Chapter 5 fourth quarter

Anxingfang, where the Guo Mansion is located, is located in the north of Dongshi, while Jing'anfang is in the southwest of Dongshi.So after saying goodbye in front of Huihui Building, Guo Huan parted ways with Duan Chengshi and Han Xiang.Accompanied by Han Xiang and Duan Chengshi, he rode his horse back south to Jing'an Square. On the big locust trees on both sides of Fang Street, the colorful lights that are going to be lit on the Lantern Festival have been arranged one after another.The impatient people hung up colorful palace lanterns at the door of their homes early.Every time you pass through an intersection, you can see craftsmen building lamp trees overnight under the supervision of the Jinwu Guard.

Han Xiang said with emotion: "During the Shangyuan Festival, the city is full of candles and candles, and I am most afraid of running out of water. However, to honor the Buddha bones and burn incense to pray for blessings. When these two major events come together, it is really difficult for Jingzhao Mansion." "You said - will something happen?" Duan Chengshi asked. After a moment of silence, Han Xiangfang said: "It's a pity that I haven't cultivated the power of a prophet. I only know that everything in the world is related to each other, just like yin and yang coexist. Where there is evil, there is good, where there is sadness, there is joy, and where there is darkness, there is light."

"So if there is Liu Guoshi in Daming Palace, there will be sister Lianshi." The two of them looked at each other unconsciously and smiled. They seemed to have thousands of words in their hearts, but they both carefully tried not to say them out. I have returned to Jing'an Square.The night was getting deeper, the streets were chilly, the lights were gradually fading, and the stars seemed brighter than before.There was no one on the long street, and it was bottomless. Duan Chengshi raised his coral whip and pointed forward: "I heard from them that grandpa was killed at that corner."

"Really?" Han Xiang reined in and looked up.He remembered that Wu Yuanheng died in June of the tenth year of Yuanhe, the hottest summer.From then on, through the cold and heat, only Pinglu was still alive among the three feudal towns that participated in the assassination of Wu Yuanheng, while many of the others, no matter enemies or friends, had long slept. Past dust and old dreams, the past is like smoke.Nothing lasts forever, only Datang is reborn again and again, relying on the undying faith in people's hearts. Duan Chengshi broke the silence: "Actually, I did some research on the Flying Thief case."

"Oh, did you find anything?" "First of all, based on my understanding of vixen, the Flying Thief must be a human being and definitely not a vixen." Duan Chengshi himself couldn't help laughing, "And I believe that the Flying Thieves should be a group of people." "How to say?" "I think this group of people are not ordinary thieves. They don't seek money, so they are not interested in gold and silver treasures. They are very good at using false appearances to deceive the people, making it difficult to distinguish the truth from all kinds of rumors, which makes Jingzhao Mansion helpless. In addition, I think These people should be from outside, and this is their first crime. Because most of the habitual thieves in Chang'an City have been recorded in the Jingzhao Mansion, but this time the Flying Thief is not among them."

Han Xiang nodded: "Duan Lang's analysis is good, but this is why the case is difficult to solve." "No." Duan Chengshi said, "I think the most inexplicable thing in this case is the stolen things. Think about it, Han Lang, if medicinal materials are still useful, then the freshly slaughtered pigs, the clothes used for laundry What is the use of saponins and the mud next to the latrine? Even if you buy it, it doesn’t cost much, so is it worth taking the risk to steal it? You still have to play tricks and play tricks.” "Maybe...it's not convenient for them to buy?"

Duan Chengshi frowned and remained silent. Han Xiang smiled and said, "That's all. The most strange thing is stealing Taoism scriptures. I can't figure it out anyway. Could it be that the flying thief also wants to cultivate Taoism? But stealing two scriptures can't become a fairy." "Certainly not for no reason." Han Xiang nodded. "Since it didn't happen for no reason," Duan Chengshi's eyes were as bright as stars in the dark night, "if we can find out the purpose or connection of these stolen items, will we be able to make a breakthrough?"

"By the way!" Han Xiang said, "Speaking of which, I remembered something - when I entered the city yesterday evening, I met a few Hu monks outside the city gate, and they were also attacked by thieves. I don't know if it is related to these About the theft?" "Monk Hu? What was stolen from them?" "Customs clearance document." "Customs clearance document?" Duan Chengshi thought, "The customs clearance document is the only proof for barbarians to enter the city, and there is no other use for it. Therefore, the purpose of stealing the customs clearance document can only be to enter the city!"

"And it's the barbarians entering the city!" "Hu people? Hu people who insist on entering the city at this time, what is it for?" The two shouted in unison: "Buddha bones!" There are many Hu people who believe in Buddhism, and they have a reputation for collecting rare treasures from all over the world.It should come as no surprise that they would take a special interest in Buddha bones.Since it is necessary to use the means of stealing to enter the city under the identity of another person, it shows that the person has bad intentions and the person who came is not good.

Duan Chengshi murmured: "Will Monk Hu's theft be related to the Flying Thief?" On the surface, the only similarity is the method of stealing. It would be too far-fetched to insist on linking the two.But it is indeed a clue.After all, welcoming the Buddha's bone is the biggest event in Chang'an City today, and all the strange cases happened on the eve of welcoming the Buddha's bone, is it just a coincidence? Han Xiang thought for a while and said: "The "Secrets of Alchemy of the Supreme Ancestor" and the alchemy scripture of the real Sun Simiao, I once copied a copy from my master Feng Daochang and hid it at home. I will go back and find it out and read it carefully. Read it and see if you can find anything."

"Great!" Duan Chengshi also said, "I will go to Honglu Temple in the next two days, and try to get a list of the barbarians who entered Chang'an City yesterday." "You still have this ability?" "The young master of Honglu Temple is my good friend, and we often go hunting together in Mount Li." "So Duan Lang still intends to help Jing Zhaoyin, oh, is he helping Mr. Jing Zhaoyin?" Han Xiang asked jokingly. "I definitely want to help..." Duan Chengshi was a little embarrassed, "I didn't tell him directly, because I was afraid that he would have too much hope, and if he didn't find out the result, he would be even more disappointed." Han Xiang smiled and nodded: "Well, it's better to give a surprise." "I hope there will be some surprises. And... if you can help Sister Lianshi, that would be even better." Looking at Duan Chengshi's earnest expression, Han Xiang suddenly thought that Duan Chengshi took him to the Ghost Flower House as soon as they met today, did he also want to inquire about Pei Xuanjing's situation? He decided not to pursue it.The most sincere feelings should be expressed without words. At least, regarding Pei Xuanjing's whereabouts, for the first time in more than two years, he had a letter of approval, and now he was waiting for Guo Huan's action.Thinking of this, Han Xiang became worried again: "Duan Lang, do you think Guo Huan will mention it to Jing Zhaoyin?" Duan Chengshi said without hesitation: "Yes!" "So sure?" "Of course. Guo Huan is my best friend. My affairs are his affairs. He will definitely do his best. It's just... whether Jing Zhaoyin dares to mention it to the Holy Spirit is hard to say." Duan Cheng Shi frowned again. Han Xiangdao: "It's up to people to plan things, and it's up to Heaven to make things happen." Due to the many affairs in the Duan Mansion before the Shangyuan Festival, Duan Chengshi and Han Xiang made an appointment to pass the Shangyuan Festival and meet again in the ghost flower room in the Huihui Building on the night of the 16th day of the first lunar month.The 16th day of the first lunar month will also be the first day that the Buddha bones leave Da Nei and enter the Buddhist temple in the city to worship. Han Xiang kept sending Duan Chengshi into Duan's mansion, and then he went in the direction of Han's mansion.The sound of clappers in the middle of the night has gone away, the street is silent, the street is illuminated by the snow-white moon as if it has been washed once, and the shadow of horseshoes can almost be reflected. Too many things happened in the past two days, and it was only at this moment that Han Xiang's heart calmed down a little, so he was not in a hurry to go home, but let his horse rein, enjoying the loneliness of the street late at night. Suddenly, there was a heart-piercing coughing sound from the front, which was particularly harsh in the quiet night. Turning the corner is the gate of Han Mansion.Han Xiang quickly tightened the reins, looked around - saw it!There was a person curled up under the corner of the wall not far away. The coughing sound was made by that person. Because the coughing was so severe, his whole body was trembling non-stop. Han Xiang jumped off his horse and hurried to the man.The moonlight illuminated a face as pale as paper, and bright red blood oozes from the corners of the mouth, and trickles from the chin to the chest. Han Xiang exclaimed: "Brother Li!" This person was Li Fuyan, a guest of the Han family whom he had just met the night before. Han Xiang supported Li Fuyan in his arms and shook him vigorously, but his eyes were closed tightly and he didn't respond at all.Han Xiang was in a hurry, and pulled him hard against his shoulder, and moved towards the gate of the mansion step by step. Fortunately, it was only a few steps away, and Han Xiang shouted: "Open the door!" The servant came out in response, startled: "Lang Jun, what's the matter?" "Hurry up and help!" Han Xiang and his servants supported Li Fuyan's body one by one.Han Xiang asked anxiously: "Hurry up! Which room does he live in?" "I-I don't know..." Han Xiang stared angrily, and then thought that this servant is just a handyman, and he rarely even has the opportunity to go in and out of the backyard. It is really difficult to force him to remember the residence of each guest, so he said: "First help him to my house." Let's go to the room." The two managed to get Li Fuyan into Han Xiang's room and put him flat on the couch.Li Fuyan didn't vomit blood anymore, but he was so angry that he fell unconscious. Han Xiang told the servant: "Go and invite a doctor." The servant stood still. "What's the matter? Go!" "Lang Jun, it's already three o'clock, where can I invite the doctor?" Han Xiang was taken aback for a moment, but Li Fuyan on the couch said in a weak voice: "No, don't... Doctor..." "Ah?" Han Xiang leaned over and said, "Brother Li, you are seriously ill and must be treated quickly!" "Don't... I said no!" Li Fuyan opened his eyes suddenly, opened his mouth to say something, but spit out a big mouthful of blood. "Hey! Is it still useful to invite a doctor?" The servant was terrified. Li Fuyan just grabbed Han Xiang's skirt tightly, although he couldn't speak, he just refused to let go. Han Xiang felt sore, and said in a low voice: "Okay, then don't invite me. Brother Li, you should rest first." Han Xiang stayed by Li Fuyan's side all night.As soon as the morning bell rang, he ordered his servants to buy some high-quality ginseng from the Songqing Pharmacy in Xishi.I don't know what kind of disease Li Fuyan is suffering from, but seeing that he lost a lot of blood, I can only help him to strengthen his vitality first. Han Xiangfu fell asleep on the table, only closed his eyes, and was woken up by the servant again—the ginseng was bought. The servant set up a small red clay stove to stew ginseng soup under the eaves, while nagging: "Song and Qing pharmacies are closed. I ran to several pharmacies in the West Market, and they were all guarded by General Tie, who said they would not open until after the Lantern Festival." I finally bought this little ginseng, it's not the best, let's make do with it..." Han Xiang was surprised: "Song Qing medicine shop closed? Why?" "I don't know, it seems to have been closed for a while. People around also said that the shopkeeper Song Qing had the foresight, otherwise he would have been stolen by thieves. The other pharmacies have all been patronized by flying thieves." "The Flying Thief is really so powerful?" Han Xiang became more and more surprised when he heard it, "What kind of medicine did you steal?" "There are no rare medicinal materials. I heard that they are realgar, orpiment, sulfur and the like." Han Xiang didn't know much about medicine. It would be great if Cui Miao was here... He shook his head, unwilling to think about it any further. When the ginseng soup was finished, Han Xiang took a small spoon and fed it to Li Fuyan mouthful by mouthful.Waiting by the side again, seeing that his complexion relaxed a little, and his intermittent breathing gradually calmed down, he felt a little relieved. Winter nights come very quickly.Han Xiang stayed in the house all day, while paying attention to Li Fuyan's situation, while studying the two Taoist scriptures.While reading a book, the light dimmed, and before I knew it, it was dark. Li Fuyan groaned on the couch. Han Xiang stepped forward to check, and seeing his eyes opened, he said, "Brother Li, you really scared me." Li Fuyan thanked him in a very weak voice. Li Fuyan had already left the night before, why did he return to the Han Mansion last night?What disease is he suffering from? Why is he so determined not to hire a doctor?These questions piled up in Han Xiang's mind, but he didn't ask any of them.In troubled times, who doesn't have some secrets.It's not their fault, it's the fault of the world. Han Xiang just smiled and said, "Brother Li, you're welcome, I should be the one thanking you." Li Fuyan was confused. If you hadn't discovered the song "Huashan Girl", how could I have found out Jingniang's whereabouts.Han Xiang thought so in his heart, but what he said was: "In two days, it will be the Lantern Festival. But this Han Mansion is deserted, so there is no atmosphere of New Year's Eve. Now Brother Li and I celebrate the New Year together, Anyway, it's more lively." Li Fuyan reluctantly nodded on the pillow with complicated eyes. Han Xiang said again: "Actually, I don't like Chinese New Year. Both of my parents died when I was a child, and my uncle raised me. Although I have family and relatives, I also have longings that I will never be able to consummate. I am keen on cultivating Taoism, and I hope to hide In the deep mountains, forgetting the years of the world, leaving aside the warmth and comfort of the world, but..." He shook his head, "I still can't forget it, and I can't leave it behind. Alas, after all, Taoism is not enough." After a while, Li Fuyan chanted intermittently: "Alone... in a foreign land, a stranger in a foreign land... Every festival... I miss my relatives very much." Han Xiang took down the flute left by his father from the wall, and said with a smile, "Brother Li is not in good health, so don't express your emotions. Let me play a song to cheer you up." The sound of the flute sounded in the quiet night, melodious and melodious, like a night bird singing straight into the sky.The sound of the flute can't penetrate the barrier of life and death, and can't wake up the dead who have been sleeping forever, but——Han Xiang silently prayed in his heart, hoping that it can fly to the top of the dragon's head, cross the repeated palace walls, and give life to those in confinement. Yi Ren sent her greetings. At the end of the song, he was surprised to find that Li Fuyan's pale face was covered with tears. "Brother Li, you..." "More than ten years ago, my family suffered a catastrophe...Since then, I have never lived a new year." Li Fuyan raised his hand to wipe away his tears, "I made Han Lang laugh." For Han Xiang, this is a New Year with mixed joys and sorrows, an uncertain New Year, but also a New Year to look forward to. For the next three days, Han Xiang did not leave the gate of the Han Mansion.Outside the courtyard wall, there was endless cheers during the festive season, but Han Xiang turned a deaf ear to it. He just hid in the house to take care of the patients and study two Taoist scriptures at the same time.Li Fuyan heaved a sigh of relief by relying on the ginseng soup, after all he was seriously ill, most of the time he was just lying in bed and lethargic, so it didn't cause any trouble.Days passed quickly, and Han Xiang read the two Taoist scriptures upside down many times, but he never ushered in a moment of enlightenment. It was sunset again in a blink of an eye, and the servant came to deliver food to Han Xiang and asked if he could go out to watch the lights tonight. "Looking at the lights?" "Lang Jun, today is the Shangyuan Festival, and the lights on the street are all on. You should go out for a stroll too." Before the words fell, the sound of "cracking" firecrackers came from Fang Street.Han Xiang looked up, there were no stars and moons in the night sky, and the night was even more different from the past, as warm and bright as day.Needless to say, it must be that the colorful lights all over Chang'an City were in full bloom, illuminating the entire night sky. During the Lantern Festival, there is no curfew.The gates of the 108 squares in Chang'an City are open all night, which is only one night every year, so the people cherish it even more. Every family comes out in full force to watch lanterns, sing and dance, and watch all kinds of operas. Children also set off firecrackers and pray for lanterns. , have fun until the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. "Yeah, it's the Lantern Festival!" Han Xiang said with a smile, "Let's go out and have fun, don't worry about me." Just as I was talking, another burst of firecrackers sounded, and they were very close, as if they were right under the wall.The servant blushed and said, "It's that naughty ghost of my family, I told him to run away before releasing him..." "fine." Suddenly a choking smell entered Han Xiang's nose, and he called out to the servant's back: "Wait, what is this smell?" "It's the sulfur smell from the firecrackers..." The servant turned around, more and more embarrassed, "That little brat, I'm going to beat him right now." Han Xiang waved his hands again and again: "No, no, go and play, don't beat the child." He rushed into the room excitedly, first opened Sun Simiao's alchemy book, and then found the page in "The Secret of Alchemy of the Great Patriarch". Here it is!The shadow that has been looming in my mind for several days has finally been captured.