When the Ministry of Internal Affairs and his party rushed back to Weizhou, the Xuanfu envoy from Chang'an had also arrived.
Along with them came a huge number of locusts. When Cheng Sanwu and others arrived at the government office, Xuanfu envoy Chen Ziming was discussing the locust plague with Weizhou governor Xue Yongnian.
"The envoys are finally here!" Governor Xue heard that everyone from the Ministry of Internal Affairs had arrived, and he hurried out to greet them. A large number of refugees had come to Weizhou in recent days, and he was very busy trying to settle the refugees.
The province can bring you some good news.
But before Afu could speak, a man walked out of the hall, with a broad face and black beard, wearing a crimson official robe, and a capable temperament. He quickly came to Changqing and asked eagerly: "Qilang, why do you want to go first?
”
This person is Chen Ziming, the envoy of Xuanfu, and a disciple of Prime Minister Lu. In terms of seniority, he is more senior than Su Wangting, and now he has reached the position of minister of the Ministry of Industry.
Changqing had met Chen Xuanfu once in the Prime Minister's Mansion, which is why he dared to promise in front of Cui Duo that he could obtain tax exemption for Anping County.
Naturally, Prime Minister Lu’s disciple knew Chang Qing’s identity, and he must have followed Prime Minister Lu’s order to prevent himself from being involved in danger.
Faced with Chen Ziming's concern, although Changqing didn't like others calling him Qilang in public, he couldn't help but brush off the other person's kindness. He bowed his hands and replied, "I'm sorry, Chen Xuanfu is concerned. I gave Luo Xuandu a visit before I left."
The immortal master mentioned that he must first find out the disaster situation in Hebei for everyone. Moreover, it is very safe to travel with the Ministry of Internal Affairs along the way."
"This, this is..." Governor Xue was confused. He didn't understand why the dignified Xuanfu was so respectful to such a young Taoist, and even went down to greet him in person.
"Qi Lang is the son of Prime Minister Lu, don't you know?" Chen Ziming turned around and glared, wondering why Governor Xue was so careless? He couldn't even do something as trivial as inquiring about his identity.
When Xue Yongnian heard this, he felt a buzz in his head, and he almost fell backward.
Finally standing firm, he quickly bowed deeply to Changqing: "I am ignorant, please forgive me, Mr. Lu!"
Chang Qing's face darkened slightly. In his eyes, Xue Yongnian was at best a mediocre person who was careless about work. But now, with his appearance, he would be judged as a servile, incompetent person.
As for Xue Yongnian, he felt that this time he had made a big fool of himself in front of others. Thinking about the last time he brought out a cold drink to entertain him, but was scolded by Lu Qilang, his official career might have come to an end, and it might be because of his inability to provide disaster relief.
And was questioned.
But Changqing did not act openly based on his status as the son of Prime Minister Lu, and said solemnly: "Xue Xie does not need to salute. As long as he obeys Chen Xuanfu's arrangements and works hard to provide disaster relief and help the people, it is naturally not a crime."
Xue Yongnian felt top-heavy for a while, holding on to prevent himself from fainting, and reluctantly responded a few times: "Yes, yes..."
"These must be the ministers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs." Chen Ziming looked at Cheng Sanwu, Afu and others, and crossed his hands in salute.
Afu said without any nonsense: "You must have seen the locusts in the sky. This is not an ordinary disaster, but caused by the actions of demons. The drought in Hebei is also closely related to this. We suspect that someone wants to incite people to rebel in Hebei.
On the way south, we have learned that there are several places where refugees gather to commit robbery and murder."
Chen Ziming was stunned when he heard this. Although he had learned some information from Lu Xuanzhang before, he had no idea that the situation would evolve to this extent.
"Your Majesty, these refugees gathering together to become thieves cannot be equated with rebellion and rebellion." After all, Chen Ziming was a government official, and he knew that dealing with the two were completely different things.
Afu obviously didn't want to waste time with these officials, so she motioned to Changqing and said, "Young Master Lu witnessed it with your own eyes, let him speak."
"This matter may require the Taoist priests from Xuandu Temple and Zongsheng Palace to discuss this matter. I wonder if they have arrived?" Changqing asked.
Chen Ziming nodded: "They came to Weizhou with me, and settled in Yuxulu after entering the city."
"I'm going to invite the immortal masters to come now!" Xue Yongnian interrupted at the opportunity to show his sincerity, and immediately rushed out of the government office without waiting for Changqing and others to ask.
"This Xue Yongnian..." Chen Ziming shook his head and sighed. He already had a rough understanding of the situation of Hebei prefecture and county officials.
Not long after, Xue Yongnian came with three Taoists. They were all dressed in ephedra brown clothes with black embroidery. They were not wearing purple and green dharma clothes. The leader wore a lotus crown. It looked like he was at least a Taoist priest.
A Taoist senior.
The first Taoist is nearly eight feet long, almost shoulder to shoulder with Cheng Sanwu. He holds a crank whisk in his hand, has black beard and hair, and his eyes are shining brightly, giving him an air of immortality.
"Meet Master Li." Chen Ziming bowed his hands to Taoist Bachi with great respect, and then introduced everyone present to him.
After hearing this, Li Lianshi looked at Changqing, with a clear look that would not offend anyone at all. He smiled and nodded: "You are worthy of being a master of Daguan. I have also heard about this young leader in Wangwushan."
Changqing also stood up to salute. He was a little confused. The person who came was not a senior from Xuandu Temple or Zongsheng Palace.
You must know that Changqing visited various palaces and temples in the Gyeonggi area some time ago, and almost had a relationship with many senior Taoists worshiped by the imperial court, but this Master Li was completely unfamiliar.
However, just by looking at the noble temperament that this person exuded, Changqing knew that he was no ordinary person.
"Wangwushan?" Changqing suddenly had a guess in his heart: "Could it be the immortal master from the Balcony Palace of Tiantan Peak?"
"We are all cultivators, why do we need to be called Immortal Master?" Master Li swept the whisk away, smiled lightly, and then nodded: "I am Li Hanguang of the Balcony Palace. Recently, fellow Taoist Guanluo in Xuandu performed in front of the saint, saying that I am proficient in eliminating disasters.
I pray for you, so I come here on your behalf."
When Changqing heard the other party's name, he couldn't help but change his face in shock. He immediately bowed his hands and bowed: "It turns out that he is the first disciple of the Grandmaster. I am rude to you!"
"Who... is he?" Cheng Sanwu asked quietly beside Chang Qing.
Changqing was furious when he saw Cheng Sanwu's lack of etiquette and almost stepped on him. Fortunately, Afu came to the rescue at this time:
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"He is Bai Yunzi's disciple, and the person most likely to take over the position of master of the Shangqing Sect in the future."
Li Hanguang shook his head and said: "The envoy is joking. There are many disciples under the master's sect. I am quite incompetent. How can I dare to covet the position of master?"
"How can you be allowed to preside over the Balcony Palace if you are not good enough?" Afu said with a smile.
Cheng Sanwu still didn’t understand: “What are they talking about?”
Changqing had no choice but to explain: "Bai Yunzi is not only the master of the Shangqing Sect, but also known as the number one person in the contemporary Taoist sect! Do you understand now?"
The Taoist sect in this dynasty was at its peak, among which the Shangqing lineage was the most noble. Several generations of Shangqing masters were respected by the Daxia royal family and treated with generous gifts.
Daguan Zhenren was summoned to Jixianyuan, which already made Changqing receive courtesy, and the status and reputation of the Shangqing Grandmaster can be imagined.
Bai Yunzi went to Chang'an several times, and the princes and nobles were all proud to pay homage to him in person. Even saints asked Bai Yunzi to consecrate him.
The current emperor worships Taoism and loves immortals. There are many Taoists who are waiting for him, and there are also many people who receive his courtesy and kindness, but no one can compare with Bai Yunzi.
Bai Yunzi is known as the first Taoist figure in the contemporary world, which may be related to the fact that the Shangqing lineage is highly respected by kings, but his attainments and academic achievements in Taoism are admired and respected by all Taoists in the world.
"The number one person in this sect is so powerful, why don't we see him come to Hebei in person?" Cheng Sanwu looked like a scoundrel who was trying to push his limits.
"Ashamed, Master once taught us that those who practice Taoism should be kind and frugal, and dare not be the first in the world." Li Hanguang shook his head: "Master never considered himself the number one in the Taoist sect. I don't need to mention this again.
Let’s talk business.”
Everyone took their seats. Changqing took out a small wooden box and handed it to Li Hanguang. There were three locusts in it. Then he briefly recounted his previous encounters and experiences, as well as his own speculations.
"...All in all, I feel that there must be demons behind this drought and locust plague, with extremely vicious intentions and unpredictable plans." Chang Qing said.
Li Hanguang grabbed a locust and did not make a judgment immediately. Instead, he looked at Chen Ziming and said, "I wonder what Ambassador Xuanfu thinks?"
"If there is really a demon who conspires to rebel, we will naturally dispatch troops and horses to destroy it immediately." Chen Ziming looked at the Minister of Internal Affairs and others and said in a cautious tone: "But the imperial court is about to implement the New Deal in Hebei. If the rebellion goes too far, I am afraid it will ruin the overall situation of the New Deal.
.If these envoys can kill the rebel leaders and nip the chaos in the bud, it will surely be more in line with the Holy Heart."
Cheng Sanwu and Qiang Yujun both turned their attention to Afu, and she said: "Now that the Pure Light Goddess has been rescued by the mastermind behind the scenes, it may not be easy to find them in a hurry."
Li Hanguang noticed the expectant looks in everyone's eyes. He thought deeply and then looked at Changqing: "You just mentioned that the Pure Light Goddess used the Nagas to collect water vapor, but have you ever thought that the water vapor will not disappear out of thin air and must have a place to go.
”
Changqing's eyes blinked repeatedly, and he immediately thought of Bai Yunzi's compilation of "The Map of the Palaces of Heaven and Earth", and wondered: "Is it possible that they absorbed water vapor into the sky somewhere in another place?"
"It's not impossible." Li Hanguang nodded and said: "If the conjecture is true, what the Pure Light Goddess drives the Nagas to do is equivalent to transporting water vapor, thereby exacerbating the drought and prompting locusts to break through the soil and breed."
Chang Qing said: "If the seniors go to the altar to pray for rain and eliminate the locusts, it may lead to the Pure Light Goddess to use her magical power to transport water vapor again."
"I can indeed eliminate the locusts and pray for rain to protect the crops. I am well prepared this time." Li Hanguang said, "But I cannot guarantee that I will be able to attract the Pure Light Goddess."
"Perhaps she is already dead." Qiang Yujun interrupted: "The last arrow I fired was specifically designed to destroy the foundation of my body. No matter how high my cultivation level is, I can't bear it."
Cheng Sanwu reminded from the side: "But don't forget, the demon nun has been rescued, maybe the arrow wound has been cured long ago."
"Do you think arrow wounds caused by black gold and different iron are so easy to heal?" Qiang Yujun said disdainfully: "The ancestor of this dynasty was injured by the same arrow in his early years. Even with the protection of armor, the arrow wound was not deep, and he was still bedridden for a time.
I can’t afford it. In his later years, he was even tortured by arrow sores, and medicines and stones were ineffective.”
When Qiang Yujun said this, he seemed to regard Taizu Daxia as some unlucky guy, without any respect in his words.
Cheng Sanwu wanted to refute, but Changqing interrupted sharply: "Refugees have already gathered in Jizhou to rob, and the first priority now is to curb the chaos!"
As soon as these words came out, the two of them stopped arguing. Afu looked at Li Hanguang and said, "Then I would like Master Li to use his wonderful method. The Purifying Light Goddess and the person behind the scenes can be left to our internal ministers."
"If the Pure Light Goddess shows up again to use her magical power to transport water vapor, I should be able to sense it and will report it to the envoy immediately." After Li Hanguang said this, he turned his attention to the locust again, with a look of doubt on his face.<
/p>
……
Master Wen stretched out his hand like lightning, grabbed a locust, and took it closer to examine it carefully.
"Something's not right, but I can't tell." Master Wen handed the locust to Mr. Hong Ya next to him: "What do you think?"
Hong Ya looked at it for a moment and said in a cold tone: "It is an undetectable insect that lives in the body of a locust."
Hearing that Master was about to raise his hand to twist his beard, when he heard this, his face changed slightly, and he quickly walked aside to scoop out water and wash his hands.
"Three corpses and nine insects live in the body to cause trouble and cause harm." Hong Ya looked at the locusts and said, "But this method uses tiny insects to control the locust plague."
Master Wen looked up at the locusts that occasionally flew by, and said with a wry smile: "It's not easy to start such a battle. Who is so free?"
"Come, come! We have found Kong Fangfang!"
At this time, Mu Yuan flew into the courtyard screaming, and then Kong Fangfang pushed open the courtyard door, describing himself as a little embarrassed.
"I made you laugh." Kong Yifang sat down and panted, obviously after a long journey.
"We just heard that you suddenly disappeared. As soon as we arrived in Weizhou, we saw locusts all over the sky." Master Wen asked, "What happened?"
Kong Fangfang shook his head repeatedly: "I don't know, Cheng Sanwu and the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs were surrounding and killing the Pure Light Goddess, and suddenly locusts came overwhelmingly. I was also watching from a distance, and those bugs sensed my breath and pounced directly.
Come over here!"
Seeing Kong Fangfang couldn't hide his fear, Wen Master was puzzled: "Are those locusts really so powerful?"
"I have never seen locusts chasing people and biting them, and..." Kong Yifang said with great difficulty: "They are so densely packed that I get scared when I see them."
Mu Yuan laughed: "I didn't expect you, Kong Fang, to be afraid of this. Then you won't be afraid when you see a room full of copper coins?"
"Can that be the same thing?" Kong Fangfang retorted weakly.
"Hey, if such a big thing happens, don't you care?" Mu Yuan turned to look at Master Wen.
"I am just an outsider now, and it is not my turn to take care of this kind of thing." Master Wen laughed at himself, and then said to Mu Yuan: "But you, you have been an official for a long time, and you always want to take care of things?"
Mu Yuan was not polite: "Are you mocking me?"
"I don't think you need to deliberately create dance and music tricks in order to please the emperor." Master Wen straightened up: "Do you know that such actions will only indulge the emperor's desire for pleasure."
"If it weren't for helping Wu Xuezi to investigate Yan Fengjun, would I need to do this?" Mu Yuan asked.
"If you just want to check Yan Fengjun's past, there is no need to go through such twists and turns." Master Wen looked at Mu Yuan: "Jiang Yan, you have your own plan for doing this, right?"
Hearing this, Mu Yuan flapped his wings repeatedly, not hiding his annoyance: "What's wrong with me having my own plans? It's not like you don't know how much materials it takes to build a clever Yan Dou? I don't depend on the imperial court. You guys have the manpower and material resources.
Did you give it to me for free? Back then, you flirted with Taizu Daxia and used all your means to win him over, and now you blame me?"
"Times have changed and the world has changed." Master Wen said: "Back then, the gluttonous disaster had not yet been resolved. Now that Cheng Sanwu is walking around the world, it is time for Fu Shifeng to retire after his success."