Lanting prelude

Chapter 42
After more than ten days, Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang recovered from their injuries, and left Tianmu Mountain, hired a boat from Hangzhou, traveled northward along the canal, and arrived in Yangzhou three or four days later.Along the way, Xiao Junmo still kept that beautiful beard, and Chu Lisang still disguised himself as a man.

In the Tang Dynasty, Yangzhou was the leading taxation center in the world, with prosperous commerce and affluent people's livelihood. The streets were full of cars and horses, and the flow of people was like weaving. There were row upon row of shops on both sides, and a variety of goods.It was the first time for both of them to return to Yangzhou, and they couldn't help feeling that the prosperity of Yangzhou was not much better than that of Chang'an.

According to the debate, Yuan Gongwang was the largest silk merchant in Yangzhou, a wealthy party, and his head office was located in the center of Yangzhou City, which was also the busiest area.Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang successfully found this shop, and saw a red sandalwood horizontal plaque hanging on the door lintel, with five gilt characters "Yuan Ji Silk Village" written on it.The whole shop is a three-storey Xieshan double-eaves-style building, which looks majestic and magnificent.

As soon as Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang entered the door, a waiter came up to greet him: "You two guests, what do you need?"

Xiao Junmo put his hands behind his back, and said with a haughty expression: "Please come out, my boss, I have a business deal with him."

The clerk was startled, and looked him up and down, only to see that he was dressed in ordinary clothes, and he didn't look like a rich master, but his expression was quite majestic, more like a man from a public family in disguise. With a lost smile, he said: "I'm sorry, guest officer, our boss is not here, if you need anything, you might as well ask the little one, and the little one will definitely do it for you."

"I can't tell you." Xiao Junmo still put on airs, "Stop dawdling here and find your boss."

The clerk was a little annoyed, but seeing the other person's superior posture, he didn't dare to offend him, so he said "wait a moment, guest officer", and quickly ran behind the counter, whispering to a middle-aged man with a pale face.

Chu Lisang touched his arm, and pouted towards the counter: "Hey, that's Yuan Gongwang, right?"

Xiao Junmo glanced sharply: "No."

"How do you know it's not?"

"There are many reasons, so let me just say one thing. A small counter clerk would never dare to put his mouth so close when talking to the owner. That person is at best the shopkeeper."

Chu Lisang nodded, admiring his meticulous observation ability.

Just as he was talking, the middle-aged man behind the counter greeted him with a professional smile on his face: "This guest officer, this is my shopkeeper. If you need anything, you can talk to me."

"Talk to you?" Xiao Junmo squinted at him, "I'm afraid you can't decide what I want to talk about."

The shopkeeper smiled reservedly, and pointed to the store door behind the two of them: "To tell you the truth, as long as you enter this door, there is nothing I can't control."

"really?"

"of course."

Xiao Junmo stared at him for a while, then nodded: "Okay, I can talk to you." He said and glanced around, "It's just that, when you contact merchants, do you just stand in this hall and talk?"

The shopkeeper smiled unhurriedly, said "forgive me", and invited the two of them up to the second floor, into a private room, and ordered the servants to light incense and serve tea, and then smiled He said to Xiao Junmo: "Guest officer, can we talk this time?"

Xiao Junmo took a sip of tea, and said slowly: "I come from Chang'an, and I have heard that the silk brocade produced by your company is the best in Yangzhou. It is not only excellent in weavers, but also has a variety of colors. I really want to see it with my own eyes, but I don't know if there are any." This blessing?"

The shopkeeper frowned slightly, not sure what medicine he was selling in the gourd: "The guest officer came all the way from Chang'an, just to see my silk brocade?"

"Exactly."

"After reading it?"

"If the name really lives up to its reputation, let's continue talking, but if it's exaggerated, it's a waste of my time." Xiao Junmo said, showing an almost joking smile, "Your time is very precious."

The shopkeeper squinted at him, unable to see for a moment who this person was, how dare he speak and act so arrogantly.He suppressed his anger, and said coldly: "Your Excellency is clouded and foggy, you are wasting our time, right? If there is something wrong, you might as well speak up."

Chu Lisang couldn't help but glanced at Xiao Junmo, but couldn't see what he wanted to do.

"So, the shopkeeper is not going to let me see your name's silk brocade?"

"Unless your Excellency can give a good reason."

"Well said." Xiao Junmo chuckled, what he was waiting for was the shopkeeper's words, "Then I'll give you a legitimate reason. In the seventh year of Wude, the imperial court issued an edict ordering all levels of government to ban the non-woven fabrics woven by the people. Color silk brocade, and flower-filled skirts', etc., saying that it is "extravagant and expensive, and it harms female workers". Presumably your name has also received a ban from Yangzhou Prefecture? Also, in the third year of Zhenguan, the imperial court issued an edict again, Strict regulations were made on the patterns of silk brocade, saying that "the weaving of Panlong, Duifeng, Qilin, lion, Tianma, evil spirits, peacock, crane, Zhicao, Wanzi" and so on are not allowed to be made privately by the people, and the local government is strictly ordered Ban it. Then I would like to ask, is your account banned according to the order?"

After hearing this, the shopkeeper broke out in a cold sweat.

Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, in order to avoid repeating the historical mistakes of Emperor Sui Yang’s extravagance and extravagance that led to the subjugation of the country, he has practiced frugality from top to bottom and opposed extravagance. Therefore, the imperial court issued repeated orders to prohibit folks from weaving complicated and skillful silk fabrics on high-grade silk fabrics such as damask and brocade. Patterns are not allowed to be sold.The government-run weaving workshops produced and provided the needs of the imperial court and the government.At the beginning of the promulgation of the ban, the people did not dare to engage in it for a while, but as time went by, the relevant ban was gradually abolished, and the local government generally turned a blind eye after receiving bribes from the weavers.However, if this kind of thing is not pursued, it will be fine if it is serious. If it is serious, it will be a forbidden crime.Yuan Gongwang's weaving workshop has produced and sold countless prohibited silk brocades over the years. If they really want to pursue it, it will be a big trouble.

Although the shopkeeper still can't figure out Xiao Junmo's identity until now, but at least he knows that he is not a good person, and he knows that he can't be offended, so he forced a smile and said: "Who is your Excellency, and what is the purpose of coming here, can you open the skylight and speak honestly? "

Xiao Junmo smiled silently, took out something from his waist, and threw it to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper caught it and saw that it was Xuanjiawei's badge. He jumped up in fright, and immediately stepped forward, bowed and said in a trembling voice: "It turns out that you are the official of Xuanjiawei, my little brother." Some people have eyes but no eyes, and they offend so much, I hope the official will forgive me."

When Xiao Junmo asked Huan Dieyi for Xuanjiawei equipment in Jiangling, he naturally included the waist badge.Along the way, this waist card has helped a lot when passing the level. Now Xiao Junmo wants to see Yuan Gongwang, so he happens to use it as a stepping stone.

"Didn't I say it earlier?" Xiao Junmo said calmly, "You can't decide what I want to talk about, but you still don't believe it."

"Young one, I believe it now, I believe it now." The shopkeeper looked terrified and said repeatedly.

"Since I believe it, why don't you hurry up and invite your boss out?"

"Yes, sir, please wait a moment, our boss will be there soon." The shopkeeper said, respectfully returned the badge, and hurried out.

Seeing Xiao Junmo frighten the shopkeeper like that, Chu Lisang was amused, but couldn't bear it, and said, "Hey, let me tell you, is it appropriate for you to come to see Yuan Gongwang as if you were looking for trouble?"

Xiao Junmo smiled: "If you don't look like this, how can you see the number one silk merchant in Yangzhou?"

"What's so great about the number one silk merchant?" Chu Lisang was puzzled, "It's just a merchant, after all, isn't it still a low-level one?"

"You don't know that in this kind of place where commerce is prosperous, the actual status of big merchants has always been very high. It is said that scholars, farmers, businessmen, and merchants are at the bottom of the ranks. But a merchant with a fortune like Yuan Gongwang, let alone an ordinary official, is The governor of Yangzhou has to give him some face."

"Why is that?" Chu Lisang stayed in Yique since he was a child, and rarely came out to see the world, so naturally he didn't know much about it.

"Official-business transactions. Officials exchange power for money, and businessmen use money to seek power. Each takes what it needs. It has been the same since ancient times."

Chu Lisang suddenly realized, and couldn't help frowning, disgusted with this kind of dirty transaction.

A moment later, a sixty-year-old man with a square face and luxurious clothes pushed the door in. His eyes were piercing and he shot Xiao Junmo directly.Xiao Junmo got up and looked at him with a smile on his face.

The two confronted each other silently for a while, and the old man spoke first: "This old man is Yuan Gongwang. I heard that your Excellency is from Chang'an, and you have come to my account to discuss important matters. May I ask your honorable name and official residence?"

"My surname is Xiao, my name is Yimin, and I will serve as Xuanjia Weilang General." Xiao Junmo smiled, and introduced Chu Lisang, "This is my colleague, his surname is Chu, and his name is Yiyin."

"Yi Min" and "Yuan Yin" are both Xiao Junmo's deliberate use of the phrase "Imagine the Yi folk track, the Yi Yin is good and playable" in Yuan Qiaozhi's five-character poem. The purpose is to hint and test Yuan Gongwang and see how he responds.

Of course Yuan Gongwang heard it right away, he was a little startled in his heart, but said calmly: "So it's General Xiao, I'm disrespectful. I don't know if General Xiao is here to investigate the case or to arrest people?"

"Mr. Yuan misunderstood." Xiao Junmo noticed the slight change in the other party's expression, and said with a faint smile, "Xiao Mou came here, one is not to investigate the case, and the other is to arrest people."

"Since he's not handling a case, why did this old man hear from his subordinates that General Xiao was quite aggressive just now?"

Xiao Junmo laughed: "Forgive me, sir, if Xiao is not like this, why would you show up?"

"As you wish, the old man has appeared now." Yuan Gongwang was a little displeased, "Dare to ask what General Xiao wants to do?"

"If a state has the way, it will be hidden, and if the state has no way, it will be revealed." Xiao Junmo suddenly said leisurely, "What does Xiao mean by 'appearing', I think Mr. Yuan should understand?"

Hearing that the other party revealed the absolute secret of the Tianxing League, Yuan Gongwang's expression changed instantly: "Who the hell are you?!"

"Mr. Wuyu," Xiao Junmo finally said seriously, "To tell the truth, I am Xiao Junmo, the former Xuanjia guard general, and my companion is Chu Lisang, the daughter of the left envoy of the alliance. I risked my life to rescue her Zuo Shi and Miss Chu were chased and killed by the imperial court and Mingzang along the way, and escaped to this place after a narrow escape. You must have heard of these things, sir?"

Yuan Gongwang certainly would not have been unaware of the arrest documents that wanted them to be spread all over the world, but he never expected that the two of them would suddenly appear in front of him.

After being dazed for a while, Yuan Gongwang said, "Where is the Zuo envoy now?"

Xiao Junmo's expression darkened: "A few days ago in Tianmu Mountain, we were ambushed by Ming Zang, and the left envoy disappeared, and his whereabouts are still unknown."

Yuan Gongwang pondered for a moment: "Xiao Lang, please forgive me for speaking bluntly, just based on your few words, how can I believe that the two of you are members of this alliance?"

Xiao Junmo smiled and gave Chu Lisang a wink.

Chu Lisang took out the Cup of Heavenly Punishment from his bag and walked up to Yuan Gongwang.Yuan Gongwang took a closer look, and immediately looked solemn.

"Mr. Yuan, look carefully." Chu Lisang said, "Is this the alliance's seal?"

After Yuan Gongwang looked at it carefully, he nodded meaningfully.

"Then there is a rule in this alliance. Seeing this alliance seal is like seeing the leader in person. Presumably you know it too?" Chu Lisang said this after hearing the debate, and now he naturally wants to emphasize it.

"I know." Yuan Gongwang smiled, "Then you two, who is the leader?"

"Of course it is Xiao Lang, he is the new leader appointed by my father."

Yuan Gongwang turned to Xiao Junmo, just about to salute, Xiao Junmo hurried forward to support him: "Sir, there is no need to be too polite. Xiao came here this time because he wanted to discuss the big plan of the alliance with him. We still have to discuss matters."

Yuan Gongwang then respectfully invited the two to sit down again, and said with emotion: "Ever since the leader Zhiyong gave the order to sleep, I have been waiting for the order to wake up, but I have been waiting for so many years. I thought that the Tianxing League would disappear from now on. , I never imagined that in my lifetime, I would be able to witness the revival of the alliance with my own eyes, it is really gratifying!"

Xiao Junmo smiled wryly: "Mr. Yuan, with all due respect, it is hard to say whether the alliance can be revived."

"Why?"

"Because there is a huge obstacle within the alliance."

Yuan Gongwang frowned and thought: "The person the leader mentioned...is Mingzang?"

"Exactly. Ming Zang has always wanted to use the organization to overthrow the country, steal the power of the court, and control the world in order to restore the glory of the Langya Wang family. A few days ago in Tianmu Mountain, the alliance seal and the original "Lanting Preface" almost fell into his hands. , Zuo Shi disappeared precisely to protect these two things."

He does not mean that.Hearing the words "Langya Wang's family", Chu Lisang thought that she was actually a descendant of Wang's family, but what her biological father Wang Hongyi did made her deeply disgusted.Being in such a contradiction, she couldn't help but feel a tearing pain in her heart.Fortunately, Xiao Junmo was concentrating on the conversation and didn't notice her face.

Yuan Gongwang also knew a little about Mingzang, and he was even more indignant when he heard the words, and said: "The mission of this alliance is to protect the world, how can it become a tool for Mingzang to realize his personal ambitions? The leader can give orders, if you still use With my old bones, this old man will definitely go through fire and water and die!"

When Xiao Junmo heard it, there was a rush of heat in his heart.

Debating is right, this Yuan Gongwang is indeed a loyal man.

Tai Chi Palace, Anren Hall.

The scorching sun in the sky was scorching the earth fervently, and the ear-piercing neighing of Xia Chan rang out.

Li Zhi was standing under an elm tree in front of the side hall, holding a slingshot in his hand, looking up, looking for something seriously.Suddenly, he seemed to have spotted the target, quickly raised the slingshot, and stretched the rubber band to aim.With a whoosh, a stone flew out, and even if a cicada landed with a thud, only the body was left, and the head was shot off.

"Pheasant slave," Changsun Wuji's voice suddenly came from behind, "I didn't hide in the house in such a hot day, but came here to play with a slingshot. Be careful, I will complain to your father."

Li Zhi turned his head and smiled: "Uncle is here?"

Changsun Wuji looked at the cicada on the ground whose head was shot in a different place, and frowned slightly: "God has the virtue of being good at life. If you want to play with a slingshot, you don't need to find a live target."

"You don't know, these damn things keep barking from morning to night, they are so annoying, not killing them is not enough to vent my hatred!"

Changsun Wuji looked at him: "Everyone says you are kind, but in my opinion, you are quite murderous."

"It's just killing a few cicadas, how can you be unkind?" Li Zhi smiled, "Isn't uncle serious?"

"Didn't you tell me that your slingshot is specially used to shoot orioles?" Changsun Wuji said meaningfully, "If you shoot the cicadas so early, you won't be afraid to scare away the mantises and the orioles. bird?"

"Hehe, uncle still remember?" Li Zhi smiled, "But there are neither praying mantises nor orioles in my Anren Temple, so I have to use cicadas to practice my hands. When the orioles really appear, I can see them all together." A good shot. Don't you think so?"

The two were talking and returned to the side hall study.Li Zhi took the sweat towel handed over by the palace maid, wiped his face, and turned away all the servants.

"Uncle is now in charge of the affairs of the two provinces under the sect and the minister. It can be said that he has a lot of things to do every day. How can he still have time to come and see me?"

"Government affairs are like housework. As long as you want to do it, you can never finish it." Changsun Wuji sighed, "So, I will take a break if I come to your place for a walk."

"Uncle came to look for me, I'm afraid it's not just as simple as sneaking around?"

"You're smart!" Changsun Wuji smiled, "I want to ask you, what do you think about such a big incident in the court recently?"

"Of course I have an idea." Li Zhi blinked, "If you want me to say, the drama of the mantis catching the cicada and the oriole behind has actually already begun."

"Oh?" Changsun Wuji looked at him with interest, "Let's hear it."

"The assassination of Du He, I could see it from the very beginning. In fact, it was the mantis who made a game and wanted to put the cicada in it. In order to make this game look like it, the mantis asked the oriole for help. But the father Huang Shengming, Shengsheng broke the game, and the cicada was safe and sound, but the mantis almost set itself on fire. In my opinion, the cicada must be trying to fight back now. Do you think this is the beginning of this good show?"

Changsun Wuji was startled for a moment, and then laughed loudly: "Pheasant slave, you rarely even step out of the Anren Hall, but you are so insightful about the general situation in the court, tell uncle, how did you do it?"

"Uncle's absurd praise. It's not enough to see the fire clearly, but I can only say that I know a little bit." Although Li Zhi said modestly, there was a smug smile on his face, "I am here in Anren Temple. Apart from reading, I like to think about it when I have nothing to do. You also know that many things in this world cannot withstand careful consideration. Once you think about it, you can see everything clearly. Of course, having said that, you must see through these It’s not enough to think about things in the house, you have to go out from time to time.”

"Where have you been?"

"Uncle forgot? Besides your master, don't I have another?"

Changsun Wuji was stunned: "You mean, Li Shiji?"

Li Zhi nodded with a smile.

Changsun Wuji knew that Li Shiji could be regarded as Li Zhi's "old department" and another "master" of him.

As early as the seventh year of Zhenguan, Li Zhi, who was only six years old, was awarded the post of Governor of Bingzhou.Of course, it is impossible for such a small hairy child to actually take office, he can only be "remotely led", so the emperor appointed Li Shiji as the governor of Bingzhou Metropolitan Government, and he will replace Li Zhi to exercise power.During his tenure in Bingzhou, every time he returned to the court to report on his duties, Li Shiji had to report to Li Zhi on the military affairs of Bingzhou as usual. Although Li Zhi couldn't understand him in the early years, the relationship and affection between the two deepened after coming and going.As Li Zhi grew up and began to learn to consult and think, Li Shiji became his "master" virtually and taught him many things.In the 15th year of Zhenguan, Li Shiji was transferred back to the court to serve as Minister of the Ministry of War. Li Zhi still walked around with him from time to time. Although the two were not very close, they had a close relationship.

"General Li will also come to Anren Hall when he is not doing government affairs. When I am bored, I go to Nanya to talk to him." Li Zhidao, "So, I usually know the news that I should know, and It will be earlier than the average person."

Changsun Wuji twirled his short beard, and said thoughtfully: "I hear what you mean, even if you shouldn't know, Li Shiji will reveal it to you?"

"That can't be done." Li Zhi quickly shook his head, "It's not like you don't know how cautious my master is. He won't say a single word he shouldn't say."

"You can fool others with your words, but you can still deceive me?" Changsun Wuji smiled, "Of course I know that Li Shiji is cautious by nature, but no matter how cautious you are, there will always be something wrong with what you say, right? "

Li Zhi chuckled: "You can't hide anything from uncle. Yes, he did leak some information to me, but it's very cryptic, and you can't hear anything without careful consideration."

"Then after you think about it, what will happen next?"

"Didn't I just say that? The mantis didn't kill the cicada, so the cicada must fight back."

"Then how do you think it will counterattack?"

"It's hard to say." Li Zhi pondered, "Perhaps, it may not necessarily be desperate."

"Desperate?" Changsun Wuji was slightly startled, "Why do you see that?"

"Think about it. Originally it was just a fight between the mantis and the cicada. The cicada would win as long as it killed the mantis, but now the oriole has also come in, and for the time being it is still at the same head as the mantis. What would the cicada think? , How troublesome is that? So, it may want to solve the problem once and for all.”

Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "In my opinion, Donggong will not just take such a risk. Anyway, he is still the crown prince right now. As long as he doesn't do anything and stays honest, he will be the winner in the end. So why would he take the risk?"

"Uncle is right, but this is your idea. Because you know the father, you know that if the eldest brother does not make some serious mistakes, the father will not depose him easily. But the elder brother may not think so. He now Sitting in the seat of the crown prince, he is more concerned about gains and losses than anyone else. If there is any trouble, he will turn into an enemy. For example, this time, as soon as the assassination of Du He happened, there was evidence against the elder brother. He is under house arrest. Tell me, will he be worried that if something happens again, the emperor will simply abolish him?"

After hearing this, Changsun Wuji couldn't help being secretly surprised by Li Zhi's meticulous thoughts.He had to admit that this nephew, who appeared to be weak and aloof from the world, was actually more resourceful than his elder brothers.From the perspective of seizing the heir, this is of course a good thing, but if he succeeds in seizing the heir and succeeds in ascending the throne in the future, such a smart emperor cannot be easily controlled by himself.Because of this, Changsun Wuji felt the need to beat him to prevent him from raising his tail too high.

"Pheasant slave, you are very smart, this is your advantage, but do you know what your disadvantage is?"

"Please tell uncle."

"You are too young and don't have any qualifications and experience in politics, so even if the prince and the king of Wei lose in this battle, the 'fisherman' who will benefit in the end will not be you, but your third brother, King Wu. A few days ago The Heavenly Sage also mentioned to me that King Wu is heroic, wise, and has the potential to be a hero, but unfortunately he is a bastard. Guess what I will say to the Holy Majesty?"

Seeing that Changsun Wuji's expression suddenly became serious, Li Zhi couldn't help feeling anxious, and said softly, "What did uncle say?"

"I said, the problem is not whether the king of Wu is a bastard or not, but that the future Tang Dynasty may not necessarily need a hero. The emperor was very surprised and asked why. I said that since your majesty ascended the throne, he has worked hard to rule, humbly accepted advice, Governing the country with benevolence, expanding the territory to the outside world, created a peaceful and prosperous age in Haiyan and Heqing, and made great achievements that will shine through the ages. Therefore, what the future Tang Dynasty really needs is a person who can preserve His Majesty's foundation and continue The son of Zhenguan’s political style is not the so-called hero. Because he is a hero, he will not be satisfied with his success, but will focus on pioneering. Just like Yang Guang, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty in the previous dynasty, he was dedicated to creating his own imperial achievements. In the end, I embarked on a road of no return due to my ambitions and militarism. Therefore, I finally said to my sage that compared with a hero, the future Tang Dynasty actually needs a benevolent, virtuous, humble and prudent ruler. "

"Then, what does the emperor mean?"

"Of course the Holy Majesty agrees with my words."

Li Zhi understood.

Changsun Wuji said a lot, but the core meaning is only one: In this battle for the heir apparent, it is useless for Li Zhi to be smart, because he is too young, and his father will not consider him at all; but Father now attaches great importance to Changsun Wuji's opinion, so only by listening to Changsun Wuji's words honestly will he have a chance to have the last laugh in this battle for succession.

"Uncle, I understand what you mean." Li Zhi said respectfully, "Then what should I do next?"

"Continue to read your book, except me, try to keep as little contact with the ministers in the court, especially your master Li."

"Uncle is worried, will Father know what to think?"

"Exactly. Li Shiji is not only the founding father of the country, but also one of the most trusted officials in the court. His identity is very sensitive. If you let the emperor know that you have too much contact with him, it will not do you any good."

"Yes, pheasant slave remember."

Seeing Li Zhi's meek and respectful appearance, Changsun Wuji was quite satisfied.

Now he must firmly control this young man, so that he can hold on to his fame and wealth for the rest of his life.

On the day Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang found Yuan Gongwang, Yuan Gongwang decided to follow Xiao Junmo, but he said that it would take a few days to settle the business matters, so Xiao and Chu temporarily stayed in the backyard of Silk Village.

For three days in a row, Yuan Gongwang ordered his servants to entertain him with good food and wine every day, but he never showed up again, and only asked the shopkeeper to accompany him.Xiao Junmo was suspicious, and after asking several times, the shopkeeper said that the owner was busy with business.On the evening of the fourth day, Yuan Gongwang finally showed up again and told Xiao Junmo that everything had been dealt with, and he could leave with him the next day.

Xiao Junmo felt relieved after hearing the words.

That night, Yuan Gongwang personally accompanied them, invited them to dinner, and toasted Xiao Junmo again and again.Xiao Junmo couldn't refuse, so he drank a few more glasses, and even Chu Lisang was persuaded to drink a lot.After drinking for three rounds, Xiao Junmo suddenly felt a little dizzy in his head, and his heartbeat suddenly accelerated.Just when he was wondering why he had become so drunk, Chu Lisang, who was sitting beside him, shook his head a few times before falling headlong on the food table.

Drugged!

Xiao Junmo was shocked and tried hard to regain consciousness, but everything in front of him shook violently.He saw a grin on Yuan Gongwang's face.Xiao Junmo was very confused: Judging from his own experience, Yuan Gongwang should not be a person with ulterior motives, but why did he want to blackmail himself and Chu Lisang?
Immediately afterwards, Xiao Junmo's eyes went dark, and he fell down on the food table in a slump, and then he didn't know anything.When he was woken up by a bucket of cold water, he found that he had been tied up tightly, and Yuan Gongwang and five or six of his subordinates were standing in front of him.

"Where's Miss Chu? What did you do to her?"

Xiao Junmo shook the water droplets all over his head and face, and asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, that girl is still asleep, she won't wake up until tomorrow morning." Yuan Gongwang said coldly.

Xiao Junmo calmed down a little, and glanced at Yuan Gong: "Mr. Yuan, is it because your business has not been good in the past two years and you are short of money?"

Yuan Gongwang was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

"The imperial court offered a reward of two hundred gold for my head. If you didn't want the reward, why did you drug me?"

Yuan Gongwang snorted coldly: "It's not that the old man is boasting, I really don't like that little money. However, if I let the old man know that you are a crook, I will not refuse to make two hundred gold."

"An outlaw?" Xiao Junmo laughed, "Mr. Yuan has been in business for many years, and he is also the master of dancers. He has seen countless people in his life. How could he be so blind and see me as an outlaw?"

"It is precisely because I have seen countless people that I will not easily trust you, a stranger."

Xiao Junmo smiled wryly: "That's right, we didn't know each other before, but you haven't seen the court's sea arrest documents, have you? Is it true that I rescued the Zuo envoy's father and daughter?"

"I can believe this. However, who can guarantee that you will not covet the original "Lanting Preface" and the seal of the alliance in the future? What if you assassinate the left envoy in order to steal the power of the leader?"

Xiao Junmo finally breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the words.It seemed that he hadn't misjudged, this Yuan Gongwang was indeed a member of the Tianxing League, he just didn't believe in himself.

"Mr. Yuan, if I'm really as miserable as you said, and I killed Zuo Shi, then how could Miss Chu be with me?"

"What evidence do you have to prove that she is really the daughter of the Left Envoy?"

Xiao Junmo laughed dumbly.That's right, if evidence was really needed, she really couldn't produce it, not even Chu Lisang herself.Xiao Junmo thought for a moment, then suddenly thought of something, and immediately smiled: "Mr. Yuan, in fact, we don't need to provide the evidence ourselves. Haven't you been looking for it these days?"

Yuan Gongwang was startled: "How do you know?"

"Your skin tone told me that. You're visibly tanned compared to four days ago."

"Isn't it normal for me to get tan in this hot dog day?"

"It's not normal. Because a big businessman like you usually travels in a horse-drawn carriage and can't bask in the sun at all. The only reason why you are so tanned this time is that you are in a hurry to get somewhere, and you think the horse-drawn carriage is too slow. , I had no choice but to ride a horse and run under the big sun. Then what are you running around these days? Given that you are treating me like this now, it can be seen that your so-called business settlement is purely a lie. Since it is not for the purpose of settling business, it is naturally looking for evidence gone."

When Yuan Gongwang heard this, he secretly admired him: "As expected of Xuanjiawei's background, you guessed it right."

"It's a pity that you have been traveling around these days, but you still haven't found anything that can prove the identity of Miss Chu and me, have you?"

"It's a pity." Yuan Gongwang spread his hands, "Xiao Junmo, to be honest, I really want to prove that you are the new leader appointed by the left envoy, but you can't produce any other evidence except the alliance seal. For example Said, you have never shown the negative seal used for ordering and sub-rudder, how do you explain this?"

"Leader Zhiyong destroyed all the negative marks of all sub-rudders before he issued the sleep order to the organization in the ninth year of Wude, don't you know?"

"Of course I know this. This is a self-protection measure of the League under extraordinary circumstances, but at the same time, the League also has a corresponding way to restart the organization..."

"The method you said is hidden in the "Lanting Preface", and I know all of this." Xiao Junmo interrupted him, "But now Mingzang and the imperial court are chasing me, how can I have time to recast a Yin seal , and then come to connect with you again?"

"It's not just about the Yin Seal." Yuan Gongwang said, "Even if you recast the Yin Seal, if no one can prove the identity of your new leader, I still can't follow your orders."

Xiao Junmo smiled bitterly: "Then what do you want to do?"

"To be honest, there is nothing I can do. Perhaps, you and Ms. Chu can only stay here as long-term guests."

Xiao Junmo was lost in thought.

He knew that this was an impasse that was almost impossible to break, because no one could prove his identity except for the debate.Thinking that I just made up my mind to take over the heavy burden of the Sky Punishment League, and fell into such an embarrassing situation, I couldn't help laughing at myself.It seems that I am still too young after all, and I have a passion for helping the world and saving people, but I can't even subdue Yuan Gongwang's dancers, so how can I lead such an ancient and huge organization as the Tianxingmeng?

If he couldn't break the situation, both himself and Chu Lisang would become Yuan Gongwang's prisoners, and there was almost no possibility of being released.Because the only insider, Biancai, is probably no longer alive, so who can prove their identities?
Of course, it is also a way to temporarily accept this situation and wait for an opportunity to escape later, but Xiao Junmo dismissed this idea after thinking for a while.There are two reasons: [-]. If you want to escape, you must take a lot of risks. If he is alone, he will not worry too much. The problem is that there is still Chu Lisang. They will never be able to forgive themselves; second, even if they escape successfully, they will become enemies with Yuan Gongwang. This will not only fail to unite the organization and fight against Mingzang, but will intensify the internal division of the Tianxing League. Lost to the entrustment of eloquence.

Therefore, whether it is to protect Chu Lisang or to take care of the overall situation, Xiao Junmo has only one choice now - to sacrifice himself.

If sacrificing himself can be exchanged for Chu Lisang's freedom, and Yuan Gongwang can stand up to fight against Mingzang, Xiao Jun thought to himself, then his death is worth it.

Having made up his mind, Xiao Junmo looked at Yuan Gongwang calmly and said, "Mr. Yuan, at this point, there may be only one way for me to prove my innocence."

"any solution?"

"It's very simple, hand me over to the government."

Yuan Gongwang was taken aback for a moment, and he couldn't help but look at his subordinates, and then looked at Xiao Junmo: "Is this true?"

"Would I be joking about my own life?" Xiao Junmo's tone was indifferent, but there was a faint firmness, "However, you must agree to my three requests, if you still consider yourself a righteous member of the Heavenly Punishment League."

"Okay, you say."

"First, let Miss Chu go, don't embarrass her, and give her freedom; second, keep the "Lanting Preface" and the alliance seal properly, and never let them fall into the hands of Ming Zang; third, if you still remember the purpose and Mission, then stand up without hesitation, unite the brothers of the alliance, fight against Mingzang, and protect the world!"

Yuan Gongwang looked at him, and seemed a little moved: "Xiao Junmo, in fact, you don't have to take this step, you and Miss Chu can stay, let the old man find out the truth..."

"Let us be your prisoners?" Xiao Junmo sneered, "Will you give us freedom until the truth is found out? If you never find out the truth, then wouldn't Ms. Chu and I be imprisoned by you forever? Forget it Mr. Yuan, there is no need for us to embarrass each other so much. Hand me over, let Miss Chu go, and the "Lanting Preface" and the seal of the alliance belong to you, isn't this the best ending?"

Yuan Gongwang was at a loss for words.

He had to admit that Xiao Junmo was right. From the perspective of organizational security, he would not let them go easily.

Xiao Junmo looked at him and smiled calmly: "Mr. Yuan, unless you choose to believe me, or there is a better way, there is no need to hesitate any longer."

Yuan Gongwang pondered for a while, then made up his mind and gave his subordinates a wink.Several subordinates immediately stepped forward, escorted Xiao Junmo out of the house, and walked into the courtyard.

The moonlight in the courtyard is like water, and a luxuriant sweet-scented osmanthus stands in the center of the courtyard.Xiao Junmo walked under the tree, looked up at the pale yellow flower buds all over the tree, and suddenly smiled: "In another ten days or so, the osmanthus flowers all over the tree will be in bloom, right?"

Yuan Gongwang walked behind him, with a strange expression on his face, and said: "Xiao Junmo, in fact, the old man doesn't want you to die, you can think about it again, staying for a while, although you won't be free, it's better than dying for nothing, right?"

Xiao Junmo turned back and smiled faintly: "You are wrong. My death, firstly, to prove my innocence, and secondly, to set Miss Chu free, is already worth it. How can it be considered a white death?"

Yuan Gongwang sighed lightly and stopped talking.

"By the way, Mr. Yuan," Xiao Junmo said again, "Before I leave, can I see Miss Chu for the last time?"

Yuan Gongwang glanced at Gui Shu thoughtfully, and said absently, "Of course..."

"That's enough, Brother Yuan, let's stop playing!" Suddenly, there was a shout from the osmanthus tree, and then a black shadow flew down from the tree, and at the same time, a knife flashed, and all the ropes on Xiao Junmo's body were chopped off broken.

Xiao Junmo looked at the black figure in amazement, even though most of the moonlight was blocked by leaves, he still recognized him at a glance.

Xi Yan.

The person who appeared suddenly was actually Xi Yan from Donggu branch!

Before Xiao Junmo could react, Xi Yan strode forward, knelt on one leg, clasped his fists in both hands, and said in a loud voice: "Subordinate Donggu sub-ruler Xi Yan, pay homage to the lord!"

At the same time, Yuan Gongwang also came forward with a complex look on his face, and also knelt down to salute: "Your subordinate, Yuan Gongwang, is at the helm, and pays homage to the lord!" Then, Yuan Gongwang's subordinates also knelt down one after another, Shout "Meet the leader".

Faced with this sudden scene, Xiao Junmo was stunned for a moment, and then his thoughts changed, and he understood everything in an instant.

He couldn't help laughing.

Just now, he was still a person who was going to die with a calm heart and all thoughts of despair. In an instant, he became a veritable leader of the Heavenly Punishment League supported by everyone, and Xiao Junmo suddenly felt a thousand emotions in his heart.

"Brothers, in order to test me, you really took great pains." Xiao Junmo smiled wryly, "I will definitely never forget such a unique leader's coronation ceremony."

Yuan Gongwang and Xi Yan looked at each other with embarrassing expressions.

"Leader, please forgive me for being rude." Xi Yan said in embarrassment, "This, there is really no way..."

Next, Xi Yan and Yuan Gongwang explained their reasons for doing so.

More than a month ago, Xi Yan learned from Xiao Junmo that he was in danger and had been monitored by Xuanjia Guards, so he escaped from Jiangling with a group of capable men.Because he had a personal relationship with Yuan Gongwang, who was at the helm of Wuyu, he came to Yangzhou and stayed here for a while, during which he briefly told Yuan Gongwang about Zuo Shi and Xiao Junmo.Soon, Xiyan left Yangzhou because he missed some old friends he hadn't seen for many years, and went to Chuzhou, Hezhou, Luzhou and other places to look for friends.

Just ten days after he left, that is, four days ago, Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang came to Yangzhou to find Yuan Gongwang.Although Yuan Gongwang has already learned about Xiao Junmo's situation from Xi Yan, and knows that he is very capable and highly valued by the Zuo Envoy, he has never dealt with him after all, and what happened after he and the Zuo Envoy left Jiangling Yuan Gongwang didn't know anything, so he didn't dare to trust Xiao Junmo rashly, so he had to go to Xi Yan to discuss it while keeping him steady.

After a lot of effort, Yuan Gongwang finally found Xi Yan in Dangtu County of Hezhou and told him the matter.Xi Yan was also troubled when he heard it.He told Yuan Gongwang that although he had dealt with Xiao Junmo before and knew that he was a brave, resourceful and chivalrous young man, Xiao Junmo was now appearing as the leader of the alliance, and the whereabouts of the left envoy were unknown. He never dared to give Xiao Junmo a guarantee on major events.

Yuan Gongwang had no choice but to take Xiyan back to Yangzhou.Along the way, the two discussed repeatedly, and finally came up with a solution that is not a solution, which is to throw the problem to Xiao Junmo himself, to see how he responds, and to test his character at the same time: If Xiao Junmo is assassinating the left envoy and trying to steal the punishment If Xiao Junmo is an unruly person in the power of the alliance, he will definitely show his feet under pressure; on the contrary, if Xiao Junmo is open-minded, responds to Yuru, regardless of personal gains and losses, and can take the overall situation into consideration, then it can prove that he is indeed the new leader appointed by the left envoy .Taking a step back, Yuan Gongwang and Xi Yan would be happy to follow such a person even if they still couldn't prove this point, regardless of whether he was appointed by the left envoy or not.

The scene that happened just now clearly showed that Xiao Junmo was the latter, the one who would rather sacrifice himself than protect others in order to keep the overall situation in mind, so Yuan Gongwang and Xi Yan completely relieved their concerns and completely believed in him.

At this moment, after listening to the two people's narration, and looking at the people kneeling beside Huan, Xiao Junmo didn't ask them to get up immediately, but said lightly: "Everyone, you have tested me, and it's your turn next." Tested."

Yuan Gongwang, Xi Yan and others looked at each other.

"Leader," Yuan Gongwang said with emotion, "Although I had no choice but to take this action, but I offended the leader after all. All the responsibility for this matter rests with me. Please punish the leader!"

"No, this matter was discussed with Lao Yuan by my subordinates, and my subordinates are also responsible!" Xi Yan also rushed to say.

Xiao Junmo chuckled: "What are you talking about? Did I tell you that you did something wrong? What I mean is that once you follow me, you will have to abandon your family and career from now on, face all kinds of difficulties and dangers, and your lives will be in danger at any time. This It's the test I said, do you understand? Get up if you understand, and continue to kneel if you don't understand."

"Thank you, leader!" Everyone laughed and stood up.

"Old Yuan, before I leave, do I need to give you a few days to settle the business?" Xiao Junmo smiled.

"Leader, don't make fun of me." Yuan Gongwang chuckled, "What do I do with my small business, I will go with you anytime!"

"Okay then," Xiao Junmo glanced around the crowd, "Let's go early tomorrow morning, the target - Qizhou."

When Chu Lisang woke up, it was already ugly time.

She rolled over and sat up, feeling dizzy in her head, and her temples on both sides were still aching.She shook her head, and suddenly caught a glimpse from the half-open window, Xiao Junmo was standing quietly under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard, wondering what she was thinking.

Chu Lisang went out of the house and walked behind Xiao Junmo: "Hey, you don't sleep in the middle of the night, what are you doing standing here?"

"Enough sleep." Xiao Junmo turned his head and smiled, "Since I slept in the evening until now, how can I still sleep?"

"Are you drunk too?" Chu Lisang rubbed his aching temples, frowned, "I said, Yuan Gongwang didn't drug the wine, did he?"

"How can it be?" Xiao Jun smiled silently, "You think too much, that's old Yuan's hospitality, he gave us to drink the aged wine he has treasured for more than 20 years, it's just better. Why, does your head still hurt now?"

Chu Lisang nodded suspiciously.

"I'll go to the kitchen and get you some sour plum soup to sober you up." Xiao Junmo was about to leave when Chu Lisang grabbed him, "No, I have something to ask you."

"Is it really not necessary?" Xiao Junmo looked concerned.

Chu Lisang felt a warm feeling in his heart, and said with a smile: "I am so cared by the leader, once I am moved, my head doesn't hurt anymore."

"If I had known that the status of the leader would still have such effects, I would have agreed to your father. I really regret why I had to push back." Xiao Junmo smiled.

"Say you're fat and you're still out of breath?" Chu Lisang rolled his eyes at him coquettishly, "Hey, to be honest, don't be too happy too early. I don't think Yuan Gongwang really recognizes you as the leader. Hard to say."

"No way?" Xiao Junmo pretended to be confused, and said with a smile, "A person like me who has both civil and military skills, morality and ability, is hard to find with a lantern, how could he not recognize him?"

"I'm serious with you, be serious!" Chu Lisang scowled.

"Okay, serious and serious." Xiao Junmo held back a smile, "I will listen to what you want to say."

"Yuan Gongwang is also an old man, do you think he can trust us so easily?"

"That's why you worry too much." Xiao Junmo pointed to the osmanthus tree on his finger, "To tell you the truth, just now under this tree, Yuan Gongwang and his men knelt down and swore allegiance to me. By the way, Mr. Donggu, Xi Yan, who we met in Jiangling before, also brought people to rush here. Right now, we already have two powers at the helm."

"Is there such a thing?" Chu Lisang looked surprised, "They pledged their allegiance to you so soon?"

"Of course!" Xiao Junmo put his hands up, with a smug expression on his face, "Don't you see who your father chose? If he didn't think I was capable and reliable, how could he entrust you and the Heavenly Punishment Alliance Give me?"

Chu Lisang was secretly full of joy, but curled his lips on purpose: "You can brag as long as you want, why do you involve me? It's his business whether my father trusts me or not. I didn't promise to do anything to you."

"Yes yes yes, what your father said is his business. To win your girl Chu's heart, I, Xiao Junmo, naturally have to work hard." Xiao Junmo said with a smile, "Tell me, how do you want me to be courteous? If you don't drink sour plum soup, if you want Shall I rub it for you?" Then he reached out to rub her temples.

"Don't, don't, thank you lord, the little girl can't bear it." Chu Lisang hid, but Xiao Junmo still firmly pressed her temples on both sides, and began to rub her.

Chu Lisang struggled again pretending to be reserved, then subconsciously closed his eyes and let him go.

Xiao Junmo's fingers were warm, soft and strong.At this moment, a sense of deja vu once again filled Chu Lisang's chest with a sense of warmth.She suddenly thought of that sunny morning in Gantangyi, she almost fainted from crying because of her mother's sudden death, it was these warm and strong hands that gently embraced her, making her want to snuggle into his arms; She also remembered the dark night deep in the Qinling Mountains where she could not see her fingers. She lay on his back, her cheek was pressed against his shoulder, and her body was also tightly attached to his generous back. At that moment, she really wanted to remain in a coma. , never wake up again...

As Chu Lisang thought about it, his eyes suddenly became moist.

In order not to lose his composure, Chu Lisang quickly found a topic: "What should we do next?"

"According to the original plan, go to Qizhou to find Yu Shiqi, and leave early tomorrow morning."

"and then?"

"Then..." Xiao Junmo thought for a while, and said decisively, "Go back to Chang'an."

"Back to Chang'an?" Chu Lisang couldn't help opening his eyes, "You mean, go deal with Mingzang?"

"Yes. With the power of these three sub-rudders, I think it is enough for us to fight against Mingzang." Xiao Junmo said, but the movements of his hands did not stop.

At the thought of facing Wang Hongyi, who is both a villain and his biological father, Chu Lisang's heart immediately clenched again, but he tried his best not to let the pain show on his face.

"Close your eyes." Xiao Junmo suddenly said softly.

"You...what did you say?" Chu Lisang came back to his senses.

"I tell you to close your eyes."

"why?"

"No reason." Xiao Junmo's voice was very soft, but it seemed to be giving an order, "Also, keep your mouth shut."

Chu Lisang looked at him and couldn't help but smile: "Are you ordering me?"

"It's not an order, it's a request."

"Even if it's a request, you have to give me a reason, right?"

Xiao Junmo suddenly stopped what he was doing, but still hugged her temples with both hands, and stared at her with burning eyes: "Chu Lisang, at this moment when the moon is under the moon and the night is quiet, do you think we are discussing the plan of the Heavenly Punishment Alliance here? Isn't it a bit inappropriate?"

"What's inappropriate? I don't think so." Chu Lisang had obviously noticed something, her cheeks were slightly hot, and she avoided his gaze.

"Don't you feel that you have let down the beauty of this beautiful day?" Xiao Junmo approached her, stretched out his thumbs naturally, slowly wiped her eyes, and closed her eyelids.

Chu Lisang felt his breath brushing over his face, his heart was pounding, and his face turned red.Just as she was about to say something, Xiao Junmo let out a "shh", and at the same time gently covered her lips with his index finger.

Chu Lisang's heart was beating wildly, and he felt that his brain was swelling and his body was stiff, as if his limbs were no longer in control.Immediately afterwards, Xiao Junmo held her shoulders and gently pushed her back, and Chu Lisang leaned against the tree trunk.She shouted "what do you want to do" in her heart, and her mind issued an order to push him away and run away, but in fact, she didn't even open her lips, and her hands and feet were even more motionless.

Almost at the same moment, Xiao Junmo kissed her lips.

Chu Lisang heard his head bang, and then he couldn't think about anything.She felt that her body became extremely light, as if she was about to fly immediately...

Xiao Junmo kissed her forgetfully, but he didn't know where his courage came from.

He only knew that when he decided to die a few hours ago, the most regrettable thing was that he never confessed his love to Chu Lisang.And when that scene passed without any danger, Xiao Junmo, who seemed to be reborn, suddenly had an extremely strong urge to confess.

In fact, along the way, Xiao Junmo and Chu Lisang have long been in love with each other, but he is always limited by the sense of responsibility of a man, worried that he will not be able to give her a lifetime of happiness, so he has never dared to pierce the last layer of window paper.

However, just a few hours ago, Xiao Junmo realized that he was wrong - if he could not express his true feelings to the woman he loves until he died, it would be a disappointment to her and cruelty to himself.

And, more importantly, you can't hide your true love for someone—even if you don't say it, your eyes will speak; even if your eyes don't say it, your body will speak.

So tonight, when Xiao Junmo faced Chu Lisang so closely, he could no longer restrain his emotions.

Even if this momentary embrace can only be as short as fireworks, he will leave her with a memory as bright as fireworks.

Even if death comes tomorrow, he still wants her to remember when she was gray-haired that there was once a man who left her such a beautiful and heart-warming blessing in the most beautiful years of her life.

No matter how far he can go with Chu Lisang, Xiao Junmo hopes that he can be like the irises blooming on the hillside of Jiayugou, even if they wither in an instant, they will bloom forever in her heart...

(End of this chapter)