Chapter 4 Chapter Four

What Di Gong said, Ma Rong didn't understand what he meant, and showed surprise on his face, but Huan Gong didn't explain, and the two walked back to the county government silently.Qiao Tai opened the yamen and reported that Tao Gan was waiting in the study of the inner yamen. Di Gong also called Hong Canjun.The four relatives sat down in front of the book case with the cadre, and Di Gong gave a brief account of his encounter with Ding Xiucai, and then ordered Tao Gan to report back. Tao Gan stretched his thin face longer than usual, and said: "Master, it seems that the situation is not good. This guy Qian Mou is very cunning, and he has great power here. He is extorting money everywhere, seeking people's fat and anointing, but He did not offend any respectable family of officials from the capital. In this way, no one reported him to the court when he ran amok in Lanfang. The same is true of his son Ni Qi. Ding Yi was insulted by his minions in the market today. It is probably a misunderstanding. According to reports, there are still many officers and soldiers who fled under Qian Mou's subordinates. Some of the newcomers who did not know Ding Yi accidentally injured him It is also inevitable.

"Qian Mou is as cunning as a fox, and he knows the truth that the bow will break if it is pulled too tightly. Therefore, for the wealthy businessmen and tycoons in this county, the famous and famous stores are not trying to suck the marrow out of the marrow, but to let the shops and stores still have some benefits after paying a lot of money. In addition, he can maintain the peace and order of the place casually. If someone who fights is caught by his men, he will be beaten to death on the spot. His minions go in and out of various tea houses and restaurants, eating and drinking, never It is a fact that he does not give a copper coin, but on the other hand, Qian Mou spends money like water, and he and his minions are all patrons of many famous shops in the city. It is those small shops and shabby shops that the craftsmen and craftsmen are most oppressed by him. Now the people of a county have to come and accept, resign themselves to fate, and don't know the situation in this world."

Di Gong asked: "Are all Qian Mou's minions loyal to him?" Tao Gan asked back: "Why are they not loyal to him? There are about a hundred of that group of hooligans, and they spend their days in taverns and casinos to have fun. The fugitives in the army would not be where they are today without the Qianzhai, a place where they can hide their filth and filth! Speaking of Qianzhai, it looks like a fortress, not far from the west gate, with a very high outer wall and a row of Sharp iron, four daggers in hand, sword out of sheath, guarding the gate day and night." Di Gong was silent for a while, slowly stroked his beard.After a while, he asked Tao Gan again, "How is your inquiry about Ni Qi's situation?"

"Ni Qi lives near Shuimen. I heard that this person seems withdrawn by nature, doesn't like to make friends, is over forty years old, and has little to offer. However, I have heard a lot about the late ambassador Ni Shouqian. It seems that Ni The presence of the public is rather strange. Mr. Ni had a large farm at the foot of the mountain outside the Dongcheng Gate, where he spent most of his life in a private courtyard. Now the courtyard is dilapidated. There is a labyrinth behind the courtyard, occupying The land is more than hundreds of mu. It is said that the other courtyard and the labyrinth were built by a retired general under the command of the former emperor Gaozu during the Takede period. Mr. Ni bought this old property and rebuilt the labyrinth with hundreds of workers from Jiangnan Daojiu. After the completion of the work, the craftsmen were sent back to their hometowns. Humanity is a labyrinth where there are huge stones on both sides of the labyrinth, and vegetation, like two high walls. Some people say that there are countless snakes and lizards in the palace, and others say that there are pits everywhere on the palace road. There are different opinions. The maze It is so dangerous and unfathomable that the world guesses that even Mr. Ni would not dare to enter the palace easily. However, unexpectedly, he will enter the palace almost once a day, and he will go there for an hour or two."

Tao Gan finished speaking in one breath, and Duke Di listened, nodding frequently, with great interest.After listening, he said: "Anecdote! Anecdote! But I don't know that Ni Qi also often goes to the eastern suburb of Bieye?" Tao Shi shook his head and said: "No! Ni Qi left there as soon as Ni Gong's coffin arrived at the foot of the Eastern Suburb Mountain. Since then, he has never returned to the Eastern Suburb. Now the other courtyard is empty and unoccupied. , only an old man from the Ni family accompanied his old wife to guard there. Humanity said that the place is very unclean, and the ghost of Ni Shouqian often wanders there at night. Therefore, even in the clear sky and broad daylight, people who pass by the eastern suburbs will take a detour, and no one will Dare to step forward.

"Ni's Mansion was originally inside the East City Gate. Not long after Mr. Ni left, Ni Qi sold the old house and bought the current house near the water gate by the river in the southwest of the city. I haven't had time to go there to see it for myself. , I only heard that there is only a deep house compound in that area, and the house is surrounded by high walls." Di Gong stood up and paced, stopped for a while and said: "Qian Mou, in the final analysis, it is just a matter of fighting with swords and soldiers. I don't have much interest in it. This kind of thing is like a game of chess players. You can know the opponent's move at the beginning of the game. It is clear and clear. But two things confuse me: one is that Ni Shouqian’s last words before his death are so ambiguous, and the other is that General Ding wanted to be murdered, but he reported to the officials in advance. I am quite interested in these two things , intending to devote all my energy to it. But if Qian Mou is not removed, Lanfang will have no peace, so we must first get rid of this evil tease! How can it be! How can it be!"

Mr. Di pulled his beard, got up and said: "Now we will go back to our rooms to have dinner. After dinner, I will go up to the court for trial." Di Gong left the Neiya study and went to the inner house, and the four relatives went back to the house to value the house.Mr. Di's housekeeper had already prepared meals in the duty room, waiting for the arrival of the four of them. Just about to enter the door, Qiao Tai signaled Ma Rong to stay for a while.The two stood in the corridor, and Qiao Tai whispered to Ma Rong: "I'm worried that the master underestimated the difficulties we faced. You and I were both born in the army, and there is nowhere to use our martial arts. Making money is a godsend opportunity. Qian Mou is not an idler, he has a hundred people under his command, well-equipped and well-trained, but what about us? Of course you and I bear the brunt of it, and the master is both literate and martial, so naturally he is one of them, except for the three of us Besides, there is no one else who can fight in front of the battle. We are three days away from the nearest soldier card Pegasus. It is really far away from the fire. In my humble opinion, I still advise the master to be cautious in everything before we can Be prepared."

Ma Rong twirled his short beard lightly, and said in a low voice: "The master is not a blind man, how can he not know the elder brother's worries? I figured out how to judge the situation and deal with adversity, so as to turn the crisis into safety and turn danger into safety. I am afraid that the master has a clever plan. .” Qiao Tai said: "At present, the enemy is numerous and we are few, and the enemy is strong and we are weak. Even if we have clever plans, we are afraid that it will be difficult to defeat the enemy. If we are talking about us, if we fall down and stand upright, why should we be afraid? So what about the small family? Once Qian Mou gets their hands on them, he will never be merciful to them. I would rather speak bluntly and advise the master to cheat Qian Mou for a while, pretending to be a vengeful man, and then continue to plan a perfect strategy to eliminate harm for the people. As long as we send fine people to report the military information here to Chang'an, within half a month, a regiment of officers and soldiers will arrive at Lanfang."

Ma Rong shook his head and said: "If you haven't asked yourself to remonstrate, the master will definitely not listen. I think it's better to wait for a while, to see its evolution, and then make sense. As for myself, I have long ignored life and death, and died in the battlefield. This thought remains true to this day.” Qiao Tai said: "That's it, just follow what my virtuous brother said. Let's go into the house. I have to mention another word just now. Hong Canjun and Tao Gan are old and the other is weak. They know it will not help." Ma Rong nodded.The two entered the value room, gobbled it up, and had a hearty meal.

After the meal, Tao Gan wiped his chin and said, "I have been a servant in the yamen for more than six years, and I know the master very well. The most urgent thing now is to get rid of Ba Anliang, and it's not just a matter of blowing fire with the wind, and success will come soon. But at this moment, he is abandoning the basics, thinking about an old case and a murder case that may never happen, which is really puzzling. Hong Canjun, you have been with the master day and night all your life, and you know him best. I don’t know you What's your take on that?" Hong Canjun rested his beard in his left hand and was drinking soup. Seeing the question, he put down the soup bowl and said with a smile: "Over the years, there is only one thing I know the most about Master, and that is. Don't talk too much about his decision!"

Everyone laughed, got up and went back to Di Gong's Nei Ya study. When Hong Canjun helped him change his official uniform, Duke Di said: "There are no book servants in the court, and there are no soap servants. You wait for the four human rights and replace them." There is only a curtain between the inner Yamen and the court.Di Gong opened the curtain, Xu Bu walked into the courtroom, and sat down behind the official case on the high platform. He ordered Hong Canjun and Tao Gan to stand on both sides, with the right to be the secretary. Ma Rong stood still in his place and glanced at Qiao Tai.Both of them didn't understand why Di Gong wanted to act like he was actually promoted to trial.Qiao Tai looked at the empty hall, and couldn't help but think of the scene when he watched actors perform. Di Gong slapped the gavel, and shouted "Ascension" in a drawn-out voice, ordering Qiao Tai to escort the criminal to the front of the hall. Qiaotai tied up six strong men and a criminal woman with an iron chain, and brought them to the lobby. Di Gong looked serious, and ordered Tao Gan to record the criminal's name, surname, occupation, etc. one by one. Di Gong said: "All the criminals have listened. You gathered in the mountains and forests, blocked roads and robbed, intending to seek wealth and kill, and committed a capital crime. According to the laws of my Tang Dynasty, your family property should be confiscated, and your heads should be shown to the public for three days. To serve as an example to others. But it is the duty of herdsmen to abide by the law and do good. This county thought that none of the victims died, and the injuries were light. I also thought that you and the others were really first-time offenders, and you were forced to do it as a last resort. Therefore, this case is regarded as a special case, based on the heart of the world. Compassion is more important than the rule of law, and we have decided to release you. However, we must abide by a rule in this county: you must have the right to serve as slaves in the yamen. Yaqian. I hope you and other good students will make up for your mistakes and serve the country. At a certain time, the county will release you and others." All the criminals described it after hearing the words. Fangzheng wept and said: "The master opened the net three times, was merciful, pardoned the villain's capital crime, and recreated the same kindness. The villain will never forget it. He is like a bull and a horse, and he can't repay you. It's better to be respectful than obedient, just because of money." Mou Sheng is vicious, he will hold grudges the most, and he will never let us go. We escaped today, but we cannot escape tomorrow, the master spared us, we are also avoiding the pit and falling into the well, sooner or later we will die!" Di Gong slapped the startling tree and shouted sharply: "Look up at your county magistrate! Take a closer look at the black gauze official hat bestowed on this county by the imperial court! At this very moment, thousands of court officials across the country are wearing all kinds of The black gauze hat is placed on the large and small courts to enforce the law for the country and eradicate traitors for the people. This black gauze hat is the basis for the country to live and work in peace and contentment. This is what our ancestors followed. How can the descendants of Yan and Huang forget their ancestors and violate the ancient precepts! Since ancient times, the sun does not go west, and the water does not flow back. Qian Mou can be fierce for a while, but how can he be overbearing forever! If he blocks the car with his arms, he will be smashed to pieces! "Stand up all, unchain them!" Di Gong's enlightenment, penetrating, concise and to the point, Fangzheng and the others took it for granted.I also saw that the county magistrate was so confident that he was convinced long ago and couldn't help himself.After hearing this meaningful words, four of Di Gong's personal attendants knew that they were teaching them as well.Joe and Ma were so ashamed that they bowed their heads and were speechless.Listening to Di Gong's order to untie the criminals, he hurriedly unchained the seven people. Di Gong said to Fangzheng and the others: "You and others have been wronged and suffered a lot from Qian Mou. After you leave the court, you can report your grievances to Tao Gan and Hong Canjun. At that time, the county wants to deal with everyone The case—first trial. There are many urgent matters during the day, and you must work together to help the county. The six of you will go to the Hyogo to clean the weapons and clothes, and the county's personal assistants Qiao Tai and Ma Rong will follow. I will teach you how to do it. Fangzheng's daughter can go to the inner house to wait on the servants and obey the orders of the housekeeper. "Retire!" Di Gong slapped the gavel, stood up and left his seat, and walked back to the inner office. Di Gong changed into casual clothes and felt much more comfortable.Just about to read the official documents, Fangzheng came, and after saluting, he said respectfully: "I would like to report to my lord, there are still more than 30 people in the mountain, and most of them were forced by Qian Mou to abandon their homes and fall into the weeds, and now they are hiding in the tents in the mountains." I am very familiar with them. Except for five or six people who will not be able to work properly, the rest of them are good people who have always been law-abiding. I think one day I might as well take a walk in the mountains and choose the best ones to work in the Yamen. , I don't know how the master respects you?" Di Gongxi said: "Good idea! This matter is completely entrusted to you. You immediately drive your horses forward, choose the best, and order them to sneak into the city through the four major gates in twos and threes at dusk." Fangzheng took the order and left in a hurry. At night, the county government compound became a camp for soldiers.Ten soldiers were wearing lacquer helmets, leather armor, and red belts around their waists. Fang Zheng was leading them to use maces and knives; , Qiaotai taught them fighting swordsmanship. The yamen was closed tightly, and Hong Canjun and Tao Gan were closely guarded on the left and right. At the time of the Hai card, Di Gong ordered all the people in the street to gather in the lobby and pass down the order one by one.He also ordered everyone to wait in place, not to move or make noise.After sending the order, blow out the only lit candle in the hall. Tao Gan left the lobby silently, closed the door quietly, carried a lantern, walked through the dark corridor, came to the prison, opened the chain on the prison chief's hand, and cursed: "Magistrate Kuang will hand over the county seal to you so that you can survive. I don't care, but you don't know how to praise and neglect your duties. What's the use of keeping such a bag of money! Our master has already reprimanded you, I think you are pitiful, spare your dog's life, and go yourself! Our master will re-approve soon! The clerk who sent a letter to the recorder will definitely bring Qian Mou, the bully who is doing his best here, the first one to the lobby for interrogation!" The cell boss just stared at him with anger and didn't answer. Tao Gan led him out of the prison door, through the dark corridor, through the empty compound, and then through the servants' rooms where the patrolmen and Ya Zao usually lived, and there was darkness and silence everywhere. Tao Gan opened the yamen, pushed the jailer out, and cursed, "Get lost! You'll have to come back later!" The prison chief squinted at Tao Gan, and said with a sneer, "Listen with your dog ears up, not only is your master coming, but he's coming sooner than you think!" After finishing speaking, he disappeared in the dark street up.

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