Chapter 34 Chapter Two

Pei Hongling sat quietly in the dark night. It has been more than a month since she and Xiaozhi were separated, except for the cry that old man Yu hid at the bow of the boat at the rudder drop that day, she has not cried since then. The pain was like a sharp claw tearing at her chest, but her body was still.She didn't want to cry, not even a drop of tears to vent the pain in her heart. ——Xiaozhi, mom, I'm sorry! She jerked her head up suddenly, the movement was so fast that it seemed as if it was going to break her neck bone. ——So I can only freeze this pain to replace the love and sympathy that should have been for you.

These days, whenever Pei Hongling closes her eyes, a skinny little hand seems to reach out to her heart to seek comfort.Slightly bent, curled up, longing, as if trying to grab something from the bottom of her heart.But—but it's always approaching that close distance, and a river flood comes unexpectedly out of thin air.The water suddenly rose, drowning the hand and all the cries of the child. She saw the child's helpless face in the muddy water, and his face was smiling.But precisely because of that smile, there was a kind of sadness that could not be compared to crying. This hand sticking out of the water has been her eternal nightmare for more than a month.She heard Xiaozhi calling softly in the water again and again:

Mom, this water is deep, this river is deep... So when the night came, she just sat so hard, quietly watching the dark and quiet night outside the window of the place where they hid and hid, without saying a word. Old Man Yu looked at her silently. This is a farmhouse outside Nanchang City. It's been almost two months, they sneaked all the way to avoid disaster, concealed their tracks, walked extremely slowly, and finally came here.Fortunately, Lu Kuangan was very familiar with the boundaries of Jiangxi and Hubei provinces, otherwise they would not be able to escape the pursuit of Dongmi's all over the eyeliner and bones.

Old man Yu glanced at Pei Hongling: Is she comparing with this night, is the night darker or the sadness in her eyes is darker and denser?Old man Yu couldn't help but sighed. On Pei Hongling's face, however, there was a new scorched mark, which was the aftermath of being scalded by charcoal fire in Aunt Hu's iron shop that day.Old Man Yu stared at the wound, and sighed softly: "Lu Kuangan has taken the five leftovers to sneak back to his Wanliu Villa first according to your words, and will send someone to escort the five leftovers to Zhuji first in secret—this pair That child is safer. As for Xiaozhi, old man Lu and I have sent people to search and rescue in private, and we have used almost all of his and I's trustworthy manpower, but so far... there is still no news."

He bowed his head: "But now, do you really want me to join up with Old Man Lu to search for Xiao Zhi? There is nothing wrong with my old man. But if there is only one you left , are you really sure about dealing with Dong Mi?" Pei Hongling shook her head, what else could she say about Dong Mi? She smiled wryly, and thought in a low voice: I'm not sure. ——But how could she give up on Xiaozhi? She can't think of these now.Pei Hongling gritted her teeth and stopped all concerns about Xiaozhi.Looking up, she only heard her say firmly: "I don't have one, but there might be someone else..."

"My brother might have." "You probably don't know...my brother is Pei Ju in Nanchang now." Yu Guolao was stunned for a moment, and then there was a clearness in his eyes: That's it!He had forgotten about this childish mother, Xiao Yushi's wife was the daughter of Pei Shangshu who served in three dynasties before she married. In today's world, Jiangxi is probably the only place that can avoid being soaked by the forces of Dongmi and gain peace for a while.Not for anything else, but for the city of Jiangxi. Pei Ju, the son of Pei Shangshu, was originally in charge of the power of this province.That Pei Ju, who was born in Tsinghua University, was young, Bing Suhui, was a member of the political strategist, and was in the top position.

With him here, it's no wonder that Pei Hongling can say with such certainty that she may now—at least within two months, no longer be forced by the Dongmi forces. —but two months from now? "Two months later, I have to leave. My brother and I don't get along very well...Actually, Yuzheng doesn't get along very well with my brother. I am his wife. Although after his death, I can't get along very well. Avoiding her natal family. Because, after all, he still has unfinished business entrusted to me." There was a clear expression in Yu Guolao's eyes—Pei Ju was born in a Dingnai family, and his younger brother was originally the pillar of the powerful and wealthy families in the current dynasty.The Pei family is known as "a family full of bed wats, father and son and three ministers".Before Pei Ju was released to take over the power of Jiangxi, he also served as Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry in the current dynasty, and his father, Lao Shangshu, had been in charge of the household department for three dynasties, and his ancestor even retired as an official with the title of Shangshu. I'm afraid it's quite different from Xiao Yuzheng.As for his rich and noble habits, he would not get along very well with Xiao Yuzheng who has always been clean and simple.

Old man Yu never asked in detail what Xiao Yuzheng had entrusted to Pei Hongling, because he knew it would inevitably interfere with a huge secret.At this time, he couldn't help but ask. Pei Hongling took out a roll from the collar at the neck, she gently put it on the desk beside her, stroked it lightly and softly with her fingers, and said in a low voice: "This is what Dong Mi wants, It is also something Yu Zheng entrusted to me before he died." It was a roll of delicate sheepskin, and because it had been close to the skin for a long time, it was stained with sweat, and it had a yellow color of old ivory.She said softly: "I think it's also the reason why my mother and child are separated alive, and I have eternal nightmares...it's called "Liver and Gallbladder Record"."

She looked up, and although it was July, the word "liver and gallbladder" seemed to rise suddenly in the fiery weather of July. The world is like ice and snow——Yuezheng often says that the world is like ice and snow.But in this dry and snowy world, is there really such a heart-wrenching violence as he mentioned? Old Man Yu said "Huh" and said, ""Liver and Gallbladder Record"?" Then he said, "Is this what Dong Mi wants?" He's been around for a long time, and he knows that this matter must be very relevant, but that's not what he cares about.He paused and said, "It's okay, anyway, the longer the time delays, the more beneficial it may be for us."

Pei Hongling raised her eyes suspiciously: "Why?" ——It is reasonable to say that the longer the time drags on, the more elaborate Dong Mi's plan will be, and the less likely he will face their endless pursuit. How can it be more beneficial to him? She knew that no matter how old Lu Kuangan is, and no matter how old Yu Guo is, he will become stronger and stronger, but with the help of the two of them, even if they do everything they can, they will not be able to stop Dong Mi's attack. Endless pursuit and overwhelming power. Just listen to Yu Guo's old way: "Do you feel that after leaving Tongguan, even though you have been hunted down many times and encountered a group of troublesome bandits, the journey is still surprisingly peaceful? It seems that Dongmi doesn't want to make trouble with open flames. The world is agitated, and they don't really have a big fanfare, which is not in line with their usual style. They have always killed others and acted recklessly. Have you ever figured out what is the real reason why they are so forbearing?"

Pei Hongling smiled slightly and said, "That's not due to the reputation you gained from 'Daguandao' back then." Old man Yu smiled wryly: "You overestimated me, and underestimated 'Dongmi'. They wouldn't be afraid of a person like me who has half of his body buried in the ground. I think they are not afraid of me, but another person." Pei Hongling's expression was startled: Another person? Old man Yu used a bamboo stick to pierce his oil-filled dry tobacco pipe, tapped the bottom of his foot again, and then said leisurely: "Have you ever thought that 'Dongmi' is a thorn in the side of avoiding Yushi Xiao?" , The thorn in the flesh, why didn't he strike when he was alive, and waited until his death?" Pei Hongling was stunned for a moment, but she hadn't thought about it.She is not from the rivers and lakes, so she doesn't understand the common feelings in the rivers and lakes.She murmured: "Perhaps, they are afraid that the deceased husband is an official of the imperial court after all, right?" Old Man Yu couldn't help laughing, and coughed twice: "Hehe, this, I won't. They have a strong foundation in the court, and Xiao Yushi is not a high-ranking official in the court after all. He has been famous for a long time, but after all, he is not a member of a family like your elder brother and others in the imperial court. His roots are not deep, and there is no strong support in the imperial court except Qingyi. You have been married to Yuzheng for so many years, and you have never seen him meet. What assassination was there?" He regards Pei Hongling as his son's generation, so calling her dead husband's name is also called "Yue Zheng", which is also a kind of love.Pei Hongling thought for a while: "I haven't thought about this yet." Then, she suddenly blushed, with a bit of embarrassment on her face, as if she was a little embarrassed to mention something. Seeing that Old Man Yu was still waiting for her to speak quietly, Pei Hongling hesitated before saying, "I only know that five years ago, it was not that no one thought of doing it. It is said that those few people are quite famous in Lintong near Chang'an. , It seems to be called "Lintong Five Rats". But later, it seems that they were blocked by a... woman who seems to be well-known in the Jianghu. She seems to have always been quite... ...Concern is a ... bosom friend that Yuzheng met in Lintong. She once threatened with a knife, and it seems that she took the initiative to settle the matter. Yuzheng didn't hide it from me, but... I didn't ask carefully. " She and Xiao Yuzheng have always treated each other with respect, and they both feel that each other is the love of their lives, but they always know each other when they encounter emotional embarrassment.Old man Yu was well-versed in the world, so of course he could guess the general situation after hearing the words, so he didn't mention this embarrassing old incident, and said indifferently: "Maybe you are talking about that 'My Lady' Cheng Fei? Although she is good, but with her Kung fu fame, but it will not make 'Dongmi' afraid of it. I remember you told me that before your late husband passed away, you asked you to take the child back to his hometown Zhuji, and you mentioned the 'Xiao Clan' two Words—that as long as you get there, as long as you find someone, it will be a big deal, and he will bear it with his own sword?" Pei Hongling nodded. She didn't pay much attention when Yuzheng said it at the time. It wasn't until later when she saw the storm in the rivers and lakes that she suddenly remembered Yuzheng's words - what is meant by "even if there is something big, He also bears it with a single sword"? ——If this sword is indeed able to bear, what kind of person will it be?How earth-shattering a long sword?What kind of life-and-death friendship with Yu Zheng? She was stunned, and said hesitantly, "That's right. Uncle Yu, do you know who he's talking about?" There was an envious and reverent look on Old Man Yu's face. He suddenly raised his eyes, looked at the roof of the farmhouse, and said in his mouth: "...I guessed it too. If my guess is right, then that person should It's him." "Who?" Old Man Yu suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Xiao Xiao!" Pei Hongling was taken aback: "Xiao Xiao?" Old man Yu suddenly flicked the residual leaf in the pipe in his hand, and said in a vibrating voice: "I have the sword of Changqing in my hand, who is more despicable in the world? - Hehe, I, Yu Meng, am not used to boasting in this life. But if you It really was him that the deceased husband was talking about, so who else can if he can’t? He will also take care of the big things for you!” In the kitchen, there is still the aroma of the fresh fried eggs with leeks that Pei Hongling cooked just now, which is an ordinary farm smell.When old man Yu smelled this fragrance, he couldn't help being moved: Pei Hongling could still care about the appetite of an old man when her husband died.He didn't say anything, his thoughts stopped for a while, and then his thoughts were no longer trapped by the fragrance, and he drifted back to the rivers and lakes that sang long songs. "Actually, although I have avoided living in Lintong and died of old age, I am in the Jianghu. I have paid attention to things these years-including the rumors in the court and the battles in the Jianghu. Although I am not sensitive, but first-class There are few major events that I did not pay attention to and remember. Do you know why I took your dart at that time? ——I have already completed the business that should have been done this year." Pei Hongling was silent. I only heard old man Yu say: "Because—at least half of the reason is——you are the widow of someone Xiao. Xiao Yuzheng stands upright, and even though I am in the Jianghu, I have always admired him. But apart from admiration, I have always been quite confused, and I often think: With his pride, with his utter innocence, with his number to touch the power, let alone going against the fiercest and most secretive "Dong Mi" in the world, how can he rely on his strength? How can you live well without being plotted against?" Yu Meng took a deep breath of dry smoke, "Later, I heard some rumors, and I roughly guessed the secret. Yuzheng seems to be related to the Yiren University of the Zhuji Xiao Clan. You have been in the deep house for a long time, so you may not know it. The actions of the deceased husband are not always without danger. The people of 'Dong Mi' probably planned to get rid of him more than once. But according to the rumors in the world, there was a person from the Xiao Clan who made the move. He didn't target others when he shot. Picked Bi Hedan, the "Wu Chi" in Dongmi. No one knows the result of that battle. But it is said that he made an agreement with "Dongmi", as long as he is there, Xiao Yushi will live one day, Dongmi You have to promise him a day of peace. He will not do anything about Dongmi, and "Dongmi" will not touch your dead husband. Since then, "Dongmi" has been suppressed by Xiao Yushi many times, but he has been holding back. The reason is that to this end." Pei Hongling was stunned for a moment, she didn't expect that there was such a secret.She hesitated and said, "Can that person do so much?" I only heard Old Man Yu say "hey": "Do you think 'Dong Mi' would be willing to do this? Nine years ago, Xiao Yu envoy wrote a letter saying that Guan You horse bandits were rampant. The cavalry general Wei Huo led the army to join the army and went to the conquest with Chen Qubing, and then Guan Zuo Yijing. But you know, he did this, but he offended a group of Guan Youhaoxiong. If no one mentions it, he is known as "Qilian Iron Cavalry, Zongheng Wuji's Qi Lian's "Sword on Immediate" faction has already vowed to take your family's head. But, hehe, hehe..." He raised his eyebrows: "At that time, I also heard rumors that although I had no remaining debts and it was difficult to get ahead, I couldn't help but want to take a stand on behalf of a rare and honest imperial envoy in this court. For this reason, I I also made a special appointment with my good friend Lu Changhan. But I have no confidence at all in dealing with the well-known "sword on horseback" faction in Saibei. "Eight Shuang', crossing the frontiers, never misses, although I, Yu Guo, don't dare to slander myself, but I also know that it is not easy to get along with each other - I am afraid that it will not help if this old life is thrown out. No idea Before I could move, Lu Changan had already inquired and returned the news, saying that the thirty-six cavalry of the Qilian faction were killed overnight in the deep ditch village in Muxu Cave, Qilian Mountain—— You can imagine the vertical and horizontal sword energy of that sword!" "—Thirty-six when they came, but eighteen pairs when they came. Changqing passed with a sword, and the gate was closed with ice and snow!" "As soon as this matter is over, these four slogans have been circulated in the world. Hehe, this incident, you say, even if 'Dongmi' has repeated dissatisfaction, how dare you say it so easily?" Although he spoke in a few words in a few words, his words were full of excitement, and even Pei Hongling couldn't help but feel his blood boil when he heard it.I only heard old man Yu continue: "So, I guess that although 'Dongmi' is a little quiet these days, they are still preparing. They probably will never let "Gandanlu" easily pass into other hands this time, so they plan to It must be extremely meticulous and detailed. At present, it is beneficial for us to oppose it than for them to delay it. They haven't figured out a way to appease the Xiao Clan, but fortunately, their original promise was only for the safety of your deceased husband. But come to think of it, they You must not let Xiao Xiao know about this. Otherwise, even though Xiao Xiao is far away from the outside world but does not change his brave sword, once he makes a move, it will be a great trouble for Dong Mi. But as long as Dong Mi makes another move, he will only I'm afraid it won't be as easy to deal with as the last few times. They must finish this matter before Xiao Xiao hears about it. So, these two days, I tried my best to get rid of their eyeliner. You can avoid Pei's residence in Nanchang, and I will I promise you to turn around and look for Xiaozhi. But even if you have your own brother's wing protection, you must not take it lightly." "Because Dong Mi is going after you mother and son with all his strength this time, and it seems that what you hold has interfered with their life and death." He coughed: "And..." There was a trace of hesitation in the words of this always decisive old man: "Hongling, I know the pain in your heart, the loss of a husband and a child—but even if something really happened to Xiaozhi, you must not... must not Think about committing suicide." After he finished exhorting this sentence, he seemed to feel more at ease, and looked at Pei Hongling eagerly, waiting for her promise. Pei Hongling lowered her eyes and was speechless for a while.die?Death should be the easiest thing in the world. Finally, she caressed the small sheepskin scroll with her fingers, and said softly, "I won't." "I still have it." She gently flicked the small sheepskin roll, "Although I, a woman, may not be able to help the world, but this is Yu Zheng's entrustment before his death. As long as this matter is not resolved, I will not They will follow the example of that foolish man and woman, escaping with death irresponsibly."