Steward Liao saw that Yang Ling was holding the teacup and seemed to be deep in thought. He anxiously asked, "Daren, but … but this tea doesn't suit your taste?"
"Ah? Oh! Not at all. This supervisor has never tasted this kind of top-grade tea in the capital. The fragrance assails my nose and makes my whole body feel comfortable! "
Hearing his inquiry, Yang Ling quickly took out a brocade handkerchief and spread it on the table. He pretended to be drooling and said, "Steward Liao, can you give this supervisor some of this top-grade tea? After drinking your tea, this supervisor's taste has been aroused. Ordinary tea leaves are really bland and tasteless."
As he spoke, he gave Gao Wenxin a look. Gao Wenxin quickly took out a small silver ingot worth no less than ten taels and handed it over.
Steward Liao was flattered by his praise. He happily took out the small bag of tea and offered it with both hands. He said, "Look at what you're saying. Daren likes this tea. As a Hangzhou native, I feel honored. Haha, this tea is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it and enjoy it on the road. When we reach the border, I'm afraid Eunuch Mo will have to show his filial respect to you. "
Yang Ling secretly sneered in his heart, "Mo Qinghe deceives his superiors and subordinates, passing off shoddy quality tea as quality. He actually dropped the top-grade tribute tea. How would he dare to let me see the top-grade tribute tea?"
Steward Liao tried his best to refuse his silver, so Yang Ling could only ask Gao Wenxin to accept the silver and take the tea bag from Steward Liao's hands.
A gust of wind blew the handkerchief on the table. Steward Liao had sharp eyes and could tell it was top-grade embroidery. He couldn't help but be pleasantly surprised and said, "Daren, this handkerchief is really top-grade."
As he said this, he gently picked up the handkerchief and looked at the bright plum blossoms on it. He sighed in admiration and said, "Good needling technique. Jiangnan women have gentle temperaments, nimble minds and dexterous hands. They are most skilled in slow and fine needles. But to master this kind of needling technique, many women spend their entire lives and still may not be able to reach the doorway. This embroidered handkerchief is the work of a true master. It is priceless and hard to find!"
That handkerchief was the one Princess Yongfu used to wrap the Coiled Dragon Jade Bangle. Back then, Yang Ling conveniently kept it in his bosom. At first, he wanted to return it to the Princess, but after waiting for a few days, he didn't have the chance to see her again.
Yang Ling thought about it. In the modern era, a famous star would have hundreds of shoes and clothes, let alone a dignified Princess Ming Destiny. He probably wouldn't care about a handkerchief, so he kept it on his body. If it weren't for the fact that he had conveniently picked it up and it would be a shame to give it to Young-niang, he would have offered it to her long ago.
Now that he heard Steward Liao praise this small embroidered handkerchief to be so expensive, he somewhat regretted not giving it to Young-niang. Taoist master Zhang was curious when he heard this, so he took it and looked at it carefully. He said, "Not bad, it is indeed the best of the Su Ruti. Hehe, it's just that the color is a little too bright. It's not suitable for Mr. Yang to wear."
He smiled as he unfolded the handkerchief. He saw that the plum blossoms on the lower right corner of the ancient trunk were a little strange. He took a closer look and suddenly saw the knack of it. It startled Taoist master Zhang and he almost let go of the handkerchief and let it fly away with the wind.
The night was dark and the light was dim. Other people didn't pay much attention to the plum blossoms on the corner of the handkerchief, but Taoist master Zhang had been studying talismans all day long. Many of the ancient Taoist books on Mount Longhu were ancient treasures, and the words written on them were extremely ancient. Therefore, Zhang Yu-shuo was very familiar with the ancient seal characters.
He saw that the plum blossoms on the corner of the handkerchief were embroidered with four seal characters, and then the four small seal characters were put together to form a plum blossom pattern. If one didn't know the characters, then they really wouldn't know. It was really a painstaking and ingenious work.
Looking closely, the embroidered characters were actually the four words "Yongfu Xiuning". Princess Yongfu's maiden name was Zhu Xiuning. Taoist master Zhang already knew this when he set up an altar to pray for the royal family in the palace. Now that he saw the words Yongfu and Xiuning on the handkerchief, how could he not guess that this was the Princess's personal belonging?
Taoist master Zhang was so scared that his heart was thumping wildly. Not to mention that Yang Ling already had a wife and concubines, even if he didn't have a wife, there was no reason for him to privately give a keepsake to the Princess and secretly communicate with her. Could it be … Could it be that Factory Supervisor Yang was so bold that he actually had an affair with the Princess?
"Be wise and play it safe, be wise and play it safe!" Ever since his uncle was banished, Zhang Yu-shuo was like his father, being cautious in everything, for fear of touching the royal family's reverse scale. As soon as he found out about this royal scandal, he immediately pretended as if nothing had happened and returned the embroidered handkerchief. He secretly swore in his heart, "In this life, I will never let anyone know that I know the ancient plum blossom seal script."
Although Yang Ling had lived in this era for some time and knew some taboos, how could he act like he was walking on thin ice? Every time he encountered something, he would think twice about it, so he didn't mind it at all. He casually took the handkerchief and put it in his bosom. He smiled and said, "Then, I will thank Manager Liao."
* * *
Zhang Fubao used the excuse that he was not feeling well, so he took a bath and changed his clothes. After meditating for a whole two hours, he felt refreshed and had some feeling. He quickly picked up the divination tool and did another divination for himself. Her cultivation was limited. After a long time, she still could only get the first sentence. Even this sentence was exactly the same as the comment that her father gave her. The little girl's heart itched even more.
She knew that her brother's cultivation was higher than hers, so she wanted to ask him to do the divination for her. But this divination was related to her life. How could a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl be so shameless to ask her brother to do the divination for her future husband?
Zhang Fubao supported her chin with her hands and blinked her big eyes. She muttered, "Half of the bright moon is like a river, the white bone mountain is like a red silk. When the war starts, the shadows of spring move. Before the statue of Laojun, there is a husband. "
Zhang Fubao repeated it a few times. She angrily slammed the table and said, "Stupid father, you are playing tricks on your own daughter. If you can't divine it, then forget it. If you did, then just tell me directly. You made me have to guess!"
She jumped off the bed in annoyance. She opened the window and looked at the bright moon in the sky. Her bright eyes were shining. She was in a daze for a long time. She thought to herself, "It can't be him. It can't be him. He has a wife. How can I, Bao 'er, be someone's concubine?
No matter how great he is, I can't marry him. I must be thinking too much. Half of a big cake can't be considered half of the bright moon, right? Besides, I landed in a canal, not a river. This is not the way to fight. Besides, the last three sentences are not related to him at all. "
Zhang Fubao felt relieved when she thought of this. But when she thought that this coincidence might not be related to him, she felt a little annoyed. She stomped her feet and scratched her face. She said shyly, "How old are you? You only worry about these things. You are a useless girl! "
She gloomily opened the cabin door. She saw a foreigner passing by while picking his teeth. Only then did she feel her stomach was empty. She quickly asked him, "Hey, is the meal ready?"
The people on the boat now knew that she was a woman. They also knew that she was the sister of the Taoist master Zhang and the Imperial Advisor. These foreigners did not dare to be rude. The foreigner quickly bowed and said, "Yes, Miss. The factory supervisor and the Taoist master have already disembarked and went to the riverside to eat."
Zhang Fubao heard that they disembarked but did not call her. She couldn't help but snort, "Bring me, I am also hungry."
Gao Wenxin was originally standing on the side of Yang Ling. But Yang Ling asked her to sit next to him. At this time, she was tasting the crab roe in a refined manner. At the same time, she deftly picked out crab roe and crab meat to give to Yang Ling, who was swallowing like a cow chewing on a peony.
Yang Ling was tasting the tea. She was sipping a steaming bowl of brown sugar ginger soup. The small boat gently swayed. The gentle sound of the waves was faintly discernible. Her cheeks were flushed red and her fragrance overflowed. She was indeed very satisfied.
Zhang Fubao disembarked from the big boat. Under the guide of the foreigner, she came to the side of the small boat. Seeing everyone's relaxed appearance, she became even angrier. She did not wait for the others to ask her to sit. She unceremoniously picked a seat and sat down.
She was still wearing a Taoist robe, but her long hair was loose. She looked very charming and cute. But when she picked up a big crab, her eating manner was comparable to Yang Ling's.
He heard Steward Liao say with a smile, "That's why I say Wu Nong's soft language is sweet and glutinous. It is really nice to listen to. The women of Suzhou and Hangzhou have always spoken softly and sweetly. Some people say that listening to them quarrel is a kind of enjoyment."
Yang Ling laughed, "Is that so? Ah, ah, I've been to Hangzhou once, but that was many, many years ago … uh … back then, I was in a hurry and did not have the chance to savor the beauty of the streets. "
Zhang Fubao nibbled on the crab. Listening to their animated conversation, even her brother seemed to be fascinated. She couldn't help but coldly snort, "I heard that the imperial envoy mobilized a large force to go to Jiangnan. Is there some official business? You sit here and eat, and there are dozens of bodyguards and thugs standing by the shore. When we get to Suzhou, are you going to bring hundreds of people to the alleys to listen to the girls' conversations? "
Hearing this, Yang Ling felt a bit awkward. Gao Wenxin, on the other hand, smiled.
Steward Liao saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly changed the topic. "I spoke too much. Actually, when you go, of course you're going to see the scenery and appreciate the scenery of Jiangnan. Speaking of scenery, tomorrow we will arrive at Hangzhou. There are many different places in Hangzhou, and the first is the Ten Sights of West Lake. There are many legends about the scenery around West Lake. The most famous one is Leifeng Pagoda. "
Seeing the young lady Zhang Fubao come, Steward Liao didn't dare to talk about the characteristics of Jiangnan women anymore. He changed the subject to fairy tales. Of course, Yang Ling knew the story of Leifeng Pagoda. Unexpectedly, Steward Liao's story was completely different from what he knew.
From what he said, it was the story of the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty. In the West Lake, there was a thousand-year-old white snake demon and a black carp who transformed into a servant girl. In the rain, they met a pharmacy owner named Xu Xuan. The two became husband and wife. But the white snake and the black carp were both demons and didn't know human etiquette. They often lost Xu Xian's face and made him very embarrassed.
Fortunately, the Taoist monk Fahai of Jinshan Temple saw through the two demons' true forms and gave an alms bowl with mana to Xu Xian. Xu Xian took advantage of the moment when they weren't paying attention and used the alms bowl to cover the two demons' heads. The two demons revealed their true forms and were captured by Fahai. The black carp tried to escape, but Fahai broke her mana and forced her back to her true form. The white snake was suppressed by the Taoist monk under Leifeng Pagoda, never to be reincarnated.
When Steward Liao finished, he laughed and said, "Monk Fahai once left behind a verse: 'The water of West Lake dries up, Jianghu does not rise. When Leifeng Pagoda falls, the white snake is born.' How could the water of West Lake dry up? So the white snake demon could only be suppressed under Leifeng Pagoda and suffer forever.
That Xu Xuan was saved by the Taoist monk. From then on, he turned over a new leaf and did good deeds. Later, he married a wife and had children. His son even became a scholar. He can be considered a good person. "
Unexpectedly, Zhang Fubao heard this and said angrily, "That Xu Xuan is too heartless. Even though the white snake is a demon, he and the white snake love each other. She has never harmed him. If he doesn't like her behavior, he should let her go because of the love between husband and wife. Why did he help the evil monk to let his wife suffer under Leifeng Pagoda while he stopped his wife and remarried? What about having a house full of children and enjoying wealth? Is there any justice left?"
Steward Liao didn't expect to be reprimanded by her for telling a story. He couldn't help but be tongue-tied. Taoist master Zhang saw this and scolded jokingly, "Fu Bao, this is only a legend. Why do you care so much?"
Yang Ling didn't expect the Legend of the White Snake to have such a version at this time. On a whim, he told the story that he knew. The birth of the two snakes, the encounter at the Broken Bridge, the theft of the grass by Emei, the flooding of Jinshan, and the escape of Fahai. It was many times more vivid and touching than Steward Liao's story. Not only did Zhang Fuyu listen with great interest, even Gao Wenxin was fascinated.
When Zhang Fubao heard the ending of the couple's reunion and ascending to the realm of immortals, he smiled happily and said, "This is a good story."
She picked up a crab and said proudly, "That Miss Qing Qing burned Fahai with the True Samadhi Fire. That is my Taoist's divine skill. Haha, Fahai was chased until he had nowhere to go. Is he hiding in this crab shell?
Yang Ling felt strange. Could it be that the people at this time still haven't noticed the pattern of a monk in the crab shell? He quickly picked up a crab and peeled open its stomach. Sure enough, he found a mark that looked like a monk sitting in meditation. It had both form and spirit.
Yang Ling smiled and handed it to Zhang Fubao. He said, "Look, Fahai has been hiding in the crab for a long time. Just like Bodhidharma facing the wall for nine years, he left this shadow. Take a look and see if it's a monk."
Zhang Fubao took it and looked at it under the light. He couldn't help but cry out in surprise, "There really is a monk. There really is a monk. Brother, this is not a story. This must have happened before."
Celestial Master Zhang, Steward Liao and Gao Wenxin were all astonished. Each of them opened a crab to take a look and clicked their tongues in wonder. Steward Liao said happily, "There's actually such a strange thing in this world. There's actually a monk inside the crab. How come no one noticed? Haha, this is really interesting. I am from Hangzhou, but I have never heard of this. When I go back and tell people about this, it will definitely be famous. "
Yang Ling was stunned when he heard this. This story had been enriched and perfected by many generations of people, and it had also been fused with historical relics and anecdotes before it became the version of the story. He had blurted it out in a moment of carelessness, and now it was going to be published prematurely.
Gao Wenxin had also never heard of this story. For a moment, she was also intoxicated by the love story of the white snake Xu Xian. She sighed with emotion. Under the cover of the light, she quietly looked at Yang Ling's handsome and confident appearance. She thought, "The white snake is grateful to the woodcutter for saving her life. She dared to transform into a human and marry him. I … I am a servant, but I am not even as good as a demon. If I am to be counted, I can only be that green snake's servant. I have to marry someone, but I still can't achieve anything."
When Gao Wenxin thought of this, she secretly spat at herself, "Hey! What are you thinking? The green snake has never had any ideas about her husband. "
She saw that no one was paying attention to her expression. She couldn't help but think in her heart, "The green snake has no regrets. Is it really just because of sisterly love? She … Did she ever like that Master Xu Xian? If she confesses her feelings to Xu Xian, and Young Miss is as close as a sister to her, will Xu Xian … … will he marry her? "
…
It was late at night, and the wind was strong. The white waves on the surface of the water beat against the small fishing boat. Gao Wenxin's thoughts were also like the small boat in the waves.
The moonlight was like silk, the light waves beat against the shore, the autumn wind blew gently, and her eyes became hazy. Xin 'er, you can get drunk without wine.
※ ※ ※
The official carriage to welcome the imperial envoy had already been waiting at the dock for a long time. The sun had not yet set. The eunuch Mo Qinghe in charge of the Grain and Tea Ceremony, the eunuch Li Daxiang in charge of the Suzhou and Hangzhou weavers and the eunuch Yuan Xiong in charge of the Land and Water Tariffs stood at the front of the crowd.
Yang Ling was the supervisor of the Inner Factories. The collection of taxes from the Southern Patrol did not have much to do with the three departments. However, Yang Ling's current status was really not a small matter. Therefore, the Governor of Zhejiang, the inspector, and the commander-in-chief also rushed over to welcome him. Yang Mengying, the magistrate of Hangzhou, as the landlord, was pushed aside.
Due to the messenger's quick mouth, the news that the Taoist master Zhang had come to Hangzhou on Mr Yang's official ship was spread out. The Taoist masters of several local Taoist temples also came to the dock to welcome the founder in high spirits. They crowded together with a group of local gentry and celebrities.
The Warden and Patrol Inspector looked nervous as they led the hundreds of yamen to maintain order.
As soon as the black and yellow dragon flag came into view, there was a commotion in the crowd. The three guarding eunuchs and various officials lifted their robes and slowly walked down the stone steps to the dock. As soon as the big ship docked, the gentry organized gongs and drums made a loud noise. The sound of firecrackers connected together and for a moment, smoke rose everywhere.
The footboard was put down. More than a hundred foreigners, led by two baihu, rushed to get off the ship and spread out to the left and right. Yang Ling and the Taoist master Zhang came down one after another. Suddenly, there was a mess of shouts on the dock: "Welcome the Commander of the Inner Factories and the Bodyguard Personal Army, Mr Yang!" "Boundless Deity, this disciple welcomes the Taoist Master's arrival!"
The Taoist master Zhang and Yang Ling looked at the chaos and couldn't help but smile at each other. The Taoist master Zhang came to Hangzhou in a private capacity and didn't want to be too entangled with the officials. He greeted the various officials who came to greet him, then brought his sister to greet the Taoists and believers of the local Taoist temples.
In front of Yang Ling, there was a group of respectful officials surrounding him. The Grain and Tea Tax Commissioner Mo Qinghe, Eunuch Mo, was the first to come forward. He smiled and saluted: "The Imperial Envoy's journey has been arduous. Your humble servant Mo Qinghe, Li Daxiang, Yuan Xiong, and the officials of the three departments welcome you. "
Yang Ling looked at him. This Mo Qinghe was about forty years old, tall, and had a dignified appearance. Although he was a eunuch in charge of guarding a place, his rank was not as high as the eunuchs in the capital's Department of Rites. But perhaps because he didn't serve at the feet of the Emperor, he wasn't like the heads of the Department of Rites in the capital who always bowed their shoulders and stuck out their chest. That kind of demeanor and temperament looked extraordinary.
The two eunuchs behind him paled in comparison. The weaving eunuch, Li Daxiang, had thin skin and white flesh, delicate features, and really did look a bit feminine. Yuan Xiong, who was in charge of the Department of Rites and was also the supervisor of the thousands of Dragon Mountain Guards, was thin and withered, with a protruding mouth and monkey cheeks. His robe was empty, as if a gust of wind could blow him into the sky.
The two also hurriedly came forward to greet Yang Ling. Yang Ling was not only the Imperial Envoy, but also the supervisor of the inner factories. In the future, he would also be the immediate superior of these three people. The local emperors of these three places naturally bowed to him and did their utmost to flatter him.
After the three people flattered him for a while, the administrative official, Sir Niu, and the other two officials came forward and said to Yang Ling with a smile: "Welcome, Imperial Envoy. Sir Yang has had a hard journey. We have already set up a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant to welcome you. Sir, please change to an official sedan chair. When we arrive, we can drink to our heart's content."
These local officials couldn't compare to the eunuchs, so Yang Ling didn't dare to be rude to them. He hurriedly cupped his fists and said: "I am patrolling by imperial edict. Sir, I am truly terrified that you have come to greet me despite your busy schedule. In fact, I am tired from the journey. At this time, I want to take a bath and have a good rest. I really don't want to trouble you. "
Mo Qinghe listened and hurriedly said with a flattering smile: "Supervisor, this Drunken Immortal Restaurant is at the foot of Lonely Mountain. It is only a mile away from your imperial envoy's field office. Sir, you have good intentions. Supervisor, you don't have to decline."
When Yang Ling heard what he said, he couldn't decline too much. This kind of official social interaction was a matter of giving each other face. If you don't go and save money for others, they will certainly not be happy. He had to say with a smile: "If that's the case, then I will trouble you."
Eunuch Mo happily called people to board the boat to send Gao Wenxin's and Yang Ling's luggage to the field office. He, other officials, and local celebrities accompanied Yang Ling. There were dozens of official sedan chairs. In front of them, the gongs sounded to open the way. They went straight to the Drunken Immortal Restaurant.
This Drunken Immortal Restaurant was the most upscale and famous restaurant in Hangzhou. It was located at the foot of Lonely Mountain. Although the upscale restaurants in the capital were also richly ornamented and magnificent, there was no way to compare with this place in terms of artistic conception. When Yang Ling stepped into the restaurant, it was like entering a garden. The wide courtyard had nine winding corridors, birds were singing and flowers were fragrant. Several small buildings in the courtyard were unique and exquisite. From time to time, the faint and elegant sound of a zither could be heard.
The group of people passed through three courtyards, followed the path paved with white pebbles, turned a small bridge and ran over a stream, passed through a bamboo forest, and saw a small building. The tall and slender bamboo covered the red building. The bamboo swayed, elegant and secluded, making people feel relaxed and happy. Seeing Yang Ling's tired body, he was suddenly refreshed.
Just now in the sedan chair, he didn't have time to see the scenery of Jiangnan. At this time, he only saw this corner. It was really like a fairyland. Everyone entered the building and sat down. Before they could talk for a few words, a group of women in blue plain dresses with fluttering belts floated over, carrying melons and fragrant tea.
Their clothes fluttered, and so did their people. Their eyes were like autumn water, and their eyebrows were like distant mountains. The appearance of these women was not outstanding, but what was rare was that their facial features were so exquisite. Every frown, every smile, every movement, all carried the unique gentleness and gentleness of water village women.
If the garden seen just now was a refined scenery, then wasn't this group of women like the wind blowing willows also a simple and elegant scenery?
Yang Ling couldn't help but reveal a trace of admiration in his eyes. Mo Qinghe saw it and smiled at Yuan Xiong opposite him. They raised their cups together and said: "Factory Supervisor Daren came from the north, so your capacity for alcohol is certainly not bad. Jiangnan water wine is light and mellow. Daren, please drink three cups first. Today, we will not go home until we are drunk!"
※ ※ ※
The imperial envoy's temporary residence was located in a manor. This mansion was the residence of Tax Supervisor Mo Qinghe. It covered an area of nearly ten hectares. It was divided into the front yard and the east and west side courtyards. Now the west side courtyard was completely cleaned up and temporarily used as the imperial envoy's temporary residence.
This residence was simply an elegant and exquisite garden building, with rockery, corridors, fish ponds, flowers and plants everywhere. This time, Yang Ling came with Gao Wenxin, a maidservant. The rest were all from the inner factory. Mo Qinghe simply allocated half of all the maidservants, old maids, cooks and other servants in his mansion to serve him. It could be said that he had spent enough capital on this official in the capital.
Two sedan chairs were carried back to the Mo mansion and stopped under a corridor at the entrance. The corridors of this Jiangnan building were built in a secluded and narrow way, so the corridor seemed a little dark. From time to time, there were narrow doors leading to the top on the wall. They were painted the same color as the wall. Sometimes, if you didn't pay attention, you wouldn't know that there was a door next to it. After pushing it open, there was another world inside.
Yang Ling and Mo Qinghe came out of the sedan chair one after the other. At this time, it was drizzling outside. The lingering autumn rain made the branches and leaves of the flowers and plants under the corridor shine with a glossy light. Although watching and listening to the pitter-patter of rain and seeing the deep meaning of the autumn coolness gave rise to a kind of desolation, this scenery did not have the slightest wither of autumn coming to winter.
Mo Qinghe said to Yang Ling with a smile, "Sir, please go back and have a good rest. I will report to Sir about the tax situation in Jiangnan tomorrow."
Yang Ling was forced to drink a few cups by this group of officials and gentry in the restaurant. He felt quite dizzy. He just wanted to lie down on the bed and drink a cup of tea to rest. Moreover, when he disembarked, he had ordered people to contact Liu Biao and the others who had arrived here earlier. He was also anxious to hear the situation they had inquired about, so he hurriedly nodded.
At this time, a burst of sweet laughter came. A narrow lintel that was the same color as the wall under the corridor on the opposite side suddenly opened. A green-clothed girl holding a yellow oiled-paper umbrella bowed and lightly flashed out from the corner door. Behind her, two women wearing light red clothes followed behind her and also laughed and jumped out.
Yang Ling took a look and saw that behind the corner door was a garden. Just by looking at the scenery from inside the door, he felt that the scenery was well-proportioned, exquisite and peerless, like a fairyland.
He looked at the three women again and was stunned by what he saw. The red clothes were even more eye-catching, but with just a glance, everyone's eyes would only stay on the green-clothed woman. That woman was really amazing.
The tall white walls, the light black bluestone pavement, and the morning glories that climbed up from the cracks in the corridor seemed to have existed since ancient times. The green-clothed woman with red shoes, one hand holding a yellow oiled-paper umbrella, the other hand holding the hem of her skirt, smiled charmingly as she flew through this ancient space.
That beauty, the sleeves, the alleyway, the depth of the layers, the feeling of movement, it was as concise and subtle as Tang poetry, as elegant and remote as Song poetry. As she floated past, the ancient scenery seemed to be tainted with her sweetness and loveliness, unconsciously becoming warm and pleasant.
Seeing the official sedan chair, the woman happily called out, "Master has returned?" She elegantly looked over to the corridor and saw Yang Ling. She was startled at first, but then, still holding the hem of her skirt and holding the umbrella, she directly walked over from the green space in the middle where the potted plants were arranged.
The water droplets on the green grass rolled down along with the red embroidered shoes. At that moment, Yang Ling had an illusion, as if he was wearing clothes made of water and stepping on the clear waves of water, a beautiful woman made of water.
The woman walked over, her bright eyes curiously examining the distinguished Yang Ling. Then she crouched down and smiled sweetly at Mo Qinghe, saying, "Master!"
Her voice was like a clear spring striking a rock, light and crisp. When she smiled lightly, the bright eyes and white teeth were like the blinding sunlight, the beauty in that instant unparalleled.
There was such a person in the world! Yang Ling couldn't help but sigh inside.
Lian 'er, Yu' er and the others were not any less beautiful than this woman, and were even a level better. But compared to her, they were like little girls that hadn't grown up. Her mature beauty and presence needed time to develop. Just like good wine, it was not something that could be formed through beauty or training.
This tall Jiangnan woman with clear eyes and brows looked like she was in her thirties, but the vitality and energy she had made her look at least ten years younger. Exquisite features, graceful movements, it made people think of Ruoye Huan Sha and Jadewave Picking Lotus.
When Mo Qinghe was facing Yang Ling, he still had a face full of worldliness and flattery. But when he saw this woman, his eyes were filled with tenderness and sweetness. He said dotingly, "It's raining, and you're still mischievous in the garden like a child. Come and greet imperial envoy Sir Yang!"
The woman smiled, a pair of lively eyes quickly glanced at Yang Ling's handsome face. She said softly, "This lowly concubine greets daren!"
Yang Ling quickly cupped his hands and looked at Mo Qinghe, but he didn't know how to address him. Mo Gonggong hurriedly chuckled and said, "This is my lowly concubine. I usually spoil her too much and don't have any manners. I've let daren see a joke."
When Yang Ling heard this, he almost bit off his tongue. A eunuch could marry a wife? And in such a blatant manner? What kind of world was this?
He looked at the beautiful woman in green with a sweet smile and thought of her eunuch husband. All the parts in his brain collapsed in an instant. He forced a smile and said, "So it's Madam Gu, I've been disrespectful. Uh … this official is already a little tired, I'll … I'll go back to my room to rest. "
Yang Ling hurriedly exchanged a few greetings and followed the servant through another corner door in a daze. He only heard Gu Gonggong behind him impatiently start to "teach" his wife a lesson, "Xiao Lou, it's raining and you're still running around in the courtyard. You have no manners at all. You've made a joke of yourself in front of the imperial envoy."
Then there was a soul-stirring coquettish grumble, "Master, I'm bored and flustered by myself. Good person, it's good that you're back. Quickly accompany me back to my room to talk. "
Yang Ling could imagine her jade-like arms stretching out, wrapping around Mo Qinghe's neck, acting coquettishly and fooling around. Just now, she was still as pure as a clear spring. Suddenly, she could turn into a bowl of bewitching soup. His mind was even more confused, "Mo Qinghe has a dignified appearance, but he … is a eunuch after all. A eunuch marrying a wife, and the couple is still very loving. What is this? Isn't this against the system? En … I'll go back and ask Wen Xin. "
In the front courtyard, Mo Qinghe took his beloved wife's hand and returned to his room, closing the door. The green-clothed woman immediately steeped a cup of tea and held it in front of him with both hands. She sweetly said, "Master, please have a cup of tea. Is that person the person master said was sent from the capital to investigate you? Hehe, he really is a very young imperial envoy. "
Mo Gonggong took the tea and conveniently pulled her jade-like hand. The woman let out a tender cry and twisted her buttocks. She lightly sat on his thighs and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Her beautiful face was somewhat flushed, and her breathing became rapid. She whispered to Mo Gonggong, "You're so annoying. You just came back, and you want to … want to do something bad again?"
Mo Gonggong's expression was calm, and there was not a trace of desire in his eyes. He leisurely said, "Xiao Lou, although this person is young, he can't be underestimated. In the imperial court, there are several eunuchs such as Wang Yue, Fan Ting, and Miao Kui. Outside, there are scholars such as Liu Jian, Xie Qian, and Li Dongyang. He can emerge from these people in such a short time and stand up to them as equals. Could this person be simple? "
The beauty named Xiao Lou held his hand and took a sip of tea. She put her mouth to his and gave him a leather cup. Then she cheerfully smiled and said, "This servant only appreciates his courage to defy the imperial edict to save his wife. It's a pity that in the end, he still took two beautiful concubines home. This servant heard that there is a beautiful girl living in the western courtyard. Hmph! He's also a hypocrite fishing for fame! "
Mo Gonggong faintly smiled and heavily pinched her plump buttocks. He said, "If he really is this kind of person, then it'll be easy. With my beautiful wife going out, won't he be shaken until his bones and tendons turn soft, and he'll throw away his helmet and armor and obediently return to the capital?"
Xiao Lou exaggeratedly let out a tender cry. She bit her plump and moving red lips, and her towering bosom heaved up and down. "You … you want me to go accompany … accompany …"
Mo Gonggong tightly grasped her white wrist and sighed. "Xiao Lou, you know that I … I can't let you … ai! As long as your heart is with me, I won't stop you from entertaining others and yourself. "Although he said this, a trace of deep pain suddenly flashed through the depths of his eyes.
Xiao Lou hugged his body and said, "Master, it's all Xiao Lou's fault for saying the wrong thing. Xiao Lou will only have you in my heart, forever. No matter what you want me to do, as long as it's good for you, Xiao Lou … Xiao Lou is willing! "
Mo Gonggong concealed that trace of pain and put on a smiling face as he pinched her plump and moving bosom. He said with a smile, "Of course you're willing. That boy is young and handsome. At your wolf-like age, to have such a handsome and outstanding youth, wouldn't you be beautiful to the heavens?"
His expression clearly showed that he was extremely fond of this green-clothed girl. That kind of love was absolutely sincere and without any pretense. But when he talked about having her accompany another man, his expression was very calm. It was as if he had completely separated love and desire into two different parts.
That girl called Xiao Lou's feelings for him were also like this. Listening to him talk about how to have his wife seduce an outsider, treating it as an ordinary conversation about drinking wine and talking poetry without any taboo, this strange couple's feelings were really hard to understand.
The two teased for a while. Xiao Lou worriedly knitted her brows and said, "But … you concluded that this imperial envoy is a fledgling. Isn't he pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger? I heard that he committed the great crime of deceiving the emperor in the capital. In the end, not only was he fine, but he also drove three ministers off the stage. How could he not have some tricks?
He is now the first factory supervisor, taking over all the tax supervisors in the world. Coming to Jiangnan this time, perhaps it's to kill people to establish power. Master should be careful. "
Mo Qinghe warmly smiled and said, "That's natural. Killing people can establish power, but of the guards of all the cities and towns in the world, who doesn't have a few lives on their hands? I think that as soon as he took office, he went to find the three guards of Southern Zhili who pay the most taxes. It's not because we're late in paying taxes, but because he wants to use both kindness and power to use some tricks. As long as the three of us are subdued by him, the tax supervisors of all the cities in the world will naturally follow the wind. "
Xiao Lou strangely said, "Since the Emperor has decreed that the tax supervisor will be given to him, why didn't master seek refuge with him earlier? Why do you still have to deal with him?"
Mo Qinghe laughed and said, "My little darling, the first to seek refuge will naturally be given an important position, but is he the lord to seek refuge with? If you seek refuge with the wrong person … Think about when the tax supervisor returns to the Department of Rites, are the eunuchs in the capital to be trifled with? Let's wait and see first. Don't look at us getting wind and rain, and the local officials can only look sideways, but in the eyes of these officials in the capital, aren't we just an ant that can be pinched to death at any time? We can't be careless … "
He sighed and roused his spirits. He tightly hugged the slender waist of the beauty in his arms and said with a smile, "Listening to the spring rain at night in the small building, selling apricot flowers in the deep alley in the morning. With you, the number one romantic figure in Jiangnan, even if this factory supervisor Yang is a powerful character, do you think I, master, will be afraid that he won't accept me? Hahaha, with your intoxicating eyes and charming body, which man in the world won't be enchanted by you? "
Following his teasing, the room was filled with soft moans. For a moment, the soul-stirring moans came out of the room like silk. Even the sky full of autumn rain was covered with a layer of hazy spring.
It wasn't until after the lamps were lit that Eunuch Mo opened the door. He turned his head and said with a smile, "I have an appointment with someone. Sweetheart, quickly get up and take a bath and change your clothes. You've soaked the bed."
An embroidered shoe was weakly thrown over and slammed against the door with a clatter. It was accompanied by a soft moan that caused one's heart to tremble. An extremely seductive voice murmured, "You dead ghost, leaving me in such a state, it's so hard to bear. I still want it, change it to Mr. Jiao … "
Eunuch Mo laughed and said, "Flirtatious girl, even a piece of iron can be melted by you until nothing is left." As he spoke, he slammed the door shut. As soon as the door closed, the smile on his face disappeared as well, as if it had been slammed shut. He stood there quietly for a while. Hearing that there was no movement in the room, he smiled with satisfaction and quietly went downstairs. After turning left and right for a long time, he finally entered a Buddhist hall.
The houses in Jiangnan, even for the great clans, were often built with multiple doors and stacked on top of each other. The pavilions, pavilions, and terraces were all connected by winding corridors, winding corridors, and halls. If one wasn't familiar with each house, they would definitely get lost after walking around for a long time, unable to even find their way out.
There were two candles burning on the incense burner table in the Buddhist hall. A black-clothed man was sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat with his back facing the outside. His hands were pressed against his knees as if he was meditating.
As soon as Eunuch Mo entered the room, the black-clothed man immediately leaped up. His movements were extremely agile and nimble. Eunuch Mo closed the door and happily said, "You came just in time."
The man's Jiangnan accent was rather stiff. He dryly said, "As soon as I received Master Mo's summons, I set out immediately without a moment's delay. What orders does Master Mo have for me to rush over immediately?"
Eunuch Mo waved his hand and called the person closer. After whispering for a while, the person hesitated and said, "He is an imperial envoy. Wouldn't doing this make a big deal out of it? I'm afraid it won't be good for you and me. "
Mo Qinghe smiled and said, "I just want you to be prepared for any eventualities. If Yang Ling really has some means and is worthy of my following, then there's no harm in pledging allegiance to him. However, his intentions are really hard to fathom. This is just in case. If he has the heart to take a knife to me, then … you should also know that if I'm not here to look after you, you will have a hard time moving forward. Days are like years. Can the coastal area still allow you to make a living? "
The black-clothed man hesitated for a while and said, "Well, we will be on guard for a while. If Master Mo needs us, just give the order and we will immediately dispatch troops to kill."
Mo Qinghe listened and laughed, "Very good. You are my last chess piece. If Yang Ling is sensible, then it's good for you, good for me, and good for everyone. If he bullies people too much, you just have to boldly do it. I will naturally clean up the mess!"
※ ※ ※
Yang Ling staggered into his bedroom, collapsed on his bed, and let out a drunken burp. He said to the servant who brought him up, "Alright, I'm going to rest for a while. You guys can leave."
The two family members obediently retreated and gently closed the door. Yang Ling only felt that the quilt under him was soft and had a faint incense fragrance. Lying on it was intoxicating.
He moaned comfortably and put his hot cheeks on the soft and smooth quilt. After leaving the ship, he had just slept on a solid bed. He was already a little dizzy, not to mention he drank wine. He really wanted to sleep.
Yang Ling was about to have a good sleep when the door creaked open again. Yang Ling opened his eyes slightly and saw Gao Wenxin coming in with a plate. He couldn't help but moan and wrinkled his face bitterly.
Gao Wenxin gently put the plate on the table, went back to close the door, and then came back to look at him. Yang Ling reeked of alcohol. Gao Wenxin's delicate eyebrows couldn't help but wrinkle. It seemed that she was not used to the smell of alcohol. She called softly, "Master, master, get up and take your medicine!"
Yang Ling moaned and said, "Okay, Wen Xin, let me go. My head is dizzy. Let me sleep for a while. I'll eat tomorrow. I'll eat tomorrow."
Yang Ling had never called her name like this. Gao Wenxin's pretty face blushed when she heard it. There was a sweet feeling in her heart like drinking honey. Hearing Yang Ling's gentle plea, her heart immediately softened. She wanted to agree to everything he said.
However, this prescription was made by referring to ancient books. If she stopped using it, she didn't know if it would affect the efficacy. She could only harden her heart and said with a straight face, "No, madam ordered this servant to serve master with the medicine. I can't delay it for a day. Master … .You … .You quickly get up. "
Gao Wenxin coaxed him in a soft voice. Yang Ling listened helplessly and wanted to get up. But when he laid down and relaxed his body, he really didn't want to move. Gao Wenxin looked at his lazy appearance and sighed. She helplessly sat on the edge of the bed and began to help him take off his boots.
Yang Ling had never treated Gao Wenxin as a servant. When he saw her actions, he quickly struggled to sit up and said, "It's better if I do it myself. How can I do this?"
Gao Wenxin gave him a charming look and said, "What do you mean you can't do it? Just lie down. If master doesn't put on enough airs, are you willing to take the medicine?"
Gao Wenxin took off his two boots and undid the rope on his socks. She helped him take off his socks and pushed him onto the bed. Yang Ling awkwardly sat there. Gao Wenxin went back to pour a glass of water and weighed a few pills over. Yang Ling took the pills and swallowed them. He held her hand and drank a few mouthfuls of water. Then he took off his outer clothes and obediently lay on the bed.
Gao Wenxin pursed her lips and smiled with satisfaction. She put the glass back and took the needle. Yang Ling had already consciously pulled his clothes up, revealing the back of his waist. Gao Wenxin sat on the edge of the bed, twisting the silver needles in her hand as she softly said, "Master, when you went to attend the banquet, a man who claimed to be the Haining Salt Transport Vice-Commissioner, Lord Min, came looking for you. He said he was your old friend. Since you weren't here, I asked him to come again tomorrow!"
"Official Min? Ah, it's County Magistrate Min! " Yang Ling was excited and couldn't help but straighten his waist. The needle in Gao Wenxin's hand bent and pierced somewhere. Immediately, a string of beads of blood flowed out. Gao Wenxin was frightened and panicked. She held the bloody needle in her hand and was at a loss as to what to do. She only said, "Where did it go? Where did it go? Why are you moving around? What should I do? What should I do? "
Yang Ling didn't feel much pain. He felt a chill on the back of his waist. He casually wiped his waist and was shocked when he saw the blood on his hand. But when he saw Gao Wenxin pouting and looking like she was about to cry, Yang Ling hurriedly smiled and said, "Ahem, look at you. Maybe you accidentally pierced a blood vessel. It's such a thin needle. It's not a big deal. I'll press it for a while and it'll be fine."
Gao Wenxin hurriedly threw away the needle and rushed over to press on his wound. She was afraid and worried. "Look at you. How can you move around when the needle is being applied? What if something bad happens?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "That Lord Min is an old friend of mine when I was in Jiming County. He promoted me. When I heard that he was here, I was very happy and forgot myself. Haha, don't be afraid. It's not a big deal."
As he said this, he remembered that the magistrate of Jiming County, Min Wenjian, was an official in Haining. He was probably not far from Hangzhou. When he thought of him, he couldn't help but think of Bi Dushi, Ma Ang, and Ma Lian 'er. Weren't they all nearby?
Should he go and see Ma Lian 'er? Yang Ling's heart wavered, but he immediately hardened his heart. I'd better not go. I'm a short-lived ghost, and I've already let down three good ladies. It would be a little too shameless if I still can't forget them.
Yang Ling was deep in thought when Gao Wenxin faintly said, "What do you mean it's not a big deal? In the future, when I use the needle, you're not allowed to be surprised anymore. Is the acupuncture point on the waist an ordinary place? If it's broken, then … that place … "She was a girl and couldn't say the rest of the words, so she swallowed them back.
Yang Ling laughed dryly and didn't reply. The room became quiet for a while. After a while, Gao Wenxin gently moved her hand away. Seeing that his body was no longer bleeding, she let out a sigh of relief. She changed the needle and gently twisted it on his acupuncture point.
Yang Ling lay there and hesitated for a moment. He suddenly remembered that he had sent Liu Biao to Suhang to find out more about the three guarding eunuchs. He still hadn't seen them. He couldn't help but ask, "Right, did Liu Biao come today? I don't know what happened to the thing I asked him to find out. "
Gao Wenxin pouted coquettishly and said, "Master, you've been traveling by water for more than half a month. Aren't you tired? Let's rest for today. Investigating a case isn't something that can be done in a day and a half. Liu Biao has already arrived and is mixed in with your personal guards. I said master must be tired from today's social activities and told him to report to you tomorrow. "
At the banquet today, Yang Ling saw that the three guarding eunuchs and the local officials were all smiling like tigers. They praised the governance of Suhang as if it was a paradise on earth. During the entire banquet, other than eating and drinking, and remembering the appearances and names of the officials, he didn't get any other useful information. He didn't have a single clue about how to solve the case and was secretly anxious.
Now that he heard that Liu Biao had arrived, he couldn't help but feel a burst of excitement. His body suddenly straightened up and he anxiously said, "How can that be? Quickly tell him to come see me! "
As he straightened his back, he bent the needle in Gao Wenxin's hand again. Luckily, there was no blood this time.
Gao Wen was anxious and angry, instantly forgetting about her status as a superior. She had been spoiled by others in the past, and her temper flared up. She raised her eyebrows, raised her jade-like hand, and slapped Yang Ling's buttocks hard. She shouted, "Moving around again! Lie down obediently for me! "
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