Chapter 15 chapter Ten

Di Gongli was on the deck of the Crescent Bridge, overlooking the sparkling waves under the bridge with infinite emotion, and couldn't help sighing frequently. "There are so many dead. Whenever I think of the bustling scene of the old capital, I can't help but shed tears. I remember the second-hand goods stalls on the bridge shoulder to shoulder, and pedestrians crowded on the bridge. At night, the lights are colorful and colorful. Leaning on the railing and blowing There are those who sing poems on the moon, those who sing while drinking wine, those who date men and women, and those who enjoy traveling with sticks—there is a scene of prosperity and peace. Not to mention the New Year, Shangyuan, and Dragon Boat Festival , Mid-Autumn Festival and other festive seasons. But now the wind is miserable, the sight is bleak, there are bones on the road, ghosts cry and people complain. Even this river is stinking, and the fish and shrimp are gradually dying!"

Tao Gan said: "My lord, don't worry too much, you will hurt your gold and jade body. The situation in the city has begun to improve. Qiao Tai and Ma Rong have sent people to dig a new canal, divert the Wei River into the city, and block all the traps. , Isolate the patients infected with the disease. The cremation of dead bodies is also in an orderly manner. Dr. Lu said that as long as the drinking water in the city is clean, the spread of the plague will be prevented. Generally, all plagues are caused by the unclean drinking water." Di Gongdao: "Natural disasters do not come singly, but also cause many human disasters. Those who take advantage of the danger to commit crimes, commit crimes, murder and rob must be severely punished!"

Tao Gan's conversation turned to Ye Kuilin's case. "The scene of the crime - a third person jumped into the corridor of Zhenliu Pavilion, and this case is a little more complicated." Di Gong said: "Swimming is not very difficult, but it is very easy for people to climb the ten-foot-high stone pillar from the water to the window sill. I also think that when the third person jumped into the corridor, the man Has the first woman left, or are they originally a party with a third party, and they have colluded with each other for a long time, just waiting for Xie Xie to strike. Besides, is Ye Kuilin going to smash the vase into the Huai River? A third person who entered? Tao Gan, I have an idea, could this intruder be He Peng?"

"What? Master, you said the intruder was He Peng?" Tao Gan was taken aback. "Well, that He Peng who has been stripped of his title long ago and still claims to be a general. He is a direct descendant of the old Chang'an family, the 'He' of 'Mei, Ye, He'—the respect Mrs. Ye's maid pays to him is the same as her Ye Kuilin's hatred can be clearly seen. Besides, will Ye Kuilin break the vase on purpose to attract people's attention to the willow garden picture on the vase, and remind future generations to investigate the clues to solve the case. I found the willow garden on the vase The picture is actually very similar to He Peng's mansion across the river."

Tao Gan twirled the three black hairs on his left cheek, nodded slowly, and said, "It's quite possible. Didn't the maid say that Ye Kuilin is a cruel and cunning person? It's hard to say that he wouldn't come up with such a way to avenge his grievances." desperation." Di Gong pondered for a long time, then suddenly said: "Tao Gan, since we have arrived at the gate of He Peng's mansion, why don't we just make an unexpected visit. Although the idea of ​​Liuyuan map is far from Ji, but He Peng may be able to do it." Give us more about Ye Kuilin's recent situation. I can also secretly speculate whether Guihua's words are true."

They walked down the Crescent Bridge, and saw a row of green willows dancing on the Baisha embankment along the river. The breeze was blowing and the coolness was blowing.Going all the way in, I saw two gate towers made of pine, willow and bamboo in the depths of bamboo.There is a plaque hanging outside the gatehouse, which reads "Liuyuan" in two green official scripts.The peaks turn around, the winding paths lead to secluded places, and the river water can be seen in the shade of willows, which is far away from the shadow of a water pavilion. After crossing a small stone bridge, you can see a beautiful pavilion when you look up, and you can still vaguely distinguish it under the moonlight with blue tiles and yellow tints.The vermilion lacquer gate is decorated with golden willow leaf patterns.

Tao Gan knocked on the brass ring on the door, but there was no movement for a while.Tao Gan got up, and knocked quickly like a drum, and then he heard someone walking inside the door, and then the door creaked open, and a big man with a tiger's back and ape's arms flashed out, with a beard on his face.He was holding a candle in his hand, and his wide sleeves were pulled up.He asked aloud, "Who are you looking for?" Tao Gan replied: "Master Di Renjie, who stayed behind in Kyoto to take charge of Jingzhao Yinshi and Dali Temple official minister, came to visit Mr. He Peng."

"My God! It turned out that it was Mr. Di who came here, and He acted sluggishly and spoke violently. I hope that Mr. Di will be merciful and forgive me, and I don't think that people in the grass and wild are careless about etiquette." As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Mr. Di, feeling suspicious in his heart. , couldn't help but bowed and stood aside. Di Gong said with a smile: "I'm just strolling here with the director of the Yamen, Shi Taogan. I have nothing else to do. I just want to ask for a sip of tea. I hope it's convenient for Mr. He." "That's easy to say. Mr. Di came to our house, and it was full of brilliance. He held the pot and cup personally, and talked about paying respects. ——Fortunately, the house is free, and I'm the only one to stay. Master Di, Mr. Tao, why don't you drink tea in the inner courtyard , sit down for a while."

He Peng led Di Gong and Tao Gan through the gallery, through the hall and into the inner courtyard.Just as he sat down in a pavilion near the water, Di Gong said: "Mr. He, I think it's better to go back to the pavilion facing the river just now. There you can enjoy the moonlight and water color inside and outside the willow garden. Besides, the sedan chairs in the yamen My husband will come to pick us up on the Crescent Bridge in a while, looking down at the window, it's not too late." "Master Di's idea is true. To be honest, I was dozing off in that pavilion just now. The moonlight shines on the water at night, and the water waves reflect the moon. It has a pleasant and human flavor."

As He Peng said, he led Di Gong and Tao Gan back out of the small courtyard, walked around a garden rockery along the zigzagging railings, and entered the Yiwen hall through the side door.Going out from the back of the hall is the pavilion facing the canal. He Peng led the guests up to the pavilion, and opened the two windows facing the canal.Di Gong looked over and saw the window sill of the standing stone pillar on the promenade of Zhenliu Pavilion in Yefu across the river.He Peng asked the guests to sit on the table and bamboo chairs, lit the two large candles on the copper candlesticks on the confession case, and then pulled a bamboo chair to sit down.

Di Gong looked around the entire pavilion, and saw many spears, spears, bows and arrows hanging on the back wall, and a silk painting in the middle, which showed a heroic general returning from the battle on horseback.A tiger skin was draped on the big bed in the corner, and a pair of gold armor from two hundred years ago was neatly piled up. He Peng laughed and said: "My great-grandfather was fond of hunting. Back then, the banks of the canal were still lush and wild forests, and the rest was just a hunting hut. The past is like smoke, and it is hard to look back. The high banks are valleys, and the deep valleys are mausoleums. Today The whole world is the territory of the Tang Dynasty, and the people in the sea are the subjects of the Tang Dynasty. The title passed down by the ancestors has been cut, and the food has been lost. After three generations of generals, I am not even allowed to wear a waist knife. Haha! This willow garden It has become the only property of my He family. If you don’t inherit power, why should you be sad? Du Kang is the only one who can relieve your worries. Drinking and hunting have become my hobbies. Chang'an City was crowded with officials, so I had to huddle in this willow garden every day to taste tea and take a nap. Sometimes I also went to have a cup of wine at the Hou Ye's mansion opposite. money, but hugging women every day to have fun. I still like to go to the countryside to hunt roe deer and hares." "Then what about Mei Liang? Do you often hang out with Mei Liang?" Duke Di interjected. "Although Mei Liang is also from a family in the Guan, the era of the Jin gentry has passed, but he is shameless, dedicated to the government, flattering and flattering. He made money well and became a wealthy man. After all, the sky has eyes, and he fell to his death under the stairs. Every day Zhaozhao, I'm not happy at all." After saying that, he stole another glance at Di Gong. Di Gong is not happy.He asked again: "Mr. He just said that Ye Kuilin was having fun every day. Do you know the name of the singing girl who has been frequenting Ye's mansion for the past ten days? There are already rumors outside." He Peng's face was gloomy, and he replied: "Master Di is referring to Miss Shan Hu. I don't know what the rumors say about her? I have seen her once or twice. Her singing and dancing are like the angels of Guanghan in Yaotai, and her appearance is also beautiful. Handsome and coquettish. Even the Holy Father's Jiaofang Sili couldn't pick out a similar one." "Does He Xianggong know which academy's team leader this coral lady is?" Tao Gan asked. "Ye Kuilin refused to say anything about this—he forbade me to chat with them alone." "They? You mean another pimp?" "I've only seen one: it was an elderly man with uneven shoulders and a slightly hunchbacked back, but he could play the drums well." "He Xianggong, there is some chaos in the Ye Mansion on the opposite bank tonight. When you stand in front of this window and look at it, do you see anything unusual? The Zhenliu Pavilion promenade along the river in the Ye Mansion is really amazing from here. Fundus!" Di Gong began to insinuate. He Peng shook his head, and replied: "I drank some wine tonight, closed the window very early, and never carefully watched the movement on the other side. I remember that the corridor on the other side was only dark." Di Gongdao: "Shu Shan went to Ye Mansion tonight. Something happened in the corridor!" He Peng was startled, and hurriedly asked: "What happened? What happened?" "Ye Kuilin was killed." Di Gong said calmly, keeping his eyes on He Peng. He Peng jumped up immediately, and shouted in confusion: "Master Ye was killed? Heaven is above! He is dead too!" Suddenly he stared at Duke Di with fearful eyes, and asked, "How about his eyes?" Di Gong was startled for a moment, then calmly replied: "The black pearl of his left eye fell out of the socket." He Peng's face turned gray, his teeth chattered, and his head was dripping with sweat. Di Gongdao: "Mr. He dared to believe that nursery rhyme? Who killed Ye Kuilin after you think about it?" He Peng shook his head, with a blank expression, and Di Gong took out the earring inlaid with red jade from his sleeve, showed it to He Peng, and asked, "Do you know whose jewelry this is?" "Miss Shan Shan's. Master, I recognized these earrings as Shan Shan's at a glance. Shan Shan, a little foxy girl, sees me every day, singing and dancing will give off a lot of tricks, as if dedicated to my friend He Peng's attention, a hundred kinds Enchanting, very pitiful. She gave me secret glances several times. One day, the drummer secretly handed her a piece of letter paper to me. The letter said that she hated Lord Ye so much that she begged me to help her escape from the tiger's mouth. I think I have to act bravely in such matters, and I must never stand by and laugh at my skirt. Now that he is dead, it doesn't matter to me. Ye Houye has the most vicious habit of abusing women. The whip once killed maidservants and prostitutes. Shan Shan, a little vixen, is careful in every step and is always on guard, but Ye Houye saw her salivating greedy look when she danced, her despicable gaze, and bloodshot eyes. , it makes people feel terrified, and they have to sweat for the coral." "Does Ye Kuilin know that you are fascinated by coral?" Di Gong asked. "Haha! Fascinated? You can put it this way. Every time I see her, I am really mesmerized, and my body seems to have lost my soul. I haven't seen her for three days, and my mind is in a trance. ——Whether you believe it or not, the master, the facts are like this. Of course Ye Kuilin knows the grievances. He has long seen that Shanhu is in love with me. This guy first shut me down a few times and refused to let me into Yefu. Later, he wanted to He came up with a trick. At night, he put down all the bamboo curtains in the corridor of Zhenliu Pavilion, and lit the candles in the corridor brightly. Then he made the coral stand on the embroidered couch to dance—dance those ling The disgusting dance deliberately made me see him, amuse me, and mock me. This guy is really despicable and evil. I wanted to shoot an arrow several times, and it shot through the bamboo curtain. But I was so short If you understand the meaning of words, you will only admit your grievances." He Peng let out another long breath as he spoke, and beat his knees with his fists. Duke Di asked again: "When Shan Shan comes back to dance, who does Ye Kuilin allow to enter the corridor?" "Only Dr. Lu, he can come and go as he pleases. Dr. Lu is the same as him. He is also a dirty and dirty disciple. I heard that he also mixed some aphrodisiacs for Lord Hou." He Peng said angrily. Di Gong was silent, took out a folding fan from his sleeve and fanned it slowly, and suddenly said after a while: "Mr. He, the willow garden of your house was designed and built according to a pattern called willow garden picture on porcelain." ?” He Peng's eyes flashed a strange look. "The Willow Garden?" "Yeah!" Duke Di nodded with a smile. "My master guessed wrong. On the contrary, it was our garden that provided the porcelain painter with the prototype of the pattern." Di Gong was startled, exchanged glances with Tao Gan quickly, and then said: "In this way, Mr. He must be able to tell the whole story of the characters in the willow garden. I have heard various legends. In the garden lived an old rich man who had a young and beautiful daughter..." "My lord, don't believe in the fictions of the market. My family never talks about this Liuyuan, let alone confirm the nonsense story of Liuyuantu. Alas, the truth is not glorious, and it is also a part of our family's history." Zhuang family ugly. If the master is interested, I might as well show up and listen to the master. I just hope to help the tea party tonight and break the silence. When you leave the Liuyuan gate, don't make it public." Mr. Di clapped his hands and applauded.He saw a strange gleam in He Peng's eyes, which could reveal his nostalgia, repentance and helpless sadness for the glory of the past. "The story of Liuyuan can be traced back to the great-great-grandfather. At that time, the world was just settled, and the country was established at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. The heroes of the Eighteenth Routes disappeared. The rich families in Chang'an in Guanzhong surrendered to the new dynasty, and were deprived of their titles, food, servants, Liangtian, —— the great-great-grandfather was a general and won the three armies bravely. After resigning from office, he entertained himself at home every day and spent the evening. Although he lost his position in the court at that time, fortunately he still had money to squander in his hands. He spent 6,000 taels of silver to buy a kabuki named 'Sapphire' - the old man devoted all his spiritual interest to this sapphire in his later years. The two are also in love in every possible way, and they are inseparable day and night. He expanded this villa for Sapphire. Sapphire’s original surname was Liu, and he saw that Sapphire’s slender waist was as graceful and lovely as a wicker, so he planted willow trees all over the river, built a few towers and pavilions, and personally named this garden "Liuyuan". The word 'Liuyuan' on the plaque is Xian Zeng's own handwriting." "The old man showed his sincerity to the sapphire. Not to mention the gold, silver, silk and satin, delicacies from mountains and seas, but whenever the sapphire opens its mouth, it will respond to any request. Even if she wants the moon in the sky, she can't wait to take the ladder to pick it for her. She only hopes that the sapphire will always smile. Staying, satisfied. However, after all, Sapphire is a firework-loving woman. She gradually got tired of the life in the willow garden. First she sighed, shed tears secretly, and then she made a fuss, which was difficult for others. Finally, she fell in love with a son of the Mei family. After lingering for a while, I thought of running away. There is a water pavilion at the east end of the small stone bridge in the willow garden. One night, Mr. Mei secretly parked a small boat by the water pavilion. That day he inquired about the great-great-grandfather We had a banquet at Kang Pinghou’s house, and we agreed that Sapphire would wait on the stone bridge to fly away with him.” "The sapphire was wrapped in gold and silver and had just come down from the pavilion. The great-great-grandfather happened to meet her when she returned home, so she ran to the stone bridge desperately. Mr. Mei was waiting on the bridge. Then he took the sapphire and rushed down to the water pavilion, jumped on the boat and untied in a hurry. The great-great-grandfather saw that it was Mr. Mei who was seducing him under the moonlight, and fainted on the bridge in a fit of anger. The small boat carried Mr. I hid in Kang Jinghou's mansion for a while, and then disappeared." He Peng stared at the night sky outside the window with a pair of melancholy eyes, paused for a long time, wiped off the sweat that was dripping from his forehead, and continued, "The old man has been paralyzed in bed since then, and has never gotten up again. Helping him to sit on a chair, he stared silently at the stone bridge in the shade of the willows in a daze. He couldn't move his whole body, only a pair of eyes full of remorse and anger shed a few hot tears from time to time. .——Such days have lasted for six years! There is not a day in the six years that the old man does not dream of the sudden return of the sapphire, " He Peng's face twitched, revealing a look of pain.His bloodshot eyes gleamed with the same regret and fury as his great-grandfather.His fists were clenched, his lips were white, and the wrinkles on his forehead were deeply sunken.After pondering for a while, he slowly straightened the lock of hair hanging down his forehead, and said with a wry smile: "Master Di may be tired of it, and turning over the old imperial calendar is in vain. Come, drink tea. The tea is cold." In short, the late scene of the great-grandfather was miserable enough." He bit his lip tightly, trying to suppress the turbulent emotions in his chest. "He Xianggong hasn't got married yet?" Di Gong asked. He Peng nodded in embarrassment, and gave a wry smile: "Yes. I'm not married yet. I'm ashamed to say that after 400,000 years, my golden years are gone like water flowing eastward. I think very much. Transparency is really the so-called seeing through the world of mortals. Besides, Mei Liang is dead, Ye Kuilin is dead, and I, He Peng, will die soon. The ups and downs of our three families are bound together, and our three people's life span It's closely related. Isn't the nursery rhyme saying 'you can't live forever'?" Tao Gan gave Di Gong a wink.Di Gong saw an official sedan chair parked under the Crescent Bridge under the window. Di Gong hurriedly bowed his body and said, "Mr. He, I have been so kind to you and treated you with a cup of tea. I didn't feel like lingering on it. It was very disturbing. I will take my leave." He Peng still has more than enough affection, so he can't help being embarrassing.Seeing Di Gong standing up, he hurriedly bowed to salute, and sent him down the pavilion with a candle. When he left the gate of Liuyuan, Di Gong said with deep emotion: "He Xianggong, unexpectedly I only heard the origin of this Liuyuan map tonight. ——He Xianggong, please stay."