That night, under the arrangement of the Xishan Miao people, the two of them went to the village to rest. However, the two of them were not arranged in the same room, but on two floors of a watchtower.
The Miao people's reception was also very warm. Although Qining was not adapted to the Miao family's eating habits, he was still well fed.
Early the next morning, after the prepared breakfast, someone came over to invite Qining and Eve to see the Miao King. Eve was in the Miao Village in Shangshui Cave last night, and she was only looking forward to the sky getting brighter earlier, and she didn’t even think about it. After sleeping well, he was summoned by the Damiao King and immediately went with Qining to see the Damiao King.
Going up the mountain at night last night, Qining didn't think so. Looking around now, the breeze was blowing gently, and the wooden buildings were scattered on the mountain like countless stars. Moreover, the roads on the mountain were wide enough for horse riding, and some places were even connected by wooden bridges. There is actually a valley in the mountains, and there is a lake there. It is crystal clear, like a mirror, reflecting the mountains and trees in it. The lake and mountains are beautiful, and the scenery is extremely beautiful.
When we arrived at a large village, we saw more than a dozen people waiting in front of the village. One of them had trousers on his front and a belt around his waist. He was dressed very simply. His appearance also looked quite honest. He was as lean as iron and had a tall figure. Not very tall, but very strong.
Today, Eve was going to see the Miao King, so Qining just followed Eve, half a step behind.
Knowing Eve's true identity, Qining naturally paid more attention to the meeting between Eve and the Miao King. If he could take this opportunity to learn the truth about the Black Cave incident, it would be a dream.
When the Dunhou Miao Han saw Eve coming, he took a few steps forward and saluted: "I am Langchatulu, the eldest son of the Miao King. Are you Eve, the sister of Bayali, the master of the Black Rock Cave?"
Eve returned the courtesy and said: "I am Eve, and I would like to see the Miao King."
Qining looked at Langchadulu for a few times. Although Langchadulu and Dandugu were brothers, they looked quite different. Compared to Dandugu's mighty and bold appearance, Langchaduru looked more mature. He is calm and his etiquette is more thoughtful.
Suddenly he heard a burst of music playing. Qining looked up and saw in front of Dazhai, more than a dozen young men from the Miao family wearing short coats of the Miao family played the Lusheng. The sound was melodious and cheerful, full of joy and welcome. Qining knew that the Lusheng was the favorite musical instrument of the Miao family. Wherever there were Miao people, there was a Lusheng. Almost every young man among the Miao people could play the Lusheng, so that he could woo his beloved girl.
But Qining sighed secretly in his heart, this Lusheng tune was cheerful, but Eve's mood definitely couldn't be cheerful.
Qi Ning did not know that this was the etiquette of the Miao family to welcome distinguished guests. Although there was a Miao king in Shangshui Cave, the seventy-two caves of the Miao family had equal status. Eve was the sister of the master of the Black Rock Cave, representing the Black Cave. This time, the first When I came to Sheung Shui Cave for the first time, I played music on the reed pipe to express my respect for Heiyan Cave.
Langchatulu led the way and led the two of them to Dazhai. When they arrived at the door, a Miao man reached out to stop him. Qining frowned slightly, but Langchatulu had already smiled and said: "Inside Dazhai, No weapons are seen, this is the rule set by King Damiao."
Eve didn't say much and handed over the dagger on her body. Qining hesitated for a moment and finally took out the cold blade and handed it over. Langchatulu saw the cold blade and said: "The knife is not out of the sheath. It has a cold air and is a good knife.”
Qi Ning just smiled faintly, thinking that this cold blade was very special. It was neither a dagger nor a knife, but it was really a good thing.
When Langchatulu saw the two handing over their weapons, he led them into the stronghold.
As soon as he entered the Dazhai, Qining felt that it was very empty. Facing the front, there was an old man sitting with gray hair and layers of wrinkles on his face. He looked indescribably old and haggard. When he saw Yi Fu and Fu came in, nodding slightly and smiling.
There were still more than ten people sitting on the left and right sides. Dandu Gu, who was still wearing a bandage, sat on the right side close to the white-haired old man. When he saw Eve and the other two coming in, he just glanced at them with no expression on his face.
Qi Ning followed Eve and looked at the white-haired old man from a distance, thinking that this old man should be the Miao King who had unparalleled prestige among the seventy-two holes of the Miao family.
King Damiao looks older than the ancient tree, but when the old man smiles, he makes people feel extremely kind, and that smile can even make people feel peaceful.
Eve quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said: "Eve of Black Rock Cave pays homage to King Damiao. May the Witch God bless King Damiao in good health."
Qi Ning now understood the etiquette of the Miao people and followed Eve in giving a deep salute.
King Damiao nodded slightly, his voice was slightly hoarse and old, but his energy was not weak. He smiled and said: "My child, I also wish you peace and success."
This Dazhai is very spacious, and it can easily accommodate fifty or sixty people. With only a dozen people in it, it seems spacious. Although the voice of the Miao King is old, every word is very clear. Everyone heard it clearly. Qining thought to himself that this old man was really getting older and stronger. Judging from his age, he should be over seventy years old.
Although the years have taken away the youth of King Damiao and left behind vicissitudes of life, they also left behind extraordinary wisdom.
"Sit down and talk." King Damiao raised his hand to signal.
Eve sat cross-legged on the floor, and Qining also sat down. The eyes of everyone around fell on Eve. Qining glanced at it calmly with the corner of his eye, knowing that all these people were An important figure in Sheung Shui Cave.
The Damiao King knew Eve's origins well, and of course he also knew what Eve was going to say today. Obviously, in the Damiao King's view, this meeting was unusual and a very important meeting, so all the important people in Sheung Shuidong All were gathered here, and his two sons were also present.
At this time, Langchatulu had already sat down on the lower left side of the Damiao King, sitting opposite Dandu Gu.
"King Damiao, I...!" As soon as Eve spoke, King Damiao waved his hand and looked at Dandu Gu. Dandu Gu respected his father very much, nodded, looked at Eve, and said: "The officers and soldiers of Black Rock Ridge were Blockade, after we learned about this, King Damiao sent me to the Governor's Mansion to ask Governor Wei about the reason. I saw Governor Wei and stayed at the Governor's Mansion for a long time, and only returned yesterday."
Only then did Qining and Eve realize that Dandu Gu had appeared at the ferry building yesterday, but he had just returned and happened to meet him.
"President Wei told me the reason and asked for witnesses." Dandu Gu looked serious and said slowly: "Danba County Magistrate Bai Tangling led five government officials to Heiyan Cave to collect taxes and discuss with you There was a dispute, and the weapons clashed. You killed Bai Tangling and all five of his yamen. But before Bai Tangling entered the mountain, he left two people at the foot of the mountain. They did not wait for Bai Tangling to come back, but waited until Bai Tangling came back. You sent people to kill them all, and one of them escaped death." After a pause, he continued: "Killing court officials is tantamount to rebellion. Governor Wei summoned Bayali to go to the Governor's Mansion to explain the matter. Yeli disobeyed the order, so Governor Wei sent officers and soldiers to blockade Black Rock Ridge."
Dandu Gu spoke in a low voice. Although Eve looked angry, she did not interrupt Dandu Gu.
After Dandu Gu finished speaking, King Damiao looked at Eve and said with a smile: "My child, what Dandu Gu said was all news I got from the governor's office. I want to hear what you have to say."
At this time, Qi Ning was wondering if the reason why Xichuan Governor sent troops to surround Heiyan Ridge but did not attack was because of the Dandu bones.
Dandu Gu claimed that he had stayed in the Governor's Mansion for some time, and it must have been not just for such news, but he was afraid that he had also done other things.
The Dandu bone represents the Damiao King, but the Damiao King represents the seventy-two caves of the Miao people in Xichuan. No matter what decision Wei Shutong makes, he still has to weigh the weight of the Dammiao King.
If Dandu Gu persuaded Wei Shutong not to use troops easily, Wei Shutong might really have to think about it.
Eve sat cross-legged, her beautiful figure straight, and said: "King Damiao, the government has always said that Black Rock Cave evades taxes. This is not true. There are many rare medicinal materials in Black Rock Ridge, and there are also many rare beasts. Since they are all in Black Rock Cave, The ridge belongs to the Black Cave."
The Miao King nodded slightly, his expression calm.
"Li Yuan, the Crown Prince of Shu, takes many people to Black Rock Ridge for hunting every autumn." Eve said slowly: "There are hundreds of people every time, and every hunting takes several days. Within these few days, these people All the food, drinks and toiletries are provided by our Black Rock Cave.”
Qining frowned when he heard the words "Crown Prince of Shu".
When he was in the capital, he had a conflict with the prince of Shu, Li Yuan. He knew that the prince of Shu was arrogant and arrogant. Even in the capital, he was domineering. If this person led people to hunt in Heiyan Ridge, life in Heiyan Cave must be very difficult. .
"Li Yuan doesn't use our Miao family's food. To eat and drink, we have to send people to the city to purchase ingredients and hire Han family chefs to cook for them." Eve's pretty face was cold: "And every time they go to Black Rock Ridge He shot many wild animals and ordered us to send people to collect rare medicinal materials and bring them back. Every time we spent more money than we should pay in taxes. Li Yuan promised us that all the money spent could be used as taxes. But every year the government still sends people to collect taxes.”
Qi Ning had some doubts before, thinking that Heiyan Cave was really resisting the Fu because of its relationship with Jinyi Hou Mansion, using Jin Yi Hou Mansion as a backer. At this time, Eve explained the reason, and then she realized that Hei Yandong had suffered a lot. of injustice.
Langchatulu was already filled with righteous indignation and loudly said: "King Miao, Li Yuan is doing nonsense. I know very well about his hunting trip to Heiyan Ridge every year...!"
King Damiao frowned, his face darkened, and said: "Langchatulu, you don't have to speak in a hurry. There is no harm in listening to others first."
Langchatulu was obviously very afraid of the Miao King and could only shut up.
"Child, in this case, if Magistrate Bai comes to find you, you can explain it clearly to him, or even go to Governor Wei." King Damiao looked at Eve and said slowly: "Why do you want to have a conflict with the official and even kill him?" Killed them? Bayeli is not a reckless person, why would he lose his mind out of anger and do such a thing? "
"King Damiao, this is not the case at all." Eve clenched her fists, "We did not kill the officials at all. County Magistrate Bai came to Heiyan Cave in person. My brother warmly received him and explained the reason to him. Magistrate Bai did not Blame Brother, and also talk about Li Yuan's matter, so that Brother can write down the whole story clearly, and let him take it back to Governor Wei."
"Heiyan Cave Eve, in front of the Miao King, you are not allowed to tell any lies." A Miao man over fifty years old said solemnly: "Magistrate Bai led people into Heiyan Ridge and never came back. Is this... Fake?"
Eve shook her head and said: "It is indeed true. County Magistrate Bai and his officers did not leave Black Rock Ridge, because all of County Magistrate Bai's officers died in Black Rock Ridge."
"So, you still killed the officials of the imperial court?" The Miao man sneered: "The Miao King has always said that he wants to live in peace with the Han family and must not stir up trouble. You Heiyanling killed officials and rebelled, and now you have If you want to ask the Miao King for help, do you want the Miao family to get involved?"
Eve shook her head and said: "The official is dead, but he was not killed by us in Heiyan Cave. Moreover, they said that we killed Magistrate Bai, which is completely a false accusation, because... Magistrate Bai is not dead at all!"