At noon, someone outside the Hindu Si Yamen beat the snow-covered drum of injustice. After a while, hundreds of people were attracted by the sound of the drum and came to watch, wanting to see what happened.
"It's unjust——"
Several people helped beat the drums and shouted angrily.
In front of the Si Yamen, there is a girl of eighteen or nineteen years old kneeling. In the winter, she only wears a sackcloth and a thin set of clothes underneath, but it is torn to pieces and cannot cover her body. Her hair is disheveled and her face is bruised.
She was covered in purple, lying on the ground crying bitterly, with a shrill voice. In front of her, two corpses were lying on the straw mat, already frozen solid.
"Dad, brother, dad——"
The girl cried and shouted, even her throat was hoarse from crying.
The onlookers around him were pointing and whispering.
"Whose girl is this? It's so miserable..."
"Isn't this the girl from the Yang family in Xixiang? Oh, those are Lao Yang and Xiao Yang? What's going on? This morning was fine. I even went to his house to drink a bowl of hot soup..."
"Shh, I heard that I was raped by some beast..."
"Isn't this possible? In broad daylight, is there any royal law..."
…
Through the good news, the whole story was quickly sorted out. It turned out that this family of three was from a small family named Yang. One of the two people lying on the ground was the father and the other was the eldest son of the family.
Son, and the girl kneeling on the ground is the youngest daughter, only 19 years old this year. This family originally lived in Xixiang, ran a small noodle shop, and lived an honest life on weekdays. Unexpectedly,
Early this morning, I encountered an inexplicable disaster and was harmed by a group of people.
The whole thing was so simple that there was almost no doubt about it, but the process was outrageous. This morning, the family was operating as usual, but suddenly a group of people came to eat noodles. At first, Lao Yang thought it was a big business, and he was very enthusiastic.
However, after a dozen or so people on the other side finished eating, they found the food unpalatable and refused to pay. Of course, Lao Yang refused, so he and Xiao Yang tried to stop them and tried to reason with each other. As a result, they were swarmed and knocked down by the other party, and then dragged to the street and beaten to death.
What's even more irritating is that the leader of this group of people was not only reckless, but also became lustful when he saw the girl from the Yang family. He dragged her into a noodle shop in broad daylight and openly humiliated her.
...It wasn't until someone reported the incident to the government, alerting the government guards and city defense troops of the Hindu Si Yamen, and arresting all these lawless villains and bringing them back to the Si Yamen, that the incident came to an end.
However, pitifully, the girl from the Yang family, who was a happy family half an hour ago, suffered such a misfortune. Not only was she separated from her father and brother, her family was ruined, but she herself was poisoned and suffered physical and mental damage. Under the double blow, the girl from the Yang family
He was distraught, so with the encouragement and help of his fellow villagers and neighbors, he came to the government office to beat drums and voice his grievances, hoping to seek justice.
It was unheard of to be so heartbroken. The onlookers talked a lot, and while they sympathized with the Yang girl's plight, they almost unanimously and angrily cursed the murderer.
"Killing to pay for one's life is a matter of course, just pull him out and kill him!"
"To be so heartless and crazy is simply a waste of life. If you don't kill him, it won't make the people angry!"
"killed……"
…
The crowd was raging, and more and more people gathered outside the yamen. The momentum became louder and louder, and there was a vague tendency to lose control. The yamen guard guarding the door couldn't help but tremble in fear when faced with this situation.
"No noise is allowed in this important place of government office!"
Suddenly there was a powerful shout, which forcibly suppressed the voices of a group of people. Then, people followed the sound, and a man wearing brocade armor walked out of the Si Yamen, followed by dozens of people. These people and the Yamen Guards
Different, each one is wearing blue-grey armored clothes, equipped with swords and crossbows, full of murderous aura.
As if being strangled by the neck, hundreds of people were suffocated, and the noise suddenly stopped. This was the Xingdu City Defense Force, completely different from the Yamen Guards. They could really kill people on the pretext of fighting chaos.
The man stood on the steps, looking around with sharp eyes. No one dared to look at him, "All the murderers have been brought to justice, and the Si Yamen are starting the trial. The Lord Secretary has promised that within three days, he will give everyone an explanation."
!So let’s disperse!”
When everyone heard this, they started talking in a buzzing voice.
"Sir, you must make the decision for us. My cousin and nephew have always been honest and never caused trouble. Those damn beasts, oh oh, what happened to them..."
"I beg you, sir, to make the decision for the women of the people. Please, sir..."
The villagers who were related to the Yang family knelt down and complained, and the girls from the Yang family even cried and kowtowed, weeping blood every word.
A trace of unbearability flashed in the man's eyes, and he stepped forward to help the girl. Seeing that the girl was covered with injuries, he felt uneasy and advised: "Now that the murderer has been brought to justice, I believe Mr. Zhensi will definitely give you an explanation, you, you
It’s better to go back first.”
The girl from the Yang family cried and shook her head, "My father and my brother are gone, where can I go back? Wuwu——"
The man felt uncomfortable, but seemed to have some scruples, so he continued to persuade: "Anywhere is fine. Listen to me, nothing is more important than living. I believe your father and brother don't want to..." Halfway through the words, he suddenly stopped and said,
He raised his head and looked outside.
There happened to be a commotion among the crowd, and they all gave way. Under the guard of a group of soldiers and horses, a luxurious carriage with an eye-catching "jade" hanging on the beam was slowly approaching.
"It's the Jade Concubine..."
"The Jade Concubine is here..."
The whole place was in an uproar.
The man frowned, glanced at the confused Yang girl, sighed imperceptibly, stood up and stepped forward to greet her. But just as he was about to salute, he was interrupted again.
The carriages and horses stopped in front of the gate of the government office. The cavalryman who was responsible for clearing the way in front did not even get off his horse. He spoke condescendingly, "Xu Qianwei, Concubine Jade wants to ask you, what happened here?"
"Go back to your Majesty, I am under orders to cooperate with the Si Yamen to handle the case."
"Handling a case?"
Displeased cold words came from the carriage, "Leave a little girl at the door to suffer from the cold. Is this how your city guards handle cases?"
Liu Qianwei lowered his head, "This is a delinquent deed of duty, so I will take her away."
"Humph, no need."
With a cold snort, the carriage opened. The cavalry dismounted, the soldiers saluted, and under the attention of everyone, the maid helped a woman wearing plain clothes and a plain coat walk out.
There was a burst of exclamation from all around.
This woman was in her thirties, with fair skin, red eyebrows, and a red seal on her forehead. Although she was dressed in plain clothes and had a stern face, she could not hide her plump figure and charming charm, which was stunning.
"Jade Concubine! Jade Concubine!"
Someone shouted, and then more people shouted together, and the scene was lively.
The woman turned around, with a cold and solemn expression like melting ice, and waved to everyone in response. She smiled gently and seemed to have no airs at all, which made people fall in love with her at first sight.
If you have lived in Xingdu for a long time, almost no one will not know about Concubine Yu. Because she is the most beloved concubine of the current Holy Emperor, and she is also the biological mother of the current Second Palace, Concubine Feng Yuxiang. At the same time, she is also the Northern Army Commander.
Marshal Feng Ji's only daughter, the apple of the Feng family's eye, she also has two brothers, the eldest brother is Si Feng Shunwen of Xingdu Si Yazhen in front of her, and the second brother Feng Shunwu is even more powerful, he is the Taiwei of Xingdu Prefecture.
He is also the commander of the capital defense army and the royal seal of the Zhongzhou Military Headquarters...
But this is not directly related to her fame. The people in Hindustan know her well, but it is because of her good name. It is said that Concubine Yu has been doing good deeds with her mother since she was 12 years old, and often helps the poor in various places in Hindustan.
Especially in the cold winter, she would come out almost every month to give food and clothing to help the poor people who were suffering from cold and hunger get through the difficulties.
Today, Concubine Yu is nearly 40 years old. In other words, she has been doing good deeds for nearly 30 years. Therefore, almost no one in Xingdu knows about her.
"That's unreasonable!"
Concubine Yu briefly understood the whole story from Liu Qianjun's mouth, and she was so angry that her eyebrows stood up, and she couldn't help shouting angrily. Then she took off her shawl, bent down and put it on the Yang girl herself, and helped her up, "Girl
, you get up. Don’t be afraid, come with me in, I will definitely confront Mr. Zhensi face to face and seek justice for you!"
The girl from the Yang family seemed to have finally seen hope and burst into tears of gratitude, "Wow, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your kindness..."
"Thank you for your kindness..."
Relatives and friends of the Yang family also knelt down and shouted thanks.
The jade concubine was clean, but she didn't mind the girl being dirty at all. She supported her and raised her empty hand, "Everyone, please get up quickly, don't get cold. Liu Qianjun, please come with me and this girl. I will definitely do it today."
You must seek justice for her yourself! In addition, you should send someone to send these villagers back to take good care of them and never let them get hurt again!"
"yes!"
Liu Qianjun lowered his head and followed orders.
Concubine Yu took the girl from the Yang family and said, "Come on, girl, let's go."
"Thank you for your kindness..."
The girl from the Yang family was a little hesitant and scared at first, but when she saw Concubine Yu's gentle eyes, she felt like she had found support in her heart. With peace of mind, she mustered up the courage to follow her into the Si Yamen.
When the onlookers saw this situation, they all dispersed soon after. Following this, there was news that Concubine Yu had redressed the injustice of the people, which added a strong color to Concubine Yu's good deeds.
However, at this time, Siyanei was in a different situation.
"Empress?"
The Yang girl's eyes widened and she froze on the spot.
The Tongsi Lobby, as the place where the Si Yamen tried cases, was supposed to be as bright and upright as the hanging plaque of "Bright and Honest", but now it seemed a bit gloomy.
As soon as Concubine Yu entered the lobby, she abruptly threw the girl away. Inside, a maid prepared warm water soaked with red flowers. Concubine Yu looked disgusted and dipped her hands in the water and scrubbed them vigorously.
boom.
The door is closed.
The girl from the Yang family trembled and turned around, only to see Liu Qianjun appear at the door at some point and shut the door. The latter lowered his head and walked past her without saying a word.
"Mother, mother-in-law..."
"This damn sour smell is disgusting!" Concubine Yu cursed a few words, then waved her hand and knocked the golden basin of water to the ground, scattering it all over the floor.
"Empress, Imperial Concubine..."
The girl from the Yang family still didn't want to believe it, so she tried her best to put on a flattering smile and wanted to move forward.
Liu Qianjun pulled out his long knife and stopped her.
Concubine Yu took the silk scarf handed over by the maid and walked towards the back hall without even looking back. When she entered the hall, she casually threw away the silk scarf in her hand.
The girl from the Yang family felt a wave of despair pouring down on her head, and she screamed loudly, "Mother, mother—"
"Hey Hey……"
Suddenly, a soft laughter came from the hall.
The girl from the Yang family was shocked, as if she heard the echo of a nightmare, and her whole body froze.
Liu Qianjun held the knife, lowered his head and could not see his expression. He just slowly backed away and exited the lobby. On the opposite side, a young man wearing silver fur walked out of the lobby.
When the girl from the Yang family saw him, her pupils trembled and her whole body trembled uncontrollably.
"Hey hey, hey..."
The young man had a smile on his face, but there was a chilling evilness in it, "Hey, little girl, are you surprised? Surprised or not? Hehe, you read that right, it's me again, hehe..."
The girl's feet softened and she fell to the ground, completely collapsed, "Uuuuuuuuuuuuuah, you, don't come here, you, mother, ah, empress, jade, jade concubine, help, help, help -
—”
"Hey hey hahaha——"
"Ah, ah ah——"
The shrill screams resounded throughout the entire lobby. Under the plaque of 'Above and Aboveboard', the dirty scene that happened in the noodle shop was staged again, and it became more and more vicious.
Click.
The veins in Liu Qianjun's hand holding the knife were prominent.
But separated by a wall, the movements in the lobby, the crazy sad laughter, the girl's screams for mercy... could be heard clearly in the back hall. However, the people present turned a deaf ear.
Sitting on the first seat was a man in his forties, with fair face and beardless features, and he was none other than Sifeng Shunwen of Siya Town. He picked up the tea cup, scraped off the foam, and asked calmly: "Liu Cong, were you the year before last?"
Promoted to a thousand troops, right?"
"Sir, yes."
"Well, I remember that five years ago you were a member of the Hundred Army. In just three years, you were promoted to the rank of Qianjun. You have a bright future." Feng Shunwen nodded.
"That's right, Liu Qianjun is an old subordinate whom the second brother values."
Concubine Yu sat on the passenger seat and smiled at Liu Cong: "My second brother often mentions you in front of me, saying that you are capable and a rare warrior. Even if you mention you to ten thousand households, it is not an exaggeration."
Liu Cong lowered his head and replied politely.
Concubine Yu smiled without saying a word, picked up a raspberry and put it into her mouth, but a flash of displeasure flashed in her eyes.
Feng Shunwen glanced at him and changed the subject, "Liu Qianjun, I heard that you gave birth to a son a while ago. Is this true?"
"oh?"
Concubine Jade raised her eyes and seemed quite interested.
Liu Cong's expression changed, but it was fleeting, and he replied calmly and truthfully: "Thank you for your concern, sir. My wife did give birth to a son at the beginning of the month, and she is currently recuperating at home."
Concubine Yu smiled, "Hey, is there such a happy event? Why didn't you tell me earlier? If my eldest brother hadn't asked, I wouldn't have known about it."
"Don't dare to disturb the queen and the adults with small matters at home."
"Oh, why is it such a trivial matter? You are my second brother's right-hand man, so naturally you are part of our family." Concubine Yu motioned to the maid, "Go, wrap up the Ruyi I brought today, and take out a thousand taels of silver banknotes.
Send someone to deliver them all to Lord Qianjun’s house."
"yes."
"This is impossible!"
Liu Cong was anxious and hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down on one knee, "Empress, it is said that no reward will be given without merit. How can you accept such a reward if you are in a humble position? Please forgive me for being bold in a humble position, and I beg your Majesty to take back your life..."
"oh?"
Concubine Jade frowned.
When Feng Shunwen saw this, he smiled and said: "Feng Ya, there are rules in the army. You are not allowed to accept or give money privately. Are you giving back a thousand taels to others, are you afraid that others will not know that he has made a windfall?"
Concubine Yu nodded, as if she was convinced, so she changed her words and said: "That's right, I didn't think it through well. Let's do this, I won't give you the money, just give it to Ruyi."
"Empress..."
"All the best, everything goes well." Concubine Yu interrupted Liu Cong, half-smiling, "Although it's not a valuable thing, it's good to keep it at home for peace of mind and to ward off disasters."
Liu Cong's expression changed, he paused for a moment, lowered his head and accepted, "Then, thank you for the reward for your humble position."
Concubine Jade burst into laughter, "That's right. Oh, get up. My family, why are you so polite?"
Liu Cong thanked him again and then stood up.
At the same time, there was no sound from the next door.
Everyone waited in tacit understanding for a while, and then the young man walked in disheveled, holding up his trousers, with a look of unfinished business on his face.
Concubine Yu was startled and jumped up from her seat, "Hey, Chao'er, look at you, get dressed quickly, don't catch a cold." After saying that, she went forward and dressed and tied the young man herself.
Fengshunwen drank tea and pretended not to see it.
The young man opened his hands and let Concubine Yu help him tidy up. He yelled a little impatiently, "Oh, it's not fun, mother, I don't want to go back, I want to go out and play for a while..."
"What are you playing for? When is this? If you don't go back before dinner, your father will scold you."
"Don't we still have the whole afternoon? Anyway, if I don't go back, I still have to play."
"No, never."
Concubine Jade shook her head decisively, "If you want to play, go back to the palace and there will be a bunch of people waiting for you to play."
The young man was unhappy, "What fun do those women in the palace have? They all know who I am. What fun do they have? It's not interesting at all. It's better to go to the flower house."
"You! Oh, Chao'er, you can't say this outside, especially in front of your father, do you understand?"
"Okay, okay, okay, but I'm not going back anyway, I still want to play."
"Chao'er, it's not that mother refused to let you go, it's just that today is different. Your eldest brother came back this morning."
"I don't care about him..."
Suddenly, the young man's eyes widened, "What? Who is back?"
Concubine Yu rolled her eyes at him, "Your elder brother!"
"Da, prosper, prosper the people?" The young man's domineering expression suddenly became stuck, and he even stuttered a bit.
"Who else but him?"
"No, no, he, why is he back? He's not, what is he back for? Mom, what is he back for? He..." The young man was a little at a loss.
"Of course it was your father who summoned him back. As for what he came back for..."
Concubine Yu helped him tidy up and smoothed his collar. Then she touched his face with satisfaction and said dotingly: "You don't have to worry about this. You just need to know that your mother is here, your grandpa is here, and your elders are here."
My second uncle is here, so you don’t have to be afraid of him."
The young man gritted his teeth, stiffened his neck and said, "Who said I'm afraid of him? I'm afraid of what he will do! Hum, I've wanted to settle old scores with him for a long time! This time I finally have a chance!"
"Oh, I don't want to say this, you are brothers."
"Hmph, who is his biological brother..."
"Okay!"
Fengshun Wen saw that the young man was talking more and more outrageously, so he stopped and said, "Let's stop chatting here. It's getting late. Xingchao, you go down and freshen up first. Your mother and I still have something to say."
The young man was still reluctant, "Mother——"
"Chao'er, listen to your uncle and go ahead."
"I..., blah, I'm so annoyed!" The young man originally wanted to struggle again, but Feng Shunwen glared impatiently, and he immediately became obedient and threw away his sleeves angrily.
Feng Shunwen stood up and said, "Liu Qianjun, please clean up the front hall."
"yes."
Liu Cong nodded and accepted the order.
"Then I'll trouble Liu Qianjun."
Concubine Yu smiled and said politely, and then left with Feng Shunwen.
In a blink of an eye, Liu Cong was the only one left in the inner hall. The tea was not cold yet and was still steaming. Liu Cong stood for a while, then turned around and walked out of the inner hall and came to the lobby.
The lobby was in a mess, and the girl of the Yang family was lying on the big case being examined. Her chest was rising and falling slightly, and she was still breathing weakly, but her eyes were gray and had lost all their luster.
Liu Cong pulled out the long knife with an expressionless expression.
In the back compartment, all the servants retreated.
"Brother, what did the immortal master say?"
"No reply yet."
The room was filled with charming incense. Fengshunwen took off his coat and poured a glass of hot water.
Concubine Yu frowned, "Why is this? He accepted us..."
"Fengya!"
Feng Shunwen interrupted her and said in a solemn voice: "The Immortal Master has his own plans. Since we believe in him, he will not let us down." As he said that, he winked at Concubine Yu.
Although Concubine Yu was dissatisfied, she had no choice but to stop.
Feng Shunwen rubbed his forehead, "But now that he's back, we have to start over."
"What did the second brother say?"
"What can he say? He has a wooden head and only knows how to fight and kill all day long."
"Where's father?"
"I haven't replied yet, but it should be within the next two days." Feng Shunwen then comforted: "Don't worry about this matter for now, we will deal with it, just watch the woman in the palace."
"Um……"
Concubine Yu nodded, and then seeing Feng Shunwen's absent-minded look, her cheeks turned red inexplicably, then she turned and walked into the inner room. Faintly visible through the thin gauze curtain, she began to undress and take off her belt.
Fengshunwen took a sip of water and glanced sideways from the corner of his eyes.
Concubine Yu's voice came from inside, with a hint of shyness, "Shunwen, come in."