Lanting prelude

Chapter 24

Lanting Preface Bureau 2: Heavenly Punishment Tribulation
At dawn, Xiao Junmo and his party entered Lantian County.

The Qinling Mountains are vast and vast, with stretching peaks, and a post road winds and stretches among the lofty mountains.

Due to excessive blood loss, Xiao Junmo remained in a coma. The three of Chu Lisang did not dare to move forward, so they had to find a dilapidated earth temple on a mountain called Han Gongban for temporary shelter.Then the three of them split up: Chu Lisang took care of Xiao Junmo in the temple; Biancai knew some medical skills and was responsible for collecting herbs to stop bleeding from the mountain behind the temple, such as Panax notoginseng, Agrimony, Baiji, etc.; Mi Mancang was in charge of going nearby Go to the village to buy food, clothes and other urgently needed items from the villagers.

After the two came back, they pounded herbs with Chu Lisang, then took off Xiao Junmo's armor, applied the medicine to his wound, and tied a bandage. After working hard for a long time, they finally stopped the bleeding.Mi Mancang bought some cooked millet porridge from the villagers and packed them in earthen jars.While it was still warm, Chu Lisang didn't care about his hunger, and fed Xiao Junmo a small half-can spoonful by spoonful.Slowly, a tinge of blood appeared on Xiao Junmo's face, and Chu Lisang finally let go of his hanging heart.

Afterwards, the three of them took off their blood-stained armors, put on the coarse clothes bought by Mimancang, and shared the rest of the porridge.After tidying up, it was almost noon, and the three of them felt drowsy, so they closed their eyes and fell asleep...

When Xiao Junmo woke up in a daze, the afterglow of the setting sun was slanting in through the round window on the temple wall, shining on his face.He turned his head and saw that the three of them were still asleep, and looked around the ruined temple with the collapsed idol and the cobwebs, feeling a little dazed for a moment, not knowing where he was.

He sat up with difficulty, feeling the pain from the wounds all over his body.

There was a set of clean coarse clothes beside him. Enduring the pain, Xiao Junmo put on the clothes, then slowly got up, walked to the gate of the temple, and sat down on the steps.

In this kind of escape, it is not good for everyone to fall asleep, someone must stand guard.

Xiao Junmo raised his eyes and looked around, but he saw the winding mountains around him, no doubt it was the Qinling Mountains.Thinking about coming to argue, they must have stopped here to stop the bleeding and heal his wounds.This place is very close to Chang'an, and it is very dangerous. It is reasonable to leave quickly, but hearing the snoring of the three of them due to extreme exhaustion, he really couldn't bear to wake them up.

At this moment, a perfectly round sunset is floating above the dark blue distant mountains, and the gorgeous sunset glow paints the western sky scarlet. The sky and the earth are silent, and the scenery is beautiful and desolate.Xiao Junmo looked into the sky in the northwest direction, and there was Chang'an, where he had lived for more than 20 years but had just fled desperately.

Yesterday, he was still a promising Xuanjia guard general, a young talent who attracted the attention of the government and the public; at this moment, he has become a precarious fugitive, a traitor who can be punished by everyone.

Overnight, everything seemed like a lifetime away.

Yesterday's three thousand prosperous horses in fresh clothes and angry horses at the beginning were full of ambition and high spirits, like the ice and snow under the scorching sun melting in an instant, or like the quicksand between the fingers suddenly dissipating, leaving only the setting sun and sunset and the ancient temple on the barren mountains to accompany him. A person who has nothing in the past and can't see the future clearly.

This feeling is like waking up suddenly from a wonderful dream, and like falling from reality into a terrible dream.Although Xiao Junmo took the initiative to choose this path, everything that happened suddenly made him feel a kind of trance and sadness like Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly.

A red-capped and white-feathered heron flew low over his head, dropped a few mournful songs, and flew into a fir forest not far away in panic.I don't know if it lost its way and left its companions, but I hope it can find its home before night falls.Xiao Jun thought to herself, in fact, the current self is more confused than this egret, because the road ahead is boundless, this flight may not have a destination, but it may end at any time and anywhere.

Of course, even if death may appear at any time, Xiao Junmo will not feel fear or look at himself because of it. He just hopes that God will bless him to finish what he should do one by one before death stretches out his cold white claws to grab him.

Solving the mystery of "Lanting Preface", sending Biancai to the place he wants to go, and avenging his adoptive father are the next things he must do, and it is also his unshirkable responsibility.If there is anything he cares about besides these responsibilities, it is Chu Lisang...

The sky dimmed little by little, and Chu Lisang stood behind him at some point.

Sensing the movement, Xiao Junmo smiled back at her, patted the steps beside him, and motioned her to sit down.

Seeing that Xiao Junmo was able to act on his own so quickly, Chu Lisang was both relieved and a little surprised.Thinking about it, this Xuanjiawei was not in vain, and his physical fitness was indeed much stronger than that of ordinary people.

When he was in a coma just now, Chu Lisang hugged him and fed him porridge without feeling embarrassed at all, but now he was looking into his eyes, but suddenly felt a little shy.She hesitated, walked over and sat at the other end of the steps.

"Finally escaped, what plans do you and your father have?" Xiao Junmo asked.

Chu Lisang shook his head blankly.The world is so big, she doesn't know where she can live now, she just feels lost in her heart.

"Since your father chose this direction, he should have an idea in his heart."

Chang'an is the imperial capital of the Tang Dynasty, surrounded by post roads extending in all directions leading to all states and counties in the world.Xiao Jun thought to himself, since Biancai chose the southeast direction, he must not plan to return to Yique, but is planning to go out of Wuguan, go down to Jingchu, and then travel along the Yangtze River to the middle and lower reaches.

In fact, from last night to now, Chu Lisang has been a little confused.After they escaped from Longshouyuan in the northeast of Chang'an last night, Biancai took the lead and headed southeast without telling her where they were going, and then rushed all the way here.Chu Lisang had never traveled far, and he couldn't figure out where was where. Now that Xiao Junmo said this, he thought that his father would definitely not wander around aimlessly, and he must have a clear place to go.

"What about you? What are your plans?" Chu Lisang asked.

"Help people to the end, and send the Buddha to the west." Xiao Junmo said without thinking, "Since I brought you out of the palace, I will escort you to your destination."

"Then... what about later?"

The sharing of life and death last night had already shortened the distance between Chu Lisang and Xiao Junmo, so she had a faint feeling in her heart that she did not want him to leave.

"In the future?" Xiao Junmo smiled, "I don't know about it in the future, maybe it's wandering around the world and making home all over the world."

"Do you have any relatives in your family?"

Xiao Junmo's expression darkened: "It turns out that there is still my father, but he... died not long ago."

Chu Lisang was a little surprised, and quickly said "I'm sorry", then somehow remembered Huan Dieyi, and couldn't help but said: "Actually, you still have relatives."

Xiao Junmo looked at her puzzled.

"Your junior sister, Huan Dieyi, she seems to like you very much."

Xiao Junmo was taken aback, and hurriedly said: "Uh, she can also be considered a relative. I grew up with her, and later worked together in Xuanjiawei, so she is like my own sister."

"Really?" Chu Lisang had a strange expression, "Ms. Huan has a deep affection for you. You say that, don't you let her down?"

Xiao Junmo coughed and didn't want to talk about this topic anymore, he hurriedly said: "We are still in Guanzhong, people from the court will chase us at any time, I'm afraid we will have to wake up your father and Mancang later, we have to travel overnight."

Chu Lisang looked at him worriedly: "But the injury on your body..."

"I'm fine." Xiao Junmo wrote lightly, "In our line of work, injuries are commonplace. If you get hurt, just lie down. How can you solve the case and arrest people?"

As soon as he said this, Xiao Junmo immediately thought that he was no longer the Xuanjia Guard, but the target of the Xuanjia Guard, so he smiled wryly.Chu Lisang saw his thoughts, felt apologetic in his heart, and said, "It's all our fault for getting you in trouble, ruining your bright future, and turning you into a fugitive."

"I did it voluntarily, how can I blame you?" Xiao Junmo said, "Besides, didn't I harm you before? This is called retaliation, and we're even."

"Actually, even if the emperor doesn't send you to catch my father, he will send someone else. I always blamed you before, and it's... not fair to you."

Xiao Junmo smiled: "Why are you so reasonable now?"

Chu Lisang frowned slightly: "From what you mean, it seems that I was very unreasonable before?"

Xiao Junmo smiled again: "Before, it was a bit."

Chu Lisang raised her eyebrows: "Where am I being unreasonable?"

"Recall for yourself, when you were dealing with the scholar Zhou Lugui."

When Chu Lisang heard this, he recalled the scenes of getting along with that "idiot", and suddenly couldn't help laughing: "That idiot is pedantic, stupid, and stupid. ?”

"You're right, that guy is indeed a bit stupid, so it's no wonder you beat him up." Xiao Jun smiled silently, "Don't talk about you, even myself, sometimes I can't help but want to slap him twice."

The two were chatting and laughing, as if they regarded Zhou Lugui as a real person, and while they thought it was amusing, they both felt a little indescribably sad.Xiao Junmo sighed: "Now that I think about it, I would rather be Zhou Lugui myself."

Although Chu Lisang knew that he was a non-existent person, he would still think of him from time to time. Now that Xiao Junmo said this, he found that both of them felt the same way, so he couldn't help but sighed: "Although that idiot is a bit pedantic, but He was a kind and righteous man."

"Are you praising me?"

"I'm praising Zhou Lugui."

The two looked at each other and smiled, but there was clearly some helplessness and sadness in the smiles.

At this time, dusk had gradually fallen, and suddenly there was a noisy sound from the bottom of the mountain, and dots of torches surrounded the mountain from several directions.Both of them were startled at the same time and got up immediately.Xiao Junmo was still a little weak, and his body swayed.Chu Lisang was going to help him, Xiao Junmo waved his hand: "Quickly wake up your father and Mancang, we have to leave quickly."

Chu Lisang ran into the temple and woke them up.Mi Mancang sat up in a daze: "Why, what's wrong?"

"The pursuers have arrived!" Xiao Junmo walked in with difficulty.

Mi Mancang jumped up, his face full of panic: "Yes, it's Xuan, Xuanjia..."

"It's not Xuanjiawei." Xiao Junmo picked up the saber on the ground and threw it to the three of them respectively, "It should be that the imperial court's sea arrest documents have been sent to Lantian County. If you go shopping in the village during the day, someone must have noticed you, so the county magistrate came here As soon as people ask, they can immediately guess that we are hiding here."

"This, so fast?" Mi Mancang tightly held the package full of gold ingots with both hands, but missed the knife thrown by Xiao Junmo, and the saber fell to the ground with a clang.

Xiao Junmo smiled wryly, so he had no choice but to help him pick up the knife: "It's already slower than I expected."

When Chu Lisang heard this, he realized that Xiao Junmo was just sitting outside enduring the pain, but he was actually helping everyone to keep watch. He couldn't help being moved, and he added a bit of admiration to Xiao Junmo.

"There seem to be a lot of them, where are we going?" Chu Lisang was anxious.

"Master," Xiao Junmo asked Biancai, "you go to the back mountain to collect medicine during the day, so you should explore the way by the way?"

Biancai nodded: "That's right, there is a small path in the back mountain, which can lead to the mountain. I'll lead the horse first." After speaking, he took the lead and ran out through the back door.

"Let's go!" Xiao Junmo held a saber in one hand and carried a package on his shoulder, making it quite inconvenient to move.Chu Lisang couldn't help but snatched everything from him, then grabbed the package in Mi Mancang's arms, and said angrily, "Give me the things, and you can carry Xiao Lang!"

"No, I can walk by myself." Xiao Junmo said.

"You're limping like this, and you're still stubborn!" Chu Lisang glared at him, "Do you want to kill everyone?"

Xiao Junmo could only smile and shut up.

Mi Mancang kept staring at the package in Chu Lisang's hand: "You, yes, little, be careful..."

"Don't worry, I can't lose you!" Chu Lisang rolled his eyes at him, "It's time to keep chattering, you really want money and life!"

Mi Mancang chuckled, and then carried Xiao Junmo on his back.The three walked out of the ruined temple quickly, just as Biancai brought the horse over.The four of them each mounted a horse, galloped towards the back of the mountain, and soon disappeared into the night.

In front of the ruined temple, a group of arresters holding torches is leading a hundred young and strong villagers approaching from all directions...

Li Shimin stayed up all night, sitting in the Hall of Liangyi with blood-red eyes open, listening to the guards of the Imperial Army coming in and out to report, but there was no news of the father and daughter of Biancai, so he overturned the imperial case in anger.After the imperial army tossed in the Taiji Palace all night, and carried out a carpet search inside and outside the forbidden garden the next day, and finally found nothing, Li Shimin realized helplessly: the father and daughter of Biancai ran away!
Li Shiji got the news at the fourth watch, got up in a hurry, rushed to the palace, organized a search together with Li Anyan and other generals of the imperial army, and at the same time inquired about the case in detail, and then reported to Li Shimin: the eunuch Mi Mancang and the other two who had robbed Biancai were arrested. All the eunuchs who were condemned were just accomplices, and the mastermind was someone else; moreover, this person was bold and cautious, with high martial arts skills and careful planning, and he was probably a member of the Imperial Army.

Li Shimin immediately ordered the imperial army to count the heads, and the result was soon reported: except for the imperial army soldiers who were killed that night, all personnel were on duty.Li Shimin pondered for a while, then suddenly asked Li Shiji: "You said that the mastermind is bold and cautious, with high martial arts skills, wouldn't it be someone from your Xuanjiawei?"

Li Shiji was shocked, and immediately went back to the government office to investigate, and found that apart from the personnel sent out to perform tasks, the only missing person turned out to be Xiao Junmo!Li Shiji absolutely couldn't believe that Xiao Junmo would be the "mastermind" who robbed the father and daughter of Biancai, so he immediately found Huan Dieyi and asked her if she knew Xiao Junmo's whereabouts.

Huan Dieyi tried to be calm at first, but after a while her eyes turned red.Li Shiji was shocked, and quickly turned away from the left and right, asking her what happened.Huan Dieyi's tears fell down, and he told the story intermittently, but concealed the final direction of escape for Xiao Junmo and others.

After hearing this, Li Shiji's face turned pale as if he had been shocked by an electric shock, and his brows frowned into a deep Sichuan character.

In the afternoon of that day, Li Shiji bit the bullet and went into the palace to report to Li Shimin, but only said that Xiao Junmo was missing, and dared not mention Huan Dieyi.When Li Shimin heard the words, he couldn't believe it, and immediately ordered Li Shiji to search Xiao's house.Unexpectedly, when Xuanjiawei's people rushed to Xiao's house, they saw that the house was empty, and there was no one there.Of course they didn't know that Xiao Junmo had paid severance pay to He Chongjiu and other servants long before he acted, and let them go back to their hometowns.

In this way, Xiao Junmo's suspicion became more and more confirmed.Li Shimin was furious, and immediately ordered the release of the sea arrest documents, and ordered people to draw portraits of Biancai, Chu Lisang, Xiao Junmo, and Mi Mancang, and ordered the posthorse to spread them to all Daozhou counties at an accelerated speed of [-] miles.

Lantian County is only seventy or eighty miles away from Chang'an, and the local county magistrate received the arrest document before sunset.He didn't dare to be negligent, and immediately ordered all the arresters to go out to visit and inspect the villages and towns under his jurisdiction, and soon found a suspicious target in the evening...

At the same time as the arrest document was issued, Li Shimin also issued a death order to Li Shiji, ordering him to arrest Xiao Junmo and others at all costs.Li Shiji was terrified and pleaded guilty repeatedly.Li Shimin's face was ashen, and he said coldly: "Xiao Junmo is a good disciple you taught by yourself, and he is also your most trusted subordinate. Now you have betrayed the court. You are naturally to blame! At the moment, I will not punish you for the time being, it depends on whether you can make meritorious deeds and give me an explanation."

Li Shiji was sweating profusely, kowtowed to thank him again and again, then hurried back to the government office, mobilized more than a dozen groups of people, and chased them separately along every post road from Chang'an to Sifang.Although Huan Dieyi was the leader of the team, he was excluded from this mission.She knew that her uncle came here because he was worried about her safety, and secondly, he was afraid that her relationship with Xiao Junmo would affect the arrest.

Huan Dieyi didn't go to beg Li Shiji, but sneaked out of the city without telling him, and came to Longshouyuan.

When she rode her horse and stood on the high hill that she had stood on last night, tears blurred her eyes again.She was extremely conflicted in her heart. She wanted to find Xiao Junmo quickly, but she didn't know what to do after she found him.In the end, she could only tell herself: find someone first and then talk.

From Longshouyuan to the east, there are three wide and flat post roads: in the northeast direction, go out of Pujin Pass, and you can go to Hedong and Hebei; in the east direction, go out of Tongguan, you can go to Luozhou and the Central Plains; , You can go to Jingchu and go to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Huan Dieyi looked around, and finally chose the southeast direction based on intuition, and galloped towards the original...

After a busy day, Li Shiji returned to his mansion, but he didn't see Huan Dieyi, so he hurriedly asked his wife.Madam said that Huan Dieyi came back in the evening, packed a package in a hurry and went out again, didn't even eat dinner, asked her where she was going, only said that she was on a mission.Li Shiji smiled wryly when he heard this, and said nothing more.

When the child grows up, she can only go.Li Shiji thought helplessly, just as he never expected Xiao Junmo to rob the debater, he also couldn't stop Huan Dieyi from doing what she wanted to do.In a daze, he seemed to be able to see a little boy and a little girl wrapped around his knees, arguing for him to teach them martial arts, but in a blink of an eye, these two children had grown up, and with him he couldn't see them. With their penetrating and unexpected thoughts, they also have their considerations and choices about their own destiny.What can Li Shiji do about this?

Apart from silently praying to God in his heart to let the two children be safe, Li Shiji could only look at the dark night sky outside the window and let out a desolate sigh.

The mountain trails are rugged and difficult, and you can hardly see your fingers.

The four of Xiao Junmo walked in the dark for more than an hour. After making sure that there were no pursuers behind them, they dismounted and rested. They lit a bonfire, and then sat around to discuss the next move.

"Master," Xiao Junmo said, "Since you chose the direction of Wuguan, you should have thought of a good place to go, right?"

Biancai thought about it, and said ambiguously: "The poor monk wants to see some old friends in the Jingchu area."

Xiao Junmo nodded: "In that case, I will accompany you there."

The debate hesitated for a moment: "Xiao Lang, the poor monk is very grateful for you risking your life to save our father and daughter, but right now your injury is not serious, it's better...you should find a safe place to recuperate first."

Chu Lisang glanced at his father, and felt that although he spoke nicely, he actually wanted to get rid of Xiao Junmo, and he was very unhappy, so he said, "Father, you are right, Xiao Lang has saved our lives, we should Accompany him to heal his injury first, and then go on the road."

She deliberately emphasized the word "accompany him".Hearing this, Biancai was a little embarrassed: "The key depends on what Xiao Lang thinks."

Xiao Junmo had already seen Biancai's thoughts, so he smiled and said: "Since the mage is in a hurry to find friends, it will be a burden to follow you. Just do as the mage said, I will find a place to recuperate, and you hurry up and go on the road."

"No!" Chu Lisang said loudly, "You are hurt so badly, none of us can leave you behind." After speaking, he blinked at Mi Mancang.Mi Mancang understood, and hurriedly said: "Yes, no, I can't throw it away, let me leave you."

"You'd better go and be your rich man." Xiao Jun smiled silently, "Run as far as you can, don't be dragged down by me."

"Who do you take Mancang for?" Chu Lisang rolled his eyes at him, then looked at Mi Mancang, "Mancang is a very loyal person, how could he leave you alone, right Mancang?"

Mi Mancang was provoked by her, and immediately puffed out his chest: "Of course, although I love money, I value righteousness."

Xiao Junmo listened to their chorus, and looked at Biancai's frowning look, knowing that he didn't need to speak, so he smiled and said nothing.Chu Lisang looked at his father displeasedly: "Father, what are you thinking?"

Biancai came back to his senses, and smiled helplessly: "My original intention is the same, everything should be done after Xiao Lang recovers from his injury. However, where can I find a safe place to recuperate in this barren mountain and wilderness, living in both human and earth?"

Chu Lisang and Mi Mancang were also a little dazed when they heard the words, and looked at Xiao Junmo in unison.

After Xiao Junmo thought for a while, he had an idea in his mind.

When Huan Dieyi rushed to the north gate of Lantian County overnight, he happened to meet Luo Biao who was about to leave the city with a team of Xuanjia guards.

"Dieyi? Why are you here?" Luo Biao was surprised.

"The general asked me to help you and the brothers." Huan Dieyi said, "Why, you don't want to see me?"

"How can it be?" Luo Biao laughed and said, "With the beautiful woman Huan as a companion, wouldn't this journey be much more interesting? I, Luo Biao, wish for it!"

"Why are you leaving the city? Where are you going?" Huan Dieyi didn't have the heart to talk nonsense with him.

"The county magistrate of Lantian found their traces, and they are in Hangongban in the northwest."

When Huan Dieyi heard this, he immediately turned his horse's head, flicked his whip, and galloped towards the northwest.Luo Biao shook his head and smiled, and led his men to follow closely.

About two quarters later, Huan Dieyi and Luo Biao stood in the dilapidated earth temple in Han Gongban.A headhunter from Lantian County gave a general introduction to the situation, and the conclusion was simple: Xiao Junmo and his party stayed in this temple, and then ran away from a trail in the back mountain.

"Then why don't you chase after him?" Luo Biao stared.

The head catcher smiled apologetically: "That mountain road is rugged and difficult to navigate, and people have fallen to their deaths in broad daylight, not to mention this black light..."

"Why are you arresting the head if you're afraid of walking at night?" Luo Biao scolded, "Hurry up and show me the way!"

Luo Biao forced the captives to put on more than a dozen lanterns. After walking for more than half an hour, he finally found the place where Xiao Junmo and others rested beside the mountain road. There were obvious signs of a bonfire on the ground.

"Is it possible to bypass Lantian County from this mountain road?" Huan Dieyi asked Butou.

"We've come around, we're just south of the county seat now."

"Where does this road lead to?"

"That's too many to count. There are villages in the mountains ahead, and there are fork roads everywhere. Mountains are connected to mountains, and roads are connected to roads. Even though I was born and raised here, I have never figured it out."

Huan Dieyi frowned slightly, looking at the dark mountains in the distance, suddenly a little dazed.Luo Biao muttered to the side: "When will such a large mountain be found?"

"As long as you inform Wuguan to guard against death, don't let them leave the customs, they will always be found." After Huan Dieyi finished speaking, he galloped forward again.The head catcher hurriedly followed behind with a lantern.

"Boss," one of his subordinates approached Luo Biao and said with a smirk, "Look at the impatience of Captain Huan, are they catching fugitives or chasing lovers?"

It has long been an open secret in Xuanjiawei that Huan Dieyi likes Xiao Junmo.

"Shut your beak!" Luo Biao stared wide-eyed, "If you fart indiscriminately, I will sew your mouth shut!"

Late at night, under the stone bridge of Qinglongfang in Chang'an.

Wang Hongyi stood beside the canal with his hands behind his back, and Xuanquan stood in the dark behind him.

"It's Xiao Junmo again!" Wang Hongyi sneered, "It seems that this kid is hooked on us."

"My subordinate has a heavy trust, so please punish me, sir." Xuanquan still spoke in a disguised voice.

Wang Hongyi was silent for a moment, and said: "The punishment will be spared, I know, you have tried your best. Those two brothers who sacrificed, please give them compensation."

"My subordinate understands."

"Speaking of which, it's not necessarily a bad thing for Xiao Junmo to make such a move."

"Sir, what do you mean by doing this, he helped us keep the secret of "Lanting Preface"?"

"Exactly. Killing Biancai is the last resort. He has done us a great favor by getting Biancai out now." Wang Hongyi turned around, "Do you know which direction they fled?"

"According to the latest information, it should be in the direction of Wuguan."

"Wuguan?" Wang Hongyi pondered, as if he understood something, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "Very good! You have to keep an eye on it, and report any progress at any time."

"Subordinates obey."

Wang Hongyi's house in Chang'an is located in Wuliu Lane in the northeast corner of Qinglongfang, not far from the stone bridge.The location of the house is very remote, with blue tiles and gray walls, it looks inconspicuous, but it occupies a large area, with five entrances in front and back.This is the house that Wang Hongyi bought more than ten years ago, and it is also one of his main unknown strongholds in Chang'an.

When he was about to die, Wang Hongyi returned to the house, and saw that Su Jinse had prepared a midnight snack and was waiting for him.

Su Jinse lives in Qinglongfang these days, the purpose is to take care of Wang Hongyi's daily life, and to do some filial piety.

Her biological parents were Wang Hongyi's capable men back then, but when she was born, both parents died in an operation, so Wang Hongyi adopted her and treated her like his own daughter ever since, and sent someone to teach her piano since she was a child Chess, calligraphy and painting, song and dance poetry.A few years ago, Wang Hongyi wanted to send a woman to lurk in Pingkangfang, Chang'an, so Su Jinse volunteered and insisted on coming.Wang Hongyi was afraid that she would be tarnished by dudes, so he refused to agree with anything, but Su Jinse insisted that she only sold her art and not her body, so she couldn't suffer.Wang Hongyi couldn't hold back her, so he reluctantly agreed.

Su Jinse pulled Wang Hongyi to sit down in front of the food table, and scooped him a bowl of soup: "Father, try it, this is Leng Chan'er soup I made myself."

Wang Hongyi took it with a smile, scooped up the soup and took a sip. Suddenly, he felt that the taste was incomparably delicious, and he couldn't help but praise: "Jinse, your craftsmanship is getting better and better! If you have a daughter like this, what can you ask for for your father and husband!"

Su Jinse also smiled happily: "If dad likes it, my daughter will make it for you every day."

"If you make soup for me here every day, won't King Wei be jealous?"

"Father, what are you talking about?" Su Jinse said coquettishly, "I'm not someone like him, why would he be jealous?"

Wang Hongyi smiled slightly: "Jinse, speaking of this, Dad has a word to remind you that when you are with King Wei, you can only act on the occasion, and don't touch the truth, you understand?"

Su Jinse was taken aback: "Why did Dad suddenly say such a thing?"

"Because King Wei is just a bridge for us to cross the river. Once we get to the other side, the bridge will be useless. If that's the case, how can you entrust him for life?" Wang Hongyi's tone was a little cold.

Su Jinse was surprised: "Father, didn't you always say that King Wei is knowledgeable, smart and capable, and that he is the most qualified to be the heir apparent among all the princes?"

"Yes."

"Didn't you also say that you will do your best to assist him in winning the throne?"

"Yes."

"Then you just now..."

"Jinse, it seems that Dad needs to tell you the truth. Dad is indeed optimistic about King Wei and wants to support him to inherit the throne, but these are just means, not Dad's ultimate goal."

"Then what is your purpose?"

Wang Hongyi looked at her, his eyes suddenly became cold: "Revenge."

"Revenge?" Su Jinse was startled, "Who do you want revenge on?"

"You don't need to know for now, just remember, don't be tempted by King Wei."

Su Jinse's expression darkened, and she lowered her head.

Wang Hongyi frowned slightly: "Could it be that you have already moved your heart?"

Su Jinse raised her head, forced a smile and said, "Look where you said, your daughter's relationship with him was originally ordered by you, and it was not out of love for children. How could she be tempted by him?"

Wang Hongyi looked at her for a while, nodded and said, "No is best. By the way, Dad has something that I want to entrust to you."

Su Jinse cheered up: "Say it."

"More than 20 years ago, there was a brothel called 'Ye Lan Xuan' in Pingkangfang, and there was a singer named Xu Wanniang in it. Please help Dad find out about this person and see where she is now."

"Xu Wanniang?" Su Jinse was puzzled, "Why do you suddenly want to check on a singer from more than 20 years ago?"

Wang Hongyi pondered for a while, and seemed to be choosing his words: "Father experienced some changes in Chang'an back then, and there was always a question in his heart that was still unsolved. This Xu Wanniang is the only person who may know the answer, so, Father hopes that you will find her as soon as possible. "

"Doubt? What kind of question?"

"Don't ask so many questions, father will tell you when the matter becomes clear."

East Palace, Study Room of Lizheng Hall.

Li Chengqian had a pleasant conversation with a middle-aged man with shining eyes and a handsome appearance.

The man is in his 50s, dressed as a scribe, but there is a kind of boldness in his speech and demeanor that scribes don't have.He is the descendant of Xie An, the famous prime minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and Xie Shaozong, the current helmsman of Xitang rudder of Tianxing League.At first, Hou Junji strongly recommended this person, saying that he was powerful and scheming, but Li Chengqian didn't quite believe it. Unexpectedly, when they met for the first time a few days ago, the two hit it off right away, and the conversation was very speculative.

Tonight was their third meeting. In order to have an in-depth conversation with him, Li Chengqian even refused to let Li Yuanchang be present, and did not invite Hou Junji.Li Yuanchang was quite dissatisfied with this, and told Li Chengqian to be careful not to trust people in the world easily.Li Chengqian smiled and said that this person has the talent of crouching dragon and phoenix young, and only after getting to know him did he know what it means to be "a virtuous man in the wild".Li Yuanchang rolled his eyes, disapproving.

The previous two times, Li Chengqian and Xie Shaozong met in the main hall of the Lizheng Hall, but tonight they specially arranged them in a private study room, which also highlighted the importance he attaches to this person.

"The current situation in the court is complicated, and the king of Wei is aggressive. I don't know what countermeasures do you have?" After talking so many times, Li Chengqian had already believed in Xie Shaozong's strength, so he stopped wasting time and went straight to the core issue.

"Thanks to His Highness for attaching so much importance to it, Xie is deeply terrified!" Xie Shaozong was polite again before turning to the topic, "As the saying goes, if you hit a snake with seven inches, if your Highness wants to deal with the King of Wei, naturally you have to find his seven inches. "

"Wei Wang has a lot of problems, hypocrisy, flattery, arrogance, but if you really want to find him, I'm afraid it will not be easy."

"Everyone has weaknesses, and King Wei is no exception." Xie Shaozong smiled, "Your Highness, please forgive Xie for speaking bluntly. Not long ago, King Wei used the case of Xinxin to attack you, so why didn't he pinpoint your weakness? ?”

Li Chengqian was a little embarrassed and coughed.Although Xie Shaozong's words were very direct and seemed to save people face, it was precisely this that suited Li Chengqian's appetite.He has always hated those who can only flatter, but likes to hear such ugly truths.Perhaps at this point, he has inherited Li Shimin's merits, so someone like Wei Zheng who is always offended by Yan Zhijian can get the reliance of their father and son.

"Sir, what you said is true!" Li Chengqian said in a straightforward tone, "In the opinion of Mr. Wei, what is King Wei's weakness?"

"Woman." Xie Shaozong said concisely.

Li Chengqian couldn't help laughing.

"Why are you laughing, Your Highness?"

"Is liking women a weakness?"

"Liking ordinary women is naturally not a weakness, but if you are a prince, but you fall in love with a woman who will offend the emperor's taboo, that is a weakness, and it is a fatal weakness!"

Li Chengqian's eyes lit up immediately, knowing that Xie Shaozong must have some secrets of the King of Wei, he hurriedly asked: "Please be more careful, sir, what kind of woman is it?"

"This girl's name is Su Jinse. Her public identity is a leading singer in Qihuang Pavilion of Pingkangfang, but her real identity is the adopted daughter of Mr. Mingzang Wang Hongyi." Xie Shaozong smiled, "I think His Highness also I know that Mingzang robbed and killed Biancai at Gantang Station a few months ago, and assassinated Xuanjiawei in Bailuyuan a few days ago. Let me ask you, if you let the sage know that King Wei is dating such a woman, it is even possible that Jinwu Zangjiao is the King of Wei. Don't you have to walk around without eating?!"

Li Chengqian's eyes became brighter, and he looked at Xie Shaozong in surprise: "Why does Mr. know Su Jinse's identity and Ming Zang's inside story so well?"

Xie Shaozong twisted his beard and smiled: "Your Majesty, the old bustard of Qihuang Pavilion is Xie's eyeliner. Although Su Jinse's disguise is very good, Xie's eyeliner is not blind; as for Mingzang's inside story, since both are Naturally, Xie knows a thing or two about the members of the Heavenly Punishment League."

Li Chengqian was relieved, and smiled triumphantly: "In this way, even if I have hidden ten Xinxins in the East Palace, it is not as good as King Wei's hiding one Su Jinse in the mansion!"

"Your Highness is right. The Holy One is so furious even if he is just satisfied, let alone this Su Jinse!"

"Okay!" Li Chengqian slapped the desk heavily, "Then according to Mr., how should we make this seven inches?"

"Your Majesty has already sent people to watch Wei Wangfu, and Su Jinse's every move is under my control." Xie Shaozong said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, Xie will definitely do his best to think of the most comprehensive way to help His Highness get rid of the King Wei is a stumbling block!"

While Li Chengqian was conspiring with Xie Shaozong in the East Palace, Li Tai was also discussing matters with Du Chuke in the study of Prince Wei's mansion.

"Do you know who your nephew Du He is?" Li Tai said in a strange tone.

Du Chuke said disdainfully: "An ignorant dude, a guy with high vision but low ability, who else can he be?"

Li Tai originally had a gloomy expression, but he couldn't help laughing after hearing what he said.

"What, did I say something wrong?"

"That's right, and you missed one more."

Du Chuke was puzzled: "Which one?"

"He's still a spy sent by the East Palace!"

"What?" Du Chuke opened his eyes wide and said after a while, "I knew this kid was not authentic, but I didn't expect him to be so sinister!"

"Yeah, knowing people and faces but not knowing the heart!"

"It's not easy, how did Your Highness find out?"

Li Tai was silent for a moment, then said coldly: "You have always opposed me to bring Jinse to the mansion, but you don't know that I have good intentions."

Du Chuke frowned: "What does this have to do with Su Jinse?"

Li Tai smiled: "Without Su Jinse, I would not have gotten this news."

Du Chuke was taken aback: "Your Highness, what is this Su Jinse's background?"

Li Tai pondered for a while, and then revealed Su Jinse's true identity.Du Chuke was so shocked that he couldn't close his mouth for a long time, and after a while he said: "Your Highness, this is a dangerous move you are taking, why didn't you discuss it with me in advance?"

"Discuss with you, you will definitely not agree to it a hundred times, why should I do anything extra?"

Du Chuke shook his head and sighed: "Your Highness, we are now at a critical moment in our contest with the East Palace, we can't make a mistake in half a step!"

"It's because of this moment that I decided to take this step."

"But……"

Li Tai raised his hand to stop him: "Stop talking, I didn't want to discuss this with you today."

Du Chuke smiled wryly: "Then what does Your Highness want to discuss?"

Li Tai stared at him for a while, before uttering a few words between his teeth: "Kill Du He."

Du Chuke's surprise was even more serious, and he jumped up: "Your Highness, you, you..."

"Why, did I find you the wrong person to discuss this matter?" Li Tai said coldly.

Du Chuke said anxiously: "Your Highness, since you know that he is a secret agent, you can just cut off contact with him. Why do you have to do so?"

"It seems that I really found the wrong person, and I didn't think about the deep affection between your uncle and nephew." Li Tai smiled teasingly, and immediately pulled his face down, "Forget it, it's late at night, you should go back and rest. You should take this matter from now on." Have not heard."

Du Chuke was sad, and after a long time, he sighed heavily, turned and walked out.

Li Tai looked at his back, and said lightly: "The moon is dark and the wind is high, be careful on the road."

When Du Chuke heard this, he shivered suddenly.

In the middle of the night, Meng Huairang, who was sleeping, was awakened by the barking of the big yellow dog in the yard.

He got out of bed quickly, picked up a Modao that had been kept under the bed all year round, and put on his clothes and went to the yard.I saw the three sons holding a hoe, an iron rake and a steel fork respectively, standing behind the gate of the courtyard as if they were facing an enemy.

Just in case, Meng Huairang told his three sons since he was a child: he had made enemies with others in the early years, and the enemies may come to him at any time, so he must be vigilant at all times.

At this time, the big yellow dog tied by the iron chain barked more and more fiercely, jumping up and down desperately, indicating that there are strangers outside the door now, and there are more than one, otherwise it would not be so manic.

Meng Huairang signaled his sons to step aside, then limped to the gate and listened to the commotion outside.Suddenly, there was an unhurried knock on the door.

The three sons became more frightened and raised the thing in their hands high.

"Who?" Meng Huairang asked in a deep voice.

There was silence outside the door for a while, and then a voice that seemed familiar came in: "Liao Lang Wu Ya Guan."

Meng Huairang was startled, and immediately signaled the three sons to put down the things in their hands, and then pulled the latch and opened the courtyard door.

Xiao Junmo's face was as pale as paper, but there was a calm and gentle smile on it.

Meng Huairang grinned: "It's self-evident."

A few months ago, Meng Huairang used the money Xiao Junmo gave him to build five or six large tile-roofed houses in front and back, plus a large courtyard, and became the richest person in Jiayugou almost overnight.The villagers who originally looked down on him were all dumbfounded, not understanding how Sun Ada became so rich for no reason.Soon, the matchmaker who proposed marriage to the three sons of his family broke through the threshold, and even Meng Huairang himself had several matchmakers scrambling to help him remarry.Meng Huairang couldn't laugh or cry, and his heart was mixed: he felt happy because he was elated, but also deeply disturbed because he was suddenly exposed to everyone's eyes.

When Xiao Junmo entered Jiayugou just now, he kept looking for the broken thatched huts in his memory, so he circled around the big tile-roofed house a few times, causing the big yellow dog in the courtyard to bark wildly.He was very puzzled, thinking that his memory should be correct, why couldn't he find it?Immediately remembering that he had left twenty ingots of gold for Meng Huairang to build a house, he burst out laughing.

For the sudden visit of Xiao Junmo and others, Meng Huairang was really surprised.Especially the combination of these four people is a bit weird no matter how you look at it: a wounded person, a woman, an old monk, and an eunuch.What happened to bring these four seemingly incongruous people together and force them to come to this ravine in the middle of the night?
Of course, as a former key member of the Wuya Tuo of the Tianxing League, Meng Huairang knew that it was inconvenient to ask such questions, and could only wait for the other party to explain.Therefore, he acted according to the rules of the Tao, received them silently and warmly, and drove the three sons into a house, and vacated four tile-roofed houses for them overnight.Xiao Junmo saw that his three sons were showing displeasure, and quickly said that there is no need for so many, two rooms are enough.

The two sides pushed back for a long time, Xiao Junmo insisted again and again, Meng Huairang had to do as he wanted, and arranged the largest room for Xiao Junmo, Biancai, and Mi Mancang, and the other room for Chu Lisang.

After the arrangements were made, Meng Huairang asked Xiao Junmo to rest as soon as possible, and then turned around to return to his room. Xiao Junmo called him: "Mr. Meng, why don't you ask why we are here late at night?"

Meng Huairang smiled: "It's late at night, if you have anything to say, you might as well talk about it tomorrow."

"It's hard to sleep without saying something." Xiao Junmo said, and went straight to the main room.Meng Huairang had no choice but to follow.

The two sat down in the main room, Xiao Junmo cut to the chase and said, "I'm sorry Mr. Meng, the four of us are now the most important criminals pursued by the imperial court. We have nowhere to go, so we have to go to Mr. Mister, which may cause Mr. a lot of trouble."

Meng Huairang didn't expect the matter to be so serious, let alone Xiao Junmo would be so outspoken. After a long while, he said: "Since Xiao Lang is so frank, what can Meng say? You can entrust your life to me, that is to say It is a great honor for me to be a brother! You can stay here with peace of mind, and don't think about anything else."

"Thank you sir!" Xiao Junmo cupped his hands, then he hesitated slightly after thinking about something, "Sir, there is one more thing that I must confess to you."

"Confession?" Meng Huairang was surprised, "What is Xiao Lang talking about?"

"I'm not from Wu Yaruo, nor from the Tian Xing League. Most of what I said to my husband last time were false." After Xiao Junmo said this sentence calmly, he suddenly felt much calmer in his heart—for a For those who are willing to treat you as a brother regardless of their own safety, you can no longer deceive or conceal anything from him, otherwise you will not only insult him, but also yourself.

This is Xiao Junmo's creed in dealing with others.

Hearing this, Meng Huairang stood up in shock: "You..."

"I'm sorry, sir," Xiao Junmo smiled wryly, "In order to find out the reason why my father was killed, the younger generation tracked down the "Lanting Preface"; I took the 'Boundless Cup' from here. If the master wants to take it back now, I will return it immediately."

Meng Huairang stood in a daze for a while before slowly sitting back, staring at him and said, "Leave aside the matter of the wine glass, let me ask you, why are you four being hunted down by the court?"

"To be honest, sir, this junior's original identity was General Xuanjiaweilang. A few months ago, he was ordered by His Majesty to go to Yique, Luozhou to track down an anonymous monk. This person's legal name is Biancai, and he is the personal attendant of Monk Zhiyong, the leader of the Heavenly Punishment Alliance. He is also the left envoy of the Heavenly Punishment Alliance..." Xiao Junmo began to talk in detail, from escorting Biancai to Beijing, being robbed and killed by Gantang Post, to his father being killed by King Wei for stealing Biancai's information, and he was forced to be involved. Then he gradually solved the various mysteries of "Lanting Preface" and the Tian Xing League, and finally risked his life to rescue the father and daughter of the debater, etc., and told Meng Huairang without hesitation.

Meng Huairang was dumbfounded when he heard this, and he said after a while: "What is Xiao Lang planning to do by abandoning his great future, glory and wealth, and putting himself in a near-death situation?"

"Peace of mind." Xiao Junmo said lightly.

"Peace of mind?" Meng Huairang didn't seem to understand.

"It was because I caught the eloquence that their family was ruined. If I don't save their father and daughter, I will have a bad conscience for the rest of my life; my father died to protect the secret of "Lanting Preface". What exactly is the thing guarded by life! Otherwise, I will not feel at ease in this life."

Meng Huairang was stunned, nodded and said: "That's right, from this point of view, no kind of glory and wealth can compare to the word 'peace of mind', Xiao Lang did the right thing!"

"It's a great honor for this junior to get Mr.'s approval." Xiao Junmo said, "By the way, that wine glass..."

Meng Huairang waved his hand: "There's no need to mention it. Xiao Lang gave his life to protect the Zuoshi. Even though he is not a member of the Heavenly Punishment League, he is more affectionate than his brothers. The wine glass is just right for you, and it is better than being hidden by someone like that." take away."

Xiao Junmo thought for a while: "Since this is the case, then the younger generation would rather obey orders than be respectful."

When Xiao Junmo returned to the room, Mi Mancang had already fallen asleep on the kang, snoring loudly, but Biancai did not lie down, but meditated on the kang.Xiao Junmo knows that many Buddhist monks have the habit of "not falling out of order", that is, sitting in meditation instead of sleeping in bed. As long as the practice is successful, it will be of great benefit to the body and mind.After Xiao Junmo got on the kang, he simply crossed his legs and began to meditate.

Xiao Junmo has been interested in Buddhist meditation since he was a child. If he has free time, he will sit in lotus position and concentrate his mind. Gradually, he will be able to benefit from the softness of body and mind, peace and joy.However, as soon as I sat down today, I have not been able to enter a comfortable state.In addition to the faint pain from the wound on my body, I kept thinking about all the things I had experienced in the past few months, so my heart became more and more ups and downs, and my thoughts were flying.

"All conditioned dharmas are like dreams and bubbles, like dew or lightning, and should be viewed in this way." Biancai didn't know when he had come out of concentration, and seemed to see through his state of mind, "Xiao Lang, the meditation of Buddhism is not to force no thoughts, but to It is because I know that thoughts have no self-nature, so I let them rise and fall, and I am still and silent.”

Xiao Junmo heard the words, and smiled slightly: "The mage can see through it, but maybe he can't let it go?"

The debater also smiled, and said coldly: "Xiao Lang is not easy. In just a few months, he has found out so many secrets of the Tianxingmeng and "Lanting Preface."

"Is the mage afraid that I know too much?"

"That's not true, the poor monk is just curious, why is Xiao Lang so interested in these things?"

"Does the mage really want to know?"

"If Xiao Lang is willing to say."

"Since the mage asked, the younger generation will not hide it. A few months ago, when the younger generation and the mage returned to Beijing from Luozhou together, my father died in order to protect the secret of "Lanting Preface". The younger generation cannot save my father, but At least we should find out why he died."

Biancai was a little surprised: "Dare to ask your father..."

"Father Xiao Henian, his public identity is the Sima of Prince Wei's Mansion, but his real identity is a member of the Linchuan Rudder of the Heavenly Punishment League, and he is Wei Taishi's subordinate."

The eloquent was stunned, and couldn't help sighing: "So many people sacrificed their lives because of the "Lanting Preface", why did Xiao Lang have to go through this muddy water?"

Xiao Junmo smiled: "Coincidentally, Grand Master Wei also said this to the junior. However, the junior didn't listen to him."

Hearing the words, the debater couldn't help turning his head and looked at him meaningfully: "Even if he sacrificed his life for this, Xiao Lang would not hesitate?"

"If this junior is someone who cherishes life, would he be sitting here now?"

Biancai nodded: "Yes, Xiao Lang would rather abandon his bright future and risk his life to save the poor monk and the little girl. This kindness and righteousness is admirable, and the poor monk will never forget it!"

"The younger generation is just to make up for the lack of conscience, where righteousness lies and what is right, the mage doesn't have to take it to heart."

Hearing the words, the debater was a little moved, and immediately looked at him fixedly, as if he had something hard to say, he hesitated for a long time before making up his mind and said: "Xiao Lang, if you don't give up, the poor monk has something to ask."

"Master, please speak, as long as the juniors can do it."

Biancai smiled: "This matter must be within your ability, it just depends on whether you are willing or not." Xiao Junmo was puzzled: "Master, please clarify."

Biancai stared at him, and said word by word: "The poor monk wants to entrust the little girl to Xiao Lang."

Xiao Junmo's heart was shocked, he didn't expect him to make such a request suddenly, and he didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"Xiao Lang, the poor monk is also a discerning person. The poor monk can see my daughter's thoughts on you, but I don't know what Xiao Lang wants?"

Xiao Junmo remained silent.

Biancai looked at him: "The poor monk's words may be a bit abrupt, Xiao Lang doesn't need to agree now, he might as well think about it before giving the poor monk an answer."

"Master, it's getting late, you'd better rest early, the junior is asleep too." After Xiao Junmo finished speaking, he quickly lay down and turned his back.

Biancai looked at his back, smiled slightly, and continued to meditate with his eyes closed.

Xiao Junmo never expected that Bian Cai would suddenly make such a request.

He opened his eyes in the dark, and the scenes of being with Chu Lisang for several months kept flashing before his eyes.

In fact, since he met Chu Lisang for the first time in front of the Bodhi Temple in Yique, Luozhou, this unique woman has left a deep impression on him.At that time, Xiao Junmo had been monitoring her for a period of time, and he knew her identity and basic situation well. When Chu Lisang appeared in disguise as a man, Xiao Junmo found it interesting, so he temporarily arranged a "encounter"—that day he Acting as a scholar, and Chu Lisang acting as a man, the collisions and frictions between them are mostly unexpected, and the fun that arises from this is also unexpected for Xiao Junmo.Chu Lisang's kindness, straightforwardness, innocence, chivalry, and daring, all moved Xiao Junmo's heart.Since that day, he has been deeply involved and unable to extricate himself.The play is fake, but his intentions and feelings are real. Xiao Junmo didn't even want to get out of the identity of "Zhou Lugui" for a while, and he felt an unprecedented rejection and alienation of his true identity as Xuanjiawei.

However, it was also from that time that the tearing between the fake drama and the truth in Xiao Junmo's heart could not be stopped for a moment, and the growing anxiety and guilt gnawed at his heart day and night.After the truth was revealed, Chu Lisang's peaceful life was completely broken, and the family was separated from each other. Later, Chu Yingniang was killed in Gantangyi, and Biancai and Chu Lisang were imprisoned in the palace one after another. Xiao Junmo could no longer bear the pain of conscience. Tortured, had to give up everything and take risks...

Although the successful rescue of their father and daughter greatly relieved the sense of guilt in his heart, the ensuing life of escape made Xiao Junmo fall into deeper anxiety-as a fugitive who was on the run and in danger, what would he take? To protect Chu Lisang, let alone give her a peaceful and happy future.

Therefore, at this moment, when Biancai suddenly proposed to entrust Chu Lisang to him, Xiao Junmo's only reaction was to escape.To put it bluntly, how could a person who is too busy to take care of himself and bears a bloody feud accept such entrustment calmly?What courage do you have to bet on Chu Lisang's life's happiness?
Now Xiao Junmo knows that he is a person who is not qualified to give emotion, let alone accept emotion.

In the darkness, Xiao Junmo slowly closed his eyes.

He knew that he was destined to have no sleep tonight.

(End of this chapter)