The first snow rises from Chang 'an, and tens of thousands of houses build jade bricks.
In the afternoon, the plum blossoms melted, and Li Jinglong and Hongjun arrived at the garden of the Ministry of War. Amidst the fragrance of the plum blossoms, several officials were sitting in a circle drinking tea. Among them was the Minister of Justice, Wen You, a third-rank purple-robed official, and Crown Prince Li Jinglong. Impressively, Li Heng was seated at the head of the table. When he saw Li Jinglong, he nodded slightly and said, "Jinglong, Hongjun, sit."
"… This is the fourth military report we received this month."
Dark green tea was poured into a bowl, and Wen You passed it to Li Jinglong. Li Jinglong then passed it to Hongjun. Hongjun was still thinking about Qing Xiong's words and the departure of Chong Ming last night. His mood was rather gloomy.
Sitting below the Crown Prince was a high-ranking official wearing a purple robe and golden ribbon. Li Jinglong recognized him. When his former superior, Hu Sheng, saw him, he couldn't help but nod and bow respectfully. This was the Minister of War, Fan Shen.
"Gan Province, Yi Province, and Shazhou all suffered surprise attacks at night. Everywhere they passed, not even chickens or dogs were spared, and everything was turned into ruins." Fan Shen continued, "Whether old or young, women or children, they were all killed. The death toll has exceeded one hundred thousand. What the scouts of the Hexi Army saw was hell on earth! "
Li Jinglong shivered at these words, and Hongjun couldn't help but pay attention. The early winter scenery in the garden of the Ministry of War was beautiful, yet the officials were discussing such a hair-raising issue.
Li Jinglong frowned. Wen You asked, "General Geshu Han has not sent troops to investigate?"
"He has already sent troops outside the Great Wall three times," Fan Shen replied. "We still don't know if it's the Huihe or the Turks causing trouble. In one month, they slaughtered four cities, and they came and went without a trace. General Geshu Han's subordinates have been investigating for a long time, but the weather outside Jade Gate Pass is so cold that they couldn't find any clues. "
"What does Jinglong think?" Li Heng suddenly asked.
All the officials looked at Li Jinglong.
Li Jinglong knew that the Crown Prince had summoned him. No matter what happened, he would suspect that it was related to demons. After listening to a few sentences, he had a rough idea of what was going on. He said, "I would like to ask you three questions."
Everyone present had a higher official rank than Li Jinglong. At first, no one believed in the theory of supernatural powers, but the Crown Prince believed it. Thus, they didn't say anything, only hinting to Li Jinglong to ask.
"Firstly, the soldiers who were massacred in the city, what kind of weapon were they attacked with?
"Secondly, what is the main direction of plundering in the city? How could no one escape from such a big city?!
"Thirdly, what did the Imperial Court say about this?"
As soon as Li Jinglong asked the question, the Crown Prince smiled and looked around.
"That's exactly what we were worried about." Fan Shen said, "I really can't explain it … The old, the young, the women, and the children were all killed, and the young soldiers in the city all disappeared overnight without a trace."
Hongjun: "???"
Hongjun put down his teacup and began to think. This didn't seem like something a human would do.
"The wealth and food in the city were not affected," Wen You said, "The Supreme Court is simply puzzled. As for the Imperial Court …"
Wen You looked at Li Heng for help. Li Heng breathed slowly and didn't answer.
"Other than that, there are no other clues?" Li Jinglong asked.
"Other than that, there are no clues," Li Heng replied.
Thirty minutes later, Li Heng, Li Jinglong, and Hongjun walked out of the gate of the Ministry of War.
"Yang Xiangqin's army has returned to the Imperial Court." Li Heng explained, "Right now, the military report is in his hands. One hundred thousand soldiers and soldiers is not a lot, but it's not a small number either. The destruction of the four cities is still a big deal at the border. This matter is very strange. They all think that it's a case of large-scale plundering by the Huihe army before winter. "
Li Jinglong took a deep breath and frowned, "It can't be the Huihe army. If it's the Huihe army, why didn't they take the city's property?"
"You think it's related to demons?" Li Heng asked.
Hongjun said, "We have to go and take a look. It's hard to make a judgment now."
Li Heng said, "We only have two and a half months. At the beginning of spring, the Huihe envoy will arrive in Chang 'an. If we don't get evidence by then, I'm afraid the Right Minister will consider finding an excuse to use troops against the Huihe army."
"Will His Majesty agree?" Li Jinglong suddenly became nervous.
Li Heng just looked at Li Jinglong quietly. Hongjun felt a hint of danger.
Immediately, Li Heng nodded lightly and said, "I thought that there was finally a silver lining. I didn't expect … I'll rely on you guys this time. Oh right, how many subordinates do you have?"
Li Jinglong smiled bitterly and said, "The Demon King has been eliminated. They all have important duties and have gone far away. Hongjun is the only one left to accompany me."
Li Jinglong said as he put a hand on Hongjun's shoulder. Li Heng was not surprised. He only said thoughtfully, "It's the same."
"Someone will help you," Li Jinglong replied. "When the mountains and rivers are at the end of the line, a turning point is not far away."
"Isn't it you?" Li Heng smiled. "This is my personal decree. When you reach Hexi, go and find General Geshu Han. Go, I'll wait for your good news."
Hongjun was baffled. He listened to the two's conversation until Li Heng mounted his horse and left.
"What's the same?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince means that his situation is very similar to mine. After many years of fighting, Li Linfu finally fell and I was able to return to Chang 'an. I didn't expect that I would have another opponent, Yang Guozhong. "
Li Jinglong was packing his luggage in his room. Hongjun changed into a tight-fitting martial robe and carried a bundle. He squatted on the railing of the corridor and looked at him.
"The knot between the Tang Dynasty and the Huihe cannot be untied." Li Jinglong took his clothes and came out like a gust of wind. As he passed by Hongjun, he said, "Yang Guozhong will once again think of a way to send His Highness the Crown Prince out."
This was the first time Hongjun had heard Li Jinglong explain political struggles in this way. He gradually understood that the friction and conflict between people ultimately stemmed from 'power'. Since ancient times, people's desires were endless.
"So the two of them will fight?" Hongjun said in surprise. "Then wouldn't Yang Guozhong rebel?"
"He wouldn't dare," Li Jinglong said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "The Yang Family just wants to survive."
Yang Guozhong was currently very powerful, but he relied on his sister's favor to act tyrannically and make many enemies in the court. After the Fox Demon Case, the Yang Family would definitely be affected. In the future, when Li Longji died and Li Heng ascended the throne, the first thing he would do would be to settle the score with the Yang Family.
Therefore, Yang Guozhong would have to think of a way to protect the entire family and deal with the Crown Prince.
"So they might not necessarily fight with the Huihe," Hongjun said.
"Yes." Li Jinglong took Pan Chuan and passed by Hongjun again. He said, "They might not necessarily fight with the Huihe, but he can send the Crown Prince out again to guard Liangzhou. This way, he can free up his hands to make arrangements in the court. "
Hongjun learned a lot and asked, "Then if they fight, who will we help?"
Li Jinglong: "…"
"Other than the Crown Prince, who else can you help?" Carp Demon couldn't listen anymore and said, "Are you stupid? The human world is changing dynasties. If you don't help the destined one, are you going to help the rebels? The Tang Dynasty is still there! "
Hongjun said, "But Yang Guifei still gave me snacks to eat …"
Li Jinglong facepalmed. If one day, Hongjun was coaxed by Yang Guifei to use a flying knife to stab the Crown Prince, and the reason was actually snacks, he didn't know what the people would think.
"The Crown Prince also gave you and Tian Yuzhu, why didn't you say anything?" Li Jinglong packed up and said angrily.
Carp Demon carried a bag and jumped into the corridor, saying, "The two of you, I also have to bid farewell to you …"
"No!" Li Jinglong didn't even listen and said angrily.
"Where are you going?" Hongjun said in surprise.
After receiving Kun Shen's guidance, the Carp Demon was very depressed for two hours and half an hour. He couldn't live like this every day, so he decided to save eighty-one people and accumulate merit to help himself, as well as other living beings.
"Now that I've saved Yang Guifei," the Carp Demon said, "I don't know if it counts, but let's start from the next one."
Hongjun said, "If you go on like this, be careful not to be caught and made into braised fish again."
Carp Demon thought for a long time. When he went down the mountain with Hongjun, there was once when he went to dig earthworms to eat and was almost caught. Later, Hongjun rescued him and brought him back. It was indeed too dangerous for him to act alone, so he could only give up.
"Then we have to agree on three rules …"
Li Jinglong complained incessantly, "No one will restrict your freedom. Quickly go and get the Soul Leaving Pollen!"
Hongjun asked again, "Is Hexi fun? What's good to eat? "
"Did I agree to take you there?" Li Jinglong said.
Hongjun: "!!!"
"Chief Inspector!" Hongjun immediately shouted, "I've already packed my bag. Do you have the heart to leave me here alone?!"
Li Jinglong lowered his head and folded his robe, saying, "You didn't leave home and come to Chang 'an alone?"
Hongjun: "That's different!"
"How is it different?" Li Jinglong's lips curled up slightly. He brushed past Hongjun and went to find the document.
"Now that I know you, of course it's different." Hongjun said, "How can you leave me alone? Look, I've already packed my things! "
Hongjun patted his bag as he spoke.
Li Jinglong did indeed think of leaving him in Chang 'an to look after the house. After all, no one knew if there would be demons coming to cause trouble again. However, he really couldn't feel at ease leaving Hongjun in the Exorcism Division. He didn't have anyone to take care of him on the road. The journey was long, and both of them were very lonely.
"Then we have to agree on three rules." Li Jinglong said, "First, you have to listen to me when you're outside."
"I've always listened to you." Hongjun said blankly, "When did I stop listening to you?"
Li Jinglong pointed at Hongjun and said, "That's not necessarily true … for example …"
Li Jinglong thought about it and couldn't give an example. Now that he thought about it, he realized that Hongjun was indeed the most obedient one. He could only say, "Second …"
Hongjun jumped down from the railing and reached out to pull Li Jinglong. He hurriedly said, "Chief Inspector, I'll do everything you say. Bring me along!"
Li Jinglong looked at Hongjun and suddenly laughed. At that moment, he really wanted to pull him into his arms and rub him a few times.
He subconsciously raised his hand, but he realized something and immediately stopped his movement.
"Don't pull me." Li Jinglong said, "I'll bring you. Go pack your clothes. It's very cold in Hexi."
Hongjun wasn't afraid of the cold. Under Li Jinglong's insistence, he brought two more clothes. Thus, he happily stuffed the Carp Demon into his bag and mounted the horse to set off.
Li Jinglong said, "Don't be too happy. This is a business trip, not a trip."
Li Jinglong went to Xi City and bought some tea cakes, salt, rouge, and other things from Jiangnan. He also went to a gold shop to buy a pearl hairpin and a bolt of silk. He rolled them into a palm-sized bundle and put them in his bag. Hongjun found it strange and asked, "Chief Inspector, are you going to dress up as a woman and go on the road? What are you buying rouge for? "
"Chief Inspector has been thinking about this for a long time." The Carp Demon said behind Hongjun's back, "Outside of Chang 'an, no one will recognize you, so you can be at ease and be enchanting. Am I right?"
The people in the market laughed wildly. Li Jinglong gritted his teeth and said, "Hongjun! If you continue to insult me, I'll send you back to the Exorcism Department! "
Hongjun hurriedly begged for mercy. Li Jinglong urged his horse to turn into an alley. Hongjun saw that this place was very familiar. It was the Chen family!
Hongjun hurriedly dismounted. Li Jinglong knocked on the door and went in to visit. It was the same woman carrying the baby in and said, "Field Officer Li? You're here again? "
Li Jinglong replied, "I'm here to give you some flowers."
The woman hurriedly refused. Li Jinglong only insisted on giving her five gold ingots, a total of ten taels. The woman couldn't refuse and could only accept it gratefully.
"You've grown up." Hongjun pinched the baby's hand. The baby was nearly ten months old and had teeth. He grabbed Hongjun's finger and stuffed it into his mouth, biting it without letting go. Hongjun hurriedly said, "Let … let go! It hurts! "
Li Jinglong coaxed the baby to open his mouth and said to the woman, "I'm going out on a business trip. I'll come back to see you later. Hongjun, let's go. "
Hongjun knew that he couldn't let go of the Chen family's descendants because of the Mind's Lamp. He couldn't help but feel touched.
The two of them left Chang 'an and went north along the official road. Hongjun rode the horse happily and deliberately looked for difficult roads to run on.
Li Jinglong had been thinking ever since he left the Ministry of War. He turned back and said to Hongjun, "Save some energy. You'll be tired in a few hours!"
Hongjun smiled and said, "You haven't told me what Liangzhou is like!"
Li Jinglong answered, "I don't know either! I've never left Chang 'an in my life. "
Two hours later.
Hongjun asked, "Have we reached the relay station?"
Li Jinglong answered, "There are still four more hours. We've only just left Chang 'an. We haven't even passed Mount Li yet."
Hongjun began to feel bored. When he first came down from Mount Taihang, he felt that everything was new and strange. Now that he knew more about this world, he was used to it. It was early winter, and as far as the eye could see was a stretch of barren land. Other than hurrying, there was only hurrying. When talking to Li Jinglong, he had to shout at the top of his lungs. It was really too boring.
Four hours later.
Li Jinglong rode a horse expressionlessly with Hongjun on his back. Hongjun lay on Li Jinglong's back and fell asleep. Hongjun carried a Carp Demon on his back. The Carp Demon's mouth was motionless and was also sleeping.
Li Jinglong's horse carried two people and one fish. Hongjun's horse was completely empty and followed behind.
Li Jinglong: "…"
Six hours later.
Li Jinglong patted Hongjun behind him. "Hey, we're here!"
Hongjun was sleepy and stretched. Li Jinglong turned over and dismounted. He rummaged through the documents and went to the relay station to stay for the night. At the same time, he made sure that he didn't go the wrong way. Hongjun stood outside the relay station and looked around in a daze. When an official brought his subordinates on a business trip, it should be his subordinates who took care of everything. With Hongjun following behind Li Jinglong, it looked like he was serving a young master in fear and trepidation. It seemed like there was no hope in this lifetime for him to be able to shout at people and open the way for him.
"Young Master." Li Jinglong said from inside. "Come in and eat. Why are you still standing outside?"
Hongjun's spirits rose when he heard that it was time to eat. He quickly walked in. The relay station waiter first glanced at Li Jinglong and then at Hongjun. He said, "Young Master, please come in."
"Two rooms." Li Jinglong said to the waiter.
"One room." The waiter said blankly.
Li Jinglong repeated, "Two of the best rooms."
The waiter stretched out a finger and said, "Every relay station only has one room. Imperial Bodyguard, do you want to sleep in the firewood room in the backyard?"
Hongjun said, "It's okay. I'll sleep in the firewood room."
"Young Master, why are you sleeping in the firewood room?" The waiter said, "Do you still have rules in your family?"
Li Jinglong: "… …"
Li Jinglong had never left Chang 'an, so he didn't know that every relay station along the way only had one room. Even if passing merchants wanted to stay overnight, they would have to set up a screen in the main hall where they drank and ate, and sleep for the night. The rooms were for wealthy merchants who held official documents or officials who were returning to Chang 'an to report on their work.
"Forget it. Let's sleep together." Li Jinglong saw that the room was clean and the bed was quite big. He simply tidied it up and let Hongjun sleep inside. He found a basin of water and let the Carp Demon soak in it. The Carp Demon had been exposed to the wind and the sun for the whole day. The whole fish was almost dry.
After busying himself and taking care of the Young Master, Li Jinglong lay down. He thought to himself, I used to be a Young Master. Why didn't I live a few days like a Young Master?
"Senior Advisor." Hongjun said.
Li Jinglong replied, "Going out is different from staying at home. Let's just stay here for now."
"I can't sleep."
Hongjun was carried by Li Jinglong during the day. He slept too much and was very energetic at the moment. Li Jinglong, on the other hand, was already very nervous when Chong Ming came looking for trouble last night. Many things happened during the day, so he only felt exhausted. When his head hit the pillow, his eyelids became heavy.
"Mm." Li Jinglong closed his eyes and said, "Then what do you want to do?"
"I think there are three possibilities for the monsters in the north … …"
"Speak." Li Jinglong said concisely. His consciousness had already begun to wander. Hongjun said, "Legend has it that since the Mountain Sea Era, there was a type of monster in the Northwest called 'Han Ba'. This monster would cause a drought in the surrounding thousands of miles. Therefore, most of the places in the West are deserts … …"
Li Jinglong didn't say anything. Hongjun leaned closer and whispered, "Senior … … Shi … … Are you asleep?"
When they were in Dazzling Gold Palace, Hongjun always liked to tease Chong Ming when he was sleeping. He looked at Li Jinglong for a long time, thinking about how to tease him. Li Jinglong had already fallen into a deep sleep. Hongjun observed for a moment and felt that his facial features were quite good looking. He took a piece of paper and drew a few lines on his face.
Li Jinglong raised his hand and blocked Hongjun's wrist. Hongjun then went to look for a writing brush.
When night fell, all the trees in the wilderness withered.
Mo Rigen left Mount Li and went north. After galloping for a full day, he arrived at the shore of the Yellow River.
This Ma Ji was as handsome as the wind. From dawn to dusk, he ran a full six hundred miles in a day.
"Do I have to go north again?" Mo Rigen's cotton clothes fluttered in the cold wind as he sighed. The winter in the north was extremely cold. After leaving the Hulun Lake area, he had four choices. First, he went west to the Mobei region. Second, he went south to Suhang and then to Nanyue. Third, he went to Guanzhong and Chang 'an. Fourth, he went to Shu.
Qiu Yongsi agreed to help him in the south and ask about the White Deer's whereabouts. Tegra paid attention to the Kuertai and Tian Shan regions. The other two advised him that it would be best to go north after the winter in Chang 'an. This way, he could avoid the bitter cold of the Mobei region.
But it was too long to wait until the end of spring and the beginning of summer next year. No one knew what changes would happen in the meantime.
Mo Rigen carefully put away his Exorcism Division uniform to avoid dirtying it. He was still wearing the sackcloth hunter uniform he wore when he went south. The summer clothes were too thin. No matter how good his body was, he couldn't help but shiver when the cold wind blew. He thought about buying another set of clothes in the town after crossing the Yellow River.
The Yellow River would freeze over in a few days. Mo Rigen led his horse and boarded the last ferry. Before crossing the river, he looked back at the Central Plains in the south reluctantly.
At night, the northern shore of Yulin County was still brightly lit. Mo Rigen rubbed his hands and exhaled as he strode towards the fur shop. Mo Rigen was tall, thin, and handsome. Leading a divine horse, he attracted many envious gazes from the people on the street. After a while, he changed into a fur coat and put on a fox hat. He was dressed as a Shiwei man again, looking even more vigorous and handsome.
After changing into his new clothes, Mo Rigen took out a leather mask from his bag and covered his face with it to block out the wind and snow. His bright eyes looked towards the street.
Tonight, he could only stay in Yulin. He put on his gloves and prepared to go to the city to find some wine to drink. But at this moment, a man rushed towards him crazily. His hair was disheveled, and he was shouting crazily.
Mo Rigen glanced sideways and didn't stop. He led his horse into the wine shop.
"Hey! Stop right there! "
The madman fell into the snow outside the medicine shop. A man chased after him, roaring and snatching the biscuit in his hand.
The madman stole a biscuit and couldn't stop trembling. The man cursed and left.
"Don't block the shop's business!" The boss shouted. "Scram!"
The madman rolled and crawled to the side while mumbling something. Mo Rigen thought for a moment and took out a few copper coins. Just as he was about to buy a biscuit for the madman, he suddenly heard the madman whispering, "Ghost … Ghost … Ghost … Deer … Where is it? Deer! "
Mo Rigen's eyes behind the mask suddenly widened. He turned and ran towards the madman.
The madman kept dodging, panting like a bellows.
Mo Rigen knelt on one knee in the snow and asked in a low voice: "What did you say just now?"
"This man is crazy!" The owner of the medicine shop splashed a basin of water and said, "He came from the northwest. He's crazy. Just now, he was shouting that there were Night Ghosts on the Great Wall."
Mo Rigen whispered: "What did you see? Don't be nervous. "
The madman stared blankly at Mo Rigen. His eyes were unfocused, but they were bright.
Mo Rigen muttered an incantation and slowly pressed his palm against the madman's forehead. The madman's trembling gradually calmed down.
The madman's eyes widened, and Mo Rigen's reflection appeared in his bright eyes.
"It's all right." Mo Rigen comforted him in a low voice. "Don't be afraid."
Mo Rigen looked through the madman's clothes and found a small iron plate in his pocket.
On the plate was written: Tianshui School City Guard 27th Third Continent.
The owner of the medicine shop was observing Mo Rigen. When she saw the leather mask he was wearing, she suddenly made a sound of surprise.
"Hey, husband, look. Isn't this what they said? The one beyond the Great Wall …"
"Get up and follow me."
Mo Rigen nodded to the owner of the medicine shop. He lifted the madman and led him out of the shop.