Urban Night Returner

The carriage entered Yongzhou.Biquan leaned in from the shaft of the car and said, "General, there are groups of beggars ahead."

Luo Jing frowned tightly, and said coldly: "Go to Yongzhou Shepherd's Mansion, please pass the post. Biyan, you go to the post station to rest. General Zuo, if you change horses from the post station, I won't be able to see you off."

There are bandits on the border between Yongzhou and Yuzhou.This is what Ding Lancha sent Zuo Mu to send in the letter - he has recommended Luo Jing to the court to suppress the bandits.Suppressing bandits is a bitter thing, especially suppressing this kind of bandits.Fighting at the border, although life is tucked into the waist of the trousers, the food and pay are generous, and there are opportunities to make military contributions.The bandits are suppressed by the provinces themselves, so it is natural to save as much as possible, but when going up and down the mountain, you have to run your legs a little bit, so no one wants to take on this job.It happened to be between the two provinces again, so the officials on both sides evaded each other, which actually allowed the bandits to enjoy themselves for a few years, and their forces grew stronger, especially this year. up.

Since Ding Lancha arrived in the Qingzhou fiefdom, he has never thought about entering Beijing again, but he has no chance.If he recommends himself this time, it will inevitably arouse the suspicion of the court, so he recommended Luo Jing.The imperial court actually agreed, but Luo Jing was asked to raise money and food by himself, and the imperial court did not allocate salary.This is obviously a difficult problem.Since Luo Jing and the officials from Yongyu provinces had no past, if they asked for money, which one would agree?But if not, it would not be his turn to lead this soldier.

Zuo Mu said: "The general intends to go directly to see Yongzhou Mu? I'm afraid Yongzhou Mu..." They had repeatedly discussed on the way that Yongzhou Mu Tao Chen was a disciple of King Zheng.This place in Yongzhou is not considered a fat job. There are often locusts, droughts, bandits and so on.Why Zheng Wang arranged this place for his disciples has a lot of meaning.The imperial court allocated money to Yongzhou for seven or eight years every ten years, and two-thirds of it flowed into King Zheng's private pocket, which became his source of wealth.This time, he refused to punish the bandits for prevarication, and most likely wanted the court to pay him.And because the imperial court knew that suppressing bandits was a bottomless pit, and refused to increase the cost for nothing, they approved Ding Lancha's memorial and called Luo Jing to lead the troops.

"I'm not talking about suppressing bandits, I'm just talking about Anmin." Luo Jing also raised the curtain of the car and looked out.Since entering the territory of Yongzhou, beggars can be seen from time to time, and they are in groups. Although the land is not full of hunger, they are also the dishes of the common people. Who wants to become a bandit? These bandits are nothing more than mobs. If they can get enough food and clothing, most of them will not want to live in exile again. By then, there are only a few leaders left, and only a hundred people can kill them. It's easy to wipe out."

Zuo Mu nodded and said: "The general's words are indeed a strategy to attack the heart. It's just that Yongzhou Mu is afraid that he will not agree."

"No matter what, I will always go to see him. He is a local official, and he must first act with courtesy. If he refuses, the imperial court has an order to teach me to raise my own money and food, and I will act cheaply."

Zuo Mu thought for a while: "General, please don't get into trouble with Yongzhou Mu. Whether it's suppressing bandits or reassuring the people, it won't take three to five days to see results. If Yongzhou Mu is impeached, the general may have no way to defend himself."

Luo Jing sighed: "I am kind and generous today, but my ears are too soft and I trust King Zheng too much."

Zuo Mu lifted the curtain of the car to see if there were no outsiders on the left and right, and then said: "If the general encounters difficulties in raising money, don't worry, the general is already trying to sell the property for the general to use to suppress the bandits."

Luo Jing felt hot in his heart, and said: "Why is this necessary, Commander, I have my own way." He was sent into the army to follow Ding Lancha.At the beginning, he was a soldier, then he became a soldier, and then he was gradually promoted to lieutenant general. For ten years, he and Ding Lancha have fought in the army and fought together. They are like father and son, much closer than the so-called biological father who is far away in Changzhou.

Zuo Mu smiled and said: "General, don't take it to heart. The general advances and retreats with the general. If the general can wipe out the bandits this time, it will not be in vain for the general's recommendation. When the time comes, the court will surely Only by offering a reward can we have a chance to make a comeback."

Luo Jing nodded, understanding in his heart.Although the battle at the border was well fought this time, it was only a temporary relief. In a year or two, the northern barbarians would definitely attack again, and the troubles would be endless.But today's emperor is full of benevolence, but the problem is that he trusts his brothers too much, so that King Zheng can be said to overwhelm the sky in the court.King Zheng was talented and famous when he was young, but he was born in a humble background and failed to ascend the throne. Now he is full-fledged and self-reliant.Ding Lancha has been aware of it for a long time, but only regrets that there is no evidence, and it is difficult to win the trust of the emperor. He has offended King Zheng, so he has to endure it.Moreover, he has been at the border all year round, and now he is fief in Qingzhou, far away from the capital. Say go?Now he is holding his breath, thinking that Luo Jing's meritorious service in suppressing the bandits will be rewarded in Beijing. If he can stay in the capital at that time, he will always have a chance to meet the emperor, and at least he can get a breath.It just so happened that in order to ask for money and food from the court, Yongzhou Mu deliberately spoke out about the bandits. If Luo Jing could succeed in one fell swoop, it would be difficult for King Zheng to suppress him if he wanted to.Because of these interests, he sold his property at any cost and supported Luo Jing.

Zuo Mu was a little worried, because he knew Luo Jing's temperament was like a fire, and he was really afraid that he would have some conflicts with Yongzhou Mu.But now he is Ding Lancha's subordinate, he has to rush back to Qingzhou after delivering the letter, and he can't stay outside for a long time, so he can only give a few words of advice.

As soon as the carriage stopped, Biquan said outside: "General, the post station has arrived."

Zuo Mu got up and got out of the car, and couldn't help but said again: "General, you must be patient with grievances, and if you can't bear it a little, you will mess up and make big plans."

Luo Jing smiled and said: "Understood. Don't worry, General Zuo, Luo will not be in trouble. The chief teacher will go to the capital to find your childhood sweetheart."

Zuo Mu blushed slightly, and said, "The general is making fun of you again." He built 64 pillars of water to help Luo Jing calm down the river. There is nothing to be happy about.Hearing that Zuo Mu wanted to find his neighbor's daughter back then, he wished for a chance to please him, so he sent people around to inquire.After all, there are people in the yamen who are good at handling things. Within ten days, they really found out that such a couple moved here with their daughter.Later, the husband and wife both died, and the daughter entered the capital with a distant uncle a few years ago.Although I have never met, but I have definite news, which is also a happy thing, and I will only wait for the opportunity to go to Beijing to look for it.

Luo Jing laughed, cupped his hands and bid farewell to Zuo Mu.He is incompetent with Zuo Musu, now he actually said a joke, it all depends on the power of those eighty-eight sixty-four fixed water columns.Seeing Zuo Mu changing Ma Rufei and leaving, he turned to Bi Yan and said, "Stay here." He glanced at Shen Mobai, "You go in too."

Shen Mobai was a little sleepy all the way, no one talked to him, so he didn't open his mouth, and his ears still hear the tragic howling from the river when the water column sank into the river.Ever since Luo Jing forcibly took him away from Changzhou, although he was worried about his master's last instructions, seeing that nothing strange happened, he gradually relaxed.He lived in the mountains since he was a child. When he was lonely, he could only pass the time by reading. After all, he is a young man. If he hadn't been curious about the world of mortals, he would not have left Zhongshan on his own.Now following Luo Jing, although thrilling is indispensable, it is much more interesting than being in the mountains, and there is actually a bit of reluctance to leave.It's just that Luo Jing lured Lord Qinglong to Shuiyan to suppress the dragon this time, but it made him feel very uncomfortable, but he couldn't refute Luo Jing's words.He was naturally sensitive, and as soon as the town water column sank into the river, the howls of the aquarium in the river became shriller, until all 64 iron pillars were submerged in the water, the painful, angry and unwilling cries gradually fell silent, and every time he heard it Every change is very clear.Although the call sign was quiet, he felt uncomfortable all the time, he almost hated himself for being able to hear it so clearly.So after Luo Jing's mother was buried, he proposed to leave again, but Luo Jing said gently: "Can you go back to Changzhou?" and called back.He was penniless when he left Changzhou - and he never thought that money would be so useful, if Luo Jing really left him on the road, he might really be unable to move a single step.Now he eats Luo Jing's and wears Luo Jing's, so he has no choice but to listen to others' arrangements.

After simply unloading the luggage, Biquan flicked his whip and went straight to the yamen.Biyan carried a bag in one hand, and glared at Shen Mobai: "Why don't you come over and help?" She was extremely unwilling that Luo Jing would bring Shen Mobai.Or it could be a woman's intuition. When she saw Luo Jing and Shen Mobai facing each other naked on the sandbar that day, she became very hostile to Shen Mobai.Because my father is also very masculine, so I have to be wary of men.Although Shen Mobai has an ordinary appearance, he is as gentle as jade, unlike her and her brother, who are full of wild spirits.Luo Jing has been in the army for a long time, and all he sees in his eyes are rough and bold men. Even when he came to that romantic place by chance, he was full of beauty. It is rare to have such an elegant and gentle person as Shen Mobai.Until now, Biyan is still just a girl, not even a concubine, even though Luo Jing has no one else around, she still feels a little uneasy, seeing Shen Mobai's unfazed appearance is even more displeasing to the eye, wishing to send him away as soon as possible , but my grandfather refused.Naturally, she didn't dare to say anything to Luo Jing, so she could only give Shen Mobai a look behind her back.

Shen Mobai didn't talk back, picked up a few pieces of luggage, and followed Bi Yan into the station.If he didn't refute, Biyan would have no reason to continue the quarrel, holding her breath in her heart, she went straight to pack her luggage, regardless of whether Shen Mobai had tea or not.Luo Jing didn't come back with Biquan until it was completely dark, his face was gloomy like the bottom of a pot.Bi Yan greeted her, and asked cautiously: "Master, dinner has been prepared..."

Luo Jing threw his robe on the table and sat down angrily: "Tea!"

Bi Yan was taken aback, and hurried to pour tea.Biquan whispered softly: "Master, don't be so angry. Yongzhou Mu refused to release the relief, didn't you expect it too early? Just think of another way."

Luo Jing heaved a sigh of relief, and said angrily: "As a parent, he doesn't care about the life and death of the people. He only cares about pleasing his superiors. He's really an asshole! Well, since he allows me to raise my own salary, I will call the local people tomorrow. Rich household, I don't believe that money can't be squeezed out!"

Biquan hesitated for a moment, then said in a soft voice: "Master, this commotion has become a big one. Who will pay for those wealthy households? You have to turn against them, make trouble with Tao, and still have to confront him .”

Luo Jing patted the table and said, "If you're right, you're right! Now there's no pick-up, and some people are hoarding, and if there's no relief, people will starve to death. There are not many dead people, so there is no need to report them as usual, but where can these dead people go to complain? These wealthy households enjoy enough big fish and meat on weekdays, and it’s nothing to teach them to bleed.”

Although Biquan felt it was wrong, he didn't dare to persuade him any more.Luo Jing chatted with Tao Chen all afternoon, holding back his anger and having nowhere to vent his anger. In a blink of an eye, he saw Shen Mobai standing at the door, leaning halfway in to look at him, and slapped the table: "Ghost Chongchong!" What? Come in, afraid that if I eat you, you will fail?"

Shen Mobai was afraid of disturbing their conversation, knowing that he could not argue with Luo Jing, so he walked in without saying a word.Before entering the post station, Luo Jing went to the Fudao Yamen. Although the post station knew that he was a family member of General Xindiao, they treated him as a servant, and no one asked him if he wanted soup or water. He was starved for a long time.Luo Jing saw that he was eating deliciously while holding the rice bowl, so he snorted softly.Shen Mobai looked up at him for a while, seeing that he was not angry, he lowered his head and poked the rice grains in the bowl with chopsticks, and said softly: "The general wants to release relief, but there is no money, right?"

Luo Jing said angrily: "Yes, don't you have money?"

Shen Mobai said in a low voice: "The general has a heart of compassion for giving relief, but if you force the rich to come up with the money, it will be..."

Luo Jing sneered and said, "What else? You are merciful, but can you get money from being merciful?"

Shen Mobai turned his head and looked out of the window for a while, and said: "Take something that has no owner, and it won't hurt the integrity. It's better than being squeezed by a general? There are also people who have worked hard to save money from rich households. reputation as a bully."

Bi Yan slammed her chopsticks and said angrily: "What did you say!" Luo Jing could hear some meaning from Shen Mo's vernacular words, and without getting angry, he waved his hand to stop Bi Yan, and asked: "What ownerless thing? You Let me be clear. Let me tell you, relief money is not enough to send a hundred taels, even a thousand taels is a drop in the bucket."

Shen Mobai looked out of the window ponderingly, and said for a while, "I don't know how many there are, but it must be a decimal number."

Luo Jing stared at him closely: "Where is it?"

Shen Mobai raised his hand and pointed to the dark night outside the window: "In the mountains."

The mountain road was rugged, Luo Jing followed Shen Mobai, walking deep and shallow in the night, but Shen Mobai was as stable as day.Biquan followed at the end, stumbled even more, couldn't help but whispered: "It's good to bring a torch."

Shen Mobai turned his head and said: "You can't see fire. Fire can overcome gold. When fire is lit, it is difficult to see the essence of gold and silver."

Since Luo Jing knew Shen Mobai, he was used to hearing these strange words in his ears, so he asked along the way: "Gold and silver also have energy?"

Shen Mobai nodded and said: "The color of gold is red, and there is light at night. The color of silver is white, and it disperses on the ground at night, turning into a white rooster."

While staggering, Biquan couldn't help but said, "Why can't I see?"

Shen Mobai hesitated for a moment, and said: "People who are not good at observing Qi will not be able to see it."

Luo Jing narrowed his eyes and looked forward.It was late at night, and the mountains and forests were like insoluble ink, even though his eyes were like falcons, he couldn't see anything.Just glanced at it a few times, and stumbled over something under my feet, so I couldn't help shaking.Seeing that Shen Mobai was still walking on the ground, he couldn't help but said, "Can you see things on the ground?"

Shen Mobai looked down, then nodded: "I can see it."

Luo Jing asked in surprise, "You can see at night?"

Shen Mobai shook his head: "It's just that the silver air flows through, and the shapes of the vegetation, trees, mountains and rocks on the ground are naturally displayed."

Luo Jing and Biquan looked down at the ground together, but they still couldn't see anything except the darkness.Suddenly Shen Mobai said softly: "Look." The two looked up together, and saw a white shadow flashing in the forest. It turned out to be a white rooster. His eyes stared at the three of them, and he could even see the patterns of the feathers clearly.Even though Luo Jing and Bi Quan had been prepared, they couldn't help but startled for a moment, during this time, the white rooster suddenly disappeared, and the forest became pitch black again.Shen Mobai let out a sigh of relief: "The silver is near here, I'm afraid I'll dig it again at dawn."

Luo Jing looked at the sky, it was the darkest time before dawn, so he simply sat down on the spot: "The sky is about to dawn, so just sit here for a while."

The three sat down next to each other.Shen Mobai said softly: "General, don't move around. I'm afraid there is a cliff near here. I can't see other terrain except where the silver energy flows. I don't know where it is. Be careful not to fall."

Luo Jing has been in the army for ten years, and he knows how to listen to the wind to distinguish the terrain, but there is no wind around at this time, so he really doesn't know how Shen Mobai knows that there is a cliff nearby, and asked: "How did you know?"

In the darkness, Shen Mobai didn't answer for a while, Luo Jing asked again, and then he heard him whisper: "There is a sound of ghosts crying from the ground. I think this place used to be a place where bandits hid money, and they threw their companions off the cliff to fight for money... ..."

His voice was gentle, almost melting into the night, and it sounded eerie in the silence.Biquan listened around for a while with his ears upright, but obviously he didn't hear anything, but he couldn't help but feel a chill on the back of his neck, leaned against Luo Jing, and murmured: "You, don't talk nonsense!"

Shen Mobai whispered in the dark: "I'm not talking nonsense." His voice was calm, but Luo Jing seemed to hear a little sadness, and his heart softened a little for some reason, and he said casually: "There is no need to argue, since he can see ghosts, he must It’s not nonsense. There’s nothing to be afraid of, there’s nothing to be afraid of when you’re alive, let alone dead. If it’s really robbers’ Tibetan silver, it’s even better, and if you use it to help the victims, it’s considered a meritorious deed for them.”

Just as he was talking, the sky had gradually turned white, and the surrounding scenery became clear.Biquan looked to the side and couldn't help but gasped.It turned out that there was a cliff behind him, only three feet away from where he was sitting, if Shen Mobai hadn't warned him, if he took a few steps casually, he might have walked into the abyss.But at this time, there is no need to be afraid.Luo Jing still remembered the place where the white rooster disappeared last night. The three of them scrambled for a long time in the grass half as high as half a person, and finally dug out a bluestone slab from a thin layer of soil. A layer of patina.Luo Jing and Biquan worked together to pull up the stone slab, and there was a white flower in sight. Under the slate, there was a whole cellar of silver ingots, and there were some jewels piled beside it, roughly counting more than one hundred thousand taels.Biquan was stunned for a while, then murmured: "I never thought there would be so much silver."

Shen Mobai stood aside and said in a low voice: "General, are these enough?"

Luo Jing made a quick calculation in his mind, and he already had an idea, nodded and said: "That's enough. With this money, within three months, I will definitely teach this group of bandits to be punished!"