Chapter 2 Chapter 1 Temple of Wuwei
He is a Mongol. He has been proud of Genghis Khan, who conquered the world with his iron hooves since he was a child. Thousands of miles of mountains and rivers are like brocades, and countless heroes bow down. It is really unexpected for him to be indifferent to the great rivers and mountains. The hero is nothing more than seeking fame and fame from the horse. The Han people also say that it is better to be a centurion than a scholar. The strength of Xinju today is far above the king of Liang, and he really has no desire to covet the whole territory of Yunnan. What? A hundred years ago, these places were all Dali’s territory.”
Ten miles from the north gate of Yangjumei City in Dali, and ten miles to the west, there is Wuwei Temple, which faces east from the west, leans against the Lanfeng of Cangshan Mountain in the west, and faces Shuangyuan River in the south. It is hidden among pines and cypresses.This is not an ordinary temple. It was built by the former Nanzhao King Ge Luofeng for the famous Indian monk Zando. The five huge fragrant cedar trees in front of the temple gate were planted by Ge Luofeng himself when the temple was built.There is a blue lotus pond under the tree, and there are thousands of goldfishes, which are obtained by Zando from the big rivers.During the period of the Dali Kingdom, Wuwei Temple became a royal temple. Eight emperors, including Duan Siying, the second emperor, Duan Sulong, the eighth emperor, and Duan Heyu, the sixteenth emperor, all became monks here after their abdication.The dust is like dust, and there have been many vicissitudes. Looking back at the twilight of the Han Palace, the bells and drums are ringing, and the shadows of the cypresses hide many secrets of the royal family that are not known to outsiders.
In the north of Shiquan in Wuwei Temple, Cuihua Building is built, which is specially used for the residence of Duan monks with special status.The building is six feet high and is a five-story building. The beams and columns are all giant cypresses that can only be surrounded by two people.Nanzhong sandalwood was also taken as a square board, and the lingering fragrance lingered around the beam for a hundred years.The top floor is the Sutra Conservation Office, which houses the Buddhist scriptures of the world, the military books of the world, and the Wenhua of the world. It is called "the first library of Buddhist scriptures in Nanzhong".On the roof of the fenced building, you can also look at another majestic high-rise building in Yangjumei City - Wuhua Building.The fourth floor is the Danqing room, which contains thousands of scrolls of famous paintings and calligraphy since Tang Zhenguan, and more than a hundred silk scrolls, most of which were plundered when Nanzhao attacked the Central Plains Shu.
There is a natural epidemic relief spring behind the temple. The spring water seeps out from the cracks in the stone. It is cool and sweet, and can cure all kinds of diseases. It is the leading spring in Dali.There is a Hall of Pharmacists built on the north side of the Relief Spring, and its layout is much higher than that of the Hall of Pharmacists in ordinary temples.In addition to enshrining the Pharmacist Buddha, there is another more important function here - Dali's Imperial Hospital, which gathers the most skilled doctors in Dali and stores the most precious medicinal materials in the world, including many exotic medicines.
In addition to collecting books and medical skills, martial arts are also unique in Wuwei Temple.Dali favored martial arts, and the emperor was no exception.The eighth emperor, Duan Sulong, was fond of swordsmanship when he was in power. After becoming a monk, he did not change his habits. He selected 800 elite soldiers with superb swordsmanship to form the Arhat Army, and established Wuwei Temple as a sacred place for spreading martial arts in Dali. Since then, there have been endless monks with high martial arts skills in the temple. Especially Wuyi Kungfu, Arhat Knife and Qimen Fist are the most unique.
There is also a martial arts hall in front of Cuihua Building, which is specially for the children of the royal family and nobles to learn martial arts, so it has become an important place for martial arts in Dali.Even after Dali was annihilated, this practice was still followed. The children of the Bai people, such as Duan, Gao, Yang, Zhang, Dong, etc., all practice martial arts here to strengthen their bodies.Most of the most elite Yu Yi around Manager Dali were selected from these people.
It was March in Yangchun, and more than a thousand camellias and more than a thousand pots of orchids around Cuihua Building were in full bloom, colorful and colorful.The sea of flowers is like a tide, and the fragrance is dense. People in it are like being in a fairyland.In front of the Martial Arts Hall, there is a white camellia with a height of tens of feet. It has a history of five or six hundred years. It is still like a new plant. The flower is as big as a magnolia.People stand under the tea tree, the canopy is like clouds, and thousands of camellias are as dense as stars, which can almost cover the sky.
The Martial Arts Hall is also full of spring, under the two rows of swords, halberds, sticks and other weapon racks in the north and south, there are pots of orchids, all of which are rare varieties such as snow orchid, red plum, phoenix orchid, drunken beauty, etc. The flowers are as bright as clouds, and the fragrance is like jade souls.
Contrary to the bright spring scenery outdoors and indoors, there are two 18-year-old Bai teenagers competing in martial arts in the hall.The two are about the same height - one is thin, pale and frail, and holds a sheath; the other is tall and strong, with a scar on his forehead, which adds a bit of toughness, and holds an iron whip ——tightly entangled together.
On the side there are two men and two women watching the battle.A girl in blue clothes is particularly eye-catching. Her clothes are extremely weird—the top is small and short, clinging to her upper body, and her round right arm and waist are exposed; her dark and deep face has two big eyes shining brightly Bright, flickering as if he could speak; he wore two gold rings on his ears, and a gold-encrusted ivory bracelet wrapped around his right arm; his appearance neither resembled a Mongolian, nor a local, nor a Han.Her name is Jialuo, and she is the daughter of an Indian monk. She was raised in Wuwei Temple since she was a child. Except for her appearance, she is no different from Dali people.
Jia Luo watched the situation on the field intently for a while, and sighed: "Within ten moves, Yang Bao will definitely lose. I said earlier that no matter how hard he practices, he will not be able to defeat Gao Lang." The girl said: "Bao Ji, you will lose this bet."
The girl called "Bao Ji" wore a white dress and a tight-fitting crimson collared gown on her upper body. Her jet-black hair was braided and wrapped around her forehead with a red scarf. With a dagger.The whole person looks capable and fresh, heroic, without any feminine makeup.She is Duan Sengnu, the eldest daughter of Duan Gong, the ninth generation general manager of Dali - although she is not named as a princess in the southwestern border, she is actually a princess - she has practiced martial arts since she was a child, her martial arts are not weak, and she has already seen the battle in the field clearly He was quite anxious about the situation, but he pretended to be disapproving and said: "It may not be."
Jia Luo laughed and said: "Although your apprentice Yang Bao is extremely smart and far better at reading than the rest of us, martial arts requires strength. Look at him, he has no strength to fight back." Duan Sengnu said: "You don't Knowing martial arts, how would you know?" Jia Luo said with a smile: "Of course I am not as powerful as Bao Ji, you can shoot and kill evil bears by yourself at the age of ten, but I grew up in Wuwei Temple, and I have seen martial arts competitions Countless, I have seen a lot, and you can tell who is superior and who is inferior. You see, it is true that Yang Bao's martial arts are far inferior to Gao Lang, but the most important thing is that he has no competitive heart, he is just so peaceful Temper, if you insist on forcing him to practice martial arts competition, he will not win no matter what."
Duan Sengnu knew that what she said was the truth, so he couldn't help feeling a little angry that Yang Bao didn't argue, and said in a fit of anger, "He can't even beat the high waves, let's see how he can choose Yuyi?" Jia Luo laughed and said, "Hey, Yang Bao Why do you have to choose Yuyi? He is very knowledgeable, even if he doesn't inherit the post of governor of Heqing from his father in the future, he can still be a civil servant and become an upright official. However, that is not due to you, Baoji, you I only taught Yang Bao martial arts, but he taught you the homework of reading."
It was the middle of March at this time, and most of the children of the aristocratic families who were studying at Wuwei Temple stayed at home because they returned to their hometowns to worship their ancestors for the New Year. They had to return after the Guanyin City was over at the end of March. Wuwei Temple was originally preparing for the selection of Yuyi at the end of March.
Duan Sengnu had nothing to say, but he was unwilling to admit defeat, and said, "Jia Luo, this is very unfair." Jia Luo laughed and said, "But you insist on betting yourself, and Gao Qian can testify to it."
Gao Qian is about twenty years old, pale and looks sickly.He was standing behind the two daughters, glanced at Duan Sengnu, and mumbled: "Well, this... this..." "This" for a long time, but still couldn't say a word.Jia Luo laughed and said, "Look, Gao Qian is just too timid to offend Bao Ji."
Gao Qian's father, Gao Peng, and Duan Sengnu's mother, Gao Lan, are brothers and sisters, so they are actually cousins with Duan Sengnu, and he is also the oldest among them. Still feeling a little helpless, he lowered his head in shame.
Jia Luo asked Duan Bao who was on the side again: "Tan Chuo, tell me, isn't your sister a bit too domineering?" Duan Bao raised his eyebrows, thought for a while, and then said: "Sister is very good." The youngest, but extremely calm, just like an adult.
Just when everyone was discussing and distracted, Gao Lang swung his iron whip horizontally, turned his body, shouted loudly, and kicked Yang Bao's right wrist with a flying kick.Yang Bao's wrist was in severe pain, the weapon was released immediately and flew towards the gate.Gao Lang took a step forward, pressed the iron whip against his chest, and laughed loudly: "Haha, you lost." Out of the corner of Yang Bao's eyes, he caught a glimpse of a figure at the door, and he hurriedly shouted He shouted: "Be careful!"
But he saw that Duo scabbard was as fast as lightning, and it arrived at the door in an instant.Amidst the exclamations of the crowd, the person who came gave way to the sharp blade, and lightly and deftly took the golden handle of the duo sheath in his hand, and said with a loud smile: "It turns out that I, Yu Yichang, have such a bad reputation, I fell in love before we even met. Hidden weapon."
Yang Bao hurriedly said: "Gao Lang, I lost." Pulling away the iron whip on his chest, wiped the sweat from his forehead, rushed to the door, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Master Shi Xiuyu, I was not careful... ..."
That Shi Xiu was about thirty years old, with a round face that was dark and rosy, with a childlike childishness, but a tall and mighty figure, with a wave sword on her waist, which was unique to Yu Yichang award.He was funny and humorous, seeing Yang Bao's ashamed face, he quickly smiled and said: "It's my fault, you are competing in martial arts, I rushed in recklessly." Turning the handle of the handle upside down, he returned the sheath to Yang Bao.
Gao Lang stepped forward and said: "Master Shi Xiuyu, you came at a good time. I heard that you were the winner of the ring back then, with extraordinary martial arts skills. Why don't you give me some pointers."
Shi Xiu was born in poverty, and her elder brother Shi Zong was able to join the Duan Clan because of their victories in fights. Now the two brothers are both Chief Yu Yichang of the Governor's Mansion, and they have always been proud of their own martial arts. The group of children practiced martial arts, and laughed quickly: "In Wuwei Temple, there are super masters such as Wuyi and Zen Master Dazhi. Where can I give advice? Mr. Lang, you are looking far away."
Seeing that there was no danger, Jia Luo turned his head and said with a smile: "Ha, I won." Duan Sengnu twitched the corners of his lips, and said angrily, "What bet do you want this time?" Leaning close to her ear, he whispered: "Nothing else, as long as you accompany me to go hunting for treasures in the strange monk's room in Huiguangyuan tonight." Duan Sengnu said in surprise, "Treasure hunting? Ah, Jia Luo, you actually want to Go steal something from Chan Master Puzhao’s room.” Jia Luo said, “Hush, keep your voice down.” Then he laughed, “It’s not about stealing, I just want to see what treasures are hidden in the strange monk’s box.”
Duan Sengnu tilted his head, thinking silently.Jia Luo anxiously said: "Isn't Baoji curious? I know you've wanted to see it for a long time." Duan Sengnu said: "Well, okay." Looking at Duan Bao, he didn't want his brother to get involved Regarding this matter, he warned in a low voice, "However, no one else should know about this matter." Jia Luo said, "It's natural." ..."
The two women were discussing quietly, Shi Xiu had already walked over, bowed and said: "Bao Ji, Xinju (ju) has an order, please go back to the general manager's mansion immediately."
Duan Sengnu was planning to discuss with Jia Luo Mi in his mind, he couldn't help being surprised, and asked: "Isn't it the fifteenth day tomorrow? My father and mother are going to come to Wuwei Temple to listen to scriptures according to the usual practice, why are you in a hurry today?" Call me back to the mansion? Does Master Yu know what it is for?" Shi Xiuwei hesitated, and then said: "The specifics are not known to the subordinates." Then said: "The subordinates still have something to stay in Wuwei Temple. Gao Qian, Gao Lang, you two immediately escort Baoji back to the general manager's mansion." After a pause, he pretended to be stern, "If there is a problem, you two are the only ones to ask." Gao Qian hurriedly replied: "Yes."
Gao Lang was rather disdainful.He is the son of Gao Hui, the magistrate of Tengchong. The Gao family of this line once controlled the government of Dali for more than a hundred years. If the Mongols had not destroyed Dali and returned the government to the Duan family, the military and political power in Dali would still be in the hands of his father and son.Although the Gao family has lost power for a long time now, Tengchong is still a feudal territory. He is the eldest son, and he should inherit the position of prefect of Tengchong in the future. its orders.However, because Duan Bao and his brother were present, he did not openly express any objection, and only nodded slightly.
Duan Bao suddenly asked, "Did Daddy only call my sister?" Shi Xiudao: "Returning to Tan Chuo, Xinju only called Baoji." Duan Bao nodded, stopped talking, and just read it again Sister glanced.Duan Sengnu saw that his father had only called him alone, and it was not a big deal, so he said, "Jia Luo, I should be back before dinner." Jia Luo smiled knowingly.
When a few people came out of the Martial Arts Hall, Shi Xiuzi hurried to the front yard, as if there was something urgent.Jia Luoqi said: "Ah, Master Yu Yi is in such a hurry, could it be that he rushed to visit those Han people in the South Chan room?" Duan Sengnu laughed and said: "You are just curious, if you want to know, why didn't you just now Ask Master Shi Xiuyu directly?" He said again, "I have to go back to the city first." Jia Luo said, "Well, go back quickly."
Yang Bao suddenly said: "Bao Ji, please wait a moment, you... really can't guess what's going on?" Jia Luo hurriedly said: "So you guessed it a long time ago, tell me quickly."
Yang Bao glanced around, showed a strange expression, and hesitated again.Duan Sengnu became suspicious, and shouted: "Yang Bao, why do you look the same as Master Shi Xiuyu just now? Come on, what is it?" Yang Bao said: "Well, Baoji just needs to go to the front yard to ask Whether the Yuyi brought by Master Shi Xiuyu is Jianchang headman Ah Rong sent someone to Dali, you can understand the truth."
Duan Sengnu's face suddenly changed, and he asked: "How did you know?" Yang Baodao: "Right now, Ming Yuzhen, the red scarf, is leading an army to attack Zhongqing. You can no longer go out hunting and playing at will like in the past, you have to stay in the temple well, it is out of consideration for protection. Xinju will come to the temple to listen to scriptures tomorrow, but today he suddenly sent someone here, and only Baoji was called, look at Shi Xiuyu Yi Chang's demeanor clearly shows that he knows the reason but refuses to tell, he must be afraid that Baoji will have another incident if he finds out the truth. If this is the case, the matter must have something to do with the leader of Jianchang, Ah Rong."
This Jianchang is the most powerful of the thirty-seven tribes in the southwest, and has always been relied on by Dali.It should be noted that the military system of Dali is different from that of the Central Plains—all the people in Dali are soldiers. They serve the people in leisure time and serve as soldiers in wartime.One hundred households of the township soldiers have one chief assistant, one thousand people are appointed as officers, and ten thousand are appointed as governors. They usually participate in military training, and they all take pride in their martial arts skills.Among them, about 30,000 elite soldiers were selected as a standing army, stationed in various important towns and dangerous places.The elites of the standing army were stationed in Yangjumei City, called "Luojuzi".Due to the limited population, once there is a major war, Dali's own army is not enough, and thirty-seven tribes have to be mobilized, called "barbarians", which is an extremely important military force.Most of the thirty-seven tribes are Wuman, and some are Yao people. They live scattered in the east, north, and south of Dianchi Lake. One is worth one hundred, and some tribes even have special elephant teams, which are invincible.In the past, Duan Siping established the Dali Kingdom with the help of the Thirty-Seven Departments, so after he won the country, the Thirty-Seven Departments were permanently exempted from corvee, and made an alliance to protect each other and reconcile.Later, the Gao family took power in Dali, but did not dare to abolish the Duan family, because there were thirty-seven ministries that supported the Duan family.It can be said that these thirty-seven are quite capable of controlling the situation in Yunnan, so that later when Polo, King of Liang, and Duan Guang, the eighth-generation general manager of Dali—that is, the elder brother of Duan Gong, the current general manager—attacked each other and competed for territory, they also He wanted to recruit the thirty-seven tribes in the southwest, trying to use them to contain the southwest wing of the Duan clan.However, since Duan Siping founded the Dali Kingdom, he has vigorously promoted Han culture and adopted various measures to develop production and trade. The economy of the Southwest is far more developed than that of Nanzhao, and the people are rich. Of course, the Duan family is also very popular.However, after the Yuan Dynasty ruled the Central Plains, people were deliberately divided into grades, grades, grades, and Han people were listed as the lowest grade, and Confucian scholars were despised.Even Liang Wang Polo, who guards Yunnan Zongwang, is nothing more than a short-sighted martial artist. There are victories only when there are means, and when there are real swords and guns against each other, all of them are defeated.Locals in Yunnan respect heroes the most. With such a comparison, one can imagine Polo's reputation in the southwest.
But even so, the Duan family still has to win over the southwest tribes from time to time.This leader of Jianchang, Ah Rong, is ten years older than Duan Sengnu. When he was young, he accompanied his father Ali to Dali to meet Duan Gong, the chief executive of Dali. He happened to meet Mrs. Duan Gaolan who gave birth to the eldest daughter, Sengnu. Ali thought it was heaven. It was a good omen, so he asked to marry a monk and slave for his only son.At that time, Shi Shigong was the chief manager of Dali not long ago, and his prestige was not as good as that of his father and brother. In the east, he was constantly threatened by force from King Polo of Liang. With the help of many places in the Jianchang tribe, he agreed to Ali's marriage proposal.Marriage between the Duan family and the tribe is common, which is a beautiful thing in the first place—not to mention that when A Rong grew up, he was tall and mighty, heroic, and successfully inherited the position of leader. He sent troops to help the Duan family many times. He was born as beautiful as a flower, and he has practiced a good martial arts.However, she was born with a fiery temper and stubborn personality, and she had quarreled with her parents many times over this marriage.When she was ten years old, Ah Rong couldn't wait to send someone to marry her, but she would rather become a nun than go to Jianchang.Duan Gong had no choice but to delay the marriage on the grounds that Bao Ji was still young.This year Duan Sengnu will be sixteen years old, according to Yang Bao's speculation, it must be Ah Rong who sent someone to propose marriage again.
Several people suddenly realized.Duan Sengnu's face was gloomy, and he said: "Ah, it really is. I don't want to go back to my home, my father will definitely force me to marry to Jianchang again."
Dali is not like the Central Plains where men and women are strictly guarded. Women can associate with men at will before they get married. Even if the two parties have a relationship, it is normal.She grew up with these people, and she felt like brothers and sisters, and she had nothing to hide from her words.Everyone exchanged glances, Duan Bao said: "But sister, marriage is not a child's play, if you disobey Father's order again, he will definitely lose his temper."
Duan Sengnu is well aware of this joint, her father has always regarded her as the apple of his eye, and even loves her far more than his younger brother, but the only thing he refuses to compromise on is marriage. It is impossible to ask her to marry Jianchang, and it is useless to quarrel many times.She is bright and forthright by nature, bold and unrestrained, naturally she is not coy like an ordinary woman, but at this moment, facing the most important event in her life, she can't help but feel panicked, with nothing to do, she only looks at Yang Bao - although he is not good at martial arts, he is He is knowledgeable and talented, and his knowledge is also the most outstanding among them. Even Yang Sheng, the governor of Heqing, his father, sometimes asks him for opinions on important national affairs.
Yang Bao remained silent. He was thinking that Ah Rong chose this time to propose marriage, which seemed a bit too coincidental—at this moment, Ming Yuzhen, the leader of the Red Scarf who occupies the middle of Sichuan, and his younger brother Ming Sheng are hoarding troops on Jinma Mountain , Prepare to attack Zhongqing.If the Polo army is defeated and the Yuan army withdraws from Yunnan, there is no doubt that Dali will be Ming Yuzhen's next target.On another level, the Jianchang tribe is located in Sichuan, bordering Ming Yuzhen's independent Daxia Kingdom, and has always been a barrier to the north of Dali. One can imagine the benefits and disadvantages.
Duan Sengnu saw that Yang Bao was only contemplating, thinking that he was afraid of Duan Gong and didn't dare to help him, so he said angrily: "At worst, I'll shave my hair and become a nun." Jia Luo hurriedly said: "Bao Ji, don't worry, Yang Bao It's just speculation, the facts may not be as he said. You wait here first, and I will go to the front yard to ask the truth for you." Without waiting for Duan Sengnu's answer, he walked down the steps.
Yang Bao came back to his senses and shouted: "Jia Luo, wait for me... I'll go with you." He quickly caught up with Jia Luo, took her hand, and ran to the front yard together.
Duan Sengnu became even more restless when he saw the two of them holding hands and drowning in the sea of flowers.She knows that there are many men here who like Jia Luo, but no one dares to show affection for her. She is not jealous of Jia Luo—of course, there will be a little sourness occasionally—she is the only daughter of the head of Dali, such an identity , was born destined to be used as a political marriage, although she understood this at a very young age, but she still hoped that her life would change, instead of marrying a headman and becoming a The headman's wife - so she studied hard, studied poetry, and practiced martial arts hard.She even often fantasizes that she can be like her parents—studying literature and martial arts together in Wuwei Temple since she was a child, childhood sweethearts, friendship, and they naturally become husband and wife after they grow up.However, here she is, and everyone respects her as the daughter of the chief executive, including the partners who grew up together——Yang Bao dared to hold Jia Luo's hand, but he had never held her hand.
Suddenly Duan Bao asked: "Sister, do you really hate Ah Rong?" Seeing his serious face, Duan Sengnu was a little surprised, and immediately replied seriously: "I haven't even met Ah Rong a few times, how could it be possible? Hate him?" Duan Bao said: "Then why doesn't my sister marry him?" Duan Sengnu said: "My sister doesn't hate him, but I don't like him either. What my sister wants to marry is someone I really like. Ah Bao , will you marry a woman you don't love to be your wife in the future?" Duan Bao nodded in a grand manner, and said, "If Dad wants me to do this, I will definitely."
Duan Sengnu was stunned for a moment, not knowing why his younger brother, who was only one year younger than himself, would have such an idea. Just as he was surprised, he suddenly saw Jia Luo go and come back, and hurried over and shouted: "A lot of people have come to the temple." Yuyi, and many Luo Juzi, I'm afraid something big will happen."
Duan Sengnu was very troubled, and said angrily: "What else can be the big deal?" Jia Luo looked at Gao Qian sympathetically, and said: "Everyone said that the envoy of King Riliang would come to the temple with Xinju to listen to the scriptures. It is said that the Mongols are going to prepare a big ceremony to pay homage to Xinju."
What she refers to as "Qian Xinju" refers to Duan Guang, the eighth generation general manager of Dali, who is the uncle of Duan Sengnu.When he was in his prime, he suddenly suffered from a strange illness, and came to Wuwei Temple to recuperate. He died of illness not long after, and his ashes were scattered on Lanfeng nearby after being cremated.There have always been rumors in the temple that Duan Guang, like General Gao Peng of Dali—Gao Qian’s biological father and the elder brother of Duan Gong’s official wife Gao Lan—was secretly poisoned with peacock gall by King Polo of Liang. He was poisoned to death, and some monks even saw that Duan Guang's whole body turned green when he was put into the coffin cabinet. This is exactly the symptom of being poisoned by peacock gall.Peacock Gallbladder is a secret medicine specially made by Dali. It is colorless and odorless. It took two hours for the poison to develop. The deceased did not have any abnormal symptoms. It is impossible to tell that he died of poisoning. Moreover, the corpse is not decayed, and it will turn green after three days.Of course, it is true that Gao Peng was poisoned with peacock gall by a cook bribed by King Liang, but Duan Guang's death after being poisoned by peacock gall was just speculation, at least it has never been publicly admitted.
Regardless of the real situation, since Duan Guang, King Liang and the Duan family of Dali have been sworn enemies. Although the relationship has eased after Duan Gong ascended the throne, and they no longer meet each other on a large scale, they still have no contact with each other.Now when he suddenly heard that King Polo of Liang sent an envoy to do something for Duan Guang, he couldn't help being shocked, and several people asked in unison: "Really?" Before Jia Luo could answer, he heard someone answer loudly: "It's absolutely true."
I saw three men turning out from among the flowers, except for Yang Bao, the other two were older, all dressed in Wei Yi, wearing a Wei belt around their waists, hanging from the center a vermilion double-sheathed marble knife, which belonged to Yu Yi. Standard dress.Jia Luo said: "Look, both of them have come, saying that they are going to Wuwei Temple to prepare."
The two men dressed in Yuyi are called Yang Andao and Yang Shengjian respectively, they are both descendants of the Bai family, they also grew up in Wuwei Temple, they were chosen as Yuyi three years ago.The two went forward to salute Duan Sengnu and his sister, Duan Sengnu waved his hands and said, "They are all of us, why bother to do this. Is it true that an envoy from the King of Liang came to Dali?" Yang Shengjian said: "Yes, Not only did King Liang send envoys to Dali, but even the provinces also sent envoys."
Jia Luoqi said: "They are all Mongols, aren't they in the same group? Why did you send people from two groups?" Yang Shengjian smiled and said: "They are not in the same group, they have always fought fiercely. This The purpose of the second visit is also different. The envoy of King Liang came to ask for help from Dali, and asked Xinju to send troops. Since the beginning of spring, King Liang’s army has been defeated in consecutive battles. Zhongqing has been surrounded by Ming Yuzhen’s army. It's the end of the road."
Gao Lang sneered and said, "Don't they Mongols look down on the Han people the most and claim to be invincible? Why are they still trapped by the mob in the red scarf?" Yang Shengjian used to like to talk, but since he became Yuyi, his words and deeds have been restrained a lot , it was inconvenient to answer the conversation, so he just smiled and said: "Anyway, the old man Liang Wang is really embarrassing (qiu) this time."
Duan Sengnu asked: "Did the provincial envoys also come to ask Father to send troops to rescue them?" Yang Shengjian said: "They obviously think so, but they don't say so, saying that they are here to send the imperial court's imperial edict to pardon Tuotuo." Gao Lang frowned and said: "Didn't Tuotuo die eight years ago? What's the use of a pardon?" Yang Bao said: "It's still useful. First, it can restore Tuotuo's reputation, and second, Tuotuo's family members don't have to be implicated anymore. You can go back to the capital to be an official."
Yang Bao was quick-witted, and when he said this, he felt strange: Tuotuo was exiled to Zhongqing, Yunnan, and was further exiled to Tengchong, Dali—that is, Gao Lang’s father, Gao Lang. Hui's fief - was later poisoned to death by the imperial court, and his bones were also buried there.Although the Duan family had an affair with King Liang, Dali was nominally under the supervision of the province. The province could find many excuses to send envoys to Dali. Why did it choose the strange reason of sending an edict to pardon Tuotuo?He thought about it for a while and felt puzzled, and then asked, "How did Xinju reply to the envoy?" Yang Shengjian laughed and said, "Neither two batches of envoys were summoned by Xinju. I guess, they will be shut down this time." After a pause, he said, "You don't know that the leader of the provincial envoy this time is actually a very young Huihui kid, probably younger than Yang Bao and you." Yang Bao asked, "Really? Then he must have where people are."
But Duan Sengnu was impatient to pay attention to these things, and hurriedly asked: "Did Jianchang Arong really send an envoy?" Yang Shengjian and Yang Andao looked at each other, and Yang Shengjian hesitated: "This... Shi Xiuyu specially explained , don’t let us tell Bao Ji.” When he said this, he already answered “yes”.Duan Sengnu said angrily: "Hmph, I knew it was like this."
Yang Andao hurriedly said: "Actually, it's not that the head of Arong sent an envoy..." Duan Sengnu was extremely disappointed, when he suddenly heard a turning point, he immediately turned his anger into joy, and said angrily, "I made it clear earlier..." But Hearing Yang Andao continue, "Head Arong came to welcome the bride in person."
Duan Sengnu let out an "ah" and was stunned on the spot.She never expected that her fiancé would come in person, it was really tricky.
Jia Luo said: "Ah, Baoji, you are in serious trouble this time. Yang Bao, come up with an idea, how can we help Baoji?" Yang Bao hesitated and said, "Well, this..." He showed a troubled look.Gao Lang said in a deep voice, "Go directly to Wuhua Building tonight and kill Arong."
Everyone turned pale in shock, all staring at him blankly.Gao Lang said coldly: "Do you have any other methods? Killing Ah Rong is the only way to save Baoji."
Everyone knows that what Gao Lang said is true, but he openly proposed to assassinate the leader of Jianchang. If it reaches Xinju's ears, he will be punished severely, and he may even lose his life. If it is known by the tribes in the southwest, It is even more commotion.Since Duan Sengnu is the daughter of the chief steward, he knows the importance of himself—Arong is definitely not Dali's enemy, but Duan's arm. If he is assassinated in Dali, the entire southwestern tribe will become Dali's strong enemy—and hurriedly said: " Gao Lang was just making a joke, everyone, please don't take it seriously." But everyone looked at Gao Lang with a serious face, there was no such thing as a half-joke.
Yang Andao is an honest man, he broke the embarrassment in the early stage, and said: "Gao Lang, you must never say this again, don't even think about it." Gao Lang sneered: "I have already said it, don't you plan to go to the letter?" Tell me?" Yang Andao blushed, and said, "I... I mean it kindly..." Yang Shengjian hurriedly said, "I have something to do with Andao, so we have to go first. We didn't hear a word of what we said just now. He winked at Yang Andao, and was about to leave, but was grabbed by Yang Bao, and asked in a low voice: "Is the Han living in the south meditation room an envoy sent by Ming Wang Ming Yuzhen of Sichuan?"
Yang Shengjian was taken aback, and asked instinctively: "How do you know?" Then he realized that his question was useless, the envoy had been quietly living in Wuwei Temple for several days, with Yang Bao's vigilance and cleverness, would he not be able to see the slightest clue? ?He hurriedly shook his head and said, "I don't know, I didn't say anything." He hurriedly dragged Yang Andao away.
The rest of my mind was still on how to help Sengnu Duan get out of the predicament, Jia Luo suddenly shouted: "Oh, Master Shi Xiuyu is here again, and Judge Zhang. Baoji, they must have come to arrest you, what should I do?"
Looking up, he saw Shi Xiuzheng and Tonglun judge Zhang Jibai walking towards the martial arts hall together.Seeing his father's confidant, the herald Zhang Jibai, also appeared, Duan Sengnu knew it was inevitable, sighed, and said: "Let them wait here for me, and I will come when I go back to my room and change clothes." Jia Luo said: " Does Baoji really want to go back to the general manager's mansion with them?" Duan Sengnu nodded, and said sadly: "That's the only way."
Jia Luo had no idea at all, grabbed Yang Bao's arm, and urged, "Hurry up and find a way to save Bao Ji." But Duan Sengnu seemed to have made up his mind, turned and left resolutely.Yang Bao looked at her back in amazement, and could hardly believe that she would give in just like that.
Duan Sengnu left the martial arts hall in a hurry, and went straight back to his residence in the small building on the south side. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw a man lying on his back on the corridor, his face flushed with drunkenness, reeking of alcohol, and he was still holding a bottle of wine tightly in his right hand. bag.Duan Sengnu frowned, and shouted: "Duan Wen, why are you drunk again in broad daylight?"
This passage is about the posthumous son of Duan Guang, the eighth-generation general manager. His father died of illness while he was still in his mother's womb, and his mother died of dystocia and hemorrhage when he was just born.Duan Gong pitied his nephew for his loneliness, so he purposely brought him up in the general manager's mansion, and planned to pass on the position of the general manager to him in the future.Unexpectedly, this child has been drinking since he was a child. He has been scolded, scolded, and tested. No matter how he is taught to read and write, he just refuses to learn. In desperation, Duan Gong had to send him to Wuwei. Temple, let him do.His residence, Zizhu Courtyard, is on the north side of the Martial Arts Hall, which is exactly opposite to Lanruo Tower, where Duan Sengnu lives. He often goes in the wrong direction after getting drunk.Duan Sengnu was not surprised, but he always disliked this cousin who was drunk all day long, seeing that he should not respond, he stepped forward and kicked him angrily.Duan Wen only snorted, and didn't even open his eyes.Seeing that he was really drunk, Duan Sengnu ignored him and let him lie where he was.Hurry up to the bedroom on the second floor, open the south window, and there is the murmuring Shuangyuan River under the window.She took out a long rope, tied one end to a wooden post in the room, and threw the other end out of the window, then jumped onto the window sill, grabbed the rope and climbed downstairs.The ground of Wuwei Temple is much higher than Shuangyuan River. The base of the wall made of stones is about ten feet high, and the gaps between the stones are full of thorns and weeds. Going down is effortless.
The cold stream is deep and the water is cold.This is the lower reaches of the Shuangyuan River, the water is turbulent, and the snow is gradually becoming jade. Fortunately, even though there is water by the stream, there are still some rough and thin rocks to step on.After a long climb up the mountain to the west, the surface of the stream became much narrower, and the water became thinner and clearer. In the clear and sweet water, we could see groups of transparent small fishes, only the size of ring fingers, swimming around happily. go.Further up, there are more colorful stones protruding from the waterline, which become a shortcut to pass through the stream.Duan Sengnu stepped on several protruding boulders, jumped to the south of Shuangyuan River, and entered the forest of Cangshan Lanfeng.
Although the spring breeze is blowing, once you enter the forest, you will feel the coolness.Although the continuous mountains cannot be seen because of the cover of the big trees, the breath of the mountains is getting stronger and stronger, and it is unstoppable.Not far away in the forest, a green peacock is courting a peahen for mating—the tail feathers of the male are three feet long and glow with a faint green light; the female peacock has no tail screen, and her back feathers are green. Brown, far less beautiful than the suitor—but the male sparrow raised its tail screen high, suddenly opened and stretched, just like a colorful fan, swaying from side to side, trembling endlessly.
It was the breeding season of peacocks at this time, and there were many peacocks in the backyard of Wuwei Temple. It was not surprising that Duan Sengnu had seen many peacocks earlier.It's just that the male peacock was making all kinds of graceful dance moves and desperately showing off his beauty, when he heard a human voice, he immediately closed his screen, galloped in big strides, and rushed into the bushes.The peahen was stunned for a moment, looked back, and then paced back and forth to chase the male peacock.
Although it was easy to escape from Wuwei Temple, Duan Sengnu still had no idea where to go.The pursuers arrived in no time, so she had to make a decision immediately. She guessed that once Shi Xiu found out that she had escaped, she would send people to guard the mountain pass first. If she couldn't get out, she would simply climb to the peak.兰峰足够大，施秀即使派人搜山，数天之内未必能找得到她。
苍山积雪，四季不消，愈往山上走，树木渐趋高大稠密，白雪亦愈来愈多，晶莹娴静，仿若一个冰清玉洁的水晶世界。幸运的是，她对这一带地形极为熟悉，走了大半个时辰，终于来到云雾缠绕的半山腰。这里树林边的悬崖上有棵半倾的大杉树，树繁叶茂，筋骨盘曲，华盖有五六丈之巨，大树下遮盖着一处不大的石台，不但极为隐蔽、藏身容易，还可以俯瞰无为寺全貌。
她来到石台坐下，脱下靴袜晾在一旁，裤脚裙裾也被溪水打湿，不过并不碍事。往下眺望，只见无为寺笼罩在兰峰山影下，内中人头像小黑蚁般来回攒动，也不知是在紧张她的失踪，还是在为明日段功、梁王使者的到来做准备。
日头不住地西坠，天风飒飒，云动如流水，眼见阳光一丝一缕地从面前溜走，一时之间，颇感茫然，天下之大，竟似没有她的容身之处，身为王女，被身份左右着婚姻大事，到底是幸，还是不幸？她本是个豪迈慷慨的女子，一念及此，亦不禁有些硬咽起来。
正怏怏伤怀时，忽听到南侧有极细微的脚步声，一转眼，湖光潋影的一瞬间，她看见了一名青年男子——他正取下头上的次工，露出一身汉人的装扮来。大理虽是白族为主，汉人却也不少，有数百年前南诏自四川掳掠的几万唐人后代，也有来往贸易的行商估客，更有历代逃避中原战乱举家迁来此处的汉人。只是眼前这名汉人很不一般，不过二十七八岁年纪，既非书生，亦非行商，面如冠玉，风神俊朗，一双眼睛如山鹰般锐利明亮。段僧奴从来没有见过如此英俊好看的男子，只呆望着他，浑然忘记了了自己的身份和处境。
那男子却是丝毫没有留意到有人在暗中窥探，他一手握一柄宝剑，一手拿着新取下的次工，慢慢沿着杉树虬根下来，似乎也想来平台躲藏。忽听得有人好奇地问道：“喂，你是谁？你怎么在这里？”
那男子不防如此僻静之地竟然有人，一惊之下，本能地扔下次工，要去拔剑。忽见一白族少女颜若春花、目若点漆，正坐在树下向他招手。他眼光闪动，先落在她腰间佩剑上，又见她神色并无丝毫恶意，还带着几分孩子气的调皮及灵性，这才放开剑柄，沉声问道：“你又是谁？怎么藏在这里？”他的声音低沉浑厚，显得十分深邃。
段僧奴一时对这个汉人男子产生了浓厚的兴趣，当即自我介绍道：“我叫宝姐……”她头一次对一个陌生人说出了自己的乳名，脸上微微泛起红潮，顿了一顿，又续道，“我是逃婚到这里避难的。你叫什么名字？”
那男子道：“嗯。”探身往下望了望，见再也无路可下，转身便走。段僧奴忙叫道：“喂，等一下。”那男子弯腰捡起次工重新戴好，道：“还有什么事？”段僧奴道：“你还没有告诉我你叫什么名字呢。”男子冷冷道：“就是告诉你，你也不会认识我。”竟是头也不回地走了。
段僧奴自生下地来便是众星捧月，受尽逢迎和奉承，还没有这般受人冷遇。她性子好强，呆得一呆，忙穿好靴子，追将上去，问道：“你是红巾明玉珍派来的使者，住在兰峰下面的无为寺，对不对？”男子道：“是又如何？不是又如何？”脚下却是丝毫不停。段僧奴道：“喂，你们汉人都这般没礼貌么？我问你名字，你为何不答？”
那男子却不再睬她，加快脚步。段僧奴气恼不已，追了几步，却见他往山下而去，心下不免有所迟疑。忽听到前面远远有人叫道：“喂，站住！”正是羽仪长施秀的声音。段僧奴吓了一跳，慌忙跳入山道旁的草丛中。
只听见施秀走近那男子，警惕地问道：“你是谁？在这里做什么？”段僧奴心道：“施秀既是不认识他，想来他不会是明玉珍派来的使者了。”那男子答道：“在下头一次来到大理，久闻苍山风光秀丽，想来游览一番，不料不熟悉地形，胡乱走到了此处。”
施秀一时不语，显然是不相信那男子是游客，但他着急寻找段僧奴，不及仔细盘问对方，便厉声告道：“兰峰是大理禁地，外人不得擅入，你快些下山去。”那男子道：“是，多有冒犯。”刚走出数步，忽听得施秀又叫道：“等一下，你……在山上有没有见到一名十五六岁的绛衣少女？”
段僧奴心中登时狂跳不已，那男子只要说“刚刚才见过”，施秀定会派人仔细搜索这一片树林，那么她插翅也难逃脱。却听见那男子道：“没有。”言语中没有丝毫的犹豫。
段僧奴一时愣住，心道：“他为什么要这么说？他是想帮我么？他又为什么要帮我？”发了好一阵子呆，回过神来，才发现周围人声全无，恍然明白施秀相信了那汉人男子的话，已经带人下山了，他果真救了她。
眼见得日尽西山，林间阴翳，寒气渐重。山脚的寺中又传来一阵浑厚的钟声，她突然得到了某种提示，决定要重新回到无为寺，那里是最危险的地方，却也是最安全的地方。也许，她还可以再见到那个汉人男子，无为寺前院有厢房专门提供给云游僧人及香客居住，那男子不及回城的话，说不定就在无为寺住下了。
她是个敢想敢做的人，一念及此，当即毫不迟疑地往山下而去。她当然不能从东面正门进寺，只好沿原路返回。到得兰若楼自己房间的南窗下，暮色朦胧中，竟然见到那根绳索还在原处挂着。想来施秀等人也是依葫芦画瓢地缒窗而下，一路追上山，因而不及收回。大喜之下，忙重新攀回卧房，收了绳索，掩好窗户，走过去敲了东面墙壁三下，轻轻叫道：“伽罗！伽罗！”又敲了三下，却是无人回应。见外面天色黑定，这才醒悟伽罗等人定然是去食堂吃晚饭了。再从门缝中往外探看，那醉酒横卧在甬道上的堂兄段文也不见了，大约是被施秀发现，命人抬回了北面紫竹院住处。
她向来好动，此刻却只能独自闷坐在房中，也不敢燃灯烛。无为寺不同总管府，兰若楼不设婢女，只在每日清晨、中午定时有仆妇来清扫整理。夜幕拉下，万物陷入沉睡，白日的喧嚣完全褪去，没有了伽罗的欢声笑语，住处显得异常静谧。一阵难以名状的寂寞，悄然涌上她心间，但她也不敢轻易离开小楼，怕被巡防的武僧撞见。
无为寺为东西向，主体建筑共分三处院落：一是前院——包括山门、过厅、三座大殿、练武场、藏经阁，以及北厢房、南禅房。北厢房供寺内僧人居住，南禅房则提供挂单的游僧及香客居住，能进得了无为寺，香客身份自然非富即贵。南禅房西首还有一座独立的回光院，小巧玲珑，为普照禅师住处；过了藏经阁西的树林，一道高墙由南至北高高耸立，高墙后便是中院了——是大理王室及世家子弟读书习武的地方，包括演武厅、念书堂、翠华楼，世家子弟的住处则分布在演武厅南北；翠华楼之西，还有一处独立的院落，西倚苍山兰峰，东临花苑，南侧有救疫泉，北侧种满奇花异草、养有数十只孔雀，这便是药师殿了。这里原本没有围墙，自从二十年前有人从殿内偷走大理密药孔雀胆、并用其毒死了大理将军高蓬——即为高潜亲生父亲——后，这里便成为了寺中禁地，加修了高墙，成为院中之院，被称为后院。由于地位尊崇特殊，无为寺跟阳苴咩城中总管府一样，实行夜禁制度，天黑山门即落锁，各要害处均分派有武僧把守。中院、后院平日就是禁地，外人不得擅入，到晚上更是巡防森严。
虽然暂时可以在自己的房间安身，却被逼足不能出户，宛若软禁，段僧奴不免有些郁郁起来。并不全然是因为被迫逃婚的缘故，她本是个喜欢热闹的人，从小到大身边无时无刻有一群好伙伴，前呼后拥惯了，此刻孑然一身，浑身都不自在。不禁又想起适才在兰峰半山腰遇到那个新鲜又神秘的汉人男子来，心道：“也不知道他叫什么名字？今晚有没有宿在寺中？嗯，他不过是个游客，谅来寺僧不会让他进来寺里。他生得这般气宇轩昂，应该不是普通人呀。哎，不知道还能不能再见到他。”胡思乱想着，面上又泛起一阵红潮来。
正少女思春时，忽听到南窗下有重物溅水之声，吓了一跳，忙悄悄走过去，推开窗缝往外看，只见夜色阒然，水雾缭绕，并无人影，这才放了心，料来不过是水貂之类的动物，施秀搜寻不到她，不至于仍从原路返回。
她顺势倚在窗口，怅然有所感思，不知明日欲往何方，又不知何处可往。春风寂寂，长夜寥寥，月下花飘，幽香阵阵。也不知道过了多少时候，忽听见窸窸窣窣一阵脚步声，几人走进院中，有人喟然忧道：“也不知道宝姬逃去了哪里？”正是伽罗的声音。
段僧奴大喜，走到门边，刚要出声叫喊，又听见杨宝道：“宝姬也没有别的地方可去，多半还在兰峰上。”
段僧奴听他说“宝姬也没有别的地方可去”，语气中大有同情怜悯之意，仿佛是在谈一个无家可归的少女，不禁火冒三丈，拉开门怒道：“谁说我没有别的地方可去？”
院中几人一听见她的声音，又惊又喜，急忙奔上来楼。伽罗拉起她的手，道：“原来宝姬还在这里！可把我们几个担心坏了。”欣喜之情溢于言表。高浪也笑道：“宝姬真是聪明，亏得施秀还派了许多人出寺搜寻，哪知道正主儿却躲在这里。”
段僧奴一见到伙伴，早将所有的不快抛到脑后，笑道：“我与伽罗今晚有约定，当然要回来这里了。”伽罗喜道：“呀，真是我的好姊妹呢。”段僧奴四下不见段宝，问道，“我阿弟呢？”伽罗道：“坦绰以为你偷偷跑掉，猜到信苴要大发脾气，先回城去请夫人出面说情了。”段僧奴瘪了瘪嘴唇，道：“阿姆才不会为我说情呢，她什么事都听阿爹的。不过……”顿了顿，道，“阿宝倒真是好。”杨宝见二女在廊上说个不停，生怕被巡视的武僧发现，忙道：“先进伽罗房中再说。”
几人进得房中，关好门窗后才点燃灯烛。段僧奴这才发现高潜也不在，忙问道：“高潜人呢？”高浪不屑地道：“他娇贵得紧，不知怎生又肚子疼了。”言语中对这位族兄大有鄙夷之意。
伽罗也道：“今日高潜脸色一直不大好，我说给他看看是什么毛病，他却不肯，嘿嘿，我猜他是嫌我医术差，就让他自己去药师殿找我师傅看，也不知道后来去了没有。他晚饭都没出来吃呢。”她是药师殿白沙医师的弟子，颇精医道。
段僧奴道：“嗯，高潜表哥自小就是毛病多，吃了多少药也不见好，我阿姆说他是天生羸弱。”她口中这般说，心中也着实有些瞧不起这个表兄，自小体弱多病，文才武功样样不行不说，性情又窝囊软弱，毫无大志，她父亲几次叫他去朝中任职，学点本事，他却始终不肯，虽说身世可悯——父母均被梁王买凶毒死，只留下襁褓中的他，孤零零的一个人——可在大理这样的地方，即使是总管之子，也得凭真材实料才能赢得尊重。事实上，在无为寺中习教的世家子弟，就数高潜和段文最为人轻视。
此时，高浪提到要吃些什么，段僧奴这才感觉肚子有些饿了，叫道：“哎呀，我也还没有吃饭呢。”伽罗道：“呀，晚饭有宝姬最爱的乳扇和弓鱼。”忙一推高浪，催道，“你快去食堂看看还有没有。”高浪心道：“这跑腿的事本该轮到高潜去做。”虽有些不情愿，还是应了一声出去了。
伽罗问道：“宝姬你一直躲在自己房中么？”段僧奴道：“你倒是猜猜看。”伽罗不愿多想，只拿眼去看杨宝。杨宝道：“宝姬去而复返，确实是最聪明的法子。”段僧奴道：“你怎么猜到我是去而复返？”杨宝道：“瞧宝姬的靴子和裙子，还是湿的呢。”段僧奴低头一看，笑道：“真是呢。”忙摸索着回到自己卧室，找出干净衣服鞋子换上，又重新梳拢了头发，这才回到伽罗房中。
三人说笑了一回，伽罗道：“可宝姬如此躲着，也不是长久之计。杨宝，你平日主意最多，快想个好法子。”杨宝摇头道：“没有好法子。”伽罗道：“要不然……我们设法把宝姬送去印度？”杨宝道：“不必着急。日前局势未明，宝姬躲过这一阵子，事情或许会有转机。”段僧奴忙问道：“什么转机？”杨宝道：“这个……”却有所迟疑，不愿意明说。
原来照杨宝所想，如今西南三足鼎立——大理段家掌管了云南西部，梁王控制了云南东部，明玉珍则夺取了蜀中。三方势力中，按理来说本该梁王最强，然而历任梁王与行省争权，狠斗了几十年，甚至还各自调发军队，发生过几次大规模的战争，梁王虽然最终占到上风，但自己实力亦大为削弱，又穷兵黩武，妄想如同击败行省一般铲除段氏，陆续与几任大理总管开战，早已经是兵微将寡。明玉珍出身红巾军，人多势众，又以恢复汉人统治为号召，极得中原人心，但毕竟占据四川时间不长，又是四面受敌的境地——北边有陕西元军精锐的威胁；东边湖北、湖南是他的死对头陈友谅的地盘；南边有梁王孛罗；西南边面对的则是大理段氏的势力，尤其受段氏羁縻的建昌部落，便是位于四川境内——防线如此漫长，兵力再多，也必然要被分散。因而比较起来，大理反倒是最强的一支，虽百年前遭蒙古灭国之厄，地盘大大削减，然段家数百年经营云南，根深蒂固，非同小可。正因为如此，眼下明玉珍与梁王交战，双方均派使者来拉拢段功信苴，就是大理地位举足轻重的明证。而到目前为止，段功信苴的态度也相当微妙，他不令明玉珍使者居住在专门招待贵宾的五华楼，而是悄悄安排在无为寺，显然是不愿外人知道，尤其不想让梁王那一方知道。但是对梁王、行省使者，他也只是接了书信，不肯亲见使者，可见对自父兄起与蒙古人结下的梁子并不能轻易释怀。但无论如何，大理虽是掌握主动的一方，却必须要作出选择，因为坐山观虎斗等于同时拒绝了明玉珍和梁王两方，后患无穷。那么，段功信苴会选择与明玉珍结盟，还是与梁王和好呢？到目前为止，没有人知道。可是，对段僧奴来说，这其中却有个机会。无论从哪方面来说，她嫁给建昌头人阿荣都是上上之选，对大理有利，只是以她刚硬性格，势必难以成行。段功信苴宽厚仁爱，决计不会死逼爱女，然而一旦阿荣得知宝姬宁死不嫁，颜面扫地，必定怀恨在心，以建昌部落强悍凶狠的风气，多半要兴兵闹事。若是大理与明玉珍结盟，双方正好同时对建昌部落和梁王形成夹击之势，但若大理与梁王和好，局面便会不利得多，大理的北边和东部便分别处在建昌和明玉珍的威胁之下。杨宝所言有个机会，便是指一旦段功与明玉珍结盟，或许不必再顾虑建昌，也不会逼宝姬出嫁。只是这话他却不便说出口，大理段氏归顺元朝已近百年，一旦倾向明玉珍就等于是公然背叛朝廷，明玉珍若能夺得中原江山尚值得一试，可他争得到天下么？
段僧奴却是着急得很，连连催道：“你快说啊，到底是什么转机？”杨宝道：“我只是随口一说，这件事全在信苴。”段僧奴却是了解他性格，知道他绝对不会随口一说，上前一步，逼问道：“我既教过你武功，就是你师傅，师傅命令你，快说，转机到底是什么？”杨宝却是不肯松口，道：“没有。”
正僵持间，高浪匆匆进来道：“乳扇和弓鱼都没有了。”伽罗见他空手而回，大为不满。他身后突然冒出一人，讪讪道：“乳扇其实还剩几块，刚好被我吃掉了。我不知道宝姬还在……”
段僧奴不防高浪身后紧跟着一人，大吃一惊，以为是来逮她回城的羽仪，本能往窗口逃去。那人忙道：“是我。”定睛一看，原来是高潜，这才松了口气，埋怨道：“高潜表哥，你怎么不吭一声冒出来？吓了我一跳。”
高潜将一盘生肉放到桌上，慌忙赔礼道：“抱歉，我该先招呼一声的。”段僧奴道：“现在没事了。高潜表哥，你怎么突然来了？不是说肚子疼么？去药师殿看过了么？”高潜道：“唔，我身子是有些不舒服……”高浪道：“我适才可是亲眼瞧见高潜站在树下抹眼泪呢。”
众人大奇，伽罗道：“肚子疼得这般厉害么？快过来让我瞧瞧。”高潜忙道：“已经好了。再说哪有掉眼泪，不过是沙子迷了眼睛……”高浪道：“明明是……”杨宝及时拉了他一下，道：“宝姬饿了，赶紧先吃饭。”
伽罗望了一眼那盘生肉，惊道：“呀，高潜你怎么将香料蒜汁直接浇到肉上了？”高潜忙辩解道：“不是我……是高浪……”高浪瞪了他一眼，不以为然地道：“干嘛大惊小怪，反正宝姬切了肉也是蘸着香料吃，和在一起岂不方便？”
段僧奴早饿得慌了，哪里还顾得上讲究，忙道：“这样便很好。”自腰间抽出短剑，坐在桌边，边割边吃，狼吞虎咽之势，浑然不似名门之女。
她手中短剑是柄罕见的利器，颇有来历——她父亲段功初即大理总管之位时，有火球划天，声闻百里，由北往南而下，坠落在苍山玉局峰。火球冰冷后裂开，露出中心一大块玄铁，可剁铁而不伤刃，削发可下。因是天降神物，被百姓献于总管府，段功令十名匠人磨剑两年有余，取苍山雪水淬火，始成一长一短两柄剑。由于是玄铁所铸，长剑重达十二斤，长三尺，刃宽一寸六，中厚八分，色乌亮而冰寒，配双龙夺珠金鞘，称“乌钢剑”，成为段功的随身佩剑。短剑长一尺六，宽两指，配象皮鞘，镶五色宝石，称“女儿剑”，理所当然地给了段僧奴。此剑工艺精巧，削金断玉，吹毛立断，此刻却被她随意用来割肉，高浪看在眼中，不免有些可惜。
却听见伽罗问道：“高浪，你才吃过晚饭不久，又去食堂拿肉，没人怀疑你么？”高浪道：“他们正忙着架三脚架烧三道茶呢，哪里顾得上理我。”
这三道茶是大理招待贵客的习俗，通常要在屋里现煮现喝，但达官贵人嫌烟气熏眼，往往命人在厨下煮好了茶才端上。
伽罗问道：“是给南禅房那几个汉人的么？嗯，杨宝说他们是明玉珍的使者，也算得上中原来的贵客。”高浪冷笑道：“果真是贵客，就该住进五华楼，怎么来了这里？”段僧奴道：“这你还不懂么？我大理虽然与梁王交恶多年，但名义上毕竟还是大元朝的子民，这明玉珍自称为皇帝，是大元的反贼，阿爹怎能让人知道他正与反贼暗中来往？”高浪道：“知道了又怎样，我大理兵精马壮，还怕他们蒙古人么？”段僧奴笑道：“这话还是等你当上了将军再说吧。”
伽罗道：“也不对呀，就算是明玉珍的使者，可他们不是已经来了好几天了么，怎么突然又要上三道茶？”高浪甚是得意，笑道：“你们还不知道吧，那个中原大财主沈富又来了！”段僧奴道：“沈富虽然与首座无依禅师熟识，却算不上是什么贵客。”高浪道：“不过这次沈富又带了个书生同来……”
高潜忽插口道：“你们别瞎猜