Snow filled the air, and the lofty mountains and precipitous ridges turned into a sheet of pure white snow, quietly lying between heaven and earth. The three feet deep river outside the small town was completely frozen. The river that usually flowed endlessly had long been frozen into a dead snake. The cold wind whistled, and even after the snow had stopped, it would still blow the snow into the air like a messy snowflake.
There was no trace of people, birds, or beasts. Most of the people in the small town were hibernating, hiding in their tightly sealed rooms, unwilling to come out. However, the small restaurant at the eastern end of the town was still open, hoping that there would occasionally be customers coming and going, so that they could earn a little more money before the New Year.
There really were people coming. On the road outside the small town, three people were leading their horses, hurrying forward. The snow was too thick here, so it was faster to walk than to ride a horse. The horses were wrapped in warm clothing to keep them warm, and felt blankets were draped over them. The same was true for the people. The three of them were wearing wool jackets, dog skin hats, and felt boots made of cowhide. It was obvious that they had come for a long journey.
The three of them walked into the empty town, pacing back and forth along the way, and only when they reached the eastern end of the town did they let out a sigh of relief. There was actually a restaurant open here. A man who was wrapped up tightly walked into the store. He untied the felt cloth covering his face, revealing a weathered face. His cheeks were as thin as a knife, but his eyes were full of spirit.
There were a few customers eating in the restaurant, and the man didn't even look at them. He directly rushed in front of the shopkeeper and said, "Shopkeeper, pour three bowls of hot water and pick up fifty steamed buns to wrap!"
The shopkeeper saw that although he was dressed in ordinary clothes, he had a kind of intimidating aura, as if he was meeting an official. When he mentioned that the steamed buns were four times the usual price, he felt a little unconfident. Unexpectedly, the man didn't seem to have any intention of making things difficult for him. He only nodded and said, "Be quick!"
Seeing that he was straightforward, the shopkeeper was in a good mood and hurriedly said, "Dear customers, please come in and take a seat. There's still some food left, and it's still being warmed up. I'll bring it to you first. There are too few pedestrians in this damned weather, and there isn't much food prepared. This old man will immediately ask the kitchen to steam it. It won't take up too much of your time. "
That person's brows had been shrouded in a layer of lingering anxiety, it seemed like it was an extremely important matter. Hearing the shopkeeper say so, he had no other choice. Turning back to look at the other two, they already looked extremely exhausted. He could only bitterly laugh and say, "Then I'll have to trouble the shopkeeper. This horse … please help me feed it. Money is not a problem! "
As he spoke, the man laboriously took out a gold ingot from his pocket and slammed it on the counter. Although this gold and silver was not a currency, it could be exchanged for money at a jewelry shop. The shopkeeper saw that he was so generous and couldn't help but be overjoyed. He quickly took the gold ingot and took a big bite to confirm that it was the real thing. He then beamed with joy and called out to the back.
Not long after, his brothers, wife, son, and nephew all rushed out. Some were leading the horses, some were pouring water, and some were serving porridge. They were all busy serving these big customers.
The customers in the store were clearly in a hurry, but they didn't seem to be in a hurry. They had already rested for a long time. Compared to the three people who had just come in, their faces were pale and their fingers were stiff, their complexions were much better.
There were strong and old people among the customers. Among them, there was an extremely strong man with broad shoulders and a thick back. He seemed to be the leader. He was currently looking at the three people who had just come in with a very interesting expression. These three people all had sabers on their bodies. They were horizontal sabers, and there was a very clear symbol on the copper handle of the saber. It was clearly the saber of a government official.
The three newcomers seemed to really be in a hurry. As soon as the food was served, they didn't care if it tasted good or bad and wolfed it down. The three of them ate and drank, and each of them even drank two large bowls of hot water. Only then did their complexions slightly relax.
After the three of them had eaten, they sat there waiting for the steamed dumplings. They looked like they wanted to grow wings and fly away immediately. When the steamed dumplings were done, the three of them didn't care if they were too hot. They immediately carried some on their backs and hid it under their leather robes. They left the restaurant and continued eastward.
These three people were the unfortunate Ji Xu and his two trusted aides.
After Ji Xu learned from Wang Zhu that Shu Lianyao had an imperial order, he immediately secretly reported it to his immediate superior, Lai Junchen. He then happily waited for the imperial court to reward him. In the end, the reward didn't come. Instead, the trusted aide he sent to deliver the message brought back bad news. "Lai Junchen wants to make him a traitor!"
Ji Xu was almost scared out of his wits. Fortunately, he was worried that Lai Junchen would be greedy and erase his contribution. At the time, he was careful and left behind a copy. He immediately found the copy and put it away. Taking his two trusted aides, he rushed to the capital day and night to find the Emperor to redress his grievances.
As soon as the three of them left, a young man in the restaurant came to the strong man with broad shoulders and a thick back. He whispered mysteriously, "Boss, I think that person looks familiar. I think I've seen him in Xijing. He's from an official family, but I can't remember his identity at the moment …"
An old man with wrinkles all over his face suddenly felt uneasy. He quickly came over and asked nervously, "Mr. Qi, it's snowing and cold winter. Where is the official family in such a hurry to go? They … are not coming for us, are they?"
The strong man smiled and comforted him, "Old Feng, you're just a street performer in Jianghu. Who from an official family would be so bored as to come out and make things difficult for you in this weather? Don't worry, we're not here to ask you to do something evil. This time, when you go to Luoyang, as long as you do as we say, we'll definitely give you great wealth! "
This group of people was under the order of Yang Fan to escort Jianghu artists who were proficient in illusions to Luoyang. However, their journey was delayed because of the Heavenly Wrath. Old Feng listened to the strong man's words and his face slightly relaxed. He hurriedly nodded and said, "I'll follow your orders!"
He looked outside and said with a troubled expression, "It's just that this road is really difficult to walk. I'm old, I'm afraid I can't do it …"
The strong man said, "It's okay. I've already asked someone to get a dog sled. It's not easy to rest in this small town. Let's talk about it when we arrive at Fenglingdu. If the road ahead is really difficult, we can rest at Fenglingdu for a few days."
…
Xue Huaiyi walked out of Linzhi Temple with a horse whip in his hand. His face was gloomy.
Hong One and Hong Six jogged behind him, not daring to speak as they looked at their master's expression. After exiting the mountain gate, Xue Huaiyi pulled the saddle and mounted the horse. Only then did he fiercely spit on the ground and scolded, "What otherworldly deity, the reincarnation of the Pure Light Buddha? You're nothing more than a greedy, snobbish trash! Pah! "
Hong Six, who had always been kind, opened his mouth but didn't dare to reply.
When the three swindlers, the old nun from Hanoi, Taoist Shifang, and the barbarian Molei first met Xue Huaiyi, they were very respectful to him and had a close relationship with him. Later, the three gradually learned that the Emperor had a new favorite and that Xue Huaiyi was no longer as powerful as he used to be. Their attitude toward Xue Huaiyi changed greatly and they no longer treated him as an honored guest.
Xue Huaiyi was now preparing for the Grand Spell Assembly of the Shangyuan Festival in order to win the Empress' favor and invite her again. Thus, he attached great importance to this Grand Spell Assembly. This old nun from Hanoi was a disciple of Buddhism and someone who was extremely favored and trusted by the Emperor. Xue Huaiyi wanted to invite her to participate in this grand event to raise the status of this Grand Spell Assembly.
Unexpectedly, the matter that Xue Huaiyi thought he would agree to was rejected by the old nun from Hanoi. Xue Huaiyi wasn't stupid. Seeing this scene, he naturally understood the reason behind the old nun's respectful attitude. However, he was indeed different from before. The old nun from Hanoi could still often enter the palace to see the Emperor, but he couldn't remember how long it had been since he last spoke to the Empress.
Helpless, Xue Huaiyi could only bring a valuable gift. This time, he didn't come to invite, but to beg. For the sake of that generous gift, the old nun from Hanoi reluctantly agreed. However, her attitude toward him still didn't change. She was cold and indifferent, and didn't even bother to see him out.
Xue Huaiyi had always been very concerned about his reputation, but now he was losing face, so he was naturally furious. Xue Huaiyi gloomily walked for a while, then said to Hongyi in a low voice, "Send someone to inform your seventeenth brother that there will be a Grand Spell Assembly at the White Horse Temple on the fifteenth of the first month. Tell him to remember to come."
Hongyi embarrassedly said, "Master, seventeenth brother has been demoted. He's guarding the Dragon Gate Mountain and growing vegetables, he …"
Xue Huaiyi flew into a rage. He raised his whip and lashed it down, scolding, "Bastard! Do you also want to learn from those snobs who despise the poor and love the rich? "
Hongyi was so scared that he covered his head and scurried away. He repeatedly explained, "No, no, no, I wouldn't dare. I mean, seventeenth brother is now guarding the Dragon Gate Mountain, and his position is low. I'm afraid he can't make the decision himself. He can leave whenever he wants …"
Xue Huaiyi waved his whip and chased after him. His voice was like muffled thunder, "In the end, you still despise the poor and love the rich! Humans, humans are not as good as dogs. Dogs are animals, and they don't have a snobbish heart. No matter how rich or poor their masters are, they won't despise the poor and love the rich. They're just like others … "
Xue Huaiyi scolded as he chased after him. He vented all his anger on this disciple who said the wrong thing.
Hongliu followed behind him listlessly. He blew his nose and thought gloomily, "It's hard to get Master's favor back. Even seventeenth brother is so unlucky. I'm afraid the White Horse Temple's luck is at its end …"
…
The tense atmosphere in the Imperial City and the Palace had disappeared. The prime ministers who had been living in fear in the Political Affairs Hall for more than ten days were finally able to go home and reunite with their families.
At this time, Wu Yizong and Lai Junchen came to Wu Zetian. Although Wu Zetian was full of smiles and repeatedly said that there was no need to greet each other in the harem, Lai Junchen still obediently knelt down and listened to the teachings. His devotion made Wu Yizong, who was standing beside him, feel uncomfortable.
"You've done well!"
Wu Zetian said with a face full of smiles, "Not only did you discover the signs of their rebellion, but you also caught all of them in such a short period of time. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to have a good New Year. "
Lai Junchen hurriedly kowtowed and said, "It's all thanks to the Sage's wisdom and the Lord of Hanoi's wisdom that we could catch all of the core members of the rebels in such a short period of time!"
Wu Zetian said with a smile, "Lai Junchen is also good. You … did not disappoint me after all."
Wu Zetian stood up from behind the imperial desk and slowly paced a few steps. She turned her head and asked, "Has the Taoist priest who bewitched Liu Sili and Liu Lianyao to rebel been caught?"
Lai Junchen hurriedly kowtowed again, "It's my incompetence. I didn't act strictly enough and let the evil Taoist priest escape. I've let you down!"
Wu Yizong coughed and said, "When the Dragonguard suddenly appeared in the Ji Prefecture, Liu Sili was still unaware of it. When the Dragonguard broke into the Liu Residence, he was in the toilet. When he heard the news, he fled in panic and hid in the kitchen. He was captured alive. From this, the news should not have been leaked. I wonder if that evil Taoist priest really has some attainment in cultivation to escape so early! "
Wu Zetian sneered, "Even if he has attainment in cultivation, it's just a small Taoist. If he could really pry into heaven's secrets, how could Liu Sili and Liu Lianyao fall into my hands?"
Lai Junchen hurriedly tried to flatter her, "Your Majesty, the Heaven's Will belongs to you. How would the evil Taoists dare to invade you?"
Wu Zetian said, "Send an edict to the Clan Zheng Temple and the Ancestral Department to strictly monitor those monks who do not abide by the rules and spread lies to deceive the people. These swindlers use fake Buddha Will Gu or the people to achieve their unspeakable goals. Hmph! All of them deserve death! "
Wu Zetian was furious when she said this, completely forgetting that she had created an auspicious sign and found a rock in Luo River. She even claimed to be the reincarnation of Maitreya in order to ascend the throne.
Shanghai Wan 'er nodded in agreement and noted down this edict.
Wu Zetian turned to Lai Junchen and her expression became calm again, "Lai Junchen has racked his brains for the sake of the country. I am very pleased. Lai Junchen, come forward and receive your edict! "
Lai Junchen was quick-witted and quickly placed his head on the ground, raising his buttocks high.
Wu Zetian said, "Lai Junchen has made a meritorious deed in eliminating the traitors, he will be promoted to Capital Governor and Assistant Minister of Agriculture! Lai Junchen has just returned from Tong Zhou, the servants in your residence are not complete yet, choose ten more servants and grant them to Lai Junchen! "
Lai Junchen kowtowed in fear and trepidation, saying loudly, "This subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"
The original Assistant Minister of Agriculture was also implicated in this case, it was understandable that Lai Junchen was appointed as the Assistant Minister of Agriculture. However, the Capital Governor was still present and Shanghai Wan 'er was memorizing the edict. Hearing this, she had no choice but to ask, "Everyone, if Lai Junchen is promoted to Capital Governor, then the original Capital Governor …"
Wu Zetian waved her sleeves and said coldly, "Chu Lianyao caused such a huge disaster right under his nose, but he actually did not notice it at all. I am already showing mercy by not punishing him for the crime of dereliction of duty! Ask him to submit his resignation and retire with honor! "
When Lai Junchen left Wucheng Hall and stood under the sunlight, the boundless white snow reflected the sunlight from all directions. For a moment, there was a feeling of dizziness, "Luoyang Magistrate, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, one has power, the other is in charge of money, they are both positions with real power. I, Lai Junchen, have stood up again, I really have stood up again!"
The news of Lai Junchen being put in an important position spread quickly. Wei Suizhong was the first to visit and congratulate him. After that, people came one after another. Although Lai Junchen's reputation was not good, he had always been a solitary official and did not have many friends in the officialdom, but there were always people who fawned on those in power.
Wei Suizhong relied on the fact that he was an old man who had followed Lai Junchen for many years and was now the closest person to him. He laughed loudly and said, "Governor Lai, for such a joyous occasion, you should reward everyone with wine and thank everyone!"
Lai Junchen said reservedly, "Of course I should thank my colleagues and friends. However, the case of Lian Yao and Liu Sili has not been finalized. I still have some things to do. How about this, five days later, I invite everyone to Dragon Gate to tour the mountains and enjoy the snow to celebrate. What do you think?"
Everyone agreed and agreed one after another. Lai Junchen stroked his beard and smiled. There was a touch of evil in his eyes.
In this case of Lian Yao's rebellion, Lai Junchen did not drag Li Zhaode or Yang Fan into it. These two people had just retired from the heart of the storm. If he dragged them into another case at this time, it would be too ostentatious. He had already smuggled too much personal goods into this case. He could not lose more for a small gain.
"For a gentleman to take revenge, ten years is not too late. He originally planned to slowly wear down these two enemies, but he did not expect that even God would help him. The emperor actually appointed him as Assistant Minister of Agriculture. The Soup Supervisor of the Dragon Gate is a yamen under the administration of the Sinong Temple. He is now Yang Fan's superior! In this case, if he does not go to Dragon Gate to show off his power, isn't it the same as walking in the night in brocade clothes? "
…
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