Under the sky

Chapter 194 Dao is not alone

Shen Qingge came to question Shen Yuqing the next day, of course, for Mrs. Ya.

"Is there no one left in Qingcheng?" Shen Qingge asked his nephew, "You want Xiaoxiao - she is your cousin, the eldest lady of Qingcheng, and General Wei Shu - to be a bodyguard?"

"Xiao Xiao has been to Wudang and is familiar with several palace masters of the Third Division Hall of Wudang and can talk to them," Shen Yuqing replied.

"Let Xiaoxiao's father go." Shen Qingge said, "I see him staying in the room all day doing nothing, and he is almost sick from boredom."

"Master Ya has a fierce temper, which is inappropriate." Shen Yuqing shook his head, "Aunt Qing, the peace is not as peaceful as before. Huashan has invaded the country. My uncle went to Bazhong to fight against the enemy. He is a small martial arts expert, so he should do something for Qingcheng."

"Nonsense!" Shen Qingge frowned, "Is it her turn to do things?"

Shen Yuqing said: "Everyone has to do something, not just Xiaoxiao."

Shen Qingge repeatedly asked Shen Yuqing to take back his life, but Shen Yuqing just refused. Shen Qingge was not as forbearing as Mrs. Ya, so he immediately accused Shen Yuqing of being confused and arranged Shen Weichen's nonsense.Shen Yuqing was afraid that her aunt would disturb her sister, so she listened patiently to her scolding. Then she said that she would discuss it later because she was busy with official duties, so she sent someone to send her aunt back to the nursing home, and secretly sent someone to inform Shen Weichen to stay away early.

Compared to Mrs. Ya, this second aunt has a pampered temperament. She is like this at home and even more so after getting married. If she were not still the head of the family, Shen Qingge would give in, or she would twist her ears and force her to take it back.Master Ya has always been on good terms with several of his brothers and sisters, but Mrs. Ya has found a good helper.

Speaking of Mrs. Ya, in the past few months, except for greeting Aunt Xu, the number of times I have met with Mrs. Ya has become less and less.Shen Yuqing knew that Mrs. Ya was deliberately avoiding her, so the suspicion could not be eliminated for a while, so she could only wait and see if Mr. Ya would say a few good words for her.

It’s hard to imagine...

■

After hearing the report, Shen Weichen hurriedly fled the study to avoid his second aunt.Shen Qingge couldn't wait for anyone in General Wei Shu's study, so he simply went to Shen Weichen's room to wait. After receiving the news, Shen Weichen went around the dormitory to move the reinforcements - Shen Yayan.

Shen Yayan and Shen Yongci were generally under house arrest, but the control was not strict, but they could not leave Lingxiao Pavilion without permission, so they sent someone to find Shen Qingge and asked the elder sister to stay out of her daughter's business.

Shen Qingge is angry. One of you and your wife want me to take care of it, and the other wants me to leave it alone. Are you taking care of it or not?The two got into an argument in Lingxiao Pavilion. They were both impatient and the sound was so loud that Shen Weichen could hear it from across the yard.

However, Shen Qingge was finally angry and had to say a few unpleasant words, saying that I don't care about your housework.

It was an urgent matter to go to Wudang, but Xie Gubai's health was so bad that he was just able to get up yesterday, and Zhu Menshang asked him to rest for one more day.According to Zhu Menshang, those who were carried into the car on a stretcher were either going to treat the illness or bury the body.

At night, Shen Weichen and Gu Qingshang packed their luggage and were talking privately. There was a candlelight outside the door, and Mrs. Ya finally came in person with a lantern.

Gu Qingshang took Shen Weichen out last time and seriously injured her. She felt sorry for this elder and couldn't help but feel aggrieved in front of Mrs. Ya.She had been sleeping with Shen Weichen for the past two days. She wanted to avoid it but didn't know where to hide for a while. When she saw Xia Lijun outside the door, she saw her standing upright and she also stood outside the door.

Inside, Mrs. Ya scolded Shen Weichen, some of which were very loud. Gu Qingshang was even more embarrassed and asked Xia Lijun, "Does Mrs. Ya come here often?" Xia Lijun glanced at her and didn't reply.After an unknown amount of time, Mrs. Ya walked out angrily, glared at Gu Qingshang, and then left in a sedan chair.

Gu Qingshang returned to the room, and Shen Weichen looked as usual and waved her in.Gu Qingshang asked: "Does your mother talk about you every time you go out?"

Shen Weichen forced a smile: "I don't go out very often. I just went to Tianshui with my sister last year."

On the third day, the fleet was assembled and the carriage drove to the outside of the Palace of Eternal Life to wait.Shen Weichen and Gu Qingshang went to see Xie Gubai. Shen Yuqing and Zhu Menshang were already waiting.Xie Gubai was leaning on crutches, his steps were shaky, and he was out of breath after walking a few steps. Gu Qingshang asked worriedly: "Is there really nothing wrong with his body?"

Zhu Menshang said: "If you can't reach the carriage, just rest for a few more days and don't go out."

Xie Gubai said: "Lying for too long, my legs and feet don't work. Just walk a few more steps." After finally reaching the carriage, Shen Yuqing was still worried and stepped forward and said to Xie Gubai: "Brother, why don't you let Ya Master, are you going?"

Xie Gubai said: "It would be better for me to go."

Shen Yuqing couldn't help but wonder, with Xie Gubai's injury, was it really necessary to take such a risk?Although persuading Wudang is crucial, if the eldest brother's injury turns serious and he is unable to go to Wudang Mountain, wouldn't his trip be in vain?
When he was hesitating, Xie Gubai took a step forward and whispered in his ear: "I will explain all the doubts the master has when I come back this time."

Shen Yuqing nodded: "Brother, take care."

When Shen Weichen saw Xie Gubai talking to Shen Yuqing, he stepped forward and asked in a low voice: "What did Mr. Xie say?" Shen Yuqing said: "He will wait until he comes back to say anything." Shen Weichen understood and saw Zhu Menshang following him. Then he and Gu Qingshang rode in the same carriage. Xia Lijun rode beside the carriage, and Miao Ziyi led a convoy of 200 people to leave Qingcheng in a mighty manner.

This trip starts by water and then by land. It takes only a few days to reach Yichang by going down the Yangtze River. First, go to Xiangyang Gang to pay a visit to Yu Jien, and then go to see the boat leader.Along the way, all Xie Gubai's food was tested for poison by Zhu Menshang. Shen Weichen was still worried and had to taste it before giving it to Xie Gubai.Gu Qingshang felt that testing poison as Shen Weichen was too much, so he volunteered. In the end, it was Xia Lijun who said: "If someone wants to poison, I have to test the poison before the eldest lady eats it." She has a stubborn personality, and even Shen Weichen can't resist it. she.

It was Zhu Menshang who spoke up: "If you are afraid of being poisoned, why don't you cook the food yourself? You are the most careful under your own nose."

Gu Qingshang smiled and said: "I haven't tried your sister's cooking skills yet, she must be good."

Shen Weichen shook his head: "I can cook white noodles and cut vegetables, but not anything else."

Gu Qingshang was surprised: "Girl doesn't know how to cook? I thought she knew everything."

Shen Weichen said: "I have been to the kitchen several times, but my mother always ordered the servants to work, and she would not let me cook. Even if I was curious and would get scolded when I touched the pot and spoon, the kitchen was afraid that I would get hurt and did not dare to take responsibility for it. "

Girls from wealthy families just direct people to work. Qingcheng is in charge of the food for thousands of guards. The management of food materials is complicated and trivial. Usually several people work together to handle a job.A kitchen maid got married. Her husband's family thought that she was from Qingcheng's royal chef and could enjoy delicious food. After asking, she found out that she was only responsible for chopping vegetables in the kitchen. She could peel hundreds of bamboo shoots and kill hundreds of fish a day, but she didn't I know how to season, but I don’t know how to hold a spoon.Even though the Shen family's food was specially prepared, Shen Weichen had never cooked.

Before Gu Qingshang could speak, Xia Lijun said, "I'll do it."

Zhu Menshang looked at Xia Lijun suspiciously. Xia Lijun didn't say anything, and entered the kitchen and started cooking.Gu Qingshang followed curiously and saw that she was really good at cooking with her nimble hands and feet. He couldn't help but ask: "You have smart hands and feet, do you seem to cook a lot?"

Xia Lijun, who rarely spoke to me, said, "My father said I was smelly and ugly. I must at least know some girl's craftsmanship. Later, I went to Qingcheng to work as an errand, and I also had to make food for myself."

Gu Qingshang thought for a while, then caught a fish and removed the scales and belly. He also said with nimble hands and feet: "My mother also asked me to come into the kitchen. She left early and didn't learn any of her skills. To be honest, my mother is a wealthy family She comes from a poor family and doesn’t know how to cook, so her husband and parents-in-law despise the fact that her cooking is unpalatable.”

"Aren't your mother's husband and in-laws your father and your grandparents?" Xia Lijun asked.

"Yes." Gu Qingshang answered lukewarmly, neither explaining nor saying much, "I later learned a few dishes in the academy and cooked them for the students when I had time."

Xia Lijun stopped what he was doing and looked at Gu Qingshang. It seemed that from this moment on, the two of them started to talk.

The dishes were not rich and very casual. Zhu Menshang tried a few bites and said jokingly: "It's okay. It's edible."

Gu Qingshang shook his head and said: "There are few things on the boat, so you can cook whatever you want, keep it light, and let Mr. Xie take care of it."

Zhu Menshang shook his head: "That's wrong. His body needs to recover after the injury. It's time to eat big fish and meat. Just put less seasoning."

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "I will also learn some skills from my sister tomorrow."

Gu Qingshang smiled and said: "That won't work. I finally beat you in something and let you learn it. I'm really not as good as you in anything else."

Xia Lijun also said: "The young lady's hands are not meant for this kind of work, there is no need to learn."

Shen Weichen found it interesting to see that they rarely spoke in unison.Gu Qingshang brought food to Xie Gubai, and Shen Weichen asked Xia Lijun to guard the door tightly. No one was allowed in except Gu Qingshang and Dr. Zhu.

■

Peng Tiancong, Li Xiangbo and Liang Shen came to Bazhong at night.There are two local sects in Bazhong. One is the Foil Sect, which is a small sect. The leader is called Wang Shuo. He is not very good at martial arts, but his eldest son Wang Ning is good at martial arts.The other sect, the Bashan sect, is the main sect, and its leader Liu Yuchun is the main leader in Bazhong.When they heard that Qingcheng had sent people to help, they hurried out of the city to greet them.

Peng Tian never rushed into the city. He was not familiar with Bazhong. He took his eldest son Peng Nanying, Li Xiangbo, and Liang Shen and asked Liu Yuchun to lead the way north to survey the terrain.The terrain around Bazhong was rugged, high in the north and low in the south, making it difficult for cavalry to use it. After surveying for half a day, he asked his son Peng Nanying: "What do you think?"

Peng Nanying was still young and shook his head and said: "I can still do my best in fighting, but if I tell you how to fight, I don't understand." Peng Tiancong thought about it and ordered him to return to Bazhong and go to the Bashan faction to discuss the military situation.

"Recall all the people nearby to the city." Peng Tiancong said, "Move as much food and utensils as you can. Those who refuse to enter the city will be driven back."

"Is this to strengthen the walls and clear the country?" Li Xiangbo said, "It's too late. It's only more than four hundred miles from Hanzhong to Bazhong. Even if the road is steep, the Huashan troops will arrive in just a few days."

"Then what do you think?" Peng Tiancong asked Li Xiangbo.

"When they come from afar and are tired, and the surrounding mountain roads are easy to ambush, catching them by surprise is called taking the lead." Li Xiangbo said.

Peng Tiancong said: "That's not necessary. We have natural dangers and we will have to defend the city with them."

Li Xiangbo said: "Shaanxi produces good horses, but the cavalry in Bazhong is difficult to use. Let's hold the key road and fight as soon as they come out. The outcome will be determined in one battle. We will let those people from Huashan lay their corpses and fatten our mountains and forests." Peng Tiancong said: "You have a good idea. What if we lose? We lose Bazhong, but we also ask them to consolidate the grain road and use guests to deceive the host."

Li Xiangbo said: "War is inherently risky. If we are sure to lose, will Huashan think there are too many people and send some to fill the ravine?"

Peng Tiancong said: "I am the leader, you are just my staff, I give the orders."

Li Xiangbo said sullenly: "You are not from Shu, you don't understand the terrain, and you don't understand the art of war. I am your staff, and you don't listen to me. Why did the master send me here? Do you want to have a free meal?"

When Peng Tiancong saw him losing his temper, he also got angry and said loudly: "The leader wants us to defend Bazhong, but he doesn't want us to repel Huashan! Otherwise, ask Liang Youshi what to say!"

Liang Shen was the right envoy of the war hall, and Shen Yuqing asked him to assist Peng Tiancong.After listening to the two people talking, he felt that both of them were reasonable and felt embarrassed.He always believed that Huashan did not dare to violate the border lightly, but he was just bluffing and showing loyalty to Dian Cang. He did not want to actually fight, and it was difficult to make up his mind for a while.

Peng Tian came to visit his relatives from afar, knowing that he had no prestige and reputation, and he was not familiar with the topography of Shu.His father was the former head of the Penal Hall of the Peng family. Because of the case of covering up Peng Qianqi, he spent half his life in Jiangxi. He couldn't hold his head up in front of his wife. After waiting for most of his life, he finally got this opportunity, and even his son was brought to the battlefield. Naturally, he didn't want to put all his money into it. Bet on winning or losing.

Li Xiangbo made another calculation.He originally served as the commander of the Jixiang Sect in the Guards, and was highly regarded. If nothing unexpected happened, he later entered the War Hall to gain experience. Sooner or later, Liang Shen's position as the right envoy of the War Hall would be in his hands. The Lord is not impossible.

It was Ya Ye who rebelled, and he did not stand on the opposite side like Ye Jingde, the leader of the Ruyi Sect - although Ye Jingde did not feel proud and died in a widow's home.He helped Master Ya and killed the deputy commander of Nanmen. It was lucky that he was not punished with death. He finally started this war and could only serve as an army aide.

He doesn't get along with his wife and children. When Xianfu is at home, his wife and children are extremely sarcastic. What else can he lose in this great opportunity to redeem himself and make meritorious service?It's better to take the risk and achieve great success, and then die on the battlefield.

The two men were eager to make meritorious deeds, but they had different ideas, and they were arguing endlessly.Liang Shen also had a hard time deciding, so he said, "It's better to cast lots."

Peng Tiancong said angrily: "There is no point in casting lots for important military matters!"

Li Xiangbo said: "Give me 2000 people, and I will ambush you. If you are defeated, you will die there."

Peng Tiancong said: "How many disciples do you think there are in Bazhong City? There are only ten thousand people, all transferred from nearby sects. If you ask for two thousand, just two thousand, the lives of Qingcheng disciples are not worth anything?"

Li Xiangbo sneered: "If Commander Peng cherishes the lives of his disciples so much, why don't he stay in Jiangxi to help his disciples so that they can avoid being tortured by your cousin?"

There was a "snap", and a corner of the discussion table collapsed. Peng Tiancong shouted angrily: "Fuck you, what did you say!" After speaking, he slapped the knife on the table, "I dare you to say it again, you are a fucking dog." Raised!"

Peng Nanying hurriedly grabbed his father, and Liang Shen stood between the two of them, saying softly: "Don't be angry yet, how can we fight if the generals don't get along?" Then he pointed at Li Xiangbo, "Commander Li, this is your fault." Li Xiangbo has been in Jixiang for a long time. Liang Shen, the leader of the sect, often met with him. Although he knew that he had been deposed, he still could not change his words.

"His fucking commander is just a staff member, and he's still a bastard!" Peng Tiancong said angrily, "I've never heard of this man being a commander since I entered Qingcheng, but I heard that he was a traitor!"

Liu Yuchun, the head of the Bashan faction, said, "Please slow down a little. You are just getting angry, while the Huashan people are busy on their way." Seeing everyone looking at him, he said, "I think what Leader Peng said is right. We can rely on the territory to be defended." In Bazhong, we can afford it."

Wang Shuo, the head of the Foil Sect, said: "I think Mr. Li's plan is worth a try, but if you want to fight, you have to attack with all your strength. What's the use of two or three thousand men and horses?"

This is another thought of Liu Yuchun. The Bashan sect has been operating in Bazhong for many years. Peng Tiancong is a relative who has returned. Although he is called the commander of the army, he has no job in Qingcheng. It is his first time here and he has no connections or prestige. Li Xiang Bo was a traitor who committed crimes and made meritorious deeds. He looked down on the two of them from the bottom of his heart. Those who fought in the war were all his own children, so he would rather stay behind.Wang Shuo calculated it in detail and felt it was worth a gamble.

After the dispute continued, Liang Shen asked everyone to take a break and think things through before discussing.Li Xiangbo pulled Liang Shen and Peng Nanying aside and whispered: "Mr. Peng, I won't quarrel with your father. You and Liang Youshi listen to what I have to say."

Peng Nanying glanced at his father and saw him arguing with the other two heads. He nodded and asked, "Mr. Li, please speak."

Li Xiangbo whispered: "I just want to ask something, do you think the master is an embroidered pillow?"

Liang Shen frowned: "Don't talk, you will stink when you speak. Although the leader is young, he is smart, alert and capable."

No matter what he thinks in his heart, he must say this, not to mention the cousin of the leader is standing next to him.

Li Xiangbo said: "That's good. Mr. Peng and your father came to Qingcheng for the first time. They have no prestige. What is my identity? There is no one in Qingcheng. Why send a traitor like me as an aide? I see that Master Liu and Master Wang are both I was a little dissatisfied, but I didn’t say anything in my mouth, but in my heart I didn’t think it was our fault. Before the enemy got close, we got into a quarrel. Could this be the master’s wisdom?”

"The leader has deep intentions in appointing people." Li Xiangbo said, "Although Commander Peng has no prestige, he is the husband of the second aunt's grandmother after all. Mr. Peng is the cousin of the leader and a relative. He is trustworthy. He also wants to make meritorious deeds and knows how to be cautious. Why did the master send me here? Naturally, he values ​​my ability and wants me to assist your father."

"Then why did the leader send you here?" Li Xiangbo looked at Liang Shen, "Both of us have no official positions. You are the right envoy of the war hall, and only your words are listened to. We are arguing. Whether you believe Peng The commander still believes in me, he has to make up his mind and come up with something."

Liang Shen was shocked. After careful consideration, what Li Xiangbo said seemed to make some sense. Could it be that it was really the master's arrangement?After all, Peng Nanying was young and had no fixed opinions. After listening to what Li Xiangbo said, he felt that it made sense, so he said: "Liang Youshi, we will do what you say. Don't worry about dad, I will persuade him."

Peng Tiancong saw them whispering and shouted angrily: "What are you talking about!"

Liang Shen thought for a while, then stepped forward and said: "Assign two thousand soldiers to Li Xiangbo and let him ambush the vanguard. Mr. Peng, you lead 1000 people and drive all the surrounding residents into the city for refuge. Before Huashan comes, how many can be saved?" How many."

Peng Tiancong initially refused, but Peng Nanying persuaded him a few times before agreeing.

On that day, Peng Nanying led his men and horses to drive the people into the city to take refuge, and all the food, grass and utensils were evacuated.Li Xiangbo led his troops north to look for a suitable ambush. They had only been walking for a day, but they still didn't know where they were hiding. Suddenly, they heard the scout coming to report that they had seen the Wolf War flag in Huashan. Li Xiangbo couldn't help but be shocked.

Before he could set up an ambush, he never expected that the other party would come so quickly.

■

"Is that Xie Gubai gone?" Shen Yongci asked.

Chu Jingtan nodded and saw the guard outside the window standing far away, and asked: "What kind of entertainment do you want to do? Lu Bo, pot throwing, or do you want me to accompany you on the drinking order?"

"Yu'er will be killed by him sooner or later if he continues to believe in that Xie Gubai." Shen Yong said, "Jingtan, tiger poison cannot eat its seeds, how could I harm Yu'er."

Chu Jingtan turned around, her face covered with frost, and said coldly: "You are still stubborn and want to be your leader?"

Shen Yongci sighed: "I have pretended to be a gentleman for most of my life. Even if it is for myself, doesn't the headship have to be passed on to Yu'er? Do you think I still care about the headship now? 20 years earlier, 20 years later, It's Yu'er's position, so what does it matter if it's given to him? I'm still the supreme leader."

"I want to assist Yu'er." Shen Yongci begged, "Jingtan, you and I have been married for more than [-] years. Do you really want to see me die in this room and never see the light of day for the rest of my life? I'll die here. What about you? You Are you stuck here too?"

"Let me out. You have killed all the spies and no one knows about the barbarians. Keeping me locked up will damage Yu'er's reputation. People in the world will say that he has usurped the father's power. It is better to let me go and let me assist Yu'er. Firstly, it will give Yu'er a good reputation, and secondly, I can take care of my son to avoid being deceived by traitors."

"If you have such thoughts, you should tell Yu'er, not me." Chu Jingtan said, "Now Yu'er is the leader of Qingcheng."

"That Xie Gubai refused. He wanted to avenge his friend and trapped me to death in Beichen Pavilion!" Shen Yongci roared, worried that the guards outside would hear him.

Chu Jingtan said: "You really underestimate your son. He will figure it out by himself if Xie Gubai says anything."

"Yu'er can't beat that Xie Gubai! You didn't see that he is seeking revenge and harming Qingcheng. He might be a barbarian spy!"

"Barbarian spies?" Chu Jingtan sneered, "He will help us find the spies."

"How come he knows so much about the barbarians at his age?" Shen Yongci asked, "How can he find out all the spies hiding in the Nine Families at once?"

Mrs. Chu's heart moved.

"The person who assassinated Wen Ruoshan was sent by me. He died. The Iron Sword Silver Guard found the barbarian tools and the evil image of the evil demon on the assassin. Only then did Kongtong confirm Long Yushan Ji's guess about the secret passage. Those Things have been banned in the customs for a long time, where did Xie Gubai get them?"

"He is also a spy of the barbarians! He betrayed his compatriots so that he could establish himself in Qingcheng and secretly help the barbarians. You can't trust him!" Shen Yong said.

"You said he was a barbarian spy. Why did he help Yu'er?" Chu Jingtan asked again.

Shen Yong said: "He used the Kunlun Conference to provoke the war between Dian Cang and Hengshan, causing chaos in the world. He also assisted the weaker Hengshan side to prolong the war. When the barbarians entered the pass, it would be easy to defeat the nine great families who had been at war with each other for a long time. .”

Chu Jingtan shook his head: "Save your words. We have been married for more than [-] years, and I didn't know you were so eloquent. I think these days have really frustrated you."

Shen Yongci shook his head and said, "Don't hide it from me. You said you had to take care of something, but you just wanted to keep an eye on Xie Gubai nearby. You also doubt him, right?"

Mrs. Chu still said: "As long as Yu'er still believes in him, I will believe in him."

"If you really believed in him, why did you kill him?" Shen Yongci walked up behind Mrs. Chu, leaned over and whispered in his wife's ear: "You instigated Mr. Fu to assassinate Xie Gubai and Zhu Menshang."

(End of this chapter)