Tao Rong is not only talented, but also more pragmatic. On the day he accepted Lin Heng's recruitment, he gave him a big gift.
"Sir, watch your step."
Tao Rong walked through the corridor holding a torch, waving away the servants on both sides, and personally led the way for Lin Heng.
"Although the border town is small, it has mountains under its jurisdiction, and there are mines at the foot of the mountains. Although the mines are small, they produce copper that can be used to make weapons. Xiancheng served as county magistrate for several years, made countless money, and sent private soldiers to mine. Hundreds of slaves gathered in the mountains, and they were not allowed to leave the mines. , half of them have become skeletons.”
The Tao Rong family has been operating in the border town for many years, with deep roots and intertwined influence. It’s no secret to carefully arrange your ears and eyes to do what you do first.
The Hu clan is tyrannical, and the Xian clan is pretending to be a tiger. Taking the border town is a provocation to the old clan, testing the opponent's bottom line, and even seizing the copper mines to smelt a large amount of copper and cast weapons.
"Does Suzhou know about this?"
The fire swayed in the wind, and the rising black smoke coiled upwards, like a black dragon wrapped in hot orange.
"I don't know." Tao Rong paused slightly, his pupils reflecting the flames, "The clan has private soldiers, so they must stock up on weapons. Although Rongzu has branched out, he is from the Tao clan after all. The mineral deposits are rare and have been mined in a few years. The ancestors will not It’s hard to ask anymore questions now.”
"Are there few mineral deposits?" Lin Heng put his hands on his sleeves and lowered his eyes. If it is really a poor mine, will the Fox family keep an eye on it? The Xian family is probably a cover, and there is a question mark as to who owns the forged weapons.
Anticipating that Lin Heng would ask this question, Tao Rong smiled slightly and said meaningfully: "Whatever the truth is, I believe it when you see it."
While talking, the two came to the end of the corridor and in front of an inconspicuous stone wall.
There were footsteps behind him, and a group of soldiers walked to the corridor.
The soldiers were all strong and strong, and they were all Lin Heng's retinue. They escorted him from Shangjing back to Jin Dynasty, and successively defeated and intercepted assassinations.
Seeing the visitor, Tao Rong's expression did not change. He asked Lin Heng to take a step back, turned around and inserted the torch into the wall.
The wall tiles are carved with patterns and have grooves cut in the center. After the torch was embedded, Tao Rong continued to tap on the wall to confirm the pitch of the sound, found specific bricks, and pushed inward cautiously.
There was a creaking sound, the mechanism started, and the stone wall slowly turned inward, revealing a dark passage.
"This secret passage leads to the basement. There are a large number of weapons hidden in the warehouse, which can arm top-level soldiers." Tao Rong took off the torch, illuminated the steps under his feet, and said to Lin Heng.
The military system of the Jin Dynasty consisted of five men per corps, two corps and one fire, and the five fires were armor.
Strong soldiers are different from ordinary infantry. They must be fully armored, equipped with horses or chariots, and all of them are brave and good at fighting. For example, the Zhi family's double spear soldiers, the Tao family's sword soldiers, and the Fox family's archers.
The top three soldiers are already the armed force of a small clan and should not be underestimated in any case.
Seizing the mines and secretly casting a large number of weapons, what does Xiancheng want to do?
Or is there something Fox wants to do?
"Sir, please come with me." Tao Rong's voice interrupted Lin Heng's thoughts.
The night was as cool as water, and the moonlight poured into the corridor, matching the light of the fire and illuminating Lin Heng's eyes. The cold light dances with the golden thread on the robe, the long sleeves vibrate, and the embroidered moire belt flows with silver light.
The soldier held the dagger at his waist, and two short spears were staggered behind his back. As soon as Lin Heng gave the order, he would be the first to enter the passage.
Lin Heng thought for a moment, raised his right arm and waved lightly. Two soldiers came out with fists clasped, holding torches and walked into the secret passage first.
After a while, someone walked out and it was clear that it was safe along the way, so Lin Heng followed Tao Rong in.
"I have been in Beijing for nine years, so I am used to being cautious." Lin Heng stepped on the stone bricks and explained to Tao Rong. His caution was engraved in his bones and was not directed at Tao Rong.
"There are many dangers, and there are enemies on all sides. This is what a young master should do." Tao Rong could understand Lin Heng's caution, and even appreciated it.
You can never go too far wrong.
It was carelessness and lack of preparedness that made him worried.
If Lin Heng had no defense at all and trusted him completely, he would have doubted his previous decision. Taking refuge in a wise master means life, but meeting a foolish master will lead to death, and it will bring trouble to the family.
The group of people passed through the secret passage and encountered a stone gate blocking the way.
There is no mechanism on the door, but it is guarded by a copper lock.
"There is no key, it can be cut off." Tao Rong said.
The key to this lock belongs to Xiancheng. He has been thrown into the river to sacrifice to Uncle Shui. It is impossible to fish him out.
Fortunately, the soldier's short sword was sharp enough, and he slashed three times in a row, causing sparks to fly. Then there was a crisp sound, and the copper lock broke and fell off the door knocker in several pieces.
The soldiers swept away the debris and each pulled the door knocker, but it didn't move.
Pulled again, but still nothing.
Tao Rong coughed lightly and reminded: "Push both ways."
The stone door is so ingeniously constructed that it cannot be opened whether it is pushed inward or pulled outward. Only by moving to both sides and inserting the door panels into the hidden grooves in the wall can the underground warehouse be opened.
With the sound of friction, the stone door gradually opened.
It was dark behind the door, and there was a special smell, similar to tung oil.
The soldier entered the room first and moved the torch to illuminate it.
When he saw the mountains of weapons and wooden boxes, Lin Heng couldn't help but clenched his fists even though he had been mentally prepared.
"Sir, this is only part of it." Tao Rong picked up a halberd and showed its sharpness to Lin Heng. "There are more in the mountains. There are several privately built furnaces and arsenals next to the mines."
The halberd shone with a cold light, without any markings or identification marks on it. This is also Xian's cleverness. As long as they are not discovered in a border town and the source of these weapons is traced, Xianshi can always find a way to escape.
In addition to halberds, the warehouse also has spears, shields, and bows and arrows, which can be used as murderous weapons on the battlefield.
"Check and make a list. When Lang Jia and Lang Jia return, they will be secretly sent to Jinyang and handed over to my eldest father and uncle." Lin Heng calmed down and made a decision quickly.
"Sir, you can recruit infantry in the city. These weapons are of great use." Tao Rong suggested.
"No rush." Lin Heng shook his head and rejected Tao Rong's proposal, "I have just returned to the country and my foundation is not yet stable. Arming private soldiers will make my father jealous."
Tao Rong frowned and said nothing.
As far as he knew, Young Master Heng was intercepted and killed on his way back. Even if the Marquis of Jin did not order it personally, he was tacitly approving of the actions of Mrs. Li and the Young Master.
Father and son are at odds with each other. They have long been without father's kindness and son's filial piety. Why should they be so scrupulous?
"It's not yet time." Lin Heng saw Tao Rong's confusion, turned around and left the warehouse, motioning for him to follow, and explained at the same time, "It won't be long before the incident in the border town will be reported to the court. The Zhi family will definitely report it and decide the priority. It is a serious crime of rebellion. Once the accusation is confirmed and the Hu family loses an arm, Chief Lin will be angry, Mrs. Li will be angry, and all the Hu family will be angry. One time can't break the muscles and bones, what if it happens again and again? When there are many things to do, one must be anxious, and only when one is anxious can one make mistakes and take further risks."
"Your Majesty favors Mr. Hu and the Young Master, and has shown favoritism many times." Tao Rong reminded.
Lin Heng stopped, turned sideways, smiled, and said: "My father loves Chief Lin and intends to make him his son, but he has no intention of immediately giving up his power and leaving the throne of the king."
Tao Rong couldn't help but be startled, a flash of light flashed in his mind, as if he could see the sun through the clouds.
"Imagine that you are the head of the family. You are happy to have a son. You have carefully nurtured him for many years and taken great care of him. One day, he suddenly said that he wants to be the master and orders you to hand over the seal of the family head and leave quickly. What should you do?"
how?
Naturally, I whipped the traitor to make him realize how powerful he is!
Tao Rong gave the answer on the spot without any hesitation. As he spoke the words, he couldn't help but shudder. This is true for him as the head of the family, let alone the king of Jin!
"So, do you understand?"
The two walked through the secret passage and returned to the corridor.
Lin Heng was covered in moonlight, with a light smile and a calm tone, almost without any ups and downs: "The emperor gave me an official title and ordered me to return to the country. What you want to see is not only the kindness of my father and the filial piety of my son, but also the harmony between the king and his ministers."
"Sir, you..."
"Don't worry, I'm measured." Lin Heng looked up at the night sky, as if telling Tao Rong, and seemed to be talking to himself, "I will always take back what belongs to me. From the day I left Shangjing, the former The path is determined.”
If he wants to live, those who stand in his way must die.
Regardless of the eldest son, Mrs. Li, or the fox family.
Even the Marquis of Jin.
Tao Rong's throat felt dry and his heart felt like a drum.
He thought he had the ability to recognize people and observe their appearance, but he could not see through Gongzi Heng.
He was thin and sickly, as if he were about to collapse in the wind, but his whole body was filled with the aura of blood, like a vicious weapon with sharp blades, capable of killing people anytime and anywhere.
The cold shadow is frightening, but it is hidden under the light, wind and moon. If he hadn't deliberately revealed it, no one would be able to clear away the fog and see clearly the indifference behind his pale face.
"I am not a gentleman, and I have no intention of hiding it from you. Are you willing to be loyal to me?" Lin Heng looked at Tao Rong, without any harsh words, but putting endless pressure on him.
Tao Rong looked at him. For a few seconds, it seemed like a vicious beast was coming from the dark night.
Tao Rong quickly averted his gaze, and cold sweat fell from Tao Rong's forehead.
He folded his hands in front of his forehead and bowed deeply towards Lin Heng: "I would like to serve you as my master, even if I die!"
Lin Heng was not surprised by Tao Rong's reaction. Perhaps his mask of disguise was too successful. Whenever a hint of reality was revealed, it would always lead to similar situations.
When he went to Beijing, the emperor could not see through him, and the same could be said for Doctor Qing. He was very adept at using his illness and weakness to win sympathy. The women in the palace felt pity for him and allowed him to get more protection.
But there is one exception.
Lin Heng couldn't help but laugh when he thought of the romantic young man in red clothes, and of the Yue king's grandson who stirred up trouble in the city and made many princesses and clan girls fall in love.
The two had had brief conversations several times, and after seeing through each other's pretense at a glance, they were convinced that they could not be friends. Unless absolutely necessary, it is best not to become an enemy.
"got windy."
Lin Heng approached the corridor pillar, raised his arm, and slowly closed his fingers, as if to grasp the flowing night wind.
Hundreds of miles away from the border city, in front of Luocheng on the lower reaches of the Luan River, the county official Hou Chuan led the clans in the city to wait for Prince Yu and his party, and personally welcomed the team into the city.
"When the young master stays here, the flowers will shine brightly."
A banquet was held in the county house, fine wine and delicacies were served, there were musicians playing drums, harps and shengs, and musicians dancing gracefully.
Young Master Yu is sitting at the top, with a red robe that touches the floor, a slightly open collar, and a wide waistband inlaid with colorful treasures. The long hairpin on the side of the crown has tassels hanging down, and as he raises the glass and sways the lamp, a colorful halo appears.
In the middle of the banquet, when the wine was in full swing, a beauty with half exposed pink arms walked into the banquet. Thin rings were wrapped around her wrists and ankles, making a crisp sound when she moved.
"Lingnu is worth a hundred gold, and she is dedicated to the young master."
Chu Yu's reputation as a romantic person spread throughout Shangjing, and even the county officials heard about it. Send gifts at banquets to show your appreciation. After all, the Marquis of Yue has only one son. If nothing unexpected happens, Chu Yu will be established as the heir apparent sooner or later and become the next king.
Facing the county doctor's flattery, Chu Yu was noncommittal, neither nodding nor rejecting.
He seemed to be drunk, leaning against the table, holding his cheek with one hand and stirring the wine cup with the other hand, smiling hazy, making the nearby maid blush and heartbeat.
The county doctor spoke twice, and Chu Yu finally nodded and allowed the beauty to approach.
Ling Nu walked forward with bare feet, sat lightly on his lap, picked up the wine cup, took a sip, and leaned forward to feed him.
Her black hair is hanging down, her red lips are alluring, and her eyes are sparkling.
If the wine is not intoxicating, everyone will get drunk.
Beauty is alluring.
The distance was not even an inch, and the white fingers suddenly clasped the beauty's neck like an iron pincer.
"ah!"
The beauty let out a brief exclamation before her chin was forcibly removed.
Chu Yu twisted the beauty's arms, picked up a silver chopstick with one hand, inserted the tip into the beauty's mouth, and picked out a pill in a moment.
With a thud, the pill fell into the wine cup.
Chu Yu threw away the silver chopsticks, pinched the tip of the beauty's tongue, and pulled it out bit by bit until there was blood.
"Hou Chuan, is this also your arrangement?"
The accident happened in an instant, and everyone present had no time to react.
Until the sound came, the county doctor suddenly trembled, threw himself out of the table and knelt on the ground, his face turned pale and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
He didn't know anything about the assassin, which was an unforeseen disaster.
If he cannot find out the real culprit behind the scenes and get rid of his own suspicion, things will not go well today, and he and his family will be in disaster!
