Yan Cigui.

The tea is full of water.

Wiping the rim of the lamp with his fingertips, Xu Jian thought about Li Rong.

When he took Cheng Xi's portrait to the Jingxin Hall, Li Rong looked at it very seriously.

Xu Jian asked at that time "Have you seen this person in Zhuangzi?" Li Rong gave a negative answer.

But does Li Rong really not know Cheng Xi?
Or do they know each other but don't talk about it, one more thing is worse than one less thing? Or, does he hide it with other thoughts?
This question can only be asked to Li Rong later.

Now, Xu Jian looked at Yu Chengan and asked, "Where did you meet Cheng Xi? Jiangjunfang?"

"No," Yu Cheng'an replied, "The people in Jiangjunfang are very eccentric. It's enough to watch other people fighting cocks and crickets on weekdays. I raise my own, but I still have to find another place to show it off."

Xu Jian motioned for him to continue.

Even if Yu Chengan had a lot of cricket scriptures, he would not introduce everything to Xu Jian in such a busy time.

He didn't show off, and said directly: "If there is General's Square, there is Marshal's Mansion."

Xu Jian raised his eyebrows.

He has been walking around Beijing for many years. Although he has never been to the Marshal's Mansion, he has heard Xia Qing mention it briefly.

Jiangjunfang is a business for wealthy people. As long as you have money in your hand, you can enter. In addition to noble men and women in the capital, many wealthy businessmen's children are also frequent visitors.

These people get together and get to know each other, which is also a way to expand their network.

The Marshal's Mansion is different from the General's Mansion.

Only rich people can't enter the gate of the Marshal's Mansion. Only young people from hairpins and high-ranking officials can become guests.

Yu Chengan would go to the Marshal's Mansion from time to time.

It would be very distressing if the crickets that I finally raised were bumped into in Jiangjunfang.

In the field of competition at the Marshal's Mansion, the opponents are all "respectable people" who will not lie about whether they win or lose.

After all, what could be more dignified than a lintel?
In Yu Cheng'an's words, a monk who can run away cannot escape from the temple. Wherever the door opens, he who dares to default on his debt can come directly to ask for it.

No matter if there is any conflict, I am the grandson of the Hou family, and you are no different. Everyone is the same, and I am easy to bully because of my background.

"You took that cricket to the Marshal's Mansion, but Cheng Xi bought it. Is that what happened?" After Xu Jian asked, seeing Yu Cheng'an nod, he asked again, "That day you met His Highness Li Du or Li Rong. ?"

Since the Marshal's Mansion is a place where powerful people play, it is not unusual to encounter one or two chamberlains.

Some will disguise themselves, while others won't change their shrill voice at all.

"I remember Cheng Xi was in disguise that day," Yu Cheng'an recalled, "dressed like a master with a mustache."

Xu Jian asked: "Are you sure you won't admit your mistake?"

"I can even distinguish crickets, but I can't distinguish faces?" Yu Cheng'an asked, quite confident, "I could still tell at a glance that he was a chamberlain, and he said he didn't bargain when he bought crickets. I guessed at the time , nine times out of ten, the Lord wants to buy it.

It is not unusual for the true master not to show up. I have money in one hand and crickets in the other, and I will not ask the waiter who his master is.

When you asked me this, I did not see Li Du or His Highness Li Rong that day.

However, based on his reaction when I later asked His Highness Li Rong where the crickets came from, it seemed that he did not know that I was the original owner of the crickets. "

"The year before last, when His Highness was nine years old," Xu Jian continued, "Normally Cheng Xi would not take His Highness to the Marshal's Mansion. As for Li Du..."

When Li Du went out, Eunuch Ye was running back and forth beside him.

Since Cheng Xi was his general manager in handling the matter of seizing the throne, Li Du would not let him stand in the sun with him.

Speaking of which, Cheng Xi was neither Li Du nor Li Rong. How did Cheng Xi enter the Marshal's Mansion?

Who did he go to see in the Marshal's Mansion?
You can’t really love crickets and buy them, right?
Xu Jian thought so and asked this question.

Yu Chengan couldn't answer now and said, "Then we can only see if the people in the Marshal's Mansion still remember him."

Xu Jian put down the tea cup and stood up: "Lead the way."

Yu Chengan was stunned for a moment and teased: "What way are you taking? The Marshal's Mansion? It's not appropriate for a popular man in front of the emperor, a fast and thoughtful auxiliary Duke, to go to a place where a dandy has fun, isn't it? Does the princess allow you to go?"

"Why is it not allowed to investigate the rebels?" Xu Jian asked, "What? When you go to the Marshal's Mansion, you don't just fight cocks and crickets, but also engage in more shameful things?"

Just as he was talking, Shan Shen knocked on the door outside and wanted to come in to thank Young Master Yu for the snacks.

Yu Chengan quickly waved his hand.

Joking is joking, and there are also levels of dandies.

Cockfights, cricket fights, and even occasional fights are considered a good thing for a dude here.

It's really a mess, Master Shan can just take him back to Baoanhou Mansion and let his grandfather take care of him.

afternoon.

The spring sunshine is warm, which is when business at the Marshal's Mansion is booming.

Of course, compared to the bustle at the General's Mansion, the Marshal's Mansion is much quieter.

Those who can do this kind of business in Beijing naturally have a solid backing.

Xu Jian once heard someone say that the owner of the Marshal's Mansion had some relationship with the family of the consort Han Zhaoqing. To put it bluntly, the Marshal's Mansion was backed by Princess Derong.

Lin Yunyan mentioned to him the Empress Dowager's concerns about Princess Derong. The two of them had also sorted out the affairs of the Princess. Naturally, there were also rumors about the Marshal's Mansion.

According to the little princess, when asked about it at the card table that day, the eldest princess denied it.

"Fighting cocks and crickets? Others don't know, but you, the Queen Mother, don't know me? I hate the flying hair the most."

"Earlier, some juniors in the consort's family wanted to watch a cockfight and asked me if they wanted to watch it too. I quickly declined."

"I can't stand the smell! We women all like delicious food. Fighting cocks smell so bad."

"If I want to make money, I won't allow them to fight cocks and crickets. Why don't they all sit down and play horse crane for me?"

"I don't know if anyone who makes money has come to me. They are just rumors in the market. If I come to ask for clarification, I will be bullying them."

"Since that business is fairly honest and nothing happened, let him go."

"It's not too late to tell if something goes wrong. It's not my shop. How can it cover my head?"

"Who am I? Can I allow others to pour dirty water on me?"

Whether it was true or not, both Xu Jian and Lin Yunyan felt that they could only believe half of this statement.

Fortunately, he didn't come here today to find out the situation of his backer.

Yu Chengan is a regular customer.

The carriage is at the front foot, and the steward is coming to greet you at the back foot.

When Xu Jian came to visit for the first time, the steward saw that the appearance of the distinguished nobles in the capital had long been engraved in his mind, and he greeted him respectfully.

After entering the private room, Yu Chengan still didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "I sold a cricket at your place the year before last. Does the manager still remember it?"

When buying and selling in the marshal's house, the landlord takes a commission. The steward may not remember it, but it is recorded in the accounts.

The question wasn't anything private, and the steward was very cooperative. He served good tea and snacks here, and took people to the accounting room to look through books there.

Yu Chengan has a good memory. He can remember the year, month, and date roughly, and he can quickly check the accounting office if it is targeted.

In just two-quarters of an hour, the steward responded and reported the specific time, amount, and names of both parties.

"The buyer's surname is Jiang?" Yu Cheng'an frowned, "Then the eunuch's surname is Jiang? Who did he come with? Who is the master?"

The manager couldn't handle things for a while, so he called a few people to reminisce.

"That's a father-in-law? The younger one didn't notice it." "You don't even have the eyesight? The younger one saw it."

"Prince Jin? Young Prince Jin? They are not guests of the Marshal's Mansion. They have never been here even once."

"That person has been here two or three times in total, and he has a badge from Prince Liu's Mansion. The old prince used to come here a few years ago, but he can no longer come."

"Yes, Mr. Jiang seems to have picked up some crickets or something and sent them to Zhuangzi for the prince's entertainment."

"In addition to buying crickets from you, he also bought a pair of vases."

"Although there is no noble person to guide the way, the old prince is a distinguished guest, and the man is the father-in-law, so he will not be turned away."

Beyond that, it’s hard for them to recall.

After leaving the Marshal's Mansion, Xu Jian Shao was not allowed to visit Prince Liu's Mansion again.

"I won't follow you," Yu Cheng'an said, "No matter if it's useful or not, at least it gives you a direction. When you make great contributions, don't forget about brother. I'm not asking you to be promoted. I just ask you to tell me in front of my grandfather." Good words.”

Xu Jian laughed and said, "What are you talking about? Asking him to tell you how to get married?"

Yu Chengan respects Xie Bumin.

He was busy until it got dark, and Xu Jian entered the palace to resume his life.

"There is nothing to gain from staying in the prince's palace," he said. "The old prince is seriously ill, so I just said hello and left. Later, I asked the young prince a few questions, but he couldn't explain why the servants around Li Du would use them." Keep the badge of the Prince's Palace."

The Holy Master nodded slightly, tilted his head and exchanged a few words with Eunuch Cao.

Just as Eunuch Cao had to ask Xu Jian if he wanted to investigate the British Duke's residence, Eunuch Cao had to come forward if Xu Jian wanted to interrogate the prince's residence.

Prince Liu is the emperor's uncle, how can Xu Jian confront him head-on?
Moving reinforcements is the right way.

Xu Jian added: "It is rumored that the Marshal's Mansion is backed by Princess Derong. Princess Derong denies it. Yes or no..."

"I will ask Derong." The Holy Master's expression was not good-looking.

As the late emperor's favorite daughter, Princess Derong had rich assets.

It is impossible for Derong to be short of money, and of course it is not impossible to make money, but the business of the Marshal's Mansion only hurts the children of the aristocratic families.

Withdrawing from the imperial palace, Xu Jian walked to Cining Palace.

Lin Yunyan entered the palace in the afternoon and was currently in the Jingxin Hall.

Princess Jin looked bad and was worried.

"The imperial doctor came to check for His Highness Li Rong's pulse. He noticed that the princess's complexion was not good, so he reported it to the Queen Mother after returning home," Lin Yunyan said, "The Queen Mother is very concerned."

"After the princess mentioned it before, I kept looking at Ron'er. With all due respect, I didn't see any clues." Princess Jin was so worried that her voice became hoarse. "I hope he won't be confused, and I'm afraid that I won't be confused." Grass and trees are all soldiers.

I was afraid that I would take a wrong look and miss the mother-in-law's caress. I was also afraid that my sudden suspicion would hurt Rong'er's heart.

Princess, I feel so uncomfortable. "

Lin Yunyan nodded slightly.

She knew this was difficult, but if even Princess Jin couldn't understand Li Rong, it would be even harder for the rest of them.

Princess Jin was full of words and couldn't hold it back, so Xu Xu talked a lot.

In the window on the opposite side, Li Rong was still lying under the bed, watching expressionlessly.

The window opposite was open, but he couldn't see Princess Jin and Lin Yunyan, and he didn't know what they were talking about.

All he knew was that his mother and concubine had been in a very bad mood for the past two days.

Sadness, anxiety, urgency and confusion were written all over the mother-in-law's face.

It's not that Li Rong doesn't want to ask, but mother and son can only talk from a distance through the window. Daily greetings are not a hindrance, but don't think about private matters. Furthermore, the mother and concubine are obviously unwilling to speak out.

He secretly guessed that most likely, the princess wanted to know the whereabouts of his father.

But what should I do if I ask my mother-in-law?

The mother-in-law didn’t know anything at all.

The sound of footsteps came from outside again. Li Rong turned his head and looked over. Seeing the identity of the person clearly, he took the initiative to greet him: "Fu Guogong."

"Your Highness," Xu Jian saluted, "I'm here to pick up the princess."

Li Rong pointed to the other side: "The princess is talking to her mother and concubine."

"There's no rush," Xu Jian took a few steps towards the window and stood on the corridor, "I just happen to have something I want to ask His Highness."

Li Rong nodded and expressed that he was very cooperative.

Xu Jian said simply: "As for Cheng Xi and Wang Jie, His Highness said that he has not seen them in Zhuangzi, but have he seen them in other places?"

"I have never seen it in my memory." Li Rong said.

The movement in this compartment naturally spread to that compartment.

Lin Yunyan had already come out, and Princess Jin arrived at the door.

Li Rong's eyes suddenly lit up, and he called with a bright smile: "Mother Concubine!"

Princess Jin could not help but nod in response to him.

Xu Jian looked between the mother and son, and said to Li Rong: "Isn't it inconvenient for His Highness and the Princess to be so far apart?"

"It's not very convenient," Li Rong pursed his lips, "But I understand that being able to live in a courtyard and being able to greet my mother and concubine across the courtyard is a sign of mercy from the Holy Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and I am very satisfied. ”

"Your Highness understands the righteousness," Xu Jian smiled, "I also want to find Prince Jin as soon as possible. After everything is settled, Your Highness and your mother and concubine will not have to do this."

Li Rong responded in a low voice.

"Speaking of which, I met Yu Cheng'an from the Baoan Hou Mansion today," Xu Jian started a different topic, but his tone was as relaxed as before, "He mentioned it to me and said that he saw His Highness playing crickets one time, and that His Highness is now in There is nothing to do here to rest. If Your Highness is interested, he will give you a cricket for your entertainment."

Li Rong was startled.

Xu Jian added: "It's just a cricket. I think the Queen Mother will agree."

But Li Rong shook his head: "I started playing cricket more than two years ago, and then I stopped playing. How can I be embarrassed to ask the Empress Dowager for grace just for a cricket?"

Lin Yunyan listened to a few words and said with a smile: "I don't think there are any books in the princess's room, and I don't think there are any in your highness's house. If you need anything later, just ask for help."

Li Rong agreed and thanked him.

He watched Xu Jian and Lin Yunyan leave.

A burning gaze fell on him. Li Rong followed it and smiled at Princess Jin.

"Don't worry," he said, "Fushiguo Gong also asked me if I wanted to play with crickets. You see, I can play with crickets. It must be fine."

Princess Jin hurriedly said: "It's okay, everything will be fine."

It must be okay.

When Princess Jin turned around and returned to the palace, the smile on Li Rong's face faded.

He stopped lying on the window edge and fell straight on the couch, staring at the rafters in trance.

Cricket?

Why are you talking about crickets?
Who gave him that cricket?

Happy? ! (End of chapter)