In the main room, a thin, grey-robed old Taoist in his forties was sitting in front of the table. In the corner of the room, there was a large flag for fortune-telling. On it was a simple drawing of the Eight Trigrams and the Yin-Yang Fish.
A pretty young girl came over with a tea tray. The old Taoist did not take the cup. Instead, he pulled her wrist and pulled the young girl into his arms. His big hands caressed her bosom and said with a lewd smile, "Cui'er, I haven't seen you for two months. This pair of meat buns has become more and more beautiful."
Cui'er straightened her slender waist and flashed out of his arms. She pointed her index finger at his forehead and said with a smile, "Go to hell, old pervert. Is everything done?"
The old Taoist glanced at the buttons on her jacket that she was buttoning up again. Her soft skin was covered in the blink of an eye. He nodded and said, "Well, it seems that this matter will have to wait. The end of the year is approaching, and there are many affairs in the palace. Although the two girls have repeatedly urged the muddle-headed ruler, he can't find the time to travel incognito. We can only wait until next spring when he moves to the leopard room.
With the two girls as spies, they can use Yang Hu and his wife to kill him. At that time, the imperial court will be like a group of dragons without a leader. They will inevitably choose a new emperor from among the princes. King Ning has painstakingly worked for many years. He used gold and silver to win over a large number of officials in the capital. Even the Marquis Of Shouning and his brother received a large amount of bribes from King Ning. When the time comes, they will persuade the Empress Dowager to speak for him. With the support of the officials, Crown Prince King Ning will certainly be honored as the Emperor. "
Cui'er frowned slightly and said, "I really don't understand what the Cult Master is thinking. He went through so much trouble to kill a person from the Zhu family and put up a person from the Zhu family. The Cult Master is the reincarnation of Maitreya and has magical powers. Can't we rebuild the Xiang army and use force to occupy the Zhu family's country?"
The old Taoist laughed and said, "Is the world so easy to fight? Only that idiot, Yang Hu, would believe my tricks. He thought that he was the reincarnation of the North Star in the sky and that he could become the emperor with a single call.
"Hehe, the Cult Master is far-sighted, how can you understand him? The Eldest Young Master changed his name to Li Ziran and became an official in King Ning's residence. If he helps King Ning become the Dragon Court, the Eldest Young Master will definitely be conferred the title of Marquis and General and command a large army.
The Third Young Master was also recruiting soldiers and buying horses in the Hexi region. Those bandits, bandits and fugitives who had nowhere to hide in the Central Plains, deserters and criminals, convicts who had committed crimes and were exiled to the garrison, as well as the horse bandits of various nomadic tribes, once they were organized, they would be a tiger and wolf army.
Think about it. At that time, the military power of the imperial court and the Xiang Army were all in our hands. If we announced that King Ning had killed Zhengde, he would lose the support of the officials loyal to Ming Destiny and the vassal lords. Without a leader, wouldn't it be easy for Ming Destiny to seize the world? Hehehe … "
The Old Taoist said proudly. He picked up the cup and took a sip of tea. He looked at Cui 'er's slender and light figure and said, "At that time, I, Old Liu, will be a high-ranking official. I will take you, a little fox, as my wife."
Cui 'er smiled and rolled her eyes at him. "In your dreams. Wait until you really become a high-ranking official."
The Old Taoist looked outside and said, "It's already dark. Why haven't they come back yet? Humph, buying rice for disaster relief? The hearts of the people are useless. The Cult specializes in preaching to the aristocrats, officials, and celebrities. This is the way to conquer the world. "
Cui 'er snorted and said with a hint of jealousy, "Why are you so anxious? Protector Liu wants to see the Red Lady, right? To tell you the truth, the two of them are not doing disaster relief outside the city. They are going to visit the Governor of the Inner Faction, Yang Ling. It seems that Yang Hu is not just a martial artist. Hehe, he also knows how to make friends with the nobles. "
Old Taoist Liu was shocked. He suddenly stood up and said with a shocked expression, "Stupid! Ridiculous! Aren't they sending lambs into the tiger's mouth? According to the information sent by our secret agents, there are Inner Faction Guards in the west of the city. This newly established Inner Faction Guards is obviously different from the two factories and one guard that only knows how to extort money. There are experts in the Inner Faction Guards. If they give themselves away, won't it ruin the big plan? "
As Old Taoist Liu said this, the front courtyard door opened. Yang Hu and his wife walked in with their horses. The Old Taoist quickly put down the teacup and went to greet them. Cui 'er also put on a serious expression. The smile on her face was completely gone. She still looked like a pure and cute maid. She obediently went to greet them and said, "Miss, son-in-law, you are back."
The Red Lady's pretty face was stiff as she hummed. When she saw the Old Taoist Liu, her expression relaxed a little. She cupped her hands and said, "Mister Liu is here!"
Cui Ying 'er always felt that she and her husband were enforcing justice on behalf of heaven. Even if her husband wanted to rebel, he was doing it for the common people. She didn't expect that Yang Hu wanted to destroy something that could save hundreds of thousands of common people for her to become the Emperor. What was the difference between that and killing them with her own hands?
Even though Yang Hu had apologized to her and swore that he would no longer have any designs on Yang Ling and the crops, Cui Ying 'er was extremely displeased by the ambition and greed that Yang Hu had secretly displayed as they traveled. Yang Hu's attitude of being willing to do anything for the sake of becoming the Emperor made Cui Ying' er scorn him.
When Yang Hu saw his military advisor, he quickly took big steps forward and grabbed his hand. He said happily, "After Yang Hu received Mister's message, he rushed day and night to the capital. He was afraid that he would miss the time. But when I got here, I didn't see Mister. You are traveling everywhere and your whereabouts are uncertain. I am anxious here."
Old Taoist Liu was the Immortal Liu who told Yang Hu's fortune that he was the reincarnation of the Son of Heaven. He used some tricks such as holding a spirit, showing words on yellow paper, and digging out celestial gatha tablets from the mountains. He made Yang Hu, the bandits, and the poor common people in Bazhou believe that Yang Hu was the real Son of Heaven.
Old Taoist Liu chuckled and said, "The time is not right, so it is not convenient to show up. Am I not here now? Hehehe. " He looked at Cui Ying 'er and teased, "Strange, did you eat a leopard's gall? How did you dare to offend Madam Yang Hu?"
Everyone on the Lulin Road knew that Yang Hu's wife, Madam Cui's martial arts skills were far better than his. She was also unruly and willful. Yang Hu was a famous hero on the Lulin Road, but he was as timid as a cat in front of his wife. Therefore, people who knew him well called his wife Yang Chuhu. They said that she was more valiant and brave than her husband. They often called her that in front of their faces. Yang Hu and his wife did not feel offended.
Yang Hu chuckled and looked at his wife. He then said to Old Taoist Liu intimately, "Mister, I believe you already have accurate information? Come, it is cold outside, let's go inside. Cui 'er, go and cut a plate of braised meat and heat up two pots of wine. My wife and I will accompany Mister Liu to drink a few cups and discuss important matters together. "
Red Madam's anger had not subsided. She snorted and said, "Now that you are capable, I am just a woman. What ideas can I come up with? You accompany Mister well, I am going back to my room."
After saying that, she nodded slightly to Old Taoist Liu and did not look at Yang Hu. She went into the house and went into the inner room. Old Taoist Liu glanced at her beautiful figure greedily. When he turned around and saw that Yang Ling's face was slightly embarrassed, he quickly laughed and said, "Haha, the tigress has shown her power. Later, we will apologize to Madam and make her happy. Come, we have not seen each other for a long time. Let's go in and have a good chat!"
* * *
Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun sent Wu Jie, Old Taoist Liu and Old Taoist Yang away and slowly walked to the backyard. Halfway through the stone corridor, Yang Ling stopped and looked up at the sky. The crescent moon had just climbed up the night sky and there were only a few stars twinkling.
He thought for a while and said, "We will send people to their hometown to investigate their background. I am afraid that even if we can find out, it will take more than a month. If they really want to make a move, they will not wait until then."
Cheng Qiyun stopped beside him and a faint fragrance permeated the air. She answered, "Yes, Master told him that after the fifteenth of the first month, we will start sending people to carry grain seeds to various places. There are only about twenty days left. If they want to make a move, they will definitely do it before then."
Yang Ling sighed and said, "I hope they are not the people you are talking about. If they are really that couple of thieves, when do you think they will come?"
Cheng Qiyun chuckled and said, "If it is me, I will definitely come within three days! There is a great disparity between our statuses. Today's visit is to thank them. If they come frequently, it will inevitably cause suspicion. Besides … they have another identity. We can't help but worry that a long delay will cause trouble. If Master sees through them, all our previous efforts will be wasted. "
Yang Ling laughed and said, "Alright, then I will cheer up and wait for him for a few days."
Han Youniang, Su San, and the others were chatting and laughing in the reception hall. Yang Ling had said that he would ask Gao Wenxin to stay for dinner tonight, so Han Youniang pulled her to sit beside her and did not let her go back.
At this time, it was already past dinner time. Yang Ling was in the middle hall discussing matters with Wu Jie and the others. Han Youniang had ordered the kitchen to heat up the food first. No one had eaten. Seeing Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun walk into the room one after another, Han Youniang stood up and welcomed them with a smile. She gestured for Yun'er to inform the kitchen to serve the food while taking Yang Ling's outer robe. She said with a smile, "Hubby forgot to eat when talking about official matters. Quickly sit down, everyone is waiting."
The young and beautiful girl now had some of the plump and delicate features of a young married woman, like a blooming rose. Yang Ling rebuked, "Look at you. How many times have I said that you don't have to wait for me when I have something to do? Can you still be hungry now? Besides, it is so rude to ask Wen Xin to stay for dinner tonight. "
This made it seem as if Gao Wenxin had become an outsider, although she was indeed an outsider. Gao Wenxin's expression became slightly unnatural. When Su San saw this, she smiled sweetly and said, "Master, please sit down. We just had some snacks. Besides, Sister Wen Xin and we are not outsiders."
She only knew that Yang Ling and Gao Wenxin had already been secretly communicating with each other. As she said this, her pair of beautiful eyes glanced meaningfully at Gao Wenxin. Gao Wenxin did not know what she was talking about and thought that she was talking about them becoming sworn sisters. She could not help but smile gratefully at her.
Yang Ling thought that if Yang Fu and Gao Wenxin were really Yang Hu and his wife, they might come to Gao Village tonight. When he got the news, he would personally supervise the battle. Young-niang was pregnant, so he could not let her worry. He said, "Yes, yes, yes. It was my fault. I knew that you two were like sisters. Haha."
He sat down in front of the table and said to Gao Wenxin, "Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I have invited a few colleagues from the inner factory to the mansion. The wives are also going to have a banquet in the back hall. I had originally planned to invite you. Why don't you not go back tonight? Stay with Young-niang."
Han Youniang heard this and asked curiously, "Husband, are you going out tonight?"
Yang Ling coughed dryly and said, "No, I will stay in Cher's room tonight."
Sheridan had just rolled a melon seed into her mouth with the tip of her nimble tongue. When she heard this, she was full of joy. She pursed her lips and looked at Yang Ling. Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement.
※ ※ ※
After everyone finished eating, tea was served, and they chatted for more than an hour in the hall before returning to their rooms. Yang Ling sat alone in the hall for a while. Housekeeper Gao led Liu Biao to the backyard in a hurry. Yang Ling immediately got up to greet them and said, "Has everything been arranged?"
Liu Biao nodded and said, "Yes, they have been strictly controlled. If they make any strange movements, we will immediately receive news. According to Your Excellency's orders, in order to avoid disturbing the people, I have arranged for people to be on both sides of the official road into the village. If they dare to come, I guarantee that they will be caught. "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "It has been hard on you. You have made such a big fuss. I am only worried that they will not come. You take charge in the central hall. If there is any movement, immediately let the housekeeper inform me. "
As he said this, he said to Housekeeper Gao, "The Old Housekeeper will not be able to sleep peacefully for the next few days. I will stay in Cher's room tonight. When you come, you must be careful. Do not disturb Madam."
The loyal Housekeeper Gao only knew that someone was going to harm the Yang House again. He was furious. When he heard Yang Ling's orders, he quickly and respectfully said, "Yes, the Old Slave has nothing to do during the day. He is very energetic now. I will go to the central hall with Lord Liu. Master can rest assured."
The two of them left the rear courtyard. Yang Ling drank another cup of tea and went to Sheridan's room. A pair of red candles were lit in the room, and the curtains of the bed were drawn down. Xue Li Mei was kneeling on the bed, spreading out the bedding. Her soft, close-fitting clothes outlined the contours of her fragrant buttocks, and the thin, fog-like curtains reflected a hazy and beautiful figure.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Sheridan hurriedly pushed aside the curtain and turned to get down from the bed. Her peach blossom face was slightly bashful. She curtsied to Yang Ling and said in a sweet voice, "Master …"
Yang Ling saw that the silk blanket for the mandarin ducks and the double pillow filled with fragrant Longjing tea had been placed on the bed. Xue Li Mei was wearing a green satin jacket, pink silk trousers, and embroidered sleeping shoes. Her hair was unbuttoned and draped over her shoulders, making her look exceptionally alluring.
The room was warm. Yang Ling sniffed the air. The charcoal in the brazier was burning brightly. She must have added some high-quality spices to it. A faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils. It looked like this lass had made preparations in order to please her master.
Yang Ling could not help but laugh. He walked to the table and sat down on the chair. He said to Sheridan, "Hehe, Little Cher, come here."
Sheridan tugged at her jacket and walked over. Yang Ling hugged her waist and let her sit on his lap. He gently kissed her snow-white cheek and said, "Master may have official business to attend to tonight and does not want Furen to worry. I am staying here because my Cher is clever and clever. You should cover up for Master. Don't let me give the game away. Do you understand?"
When Sheridan heard that she had misunderstood, she felt slightly disappointed. She pouted and said, "I know. Whatever Master wants to do, I will naturally help you. I won't let Jiejie Young-niang know."
Sheridan's body was soft and lithe. Her voice was sweet and clear. She sat on his lap with her fragrant bones as if there were no bones. Her delicate and pitiful appearance made Yang Ling feel pain. He could not help but hug her slender waist tightly and moved closer to his embrace. He laughed and said, "That's a good girl. Why are you pouting? My Little Cher is so clever and attentive. How can Master bear to let you down? "
Sheridan's thoughts were exposed and she could not help but blush. She said, "I … I am not … disappointed. Master just loves to bully me."
Sheridan's round and perky snow-white buttocks, even with a layer of soft silk, still had an indescribable elasticity. At this time, her shy expression was charming and her tone was gentle. Although Yang Ling had been a beauty for a long time, he could not help but be tempted by this kind of innocent and bashful expression.
He hugged this cute little beauty tightly. His fingers reached into her small jacket and squeezed under her bodice. He held that petite ball of softness and softness. He laughed lightly beside her ear and said, "You said that Master bullied you. Then Master will bully you properly. Let's finish this official business first …"
Nearing midnight, Yang Ling was suddenly woken up. The red candle on the table had not been extinguished. At this time, it was about to burn out. The light was extremely weak. Yang Ling was about to ask something when Sheridan whispered, "Master, someone is watching the door. It sounds like the Old Housekeeper's voice."
Yang Ling tilted his ear to listen. There was a few knocks on the outer hall. Then, a soft voice called out, "Master, Master, please get up."
After Yang Ling and Cher had enjoyed each other's company, they had already put on their underwear. Hearing the voice, they immediately jumped up and put on a cotton robe. Grabbing another candle, they went to the outer room and opened the door. They saw the white-haired old housekeeper standing at the door with a lantern in his hand. His face was flushed red. He said angrily, "Master, Lord Liu has asked the Old Slave to send a message to you. That gang of robbers is really coming for us."
Hearing this, Yang Ling laughed bitterly. With a wave of his hand, he extinguished the candle. Sighing softly, he said, "Unfortunately, it happened … Let's go and take a look in front."
Yang Ling called out to the room, "Cher, lock the door properly." As he said this, he walked out and closed the door. He followed behind the housekeeper, fastening his belt as he walked towards the central hall. At the end of the hall was the inner study. Just as Yang Ling walked to the door, someone called out from inside, "Daren, they've come?"
As he said this, the door curtain was lifted. Cheng Qiyun walked out with a lantern in her hand. She was wearing a round collar and narrow sleeves robe with a wide belt around her waist. On her feet were small black boots made of sheepskin. She was dressed in a man's attire, elegant and elegant with a hint of valiance.
Yang Ling couldn't help but ask in surprise, "You … haven't slept all this time?"
With a face full of joy, Cheng Qiyun said, "I was going to sleep at first, but I thought about how I had boasted to Daren. If I had really misunderstood him, then I would have gone through so much trouble to make Daren worry, and made thousands of my brothers stand guard in the cold. I really couldn't sleep in peace. Fortunately … haha …"
Seeing the relieved smile on her face, Yang Ling couldn't help but be moved. He opened his mouth and finally smiled. Lightly, he said, "Let's go. Come with me to take a look, and we'll know the result." His tone was gentle, which he had never spoken to her before.
A bright half moon hung high in the sky. Outside the west gate of the capital, the original crop fields were covered in a layer of pure white snow. More than two hundred men stood solemnly in the fields to the side of Gaolao Village, their sleeves gently fluttering in the wind. Yang Hu had come to the capital under the bewitchment of the inept military counselor Liu Shenxian, who wanted to assassinate Zhengde. These heroes of the underworld were sometimes surprisingly simple-minded. They actually believed the nonsense that Taoist Liu said that killing Zhengde would cause chaos in the world and that half of the country would be at their fingertips.
Yang Hu didn't know that his military counselor was actually an important figure in the Maitreya Sect. He arranged for his trusted subordinates to arrive in the capital in different batches. He also quickly summoned his wife, Lady Cui, who was persuading the various mountain leaders in Shandong to conspire for great things. He wanted to assassinate Zhengde in one fell swoop.
However, although the two beauties sent to the palace by the Maitreya Sect had won Zhengde's favor and had a way to trick Zhengde into traveling incognito to create opportunities for them, these jianghu people had neglected the importance of the New Year Festival.
At this time, the various ceremonies held by the royal family were a hundred times more than those held by ordinary families. Zhengde couldn't leave the palace at all during this time. Li Fuda had spent a lot of effort to arrange two trusted subordinates around the emperor. He didn't want them to be too attentive and expose their identities. He heard that Zhengde would move out of the palace in the spring and live in the Leopard Room. For the sake of safety, he had decided to postpone the time of taking action.
Taoist Liu made up some nonsense to Yang Hu, saying that the Emperor's Star was about to fall but was suddenly protected by the General Star. It was not appropriate to take action at this time. He advised Yang Hu to be patient for the time being and return to the capital in two months when the time was the best. Yang Hu listened to everything he said and believed in these mysterious things, so he naturally obeyed.
Yang Hu still didn't give up the idea of killing Yang Ling. He told Taoist Liu everything about the visit to the Yang House and asked the military counselor. Taoist Liu also felt that this matter had a great impact on the Cult Master's great plan and should be removed.
Yang Hu's subordinates entered the capital under various identities. The horses used to transport goods, carriages, and people were all of the best quality. If they were pulled out of the city in advance, they would immediately flee to a faraway place. Who would be able to find out the details of this bloody case?
Furthermore, with the men that Yang Hu had brought with him, if he wanted to launch a surprise attack on the residences of any of the nobles or officials in the capital, it was not something that the family guards could defend against. Furthermore, even if they killed Yang Ling, the Emperor would not be so wary that he would not dare to travel two months later.
Li Fuda's whereabouts was the top secret of the Maitreya Sect. Except for his three sons, no one knew his whereabouts. Taoist Liu couldn't ask the Cult Master for advice at first. After thinking about it, he felt that the odds of winning were very high, so he nodded and agreed.
Yang Hu immediately sent his trusted subordinates to inform all the people to sneak out of the city while the gate was not locked. He was afraid that Lady Cui would suspect and stop him, so he didn't dare to leave abruptly. He purposely drank with Taoist Liu until the second watch. Seeing that Lady Cui had fallen asleep, he changed into night clothes and used a hook and rope to go down from the top of the city to find his subordinates.
He asked Taoist Liu to stay in the mansion and wait for the time to inform Lady Cui to leave the city and escape together at the agreed place. By then, the matter would be accomplished, even if she was unhappy, she couldn't do anything.
Yang Hu wore a sky-blue suit and a six-inch wide leather waistband with twelve flying knives. He held a narrow saber in his hand and stood at the front of the team. He said, "Brothers, when we arrive at the manor, we will go straight to the Weiwu Mansion. Don't let anyone in the manor go. Second Brother Ma and Fourth Brother Tian are responsible for killing people in the manor. Chongyang will take thirty people and follow me.
Listen to my command and retreat. "" Our horses are gathered in the road four miles ahead. When the matter is done, we will rush there immediately. Split into teams of less than ten people and escape to different places to avoid the limelight. Don't go back to Bazhou easily. Go! "
A few leaders responded in a low voice. Under the starlight and moonlight, the snow-white blades reflected the moonlight and gave off a cold light.
More than two hundred greenwood bandits who killed without blinking ran like the wind toward the manor bathed in the quiet moonlight. In the silence, only the moaning cold wind blew past.
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.
