Chapter 51

Holy Monk 17 (Carrier Pigeon Parrot)

Fengming wore a gold knife at his waist, walking down the street with dragon-and-tiger vigor; passersby seeing him felt their scalps go numb and all dodged away.

In the past, some people would still scream and run away, but now they're used to it; at most they just dodge.

Actually, they're not avoiding Fengming, but the big white snake behind him.

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On its back sat a four- or five-year-old chubby child, who grabbed a snack and nibbled; from time to time the chubby little hand would thrust forward, stuffing both hand and snack into the big white snake's mouth.

Outsiders seeing this for the first time turned pale with fright, fearing the chubby child's hand would disappear into the snake's mouth.

Such a huge snake—its gaping maw could swallow an entire ox, let alone a child's hand; its fangs gleamed coldly, obviously sharp at a glance.

The locals of the capital who had seen this many times and were no longer fazed explained kindly: "Don't worry, this is the snake immortal raised by Master Xuanji; it has caught human traffickers and saved many people, and is said to be a snake immortal cultivating merit, so it won't lightly harm people."

The outsiders were astonished, and after looking at the big white snake again, they saw the child's hand was indeed fine.

But they were still afraid of such a huge snake.

Everyone admired them: "You capital folks are so well‑traveled—such a huge snake… even the immortal isn't afraid."

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When the big white snake first appeared on the capital's main street, wherever it showed up, screams followed; without the Imperial Forest Guards on duty, there would have been fleeing and trampling incidents. But after seeing it for a long time, they finally grew accustomed and stopped being afraid.

The little lion perched on the big white snake asked, "Is the mung bean cake tasty?" Speaking unclearly from chewing snacks, he added, "Mother said it's hot, so mung bean cake cools you down."

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A baby and a huge snake, though they share no language and don't know how they communicate, speak with such propriety that it seems they understand each other.

"Snake Immortal…" a middle‑aged man selling sesame cakes from a stall nearby trembled as he carried a stack of cakes to the big white snake, saying, "Thank you for catching the thief who stole my silver; this is my gratitude…"

The big white snake extended its long white tail, tapped Fengming's leg in front, and gestured for him to accept it.

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Fengming had no choice but to go over and take it, saying that this was what the snake immortal ought to do—just a thanks was enough, and there was no need to keep sending gifts in the future.

Now this snake is raised by the emperor, so Fengming must also consider the emperor's brother‑in‑law's dignity; he cannot let people think the emperor's white snake is freeloading off the populace.

The middle‑aged man watched the pair and snake depart, his legs finally steady; he chuckled hehe and told those around him the story of the big white snake battling the thief.

"I had just exchanged my copper coins for silver at the money shop when a thief spotted me; he ran so fast that despite my desperate chase I couldn't catch him, and I felt like dying—these silver coins are my hard‑earned savings for half a year… just then a long snake tail swept the thief, sending him flying belly‑up."

The big white snake moved on, and the little lion began nibbling the sesame cake again; he loved sweets, but the cake was crisp and fragrant, making him eat happily.

Feng Ming led the way, his eyes scanning everywhere.

After they finished patrolling, the great white snake went to Assistant Official Yuan's manor in the capital to rest and have lunch; its ten thousand chickens, ducks, and geese still hadn't been finished eating.

Assistant Official Yuan warmly received Feng Ming and Xiao Shizi, who were honoured guests.

While the two and the snake were eating with their heads down, Assistant Official Yuan wrote down quickly, recording all the clues the great white snake had discovered.

"Your Highness, the human traffickers in the capital are basically just these few groups; most of their downlines have already been found, and then we can net them all." Assistant Official Yuan said, his expression proud—his family's snake ancestor actually managed to sniff out so many villains, making the capital's children safer from now on.

Assistant Official Yuan unleashed another round of flattery on the satiated snake ancestor, making the great white snake happily wag its tail.

Seeing this, Xiao Shizi reached out to grab it, but finding he couldn't catch it, he even forgot his after‑meal snack and earnestly tried to grab the tail.

After playing the tail‑catching game for a good while, the two people and the snake finally left Assistant Official Yuan's manor.

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Assistant Official Yuan nodded excitedly; he never expected that at his age he could still make such a contribution, personally going to catch the traffickers, and when he returns to Wutong County someday, he'll be able to boast about this for ten years!

General Weiyuan originally also wanted to join, but his wife was about to give birth—first she bore him a big, plump daughter, then a thin son.

Seeing his plump daughter in the swaddling clothes, General Weiyuan was so happy tears almost fell: "Hahaha, my daughter doesn't look like me—she has no beard, so I don't have to worry about her not getting married."

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The general's wife, who had just given birth and was originally in excruciating pain, now forgot the pain entirely and rolled her eyes at her husband: "Have you ever seen a newborn with a beard?"

Not to mention the daughter—even the son couldn't possibly be born with a beard; that would be terrifying.

General Weiyuan extended his two huge, fan‑sized hands and carefully cradled his daughter, unable to blink as he gazed at her: "My dear heart, Daddy will teach you martial arts later, and Daddy's most precious golden blade will be yours to play with…"

The general's wife ignored her nonsensical husband, took the daughter over, and placed her together with the son.

She said, "Feng Xiaozi isn't he going to catch the traffickers? You should go help mop up the remnants—these traffickers deserve heavenly thunder and punishment; don't let them escape."

General Weiyuan looked at his daughter, then at his son; the two little ones lay side by side asleep, their adorable, well‑behaved appearance making his heart melt.

At this moment, the general, his heart full of fatherly love, couldn't help thinking, "If such a cute child were abducted by traffickers…"

Just thinking of that possibility made his anger surge to his forehead; he didn't even bother staying with his wife, but grabbed his golden‑ringed great blade and rushed out to help.

At last having sent her husband off, the general's wife finally felt she could rest properly, without having to watch her husband act foolishly day in and day out.

Since the children were born, the eager‑to‑be‑a‑good‑father General Weiyuan wanted to pitch in on everything; if he weren't a man, he might even want to nurse them himself.

The general's wife's wet nurse moved her lips a few times, then finally said, "Madam, the young lord and young lady have just been born—shouldn't they avoid seeing blood?"

Looking at the general's demeanor, he will surely launch a massive slaughter.

The general's wife disagreed, saying, "Killing more of these traffickers will give the two children merit."

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Passing through a small, not‑very‑prosperous town, the two caravans sorted their goods, sold a batch, then bought some furs and such; when they return to the Central Plains, they will at least make triple the profit.

In the inn, Jiang He lay on the bed, his back against the soft quilt, his whole body limp, hardly wanting to get up.

Even though Manager Zhang's carriage was large and comfortable, the ancient road conditions were so poor that comfort remained limited.

The parrot also lay on its back with its feet in the air, as if it were truly a dead bird.

"I'm exhausted, Master; this carriage is so tiny, flying isn't smooth at all."

Jiang He closed his eyes, his mouth still sharp: "So this is your excuse for not flying and getting fatter and fatter?"

The parrot sucked in its bloated belly and protested, "Host, this mall's shell is no good—it makes you gain weight easily; next time you must buy something that won't make you fat."

Jiang He chuckled to himself; even his cat's shell from his past life wasn't slim, and he could compare his weight to that of an orange cat.

The parrot also felt this reason wasn't great, quickly changed the topic: "Oh dear, host, your son got beaten?"

Jiang He snapped his eyes open, gaze sharp: "What happened? Is it serious?"

"Your son took his candy to show off to the other kids, his candy was snatched by those kids, he's the type who doesn't take a loss, so naturally he fought back..." The parrot said this, really at a loss for words, "He wasn't physically hurt, just his heart was badly hurt."

Jiang He's face sank: "Are the Hu children mocking him?"

After all, he's a Central Plains person; it's normal for grassland kids to discriminate and bully.

No matter where, there will be discrimination and bullying unless true ethnic integration is achieved, eliminating ethnic and regional prejudice.

The parrot said: "That's not the case; those Hu kids actually admire him." After all, he beat them in a fight, the Hu revere the strong and wouldn't look down on him just because he's from the Central Plains. "During the fight, his pants were pulled down and he was exposed... uh, among those who saw him naked was even his Hu sister."

The little brat covered his front, crying loudly, walking home while sobbing, seeking comfort from his Hu parents.

Hearing that, Jiang He lay back comfortably, yawned, and said: "Looks like my son's belated childhood is quite happy."

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The original host's wife was in poor health, frail; the original host long suffered his birth father's indifference and cold violence, rarely opening up; the son born to the couple naturally ended up somewhat gloomy.

"A child's heart is brightest, knowing who truly treats him well." Jiang He sighed long, so he chose to save the nation indirectly; his son thought he was a Hu person, his happiest memories were on the grassland, so the original host couldn't blame him for siding with the grassland.

Plant what cause, reap what effect.

The firm bought out the entire inn so everyone could get proper rest.

After a brief rest, Jiang He went to the kitchen and made many snacks, especially caramel ones.

After tasting it, Wang Daxing regretted deeply; he wished he'd bought all the recipes earlier.

That regret in his heart.

Compared to his regret, Section Chief Zhang laughed even more like Maitreya Buddha, feeling he truly had luck; he originally wanted to use this to climb up to Master Xuanji, but he didn't expect this recipe to be so valuable! It's extremely valuable!

The parrot was also eating snacks, munching away, when it suddenly said: "Host, that long worm entered the palace, doing quite well, even helped the emperor bust several human-trafficking dens."

It was rather speechless; how did that snake get so fat?

Snakes are long, right? But it somehow feels that one day this long worm will turn into a square worm.

Jiang He finished listening and said: "I'll write a letter; you go to the capital tomorrow, deliver it to the emperor, and meanwhile cash the banknotes, so the emperor can do good deeds in my son's name."

The parrot naturally agreed, flattering: "Host, you're really a great dad."

Jiang He speechlessly looked at its two wings; the meat was too much, bulging out, not level with its body.

Until a human head flew toward his face, bloody neck spraying blood, the eyes of the dead, unblinking, stared wide like copper bells…

The Hu people aren't stupid either; they naturally understand the principle of rare goods being valuable, and will surely seize the chance to raise prices.

Wang Daxing and the others hurried to the side, making way, feeling both amazed and envious: "That caravan must have set out for Hu lands before the snow melted; this is the first batch—wonder if they've snapped up all the wool."

This kid is truly impressive; after only two years of study he passed the county exam—looks like he's a talent big or small.

The bandits indeed came, and not a few.

"Those two little wings, if they want to fly back to the capital city, would need at least two or three months."

Section Chief Zhang jumped in shock, his whole body of fat trembling, his teeth chattering: "What, what? This route shouldn't have bandits..."

Jiang He clasped his hands, face full of pity for heaven and humanity: "An old eagle mother pushes her chick off a cliff to teach it to fly; the poor monk steels himself to have it deliver the letter, believing it can lose a bit of weight."

After resting one night at a relay station, the caravan continued onward.

Yes, too smooth.

The next day, the parrot's bizarre appearance stunned the firm's staff.

Section Chief Zhang's anger flared from nowhere—where did this clueless oaf come to act as a bandit?

Passing a relay station, they saw cart after cart loaded with wool coming toward them.

"Steward Zhang, these bandits are off!" Wang Daxing squeezed over and said, "Look at how fierce their skills are."

Since the lay disciples wrote letters, the two initiates should certainly write to notify as well.

Only Section Chief Zhang trembled, shaking his triple chin, facing the master's doubtful gaze, he gave an embarrassed smile: "I think my chubbiness is quite fortunate."

"The grassland side has plenty of wool!" the opposing caravan replied, "Your trip will surely sell fast; those Hu people sold wool and now have cash on hand."

Section Chief Zhang's mouth twitched; he knows nothing about business, yet the master earned more on this route than the caravan—just from the Mi family alone, who knows how many banknotes they gave him.

Although only a parrot walked with them, the firm's members inexplicably felt a bit lonely, even on the road they couldn't help muttering about it.

After Wang Daxing cut down a bandit, he silently cursed: this road is a trade route; the Hu people's living conditions are poor, tea and salt are scarce either way, and the rise of frontier markets is welcome both to the Great Qing—which lacks border garrison—and to the Hu people.

Ahhh, the master actually disappeared!!!!!!

"Hmm, just missed the top rank." The parrot said sympathetically; it also rather liked stones, whose grooming technique for it was especially good: "If not this year, then next year will surely be fine."

The shopping mall's animal shells don't follow science; attack and defense can be arbitrarily high, so its complaints are just to be heard—don't take them seriously, or you'll fall for its trick.

Thus, no need for merchants to urge; they'll naturally wipe out those clueless bandits.

"……"

The master smiled at him, looking like a recluse: "The poor monk only knows scriptures, not business."

For example, his older brother Dashu is not easy to get along with.

Everyone watched the parrot vanish into the horizon, unable to help gaping.

Those wings are so plump and tender, roasting them would surely sizzle with oil.

Section Chief Zhang warmly went up to inquire about the grassland situation.

Jiang He said: "A little boss, just because his IQ isn't high doesn't mean he can be a villain; but now he's not a darkened little boss." He added, worried: "Darkening triples strength, whitening cuts it to a third; I worry his power will drop sharply, making it hard to see if others are framing him."

Traveling with them, Master Xuanji is amazing—he can calculate and avoid countless pits. Previously, whenever they came, they always lost manpower, either to illness or bandits; this time, however, everything went smoothly, encountering nothing.

If the caravan were completely looted by bandits, that would be utterly draining the pond.

Wang Daxing laughed till he couldn't close his mouth—how much money would be saved? No compensation needed, not even the guards' rewards.

Oh dear, no wonder he hired those high-priced guards—they're incredibly capable.

He said meaningfully: "All patrons know to expand business, yet they won't allow bandits to open chains."

Where he goes, he doesn't need to lose weight, after all he doesn't have fat wings that can't fly.

Jiang He agreed.

What does it mean? Section Chief Zhang tilted his head, indicating he didn't understand.

For the Hu people, without merchants, where would they obtain tea and salt? Not to mention fine porcelain and beautiful silk.

Wang Daheng had never felt that any trip beyond the pass had been this smooth.

Some also said: "Those Hu people say wool is so valuable, they'll have to keep their own wool from now on! I need to hurry back and make another round trip before winter comes to earn more."

Section Chief Zhang was greatly startled, hurriedly turned his head to look for the master.

Compared to animal pelts, wool can be called cheap; previously it basically wasn't on the trade list, the Hu people couldn't sell it, but unexpectedly this year the Central Plains suddenly demanded so much wool, compared to the previous cheap sales, it can be called a high price.

The parrot couldn't help but stare with dead-fish eyes at the letter on the table that was about to be buried.

"It's not right, reeking of goat smell, one whiff and you know it's a Hu person!" Section Chief Zhang furrowed his brows, "What's going on? With bandits here, nothing seems right."

Wang Daheng asked worriedly, "It really won't fall from midair, will it?" Looking at its wings that can't open.

Everyone present, upon hearing this, regardless of their thoughts, all praised the master for his bitter-mouthed Buddhist kindness, actually coming up with such a unique weight-loss method.

Or perhaps the host thought it through thoroughly; later, when his son returns to the capital, even if he has experience in Hu lands, those with ill intentions wanting to spread rumors will surely be defended by those who have benefited from him.

Jiang He lifted the feigned-dead parrot, calmly said: "This humble monk believes it can definitely do it; the journey is far, this humble monk will just see you off a bit." Saying that, he used one hand to throw it hard, almost like tossing an iron disc, hurling the parrot like a shooting star in the sky.

"The parrot has been gone for seven days, and I don't even know where it is!"

It just so happens that this time we're sending a letter, let it lose some weight along the way; otherwise it would get so fat it truly couldn't fly—can a flightless parrot still be called a bird? Wouldn't that be laughable to the world?

They also wanted to collect more wool; in the capital there are people who collect wool in large quantities, not as profitable as the fur trade, but the advantage is the volume.

Jiang He rolled his eyes at it, "Cut it out, even a big white snake isn't your match—this bit of weight is nothing!"

Section Chief Zhang stared at cart after cart of wool, unable to help asking the master: "What is this wool used for?"

Before, when the parrot was around, I didn't notice; now that there's no noisy parrot, even this road feels lonely.

Thinking about how many letters it has to carry, it just wants to die.

"Host, won't your conscience hurt?" The dead bird pretentiously squawked, "Besides, we're not carrier pigeons, and even carrier pigeons loaded with this much stuff can't fly."

Section Chief Zhang couldn't help but retch, his guards seemed to have overdone it.

And what have the border soldiers been eating, that such a large wave of bandits can't even be seen—are they blind?!

Section Chief Zhang was really scared inside, but luckily the master was with him… oh dear, where is the master?

"It might take half a year."

Parrot: "Dog host, I! @￥%&a; ……"

The master's arm strength is really strong… no, no, that's not the point.

Section Chief Zhang nimbly hid behind the cargo; although he's fat, he's an agile fat guy, he can't fight to the death with people, but he considers himself pretty good at escaping.

"Probably can't be saved." The master, twisting his prayer beads, opened his eyes, half-smiling, said: "Let people get ready, the bandits are coming."

As for these Hu bandits, killing more doesn't cause psychological burden, but I heard that Hu people can fight on horseback, so as bandits they might be stronger than those of Daqing.

Which holy monk wears a set of wrinkled clothes?

Those wings are fatter than chicken wings; if they don't fly more, they'll soon become mere ornaments.

He shouted loudly: "Killing one bandit rewards ten taels of silver, the more you kill the more you get!"

Section Chief Zhang, while fleeing, observed the battle situation, and soon became happy.

For the garrison troops of Daqing, without merchants, where would they get tax revenue? The soldiers are all starving! Moreover, the northwestern folk are tough; the ruffian soldiers, for merit, will also actively suppress bandits.

The parrot, unconvinced, shook its beautiful feathers: "I'm not fat; my feathers are just too fluffy, making me look fat."

He stared at the parrot's body for a while, "Besides, you need to lose weight; such a heavy body can't dodge Xiao Bai's attack."

The parrot continued to report other news: "Shitou has already passed the county exam, now striving for the next one."

The parrot also didn't want Shitou to come to harm, suggested: "Then host, you write another letter to remind him."

"Does it want to return to the capital? Can it fly with all those letters?" Section Chief Zhang asked the question everyone was wondering; he had actually always suspected the parrot's two wings were like chicken wings, meant for people to eat salt-baked chicken wings, not for flying.

"I'll go meet those bandits again, you hide well." Wang Daheng softly said to the chubby Section Chief Zhang who looks unable to fight at a glance.

Jiang He slapped open the hand of Section Chief Zhang that was gripping his clothes; these ancient garments are of poor quality, they wrinkle too easily— is it easy for him to maintain the image of a holy monk?

Although he wasn't present, he still understood Stone's study situation, knowing that Stone's departure was a bit too early.

Jiang He yawned, "The ranking isn't good, right? Next year's placement will still be about the same."

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