The 11th Chapter: Shi Longbiao's Righteousness at Yuepeng Store, Wei of Wenhua Palace
When school was over, it was the last hour. Kangxi and his entourage were still returning by the original route. Zhang Wanqiang had already been waiting in the Shenwu Gate. Wei Dongting watched them enter the palace before riding away with confidence.
The sky is extremely overcast, as stuffy as a steamer, and the hideous black clouds from the west are still pressing down layer by layer. The whole street is gloomy. Wei Dongting's lower body is in the alley east of Hufang Bridge.
.In a very ordinary two-door courtyard, except for two errands, a dozen servants and an old disciple, there was no one else. He rarely interacted with people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so when he returned to the quiet courtyard, he
Feeling bored, I took off my long clothes and started practicing kung fu.
He originally learned martial arts from the famous hero Peng Shaoan when he was in Fengtian. Although Peng Shaoan was a master, he was actually not very old. He was a close disciple of Taoist Yeyun, the tenth generation master of Wudang. He was already in his early twenties.
He was famous in Hubei and Henan. After teaching for three years, Peng Shaoan had to go back to the south to travel, and the master and apprentice broke up. Due to the sultry weather, Wei Dongting practiced Xingyiquan for a while, and Wei Dongting's clothes were soaked with sweat. He stopped and was about to take a bath, but he saw the old man
The doorman came in and replied: "Master Ming is here. He got into a fight with someone somewhere. His head is bruised and his face is swollen. I want to see you!"
Wei Dongting rushed out of the second door in two steps. Mingzhu had already entered the front courtyard. Her clothes were torn in several places, her elbows were exposed, and there were several scratches on her face. She was in a very embarrassing situation. She hadn't seen him for more than a month.
Wei Dongting couldn't help but laugh at the fact that a romantic and elegant Jinshi master was so promising. Wei Dongting couldn't help laughing and said with a chuckle: "Biaotai, what's happened to you, a new noble?"
While he was joking, he saw an old man standing behind Mingzhu. His braids were already graying, a corner of his robe was tucked into a cowhide belt, black lake silk bloomers were put on deerskin boots, and he stood with piercing eyes.
It was mighty. Wei Dongting suddenly felt his eyes light up, and without caring about the courtesy, he stepped forward and held the old man's hand and said: "Uncle Shi, you have made me search so hard! Where is this all the time? Where is Jianmei?"
"Good brother!" Mingzhu waved her hand and said, "Let's go into the house and talk!" Wei Dongting understood and said to his old disciple: "You go to Yulouchun to get a jar of good wine. Our relatives have not been seen for many years. It's a good time today.
Happy." The old man agreed and left.
The three of them walked into the west wing and sat down. Mingzhu let out a long sigh and said with a wry smile: "Brother, I almost lost my life today! If the old hero hadn't rescued me, it would have been over!"
It turns out that Mingzhu has been staying at Cuigu's house in Jiaxing Building for more than ten days. This morning, he went out to pay a visit and wanted to go back to Yuepeng store. It was already past noon, and as soon as he walked to the door of the store, He Guizhu came out hurriedly with a smile on his face.
, said attentively: "You are here, there is a private seat inside, please come in!"
He Guizhu pretended to be a stranger and gave way to Mingzhu, but Mingzhu seemed to be in the mist. While hesitating, Mingzhu caught a glimpse of a few undistinguished people sitting in the front shop having a drink, like people from the yamen, squinting towards this place.
While watching, he knew something was wrong, and said "no time", so he wanted to run away.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he turned around, he bumped into someone. When he looked up, he saw several burly men blocking the way. The leader was a square-faced man with a fair face. His triangular eyes couldn't stop twitching. He put his hands on his hips and sneered, "Mr. Ming, you
Very smart, Boss He is also very clever. Is that Mr. Wu also so capable?" A man next to him said with a flattering smile: "Master Nemo is so smart that he almost let this kid slip away!" Seeing that Mingzhu has been arrested.
, several people in the store also stood up and smiled and gathered around. Nemo grabbed Mingzhu's chest fiercely and asked: "Tell me! Where has Wu Ciyou been these days?"
At this point, Mingzhu became worried and replied with a stick in her neck: "Who are you? I have a reputation!"
"Fame?" Nemo laughed loudly, "Aren't you just a fellow Jinshi? You're still dreaming about your mother's dreams. Aozhongtang would have killed you long ago!" A few people watching the excitement heard that a Jinshi had been awarded.
Master, he stretched his neck and looked in a daze. Hearing what Nemo said was interesting, he started laughing along with him.
Suddenly, an old man squeezed out of the crowd, reached out and grabbed Namo's wrist, and said gloomily: "Let go!" Namo struggled twice, as if he were made of iron, unable to break free. Suddenly his face turned red and he was frightened.
He got angry again and shouted: "Old bastard, mind your own business!"
Mingzhu had a very good memory and recognized the old man at a glance as Shi Longbiao, a martial arts performer along the Xihe River. With an idea, she broke away, pointed at Namo and shouted: "Uncle Shi, this is a group of strong men, please save me!"
In fact, he didn't need to tell Shi Longbiao that he also knew Namo. When he raided Suk Saha's house, it was Namo who guarded the door with his men. He had to sneak out after mingling with the family. Seeing Namo here today is a meeting between enemies.
Extremely jealous! He ignored Mingzhu at the moment and only asked Namo: "Why do you bully your beloved? What do you do?"
"Say it and it will scare your bones!" Nemo said, puffing up his chest, "I am a fourth-grade imperial guard with a sword. Now I have been ordered by Jun to arrest people and take away the prisoners. You are the only one to ask!" Shi Longbiao!
He smiled coldly, stretched out his hand and said, "Certificate?"
Namo glanced sideways at Shi Longbiao, took out a piece of paper from his arms and threw it over, saying, "Open your eyes and take a look!"
Shi Longbiao took it and gave it a sideways glance. He closed his hands with a "snap" and tore them in half with a "chi" sound. He said lightly: "Fake!"
"You...you!" Nemo suddenly became furious, and a black tiger rushed towards Shi Longbiao with his heart out. Shi Longbiao didn't panic, threw Nemo past with his left arm, and hit him in the back with his right palm.
Shooting, he said: "Boy! Let's learn a few more years and let's fight!" Nemo rushed out ten feet away before stopping, whistled and shouted: "Everyone is coming!"
Hearing the order, more than a dozen plainclothes soldiers from Namo rushed towards Shi Longbiao. Shi Longbiao "lazyly tied up his clothes" and knocked down the first three people. He grabbed the pearl with one hand and swung it casually with the other to rush out. The two people entered.
The city had been mixed in with the crowd until now. Seeing that the crowds were sparse at dusk, Mingzhu dragged Shi Longbiao to defect to Wei Dongting.
After hearing what Mingzhu said, Wei Dongting was speechless for a long time. Seeing his hesitation, Shi Longbiao said with a smile: "Don't worry, dear nephew, I know you are not a safe place here. We will leave as soon as it gets dark." He was saying.
By then, the old man had come back from buying wine. He placed a few snacks on the table and then left. Wei Dongting poured the wine and said with a smile, "What did you say, old man? I've been waiting for you. I've been looking for you until now."
It’s been more than five years—why have you been here these past few years, and why haven’t you come to see me?”
"Speaking of it, it's hard!" Shi Longbiao sighed and fell into deep memories, "That time when we met by the Xihe River, you went to look for the car. After a while, Mulima's cavalry rolled over and waded through the forest to search for it.
When Jianmei saw that the situation was not good, she urged me to run away... Her face turned pale with fright. To this day, whenever I dream, she flashes in front of my eyes...
"Jianmei said to me: 'If you don't run away, neither of us will be able to escape! If you leave, I might be able to slowly try to escape!' After saying that, he climbed up the tree and shook the poplar leaves.
"I broke out in a sweat and was really at my wits' end. As I heard the cavalry getting closer and closer, my heart skipped a beat and I ran straight to the northwest. I was about half a mile out of the bushes when I heard the people behind me yelling at the horses, shouting: 'Hold it.' ,On the tree!'
"I was about to get up and run away again when I suddenly saw that the soldiers in front of me all stood up and ran towards Jianmei. I realized that this forest had been surrounded for a long time. At this time, it was useless to go alone, no matter how high my martial arts skills were. I didn't dare to delay for a moment. , he ran out of the river along the grass in the sand nest, and heard someone shouting from behind: 'The old guy is over there, chase him quickly!'
"Ignoring the biting spring water, I quickly jumped into the river and swam across the other side. As soon as I climbed up the embankment, I heard the chaotic sound of horse hooves, chasing after them around the bridge. I performed Qinggong and jumped to the official road in a few short steps. It was early spring, and the crops were harvested. He didn't even get up, but once he took a look, he could see a mile away. At this time, there was really no way to go to heaven and no door to the earth!"
At this point, Shi Longbiao breathed a sigh of relief, picked up a large glass of wine and drank it without looking at it, and then said: "I was panicking and had no time, and vaguely heard the sound of gongs in the west. At that time, my clothes were soaked, and it really didn't look like that. He looked like a man, thinking that this must be a passing official. Rather than letting Mulima catch it, he might as well surrender to the official and ask for help, so he ran straight to the west..."
"Who is that?" Mingzhu asked worriedly, sweating on her head.
"Suke Saha Zhongtang." Shi Longbiao replied, with emotion behind his words, "When he saw me running over and kneeling in front of the sedan chair, he asked me who I was and why I was in such a mess. I only said that I was a busker. There were gangsters chasing behind me - before I could say anything, the cavalry arrived. The leader went up to greet Mr. Su, saying he was looking for a thief and wanted me from Mr. Su. When Master Su found out he was from Mulima, he refused to let go with a straight face. , and took him directly to his home in a sedan chair.
"That afternoon, Mr. Su interrogated me at the police station. After asking for the reason, he pondered for a long time and then said: 'Since you have martial arts, please stay here with me to teach the children of the family. When there is a chance, I will find a family background for you. .’ From then on, I stayed in Su Mansion as a coach.”
"What about Jianmei?" Wei Dongting asked eagerly, "Did you see her later?"
"No." Shi Longbiao touched his palms and sighed, "Su Zhongtang said that Ao Zhongtang was always looking for things about him, and advised me to go out less often. I couldn't bear to inconvenience him. Later, I secretly disguised myself several times, and I found out that she seemed to have entered Ao Mansion. Hou Men Ruhai, I don’t know the details... I know you here, but I didn’t think there would be any trouble for one more person, so I didn’t come to look for you. I didn’t expect that the Su family would also suffer a disaster, and almost everyone in the family was killed. I took his My youngest son Chang Shou ran away. No matter what, I will always be worthy of him."
Wei Dongting seemed to be unfinished when he heard Shi Longbiao's words. He wanted to ask him about the purpose of coming to Beijing, but he shook his head and did not open his mouth. Mingzhu couldn't help but ask: "Where is the Su family's young master now?"
"I'm hiding in the countryside." Shi Longbiao said nothing at this point, and Wei Dongting couldn't ask any more questions. He just sat there and drank. After a long time, Wei Dongting picked up his energy and said, "Old man Shi escaped from the disaster and saved Mingzhu." Brother, it’s really rare to have a gathering today, let’s choose what’s pleasant to say!”
But after all, he had something on his mind and it was hard to get excited. Shi Longbiao thought he was tired, so he said: "You are tired too, please rest early today!" Wei Dongting smiled and said: "I'm not tired, I'm thinking about one thing, then How did Obai know that Mr. Wu was still in Beijing and sent people to arrest him?"
Shi Longbiao didn't know the whole story, so naturally he couldn't answer. Mingzhu lowered his head and thought for a while, then suddenly clapped his hands and said, "Aobai ransacked Su Zhongtang's house and copied out the eldest brother's papers. Can you not be suspicious?"
A word of reminder made Wei Dongting suddenly realize. Suddenly he thought of He Guizhu, and his heart tightened again, "If he captures He Guizhu, wouldn't he..."
His face was gloomy, and he was about to get up to deal with the matter. The old man came in and reported: "Uncle, Eunuch Zhang is here outside." Wei Dongting hurriedly said, "Sit down and have a drink. I'll be back as soon as I go."
After leaving the west wing, we came to the vestibule.
Zhang Wanqiang and Wei Dongting were familiar with each other and were informal. When Wei Dongting came in, he saw him sitting and drinking tea, so he laughed and said, "There are two friends in the back, and they have good wine, why not sit down and get drunk together!" Zhang Wanqiang laughed in the voice of a male duck.
: "I don't have time today, so I'll bother you another day."
Wei Dongting sat down and said with a smile: "We must have something important to do when we come to visit you at night!" When Zhang Wanqiang saw that his old disciple had gone to the back, he stood up, stood facing south and facing north, and said softly: "According to the secret edict——"
Although the words were soft, they were like electric shock and thunder to Wei Dongting. He stood up hurriedly and stepped forward, lifting his robe and about to kneel down.
Zhang Wanqiang said: "Long live the decree: listen to the announcement without ceremony - a secret decree: Wei Dongting, the sixth-rank imperial guard, enters the palace immediately and has an audience in the Wenhua Palace. I admire you here!"
Wei Dongting was extremely surprised: "There has never been such an example! Besides, the palace door is probably locked at this moment. Is this just a joke, father-in-law?"
"This is indeed abnormal." Zhang Wanqiang said solemnly, "Who dares to make fun of this! There is no need to worry too much about entering the palace, let's go." Wei Dongting hurriedly took care of Shi and Ming, and entered the inner room, neatly dressed and tied up.
With a waist knife, he told his old disciple to "take good care of the guests and have wine", and then followed Zhang Wanqiang to ride straight to the Forbidden City.
The sky was as dark as ink, and thunder rolled in waves from far to near. Lightning danced in the gaps in the clouds. The cool wind swept across, picking up the dust on the ground and hitting people's faces, immediately blowing away the heat all over Wei Dongting's body.
After the thunder and wind, there was silence again, except for the melancholy and long cries from deep in the alley from time to time, which added to the mystery of the night.
A palace purification slave and a young imperial guard rode side by side, silently. Zhang Wanqiang glanced sideways at Wei Dongting from time to time in the dark night, but it was so blurry that he could only see an outline. Occasionally, lightning flashed across the sky, and the universe was bright.
Suddenly, he saw Wei Dongting's expressionless face looking straight ahead like a stone carving, and instantly fell into a darker blur. Zhang Wanqiang couldn't help but think: "This man is very powerful. Compared to the Iron Beggar,
, it has its strength but not its vulgarity, no wonder Xiong gave it to him and praised him in every possible way. This calm demeanor is the sign of a noble person!"
In fact, Wei Dongting was not what Zhang Wanqiang thought at this time. He was thinking wildly: "The choice of this time for this interview is obviously very important, and it must be related to Ao Bai. What kind of errand can I, a little bodyguard, do? He Guizhu knows the whereabouts of Long Live.
, is he reliable? Should he be moved to another place, or should he be killed and silenced? ...What would Jianmei think if she knew this? She doesn’t know what to do now - well, why did I think of this!"
As he was walking, he suddenly heard someone shouting in front of him: "Who are you? You are not allowed to ride in a sedan or horseback here without special orders!" Suddenly, Wei Dongting realized that he had arrived at the foot of Wufeng Tower. At this time, the sky began to become sparse.
Raindrops were sprinkled, and the green brick ground in front of the Forbidden City made a rustling sound that was tight and slow.
The two dismounted, and the man came over with several people carrying lanterns. It turned out to be a middle-aged chamberlain. Seeing that it was Zhang Wanqiang, he hurriedly smiled and said: "Eunuch Zhang, Liu Gui has sent you greetings. Where are you going so late?" "
Zhang Wanqiang took out the golden arrow from his arms and waved it under the lamp, and said proudly: "Long live the special decree, I declare to the guards of Wei." Liu Gui understood and silently led the two of them to Youyemen and let them in.
Unexpectedly, when they arrived at Jingyun Gate, the two of them were suddenly called by a group of night watch guards: "Hey! What are you doing? The palace door has been locked, and no one else is allowed to enter the palace!"
When Zhang Wanqiang looked up, several glass lamps illuminated him clearly. The leader was the second-class guard Mulima Nemo, wearing an oil coat and standing in the rain, blocking the way. Zhang Wanqiang hurriedly stepped forward and said with an apologetic smile: "The emperor was reviewing the memorials in the Wenhua Hall, and sent word to Wei Dongting's guards to go to various ministries to pick up urgent memorials. The rain delayed the work for a while..." As he said this, he took out another roll from his arms and shook it under the lamp.
"Lies!" Before he finished speaking, Nemo shouted, "I am on duty at the Wenhua Palace, why didn't I obey the decree?" Zhang Wanqiang said hurriedly: "How dare you lie about what the Emperor ordered in the Yangxin Palace before dinner! Mulima said arrogantly: "There is no clearance sign at Qianqing Gate, so no one is allowed to pass. Tell him to come back tomorrow!"
Zhang Wanqiang was in a dilemma when Wei Dongting stood by and said coldly: "The emperor summoned me, of course I don't need to let you know." Mulima turned around and said coldly: "You are a small sixth-grade guard, what is the emperor's message to you? I have blocked your way, and I will apologize to the emperor tomorrow."
"It's hard for you to bear the blame!" Wei Dongting sneered and shouted, raising his voice, "Which of you dares to resist the decree? Eunuch Zhang, let's go in!" After saying this, he grabbed Zhang Wanqiang and forced his way in.
Mulima shouted: "Who dares!" With a wave of his hand, more than a dozen guards dispersed with a "hurrah" and stood in a fan shape to approach the two of them. Wei Dongting also pulled out his sword with a "chuck" and got ready to greet them. The enemy. A heavy rain fell down, and lightning suddenly shone on the imminent formation.
When he was riding a tiger and couldn't get off, someone suddenly shouted from Jingyun Gate: "Zhang Wanqiang, what's wrong with you? The emperor asked you to pass on Wei Dongting, why are you dawdling?"
Everyone was stunned, and when they looked back, it was Sun Dianchen running out of the rain, panting. He didn't seem to see the two sides at war, so he pushed aside the crowd and pulled Wei Dongting in. Mulima was furious and scolded Nemo. He said: "You idiot, hurry up and serve the emperor!" Namo agreed with a "cha-" and disappeared into the rainy night.
The thunder in the sky was terrifying, and the lightning sometimes looked like a giant snake or a golden snake flying in the air. It suddenly jumped out from behind the clouds, illuminating the gloomy Forbidden City in pale white. The water on the blue brick floor was covered with raindrops. Large swaths of water bubbled up. The sound of rain and the thunderous thunder from time to time were intertwined, as if nothing existed in the universe. It was really scary.
The main door of Wenhua Hall was half open, with candlelight flickering inside, but there were not many attendants. Only two rows of guards stood motionless in the rain. Wei Dongting stepped onto Danqi, took off his oil coat, shook the water, and took off his waist knife. Put it on the corridor, then kneel down and announce loudly: "The sixth-grade imperial guard Wei Dongting has an audience with the Holy One!" After a pause, Kangxi in the palace sternly ordered: "Come in!"
Wei Dongting ducked into the palace, knelt three times and kowtowed nine times to Kangxi in accordance with the prescribed audience etiquette, and then raised his head.
Kangxi sat upright to receive the ceremony, with a solemn look on his face. Xiong gave him the shoes, and knelt beside him with his forehead in front of him. He also said nothing and listened quietly to Emperor Kangxi's edict.
Kangxi didn't speak for a while. He stood up and walked around between the three of them for a long time, looking at Wei Dongting who was lying on the ground by candlelight. Wei Dongting's clothes were soaked through and clinging to his body. The water dripped quietly on the ground.
A bright flash shone on him, like a toad made of iron.
"Wei Dongting, how do I treat you?"
After hearing this, Wei Dongting banged his head three times and replied: "I was born as a lowly slave, and I have been favored by the imperial court for several generations. The emperor treats his ministers with great kindness. Although the slave has been messed up, it is difficult to repay him!"
"
"I have something difficult for me," Kangxi breathed out and asked again, "Are you willing to risk your life to do errands for me?"
"Yes!" Wei Dongting suddenly straightened up and replied decisively, "I will be loyal to you in life, and I will live up to my integrity in death!"
"Okay!" Kangxi exchanged glances with Suo'etu and then said, "I know you very well. Suo'etu, Xiong Cilu has sacrificed his wealth and life to protect you, so I can trust you with all my heart." Wei Dongting looked at the expressionless Xiong,
He asked the two men, kowtowed and replied: "This is the wrong love of the emperor's heart, and the false recommendation of these two great lords. As long as I have one breath left, I will do my best to serve the Holy Majesty!"
Kangxi looked back at Suo'etu and Xiong Cilu. They kowtowed and returned the favor. Then he turned around and took off his sword, held it up solemnly and said, "This sword is given to the martyrs. I hope you live up to my heart!"
Wei Dongting choked with sobs and replied: "Thank you!" Hot tears had already flowed down his cheeks, but he still wanted to speak, but felt sore and hot in his chest, and he couldn't say a word.
He shook his hands and wanted to take the sword given by the emperor. Unexpectedly, Kangxi leaned over and picked him up, put the sword on his waist himself, and asked: "Are you in the sixth rank?" Wei Dongting Fang Yu
In reply, Kangxi had already retreated to his original seat and said loudly: "Record the record! Wei Dongting's bodyguards have meritorious service, and were promoted to the Jin Dynasty as a third-class imperial guard with swords. They went in and out of the palace with me at court meetings. The swords and armors are incomprehensible!"
Those standing by were so moved that tears came to their eyes, and they fell to the ground and celebrated: "Long live!" A eunuch had already brought out the third-class guard's uniform with colored feathers and awarded it on the spot.
Kangxi also felt that his eyes were a little wet, so he turned away, stood up and walked out of the palace, looking up at the unfathomable sky in the heavy rain. He thought deeply: God's anger and roar are angry at the unworthy behavior of me, the "Emperor"
Or is it to punish the sins of powerful ministers and evil officials? The mob in Qingzhou was quelled by the Qi Rebellion, and it took a lot of effort to calm it down; Wu Sangui and other Han ministers and foreign vassals were heavily armed, boiling salt and casting copper, and their intentions were unpredictable; Zheng Chenggong
The father and son were in Taiwan and refused to surrender; the elders in the south of the Yangtze River were stiff-necked and determined not to eat the grain of the Qing Dynasty... These problems have been weighing on his mind for several years and there was no way to deal with them. The heavy rain made him gradually calm down: "Wu Ciyou
Although Xiong Cilu and I have different schools, they both expressed my thoughts: if the troubles in the inner circle are not eliminated, the disease in the elbows and armpits will inevitably lead to danger. If the treatment is not done properly, the king of ten thousand chariots will not be able to become a husband."
A sudden gust of wind blew. Kangxi shuddered and subconsciously touched his shoulders. Suddenly he felt someone put a windbreaker on him behind him. When he turned around, he saw that it was Namo, the bodyguard of Obei's son! He was startled and asked
Said: "What are you doing here?"
Namo hurriedly took a step back and said in the rain: "It's raining, master. Stand outside, be careful of catching a cold!" A flash of lightning suddenly flashed across, Kangxi could see clearly that Namo actually answered with a knife on his waist, and in his heart
He suddenly started to tremble and said hurriedly: "Please step back, I will go into the palace." When he looked back, Wei Dongting was already standing behind him in an arrogant manner. Nemononuo stepped back continuously.
Kangxi walked into the palace, took out the gold watch in his arms and looked at it. It was already the end of Xu and the beginning of Hai. The scene just now made him frightened and uneasy, but he didn't show it on his face. He saw that several people were still kneeling.
, waved his hands and said: "Wei Dongting, you can go to Suo'etu Mansion to discuss the errand I have entrusted you with. The palace is not a good place." Then he asked people to drive back to the palace. Wei Dongting still wanted to escort him, and Kangxi said loudly:
"Sun Dianchen will be waiting with a sentry of soldiers, you go!" Suddenly there was a sharp flash, illuminating the inside and outside of the palace as brightly as day, and almost at the same time, there was a thunder. Everything returned to its original state, except for the heavy rain.
, beating the silent forbidden palace. (To be continued)