Knife splashing

Chapter 551: Jinguan City at the End of the Year

The sky was grey and light snow was falling.

The Chengdu Prefecture in the distance seems to be covered by white gauze, with only black and white remaining between the sky and the earth, which has a unique charm.

The official road outside the city was muddy.

Although it was near the end of the year, the official road leading to Chengdu was still busy, with both nearby residents and merchants coming and going.

The wooden wheels squeaked and sank into mud from time to time.

The car body is covered with mud and doesn't look very good, but it is actually a high-end product that cost a lot of money.

The reason is simple, it is wrapped with an iron hoop.

For this kind of wheel, a huge iron hoop is made, which is heated red before the wooden wheel is embedded in it. It is completely fixed after cooling.

Even if the journey is long, there is no need to worry about the wheels falling apart along the way.

Even so, the iron hoop is rusty and will not last long if it is not replaced next year.

There were piles of mutton on the cart.

People in Shu like to eat mutton and must eat it in winter.

Ordinary people naturally don't have this ability, but in the huge city of Chengdu, where wealthy and powerful people gather, a cart of mutton can be sold easily.

"Damn it, this damn weather..."

The driver took off his hat and shook off the snow, complaining to the person beside him: "It has been many years since there has been such a heavy snow in Shu. Will there be a problem next year?"

As he said this, he glanced at him calmly.

He was complaining and also trying to strike up a conversation.

Next to him was Li Yan and his group.

He came from Wanchun County and met these people on the way. The road was difficult in winter, and they were afraid of encountering hungry wild animals coming down the mountain, so they agreed to travel together.

It is obvious at first glance that these people are not ordinary people.

The driver was an old man from Huaiqing Car Shop in Chengdu Prefecture. He was also a wanderer, so he started a conversation casually, hoping to find out his details.

Hearing this, Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and looked at the sky, then nodded with a serious expression, "The climate has indeed changed. I noticed last year that it was colder than in previous years, but I didn't expect it to be even worse this year..."

Li Yan, who was standing next to him, heard this and seemed to be thinking about something.

He vaguely remembered that at this time in his previous life, there had been a small ice age, which had caused dynastic turmoil and numerous disasters.

Could it be that humanitarian change is also related to this?

Oh! Oh! Oh!
Suddenly a donkey's head popped out from the side, one eye straight and one eye slanted, it was the stupid donkey adopted by Li Yan.

It’s hard to say anything else about this idiot, except that he’s lucky.

The team had separated before, and he was taken to Guan County by Sha Lifei and his men and placed in an inn. Perhaps because he was too ugly, no one paid any attention to him after the accident.

After coming down from the mountain, Li Yan personally went to Guan County and brought this stupid donkey out. After all, he had developed feelings for it and could not just leave it there.

Li Yan casually patted the donkey's head, looked at the roadside tea stall in the distance, narrowed his eyes, turned his head and clasped his fists, saying: "Uncle Liu, let's go have some hot tea, and we'll say goodbye now."

The driver was stunned, feeling a little strange.

It was not far from Chengdu Prefecture. There was nothing to eat or drink after entering the city. These people did not look poor... I was afraid something had happened.

Of course, he couldn't ask too much, so he just bowed and said, "I'm in Huaiqing Coach and Horse Company, and I'm familiar with Chengdu Prefecture. If you need any help, you can always come to me."

"See you later."

"See you later."

After watching the convoy leave, Li Yan gave a wink and took a few people to the tea stall.

The tea stall was not big, just a canopy made of patched rags with a few wooden tables inside and a teapot steaming on a small stove.

The weather is cold, so naturally there won't be many guests.

There was only a middle-aged man sitting at a table. He was dressed in black and his face was covered by a hat.

Seeing that there were no pedestrians on the road, Li Yan directly placed the Dust-Breaking Knife on the table, sat opposite him, and said in a deep voice: "Brother, how is the city?"

The man opposite looked up and saw that it was Hou Xuan who had escaped from Guan County.

At this moment, he had an unshaven beard and a tired look on his face. He said, "Don't worry, Young Master Li. The tea stall belongs to our brothers."

This man was a local gangster in Guan County. He first joined a gang and later did business, accumulating considerable wealth.

To be honest, Li Yan didn't really want to deal with these people.

Those who are involved in gangster activities and can start a gang in their local area are definitely not good people.

However, Hou Xuan was very loyal. In order to help them, he suffered consequences and almost lost his family.

Li Yan was clear about gratitude and grudges, so he naturally couldn't just leave it alone. Therefore, he agreed to help this person find a new opportunity.

Although they encountered a strong enemy in Guan County, they still had to continue investigating the clues about Erlang Zhenjun, so Li Yan asked Hou Xuan to come to Chengdu first to gather information.

Unfortunately, they didn't gain much.

The reincarnation of Erlang Zhenjun did not stay in Guan County for long. We only found out that his name was Yang Chenghua. After his adoptive mother died, he left completely.

The only person who knew the inside story, Master Lu, has also died.

They had no choice but to go to Chengdu Prefecture.

"There is not much news in Chengdu Prefecture."

Hearing Li Yan's question, Hou Xuan said in a deep voice: "It seems that our affairs in Guan County were deliberately covered up and did not cause any big commotion."

"I went to Shunyuan Escort Agency and found Brother Wang. I asked him to send someone to inquire. Neither the Chengdu government nor the city guards had received any warrants to arrest us..."

Li Yan seemed to be thinking, "What is the current situation of the Shu Palace?"

Hou Xuan looked around and whispered, "Ever since his son was shot dead in the street and the King of Shu made a scene in the government office, he has returned to the King of Shu's mansion and has not gone out since."

"According to the rumors from the Shu King's Palace, the Shu King has been ill in bed and has even vomited blood. I'm afraid he won't survive this year."

"The princes of the Shu Palace have all started to take action, sending people to curry favor with the imperial censors and trying to get information from the capital. They probably don't care about us because of this..."

"I see."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "What's your plan, Brother Hou?"

What he asked, of course, was the other party's future plans.

Hou Xuan sighed upon hearing this, his eyes a little confused, "Before I came out, I brought a group of brothers with me. I'm fine, but they followed me through thick and thin, so I have to give them a home."

"Brother Wang wants me to escort him, but my brothers are not very good at martial arts, so I'm afraid we can't make a living in this line of work."

"Chengdu is a place full of good and bad people. It's difficult for an outsider like me to enter! Now everyone is in the inn and visiting a few ports. No one is coming to cause trouble for the time being."

This is the helplessness of being in the underworld.

If you can't take root, you can only wander around.

Li Yan pondered for a moment and took out a silver note from his pocket.

"What is this, Young Master Li?"

Hou Xuan frowned and quickly stopped him, "I am not very capable, but I never regret doing what I do for the sake of loyalty. Besides, I brought money with me when I left, so I don't have to worry about food and drink."

"Brother Hou misunderstood."

Li Yan smiled and said, "I want to build a temple near Chengdu next year. It should be near a river, but it is troublesome to find craftsmen. Since Brother Hou is free, why don't you help me prepare for this matter first?"

"Okay, it's nothing."

Hou Xuan nodded and agreed, but after taking the banknote, he was shocked, "Ten thousand taels!"

Ten thousand taels may not be able to buy many spiritual materials in the Taoist sect, but if used by the people, it can do a lot of things even if prices rise.

It’s more than enough to build a small temple.

“This is just an advance deposit.”

Li Yan nodded and said, "We still have some things to do after entering the city. Brother Hou, can you help me find someone first? The price is negotiable, but the craftsmanship cannot be bad. Brother Wang can help me find a Xuanmen craftsman."

"One thousand taels of it is your reward."

Seeing Hou Xuan was about to refuse, Li Yan shook his head and said, "If Brother Hou doesn't accept it, I'm afraid people will point fingers at me, and I'll be in trouble in the future."

"Alright."

Hou Xuan hesitated for a moment and put the banknote into his arms.

He could see that Li Yan was ready to help him. After putting away the banknotes, Hou Xuan asked again, "Young Master Li, what are your plans after entering the city?"

"Shu Palace, Ghost Troupe..."

Li Yan casually said two words, and then said in a deep voice: "What we are doing is bound to be bloody. Brother Hou, please don't get involved, so as not to be implicated. Also tell Brother Wang."

"I'll come find you once it's safe."

Hou Xuan was startled, and a chill ran down his spine. He said nothing more, but stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Okay, everyone, be careful."

After saying that, he nodded to the old man setting up the stall, put on his hat, stood up and strode away.

He knew that Li Yan would definitely not let him know where he was going.

"Let's go too."

After he left, Li Yan also led his men away from the tea stall.

They came from the west, and when they arrived at the west gate of Chengdu, it was already past noon, and there were not many people queuing at the city gate.

The city gate is towering, with carved beams and painted rafters above it. Although it has been eroded by time, it still shows its former glory.

After all, it is a big city, and the soldiers at the city gate are also vigorous and energetic. They are all wearing armor and holding weapons, with muskets on their backs.

Facing the wind and snow, it is like a rock in front of the door.

The appearance of Li Yan and others was too conspicuous. Before they got close, the soldiers guarding the city had already stared at them.

Li Yan and his companions remained calm.

Li Yan had already explained this matter on the way.

He accepted an assignment from the Cheng family in Qingcheng Mountain and went to Chengdu Prefecture to protect the five princes favored by the Cheng family so that they could take over smoothly.

This matter can be open or secret.

Li Yan knew that the real mastermind behind the plot was the Cheng family, and they were just a cover.

If you are stopped, it doesn't matter if you reveal your identity.

However, what was strange was that when the soldiers guarding the city saw them, they were just wary but did not step forward to stop them or question them.

Li Yan and others were a little confused, but they understood everything immediately after entering the city.

Due to the trampling of pedestrians and the melting snow, the streets of Chengdu seemed a little muddy, but not deserted, and the noise was overwhelming.

There are rows of shops on both sides, including cloth shops, grain and oil shops, teahouses, and restaurants.

As the year draws to a close, business becomes even more booming.

People were hurrying along the streets, some stopping to buy New Year's goods, some pulling charcoal and other goods to sell, and the Sichuan dialect was noisy.

What caught everyone's attention was that there were quite a few people from the underworld.

Outside the teahouses and taverns, ragged beggars from the east were beating money boards and singing lotus songs.

Through the window, you can see the grandfather and grandson singing the fisherman's drum song.

Chengdu is always very lively during the Chinese New Year, and the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month is world-famous.

It is not surprising to see artists from all over the country gathering at this time.

But there are also quite a few warlocks among them.

There is an old man with a monkey on his shoulders...

There is a big and strong monk holding a handy shovel...

There are even men in black carrying muskets...

Li Yan and Sha Lifei looked at each other.

Although the government has issued gun licenses, there are not many people who have the opportunity to obtain them, and most of them are hidden.

For example, the magic gun was placed in the luggage.

He is so blatant, he must be a disciple of a big sect.

Although there are many martial artists and sorcerers, they seem sparse in a big city like Chengdu.

I just entered the city and I encountered so many...

Something must have happened in the city.

"Let's go to the Prince's Mansion first."

Li Yan seemed to be thinking about something, and turned with everyone into the alley.

There were obviously fewer people in the alley.

This is Xicheng, where ordinary people live. Almost every household is busy cleaning the house and making bacon.

The naughty kids were playing in the alley, burying the cheap little firecrackers in the snow. The explosions made a ping-pong sound and the snow flew everywhere.

The New Year has not yet arrived, but the festive atmosphere is already there.

Li Yan and his companions lowered their bamboo hats and quickly shuttled through the alleys. They asked a few vigilant people along the way and soon headed south of the city...

…………

The overall layout of Chengdu Prefecture is an oval.

When Daxuan conquered Daxing, Chengdu was also a battlefield. A hundred years ago, it was renovated and the city walls were expanded. Four city gates were opened in the east, west, south and north, and all of them had urn cities.

The famous Shu King's Palace occupies the central position.

It has a circumference of five li and a height of four zhang. The outer wall has a circumference of nine li, which is magnificent. Thus, the Chengdu Prefecture has formed a three-layer structure of inner, middle and outer cities.

There are many temples in the southern part of Chengdu.

Not only are there Wenjing Palace, Ma Wang Temple, City God Temple, but even Chengdu Prefecture School is also here. Outside the city is also the famous Qingyang Palace.

Naturally, this is also a place where dignitaries gather.

Deep in an alley in the south city, there is a large mansion surrounded by bamboo forests and set against the backdrop of snow. The gatehouse is tall and hung with big red lanterns.

This place is the Five County Princes' Palace.

The imperial court had strict requirements on the specifications of the Prince’s Mansion.

For example, the front gate building has three rooms and five frames, the middle gate building has one room and five frames, and the front hall has five rooms and seven frames…

From height to specifications, nothing can be exceeded.

Actually, the area is not that large.

Especially in recent years, as the imperial court has elevated the status of merchants and removed some restrictions, many people have spent huge sums of money to build luxury homes.

Compared with it, the Prince's Mansion seems much more shabby.

There is no way, this is the rule of the court.

Merchants can be turned a blind eye, but the children of royal families are watched by many people, and if they do something slightly out of line, they will be impeached.

After all, there are many censors who are willing to be beaten in order to get promoted.

Even so, not everyone can enjoy this treatment.

When the Fifth Prince was young, he was smart and studious, and his mother was from the Cheng family, so she didn't talk much with other people. It was for the sake of the Cheng family's face that the Fifth Prince was allowed to leave the Shu Palace.

Living in this secluded place, he usually keeps a low profile.

"who?!"

Before Li Yan and his group got close, a man emerged from the bamboo forest. He was dressed in green, had slightly bulging temples, and a dark and stern face.

At first glance, he looks like a practicing master.

Li Yan took out the Cheng family warrant from Ming Shanzi and said calmly, "Please give this to the Fifth Prince, and he will know it."

"Oh?"

Seeing the word "Cheng" on the token, the man narrowed his eyes slightly, with a hint of dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes, but he didn't say much, but nodded and said: "Okay, everyone wait a moment, don't run around."

After saying that, he turned and entered the Prince's Mansion.

"Brother Yan, something is wrong."

Sharifei came closer and whispered.

Li Yan also nodded, curling his lips, "The Cheng family is not honest, I'm afraid someone wants to steal the business..."

(End of this chapter)