Chapter 4 Chapter Three: The Death of Tuotuo
The mist gradually thinned and lightened, and slowly rose into the air, the veil of the valley was shed, revealing a clear outline, and the youth was shaken off like a huge picture scroll.The woman was eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed in lotus, standing sideways, staring at the "Mrs. Gao" giant orchid.At that moment, Duan Gong almost suspected that she was the Gao Lan when she was young—the ordinary graceful and graceful, the ordinary slender and soft, just like this orchid in the valley, full of yue yue yue, young and beautiful, with a natural beauty grace.
The long night is finally over.Duan Gong woke up very early, in fact, he knew that he hadn't really fallen asleep at all.Going downstairs to the hall, Shi Zong and Shi Xiushang leaned against the pillars in the corner and took a nap.Yu Yi, who was on duty, was about to step forward to wake up the two of them, but was stopped by Duan Gong.When I came out of Cuihua Tower, I saw that the sky was hazy, and everything was still shrouded in white morning mist.Duan Gong has the habit of practicing swords early in the morning to relax his muscles and bones, but he didn't bring a weapon when he left the city last night. walk around.
The temple was quiet and quiet, the monks' morning class had not yet started, only a few young novice monks were busy cleaning the corridors, and when they came across a small group of monks patrolling by chance, they failed to recognize Duan Gong who was wearing a secondary worker.When he came to the mountain gate, Luo Juzi, the leader, saw that Duan Gong was traveling with only two Yuyis, so he couldn't help feeling worried, and asked: "Where is Xinju going? Do you want to send some more people to follow?" Duan Gong said: "No need. I'll just walk around." Go ahead.
Luo Juzi was still waiting to ask, a Yuyi hurriedly stepped forward and said in a low voice: "Xinju is going to Wulaozhang to see orchids. He doesn't like crowds, so you better not follow. I'll call you again if something happens." Wu Laozhang was nearby, Luo Juzi gave up and said: "Be careful, there are strangers wandering around here early in the morning." Yu Yi smiled and said: "Got it."
There is a valley half a mile northwest of the mountain gate. Five stone peaks protrude like jade shoots and surround three sides. They look like five big trees connected together.There is a small waterfall on the third peak, which is like a white practice hanging down, very poetic and picturesque.Because the stone peaks are like screens, the valley does not see sunlight all the year round, the clouds and mist surround it, and the back is humid. It is an excellent place for orchids to grow.There are many natural orchids growing in the valley, especially a giant orchid which is the most prominent-the leaves are one finger wide, each bunch of seven leaves is more than three feet high; Green, as bright as a parrot, Qinghua is bright and moist; the fragrance of flowers is like musk deer, refreshing the heart and nourishing the heart; it is really Zhilan that grows in the valley, not because there are no people but not fragrant.When Duan Kung Fu man Gao Lan saw this flower for the first time, she couldn't help exclaiming: "If a generation of kings sees this flower, they will immediately worship it." So they named the flower "Ban Jia".Duan Gong immediately said with a smile: "Why don't you name this flower 'Mrs. Gao', everyone loves it." This has become a good story in Dali.Since then, whenever the husband and wife went to Wuwei Temple to listen to scriptures, they had to come to Wulaozhang to enjoy this "Mrs. Gao".
The trees are like shadows, and a path runs through them, elegant and quiet.Moss and green moss, the tread marks on it are still fresh, as if someone just walked by.The breeze whizzes through the forest, bringing the morning mist around and around, as if blurred by light smoke.If it weren't for the chirping of birds, it would be clear to the ear, and it would almost be suspicious of floating in the illusion.The scenery of Dali is the best in the world, and the peaks, valleys, forests and springs are all included in the painting. The "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" summarized by later generations-that is, the wind in Xiaguan, the flowers in Shangguan, the snow in Cangshan Mountain, and the moon in Erhai Lake-is just a generalization. The four scenes in the beautiful sceneries cannot be described in detail.Although Duan Gong is familiar with the scenery of Cangshan Mountain, it is the first time to go out to enjoy the wild orchids in the early morning. The birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, the mountains and forests are interesting, the breeze is coming, it is refreshing and comfortable, the heart suddenly feels clear, and the feet slow down. Such a beautiful view.
Approaching Wulaozhang, the sound of the gurgling waterfall gradually resounds. When you reach the mouth of the valley, you can see clouds and mist all around. In the shadows, there seems to be a person shuttled among the orchid bushes, his clothes fluttering in the wind, like a bird.A Yuyi hurriedly said: "Xinju, please wait a moment." He was about to step forward to ask a question, but was stopped by Duan Gong, he had already seen that the person was slender and graceful, he could be a woman.
The sky brightened a lot at once, the fog gradually thinned and lightened, and slowly rose into the air. The veil of the valley was shed, revealing a clear outline, and the youth was shaken off like a huge scroll.The woman was eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed in lotus, standing sideways, staring at the "Mrs. Gao" giant orchid.At that moment, Duan Gong almost suspected that she was the Gao Lan when she was young—the ordinary graceful and graceful, the ordinary slender and soft, just like this orchid in the valley, full of yue yue yue, young and beautiful, with a natural beauty grace.But she is different from Gao Lan. She looks more delicate and melancholy. This kind of melancholy makes her look mysterious and unreachable.But, but, why did she suddenly cry?The eyes are full of colorful, beautiful and beautiful, but she is full of hatred, condensed into tears in the sea.This sad and beautiful scene with tears streaming down her cheeks was so heartbreaking that Duan Gong paused for a moment, not daring to go any further, for fear of disturbing her lonely face, claustrophobic thoughts, and vast thoughts.
At this time, the woman turned her head, like a lotus in the early sun, a willow in the spring moon, but her face is so beautiful and full of sadness, which makes people feel pity involuntarily.Duan Gong was still hesitating how to ask her, but she seemed to be frightened, hurriedly lowered her head, and walked quickly out of the valley.
Yu Yi wanted to stop her from interrogating her, but she was forced by her peerless beauty, so she didn't dare to face her face. When she hesitated, the woman passed by her and disappeared in the valley.Only the elegant and fragrant fragrance is left, and I don't know if it is the fragrance of flowers or human fragrance.
Suddenly someone outside the valley shouted: "Stop, who are you?" It was Shi Zong's voice.A female voice said: "I... um... I..."
Duan Gong came out of Wulaozhang in a hurry, saw Shi Zong was stopping the woman, and questioned her sternly.Although her expression was slightly flustered, she was not afraid, as if the little girl next door met a stranger asking for directions. Duan Gong admired this kind of demeanor. He guessed that a woman like her could not be an ordinary person, so Not wanting to embarrass her, he immediately shouted: "Shi Zong, let her go." Shi Zong said: "Yes." He waved his hand and ordered people to let her go.
Seeing that Shi Zong had many followers and seemed to be a person of great background, but he wanted to obey Duan Gong, the woman couldn't help but turned her head, looked at him carefully, and asked Chi Chi: "You...Are you..." Duan Gong It is expected that she has already guessed her identity, and was about to answer, Shi Zong rushed over and said in a low voice: "Xinju, Madam is here." Duan Gong was greatly surprised, he could not care about the woman any more, and hurried to Wuwei Temple .
On the way, Shi Zong reported the assassin's serious injury and dying last night. Duan Gongqi said, "Did Jia Luo save him by cutting his blood?" Shi Zong said, "Yes. Doctor Meng, who was invited from the city, rushed to the temple in the middle of the night and said that he had never heard of feeding people. Blood is the method, but after looking at the assassin's injuries, he is said to have indeed come back to life. To be honest, I have never believed in Jia Luo, but Dr. Meng even praised her for her excellent medical skills."
This doctor Meng is a descendant of Meng You, the god of medicine in the Southwest, and a famous doctor in Dali. It's no wonder that Shi Zong was surprised that he would praise Jia Luo out of nowhere.
Duan Gong said: "I don't know that a strong general has no weak soldiers under his command, so Doctor Baisha's disciples won't be in vain." Then he asked, "Is the assassin awake?" It will take several days to recover." Duan Gong said "hey" twice, and he didn't know whether he praised Jia Luo's superb medical skills, or secretly lamented the assassin's super endurance.
Shi Zongdao: "There is another matter that needs to be reported to Xinju. Originally, this subordinate wanted to take the assassin back to the prison in the city for imprisonment, but Yang Yuanwai wanted to keep the assassin at Jia Luo." Duan Gong pondered: "Well, first Let him recuperate with Jia Luo." Shi Zongdao: "Xin Ju also agrees with Yang Yuanwai to use soft methods to extract the assassin's confession?"
Duan Gong was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses, and said with a smile: "It turns out that Yuan Hai wanted to use beauty tricks. No, I never expected the assassin to recruit the mastermind behind the scenes. I kept him in the temple for other purposes." Asked, "Did Shi Xiu ask Gao Lang and Gao Qian about Baoji's whereabouts?" Shi Zongdao: "No. But Shi Xiu said, judging by their expressions, they obviously knew Baoji's whereabouts, but they just refused to say Come out, he has told the monks to spy on them."
Duan Gong said "hmm" and stopped talking.Although there are many headaches to deal with, the matter of his daughter's rebellion against the marriage worried him, especially after he learned that Ah Rong fought with the envoy of King Liang for a woman last night, he was even more troubled. Get the monk and slave back as soon as possible, but will he really be able to rest assured that he will marry her to Ah Rong?
As soon as he came out of the woods, he saw his wife Gao Lan was waiting at the gate of the temple with someone, Duan Gong's chest suddenly became wet, a strange feeling came to his heart, and he stopped involuntarily.Gao Lan had already noticed her husband, beckoned from a distance, and showed a calm smile, as if her elder sister was calling her younger brother who was out to play, to come home for dinner. She took care of him and cared for him like a sister.
At that moment, for some reason, Duan Gong suddenly remembered the woman he met in Wulaozhang just now, and suddenly recalled some important things. What's wrong with that Han woman?" Shi Zongdao: "The subordinate just saw her clutching her left arm, she seemed to be injured, and her body was covered with dew, as if she had been swaying under the Cangshan Mountain for most of the night. , and happened to be near Wuwei Temple, so I thought she was acting suspiciously, so I stopped her for questioning. Didn't Xinju agree to let her go?" After all, he was a hunter, with a pair of sharp eyes like a cheetah, and he could observe every detail.
Duan Gong said: "Well, now that I think about it, Yishi mentioned yesterday that Ah Rong and Dadu fought over a Han woman, and that woman injured her arm during the chaos..." Shi Zong also suddenly realized, and hurriedly said: "This subordinate understands." , that woman should not have gone far, I will send someone to arrest her for interrogation." Duan Gong said: "No hurry. You first send someone to follow her and find out where she came from." Shi Zongdao: "Follow Order." Go and arrange people to track down the woman.
The woman's beautiful face covered with tears appeared again in Duan Gong's mind. Who is she?why cry?She went to Wuhua Building last night to find Dadu, the envoy of King Liang, and wandered around Wuwei Temple again this morning. What is her purpose?
Gao Lan had already greeted her, and shouted: "Lang Jun, you didn't come home last night, so I got up early to bring you an official uniform." The two of them were childhood sweethearts, and they had a very close relationship. Before they got married, she always called Duan Gong directly. The word "Minzhai" was changed to Langjun after marriage.It was only then that Duan Gong remembered that he was going to formally summon the envoys of the King of Liang today, and that he should wear formal official uniforms. He said with a smile, "Madam is more careful, I forgot about it."
When she arrived at the dormitory on the second floor of Cuihua Building, Gao Lan didn't want the maid to do anything, she personally helped her husband wash and wash, changed into the official uniform, and served the snacks brought from the mansion.The maid on the side smiled and said, "Madam did it herself when she got up before dawn."
Seeing his wife's tired face, Duan Gong knew that he didn't come back last night, and she couldn't sleep well, so he felt apologetic, took his wife's hand, and said in a low voice: "I'm really sorry, I'm sorry, Madam." Lan laughed and said, "I can't say I'm a laborer. Mr. Lang is the master of Dali, and he works hard for state affairs all day long. I'm afraid you won't be used to the fast food in the temple. It doesn't cost much to make some snacks you like. Strength." He said again, "I don't know if the monk has woken up. Do you want to ask her to come and eat?" Duan Gong said: "Well, this..." I was quite troubled, I don't know if I should tell my daughter about her escape from marriage at this moment lady.
It turns out that after Duan Sengnu escaped from Wuwei Temple yesterday to avoid his fiancé Ah Rong, Duan Bao hurried back to the city, wanting to find his mother to intercede for his sister, but he didn't want to meet his father Duan Gong first when he entered the general manager's mansion. Duan Gong learned the news of his daughter's escape Although he was angry, he didn't want his wife to worry about this matter, so he warned his son not to make any more troubles, and ordered him to stay in the mansion and not to return to Wuwei Temple for the time being.Duan Bao didn't dare to disobey, so he had to follow suit. Even when he saw his mother at dinner later, he didn't dare to mention his sister, so Gao Lan didn't know about it.
While Duan Gong was still hesitating, Gao Lan noticed that Yang Zhi had been lingering at the door of the room, as if she had something important to report. She never asked about political affairs, and she didn't like to show her face in public, so she smiled and said, "Mr. , I’ll go see the monks and slaves, and then I’ll take her back to the city together.” Duan Gong stopped hesitating when he heard this, and said briefly, “Ma’am, I’m just going to tell you about the monks and slaves, but she doesn’t want to see Ah Rong. Yi escaped under the nose."
Gao Lan was slightly taken aback, but she wasn't too surprised. After all, she knew her daughter well, so she said: "No wonder I only saw Abao yesterday, and I also said that his sister can only return to the city today. It turns out..." Duan Gong said: "Yes. I told Ah Bao to say that, Madam, don’t worry, I’ve already sent people to look for monks and slaves. Now the world is in chaos, and the gates are strictly guarded, so she can’t leave Dali.” Gao Lan nodded, and said: “Your Majesty’s words are extremely accurate. Yes, please get busy with business first, I will rest here for a while, and then I will go back to the city by myself." Duan Gong said: "That's fine, madam has worked hard."
When he came out of the dormitory, Yang Zhi went forward and said: "Yu Yi came to report that Li Zhima, the envoy of King Ming, wanted to see Xinju." Duan Gong said: "He probably wants to explain the embarrassing things that happened last night, let him wait for a while. , I can’t take care of listening to his explanation at this moment.” Yang Zhi said: “Yes. This subordinate also thinks that there is no need to pay attention to King Ming’s envoy and his party.”
Duan Gong went downstairs and saw a monk reporting something to Shi Xiu, he guessed that it was probably related to Duan Sengnu, so he went over and asked: "But is Baoji's whereabouts?" The monk said: "Reply By the way, Master Shi Xiuyu ordered the young monk to monitor Gao Lang and Gao Qian. Since Master Shi Xiuyu left last night, they went to Yang Bao's room to conspire. Until just now, the three of them left the room together and went to Lanruo Tower to find Jia Luo. Duan Gong said: "Well, you go and call the three, I have something to say." The monk said: "Follow the order."
Shi Xiu asked: "Xinju wants to ask the three of them about Baoji's whereabouts? According to my subordinates, they clearly know where Baoji is hiding, but if they want to show their loyalty, they will definitely not tell." Duan Gong said: "Well, I know, that's why I have to focus on the word 'loyalty'. Shi Xiu, you don't need to send people to look for Bao Ji, she has nowhere to escape, and when the time comes, she will show up by herself." Although Shi Xiu didn't I completely understood, and didn't dare to ask again, I just said: "Follow the order."
After a cup of tea, Yang Bao, Gao Lang, and Gao Qian were brought to the Cuihua Building. Seeing Yu Yiyi surrounded by them, looking like a court interrogation, each of them could not help but show signs of uneasiness.After the three of them returned to their residence last night, it was difficult for them to fall asleep.Later Shi Xiu came to ask Gao Lang and Gao Qian about Bao Ji's whereabouts respectively. After finding out the clues, he confessed that the monk was secretly monitoring the two of them.As soon as Shi Xiu walked away, the two came to Yang Bao's room together to ask for advice.Yang Bao asked to find out what was going on, and only said: "Since Chief Shi Xiuyu came to ask, he must have not found Baoji's whereabouts. You and I just cling to it and don't know." After staying up early in the morning, he finally couldn't help but go out, planning to look for Jia Luo In the name of Duan Sengnu.Unexpectedly, as soon as he arrived at the gate of the courtyard, he was stopped by Yu Yi, saying that Jia Luo had been busy all night and was still asleep, and the assassin was imprisoned in the study on the first floor, and he was not allowed to enter without the permission of Chief Yu Yi.Just as Daqi wondered why the assassin was locked here, the monk came to tell him: "Xinju calls you three, go quickly." Hualou.Because of the monitoring by monks along the way, Yang Bao didn't even find a chance to talk to Gao Lang and Gao Qian.
When he was feeling anxious, Duan Gong laughed and said: "The three of you have grown up, and there are still a few personal Yuyi around me. I can't wait for Shi Zong to choose people. Are you three willing to fill in the vacancies?"
Yuyi usually has to go through an extremely strict selection process, with special assessments for martial arts and background, not to mention ordinary Dali people, even the children of aristocratic families would consider it a lifetime honor to serve as Yuyi in the General Manager's Mansion.Especially Yang Bao and the other three thought that Xin Ju must ask Bao Ji's whereabouts when they were summoned, but when they heard that Duan Gong was unprecedentedly going to personally recruit him as Yu Yi, they couldn't help but look at each other, both flattered and bewildered.Not only the three of them, but even Shi Xiu was stunned, only Yang Zhi nodded with a smile.
Gao Lang was the most impatient, so he first asked, "Is that why Xin Ju saw the call?" Duan Gong said, "What do you think it is for?" Gao Lang said, "We all thought..." Yang Bao suddenly coughed He hurriedly changed his words: "Of course I am willing to join Yuyi, but..." He was conceited in martial arts, and deliberately took advantage of the opportunity of Yuyi's selection to show off his skills. He wanted to say that he was afraid that other Yuyi would not be convinced if he had not been selected for martial arts, but Gao Qian suddenly interjected: "I am willing to join Yuyi, thank you uncle." Gao Lang looked at him with some dissatisfaction. With martial arts, he could not be selected for Yuyi, and suddenly thought: "Could it be that Xinju's move is just to protect this nephew ?”
But Yang Bao suddenly understood that this was Xinju's strategy of drawing salary from the bottom of the pot when he suspected that they had hidden Baoji secretly. Being a personal feather instrument meant that he would be detained by Xinju's side all the time. It's difficult, Jia Luo has no scheming, she alone is absolutely impossible to cover Bao Ji's whereabouts, and she will show her feet soon.Just as he was thinking secretly, Duan Gong suddenly heard Duan Gong ask: "Yang Bao, Gao Qian and Gao Lang have agreed, what do you think?"
Knowing that he was powerless to refuse, Yang Bao had no choice but to say: "Xinju loves you, dare you not serve Xinju." Duan Gong said: "Yes, good. Shi Xiu, the three of them will be assigned to you. First arrange to guard around Wuhua Building, and wait a while. Follow me to the main hall to listen to scriptures." Shi Xiu said: "Follow the order."
Seeing that Shi Xiu still didn't understand Duan Gong's intention, Yang Zhi hurried forward and whispered something in his ear.When Shi Xiu heard this, she smiled secretly, beckoned to Yu Yi, and ordered him to take Gao Lang and the three of them to shift duty.
Just at this time, Shi Zong rushed into the hall and said in a low voice, "Xinju, I have caught that woman." Duan Gong said, "Is that the Han woman I met in Wulaozhang early in the morning? Didn't I let you know?" Did you only send people to follow her?" Shi Zongdao: "It is true that my subordinates only sent people to follow her, but she has been only wandering around Wuwei Temple. Just now Yuyi Meng Changjun recognized her, he went back to the city last night to invite the doctor When I was in the temple, the woman was also treating the knife wound on her arm in the doctor's shop, and I heard Meng Changjun mention that the wounded in the hospital was an assassin who broke into Wuwei Temple..."
Duan Gong couldn't help frowning, probably secretly blaming Meng Changjun for being talkative.Shi Zong hurriedly said: "The doctor is Meng Changjun's uncle, but he leaked the secret casually, and his subordinates have already punished him." He continued, "When the woman heard this, she immediately left in a panic..."
Duan Gong understood it already, and said: "It turns out that she is probably wandering around Wuwei Temple because of the assassin." Shi Zongdao: "This subordinate also thinks the same way, the woman should be with the assassin, at least she has some ties to it, But she doesn't seem to know martial arts."
Yang Zhi still didn't know about the Han woman, so he asked the reason, and said: "It doesn't make sense, we already know that the assassination last night was just a cover, the envoy of King Ming and his party had other purposes, so the assassin must be involved with the envoy of King Ming. If the woman is With the assassins, how could you go to the Wuhua Building to find the envoy Dadu of the King of Liang?"
Everyone thinks so.Shi Xiu suddenly wondered, "Could she be the Han princess that King Ming Xu married Xinju?" Yang Zhi said, "You say she is Ming Yue, the righteous daughter of Ming Yuzhen? This is even more impossible." Shi Zongdao : "I think Shi Xiu's speculation makes sense. Member Yang, you haven't seen that woman. She is extremely beautiful. When Yu Yi captured her, she didn't panic. How could such a woman belong to an ordinary Han family?" Daughter?" Yang Zhi said with a smile: "Master Yu Yi, the Central Plains is no better than me in Dali, and my Dali girls can go out and socialize like men, but Han women are deeply bound by etiquette, and girls from rich families are often not allowed to step out of the embroidery room before they get married. If she is really the righteous daughter of Ming Yuzhen, the princess of Daxia Kingdom, how could she easily travel to Dali?" Shi Zongdao: "So that's how it is."
Duan Gong asked: "Where is that woman now?" Shi Zongdao: "I didn't dare to bring her into the forbidden area without Xinju's order. Now she is imprisoned in an empty room in the front yard and guarded by monks." Duan Gong He pondered and said, "Hmm..." It seemed that he wanted to visit.
Suddenly Bai Sha, a physician from the Pharmacist's Palace, barged in without waiting for Yuyi's notification, and walked up to Duan Gong without paying any respects, and said in a low voice, "Xinju, two sets of peacock gallbladders are missing from the Pharmacist's Palace." Duan Gong was stunned. Surprised, he asked, "When did this happen?"
Baisha said: "It should be yesterday." Then he explained what happened, it turned out that Baisha would personally clean the Baicao Pavilion of the Hall of Pharmacists every morning. There are all kinds of rare and secret medicines stored in this attic, including poisons such as peacock gall.Cleaning itself is a kind of inspection. Early yesterday morning, Baisha clearly remembered that there were ten pairs of peacock galls in the medicine cabinet, which were divided into two rows and placed in the top shelf of the cabinet.Because the poison was so poisonous, it was still higher than Hedinghong, so he didn't dare to neglect, so he came to report immediately.
Shi Zong was surprised and said: "Don't throw it away early, don't throw it away at night, but at this time I lost two sets of peacock guts. Will someone intentionally harm others, and then blame me on Dali?"
Everyone knows what he means, and this involves a sad past-twenty years ago, Liang Wang Polo had a rift with the previous general manager Duan Guang, and they met each other in battle.At that time, Shi Guang sent general Gao Pengtong to station heavy troops at Luo Naguan to block the troops of King Liang.The king of Liang sent someone to send a letter to Gao Peng, promising him a high official and generous salary, inducing him to betray the Duan family.Gao Peng replied with a poem:
Send a message to the next Fan Liang Wang Weng, why bother to recruit Gao Peng.As the Lord of the Five Sacred Mountains Songshan, he is wiser than the Duke of the Six Dingshuo.
The iron armor and helmet hold an iron lance, and the flower saddle and flower rope control the flower lance.But with a wave of the Yellow Stone formation in front of him, Gu Yun broke through thousands of layers.
Not only refused to accept Liang Wang's solicitation, but also vigorously boasted of his martial arts to Liang Wang, in order to appear that Liang Wang was incompetent, and Polo hated him for this.Not long after, Gao Peng was poisoned by peacock gall, because peacock gall was originally a secret medicine for the royal palace, and only Duan could get it, so there were rumors that Duan Guang did it, and the morale of Dali's army was deeply shaken.Duan Guang was furious and sent people to investigate carefully, only to find that three pairs of peacock gallbladders had been lost in the Baicao Pavilion of the Pharmacist Hall of Wuwei Temple.Polo tried so hard because he wanted to kill two birds with one stone. He not only removed the thorn in his side, Gao Peng, but also used the peacock guts to blame Duan Guang, so that everyone in the Dali army would be in danger.Fortunately, Yaotong was in a mess and showed his signs, and Wang Jiu fled to Liangwang's side in fear of disaster, so the rumors were self-defeating.
If Shi Zong's concerns were true, then Ming Yuzhen's envoy and his party stole the peacock's gall, prepared to poison the Liang King's envoy, and then put the blame on Duan's family, because these mortal enemies are both in Wuwei Temple today.Of course, it is also possible that the king of Liang repeated his old tricks and sent someone to steal the medicine, then poisoned Ming Yuzhen's envoy to death, and finally pushed it to Dali.However, after an unreasonable riot last night, Ji Anli, the envoy's entourage, was found in the Hall of Pharmacists again, obviously the former is more likely.
At the moment, everyone was thinking in general, Shi Zong couldn't help regretting it, and said: "I found Ji Anli in the Hall of Pharmacists last night, before taking him back to the South Temple, we should really search him." Shi Xiu said: " Even if Ji Anli stole the peacock gall from the Medicine Master's Hall, and the South Meditation Room has been guarded, they are under house arrest and cannot come out of the courtyard, how can they attack Liang Wang's envoy?" Yang Zhi said: "It's not as good as God's calculation, they probably I didn't expect Xinju to come to Wuwei Temple last night, thinking that I could not be found."
Shi Zongdao: "Xin Ju, this subordinate will go to the South Chan room to search for it in person."
Although Duan Gong didn't want to be rude to the envoy, the matter was of great importance. Once the incident of peacock gall poisoning the envoy happened, no matter whether it was the envoy of King Liang or the envoy of Ming Yuzhen, Dali couldn't argue with it, so he nodded immediately.He also thought of Shi Zong's tough temper and often merciless in dealing with things, while Shi Xiu was much more kind and mellow, so he said: "Shi Zong, stay and let Shi Xiu go." Shi Xiu said: "Follow the order."
Suddenly he heard Bai Sha say: "Wait a minute!" Everyone saw his black and red face full of solemnity, they didn't know what else he had to say, they all listened.I just heard him say: "Since the three sets of peacock gallbladders were stolen 20 years ago, the Baicao Pavilion has installed a mechanism. Although it is not a complicated device, if someone who doesn't know it rashly opens the medicine cabinet, it will definitely trigger the alarm." bell."
Everyone immediately understood that Ming Yuzhen's envoy had only lived in Wuwei Temple for a few days, and he could not openly enter the restricted area, so he should not have known about this institution.Shi Xiu asked: "The doctor said that there should be an internal response in the temple?" Bai Sha gave him a white look, and said: "I didn't say it, it was your Yichang Shi Xiuyu who said it. I have finished speaking, and I will leave." Chao Duan Gong bowed, walk away.
Everyone looked at Duan Gong together, waiting for him to show.Duan Gong also felt that the matter suddenly became much more complicated. While hesitating, a monk suddenly came to report: "Abbot, please go to the front hall immediately. The envoys of King Liang and the provincial envoys have just arrived." Duan Gong said: "Understood, I'll go right away." When the monk retreated, he called Shi Xiu and said, "Go and investigate the peacock gall theft, especially keep an eye on the South Chan room, and then temporarily arrest those who have been to the Medicine Master's Hall yesterday, so as not to cause trouble. Shi Xiudao: "Abiding by the order. Do you want to search carefully in the South Meditation Room?" Duan Gong said: "Of course you need to search, but you need to find a plausible reason so that you can explain it to the envoy of King Ming in the future. You must not say that you are looking for peacock guts." "
Shi Xiu was stunned for a moment, seeing that Duan Gong had already walked towards the hall door, she hurriedly stepped forward to hold Yang Zhi, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Yang, please give me an idea. Xinju said that you can't ask for peacock gall, so what should I look for?" " Yang Zhi laughed and said, "Isn't there a ready-made excuse now?" Shi Xiu asked anxiously, "What the hell is it?" Yang Zhi said, "Isn't Baoji lost? This matter has spread throughout the temple yesterday. The envoy and his party must have heard about it." Shi Xiu suddenly realized, and said: "Ha, it's really a good excuse, thank you, Mr. Yang, our brother will treat you to a drink some other day." Yang Zhi smiled and hurried to chase after Duan Gong.
Yang Andao and Yang Shengjian, two Yuyis, grew up in Wuwei Temple and were familiar with the situation in the temple. Shi Xiu deliberately left them behind and ordered them to call a few monks to find out who had been to the Hall of Medicine Masters yesterday. and shut up.Yang Andao hesitated and said: "Ga Luo has been in, should he be arrested too?" Yang Shengjian hurriedly said: "In this case, Dr. Baisha should also be arrested, and others live in the Hall of Pharmacists." Shi Xiu said: "You The two of you deliberately contradict me, don’t you? Of course, Jia Luo doesn’t have to doubt it. You dare to arrest Dr. Baisha? I don’t even dare to provoke him, and I don’t think you would dare to use the courage of the two of you.” Yang Shengjian said with a smile: "Chang Yuyi is right, then let's go."
Shi Xiu came to the south meditation room with his own hands, before he reached the gate, he saw two monks whispering at the gate of the Eastern Sutra Institute, as soon as he saw Shi Xiu, a monk rushed over and said, "Master Shi Xiuyu , You came just in time, just now Chief Shi Zongyu imprisoned a little lady inside, she said that we have no reason to detain her, and asked us to release her immediately."
Only now did Shi Xiu realize that the woman whom he suspected to be Ming Yue, the righteous daughter of Ming Yuzhen, happened to be locked up in the vacant room of the Sutra Institute, she couldn't help frowning, and asked, "Is she crying?" She was worried that the woman would make a scene. Even if it does not disturb Xinju listening to scriptures in the main hall in front, it will be heard by the monks and residents of the south meditation room, which will lead to many unnecessary speculations.Just as she was thinking about ordering her to be tied up and gagged, she suddenly heard the monk reply: "I haven't cried at all, the little lady is very quiet, and she speaks very kindly." Shi Xiu laughed dumbly and said: "Then Just ignore her."
Just as he was about to enter the courtyard, the monk said again: "No way..." showing a troubled look.Shi Xiudao: "What's the matter?" The monk said: "The little lady kept saying that we have no reason to imprison her, and that it is a Buddhist temple, but it is really blasphemy to detain a woman from a good family. In short, she has many reasons. There are still many words that the little monk can't understand." Shi Xiu said: "Well, how about this, you take her to the south meditation room and hand her over to Yuyi to guard." The monk was overjoyed and quickly replied: "Yes."
Entering the South Meditation Room, Shi Xiu asked Yu Yi, who was in charge of monitoring, and learned that after Duan Gong left last night, except for Ji Anli, who was drunk by Datura flower poison, and recuperated in his own room, the rest of Li Zhizhi and others stayed at the envoy Zou Xing's room. Inside, including Chan Master Wuyi's friends Shen Fu and Luo Guanzhong.As soon as Xu Jiangwu, who was captured in Cuihua Building, returned to the South Chan room, he immediately entered Zou Xing's room. After a while, Shen Fu and Luo Guanzhong bid farewell, and the rest did not leave until early morning.Afterwards, Li Zhizhi asked Yu Yi to bring a message, and begged to see Duan Gong, but after being rejected, she went back to her room to rest. At the moment, everyone was still sleeping in the room and hadn't gotten up yet.Shi Xiu then ordered Yuyi to search the rest of the rooms first, including utility rooms, vacant rooms, courtyards, etc., and carefully searched every inch of it.He went into the envoy's room first, and saw that Zou Xing was still unconscious, and the servant Zou Dangfu was leaning on the edge of the bed, and fell asleep.
Just as he was about to go up to wake Zou Dang and let him go back to his room to sleep, he suddenly heard a woman protesting outside: "What are you bringing me here for?" When he came out, he saw a monk handing a woman over to Yu Yi .Not only was the woman beautiful in appearance, but she also possessed a sense of nobility in her speech and demeanor, awe-inspiring and inviolable, he was taken aback for a moment.
The monk hurriedly shouted: "Master Shi Xiuyu, this is the little lady." Shi Xiu came back to her senses, stepped forward and asked, "May I ask what your name is?" Seeing that this woman is by no means an ordinary person, he specially added The word "please".The woman looked Shi Xiu up and down, and asked: "Are you the person in charge here? May I ask your Excellency, why did you arrest me here for no reason?"
Seeing that she avoided mentioning her name, Shi Xiu was naturally because once the name was spoken, it would reveal her real identity, so she immediately smiled and said, "Is the lady's surname Ming? The single name is Yue?" Shi Xiu didn't really believe that if she took a step out of the boudoir, since this woman was involved with Ming Yuzhen's envoy, and with such a good looks, who else could it be except Mingyue?
Unexpectedly, the woman only said indifferently: "You have misidentified the person." Shi Xiu said: "I was about to ask Gao's surname." The woman said: "My name is A Gai. You haven't answered me yet. Which law of the king have I violated?" , want to lock me up here?" Shi Xiudao: "Well, something happened in the temple, an assassin broke in last night and injured the honorable guest..."
As he spoke, he observed carefully, and saw that the woman who claimed to be "A Gai" immediately became nervous when she heard the word "Assassin", which was very inconsistent with her elegant demeanor. After hesitating for a while, he finally couldn't bear it anymore. Zhu Zhu asked, "What kind of assassin?" As soon as the words came out, he suddenly felt a slip of the tongue, and hurriedly explained, "Well, I'm just curious..."
Suddenly hearing a "squeak", Li Zhizhi opened the door and came out. Seeing Shi Xiu standing in the courtyard, she was slightly taken aback, then nodded as a greeting, and walked straight to Zou Xing's room.Seeing his calm expression, Shi Xiu didn't look at A Gai at all.Looking at A Gai again, Wen Sheng just gave Li Zhizhi a glance, as if he didn't know him at all.
Shi Xiu had a lot of doubts in his heart, but he still had to look for the two lost peacock gallbladders, so he didn't have time to spend energy on A Gai, so he said: "Don't worry, my lady, please go to the room to rest for a while. Someone will come and let the lady out." Signaling Yuyi to take her to the empty room in Nanshou.
But A Gai hesitated to leave, and said: "He... well, he..." It seemed difficult to ask something.Seeing her agitated look, Shi Xiu had a thought, and asked tentatively, "Madam, do you want to ask if the assassin is still alive?" A Gai was quite surprised to be guessed, but still nodded.Shi Xiudao: "He was seriously injured, but he should still be alive."
Under Agai's concern, he no longer cared about being reserved, and asked: "What do you mean should be alive? Is he still alive?" Shi Xiu said: "Last night, he was seriously injured and dying. After being treated, he is still in a coma."
A Gai gritted his teeth and said: "I want to go and see him, where are you keeping him?" Shi Xiu said: "I can't make the decision, since the lady is willing to admit that she knew the assassin, she can't stay here anymore. "Ming Yuyi took her back to the chanting institute and imprisoned her.
A Gai said urgently: "I want to see you, Director Duan Gong." Shi Xiu heard her arrogant tone, and called Xin Ju's name directly, thinking: "Even if you are the righteous daughter of Ming Yuzhen, the princess of the Great Xia Kingdom, you can't Disrespectful to Xinju." Immediately he said displeasedly: "The manager is very busy, but you can't see him whenever you want." He waved and ordered her to be taken away.A Gai said: "But I have something urgent..." Yu Yi couldn't help but pull her out.
Shi Xiu re-entered Zou Xing's room, but saw Li Zhima leaning over the edge of the bed, talking to Zou Xing in a low voice, she was not surprised, only then did she know that Zou Xing had already woken up.Seeing someone coming in, Zou Dang coughed hastily.李芝麻回过身来，见到施秀，忙招呼道：“羽仪长有事么？”施秀道：“邹兴大人醒了么？”
邹兴虚弱地哼了一声，欲坐起身来。施秀知道尽管李芝麻等人形迹诡秘可疑，但邹兴伤重却是不假，忙上前道：“大人不必起身，请安心静养。”邹兴道：“多谢信苴派人多方照料。”施秀点了点头，道：“只是眼下有一件为难之事，总管爱女昨日在无为寺里失踪，想必二位已经听说。适才武僧来报看见有陌生人带宝姬的女儿剑进了这处院子，我职责所在，须得仔细搜一下，惊扰之处，还请见谅。”
邹兴、李芝麻本以为他是来兴师问罪昨夜擅闯禁区之罪，不料一开口却是另一桩事情，不免大为意外。李芝麻迅疾看了邹兴一眼，他当然知道施秀不过是要找个借口搜查房间，南禅房从昨夜行刺事件后便被羽仪严密把守，如临大敌，如何能有陌生人携剑避过众多耳目进来这里？也不说破，只道：“宝姬失踪，非同小可。羽仪长请便。”施秀道：“如此便得罪了。”当下命羽仪搜查邹兴及从人的房间。
这场大搜查如同筛子一般，细密得连只虱子都可以找出来，甚至连被褥、床垫、衣服也全都仔细抖过，却没有任何发现。那随从许江武被羽仪从床上吵起来，当面搜查他的行李，不禁怒容满面，拳头握得紧紧的，恨不得立时打将过来。
施秀见搜查毫无结果，忙派人前去大殿告知兄长施宗，好让他提高警惕。欲往药师殿去时，见到两名男子正要步入回光院中。他一眼认出其中一人是通事杨庆，另一人却是生面孔，从未见过。杨庆与译史李贤宗一样，均是负责招待兼通译的官员，位于正式朝廷编制之列，不过李贤宗这次负责的是梁王使者，杨庆负责的则是行省使者。施秀见另一名中年男子一身蒙古装束，猜他多半是行省官员，也未追上前查问。
刚走几步，便遇到了杨安道、杨胜坚二人，禀报说是除了白沙、伽罗、药童这些平日就在药师殿的人外，昨日另计有六人进过大殿——有两名是每日送饭菜茶水的僧人，有两名是去找白沙医师求诊的僧人，其中一人不是为了自己，而是为了他寺外病重的母亲；另有无依禅师和高潜去找药童要过药，无依禅师要的是金创药，高潜则要的是治肚子疼的药。
施秀道：“怎么才有六人？姬安礼不算么？”杨胜坚道：“姬安礼是在园苑中被发现的，没有人看见他进过大殿，因而没有算在内。另外还有一名羽仪为救刺客半夜去药师殿取药，人也在殿外站着，没有进去。”施秀问道：“都搜过了么？”杨安道道：“药师殿药童处已经由白沙医师亲自搜过，四名僧人也由武僧监禁起来，身上、住处均仔细搜过，并没有发现孔雀胆，无依禅师和高潜未得指示，不便……”
一语未毕，忽见通事杨庆和一名蒙古男子从回光院疾奔出来，神色极度慌张。施秀一眼见到那蒙古男子右手上有血，忙上前喝道：“你们在做什么？”那蒙古男子一时呆住，看看施秀，又望望杨庆。杨庆面色苍白，结结巴巴地道：“我们……我们……”浑身抖簌个不停，始终说不出一句完整的话来。那蒙古男子用血手指了指回光院，操着生硬的汉话道：“里面！里面！”
施秀暗知不妙，急忙抢进院里，一进房中便呆住了——普照禅师也就是前任丞相脱脱斜倒案桌旁，喉咙被利刃一刀割开，血涂满地。他愣了好一会儿，才回过神来，疾步出院，命羽仪将杨庆和那蒙古男子带进回光院中，反捆在墙角的梨树上。
杨庆一向伶牙俐齿，此刻却垂头丧气，一言不发，似是被吓得傻了，那蒙古男子则操蒙古话大呼小叫，估计是在喊冤枉。施秀猎人出身，一看便知道脱脱死去已经有几个时辰，杨庆和蒙古人均刚到无为寺不久，二人绝不会是凶手，可他们无端出现在回光院，说不定会有什么关联，当此敌我难辨的情形，当然是宁可误抓误绑，也绝不可轻易放过。他见蒙古人连声喊叫，生怕惊扰了隔壁南禅房，命人将他嘴堵上，这才亲自赶去大雄宝殿。
无为寺正殿为南诏时所建，视野开阔，殿内没有一根柱子，梁架制作也极其简练，这正是唐朝大型木构建筑的典型特色，自有一股沧桑厚重的古朴味道。殿首佛像亦是原作，以释迦牟尼佛为中心，共计有十七尊塑像。佛坛四周共有十六方版画，所画均为山水，设色涂金。一进殿中，佛法庄严，净土百年祖庭之下，清幽之地，更见庄严冷峭。
却见殿内羽仪、武僧环伺，佛学修为深厚的本慧禅师盘坐在金像下讲经，段功与梁王使者大都、行省使者马文铭三人并排席坐在本慧面前。那马文铭不过一十余岁少年，却生得眉目分明，耳白过面，又一脸老成模样，大有世家公子的派头。大将军段真、将军张连、铁万户、文官杨智、张继白及使者随从等余人则官职高低依次排坐在三人后面，僧人们则坐在两侧。
施宗正站在殿门口，警惕地扫视着大殿中每一处。施秀附耳对兄长说了刚刚发现脱脱被杀一事。施宗听了惊愕异常，只觉得自昨晚起，寺中怪事连连，怕是敌人有备而来，当即道：“先不要张扬，我留在这里寻机禀告信苴，你去寺门口通知张希矫，请他命罗苴子戒备无为寺四周，任何人不得出入。”施秀道：“是，阿兄多加小心。”
正要出殿，忽扫见到首座无依禅师自北侧起身，往后殿走去。此刻本慧禅师讲经正讲到绝妙之处，殿中几乎无人留意到他。施秀登时想起无依正是盗窃孔雀胆的嫌疑人之一，他恰好又是汉人，正要派羽仪去跟踪，转念又道：“无依武艺精湛，又是无为寺首座，恐怕寻常羽仪应付不了他。”
施宗见施秀不去办事、愣在门口，不觉大奇，走过来问道：“你还在这里做什么？”施秀便说了共有六人有盗窃孔雀胆嫌疑一事。施宗道：“嗯，无依禅师交给我处理。”又望了一眼侍卫在角落中的高潜，道：“高潜虽说是信苴内侄，既有嫌疑，也得按规矩办，这样才不致让旁人说了闲话，你派人细细搜一下他住处，包括与他交好的高浪、杨宝住处，也一并搜了。”施秀道：“是。”出来大殿，赶去山门，找到正在巡查的大将军张希矫，说了寺中发生的诸多事情。
张希矫听说脱脱被人杀死，当即喜道：“好！杀得好！这下他再也不能回去帮蒙古人了！”施秀知道他年轻时与梁王大打过几仗，有一次梁王暗施诡计，导致他全军覆没，一位兄长、两个弟弟、众多亲若手足的部下均惨死在元军埋伏圈里，只有他一人仗着坐骑神力侥幸身免，因而极度仇视蒙古人。多年来张希矫这态度从来不曾掩饰过，他也极力赞成段功与红巾军结盟，因而施秀也不觉奇怪，只请他守好门户，以防人有机可乘。张希矫爽快地道：“羽仪长放心，你我各司其职，有我张某在，一只鸟也飞不出这无为寺。”
施秀道：“好。”因惦记孔雀胆一事，忙辞别张希矫，重往寺内而去。张希矫犹自在后面叫道：“羽仪长，若是找到了凶手，一定代我谢他一声，好汉子，嘿嘿。”施秀听在耳中，只能苦笑。
他随即带人来到高潜住处，命羽仪仔细翻查，但尽量没有弄乱东西，最好避免让高潜发现有人来过这里。不但高潜住处，就连高浪、杨宝等人的房间也筛过一遍，却没有孔雀胆的踪影。这倒是意料中的结果，施秀本来就没有怀疑到高潜身上，正暗想如今只剩了无依禅师住处，也不知道阿兄如何安排，要不要径直去搜一番，忽有一名羽仪奔来报道：“施秀羽仪长，信苴召你即刻赶去回光院。”施秀知道兄长已经寻机将脱脱被人割喉一事告知了段功，忙往回光院赶去。
再到回光院时，已经是羽仪密布，森严肃穆。施宗在院中审问杨庆和那蒙古人，段功和杨智刚步入房内，望着地上脱脱的尸体，各自缄默不语。施秀叫道：“信苴……”段功回过头来，问道：“施秀，这到底是怎么回事？”
施秀道：“禅师如何被杀，属下具体也不清楚。”当即详细讲述了发现尸体的经过，从到南禅房搜索孔雀胆讲起，包括那汉人女子阿盖自承与刺客相识之事都原原本本地说了。段功眉头拧得老紧，问道：“那两副孔雀胆还是没有找到么？”施秀道：“没有。”
他进来时不见高潜、高浪、杨宝三人在外面，正要询问高潜人在何处，忽听得段功叫道：“施秀，我昨晚离开回光院时，派了两名羽仪守在院中，原是怕刺客惊扰了禅师。那两名羽仪人呢？你去将他们叫来。”施秀此时方知尚有这事，忙道：“遵令。”
段功又凝视了一眼那满地的黑血，感慨一代名相就此不明不白地死去，且死状如此凄惨，忍不住太息一声，离开房间到堂屋坐下，又见到桌案边上尚存着那一箱脱脱自傲的图卷，摇了摇头，问道：“脱脱正欲离开大理，便离奇被杀。渊海，你如何看待这件事？”
杨智自知他是想问谁有可能是凶手，便道：“无为寺向来风平浪静，除了偶有个别不知道天高地厚的飞贼闯进寺中，但无不功败垂成，被捉拿治罪。唯独明王使者一行住进寺中后，便是非不断……”段功道：“你是说隔壁大有嫌疑？”杨智点了点头，道：“信苴可否还记得昨夜那富商沈富认出了李芝麻，称他是'李将军'？我后来才想到，他就是当年雄踞徐州的红巾芝麻李。”段功道：“沈富确实提过李芝麻曾驻守徐州。”
杨智叹道：“这芝麻李当年也是个了不起的英雄人物，仅以八人便夺取了徐州城，随即募兵十余万，与元军相抗，声势极大。徐州扼黄河与运河交会要冲，威胁极大，脱脱亲领重兵围攻徐州，以巨石为炮，日夜轰击，最终破城。元军入城后为了泄愤，大肆行凶报复，城毁损殆尽，杀光城中所有活物，包括芝麻李全族。”段功道：“虽说李芝麻与脱脱有不共戴天之仇，然而只有我方极少数人知道普照禅师就是脱脱，李芝麻一行来到大理不过数天，如何能知道这等机密。”杨智道：“如果他们不知道，就不会放着舒适的五华楼不住，主动要求住到无为寺里来。”段功轻叹了一声，不无遗憾地道：“我本以为他们是红巾，信奉白莲教，以弥勒佛为主，所以才望风钦敬，期住净土。”
正说着，施宗进来禀道：“杨庆已经招认，是他私下受了贿赂，才带梁王使者随从进来回光院，原是想请脱脱劝信苴发兵襄助。”又道，“外面这蒙古人是梁王手下的人，名叫合仲，他兄长合伯是梁王府司马。”杨智道：“这么说，梁王早知道普照禅师就是脱脱了。”施宗道：“这我还没有来得及问，合仲汉话说得不好，得有人从旁通译，要审讯的话，须叫李贤宗过来。不过，他们二人肯定不是杀人凶手，他们二人进寺还不到一个时辰，脱脱尸首开始僵硬，死了至少有两三个时辰了。”
段功道：“嗯，将杨庆秘密押回城中监牢，细细审问，问他到底向蒙古人泄漏了多少秘密。”杨智道：“可杨庆名义上不归总管府统辖。”杨庆能说会道，极讨夫人高兰欢心，段功对其人颇为厌恶，道：“他虽然名义上是行省的官员，可我大理素来将他当作心腹，他负责照顾脱脱多年，脱脱在无为寺的风声走漏，他难辞其咎。”施宗道：“遵令。”又问道，“合仲要如何处置？”段功道：“合仲先放了，看他如何作为。”施宗道：“放了他，万一他四处胡说八道，岂不麻烦？”杨智从旁道：“不必担心，合仲偷入禁区，又撞上死人，自己也是有苦难言，难以脱身，哪敢四下乱说？”施宗道：“是。”又道，“属下已经问过寺中僧人，脱脱平时习惯读书到深夜，作息时间也大异常人，睡得晚起得晚，只准僧人在中午、日暮、晚上三次定时进院，送来日常用的茶水饮食。现下未到正午，因而今日还没有僧人进来过，昨晚因为知道信苴要来，晚上那次也提早送了。”
杨智道：“脱脱被害，当发生在昨晚信苴离开后。”施宗道：“自刺客被捕获后，寺里不断有武僧往来巡视，隔壁南禅房也驻守有羽仪，并未听到任何异常。”杨智道：“嗯，看起来还是李芝麻嫌疑最大。”
段功点了点头，正要命人去带李芝麻，却见施秀带着赵平、杨丹两名羽仪进来，禀道：“信苴昨夜留在回光院中的羽仪是他二人。”二人抢上来参拜段功，问道：“不知信苴召见，有何要事？”段功厉声道：“我昨夜命你二人留守回光院，你二人为何擅自离开？”
赵平、杨丹不明究竟，见段功声色俱厉，又不敢明问，不由得面面相觑。施秀道：“昨夜普照禅师被人杀死，你们怕是难辞其咎。”赵平、杨丹这才知道普照禅师在二人离开后被杀，大惊失色。杨丹忙道：“信苴确实命我与赵平留守回光院，以防万一，然而信苴刚走不久，高浪就来了，说是刺客武功厉害，信苴命我们去林中帮手……”
施秀惊道：“什么？你说是高浪诓走了你们？”赵平惊道：“难道高浪是假传信苴之命？”杨丹道：“我二人听见树林中金刃交加，信以为真，便立即赶去。后来刺客被擒，施宗羽仪长又调我二人去翠华楼换班，我二人以为隐患已除，就再也没有想到回光院。”段功沉下脸，喝道：“去前面大殿叫高浪来。”
杨智想起昨晚高浪几人潜伏在回光院中之事，不管他们是什么目的，但很可能高浪偷听到信苴与普照对话，由此猜到普照就是脱脱，而他本人也与脱脱有一段难解冤仇。八年前，脱脱被发配云南腾冲，高浪父亲高惠正任腾冲知府。像腾冲这种地方，很难见到脱脱这样的大人物。高惠久仰脱脱大名，得见真人，不免喜出望外，丝毫不将其当作罪犯对待，多方照顾不说，还预备将长女嫁给脱脱。只不过当时中原正统人士普遍看不起大理，认为他们不过蛮夷之人，尤其脱脱这样的蒙古贵族，即使落难之时，也不愿意放低身段，当场拒绝。高惠一厢情愿，本来也觉得没有什么，偏偏高女不知道怎的一时想不开，上吊自杀。高妻杨氏心痛爱女，也一病而亡。高惠起初愤怒，有杀脱脱之意，派铁甲军监察其行踪，但很快再娶新妇，便渐渐忘了失妻丧女之痛。一年后新妇生下一子，取名高福，高惠宠爱有加，对前妻之子高浪也渐渐疏忽，后来干脆将其送到无为寺，不再理会。据说他这腾冲知府的世袭位子，也预备传给幼子高福，而非长子高浪。若真追究起来，这一切的罪魁祸首自然非脱脱莫属。
甚至杨智心下已经认定是高浪杀了脱脱，不禁心想：“竟然是他杀了脱脱，不过他若坚称为他阿姆、阿姊报仇，倒也情有可原。”见段功沉脸不语，猜他也是一般的想法。
高浪很快被召至，进来时尚是一脸莫名其妙，以为又是为宝姬下落的事，只是不明白为何独召他一人，又特别来这处回光院，当下打定主意，无论信苴如何逼问，只推说不知，因而也不问段功见召何事，只默不作声地站在一旁。旁人见他这等讳莫如深的模样，不免疑忌更深。
段功也不愿意绕圈子，指着赵平、杨丹直接问道：“高浪，你昨晚为何假传我命，骗他二人离开回光院？”高浪心道：“原来是为了这事。”他当然不能说是为了接应尚被堵在回光院中的段僧奴，只是一时也想不出合适借口，只得随口道：“就是为了好玩。”段功冷笑道：“好玩？施秀，带他进房去看看尸首。”施秀道：“遵令。”领着高浪进到寝室。
高浪一眼见到普照禅师躺在血泊中，微微一愣，不过他跟这人没丝毫关系，自然也没任何感情，只是见他伏尸当场，不免奇怪，问道：“他死了么？”施秀道：“你杀了他，怎么反倒问起我来？”高浪吃了一惊，道：“什么？”施秀道：“不是你杀了他么？”
高浪呆了一呆，逐渐会意过来，惊道：“什么？你……你们怀疑我杀了普照禅师？不，我不明白，为什么怀疑是我杀了他？”施秀道：“那你倒是说说看，你昨晚为什么要假传信苴的命令，将本来守在这里的赵平、杨丹骗走？”高浪道：“我……我……”却是始终说不出下面的话来。
他这才知道他陷入了极大的麻烦中——他昨夜骗走赵平、杨丹，是为了接应段僧奴出来，且有杨宝、伽罗作证，可偏偏不能和盘托出，不然段僧奴藏在无为寺中一事立时暴露，哪知道之后有人暗中潜进回光院，杀死了普照禅师，目今这桩罪名竟然要算在他头上。他虽骄傲好强，也知道杀死禅师罪名非同小可，忙奔出来辩道：“信苴明察，我真的没有杀人。”
段功问道：“那么你诓走两名守卫的羽仪，到底是为什么？”高浪道：“这个……”一时也编不出什么假话来，便干脆地道：“我不能说。”杨智大奇，问道：“为什么不能说？”高浪甚是硬气，道：“不能说，自然有不能说的理由。我骗走羽仪后，确实进来过回光院，却没有进过房间，也没有杀人。”顿了顿，又道，“你们想想，我跟这老和尚无冤无仇，顶多也就是有好几次翻墙自他院子溜出禁区去，我为什么要杀他？”
杨智听他称呼脱脱为“老和尚”，颇为惊讶，只是高浪曾预先埋伏回光院中，很可能从信苴与普照的对话中知道了脱脱真实身份，再与他后来骗走羽仪联系起来，嫌疑太重，当即又问道：“你之前为何与杨宝、伽罗二人躲在回光院中？难道只是为了好玩么？”高浪道：“嗯，就是为了好玩。哪知道刚翻进院子中，施宗羽仪长就来了，要是我们早知道信苴当晚会来，我们怎么也不会去回光院捣乱的。”
杨智道：“你是不是偷听到信苴与禅师谈话后，才知道普照就是脱脱？”高浪一呆，愕然半晌，才问道：“你说普照禅师就是脱脱？”施秀道：“你不会说你现在才知道吧？”高浪道：“我确实现在才知道。”
他性子粗疏，昨夜虽躲在窗外花丛下，心思并不在偷听室内对话上，何况段功与普照那种谈古论今的长篇大论，他根本就听不进去。可眼下这局面，他要说他根本就没有怎么听，无论如何都难以取信。
果见满堂之人只是怀疑地望着他，高浪却走到寝房门口，朝那具尸体望了望，这才昂然道：“不过，我若早知道普照就是脱脱，一定会亲手杀了他的。”段功听了这话，皱了皱眉头，道：“来人，先将高浪押起来。”
两名羽仪应了一声，来拿高浪双臂。高浪急忙转身，拔出铁鞭逼开羽仪。羽仪见他敢在信苴面前拒捕，便一齐拔出兵刃围了上来。高浪喝道：“我没有杀人！让开！快些让开！”
施秀忙叫道：“高浪，快些放下兵刃！信苴又没说人是你杀的，现在正在调查，