Under the sky

Chapter 199 The situation is declining ([-])

It was still a familiar arrangement. Li Jingfeng was followed by four people in front of him and behind him. It was worse than the previous battle. When they reached a slope, two people were left to guard it. When they climbed up the slope, two more people were left behind.There was a wooden house at the top of the slope. Four people stood at the door of the wooden house, and the remaining four people went to guard the wooden house.

A strong man held a solitary lamp in the room. The light was dim. There was a man sitting on the ground, wrapped in a small blanket. When he saw Li Jingfeng, he stood up and said, "Brother Li, please sit down."

The voice sounded like that of a middle-aged man.Li Jingfeng looked at the other person carefully. The blanket covered his nose and chin, only exposing his eyes and a few strands of black and white hair on his forehead.He said: "You are not the little shopkeeper I met in Gansu."

"One brand name, hundreds of stores." The man's voice was bright and crisp, not as businessmanlike as the little shopkeeper in Gansu, but more like a Jianghu person.Just listen to him say: "The stores are different, and the shopkeepers are different. My surname is Gu, brothers can call me the shopkeeper in the same way. Please!" He motioned for Li Jingfeng to take a seat. A blanket was spread on the floor, and wine bottles and wine glasses were placed.

Shopkeeper Gu said: "Daxia Li dared to assassinate even the Jiangxi commander-in-chief. Is there anyone else you dare not attack and need help from the old shop owner?"

Fuzhou is thousands of miles away from Anhui. Although it is only about ten days away, I didn't expect the news of the night list to be so fast.Li Jingfeng said: "That's why I'm here. There was an assistant when I assassinated Stinky Wolf. I want to know his name."

"The night list does not sell information." Shopkeeper Gu said, "But we are willing to give you some courtesy. That man's name is Xiang Zongwei. He is known as one of the top ten killers. Although he is ranked at the bottom, he has also committed many major cases. .”

Li Jingfeng asked: "What three words?"

"Xiang Yu's Xiang, the clan's clan, and the guard's guard."

Li Jingfeng recited these three words several times. After he memorized them well, he asked, "Is the stinky wolf dead?"

"I don't know." Shopkeeper Gu said, "I broke my arm and was seriously injured. I don't know whether to live or die. Brother Li wants to buy another person's head? No one will take this job. Even if Peng Qianqi is seriously injured, he has layers of guards, and his three sons are well protected. Peng Zhenwen, an important member of the Peng family, personally came to Fuzhou to take charge, so you might as well wait until he dies from his injuries."

Li Jingfeng said: "I have something I need to trouble you to do. Let the world know that the assassin who killed Stinky Wolf is Xiang Zongwei."

Shopkeeper Gu said: "Ye Bang is not a teahouse or wine shop."

Li Jingfeng said: "Wasn't it also the night list that sent Senior Peng to Jiangxi Province?"

Shopkeeper Gu shook his head: "That's different. Firstly, he is a descendant of Old Beggar Peng. There are many people in the world who support him, and there are also a few relatives in the night list, so he made an exception. Secondly, he has to ask for money. ."

Li Jingfeng asked: "How much do you want?"

Shopkeeper Gu said: "Everyone in the world knows this is difficult, especially although Xiang Zongwei has a name on the night list, not many people outside know his name, and there is no foundation. If he wants to be known to everyone in Anhui and Jiangxi, it will cost about 500 taels." , the news gradually spreads, and in a year and a half it will be known to the whole world."

"So expensive?" Li Jingfeng was surprised.

"We have a wide network and a good reputation, so the expenses are naturally higher." Shopkeeper Gu said, "It's usually worth it."

Li Jingfeng spread his hands: "I have no money. Can you do this for me first? I will find a way to pay you back later."

Shopkeeper Gu smiled and said: "Ye Bang doesn't do credit. There is no life or money owed. But if Daxia Li wants it, 500 taels is not a big sum."

"I won't join the night list." Li Jingfeng shook his head, "I will give it to you when I get the money."

"It's not like joining. Brothers can do whatever they want. When they encounter some difficulties, brothers can lend a hand and help. I see that brothers are also in a tight situation. Of course, it's pointless to talk about money to people like brothers. Let's give you the news. You choose what you like and do it, we don’t owe each other anything.”

"I don't believe it's so cheap." Li Jingfeng shook his head, "What I want to do is just because I want to do it, and it shouldn't be used in exchange."

"I'll find a way to get 500 taels together, and I'll ask for your help when the time comes." After saying this, Li Jingfeng really didn't know how to get such a large amount of money together, and Wang Meng was not around, so it was not easy to find a job picking melons. Besides, even if you pick melons, where can you get a big melon worth 500 taels?I had no choice but to stand up and say, "Thank you very much."

Shopkeeper Gu then stood up and held his hands, saying: "One more thing to remind you, there is news from Jiangxi that there is a reward of 600 taels for your head. My brother's head is worth thousands of gold, so take care of yourself on the road."

Li Jingfeng nodded: "Thank you for reminding me." Then he left.

Back outside the town, Xu Shaoyun, his wife, and Amao were waiting for him. Xu Shaoyun asked, and Li Jingfeng explained the reason. Xu Shaoyun smiled and said, "It's only 500 taels. Is it worth worrying about brothers? We, as husband and wife, can handle this matter."

Li Jingfeng was surprised: "How good is this? Such a huge amount..."

"The richest among the nine families is the Dian Cang Beggar Clan. This little money is not enough for my wife to drink for several years." Xu Shaoyun said, "Besides, that Zongwei also did something beneficial to the people of the Beggar Clan. I deserve the money." out."

Zhuge You also said: "You saved my father. Although you failed to save him, I still owe you a favor. Just tell your second uncle that he will give you the money, and it won't be a problem." She felt sad when she thought of her father's death.Zhuge Yan was the most kind to his relatives and friends, but he favored boys over girls, and the Zhen family only doted on her eldest brother, so Zhuge Ran was always closer to her.She also thought about going home for the funeral, but Xu Weihao had a special status and was afraid of being detained by his second uncle. He was also worried about staying in Anhui. In addition, Hengshan and Qingcheng were all enemy areas and there was war, so she only wrote a letter to express her condolences and say to take it easy. Then go home to worship and set up a mourning hall at home to worship.

Li Jingfeng had no reason to refuse anymore, so he took his luggage and pulled the horse over.Xu Shaoyun said goodbye to him and said: "Be careful on the road." Li Jingfeng said: "I will visit the virtuous couple again in the future if I have the chance."

■

Ever since Su Changning decided to support Songshan, Xiao Qinggu had been depressed. However, his father-in-law had made up his mind and had no choice. When he was busy with work, he would go home and comfort his children.At first, Su Wanqin was happy to see his attentiveness. But when she saw him sighing and complaining to the child while he was holding the child, she snatched the child away and scolded: "You sigh like this, Yan'er will have trouble in school." Even Su Yinzheng said: " Spiritual energy is accumulated from nature and nurture. When my nephew was born, his spiritual energy had not yet taken shape, and my brother-in-law was filled with resentment, which ruined his beauty."

Xiao Qinggu was a child-in-law. According to local customs, not only did his children have to take their mother's surname, but they also had to be called after their mothers. Therefore, the children had to be called Aunt Su Yinzheng, Uncle Su Yilin, and Grandpa Su Changning.

It doesn't matter what the title is, Xiao Qinggu doesn't care either. She was originally a monk, but now she has a wife, children, parents-in-law, and so many relatives. They are all earned, so this trouble can be regarded as interest.

I don’t know how much the interest will be rolled back.

Well, no matter what, the "Buddha Speaks of Sutra" says "remember your wife and kiss her". Your wife's family is your own family. If you are on the same boat, you have to take all the interest.

The worries didn't stop for a day. When I came back from work that day, Wanqin was holding Yan'er in her room and breastfeeding. Su Yinzheng kept teasing her. He stretched out his hand to hug the baby. Su Wanqin said, "It's okay to hug the baby, but don't sigh."

Xiao Qinggu smiled bitterly: "Okay, I will be so happy today that I won't sigh."

Su Yinzheng said: "Brother-in-law is smiling as if he is holding Coptis chinensis in his mouth. Sister, don't believe him."

Xiao Qing said, "My aunt is too busy. She comes to my house from time to time to stir up trouble. If you like to have a child by yourself, don't disturb the harmony of your sister's family."

Su Yinzheng said angrily: "I just want you to talk to Mr. Shen."

Xiao Qinggu and Su Wanqin were both amused. Xiao Qinggu said, "Okay, I won't sigh. Give me the child."

Xiao Qinggu was about to hug the child when a maid came in and said, "The young master is here."

Xiao Qinggu was surprised: "Brother-in-law is back?"

Su Wanqin said: "You go out first, I will tidy up for a while and then I will take the child to see my adopted brother."

Xiao Qinggu came to the front hall, where Su Yilin was already waiting. Xiao Qinggu asked for a seat and asked, "When did my sworn brother come back? Have you met dad?"

Su Yilin was silent for a long time and said: "I came back in the morning. I have already reported to my adoptive father about my trip to Huashan."

Xiao Qinggu was stunned for a moment, thinking why didn't you call me?Feeling unhappy, he asked: "I heard from Zhao Dazhou that the lonely cemetery is very dangerous. I lost some silver before arriving at Huashan. I think the journey is long and it may be inconvenient to send a large army to escort and lose more money."

"Dad and I have discussed it. From now on, Huashan will send a large army to escort us if we need it. We can avoid Shaolin by walking to the solitary graveyard."

"It seems that both dad and you have an idea." Xiao Qing said, "You just came to let me know."

It happened that Su Wanqin walked out with the child in her arms, and Xiao Qing said, "Let me hug Yan'er." She took the child and said to Su Yilin, "I named this child Yan Ju, and she really agreed."

Xiao Qinggu was lazy by nature and just wanted to live peacefully. She didn't want to get involved in right and wrong, and she got deeper and deeper into trouble. Thinking about the past, she couldn't help but sigh, so she named her child Su Yanju, hoping that the child could live peacefully at home every day. Peace and joy to fulfill his father's lifelong wish.

Su Yinzheng heard his sour words and said hurriedly: "Sister, please take your nephew away quickly to avoid anger."

Su Yilin said: "Why don't you recommend yourself to dad to escort the next batch of grain trucks to Huashan?"

Xiao Qinggu shook her head: "It's better for you to go, I still have to take care of the little ones."

Su Yilin said: "Juekong has been back to Shaolin for a long time, and there is no news yet. My father and I both have doubts. Why don't my brother-in-law go to your master's place to inquire about anything?"

Xiao Qing said, "If dad still believes in me, I will write a letter tomorrow to find out the news from Master."

Su Yilin said: "Dad certainly trusts you. He needs help, and you have to help him."

Xiao Qing said: "I know, I am from Songshan, and I have to plan for Songshan."

Su Wanqin saw that the two of them were talking a little stiffly, so she took the child from Xiao Qinggu's hands and said slowly, "Brother, have you eaten? Why don't you stay in Songyunju to have a meal instead of talking about business."

"I still have something happy to tell my elder sister, younger sister and brother-in-law." Su Yilin said.

"Is there a happy event?" Su Yinzheng breathed a sigh of relief. The scene just now was really embarrassing, "What happy event?" "I proposed to Yingping, and Master Yan agreed." Su Yilin said, "I have already informed my father, and he also agrees. "

After hearing this, Su Wanqin and Su Yinzheng exclaimed at the same time, very surprised. Only Xiao Qinggu frowned and said, "You want to marry the youngest daughter of Master Yan?"

■

As early as not long after Juekong returned to Shaolin, Songshan sent a letter to tell Songshan that he was not convinced by Hengshan as the leader of the alliance, and asked Abbot Juekong to uphold justice and restart the discussion.

Although the diction is modest, the content is full of the word "dissatisfaction".

Before Songshan's letter, Qingcheng had also written, firstly to say that Shen Yongci had abdicated and Shen Yuqing, and secondly to explain that Qingcheng supported Hengshan as the leader.

When the four courtyards held a joint discussion, all the monks thought that the matter was of great importance. Seeing that the abbot and Juekong did not speak, the others did not dare to speak.

The first thing to discuss is whether to assist Hengshan.

Juekong wrote down the Kunlun discussion in a document and presented it to Abbot Juejian. Juekong asked Abbot Juejian to copy twelve copies and send them to the four courtyards and eight halls to clarify the process.

Yu Gong, in the past few years, Dian Cang has been making frequent moves, and there is a plan by Kunlun to become the leader of the nine major families, and Dian Cang has a close relationship with Huashan. If he wins the position of leader, the dispute over the Solitary Cemetery may really be settled - but it is certain This is not the dust that Shaolin likes to see.Juekong's support for Hengshan at the Kunlun Conference meant that Shaolin supported Hengshan. Not to mention Songshan's actions that exceeded the rules and even passed through the solitary graveyard to send money and food to Huashan. How could Juekong, who had always been wary of Songshan, sit idly by?

This is a business matter, not a private matter. All the monks know that Li Xuanxuan and Juekong have a close friendship. Hengshan is surrounded by enemies on both sides and cannot support itself. Even with the help of Qingcheng and the restraint of Huashan to the north of Qingcheng, it seems that Shaolin will be needed to save Hengshan.

That was before the Battle of Lengshuitan. The Huashan army was still parked on the border of Qingcheng. If Shaolin sent troops, although they had to go through Wudang, they would still have time to rescue Hengshan and even participate in the Battle of Lengshuitan.

The first person to speak was Abbot Juejian: "Hengshan succeeded the leader of the alliance, Songshan overran, Dian Cang and the Beggar Clan raised troops to besiege Hengshan, and Qingcheng supported the leader. This is a great change that has not happened in the 90 years since the Kunlun consensus. What do you think, the first abbots?" ?”

Jue Wen, the abbot of Zhengyi Hall who was responsible for the affairs of the Nine Families and who once went to Qingcheng to intercede for Ming's unknown, said: "Let's talk about Songshan first, and deal with it lightly. Songshan is not one of the Nine Families. Even if you say you don't agree, just ignore it. At most, send a monk to give advice to the head of Su; if he deals with it in a serious way, he will have to shout at Songshan. This is also related to how Shaolin handles the dispute over the leader. If he supports Hengshan, it is okay to shout at Songshan. If he supports Dian Cang, then he should repair the book. Give it to Head Li, ask her to abdicate, and just turn a blind eye to Songshan."

This is a sound approach. Abbot Juejian said: "Although the Kunlun consensus was not explicit, the secret rule was that it was Hengshan's turn. Dian Cang refused to accept it, which led to a sudden military disaster. Shaolin should assist Hengshan and send troops when necessary. Songshan trespassed, and even more We must reprimand him severely." After saying that, he looked at Juekong and asked, "What do you think, Chief Juekong?"

Juekong said: "The poor monk thinks that there is no need to rush to help Hengshan, and there is no need to reprimand Songshan."

Jue Jian said "Oh?" and asked, "Why?"

"Kunlun held a joint discussion. Chief Qi, Chief Zhuge, and Taoist Master Xuanxu died, leaving six factions left. The Huashan Beggar Clan refused to discuss further and withdrew from Kunlun Palace. Hengshan won the position of leader." Juekong said, "Although it is expedient. It is a plan, but it is a fact that the three sects of Dian Cang, Wudang and Kongtong did not participate. Even if the leader Li is not considered to be in an unfair position, he cannot be said to have convinced everyone."

"The abbot can repair the book and ask the two factions to stop the war and discuss it again." Juekong continued, "Hengshan has not asked for help. It is obvious that there is still enough room. Qingcheng is close to Hengshan. Let's see if Qingcheng supports Hengshan. Empty words.”

"As for Songshan, he is just a clown, so don't pay attention to him. No one takes him seriously."

As soon as these words came out, everyone was surprised. It seemed that the position of the leader of the Hengshan Alliance was not regarded as orthodox. What's more, a war involving three or four sects could be settled with a letter?How could Juekong be so naive?Besides, he has always regarded Songshan as a hidden worry, but he didn’t plan to reprimand Songshan?

Woli Daojueguan said: "This is wrong. If the leader thought that Hengshan should not succeed as the leader of the alliance, why didn't he follow the example of Huashan and the Beggar Clan and withdraw from the joint discussion at that time? Instead, he waited until Leader Li announced his succession before leaving? Besides, Zhaolun, the leader of the alliance, was secretly Rules, Dian Cang grows branches and branches, causing chaos in the world. Without the establishment of rules, there can be no square. If Dian Cang gains power, it will also be a hidden worry for Shaolin."

"The rule agreed upon by Kunlun is to choose the alliance leader, not to take turns." Juekong said, "I stay in Kunlun Palace to fulfill the power given by the abbot to select the alliance leader. I support Hengshan in Kunlun Palace to fulfill the abbot's decree, not my own. Personal judgment."

He paused for a while and looked at the nest knife: "Is it really up to me to decide who the Kunlun Palace chooses to be the leader?"

Of course not, Juekong is just acting on behalf of the abbot. Juekong cannot disobey whoever the abbot chooses to be the leader of the alliance.

Juejian said, "The poor monk has not issued an edict to support Hengshan. Isn't this his own wish?"

Everyone heard that it was a cheat, so they voted for Hengshan as usual. Why did the abbot need to issue an order?

Juekong said, "It's my fault. I misunderstood the abbot's decree. I beg the abbot to punish me." After saying that, he fell to the ground to apologize.

Juejian said: "You followed the past practice, what crime did you commit?"

Everyone knows that it is impossible for Juejian to switch sides and support Diancang at this time. Since he supports Hengshan, what is wrong with Juekong?Jue Jian went around in circles just to suppress Jue Kong.

Wo Li Dao said again: "Since Shaolin supports Hengshan as the leader of the alliance and Huashan of the Beggar Clan has abstained, Hengshan is still the leader in name, and Shaolin must save it."

Juekong said: "Hengshan did not ask for help."

Woli Dao said: "Then let the abbot make a decision."

Juejian said: "Master Juekong, please count the troops and lead [-] monk soldiers to rescue Hengshan."

Juekong straightened his chest and said slowly: "Please abbot take back his life."

Juejian stared at Kong Kong: "What does the first seat mean?"

Juekong said: "Please abbot take back his life."

Juejian said: "You don't obey my order?"

Juekong said: "If the abbot's decree is implemented immediately, what is the use of having the four courts discuss it together? Abbot, please think again."

Everyone looked at each other, not expecting the situation to become so tense.

Juejian asked: "What do people think?"

Juejian was promoted to abbot, and the former abbot of Zhengye Hall was succeeded by his fellow monk Liao Tong. He has been the abbot for seven years.Zide, the leader of the Ksitigarbha Yuan, died of illness in Shaolin. The first leader Juekong personally carried the coffin and sent it back to his hometown. Tie Gong Ji Jue Ci was promoted to the leader of the Ksitigarbha Yuan. I originally thought that Jue Jian would promote a righteous monk to enter the Ksitigarbha Yuan, so as to restrain the iron cock. However, Liao Lin, a lay monk nicknamed Shi Yu, took over and asked the four houses to discuss maintaining a split between formal and secular.Of course, if there is a stalemate, Awakening still has the right to decide.

No one among the lay monks dared to disobey Juekong's order, and they all said not to send troops. Among them, perhaps only Juewen, who practiced Buddhism diligently, was compassionate and compassionate, was the most sincere.There are different opinions on the side of the monks. Among the three monks of Wenshu Monastery, only Jueyun, the first monk, agrees to send troops. He does not say anything about sending troops. He does not say any objections. He only says that sending troops must be carefully considered and not impatient. Besides, Hengshan is not in a hurry to ask for help. , why should Shaolin be so eager to please?

The Tongue-pulling Bodhisattva Jueguang did not say any harm this time. He said: "A soldier's unknown weapon should not be used lightly. I ask the abbot to think twice." After saying this, he bowed to the ground with both hands.Although he likes to fight for profit with his words, he is a righteous monk after all, not a reckless person. He is fully aware that war is dangerous and life will be ruined.

In this way, even if Jie Jian's own vote is added, there are still more people who oppose it than in favor.

Jueming said: "At least wait until there is news from Hengshan."

Juejian said: "Please first ask Juekong to organize his troops and horses. If Hengshan asks for help, we will send troops to assist." From the tone, it was obvious that he still wanted to go his own way.The two major sects are attacking each other, and Hengshan has not long been supported, so he will definitely send a letter asking for help. The letter may arrive tomorrow, and according to today's decision, we still have to send troops.

Juekong no longer had any reason to object, so he clasped his hands together, bent down and said, "I respectfully respect the abbot's decree."

After the four houses discussed together, the golden-haired lion Jue Ji went to look for Juekong.He and Juewen were both Juekong's right-hand men, but he didn't understand Juekong's arrangements. He originally thought that Juekong would be the main fighting party, but how could it be that the abbot was the main fighting party and Juekong was the main peacemaker?
Jueji saluted respectfully, and then asked: "Sir, Su Changning is so rude. Whose identity is Songshan? How dare he refuse to accept it? Last time, he forced them to take back the wanted order and slapped them. Are you trying to show off your strength now? Don't give it to them. Give them a lesson, I'm afraid they will be more arrogant. As for Huashan, they have been stalking us for so many years in Gufendi, so we took this opportunity to beat him up. When Hengshan becomes the leader of the alliance, we will express gratitude for the kindness and settle the matter in Gufendi. Come on, let Huashan give up."

"Today's Shaolin is no longer the Shaolin 50 years ago." Juekong said.

"Are you afraid of Beggar Dian Cang?" Jue Ji really didn't believe that this was what Juekong was worried about.

"Not afraid," Juekong said, "but I'm not in a hurry either."

"The first one..." Jueji hesitated for a while before saying, "In the past six months... the abbot has made many reforms in the temple, and his reputation is growing."

Since last year, Abbot Juejian first allowed Shaolin to open brothels, and then allowed lay monks and their families to visit relatives in the temple. He also gave lay monks a lot of conveniences in terms of temple regulations. All the conveniences were taken advantage of by lay monks. The original situation of opposition between the orthodox and the secular seemed a little bit better. There is moderation.Those who are dissatisfied among the righteous monks are often suppressed by the Daojue Guan in the nest. No matter when and where this knife stabs their own people.

"At this moment, your Majesty..." Jueji hesitated for a long time, clasped his hands together, and bent down to salute, "You cannot be weak, you must let the disciples see your courage."

Jueji raised his head and saw Juekong staring at him. He couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. Was his words too abrupt and reckless?

Juekong just said: "Back off."

After this matter was pressed, news came one after another that Wudangxing Zhouzi had succeeded to the throne and forced Qingcheng to withdraw from the Han River, as well as the fall of Lengshuitan and the Huashan soldiers entering Qingcheng. Shaolin seemed unaware of it.Until August, Abbot Juejian once again convened the four houses for discussion. Everyone thought that Abbot Juejian could not hold back and wanted to send troops to assist Hengshan.

"I want to abolish the rule that non-monks cannot enter the church." Juejian said.

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.

Juekong frowned.

(End of this chapter)