Chapter 173: There are deep huts in front of the steps
On February 2, the dragon raises its head.
The almanac for this day states that it is advisable to visit relatives and friends, and fasting and worshiping are prohibited. However, there is no recovery of Yang Qi all day long. There is only heavy rain and bursts of thunder. This heavy rain started five days ago and has continued to rain in a mighty way.
It has no intention of clearing up at all.
The city of Guangzhou is a place with excellent Feng Shui. Suzaku is the Pearl River in the south, Xuanwu is Yuexiu Mountain in the north, and Green Dragon and White Tiger are the two waterways of the Xijiang River and the Dongjiang River. With the main city within four directions from southeast to northwest, this is already
A rule that has not been shaken for thousands of years.
However, due to the dense water network in the city, continuous heavy rains have flooded the inner city. News of flooding has been reported in many low-lying areas. Several water gates entering and exiting the city are being widened as much as possible in order to drain more water.
If this continues, the city of Guangzhou will be flooded.
For this sudden heavy rain.
Oh no, it should be said that it was a heavy rain that was cleverly predicted by the natural monk. Jiang Wen could only sigh at the magical phrase "heavy rain is coming". If the rain continues like this, the city of Guangzhou will one day float to the sea, and the whole city will be destroyed.
People have become food for fish and turtles.
At this time, Jiang Wen was walking with his disciples holding umbrellas, stepping through the long muddy streets under his feet, waving away the misty and rising water vapor in front of his eyes, and walking toward the center of the city with one foot deep and one foot shallow.
No matter how unexpectedly bad the weather is, the Luo hero's Golden Bowl Washing Ceremony, which is well-known in Guangdong and Guangxi, is still determined not to be held at another time. For this event, martial arts people from all over the world come from all over the world, and they usually boast of three hundred and sixty-six
I am used to seeing wind, swords and frost for ten days, so I am not necessarily afraid of this kind of horrible weather.
"Hurry up, disciples. If you go late, you won't be able to catch up with the excitement."
Jiang Wen stood on the street corner and finally saw the Jindao Luo Mansion, a wealthy family.
The ceiling has been set up in front of the door, and there are twelve teams of lion dancers with high and narrow foreheads and big eyes. With the sound of gongs and drums, the twelve teams of lion dancers stand up in Nanquan posture and step on the piles.
The formation soars, moves, dodges, and pounces, and the lion's appearance is vivid and eye-catching.
Since ancient times, lion awakening in Guangdong has been considered a mascot to ward off evil spirits and avoid harm. It has a hint of Nuo opera. During festivals or major events, lion awakening must be performed to add to the fun. This trend has been passed down from generation to generation.
I saw that the waking lions were not giving in to each other, and they were competing to climb up the "stacked arhat" with dozens of people, step up along the bottom of the five or six-story "people mountain", and start to compete for the water in the basin.
As the fight intensified, the outsiders naturally burst into cheers. The residents of the city gathered in front of the mansion to watch the excitement despite the heavy rain. They all commented on which lion could come out on top and who could shine.
Although the heavy rain was cold, it could not dampen the enthusiasm of the onlookers. The Luo Mansion seemed to have cleverly used this method to avoid the crisis of being left in the cold in front of the door to entertain themselves today.
At the same time, for people in the martial arts world, the lion's movements of "opening eyes," "washing beards," "licking body," and "shaking hair" may seem naive and funny, but in fact they are powerful and powerful, and the southern martial arts background is vaguely revealed in the play.
.The lion awakening skills of these Luo family disciples are enough to deter those who want to cause trouble, and they also appear to be intimidating but not revealing. It is indeed a good idea.
"Master, let's watch for a while and then go in."
Fu Ningdie couldn't help but be attracted by the lion dance performance. At this time, she was holding an umbrella carefully for fear that the rain would stain her new clothes, and she grabbed Jiang Wen's clothes and said.
"It just so happens that I have to wait for someone too."
Jiang Wen stopped at the corner of the street and took his apprentice into a restaurant under the verandah to watch from a distance, "Just in time to see who is here today, don't let them steal our limelight."
"Um!"
Fu Ningdie was so happy with being in the limelight that she immediately forgot about complaining about the rain.
Today, not only Fu Ningdie, but also Hong Wending and Xiao Shitou, who usually wear simple clothes, are wearing chivalry uniforms specially customized by Jiang Wen.
Contrary to the ordinary image of people in the world of short clothes and hats, the three apprentices wore leather wrist guards and narrow boots. Although they looked a bit nondescript, they looked neat and heroic. The clothes were all tightly tied at the waist, which was mysterious.
The dress with narrow sleeves and the silk material that can be seen at a glance not only have the style of a warrior, but also have the aura of a noble family - these are all elements Jiang Wen absorbed from later generations of Peking Opera costumes, just to look extraordinary.
A man relies on his clothes and a horse relies on his saddle. The Luo family has worked so hard to maintain their dignity. Naturally, Jiang Wen will not come unprepared.
The good reputation that has been publicized for a long time in the early stage, coupled with the unique imposing appearance now, is to ensure that this Wuyi sect, which is appearing in a grand event for the first time, can undoubtedly steal the limelight for these three disciples.
Pave the road.
But how to get the limelight is a profound knowledge in itself. In Jiang Wen's eyes, this is not much different from walking on the red carpet.
As today's carpet stars who aspire to become famous, if Jiang Wen and the others had arrived at the venue early, the publicity effect would not have been much better - martial arts people had never heard of the "Wuyi Sect", and they would have been regarded as a third-rate gang and ignored.
There is only one chance to appear in this way, and it must be grasped well, otherwise the Wuyi sect with a small number of people and a weak power is more likely to be reduced to a background, and in the later stage they can only mix in the crowd and applaud.
Therefore, if Jiang Wen and the others want to stand out, they must arrive at a time that is late enough but not rude. By that time, more people will come, and all friends and old friends will also be present. Only then can they make proper use of the martial arts people they met some time ago.
, and became famous instantly.
At this time, people in the Luo Mansion were coming and going, and the roll-callers had changed three times, and their throats were almost smoking. There was still an endless stream of guests coming and going. Every time a heavyweight guest arrived, it would cause a sensation.
The opportunity lies in waiting. After waiting and hesitating for a while at the door of the restaurant, Jiang Wen finally heard a familiar name.
"Report! Gang Leader Fan of the Xinghan Gang and four of his disciples came to congratulate you!"
I saw Fan Xinghan, with messy beard and hair, holding his hands in front of the surroundings. He looked very majestic and strong, and quickly led four disciples of the same stature across the threshold.
The Xinghan Beggar Clan is very famous in Hubei, and the leader of the gang at that time, Fan Xinghan, was also one of the best in the world. Even though he was unrivaled in martial arts, not everyone might admire his martial arts and character, but just because the leader of the gang came all the way from
Because of his love, the martial arts people had to secretly marvel at him.
In the world of martial arts, there is inevitably a place where the left foot is the right foot. The greater the background of the guests present, the greater the kindness represented. The greater the kindness presented, the greater the hero's performance that day. Therefore, Luo Mansion
No matter how hard the disciples perform the roll call, they still have to shout at the top of their lungs to spread the momentum of today's host.
"Report! The old hero of Tiedan Village brings his thirty-two disciples to congratulate him!"
As a tall and majestic old man opened the way, there was another low cry from the martial arts people in the venue.
Tietan Mansion is well-known as a knife factory in the northwest, and its owner Zhou Zhongying is an old veteran who has been in the world for a long time. In his early years, he was invincible in sword and stick skills. When he got older, he practiced iron galls with great success. He can be said to be a man in the martial arts world.
A household name.
More importantly, things are rare and valuable. What does it mean for Zhou Zhongying, who is in the northwest, to come here in person? It means that since Lao Huihui Ma Shouying died of illness, this powerful martial arts sect, who even the Qing court in the northwest respected, is really
I sincerely want to celebrate this grand event together.
"Report! Leader Yang of the Qingqi Gang has come to congratulate you with thirty-six of his disciples!"
The crowd in the Luo Mansion began to whisper, but there was no exclamation for a long time. It was obviously because the Qingqi Gang was not as strong as the previous two sects, and there was even some unspeakable conflict.
Compared with the previous two factions, the Qingqi Gang has only been around for more than ten years. It relies on the convenience of inland water transportation to recruit disciples. In a short period of time, its influence has spread all over the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. Its scenery is unparalleled. Unfortunately, its foundation is not strong, and
There are always some unethical actions, which are not very popular nowadays.
After all, those who dare to speak up and follow the rules and regulations are those who have gained the advantage and taken advantage of the opportunity. These sects with long history are faced with such fierce rising stars, even if they are in a world that claims to be pushing the waves forward from generation to generation.
, it is inevitable to be looked down upon and rejected.
Therefore, this martial arts event is also a great opportunity for the Qingqi Gang to further integrate into the martial arts world, and they are determined to win today's limelight.
As the roll call fell, a flag shadow of more than ten feet suddenly appeared in the pouring rain. The long and narrow green flag fluttered in the strong wind, standing in the hazy sky, and from time to time it made the sound of brass bells.
.
It is said that such a high banner is very easy to catch the wind and sink even more when it is wet. It usually takes four or five men to hold the rope and pull it from all four directions to stabilize it. What's more, it is windy and rainy today, and it should be even more heavy.
Difficult to do.
But at this time, this astonishing flag was only carried by the arms of a strong man like an iron tower, and it came steadily in the rain. The thirty-six people in the Qingqi Gang were all shirtless, with dark skin and piercing eyes.
It's amazing to see the terrifying storms in the world outside the house as nothing.
"What a grandeur! What a great face!"
Jiang Wen hid aside and took a breath of air. As expected, there were many talented people in the world, and they could actually come up with such a shocking way to appear, which not only showed off their strength but also gave them appearance, and it was so majestic.
"Master, I can try too."
Xiao Shitou watched intently as the dark, strong man like an iron tower passed by - based on his consistent rough aesthetics, Xiao Shitou obviously showed a rare interest in this kind of naked power.
"What are you trying to do? Be a little whirlwind moving bricks?"
Jiang Wen pretended to sneer, but in fact he was filled with regret - if he had known better, he would have ordered an iron rhinoceros and brought it to his door today as a congratulatory gift.
Regarding the Qingqi Gang, Jiang Wen actually entrusted a beggar from the Guandi Society to inquire about the news. When he found out that the leader of the gang was like an iron tower, he was nicknamed "Iron Tower" by the Jianghu nickname. A standard person lived up to his nickname.
Jiang Wen has always believed that there are only wrong names and no wrong nicknames in the world. The Qingqi Gang emerged in the early days. It was said that it was just a group of trackers from the Three Gorges to Hubei Province more than ten years ago. The name of the gang is also called Qingqi.
It refers to the flag that directs the direction when sailing on dangerous shoals. The old leader of the Qingqi Gang has long since retired. He officially passed the throne to the rough guy in front of him two months ago. This time, he wants to gain fame and power, and don't think about getting angry. The approach is indeed the same.
Different.
Many sects took turns to appear, and soon there were heavyweight guests.
"Report! Head Bai of the Songyang Sect, along with thirty-nine of his disciples, congratulates!"
Before anyone arrived, there were already shouts of greetings in the Luo Mansion. Apparently, the popularity of the Songyang Sect was better than before.
Unfortunately, with Zhuyu from the Qingqi Gang in front, such a response obviously cannot stir up much trouble. Seeing that the limelight is not enough, everyone will be lost.
Jiang Wen couldn't help but hesitate a little. Even Xiao Shitou had learned how to be brave and regretful. If he kept waiting like this, if the people he was waiting for didn't come on time, he wouldn't be able to defeat the Qingqi Gang in the end. If the limelight he had planned for so long was not guaranteed, he would lose it.
.
Just as he was hesitating, a wave of uncontrollable low shouts suddenly sounded in the Luo Mansion, and everyone seemed to be frightened by something unexpected.
Jiang Wenxun turned around and saw a majestic old man with gray hair walking proudly among the disciples of the Songyang Sect. A string of beads around his neck jingled as he walked, and his breast patch resembled an embroidered Biao pattern.
, one can immediately deduce that he is a sixth-grade military attache.
You must know that among the local officials set up by the Qing court, prefects were generally fifth-rank officials, while Taoist officials in various places were fourth-rank officials. Even if sixth-rank military attachés like this were not high, they were still very important figures in the local area.
"Isn't this Head Bai? Why did he suddenly get an official position?!"
This kind of question rang in the minds of countless people, and came out from countless people's mouths at the same time.
Jiang Wen frowned and looked at Hong Wending, confirming the other person's identity.
"They are the Lan Ling guards of the sixth rank of the Qing Dynasty. They hunted down my father and me."
"Well, it's the same as Mr. Lu who besieged the Ma family. It's really amazing that the Songyang sect has such connections..."
There were more than 1,000 guards in the Qing Dynasty palace. These guards had different levels and positions. The most common ones were the blue feather guards. There were more than 900 guards at this level. They were responsible for the outermost security of the palace. They could not enter.
Inner palace.
However, don’t underestimate the lowest Blue Ling guards. These Blue Ling guards are all sixth-grade officials, one level higher than the local magistrates. Once the Qing court sends them to a place, it often represents the direct arrival of imperial power, which is of great significance.
.
People in the world have always been disobedient, and it is true that they are unruly, but when everyone looks at the eyes of the old leader Bai of the Songyang Sect, they cannot ignore a trace of envy. Obviously, his official status does not affect his reputation in the world.
, most of the time it can even add a bit of color.
Jiang Wen naturally didn't think that the Luo Family Club didn't care about this, otherwise why would they send the invitation to the leader of the Guandi Society and sign the invitation to the Chief Military Officer Wu Liuqi?
"Wen Ding, please remember that your name is Hong Wei today." Jiang Wen quickly ordered.
"I understand, Master."
Hong Wending understood Jiang Wen's meaning without saying anything, and answered without hesitation while standing in the corridor.
Jiang Wen was not sure at first, and he never specifically asked Hong Xiguan why he named his son this name. After all, "Wen Ding" was an elegant name for engagement in ancient times. Could it be that Hong Daxia, who was as cold as ice, wanted his son to get married and have children as soon as possible?
But later he chatted with Yuan Huazi and found out that the allusion that "wending" equals "engagement" comes from the "Book of Songs·Daya" in which King Wen of Zhou received auspicious omens, and after the engagement, he personally welcomed his concubine to the shore of the Wei River.
It is recorded in the poem "Wen Dingjue is auspicious, and he personally welcomes Wei".
And what’s interesting is that the name of this elegant song in the Book of Songs is called “Da Ming”.
Bai Zhen, the old leader of the Songyang Sect, walked through the door and received countless envy and jealousy. He also took away the obvious limelight on the field at this time. I am afraid that no matter how hard the people behind him try, they may not be able to succeed.
Overwhelms the real quality status.
But he soon discovered that he was wrong. There are many things in the world, and there are always people who can find new ways to break into new worlds.
"Report! Chen, the head of the Guangdong branch of the Fuwei Escort Agency, and eighteen of his elite escorts are here to congratulate you!"
Fuwei Escort Agency!
These four words seemed to have some magic power, firmly locking the voices of the martial arts people inside and outside the Luo Mansion. Apart from the sound of rain day and night, and the lion steps fighting for the hydrangeas, the scene fell into an incomprehensible silence.
, and the faces of the organizers of the Luo family were as black as the bottom of a pot.
Let's put it this way, the dark sky with heavy rain now can be considered sunny compared with their faces.
"Good guy... black and red are also red..."
Jiang Wen suppressed his laughter and whispered, almost standing up to applaud Fuwei Escort Agency.
The disputes between the rivers and lakes are nothing more than fame and fortune, and the Fuwei Escort Agency undoubtedly takes over them all. The original Escort Agency opened in various places to make money, which has more or less offended the local martial arts people.
The plaque "General Leader of the Green Forest Alliance" even violated the taboos of the martial arts in the north and south. At this moment, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is a public enemy of the martial arts.
Jiang Wen could also see that compared with Lin Zhennan, the general leader of the parallel imports and the three-legged cat master, whether it was the degree of friendship, reputation, martial arts background, or today's celebration of the world, he represented his master in the world.
Given his illustrious status, Luo Yuan, a general scholar in Guangzhou, should have this plaque.
The sectarianism in Lingnan Wulin is not too strong now, and martial arts exchanges are also common. Luo Yuantong has only accepted disciples from the beginning to the end, regardless of sect, and has cultivated various martial arts schools. There is no sect dispute now. However, sectarian issues are inevitable.
The disciples of the Luo family have long been virtually one, and many things must be dealt with according to the rules of the world.
Luo Yuantong, who was a lone thief in his early years, was bound to win in the green forest. Moreover, even if he had a broad mind and didn't care, the disciples in the mansion might not be able to remain indifferent.
Wang Weiyang, who was powerful in Heluo, obviously did not fall for this trick and kicked the ball to his eldest apprentice. He must have realized that the court wanted to use such a vicious trick to divide the martial arts people into groups and treat his subordinates as dogs - with such a vicious mind,
Shunzhi can also be said to have taken great pains.
The people in the Fuwei Escort Agency were also helpless. Now everyone knew that he was a subordinate of the Jingnan Prince's Palace, and they were naturally at odds with the Pingnan Prince of Guangzhou. In such an occasion, they would easily cause public outrage if they came, and if they didn't come, they would be stabbed in the back.
, faced with the dilemma, I had no choice but to come here. At worst, I could just find a corner to sit down later and not interact with others.
A few more small sects came on stage to congratulate them. However, after the bustle just now, all the fame and wealth were taken away. Even the black and red roads were taken away by the Fuwei Escort Agency. As the saying goes, the road is fifty days and four nines, then
It is so hard to see the one who has escaped, so how can ordinary people find a way to surprise others?
But at this moment, Jiang Wen watched several figures appear on the street corner, and finally said to his disciples with a smile on his face.
"Disciples, it's time for our Wuyi faction to take action!"
Fu Ningdie was watching the excitement, but before she understood what Jiang Wen was talking about, she was pulled out by him, and together they walked towards Luo Mansion with firm steps.
…………
The disciple of the Luo family, who was hoarse after the roll call and was almost expiring, had just leaned against the wall and finally rested for a moment. He suddenly raised his head and saw a group of people walking towards him, and his eyesight went dark.
However, this group of people ignored him in a rare move. They passed by him politely, raised their hands to show the luxurious invitations, and then walked straight to the Luo Mansion.
"Hey, hero, please stay, I haven't yet..."
Just as the disciples of the Luo family were about to catch up, the martial arts people waiting in the Luo Mansion heard some strange noises. They looked at each other with doubts in their eyes and couldn't help but whisper.
"Brother, have you heard the sound of silk and bamboo?"
"Oh, you heard it too? I seemed to hear the sound of the suona. Could it be that the house has invited a theater troupe?"
"How can this be appropriate? It's not a temple fair."
"It's true... Hurry, look!"
The martial arts people in the Luo Mansion gathered together. At this time, they reminded each other to look at the door of the mansion like a virus, and they pricked up their ears in unison.
I could only hear the sound of an impassioned piece of music getting closer and closer. The melody was weird but full of sonorous spirit. It made people feel broad-minded and passionate. They wanted to immediately pull out their swords, look up to the sky and roar, to relieve the overwhelming pride in their hearts.
In the midst of such a generous song, a high-spirited Taoist priest was walking into the lobby with three young disciples. The neat and elegant clothes of the disciples also made people look at them. What is even more amazing is that these four disciples
Behind him, there was actually a group of more than ten troupe musicians, who were working hard to beat, play, and sing music to provide them with music.