Late at night, thunder rumbled and lightning struck. The sun was still shining brightly at noon, but at this moment a thunderstorm came unexpectedly.
The stream rose, and the small building was filled with wind carrying the scent of water plants. A paper crane tied with hair was flying on the edge of the window, and a few drops of rainwater were swept into the bedroom by the strong wind.
On the bed, Qin Mubai held Chen Yan in his arms, pulled a thin quilt to cover her naked body, kissed her forehead, and asked, "Are you cold?"
"Still sweating." Chen Yan's face was red, her eyes were as charming as silk, and her mouth was still panting.
A little farewell is better than a newlywed, and there has just been a heated drama, and now both of them are a little tired. So they slept together and listened to the wind and rain.
"Have everything been taken care of?" After a long time, Chen Yan asked softly.
"It's still early." Qin Mubai said, "In the past few days, Li Ke and Quan Wanji, along with officials from the governor's office, have been conducting a thorough investigation of the water ghost accomplices. Pick a gourd and pull out a bunch of vines. The people involved are really There are too many. Whether it is the military government or the governor's government, including local squires and businessmen, in addition to the small minions, there are really many big shots involved. If they are all arrested and killed, Xiangzhou will be brought to chaos. The army can’t suppress it. Therefore, the case is solved, but how to deal with the aftermath is really troublesome.”
Chen Yanjing was quiet for a long time and said: "I don't understand the affairs in the officialdom. I only know that the trial and investigation of crimes are the affairs of the governor's office. Don't interfere too much. It's hard to defend against open guns and hidden arrows. If you raise too many enemies, it will be difficult for you. No good."
"I know it well." Qin Mubai smiled, patted her back gently and said, "There will be a banquet at the Governor's Mansion tomorrow, will you go with me?"
"It's not like you don't know that I don't like that kind of situation."
"It's just that the princess wants to make a special trip to thank you, and she doesn't want you to get involved with men like us, so why not go and go? After all, you are also the savior of her mother and daughter."
"Shouldn't she thank you?" Chen Yan smiled, "I just ran errands for you. You didn't arrange everything, right?"
"Okay, don't bargain. It's just a meal."
"What about the one next door?" Chen Yan smiled warmly.
"You're talking about a flower lady... Haha!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "She's hanging out with you now, you can arrange it!"
"Didn't you promise her to introduce her to Prince Wu's Mansion?" Chen Yan asked.
"Why, do you agree?" Qin Mubai asked, "Aren't you always the most disgusted with her?"
Chen Yan paused for a moment and smiled with a hint of sadness: "It's true that I hate her, but there is no reason to really hate her. Although she is not a good person, if she truly repented and wanted to live a new life, she would be a good person. That's a good thing. Anyway, she helped you a little this time."
"You've said so, am I embarrassed not to agree?" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "I'm just worried that Li Ke has always been lustful and romantic, and the flower girl is extremely lustful. If these two people get involved, what if something happens? , not good.”
"Worrying for nothing." Chen Yan reprimanded and said with a smile, "She should understand this sense of propriety and self-awareness."
"Hey, why do you keep saying nice things to her? This is not like you."
"It's nothing. It's just that the rabbit dies and the fox shares the same fate." Chen Yan said calmly.
"Haha!" Qin Mubai laughed, "I think you have a hard mouth and a soft heart!"
The next day, Qin Mubai led the horse and walked in front. Chen Yan and Hua Niangzi followed slowly behind. The three of them left the small building together and headed to the Governor's Mansion.
I heard that when she went to the Governor's Mansion for a banquet, Lady Hua deliberately dressed up, but it was no longer the bare chested look she had before. Instead, she was dressed in a smart outfit, wrapped up more tightly, and her hair was tied up high, just like Chen Yan. Quite capable. However, she was always a little angry when she looked at Qin Mubai, as if he owed her millions and refused to pay back.
"Qin, you are so unkind!" After walking a few steps, Lady Hua couldn't help but say, "I brought Pang Fei here that night, and you actually escaped first!"
"I've said it a hundred times, are you tired of it?" Qin Mubai said slowly and politely, "As the saying goes, you must be on guard against others. It's better for me to be careful, right? Besides, I We have already made an appointment with King Wu and King Qi to meet at the official post of Xinye County in the early morning. If we miss the time, we will miss an important event. "
"Hmph!" Hua Niangzi spat bitterly, "After all, you still can't trust me?"
Qin Mubai curled his lips: "I didn't say anything."
"What are you arguing about?" Chen Yan said calmly, "Didn't I take you to the Governor's Mansion now to fulfill my promise?"
Hua Niangzi suddenly changed her color and said with a smile: "I know, it was you who interceded for me, sister, and he agreed. Otherwise, he will definitely break his promise and get fat!"
"It's too late." Chen Yan said coldly, "If you still have the same virtue as before when you get to the Governor's Mansion, I will be the first one not to spare you."
"Oh, how could it be?" Lady Hua still smiled, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be reborn as a human being. How can I not cherish it? Don't worry, although I am a profligate, I have always been very self-aware."
"That's good." Chen Yan glanced at her and said nothing.
"Hey, sister, you are cold-faced, kind-hearted, hard-spoken, and soft-hearted." Hua Niangzi chuckled, "Sister, I know your good intentions, and I will definitely change my mind and start a new life in the future. My biggest wish now is to be like you, Find a good man you can rely on and live the rest of your life with peace of mind."
Chen Yan didn't say anything, just letting her ramble along with emotion. The three of them walked slowly and arrived at Xiangyang County. Qin Mubai had a sudden idea and said, "Go to Lady Hua's residence."
"Okay! I also want to visit my old place again, hehe!" Hua Niangzi smiled slyly and said, "By the way, I am not a real Hua Niangzi, and I will not be Mrs. Yaoxie in the future. My real name is Su Lianqing. ”
"Su Lianqing? It's a very gentle and graceful name." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "However, the person is so unruly."
"Huh!" Su Lianqing glared at Qin Mubai angrily, "That's all in the past. I just hope to forget it quickly, and you are not allowed to mention it again!"
"Yes, yes, Su Nuxia!"
The three of them walked to Hua Niangzi's mansion and saw a man leaning against the door. They greeted him in surprise from a distance: "Teacher!"
It's Pang Fei.
Qin Mubai slapped him hard on the shoulder and said with a smile, "What, you became someone's son-in-law?"
Chen Yan and Su Lianqing laughed. Pang Fei blushed, scratched his ears and cheeks and stammered: "No, no!"
"Then you stand in front of someone's house early in the morning, a dignified fifth-grade general, and stand sentinel for them?" Qin Mubai looked at him with interest, insisting on not opening any pot.
"Cough, cough..." Pang Fei coughed awkwardly and said, "I don't dare to disturb you, so I have to wait here for my mentor to report something."
"I'm sorry, just tell me if you have something to say." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"I, I think... that..." Pang Fei stammered, occasionally glancing at Su Lianqing, his face flushed.
Su Lianqing giggled and walked forward and said: "Let me tell you! This little man was detained by me together with the little widow Hua Niangzi. It is true love in times of adversity. We have made a private decision for life. Yes. Bar?"
"Uh!..." Pang Fei laughed awkwardly in embarrassment, "You can also say that!"
Qin Mubai laughed loudly: "Pang Fei, Pang Fei, you only have so much potential!"
"No, it's not!" Pang Fei waved his hands hurriedly and explained, "Xu Liang is not the kind of person the teacher imagined! She is really a good woman, I won't lie to you!"
"Then you don't mind that she is a little widow and has a half-closed door?" Qin Mubai asked in a low voice.
"I don't mind!" Pang Fei replied decisively.
Qin Mubai shrugged his brows: "Then I don't mind even more. Tell me, do you still want me to help you make the decision and agree to this zongzi's marriage?"
"Yes!" Pang Fei said with a smile, "My parents died young and I have no relatives here in Xiangzhou. My mentor is my only elder. Of course I have to ask you to make the decision!"
Qin Mubai laughed, put his shoulder on his shoulder and walked a few steps forward, saying: "Pang Fei, whoever you like is your freedom. If you think it's worth it, then go for it. If you really have such a big heart, "If you let her past go, of course it will help you."
"Really?" Pang Fei said in surprise, "I thought my mentor would object to me marrying a widow with the door open!"
"Am I like that kind of old guy who clings to the past?" Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "As for men and women, you can just like it. Just like wearing these shoes on your feet, only you know whether they fit well or are comfortable. Go into the hospital and call Mr. Xu Liang out, let me take a look."
"Yes!" Pang Fei was overjoyed and ran into the courtyard.
The three of them also walked in with smiles. Not long after, Pang Fei took a woman's hand and walked closer. Without any explanation, he bowed his head to Qin Mubai and fell to the ground.
"Ms. Xu Liang, a commoner woman, pays homage to General Qin." Mrs. Xu Liang is a typical Jiangnan Xiaojiabiyu, with red lips, white teeth, slender and tender lips, a soft voice, and elegant demeanor, as gentle as water.
"Get up!" Qin Mubai chuckled, looked Xu Liang up and down, nodded and said, "Yes, you are worthy of a stupid boy like Pang Fei. Pang Fei, in fact, in terms of age, you are younger than me. Then one or two years old. Since you respect me as your teacher, I will make the decision for you and agree to this brown marriage."
"Quick, thank you master!" Pang Fei was so excited that he pulled Xu Liang to kneel down.
"This can be considered a romance, and the beauty of adults is quite good." Qin Mubai stepped forward to help the two of them up, pulled their hands over and held them together, and said, "From now on, everything will happen in your lives." It has changed. However, no matter how the world changes, those who are sincere must remain the same. I have nothing to give you. I can only give Pang Fei a month's vacation, just think of it as... a honeymoon for you!"
"Honeymoon? What an appropriate and interesting word!" Mrs. Xu Liang smiled slightly, bowed to Qin Mubai, and said seriously: "I would like to thank General Qin for his kindness. My parents gave birth to me. The one who remade me is General Qin. In this life, this concubine will follow her husband and serve the general like a father. God will not bless me if I do more than this!"
"Okay, don't make it so serious!" Qin Mubai laughed, "Now, I'm going to lend your husband a favor and take him to the Governor's Mansion to do some things and have some food and wine. Do you have any objections? "
Mrs. Liang chuckled: "How dare you, my humble concubine? It's just... it's better if you don't have any flower wine."
"Haha! This person who is about to get married is different!" Qin Mubai and others laughed together and left Hua Niangzi's house.
The folk customs of the Tang Dynasty were open and the concept of chastity was not very strong. They were also very tolerant of things like remarriage and remarriage. They were not as strict as the Neo-Confucian restrictions after the Song Dynasty. Among officials and other wealthy children, romance is the fashion, and having sex with prostitutes is as common as singing karaoke for us now.
At the same time, it was not uncommon for famous officials and talented people to marry famous actors and actresses. Not only do people in the world not laugh, but they are also a little jealous and envious. Therefore, it is not a shocking event for Pang Fei to marry a young widow whose door is ajar. It's just that there are very few 'high-ranking officials' like him who don't care about people's background and resume. There are many famous actors and actresses who have married into good families, but they have never been able to escape the fate of being reduced to concubines and playthings. There are very few who truly have feelings and seek happiness.
"Pang Fei, you are still a kind person." On the way, Qin Mubai patted him on the shoulder and smiled, "It is also her good fortune that Mrs. Liang followed you."
"It's my creation, hehe!" Pang Fei smiled sheepishly, "Actually... she is a good woman!"
"Okay, if it's good, just cherish it and don't let it down." Qin Mubai nodded and smiled.
"Yeah!" Pang Fei nodded heavily.
"Hey -" Su Lianqing sighed loudly behind the two of them, "I'm so jealous!! If I had known earlier, I would have detained you separately. It would have been a little troublesome at most. Then I went out on my own to capture this little man like you. Today, the one who has transformed into the general’s wife is now my mother.”
Everyone laughed together.
Qin Mubai grinned and said with a strange smile: "Don't tell me, their romantic relationship is really thanks to you. Otherwise, you can be their matchmaker!"
Su Lianqing gritted her teeth with hatred, spat, and said coldly: "I'm not married yet. Those who work as matchmakers are all old women in their seventies or eighties. I won't do it!"
After chatting and joking all the way, everyone arrived in front of the governor's house.
The Governor's Mansion has been very lively these days. The lights were kept on day and night, the men never took off their armor or their saddles, and they were always busy dealing with the case of the water ghost. The prison was overcrowded, and many prisons were temporarily opened.
The case is coming to an end, and the trial and questioning are all matters of the governor's office. Li Ke is very busy, and Qin Mubai can't be as relaxed and comfortable as he is. After finally getting some free time, and the King of Qi Li You also came to Xiangzhou from Jingzhou to handle all the matters, he put on a banquet and invited Qin Mubai and others.
The person guarding the gate is Yuwen Hongtai. A few days ago, he carried out a thrilling killing spree on the Jingzhou River bank. This guy was so majestic that he shot people like hemp. All the soldiers and generals in the palace admired him and praised his bravery. Under his ecstasy, he now walks with his head held high, and he always thinks of himself as a hero.
"Haha, Third Brother Qin is here! Oh, and there's Nvxia Chen, a rare guest, a rare guest!... What do you call this one?" Yuwen Hongtai strode up to greet him, his voice like a bell.
"Hey, what a reckless man!" Su Lianqing frowned, looked up and down, and said, "The King of Wu is such a suave person, how can his subordinates be so reckless?"
"What are you talking about?" Yu Wen Hongtai glared, "What do I call... what do I call that, 'rough', 'bold', all men are like this! Everyone in the house says that I am a good and upright man! You little bitch is so ignorant!”
"Hey, I haven't heard anyone call me 'little bitch' for a while." Su Lianqing walked around Yuwen Hongtai with interest and poked him with her elbow, "Good man, you What are you doing in Prince Wu's Mansion? Are you a big official?"
Qin Mubai and Chen Yan looked at each other, smiled, shook their heads, ignored these two people, and went straight to the mansion with Pang Fei.
When Su Lianqing saw Qin Mubai and others leaving, she hurriedly followed her. She rolled her charming eyes and said sweetly: "Good man, I'll have a chat with you when I have time!"
Yuwen Hongtai trembled all over, and when he came to his senses, Su Lianqing was already running to chase Qin Mubai. He swallowed and murmured: "Why do such beautiful little girls always appear next to Third Brother Qin? This is so special, ugh... I am not so lucky!"
A group of people entered the palace, and there were many servants and soldiers walking around inside and outside, making it look extremely busy. But Li Ke still greeted him personally, laughing from a distance: "Haha! Our great heroes, our great heroes are finally here!"
Qin Mubai greeted him with a smile.
Everyone in the mansion was confused when they saw the scene in front of them: A few days ago, didn't these two people turn against each other and almost kill each other with knives? Today, we are like brothers again.
After chatting with Qin Mubai for a few words, Li Ke looked at Chen Yan gratefully, nodded and said, "Nvxia Chen, I would like to solemnly thank you for your great kindness."
"Your Highness is serious." Chen Yan smiled and said, "I was just running errands. Mu Bai was the one who made the arrangements. You should thank him."
"Oh, you are really looking for him everywhere!" Li Ke laughed, glanced at Su Lianqing again, and said to Qin Mubai, "Is this the flower lady?"
"To be more specific, she is a fake flower lady. People in the world call her Mrs. Yaoxie, and her real name is Su Lianqing." Qin Mubai introduced.
"The convict woman meets His Highness King Wu!" Su Lianqing was still a little nervous and hurriedly knelt down.
"Get up. No one will convict you. You are not a convict, and you have great achievements." Li Ke smiled.
"I... have great merit?" Su Lianqing was stunned for a moment.
"Of course." Qin Mubai smiled mysteriously.
"Just because I released Pang Fei and Lady Hua?" Su Lianqing asked.
"More than that." Qin Mubai smiled, "If it weren't for you, I still wouldn't be able to tell who is the real Lord of Song Cao. Do you think this is a great achievement?"
"Even I don't know who Master Song Cao is, and when did I help you?" Su Lianqing was confused.
Qin Mubai and Li Ke laughed at the same time, and Li Ke said: "Go inside and sit down, let's have a slow chat while drinking tea! King Qi just went out for a stroll and will be back soon. When he comes back, we will have another banquet!"
"OK!"
The group of people entered the palace hall. Li Ke followed the old habit of setting up a stove to make tea, and there was also a lot of music played by silk and bamboo.
"Hey, tell me, how can I help you find the real Lord of Song Cao?" Su Lianqing was puzzled and asked Qin Mubai for questioning.
"It's very simple. Because of some of your actions, I saw their biggest flaw." Qin Mubai smiled.
"What flaw?"
"On that day, didn't Pang Fei and Zhao Chong arrive in Xiangyang County together, and then went to Hua Niangzi's house together?" Qin Mubai said.
"Exactly." Pang Fei responded from the side.
Qin Mubai smiled slightly: "The biggest flaw is here. If Zhao Chong was not a water ghost, how could he bring Pang Fei to Lady Hua? Su Lianqing, how could you set up an ambush there in advance? , just waiting to be arrested? Afterwards, Pang Fei and the real lady fell into your hands, but Zhao Chong also disappeared. "
"What do you mean, I don't understand." Su Lianqing and others shook their heads in confusion.
Li Ke smiled and said: "First of all, Zhao Chong took Pang Fei to the trap that the water ghost had set, which was enough to confirm that he was a member of the water ghost. At this time, in order to cover up the location of Pang Fei's disappearance, he also went with him Later, Su Lianqing told Qin Mubai that you only captured Pang Fei and Hua Niangzi, which made it clear to Qin Mubai that Zhao Chong was actually a water ghost. member."
"What really makes me sure that Zhao Chong is the Lord of Song Cao is that there are some other flaws." Qin Mubai said, "That is, when I return to the military mansion, I will make arrangements and re-select Du Chengyuan's confidants to take over the leadership of the navy. At that time, the water ghost strangely released Zhao Chong back. Hehe, the reason why Zhao Chong disappeared was, firstly, to conceal that Pang Fei's kidnapping was related to him, and secondly, to keep himself out of my sight for convenience. Controlling everything behind the scenes. But he was worried about how he would clear his suspicions in front of me after we finally completed the transaction and let the water ghost come back. So, he made a fake appearance of letting the water ghost come back to deceive me. At the same time, it is also convenient for him to return to the military camp and personally command the navy to participate in the grain trade. "
"So, Zhao Chong is the Lord of Song Cao?!" Many people exclaimed together.
"Of course." Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "He has been very close to us from the beginning. It also made me think that he was someone who could win over our camp. He obviously also saw my intention, So I deliberately staged a fake separation show with Du Chengyuan, which made me work harder to win over him and completely believe in him. Chen Yan, you remember what I told you before, I was already doubting. Are there two people who have no doubts?"
Chen Yan nodded: "One is Zhou Laojiu, the chief yamen officer, and the other is Zhao Chong, right?"
"Yes." Qin Mubai nodded, "Since then, I have suspected that one of these two people must be Lord Cao of Song Dynasty. Because from the beginning, they have been closest to me. As the saying goes, the darkest place is under the oil lamp. The most dangerous place is the safest. They are not timid, and they are indeed very smart. However, there is no such thing as a seamless plan in this world. There are always flaws. From Su Lianqing, I clarified at least two things: First, Zhou Laojiu is a member of the Water Ghost Party, and second, Zhao Chong is probably the real Lord of Song Cao, so she has made great contributions. ”
Su Lianqing took a deep breath and shook her head: "You are such a terrible man! You are so shameless, nothing can escape your eyes, and everything is clearly figured out in your heart! Fortunately, I I have sincerely repented and surrendered. If I had just deliberately made a fool of myself to gain your trust, wouldn’t I have died miserably now?”
Li Ke smiled strangely and said, "So, even I don't play any tricks with him and always obey his words."
"Really?" Su Lianqing's eyes lit up, and she hit the snake with a stick and said, "Then did General Qin mention it to His Highness, saying that he would recommend me to find a job in Prince Wu's Mansion, so that I could abandon my evil ways and become a good person?"
Li Ke suddenly laughed: "I mentioned it before, but the palace does not need female officials, nor does it need female soldiers or generals. This makes me very embarrassed."
Su Lianqing was immediately disappointed, and her eyes dimmed a bit.
"However." Li Ke changed the topic and said with a smile, "After this incident, I feel that there is a lack of care and protection around the princess, especially a shrewd and capable woman with strong martial arts skills. Su Lianqing, if you are willing, just be a The princess’s personal maid!”
"Ah! -" Su Lianqing was overjoyed and fell down on the spot, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your tolerance and shelter! Thank you, General Qin, for your kindness! In this life, Su Lianqing will never forget it. !”
Qin Mubai grinned and thought to himself: It turns out that the beauty of adulthood is quite satisfying. It's just a little effort, but it's a little more satisfying than killing a murderer with your hands!