Chapter 29 Chapter Twenty-Nine

After Gu Yueming left, he went straight to the shore of the lake. On the right, the three majestic buildings of the Hongye main building and the pool table behind them are brightly lit, illuminating the area near the lake shore as bright as day.The eighteen water pavilions facing Jiahu are all lit up, and the sound of silk and bamboo orchestras fills the vast space on the lake.He felt extremely lonely. Wu Zixu rushed up behind him and said in a low voice: "I am very grateful to you, but I don't understand you even more. Didn't Brother Gu say that he would not prove that I am Lang Geng?"

Gu Yueming said: "That doesn't make any difference. Ruan Xiuzhen and Qiu Jiushi have already identified you as the fifth escaped thief, so it doesn't make any difference what I say." Wu Zixu sighed, and then asked nervously, "Brother Gu looked at the painting just now, do you still have the same feeling as when you saw the painting last time?" Gu Yueming said indifferently: "So what if you have it? So what if you don't have it? Brother Wu spends more time on saving his life, that's what a wise man does." Wu Zixu said happily: "Creating possibilities out of the impossible has always been my goal in life. Although I haven't found a way out yet, I enjoy this situation very much."

For the first time, Gu Yueming felt a little closer to others.What he pursues is the excitement and danger hovering on the edge of life and death, which is very similar to Wu Zixu's pursuit, and the irony is that one of them is a soldier and the other is a thief. Gu Yueming frowned and said: "I really don't understand you, knowing that Yueyang is the most dangerous place in the world for you, but you still want to hide in Hongyelou, a desperate place, what is the reason?" Wu Zixu said: "No matter whoever asks me, I will not answer honestly. But to Brother Gu, I don't know why I can't lie. The thing is like this, I have a treasure in my hand, but it can only be found in Hongye Building There is a chance to contact the buyer. As long as I can sell this treasure, I can get a large amount of wealth that I can squander for many years. To tell you the truth, brother Gu, I am used to having fun, and I can't live a life of poverty and nothing, and I can't be in the limelight If you steal other treasures, you can't sell them if you steal them, and you will only reveal your whereabouts. Therefore, getting rid of the treasures in my hands has become my only hope."

Gu Yueming said unhappily: "How much better is your situation now? Not only have you exposed Xingzang, but you have also been surrounded by enemies. Master Qiu Jiu and Ruan Xiuzhen are probably the most tyrannical combination in the world. You are too wishful thinking." He thought that the treasure Wu Zixu mentioned was something he had stolen before, so he didn't care. Wu Zixu said dejectedly: "Brother Gu is a bystander, and I am a fan of the authorities. This situation must be a ghost situation. I figured it out. I only regret that I figured it out tonight. It's too late."

Gu Yueming's heart moved, and he asked, "What have you figured out?" Wu Zixu said: "Since I accidentally killed Huangfu Tianxiong's precious son, I have been fascinated by ghosts and lured to that swamp area you call Yunmeng Marsh, and the beautiful woman I officially named Goddess Yunmeng now. Meet Li Gui. You should understand what I mean by 'meet'. From that moment on, Goddess Yunmeng has been attached to me, causing me to have strange dreams, and to open my eyes and daydream in broad daylight. Ha! No It should be said that I opened my eyes and dreamed in the middle of the night, and went back to the same place every time. Alas! My aunt, I am afraid that I am at the end of my life, so I was played by Goddess Yunmeng in the palm of my hand."

Wu Zixu continued after a while: "There is another evidence that can prove that I am fascinated by ghosts, and this should be the case of all people who are fascinated by ghosts—that is, they are deeply attracted by ghosts and long to be with her. I think she is extremely attractive, even if I lose my life for her, it is not a big deal. If I can escape from Yueyang, I will find a monk with magic power to drive away the evil spirits that possess me. Alas! No I have said what I should say, but how can I hide my intentions from her? She will never allow me to have a chance to escape. I am completely finished."

Gu Yueming said in a deep voice: "In the dream, where did you go?" Wu Zixu replied honestly, "It's a strange city." Gu Yueming turned around like a whirlwind, his eyes shone with divine light, and he said in a low voice, "Describe it to me carefully." Wu Zixu was taken aback by his strong reaction, and after a while he came to his senses, and said: "The city is built on a mountain, divided into several layers according to the mountain, and there is a temple at the highest point. Sometimes the whole city is empty, sometimes Then lay dead bodies everywhere, and the whole city seems to be infected with the plague to death."

Gu Yueming asked calmly: "Have you seen the environment outside the city?" Wu Zixu said: "The deepest impression is that when you look down from the city tower, you can see hills and plains, and there is a river in the distance. It's really weird." Gu Yueming was still looking at him with empty eyes, Wu Zixu felt that his mind was not here. Wu Zixu couldn't help asking: "Brother Gu, have you ever heard of such a mountain city?" Gu Yueming let out a long breath, his eyes recovered, and said: "What happened tonight, why did Brother Wu suddenly think that he was possessed by a ghost?"

Wu Zixu said: "Tonight I had another dream. It was the same mountain city. I arrived at the highest wall in the city and walked along a stone road to a square. There stood a temple-like building. There is a square and horizontal stone plaque on the gate of the hall, with four characters carved on it, but it is hard to see clearly." Gu Yueming's scalp felt numb, his hair stood on end, and he said, "Then what?" Wu Zixu said tragically with lingering fear: "Then I saw Goddess Yunmeng." Gu Yueming stared at him blankly. Wu Zixu smiled wryly and said: "Actually, I can't see her. All I see is a beautiful and dazzling light and shadow. I couldn't move, and then I heard her talking to me, repeating it twice, asking me to call her name. Alas! I still don't wake up to this point? She's hooking my soul, as long as I call out Her name, my little life is over. I really don't want to die, I haven't lived enough, at least I haven't found a woman who can make me fall in love, so it's not worth dying like this."

Gu Yueming said: "Did you come here by boat?" Wu Zixu nodded yes. Gu Yueming said: "Let's talk on the boat." Baichun sat alone in the hall, looking at the "Goddess of Yunmeng" hanging on the opposite wall. Could Yunmeng be referring to the little Yunmeng Qian Shichen mentioned?Is Yunmeng City still there?really weird!With Qian Shichen's status and power, why did he hesitate to tell a story that happened in ancient times, he hesitated to speak, as if he had some scruples, and he had to make an oath not to leak it out.Where is the reason? Suddenly, Baichun felt a strong urge to hear the untold second half of the story. At the same time, she secretly made up her mind not to let Qian Shichen hide his head and show his tail, so that she could not grasp the exact situation in Yunmeng City back then.

Thinking of this, she walked towards the study in Zhongjin.Since she knew Qian Shichen, this was the first time she wanted to take the initiative to invite him to Hongyelou.She knew that when Qian Shichen saw her secret letter written in private paper, no matter how busy he was with his business, he would put everything aside and come to Shuxiangxi to see her. Wu Zixu and Gu Yueming sat at the two ends of the boat, the former was in charge of steering the boat, and sailed away from the shore towards the center of the lake. Gu Yueming pondered for a moment, as if he wanted to reorganize his thoughts, and said, "Under what circumstances did you kill Huangfuying?" Wu Zixu said: "Strictly speaking, I only killed him indirectly. At that time, I met a gorgeous woman who gambled very hard in a gambling hall. I am a gambling person, and a prostitute is a prostitute. I never touch women when I gamble." , but that night was like a previous life’s injustice. She and I were like dry wood meeting a raging fire. It was she who couldn’t help it first, whispering in my ear, asking me to go to her fragrant boudoir, and then I left early. I was betting in the dark, and my mind was not as clear as usual. If I had been a little clearer at the time, I would have guessed that she was so sneaky because of her scruples. Alas! It should not be a matter of being sober or not. , but I was completely fascinated by ghosts at the time, I only thought it was a flying beauty, but I didn't expect it to be a catastrophe." Gu Yueming said: "Is that Huangfuying's woman?" Wu Zixu smiled wryly and said: "Exactly. At that time I just lost one or two taels of silver, so I had no choice but to stop and leave. I rushed to the address that the beautiful girl told me in my ear. Huangfuying and more than a dozen followers broke in. We were still drinking and having fun in the living room. I was taken aback and jumped back. The woman also ran towards me. Huangfuying, who came up, stabbed her from behind with a knife, which was completely beyond my expectation. , I thought that Huangfuying would only settle accounts with me, and would not destroy flowers with harsh hands. Seeing her distorted face before death, I burst into unprecedented anger in my heart, and threw the cup still in my hand at Huangfu with all my strength. Ying threw it, and the bottom of the cup hit him between the eyebrows. Huangfuying immediately fainted and rushed forward. It happened that the woman turned around and was pushed backwards by Huangfuying. Huangfuying just fell on top of her, and Huangfuying's The knife is still stuck in the woman's back... I don't need to tell you what the consequences will be!" Gu Yueming nodded and said, "It's your throw that connects everyone and everything." Wu Zixu said: "What is Brother Gu talking about? I don't understand." Gu Yueming's eyes were shining brightly, looking up at the starry night, he let out a breath and said, "The encounter between Brother Wu and I in Hongyelou was not by accident, does Brother Wu understand?" With a shocked expression on his face, Wu Zixu pointed to himself and then to Gu Yueming, with a questioning look in his eyes. Gu Yueming nodded and said: "That's it. You are in the game, I am also in the game, and even everyone we have come into contact with recently, including Baichun and the girl named Shuangshuang, is trapped in this layout. I think such a huge The layout is beyond the ability of the so-called ghosts, at least we have never heard such a ghost story, right?" Wu Zixu muttered, "If it's not a ghost, then what is it?" Gu Yueming said in a deep voice: "It is the goddess Yunmeng who lives in the ancient city of Yunmengze. She is not only the fairy who rules Yunmengze, but her power can surpass Yunmengze and affect people and affairs anywhere in the world." Wu Zixu was confused and said: "Wait a minute! What ancient city, what is Brother Gu talking about?" Gu Yueming said: "Because it involves a secret appointment on my shoulders, I can only tell you a brief outline." Wu Zixu nodded to express his understanding. Gu Yueming looked at him intently for a while, and said: "According to ancient legend, in the swamp area south of Dongting and east of Xiangshui River, there are remnants of an ancient city of Chu State in the Warring States Period. The people who know the ancient city are limited to those of ancient Chu. Remnants, they pass on this secret from generation to generation. They firmly believe that there are rare treasures hidden in the city. However, although people in this family continue to hunt for treasures, they can't even touch the shadow of the ancient city, and the treasure hunters seem to be poisoned. , no one has a good end, and the ancient city seems to be guarded by gods." Wu Zixu gasped when he heard that, his teeth were almost trembling, and he said in amazement: "What rare treasure is so powerful? Does brother Gu mean that the goddess Yunmeng I met is the god who guards the ancient city? But not only did I not have any plans The heart of treasures in the city doesn't even know the existence of the ancient city, I didn't offend her, why did she offend me?" Gu Yueming said: "I wish I knew. As for what is hidden in the city, I don't know. Frankly speaking, I have never believed in ghosts and gods, and even thought that the ancient city, like your name, is non-existent. But now my The perception has been completely changed, it is true that there are treasures in the ancient city, and the guarding of the ancient city is the goddess Yunmeng who showed her dharma to Brother Wu, and it was painted by Brother Wu." Wu Zixu felt his hands and feet were cold, his body was empty, and his heart had nowhere to rest. Gu Yueming smiled bitterly and said: "If I saw her portrait for the first time, and there was nothing unusual like just now, I would not have gone to see Brother Wu. So I said that meeting Brother Wu in Hongyelou was not accidental. " Wu Zixu said: "Brother Gu scared me to death." Gu Yueming was puzzled and said: "Didn't you feel this way when you won seven games in a row in the casino? Just now you told me that I was fascinated by ghosts, but now you are afraid of being like this." Wu Zixu smiled miserably and said: "I want to go back to thinking. I have always loved to think wildly, and when I think this way, there is always a trace of doubt in my heart, suspecting that everything is just my own wild thinking. This doubt also makes me see a glimmer of life. Now you are Destroyed my last hope, because I really can't find any facts that can refute you. Alas! I have no grievances with Goddess Yunmeng in the past, and I have no vendettas in recent days, why did she come to me?" The beautiful face of Wushuang woman appeared in Gu Yueming's heart, and he sighed: "How do you know that you have no grudges with her?" Wu Zixu said in astonishment: "How can I have any grudges with her?" Gu Yueming said calmly: "What about the injustice of the previous life?" Wu Zixu's whole body trembled violently, his eyes shot a strange look, and he said blankly: "Past life! My mother! This time I'm doomed." Gu Yueming sighed: "On the contrary, Goddess Yunmeng is not only your destined nemesis, but also your only hope in the current situation. This is my opinion, and it is also Ruan Xiuzhen's opinion." Wu Zixu wondered, "Ruan Xiuzhen actually knew about this?" Gu Yueming said: "Before I came to see you this afternoon, I met Ruan Xiuzhen, who lived up to the name of a wise man. From your big win in the casino, I deduced out of thin air that some kind of mysterious force is leading the development of the whole thing. And this power is leaning towards you, as for its final purpose, only she knows." Wu Zixu looked left and right, and said with a wry smile: "I'm horrified by what you said, and I don't know whether to be afraid or happy. On the surface, she is indeed helping me, but in fact she is trapping me to death. The only way for me to escape from Yueyang now , starting from the Red Leaf Tower and going out of the city. Brother Gu, please be fair! Is she helping me or hurting me?" Gu Yueming ignored what he said, and muttered to himself: "The place where Brother Wu is in his dreams and hallucinations may be the mysterious ancient city in Yunmengze before it was destroyed. Brother has been to the endless river." Wu Zixu shuddered uncontrollably, and said in a trembling voice: "I'm afraid half of my three souls and seven souls were lured to the ancient city by her. Brother Gu is right, I must have owed her something in my previous life, She came here to collect debts in this life. No! She should belong to the ghost spirit of the Warring States Period, that happened more than a thousand years ago, how could she have anything to do with me, who was born a thousand years later?" Gu Yueming said angrily: "Brother Wu, how do you know that your last life was not spent during that time?" Wuzi's face turned pale and became very ugly. Gu Yueming understood his mood and did not speak. In the gentle night, the high-rise waterside pavilions, pavilions, pavilions and pavilions of Hongyelou seamlessly blend with Hangpiao Pond.Without Hangpiaochi, Hongyelou would not have the refined temperament away from the hustle and bustle; without Hongyelou, Hangpiaochi would not have the prosperity of cultural gatherings. The ancient trees on the lakeside are verdant, the towers and pavilions appear and hide from time to time, the small bridges flow water, the winding paths lead to secluded places, the bridges are painted with smoke and willows, the wind windows are emerald, and the music is full of music. It is almost a fairyland on earth. Wu Zixu put away the oars and let the boat float and sway in the middle of the lake. Gu Yueming thought deeply. This special night was most likely the most important night in his life. Any judgment he made and every word he said would have completely different consequences.All along, he has always acted decisively based on intuition. This intuition was cultivated from past experience, just like Wu Zixu can grasp the characteristics and temperament of the painting object at a glance, and he himself can clearly understand the opponent at a glance, and can quickly see through, See through each other's depth. However, this routine that he was used to did not apply in the current situation. First of all, he is no longer carefree and willing to die.In order to keep Mrs. Huameng, he must obtain the Chu Box. This is his goal and the only choice.It's just this cognition that has made him know that he has "entered the game". He cannot make judgments based on intuition or first impressions, but must consider the overall situation, all tangible or intangible factors, and even the influence of ghosts and gods, in order to achieve the goal. The most important thing tonight is his choice of attitude towards the thieves in front of him. For a mistake in judgment, it doesn't matter if he loses his own life, but losing Mrs. Hua Meng is a consequence he cannot afford. Faintly, he felt that Wu Zixu was the key figure in whether he could get the Chu box, and this thought dominated his choice of attitude towards Wu Zixu. Wu Zixu's voice came into his ears and said: "So, didn't I return to my previous life in my dream?" Gu Yueming took a deep breath and said, "Brother Wu, do you feel this way? Goddess Yunmeng is telling Brother Wu what happened in the ancient city thousands of years ago through dreams and illusions. Although each fragment is fragmented, they are connected together. It might be a whole story." Wu Zixu shook his head and said: "It doesn't make sense, since she is so supernatural and powerful, if she wants me to know something, she can show it to me completely at once, without hesitating and talking." Gu Yueming said calmly: "She is not so powerful." Wu Zixu was astonished. Gu Yueming said: "Ruan Xiuzhen once conducted an in-depth investigation into your winning seven rounds in a row in the gambling house. The conclusion is that the people who gambled with you are infatuated with ghosts, and if they fail to win, they will lose in a mess. From this we can see Goddess Yunmeng can only affect the development of human affairs in reality by influencing people's minds. Her influence on strangers is limited, and those affected by her still have free will to resist and even fight back against her. This is a fierce battle between humans and gods. It is not yet known who will die." Wu Zixu said: "Brother Gu's words are getting more and more mysterious. Could it be that what Brother Gu said is just suspicions and dark ghosts?" Gu Yueming said in a deep voice: "Brother Wu, don't waste time, you should understand my words better than anyone else. Goddess Yunmeng is using her ability and method to evoke the memory of Brother Wu's previous life. Since the moment Brother Wu accidentally killed Huangfuying , Goddess Yunmeng has launched her magnificent plan, and all those who are indirectly or directly involved in this matter are all included in her layout. Me, you, Baichun, Shuangshuang, Qiu Jiushi, Ruan Xiuzhen, Qian Shichen , Ge Mo, Ji Nieti, and even Eunuch Feng, Baichun’s senior sister Mrs. Hua Meng, Eunuch Feng’s number one eunuch Ji Shan, and even today’s emperor, are all unavoidable. This situation of fate can affect the development of the world’s situation.” Gu Yueming also explained the identities of Ge Mo, Jineti and others. Wu Zixu was stunned when he heard it, and after a while he said: "Brother Gu said this is the second time that Shuangshuang has something to do with this matter, but I really can't think of what she has to do with this matter." Gu Yueming said lightly: "You will understand soon." Wu Zixu said dejectedly: "Haven't I become the biggest victim? No matter how the situation develops in the future, I will eventually become a victim." Gu Yueming said: "Is this really the case? If Goddess Yunmeng wants to harm you, will it be a waste of effort to awaken your memories of your previous life? If you think about it carefully, it is easy for her to harm you, but it is not easy for her to help you. She is like us You will also make mistakes, helping you to win wildly in the gambling hall, then revealing your flaws, making Ruan Xiuzhen deduce her existence, and even more convinced that you are the five escaped robbers, otherwise Ruan Xiuzhen and Qiu Jiushi will still be at her mercy. According to the current situation Judging from the current situation, you are hard to fly." Wu Zixu smiled wryly, "Should I be grateful to her or hate her?" Gu Yueming said: "One day you will figure it out." Wu Zixu sighed in his heart, "Why is Brother Gu so nice to me all of a sudden? I have never had any friends, but I feel that Brother Gu is my true friend." Gu Yueming said frankly: "I am a utilitarian person, and I don't have feelings for people or things, but I find that I am changing. To make a long story short, my goal is to find unknown treasures in the ancient city. Your goal It is to sell the things in your hands, and then run away and hide your name to avoid the revenge of Huangfu Tianxiong. At first glance, you and I are not in the same way, but in fact, the goddess in Yunmeng Lake connects us through a painting. Together. Brother Wu, what associations can you have?" Wu Zixu said: "Are the treasures in the ancient city very important to Brother Gu?" Gu Yueming nodded and said, "There is no doubt about it, but I'm sorry I can't disclose the details." Wu Zixu said: "Brother Gu is famous for being a ruthless person, but I am just the opposite. I am very easy to move the truth, but come and go quickly. I am very touched by Brother Gu's generous help. Let me tell Brother Gu a secret, I am A person who is born with a keen sense of treasure. Whenever I enter the rich mansion of the target, I will naturally sense where the most valuable treasure is hidden. It feels very strange. The closer I get to the treasure, the faster my heart will beat. It's unexplainable, but it's the way it is, so I've never stolen anything." Gu Yueming said in amazement: "Brother Wu is indeed a strange person." Wu Zixu said: "I am a strange person, isn't Brother Gu also a strange person? I think your ability to chase thieves is no less than my ability to steal treasures. Fortunately, you will not catch me as a thief. Ha! Don't talk about gossip, I promise Brother Gu , as long as I can escape from Yueyang, I will follow you to Yunmengze, and rely on my sense of strange treasures to find that ancient city, this is my promise to Brother Gu." Gu Yueming said: "Are you no longer afraid!" Wu Zixu said calmly: "It's useless to be afraid. My other purpose is to go to the place where the power of Yunmeng is the strongest, and make a break with her. God or ghost! Escape is not the way, day and night I worry , I don’t know which idea came from me, which idea came from her, what’s the fun in being a human? No one wants to become a puppet under the fingers of others.” Then his eyes lit up, and he said: "I have been looking for a woman who makes me unwilling to leave her all my life, as long as Goddess Yunmeng appears in front of me, I don't care whether it is an illusion or reality, I will rush to her and hug her, Let's see how she reacts, as long as she doesn't turn into a bone." Gu Yueming looked at him attentively, thinking that this is the real face of Wudun Pirates, his true nature as a great thief. Wu Zixu said excitedly: "Thinking about it is exciting enough. You don't have to worry about me, and you don't have to help me. Now I suddenly feel a feeling that I have never had before, full of fresh and moving feelings. I firmly believe that I can not only hold my hands The baby has turned into a large fortune, and I can still escape from Yueyang City. I have lived for more than 20 years, and my life has never been so colorful." Gu Yueming asked suspiciously: "Is your goddess affecting you and arousing your fighting spirit?" Wu Zixu said: "This possibility is very high. She should be on my side. No matter what, I am a person who never gives up. As long as there is a chance to survive, I will not miss it. vitality." He added: "No one can predict the future development. Why don't we agree on a meeting place, preferably in Yunmengze, so that even if we lose contact, we can meet again and start our treasure hunt in the ancient city. " Gu Yueming frowned and said: "But until now, I still can't confirm that the treasure is still in the ancient city. It's really hard to say." Wu Zixu seemed to be another person, and said: "You should have confidence in my goddess, no! You should have confidence in our goddess, since she can play with so many heroes in her hands, of course she has a way to protect her." The treasure is left to the person she chooses. And that person may be you, or it may be me. If it is a younger brother, I will give it to Brother Gu with both hands, and I will never break my promise. Brother Gu can completely trust me." Gu Yueming pondered for a moment, and told the location of the Concubine Xiang Temple in Yunmeng Lake. Both of them are veterans of the rivers and lakes, and they also set secret notes and methods for communication so as not to miss them. Wu Zixu picked up the scull and sailed towards the main building, and said with a smile, "This time, it's a real trip to Brother Gu."