Zhao'er saw that he was wrapping himself tightly, only showing his face outside.
"Where are you going?"
"I'll go out with Hu San to see." Xue Tingxiang said, bending over to tie his trousers tightly, and put on a pair of black boots.
"Where to look, it's so chaotic outside, didn't Fan Xiancheng say that the pirates haven't been caught yet..." Having said this, Zhao'er also reacted: "Did they lie to us?"
Xue Tingxiang nodded: "Yesterday Hu San went out to see, there are no so-called Japanese pirates outside, it's just that there are rats who have done some shameful things, and they are afraid of being caught. Just in case, they will use the name of Japanese pirates. ."
Having said that, Hu San has already come, knocked on the door outside, and called out to the lord in a low voice.
Xue Tingxiang went to open the door and let him in.
"Then what if you are bumped into by those mice? No, don't go out. Even if you want to go, I'll be with you." Zhao'er said.
"What are you doing as a woman?"
Zhao'er widened his eyes and scolded in a low voice, "What happened to my wife? When I was a child, I carried you up the mountain to chop wood, and I didn't even see you lost."
Xue Tingxiang was a little embarrassed: "What are you talking about? I'm all grown up now."
Seeing that he was embarrassed, Zhao'er was actually a little embarrassed, she whispered: "That's not possible, just you and Hu San go, I'm not at ease. Hu San's legs and feet are inconvenient, and you are powerless. , I'll be with you, and I can help out with anything."
"You're still at home..."
"If your wife wants to go, you can go too. At this time, it's safer outside than usual, as long as you are careful to hide your traces." Hu San interjected.
Seeing this, Zhao'er glanced at Xue Tingxiang proudly, went to the place where he had just picked up the night clothes, and also touched the night clothes.
I don't know when Xue Tingxiang will prepare these clothes. He has prepared two suits in total, and there is just one suit left to wear.
Zhao’er went to call Xiaohong and let her look at Hong’er.
Xiaohong looked at the adults and his wife in surprise, but she didn't dare to ask or say anything.
Zhao'er quickly changed into night clothes and went out with the two of them.
The way out was arranged in advance by Hu San, and he didn't meet anyone along the way. When he went out, he saw a carriage parked outside. The body is all black, and if it wasn't for a mad wind lamp hanging in front of the car, I really couldn't see a car parked here.
The two got into the car, and Hu San drove the carriage forward.
It was late at night, and it was quiet everywhere. There was a curfew in the county, and there were night watchmen patrolling around and knocking on clappers to remind them that the weather was dry and things were dry, but today it was surprisingly quiet.
There are dark holes everywhere, only the looming moon in the sky sheds a little silver light, adding a little light to the surroundings.
When the carriage drove fast to the city gate, suddenly there was a strange movement outside, Zhao'er subconsciously lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked out, her heart was pounding, and an inexplicable sense of unease enveloped her.
After walking for a while, the carriage stopped, and only then did Zhao'er see the situation outside. I don't know when there are many trucks parked outside, like a long dragon, stretching a long way, and they stopped at the tail.
No one spoke, as if these vans were just cars and no people. The only thing that seemed to be the only living thing was the maddening lanterns that were on in each segment.
Zhao'er looked at Xue Tingxiang next to him with some horror, and he was also looking out. In the dim light, she could only see his smooth, white cheeks, and his brows that seemed to be frowning.
Xue Tingxiang stretched out his hand and stroked her head soothingly. Those fingers were very warm, which made Zhao'er feel at ease in the cool night.
She relaxed involuntarily.
Several torches were lit at the city gate, and some people seemed to be guarding there, putting people out one by one.
The convoy in front was moving very slowly, and it was only after a while that the car moved forward. After a long time, it was Zhao'er's turn to drive the car. At first, Zhao'er was too nervous. Who ever thought that the other party didn't say anything and let the car pass.
Only later did she know that the car and the lights were very particular, and no one would go to check them carefully. And Hu San was also daring, he actually parked the car behind others, the one in front thought he was in the back, and the team coming behind thought they were in the front, so he fooled around.
As for why Hu San was wearing night clothes, but did not attract the attention of others, according to Xue Tingxiang, those who drove the car were all dressed like this.
The carriage went much faster out of the city.
Zhao'er felt that the car was shaking rhythmically. According to usual, she should have fallen asleep at this time. After being swayed like this for a while, she fell asleep in a daze.
When I woke up again, I felt a cool breeze blowing. The smell of this wind was very strange, with a salty smell. Only then did Zhao'er realize that he was at the beach.
When she opened her eyes, she found that she was the only one sleeping in the carriage, but Xue Tingxiang and Hu San were gone. She got up subconsciously, and when she got out of the car, she realized that Xue Tingxiang and Hu San were standing outside the carriage, looking at something.
She got out of the car and came to the two of them. Before she could stand still, she was caught by the bright light not far away.
Just at the end of the line of sight, a noisy and lively picture.
Countless torches were lit there, and the torches illuminated the entire sea. There are boats, but I can't see how many boats are parked there. I only know that the boat is very tall and very large, which is completely different from what Zhao'er has seen before.
Connecting to the shore is a strip of wood, and countless coolies like ants are carrying goods to the ship along these trestle bridges. There were also countless unloading trucks gathered on the side, lined up for more than a mile.
It's too dark and quiet here, and it's too bright and noisy over there. At first glance, it even makes people think it's an illusion or a mirage. It was as if I was watching a big play without sound, and I felt dazzled, but couldn't hear any sound.
"This is..." Zhao'er subconsciously fell silent.
This is what Dinghai County hides below.
In fact, Xue Tingxiang was aware of the clues from the very beginning when he came here.
The weirdness of the 'Japanese pirates', Liu Bichang's eagerness, and the abnormality of Fan Dazhu and Zhou Li. Including going to the post office that day, Xue Tingxiang guessed that Geng Qianhu must be there, but he did not see him on purpose.
Even the rumors that there were a few Japanese pirates spreading riots before were all fake. Fan Dazhu's anxiety and fear were fake, and he said that he wanted to report to the guardhouse to send troops to suppress the bandits.
Everything is to hide this scene in front of you.
In fact, if you think about it, you can understand. Even if the Shuangyu Island is revived, it will inevitably need to have an internal response. If the things from Dachang want to go out, and the goods from the West want to come in, all these need someone to respond internally and externally.
Who can work together inside and out
Relying on those sea merchants alone is not enough. Dachang has laws, magistrates have prefects, and magistrates have prefects, governors, and even governors. Local civil administration and garrisoning belong to two different systems. Above the Hundred Houses is the Thousand Houses, and above the Thousand Houses is the Guard Commander.
Due to its convenient location, Dinghai County is the closest to Shuangyu Island, so this is the passage leading to Shuangyu Island. And if you want to hide from the imperial court, it is not enough to buy the joints of the guards, you have to be the local county government.
No wonder those people deliberately acted in front of him, probably because they wanted him to be a newcomer, and they were afraid of bad things about him, so they frightened him first. No wonder the people in this county are so strange. They have nothing to do all day long, and the fields are covered with weeds, but they never pay less than the harsh taxes every year.
The whole county is actually involved in smuggling!
Xue Tingxiang looked at the labor that looked like ants, and couldn't help but wonder how many ordinary people he ruled were involved in it.
He even wondered if he would not see a few people on the street when he went to the street tomorrow. Because I was busy at night, I naturally wouldn't go out during the day.
Not only Xue Tingyan, but also Hu San and Zhao'er were shocked by the scene in front of them.
Until a gust of cold sea breeze blew, the three of them woke up like a big dream.
"Sir, go back."
The three got into the car and walked back in silence.
By the time they reached the city gate, it was already the third watch.
The city gate was wide open, with only a few soldiers standing in the corner.
Hu San buried his head and didn't speak, just drove the car to the inside.
This movement awakened the guards who were guarding the gate. He stood up by himself, stretched out his hand to block, and said, "The car, stop and check."
But Hu San ignored him at all and rushed over.
"Quick, stop him!"
With a call, a group of soldiers ran out, and they chased after seeing the car whizzing past.
"Stop the car in front of me! If you don't stop, you will catch the Japanese pirates and deal with them."
The current situation is that the captured Japanese pirates are directly executed on the spot without going through the imperial court. If you report it afterwards, not only will you not be held accountable, but you will be credited.
"Before we went out of the city, it wasn't very good, why now—" Zhao'er clutched the window tightly, trying to maintain her balance.
Xue Tingyan smiled bitterly: "At this time, those people who left the city will not come back." Everyone is busy making a fortune, and it is estimated that they will not return before dawn, but Xue Tingyan has to return, such a sensitive time, who knows Fan Xiancheng Will Master and Zhou visit in the middle of the night
The carriage was galloping through the streets and alleys, and the soldiers behind were very persevering, and they kept chasing.
"Sir, I'm about to abandon the car." Hu San said outside.
Xue Tingxiang didn't seem surprised and said hello.
When turning into an alley, Hu San stopped the carriage and the three hurriedly got off.
"My lord, I'll lead them away. You and your wife hurry back. We'll meet in the county office." After speaking, Hu San ran out of the dark alley.
Only then did Zhao'er realize that Hu San didn't look lame when he ran.
"Then let's go."
Holding hands, the two entered the dark alley.
After walking for a while, Xue Tingxiang and Zhao'er realized that they had lost their way.
It was also too dark everywhere, and the two were not familiar with the road conditions, so they could only walk in the direction of the county government based on memory.
He faintly heard footsteps in front of them, and the two hurriedly turned into a dark corner, and they continued to walk until the soldiers passed by.
I dare not walk on the big road, I only dare to walk on the narrow and tortuous paths. The moonlight can't enter here, so I can only move forward in the dark.
Suddenly, a black object ran past the two of them, and quickly ran up the wall, making a shrill cat meow.
It was a wild cat.
Zhao'er breathed a sigh of relief and was about to walk forward, but found that Xue Tingxiang was motionless.
"What's wrong?"
"fine."
The two continued to walk forward, and after walking for a while, Zhao'er realized that Xue Tingxiang's pace was wrong.
"A sprained foot?"
"It's okay, let's go."
But this time, Xue Tingyan pulled her and said, "what's the matter?"
"I'll carry you."
Xue Tingxiang laughed angrily, and tugged at her again: "Do you think I'm still a child?"
"Come up quickly, don't waste time." Zhao'er put on a good posture.
Xue Tingxiang still didn't move.
Zhao'er was in a hurry, forcibly carried him on his back, and walked forward with big strides.
She weighed it and said, "You are a lot heavier, but I can still move my back."
Zhao'er can carry two hundred catties of food without breaking a sweat. She had tried it before, but Xue Tingxiang was quite surprised where her strength came from.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Zhao'er asked, "What's wrong? Even if you grow up, I can still carry you."
"I am a man!"
"Which law says a woman can't bear a man? Really!"
Saying that, Zhao'er stopped caring about him, who was thinking strangely, trying to identify the direction and moving forward.
Zhao'er ran much faster, and Xue Tingxiang realized that the reason why he walked so slowly before was that Zhao'er had been worrying about him.
Under the command of Xue Tingxiang, the two soon arrived at the back door of the county government office.
Zhao'er reached out and knocked on the door, three long and two short, the previously agreed signal.
The door quickly opened from the inside, and it was Hu San guarding it.
"My lord, you're finally back, and I was planning to go out to find... My lord, what's wrong with your leg?"
"He's got a sprained foot." Zhao'er remarked.
Xue Tingxiang stern face, trying to maintain his majesty.
It's a pity that it's useless, because his appearance was not only seen by Hu San, but also by Xiaohong. Xiaohong is a girl, how can she have any knowledge, she saw that her wife actually carried the master back.
Back it up, back it up! Madam back master!
He was also seen by Hong'er. He was awakened, and when he opened his eyes, he saw his father being carried by his mother. He squinted his eyes and laughed, his fingers scratched his face and said, "Shy face, Dad, you are so old, and you let your mother back."
You know, these words were used by Xue Tingxiang to laugh at his son before.
"No one is allowed to mention this in the future!" Xue Tingyan, who was placed on the couch by Zhao'er, said angrily.
At this moment, there was a movement outside the door.
Soon, footsteps were heard coming outside the door.
"Sir, have you stopped?" It was Fan Dazhu's voice.
This is no nonsense, the lights inside are still on, naturally they didn't stop.
"Sir, Xiaguan heard someone talking inside, but what happened? You probably don't know, someone just came to report that a Japanese pirate broke into the city gate, and now the soldiers of the guardhouse are searching everywhere, and Xiaguan is so rash to disturb that I'm really worried about your Lord. safety."
The people in the room looked at me and I looked at you, but they didn't dare to speak for a while.
He still had an idea, grabbed the teacup on the table and smashed it on the ground, crying and scolding: "If there are Japanese pirates, go and catch them, and you point at the master for everything, so you can't let people live? Xue, you are honest. Explain to me, is he the rescue soldier you brought in? If you don't tell me honestly today, you don't want to rest in peace, and you even take advantage of the mother's efforts to coax the child, sneaking and flirting with the girl... And you girl, you are so courageous, When the old lady is dead..."
Fan Dazhu went this way just in case, but who would have thought that he would hear someone talking. In the middle of the night, the magistrate was restless, who was he talking to? Who knew this happened.
The magistrate stole the little girl, and was discovered by the magistrate's wife, and there was a lot of trouble in the middle of the night.
Fan Dazhu listened to the cries inside for a while with a big head, and the man whispered for mercy and the girl's explanation. He felt relieved for a while, and at the same time he laughed a little. This Lord Xue usually looks like a man, but he didn't expect to be a person who is afraid of the inside.
"Since the lord is fine, then the lower official will retire."