the undead souls who died unjustly, there is nothing better."

"Amitabha." All the monks proclaimed the Buddha's name together, Xuanci said: "I will follow Li Juxia's words, but I will ask Li Juxia to show you when this hero meeting is scheduled to be held."

Li Mu thought for a while, and said: "Let's set it on the day of Laba! We still have important things to do in the near future, please take care of Shaolin to deliver the letter."

The Hero Conference was held in Shaolin, so Shaolin should be responsible for these matters, Xuanci and others had no objection.

After the matter was settled, Li Mu took Xiao Feng to leave.

After finding out the identity of the enemy, Xiao Feng also had a worry in his heart, now he just waits for the day of revenge.

Regarding the Liao Kingdom, he has no idea at all, except because he has led the beggar gang to fight against the Liao Kingdom for many years, so he has no good feelings for the Liao Kingdom.

It was also because of what Li Mu said earlier, "The Xiao family had already lost power in the Liao Kingdom, and the death of Feng'er's parents did not attract the attention of the Liao Kingdom."

Whenever the Liao Kingdom was able to stand out for his biological parents back then, he would still be more or less sympathetic.

Since the Liao Kingdom didn't care about the death of his biological parents at all, why should he take it to heart?
From now on, he will only be a Song person with peace of mind, at most he will not take the initiative to be an enemy of the Liao country, but he will never do anything for the Liao country.

Back home at the foot of the mountain, I saw Ruan Xingzhu and Azhu Azi helping Qiao's mother pick vegetables, talking and laughing.

Lu Da and the others were grilling lamb chops, while Qiao Sanhuai was stewing chicken soup in the kitchen.

The small courtyard was full of joy and harmony, making Xiao Feng feel very good after seeing this scene.

Near noon, Xiao Feng moved the square table to the courtyard, put a table full of good wine and food, and everyone had a big meal.

Qiao Sanhuai also drank some more wine with him, drunk and happy.

After eating, Xiao Feng took the people around the nearby mountains and fields, and when he came back, he brought back a lot of wild game, and they ate it again for dinner in the afternoon.

It wasn't until sunset that Li Mu bid farewell to the elders.

After all, this small courtyard can't accommodate so many people, and the second elder didn't keep them, but sent them to the mountainside before saying goodbye with tears.

Still staying in Dengfeng City for one night, the group went to Bianliang the next day.

……

Bianliang, also known as Tokyo, Bianjing, and Bianzhou, is the capital of the Song Dynasty. It is located on the south bank of the Yellow River and is the economic, political and cultural center of the Song Dynasty today.

Today's Bianliang is prosperous, the streets are full of cars and horses, the flow of people is like weaving, and there are many shops on both sides of the road.

Walking on the streets of Tokyo City is like being in a rich and colorful picture scroll.

Zhang Zeduan, who is still just a child now, based on this scene in the future, will draw the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" that has been passed down through the ages.

Let everyone find an inn in the city to stay, while Li Mu went to Xuande Gate in the south of the imperial city alone.

Outside Xuande Gate was guarded by imperial guards. Seeing Li Mu approaching, the leader of the army shouted as usual: "Who is coming? The imperial city is important, idlers, etc., don't come near."

Li Mu turned a deaf ear to it, took out the imperial gold medal from his pocket, walked straight to the front of the imperial guard, and held the gold medal in his hand.

On one side of the gold medal was engraved a word of order, and on the other side was engraved with four big characters "as I come in person".

The guard of the imperial guard hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed to the gold medal, and then asked Li Mu in a pleasant manner: "Dare to ask Your Majesty, what is the purpose of coming to the imperial city?"

Li Mudao: "Li Mu, the head of the Luxi Changkong Sword Sect, has important matters to discuss with the officials, please pass them on to the military master."

The imperial guard's expression changed, and he said with a little respect: "Could it be that Your Excellency is the Li Juxia who is known as the number one hero of the Song Dynasty?"

Li Mudao: "Don't dare to do it, please pass it on to the military master."

The imperial guard nodded and said: "No problem, please wait a moment for Li Juxia."

He immediately sent one of his soldiers into the interior to communicate, then returned to Li Mu, smiled and said: "Eight years ago in the battle with Xixia, Li Juxia made a great contribution, and my brothers in the army also admired it very much. I didn't expect to win today. Seeing Li Juxia Zunfan, I am really lucky for three lives."

Li Mu smiled and said, "Master Jun is overwhelmed, Li is just doing something within his power for the country and the people."

The guard of the imperial guards was speechless and said: "Taking the head of a general among ten thousand troops is like searching for something. Li Juxia's 'doing what he can' is a bit scary."

"Hehe..." Li Mu chuckled reservedly, the guard was quite good at talking, and he flattered without any trace, which made people feel very comfortable.

Li Mu remembered something, and asked Yazheng: "Li asked the military master for advice, who is the current chief instructor of the imperial army?"

The Forbidden Army Aizheng laughed and said, "It's Zhou Tong, Instructor Zhou. Apart from him, there are also several spear and stick instructors in the Forbidden Army, who are some of your disciples."

Li Mu said clearly: "It turns out to be the 'Iron Arm' Zhou Daxia, who has admired his name for a long time, but he has never seen it. It is a pity."

This Zhou Tong is not simple, he himself may not be very famous, but the apprentices he taught are all famous.

Lu Junyi, Shi Wengong, Lin Chong, and Yue Fei are all his direct disciples.

He also has two unnamed disciples, namely Wu Song and Lu Da.

Lu Da has now joined the Changkong Sword Sect, so naturally he has nothing to do. Lu Junyi and Wu Song are still young children, but they have already been targeted by him.

But now Wu Song's parents are still alive, and Lu Junyi is the son of a rich family in Hebei, he didn't rush to recruit apprentices rashly, it won't be too late in a few years.

Lin Chong, Shi Wengong and Li Mu have not been found yet, and Yue Fei has not yet been born, so it goes without saying.

All in all, Zhou Tong's apprentices who are famous for future generations have all been targeted by Li Mu.

Anyone who can become famous for his martial arts is mostly someone with high aptitude, and Li Mu will naturally not let it go.

Li Mu was chatting with the imperial guard outside the Xuande Gate. He had no airs, and he could chat enthusiastically with a small guard who only had 25 people under his command.

After waiting for a cup of tea, the soldiers who went to pass the news returned, and a servant followed.

After the servant came out, he looked at Li Mu respectfully, and said, "The Empress Dowager invites Mr. Li to meet you at the Chongzheng Palace."

Li Mu raised his eyebrows and sighed secretly.

He had explained just now that he had an audience with the officials, but it turned out that the empress dowager's people came out to pick him up. It can be seen that Zhezong now has no autonomy at all.

Fortunately, this old woman didn't have a good life for a few years, otherwise even if Da Song had him in charge, the future would be worrying.

Thoughts were running in his head, but there was no change on his face, he just said: "Please guide the way."

With a flattering smile on his face, the servant turned sideways, bowed slightly and stretched out his hand to guide him, saying: "Mr. Li, please."

Li Mu nodded to the imperial guard, then walked into the Xuande Gate, and the servant walked beside Li Mu to lead the way.

The Chongzheng Hall is equivalent to the Imperial Study Room in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, where the emperor usually met with his subjects during non-court meetings.

After arriving outside Chongzheng Hall, the servant asked Li Mu to wait at the door, and he went in to report.

Only the attendants in the hall said: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, Mr. Li Muli, a folk wonder, has arrived."

Although old, a female voice full of spirit sounded: "Please."

"Yes."

The servant returned to the door, stretched out his hand to lead Li Mu, and said, "Please, Mr. Li."

Li Mu walked into the hall, cupped his fists and bowed in salute: "Li Mu, a grassroots man, see Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager."

"Mr. Li is exempt from the ceremony, and I will give you a seat."

It was still Empress Dowager Gao who spoke, Li Mu said, "Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Li Mu got up and looked up, and behind the table, he saw a young man in a yellow robe, with a thin face, about fifteen or sixteen years old, and a frail young man, sitting there with a dull expression, just like a clay sculpture puppet.

And beside him, there was also a graceful and luxurious old woman with an unhealthy flushed face. It was the Empress Dowager Gao Taotao.

The servant moved a stool from one side of the main hall, and Li Mu sat down calmly.

The Empress Dowager said with a slight smile on her face, "Mr. Li has never set foot in the palace since he met the late emperor eight years ago. I don't know why he came here today?"

Li Mu said solemnly: "Back to the Empress Dowager, the Caomin came here today to expand the territory of the Song Dynasty."

Zhe Zong Zhao Xu, who was originally expressionless, had a flash of light in his eyes. It was obvious that the words "expanding the frontier and expanding the land" had touched the deepest desire in his heart.

The empress dowager's expression didn't change much, she just said calmly: "Oh? I don't know where the territory came from?"

(End of this chapter)