"Congratulations, happy new year!" This day is the first day of the new year in the seventh year of Datang Tianbao. In a mountain village sixty miles away from Chang'an, there lived a family. The owner's surname was Shi and his name was Yiru. He was a Jinshi in the 22nd year of Kaiyuan, but he didn't want to be an official in the court. Before he reached middle age, he returned to his hometown and lived in seclusion. The villagers respect him as a well-educated gentleman, so they came early in the morning to pay him New Year's greetings. Following the custom, he congratulated each other with the villagers, and after seeing off the guests, he shook his head and sighed slightly: "How can you be happy in such a world?"

"Wow, wow!" There was a cry of a child in the room, and it was in harmony with the crackling sound of "exploding poles" (according to the customs of the Tang Dynasty, real bamboo was used to make fire on New Year's Day, which was called exploding poles. It is different from later "Firecrackers" are different. Lai Ou's early spring poem: "The new calendar has only opened half of the paper, and the small court is like gathering pole dust." That is also a chant.), Shi Yiru flashed a smile on his face, thinking: "I want Speaking of joy, it means that from today onwards, there is an extra baby, and the family can be more lively."

He told the book boy who had burned the pole in front of the steps: "You collect the offerings, bring me four boxes of fruit, go to Uncle Duan's house, and invite him to come over for a drink." He must be the one who pays New Year's greetings, but why is it so late this year?" The book boy responded, but suddenly smiled and said: "Master, there is no need to invite, look, isn't that Master Duan here?" I could only hear someone chanting loudly: "Festivals, things and scenery don't treat each other. The mulberry field and the blue sea will change in a moment. In the past, there was a white jade hall with golden steps, but now there are only green pines. It is lonely and lonely. Shi Ziju, a bed of books every year. Fortunately, The old people get together, and the yellow chicken and the white wine get to know each other."

Shi Yiru laughed and said: "After Lu Zhaolin's poem was changed, it became an instant work. Brother Duan, the yellow chicken and white wine have already been prepared. When I get drunk, why do you start now?" The "Brother Duan" that Shi Yiru greeted was called Duan Guizhang. He was a middle-aged man in his forties. network, but in fact these two people are good friends.It turns out that this Duan Guizhang is not only proficient in martial arts, but also has good attainments in poetry and prose.He was originally a foreigner, and it has been less than ten years since he moved here, and Shi Yiru didn't know his origin, but respected him for being open-minded, capable of both civil and military skills, and the two of them had similar temperaments, so they became close friends.

When Duan Guizhang heard Shi Yiru complaining about him, he smiled and said: "Brother Shi, there is a reason why my younger brother came late today." Shi Yiru said, "But why?" Duan Guizhang said with a smile on his face, "My wife added a doll last night. " Shi Yiru said happily: "Ha! Ha! That's really unique. Is yours a man or a woman?" Duan Guizhang said: "It's a stinky boy. Hey, if you ask me that, Mrs. Ganqing has given birth too?" Shi Yiru said: "But I added a useless girl." Duan Guizhang laughed and said, "Haha, it's a girl, so I'd like to congratulate you even more!" Shi Yiru was slightly stunned, puzzled.

Duan Guizhang said with a smile: "Brother Shi, have you ever heard about recent events in Chang'an? The emperor took away his daughter-in-law, the wife of the birthday king Li Hao, Yang Taizhen, as a noble concubine. This is Tianbao's four-year affair. Concubine Yang is very favored, and it has only been three years since then. Her three older sisters were all conferred as wives. The news came from Beijing last month that even her elder brother Yang Guozhong also paid homage to the prime minister. She is really a distinguished family, incomparable. Therefore, the attitude of everyone has changed greatly. , as soon as they heard that someone gave birth to a daughter, Qi and friends rushed to congratulate her. Everyone said that in today's world, there is no rebirth of a boy but a girl. My brother has added a daughter, so we should double the congratulations!"

Shi Yiru was displeased, and said: "If I want to seek fame and wealth, I will not be willing to live in seclusion in the countryside for the past ten years. It is because I can't see villains in power, full of treachery, that's why I threw Wusha. Don't I Will you still learn from such despicable villains like Yang Guozhong?" Duan Guizhang hurriedly said: "You and I have known each other for ten years, how can I still not know my brother's reason for being a human being? This is just a joke." Then he sighed and said: "We take it as a joke, but it is actually appropriate. It’s enough to make those who care about it cry together! The weather is getting worse and the country’s affairs are getting worse, and I really don’t know what will happen in the future!”

Shi Yiru also sighed and said: "Jokes, jokes, it's getting more and more ridiculous! Come on, come on, come on! Let's get drunk and muddleheaded, and we don't care what he does!" The two drank a few glasses to each other, Shi Yiru was full of complaints, took a Ruyi and hit the table and sang: "Master Cen, Dan Qiusheng, will drink, don't stop drinking, let's play a song with Junge, please listen to me Listen: Bells, drums, food and jade are not expensive. I hope I won’t wake up after being drunk. Haha, I hope I won’t wake up after being drunk. Li Taibai’s "Will Enter the Wine" really won my heart. I only admire him and the old poets. It's just Du, I heard that he is now in Chang'an, but it's a pity that the emperor often keeps him in the palace, otherwise I really want to go to see him in Chang'an."

Duan Guizhang seemed to be touched, and suddenly smiled again: "Brother Shi, I said that you have added a thousand dollars, and you deserve double congratulations, but it is not a joke. Didn't the old Du you admire wrote a song "Song Chariots"?" After this poem was written, it was expensive in Luoyang, and it was recited for a while. There are a few lines in it: "Believe in knowing that it is evil to have a boy, but it is better to have a girl. If you give birth to a girl, you must marry your neighbor, and if you give birth to a boy, you will be buried with a hundred herbs!" The signs have also been revealed, giving birth to a brat is indeed not as good as giving birth to a girl!"

Shi Yiru drank a full glass, took a heavy meal, and said, "Why do we care so much about our children's affairs? It's the few lines of Lao Du's poem you just read that got me thinking." Duan Guizhang said: "Why?" Shi Yiru said, "If you have a daughter, you have to marry a neighbor. Although we are not neighbors, we are also in the same village. Could it be such a coincidence that the two babies were born on New Year's Eve, so we became good friends of Qin and Jin. What do you think?" Duan Guizhang rejoiced and said: "When I heard that my sister-in-law has added a daughter, I already thought about it, but I didn't dare to say it. You and I have a heart-to-heart relationship, and now we are in-laws again. It's the best. It just so happens that I have a jade hairpin on me Let's use it as an engagement gift." Shi Yiru was taken aback when he saw the jade hairpin.

I saw that jade hairpin, crystal clear and moist, it was actually the best Hetian jade, a pearl was inlaid in the head of the hairpin, the precious light was dazzling, it seemed that it was also of great value.Shi Yiru couldn't help thinking in his heart: "How could he have such a priceless treasure?" You know, since Duan Guizhang moved to this village, he has made a living by teaching some rural youths to practice martial arts. Shi Yiru also helped him from time to time, but now he found it strange to see him offer a jade hairpin as an offer.However, he knew very well that Duan Guizhang was a hero, upright and bright, and although he found it strange, he would not suspect that Yuchai came from a wrong path. Duan Guizhang seemed to understand what he meant, and without waiting for him to ask, he said: "The ancestors once accompanied the general Li Jing on an expedition to the Turks during the Zhenguan period, and obtained a pair of jade hairpins in Hotan. Pearls, the ancestors invited skillful craftsmen to inlay the pearls on the jade hairpins, and keep them as family treasures forever. Therefore, no matter how difficult the family is, I am reluctant to sell this pair of jade hairpins.” Shi Yiru said: "It turns out that brother Duan is a descendant of the general family, no wonder he is proficient in all eighteen martial arts." There is no doubt about the origin of this jade hairpin, but another doubt arises in his heart: as a general, it is an honor. Why did Duan Guizhang never talk about this matter? Duan Guizhang drank a cup and continued: "My little brother has nothing in his family, only this pair of jade hairpins is a precious thing, so he never leaves him. One of the pair of jade hairpins is carved with a dragon pattern and the other is carved with a phoenix pattern. For the dragon and phoenix hairpin, now I will use this phoenix hairpin as a betrothal gift for my daughter." Shi Yiru said: "My brother took the family heirloom as a betrothal gift, so solemnly, my younger brother is very grateful." He didn't dare to accept it at first, but when his daughter married to his family in the future, this jade hairpin would always belong to his family. So no more excuses. After taking the jade hairpin and looking at it, I saw that on the five-inch long jade hairpin, there was indeed a colorful phoenix flying high, detailed and small, with a vivid expression, as if hidden in the jade hairpin, ready to come out, but because the jade hairpin It is only five inches long, and the colorful phoenix is ​​engraved in the middle. It takes a lot of eyesight to see clearly. Shi Yiru praised it with his tongue, and Duan Guizhang said: "This dragon pattern, I also invite my brother to appreciate it." Shi Yiru saw that the dragon pattern was exactly the same as the phoenix hairpin. The golden dragon with its teeth and claws is more delicately carved. Duan Guizhang said: "At present, the traitors rule the country, and the chaos is rampant. No one dares to predict what will happen in the future. The younger brother dismantled the dragon and phoenix hairpins and took the phoenix hairpin as a betrothal gift. There is another meaning in it." Speaking of this , hesitated a little, as if there was something to avoid, Shi Yiru said: "What do you mean, I want to ask. Since you and I are married, what else can we say?" Duan Guizhang said: "My brother is a master, on New Year's Day, you should not take it as a taboo for your younger brother to say something bad. I think that in the future, if our two families are separated due to the chaos of the world, they, an unmarried couple, can also hold a hairpin each. As a trust!" Shi Yiru laughed and said: "My brother is too worried!" He thought to himself: "You and my family live in the same village. Even in troubled times and famines, we must share weal and woe. How can we be separated?" Duan Guizhang spoke very solemnly, and couldn't help but feel a faint ominous omen in his heart, so he smiled happily to dilute the heavy atmosphere.On the one hand, he returned the dragon hairpin to Duan Guizhang, and the phoenix hairpin was treasured and kept. Duan Guizhang said: "The child hasn't been named yet, my brother is only Gao Xueguang, so how about asking for a name for me?" Shi Yiru smiled and said, "My daughter hasn't been named yet." Snowflakes like goose feathers were floating outside the door, and a few wintersweet plants in the courtyard were blooming in the snow. Shi Yiru drank a full cup, then smiled and said: "I like plum blossoms to bully Shuang Aoxue the most. My daughter should be called Ruomei." After a pause, he continued: "Just bullying Shuang Aoxue is not enough. In today's world, treacherous people are full of ways. If you can mount a horse and kill thieves, then dismount the grass and expose the cloth. Well, with this in mind, let me boldly name you for your son, how about calling it Kexie?" Duan Guizhang clapped his hands and smiled and said, "Okay, very good! Duan Kexie, Shi Ruomei, these two names, you and I have put our integrity and ambitions in them. I hope they will grow up in the future, and they will never forget their parents' expectations of them. " Just when the two of them were clapping hands and laughing irresistibly, they suddenly heard the sound of horns, noise, and screams of children, and Shi Yiru was surprised: "Hey, what happened outside? New Year's Eve In the new year, is it possible that there will be an official sent to collect food? Let's go out and see!" The historian was only a few dozen steps away from the side of the road. The two of them went out of the gate. When they looked up, they saw dust rising from the village. A troop of officers and soldiers came galloping from the village. Waving a large flag, the word "An" embroidered with gold thread is flying in the wind.Immediately afterwards, the two cavalry also pulled up a large flag, embroidered with official titles, one side was "Pinglu Jiedushi" and the other was "Fanyang Jiedushi". "Jiedushi" is an important town in the Tang Dynasty. In the area under his jurisdiction, the military and civil affairs are all in charge of him.Just like a small kingdom, its might is incomparable.It has never been seen that one person has two official titles of Jiedushi. Shi Yiru was stunned for a moment, and thought: "So it's Anlu Mountain!" Everyone knew the name of Anlu Mountain at that time, but it was the first time Shi Yiru saw him, he was a big fat man like a fat pig, Wearing golden armor with locks, pretending to be, he sat majestically on a tall horse, shouting in the front and back, raising his whip and shouting: "Boys, don't worry about those monkey bastards on the road. If you step on it to death, it counts. The horse is galloping fast. I’m going to Chang’an today to pay New Year’s greetings to the imperial concubine and empress!” It turned out that when An Lushan went to Chang'an last year, he tried his best to curry favor with Concubine Yang. Although he was much older than Concubine Yang, Concubine Yang adopted him as her adopted son.He got a sweet spot, so this year he came to pay New Year's greetings to Concubine Yang Gui. He was not satisfied with serving as the envoys of Pinglu and Fan Yang, but he still wanted to gain access to Concubine Yang and lead the envoys of Hedong!He was impatient for the camp, so he urged the army and horses to go all the way. On the first day of the new year, the farmers are all having fun, and there are many idlers gathered at the village head and village, especially the children, who are more like monkeys with a rope thrown around, playing around. At this time, there is a group of ten-year-old children, A game of tossing money on the road. An Lushan's retinue galloped over, brandishing their whips and beating them wildly. Some idlers on the side of the road were whipped and ran away in fright. How dare they go to the road to rescue the children. The children were so frightened that they called their parents and mothers, and they were in a mess. The bold and clever ones ran away in a hurry.But there are still three younger children, who were probably too frightened to give up, crawling and rolling on the road, and before they have time to roll away, they are about to be injured by the cavalry! Suddenly a figure came across, swift as a falcon, he grabbed the two children in the middle of the road with both hands, and fell out.It was too late, but it was so fast, the horse in front had rushed over, and there was a child on the road, and the man had just picked up the child, when the tall horse was less than three feet away from him, only a "swish" was heard. , The knight on the horse swung his whip down, and the war horse stopped him, and he jumped up, and the two horseshoes covered with iron palms also stepped down on him. At this extremely dangerous moment, he hugged the child, put his toes on his feet, and flew out obliquely. The whip passed by with a sound, tearing a piece of his clothes, but did not hurt the child. When he landed, it was exactly where he was standing just now. The difference between the front and the back was only a moment! Shi Yiru only knew that this person was Duan Guizhang, but only now did he see clearly that he was a country boy, wearing a gray padded jacket, rustic, unexpectedly so agile! In a blink of an eye, the army had already passed by, the boy put down the children and said, "The children are injured, some uncle please take them home." The family members of the three children happened to be present, so they hurried over to check, only to see two children climbing out of a pile of straw by the roadside, screaming, "Mom, mother!" The two children fell into the straw pile. Although they were frightened, they were not injured at all. Everyone rushed up to look after the child. In the commotion, the country boy had already quietly walked away. By the time the child's family remembered to thank the benefactor, the country boy had disappeared—— Shi Yiru has lived in this village for more than ten years, and he knows everyone in the village. Just now, when he was nervous, he had no time to recognize him. Now when he recalled the boy's face, he realized that he was not from the village. Shi Yiru was very surprised. , and asked: "Brother Duan, do you recognize this person?" He suspected that he couldn't see clearly, so he asked Duan Guizhang again, but he couldn't hear the answer, and suddenly found that Duan Guizhang was no longer beside him! Shi Yiru was taken aback, and when he looked around, he saw Duan Guizhang walking in front with his head bowed. He turned up the collar of the old sheepskin jacket and covered his head, as if shivering in fear of the cold wind.Shi Jia was only a few dozen steps away from the roadside, and at this time he had already walked under a big tree outside the house. Shi Yiru was about to call him loudly, but suddenly his thoughts moved, and suspicions arose: "Brother Duan is always good at helping people in danger, and he is by no means a timid person. Just now those children were almost trampled by horseshoes. It's strange that he didn't go to rescue him, but now he left quietly without even telling me. What's the reason? Besides, he is a martial artist, so he shouldn't be so afraid of the cold, but why? Turn up the collar of the leather jacket, cover your head, and look so shy? Well, could it be that he is afraid that outsiders will recognize his face?" Shi Yiru was a scholar, thoughtful and suspicious, so he stopped calling him , hurried home too. Duan Guizhang had already entered the courtyard of the Shi family. As soon as Shi Yiru arrived, he immediately closed the door and asked in a low voice: "Have all the officers and soldiers passed?" Shi Yiru said: "They have all passed. Brother, you—" Duan Guizhang Said: "Let's go in and talk about it, beware that the partition wall has ears, and the wind leaks." Shi Yiru was full of doubts, the two joined hands and entered the hall, and Duan Guizhang closed the door carefully.Shi Yiru couldn't help asking: "Brother Duan, did you commit something before?" Duan Guizhang smiled wryly, filled a glass of wine, drank it down, and said quietly: "Brother, do you suspect that I have violated the imperial law? I have never violated the imperial law, but I once violated a rascal boy!" Shi Yiru was even more surprised, and said: "Brother, you are not a person who is afraid of things, even if you have once committed a rascal boy, you are all martial arts, what is there to be afraid of?" Duan Guizhang said: "It's a long story, but who is this rogue boy? It's the Pinglu Jiedu envoy and Fan Yang Jiedu envoy An Lushan you just saw!" Shi Yiru cried out: "Oh, Anlu Mountain!" Duan Guizhang said: "For many years, I have never told you my origin, now I can tell you. I am originally from Youzhou, and I moved to Guicun to avoid this Anlu Mountain!" Duan Guizhang drank another cup and continued: "My ancestors accumulated military merits and became a soldier and horse envoy in Youzhou. They can be regarded as not very big or small military officers. Unfortunately, my father died early. I inherited the shadow of my grandfather. The young men who have nothing to do, usually meddle in the back alleys, fight against injustices, and pretend to be chivalrous. In fact, more than half of this group of young men are rascals who just befriend me for food and drink. One of them is An Lushan, Oh, at that time, his surname was not An." Duan Guizhang paused, and then continued: "An Lushan is a Hu from the Western Regions. His surname is Kang, and his mother is a Turkic. Later, he married Hu General An Yanyan, so he assumed the surname An." Shi Yiru said with a smile: "Don't worry about him. What is your real surname? Since everyone knows that there is An Lu Mountain, let’s call him An Lu Mountain. What happened between you and An Lu Mountain?” Duan Guizhang said: "This An Lushan is proficient in six languages. At that time, he was a Hushilang in Youzhou. There are mixed Han and Hu in Youzhou. Hushilang is a kind of small official who is responsible for managing Han and Hu business in the market. He met both sides. When there is a language barrier, he also acts as an interpreter. He often takes advantage of it and deceives kind businessmen. On the outside, he is a bold and easy-going man who likes to make friends. Because he knows a few punches and six languages, I didn't notice it for a while, thought he was a talent, and made friends with him. "Gradually, I realized that his behavior was inappropriate, and I tried to persuade him, but he was obedient, and he got worse. Once he forged securities, blackmailed a businessman, and forced him to send his daughter to him to pay off the debt. I found out about this, and in a fit of anger , beat him up hard, and broke up with him from then on. An Lushan was scolded by me in full view of everyone in the market, and he was beaten hard. where to go. "After a few years, I suddenly heard that he became a soldier and horse envoy of the Pinglu Army. It turned out that he relied on his stepfather's citation and was sent to Youzhou Jiedu Envoy Zhang Yougui's subordinates as "generals who catch life". He is also good at drilling camps, and he has also made several contributions, so he was promoted very quickly. After serving as a soldier and horse envoy, he was promoted to the deputy envoy of the Pinglu Army in less than two years. He will also lead the troops back to Youzhou to station. "At that time, the meager property left by my ancestors had been squandered by me, and I was in a state of desperation. All the friends I had made in the past were all gone. I know that An Lushan is a villain who will take revenge. After I became a high-ranking official, I also heard a lot of things about domineering. I guessed that after he returned to Youzhou, he would not let me go, and I had no attachment to my hometown, so I stayed away from my hometown. After wandering around for several years, Fang Shi settled down in Guixiang. Unexpectedly, I still meet him here today. Brother Shi, I'm afraid today is the time for you and me to break up." Shi Yiru said: "I only know what catastrophe you caused, but it turned out that you beat a gangster when you were young. Many years later, An Lushan may not remember it, right?" Duan Guizhang said: "An Lushan regards this incident as a great shame in his life, and he will remember it even after he dies. If I don't leave, I will definitely suffer a terrible disaster. I don't regret dying, but I am afraid that I will hurt my wife and relatives! An Lu Shan's arrogance is overwhelming now, didn't you witness his lustful power today?" Shi Yiru is not ignorant of the cruelty of Anlu Mountain, but he doesn't think the matter is so serious. He and Duan Guizhang have been friends for many years, and they really don't want to be separated once, so he comforted him: "There are a lot of idlers on the side of the road today. , An Lushan hurried past in front of you and surrounded by you, maybe he recognized you in the crowd?" Duan Guizhang said: "The ancients said it well: take precautions before they happen. Things have to be considered for the worst. If a disaster strikes suddenly, I will not be able to hide at that time. What's more, since An Lushan flattered Concubine Yang last year, I will definitely come to Chang'an often in the future. , it is very close to Chang'an, and he will find out one day." Shi Yiru said: "You and I are like brothers and sisters, and now we are a family with sons and daughters. We should share weal and woe. If we want to leave, our two families will go together!" Duan Guizhang looked troubled, and said for a while, "My brother's righteousness is extremely admirable. It's just that my sister-in-law just gave birth, so, how can this be done?" Shi Yiru smiled and said, "Didn't my wife just give birth too?" Duan Guizhang said: "My wife has a little proficiency in martial arts and is physically strong. When things are urgent, it is not difficult to get away. My wife is a famous lady. How can I live a life of desperation and suffer from hardships?" Shi Yiru said: "In my opinion, I don't care if I want to leave at this time. If you want to go to Chang'an from Anlu Mountain, at least you have to pass the Lantern Festival before returning to Youzhou. Although my wife is in good health, she has just given birth, so it is not suitable for a long journey. .In my opinion, it would be better to stay for another ten days and a half months. Wouldn't it be much better for the two families to go together at that time?" Duan Guizhang heard what Shi Yiru said was very reasonable, and when he thought about the marriage of his children, if the two families broke up today, even though there was a dragon and a phoenix as evidence, whether they could meet each other in the next year could only depend on fate.When An Lushan arrived in Chang'an, there were inevitably many official entertainments, and the capital was prosperous and prosperous. He also worshiped Concubine Yang as his godmother, and he was very happy with himself.Even if he recognized himself, he would probably have to wait until he came back from Chang'an and passed through this village again if he wanted to avenge his past humiliation. After thinking for a while, Duan Guizhang finally accepted Shi Yiru's advice and decided that the two families would go away together on the day before the Lantern Festival. Shi Yiru originally wanted to ask him if he recognized the country boy, but only now did he have a chance to mention it.After hearing this, Duan Guizhang was very surprised, and said, "Is there such a person? When I saw the banner of Anlu Mountain, I slipped away with my head covered. It turns out that this is what made the noise." Seeing Duan Guizhang's expression changed, Shi Yiru thought to himself: "That young man's ability is indeed astonishing, no wonder Brother Duan was also surprised when he heard it." Duan Guizhang sat for a while longer, guessing that the Anlushan team had passed ten miles away, he bid farewell to Shi Yiru, and agreed that Shi Yiru would meet at his home tomorrow. After Duan Guizhang left, Shi Yiru went back to the inner room to visit his postpartum wife and newborn daughter. The wife was very weak and her spirit had not yet recovered;Shi Yiru was afraid that his wife would be worried and the whole family would go away, so he planned to wait for her to recuperate, and only told her before leaving.The phoenix hairpin that Duan Guizhang brought as a betrothal present was first shown to his wife. Shi Yiru's wife, surnamed Lu, was from a rich and noble family in Hedong. When she saw this phoenix hairpin, she also expressed her displeasure, and hurriedly asked him where he came from.Shi Yiru said: "Brother Duan's." Lu Shi said: "Is that Duan Guizhang Brother Duan?" Shi Yiru smiled and said: "Who else is Brother Duan?" Lu said: "Well, this is strange. Brother Duan There is such a priceless Baochai." Shi Yiru smiled and said: "There is something even more strange, Brother Duan also had a child on the night of New Year's Eve yesterday, but we are a girl, they are a boy." Lu Shi Dao, "It's such a coincidence! You are good friends, and the child was born on the same day! Brother, let me tell you a joke, these two children seem like a natural pair." Shi Yiru laughed and said: "No Just kidding, the marriage is already done. This phoenix hairpin is the bride price given to our daughter by Brother Duan. You don’t think his family is poor, do you?” Mrs. Lu thought for a while, and said: "Brother Duan and sister-in-law are good people like no other in a hundred. Brother Duan is well-rounded in both civil and military affairs. I think that in the current world, there will be chaos in the future. If a daughter marries into his family, it will be more difficult for her to marry him." It is much more reliable to marry into a scholarly family or an official family. But I am a little worried..." Shi Yiru hurriedly asked: "What are you worried about?" Lu said: "Brother Duan's family is poor, but he has such treasures... ..." Shi Yiru said with a smile: "Could it be that you suspect that his Baochai came in a wrong way?" Lu shook his head and said: "That's not what it means. With Brother Duan as a person, even if it is a valuable thing, I will not doubt whether he is right or not." The wealth of righteousness. But judging from the fact that he has Baochai, he must be very human. If he hadn't been a high-ranking official in the past, he must be a person like Jing Ke and Nie Zheng. And he is willing to remain unknown in this small village. From my point of view, I'm afraid he probably caused some disaster and came here for refuge!" Shi Yiru secretly admired his wife's insight, and thought in his heart: "When I first saw this Baochai, I was also secretly suspicious, but she is not as thoughtful as her, and she can guess right away." But he was afraid that his wife would be too worried after giving birth. Regarding Duan Guizhang's feud with An Lushan, he still kept it secret.He just said: "You guessed right, he is indeed the descendant of the general, and this phoenix hairpin was obtained by his ancestors when he accompanied Li Jing and Chief Li to the west. Brother Duan is a righteous man, and he may have offended some villains. What a catastrophe." Lu Shi said, "I hope it doesn't happen." Shi Yiru handed Baochai to his wife and went out to pay New Year's greetings to a few seniors of his family, and then walked around the village. Everyone in the village was talking about what happened this morning, scolding An Lushan for disregarding human life, and praising the unnamed boy for his skills Fanfan, in his conversation, Shi Yiru was relieved to know that no strangers had visited the village after the incident.He thought: "If An Lushan knows him, he will definitely send someone to inquire. Since no one has been here, there is no need to worry." He went home at night, because his wife was in childbirth, and according to the custom, a midwife was invited to stay with her overnight. After dinner, he visited his wife, and then went to the study to rest.It was almost the second watch at that time, he stepped into the study, lit a candle, and suddenly saw a stranger sitting in it. Shi Yiru suddenly saw a stranger sitting in his study, his shock was no small matter, in the flickering candlelight, but he saw that this person was a bearded and cloaked military officer, the officer stood up to greet him before he could speak , clasped his fists and said with a smile: "An uninvited guest, visiting late at night, is presumptuous! Fortunately, Mr. Duan is a powerful man of the rivers and lakes. Such things should be commonplace. I don't think you will be surprised!" Although Shi Yiru was a frail scholar, he was courageous and courageous. Although he was taken aback by accident, he understood half of it when he saw that the visitor was an officer. At this time, he heard the officer call himself "Mr. Duan", and the matter was even more complete. I understand, I thought to myself: "Brother Duan hid in my house this morning, without asking, you know, this fellow regards me as Brother Duan!" Shi Yiru settled down, although he understood in his heart, he pretended not to know, pretending to be surprised and asked: "Who is your lord, and what is the purpose of this visit, please let me know." The officer glanced at Shi Yiru. Although Shi Yiru calmed down a bit, he couldn't completely cover up his frightened expression. The officer thought to himself: "Marshal An said he is proficient in martial arts and has extraordinary abilities, but he looks like a scholar. When he saw me Just trembling with fright? Could it be that he is as wise as a fool, as courageous as a coward, possessing unique skills, but deliberately pretending to be like this?" The officer sat down and said: "Xiao Ke is a hussar general under the command of Marshal An, the governor of Pinglu. His surname is Tian, ​​and his name is Chengsi. Tian of Tiantu, Cheng of flattery, heir of successor." The turbid Shandong accent seems to be afraid that Shi Yiru will not understand.While speaking, he dipped his finger in tea and scratched on the desk, and the three characters "Tian Chengsi" appeared on the desk, as if a carpenter chiseled it out, penetrating three points into the wood. This Tian Chengsi was originally a gangster. He was known to everyone in the underworld. He announced his name and showed his skills. Shi Yiru didn't understand martial arts at all. At this time, he had an idea in his mind, so he no longer feared it. He only thought Tian Chengsi's posturing was ridiculous, and said indifferently: "It turns out that it is General Tian. I have admired him for a long time! What can I teach you?" , please explain clearly." Tian Chengsi showed off his martial arts, seeing that Shi Yiru's expression was normal, without any timidity, he thought to himself: "Sure enough, he is a real person without showing his face, I almost lost my sight." He became more and more convinced that Shi Yiru was Duan Guizhang, because he couldn't figure it out His depth made him feel a little flustered, and at that moment he showed his "golden steel hand" skill, wiped the three words "Tian Chengsi" on the desk lightly, and said with a forced smile: "It turns out that Mr. Duan already knew Xiao Ke has a low name, although we have different identities now, we all got mixed up in the rivers and lakes, red flowers and green leaves come from the same source, Tian must not offend Mr. Duan, please don't embarrass me, Mr. Duan, Give me some face and come with me!" Shi Yiru still pretended not to know, and said calmly: "General Tian, ​​this is strange, you and I have never met before, where do you want me to go with you? Besides, I have never seen a treat in the middle of the night!" Tian Chengsi stood up suddenly, with a tense expression, and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Duan, you can be regarded as a famous person, and Tian has invited you with courtesy according to martial arts rules, do you really want to 'toast but not eat and drink'? To go or not to go, the decision is made with one word! Why bother mother-in-law and mother-in-law to push back and forth, pretending not to know, is this the true quality of a hero?" Shi Yiru smiled and said: "I'm not a hero in the first place, and I really don't know the general's reason for coming! Even if you treat guests, there must be a reason for treating them?" Tian Chengsi snorted and said, "Is this the reason? Please ask our Jiedu Envoy, Marshal An!" Shi Yiru said: "Oh, it turns out that An Lushan is the one who treats guests?" Tian Chengsi said: "Yes, Marshal An ordered that no matter what, you must invite your husband to come. So you have to go if you don't go!" After a pause, he turned a slightly gentle tone and said: "Mr. Duan , you are a wise person, so you don’t need to explain it in detail. Tian was sent by order, so I have to, please don’t embarrass me any more.” It turns out that Tian Chengsi is also a little timid towards "Duan Guizhang", otherwise he would have Let's do it. Shi Yiru was trying to delay the time as much as possible, during which time he had already turned countless thoughts over and over again.If you go, the consequences are hard to predict.Moreover, he hated the rich and powerful all his life, and the local emperors like An Lushan, who were able to succeed and separate the people, were especially the ones he hated.In normal times, he would rather die than go to see An Lushan.But now it involves Duan Guizhang. If he doesn't go, he has to explain his identity and let Tian Chengsi understand that this is a misunderstanding.However, in this way, it will be difficult for Duan Guizhang to escape. Tian Chengsi was at the last moment, Shi Yiru gave up his heart and thought to himself: "It doesn't matter if I go, An Lushan's subordinates have caught the wrong person, even if he is unreasonable, he may not dare to kill me. If Brother Duan goes, at least an insult will be unavoidable, he is a reputable man who would rather die than be humiliated, if I tell the truth, it will be equivalent to killing his life!" Shi Yiru made up his mind, he immediately said haha, looked up to the sky and smiled and said: "Emissary An Jiedu actually knew that there was me, and even sent a general to invite me, I am really flattered! This is what I wish for, Maybe I can still work as an official, haha, since I've been favored, why don't I go!" Tian Chengsi's mood was like a tense bowstring, and he was ready to strike at any time. Hearing what he said, he immediately relaxed, and said with a smile: "Mr. , as long as you are willing to say a few good words, it is easy to become a high-ranking official! Mr. Duan, I have already prepared the horse, please set off!" Shi Yiru smiled calmly and said, "In such a hurry? I can't just say I'm going to leave!" Tian Chengsi's complexion sank, and he laughed and said, "What else do you need? Marshal An ordered me to 'invite' your honor to Chang'an before dawn. If there is any delay, I can wait for you, Mr. An Handsome but can't just sit there waiting for you!" Shi Yiru said: "I have to say goodbye to my family, right?" Tian Chengsi smiled and said: "If I hadn't known your identity for a long time, I would really regard you as a sour scholar. How can a man be so sticky when doing things? You go to say goodbye to your family, and suddenly, How can I say it clearly? In case your mother-in-law is crying until dawn, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave yet!" After a break, he continued, "For the sake of your fellow martial arts, I didn't disturb you at all. Family, why are you waking them up in the middle of the night?" I thought to myself, "Guizhang has such a great reputation, but he doesn't understand the rules of the world, and he doesn't look like a character in the world!" In fact, Shi Yiru didn't want to say goodbye to his wife and make her heartbroken. He said this because he had other plans.And Tian Chengsi's refusal to agree was already in his expectation. 他听得田承嗣并没有扰及他的家人，先放下了一重心事，当下说道，“话虽如此，但我此去，不知何时归来，总得留个字儿，免得他们疑神疑鬼，平白担忧。” 田承嗣甚不耐烦，但也只得说道：“好，你就留个字儿吧。不必涉及安节度使，胡乱找个藉口，只要让你家人知道你是平安就行了。将来你衣锦荣归，再令他们大大惊喜一番。” 史逸如笑道，“我懂得，当然不会涉及安禄山。”提起笔来立即写了一封短札，只说出外谋事，叫妻子若遇困难，可找亲友帮忙。田承嗣在旁看他写信，不作一声。 史逸如将信笺用墨砚压住，摆在书桌当中，心里想道：“我妻子比我聪明，她明天一早，见了这封信，当会料到我是遭遇了意外，立即便会派人告诉段大哥。那时她虽然伤心，总比现在夫妻诀别要好过一些。段大哥也定然会照料他们母女，保护她们远走高飞！”可怜史逸如虽然煞费苦心，他到底缺乏江湖经验，怎知田承嗣也早已有了安排，要不然怎能容许他写这封信？ 田承嗣悄声说道：“脚步放轻一些！”两人走出书房，田承嗣一个飞身上了屋顶，见史逸如没有跟来，连忙跃下，含怒问道：“怎么，又不想走了吗？”史逸如道：“我在自己的家中，要离家也不能这样鬼鬼祟祟，要走，我得从大门走出去！”江湖上正巧有这么一条规矩，有身份的武林宗匠，纵使受人胁迫，也定然要走大门离开，才不致有失身份。田承嗣暗自骂道：“这个时候，还讲这些臭排场！”但也只得依他，从大门走出去。史逸如一看，门外已经有了三匹上了鞍的骏马。 一个黑衣军官走了上来，抱拳说道：“这位是段先生吧？小弟薛嵩，以前也曾在幽州混过一些时日。段兄大名，如雷震耳，今日幸会。”安禄山手下，有几个得力的将领，薛嵩亦是其中之一，史逸如答礼道：“薛将军的大名，在下也是久仰的了。”薛嵩得意之极，哈哈大笑，史逸如不知他笑些什么，只听得田承嗣说道：“听说以前为了清河沟李家的事情，你们几乎要刀兵相见，有这回事吗？”薛嵩道：“是呀，连时间都约好了。后来那个自称是虬髯客弟子的出头将事情化解，我与段兄也就各走东西，始终没有见过面。哈，哈，说起来这是十四年前的事了。”田承嗣笑道：“以后咱们都是同僚，你们两位也可以多多亲近亲近了！” 史逸如根本就不知道什么清河沟的事情，好在他们忙着赶路，薛嵩按照江湖礼貌，叙了几句之后，立即催他上马，没有再说下去，史逸如才得免露出破绽。 田承嗣在前，薛嵩在后，他们两匹马将史逸如夹在当中。原来这薛嵩也是江湖大盗出身，一手袁公剑法，出神入化，安禄山差遣这两个人来，乃是防备段珪璋抗命的。薛嵩刚才在外面接应，亦自准备有一场激斗，想不到田承嗣将事情办得这样顺利，他也是喜出望外。 史逸如的心情却是非常沉重，他跨上雕鞍，回头一望，心中想道：“她现在也许还在梦中，怎知已是夫妻离别？呀，不知以后还有没有夫妻重见之期、父女会面之日？女儿刚刚出世就失掉父亲，她将来长大，不知要如何悲痛？”同时，心中忽又起了一层疑云，田承嗣来到他家，在他的书房里缠了他将近半个时辰，卧房在屋子内进，距离较远，妻子产后虚弱，熟睡了就不易醒来这犹可说。他家中一个书童，一个婢女，另外还有一个请来的产婆，晚上是准备不睡觉来照料产妇和婴儿的，他们为什么都一点没有听到声息？他和田承嗣在书房里说了这么久的话，难道睡在书房后间的书童都听不见么？ 可是这时已不容许他仔细思索了，田承嗣已经放马疾驰，在前带路，他只得紧紧追随，他虽然不精于骑术，但他那匹马却是久历疆场的骏马，不必他驱策，就安安稳稳地驮着他跟着前头那匹马疾跑。他家离长安不过六十里，这三匹马都是日行数百里的骏马，不过两个时辰，便到了一处地方，前面是一座山，山下有一幢大屋，史逸如认得那是骊山，原来这座大屋，便是安禄山在长安的府邸。 这时刚是五更时分，天还未亮，田、薛二人带他从角门走入，请他先到卫士聚集的白虎堂歇息。 薛嵩得意洋洋地说道：“这位就是大名鼎鼎的幽州剑客段珪璋，以后你们多多向他请教。”白虎堂里有十多名轮值的卫士，听说是段珪璋，都“啊呀”一声，站了起来，待看清楚了史逸如的相貌，却又不禁都怔了一怔，心中均是想道：“这曾经纵横河朔，大名鼎鼎的段珪璋，却怎的竟是一个白面书生？” 这班卫士虽然觉得“段珪璋”的相貌出乎意料，但段珪璋的威名，十多年前就已震惊河朔，哪个敢于轻视？因此仍是纷纷上前敬礼。史逸如也大模大样的，谁向他敬礼，他都是大马金刀的坐着，淡淡的点一点头。 一个卫士问道：“段大侠见多识广，目下咱们就有一件事情，想向段大侠请教。” 史逸如摆了摆手，道：“不必多礼，说吧！” 那卫士道：“近年来有个名噪武林的妙手空空儿，段大侠可知道他的来历吗？咱们的大帅想礼聘他，不知段大侠可有办法？” 史逸如冷冷说道：“什么空空儿，俺从来没有听过！” 那班卫士们大吃一惊，做声不得。要知武林中出类拔萃的人物十居八九，都是唯我独尊，目中无人。他们只道“段珪璋”是看不起空空儿，所以语气才这样轻蔑。那个向他请问的卫士更是心中想道：“一山难容二虎，他投到大帅帐下，当然不愿更有胜过他的人。我请他设法去找空空儿，实是失言，怪不得要碰他的钉子了。但他居然敢轻视空空儿，只怕确是身怀绝技，名不虚传！” 这个卫士碰了钉子，大家都不敢作声。田承嗣微微一笑，扭转话题，问另一个卫士道：“事情办得怎么样了？” 那卫士道：“扎手得很，那个老的，武功怪异，咱们都瞧不出他的路数。还有一个小的，不知是否他的徒弟，土头土脑的似是一个乡下少年，手底却非常狠辣，连张统领都给他伤了。” 田承嗣问道：“伤得重不重？”那卫士道：“侥幸或可免于残废，但最少也得卧床三月，田将军，我看还是你亲自出马的好。” 史逸如听他们说起那乡下少年的形貌，心中一动，想道：“莫非就是昨日在马蹄下救人的那个少年？” 田承嗣笑道：“段大哥来了，这件功劳正好让给段大哥作见面礼。段大哥，梅花针刺穴的功夫想来你定然可以破解？” 史逸如未及回答，忽听得牌官高声传令道：“大帅传田、薛二将军偕同段珪璋进见。” 原来这时天色大亮，安禄山已升堂了。exactly: 欲知史逸如性命如何？Please listen to the breakdown next time.