Yan Cigui.

Xiaoci Hutong.

It's already dark in the capital, and there are many lights on the streets connecting the alleys, and inns, wine shops, etc. are all doing night business.

It has become dark in the alley. The better-off people light oil lamps or ordinary candles, and some want to save more, but there is no light in the house.

Wantang arrived with people and, as agreed with Xu Jian, blocked several entrances and exits of the alley, and even left manpower in the alley next door.

At the appointed time, Wantang asked people to light the torches.

He personally led the team and started knocking on the door from the first room.

"Guard the Yamen to track down the fugitives. Open the door quickly."

A rough voice sounded in the alley, and after a while, several houses opened their doors.

Then, cocks crowing and dogs barked, and the whole alley became lively.

"Master, didn't you just come to ask yesterday?"

"Those thieves are very cunning. Just in case they try to kill you, serious people don't have to worry."

"That's right, everyone, please cooperate. We will leave as soon as we finish the inspection without disturbing your sleep."

"Let me tell you, the capital is so big, it's very difficult for the officials to search here and the thieves to go there!"

"The boss is searching, and we are also working to eat. We must not be lazy."

"Move quickly. There are still seven or eight alleys to search in one night. It's too late to wait."

The common people are timid about officials, but they are all honest people who make a living under the emperor's feet. The serious atmosphere in Beijing in recent days is also clear to everyone.

In addition, I was searched once yesterday, so I knew the general process, so I was very cooperative.

Open the courtyard door wide and let the officials compare the portraits. They also show everyone in the room where they can hide people.

While giving instructions, Wantang reminded loudly: "Check carefully, be careful with your hands, and don't damage other people's things. Call the outside world to say that we are guarding the Yamen and are a bunch of rough guys!"

If you dare to be careless, let me know, I will give you a few whips!

By the way, after checking yesterday, if there is anything missing or broken at home, tell me immediately! "

"My family is fine."

"It's the same in my family. Nothing is broken or missing."

Some people answer, and others respond.

With such words in front of me, even if I feel bored by the repeated searches by the government, I will be more obedient in my actions.

Even the houses that have not yet been searched opened their doors in advance, and the whole family stood in the courtyard waiting.

One of the rooms was still dark.

The sound of the neighbors opening their doors could be heard.

A young woman came in and spoke to the people at the table in a low voice: "There are people guarding the alley outside the back door, and you can't get out. What should we do now?"

"Light the candles," the man said.

At this time, anyone who is not open or pretending that no one is home will be particularly conspicuous.

Soon, the candle lit up, illuminating half of the face of the person at the table.

He is ordinary and has no special features. He is none other than Mr. Tong.

"Go and open the door first," he told the little woman, "It's just a search by the government. How you dealt with it yesterday will be the same today. Only when you panic will they see the problem."

The little woman nodded, walked out quickly, and opened the door with a creak.

Father-in-law Tong also came out of the house and walked slowly to the yard.

He actually didn't panic.

The master has Chengxi and the others taking care of him. After leaving the capital, he will follow the agreed plan step by step.

The road is difficult, but not long.

The master needs to keep a contact person in the capital to coordinate the various relationships, and Eunuch Tong will take on this responsibility.

To take on this important task, you not only need to gain 100% of your master's trust, but you also need to meet him face to face.

In the past few years, Cheng Xi has come into contact with many people. Once someone describes their facial features and facial features, and notices are posted on the streets, even if they are disguised, they cannot be foolproof.

Father-in-law is much safer.

He left the palace at the age of ten, and thirty or forty years passed by.

Even if the Holy Father found out that his surname was Lao, and that he had served Zhang Xuan as a servant and his master, no one could recognize him at a glance.

It's just too long.

How can a young man and a little old man look alike?
In recent years, he has rarely walked outside. The only person who has seen him is Su Chang.

Su Chang ran errands for Su Yi, and his master's success depended on Su Yi's efforts. Could Su Chang go to the Yamen to report him?

Without his portrait, no one would recognize him as Eunuch Tong, as long as he didn't show any cowardice.

As for the garrison yamen that was searched for two consecutive days...

After checking today, there will never be another tomorrow!

Not long after, Wantang brought two men in.

This was the address on the note that Duke Fuguo showed him, and all he had to do was ask questions "as usual".

He signaled one of his subordinates to go into the house to check, and another person held a torch to illuminate the faces of the old man and the young man. Wantang looked at the roster: "Li Qian's family?"

Little Woman Nono: "Yes."

"You two are the only ones at home?" Wantang asked again.

"Yesterday I told other officials," the little woman replied, "The man went out to do business, and he said he would not come back for three or four months. He was worried that I would be the only one taking care of the family, so he asked me to bring daddy here. , father and daughter have a care for each other."

Wantang then looked at Eunuch Tong, holding the roster in his hand: "Your name is Qian Guang."

Eunuch Tong nodded: "Yes, my hometown is in Yongcheng, and I arrived in Beijing yesterday."

"A person from Yongcheng?" Wantang raised his eyebrows, "Can you tell me a few words in Yongcheng dialect?"

Eunuch Tong thought for a while and said a few words, "My lord, you have worked hard" and "My lord, you will have good luck."

Wantang smiled, looked at the father and daughter again, and said, "I'll look around."

The little woman breathed a sigh of relief.

Eunuch Tong looked out the door.

The door opposite was also being questioned. There was a family standing there with torches lit. As soon as he looked over, he met the eyes of the woman there.

Eunuch Tong was startled.

Who is that?
Is there a mother-in-law like this across the door?
At first glance, it looks unfamiliar, but when I think about it, it seems a little familiar...

Eunuch Tong was startled and subconsciously took half a step back, trying to get further away from the light of the torch.

A thought flashed through his mind, reminding him that something wasn't quite right.

Could it be that the garrison yamen once again checked Xiaoci Hutong, not just for the sake of success, but with a targeted aim?

Are they coming for him?
There is no portrait of him in the yamen. Is that woman here to recognize him?

Shouldn't.

No one should recognize him, and he doesn't recognize the woman either...

It just looks familiar. Has he seen her before somewhere?
For a moment, Eunuch Tong had no answer.

Uneasy feelings emerged in his mind, and he could only hint that he should not panic.

He wears a fake beard, wears coarse clothes, and has a stooped back. How can he be so easy to recognize?

In the yard across the way, the old lady was observing for a moment.

The mother-in-law is none other than Grandma He. Speaking of which, she had not seen the little mouse for decades, that is to say, the princess asked about it a while ago. After thinking hard for a long time, she could barely recall the facial features of the little chamberlain.

But after all, it’s been too long. Who knows what the little mouse will be like when he gets older?
"It seems to be him," Grandma He said in an uncertain tone. "He has lost his beard and is younger. He seems to have some interest."

Lin Yunyan stood behind the door panel, facing Aunt He's family, but people in the yard on the opposite side couldn't see her.

If they start tonight, they will suffer because they don't know anyone.

Su Chang recognized him, but asking him to recognize him was not a good idea.

First, if this was Li Du's plan to catch the traitor and deliberately lure people to Xiaoci Hutong, Su Chang's surrendered chess piece would be exposed.

After that, it would be impossible for them to obtain information from Su Yi through Su Chang.

Furthermore, what if Su Chang rebels again?

Su Chang knew clearly that it was Xu Jian who robbed him twice. It was Xu Jian who was staring at the house in Chenmi Hutong early in the morning before the incident happened. It was Xu Jian who sat back and watched Li Shao being searched by the two yamen there.

This is undoubtedly a future trouble for both of them.

Therefore, Lin Yunyan went to invite Grandma He's family, and before Wantang led people into the alley, she entered the house through the back door in the next alley.

They gave him money and explained that they were identifying the fugitive in the house on the opposite side, so they stayed here.

Seeing that they were two female relatives, one old and one young, the hostess of the house was very enthusiastic and whispered to them to introduce the neighbors across the street.

"The man's name is Li Jincai. He said he was doing some small business and was away from home half the time for ten days."

"The income is pretty decent. His wife, Li Qianshi, buys a lot of food and drinks, and occasionally exchanges some jewelry."

"I asked her why she didn't save some money so that she could have a baby. She said that men don't spend much time at home and are afraid that money would be unsafe at home, so they put it all in the bank except for daily food and clothing."

"I didn't hear that Li Jincai was going on a long trip before, but he left suddenly. It seemed like he would be gone for several months. Yesterday, Li Qianshi brought daddy."

"I just said that it was so far away and it was so easy to come here. My daughter-in-law also said that maybe she knew that she was going to travel a few months ago and had made arrangements a few months ago, but she didn't tell the neighbors. It turns out, it turns out that the old man is Fugitive!"

"Catch them! Catch them all quickly, otherwise people will be in panic every day."

When the door on the opposite side opened, Grandma He was observing.

It was just that it was too dark at the other end to see clearly. When Lord Wan entered, the guard's torch shone on the little old man's face, and it became clear.

"I think so." Aunt He's family made a judgment.

Lin Yunyan nodded slightly.

It would be best if grandma can recognize it. She cannot confirm it, but she may not be unable to deceive.

She came out from behind the door panel, turned her head to look over, curled her lips and smiled, looking at the little old man.

Under the torchlight, the little old man was older than the young father-in-law Lin Yunyan imagined, probably because of his beard and posture.

As soon as the two sides met, she was keenly aware that the little old man's face stiffened.

Lin Yunyan smiled again, and her smile was meaningful.

The boy's father-in-law feels a cold sensation on the back of his neck.

He was still wondering who the woman was, but he didn't expect that there was someone hiding behind the door panel on the opposite side.

That is Princess Ning'an.

He recognized it instantly.

The princess will be here, which proves that the search tonight is for him.

How to do?
Instinct made him want to run, but his legs were locked in place.

Wantang is just a few steps away. With his arms and legs, can he outrun Commander Wan?
What's more, the whole alley is now full of official servants.

Are you going to get caught without any help?
Eunuch Tong was unwilling to give in, but he still retained a trace of luck.

He recognized the princess, but the princess did not recognize him.

That mother-in-law, that mother-in-law...

Eunuch Tong's eyes widened suddenly, and he remembered.

is her!

She was the cook who worked in the imperial kitchen in the past!

Before Master Zhang passed away, he went to the imperial dining room to order food, but the steward ignored him. It was a cook who made him a simple dish before the fire went out at night.

At that time, Master Zhang ate so deliciously.

Looking back, Master Zhang knew it. While wiping away her tears, she said that he should serve His Highness in the future and must take good care of His Highness. She also said that this dish was the most satisfying she had eaten in the past few years...

However, this cook had already left the palace. How could she be with Princess Ning'an after decades?
After decades, could the cook really recognize him?

Several thoughts rolled through his mind, and Eunuch Tong took a deep breath.

The need to identify him meant that it was not the cook who revealed his identity.

Who is that?
Who betrayed him? !
Eunuch Tong is eager to find an answer.

The master had no choice but to escape from his shell, and Eunuch Tong hid here after leaving the house where he had lived for a long time.

Li Jincai followed his master, and Eunuch Tong borrowed the identity of his mother-in-law and father Qian Guang to live in Xiaoci Hutong. Yesterday the Yamen came to check and it went well. I thought I was hiding something from the truth, but it turned out...

Which part is the problem?
He went out this morning to visit Mr. Ding.

Could it be that Lord Ding promised to continue to work for his master on the surface, but actually betrayed them?
still is……

Or Su Chang?

He did pass by West Street when he came back, but he didn't pass by the spice shop. Could it be that Su Chang still saw him?
Suchang sold him to Fu Guogong and the garrison Yamen?
Was it Su Chang who betrayed him, or did Su Yi just take advantage of the situation?

There was a huge wave in his heart, and the fear of being caught had been overshadowed. Eunuch Tong was satisfied and only worried about his master.

If Su Chang betrays him, all the things Su Yi planned through his hands will be exposed.

Su Yi also betrayed, the master is in danger!

No matter what, he wanted to leave some message, and he couldn't let his master know it!
On the side, Wantang, who was looking around here and there, had actually been paying attention to Eunuch Tong, picking up every look and expression in his eyes.

At this moment, seeing the other party's wavering and anxious look, Wantang could tell that this was the person they wanted to arrest without the princess confirming with him.

Seeing Eunuch Tong move, Wantang rushed forward without saying a word and captured the man with his backhand.

"It hurts, it hurts! What are you doing, sir?"

"Let go of my father!"

Wantang started, and the guards were not hesitant. They took out ropes and tied up the two men.

The people were escorted back to the garrison yamen, and all the people in Xiaoci Hutong were withdrawn.

Wantang did not rush to interrogate him. He only asked someone to pinch the little old man's face and pull off his fake beard with great effort.

Hearing the sound of saluting Xu Jian outside, Wantang stood up and went out to greet him: "Master Guo, you have done a great job tonight, right?"

It's better than working with an old buyer.

Lao Dan has tricked him several times.

Xu Jian walked in, followed by Shen Chen.

Shen Chen had a rope in his hand, and three people were tied behind him, all with bruises and swollen faces.

"Who are these?" Wantang asked curiously.

"They are in the same group." Xu Jian replied.

These people live in the alley next door, facing the back door of the house where Eunuch Tong is hiding. It seems that Li Du has a plan. If something unexpected happens here, they will report the news to Eunuch Tong.

When the garrison yamen left, they made some movement, and were caught by Xu Jian who was just waiting for something to happen.

With that said, Xu Jian walked to the lobby, looked at the man whose fake beard had been torn off so hard that the skin around his mouth was red, and said hello.

"Eunuch Tong," he said, "should I call you little mouse?" (End of Chapter)