Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 626: The Mysterious Secret of Qianhudani
inside the carriage,
Xue Pan raised his head and deliberately changed the subject. The old lady of Rongguo Mansion had to deal with the Jia family's affairs. How could he, an outsider, ask questions? He just wanted to eat, drink and have fun. If he thought too much about things, he would get a headache.

I simply continued to ask who those famous prostitutes were. After hearing this, I felt itchy.

Jia Qiang, who was sitting next to her, had a dark expression on her face. She wanted to test Xue Pan's attitude, but she didn't expect him to ignore it. She didn't know whether he really didn't like it or did it on purpose.

In this way,

After all, the Ningguo Mansion couldn't get what they wanted, but when I thought that Nuo Da's family property would fall into the hands of the Rongguo Mansion, I couldn't hold back the unwillingness in my heart. I still need to think about it in the long term. The Jia family members still need to greet me secretly. ,
Jia Fang and Jia Qin's faces turned red, and they became obviously excited when they mentioned this matter. Jia Fang spoke first and said;

"Brother Xue, let's not talk about the Jia family's affairs. After all, there are old ladies in charge of both houses. How can such trivial matters really make the Jia family suffer? There are so many distinguished relatives."

"That's right, Brother Xue, don't talk about those who are unhappy. We are quite honored to be here with Brother Xue tonight. However, we have never been to Yanchun Tower, and we don't know the specific situation. "

Jia Qin turned around and said this, feeling regretful in her heart, thinking about the masters of the master's family who lived a drunken life, while the people below them ate chaffy vegetables and didn't even have new clothes during the New Year. It would be a lie to say that there was no resentment in their hearts. of.

Something happened in the Ningguo Mansion, and many people in the Jia family secretly felt a sense of joy in it, and many people were still waiting to see the joke.

"I don't like those trivial matters. If something happens, someone will take care of it. Tonight, I just went to have fun. I didn't talk about the eight famous prostitutes for a long time. Do you know that?"

Xue Pan was a little impatient and asked again,
Jia Qiang, who was beside her, immediately changed her face and responded;
"Brother Xue, what you said is, just be happy. Brother Xue should know about the eight famous prostitutes. Do you still remember the oiran election in Jiangnan last year? I heard that it was disturbed by Luo Yunhou, but the four great martial arts The candidate for the courtesan launched by the brothel has become famous all over the world, and her beauty is spread!"

When Xue Pan heard what was going on, he didn't know where he was. He was there that day, and he even had a conflict with the disciples in the academy and suffered a big loss. If Marquis Luo Yun hadn't reached out, that day would have been in danger!
However, those candidate oirans were indeed beautiful and beautiful, not much different from my own sister. It was a pity that I did not appreciate them properly, which was a pity!

Only a fool like Xue Pan could compare the looks of a courtesan from a brothel with his own sister. Seeing Xue Pan's face looking a little pity, Jia Qing thought that Xue Pan had never seen him before, so he just said,
"That's right, Brother Xue, this year's oiran election is to make up for last year's regrets, so we have to compete again to choose the title of the most beautiful woman in the world. What's even more exciting is that the six major academies are holding a poetry meeting on the same day. We have to choose I don’t know how to write the best poem in the world.”

Hearing that it was a commonplace talk again, Xue Pan didn't pay attention to it, not once or twice. Those acid Confucian scholars like these flashy things. What kind of poetry can be written, it is not as good as the two sentences casually said by the Marquis.

"I have heard of candidates for courtesans. How could they have such fame in the past? Could it be that they are the so-called courtesans!"

"Of course,"

Jia Qiang also hid her previous thoughts in her heart and showed a smile that all men know. The eyes of the Jia family's juniors around her were even brighter. They didn't even dare to think about the oiran. Needless to say about her body and appearance, I heard that Qinqi He is proficient in all kinds of calligraphy and painting, and even has unique dance skills. Rumor has it that they are all forbidden dances.

Only Xue Pan spit, what a courtesan, what a courtesan, just a woman, torn on the bed,

Once the lights are blown out,

She was just like her maid, who was pressed on the bed. I thought of the incident in Aurous Ling, when I glanced at someone's oiran. She was really good-looking. If it weren't for a few academy disciples who got into trouble for no reason, how could they have come? In the capital, the oiran succeeded without saying anything.

"Stop being so pretentious, tell me, what are those famous prostitutes called, and why are they on the list?"

Xue Pan felt that Hu Ji was still more beautiful, not to mention the protrusion of the front and back, fair skin, and tall height. Why couldn't he choose the courtesan? Xue Pan still couldn't forget those Hu Ji.

"Brother Xue, please sit tight and listen. I will tell you the origins of these eight famous prostitutes. They were originally the candidates for the brothel, including Liu Rulan and Dong Xiaowan recommended by Jiangnan Yunliang Pavilion, Zheng Wumei and Kou Bai from Yuelai Pavilion. Mei, Ma Xianglan and Gu Qiubo from Manchunyuan, and the rest are Li Xiangjun and Chen Yuanyuan from Yanchun Tower. It is said that they are all stunning beauties and have dancing skills.
It is said that he was a disciple of various major academies. When he was having fun in Yanchun Tower, he accidentally saw the courtesan practicing the lost dance. . "

Jia Qiang's face was full of nostalgia. The ones she had seen in the past were all bought by Mr. Zhen. Some were beautiful, but unfortunately they were just flower stands, not to mention vulgar. After playing with them for a while, she got tired of them. They were all sold, and no one else could get their hands on them. Even Brother Rong, who kept thinking about those women, couldn't get his wish.

Xue Pan sat there and swallowed, and his interest was completely piqued. Just hearing the name was so beautiful, and he was so talented in sex and dancing. Why hadn't he heard of it before?
"What you said is true. I thought those sour scholars could only recite poems and write poems, but I didn't expect that they are also veterans of flowers. Color is the most basic, and they are just playing music, chess, calligraphy and painting. As for dancing, what's the problem?"

Xue Pan didn't understand, which kiln sister couldn't dance a section, why was it so difficult, but Jia Qing, who was sitting at the door of the carriage, suddenly said,
"Boss Xue, I don't know. How can ordinary dances be counted as dances? They must be those peerless dances, such as the Yanchun Tower we went to. It is said that Li Xiangjun and Chen Yuanyuan have found the long-lost dance." "Horse tramples flying swallows," it seems that a master once said that this dance was forbidden in the palace in the past. It is rumored that the noble concubine specially showed it to the saints. How can it not be expensive?"

"Yes, Boss Xue, not only the oiran in Yanchun Tower can dance with peerless skills, but also the Yunliang Pavilion has colorful feathers, the Jinghong Dance in Manchun Court, and the long sleeves of the Chu Palace in the south of the Yangtze River are easy to bend, which is really rare. ”

Jia Fang didn't come here in vain. He had already inquired about the affairs of the capital. His eyes were shining, and Xue Pan felt itchy in his heart. He felt that the carriage was going too slow, so he shouted at the driver outside the window. ,
"Driver, if you drive faster, it will be dark and you won't even have anything to eat."

"Yes, sir, we are just around the corner, come on!"

A loud shout,
The carriage went a little faster,
Coincidentally,

Zuixian Tower,
There were guards from the Imperial City Division and people from the Marquis Mansion coming in and out. The men who had been deployed earlier continued to expand the search area. Unfortunately, since the last arrest failed, the whereabouts of the demonic path has disappeared. Even The two groups were nowhere to be found.

It seems that

It can't be found.

Liu Chen and Liu Qianhu stood by the window in the guest room on the third floor, silent. Behind him, Baihu and Banner stood on both sides, their heads lowered and listless.
"Sir, we have searched the entire Ningrong Street, the nearby residences, and the East Market, but no trace of the demonic path was found."

Baihu, the leader in white clothes standing in front, clasped his fists and replied, and Deputy Qianhu, who was standing opposite, also replied,

"Sir, I have looked in the fireworks alley, alleys, and under the bridges. There is no trace of the demon. I sent people from humble positions to search for the traces of the two groups of people, but no traces were found. After they entered Nancheng, there was no movement. Keep an eye on them. I haven’t found anything for a few days, so I’m afraid I might have left the city.”

Deputy Captain Gu Xuanji's forehead was covered with sweat. After spending so many manpower for several days and getting nothing, how could he report this to the eunuch in the palace? They seemed too useless and he didn't know if they would be punished.

Liu Chen looked at the streets outside the capital. There were only a few people, and more smoke was floating in the air. It was getting dark, and another day passed. "Everyone knows that the evil way is not easy, and we can still let it escape. Mr. Ming Today, we sent people to ask how the people were found. What do you think of this Qianhu's answer?"

The cold words made all the banner officials in the hall lower their heads. The one on the left had an unhappy face.
"Sir, it's not that the brothers are not working hard. You also know that the place where the brothers are searching these days is in Jufang Market, with a large population. When we were supposed to locate the approximate location of the Demon Road, the soldiers and horses of the Luoyun Hou Mansion did not They help with all their heart, they are humble and untrustworthy, a person with four legs cannot outrun a person with two legs, they”

Baihu wanted to say more, but Liu Chen scolded him loudly,
"Shut up, are you allowed to say these words? Not even this Qianhu dares to talk nonsense, you!"

Liu Chen's expression changed and he glared at Baihu fiercely. How could they discuss the affairs of the Hou Mansion?

But after the scolding, the surrounding flag officers and deputy Baihu had expressions of dissatisfaction on their faces, and many people were still complaining. Master Baihu was right, he was almost caught every time. , but it's a pity that it's a step too late.

Someone must have let something slip. Apart from them, the people present were from Luo Yunhou. It was clear at a glance who was right and who was wrong.
Liu Chen had a headache.

You know, you know, these things must not be spread outside, and the things inside can only be understood but not expressed in words. Almost everyone knows the attitude of the Marquis towards the Ningguo Mansion, and it is tacitly understood, so how can he really work hard.

But they can't be caught. They are the ones who have to suffer from the Grand Eunuch. What should they do next?
"Everyone in this family knows what you are saying. Now it is a problem. If the person is not caught, the Grand Eunuch cannot explain it. What should we do next? No matter what the origin of the demon is, its methods are really good."

This question was asked to everyone in the inner hall. Everyone looked at each other in silence. Only Deputy Qianhu moved his lips, stood up, clasped his fists, and said,
"Sir, brothers, I have an idea, but I don't know whether I should talk about it or not?"

The person who spoke was Fu Qianhugu Xuanji, an elite general from Fusi in Sibei Town of the Imperial City. He was promoted through meritorious service and was deeply loved by the Grand Duke. When he saw that it was him who spoke,
Liu Chen turned around,
He asked with his hands behind his back,
"Gu Qianhu, if you have something to say, you might as well say it directly. Now that the demon has disappeared, it will be difficult to catch him again. We can't escape the guilt of our negligence."

Deputy Qianhu Gu Xuanji stood still and thought for a moment, looked at Bai Dagan next to him, and asked,
"Bai Baihu, are you sure the people in the Hou Mansion have been connivant in the past few days?"

"Sir, my humble position is confirmed. All my brothers have seen it."

Bai Baihu didn't know why Deputy Qianhu would ask such a question. Those soldiers were very arrogant and said they couldn't touch them.

"That's it. With them here, sir, no matter how hard we try, we can't catch the person. Since we can't catch the person, it's better to make the mistake and say that the demon Dao was rescued by the Taiping Cult. Let the matter be made clear to the Grand Duke. He said that he had also heard that Luan Jia, the Queen Mother Protector of Luoyun Marquis, went to Jing'an Temple to offer incense and was attacked on the south slope of Beishan Mountain this morning and was injured. It was confirmed that these people were the rebels of the Taiping Sect. "

Speaking of this, Gu Xuanji's eyes flashed, and Bai Baihu behind him also thought of this matter.
"Sir, you mean to blame the Taiping Religion,"

"Hmph, what do you mean by blaming the Taiping Religion? These thieves are so audacious that they are causing cholera in the capital. As the saying goes, if you have too many debts, you don't have to worry about them. If you have too many lice, you don't need to worry about them. It doesn't matter if you have too many lice and it doesn't itch."

Deputy Qianhu Gu Xuanji also had no choice. Who asked him to be sent by the Grand Duke to take over the case? It involved a lot and had to be investigated. The nobles, the Marquis's house, and the civil servants were all obstructing it.

"Sir, the key thing is how to explain it to the Grand Eunuch and the Hou Mansion. Even if you eat Gualuo, you still have to let the Hou Mansion know."

Liu Chen nodded silently and glanced at Gu Xuanji appreciatively.
"Master Gu's words came in time. I mean the same thing to Qianhu. As for the Marquis, Xuanji, please find an opportunity to go over and explain it to the Marquis. As for the Grand Eunuch, I will personally go to plead guilty. As for you, Wan Ji Don’t withdraw your manpower, keep an eye on Dongshi and Ningrong Street first, just in case.”

"Yes, my lord."

Seeing everyone responding, Liu Chen breathed out softly,

At this time, the sun has set in the west, night is hanging in the sky, and the lights on the road are all lit.

It's a pity that under the lights of thousands of houses, where is the thief hiding?

In the restaurant,
After the people from the Imperial City Division dispersed,
In the side courtyard next to the restaurant,
Zhou Zhengbai, the eldest son of Prince Zheng, just opened the door and saw his teacher Fan Wenhai standing outside the house. He quickly saluted and asked,

"Teacher, are you okay?"

"Of course, tonight, people from the Wu family came to the door and said there was news from the palace,"

Fan Wenhai frowned. They had always been the ones to visit the Wu family, but tonight was unusual. People from the Wu family actually came here. Although he told them, they must not come unless absolutely necessary. Could it be that the palace There is news about the Supreme Emperor.

"Did Concubine Wu send the message?"

Just as the prince asked again, he was interrupted by Liu Zushan, the captain of the guard behind him.

"Your Majesty, sir, the people in the Imperial City Division of Zuixian Tower have dispersed. My subordinates guess that the demon Dao must have escaped. The people in Fusi, Northern Town of the Imperial City Division have found nothing. Maybe they can't stay any longer."

Every move in Zuixian Tower is under Liu Zushan's radar. How could those in the Imperial City Division not know about such a big movement?
Fan Wenhai had a smile on his face, and the grooves spread out on his old face.

"As I expected, the civil servants, the northern and southern township parties, and the people from the Luo Yun Hou Mansion didn't want the court to catch the evildoer at all. They just wanted to punish Jia Zhen and divert the nobles' attention. In this way, the court would Tang will be stable for a while,"

"Sir, what you said is true. After the people from the Imperial City Division left, they did not engage in any large-scale arrests. It seemed that they were just waiting for orders. There is another matter. This morning, in Beishan, there were thieves from the Taiping Sect who robbed Luo Yunhou. It’s really strange to be injured by an arrow.”

"What! Luo Yunhou was wounded by an arrow?"

(End of this chapter)