I practiced magic in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 63: Going Shopping with So Ji
In the south of Luoyang City, there is Kaiyang Gate.

A horse-drawn carriage slowly arrived in the golden autumn of August, amid the fragrance of wheat.

Cai Yan lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked at the prosperous scene outside the carriage. She felt that everything in front of her was so new and strange: "Father, is this Luoyang?"

This was her first time to set foot in the Eastern Capital of the Yanhan Dynasty. Her bright eyes couldn't help but look around, as if she was looking for someone.

"Yes, this is Luoyang, the place that countless people with lofty ideals dream of."

Cai Yong also looked out of the car window, his heart filled with emotion and sighs.

After an absence of more than ten years, he once again returned to the city that once made him feel high-spirited, but ended up making him frustrated and embarrassed.

Now that I am revisiting the old place, I don’t know whether it is a blessing or a curse.

Cai Yong was originally living well in his hometown of Chenliu. He no longer had the political ambitions he had in his early years, and all he wanted to do was to open a private school and spend the rest of his life in leisure.

As a result, after Dong Zhuo took over as Sikong, he immediately took control of the government. After hearing about Cai Yong's fame, he directly summoned him to watch.

As a famous scholar, Cai Yong certainly could not agree. After all, Dong Zhuo's reputation was not very good, and any Confucian scholar who cared a little about his reputation would refuse.

But Cai Yong just said he was ill and couldn't go, Dong Zhuo was furious and threatened directly: "I have the power to exterminate the entire clan of a person. Even if Cai Yong is proud, it will only take a moment for him to do so."

After saying this, he sent people to order the prefectures and counties to summon Cai Yong to the Sikong Mansion.

What else could Cai Yong do?
When a man is sitting at home, disaster may come from the sky. He had no choice but to accept the order and came to Luoyang to take up the post with his family.

Cai Yan had no idea of ​​the melancholy and anxiety in her father Cai Yong's heart. What she was thinking about now was what Wang Jing said when she parted with him.

"Yuan Xu had long expected that I would come to Luoyang with my father. I don't know how he is doing now..."

Seeing his daughter lost in thought, Cai Yong asked softly, "Zhao Ji, why are you so absent-minded?"

"nothing……"

Cai Yan quickly concealed her expression and then said, "Father, after settling down, I want to go out and visit an old friend."

"Do you have any friends in Luoyang?"

"Yes, he is an old acquaintance from Chenliu."

"That's good, so I don't have to be bored at home."

Cai Yong did not think much about it. The Yanhan Dynasty inherited the legacy of the pre-Qin era, and the social atmosphere was very open. Not only was the concept of chastity similar to that of the Sui and Tang dynasties, but women's thoughts were also relatively free, and there were not so many red tape and feudal ethics.

This can be seen in the development of poetry and prose. During the Han Dynasty, many talented women with outstanding literary talent emerged. If culture had not reached its peak and women had not had the right to receive education, how could there have been such a prosperous scene?

In the eyes of Confucian scholars like Cai Yong, Cai Yan's visits to friends were considered normal social activities. They were not prohibited but highly encouraged.

Within a few days, the news of Cai Yong's arrival in Luoyang spread throughout the streets and alleys, especially the students of the Imperial College in the south of the city and the Hongdumen School. They were all excited and wanted to visit Cai Yong and ask for advice.

As Cai Yong was appointed as acting chief academic officer by Dong Zhuo and was promoted to a high position, he served successively as Imperial Censor, Imperial Censor-in-Chief, and Minister of the Chancellery. The gate of Cai Yong's mansion was almost broken down by the influx of people from all walks of life.

Travel through all three stations within three days.

With such courtesy, any discerning person could see that Dong Zhuo wanted to make important use of Cai Yong.

Since Cai Yong was both knowledgeable and promising, naturally there were countless young students who wanted to make a name for themselves and wanted to become his disciples.

Some people even set their sights on Cai Yan and wanted to become Cai Yong's son-in-law.

Cai Yan seemed a little uncomfortable with the sudden hustle and bustle, so she took out the "Lecture Picture" and transformed herself in front of the bronze mirror, putting on Yang Xuan's vest, transforming from a graceful and talented woman into a delicate and elegant scholar.

Cai Yan first went to the official residence of Henan County, only to find out that Wang Jing was not at home. After asking, she learned that he had been training troops in Xiyuan recently.

Outside the city is the west gate and the west garden training ground.

Wang Jing was sweating profusely when he heard his men say that an old friend was visiting. He was quite surprised: "Old friend? Do I have any friends in Luoyang?"

After changing into clean clothes, Wang Jing walked into the reception room and saw his old friend Yang Xuan, who was tall and beautiful, as pretty as the bright moon.

"Souji?"

Wang Jing naturally realized that this was Cai Yan disguised as a man. He had been so busy recently that he didn't pay much attention to the news that Cai Yong had arrived in Luoyang.

Seeing her old friend Wang Jing, Cai Yan also showed a rare relaxed smile: "Yuan Xu, how are you?"

"Haha, when did you come? You didn't even write to let me know in advance so I could host a welcome party for you."

Wang Jing laughed happily, and then took Cai Yan for a stroll in the West Garden.

Emperor Lingdi knew how to enjoy life, so in addition to the training grounds for military training and martial arts performances, the West Garden also had thousands of nude swimming halls.

When Emperor Lingdi was still alive, he often played and enjoyed himself in the Nudity Pavilion. The palace ladies aged 27 to 36 were all dressed up, and they took off their tops, leaving only their underwear, and bathed with him...

Perhaps it was because of such a dissolute life that Emperor Ling died young in his thirties.

It can be seen that beautiful women are indeed a disaster. Only children will want to have everything, but adults know that their bodies cannot bear it.

However, Wang Jing is not Emperor Ling, so many of the former nude swimming halls have been converted into bathhouses and bathrooms by Wang Jing.

Some beautiful courtyards have become places for relaxation and entertainment during leisure time.

Walking beside the lotus pond, the two chatted as they walked.

Cai Yan had no other friends in Luoyang, so it was difficult for her to find someone to talk to on weekdays. So when she met Wang Jing, she couldn't help but open up: "I have been in Luoyang for some time. I went to visit you at home before and learned that you were not at home."

Then he couldn't help but worry about Wang Jing: "I heard from my father that you have made such a great name in the capital, but you are not on good terms with Dong Sikong. Is this true?"

Wang Jing knew that she was concerned about him, and he could not help but feel warm in his heart. Then he looked at Cai Yan with a smile: "Why, Zhao Ji, are you going to ask Dong Zhuo for me?"

"I am a weak woman and I don't know the struggles in the court. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

Cai Yan pursed her lips. In fact, what she didn't want was for Wang Jing and Cai Yong to confront each other and become political enemies.

After all, she doesn't have many friends, and the one she can talk to the best is Wang Jing.

Wang Jing seemed to see her worry and smiled to comfort her: "Zhao Ji, don't worry about it. Although I don't like Dong Zhuo, I won't take my anger out on your father. As for your pleading, I appreciate it, but it's not necessary. Dong Zhuo and I are already at loggerheads, and this can't be eased with just a few words."

Although Wang Jing spoke in a relaxed tone, Cai Yan knew very well that the struggles in the court were always bloody and cruel.

The fate of the losers is often very miserable. Being exiled is considered the best. Most of them die without a burial place, and even their relatives are implicated and their loved ones suffer.

When old friends met again, Wang Jing didn't talk too much about heavy topics with Cai Yan: "By the way, Zhao Ji, you just came to Luoyang, there are many interesting places you haven't visited yet, right? How about I take you around?"

"Okay."

Seeing that Wang Jing had made up his mind, Cai Yan stopped trying to persuade him.

Afterwards, the two of them traveled together in the Luoyang market in the west of the city. The west market had two li of Fucai and Jinsi, which was a famous wealthy area. The industry and commerce in the ten-li area were extremely developed, and countless skilled craftsmen from the imperial dynasty gathered here, with many new and strange things that even Wang Jing was amazed at.

The luxurious mansions and extravagant lifestyle here are also eye-opening.

Houses are worth thousands of gold, with floors facing each other, double doors and windows, and corridors connecting each other, overlooking each other. People wearing gold, silver, brocade, servants wearing silk clothes, all kinds of delicacies, and servants eating. People wearing gold, silver, brocade can be seen everywhere.

In Shinan, there are two villages, namely, Tuoyin and Lelü.

People in the village played music and sang, and all the best artists in the world came out. There was even a famous musician who was good at playing the Hujia, who could sing for the warriors and Xiang Yu, which made Cai Yan, who loved music, extremely obsessed.

Seeing that she liked it, Wang Jing bought her a high-quality Hujia and said, "The gift is small but the sentiment is great. I hope Zhaoji will not despise it."

"Thank you, Yan likes it very much."

Cai Yan smiled even more happily after receiving the gift, and accepted the purple Hujia with great care.

This instrument is made of yew wood with three holes and reed as the reed. Its shape is similar to a combination of a flute and a trumpet. It is a rare item that gradually flowed into the Central Plains after Zhang Qian opened up the trade route to the Western Regions.

Cai Yan seemed to have inherited Cai Yong's talent for music. She was able to play the Hujia very well soon after she got the hang of it. The piece she played was "Phoenix Feather Fairy Music".

The melody was leisurely, and the Danyu Holy Flame and Shenyu Sword Intent in Wang Jing's body were also moved by the touching music. He seemed to see all kinds of strange visions in front of his eyes, as if he had witnessed the ancient times when the phoenix once crossed the sky, which made him intoxicated.

After a long time, Wang Jing came back to his senses and immediately praised: "The phoenix feathers are dancing in colorful clothes, and the fairy music is clearing away the dust and smoke. It feels like such a heavenly sound, no matter how many times I listen to it, I will never get tired of it. Zhao Ji is really a god in music, and she is rare in the world."

"Hehe, as long as you like it."

Just as the two were talking happily, there was a burst of noise not far away. Wang Jing and Cai Yan were on the second floor of a music hall. Looking out the window, they saw a team of mighty and majestic armored soldiers clearing the way in front of them.

Next appeared an ornate carriage with wheels decorated with red spots, a standing deer painted on the outside of the front of the carriage, a crouching bear-shaped crossbar, a soap-colored silk hood, black reins, and only a right-hand horse.

This was a ceremonial procession only for the Three Dukes, and the person coming was none other than Dong Zhuo.

"It's Dong Sikong!"

"So majestic!"

"Nonsense, being one of the Three Dukes, how can it not be impressive?"

In the market, many people were vying to watch, wanting to catch a glimpse of the true appearance of Dong Zhuo, the new nobleman.

It must be said that at this time Dong Zhuo had not yet done anything evil and was still planning to win over the hearts of the people, so he often did things that were close to the people in Luoyang.

Sitting in the carriage, Dong Zhuo looked at the eyes gathered from all around him and felt extremely excited. He longed for the feeling of being the center of attention.

"Where is my son Fengxian?"

Dong Zhuo asked casually, and a personal guard came forward to report: "An hour ago, there was a riot by bandits in the horse market east of the city, and Du Tinghou went there personally to suppress it."

"Hmm? At a time like this?"

As a master of the fifth realm of martial arts, Dong Zhuo had an instinctive sense of crisis. When he heard that Lu Bu had left for something, he instantly felt that it was too much of a coincidence.

Why did the bandits cause trouble at this time when I go out to comfort the people every ten days? Why did they do this?
At this time, armored soldiers were marching on the wide streets.

There were only more than fifty of them, but they were in neat formation and had a solemn aura. They walked silently, with only the sound of heavy footsteps and the collision of armor plates adding to each other, giving people the visual sense that thousands of troops were rushing towards them.

There is no doubt that the personal soldiers brought by Dong Zhuo are an elite force rarely seen in the world.

He was usually quite strict in disciplining his troops, and at least the soldiers in front of him were well-trained.

Dong Zhuo sat sideways on the carriage, his fat brain troubled by a series of events that had happened recently.

The constraints from Wang Jing, the opposition from court officials, and the heavy pressure from Yuan Wei gradually made him feel overwhelmed and powerless, which was more tiring than leading troops and conducting military operations.

Dong Zhuo was worrying about this when the carriage suddenly stopped, which made him furious: "Why did it stop?"

"Reporting to the Minister of Works, there was an accident with a carriage ahead, and the road is blocked."

"Then why are you still standing there? Tell them to move out of the way!"

The hot-tempered Dong Zhuo started cursing subconsciously, but he soon realized that something was wrong. As one of the three highest officials in the country, he was traveling with people, who dared to block his way?

Dong Zhuo immediately became alert: "No! This is a trick!"

However, it was too late. The windows of the second floors of the houses on both sides of the street, which were originally closed, were suddenly opened.

Then arrows rained down. The crossbow used was as black as ink and made entirely of metal. Its shape was quite peculiar.

The crossbow is only two feet long, but the craftsmanship is extremely delicate and complex. When the bowstring is pulled, a large number of gears and pulley components will start to move, which is simply amazing.

咻咻 咻 ~
The powerful crossbow was like a flying locust, shooting down at his face. The personal guards wearing heavy black iron armor were actually shot to the ground. The armor on their bodies seemed to be made of paper and was easily pierced.

"Ah! It's the Mo family's Tianzhi crossbow!"

"Damn it! There's an assassin! Protect Sikong!"

Mozi once said: "I have the will of heaven, just as a wheelwright has his compass and a carpenter has his square. The wheelwright holds his compass and ruler to measure the squares and circles of the world."

The Tianzhi Crossbow is a mechanical device developed by the disciples of Mohism under the guidance of this thought. It helped the First Emperor to pacify the six kingdoms. It is extremely powerful. Even precious armor is not absolutely safe against such an attack.

A large number of the accompanying soldiers were shot down at the first encounter, and then dozens of sharp arrows broke through the air and shot towards Dong Zhuo, obviously intending to kill him.

At the critical moment, Dong Zhuo leaped up, and the carriage he was riding in was immediately turned into a hedgehog. The arrows pierced the wood, making a dull sound.

"There's a crossbowman on the second floor!"

"Hurry up and protect Sikong!"

Dong Zhuo's personal soldiers reacted quickly and immediately formed a circle in front of the carriage.

Although they suffered heavy casualties, they were all Dong Zhuo's loyal soldiers, so they were not afraid of the assassins. Instead, they drew their weapons bravely and shouted angrily: "You are trying to assassinate important officials of the court. Aren't you afraid that your entire clan will be exterminated?"

"Humph, traitors and villains must be killed! Kill them! Don't let the thief Dong delay any time. The city guards will arrive in a quarter of an hour!"

The assassin leader made a quick decision and jumped directly from the second floor. He turned over in mid-air, drew his sword, and chopped down fiercely in the air, killing a Xiliang soldier holding a halberd.

The broken halberd and the splattered blood were so sad and beautiful under the bright autumn sun.

It was obvious that the assassin leader was a master of swordsmanship. The long sword in his hand was a masterpiece of a famous artist. It was extremely sharp and trembled slightly against the frost and snow. He exuded an extremely dangerous aura.

"You bold assassin! How dare you offend a noble? Why don't you kneel down and surrender immediately? Maybe I can leave you with an intact body!"

The assassin leader laughed angrily upon hearing this: "Humph, the wicked traitor Dong Zhuo, who in the world doesn't know the aspiring man? I'm going to kill him! Go to hell!"

After saying that, the assassin leader stepped forward with the long sword in his hand extremely sharp. Not only was his attack as fast as lightning, but each move went straight to the vital points. Anyone hit would either die or be crippled. It was a first-class killing sword technique.

In an instant, three people had no time to react and were stabbed in the throat by the sword. They fell down holding their necks.

"This man has extraordinary swordsmanship, let's form a formation to kill him!"

Knowing that they were no match for the opponent in a one-on-one fight, Dong Zhuo's personal soldiers immediately formed a battle array with long spears like a forest, which immediately rendered the assassin's agility and speed useless.

However, the assassin was not alone, he brought a lot of helpers with him.

I saw countless masked assassins emerging from the houses on both sides. I had no idea how many of them there were. Each of them was highly skilled in martial arts, wearing soft armor, holding a Tianzhi crossbow, and working in perfect harmony. They were by no means brave and aggressive thugs from the street, but well-trained assassins.

"We can't hold on any longer. Protect Sikong and leave! Leave ten of you to cover our retreat!"

The captain of the personal guard was Dong Zhuo's distant nephew, and blood was thicker than water, so he was loyal to Dong Zhuo and was willing to stay behind to stop the pursuers at this critical moment.

However, the assassin had a clear target, and this time he was going after Dong Zhuo, so how could he get what he wanted?
"kill!"

"Don't let the thief Dong go. Follow me and kill him!"

There were hundreds of assassins swarming out, and each of them was very skilled. The ten personal guards left behind were instantly overwhelmed.

Dong Zhuo was not afraid of danger, and grinned: "With just a bunch of you, you want to kill me? You really don't know how to live or die!"

With just a loud shout, Dong Zhuo's aura suddenly soared, exuding a terrifying aura like a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood. His fat body not only did not look funny, but instead gave people a feeling of hideousness and terror like a demon.

The bloody aura rose into the sky, it was exactly the peerless magical Tiger Evil Golden Sword recorded in the Nine Deaths Chapter of "The Immortal Yuan Gong".

Gold represents killing, and the tiger is an evil beast. The supernatural powers cultivated through the secret art of refining evil are naturally the most violent and cruel, with earth-shaking power.

A knife!

Dong Zhuo simply waved his hand and a ten-foot-long sword energy was cut out, turning dozens of assassins into a rain of blood and broken limbs. Even the leading assassin was seriously injured by the sword energy and retreated in a bloody mess.

"Hahaha, you rats are no match for me!"

Since entering Luoyang, Dong Zhuo had been reveling every night and had not ridden a horse to fight for a long time. Instead, every night, Dong Zhuo rode on a few beautiful "rouge horses" and often galloped until dawn.

However, after practicing the "Immortal Yuan Gong" created by Chi You, he had an amazing physique. Even though he had sex with several women every night, his strength did not weaken at all. On the contrary, he searched out a lot of rare treasures from He Jin's mansion, which made his cultivation advance by leaps and bounds and his progress was rapid.

Therefore, facing the battle in front of him, Dong Zhuo was not panicked, but calm, his eyes full of excitement: "Come, let me kill to my heart's content, and you may die more happily."

Wang Jing loved to watch the fun, and when he saw Dong Zhuo being assassinated, he gloated over the misfortune.

But soon his joy turned to sorrow. When Dong Zhuo swung his sword, he looked up and met Wang Jing's eyes. He immediately regarded Wang Jing as the mastermind. With new and old hatreds, he could not hold back his murderous intent and said, "You are so brave, little thief. Today I will settle all the old and new scores with you!"

After saying that, he raised his hand and a blade of energy slashed towards Wang Jing.

Wang Jing was suddenly shocked.

Damn, it’s none of my business!

(End of this chapter)