"I don't dare to dispose of this thing without authorization, so I ask your envoy to make the decision on my behalf."
In the Protector's Mansion, Protector Qi brought the wooden box containing the star tracker to Afu and asked her to inspect it.
Qi Daduhu actually had a vague feeling that Afu's original intention in coming to the Western Regions was not Star Marrow.
Although the embroidered messenger represents His Majesty the Emperor, when it comes to specific tasks, it is impossible to rely on one person alone. After all, after the Star Marrow fell into the hands of An Quti, it still had to rely on the Duhufu to send troops to exterminate the thieves and besiege Tianchi. It was not just the three
Five experts can make it happen.
However, the Great Protector of Qi did not intend to inquire too deeply. The Ministry of Internal Affairs was only loyal to His Majesty the Emperor, so just hand over the Star Marrow to them.
On the other hand, Afu, she now changed into a Hufu with arrow sleeves and a leather belt around her waist, making her male appearance more heroic.
"Defender, didn't the imperial court send an inspection envoy here?" Afu said with an unpredictable smile on her face, "You can hand over the star marrow to the inspection envoy and let the imperial court handle it."
"The envoy said before that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is ordered to monitor the world." Qi Dadu defended his words: "The star marrow once fell into the hands of the demon An Quti. I don't know what was done to it. I don't dare to touch it lightly. I think I can only
Leave it to the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
The words of the Protector of Qi were nothing more than an excuse. Before that, he asked Taoist Shang to examine them carefully, whether it was the star tracker or the obelisk pillar, and tried his best to dig out any useful features.
The Western Region is no different from the Central Plains. It is a place where Hu and Han are mixed, and many ethnic groups live together. Various food, clothing, customs, and utensils are mixed and mixed with each other. Even magic and knowledge are no exception.
In the previous process of wiping out the rebellious parties, the Protectorate also seized a batch of Hadith scriptures. Master Shang read them carefully in person and found that the principles stated in these scriptures were somewhat different from those of Zoroastrianism, and they also mixed Buddhism and Jingshu.
Regarding teachings, it can be seen that the people who compiled the scriptures learned a lot about teachings.
According to Shang Daozhang, if these scriptures were compiled by An Quti, then his magical attainments are probably from many religions. If the things he left behind can be studied thoroughly, he will achieve a lot.
Especially the barrier that can suppress pagan magic and change the weather of a place. If it can be reproduced, it will be of great benefit to the Protectorate in guarding the Western Region.
Of course, the Protectorate of Qi could think of this, and so could the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When Afu said that the Ministry of Internal Affairs wanted to seize these things, the Protector of Qi could not resist. He could only evade that Afu had no one under his command, and for the time being, he was
The Duhufu is in charge.
However, as the Star Marrow was handed over, this reason became increasingly difficult to establish.
Afu was so smart and astute that she immediately guessed what Qi Dadu Protector meant. She sat with her legs crossed on the high chair. Although she looked graceful and graceful, she was still as rude and rude as sitting on a dustpan at a banquet.
"The Protector is very loyal, and I think His Majesty sees it." Afu raised the corners of her mouth, unconsciously revealing the power of charming people.
The Protector of Qi quickly looked away, bowed his head and bowed his hands in salute. He was afraid to avoid the woman in front of him, and he didn't even dare to have the slightest thought.
"The envoy's words make the lower officials feel ashamed." Qi Daduhu quickly said: "But there is one thing, please convey it to the envoy on your behalf."
"Please tell me, Protector-General."
"The lower official heard that the imperial court intends to abolish the government's ministers and ministers." Qi Dadu defended his words: "The Western Region is not as large as the Central Plains, with a vast land and sparse population, and few prefectures and counties. It is impossible to implement the imperial decrees with only the manpower of the government. Therefore,
I hope that the actual situation in the Western Regions can be reported to the imperial court for His Majesty’s Holy Judgment.”
After saying this, the Great Protector of Qi took out a secret memorial and handed it to Afu with both hands.
"Okay." Afu took the secret note and said with a smile: "But I also have something to ask the guardian for help."
"Your Majesty, please speak."
"I want Cheng Sanwu to follow me back to Chang'an." Afu asked, "Will the Protector-General refuse to let him go?"
"Don't dare." Protector Qi's prediction was true. Cheng Sanwu had a high profile and was even targeted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If the other party was willing to take it, he would just do it as a favor.
"The Protector should understand that Cheng Sanwu is from Baochang Society, and he will not leave alone unless Su Wangting leaves." Afu added.
"Baochang Society has repeatedly violated imperial laws in the past, sheltered fugitives, acted violently, and oppressed good people. It will be banned in the near future and its property will be confiscated." The Protector of Qi lowered his head and replied: "The leader, Su Wangting, Cheng Sanwu and others, should be
I will be punished, but I understand that he has done a good job in quelling the chaos, and his merits and demerits are equal to each other. After the review of the inspection envoy, I will ask for a reduction in redemption."
"It seems that the Protector has been prepared for a long time?" Afu chuckled.
"Actually, Su Wangting and Cheng Sanwu were both heroes at one time, and the lower officials felt helpless about this." The Protector of Qi did not want his intentions to be seen through, so he covered it up and said, "But now it seems that after they return to Chang'an, they will also be subject to
We should reuse each other. Each of us should fulfill our responsibilities for His Majesty and contribute to the imperial court. This is the right way."
"The Great Protector is the real hero." Afu put away the secret memorial and gently closed the wooden box on the side.
…
"What? Seize Baochang Society?!"
Cheng Sanwu was showing off his new sword to Su Wangting when he heard his servants hurriedly coming to tell him about it.
"The people from the Duhu Mansion have arrived outside the square gate. Chief, please go and take a look!" the servant said in a panic.
After experiencing the last time, Cheng Sanwu didn't shout to kill this time. He looked at Su Wangting and asked hurriedly: "Old Su, what's going on? Didn't you have a smooth chat with the inspector the past few days?"
Su Wangting waved his servants to leave and sighed softly: "You will understand after you go out and take a look."
Cheng Sanwu followed Su Wangting to the gate of the square and saw Qi Zhiyi looking guilty, but he hesitated to speak.
"Little General Qi." Su Wangting took the initiative to say hello with his hands crossed: "You must have been ordered by the Protectorate to seize the company, right?"
"Yes." Qi Zhiyi was very reluctant and handed a document to the other party: "The matter of Wu Maocai has been reported back to Chang'an. The British Lord intends to pursue it to the end. He also sent a letter to the Governor's Office to hold you accountable. Inspector Luo said, you guys put an end to the rebellion.
Meritorious service can be used to offset the crime, but Baochang Society will definitely not be able to save it. They said they wanted to seize the property, and the fugitives taken in by Baochang Society were used as guards of the Protectorate."
Cheng Sanwu argued: "But I didn't kill Wu Maocai! He was eaten by a big insect!"
"It's no use telling me this! The British prince is far away in Chang'an, and he won't listen at all!" Qi Zhiyi was also angry.
"Lao Su, what should we do next?" Cheng Sanwu asked eagerly.
Su Wangting, on the other hand, looked calm and motioned Cheng Sanwu and Qi Zhiyi to a private place to talk privately.
"I fought for this result. It is really inappropriate for Baochang Society to continue to stay in the Western Region." Seeing that Cheng Sanwu wanted to speak, Su Wangting raised his hand to dissuade him: "Old Cheng, I'm tired."
Cheng Sanwu was speechless. He looked at Su Wangting carefully for the first time, and then he noticed that the man had white hair on his temples. Although he had a foundation in martial arts, all these years of hard work still left traces, even the light in his eyes.
It is not as clear and transparent as it was ten years ago.
Recalling that when he was hiding from Maocai Society, Su Wangting had told himself that he planned to return to the Central Plains after dealing with Mani Zhu. At first, Cheng Sanwu didn't think much about it, thinking that it was Su Wangting who was sighing for a moment. Now it seems that his old friend
Really exhausted physically and mentally.
"...It's up to you." Cheng Sanwu uttered a few words, feeling that a pillar of support had been taken out of his heart, and he suddenly became listless.
Su Wangting patted Cheng Sanwu on the shoulder, and then asked: "Little general, check the affairs of our company..."
Qi Zhiyihun didn't care: "How many things are copied, don't I have the final say? I can't take away the property and property, but you can take whatever money, silk, gold and silver you want, father won't care about it."
"Thank you so much, young general, and thank you so much for me, the Protector-General." Su Wangting bowed deeply.
"Inspector Luo will leave Quzhi City in three days. You can just leave before him." Qi Zhiyi looked at Cheng Sanwu: "I asked my father if I could keep you, but he said that you were the most involved and the Protectorate couldn't do anything about it.
Take you in."
"Don't blame him." Cheng Sanwu didn't have the energy he had in the past. He just walked to the square door and sat down in a daze without saying anything.
Qi Zhiyi's temperament was not suitable for such a thing. He also suppressed his displeasure, cupped his hands towards Su Wangting, and left in a hurry.
After the outsiders dispersed, Su Wangting looked at Cheng Sanwu and said with a smile: "Old Cheng, I have never seen you look like this. With your head and brain drooping, you are almost crying."
"You're just going to give up Baochang Society like this?" Cheng Sanwu stretched out his hand and gestured: "Ten years, that's not all! You just don't want it anymore?"
"I work for Mr. Lu, and I know it very well." Su Wangting sat next to him: "When I was young, I studied literature and martial arts, and no one in Fangyuan Township could match me. I once boasted that I was versatile, and I passed the imperial examination, but unfortunately I failed.
.Fortunately, the elders in the family got involved with the nobles and asked me to write a history book for Prime Minister Lu’s disciples... Oh, he had not yet worshiped the Prime Minister at that time."
"I've heard you say it so many times that my ears are about to get calluses." Cheng Sanwu imitated Old Su's accent and repeated: "Back then, Prime Minister Lu asked about the transfer branches of the Longyou prefectures and the number of camels and horses in the official offices of the city.
, among all the subordinates, you are the only one who can recite it. Prime Minister Lu found that you are good at the cultivation of high and low goods, so he asked you to come to the Western Region to run a trading company and to investigate various situations in the Western Region for him. "
"Listening to other people, it does feel like bragging." Su Wangting sighed: "Looking back over the years, Mr. Lu may just be on a whim. As for the gains and losses of my business in the Western Regions, he may not be very concerned about it."
"Would he not care if you send beauties and treasures to Chang'an every year?" Cheng Sanwu couldn't believe it.
Su Wangting laughed loudly, shook his head repeatedly and said: "Old Cheng, that's Mr. Lu, the prime minister of the dynasty. Does he lack my beauty treasures? In order to escort Xingxui, he established a new Baima Club with a wave of his hand.
As a result, all the people were lost in the desert of the Western Regions. Do you think Prime Minister Lu will frown when he hears the news?"
Cheng Sanwu lowered his head, rubbed his face, and cursed in a low voice: "Damn it, when you say that, it feels like we have been messing around in vain for the past ten years."
"That's not the case." Su Wangting said with a smile: "Although I have done countless things over the years, it's not like I haven't saved money myself. I will definitely be a rich man with no worries about food and clothing in the rest of my life. Qi Dadu protects you.
Virtue, you also allowed me to take away my wealth."
"But how will you explain to Mr. Lu when you return to Chang'an?" Cheng Sanwu asked.
"Anyway, I have said everything I need to say. The inspection envoy was sent by Prime Minister Lu. It is very clear that Baochang Society cannot retain him."
Before Su Wangting finished speaking, he saw Affu walking lightly and asked with a smile: "You look defeated, this is not what you should look like."
"Made Miss Afu laugh." Su Wangting was now relaxed and did not take the other party's identity as a servant and embroiderer too seriously.
Cheng Sanwu rubbed his face until it turned red, stood up suddenly, pointed at Afu and said, "The Duhufu is going to raid Baochang Society, and I suspect that you, a dominatrix, is the one behind it!"
Afu crossed her arms across her chest and asked with interest: "Why do you think so?"
"I -" Cheng Sanwu paused and argued forcefully: "I just know it, I, I know it from birth, can't I?"
Su Wangting also stood up and comforted her: "Okay, okay, this matter has nothing to do with Miss Afu, so please don't offend me."
At this time, Afu took the initiative and said: "I have obtained the Star Marrow from the Great Protector of Qi, and I am responsible for bringing it back to Chang'an. Why don't you two escort me?"
Cheng Sanwu and Su Wangting looked at each other and felt ridiculous: "This... has been going on for a long time and then comes back again?"
"Didn't you promise Penning that you would send the things back to the Ministry of Internal Affairs?" Afu smiled and said, "You can fulfill your promise now."
Cheng Sanwu was originally shut down because of Baochang Club, but suddenly he felt that his past sustenance had vanished, and his mood was at its lowest and the most fatigued. At this moment, hearing Ah Fu mention Peng Ning's promise, Cheng Sanwu just changed his mind and quickly
The spirit is coming soon.
"At worst, I'll come with you!" Cheng Sanwu immediately agreed.
A hint of cunning pride appeared on Afu's face, but Su Wangting noticed it instantly. A thought suddenly came to his mind, could it be that Afu wanted to lure Cheng Sanwu to Chang'an?
Su Wangting still remembered that Cheng Sanwu said that he suspected that Afu's intention in coming to the Western Regions was not necessarily Star Essence. Now that he thought about it more carefully, could it be that Afu's goal was Cheng Sanwu?
But Su Wangting rejected this idea after a second thought. Afu was from the Yaksha race, and was also an embroidered messenger from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This status was unusual and there must be a major secret. There was no reason to come here for Cheng Sanwu.
However, only Afu knew what Cheng Sanwu was capable of back then.
In fact, Afu and Cheng Sanwu unanimously did not mention it to the third person about how to kill Anquti and the specific battle situation in the Shrine of Mirrors. Afu did not want to say more. As for Cheng Sanwu, maybe he
Don’t you know it yourself?
"I'm with you all the way."
At this time, Mr. Changqing walked out. He rubbed his brows and relaxed his eyes. He seemed to be concentrating on studying for many days. Others were puzzled, but Cheng Sanwu knew that he was focused on the stone pillar rubbings and had not left the house for several days.
"Sir, are you going to Chang'an too?" Su Wangting asked.
"We passed Xiaoguan on the way, and the Huangguan Temple in Kongtong Mountain is nearby." Mr. Changqing sighed: "I want to send Master Zhou Lian's remains there and return the magic weapon by the way."
"That's fine..." Su Wangting did not refuse.
Cheng Sanwu looked around at the people present and immediately said with a smile: "It's really strange. One is escorting the treasure, the other is supporting the spirit and carrying the coffin, and the third is running away with money. If you bump into a horse thief on this road, you will probably be dumbfounded.
.Oh, fortunately, I am there to ensure that you have a safe journey!"
As soon as these words came out, the other three people all rolled their eyes and cursed continuously——