Gu Yun frowned and carefully recalled for a moment, "It sounds familiar. I've heard of it before … It seems to be a god in the north?"
"It's the head of the four evil gods worshipped by the eighteen tribes." Chen Qingxu explained, "Legend has it that he has four legs, four arms, two heads, and two hearts. He is in charge of disasters and famine. Wu 'er Gu is greedy by nature. When he descends, the sky changes color and all living things will be devoured by him. He is the most feared god in the Bei Man Land."
Gu Yun made a sound of acknowledgment, a little confused.
"I've been in the grasslands for half a year, but until now, I can only say that I have a superficial understanding of the witchcraft of the eighteen tribes. The profoundness and origin of their witchcraft is beyond my imagination. Many witchcraft techniques are related to their strange legends of evil gods. The most vicious one is' Wu 'er Gu'." Chen Qingxu paused for a moment, "'Four legs, four arms, two heads, and two hearts.' What does Marquis think it sounds like?"
Gu Yun hesitated, "It sounds like two people are glued together."
Chen Qingxu said, "That's right. The evil god Wu 'er Gu devoured his brother when he was born. Since then, he has received double the divine power. In the eighteen tribes, there is an ancient witchcraft technique that combines two blood-related brothers into one not long after they were born. The monster … human that is cultivated can obtain the evil god's power. It is also called 'Wu' er Gu '. "
Gu Yun listened and was silent for a while. He gently pressed his ribs. Although there was a steel plate protecting his ribs, he did not know why, but he still felt a pinpricking pain under his ribs.
Chen Qingxu hurriedly said, "Marquis, your injury …"
"It's okay," Gu Yun waved his hand. He licked his lips slightly and asked in a slow tone, "Miss Chen, I don't quite understand. What do you mean by 'combine two people into one'?"
Chen Qingxu was a little hesitant.
"It doesn't matter," Gu Yun said. "Just say it."
"It's just hearsay. I'm afraid it's not accurate," Chen Qingxu lowered his voice and said, "It's about putting a pair of babies within one year old in a sealed place without light, water, or food. One of them will suffocate to death first. The dead baby will be taken out and refined with a secret method."
For a moment, Gu Yun thought that the effects of the drug had worn off and that her ears were useless again. She asked with difficulty, "… What?"
"Refine." Chen Qingxu gritted his teeth. "Then, combined with the secret medicine of the Barbarian Witch, he fed it to his surviving brothers bit by bit."
Gu Yun cried out involuntarily, "Can that child still live?"
"Marshal, you've underestimated the eighteen thousand-year-old Voodoo Arts," Chen Qingxu sighed. "In the Voodoo Arts that have been lost, there are even records of turning dead people into living zombies that can run, not to mention refining a living person into a weapon. They think that the person who is refined in this way … or called 'Wu' er's Gu ', is either extremely strong or extraordinarily intelligent from a young age. It's all because' he 'is actually two people with four legs and two heads. He can summon the power of the Evil God. "
Gu Yun hesitated and said, "Forgive me for being ignorant, but I don't have any opinion on this kind of … thing. Miss Chen, I think this sounds like nonsense spread among uncivilized fools."
Chen Qingxu said, "According to our inherent knowledge and understanding, Marquis can regard Wu 'er's Gu as a kind of poison that destroys the mind. Some lunatics are indeed much stronger than ordinary people. Their perspective of thinking is often different from ordinary people. When they haven't completely lost their minds, it's not surprising that they appear to be extraordinarily intelligent."
Gu Yun: "… There are still things that can't be understood by our inherent knowledge and understanding."
Chen Qingxu said, "Marshal, to tell you the truth, I sneaked into the eighteen tribes to search for the Voodoo Arts not only for your spies, but also to trace back Wu 'er' gu. However, there are very few records related to the barbarians. There is only one rumor about an ancient barbarian general. That person's name is' Wu 'er' gu. This person is cruel and bloodthirsty, but he won every battle. He single-handedly established the unification of the eighteen tribes today. He lived for thirty-two years and never married. The reason is' neither alive nor dead, neither male nor female '."
Gu Yun had goosebumps when he heard this.
Chen Qingxu: "I've investigated this person's life and birth. I learned that his mother gave birth to a pair of twins, but there were no records about the girl after that. There was also no mention of her death … There are two explanations for this. Either the girl went missing after the family fell, or …"
This pair of twins was refined into Wu 'er' gu. The dead and the living merged into one. The male and female grew together, which was' neither alive nor dead, neither male nor female '.
Gu Yun's hand under his ribs tightened. Chen Qingxu asked nervously, "Marquis, is the steel plate loose?"
Gu Yun bent down. After a long while, he took a deep breath and whispered, "Why would someone do such a thing?"
Chen Qingxu helped him to sit down at the side, "Usually, only when the country is destroyed and the family is in danger would such a ruthless act be done. They would use the blood as a sacrifice to the Evil God to seek revenge. Whenever a person named Wu 'er' gu appears, it would cause a storm of blood."
Gu Yun: "Just now, you said that it is like a kind of poison that damages one's mind. Explain this part more clearly."
Chen Qingxu said, "Wu 'er' gu will go crazy. In the beginning, it will be because of nightmares. Over time, people will become sensitive and suspicious. If it is not controlled, they will gradually have hallucinations. In the end …"
"So …" Gu Yun only said two words when his voice was so hoarse that it seemed to crack. He had to forcefully clear his throat before he could continue speaking, "So you gave him Anshensan."
Chen Qingxu: "…"
Of course, she knew who Gu Yun was referring to. She was speechless and could only acquiesce.
Gu Yun closed his eyes slightly. Now that he thought about it, Chang Geng had casually mentioned to him more than once that excessive liver fire made it easy for him to not sleep well. However, he did not take it to heart at all. He only thought that this child had become obsessed with learning medicine from the Chen Family. All day long, he made himself sound like a little old man and talked about how to maintain his health. However, it turned out that … he had so many difficulties.
Gu Yun: "To what extent is Chang Geng?"
Chen Qingxu did not say anything for a moment.
Gu Yun: "Tell me, no matter what, I can accept it. As long as I am alive, I will not care whether he is crazy or stupid."
Chen Qingxu said, "His Highness … His Highness has a firm will and a peaceful state of mind. For many years, Wu 'er' gu in his body has not acted up. He knows in his heart that he is more restrained than ordinary people. However, a while ago … Oh … I have already suppressed it with acupuncture. Marquis, you don't have to worry."
Although she spoke vaguely, Gu Yun could tell that she had always been in a peaceful state of mind and had not acted up much, except for a while ago.
"It's because of me." He thought blankly. He stood up like a zombie and staggered for a moment. His face looked as if he had just been stabbed.
Then, he let go of Chen Qingxu's hand that wanted to support him and walked away in a daze. The stiff steel plate that supported him made him look like an iron puppet that was about to be burnt dry.
Chen Qingxu stood in place for a moment. Her plain white face was very dignified. She could not help but look back in the direction of the capital. The wooden bird that was released a few days ago should have arrived in the capital. However … was the decision written in her letter really correct?
The sky in the capital was gloomy. When the wooden bird flew by, its small figure completely blended into the oppressive black clouds and was almost invisible.
Zhang Fenghan got out of a carriage and cupped his hands in thanks to the person in the carriage, "I have troubled Your Highness to take the time to send this old man here."
Changgeng lifted the curtain and smiled, "I have been living in the Grand Council for days. It is time for me to go back to the Marquis fu to get a change of clothes. It is just on the way. You don't have to be so polite. However, didn't the Lingshu Temple prepare a carriage for you?"
Zhang Fenghan did not care too much, "It is all used by the subordinates to run errands. I don't leave the capital. My old bones should also move around. Now that there is war everywhere, the imperial court is using money everywhere. We should save as much as we can. Even if we can't turn the tide, can't we do our best?"
Changgeng smiled, "That is the truth. This young one has learned a lot."
Zhang Fenghan hurriedly said, "I don't dare." However, Changgeng stopped him and said, "Sir Feng, please wait."
As he spoke, he took out Zhang Fenghan's brazen request for the Emperor to lift the ban on the commoners' purple gold. Handing it over with both hands, he said, "Fenghan gonggong, please forgive me. I blocked this memorial on my own accord and did not send it to you — — there are no outsiders here, so I'll say something that will hurt your heart. The commoners' purple gold has always been the Emperor's reverse scale. Ever since he became Martial Emperor, there has never been a day where he relaxed. Putting yourself in his shoes, to the Emperor, purple gold is no different from the Imperial Jade Seal. If you were the Emperor, would you allow commoners to privately take radish carvings to sell for fun?"
Zhang Fenghan knew that his memorial would not be of any use. If it was not rejected by the Grand Council, it would cause the Emperor Long An to lose his temper again. However, he had the spirit of a scholar. He always felt that "it is up to you to listen or not. I will say what I should say." Who would have thought that His Royal Highness Yan Wang would personally come to him to explain and speak so frankly.
Zhang Fenghan's face turned red from his frankness. He sighed, "Your Highness … Ai, Your Highness is right. I am old and muddle-headed. I have caused trouble for Your Highness."
"I know that Sir Feng Han has the heart of fighting for the country and the people. You are the backbone of the Lingshu Temple. These years, Daliang's days have not been good. The steel armor and combat equipment all rely on you." Changgeng waved his hand and said, "We can't even wait to protect you. How can there be trouble?"
Zhang Fenghan was a bit helpless. However, Yan Wang's expression was extremely sincere, and his tone was not corny. For a moment, he did not know how to respond. He could only say, "I am ashamed."
"Ever since my childhood friend Ge Chen entered the Lingshu Temple, he has been whispering in my ear about Sir Feng Han," Changgeng teased. "He hates that he can't learn from you that you like to drink Houkui and that you like to eat pickled radishes. I think he just needs to buy a white hat and wear it every day."
Zhang Fenghan's old face was really red this time. He hated that he could not call his new disciple Ge Chen over and slap him. He poured all kinds of trivial things into Yan Wang's ears.
"Ge Chen and I grew up together in Yanhui City. When we were young, the barbarians invaded. He didn't have many people in his family. He has been following me for so many years …" Changgeng paused slightly and looked at Zhang Fenghan with some embarrassment. "I won't beat around the bush. Ge Chen wants me to tell Sir Feng Han that he has always admired Sir Feng Han's character. He wants to recognize you … Well, to be an elder. He doesn't ask for anything else. He just wants to be able to serve you in the future.
What do you think? "Zhang Fenghan's breathing became rapid for a moment.
After Ge Chen followed Shen Yi to the capital, he stayed in the capital and entered the Lingshu Temple. He was diligent, clever, and very talented. He hit it off with Zhang Fenghan very well. Within a few days, he was accepted by the old man as his direct disciple.
However, he was not ignorant. He, Zhang Fenghan, had no power or influence in his life. He was always disliked by people. What good could he bring to people? Who could he protect? Even if he was old and had no children, other than a few old dogs at home, who would be willing to pay attention to him?
Changgeng looked at his expression and said, "Alas, I already told him that Sir Feng Han loves peace and quiet. You don't like noisy people like him. You don't have to be embarrassed. I'll scold him for you later. Don't worry, that thing has been heartless since he was young. He won't take it to heart."
Zhang Fenghan hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please wait! Your Highness! I … this … this old man … "
In his anxiety, he was tongue-tied and his forehead was sweating profusely. Chang Geng didn't say anything. He calmly looked at him and smiled. His smile didn't have any haze. It was bright and clean like a teenager, with a little bit of mischievousness.
Zhang Fenghan rarely saw him not being mature and prudent. He came back to his senses and smiled helplessly, "Your Highness is really …"
"Then I'll tell him. I'll turn the corner and go home. Sir Feng Han, please do as you please," Changgeng said briskly, "Later, I'll ask Xiao Ge to find an auspicious time to kowtow to you. By the way, it's going to rain soon. You can take an umbrella from me in case you need it."
Zhang Fenghan, the old troublemaker who made Li Feng's head full of bumps, said goodbye to him with a smile. He looked at Yan Wang's car with kind eyes as it drove away.
As soon as Changgeng left, the sky began to drizzle as he said.
Sir Feng Han held up the umbrella that Changgeng had left for him and felt a little emotional. In the past half a year, there had been war and chaos. Even though it wasn't peaceful, as long as he looked at these young people, he felt that the giant pillar of Daliang's golden palace hadn't collapsed and that there were still a few people holding it up.
There were many intelligent and talented people in the world. However, if a person was too intelligent, he would always lack some vigor and would be more inclined to protect himself. There had to be someone who was truly wise and brave to take the initiative to stand out and pick up the beam. Only then would they be able to gather together.
The people who walked at the front were destined to work hard and not necessarily have a good ending. If it wasn't worth it, it wouldn't be worth it. However, if there weren't a few stones, wouldn't it have been destroyed long ago?
Sir Feng Han turned his head and saw a snow-white monk's robe flash by in the corner of the alley. He put away the smile on his face and quickly walked over.
The restaurant in the alley wasn't as grand and dignified as the Flying Crane Restaurant of old. It was more like a casual little tea shop. It didn't seem out of place for someone as poor as Sir Feng Han to walk in. He closed the umbrella and shook the rain off. He heard someone lightly knock on the wooden stairs. He raised his head and saw Master Liao Ran take off his wet bamboo hat. He stood on the second floor and nodded slightly at him. Sir Feng Han understood and quickly walked up.
The two of them walked into the innermost private room one after the other. There was already a middle-aged man waiting inside. The man was about 40 or 50 years old. His appearance was average, and his clothing wasn't very ostentatious. However, at a glance, he looked very friendly. It was as if the corners of his eyes and the tips of his eyebrows were round. If there were officials from the Ministry of Revenue here, they would probably be very surprised. This person was the richest man in Jiangnan, Du Wanquan.
Du Wanquan had made his fortune in Jiangnan. He had once personally formed a caravan to go to the Western Ocean. He was the only tycoon to go to the Western Ocean since the Emperor Wu of Daliang opened up the sea. He had a narrow escape, but the profits were great. When he returned, he was known as the "God of Wealth Du."
Later, he moved to the northwest and was chosen as the chairman of the Central Plains Chamber of Commerce on Gu Si Road.
As early as the Marquis of Stability, for some reason, had been ordered to cut his salary and reflect on himself in the capital. Before he returned, this shrewd businessman took the lead to gather the members of the Chamber of Commerce and began to evacuate in batches. Later, the turmoil in the Western Regions didn't hurt too many innocents. It could be said that this God of Wealth's wind vane had led the way in time.
No one knew how much money Du Wanquan had. They all said that he was as rich as a country. Of course, based on Daliang's current poverty, being able to rival a country wasn't a big deal.
Such a God of Wealth was now gathered in a rather shabby little wine shop with the monks of Huguo Temple and the old troublemaker of Lingshu Temple.
Seeing Zhang Fenghan, Du Wanquan hurriedly and courteously got up and invited him to the seat of honor. He cupped his hands and said, "Come in, come in. Elder Brother and I haven't seen each other for more than ten years. Now it seems that you haven't changed at all. Your elegant demeanor is even better than before."
Zhang Fenghan declined while saying, "What are you talking about? I'm old."
Du Wanquan solemnly cupped his fists and said, "Before Ol 'Du came to the capital, my wife and children dissuaded me from going. They were afraid that the situation in the capital would not be stable. I told them,' Isn't Feng Han Gong older and more capable than I am? ' When the enemy came to the city, he was unarmed and fearless. I'm just a small businessman. Although I can't compare to such a peerless scholar, what would I become if I didn't even dare to come and pay a visit? "
Fortune God Du had been living in the business world for a long time, so his amiability made him rich. His way of talking was similar to that of His Highness King Yan. Both of them could make people blush with a few words and still make people feel comfortable. Zhang Fenghan realized that if she continued to be polite with him, they might not be able to get down to business before dark, so she had to sit at the head of the table.
Liao Ran put his palms together and gestured, "Mr. Du's family is big and has a lot of business. Duke Feng Han has to go back to Lingshu Temple in a while. Let's not talk too much. The younger generation has overstepped their boundaries and brought up this topic."
With that, he took out the Buddhist prayer beads in his arms and pulled them gently. A string of beads scattered. Liao Ran broke the largest bead and took out a piece of old hollow wood. The shell was simple and unadorned, but there were countless delicate gears quietly displayed inside.
Duke Feng Han and Du Wanquan looked at each other and no longer exchanged pleasantries. They each took out a similar piece of hollow wood from their arms. The three pieces of hollow wood were placed together and attracted each other. They slid on the table on their own. The gears inside bit each other and in the blink of an eye, they joined together and formed the upper part of a wooden plate with the word "Lin" on it.
"The last time this plate was put together was more than two hundred years ago," Du Wanquan sighed, "Last time, the ancestors entrusted this thing to Emperor Taizu. They didn't choose the wrong person in exchange for two hundred years of peace and prosperity. Now it has been passed down to our generation. I hope we can still choose the right person this time … Today, Master Liao Ran called 'Linyuan'. I think you have a candidate."
Liao Ran gestured, "Mr. Zhong and the Chen family are at the front line, so they can't come. Mr. Zhong asked someone to bring his opinion and the wooden plate. Miss Chen's place is chaotic, so she is a little far away. She hasn't seen them yet, but I guess they will come in a day or half a day."
Du Wanquan glanced at the wooden plate on the table and sat upright, "Master, please say."
"Amitabha," Liao Ran put his palms together and bowed his head, "At the beginning of the war, there is a person who used the wooden bird of Linyuan Pavilion to send a message. He left a chess piece for the besieged capital. He was ordered to kill the traitor, defend the city in person, and refuse the imperial edict —"
When Zhang Fenghan heard this, he immediately echoed, "I agree with the person mentioned by Master. I have the most contact with His Royal Highness Yan Wang in the imperial court. Although he is young, he has both integrity and talent. I am willing to entrust this wooden plate to him. I am ashamed to say that I have been idle for many years. When I heard the news from the front line, I was stunned. I didn't think that the Western Army could really besiege the capital, nor did I think of using a wooden bird to send a message … Mr. Du, what do you think?"
The two people at the table looked at Du Wanquan at the same time. Du Wanquan thought for a moment and didn't answer for a while. He said tactfully, "His Royal Highness Yan Wang is a noble person. I have never met him, but I heard that His Royal Highness Yan Wang used to be Mr. Zhong's disciple and has a friendship with the Chen family. Those two must know more about him. Why don't we wait for them?"
Liao Ran took out a wooden bird from his arms. There was a very thin seal on the belly of the wooden bird, which was intact.
"This is Mr. Zhong's," Liao Ran said, "I haven't opened it yet. Please."
Du Wanquan rubbed his hands and said embarrassedly, "I won't be polite."
After he finished speaking, he carefully opened the seal, opened the belly of the bird, and took out the fourth wooden plate from inside.
The word "Yuan" was more than half put together, and only a corner was left. Under the wooden plate, there was a piece of sea-patterned paper from Zhong Chan.
Zhang Fenghan said, "Mr. Zhong personally taught His Royal Highness Yan Wang how to deploy troops, arrange formations, and equestrian archery. What kind of friendship is that? Could it be …"
His voice suddenly stopped. He saw Du Wanquan spread the sea-patterned paper from Zhong Chan on the table. The note said, "This person has the talent to pacify the world, but his childhood was too rough. Although he was kind when he was young, he may not be faithful to one person until the end of his life. Moreover, he has the hidden danger of 'Wu' er Gu '.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
