Fu Shifeng

Chapter 204 Where to go?
"Ten, one hundred thousand strings?!"

Cheng Sanwu was just drinking tea and almost choked when he heard this.After finally regaining his composure, he took the cloth handed over by Mr. Ye and wiped his mouth, and asked quickly: "That damn fat pig is so valuable?"

Thinking back to when Lao Su's granddaughter was abducted and extorted [-] yuan, Lao Su also risked his life to embezzle it from Wang Yuanbao's treasury.Such a huge amount of wealth was not simply obtained by Wang Yuanbao from business operations, but could only be obtained through large-scale looting with the support of the imperial family members and nobles.

It can be seen that a reward of [-] yuan is already extremely rich for people in the martial arts world.

"For someone like Fan Zhongming, whose crimes are too numerous to describe, one hundred thousand guan is not too much." Manager Ye said in a cold tone: "This person began to rise to prominence more than ten years ago. He deliberately targeted the famous heroines who traveled around the world, and even targeted those who went out to eunuchs. The female family members took action and aroused public outrage. There are still survivors, whose physical and mental reputations have been devastated."

Cheng Sanwu couldn't help but murmured: "If I had known this, I should have brought his head with him and received a reward at least, so that I wouldn't have to worry about it for the rest of my life."

Ignoring Cheng Sanwu's behavior, Afu asked: "Does anyone in Jianghuai Wulin know that Fan Zhongming has entered the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"

"There are many people who know, but they may not know that Fan Zhongming is Lord Zhaoyang, let alone the succession of Lord Zhaoyang." Manager Ye quietly observed Cheng Sanwu, as if he was curious about how capable this person was, and that he could actually kill that person. Jianghuai martial arts public enemy.

"It would be best if no one knew about it." Afu said, "This time we come to the Jianghuai area to do business, so it's not appropriate to make a big fuss."

"I understand that you two are here for the matter of the deposed emperor's heirs." Director Ye took out the file from the side and handed it to Afu. At the same time, he said: "Now our people have been trying to find out the movements of the deposed emperor's heirs, but their activities have not been traced. Most of them are in Jiangnan, and their whereabouts are unpredictable."

"Can you confirm the identity of the deposed emperor's heir?" Afu asked.

"The person in charge of affairs on the east side of Jiangnan is said to have been responsible for escorting the deposed emperor to Fangzhou." Manager Ye's answer was meaningful: "According to what he said, the deposed emperor's descendants are very similar to the deposed emperor himself, so it should be accurate."

Afu already had a general understanding that the deposed emperor was demoted to the governor of Fangzhou and died of illness not long after he was in office. This was obviously an act of concealment by the saint to cut off all opportunities for restoration.

"Under such circumstances, how could the deposed emperor still have heirs?" Afu was still a little confused. The deposed emperor's identity was important and he should be under strict supervision.

"I don't know the specific situation. In the previous chapter, you can cross the river to Runzhou and ask Mr. Zhang directly." Manager Ye glanced out the window, and then said: "But as far as I know, Mr. Zhang prefers to do things in person. He may not be found in the department."

Cheng Sanwu ate a few pieces of pastry and asked, "It sounds like this Mr. Zhang has a high status?"

Director Ye nodded and said: "In my impression, among all the supervisors, Mr. Zhang is the oldest, and he is also one of the first embroidered messengers to be awarded the purple ribbon in the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Afu reminded: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs does not rely solely on force. It is also important to be tested and deeply trusted."

Cheng Sanwu clapped his hands: "Where is Gu Lianshan? I heard that this person has been famous in the Jianghuai area for a long time. He was also discovered by Mr. Zhang?"

"Yes." Manager Ye said, "But Gu Lianshan's movements are even more unpredictable. We sent people to spy on him, but there was no news."

Afu shook his head: "If it is really Gu Lianshan, then he is probably over [-] years old this year, and the muscles and bones of ordinary warriors have weakened. And if he still has profound martial arts, he may have entered the threshold of the innate realm. Any means of tracking and sneaking In his eyes, it's all like child's play. Don't send people to die anymore, it's meaningless."

"Yes."

"It looks like I'm going to Jiangnan." Afu said, "I'm more familiar with that area."

"Leaving now?" Cheng Sanwu asked.

Before Afu could answer, Chief Ye said: "I'm afraid this matter is also related to the Yangzhou Governor's Mansion."

Afu frowned: "Continue talking."

"You two must know that Yangzhou is an important hub between the north and the south. Many goods are stored in Yangzhou, including armor and weapons." Manager Ye said: "The Jianghuai River is rich in products, especially bamboo, wood, copper and iron, which are the raw materials for making bows and arrows. , so the imperial court set up a crossbow workshop in Yangzhou, and after it was finished, it was shipped to Chang'an.

"We also have manpower stationed in the Dudu Mansion in Yangzhou. A few days ago, we conducted a routine inventory of the crossbow office and found that the inventory of bows and arrows was far less than what was recorded in the book."

Cheng Sanwu couldn't help but laugh: "Oh, a lot of weapons have been lost. This is a big deal."

A Fu pondered: "No wonder that Gao Changshi was hesitant to speak to Chang Qing. It seems that there is indeed a problem here."

"A large number of weapons are missing right now. If they fall into the hands of the rebels, the consequences will be disastrous." Manager Ye said with a solemn expression: "I have sent someone to inform Mr. Zhang about this and hope that he will help in Jiangnan to check whether there are any weapons. Transshipment situation.”

"It seems that we still have to rely on Changqing's help." A Fuyan said.

"Let him test Gao Changshi?" Cheng Sanwu said, "Don't drag him into the water."

"It would be best for Gao Changshi if the son of Prime Minister Lu is involved."

……

The incense burner cleared the way and the gongs sounded to clean the streets. Changqing led a group of local Taoist priests in Jiangdu, prepared enough Dharma and majestic rituals, recited sutras and rhymes, walked through the streets and bridges, and all the way to the Taiqing Palace where Taoist ancestors were enshrined. Gao Changshi led the Dudu Mansion A group of officials greeted and saluted in front of the palace gate.

After Changqing hung the statue of the Taoist ancestor in the Dharma hall, set up the incense altar and performed the consecration ceremony, he then invited Gao Changshi to offer incense and pray on behalf of the local officials. The ceremony to welcome the statue came to an end.

It was almost dusk and the curfew was about to begin, but at this moment many people still gathered outside the Taiqing Palace, hoping to burn incense and worship in front of the statue of Taozu.The crowd outside the door was so crowded that the government officials could only shout loudly in an attempt to restrain the crowd.

"Gao Changshi, if you allow people to come in and offer incense, I'm afraid the crowd won't disperse even when the curfew comes." Changqing was a little worried.

Gao Changshi smiled awkwardly and said, "Mr. Changqing doesn't know. Yangzhou's local business is prosperous, and merchants often operate all night. The curfew here is much looser than that in Chang'an and Luoyang."

Chang Qing asked: "If there is no curfew, I'm afraid there will be thieves at night."

Gao Changshi was slightly stunned, and then said: "When I first took office here, I deeply felt that the curfew in Jiangdu was loose, and I also tried to prevent going out at night. However, within three days of the implementation of this order, local elders came to complain one after another, insisting that this order would make Yangzhou Business travel is in decline... I have no choice but to follow nature and do nothing."

Changqing had just walked along the way and had indeed seen the prosperity and prosperity of Jiangdu City. He couldn't help but think that the curfew law might gradually become useless in the future, and even hinder people's livelihood.

"Mr. Changqing has come a long way, and he is very busy with the ceremony." Gao Changshi said respectfully: "I have prepared a banquet in my private residence. I am willing to help Mr. Changqing wash away the dust." Changqing said to him. There was no objection to this, but out of the corner of his eye, he happened to catch a glimpse of Qin Wangshu making gestures towards him, so he said: "That's fine, but since I was ordered to install the holy statue, how can I just leave without saying goodbye? There will be a few days of rituals in the future. Please allow me to discuss this matter with the Taoists from Taiqing Palace."

"It should be so, it should be so." Gao Changshi said repeatedly.

After bowing his hands and saying goodbye, Changqing followed Qin Wangshu to a quiet courtyard aside, where people on the eaves were on guard everywhere, openly or covertly.

"What happened?" Changqing saw Cheng Sanwu and Afu and noticed that the situation was different.

"A large number of weapons were lost in the Dudu Mansion of Yangzhou, and their whereabouts are unknown." Afu came up and said, "Just now, Gao Changshi came to see you again?"

"He wants to host a banquet, and I have already agreed." Changqing asked: "Is the loss of weapons related to the deposed emperor's heirs?"

Now Afu has regarded Changqing as one of her own, and she did not hide even the errands of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"Only one heir of the deposed emperor can't accomplish anything. If he wants to raise the flag for rebellion, he will definitely gather troops and build armor and weapons." Afu said while thinking: "At the moment, we don't know the movements against the party, and Gu Lianshan is among them. It’s difficult for experts like this to penetrate deeply.”

Changqing guessed the opponent's plan: "So you plan to start with the lost weapons?"

"That's right." Afu nodded and said, "That Gao Changshi invited you to a banquet, and he will probably mention this matter."

"Then you might as well come together?" Changqing asked.

Cheng Sanwu smiled: "With a guy like me standing by, do you think Gao Changshi dares to tell the truth?"

Changqing nodded silently. If it was a matter of confidentiality, Gao Changshi would definitely have to talk to him alone.

"If he mentions weapons, he may want to use your identity as the son of Prime Minister Lu to help cover it up." Afu reminded: "No matter what, you promise that we will help secretly how to do it."

Changqing looked at the two people in front of him and suddenly said: "But if the weapon is lost, is it Gao Changshi himself?"

As soon as these words came out, Cheng Sanwu and Afu looked at each other, and the room fell into a dead silence.

"That's not true." It was Cheng Sanwu who broke the silence: "I see that Gao Changshi looks timid and afraid of getting into trouble. If he really dares to give a large number of weapons to the rebels, it will be convenient. He can be sent directly to him. Just take it and torture it to extract a confession."

"I think it's unlikely, but you still have to be prepared." Afu asked, "Did he invite you to a banquet at his private residence?"

"Correct."

Afu looked at Cheng Sanwu and said, "We are divided into two groups. I will go to the government office, and you secretly follow Changqing to Gao Changshi's private residence to look for any relevant clues."

"I'm not very good at this, I guess I need to bring Qin Wangshu with me." Cheng Sanwu added.

"can."

The arrangement was finalized, so everyone took action without further delay. Changqing changed into casual clothes and followed Gao Changshi to the banquet.

Gao Changshi's private residence is a large house that occupies half of a mile, surrounded by lakes, stone rockeries and clear streams.Although it was early autumn, it was still hot in Yangzhou, so Gao Changshi invited Changqing to enjoy the coolness in the bamboo pavilion by the pool.

The sky was getting dark, and many servants held lamps, illuminating the area around the lake pavilion. Just as Changqing was thinking about how many candles this would cost, he saw two rows of singers and dancers wearing tulle, with graceful and graceful figures. to.

These singers and dancers each hold musical instruments. Among them are not only Han people, but also Orchid girls with tall noses and deep eyes, which makes Changqing feel a little strange.

"Gao Changshi, Yangzhou is far away from the northwest, why are there so many orchids?"

Hearing this question, Gao Changshi stroked his beard and smiled: "Mr. Changqing must be coming to Yangzhou for the first time, right? Most of our merchants here come by sea. In addition to Silla and Japan, there are also people from Dashi He traveled across the oceans from places like China, Persia, and Tianzhu.

"They plundered men and women along the way. Kunlun slaves, Silla maids, and these orchids who were good at singing and dancing were all brought from overseas. Many merchants originally stopped in Guangzhou, but there was a miasma in the mountains from Lingnan to the north. If there are any obstacles, it would be better to continue taking the boat to Yangzhou."

"So that's it." Chang Qing gradually understood, and suddenly asked: "I saw many ships on the canal before, and many of them were large ships that could carry thousands of stones. Could they be merchant ships on long voyages?"

"A weight of a thousand stones? That's just a water transport ship." Gao Changshi laughed loudly: "A real sea-going ship can easily carry tens of thousands of stones of cargo, and can be operated by hundreds of people. It can even open lanes inside the ship to grow vegetables and fruits. The residents are here to maintain their health, go to death, and get married, just like a village community!"

Even if he is as well-informed as Chang Qing, he is still surprised at this moment.Seeing him like this, Gao Changshi continued: "Yangzhou is prosperous and prosperous, with abundant products. Countless literati and poets have lingered here, including this spring scene in the world."

As soon as these words were said, several prostitutes in gauze skirts knelt and sat around Changqing. All of them were fair-skinned and beautiful. They gently kneaded and pressed their hands. There was another person behind them hugging Changqing, letting him He leaned back.

Chang Qing is not good at women, not to mention that he has long been used to seeing stunning women in Guoseyuan. In his eyes, Gao Changshi and other domestic prostitutes are just a bunch of vulgar fans. Even if they are covered with incense, they can't cover it up. That despicable filth.

Gao Changshi himself also leaned in the warm and fragrant soft jade arms, holding several domestic prostitutes as if they were chairs, and clapped his hands gently at the same time. On the waterside pavilion outside the pavilion, singers and dancers played music, danced, and sang softly, as if I want to enjoy all the happiness on earth here.

For some reason, Chang Qing suddenly thought of Cheng Sanwu. If it were him, he might be happy with the current situation, right?
Although it was already known that Cheng Sanwu was a Taotie person, Changqing discovered that the secrets in him were not diminishing but increasing.

Guoseyuan and his entourage had actually given Changqing some conjectures, but the flower essences refused to speak out, so he tried to get the answer from Master Wen, but unfortunately Master Wen still chose to conceal it.

But Changqing is worried that once this secret is touched, it will be difficult for him and Cheng Sanwu to get along, so he can only keep the secret in his heart.

Gao Changshi let out a sigh unknowingly. Gao Changshi next to him was not sure why. Thinking of the other party's Taoist background, he immediately stood up and asked. Even the title was changed: "Is it possible that Lord Lu Lang doesn't like this kind of singing and dancing?"

"What Gao Changshi did made me very uneasy." Changqing really didn't want to pretend: "I'm just acting according to the holy orders, for fear of making mistakes. The current singing and dancing to cheer me up makes me feel guilty."

"Lu Langjun escorted the statue of Taoist ancestors. In the eyes of ordinary people like us, he is like a god. How can I say that I am ashamed of it?" Gao Changshi complimented.

(End of this chapter)