It's the first lunar month and the weather is still cold.
A thin layer of ice floated on the river outside Wanzhou City.
Click!
Boatman Chen Tuozi poked it seven or eight times with the tip of the pole to break the ice, and then the awning boat barely squeezed into the dock.
The copper bell hanging on the bow of the ship had long since frozen into lumps of ice, but the curse from Lao Zhao, the salesman in the cabin, was even louder:
"Laozi, damn it, it's been three days since the Waking of Insects, and the hemp rope used by Laozi to pick the goods is still frozen solid!"
There was a herb gatherer huddled at the end of the cabin, with the bamboo basket in his arms Chinese Angelica's whiskers covered with frost. He wrapped himself tightly in his tattered cotton clothes and whispered:
"Who says it isn't? It's been snowing since the Chinese New Year, and it's still so cold after the New Year. This didn't happen in previous years. I feel a little evil..."
As soon as these words came out, the cabin suddenly became quiet.
The salesman Lao Zhao narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, "Do you think it has something to do with Chengdu Prefecture?"
"It's really possible. I heard there was a lot of noise there, the people were going crazy, the snow was so scary, and Earth Dragon Turning Over..."
"Hey, hey, everyone is here, stop talking!"
Boatman Chen Tuozi Upon hearing this, he quickly interrupted everyone.
A month has passed since the incident of Chengdu Prefecture. Even though the people rarely traveled far, they still heard about it through businessmen in various places.
For a time, rumors spread everywhere.
Some profiteers took the opportunity to speculate, saying that there would be war in Shu, and asked the people to stock up on grain and salt, causing prices to skyrocket...
There are also those scammers who travel around the world. They say that Evil Creature is coming to Shu, and they sell Peach Charms everywhere, which deceives many people...
The imperial court has issued strict orders to discuss this matter, and many people have been arrested on charges of misleading people with lies.
Chen Tuozi doesn't want to cause trouble.
Everyone also knew how powerful it was and stopped talking nonsense. After arriving at Wanzhou Ferry, they all went ashore and left.
At the stern of the cabin, two men were sitting.
One is tall and the other is short, one is fat and the other is thin, with a charred complexion, wearing a bamboo hat on his head, and carrying a big cloth bag behind him.
After boarding the boat, the two lowered their bamboo hats, ignored everyone, and closed their eyes to rest. Only when they heard Chengdu Prefecture being talked about, their ears twitched slightly.
After the others left, the two slowly stood up.
"The bow."
The tall man spoke with an accent from western Hunan and asked, "Is there a teahouse called 'Drunken River Breeze' in Wanzhou City?"
"Yes, yes."
Boatman Chen Tuozi said with a smile on his face, "It's just in the south of the city. The Luzhou Luojia Laojiao wine there tastes good."
He could tell at a glance that the two of them were charlatans.
The Bo Prefecture Yang Family rebellion has just been put down, and many green forest men are running around in the southwest. He doesn't want to provoke a ruthless person and lose his life.
"Luojia Laojiao?"
The short, fat man with beards smacked his lips and asked, "I remember, isn't Luzhou Laojiao the best in the Du family?"
Chen Tuozi smiled and shook his head, "You don't know something. The Du family has collapsed and has been sealed off by the court. I don't know what happened specifically."
Of course he had heard a little about them, but by not knowing the details of the two of them and talking too much, he was just asking for trouble.
Fortunately, these two people were not interested in the Luo family's grudges. After asking about the location of the tavern, they got off the boat and headed straight for the city.
Wanzhou City is not big, so they found a place quickly.
But I saw a teahouse in the south of the city. The wine flag "Drunken River Breeze" was drooping on the eaves and the wood was black. It looked old, but it was very clean.
"But the two gentlemen of the Tang family?"
A man walked out of the teahouse. He was tall and tall, with gray hair on his temples. He was dressed in a green robe and had a very outstanding temperament.
It is Zou Shaohai, the president of Shuzhong Divine Fist Society.
"I've met President Zou."
The two of them did not dare to neglect and held hands in greeting.
Not to mention the Zou Shaohai in front of me, that is the Firm Strength master who has recently emerged in Sichuan, and his skills are also very powerful.
After getting along with Li Yan and others, in the name of encircling and suppressing Dragon Worship Sect, many sects in Sichuan were united, including many sects in the "Eight Leaves" of Emei, who have joined Divine Fist Society.
Originally, Divine Fist Society in Shu was not favored by everyone.
However, under his organization, the momentum has continued to grow, and it has become the third largest force in Shu after Emei Qingcheng.
"Hahaha..."
Zou Shaohai smiled heartily, raised his hand and said, "Please."
He led the two of them to the private room upstairs. After Dr. Tea filled up the tea, Zou Shaohai smiled and said, "I happened to be busy nearby. I received the news from you two and came here immediately to wait."
With his current reputation and the fact that he has to go out to greet them in person, the identities of these two people are naturally not as simple as they seem.
These two people are both from the Meishan Sect.
Nowadays, in the entire world, Meishan Sect is very popular because they were the first to develop firearms techniques.
The power of New Style Firearm has changed the order of the world. The fact that Meishan Sect can take the lead at this time shows his luck.
Therefore, Zou Shaohai also attaches great importance to it.
"President, you're welcome."
The tall and thin middle-aged man looked solemn and said with cupped hands, "My brothers and sisters are here this time to deal with the matter of Tang Ling, and we need President Lao's help."
Tang Ling of the Meishan Sect, the most outstanding disciple of their generation, is even called Xiangxi First Demon Hunter.
In order to avenge his sister, he shot and killed King of Shu's third son in the street, and then followed Faceless Young Master around.
When he was in Chengdu, King of Shu asked his men to search for people in the city. In order to escape capture, Faceless Young Master directly sold everyone.
Although Faceless Young Master ended up with his body intact and his soul scattered, Tang Ling and others were also imprisoned. After the battle in King of Shu Palace, they were taken to Chongqing Prefecture Yamen.
Hearing the two people's inquiries, Zou Shaohai sighed, shook his head and said, "This matter is not easy to handle."
As he spoke, he said in a low voice, "This matter is a plan of the demon. No matter how much King of Shu participated, the whole person has been dead and wiped out. In addition, the emperor thought of friendship and did not decide on the name of treason, but also gave him a generous burial."
"King of Shu did not commit rebellion. The Tang brothers killed the royal family in the street. There is conclusive evidence. They also used New Style Firearm..."
The pudgy middle-aged man took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "President Zou, if things are easy to handle, we won't trouble you."
"Since you are willing to see us, then this matter can definitely be handled!"
Zou Shaohai was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "This must be brother Tang Hai. I heard that you are resourceful and you are indeed well-deserved."
"Yes, this can indeed be done, but you need to find the right person."
As he spoke, he dipped his hand in tea and wrote two words on the wooden table.
"Li Yan?"
The short and fat old man took a look, frowned and said, "I heard something on the way. This Li Yan young man who has recently risen in the Xuanmen Jianghu, the troublemaker in Chengdu has also participated in a lot."
"But after all, you are young, can you still influence the court?"
"You two don't know something."
Zou Shaohai took a sip of tea and sighed, "Qingcheng Mountain has sent out invitations to hold Opening Cellar Assembly, and he is one of the guests of honor."
"Oh?"
The short, fat old man was stunned for a moment, and his expression turned solemn.
Qingcheng Mountain in Shuzhong is a famous existence in the entire Xuanmen world. Even though Meishan Sect is in the limelight now, it is still a Dharma teaching, not comparable to the High Person family Orthodox Xuan Gate.
If you want to become Orthodox Xuan Gate, you have to go through careful planning. This time they come not only to save Tang Ling, but also to participate in Opening Cellar Assembly.
They have no interest in any treasures.
The key is to take advantage of this opportunity to reach cooperation with several forces, send the disciples of the religion to serve in the army, and gain the support of the court.
The key to Orthodox Xuan Gate is to participate in national sacrifices.
This is Meishan Sect's biggest opportunity in thousands of years.
Not only them, Vice Sect Leader has already gone to Qingcheng in advance.
I heard that all parties have sent important figures this time. It is considered a grand Xuanmen event. It is definitely not easy to be the guest of honor.
Without waiting for him to ask, Zou Shaohai said:
"Let's see, after Opening Cellar Assembly, Li Yan will become famous all over the world. The key is that the court officials who benefit from this matter will betray his face!"
"Oh?"
When the two Tang family members heard this, they immediately understood...
The night is getting darker, Chongqing Commandery Commandant Office Yamen.
"Bangbang, it's midnight, be careful of candles~"
The sound of the watchman came closer and then faded away, startling the night crows flying on the eaves, fluttering into the cold night wind.
In front of the desk, Zhao Xianda lit a tall butter candle and carefully read several letters, sometimes sketching, sometimes frowning and meditating.
Not only him, almost the entire Commandery Commandant Office is brightly lit.
The incident of Chengdu Prefecture has caused an uproar in the capital.
Although he risked his life and went to Chengdu, performed exceptionally well in the war, and gained some credit for Commandery Commandant Office in Shu, there was no reward from the imperial court. Apparently the emperor was very dissatisfied with them.
Commandery Commandant Office Everyone was worried at this time.
You know, no news is often the worst news.
They are the emperor's lackeys, responsible for monitoring the world. It is not impossible for them to all be punished for causing such a big trouble.
Thinking of this, Zhao Xianda continued to check the letter in his hand.
"On the 20th of the first lunar month, the imperial army that had just left Bozhou diverted to Chengdu to suppress the rebellion and appease the victims. Hundreds of guards generals were captured and escorted to the capital for processing..."
"All the soldiers and horses from the guard station near Chengdu were ordered to go to Southern Fujian. The Shaanzhou Guard Station expanded its troops and horses, and some of them were dispatched to the middle of Shu..."
It seems that the imperial court has taken the opportunity to reduce King of Shu's authority.
That Fifth Prince Xiao Jinghong, for helping to quell the chaos, has been officially canonized as King of Chengdu, and his fiefdom has been reduced to one city.
Even so, the imperial court no longer trusts the King of Shu lineage.
These are all expected.
The emperor in the capital would even use this matter to make trouble and once again weaken the power of the vassal kings in various places.
But why send soldiers from Shu to Southern Fujian?
Zhao Xianda was thoughtful and remembered the briefing he had seen before.
Japan's attack on the land of the Three Koreas, coupled with its internal unification, led to rampant Japanese pirates along the coast, and the Red Haired Foreigners pirates running around everywhere, often harassing the coast.
Could it be that he was sent to fight?
Zhao Xianda shook his head slightly and continued to analyze the remaining letters.
After this incident, outsiders will definitely take over the military power in central Shu, and it will not be weakened. After all, Tibet and the southwest must be suppressed and guarded.
What he cares about is another thing.
Chengdu Prefecture's matter is far from over.
The appearance of Nine Cauldrons caused turmoil. The imperial court has issued an order prohibiting discussion of this matter and preventing the news from leaking out.
But some things cannot be stopped.
The common people may not care, but those with ulterior motives will definitely pay more attention to this matter.
It involves Divine Land luck and the foundation of the dynasty.
This is their chance to get away with it.
It is also his hope for further progress...
Thinking of what Li Yan told him, Zhao Xianda took out more information from the side and piled it on the desk.
Some of these materials have turned yellow, become brittle, and are eaten by insects and rats. They are records of ghost religions in the Song Dynasty and previous dynasties...
Some are very new and are unusual events in various places.
Logically speaking, this kind of thing is under the control of the Enforcement Hall, but Zhao Xianda is very doubtful about their ability.
Enforcement Hall are both Xuan Gate People. They may know the magic and have stronger combat power, but when it comes to investigating cases, they are still far behind them.
Thinking of what Li Yan said, Zhao Xianda felt a chill in his heart.
There is more than one person like Lu Sheng!
Zhao Changsheng, may be their matchmaker.
As the saying goes, if you are young, you will not enter Shu, and if you are old, you will not leave Sichuan.
The land of Shu is too peaceful and the news is somewhat closed.
He Zhao Xianda doesn't want to be trapped here for the rest of his life...
Chengdu Prefecture, King of Shu Palace.
A group of officials wearing soap boots and holding lanterns walked through the empty square in front of the palace, all with uneasy eyes.
Many guards, eunuchs and maids in the palace participated in the rebellion at that time and died or were injured.
The imperial army came to take over. Regardless of whether they were bewitched by demons or not, they suppressed and killed them all. Together with the soldiers who were dead and wounded at the time, the corpses piled up like mountains.
Today, no one has repaired the damaged parts of the palace.
Although the corpses had been cleaned up and the masters of Qingcheng Mountain had performed rituals, it was still empty and deserted. As they walked there, they still felt their hearts tingling.
The only place in the palace with lights is Eastern Palace.
But after the patrol officers pass by, they will subconsciously stay away.
Fifth Prince lived there, now King of Chengdu.
Although what happened in Chengdu has been kept secret, everyone from the common people to the officials knows it well.
This King of Chengdu is completely alone.
Chengdu Prefecture's people have had people die in their families, almost every house has a white silk ribbon hanging on it, and I don't know how many people are cursing all day long.
King of Shu Outside the palace, there are often piles of garbage and people peeing and throwing feces. After the government sent people to clean it up, it would still appear the next day.
Gradually, I became too lazy to pay attention to him.
Chengdu Prefecture officials avoided him.
Everyone knows that if you continue to get close to King of Shu, you are seeking death. Even Fifth Prince's mentor, Great Confucian Yang Duo of Shuzhong, has given up on him.
Of course, no one dares to go too far.
Xiao Jinghong's mother's family is the Cheng family after all.
Sword Immortal Cheng suppressed Shuzhong for decades. He was also a god-like figure in the hearts of the people. Before his death, he wielded a sword to suppress evil. His demeanor and deeds have long been spread throughout the world.
Chengdu Prefecture Many people have offered longevity tablets to him.
The mausoleum next to Marquis Wu Shrine is filled with offerings of all kinds. From the time he was buried to now, the incense has continued to be used.
This is also the reason why Xiao Jinghong can become King of Chengdu.
But that's all.
After the death of the Sword Immortal, the Cheng family was equally dissatisfied with him...
Eastern Palace In the main hall, candles are dimly lit.
Because there was no palace maid to clean it, many places were covered with dust. The cracks caused by the earthquake have not been repaired yet.
The cold wind blew in, and the candlelight flickered.
Xiao Jinghong is the only one in the main hall.
He looked gloomy, holding the bloody robe of Princess Consort when he died in his hand, sitting alone on the throne, silently looking at the bright moon outside the window.
The candlelight flickered, and his face was uncertain...
Also looking up at the moon is Li Yan.
Next to the Jin River, a Dragon Daughter Temple has been built.
Li Yan originally agreed to help Dragon Girl gather incense and build a temple.
These days, he has been busy with this matter.
Originally, building a temple was not that simple. Not only did it require the consent of the imperial court and Orthodox Xuan Gate, but the local people also had to be convinced.
But after the palace battle, everything was no problem.
Ling Yunzi of the Qingcheng Sect personally handled the matter and held a grand ceremony with the order from the head of the family. The Yamen also received the imperial edict and named him "Azure Wave Manifesting Spirit Primordial Sovereign".
Chengdu Prefecture's story of helping people break curses is also widely spread.
In a short period of time, Dragon Daughter Temple has become very popular.
The people are not stupid. They know that there is a true god in the temple, so they naturally worship it devoutly. They hope that this Dragon Girl can bless Chengdu with good weather and less disasters.
It was already late at night, and there was no one around the Dragon Girl temple.
Wang Dao Xuan and others came out and stood beside Li Yan.
"Can you really get in?"
Sha LiFei's face was filled with excitement and his voice was trembling.
Their work this time was not in vain.
The reward promised by Dragon Girl is the treasure of the Dragon Palace Water Mansion.
"Of course."
Li Yan laughed dumbly, "I'm afraid you can't lift it..."
Wow!
Before he finished speaking, water surged above Jin River.
Thick white mist spread from the center of the water and soon spread to the shore, surrounding everyone.
Li Yan and others immediately sat cross-legged and soon fell asleep...