Chapter 6 Chapter 06 Epiphyllum
That was exactly thirty-four years ago, Tang Gaozong Xianqing ten years, midsummer.
Di Renjie was thirty-six years old at the time, and he had served as a judge in Bianzhou, Henan Province for just ten years.After the first year of the Ming Dynasty in Xianqing, he was sent to this position and became a magistrate from the seventh rank in the Tang Dynasty.For the first time in the officialdom, the start is not high or low, but Di Renjie is very satisfied. As a young man with firm will, hard work and ambition, he can start from the actual work in the local area, accumulate experience and cultivate patience. good choice.In the position of Bianzhou Judge, Di Renjie successively moved to the specific positions of Si Gong, Si Hu, and Judiciary, and finally found the most suitable place in the position of Fa Cao to join the army, where he could best display his talents.
On a midsummer night, there was always the faint fragrance of Violet Xia and Hemerocallis wafting in the twilight. Sitting in the government office of the governor's mansion in Bianzhou, Di Renjie habitually flipped through the files in his hand, reviewing all the official affairs he had handled during the day.Apart from him, there was no one else in the yamen office. Di Renjie was always the last one to leave. It was not to show off his hard work. It was just a habit that he gradually cultivated. He used this time alone to reflect on his own behavior. Keep a cool head.This has gradually become his greatest enjoyment after being busy every day.
Breathing the fresh air of the summer night, what Di Renjie was thinking about today was the letter from his teacher Yan Liben that he just received yesterday.Yan Li, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, was originally an important minister in the court, and he was highly valued since the Taizong Dynasty. It was impossible to have anything to do with a small local official like him.However, things are unpredictable, just over two years ago, Di Renjie was falsely accused by his subordinate staff, and Yan Liben, who was deposed as an envoy in Renhe South Road, came to Bianzhou to inspect local officials, and personally handled the reported incident.Yan Liben can be said to have a discerning eye. After a detailed and in-depth investigation, he not only determined that the report was a groundless frame-up, but also further found out that Di Renjie was a pure official with outstanding talents. He was greatly appreciated and even praised as " The pearl of Haiqu, the treasure of the southeast'.Di Renjie got a blessing in disguise, and since then forged a teacher-student friendship with Yan Liben.Di Renjie handled this kind of contact very low-key, and he never wanted to get the reputation of being a follower of power because of this. Even if Yan Liben promoted and reused him in a special way, it could only be due to his own talent and character.
After Yan Liben returned to the court, he spared no effort to recommend Di Renjie to the court, and now things are finally coming to fruition.In yesterday's letter, Yan Liben wrote that the imperial court may soon appoint Di Renjie as the governor of Bingzhou to join the army. It can be regarded as a two-level promotion.More importantly, Bingzhou was the birthplace of the Li and Tang Dynasties, known as the northern capital, and its geographical location is key. It is not only the gateway of the Tang Dynasty to the north, but also a barrier to protect the Guanzhong area. A big step forward in politics.
Recalling the words and phrases in Yan Liben's letter, Di Renjie felt a faint sense of satisfaction. His ten years of carefulness and diligence in politics finally paid off.Measuring the efficiency of the court officials' department, Di Renjie thought to himself that the transfer order might not be delivered until the end of the year.Of course, he has enough patience to face this waiting period, and at the same time, he will do his best to do the things in front of him.After all, he was thirty-six years old, and his youngest son, Jing Hui, had just turned one year old.Dapeng's wings are strong enough, and he needs a wider sky to soar. In the past six months, he will not allow himself to make a mistake.
The greeting from his colleague Xu Jin awakened Di Renjie from his contemplation, and he remembered that there was an appointment for a night tour of Longting Lake today.Bianzhou is a place with pleasant scenery, especially Longting Lake in the west of the city. The lake and mountains are beautiful and graceful, with the charm and elegance unique to the lakes in the south of the Yangtze River. Every midsummer, Longting Lake is the elegant people in the city who go boating on the lake and drink tea. The best place to listen to music, enjoy the scenery and meet friends.Officials and officials in Bianzhou also often meet to organize such gatherings in summer as a way to win over the relationship between all parties.
Di Renjie has a serious personality, he is not keen on such things, and hates the style of some people forming cliques for personal gain, so he seldom attends such gatherings.But recently, due to Yan Liben's high regard, he has paid more attention to keeping friendly with his colleagues, so as not to give people the feeling of being arrogant after clinging to high branches.It is also out of this consideration that I went to the appointment tonight.
Not long after Di Renjie and Xu Jin boarded the boat, the boat sailed away from the shore of the lake and floated lightly on a pool of clear water. The moonlight shone on the lake, the breeze was blowing, and the melodious sound of the singing girl’s pipa was really refreshing and forgetful. .Most of the people in the boat were Di Renjie’s acquaintances, who were sitting in the cabin drinking tea, or standing on the side of the boat talking, all of them were in high spirits, but Di Renjie came to the stern alone, silently staring at the reflection of the moon in the water, enjoying the tranquility with all his heart A moment of living with solitude.
Suddenly, the tranquility was interrupted by an annoying noise.Di Renjie frowned and opened his eyes. It turned out that the noise came from another boat nearby.The boat was decorated with lights and festoons, and it looked even more luxurious and luxurious than Di Renjie's painted boat. A large group of people gathered at the bow, gesticulating and discussing something, very excited.The two boats missed each other, and it seemed that many people knew each other well. Immediately afterwards, some people on the same boat began to talk one after another, and the noise became louder and louder.
The painting boat shook, and then simply stopped.Di Renjie heard footsteps amidst the voices of the people at the bow, and it seemed that someone was walking between the two boats.He didn't want to bother with these nosy matters, so he continued to stay at the stern to enjoy the scenery, but a voice came from his ear: "Brother Huaiying! Brother Huaiying!" Di Renjie turned around helplessly, and several colleagues rushed over excitedly, and Xu Jin called out at the head Said: "Brother Huaiying, there is a case on the ship next door, you, Mr. Facao, should come forward!"
"What case?" Di Renjie asked. "Oh, you'll know after you've seen it, hurry up! Come on!" Xu Jin couldn't help saying, and joined forces with several other people to push and push Di Renjie to the bow.A pedal was placed between the two boats. Before Di Renjie could figure out the situation, everyone had already taken him to the opposite boat.
Seeing Di Renjie coming, the crowd moved aside automatically, only to see two people standing in the middle of the crowd.One of them was tall and tall, dressed in brocade, with an elegant demeanor. At first glance, he was a noble son, while the other was described as wretched, with a head like a mouse, and seemed to be a small businessman.
Someone nearby shouted: "Lord Facao is here! Let's see how Master Facao solves this case!" The two people in the middle of the crowd looked at Di Renjie together when they heard the words, and the small trader rushed forward first, then knelt down with a plop Falling to the ground, he kept shouting: "Lord Facao wants to make decisions for the villain!" Di Renjie said calmly, "Speak slowly about what it is."
The small trader was quite eloquent, and quickly explained the whole story.It turned out that his name was Meng Jiu, and he was the shopkeeper of "Zhenlongfang", the largest jade shop in Bianzhou City.About half a month ago, the noble son who was on the same boat came to "Zhenlongfang" and said that he wanted to give a high-quality jade article to his cousin for her birthday. Meng Jiu accompanied him to choose for a long time, but he didn't choose a finished product. Either the fineness of jade is not good enough, or the carving process is lacking.Finally, out of desperation, Meng Jiu suggested that the young man surnamed Li simply choose a piece of jade, and then designate a special processing style to make a unique jade article.Mr. Li readily agreed, and finally selected the most expensive piece of *Hetian mutton fat white jade in the store, and appointed the best carver to carve it into a standing statue of Guanyin.Mr. Li also requested that this jade Guanyin must be completed before today, because his cousin's birthday is today.At that time, Meng Jiu was in a difficult situation. Carving a statue of Guanyin was a delicate job, and it would take at least fifteen days. Calculated in this way, today is the day when the statue will be completed.The two parties finally agreed that since Mr. Li was going to accompany his cousin on a night tour of Longting Lake for her birthday, Meng Jiu could catch up as long as she brought the newly carved Jade Guanyin on board before the cruise ship left the shore.Mr. Li immediately left 5,000 yuan as a deposit, and the remaining 20,000 yuan was paid face to face after Meng Jiu sent Jade Guanyin.
So during the past half month, Meng Jiu urged the carver to rush to work day and night, and finally finished the Jade Guanyin this morning.During the day the final finishing touches were made and packed properly.Taking advantage of the night just falling, Meng Jiu came to the cruise ship on Longting Lake as scheduled and found Mr. Li.Mr. Li was very happy, so he called his cousin and her female companion, and the three of them sat around the bow of the boat, appreciating the hard-won Jade Guanyin carefully under the moonlight.The three of them were very happy to see it, and Meng Jiu was also quite relieved, but unexpectedly, the cousin's female companion suddenly pointed at Yu Guanyin and laughed non-stop. Mr. Li and his cousin were full of suspicion, and after asking for a long time, she finally said the Guanyin. His face is very similar to the third aunt at home.As soon as these words came out, Mr. Li's cousin's face turned frosty, she left Mr. Li behind, stood up and went back to the cabin with her female companion.Mr. Li's face also turned yellow, and he angrily told Meng Jiu that he wanted to return the product. Meng Jiu was not willing to do it, but Mr. Li must accept the goods and pay for it. The jade statue smashed to pieces on the deck.
Seeing this situation, Meng Jiu even wanted to drag Mr. Li to pay, but Mr. Li insisted that it was the statue that Meng Jiu smashed. Suddenly there was a commotion.The other people on the boat gathered one after another, chattering and arguing, and a public case was formed.
Di Renjie listened quietly to Meng Jiu's speech. Out of the corner of his eye, he had already glanced at the stumped limbs of Yu Guanyin on the ground. Then he looked at Mr. Li, who stood calmly by the side, with a clear and moist expression on his face, as if he was saying something. The matter has absolutely nothing to do with him.Di Renjie didn't open his mouth, just smiled and nodded at Mr. Li. Mr. Li understood, and he bowed his hands to Di Renjie freely, and said in a loud voice: "It's a trivial matter, but I have worked for Mr. Facao. I am ashamed." You are being polite, although it is a trivial matter, you have to discuss the right and wrong. Do you have any supplements or disagreements with what Meng Jiu said?"
Mr. Li smiled, and calmly stated that he had no objection to everything Meng Jiu said earlier.The only discrepancy is that he insisted that it was Meng Jiu himself who smashed Jade Guanyin.Di Renjie looked around and asked others if they had seen the scene at that time. They all said that they hadn't seen what happened, and they gathered around after Yuguanyin was smashed.
Di Renjie stood where he was, thinking silently.Suddenly, I heard a female voice in the cabin saying: "What a terrific piece of crap, it has brought trouble to the government! Cousin, I think you just gave the money to that guy for calculation." Mr. Li replied to the cabin "Cousin, please be safe, it's not a matter of money." Another female voice came from the cabin, giggling, and said: "It's not a matter of money, is it a matter of face? The third aunt's face is not Is it all smashed?" Li Gongzi's cousin yelled: "Yu Rong! It's not all because of you, but you are here to refuse to give up! My birthday has been messed up by you!"
Mr. Li's face flushed slightly, and he looked at Di Renjie.Di Renjie suddenly saw the helplessness in his eyes, and felt amused in his heart.So he walked to Mr. Li's side, and said to him in a low voice: "Master, this is a trivial matter, but now there are crowds of people watching, and you are still accompanied by a female family member. I don't feel embarrassed for you." Mr. Li hurriedly said "Lord Facao, I'm a bit confused now, please give me some advice." Di Renjie frowned, and said in a serious manner: "This case needs to be investigated. I'm afraid it will take some time. Maybe I will ask The young master and the two female relatives went to the court to confront the case..."
"Ah?!" Mr. Li was shocked, and waved his hands again and again: "No, this is absolutely impossible." After thinking for a while, he stomped his feet and said in a low voice: "Forget it, even if I am unlucky today. Mr. Facao, please let me know about this matter." Don't pursue it any further. I'll pay Meng Jiu the full amount and it's over."
Di Renjie's eyes flickered, he signaled Mr. Li not to worry, turned around and came to Meng Jiu, and announced: "Meng Jiu, that Mr. has admitted that he smashed the Guanyin statue, and he will pay the original amount." Meng Jiu was overjoyed , Kneeling down on the ground and kowtow, Di Renjie waved his hand and said: "But I think this jade statue is broken into big pieces. Since it is the best Hetian jade, don't waste it. Mr. Li, I can introduce someone who is familiar with it." An expert in jade making, let him take these few complete pieces of jade and make them into jade wares for you." Before Mr. Li could answer, Meng Jiu's face changed drastically, and he stepped forward, smiling obsequiously: "My lord, let's make 'Zhenlongfang' for Mr. Li again." As he said that, he was about to clean up the broken jade on the ground. Di Renjie stopped him with his foot and shouted: "You take other people's jade. Avalokitesvara looks like it was made, why would they let you do it? Don’t think about it. You take the money and leave as soon as possible.”
Mr. Li took out the money, threw it on the ground, and went into the cabin.Meng Jiu picked up the money from the ground, turned around and saw Di Renjie pinching a piece of broken jade and looking left and right, Meng Jiu's expression became more and more nervous, he seemed to want to run, but he had nowhere to go on the boat.Looking up sharply, seeing Di Renjie approaching him with sharp eyes, Meng Jiu completely lost his hands and feet, ran off the pedal in a panic, and jumped onto Di Renjie's original boat.Di Renjie shouted: "Take this man down!" The boat was full of civil and military officials from Bianzhou, and it happened that there were two soldiers under Di Renjie's command, and they pushed Meng Jiu to the ground without any explanation.
Meng Jiu shouted like killing a pig: "Why did you take the small one? The small one was wronged!" Di Renjie's face sank like water, and he shouted at Meng Jiu across the side of the boat: "You are substituting inferior jade for Hetian Zhiyu, trying to make up for it in vain. Li Daitao is a cunning villain who is making huge profits! Now, what else do you have to say?" Meng Jiu immediately collapsed on the deck like mud when he heard Di Renjie tell the whole story, unable to say a word.
Mr. Li came out of the cabin when he heard the movement, and seeing the sudden change in the situation, he couldn't help being both happy and confused, and hurriedly asked Di Renjie for advice.Only then did Di Renjie warn that, according to his inference, Meng Jiu was motivated by profit, and secretly replaced the top-quality jade with inferior fake jade. Young master, and then run away with real jade and a large sum of money.But he never expected that the female companion of Mr. Li's cousin saw that the jade statue was carved vulgarly. Meng Jiu was afraid that the matter would be exposed, so he simply smashed the statue by mistake, trying to blackmail Mr. Li.
Mr. Li nodded repeatedly when he heard this, and asked curiously: "Lord Facao, I said why did this guy smash the statue and then framed me, so it turned out to be the case. But how did your lord see the clue? Could it be?" Will my lord be able to meet each other?" Di Renjie laughed: "How can I know how to meet each other. I just checked my words and feelings."
"Looking at words and expressions?"
"Yes. First of all, I judged from the young master's demeanor and the conversation with the female relatives that the money is very big to Shengdou Xiaomin, but it is nothing to Li Gongzi and his cousin. My cousin doesn't like statues, and Li Gongzi is the most face-saving If you can't get through, you shouldn't smash the statue just because you don't want to pay. But if Meng Jiu smashed the statue, then there must be a ghost in the statue itself. So I provoked Mr. Ji and Meng Jiu with words, and sure enough, Mr. Ji wanted to lose money Misfortune, and Meng Jiu panicked when he heard that I was going to look for Suiyu again. From this, I concluded the whole story."
Mr. Li sighed with great emotion: "It turns out that the case can still be resolved like this." Di Renjie smiled: "Actually, the real investigation depends on evidence. Like today's matter, if you use broken jade to find someone to identify it, you can also check it." It just takes some time to find out the truth, and it will inevitably involve the two ladies in the cabin, so I used my quick wit." Mr. Li sighed with a smile: "The technique of attacking the heart is also the right way. Mr. Facao uses it just right. Li admires it. !"
Di Renjie smiled but did not answer, but handed a piece of gorgeous dark purple flannel cloth in front of Mr. Li, and said in a low voice: "Mr. Li, is this cloth used to wrap the jade statue? It has the name of Mr. Li's cousin on it, please." Put it away, young master." Mr. Li took a closer look, and the purple-red velvet was indeed embroidered with gold thread: "Congratulations to Miss Xu Jingzhi's birthday", he quickly took it and put it in his bosom, and smiled embarrassedly at Di Renjie.
Di Renjie asked slyly: "Mr. Li's cousin is the daughter of Mr. Shi Xu Sihan, governor of Bianzhou, right?" Mr. Li became more embarrassed, and sighed while nodding: "Mr. Eyes!" Di Renjie said in a low voice: "Mr. Li and even the nobles, but the matter just now is not overwhelming, it can be seen that he does not want to reveal his true identity in front of everyone. I understand."
Di Renjie bowed and turned to leave, but was grabbed by Mr. Li.He only heard him laughing and said: "Master Facao, thanks to your help in today's matter, so much trouble has been avoided. Li admires the talent and character of Master Facao in his heart, and sincerely wants to make friends with him. Li Wei, now lives in the city. Uncle Dong's family, Xu Sihan, do you know if you have the chance to listen to Mr. Facao's experience in investigating cases in your spare time?"
Di Renjie cleared his expression, and said in a low voice: "As expected, it is His Highness the King of Runan County. I hope your Highness will forgive me for offending you just now!" Li Wei shook his head again and again, and said in a low voice: "Hey, don't bow down. Yes, no one in the entire Bianzhou City knows my real identity except my uncle and my family. I will tell you today, you have to keep it a secret!" Di Renjie couldn't help laughing: "Yes, yes, I will follow His Highness's orders." Li Wei shook his head helplessly: "Master Di Renjie, I've heard about your reputation as a god in solving cases. I never believed it. I didn't expect to bump into me today and let you see through my identity. Can you tell me, are you How do you know that I belong to Li Wei?"
Di Renjie raised his eyebrows casually, and explained: "Actually, it's just the four words "observe words and observe colors."
"Watching words and watching colors again?"
"That's right. As I said just now, His Royal Highness's demeanor is already outstanding, and he is by no means from an ordinary family. Besides, I have heard of Miss Xu Jingzhi's name. Then Xu Changshi's wife, Wang, belongs to King Jiang. Wife and sister, through this relationship, Xu Changshi has always said that he is also a relative of the emperor, so when I found out that Mr. Li's cousin is Miss Xu Jingzhi, I can roughly guess that Mr. Li should be Prince Jiang It’s just that I’m not sure if it’s the eldest son Wei, that is, His Royal Highness the Prince of Runan County.”
"So you just use the technique of attacking the mind again to trick me into telling the truth?"
"The lower officials dare not."
"Okay, you Di Renjie! I think you can change your career and become a fortune teller!"
The two chatted so far, and smiled at each other knowingly, only feeling that their hearts were sympathetic.Before he knew it, the boat had come ashore. Di Renjie bid farewell to Li Wei and went ashore from his own boat.After getting on his horse, Di Renjie took a few steps forward. When he looked back, he saw two slim figures appearing beside Li Wei at some point.Although they are both covered with veils and cannot see their faces, the graceful demeanor of these two women still brings out the soul-stirring power, attracting people on the shore and boats to look back.
Di Renjie urged his horse to move on, and after walking a long way, his back seemed to be closely followed by the eyes behind the black veil.Di Renjie suddenly wanted to know if that taller figure was the female companion named Yu Rong?She is very smart, she can see the problem with the statue at a glance, and she is very straightforward, she can say what she wants, and she doesn't save face for Li Wei and Xu Jingzhi at all, but these two people don't vent their anger on her at all, and give her the biggest connivance...
On this summer night, the cool breeze was blowing into his heart, and on the way home, Di Renjie felt that he was in a surprisingly good mood.It was also from that night that Di Renjie and Runan County King Li Wei became close friends.Afterwards, they often met together to climb mountains, swim lakes, drink and chat. They were very speculative and seemed to hate each other. However, Di Renjie never saw Xu Jingzhi and Yu Rong again until another summer night more than half a month later. .
As early as the beginning of the acquaintance, Li Wei talked about introducing Di Renjie to a strange person, but he refused to fulfill it for a long time.Di Renjie wasn't keen on such things, so he didn't urge him.In the afternoon of this day, Li Wei suddenly sent someone to send a letter, inviting Di Renjie to go on a special date at night. The letter was written in a vague and mysterious way. Riding a horse came to the south of Bianzhou City.
The south of the city is a relatively deserted area in Bianzhou City. Due to the low terrain, many natural low-lying water accumulation areas have been formed. The roads are uneven and horses are not convenient for walking.There are fewer residents, and the vacant space is large, which is more suitable for building particularly large courtyards. Therefore, most of the buildings in the south of the city are Taoist temples and the like.Even some residents are those who seek quietness and like spaciousness. Often, a single house occupies dozens of acres of land, and there is a flower garden or vegetable garden behind the house, which is quite wild.
Taking advantage of the clear twilight, Di Renjie came to the gate of the largest Taoist temple in the south of the city, "Xianwu Temple", and saw Li Wei riding a tall horse from a distance, waiting for people there.Seeing Di Renjie, Li Wei was overjoyed, and hurried forward to meet him: "Brother Huaiying, hurry up, I'll wait for you." He turned his horse's head and was about to leave.Di Renjie stopped him: "Don't be too busy, where are we going?"
"Oh, you'll know when you go! Today, I want to show Brother Huaiying a strange sight that is rarely seen in the world!"
Di Renjie simply stopped asking, and followed Li Wei all the way forward, walking around and around for a while, and a large courtyard appeared in front of him, with continuous white walls and black tiles. is big enough.Di Renjie couldn't help wondering why he had worked in Bianzhou for ten years and never knew there was such a place?What's even more surprising is that as soon as I arrived near this courtyard, I could smell a leisurely fragrance of flowers. people.
Walking along the courtyard wall for a while, a small black painted door appeared in front of him. Li Wei stepped forward to open the door, and a family member came to welcome the two of them into the courtyard.As soon as he entered the yard, Di Renjie couldn't help being surprised.I saw that in the courtyard, except for the corridors, houses and pavilions and waterside pavilions, all the remaining places are all kinds of flowers and trees, some are directly planted in the mud, some are potted and hydroponic, and there are layers of flowers and trees. Stacked around the pergola up and down.Some flowers are in full bloom, some are budding, and some are full of green leaves, but under the moonlight, they all present a charming and charming posture.It was only then that Di Renjie realized that the fragrance he smelt just now came from here. There are so many fragrances of flowers and trees mixed together, it's no wonder that the species cannot be distinguished.
Li Wei greeted among the flowers: "Brother Rucheng, brother Rucheng! We are here." Di Renjie carefully identified it under the moonlight, and then saw a person leaning out from the shadowy flowers. When he stood in front of him, he saw the other person. He is also quite tall and straight, wearing a simple blue robe, the hem is tucked around the waist for the convenience of work, no hat is worn, the face is handsome, the facial features are correct, and the expression is especially gentle and humble.
Li Wei hurriedly introduced the two of them: "Brother Ru Cheng, this is our Master Facao of Bianzhou Prefecture, Di Huaiying, who claims to be a god in solving cases, and that is him."
"Brother Huaiying, this is Xie Rucheng, a strange person I have been recommending to you." Di and Xie hurriedly saluted.Di Renjie saw that Xie Rucheng was in his thirties, with an elegant and simple manner, without saying a word of compliments, he wanted to let Di Renjie and Li Wei in.
Li Wei raised his hand to stop the two of them: "Wait a minute, you two. There is still some time, so we don't need to worry. Today is a rare opportunity, and I want to test Brother Huaiying." Di Renjie was stunned: "What are you testing me for?"
Li Wei smiled triumphantly and said, "Just to see if you can guess where Brother Ru Cheng is?" Am I playing?" Li Wei patted him on the shoulder: "Be safe and don't be impatient, be safe and don't be impatient. It's just a little joke with Brother Huaiying, let's see Brother Huaiying's ability to observe words and emotions."
Di Renjie shook his head: "It seems that I got your identity out last time on the boat, and His Royal Highness has kept a grudge so far. Anyway, I will try again today." As he spoke, he took Xie Rucheng from head to toe in a serious manner, After looking at it several times from foot to head, he said leisurely: "I have worked in Bianzhou for ten years, and I have never heard of such a large manor in the south of the city. I don't know how long Brother Rucheng has lived here Already?" Xie Rucheng hurriedly replied: "Rucheng lived in Jiankang for a long time before, and moved here more than a year ago. This manor was bought and built after Rucheng came, so Brother Huaiying has not heard about it yet." Di Renjie Nodding frequently, he said again: "Brother Rucheng built such a large house just to serve the flowers and trees?" Xie Rucheng hurriedly replied: "Not necessarily. I like spaciousness by nature, not to mention there are some collections at home, all of which need a place to be placed. .”
"Oh? What kind of collection?"
"It's just some ancient books and artifacts from past dynasties... How about Rucheng taking Brother Huaiying to see it now?"
"Okay, brother Rucheng, please lead the way." The two talked vigorously, and they were about to go to the backyard. Li Wei hurriedly dragged Xie Rucheng, and smiled helplessly at Di Renjie: "Brother Huaiying, you are clearly bullying an honest person." "He turned to Xie Rucheng again: "Brother Rucheng, I have never seen you like this. The first time we met, you took out all your old friends. Brother Huaiying is trustworthy. If you change to someone with malicious intentions, I think Your life is in danger!" Xie Rucheng replied naively: "I never interact with outsiders, why would someone with bad intentions come from? Brother Huaiying is a friend you brought, of course I will treat each other with sincerity." Di Renjie He laughed loudly after hearing this, and praised again and again: "Brother Ru Cheng is the real famous person. If Di Huaiying's guess is correct, brother Ru Cheng should be the descendant of the Chen Jun Xie family, right?"
Li Wei clapped his hands with great joy: "Brother Huaiying, I am convinced, I am completely convinced!" Di Renjie smiled and asked: "What is there to admire? Many descendants of the Xie family often live in Jiankang, and they rely on celebrities* , I disdain to associate with ordinary people, and often focus on landscapes, flowers and trees, or bury my head in the collection of utensils, I just made an inference based on this." Xie Rucheng made a respectful bow to Di Renjie: "Brother Huaiying is very knowledgeable, It really is very comparable.”
The three talked and laughed, and went to the backyard together.Di Renjie remembered Li Wei's words just now, and asked: "Brother Rucheng, is there any wonder for us to see tonight?" In the small yard, surrounded by water on three sides, there is only one plant with stretched green leaves standing alone under the pale moonlight.Di Renjie saw a lot of knowledge again, and couldn't help exclaiming at this moment: "Youtan Bohua!"
Xie Rucheng stared at the epiphyllum, and said softly: "I have spent more than a year cultivating it, and I dare not be negligent day and night. It is calculated that she will be in full bloom tonight." Only then did Di Renjie suddenly realize that the strange thing Li Wei said The scene is a rare flash in the pan.The three of them sat around this Utan bowl flower.Li Wei suddenly said: "Brother Rucheng, it's getting late, I'll call cousin Jingzhi and Yu Rong over." Xie Rucheng said: "After you send them here, I will invite them to the Lantern House in this yard." It’s in the pavilion, and I’ve been sitting in it drinking tea and chatting.” As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a crisp laughter from Lan Xuan: “Cousin, we’re here.” Another voice said coquettishly: “Still How long will it take? When will she open?" Xie Rucheng lowered his head and muttered, "Hurry up, soon."
Li Wei breathed a long sigh of relief, Xie Rucheng and Di Renjie looked at him amused.In the night sky, the moon rises higher and higher, and the mercury-like brilliance splashes on the pond full of water lilies. The green lotus leaves and pink petals are covered with a dreamlike soft veil.The silence of a midsummer night is the silence of all sounds.Listen attentively, the branches and leaves are dancing in the breeze, the frogs and insects are jumping and singing among the grass leaves, and the soft rustling sound from Lan Xuan seems to be the swing of a woman's dress, and there are soft words. The language is like the whisper of a chick, flashing past in the night.
However, when the moment when the epiphyllum blooms suddenly comes, all the pleasing scenes around will disappear in front of everyone's eyes and ears, and only the peerless and beautiful moment will stand out in front of you: the original low-hanging purple flower tube slowly lifted up, As if looking for and expecting, the coat covering the flowers slowly opened, and the petals as white as snow stretched out one by one, showing extraordinary beauty against the backdrop of the moonlight.It seems to be cowardly and shy, and it seems to be unbearable pain. Every part of this Utanbo flower in bloom, from the stem to the stamen, is trembling slightly, and the fragrance is overflowing, which immediately covers up all other things. The flowers and trees are fragrant, and there is only bright and clean coolness in the heart, which is absolutely breathtaking.
Everyone couldn't help but stare dumbfounded, smell crazy, fell into a dream, and lost their souls.Time flies, as if all of a sudden, the blooming petals have turned yellow, and the branches tremble more violently. Before everyone can recover, the snow-white petals have begun to wither, as quickly and decisively as they bloom.Di Renjie thinks that he has never been a sentimental person, and the career he pursues does not allow him to have so many illusory feelings, but even so, facing such a fleeting splendor, he can't help but feel a little pain in his heart. The fragility of beauty and the shortness of life make a deep sigh.
The three people sitting around the lace were still inexplicably sad. Suddenly, Lan Xuan's door was pushed open, and a slender and tall figure rushed out, running straight to the side of the epiphyllum, reaching out tremblingly to touch the withered petals, bringing With a crying sound, she murmured: "Thank you, thank you just like this..." Another figure followed from Lan Xuan, hugged the weeping girl tightly in his arms, and comforted: "Yu Rong, little fool!" , Crazy girl! Why are you crying? It’s just a flash in the pan. I knew you would be sad when you look at flowers, so I wouldn’t bring you here..."
Li Wei also jumped up and walked over to comfort him, while sending the two girls back to Lanxuan.Xie Rucheng and Di Renjie stayed where they were, looking at each other. The incident happened so fast that it was too late to see the faces of the two girls clearly, but Di Renjie felt an inexplicable joy in his heart: his guess was right, the tall and tall girl was indeed Yu Yu. Rong.Although he only had a glimpse of her face, those black and white eyes and the two lines of tear stains shining like pearls were clearly and unusually imprinted in his heart, and he never forgot them ever since.
Thirty-four years later, when Di Renjie looked back on the past, his memory was always deliberately terminated in this short-lived midsummer night.If the original story ended here, without everything that happened later, then his memories today would not be heart-piercing pain, but only the distant romantic atmosphere would be projected onto the aging soul, then it should be What a wonderful enjoyment.It's a pity that things backfire. Life doesn't always run in the most perfect way, but instead it often goes astray, which brings lifelong regret and regret to people.
The New Year's holiday is over soon.On the eighth day of the first lunar month in the third year of the holy calendar, Mr. Zhou Liangkun, the Minister of Honghe Temple who resumed his deacon, came to Di Mansion to visit Di Renjie. He brought Yu Chijian who had just been promoted to Shaoqing of Honghe Temple by his side.After exchanging pleasantries, Di Renjie invited Lord Zhou and Lord Yuchi to the study for a chat. When entering the study, he deliberately stayed behind and quietly asked Shen Huai a few words.Shen Huai listened attentively to the instructions, then turned around and went out immediately.
Di Renjie sat down in the study and first talked about the process of the New Year celebration. Zhou Liangkun enthusiastically expressed his gratitude and admiration to Di Renjie.Afterwards, Di and Zhou Zhou exchanged their views on the future arrangement of Honglu Temple, Di Renjie also congratulated Yuchijian on his promotion, and Yuchijian thanked the two adults in a hurry, with a face full of sincerity and fear.
After chatting for a while, Di Renjie changed the subject and asked suddenly: "Regarding Lord Liu Yifei's case, does Master Zhou know if there is any progress in Dali Temple?" Zhou Liangkun was stunned, and said with a dry smile: "I haven't heard of any progress. The holiday has just passed, so it must take some time to investigate the case at Dali Temple." Di Renjie turned to Yuchijian without showing any signs of expression, and asked: "Master Yuchi, I entrusted you to check the tribute account book of the Sifang Pavilion a few years ago, what is the result? "
Yu Chijian cupped his hands and said, "Master Huidi, the amount of tributes from various countries over the years is really huge. I have been busy with New Year celebrations these few days, and I don't have time to do a thorough investigation. The tribute and the account book have been checked, and there seems to be no problem so far. The lower officials have also reported to Mr. Zhou. Starting tomorrow, Mr. Zhou will send more people to assist the humble officials to continue the investigation." Zhou Liangkun asked with a sneer: "Di Ge老您看这么安排还可以吗？说实话，梁昆也早就想清点四方馆的贡物收藏了，只是工作量太大，鸿胪寺又总有更紧急的事务要处理，就耽搁下来了。”
狄仁杰默默颌首，饮了口茶，悠悠地道：“这些事情就由周大人来安排罢，很好。本阁也只是在鸿胪寺大堂内看见那些珍罕的贡物后，从内心深感四方馆保管贡物的责任重大，才有此建议。既然周大人早就作此打算，咱们也算是英雄所见略同了。”周梁昆的脸从灰白中泛出红色，口中连称：“梁昆惭愧。”
狄仁杰突然颇有兴致地问：“梁昆啊，四方馆替朝廷保管着这么多珍贵的贡品，还时有进出，本阁倒是很想知道，你们是如何管理来确保万无一失的呢？”周梁昆愣了愣，略一犹豫，转头对尉迟剑冷冷地道：“尉迟少卿，莫如由你来给狄阁老描述一下我们四方馆的规矩？”尉迟剑慌忙点头，谨慎地答道：“是。狄大人，四方馆对所有贡物的进出，一直都采用双人复审的方式，也就是由鸿胪寺正、少二卿共同来执行和控制这个过程，因此可以保证没有任何一人有权单独处理贡物。”
“哦？”狄仁杰眯起眼睛，若有所思地微笑道：“这倒是头一次听说，尉迟少卿可说得更详细些吗？”
尉迟剑正要继续往下说，突然想起什么，从怀里掏出个本子来，双手呈给狄仁杰：“狄大人，下官身上恰好带着本四方馆的贡品册子，请狄大人边看，下官边解释。”狄仁杰满脸堆笑：“啊？如此甚好，甚好……”似乎无意间，他的眼角扫到一旁端坐的周梁昆，只见他脸上白一阵青一阵，眼神游移，不知道在打什么主意，看上去非常紧张。
尉迟剑浑然不觉上司的异状，只全心全意要把事情呈报清楚，他站到狄仁杰身边，指着账册说：“狄大人请看，所有的贡品在入库之前，都由少卿刘奕飞大人记录在册，注明贡品的来源、日期、品相、外观和收藏在府库的具体地点等等。正卿周大人核对无误之后，签上名字，一件贡品才算正式入库。如果贡品被征用，借出，或者被圣上收纳，也要同样由刘大人在贡品的记录旁边注明其去处、出库日期和理由，再由周大人年审核后签了名，贡品才能出库。因此，所有的出入都是二位大人共同执行的，一旦发生意外，可以相互对证。”尉迟剑侃侃而谈地兴起，完全没有注意到周梁昆的脸色已经越来越难看了。
狄仁杰却听得津津有味，一边小心地翻阅着账册，还伸出手指在上面点点戳戳。他指着其中的一条问尉迟剑：“这件贡品旁的批注是圣历元年置换入鸿胪寺正堂摆放？就在十多天前归还入库？”尉迟剑仔细看了看，点头道：“是的，这柄南诏进贡的浪人剑是前年放入鸿胪寺正堂的，去年年底，哦，也就是十多天前，刘奕飞大人更换贡品的时候才归还入库的。”狄仁杰皱眉道：“可是归还入库的时候，怎么就只有孙大人一个人的签名？”尉迟剑答：“哦，如果是出借归还的贡品，就只要孙大人验看后签字认可就行了。”
"And why?"
“这个……下官也不太清楚，我想可能是因为贡品本身已经经过查验在册，归还的时候就把手续省俭了。”狄仁杰把疑问的目光投向周梁昆，后者赶紧低头，搁在膝上的双手不停地张开又捏紧。
狄仁杰想了想，将账册还给尉迟剑，正要开口说话，狄春来报，沈槐和曾泰一起过来了。话音未落，沈槐和曾泰气宇轩昂地踏入书房，向狄仁杰以及二位鸿胪寺卿见礼如仪。这厢周梁昆忙忙地起身，口称官署事务繁多，就要告辞。
狄仁杰微微一笑道：“烦请周大人再留片刻，本阁还想与周大人探讨一下刘奕飞少卿的案子。正巧，大理寺卿曾泰大人也在这里，机会难得。不会耽误周大人很长时间的，尉迟大人可以先去处理公务。”尉迟剑询问地看看周梁昆，周梁昆不耐烦地朝他挥挥手，尉迟剑赶紧识相地退出了书房。狄仁杰又朝沈槐使了个眼色，沈槐也起身出门，顺手关上书房门。房内只余下狄仁杰、曾泰和周梁昆三位当朝三品大员，默然相对，气氛紧张而沉重。
周梁昆如坐针毡，只觉得等了很久，才听见狄仁杰悠悠地开口道：“关于刘奕飞大人的死，梁昆有何要说的吗？”周梁昆苦着脸摇摇头，干脆连嘴都懒得张了。狄仁杰抿了口茶，淡淡地道：“本阁这里倒有些话要说。”顿了顿，再度瞥了一眼周梁昆惨白的脸色，狄仁杰继续道：“本阁一生中断案无数，见过各种大案小案奇案怪案。要是把刘奕飞大人的案子归个类的话，恐怕可以归入怪案。那么，这怪在何处呢？怪，就在于其相关的线索似乎都要把这件案子引入幽冥一类！”
曾泰赞同地道：“是的。案发现场雪地上的血迹，一路画出'死'的字样，还有周大人所说的，在刘大人死后，周大人向前奔跑时身后的脚步声和耳边的'生、死'的声音，都令人听之悚然。本官在案发地点勘察时，除了周、刘二位大人的足迹之外，没有发现任何其他的足迹，同样十分诡异。种种迹象，似乎都在指向冥冥之中！”
狄仁杰轻哼一声：“指向冥冥之中？呵呵，也许这算是一种看法。但是如果我们换一个角度去想，又会发现什么呢？首先，雪地上的血迹，完全可以是人为滴上去的，隔一段路画个'死'字，也不是件很困难的事情吧？至于周大人奔跑时候所听到的脚步声和耳语声，则完全是周大人的一面之辞，假使本阁说这都是周大人臆造出来的，想象出来的，甚至是编造出来的，周大人是不是有足够的理由来反驳我呢？”
周梁昆转动着眼珠，脸上的汗珠已经开始往下淌了，但仍然紧咬着牙关低头不语。狄仁杰冷冷地注视着他，继续道：“今天我请大理寺卿曾泰大人过来，是为了有个见证人。现在这书房里面就只有我们三人，不算正式的审案，本阁还是希望能与周大人开诚布公地谈谈。我方才说了，有关幽冥的种种迹象，看似蹊跷诡异，实则疏漏百出，实不足道也！”周梁昆蠕动着嘴唇，似乎想说什么，却又咽了回去。
狄仁杰也不理会，接着往下说：“根据曾泰大人对刘大人尸体的分析来看，刘奕飞是被人从背后用匕首捅死了。哼，这个杀人的方式反过来验证了幽冥之说的虚妄。难道鬼怪杀人还需要用人间最普通的凶器吗？杀人之后，凶器被扔在了发生凶案的宫墙之外，并有足迹逃至宫城南边的洛水边消失，因此直接的推断便是凶手杀人后越墙逃走。但这时候另一个问题出现了，凶手只有逃走的路径，却没有来到案发现场的途径，我和曾泰曾经分析过，不论是越墙而入，还是事先进入宫城后等待在案发的甬道旁，都有其不合理之处，那么这个凶手究竟是怎么来到宫城里，又怎么恰好在周、刘二位大人经过那条甬道去东宫的时候，等在甬道之间，并恰好杀死了刘大人再翻墙逃跑的呢？”
说到这里，狄仁杰突然和颜悦色地看看周梁昆，问道：“周大人，圣上授权太子主持新年庆典，本该由你去向太子汇报准备情况的，怎么刘大人也会与你一起去呢？”周梁昆神情木然地答道：“那日本官突感身体不适，便叫上刘大人与我一起去。”
“所以这是一个临时的决定咯？”
“是临时的。”
“那么凶手就更不可能事先就知道二位大人会一起去东宫，从而等待在那里杀人！”
曾泰越听越糊涂了，不由脱口问道：“恩师啊，这么说了半天，学生怎么越加摸不着头脑了？又不是幽冥，凶手又不可能未卜先知，那刘大人到底是怎么死的？”狄仁杰抬高声音，正对着周梁昆道：“周大人，本阁希望听到你来回答这个问题！”
周梁昆面如死灰，一把山羊胡子不住地颤抖着，隔了半天才挤出一句：“本、本官不明白狄大人的意思，本、本官回答不了这个……”
“行了！”狄仁杰晴天霹雳似的低沉吼声，把周梁昆震得全身上下都哆嗦起来。曾泰惊诧不已地看着这二人，似乎开始有点儿明白发生什么事情了。狄仁杰努力平息了下心情，换上稍稍平缓的语气道：“梁昆啊，初四那天本阁去天觉寺进香，还碰上了府上的千金靖媛小姐。她告诉我每个新年都要去寺里进香，为周大人祈求福寿安康。梁昆真是个有福气的人，身边有如此孝顺乖巧的女儿绕膝承欢，诚让本阁羡慕不已。”
“狄大人！我、我……”周梁昆终于呜咽着叫出声：“大人救救梁昆吧。”
狄仁杰长叹一声，示意曾泰把哆嗦着就要拜倒在地的周梁昆搀回到椅子上坐好，低沉地道：“周大人请将实情和盘托出，是非自有天理公道，非我狄仁杰个人能够臆断。当然，周大人应该知道我狄仁杰从来不是食古不化，拘泥条文的人，我，还懂得酌情处理这四个字。”
周梁昆听了狄仁杰这番话，本已绝望的眼神才重新焕发出一点点神采，他努力振作了下精神，开始叙述：“狄阁老，曾大人，其实刚才狄阁老问起四方馆贡品收藏的规矩时，我便知道，狄阁老心中对刘大人的死，已经有了计较。只可叹我还心存侥幸，兀自不肯理会狄阁老几次三番抛给我的机会，实在是辜负了狄阁老的一番苦心。梁昆无地自容啊。事已至此，我也只有如实供述，至于如何处置梁昆，也就凭阁老一句话了。”
狄仁杰毫无表情地点了点头，周梁昆咽了口唾沫，继续道：“狄大人，事情要从一个多月前说起。当时，刘奕飞像往年一样来请我示下，看从四方馆中换出哪些新鲜的贡物陈列在鸿胪寺正堂。往年这些事情都是刘奕飞一手操办的，这次我却一时兴起，让刘奕飞陪着亲自去四方馆看了看。万万没有想到，这一看却看出了个天大的问题！我当时拿着前年的贡品账册，无意中查对了一件记录上已经还入四方馆的贡品，却遍寻不着，我便起了疑。于是又抽查了其它若干件据记载曾被调出过四方馆的贡品，结果却令我大为震惊！记录上已经归还而事实上根本没有还回来的居然十之有三、四。这岂不是意味着每年都有为数不少的大周宝物，从我鸿胪寺四方馆无端流失，还从未有人发觉？我急了，立即找刘奕飞查问。这厮起初还百般推搡抵赖，可贡品进出从来只经过他手，他怎么可能不知道？！最后他发现瞒不过去了，终于承认说，自从他开始负责四方馆的这几年来，他每年都会乘着贡品出借或者陈列的机会，贪墨下其中数件，由于贡品归还的时候只有他一个人的签字，所以操作起来十分方便。只要没有人对所有的贡品进行查对，就发现不了这个问题。”
曾泰听到这里，震惊之余不由插嘴道：“可是四方馆的管理上，怎么会出这么大一个漏洞呢？周大人，你这个鸿胪寺卿也未免太疏忽了吧！”周梁昆苦笑道：“曾大人谴责得太有道理了。当时，我听完刘奕飞的一番话，心中的惶恐和愤怒简直无法用言语来形容。怪只怪我对他太过信任，将归还贡品的过程全部交给他负责。其实说到头来，还是我从来就不相信有人真的会打这些贡品的主意，要知道这可是欺君之罪，要凌迟处死的啊。”
狄仁杰此时方冷冷地插话道：“可惜周大人忘记了'人为财死，鸟为食亡'的道理，只要诱惑足够大，这个世上从来都不乏铤而走险之人。”周梁昆重重地叹息道：“狄阁老说得太对了，只叹等梁昆明白这个道理，大祸已经酿成了。”曾泰急问：“那周大人既然发现了刘奕飞的罪行，为什么不及时上报朝廷呢？”狄仁杰冷笑道：“曾泰啊，你觉得周大人如果就这样上报了朝廷，他自己能脱得了干系吗？”
曾泰愣住了。周梁昆频频点着头，满脸苦涩地道：“狄阁老真是一针见血啊。我当时气得几乎昏了头，立即拉着刘奕飞就要去吏部，可是刘奕飞随之的一段话却让我顿时浑身冷汗，完全泄了气。刘奕飞说，四方馆的贡物进出从来就是鸿胪寺正、少卿两个人共同的职责，如果贡物出了问题，两个人谁都不能免责，这是原则。因为贡品的进出都有我的签字，谁都不会相信偷盗贡品是他一人所为，而我完全不知情。”曾泰皱眉道：“可是归还贡品确实只有他一个人核对签名啊，这扯不上你吧？”周梁昆苦笑着摇头道：“话虽如此说，但是这个授权也是我给他的，如果他反咬一口说是我主谋盗取贡品，又要他签字承担责任，我也没有确凿的证据可以反驳。别人反倒会怀疑我授权刘奕飞的目的究竟何在。另外，这厮为了将我拖下水，早有预谋，在账册上捏造了若干条子虚乌有的贡品名录，还仿制了我的签名。这些贡品本就不存在，如果有人来查对的话，还是都要落在我和刘奕飞两个人的身上，而我却是百口莫辩呐。”
狄仁杰点了点，沉着地道：“因此周大人你就起了杀心？”周梁昆低头不语，良久才重重地叹了口气：“我不愿被刘奕飞胁迫，任他继续恣意妄为，监守自盗，偷取珍贵的贡品，但上报朝廷，我又实在没有勇气。思之再三，别无良法，我才痛下杀人的决心。”
曾泰大声喝问：“周大人？难道你不知道这叫私用极刑，也是欺君啊？！”狄仁杰忙朝他使了个眼色，曾泰这才气鼓鼓地住了口。狄仁杰缓缓道：“因此腊月二十六日夜间，你假意要求刘奕飞与你一起去东宫，在黑暗的甬道中间刺死了刘奕飞。为了伪造外人进入宫城作案的现场，你翻越宫墙，将匕首扔在墙外，又一路奔至洛水旁，随后再踏着原来的足迹返回甬道，做出惊恐万状的模样，跑向宾耀门呼救。我说的这个过程正确吗？”
周梁昆感慨万状地回答：“丝毫不差！狄阁老，梁昆无话可说了。”狄仁杰依然面沉似水，想了想又问：“那么跟随在你身后的血迹和雪地上的'死'字，也是你特意布置的？”周梁昆道：“是的。我将袍服的袖子浸透血迹，一路跑一路滴，并留下'死'字，都是为了故意引向幽冥之说，从而混淆视听，干扰办案。”曾泰问：“所谓脚步声和耳语声？”周梁昆道：“也都是我臆造的。”
狄仁杰突然问：“周大人，你怎么会想起来假托'生死簿'的幽冥之说呢？”周梁昆一愣，转了转眼珠，方才答道：“年关以来，神都屡有幽冥之使凭'生死簿'索命的谣言，连小孩唱的歌谣都编成了相关的内容，我便想到了假托'生死簿'，实是无奈之举。”
话说完了，书房里面骤然安静下来，周梁昆仿佛也放下了心理的重负，满脸木然地坐在椅子上，只是发呆。曾泰焦急地盯着狄仁杰波澜不惊的脸，猜不透这位恩师在想些什么。过了许久，狄仁杰终于长长地吁出口气，低声道：“周大人，鸿胪寺公务繁杂，本阁就不多留你了，请回吧。”周梁昆猛地哆嗦了一下，抬起头，询问地看着狄仁杰。狄仁杰疲惫地微笑着，挥手道：“本阁有些倦意，老了，不中用了。曾泰啊，你替我送送周大人。”
曾泰站起身来，犹豫再三，看狄仁杰掉头喝茶，完全不理会其余二人了，这才冷着脸招呼道：“周大人，请吧。”周梁昆张了张嘴，发不出声音，朝狄仁杰一揖到地，随曾泰离开了书房。
送走周梁昆，曾泰刚返回书房，便急不可耐地发问：“恩师，您就这么放过周梁昆了？”狄仁杰淡淡一笑，问：“曾泰啊，你相信他方才所说的那些话吗？”
“啊？”曾泰愣住了，皱眉道：“听上去严丝合缝，没有什么破绽。而且他都承认了杀人罪行，还有必要说谎吗？”狄仁杰摇摇头：“刘奕飞是他所杀，这一点毋庸置疑，他根本没办法否认，承认罪行是唯一的选择，这我早就料到了。问题是杀人的动机。曾泰啊，其实你仔细想想就会发现，他所说刘奕飞偷盗贡品的罪责，他自己确实是摆脱不了干系的。就算他刚才的那一大通供述，仍然只是他的一面之辞，没有任何佐证。如果我坚称说周梁昆就是和刘奕飞合谋盗取贡品，由于某种原因起了内讧，才为自保而杀了他，你觉得有什么破绽吗？”
“这……”曾泰无言以对，想了想，又忙道：“既然如此，恩师您为什么还要放他走呢？难道，难道不该把他立即收押，彻底查清楚事实的真相吗？”
狄仁杰笑着摇了摇头，拍拍曾泰的胳膊，示意他坐下，才慢悠悠地道：“收押就能查清楚事情真相吗？手上没有进一步的证据，就只能靠严刑逼供。周梁昆年事已高，弄不好就死在刑台上，他又是朝廷重臣，鸿胪寺新年节期时缺少他的管理，已是伤筋动骨，所以我看收押他不仅于事无补，只能适得其反。”曾泰无奈地道：“可是恩师，那这案子就没法办下去了吗？”
狄仁杰轻叹口气，安慰道：“当然要办下去，只是不能用寻常的手法。周梁昆要么与贡品丢失无关，那他手刃刘奕飞，虽说做法欠妥，但情有可原，我不建议继续追究。如果他实际上是偷盗贡品的主谋，那么从现在开始，他也绝对不敢再轻举妄动，鸿胪寺的剩余贡品还是安全的。我们现在要做的，就是从暗中密切监视他，一来防止他畏罪潜逃，二来可以继续收集贡品案的相关证据。我刚才已经让沈槐安排人手了，你尽可以放心。”
曾泰点头称是，又犹豫着道：“恩师的安排甚妥，可学生总觉得这样做……”狄仁杰轻咳一声，打断他的话：“我知道你要说什么。曾泰啊，鸿胪寺的贡品都是我大周朝最珍贵的收藏，丢失任何一件都令人心痛。我在想，查清楚这些贡品流落到了何处，想办法把它们重新找回来，这和严惩罪犯一样重要。现在刘奕飞已死，周梁昆是我们唯一的线索，留着他，才有可能寻访出贡品的下落；而严守消息不外泄，才能防止握有贡品的人狗急跳墙破坏贡品。我也是左思右想，反复斟酌之后，才做出这个决定的。”
曾泰这才恍然大悟，不由感佩道：“恩师，您考虑得太周详了。”狄仁杰淡然地摇头，又笑道：“只是这种不上报朝廷的做法，已算是私自行事。为师今天叫你参加进来，就意味着让你与我一起承担责任，曾泰啊，为师让你这个大理寺卿为难了。”曾泰忙道：“恩师不要这么说，学生应当承担这个责任！”狄仁杰微笑颌首，稍后又皱眉道：“曾泰啊，我总觉得这件案子还有其他内情，周梁昆并没有全部坦白。”
“什么？”曾泰再次摸不着头脑了。狄仁杰道：“有一个疑点，周梁昆和刘奕飞是亥时不到离开鸿胪寺正堂的，这点已经得到鸿胪寺守卫的证实。而周梁昆被羽林卫发现的时候已近丑时，被送回家的时候都过了三更。这样其间就有整整两个时辰，这段时间给周梁昆杀人再加布置现场，也足足有余得太多了，让人不禁疑惑，他花了那么多时间到底在做什么？”
曾泰思索着道：“会不会周梁昆年老体弱，翻越宫墙至洛水来回，花了很长时间？”狄仁杰沉吟着摇头：“说不好啊……我总觉得，这其中的水很深。”吸了口气，狄仁杰又道：“曾泰啊，此事就先议到这里，无端猜测是没有意义的，我们还是等待沈槐那里的监视结果，静观其变吧。我累了，曾泰啊，你先忙去吧。”
“是，学生告退。”曾泰拱手退出书房，回手带门时，他无意中瞥见狄仁杰的脸，心中不禁一颤，这是张多么苍老而疲惫的脸啊。曾几何时，他这位被无数人视作为当世神人的恩师，连女皇帝都百般推崇，尊称为国老，似乎永远拥有最旺盛的精力和最清明的智慧，竟然也悄悄地衰老了，而且衰老得如此迅速如此彻底，不禁叫人悲从中来。更让曾泰揪心的是，从未在这张脸上见到过的伤痛和怅惘，现在竟长久地呈现在上面，难道这真的就是人之将……曾泰连连摇头，不敢再想下去了。
太初宫内，登春阁下，澄华殿中。濡润的雾气弥漫在整座殿宇间，层层纱笼隔不住水汽的蒸腾和凝结，镏金立柱上一滴滴水珠汇聚，再悠悠滑下，“嘀嗒”声声，落入汉白玉雕砌的浴池里，在空荡的大殿中勾起隐约的回音，迟缓凝重，催人入梦，又逼人窒息。
张易之匆匆忙忙地走进来，瞥了眼硕大的温泉池中那唯一的一名浴者，冷笑道：“六郎，你再这样泡下去，就不怕把你那一身细皮嫩肉给泡烂了？听内侍说你都快泡了一天了。”张昌宗微合双目，脑袋靠在铺设于池边的一袭锦襦之上，不以为然地哼道：“这个冬天太冷，全身上下都是寒气，不多泡泡怎么祛得掉？哥，你也来泡泡吧，好享受。”
张易之将肩上披的裘袍往地上一甩，两名青衣内侍无声无息地出现在他的身后，伺候他宽衣解带。张易之皱起鼻子嗅了嗅，问：“你熏的这是什么香？一股子怪味。”张昌宗依旧合着眼睛，半梦半醒地答道：“吐火罗新近进贡的什么'乾陀婆罗香药'，说是能镇静精神，消除梦魇。”张易之沿玉石台阶踏入温泉池中，大声打了个喷嚏，抱怨道：“味道太怪，半香不臭的，你就爱搞这种古怪的东西，我闻不惯。难道你还需要消除梦魇吗？”他挥了挥手，两名内侍抱着衣服像鬼魅似地又倏忽消失了。
张昌宗闻言睁开眼睛，瞧着张易之慢慢将身体浸入温泉，便抬手划了划水，将满池的玫瑰花瓣推到张易之的身边，笑道：“多闻闻就习惯了。其实我倒觉得五哥你比我更需要消除梦魇呢，对不对？你这些天焦躁的很，圣上都觉察出来了。昨晚上还问我呢，你是不是最近碰上什么烦心事了？”
张易之冷笑：“我有什么烦心事？我还不是在为咱们俩人的前途操心。你以为每天缩在