Chapter 737

Love Shenjing, Hanzheng Street.

Just now, this group of Mongols galloped wildly, causing a great disturbance on the street, and passersby on both sides detested the Mongols' overbearing actions.

Many people also saw with their own eyes that if it weren't for Jia Cong's timely intervention, the old woman and the child would have been trampled by the Mongols' horses.

Now the Mongols were still arrogant, actually coveting Jia Cong's female companion, truly overbearing and shameless, and everyone in their hearts felt a sense of shared hatred.

It was just that these Mongols were all carrying swords and bows, burly, and fierce-looking. Ordinary people didn't dare to step forward to confront them, and most people were angry but didn't dare to speak.

There were also those who were filled with righteous indignation but were quick-witted, turning to find the street patrol runners. How could we Zhou people be bullied by people begging for food...

The young man saw Hu'er Gan forcefully demanding the pretty little lady for him, and was a bit surprised, but seeing Jia Cong's face instantly sink, he seemed very angry.

He couldn't help but feel a bit proud, and didn't stop his subordinate, just loosened the reins and sat on the horse waiting to watch the show.

Jia Cong said coldly, "The Love Shenjing is the capital of the Great Zhou, under the feet of the Son of Heaven. The Mongol tribes have entered the capital to pay tribute and beg for food, showing humility to others, yet they still don't know how to restrain themselves.

Galloping and hurting people on the street, and daring to covet a woman from a good family, I think you are looking for death!"

Hu'er Gan could speak Han Chinese, which was rare among the Mongols, otherwise he wouldn't have been sent as an escort for a noble.

But his Han Chinese was only for ordinary communication and answering, and although Jia Cong's words were sharp, they were a bit literary, so he only understood half of them.

But he could see Jia Cong's cold and contemptuous expression, and he understood the last sentence, "You are looking for death," very clearly.

Hu'er Gan was furious, swung his whip, and it made a loud crack, cursing, "You southern barbarian white-faced man, I think you are the one looking for death!"

As he spoke, he raised his whip and walked toward Jia Cong aggressively. Although he was a rough man, he wasn't entirely stupid or reckless.

He, Hu'er Gan, was a personal guard of a tribal noble. If he killed someone on the grasslands, it would be like slaughtering a lamb, not worth mentioning.

But the Love Shenjing was the capital of the Great Zhou. If he dared to kill someone on the street, for the sake of face, the Zhou people would never let him go, even if his master found it hard to protect him.

It would even ruin the major event of the tribe entering the capital, so he didn't draw his sword, just prepared to whip the pretty face of that little southern barbarian to shreds.

The young man on the horse was interested in watching the show, and seeing Jia Cong provoke Hu'er Gan with his words, causing his subordinate to want to step forward to deal with him, his face changed.

Although he was young, he was a cautious person, knowing that this Hanzheng Street was the central axis of the Love Shenjing, adjacent to the Ministry of Rites of the Great Zhou.

The officials of the Court of State Ceremonial who received the Mongol delegation were sitting in the Ministry of Rites. If a life were lost, it would be hard to clean up, and it would affect major events.

He was just about to speak to stop him, when he saw Hu'er Gan rushing forward like a wild bear, and that handsome youth not only showed no fear, but even lifted his leg and met him head-on.

The youth, who had been as quiet as a virgin just a moment ago, seemed to be filled with strength in an instant, surging with amazing potential, moving like a rabbit, swift and fierce, revealing something strange.

Seeing Jia Cong's momentum, the young man didn't look like an ordinary youth at all, and a bad premonition arose in his heart...

……

Through Ai Li saw Jia Cong rush toward that clumsy bear Hu'er Gan, and not only was she not worried, but a moving smile appeared on her face, making her look even more charming and intoxicating.

Although she herself was extraordinary in skill and didn't worry about these Mongols provoking them, seeing Jia Cong fight for her made her feel very happy and proud.

As for whether Jia Cong would suffer, Through Ai Li was not worried at all.

Back then, she was the most powerful swordswoman at Yafu Pass, helping people with security and bodyguards, invincible and never failing, easily earning a tael of gold every month.

But when she sparred with Jia Cong, she felt she couldn't hold on after a hundred moves. Jia Cong's sword technique was strange, his strength was long-lasting, and both were above hers.

This Hu'er Gan, who looked like a bear, seemed to be a man who fought in battle, knowing only the rough tricks of hacking people on and off a horse.

Compared to Jia Cong's exquisite and strange skills, Hu'er Gan was not on the same level as him at all.

Through Ai Li had followed Jia Cong in battles across northern Liaoning and knew that he was not only highly skilled but also wise and cautious in handling matters.

Since he took the initiative to fight Hu'er Gan, he was naturally confident, and Through Ai Li was not worried at all that he would suffer.

……

Hu'er Gan saw Jia Cong actually take the initiative to rush over, and a ferocious smile appeared on his face. Since this white-faced man was looking for death, there was naturally no need to hold back.

Although he felt that the boy's movements were a bit too agile, which was somewhat strange, he didn't take it to heart, and the whip in his hand lashed fiercely at Jia Cong's face!

It was just that although his whip was fast, Jia Cong's movements seemed faster...

He rushed to two steps in front of Hu'er Gan, his feet slid sideways like lightning, and he circled to Hu'er Gan's left side, his movement strange and elusive, catching people off guard.

Hu'er Gan's whip lashed down, and seeing it was about to hit the other's face, a sense of wanton pleasure arose in his heart, but suddenly a figure flickered in front of his eyes, and the whip actually missed.

He noticed Jia Cong's agile movement from the corner of his eye, instantly circling to his side, but his burly figure was far from being as swift and flexible as his consciousness.

He didn't even have time to turn around and swing his whip again, only feeling Jia Cong sweep past his side like the wind.

Immediately after, he heard a light clinking sound in his ear, and his waist suddenly felt light; his curved sword had been snatched away by Jia Cong.

Although he was rough by nature, he knew that having his personal weapon snatched away, leaving him without any resistance, was no different from death, and a sense of shock arose in his heart.

Before he could turn around, he heard his companions behind him make sounds of shock and anger, a mix of Han Chinese and Mongolian, vaguely words of stopping and daring.

Before he could recover, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, not knowing what had hit him.

Immediately after, his knees were kicked hard twice, his body softened and he knelt on the ground, and his own bright curved sword was placed on his neck for the first time in his life...

He blurted out, "You white-faced..."

Before he could finish cursing, he felt his neck tighten, the cold chill of the blade spread through his whole body, a piercing pain on the skin of his neck, and he felt hot blood seeping out.

He only heard Jia Cong's gloomy voice coming from behind: "According to the Great Zhou Law, anyone who robs or steals from the military or the people can be killed without guilt.

You Mongols are in the territory of the Great Zhou, ignoring the law, galloping in the market, bullying the good. If you really want to die, I will fulfill your wish!"

……

The onlookers on the road had seen Hu'er Gan intending to commit violence and were worried for this scholarly-looking youth, fearing he would suffer a poisonous hand.

The Remnant Mongols had been abusing the border towns in the north, killing countless Great Zhou soldiers and civilians, and the ordinary people in the market had long heard of this, naturally rejecting these foreign barbarians in their hearts.

They didn't expect this youth to have such skills, not only not suffering harm but also being able to counter-control this Remnant Mongol villain in an instant, truly wonderful and satisfying.

People kept cheering, and some even shouted to beat and kill, and the scene was a bit chaotic.

Several Mongols jumped off their horses, their faces full of anger, and drew their swords to surround Jia Cong.

But they were afraid that Jia Cong would kill in anger, so they only scolded and cursed, but didn't dare to act rashly.

Through Ai Li picked up a door bolt from a shop on the side of the road, jumped into the battle circle without fear, and guarded Jia Cong's side.

Several warriors beside the Mongol youth had already drawn their bows and aimed at Jia Cong on their horses, but were stopped by his wave.

Seeing Jia Cong's extraordinary bearing and extraordinary appearance, he paid close attention to him, and now seeing him have such skills, he must not be an ordinary person.

Seeing the stunning beauty of his female companion, a rare mixed-race beauty that ordinary families couldn't enjoy, he concluded that Jia Cong was likely a son of a wealthy family.

If he hurt such a person, would the Zhou people let it go? His own status was noble, so he might escape, but the guards who did it would likely not escape death.

If this matter angered the Emperor of the Great Zhou, the major plan of the three major tribes entering the capital might fall short!

Moreover, this Mongol youth had already seen that although Jia Cong's strikes were swift and ruthless, he was actually quite restrained.

Otherwise, that strike behind his back, if it hadn't been a strike with the back of the blade, Hu'er Gan would have already lost his head.

……

Just as the two sides were in a stalemate, chaotic footsteps came from the other end of the street, and more than a dozen government runners swarmed over with swords and sticks.

Jia Cong also recognized the leader, who was his old acquaintance, the Assistant Prefect of Zhen'an Prefecture, Liu Liu Binfang.

The Mongol youth saw the government officials coming, his face changed slightly, and he understood in his heart that this matter had become big.

Liu Liu Binfang stepped forward and shouted, "This official is Liu Liu Binfang, Assistant Prefect of Zhen'an Prefecture, in charge of civil and criminal patrols in the jurisdiction.

I have received a report that members of the Mongol delegation are galloping in the market, disrupting the law, and bullying the good.

The Love Shenjing is the capital of the Great Zhou, the noble and pure place under the feet of the Son of Heaven. Since the delegation has entered the capital to seek peace, they must strictly abide by the laws of our Great Zhou.

Why are you drawing swords against each other in broad daylight and in full view of everyone? What is your intention? Retreat at once!"

Liu Liu Binfang's words drew loud cheers from the surrounding passersby. Because government officials had come forward, the surrounding people became bolder, and more and more people gathered around.

Although the Mongol delegation's archers were fierce, their momentum decreased significantly for a while.

Jia Cong heard Liu Liu Binfang's words and a trace of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. This Assistant Prefect of Zhen'an Prefecture was very shrewd and smooth.

Both the Mongols and himself had drawn swords, but Liu Liu Binfang only asked what the Mongols intended by drawing their swords, completely clearing himself, this partiality was in line with the people's hearts.

This person had quite a bit of city and government, judging the situation, advancing and retreating properly, and winning people's hearts, he was a character.

No wonder when the Prefect of Zhen'an, Zhang Shou'an, was destroyed, his confidant, Judge Liu Liu Binfang, stood firm, not only becoming a nail in Zhen'an Prefecture but also having a smooth official career.

……

A Mongol who was confronting them with a sword angrily said, "You Zhou official are not reasonable. Clearly, the Zhou person drew a sword and hurt my companion's life, how did it become our fault instead!"

Liu Liu Binfang said, "Stop your nonsense. This is a Hanlin Academy scholar of our dynasty, a Grade 5 official of the Ministry of Works, and a Count of Lord Weiyuan granted by the Emperor.

Master Jia is a noble and pure person, how could he have any improper behavior? This official has received a report that you were galloping in the market and hurting passersby, which is why Master Jia took action to stop it.

The people on the street can all testify. You foreign barbarians don't abide by the laws of the country and still dare to slander imperial officials. Do you really think there is no one in our Great Zhou!"

After Liu Liu Binfang finished speaking, the surrounding people became even more filled with righteous indignation, the crowd surged, everyone wanted to testify, and they shouted for the government to strictly punish the troublemaking Mongols.

The faces of the dozen Mongol warriors changed, and they all drew their swords to guard, fearing that the surrounding crowd would lose control and collide with their master.

Jia Cong heard Liu Liu Binfang's words and was a bit surprised. This Assistant Prefect Liu's mouth was truly powerful. He didn't discuss right or wrong at all, completely using the theory of "non-our race."

Regardless of right or wrong for the time being, just by being stirred up by his words, these Mongols were destined to take the blame, not to mention that they were in the wrong in the first place.

If this matter reached the palace and Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao learned of it, he would probably be happy to see it.

The three major Mongol tribes were paying tribute and seeking peace, and the Emperor was just lacking an excuse to refuse and turn his face. In short, this Assistant Prefect Liu was not simple...

……

The Mongol youth in the lead saw this government official's words were sharp, stirring up the crowd, and although he was a bit surprised, he didn't lose his footing.

His attention was all attracted by Jia Cong, because the words "Count of Lord Weiyuan" in Liu Liu Binfang's mouth had a great impact on him.

He thought for a moment, then waved his hand and said in a condensed voice, "Sheathe your swords!"

Jia Cong heard his voice was clear and crisp, revealing a heroic spirit, and a hint of hoarseness from the voice-changing period of a youth, carrying a strange magnetism.

Those Mongol warriors who were guarding with drawn swords were a bit hesitant when they heard this command.

Now they not only had to rescue Hu'er Gan, who had fallen into the hands of others, but the surrounding crowd was angry, provoked and incited by that dog official. Once the scene lost control, it would hurt their master.

Sheathing their swords now, once the crowd charged, they would definitely lose the initiative, and it would be hard to avoid being caught off guard. Many warriors put down their curved swords, but hesitated to put them back in their sheaths.

The Mongol youth didn't pay much attention to his subordinates' hesitation, but jumped off his horse, his movements very agile.

Seeing Jia Cong holding the curved sword, steadily placed on Hu'er Gan's neck, his eyes calm and cold, his momentum like a mountain, he didn't look like a teenager at all.

The burly man, like a wild bear, was still kneeling on the ground, seemingly not daring to move at all.

The youth looked at his subordinate and felt a bit embarrassed, cursing inwardly that he was a bucket of rice. Mongol warriors stood tall and upright, even if their lives were hanging by a thread, they shouldn't be so scared that they knelt on the ground.

He was wronging Hu'er Gan, who also wanted to struggle to stand up, even if he was cut down by someone, he shouldn't be a coward on the grasslands.

It was just that the two kicks Jia Cong gave his knees were a unique secret method taught by Qu Qu Hongxiu since childhood, and the strength and position were very strange.

Once Hu'er Gan was hit, his knees became as soft as mud, and no matter how much strength he used, he couldn't support himself to stand up...

……

The Mongol youth took two steps forward and asked, "Is your Excellency really the Count of Lord Weiyuan, Jia Cong, of the Great Zhou?"

Although Jia Cong's expression was calm, seeing this person dismount to ask, strictly observing the etiquette of the Central Plains, his tone slowed down, and he said, "Exactly."

The Mongol youth's eyes lit up, and a hint of joy seemed to appear. He raised his hand again and said, "Sheathe your swords!"

This time, the order to sheathe the swords carried a bit more severity, and the dozen Mongol warriors didn't dare to hesitate anymore, all putting their swords back into their sheaths.

The tense atmosphere of the scene relaxed instantly, and even Liu Liu Binfang of Zhen'an Prefecture breathed a sigh of relief.

The Mongol delegation was causing trouble in the jurisdiction of Zhen'an Prefecture, and as the Assistant Prefect of the Prefecture, he was responsible and had to come forward to stop and suppress it.

The current Emperor's attitude toward the Remnant Mongols was tough, leading the trend of the court and the public to advocate war, which had become the consensus of the court and the public.

Facing the Remnant Mongol delegation's trouble, if the response was too cowardly, it would damage the dignity of the country and leave a stain.

But if the response was too tough, once a conflict was triggered, leading to a fight between the two sides and loss of life, it would be a major event.

Although the court would not favor the Mongol delegation, the Emperor might even use the incident to refuse the Remnant Mongols' request to open border trade, which would be justified and suppress the various tribes of the Remnant Mongols.

But as the official who caused the incident, he would definitely not have any credit, because the imperial court cared about the face of the inside and outside, and he would likely become a cannon fodder for the sacrifice.

Losing his official position would be a stroke of luck, and he would likely lose his head...

……

The Mongol youth smiled: "I am Nuoyan Noyan Taiji, son of Jilang Khan of the Ordos tribe. I have heard of the fame of the Count of Lord Weiyuan of the Great Zhou on the grasslands.

The Count of Lord Weiyuan, at the age of fourteen, commanded a thousand troops, galloped across northern Liaoning, and swept away the Jurchens. He is a rare young hero in the world.

Moreover, he is prosperous in literature, famous in the Central Plains for his calligraphy and poetry, and is the youngest Hanlin scholar of the Great Zhou. Now, many anecdotes about the Count are circulating in the northern desert.

I have long heard of this and admire the prosperity of the Central Plains, and even more so the extraordinary people. Coming with the delegation this time, I wanted to see the grand scenery of the upper country.

We Mongols admire the brave and wise of the world the most, and the Count of Lord Weiyuan is such an extraordinary person. Being able to meet you today, I am very lucky and this trip has not been in vain.

I failed to restrain my subordinates, and Hu'er Gan offended the Count. I hope you will forgive his ignorance, and since he has already been punished by the Count, please forgive him."

Jia Cong and Liu Liu Binfang were both surprised when they heard this person report his family background. Jia Cong had already seen that this person was luxurious and extraordinary, and his escorts were fierce, so he must have an extraordinary status.

But he didn't expect him to have such a background, being the son of Jilang Khan of the Ordos tribe.

The Ordos tribe was one of the few major tribes of the Remnant Mongols, and its strength was second only to the Tuman tribe of Khan Anda Khan.

The tribe controlled 20,000 households and could gather tens of thousands of grassland elite troops. Its strength could not be underestimated. Because they had been stationed in the Hetao region for years, they were known on the grasslands as the Hetao Ten Battalion Commander.

Khan Anda Khan relied on his own strength, was ambitious, and deterred the Nine Garrisons, in addition to relying on the strong troops of the Tuman tribe.

It was also because he had the support of the two major tribes of the Yongxielun and Ordos, which was why Khan Anda Khan's momentum was growing.

This person was the son of Jilang Khan of the Ordos tribe, and his status was noble, needless to say.

The name Nuoyan Noyan Taiji was not something ordinary Mongols could use. Noyan Taiji meant prince in Mongolian.

……

Liu Liu Binfang heard that the other party was the son of Jilang Khan and felt lucky in his heart. Fortunately, nothing happened just now, otherwise it would have been hard to clean up.

He said, "Count, I came all the way here and inquired along the way. Nuoyan Noyan Taiji's escorts were galloping in the market, although it caused quite a disturbance, fortunately, it didn't hurt any passersby.

Since Nuoyan Noyan Taiji has pleaded for his subordinate, according to what I see, it is better for everyone to take a step back and let it go, valuing harmony above all.

I hope Nuoyan Noyan Taiji will restrain his subordinates to avoid further trouble and damage the harmony of your tribe's tribute."

Jia Cong heard that Liu Liu Binfang intended to collect the situation. After all, this Nuoyan Noyan Taiji had a noble status and was likely the leader of the Remnant Mongol tribute and peace plea.

If this matter were to be made difficult to clean up, he, an Assistant Prefect of the Prefecture, would also be hard-pressed to bear it.

These Mongols were fierce and arrogant in the market, and he had already drawn his sword and seen blood, letting them learn a lesson, so ending it like this was fine.

Nuoyan Noyan Taiji saw Jia Cong's expression loosen and said, "Hu'er Gan, didn't you often say on the grasslands that you admired the young hero, the Count of Lord Weiyuan, but had no chance to meet him?

Today you met him in person but offended him. Why don't you apologize to the Count quickly."

Although Hu'er Gan was a fierce man, he admired the bravery of military generals the most. This white-faced man was actually the Count of Lord Weiyuan, Jia Cong, so losing to him wasn't too shameful.

He said in a rough voice, "This little person didn't know the Count of Lord Weiyuan was in front of me. I offended you just now. Please don't remember the little person's mistakes and forgive me this time."

Nuoyan Noyan Taiji scolded with a smile, "You stupid thing, you haven't learned Han Chinese well, so don't throw around books. It should be that the adult doesn't remember the little person's mistakes."

Jia Cong heard Hu'er Gan's silly words, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he said, "Since Nuoyan Noyan Taiji is reasonable, let this matter pass.

I hope Noyan Taiji will restrain your subordinates, be restrained in your actions, and don't disturb the people. This official will take his leave."

As he spoke, he loosened the curved sword on Hu'er Gan's neck and casually inserted it back into Hu'er Gan's scabbard.

……

Nuoyan Noyan Taiji on the side saw his eyes light up. This act of sheathing the sword was very clever and amazing. Without immersing himself in sword technique for many years, it would be absolutely impossible to do.

This made him pay more attention to Jia Cong. He took a golden object from his waist.

He said, "This is a telescope presented by the Russian court, given to the Count as a gift of apology for our meeting. I hope you will not refuse."

Jia Cong hesitated slightly, and seeing Nuoyan Noyan Taiji's sincere expression, he accepted the telescope.

Nuoyan Noyan Taiji smiled slightly, turned and got on his horse. Liu Liu Binfang ordered the runners to clear the way. Nuoyan Noyan Taiji took the lead, and a group of escorts followed closely behind.

This time their horse speed slowed down a lot, although it wasn't too slow, it was no longer suspected of disturbing the people.

Jia Cong played with the shiny telescope in his hand, vaguely smelling a fresh grass-like fragrance on it.

He laughed at Liu Liu Binfang, "Thanks to Master Liu for arriving in time, otherwise if I had to deal with these Mongols alone, I'm afraid I would have been at a disadvantage."

Liu Liu Binfang laughed, "The Count's methods are brilliant, and you have already controlled Hu'er Gan. They were afraid of the rat, so it wouldn't have been difficult for the Count to retreat completely.

Even if this official hadn't arrived, Nuoyan Noyan Taiji wouldn't have acted rashly after seeing the Count's demeanor."

Jia Cong heard this, his heart moved slightly, as if he had thought of something, but still asked, "I would like to hear the details..." (End of chapter)