Chapter 31: Awe-inspiring righteousness
A blue light flashed in Zhao Wumian's eyes. He realized something was wrong and retreated immediately.
His cultivation was not as good as Gu Changge's, and although he was much stronger, he could not stop his Qi attack when they faced each other. When he saw a sinister Qi gushing out of his Dantian, he immediately distanced himself and said with narrowed eyes, "Qin Yuan?"
——"Records of Strange Things in China" records: There is a bird, its shape is like a bee, as big as a mandarin duck, its name is Qinyuan, it can sting animals to death, and it can sting trees to wither.
"You want to harm me?"
Zhao Wumian's tone was calm, but there was a shocking murderous intent bursting out from him.
Once Qin Yuan's poison enters the body, it will either kill or cripple you!
Gu Changge would certainly not admit it, and said calmly: "'Reading Words and Expressions' is indeed powerful. Don't worry, anyone who kills Jinyiwei will be guilty of treason and his entire family will be executed. Even if you are guilty, I dare not kill you, I will just arrest you and take you to see the governor to punish you for breaking the law."
"well said."
Zhao Wumian nodded, "You are so righteous! In that case, I won't be polite. You talk to me about laws and I will talk to you about laws! You were born in the 17th year of Zhizheng in the Yuan Dynasty. You are only 23 years old this year, but you are a fifth-rank official. You are only half a rank away from the fourth-rank official of the Imperial College. With your ability and your shitty character, how did you get this position?"
Gu Changge's face changed.
Zhao Wumian sneered, "Are you wondering how I know your exact age? Because I have seen your name in Hu Weiyong's case file, but I didn't expect you to be a bootlicker... Last September 18th, Hu Weiyong's birthday, you presented him with a priceless jade Guanyin, and also gave him a calligraphy: Floods and droughts happened during the reigns of Yao and Tang, and the innate numbers can be deduced. When a sage monarch gets a wise minister, the world will be peaceful. Was it you?"
Gu Changge's forehead was covered with sweat: "Why are you..."
"I have a photographic memory!!"
Zhao Wumian stared at him with sharp eyes: "Hu Weiyong? A wise prime minister? What does this poem mean? The next day, on September 19th, you jumped from a seventh-rank doctor in the Simen Hall to a fifth-rank dean, entered Fengmanlou, became Zhang Wei's apprentice, and became the young master of the building. It can be said that you have risen to heaven in one step. Why?
You are a member of the Hu Party, and you want to talk to me about the laws of the Ming Dynasty? Talk about justice? ! "
"Do not!!"
Gu Changge was horrified and said in a trembling voice: "I am not a member of Hu's party! That's all... Hu Weiyong's birthday, and all the officials sent gifts!"
"I don't care about them!"
Zhao Wumian stared at him and said sinisterly, "I think you are a member of the Hu Party now! These days, the Pacification Office has not touched you. Do you think it's over? They are afraid of Lu Zhongheng and dare not arrest you, but I dare! There are witnesses and evidences. You think I am guilty, and I think you are guilty too. Didn't you say you want to see the Pacification Envoy? See him! You have to see him today, whether you want to or not!"
Zhao Wumian's voice and expression were stern.
In an instant, Gu Changge's face turned pale: "You! You are taking revenge for your personal gain..."
"Ah!"
Zhao Wumian's face was full of disdain, and he attacked again, with many clones rushing towards Gu Changge, with the sword energy of "Yangwu Sword" gathering at his fingertips.
Gu Changge completely lost his previous "righteousness". When he thought of the consequences of being labeled as a member of Hu's party, he became flustered and responded hastily. He was beaten back with one blow, and groaned, spitting out blood.
Zhao Wumian is taking advantage of his power and is ruthless. Doesn’t he want to poison me?
A finger hit the shoulder blade, and the sword energy penetrated the body, leaving a trail of blood.
"what!!!"
A shrill scream rang out, echoing through the streets.
Zhao Wumian attacked continuously, one finger after another, using sword energy to break his joints and limbs. Gu Changge screamed continuously, which alarmed Zhao Qi and Bai Liuli in the courtyard, but they all knew that Zhao Wumian was in danger every step of the way, and they could not pretend not to hear it because of mercy and put him in danger.
Zhao Wumian used all thirty-six moves of the Yangwu Sword in one go, making thirty-six bloody holes in non-vital places, then picked up one of his legs and dragged him like a dead dog towards the Zhenfu Division.
On the way, he did not forget to grab Ma San's arm and dragged him to the Zhenfu Division.
Damn, you're trying to play this on me?
I'll give you a hundred!
Zhao Wumian had a grim expression on his face as he strode forward, leaving a trail of blood behind him!
The Pacification Division caused a stir again.
When Zhao Wumian "dragged" the young master of Fengmanlou and his servants into the house, the captains on duty were all stunned. After looking carefully for a long time, they found that the bloody man was actually the nephew of Ji'an Hou Lu Zhongheng, Gu Changge!
It is said that when one person succeeds, the whole family will benefit. This is true for the Huaixi nobles.
The adopted sons and slaves of the nobles were all so arrogant that they even dared to beat the local officials. They were like this even for the servants, let alone their closest relatives.
With the signboard of Ji'an Marquis Mansion, it is enough to walk around the capital with your might!
It's no secret that Gu Changge is pursuing Shen Weiyang. Even though she is the daughter of Shen Wansan, the god of wealth of the Ming Dynasty, and is annoyed by his harassment, she dares not touch him at all. This shows how powerful he is!
But this Captain Zhao...
Is he really not afraid or is he just giving up... This is already the fourth one...
What is even more interesting is the reaction of the pacification envoy Jiang Huan. When he learned that Zhao Wumian had captured the person, he didn't even meet him and continued to busy himself with his own affairs. He just had the prisoner imprisoned in the imperial prison. He also didn't take the Marquis of Ji'an Mansion seriously. He didn't see any visitors from the Marquisate, but instead asked Zhao Wumian to go back and rest early so as not to miss the "important business".
What serious matter could be more serious than making enemies with Marquis Ji'an?
There are no impervious walls in the world.
Soon, all kinds of suspicions spread outward from the Pacification Office, and those who were waiting for Zhao Wumian to make a move heard some clues.
East Market, Haiqingfang, Chongze Tower.
Marpa, the master of the Vajra Sect, used secret techniques to change his face and disguised himself as a warrior from the Central Plains, waiting for the opportunity.
Beside him were four true disciples, one of whom was standing at the window on the top floor, his eyes flashing with a faint golden light, staring at the small courtyard three miles away, Zhao Wumian's home.
At this time, the waiter came in and whispered something in Marpa's ear. Even though Marpa had profound cultivation, he couldn't help showing joy. After the waiter left, he said to all the disciples: "Amitabha, the time has come!"
The eldest disciple Sangzhu's eyes lit up: "Master, are we finally going to take action?"
The second disciple Wang Dui said, "I am almost bored to death waiting here every day."
"that is!"
"I can't save my uncle, I'm not allowed to return to the sect, I'm not allowed to take action, and I can't practice. These days are really hard, just like what people in the Central Plains say, 'just getting by, just getting by...'"
“Every day feels like a year!”
"Correct!"
The disciples all complained.
Marpa shook his head and said, "Brother Jin Guang has been imprisoned. Even if the Living Buddha comes in person, it will be difficult to rescue him. We can only take the long view on this matter. Now the war in the southern border has started. I am afraid that Bazawalmi will not be able to resist the Ming army. Who knows when it will be our turn. Now only the 'Sacrifice Guard' can resist. We must put it first in everything!"
Sangzhu put his hands together and bowed: "Master is right. Without the Self-Sacrificing Guards, the Ming army will have difficulty protecting the country and the people. However, the training method of the Self-Sacrificing Guards has been taken away by Zangbei Sangbu of the Sakya Sect. We only know that it is related to the place where Emperor Wenzong trained his troops. Uncle Jin Guang has not been able to find out the whole story yet..."
"Now there is some clue."
Marpa said, "Just now, the benefactor Huashe sent me a letter saying that Captain Zhao has something 'important' to do tomorrow. After much thought, with his level of cultivation, he is the only one who can take the treasure secretly... It's a pity that Hu Weiyong and Hua Hanchun hid too deeply, and even Yipintang doesn't know the exact location. Otherwise, why would we go through so much trouble..."
Wang Dui asked: "Then what should we do?"
Marpa said: "Tomorrow, we will follow the snake donor out of the city, meet up with Yipintang, and follow the 'Tiangou'. They will take lives, and we will take the law! Success or failure depends on this one move. It concerns the safety of the country, so we must not slack off."
The disciples said solemnly: "We will obey the Master's orders!"
……
Pingliang Marquis Mansion.
Fei Ling was still reading in the orchid garden. There was a mermaid candle burning on the table. He was wearing a fox fur coat and there was a small stove in front of him. From time to time, he would take a sip from the wine pot on the stove, looking very comfortable.
"Second brother!" Fei Ming's voice suddenly came over, ruining the atmosphere.
Fei Ling put down the book speechlessly and helplessly, raised his head and said: "How many times have I told you to be steady, be steady..."
"You're not much more stable, otherwise why would you be grounded? Don't teach me a lesson like dad did!"
Fei Ming rushed into the pavilion and said, "I found out everything! The commotion at the Lu Mansion next door just now was because Zhao Wumian arrested Lu Xian's cousin, the one called Gu Changge, and he has been imprisoned. Madam Lu went to the Pacification Office to pick him up in person, but was stopped and brought back."
Fei Ling's face changed: "Is the news accurate?"
Fei Ming said: "It's absolutely true!"
Fei Ling did not look at him, but instead looked at the middle-aged butler who was following him, Luo Qingquan, Uncle Luo.
This man was Fei Ju's former captain of personal guards, loyal to the Fei family. He was from the Kongtong Sect in the northwest. Not only was he a martial arts master, having reached the peak of the third realm, but he was also meticulous and steady in his work, and never made any mistakes.
Luo Qingquan nodded slightly.
Fei Ming had a gloomy face.
Fei Ling frowned: "What crime?"
This time Fei Ming simply stopped talking and just drank alone.
Luo Qingquan said softly: "Zhao Wumian convicted Hu's party and the crime of forming a clique."
Fei Ling was stunned: "Jiang Huan just let him mess around? He hasn't even met anyone from the Lu residence?"
Luo Qingquan nodded: "Not only that, he also told Zhao Wumian to go back and have a good rest, and not to forget tomorrow's 'business'. I think it is very likely that action is going to be taken. There is news from the Imperial Prison that Mao Xiang has already obtained general information from Hua Hanchun a few days ago. Perhaps he has already accomplished his mission and obtained the treasure map."
"Something's wrong!"
Fei Ling frowned, "Jiang Huan had been very well behaved before. Ever since Prime Minister Hu got into trouble, the people he arrested were all minor officials, not nobles at all. The emperor himself said that, considering their past friendship, he would not pursue the matter even if he had a past with Hu Weiyong... Jiang Huan is so close to the emperor, his abnormality often represents the emperor's intentions. Now he allows Zhao Wumian to attack Gu Changge, there must be something wrong..."
"It's just a nephew!"
Fei Ming couldn't help it: "It's not Lu Xian who was arrested, do you need to think so much, second brother? Maybe Uncle Lu has done something wrong again? Jiang Huan doesn't want to offend him. Anyway, it's not the first time he has been punished. Doesn't the emperor still trust him? He even plans to marry Princess Runing to Lu Xian, making the relationship even closer!"
"Third Young Master has a point."
Luo Qingquan said, "He's just a nephew. Zhao Wumian is very popular now, and Gu Changge is arrogant. It's normal for Jiang Huan to be partial to him. I heard from the people in the Pacification Office that it seems to be because the daughter of the Shen family is jealous. Jiang Huan did not convict him, but just put him in the imperial prison. No further action has been taken."
"Zhao Wumian? Jealous?"
Fei Ling looked strange: "That sounds very strange. Judging from our past encounters, is Zhao Wumian this kind of person?"
"Whether he is..."
Fei Ming said coldly: "You will all die tomorrow!"
Fei Ling was silent for a moment: "What do you think, Mr. Lu? Do you want to send someone to take action?"
Fei Ming said: "You said it can't be disclosed, so I didn't ask further. But Lu Xian is a coward. He has no ideas at all. He has to wait for Uncle Lu's instructions for everything. He is like a puppet."
Fei Ling nodded, feeling slightly relieved: "I thought you were just a big mouth and told it out."
Fei Ming patted his chest and said, "Just leave it to me with confidence. Uncle Luo will follow us and ensure everything goes well."
Fei Ling said solemnly, "Thank you, Uncle Luo."
Luo Qingquan clasped his fists and said, "I will do my best to remove this thorn in the eye for the Marquisate!"
……
outside the city.
Shangyuan County, Mufu Mountain, Guanyin Temple.
The people from Yipintang have been hiding in this temple for more than half a month. Now, Hu's party members are being hunted everywhere, especially the martial artists from Yipintang. Most of them have been drawn with their shadows and put on the wanted list of the Ministry of Justice and the Pacification Bureau. Only in this kind of secluded place can they live in peace, but soon they won't have to hide anymore.
It is my duty to avenge the Prime Minister, but it is too difficult to kill Zhu Yuanzhang, Mao Xiang and Jiang Huan. The only one who can be killed is the Jinyiwei who chopped off the Prime Minister's head. As long as I kill him, I will have given an explanation to the Prime Minister.
At this time, in a guest house in the backyard, four of the twelve villains were present, including the fat man and the thin man who had been hiding in the Qinhuai River courtyard a few days ago.
They have been waiting for this day for a long time, and now the opportunity has finally come.
There are two fourth realms under the Yipintang.
The hall master is Hua Hanchun, also known as “Bright Camel of the Northern Frontier”, and the deputy hall master is Wu Zefeng, also known as “Crazy Lion”.
Most of the people under the hall master are masters of the third realm. The twelve strongest among them are called the "Twelve Evils". They have been trained as death warriors for many years. They are all masters who practice evil skills and follow evil ways. They are all known as spiritual talents. Some time ago, half of them were killed by the four ministers of the Zhenfu Division, and now only six are left alive.
That woman was the transformed snake.
——It has a human face and a jackal body, bird wings and snake-like movements, and can suck the essence and blood from a person, leaving only fresh human skin.
The thin man is a hook snake.
——It is seven or eight feet long, with a forked tail at the end, and is extremely poisonous. It hides in mountain streams and uses its tail to hook people and cattle on the shore to eat.
The fat man is a Tengu.
——On top of the Yin Mountain there is a red dog, whose sound is “liuli”, and it can ward off evil.
It was also "Tiangou" who accidentally discovered the [Unstained Dust] on Zhao Wumian's body, and guessed that it was the Fei family's doing. He secretly thought it was a godsend opportunity, so he joined forces with some remaining masters of Yipintang and the lamas of Vajra Sect to make a plan to ambush and kill them and seize the treasure.
"The news of the snake transformation has arrived."
Fatty Tengu unfolded the letter to show everyone: "Tomorrow, Zhao Wumian is likely to take action. In order to avenge the Prime Minister and for the secret book treasure, everyone should be prepared."
Now the transformed snake is still watching the city in human skin. Besides the fat man and the thin man, there are two other people in the guest house.
A short and strong one with dark skin is called "Lili".
——There is a beast on Gui Mountain. It looks like a pig and makes a sound like a dog barking. It is called Lili and can burrow underground.
The other one is wearing a red robe, with shifty eyes, and is called the "Fire Rat".
——Outside the southern wilderness there is a volcano, in which grows everlasting trees, and fire rats live.
The skinny hook snake quickly scanned the Feixin: "Mao Xiang has been interrogating for so long, it's almost done. The "Actor's Treasure Mirror" is very troublesome, but as long as we can find him, with his strength, there's no need to fight him. I can kill him with just one finger!"
Fire Rat shook his head and said, "Don't be too careless. This kid can make those Huaixi generals unlucky. There is a reason for that... Isn't the deputy hall master coming? Even if he doesn't avenge the prime minister, isn't he tempted by the treasures of Tianji Palace?"
Tiangou shook his head: "He is not an enemy of the imperial court. This was one of the conditions when he joined Yipintang. There is no need to force it. Now everything is ready. Whether it is tomorrow or in the future, as long as he dares to come out, that will be the time when his head falls to the ground. The remaining treasures will be obtained according to the original plan, and it depends on their own ability!"
Everyone nodded: "Okay."
……
(End of this chapter)
