Xie An arrived at the gate of the Li residence in the rain.
He saw that the stone lions that had originally stood before the Li residence were gone, the red paint on the lintel had peeled off, and even the lanterns were not hung.
The whole place showed signs of decay.
For some reason, Xie An's mind flashed back to that day seven years ago.
On a snowy day, Xie An redeemed himself and walked out of this gate with his head held high.
Madam Li saw him off at the gate, stuffed five taels of silver into Xie An's hand, and said, "Old Xie, take care."
At that time, the Li residence was still prosperous and grand, but he did not expect it to have declined to such a state now.
Xie An collected his thoughts and stepped forward to knock on the door.
There was no answer.
Huh?
That's not right, didn't He Chunli and Han Li come to Wuchiao Town long ago?
Xie An tied his horse to a tree not far away, and then activated the Mingyu Skill, directly scaling the wall and entering.
Entering the Li residence, the decay inside was even worse.
Many of the courtyards had been abandoned, and a large number of maids and servants had been dismissed.
He hadn't seen a single person along the way.
It wasn't until he reached the central courtyard that he vaguely saw a light.
Xie An sneaked near the bedroom to investigate.
He saw Han Li and He Chunli standing at the door, and the faint sound of Chunlan sobbing came from the room.
Xie An adjusted his angle and then saw Madam Li lying on the bed in the bedroom.
Compared to the dignified and benevolent woman she had been, she was now a senile old woman, her face covered with yellow spots and her eye sockets sunken.
Perhaps because she had been bedridden for a long time, her body was already skin and bones, with only a layer of skin left.
Chunlan sat at the head of the bed, holding Madam Li's hand tightly, sobbing softly.
Madam Li, whose body was already weak, occasionally coughed slightly, her body trembling, as if she were a dying lamp that could go out at any moment.
Xie An couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion when he saw this.
All sorts of past events floated to his mind.
Xie An had once been a master appraiser in the Li residence.
Although Li Ru was mean, this Madam Li had been extremely kind to Xie An.
During his stroke, she took the initiative to ask for leave for Xie An, and later, when she couldn't resist Li Ru's demand for a high redemption fee, she took the initiative to give Xie An one hundred and eighty taels so that Xie An could redeem himself and have a decent old age.
Later, after Xie An redeemed himself, Madam Li did not forget to brave the wind and snow to see Xie An out, saying that if Xie An could not make a living outside, he should let her know.
Even after Xie An became a incense master and hall master, Madam Li did not come to curry favor with him.
In his heart, Xie An was grateful and admired Madam Li.
He hoped that Madam Li would have a peaceful and happy old age and be able to die in her sleep.
He didn't expect her to be so ill.
After a while, Chunlan came out of the door, walked along the corridor, and left the courtyard to go to the small kitchen in the backyard to decoct medicine.
Taking advantage of the gap in decocting the medicine, He Chunli secretly slipped over to help.
He Chunli was distressed to see Chunlan in distress, and wanted to say something to comfort her, but He Chunli was clumsy and couldn't speak.
He just stood there like a wooden mallet.
Chunlan said, "Go and guard the central courtyard, I'll just boil the medicine here."
He Chunli clearly wanted to say in his heart, "It doesn't matter, Han Li is there, I'll stay here to accompany you.", but the words that came to his mouth became: "Okay."
He Chunli was shocked by himself, and then went to the central courtyard with a sullen face.
Chunlan stared blankly at He Chunli's receding figure, stamping her feet in anger: This blockhead, you really left me alone... ...
Chunlan didn't call out to He Chunli, but squatted next to the stove by herself, putting the medicinal herbs into the earthenware pot one by one according to the doctor's instructions, muttering: "After taking the medicine, Madam will get better."
After putting in the medicinal herbs and adding charcoal, Chunlai knelt under the eaves while waiting, clasped her hands together, and prayed to the rainy night sky, "Madam has accumulated virtue and done good deeds all her life, good people will be rewarded.
Heaven, please!
After saying that, Chunlan supported the ground with both hands and kowtowed deeply.
When Chunlan raised her head with tears in her eyes, she happened to see someone jumping down from the eaves.
This startled Chunlan, and she quickly took a few steps back, reached out to grab a piece of firewood, and looked at the stranger in front of her warily, ready to shout.
"Don't shout, it's me, Xie An."
Xie An hurriedly introduced himself.
Chunlan looked incredulous, "Master Xie, Master Xie?
This guy in front of her was too young, looking less than thirty years old.
No wonder Chunlan didn't dare to believe it.
Xie An said: "When I had a stroke, you came to see me and gave me two taels of silver to buy medicine or prepare for my funeral.
You also reminded me that Zhang Bing was not honest.
Do you remember?
Chunlan stared at Xie An for a long time, and finally found some similarities.
Coupled with the secrets Xie An told, Chunlan was overjoyed, threw away the wooden stick, "It's really Master Xie.
Brother He told me that Master Xie is now amazing, and has become a fifth-rank official in Qingwu County..."
As she spoke, Chunlan suddenly gave a blessing, "Chunlan, greetings, sir."
Xie An hurriedly helped her up, "We're all family, no need to be so polite.
By the way, why is Madam Li so seriously ill?
Although Xie An didn't enter the room just now, he sensed that Madam Li's life aura was very weak with his extraordinary senses, and it was really time for her to run out of fuel.
Chunlan's eyes turned red, "Isn't it because of the young master..."
It turned out that Li Shaoyun failed the first time he went to Nanzhou to take the imperial examination, and went again after several years of hard work.
As a result, he encountered bandits on the road and was kidnapped by them.
They also demanded a ransom.
Li Ru then took the ransom to get people back, and then... ...there was no news.
After Madam Li found out, she was so sad that she fell ill directly.
Since then, the Li residence has become more and more desolate.
In order to support the money for medical treatment, Madam Li sold the Li residence's pawnshop and other industries.
She dismissed the maids and servants.
She also returned everyone's indenture to everyone for free, so that everyone could make a living on their own.
Chunlan also got her indenture.
But Chunlan took into account Madam Li's old kindness and chose to stay and serve her.
After hearing this, Xie An sighed.
He didn't expect that the Li family had encountered such a big change in the past four years.
He Chunli and Han Li probably knew from Chunlan that Li Ru and Li Shaoyun had made things difficult for Xie An to redeem himself, so they didn't tell Xie An, for fear of arousing Xie An's sad past.
After finishing these past events, Chunlan said with tears in her eyes, "The doctor said that Madam doesn't have a few days to live.
Master Xie, what do you say... ...Madam is such a good person, how can God bear to treat Madam like this.
Xie An was speechless.
After a while, Xie An took out a Qi and Blood Pill that he had received from the Demon Suppression Division and handed it to Chunlan, "This is a Qi and Blood Pill that I brought from the Demon Suppression Division.
You put it in the earthenware pot and dissolve it, and give it to Madam Li to eat.
Maybe it can prolong her life for a while."
Chunlan took the pill, smelled it a few times, and immediately felt refreshed and invigorated, and felt very magical, "Can this medicine really prolong life?
Xie An couldn't bear to deceive Chunlan, "This is to nourish qi and blood, mainly for recuperation.
It is extremely beneficial to the body, but it has no life-prolonging effect.
However, the Demon Suppression Division has another kind of magical medicine called White Ginseng Fruit, which can really prolong life.
After a while, if I get this White Ginseng Fruit, I will bring it to Madam to eat.
It's no problem to guarantee that Madam will live for several more years."
Thump.
Chunlan knelt on the ground with a plop, her tears bursting, "Thank you, Master Xie.
Thank you for still remembering Madam's kindness."
Xie An knew that Chunlan was sold to the Li residence when she was very young, and has been by Madam Li's side ever since.
The relationship between the two people was like that of mother and daughter.
After helping Chunlan up, Xie An comforted her: "Do your best and leave the rest to fate.
I don't know how long it will take for the White Ginseng Fruit to come down.
I hope Madam Li can hold on until that time.
You are a smart person, you should know to encourage Madam more so that Madam has something to look forward to."
Chunlan nodded heavily, and asked with tears in her eyes, "Can I tell Madam that Master Xie is a fifth-rank commander and has sent someone to Nanzhou to inquire about the whereabouts of the young master and the master?
Looking at Chunlan's tearful inquiries and expectant eyes, Xie An felt very uncomfortable.
But Xie An didn't show it, and smiled softly: "Of course.
You go back and let Madam write down all the details and time of what Li Shaoyun and the others encountered.
I'll ask someone to ask about it."
"In this way, Madam Li will definitely take her medicine well and take good care of her body.
Thank you, Master Xie!
" Chunlan bowed and thanked, and then she became much more excited.
She hurriedly took the pill and put it into the earthenware pot, stirring it constantly with a spoon to speed up the melting of the pill.
At this moment, Chunlan was so excited, her face was full of expectant smiles, muttering, "Madam has something to look forward to, she will definitely get better.
Maybe she will go back to the way she was before..."
After muttering for a while, Chunlan remembered, and said while turning her head: "Master Xie, you came so late, have you eaten?
I'll make you a few side dishes..."
Where was Xie An's figure?
Only the heavy rain was left.
Chunlan thought that Xie An must be busy and left without saying goodbye.
She muttered to the rainy night: "Master Xie, thank you!
"After a long time, Chunlan boiled the medicine and sent it to the bedroom in the central courtyard, personally feeding it to Madam Li.
Madam Li took the medicine in a daze and fell into a deep sleep.
The night was peaceful.
In the past, Madam Li would wake up in the middle of the night after taking the medicine and cough violently.
Chunlan, who was on duty, felt heartbroken when she saw it.
Tonight was the first time she saw Madam Li sleeping peacefully.
She thought that the medicine Xie An gave was really effective.
Soon, Chunlan fell asleep on the bedside.
As for He Chunli and Han Li, they have been living in the Li residence these days because they are worried that Madam Li may die at any time.
They were also former appraisers of the Li residence, so they naturally knew that Madam Li was good to them.
So they refused to leave.
Early the next morning, Chunlan opened her eyes and was shocked to see Madam Li sitting next to the dressing table, combing her hair.
For more than a year, Madam Li had not left her bed.
Chunlan was overjoyed, "Madam, do you feel much better?"
Madam Li straightened her white hair, "I felt much better when I woke up this morning. By the way, Chunlan, what medicine did you give me last night? It felt quite effective."
Chunlan's eyes turned red instantly, and she recounted the events of last night in detail.
Madam Li was so shocked that she dropped her comb, and then her eyes turned red.
Xie An became a Fifth-Rank Chief, and even gave her a Qi and Blood Pill, and was willing to help inquire about Li Ru and Shaoyun's whereabouts…
After being stunned for a long time, Madam Li bent down to pick up the comb, "Old Xie, you've finally made it, you're so loyal and kind. Chunlan, quick, bring paper and pen."
Just then, a sound of锣and drums came from outside the door, and then a villager ran in to announce.
"Our Wu Shrine has produced an upright official! The Xie family is in charge, Master Xie has become a Fifth-Rank Chief, and he destroyed the Giant Whale Gang that acted as a tiger's accomplice last night. He will lead everyone to hold a ceremony to worship our ancestors at the end of the year."
…
Early in the morning, the sound of锣and drums spread throughout Wubridge Town and Water Lantern Town.
Water Lantern Town, the Zheng family.
Since seeing Xie An last time, Zheng Bingxiang and his granddaughter-in-law had kept their doors tightly closed, not daring to go out for a moment, for fear of being retaliated against by the Giant Whale Gang.
After all, his granddaughter-in-law had helped Xie An in the beginning.
The two of them lived in fear and could not sleep at night.
This early morning, the granddaughter-in-law made breakfast and sat with Zheng Bingxiang to eat. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. Hearing that it was a familiar villager, the two hurriedly went to open the door.
They only heard the villager excitedly say, "Old Zheng, great news! The Demon Suppression Division destroyed the Giant Whale Gang last night, killing six hundred bandits. Now the surrounding area is peaceful. It is said that Master Xie of the Xie family in Wubridge Town has become a Fifth-Rank Chief, and he has suppressed the bandits for the villagers, and he will also lead everyone to hold a ceremony to worship our ancestors at the Wu Shrine."
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Zheng Bingxiang burst into tears, "Heaven blesses us, Chief Xie's merits are immeasurable."
The granddaughter-in-law was also in tears, the hatred, grievances, and justice of her being humiliated… had all been avenged.
…
It is said that Zhao Qing'er led the Demon Suppression Division to set up camp in Bloodridge Market and carried out three days of aftercare work. Originally, she was worried that Bloodridge Market would be in chaos, but she found that Lin Yun and Liang Zhi were very capable, and they actually supported the operation of Bloodridge Market.
Therefore, Zhao Qing'er directly suggested to the county government to let Lin Yun serve as the new Yuanwailang.
Although Zhao Qing'er's official position was not high, she had the status of a princess. The county magistrate of the county government was originally Wen Zaiqing's old subordinate, so how dare he not follow? He immediately issued a document formally appointing Lin Yun as the Eighth-Rank Yuanwailang, and Liang Zhi as the Ninth-Rank Accountant.
So far, Bloodridge Market has completely embarked on the right track.
On this day, the sky was clear and the clouds were wide and high.
At noon.
Flying Cloud Inn, Water Lantern Town.
After three days of seclusion, Xie An walked out of the room, stretched, looked at the blue sky, and his mood improved a lot.
Three days ago, Xie An left the Li Mansion and settled here. He also told Zhao Qing'er that if anything happened, she could come here to find him.
The aftercare work of destroying the Giant Whale Gang was very complicated, and it would not be completely completed until the end. During this period, Xie An, as the leader of the operation, naturally could not leave this place far away.
Coming to the first floor, Xie An ordered two catties of beef, a spicy sheep's head, a plate of peanuts, and a bowl of stir-fried lettuce. He ate lunch.
Although beef was fragrant, cattle in the Great Qian Dynasty belonged to production tools and could not be slaughtered easily. It was difficult to eat beef in the countryside, so mutton and pork were the main foods.
After eating a spicy sheep's head, Xie An felt that his stomach was greatly satisfied. Just as he was about to leave, a Demon Suppression Guard in a dark blue uniform hurried in.
"Chief, Deputy Zhao sent his subordinate to report that the finishing work has been completed, and asks the Chief to verify it."
Xie An came all the way to Silang Mansion in Bloodridge Market. As soon as he arrived at the gate, he saw dozens of large boxes neatly placed on the ground, containing a large number of silver ingots, as well as jewelry, jade, and other antiques and calligraphy and paintings, as well as some valuable bottles and jars.
"Chief Xie, these were all obtained from confiscating their homes." Wei Haoran greeted him at this time and explained, "Adding up all the items, there are a full 50,000 taels. They are really a group of heinous bandits. I don't know how much wealth they have plundered from the people."
Fifty thousand taels!
Xie An was shocked.
No wonder the surrounding people were suffering unspeakably.
However, although their homes were confiscated, these silver coins would not return to the hands of the common people, but would belong to the silver vault of the Demon Suppression Division.
This has been the case in all dynasties. Corrupt officials plunder the people, and then the emperor kills a batch of corrupt officials. The people applaud, but the money… never comes back.
It is always the people at the bottom who suffer.
Xie An shook his head and entered Silang Mansion.
In the middle courtyard, Zhao Qing'er and Chen Tie were checking the account books. Seeing Xie An coming over, they had to report.
After discussing, Chen Tiedao said: "The Giant Whale Gang has been wiped out, and Bloodridge Market is operating normally. This time, thanks to Chief Xie's planning and strategy, this matter was successfully completed. I reported the matter of the small merit on the evening of three days ago. Chief Xie can go to the archives of the Demon Suppression Division to choose a reward for the small merit. If the Chief has no other instructions, shall we call it a day?"
Xie An nodded, "Then let's call it a day."
Hundreds of Demon Suppression Guards, pulling carriages and cargo boxes, left Bloodridge Market in a mighty manner. When they left, countless people came out to line up and send them off, chanting the merits of the Demon Suppression Division.
Many women and girls who had been humiliated by Li Hu came up to thank them with eggs and vegetables.
They once blocked the way, making the Demon Suppression Guards very embarrassed.
Eggs and vegetables are really not precious things, and the Demon Suppression Division does not lack these. Moreover, the carriage cannot hold them.
In the end, Xie An said: "Then accept them. Only accept ordinary things like eggs, vegetables, and bacon. Don't accept valuable things."
Zhao Qing'er was very happy, "Chief has spoken, accept them all. Villagers, don't squeeze, accept them all. If you encounter anything in the future, go directly to the Demon Suppression Division in the county town to report to the authorities. Whoever dares to stop you, report my name, Zhao Qing'er. I want to see who dares to cover the sky with one hand."
As soon as these words came out, it immediately aroused a burst of booing from the villagers.
When he arrived at the Demon Suppression Division, Xie An went directly to the archives and found Ye Zhubu, who was in charge of this place.
Ye Zhubu was over half a century old, his hair was half white, but he was a martial artist, quick in his hands and feet, and humble. When he saw Xie An, he greeted him warmly, "Chief, you destroyed the Giant Whale Gang as soon as you took office. You are a model for our generation to benefit the people. This is the reward for the small merit. You can only choose one."
Xie An took the booklet handed over by Ye Zhubu and opened it to take a look.
There are four treasures that can be exchanged.
Wave-Cutting Sword Technique: After Dacheng, it can cut waves 20 meters high, suitable for underwater combat, and can remove underwater resistance. It is especially suitable for killing water demons.
Breathing Guidance Technique: Advanced breathing method, which can guide breathing, cultivate oneself, nourish qi, and strengthen the roots and bones.
Long Yuan Needle Technique: Hidden needles in sleeves, killing people invisibly.
Huh?
This needle technique aroused Xie An's attention.
Very early on, Xie An had thought about the path of refining weapons: heavy bow, broadsword.
At long distances, use a heavy bow to eliminate the opponent.
At close range, use a broadsword to exert your strength advantage.
This can ensure your safety.
But assassination, sneak attacks, and close combat are not possible with a broadsword. You need to practice a small weapon to attack unexpectedly. Xie An had thought about a dagger, but had never practiced it.
Now this needle technique… is obviously much better than a dagger.
Others can still see a dagger, but a needle… who can see it?
After getting close, give the enemy a needle.
The enemy doesn't understand what's going on, and then they're gone.
The needle also has an advantage, that is, the tip of the needle is thin enough. When all the power is concentrated on one point, the penetration power is simply unimaginable.
Breaking the surface with a point can even break through a diamond body.
Even if facing a martial arts master, giving him a needle… would be difficult to bear.
Good!
It's you.
Suddenly, Xie An saw the fourth thing.
White Ginseng Fruit: As long as it is not close to the limit of life, it can extend life by three to five years.
The appearance of Madam Li that he saw last night appeared in his mind.
A battle between heaven and man…
Finally, Xie An said:
"Ye Zhubu, I choose the White Ginseng Fruit."
Ye Zhubu was shocked: "Chief, small merits are not easy to obtain. And you are still young… This White Ginseng Fruit is not very useful to you. It is better to have the Wave-Cutting Sword Technique more violently. The Long Yuan Needle Technique is also good for sneaking attacks."
Xie An shook his head, "I have an old friend who is seriously ill."
Ye Zhubu was in awe, "Chief is loyal and righteous. However, White Ginseng Fruit is not easy to preserve, and there is none in the treasury. I need to report to the Nanyang Prefecture Division. It will take six days to go back and forth."
Six days later.
Dusk, heavy rain.
Xie An took the White Ginseng Fruit and rode his horse to Li Mansion in Wubridge Town.
He found the door open.
Xie An didn't think much about it, picked up the box containing the White Ginseng Fruit and rushed in, all the way to the middle courtyard. He only saw Chunlan squatting under the eaves, holding her chest with her hands, burying her head in her knees.
Xie An walked over, picked up the box, "Chunlan, I brought the White Ginseng Fruit. It can extend Madam's life by three to five years. Go and inform Madam, just say… Old Xie is here to see her."
Chunlan slowly raised her head, and burst into tears, "Master Xie, Madam… just passed away."
