There was a faint sound of running water on the right side, and Yang Anxuan walked towards the sound of running water.
When I got closer, I discovered that it was a waterfall with water flowing straight down. I stood on the top of the cliff and looked around. It was more than ten feet high.
When he wanted to turn around again, he saw Wang Zhi and others surrounding him at the edge of the forest, blocking the way.
After chasing Yang Anxuan for so long, he finally trapped him in a desperate situation. Wang Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and said proudly: "Yang Anxuan, let's see where you can escape."
The words Yang Anxuan revealed that this group of people was indeed here for him.
Chen Zhi couldn't do it with more than 40 cavalry, and Diao Yun probably wouldn't be able to do it either. There are only a handful of people in the capital who can make such a big move, and the most likely one is the Wang family.
Yang Anxuan scolded: "Yang will not let the Wang family go even if he is a ghost."
Wang Zhi was stunned. He accidentally called out Yang Anxuan's name, which actually reminded him of the Wang family. If he escaped, the lord would have to kill him to silence him.
It was a fight to the death. Wang Zhi simply took off the black scarf on his face, with a fierce look in his eyes, and shouted loudly: "Go ahead and cut off the head. The lord promised a reward of fifty taels of gold."
Facing the enemy approaching with a knife, Yang Anxuan held a curved bow and secretly thought something was wrong. There were many ants biting the elephant to death. It was a bad day.
The sword came slashing, Yang Anxuan used the back of his bow to lift it diagonally, and accidentally the bowstring was broken.
Wang Zhi laughed loudly, "Yang Anxuan, your death has come."
As he said that, he stepped out from behind everyone and killed Yang Anxuan. He could get at least half of the fifty taels of gold. This credit should not be passed on to others.
Signaling the others to step back, Wang Zhi swung his knife towards Yang Anxuan.
There was a cliff behind him, and the waterfall made a huge roar. Yang Anxuan sighed to himself, it seemed that the only option was to jump down and take a gamble.
Looking at Wang Zhi with a ferocious smile on his face, Yang Anxuan thought to himself that he would not let this guy go if he was going to die.
Dodging the incoming blade, Yang Anxuan wrenched the loose bow in his hand.
The bow body received force, and the tip of the bow hit Wang Zhi with a scream. Wang Zhi blocked it with his sword, and with a "pop" sound, he bowed and flicked the sword away.
With a "buzz" sound, the knife in Wang Zhi's hand was bounced back, scaring the people behind him to duck to both sides.
Wang Zhi was startled and stepped back, shaking his hands.
Yang Anxuan reached out and took out the only remaining arrow from his quiver, and jumped in front of Wang Zhi with a single stride.
The arrow in his hand was sent forward, and it pierced into Wang Zhi's throat with a "pop" sound.
Wang Zhi covered his throat with his hands, and blood spurted out from his fingers. He fell to the ground on his face, and blood flowed on the rocks.
Yang Anxuan glanced at the bow in his hand. The bow had a deep gash cut by a knife and was already useless.
This rosewood bow was taken from a bandit soldier by Zhao Tian when he left Changzi City. It is light but tough and has a bow power of two stones. Yang Anxuan liked it very much and did not want to lose it here.
The pursuers seemed to be waking up from a dream, shouting and rushing towards Yang Anxuan.
Yang Anxuan retreated to the edge of the cliff, jumped from the top of the cliff.
The wind whistled in his ears, and he entered the water with a "plop". Fortunately, he guessed that there was a pool of water below, which was about ten feet deep.
After his legs reached the bottom, Yang Anxuan pushed hard, and his head came out with a "swish". He took a few breaths and had a thought in his mind. If there was light at the bottom of the pool, he should wear it back.
I paddled down the river and landed in a shallow place. After waiting for a while, I found that no one had jumped off the top of the mountain. I took off my wet clothes and walked down the stream.
After walking for more than an hour, he walked out of the dense forest and looked at the vast grassland. Yang Anxuan let out a long breath, and the birdsong in his ears became sweet.
Looking around, there were no pursuers. Yang Anxuan looked at the sun and guessed it was the end of Shen Dynasty.
After figuring out the direction, we walked north and encountered a small village not far away.
Yang Anxuan probably wouldn't be able to return to Jiankang City by walking alone. He checked that the money he had with him was not lost, so he simply found a family in the village to stay overnight.
As for the pursuers on the top of the mountain, they were dumbfounded when they saw Yang Anxuan jumping into the deep pool. They looked down and saw that the water was filled with mist and the bottom was bottomless. No one dared to risk jumping down.
The leaders discussed for a moment and decided to collect the bodies and go down the mountain first.
The Wang family had a farm ten miles away. Those people took the collected bodies to the farm and sent two people to report the news to the mansion.
On the official road, a sentry horse meandered over. Liu Zhong was extremely anxious. Three hours had passed and he didn't know if Yang Anxuan could hold on.
When they reached the edge of the mountain, they saw weeds trampled on the ground and there were no horses left. The pursuers should have left.
The soldiers looked around and found no thief, but they found the mounts of Yang Anxuan and Liu Zhong.
By this time the sun had set. Lieutenant Zhou of Danyang County, who led the team, said: "It is getting late and it is inconvenient to enter the mountain. We should find a place to rest first and then enter the mountain early tomorrow morning."
Not listening to Liu Zhong's pleas, Captain Zhou led his troops and turned to the southwest.
To the southwest is Jiemen Village. The sound of people shouting and horses neighing alarmed Yang Anxuan who was staying here.
Yang Anxuansheng was afraid that the pursuers were looking for him, so he didn't dare to go out to check. The owner of the central house, Mr. Chu, went out to check.
After a while, Father Chu came back and told him that the army and the army were here to look for him. It was getting late and he was going to stay overnight in the village.
Yang Anxuan felt relieved and said with a smile: "Most of them are here to look for fools."
When he went out to look for him at the entrance of the village, he saw Liu Zhong standing under the locust tree in front of the village. Yang Anxuan shouted happily: "Brother Liu, the fool is here."
Liu Zhong was surprised and happy to see that Yang Anxuan was fine. Captain Zhou came after hearing the news.
As a routine matter, Captain Zhou asked the person he was chasing. Yang Anxuan knew that even if there was evidence, he would not be able to bring down the Wang family, so he pretended that he did not know.
Yang Anxuan and Liu Zhong were of high status, but they were intercepted and killed for no apparent reason. The person who took action sent out forty or fifty cavalry. The person behind them must not be simple. Since Yang Anxuan refused to tell, Captain Zhou did not ask in detail.
That night, Yang Anxuan and Liu Zhong fell asleep next to each other. They stayed in bed together and talked at night.
Liu Zhong said sincerely: "Liu will keep what happened today in mind. If An Xuan has anything to do in the future, just ask."
Yang Anxuan remembered that Liu Zhong came from a military background and asked tentatively: "Brother Liu, I really want to ask Brother Liu for help with something. I wonder if you have connections in the Beifu Army?"
Liu Zhong smiled and said: "My father has a long history with the champion general He Qian. Before I came to study at Taixue, I accompanied my father on a special trip to Jingkou to meet General He."
Yang Anxuan was overjoyed. He Qian was a famous general in Beifu and a well-known figure in the Beifu army. He was now the commander of the army. If he could help him, Wei Shu and others would have no worries in Jingkou.
"Brother Liu, have you ever heard of Madam Wei from Caixiaju?" Yang Anxuan asked with a smile.
Liu Zhong nodded and said: "Mrs. Wei's refusal to marry Wang Neishi of Langya to the musician coincided with Liu's visit to Beijing, and there was a lot of news in Beijing. Mrs. Wei is very commendable."
Seeing the admiration on Liu Zhong's face, Yang Anxuan felt relieved and briefly explained the situation after Mrs. Wei left Jiankang with her husband Xu Xuan.
Hearing that Wang Xu was still entangled and secretly causing trouble, Liu Zhong punched the couch and cursed angrily: "Despicable villain."
Yang Anxuan told the story of his intention to support Mrs. Wei and his wife to open a brothel in Jingkou.
Liu Zhong smiled and said: "An Xuan's ancient road is so heart-warming that Yu admires him very much. Knowing An Xuan's intentions, Yu will write a letter to Uncle He and ask him to take care of him in Jingkou."
Speaking of rising, Liu Zhong sat up from the couch and said: "I heard that An Xuan was fighting with others in Shenghuaju. A song "Farewell" was sung in Beijing, and later he sang a half-song of "Ask the Moon". It made a fuss. Everyone knows that if Mrs. Wei can get help from An Xuan to sing a few new songs, she will definitely become a big hit."
Yang Anxuan also sat up. It was a good thing that Liu Zhong was willing to help, but people come and go. Helping once or twice is a friendship and cannot be relied on all the time.
Thinking of this, Yang Anxuan said: "The prostitute's business is making a fortune every day, and she must be coveted by others, so Yucai wants to find a backer for her. Brother Liu is running for this matter, and Yu is willing to give 10% of the profit, but General He will figure it out separately. "
After getting a 10% profit for nothing, Liu Zhong smiled and said: "It's too generous. I'm too stupid to deserve it."
"Without Brother Liu, Mrs. Wei and the others would not be able to achieve anything. Even if they become famous for a while, they will eventually be swallowed up by others, so this success must be given." Yang Anxuan said firmly.
Liu Zhong thought about it for a moment, then stopped declining and said, "Since An Xuan has gained a huge profit, this matter has something to do with Yu. Yu personally took Madam Wei to Jingkou to take care of the prostitute house."
…………
When the Qingxi Prince's Mansion learned that the men sent to intercept Yang Anxuan had failed and twenty-three people were killed instead, Wang Guobao's face turned pale and Wang Xu's expression changed.
Asking the messenger to step back, Wang Xu took a breath and said with fear: "The boy named Yang is so powerful. He killed nearly half of the fifty people who captured him. If the Yang family's army is like Yang Anxuan, then what will happen to the Yang family's army?" Wouldn't it be more powerful than the Beifu Army?"
Wang Guobao pondered for a moment and said: "Those people led by Wang Zhi cannot stay in the village. Let them escort the caravan south to Guangzhou tomorrow. They will live in Guangzhou for two years and then come back. The person you sent to monitor Yang Anxuan cannot be kept. He will stay overnight." Get rid of it.”
Wang Xu nodded repeatedly and said: "Song Ling is in the mansion. When Yu returns, he will be buried."
After a moment of silence, Wang Xu asked tentatively: "This matter will definitely cause a disturbance in the capital. Brother, I need to take precautions."
Wang Guobao glared at Wang Xu with disdain and said, "Don't worry, we won't be implicated. That kid Yang Anxuan has made enemies everywhere, and he knows who is dealing with him. Taking a step back, who would dare to attack us even if they find some clues? It’s not good for the Wang family.”
Wang Xu laughed and said: "As a Zhongshu Ling, my brother is highly valued by the emperor. It is true that no one dares to go against my brother."
Running his finger across the beard on his lips, Wang Baoguo frowned and said: "This is a small matter, but I am close to the emperor, which made King Kuaiji unhappy. King Kuaiji reprimanded him in person many times, so we have to find ways to soften it. Brother Xu, You are quite close to the King of Kuaiji, so go to the palace to find an opportunity to say a nice word for me."
"Brother, don't worry, Yu knows the importance." Wang Xu said, stroking his beard: "The King of Kuaiji is still angry, and it is difficult to speak for brother Yuan at the moment. However, Yu repeatedly said good things about my brother in front of the prince of Kuaiji, and the prince agreed to look for an opportunity. I would like to speak kindly to my brother in front of the prince."
"That's very good. As long as the Emperor and King of Kuaiji appreciate me, there's no point in caring about other people's likes and dislikes." Wang Baoguo said nonchalantly.
…………
On June 10, the new Danyang Yin Sima Huizi reported that a group of horse thieves appeared outside Nanli Gate and intercepted and killed Yang Anxuan, a student of the Imperial Academy, and Liu Zhong, a student of the Imperial Academy.
The emperor was furious and ordered a strict investigation. Chen Zhi and Diao Yun were both questioned, but the result was naturally nothing.
Yang Anxuan never thought that the government could find out the real murderer. He was sending Liu Zhong and others out of Dongmen Bridge and through Beilimen to Jingkou.
On this trip to Jingkou, in addition to Liu Zhong bringing two troops to escort him, Hu Yuan also asked to go with him.
Everyone knew about Hu Yuan's intentions, and Miao Lan was noncommittal. Yang Anxuan would naturally not do anything to beat the two lovers, but he didn't know whether the couple would eventually become a pair.
He once said that Hu Yuan decides his own behavior. Since Hu Yuan wants to follow him to Jingkou, then let him do it.
Zhang Feng despised Hu Yuan's decision. Mr. Hu couldn't distinguish the importance. He actually left his lord for Sister Miao Lan and forgot his own duty.
But in this way, Zhang Feng was secretly happy that he was the only one serving his lord.
Back in Jiankang City, Yang Anxuan thought that the red sandalwood bow was damaged and asked Zhang Feng, "Do you know where I can buy bows and arrows?"
The Jin Dynasty banned crossbows but not bows, and armor but not weapons. Bows and arrows were sold in the market.
Zhang Feng was usually not idle, walking around the capital to familiarize himself with the terrain, just preparing for Yang Anxuan's inquiries.
Hearing that Yang Anxuan wanted to buy a bow, Zhang Feng said with a smile: "There are seven or eight markets selling bows along the Qinhuai River. For larger ones, go to Xishikou, where there are several shops selling bows and arrows."
Zhang Feng was very clever, and Yang Anxuan nodded with satisfaction.
Xishikou is right next to Xiaochanggan. Yang Anxuan took Zhang Feng back and asked casually: "What are you busy with at home on weekdays?"
"When the young master is not at home, the servant will follow Uncle Yang (Yang Huai) to take care of a few horses. When he has free time, he will ask Uncle Yang for advice on martial arts. Besides, he will run errands and buy some things for Aunt Xu and the others." Zhang Feng laughed. He responded.
Yang Anxuan glanced at the boy next to him and recalled the first time he saw him. Almost two years passed. This thin boy with frostbitten hands had grown taller and stronger.
This child is smart, sensible and motivated. He is full of gratitude to himself and has made Zhao Tian his adoptive father. He is worthy of his investment.
Thinking of this, Yang Anxuan smiled and said: "Zhang Feng, you don't have to take care of the horses from tomorrow on. In the morning, you can go to my house to read. I will tell Yang Huai to teach you martial arts in the afternoon and evening, so you can take care of yourself."
When Zhang Feng heard Yang Anxuan's words, he jumped off his horse regardless, knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "Young Master is so kind, Zhang Feng has nothing to repay, and is willing to die for you."
