Luoyin City Gate.
A carriage slowly stopped, and with it were four men on horseback wearing commoners.
When several Qin officials guarding the city gate saw this, they didn't know the origins of the people on board, but they could guess that they were no ordinary civilian merchants, especially since the four retinues all held swords in their hands.
In this world, if even the subordinates hold swords, they must be rich or noble.
"who?"
The leading Qin official came forward with a sword in hand, looked at the groom and asked softly.
The groom was an old man in his fifties. Under the gaze of the Qin official, he reached out and took out a piece of bamboo from his arms and a wooden sign of his identity, and handed it to the Qin official.
The place of departure, the number of people, and the final destination are written on the bamboo pieces, and there is also a traffic seal stamped on them.
"Xianyang, nine people?"
The Qin official first confirmed that the portrait on the wooden identity card and the description were correct with the horseman. Then he looked at the bamboo piece. When he saw nine people written on it, the Qin official calmly glanced at the four horsemen and the people in front of him. The old servant on horseback.
"I want to see inside the carriage!"
The Qin official did not rush to return the wooden sign to the coachman, but stepped forward and opened the carriage curtain.
After all, there were four people in the carriage. Luoyin City was not at peace now. As a Qin official, he naturally had to check clearly.
However, when Qin Li opened the curtain and saw a man and three women in the carriage, he immediately looked straight at the beauties in the carriage with a dull expression on his face.
Fortunately, after hearing the reminder from the horseman next to him, Qin Li came to his senses. After confirming that the number of people was correct, he returned the bamboo slips and wooden signs to the horseman.
It stands to reason that the Qin official has the right to ask the identity of the people in the carriage, but the Qin official is not stupid. For ordinary people, no one dares to defy the rights he holds. However, if he encounters the children of powerful people, his rights are not only insufficient. , On the contrary, once a son of a powerful person holds a grudge, there are many ways to deal with him through gentry relations in the future.
Qin officials can become the leader of the subordinates, and they are very clear about this.
"go in!"
Qin Li spoke up and pushed aside to get out of the way.
Seeing this, the groom drove the horses in front of the carriage and drove towards the city.
On the streets of Luoyin City.
Bai Junzhu and Bai Yingxue were sitting in the carriage, listening to the bustling sounds outside the carriage, and turned to look at Bai Yan and Master Xu inside the carriage. Now, Luoyin City outside the carriage was Bai Yan's fiefdom.
However, looking back on what they heard along the way, both Bai Junzhu and Bai Yingxue had a vague hunch that something was abnormal.
"Have you heard? Since Luoyin became Bai Yan's fiefdom, strange things have happened recently! Many people have drowned. Many people say that God is dissatisfied with Bai Yan and wants to punish us Luoyin people!"
"No, I just heard that two more corpses were found on the banks of the Weishui River. They were both people living in a small village outside the city. You don't know that when you saw the white-haired old woman and child, and the woman and child, that Call me pitiful!"
"Is there another dead person? I'll go take a look!"
Due to the large number of pedestrians on the street, the carriage did not move very fast and even had to stop in some places.
This also caused the chatter of pedestrians rushing outside the carriage to enter the carriage very easily.
Bai Yan heard the discussion outside the carriage and turned to look at Bai Junzhu, Bai Yingxue and Master Xu.
"The three of you go to your residence first, and I'll go out for a while!"
Bai Yan stood up and said to the three women.
"Um!"
"Don't worry, General!"
Bai Junzhu and Master Xu nodded, looking at Bai Yan's back as he stood up and walked out of the carriage, they had no objections.
However, Bai Yingxue had something to say, but she didn't dare to say it. Bai Yingxue was not stupid. She knew that the young man was going to the Weishui River and finally made it out. Bai Yingxue, who was lively by nature, said that she did not want to go to the Weishui River with the young man to see what was going on. Fake.
"Sister, I want to see it too!"
In the end, Bai Yingxue couldn't hold back her temper, and turned to look at the eldest sister timidly, with a flattering look on her face.
"Secretly!"
Bai Yingxue saw the eldest sister frowning slightly and quickly assured her.
"Don't cause trouble!"
Bai Junzhu still shook his head, his beautiful eyes staring at Bai Yingxue, full of warning.
If he had not come to Luoyin City before and heard the recent events in Luoyin City, he felt a little weird. Now that he came to Luoyin City and heard the comments of passers-by on the roadside, Bai Junzhu was already convinced that someone was secretly behind the scenes. , wanting to pit the people of Luoyin City against Bai Yan, in order to disrupt Bai Yan's status and reputation in the eyes of the people.
As for who those people were behind the scenes, Bai Junzhu didn't know. It was possible that they were nobles and nobles who had been offended by Bai Yan's previous investigation into robbery and selling.
Bai Junzhu heard from his uncle a long time ago that many officials had written letters to remonstrate with Bai Yan.
Now that they see Bai Yan getting the fiefdom, those nobles naturally don't want to see Bai Yan relaxing and comfortable in the fiefdom of Luoyin, so there is a high possibility that those people will take action.
Secondly, it is very likely that they are the old nobles in Luoyin City. Although those old nobles have no grievances against Bai Yan, it is also true that Luoyin became Bai Yan's fief. Regardless of any profit purpose, those old nobles secretly were killed. The possibility of anyone taking action is very high. After all, once there is a gap between the people of Luoyin City and Bai Yan, the old gentry will naturally be sandwiched between the people and Bai Yan. Not only will they maintain their original status and interests, but they will even use Bai Yan to help them. Take it to the next level.
As for which forces were involved, or whether the former and the latter were involved, it is not certain. It is even possible that the participating nobles visited the Bai family during this time.
Bai Junzhu was very worried.
No matter who it is, those who dare to take action now must be fully prepared. Judging from the current situation, I am afraid it will be an unsolvable situation.
"Sister, I'm just going to take a look!"
Bai Yingxue pursed her lips, pretending to be pitiful.
However, when Bai Junzhu saw this, he was not moved at all.
on the street.
After Bai Yan jumped off the carriage, he asked his followers to escort Bai Junzhu and others to his residence. He watched the carriage drive slowly away from him, then looked around, put the sword on his waist, turned and walked towards the crowd. .
"Have you heard? Another person died by the Weishui River?"
"Another death? Let's go and have a look!"
Bai Yan looked at the two figures hurriedly passing by beside him, frowning slightly, and walked slowly, observing those who were watching the excitement and not taking it too seriously.
The news was transmitted so quickly, so there must be nobles behind it, or at least adding fuel to the fire.
However, what disappointed Bai Yan was that it was a little late to arrive at Luoyin City. He walked all the way to the south gate and didn't see any weird people.
Seeing this, Bai Yan could only leave the city first.
On the banks of the Weishui River.
When Bai Yan came to the riverside, there was a large circle of people standing around watching, no less than dozens of people, and more and more, and soon there would be more than a hundred people.
Because Luoyin City is located next to the Weishui River, there are many vendors and people move around, so the number of people spreading news and watching the excitement is far greater than in other places.
Bai Yan, who was wearing commoner clothes and wearing a sword, also squeezed out from the crowd and looked at the Qin officials by the river in the distance who forbade the people to approach.
Beside the river, there were several women, children, old and young gathered in pain beside the two corpses, crying in agony.
See this.
No matter how good-hearted Bai Yan is, his heart is already full of anger at this moment.
Those nobles were secretly trying to trip him up. It was really a good trick, but it was really a great gift to him.
Looking at the people of Luoyin who died tragically because of him.
Bai Yan increasingly realized in his heart how sinister the nobles were and how they treated human life as nothing.
"If you use methods against me, Bai Yan, Bai Yan will not hate me, but why do you want those people to die because of Bai Yan?"
Bai Yan closed his eyes and gasped loudly.
"Hmm~ Brother Wu, look, if a white-haired person gives a black-haired person a gift, that family's future will be ruined."
Bai Yan listened to the emotional words of a man in his twenties next to him. He opened his eyes, adjusted his mentality, then turned his head and looked at the man's well-dressed appearance. After thinking about it, he handed over his hand and made a gift. .
"My dear friend, I passed by this place by chance. I was curious when I saw this scene. I wonder if I could tell you whether the body was found here? Have you heard about where the two deceased people live?"
Bai Yan asked softly during the ceremony.
When they saw Bai Yan asking, both the man named Brother Wu and the man being questioned couldn't help but look at Bai Yan. They relaxed when they saw Bai Yan with a sword on his waist and a slight frown on his face. Some.
If asked by ordinary people, the man would definitely ignore it. After all, the status and status are different, but the young man in front of him has a sword on his waist, and judging from the hilt, the sword should be good. Presumably his status will not be that different, at least not. Ordinary farmers.
"The body was found here. It is said that it was washed to the shore by the river. As for where the deceased lived, I don't know yet!"
The man in question nodded to Bai Yan and raised his hand in return.
After confirming that Bai Yan's identity is correct, the man will naturally not be rude. Maybe a move can help him form a good relationship. After all, we know each other once and twice, and there are many lifelong friends who we didn't know at first, but later became polite. Contact makes friends.
"I see!"
When Bai Yan heard this, he nodded, turned around and glanced around, looking at the people watching. At the moment, he didn't know if the murderer was also watching the fun.
Feeling the gazes of the two men beside him, Bai Yan turned his head and smiled at them.
"I heard that quite a few people have drowned in Luoyin City recently. Alas, it seems we should wait a few days before I can cross the river again!"
Bai Yan said with a smile, with a joking look on his face.
When the two men heard Bai Yan's words, they chuckled, looked at each other, nodded, and did not laugh at Bai Yan's timidity.
"My name is Beishi, and my name is Shuizi. May I ask if you two are from Luoyin?"
After Bai Yan finished joking, he bowed to the two of them again and introduced himself.
"Oh, Beishi? Are you from Chenggao?"
The man who was just called Brother Wu heard Bai Yan's introduction and said with a surprised look on his face,
Bai Yan heard this and looked at the man in surprise.
"My mother is from Chenggao!"
The man named Brother Wu explained with a smile, looking at Bai Yan with a hint of joy.
Regarding the Bei clan, the man vaguely remembered that very early on he heard his mother inadvertently mention that they were a noble clan from Chenggao, not very big and very low-key.
"Wu Meng!"
Wu Meng bowed his hands to Bai Yan and said in salute.
At this time, the man who was questioned by Bai Yan just now also saluted Bai Yan.
"Puling!"
After Pu Ling finished saluting Bai Yan, he suddenly noticed a few acquaintances coming not far away from the corner of his eye and quickly turned around.
Seeing this, Bai Yan did not disturb Pu Ling, but started chatting with Wu Meng.
Along with the conversation, we soon learned through understanding that Wu Meng was not from Luoyin, but Pu Ling was, and Pu Ling was a wealthy Pu family in Luoyin City.
Seeing Bai Yan's surprised look, he looked towards Pu Ling who was more than ten steps away.
Wu Meng quickly explained with a wry smile that although Pu Ling was the Pu family, since Pu Ling's grandfather was not the eldest son, and Pu Ling's father was not the eldest son of his grandfather, to Pu Ling, it was actually considered a side branch. Although there is status in Luoyin City and there are three or two maids at home, they are far inferior to those of the clan.
"Let's go, Brother Wu, go have a drink later!"
I don't know how long it took, Pu Ling suddenly came over, looked at Wu Meng and said, after finishing speaking, he looked at Bai Yan and chuckled.
"Shui Zi, can you go together?"
Pu Ling asked.
Seeing this, Bai Yan looked at Pu Ling with an embarrassed expression, and then looked at Wu Meng.
"There may be something wrong with being so rash and abrupt..."
Bai Yan was a little embarrassed and expressed his worries.
When Wu Meng saw this, he quickly smiled and shook his head.
"It's okay! Let's have a drink. Since Shuizi plans to stay in Luoyin for a long time, why not get to know him!"
Wu Meng comforted Bai Yan and told him not to worry.
Pu Ling looked at Wu Meng in surprise, then nodded quickly.
"Yes! Since we have met, it is destined by God, why should we say it rudely!"
Pu Ling echoed that he knew that his good friend Wu Meng must have paid more attention to the young man named Shui Zi in front of him and planned to make friends with him.
"That would be disrespectful!"
Bai Yan put away his smile and said seriously.
After finishing the ceremony, Bai Yan once again looked at the Qin officials by the river, as well as the women and children beside the corpses. He thought about these positions in his mind, then turned around and followed Wu Meng and Pu Ling away from the place.
.........
A restaurant in Luoyin City.
When Bai Yan arrived at the restaurant with Pu Ling and Wu Meng, he saw that the first floor of the restaurant was filled with countless merchants and scholars.
Everyone was wearing silk clothes and gathered around a wooden table.
"Come on, come on! Place your bet, place your bet! He quickly places your bet!"
A man kept shouting loudly, raising one hand high to signal everyone to place their bets quickly.
Bai Yan followed Pu Ling, Wu Meng and others to the second floor. He watched countless young scholars downstairs take out strings of money. Some middle-aged merchants even took out gold directly, causing everyone to shout. Then more and more people started putting cyst money on the table.
Several men held bamboo slips and kept counting the money. While registering the amount of money, they also wrote the name of the money owner to confirm his identity.
This scene couldn't help but remind Bai Yan of the scene when he was by the river just now, when the women, children, old and weak were kneeling beside the corpse, crying bitterly.
Looking at the scene in front of him again, Bai Yan suddenly had an idea, but at the moment, the idea was not timely, and he couldn't do it.
As for those downstairs.
Gambling in this world is not called gambling, but called gambling. People who specialize in gambling are also called gamblers. Similar to the horse racing in Qi State, horse racing was initially for entertainment purposes, with friends gathering together. Over time, those who refused to admit defeat would place bets. , and the unknown excitement is enough to make countless scholars addicted to it in this world.
Therefore, in the future, whenever there is something that can be bet on, it will promote gambling. It can be as small as between two friends, as big as the first floor. There are many people doing it, and the money is unimaginable.
Arrive at the private room of the restaurant.
After Bai Yan followed everyone into the private room, due to the circle, people of similar status basically got along with each other and became friends. Looking at Pu Ling, you can tell that if others can be friends with Pu Ling, they are obviously not particularly rich. people.
So at this moment, there are only four wooden tables in the private room, one for two people.
Wu Meng took Bai Yan to a wooden table.
After sitting down, Bai Yan saw that when he was about to order drinks, the atmosphere became more deserted. The men just now stopped talking about their lofty ideals, and they all became a little reserved.
Seeing this scene, the corners of Bai Yan's mouth raised slightly, then he lowered his head, reached into his sleeve pocket, and took out a bunch of money.
A piece of Qin Banqian is very light, but when a large string is strung together, the weight is not only heavy, but also makes a "sweet" sound when held in the hand and shaken.
No.
Hearing Qin Banqian's voice and seeing Bai Yan's actions, the other people who had not paid much attention to Bai Yan along the way all held their breath and looked straight at the large bunch of money in Bai Yan's hand.
Wu Meng and Pu Ling were on the side and were also shocked by Bai Yan's actions.
Neither of them expected that Shuizi, whom they had just met, looked young, but had so many belongings with him, and it looked like he was preparing...
"Shui Zi is honored to meet you all today. Shui Zi will treat you to this banquet!"
Bai Yan faced the four men behind the two wooden tables opposite and bowed his hands in a salute.
After saying that, Bai Yan turned his head and nodded to Pu Ling and another man behind the wooden table.
It has to be said that a large bunch of money is not very useful to the rich and powerful businessmen, but for ordinary people, it is enough to make people look at it. After all, there are eight people in this private room. If they are allowed to eat and drink, this is Not a small expense.
Therefore, Bai Yan's actions instantly increased Bai Yan's status in the hearts of other men, invisibly, several times.
At this moment, in the eyes of the other five men, regardless of whether they had heard of the Chenggao Bei clan, they all knew that Shui Zi, a descendant of the Bei clan, was a very wealthy man.
"Brother Wu, don't say too much, think of it as Shuizi paying for it!"
Bai Yan felt that Wu Meng next to him wanted to speak, and seemed not to want him to pay alone, so before Wu Meng wanted to speak out, he spoke in advance, without giving Wu Meng a chance to persuade, and turned to look at Ya who had just arrived. The woman of time.
"Gentleman! What kind of wine do you want? Do you want to bring some beauties up?"
When the woman in charge of collecting money in the restaurant saw Bai Yan's behavior, her attitude was completely different from that of just now. Not only did her eyes not have the impatience she had just now, but she had a face full of enthusiasm, and she came to Bai Yan's side with a cooing voice.
"A few jugs of fine wine! I want some good meat too!"
Bai Yan told the woman and handed the money in his hand to the woman without any hesitation.
"Hey! Okay, sir, wait a moment!"
After the woman got the money, she responded with a smile on her face, quickly got up and walked out of the private room.
When the other men in the private room saw this, they all smiled at Bai Yan. Several people who had not paid much attention to Bai Yan at first also began to take the initiative to talk to Bai Yan.
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Bai Yan returned the favor with a smile and chatted with everyone.
With the conversation, the relationship became more and more familiar, and Bai Yan was not in a hurry to ask anything.
Just like Bai Yan did not carry the identity of a general to Luoyin, the nobles in Luoyin City are deeply rooted and have complicated relationships. If you want to understand Luoyin deeply, you must start with the Luoyin scholars, and you must also let the speaker , Let down your guard and say anything, and don't be afraid of the nobles in Luoyin City.
When women entered the private room one after another carrying fine wine and meat, a smile appeared in Bai Yan's eyes.
In this world, the best things to use to find out information, besides identity, are money and wine!
