Chapter 449: Bodhisattva, please respect yourself! (5k)
“Leaving now?”
Zhao Duan asked in surprise, the other party’s schedule was really in a hurry.
The young worshiper Song Jinxi said "grace" and explained:
"They were not seriously injured. Maybe it was because they lost and didn't want to stay anymore, so they packed their bags after simply adjusting their breath. He was about to leave, but he even declined the farewell arrangement we arranged. Didn’t you want me to keep an eye on him and tell you when he was ready to leave? ”
Zhao Duan took a deep breath and said: "Where are people now?"
On the main road leading to the entrance of the imperial city, a carriage rumbled, the wheels ran over the stone pavement, Chai Keqiao personally acted as The driver, holding the reins, one leg hanging down, his straw sandal swinging.
Seeing the city gate approaching, he turned around and opened the curtain, and asked Xiao Ran in the carriage:
"Are you really leaving now? Are you not going to see your aunt again? The empress should I will allow it.”
Xiao Ran was sitting in the carriage with a small bundle on his knees, and Qiye was sitting cross-legged on the other side.
She looked depressed, not only unwilling to lose to Zhao Duan, but also feeling lonely after leaving this sad city:
"No need. Auntie can't remember me anymore. If I go there again, I will only give her Bring trouble."
Chai Keqiao pursed his lips and did not continue to persuade. As the carriage arrived at the gate of the imperial city, the sound of horse hooves suddenly came from behind.
Zhao Duan, one man and one horse, rode up: "Wait a minute!"
Chai Keqiao narrowed his eyes, stopped the car, and raised his hands:
"Zhao Shaobao still has some advice?"
Zhao Duan was on the horse, reined in the reins, ignored this guy, and just said to the carriage:
"Miss Xiao, I have a gift for you. Just accept it."
Xiao Ran opened the curtains and stared at him indifferently. He suddenly raised his hand and caught a jewelry box thrown by Zhao Duan.
She raised her eyebrows and heard Zhao Duan say calmly:
"Don't get me wrong, this is an item that was seized during the search of Concubine Xiao's residence. It was a gift that Concubine Xiao prepared for the New Year for many of her children and nephews in the family. This should be what she was planning to give to you. It has you on it. "
Xiao Ran was stunned, unable to believe that this guy would be so kind.
Zhao Duan said: "By the way, those unruly female officers in Shangshan Bureau have been dealt with by Mo Zhaorong."
After leaving these words, he actually Then he drew his horse and left.
Only the Qingshan trio were left staring blankly at his back as he rode away.
inside the carriage.
Xiao Ran put the jewelry box on the baggage on his knees with a complicated expression, only to find an old note sandwiched between the gaps in the box.
Her baby name was written in Juanxiu handwriting on it. Opening the box, there was a green ice flower bracelet on the red silk cloth.
Xiao Ran pursed his lips and choked suddenly.
……
......
Afternoon, Zhao family.
After Zhao Duan returned home, he was immediately questioned by his aunt and sister curiously.
Eugene Hua was concerned about whether he was injured, while Zhao Pan was particularly curious about the "Peach Blossom Sword" that was widely circulated among officials.
Zhao Duan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he simply demonstrated how to silently cut peach blossoms from a tree branch at home, which made the two women at home yell.
Return to the study.
Zhao Duan crossed over the framed portrait of the empress hanging on the wall, sat at the desk, spread out a piece of paper, and wrote down the preparations for this trip south to Fengchan one by one.
“Although I have Princess Lu as an internal agent, I must not be careless. My enemy is not only King Jing on the surface, but also the clan forces of Jiancheng Dao.”
“I must bring my enemies with me. Enough manpower.”
Zhao Duan wrote a few names on the paper:
"Eunuch Hai has agreed to go south with me, and will bring most of the palace offerings with him. Well, we don't need such a large battle to protect me. Their main purpose is to prepare for Zhenbao's enshrinement and clear the obstacles in advance. "
"You must bring Lang Shiba and Ji Yue, as well as Lihuatang's cronies, so you can use them easily... As for Haitang and the others. "That's not necessary."
"Unfortunately, Gongshu Tianyuan and Jin Jian left the capital again to go out for training, so they are temporarily unable to use the strength of the Tianshi Mansion... However, I can write to them before departure. , try to deceive these two people into building a road..."
Zhao Duan was thinking, always feeling that it was not safe enough, and suddenly the sound of a dog barking came from the house.
A servant hurriedly appeared outside the door:
"Master, there is someone looking for you outside. It seems... a woman who has been at home."
A strange woman who has been at home?
Is Zhenbao coming?
Isn’t this the right time...or is it Mo Chou?
Zhao Duan frowned, pushed open the door and walked out. When he walked out of the house with doubts, he saw a woman in a cloak standing at the door.
Seeing him, she gently stretched out her jade hand and lifted the cover of the cloak, revealing a plump and graceful figure and a familiar face. The corners of the woman's mouth raised:
"Donor, we meet again."
Zhao Duan’s pupils narrowed and he subconsciously covered his waist: “Prajna Bodhisattva?!”
……
……
Build the road.
Unlike the capital, which is located in the north, Jiandao is not as spring-like all year round as Lingnan, but the climate is also pleasant.
After the arrival of the spring god, the earth is green and flowers and plants are growing. Scholars from all over the Jiancheng Road gather in groups for picnics and outings.
On this day, Prince Jing’s mansion was full of activity, and he went out for an outing.
Prince Jing, who has an elegant temperament, slightly white sideburns, and an appearance that is somewhat similar to the late emperor, is dressed in rich clothes, standing under the shade of a tree, looking at the distant stream, where his young son and young daughter are playing and making noise.
Orbs of different colors were wrapped around his right arm. They were jewel-like but not vulgar.
"Father, the spy has sent the latest information from Kuangfu Society." The prince Xu Jinglong pulled him behind him and bowed his head respectfully.
"Say."
"After Zhuang Xiaocheng was beheaded and executed in the capital, the imperial court sent shadow guards to spread Zhuang Xiaocheng's private scandals in various places. It was quite effective. Although the time was short, it was Even after we built the road, people in the market started talking about it, and the reputation of Kuangfu Society fell to the bottom."
King Jing snorted:
"A good trick must have been the work of Zhao Duan again. Not only did it damage Zhuang Xiaocheng's reputation, it also shook the foundation of the rumors that Kuang Fushe had painstakingly spun. Such a vicious plot with no character and no regard for face, the DPRK Central Committee No one knows how to use it except this person."
After a pause, he asked:
"How did Kuang Fushe respond?"< br>
Xu Jinglong hates that iron cannot be made into steel:
"Without response, after Zhuang Xiaocheng's death, the people of Kuangfu Society were scattered. Fortunately, the banner of Xu Jianwen's son is still alive. Qi Yuchun carried the banner, and everyone He tried to comfort him, but he barely managed to prevent the society from falling into pieces. However, his vitality was severely damaged, and it was impossible to fight against the imperial court in a short period of time. "
King Jing didn't care much:
"Qi Yuchun has no power but no ideas. If Kuang Fushu is in his hands, it will be difficult for him to succeed. If Zhuang Xiaocheng had promised to submit to this king, how could he have ended up like this? The end? Oh, but it’s okay, with him here, the orphan and widow left by Xu Jianwen are not easy to control..."
"My father is planning to send that mother and son..."
"No hurry," Prince Jing pondered for a moment, then raised his hand to stop him, "Haste makes waste, let's let Qi Yuchun support him for a while first, and take a look. Let’s see which prince can’t help but take action.”
“Yes,” Xu Jinglong nodded, and then changed the topic:
"The secret spy also sent news that the bribery of the Marquis of Liu'an on the Huai River side seemed to have leaked out and was reported to the inspection censor. But it has not been confirmed yet."
"Stupid," King Jing snorted coldly, his disdain clearly visible:
“These local nobles have been at ease for a long time, so they can just pay bribes to install some minor officials. He was so bold that he sought out the magistrate. It was so obvious that the court would not have noticed it unless he was blind. "
Xu Jinglong thought for a while and said politely. :
"Presumably, it was also those Jiangnan gentry who rushed to seek medical treatment because they were too afraid of the New Deal."
Prince Jing said calmly:
"It doesn't matter if it is exposed. At this time, my niece must have been furious. After a thorough investigation, she will definitely send officials from the capital to come down and give these nobles a hard beating." , so as to pave the way for the officials behind.
We only need to sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight. When the people from the court come down and beat these clans in pain and fear, we will help them and give them a hand. , In this way, this group of people will know that the only way to survive is to fully support this king."
Xu Jinglong said with a smile:
"My father is killing someone with a borrowed knife, these local wealthy people. On the surface, they are respectful to us, but in fact they are not very obedient. After tossing them like this, the court is helping our father train the dog and strengthen our wings.”
The corners of Prince Jing's mouth raised slightly, with a proud expression:
"Is there anything else?"
"Oh, the second son of the head of the Shen family died of illness, the one named Second Master Shen. It is said that the old lady of the Shen family was overly sad and fainted briefly." Xu Jinglong had a gossipy expression on his face. Second Master Shen... Prince Jing was thoughtful:
“Has the cause of death been found out?”
"It is said that a sinister poison entered the body. Mr. Shen fell ill when he came back from the capital last year. It was said that he was infected with cold poison due to the harsh mountains and rivers on the road. However, after his son inquired about it, it was suspected that it was caused by a master cutting off his life bridge."
< br>Last year, Zhao Duan rushed to Taicang, arrested the chief envoy Gao Lian and returned to Beijing.
Gao Lian's first wife, Shen, is the daughter of the Shen family of the wealthy Taoist family in Jiancheng. In other words, Gao Lian has the support of the Shen family behind him.
At that time, the second master of the Shen family went to Beijing to meet with Li Yanfu, the leader of the "Li Party". He wanted to use a high-profile case to game the empress and silence the Taicang County magistrate.
Later, Zhao Duan sneaked into prison and killed Gao Lian. The empress sent palace ministers to intercept Mr. Shen, who had fled the capital in a hurry, and gave him a warning.
In fact, his life was cut off. After Mr. Shen came back, he couldn't afford to fall ill. Even though the Shen family invited many miracle doctors, they only hung him up for two more months.
"The old lady of the Shen family loves this grandson very much. He is more favored than the nominal head of the family. Now he dies in the hands of my niece... Haha, the old lady of the Shen family is probably waiting for an opportunity to take revenge. Yes." Prince Jing said with a smile.
Xu Shizi asked curiously: "The old lady dares?"
Prince Jing sighed:
"Many times, the older a woman is, the more terrifying she is when she goes crazy, regardless of Consequences. When you act outside in the future, don’t think that everyone is calm and patient and can be manipulated. Wouldn’t you hear the warrior become angry and have blood splashing five steps away?”
"My son has learned a lesson."
Prince Jing nodded, looking at the young son who was catching fish for his salary, and standing by the river with a smile on his face, always pretending to be gentle in front of outsiders. Princess Lu Yaner.
Said: "The Governor of Water Transport still refuses to bow his head. Go and give him a beating. Remember to do it cleanly and don't involve the palace."
Xu Jinglong smiled and said: "Father, don't worry."
……
Xu Jinglong took a few guards with him, left the suburbs in a light vehicle, and arrived at a certain dock.
There were people waiting at the pier. They respectfully welcomed His Royal Highness into a small boat and headed towards a ship moored on the river.
On the boat, a young man wearing a uniform gray short shirt stood respectfully.
In front of this group of people, the leader was a middle-aged man wearing a blue scholar's gown, holding a folding fan, and his hair was meticulously combed, like a Confucian gentleman.
“If you are a distinguished guest, please tell me in the cabin.”
The scholar in green shirt smiled and raised his hand, looking like a well-educated and well-educated heir from a well-educated family.
Xu Jinglong looked calm, neither smiling nor angry. He walked into the cabin without expression. When the door closed, there were only two people left in the room.
The scholar in green shirt suddenly fell to the ground respectfully, almost prostrate: "He Xiaolou greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Xu Jinglong looked arrogant, his eyes were full of condescending indifference, he did not He went to see He Xiaolou who was kneeling in front of him, sat down slowly, picked up a pear from the delicate fruit plate, and said lightly:
"I want you to do one thing, make your hands and feet more beautiful."< br>
"Your Highness, please give me your instructions."
"The wife and daughter of the Governor of Water Transport have returned to their hometown. In a few days, they will come back and they must take the river. The river is the territory of your Cao Gang. I have tied up the people. Hide it and then... ”
The leader of the Cao Gang named He Xiaolou is well-known in the gang circles of Jiancheng Road and even Huaihe River Road. He has countless big figures in the underground world in his hands and listens quietly, with a slight smile on his forehead. Sweaty.
“Remember?” Xu Jinglong asked after finishing his explanation.
“Remember.”
"Huh? I didn't hear you clearly."
"...I forgot. I don't remember anything." He Xiaolou changed his words.
"Very good." Xu Jinglong, who was submissive in front of his father and punched hard in front of others, smiled with satisfaction, threw down the half-bitten pear, and let it roll in the cabin, cool and unrestrained go out :
“The head of the Caobang is quite comfortable. The fruits are fresher than those in the palace.”
He Xiaolou bowed his head and said: “I will order someone to pick the freshest ones and send them to you. Go to the palace.”
"Let's go." Xu Jinglong got off the boat and left without looking back.
After watching His Highness the Crown Prince leave, He Xiaolou slowly calmed down his expression and returned to his scholarly demeanor, but the gloom between his brows lingered.
A close aide glanced at his gang leader’s knees. There was some dust on his robe, and he knelt down to dust it off.
He Xiaolou held a folding fan, looked at the water flowing in the river, and said:
"Take someone for a walk."
Behind him, a martial artist carrying an iron rod on his back and a piece of red silk wrapped around his right arm said softly, "Yes."
"I'm going back to rest. Let's sail the boat home." He Xiaolou turned around and got back into the cabin.
Not long after, the entire ship sailed away along the river, but as it left, the warrior wrapped in red silk at the stern of the ship, with an expressionless face, threw a fresh corpse into the rapids. In the river.
“Bang!”
The gangster who had just dusted off He Xiaolou’s knees opened his eyes wide, and his lifeless body rolled down, creating a cloud of white spray.
……
……
The people from Qingshan left the capital quietly without attracting much attention.
This martial arts competition is just the prelude to the decisive battle between the empress and Wu Xiankui that happens once in a century.
In addition to causing a big splash in the official circles, it was slowly spread to the world through the mouths of insiders, but this is a long process.
After the competition, a few days later, an official ship set sail again and sailed south from the capital pier.
......
"Wow——"
In the familiar sound of water waves, Zhao Duan, driven by his biological clock, ended this round of meditation on time .
He opened his eyelids and saw the familiar scenery of the cabin room.
"I never took a boat ride in my last life, but I really enjoyed it in this life."
Zhao Duan sighed softly and rubbed his cheeks with both hands to relieve the fatigue accumulated from long-term boat rides.
“In this age without entertainment, taking a boat is really boring. Suddenly I understand why Xu Fu took three hundred boys and girls on board when he made the eastward journey... What is long-term vision, what is foresight? Ah, let him play it and understand... In contrast, Zheng He's voyages to the West were not good, and the ship Apart from the male crew members, there are only old women who wash clothes... Zheng He doesn't understand at all... Oh, Zheng He is a eunuch... That's okay."
It has been quite a while since we left the capital. Today, due to the deepening of spring, the wind direction of the Grand Canal is suitable and the speed of the ships is quite fast.
But the last time he took a boat south, he only reached the junction of Linfeng and Huai River. This time, he crossed the Huai River and arrived at Jiancheng Road.
It stands to reason that the procession for the Feng Chan ceremony should be huge, ride on a huge dragon boat, unfurl bright and yellow dragon flags, and be greeted by officials and people along the way.
But the above is a pomp and circumstance that only happens when the empress goes south in the summer. Zhao Duan naturally cannot be so extravagant when he leads people to the outpost this time.
Furthermore, considering the dense hatred in his body, Zhao Duan kept an unusually low profile during his trip. He even ordered spies to block the news and try to enter the country quietly, which would later attract the attention of local wealthy families in Jiancheng Road and his old enemy Prince Jing. of attention.
Therefore, the ship did not stop much along the way. Apart from the necessary supplies, the journey was extremely boring, and the few books it carried were torn.
“Dong, dong, dong.”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the cabin door, and then without waiting for his response, the door was pushed open.
Outside the door, stood a female Bodhisattva with a plump figure, skin as white as porcelain, long hair as good as Zhenbao, and almost transparent eyes.
Prajna Bodhisattva, wearing her thin monk's robe that was almost see-through, smiled and said:
"Almsgiver Zhao, it's time for lunch."
Zhao Duan subconsciously took two steps back and said helplessly:
"Bodhisattva, how many times have I told you to knock before entering... Well, although you knocked on the door this time, you should wait until I agree for you to come in. If it is inconvenient for me at this time, you can just break in. Come in, wouldn't it be..."
Prajna Bodhisattva's face shows no signs of being over fifty years old. There are no wrinkles and the silk is as smooth as peeling off. The egg in the shell had a bright smile on its face:
"Isn't it just right?"
"...Bodhisattva, please respect yourself! Don't forget what your Majesty said before leaving Beijing!"
>
Zhao Duan's scalp was numb, and his mentality was a little broken by this female Bodhisattva who repeatedly came to his door and was able to fly all over the country.
Prajna Bodhisattva's smile did not change, but he looked a little sad:
"The poor monk naturally remembers that Your Majesty said that if I dare to eat you, she will skin me. However, this place is thousands of miles away from Beijing. , The sky is high and the emperor is far away, the poor monk has the confidence to cast a spell to cover up the noise, donor, your journey is boring, why are you not interested?”
(End of this chapter)