"What did you say?"
Kong Shangzhao stood up suddenly after hearing this, his face turned pale.
"This is..." Shopkeeper Qian was stunned for a moment and asked in a low voice.
Fatty Lin shook his head and said, "This is my brother, the son of Shopkeeper Kong."
"Oh."
Shopkeeper Qian suddenly understood. He looked around and lowered his voice and said, "This matter was so shocking just two days ago! The whole Jinan Prefecture was shocked."
As he said that, he looked at everyone, "I also heard from hearsay that in the early morning of that day, as soon as the servant in charge of cleaning the ancestral hall opened the door, Yansheng Duke was lying in the ancestral hall, and everyone was completely cold."
"And this little brother's father is also lying next to him. Although he is not dead, he cannot be woken up..."
"At that time, the entire Confucius Mansion exploded! As you all know, the Yansheng Duke Mansion is of the bloodline of Confucius and has a distinguished status. How could they cover up this matter? They were about to carry out a private act immediately, but for some reason they were brought to Jinan Prefecture for interrogation."
Kong Shangzhao Hearing this, his body shook suddenly, his face turned pale, his fists were clenched tightly, and his nails were almost embedded in his flesh.
Li Yan pressed his shoulders calmly, and then asked in a deep voice, "The person is also unconscious in the ancestral hall. If the murderer ran away long ago, wouldn't anyone find out the suspicion?"
"Doubtful?"
Shopkeeper Qian sighed, "It's not just this, there are so many more!"
"First, Kong family has many experts in guarding the hospital. The ancestral hall is a place heavily guarded at night. Not to mention people, even a mouse can hardly sneak in. How did the murderer get in? How did he kill the people? How did he escape unscathed? Jinan Prefecture's detectives searched for a whole day, but they couldn't find any trace of an outside invasion..."
"Secondly, Mr. Kong Da is fine, so why is he unconscious? He also checked and found that he was neither poisoned nor injured. It's really weird!"
"Third, this is the point where the Kong family people are making the most noise. They say that Shopkeeper Kong and Yansheng Duke's grandson had enmity, so they had evil thoughts and harmed others. If you are really brave, how can you be forced to give up all your shops?"
Saying that, Shopkeeper Qian shook his head. "Anyway, this matter is too big and involves too much, and the prefect's Yamen dare not make a decision without permission. Kong family Every room is quarreling like enemies, and they all say they want to get to the bottom of it."
"I heard that the prefect is in dire straits, so he can only order Shopkeeper Kong to be closely guarded first."
Hearing the words "strict custody" and "heavy cell", Kong Shangzhao could no longer suppress the depression and grief in his chest. He suddenly stood up from his chair and said in a voiceless voice, "My father can never be the murderer! I have to see him! Let my father go!"
Li Yan suddenly put more force on his hand and pressed it down, "Calm down! That's Jinan Prefecture's yamen. Breaking into the prison recklessly will only harm your father and yourself! This matter is by no means simple, we need to take a long-term approach!"
The people around him also quickly tried to persuade Kong Shangzhao to calm down.
After all, he is a young man and has little experience. He can remain calm and analyze other complex situations, but when it comes to himself, it is a little difficult to control himself.
Seeing them like this, Shopkeeper Qian was not in trouble, but after taking Fatty Lin out, he whispered, "Master Lin, please be careful, there is something fishy behind this matter, and the situation in Jiangsu and Zhejiang is not good either."
"Don't worry, Lao Qian, I know."
Fatty Lin After comforting him, he rubbed his face again, turned around and entered the room.
Everyone's eyes turned to Li Yan. After all, he had to make the decision in this matter.
Li Yan thought deeply, "This matter sounds like there are many problems. Kong family can carry out lynching, but Shopkeeper Kong was sent to Jinan. I'm afraid there is also the reason for Lineage's internal strife. Don't act rashly."
"You guys stay here first, Old Sha and I will go to Daming Lake to investigate."
The summer rain has begun to subside, and water vapor is steaming from the Daming Lake in the evening.
The air that had been so humid during the day was now soaked with water, giving it a hint of coolness.
When Li Yan and Sha LiFei stepped out of Yuelai Inn, the sky was already dark, but the entire lakeside was far noisier than during the day.
"Hey! It's really lively after the rain!"
Sha LiFei only wore a coarse cloth jacket, exposing his strong chest, and breathed in the moisture with a slight lotus fragrance.
Just as he said, Jinan Prefecture, who shivered due to the rain during the day, seemed to have woken up.
On the streets around the lake, pedestrians are packed with people, shoulder to shoulder.
One after another, lanterns were lit up, including the ever-lasting gauze lanterns hung by officials at street pavilions at intersections, the windproof paper lanterns hung under the eaves of various shops, and the "wind-killing" lanterns carried by vendors walking along the streets.
The stars are dotted together, forming a long and bright dragon, reflecting on the lake surface, making it full of light.
Under the shade of willows and beside the lake embankment, various vendors have already set up shop.
Those selling seasonal fruits and lotus pods, water chestnuts, and green-skinned crispy melons piled up like mountains. Those selling jelly, eight-treasure porridge, and tofu nao were shouting one after another. Booksellers, puppet performers, jugglers, and jugglers all circled the area, and gongs, drums, and cymbals kept ringing, attracting circles of people to stop and cheer.
There are even lights on the cruise boat, the bow and stern of the boat are covered with colorful lanterns, and the sound of silk and bamboo orchestras can be heard faintly from the water, attracting tourists on the shore to stand and watch.
What is different from other places is that Ji South City has a flourishing literary style. Couplets are hung at the doors of shops and houses along the way, and no one is the same, attracting comments from scholars in groups from time to time.
Of course, this is what ordinary people see.
In Li Yan's eyes, those figures who seemed to be leaning casually under the willow trees, squatting at the head of the river, or swaying at the edge of the light and shadow of the lanterns, with calm breaths and sharp eyes, were obviously secret sentries or Jianghu spies who were hanging around the docks.
It is not surprising to say that given the status of South City, there must be many people in the world.
"Is that the building?"
After walking for about half an hour, Sha LiFei pointed forward.
But I saw that the lights were brightest next to the lake, and there was a magnificent loft built near the water.
The building is two stories high, with cornices and brackets, red lacquer and gold. A row of red lanterns hangs under the eaves, with three large gold characters "Yanbo Tower" written on it. It is particularly eye-catching even on the lakeside where the lights are like daylight.
The area is so large that it far exceeds the surrounding buildings. No wonder it is the most famous gold-selling cave in Ji South City.
There was a lot of traffic in front of the building, and lavishly decorated carriages and sedans were parked all the way.
Officials, gentry and merchants in rich attire, and elegant-looking literati holding folding fans, were greeted by Yingying Yanyan with their own styles and beautiful looks, and they walked in one after another.
There is a sweet fragrance of powder floating in the air, which is incompatible with the fragrance of lotus leaves by the lake.
Li Yan nodded slightly, and the two of them blended in with the crowd and got closer.
As soon as I arrived in front of the door, a heat wave mixed with warm fragrance, alcohol and sweat hit my face.
The turtle man who was greeting the guests at the door had sharp eyes. Seeing that although the two were not dressed in the most luxurious clothes, they had extraordinary temperament, he greeted them with a warm yet reserved smile, "Two gentlemen, are we Yanbo Tower here for the first time? Do you have any girls you know? Can I introduce you to her?"
Sha LiFei waved his hand aggressively. "Don't talk nonsense, find me a quiet and elegant seat, and serve the good wine and food first! I heard that the 'Dengzhou Old Burn' here is good?"
"Okay! You two please come upstairs!"
Turtle Gong diligently led them up to the second floor.
As soon as we climbed up the stairs, the scene inside Yanbo Tower was even more astonishing.
Compared to the hustle and bustle of the lobby downstairs, the layout on the second floor is much more open and elegant.
In the center is a spacious hall with woven floral carpets, antique calligraphy and paintings, and mahogany furniture.
It was not performance time in the main hall, but there were still several beautiful geishas in the corner, holding pipa or guzheng, twirling them lightly and slowly, playing elegant tunes.
The entire space is cleverly divided into numerous private rooms by half-person-high carved wooden partitions and gauze curtains.
Through the half-covered gauze curtains, the shadows of lamps flickered, and people inside could be vaguely seen mingling and drinking.
Some are talking loudly, or some are whispering secretly, all hidden in the music of silk and bamboo.
The waiters, carrying gold-lacquered trays filled with wine and food, were weaving in and out of the aisles between the private rooms.
His movements are nimble and his steps are brisk, all of which are well-trained.
Mr. Turtle led the two of them to a seat by the window.
The location here is perfect. On one side, you can enjoy the dimly lit night view of Daming Lake, and on the other side, you can overlook most of the scenery in the building. A low cushioned table has been arranged in the lounge, and the incense of mugwort to repel mosquitoes has been lit.
"You two gentlemen, sit down for a moment. The food and wine will be here soon." Mr. Turtle bowed and stepped back.
Sha LiFei sat down comfortably, picked up the warm towel placed on the table and wiped his face. "Finally take a breath! Yan-ge, what should I do next? Who should I contact?"
Li Yan did not answer immediately. He took the towel handed over by Sha LiFei and wiped his hands slowly while quietly observing the layout and flow of people inside Yanbo Tower.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed slightly, he stopped his hand, and his eyes became strange.
"What's wrong?" Sha LiFei asked quickly when he saw this.
Li Yan shook his head slightly, "Old Sha, do you remember going to Luo Lu's house?"
"Of course I remember."
Sha LiFei sighed, "Left Political Counselor Lu Kang, he supported Old Monkey Zhou Pan back then and almost forced us to death. That old guy is quite good at scheming, but unfortunately people are not as good as God. In the end, everything came to nothing, and the Lu family also fled to another country to seek refuge."
Li Yan nodded, "Look who is over there?"
Sha LiFei Looking along, I saw a small night banquet going on in the deepest hall.
Several tables were filled with seasonal delicacies: Lu's famous sweet and sour Yellow River carp, oily and fragrant Nine Turns Intestine, tender fried shredded chicken mixed with cucumber, and various exquisite snacks.
Seven or eight dancers dressed in tulle were dancing gracefully in the middle of the banquet, with soft bodies and flying sleeves.
A group of guests who looked either rich or noble were changing glasses, chatting and laughing loudly, while several women with heavy makeup sat beside them, either covering their mouths and smiling softly, or soliciting drinks attentively.
Outside the hall, there were several burly men standing with arms folded, their eyes scanning the whole place from time to time.
The man at the head was tall and straight, somewhat official-looking.
"Eh~"
Sha LiFei stared, "Isn't this the boy Feng Ping?"
Back in Shaanzhou, Lu Kang used himself as a bait to return home, attracting many bandits. For some reason, both parties had walked the Zhongnan Ancient Road together, and they were very familiar with the Lu family's guard commander.
Seeing his appearance, Sha LiFei was happy, "This kid loves to get pie. He even wears official boots when he goes out."
After saying that, he looked inside again and said, "Isn't that the second boy from the Lu family? It turned out that he ran to Ji South City. Look at his high-spirited appearance. It really made them make a comeback."
Of course, the two of them just sighed.
If the opponent turns over, how can they be Wu Xia Amen?
Even if Lu Kang is here, he is not in their eyes.
"You two masters, you two masters!"
As they were talking, they saw Mr. Turtle running towards him in a hurry, with a full smile on his face, beads of sweat rolling down his face, and his waist bent almost to his knees. His voice was full of fear. "I'll forgive you, I'm blind but I don't know Mount Tai, we have actually arranged seats in the outer hall for you two! The shopkeeper said, please move to the 'Tingtao Pavilion' on the top floor, which is the quietest private room in our building and has the best view."
Sha LiFei chuckled, "Hey, do you have good eyesight?"
Li Yan looked calm, only nodded slightly and did not say much.
He knew in his heart that he would be recognized sooner or later if he entered the Yanmen branch.
Going up to the Tingtao Pavilion on the top floor, the windows are indeed bright and clean.
Outside the carved wooden window, the sparkling waves of Daming Lake can be seen, and the evening breeze blows away the hustle and bustle downstairs.
The private room was elegantly furnished, with elegant sandalwood burning. Turtle Gong carefully served the best tea and seasonal fruits, and then left as if he had been granted amnesty.
After a while, a woman in her forties who was wearing a purple Hangzhou silk gown walked in with her waist twisted, an affectionate yet measured smile on her face, her eyes seemed to have hooks, and she glanced around Sha LiFei, and finally settled on Li Yan with all her eyes.
She waved the two little maids behind her to leave, then turned around and closed the door, then with a smile on her face, she bowed her hands respectfully and said, "Yanbo Tower'Jinping', Golden Swallow Gate Captain Qilu, I've met Young Hero Li, Daxia Sha."
"Thank you." Li Yan nodded slightly.
"Where is Young Hero Li?"
She looked familiar and poured the tea herself. "I have received a message from Elder Su flying pigeon a long time ago. These are the things you two want. They are all here."
As he spoke, he took out two pieces of letter paper sealed with wax paint from his wide sleeves and presented them with both hands.
Li Yan frowned slightly, "So many?"
Jinping said hurriedly, "In reply to Young Hero Li, there are two letters."
"The thick envelope at the top is about Jinan Prefecture and the overt and covert rumors in the past six months on the Qilu Jianghu Road. The thin envelope at the bottom is what you specifically told about... Mount Tai."
"Elder Su said it, you will definitely use it."
"Oh, Senior Su is really thoughtful."
Li Yan praised, then opened the thick envelope.
But I saw that the paper was densely packed with entries recorded in small regular script, which had obviously been sorted out.
Jinping also patiently explained, "The most important thing on Qilu Road recently is the 'opening of the sea'."
"Since the imperial court imposed a sea ban and established ports, several large chambers of commerce along the coast, especially the newly established 'Cao Sea United Ship Gang' and 'Donglu Trading Company' in Dengzhou and Laizhou, have been extremely generous. They spent a lot of money and promised huge profits to invite many famous masters on Qilu Road and even some seniors who had lived in seclusion for many years to take charge."
"Some of them are escorting the caravans and guarding the ships, and guarding against overseas strongholds; some are stationed in the newly built workshop areas and warehouse areas to guard important areas. Nowadays, local snakes are having a hard time in Jinan Prefecture, with the loss of experts, and there are often some outsiders Over the River Dragon making trouble on the territory."
"Even at the dock next to Ji South City, there are several percent more disputes than in previous years. Those fighting for water transportation, warehousing, and bodyguard business are fighting and killing each other all day long."
Sha LiFei touched his chin and said in amusement, "Those maritime merchants are willing to spend money. Gee, gold paves the road, and masters recruit people. It seems that they make a lot of money at sea."
Jinping nodded in agreement. "That's what Mr. Sha said. There are also a few scattered cases, such as 'Jinan Five Tigers''s second son was intercepted and killed by unknown people at the Yellow River ferry, and the murderer has not been found so far; Lao Mountain Qingxu Temple There was a conflict between the new prisoner from the lower house and the local gang, and Xuanmen finally intervened to settle the matter; and in the past month, there were strange things happening on the canal. It was said that several night-sailing grain ships saw water ghosts in the middle of the night, and the people on the ship were scared out of their wits..."
"These are all rumors and rumors. The slave family has also written them down for your reference Young Hero Li."
Li Yan quickly browsed through the remaining entries. They were all sporadic records of gang fights, vendettas, and novel foreign characters. There was no direct connection for the time being.
He handed the thick scroll to Sha LiFei for a closer look, and he opened the thin scroll about Mount Tai.
Jinping's voice was lowered, "As for Mount Tai..."
"Young Hero Li, it's not that we don't care, it's just that it's different from other places. The important place of Xuanmen, the place where emperors of all dynasties have consecrated themselves, has its own rules and regulations. Even Jinan Prefecture's yamen and secret sentries don't dare to get close to Daizong Ward, let alone go deep into the core areas where Daoist temples and palaces are gathered."
"Our Yanmen's spies here can only do some spying on the periphery."
She paused briefly to collect her thoughts. "But according to the intelligence collected, there are three abnormalities."
"Firstly, the security of Dai Temple is much tighter than in previous years. There are more unknown Daoist priests on duty, and the rules for pilgrims to offer incense are also stricter. Secondly, in the past two or three months, several Old Taoist priests and temple ministers who are quite prestigious among the people, either in seclusion or in old age, have returned to their hometowns to rest. Suddenly they have disappeared. New people have replaced them, and they are all new faces..."
"The third and most strange thing is that starting half a month ago, in Daizong Town at the foot of Mount Tai and inns and tea stalls in Red Gate, a saying began to spread that at night, a faint sound like drums and thunder could be heard from deep in Mount Tai, which shook the window lattice slightly, as if something big was going on underground."
"Some people say it's General Celestial Soldiers who is performing martial arts, and some people say it's Lord Mount Tai Prefect who's angry... This is mysterious and unfounded, but it's widely spread."
Mount Tai Prefect will be replaced!
Li Yan immediately thought of the information Erlang Zhenjun gave him in front of the Two Realms Mountain in the Dharma Realm.
It seems that there is indeed something wrong with it, but to find out, I probably have to go there in person.
Thinking of this, he put away the information, looked at Jinping, and said solemnly, "There is one more thing. I don't want to trouble you, but the matter is a bit urgent..."
Then, he narrated what happened, "How much does Golden Swallow Gate know about this matter?"
When Shopkeeper Kong was mentioned, the professional smile on Jinping's face suddenly faded, showing a bit of solemnity and hesitation. She glanced at the door subconsciously, and waved to the two maids to retreat to the porch outside the door to guard.
Jinping heard this, and his face became serious, "Young Hero Li, the slave family does know something about this... but the water is too deep."
"Yansheng Duke died suddenly in the ancestral hall of Kong family, and Shopkeeper Kong was lying unconscious next to him because someone in the ancestral hall accused him and Yansheng Duke's grandson, Kong Shang'an, formed a major alliance, so after the incident, Kong Shang'an's family immediately killed him. It was Shopkeeper Kong who committed the murder in revenge."
Li Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "Enmity is indeed a thing. But... just because of this, you dare to kill the contemporary Yansheng Duke in the heavily guarded Kong ancestral hall? It is too far-fetched and reckless."
"Shopkeeper Kong is still alive. Is there anyone else who can help?"
"Young Hero Li You have a sharp eye."
Jinping nodded, looked around, and sighed, "Actually, it's all for Yansheng Duke's seat!"