After Waking up Beside the Villain

      Two more red lacquered wooden basins were placed and filled with ice cubes, even though the summer night was sweltering, it was still cool and refreshing.

    The county magistrate of Shanbai County is sitting in this cool and Qinqin chair, with one hand on the armrest and the other on the table, as if he is about to sit at the desk and busy with official business.

    However, the light from the shaking candlelight dimly illuminated the county magistrate's pale face as white as paper and the sharp red wound between the fat-laden neck.

    The owner of the hand was dressed in night clothes, and his head and face were covered with a mask, only revealing a pair of narrow eyes.

    "Sure enough..."

      "This Han Bo is really cunning. He even kept an account book privately. Mr. Zheng is right!"

    Stuffing the letter on his body, this man alertly listened to the movement outside the window, then turned over the bookcase and the red sandalwood rack.

    In the process of searching, he did not forget to search for some easy-to-carry gold, silver and jade stones and put them in his arms, and in the blink of an eye, he turned the study into a mess.

    Finally, he found a booklet from a dark compartment under the desk case, and was delighted to look through it by candlelight.

    "Who?"

    Besides he was frightened and alert, he immediately backhanded his sword and swung it behind him.

    However, the sword slashed.

    He looked back quickly, the study was still empty, and there was no second figure besides him.

    No, besides him, there is a person, or a corpse.

    Subconsciously, he looked down at the magistrate who was killed in the chair, only to see the corpse sitting with his head bowed before, unexpectedly raising his head at some point, a pair of terrified eyes wide open Staring at him stubbornly.

     And at this moment, a hand patted his shoulder lightly, he suddenly raised his head, facing a pair of dark and cold eyes with hidden secrets.

    In an instant, his eyes became chaotic, his mind was dizzy, and he fell into a half-dream and half-awake empty state.

    In this dazed state, he heard a cold voice asking: "Who are you and why are you here?"

      This time, I came to Shanbai County on the order of the county governor to kill the county magistrate of Shanbai County."

    The voice paused and continued to ask: "Why did the county governor want to kill the county magistrate of Shanbai County?"

    "Shanbai County is not a rich county. Although there are various forces, they do not pay attention to the affairs in the county. The county magistrate Han Bo is greedy and intends to cling to the county governor. So the looting of money and bribes was mainly arranged in Shanbai County. A few days ago, the governor ordered me to send a secret letter informing Han Bo that the head of the Zheng family had died violently. We will introduce the imperial court to audit the accounts.”

    Wu Qiao seemed to be asleep and awake, and said slowly: "In order to make up for the deficit, Han Bo has stepped up to collect money and wiped his hands and feet."

    " But I don't want to, Han Bo, in turn, used this to threaten the county governor, and also wanted to send a vote to climb the Zheng family. But Han Bo would never have thought that the county governor and the Zheng family did not fall out. , everything is just a play that has been played a long time ago, just to find out those people who have two hearts and solve it as soon as possible."

    The voice said: "There must be a lot of people with two hearts. If they kill them all, aren't they afraid of too much movement?"

    Wu Qiao said: "The county governor ordered to kill only three people, and the rest will be dealt with separately."

    "Apart from Han Bo, who are the other two? Why are these three special?" the voice asked.

    "The other two are Zhao Gusheng, magistrate of Ping'an County, and Jiang Dayan, the third rudder master of the Baili Shui Gang." Wu Qiao said, "These three people participated in the sacrifice of the river from beginning to end. As for the matter of God, we cannot leave a living mouth.”

    "Sacrificing to the God of the River?"

    The voice was silent for a moment, then said, "How much do you know about this matter?"

    Wu Qiao said drowsily: "After the Wen River burst its banks two years ago, the county governor chose Shanbai County and Ping'an County on both sides of the Wen River, and issued a secret order to let these two counties begin to worship the river god. The sacrifice must be a family member, and there can be no omissions. Except for the people on the list designated by the county governor, the rest can be decided by the county magistrate."

    "The selected sacrifices must be delivered to the heart of the Wenhe River alive, and the people from the Baili Shui Gang will lurk nearby. It is up to Jiang Dayan to decide whether it can be killed or traded. I once heard the county governor inadvertently mention that the transported sacrifice seems to have been taken over by the Zheng family."

    "I...that's all I know."

    At this time, there was another voice that sounded softly from a distance, sighing: "It seems that there is no need to keep you anymore."

     Hearing this, Wu Qiao's heart was inexplicably agitated, his mind returned, and he had to struggle to wake up.

    But before he really woke up, his body shield was pierced, and a cool feeling came from his throat.

    "Ugh!"

    Xie Chengyun retracted his sword, supported Wu Qiao who fell down with one hand, and silently put his body on the ground, then turned to look at Chu Yunsheng, while searching out the ledger and secret letter, While transmitting a voice into the secret, he said, "This secret method created by Chu Chu is somewhat similar to the mind capture technique of Yuding Cave, an evil Taoist in the Western Regions."

    Chu Yunsheng closed his eyes and gathered the escaping true energy all over his body.

    The short half month that I traveled to Jiangnan, although it was hard work day and night, but Chu Yunsheng did not slack at all, wasting time, and was always studying the secret method.

    There is only one trick in Shengsheng Yi Dao Jing, which is combined into a sword technique, which also seems to be a single method, which is slightly insufficient.

    So while he was on his way, he studied the exercises and created such a secret method. In certain environments and atmospheres, he mobilized his true qi, created an illusion of reality and reality, and created an illusion that made the enemy The opportunity to lose heart, and take this opportunity to change the trajectory of the flow of infuriating energy, and confuse the enemy for a short time.

      .

    But having an aid is better than nothing.

      The people from the Lishui Gang were watching. It is very likely that Jiang Dayan had already been silenced, or he had a premonition that something was wrong, so he stopped in time."

    "The former is the most likely."

    "Jiang Dayan is not like the magistrates of the two counties. He is from Jianghu, and the Baili Shuigang controls the movements in the vicinity. If the magistrates of these two counties die first, he will surely find out that Be vigilant. So among the three, he should be the first to be silenced."

    Xie Chengyun nodded slightly and said: "It seems that the real person behind the scenes is the Zheng family in Jiangzhou, and 80% of the governor is just a target pushed to the front. But the governor is not a fuel saver either. The lamp that was transported away was taken away by the Zheng family, which should be a secret, but he 'unintentionally' confided it to his confidant Keqing, obviously he had other thoughts and didn't trust the Zheng family."

    "It is related to the Zheng family. It seems that this sacrifice to the river **** is not small, and the conspiracy is very big."

    Chu Yun said: "And this Wu Qiao said that the old head of the Zheng family died violently, and the new head has just taken over."

    The next morning, before dawn, Chu Yunsheng and Xie Chengyun said goodbye to the Li family in Baituo Village and rode on the official road.

    The two changed their clothes, entered the county seat of Shanbai County, and sat in front of the tea stall casually, and soon heard the news of the murder of the magistrate of Shanbai County.

      , hurt people all over the family, provoked revenge from the enemy family, and some said that the head of the county magistrate was chopped off, the body was separated, and the murderer was nowhere to be found. It is for the sake of justice.

    The county government wanted to block the news, but the county magistrate was dead, and there was no leader.

    It is said that this happened two days ago, but it is not so convenient for the exchange of information in Jiangling County. The news just came yesterday, only the local snake who has some contact with the Baili Shui Gang We knew it in time, but ordinary people have not heard of it yet.

    After confirming all the clues obtained last night, Chu Yunsheng and Xie Chengyun decided to stay in Shanbai County for a few days to see the reaction of the county governor and Shanbai County. And the follow-up to the sacrifice of the river god.

      Go to Ning's house.

    The sacrifice of the river **** and the sudden death of the old master of the Zheng family seemed extraordinary. Xie Chengyun did not intend to ignore it, so he let Chu Yunsheng sneak in in disguise, while he himself followed the original plan , go to the Ning family, and meet with the Xie family Dingdan.

    Chu Yunsheng's men's clothes were not hot before he put on a long skirt.

    "Intentionally?" Chu Yun said.

    In the next few days, Shanbai County experienced a little turmoil, but it did not have any impact on the lives of ordinary people. The county magistrate died, the big deal was sitting on his head The **** was changed, and it had nothing to do with their days. The people who should go down to the ground and the stalls that should go to the stall were the same as usual.

    Jiangling County sent people to investigate the death of the magistrate, but after only one day, the case was hurriedly closed as a vendetta, and a wanted order for Jiangyang robbers who did not resemble Wu Qiao was issued.

    After that, the registrar will temporarily manage the yamen and wait for the arrival of the new county magistrate.

    The matter of offering sacrifices to the God of the River, except for the village by the Wen River, no one mentioned it again. Such customs are traditionally included in ordinary affairs, and they are not uncommon. If they are not deliberately mentioned, few people will talk about them.

    After making all preparations in Shanbai County, Chu Yunsheng and Xie Chengyun left Shanbai County, crossed Taichuan Lake, and went straight to Jinling.

    Jinling is the largest city in Jiangzhou, majestic and magnificent.

    Chu Yunsheng separated from Xie Chengyun outside the city gate, took the post from the Zheng family, and entered the city first.

    The Zheng family is really easy to find. As a thousand-year-old family that spans more than half of Jiangzhou, its main mansion occupies the most central and prosperous part of Jinling City.

    The high-walled compound is quiet in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Walking along the river from the noisy long street, you can see centuries-old trees, the sound of water, the singing of birds and cicadas, and it is quiet and peaceful.

    It's just that compared to the prosperous times of the past, Zheng's family, who was having a funeral, was covered with white silk and white banners inside and outside.

    Chu Yunsheng led the horse to the front of Zheng's house, took out the post, and said softly, "Two eldest brothers, is this Zheng Shaoqing's mansion?"

    The deceased old patriarch of the Zheng family once entered the court as an official and served as the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple, so he is often referred to as Zheng Shaoqing.

    The guards at the gate of the Zheng family are all good hands in the late period of Hanshen.

    Seeing that Chu Yunsheng came to ask, his appearance was so cold and beautiful, and there was a post in his hand, he also lowered his voice, took the post with both hands, and said respectfully: "It turned out to be Ye from Yuzhang County. Miss, there is a lot of business in the house, please wait a moment and let me go to report."

    After saying that, the guard who took the post hurried into the mansion.

    Chu Yunsheng retreated to the shade of the roadside and waited.

      , even sound transmission is useless.

    "Is this the first woman to come here in the past few days? Is this Miss Ye also a romantic debt caused by the eldest young master when he was traveling abroad?"

    One winked and whispered.

    "Not much, only the fourth." Someone said.

    Another person interjected: "Hey, don't think too much, but in my opinion, the other three are not comparable to this Miss Ye. Although this Miss Ye is a little taller Son, but with such an appearance, body and manners, none of those three can learn from them. The only one who can compete with one another is Miss Ling."

    "You have only met a few stunning beauties, what do you know?"

    Someone said, "These four girls each have their own beauty. Miss Zhao is delicate and beautiful, considerate and virtuous, Miss Qian is plump, charming, charming and charming, and Miss Ling is charming, pungent and cheerful. Of course, I also think that this Miss Ye is the most beautiful, as beautiful as a peach and plum, as cold as frost, with a splendid temperament and an extraordinary demeanor, she can be the first of the four beauties."

    Someone sneered: "Come on, stop showing off the little ink in your stomach, no matter how beautiful you are, it doesn't matter to us, they are here to find the eldest young master."

    "Young master, now he is the head of the house."

    Several guards chatted, but they didn't know that their conversation was all heard by Chu Yunsheng, who was several meters away.

    Chu Yunsheng was a little surprised. He didn't expect that in addition to him, Ye Wanwan, three other women came to visit the Zheng family in recent days, and they most likely used similar posts. If it weren't for this, these guards who were used to seeing aristocratic families would not have put him and the other three together so hastily.

    I don't know the purpose of the other three women who came here to visit, and whether it will cause unnecessary trouble to his actions.

    As he was thinking about it, the small door on the side of the gate of Zheng Mansion suddenly opened, and the guard who went to report the letter came out with a young man dressed in plain white and filial piety.

    This young man was in his early twenties, handsome and tall, with thin lips and peach blossom eyes, and he looked romantic and amorous.

    It's just that he has just lost his father, and his face is full of sorrow and sadness, but he doesn't see much of a romantic gesture. But when he saw Chu Yunsheng, his eyes suddenly lit up, revealing an astonishing color.

    "I'm here with Zheng Yuchen, Miss Lao Ye has been waiting for a long time."

    Chu Yun's face was cold, and he returned the salute: "It's okay."

    Zheng Yuchen didn't care about Chu Yunsheng's indifference, on the contrary, it seemed to be quite useful, her smile became brighter, and she said warmly, "I don't know why Miss Ye is here today?"

    According to the prepared remarks, Chu Yunsheng said lightly: "It was nothing to do, but I happened to travel around the rivers and lakes and traveled to Jinling, and when I heard that the Zheng family had changed, I wanted to go to the door to pay a tribute to Zheng Shaoqing. The person my father admired most in his life is Shaoqing, if he learns about this, he will be very sad."

    Speaking of her father, Zheng Yuchen's smile faded, and her expression was sad: "Miss Ye has a heart. Please come with me, don't stay in the sun. Jinling is prosperous, since you have traveled here, why not Stay for a few more days, the mourning period will end the day after tomorrow, and I will take over as the head of the family, so how about Miss Ye stay and watch the ceremony?"

    While speaking, Zheng Yuchen led Chu Yunsheng into the Zheng family mansion through the small door, and someone from behind brought Chu Yunsheng's horse and sent it to the stable.

    Seeing that Zheng Yuchen was so enthusiastic, Chu Yunsheng also followed the pole and said, "I planned to stay for a few days. It's just that the head of the Zheng family is busy with business, and it is not easy to disturb. After seeing Zheng Shaoqing, I I will leave, and if Patriarch Zheng is looking for me, he can go to the Shunlai Inn in the east of the city."

    Zheng Yuchen hurriedly said: "There is nothing else in the Zheng family, but there are many guest houses, so it is not troublesome. Since Miss Ye has arrived in Jinling, there is no reason to go out and live. Doesn't it seem that my Zheng family is stingy and refuses guests? Yuchen has not officially become the head of the family, so Miss Ye doesn't want Yuchen to carry such a reputation on her back."

    Only speaking, except for Zheng Yuchen's lewdness and excessive enthusiasm, there is nothing unusual. Looking at the performance of the guards of the Zheng family, it seems that the death of the old family owner has no hidden meaning.

    After Zheng Yuchen led Chu Yunsheng to the mourning hall, he personally arranged a living room for him.

    On the way to the guest house, Chu Yun quietly inquired about Zheng Yuchen's journey through the rivers and lakes and some things on the way back after the violent death of the old owner.

    While we were chatting happily, a tall and beautiful weak woman suddenly turned out from the hanging flower door in front.

    As soon as the woman saw Zheng Yuchen, she showed a happy mood, and in a blink of an eye, she saw Chu Yunsheng beside Zheng Yuchen. Although the smile was as usual, there was a flash of hostility in her eyes.

    "Brother Yuchen, this sister is..."

    Zheng Yuchen did not notice the envy and hostility of the weak woman at all, just smiled casually, and introduced: "This is Miss Ye Wanwan Ye from the Ye family in Huaizhou. "Miss Ye, this is Miss Lingrui, Zhao Lingrui, a disciple of Liangzhou Tianjimen, and also my friend."

    Zhao Lingrui gave a soft bow and smiled softly: "Lingrui has seen Miss Ye. Miss Ye wants to live in Hanxueyuan, I am next to Miss Ye, and I only live in East Guest House. You and I, we have to keep in touch."

    Chu Yunsheng nodded without saying a word, but in his heart he agreed with Zhao Lingrui's suggestion of frequent communication.

    Of course, this is not because he suddenly changed his sexuality and covets Zhao Lingrui's beauty, but this Zhao Lingrui is not a disciple of Tianjimen at all, even if he changed his clothes and changed his temperament , and changed his name, but Chu Yunsheng, who had been facing this face in the mirror for half a month, was still recognizable at a glance—

    This is clearly the holy maiden of the Nine Immortals Palace who escaped from the Xie family by Li Daitao's secret method, Ji Ling!

    At the same time, west of Jinling City.

    Xie Chengyun shrank his bones and pretended to be a guard beside Xie Jia Dingdan, and successfully infiltrated the Ning family.

    "The Taoist?"

    Xie Chengyun frowned: "Where did the Taoist priest come from, can Ning Tiancheng trust him?"

    Xie Zixuan, a master of Dingdan from the Xie family and also Xie Chengyun's clan uncle, said: "Ning Tiancheng is very shrewd. If he were an ordinary Taoist priest, he would naturally not believe it. But the one who came to give advice was Tai Xuguan. The disciple of this generation, with the character An, is named Rong Ange."

    "Rong Ange?" Xie Chengyun was thoughtful.

    Xie Zixuan nodded: "I have sent someone to check whether this person's origin is true or not, but the concept of Taixu is the second in the world, and ordinary people dare not pretend to be. According to this Rong Ange, he He came down the mountain to look for one of his senior brothers, and he opened the list to come to Ningshou, and he didn’t want a thousand taels of gold, but only hoped to use the power of the Ning family to find his senior brother in Jiangzhou.”

    Xie Chengyun said with a half-smiling smile: "The way he heals is to give Ning Shou a blessing? What did he do to make the head of the Ning family believe in his medical skills?"

    Speaking of this, Xie Zixuan's face also showed a bit of weirdness.

    He frowned and said in a low voice: "This is strange, he...he exorcised Ning Shou from evil spirits in front of Ning Tiancheng, performed a ritual, and then...Ning Shou is true woke up!"

    "In this case, I can only hope that the disciples are disciples, and the Taixuguan is the Taixuguan. It's better not to cultivate the tranquility on the mountain, but to enter the world to disturb the chess game and provoke hatred."

    Hearing this, Xie Zixuan flashed a stern look in his eyes, gritted his teeth and said in a low voice: "Even if it is too illusory, the Xie family is not afraid. On this road, no matter who dares to block, he will cut it."