Call Me Daddy

"Master!"

The remaining dozens of guards were more or less injured, but they still held on tenaciously, looking around vigilantly.

The true identity of Tang Shengzong is the emperor's seventh son. Over the years, the old emperor's health has become worse and worse. It may be that he felt that his body was rapidly aging. Emperor Shang Qing, who was originally a conservative monarch, became more and more authoritarian. Don't listen to any remarks that go against him, favor traitors and sycophants, and politics is dark.

Tang Shengzong was unremarkable among the princes. In the past, there was Tang Shengjue, the eldest son of the Southern King, Tang Shengxi, the eldest son born of the empress, and Tang Shengxi, the third eldest son who was crowned prince at birth, and Tang Chengsi, the ninth prince born of the most favored imperial concubine. .

These three are the most powerful contenders for the throne, but in the past two years, the prince's health has become worse and worse, and not long ago, the only little grandson under the prince's knee died of illness, and it is also taboo for the prince to have no children During this period of time, many people who were originally from the Prince's faction were drawn over by the forces of the First Prince and the Ninth Prince.

In addition to these three princes, Emperor Shang Qing also had seven grown sons. The mother of the seventh prince Tang Shengzong was only Empress Shuyi, and her natal family was not visible. There are a few elders of the same clan who can be used, but those people may not be used by him.

Even so, the prince is the prince, if the seventh prince is assassinated outside, all these guards will have to pay for the life of the seventh prince, and even the family will be dragged down.

Those who can become the prince's guard are not ordinary people. Looking at the wounds on his body now, and then looking at the fool who is carrying half a wild boar full of big knives and is completely uninjured, he feels really uncomfortable.

Fortunately, each of them still thinks so highly of themselves. If it weren't for this stupid criticism that suddenly appeared, it is still a question of whether they can survive.

"It's not suitable to stay here for a long time, young master, let's leave quickly!"

One of them covered the wound on his arm and said in the ear of the Seventh Prince.

I don't know if those people will gather a new group of people. If there are too many enemies, this brave man who seems to be so powerful may not be able to bear it.

Tang Shengzong obviously understood this truth.

"Brother, I'm a distant relative of the magistrate's family in Fengyang. Thank you for saving us from the bandits just now. How about it, how about it. If you come to the city with us, I will be very grateful."

He looked at Su Aobai who put the wild boar back on the cart. It would be safer if he was with him all the way.

The county magistrate of Fengyang County is the same clan of a favored concubine of Tang Shengzong, and he is also a clan relative who has not yet passed the fifth dress.

"You don't need to thank me. Since you are a relative of the magistrate's family, I will trouble you to tell the magistrate later that there are bandits here. Let the county magistrate send someone to suppress the bandits. Otherwise, there will be many people in our countryside. It's not safe, and I can't sleep well."

Su Aobai patted his chest and said with lingering fear.

Others: ...The ones who don't feel safe should be those killers who don't have eyes for you.

"As for me, I happened to be on the way. I was going to the county town to sell this half wild boar."

Su Aobai said boldly, "If you are seriously injured, sit on it too. I will push you over with a cart. Don't be shy. I have great strength."

A few of them were seriously injured. If they walked all the way back, they might lose their lives. Most of these people came from aristocratic families, so they could be regarded as personal connections.

Those guards wanted Tang Shengzong to sit on the cart, but Tang Shengzong refused.

"Let the seriously injured guard sit on the cart, I'm fine."

Tang Shengzong was able to develop his own power when his mother and wife clans were not strong, so he was naturally unique in dealing with people. For example, at this time, he gave up his cart to the seriously injured guards and walked on foot. It is enough to make these guards who have accepted feudal ethics since childhood feel grateful and feel that they have chosen the right magnanimous and benevolent lord.

In the end, several seriously injured guards sat on the cart, half of the wild boar was pushed into the corner, and the other guards with less injuries carried the corpses of those dead companions on their backs.

Of course, before they left, they had checked all the corpses of those killers.

There were no items or marks that could verify their identities. These killers were all dead men. Some of them were not actually dead, but were poisoned to death after being thrown away by their companions.

But who would spend so much trouble sending people to Fengyang County, thousands of miles away from the capital, to chase and kill him?

It's nothing more than his brothers.

On the way to the county seat, Tang Shengzong had been beating around, trying to find out about Su Aobai's background, but he was also very cooperative, answering whatever he asked, with a careless and silly image.

For a prince with deep thoughts like Tang Shengzong, it is naturally impossible for Su Aobai to believe whatever Su Aobai says, and he will definitely send someone to investigate him in the future.

There is no one in the royal family who is not suspicious. Perhaps in his heart, he still feels that his sudden appearance is a deliberate arrangement by another force.

Fortunately, the original body's identities and origins are all very innocent, no matter who Tang Shengzong sends to investigate, they will not find out the problem.

Most of the group of people were injured and carried a few corpses on their backs. Before they entered the city, they were stopped by the gatekeepers. It was Tang Shengzong's guard who took out a token and handed it to the team leader who guarded the city. , the county magistrate hurried to the gate of the city with his subordinate officials, but before he could salute, he was stopped by Tang Shengzong.

There are many people at the gate of the city, and many people are staring at it at the moment. Tang Shengzong doesn't want to reveal his identity as the prince.

Tang Shengzong was not idle, he had to be busy contacting his other staff and tracking down the traces of the part of the killer who had disappeared before, so after arriving at the county magistrate's office, the group separated from Su Aobai.

The county magistrate seemed to have been instructed, so he called the housekeeper, bought Su Aobai's half-cut wild boar, and in addition, gave him a silver note of five hundred taels.

Compared with the life of the prince, this amount of money is definitely nothing, but for ordinary farmers, if this amount of money is saved, it will be enough for a lifetime, and if it is given more, it may be a disaster for him.

Besides, he saved the prince, how could there be no other benefits.

The county magistrate asked the Seventh Prince's guards a few words, and got some news from them that he was qualified to know. It is said that this farmer helped them a lot, and the Seventh Prince was going to promote him.

Because the county magistrate is also polite when facing him, who knows how the Seventh Prince will promote him, being seen by such a nobleman, even if he is just a farmer now, who knows if he will become his superior in the future? .

Su Aobai had no intention of inquiring about Tang Shengzong or making friends with the county magistrate, so he happily accepted the five hundred taels of silver, pushed his blood-stained cart and left the government office.

After being told to stay, the guard who observed his words and deeds couldn't help laughing and crying. He didn't know whether to praise this man and accept him as soon as he was good, or to be angry that he was not curious about what kind of big shot he saved, and he only took five hundred taels of silver. contented.

But he knew that his master would be happy to hear that.

Knowing how to be satisfied is a quality that not many people have.

*****

With money in his hand, Su Ao naturally became more extravagant when he spent it in vain.

First, I went to the snack shop in the county seat to buy a bunch of snacks and candied fruit, and then I went to the women’s rouge powder shop to buy some face and body creams for girls, as well as headbands, silk flowers, girls’ ready-made clothes and fabrics...

But he bought a bunch of things that my daughter could use at that age. Of course, he didn't forget to buy all the candied haws from the old man who sold the candied haws, including the target on which the candied haws were inserted.

Silver is really valuable, there are so many things, and in the end it only cost more than eight taels.

In addition to these, he bought a few jugs of wine, and he will have a banquet in the evening.

When I returned to the village in the evening, the smell of butchered vegetables wafted from the house far away. The wife of the village head made very thoughtful arrangements, and borrowed tables, chairs, bowls and chopsticks. There are a few tables, and you can take a seat only after he comes back.

At the moment, most of the people in the village are concentrated in the small courtyard that Su Aobai rents. Many people have actually never helped the two of them, but they are thick-skinned and they just come together. They are all from the same village. , it's not easy to catch up, the only ones who are embarrassed to show up are the relatives in the old house.

He returned with a full load of carts and carried such conspicuous candied haws targets, which naturally attracted everyone's attention.

The children running around in the small courtyard were the happiest, and they didn’t care about the pork that was simmering on the big pot in the kitchen. They gathered around Su Aobai, looking at the target full of candied haws in his hand, drooling down stream.

"Here, Er Niang, this is bought for you by Dad. You can decide how to share it, whether you want to share it or not."

With that said, Su Aobai stuffed the big target into the daughter's hand.

"Don't bully my second mother, one by one, she is the softest. Treat her better, say something nice, and play with her in the future. She might be willing to share the candied haws with you."

Su Aobai did not forget to tell those children, especially the most stubborn and disobedient ones.

He was obviously smiling when he spoke, but the children he was staring at couldn't help shivering. They all remembered that this man was a fierce man who smashed the wild boar's brains.

Not daring to grab it, a few greedy children anxiously scratched their heads, wondering what could be done, let Er Niang share some sweet and sour candied haws for them to eat.

"Father, there are too many, why don't you go back."

Er Niang, the little housekeeper, was really angry. She didn't think that her father spent money lavishly before.

By the way, her father didn't have any money before, and all the money was in the hands of the step-grandmother.

The little girl stared straight at the purse tied around Su Aobai's waist, thinking that the old saying is indeed true, a man cannot take money to run a house.

Although a bit rebellious, Erniang still had an uncontrollable thought in her heart at this moment.

She has to take good care of this family, money and so on, so don't let her father touch it in the future.

In the past, Erniang would never even think about such an idea, but now, after this idea popped up, Erniang feels confidently that if she brings up this idea, her father will not hesitate Hand over all the money in the family to her.

Thinking of this, Erniang pursed her lips, and there was an inexplicable smile on her face.

She felt that her father really loved her.

"You don't need to go back, these are to make up for the candied haws that you haven't given to you in the past few years."

Su Aobai waved his hand and asked his daughter and those friends who had already spilled all over the place to share candies, and he called a few people to help take down the wine jars on the cart. As for other scattered things, He gathered it up a little, then picked it up and put it back in the bedroom.

Others couldn't see exactly what he had bought, but the candied haws, jars of rice wine, and fabrics that could be seen on the surface alone cost at least a few taels.

Could it be that all the money from selling wild boars has been spent?

The eyes of the pragmatic folks are full of disapproval.

"Uncle Village Chief, don't worry, I didn't waste my money."

Su Aobai came out after putting away his things, and hurriedly explained a few words.

He briefly described what happened on the way to the county seat. Of course, he only said that he met bandits who robbed the county magistrate's distant relatives on the road, and he helped out himself, and then the county magistrate gave him a reward.

As for the silver reward, he wiped off a zero and said it was fifty taels. This amount alone was enough to make the eyes of the people present wide-eyed, full of envy, and annoyed why they didn't go to the city today.

But on second thought, if he didn't have Su Laoer's strength to beat a wild boar to death, wouldn't he be killed if he met a bandit?

So after all, this is the opportunity for the second child.

It seems that since the separation, the luck of the most bullied Su Laoer suddenly improved. First, the incurable leg injury improved inexplicably, and then he killed a valuable wild boar, and rescued the distant relative of the county magistrate on the way.

If people can reward him fifty taels in one go, it means that this distant relative has a good relationship with the county magistrate's family. In this way, Su Laoer can be regarded as having a relationship with the county magistrate. Second, think of a way.

Thinking of this, who would dare to offend Su Laoer in the future, even if he thinks he is honest, he would not dare to take advantage of him at will.

No, those few people who had the cheek to come over to eat and drink were already a little restless right now.

"Are there bandits here?"

The village chief was a little puzzled. He had never heard of the robbery of the village or the caravan passing by the village. Which mountain were those bandits on?

"It's okay, the county magistrate has said that people will be sent to suppress the bandits immediately, and we won't let them affect the nearby villages."

Su Aobai quickly calmed everyone's raised hearts.

What kind of bandit is there, but since they want to characterize this incident as bandit robbery and murder, let's say so.

"That's good."

The village chief immediately felt relieved. He felt that the one who would flee in the end should not be some kind of bandit.

Because of this little episode, Su Aobai's status in the village has become higher invisibly. Before, everyone's kindness to him was more out of sympathy, but now the respect he receives is entirely due to his own ability .

The hot and delicious food was soon on the table, and with the jugs of wine that Su Aobai brought back, everyone opened their stomachs. The small rented courtyard was as lively as the New Year.

*****

Tang Shengzong's subordinates came out in large numbers, and the next day, news about Su Laoer appeared in his hands.

A son of the original spouse who was bullied more than 20 years ago.

Honesty and kindness are the labels that appear most often on him. The investigation recorded in detail what happened before and after the separation of the Su family, and even the content of the separation agreement appeared in this investigation verbatim.

Su Lao Er was not a spy planted by one of his brothers. After reaching this conclusion, Tang Shengzong expressed his satisfaction. This was a piece of jade he had unearthed by accident.

Of course, Tang Shengzong was skeptical about Su Lao Er's ability to remember the memory in this survey, because he felt that Su Lao Er did not seem to be clever.

But after thinking about it again, photographic memory and intelligence are two different things. Remembering does not mean that you will use it flexibly, and a good memory does not mean that you have a deep mind.

In this way, it is another advantage of Suyouniu.

Originally, Tang Shengzong wanted to arrange someone beside him as a guard, but after reading this record, he had other ideas.

Over the years, he has recruited many civil servants, but he is slightly inferior in military power.

Su Laoer's natural supernatural power was born for fighting. As long as he arranges it properly, coupled with his own ability, Su Laoer's road to promotion should be smooth.

Moreover, there was also a piece of information recorded in the investigation that the man had lost his fertility and had only one daughter under his knees.

Tang Shengzong thought to himself that if he had such a general after he ascended the throne, he would definitely feel more at ease. Of course, he would also generously favor his daughter, so that the man would be more sincere to him.

Now he had to think about how he could make this honest country boy work for him.

*****

Su Aobai knew that he was being targeted, and this was also one of his goals. Now he was Jiang Taigong, waiting for the big fish to eat the bait.

In the next few days, Tang Shengzong did not show up, nor did Su Aobai, he had enough patience.

On this day, some unexpected guests came to the house suddenly.

It was Mrs. Li, with a matchmaker and a very shrewd young woman.

At that time, Su Aobai was discussing to buy the rented small courtyard at the village chief's house, when someone rushed to tell him the news.

It is said that it was Mrs. Li who arranged a marriage for him. Today, the matchmaker and the woman came to see each other, and they were just waiting for him to nod in agreement.

Su Laoer's current situation, Huanghua's eldest daughter must not look down on him, after all, he still wants to be a mother, and most of the people who are willing to live with him are widows who have already given birth to children.

Not to mention, ever since the news spread that Su Lao Er had received fifty taels of silver from the county magistrate, there were quite a few matchmakers who came to his door and wanted to marry him.

Most of the people they want to make peace with are widows with sons. As long as he agrees to raise the widow's children, they are willing to change the son's surname, so that he doesn't have to set up a female household for his daughter.

People with discerning eyes sneered at this, these people came for Su Lao Er's money at all, as long as Su Lao Er was not stupid, he shouldn't agree to such a marriage.

Of course, some people persuaded Su Aobai to agree. In the eyes of these people, as long as it is a boy, as long as the other party is willing to change his surname, even if it is not his own, it is better than his own daughter.

According to the visitor, what Li Shi found for him was a widow with a dead man and four sons to support.

The other party was two years older than him, and said that if Su Laoer could raise all four children and marry a wife for the construction of a house, she would be willing to change the youngest son to Su Laoer's surname and give him an incense for a hundred years. Afterwards, he throws basins and sweeps his tomb to offer sacrifices.

Li's side has already decided to agree for him, and even let the wind out, the family will arrange the marriage for them soon.

The visitor hesitated to speak, this is not Li Shi's kindness, the widow she chose is famous, and it is not sure if the four sons have the same father, if such a daughter-in-law marries in, I am afraid that he will be given a new green hat every day ah.

Su Aobai guessed part of the truth from his eyes. He said why Mrs. Li has been so quiet recently. It turns out that she has been planning this big move.

Since ancient times, according to the order of his parents and the words of the matchmaker, although the family is separated, Li Shi and Su Kuishan are still his parents, and it is not too much for them to arrange a marriage for him.

Su Aobai is not afraid of Li's making troubles, but at this critical point, he is worried that Li's not making troubles.

I saw that he restrained his small thoughts, and when he raised his head again, his eyes were full of misery and helplessness.

With such a stepmother, what should he do?

The village head and the few people who came to deliver the letter all felt the aggrievedness of Su Laoer at the moment. Seeing that life has finally improved, why is it like a mad dog over there, it is endless.

The mad dog being cursed. Li Zheng looked at the small courtyard rented by his stepson, and looked at the wife she had carefully selected for this son with complacent and disdainful eyes.

If it's not his own son, why should he live a better life after being kicked out than before leaving home!

Thinking of the fact that more and more villagers doubted the person the old Taoist prophesied recently, it was hard for Li to hide his hatred for Su Lao Er in his heart.

She felt that after the separation, this stepson was out of her control, and she always felt inexplicably flustered, and she would never allow such a thing to happen.

Mrs. Li took a few deep breaths, and gradually calmed down after seeing the little woman who couldn't hold back her frivolity and charm.

Today, she's here to set things right. When this woman marries in, she'll be waiting for her second son's life to become a mess.

The old Taoist said that the one who made the Marquis and worshiped the Prime Minister can only be her son! It can only be her son!