Chapter 8 Chapter Eight
Time passed slowly like this, and after more than a month, it was the New Year.Liu Xu and Liu Ba went to Chang'an before the winter solstice to participate in the court's sacrificial ceremony, and have not returned yet.Xiao Wu could only hide in the palace of Guangling, not daring to go out, for fear of being discovered and arrested by Guangling's state minister and internal historian officials.He and Guo Pohu practiced martial arts and swords in the yard every day, and Liu Lidu often came to play with them.Without Liu Xu, everyone felt very free.The guest house where Xiao Wu lives is close to the Shaofu government office of Guangling Kingdom. There is an old man with gray hair living in the yard opposite. Looking through the fence, the old man sits every day reading under a big camphor tree like a car cover.One day, Xiao Wu asked Liu Lidu strangely, who is this person?Liu Li said, "This is my teacher when I was young. I don't know what his name is. My father and king called him Gai Gong, probably surnamed Gai. He said that he was a great Confucian invited from Qilu. He taught me, "Filial Piety" through".This courtyard is the Taishi Office, and his father has always asked him to be the commander in charge, and he never tires of it. He just reads every day and is quite contented.
Xiao Wudao, Lido, you can introduce me to visit him, this old man looks very good, he should be quite capable.
Liu Li said, everyone said that, he seemed to know a lot, especially his excellent medical skills.His father once wanted to ask him to be the chief physician, but he refused.If the father is sick, he will ask him for treatment.He has been in Guangling State for more than ten years. Since you are interested, let's meet him.With that said, Liu Li pushed open the door.
A servant saw it, and hurried over to prostrate and salute. It was a great honor for the Lord to come.Several other servants immediately moved some delicate mats and spread them in the yard.But Gai Gong still didn't look up. He was sitting under the big camphor tree, with a pile of bamboo slips piled up on the tables in front of him, and he was holding a bunch of slips in his hand. If the people are in harmony, then the morality of the people is the same. The "Poetry" says that people from other cities have yellow fox fur. Their appearance does not change, and they are calm and orderly..." Liu Li went over to salute her master, so she won't be so serious?Even when the apprentice came, he didn't stop.
Gai Gong's eyes left the bamboo slips, and hummed, except for the eight festivals a year, when will I see your shadow.This would call the word "teacher" so affectionate.
Liu Lidu fell on the ground respectfully, saluted, raised her head, and said with a smile, the teacher is still so narrow-minded.The sage said, men and women can't kiss each other, I've grown up so much, so of course I have to avoid suspicion.What is the teacher reading? This time I brought a friend here, how about discussing with you?
Xiao Wu hurriedly knelt down to Jishou, Shen Wu, my humble servant from the mountains, visited Gai Gong, hoping to give him advice.
Gai Gong put down the bamboo slips, and humbly returned the gift, Shen Jun is not welcome.I heard from a close servant that there is a visitor from Guangling Palace who is good at solving cases, could it be you.
Liu Li said, that's right, Brother Wu was specially invited from Yuzhang by me, but you can't talk nonsense.Brother Wu was wronged and offended Gongsun He, so now he has to hide in the palace for a while.If Xiangguo and Neishi find out, not only will we not be able to keep him, but we may even be implicated.
Gai Gong snorted, did he offend the prime minister?How could a small child offend the prime minister.It seems that Shen Jun is indeed very talented, and it is only in this way that the Prime Minister can make things so solemn.
Xiao Wu Dao, how dare you.Alas, as far as the Prime Minister is concerned, the junior just knows some things that he shouldn't know, so how could he have any real talent to offend him—I was so lucky to hear Gai Gong recite "Black Clothes" just now, junior I am also very interested in Confucianism, but it's just that the county is small and simple books are rare.Just now Lord Weng said that Mr. Gai's family is in Qilu. This "Black Clothes", Mr. Li Shun, the teacher of the younger generation, also taught the younger generation, but some of the words and sentences are different from what Mr. Gai just sang. Maybe the younger generation came into contact with broken chapters and fragments. There are many mistakes.
A ray of light shot out from Gai Gong's eyes, he straightened up, and said excitedly, Mr. is really not simple, you can know that I am reading "Black Clothes".I am ashamed to say that I have collected three manuscripts for this "Ziyi", each of which has some words and sentences that are different, and it is really difficult for me to judge who is right and who is wrong with some words.Sir, since you can hear the difference between what I recited and what you read, what are the sentences?
Xiao Wu Dao, how dare you, Gai Gong is too polite.Most of what the younger generation read in those days was laws and regulations, and occasionally some Confucian books, which were taught by the master as an amateur. The younger generation didn't know where the old man collected the fragments.Just now I heard Gai Gong recite the sentence "The Master said: If you have a car, you will see his clothes; if you have clothes, you will see your clothes."Late students do not know why, dare to ask what is the reason?
Gai Gong was taken aback, then patted his thigh, and said happily, I have always had doubts about this sentence, and I also thought that there might be typos in the notebooks I collected, but I still don't know where the mistakes are.Because my three kinds of books are all handed down by Qidi's scripture masters.Mr. is from Yuzhang, so naturally he read Chuben.The sentence behind this sentence is "If a person talks about it, he will hear his voice; if he does it, he will see its success. "Ge Qin" said, there is nothing wrong with obeying", which means that a thing has a beginning , will be able to see its results. "If you have clothes, you will see your clothes" is the same meaning. Only "if you have a car, you will see your clothes" is really inexplicable. If you have a car, you can see your car. What kind of experience is this?Confucius would never say such unlevel words, let alone put his book on bamboo and silk in a serious manner.If it is "Xie", it is completely understandable, and if you have a car, you can definitely see its sales and decline.Wonderful, wonderful!One word solved my doubts for many years.Sir must still know a lot of different texts, we need to have a good talk.The old man will ask someone to prepare appetizers, and have a few drinks in this New Year's leisure time.What do you think sir.
Liu Li clapped her hands and said, yes, yes.Unexpectedly, Gai Ping was so serious at the time, but now he was smiling all over his face, which is really rare.Brother Wu is here today, we're not drunk and we're not home.
Xiao Wu looked at Liu Lidu, and said with a smile, why is the Lord like a child today? At that time, he shot and killed the three officials of the Prime Minister's Mansion in Qingyun, and shot Gongsun Chang and his subordinates into the Dawang Pond at Duanchang Cliff. It still makes me shudder thinking about it.Hey, it's really like a different person.
Liu Li said angrily, it depends on who she is with.If Zhao Heqi was replaced, I would become much more mature.She made a grimace, smiled, and was much more vicious.
As soon as she mentioned Zhao Heqi, Xiao Wu felt uncomfortable, thinking to himself, that traitor hates me so much, and one day he will take revenge.Alas, it seems that the world is full of insidious villains, and Guangling is no exception.Fortunately, there is a beautiful Mrs. Weng as company, otherwise, I would really regret to die here.He didn't expect that Zhao Heqi wanted to cut off his head to use as a urinal, otherwise he would be tossing and tossing in fear.At this time, he forced a smile and said, Zhao Heqi has a prominent family background, so he is very suitable for you.His tone was full of jealousy, and his voice was a little trembling. He really wanted to say this sentence in a calm tone, but when he said it, no matter how he heard it, he felt nervous and sour.However, he didn't even dare to joke like this before, he was very afraid, as if Zhao Heqi would really snatch the beauty in front of him if he uttered such words.
Liu Li pouted, do you want me to marry him?If you want, I will marry—I will listen to every word Brother Wu says.
Gai Gong smiled and said, you little girl, now there is someone you are willing to listen to.Mr. Shen is really extraordinary, you can convince Mrs. Weng so much, you don't know how domineering she is here.
Hearing these words, Xiao Wu was overjoyed and excited.He secretly sighed, this beauty still likes him after all.Of course, if you don't like it, why bother to be so lingering with yourself?And that lingering seems to be the first time in her life, it happened in such a simple place as Fat Niu Pavilion, I am really moved.He only hated himself for his humble status and being a fugitive. It would be extremely difficult to marry her as his wife.What's more, the royal family always thinks about the great cause of rebellion. With their strength, rebellion is impossible, and the family has a part in extermination.In the future, after all, he can't escape to die with them.Alas, I really hope that there is a fairy art in this world, I can learn it, and secretly take her away with the wind.But this is only fantasy.He thought of the deepness of the Great King's Pond in his mind. Is there any Kuangsu immortal who can fly here and there on a crane... He calmed down, concealed his liking, and said to Gai Gong that the father-in-law is not rewarding, and the minister is no more than He Weng. The Lord has been through adversity once, maybe the Lord Weng thinks it is particularly reliable.Well, let's not talk about this, drinking.
The three of them toasted and drank heavily, when a delicate voice came from the door, what kind of happy event is it, to drink to celebrate?Fortunately, they were in the palace, and they had to be outside, so they drank in groups without any reason, and they were not immediately arrested by the officials.
Everyone looked towards the door together, and saw a beautiful woman in her thirties walking gracefully, and two young servants in her fifteenth or sixteenth year, one holding a zither and the other a kite, followed her later.This beautiful woman is Liu Xu's favorite concubine Zuo Xiu.Originally, Liu Xu couldn't leave her for a moment, but when she went to Chang'an this time, she happened to be ill and couldn't wait for time, so Liu Xu had to leave first with the other two concubines.
So it was Zuo Ji?Liu Li said with a smile, it seems that today is a lucky day.Xiao Wu also hastened to check the head, and said loudly, "Shen Wu, my servant, see the princess of Guangling."
Zuo Xiudao, don't call me Princess, just call me Zuo Ji.I think the word "Ji" is very beautiful. Whenever I hear someone call me that, I think that I am not old, but still young.
Gai Gong chuckled, and said, that's natural, the ancients said: Although there is Ji Jiang, there is no abandonment and haggard.It can be seen that "Ji" is synonymous with beauty.Besides, compared with the old man, Zuo Ji is still very young.What's the matter, how is your body recently?The prescription I gave you last time, but you fry it every day?
Zuo Ji said, of course it's much better, and Gai Gong's medical skills are amazing, who doesn't know?It's just a pity that he resolutely refuses to be the doctor's order.If he worked in Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, he would have to be an official of eight hundred stones.
Gai Gonghu raised his face, and said seriously, Zuo Ji's words were wrong. With the old man's Confucianism, as soon as he went to Jinmamen to write a letter, he would immediately worship at least a high-ranking official like Taizhong Dafu with two thousand shi, eight hundred shi What?
Hehe, Master is still so confident and refuses to admit defeat.Liu Li couldn't help laughing.
Xiao Wu also laughed secretly in his heart, this white-haired old man looks calm and unruffled, but he is so competitive in his heart, he really has a temperament.Zuo Ji also smiled and said, alright, alright, I underestimated Duke Gai.I admit my mistake, is it done?At the beginning, I made a promise that once I recovered from the disease, I would play a few songs for Gai Gong as a token of my gratitude.Today I fulfilled my promise.Come, burn incense.
The waiter bent down and placed a Boshan furnace beside Zuo Ji. The furnace cover was raised and carved with landscape and marble patterns. The waiter lifted the furnace cover, put in spices such as grass incense, borneol and sorrel, and lit it. The courtyard gradually wafts a curling aroma.Zuo Xiu sat in front of the zither, flicked his slender fingers, and a pleasant zither sound immediately floated out from the bottom of his fingers.The sound of the zither was intense at first, like a yellow swan flying in the clouds, full of contentment and joy, then suddenly it slid down the clouds and lingered over the endless clear waves.Then it seemed that a strong wind was blowing on the waves, and the yellow swan could no longer be graceful.The wind swept towards it, as if it was about to fan it into the water. It flapped its wings and flew vigorously, but it seemed that it could never fly out of the encirclement of the strong wind.The sound of the zither would be intense, mournful, high-pitched, and low-pitched. Accompanied by the sound of the zither, there seemed to be tears on Zuo Ji's cheeks, and she suddenly chanted in a low voice:
Xi has Chang Chu, and Yi Nuo has its branches.Young people are fertile, happy children are ignorant.Xi has Chang Chu, and Yi Nuo Qihua.Yaozhiwowo.The joy of being homeless.Xi has Chang Chu, but Yi Nuo is actually.Yaozhiwowo.There is no room for fun.
Xiao Wu became more and more strange. If she only listened to the sound of the zither, she would not be sure what Zuo Ji was thinking, but this poem in "The Book of Songs: Cypress Wind" really expressed her inner sadness.What kind of sorrow does this most beloved concubine of King Guangling have in her heart?
He was suspicious, and the sound of the zither gradually died down.Gai Gong sighed, clapped his hands and praised, everyone said that Zuo Ji's playing the zither, drum and zither was a double masterpiece of Guangling Kingdom, after listening to it today, she really deserved her name.This song is probably only found in the sky, how can it be heard all the time in the world.Zuo Ji is willing to play a zither for the veteran again today, and if there is any illness in the future, the veteran will definitely be there on call.Hehe, of course, this is hypothetical, the veteran naturally does not want Zuo Jiyu to be ill.By the way, there seemed to be tears on Zuo Ji's cheeks just now, could it be true that she would also be moved by the sound of her kite?
Zuo Ji raised her sleeve and wiped her cheeks, and Gai Gong made fun of her.It's New Years, maybe I'm just too happy.It just so happens that you are all here, today is a good banquet, and the joy is hard to describe.However, I suddenly thought that the grand event would not last long, and I couldn't help feeling a little sad.
Xiao Wu Dao, princess, no, Zuo Ji is really a caring person.However, it seems a little uncoordinated to match such a zither sound with such a poem.The servants don't understand music, and when they hear it, they only feel the tone is agitated, and then it seems to be mixed with sadness.However, in the poem "Xi You Chang Chu", according to my subordinates, the artistic conception is not intense, but just envious of the ignorance of the grass and trees, feeling helpless.Speaking of this, Xiao Wu paused for a moment, he felt that it would be a bit bad to go on, as he and Zuo Ji were in a relationship of superiority and inferiority.The ancients also said that talking shallowly and deeply is the way to bring disaster, so why do you need to meddle in other people's private affairs.
It is interesting that Mr. Shen understands this poem in this way.Gai Gongdao, my teacher told me back then that this poem is a satire by the people of Huai Kingdom that their monarch has too much lust and lust, and cannot restrain himself with etiquette.However, according to Confucianism, although Mr. Xiang's explanation is mixed and impure, it seems to be quite suitable for exploring Zuo Ji's psychology.It's just that the old minister wondered, Zuo Ji was so favored by the king in Guangling country, so why would she be unhappy.
Zuo Ji smiled and said, I just sang indiscriminately, how could there be so many small words and great righteousness.Alright, since Mr. Gai wants me to sing a zither, I'd rather be respectful than obedient.I'll play my favorite piece "Fei Feng Gu Tong Yin".
Liu Li said, okay, Zuo Ji come here quickly, don't gossip with them.
An attendant came to remove the zither and replaced it with a zither. The zither was more than one meter long, and its width was equivalent to one-third of its length. A string made of five snow-white filaments.Zuo Ji knelt in front of the cymbal, lightly tuned the tuning post, stroked the plain string, and chanted, "The cymbal is like a chord, so is the chestnut."Then raise your hands, hook your left hand, and make a pick with your right hand, about to press down.But I heard someone outside laughing, it was so lively, and they didn't call me.
Today is really lively, even you are here.Liu Li said to that humanely.When Xiao Wu saw that it was Liu Bao, he was immediately upset. He knew that Liu Bao and Zhao Heqi were closely related, and they might have been secretly discussing to kill him.Fortunately, after Liu Xu went to Chang'an, Zhao Heqi also returned to the state of Chu. After the New Year, he came to Weiqin to formally propose marriage to Liu Xu.Although Liu Li comforted Xiao Wu several times, saying that she would never marry Zhao Heqi, this was a hidden danger in Xiao Wu's heart after all.Sometimes, he actually wondered if he should think of some strategy to get rid of Zhao Heqi, so as to settle his worries.
Liu Bao walked to Xiao Wu's side, and said in a strange way, Congratulations, Chief Shen.The imperial edict sent by the postal vehicle just now, the emperor changed his year name to Zhenghe.And amnesty the world, all crimes committed before the date of the edict, except for treason and immorality, are all pardoned.Hey, I don't know how many fugitives and prisoners have run home these days to celebrate the New Year properly.Shen Tingchang, do you also want to go back to Yuzhang?
Shen Wu was overjoyed, he didn't expect that this annoying person would bring such unpleasant news, and he didn't expect that the emperor would pardon the world so quickly, now Gongsun He and his son should be disappointed.Now, though, going home is also a fantasy.Could it be that Gongsun He will pardon me if the emperor issued an edict to pardon me?They must have been looking for the confession document everywhere, and they must have guessed that the document was taken away by me. Fortunately, I was smart at the time. As soon as I saw Zhu Anshi's confession, I immediately realized that as the second insider, there must be more danger than luck. .So he secretly hid the document at home, and if there was any change, he could take it with him and secretly go to Chang'an to report it.Now Gongsun He does not dare to arrest me in the name of the prime minister, but he must have sent many henchmen to search for me secretly.Didn't I throw myself into a trap when I ran back to my hometown?So Xiao Wu said lightly, why go back to Yuzhang, loyal bones can be buried everywhere in Qingshan, the king treats me well, and I must serve the king in my life.Now that I have the letter of pardon, I don't have to hide in the palace, but I can come out to serve the king blatantly.
Liu Bao let out a groan, looking a little frustrated, Shen Tingchang has high expectations for himself, do you really have what it takes to serve your father?He bit the word "Pavilion Chief" very hard.
Xiao Wu was quite annoyed in his heart, this kid looked down on me too much, but because of his own status, he didn't dare to confront me face to face, so he could only say flatly that he really didn't have any skills, he just knew a little bit about judging cases.Emperor Gao once said: Prisoners are the most important thing in the world.I'm afraid we can't take it too seriously?
Liu Lidu interjected, Liu Bao, why are your words so mean.Knowing that Mr. Shen is an honest man, just bully him.
Liu Bao laughed twice, how dare I dare, how dare I bully the guests invited by my sister.
Liu Li said, "I won't quarrel with you."You said just now that the emperor changed Yuan Zhenghe, did you really answer the nursery rhyme: "In the process of Zhenghe. Chang'an is raging. The old dragon is angry and the big dragon is red. The Weishui is red and there is no west or east. The little dragon flies out of the world." She couldn't help but whispered Chant up.
Liu Bao suddenly said, it wasn't my sister who reminded me, I really didn't expect it.Indeed, during the requisition and reconciliation, that is the name of the year.
Liu Li glanced at Gai Gong and said, um, well, don't mention these.When will the father come back? Is there any news?
Liu Baodao did indeed send a letter from his father along with the imperial edict.The father had already left for Guangling, and said that the emperor's body was much better and he was in a good mood, he did not reprimand the princes like in previous years.And it is a big county with 15,000 households in our Guangling country.It seems that the emperor really likes his father.Well, just now I heard Zuo Ji wanted to play the harp, why didn't she play the harp.He turned around and walked up to Zuo Xiu, stretched out his hand and put it on the zither string, begging the princess to give me a song too.
Zuo Ji's face changed color, and she said embarrassingly, I'm tired today, I'll go back and rest first.The king will probably be back soon.
Liu Bao stared at Zuo Ji's pretty face, and said meaningfully, I think it will take at least a month, and Chang'an is a long way away, so you can't just go back if you want to.After all, doesn't the father have a pair of wings like a wild goose?
Zuo Ji straightened her body on her knees and said, I will take my leave first.Prince, Mr. Weng, Mr. Gai, Mr. Shen, you go on.With that said, the attendant packed the zither, se and Boshan furnace, and they went out together.
Liu Bao stared at her leaving back, it seemed that I was a superfluous person and scared the princess away.By the way, sister, Mr. Zhao has also sent a letter, saying that he will come to Guangling in half a month, and he will stay in our palace until his father comes back to formally hire him.Congratulations to my sister who will be married into a millionaire.If you marry an ordinary lieutenant, it may not be so beautiful.I think Mr. Zhao really likes his sister so much. She treats him so coldly, but he will never back down. It's really admirable...
All right, Liu Li said irritably, have you finished speaking?Did he give you some great gift to make you speak for him like this?
Liu Bao said with a smile, my sister really knows me very well, if some warder or pavilion chief can afford me a heavy gift, I will naturally speak for him.However, these are not important, the father said, for the common benefit, you must marry him.
Liu Li jumped up against the case and said angrily, Liu Bao, get the hell out of me now, tell Zhao Heqi, if you dare to harass him again, I will cut off his dog's head.
Liu Bao was stunned, and resentfully said, why is my sister so vicious, then Zhao Heqi is really determined to like a shrew.Could it be that he is naturally happy to be abused?Alright, I'll go, you have a temper, save it and vent it to your father, that's your ability.
After he finished speaking, he flicked his sleeves and walked away.Liu Li said upsetly, I hate it!All the happy things were disturbed by this little Zhuzi.
Xiao Wu fell silent, he didn't know whether he should comfort her, and he was not used to saying comforting words.What's more, this matter involves the marriage of the royal family, what qualifications does he have to speak?He could only think in his heart, what method can be used to prevent Liu Li from being snatched by that Zhao?
Gai Gong comforted, Lord Weng don't need to worry, you really don't want to marry that Zhao Heqi, when the king comes back, I will advise him.I have been in Guangling Kingdom for nearly twenty years, and the king is not neglectful of me, and I have never begged him, maybe he will listen to me even once.
Liu Lidu sighed, tears were about to fall in her eyes, what can you do, Mr. Gai?Father may agree to other things, but absolutely not on this matter.The father wants to use this marriage to make friends with the king of Chu, but I am afraid there is nothing he can do.
Gai Gong was surprised, what is worth marrying a daughter to make friends with?Could it be that the king and the king of Chu have some plots to fail?If this is the case, the old minister should advise the king not to do such a stupid thing.The combined land of Guangling and Chu is less than one percent of that of Han.If the intention is really wrong, I think the only way is to exterminate the genocide.
Liu Lidu said in a low voice, Master Gai, I shouldn't have told you these things.You still don't want to persuade me, let's think of another way.
Gai just said in disbelief, the veteran is not a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death, besides, if I want to leave Guangling, even a few palace guards will not be able to stop me.Guangling County is not big, so it would be very convenient if you really want to tell the truth. Not far from the east gate is the Guangling Prime Minister's Mansion and the Internal History Mansion, but I have been with the king for so long, and I still have feelings for you. I don't want to see your end miserable.Especially you and Liu Ba, I like them very much.Although you are a bit naughty, your nature is very kind - you didn't use the small crossbow I gave you to shoot people indiscriminately.
Xiao Wu was secretly surprised, besides being fond of Confucianism, isn't this old man also good at stabbing?It turned out that Liu Lidu's small crossbow that never left his body was given by him.The crossbow is indeed exquisitely made, although it is small, but has a unique structure and an astonishing rate of fire.This old man is really ingenious, maybe he is the so-called Confucian chivalry handed down from Qi Diao Kai's school?
Liu Li said, no, Master Gai.Unless it is absolutely necessary, I will not shoot someone.So far, I have only shot three people to death with it. They were Gongsun He's lackeys. If I hadn't shot them at that time, you old man would have never seen me.
Gai Gong nodded and said, that's good. A good soldier is an ominous weapon. The sharper it is, the more ominous it is.Do not use it unless absolutely necessary.If I hadn't been young and vigorous for a while, I shot and wounded a junior in the same sect, I wouldn't have been hiding in Guangling Kingdom for dozens of years.It's not that I dare not go out, but that I have no face to go out.The mistakes you make can only be tasted in your own life.Well, about Zhao Heqi, we all have to figure out a solution.
Liu Li said, okay, let's make a bet, if you can't figure it out, you have to let me shoot him.
Gai Gongdao, talking nonsense, it depends on who he is.His face was serious, alas, if he is really relying on power and forcing you, then it doesn't matter if you shoot him dead.The veteran hated bullying the most in his life.
Listening to their conversation like this, Xiao Wu felt very warm in his heart, although he didn't pin his hopes on them.But if I can get the support of others for a matter that I am very concerned about, I suddenly feel that I am much stronger in my heart.We must stop that Zhao Heqi, I came to Guangling because of Liu Lidu, if she really married away, what's the point of staying here alone?It was too bleak.Fortunately, Zhao Heqi is a businessman, and a businessman has the weakness of a businessman.He seemed to have a plan in mind to deal with him.
Zhao Heqi did not come to Guangling as early as expected, he arrived almost at the same time as Liu Xu.Liu Xuguo was really full of joy. As soon as he sat down, he spoke endlessly. The emperor was really indifferent to the prince. On the day of the court ceremony, the prince's horses and chariots were frightened and galloped along the road of Jianzhang Palace.He was actually shot and killed by Shui Heng's captain and servant Jiang Chong. The reason was that there was no emperor's edict, and he was absolutely not allowed to gallop in the palace.
ah?Liu Lidu also asked in amazement, isn't he afraid of accidentally hurting the prince, this, this Zhao Lu is too courageous?Besides, the prince was only frightened by the horse, not galloping in the palace on purpose. ——Do guard archers really dare to shoot arrows?
Liu Xu smiled and said, I was also surprised at first. When Jiang Chong gave the order, Jianzhang Supervisor Ren Guangguo also expressed his dissent and refused to obey the order.However, Jiang Chong said angrily that if he disobeyed his order, he would immediately report to the emperor, and Ren Guangguo would be charged with treason and immorality.Ren Guangguo knew that Jiang Chong's ability was as high as the sky. In recent years, he has executed more than a dozen princes when he was an embroidered clothes directing messenger.How dare you refuse to listen to him whose title is less than that of a lieutenant.He hesitated for a moment, and had no choice but to order the guards of Jianzhang Palace to shoot the prince's four horses into a hedgehog.It's a pity that the archers are so skilled in martial arts that none of their arrows hit the carriage.Although that car was only a leading car, the real car the prince was riding in was still following behind.However, the prince in the car broke out in a cold sweat.
Zhao Heqi said, this Ren Guangguo is also considered smart, and he is very good at calculating the pros and cons.If you are in business, you are a good hand.I think the emperor must have greatly praised him.
Liu Xu said, Mr. Zhao guessed right.Instead of daring to get angry, the prince immediately got out of the car and bowed to apologize to Jiang Chong, saying that it was okay to shoot his own horse, but he just hoped that Jiang Chong would not play the emperor.The horse ran wild because it was frightened, Ya didn't want to displease the emperor because of this, and the queen was worried.
Liu Li's eyes widened. How could it be reasonable for a crown prince to apologize to that lowly prisoner?
Liu Xu said dissatisfiedly, when did Lidu start to sympathize with the Crown Prince.I just think it would be fun if he was shot dead.Instead of thanking the crown prince, Jiang Chong said domineeringly that the minister was loyal to his duties and dared not fail to be the emperor.Moreover, according to the law, the prince's entourage and horses should be confiscated as punishment.
Now even Liu Bao opened his mouth wide, oh my god, is this Jiang Chong crazy?
Liu Xu said, who knows.The crown prince still pleaded with him in a low voice, saying that he didn't care about these carriages.The main reason is that the chariots and horses are given by the queen, which will make the queen sad.If the queen is ill, the emperor will blame him for being unfilial.But Jiang Chong didn't even look at the crown prince. He pretended to be polite but said in a cold tone that the subordinates only know how to obey the laws of the country and don't know how to play favoritism. Please ask the crown prince to explain to the emperor himself. Don't take it seriously.At this moment, the emperor is coming to the front hall of Jianzhang Palace, waiting for the congratulations from the crown prince and princes, princes, and envoys from the county. The crown prince should not delay any longer.As he said that, he lifted his feet and left first. The crown prince was bored in isolation, and finally had no choice but to leave in despair.
What did the emperor say when he heard Jiang Chong's report?Everyone gasped a little when they heard this.
Liu Xudao, the emperor actually praised Jiang Chong on the spot, praising "this real minister should do what he should", and immediately rewarded Jiang Chong with a lot of property, all the officials in the hall were stunned.The prince had no choice but to plead guilty to the emperor and apologized to Jiang Chong in public.
God, Liu Lidu sighed, it's really unbelievable.
Zhao Heqi proudly said that it seemed that Nv Li's prayer to Wushan was quite effective, the emperor was dizzy, and that's why he hated the crown prince so much.Think about it, a crown prince was humiliated by a prisoner who escaped from the state of Zhao, and it was not an ordinary humiliation in public. He even shot the prince's horse into a hedgehog under the eyes of the emperor. Then there is a faint factor of the emperor's connivance.Isn't it obvious that the emperor still praised such a terrible act?
Liu Bao interjected, what is the origin of this Jiang Chong?
Zhao Heqi said, doesn't the prince know?Jiang Chong's original name was Jiang Qi, and he was the concubine of Zhao Wang Liu Pengzu. He had a very beautiful younger sister who married Zhao Wang's prince Liu Dan, so he was very favored by Zhao Wang.Liu Dan also trusted him a lot.Later, Liu Dan suspected that he had revealed his privacy to outsiders, so he was very angry and sent someone to arrest him.When he heard the news, he ran away in no time. Liu Dan didn't catch him, so he had to kill his father and several brothers from the same birth.So he changed his name to Jiang Chong, deceived the poor men in the village, forged a talisman and fled westward to Hangu Pass, and went to Chang'an Fuque to report Liu Dan and his own sisters for adultery and incest.The emperor was furious, and immediately issued an order to the magistrate of Handan County to dispatch soldiers on horseback to surround the Zhao Palace, imprison Liu Dan, and march to Chang'an.Liu Pengzu carried a lot of money to Chang'an to move around, but failed to rescue his son.
Liu Xu said, this Zhao Wang Pengzu is also a ridiculous person, only his father and son can do such an unreasonable thing.
Liu Baodao, how ridiculous?
Liu Xudao, this person is insidious, cunning and scheming, and he is especially good at framing people. Whenever the imperial court sends two thousand stone officials to Zhao, he pretends to be very respectful and polite on the surface, but secretly sends people to investigate their privacy. Once he got involved with the law, he ordered people to go to Chang'an to report.Therefore, although Zhao State is a small country, the number of killed two thousand stones ranks first among the counties in the world.Later, officials in Chang'an regarded the positions of Zhao Guoxiang, Nei Shi, and Duwei as daunting.Even if they had no choice but to take office, they were all trembling and afraid to take charge.This Peng Zu took the place of court officials to manage political affairs. He likes to do some small official activities, such as often taking a few entourages to patrol the pavilion late at night, chasing down thieves and blackmailing passing merchants.Later, when the merchants heard that Peng Zu was a sinister man and his behavior was against the norm, they were so frightened that they avoided Handan and took a detour.
Liu Li couldn't help laughing out loud, this Zhao Wang really has a personality.It's hard to imagine what it would be like for him to take off the solemn black dress of princes and kings, put on the red clothes of petty officials, and run around with a few entourages in the middle of the night, it must be terribly funny.So funny.
Liu Xu also laughed. Although he has a bit of a personality, isn't it too boring?A vassal king does such trivial things.He also wrote to his younger brother Liu Sheng, the king of Zhongshan, accusing him of knowing how to have sex, but not fulfilling his duties as a vassal to help the emperor share his worries and manage the country.
Liu Lidu said, it is said that King Zhongshan married countless wives and concubines and gave birth to one hundred and twenty-six children, is it true?
Liu Xu said, you know how to be curious and care about these things. ——Mr. Zhao, do you think that Jiang Chong must have been ordered by the emperor?
Zhao Heqi said, of course, otherwise he would dare to make things difficult for the Crown Prince.It seems that Jiang Chong has another move.Otherwise, once the emperor dies and the prince ascends the throne, wouldn't his nine clans all have to be exterminated.I guess it is just around the corner for the emperor to depose the prince.Your Majesty is ready to put on his clothes, and wait for the edict issued by Chang'an to enlist the Majesty to enter the East Palace as a servant!Ha ha.
Liu Xu said happily, that's great, if this is the case, the widow will reward Nv Li heavily, and also thank Brother Yanshou, King of Chu, and Mr. Zhao.In the future, the widow will become the emperor, and everyone will share the wealth together.
Zhao Heqi suddenly sighed again, rich, my Zhao family never lacks.As for Gui, it is haunted by dreams, and I believe that the king will never forget his servants.For the current task, I also want to ask the king to betroth the Weng Lord to the subordinates as soon as possible, and the subordinates will be satisfied.This time, the King of Chu asked his servants to tell the King that he very much hopes to see the marriage of our three families as soon as possible to join in the grand event.
Liu Li was startled, why the damn Zhao Heqi mentioned this again.She said anxiously, since your Zhao family is so rich, why do you want to marry me.Father, I absolutely don't agree, I don't like him at all.
Liu Xu said displeasedly, "Lidu, why are you still so willful? Mr. Zhao proposed to you so relentlessly, which shows his sincerity.What's more, the Zhao family is as rich as a country, and the tax revenue of the entire kingdom of the widow is less than one-tenth of his. There is nothing worthy of you.
He's rich, but I just don't like it.Liu Lidu retorted.
Hehe, I know, my sister's heart was taken away by that poor boy from Yuzhang.Liu Bao suddenly dragged his voice strangely.
Liu Li was very angry, grabbed a lacquer box and threw it at him, Liu Bao, don't mind my business, don't think I don't know what you did.It is true that like a mother like a son, you have the same virtue as your stinky grandma.
Liu Bao couldn't dodge in time, and was hit on the forehead by the lacquer box.His face was pale, but he dared not lose his temper.The rules of concubines in the Han Dynasty were strict, and those who were born as concubines like him would not dare to compete with those who were born as legitimate.But Liu Xu was so angry now, he stood up with a cry, and said angrily, I know you like that poor boy in Yuzhang County, you spent so much effort to save him, and you didn't see how capable he is .It doesn't matter what the case is, what I need most now is money and strength.Let me tell you, you must listen to me this time, otherwise, I will not take into account the relationship between father and daughter.
Zhao Heqi sat on the side, drinking tea slowly, without saying a word, as if this matter had nothing to do with him.Liu Li glanced at him, she was so angry that she raised her leg and kicked over several cases.I just don't want to marry this man, just to see how wretched he is.She screamed, even if he made a fuss, but he himself acted like a normal person, even with his selfish face, I would never marry him.
刘胥怒发冲冠，扯起嗓子喊，真是反了，来人，将翁主带到暴室去，好生看管。哼，事情搞成这个样子，都是那穷竖子在捣乱，也好，刘宝、赵先生，你们两个马上带上十几名卫卒，去捉拿沈武。如果他敢拒捕，立即格杀。
刘宝擦擦额头上的血痕，欣喜地说，父王息怒，臣谨遵命。赵先生，咱们走。
赵何齐也慢悠悠站了起来，大王既然这么看得起外臣，外臣倍感荣幸，敢不从命。刘宝扯了扯他的袖子，快走，我们去武库发兵甲，夜长梦多，别让他听到消息跑了。
刘丽都惊呆了，突然她一跃而起，就想往外跑。但是几个宫门卫卒持着长戟，拦着了她。两个挎刀的卫卒窜上去，抓住她的双臂，恭谨地说，臣等奉大王命令，不敢不从，请翁主不要让臣等为难。
刘胥道，传暴室令，带两个复作女徒，将翁主软禁起来。哼，都怪我平时对她过于宠爱，否则也不会弄成这个样子。
刘丽都怒不可遏，挣扎道，放开我，放开我。这是人们受到拘束时常喊的一句话，一种本能的反应，其实没任何实际意义。因为抓住你的人绝对不会因为这句话就放开你。刘丽都怒斥尖叫，然而被两个粗壮的卫卒死死抓住，不能挣脱。她从小到大没受过这委屈，不管在广陵国，还是在其他地方，只要她出去，总是表现很优雅。她从小跟着盖公，除了读书，还练剑和弓马，她知道一个贵族少女该干什么，不该干什么。在什么场合下，应该有什么样的礼节。可是，在这时候，所有的礼乐说教，都变得那般无力。最后，她只有哭泣一途了。她嘤嘤地哭泣了起来。
刘宝转过脸，得意洋洋地对刘丽都说，姐姐，你呆在暴室好好修养几天。等我割下沈武的脑袋，给你当尿壶用。如果你不要，我就送给赵先生当尿壶。唉，其实都一样，你们将来新婚，也要有尿壶的，就算是我送你们的新婚礼物罢。他额头上的血迹还没擦干净，一条细红的线正顺着额头流到眼角，所以他带着冷笑的表情说这番话，不可避免地显得有点狰狞。
刘胥不悦地说，还不快去，只管在这里罗嗦什么。
小武和盖公正在院子里的樟树下聊天，郭破胡在旁边很认真地倾听。一个月来，他们每天的日子几乎都是这样度过的。冬日的太阳照耀着这一片向南的院子，有时他们也呵着白汽在院子里练剑。这时候，郭破胡的兴致就更高了，毕竟盖公和小武所聊的内容他半懂不懂。他也很想念家乡，可是现在有家不能归。他对朝廷的政策很失望，凭什么上次说好了斩获一个首级就赐五万钱的规定，仅仅因为丞相的一己之私，就完全不算数。看来朝中有奸相，就一定会逼良为盗。否则象自己这样规矩的戍卒，哪至于逃亡到这来呢，但愿不要永世不见天日。不过，比起那些刑徒来说，自己又算好多了。看看广陵宫司空管理下的那些城旦和隶臣妾罢，每日吃着粗砾的饭食，干着繁重的劳动，为他人建筑新的宫殿，自己一不小心就累死病死，而死了也只是挖个坑，将尸体丢在里面，象埋葬一头畜生。这场景真让人无比难受。他想起前几天和小武在新宫殿旁经历的场景，监工的小吏在粗暴呵斥那些刑徒。他们都穿着赭红色的囚衣，有的头发鬓角被剃光，有的脸上刺着“鬼薪”的字样，有的颈上带着铁圈，还有的走路一瘸一拐，那是被斩去了脚趾的。当时有个叫王奉世的刑徒，因为身体不适，动作缓慢，当即被监工按倒在地上鞭笞。王奉世只是辩解了一句，立即跑过来几个狱卒，将他拖到一边，用铁钳夹住他的头。他痛苦地哀嚎饶命，可那些狱吏脸上漠无表情。郭破胡真想跳出去，乱刀将那几个狱吏砍翻。但是他不敢，因为工地四周的角楼上站满了士卒，一旦有刑徒集体反抗，乱箭就会射下，所有人将变成尸体。他只好转过脸去，不忍再睹。而这时小武却冲了上去，大叫道，住手。
who are you?敢在这里喧哗。那几个狱吏停下，睥睨着小武，目光里满是不屑。
领头的监工却认识小武，他还算客气，哦，沈先生怎么也来了这里。是这样的，这个该死的刑徒干活不卖力。大王有令，这宫殿三月之前一定要完工，因为楚王要来广陵做客，如果那时交付不了新的大殿，我们大王会很没面子的。
小武道，大汉《刑徒律》，有疾病者可修养，待身体康复后再劳作。损失的时日，可加长相当的刑期以为弥补。“有不从令者坐之”，你们难道不怕反坐其罪吗？
监工和他的属下笑着对视了一眼，从鼻子里喷出一股冷气，话虽然这么说，可这是在广陵国啊，沈先生还以为在豫章县不成。
小武道，广陵国有天子所置的相、内史。也在大汉的律令管辖之下，难道有什么例外不成。
监工道，真是纸上谈兵，老实告诉你罢，沈先生，在这里我只听大王的，什么大汉律令，我一概不知。沈先生请回罢。他转首命令道，给我继续夹。
狱吏们捏紧铁钳，王奉世哀嚎着，这时从另外一个门里冲进来一个年轻女子，大约二十来岁，头发散乱，跌跌撞撞地边跑边哭，奉世，奉世，你怎么了？大人们，求求你们了，饶了奉世罢，他真的生病啊。
小武暗叹了口气，他知道自己没能力管，只有空自愤怒。他愤怒这种完全违背律令的行为，却只能眼睁睁地看着，无可奈何。well!今上的眼光还真是不错的，如果把帝位传给这个刘胥，象这样的倒行逆施，很快会踏上亡秦的覆辙。他正要无奈地走开，只听得王奉世呻吟而含糊地叫了一声，沈先生，救……救我。
小武再也挪不开脚步，他回过头，对监工说，你看他妻子也是宫里的弛刑复作，不会撒谎的，大人何妨放了他，也算是积了阴德，他日一定有报答的。
那女子伏地大哭，大人饶了奉世罢。求求你了，他真的有疾在身啊。饶了他罢……
监工沉默了片刻，从那女子的怀中抽回自己的脚，喝道，滚开，你在作室劳动，怎么跑这里来了。难道也想受刑吗？误了工期，大王会要我的脑袋，我不惩一儆百，以后这伙该死的刑徒谁还会听话，给我夹，夹到他不敢再懒惰为止。
狱吏们吆喝一声，收紧铁钳，继续用力，只听到王奉世的头骨咯咯作响，他用希冀的眼光看了一眼小武，接着绝望地扫了一眼妻子，大叫一声，细君，你……你自己保重，然后一口血喷出来，身子软在地上，剧烈地痉挛了几下，头一歪，死了。
那女子一下子扑倒王奉世身上，发出呼天抢地的嚎叫。她的声音象绝望的母兽，哀毁断肠，让小武鼻子有点发酸，眼泪险些流了下来。他也是贫苦出身，自然有着兔死狐悲之感，他实在无法再看下去了，掩面就要离开。
哼，这贼刑徒就这样死了？那监工道，也不能便宜了他，他的尸体不能发回老家安葬，挖个坑，让他带着刑具埋了。他欠大王的债务还没还清呢，死了就想赖帐，没那么便宜。
那女子听到这话，哭得更是伤心。汉代的风俗，百姓最怕死了以后还带着刑具入葬，他们担心地府的官员也会象按刑徒的身份接收他们，从而在阴世也要继续做苦役。所以即便是死了的刑徒，但凡家里有点办法，都会告贷赎回尸体，并请求主管官员写张文书，免去死者的刑徒身份，以便死者在地下能重新做人，不受现世影响。小武回转身，对监工说，大人，王奉世欠大王的少府多少钱，我帮他赎了。
那监工奇怪地看着小武，想了想，道，好吧，沈先生是个仁慈的人，我也不是天生的恶棍，只是为大王办事，身不由己。来人，给王奉世算帐。
一个狱吏抱着本帐册走了出来，大声道，前年王奉世欠大王三千五百钱，过期未还，故输入宫司空为司寇，劳作二年。他妻子愿意同时在作室劳动，以便尽快偿清债务。现在除去他们在劳作期间偿付的，还欠大王府库一千二百钱。
小武估算了一下自己的橐囊，他从豫章县逃亡出来时，带了数千钱，在广陵王宫吃喝都不需自己花钱，这钱留着也没什么用，不如做点好事，于是说，好，我替他还这一千二百钱。你们找一副棺材，写好文书，还他个自由身，让他清清白白在地下重新做人。
监工道，久闻沈先生擅长刀笔，不如这文书就请沈先生帮他写好，我们盖上官印就是。来人，找副棺材来，盛了这尸体。棺材价钱为一百一十，沈先生也替他一并付了罢。
小武道，没问题，拿刀笔来。你们宫司空大人的姓名呢？
司空长名字叫辟疆，丞叫前。
小武道，好，我马上写完。这时那女子跪倒小武脚下，号啕哭泣着道谢，小武一边心酸地安慰她，并询问她丈夫的籍贯，一边执笔疾书：
广陵王廿五年一月丙子朔辛卯广陵宫司空长辟疆、丞前敢告宫土主、地下二千石、魂门亭长：广陵石里男子王奉世有狱事，事已，复故郡乡里，遣自执此文书移诣穴。廿五年狱计，承书从事，如律令。
一会儿，棺材抬来了，监工吩咐两个刑徒过来，抓起王奉世的尸体往棺材里一扔。这时，那女子突然站起身来，凄厉地大叫一声，沈先生，多谢你帮我们出钱还清债务，现在我也是个自由身，没什么遗憾了。你的恩德只有地下再报。——奉世，我来陪你了。然后疾速地往房柱上一撞，只听得沉闷的一声响，那女子身体软软地滑倒在房柱下，额头上鲜红的血水淅淅沥沥地流了下来。
有的人都怔住了。好一会，监工才清醒了过来，他走过去，围着尸体转了两圈，蹲下，用手在她的鼻孔上试了试，叹了口气道，唉，你这女子，这又是何苦。我也是奉令监工，希望你在九原之下，不要怪我才好。来人，把她也抬进棺材，和她丈夫装在一起罢。
小武叹道，算了，我出钱，再买一付棺材罢。自古夫妇合葬，也只有同穴同椁，没有同棺的。生得悲苦，死又何必住得狭隘，连个翻身的地方都没有。
监工看了小武一眼，沈先生一直做好人，我如果还是无动于衷，那也显得太没人性了。她的这副棺材钱我出了，你们再去买一副来。
郭破胡看着这场景，既为这对夫妇悲伤，又感慨小武的仁厚，都说他刻薄寡恩，连亲兄弟也出卖，怎么不象那种人呢？看来一切都是谣传，他说帮自己交纳过逋债，这个自己没亲眼看到，但是刚才这一幕是绝对假不了的。看他脸上的凄恻，出于赤诚，也是绝对装不出来的。他暗赞道，有这样好的主人，跟着他实在不冤。后来又时常看到小武和盖公在谈些自己不懂的东西，对他更加敬佩。正因为自己不懂，才敬佩他的高深，欣喜这场景的和谐。
但是刘宝等人的到来立即打破了这和谐。只听得院门吱呀一声被重重推开，刘宝和赵何齐领先走进，后面跟着十几个甲卒，都持着戈戟。刘宝额头上还包裹着丝帛，血迹隐隐洇了出来。他手提长剑，冷笑道，沈武听着，大王命令我来收捕你这贼刑徒，识相一点，就快快束手就擒罢。这是大王的节信，我可不是开玩笑的。说着，他左手举起一块巴掌长的竹符。
几个人诧异地望着这突然涌进的大帮人众。What's the meaning?小武额头上血管绽了出来，我犯了什么法，连皇上都新近大赦，大王又有什么理由捕我？
赵何齐还穿着及地的丝制深衣，蓝色的底子上绣着五颜六色的信期绣，白色丝帛裹边，显得好不优雅。他背着双手对刘宝说，宝王子看来太仁厚了，只怕这贼刑徒不会那么听话呢。
盖公也怒道，竟敢到我太史官署来捕人？我在广陵近二十年，大王从没这样对我？是你们假托大王的命令罢。
刘宝冷哼道，你这老不死的，当年我和刘霸他们一起听你讲《诗》，你就一直对我疾言厉色。哼，还不是看到刘霸是太子，才事事向着他，趋炎附势，老而无耻，没有比你更厉害的了。今天我可要出口怨气。你再不闭嘴，我就说你废格王命，将你当场格杀。——沈武，我不妨明白地告诉你，没什么大不了的原因，只不过因为你得罪了赵先生，就一定该死，如果你不服气，进了牢房再跟狱吏哭诉去，我没那么多时间和精力理会你。来人，给我将他捕了。
他身后的甲卒扬起武器，就要蜂拥而上。小武心里发凉，暗道，看刘宝这架式，自己入了狱，哪里还想活着出去？罢了，自己虽然一向有拜为二千石，治理一郡，打击豪强造福百姓的理想，也一直为此辛勤努力，然而人能弘道，无如命何？一切都是天意。大丈夫即便要死，也死个痛快，何必在牢房里受那无尽的荼毒和羞辱。于是嚓啦一声拔出长剑。
盖公一拍书案，也站了起来。真的在老夫的官署撒野，老夫这个太史也不想当了。今天大家玉石俱焚。刘宝你这小竖子，老夫早就觉得你顽劣，不想这么多年，没有丝毫悔改，反而变本加厉。今天老夫斩下你的耳朵，去向大王请罪。说着从身后的兰锜上抽出长剑。郭破胡一看这情况，也迅疾退后几步，从架子上抽出一枝长戟，横在当胸，大吼道，谁敢过来，我先斩下他的首级。甲卒们一看他的威猛，都有点害怕，只是大声吆喝，并不上前。
刘宝气得要疯了，大叫，真是要造反了。赵先生，你拿上节信，去征发几十张强弩来，这帮刑徒如敢拒捕，全部射杀。
郭破胡心想，若被他真的带来弓弩手，可就完蛋了，得先发制人才行。他突然往前一跃，长戟挥舞，象疾驰的银色车轮一般。他生性膂力惊人，面前几个甲卒听到长戟的风声，知道厉害，不敢撄其锋芒，纷纷闪避。郭破胡倏忽之间，跳到刘宝跟前，一把抓住他的脖颈，往后一甩，将他整个身躯扔到自己身后，然后反身跳回，长戟一指，卜字形长戟的援部锋刃环住了刘宝的喉头，喝道，再敢动一下，我就将你的脖子勾断。
刘宝就躺在地上，恍如做梦一般，他张目垂视，看到长戟闪亮的锋刃就在眼前，吓得魂飞天外，大叫道，都……都不要动。郭将军，有……有话好说。
郭破胡笑道，现在我成将军了，刚才还被你称为贼刑徒呢。
刘宝说，都是误会。郭将军大人不计小人过，饶我一条狗命。
赵何齐也吓得退后几步，靠在门边，以防郭破胡突然纵上，他能来得及摔上门逃跑。他惊惶失措地说，给我上去，你们这么多人，竟然怕区区几个贼刑徒。我回去报告大王，判你们“逗桡不进”罪，全部腰斩。
甲卒们有点害怕，慢慢又涌上前去。小武冷笑道，王子，原来你的赵先生也不顾你的性命嘛。这些兵卒再上来，我就马上割下你的首级。
刘宝惊恐地说，别……别听赵……赵何齐的，我是广陵国王子，你们胆敢上来，伤……伤了我……我，大王一样要你们的脑袋。
赵何齐喝道，节信在我手上，你们敢不听，见节信如见大王，你们赶快上前斩了这几个刑徒，谅他们也不敢伤害王子。
刘宝大怒，后悔刚才把节信给了赵何齐。他气得破口大骂起来，该死的赵何齐，你敢这样对我，你们别……别上来。他声嘶力竭地叫了起来，别别上来啊……
赵何齐举起节信，大喝道，给我上。
小武不动声色地笑道，赵何齐，你这么恨我，不就是想娶到翁主，盼望有朝一日能封侯吗？我有一个封侯捷径，告诉你便是，你何苦这样闹得众叛亲离。你以为倘若刘宝有个三长两短，大王就不难过吗？就算碍着眼前要仰仗你的财力，不和你计较，总归是有芥蒂的。到时说不定你们会赤族呢。
赵何齐一愣，呆在那里，本能地答道，你说什么？你有什么捷径，难道自己不要，反而告诉我？
小武道，告诉你当然有条件，就是你放了我。否则我就是死了也不说的。你想想，你欲娶到翁主，这前提还要翁主愿意。即便翁主最后愿意嫁了你，你还得盼到大王当了皇帝，翁主升级，做了公主，才能按照大汉公主的丈夫一律封侯的老例，配上那枚绿绶银印，光大你们商人的门楣。这其中不知要等多少年，你不嫌太晚了吗？
赵何齐点了点头道，说下去。
小武道，而且大王能否当上皇帝，实在还很难讲。虽然我们都希望大王能够达成所愿。但是，事情总有意外。比如卫太子并没有废掉。即使真的废掉，还有昌邑王，他可是李夫人唯一的儿子，皇帝一向很宠爱的。还有钩弋夫人的儿子，皇帝也很喜欢。好事能否轮到大王，完全是个未知数，你觉得能百分之百的应愿吗？
赵何齐沉默了一会，嗫嚅道，不能……那……那你说怎么办？
小武道，朱安世这个人，你大概也知道罢？
赵何齐道，当然，三辅有名的大侠，谁个不知。
他后来遭三辅官吏追捕，逃亡到广陵国，你大概也知道罢？
赵何齐想，这个我似乎也听楚王讲过，不过语焉不详。于是他迟疑地点点头。
小武道，看来你不是很清楚，那时你还没来过广陵国。这些我也不跟你罗嗦了。总之后来他突然来到豫章县，勾结群盗，围攻豫章都尉府，被我矫制发郡兵全部击灭。因为矫制这个原因，再加上豫章都尉高辟兵、都尉丞公孙都全部死在这次变乱中，被公孙贺找到借口，要将我就地正法，我只好逃亡来到了广陵。
赵何齐不耐烦道，你说这些，跟我有什么关系。你这个贼刑徒的来历难道我会不清楚。
当然有关系，小武丝毫没有动气，那次捕斩行动过后，我有点害怕，知道矫制等两项罪名足以将我判为死罪。但是我当时分析，朱安世身上也许能挖到一些东西，可以让我化危为安。于是我秘密审讯了他，想尽办法，得到了他亲笔书写的供状，其中包括公孙贺的一个大大的秘密。我那时才明白公孙贺为什么一定要尽快斩下朱安世的首级，而且我也同时意识到，公孙贺一定会立即派人来追杀我。于是我早早做了准备。
什么准备？赵何齐有点感兴趣了。周围的人也都屏住了呼吸，等着小武揭开谜底。
小武道，这样的秘密，我能当众说吗？万一出点什么差错，我这颗脑袋是无所谓的，你们赵氏可是一族上千口人，都得身首异处。
赵何齐疑惑地说，你别耍什么花样，想拖延时间，那是万万没希望的。要知道，这可是在王宫里，时间拖得越长，越对你们不利。
小武道，难道我比你愚蠢吗，要骗你何济于事？只是事关重大，绝对不能让太多的人知道。你把甲卒们斥退，我再说不迟。
赵何齐怒道，果然是耍我，等我斥退甲卒，你身边那个蛮子又跳上来将我捉去，真是打得好算计。
小武道，好吧，既然你这么胆小，那就不必喝退甲卒了。你走近些，我小声告诉你罢。说着，小武把剑往地下一扔，赵何齐，大丈夫既想封侯，总不能畏首畏尾。这个样子我能跑得脱么？
盖公和郭破胡都惊疑地看着小武，不过他们都知道小武并非庸妄之人，是以见他扔下武器，并不来劝告阻拦。
赵何齐将信将疑地说，好，我们都向前十步，在院子当中说话。你叫你那个凶狠的蛮子也退后十步。我让我的甲卒也退后十步。这样大家公平。
小武道，就照你说的办。破胡，你退后。
哗啦一声，甲叶撞击之声，甲卒们全部退到门外。赵何齐迟迟疑疑地走近，他的确一直被封侯的欲望之火所煎熬焚烧。他赵氏在战国时代，就是公室的旁支。后来