Shen Tang counted the time on his fingers.
He was surprised and asked, "Ren Shu came down so quickly?"
Gu Ren 666, you are so efficient!
Gu Chi did not expect that the unexpected surprise would come so quickly and suddenly: "Indeed, it came ten days earlier than expected..."
According to the discussion between him and Qi Shan, he should get the appointment letter around the end of the month, and by then, the bandits they have gathered will be barely acceptable. This sudden incident, a mixture of surprise and shock, is hard to say whether it is good or bad...
The joy gradually faded, and Shen Tang regained her composure. She couldn't help but make the worst plan. She said worriedly: "As the saying goes, 'there must be something wrong when things are out of the ordinary'. We have no one in the court, and we are from the Allied Forces. With Zheng Qiao's character, he shouldn't be so quick and decisive, and he even did it ten days in advance - this thing is not a trap, right? Gu Ren and Wu Xian wouldn't trick me like this..."
However, it’s hard to say.
Whenever the word "interest" is involved, it is not uncommon for fathers and sons to kill each other, and brothers to quarrel. However, Shen Tang is only a "brother" to them verbally, and they have not been in contact for a long time. If these two people figure out something, they will suddenly stab her...
Shen Tang's mind was full of Gu Ren and Wu Xian's backstabbing. All kinds of conspiracy theories bubbled up like ink. She was lost in oblivion, and poor Gu Chi suffered a close-range attack. It took a long while for her to recover: "That's not the case."
Gu Ren and Wu Xian both...
If you really care about character and integrity, you are above average. Although Gu Chi cannot hear Gu Ren's inner voice, judging from Gu Ren's past reputation and deeds, this person has a certain bottom line in his actions. Not to mention Wu Xian, he is easily influenced and has a bad temper. He is prone to act impulsively when he is emotional, so he is not to be feared.
These two are really going to backstab...
That must be Gu Ren.
For some reason, Gu Chi was afraid of Gu Ren, but he could not have any negative emotions. At worst, he was neutral. In addition, Gu Ren's reputation and deeds were a guarantee, so ordinary people would naturally like him...
It's a bit weird.
I guess it was Gu Ren’s scholarly ways that were at work.
He was lost in thought, and noticed that the light in his field of vision was blocked. Shen Lang's hands were waving left and right in front of his eyes. Gu Chi brushed them away with his fingers and said, "I'm not distracted."
Shen Tang had a look on his face that said "Do you think I believe this?" and he smiled and chatted, "You're not distracted? Then who do you think is so distracted?"
Gu Chi said: "It's Gu Ziyi."
"Gu Ren? What happened to him? Do you suspect he backstabbed me?"
Gu Chi's mouth twitched, and he explained: "No, I'm just curious about his way of being a scholar--"
"His way as a scribe?"
Shen Tang was not puzzled that Gu Ren had the ways of a scholar - although the ways of a scholar were also a rare skill among literati, it was a standard for outstanding people, so it was not surprising that Gu Ren had it - she was just puzzled as to why Gu Chi suddenly thought of him.
Gu Chi said: "I can't hear his inner voice."
Shen Tang heard this and said, "Is he on guard against you?"
Gu Chi shook his head: "Probably not."
Before this, not many people knew about his ways as a scholar, and even if they did, few could intentionally empty their minds like Shen Tang at all times - it was fine for a while, but concentrating on doing so for a long time was very exhausting.
Gu Chi was certain that it was Gu Ren who blocked him.
Shen Tang held his chin up: "That's interesting..."
Gu Chi said: "There are some speculations at the moment."
"What guess?"
Gu Chi asked back: "My Lord, don't you think Gu Ziyi's luck and popularity are a bit too good? His sworn brothers all have their own strengths, and they all look up to him. One or two may be lucky, but twelve in a row, it's not just luck. When strangers see Gu Ziyi, they are happy to see him..."
Shen Tang pondered it carefully, and it was true. She guessed: "Perhaps his way of being a scholar is the 'Long Aotian Halo'?"
Gu Chi: "What is that?"
Shen Tangxu covered his mouth and joked: "Long Aotian's aura is so great that even Gu Ren's body was shaken, and all the heroes bowed down to him."
Gu Chi: “…”
Gu Chi: "…It's not that serious."
If Gu Ren had such a talent as a scholar, he would have led the allied forces to sweep across Sibao County, and Wu Xian would not have been the leader. Gu Chi knew that Shen Tang was mostly joking, but she might have hit the nail on the head in one point—
Gu Ren's literary way may influence some people's impression of Gu Ren.
It may seem useless, but it has the effect of moistening things silently.
It may be very useful at a critical moment.
so-
Shen Tang asked: "Did Gu Ren stab me in the back?"
Gu Chi stood up and said with a smile: "Is it a pleasant surprise or a disaster? We will know when we see the person, right?"
There is no point in making wild guesses here.
As it turned out, both Gu Ren and others were innocent.
After receiving the reward, they packed up their belongings and left the Qianzhou Qushan County where the palace was located, heading for their respective territories, fearing that if they were a step slower, they would be killed by Zheng Qiao who went back on his word. Especially Gu Ren, several of his brothers had a great grudge against Zheng Qiao, and if they were allowed to breathe the same air as Zheng Qiao at close range, they might not be able to resist going to the palace to assassinate him one day.
Each one of them is a firecracker with fire hidden!
And the order was issued so quickly—
It was all because of an unexpected person.
Have a good feast.
Although Zheng Qiao didn't take Shen Tang seriously at all, Yan An was worried and sent someone to find out who Shen Tang and Shen Youli were. The messenger brought a decree and the seal of the governor of Heyin County and traveled day and night.
However, the envoy did not expect that Shen Tang did not enter the territory of Heyin, but stopped at the border of Heyin to rest.
"Who is Mr. Shen?"
There were fifteen envoys in total.
There was a scholar, a sixth-class official, two fifth-class officials, and the rest were second-class upper-class and lower-class officials. There was not even an ordinary person. Even Chu Yao couldn't help but tremble slightly when he saw this formation, and felt that something was wrong.
He Yin was small, poor and chaotic.
It is hard to say how many years a normal person can live if he takes up a post. The superiors may not take it seriously. Why is there such a fuss just to send a letter of assignment? Chu Yao restrained his emotions, settled them carefully and thoughtfully, and then sent someone to invite Shen Tang over.
It's said to be meticulous and thoughtful, but it's just that.
So many people hid in the mountains, using tents as their homes. Their material conditions were just so-so. At most, they offered some old tea and wine to the envoys to moisten their throats and warm their bodies. Their treatment was simple and shabby.
These people didn't complain much.
The leading scholar looked around.
As far as the eye can see, many old, weak, women and children are bending over to work, collecting firewood, boiling water or sewing warm winter clothes. There are few young and strong people. If these people were not in good spirits, someone who didn’t know would think they had mistakenly entered a refugee camp…
The leading envoy took a sip of tea and squinted his eyes, with a hint of strangeness in his eyes: "Are these the common people that Lord Shen took away from Sibao County? It seems that there are more than the rumors..."
Chu Yao stood to one side and said respectfully, "There are many hungry people on the road. My lord couldn't bear it, so he took everything he could."
The messenger lowered his eyes and murmured in a low voice, "... There are many hungry people... Mr. Shen is thoughtful. If there are more people like Mr. Shen in Geng Country, perhaps peace can be expected in the world..."
Chu Yao didn't say anything.
In fact, as long as there is a king like Zheng Qiao, a bunch of "good people" like Wu Lang can be killed.
It is indeed admirable that Zheng Qiao turned a bad hand into a situation that is almost perfect, but it is all his own fault that he went from having a perfect advantage to being in this situation now. The people of Geng State and the remnants of Xin State were considered to be well-mannered because they did not curse and stab the villain day and night.
The messenger simply didn't expect Chu Yao to say anything.
While waiting, the messenger's eyes fell on Chu Yao. Seeing that Chu Yao had a young and mature appearance, but had a particularly abrupt head of long gray hair, he asked casually.
"What's your name, sir?"
Chu Yao said: "My surname is 'Chu'."
I won't tell you the name.
The messenger heard it and asked, "Is it Chu Yao?"
Chu Yao's heart trembled violently.
Because his restoration of Wenxin would easily expose the national seal in Shen Tang's hands, he had concealed his past identity from the public, and only a few close people knew his past. The visitor spoke of this name as soon as he opened his mouth, which made people feel daunted.
However, Chu Yao did not hesitate at all.
He looked at the messenger with suspicion and surprise.
"How does the messenger know?"
The messenger did not answer but asked: "Which 'yao'?"
Chu Yao smiled and said: "The glory of the ancestors..."
The messenger asked again: "Where is the word?"
Chu Yao said: "The word is not obscure."
The messenger looked at Chu Yao, who looked calm and even pretended to be weak so that the messenger could secretly test him with words: "You have a literary aura emanating from you, so you must be a scholar."
Chu Yao said: "My strength is low, I dare not show my ugliness."
The messenger said: "Your name reminds me of someone who was famous in the northwest many years ago and was also from Chu."
"The messenger is talking about the three heroes of our country?"
"motherland?"
"I used to be a native of Chu. After Chu was destroyed, my father changed my name for me. It was a bit of a reflection of my father's hope..." When he said this, he realized that Chu had been destroyed for many years, and even the Xin State that destroyed Chu was gone. Now the world belonged to Geng State. He knew he had said something wrong, and timidly pursed his lips to swallow back the unfinished words.
The messenger could understand his feelings.
But he didn't stop there.
Then he asked, "Where is your Wenxin monogram?"
Except for special circumstances, the Wenxin Huashu is worn on the body. It is a symbol of status, similar to the seal worn by officials. In some countries where people pay more attention to it, it is even a social etiquette that has been established by convention.
It is very disrespectful to have a floral seal but not wear it.
"I have low strength, little literary talent, and a low rank, so it is a bit difficult for me to maintain my seal." After Chu Yao finished speaking, he felt ashamed and his face flushed, but under the gaze of the envoy, he still "struggled" to form the Wenxin seal.
Silver-gray-white Wenxin monogram.
Ninth rank, lowest grade. The signature is rough and blurred.
This is very typical "weak".
The messenger took a look and signaled Chu Yao to take it back. Seeing Chu Yao's gloomy expression, the messenger pursed his lips, explained gently, and comforted him carefully, saying that he had no intention of making things difficult and hoped that Chu Yao would not take it to heart, and that he was just a little curious.
Chu Yao asked, "Has the messenger also heard of those three?"
The messenger nodded: "Those who have heard of it, yearn for it."
Therefore, when he heard "Chu Yao", which has the same pronunciation and the same character as Chu Yao, he was so "disrespectful" - he said so, but only he knew what he was thinking. He also mentioned Gong Shuwu in casual conversation, implying that he wanted to meet him.
Chu Yao: “…”
He comes with bad intentions!
But he couldn't stop people from seeing it.
It happened that Gong Shuwu returned from patrol.
When he saw the messenger's face, a barely perceptible strange color flashed in his eyes in a flash.
Because of the angle and distance, the messenger did not notice it.
The envoy was equally curious about Gong Shuwu.
On the way here, he knew that Gong Shuwu was the tenth-rank Zuo Shuzhang—he was unknown before, but he gained some fame after the fall of Xiaocheng and the battle in the city. After that, he had been following Shen Tang, quietly training troops, with little sense of existence, and a background character.
Knowing Gong Shuwu's simple background, the envoy was somewhat tempted - Gong Shuwu was not too old and was in his golden period of rise. Once he reached his peak, he could maintain it for another twenty years, at least reaching the middle of the thirteenth rank.
Although Zheng Qiao has no shortage of brave warriors, the more the better.
But, as expected, I was rejected.
The reason is also valid—
Gong Shuwu asked back, "Shuwu is just a warrior who doesn't know the etiquette. Why do you think I am still a widower?"
Messenger: “…”
No need to ask, this is definitely Zheng Qiao's fault.
The messenger knew what was going on and stopped talking.
Just at this time Shen Tang arrived on a motorcycle.
Gong Shuwu breathed a sigh of relief.
If he doesn't disperse his firepower, he's afraid he'll be exposed.
If Kang Shi were here, he would find that the figure and appearance of this envoy were not completely unrelated to Yan Xingning who had originally come to see him. They were exactly the same.
Shen Tang rode back quickly on his motorcycle.
There was hot sweat on his forehead and he was breathing heavily from his mouth and nose.
She jumped off the mule-back of the motorcycle.
When the messenger saw this, he knew that this person was Shen Tang.
At the age of twelve, the monogram on his waist was as clear as crystal, and he was of the lowest rank of the ninth grade.
Although he is a scholar with a literary mind, his martial arts skills are extremely high.
The previous information matches.
It's just the back.
Looking at Shen Tang's not-so-tall and rather thin figure, the messenger was skeptical about this part.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, and only heard it from outsiders, he really couldn't believe that Shen Tang could fight Gong Xichou on the battlefield.
"Mr. Shen."
Shen Tang wiped the sweat off his face with his sleeves: "The messenger is well."
The messenger took out the dispatch document, verified his identity with Shen Tang, read out Zheng Qiao's order, handed over the seal of the governor of Heyin County, and said a few words on behalf of Zheng Qiao. As for the rest - in extraordinary times, complicated etiquette has always been reduced as much as possible.
Shen Tang was in a trance at how smoothly things were going. Out of courtesy, he asked the envoy to stay for a while, at least for a meal before leaving.
The messenger declined politely.
He has important matters to attend to and needs to hurry back to regain his sight.
Without resting for long, the messenger led his men away.
Shen Tang looked at Chu Yao and Gong Shuwu, who looked unhappy, and asked, "What did the envoy test?"
Chu Yao: "The household registration check was not that thorough. I'm worried that he might be suspicious of something. I don't know if he has been deceived."
Shen Tang played with the official seal, turning it around.
He said casually, "If he hasn't cheated before, let him have an accident. People are bound to get into trouble when they go out. It's normal for someone to lose his life due to bad luck. Don't you agree?"
Unexpectedly, Gong Shuwu poured cold water on him: "This method may work for others, but not for him. My lord, do you know who this person is? His name is Yan'an, with the courtesy name Xingning. He is a rare man who has mastered the ways of scholars since he was young. If you kill him now, he will immediately want to kill you from thousands of miles away."
Shen Tang: “???”
"Yan Xingning's scholarly ways are completely false."