Under the sky

Chapter 25
Shen Yuqing finally rushed back to Qingcheng before Shen Yayan could force a confession.Shen Yayan insisted on torture, but Shen Yuqing had no choice but to ask the head to make a decision.The two had a dispute, and Shen Yongci ruled that if there was no result within three days, the matter would be handed over to Shen Yayan. Although Shen Yayan was dissatisfied, she had to give in.

Three days later, forty powerful warriors dressed in black, with steel knives hanging from their waists, and solemn expressions, riding all-white Dawan red horses, slowly entered Qingcheng, guarding thirteen side-by-side carriages. Although the number of people was smaller than before. There were only 20 people in charge of the Dian Cang messengers, but the pomp and the spirit of the powerful men on horseback were not the same.

To show his solemnity, Shen Yongci led Shen Yuqing to Jixiang Gate to greet him in person.

"Sure enough, they are here." Shen Yuqing thought to herself, "It has only been four days since the incident, and Dian Cang's people have arrived. They have been guarding the border, waiting for Fei Ge to send the message. As soon as they received the news, they entered Qingcheng."

Just yesterday morning, news came from Shen Congfu, who was guarding Qiandi, that he had arrived only one day earlier than the convoy.

In the middle is a carriage with a golden roof and jade curtains, a red sandalwood shaft, and two divine horses so black that there is no trace of hair on them.A man stepped out of the car. His hair was tied into a crown and he was dressed in purple clothes.

Shen Yuqing stepped forward to greet him and said, "Shen Yuqing, I would like to greet Deputy Master Zhuge."

I heard another voice saying: "Mom, we're finally here, you're going to kill me."

The man who spoke jumped off the horse, bumped when he landed, and then stretched out his hand. The man in purple clothes took out a crutch from the carriage and handed it out respectfully.The man in black clothes was short, about six feet tall, a whole head shorter than Shen Yongci.He took the crutch, tapped the horse's butt, and said: "The land is not good, so we have to work hard, just for fear of accidentally being shot through the heart."

Seeing his size and crutches, Shen Yuqing's heart suddenly brightened. "Hiding among these powerful men is a good way to bully the enemy, but being exposed to the enemy's eyes shows extraordinary courage." Shen Yuqing hurriedly stepped forward and saluted, "I'm Shen Yuqing, welcome..."

"Come on, you don't have to say a sentence twice." The man raised his crutch, gestured to Shen Yuqing, and said, "Taller than your father. You have to bend down to speak later, I'm afraid I can't hear you clearly." He turned back to Shen Yong and said, "Master Shen, long time no see."

Shen Yongci clasped his hands in his fists and said with a smile: "See you again after a long time. What a great assistant."

"Not bad. This road to Qingcheng is probably the most dangerous road I have ever walked. I have to walk again on the way back. I wonder if I will be lucky enough to get back to Qingcheng." The lame dwarf turned to face the man in purple clothes again. He said, "Take off these clothes. If they get dirty, you have to wash them. It's troublesome." The man hurriedly raised his hands and said yes. The lame short man said, "Headmaster Shen, wait for me to change clothes."

Shen Yong resigned and said: "The Taiping Pavilion has prepared the upper chamber, please ask the deputy to move."

Qingcheng is a big family, with thousands of relatives living near and far in the entire Ba County. Some of the close relatives who are in office live in the health care home, the direct relatives live in the Changsheng Palace, and important foreign guests live in the Taiping Pavilion.These three places are not far apart, but they are still some distance away from Juntian Palace.

The lame dwarf knocked his cane on the ground twice and got on the carriage. Shen Yongci waved his hand, and several Qingcheng swordsmen stepped forward to lead the way, taking the entire convoy to the direction of Taiping Pavilion.

"Xiao Ba is right." Shen Yuqing thought to herself, "Zhuge Ran is really here."

※ ※ ※

The martial arts people call Zhuge Ran "Little Zhuge", and this "Zhuge" naturally refers to Zhuge Wuhou.However, Zhuge Ran disliked this nickname very much. "Zhuge" can mean Wuhou, boasting his intelligence, but it is also his surname. If understood as his surname, the word "Xiao" has a lot to think about.

Ye Bang finally succeeded, and it was worth it that he had been guarding the border of Dian Cang for three days. After receiving the letter from Fei Ge, he arrived at starry night.This trip was considered fast, but Qingcheng's reaction was slow and did not let Shen Congfu, who was guarding the Guizhou border, stop him. I wonder if they have done any tricks in the past four days.

Don't rush to see Shen Yongci, let him wait.Zhuge Ran put on his purple robe, took his crutches, and asked the Qingcheng attendant beside him: "What's your name?"

"Zhang Qing." He was a gentle and fair swordsman, with a long sword bought from an iron shop hanging on his waist and a mahogany scabbard. It seemed that Qingcheng treated the knights of this sect quite well.Also, only idiots will treat the people around them harshly. Who knows how much trouble they will cause you if they are lazy?

"I want to see the carriage first." Zhuge Ran said.

"What car?" Zhang Qing looked confused.

"Your mother's wedding car! I came all the way from Guangxi just to see this! Stupid pig!" Zhuge Ran mocked, raising his cane and gesturing in front of Zhang Qing, "Being tall is not a brain!"

Zhang Qing suddenly realized and said hurriedly: "Then I have to ask Mr. Fu for instructions."

"Want me to hire a car to take you there?"

Zhang Qing said hurriedly: "I'll go right away!"

This stupid guy, Zhuge Ran twisted his neck impatiently and took a breath.After a while, Fu Langyan led Zhang Qing and asked, "Do you want to see the accidental carriage?"

"He didn't make it clear, so you still have to ask a second time?" Zhuge Ran pointed at Zhang Qing with his crutch, "Is this your smartest servant in Qingcheng?"

Zhang Qing's face turned red and white, and Fu Langyan said: "The leader is still waiting for the deputy leader."

"I haven't seen anything, how can we talk about it? After the conversation, I will go to see the car again. If I see any clues, will we talk again? What clues will I come up with when we look back? Do we have to talk again? Once? Qingcheng is really good at maintaining health. You have to live longer than others to live like this." He turned to Zhang Qing and said, "Uncle Zhang, please inform the head of your sect to wait for me for a few hours and call on you later."

Zhang Qing repeatedly said "I dare not" and hurried down.

Fu Langyan said hurriedly: "Deputy Commander, please wait a moment, we will prepare a sedan for you immediately."

Zhuge Ran arrived at Yuantian Hall in a soft sedan. He first looked around the car and saw that there were no wounds on the outside. It seemed that the arrow had been shot from the sedan window or door.

"What a sharpshooter, he lived like Hou Yi." He climbed into the car, looked around, saw a groove, climbed out again, showed a strange smile, and asked Fu Langyan, "I heard that two suspects were arrested? I think Ask.”

Fu Langyan said: "Please come this way." He immediately led the way and took Zhuge Ran to the prison.

"They are still two gentlemen." Zhuge Ran looked at the two people in the prison.The one on the left has a pair of thick eyebrows that are particularly eye-catching, and the one on the right has a majestic appearance and looks talented.

"Sichuan is really a land of outstanding people. All of them have flat heads and straight faces. They are different from our poor and poor people." He tapped the floor with his cane and said to Fu Langyan, "You go out first and let me talk to them alone."

"Deputy Commander...this..." Fu Langyan looked troubled.

Zhuge Ran knocked on the iron cell door with his crutch and made a "clang" sound: "The iron bars are quite strong. They can't break out, so don't worry about me."

Fu Langyan said: "If the deputy commander wants to ask questions, a Qingcheng disciple must be present."

Zhuge Ran said: "You are here, but I am reserved in what I say. Let's talk freely, I'm afraid you won't like to hear it."

Fu Langyan said: "As long as the deputy is here, it's fine."

Zhuge Ran raised his eyebrows lightly and said, "That's what you said." Then he sat on the ground and said to the two people in the cell, "My legs are not strong, so it is easier to talk while sitting down."

The thick-browed man raised his eyebrows and said, "It doesn't matter, he looks about the same height anyway."

"I want to sit with you, and I don't want to make jokes." Zhuge Ran asked, "What's your name?"

"Zhu Menshang, a doctor who travels around to apply medicine."

"Do you charge money?" Zhuge Ran asked.

“Medicine is given, not medicine.”

"It turned out to be a liar."

"That's another job of mine." Zhu Menshang said, "It's something I do occasionally."

"Then what's your name?" Zhuge Ran turned to look at the other person.

"I thank you Gubai, the wandering scholar."

"Are you getting used to living here?" Zhuge Ran asked, "Look at you two, your life in prison is quite comfortable."

"I take care of food and housing. I don't have to work. It's quite leisurely." Zhu Menshang said, "Why don't you come in and sit down too? Maybe you'll fall in love and won't leave."

"What nonsense!" Fu Langyan shouted, "Do you know who this is?"

Zhuge Ran knocked the floor twice with his crutch and said, "Mr. Fu, how can you still talk when you are not here?"

Fu Langyan could only hold up his hands and said, "I made a mistake."

"Why did I hear your voice again?" Zhuge Ran made a closing gesture on his lips with his index and middle fingers.Fu Langyan didn't dare to speak again, Zhuge Ran looked at Xie Gubai and the others again and asked, "Where are they from?"

"My ancestral home is Sichuan," Zhu Menshang said.

"Which Sichuan? From Qingcheng? From Tangmen?" Zhuge Ran asked, "The accent doesn't sound like it."

"Chengdu, from the Tang Clan. He traveled all over the country when he was a child, and his accent became mixed."

"Gansu people." Xie Gubai said.

"Oh, you are under the Iron Sword Silver Guard. Only rich young masters have free time to travel around. Do you want to send a letter to your family and ask them to redeem you?"

"Longnan, a small family doing business, has a bad reputation in the local area, but there is no need to alarm my father about this matter." Xie Gubai said, "We are innocent at first, and we will be released from prison soon."

"Neither beating nor torture, everyone is innocent. If you go to Yunnan Prison, Yue Fei will be killed by you." Zhuge Ran said.

"Headmaster Shen is a good man." Xie Gubai said with a smile, "He knows that Yue Wumu's death has nothing to do with us."

"I hate good people." Zhuge Ran clasped his hands, rubbed the top of his cane, and said, "It's not easy to be a really good person. I'm jealous of such people. Hypocrites are more disgusting, not as sincere as true villains."

He glanced at Fu Langyan aside from the corner of his eye. The expression on Fu Langyan's face remained unchanged, as if he couldn't hear his sarcasm.

He was calm, he was indeed the hall master who had served three generations of the Shen family, Zhuge Ran thought to himself, he raised his crutch and pointed at the two people in the prison, and asked: "What did you do in the inn?"

"I healed a blind harpist. He passed by and had nothing else to do."

Blind luthier?Arrows are like time?That’s what happened. "You're quite capable." Zhuge Ran asked, "How much does Ye Bang give you?"

"I have nothing to do with Ye Bang. I am just a medical doctor. Unless you arrest me and go to Yunnan, you can say that I was the one who killed Yue Fei."

Zhuge Ran laughed loudly, stood up and said, "There is always a chance to invite you two to Yunnan as guests." He turned to Fu Langyan and asked, "I heard that there is a companion, where is he?"

"Escaped, still looking for him." Fu Langyan said.

"You must be a peerless master to escape in Qingcheng." Zhuge Ran said sarcastically, "Indeed, he is the assassin."

"I have been famous for many years, but my age may not be the same." Fu Langyan seemed to not understand Zhuge Ran's sarcasm, and answered very bluntly.

"I'll go back and take a rest. Whenever Master Shen is free to see me, I'll go and pay my respects." Zhuge Ran waved his hand and left limping.

After Zhuge Ran walked away, Zhu Menshang leaned against the cell wall and asked Xie Gubai, "Who do you think this dwarf is? He's very bitter."

Xie Gubai raised his eyebrows, "Lame short man, mentioned Yunnan again, who else could it be?"

"I guess it's him too. I didn't expect that a mere messenger could lead to the pursuit of such a big shot." Zhu Menshang also raised his eyebrows, "Zhuge Ran, Shen Yayan, Shen Yuqing, some rare big shots in the martial arts world these days. It's all luck."

"I said I can tell fortunes." Xie Gubai said, "You don't deserve to die, don't worry."

This boy is quite generous, Zhu Menshang thought to himself.Fortunately, with Shen Yuqing's help, he didn't suffer too much in prison these days. It's just that Xie Gubai, an eccentric boy, always seems content. Does he really have so much confidence in himself?When he thought of this, he couldn't help but said: "Hey, are you so not afraid of death?"

Xie Gubai sat on the floor, glanced at him, and said with a smile: "I'm not afraid of death, but I'm more afraid of other things."

"Do you really have a way to escape?" Zhu Menshang asked, "The momentum seems not to be good."

Xie Gubai just smiled.

※ ※ ※

Shen Yuqing waited for news in the Yangsheng Hall all afternoon, and finally heard a message from the attendant, saying that the master and Zhuge Ran were meeting at Juntian Hall and invited the young master to go.He was the youngest, so he went early. Not long after waiting, brothers Shen Yongci and Zhuge Ran arrived one after another.

The main seat was Shen Yongci, the deputy seat was Shen Yayan, and Zhuge Ran got into the guest seat, clasping his hands and leaning on his crutch in front of him.After the three people took their seats, Shen Yuqing bowed and asked Shen Yong to accept the seat.

Zhuge Ran picked up the tea cup on the table, took a sip, and praised: "After drinking Qingcheng's tea, Dian Cang's wine is almost unpalatable."

Shen Yongci said: "The deputy commander has worked hard for coming here, why should such a trivial matter alarm your commander?"

Zhuge Ran said: "I heard that the person sent to investigate the case died in the inn. That's wonderful, why are people dying everywhere in Qingcheng? You don't know that I was so frightened all the way that I didn't even dare to ride in the carriage."

Shen Yayan said: "It's always difficult to guard against the killers on the night list."

Zhuge Ran said: "One head is at least 20 taels of silver. Four heads plus arrows are shot like time. Calculate 600 taels. The identities of these five people need to be checked. They may not be Yan Feixi's illegitimate children. This is not the case." Because of his noble status, this person’s head must be encrusted with gold.”

Shen Yayan said: "The deputy commander has always been known as the little Zhuge, and he is like a god when it comes to predicting things. If you have any ideas, why don't you just tell me?"

He knew that Zhuge Ran didn't like people calling him this nickname, but he chose to call him this nickname.

Zhuge Ran's face showed no embarrassment: "Perhaps some people hope that Qingcheng is evil and kills one person to serve as a warning to others, so that people will stop sending envoys at every turn."

Shen Yong said: "The deputy commander's words are serious. Qingcheng and Dian Cang have always been on good terms. We should protect Dian Cang's envoy."

"Speaking of, I was riding a horse on the way here. Do you know what are the benefits of riding a horse?" Zhuge Ran asked and answered himself, "You can't tell the height when you are on a horse, but when you get off the horse, everyone is human, but there is always a difference in height. . I am small and can be recognized at a glance. Others may think that I am easy to bully, so they may not really bully me.”

"Who dares to bully the deputy commander?" Shen Yuqing said, "Skills are not determined by height. In the eyes of martial arts people, the deputy commander is a giant who looks down on all living beings."

"Sit down. I can hear you when you speak. Otherwise, it would take half a stick of incense to reach me." Zhuge Ran turned the crutch in his hand and said, "The messenger's advance notice Press, let’s talk about something else first. We will discuss it in Kunlun two years later. I hope to get Qingcheng’s support.”

Shen Yuqing saw her father frown.

This is Zhuge Ran's purpose.From the beginning, he wanted the messenger to be killed. This was an excuse. If his father did not agree to his request, this was the reason for the attack.

He suddenly remembered what Xiaoba said, the world will be in chaos, and the starting point of the chaos is in Qingcheng.

Does Dian Cang really want to ignite the war between the nine families?

He had heard that Zhuge Yan was a man who enjoyed great achievements.There is a rumor in the martial arts world that "there is stone and gold in the sky". "Jin" refers to Zhuge Ran, a ruthless character who is shrewd, capable, resourceful and deep.As for "stone", it refers to Zhuge Yan.It was a smelly, hard stone, tough to knock on, but worthless.Gold is softer than stone, but a small piece is more valuable.

He assessed whether Dian Cang was qualified to start a war.The marriage of the Beggar Clan may be able to communicate from a distance. Although there is Hengshan Mountain in the middle, Li Xuanxuan is the candidate for the next leader, but it is difficult to say whether she will offend the Beggar Clan for this.

As for Huashan, it is right next to Qingcheng, and there is also the swaying Tangmen...

Shen Yuqing was calculating, and he knew that his father was also calculating.

Shen Yong said: "Head Zhuge is naturally popular with everyone, but this time it is Head Qi who becomes the leader of the alliance."

"Let me tell you a secret." Zhuge Ran suddenly lowered his voice.Everyone became curious and couldn't help but lean forward, wanting to hear the secrets from the dwarf.

"Actually, Mrs. Lengmian's surname is not Tang." Zhuge Ran said in a serious tone, as if he was telling a shocking secret.

Shen Yayan's expression changed and she said in a deep voice, "Are you kidding me, deputy commander?"

Zhuge Ran said: "I always like to joke." He spread his hands and said, "Master Ya, please don't take offense."

Shen Yuqing knew that he was not joking. Zhuge Ran was implying one thing. There were no rules that could not be broken.

But what will happen to the martial arts world after the rules are broken?

He suddenly understood the reason why Xiaoba said Qingcheng was in chaos.

If Huashan, Beggar Clan, Diancang, Qingcheng and Tangmen are added, Zhuge Yan will have the five votes in Kunlun's consensus. The rules of the east-west rotation will be rewritten. The future Kunlun Council will be a combination of vertical and horizontal.Once the current balance of power collapses, unrest is likely to occur again before a new order is established.

Qingcheng's position happens to be in the middle of the nine major families, but Qingcheng's power among the nine major families is only similar to that of the Huashan Tang Sect. Even if the three sects join forces, they may not be much better than Shaolin and Wudang.

In this situation surrounded by powerful enemies, the "Middle Way" passed down by Gu Langya is the best way for the Qingcheng Sect to settle down and survive.Over the years, compared to Huashan's show of strength through weakness, Qingcheng has always been impartial, made friends with many parties, and carefully avoided possible martial arts disputes. It is also the most "rule-abiding" faction among the nine families.

Perhaps, this is why Dian Cang wants to use this method to "persuade" Qingcheng.

Zhuge Ran smiled and said, "I just went to see the carriage and there was a groove in it. Do you know?" He suddenly changed the topic, making people confused.

Shen Yongci said in surprise: "Is this really happening?" He turned his eyes to Shen Yuqing.

Shen Yuqing nodded and said, "Yes."

"On the way here, I also went to the mountain where the envoy was ambushed. I don't know what weird method I used to shoot the arrow to death, but the problem is..." Zhuge Ran said, "The murder weapon? I can't No murder weapon was seen. I asked people in the convoy and no one had seen the murder weapon."

"Forty years ago, I heard that Kongtong presented sixteen pieces of black gold black iron to your sect." Zhuge Ran smiled slightly and said slowly, "I heard that two of them were made into dragon and phoenix swords, and one was made into a dragon and phoenix sword. The sword became the noble master's sword Wuwei, and the other eight were given to the third and fourth masters. There should be five left in Qingcheng." Zhuge Ran continued, "I wonder if I have such good eyesight to see this. Five black gold and black iron?"

Shen Yayan's expression changed and she was about to refuse, but Shen Yongci smiled and said: "What's so difficult about this? Yu'er, go get your black gold black iron needle. Brother, please go and get the treasure too." , let the deputy commander appreciate it."

Shen Yayan's face turned pale, but she didn't speak.Shen Yongci asked in surprise: "What's wrong?"

Shen Yayan said: "It's okay... Everything's fine. Why did the deputy bring up Black Gold Black Iron?"

Zhuge Ran just smiled slightly and said: "Yes, look at the topic I changed. Wujin Xuantie is not busy reading, let's talk about the Kunlun discussion this time. Master Ya, what do you think?"

Shen Yayan looked miserable and said, "I will discuss this matter with my eldest brother, deputy commander... don't worry."

Zhuge Ran's goal was accomplished and he didn't ask any more questions about the assassins. He only mentioned Li Jingfeng and Xiaoba. "I heard that there is still a living survivor in the inn, as well as a companion reading beside the scholar. Both witnesses must be found to clarify the matter." He stood up with a cane and added, "Originally, a little There is no need for the young envoy to worry too much. The main purpose of this trip is to discuss business with Head Shen. Head Shen will think about it. I am tired, so I will leave first." After saying that, he bent down to salute, and waited for Shen Yongci and the others to stand up and return the salute. He limped toward the door.

So far, everything coincides with what Xiaoba said.

After sending Zhuge Ran away, Shen Yuqing thought about how her father and uncle would deal with this matter.Just as Shen Yayan was about to speak, Shen Yongci waved his hand and said, "Let's talk in Qian Tang."

The three of them arrived at the Qiantang Hall and discussed their seats. Shen Yongci looked at Shen Yayan and asked in a low voice: "Brother, what's going on?"

Shen Yayan hesitated for a long time and said: "The current situation of the Nine Families is that East and West follow the wheel. Among our Western Five Factions, Tangmen, Huashan and our Qingcheng can only vote. What I mean is that the Western Five Factions have already secured five votes. , if we really want to take the wheel, why not our five sects according to the wheel? There is still one less sect than before. The deputy master is right, Tang Clan can pass on foreign surnames, and the rules can be changed, not to mention that this is not a rule."

"East, four, west, five, that's what outsiders say. Qingcheng is in the middle, and among the nine major sects, there are six sects next to each other. The middle way mentioned by our ancestors is an undefeated principle. But the deputy chief kept hinting that the messenger was our Qingcheng What's the point of killing?" Shen Yongci looked at Shen Yayan, "Brother, what are you hiding from me?"

Shen Yayan hesitated for a moment and said, "Master, wait a moment, I'll come back later." After saying that, he stood up and left.Shen Yongci looked at Shen Yuqing and asked, "Yu'er, do you know anything?"

Shen Yuqing shook his head and said, "It's better to wait until uncle comes back before reporting to the head."

"You also hid it from me?" Shen Yongci frowned, "It's been five days since this happened. Master Ya arrested two people three days ago, but you said they were innocent. Four people died outside the city. Disciple, you said it was the killers from Yebang who did it, why did the killers from Yebang kill four Dian Cang disciples?"

"Perhaps it was Dian Cang's intention to kill four Dian Cang disciples." Shen Yuqing said and saw his father's eyebrows raised slightly.

"You mean, they want to use this as an excuse to intimidate Qingcheng?" Shen Yong said, "You want me to defect at the Kunlun Conference?"

Shen Yuqing said: "What are the envoys coming to Diancang to talk about? They are talking about the same thing. Dad has many ways to deal with an envoy, but it is different if he comes as a deputy commander, not to mention that he has a handle."

Shen Yongci said: "Do you think the killer is from the Diancang sect?"

"There is no solid evidence." Shen Yuqing replied.Xiaoba didn't give him a clear answer, just a "possible answer".Perhaps, this is also a good intention to prevent him from lying to his father. If his father thinks so, it should be the best.As for the uncle, he hopes that when this matter is settled, he can think twice before taking action in the future.

"If this is true, Qingcheng cannot be bullied by others." Shen Yongci closed his eyes, seeming to be deep in thought, "Those two in the prison really have nothing to do with the night list?"

How to help Xie Gubai and Zhu Menshang escape safely is also a difficult problem.In order to prevent her father from asking further questions, Shen Yuqing asked: "What does the master think of the deputy master's proposal? Deputy master Zhuge came prepared."

"That's inappropriate." Shen Yongci's closed eyes never opened, "If the rules are broken, something will happen. Dian Cang started this drama to intimidate us. As long as we occupy the right words, the other seven families can sit back and watch. ?”

Shen Yuqing nodded and said: "Father is absolutely right." What his father meant was to imply that Qingcheng must not lose his "reason", but his father didn't know that things were not that simple.

After a while, Shen Yayan came back and saw Shen Yongci closing his eyes in deep thought. As if he had made up his mind, he stepped forward and called "Master".

Shen Yongci opened his eyes, and Shen Yayan took out a long and thin thing from her sleeve.

It was a piece of mahogany stained with blood. The tip was broken, and a sharp object was exposed inside, shining with a dark metallic luster. "What is this?" Shen Yongci took a look and said in surprise, "Black gold and black iron?" Shen Yuqing stepped forward, and Shen Yongci handed the mahogany wood to him.

The mahogany bow is really an erhu bow. The bow is slightly bent and deformed, and the wood on the side is broken. It is vaguely visible that there is a slender metal hidden inside. The front end has been sharpened and flat, like a cluster of arrows. It is indeed a treasure of the Shen family. Black gold black iron bar.

"What's going on?" Shen Yongci asked, "Whose is this?"

"I saw it in the sedan where the envoy was shot. The black gold black iron inside does belong to our Shen family. The front end has been modified and sharpened. This is the murder weapon." Shen Yayan said.

"Is this the murder weapon?" Shen Yongci asked again, "Why did you hide it?"

"When I saw the murder weapon, I hid it in advance for fear that it would be related to my family." Shen Yayan said, "I went home and rummaged around, and I didn't know when one of the two pieces of black gold black iron I had collected was stolen."

"Who has the ability to steal things from your room?" Shen Yong said, "Is there a traitor in Qingcheng?"

Shen Yayan said: "These two pieces of black gold and black iron are kept secret and are not taken out to play with. When they were stolen, no one is suspected and there is no trace."

"Since you found this arrow, why didn't you take it out earlier?" Shen Yongci said, "Hide it until now! Don't blame the deputy commander for wanting to see our family heirloom. As long as he takes this arrow out, wouldn't he be able to argue with you?" Although he has not seen it. She had an angry face, but the volume had increased, and Shen Yuqing knew that her father was angry.

Shen Yayan was speechless, and after a while she said, "Master, look, this arrow is covered with a layer of wood. What does it look like?"

Shen Yuqing was startled and looked at her father.Shen Yongci said: "This is mahogany...like...an Erhu bow?"

Shen Yayan said: "That day at the Fu Ju Pavilion, the doctor named Zhu Menshang treated a blind luther player who played the erhu. The blind luther player is like an arrow of time. Zhu Menshang is inseparable from Ye Bang."

Shen Yuqing said: "Doctor Zhu is not on the night list."

Shen Yayan said: "Then why is this black iron hidden in the bow? Is it really such a coincidence?" She then said to Shen Yong, "Xie Gubai doesn't care, Zhu Menshang must die. Torture him and force him to come out of the night list." He must be punished and give an explanation to Dian Cang."

Shen Yongci thought for a moment and said, "If the evidence of guilt is conclusive, we cannot let him go."

"Doctor Zhu is not guilty." Shen Yuqing said, "He must be innocent."

Shen Yayan sneered: "You are still protecting him now? What is your relationship with him?"

"He must be innocent." Shen Yuqing said again, "Only if he has nothing to do with this matter, can Qingcheng have nothing to do with it." Seeing Shen Yayan's suspicious look, he explained, "Deputy Commander Zhuge The purpose is not the cause of the messenger's death. As long as the leader does not agree to form an alliance with Dian Cang, he will ask to see the black gold black iron. The tip of this black iron has been smoothed and the iron body is twisted and deformed. Unless it is recast, it cannot be restored. , take it out and it will be a murder weapon."

Shen Yongci knew that black gold black iron was extremely difficult to smelt. Even if it was smelted, it would be difficult to guarantee that it would be exactly the same as the other black iron pieces without the original mold. If it were shorter and thicker, it would lose its shape, so Shen Yayan found it difficult to handle.

"To say it was stolen by Ye Bang is to frame the blame." Shen Yayan said, "Is Dian Cang really going to fall out with us?"

"He doesn't want to believe it at all." Shen Yuqing said, "As long as he asks the uncle why he hid the arrow, how will the uncle explain it?"

Shen Yayan was furious, slapped the table and cursed: "You bastard, you..." Shen Yongci interrupted: "Let Yu'er finish speaking first." Shen Yuqing then asked, "What do you think?"

"If Dr. Zhu is guilty, the piano master is the murderer. The person walked out of the Fuju Pavilion, and Deputy Commander Zhuge has an excuse. If he sees this Xuantie again, Qingcheng will have nothing to do with it." He slowed down his tone and continued He said, "If the blind luther player is just an ordinary luther player, and the person who did this wants to provoke a dispute between the two factions of Qingcheng Diancang, it would be best to close the case this way."

As soon as these words came out, both Shen Yongci and Shen Yayan remained silent.Indeed, it would be best if this matter could be settled like this. It would become an unsolved case and no one would have anything to do with it.

"It is not the behavior of a gentleman to deceive oneself and others." Shen Yongci mused, "Besides, if Zhu Menshang is really a member of the Night List, should we just let him go like this?"

"Doctor Zhu's matter will be dealt with later. The immediate priority is Deputy Commander Zhuge."

"How should Wujin Xuantie explain it?" Shen Yayan asked, "If he insists on seeing it, what excuse can he use?"

"Let him see it," Shen Yuqing said, "There will be dinner in an hour, let my nephew tell him."

"What do you think? The secret is revealed at a glance." Shen Yayan asked, and Shen Yongci also became puzzled.

Shen Yuqing took out the black iron and black gold from his collection, handed it to Shen Yayan and said: "My nephew will go out for a while. If my nephew does not come back during the dinner, please ask my uncle and father to delay for a while. If he wants to see the black gold and black gold, , show him this."

Shen Yayan was even more confused when she saw that he was carrying Xuan Tie with him, as if he had already prepared it.

※ ※ ※

Zhuge Ran left Juntian Palace and got on the carriage.

There will be a dinner party in an hour, and Shen Yong has to calm down. Only in this way can this trip to Qingcheng achieve its goal.As for who was the mastermind behind the scenes, it was Shen Yayan who was inseparable. The uncle and nephew were fighting for power, but they allowed themselves to take advantage of the loophole.If this matter is investigated, Qingcheng will have internal strife. If it is not investigated, it will have to bow its head.

He suddenly saw a golden-roofed carriage approaching in front of him.Most people travel in Qingcheng by horse-drawn carriage or sedan chair. Only those with high status and urgent matters to attend to will ride horses.He recognized the driver, shouted stop, and jumped out of the carriage.

The carriage on the opposite side also stopped when it saw him standing at the intersection.A beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes got out of the car and said, "Deputy Commander, long time no see."

Zhuge Ran saluted and said, "Mrs. Chu is well."

"But the envoy died and he actually asked you to come. Does your brother have no one or doesn't know how to order people?" Mrs. Chu said, "But you are so fast. You reached Qingcheng in four days."

"Get on the horse. The pace of the short man is the same as that of the tall man. Whoever has a better horse will go faster." Zhuge Ran smiled slightly and said, "I came on this trip myself."

"So hardworking, it's all a fuss over a molehill."

"That's not the case. My brother still hopes to come in person." Zhuge Ran turned his crutch and said, "I have to stop him so that I can have the opportunity to see you."

Mrs. Chu giggled: "Your tongue is as slippery as before, be careful if I pull out your tongue."

"Then why don't you kill me?" Zhuge Ran said, "I'm just good at talking."

"Who doesn't know that you have a sharp mouth?" Chu Jingtan said, "You are well-known in the martial arts world."

"They only know half of the power." Zhuge Ran smiled proudly, "Only the lucky girls know the other half."

"Come on, tell these nonsense to the girls in the brothel. There is Xinghua Tower in Qingcheng. If you don't know the way, I will send someone to take you there." Chu Jingtan raised her eyebrows, "For my husband to hear, another One of your legs is also lame."

"Your man is too reserved and boring." Zhuge Ran said, "I only lie with my mouth. Some people lie with their whole body. In comparison, I have more honest parts."

"Look at what you said, do you mean something?" Chu Jingtan said, "That's the end of reminiscing about the past. Talking too much hurts my feelings."

Zhuge Ran bent down and saluted, and said: "I'm sorry, madam. Only you are qualified for this courtesy."

Mrs. Chu chuckled and said: "You are a talker." After saying that, she got on the carriage and was about to leave. Zhuge Ran said again: "Your Majesty may be in some trouble now and is afraid of being angry. If Madam wants to go to Juntian Palace, it's better to do it later. .”

Mrs. Chu said: "You are the ones who caused the trouble. Please advise Zhuge Yan to stop causing trouble."

Although the years have passed, the beauty has not diminished, Zhuge Ran thought in the car.Chu Jingtan could be the wife of the head of a big sect, or at least the second-in-command of a big sect. She was born with the qualifications, straightforward and heroic, unlike those women from aristocratic families who were coy and pretentious. It was a pity to marry Shen Yongci.

He raised his eyebrows slightly and patted his short left leg gently.

※ ※ ※

Shen Yuqing avoided Zhuge Ran's carriage and left the Qingcheng Sect through Ruyi Gate.When he arrived in the city, he tied his horse in the stable of an inn and walked toward Northwest Jiaowei Hutong.

He turned a few streets and saw a small iron shop.The door has been closed, and the sound of heavy hammering can be heard from inside.

Shen Yuqing knocked on the door three times, and the sound of blacksmithing inside stopped. Shen Yuqing knocked twice more, and the sound of blacksmithing continued.The wooden door was taken down, and a strong man in his 20s wearing a cloth came to answer the door.Shen Yuqing walked in. As soon as he arrived in the front yard, he felt a hot wind blowing against his face. He saw Shen Weichen and an old man taking turns beating a red-hot iron block, with a novel and serious look on his pretty face.

"We persuaded the young lady, but she insisted on helping." The strong young man explained quickly.Shen Yuqing smiled and said, "It doesn't matter."

Shen Weichen glanced here and said, "Brother, it's almost done. Wait a moment."

Shen Yuqing asked: "There is still one hour, is it enough?"

The old blacksmith hurriedly said: "That's enough, that's enough. It's almost done."

The blacksmith who is forging iron is named Ding. He is an old man in his 50s. Although he is old, he has strong muscles like his son.At this moment, he was bare-chested and backless, revealing a flat chest that looked like it had been struck by a hammer. He held a poker in one hand and a hammer in the other, and he and Shen Weichen took turns pounding the iron.The iron block was flattened and seemed to look like a sword.Shen Yuqing looked at the little girl and saw that she was covered in sweat. She was not too hot even standing by the fire. Her eyes were bright, as if she was addicted to playing.

After a while, Blacksmith Ding smiled and said, "Okay." He lifted the iron block and inserted it into a bucket. Suddenly, the room was filled with smoke and the surface was heated.

"The eldest lady's hands are so strong." Blacksmith Ding chuckled, "This sword was made by the eldest lady. Please give it a name."

Shen Weichen said: "I'm just going to help. This sword has been damaged. I'm afraid I won't be able to sell it."

Blacksmith Ding said hurriedly: "I won't sell it. I'll wait until the eldest lady names it and make it a family heirloom."

Shen Weichen thought for a while, then turned to Shen Yuqing and said, "Brother, help me think of a name."

Shen Yuqing smiled and said: "This is your first time making a sword, and it may also be the last time. Although it is playful, it is also a bit serious, so let's call it 'original intention'. In the future, when you think of the original intention of making this sword, you will also It will be interesting.”

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "Only you can choose such an elegant name. It doesn't sound like a weapon."

Shen Yuqing took out a tael of silver and said, "I have made up my mind for this sword, and I hope that Mr. Ding will part with it." Blacksmith Ding's eyes widened when he saw that there were as many as five taels, and he hurriedly thanked him, saying that he would be blessed with this sword. Kaifeng, tidy up, so as not to lose the face of the eldest lady.

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "You have no purpose, why did you buy this handle in the first place?"

Shen Yuqing said: "That's what you had in mind to give it to you, right?"

Shen Weichen chuckled.Shen Yuqing saw that her clothes were burned by sparks in many places, and said: "When my aunt sees it, she will definitely ask about it. The dinner is about to start, and we are entertaining Deputy Head Cang. If you are absent, my uncle will be unhappy. Besides, you You should be out for a day."

Shen Weichen said: "Just urge me to leave."

Shen Yuqing asked Blacksmith Ding, "Is the stuff ready?"

Blacksmith Ding quickly took out a wooden box that was more than a foot long, presented it respectfully, and said: "I have been working for two days and finally made it in time. It's just... I feel it's a pity."

Shen Weichen said: "I've seen it, no problem."

Shen Yuqing nodded, accepted the wooden box, and said, "The fact that my brother and sister came here must not be leaked." Blacksmith Ding nodded hurriedly and said yes.

Shen Yuqing and Shen Weichen were about to leave. When Blacksmith Ding's son saw that Shen Weichen was leaving, he asked nonchalantly: "Miss, when will you come again?"

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "If we cast weapons again in the future, we will definitely come."

Blacksmith Ding's son looked happy and nodded in agreement.

The two left the iron shop, and Shen Yuqing smiled and said, "Look at that little blacksmith, he's fascinated by you."

Shen Weichen said: "He is an honest man who is diligent and sincere. The father and son have a good relationship, and the Ding family's iron shop will definitely prosper in the future."

"Where are Xiaoba and Li Jingfeng?" Shen Yuqing asked again, "Are they safe?"

"Brother Lianyun and Uncle Dayuan brought people to guard them. You haven't told me clearly what happened." Shen Weichen asked, "Vice-master Zhuge is making things difficult for the master?"

"Let's wait until this matter is settled." Shen Yuqing said, "The dinner is about to begin."

※ ※ ※

"Deputy Commander, please!" Shen Yongci saluted.Zhuge Ran came to the table, and in front of him were familiar faces he knew, Shen Yongci, Mrs. Chu, Shen Yayan and his wife, and there were two empty seats.

Zhuge Ran frowned: "Aren't the young master and the second lady here yet?"

"Quanzi was ordered to find the two fugitives and is handing over some work." Shen Yong said, "I'm probably delayed. I'll be there later."

"Where did Xiaoxiao go?" Shen Yayan asked.

Mrs. Ya said: "She went out early in the morning and she hasn't come back yet."

"Is there anyone with you?" Shen Yayan asked again, "Didn't anyone inform her that there are guests tonight?" The tone seemed to be quite unhappy.

"I can't find anyone at the moment. Yu'er said that she would be notified." Mrs. Ya replied.

Shen Yayan frowned and didn't ask any more questions.

"Junior needs discipline, don't wait any longer. The deputy has been busy all day, let's serve the food first." Shen Yong said.

"Master Shen's son will definitely not be uneducated." Zhuge Ran said, "I'm free to do whatever the master says."

Although he said this, he was thinking in his heart that Shen Yuqing was a polite and intelligent young talent, somewhat similar to his father when he was young. When he thought about this, he couldn't help but doubt: "How dare you let a table of elders wait? There is a very good reason, but there are other arrangements.”

I saw Shen Yongci giving orders to his servants, and not long after, the attendants served the dishes.Mrs. Chu said: "The deputy commander loves fish, so I have specially prepared river delicacies for you. Please try this steamed river dumpling."

"It's hard for Mrs. Chu to remember." Zhuge Ran picked up a piece of fish and praised, "Good craftsmanship." After saying that, he raised his glass and said, "Master Shen, I'd like to toast you."

Shen Yongci also raised his glass, stood up and said, "The deputy is a guest, so I should toast you."

Zhuge Ran said "you're welcome", raised his head and drank it. It was hot, it was the top quality Jian Nanchun.Mrs. Chu and Shen Yayan also toasted in turn.After finishing a round of drinking, Zhuge Ran poured another glass and asked, "How has Master Shen considered this afternoon?"

Shen Yongci put down his cup and said, "Today is a banquet. We are entertaining guests. No business will be discussed at the dinner table."

Zhuge Ran said: "I think it's easier to talk about things at the dinner table. When the food is in front of you, your temper will be better. If you drink some wine, you can say anything without being as secretive as usual."

He stood up and pretended to pour wine for Shen Yongci, but he was short and couldn't reach it even if he stretched out his hand. Seeing Shen Yongci hand over the cup, he filled the cup and said, "I used to go out for my father." I love talking about things at the dinner table. I can't make a deal after one drink, but I can't do it with two or three drinks. I drink too much and my head is confused. I will agree to things that I wouldn't normally agree to. I get an advantage and I can enjoy myself by paying for the drinks."

Shen Yongci smiled and said, "The deputy commander wants to get me drunk?"

Zhuge Ran said, "I wonder how much Master Shen can drink?" The two drank another drink, and Zhuge Ran asked again, "After two drinks, what do you think, Master Shen?"

Mrs. Chu also poured a glass of wine and said, "We, husband and wife, are one person. If you want to drink with us, I'm afraid it will be difficult to win." She drank the wine in one gulp.

Zhuge Ran drank another drink and said with a smile: "This is not fair. Master Ya, now I am trapped in Qingcheng. Do you miss my sister and help me hold a few drinks?"

Shen Yayan had frequent contacts with Zhuge Ran when she was young. Mrs. Ya knew the details and was not angry after hearing this. She only said: "My husband has not been to Guangxi for more than ten years, and there will be few opportunities to go in the future. If the deputy commander has the opportunity, he will do it for my husband." Say hello to your sister."

Zhuge Ran smiled and said, "It depends on whether Master Ya can help."

Shen Yayan smiled awkwardly, and Zhuge Ran knew he was hesitating.This kid needs to be pushed a little harder, but not too much.The scene can be awkward, but it cannot be awkward.Then he said: "Earlier I said that I wanted to see your sect's black gold black iron needle. I wonder if it's a blessing?"

Shen Yayan said: "Don't rush it for a while, let's talk about it after dinner."

Mrs. Chu said: "The deputy commander wants to see Wujin Xuantie. What's the problem? After dinner, if no one is drunk, we can bring it right away."

It seemed that Mrs. Chu didn't know the details yet, Zhuge Ran smiled and said: "Mrs. Chu, you know that I am impatient and can't wait any longer."

Mrs. Chu saw that Shen Yayan's expression was wrong and glanced at Shen Yongci. Shen Yongci only said: "Deputy Commander, have a drink." Zhuge Ran accepted a drink and said with a smile: "This drink is very strong, I'm afraid I won't be able to last a few drinks. If If you are drunk, you will miss the opportunity to appreciate the baby."

Shen Yongci suddenly said: "Why are you here now?"

Only a voice was heard saying: "I changed clothes, I was delayed. Head, Mrs. Chu, father, mother." The voice was nice, soft and sweet. Zhuge Ran turned his head and saw a man about eighteen years old, wearing The woman in goose-yellow clothes followed Shen Yuqing into the banquet hall.

What a beauty, she is Shen Yayan’s daughter?Zhuge Ran looked at Shen Yayan and his wife.Mrs. Ya is beautiful, but she is just a common beauty in the world. I have seen many beauties. Can such parents give birth to such a daughter?Well, the corners of the eyes, eyebrows and nose are similar.This kind of thing happens in this world. If you have the same parents, some will be the success of both families, and some will be the failure of both families. My eldest brother and I are extreme examples.

He heard Shen Yuqing greeting him but didn't pay attention.When the two of them took their seats, Shen Yuqing raised his wine glass and said, "Junior is late, so I will drink one drink as a penalty."

Who wants to see you drinking?Watching girls drink is much more fun.Zhuge Ran thought about it, but smiled and said: "If you want to be punished, you can be sincere by punishing me with three cups. If you and your family join forces to deal with me later, I will not be my opponent."

Shen Yuqing drank three glasses, her face suddenly turned red as she smelled of alcohol.Shen Weichen said: "I don't drink well. If I drink three glasses, I will have a headache tomorrow morning." He also drank a glass.

"Girl, you still need to practice your drinking. Have another drink and practice drinking." Zhuge Ran raised his glass and said, "I'll drink with you." He raised his glass and drank it, and Shen Weichen also raised his glass to welcome him.

Shen Yuqing said: "In the afternoon, the deputy commander said that he wanted to see the black gold black iron in Qingcheng. Did uncle bring it?"

Shen Yayan frowned and said, "Take it."

How could this kid take the initiative to bring this up?Could it be that he is really an embroidered pillow and hasn’t figured out the situation yet?
Shen Yayan took out two pieces of black gold black iron from her arms and handed them to Zhuge Ran.

"Two? Shouldn't there be five placed in Qingcheng?" Zhuge Ran said with a smile, "This won't kill me."

"I have two more." Shen Weichen took out the Emei thorns from his waist and handed them to Zhuge Ran.Zhuge Ran saw that it was made of wood, but it was heavy in his hand, quite heavy, and expected to have mechanisms.He turned the front wooden bolt, revealing the sharp black iron at both ends.

"Using black iron to make Emei thorns is very unique, and they are also covered with wood."

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "The gift my father gave me on my 15th birthday is called 'Phoenix'."

"Phoenix, that's a good name." Zhuge Ran said.

"I have another one here." Shen Yuqing took out an identical black gold black iron from his arms, and now there were five neat ones in front of him. "These are five pieces of black gold and black iron. You can appreciate them slowly, Deputy Master." Shen Yuqing said.

Zhuge Ran was shocked, what is going on?Could it be that he had made a mistake, or was there someone else among the brothers who conspired with Shen Yayan?He turned to look at Shen Yayan again, and saw that his expression was serious and there was no flaw in it.

In this short period of time, where can I conjure the fifth black gold black iron?Could it be that after the incident, someone was sent to seek compensation from Shen Congfu and Shen Miaoshi?

Zhuge Ran immediately overturned this idea. Shen Yayan initially planned to frame his nephew, but he did not expect that he would follow him.Shen Congfu's news arrived at most a day before he arrived. He sent someone to Qiannan and made a round trip, even if he rushed [-] miles, he couldn't catch up.

He must have thought wrong somewhere. He played with the black gold black iron in his hand and sighed: "Even in Kongtong, this thing is precious. If you give away sixteen pieces in one go, even after 40 years, it is still enviable. ." He weighed the weight while playing with it. The five thorns were all the same, except for the pair of Emei thorns, which were heavier because they were wrapped in hard wood, but they were not much different.

He looked at Shen Yuqing again and saw him holding out his chopsticks and picking up fish.Suddenly the chopsticks fell, and Shen Yuqing hurriedly smiled and said: "I drank too fast just now, I'm rude." Mrs. Chu frowned and said: "Let's change a pair." Shen Yuqing responded "Yes".

Is this guy's hands shaking?Is he guilty?Zhuge Ran looked at the Emei thorn in his hand, suddenly he had a flash of inspiration and said with a smile: "Just looking at the head and tail, I don't know what's going on inside."

Shen Yu was surprised when he heard what he said, and said, "What do you mean, deputy commander?" Although he was suppressed, his words were still a little weird. Shen Yongci heard the problem and said in a deep voice: "Yu'er, your drinking capacity is not that bad. "Did you drink outside?" Shen Yuqing said hurriedly: "I drank some. Deputy Commander, these pair of phoenixes are a gift from Mr. Ya to my little sister. After you have finished admiring them, you have to return them to her."

Zhuge Ran smiled and said: "You can't hide this kind of trick from me." He held both ends of an Emei thorn with both hands, used his true power, and broke it with all his strength. Although there was hidden iron inside, it was only as thick as an embroidery needle. Zhuge Ran The skill was unambiguous, the Emei thorn suddenly bent from the middle, and a section of wood in the middle cracked.

This boy cut a piece of black iron into four sections and put them on the head and tail of two Emei thorns, hoping to make two with one. Zhuge Ran had this in mind, but he saw that the small piece of black and bright black iron exposed in the middle was actually black gold black iron.

Zhuge Ran was stunned, and heard Shen Weichen scream in surprise. He rushed forward, snatched a pair of Emei thorns, and cried: "Why did you break my phoenix?!"

Before Zhuge Ran could argue, Shen Weichen burst into tears, turned around and ran away with a pair of Emei thorns.Shen Yuqing hurriedly shouted: "Little sister!"

Zhuge Ran's face turned red and white. Looking around, he saw four pairs of eyes of Shen Yongci and Shen Yayan, husband and wife, staring at him. He felt very embarrassed.

No, not just embarrassed, but stiff...

Shen Yayan said calmly: "This junior is rude and offended the deputy commander. Don't blame me."

Shen Yongci only said: "Let's eat."

The five of them were silent for a moment. After taking a few bites, Shen Yayan couldn't help laughing and burst into laughter. This smile could no longer be suppressed and she continued to laugh wildly.Mrs. Chu also covered her mouth, turned her head, trembled, and giggled.Shen Yongci muttered a few words and couldn't help but smile.Mrs. Ya, the only one who didn't know what happened, was also amused. She couldn't help laughing and asked, "What's wrong, everyone is so happy?" Shen Yayan just rubbed her belly and said it was okay.

Zhuge Ran finished the meal in silence, feeling annoyed and speechless.

(End of this chapter)