On the second day of the first lunar month, the An family's compound was set up with red banners. They were preparing to hold a grand party to celebrate and pray with the people on the third day of the first lunar month. There was no need to invite the construction workers. They were the soldiers from the Ministry of Punishments, Yamachi, and the capital.
A large space had been cleared out in the backyard. The accumulated snow had been swept away, and a high platform had been built on the ground. The vertical logs were used as a base, and a layer of yellow soil was placed on top of it. It looked like a high platform made of earth and stone, but it looked more sturdy. This stage was the place where he would invite the Four Great Living Buddhas to test their magical powers. Yang Ling attached great importance to it, and he ordered Song Ai to supervise the construction personally. He only used the hundred-odd soldiers she brought from Guangxi and his twenty-odd guards to carry out the construction. The progress of the construction was much slower than the temporary stage in the front yard.
Yang Ling was wearing a light fox fur robe. He stood in front of the window of the pavilion with his hands in his sleeves. He looked at the stage that was gradually being built in the backyard. He said to the servant beside him, "Continue. What else is going on?"
"Yes!" The man was called An Zhibao, also a member of the Inner Sanctum. He was a man in his thirties, with a sturdy build and an ordinary appearance. There was nothing special about him. "The thousand-man troops that the duke left in the six provinces in hopes of improving the military power of the entire army have been forcibly recalled by Liu Jin. The assistant minister of the Ministry of War, Yang Yiqing, strongly opposed it. However, Minister Liu was ambiguous and did not say anything. Eunuch Liu kept saying that the army missed their hometown. The army's morale was even more unstable as it was nearing the end of the year. The emperor ordered all the thousand-man troops to return to Zhejiang. "
Yang Ling sighed. He walked back to the table and sat down. He poured a cup of hot tea. He gently swirled the cup and smelled the faint fragrance.
This was within his expectations. Liu Jin was afraid that the elite soldiers he had personally trained would be scattered across the provinces, and these soldiers were the main force of the local officers and soldiers. These officers and soldiers had outstanding military exploits, and in the long run, they would definitely spread out and become the middle and lower level officers and officers in the local army. In that case, Yang Ling's influence in the army would be too terrifying. He could even bypass the senior officers and directly order many soldiers who were loyal to him.
It was also because of this reason that Yang Ling could not come forward and ask the Emperor for any reason to let the thousand-man team stay here. The current Emperor did not have any ulterior motives and trusted him very much. But the people around the Emperor, and even many people in the Imperial Family, did not relax their vigilance. If he asked his trusted troops to stay in different places, who knew if he was doing it for justice or selfishness?
Yang Ling did not forget that Princess Yongfu had also questioned his ambitions and ambitions when he went to the hot spring in Ji Province. Princess Yongfu, that little girl, could be considered quite friendly to him. As his power gradually increased, she also feared that he might have other ambitions, let alone others.
Yang Ling raised the cup to his lips. After thinking for a while, he put down the cup. He said, "What else has Liu Jin done?"
"It is now the first month, and the officials are all on vacation. But Eunuch Liu has issued endless government decrees. He ordered that all officials who are promoted or transferred cannot leave their posts before the Ministry of Grain has completed its tasks. The accounts also have to be thoroughly investigated. When officials are selected for the Juren and Supervisor, there will be additional examinations for current affairs and moving announcements. "
"Huh?" Yang Ling was surprised and amused. "This Liu Jin, sometimes I really wonder if he is a comrade who transmigrated here. Auditing before leaving office, Confucian examinations, and adding political and current affairs to the pile of old books. These are anti-tradition, but very scientific and effective in the modern political system. I did not expect him to come up with something like this."
He heard An Zhibao say, "As soon as this decree was issued, Liu Jin began to intervene in the official examination and the imperial examination system. He reduced the number of places for the provincial examination in Jiangxi by 50, but increased the number of places for his hometown in Shaanxi by 100. In order to win over Grand Scholar Jiao, he also increased the number of places for Minister Jiao's hometown in Henan by 95.
Because the scholars of Hanlin Academy have been standing on Yang Tinghe's side against him, Liu Jin also ordered that the examinations for Hanlin Academy, in addition to the examinations conducted by Hanlin Academy, also be conducted jointly with the Ministry of Appointments. Only those who pass the examinations in both aspects can be considered to have passed. In this way, he controlled the promotion of Hanlin Academy through the Ministry of Appointments. "
Yang Ling smiled bitterly and shook his head. "What a pity. It is a good scripture, but once it comes out of Liu Jin's mouth, it immediately becomes crooked. It sounds dignified, but in fact, it is just to strangle the officials' necks."
He chuckled and said, "Presumably, Liu Jin also ordered that in the future, when the civil and military officials in the capital are transferred, they must first go to him to do a departure audit before they can take office?"
An Zhibao was startled for a moment before he understood the general meaning of the departure audit. He couldn't help but smile. "Duke, you have a god-like foresight. Exactly. Right now, the officials are doing the year-end examination and will be promoted and transferred according to their achievements. With this order, there is an endless stream of carriages and horses in Liu Jin's mansion. The Liu mansion's gate is wide open, and from dawn until late at night, there is an endless stream of people giving gifts. "
"Now there have been many jokes in the capital. Some officials gave gifts in the morning and were given a cushy job. But in the afternoon, someone gave an even bigger gift, so the Ministry of Appointments immediately ordered the former official to be removed and a new official appointed. There are also people who have already taken their letters of appointment and left the capital, but they immediately sent people to chase after them and give them another job, exchanging the important position for the official who gave more gifts. "
Listening to this, Yang Ling's eyebrows furrowed. In a deep voice, he said, "Do you understand all of this evidence?"
An Zhibao smiled knowingly and said, "Duke, don't worry. The time, place, how many gifts were given, and who was present, we remember it all clearly. The military governor, Shen Ying, clearly did not have any battles at the border this year, but he heavily bribed Liu Jin and falsely claimed credit for the border. Liu Jin requested an imperial edict to promote him to Count Yang and give him a certificate. His salary increased to eight hundred dans.
The martial scholar, An Guo, was supposed to be appointed as a commander to go to the three borders of Shaanxi to perform meritorious deeds. But because he had no money to bribe, the grand martial scholar was put into the military by Liu Jin and did not even become a small sergeant. The Count of Pingjiang, Chen Xiong, did not give any bribes and was framed by Liu Jin for corruption. Not only did he take away the death exemption certificate given by the previous court, but he also had his title stripped and his family confiscated. His entire family was sent to Hainan to serve as a military exile. "
Listening to this, Yang Ling felt a little impatient. He heard that Liu Jin was constantly tormenting the capital and harming the country. He clearly had the ability to make him behave, but he deliberately tolerated and indulged him. He could not help but feel guilty for allowing him to do evil. But … it was precisely because of Liu Jin's bad nature that if he could not be subdued in one fell swoop, as Yang Shen said, fighting with him in the court for decades, even if he won in the end, it would be a pyrrhic victory. How much would the court have to pay for being tormented for so long?
At that time, the Ming Destiny dynasty, which originally had a good foundation, would probably be tormented by this scourge until it was on its last breath. This was like a patient. One choice was to be sick to the point where he wished he was dead and then completely eradicate the disease. The other choice was to be bedridden and tormented for decades. In the end, which would bring more pain? This was probably one of the uses of shock therapy in court battles.
Yang Ling let out a heavy sigh and said, "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, the last thing. Liu Jin has ordered all the provincial governors in the country to come to the capital before May this year to accept the imperial edict. Those who do not arrive before the deadline will be punished and imprisoned! The order has already been passed down by the Ministry of Appointments to all the prefectures. "
It was to ask for bribes again! The provincial governors were the main officials of the local military, government, and civil affairs. They had to arrive in the capital before May. Some had to leave more than two months in advance. It was March in the spring, the busy farming season. At this time, all the civil officials were rushing to the capital to send gifts. In order to fill his treasury, Liu Jin did not even care about the stomachs of the people. Once there was a famine, wouldn't it cause a civil revolt?
All the provincial governors in the world to come to the capital at the same time? With the current transportation and communication conditions, how much trouble would be delayed! Yang Ling slammed the table with a bang and his eyes twisted. He was really angry!
Liu Jin, ah, Liu Jin, you can toss around as much as you want! Not only did you toss around with a body full of sin, but you also tossed away the little bit of friendship that we have since we met. If there is a day when I interrogate you in court, I will not show any mercy!
※ ※ ※
"Squire Ai, it's the New Year and you came to our residence to cry like a funeral. This is too inauspicious." Zhang Zhong impatiently picked up a dried fruit and threw it into his mouth. He slowly chewed on it and crossed his legs, swaying it in front of Squire Ai's eyes.
"Eunuch Zhang, please … please have mercy! I'm kowtowing to you! Please have mercy, please have mercy! "Squire Ai's fat body was like a meatball as he piled on the ground and kowtowed continuously.
"Yo yo yo, what are you doing? Hehehe, speaking of which, Squire Ai is older than me. Even if you kowtow to me for the New Year, I can't give you New Year's money. "Zhang Zhong's ridicule made the servants laugh.
Squire Ai wiped the sweat on his face and begged, "Eunuch Zhang, your people are going to dig under our house soon. It's the New Year and we don't dare to stay in the house. We are afraid that the house will sink. Eunuch Zhang, you are a living Bodhisattva. Please say something and let us go."
"Sigh!" Zhang Zhong sighed and put down his legs. He said solemnly, "Squire Ai, we have no other choice. "We have received an imperial edict from the emperor. Eunuch Liu from the capital city personally approved us to explore for gold mines in Bazhou. According to the guidance of the expert we invited, there is likely to be a gold vein under your land. If we dig it out, it will be a great event that will benefit the country and the people. The people in Bazhou will also benefit from it. As the saying goes, sacrifice yourself for the greater good. The rise and fall of the country is everyone's responsibility! "
"This … this …" Squire Ai wiped his sweat again and smiled bitterly, "Eunuch Zhang, I have lived for most of my life and this is the first time I heard that there is gold in Bazhou. Besides … Besides … "He carefully laughed dryly," The expert, that is … that is studying Fengshui, right? What do they know about gold prospecting? "
Zhang Zhong dragged his voice and said, "They don't know, but you do? Alright, alright, Squire Ai, please go back. I still have to visit a few guests. I really can't accompany you to talk nonsense here. We have the imperial edict. Gold prospecting is not something you can stop just because you say so. En? "
Zhang Zhong stood up and was about to walk out. Squire Ai hurriedly grabbed onto his robe and begged, "Eunuch Zhang, don't go. Eunuch Zhang, please stay. There is really no gold at my house. That is my family's land. I … I have the title deed. I can't dig any further. "
As he said this, Squire Ai trembled as he took out a piece of land deed from his robe. Zhang Zhong did not even look at it. He sneered and said, "Wow, the land belongs to your family. We did not occupy your family's land ~ ~ ~ land. Our people are digging underground. The land is still your family's. "
"Then … then how much land do we have to dig and how long will it take?"
Zhang Zhong rolled his eyes and said, "What do you think? This is the imperial edict. It was personally ordered by Eunuch Liu in the capital. How can we not do our best? If we can't dig under your house, there is still a yard. If there is no yard, there is still a hundred hectares of fertile land. We can dig them all up. I don't believe we can't dig out gold! "
Steward Ai's face turned red. He gritted his teeth and took out a stack of banknotes from his bosom. He respectfully raised it in his hand and said, "Eunuch Zhang, Eunuch Zhang, you are wise. Maybe … maybe the geomancy master was wrong. Please ask him to take a look again. Our family's land was dug quite deep. It's not like we haven't seen a single gold grain. This little bit of money, please take it as … as the remuneration for hiring a geomancy master. "
Zhang Zhong burst into laughter. "You old thing, everyone says that Ai Jing is a miser who is stingy. Hehe, it turns out that you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin. If I don't pluck out all your feathers and turn you into a naked chicken, I won't be able to show off my ability!"
"Hehehe, Squire Ai, this isn't good. We're digging a gold mine. Are you using this little bit of money to send a beggar away? The geomancy master we hired was the disciple of the master who checked the mausoleum of the Former Emperor. Can the master hire him again with this little bit of money? "
"Yes, yes, yes. This lowly person is short-sighted and has poor knowledge." Official Ai swallowed his anger and took out another stack of banknotes with heartache. He raised it up with trembling hands and said, "Zhang Gong-gong, please help me. Please."
"En …" Zhang Zhong wiped his eyes and gave a look to the housekeeper beside him. The housekeeper hurriedly took the money and helped Squire Ai up with a smile. Squire Ai squeezed out a smile that was uglier than crying and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Zhang. Thank you, Eunuch Zhang."
"What are you thanking me for? I'm an eunuch. I eat and drink from the royal family. Of course, I have to be loyal to the royal family. En, I'll use this money to hire a geomancy master to choose another auspicious place. But … the temporary workers we hired have been busy for a few days. It's the new year, and we promised them three times the salary. These people … "
Ai Jing thought, "I've already taken so much money. Do I still need to pay the servants? If I let them turn over the entire house and dig holes everywhere, my house will be ruined. Never mind, let's dig! "
He touched his pocket and smiled bitterly. "Eunuch Zhang, this lowly person … doesn't have any more money. I'll go back and get more."
Zhang Zhong gave a look to one of the servants and smiled. "En, en, there's no hurry. Go back and prepare. I'll send someone to inform them to stop digging for now."
Squire Ai was overjoyed when he heard this. He thanked her profusely and left the hall. As he walked, his heart twitched in pain.
The housekeeper, Han Bing, walked forward and stuck out his thumb. "Sir, this move of yours is brilliant. Second Master Mao leads a group of people to fight and kill. Hehe, when you go out on a trip, you get more money than when you sit at home. Sir, please accept this. "
He eagerly handed over the stack of banknotes. Zhang Zhong laughed proudly and took one banknote. "Take it. This is my reward for you." As he said this, he stuffed the rest of the banknotes into his sleeve and waved at Han Bing.
Han Bing's face blossomed as he took the banknote. As he bowed and thanked Ai Jing, he moved closer to his ear. Immediately, he felt his palm sink. Along with the banknote, there was actually a small cloth bag. "There are more than twenty grains of gold sand in here. Go to the Ai family and tell our people to stop digging. Then … you'll find gold sand in the soil … Do you understand?"
Han Bing's eyes flashed. He looked at Zhang Zhong in awe and nodded. "This lowly one understands, this lowly one understands. Uh … how much more blood do you want that rooster Ai to bleed?"
Zhang Zhong chuckled and rolled up his sleeves. "Doesn't the Ai family still have two silk and satin shops, one grain and oil shop, and one medicine shop? Make him hand them all over."
Han Bing was shocked. He hesitated. "Sir, this … isn't this a little too ruthless? He is famous for being a cheapskate. Will he … not agree? "" Hahaha. "
Zhang Zhong shook his head and laughed. "No, no. If he didn't bring so many banknotes today, maybe he would fight to the death and not take a single cent. But he has already vomited so much blood. If he doesn't hand over the shops, these banknotes will be taken for nothing. He is a smart person. Since he knows that this is my goal, if he doesn't hand over the shops, he can forget about doing business in the future. Besides, what about his house and his land? That big house is worth at least sixty thousand taels of silver. If the land collapses and those hundreds of hectares of land are dug up, the cheapskate will become a dead rooster! "
Han Bing felt a chill in his heart. He was ruthless and black-hearted. But this master was even more black-hearted and ruthless. He ate people without spitting out the bones. Han Bing hurriedly responded and quickly left.
Zhang Zhong pinched the thick banknotes in his sleeves and chuckled. He was about to turn and enter the backyard when a servant hurriedly came to report. "Sir, Liang Hong, Liang Gonggong is here."
Zhang Zhong turned around and saw the deputy imperial envoy Liang Hong, who held the title of Right Commander of the Jin Wu Guards, walking in with a grin. The moment he saw him, he smiled and said, "Old Zhang, I'm here again."
Zhang Zhong lowered his status to welcome him. He pulled his arm and scolded jokingly, "You damn thing. You have nowhere to go after coming to this poor and desolate place. Every day you come to our house to take advantage of us. Haha. Come, let's go to the back and have a few drinks."
Liang Hong laughed. "Isn't that obvious? Coming to Bazhou, if I don't eat your food, who will I eat? But today I really have something to do. The Imperial Envoy Daren was strolling on the streets with nothing to do on New Year's Eve. He saw the four Living Buddhas of Longquan Temple coming to your mansion to perform a Buddhist ritual and pray for blessings. He made some inquiries and heard that the four Buddhas performed many miracles. His heart was moved and he wanted to organize a Great Fortune Great Dharma Assembly to plant yin good fortune and yin virtue for himself. "
Zhang Zhong was stunned. "Invite the Living Buddhas to spread the Dharma? Let's invite them. Haven't we been avoiding the Killer Star all this while? What does it have to do with us? "
Liang Hong said seriously, "It really has nothing to do with you. He invited the four Living Buddhas to spread the Dharma, asking for good fortune in the next life and planting the fruit of the next life. At the same time, he wanted to perform a great Dharma Assembly to show his kindness to the people of Bazhou. Therefore, the Duke even sent out an invitation card to all the local civil and military officials and landlords. He also allowed the people and believers in the city to go to the courtyard behind the Dark House to pray and pray together."
Zhang Zhong was stunned. "So sincere? What a big commotion. Could it be that they even invited us? "
Liang Hong took out a gilded invitation card from his sleeve and chuckled. "How can you, the Grass King of Bazhou, not be included? Here, this is the invitation card. "
Zhang Zhong took the invitation card and said suspiciously, "Duke Wei came to Bazhou to confiscate our house. We have nothing to do with each other. Ever since he came, I haven't even paid him a visit. Why would the Duke invite us?"
Liang Hong snorted in disdain and scolded jokingly, "I say, are you too used to taking money? Don't you know how to use your brain? It's the New Year. He's the Duke and the imperial envoy. Aren't you embarrassed to come empty-handed? "
Zhang Zhong let out an "ah" and said in realization, "Motherf * cker, did he come to Bazhou to take advantage of me?"
Liang Hong rolled his eyes and said, "Nonsense. Do you think the surnamed Yang is a good person? I was just about to visit you, so I volunteered to accept the invitation card. "
He pulled Zhang Zhong's hand and said as they walked, "The big fish eat the small fish and the small fish eat the shrimps. You're a ferocious big muddy fish in Bazhou, but when it's the Duke's turn, you can only mix into the pile of shrimps and pretend to be a shrimp. Why? You don't like it? Even though he's no longer in the court, he's still the Emperor's favorite. There's no harm in building a relationship with him. "
Zhang Zhong didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Motherf * cker, chicks don't pee. Everyone has their own way. Duke Wei is even more serious than me when it comes to collecting money. If I take less, he'll be embarrassed … "
He pinched the thick stack of banknotes in his sleeve and scolded angrily, "Left hand in, right hand out. I've become the God of Wealth! Who is this hard work for? "
※ ※ ※
The Dark House was now considered Duke Wei's temporary residence. It was decorated with red ribbons and bustling with people. It was as lively as a temple fair. Yang Ling and Liang Hong accompanied the officials of Bazhou who had arrived early to drink and chat in the living room.
Guard Eunuch Zhang Zhong, Zhizhou Fan Mo Li, and Commander Zhu Qianhu of the Station of Guards sat at the head of the table. Liang Hong was really happy today. All the officials who had come to attend the banquet had prepared lavish gifts. There was no reason for the deputy imperial envoy to be missing. Liang Hong had also earned a lot, sighing that this trip had not been in vain. So even though Yang Ling was only drinking slowly, Liang Hong was in high spirits, drinking until he was seventy to eighty percent tipsy, his face red.
These officials let go of their restraints. The beautiful female singers that Liang Hong found sat beside the officials and served them wine with a sweet smile. As they accompanied them, their butts moved from the stool to the officials' thighs. At first, the officials were still a little restrained. When they saw Duke Wei hugging a beautiful woman with a slender waist and big breasts, they immediately felt like they had met a bosom friend and revealed their true colors.
The hall, which was as warm as spring, was not a place that ordinary people could enter. Ordinary people could only walk in the courtyard and enjoy the performances of the opera troupes that were invited. Only officials and gentry who had received invitations were qualified to sit in the hall. Everyone had spent a lot of money to get this wine, but to be able to drink wine with the Duke was enough to be recorded in the family tree and show off for three generations.
A few graceful dancers were stretching their jade-like bodies and singing a charming and gentle song.
They wore pink translucent soft robes. The jade colored dress was like a cicada's muslin. Inside were thin panties that showed the flesh, tightly hugging their full and round buttocks. Bright flowers were embroidered around their breasts, causing their deep cleavage to be squeezed into everyone's eyes. Their breasts were protruding and their curves were captivating.
"A simple and small waist, unable to hurt the spring. Thin plum blossoms, new makeup in the evening. How graceful and graceful, like a wisp of light cloud. Ge Qiao's red lips moved, her words coquettishly pouting. The peach blossom path leads to a river. Disappointed to see the clear night moon on the Yaotai, and to send you home. "
When the song finished, Fan Mo Li clapped his hands and laughed, "What a good 'the peach blossom path leads to a river'. Reserved, reserved, this is the tone I wanted. Li Qingzhao is from a noble family, a noble family's daughter. To be able to write such a beautiful poem, what a wonderful person, hahaha … "
"Hehehe …" Yang Ling, Liang Hong, and Zhang Zhong laughed foolishly for a while. Compared to Fan Mo Li, the three of them were illiterate. In Yang Ling's mind, Li Qingzhao was an otherworldly fairy. He really didn't know that she had also written such a beautiful poem.
Seeing that the imperial envoy was also listening happily, Fan Mo Li hugged the slender waist of the beauty beside him and whispered a few words in her ear. That woman covered her mouth and laughed shyly. She then stood up and took a pipa, dancing into the crowd of beauties.
This woman's dancing skills were superb. She held the pipa in her hand as she danced and played. Her sandalwood mouth softly sang, her movements as graceful as if she was flying, "Sharing a shallow wine, embracing a soft jade lamp. Looking back and embracing, it's always fitting, pain, pain, pain. Lightly pushing, gradually hearing the sound tremble, slightly startled and flushed. Try it again and again, there's no gap at all. This time the flavor has become wild. Move, move, move, move, the arms are wrapped around each other, the lips are pressed together, the tongues are playing with each other … "
The crowd of officials and gentry watched with rapt attention, their eyebrows dancing as they listened. Only Mr. Zhang Zhong and Mr. Liang Hong, two gentlemen, were sitting upright and still, pretending to be gentlemen.
Yang Ling smiled apologetically. In his heart, he was worried about the Four Great Living Buddhas who were meditating in the backyard and preparing to perform their supernatural powers. When he heard this poem, he was in pain and moved. After all, this was an official banquet and he was a High Duke. This was a little vulgar.
Thus, Yang Ling coughed, picked up his glass, and put on the airs of a leader. He was about to signal everyone to be more serious. Suddenly Fan Mo Li was overjoyed and laughed, "Song Huizong's poem is much better than Li Qingzhao's. After hearing it, one can imagine that peerless beauty Li Shishi, it really makes one's heart itch."
"Song Huizong?" Yang Ling was shocked. This poem was written by the Emperor. The Emperor is already like this, I … I'm a High Duke, why am I pretending? He immediately swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth.
Fan Mo Li, who was drunk, turned his head and saw Yang Ling raising his wine glass, facing him. He quickly stood up and raised his glass, clinking it with Yang Ling's, "High Duke is too polite, too polite. This lowly official doesn't deserve it. Song Huizong's erotic poem is really extraordinary. Let's drink a big white, this lowly official toasts you! "
"Ah? Deserve it! Let's drink a big white, a big white, everyone drink together, drink together! " Yang Ling's raised glass became a toast. Once the officials and gentry saw the High Duke toasting, they all raised their glasses and drank.
Yang Ling's gaze turned and suddenly saw Song Ai dressed in military attire. She looked indescribably charming and cute. Many of the wine drinkers at the banquet were attracted by her unique beauty and peeked at her.
Song Ai stood in the corner, pouting as if she was sulking, but her eyes kept glancing at him. Yang Ling chuckled and stood up shakily, saying to everyone, "All of you … drink slowly. I'm going … to relieve myself."
He walked to the wall and whispered, "How is it? Is everything settled?"
"Yes!" Song Ai replied with a pout and turned to walk out. Yang Ling followed her to the veranda outside and laughed, "What's wrong? Don't tell me you're having an argument with the big stick? "
Song Ai said angrily, "Sir, what kind of officials do you associate with? What kind of lords, what kind of noblemen? I think … I think there's not a single decent person among them. All they do is sing obscene songs and you're praising them."
Yang Ling looked at her blushing and embarrassed face and couldn't help laughing in his heart. Today, he was so unrestrained in front of the officials and gentry. Of course, he had his reasons. The first of the Four Thieves in Bazhou was an official thief. If he came with the image of an honest and upright official and all the officials in the government worked together to create a false impression and hide the news, then he and his team of foreign soldiers would never be able to find any useful information or a witness.
Even if he had no choice but to mobilize the people from the Inner Factory, it would be a lot of trouble. Moreover, in order to avoid attracting Liu Jin's attention, the forces that were separated from the Inner Factory were basically in the hibernation stage, except for those that were expanding overseas and to the border. Except for a small number of core personnel who were directly under the command of Cheng Qiyun, his intelligence system could be said to be in hibernation. This was also the reason why after Liu Jin took over the Inner Factory, he didn't suspect that Yang Ling was using the 'Cicada Shedding Carapace' trick even though he clearly found that the Inner Factory was not as strong as he had originally expected.
No matter how bad the corrupt officials in Bazhou were, they only harmed one place after all, but Liu Jin and his party harmed the whole world. Yang Ling still knew which was more important, so he wouldn't easily mobilize them. Then he would have to continue dealing with these corrupt officials and fight with his wits and courage.
Just like the four swindlers today, they had the support of the government and the love of the people. There was no evidence, and the only victim was a fugitive murderer. Would they be able to deal with the four demon monks by following the normal channels? Then he could only take a different route and first get along with them and become one of his own.
Yang Ling looked at her with deep meaning and said in a low voice, "Those who are too skilled are jealous, and those who are too pure are despised by the world. Xiao Ai, sometimes the so-called expedient means … "
At this moment, Thousand Households Zhu walked over drunkenly along the corridor. Yang Ling hurriedly raised his voice and laughed, "Men, if we don't talk about this when we get together, how are we going to accompany the wine? Besides, Li Qingzhao and Song Huizong are both important people. Can't we listen to what they wrote? Hehe, this is a Song poem! "
Thousand Households Zhu was so drunk that he didn't seem to see clearly that it was the Duke who was standing there, and he staggered into the hall. Yang Ling turned his head to take a look and said with a low laugh, "Hehe, forget it. Men are just playing along, you don't understand. At a banquet, with beautiful prostitutes accompanying the wine, it would be strange if they didn't talk dirty. Don't feel uncomfortable, go back and take care of them, don't make any mistakes. Even if you want to protect me, you don't have to stay by my side for a moment. "
Song Ai vigilantly looked around, and her embarrassment faded a little. She said in a low voice, "Don't worry, Big Stick Liu is already prepared. I've picked a few of my cleverest subordinates to disguise themselves as believers. In case someone makes a mistake, I've prepared eight people to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
"Mm!" Yang Ling's smile faded. He took two steps forward and stared blankly at the snow-white courtyard. A gust of wind blew, and the snow on the eaves blew into the back of his neck. Yang Ling couldn't help but shrink back, "Xiao Ai, do you think … doing this, is it … a little too cruel?"
Song Ai tiptoed to his side and softly said, "Mm! It's a little cruel! "
"Ai …" Yang Ling sighed, and the snow blew into his neck again. This time, he didn't move.
Song Ai stared at his back, and suddenly smiled sweetly, saying softly, "Milord, their sins can't be redeemed even with a hundred deaths! To them, they would die either way. To them, what difference did it make how they died?
Didn't Milord already investigate their identities? These swindlers are indeed swindlers who were chased out of the capital by the Emperor of Hongzhi. Their evil deeds of collecting wealth and swindling people can't be hidden, but those ignorant people just blindly believe in them.
Milord feels that your idea is not noble enough, but if using noble means will cost the lives of many people, and using despicable means will only get rid of a few despicable people, then why not be a despicable person for the public? "
Yang Ling suddenly turned around and met her bright eyes. He stared at her for a long time, and suddenly let out a long sigh as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He happily said, "Well said. To a gentleman, one should treat him as a gentleman should; to a despicable person, one should also treat him as a despicable person! If I don't go to hell, who will? Today, Mister Yang will be a despicable Yang! "
Just as Yang Ling said this, he heard cheers in the hall, and then a clear female voice sang, "The bed is slanted, the pillow is slanted, gently pick up the little golden lotus. The body moves, the buttocks bounces, a wave of dizziness, a wave of soreness. Call him brother, play slowly, wait for the girl to pass. For a moment, half a second, make the soul fly to the sky. "
Song Ai's face turned as red as an apple. Yang Ling laughed dryly, "What … what is this?"
Song Ai's mouth twitched, and she said resentfully, "This is Yuan Qü!"
* * *
"Woo … woo … woo …" The bells rang together, and the cymbals sounded. The four Living Buddhas had finished burning incense and meditating, and finally appeared.
The high platform was next to a high wall, and there was a row of seats in front of the platform. The floor was covered with a thick carpet, which was for the high-ranking officials and gentry to sit. But all of the officials stood respectfully at the side, and Yang Ling had no choice but to do as the Romans do. He stood at the head of the table, waiting for the monks in the large tent with a round roof to appear.
The perimeter of the high platform was surrounded by Yang Ling's soldiers, and the commoners were isolated outside. They could only watch from more than two hundred feet away. Once the Living Buddhas appeared, these believers all knelt down and worshipped. They were extremely devout, and even the Emperor did not have such a deterrent force.
The officials were serious, some were flushed, some were hiccuping, but they had to put on a solemn look. Their feet were unsteady, and they swayed, looking a little ridiculous.
"Four masters, Yang is very grateful for the trouble. Four masters, please take a seat." Yang Ling, accompanied by Zhang Zhong and Fan Mo Li, walked forward, and spoke to the four swindlers with a face full of reverence.
Zhi Zhishou raised her eyebrows, and looked at Yang Ling indifferently, and said, "Amitabha, High Duke need not be so courteous. We are all monks, and we practice hard in order to save all living beings. High Duke sincerely believes in Buddhism, and holds a grand event to spread Buddhism. You are the protector of Buddhism. "
At this point, he smiled faintly and said, "We are fated with High Duke, and it is fate that we meet today. I would like to borrow a cup of Jade Pool celestial wine to toast High Duke! "
As he said this, Master Zhi Zhishou waved his hand, and his sleeves rolled up like clouds. An exquisite jade cup suddenly appeared in his palm, and the wine in the cup seemed to be overflowing.
The officials around were envious. This is Jade Pool celestial wine, and only the four Living Buddhas have the right to take it from the Heavenly Palace, and only the High Duke has the right to taste it. We have never seen it before. The believers in the distance suddenly saw Buddha Zhishou performing a miracle, and they also excitedly cheered and worshipped.
Yang Ling thought to himself, "This magic is not bad. If it was in the modern era, he would be a magician in an equestrian troupe. With a good makeover, he might even be a master."
He carefully took the wine and took a sip of the celestial wine with great sincerity.
It wasn't that he didn't believe in deities and Buddhas, but the deceptive tricks of the Four Great Living Buddhas had been publicized by the later generations, and everyone knew about them. Yang Ling also had the foresight of Mu Shengyuan. Furthermore, if he had really become a deity and Buddha, why would he be so attached to the mortal world and befriend cruel and corrupt officials? He naturally did not believe that these four people were really deities who had descended to the mortal world.
However, in case the four demon monks had any evil skills, Yang Ling really prepared two buckets of black dog's blood. If there was really something strange, he would pour the dog's blood on him. Now he had nothing to worry about. Even a lowly swindler knew to loosen the reins only to grasp them better, and to give the target some sweetness first. At this point, the four demon monks could not wait to curry favor with him, and naturally would not deliberately harm him. Therefore, Yang Ling boldly took a sip.
"Hmm … It's a good Nu 'er Hong, but not all of it … I think I added some Bamboo Leaf Qing' er."
Yang Guogong, who had tasted all the authentic North and South wine, licked his lips and then said in surprise, "Good wine, good wine, it's really bejewelled nectar, incomparably mellow. Aiyaya, this Yang really has to thank the four Holy Monks for being able to have such great fortune. Four masters, please take a seat. We have prepared some vegetarian food and wine here, four masters can have some. "
Monk Zhi Cong stroked his long beard, cupped his hands and said with a smile, "Amitabha, the believers have been waiting outside for a long time, we should go up the altar to preach and chant as soon as possible. As for the vegetarian food and wine … hehehe … "
He laughed loudly and looked at the other three monks. Zhi Shan smiled and said, "To tell you the truth, the four of us have been cultivating for more than two sixty years, and our skills are profound. We are not far from the day when we will soar to the heavens. The five grains of the mortal world, hehe, have not tasted like it for decades. "
Looking at Zhi Shan's ruddy face and shiny forehead, but saying that he had not eaten for decades, Yang Ling almost laughed out loud. He quickly flattered, "Yes, yes, yes, these are the food for mortals to drink, how can they enter the four divine monks' discerning eyes."
He respectfully returned the cup to a novice monk beside Zhi Shan and asked, "Then … the four masters will go up the altar to perform the Dharma … no, no, to preach and chant the sutras?"
Master Zhi Shan nodded slightly. Yang Ling hurriedly led the Four Divine Rods to the front of the stage. Two rows of young acolytes went up the stage first. They carried four lotus thrones, as well as Zhong Xin's magical artifacts and various tools. In the middle of the high altar was the Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, and behind the statue was a Dharma seat, indicating that the masters were preaching on behalf of the Buddha.
However, the Four Holy Masters did not sit on meditation mats in front of the Buddha. Instead, they placed lotus seats at the four corners of Sakyamuni Buddha. Each of them sat on a large plate and put their palms together in a dignified manner, just like the Arhats in front of the Buddha.
Bells were rung, chimes were played, incense was sung, and the melodious chanting of Sanskrit was heard. For a moment, the crowd was solemn. Master Zhihui sat upright without moving, but he raised his voice and said, "You must know that listening to the Dharma is the supreme cause and effect, it must be sincere, respectful, and not scattered. You must hold your breath and listen quietly to the sound of the Dharma. If you can carry out the Dharma according to the law, you will not disappoint Buddha's grace."
The novice monks, the common people outside, and even many of the officials put their palms together and said in unison, "Respectfully asking the holy monk to explain the true meaning of Buddha's Tathagata. Nanwu Yunlai gathers Bodhisattva Mahasattva. Nanwu Yunlai gathers Bodhisattva Mahasattva. Nanwu Hai gathers Bodhisattva Mahasattva.
Nanwu Hai gathers Bodhisattva Mahasattva … "Yang Ling put his palms together and his eyes darted around. Suddenly, he saw Song Ai in full armor with a sword strapped to her ribs. She was chewing on something that looked like a stalk of grass in her mouth. Her long legs were swinging leisurely as she strolled below the altar. Her beautiful figure was wrapped in a tight battle robe, revealing her alluring curves. She looked both handsome and charming.
When her eyes met his, Song Ai raised her eyebrows and pressed down the stalk of grass in her mouth. Yang Ling understood and nodded slightly. He also closed his eyes and chanted, "Nanwu is Sakyamuni Buddha …"
In order to make a name for themselves in the capital, it was naturally impossible to bluff people with just words. The four demon monks had indeed memorized a few Buddhist scriptures. Zen Master Zhicong chanted loudly, "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, when he was deep in the Prajna Paramita, he saw the emptiness of the five aggregates, transcending all sufferings, Sarira. Form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Perception, thought, action, and consciousness are the same … "
He first recited a passage from the 'Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra', and then said, "Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, what Lao Na is reciting today, everybody knows it, it is called the 'Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra'. The word 'heart' is very important. Becoming a Buddha is also a heart. Creating all living beings is also a heart. Heaven is also a heart. Hell is also a heart. Therefore, the Great Buddha Avatamsaka Sutra says, 'If one wishes to know, all the Buddhas of the three worlds should observe the nature of the dharma world. Everything is created by the heart.'
To learn Buddhism, one must understand one's nature and see one's heart. One's heart must have a heart, and one's heart must be sincere. Those who are obsessed with this heart will suffer immeasurable suffering, and the cycle of reincarnation will be endless. Only the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will understand this heart, and when they fully understand this heart, they will be called Buddha. So how could one be sincere? Thud! All living things are equal. Who is stupid and who is wise? Seeing one's true nature in the heart of Buddha, enlightening one with wisdom … "
* * *
"Pour, pour, pour, all of them?" Outside the high wall was a low hut built by the temporary workers of the An family against the wall. Since the An family was wiped out, it had been abandoned. Now, there were more than ten shadows moving around sneakily inside, and the biggest one was Liu Da Bang Chui.
"Don't worry, Sir. This is the fourth time this morning. The brothers have gathered all the pig intestines, sheep intestines, mule intestines and horse intestines in Bazhou. They have circled the firewood a few times inside and outside, and there are small holes on them. These two days, they have been pouring intestines every day. I reckon that the firewood below has been soaked in oil, and they are afraid of vomiting smoke. The brothers have also blown some wind in for a while, and I guarantee that the dry firewood will burst into flames. "
"Hehehe," Liu Da Bang Chui snickered twice, and said, "It's done. Wait for the news from General Song. Prepare the black dog blood. If the demonic monk really knows demonic techniques, then pour it on him."
A guard said worriedly, "Sir, I heard that the people of Bazhou have seen their great supernatural powers. Could it be that they are really living immortals? If that's the case, we are in big trouble. "
"Impossible!" Liu Da Bang Chui said, "You don't know, do you? I heard that Sir and the Taoist master Zhang of Longhu Mountain are sworn brothers, and they are the best at subduing demons. Not only did Marshal use spells to borrow wind and smoke, but when we were at the Qiantang River, 800 soldiers were suddenly attacked by 3,000 Wokou pirates.
Our Marshal only chanted a spell, and the waves rolled up to half a sky high. The shrimp soldiers and crab generals of the East Sea Dragon Palace all came to help. The 3,000 Wokou pirates were dragged into the river by the bastards, 2,700 of them, and the remaining 300 were used as sky lanterns. That night, ha! Lit the hall … "
"I heard, I heard." A few strong family soldiers nodded their heads, and their originally uneasy mood immediately calmed down. The sworn brother of the Taoist master Zhang said that the four divine monks were demons, so it couldn't be wrong. They just had to wait for the order to set the fire. The few of them hurriedly returned to the wall. The wall looked like a stove with four dark holes. The platform on the other side of the wall was like a fire pit.
The Diamond Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, and the Great Wide Buddha Sutra were not only explaining the meaning of the sutra, but they also told the story of a certain year and a certain place, about how a certain person believed in the Dharma, worshiped Buddha devoutly, donated incense, and later encountered a great calamity, but in the end, the calamity was averted. Similar stories were interspersed with the explanation of the teachings, causing the believers to be intoxicated.
What was even more amazing was that when the four of them were preaching, although there was no deluge of flowers, no one knew where the faintly discernible sandalwood fragrance came from. Although it was in a spacious area, the fragrance still lingered for a long time, making people even more convinced that these four eminent monks were highly skilled people.
After Zen Master Zhicong finished explaining the scripture, the four monks put their palms together and chanted the gatha in unison, "May we use this merit to solemnly establish the Buddha's Pure Land, to repay the four types of kindness, to relieve the three paths of suffering. If there is anyone who has seen or heard of it, please have a Bodhi heart and do your best to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. Namo Amitabha … "
Under the deliberate indulgence of Yang Ling's soldiers, the believers got closer to the platform. Upon hearing the gatha, the believers hurriedly and fearfully chanted in unison, "Namo Amitabha ~ ~ ~"
The bells chimed together and the Sanskrit chants started again. The preaching ended. The statue of Gautama Buddha was carried down by the young novice monks, but the four lotus seats were not moved. The young novice monks placed a huge incense burner where the Gautama Buddha statue was originally placed. The incense burner was made of a lower tripod and an upper tripod, separated into two layers. The lower layer was burning with good quality sandalwood, while the upper layer was a bundle of huge incense sticks, emitting billowing smoke.
The people all knew that Lord Buddha was going to perform a miracle again, and all of them were excited. The young novice monks were busy moving and laying down various things on the platform under the guidance of a few senior monks. Four black-bearded martial monks stood in front of the platform, forbidding anyone from going up to help or watch.
Yang Ling, Lord Fan, Eunuch Zhang and Liang Hong invited the four monks down and served them fragrant tea. It was unknown if the four monks' words of being unworldly for a long time included tea, or if they were really thirsty from the preaching. Not only did they drink the tea, they even put down the lid of the empty cup, indicating that it was filled to the brim.
Yang Ling and the rest praised the four monks for their profound Dharma, and the four enlightened masters could not help but reveal a reserved smile on their faces. The reason they worked so hard to preach today was to lure Yang Ling into their trap. As long as he became their disciple, he might be able to return to the Wanchun Temple and Shou An Temple.
The four of them were originally the four scourges that Li Guang recruited to the capital. They were arrogant in the capital, and they were initially doing well as charlatans. Unfortunately, as time passed, they hypnotized themselves too much and felt too good about themselves. That damn eunuch Li Guang really thought of himself as a living deity. He actually pretended to read the geomancy of the emperor of Hongzhi, and asked the emperor to build a pavilion on Mount Jing, saying that it was an auspicious sign.
Who knew that just as the pavilion was built, Yongfu's elder sister, the little princess who was not even ten years old at that time, suddenly died of an illness. The Empress Dowager was furious, thinking that it was Li Guang who built the pavilion that angered the Tai Sui and wanted to hold him responsible. In the end, Li Guang committed suicide to escape punishment, and his corruption and bribery were exposed. It also implicated many charlatans who relied on him, and they were chased out of the capital.
However, the capital was prosperous, and Bazhou could not be compared to it. Now that they had the chance to return to the capital, how could the four demonic monks not be tempted?
Seeing that the four eminent monks were appreciated by the duke, Zhang Zhong and Lord Fan also felt proud. Such talents … no, such divine talents, they were all under my rule, how could they not be proud?
Zhang Zhong bragged, "High Duke, the four masters have remarkable abilities and powerful magic power. If you see their supernatural powers later, you'll really be shocked."
Yang Ling was pleasantly surprised, "Really? I have the honor to see the four masters perform their miracles? Aiyaya, this trip to Bazhou is really not a waste. "
The four monks of Zhi Shan smiled but did not say anything. At this moment, the people around were also shouting for the holy monks to perform their miracles. The shouts became louder and louder, and gradually turned into a loud wave. Yang Ling and the officials also urged them, and only then did the four holy monks stood up and went up the stage under the gaze of the people.
At this moment, the believers had already squeezed to the bottom of the stage and mixed with the soldiers. Out of respect for the gods, although the people were squeezing, they did not dare to move forward, and spontaneously left a distance of ten feet away from the stage.
The four eminent monks in red robes walked to the front of the bronze tripod and incense burner. With a loud shout, they waved their sleeves and made a glaring Vajra. Instantly, golden light shone around them, and the Buddha's aura was dense, as if they were Arhats descending to the mortal world. The people panicked and kowtowed, and Yang Ling, Eunuch Zhang, and the rest also hurriedly bowed.
Then, the four monks performed one after another. They sat on a nail board, swallowed charcoal fire, retrieved objects from the air, and transformed people into living people. On the third day of the Imperial Envoy's Yuan Year, the large-scale magic party with the people officially began …
Exclamations of surprise could be heard from time to time, but Yang Ling was worried about the people arranged by Song Ai. He did not want them to see these so-called miracles and be afraid to make a move. That would be terrible, so he kept his eyes on Song Ai.
Fortunately, the members of the Zhuang Family revered their own gods and Buddhas, and they weren't interested in other families' gods. Moreover, they had heard many of Yang Ling's miracles, and they were used to obeying their leader's orders. This was why they weren't moved.
Song Ai saw that Yang Ling kept staring at her, and knew what he was worried about. She could not help but smile at him, and secretly made a reassuring gesture. But even so, Yang Ling was still so nervous that his heart was beating wildly.
The finale was finally coming, the 'Nirvana of the Phoenix'. This was the most powerful and bewitching performance of the four swindlers. The fire filled the sky, and the four people sat in the fire, covering their hair and facial features with their robes. After ten minutes, they put out the fire, and when they looked again, their clothes were as good as new, and they were safe and sound. The people in front of the stage felt that the fire was scorching hot, but the four people were unharmed in the fire. If they were not Vajra or true Buddhas, how could they have this kind of ability?
The novice monks on the stage all retreated, leaving only the four monks kneeling at the four corners. They were the direct disciples of the four divine monks, and Monk Zhi Shan was heard chanting loudly, "Nirvana of the Phoenix, rebirth through fire!"
Zhi Yuan continued, "After Gautama Buddha passed away, he burned his body with fire, and left behind 84,000 Buddhist relics, which were built by King Ashoka to show to the world. Fire, burns the body, and breaks the stubbornness. "
Zhi Zhi and Zhi Cong said in unison, "I burn my body with the Karmic Fire, relieving the suffering of the people, cleansing the sins of the world, and purifying the heart of Buddha!"
"Namo Amitabha!" The four monks put their palms together and chanted the name of Buddha. Yang Ling held his breath and stared with his eyes wide open. He saw the incense tripod in the middle of the four suddenly burst into flames, and sparks filled the sky. In an instant, it was blinding to the eyes, and people could not help but stare at it. At this moment, there was a boom, the ground was on fire, and the four monks were surrounded by the fire.
Yang Ling could not help but regret, he knew that magicians often use some dazzling and obvious moves to attract people's attention, and then take the opportunity to do something else secretly. The fire in the bronze tripod suddenly burst into flames for no reason, and the sparks flew all over the sky. Eight or nine out of ten, there was a hidden mechanism to blow the air, and when everyone was looking at the bronze tripod, it ignited the dark fire that was set up in the surroundings. But even he could not help but look at the incense burner when he first saw it, and did not see what trick they used to suddenly cause the sky to burst into flames.
The sleeves of the four monks' robes were rolled up, covering their mouths and faces. They started chanting in a low voice, and the people around them looked on, and also put their palms together and followed the chanting. According to the rules, when the four monks finished chanting, and loudly chanted the name of Buddha, the fire around them must be extinguished. Yang Ling hurriedly looked at Song Ai, and Song Ai was also nervously searching the crowd. After a long time, she suddenly turned her head and winked at Yang Ling, and smiled mischievously. Yang Ling felt like a big stone in his heart was lifted to the ground.
He had not yet understood the mystery of the fire, and standing below the stage, the sparks were really hot, and it was impossible to have the technology to create cold flames in this era, so the fire should not be a problem. Perhaps the problem was mainly the visual confusion caused by the platform, the fire, and so on. Below the stage, it looked like the fire was near, but in fact, the distance between the four people and it was not enough to hurt them. If the four people's robes were made of asbestos or something like that, then in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, there would be no problem.
This was only Yang Ling's own guess, and he did not know whether the mechanism inside was true or not. Yang Ling couldn't help but let out a faint smile as he looked at the four people sitting upright in the middle of the fire, as if they were avoiding the flames. At this moment, the wooden planks beneath the thin layer of yellow soil on the stage started burning.
The bottom was supported by countless wooden planks, and the wood was soaked with oil. There were gaps between the planks, and the fire was lit. Liu Da Bang Chui led more than ten strong family soldiers who had become experts in arson, and used large bellows to blow air into the fire. The fire was burning …
The four monks around the stage were the first to notice that something was wrong. Their feet were hot, and the yellow soil was steaming. To the people below the stage, the Living Buddha's miracle today was more impressive than ever, but they knew something was wrong. The four of them hurriedly called out, "Master!"
They were about to rush forward, but at this moment, the sparks in the middle of the stage had already penetrated the wooden planks. The thin layer of yellow soil seeped down, and the raging flames suddenly burst out. With a bang, the four people hurriedly staggered back.
"Master!" The four of them hurriedly called out, but the four eminent monks sitting in the middle of the stage were still silent. At this moment, there was no one left on the stage, so the four of them turned over and jumped off the stage, anxiously pacing around.
Yang Ling looked up at the sparks, and sighed to Zhang Zhong, "Eunuch Zhang, this is indeed a miracle. Such a big fire, and yet it is still. If it is not a great creation or a great divine power, how can it be so calm? This fire … is fierce. The True Samadhi Fire is nothing more than this! "
"Uh … Yes, yes!" Zhang Zhong was a little puzzled. He had seen the divine monks go through fire once, and it did not seem to be so big. Today was … Hmm! It must be because the High Duke came today that the four divine monks showed their great divine power. Sigh! The Buddha's eyes also looked down on people.
Mu Shengyuan was supported by Miao Gang, and he stood at the top of a pavilion. He looked at the raging flames, and the whole stage was turned into a torch. Tears flowed down his scarred face, "Mother, my beloved wife, you can rest in peace in the netherworld. Those four demon monks, today … today, they finally burned themselves playing with fire, and received their retribution, sob sob sob ~ ~ ~"
He choked with sobs and could not continue speaking. He could not help but burst into tears. Miao Gang comforted him with a gentle voice while looking back at the mountain of flames, and he could not help but shiver, "Damn it, I always felt that the surname Yang was like a prawn ball in the past. He would knead whatever the ladies wanted, and he would knead whatever they wanted. Now, looking at it, this move … this move is something that even we thieves can't do. Who is the most ruthless? The most ruthless people in the world are these officials! "
The raging flames soared into the sky, and no one could stand around the high stage anymore. Everyone hurriedly retreated. On the other side of the wall, Big Wooden Mallet and the others had already blocked the entrance of the cave and came in from the outside. The people also felt that the fire today … had burned a little too long, and the fire … was a little too big. It was almost going to burn the sky. Look at how anxious the disciples of the eminent monks are. Why didn't the eminent monks chant the name of Buddha to extinguish the fire?
Although Yang Ling was smiling calmly, he could not bear it at first, and his heart was throbbing. At this moment, he only saw the fire and not the people, and his mood calmed down. He took the opportunity to praise loudly, "The four eminent monks are indeed divine monks who have cultivated the Dao. They have not eaten for many years, and are about to ascend to immortality. Such a fire is unstoppable except for Arhat and Vajra!"
"Yes, yes!" The officials responded, but they just stared at the fire in a daze. On the other hand, the countless people were wild with joy. Many of them were so moved that their eyes were brimming with tears, and their hands and feet were dancing. Their lips were trembling, and they did not know how to praise the greatness of the Four Great Divine Monks.
The fire was burning too fiercely. Finally, the crackling sound gradually died down. Suddenly, with a loud bang, the stage completely collapsed. The fire that had just died down grew bigger again, and ashes flew everywhere. The most terrified were the attendants of the four eminent monks. Each of them looked as if their souls had left their bodies, and they stared at the collapsed fire stage in a daze.
A blow dart from the Zhuang family was enough to paralyze a giant bear after running for a while. If there were eight blow dart experts, and two of them were responsible for one dart, and the poison on the arrowheads was doubled, the Four Great Demon Monks could only immediately freeze as if they were under a spell. They could not move or make a sound.
The instant they covered their faces with their Buddhist robes, eight tiny blowdarts had already arrived and pierced into their bodies. The four of them had committed all sorts of evil deeds, had been compassionate, and in the name of deities and Buddhas, who knew how many families had been ruined and their bones had been scattered in the wild. Finally, in the raging fire, their sins were burned away.
The fire gradually died down, and at least the pile of ashes on the ground could be seen clearly. Everyone stared with their eyes wide open, and there was no longer a human figure in it. The officials were still able to keep their composure, and they began to whisper to each other. However, the believers were panicking and shouted, "Where are the divine monks? Where is the Living Buddha? Where did the four old immortals go? "
Looking at the ashen faces of the monks, Yang Ling sneered inwardly. He suddenly took two steps forward and shouted at the top of his lungs, "I understand, the four masters … have broken the void!"
* * *
After he shouted, there was no movement for a long time. After a long time …
"Uh? Broken through the void? "Liang Hong repeated like a dumb goose.
"Yes!" Yang Ling admired his cooperation. He patted his shoulder and said in a loud voice, "No worries, no obstacles, no obstacles, achieved the Great Way, and ascended. The four masters have comprehended the Great Way overnight, broken through the void, and entered the supreme Celestial Realm!"
As Yang Ling said this, he turned around and lifted his robe to worship. The people around him were suddenly enlightened, and their hearts, which had been at a loss, were immediately filled with fanatical religious faith. Yes, didn't the masters always say that after many years of cultivation, they were about to ascend? They did not expect it to be today. Enlightenment, enlightenment, this is really an epiphany of ascension.
The people hurriedly knelt down and worshipped. Many people were crying with joy. The officials were still in doubt, but when they saw the High Duke and the people all kneeling down, they hurriedly knelt down and worshipped the fire.
After three kowtows, Song Ai suddenly pointed to the sky and exclaimed, "High Duke, look!"
Yang Ling looked up and saw a foot of yellow silk fluttering down from the sky. The people looked up and were all surprised. Zhang Zhong was the first to rush up and take the yellow silk. He quickly glanced at it and shouted, "Oh my god, it's the letter from the four masters Zhi Zhi, Zhi Cong, Zhi Shan, and Zhi Yuan … No, it's a decree, it's a Buddhist decree!"
The people suddenly became excited. This time, even the officials no longer had any worries. Many people crowded over.
Yang Ling took the opportunity to reprimand Song Ai in a low voice, "You're bragging too much. If I fall into the fire, my plan will be ruined. Don't show off next time!"
Song Ai stuck out her tongue and held back her laughter, "Yes, sir!"
"The four of us have completed our merit today and achieved Dao. We have broken through the void … Ah! Broken through the void, it's really broken through the void! "
"Don't be noisy, behind, what did Lord Zeng say?"
The crowd was tightly squeezed and Zhang Zhong was in the middle.
"We have achieved Dao in the West and will pray for the people in Shengtian Buddha Land. The incense donated by the believers of Bazhou and the temple built will be handed over to Duke Wei to be handled by the four saints. Duke Wei and I have been fated for generations. As a senior, you will help us distribute this sum of money to the poor and help the common people. The temples and properties donated by the believers can be dismantled by Duke Wei and changed into schools and schools … "
"Lord Zeng, Lord Zeng, you are so merciful! Lord Zeng is still concerned about the people of Bazhou even after he has gone to the West. "
Amidst the discussion, Yang Ling suddenly took a step forward and shouted, "Yang Ling ~ ~ ~ receives the decree of the four saints!"
"That's right. Lord Zeng said that he and High Duke Wei have a predestined relationship. The Four Saints becoming Buddhas is a grand event. Lord High Duke should be the one to host the celebration!" the commoners said excitedly.
Yang Ling took the yellow silk from Zhang Zhong and pretended to look at it. Between his brows, there was a murderous aura, "It's easy to kill the four demon monks. But if I really make you Buddhas, it will definitely make the people of Bazhou more superstitious about Buddhism!
Hmph, burning the four of you to death is just the first step. When you become Buddhas, then I will use the plan to kill you. Wait for my chain of plans! In less than half a month, I will drag you down from the altar and make Bazhou have no more swindlers! "
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