The light of the sword is like the moon reflecting on Kyushu

Chapter 1905 Condolences

The next morning, Feng Jiuxiao and everyone else crossed the river and arrived at the east side of the river. They first found a porridge shop and prepared to try the local snacks.

This is a frontier area, so the food culture is naturally a mixture of characteristics of various ethnic groups.

In addition to the Bashu flavor, there are naturally Tibetan characteristics.

Pang Shiwu and La Jiao were the pioneers, consulting each restaurant they passed. They consulted first and then decided which restaurant to eat at.

There is a noodle shop with a sign in both Chinese and Tibetan, and its specialty is a pickled cabbage noodle. The characteristic is that the hand-rolled noodles are thick and chewy, with local pickled cabbage and diced bacon. The soup base is made from yak bones and sprinkled with wild pepper, which is sour and spicy and appetizing. The owner of the noodle shop introduced a hidden way to eat it, which is to add a spoonful of oil-splashed chili and pair it with Qiang ethnic group fire-roasted buns, which tastes better.

There is also a shop that makes taro rice cakes. La Jiao asked the boss how this thing is made. The boss smiled and told her that La Jiao is a cute little girl. Steam highland potatoes and pound them into a paste, then cut them into strips when ordered, and then pour sour and hot sauce or brown sugar and soybean powder on them. This is called sweet and salty combination, and it tastes very good.

There is also a shop selling 'butter tea with barley cakes'. La Jiao asked the boss, "Hello, boss, how are these butter tea and barley cakes made?"

The boss was wearing a Tibetan robe, his cheeks were chapped and red from the plateau, he looked honest when he smiled and his teeth were very white, he said in broken Chinese: "Hello, little girl, Feng Jiuxiao's butter is made from yak milk, the tea leaves are from Ya'an, the auxiliary ingredients are salt, walnut kernels, and sometimes fresh milk, first boil the tea leaves, filter out the tea soup, pour it into the butter tea tube, add salt, butter, walnut pieces, stir hundreds of times until the water and oil are mixed and white foam floats on the surface."

Chili was stunned. "So troublesome? Just stirring it requires hundreds of times?"

The Tibetan uncle said: "Yes, but Feng Jiuxiao and others are used to it, so they don't find it troublesome anymore."

"Then it seems that the method of making barley cakes is not that simple?"

"It's not complicated. Highland barley pancakes are mainly made of highland barley flour and wheat flour, mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The reason for this is not to deceive people, but it is too difficult to ferment pure highland barley flour, so wheat flour is used instead. The dough is fermented, and then baked. After it comes out of the pan, it is brushed with a layer of ghee and sprinkled with roasted highland barley flour or sesame seeds. The ones with a slightly thinner batter and a shorter baking time are called soft pancakes. Reduce the amount of water, bake it dry, and then bake it for a while to become hard pancakes. Would you rather eat soft pancakes or hard pancakes?"

Chili asked, "How much are they? How much is one?"

"Five coppers for the soft one, six coppers for the hard one!"

Chili took out a handful of copper coins, counted them and said, "I want four of each, soft and hard." The boss smiled and said, "Okay!"

Pang Shiwu asked, "There are eight people in total, and you only want four?"

Chili rolled her eyes at him and said, "Who bought it for you? You four grown men are asking us girls to pay for it? You should pay for it yourself!"

Pang Shiwu said helplessly, "I don't have any copper coins on me. You have quite a lot of copper coins on you. Lend me some first. I'll buy four too, so that my brother and the others can have a taste too!"

Chili stretched out her hand, "What do you want to borrow? You are not without money, give me silver in exchange!"

Pang Shiwu was stunned and helpless. He had to take out a silver ingot and hand it to La Jiao. La Jiao weighed it and said, "I'll give you fifty copper coins first." She collected the fifty copper coins and gave them to Pang Shiwu.

Pang Shiwu said, "That ingot of silver weighs twenty taels."

Chili said, "I know."

Pang Shiwu scratched his head and said, "The copper coins you gave me are not enough."

Chili said: "Why are you so stingy? I won't say anything. I'll give you fifty first, and I'll give you more when I have more!"

Pang Shiwu sighed, "Well, just don't forget it."

Chili looked disgusted, "Stingy!"

The Tibetan uncle just kept smiling foolishly as he looked at the bickering boy and girl in front of him.

He saw the long-lost vigor and vitality, and also saw the long-lost beauty of the world of mutual love.

It's great to be young.

La Jiao waved to Yuan Zishan and shouted, "Miss, come quickly. There is butter tea here. Come and have some."

Yuan Zishan and everyone else gathered together and sat on small stools. The Tibetan boss quickly used the boiling hot fire to make eight bowls of butter tea for everyone. The unique aroma instantly filled the entire room.

Yuan Zishan picked up the bowl and put it to her nose to sniff it, then nodded and said, "Yes, this tastes the most authentic."

She had drunk butter tea many times before, most of which were gifts from others to General Lian. To keep the butter tea fresh, someone added something to it, and the taste of the brewed butter tea varied greatly. Yuan Zishan knew that the sweeter it was, the less authentic it was.

After eating here for a few times, La Jiao dragged Pang Shiwu to find another bun shop. Hearing the boss's accent, he found that he was from the Taihang Mountains. La Jiao immediately became interested in chatting with the boss. As the saying goes: When fellow villagers meet, their eyes are filled with tears! Although the two did not hug each other and cry, they were very excited and the more they talked, the more they got along!

Chili was so excited that she started to shout again: "Miss, come over here and give me some cushions!"

Yuan Zishan laughed and scolded: "I really admire you, you little greedy cat!" Although she scolded,

The boss's breakfast is steamed buns and porridge. But there are more than a dozen kinds of stuffing for steamed buns, fresh meat and green onions, three fresh vegetables, braised meat, celery, radish, cabbage, leeks, eggs and beef and mutton, and the smell of chili makes you want to drool. There are also seven or eight kinds of rice porridge, white porridge, preserved egg and lean meat porridge, eight-treasure porridge, black rice porridge... The category is quite rich!

Yuan Zishan ordered three buns stuffed with celery and eggs and a bowl of millet porridge, Feng Jiuxiao ordered a basket of beef buns and a bowl of eight-treasure porridge, and Zeng Yong and Pang Shiwu both ordered a basket of mutton buns and black rice porridge.

When I arrived at Big Wolf and ordered food, I asked for fifty baskets of steamed buns! I wanted beef, pork, and mutton buns. They also had yak meat buns, which I wanted even more! Ten baskets of each!

The boss was stunned!

This blond Westerner ate all the buns he prepared today! What kind of appetite does he have?

Big Wolf said: "Don't look at Feng Jiuxiao like that. Feng Jiuxiao only wants these because these are all you have."

The boss was stunned again.

His understanding of the blond man's appetite was refreshed again!

"Sir, although Feng Jiuxiao's buns are delicious, you should not eat too much, as it is difficult to digest."

"You don't understand Feng Jiuxiao's stomach. These things will disappear as soon as they enter his stomach, and he will be hungry in a short while. Don't worry, serve the meal quickly."

"okay!"

Everyone sat on small benches on the street and appreciated the scenery on both sides of the street.

The long street is only three meters wide, with wooden buildings lined up on both sides, all of which are the unique hip-roof structure of western Sichuan - gray tiles press down on the upturned eaves, and half of the clothesline protrudes out of the window lattice on the second floor, which is hung with indigo-dyed cloth and rolls like waves when blown by the wind.

There are mostly shops on the east side. On the fir wood door of "Chen's Pharmacy", "Authentic Cordyceps, Directly Supplied from Songpan" is written in cinnabar. A bunch of dried angelica root hangs under the eaves, the aroma of the medicine mixed with the coolness of the morning dew.

The door of the tea-horse caravan warehouse next door was wide open, revealing a mountain of tea bricks. A Tibetan merchant was bargaining in stuttering Chinese, and the silver ornaments on his waist were jingling.

The west side of the street is mostly residential, with mottled rammed earth walls inlaid with broken porcelain pieces, supposedly to prevent thieves. Red peppers are drying on bamboo plaques by the windows. An old woman is sitting on the doorstep pounding tsampa. When the stone mortar falls, the sparrows on the copper bells on the eaves are startled and fly into the sky.

The most eye-catching thing is the watchtower at the end of the street, a three-storey stone square tower. It is said that it was once a Tibetan residence, but now it has been converted into a tavern. Occasionally, a wooden basin used by the waiter to splash water can be seen from the arrow window on the second floor.

Suddenly, a gong sounded to clear the way, and the officials drove the salt cart past. The wheels rolled over the horse drinking trough in the middle of the road, startling the packhorses drinking water at the trough and neighing loudly. In the moss at the bottom of the trough, the eight trigrams carved by the craftsmen of the previous dynasty could be vaguely seen - this Wenchuan City was built on the temper of the Wenshui River after all!

Pang Shiwu said, "Brother, does Zhang Taiping dare to stop us from crossing the river with the salt from Hexi?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "What do you think? Salt and iron have always been controlled by the imperial court. Anyone who dares to get involved in salt will be executed! If he dares to stop the official salt, isn't that a rebellion? As long as he is not ready to rebel, he will not dare to touch the official salt! He is a commoner, so he cannot fight against the officials! Unless he wants to change his identity!"

At this time, carriages and horses came one after another. Pang Shiwu said softly, "Feng Jiuxiao recognizes these horsemen. They helped us transport boxes last night!"

Feng Jiuxiao said: "It seems that the merchants in Hexi have received the notice and have begun to go to the Zhang family to pay their respects."

Pang Shiwu said: "Now the Zhang family is in a good mood."

Yuan Zishan asked, "Isn't there only a ferry? How did their carriage get here?"

Feng Jiuxiao said: "There are large bamboo rafts here that are specially used to transport carriages. Ordinary people can't see them at all. The main reason is that they are not usually used, and the cost is not low."

Yuan Zishan said, "Oh, there is a big bamboo raft. If you don't need it, isn't it made by the Zhang family? Who would be willing to go to the east of the river if the merchants from the west of the river have nothing to do?"

Zeng Yong said with a smile: "Today, the boatman with the big bamboo raft will make a fortune. How many horse carriages will have to go back and forth across the river in one day?"

Pang Shiwu said: "If someone from the Zhang family hadn't died, he wouldn't have been able to earn this much money."

Feng Jiuxiao said: "If it weren't for the Zhang family, they would have made money a long time ago!"

Pang Shiwu was startled for a moment, then nodded, "That's right!"

The Zhang family is the culprit!

One drink and one peck, could it be predetermined!

After everyone had eaten their fill, they strolled towards Zhang's house.

From time to time, people passed them along the way, and occasionally someone turned back and looked at Big Wolf. His long golden hair fluttered in the wind, and he was particularly eye-catching in the vast crowd!

Feng Jiuxiao stood in front of the gate of Zhang's house and looked up. Two pale lanterns were swaying gently in the wind. The word "甸" was written on them in thick ink. The ink seemed to be wet and would drip down at any time! The light from the lanterns was cold, making people's faces look blue. Even the red lacquered gate was covered with a layer of death!

The stone lion in front of the door was tied with white silk and had its mouth open, but it was silent.

From the mansion came the sound of low chanting, mixed with the occasional suppressed sob or two, as if it was floating from far away, or seeping out from the ground.

Pang Shiwu was a little puzzled. The monk from Panlong Temple had already died, so where was this monk invited from?

The servants outside the door were dressed in plain clothes. Suddenly, they saw a group of eight people approaching. When they looked closely, they saw that it was the person in white clothes from yesterday! They immediately bowed and let them pass!

Others may not remember it, but they will never forget this young man!

Her white clothes were as white as snow, her sleeves fluttered in the wind, and with every move she made, blood flowed like a river and bones piled up like a mountain!

With a flick of his sleeves, he summoned a tornado out of thin air, sending the Twelve Guardians into the air and causing them to hover for a long time without falling. Such evil behavior is simply enough to make one's back chilled!

Feng Jiuxiao stepped over the threshold and led everyone forward.

The corridor was already filled with spirit banners, white cloth with black words on it, rustling in the wind, as if countless wronged souls were whispering.

Occasionally, a servant would walk by hurriedly with his head lowered. They were all dressed in plain clothes, with expressionless faces, as if they were deliberately trying to lighten even their breathing.

The further you go in, the stronger the smell of sandalwood becomes, mixed with the burnt smell of paper money, which makes your eyes sore.

The mourning hall was set up in the main hall, with a plaque reading "The Voice and Appearance Are Still There" hanging on the lintel. The hall was packed with people, and people were coming in and out from time to time. One could hear someone inside shouting non-stop: "One bow... Two bows..."

"The ceremony is over... the family members are expressing their gratitude..."

In the middle of the mourning hall, the dark coffin was like a deep well, and Zhang Taiping's body was lying inside, covered with a brocade quilt and his face covered with yellow paper. The lid was not closed so that he could see his body for the last time.

There were three sacrificial animals on the altar, and the flickering candlelight made his ink-and-wash portrait flicker. His eyes seemed alive, staring straight at everyone who came in.

A gust of wind suddenly blew in, causing the paper ashes to swirl and fly, like a group of black butterflies flying towards the candlelight. Feng Jiuxiao looked up and saw Miss Zhang, dressed in mourning, kneeling beside the coffin. Her face was paler than the paper, but there was not a single tear in her eyes. There were also several young men and women kneeling beside her, who seemed to be her peers and relatives.

All the young people of the same generation who came with her fourth cousin to "force the emperor to abdicate" yesterday were locked up by her, and not a single one was released!

In this kind of situation, she would never give those bastards any chance to cause trouble!

The atmosphere in the mourning hall was weird and depressing.

When Feng Jiuxiao and others stepped into the mourning hall, the crowd that had gathered inside all looked at the young man in white!

Among the crowd were Yan Jiadi, Yan Jincheng, Yan Ruyu, Yan Jincheng's sister, Wen Buer and Wen Caichen, Liu Changqi and Liu Wu, Wang Shouyi and Wang Daoqian, Chang Haiping and Chang Guangling. They all stood on the east side of the mourning hall.

Among the group of people on the west side, there were Li An, Li Boshan, Li Zhonghai, Li Huangying - the family of Li An's daughter, and the county magistrate Yang Zixiong. Although I didn't know the rest of the people, they must be famous merchants in Hexi.

Their different looks mean that their thoughts are also different.

But there are only a few types.

Some people were happy because Zhang Taiping was dead.

Some people are worried because Zhang Qiankun is not dead yet.

Some people are calm. No matter how strong the wind and rain are, I will remain unmoved.

Some people are excited, thinking that this is a good opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

Some people are sad. Their backers have fallen, where will they go?

The leaders of the thirteen gangs in Hexi gathered at the Zhang family in Hedong. This is the first time in nearly ten years!

White flags hang low and incense and candles are curling.

Feng Jiuxiao stood in front of the coffin, his white clothes as white as snow. Several people stood side by side beside him. Feng Jiuxiao said, "Bow!"

Eight people saluted at the same time.

"Bow again."

"Three bows."

A man in charge beside him immediately shouted, "The ceremony is over, the family members thank you for the gift!"

Zhang Qianqian stood up and walked towards Feng Jiuxiao, bowing, "Thank you, sir!"

Feng Jiuxiao said: "You're welcome."

Zhang Qianqian said: "I have prepared the carriage."

Feng Jiuxiao said: "Fifteen, take Miss Zhang's people back to the county government office and bring all the boxes here."

Pang Shiwu said: "Okay!"

Zhang Qianqian turned around and a young man immediately came up to her and said, "Miss, what can I do for you?" La Jiao had been paying attention to Zhang Qianqian since she entered the door. She didn't expect that Zhang Qianqian was completely different from what she had imagined!

La Jiao thought Zhang Qianqian was a weak girl, or a cunning and wild girl, but she didn't expect that Zhang Qianqian was a person who spoke straightforwardly and acted neatly, and even had the style of a female general! The young man who appeared was like a ghost. I didn't know where he was hiding just now, but he appeared with a glance from Zhang Qianqian! The cooperation between the master and the servant was tacit!

Zhang Qianqian said solemnly, "You go with this young master to Hexi and bring the boxes to the old house. Send more people and call the Thirteen Guardians. Anyone who dares to take these boxes will be killed!"

The young man immediately bowed and said, "Yes!" Then he looked at Pang Shiwu respectfully, "Sir, please lead the way!"

Pang Shiwu said: "Brother, you asked me to go back as soon as I arrived. You can't leave me behind when something good happens later!"

Feng Jiuxiao said: "I will definitely keep good things for you!"

Many people discussed privately, "Is this young man in white the deputy envoy? He seems to be very familiar with Miss Zhang!"

"Of course they are not familiar with each other! They just met for the first time yesterday!"

"He supported her so much the first time we met. Could it be that he fell in love with her?"

"This is unbearable!"

Feng Jiuxiao put his hands behind his back, as if he was thinking about something.

Yuan Zishan's brows were furrowed. She had already covered herself with a black veil, otherwise she would have shocked everyone.

However, the appearance of Chang Zijin, La Jiao, Er Ni and others still attracted a lot of people's attention.

Everyone here is a wealthy businessman, who doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Most men looked at Chang Zijin with vulgarity, Chang Zijin just pretended not to see it, but she also kept a record of these people in her heart!

Suddenly, the leader of the Hedong Iron Sand Gang, Tie Shou Yan Sen, said, "Brother Zhang was highly respected during his lifetime. Now the Zhang family's businesses are spread all over the city. I propose that Miss Qianqian take over the position of leader of the 'Wenchuan Business Alliance'!"

There was an instant uproar in the hall.

Feng Jiuxiao was also a little surprised.

This Zhang Qianqian really impressed him. She had taken down the Tiesha Gang without making any noise!

At this time, Wen Buer said: "Miss Zhang is proficient in business and deserves the position of leader. My Wen family supports her!"

Yan Jiadi also said: "My Yan family also supports it!"

Liu Changqi said: "My Liu family supports us!"

Wang Shouyi said: "My Wang family supports us!"

Chang Haiping said: "My Chang family supports it!"

Suddenly, a hoarse voice came out, extremely harsh: "A woman is in charge? What a joke! Your Yan and Wen families are in the same boat with the Zhang family, so it makes sense to help Zhang Qianqian, but your Liu, Wang, and Chang families have always been suppressed by the Zhang family. How come you can't stand up after kneeling for so long? Do you still want to kneel when you see Zhang Taiping's daughter?"

I saw a white-haired old man walking in from outside the hall, followed by seven or eight masters, looking very aggressive!

Zhang Qianqian's face was cold, "It turned out to be you!"

Thank you Yudong for your strong support and encouragement!