Since they had already met up with Jia Xu, they didn't need to sneak into the city this time.
According to the agreement, the four of them found the carriage waiting in the nearby town. The coachman in charge of driving the carriage was the son of a loyal and capable servant of the Ningguo Mansion.
There was no need for any secret signal. Jia Shidao's face was the biggest token.
The carriage set off and went all the way to Jinling.
Although the coachman was familiar with Jia Shidao, he had obviously received Jia Xu's order to keep quiet and not answer any questions. Only the crisp sound of the whip and the shouting of the horses could be heard outside the carriage.
In the carriage, Sun Lang said, "Let's go to the Ningguo Mansion first and discuss the next step with Uncle. Now that there are undercurrents in the Rongguo Mansion, you have to follow my orders. Safety first, don't do anything on your own … With me here, you don't need to take any risks."
The two girls nodded obediently.
The journey wasn't boring. Sun Lang's knot in his heart had been slightly untied, and the discomfort and alienation he felt at the beginning had dissipated a lot. His nature as a homebody was exposed again, and he started to talk nonsense again. Coupled with Jia Shidao's intention to be a supporting character, he soon started to chat and laugh with his two nominal wives.
The carriage ran into a little trouble when they entered the city.
As the four of them were talking and laughing, they suddenly realized that the carriage was slowing down. The coachman's voice came from the front door. "There are guards at the gate. Please don't be impatient. I'll take care of everything."
Sun Lang and Jia Shidao looked at each other and didn't think much of it. The last time they entered the city, they were also stopped by the guards and checked, but they were let go after showing the token of the Jia Mansion. After all, they were one of the four dominant families in Jinling and enjoyed great privileges in the city.
They sat in their seats and heard the familiar diplomatic language outside. The coachman was greeting, complimenting and giving money to the guards at the gate. He was very familiar with this.
He said that he was from the Xu Family in the west of the city, and that the young master and young lady of the family were in the carriage. They went to the south of the city to visit relatives the day before yesterday and were released today. Because there were women in the carriage, he asked the officers to make it convenient for them so that they wouldn't offend them.
This should be another instruction from Jia Xu … Eldest Uncle is really cautious, he doesn't want to reveal any flaws.
Logically speaking, if they had given them enough face and money, and then used the name of a medium-sized family in the city, these officers and soldiers who bullied the weak and feared the strong should have let them pass. However, this time, they were rejected. "No!
His Excellency has ordered us to check the passersby carefully and not slack off! "
Sun Lang and Jia Shidao looked at each other.
He wasn't so strict last time.
The same thought appeared in their minds at the same time. It seemed that someone was finally unable to sit still.
Then, who was it that was pressuring the Jinling prefectural magistrate to set up checkpoints at the four gates?
The coachman outside didn't panic when he heard this. He smiled and said, "Could it be that my Xu family would smuggle people into the city?
It is indeed my family's young master and young lady in the carriage. Officers, please be magnanimous … "
As soon as he finished speaking, the soldier who had answered earlier shouted, "Master Fu Zun has ordered that no matter how much money you have, you can't do it!
We're just here to take a look. We won't disturb your family's noble. Don't be so noisy! "
After all, Jia Shidao wasn't very shrewd. When he heard this, his expression changed slightly.
The soldiers guarding the gate were not worth mentioning. The Ningguo Mansion could crush their whole family into powder if they turned over slightly. However, at this moment, it was troublesome for them to check by force.
After all, his reputation as Young Master Jia of the Ningguo Mansion was still well-known in Jinling. If these guards recognized the Duke of the Ningguo Mansion, or even the two female generals of the Rongguo Mansion …
It was easy to deal with these soldiers, but if the news leaked out, it would undoubtedly affect his brother's big plan. If things developed to that point, no matter how much he vented his anger on these soldiers, it would be useless.
He was thinking about how to resolve this situation. At least, he had to minimize the impact and accidents. All kinds of methods such as silencing people and blocking the news popped up. Then he subconsciously glanced at Sun Lang, wanting to see if his brother had any countermeasures and ideas.
He saw his brother waving his hand at him, indicating that he should calm down.
Jia Shidao's heart relaxed. If his brother was like this, he must have a plan.
Outside, the coachman was still fighting with the soldiers. In the carriage, Sun Lang smiled confidently at the other three people, and then took out a yellow object from his pocket.
Of course, it wasn't canned herring.
It was a big gold ingot of extremely high purity.
Money?
Jia Shidao was startled at first, and then he was a little disappointed. This gold ingot was very big. It weighed 50 ounces. Normally, it would probably make the soldiers outside look like dogs. However, it was obvious that they didn't want to take money. Even if he took it out, it would be useless.
Moreover, if he took out such a large amount of money just to avoid being checked, it would make him even more suspicious.
However, to Jia Shidao's surprise, his brother didn't throw this big gold ingot out. Instead, he put it in his palms and began to knead and press it with force.
Sun Lang's martial arts were extremely strong. He could crush steel and iron with just his bare hands, let alone something as soft as gold. This gold ingot was casually kneaded by him a few times and turned into a pancake. It was just like plasticine, and he could knead it however he wanted.
Jia Shidao admired his brother's strong palm strength, but he was a little confused. What was his brother trying to do?
Was he trying to bribe or threaten him by giving out this flattened gold ingot?
That still wouldn't work. You've shown such strong martial arts, so you're also very suspicious.
Then, something happened that made him speechless.
After crushing the gold ingot into a flat cake, his brother didn't stop. His palm strength was so strong, and he used it so well that his force could spread all over the gold ingot and make it automatically change shape.
Under Jia Shidao's stunned gaze, the irregularly shaped gold cake slowly changed shape. It first turned into a square card, and then a pattern emerged. It was a terrifying golden dragon with its fangs and claws around the gold cake, as if it was about to soar into the sky. Then, four big words appeared on the surface of the card that was as smooth as a mirror.
"As if I'm here in person."
F * ck …
How could this work?!
Jia Shidao watched a terrible forgery operation the whole time, and it was a heinous crime of forging the administrative supplies of national leaders. It was enough to destroy national security.
Sun Lang held the hot gold ingot, gave Jia Shidao a thumbs up, and showed his shining teeth. Gold Holy Sword, known as the Holy Sword Lathe, also known as the Seven Luminaries Vise. It's good at all kinds of fine processing of light and heavy metals, and it's also good at metal moulding, consecrating, and other businesses. You deserve it.
Gold quality, first in the world.
Xue Baochai shook her head helplessly and sighed.
Lin Daiyu, on the other hand, clapped her hands lightly, and looked like she was saying, "Brother, you're so awesome."
Sun Lang smiled and mouthed to them, "You scared those bastards to death …"
But fortunately, before Sun Lang could raise this thing to scare people, the coachman exploded. "Check, check, check!
I'm just a servant, and I can't stop you officials. I can't do anything if you want to offend the nobles.
It's just that the Xu family has been in Jinling for a hundred years, and the women have never been stopped for questioning. I've lost face this time, and I'll be punished when I go back. You officials, don't expect the Xu family to let this go so easily! "
His voice contained uncontrollable grief, indignation, and helplessness. Presumably, his acting skills were also very good. It was obvious that the soldiers were intimidated. After a moment of hesitation, one of them advised, "Forget it, forget it. The Manor Head ordered us to strictly investigate those who leave the city. Why would we investigate him when he enters the city?
He'll be the bad guy for no reason. "
The two sides argued for a while, and finally let them go. After all, they were just a few ordinary soldiers, and they had their own concerns and considerations. They couldn't completely carry out the orders of their superiors.
The coachman drove the carriage into the city as if nothing had happened. After a while, Jia Shidao sighed softly and looked at Sun Lang with a wry smile. "Brother, you're not really going to use this thing to scare people, are you?"
Sun Lang tossed the golden token arrow in his hand and smiled. "Why not? Although I haven't used it yet, it's okay. It'll definitely be useful in the future."
With his martial arts and his understanding of the empire's system, he could carve all kinds of tokens and seals as he pleased for fun. After obtaining the Gold Luminous Sacred Sword, this ability had been strengthened to the extreme. If necessary, he could use this ability to mess around and fish in troubled waters. It was simply too awesome.
Jia Shidao sighed helplessly and didn't know what to say.
After Sun Lang put away the token, he leaned back against the side of the carriage and said meaningfully, "Compared to this, I'm more interested in another thing …"
Jia Shidao understood. "Brother, you mean … the city gate has been strengthened?"
Sun Lang nodded. "Yes. I heard from the eight soldiers that the Jinling magistrate ordered them to strengthen the inspection today. So, who's pressuring the government?"
Jia Shidao hesitated. "Is it the Wang family?
Based on the time, they should have noticed something wrong. After all, Wang Zixing has been out all night and there's no news about him. He's the acting head of the family. This is not a small matter. "
Sun Lang said slowly, "What if it's not?"
Jia Shidao was stunned at first, then his expression became serious. "What if it's not …"
Did the magistrate do it on his own?
Did the Shi family say something?
Or …
Sun Lang said faintly, "Don't think too much about it … Let your father find out."
The carriage passed through the streets and alleys. Instead of going straight to the Ningguo Mansion, they took a few detours in the city. The coachman whispered a few words as he drove the carriage. There were secret sentries of the Ningguo Mansion watching the important roads along the way, which could prevent the enemy from tracking and tailing them.
Jia Xu had arranged everything flawlessly.
After a while, they got off the carriage and entered the Ningguo Mansion in a few sedan chairs. Finally, they saw Duke Ning, Jia Xu, who was waiting there.
Jia Xu had already received the news that Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai were coming together, so he wasn't surprised to see the two niece-in-law. He was neither indifferent nor enthusiastic. He only responded to their greetings and ignored Jia Shidao's greetings.
It seemed that the father and son were still in a cold war.
After the greeting, Jia Xu went straight to the point. He was the elder of the group and only cared about Sun Lang. After all, among the younger generation of the Jia family, only Sun Lang was worthy of being on equal terms with him. Moreover, he had long regarded his nephew as the head of the Rongguo Mansion. The heads of the Rongguo Mansion and Ningguo Mansion were discussing family matters.
He ignored Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai and asked directly, "Why did you bring them back?"
Sun Lang answered, "There's no one by the old lady's side. I was worried, but I couldn't find out the news myself. With the two of them, at least we'll know what's going on in the Rongguo Mansion."
Jia Xu thought for a while and frowned. "It's still not good. If the news leaks out and falls into the ears of others, they'll definitely guess something."
"We can set up a deceptive formation to make the enemy suspicious," Sun Lang said. "Not only that, this is a good opportunity, isn't it?"
Jia Xu thought for a moment and guessed Sun Lang's intention. He frowned and said, "Fishing?"
Sun Lang's eyes were burning. "Yes … Do you remember our previous deduction?
If Wang Xifeng is wronged, it means that there must be another pair of eyes in the Rongguo Mansion. If we don't pull out this thorn, there will always be a sharp sword hanging over the Rongguo Mansion's head.
After the two of them return, they won't spread the news and ensure that only a few people know the inside story. If the news still leaks out, then we'll know what to do. "
Jia Xu thought for a while and finally nodded. "Alright, let's do that."
After reaching a consensus, Sun Lang talked about what happened at the city gate.
"I think the Wang Family can't sit still anymore."
Jia Xu's voice was filled with joy. He had been bullied by the Wang Family before, so he naturally felt happy when he saw the group of birds jumping up and down. "They found out that Wang Zixing didn't return for the entire night, so they'll definitely feel that something is wrong."
Sun Lang nodded. "Then let's wait and see … Their first reaction will solve a problem in our hearts."
Duke Ning was stunned. "What?"
Sun Lang smiled. "Wang Zixing died in the Rongguo Mansion, in the East Garden. No matter who the murderer is, this kind of behavior is waiting for an opportunity to frame them. Since they want to frame someone, they naturally have to do it thoroughly. Therefore, the framer will most likely lead the public opinion to the Jia Family."
Jia Xu finally understood. "That's right. I went to the Wang Family to make a scene, and both parties parted on bad terms. They are all people who care about their reputation. Even if they find out that Wang Zixing is missing, they won't be so thick-skinned as to ask for him in the Rongguo Mansion, let alone coming directly to ask for him …"
First Uncle paced around the room with his hands behind his back and nodded. "In other words, once the Wang Family's suspicion and anger quickly and clearly pointed at the Rongguo Mansion, it means that there must be someone behind this. Since there's someone behind this, there will definitely be traces left behind. Since there are traces left behind, we'll be able to find him …"
Sun Lang continued, "And he is the person we're looking for. He's related to Wang Zixing's death and many other things … Find him, and many problems will be solved!"
Jia Xu smiled and nodded.
Talking with Sun Lang made him feel a long-lost pleasure. It was a pleasure.
He then asked about the Qin Zhou Province and the Ming Zhou Province, and asked if Sun Lang had made proper arrangements. Sun Lang answered them one by one. His mind was clear, his tactics were sophisticated, and his plans were meticulous. He had considered almost all the variables.
Jia Xu nodded approvingly as he heaved a sigh of relief in his heart.
Was I thinking too much?
Perhaps appearance could deceive people, perhaps martial arts could also deceive people, but speech and temperament could not deceive people. Sun Lang's answers showed his top-notch attainments in the art of war and strategic vision. Only a commander who had once commanded an army would look at a problem from this angle.
Undoubtedly, the man in front of him was his nephew, an unparalleled general who rose in the Heaven's Origin Battlefield and a genius who had once dazzled the world.
Also, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai did not show any abnormalities … They were both smart women. How could they not recognize their sweetheart?
Jia Xu slightly suppressed the doubts in his heart.
He glanced at Jia Shidao as if nothing had happened.
But he found that his son was still paying most of his attention to his elder brother. Why was this little bastard so obsessed with his cousin?
… Wait, obsessed?
Even with Jia Xu's shrewdness and shrewdness, he could not help but tremble when he thought of this.
He had been suspicious of Sun Lang because of his son's abnormal behavior.
But now it seemed that …
The one with the problem seemed to be you, little bastard!
All these anomalies served as strong evidence for another theory.
— He was like a mouse seeing a cat when he saw his father, but when it came to his elder brother, he stood up for him and even talked back to his father.
— He became a monk after hearing the news of his elder brother's death.
— He did not care about any woman until now.
The more Jia Xu thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong. This was … This was …
As he smiled and chatted with Sun Lang, his heart was beating like a drum. He quickly calculated the possibility of his son becoming gay. He secretly observed Sun Lang. First, he had to confirm whether or not his eldest nephew was gay.
He probably was not gay, he thought.
A few years ago, he had heard that his nephew was not only good at fighting, but also good at personal life. Not only did he have an ambiguous relationship with Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai, but he also had many female confidantes in the military, including famous figures like Zhao Yunlong. It was said that he had something to do with Empress …
— — It couldn't be helped. His impression of Sun Lang was really too good. As a parent, he always liked to imagine "other people's children". Moreover, he would use his own silly son as negative material in his imagination. All the advantages that his own son did not have would inevitably shine on other people's children.
Damn it. In his parents' eyes, Wang Xiaoming next door would not even poop for more than three minutes. He would never read the newspaper or play with his phone on the toilet.
Based on this principle, Jia Xu obviously thought that his nephew was a straight man who was capable of plowing the earth.
If that was the case, then his son …
— Little bastard!
— You could have just played with that kind of nonsense, but you actually took it seriously!
Jia Xu pondered for a moment. He felt that he had to do something.
As expected of a wise man, he immediately came up with a countermeasure. His uncle's gaze swept across Sun Lang and his wife, and his expression changed slightly. He said, "I forgot that there is an urgent matter at hand."
Sun Lang asked, "What is it?"
He sighed. "It's about the old lady … After you left yesterday, Tanchun sent someone to ask about Wang Xifeng's matter. She said that we can't hide Wang Xifeng's matter for too long."
Sun Lang was startled at first, but then he understood.
Jia Xu continued to explain, "Over the years, the old lady is getting older, and her energy is not as good as before. The power of Rongguo Mansion has been delegated in batches, and Wang Xifeng has become the actual housekeeper. The old lady treats her very well because she is good with words and is very filial. She goes to the old lady's room every day to pay her respects …"
He sighed. "Now that Wang Xifeng is missing, it's hard to hide it from the old lady. It's easy to fool her if she doesn't see her for a day or two, but if she doesn't see her for a long time, the old lady will definitely ask."
Sun Lang, Sister Lin, and Sister Bao looked at each other.
After receiving Sun Lang's encouragement and hint, Xue Baochai thought for a moment and sighed. "We can't hide it for too long, and the more we hide it, the harder it will be. My husband once said that a lie needs to be covered with many lies. So, we might as well not hide it, but we'll have to think about how to open it."
Lin Daiyu added, "The one who serves the old lady is Sister Yuanyang. You can discuss it with her."
"No matter who you discuss it with, since you're all back, I'll leave the matter of Rongguo Mansion to you."
Jia Xu waved his hand. "After all, the old lady is the most important. Don't scare her. Our Jia family's calligraphy and sword are passed down through the generations, and filial piety is passed down through generations. You must be very careful."
Sun Lang nodded. "Understood … Shall we go to Rongguo Mansion first?"
"Go ahead."
Jia Xu said. "The matter of the Wang family hasn't gotten out of hand yet, and the Shi family hasn't made any moves either. You can arrange the matters of Rongguo Mansion first so that you won't be in a mess."
"Then we'll take our leave first."
Sun Lang cupped his hands, and the two niece-in-law bowed to their uncle. Jia Shidao bowed to them one last time and was about to leave with the three of them when he heard his father say coldly, "Where are you going?"
Jia Shidao looked back in surprise. "Of course I'm going with my brother …"
Jia Xu said coldly, "Are you still a three-year-old kid?
Why do you have to stick to your brother no matter what you do?
It's Rongguo Mansion's business. Why are you getting involved?
Stay here. I have something to ask you! "
After all, it was his father's order that made Jia Shidao very unhappy. He looked pitifully at Sun Lang, who was standing at the door. However, Jia Xu's reason was so good that even Sun Lang had nothing to say.
Jia Xu said to Sun Lang, "Go ahead. We have something to talk about."
Well, bye-bye for you.
Leaving Jia Shidao with his father, Sun Lang and the other two left. Rong Mansion and Ning Mansion were next to each other, so it was easy to get there. As they walked to the east, Lin Daiyu asked, "Why did uncle ask Jia Shidao to stay?"
Sun Lang answered casually, "Who knows? Maybe he wants to scold him. The relationship between father and son is very tense."
Xue Baochai was curious. "Tense?"
Sun Lang nodded and briefly explained what had happened before, "It's probably about the young man who is like a white lotus who can't accept his father's way of doing things … But Xiang Dao is very brave. He actually dared to openly contradict his father … Eh … contradict …"
Sun Lang paused and turned to Xue Baochai. "Sister Baochai, don't you think the word 'talk back' is a bit perverted?"
"… Husband, please be more decent."