Whispers and cries of alarm could be heard.
"Who's that?"
"Li Tianyou … the younger brother of General Li of the State …"
"What's he doing here …"
"Someone has committed a crime with such an identity …"
Zhu Yanlin had invited many people to the banquet in Four Seasons Sect. Even though more than half of them had left, there were still forty to fifty people lingering around. With the servants who were already in the shop and the prostitutes who were invited to liven things up, the scale of the banquet was actually larger.
Among the forty to fifty people, most of them had something to do with Fang La's current system. However, like Liu Xiyang, he felt that Qi Yuankang's matter had nothing to do with him, so he stayed for Zhu Yanlin, Lou Jingzhi, and the others. There were also some young men who were originally in Fang La's army. Most of them were the brothel girls who had been left behind. Having experienced many battles, they were now chatting with the girls they liked and fawning over them.
On the one hand, it had nothing to do with them, and on the other hand, it was because the environment around them had stabilized a little. More or less, the participants knew poetry and admired the unmoved and indifferent demeanor of a famous scholar. From the beginning of the chaos in the city until now, the atmosphere in Four Seasons Sect had always been leisurely. However, as this group of soldiers went up the stairs, especially after they recognized Li Tianyou, they were really shocked.
Zhu Yanlin's expression was a little stiff from the beginning. He frowned and his eyes were gloomy. Even Lou Jingzhi subconsciously stood up from her seat. In all fairness, everyone was born in rebellion. Fang La's army was full of generals. Li Tianyou was mediocre and not outstanding among this group of people, but his brother Li Tianrun was indeed a first-class figure in the army. No one could ignore the title of the younger brother of the State General.
At this time, Hangzhou focused on calming the people's hearts. Even if they encountered a major event like Qi Yuankang's rebellion, Zhu Yanlin and the others could be sure that there would be no problems. But at such a moment tonight, when Li Tianyou suddenly led his troops over, the first thing that everyone thought of could only be that the matter of Qi Yuankang had spread, and some people had been dragged down along with the disaster of war. And in terms of status, even Lou Jingzhi, the son of the Left Prime Minister, had some suspicions for a moment. Was this political battle about to start because of Li Tianrun's return going to involve his family?
When Li Tianyou walked to the side of the table and sat down, many people heaved a sigh of relief when they saw the two people sitting there. There were also people who recognized the two, like Liu Xiyang and Zhu Yanlin. They guessed that the rising Lou Family had been pulled down. Lou Shuwan's face turned pale.
Given the current situation in Hangzhou, even though the higher-ups said that the new dynasty had just been established, everything had to be stabilized. But the disaster from two months ago was still fresh in their minds. Everyone spoke with swords in their hands, and they were like floating duckweed. No one could feel safe. Although the Lou family was like the sun at high noon under the instruction of Fang Qifo, it was not difficult to understand that they were immediately exterminated.
When he understood that the matter did not affect him, Zhu Yanlin finally regained his composure. He walked over there with the attitude of a host. With his identity, as long as the other party did not use their swords, he could still talk to both sides.
On the other side, Li Tianyou and Ning Yi looked at each other for a few seconds. There was a smug look in their eyes that said, "I've caught you." Liu Jin stood beside Ning Yi with his hand on his sword. He looked fiercely at the subordinates that Li Tianyou brought with him. He was Ah Chang's disciple, but he was young after all, so everyone did not take him seriously. Nowadays, on the streets of Hangzhou, there were many young people like him who had killed people with swords. Because Li Tianyou had not given the order, more than a dozen people sat down around him. When Zhu Yanlin came over, an attendant whispered something in Li Tianyou's ear. Only then did Li Tianyou stand up.
"Zhu Hanlin." He cupped his hands, then gestured to the other side a little further away. His voice was full of energy. "Young Master Lou is also here. Sorry to disturb you."
"Young Uncle Li." Lou Jingzhi cupped her hands and sat down to observe the situation. Zhu Yanlin said, "General Li, I'm the one who set up the banquet here today. I wonder …"
"Today, Xuanwei Camp came to settle an old grudge. This matter has nothing to do with others. I didn't know it was Zhu Hanlin who set up the banquet. Tonight, the grudge will be settled. I will come to Zhu Hanlin to apologize in the future. I hope Hanlin can be magnanimous. "
Saying that he didn't know it was Zhu Yanlin who set up the banquet today was naturally false. But Li Tianyou's words were sonorous at this time, which had already revealed his determination. Moreover, the grudge of Xuanwei Camp was not Li Tianyou's grudge. This so-called Xuanwei Camp was actually the Li Family's army. The real leader was Li Tianrun himself. Zhu Yanlin hesitated slightly. "This … I wonder what kind of grudge General Li is talking about. If it can be resolved …"
"It can't be resolved!" Li Tianyou had already answered coldly before the other party finished speaking. Zhu Yanlin's expression froze, but he was relieved in his heart. As the host, logically speaking, he should help to be the peacemaker. At this time, the other party's attitude was tough, so he lost some face and went with the flow. At this point, Li Tianyou only glanced at Lou Jingzhi over there and ignored Zhu Yanlin. He took a deep breath and sat down again opposite Ning Yi. After a moment, he actually laughed.
"After such a long time, I finally caught you. It's really not easy … Ning Liheng, you already know what will happen to you!"
*****
"… Ning Liheng, you already know what will happen to you!"
When hearing this, Lou Shuwan's mind was still blank.
It wasn't that she was a weak woman, but it was because the experience after the army broke into the city was too terrifying for those who were in it. If one didn't see it with their own eyes, no one would be able to understand the fear of not being able to protect themselves. Be it the officials, the rich, or the commoners, during that period of time, the entire city was not peaceful. People were killed in batches and women were humiliated and raped. Some women from rich families couldn't escape in time and were caught in the army. They were tortured all day long. Those who dared to commit suicide sought a quick death, but it was only a quick death. The fear brought about by suicide was still unbearable.
In fact, women weren't necessarily the most miserable at that time. She had seen with her own eyes some of the arrested officials being tortured, buried alive, and even skinned. During that period of time, people went crazy. Although the Lou family was under the protection of the Seven Buddhas of Fang, before the sword was sealed, there were still people coming to the door to harass them. She hid in her room all day and did not dare to go out. Even so, the situation outside still entered her ears in bits and pieces. There were even some servant girls in the mansion who accidentally showed their faces and were captured. Some of them did not even leave the mansion. One of her servant girls disappeared for a day. Later on, she was asked and found out that when she was working in the residence, she went near the outer wall of the courtyard and was tied up by a group of soldiers outside. When they found her, she was already dead, naked and covered in blood …
These things couldn't be investigated anymore.
Some people would be unable to recover from the terrifying blow, while others would find the strength to force themselves. Later on, when the situation really calmed down and her brother also returned, she came out to manage the affairs of the family because she knew it was necessary. But … when this possibility came back to her, she was really scared.
In the end, it was still the name Ning Liheng that woke her up. Before she could completely wrap her head around it, she saw the man beside her laugh and say in a clear voice, "I don't know what will happen, but since you came looking for me, you might as well come at me. Let's see if you want to come at me one by one or all at once. "
Her heart suddenly quivered, Lou Shuwan stood up and fixed her gaze on the man beside her.
The situation in front of her was too sudden. In fact, Ning Yi didn't have a good way to deal with it. But since there was no turning back, he wasn't a cowardly person. At this moment, he pressed his hands on the table. The sharpness and pressure that he usually restrained faintly seeped out. He actually confronted the dozen people in front of him. The people present originally thought that he was just a weak scholar. At this moment, they simply thought that he was crazy.
However, Liu Jin, who was beside Ning Yi, suddenly took a step forward. At the same time, among the people who came with Li Tianyou, five or six people also stood up. Each of them held their weapons and locked their auras on this young man. They weren't afraid of how powerful this young man was, but they were guarding against him. If they slashed at Li Tianyou, it would be embarrassing for them.
Li Tianyou was so angry that he laughed. Just as he was about to speak, the first to speak was Lou Shuwan, who suddenly stood up and glanced at Ning Yi. She only hesitated for a moment before responding immediately. "Li … General Li, I am from the Lou Family …"
"I know the Lou Family!" Li Tianyou said. "I have also met your father, Lou Jinlin. The Buddha General gave the Lou Family a chance to manage the rice. I respect the Buddha General! But for today's matter, young lady, you have to weigh your own weight. The blood feud of thousands of lives! If you think you are qualified to interfere, then do it. If you think it's not enough, then leave immediately. "
"But …" Lou Shuwan was stunned. She knew in her heart that if the higher-ups didn't decide to attack the Lou Family, she could still plead for leniency. They wouldn't have slashed her. But for a moment, she was also frightened by the "blood feud of thousands of lives" mentioned by Li Tianyou. She looked at Ning Yi's bright smile, which was faintly like a lion's, and didn't know why such a scholar would be involved in such a thing.
Many people present were also surprised by Li Tianyou's words. At the same time, Liu Jin, who was on the other side, took half a step forward and said loudly, "General Li, don't talk nonsense. Mister Ning is not a high-ranking official of the imperial court! At that time, Mister Ning was among the refugees, and he only acted to protect himself. Everyone fought on their own, so they can't be considered enemies! Now that he has forsaken the dark and entered the light, he is doing his best for the Tyrant's Saber Camp. All the grudges should be written off. If you have any resentment in your heart, you should seek it from the Tyrant's Saber Camp. What kind of hero are you to bully us with numbers? "
"Who do you think you are? How dare you talk to me like this!" Li Tianyou snorted coldly. "This guy killed thousands of lives, and your Tyrant's Saber Camp covered it up and wrote it off just like that. How arrogant. For the sake of the peace in the city, I don't want to force you directly. Otherwise, do you think the Announcing Might Camp is afraid of the mere 800 people of the Tyrant's Saber Camp? I killed him today. If you want to take revenge for him in the future, feel free to do so! "
"I didn't say that. My Manor Lord said it. I, Liu Jin, am only a small figure, but the Manor Lord asked me to follow Mister Ning. If you want to touch him, you will have to step over my dead body! "
A tall and thin man on the side pulled out his sword. "It's easy to take your life."
"Then bring it on." The young guard raised his saber with a clang. He was Ah Chang's disciple. The starting stance of the Tyrant's Saber, Returning Heavenly Pillar, was very strict. No one knew how long he had practiced it. The Tyrant's Saber was the most imposing. Although this starting stance was called Returning Heavenly Pillar, his feet were slightly lowered, and he held his saber by his side. It was clear that he had the spirit to die together with the enemy. For a moment, the atmosphere on both sides became tense. The dozen or so people that Li Tianyou brought with him all had different weapons. They were obviously the elites of the Announcing Might Camp, which was made up of experts from the Underworld. Ning Yi only had one person helping him. However, looking at the young man's aura, if these people really wanted to hurt Ning Yi, they would probably have to step over his dead body. As long as Li Tianyou nodded, someone might be killed the next moment.
At this time, the two bodyguards from the Underworld who were still at a loss behind Lou Shuwan had already come over. They didn't have the intention to help. Originally, when these two bodyguards and the Lou Clan's servants saw Li Tianyou's aura, they knew that they couldn't afford to offend him. Even if they were members of the Jianghu, they wouldn't dare to come. However, when they saw that Li Tianyou had no intention to cause trouble for the Lou Clan and had killed Tiger Toutuo Qin Gu Lai and Fairy Wei Lingxue, they came over.
However, as they approached with weapons in their hands, a man in his forties beside Li Tianyou looked over and said, "Qin Gu Lai, if you want to be a guard, go ahead. How dare you interfere in this matter. When did you eat the heart of a bear and the leopard's gall? Are you tired of living?!"
This person's tone was filled with contempt. He obviously looked down on this fierce looking Tiger Toutuo. Perhaps, he didn't value Liu Jin as much. Qin Gu Lai was a little embarrassed. He cupped his hands and said in a low voice, "Hero Luo, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm a guard, so there's nothing dishonorable about it." This was just a show of weakness, so the other party wouldn't force their way over. He walked to Lou Shuwan's side and said, "Miss, we can't afford to offend this matter …" After saying this, he added, "I'm afraid the Lou Clan can't afford to offend them either."
"But, but …" At this moment, Lou Shuwan was also a little out of her wits. She was indeed afraid of offending Li Tianyou. However, based on her intuition, she felt that there seemed to be someone behind Ning Yi who could speak. Since the Li Clan didn't intend to completely deal with the Lou Clan, then she might be able to say something. For example, if she was a little more forceful and asked the people around her to help out, and if that attendant of Ning Yi's was so resolute, there might be a chance that Li Tianyou wouldn't be able to take Liheng's life. In the future, if her father stood on her side, everything would be over even if she apologized.
This was the intuition that she had developed from dealing with people in the business world. However, she didn't dare to gamble at this moment. Just as she was feeling anxious, a voice rang out not far away.
"Mister Qin is right, Shuwan. We can't interfere in this matter."
The tone of the voice was gentle and indifferent. Lou Shuwan suddenly turned her head. At the staircase, a man in the same white robe appeared in her field of vision. His facial features were similar to Lou Shuwan's, but he was slightly older. Between his brows, there was a hint of fatigue and melancholy. He had a few attendants with him, and there were a few martial artists among them.
"Big Brother, help … help me out …"
The person who came was Lou Shuwang. Compared to Lou Shuwan and Lou Shuheng, his influence in the Lou Clan and outside was far greater than that of his sister-in-law and sister. Seeing his appearance, Lou Shuwan was surprised at first, but her heart soon sank.
"I can't help. At the east side of the city, Lord Qi Yuankang has been executed, but the chaos in the city hasn't been resolved yet. I know you're at Four Seasons Temple, so I came to pick you up."
He walked over, and after saying this, he cupped his fists at Ning Yi. "Ning Liheng, our Lou Clan and our Su Clan did have some dealings. However, on the day of the beginning of autumn, we had quite a conflict on the West Lake. Although we didn't become enemies, we couldn't be considered friends. Our Lou Clan can't even protect ourselves from today's incident, so we can't absolve you. You have a grudge with someone, so please take care. "
Ning Yi was in a standoff with Li Tianyou. He glanced at the surroundings out of the corner of his eyes. When Lou Shuwang appeared, he only glanced at the man slightly. After hearing what Lou Shuwang said, Ning Yi turned to look at him and nodded with a smile. "That's right. This has nothing to do with your Lou family. Miss Lou, please leave."
"But … Big Brother …"
Lou Shuwan still wanted to say something, but Lou Shuwang cupped his fists and said, "Miss Wei, sorry to trouble you." The girl named Wei Lingxue nodded. Her hand shot out like lightning and hit the back of Lou Shuwan's neck. Then, she hugged the unconscious Lou Shuwan.
Lou Shuwang sighed and went over to say goodbye to Lou Jingzhi. When he was about to leave, Li Tianyou asked him, "Lad from the Lou Clan, did you say that Qi Yuankang is dead?"
Lou Shuwang nodded. He walked to Li Tianyou's side and cupped his fists. Then, he spoke softly.
"I heard that … General Chao led his troops and surrounded the Qi Residence … Someone sent in a poem … Then … He went to chop off Lord Qi's head …"
Ning Yi's mind wasn't on Qi Yuankang at this moment. Lou Shuwang didn't speak loudly, so he only heard a few bits and pieces. After Lou Shuwang left, the murderous atmosphere solidified in the space. Ning Yi stood up, and the dozen people beside Li Tianyou also stood up. Liu Jin, who was at the side, took a deep breath and prepared to fight.
In reality, Li Tianyou and the others were probably only afraid of Liu Jin. Liu Dabiao was a very protective person. If Liu Jin, who was fighting with his life on the line, was killed here, Li Tianrun might really have to face the counterattack of the Tyrant's Blade Camp. But looking at the current situation, even if the standoff continued, Li Tianyou would definitely have to make a move.
Ning Yi reached out and pressed on the back of Liu Jin's saber.
Almost everyone looked at him.
"If things don't work out, you have to let go. There's no point for you to risk your life here. This is my battle, and I can fight it myself. As long as you're alive, they won't make things difficult for you. If I die, you can help me collect my corpse and tell Liu Dabiao to avenge me. This is something you can do. "
After he finished speaking, he suddenly swung his right hand. The saber light slashed across and hit the center axis of the wooden table in front of him. Wood splinters flew everywhere, and a crack appeared on half of the table. After taking two steps back, he turned around and faced the crowd.
"Who's next!"
He had always shown the image of a scholar, but his aura at this moment was so imposing that it stunned everyone present. Li Tianyou stroked the corner of his mouth with his thumb. There was a hint of bloodlust in his eyes. In the crowd over there, everyone was a little stunned, including a few courtesans who were blinking their eyes. Occasionally, they would whisper to each other.
"Who the hell is this person …"
"I heard that … he's the number one scholar of Jiangning …"
"He was the one who wrote 'Watching the Tide' …"
"General Li said that he has killed thousands of people …"
"Why did the young master from the Lou family say that it was the Su family and the Lou family …"
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