Knife splashing

Chapter 584: Happy Money, Prince's Mansion

Wow!
Copper coins fell like raindrops.

In the blink of an eye, he was captured along with the snow.

The people around were so jealous that they even quarreled and fought over it. Some people saw that the eunuchs were still throwing money around, so they hurried home to call for help.

Four hands can always hold more than two.

This "God of Happiness Money" is certainly not currency.

The rise and fall of the previous dynasty was certainly due to the corruption and lack of ambition of the upper class, but the excessive issuance of currency was also a major reason.

At that time, local gentry and officials privately minted copper coins and shared some of the profits. Even the emperor turned a blind eye, causing prices to soar and people to suffer.

"Ten thousand strings of cash for one cake" has been written in history books.

Therefore, since the establishment of the Daxuan Dynasty, the right to mint coins has been taken back. Anyone who dared to mint coins privately would be exterminated along with his entire family. The informer would be exempted from punishment. Even the princes who violated this law would be sentenced to death.

So this "God of Happiness Money" is spent money.

Although it cannot be circulated, it is also made of high-quality copper and can be used as a holiday gift, to ward off evil spirits and protect oneself, or even as a collection for enjoyment.

At worst, if you sell it for copper, it would be worth several cents.

There is also a custom in Shu that on the first day of the first lunar month, children would pay respects to their elders and get "hanging money", which is copper coins strung together with a red string to ward off evil spirits.

This "lucky money" comes at the right time.

Of course, there are beggars in a bustling crowd.

Several beggars with frostbite on their faces stole a lot from the crowd, and when they saw that no one was paying attention, they sneaked into the dark alley.

After passing through several streets and alleys, a dilapidated mansion suddenly appeared in front of us. The surrounding area was deserted. Behind the ruins, there was a bonfire burning with a pot of sticky rice paste cooking.

Beggars of all sizes stood trembling by the side, their eyes glowing green and they were drooling.

At first glance, it was the Westward Journey Beggars' Gang from Chengdu Prefecture.

An old beggar was sitting on the steps, wrapped in layer upon layer of rags, his old cotton-padded jacket shiny and greasy like armor.

His messy white hair covered his thin face.

It was Lu Sanshui, the beggar leader of Chengdu.

"Mr. Shui."

Several beggars handed over copper coins like offering treasures, and laughed with runny noses, "You asked us to keep an eye on the Shu King's troops, and it really paid off. Look, they've started throwing money around, so let's get more people to grab it!"

The beggar leader ignored him, stretched out his dry and blackened fingers, picked up a coin and examined it carefully.

This "God of Joy Coin" is round on the outside and square on the inside, and is hollow-cast. The main image is a relief of the God of Joy riding a crane, with the inscription "Blessings from the Heavenly Official" in regular script.

I held the coin up to the sunlight and it actually shone faintly golden.

"Good guy!"

"Did the King of Shu spend money to add gold?"

Beggars around were shouting and screaming.

For a moment, all the beggars were furious and didn't care about their hunger. They stood up and went out to rob.

"What are you so impatient for?"

The old beggar shouted and everyone stopped.

Lu Sanshui has been in control of the Chengdu Westward Journey Beggars' Gang for many years. He lets small matters go and catches big ones, using both kindness and severity, and no one dares to disobey him.

"Shui Ye, is there something wrong with this thing?"

An elderly beggar bowed and asked.

"I can't tell."

The old beggar looked at the coin from left to right, pinched his fingers, put it under his nose and smelled it carefully, frowned and said, "The casting of this coin is far more exquisite than ordinary ones. It must have been made by a skilled craftsman who spent a lot of time and effort."

"Although I can't see it, I know a little bit..."

"The rich and powerful would never be so generous!"

"Pass the order down, don't pick up any of that money!"

"Also, give this money to Fatty Wu from Qingfenglou..."

"Yes, Mr. Shui."

At the old beggar's command, a strong and wicked beggar immediately picked up all the flowers with rags and hurried out.

On the first day of the first lunar month, the people who had gone out gathered together with the King of Shu, so the streets were very empty.

This disheveled beggar, carrying a rag bag, walked all the way to the old street in the east of the city. When he looked up, he saw the sign of Qingfenglou.

According to Chinese custom, businesses do not open until after the fifth day of the New Year, so the doors were closed and firecracker debris was scattered all over the ground.

Boom boom boom!
The evil beggar knocked on the door directly, muttered a few words into the crack, and then stuffed the thing in.

The waiter inside handed it over to the fat shopkeeper, who then ran to a nearby alley and handed it over to a simple-looking man...

After many twists and turns, we finally arrived at the Yuwang Temple.

This is Mr. Wuxiang's way of survival.

Once any line is discovered, there is a chance to cut it off.

The atmosphere in the main hall of Yuwang Temple is very solemn.

Some people have been sent out to ambush on the way to Wuhou Temple, not to kill the enemy, but just to harass them.

The remaining masters discussed how to attack the Prince's Mansion.

"Is this the 'God of Happiness Money'?"

Young Master Wuxiang had already received the news, but he had just seen the actual thing.

He was very cautious. He had people pile the money on the table. He then made a circle with his chopsticks in his hand, gently picked up one coin and examined it carefully.

Others also gathered around and cast their own spells to investigate.

"Forgive me for my poor eyesight and my inability to see."

"It should be no trick."

"What a joke! Look at how fine these coins are. Taishan coins are no more than this. If there is no problem, why would you waste all this time?"

Li Yan also made some hand gestures and investigated carefully.

Again, he didn't smell anything.

There is nothing wrong with this.

But not all money spent has the chance to become a magic weapon. After it is successfully forged, it must be worshipped for several years in famous mountains and rivers, blessed places, or popular Taoist temples before it can become spiritual.

This thing looks new...

Cackling! Cackling!
Just then, he heard a strange sound in his ears.

Li Yan frowned slightly and looked around. No one else had any strange expression on their faces, obviously they didn't hear the voice.

He leaned in thoughtfully and listened carefully.

Sure enough, it came from the pile of coins, hollow and cold, like someone clicking their tongue, or bones twisting...

"There's something wrong with this thing!"

Li Yan's face was solemn, and he spoke without hesitation, "I don't know what it is, but it was hidden in some special way."

After everyone heard this, they looked at each other.

Although Li Yan had a great reputation, there were many veterans of the Xuanmen sect among the people present, and Young Master Wuxiang had many tricks up his sleeve, so nothing strange could be seen.

And this is too far-fetched...

"There must be a problem!"

Master Wuxiang took over the conversation and nodded, saying, "Young Master Li is definitely right, but we have other important matters to attend to. No matter what the King of Shu is planning, as long as we seize the military power today, we can directly become a general!"

"Don't worry, keep these things. I also know several weapon refining masters. After today's matter is over, I can ask them to check it out."

Li Yan nodded slightly and stopped dwelling on the matter.

As everyone continued to discuss, news continued to arrive.

"The Shu King's procession has passed the Jade Belt Bridge..."

"Report from the Mule and Horse Market: The procession has passed, and the Cao Gang brothers were discovered by the 'Yinshan Kite' and shot dead..."

Click!

The Cao Gang elder was filled with anger, and he smashed a chair with a slap. Everyone tried to comfort him with a few words, but their faces were all solemn.

Li Yan and Sha Lifei looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.

The "Yinshan Harrier" is not a wild beast, but the most powerful archer in western Sichuan. He usually wears a white linen snow cloak, and his arrows are dipped in "bone-rotting paste". His bowstring is made of special demon tendons and is silent when fully drawn.

Before the emergence of new firearms, he was the most feared evil killer in the Taoist sect of western Sichuan.

It seems that the King of Shu has recruited quite a few sorcerers.

"After passing Wenshu Monastery..."

"After crossing the Sima Bridge..."

"The monks of Anfu Temple opened the door to welcome..."

The reports came in hurriedly, but no one was in a hurry.

The Wuhou Temple is outside Chengdu Prefecture. When the King of Shu takes these elite troops away, that will be their best chance...

Outside Anfu Temple, eunuchs were still scattering money.

Compared to before, the speed was slower, but the people who heard the news had gathered from all directions.

The children scrambled to pick them up, and the old man smiled with joy.

Although the snow was white, the scene was extremely enthusiastic.

The monks of Anfu Temple had already opened the gate to welcome them.

"Meet His Royal Highness the King of Shu."

The old monks all bowed their heads.

Not all Taoists and monks are members of the Xuanmen sect.

This Anfu Temple was first built in the Later Shu Dynasty. It is not a famous temple. Because Meng Chang built a black tower at that time, people in the Song Dynasty looked up at the lighthouse on New Year's Day to commemorate the past, and it was called "Looking West at Jincheng".

And this custom has been passed down to this day.

The temple is not very popular, and most of the monks are lay monks who do not learn martial arts or magic, and they dare not offend the royal palace.

The gorgeous brocade curtain was slowly opened.

A man got down from the sedan chair. He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, a crown on his head, a jade sword hanging from his waist, white hair and a haggard face.

It was none other than the current emperor’s younger brother, “King of Shu” Xiao Qipan.

Although he is old, he has a sinister look in his eyes, two white eyebrows sweeping across, and the corners of his mouth drooping, which makes him look quite majestic.

"No gift."

The King of Shu didn't even look at the old monks. He climbed up the hardened snow-covered steps and headed towards the black tower in the distance.

In order to welcome the King of Shu, all the roads along the way have been cleared.

With the remaining snow weighing down the branches, the King of Shu quickly entered the black tower and reached the top floor.

The palace attendants lit the long lantern of Qiongzhou, illuminating the inside of the tower. The copper bells on the eaves outside were covered with ice crystals, which shattered like torn silk when the wind blew.

King Xiao Qipan of Shu climbed to a high place and looked westward.

The sky was clear today. When the people who were robbing money outside Anfu Temple saw the bright yellow on the black tower, they immediately shouted "Long Live the Buddha".

The King of Shu was already very famous in Shu, and many people only knew the King of Shu and not the imperial court.

I got some money today, so I'm naturally happy.

Hearing the voice below, the King of Shu's eyes suddenly changed. He no longer had the domineering look he had before, but instead became somewhat indifferent. He whispered:
“It is both beautiful and majestic, and it is really called Chengdu… What a pity…”

After saying this, he turned around, walked down the tower, and left Anfu Temple.

The huge ceremonial procession, with more and more people, headed towards the south gate of Chengdu Prefecture, scattering money and making constant noise along the way, truly having the momentum of the God of Joy traveling.

Of course, there is always peeping in the dark.

The team passed the mule and horse market, and the old storyteller, who was in a daze, was playing with a sobering stick and drinking muddy wine on the second floor of the inn...

At the door of the medicine shop, the apprentice pretended to sweep the snow and waited...

All kinds of people in Chengdu, no matter what they do, usually have to cover up on the surface, walk the line between right and wrong, value brotherhood, and never submit to the control of the court.

They are just observing the trends, but they do this a lot on a daily basis.

In the sight of these people, the Shu King's ceremonial guard passed through the southern gate of Chengdu...

…………

"The King of Shu has left the city!"

Inside Prince Yu's palace, everyone stood up suddenly.

"Come with me!"

Without saying a word, Master Wuxiang went to the woodshed in the backyard, lifted the loose soil from the haystack, and revealed a secret door.

After opening it, he led everyone inside.

Li Yan is also in the team.

Wang Daoxuan is not suitable for close combat, Wu Ba is too big and it is troublesome for him to dig underground tunnels, so to prevent accidents, they are all left in the Yuwang Temple.

This secret passage was exposed for the first time by Master Wuxiang.

Li Yan had a hunch that this secret passage might also be connected to the Prince of Shu's Palace, so he kept silent and carefully wrote down the route.

In the darkness, the fire flickered and the footsteps continued.

The air in the secret passage was already polluted, and with so many people there, the atmosphere became even more depressing.

After walking for a long time, Master Wuxiang suddenly stopped.

He looked around and said in a deep voice, "There is an inn outside, not far from the Prince's Mansion. I used a trick to make them close the door and leave Chengdu Mansion."

"That being said, it is better to be cautious. Which fellow Taoist can help investigate?"

"Come on, old man..."

An old voice sounded.

A blind old man walked out, supported by his disciples.

The old man was leaning on a cane and was trembling, which held him back a lot along the way, but no one complained.

The reason is simple, this is the real Yuanguang sorcerer of Jinmen.

The disciple next to him was tall and strong, but had a round face with a bit of baby fat, and had a high braid and rouge on his face, looking very festive.

Hearing the old man's words, the disciple smiled naively, immediately sat cross-legged on the ground, took out a handful of white medicine powder from his arms, swallowed it in big gulps, and his face turned pale.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and took a few steps back.

He had seen the Yuanguang sorcerer perform spells, which usually involved a medium. The powder was mixed with poisonous mushrooms, and he didn't want to smell too much of it.

Sure enough, after eating the white fungus powder, the medium's mouth and eyes immediately became crooked, and snot and saliva flowed down his nose.

The blind old man made hand gestures and chanted an incantation, then placed his hands on the medium's eyes. Streams of black smoke suddenly rose up.

"did you see it?"

“Look… I see.”

"Is the Grand Duke here?"

"I don't know him, but there is a man in a yellow robe sitting in the hall. People in the mansion are bowing to him and giving him money..."

"Is there an ambush inside?"

"No one, only a few guards..."

After some questioning, the old man raised his hand.

The medium had already turned pale, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

"Thank you, Senior Wu."

Young Master Wuxiang smiled and bowed, and the others also smiled.

All the detection techniques in the world have their own advantages and disadvantages, but in terms of secrecy, only the Round Light Technique can ensure that there is no ambush.

"go!"

Young Master Wuxiang did not hesitate any longer. He jumped up and pushed open the secret door above, and the others followed closely behind him.

After coming out, it was indeed the inn's wine cellar, and the doors and windows were closed, and there was no one there.

Young Master Wuxiang walked up to the second floor, opened the window a crack, and looked outside.

Others followed suit.

In the distance is the Grand Prince's Mansion.

Compared with the Fifth Prince Xiao Jinghong, the Great Prince acts more flamboyantly.

Although the court had its own etiquette, he simply bought the houses of people on both sides and connected them together to form a house of considerable size.

At this moment, smoke was rising from the house, obviously they were busy preparing for the lunch banquet. The guard at the door was also yawning, probably because he didn't sleep well after staying up all night.

The facial features of Master Wuxiang began to distort.

"Everyone, follow the plan and get started!"

At the command, the Cao Gang elder took the lead.

He took off the Dharma flag behind him and placed it on the square table as a temporary Dharma stall. He muttered something, picked up the wine brought by his disciple, and continuously sprayed wine mist at the Dharma instruments.

White fog soon rose on the streets outside.

As soon as the white mist rose, Tang Jiuniang, the leader of the Swallow Sect, pushed open the window and waved her hands.

Whoosh whoosh!
A series of shuttles with ropes attached shot directly towards the Prince's Mansion.

Led by Young Master Wuxiang, more than a dozen figures jumped up, stepped on the rope behind the shuttle, and slid into the Prince's Mansion silently.

These methods must be used with caution in the city on a daily basis.

But since the King of Shu banned the City God Temple.

Today, there are no taboos in Chengdu...

(End of this chapter)