Chapter 10 Section ten
What welcomed Lian Shou back to the capital was the smell of barbecue in the evening wind.
It is at least seven or eight miles away from Ming Chongmen of Waiguo in the south of the city.The aroma was carried by the summer southerly wind, evidently from the capital.
"What's going on..." Liang Zhuang couldn't help muttering.I was on my way all afternoon, and I only stopped halfway to eat a dry meal. Stimulated by the smell of meat, my stomach sac made a noise.
Heizi sitting in Scythe's arms, who was originally asleep because of the shaking of the saddle, was awakened by the smell at this moment, licking his dry lips.
Lian Shou stretched out his hand to signal the cavalry to stop, and the twenty-six horsemen in the back strangled them together—in order not to attract too much attention, Lian Shou divided the men he brought back into three groups, and returned to Beijing from different routes one after another.The team of Lian Shou was dressed as a merchant, and beside the horses were cloth bags with goods, some of them were disguised, and some of them actually carried the items Sian Shou bought from various state capitals.
Sickles took a deep breath. "I see...it's the Royal Hunt of the celebration."
The current emperor is ten years old when he ascended the throne, and the celebration started a few days ago and lasted until after the autumn harvest.
According to the legacy of the founder of the country, except for regular festivals, all royal celebrations should not be held before the autumn harvest, so as not to disturb the people's work and rest, and also reduce the burden of farmers' tribute; The rules of the ancestors have long been forgotten.
In this three-month celebration, in addition to various sacrifices and ceremonies, every auspicious day will hold a big hunt in the Royal Garden Forest in the north of the imperial city - the sparse ones are separated by five or six days, and the dense ones are hunted continuously for three or four days. .
Since it is hunting, there must be prey.Each time nearly a hundred birds and beasts were carried to the huge open-air altar in the center of the imperial garden for barbecue, and the meat was offered as a sacrifice to the heavens, and then shared by the civil and military officials who accompanied the hunting.The emperor himself would not touch it—in order to cultivate the immortal bone as soon as possible, the emperor listened to the advice of the alchemist and started to become a vegetarian four years ago.But hunting and killing, he did not relax - the right to life and death of all things in the world is of course held in the hands of the emperor alone.
With such frequent hunting, no matter how large the imperial garden is, the animals in the forest will not be enough for use. Therefore, a large number of wild animals must be imported from various states to make up for it. The transportation distance is long, and more than half of the animals will die on the way.The manpower and material resources wasted by the Royal Hunting House are really hard to calculate.
Lian Shou also encountered a convoy transporting animals on the main road of Shangjing yesterday. He didn't know why at the time, but now he smells the aroma of barbecue.
"Fuck you bitch, I'm going to starve to death." One of the subordinates couldn't help complaining. "This smell is so fucking insane. When you enter Kyoto, you must have a good meal of meat."
"It's almost here." Lian Shou smiled, already recalling the appearance of the city gate in his heart.Although he also felt hungry, what he cared about was not the delicious food, but Xiaoyu's soft body and Baidou's warm smile.
But after a while, the sickle's smile disappeared.He frowned, thinking of the many exiled poor still living in the suburbs of Beijing.
——What were they thinking when they smelled the scent of meat? ...
The image of the city gate in Lian Shou's mind suddenly changed into a bloody mouth.The entire capital is like a gigantic carnivorous beast, greedily devouring the flesh, blood, and blood of all beings on the earth...
——And all the things I did for the boss and for the "Dashutang", are I also feeding it?
Huaquewu knew that he was followed by Rong Yushan's people wherever he went, and he didn't care. He didn't go into Wendingfang to inspect it personally—it would be too easy to attract suspicion. Instead, he sat on the second floor of a well-known restaurant in Herongfang next door, slowly eating the most famous red bean scones here, served with Green tea as clear as jasper, waiting for his subordinates to come back and report the results of the inspection. Yu Runsheng's map is indeed very detailed, but after all, each part was compiled and recorded at different times, even if only a few months apart, the actual conditions of the streets may change.Huaquewu decided to confirm every detail by himself, especially the area around Jiyuanmen, which is the key to this operation, and there must be no mistakes. Hua Que Wu took a sip of tea and casually glanced at the guests around him.He couldn't be sure who among them was Rong Jijiu's spy, and he didn't bother to tell. ——Anyway, Rong Jijiu already knew that I was doing intelligence work for Yu Runsheng, and it was normal for me to inquire about the situation. Hua Que Wu felt that in his forty-one-year-old life, he had never been so fulfilled as he is now.In the past, Topi was under the wing of his adoptive father. Although he got many opportunities, he still failed to break into the core of the gang; now he follows Yu Runsheng, but he can participate in the battle of the highest power of "Feng Yilong". As for Yu Runsheng's real plan, Hua Que Wu only knew part of it, so he really couldn't make any guesses about the success or failure.He has no doubts about Runsheng's intelligence and judgment, but there are no inevitable things in the underworld... ——If Yu Runsheng fails... who will be the winner? ... The Rong family has unshakable and solid "capital" - including the influence in the court and the overwhelming force in the gang. They are as safe as sitting in a huge and heavy chariot covered with steel guards.No matter how wrong the driver is, or how clumsily the car moves, the enemy will still be crushed to death... But Huaquewu's intuition, the most terrifying is always Zhang Shuai. Since he was a teenager, Hua Que Wu has heard a lot about "Feng Yilong"'s early deeds from Pang Wenying; They are guarding the second and third lines, and they often hear about the "six cups of sacrificial wine" from the mouths of the older gang members. The calm and persevering Rong Yushan and the courageous and brave Pang Wenying are naturally celebrities in the underworld in the capital; When "Feng Yilong" is in trouble, he can most inspire the morale of the gang. It is said that he has never been sick in his life since he was born in his mother's womb until he died in battle; He was only in charge of managing the financial accounts of the gang. It was not until he collected gambling debts for "Feng Yilong" that he killed forty-four members of a small gang named "Jifa" in one go, and people saw his cruelty. means…… Among these stories, Zhang Shuai, the "Master of Curses", is the least mentioned, but every time he makes a move, everyone is always stunned—including the corpse of the slain enemy. "This guy Zhang Shuai..." Hua Que Wu remembers what his adoptive father said: "When people have almost forgotten him... that is when he is the scariest." Huaque surrounded the teacup with five pairs of palms.The wind blowing in from the window was very hot, but his back felt a chill.
On the wooden table was a transparent vase of blue glass with a white anemone seat at the bottom, and a bouquet of white jasmine flowers had just been inserted; The wind chimes made of strange shells shake and ring in front of the window, reminding people of the sound of waves on the coast; on the dark green carpet, many distant mythical figures are woven. and the pattern of exotic animals; on the bronze incense burner, there is a stream of thin smoke with the strange fragrance of poppies... All kinds of strange artifacts brought back from the border completely changed the atmosphere of Lian Shou and Ning Xiaoyu's room.The original too simple and monotonous architectural format was suddenly covered with a layer of rough but full of strong energy of life. Lian Shou picked up a bright red shawl embroidered with flying birds, and gently covered Ning Xiaoyu's body. "Do you like all these things?" In addition to the shawl, he bought her a pair of sandals woven of strips of leather, and a silver bracelet set with emeralds in silver. "I like them all." Ning Xiaoyu smiled and nodded, stretching out her small palm to caress his bearded cheek. Lian Shou felt that her smile was a bit strange, was it because they had been separated for too long? "Do you really like it?" He frowned. "If you don't like it, don't wear it. I'll buy you something else next time." "In the past, I used to wear all kinds of gorgeous clothes and jewelry—all others asked me to wear, so I felt like a doll." Ning Xiaoyu said quietly. "Now I can wear whatever I like. I like all these things, not just because you bought them, but..." She lowered her head and stroked the bracelet, tears streaming down slowly. "...they make me feel... like a human being again..." Lian Shou held her face in both hands, bowed his head and kissed her tears dry. Ning Xiaoyu raised her head excitedly, and kissed his lips, touching her teeth so hard. The palm of the sickle slid down her face and neck to her chest, sneaked into the skirt, gently held her soft breasts, and pinched her pink nipples with her fingers... Under such caresses in the past, Ning Xiaoyu's whole body immediately became soft, but the other palm holding her waist felt that her body was a little stiff. "What's the matter?..." The sickle stopped caressing, and his mouth left her lips.He looked at her with concern. "Are you feeling unwell..." Ning Xiaoyu bit her lip, remained silent for a while, and shook her head vigorously. "Nothing...probably...menstruation has come early..." Sickle stretched out his arms behind her back and legs, and hugged her horizontally.He sat on the chair and carefully placed her on his lap. He hugged her wordlessly, and slowly stroked her soft hair. The intense sensual desire that had been accumulated for a long time subsided immediately.It was at such a moment that Lian Shou felt more deeply how much he cherished this woman. When the envoy sent by Di Bin found him and brought the order "return to the capital immediately", he knew that the day of the decisive battle was not far away. ——No matter what happens, I must go home alive. --for her. The sunlight outside the window turned into sunset. Ning Xiaoyu buried her head in the shoulder socket of the sickle head, and fell asleep in a daze. In the dream, Sickle held her hand and walked forward continuously.She didn't know where they were going, only that they could finally leave. Go far, far away. She pressed her cheek against his broad chest, smiling contentedly.
Huaquewu knew that he was followed by Rong Yushan's people wherever he went, and he didn't care. He didn't go into Wendingfang to inspect it personally—it would be too easy to attract suspicion. Instead, he sat on the second floor of a well-known restaurant in Herongfang next door, slowly eating the most famous red bean scones here, served with Green tea as clear as jasper, waiting for his subordinates to come back and report the results of the inspection. Yu Runsheng's map is indeed very detailed, but after all, each part was compiled and recorded at different times, even if only a few months apart, the actual conditions of the streets may change.Huaquewu decided to confirm every detail by himself, especially the area around Jiyuanmen, which is the key to this operation, and there must be no mistakes. Hua Que Wu took a sip of tea and casually glanced at the guests around him.He couldn't be sure who among them was Rong Jijiu's spy, and he didn't bother to tell. ——Anyway, Rong Jijiu already knew that I was doing intelligence work for Yu Runsheng, and it was normal for me to inquire about the situation. Hua Que Wu felt that in his forty-one-year-old life, he had never been so fulfilled as he is now.In the past, Topi was under the wing of his adoptive father. Although he got many opportunities, he still failed to break into the core of the gang; now he follows Yu Runsheng, but he can participate in the battle of the highest power of "Feng Yilong". As for Yu Runsheng's real plan, Hua Que Wu only knew part of it, so he really couldn't make any guesses about the success or failure.He has no doubts about Runsheng's intelligence and judgment, but there are no inevitable things in the underworld... ——If Yu Runsheng fails... who will be the winner? ... The Rong family has unshakable and solid "capital" - including the influence in the court and the overwhelming force in the gang. They are as safe as sitting in a huge and heavy chariot covered with steel guards.No matter how wrong the driver is, or how clumsily the car moves, the enemy will still be crushed to death... But Huaquewu's intuition, the most terrifying is always Zhang Shuai. Since he was a teenager, Hua Que Wu has heard a lot about "Feng Yilong"'s early deeds from Pang Wenying; They are guarding the second and third lines, and they often hear about the "six cups of sacrificial wine" from the mouths of the older gang members. The calm and persevering Rong Yushan and the courageous and brave Pang Wenying are naturally celebrities in the underworld in the capital; When "Feng Yilong" is in trouble, he can most inspire the morale of the gang. It is said that he has never been sick in his life since he was born in his mother's womb until he died in battle; He was only in charge of managing the financial accounts of the gang. It was not until he collected gambling debts for "Feng Yilong" that he killed forty-four members of a small gang named "Jifa" in one go, and people saw his cruelty. means…… Among these stories, Zhang Shuai, the "Master of Curses", is the least mentioned, but every time he makes a move, everyone is always stunned—including the corpse of the slain enemy. "This guy Zhang Shuai..." Hua Que Wu remembers what his adoptive father said: "When people have almost forgotten him... that is when he is the scariest." Huaque surrounded the teacup with five pairs of palms.The wind blowing in from the window was very hot, but his back felt a chill.
On the wooden table was a transparent vase of blue glass with a white anemone seat at the bottom, and a bouquet of white jasmine flowers had just been inserted; The wind chimes made of strange shells shake and ring in front of the window, reminding people of the sound of waves on the coast; on the dark green carpet, many distant mythical figures are woven. and the pattern of exotic animals; on the bronze incense burner, there is a stream of thin smoke with the strange fragrance of poppies... All kinds of strange artifacts brought back from the border completely changed the atmosphere of Lian Shou and Ning Xiaoyu's room.The original too simple and monotonous architectural format was suddenly covered with a layer of rough but full of strong energy of life. Lian Shou picked up a bright red shawl embroidered with flying birds, and gently covered Ning Xiaoyu's body. "Do you like all these things?" In addition to the shawl, he bought her a pair of sandals woven of strips of leather, and a silver bracelet set with emeralds in silver. "I like them all." Ning Xiaoyu smiled and nodded, stretching out her small palm to caress his bearded cheek. Lian Shou felt that her smile was a bit strange, was it because they had been separated for too long? "Do you really like it?" He frowned. "If you don't like it, don't wear it. I'll buy you something else next time." "In the past, I used to wear all kinds of gorgeous clothes and jewelry—all others asked me to wear, so I felt like a doll." Ning Xiaoyu said quietly. "Now I can wear whatever I like. I like all these things, not just because you bought them, but..." She lowered her head and stroked the bracelet, tears streaming down slowly. "...they make me feel... like a human being again..." Lian Shou held her face in both hands, bowed his head and kissed her tears dry. Ning Xiaoyu raised her head excitedly, and kissed his lips, touching her teeth so hard. The palm of the sickle slid down her face and neck to her chest, sneaked into the skirt, gently held her soft breasts, and pinched her pink nipples with her fingers... Under such caresses in the past, Ning Xiaoyu's whole body immediately became soft, but the other palm holding her waist felt that her body was a little stiff. "What's the matter?..." The sickle stopped caressing, and his mouth left her lips.He looked at her with concern. "Are you feeling unwell..." Ning Xiaoyu bit her lip, remained silent for a while, and shook her head vigorously. "Nothing...probably...menstruation has come early..." Sickle stretched out his arms behind her back and legs, and hugged her horizontally.He sat on the chair and carefully placed her on his lap. He hugged her wordlessly, and slowly stroked her soft hair. The intense sensual desire that had been accumulated for a long time subsided immediately.It was at such a moment that Lian Shou felt more deeply how much he cherished this woman. When the envoy sent by Di Bin found him and brought the order "return to the capital immediately", he knew that the day of the decisive battle was not far away. ——No matter what happens, I must go home alive. --for her. The sunlight outside the window turned into sunset. Ning Xiaoyu buried her head in the shoulder socket of the sickle head, and fell asleep in a daze. In the dream, Sickle held her hand and walked forward continuously.She didn't know where they were going, only that they could finally leave. Go far, far away. She pressed her cheek against his broad chest, smiling contentedly.