When the genius was bright, Tang Qinghong rushed to Luoyue City from the barracks with a team of troops.
Since the son of the eldest son led his troops to Huiling City, he was arranged by Zhennan King to stay in the barracks for a long time, and he would only return to the mansion once every ten days for a rest. However, two hours ago, he suddenly received a secret order from King Zhennan, asking him to send troops back to the city.
It is said that—
The spies from Nanliang were discovered in Luoyue City and kidnapped Miss Qiaobiao from the palace.
This is a big event, so although Tang Qinghong was urgently called back to the city, he was full of ambition. He is the prince's confidant, that's why he entrusted such an important matter to him. Even if the son of the world is showing his sharpness now, his position cannot be shaken.
So, Tang Qinghong hurriedly ordered a hundred soldiers and hurried back to the city.
At this time, on the official road, there were already some people who worked hard for a day's livelihood. When they saw a group of officers and soldiers approaching on horseback, they hurriedly gave way for fear of being hit.
Even a group of chariots and horses that were moving forward at a steady pace were no exception.
Da da da!
The hooves of the horse flew past the chariot and horses, but at this moment, Tang Qinghong, who was at the forefront, suddenly pulled the reins.
appeal to
The red horse stomped on the spot a few times, and then walked towards the carriage under Tang Qinghong's order.
The soldiers behind him also stopped and followed.
Tang Qinghong's eyes narrowed slightly. This green-capped carriage looks ordinary, but it is made of precious pear wood, the axle is made of high-quality red axle wood, and the brown horse pulling the cart is clearly A BMW that can travel thousands of miles a day, even if I own such a BMW, I will not cherish it enough, how can I use it to pull a car! Looking at the decorations around the carriage, it is low-key at first glance, but anyone with a discerning eye can see that the materials used for the hood and skirts are all very elegant.
Even the clothes of the attendants were not ordinary, the young man on the red horse was dressed in brocade clothes, with a golden crown and hair, carrying a kind of arrogance that seemed to be inherent in him. The horses they ride are tall and mighty, even laymen can tell that these horses are rare and good horses.
These people are anything but ordinary!
Tang Qinghong was no stranger to the Gaomen Mansion in Luoyue City, and there was clearly no one in front of him.
What's more, it's only Mao's time now, except for those people who are tired of running around, who would choose to go out at this hour
The more Tang Qinghong thought about it, the more suspicious they became. Although he was in a hurry to return to the city, wouldn't it be a sign of his ability if he could make a contribution before returning to the city
Tang Qinghong raised his hand somewhat complacently, and asked, "Who are you?"
"What happened?"
Xiaosi, who was driving, heard the voice from the carriage, and replied in a low voice: "My lord, someone is blocking the way."
There was no more sound in the carriage, and Xiao Si understood what Guan Yubai meant, and remained calm.
Li Yunqi looked at Tang Qinghong without showing any sign of weakness. Everyone in this team was wearing armor, well-trained and restrained. Obviously, they were not ordinary guards, but regular troops from southern Xinjiang.
But why stop them
Even if it is an inspection, it should be the work of the government, so how could the regular army be used. Could it be... Li Yunqi had a thought and guessed: Could it be that the King of Zhennan heard that Marquis An Yi was coming, and planned to give them a blow? !
Li Yunqi snorted coldly, and asked knowingly, "Who are you?"
Li Yunqi's accent clearly indicated that he was not from southern Xinjiang, and Tang Qinghong's suspicion became more serious. With a wave of his hand, the soldiers immediately surrounded him, and then Tang Qinghong said, "Don't talk too much, the government will investigate!"
The government interrogated... It had to be the government, but obviously Tang Qinghong didn't care about that at all.
Li Yunqi is even more convinced that his guess is correct, Zhennan Wang wants to give Hou An Yi a bad impression! I don't know how An Yihou will act
Before he received the imperial decree and came to southern border with Marquis An Yi, the emperor had already called him to the palace and gave him a secret decree. His task this time is not only to protect the safety of Marquis An Yi, but also to monitor, to prevent Marquis Anyi from forming an alliance with the King of Zhennan, and to give him the right to secretly report if there is any sign.
Li Yunqi naturally obeyed the emperor's order. Unexpectedly, King Zhennan sent over a ready-made opportunity. If you have just arrived at the boundary of Luoyue City, you should take a note of Ma Wei first, even the An Yihou who is as good as a fairy will not be calm, right
Thinking of this, Li Yunqi was the first to get off his horse neatly, and the four accompanying people also got off their horses one after another.
Xiao Si on the driver's seat got out of the carriage.
Tang Qinghong pointed to the blue curtain behind Xiao Si and asked, "Who is in the carriage, let him get out of the carriage too!"
Xiao Si replied blankly: "My son is in the carriage. He is recovering from illness and is a little weak, so it is inconvenient to get out of the carriage."
Tang Qinghong frowned, and ordered: "Open the curtain!"
Xiaosi glanced at the carriage, seeing that Guan Yubai hadn't said a word, he raised his hand and lifted the curtain.
A faint medicinal fragrance drifted out from it.
Tang Qinghong narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked into the carriage with sharp eyes. He saw that the carriage was covered with a layer of bamboo-colored carpet, and the cushions, curtains and other decorations were almost all of the same color, which looked simple and elegant. But if you look closely, you will find that the interior of the carriage is very exquisite and meticulous. The rear crossbar is filled with tiles, the hidden nails and curtain hooks of the carriage enclosure. Although these decorations are only made of carved cupronickel, each piece Exquisite and delicate, I am afraid it is not too much compared with the carriage of the palace.
The sick and weak young man in a white robe for a month was leaning sickly on the carriage. His facial features were as handsome as a banished fairy, his face was pale, his figure was thin and thin, and he looked extremely weak. It is the official language.
The carriage was empty, and one could see it clearly with just a quick glance, except for this sick and weak young man, there was no one else.
Tang Qinghong stared at Guan Yubai carefully for a while with sharp eyes, and thought: Is this the master of this group of people? Looks like a frail scholar...
It seems that I really made a mistake.
However, even if you are blocked, you have to check it out clearly, otherwise you will be too embarrassing today!
Tang Qinghong said in a business-like manner: "Young master, get out of the car!"
A flash of impatience and coldness flashed in Xiaosi's eyes, and he cast a questioning look at Guan Yubai.
Guan Yubai smiled lightly, picked up a small ebony lacquered box beside him, and said, "Xiao Si, help me."
With Xiao Si's support, Guan Yubai got out of the carriage.
As soon as Tang Qinghong waved his hand, two soldiers came forward to search immediately, one surrounded the carriage to check, the other got into the carriage and roughly stirred it in the carriage with a scabbard, from the storage bench, to the food box, to the size The box... and even the wheels of the carriage were carefully inspected, leaving the carriage in disarray, and Xiao Si's expression became even colder.
Guan Yubai always had a slight smile on the corner of his mouth, as if he didn't care about the scene in front of him, but Li Yunqi's unhappiness was getting worse.
Li Yunqi is also a son of the general family, he once made military achievements in the battle with Beidi, where did he receive such treatment in the capital, although he wanted to make Guan Yubai dissatisfied with the king of Zhennan, but at this time he couldn't bear it He said in a cold voice, "Have you finished the investigation? Can we leave now?"
At this time, for Tang Qinghong, it was no longer just a search.
In fact, if this group of people put down their posture and said one or two good words, it would be fine for him to have a step down. I didn't expect these mere civilians to dare to talk back!
Tang Qinghong scanned around again, wanting to see where there were any loopholes, then landed on the small box in Guan Yubai's hand, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, "What's in this box? Show me the general." !"
Li Yunqi finally couldn't suppress the anger in his heart, he put his hand on the hilt of his waist subconsciously, and blurted out, "Presumptuous!"
The four accompanying soldiers behind him also moved in the same way. Although their swords were not drawn out, the action of trying to draw them was obvious.
How dare you use force!
Regardless of whether these people are spies from Nanliang or not, if they dare to fight against him, they must not be tolerated!
Rather kill the wrong than let it go!
With a wave of Tang Qinghong's hand, the soldiers pulled out the long knives from the scabbard one after another, pointing the tip at them.
The other common people who passed by on the official road were scared and fled, avoiding them from a distance, whispering and discussing.
At the same time, the five of Li Yunqi also drew their swords out of their sheaths, and the silver blades glistened in the sunlight.
Whether it was Tang Qinghong or Li Yunqi, they were all blinded by impulse at this moment.
For a time, swords were on the verge of breaking out.
There was a slight smile on Guan Yubai's lips. He kept watching until he saw this, and then said, "Lieutenant Li, don't be impulsive."
Lieutenant Li...
Tang Qinghong was startled. The school lieutenant is a fifth-rank military officer. Although his military rank is far lower than his own, he is still an official.
If the captain of the fifth grade can only be a follower, then who is this young master
Facing Tang Qinghong's probing eyes, Guan Yubai said calmly, "This Marquis is here by the emperor's order. If there is any misunderstanding, please return to General Haihan."
Marquis
Southern Border is no better than the capital of a king. There are many Hou's and Bo's houses. In this land, apart from King Zhennan and his son, there is no other noble person. Hearing that he was a Marquis, Tang Qinghong was so shocked that he couldn't even speak. Even if this person was a first-rank imperial envoy, he would not lose his composure like this.
After seeing the token handed over by Xiaosi, Tang Qinghong believed it, and quickly asked the soldiers to put away their weapons. While complaining secretly in his heart why they didn't say it earlier, he clasped his fists and said embarrassingly: "Master Hou, I'm in charge of official duties, and I have offended you. I hope Master Hou will forgive me."
Li Yunqi was about to ask a few questions, when Guan Yubai said gently, "It's okay."
Li Yunqi could only swallow that breath, thinking: I have long heard that Marquis An Yi is as gentle as jade, and he is a handsome young man, so what I saw along the way is exactly the same. I don't know what he looked like when he led the soldiers back then, could it be that he is as meek as he is now? Then this illustrious military exploits must be carefully measured...
Tang Qinghong breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he didn't meet an arrogant and domineering person, otherwise today's affairs would be really difficult to deal with! He collected himself and said, "Master Hou, is he going to Luoyue City? The general will give you a ride at the end."
Guan Yubai nodded slightly, and said with a smile, "Thank you, General."
Tang Qinghong winked at Wang Pianjiang who was beside him, and Wang Pianjiang immediately understood and rushed to Zhennan Wangfu to report the news.
With the support of Xiao Si, Guan Yubai got into the carriage, even though the carriage had been turned into a mess, there was no trace of displeasure on his face.
Xiao Si remained expressionless from the beginning to the end, he jumped onto the driver's seat, and the carriage continued on...
With General Tang Qinghong leading the way, he naturally entered Luoyue City without hindrance. Afterwards, Guan Yubai and his party went straight to the Zhennan Palace.
The vermilion gate of the palace opened wide, Guan Yubai was welcomed into the palace respectfully, and he was led to the Yimen before stopping.
Guan Yubai got off the carriage, Zhennan King came after hearing the news, smiled at Guan Yubai and said, "Your Majesty Guan, I have admired you for a long time." As he spoke, Zhennan King looked at Guan Yubai with scrutiny.
Although the King of Zhennan had heard the name of Guan Yubai for a long time, this was the first time he saw him, and he couldn't help but feel a little bit embarrassed: this young master Pianpian who didn't look like a general at all was the one who had to guard Xirong so that he didn't dare to cross the thunder pool half a step The official language is white
Guan Yubai bowed respectfully: "I have seen the prince."
Zhennan Wang hurriedly raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, excuse me."
After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, King Zhennan learned that Guan Yubai had come with an imperial edict, so he hurriedly welcomed him into the main hall.
After the servants hurriedly set up the incense table, Guan Yubai took out the imperial decree, walked to the front, and said, "My lord, then Ben Hou will read the imperial decree."
"Thank you, my lord." King Zhennan knelt down in the hall and listened with his head bowed.
Guanyu opened the imperial decree made of bright yellow silk with a "swipe" and read it out.
When King Zhennan heard that the emperor asked him to send troops to Baiyue to help Kui Lang restore his restoration, he almost didn't jump up. At the beginning, Kui Lang led his troops to beat up several cities in southern Xinjiang, and even he was once trapped in Fengjiang City by a hundred troops... Now the emperor asked him to help the enemy to restore? ! The emperor is crazy!
But the excitement brought by the imperial decree was not limited to this point. The king of Zhennan was then informed that Guan Yubai would stay in southern Xinjiang to help him.
King Zhennan's face was darkened, and no one with a discerning eye could see it. This is not helping, he is clearly here to monitor him!
Finally, after Guan Yubai finished reading the imperial decree, King Zhennan was silent for a long time before he took a deep breath, kowtowed to thank him, and took the imperial decree respectfully with both hands.
King Zhennan stood up and looked at Guan Yubai with a complicated expression.
Hey, it looks like I will work with Marquis An Yi in the future.
King Zhennan quickly adjusted his mentality, smiled, and said: "Your Majesty has worked hard all the way, if you don't dislike it, you can settle in the palace for now."
Guan Yubai didn't refuse, just thanked him with a smile.
The King of Zhennan called a servant girl over and ordered her to send a message to the concubine Shizi to prepare for the guest house.
King Zhennan and Guan Yubai sat down as host and guest, and Li Yunqi also got a seat, and immediately a servant girl served tea. The King of Zhennan was trying to find out what Guan Yubai said, and wanted to know why the emperor suddenly wanted to restore Kui Lang. Unexpectedly, Guan Yubai said first: "My lord, seeing that Luoyue City is heavily guarded, I dare to ask if he is out of town." What's the matter?"
Zhennan King's face froze. He is a super-rank vassal, and his rank is much higher than the second-rank Marquis An Yi. He didn't need to explain anything to Guan Yubai. Tang Qinghong's negligence, if he doesn't give him an explanation, if he goes to the emperor to file a complaint, it will always be extra trouble for him!
The King of Zhennan hesitated for a moment, and finally revealed the inside story: "Master Hou was surprised. You may not know that Nanliang invaded a while ago, and now Nanliang spies have sneaked into Luoyue City and kidnapped the king's niece. , trying to threaten Zhennan Palace..."
The king of Zhennan attributed all the reasons for the martial law to the search for the spies in Nanliang. In this way, it is only natural for him to implement martial law on a large scale, and it is only natural for Shun Shun to find his niece.
"So that's how it is..." Guan Yubai nodded slightly, thought for a moment and said, "My lord, have you sent someone to search Maofeng Town?"
"Maofeng Town?" Zhennan Wang didn't know why he said that.
"Benhou ran into two people with foreign accents in Maofeng Town yesterday." Guan Yubai said casually, "They also brought an unconscious girl with them. Maybe it's the person the prince is looking for."
The King of Zhennan was overjoyed immediately, regardless of whether it was Qiao Ruolan that Guan Yubai was talking about, at least he had a clue!
King Zhennan clasped his fists politely and said, "Thank you, Lord Hou. This king will order someone to go to Maofeng Town."
This matter not only involved Qiao Ruolan, but also the situation with Nanliang. The King of Zhennan did not dare to take it lightly, and immediately sent Tang Qinghong, who had just been called into the city, to go there in person with a hundred soldiers.
As soon as Tang Qinghong arrived in Maofeng Town, he sealed off the whole town with thunderous force, and all the people in the town were coaxed back by the soldiers.
And those people who were not from this town were all driven to several inns, and they were not allowed to go out.
This time was a great opportunity for him to make a contribution in front of the prince. Tang Qinghong did not dare to ignore it at all, and personally sat down at the entrance of the town, while the hundred soldiers were divided into a small team of ten people. side, while the rest searched house by house with portraits,
A tense atmosphere hangs over Maofeng Town like layers of dark clouds, and a storm seems to be coming.
The doors of all the houses in the town were opened, and the people waited for the search in fear, not daring to make any unnecessary moves.
The soldiers under Tang Qinghong's command were all strictly ordered, and each house was searched very carefully, messing up all kinds of objects in the house, and even breaking a lot of pots and pans, but how could these ordinary people dare to resist the officers and soldiers? One by one can only admit that they are unlucky.
However, after spending half a day searching most of the homes in Maofeng Town, they still found nothing...
Seeing the sun getting bigger and hotter, Tang Qinghong also became irritable. At this moment, Wang surnamed Pianjiang, who was accompanying him, came running quickly, bowed and said: "General, I found a bead flower in a long-abandoned house in the northwest of the town. This bead flower looks like Miss Qiao Biao. The..." The problem is that Zhuhua is there, but the person is not. "General, that room is empty."
Wang Pianjiang respectfully presented a wintersweet gold thread hollow bead flower.
At the beginning, the King of Zhennan specially ordered the artist to draw Qiao Ruolan's clothes and jewelry on the day of her disappearance according to the descriptions of the mothers and maids in Qiao's residence. Among them was this wintersweet gold silk hollow bead flower.
Tang Qinghong recognized it immediately, and hurriedly got up and said, "General Wang, quickly take this general over to have a look!"
Tang Qinghong led his troops non-stop to personally go to the house that Wang Pianjiang mentioned, and ordered the soldiers to search the whole house, which can be said to be digging three feet, but this house has no secret passages, no darkrooms, and no people…
"General," Wang Pianjiang said cautiously, "it's been a night, do you think Miss Qiao Biao has already been taken away!"
Tang Qinghong's face was serious, and this was what he was most afraid of. Once the Nanliang spies took Miss Qiao Biao out of the southern border, where would they go to find someone
"Wang Pianjiang, you sit here. This general will rush back to Luoyue City immediately to report back to the prince."
Tang Qinghong rushed back to the Zhennan Prince's Mansion as quickly as possible, told the Zhennan King respectfully what had happened, and presented the wintersweet gold silk hollowed-out bead flower.
Zhennan Wang took the bead flower, his face was not very good-looking, and said: "This is indeed Sister Lan's bead flower!"
With Zhuhua, Qiao Ruolan was obviously imprisoned there, but since no one was seen, she must have been taken away! Zhennan Wang narrowed his sharp eyes, and said in a deep voice: "General Tang, go back immediately and expand the scope of the search with Maofeng Town as the center. You must find Biao girl..." At this point, he glanced at the officer. Yubai paused unnaturally, and emphasized, "Of course the Nanliang spy who kidnapped the cousin girl must be caught!"
Tang Qinghong was about to bow to accept the order when he heard Guan Yubai who was sitting beside him say: "Wait a minute, my lord."
King Zhennan asked politely, "What's your opinion, Master Hou?"
Guan Yubai calmly and slowly said: "My lord, I think this bead flower is probably a bait used by the people of Nanliang to 'tune the tiger away from the mountain'. It should still be in Maofeng Town."
His tone is calm and soothing, but it gives people a sense of calmness and calmness, which makes people unconsciously convinced.
Zhennan Wang pondered for a moment, and finally said: "General Tang, divide the troops into two groups."
Tang Qinghong held his fists to accept the order, flung his red cloak, and strode away. The scabbard hit his armor from time to time during his steps, revealing his inner unrest at the moment.
Not only Tang Qinghong was not calm, but also King Zhennan. He stared at Zhuhua for a long time, and finally decided not to tell Mrs. Qiao for the time being, so that she would not be more worried.
In the palace, even the servants felt the anxiety of King Zhennan, all of them lowered their eyebrows and looked down, and the whole palace was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere.
In Bixiaotang, however, things were still orderly and unaffected by the unease in the palace.
Nangong Yue sat on the grand teacher's chair in the main room, listening to the mother's report, and nodded from time to time.
Although Nangong Yue knew that Guan Yubai would soon come to Nanjiang to reconcile with Xiao Yi, but not long ago when Zhennan King sent someone to tell her to prepare a guest yard for Marquis Anyi, she knew that Guan Yubai had already arrived. !
This was much earlier than Nangong Yue originally expected.
The heat in southern Xinjiang is unbearable, Guan Yubai's body is weak, and he can't use a lot of ice to cool off. Nangong Yue thought for a long time, and ordered someone to prepare Qingyunwu, northeast of Wangfu. And it's very cool.
It's just that many people in Qingyunwu have never lived in it. Although someone cleans it from time to time, except for the large tables, chairs and furniture, all other decorations have been put into the warehouse, obviously it cannot be directly occupied by people.
Nangong Yue could only call Baihui back from Xiao Fei, gave her the right card, and ordered her to take someone to clean it up.
After cleaning and tidying up, the storeroom was opened again. From the large screens and vases to the small four treasures of the study, antique calligraphy and paintings, each piece was taken out of the storeroom to decorate Qingyunwu.
Li Yunqi, who accompanied Guan Yubai, was settled by Nangong Yue in the Hewen Academy not far from Qingyunwu, and she specially sent Madam Lu to take people to clean it up.
At this time, Nanny Lu was reporting to Nangong Yue that He Wenyuan had already taken care of it.
"... Take some ice and send it to Qingyunwu and Hewen Academy." After she finished speaking, Nangong Yue said, "Tell me, both of you are distinguished guests who have come from afar from the capital of the king, so don't neglect them."
Nanny Lu bowed to the order, Nangong Yue gave her instructions again, and waved her back.
It was almost Shenshi, and the sun outside was still fierce. Nangong Yue thought for a while, called Yinger, and asked her to go to the big kitchen, and asked the kitchen to prepare some warm sour plum soup and send it to Zhennan Wang's study.
Ying'er led the order to go out, and missed Que'er who was returning in a hurry.
"Shizi Concubine." Que'er blessed her body and reported, "I found Miss Qiaobiao."
Nangong Yue raised her eyebrows slightly, and heard Que'er continue: "General Tang Qinghong just sent someone to report that he found it at a family in Maofeng Town who was having a funeral." Speaking of which, her expression was a little weird , "Miss Qiaobiao is lying in the coffin! ... However, she is still alive."
The thrush in the room couldn't help but let out a soft "Yeah", and Nangong Yue also showed surprise on her face, and then asked the key point, "Did Nanliang's spies catch it?"
Que'er replied, "They all committed suicide by taking poison."
There are not many people in the small town, and if there are strangers coming and going, it is actually quite eye-catching. That is to say, the house where the people of Nanliang are based will definitely not be newly built, at least it should be several years old.
It took a lot of effort, but now it is easy to give up, and it is still used in such a decisive way as "taking poison".
Nangong Yue always felt that it should not be so simple...