"You guys just wait here." Zhao Shu got out of the carriage and said to the accompanying servants.
"Master, there are a lot of sneaky people in this place, I'm afraid it will offend the people." The servant looked towards the entrance of the alley not far away.
"Don't worry." Zhao Shu said, "If I lead you in with great fanfare, I'm afraid it will be more likely to cause trouble."
After being reminded by Marquis Anyang, Zhao Shui thought about it. As a deacon in Jindingsi, he could not do everything by himself like the Fu officials of Huaiying Hall in the past. But just relying on the servants sent to him by Marquis Anyang, Zhao Shui also felt that
It's a bit inconvenient, but I still need some trusted personnel.
According to the address left by He Dangguan, Zhao Shui came to Yuwei Alley in the south of Dongsheng Capital City.
Even in the capital, there are places where poor people live together. There are several alleys in the south of the capital city of Dongsheng. Looking around, you can see sewage accumulated in small pools, thin old dogs lying down and panting, and old men wearing rags and leaning on sticks.
Outside the leaky door panel, there were a few idle hooligans nearby, looking around with malicious eyes.
Old clothes and cloth hung on ropes serve as curtains. Every few houses can see green headscarves hanging on the doors, indicating that there are prostitutes waiting inside. Some women simply stand by the door to attract passers-by. There are even some
A fierce woman is not afraid of a man teasing her, so she slaps the man on the buttocks, causing bursts of laughter and abuse.
Zhao Miao did not wear the ribbon of a Guanshi monk this time, but his green and black brocade robes were clean and elegant, with a hint of nobility, which was incompatible with such a place that harbored dirt and evil.
After Zhao Shui entered Yuwei Alley, he saw several gangsters following him quietly, with the intention of committing murder and robbery. The prostitutes on both sides of the alley also gathered over.
"Hey, where is this little brother?" A woman with heavy makeup put her hand on Zhao Mi's shoulder, and directly touched his cheek with her fingers: "Look at this little face, he is more tender than ours!"
Zhao Shu gently dodged it, thinking that he was successful in cultivation. Even if he didn't pay as much attention to appearance, skin luster, and body as Liang Shuo did, it was natural. This alone was far superior to ordinary people who work hard and age prematurely.
However, Zhao Shu did not blame the woman for her offense, but simply asked: "Sister, may I ask where the wooden temple is?"
"Oh, this little brother's words will make our family look old!" The woman with heavy makeup patted her breasts, and other prostitutes came forward and started to play with Zhao Mi's clothes. They couldn't help but be amazed.
Zhao Shu thought about it and realized that the brocade robe he was wearing was considered a rare thing in the eyes of the people in the poor alleys. He clearly sensed the fierce looks from the gangsters behind him, but he was hesitant on how to take action.
With a sigh in his heart, Zhao Miao magically took out a few pieces of silver and stuffed them directly into the hands of the women:
"Good sisters, I have a friend who is staying at the Wood Temple and I am about to visit. I would like you to show me the way."
The women received the money and were extremely pleasantly surprised. Of course they knew what was going on in the alleys. The woman with heavy makeup reacted the fastest. She directly rolled up her sleeves and yelled at the gangsters:
"What are you looking at! A bunch of weak-legged cowards who want to prostitute me for nothing without money? Get out!"
The woman with heavy make-up was full of anger and her shouts were deafening. Even Zhao Shu was slightly surprised. But he also knew that if you want to make a living in a place like this, being humble, weak and humble is of no use. It will only attract the aggression of beasts. Women
In order to protect yourself, you must become tough, so that you can drive away those with evil intentions.
Zhao Shu looked at dozens of houses in an alley, and there were at least four or five prostitutes. These women were leaning against the door to entertain guests, and they were all taking it for granted. Recently, he was almost exclusively in the north of the city, where there were either ministries or government agencies.
There are many wealthy families in the mansion, cars and horses come and go, and even the servants and waiters are all dressed in clean clothes, which is completely different from this fish tail alley.
After being led to the destination by the women chatting and laughing all the way, Zhao Shu saw a dilapidated temple with half of the willow and rammed earth walls collapsed. Vendors gathered here to form a small market, and there was a lot of noise.
Half-dead fish from the mud pond are available for you to choose from; turnip and mustard greens with withered leaves can be eaten with rice; donkeys of unknown origin are neighing noisily; chickens and ducks in bamboo cages are marked for sale; sour rice syrup in pottery jars
, comparable to jade-cup fragrant drink, sweet persimmon cake wrapped in lotus leaves, better than tribute nectar.
Although Yuwei Alley is poor, it does not mean that the people here will live in a numb manner. They will use their wisdom to make themselves live a better life within their reach.
Even though in the eyes of many monks, the small market in front of the Mu Temple was poor, dirty, noisy and smelly, Zhao Shu could feel a vitality that could not be ignored.
"Little brother, the Mu Temple is inside." The woman with heavy makeup hugged Zhao Shu's shoulders and said with a smile, "I wonder who your friend is?"
"His name is He Dangguan, and he carries a long sword. Have you ever seen him?" Zhao Shu asked.
"It turns out to be that guy." The woman smiled and said: "A poor guy from the countryside. It is said that he spent all his money in Yongzangpo and couldn't even afford to stay in a hotel. He could only work for others in Yuwei Alley.
Debt collection business."
Zhao Shu didn't expect that He Dangguan's life would be so difficult. With his skills, he wouldn't be so poor.
Saying goodbye to several women who were reluctant to leave, Zhao Shu walked straight into the wooden temple. There were no statues or tablets in the temple. They had probably been chopped down and burned as firewood. Naturally, there was no possibility of being possessed by ghosts or gods.
.
When they walked around the backyard, they saw a dozen people carrying wooden sticks and practicing their moves. He Dangguan was training them carefully. When he saw Zhao Shu, he excitedly said: "Xianchang Zhao! Why are you here?"
"I'm just here to find you." Zhao Shu looked around and said, "I just didn't expect Brother He to teach martial arts in a place like this."
"It's gone, it's gone." He Dangguan waved his hands to drive everyone away, and said with shame: "I can't help it. I showed some martial arts skills when I dealt with a bunch of thugs before, and there are people in Yuwei Alley who are pestering me to learn martial arts. I've tolerated them.
I have nothing to offer in return, so I teach you some self-defense skills."
"But I saw that Brother He was proficient in swordsmanship, why did he teach him sticks?" Zhao Shu was puzzled.
He Tangguan raised his sword belt: "The five-foot long sword is special in that its moves and steps can turn the sword into a spear. But the people in Yuwei Alley can't get a long sword like mine, and they always have wooden sticks, so I taught him
Some tricks with sticks. But to be honest, fighting in the streets requires blood and courage. If you don’t dare to fight, any moves will be nonsense.”
"That's right." Zhao Shu looked around.
He Dangguan invited Zhao Shui into the house and asked, "I wonder what the important matter is for Mr. Zhao to come here this time? Could it be that he has heard about Lord Jieyou?"
"I am still trying to find out about this matter." Zhao Shu replied: "But if Brother He goes with me, he may be able to understand the situation in time and avoid missing out in the future."
"Going together?" He Dangguan was puzzled: "Where does Zhao Xianchang want me to go?"
Zhao Shuyan said: "To tell you the truth, I hope to ask Brother He to act as a guard."
He Dangguan was startled: "Could it be that Immortal Zhao is joking? With my little ability, I'm afraid it will damage the Immortal's face."
"Brother He, there is no need to be modest. I came to Dongsheng Capital alone. I need a few helpers right now. I couldn't find anyone for a while, so I had the nerve to come and invite Brother He." Zhao Shu took out the tips bag from his sleeve: "Here's what's inside
Please take the silver cake as the bride price, Brother He, please accept it."
He Dangguan received the heavy gift bag and his thoughts were full of excitement. However, due to his eloquence, he could not express his gratitude.
"I know that Brother He came to Dongshengdu to look for family heirlooms." Zhao Shu said: "But the things are in Zheng's hands, so I'm afraid it will take some effort. It just so happened that I was working in the newly established government office recently and made friends with him.
A descendant of the Zheng family is trying to find out some information."
He Dangguan asked in astonishment: "I wonder where Mr. Zhao is employed now?"
"Jindingsi."
…
When He Dangguan looked at the increasingly complete Jindingsi, he almost thought he had arrived at some kind of Wubao prison city.
"The east courtyard has not yet been completed, and the mellow soil inside will be exposed to the sun, so I won't let you go in and wander around." Zhao Shu led He Dangguan to the west courtyard and said as he walked: "I usually work here.
, If Brother He doesn’t mind being restrained, you can stay here temporarily.”
He Dangguan watched the servants coming and going respectfully salute Zhao Shu. He was surprised and a little frightened. He didn't dare to look around or say anything.
"My dormitory is right here. How about Brother He living across from me?" Zhao Shu came to the backyard, where the servants were moving in various furniture and utensils.
He Dangguan was at a loss: "Zhao Xianchang, this... I am just a rude martial artist. I am afraid that my lack of skills will make you laugh."
Zhao Shu shook his head and said: "Brother He, you don't have to be like this, and you don't need to call me an immortal. I came to Jinding Division to do business for the imperial court. Here is the token for entering and exiting Jinding Division. If you take it, you will be the Yiwei of the Division in the future.
"
He Dangguan had already gotten to know Jin Dingsi roughly on the way following Zhao Shu. For a swordsman and martial artist from a poor family like him, it would be great to be able to look after the homes and courtyards of wealthy families. Unexpectedly, he would become a new official of the imperial court in a blink of an eye.
The department's bodyguard manpower.
"This, this..." He Dangguan held the token in his hand, excited and joyful beyond words. Ever since he spent all his savings in Longzangpu and the family magic weapon was still nowhere to be found, he felt that he would never be able to make a difference in the future.
If not, you might end up in a shabby alley.
But being promoted by Zhao Mi today, He Dangguan seemed to have been reborn. He immediately bowed down and said: "Deacon Zhao's kindness in reincarnation, I will definitely repay him with my body."
The thing that Zhao Shu was most unaccustomed to in the Hou Mansion was to be bowed down by others. He quickly helped the other person up: "It doesn't have to be like this! I just asked Brother He to be my guard. If you are broken into pieces, how can you find the treasure and pass it home?"
ah?"
He Dangguan sighed deeply: "Young man is from a poor family. Even if you find a treasure that can be passed down to your family, you still can't keep it. If Deacon Zhao can really find Lord Jieyou, please handle it yourself."
According to He Dangguan's original idea, he wanted to donate Lord Jieyou to the nobles and get an official position so that his sword skills could be put to use. As a result, Zhao Shui gave him this opportunity now, and
I would be satisfied if I came to a new government office with a bright future like Jindingsi.
Zhao Shu smiled and said: "If I can really find Lord Jieyou, I really plan to study it carefully."
While the two were still chatting, a servant came over and said, "Deacon Zhao, the people from Huaiying Hall have arrived."
"Finally here!" Zhao Shu and He Dangguan came to the outside of the hospital excitedly. They saw Shi Huoguang followed by more than a dozen college students, pointing and talking nervously and slightly excitedly.
"So many people?" Zhao Shu was a little surprised.
Shi Huoguang said: "The chief sent me a letter saying that Jin Dingsi needs help. There were more than a dozen people who were originally traveling with us, but they all have homes in Dongsheng, so they went back to visit their parents first."
Zhao Miao was puzzled: "It's good to have more people, but Jin Dingsi doesn't accept everyone. Some students from the hall who don't have enough skills in magic might as well stay in the Huaiying Hall and continue their training."
Shi Huoguang explained: "They didn't come to Jindingsi either. Luo Xixian and Xin Shunying are about to get married, and they came to give gifts to celebrate."
Zhao Shu suddenly realized that there were indeed many children from high-ranking families in the Huaiying Hall. Although it was not stated clearly in the past, Luo Xixian was a well-deserved leader among this group of people.
The son of the great Sima of the current dynasty, a great hero in quelling the banditry, and a leader of the younger generation in the Huaiying Palace... With such status and fame, it is not surprising that everyone celebrated on the occasion of his wedding.
After settling the monks in the Huaiying Hall, Zhao Shu summoned everyone in the Jinding Department to get to know each other.
"This senior's name is Shi Huoguang. He is a teacher at my Huaiying Hall. He is very knowledgeable in making ritual objects and refining magical weapons. Even Zhao has been under his guidance for many years." Zhao Shu introduced him in front of everyone.
But Shi Huoguang still couldn't stand the gaze of everyone, so he just managed to squeeze out a smile.
"By the way, this fellow Taoist is Zheng Siyuan from Chongxuan Pavilion." Zhao Shui gestured to the man in green at the corner: "He has unique skills in refining talisman arrows, and I also want to ask him for advice. I hope you will come to Jinding in the future
We can get rid of the differences between schools, and apart from refining alchemy and sacrificial vessels, we can exchange more experiences and understandings, help each other, and improve the Taoism."
Zheng Siyuan obviously did not expect that Zhao Shui would call his name in public, and he did not dare to speak nonsense. He bowed his hands with some fear.
"In addition, there are general rules within the department regarding the dispatch and use of spiritual materials. I believe you have all heard of them." Zhao Shu said: "The Jinding Department is no different from other places. The spiritual materials here are mined from all over the country.
Every bit of it is a tribute to the people. If there is corruption or theft, the court will investigate and deal with it in accordance with the law. Even though Zhao is a deacon, he cannot stay out of the matter."
According to the three subjects of Talisman, Alchemy Cauldron, and Magical Weapon, Zhao Shu arranged some simple tasks for everyone, the most important of which was the Talisman Soldier.
However, there is no need for Zhao Shu to do this, because when Shi Huoguang came to Dongsheng Capital this time, he actually brought a group of talisman soldiers that he had made himself.
Different from Zhao Shu's initial scribbling in a hurry, Shi Huoguang spent a lot of thought in Huaiying Hall and greatly improved the method of making talisman soldiers. In this period of time alone, Shi Huoguang came up with the "kill etching and engraving method".
There are three methods: "molten iron casting method" and "jade inlaid with hidden talisman method".
Zheng Siyuan, who was called alone by Zhao Shui to participate in the talisman sacrifice, was stunned for a while. Zhao Shui and Shi Huoguang were talking to each other, or arguing about whether to use molten iron or molten copper for casting, or discussing the erosion of fossilized gold and stone.
Whether the weapon is not conducive to the ritual of talismans, and in the end we even talk about whether inlaying Kunlun jade into the weapon will lead to soldiers selling the talismans to the enemy for money.