Chapter 41 The forty-first round of knife sealing ceremony

Geng Dian was surprised and said, "Tomorrow?" Lu Kunlun said: "I have been friends with him for decades. I should have gone to his saber sealing ceremony, but now it is inconvenient to go." Geng Dian asked: "I heard the rules of the bodyguard business. After the old head of the bodyguard 'seals the knife', he doesn't care about the bodyguard. Therefore, at the same time as the 'seal the knife', it is also the new head of the bodyguard. The day the head takes over. Right?" Lu Kunlun said: "That's right, it's similar to a sect in the martial arts where the retired old head establishes the new head. However, the head of the bodyguard does not necessarily have to be inherited by the disciples of the old bodyguard, but can also be inherited by the capable head of the bodyguard." Just choose among bodyguards. That's why I can't go to Huwei Bodyguard Bureau to congratulate him in person."

Without Lu Kunlun explaining in detail, Geng Dian already understood.You must know that the bodyguard bureau is in the bodyguard business, and it is an open business. People who work in the bodyguard industry must have a wide range of friendships and all roads and roads.The beggar gang is now secretly fighting against the imperial court of the Kingdom of Jin. As the leader of the gang, it is naturally inconvenient for Lu Kunlun to show up in the escort agency. Geng Dian hesitated, and said: "Old security guard Meng has great kindness to me. If I don't see him, I feel really uneasy. The leader of the Qinglong Gang once asked me to contact him, so I must go. , but I wonder if it will implicate him?"

Lin Zhong pondered for a while, then said: "The leader of the Lu gang is very popular. If he shows up in Meng Ting's saber-sealing ceremony, even if he changes his appearance, someone will recognize him. Brother Geng, you just came from Jiangnan. You probably don’t know many martial arts figures in the north, do you?” Geng Dian said: "I once met Wanyan Changzhi's son Wanyan Hao, and Jian Changchun, the deputy commander of Jinlu's Imperial Forest Army, also fought against me. In addition, there are those eagle claws that I met at the secret magic rock yesterday. .” Just now, the disciples of the Beggar Clan that Lu Kunlun sent out to inquire about the news have already been reported.

The first one went to Lin Chong's house to inquire, and reported that the Lin family had been sealed by the government, and his second disciple Wang Jianhao did not know the whereabouts.This matter had already been expected by Lin Chong. The news that the second person inquired about was related to the beggar gang.The man said: "It is reported that the envoy sent by the Mongols is Mu Huali. A few warriors under him have arrived in Dadu the day before yesterday to discuss first. He himself also went to Miyun yesterday. It doesn't matter if the Mongol envoys come, but it may have some impact on the gang. !"

Yun Zhongyan said: "Ah, this messenger is Mu Huali!" Hei Xuanfeng asked: "Who is this Mu Huali!" Yun Zhongyan said: "He is the commander of the Shenyi Battalion, the most elite cavalry created by the ancestor Genghis Khan. He is also the number one warrior of the eighteen Golden Tent warriors under the ancestors in the past." Hei Xuanfeng said: "Mongolia sent such an important person as an envoy, I am afraid it is not just as simple as friendship and diplomatic relations." Yun Zhongyan said: "I think so too." Geng Dian said: "When I was in the south of the Yangtze River, I heard that the imperial court had a plan to form an alliance with Mongolia to deal with the Kingdom of Jin, but now Mongolia has sent this Muhuali to the Kingdom of Jin as an envoy, maybe it will be the other way around, and it is their alliance to deal with the Kingdom of Song .”

Lin Chong said: "Whether it's the Mongol Tartars or the Jurchen Tartars, in short, those who hold power are all ambitious and want to annex our China. It's not surprising that they use any tricks to turn the clouds around. But as long as we ordinary people If we can resist foreign aggression with one heart, then there is no need to be afraid of them." Hei Xuanfeng said: "The old man is right." Yun Zhongyan asked the spy, "Do you know if the Mongolian national teacher Longxiang Dharma King has come?" The spy said: "I heard that there is a great lama from Mongolia who has lived in Wanyan Changzhi's palace for a long time. I wonder if it is the Dragon Elephant Dharma King you mentioned?" Yun Zhongyan said: "It must be. "

Lu Kunlun then asked the spy: "You said that the Mongol envoys came to Dadu, which might have some influence on the gang. What's the reason?" The spy said: "It's like this: the Lord of Gold will send Wan Yanhao out of the city tomorrow to welcome the Mongolian envoys. After the envoys enter the capital, the streets they pass and the nearby streets are all closed to pedestrians. In addition, the commander of the Imperial Forest Army, Wan Yan Changzhi, has also come down." He issued an order to lock up all the beggars in the capital, and it is said that this is for the purpose of 'cleaning up the appearance of the city so as not to obstruct the view'."

Lu Kunlun snorted, and said, "This is just an excuse. It must be to deal with the disciples of our beggar gang." The spies said: "The leader of the guild did not miss what he expected, and the news from the undercover brother in the palace is exactly what he said." Lu Kunlun said: "What did he say?" The spy said: "It is said that Wanyan Changzhi wants his subordinates to interrogate the captured beggars in detail, and release them after three days if they speak a local accent and have a neighbor's guarantee, while those who speak a foreign accent will be detained."

Lu Kunlun said: "I'm in Dadu for a day, and Wanyan Chang is not at ease for a day, so it's no wonder he tried every means to deal with me. Well, I'll let him let him go for a while." Immediately ordered the few who stayed at the helm A disciple: "You should report to all the disciples of this gang as soon as possible before the second watch tonight, telling them to temporarily avoid the limelight within these three days." Hei Xuanfeng smiled and said: "Brother Geng, the officials in Dadu will be busy welcoming the imperial envoy of 'Shangguo' tomorrow, which will be of great benefit to you."

Lin Chong was old and sophisticated, pondered for a while, and said: "That's right, Mongolia sent such an important person as an envoy, and Wan Yanchang's father and son accompanied the guests as hosts, so of course they have no time to take care of other things, that's needless to say. People such as Jian Changchun, Taoist Chaoyuan, Monk Guan Zhao, etc., are expected to serve as guards in their palaces." Geng Dian said happily: "Here, these are the only people the enemy knows about me. As long as these people don't come to the Huwei Escort, I can go to meet the old Escort Chief Meng. I don't think there is any problem."

Lu Kunlun thought for a while and said, "Although that is the case, you still have to be careful. How about this? We have two artisans in our gang who are good at changing people's appearances. I will ask them to disguise you for you tomorrow. Their disguise skills cannot be hidden from close relatives and friends, but ordinary acquaintances can be sure to deceive their eyes." Hei Xuanfeng smiled and said: "Brother Geng is very personable, it's best to pretend to be a gentleman of Guijie." Yang Huanqing smiled and said, "Then I will pretend to be his bookboy." Lu Kunlun was taken aback for a moment, and said, "Miss Yang, are you going too?" Yang Huanqing said: "Although I have killed many Tartar warriors, they were all done in other states and counties. Most of the Jin Kingdom Eagle Claws, fewer people know me than Geng Dian. Besides, my master said he would To join in the fun, I want to touch him." Lu Kunlun couldn't resist her, so he had to agree to let her pretend to be Geng Dian's school boy. Hong Tianlei said: "I'm a kid from the countryside, and even fewer people know me." Lin Zhong frowned and said, "You want to go too?" Hong Tianlei said: "I discussed it with Ms. Lu, and I went to greet Old Escort Meng on behalf of her father." It turned out that the escort of Geng Dian back to the south was planned by Lu Kunlun, and Meng Ting and Lu Yuyao's father, Lu Dongyan, also served as bodyguards, so Hong Tianlei said so.But when he said this, it was tantamount to admitting his close relationship with Lu Yuyao in front of others, but it made Lu Yuyao bow her head in shame. Hei Xuanfeng smiled and said: "All three of you go, don't mind if I'm one more, I'll join in the fun." Lu Kunlun knew that Hei Xuanfeng was alert and wise, so he agreed. Following Yun Zhongyan also said to go, Lu Kunlun said: "Miss Yun, your status is different, it's better not to show up on this kind of occasion." Yun Zhongyan said: "What are you afraid of, Jian Changchun, Chao Yuan, Guan Zhao and others will not show up at Huwei Escort, let alone Mu Huali and Longxiang Fawang? I will never run into them when I go." Lin Zhong said: "Guangzhu Lu's concerns are also right. Although it is reasonable to speculate that you will probably not meet these people in the Huwei Escort, but you are still very attractive." Yun Zhongyan said: "How can I compare with Chief Lu? Chief Lu is the one who attracts attention, and I am just a nobody." Yang Huanqing said with a smile: "Sister Yun, you are too modest to say this. You are very famous in the Jianghu. How can you say that you are nobody?" Yun Zhongyan said: "I have been in the Central Plains for less than three years, and I have never had any contact with martial arts figures. Does anyone know who I am?" Hei Xuanfeng smiled and said: "Don't forget that your fourth uncle Tuo Lei has already ordered Wan Yan Changzhi to find you back. Didn't the Eagle Claw Sun who pretended to be a student of the Beggar Gang the day before yesterday didn't know you at all, but once Seeing that you act suspiciously, he will attach you. The important figures of the enemy will probably not go to watch the "sword sealing ceremony" of a bodyguard agency, but with Meng Ting's many friends and the reputation of Huwei bodyguard agency, People from the 'Bai Dao' (Jianghu terminology, those who belong to the government are called 'Bai Dao'), more or less, there must be people coming. You don't need to take this risk." Lu Yuyao smiled and said, "Sister Yun, I'm not going either, you can just accompany me." She knew she was not capable enough, so she would rather stay in the beggar gang than Hong Tianlei. Yun Zhongyan couldn't hold back the crowd, although she was very reluctant, she had no choice but to stay. It was decided after everyone's discussion, and in the early morning of the second day, they disguised themselves as planned and headed to Huwei Escort Bureau separately.Fortunately, the streets near their residence are not the places where Mongolian envoys must pass. Although there are many more patrolling soldiers on the streets than usual, they have not been prohibited from passing. Huwei Escort Bureau was gathering "guests" at this time, and it was very lively. At first, Meng Ting was worried that the arrival of the Mongolian envoys in Jinjing would affect the guests, and that there might not be many guests, but the result was quite unexpected. Not only the chief escorts of all major escort agencies in the capital have come, but almost all the escort agencies outside the city, who are well-known in the Jianghu, have sent someone to come.Of course, besides the bodyguard company, there are also his martial arts friends. There are more friends in this group than the bodyguard company. The knife sealing ceremony is scheduled to be held at noon. According to the rules of the bodyguard company, the retired old bodyguard does not need to show up too early in front of the guests. The knife sealing ceremony can be held. The formation of this rule is due to two reasons. One is to allow the retired old escort to consider a successor candidate at the last moment. Only then can they arrive, and they also have the opportunity to provide advice to the old escort.The other is that some old guards "sealed their swords" out of desperation. There was a reason that was not humane, and it was to avoid meeting guests too early and asking people about their problems.Customs follow, and this becomes a practice.Of course, if the old escort wanted to invite his close relatives and friends into his private room to discuss before holding the saber sealing ceremony, that is also possible. Huwei Escort has seven or eight sub-bureaus in various places, but the heads of these sub-bureaus arrived at the General Escort a few days in advance, and Meng Ting had already discussed what he wanted to discuss with them, so from this early morning Since then, he locked himself in a quiet room. Decades of "knife head licking blood" career, like a cloud of smoke passing by, at the moment before this "sword sealing ceremony", his mood is extremely indescribable, a little bit proud, but also a little bit regretful, and more of it is desolate. Over the past few decades, he has personally acted as a bodyguard for countless times. Although he has gone through many storms, he has never missed a single shot.Thinking of this, he unconsciously raised his beard and smiled, thinking: "I am finally worthy of the golden lacquer signboard of Huwei Escort." But this feeling of pride disappeared like a cloud of smoke. He sighed in his heart and thought again: "What is there to brag about? For decades, I have served as bodyguards for dignitaries, rich and wealthy businessmen, and luckily I didn't miss it. It's just good for them. Those people flatter me in front of me, but secretly treat me as their watchdog?" "However, I have managed to protect a bodyguard that I am proud of once." Meng Ting thought again: "I escorted the son of Jiangnan hero Geng Zhao to Jiangnan. Geng Zhao has now become a famous anti-gold general. His The young master must have grown up to serve the country." Thinking of this proud thing, Meng Ting couldn't help stretching his fist and kicking his legs, with a smug smile on his face, "Although I am a bit old, my spirit and strength are comparable to those of a mature man. Now that I have relieved the burden of the bodyguard bureau, I can do what I want to do." Meng Ting thought to himself. It turned out that the reason why Meng Ting wanted to close the door was not because he wanted to enjoy the blessings of his old age.On the contrary, his "sealed knife" was just because he didn't want to work in the escort agency anymore; the so-called "closed door" was just a superficial statement to his colleagues.He is yearning for a new world and wants to live a new life that is very different from the previous one. He thought of his old friend Long Cangbo from Geng Zhao, Geng Dian and his son, "Long Cangbo was ordered by the hero Geng to stay in Jiangbei and founded the Qinglong Gang. I should go see him after the 'seal knife'. Hehe, in order to help him, even after sealing the knife and then killing him, that's a big deal. I'm no longer the head of the bodyguard. Clear up what you said, with so many martial arts friends as witnesses, if something happens in the future, I will not implicate the Huwei Escort Bureau." Meng Ting was planning a way to avoid implicating the Huwei Escort when his eldest son Meng Zhu came in to report the situation outside. "Father, there are really a lot of guests here today. The Shuangxiong from northern Shaanxi and the Shuangsha from Jizhong have all come from afar. The chief escorts of the major escort agencies have already arrived, let alone. It wasn’t that Mongolian envoy who just happened to come to Beijing today, there might be even more guests.” Meng Zhu said triumphantly. Meng Ting raised his beard and said with a smile, "That's the face my friends gave me. Go and entertain your uncles." Meng Zhu said: "There are already two senior brothers outside. I, I—" Meng Ting said, "Do you have anything to say to me?" Meng Zhu said: "Although there are quite a few guests, but—" Meng Ting said, "But what?" Meng Zhudao: "However, there are only two people from the Gongmen. One is an officer from the Yulin Army, and the other is an old catcher from the Jingzhao Yin Yamen. I heard that the officer is not an important person in the Yulin Army." It seems that I feel a little regretful. Meng Ting was overjoyed, and said with a smile, "Isn't this the best? Why do you need so many people in the White Way?" Meng Zhu seemed afraid that his father might misunderstand him, so he hesitated for a while, and said, "Father, I understand what's on your mind. It's just that third senior brother—" Meng Ting said, "How is he?" Meng Zhu said: "He said that the Escort Agency used to rely on Dad's friendship and prestige in the Jianghu, and with a single dart flag, they could go north and south without hindrance. But after Dad sealed the knife, I'm afraid it will not be so smooth." Meng Ting said, "He means—" Meng Zhudao: "What Brother San means is that with his own prestige, Dad didn't need to show his friendship to the people in the Bai Dao in the past, but if the Escort Bureau continues to prosper in the future, I am afraid that he will have to win over the underworld and the Bai Dao more. .” Meng Ting said: "I understand what he means. The 'underworld' he mentioned is just a foil, and his intention is to win over the friendship of the Baidao." Meng Zhu said: "That's right, he also said that the headquarter of Huwei Escort Bureau was located in Luoyang in the past, not like it is located in Dadu now." Meng Ting said: "So it's even more necessary to win over the people in the government?" Meng Zhu said: "Looking at the current situation of the Escort Bureau, it doesn't really matter to me to do more business or less business. The third senior brother doesn't think so, he wants Huwei Escort Bureau to be the leader of the Escort Bureau forever. Most of them are In the capital of the Kingdom of Jin, Bai Dao's friendship must be more important. Today, only two people from Bai Dao came, and he felt that it was a bit disrespectful. Later I told him that if these two guys didn't flatter the Mongolian 'imperial envoy', it was considered a gift. The face of our Escort, he stopped nagging." Meng Ting said: "It's good that he cares so much about the future of the Escort, I hope he doesn't go astray." Meng Zhu said, "Father, who are you going to hand over to be the chief escort?" Meng Ting said: "You are my eldest son, and according to the usual practice, you can take over the responsibility..." Before he finished speaking, Meng Zhu quickly waved his hands and said, "Father, neither my second brother nor I mean that." Meng Ting said, "You came here to tell me about your Third Senior Brother. Could it be that he wants to be the head of the bodyguard?" Meng Zhu said: "Father, I'm just afraid that the senior brother and the third senior brother will have a quarrel in the future because of the matter of succeeding the head of the bodyguard." Meng Ting said, "What did Master Brother tell you?" Meng Zhudao: "The senior brother and the third senior brother didn't say anything to me about the succession of the chief escort. But I think the third senior brother cares about it very much. The speculations of the entire bodyguard bureau also thought that the new chief escort If the head is not the senior brother, it must be the third senior brother." Meng Ting said, "What do you mean?" Meng Zhu said: "In terms of martial arts, the third brother is the best, and he is also shrewd and capable. If he is the head of the bodyguard, the bodyguard bureau will definitely prosper. But the elder brother is generous, and the bodyguard bureau is better for him." Meng Ting said: "After I seal the knife, are you willing to leave the escort agency with me?" Meng Zhu was surprised: "Father, where are you going! You can still live in the escort agency if you don't want to be the head of the escort." It turned out that although they still had their hometown in the countryside of Henan, it was right at the border between Mongolia and Jin. , Years of wars, the countryside has long been deserted. Meng Ting said, "You don't have to worry about where I go. I just ask if you want to leave Dadu?" Meng Zhu said: "Wherever father is going, I will go there, do you even need to ask?" Meng Ting smiled slightly, and said, "In the bodyguard bureau in the capital, you are the head of the young bodyguard, and they all treat you like a 'young master'. Go outside with me, maybe you will have to suffer!" Meng Zhu said: "Father, there is no one here. Let me tell you what's on my mind. Although I live comfortably in Jinjing, I can't help being angry when I see the Tartars' rampage. I really want to leave Dadu. The second brother and I also have the same thoughts. We were still discussing two days ago. We wanted to ask Dad to transfer us to a branch office outside the city because the Escort Bureau had to reschedule personnel after the knife was sealed. We just didn’t dare to tell Dad. Daddy is willing to take us out of Dadu, that would be the best." Meng Ting said: "Okay, we father and son are of the same heart, then I can rest assured to unload this burden." Meng Zhu said: "Father, who are you going to let carry this burden?" Meng Ting smiled and said, "It's neither your senior brother nor your third senior brother. You don't need to ask more questions now." Meng Zhu was very surprised and was about to go out when he heard a knock on the door again. This time it was Meng Ting's first disciple Gui Bokui who came in. Meng Ting said: "What's the matter?" Gui Bokui was an "intellectual guest" for the master as a senior disciple, but suddenly came to the master's quiet room, Meng Ting didn't realize it was a bit strange. Gui Bokui said, "Two guests of unknown origin came outside." Meng Ting said, "Oh, what kind of two guests are they?" Gui Bokui said: "It's a young man in gorgeous clothes and his book boy. They look like the children of a wealthy family, but they speak with a foreign accent." Meng Ting said, "What's the boy's name?" Gui Bokui said: "He refused to tell, he said that your old man will recognize him when he sees him." Meng Ting said in amazement: "This is strange. I have lived in Dadu for the past ten years and have never traveled outside. How could a young man meet me? Unless he is the son of an old friend of mine, but if that is the case, He doesn't need to hide his name and origin." Gui Bokui said: "Yes, I think so too. Master, your old man's friend is of course an elderly martial arts senior. This boy is only in his twenties, but he speaks in a tone that seems to be very friendly to your old man. Of course it is It's a fake. So I didn't want him to come in at first, so I drove him away. But, but..." At this point, the ground suddenly turned red. Meng Ting smiled and said, "Did you try his kung fu?" Gui Bokui said: "That's right, I shook hands with him, this young man is very wicked." Meng Ting said, "What kind of evil?" Gui Bokui said: "I used my internal strength, at first I only used 10%, and gradually increased to 80%. The young man seemed unconscious, but he didn't seem to use his internal strength to fight back. He spoke very politely, so I originally I dare not report this trivial matter to your old man, but I am afraid that none of our brothers and sisters are his opponents if there is a trouble, and it will hurt your face. I have no choice but to report it to your old man." Gui Bokui is Meng Ting's eldest disciple, although his skills are not as good as his third junior brother Zhao Wuzhong's, his internal strength is higher than that of his fellow disciples, and he can be regarded as a first-class expert in the Jianghu.With his Hunyuan palm strength, he couldn't even test the boy's depth, and of course the boy's skill was far superior to his.Meng Ting was very surprised when he heard this, and suddenly he had a thought and asked, "Has he come in yet?" Gui Bokui said: "This young man is very polite, I didn't invite him in, he is still standing outside the door." Meng Ting said, "Okay, let me go and have a look." Fortunately, all the guests who wanted to come to Meng's house had arrived at this time, and there was only the young man and his book boy outside the gate. Geng Dian and Yang Huanqing stood outside the door, Yang Huanqing was a little worried, and said in a low voice: "I heard the rules of the escort company, the old escort does not see customers before the time to seal the knife." Geng Dian laughed: "I think he will come out Yes." Sure enough, Meng Ting and his son and Gui Bokui all came out. Geng Dian stepped forward and saluted, and said, "Does Old Escort Meng still remember me?" It was ten years ago that Meng Ting escorted Geng Dian back to the south. At that time, Geng Dian was only sixteen or seventeen years old. Due to the hard life in the countryside, his body was very thin. Of course, he was very different from his current appearance. Meng Ting took a closer look, and on Geng Dian's body, he could vaguely see the shadow of the child back then, but a sallow and thin child turned into a handsome and handsome young man came back. After all, the change was too great, and Meng Ting did not dare to believe it immediately. Recognized, said: "Excuse me for my poor eyesight, I don't know where I have seen Your Excellency before." Geng Dian said: "Ten years ago, the old bodyguard Mengmeng was my father's bodyguard. At that time, my nephew was accompanying me, and I spent more than a month with the old bodyguard." Meng Ting was taken aback, and thought to himself: "Could it be that he is really Geng Dian? But there are many people with similar looks in the world, not to mention they are not very similar. If he is a fake, it would be terrible." Then asked: "Did your father call you here? Is there a letter from your father?" Geng Dian said: "My father is afraid that it will be inconvenient to carry letters from a long distance, so I only have to send them by word of mouth." Meng Ting said, "What did your father say?" Geng Dian said: "My father first came and asked me to thank you for your great kindness in person, and secondly he said he still owed you some money for the escort and asked me to bring it to you." Meng Ting was displeased, and said, "Is your father really saying that? Then he must have underestimated me. How could I care about money with him?" Before the conversation was over, Geng Dian took out an ingot and said, "I want it, I want it. According to the rules of the bodyguard business, how can bodyguards not want bodyguard silver? My father specially borrowed this ingot of silver and asked me to give it to you, please." Take it back with your face." Gui Bokui and Meng Zhu felt extremely strange after hearing his words.First, this is only a ten tael ingot. If Meng Ting had really served as a bodyguard for this boy's father, how could he only accept this amount of bodyguard money as the head of the bodyguard?Second, Geng Dian is dressed in Lidu, accompanied by a book boy, he is clearly a son of a wealthy family, ten taels of silver, why do you need to borrow it from others?Third, what Geng Dian said was "taking back" instead of "accepting", which also baffled them.Gui Bokui thought in his heart: "This kid is speaking upside down, I'm afraid he is deliberately teasing Master?" But to his surprise, Meng Ting's expression was displeased, but now he smiled.It turns out that this ingot of silver has a history. Ten years ago, Meng Ting and Lu Dongyan escorted Geng Dian to the south of the Yangtze River. In a place called "Yingyang Gorge", they were ambushed by the Black Eagle Nian Zhenshan. There was a vicious fight. Nian Zhenshan drives away.Meng Ting was slightly injured and continued to escort Geng Dian. Lu Dongyan was seriously injured and went home alone to recuperate. After being sent to the Yangtze River, Meng Ting found an acquainted boatman and sent Geng Dian across the river.Since he himself set up a bodyguard agency in the area ruled by the Kingdom of Jin, and "walking bodyguards" took the Yangtze River as the boundary, it was inconvenient for him to go to the south of the Yangtze River. On the eve of the breakup, Meng Ting feared that Geng Dian didn't have any change, so he gave him an ingot.This ingot is the ingot of silver that Geng Dian is now using as the "dart silver" paid to him. Why would he recognize this ingot?It turned out that when he and Nian Zhenshan were fighting fiercely, Nian Zhenshan once caught Nian Zhenshan's powerful eagle claw hand. Coincidentally, this grab happened to be holding an ingot on his body, so Meng Ting was not seriously injured.And the silver that Meng Ting took out to give to Geng Dian happened to be this ingot. There was a scratch on the ingot, and Meng Ting took it out before realizing it, and he was shocked.At that time, Meng Ting was going to exchange a piece of silver for Geng Dian, but Geng Dian wanted this piece of silver. It turned out that Geng Dian was deeply grateful for Meng Ting's kindness, and he wanted to keep this ingot as a souvenir.Reluctant to use it along the way, he used up the dozens of copper coins on his body and went hungry for two days before reaching his father's garrison. Seeing this ingot of ingot, Meng Ting couldn't help being moved, and said, "I'm happier that you gave me this ingot of 'dart silver' than a thousand taels of gold." Gui Bokui and Meng Zhu were greatly surprised, Meng Zhu said: "Father, this young master is—" Meng Ting found it difficult to answer his question.One must know that although he trusted his apprentice and son, today is the period of his "Sword Sealing Ceremony", guests from all over the world are gathered, dragons and snakes are mixed, and he said Geng Dian's name, I'm afraid there are ears behind the walls. Geng Dian said: "My surname is Yang, and my name is Yang Yin." Then he said: "Old escort Meng, do you still remember my family member Yang Da? My book boy is Yang Da's son. I and he are named master and servant." , They are like brothers." Yang Huanqing smiled slightly and said, "My lord, you flatter me too much." Meng Ting was taken aback for a moment, and then understood Geng Dian's intention for taking this pseudonym. When Geng Dian's father, Geng Zhao, was traveling south, he entrusted his wife and children to his good friend and subordinate Yang Yansheng to take care of them. Later, Yang Yansheng, in order to protect their mother and son, fought fiercely with Wanyan Changzhi's men who tracked them down to Beimang Mountain, and he was seriously injured and died. kill.This Yang Yansheng is Yang Huanqing's father.But when Yang Yansheng passed away, Geng Dian was only four years old, and Yang Huanqing was still in his mother's womb.Later, the Yang family entrusted Geng Dian to be adopted by an old school teacher who had served as a clerical officer in the Flying Tiger Army so that he could grow up.The old school teacher is already dead. At this moment, Geng Dian reported his name, saying that his surname was "Yang" and his first name was "Yin". When Meng Ting heard this, he immediately understood his intentions. The so-called "Yang Yin" meant that he had been sheltered by the Yang family. Meng Ting thought to himself: "The old family member Yang he mentioned, of course, refers to Yang Yansheng. But I heard that Yang Yansheng only has one daughter, so how come he has another son?" After all, he is an experienced old escort. After looking at Yang Huanqing again, he finally discovered her true colors, and smiled secretly in his heart: "It turns out that she is a kid who disguises herself as a man. She disguised herself so well that she almost fooled me." Eye." Meng Ting was overjoyed, smiling all over, and said to Yang Huanqing: "Little brother, your father and I are also old friends. When your father was still there, I often drank with him. It's rare that you and your son together Come here, you don't have to be polite with me." He specially called Yang Huanqing "little brother" because he wanted to help her cover up the fact that she disguised herself as a man, and at the same time indirectly told her family not to expose Geng Dian. This "book boy" is treated as an ordinary servant. Gui Bokui and Meng Zhu were already surprised that Meng Ting accepted a piece of silver for "dart silver", and they were even more surprised when they heard him say that.How could Meng Ting be so polite to a little book boy? Gui Bokui was mature and experienced, although he felt that the matter was strange, he knew there must be a reason for it, and immediately said: "Master, it's getting late, I'm afraid you have to go out to meet guests. Let me greet these two distinguished guests for you, sir What do you mean?" The implication was to ask Master for instructions on whether to separate these two guests from the other guests watching the ceremony in the lobby. Meng Ting was also concerned about this, and said, "They are not friends in martial arts, you can accompany them to my inner study for a while." Unexpectedly, Yang Huanqing suddenly smiled and said: "Master Meng, I came here with my son, just to watch the excitement!" Meng Ting frowned and said, "Little brother, what excitement do you want to watch?" Yang Huanqing smiled and said: "Today is your old sword sealing ceremony. There are many heroes from all sides. Although I don't know martial arts, I want to open my eyes." Meng Ting said, "Young Master Yang, what about you?" Geng Dian said: "It's rare for the younger generation to meet at the right time. If the old escort allows me to watch the ceremony, it's exactly what I wish for." Meng Ting didn't want them to take risks at first, but if they were not allowed to watch the ceremony, he had to give a reason, and he was afraid that it would arouse others' suspicion if it was too obvious.He had no choice but to say: "Okay, Bokui, you go with them. They are not from the martial arts world, so you don't need to introduce them to your friends from the martial arts world." Gui Bokui understood, answered "Yes", and was about to lead them in when Geng Dian suddenly said, "Old Escort Meng, my nephew has something to report." It was almost noon at this time, Meng Ting couldn't help being a little anxious, and hurriedly said, "What's the matter, please tell me!" Geng Dian said: "Back when we passed by Huangyan in eastern Zhejiang, we had the help of a local security agency. Do you think old security guard Meng remembers this?" Meng Ting paused and said, "I remember. How are you doing?" Geng Dian said: "Two bodyguards from that bodyguard agency came to Dadu, and they met with the juniors a few days ago. They told me about the ceremony of sealing the saber held by the old bodyguard today." Meng Ting said, "Are they also coming to the humble house?" Geng Dian said: "That's right. They want old escort Meng to reminisce about the incense in the past, and allow them to come to watch the ceremony and congratulate them as a token of their affection. Let me introduce you." Meng Ting said, "The surnames of these two security guards are Gao?" Geng Dian said: "One of them is surnamed Ling, and the other is surnamed Feng. This man surnamed Ling is the son-in-law of the head of the escort agency." Meng Zhu was not as vigilant as senior brother Gui Bokui, and said, "Is there a bodyguard agency in Huangyan in eastern Zhejiang? Why didn't I know?" Meng Ting was already clear in his heart, knowing that the two people Geng Dian mentioned were related to Lu Dongyan, the great hero from eastern Zhejiang, he thought to himself, "I have to entertain Lu Dongyan's son-in-law when he arrives." The Jian Escort Bureau is very small and closed down ten years ago. However, when I passed by Huangyan, I got their help." Just now, Meng Ting's second son, Meng Yin, came out and said, "Father, you are still here, and the time is almost here. Third senior brother asked me to invite you in." Meng Ting snorted and said, "I'm not in a hurry, why should he be in such a hurry?" Meng Yin didn't dare to make a sound, but he was thinking in his heart: "Senior brother is eager to take over as your chief escort, don't you know?" However, although Meng Ting said that he was not in a hurry, he was actually a little anxious in his heart. He had no time to wait, so he had to tell his eldest son Meng Zhu in a hurry: "You stay here as a friend. Ling's and Feng's guests come, if they are right, you can accompany them in. But if it's past my time to seal the knife, you can only invite them to my study for a while." The retirement of the old escort is called "closed door and sealed sword", but when the ceremony is held, "closed knife" is in front and "closed door" is behind. After the old escort symbolically closed the door of the auditorium , the ceremony is complete, and the guests watching the ceremony are not allowed to enter the auditorium. Meng Zhu said: "Father, I understand the rules." At that moment, the five people were divided into three places, and Meng Zhu stayed outside the door of the escort agency to wait for the guests; Lead Geng Dian and Yang Huanqing into the auditorium. When the guests saw Meng Ting's first disciple coming in with two young guests, they couldn't help being a little surprised.But because the noon set by the "Sword Sealing Ceremony" is approaching, everyone has no time to investigate their background. After a while, Meng Ting, accompanied by several veteran bodyguards, stepped out of the lobby, and greeted the leading figures among the guests first. Geng Dian has been paying attention to the guests who came in after him. During this time of about half a stick of incense, only three guests came in, but they were not Hong Tianlei and Hei Xuanfeng. In order to avoid people's attention, they made an appointment to come in batches, but Geng Dian and Yang Huanqing only came half an hour earlier than them.Geng Dian was anxious secretly, thinking to himself: "Why don't they come here at this time? Could it be that something happened on the way? A little later, the saber sealing ceremony will be held soon." Among the guests, Ma Rulong, the old head of the Tianma Escort Agency, represented Meng Ting as a gift to Meng Ting with a gold inscription "Megatronic" embroidered on it.After delivering the flag, he teased Meng Ting and said, "Brother Meng, you are only sixty this year, and I am sixty-five, and I haven't sealed my sword yet. Isn't it a bit unreasonable for you?" Meng Ting smiled and said: "You are a dragon and horse spirit, and you will grow stronger when you grow old. How can I compare with you? In the past two years, I can't hold a knife anymore. I have to accept my old age. It's rare for your old brother to come here in person. Please You supervise the ceremony." Ma Rulong smiled and said: "To be honest, I can't bear to let you close the door and seal the knife now. In the past few years, our Tianma Escort has been supported by you a lot. With your knife, my old man will drink the northwest wind." 孟霆道：“马大哥说笑了，我们虎威镖局得以在大都立足，我才是应该感激大哥你呢。我已经吩咐敝局继任的总镖头，日后唯马大哥马首是瞻，还望大哥像扶持我一样扶持他。” 马如龙说道：“孟老弟，你客气了。但得你这番说话，我倒是可以放下心上的一块石头啦。” 孟霆的三弟子赵武仲听了乃师这番说话，却是不禁有点惊疑不定：“师父可没有对我说过这些话呀。”但随即想道：“这不过是师父对马如龙的客气话罢了，我何必多心？” 孟霆跟着请震远镖局的邓山君，大都名武师薛兆，沧川梅花拳的掌门人梅锷，一同作他监礼的证人。四个监礼的证人，两个是镖行中德望俱尊的老镖头，两个是名震江湖的武林名宿，孟霆这一封刀大典，可说是隆重之至了。 监礼人就座之后，孟霆抱拳作了个罗圈揖，缓缓说道：“孟霆在镖行混了几十年，多蒙同行大哥提携扶助，各位武林朋友赏面，差幸没有出过什么大事。但如今我年纪老了，想回老家享几年晚福，镖局的事从此我是决不闻问了。继任的总镖头待会儿在我封刀之后，就会接任，从今日起我这副担子就交给他了。” 按规矩在前任总镖头封刀之时，同时就宣布继任总镖头的人选的，众人听孟霆口气，似乎要提前一点在封刀之前宣布，不觉都竖起耳朵来听，满堂宾客静得连一根针跌在地下都听得见响。 马如龙却是注意到他另一些说话，心里想道：“他封刀就封刀好了，但为什么要说得那样决绝，好像虎威镖局的事从此不再与他相关？”原来镖行的“闭门封刀”有两种情况，一种是出了什么过错，老镖头迫于无奈，必须让位给新镖头；一种则只是因老退休。前一种精况，老镖头对镖局的事在封刀之后，自是不闻不问，后一种情况，老镖头仍然受镖局供奉，遇大事还是要请教他的。孟霆并非前一种情况，却也说出这样话来，是以马如龙就不禁有点诧异了。