The Yizhuang of the Jingzhao Government Office is located in Fengyifang, east of the capital. It is very close to the West Gate and Yanping Gate of Fengyifang, making it easy to access.
The guards in Yizhuang are also from the Jingzhao Government Office, but they are not serious government servants. Being a guard in Yizhuang is much more tiring than working as a government servant in the Jingzhao Government Office.
To work as a caretaker in Yizhuang, you have to be both bold and careful, and you have to be able to endure years of loneliness and poverty.
Without him, on the one hand, Yizhuang is too unlucky, and neither humans nor ghosts want to hang around here; on the other hand, the salary is pitiful, and it is a humiliation for me to suffer this crime in fear.
Liu Jinghong, the governor of Jingzhao Prefecture, begged his grandfather to sue his grandmother, and finally found two people willing to guard Yizhuang.
These two people are an old man and a young man. They are uncles and nephews who have not been out of the fifth service. Both of them are named Wang. The uncle Wang Bixin is nearly forty years old and has no wife and children. The nephew Wang Zhongcheng has just turned twenty and is also a bachelor.
Ten years ago, the two guards only stayed in Yizhuang for three days. After they left without saying goodbye, Liu Jinghong went crazy and forced everyone in the Jingzhao Mansion to go out to find someone who was willing to guard Yizhuang. If the person cannot be found within three days, one month's salary will be deducted.
Everyone in the Jingzhao Mansion's government office came out in full force, and only then did they find Wang's uncle and nephew.
The morning light was bright, and Wang Zhongcheng had been busy for most of the night. He had just slept for an hour and got up in a hurry.
Last night, the Jingzhao Mansion Office delivered dozens of corpses at once, filling the mortuary with nowhere to go. There must be many people coming to identify the corpses today.
Wang Zhongcheng felt his head buzzing when he thought of the deafening, hoarse and tragic cries.
He has been here in Yizhuang for ten years, but he still can't get used to the crying and fighting.
He walked out of the house with a heavy heart and saw that his second uncle, who always got up early, hadn't gotten up yet. He couldn't help but feel a little strange. He yawned and knocked on the door with tears streaming down his face: "Second uncle, second uncle, it's time to get up. .”
The room was quiet for a moment, and suddenly there was a rustling sound. Wang Bixin, wearing clothes, hurriedly opened the door, took a look at the bright sky, and said in surprise: "It's already dawn, how can I sleep so soundly?" .”
Wang Zhongcheng said with a smile: "So many corpses suddenly arrived at Jingzhao Mansion last night. I was busy most of the night. My second uncle is very tired. It is normal for him to sleep a little longer."
After hearing this, the trace of old age sadness that had just arisen in Wang Bi's confidence dissipated in an instant, and he limped out: "I got up late today. I'll go cook first. Zhongcheng, you go to the mortuary." Look, there were a lot of corpses delivered last night, so we can’t make any mistakes.”
Wang Zhongcheng responded, feeling a little sad when he saw Wang Bixin's less agile legs and feet.
Yizhuang does not see sunlight all year round and is colder and more humid than other places. If you stay here for a few years, the cold and damp air will inevitably invade your body.
Ordinary people can't bear it, let alone Wang Bixin, a person with bad legs and feet.
It wasn't so obvious a few years ago, but in the past two years, his legs and feet have become increasingly unsound.
If I stay here for a few more years, I will probably be in trouble.
Wang Zhongcheng's heart skipped a beat, and he finally thought about giving up this peaceful life.
He took a breath of exhaustion, turned around and walked back.
The stove fire had been extinguished long ago. Wang Bixin moved dry firewood from the corner and entered the stove with difficulty.
As soon as I put the dry firewood into the stove, before I had time to light it, I heard a heartbreaking scream from behind.
He was so frightened that he shook his hand and the fire folding piece fell to the ground.
He jumped up and ran back: "Zhongcheng, Zhongcheng, what's wrong, what happened?"
He ran too fast and bumped into Wang Zhongcheng, who was running out. He let out an ouch.
Wang Zhongcheng looked at Wang Bixin with a pale expression, and said tremblingly: "Uncle, second uncle, second uncle, the body, the body is gone!"
"What's missing?" Wang Bixin's eyes widened, suspecting that there was something wrong with his ears, and shouted in disbelief.
"The body, the body is gone!" Wang Zhongcheng shouted so loudly that he became hoarse.
Wang Bixin's mind exploded with a buzz, and the body was lost, lost, lost!
He ran stumblingly
Entering the backyard and looking into the mortuary, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice cave.
It's over, it's all over!
The mortuary, which was originally full, was actually empty!
He sat down on the ground with a pop, slapping his thighs, shouting at the top of his lungs, and shouting without tears: "Quick, quick, go to Jingzhao Mansion, what are you doing standing there in a daze? Go and report the news! Hurry!"
Wang Zhongcheng recovered from the huge shock, turned around and ran out. He ran too fast and tripped over a stone. He hurriedly got up and endured the pain and continued running out.
After about two moments, the Yi Zhuang was filled with people. He Denglou led the yamen servants and stared at the mortuary, which was mostly empty.
Among the corpses brought in last night, all the female corpses were gone, leaving only the nine male corpses.
He Dengguan looked at all this, his mind was buzzing and he was very confused.
He has never encountered such a strange thing.
The corpses brought to Yizhuang were lost, and there were still dozens of them at one time.
He turned his head angrily and looked at Wang's uncle and nephew.
Without waiting for He Denglou to ask anything, Wang Bixin pulled Wang Zhongcheng to the ground with a bang, begging for mercy and confessing tremblingly, hoping that He Denglou would take them lightly for the sake of their pity: "Why arrest the head? The adults, the villains, the villains really don’t know what’s going on. The villains are guilty, the villains are guilty!”
He Dengglou's expression was gloomy and uncertain. If it weren't for murder, he would have wanted to chop them with a knife!
Two big living people were able to make the corpse fly away!
He stared at Wang Bixin, gnashing his teeth with hatred: "There are dozens of corpses! You didn't hear any movement at all?" He was slightly startled: "Tell me, are you colluding with someone and deliberately letting people steal the corpses?" gone!"
Wang Bixin and Wang Zhongcheng repeatedly confessed and denied it, but they could not provide any evidence to prove their innocence. They were simply unable to defend themselves.
All the corpses were lost, and dozens of them were lost all at once. No matter how they said it, the words "sleeping soundly" couldn't be justified.
But now is not the time to delve into the culpability of the two of them. The most important thing is to recover the lost body first.
He Denggou's head ached with worry, and he gave a series of instructions: "Search carefully inside and outside, send someone to ask the villagers if they have seen the convoy coming and going, and then send someone there," he paused slightly, and left Fengyi Square. Yanping Gate is the closest. If someone really steals a body and wants to send it out of the capital, it is naturally most convenient to go through Yanping Gate. I can't help but think about it: "Send a few more people to Yanping Gate and ask the gatekeepers. After the city gate is opened, are there any?" The motorcade comes in and out."
Several government servants looked at each other solemnly, I am afraid that this errand will be difficult to handle.
One of them boldly asked: "Headhunter, if you steal the bodies of so many women at once, are you planning to get married in a dark way?"
Another person muttered: "That's not right. You don't need so much for a Yin marriage. I haven't heard of anyone preparing it in advance. This thing is unlucky."
He Denglu frowned and shook his head: "It's hard to say everything yet, let's check first."
Just as a few people walked out, the messy sound of horse hooves came from outside again.
He Denglou quickly looked out and saw Sun Ying dismounting from his horse. His eyes lit up and he greeted him as if he were seeing his ancestors: "Sun Wuzuo is here. Come and take a look. This is really strange. They They both said they didn’t hear any sound.”
Sun Ying had already heard the general idea from the government officer who had gone to the Internal Security Department to report the news. She turned around and asked Zhang Youli who was following him: "Tell me first, what are the situations where people can't hear anything?"
Zhang Youli followed Sun Ying to examine the body all night long. Although he was not very familiar with him, he already felt close to him and was no longer afraid and reserved. He hurriedly said: "Either he was drunk, or he was poisoned." Got the fragrance."
Sun Ying stared at Zhang Youli and said in a bad tone: "Can't it be collusion?"
Zhang Youli choked up. He really didn't expect this possibility, or he never thought that Wang's uncle and nephew would be so bold.
He has known them for a long time, and he knows that these two uncles and nephews
They are really timid and cautious. They would never dare to collude with outsiders, but it is possible to pretend not to hear.
Thinking of this, he blurted out: "Wang's uncle and nephew are honest and timid. Collusion is impossible, but it is still possible to pretend not to hear."
There was no trace of a smile on Sun Ying's face, and she said seriously: "In the future, you should use your brain more and think more carefully when encountering problems."
Zhang Youlino's answer was yes.
Wang's uncle and nephew, who were kneeling next to him and did not dare to move, kowtowed together and kept shouting injustice when they heard this.
"The villain is wronged, it's unfair. The villain has done nothing. The villain really didn't hear anything."
He Denglou was so disturbed that his brain ached. He stared at a government official and said, "Put these two in a room and interrogate them carefully."
The sound of crying and grievances gradually faded away.
When Sun Ying saw Zhang Youli standing still, her face darkened a little: "What are you standing there for, waiting for me to treat you to lunch?"
Zhang Youli said "Ah" and came to his senses. His face turned pale, and he turned around and left as if he was frightened. He followed other government officials to carefully investigate the Yi Zhuang.
After sending away the apprentices who made up the numbers, Sun Ying was not idle and checked inside and outside the mortuary.
He Denggou saw Sun Ying's mean look on Zhang Youli and couldn't help but grin. While looking at the scene around him, he asked Sun Ying: "Is Sun Wuzuo planning to accept Zhang Youli as his apprentice?"
Hearing this, Sun Ying looked disgusted and wrote lightly: "Is he that stupid?"
He Denglou glanced at Sun Ying. He didn't believe even a word of what he said. He despised Zhang Youli for being stupid. He looked at him like he was eyeballs. He carried him wherever he went for fear of being robbed.
Seeing He Denglu's slightly joking expression, Sun Ying frowned and curled her lips in disgust: "What's that expression on your face?"
After having interacted with Sun Ying for several times, He Denggou became quite familiar with her, and he became much more comfortable talking to her. He no longer had any taboos, and he smiled and said, "Look at the expression you are pretending to have."
Sun Ying snorted: "I'm not pretending. His qualifications are really poor. I want him to ruin my reputation."
He Denggou laughed out loud. What kind of reputation does a coward need? But he didn't dare to say it so straightforwardly. He said in a roundabout way: "Reputation is all false. Accepting a disciple will bring you benefits. That’s true.”
"What benefits can you get by accepting a disciple?" Sun Ying carefully inspected the rusty copper lock in the mortuary. There was no sign that the lock had been broken.
"Accept a disciple, and someone will even give you foot-washing water." He Denglu said with a smile, he also leaned over, reached out and picked up the lock, fiddled with it, and continued: "This lock is rusted like a ghost. And this keyhole, just like this keyhole, we, Mr. Yao, don’t even need a key, we can pierce through any piece of iron wire without leaving any traces.”
After saying this, He Dengglou went to check the window again. The tattered window lattice was covered with dust, and the dust was intact, with no traces of being rubbed, and there were no traces such as footprints left on the dust.
Apparently no one broke in through the window.
But thinking about it, there was really no way to steal dozens of corpses out through such a small window except to open the door.
Sun Ying glanced at He Denglou's movements and said narrowly: "Your Yao Canjun has this ability, haven't you learned two moves?"
"I've learned." He climbed the stairs without raising his head and said, "Not only can I open the door without a key, but I can also open the door without a wire."
Sun Ying Daqi: "What method?"
"Kick it with your feet!" He Denglu made a kicking motion and raised his chin triumphantly: "Just to break the door and lock like this, I can kick ten sides in one breath without taking a breath."
"..." Sun Ying's face suddenly turned as dark as the bottom of a pot, and she walked into the mortuary with her hands behind her back.
Only the bodies of the nine men were left in the mortuary, covered with white cloths. The ground was covered with messy footprints, extending all the way outside.
Other than that, there were no unnecessary findings during the home inspection.
Sun Ying and He Denglou walked out of the mortuary, and the government officials who were investigating inside and outside Yizhuang also ran over to report.
"He arrests the head, Mixiang was found in Wang's uncle's and nephew's room."
"He arrests the head. Footprints were found outside Yizhuang."
"He arrests the head, a rut mark is found outside Yizhuang."
"He Captured the Head, Fang Ding of Xifang Gate said that as soon as the gate opened, a caravan came out. It was a caravan going to Luoyang. They checked and found that all the road documents were in place and then let them go."
"He Captou, the guard at Yanping Gate said that not long after the city gate opened, a caravan heading to Luoyang left the city. The road signs and documents were all in order. After an interrogation, nothing wrong was found, so they were allowed to go."
He Dengglou's heart dropped to the bottom inch by inch as he responded to these words. As soon as the square gate opened and the city gate opened, the motorcade left the city. Up to now, the motorcade had been walking for more than half an hour. How could this happen? Chase, how can you catch up like this!
Although there is no evidence to prove that it was this convoy that stole these bodies and smuggled them out of the city, and it is not known what method they used to avoid the interrogation of the city gate guards, He Denggou still feels that it was this convoy that did it. This is the next thing.
He raised his head and asked, "Which trading company's fleet is this?"
Several government officials looked at each other: "Both the guards and the street guards said that there were too many people going out at that time. They just looked at the road citation document and confirmed that it was correct and not forged. There were no prohibited items in the car, so they let them go. No. I remember which trading company’s caravan they are from.”
He Denggou was very aware of the methods of the street guards and the city gate guards. The convoy was probably paid with money to make the interrogation less stringent, and it was possible to fish in troubled waters and avoid it.
Among the major city gates, Yanping Gate is the most lax in interrogation. It seems that these people are particularly familiar with the situation in Chang'an City.
Now it is useless to delve into how they got out of the city. Once they have gone out, they can only try their best to chase them.
What we need to delve into now is what exactly they want to do with the bodies of so many women. Is it really because they want to marry in secret?
He Denggou calmed down his thoughts, his heart skipped a beat, and he repeatedly ordered: "Divide into three teams. One team chases in the direction of Luoyang. When they find a suspicious convoy, they immediately stop and search. There are two teams left. One team chases in the opposite direction. One team is searching Chang'an City, and another team is rushing to Yuhua Mountain to meet Lord Shaoyin."
He Denggou knew very well that what happened last night was definitely not something that his little head catcher could investigate in detail.
Mr. Liu Jinghong, the governor of Jingzhao Prefecture, had already expressed his intention to retire early, and also said that he wanted to take advantage of this summer vacation at Yuhua Mountain to mention it to Emperor Yong'an. Before leaving, he told He Denglou that he would do whatever he wanted, no matter how big or small it was. You need to report back to Leng Shaoyin first.
But this matter was so big that he was afraid that if he reported it to Master Shao Yin, his Master Shao Yin would be so angry that he would vomit blood and die on the spot.
He thought for a while and decided to wait until he found out the clues first before reporting back to Lord Shaoyin.
After arranging these things, he looked at Wang's uncle and nephew who had finished the interrogation and there were no abnormalities for the time being with a calm expression. He glared and threatened: "Give me the rest of the body. If something happens again, you two will lie down by yourselves." Go up and make up the count!"
Wang's uncle and nephew knelt on the ground and couldn't get up. They said yes tremblingly and their voices were hoarse from crying.
The atmosphere became a little serious, and the government officials who usually loved chatting, laughing and making fun no longer dared to be presumptuous, and went about their own business.
Zhang Youli walked up to Sun Ying nervously, opened the veil, and said cautiously: "Sun Wuzuo, this is the ashes left by the incense burnt I just found."
Sun Ying lowered her head and glanced, picked up some ashes with two fingers, put it under her nose and smelled it gently, frowning and said: "The ashes are burned through, it's hard to distinguish. Go look for it again and see if there is anything there." There is no incense that has not been burned yet.”
Zhang Youli worked with Sun Ying for most of the night, and what he learned far exceeded what he had learned in the past few years with Huang Wuzuo. He felt that he had benefited a lot, and he admired Sun Ying even more. He would not give in to anything Sun Ying said. No matter what I do without deductions, although my qualifications are a bit poor, I am obedient, diligent and able to endure hardships.
Sun Ying looked at Zhang Youli's back and nodded secretly.
He Denglou saw that Sun Ying's attitude had relaxed, and couldn't help but add fuel to the fire: "What an obedient child, who is not afraid of hardship or tiredness. Where can I find such a good child?
"
Sun Ying snarled loudly: "Wang Po sells melons and boasts of herself."
He Denglu chuckled indifferently: "This melon is really sweet."
Sun Ying said disdainfully: "The melon that is forced is not sweet."
He Denglu said with a smile, "You'll know if it's sweet or not after you take a bite."
Sun Ying had her teeth wrong, and felt that these words sounded awkward: "Am I taking on a disciple, or am I marrying a wife?"
He Denglou looked at Zhang Youli who had returned and smiled furtively.
Zhang Youli was so excited by He Denglu's smile that he looked at himself up and down. He found that he was not wearing the wrong clothes or shoes, so he felt relieved and opened the handkerchief to show it to Sun Ying: "Sun Wu Zuo, I only found these, I don’t know if they are enough.”
There was a small piece of black stuff placed on the white handkerchief. The fragrance was clear and light, and it smelled a little familiar.
Sun Ying frowned slightly, her heart suddenly trembled, and she said to He Dengstairs: "He Baotou, I will take Zhang Youli back to the Internal Security Department first. If you have anything, go to the Internal Security Department to find me."
He Denglou saw Sun Ying's serious expression and knew that he might have discovered something, so he nodded repeatedly.
Flags were flying on the official road, and the mighty motorcade left the wilderness. Han Changmu was on the outside of the motorcade, patrolling back and forth on horseback.
We are almost reaching Yuhua Mountain. Only when the saint lives in the palace can he truly breathe a sigh of relief. Now the road looks calm and stable. However, after the incident last night, Han Changmu did not dare to relax at all. Who knows what is hidden under this calmness? How many undercurrents are surging.
He was turning his horse's head, preparing to gallop to the front of the convoy, when he saw a burst of dust ahead, and the sound of horse hooves was rapid and messy.
His heart was frightened, and he quickly tightened the reins, reined in the horse and looked at each other.
Leng Linjiang came speeding through the dust in the sky. When he saw Han Changmu, he breathed a long sigh of relief: "I finally found you."
Han Changmu was puzzled: "If you don't accompany the saint, what are you looking for?"
Leng Linjiang looked solemn: "Something happened."
"Something happened, what happened?" Han Changmu's expression changed.
Leng Linjiang explained in detail the massacre of the family in Xiupingfang Ramie Lane last night and the incident at Ning Ji's coffin shop. He looked up at Han Changmu and said worriedly: "Jiuchao, look at this, it's so weird."
Han Changmu looked solemn, a little surprised, but more angry. He clenched his hands tightly, his joints turned white, and said angrily: "In order to cover up the crime and silence, we killed all the suspicious people. These people are simply not Humans are beasts! They should be broken into pieces!"
Leng Linjiang was angry and resentful when he heard the officer's reply. He said coldly: "You have to find someone to do it even if the body is broken into thousands of pieces. For such a big case, Jingzhao Mansion cannot be without someone in charge. I will go back right away." Beijing."
Han Changmu thought for a moment: "It's okay for you to go back, but the case is complicated and the results won't be found for a while. So when will you come back?"
Leng Linjiang thought: "After going up to Yuhua Mountain, the first two days are for repairs, the third day is for the banquet in the evening, and the fourth day is when the hunting begins. I will rush back during the day on the third day."
Han Changmu nodded: "That's fine, then go back quickly and don't take any risks."
"Don't worry." Leng Linjiang patted Han Changmu's shoulder and said with a smile: "Jiuchao, there is one more thing, you have to promise me."
Han Changmu looked at Leng Linjiang's attentive face and frowned slightly: "What's the matter?"
Leng Linjiang said: "Let Ah Yao go back with me."
Han Changmu said calmly, "You've finished, Yao Yao arrived at Yuhua Mountain last night."
"What!" Leng Linjiang screamed. After screaming, he realized that he had lost his composure. He quickly covered his mouth and muttered: "Why did she go there overnight? What happened?"
Han Changmu narrowed his eyes: "It's nothing, just go back to Beijing first, and we'll talk more about it when you come back."
Leng Linjiang glanced at Han Changmu and saw no unusual emotion on his face. He said goodbye to him, urged his horse and whip, kicked up the dust, and drove away in the direction of Chang'an.
Two haggard-looking government servants followed Leng Linjiang.
After running around all night, I had been jolted to the point of falling apart, and now I was about to gallop back to Beijing. I couldn't help but complain secretly, gritting my teeth and chasing after him.
Han Changmu turned to stare at Leng Linjiang's retreating back, narrowed his eyes, waved his hand to Jin Yu, and whispered: "Send two secret guards to follow Yun Gui to protect him secretly."
Jin Yu was stunned for a moment, then quickly said yes.
The horse Leng Linjiang was riding was a tribute from the Ningyuan Kingdom. It was given to him by Emperor Yong'an when he spent his summer vacation in Yuhua Mountain last year. It was all white and could run very fast.
But at this moment, he ran and stopped until two small shaky black spots appeared behind him again, and then he galloped forward again.
The sun is gradually getting hotter, and the heat in the air is swaying. The trees on both sides of the road stand tall, and the green and dense tree crowns are like waves of green waves, glowing with white light.
Leng Linjiang turned his head and glanced behind him. The two little black spots were still missing. He turned over and dismounted, and tied the panting white horse to the trunk of the tree.
The white horse lowered its head and slowly nibbled on the grass on the side of the road, its smooth pony tail swinging back and forth behind it.
Leng Linjiang took off the saddle from his horse and sat down. He picked up the water bag and took a deep drink of water. He wiped his sweat and waited for the two little black spots.
It took half an hour before the two little black dots staggered around again and rushed to Leng Linjiang. The two yamen servants got off their horses, staggered and saluted, wheezing heavily. Qi: "Young Master, Young Master Yin, you, you, wait for the humble position, the humble position is all falling apart."
"Guo Liang, Song Lixin, your legs and feet are really fast." Leng Linjiang joked and handed over an oil paper bag: "It's noon, let's have lunch and rest for a while before leaving. We have to rush back before closing the city gate. Beijing."
Guo Liang and Song Lixin looked at each other in astonishment. They stopped opening the oil paper package and shouted in unison: "Master Shaoyin, people will die!".
Leng Linjiang glanced at the two of them: "Come back to the capital before the city gates are closed, and I will reward each of you with a hundred taels."
"Don't worry, Mr. Shaoyin, I'll definitely get back in time!" After hearing this, Guo Liang and Song Lixin stopped panicking and their legs became weak. They patted their chests and spoke decisively. The ancient building in the bag was gnawed clean.
They drank a few more mouthfuls of cold water, washed down the dry pancakes that were stuck in their throats, looked at Leng Linjiang and said with a smile, "Master Shaoyin, let's get on our way."
"You can't die again?" Leng Linjiang laughed angrily and glared at the two of them.
Guo Liang and Song Lixin winked and laughed.
"Okay, since you can't die, let's go!" Leng Linjiang took a breath, stood up, patted the hem of his clothes, put away the cross and hung it on the horse.
Seeing this, Guo Liang and Song Lixin hurriedly stepped forward to help Leng Linjiang mount his horse.
"Attentiveness!" Leng Linjiang cursed with a smile, but did not refuse. He got on the horse with the hands of the two men, casually pulled off the two sachets from his waist, and threw them to the two of them respectively: "I'll reward you."
Guo Liang and Song Lixin were overjoyed and hung the pouch directly on their waists without taking it apart to look at it.
This tapestry bag is made of tapestry silk. Even if there is nothing inside, just hanging the tapestry tapestry bag on one's body will be very flattering, not to mention that the tapestry bag is very heavy.
The three of them rode their horses tirelessly, and the midday sun slowly moved away.
This official road was cleared three days before Emperor Yong'an left. On the wide and smooth road, only Leng Linjiang and the others were walking quickly.
The dense shade of green trees on both sides flew past.
Halfway through the journey, Leng Linjiang's eyebrows suddenly jumped. Unexpectedly, he suddenly turned the horse's head and urged the horse in the direction of Yuhua Mountain. The speed also slowly slowed down.
Guo Liang and Song Lixin didn't know what was going on. They looked at each other for a moment, then turned their horses and chased after him.
When he reached the middle of the road, Leng Linjiang got off his horse and bent down to examine the ground carefully.
Guo Liang and Song Lixin looked at each other and dismounted.
"Master Shaoyin, what's wrong?" Song Lixin asked.
Leng Linjiang knelt down, pointed at the scattered stones on the ground, and asked in a deep voice, "Song Lixin, do you think this looks like a knife mark?"
Song Lixin
He also squatted down, suppressed his smile, and frowned: "This stone has a flat cross-section, but it looks a bit like it was cut with a knife." He turned to Guo Liang and said, "Guo Liang, where is your knife?"
Song Lixin used a long whip, which was wrapped around his waist, while Guo Liang used a knife. When he heard this, he hurriedly knelt down and handed the knife and scabbard to Song Lixin.
Song Lixin took the knife and made several gestures on another stone. Suddenly, there was a "clang" sound, and the stone with a heavy blade struck.
With just this move, the stone split into two halves.
Leng Linjiang picked up one of the stones and compared it with the stone he found first. Although the cross sections were not exactly the same, they were both extremely smooth. At first glance, it seemed that they had been split open with a sharp weapon.
He narrowed his eyes: "How could someone split the stone with a knife in this place?"
Song Lixin and Guo Liang also found it extremely strange.
At the time when Emperor Yong'an was traveling, someone split a stone on the official road with a knife. This incident cannot be a coincidence.
Leng Linjiang's heart skipped a beat, and he ordered the two of them sternly: "Go and look for any other knife marks. No, they are traces of a fight."
The two men's expressions changed, and they hurriedly followed this official road in the opposite direction to investigate carefully.
"Sir, there is something discovered here." Within a moment, Guo Liang shouted from the side of the road.
Leng Linjiang's heart trembled and he hurried over.
I saw several horizontal and vertical knife marks on several big rocks along the road.
These knife marks were not shallow scratches on the stone, but very deep cuts on the stone. Although it was not split in half like the stone in the middle of the road, there were still marks underneath the knife marks. Cracks spread.
There were many messy footprints next to the stone.
Leng Linjiang frowned, feeling ominous in his heart, and stared at the dense forest in front of him.
The blue sea in the forest is like waves, the wind rustles wherever it passes, and bright sunlight is wandering in the forest.
It's half light and half asleep in the forest.
Leng Linjiang felt a slight chill in his heart and called Song Lixin: "Song Lixin, come here."
Song Lixin heard the sound and ran over quickly.
Leng Linjiang ordered: "Take care of the horses, Guo Liang and I will go into the forest."
Song Lixin responded with a solemn expression.
The moisture in the dense forest hits your face, the ground is covered with thick layers of dead leaves, and the smell of decay is so strong that it makes people's breath suffocate.
The two moved very quickly, following the footprints found next to the stone, and searched deep into the forest, searching very carefully.
"Sir, there are knife marks here too." Guo Liang shouted.
Leng Linjiang stared at a cypress tree in front of him. There were also several knife marks on the trunk.
This dense forest is not big. Leng Linjiang and Guo Liang found traces of fierce fighting and half-dried blood in the forest.
These traces were concentrated in the middle of the dense forest, and the footprints turned a corner in the forest and turned back to the official road.
Two moments later, Leng Linjiang and Guo Liang walked out of the forest.
Song Lixin hurriedly came to greet him and asked eagerly: "Sir, how are you doing?"
Leng Linjiang's eyes were cold and his expression was serious: "There was indeed a fight, and some people were injured. The blood was half-dried. They shouldn't have gone far."
Song Lixin frowned and said, "Sir, are you chasing me now?"
Leng Linjiang looked at the wide official road winding into the distance. The road was full of ruts and horse hoof marks. It was so messy that it was difficult to distinguish. It was difficult to trace it by relying on these alone.
He was quiet for a moment, then got on his horse and said, "Chase!"
Song Lixin and Guo Liang mounted their horses without hesitation and ran wildly.
The sun is no longer as hot as it was at noon. It spreads across the horizon like molten gold. From a distance, it looks like golden waves floating.
Along the way, there were only Leng Linjiang and three people on the official road. They did not see other carriages and pedestrians, and naturally no injured people were seen.
Leng Linjiang's brows were furrowed and did not relax, and the coldness in his eyes became more and more intense.
on this road
Something must have happened, but he just didn't notice it.
Guo Liang and Song Lixin followed Leng Linjiang from left to right, no one dared to joke anymore.
Guo Liang concentrated for a moment and said boldly: "Master Shaoyin, if these people are going to the capital, it would be okay, but if they are, it will be a big deal."
Leng Linjiang naturally understood the unfinished meaning of Guo Liang's words, but he didn't even know what happened on the road, so how could he give a warning.
He thought deeply, then suddenly turned his head and said loudly: "You two, after following me all this way, it's time to show up."
Guo Liang and Song Lixin were shocked and turned their heads to look.
But the official road behind him was still empty.
Song Lixin asked: "Master Shaoyin, there is no one."
Leng Linjiang sneered: "I just left the convoy, and you two have been following me. It's better to show up. If you have anything to say, tell me in person."
Guo Liang and Song Lixin looked at each other.
There was a soft rustle beside the official road behind them, and two people riding horses appeared. However, there was no sound when their horses ran, and their aura was extremely weak.
When Leng Linjiang saw these two people, his eyes narrowed and his attitude softened: "Are you sent by Jiuchao, the guards of Prince Han's palace?"
The two looked at each other, neither saying yes or no, but they both got off their horses and bowed respectfully.
One of them said: "Master Shaoyin, the prince ordered me to secretly protect Master Shaoyin."
Leng Linjiang felt warm in his heart and said gently, "Get up and talk."
They both stood up.
Leng Linjiang said: "I think you two have seen clearly what I just discovered on the road. Let's discuss it and see who goes back to report to Jiuchao and who follows me to Beijing."
The two of them were a little stunned. They thought that after being exposed, Leng Linjiang would drive them back, but who knew that he would keep them instead.
Leng Linjiang saw the surprised expressions on the two people's faces, and smiled slyly: "There are free escorts, why don't you use them, you're stupid."
The two of them also relaxed and discussed a few words with a smile. One of them replied: "I will go and give the prince a reply and ask the fourth brother to follow Mr. Shaoyin."
Leng Linjiang nodded and did not write a letter. He only said word by word: "Report the findings on the road carefully to Jiuchao. Remember not to miss anything."
The man looked solemn and said, "Yes, don't worry, Mr. Shaoyin."
With that said, he turned the horse's head and left the city.
It was only then that Leng Linjiang relaxed his tense mind and told Han Changmu about the matter. If this group of people sneaked into Yuhua Mountain, Han Changmu would definitely be able to come up with a perfect plan based on his sieve-like mind.
If this group of people enters the capital, there are many soldiers in the capital, and they are not afraid of causing trouble. As long as they dare to show up, Leng Linjiang will arrest them.
As soon as the dark clouds in Leng Linjiang's heart cleared, his mood improved. He took off the pouch from his waist and threw it to the secret guard behind him. He laughed loudly and said, "Here, keep it. I can't let my brother reward me." Your hard work with me will be in vain."
The secret guard lowered his eyebrows and smiled, feeling that the temperament of the son of the eldest princess was very similar to that of his seventh master.
In the twilight, the Golden Gate loomed in the evening breeze. People going out and into the city formed a long queue at the city gate, all rushing to get in and out at the last moment before the city gate was closed.
"Oh, I'm here now." Guo Liang rubbed his sore and numb body, as if every bone had been broken and reconnected, and nothing was right.
After galloping all the way on the horse, Leng Linjiang felt uncomfortable and his face was a little pale. He turned around and saw the face of the secret guard, but he still looked as usual. He squinted and smiled, his admiration was beyond words. : "Look at you, you are useless. Look at others, they are all in the same hurry. I have never seen anyone complaining like you."
Guo Liang turned his head and glanced at the secret guard, and shook his head with a wry smile: "Master Shaoyin, you can't compare with others."
"Why can't we compare?" Leng Linjiang sneered: "Is it possible that he is a man and you are a woman?"
Song Lixin grinned and added: "It's really hard to compare people to each other. You are worse than a girl. Our boss Yao will not show his teeth and complain like you when he is driving all the way like you."
Guo Liang was speechless, grinned, and said forcefully: "Boss Yao is not a girl!"
Leng Linjiang laughed out loud and said with deep meaning: "Oh, Guo Liang, you still think A Yao's beating doesn't hurt."
"..." Guo Liang shrank his neck and looked at Leng Linjiang and Leng Linjiang pitifully.
The guards of Jinguang Gate saw Leng Linjiang and the others from a distance, and hurriedly came up to meet them, holding the reins, and said in surprise: "Didn't Master Shaoyin accompany you to Yuhua Mountain? Why did you come back so soon?"
Leng Linjiang acted as if nothing had happened, with his usual dandy smile on his face: "Young master, I suddenly have a beautiful concubine in my house."
