The autumn wind blew slowly, blowing down a few withered yellow leaves, swirling and falling on the streets paved with bluestone slabs.
On the wide long street, pedestrians gathered in a stream, and the tiles, teahouses, wine shops, and restaurants on the street were crowded with people. The aroma of wine, meat, and the rouge and gouache used by girls to wipe their faces and lips filled the air. In the building.
On the railing facing the street on the second floor, there are several young girls wearing beautiful long skirts with flowers on their eyebrows. Between the translucent outer blouses, there is the white and tender skin on the chest, which is slightly sunken. Her collarbones set off her pretty face, like a hundred flowers blooming.
Her jade arms as white as lotus roots were half leaning on the railing, swinging a round fan embroidered with flowers and birds, and looking at the passers-by downstairs. When they met someone familiar, they waved their fans and handkerchiefs. Erjiao smiled and invited him upstairs.
"Have you heard? Erlang suppressed the rebellion in Huaixi, defeated the rebels, and made great contributions!" A while ago, the hottest topic in Tokyo was undoubtedly the appearance of the Duke of Qi with dragons and phoenixes, orchids and jade trees, as if he were banished to an immortal. The wedding between Chen's young master Qi and the head of Jiacheng County of the Yong family, but what people in Tokyo are talking about now is that the prodigal son of the Gu family turned around and changed his past. Not only did he go to the front line, but he also made many military exploits. matter.
The official Long Yan Dayue had already promoted him to the position of Commander of the Huaixi Army and Horses, as well as the training envoy of the Haozhou and Shouzhou regiments. This was just a previous promotion. After he returned to Beijing, he would be given another reward.
This group of rebels in Huaixi was not an ordinary rebel. They captured more than ten counties in several states and killed seven or eight county magistrates. The magistrate of Haozhou escaped, but the magistrate of Shouzhou was not so lucky. Being directly beheaded and killing officials in rebellion, this mood has completely changed.
Moreover, Xie Bingde, the commander of the Wuwei Army, was defeated by the rebels before. Not only did he lose his life, but almost all the Wuwei Army on the Huainan West Road were lost in Luzhou. On the other hand, Gu Er won a great victory just after taking over the Wuwei Army. , and then there were consecutive battles and victories, never losing. Now in Tokyo, when Gu Er is mentioned, everyone gives a thumbs up, saying that Ningyuan Houfu’s family background, although Gu Er used to be a prodigal when he was young, it was just because of his youth. It's just ridiculous, but now that he has changed, he will naturally become a young talent.
Moreover, among the nephews and nephews of distinguished families in Tokyo, there is no way that they would not go to the Qinlou Chu Pavilion or the Fireworks Willow Alley.
However, in the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion, there are only two people who are really happy for Gu Er. One is Ningyuan Marquis Gu Yankai, who is also Gu Er's father, and the other is Gu Tingwei, a daughter of the Xiao Qin family. They grew up together and never thought about inheriting the family title. However, they were happy for Gu Er for a few days. They also thought that when Gu Er came back, he would be promoted by Gu Er.
At the same time, in Yuzhou City, which was only a few hundred miles away from Bianjing.
Since he was assassinated by the rebels last time, and all his generals were killed and disabled, and his own son was hacked several times by the rebels, and he had to fight to the death to protect himself, Zhao Zongquan has become sensitive, and he has become sensitive everywhere except in the military camp and at home. Don't dare to go.
Zhao Zongquan liked farming, so he took his servants to open some paddy fields in his backyard and planted rice at home. When he heard that the rebels in Huaixi were surrounded and suppressed, Zhao Zongquan finally felt relieved. Finally started to go out for a walk.
On this day, Zhao Zongquan was going to Zhuangzi to check the conditions of the fields and prepare for autumn sowing, but Zhao Ceying ran over with a happy face.
"Father! Father! What a happy event!"
"Why are you so happy?" Zhao Zongquan looked at his son with a happy face and asked in confusion.
Zhao Ceying: "Father, do you still remember General Gu who defeated the rebels in Huaixi?"
"Of course I remember!" Although Zhao Zongquan stayed at home and stayed in Yuzhou, he always paid attention to information from the outside world, especially the Huaixi rebels who almost killed their father and son.
Zhao Ceying said with a smile on her face: "My son heard the news. General Gu and his soldiers personally escorted several rebel leaders back to Bianjing to meet with officials. They will arrive in Yuzhou soon."
Before Zhao Zongquan could say anything, Zhao Ceying couldn't wait to say: "Father, my son is thinking, should we hold a banquet to entertain this General Gu! After all, this General Gu can be regarded as helping Xiao Duan and Lao Geng avenge themselves. "
In order to save Zhao Zongquan, Lao Geng died. Xiao Duan had an arm broken and was stabbed several times, becoming crippled and almost unable to be saved. Now Gu Er has wiped out the gang of rebels in Huaixi, which is equivalent to replacing Lao Geng and Lao Geng in disguise. Xiao Duan took revenge.
Zhao Zongquan's face changed slightly when he heard this, and he nodded and said: "We should really thank him, but I heard that General Gu was born in the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion and has made great contributions to the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion for generations, so we still have to keep it a secret!"
"What do you mean, father?" Zhao Ceying asked, cupping his hands.
Zhao Zongquan thought for a moment and said, "Well, you prepare some gifts and send them to General Gu to show our gratitude, and I won't show up."
Zhao Ceying knew what kind of temper Zhao Zongquan was, and did not force him. He immediately said: "That's fine. It is said that General Gu is about the same age as his son. His son is gone and he is more sociable."
After saying goodbye to Zhao Zongquan, Zhao Ceying hurried over to get ready. As the time approached, Gu Er and his entourage arrived at the border of Yuzhou. Zhao Ceying took people with them, wine, food, pigs and sheep to the inn where Gu Er stayed, and asked the chef to kill the pigs and sheep. , entertain Gu Er and his entourage.
However, after a little chat, Zhao Ceying and Gu Tingye felt like they were old friends at first sight.
In fact, it is not surprising that the two of them are of the same age, and they are both studying and practicing martial arts. They have great ambitions and hope that one day they can make great achievements, seal the wolf as a vassal, wipe out the Xixia, reopen the Silk Road, attack the Khitan in the north, and regain the Yan Dynasty. cloud.
The two of them had the same interests and even had many similar ideas. After a few hurried conversations, they could no longer stop. As they pushed the cups and changed the cups, the topics got further and further away.
"It's a pity that my father and I are not favored by the court. Otherwise, it would be great to go to Huaixi with Zhonghuai this time to suppress the rebellion!" After three rounds of wine, Zhao Ceying was tipsy and spoke out what was in his heart.
When Gu Er saw Zhao Ceying's frustrated look, he couldn't help but be touched by it. He recalled the past when he was deposed by officials and asked to take the scientific examination after the age of fifty like Yang Wuduan. Suddenly, he suddenly I feel so grateful.
"Life is unpredictable. Who can say what will happen in the future!" Gu Er raised his glass and said, "You and I are still young, and we may not have the opportunity to show our ambitions in the future."
"Hey!" Zhao Ceying sighed: "It's easier said than done!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Ceying realized that he seemed to have said too much, and quickly changed his words: "It's a happy event that I met Zhonghuai today. Why are you talking about these mundane things? Come on, let's have wine, have wine!"
In the yard, the cook lit a fire. On the fire, the sheep that had been prepared and marinated were being turned over and roasted by the fireworks, exuding a rich aroma of meat.
Shitou and the soldiers drank from big bowls, ate the stewed meat, and played games with each other. They were so happy.
The autumn breeze was slightly cool, but with the good wine, it complemented each other perfectly. Zhao Ceying and Gu Er felt like old friends when they met, and they seemed to regret meeting each other late. As soon as they drank the wine, they both felt a little confused.
Suddenly, a soldier wearing armor quickly ran into the inn. As soon as he came in, he hurriedly asked where Zhao Ceying was. The people Zhao Ceying brought recognized this man as his brother and immediately led him to see Zhao Ceying.
When the soldier saw Zhao Ceying, he knelt down on the ground and said sadly: "Sir, it's bad, the regiment training officer is missing!"
"What did you say?" Zhao Ceying woke up immediately from drinking, jumped up, grabbed the soldier by the collar, and asked with disbelief.
The soldier hurriedly explained: "Tonight, the eldest lady came back after not seeing the regiment for a long time. The eldest lady sent someone to the village to find the regiment. However, when the brothers arrived at the village, they learned from the head of the village that the regiment had left shortly after. The brothers I hurriedly led dozens of villagers to search along the way back, and on the way, I found the bodies of the brothers beside Tuan Lian on the roadside, but there was no trace of Tuan Lian."
"When did it happen?" Zhao Ceying asked quickly.
The soldier said: "It's almost the time of class at Youshi. My uncle has already taken people to find a group to practice. The eldest lady sent the little guy to inform the young master."
Zhao Ceying looked a little panicked, and hurriedly raised her hands to Gu Er and said: "Something happened to my father, and I have to rush back. I hope Zhonghuai will forgive me for being rude!"
Gu Er had also sobered up by four or five minutes. After listening to the soldier's narration, he also got a general idea of what happened. He immediately offered himself up and said, "I'll go with you! It's getting dark today, so a few more people can help us search together." Can be faster!"
After listening to Gu Er's words, Zhao Ceying's eyes were a little moved. He didn't care about the polite remarks with Gu Er, and said with twinkling eyes: "I can't say thank you for your kindness!"
"You and I hit it off, why are you talking about this? Let's go quickly!" Gu Er immediately put on his shoes, put on his saber, pulled Zhao Ceying and walked out. When he went outside, he greeted Shitou and a dozen brothers, leaving enough manpower. The several rebel leaders who were guarding the station borrowed the horses from the inn, and immediately followed Zhao Ceying and galloped away.
The horses galloped all the way, and when they arrived at Zhao Ceying's house, Gu Er, Shitou and the others had all sobered up from their drinks.
Zhao Ceying's mother, Mrs. Shen, was walking around the front hall anxiously, and there was a girl in her 28s accompanying her. All the family's servants and guards were taken out by Zhao Ceying's uncle Shen Congxing, and the rest of the female envoys were waiting for her. The female envoys were also silent and did not dare to breathe.
"Mother! Mother!" As soon as Zhao Ceying arrived outside the house, she ran all the way into the house.
"Ying'er!" Seeing Zhao Ceying come back, Shen seemed to have found a backbone, and rushed forward to grab Zhao Ceying's hand. The tears in her eyes had already fallen down.
"Mom, is there any news about father?" Zhao Ceying asked impatiently.
Mrs. Shen cried and shook his head: "No, it's been more than half an hour since your uncle took the people away, and there's still no news back! If something happens to your father, how can I survive?"
Shen and Zhao Zongquan have been husband and wife for many years and have a deep love for each other.
A woman next to her who was younger than Shen held her hand and said, "Sister, don't worry too much. My brother-in-law has his own destiny, so he will be fine. The most important thing for my sister now is to take care of me." Brother-in-law, guard the house."
When Gu Er, who followed Zhao Ceying in, heard this, he couldn't help but take another look at the woman who was speaking. The woman's appearance could only be described as average to upper-middle-class. Although her brows were also furrowed, her expression was much calmer than that of Shen.
Mrs. Shen was already helpless and very anxious: "It has been so long and there is no news. How can I not be worried?"
Zhao Ceying said: "Mother, my son will go find his father now!"
After saying that, he cupped his hands to the woman next to Shen and said, "Mom, let my aunt take care of her!"
"I'm at home, so you can go without worries!" The woman supported Shen and said solemnly.
Zhao Ceying hurried to the study, took Zhao Zongquan's seal, and hurriedly went to see the magistrate of Yuzhou. The magistrate of Yuzhou heard that Zhao Zongquan had been assassinated and disappeared, and his whereabouts are still unknown. He immediately panicked. Not to mention that Zhao Zongquan was still a member of the clan, and he was just a member of the regiment. As an envoy, if something happens in Yuzhou, he will not be able to escape from it in the future, not to mention that Zhao Zongquan and his son are from the royal family.
Zhizhou immediately signed the transfer order and sent out the Yamen's police officers and his own servants to help search for Zhao Zongquan's whereabouts. Zhao Ceying took Zhao Zongquan's seal and Zhizhou's transfer order and transferred a group of people. The soldiers and horses of the camp went together to search for Zhao Zongquan's whereabouts.
Originally, Zhao Ceying had panicked when he heard that Zhao Zongquan was missing. He just wanted to run to find Zhao Zongquan with his uncle Shen Congxing. Gu Er reminded him that he thought of using Zhao Zongquan's seal to mobilize troops. After all, Zhao Zongquan was a Yuzhou regiment training, not something Ordinary people.
Watching as the whole night passed, the sky was already covered with fish belly white. After searching all night, everyone was temporarily exhausted. Because it was dark and the visibility with the naked eye was too low, many subtle traces were covered up by the night. Fortunately, the yellow sky paid off. A caring person finally asked Gu Er and others to find some traces after a large number of people searched like a dragnet.
"Hey!" Gu Er reined in his horse and stopped, raised his hand to signal everyone to stop, raised his ears, frowned, and said seriously: "There seems to be the sound of fighting ahead!"
Zhao Ceying also pricked up his ears and put his palms outside his ears: "There is really a sound of fighting!"
"Come on, let's get there quickly!"
Gu Er and Zhao Ceying hurriedly led the men and horses away. After a while, they crossed a mountain col and saw dozens of corpses lying on the ground. Pu knives and spears were scattered on the ground, as well as a few soft bow feathers. Arrow, there were clearly two groups of people on the ground. One group was dressed as the guards and servants of Zhao Ceying's family, and the other group was dressed in black clothes, black trousers, and wearing a black turban and face scarf. Just by looking at their attire, you knew they must be assassins.
Dozens of corpses were laid out along the road. A few dozen feet away, two groups of people were fighting.
Zhao Ceying couldn't care about anything else. She immediately shouted, drew out her long knife, and rushed forward with her men and horses: "Stop hurting my father!"
Gu Er was not in a hurry, he got off his horse, picked up a bow from an assassin in black, took two pots of arrows, and then chased after him.
Zhao Ceying himself was good at martial arts, and he borrowed the power of the horse, and the assassin was entangled again. He immediately rushed into the assassins like a tiger rushing into a flock of sheep. Gu Er beat the horse at the side, holding the bow in his left hand and twisting it between the five fingers of his right hand. As he held the feathered arrow, his eyes became focused, as sharp as an eagle soaring high in the sky overlooking the earth in search of prey.
