Yin Bupo asked inexplicably, Qin Xiao was startled, but he knew that there was something fishy about this question.

"Could it be that...the Wutuo Cavalry was hired by others?" Qin Xiao's face was extremely solemn.

Yin Bupo smiled and said, "You are indeed smart."

"Who is it?" Qin Xiao grabbed Yin Bupo's collar: "Who hired those Wutuo people?"

When Yin Bupo saw Qin Xiao's anxious look, his eyes showed a playful look and he said nothing. Qin Xiao saw a look of triumph in his eyes, raised his hand suddenly, and punched Yin Bupo.

face.

This punch was not light, and Yin Bupo spit out blood. Instead of getting angry, he smiled: "You are really anxious."

Qin Xiao punched a few more times and said sternly: "Who hired those Wutuo cavalry? What on earth are they going to do?"

After these few punches, Yin Bupo's face was already swollen, and the blood he spit out was stained by his teeth, but there was still a smile on his lips.

Qin Xiao knew that Yin Bupo was determined and would never confess.

This man guarded the border and had gone through the hardships of bitter cold. Not to mention giving him a punch, even if he was really tortured, as long as he was unwilling to confess, there was no way he could get any useful information from him.

He let go of his hand, pulled it out, put the blade against Yin Bupo's throat, and said in a cold voice: "You are right, if I take you with me, the speed will be much slower. I can rush back as soon as possible by myself. Yin Bupo,

I know you are a tough guy, but if you have colluded with the Wutuo people, no matter what your purpose is, you are surrendering to the enemy and treason, and traitors will be killed without mercy."

"You should have done this a long time ago." Yin Bupo sighed: "Otherwise, your time would be more leisurely. Qin Xiao, you can take action, we are each our own masters, and I will not blame you if we die in your hands."

Qin Xiao raised his head and looked at Tianse, and with a strong force on his hand, the blade of the blade had already penetrated Yin Bupo's throat.

Yin Bupo's eyes suddenly bulged, and his throat made a gurgling sound. Qin Xiao pulled out the knife, and a stream of blood spurted out from Yin Bupo's throat, and he fell down on his side.

Qin Xiao put away his knife, ignored Yin Bupo's corpse, rushed over, got on his horse, shook the horse's reins, and continued galloping eastward.

According to the tradition of the Tang Dynasty, New Year's Eve is the most important day of the year.

Even as far away as the western border, people will still try their best to prepare a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner on this day. People in Yinshi will definitely put their children in new clothes and welcome the new year happily.

For Fanhou Mansion, today is a day of double happiness.

Not only is she celebrating New Year's Eve like everyone else, but it is also Mrs. Fan's 80th birthday.

The preparations for this birthday banquet had started a few months ago, and a theater troupe was hired. It is said that they spent a lot of money to bring it from the customs. They set up a stage in the front yard of Fanhou Mansion early.

However, watching the theater was a program after the birthday banquet. Before the birthday banquet, the lion dance team showed their teeth and claws in front of the Hou Mansion, surrounded by the sound of firecrackers.

Many people in the city knew that today was Mrs. Fan's 80th birthday. The lion dance team's performance was very lively, so many people from all over the city came to watch, and the entire main entrance of the Hou Mansion was completely dark.

Lanterns and colorful decorations are put on, and the atmosphere is full of joy.

Lord Fan prepared some candied red dates and distributed them to the people who came to join in the fun. It was a joyous occasion.

It was dusk and the banquet had not yet started. In the main hall of Fanhou Mansion, everyone was talking and laughing.

Pei Shiqing of the Beiyuan and Yao Mubai, the governor of Xiling, were among them. Several officials, including Li Changxin, the governor of Fan County, were also invited.

Participate in birthday celebrations.

Li Changxin and others came to the banquet today not so much for Fan Ziqi's sake, but for the sake of Pei Shiqing and General Heiyu. These officials learned that General Heiyu and Pei Shiqing would attend the birthday banquet.

Naturally, I no longer dare to take care of my own New Year’s Eve dinner.

After this year, the Fan family will move to the customs. To officials like Li Changxin, the Fan family will have no value from now on.

But General Heiyu and Pei Shiqing had to give them face.

Needless to say, General Heiyu will guard Xiling from now on and hold the military power. Pei Shiqing is the supervisor sent by the Beiyuan. The power behind it cannot be underestimated. Compared with these two people, Xiling Protector Yao Mubai seems very mediocre.

Since these two people will come to the banquet, the governor of Fan County naturally has no reason to refuse to attend the banquet.

"I heard that your Excellency is not only good at opera, but also has a good voice." The warmth in the main hall was like spring. Fan Ziqi stroked his beard and smiled and said: "If you don't mind it, please come back and give me a few blows, so that we can appreciate your Majesty's performance."

Style.”

Pei Shiqing waved his hand and said with a smile: "You're kidding me. I just shouted a few times when I had nothing to do, but I don't have the ability to go on stage yet. By the way, Lord Marquis, I wonder which team is invited this time?"

"Beihe Yutang Yue!" Fan Ziqi said: "It took a lot of effort to invite her here."

Pei Shiqing clapped his hands and said with a smile: "That's a coincidence. Beihe Yutangyue is a troupe with real skills, and Lian Dajue is one of the best actors in the world today. Hahaha, Mr. Hou, you invited Yutangyue. This is really honorable."

.I remember that two years ago, when King Fenyang celebrated his 60th birthday, he invited four major troupes, and Yutang Yue was one of them. I had the honor to go to congratulate him and listened to the play for a whole night. Although the four major troupes each have their own merits,

Yutangyue is the most suitable to my taste."

"That's great." Fan Ziqi laughed and said, "The adults are here to listen to the show. When they get tired of listening, let them leave."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Whether it is the North Courtyard or the Ziyi Prison, they are the sphere of influence of the eunuchs in the palace.

Today, saints place great emphasis on eunuchs. Compared with the civil and military ministers in the court, these eunuchs are trusted by saints even more. No matter they are officials from the capital or local officials, they do not dare to offend these eunuchs in the slightest.

The sound of gongs and drums outside the main entrance of the Hou Mansion was noisy, but it did not affect the elegance of the adults present.

"It's almost dark, has the general been delayed by something?" Yao Mubai looked outside the door and couldn't help but ask.

"The general is busy with military affairs these days, but everyone can rest assured. General Heiyu has kept his promise and since he promised to come to the banquet, he will not break his promise." Fan Ziqi smiled and said: "Everyone, please be patient for a moment. As soon as the general arrives, we will start the banquet immediately.

"

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant came in hurriedly, cupped his hands and said: "Report, Mr. Marquis, the general is here!"

Fan Ziqi stood up immediately, and everyone else stood up one after another. Fan Ziqi smiled and said: "Everyone, sit down first, I will go to greet the general."

"The general is here, we can't sit still." Yao Mubai said with a smile, "Let's go together to greet him."

Everyone left the main hall and went to the gate of the Hou Mansion. They saw the general leading more than ten cavalry to the door. They had all dismounted and were watching the lion dance team with great interest. They saw Fan Ziqi and others coming out.

, the general immediately raised his hands and said with a smile: "Master Marquis, it's your majesty's birthday. I'm here to congratulate you."

"The general is here, and the flowers are shining brightly." Fan Ziqi cupped his hands and said with a smile, "The birthday banquet has been prepared, and we are just waiting for the general to start the banquet."

"You're welcome."

Fan Ziqi turned around and ordered: "Come down, let's start the birthday banquet." He stepped forward and held the general's arm, welcoming him into the house very warmly. As soon as he entered the house, he saw that the general's Night Crow did not follow him, so he immediately greeted: "

Everyone, come in." He said to the general, "General, seats for these warriors have been prepared in the palace, and I would like to ask the general to let them sit together."

The general hesitated for a moment, but Pei Shiqing already smiled and said: "General, the Black Feathered Night Crow is famous all over the world. Who is not a famous warrior? Today these warriors are also celebrating their birthday together. The old lady must be very happy."

The general then ordered: "Zimo, come in with everyone to the banquet. The old lady's eightieth birthday is a great event. Let's congratulate her on her longevity."

"Come here, take the horses of all the heroes to the stables." Fan Ziqi immediately ordered: "Feed them with the best horse feed. Today is New Year's Eve. We are celebrating New Year's Eve, and these war horses will also celebrate the New Year together."

The banquet in the Hou Mansion was held in the backyard.

The main hall of Fanhou Mansion is very spacious, and Zhi Zhi has already put out other furniture and set up seven or eight tables.

If it were in the past, when the old lady of the Fan family celebrated her birthday, and all the big families and officials in Xiling came to congratulate her, even a table of seventy or eighty people might not be able to sit at it.

However, this year's situation was special. Not only did the Fanhou Mansion not accept the birthday gifts from the major aristocratic families, it also did not invite these wealthy gentry to attend the birthday banquet.

In addition to some wealthy family heads, relatives and friends with whom they usually have close relationships, the general and others were also invited.

Fan Ziqi asked the general to take a seat at the head table, but the general refused and finally asked Pei Shiqing to sit at the head table, the general took the second seat, and Yao Mubai, the protector of Xiling, sat below the general.

Meng Zimo and the other twelve night crows sat at two tables.

"General, why don't you see General Zhonglang?" Fan Ziqi asked softly after sitting down.

The general smiled and said: "Don't blame me, Lord Marquis. Su Changyu doesn't like too many people, so he rarely participates in exercises. In addition, he has to stay in the army. The army cannot be without generals, and Lord Hou is very tolerant."

"Yes." Fan Ziqi smiled and said, "Today is New Year's Eve. I sent people to deliver wine and meat to the military camp early in the morning. I also hope that everyone can have a good New Year."

The general said: "I have already ordered you to distribute the wine and meat to all the soldiers tonight. The Marquis is thinking of the soldiers, and everyone is grateful. I would like to thank the Marquis on behalf of the soldiers." After scanning the circle, he asked: "Yes."

Oh, why didn’t Bai Jingzhai come to the banquet?”

"I sent someone to invite him this afternoon, but Mr. Bai caught the cold and couldn't come to the banquet." Fan Ziqi sighed: "I hired a doctor for him. I just hope he can recover soon."

"Mr. Bai is sick?" The general frowned and said, "There are too many military affairs these days and I can't go over to visit him. I'll go see him after the banquet."

"I've been there too, it's nothing serious. Don't worry, General." Fan Ziqi waved to the servant: "Let's start the banquet and serve the food!"

"Master Hou, do you want to wish the old lady a birthday first?" Yao Mubai asked: "We haven't met her yet to wish her a birthday, so why are we embarrassed to use chopsticks first?"

Everyone laughed, and Fan Ziqi said with a smile: "Don't worry, Lord Protector. The first half of the banquet is for everyone to celebrate the New Year together. Halfway through, my mother will be ready. When my biological mother comes out, it will be considered the birthday banquet."
Chapter completed!