The night was dark, and everything returned to silence.
The battle outside the village only alarmed a dozen or so families at the edge of the village, but the wild barking of the dogs caused a commotion in the village. Some nosy villagers put on their clothes and came out to take a look, but were stopped by the guards in the village. They were told that bandits had entered the village to rob, and the guards were arresting the bandits, so they politely invited them back.
These villagers saw that the commotion was not big, and the village was full of soldiers. They thought that even if there were bandits at the foot of the Emperor, there would only be two or three of them, so they grumbled and went back to their rooms. They put a rolling pin on the door, and then went to sleep with relief.
In the Weiwu Mansion, Yang Ling took a sip of strong tea and accidentally saw Cheng Qiyun sitting on a chair at the side, her little hand covering her mouth as she quietly yawned. He could not help but smile knowingly and said: "The truth has come to light, the general situation has been settled, you should be relieved now, right? What we need to do now is to clean up the aftermath. Female Zhuge, go back to your room and rest. "
Cheng Qiyun playfully rolled her eyes at him and lightly said: "Still talking about cleaning up the aftermath? The two leaders, Yang Hu and Red Madame, have not been caught yet, they … rumors in Jianghu say that they are preparing to gather people to rebel, how can Daren be careless? "
Other than King Ning, Yang Ling did not remember any large-scale rebellion during the Zhengde era. Tang Sai 'er, Xu Hongru's White Lotus Cult uprising, and even Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong's peasant uprising did not happen in this era. Even if it was not a rumor in Jianghu, it was probably just a bunch of clowns who could not make it big, establishing their own mountain and calling themselves the King of the Grass.
Yang Ling thought for a while and remembered that there was such a pair of bandits who succeeded, so he confidently said with a smile: "Ming Destiny's national fortune is flourishing, there is no major external threat, and the internal threat is not the people's rebellion. What can a few bandits from the Green Forest do? Moreover, unless Yang Hu saw the opportunity and did not move, immediately abandoning the road and running away, as long as he went into the road depression, in front of five hundred gunners, no matter how good his martial art skill was, he would not be able to escape alive.
If you want to talk about worry, I'm more worried about the situation in the city. Killing an official is equivalent to rebelling. I absolutely didn't expect that when Yang Hu attacked, Red Lady would still stay in the city. I've only arranged for more than twenty people to stay there. Those city foxes and rats are experts in digging holes and gathering information, but they aren't experts in capturing thieves and murderers. I've seen Red Lady's martial arts. If she gets the news and escapes before the QING Five Cities Warlords dispatch their troops, Yiqing definitely won't be able to stop her. "
Cheng Qiyun's eyes flickered as she covered her lips and chuckled, "So the reason why milord is waiting here bitterly isn't because of Yang Hu's whereabouts, but because you're worried that this Red Madame has left."
Yang Ling pretended to be angry and said, "You Qiyun, are you making fun of me?"
Cheng Qiyun said sweetly, "How would Qiyun dare?"
Yang Ling glared at her and said with a sigh, "Man proposes, God disposes. Let's see if she has the life to live until daybreak. These people gathered to rebel more or less because they were forced by corrupt officials and the imperial court's maladministration. They had no other way to make a living, so they were forced to Liangshan. Their crime is unforgivable, but it's pardonable. If this official really wants to ruthlessly destroy a flower, I really can't bear to do so. "
Since ancient times, the people who rebelled against the imperial court had a very good image in the eyes of the people. If Yang Ling wasn't in the imperial court and involved in the situation, he wouldn't be able to guarantee that he wouldn't see them as heroes who enforced justice on behalf of the heavens.
He remembered that he had watched a TV series about Tang Saier. The generals of the Ming Dynasty who put down the rebellion were all portrayed as sinister, ruthless, greedy, and lustful. All of them were corrupt officials. Yang Ling couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself. He added another stroke to the book of sycophants. Perhaps one day when he appeared on the silver screen, he would also have triangular eyes, high cheekbones, acerbic, and the image of a bully.
Cheng Qiyun listened thoughtfully and muttered, "Unforgivable, willing, pardonable …" She muttered to herself for a long time before lightly glancing at Yang Ling. She said with a bit of hidden bitterness, "From your mouth, even thieves who rebel and kill officials can be forgiven, but there's a little girl who wholeheartedly wants to serve milord. Her head has almost been chopped off by you again and again."
Yang Ling's face heated up and he said in a somewhat embarrassed manner, "Here it comes again. I'm just scaring you, how could I really want to use my sword? Hong Niangzi and this official have clear boundaries. Even if she harms me, this official has no fear in my heart, but you are different … "
Cheng Qiyun's eyes brightened. She bit her lips and glanced at him with her charming eyes. She said in a soft voice, "This servant … what is the difference between this servant and her?"
Yang Ling suddenly felt a bit creeped out. He stood up and said as if he didn't hear anything, "Let's go. Let's take a stroll in front of the village. Since you aren't sleeping, you won't feel sleepy if you walk around. "
Teasing Yang Ling had already become one of the great joys of her life. There was still plenty of time in the future. Cheng Qiyun didn't want to force this little man, whom she had regarded as someone she could rely on, as a lover, and who had gradually begun to dote on and care for him like a younger brother, into anger out of humiliation. Now that she had heard what he had unintentionally revealed, Cheng Qiyun felt an indescribable joy and satisfaction in her heart. She didn't ask any more questions and stood up with a smile.
Yang Ling walked to the door. The old housekeeper hurriedly rolled up a large cloak to welcome him. A dozen or so imperial guards standing outside the courtyard saw the Factory Supervisor and hurriedly bowed in greeting. Yang Ling took the large cloak. He saw that Cheng Qiyun's clothes were a bit thin. After sitting in the central hall for a long time, her lips were somewhat white. He handed it to her and said, "Put it on. The night is cold, you can't stand the cold."
Two rows of imperial guards followed Yang Ling into the courtyard. A clear voice came from the left veranda. "Milord, did something happen in the village? Do you need me to help? "
The central hall was brightly lit. A large group of imperial guards with swords and sabers stood solemnly in the courtyard. Needless to say, it couldn't be hidden from Wu Hanchao's eyes and ears. Even Yang Quan and his nephew had long been alerted. However, the courtyard was full of murderous guards. Yang Quan knew that he wasn't favored by Yang Ling and dared not come out to ask.
Wu Hanchao couldn't rashly enter without permission. At this moment, seeing that Yang Ling was about to leave the fu with his men, he couldn't help but flash out of the room to ask in a loud voice.
Yang Ling stopped in his tracks and said with a smile, "Is it Hanchao? The noise of people and horses has disturbed your sleep. Hehe, come over here. "
Sharp blades were unsheathed. The cautious and cautious foreign guards flashed out a path. Wu Hanchao walked to Yang Ling's side and cupped his fists in greeting. He wore a Xiao Yao headband on his head and a casual robe on his body. To avoid any misunderstandings, he was empty-handed. He was quite a handsome man.
Yang Ling patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "I have underestimated the abilities of those powerful people who come and go. If I had asked you to act earlier, that Yang Hu might not have been able to escape."
Wu Hanchao followed beside Yang Ling. As they walked out of the village, he listened to him talk about the origins of Yang Hu and his wife. Only then did he know that the caravan leader Yang Fu, who had saved him and escorted him all the way to the capital, was actually a Lulin bandit. Wu Hanchao was speechless and couldn't help but secretly rejoice.
Although he was the son of an official, he was also a martial artist. The Jianghu code of loyalty to repay kindness had a great influence on him. No matter what Yang Hu's motive was, he had been saved and taken care of to enter the capital. If he really did meet him with weapons, he would be in a very difficult position.
At the entrance of the village, hundreds of foreigners carried torches and lanterns as they searched the wild jujube forest, in case there were bandits who had faked their deaths. The wounded and dead soldiers of the inner factory had already been sent back to the mountains. Liu Biao was rearranging the security. Seeing Yang Ling arrive, he hurried over.
Yang Ling saw the corpses being dragged into the jujube forest and said to Liu Biao, "Have someone stand guard. After daybreak, don't let the villagers come close, so as not to startle them. Once the city gates open, send someone to inform the Ministry of Punishments and the QING: Five Cities Warlords to send someone to deal with it."
A fast horse galloped over and was stopped by a foreign guard from afar. The person on the horse and the foreign guard spoke in low voices for a while before he was brought in front of them. This person was also dressed in the attire of the Inner Factory. Seeing that the Factory Supervisor was also present, he hurriedly bowed and greeted, "Greetings to the Factory Supervisor, Official Liu."
Liu Biao hurriedly asked, "Quickly get up, there's news from the col? How is it? "
The bandit stood up and said jubilantly, "Daren, the fleeing bandits ran into a hollow on the road. Captain Peng ordered them to disarm but to no avail. A volley of gunshots turned them into sieves, not a single one escaped."
Yang Ling was moved. "Yang Hu … is also among them?"
The foreign guard hesitated for a moment before saying, "This … there are no survivors left in the col. Your subordinates don't recognize the bandit's face. Boss Peng is currently leading a group of people to clean up the corpses. In another two hours or so, all the corpses will be transported here."
Liu Biao quietly said, "Daren has seen the bandit's face. The few survivors who were captured can also be identified. Daren doesn't need to be anxious, but … from your humble servant's point of view, Yang Hu is more likely to be dead than alive."
Yang Ling silently nodded his head. The foreign guard beamed with joy and said, "Factory Supervisor Daren, those two hundred horses are all fine colts from beyond the Great Wall. Peng Daren is extremely fond of them. Our Inner Yard does not have such good horses."
Yang Ling smiled and did not say anything. At that time, good horses were hard to find. No wonder Peng Jizu was happy. Since he would need another two hours to rush back, Yang Ling wanted to rush back up the mountain to visit the wounded soldiers. He inadvertently glanced into the distance and suddenly narrowed his eyes. In the dim light of the night, a dark shadow could be seen. That person was riding on a horse and did not leave the Taoist. He crossed the fields at an angle and headed straight for the capital.
Cheng Qiyun and Wu Hanchao also came closer. That person jumped off the horse a dozen steps away. As he ran forward, he called out in a loud voice, "Is Liu Daren here? There's news from the city. "
Liu Biao hastily stepped forward two steps and shouted, "Don't rush, speak slowly, the Factory Supervisor Daren is here."
The guard was panting heavily when he saw the two rows of torches illuminating Yang Ling. He hurriedly stepped forward and reported: "Daren, Captain Yang has sent news that Red Madame took six or seven men and suddenly left her courtyard in the middle of the night. Captain Yang did not have the time to deploy his troops and could only secretly follow them. Before Red Madame left the alley, she discovered that someone was following her. She took her men to hide in a house and climbed over a wall to escape. Mr Yang has received Daren's orders and has already informed the QING: Five Cities Warlords to search for them in that area. However, their whereabouts are still unknown."
Yang Ling nodded his head and said to Liu Biao, "I believe that they won't stay there peacefully. The Yiqing is short on manpower and it's expected that they won't be able to deal with these bandits who can leap over roofs and vault over walls. Regardless of what conspiracy they have left in the city, since they've been alerted by us, they won't be up to any tricks tonight. Tell the Yiqing not to make too big a fuss. There's no evidence to support a rebellion. If they search the entire city just because of a few bandits who invaded my residence, the Imperial Censors will cause trouble again. "
Liu Biao acknowledged his words and gave a few instructions to that guard. That guard cupped his hands and took his leave. Turning around, he mounted his horse and hurriedly galloped into the night. Yang Ling gazed into the distance at the capital shrouded in the darkness of the night. Lightly shaking his head, he said, "The capital is such a big place. Since they've escaped and the sea of people is vast, it'll be difficult to catch them again."
Cheng Qiyun's heart skipped a beat and she said, "Daren, if Yang Hu dies, we must be on guard against Red Madame who will avenge her husband. Since this woman is skilled in martial arts, it's hard to guard against sneak attacks and assassinations."
Ever since Yang Ling came to this era, he knew that a person's martial arts skills were not as good as those in the wuxia movies, where they could reach the next level and fight against thousands of soldiers and horses. However, in this era where cold weapons were the main focus, martial arts skills could still play an important role. If there was a pretty widow who could leap over roofs and vault over walls as if walking on flat ground, thinking about taking his life all day long and causing him to not dare to go anywhere, it would really be a headache.
His eyes turned and saw Wu Hanchao standing to the side. He couldn't help but laugh heartily, "I have Wu Hanchao, why should I be afraid of Red Madame? Hanchao, I originally wanted to recommend you to enter the court as an official tomorrow and find a job in the Six Ministries. Now it looks like you'll have to stay by my side for the time being. "
Wu Hanchao's martial arts skills were better than his literary skills and he didn't reject the factory guards. If he stayed in the inner factory that had power over the world, he would naturally become a small official in the Six Ministries. Hearing what was said, he smiled slightly and bowed deeply, saying, "It's my wish, but I dare not ask. Hanchao is willing to follow Daren's steed and follow you from now on."
※ ※ ※
Red Madame had not even walked out of the alley with her people when she already noticed that someone was secretly following them. Her residence was already under surveillance. Could Yang Hu's attack on the manor still succeed? When Cui Ying 'er thought of this, her heart was burning with anxiety. She couldn't wait to immediately rush out of the city and rescue her husband from the cage.
Although Old Taoist Liu's martial arts skills were poor, his schemes were much deeper than hers. When he heard that someone was secretly following them, he immediately advised Red Madame to hide with him first. At this time, Yang Hu's operation had already been launched. If they fell into the trap, they would have already fallen into it.
At this time, leaving the city would only be walking into a trap. It was better to quickly escape and hide while the other side had not mobilized manpower to deal with her. If Yang Hu was safe and sound, then she would send someone to contact him. If Yang Hu failed, then she would save him if she could. At the very least, she could leave someone to avenge him.
Although Red Madame's husband's safety was hanging on her, she had grown up in the Lulin Forest and was influenced by what she saw and heard. Naturally, she knew the stakes. Although she was skilled and bold, she didn't dare to rely on her own strength to fight against the well-prepared officers and soldiers. After weighing the pros and cons, she could only follow Old Taoist Liu to hide first.
Since the Song and Yuan dynasties, the White Lotus Cult had repeatedly risen up and suffered setbacks, but their incense had never been extinguished. After Zhu Yuanzhang used the White Lotus Cult to rise up and conquer the world, he spared no effort in attacking them. There were a large number of people in the government who came from the White Lotus Cult and knew their contact information like the back of their hand. After experiencing many bloody lessons, the White Lotus Cult and its branches became even more secretive and experienced in escaping.
Ever since Li Fuda's Maitreya Cult failed in Shanxi and was encircled and suppressed by the government, they turned to extend their influence to the rich and powerful families everywhere. There were countless places that they could hide in safely.
Some fanatical believers were captivated by their camouflage magic, some rich and powerful families had boarded the pirate ship. When they wanted to retreat, the fate of the entire family was already tied to the Maitreya Cult and they had no choice but to be the accomplice of the evildoer.
Red Madame was unfamiliar with the capital but Old Taoist Liu had more connections than her. There were a lot of soldiers patrolling the capital at night. They passed through the houses and crossed over the houses, not only did they get rid of Yang Yiqing and his subordinates, but they also avoided the eyes and ears of the officers and soldiers.
They quietly jumped into a mansion, and in the darkness of the night, they jumped in from the side of the wall. They didn't know which family it was. Old Taoist Liu pretended that this was one of his believers and asked Red Madame and the others to wait in the garden. He flashed into the courtyard like a ghost and quietly went in to look for the master.
In the time it took to drink two cups of tea, a fat official wearing a copper brocade robe, personally carrying a lantern followed Old Taoist Liu and hurriedly brought them into the deep house and settled them down.
Although the layout of the houses of the rich and powerful families had certain changes, most of them were composed of the front courtyard, the middle hall, the inner courtyard, the back garden, the wing rooms, and at most some things to entertain friends and relatives. However, the details were rarely the same. Old Taoist Liu could find the master of the house without alerting others in the dark of the night. Obviously, he was very familiar with this place.
With Red Madame's usual alertness, it was inevitable that she would suspect Old Taoist Liu's true identity when she saw this scene. However, at this time, her mind was in a mess and she didn't care about these details. Although she was extremely dissatisfied with her husband's behavior, he was her husband after all, how could she not care about his life and death.
This house was the residence of this family to entertain their relatives. As the end of the year was approaching, it was tidy and clean. Cui Ying 'er's room was the female residence. An oil lamp was lit on the dressing table, emitting a dim light.
The head of the household, who was addressed as Qiu Official Wai, called his trusted subordinates to light the two copper charcoal stoves in the room. In a short moment, the room was as warm as spring. When everything was settled, Old Taoist Liu escorted Qiu Official Wai out. The two of them went to the veranda outside. Seeing that nobody came out with them, Qiu Official Wai wiped his nervous sweat and anxiously said, "Liu Xiangzhu, what kind of people did you bring? Each one of them is armed with sabers and swords, even that lady in red looks scary. My family has more than a hundred people, please don't harm me."
Old Taoist Liu laughed sinisterly and said, "Qiu Official Wai, don't worry, as long as you don't make it public, unless the Emperor is assassinated, who would dare to break into houses and capture people? It's safe. "
Seeing Qiu Official Wai was sweating profusely in such a cold day, he could not help but chuckling. Patting his shoulder, he said, "You are our Cult's Law Protector Tan Yue. If our Cult obtains the world, how can glory, splendor, wealth and rank be without you? Don't worry, we will not take a single step out of this place. Early in the morning tomorrow, send someone out to investigate and see if there is any movement from the inner factory. "
"Heavens!" Qiu Official Wai complained incessantly. He stamped his feet and begged, "My Lord, you actually provoked the inner factory? The most frightening among the factory guards is the inner factory. You … you … "
Old Taoist Liu coldly said, "Wake up, we are in the business of rebelling and seizing the world! Inner factory? Even if it is the Emperor, we are not afraid to provoke him. You are our Cult's Law Protector of the Capital's incense altar, you have done so many things for our Cult. Your precious son, the only seedling, is staying by Jiaozhu's side, he has long been on the same boat as us. "
He snorted and said, "Also, by all means, do not mention our identities in front of other people, including the people I brought with me. They are not from our Cult. Go back and hug your Sixth Madame and sleep well. Tomorrow when you wake up, don't forget to investigate for me."
Speaking to this point, he smiled warmly and said, "Sixth Madame is our Cult's Holy Temple's disciple. That coquettish hussy is enchanting and moving, her skill in bed is superb. You, this old thing, have the fortune to enjoy it. Isn't it because our Cult values your identity? You better take care of yourself."
After saying that, Old Taoist Liu turned around and entered the house. Qiu Official Wai held the lantern and stood in the wind for a long time. A gust of wind blew and he could not help but shiver. Only then did he let out a long sigh and left in a daze.
Old Taoist Liu flashed into Red Madame's room. This was a woman's boudoir. The silk curtain was lifted and on the gums, there was a pile of embroidered bedding, faintly revealing the silky satin of mandarin ducks playing in the water. Cui Ying 'er was wearing a dark green outfit and was sitting in front of the table, frowning and deep in thought.
Her slender waist and plump round buttocks, for a moment, her curves were exposed and her amorous feelings were alluring. When Old Taoist Liu came in and saw Cui Ying 'er under the lamp, her skin was like jade, her appearance was as beautiful as a flower, and she looked like a black peony.
Cui Er, who was standing to the side, could not help but slightly curl her lips. Red Madame was a big shot in the Lulin, she did not mind the rules of those big families. Seeing that Old Taoist Liu barged into the boudoir without knocking, she did not feel disobedient at all. Instead, she anxiously said, "Mister Liu, Brother Hu's life and death are unknown. I really cannot stay here for a moment. In your opinion, will he be alright?"
Old Taoist Liu put on an unpredictable face and sternly said, "Madame Yang, I have calculated with my fingers that the current Emperor's Star is about to collapse, but with the assistance of the General Star, the crisis can be temporarily averted. At that time, I did not know who this General Star is, but now it seems that it should be Yang Ling. Alas, I have not been able to see through the secrets of heaven and did not stop Zongbiaobazi."
He sat opposite Cui Ying 'er. Under the lamp light, her pair of white hands were as delicate as orchids, and her skin was crystal clear. His heart could not help but sway. He immediately lowered his eyes and restrained the thought of caressing her hands. This woman looked delicate, but when she moved, she was more ferocious than a tiger. A punch or a kick was enough to be fatal. He did not dare to act rashly.
Old Taoist Liu counted with his fingers and pretended to say, "Everyone's fate has three main stars. Seven Kills is responsible for success and failure, Pojun is responsible for conquest, and Avarice is responsible for fortune and misfortune. Zongbiaobazi is now in his Life Palace because the Pojun Star, which is responsible for conquest, has entered his Life Palace. "
Cui Ying 'er said with a trembling voice, "Then … will it affect life and death?"
Old Taoist Liu did not dare to say anything definite. This woman's character was like a raging fire, she changed her attitude faster than flipping a page of a book. If she received the news of Yang Hu's death tomorrow, he was afraid that she would not let it go no matter what he said.
Old Taoist Liu laughed dryly twice and said vaguely, "Yang Ling is the General Star who protected the old Emperor, while Zongbiaobazi is the new Emperor Star. The new and the old will be replaced, the sun and the moon will rotate. Zongbiaobazi should have this calamity in his life. But it is also a good thing that Pojun Star has entered the Life Palace. As long as Zongbiaobazi can survive this calamity, he will not die from a great disaster and good fortune will come. When the other two stars also enter the Life Palace, the three stars of Kill, Pojun, and Avarice will converge, then the world will change hands, it is irreversible! "
Cui Ying 'er suddenly stood up, flicked her sleeves and said, "After talking for half a day, it is still unknown whether he is alive or dead. Whether he can survive this ordeal is still unknown." After she finished speaking, she felt that her tone was too heavy. She unnaturally brushed the black hair on her temples and said softly, "I am worried about my husband and was impolite. Mister, please do not blame me."
After she finished speaking, her pretty face turned cold and murderous as she said, "I will wait here and find out the news tomorrow. If Yang Hu is safe and sound, then so be it. If anything happens to him, Cui Ying 'er is a woman, no matter what General Star or Emperor Star he is, I will definitely kill my way to the Yang House and kill that guy even if I have to perish together with him!"
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