The sun has risen, and the spring breeze is bringing warmth.
However, Luo MingZi felt cold all over.
He turned his head and glanced, watching the palace door slowly closing behind him, and couldn't help but think of when he first came to the capital.
At that time, because of his good relationship with Li Yan, he learned about Zhao Changsheng. After reporting it, it attracted attention. Mystic Sacrificial Official sent a transfer order. The emperor personally summoned him and entrusted him with important tasks. He specially assigned elite personnel to investigate Zhao Changsheng.
At that time, he was quite high-spirited.
After all, Chang'an is not in the capital, and he is not as good as those direct disciples in the Pure Yang Palace.
If Zhao Changsheng can be captured, Divine Land can protect the country and years of hard work will not be wasted.
Who would have thought that we had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg.
The further you go, the more shocking the revelations become.
Nowadays, the capital city has become a nest of monsters under his nose, which makes him feel that he is unable to do what he wants.
Put away the distracting thoughts in your heart and Luo MingZi speed up your pace and move forward.
After passing the Meridian Gate, Luo MingZi was led outside the Fengtian Gate by the palace guards.
This gate square has a vast area, with "Tiren Pavilion" in the east and "Hongyi Pavilion" in the west. Twelve bronze sword bells are hung on the eaves of the two pavilions, which are the number of the twenty-four solar terms. Whenever the bells in Directorate of Astronomy ring, the sword bells corresponding to the solar terms will vibrate to clear away the bad luck in the palace.
Great Xuan Dynasty The imperial power is greater than the divine power, and the exquisite layout of the palace far exceeds that of the major Daoist gates.
At this time, the court had already gone down, and only Luo MingZi was standing in the huge square.
After waiting for a long time, the eunuch holding the fly whisk came quickly and loudly announced:
"Daoist Luo, His Majesty summoned Hall of Prudence."
"Thank you, father-in-law."
Luo MingZi lowered his head in response, and then followed the eunuch through the Huagai Hall.
Finally, they came to Hall of Prudence.
The layout of the palace strictly complies with the etiquette standards. There are dynasties in the front and sleeping quarters in the back, with the ancestors on the left and the community on the right, and the central axis is symmetrical.
The former dynasty was the administrative area, and the Fengtian Gate that we passed before was the place where the emperor "administered government affairs". The Jinshui River in front of the gate was in the shape of a bow, symbolizing "the arrows to suppress evil". The five white marble bridges represented "benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness" respectively.
There are three main halls on the central axis.
Hall of Celestial Worship means "carried by heaven" and is the area where the emperor ascended the throne and held great court meetings.
The central canopy hall represents the protection of Jade Emperor canopy.
The Hall of Prudence in front of you represents the emperor's cultivation of moral character, and is the place where he takes palace examinations and entertains vassal kings.
But when I saw Chi Kiss holding a sword on the top of the palace, it was the "True Martial Demon-Slaying Sword" magical weapon presented by Mount Wudang. With this sword as the core of the formation, and with the incense of Divine Land Sheji, not to mention ordinary monks, even the earthly immortals would be suppressed when they came.
Luo MingZi Just as he was about to go up the steps, he saw a white-bearded man Old Taoist walking out of the palace gate.
The white-bearded Old Taoist is gorgeously dressed, has a fairy-like manner, and wears tortoiseshell glasses on the bridge of his nose. He is Bai Chenshan, the supervisor of Directorate of Astronomy.
"I've met senior."
Luo MingZi Seeing this, he quickly raised his hands and saluted.
Bai Chenshan is Divine Land's one of the best Feng Shui masters, and his status is not inferior to that of the leaders of the major sects.
"Oh, it's Master Nephew Luo."
Bai Chenshan's face was obviously tired, and he shook his head and said, "I just came back from Yuzhou and reported to His Majesty about the revision of the calendar."
As he spoke, he whispered, "His Majesty seems to be in a bad mood, please be careful."
"Thank you, senior."
Luo MingZi quickly handed over his hand and thanked him.
After Bai Chenshan left, he walked into the main hall.
But inside the hall, there are towering vermillion lacquer columns, the beams are painted with golden dragons and seals, the floor is paved with "gold bricks", and deep in the hall there is a dragon throne carved with golden silk, a red sandalwood screen is erected at the back, and there are copper crane incense burners and enamel crane candlesticks on both sides.
Behind the dragon chair, there was originally a hanging "Emperor's Illustrations", which told allusions about the governance of the country by the Ming emperors of the past dynasties.
But now, it has been replaced by a huge "Picture of the Sea of All Nations".
An old man in yellow robe was facing away from him, looking at the map.
He is tall and tall, but his head is covered with white hair under his crown.
"Seen His Majesty!"
Luo MingZi didn't dare to neglect, bowed down respectfully.
Today's Emperor Daxuan is named Xiao Qixuan. He has been wise and martial since he was a child. When he became an adult, he eradicated the power of his relatives. He also experienced civil strife in the royal family and ascended to the throne with great hardships. Then he went to the north and south to rectify the imperial court.
This caused Daxuan, which was already in some decline, to flourish again.
It can be said that he is a real wise man.
Of course, he also had a bad temper, and countless courtiers died at his hands.
"Luo Qing, you are in a hurry to enter the palace. What did you find out?"
The emperor still did not look back, but looked at the sea chart with a magnifying glass.
Luo MingZi knew the emperor's temper and did not dare to neglect him, so he quickly told the story.
The emperor paused and turned around slowly.
But seeing that his face was as thin as a knife and an axe, his cheekbones were as high as two hanging blades, his eyebrows were raised like a crouching dragon, his eyebrows were flying into his temples, and his pupils were as black as ink, looking into the abyss, which made people dare not look directly.
Luo MingZi glanced at it and quickly lowered his head.
This emperor Xiao Qixuan has a tough and domineering temperament. Although he is not a monk, he was also a master of Martial Arts when he was young. He has experienced bloody battles on the battlefield and has been in charge of the country for many years, and his momentum is even more extraordinary.
Only his complexion is a little pale, indicating that he has not recovered from a long-term illness.
"Pan Peach Gathering..."
Xiao Qixuan slowly put down the magnifying glass and said in a cold voice, "There have always been many emperors who sought immortality, and all of them became notorious. The poor asked for Prosperity. Having Prosperity also wanted immortality, which allowed those warlocks with evil intentions to take advantage of the loophole."
"I don't even dare to think about this. It's good that they can eat living people. How are they different from monsters?"
"You should investigate this matter clearly. I cannot afford to disgrace this person this time..."
The voice was neither urgent nor slow, but murderous intent rose.
Luo MingZi Hearing this, he was immediately relieved.
This emperor His Majesty, besides having a bad temper, also has a good reputation.
Because I was afraid of being said that I could not tolerate heroes and brothers, I was very lenient towards the King of England and King of Shu.
Because I opened the sea and discovered how big the world is, I became ambitious again.
Obviously, this incident had made him murderous.
After all, the "flat peach" incident is horrifying, official history cannot escape it, and the people don't know how to arrange it.
"One more thing..."
Luo MingZi hesitated for a moment, then told the story about Living Underworld Messenger being hunted and suspected of having a master involved.
He knew that with His Majesty's temperament, once he spoke out, trouble would inevitably arise in Xuanmen.
But if you don't say it, how can you be worthy of Li Yan Ku Xin's investigation.
"Earth Immortal..."
Emperor Xiao Qixuan's face turned gloomy, "Well, I already know about this."
"Li Yan also discovered this matter?"
"Yes, His Majesty."
"It's a lucky general. Ask him if he is willing to join Mystic Sacrificial Official."
"This..."
Luo MingZi was a little embarrassed, "I mentioned it before, Young Hero Li said that rough people in the world are not used to joining Imperial Court."
"Huh, after all, it's just a rough world and you can't get on the stage!"
Xiao Qixuan waved his hand, "I will make my own arrangements to find out this matter."
"Yes, His Majesty."
Luo MingZi quickly backed away and left the hall, his back was already wet.
Xiao Qixuan in the main hall looked up at the sky outside the main hall and murmured:
"The Earth Immortal... is it because of the Human Path changes that you can't help it?"
"Man does not know what Heaven does, how can Heaven know what man does?"
"Come, please National Teacher come..."
Luo MingZi immediately narrated the situation after returning to the manor.
"That's good."
Li Yan said in a deep voice, "It seems that the emperor is not confused yet."
Luo MingZi smiled bitterly and shook his head, "I think what His Majesty means is that he doesn't want this matter to cause panic and spread rumors. As long as the person is caught, the powerful people will naturally have a way to deal with it. We can just act according to the plan."
"Hmm."
Li Yan nodded and said, "We just discussed it and found out that there is a good opportunity."
Luo MingZi said quickly, "Oh, tell me."
Li Yan took the blueprint of the capital city, put it on the table, and said, "Maitreya Sect Capital City Branch Master is Hu Yuanyuan of Wuxian Hall. I accepted her commission to kill the criminal Wuleji hidden in Prince Ying's Estate."
"Due to the incident at the Jinmen pier, Prince Ying's Estate wanted to use old Royal Concubine's eightieth birthday to show off his style. Many dignitaries from the capital will be there. Prince Ying's Estate and Pan Peach Gathering are unclear. Someone must be there, and it will be up to Sister Long to identify them."
"I will act as usual, Hu Yuanyuan will arrange the infiltration, and the Daoist priest will arrange the rest."
"It's easy to say, it's not difficult."
Luo MingZi agreed immediately.
He now has elite Commandery Commandant Office and Mystic Sacrificial Official under his command, so this kind of thing couldn't be easier.
Everyone made a plan, and Li Yan returned to the capital first and stayed at the inn arranged by Hu Yuanyuan.
As dusk fell outside the window, smoke from cooking and the sound of hawkers floated in the streets.
Li Yan was leaning against the window, scanning the passers-by downstairs, and suddenly saw a blue cloth carriage running over the bluestone slabs and stopping at the entrance of the inn.
The car curtain was lifted, and Hu Yuanyuan stepped out wearing a plain cloak, with silver hairpins dangled slightly, and rouge at the corners of his eyes like fox tails.
Behind her was a short, fat man in a brocade robe and jade belt, with a smile on his face. He followed her carefully.
"Young Hero Li, long waiting."
Hu Yuanyuan went upstairs and pushed the door open. He hung a Peach Charms on the door and introduced:
"This is Qing'an Opera Troupe, the manager, Liu San, and a brother in the church."
Qing'an Opera Troupe?
Li Yan nodded slightly, "Thank you."
He has heard of Qing'an Opera Troupe, a famous opera troupe in Beijing.
"Seen Young Hero Li."
Liu San hurriedly bent down and cupped his hands, grinning and said, "I've heard of Young Hero Li Xianyang's majesty in the arena! We Qing'an Opera Troupe are in need of martial arts students like you to dominate the field. Prince Ying's Estate's birthday banquet will definitely be a success!"
Li Yan frowned slightly, "I can't sing."
"Don't worry."
Liu San smiled and said, "You are Wang Jianmei, the great martial arts student from Cangzhou who I invited to help out. Prince Ying's Estate has been strictly investigated. Only with an identity can you enter the government. If you find an excuse to be sick, you can fool him."
Hu Yuanyuan also nodded and said, "Young Hero Li Don't worry, the three locust trees have been prepared, and the weapons can be hidden in the mezzanine of the play box."
She suddenly lowered her voice, "The method Wuleji has practiced requires drinking Girl's blood every new moon. The night of the birthday banquet is the right time!"
Two days later, Prince Ying's Estate was decorated with lanterns and colors, and the carriages and horses were like dragons in front of the red lacquer gate.
Royal Concubine's eightieth birthday party was held in the evening, and these were the convoys that came in advance to deliver gifts.
Royal Palace Steward took the servants to check them one by one and make an inventory.
Qing'an Opera Troupe's carriages and carriages also slowly drove toward the side door.
The side door is also guarded by palace guards.
The steward Liu San nodded and handed over the name card:
"Your mansion has arranged a birthday celebration party, please military master to accommodate me."
"Everyone is standing still!"
A captain with a scarred face shouted fiercely, and led someone to open the box and conduct a careful inspection.
Li Yan is dressed as a martial arts student in Tsing Yi, leaning against the theater box with his arms folded.
He glanced at the door of the mansion with his peripheral vision and saw "Picture of the King of England Possessing the Prisoners" carved on the green brick screen wall.
Ordinary people would at most make some reliefs like Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, which shows the power of Prince Ying's Estate.
As they expected, the palace inspection was extremely strict.
The soldiers opened the box and even rummaged through it piece by piece.
Li Yan immediately narrowed his eyes after seeing it.
He would be searched later, so he hid all the magic weapons in the secret compartment of the box, not knowing whether he could get away with it.
Liu San was also panicked when he saw this, and quickly stuffed some scattered silver.
"It's an unedged prop used in martial arts. Look at this wooden handle. It's messed up and we won't be able to clean it up later..."
"Get away!"
The captain yelled angrily and pushed him away.
Just as he was about to continue his investigation, he heard a sweet laugh coming from the door:
"Commander Wang, grandma is still waiting to see <Magu Birthday>!"
But I saw a girl in gorgeous clothes standing against the door, her golden steps swaying lightly on her temples, her face full of impatience.
The school captain immediately put away his knife and apologized. "Miss Ninth, please forgive me, I'll let you go now!"
Even so, everyone was searched before they were released.
"Hurry up!"
The girl urged, "It's too late High Person, so I begged my grandmother to sing for us in advance."
"Princess Rest assured, you will be satisfied."
Liu San quickly apologized and sent the girl away.
The troupe's motorcade passed through the Sanchongyi Gate and arrived at the central courtyard.
The courtyard of Prince Ying's Estate is equally astonishing in size. There is a flowerbed and a pond near the middle courtyard, and the brick and wooden stage is behind the pond.
"You all know each other, don't violate the master's taboo!"
Liu San scolded him, then picked up a bundle of wheat straw and threw it along the stage.
This is the rule of the theater troupe.
Opera troupe is a despicable industry and is called low-class. Many people have taboos about it.
For example, when you go to other people's villages to perform, you cannot enter the village at will, let alone enter other people's houses. They usually live in dilapidated temples and cellars. This is called "the stage is set up in front of the temple, the actors live in the temple, and after death they are buried behind the temple."
Even if the opera box covers someone's house, firecrackers must be set off when leaving. Some people are particular about plowing the land with black oxen and turning over the house, which is called a clean house.
As for singing hall opera, straw must be scattered around the stage, which means that the performers are low-level and are afraid of trampling on the land and causing future generations to be unable to become officials. The straw must be collected and burned before leaving.
Qing'an Opera Troupe has a good reputation in the capital, but when he arrives at the palace, he must abide by the rules at all times to avoid causing disaster.
Li Yan also moved boxes with others, but when he came to the rockery, he reached out and flicked Chuling Paper Figure into the gap in the rockery.
Later, we will rely on Chuling Paper Figure to investigate.
As soon as they set up the stage, they saw a female family member pouring out from the second floor of Wing Room opposite.
But it was the royal family members who wanted to watch the show in advance.
Logically speaking, this was against the rules, and the people in the troupe didn't even eat.
But they didn't dare to complain. Liu San whispered, "Everyone is tired, please sing first."
Soon, as soon as the gongs and drums sounded, the water pavilion stage became lively.
"A banquet is held in Yaochi--"
With a clear singing voice, Dan Role dressed as Magu stepped on the stage gracefully.
She wears a emerald phoenix crown on her head, a colorful harem on her body, her water sleeves flutter like flowing clouds, and orchids curl up on her fingertips. She looks like a fairy walking out of a painting.
"Presenting flat peaches to celebrate her birthday and wishing the Queen Mother a long and prosperous life--"
The female family members upstairs watched with great interest, but Li Yan lowered his head and hid in the darkness behind the stage.
His eyes were cold and he occasionally glanced towards the second floor.
There was a middle-aged scholar standing next to the female family members.
It is the escaped Jinmen Jinghai Gang Third Master Chen, Yu Wenhai!