The wind stopped, but the snow was getting heavier and thicker, obscuring everyone's eyes. This was the first heavy snow since the beginning of winter. When the snow fell, the weather was not cold, but rather warm. Yang Ling took a breath of fresh air and loosened the belt of his expensive white fox fur coat. The scabbard on his waist broke free, and the end of the scabbard clanked against the saddle.
As soon as the snow started, there were fewer people on the street. Some people rolled up their sleeves and walked in a hurry. Peddlers held up oil umbrellas and continued to sell their wares on the street. It was almost the New Year, and they wanted to earn a few more coins to buy some cloth for their wives, some candies for their children, and some cured meat to eat. This was the greatest wish and satisfaction of these common people.
With such a heavy snow, would the 'Kings Hall' choose a son-in-law today? Yang Ling suddenly didn't want to go. In this kind of weather, he should be sitting by the window with his friends, brewing wine on a clay stove, and cooking some fat and tender mutton.
At the crossroads, Yang Ling pulled the reins, hesitating whether to find Yang Shen, Leopard Park, or Duke Cheng Province to drink with a few noble friends to kill time. At this moment, there were two clangs. Suddenly, two objects came out of nowhere and spun in the air.
When the remaining force was exhausted, the two items lost their momentum in the air and fell to the ground. Because the snow was soft, the items did not shatter. Yang Ling focused his gaze and saw that they were two ordinary wine cups.
In name, Yang Ling had resigned from his official position and became a duke. Although he was also a mighty general and had control over tens of thousands of cavalrymen from the four families, in order to avoid arousing suspicion, he never let soldiers escort him when he went out, only letting his own family warriors accompany him.
These were warriors carefully selected by Wu Jie. Not only were they well-trained, but most of them were skilled in martial arts. Some of them were even recruited from martial arts families.
As soon as they heard the alarm, these people immediately protected Yang Ling, while those on the periphery were on guard in all directions, beware of sneak attacks. The two most skilled guards were Hua Bian and Hong Xing. They were experts from the Northern Sect's Tan Tui and the Eagle Claw Sect respectively. Hua Bian could break three wooden stakes with one kick, and Hong Xing's Eagle Claw Skill was also very good. These two men's martial arts had been trained to the pinnacle of perfection, so they did not pay any attention to this kind of skillful martial arts. Their eyes and ears were sharp, so they were able to distinguish the direction in which the wine cup was thrown. They immediately flew down from their horses, and both of them pounced towards a small inn directly across from them.
Yang Ling pressed a hand to his waist and stealthily gripped the handle of his gun. He narrowed his eyes and looked into the inn. The inn was small, and with the heavy snow, even though the door was open, there was only one customer sitting calmly at the door, drinking by himself.
Dressed in black, her skin as white as snow, her beautiful hair tied behind her shoulders, and only a white of the Jianghu dress. of Jianghof. Her hair was tied behind her. Her slender waist, proud curves of her breasts, and the beautiful silhouette of her face when she sat in profile showed that she was a very beautiful woman.
She turned her face around. Her black and white eyes and her beautiful facial features were clearly reflected in Yang Ling's eyes through the hazy curtain of snow. Yang Ling's body shook and he immediately shouted, "Stop!"
Hua Bian and Hong Xing are already at the door. One of them is good at attacking the lower and the other is good at attacking the upper. Seeing that there is only a young girl in the inn, the two of them are about to attack at the same time and capture her in one fell swoop. Suddenly hearing the High Duke's order, the two of them are startled.
Yang Ling stared blankly at the interior of the shop. The woman in black did not look at him again. She gently turned her head, took out another wine cup from the tray, and placed it in front of him.
There was no one in front of her, but the woman picked up the pot and poured the wine into it as if there was no one else around.
Understanding each other, Yang Ling immediately dismounted from his horse and walked step by step towards the inn. Hua Bian and Hong Xing nervously came forward and greeted, "High Duke."
Yang Ling smiled faintly and said, "This is … an old friend of mine. You may leave."
Yang Ling strode into the inn and walked to the woman in black and slowly sat down. Looking at the woman in front of him, he said, "Innkeeper, please leave for a moment."
Following the voice, a 'dong' sound was heard. A large ingot of silver was thrown on the counter. Although his technique is far from the woman's, whether it is wrist strength or technique, it is obvious that he has practiced martial arts. The woman's expressionless face couldn't help but be moved.
Seeing that there is a total of ten taels of silver, the innkeeper immediately grabbed it in his hand and left without saying anything.
The woman in front of him lowered her eyelashes. Her fine and beautiful eyelashes covered her eyes and her cherry lips were pressed into a line.
"I hope that after we part today, we will never meet again." This was what she had said that day. Why did she take the initiative to find me? Carefully sizing her up, the wind and frost didn't seem to have left any traces on her delicate face. Her face was still as beautiful as a painting, but her eyes were filled with hesitation, helplessness, and weakness. When their eyes met, there was a hint of rustling charm. What did it mean …?
"I promised you that I will persuade my father and not let him be bewitched by Yang Hu again." Cui Ying 'er revealed an expression that looked like she was crying and laughing at the same time. "Now, my father will no longer rebel with Yang Hu."
Yang Ling's brows relaxed and he said joyfully, "Has the old man changed his mind?"
Cui Ying 'er said faintly, "He is dead …"
Yang Ling's heart shook and for a moment, he was speechless. He knew that the soldiers to suppress the bandits had uprooted the entire Bazhou Mountain Stronghold. He also knew that Old Man Cui had been hit by arrows. However, he did not expect that the life of a martial artist was also so fragile.
No wonder she was so gentle and delicate and had a delicate and pitiful appearance. It turned out that she … Father was killed by the soldiers and the Bazhou Mountain Stronghold was razed to the ground. Everything was because of her despicable husband and her blind obedience. Because of this, she had suffered a lot of psychological torture.
Yang Ling stared at her, his pale face filled with loneliness. After they parted, she had become even thinner. Her chin was pointy and the wrist that was placed on the table was so slender that it seemed like it would break if he broke it. Was this still the heroic Hong Niang from back then?
Her home was gone, her father was dead, her husband was like a stranger, and he had also done it to her …
Yang Ling's heart warmed and he suddenly blurted out, "You … do you have a place to go? Stay, I will take care of you, okay? "
Cui Ying 'er's eyes suddenly opened and a strange light flashed in her eyes. Yang Ling slowly said, "I went to Sichuan and narrowly escaped death. After this incident, my view on many things is different from before. Responsibility cannot be avoided, happiness cannot be waited. Cui Ying 'er should not bear so much suffering. Put aside those worldly views and stay, let me take care of you for the rest of your life, okay? "
Cui Ying 'er stared at him, her eyes were touched and happy. After staring at him silently for a long time, she finally moved her eyes away and said softly, "I have married someone and she is a female thief. Ordinary people do not dare to accept me. You are the dignified State Duke Wei, do you not dislike me?"
Yang Ling relaxed and said with a chuckle, "Cui Ying 'er is an extraordinary woman in the world. I am only afraid that you will dislike me."
Cui Ying 'er lowered her head and bit her thin lips with her white teeth. After a while, she said in a low voice, "The person who commanded the soldiers to wipe out the old stronghold was Bazhou Commander Zhou Dean."
Yang Ling frowned and asked curiously, "What do you mean?"
Cui Ying 'er raised her head and looked straight at him. She said, "I have infiltrated the military camp three times and failed. Zhou Dean came from Shaolin Temple and has extraordinary martial arts skills. After the first attack, he strengthened the defense. I have not been able to find a chance to attack again. Now, he has been transferred to Jinling to be an official and rushed back to the Ministry of War to report. I followed him here. "
Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat. He hesitated and said, "You … mean?"
"Please, help me, kill him!"
Yang Ling was instantly silent.
Cui Ying 'er turned her face away and said softly, "I know … this request is difficult for you. But Zhou Dean deserves to be killed! I told my father that he betrayed his brother and framed Fifth Uncle Huo. My father was very angry. Yang Hu begged for a long time, but my father still withdrew all assistance to him. He even scolded him that he would not be able to achieve great things and told him to know his place. The people in the old stronghold have already given up on rebelling.
But … Zhou Dean! For the sake of military achievements, he brazenly used his troops to massacre 14 strongholds. He did not let the old, the weak, the women and the children go. Then he attacked the old stronghold and pretended to ask for amnesty. I tried to persuade my father to surrender. My father agreed to negotiate with Zhou Dean. Who would have thought that Zhou Dean would secretly transfer his troops and attack the stronghold at night when the stronghold was relaxed. My father, he … "
Her eyelids slowly drooped, and two drops of tears slowly flowed down her snow-white, jade-like cheeks. "My father's old brothers, and the survivors of the old stronghold, are all determined to take revenge. They won't stop until they kill Zhou Dean. Zhou Dean rarely leaves the military camp. If they want to kill him, the people of the old stronghold can only attack. If that happens, I don't know how many people will die. I killed my father. I don't want another person to die like this. What am I now? Nothing at all! An unclean, ominous woman … "
She looked at Yang Ling with teary eyes and said, "I know you are a gentleman and a rare good official in the imperial court. As long as you are willing to help me take revenge and fulfill my wish, I am willing to be your servant! "
This is not Hong Niangzi! It is definitely not her! Yang Ling's eyes suddenly flashed. There was no such perfect disguise technique in the world. Of course, he would not treat the Cui Ying 'er in front of him as a fake person. However, with Hong Niangzi's arrogant personality, she would probably rather die than use this kind of method to ask for help. What was the inside story behind this?
Yang Ling thought nervously. There must be a reason! There must be another reason here. What was it? Could it make Hong Niangzi, who was more heroic than men, lower her head to him? She proposed such a humiliating method and did not hesitate to use herself as the price to ask for his help?
"I know that you are no longer in charge of the inner faction. But if Duke wants to kill a small guard commander, it should be very easy. You … Are you willing to help me?"
Yang Ling shook his head lightly. "I owe you. As long as I can, I am willing to do anything for you. However, it was the emperor's order to wipe out the Bazhou stronghold. Even if the Bazhou stronghold no longer has the intention to rebel, robbing and kidnapping will not stop. They are still bandits. It is only right and proper for the soldiers to suppress bandits. Even if the method is a little cruel, I have no reason to kill the generals who have done meritorious service in suppressing bandits.
You hate corrupt officials who abuse their power for personal gain the most. If I go against my own principles and kill Commander Zhou for you, then what is the difference between me and those officials you hate? Ying 'er, I cannot agree to such a request! "
Hong Niangzi's pale face turned into a sickly red. She raised her eyebrows and said angrily, "Not robbing and kidnapping? Not violating the law? Then how can they survive? You promised to let the poor people live a good life, but what about now? You have become a domineering Duke, and the people of Bazhou are oppressed by the officials to the point where it is difficult for them to survive. It is simply like hell on earth! "
Yang Ling slightly knitted his eyebrows. He had always paid attention to the general policy. Furthermore, he had been running around for more than a year with so many things to deal with. How could he have the time to carefully understand the local civil affairs? Could it be that the governance of Bazhou was now so corrupt?
Yang Ling smiled bitterly. "A real man has some things to do and some things not to do. If the officials of Bazhou are really cruel, I will speak to the emperor to punish them severely. However, Zhou De 'an has been ordered by the emperor to suppress bandits. He has successively destroyed more than ten strongholds and wiped out all the bandits in Bazhou. Even if there is something wrong, his merit is greater than his fault. Yang Ling will not kill a meritorious official for money and power, nor will he violate the law because of women. "
Hong Niangzi's face turned snow white. She suddenly stood up and took two steps back in shock and anger. "You … You are saying that I used women to seduce you and violated the law?"
Yang Ling regretted greatly. He hurriedly got up and went over, "Ying 'er, I did not mean it like that. Listen to me, I mean …"
"Clang!" A sword whistled. The dagger was unsheathed and pressed against Yang Ling's chest. Hong Niangzi said with a murderous look, "What else do you want to say? Most of those bandits were forced to enter the mountain to rob for a living. Otherwise, who would dare to do this business that involves beheading? They have violated the law and deserve to be killed! But those women and children, do they all deserve to be killed? I only ask you to kill one person, only one person. "
Yang Ling was not afraid at all. He looked straight into her eyes and said, "Do you know? When I was suppressing the pirates, I also used delaying tactics and even luring people to surrender. When I was suppressing the rebellion of Du Zhang Barbarian, I set fire to the barracks. Didn't many women and children also die? On the battlefield, if there is soft-heartedness, many soldiers will lose their lives in vain. I really want to help you. But even though this person's methods are vicious, he is not seeking death. I cannot kill him! "
Cui Ying 'er was in despair. "Why do I have to see him? Why do I have to come and humiliate myself? Is it because of the hundreds of lives of my uncles and brothers who are determined to take revenge, or is it because … because his figure is getting deeper and deeper in my heart, so I am giving myself a reason to get close to him? "
She forcefully suppressed the people of Old Stronghold who were eager to take revenge because she had always firmly remembered the promise she made to Yang Ling, "I will not rebel!" Even if her old father was tricked and killed, she only wanted to use the methods of a pugilistic world person to end this debt of gratitude and hatred.
She followed Zhou Dean to the capital, but after she arrived at the capital, she could not restrain herself and often lingered around Duke Wei Public House just to secretly peek at him. Today, she humbly came out to beg him. Was it really because she had no way to take revenge? Or was it because she wanted to use him as a reason to take revenge for her so that she could face her old father in the netherworld and the elders of Old Stronghold with a clear conscience? She wanted to find a self-deceiving reason to accompany him for a long time and find a happiness that belonged to her?
Cui Ying 'er felt bitter in her heart. Everyone in Old Stronghold knew that she and Yang Hu were now strangers. Who knew the secret in her heart? The ill-fated love that night captured her body. After nearly a year of separation and seeing Yang Hu's ugly face, she gave her heart to this man. But who could she talk about this kind of girl's thoughts to? Who could understand?
When the guards outside the door saw this scene, they all drew their weapons and rushed into the shop. Yang Ling did not even turn his head. He just shouted sternly, "All of you, get out!"
When the guards heard this, they hesitated and did not know when to retreat. They all looked at Liu Bang Chui. Liu Bang Chui had seen Red Lady before and knew how they got along in Yang Yuan. Liu Bang Chui stared at Red Lady with a pair of mung bean eyes. He looked at Red Lady who was crying and raising her sword like a pitiful wife. Then, he looked at his marshal's confident and majestic manly manner. He immediately made the wisest decision. The matter between marshal and women, especially the matter between him and a beautiful woman, a smart person's approach was to ignore it and pretend not to see it. If marshal said it was okay, then it must be okay. Besides … Didn't marshal have a very powerful gun?
Liu Bang Chui immediately waved his arm and shouted even more decisively than Yang Ling, "Get out, all of you get out!" With a 'crack', the robe that had been very tense also decisively tore open from the shoulder.
"Old Master Cui has already passed away. Cui family's old stronghold respects you, right? Ying 'er, why don't you think more about the people who are still alive? The people in the stronghold are either old people or women and children. Killing an official is equivalent to rebelling. If you want to say wrong, who is right? Who is wrong? Maybe no one is wrong. Just like … who can blame for the matter between you and me? If you want to say cause and effect … "
Red Lady's face was as red as a pomegranate. She said angrily, "Don't talk to me about cause and effect. The people of Jianghu have their own way to solve their grudges. We don't care about right or wrong, we only talk about gratitude and hatred."
Yang Ling smiled faintly and said, "Maybe it was before, but I know that you are not that kind of person now."
He took a step forward. The tip of Red Lady's sword trembled and she scolded, "Stop, don't move."
Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "The Cui family's stronghold is still under the banner of bandits. I can't righteously take revenge on a general who has done meritorious service in suppressing bandits. I also won't allow you to go!"
Cui Ying 'er sneered, "You care about me? Why? "
"Because we have the power of husband and wife! Because Yang Hu is not worthy of you! Because you are now making trouble regardless of right or wrong! Because a woman like Cui Ying 'er shouldn't be sent to the execution ground for these responsibilities that she shouldn't bear. I have the responsibility to take care of you, I have the right to control you! I have decided: from now on, you are my woman! "
Yang Ling raised his eyebrows and said, "Do you want me to ask the Emperor to announce this to the world? I can do it. His Majesty will definitely encourage me to make trouble! Do you believe me or not? "
As he spoke, he walked forward in large strides. Red Lady raised her sword and pressed it against his chest. She could only step back step by step. She flew into a rage out of humiliation because of her sorry state and shouted sternly, "Stop! Do you think I don't dare to kill you? "
"It's not that you don't dare, you just won't do it. I remember that you saved me in the cave at Mount Bai. I remember that outside Beijing, you gave out porridge and saved many people. I remember that you kept your promise and took me out of the city unscathed. I remember that you were willing to return to the stronghold and persuade your father to give up on the idea of rebelling. "I remember that you were willing to return to the stronghold and persuade your father to give up on the idea of rebelling.
Cui Ying 'er, you were born in that den of bandits, but you are not a qualified bandit. You can't be a bandit and you are not cut out for it. Put down your sword and be a woman!
I promise that I won't let the people of Bazhou suffer anymore. I won't let you suffer anymore. You shouldn't look like this. Think about how you were when I first saw you, how spirited and valiant you were. Put on your red clothes, don't be white or black. Don't let yourself be immersed in the gloomy fog of hatred all day and all month … "
"You … you, you … get lost." Red Lady's voice trembled. She became weaker and more afraid. What is this guy in front of me doing? What right does he have to scold me so confidently? Ordering me? Disciplining me?
She questioned him angrily in her heart, but she didn't dare to refute him. Her back was already against the wall and she had nowhere to retreat. However, Yang Ling was still walking forward. His chest was already pressed against the tip of her sword.
"In the past, I didn't dare to make any promises to you. It wasn't because I despised you. It was because I didn't know if you and Yang Hu could get back together. It was because I had a big calamity in my life and I didn't know if I could get through it safely. Now, I know that it's impossible for you and Yang Hu to get back together. I'm partly responsible for your misfortune. Leave everything to me in the future.
I promise: I will ask about the matters of Bazhou. I will settle the people of my stronghold. I will make arrangements for you. The fate between you and me is destined. I won't let you continue making mistakes. You stupid woman, what else can you do besides brandishing a spear and a stick all day long? Put down your sword, don't make a fuss! "
To deal with a strong woman, one could only be stronger than her. To deal with a woman like Red Lady, one couldn't talk too much about principles. Yang Ling was unprecedentedly rude and unreasonable. Red Lady was dumbfounded.
Yang Ling walked forward with his head held high. Red Lady felt that the sharp tip of the sword had already pierced into his chest. She hurriedly withdrew her hand. The tip of the sword was pointing upwards. There was no blood on it. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
Yang Ling took the opportunity to take a big step forward and held her in his arms. Red Lady was angry and embarrassed. She scolded, "You … You bastard! Scoundrel! Let me go. "
This was the second time they touched skin to skin. It was different from the last time. Cui Ying 'er's body went limp. She almost gave up resisting and fell into his gentle embrace.
Yang Ling also secretly heaved a sigh of relief. He couldn't give her any room to think. If she really killed an official and made a big mistake, he wouldn't be able to save her. He tightly hugged Red Lady's seemingly thin but plump and soft body. He said softly, "Give up on revenge. You are not the ruler of the world. You can't distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong …"
"Revenge?" Red Lady was startled. She regained her reason. "What am I doing? My father's enmity is absolutely irreconcilable. He is a high-ranking official in the imperial court and a colleague of my enemy. How can I be so shameless to actually let this rotten guy hold me in his arms? Even if I don't care about that animal Yang Hu, what will my uncles and elders think of me? Will my father be able to rest in peace in the netherworld? If Zhou Dean doesn't die, they will … will … At that time, what will I do? "
Cui Ying 'er calmed down. She suddenly shook her arms and struggled free from Yang Ling's embrace. She dodged to the side and said, "I, Cui Ying' er, won't ask you to help me again. I will take revenge for my grudge! I am living well. I don't need you to pity me, and I don't need you to care about me! Surnamed Yang, just pretend that I have never been here. Goodbye! "
Cui Ying 'er sheathed her sword and strode to the entrance of the inn. She raised her head and said, "You are choosing a husband for the princess, right? Don't stay at home all day with your wife and concubine. Use your mind and help me find a husband that I like. "
She revealed a bitter smile and said, "A man is afraid of entering the wrong profession, and a woman is afraid of marrying the wrong man. If you are wrong, it will be a lifelong problem. If you harm the girl, your conscience will be uneasy for the rest of your life. "
She raised her leg and was about to leave when Yang Ling anxiously said, "Stop!"
Cui Ying 'er stopped and coldly pressed the hilt of her sword. She said, "Yang Guogong wants to keep me here?"
Yang Ling said angrily, "You still want to take revenge? Since I know today, I will definitely not let you succeed in your assassination. Don't waste more lives. Wake up! "
Cui Ying 'er proudly said, "You are a man, and there are things that you shouldn't do. I, a little girl, will also keep my words! I will definitely do what I want to do, even if I turn the world upside down! I've already done it once, haven't I? I can go anywhere in the world, who can stop me? "
Her dainty figure stepped into the sky full of flying snow. She cupped her fists and turned around, saying, "Yang Ling, be a High Duke and enjoy your life. The next time we meet, unless it is on the battlefield, I will not kill you today. When that time comes, my sword will definitely pierce into your chest without hesitation!"
Yang Ling ignored her threat and also walked out in large strides. He walked into the sky full of snow and arrived in front of her. Liu Da Bang Chui and the other guards hurriedly grabbed their sabers and chased after him.
Snowflakes kept falling between the two of them. Under Yang Ling's gaze, Cui Ying 'er's cold gaze gradually drifted away. Yang Ling raised his hand and gently stroked the falling snow from the side of her hair. She also foolishly did not react.
"Last year, when it snowed heavily, you let me go. This year, when it snowed heavily, I let you go … "
"That's different. Right now, you can't make me stay!"
"Hehe, you are the second woman I have seen who is so competitive. But … you don't have a heart like her, so you are even cuter. "
Yang Ling smiled slightly, "Ying 'er, I won't stop you today, and I can't stop you from leaving. I hope that no matter what you do, you can ask your conscience. Don't hurt the innocent, don't hurt people who shouldn't be killed. I, Yang Ling, have never taken the initiative to chase after a woman. You are the first. Don't make an irreversible mistake that even I can't save you."
"Should I be deeply grateful? High Duke Yang! "
Yang Ling shook his head, "Give yourself a chance, and also give me a chance. Today, I can't make you stay, but sooner or later, I will be able to make you stay. Not only your body, but also your heart. We will definitely meet again. Whether it is on the battlefield or the execution ground, I will turn it into a field of love. "
Cui Ying 'er suddenly smiled. She rarely smiled, but every time she smiled, her smile was like the clouds breaking through the moon and the flowers dancing on the shadows. It was indescribably charming and gentle, "Well, Mr. Yang, then you can treat the battlefield and the execution ground as a field of love. When I poke a big hole in the sky, if you still have the ability to mend it for me, I, the Red Lady, will follow you for a lifetime."
Amidst the swirling snowflakes, her eyebrows that were like a distant mountain suddenly became distant. There was a touch of frightening charm in her eyes, "Just wait, Mr. Yang, wait for me to turn the world upside down. I want to see what ability you have to mend the sky!"
* * *
"Not scheming? Only an idiot without scheming! Does he like silly women so much? "
Cheng Qiyun was half reclining in the warm sedan chair, covered with a soft and form-fitting silk robe. Inside, she wore a light green silk wide-sleeved dress and a peach red embroidered bikini. Around her slender neck was a snow-white fox scarf. She held a small hand warmer in her hand. Her waist was slender and her legs were slender. Her face was more and more charming.
Her face was full of jealousy as she said, "Men, all have no conscience. In vain, I was worried about him and came all the way here. Tch, it's good that I can't get my hands on him! Tch, 'keep your body, and also keep your heart.' I have never heard him say such beautiful words to me. "
She stretched, and the exquisite curves of her body changed into another kind of ups and downs. She was fuming as if she was still indignant. Next to her, Chu Ling giggled and said, "Miss, you have been saying it over and over again for a long time. This servant's ears are calloused from listening to it."
Cheng Qiyun glared at her coquettishly and asked, "Sir is so infatuated with that fox spirit that you let her go just like that?"
Chu Ling blinked her eyes and said, "What can we do if we don't let her go? Our people heard from the big stick that Cui Ying 'er's martial arts are very good. Even if we wanted to keep her, we wouldn't be able to keep her. Who would dare to force her? She even threatened to stab Sir's chest with her sword. If Sir is really injured, won't Miss feel distressed? "
Cheng Qiyun said resentfully, "Stab, stab, stab. I think Sir wants to stab his' sword 'into her body."
Chu Ling covered her mouth and giggled, "Miss, could it be that you were so worried about Sir that when you arrived at the capital, you found out that he actually held a happy event and married a new wife, so you flew into a rage?"
"Hmph!" Cheng Qiyun lazily supported her chin and said, "I have long expected Wen Xin to marry him. I just don't know what kind of entanglement Sir Yang has with that Hong Niangzi that he actually gave in to her like this. However, Yang Ling is not a person who can be seduced by women. Otherwise, wouldn't he have readily agreed to get rid of Commander Zhou and marry the beauty? "
"Of course, how could the person my Young Mistress has chosen be bad?"
Chu Ling said with a smile, "Once that Hong Niangzi left, Sir ordered the Imperial Bodyguard to inform Commander Zhou that he had received news that someone wanted to harm him and told him to increase his vigilance. He also ordered people to track Hong Niangzi, saying that he wanted to cast a long line to catch a big fish. Unfortunately, his people's tracking skills are limited and let this mermaid slip away. "
When Cheng Qiyun heard that Yang Ling could still be so vigilant, her expression softened greatly. She glared at Chu Ling and said, "What do you know? The people left by Sir's side are all experts who are skilled in martial arts and are good at guarding. They are highly skilled and may not necessarily be able to track her. The elites trained by the inner factory are all in my hands. Otherwise, do you think she can escape from Sir's palm? Have our people caught up to her? "
"Yes, she said that she wants to meet on the battlefield. Could it be that she really wants to rebel? The mountain bandits in Bazhou have suffered great losses. With that small number of people, if they want to rebel, they are simply seeking death. "
Cheng Qiyun's expression became serious and said, "Don't underestimate them. Peng Shaosha said that in the past, Bazhou's Lulin had the idea of recruiting him. It seems that they have been planning for a long time and will not be so easily discovered by the soldiers."
Cheng Qiyun was especially afraid of the cold in the north and also loved to feel sleepy. She yawned lazily and said, "Send people to follow her closely. Sir's considerations are correct. Capturing her is not very useful. From what she said, there should be people behind her. Who knows, if we follow this mermaid, we might be able to find a big shark."
She curled up on the soft couch like a cat. Her eyes flashed as she pondered and smiled, "Pass down the order. If there is any news, immediately inform me first. Haha, Sir is cultivating his character. Liu Jin is in charge of the court. The culprit in Sichuan has not been found yet. Here, there is the appearance of Red Lady and Bazhou's Lulin. Oh … it is getting more and more interesting. "
Chu Ling looked at her cautiously and pretended to say casually, "Handing over the inner factory but separating all the forces. It seems that Sir Yang does not really want to be a retired Duke. Although these forces are divided into seven in the south and six in the north, in order to ensure the tightness and smoothness of the intelligence system, this part is basically all in Miss's hands. Sir's trust in Miss … is even greater than that of Old Man Han. Sir … treats Miss very well. "
Cheng Qiyun's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly and she said with a smile, "Ling 'er, what exactly do you want to say?"
Chu Ling's expression changed. She hurriedly knelt in front of the couch and said, "No … nothing. Sir Yang trusts Miss so much. This servant is … is … is happy for Miss."
Cheng Qiyun slowly stretched out her hand. Her slender fingers were like orchids as she gently hooked onto Chu Ling's round and small mouth. Chu Ling's pale little face slowly tilted up.
After quietly watching for a while, Cheng Qiyun suddenly burst into laughter. She gently caressed Chu Ling's delicate cheeks and said, "Tsk tsk tsk, I really admire Sir. I have to subdue people's hearts and I have to use both kindness and power. I don't know how many methods I have to use. I treat you like a sister but you have only seen him a few times. You are already on his side. Ling 'er, don't tell me you also like Sir? "
"No, no, no. I don't. How would this servant dare to climb up the social ladder?" Chu Ling's face turned even paler.
Cheng Qiyun leisurely said, "If … you really like Sir, I can help you. I have already said that we are like sisters. If there is a chance to serve the same husband and marry into the House of Duke, it would be considered a good birth."
Chu Ling's eyes were already brimming with tears, "Miss, this servant does not have such thoughts. This servant is loyal to Miss and only wishes for Miss to be happy. Sir Yang, he … is very good. He really treats you well. This servant has followed Miss for so many years. Sir Yang is the first person who treats Miss sincerely. I can see that if it wasn't for the fact that there are many things that Miss needs to do, Sir would definitely marry Miss. Miss … Miss should cherish it … "
Cheng Qiyun held her chin and looked at her for a while. Suddenly, she giggled, "Silly girl, so it's because of this. You suspect that I have intercepted a lot of information that should have been reported to Sir, redeployed the forces that Sir handed to me without authorization, placed my spies beside Sir, returned to the capital city and did not see him. Moreover, I have transferred a large amount of funds. Is it because I am disloyal to Sir Yang?"
Chu Ling trembled. She knew how powerful Cheng Qiyun was. Although Cheng Qiyun treated her like a sister, who knew if Cheng Qiyun would mercilessly get rid of her if Cheng Qiyun suspected her?
Cheng Qiyun lightly said, "Get up. I am only happy that you can treat Sir like this. I will not blame you. I have done many things behind Sir's back. You will understand my intentions sooner or later. Do not suspect that I have ill intentions towards Sir. If I had any disloyal thoughts, I would not let you know. "
Her eyes emitted a dangerous light. Her ten slender fingers were like a mother cat protecting its calf. Her sharp nails slowly tightened, "I care about him more than anyone else. Furthermore, I will not allow him to suffer any losses from anyone. Things that he cannot think of and things that he is unwilling to do, I will do for him.
There are some things you don't understand, and you don't need to understand. When you find a man you love in the future, you'll understand that you can't tell him everything to truly love him. He's my man, and I have to plan for him in the long run … "
Chu Ling trembled as she said, "Yes, this servant … will remember."
Cheng Qiyun giggled and took out a handkerchief to gently wipe away the sweat on Chu Ling's face. She softly said, "I am not a man-eating demon. Others are afraid of me, but who would have thought that you would also be afraid of me. Ai! Silly sister, how could I really harm you? I am just scaring you because I am angry that you do not trust me. "
Chu Ling's face finally returned to normal. She laughed dryly and said, "How would this servant dare? This servant is overthinking. I am afraid that Miss will let Sir down and miss such a good man. This servant is worried about you. "
Cheng Qiyun suddenly turned over and held her chin in her hands. She said with interest, "Do you really think that Sir is very good? Haha, I also think that I can't find a more lovely man than him. Well … You are indeed my sister. Men and women think alike. Do you want me to help you … "
Chu Ling did not know that Cheng Qiyun did not say anything, but in fact, she had been jealous of Red Lady. However, she did not open her eyes and suspected that Cheng Qiyun was sincere to Yang Ling. She was deliberately making fun of her. Poor little girl. It was winter, and she was sweating again …
* * *
Yang Ling ordered people to keep an eye on Red Lady. When the man came back to report, Yang Ling had already received the edict from the palace and went to the palace to see Princess Yongfu.
Princess Yongfu was ashamed to take the initiative to talk about her marriage with others, especially the man she liked. But in her mind, unless Yang Ling had never married, it was impossible for the two of them to be together. The girl's hazy love and unrequited love were controlled by her reason. She could only accept the fate and arrangement of a princess and let others choose her husband.
But what she saw in the 'King's Mansion' that day really shocked her. If the husband she married was one of those boys with bad character and childish temperament, then she might as well not marry. Compared to Yang Ling, who was both mature and handsome, how could she like those little boys who were only 16 years old? The more she thought about it, the more worried she became.
She did not know what to say when she summoned Yang Ling. When Yang Ling really came, she was afraid to see him. Fortunately, she was chatting with Zhu Xiang 'er, who had just arrived in the capital. She used this reason to quietly tell Little Chap Ding to wait for a while. As soon as Little Chap Ding left, Yongfu's mind was in a mess. Princess Yongchun and Zhu Xiang 'er chatted, but she was in a trance. She did not know where her heart had floated to.
Yang Ling was a foreign official and could not meet the Princess in her bedroom. At the side of the Hall of Literature, there was a pavilion specially used to meet foreign guests. Yang Ling was waiting there. With his current high status, when he met the Princess, he only had to bow to her, so there was no need to wait in the hall. After waiting for a while and not seeing Princess Yongfu, Yang Ling strolled out.
At this time, the snow had stopped. The Imperial Palace was covered in white clothes. The chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ma Yongcheng, was directing the little eunuchs to clean up the snow. Yang Ling stood in the shadows of the corridor, and Ma Yongcheng did not notice him. Yang Ling paced in the corridor for a while, stomped his feet, and was about to return to the hall when he saw a person running at high speed towards him from the side.
As soon as he saw that there was someone in front of him, dressed in a robe, he knew it was a noble. Before he could see clearly what Yang Ling looked like, he stopped abruptly. There was a light breeze blowing in the corridor. Although it was not thick, it was very slippery. This person was big and his center of gravity was not stable. With a cry, he waved his hands in the air and fell into the snow pile.
Yang Ling found it funny. Looking at the corner of the robe, he should be a high-ranking eunuch. He went forward to grab the person's arm and pulled him up from the snow pile. The person was really tall and the soles of his boots were covered with snow. He stood up shakily and wiped the snow off his face. When he saw Yang Ling, he could not help but say happily, "Oh, it's Mr Yang. No, no, no, it's the Duke. It's good that you are here, very good."
When Yang Ling saw that he did not recognize him, he asked curiously, "Who are you?"
The eunuch laughed heartily, "Duke, we are from the same hometown. This servant is Du Fu, from Baoding prefecture's Laoshui county. I am currently the Left Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Surveillance and Eunuch Miao's man."
When Yang Ling heard this, he almost fell head first into the snow pile. He composed himself and asked, "You … what is your name?"
"This servant is Du Fu. Has the Duke heard of my name?"
"Uh … I have long heard of your great name. It is like thunder piercing my ears!"
When Du Fu heard this, he happily said, "I don't dare, I don't dare. This servant has seen the Duke a few times, but the Duke is always in a hurry. This servant did not dare to go forward to greet the Duke."
"Uh … speaking of being in a hurry, where are you going in a hurry?"
Du Fu slapped his forehead and said, "Oh no, if it wasn't for the Duke's reminder, this servant would have been too engrossed in talking to the Duke. The 'greeting' at the Hall of Civil Splendour has started fighting. The Emperor is currently paying his respects to the Empress Dowager in the back palace. This servant must quickly ask the Emperor to mediate. Since the Duke is here, I will have to trouble you to appease them first. This servant must quickly go and see the Emperor."
After Du Fu finished speaking, he got into an icy stance and was about to run towards the back palace. Although Yang Ling did not recognize this eunuch Du, as the Left Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Surveillance, he was an important figure in charge of the execution of the Imperial Horse Surveillance. Miao Kui had mentioned him before and he was indeed from the same hometown. Moreover, this eunuch was loyal and honest. He was only thirty-five or thirty-six years old and had already been promoted to a eunuch. He handled matters seriously and did not put on airs. Thus, he was placed in an important position by Miao Kui.
Yang Ling hurriedly pulled him back again and said, "Slow down, slow down. Who is fighting with who?"
Du Fu scratched his head and said, "This … First, it was Yang Shen, the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, who beat up Huang Jing, the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. Then, Grand Secretary Yang Tinghe beat up Yang Shen, and then Grand Secretary Li Dongyang went to mediate but was beaten up by Huang Jing. Then, Wu Yishan went to beat up Huang Jing, and then …"
"Alright, alright, alright. I know, I know. This matter is too serious. You should quickly go and inform the Emperor." Ming Destiny's imperial court had a very democratic expression, which was that the civil officials liked to fight more than the generals. However, he had never heard of a fight like the one described by Du Fu. Yang Ling was dizzy from listening to this and could only quickly send him away.
Du Fu heard this and hurriedly ran away with his ice.
Yang Ling stretched his neck and looked towards the back palace. Princess Yongfu had not arrived yet. He immediately lifted his robe and leaped towards the Hall of Civil Splendour …
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