It is hard to know when the town bureau business started to exist, and when this industry began to decline is well documented. It probably began to gradually decline after the fifth king of the sword, and the emperor of the Qing Dynasty was over. Egg, in the Republic of China, the Escort had a period of "reflection", but it was already quite bleak, and it could not be compared with the heyday.The famous writer Lao She once wrote a short story called "Five Tigers Breaking the Soul Spear", which was about the bodyguard bureau and bodyguards in the dying period. After the rise of banks, the rise of the banking industry, the laying of railways, and the development of transportation, the Escort Agency can be said to have officially come to an end. By the 20th year of the Republic of China, there was probably no Escort Agency that was officially open for business.

The business of the Escort Bureau, in today's terms, is to escort property with arms. This kind of industry is called "licking blood on the head of the knife". The iron and silver transported belong to others. In the era of thieves and thieves, the lives of bodyguards are not guaranteed. Since the establishment of bodyguard bureaus, it is absolutely impossible to count how many bodyguards have sacrificed for their profession. The weather was so hot that the hot sun shone on the bluestone slabs of the long street, making people unable to open their eyes. Bare-chested, they shook their bamboo hats vigorously. Passers-by, and the panting dog with its tongue stretched out, were either hiding under the eaves or in the shade of the trees, so when the little daughter-in-law, wearing a white bamboo shirt, walked slowly behind a donkey cart When entering the street, it is particularly eye-catching.

Baxian County, Hebei Province is only two hundred miles away from Beijing, and it is even closer to Tianjin Wei, which is only over a hundred miles away. People with good feet can get there early in the morning and can get there after dark. It is not considered a small place. People in the sun, speaking of it, no one has never seen it before, but at this moment, the little daughter-in-law attracted all their attention. The little daughter-in-law was in her early twenties, dressed in plain clothes, with a white paper flower on her temples. She was probably a poor little widow. When she walked up the street, the people on both sides of the long street fell silent. Only the wheels of the donkey cart were creaking.

Under the sun, the young daughter-in-law's face looked very white, with beads of sweat oozing from the tip of her nose and under her bangs. Her expression was very peaceful, but there was a hint of sadness. A ferocious barbarian, if he sees her, he will probably soften his voice and not be fierce. The little daughter-in-law walked in front, and the donkey cart followed behind. The black donkey pulling the cart was smooth and smooth. The cart was small but very delicate. She didn't stop until she came to the Huichuntang medicinal herb shop. The old shopkeeper of Huichuntang Pharmacy came out together with a few clerks. Before the young daughter-in-law opened her mouth, the people beside the two people on the long street surrounded her. Seeing this situation, the young daughter-in-law seemed a little uncomfortable. But she immediately regained her tranquility, and said, "Shopkeeper, may I ask the Beiba Escort Bureau, which street is it?"

The young daughter-in-law's voice was so clear and soft, it seemed to my ears that even the summer heat had disappeared, and immediately several people crowded over and said in unison: "It's only two streets away from here, follow me!" The little daughter-in-law smiled at those people, and those people squeezed me and I squeezed you, and hurried forward. The little daughter-in-law reached out and patted the black donkey, saying: "It's almost there!" The old shopkeeper of Huichun Hall added another word, and asked, "Dare to ask, do you know the bodyguard from Beiba Bodyguard Bureau?"

The little daughter-in-law didn't make any more noise, she just shook her head, walked straight ahead, turned around the long street, she had already turned the street and was out of sight, but there were still more than half of the people standing there with their necks stretched out. The old shopkeeper of Huichuntang Pharmacy took off his presbyopic glasses, heaved a sigh of relief, wiped his silk gown, shook his head, and said, "This kind of talent can't even be seen in Beijing. He was widowed at a young age. How unlucky the beauty is!" As soon as the old shopkeeper started, there was a lot of chatter, but it was very lively. After a while, the few people who volunteered to lead the way just now turned around and said, "You didn't see her thank you, it was directed at me. You said it!" The other said: "What is that, the way she looked at me, she really thanked me from the bottom of her heart!" The two spoke louder and louder, neither would give way to the other, and they started fighting in the street.

The Beiba Escort Bureau is one of the 14 major Escort Bureaus in Tong Province, Hebei Province. Its signboard, the Escort Flag with gold embroidery on a red background, is a flamboyant "Ba" character, which is said to have come from the handwriting of Liu Yong, a scholar during the Qianlong period. From the year of Qianlong to the present, the Beiba Escort has produced many famous bodyguards, but now, the chalk outside the body of the bodyguard has also peeled off, and after entering the gate, weeds grow out of the stone cracks in the yard. The little daughter-in-law and the donkey cart entered the door, and the yard was quiet and there was no one there.

Before the little daughter-in-law made a sound, the black donkey started braying first, and entered the main door of the brick house three times in a row, and a young man came out. , with thick eyebrows and big eyes, she looked a bit silly, when she went out, she looked up and saw the little daughter-in-law, she was startled. The young daughter-in-law's voice was very low, but it was also very clear: "I want to see the chief bodyguard!" The young man looked his daughter-in-law up and down, his expression was a bit puzzled, and he said politely: "Please come in and sit down, the sun is too poisonous outside!"

The little daughter-in-law nodded, turned around and picked up a jar in the car. The jar is not big, if it is used to hold wine, it can only hold about ten catties or eight catties. The young daughter-in-law hugged the jar, and the expression on her face seemed to be more sad, which made the young man lead her to the house. As he walked, he kept turning his head to look at her.Entering the house, it is a Sichuan hall, and you can see the backyard, a big grape trellis, and a bamboo chair, lying a big fat man, snoring, sleeping soundly. There were a few people sitting in the Chuan hall, and when they saw the young daughter-in-law coming in, they were all stunned. The young man called the young daughter-in-law to sit down, someone brought the teapot, and the young daughter-in-law was sitting, but she still hugged the jar tightly.

The young man rushed to the side of the big fat man and pushed him hard. When the fat man opened his eyes, the young man leaned over and whispered a few words. The fat man lazily stretched out his hand, picked up the plantain fan on the ground, and fanned it. As he walked into the Chuantang, although the fat man walked slowly, his whole body was still shaking. When he saw the little daughter-in-law, he only had a pair of eyes fixed on the jar. The young man stood aside and said, "This is our Chief Escort." The little daughter-in-law looked at the fat man, frowned slightly, and suddenly sighed, stood up and said, "Oh, forget it, excuse me!"

While she was talking, she walked out, everyone was stunned, but the fat man laughed and said: "This guest, you look down on me, Fatty Yang?" The little daughter-in-law paused for a while, and said: "Don't dare. Youdao is a real person who doesn't show his face. Chief Escort, you are really capable, but the relationship is too big, I don't dare to take risks!" Her words were very tactful, but she clearly meant to look down on the fat man.This kind of words came from such a pretty, cute little daughter-in-law. If someone else said such words, those people in the escort agency would jump up on the spot and greet her with fists and kicks. That fat man is really upside down. Yang Guangda, the chief escort of the Beiba Escort, his martial arts are different, because the business of the Escort is not very good these days. Boundless, but it is well-known far and wide. Mentioning the name of "Dali Yang Fatty", everyone in Hebei and Shandong knows about guns and sticks. Although the little daughter-in-law is lovable, Fatty Yang couldn't hold back those few words on his face. With a sneer, he came to the little daughter-in-law, pointed to the jar in her arms, and said, "Even if you Inside, there are red goods worth millions, and the surname Yang can keep them to the sky!" The little daughter-in-law frowned slightly, sighed lowly, and said: "Chief Escort, you may have missed your mark. This jar is my husband's ashes. To me, it is more important than a million red goods. From the perspective of others, it is useless at all." As soon as these two words came out, not only Yang Guangda's eyes widened, but everyone in the escort agency also stood up together. The little daughter-in-law has been holding the jar tightly since she entered the door, and she is looking for bodyguards. Everyone thinks that there are gold and jewels that must be worth millions in the jar, but now it is said that it is just a jar of ashes , this is really unexpected.Fatty Yang also blinked, smiled helplessly, and said, "So you're here to make us happy!" The little daughter-in-law smiled faintly, and said: "Chief escort, do you think I am here to make you happy?" Yang Guangda squinted his eyes and looked at the little daughter-in-law. With the naked eye, one can estimate seven or eight points, but it seems that the beautiful woman standing in front of her seems to have infinite sadness in her heart, and she doesn't look like someone who came to make fun of someone. He forced a smile and pointed The jar said: "Since there are ashes in it, it is useless to others, why did you come to the bodyguard bureau?" The young daughter-in-law sighed, and said: "My husband had an enemy before his death. Chief bodyguard, you have been in the world for a long time. I must have heard her name!" At this time, the young man and other people in the escort agency surrounded him.Fatty Yang shook his plantain fan and said, "Tell me, as long as there is a hero in black and white, as long as he has a head and face, I know everything!" The little daughter-in-law sighed again, and said: "That enemy is cruel and merciless. Although she is a woman, she still dominates the mountains. The Jade Lady Poison Guanyin in Wanlonggu, Shandong, you know it!" The little daughter-in-law, "You should know" hadn't uttered the words, and the people in the bodyguard around the side couldn't help but took a step back. After all, Yang Guangda is the chief bodyguard, so he can hold his breath so that he won't be caught by "" The words "Poison Guanyin and Jade Lady" made him take a step back in fright, but the fat on his body trembled for a while. In Shandong and Hebei, there are a lot of gangs and bandits, besieging and plundering towns and cities, the officers and soldiers are completely helpless. Anyone who travels the rivers and lakes knows that on the underworld in Shandong, there are thousands of men gathered with Sun Meiyao who is holding a baby; Although there are not as many people as Sun Meiyao, the Jade Lady is haunted and specializes in big cases. That Jade Lady has heard that she is extremely beautiful, and she has many masters in the underworld. It's cheap, and I was excited when I went there. When I came back, I either lost an arm or broke a leg.The third son of Sun Meiyao, a big bandit, is famous for being romantic and unrestrained, with outstanding martial arts. He threatened to marry Jade Lady back and become the wife of the village guard. One eye was blind, one ear was cut off, and she fled back in embarrassment. Sun Meiyao gritted her teeth with hatred, but there was nothing she could do about it!Such a formidable person, usually people really don't want to think about it, but suddenly it comes out from the mouth of that pretty little daughter-in-law, how can it not surprise people?All of a sudden, not even Fatty Yang spoke up.The little daughter-in-law sighed and left without saying anything else. Everyone in the escort agency watched the little daughter-in-law walking out without making a sound. Seeing that the little daughter-in-law was about to step out the door, the young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes suddenly said loudly: "Wait a minute, but , that Jade Lady is going to harm you?" When the young man spoke, it was as if it was his duty to stand up and protect the little daughter-in-law. Even though Fatty Yang was winking at him and his fat face was twitching, the young man turned a blind eye to it. The little daughter-in-law paused for a moment, did not turn around, spoke bitterly, and said: "Forget it, I have gone to seven or eight bodyguard bureaus in a row. From the eyes of the bodyguards, they are all arrogant, but I heard The words 'Poison Guanyin and Jade Lady' are silent, so let me accept my fate!" The young man took another two steps forward and said loudly: "It's nothing, this escort, the Beiba escort agency is coming!" The little daughter-in-law turned around slowly, her black and white eyes fixed her eyes on the young man, and she didn't speak. The young man said to Yang Guangda, "Chief escort, I'm going to take this escort!" Fatty Yang frowned, and said slowly: "It's a joke to say that our Beiba bodyguard bureau is afraid of Yu Niangzi, but the rules of the bodyguard bureau only protect property, not human life, Tiexiong, have you thought about it?" The one called "Tiexiong" by Fatty Yang was the young man. It seemed that he was not very eloquent. After listening to Fatty Yang's words, he clenched his fists with both hands, and the veins on his forehead also appeared. He looked unconvinced. But she couldn't say a word, the young daughter-in-law smiled wryly, and said: "What I want to protect is only this jar of ashes, my own life is nothing!" Tie Xiong didn't say a word until this time, said: "Chief Escort, you heard that the ashes are also property, this little lady is sentimental, and the ashes are the priceless treasure in her heart!" Fatty Yang glared at Tie Xiong. Judging from his experience in the world, he always felt that something was a little strange. If he hadn't looked at the young daughter-in-law, who was full of sadness and solemnity amidst her beauty, he would have scolded Tie Xiong on the spot. How do you know people are passionate?He waited for a while, then nodded slowly, and said: "That's a good word..." Fatty Yang stared at the young daughter-in-law, and said, "Anyone who can enmity with Miss Jade must not be someone who is waiting for nothing. .” The little daughter-in-law sighed, and said: "Don't mention it, the Li family in Lingqiu, there are quite a few heroes out there, but which one will die?" Fatty Yang was taken aback again, immediately changed his expression of awe and respect, and said respectfully: "Little sister..." He called out, pointed to the jar, and said, "He is Li Who's the oldest?" The little daughter-in-law's eyes burst into tears, and she said, "Fourth." Fatty Yang let out a long sigh, and suddenly threw himself on his body and knelt down. Fatty Yang suddenly knelt down towards the young daughter-in-law. The young daughter-in-law leaned over and put the jar on the ground, but he dodged and avoided it.I saw Dali Yang Guangda, the chief bodyguard of Beiba Bodyguard Bureau, knelt on the ground, respectfully, and kowtowed three times to the altar. The little daughter-in-law was already rustling and sobbing.At this time, the old people in the bodyguard agency all looked solemn, but the newcomers were all baffled. Tie Xiong knew what was going on. He knew that eight years ago, Chief Bodyguard Yang had kept a group of fur dealers outside his mouth. , on his way back to Datong from Beijing, he met a hard-bodied gangster on the way, suffered eight stab wounds, and was about to die on the side of the road. It was a few young heroes from the Li family in Lingqiu, Shanxi who passed by and saved his life. At this time, Yang Guangda kowtowed to the altar, and it was justified. After kowtowing, Yang Guangda stood up with a sad expression, and said, "Sister-in-law, you don't know, Fourth Master is my lifesaver!" The young daughter-in-law shook her head and said, "He has saved countless people, and he never told anyone about it!" Yang Guangda's face was full of excitement, and he said, "Who is the one who harmed Fourth Master?" The little daughter-in-law sighed, and said: "Don't mention it, Chief Escort, you don't want to hear it! I just want to take his ashes back to Lingqiu!" Yang Guangda straightened himself up, patted his chest, and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry, if you said earlier that she was the daughter-in-law of the fourth master, ten jade ladies, I, Fatty Yang, would fight her too! Yu Madam, do you want Fourth Master to not be able to return home after his death?" The little daughter-in-law nodded sadly, and Fatty Yang raised his voice loudly, only to hear him shout loudly: "Where are all our escorts? When there are distinguished guests, they just hide from them, Tie Xiong , you go, go to the casino and get them back, we have to leave tomorrow morning!" The young daughter-in-law said: "Chief Escort, I want to leave immediately!" Yang Guangda waited for a while, and said, "Okay, we will leave as soon as everyone arrives!" The little daughter-in-law took out a towel bag from her bosom, and untied it, revealing a stack of banknotes. Fatty Yang immediately grimaced, and said, "Sister-in-law, what kind of friendship do I have with Fourth Master, quickly put it away!" The little daughter-in-law took out one and said: "You can go for nothing, other men, you can't go for nothing!" Yang Guangda refused, took the banknotes, and shouted all the way, the bodyguards called back from the casino by Tie Xiong were scolded one by one, and those who came late were scolded bloody. The sun was in the west, and the escort team of Beiba escort agency came out of the west gate of the county seat. Fatty Yang was riding on a tall horse. Next to the donkey cart, the young daughter-in-law was sitting in the donkey cart, and there were six escorts in front and back. It has been a long time since the Beiba Escort Bureau had such a big battle. When the bodyguard team passed by on the long street, the street was full of people watching the excitement. They all wondered what the Beiba Escort Bureau was protecting this time, and no one could figure it out anymore. , to guard against the poisoned Guanyin, Jade Lady, who came to snatch the ashes of the fourth master of the Li family. Those bodyguards didn't know from Tie Xiong's mouth until they became enlightened that the young daughter-in-law was a well-known, Lingqiu Li family, the fourth eldest widow of the younger brothers, Shanxi Lingqiu Li family, the four brothers are famous all over the world , but they all died in the hands of underworld figures. When the fourth child heard that he had gone to the south of the Yangtze River, when did he die? When everyone saw the pitiful little daughter-in-law with tears in her eyes, even if they wanted to ask, they would not Sorry to ask. Going out of the city to the west, although the sun was already slanting, the heat from the ground was still unbearable, but no one complained, they just rode their horses and drove forward. The donkey cart is five feet long, and the donkey cart is planted with the flag of the Beiba Escort Bureau. The character "Ba" looks particularly impressive under the sun. The sun is gradually moving towards the west, and we have traveled about ten miles. There is a big town in front of us. There are more people and cars on the road. When we enter the town, the sky is already getting dark. No one dared to make a sound until the order was given to stop the escort. Seeing that the escort team had reached the end of the street and the last inn had passed by, Yang Guangda still did not make a sound. Not long after passing the last inn, the escort team was still advancing, and it was already getting darker. Three big men, with their chests open, swayed over, holding a big watermelon in one hand, walking He said, while throwing the watermelon upwards, he slapped the watermelon with his left palm, and with a sound of "ba", the big watermelon weighing fifteen or six catties was actually slapped away three or four scoops by his palm, and the other two stretched out their hands. , caught the watermelon, and gnawed it. The man who patted the watermelon looked up and saw Yang Guangda who was leading the way. With a "Hey", he said, "Fatty Yang, it's been a long time!" That man shattered the watermelon with his palm. This kind of palm force is difficult to achieve even after ten or eight years of practice. It is of course a no-brainer to hear him call "Fatty Yang" to the Chief Escort of the Beiba Escort. People on board!Yang Guangda was on the horse, nodded slightly, and said, "It's been a long time!" As he spoke, he was still riding on the horse, but he didn't mean to stop.The other two big men, three or two bites, had already gnawed the watermelon until only the skin was left, and tossed it casually, the melon juice was still flowing down the mouth, each said "haha", and as soon as they stretched out their hands, they had already grabbed Yang. Fatty's horse, one said: "Fatty, it's getting dark, are you still on your way?" The other said: "What kind of bodyguard is fatty, and you want to go on the road overnight?" As soon as Fatty Yang's horse was pulled to a stop, the people and horses behind him also stopped. Fatty Yang's complexion sank suddenly, and he said, "Whoever is playing with you, let him go!" The escorts of the Beiba Escort Bureau who followed Fatty Yang were no strangers to these three big men. Those three men were also well-known figures in the escort agency. It is protected by their Tong'an Escort Bureau.The one who shattered a watermelon with a single palm, once slapped seven bandits to death with his bare hands, and everyone in Wanping City called him Iron Palm, Iron Palm Lin Dasan, walking on the white road , People in the underworld, no one dares to cause trouble. There are also two men, they are naturally his subordinates, the two brothers, they are practicing ground fist kung fu. Fatty Yang's face darkened, but Lin Dasan raised his eyebrows, and said, "Fatty Yang, what kind of airs are you putting on, what kind of darts have you never seen before? You look like a fledgling young man!" Fatty Yang blushed immediately, and when Fatty blushed, it meant that he was very angry.He smiled coldly and said: "My surname is Lin, you haven't seen this bodyguard before. I'm protecting the ashes of the fourth master of the Li family in Lingqiu!" When Fatty Yang uttered these words, let alone his air, but Lin Dasan was startled, and lost his voice: "Fourth Master Li is dead?" The two men holding Fatty Yang's mount also let go suddenly.The Li family in Lingqiu has a great reputation on the white road. From the old man Li, he has been a chivalrous man. I heard that the old man Li is also the life-and-death friend of the fifth king of the sword. The four heroes of the Li family are all outstanding in kung fu. Apart from the short spear handed down by the family, there is no one who is not a good man. The escorts, more or less, have benefited from the Li family. The eldest, second, and third of the four heroes of the Li family died at the hands of the enemy. The fourth child was chasing the murderer and went to the south of the Yangtze River. Everyone knew about it, but now he suddenly heard that Fourth Master Li had also died, how could he not be surprised. Lin Dasan took a deep breath and said, "Fatty Yang, that's your fault. The ashes of the fourth master are in Hebei, so we should call our friends from Hebei to pay homage and do our best!" Fatty Yang sneered, and said, "Are you afraid that Miss Yu will not be found, so you still want to post a post to invite her?" Although it was in the twilight, it could be seen that Lin Dasan's face said, "Shut up." "The ground turned green and white, and Fatty Yang ignored him. He waved his hand, urged the horse, and went forward. The bodyguards of the Beiba Escort Bureau behind him all stood upright, and even the donkey cart drove forward together. Go, only Lin Dasan and the other three were left standing in the twilight. After leaving the town shop, I drove another mile, and it was completely dark. Fatty Yang gave the order to light the lantern. The glass cover of the lantern was painted with red paint, and the word "Ba" was painted on it. After a while, I could only hear people's voices on the road, horses' hooves chaotic, and a group of people and horses rushed over. The lantern reflected on Fatty Yang's face, his fat body was shaking, he waved his hand, the bodyguard knew the rules, and immediately stopped by the side of the road together, only the little black donkey was willing to get off the horse and pull it. Going to the side of the road, Fatty Yang looked nervous, and some of the key masters had already revealed their weapons. The noise and the sound of horseshoes were getting closer, the lights were shining, and the figures were vague. It seemed that there were always seventeen or eight people! The little daughter-in-law poked her head out of the donkey cart and said, "Someone is looking for trouble? Is it Yu Niangzi's men?" Tie Xiong clenched his fists and said anxiously: "You must stay in the cart!" At this time, two bodyguards rode up to meet them, and after a while, they heard them shouting loudly: "It's all our own people!" And Fatty Yang has already seen clearly that the seventeen or eighteen people who came here immediately hung lanterns, and all the lanterns were written with red paint, some were "Tong'an", some were "Yuanwei", and some were "Wu". , and some have the word "Wu Jilong". When Fatty Yang saw these names, he knew that they were all well-known escort agencies in Hebei Province. When the troops came up close, he could tell at a glance that the leader was none other than Lin Dasan of Iron Palm! Fatty Yang let out a long breath, but the nervousness just now made him sweat all over his head, and he couldn't help complaining, "Lao San Lin, what is this?" The bodyguard saluted and said again: "Everyone, it's really complete." Everyone came to the front together, Lin Dasang said: "Our five joint insurance companies happen to be all in the town. Fatty, the ashes of the fourth master, I want you to keep them and return to your hometown, but Poison Guanyin is coming to make trouble?" Yang Guangda nodded, and said, "That's right, Poison Guanyin, that stinky bitch, even if Fourth Master dies, she won't be able to return to the country!" Lin Dasan looked very excited, and shouted: "Fatty, can you guys deal with Poison Guanyin?" At this question, Fatty Yang felt angry and startled, and said with a sullen face, "I can't handle it, so I have to go all out. Who told me to receive the benefits of Fourth Master?" Lin Dasan patted his chest vigorously. He practiced palm kung fu. His palms were as flat as iron plates. When he slapped his chest on his chest, he made a sound of "Ba Ba" and said loudly: "Who hasn't received the benefits of Fourth Master? We All in all, anyway, when we go to Datong, Lingqiu is the place we must pass through, we will go together and become a joint guarantee of six families, no matter how powerful Yu Niangzi is, she will not dare to do it!" Since Liba County, Fatty Yang, although he has stood upright, whether it is a blessing or a disaster, and he can't avoid it, but his heart has always been like fifteen buckets fetching water, he was up and down, don't worry about it, at this moment Hearing this, I was overjoyed, thought for a while, and said: "You five families, what are you protecting? It's such a big battle, you need five families to jointly protect it!" Lin Dasan smiled and said: "It's not a routine thing. The rich man in Datong, a dozen or so big merchants, can't tell how many gold and jewels he has. Because he has too much money, he hired five insurance companies. , Fatty, you are with us, there is nothing more secure!" Yang Guangda pondered for a while, and said: "You have to ask the family members of the fourth master!" He said while pointing to the donkey cart. The seventeen or eighteen bodyguards who came here were all on horseback, but at this moment, they all got off their horses with a "huh", which was naturally because they heard that Si Ye's family members were there, Li Fourth master is respected by people, this shows it! Tie Xiong was always beside the car, took the first step, opened the car door, the young daughter-in-law got out of the car, everyone including Lin Dasan was silent for a moment. The little daughter-in-law opened her mouth, her voice was still so pleasant, and with a bit of resentment, she said, "Just to trouble everyone!" Eighteen or nine bodyguards became humble together. For a while, everyone was talking about their own things, and they couldn't hear the many. The young daughter-in-law's face was full of gratitude. She was looking at that person, but everyone felt that she was looking at herself. She sighed and said: "He has helped others a lot in his life, after all, there are still benefits!" The "he" in the little daughter-in-law's mouth naturally refers to her husband. As far as Lingqiu Fourth Master Li is concerned, what she said cannot be said to have any particularly provocative meaning, but after listening to it, it is exciting, making these people who have been in the world for a long time Everyone thinks of the four brothers of the Li family who rode steeds, galloped through the rivers and lakes, and specialize in chivalry, fighting for righteousness, hoeing the strong and helping the weak. They also remembered that among the four, three brothers died for unknown reasons one after another. In order to hunt down the murderer, the fourth child went far to the south of the Yangtze River, and now he came back with only a jar of ashes left. While reminiscing about the heroism of the four brothers of the Li family, he also felt unspeakable depression in his heart. Lin Dasan said loudly: "Sister-in-law Si, who is the murderer who killed Fourth Master, we will decide for you!" Lin Dasan said that, of course, he wanted to find out the real culprit on purpose, and wanted to avenge Fourth Master Li. Fatty Yang asked this question again, but the young daughter-in-law did not answer. At this time, the young daughter-in-law still did not open her mouth. In the middle, I saw her teardrops shining brightly, and everyone held their breaths for silence. After a while, the little daughter-in-law said: "Don't mention it, I dare not trouble you any more!" Tie Xiong said loudly: "Even if it's Lady Jade, if we try our best not to do business, we will join forces with the seventeen escort agencies in the province to settle accounts with her!" The little daughter-in-law sighed and said, "I just want his ashes to go home and be with him often, I really don't want to..." These few words made people feel even more heavy-hearted, they babbled and said it again, and the brigade marched back to the town shop. A group of people entered the town store, and there were several bodyguards waiting at the entrance of the town, and they immediately greeted them. Fatty Yang smiled and said, "You all came out, so you ignore those merchants?" Lin Dasan laughed, and said: "I said earlier, this escort is just for the occasion, the five-family joint insurance, the gangsters are not jealous, but the fat is in the fire, they are not afraid of the money before they get it. Burned hands?" These few words of Lin Dasan were not self-praising. Judging by the lineup of these people, there were really no Taoists who dared to do it. After a while, I entered the largest inn in the town. Several chief bodyguards were in the room, but immediately vacated, the young daughter-in-law was still holding the jar, twenty or thirty bodyguards, followed respectfully. behind. Passing the lobby of the store, it seems that the entire inn is booked by the bodyguards of the five bodyguard bureaus and those merchants. In the lobby, more than a dozen merchants are cheering and having fun. Accompanied by a beautifully dressed woman, everyone came in, but the others were not very good, Tie Xiong, who was seven points in a daze, first raised his eyebrows, shouted, and said: "Quiet!" As soon as Tie Xiong drank, everyone fell silent, Tie Xiong waved his hand, and said: "The ashes of Li Siye are here, I want to offer them here, waiting for the heroes from all walks of life to worship, everyone, please go back to your room and have fun!" Tie Xiong's words, although he said it on his own initiative, are actually in line with everyone's wishes. The masters of the rivers and lakes knew who he was as soon as they heard Fourth Master Li. But those merchants, how could they understand, but for a while, seeing Tie Xiong like that, they didn't dare to get angry, they just looked at Lin Dasan together. As soon as Fatty Yang entered the lobby of the store, he secretly admired Lin Dasan after all. After all, Lin Dasan was not a careless person. In a corner of the store, there were a dozen golden lacquered boxes stacked on top of each other. Sitting or standing guard, but know that he is definitely not unprepared. Lin Dasan cupped his hands forward, and said loudly: "Everyone, this is a matter in the Jianghu. It has nothing to do with you, so don't ask too much!" The faces of the merchants were very puzzled, an older one stood up and asked: "Mr. Lin, we have a lot of money this time, so we paid a lot of money to hire five joint security agencies including the expensive security agency. We don't want to have any Accident!" Lin Da raised his eyebrows three times and said, "What are you missing now?" Lin Dasan looked unhappy, and all the merchants dared not speak. They each carried their pink heads and went into the room. The young daughter-in-law had been holding the jar and stood timidly. At this moment, Tie Xiong came over, He took the altar in his hand and put it on the top position. Everyone saluted respectfully. The young daughter-in-law was on the side, sobbing in a low voice to return the salute. Until midnight, the young daughter-in-law refused to leave the ashes in the lobby Go up, insist on carrying him back to the room and going to sleep. As soon as the little daughter-in-law entered the room, Fatty Yang blocked the door with a bamboo chair, and lay down in front of the door. Tie Xiong sat under the window, leaning against the wall, and the rest of the Beiba bodyguards came up After leaving the room, some went to rest first, waiting for their shifts, and the rest of the security guards each sent a martial artist with a sword in hand to patrol the surrounding area, so that they could be alerted immediately if there was any movement. In the lobby, several chief bodyguards were guarding the dozens of boxes of belongings, and they were still talking about the heroic deeds of the Li family brothers in Lingqiu. Seeing that under such an arrangement, nothing would happen. Not long after, the old merchant came to the lobby with his clothes on, and went straight to Lin Dasan. The old merchant was surnamed Yan, and he was a well-known rich man in Shanxi. Everyone called him Yan Wanwan , this group of merchants is naturally headed by him.Yan Wanwan came to Lin Dasan and called out first, "Boss Lin!" Lin Dasan frowned, and Yan Wanwan said again: "Excuse me, it's not the first time I've gone out, that little lady, but you want to go with us?" Lin Dasan nodded and said, "That's right, we're going to Datong, she's going to Lingqiu, she's on the way." Yan Wanwan said: "I've also heard that the Li family in Lingqiu has produced a few heroes, but heroes must have many enemies, Chief Bodyguard Lin, we didn't allow you to bring others together..." Yan Bai Wan Wan's words made all the bodyguards very unhappy, but Yan Wanwan said intermittently, "Besides, I see that little lady is very sloppy!" As soon as these words were uttered, there were a few irritable ones. Although they would not swear face to face, they were already babbling, and judging from the expressions on their faces, what they babbled must not be good. of. Lin Dasan's face darkened, and he said, "Boss Yan, you must never say such things again!" Yan Wanwan also lowered his face, and said, "Anyway, we don't want someone to go with us and cause more trouble!" Lin Dasan stared at Yan Wanwan, and said with a sneer, "Okay, please invite someone else, we decided to keep Li Siye's ashes and go back to Lingqiu!" Lin Dasan suddenly said this In other words, Yan Wanwan couldn't help being taken aback because it was so out of line with the rules of the escort industry, but seeing Lin Dasan's expression, it was clear that he would rather fail than have to be like this!Yan Wanwan held back his anger, and said: "But if someone wants to trouble her, I still hope to tell you clearly!" Lin Da said: "That's right, Mrs. Shandong Poison Guanyin Yu will have trouble with her!" When Yan Wanwan heard this, his face changed completely. He didn't speak yet, but he heard a sudden commotion outside the door of the inn. It seemed that several people were arguing, and one of them sounded very sharp. A woman's voice, and then, an escort rushed in! The members of the five bodyguard bureaus are not ignorant of the fact that carrying fourth master Li's ashes with them is tantamount to making an open enemy of Poison Guanyin, and everyone is extremely nervous, but for the sake of loyalty in the world, they naturally have to go all out. Having made up their minds for a long time, they all stood up when they heard someone arguing. 而那奔进来的镖师，也是一脸紧张的神色，一进来就道：“林总镖师，外面有一个女人，硬要投店。” 铁掌林达三虽然对北道上的路极熟，也自信不致于出什么岔子，可是心里总也有点提心吊胆，因为毒观音玉娘子，究竟不是普通黑道上的人物，做案子一直心狠手辣，劫财之外，不留活口，是以她究竟是什么样子的，也未曾有人见过，只知道她美艳无比而已，大股匪孙美瑶的三儿子，吃了玉娘的大亏，可是对这件事，也讳莫如深，由此可知厉害。所以这时，林达三一听一个“女人”在生事，心中就有点发毛，忙沉声道：“你不会告诉她，店巳叫我们包下了？” 那镖师急道：“我们还有不说的么，可是……” 那镖师一句话未曾讲完，只听得两下大声叫，两个人，身子摇晃着，直跌了进来，一个勉强扎稳马步，总算未曾倒地，另一个简直“吧”的一声，直仆在大堂，跌了一个嘴啃泥。 这跌进来的两个人，虽不是林达三的手下，却也是武济隆镖局中，极有分量的镖师，这两个镖师一摔了进来，所有的人，更是紧张，阎百万脸色的那份惊惶难看，更是别提了，随着两个镖师跌了进来，只听得一声冷笑，声随人到，一个身形极髙，刚健婀娜，穿着一身玄色衣服的女人，已经随着走了进来。 那女子一走进来，单手叉在腰上，站着不动，她身形极高，比起大堂中那些站着的大男人来，绝不会矮些，只见她一身玄衣，却镶着颜色极其鲜艳的鹅黄色边，一头乌发，拢在脑后，梳了一个髻，略留些刘海，益发显得她面白如玉，这时，正是满面怒容，一双凤眼，瞪得老大，两道柳眉，向上扬着，虽是盛怒，却也是一个看了令人想入非非的大美人儿。 这女人一进来，又是连声冷笑，说道：“客店原是方便赶路人的，什么叫包下了？” 这时，五家镖局的总镖师全在大堂，连老带少，也还有不少久历江湖的镖师，可是却没一个人认得出这女人的来头，不过，就算是初涉江湖的人，也一眼就可以看出，这样的一个女人，决不是易惹人物，铁掌林达三心中打了一个突，踏前了一步。 林达三踏前了一步，那女子的柳眉扬得更高，林达三心中已定了主意，他暗忖，这种独身闯荡江湖的女人，并不多闻，来的八成八就是他们所担心的毒观音玉娘子了，不怕先礼后兵，看她怎样，反正就算要动手，自己这方面人多，总还不至于怕她。 林达三拱了拱手，道：“真对不起，我们人多，又保着镖上道……” 林达三说到这里，顺手一指，指向插在青砖地上的六面镖旗，本来他们是五家联保，接了杨胖子等人来了之后，又多了一面北霸镖局的镖旗，这是镖行走在道上的规矩，镖旗插着，就表示向黑道上朋友说，请勿动手，要是寘要动手的话，那就是兵刃相见，生死相搏了！ 林达三这时，指向那六面镖旗，自然也有着警告对方的意思在内。 那女人顺着林达三所指的一看，又是一声冷笑，唇角向上，微微翘了一翘，道：“这可吓不倒我，我是要投店，店家在哪里？” 店掌柜也早已走了出来，开客店，见的世面多，这琐事也不是第一次见到，一听得叫唤，忙低头哈腰，走了出来，口中讷讷的道：“多谢光顾小店，只是小店早就叫这几家镖局的爷们包下了，请多多包涵！” 那女子冷笑道：“我倒有怪脾气，非投你这家店不可！” 店掌柜搔着头，林达三等人已经看出情形不对，各自移动身子，占着了有利的地位，准备一有什么风吹草动，立时可以先下手为强。 店掌柜搔了半晌头，才道：“这样吧，我那口子，回娘家去了，要是不嫌弃，就将我这间房让出来，将就一晚，你看怎样！” 那女人一听，居然笑了起来，她刚才满脸怒容，看来巳是艳光四射，这时一笑，梨涡深现，露出雪也似白的牙齿，更是叫人销魂摄魄。 她和那小媳妇不同，那小媳妇美得一丝烟火气也没有，就像是上品的宋脂白瓷一样，叫人只想远远看着，想着怎样爱惜它，保护它，可是这女子，却像是一盘异香扑鼻的佳肴，令人食指大动，十个男人之中，只怕八个，一见她这时的笑容，就想将他搂在怀中，亲热一番。 那女子一面笑，一面道：“好啊，只是麻烦了你！” 店掌柜忙道：“不妨！不妨！” 那女子向前走来，也不知道她是发的什么香，经过之际，人人都闻到一股沁入肺腑的清香。 那店掌柜已经是上了岁十数的人，可是跟在那女人身边，谁也看得出有点魂不守舍的样子，众镖师互相望着，店主人要留客，他们自然没有说话，可是这女人来得实在蹊跷，他们又极不愿有这样一个人在客店之内，眼看店掌柜和那女人，快要走出店堂去了，那女子忽然伸手在腰际按了一按，只听得“铮”的一声响，她围在腰际的一条宽约三寸的腰带，巳弹了开来。 那女子身形极高，腰肢却细得可以，原是腰际围着一条腰带之故，那条腰带也是鹅黄色的，解下来时，发出“挣”的一声响，已令得各人一愣，一起看去，只见那条腰带，解下来之后，却弹得笔直，那女子也不转身，顺手将腰带递给了店掌柜，道：“掌柜的，这件东西，寄在柜上，以防有失！” 店掌柜接了过来，连声说道：“是！是！” 接着，两个人就走了进去，他们才进去，铁雄便从另一边走了进来，道：“刚才好像有人争吵：，什么事？” 林达三立时道：“铁雄，告知杨胖子好生小心，有一个俏婆娘硬要投店，掌柜已将她留下了！” 铁雄的神色，也立时变得非常紧张，连忙转过身，急匆匆的走进去，林达三又吩咐多几个人，到那小媳妇住宿的上房附近巡逻，以防万一。阎百万在一旁，一直未曾出声，这时实在忍不住了，又道：“林总镖师……” 他才一开口，林达三已经打断了他的话头，道：“你放心，有我们性命在，你们财物就不会失！” 阎百万神色极难看，他心中有一句话，便是：你们死了不要紧，我们的财物失了可是大事。不过这一句话，他倒也不敢说出来，只是道：“我们不想多事，要是为了人家的事，有了麻烦……” 林达三道：“还是那句话，你们要是不放心，可以另外请人，我们双倍还你们的订金！” 阎百万干瞪着眼，再也接不上腔。这时店掌柜已经走了出来，手中仍拿着那条腰带，林达三不理会阎百万，向店掌柜道：“掌柜，给那玩意我瞧瞧！”那条腰带，两头全有扣子，是两个径可四寸的圆环，一抓在手中，林达三神色，就为之一变，他一手握着腰带，一手抓住一个圆环，轻轻一拉，又听得“铮”的一声响，从那条腰带之中，拉出了一柄其薄如纸，雪也似亮，锋利无匹，两面刃锋的利刃来。 这柄利刃一露出来，所有人，都不由自主，发出了“啊”的一声响来。要知道，他们全是刀头上舐血的人，虽然拳头灵活，是保身之道，但是有好的兵刃，杀敌退匪之际，自然也大有用处，谁不想有一口好剑，一柄好刀，这些人，全是对兵刃极其识货的人，可是这许多人中，就没有一个，曾见过这样一柄好刀。 这时，林达三还只将刀拉出了一小半，店堂中的灯光，也不是很亮，可是各人巳觉得耀目生花，而且，发自刀身的那股寒浸浸，冷森森的光芒，真叫人自心底深处，生出一股寒意来，在惊呼了一声之后，人人屏气静息，一点声音也没有。 久历江湖，独掌劈死过七个土匪的林达三，握着那环，手也有点儿微微发抖，他略停了停，断续向外拉着，将整柄刀，全拉了出来。那条腰带，竟是刀鞘，又软又轻，也看不出是什么东西织成的，那柄刀，只有两尺不到长，也只有那女人的细腰，才能恰好将它围在腰间。 整柄刀出鞘之后，更是寒气迫人，林达三一手捏住了刀尖，轻轻一扳，刀身立时被弯成了一个圆形，手一松，“铮”的一声，刀又弹得笔直。 众人之中，一个胡子已然花白了的老镖师，忽然叹了一声，道：“这可叫咱们开了眼界了，这是上好缅铁打的软刀，听人说有这种刀，已经听了几十年，可是亲眼看到，却还是头一遭！” 林达三也不出声，只是低头看着那柄刀，突然之间，只见他身形半转，手背震动，“刷”的一刀，向旁砍出，当他挥刀之际，荡起一泓寒光，所有的人，都不由自主，后退了一步。 只听得“刷”的一声响，那一刀，正砍在林达三身边的一张桌子上，刀身立时透桌而过，虽未将桌子劈成两半，可是众人定睛去看桌子时，老厚的桌面上，有了极细的一道缝，自然是刀透桌而过时留下来，这柄刀竟利成这样，各人更是呆了。 林达三将刀又还入腰带之中，交在站在一旁呆若木鸡的店掌柜手上，立时道：“请杨胖子来！” 店掌柜接了那柄刀在手，一时间，也不知如何才好。不一会儿，杨胖子摇着芭蕉扇，赤着膊，走了进来，林达三立时将发生的事，对他说了，杨胖子越是听，眼睛眯得越是小，道：“准是这主儿了！” 这一句话一人各人耳中，各人也忘了正是盛暑天了！ 林达三像是有点疑惑，道：“听说玉娘子有这样的一柄宝刀！” 杨胖子皱着眉，道：“对玉娘子的事，我们知道多少？” 各人面面相觑，杨胖子这一句话大有道理，毒观音玉娘子的名字，人人皆知，可是对她的事，有谁能说知道多少？达威镖局的总镖师，是一个矮子，姓唐，名登，地趟拳法，河北第一，人又机灵，见识也广，这时问道：“要是毒观音来了，那么，何以她将这柄宝刀，交了下来给掌柜？” 这一个问题，是人人心中都想到了的，不过由唐登说了出来而巳，当然，也没有人回笞得出来。有的道：“或许她不是玉娘子？”有的道：“也许是她表示没有恶意？”有的则道：“哼，我们六家镖局的高手全在，就是毒观音玉娘子，也得见风驶舵！” 各人口中，七嘴八舌，说的话全不一样，但不论是面上装成毫不在乎也好，装成义愤填膺也好，一本正经也好，心中有一点所想的，只怕全是一样，那就是想到，要是能将这样丰满动人的大美人搂上一搂，亲上一亲，那才不枉投胎做男人！ 这些人中，天地良心，唯一没想到这一点的，只有杨胖子一个人，这倒不是杨胖子心不邪，人家打趣说杨胖子有别的原因，那也不必细表了。杨胖子翻来覆去，将那柄缅刀看了半晌，才交还了掌柜，只说了一句话，道：“哥儿们，大伙儿今晚小心些！”就走了出去。 杨胖子回到了上房门口，仍然躺着在那张竹椅上，铁雄也仍然坐在窗下，杨胖子对铁雄说了经过，他讲得声音很低，可是等他讲完，只听得房内，传来小媳妇的声音，道：“可是有麻烦了？” 小媳妇进房之后，铁雄就一直守在窗下，小媳妇没有发出什么声响来，只不过时不时幽幽地叹上一声，那种低低的叹息声，就能叫人听了，像是有人用绳子在勒着心一样不好过。 这时，小媳妇一开了口，铁雄反倒觉得好过了些，大声道：“李嫂子放心，没事！” 月色很好，院子里很静，上房四下全有人，看起来，真不像会有什么事发生，赶了一天路，也真够疲乏的，可是谁也不敢合一合眼。 在大堂上，各镖头们在讨论那女人的来路，有几个越想越是熬不住，一个道：“我去探探，或许能探出些什么来！”他一讲完，立刻就走了开去。 林达三想出声阻止，那镖头已走了出去，各人全是哑子吃馄饨心里有数，真有人后悔自己怎么先不想到那一着。不过既有人走了先着，再跟着去也就没意思了！ 那镖头出了大堂，脚就有一点浮，遇上了一个店伙计，问明了店主人的房在那个院子，直奔了去，到了门口，心里咚咚跳着，先贴着门听了听，里面那大美人，正在低哼着小调，声音甜得发腻，那镖头听得出了神，只觉得哼着小调的声渐渐近了，越听越甜，突然耳上一凉，脸门子里一阵剧痛，眼前陡然发黑，霎间，除了本能地向前冲出去之外，什么也做不了，自然，他更看不见，有一根又细又长，在月光下闪闪生光的长针，在他眼前奔出后，正从门缝之中迅速地缩了回去。 那镖头直冲进大堂来时，大堂中的各人，也不知道发生了什么事，只是看看他神情，极其古怪，有人问道：“尝着甜头了？” 那镖头的身子陡地一挺，双眼向前直视，一个老镖头立时道：“不好，他中了邪！” 一个“邪”字才出口，“砰”的一声响，那镖头已直仆了下来，撞翻了一张発子，林达三一跃而起，来到那镖头身边，伸手向那镖头的鼻端便探。 林达三的面色，变得如此难看，以致令得众人都知道发生了什么事！ 林达三慢慢站了起来，大堂之中，静得一点声音也没有，过了很久，才听得林达三的口中，道出了两个字来：“死了！” 镖行中人，保着镖在道上走，生死是寻常事，可是这时，却人人都感到不寒而栗，因为这镖头的死亡，来得实在太平静了，他兴冲冲地走出去，不一会儿就闯了回来，没有搏斗，没有任何异动，然而，他已经死了！ 几个年长的镖头，在略呆了一呆之后，立时又俯身，将镖头的身子翻了过来，解开了衣袖，前心后心，各处要害，细细看看，可就是看不出一丝伤痕来，那么多人，竟不知道这镖头是怎么死的？ 在一度寂静之后，接着，便乱了起来，有的大声叫着，有的双手抱着头，乱打着转，掌柜和伙计也奔了进，店伙计一看到死了的镖头，登时傻了，结结巴巴，道：“他……他刚才还向我打听，掌柜的房间在哪里？” 林达三一听立时喝道：“跟我来！” 他一喝，好几个人，已铮铮地拔出了刀来，跟着林达三，向前直奔了出去。 等到林达三带着十来个镖头，来到了掌柜的房前之际，吵闹的声音，整座客店全惊动了。北霸镖局的一干人，紧守着上房四周不敢动，几个客商，打开门，探出头来看，也全给镖师们喝了回去。 林达三一马当先，在门口站着，连起两脚，“嘭嘭”两声，踢在门上，喝道：“出来！” 只听得房内“啊呀”一声娇吟，门倒是立即打了开来，那女子站在门口，身上只穿着白绸小衣，长发披散，松松地挽着，分明已准备睡觉了，这种装束神情，看得众人，都是陡然一怔。