Just as Jia Xie walked across the street to buy a load of sugar-coated haws,
Two pairs of red eyes stared at his figure from the top floor of Fengman Tower.
"This is the elder brother of the son of the Jia family who ruined you.
Look at how proud he is! "
But it was also true.
His younger brother had made a great contribution. It was said that the Emperor would promote him to a general.
This was naturally a case of a man ascending to heaven.
Maybe this ignorant and incompetent dandy could also get the position of a marquis to play with! "
Gongsun Xu said sarcastically.
"Shut up!"
Wen Shengji squeezed the wine pot hard,
The veins on his forehead bulged,
They kept twitching.
Gongsun Xu pretended to be helpless and said, "Ha!
Young Master Wen,
I'm just telling the truth,
Why are you angry? "
"Go!"
"Get lost!"
Wen Shengji's chest was full of anger,
He squeezed out through his teeth.
"Your career is hopeless,
Your reputation is ruined,
You implicated your family.
Your enemy rose step by step and became famous all over the world.
Tsk, tsk, tsk!
Young Master Wen!
I really feel sorry for you! "
Gongsun Xu continued to provoke Wen Shengji's anger.
"Get lost!
Get lost!
I told you to get lost!
Get out! "
Wen Shengji's voice went from low to high, gradually roaring. His face turned red, then blue, and his neck swelled as if it was about to explode.
His fist pounded on the table??
Intimately.
Gongsun Xu saw that the fire was about to erupt. He did not say anything more and only said, "You don't dare to do anything in the face of your enemy."
Wen Shengji,
I look down on you! "
He turned around and left.
Wen Shengji picked up the wine pot and threw it against the wall,
The fragments were all over the floor.
"Hu Er!
Where are you going when you die?
Hu Er! "
He let out a roar like an injured lion.
"Young Master!"
Hu Er had just finished going to the toilet,
He heard his young master shouting,
He hurriedly trotted in.
Wen Shengji pulled his head down, pointed at the Jia Xie opposite him who was foolishly buying candied haws, and whispered to her.
"Did you see it clearly?
"
"Young Master, I saw it clearly.
"
"You know what to do?
"
"Don't worry, Young Master. I understand!
"
Wen Shengji stared at Jia Xie crazily.
What they didn't know was that Feng Manlou was owned by Emperor Wen Of Zhou and managed by Dongchang. Feng Manlou was responsible for gathering intelligence from all sides, and there were spies hiding in the dark to eavesdrop on the conversations of these high-ranking officials and nobles.
Even though this was not Dongchang, and there were no specially forged torture instruments, and they could not use the signature skills of breaking the spine, pouring lead, scrubbing, and playing the pipa, if they wanted a person to speak the truth in Dongchang, there was no need to fuss over anything. They could even use local materials.
Hu Er saw that the situation was not good, he knelt down and kowtowed, "Don't!
Don't!
Eunuch, don't torture me, I'll do it!
I'm willing to confess! "
He thought that with the protection of his master's prestige, he would not be in any big trouble.
However, the Dongchang foreman shook his head and said, "The foreman will not listen to a criminal who has not been tortured before."
He signaled the spies to press Hu Er down on the chair.
After borrowing a few sheets of mulberry paper from the medicine boy, the foreman of Dongchang lifted one sheet and placed it on Hu Er's face.
Then, he took a sip of water from his water bottle and sprayed it with all his might. A fine mist sprayed out, and the mulberry paper became soft from the moisture and was immediately plastered to Hu Er's face.
The foreman then did the same thing again.
Hu Er could not breathe. At first, he could not stop struggling, but the spies held onto his limbs and head tightly, not allowing him to break free.
After the fifth sheet was used, Hu Er started to stop moving.
The foreman walked forward and counted a few times in his heart. Then, he lifted the five sheets of mulberry paper that were stacked together. The spies also loosened their grip on Hu Er.
"Huff, huff, huff … …" As soon as Hu Er came into contact with fresh air, he immediately fell to the ground. He clutched his chest and gasped for air.
The foreman carefully inspected the five sheets of mulberry paper. It was a mask that looked like a "jumping official" on the stage. When he saw that it was in perfect condition, he smiled with satisfaction.
This type of punishment has always been used on those civil officials who are stubborn and cannot be punished to avoid leaving traces. Using it to deal with a lowly commoner is really using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but the mask made is just as perfect.
With a smile on his face, the head waiter put away the mask properly. Only then did he open his mouth and speak in a high-pitched voice in a friendly manner, "Who exactly told you to deliberately drive your horse into the Jia family's Eldest Master?
"
Hu Er recalled the feeling of suffocation and despair when he was on the verge of death. Looking at the smile on the foreman's face, he could not help but shudder.
"What?
After going through the "jumping official" punishment, you actually shut your mouth? "
When the foreman saw that Hu Er did not answer, he thought that Hu Er had become strong-willed after experiencing life and death. He ordered the spies, "Little bastard!
Hurry up and press him down, the class leader is still waiting for you! "
If the leader is impatient, I can't protect you! "
When the spies heard that this would make Feng Zizhi impatient, they hurriedly pulled Hu Er up from the ground and pressed him back into the chair. They then took a few sheets of mulberry paper and covered Hu Er's face.
"Don't!
Don't!
Don't!
Father!
Father!
I said it!
I said it!
It was the Wen Family's Second Young Master who ordered me to do it!
It was the Wen Family's Second Young Master! "
When Hu Er saw that he was about to go through the same near-death punishment again, he quickly opened his mouth and confessed that Wen Shengji was the mastermind.
The foreman's eyes lit up and asked someone to put Hu Er's fingerprint.
"Leader, Hu Er confessed that it was the Wen Family's Second Young Master, Wen Shengji, who ordered him to run into the Rongguo Province uncle."
The head waiter bowed and said respectfully.
"So, it was Gongsun Xu who instigated Wen Shengji to run into my brother."
"Father.
Gongsun Xu was Gongsun Yue's son. It was normal for him to want to avenge his father.
But Wen Shengji?
To be honest, he could not remember who Wen Shengji was.
It was no wonder that the Jia Lian forgot about Wen Shengji.
After he left the capital, he had experienced too many things. Every day, there was a rain of blood and wind. How could the Jia Lian care about an insignificant person like him?
Feng Zizhi's voice was clear: "When you were fighting with Wen Shengji at the Lam Tin Tai Camp, he suddenly attacked you from behind and was smashed to the ground … The Emperor ordered that he would never be hired … Later, he was treated by the Imperial Empress, but his face was disfigured … Now he is in his twenties and has no achievements. His future is ruined."
Marquess Changxing's wife had spoken on his behalf a few times, but she had always been rejected. In the end, Marquess Changxing had personally come forward and arranged a marriage for him with the daughter of a concubine of the Duke of Biao's family.
If the perpetrator was sent by Wen Shengji, it would make sense. "
Prince Shan's legitimate daughter was the Seventh Prince, Li Tian?
His legal wife, the Marquis Of Changxing, wanted to use Prince Shan to win the Seventh Prince over to the Crown Prince's side. There was no need to talk about this.
The Jia Lian's face darkened.
"Let's forget about this!
"
After such a big thing happened, the Jia Daishan could not be avoided.
"What did you say!?
My brother was hurt so badly!
You actually said 'forget about it' and acted as if nothing happened!? "
The Jia Lian slammed the table and stood up in disbelief.
The Jia Daishan did not look at the Jia Lian. He knew that he did not make sense.
When he found out that his Jia Xie was knocked down and unconscious, he was furious.
That was his eldest son, the eldest son he had high hopes for.
But he did not expect that the person who knocked down his eldest son was the son of the Marquis Of Changxing, Wen Hui, the cousin of the Tenth Prince.
And the person who instigated the Wen Family was the only son of the Gongsun Family, the younger brother of the Crown Prince's concubine.
Revenge?
There were too many involved.
Even if the Rongguo Mansion and Duke Ning's Mansion worked together, they could not compete with the Crown Prince, the Tenth Prince, the Changxing Marquessate, and the Gongsun Family. Not to mention, the Tenth Prince had always been on good terms with the Eighth Prince and the Ninth Prince. The Eighth Prince's many civil officials and the Ninth Prince's mother, Consort Hui, were not to be trifled with.
If not for the Jia Lian in Rongguo Province who was favored by the Emperor, they would have withdrawn from the circle of the top nobles. Now, they were only at the bottom of the top nobles' circle.
The Ningguo Mansion was supported by Jia Daihua's position as the Jiedushi of Jingying. His son, Jia Jing, had passed the provincial examination before the New Year, but he preferred Taoism and burned pills to refine mercury. Because of this, Jia Daihua had beaten him countless times.
Jia Daishan heaved a heavy sigh.
If he only had one son, Jia Xie, he would naturally go all out. Even if he had to give up his life, he would fight for Jia Xie. But he did not only have one son, Jia Xie!
He also had his second son, Jia Zheng!
His Zheng'er was upright, modest, and kind. He was going to take the provincial examination next month!
His grandson, Zhu'er, was also smart and knowledgeable. He would definitely do well!
He could not ignore his Zheng'er and Zhu'er!
At this time, Jia Daishan did not remember that he had a son and two grandsons.
His two grandsons could be said to be separated by generations, so they did not have a deep relationship. But his youngest son, Jia Lian … Jia Daishan's feelings for him were very complicated.
To be honest, as the Jia Lian grew up, he really did not feel like he had three sons. It was as if he was raising this son for someone else.
The older his youngest son grew, the less close he was to him. He often stayed at Wang Yi's residence (Jia Daishan did not know that Jia Lian treated the palace as his home since he was young). When he returned to live at Wang Yi's residence, it was as if he was staying there for the night.
He did not ask about his three meals, and he could not ask about his studies. He made it seem as if he was raising his son for Wang Yi.
However, every time Jia Daishan saw his youngest son, he would think of his brave and courageous father. Among his three sons, the Jia Lian was the only one who chose to "follow" him to practice martial arts and join the army.
He really wanted to dote on his youngest son more, but this son of his did not disappoint him!
Problems with his studies?
He did not need to intervene. Wang Yi would handle it. Problems outside?
He did not need to intervene. Niu Jin would handle it. Problems with his daily life?
He did not need to intervene. Emperor Wen Of Zhou would handle it.
In the Jia Lian, other than the fact that his son was like his father, the Jia Daishan could not find any sense of identity or admiration for his father.
If he could not even protect his own son, how could he be the First Class Duke Rongguo?
Third Class General Pacifying North!?
What use was that!?
The Jia Lian smiled coldly. He knew that his father was unreliable. He was like this when it came to national affairs (killing prisoners of war), and he was also like this when it came to family affairs.
He didn't waste any more words and stood up. "You can tolerate being bullied like this, but I can't!"
How dare they hurt my brother?
Not to mention the Changxing Marquessate and the Gongsun family, even if the Crown Prince and the Tenth Prince came in person, I would definitely take Wen Shengji and Gongsun Xu's dog lives to avenge my brother. "
"
The Jia Lian strode out of the medical hall and shouted, "Pass this general's order. Put on your armor and mount your horses. Follow this general to the Changxing Marquessate and Gongsun Mansion to take them away."
"
"Stop!"
The Jia Daishan suddenly stood up and wanted to chase after the Jia Lian, but Ran Feng and Chi Cang blocked his way. He had no choice but to shout orders.
The Jia Lian turned a deaf ear.
"I said!
Jia Lian, stop!
If you dare to take a step out of this medical hall today!
You will no longer be my Jia Daishan's son!!! "
The Jia Daishan roared.
The Jia Lian stopped one step away from the door of the medical hall.
Seeing this, the Jia Daishan felt that his words were too harsh. He wanted to say something to ease the atmosphere, but he heard, "Then I won't be your son!
"
The young man's tall and straight figure stepped out of the medical hall without looking back. He mounted his beloved horse, pulled on the reins, and led his personal guards straight to the Changxing Marquessate.
When Ran Feng and Chi Cang saw that the group had started to move, they moved away from the Jia Daishan's body and rushed out of the door. They mounted their horses and caught up with the group.
"Duke Rongguo, some words can't be said carelessly. Even if it's an impulse, it can't be taken back."
Feng Zizhi didn't join in the conversation between the 'father and son' until the Jia Lian left. Then he walked out and said with a tone that was different from the gentle expression on his face.
"Humph!
My Jia family's domestic affairs don't need Eunuch Feng to worry about! "
The Jia Daishan didn't want to lose face in front of the eunuch. Even if he regretted it, he still stubbornly said.
"Ha."
Feng Zizhi chuckled ambiguously and walked past him out of the medical hall.
He still had to quickly follow Xiao Lian and tell him that Wen Shengji should still be in Feng Manlou and didn't go to the wrong place.
The lanterns were lit and the night was not yet over.
Singing and dancing filled the air. The night of luxury had just begun.
This was also the time when Feng Manlou was the brightest and the most lively.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk!
You don't know either!
Although this General Zhao Lie is young, he is truly skilled in both the pen and the sword. His bravery is unstoppable! "
A storyteller in a long robe opened his folding fan with a click and shook his head as he spoke.
"Lao Yu, don't talk so much nonsense!
Hurry up and say it!
If you say it well, I will reward you! "
At the banquet, a slightly plump rich man wearing silk and satin from Jiangnan impatiently listened to the storyteller with the surname Yu. He directly threw out a sum of ten taels.
Ten taels of silver.
"Hehe!
Thank you for the reward, Lord Zhang. "
Lao Yu smiled and raised his hand to express his thanks. After putting the taels of silver into his pocket, he picked up a wooden stick and slammed it on the table.
"Speaking of which, Xiongnu's Left Valley King, Gao Aduo, led thirty thousand Xiongnu elite cavalry to attack Yanmen City. Gao Aduo is more than ten feet tall, his eyes are like copper bells, his arms are like water buckets, and he wields a mace. In just three or four strikes, he smashed the heads of the valiant General Leqie and his adopted son, General Leyang, into mush. Wherever he passed, none of Da Zhou's soldiers could stop him.
Our army's morale plummeted. On the other hand, Xiongnu's morale was greatly boosted. They fiercely attacked Yanmen City, and the situation was precarious.
At this time, a Xiongnu's Eagle Shooter held a five-picul bow and continuously shot arrows at our generals!
The cooperation between this peerless general and the Eagle Shooter who never missed a shot caused our army to suffer heavy casualties. Yanmen City was about to fall!
"
"This is the Eagle Shooter!"
Old Yu sighed as he explained the records of the Sculptor Shooters in the history books to the group of officials and nobles who did not take it seriously.
When the officials and nobles heard that the Xiongnu's Eagle Shooter was actually such an amazing archer, and that even General Li Guang praised him, they all cried out in surprise. They all put down the cups in their hands and anxiously urged Lao Yu to quickly continue.
"The Eagle Shooter's arrows were as fast as lightning. The sharp whistling sound of the arrows piercing through the air shook people's heartstrings.
Our Da Zhou's generals who were good at war were sacrificed in vain. Our army's formation was in chaos … "Lao Yu said regretfully.
"Bang!"
At this critical moment, a large feathered arrow came down from above. Although it was released later, it hit the tail of the Eagle Shooter's arrow first. The remaining force didn't even decrease as it directly brushed past the forehead of the Xiongnu's warhorse under the Eagle Shooter.
The Xiongnu's warhorse, which was one in a hundred, let out a mournful cry and fell to the ground dead.
The Eagle Shooter was shocked. He looked over and saw a handsome young general with bright red feathers on his head put down the strong bow in his hand and stared at him with a murderous look.
The Eagle Shooter didn't expect that there would be such a hero in the world. He was so scared that his legs went soft and he fell to the ground.
"
"At this time, the Left Valley King Gao Aduo shouted: Don't hurt my Prince Youxian!
He patted his horse to save the Eagle Shooter and was about to retreat.
So the Eagle Shooter was the famous Prince Youxian, Hu Hanye of Xiongnu!!! "
Lao Yu slapped his thigh and shouted.
"Wow!"
The crowd of guests who were listening attentively felt their mood fluctuate along with the story.
"After knowing Hu Hanye's identity, the young general naturally wouldn't let the enemy chief go so easily."
The young general rode a horse and rushed out of the city gate, charging left and right.
Aiyaya!
That's really amazing! "
Sand and dust billowed on the battlefield. The young general killed one person every ten steps. None of the Xiongnu barbarians dared to face him head-on. Each of them trembled in fear. In just a short moment, 67 heads were chopped off!
This Old Yu was indeed half a scholar. Sixty-seven heads, some were scattered, some were whole, it was very real.
"Seeing this, the young general raised his sword and fought again. He killed until the sky turned dark and dust billowed.
When the Xiongnu barbarians saw this, they covered their heads and fled like rats, leaving behind a ground full of corpses. There were more than a thousand of them. The Xiongnu people's great advantage was destroyed in an instant. "
The Xiongnu Prince Youxian, Hu Hanye, was both respectful and fearful. He respectfully asked: What is the Zhou general's name?
So that this Little Wang can find out who defeated him!
"
Hearing the climax, the guests unconsciously held their breaths and waited.
"That young general's entire body was dyed red with blood. Wearing a scarlet armor, he stood on his horse. That crimson tail of his drew a sharp arc in the air. The corner of his mouth revealed an unruly smile as he looked around arrogantly and loudly shouted …"
"I am the Jia Lian of Secondary Rank Five General Zhao Lie. I am borrowing your place. Unrelated people, please leave immediately to avoid accidental injury."
A slightly hoarse male voice sounded.
Everyone looked toward the voice and their eyes lit up.
Lao Yu's description was not exaggerated at all. This General Zhao Lie standing in front of Feng Man Lou really had an extraordinary aura and was full of heroic spirit.
However, his face was covered with frost and he looked like he did not want anyone to get close to him. It was obvious that he was not someone to be trifled with.
"Shopkeeper Shan, where is the one surnamed Wen?"
The Jia Lian and Shopkeeper Shan were not outsiders, so they asked directly.
Shopkeeper Shan's ears were sharp and he already knew what was going on. He quickly led his personal guards to the room where Wen Shengji was.
The Jia Lian and Feng Zizhi quietly stayed where they were, not moving at all.
Many of the guests who were well-informed secretly told others about the incident where Duke Rongguo's eldest son was seriously injured and unconscious. Moreover, many of them had heard about the grudge between Wen Shengji and the Jia Lian. Those who were quick-witted saw that the Jia Lian was looking for Wen Shengji and could roughly guess what had happened.
"Let's go, let's go!"
The slightly plump Old Master Zhang pulled his companion up and left Feng Man Lou with a humble smile.
"It seems that the General Jia wants to shed all pretense of cordiality with the Changxing Marquessate. We can't afford to offend either of them. It's better for us to leave first so as not to be implicated."
A trace of disappointment flashed through Old Master Zhang's eyes. No matter how rich he was, he could not compare to his family's influence.
"You're right!
When the immortals are fighting, we mortals should leave first! "
His companion did not sense Old Master Zhang's thoughts and nodded in agreement.