Zhengyang 476, July of the eleventh year of Xuyang
It took Liu Xin a whole month to get from the Tianyunfeng Holy Sect to the Northern Zhili Imperial Capital.
Because he is not impatient at all, and even enjoys this kind of leisurely stroll, aimless parade.
Starting from Tianyun Peak, we should have gone north to Chang'an Prefecture, and then taken a boat upstream to Gyeonggi. It only took more than ten days to arrive, but Liu Xin chose to go to Wuchang Prefecture first, then to Fengyang, the central capital, and then went north via Kaifeng, Daming, Jinan and other places. It was a month later when we arrived in the imperial capital.
Liu Xin spent this month thinking carefully about the purpose of Shengzong's arrangement, but still found nothing. He couldn't help but feel depressed, so he took this opportunity to travel a bit. He hadn't gone down the mountain for eleven years. He walked more roads and saw more scenery, so his mood naturally improved a lot.
I checked the road guide at the gate of the imperial capital. In fact, this thing has long existed in name only. After the founding of Zhengyang, the road guide system was implemented. However, after the Northern Barbarians moved southward and the Restoration War, although the Luyin system still exists within the legal system, it is no longer used in practice. Coupled with the prevalence of martial arts and the rise of martial arts, it is impossible for a mere Lu Yin to check and balance those martial arts masters.
Although the road guide system exists in name only, it is still needed in the imperial capital, and it is monitored very strictly. After all, this is the capital of Gyeonggi, and the imperial city is now!
Therefore, the soldiers at the gate of the city methodically check the road guides of every pedestrian, although he does not care whether your road guides are true or false. There is even a market thirty miles outside the city, which is a black market selling road guides. .
Liu Xin only regarded himself as a spectator along the way, looking at the world today and going deep into the people. He felt very uncomfortable, but this made his contacts in the imperial capital miserable.
He had been waiting in the imperial capital for more than half a month. When the expected time came, Liu Xin was still not there, which made him anxious.
Although the covert investigation team has made arrangements here, after all, the longer it is delayed, the easier it is to change. Moreover, in this land of Gyeonggi, even the covert investigation team has to be careful.
Liu Xin's contact person was a middle-aged man wearing a round-neck gray shirt. This man must have seen Liu Xin's portrait, so as soon as Liu Xin entered the city, this man jumped out of a tea shop at the city gate. Go straight to Liu Xin.
Liu Xin was startled, but this middle-aged man was extremely strong and he immediately knelt down in front of Liu Xin and shouted sadly:
"Master! You are finally here! If you had come later, you would not have seen me!"
This loud cry directly attracted the attention of the people around him. The waiter in the tea shop opened his mouth wide enough to stuff an egg in!
This middle-aged man has been sitting here for half a month. He comes in the morning before dawn and leaves in the evening when the city gate is locked. He drinks alone. He has always looked calm and calm, but he did not expect that today It was a 360-degree change.
Liu Xin frowned and looked at the middle-aged man grabbing his trousers, feeling countless curses in his heart that he couldn't say out loud.
However, they saw that the middle-aged man's voice not only did not decrease, but continued to increase the volume, and from time to time wiped the snot and tears on his face with his sleeves, and then rubbed them on Liu Xin's robe.
"Young master, you are here. I have been waiting for you for half a month. I am afraid that something unexpected will happen to you on the way. If you can't come and the master leaves again, the old servant... the old servant will not be able to survive. La!"
"..."
Liu Xin was speechless, but the passers-by around him stopped and pointed at Liu Xin and the middle-aged man, clearly saying that the middle-aged man was a loyal servant.
When Liu Xin looked at the middle-aged man who was crying and twitching, he felt like he was stuck with a piece of dog skin plaster that couldn't be peeled off. Others may not know, but Liu Xin knows that the guy under his feet is at least a middle-grade Dacheng realm, and he can be called a master in the world of martial arts.
"Ahem, okay, okay, stop crying and take me to see my uncle quickly!" Liu Xin braced himself and held the middle-aged man's sleeves stained with tears, snot, and unknown liquid.
"Ah! The old servant has finally arrived, the young master. I am worthy of the master. I am worthy of the master!"
"..."
Liu Xin confirmed that this guy was taking revenge on him for coming half a month late!
When more and more people were watching, the middle-aged man felt that he had almost got his revenge, so he finally stood up slowly with Liu Xin's strong support, and then while wiping his tears, he quickly led Liu Xin up the stairs. A carriage passed by, leaving behind many passers-by who were sighing. Some wealthy families who also had servants at home could not help but compare their stupid servants with this middle-aged man.
In comparison, these rich families feel that they are still too good to their servants, and they should beat them twice more when they go back, so that they can know their loyalty.
After getting on the carriage, the middle-aged man got into the carriage, and naturally there was someone driving outside.
Liu Xin looked at the middle-aged man with a dark expression on his face, waiting for him to speak.
The middle-aged man took some time to tidy up his clothes, took out his embroidered handkerchief and wiped his face clean, then grinned at Liu Xin and said:
"Junior Brother Liu, I haven't seen you for more than ten years. You have indeed grown up to be a great young man. When I made a bet with Senior Brother Du, I said that Junior Brother Liu will definitely become the most beautiful girl in our Holy Sect in the future!"
When Liu Xin heard the word beauty, there were more and more black lines on his face.
Seeing Liu Xin's expression, the middle-aged man laughed, and then suddenly his smile dropped, and his expression became extremely serious in an instant.
When Liu Xin saw this, he immediately sat upright. He knew that Senior Brother Cheng was about to get down to business.
Senior Brother Cheng, whose real name is Cheng Zhijie, is an inner disciple of the previous generation. He is of the same generation as the first three sect masters, including Zhao Shixiong, Du Yuanjin, and He Zuoyuan. At that time, the inner disciples were all personally taught by the leader of the Holy Sect, and their abilities and status were much higher than those of the later inner disciples.
Liu Xin belongs to the contemporary inner sect disciples, the second batch of "di" generation.
The last time Liu Xin saw Senior Brother Cheng was more than ten years ago. At that time, he had just entered the Holy Sect, so he didn't know much about this Senior Brother.
In fact, given the structure of the Holy Sect, Liu Xin didn't know much about the inner disciples before Tian Zi generation and Di Zi generation, and even the top three senior brothers.
"Junior brother Liu, we are heading to the Liu Mansion now. Liu Baihu is an officer of the Jinyi Guards. His responsibilities include inner city guarding, arrests, detectives and other matters. He is responsible for the inner east city. That area cannot be inhabited unless a rich and powerful family can live there. Therefore, this is a fat mistake. Our Liu Baihu has been seriously ill for more than a month. If you hadn't come so late, he would have given up and gone to the west to be in bliss!"
Having said this, Senior Brother Cheng glanced at Liu Xin with a hint of resentment. Liu Xin's expression did not change and he raised his hand to signal Senior Brother Cheng to continue speaking.
Senior Brother Cheng snorted coldly, but had no choice but to continue: "You have to know that with such a fat vacancy, plus Liu Baihu has no heirs, and your nephew is hundreds of miles away, such a long time is enough for someone to swallow him up. . But Liu Baihu insisted on being on duty even though he was sick, making it impossible to enforce the rule of dismissal from office within ten days. Many people hated him so much that they gritted their teeth. Now that you are here, the object of hatred will be It will be transferred to your head! This will be very detrimental to future actions!"
Liu Xin smiled and said with a chuckle: "This Liu Baihu, oh, no. My uncle really worked hard for the Liu family..."
Senior Brother Cheng rolled his eyes at Liu Xin, not knowing who caused the current situation. He paused and continued:
"My identity is Liu Baihu's adjutant and clerk, as well as the chief steward. You will call me Uncle Cheng from now on. Considering our age, I can be regarded as your uncle. Today you are here, and tomorrow Liu Baihu will If you are going to die of illness, you will have to attend to the funeral in the next few days, and also go to Jinyiwei to deal with the inheritance of the pro-army. There are many things to do, and you will be very busy. By the way, Liu Baihu also has a wife and six concubines. If you want to How do you want to arrange them!"
"What!" Liu Xin was stunned and couldn't help asking: "How come Liu Baihu has so many wives and concubines!"
Senior Brother Cheng stared at Liu Xin as if he were an idiot, and said quietly: "Do you think it's normal for hundreds of pro-army households to have no wives or concubines, or a smaller number?"
This rhetorical question made Liu Xin unable to answer for a while. He just said with a suspicious tone: "Isn't it normal?"
"Of course it's not normal! The pro-army is the emperor's personal guard, the leader of the army and horses in the world. The Jinyiwei is also the head of the twenty-six guards of the progenitor. Even an ordinary Jinyi school captain has a much easier life than an ordinary wealthy family. Not only do you have a wealth of wealth, but you also have a lot of wives and concubines. If not, it means there is something wrong with you. If you are not suffering from a hidden disease, then you are planning something evil."
"This... being a member of the Imperial Guard requires so many sacrifices!" Liu Xin suddenly felt horrified, feeling that he was unable to take on such a big responsibility.
Senior Brother Cheng sighed, his tone suddenly softened, and he said consolingly: "You don't have to worry, after all, you are still young, and you have just inherited your uncle's great business. You have to work hard for two years, at least for these two years." It’s normal for you not to marry and take concubines during the year, but I’m afraid you won’t be able to escape from the brothel!”
Liu Xinyan's heart, which had been slightly relieved, was immediately lifted up again. Brothel, if Liu Li knew about it, the brothel in the imperial capital would probably become extinct...
"That's right!" As if he suddenly remembered something, Senior Brother Cheng looked at Liu Xin with a teasing look on his face, which made the latter feel horrified. Senior Brother Cheng still said those words with a solemn expression, but now he suddenly changed into a The treacherous expression made Liu Xinli feel bad.
Sure enough, what Senior Brother Cheng said next made Liu Xin regret coming to the Imperial Capital. He should have wandered around the world and become a prodigal son, just like Fourth Senior Brother Sun Long. The fourth direct descendant of the sect leader is still traveling abroad and rarely returns to the sect.
"How you deal with one of your aunts and six aunts depends entirely on your wishes. Although your Liu family's house can accommodate these people, it will also cost you a lot of money. I can also see that you are somewhat of a gentleman. , but if you just rely on the salary of Jin Yiwei, you are far from being able to support these people. If you can't support them, maybe you can refer to the methods of some seniors. "
"What senior?" Liu Xin wondered in his heart. Could it be that one of the Shengzong brothers had the same task? If that was the case, then he would have to learn from the experience of his seniors.
"Of course they are the same as you, the predecessors who inherited my uncle's business. Some people turned their backs and disowned them afterwards, and kicked all their aunts and aunts out of the house. Some of them just accepted them all and became their favorites. Of course, there are some who are cruel. Yes, secretly kill these people..." Senior Brother Cheng made a gesture of slitting his throat, and then said: "The advantage of doing this is that it will not affect your reputation. You should consider the experience of your predecessors. , this is a decision you need to make yourself!”
"..." Liu Xin fell silent. It's better not to have such senior experience!
While Liu Xin was silent, the carriage had already entered the inner city and headed to the south of the city. The area here was almost full of pro-military mansions. Of course, there were also some mid-level officials who had purchased residences here. But after all, there are so many people close to the house in this location, and the dignified court officials disdain to hang out among a group of pro-soldiers, so most officials still choose to live in the west of the inner city, or in the north of the inner city, or even in the outer city.
The location of Liuzhai is neither good nor bad. A Sanjin residence is already extremely luxurious in the imperial capital. Most wealthy businessmen with huge wealth may not have a Sanjin residence in the Imperial Capital.
And this is only the standard equipment for hundreds of Jinyiwei households, which shows how rich Jinyiwei is.
"This mansion cost seven thousand taels of silver, and the savings of two generations of Liu Baihu finally fell into the hands of a family member like you!" Senior Brother Cheng whispered before getting out of the car.
Liu Xin got out of the car and looked at the word "Liu Zhai" hanging on the mansion in front of him, and said nothing for a long time.
As Senior Brother Cheng said, this family with the surname Liu has been in the pro-army for more than two generations, but recently these two generations have become outer disciples of the Holy Sect through the methods of the secret investigation team. Now that even the foundations of these two generations have been handed over to others, Liu Xin could not help but marvel at the methods of the Holy Sect again.
There was already a woman with her servants greeting her at the door of the house. In this house, apart from Senior Brother Cheng, only Liu Baihu knew Liu Xin's identity. However, Liu Baihu might have to leave here in the future. In the future, besides Senior Brother Cheng Except for this, everyone will treat him as a descendant of the Liu family and the new Liu Baihu.
"Uncle Cheng has brought Mr. Cousin over. My situation is a bit worse today. Now that Mr. Cousin is here, I should be relieved!" This woman is Liu Baihu's first wife, Mrs. Li.
Liu Xin stepped forward. Before he could salute, Mrs. Li had already knelt down to salute. Liu Xin frowned. If it were a normal relationship between uncle and nephew, how could the aunt salute her nephew?
But after thinking about it, Liu Xin knew the reason.
Liu Baihu has become seriously ill, and Mrs. Li has no heirs. If Liu Xin does not succeed his uncle, the position of the Liu family's close army Baihu will be taken away. She, Mrs. Li, has no support and no heirs. In the days to come, How to live, I'm afraid Liu Zhai's three courtyards can't be defended.
Although Liu Xin, the nephew, has inherited her uncle's position, her surname is Liu and the Liu house can be kept, so she will not live on the street. And all she has to do is to please her nephew and ask him not to drive her away, but at least give her more time so that she can plan. As long as she is given time, she can still plan a way out for herself. of. I heard that this nephew has always been in the countryside, so he will probably be easy to deal with.
Liu Baihu's illness came on quickly and severely. At first, Ms. Li thought Liu Baihu would not survive for three days, but she did not expect that he survived for a month!
Mrs. Li was only in her early thirties. When Liu Xin saw that although she had a tired look, her appearance was still well-groomed, he knew that Mrs. Li must also have two brushes. If she was stupider, her husband would have been seriously ill for a month and would have panicked. It's just that you lost your mind and lost your sense of proportion.
Liu Xin thought like this, while saluting Mrs. Li, he said respectfully: "I've met my aunt!"
"Okay, okay, my descendant of the Liu family is indeed very handsome. I should feel relieved after seeing you."
Liu Xin nodded, and then said to Senior Brother Cheng: "Uncle Cheng, take me to meet my uncle!"
Senior Brother Cheng nodded, and just as he was about to lead the way, he suddenly heard a wailing cry from the back house, and then a servant rushed out of the gate of the inner courtyard in a panic and towards the outer courtyard, shouting continuously: "The master is gone, the master is gone! "
"Ah!" Mrs. Li wailed, then leaned back and fell down. Fortunately, there were many servants and maids behind her, so she didn't fall to the ground and kowtow.
Liu Xin glanced at Mrs. Li and sighed inwardly, this cheap aunt really has some good tricks.
She knew that she would not really fall to the ground, so she fell without any scruples. But others saw that if the fall was solid, she would definitely hit the edge of the door, and even if she did not die, she would be seriously injured. .
With this judgment, people will know that Mr. Li really cares about Liu Baihu. As a nephew, as long as he has some respect for his uncle, he will love his family and at least have some respect for Mr. Li.
If the imperial capital is a wolf's den and a tiger's den, then Liuzhai is at least a fox's den, where three foxes, big and small, live, including Senior Brother Cheng, Liu Xin and this aunt.
