On the official road that has been in disrepair for a long time, many weeds have grown out of the branches.
The weather was hazy, with heavy dark clouds hanging overhead, and bursts of thunder roaring from time to time.
It was in such a gloomy sky that a line of carriages and horses passed by the official road at high speed, leaving behind a low swirl of flying dust, which could not return to peace for a long time.
"This weather is crazy, it looks like it's going to rain."
After dusting off the gray stains on his armor, Cheng Fengyuan frowned and looked at the horizon, muttering to himself.
Hearing this, the horses in front could not help but slowly slow down their pace, waiting for the people behind to catch up.
But they saw the two leaders, one was a monk in plain robes, he had not looked at all embarrassed after having been in the dust for several days, and the other was a scholar in green clothes, with an upright look on his brows, they were none other than Fa Hai and his party.
"I remember that there is an inn not far from here. Let's take a rest there today. I wonder what Elder Fahai would like?"
After finally catching up with the people in front, Chang Wei took a breather and suggested in a deep voice.
Worried about the emperor's safety, he politely rejected Cheng Feng's proposal to send more chariots and horses to see him off. Chang Wei said that his sword was not old and his riding skills were not bad. He just wanted a horse, and then he went on the road with everyone.
"This trip is mainly for elders, so it's natural for poor monks to do it."
For Fahai, riding a horse was basically a way to defeat Chang Wei and others. If he wanted to use his magical foot power, he could reach the capital in less than a day, so why would it be so troublesome to use it?
However, riding a horse occasionally is a novel experience.
"Then I'll send two cavalry to explore the road ahead, and let the staff at the inn prepare food for the house."
Cheng Fengyuan was also aware of the matter. When he saw the two of them making a decision in a few words, he hurriedly spoke out to please him, and at the same time turned around and gave orders to his two soldiers.
"Cheng Wu, Huo Laosan, hurry up and go along the official road to inform the officials at the post station so that they can be prepared to welcome us."
"There is no need to go to such great lengths to fight. My trip has already violated the laws of the imperial court. I only want a basket of food and a cup of drink, so there is no need to be extravagant."
Not accepting Cheng Fengyuan's attentiveness, Chang Wei shook his head and signaled to the two people that there was no need to bother.
The two guards looked at Cheng Fengyuan hesitantly, after all, this was the person they were loyal to at this time.
"Didn't you hear what the boss said? Why don't you go quickly?!"
With a symbolic wave of his whip, Cheng Fengyuan turned around and looked at Chang Wei with a low eyebrow.
"Having said that, the boss also knows that those little officials who are paid by the government but do not do real work will not be able to clean the house if they are not informed in advance. Then they cannot let you live in a leaky shabby house, right?
.”
"Your Excellency is noble and upright, but you cannot lose the dignity of the court."
After receiving the order, the two guards immediately summoned up their energy and rode away quickly, regardless of the fatigue of the boat and carriage.
Seemingly convinced by Cheng Fengyuan's sophistry, Chang Wei frowned. After all, he did not object, but opened and closed his lips and sighed slightly:
"I am in a high position and cannot expel evil and sycophants or share the king's worries. How can I accuse some minor officials of not fulfilling their official duties?"
Just as Cheng Fengyuan was about to take over the conversation and say a few words of flattery, he was unexpectedly interrupted by Chang Wei.
"You don't have to compliment me. As long as you are willing to do your best on this trip, I will forget everything you did before. Are you satisfied now?"
But Chang Wei had already seen through his mind and assured him angrily.
If it weren't for the emperor's life, as usual, people like this who are trying to find tricks would have been involved in many books by him.
Even so, Chang Wei also made up his mind.
This kind of person is worthless and useless. If he is allowed to rule a country, it will be of no benefit to the country or the people.
"Satisfied, satisfied! Then I will first thank you for the promotion!"
Originally, this trip was just to make a good impression on Chang Wei, hoping to save some favor during the liquidation in the future.
Now that he had received Chang Wei's guarantee, Cheng Feng's face showed signs of joy and anger.
After all, from the moment the national master's envoy died on his territory, his desire to seek refuge with the other party was basically shattered.
Especially after learning from Fahai that the so-called Imperial Master is just a centipede who has concealed his identity. In order to avoid liquidation, he also clings to a bigger backer.
Cheng Fengyuan immediately turned his attention to Chang Wei.
A veteran of two dynasties and a current imperial master, let alone one who has passed this hurdle, and who has contributed greatly to the rescue, who else can compete for the throne of chief minister from this old man?
If you don't hug such a thick thigh now, when will you wait?
Cheng Fengyuan was caught up in the beautiful fantasy of the future, unaware that someone had already cut off the possibility of further progress in his future.
After resting for a while, I felt that my physical strength began to slowly recover, and the rain clouds in the sky became thicker and thicker.
Knowing that it would be too late if he didn't hurry, and regardless of his old age and physical weakness, the old censor gritted his teeth, informed everyone, and continued on his way.
"Boom"
Finally, the last ray of light was obscured by dark clouds, and only a thunder was heard from the sky and the earth. After a while, the downpour was like the Milky Way hanging upside down, and it suddenly poured down.
If Fahaiyan hadn't been quick and quick, waving his sleeves to create a large enough light curtain, many people would have been wet by the sudden heavy rain.
Not to mention that there was a sixty-year-old man like Chang Wei in the crowd. If not handled properly, it would not be as simple as a cold.
Fortunately, the inn was not far away at this time. On the deserted plain, a group of lighted houses could be vaguely distinguished in the continuous rain.
Perhaps there was a light curtain created by Fahai using magic power to block the rain. Cheng Fengyuan smiled and cursed:
"Cheng Wu, that good-for-nothing, asked him to inform the post office staff, but he didn't know how to come back and report. Not to mention my nephew, even the King of Heaven, I will give him a few whips!"
It was said to be a scolding, but one could hear the meaning of protection.
After all, if Cheng Fengyuan really made clear rewards and punishments and did not avoid family and distance, this kind of thing would definitely not happen.
As for speaking out, it was also to protect his nephew in front of Chang Wei.
"Hahaha, my lord, are you willing to bear it? Aren't you afraid that the old man will deal with you with a stick?"
"Although Xiao Wu is confused about trivial matters, he always completes the tasks assigned by the adults to the letter. This incident may have been an accident. I'm sure the horse will stop running."
…
Sure enough, after hearing Cheng Fengyuan's hint, a group of veterans who had been following him for many years suddenly started to cheer and soften.
"I don't think this kid dares to do it. I'll ask him later if he has been smitten by a fox demon or a female ghost somewhere."
Someone was praising him, but Cheng Feng looked happy and laughed, trying to fool him.
"Don't you think it's strange?"
As if sensing something, Fahai suddenly frowned and spoke.
"Elder noticed something strange?"
Cheng Fengyuan's heart tightened, and he felt an inexplicable palpitation coming from nowhere.
"It was so windy and rainy that the two lanterns hanging in front of the door were motionless. This is one of them."
"My lord's personal soldiers informed me that there were high-ranking officials of the second rank accompanying me in the procession, but no officials came out to greet them. This is the second reason..."
Others, whose sight and hearing were obscured by the heavy rain, may not have noticed it, but in Fa Hai's eyes and ears, the large courtyard looked like a ghost, dead and silent, without any life.
I'm afraid that I've already encountered something unknown.