"You can see Lord Chancellor today."
The next morning, Ke Yun was summoned by Seratsuki to go to Sugahira's house.Serisuki told him so with gray eyes that showed no expression.
Jitongyuan heard Qin Tsuki mention Ke Yun yesterday, and became interested in him.Although Ke Yun was happy, she also felt that everything always came too suddenly.When he was invited to Seratsuki's house for the first time, he only found out about it in advance.Because of this, he had no time to prepare himself every time.Ke Yun was not good at improvising.But maybe only in the world that Ke Yun originally belonged to, can the advance notice be regarded as common sense?In this village where there is an absolute ruler, those in power don't seem to care about the convenience of ordinary people.
Having said that, after he confessed to Touyi his reason for coming, things went smoothly unexpectedly.All this was caused by the death of Yuanchen.Ke Yun originally felt that this murder case had brought him a lot of trouble, but now he felt that maybe he should thank the murderer.
However, he is not sure whether it is appropriate to reveal his identity.Maybe I will fall into the enemy's snare like a moth to a flame.Especially now that he deeply realizes that his strength is weak, so he feels even more uncertain.
Ke Yun tried to cheer up, and accompanied the messenger to Dajing's palace.There was no trace of the commotion at the Xinneng Festival on the mountain road.In order to maintain the sacred image, the road surface was cleaned very clean, even more thoroughly than the last time I came here, as if trying to emphasize that nothing happened; passing through the torii gate, Ke Yun saw the basket snow alone Wait for him there.
"welcome."
His voice was still as cold as a precision instrument, but unlike last time, this time he greeted Ke Yun with a respectful attitude.This reminded Ke Yun of the entrance to the cockroach house.
"This is the end of my mission."
The envoy finished speaking in an emphatic tone, bowed deeply and went back.
The clock rang, and it was exactly two quarters past—ten o'clock.
"The Chancellor is waiting for you."
Kongxue's eyes, which looked like Zhi Heishi, didn't move at all when he spoke.His tone was very natural, as if he had forgotten what happened last time.Then he didn't wait for Ke Yun to answer, he turned and moved forward after saying "please follow me".
The gravel under his feet made a rustling sound.
On the roof of the front hall of the shrine, there is a beautiful chidori hafu decoration.Under the guidance of the basket of snow, Ke Yun took off her shoes from the side of the front hall and entered.When Ke Yun looked at the building from a distance, he felt that there was no decoration, giving people a simple impression; after entering the inside, he saw that the inner corners of the square columns and ceiling beams had undergone special surface treatment, and the overall project was actually quite labor-intensive. .But the builders deliberately hide these luxurious details in places that are not easy to find.
In addition, the four-color diamond-shaped logo of Dajing can be seen everywhere - including broken wind, beams, pillars, etc., as long as there is a gap, the logo of Dajing will be engraved.The interior of the palace is dominated by a monochromatic system with a calm temperament. Only the colorful and large mirror logo creates an unnaturally gorgeous atmosphere, making the whole building look like a hotel built in the forest.
There is a corridor along the slope of the mountain in the center of the palace.Although the slope was quite steep, Basket Snow seemed to be used to walking, and he climbed up easily with the soles of his socks on the ground.The curtains covering both sides are pulled up high, and the outside is the natural landscape of the mountains and forests.Here and there the trees had plenty of room to spread their branches—man-made adjustments, judging by the stumps here and there.The fragrance of the earth and trees is suffocating, the sunlight filters through the green leaves, and the murmur of the stream can be heard in the distance.
At the end of the long corridor is a palace in the form of a god, only about half the size of the front hall.Ke Yun asked Basket Snow walking in front.
"No, that's the palace of Lord Chancellor. The palace of the Great Mirror is behind it."
Kongxue raised her head slightly to answer.Ke Yun followed his line of sight, but was blocked by the roof of the corridor.However, judging from the style of the building, there should be a palace behind.That should be the main hall where the mirror is located.If the original place of Dajing is regarded as the God Realm, and the front place is regarded as the secular world, then the corridor is equivalent to the passage connecting the two places, and the Jitongyuan Palace in Juwen is the external window of the God Realm.
"Will the Salary Energy Festival be held again?"
"No decision has been made yet."
Kongxue's answer was very succinct. I don't know if it was because he didn't want to talk to Ke Yun more, or because the education of the guards didn't allow them to chat with ordinary people casually: "Mr. Ke Yun is here."
The two came to the front of the grid door, and the basket snow reported in a non-cadenced voice.
...Daekage's entourage, Chitoin, is here! ——Ke Yun couldn't help rearranging his collar.He was also quite nervous when he was brought to Seratsuki's room, but today he was even more nervous.He often seems to be preparing for the most important company interview.
"Please come in."
The white cloth door at the rear opened quietly.Kong Xue stood in front of the lattice door and after confirming that the cloth door was open, pushed the door open.The interior is a long room with three entrances.Ke Yun was taken to the room with the central cloth door opened.This is a small room.Although the building itself is large, it seems that the interior is divided into several rooms by cloth doors.This room was smaller than the room he stayed at Senbon's house, with wooden walls and a coffered ceiling giving the impression of simplicity and cleanliness.However, just like the front hall, the shape of the building looks simple, but in fact the production process is quite labor-intensive.
The Japanese room seemed to smell the fragrance of green grass.Chijwon sat in one corner with a straight posture.He was wearing the official uniform as he did during the Xinneng Festival.Even indoors, he still wears a black hat.Ke Yun's first impression of him was that his figure was much taller than Ke Yun's original imagination.
"I am the Chancellor."
When Ke Yun sat down opposite, Chi Tong Yuan spoke.His face is quite detailed, and his eyes are like emeralds.He didn't salute.Although holding the attitude of the Supreme Court will not give people a sense of oppression, Ke Yun feels as if the other party has seen through her whole body and even the inside.
"It's the first time we meet, my name is Ke Yun."
"I heard that you are Geng's elder brother."
The House of Representatives quickly answered the call.Faced with this unexpected conversation, Ke Yun couldn't help but raise his voice and answer: "Yes." He didn't know how the Council of Constituents would view this answer.The Chitongyuan continued: "I have already heard the general situation from Elder Sugahira. I heard that after Geng left the village, he returned to your place." "Yes...but he has passed away."
"It's a pity, he is a very good guard in Dajing." He said so with a cold expression.
"He was killed."
Although Serisaki should have mentioned this point already, the response from Jitongyuan was too cold, so Ke Yun had to remind him again. "That's why you came here?"
"yes."
"You believe that you can find something when you come here... just like Geng."
"What do you mean 'like Geng'?"
"He also came looking for something."
"real?"
Ji Tong Yuan watched Ke Yun and nodded calmly.There wasn't a single wrinkle on his face.
"What is he looking for?"
"I don't know about it. Except for Da Jing, probably no one knows about it? Geng found the answer in Da Jing, and that's why he stayed here to serve Da Jing."
The cool voice of Jitongin Temple overlaps with the sound of gurgling water.Ke Yun has been hearing the sound of water since just now, but now he can clearly hear the sound coming from under the floor.The building may have been built right over the stream.He even had an illusion, as if the stream flowed into this room, surrounding the two of them.Pillars, tatami mats, ceilings... the echo of the sound of water can be heard everywhere.Ke Yun realized again that this place is neither a city nor a village, but a space called a holy place. "Is the mirror here now?"
Hearing Ke Yun's question, Jitongyuan glanced at the door behind him.A colorful logo composed of four rhombuses is also engraved on the center of the two door panels.This sign is about one meter in size, and behind the door must be the corridor leading to the Palace of Mirrors.A picture flashed in Ke Yun's mind: At the end of the long corridor, there was a god sitting there—"The magic power of the big mirror will always exist."
"Can I see the big mirror?"
As he expected, the other party gave a negative answer.
"Then can you ask Da Jing for me, what exactly is my brother looking for?"
He cautiously used honorifics to ask questions, but the other party's answer was still quite cold.
"It's also difficult to do. Dajing doesn't interfere with such personal matters. He is in charge of the common sense of the world and is a unique existence."
Ke Yun finally met Chi Tong Yuan, but could not get any results.The previous tension relaxed, making him feel powerless all of a sudden.
"Then why did you bring me here? Isn't that pointless?"
"Don't you want to know about Geng's situation here?"
"yes."
"Then I can tell you as far as I know."
Hearing what the Supreme Court said, Ke Yun had no choice but to sit upright again, suppressing her anxiety and listening to the other party's words. "Keng—he was still called Suzu at that time—came to this village a year ago. He stayed at Fujinomiya's house for the first month here, so I don't know much about his situation at that time. According to Fujinomiya and others, he often shows an exhausted expression, in a state of self-abandonment, and seems to want to forget everything in the past. In addition, I also heard that he is like dry sand in summer, eagerly I was longing for something. Dajing heard about Geng and became interested in him, so he invited him to the palace." Exhausted and self-defeating... This description tortured Ke Yun.The impression Geng gives is not a bright and healthy image, but like the past—no, and the present—self.And it was him who pushed his younger brother to that point.Ke Yun lowered her head and held onto her knees tightly.
"Did my brother mention the cause of his pain?"
Chitongyuan shook his head slightly, and said: "As I said before, I don't know what Geng is pursuing, and Geng never mentioned it. It must be the same for other guards. Only the big Jing knew the reason. That's why Da Jing chose him as the imperial guard and named him Geng. Da Jing liked Geng very much, and he was the only one who was able to meet Da Jing among all the imperial guards."
"Can't the other guards see the big mirror?"
"That's right, only those who have permission can look at his face. At present, only I have this privilege." In other words, even as a guard, my status is still too low, so I can't see it like everyone else large mirror.In fact, in ordinary shrines, the deity of the god is usually sealed and cannot be seen casually.In addition, there is also a saying that if you see a living god with your own eyes, you will be blinded.
"Gen was redeemed through Da Jing's guidance. After seeing Da Jing, his personality gradually became cheerful and friendly. By the time he was selected as a guard to work in the palace, he had completely changed."
"How did Geng behave when he was working here?"
"Generally speaking, people who are imperial guards are more or less influenced by their place of origin - people in the East Village will lean towards Fujinomiya, and people in the West will lean towards Sugahira. Even if they themselves try to maintain a fair stance The same is true. Of course, this kind of thing should not happen. But the imperial guards are mortals after all, and some things are still hard to avoid. In some small details, I usually hold a tolerant attitude. However, although Geng is from the Vine The Miyazaki family will not take sides because of this. As Daigaku's servant, he always treats the villagers fairly. Of course, Fujinomiya may be a little disappointed by this."
The last sentence sounded like he wanted to restrain Ke Yun sent by Sugahira.
"You must have heard the evaluation of Geng. Geng obeyed Dajing's teachings and preached for him, and he was satisfied. Dajing was also quite satisfied with Geng's honest and sincere attitude. If he hadn't left here, no matter how much After staying for a while, maybe he will be selected as an attendant like me. So, this is really a pity."
The House of Councilors said so with an understatement.He didn't look like he was really disappointed. "Why did my brother leave here?"
"I don't know. He should have his own reasons. But as a guard serving the mirror, such behavior is indeed very inappropriate."
"Did he show any abnormalities at the time?"
Jitongwon closed his eyes and gave a negative answer.
"I heard that when my younger brother was here, he once persuaded a man named No Nagase to convert to Dajing."
"No Nagase?"
At this moment, the corners of Chitoin's upright mouth twisted slightly.Ke Yun did not let go of this small change. "That stupid man was working on making gold."
"I heard that he is an alchemist, but why is it against the mirror to make gold?"
"Gold is a unique perfect metal that only exists on the other side. It has the same properties as a large mirror." "A unique perfect metal?"
"Yes. Xijin is not polluted by any substance. It is in the highest position in the circulation of all things and is also the end of all things. It is the ultimate appearance that remains after removing impurities from all things. It exists in The great mirror on the other side is gold. In this world, only a very small amount of gold exists in the center of the world, which is the mountain of the great mirror—King Mountain—and nine thousand two hundred and sixteen must be cultivated in the mirror mountain. Years will come."
"Nine thousand two hundred and sixteen years?"
Hearing this extremely specific and huge number, Ke Yun couldn't help asking.This is a period of nearly 10,000 years—although all religions like to use exaggeration, this number still can’t help but surprise Ke Yun, “During this period, the material will remove all kinds of impurities and purify inside the mirror mountain.” Process. Simple substances such as copper and iron are also produced in the mountains, but after a short period of cultivation, they will reveal their wretched images. However, perfect gold will appear in this filthy world, even if there is this mountain and the big The power of the mirror must also take such a long time. Conversely, this shows how filthy the world is... When gold gushes out from the spring of the Great Mirror Palace, it can use its efficacy to make people's souls get Purify."
"So, if you have gold, you don't need a big mirror?"
"No. The Great Mirror is a perfect existence. Because it is absolute. Through pure gold, the power of the Great Mirror will be strengthened tens of thousands of times. In other words, gold has the function of a catalyst."
Gold seemed to be revered in this village beyond Ke Yun's comprehension.But since there is such a special medicine that even Zhengluwan is willing to bow down, the village should always maintain a state of peace, and there will be no disputes between the East Village and the West Village.From this point of view, is the gold mentioned here just a legendary substance?Ke Yun asked this question, and the Chitongyuan replied: "No, although there is only a very small amount, gold did appear once. It was three hundred and eighty-four years ago. The gold produced at that time is still enshrined in the In the palace of the Great Mirror, it still plays the role of strengthening the divine power of the Great Mirror. Therefore, the next generation of gold should be 8832 years later. It is a pity that not everyone in the village has pure and gentle But after eight thousand eight hundred and thirty-two years, when gold gushes out of the spring, righteous peace will come, so..." At this point, the tone of the House of Councilors became steady and powerful. "No Nagase wants to use low-level and impure substances such as sulfur or mercury to make holy and perfect gold, which not only violates the natural principles of all things, but also despises the power of the mirror." Nod.Of course he was not persuaded by the argument of the House of Representatives, but he learned that if Nonagase's attempt to make gold was successful (although this is impossible in terms of modern science), the Taijing 9216 year Toil becomes meaningless.And if the power of the Great Mirror can be replaced by a substitute, it will bring great flaws to the Great Mirror Cult.In other words, for Daikage believers, the man No Nagase is tantamount to advocating "I am a god greater than Daigage". "From this point of view, No Nagase seems to be a very serious rebel. Dajing didn't punish him, but just persuaded him to convert, which is really magnanimous."
"Yes. Daigaku represents the principle of things. People like No Nagase will not affect Daikage's status. Basically, Daikage cannot be affected by anything. He is an absolute existence. No Nagase just couldn't understand the truth. That's why we tried to guide him—not by force, but by reasoning. Dai Jing sent Geng several times to guide No Nagase to recognize the truth. Geng himself He also converted after realizing the greatness of the mirror, so he should be the most suitable person. Unfortunately, it was still in vain in the end."
Indeed, as the House of Lords said, a person converted from paganism should be more persuasive than a person who is born a believer. "I heard that Sugaira Totomi also visited him."
Chitongyuan raised his eyebrows slightly after hearing this.
"He is a very zealous believer, but sometimes his zeal is too much. And he seems to have a hostile attitude towards Geng. It's just..."
"Just what?"
Ke Yun asked.Chitoin stared into his eyes and replied: "You seem to think that the killing of Sugahira Enomi has something to do with Kok and No Nagase. Is this Mr. Serisaki's idea?" "No, this is my own idea .”
Serisaki probably didn't want his name to appear here.Judging from the conversation just now, the House of Councilors is very concerned about the impact of the guards' origins on their attitudes.And this is very likely to put Ke Yun in a disadvantageous position.So Ke Yun could only deny it again and again.
The Chisouin still looked at him suspiciously, but finally gave up, continuing, "No Nagase later committed suicide. I heard that he chose to commit suicide because he was hopeless about making gold. It is true that Sugaira Totomi used to resort to rough He tried to prevent his attempt to continue to make gold. But I don't think that is the direct reason for his suicide. Noble gold is not something that humans can make after all."
"I also heard that No Nagase's death was Daikage's punishment."
"That's impossible." The answer from the House of Councilors was unexpectedly straightforward.
"Daijing sent Koto to persuade No Nagase to convert. It is impossible to punish him at the same time. And basically, Daikage does not use such violent methods to punish people. The basic idea of Daikage is to let people deal with themselves Questions between each other." "For example, even if someone kills someone, Dajing will not directly punish him, but will only show the murderer through markings?" Ke Yun's question was somewhat teasing.But the Chancellor did not seem to have to seriously respond to the other party's teasing, just nodded.
"Do murderers really have green markings on their hands?"
"That's right."
His reaction was as Ke Yun expected.In this village, there seems to be no other answer.
"But why did Da Jing know..." Ke Yun originally wanted to ask this question, but she gave up.For them, this is a matter of course.In this village, markings will appear on the arms of the murderer, just like the redness and swelling of the lower leg will be as natural as bumping into the calf.And all this is caused by the great mirror in charge of cause and effect.Ke Yun changed the question: "Then why do murders still happen? Everyone knows that stripes will appear on the arms of people who kill people." "I can't answer this point. Maybe it's someone who underestimates the power of the mirror It's quite a pity. But when the stripes appear, the murderer must also regret it."
"If you waited slowly for the stripes to appear, the murderer might have escaped from the village first."
"Since the murderer violated the taboo of killing, of course, he may also break the taboo of entering the forest. Everyone is also worried about this, so they are eager to search for the suspect... But according to the regulations, what happens between the people must be resolved by the people themselves. Of course, in the end The punishment is determined by Dajing."
"Like Nonagase?"
"I can't guarantee what kind of verdict Daikage will issue, but it should not be as lenient as the example of No Nagase. No Nagase is just an ignorant child who doesn't understand the common sense of the world. On the contrary, the murderer is a rebellious person who knowingly committed the crime. Or, I don't think there is a way to make the murderer realize the truth."
Foolish child... Although Ke Yun often finds this description very appropriate, she also feels that the deduction process of the Council of Justice is a bit strange.No Nagase can be said to be a political prisoner who violated the Daigaku system, while the one who killed Toomi was an ordinary criminal.In many countries, political prisoners receive harsher punishments, but here the opposite is true.However, this is a closed village that has no communication with the outside world, and there will be no inflow of people from the outside—except for the cases of Lingling and Yi Guwait.Maybe it is because of this that we try our best to save those who still have hope? "Why can't the villagers leave here?"
"It's forbidden by Big Mirror."
The answer from the House of Representatives was very simple and clear.
"I believe you should be someone who can have a rational discussion. I want to know why Dajing forbids people from leaving the village." This is the biggest reason for the uniqueness of this village.This place seems to be a village that does not belong to Japan.The Chitongyuan paused before saying: "I think you may have misunderstood. The big mirror does not prohibit people from leaving, but prohibits people from entering the forest. The four mountains surrounding the village are called Siyue, which connect the other side with the present world. The sacred existence. Therefore, the people—except for the mountain people who have been allowed to enter the mountains to collect—cannot set foot on the four mountains. As a result, as you said, no one can leave the village. But this is only the result, not the purpose.”
Even if it is not the purpose, since everyone is forced to be locked up here, it is natural for people to speculate that there are ulterior motives.However, Ke Yun didn't understand the intention, or even whether it was really that important.
He leaned forward to ask more questions, but the Chancellor urged him: "It's almost time for Daejeong's lunch."
Ke Yun had no choice but to stand up.
"Thank you for telling me so much, can I come and see you again?"
"You are welcome at any time. I hope you can also comprehend the greatness of the mirror like Mr. Yi Gu and Geng."
Chi Tong Yuan saluted calmly, and Ke Yun quickly bowed his head in response.
After Ke Yun walked out of the room, the door closed silently.When he first arrived, he had a basket of snow to lead the way, but on the way back, he was the only one left to walk through the long corridor.There is no one in the front hall, and it looks quite idle.A dozen or so imperial guards usually stay in the shrine connected to the Noh stage.
Ke Yun has many questions to ask, and many things to confirm, but each one seems to get only vague answers.The reason is simple - because he didn't see Dajing himself.The House of Representatives is only an agent of external propaganda.Only Dajing knows the mood of Ling Ling and his real intention of being sent to No Nagase.
The Legislative Yuan may also be involved to a certain extent, but he is like the counter staff of the municipal office, who can use "don't know" as an excuse to shirk responsibility at any time.Maybe that is the case.Ke Yun also thought about passing through the palace of Jitongwon and going directly to the palace behind to negotiate with Daejing, but this way he might be kicked out of the village.Also as a human being, the power of Dajing's fingertips is thousands of times stronger than his.
After walking out of the palace, Ke Yun stopped and turned around.The majestic shrine perched in the mountains shows no trace of earthly warmth.Why does Ling Ling long for this place?At least for Ke Yun, this space cannot provide salvation or save souls, it only makes him feel a suffocating sense of oppression.
The cries of mountain birds came from the top of the mountain.Ke Yun suddenly thought of Song Chong.Touyi once said that the sound at night was the call of a mountain bird, but it was naturally completely different from the call heard at this moment.
Soon after, Ke Yun's thoughts shifted from the pine worm locked in the warehouse to the cicada locked in the room.
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