Chapter 258 The princess’s ambush
As autumn enters the capital, the temperature turns cooler.
Perhaps in retaliation for the scorching sun in midsummer, Si Tianjian posted a notice saying that there would be frequent rains in the next half month.
Zhao Duan was awakened by the patter of autumn rain.
Washing and dressing lazily, I pushed the door open and walked along the corridor through the courtyard of the new house.
The wet green bricks on the floor were reflected in Zhao Duan's pupils, and Xiuzhu was swaying due to the drizzle.
Strings of crystal water droplets rolled down the black tiled eaves overhead.
"Auntie, sister. What did you eat this morning?"
Zhao Duan stepped into the dining room, and the sleepiness on his face gradually faded.
The so-called sleepiness in spring, sleepiness in autumn, and naps in summer, and the twelfth lunar month of winter when one cannot wake up... No matter in the past life or in this life, one of the wise words he summed up is that rainy days are the best time to sleep.
Inside the dining hall, which is much more luxuriously decorated than the old house.
Eugene stood up, held the white towel with a smile, and lifted the lids on the dishes and soup bowls.
Due to the cooler weather, the fabric consumption of stepmother's dress has increased sharply, but it still looks a little tight.
The belly is exposed and the whole person is rounded.
It must be that the living conditions have improved, I have gained weight, and even my face is flushed. Now I will smile and say: "Master, come and try it. Auntie is staring at the cook and will make it again according to your recipe." The "Drunken Crab" is not to your liking this time."
beside.
The beautiful girl, casually wrapped in a homely skirt and with her hair tied freely behind her head, is sitting on a round stool.
A colorful rope was tied around her fair wrists, and her feet were being stepped on by a Pekingese with short white legs, a broad flat face, and big round eyes.
Yes, Zhao Pan has a dog.
The Zhao family originally had several guard dogs, but they were all ferocious and large dogs, and were looked after by the concierge.
As the status of the Zhao family increases day by day, even though the mother and daughter are from a small family, they will inevitably be gradually pulled to integrate into the upper class life in the capital.
It is recently popular among wealthy ladies in the capital to raise little Beijing babies.
Someone gave one to Zhao Duan. He was too lazy to walk the dog, so he simply gave it to Zhao Pan and kept it for her to warm her feet in winter.
Shyly and schemingly, she quickly retracted her delicate feet under her skirt, turned around, and said with a smile:
"Big brother can always come up with new food, it's really cool."
Eating crabs in autumn was a custom among officials in the Yu Dynasty.
A few days ago, Zhao Duan wrote a recipe for drunken crab based on his memories and asked the cook at his house to try it.
Unfortunately, I was not very satisfied with it the first time. Today is an improved version.
"Well, since my aunt is watching in person, it will definitely be much better than last time."
Zhao Duan joked casually.
When they sat down, they took the crabs that were fished out of the soup vat and were bigger than their hands, and the family of three ate the crabs.
"Yeah! It's really much better."
When the crab roe entered his mouth, Zhao Duan nodded in admiration.
Although the taste cannot be compared with the familiar one due to the lack of seasonings, it is better because of the excellent ingredients that complement the taste.
Eugene's eyebrows like willow leaves curved in a smile.
She doesn't care much about food. As long as her stepson and daughter find it delicious, she feels good about it too.
Hearing this, he said: "It's a pity that the cook is from the capital. I heard that when it comes to cooking crabs, the best ones are the cooks from the Huai River Road. The green crabs that are abundant there are also outstanding. When it comes to eating crabs, it is said that The king of Huai'an claims to be the first, but no one claims to be the second."
Zhao Pan ate the crab in small bites, blowing his mouth and raising his little finger from time to time.
The main theme is to imitate the gentle manners of a lady.
Blinking, he asked curiously: "The King of Huai'an? That 'Foodie Prince'? My daughter heard that the princess who came to the city recently is the daughter of the Prince of Huai'an. Does eldest brother know?"
Zhao Duan looked at ease and said calmly while taking apart the crab claws:
"It's true."
With his status, of course he knew about the arrival of the princess.
As far as he knew, the princess claimed to be here to observe Buddhist and Taoist fighting.
After entering the city, they went straight to the palace, where the empress personally received this "cousin".
In the next few days, the princess was not idle and began to visit the important figures in Beijing one by one.
Li Yanfu, Yuan Li, Dong Xuan...even Tianshi Mansion and Shenlong Temple were not missed.
The main feature is to soak up both rain and dew.
Later, he used Korean porridge as a breakthrough, claiming to admire the style of Beijing figures, and entered the circle of the capital's literary circles.
I participated in an autumn literary party and had a great time.
It didn't take long for him to become a stirring figure in the capital.
It's just that Zhao Duan hasn't met him yet, but he has read the information about the Huai'an King's family several times.
"Long-sleeved and good at dancing."
This was his comment on the princess after watching her with cold eyes for several days.
Or, to use more vivid words, he is like a "social butterfly".
"I heard that this princess is a very talented woman. She is so talented in poetry that even Han Banshan was amazed."
Zhao Pan pinched the crab legs and whispered softly: "Didn't she visit eldest brother?"
Zhao Duan smiled and said: "I am just a fourth-grade military general. I am a high-ranking official outside. But in the capital, I cannot get a seat at all. How can I be visited by someone who is the daughter of a royal family?"
Zhao Pan snorted and said unconvinced:
"Brother is not an ordinary military officer. I heard that the Huai River Road is the territory of the Xiangguo faction. I thought that the King of Huai'an was also in the same group as the 'Li Party', so I deliberately slighted my eldest brother."
Eugene Flower suddenly became worried, with worries in her eyes:
"Da Lang, is this really the case? Then don't provoke the princess. After all, her surname is Xu."
Zhao Duan couldn't help but laugh, scalped the girl, and scolded with a smile: "The little girl is still analyzing the situation of the previous court. What? Want to be a counselor for the elder brother? Then let's test your recent studies first?"
Zhao Pan's face fell instantly, he didn't say a word, and stepped on Jingba under his skirt.
The noble dog, nicknamed the "sleeve dog" after being trampled, howled and screamed, feeling aggrieved and with tears in his eyes.
I don’t know how to offend the hostess.
After Zhao Duan finished eating and left, Eugene Hua looked at his daughter, hesitated, and said tentatively:
"Your coursework..."
"mother!"
Zhao Pan turned his head, picked up the confused dog, and said seriously:
"I heard someone say that a woman's nagging is a sign of getting older."
After saying that, she clicked, clicked, and returned to the house with the dog, which had not tasted a bite of crab.
Getting older... Eugene Hua rubbed Qiu Fat's belly as if he had been hit hard, with a sad face.
…
…
Zhaoyamen, Lihuatang.
When Zhao Duan arrived at the Yamen, the rain had almost stopped, but the sky was still overcast.
I wanted to check in as usual, just handle official business and then leave.
Unexpectedly, the little secretary held him down and said: "Sir, the Governor summoned the nine Tangkou Police Departments to discuss matters."
There was a meeting early in the morning... Zhao Duan cursed and raised his buttocks to go to the Governor's Hall.
A group of people were drowsy, listening to Ma Yan hold a morning meeting for most of an hour.
The spirit of the core meeting is this:
Buddhism and Taoism are approaching, and the capital has seen many practitioners from other places in recent days, especially martial arts practitioners.
Dayu established the country by force. Although civil servants were the most senior in the court, the folk customs still had a martial spirit.
The empress has a broad mind and provides convenience to people from all walks of life who come to watch the fight.
However, as there are too many people in the arena, conflicts will inevitably break out.
Therefore, the pressure to maintain law and order fell on the entire Forbidden Army.
As one of the Imperial Guards and responsible for detecting those who rebel against the Party, the Zhao Yamen have a particularly heavy burden on their shoulders.
Ma Yan urged Jiutang to increase patrols and tighten their nerves. Don't let any trouble happen in the city during this period, and be careful not to let Kuangfu She take the opportunity to cause trouble.
"The Governor just thinks too much. Kuang Fu She dares to slap the faces of the Buddhist and Taoist families unless he is seeking death."
After the meeting, Haitang hugged his shoulders and looked angry as if he was beating up the workers.
"The rest of the Jianghu people must also be suppressed. If trouble occurs, it will damage His Majesty's majesty." King Juan Zhang Han looked serious.
Zhao Duan walked lazily among the crowd, and suddenly said with a ferocious smile: "Isn't it just to let those reckless people from other places lie down? Anyway, if you see anyone who is ignorant, you will be done with it.
This is the capital city, how can we, a bunch of local cowards, be bullied by outsiders? It doesn't matter what princes, nobles, or people with great backgrounds, the dragon must be coiled and the tiger must lie down. "
The other detectives looked at him with strange expressions.
I honestly feel that I am being foolish, but why do I feel so inexplicably happy when I hear these words...
Haitang hugged her shoulders, with a strange smile on her face as if she was seeing an acquaintance show off, and teased:
"Master Zhao, this is what you mean. By the way, let me remind you that there are dragons and tigers hiding in the city recently.
My informant from Shuixiantang reported that he saw a suspected martial artist from Emperor Wu City in the city. If you accidentally bump into him, you have to be careful to capsize the boat. "
Zhao Duan glanced at her and said lightly: "That Chai Keqiao? You are not the only one with smart eyes and ears in Shuixian Hall."
Zhang Han and the other six detectives silently watched the two bickering. This was already a different scene in the imperial office.
"snort!"
In the end, the two people broke up unhappy in the quarrel without a winner.
Zhao Duan strode out.
"You just skipped work when the Governor asked you to be serious?" Haitang grabbed his pigtails.
Zhao Duan ignored her at all: "Do you know what it means to practice under orders?"
…
To maintain law and order, there is no shortage of him.
Zhao Duan kept in mind that his mission during this period was to follow Eunuch Hai and learn how to enter the realm of divine chapters as soon as possible.
Walk out of the imperial office.
Zhao Duan rode alone, estimated the time, broke through the autumn wind, and arrived at a certain "tea house street" in the city.
Many teahouses have opened in this area, collecting famous teas from all over the world.
It is also well-known in Beijing, and it is considered an industrial cluster.
However, Zhao Duan came here not to drink tea, but because Eunuch Hai was waiting for him here.
"You are a quarter of an hour late today."
The table on the second floor, closest to the street and with the best view.
Hai Chongfeng, who was dressed as an ordinary rich man, said calmly.
He wears a melon-skin hat and an emerald ring on his finger. He has fine wrinkles, a face like a baby, and a slightly stooped figure.
At first glance, no one would associate such an old man drinking tea with the most powerful person in the palace.
Zhao Duan walked over with a smile and handed over the paper bag he was carrying:
"Mr. Hai, the Yamen is discussing something this morning, and I brought apricot cake to apologize."
Outside the palace, the old priest who was called "Mr. Hai" glanced at him and smiled: "You ghost, where did you find out that our family likes this one?"
Zhao Duan laughed, did not answer, and sat down opposite the old worshiper, minding his own business, and said:
"Sir, you have been taking me to watch the theater here for three days in a row. I don't know when you will start practicing and learn to break through Shenzhang's state of mind?"
Eunuch Hai put down the blue and white cup, opened the paper package with wrinkled hands, picked up an apricot and stuffed it into his mouth.
Feeling the sweetness on the tip of his tongue, he smiled and said: "Practice? It has already started."
…
…
Just when Zhao Duan was talking to Eunuch Hai.
Opposite the teahouse where the two of them were, the box door of another teahouse across the street was pushed open.
The maid named "Lv Shui" walked in and reported:
"Princess Princess, Zhao Duan is here."
In the room, two figures were sitting at the table.
First, surprisingly, Xu Junling, a famous and talented "social butterfly", has been visiting various houses in Beijing these days.
The second one was the old man in plain robes who was ordered by the King of Huai'an to protect the safety of the princess.
The tea house is also next to the street, but the windows are half open and half closed. From the house, you can overlook the excitement and crowds in the middle of the street.
But from the outside, it is almost impossible to see the appearance of the people inside the house.
"It's a quarter of an hour later than the intelligence said. I thought I wouldn't come today,"
Xu Junling, who looked sweet, elegant and generous, glanced at the hourglass on the table, turned his fingers on the exquisite tea bowl soaked in white porcelain with a touch of green, and said calmly:
"Did the other party notice?"
The maid said: "According to your order, we did not do any investigation, we just watched from a distance."
"Well, very good." Xu Junling nodded slightly.
Her eyes fell on the thick stack on the table. After entering the capital, she continued to collect and complete information about Zhao Duan from various channels.
Frankly speaking, the more she looked at it, the more frightened she became.
After all, King Huai'an was thousands of miles away, and his intelligence system was far inferior to that of King Jing.
Therefore, the information I received before was relatively rough and contained many errors and omissions.
These days, Xu Junling talked with different people in Beijing, and learned more real information about this person during the conversation.
The more she watched, the more interested she became in this imperial sister's favorite, and the more...
fear.
At the same time, the mind that comes into contact with temptation also arises.
According to recent intelligence, Zhao Duan arrived at the teahouse opposite on time for three consecutive days at this time every day to drink tea with an unidentified old man.
I didn't go back until night, and so on.
Xu Junling did not investigate the identity of the old man, but based on the information she already had, there was no big shot in Beijing who matched him.
He is no longer so vigilant.
"In that case, let's go ahead and give the order." Xu Junling said calmly.
The maid took the order and left.
The old man in plain robes opposite said in a deep voice:
"The princess really wants to do this?"
Xu Junling smiled and shook his head, without explaining, just said:
"Master Lu just needs to protect me."
The old man in plain robes stroked his beard, smiled faintly, and spoke with confidence:
"That's natural. There is no one on this long street that I can put in my eyes."
…
"Has it started already?!"
Zhao Duan was stunned.
Opposite, Hai Zongfeng, who pretended to be a rich man and had been forgotten by the world for decades, smiled and nodded. He pointed out the window:
"What is outside?"
Zhao Duan turned his head and looked outside the teahouse. On the long street, it was not the daily scene of ordinary people.
Instead, patches of land were vacated, surrounded by Forbidden troops wearing armor and standing guard with weapons in hand.
His sharp gaze swept around.
The people of the capital and spectators from out of town gathered outside the open space, as if watching a play.
And in the middle of the street, in the isolated open space, two martial arts warriors were fighting.
…
The typos were corrected first and then
Thanks to my wife Xu Zhenguan for the 500-point reward~~This name... is amazing
(End of this chapter)