A strong young man knocked on the door of the blacksmith shop late at night. The shop owner took a look along the crack in the door and let him into the back room.
"I'm here to pick up the goods." The young man's face was expressionless and he had no intention of other communication.
Even on such a cold day, the oven that is always burning creates two completely different worlds inside and outside the door. The nearly shirtless blacksmith pulled a chair for the other party, then walked to the forge and pulled up the bellows: "There are still two hours before the agreed deadline."
"I can wait here." The young man added, "Since you have such a sense of time, I hope you can finish it before then."
"You didn't give me enough time, and it's troublesome to only have drawings but no actual objects. I make all the molds freshly..." The blacksmith glanced at the other person and said, "It might be a little slower, please. Be patient and don't be impatient."
The young man snorted: "But the money I gave you is plenty, so hurry up for the sake of the money!"
This time the blacksmith didn't talk to each other, and both sides gave each other a little leeway. In the stuffy forge room, the only sounds that could be heard were the burning of the furnace fire and the collision of the hammer and anvil.
The young man's legs were a little numb from sitting, and the air was too heavy, so he stood up and walked around. In the end, it was he who took the initiative to chat about something: "You are the only one who opens such a big shop. reason?"
"In time for the Chinese New Year, all the helpers have gone home." The blacksmith was actually quite a chatty person, and he answered all questions. Luo Liba said: "Outlanders, apprentices, all the elements of unreliability are complete... I It has been burning for decades, and the number of apprentices it has brought out is almost the same.
, more than half of them started a new business immediately after completing their studies, and there were several businesses that were better than mine. "
The blacksmith's ramblings prevented the young man from finding a space to interrupt, so he simply listened. However, he was dismissive of the other party's point of view - the older generation always said that teaching an apprentice to starve the master to death is actually an apprenticeship. In fact, he is not as good as a grandson. Not only does he get a small salary, but he has to show double filial piety. If he doesn't go well, he will beat and scold him. It is also his ability to start a new business and do better business than you.
"However, there are also a few good young men who stay in Luoyan City. They can still come to see me during the holidays." The old blacksmith looked at the young man, with obvious forehead wrinkles on his forehead: "They said that recently there was a man who only took The young man who gave them the hand-drawn blueprints and asked them to knock out the parts within three days...I think that's you?"
"I don't understand what you are talking about. There are so many people like this in the world. Are they all me?" The young man frowned.
"That's not true, but I looked at the other two drawings they brought over...the shape and caliber seem to match the drawings you gave me. Can't this be said to be a coincidence?" The old blacksmith didn't know either. He was very curious and could still show off his eyesight. He didn't realize that the young man's mentality had changed a little: "I said what's wrong with you? You have to find several separate companies. Why don't you just give them all to me? I can still give it to you. A discount—oh, I see, you were in a hurry, so you started working at the same time."
"Shut up and fight your iron." The young man continued to be rude and stopped the conversation decisively with a tigerish face.
After about half an hour, the blacksmith
He tapped the formed copper shell with the handle of the hammer to test the hardness, and at the same time attracted the other party's attention: "Now the only thing left is the surface engraving, it will be done soon... I said you are a young man who has too many demands. , you still need antique craftsmanship to make it look old? What do you do? Counterfeit antiques?"
The old blacksmith finally paid the price for his tongue-tied behavior. The young man who heard this could no longer bear it. While the other man was still immersed in speculation about his identity, he picked up a hammer. The tool he had once been so intimate with was swung at the old man's face. The bones on the back of his head were dented and shattered.
"Can't you just hit your iron properly?" Seeing the blacksmith struggling to cover his head, the young man added a hammer to every accent he uttered: "Guess, guess, guess what? You talk too much!"
The young man's impulsive swing of the hammer led to a problem that he had to settle for, that is, the part of the cover was not yet completed. The difference could be seen at a glance, but the distracted young man couldn't care less about it—— Anyway, it’s just a cover, not the owner of the tripod.
The worst case scenario is to leave the cover far away and only use the tripod body to trade. Although the buyer may take this opportunity to lower the price, it is better than what is happening now.
In order to steal the treasure tripod, he went to great lengths to cast the three parts separately. Unfortunately, his vision and luck were poor. He did not expect that these three blacksmith shops were actually masters and apprentices of each other, and they were as good as the old blacksmith's cotton waistband. His tone of voice will expose his own affairs sooner or later.
Although he was already prepared to run away before committing the betrayal, killing people seemed unnecessary.
But he knew that his master would retaliate, so he didn't care about taking another life. Although this disciple of Hamd is young, he has the advantage of having started early and having a lot of experience. This is not the first time he has killed someone - there are many cruel secrets in the wind and sand of the Western Region that are not accessible to outsiders. This is a Valuable lesson, only dead people don't talk nonsense.
"In a sense, your point of view is indeed correct...so you should be considered to have been killed by your two unlucky apprentices." The apprentice looked at the old blacksmith twitching on the ground and sneered, and was stunned and shocked. Under his gaze, he rummaged through the box and took away the other party's inheritance, faked a robbery and murder, and then walked away.
…………
In the sixth year of Wangping, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month was the Shangyuan Festival.
An unforgettable day.
In Xianyang Inn today, there is a tense and solemn atmosphere that is more intense than the festive celebrations. Every time you walk by, you can see the worry on the face.
Shopkeeper Bian got up early in the morning and summoned the clerks and assigned them to the outside to guard each door. Then he summoned his close maids to accompany him to the signboard of the inn to wait for the Shangguan to come. Although Xianyang Inn has a long-standing reputation, there has been one in the past. With this kind of experience, there are even princes and princes visiting here, but it is always better to treat this kind of thing carefully.
Of course, it's not just the liveliness in front of the stage today...or it's the drama behind the scenes that deserves the spotlight.
…………
Two quarters of the hour.
Hamud also heard that there would be a grand performance in the afternoon. With the heavy treasure in hand, he didn’t want to join in the fun, but if he could get acquainted with a certain big shot, it would be a good idea for the business.
It is also of great benefit, and at this time, in addition to the thugs from the shopkeeper, there are also guards from the yamen. With multiple insurances, it seems that it doesn't hurt to go and get familiar with it - there are still seven days before the delivery of the goods. time, and today should be the safest day, right?
Thinking of this, Hamd twirled his beard with one hand and selected a few gifts - if they were sold normally, these gifts would all fetch a good price, but if he could take the opportunity to gain connections, Such an investment is simply a profitable business. In the end, he didn't forget to give the shopkeeper a jar of spices. The two were old acquaintances, but after all, they were asking for help, so it was prudent to show some sincerity.
After preparing all the gifts, Hu Shang called his apprentice to help him carry them, and called two close men to guard his room as usual, and then set off confidently.
…………
At the exact moment of the hour, we were in a certain room at No. D in Xianyang Inn.
"That guy is elusive. Do you think he is really trustworthy?" Lao Xue looked at the old man and raised his eyebrows.
The person they are talking about at the moment is the accomplice who conspired with them to rob the Tianding, that ugly man who is slightly withdrawn and wields two strange weapons, the Judge's Pen - wait, isn't it said that he is very handsome?
In his own eyes, of course he was very handsome, but from the perspective of others, his huge buck teeth obviously had nothing to do with the word handsome.
"He is the famous two snakes, what do you think?" The old man spoke in a very calm tone, unlike the sickly look he had a few days ago: "That chef can find such a person?"
It’s not easy to find a partner. It is said that the price charged by the two snakes is very high - but small characters like us also have advantages, don’t we? He would never have thought that we were in the same group. "
"If we can kill the two snakes after getting the Tianding, we will be as famous as him." A smile appeared on Lao Xue's face and he clenched his fists hard.
The old man objected: "In the green forest, being famous is not a good thing. I have lived for almost seventy years. What famous master has I not seen? In the end, do you think more people will live in peace and harmony, or more people will die on the streets?"
"Old Shoes, let me give you a piece of advice... If you really want to make enough money from this industry and then land smoothly, then don't think about being famous." The old man tapped the floor with his cane: "Big Grandpa, I have been living in the green forest all my life, only making small fortunes and not causing big troubles. I came out with you this time because I can let you wash your hands in the golden basin early, so as to avoid having trouble sleeping for the rest of your life - I am always like this. My dear daughter, how can you let the grandpa have a wife?"
"That's right, that's right." Lao Xie heard that the great grandpa wanted to marry a daughter, and he hurriedly echoed: "Xue will follow the great grandpa's teachings."
At the same time, in another room in the T-shaped room, the only woman in the gang was also performing her mission.
Her nickname is "Orchid Mantis". Although she is not well known, it is enough to show her beauty and danger.
What the orchid mantis is best at is using its superficial and beautiful appearance to make people relax their vigilance, thereby playing tricks on them.
"Let me tell you, let's join forces." The mantis placed its slender palms on the two snakes.
The back of his hand was quite provocative.
The two snakes grinned their huge mouths, and their wall-panel-like incisors protruded abruptly: "Aren't we joining forces now?"
Mantis smiled twice and put her hands on the shoulders of the two snakes again: "I mean just the two of us are going to swallow this treasure to ourselves."
Although the two snakes have extraordinary confidence in their appearance and abilities, he is not the kind of person who will fall into the trap easily: "Oh? Then why did you choose me?"
"Because you are the most masculine one! Anyone with a discerning eye can see that your martial arts is the best." Even if the orchid mantis is good at flattery, it is difficult to tell such a face that the other person is handsome without conscience. Chic, I can only change the adjective to something more vague: "That old boot always looks at me lustfully, I hate it so much."
"Hmm... that's a pretty convincing reason!" The two snakes chuckled, but were not fooled by the flattering words: "But since you took the initiative to find me, you have to show some sincerity, right? Otherwise, how would I know? Didn’t you say this to everyone else? And compared to joining forces with the two of you to share the treasure equally, the benefits are higher for me alone, but the risk for five people is lower, right?”
Mantis smiled, almost leaning into the other person's arms with his whole body, and said again: "You need to find a balance between risks and benefits. As for sincerity, what do you think of me?"
The two snakes sneered and moved the opponent's hand on his waist quietly - he didn't want the opponent to get too close to his weapon, but overall he still catered to the opponent's flattery:
"I'm afraid that alone won't convince me - why don't you share some interesting information?"
The chef seems to have never had any real experience with Shuang She, and Shuang Snake still doesn’t know which room Hu Shang’s residence is. He only knows that there are at least hundreds of guest rooms in No. A—Xianyang Inn, and No. A They are evenly distributed in the four buildings of east, west, north and south. In the past few days, the two snakes have only figured out the north and west sides where they live.
"Well, then, you and I will split up and explore a building each." Mantis suggested again.
…………
At two quarters of noon, the main lobby of Xianyang Inn.
Hamud's gift won him the promise of being introduced, and Zheng Rong, the apprentice who was guarding the side, felt that Hamud would be unable to leave for a while. It was an opportunity that must not be missed before he comes back, so he came up with a plan: "Master , seeing that it’s noon, it’s time to greet everyone for dinner.”
When Hamd was not in Luoyan City, Zheng Rong was in charge of personnel arrangements. It was normal to have this reminder, but Hu Shang was chatting happily with Bian Meiren and said, "Then go and say hello!"
"The brother on duty..." Zheng Rong said cautiously.
"Are you still asking me this? Can't you just find two people to replace you?" This statement made Hamd unhappy for a while: "Is your brain growing in vain? You can't tell the difference between big and small things.
clear? "
Zheng Rong, who seemed to be submissive on the surface, was really elated at the moment, wishing that the other party would scold him a few more times, and walked away quickly, preparing to start his own plan to steal the sky.
Zheng Rong had already checked that the room to the east of Hamd's room was unoccupied, so he placed the imitation statue and the box that he had made with a blacksmith in that room.
, he asked the two people guarding there to have lunch first, while he took the opportunity to exchange the fake with the tripod in the copper box.
He was not prepared to get the tripod and leave. Today, every exit of the inn was guarded, and even the belongings of those who entered and exited were inspected. The tripod in his hand could not be hidden. It's not too late to run away in the dead of night - it's not even half a day away anyway.
He restored Hamd's room to its original state and locked the boxed tripod in the cabinet in his room. After everything was settled, the two people who took over the shift also arrived. Zheng Rong asked them to check it in a subtle way. Check whether the goods are defective before leaving.
…………
noon.
The distinguished guests who had been waiting for a long time finally entered the Mingzhu Tower one after another. Liu Nanzhen, the censor of Xun'an, was the first guest. Shi Cheng Zhaoguo, the governor of Shanhe Prefecture, who hosted the banquet, accompanied him. Xiao Shu, the governor of Luoyan County, was the chief guest. His deputy, accompanied by other county officials, gradually took their seats under the support of the guards. Today, the Mingzhu Tower is heavily guarded, and no one else is allowed to approach. In order to make the adults stay comfortable and comfortable, the charcoal pot in the fireplace in this room is burning red, and someone is always responsible for filling the salary. It is almost as warm as summer, so people have to take off their coats after entering the restaurant. .
Shopkeeper Bian also promptly delivered the dishes that had been prepared to the tables in front of several people. However, Zhou Yanxuan was very cautious and asked Xu You and others to use the ancient silver needle method to test for poison in the dishes one by one to confirm that they were absolutely safe. Then we'll treat the adults to a meal.
Among the officials, only Liu Nanzhen, who was over sixty years old, had the highest official position and was the oldest. Naturally, he gave up his position as the chief with the best view.
Sitting down for Mr. Liu, Cheng Zhaoguo and Xiao Shu were originally on his left and right, but Liu Nanzhen wanted to stay by his side. Although Bian Zhenyun's husband's family is from the Shangzhu Kingdom, they are from a side branch after all, and they are just a merchant now. In the early years, Liu Nanzhen was promoted from a grain official to an official position, and now he is a patrol officer. , is a person who is qualified to face the Holy Spirit directly. He is so powerful that no one dares to refuse. The most important weapons of the country are the sacrifices and the military. Although Liu Nanzhen is not a general with military power, he is in charge of the selection and equipment of the army, horses and weapons. He must have taken advantage of this, even if it is today. When Bian Zhenyun's father-in-law came over, Liu Yushi wanted to extend his hand, and Master Hu had to rush to greet him.
Of course, Liu Nanzhen didn't have that quirk. Although he was lustful and profit-seeking, he was only a womanizer. What's more, how could such an important official like him touch a widow in public? But Bian Zhenyun would not let go of this opportunity to show respect to a beautiful woman - besides, if you can't do it in public, why can't you do it in private?
However, there was indeed one person present who had the qualities of Long Yang - Cheng Zhaoguo was not so much a lover of opera as he was a lover of all kinds of prostitutes and male favorites. He had heard of Su Qiuyue's name for a long time. It happened that the case was related to this person, so Mr. Cheng arranged the scene for his own benefit.
By the time Jinxiu Garden was ready to open with gongs and drums, Bian Zhenyun did not forget what Hamud had asked her to do. He took the opportunity to introduce it to Liu Yushi, and the small gift he prepared finally came in handy. , after showing great courtesy, he was given a seat.
Today will start from no time and end at the end of Xu time
, a total of six plays were prepared, and the leader of Jinxiuyuan opened the gong in person, and the small mirror was arranged in the fourth place. Then came the finale of Su Qiuyue, and finally ended with an entertainment and vaudeville joke show to see off the guests.
(Remember to bookmark it for next time reading!)
