But Cao Qiong and Xiao Luxiong did not dare to fly against the wind with all their strength, so they had to slow down and rush towards the Chu Kingdom. But the slower the speed, the longer they stayed in the Liang Kingdom and the greater the risk. Da, although Cao Qiong did not take Li Xian and others seriously, and even once said that "Liang Guo has no master", but after all, he is now carrying a small oil bottle. If he really meets the masters of Liang Guo, he will still With careful care, if something goes wrong with this little guy, the plan that his old friend Lu Linyi has worked hard for many years will be in vain.
Cao Qiong lowered his head and looked at the little baby in his arms with complicated eyes. After a while, he said: "Little guy, from now on, you will depend on me, an old man." Strangely enough, this newly born baby , seemed to be extremely close to Cao Qiong, neither crying nor making trouble, just looking at Cao Qiong with wide eyes.
The latter was happy in his heart, and while teasing Lu Xiong, he continued: "Lingzu is a very knowledgeable person. He is a rare man in the world. He has no clues. He deduced all this more than 20 years ago. Cao was not I believe that this person is just a swindler, but twenty years have passed and everything is exactly as Lingzu deduced. Cao has to believe it. It’s a pity that your father is weak-tempered and mediocre, and it is difficult to hold a big position. This is why he has no choice but to This important responsibility is placed on your shoulders. For all this, Lingzu sacrificed his life in vain, and also caused the family to fall. Although I am an outsider, I sincerely admire you. Little guy, you must not let Cao down, let alone Don’t let your dead grandpa down!”
Lu Xiong blinked his eyes, as if responding to Cao Qiong, who was in a good mood and looked up to the sky laughing. Suddenly his eyes were sharp, he turned his head and said to the darkness behind him: "You have been chasing me all the way, no need to hide anymore, come out and see me!"
The next moment, several men in black appeared from the darkness, it was everyone from the Tiandi Pavilion. A took a step forward, clasped his fists and bowed: "I am from the Tiandi Pavilion in Daliang, and I have met Senior Cao. I am acting under orders, and I am very offended. I hope that Senior will forgive me. I didn't know that Senior came to Liang Kingdom this time. What happened?"
Cao Qiong sneered and said disdainfully: "The world is so big, where can I go? Do you need to know where you are going and what you are going to do?" After saying this, his aura changed and his fighting spirit was high. Feeling Cao Qiong's terrifying murderous intent, everyone in the Tiandi Pavilion felt as if they were facing a powerful enemy, and they didn't know what to do for a while.
Just as the two sides were at war, a sharp voice rang out: "Sword God Cao, why do you need to get angry with these servants? It's out of character." As he spoke, a short old man appeared from the darkness, dressed in rich clothes, and stopped Cao Qiong. "There is no need to tell others where Cao Jian Shen wants to go, but His Majesty is well aware of His Majesty's power and is inevitably worried, so he ordered this old slave to come and inquire about it."
Cao Qiong sneered and spat: "Who am I talking about? It turns out to be you, an eggless eunuch. Why, after several years of not seeing each other, have you grown braver? Are you no longer cowering in your Qingyang City?"
When Cao Qiong opened his scars in front of him, even though Yang Xiu was very forbearing, he couldn't help but get really angry. He cursed with his halberd finger: "Old thief Cao, don't be so arrogant. I really think our family is afraid of you! Our family will be here today." Let’s see how much weight you have now!”
Cao Qiong took a deep breath and laughed at himself: "It seems that the world has forgotten Cao's methods, Qiu Yao, Qiu Yao, I really miss the world with you!" After saying that, he hugged Lu Xiong tightly again. After a while, he hooked his fingers towards Yang Xiu, his movements extremely provocative.
Yang Xiu suppressed his anger, summoned A to his side, and said: "Now that he has been found, your mission is completed, and then we will leave it to our family. If our family has not returned to Beijing at noon tomorrow, we will report this matter Report to Your Majesty, be careful!" A was the first to join the team. He knew that he and his party could not be of much help if they stayed at this moment. The most important thing was to pass the information back. He bowed and said: "I accept your orders, father-in-law. Be careful in everything." After saying that, he left with everyone in Tiandi Pavilion.
As several people left, Cao Qiong watched with cold eyes and did not stop him. Yang Xiu shook his hands and threw out a pair of short knives from his sleeves. The mirror-like blades were filled with cold air, and a little cold light condensed on the blades, adding to the sharpness. Coolness. Yang Xiu snorted coldly: "I haven't seen you for more than ten years. I wonder if Cao Sword God can still fight? Is Feiying Sword still invincible?" Cao Qiong twitched the corner of his mouth and still raised his fingers.
Seeing that the other party looked down upon him, Yang Xiu said angrily: "Where is your sword?"
Cao Qiong looked up to the sky and laughed with great pride: "A eunuch like you is worthy of me wielding a sword? Stop talking nonsense and take action!"
Yang Xiu was furious and was humiliated for the first time in his life. He brandished his sword and killed Cao Qiong. Facing the opponent's attack, the latter was not afraid. He lowered his head to look at the baby in his arms and said with a smile: "Good disciple, let's see how master defeats the enemy!" Cao Qiong was seen standing on his feet and fighting with his palms. Feng, even though Yang Xiu was highly skilled in martial arts and dazzled with his sword skills, Cao Qiong was not left behind and could handle it with ease.
The two of them were going back and forth, making moves very quickly. In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged dozens of blows. Cao Qiong was as motionless as a mountain, and his feet never moved at all. On the other hand, Yang Xiu could not attack for a long time, and there was not much true energy left in his Dantian. Yang Xiu was shocked. If this continued, it would be bad. But if he wanted to get a breath of fresh air and fight again, it would not be easy. Moreover, his opponent was bare-handed and only fighting with one hand. Cao Qiong's cultivation was really unfathomable. It has reached a higher level than it was more than ten years ago.
Seemingly seeing through Yang Xiu's predicament, Cao Qiong pushed out with a palm and slapped Yang Xiu hard on the chest. With such force, Yang Xiu could no longer hold on, staggered back three steps, and fell to his knees. His sickly complexion became even paler. Cao Qiong took a step forward, looked down at the fourth master of the Liang Kingdom, and said coldly: "Today is a small punishment. Go back and tell your master that Cao Xianyun Yehe, although he is from Chu, has never participated in state affairs. If He, Feng Jingquan, is pushing the envelope. Cao doesn’t mind going to Qingyang City in person. Then I’d like to see if your Liang Kingdom’s hundreds of thousands of cavalry can stop Cao’s Feiying Sword!” After saying this, he hugged Lu. Hero, walk away.
Yang Xiu sat cross-legged, vomited a lot, and used energy to heal his wounds. It wasn't until he vomited out a large mouthful of bruises that his complexion improved slightly. He rubbed his still sore chest and said to himself: "This old man Cao has cultivated so much." It's so pure, so at least I know Cao Qiong's bottom line in this fight." Yang Xiu originally relied on his martial arts prodigy, but now he is only in his forties and has firmly established himself as the fourth master of Daliang, competing with Li Xian. There is only a thin line between them, so naturally he looks down on the world's masters. But today's battle with Cao Qiong is far away. I am afraid that he will not be able to catch up with him in his lifetime. However, Cao Qiong is over sixty, and Yang Xiu is convinced that he can be at most two In ten years, the position of being the number one person in the world must be within his grasp!
After finishing the treatment, Yang Xiu slowly stood up and prepared to return to Beijing to resume his life. At the same time, he silently wrote down a name in his heart - Qiu Yao.
Early on the next morning, Lu Daoquan was afraid that the long journey would delay his journey, so he only took his wife, children and a few maids and grooms with him, and set out on the road to Beijing in a simple carriage. Lu An, the chief steward, was left in Yuzhou City to take charge of the remaining matters. .
On the way, Mrs. Lu finally coaxed Lu Ying to sleep. She sat next to Lu Daoquan, rested her head gently on her husband's shoulder, and asked softly: "Master, how do you feel about this promotion?" Lu Daoquan rubbed his love His wife, Qingsi, smiled and said: "This time I was promoted to three levels in a row and jumped from a local staff to a close minister of the emperor. My husband is extremely uneasy! It always feels like a dream. To this day, I still can't believe it. I don't know why your majesty is alone." I have a unique eye for you. The capital city is not as good as Yuzhou, and I am not familiar with your husband. I don’t know how many jokes he will make when I meet the saint in the future."
Mrs. Lu comforted her: "No, husband, you are well-educated and knowledgeable. I believe that as an official in Beijing, you will be prosperous and glorious." Lu Daoquan looked at his wife with fond eyes: "In your eyes, my husband is naturally all good." Mrs. Lu Smile like a flower. The two of them rubbed their ears and temples together for a while.
After a tiring journey and having to take care of his wife and children all the time, Lu Daoquan stayed up all night and finally arrived at Qingyang City at noon that day. Eunuch Lin received the news and had been waiting outside the city gate early. Seeing this, Lu Daoquan jumped out of the carriage and was about to step forward to salute, but was stopped by Eunuch Lin: "Master Lu, you are a third-rank official, and it is inappropriate for you to salute our family." The rule is, there are many people here with mixed opinions, so don’t let the topic slip.”
Only then did Lu Daoquan come to his senses, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Lin, for reminding me. It was Lu who failed to consider it."
"It doesn't matter. You and I are officials in the same court, so we should take care of each other." Eunuch Lin said calmly, "Master Lu, you have had a hard journey, please come with our family and have a good rest for a day. Don't miss tomorrow's morning meeting." Lin The father-in-law's tone was neither humble nor arrogant, neither flattering nor unpleasant. Lu Daoquan responded and ordered the carriage to follow him, while he and Eunuch Lin walked side by side.
The group of people drove slowly and arrived at the northwest corner of Qingyang City. Eunuch Lin pointed to a house in front of him and said with a smile: "This is the residence of the former Minister of Rites. Please invite Mr. Lu. From now on, this house will bear Mr. Lu's surname."
Lu Daoquan looked at this house. Although it was not too grand, it could be regarded as a place to stay in the capital. Besides, there was a lot of money in Qingyang City. If he wanted to buy real estate with his salary alone, he didn't know that he would have to wait until the Year of the Monkey and the Horse. It's just that first he was appointed suddenly, and now he was given a mansion. Lu Daoquan asked himself that he didn't have such a big reputation.
Seemingly sensing Lu Daoquan's concerns, Eunuch Lin explained: "Lord, please relax. The former Minister of Rites, Wang Dian, openly contradicted His Majesty in the palace and challenged the imperial power. He has been sentenced to death. According to court practice, this has implicated the nine clans." It was a serious crime, but His Majesty has always been generous and kind, and with Taishi Jiang's intercession, the Wang family was spared. They were only demoted to common people and expelled from Qingyang. This house remains empty. Mr. Lu is now an official of the imperial court. , the pillar of the country, has won the favor of Your Majesty, so Your Majesty personally decreed that this house be given to Your Majesty. For this kindness, Lord Lu must serve Your Majesty well in the future." After hearing this, Lu Daoquan nodded quickly in agreement.
After Lu Daoquan and his party were brought to their residence, Eunuch Lin resigned first to avoid being accused of forming a clique for personal gain. Lu Daoquan was well versed in the rules of officialdom and did not hold back. After the couple settled down, Mrs. Lu snuggled into Lu Daoquan's arms and asked in a sweet voice: "Master, why does His Majesty favor you alone?" Lu Daoquan muttered: "This is what I am confused about, my Lu family Although he once held a high position, his family has long since fallen into decline. Logically speaking, a descendant of a poor place should be slowly forgotten by others."
Mrs. Lu explained: "Now that you've come, let's take care of it. Maybe the master and the lucky man have their own destiny!"
In the evening, the couple had just finished dinner when a servant came to report: "Master Lu, there is someone outside the door asking to see you." Mrs. Lu asked suspiciously: "Does your husband have any acquaintances in Beijing?" Lu Daoquan thought for a moment, but seemed unable to think of anything. If he had any old acquaintances in the capital, he said, "I have been an official in Yuzhou. How can I climb those high branches in the capital? By the way, have the visitors reported their family status?" "I replied to Mr. Lu, no." The servant bent Yao replied.
For the sake of caution, Lu Daoquan opened the door to welcome the guests in person. He saw a tall and thin old man standing outside the door. He was dressed luxuriously and had no entourage around him. Before Lu Daoquan could speak, the old man took the lead and said: "When I saw you today, Mr. Lu is indeed a talented person. It is not in vain that I come forward to recommend you to Your Majesty." Lu Daoquan heard this and was shocked. It turned out that his promotion was right in front of him. It was all made possible by one person, but who exactly was this old man? And why help yourself?
As if he understood what Lu Daoquan was thinking, the old man said straight to the point: "I'm here temporarily, I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Lu. My surname is Jiang, and I have a clear name."
Taishi Jiang Qing! Lu Daoquan's feet softened, and then he prostrated to the ground, pressed his forehead firmly against the ground, and said: "I have seen Mr. Jiang before. I didn't know that Mr. Jiang was here. I missed the welcome. I hope Mr. Jiang will forgive me!" Jiang Qing! He smiled and said, "What crime is Master Lu guilty of? Please get up quickly!" Although he said this, he had no intention of helping him. Lu Daoquan did not dare to get up.
Seeing that it was almost done, Jiang Qing lifted Lu Daoquan up, looked him up and down, and said, "The resemblance, really alike!" Lu Daoquan didn't know what he meant for a moment, and then heard Jiang Qing continue to say, "I and your father were old acquaintances, really. Speaking of which, I met you once when you were young. Don't worry too much about this extraordinary promotion. It's just to support the younger generation, and it can also be regarded as an explanation to your father. As for tomorrow's morning meeting, what will your Majesty ask? Just answer truthfully. Don't be vague, let alone boastful. Even if you are wrong, it is better than being vague. Being an official in the capital is no different than the local area. It is better to speak beautifully than to do well. You are a smart man and you should know that Jane is in the emperor's position. The truth of the heart.”
Lu Daoquan bowed and replied: "Thank you for your advice, sir. I will definitely keep it in mind."
Jiang Qing nodded and said, "Just keep these words in mind. It's getting late, so I won't bother you any more."
After sending Taishi Jiang away, Lu Daoquan couldn't calm down for a long time. He didn't fall asleep until late at night.
