Chapter 583: Openly repair the plank road, secretly cross the Chencang

Boom—!

The black horse trampled the accumulated snow on the long street.

A blood-colored cloak fluttered, and a Divine Fire Spear was slung across the shoulder.

High above, black kites circled and dived, skimming over the snow-covered rooftops.

The greatest advantage of the Black Feather Guard was still during the day.

With good visibility, paired with specially trained birds and warhorses, they could push the power of the Divine Fire Spear to its peak.

Even Li Yan did not want to face this group of people during the day.

They whipped their horses and charged toward every street in Chengdu, showing off their might while shouting loudly: "The Prince's Edict—at the third quarter of the Chen hour, the Joyous God will tour the square at the Martial Marquis Shrine, bestowing one shi of blessed rice!"

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the people of Shu also wanted to open their doors to welcome good fortune, but upon seeing the Black Feather Guard galloping through the streets, they were all so frightened they shut their doors.

Only after the sound of hooves faded did they carefully open their doors, half-believing and half-doubting, while exchanging New Year greetings with their neighbors.

"Proprietor Wang, Happy New Year!"

"Second Master Yang, Happy New Year!"

"Look, what is going on here?"

"I don't know. I thought they were going to keep the doors barred and not let anyone out this year. The Prince of Shu hasn't participated in the Joyous God's tour for many years; this is indeed suspicious..."

"Are you going?"

"I am. Why wouldn't I?! Didn't you hear? They're giving out a dan of rice. Anyway, they've already said they won't harass the people; just going to watch the excitement is enough."

"I'm afraid it's not appropriate. Forget it, I'll go alone."

"That's true, better to be safe."

The Salt Gang's distribution of benefits a few days ago had taken effect. Although the people were worried, firstly, they didn't want to abandon the New Year customs, and secondly, they could still receive rice, so every household decided to send someone to participate.

Some even sent the whole family, just to take advantage of the situation.

And the streets gradually became lively.

Some people set off firecrackers with a crackle, the gunpowder smoke wrapped in red paper scraps scattering across the sky. Looking from afar, the streets and alleys seemed to be dyed red with blood.

In a dark alley, Li Yan walked out wearing a bamboo hat.

Having witnessed Yang Chenghua's methods last night, he made a request after dawn, asking the other party to help him enter the Grand Commandery Prince's Mansion.

As long as the Grand Commandery Prince's soul-bewitching curse was broken, and those garrison generals were gathered and their curses lifted, there would be a chance to seize military power.

This was the key step to reversing the situation.

Originally, he had been at his wit's end, but with Yang Chenghua's help and the lobbying of Wang Yushi, there was a chance for success.

As long as he found the right timing.

He had hurried back, wanting to arrange this matter, but he hadn't expected to see this scene just as he entered the city gate.

The Prince of Shu arranging a "Joyous God's tour"?

It was definitely a scheme!

Li Yan frowned slightly and turned to leave.

He returned to the entrance of the secret passage he had left yesterday, only to find several yamen runners standing at the entrance. The old steward bowed and scraped, saying, "Sorry to trouble you all for coming. Perhaps our eyes were playing tricks on us. Please accept this small token of appreciation."

As he spoke, he stuffed a string of coins into their hands.

Having received the benefit, the yamen runners' tone became more amiable. "Sigh, no need to say that. Chengdu Prefecture did indeed have many strange occurrences last night, all caused by rebels and evil people. Being cautious is a good thing."

"Rest assured, we have searched, there is nothing..."

Li Yan shook his head slightly and left quickly.

This exit could no longer be used, lest he be exposed.

He arrived near the Chengdu river channel, checked that no one was around, leaped up, and jumped under the nine-hole stone bridge. He pushed aside the wild grass, revealing a stone pier carved with Taotie patterns.

The stone pier was ancient, heavily eroded by moss.

It looked very substantial, but Li Yan gave it a light push, revealing a hidden door. After slipping inside, he pushed it shut again, and it fit perfectly.

From the outside, there were no flaws.

This was another entrance to a secret passage.

It was gloomy and dark inside, with water seeping in some places. Li Yan took out a fire-starter, blew it to life, and following the map, gradually descended into the darkness.

During this time, it was not without gains.

After several rounds of negotiation, Wuxiang Young Master had given him more maps of the secret passages, making it convenient for him to move around Chengdu Prefecture.

Li Yan had also gradually figured some things out.

These underground passages in Chengdu Prefecture were mostly excavated along the branches of the Jin River, using blue brick arches as the framework, with the brick seams filled with sticky rice mortar, remaining intact for a thousand years.

Their history was long, tracing back even to the Qin and Han dynasties.

Back then, Li Bing governed Shu, opening two rivers (the Pi River and the Jian River) to irrigate the city, and the underground drainage network was initially formed...

During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Wu Hou expanded the "Nine-Mile Dike" defense system, and the underground channels also served as grain transport routes.

Therefore, following the Chengdu secret passages, one could go directly to the underground of the Martial Marquis Shrine; Wuxiang Young Master had used this to escape at that time.

According to him, there were still traces of "wooden ox and flowing horse" tracks inside.

And during the Tang Dynasty, Wei Gao governed Shu and changed the rammed earth channels to brick and stone structures. Some places still retained fragments of the "Stone Chamber Ode": The earth's veins connect secretly, capable of reaching thirty Battalion Commander of the brocade officials...

During the previous dynasty's North-South confrontation, it was expanded again, and later, the Salt Gang used it for smuggling.

Excavated by successive dynasties, the secret passages were as dense as a spider web, layered and overlapping, and combined with water seepage and collapses, they were complex enough to drive one to despair.

Only Wuxiang Young Master mastered all the secret passages.

Of course, he still refused to divulge the one leading into the Prince of Shu's Mansion.

Moving along the secret passage, Li Yan walked for the time it takes to burn three sticks of incense before finding a familiar path, speeding up, and returning to the underground of the Yu Wang Temple.

"Brother Li Yan is back?"

Just as he exited the tunnel, Sha Lifei walked over with a smile and whispered: "I heard Chengdu Prefecture was quite chaotic last night. That was you and that person, right?"

"Just some drunken rowdiness."

Li Yan shook his head slightly, then his expression turned solemn. "Is Wuxiang Young Master here? I'm afraid there's a major event!"

"The Joyous God's tour, we know about it too."

Sha Lifei stopped his playful demeanor and said in a low voice: "They are all inside, waiting for me to wait for you here."

"A lot of people have come, be careful..."

Li Yan understood and followed Sha Lifei into the backyard.

Sure enough, in the backyard hall of the Yu Wang Temple, more than a dozen people had already gathered.

Sitting in the seat of honor was none other than Wang Yushi.

A few days ago, Li Yan had used Wuxiang Young Master's channels to help Dong Cunshan go to Chongqing Prefecture to seek reinforcements, but he hadn't expected that this Wuxiang Young Master would secretly visit at night and reach a cooperation.

Wuxiang Young Master was willing to provide help to topple the Prince of Shu; it was his goal anyway, and he could take some benefits along the way.

And Wang Yushi, having fallen on hard times, had no one to rely on. Facing this helper who had delivered himself to the door, he naturally accepted with a smile, promising that after the matter was settled, he would help remove his name from the yamen's wanted list.

To be honest, these two were not acting very honorably.

Fortunately, Li Yan also had important matters and couldn't be bothered to argue with them.

Besides these two, there were other men and women of all ages in the hall; some were dressed as martial arts performers, others looked like ordinary merchants or peddlers.

But none of those who could come here were simple characters.

"Hahaha, Li Li Shaoxia has finally returned."

Sure enough, after seeing him arrive, Wuxiang Young Master laughed and quickly stood up to introduce him: "Everyone, this is the famous Li Li Shaoxia. The Water Ghost Craftsman Tian Qi and Granny Tang Yuan Nie Sangu were both killed by him."

"Li Li Shaoxia, this is Elder Yuan of the Salt Gang, this is President Liu of the Changchun Society, and this is Squire Wang of the Chengdu Chamber of Commerce..."

"Li Li Shaoxia is young and promising..."

"Long heard of your name. Even the Cheng Jianxian of the past couldn't do what you did by slaughtering those two old demons!"

"Greetings, everyone."

Li Yan cupped his hands, his eyelids twitching slightly.

The Prince of Shu was going to do something big on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. He knew Wuxiang Young Master was using this news to contact the martial arts people in the city.

This matter was understandable, and he didn't oppose it.

After all, the Prince of Shu's power was great, so they needed to find more helpers.

But bringing so many people here, weren't they afraid of the news leaking?

The Prince of Shu had planted many secret spies.

Seeming to know his concerns, Wuxiang Young Master smiled and said: "Li Li Shaoxia, rest assured. Those who came today are all trusted martial arts comrades. The Prince of Shu is rebelling and has been replaced by an evil person. We uphold chivalry, so how could we let him run amok!"

"Elder Yuan is right!"

"With Lord Wang in command, we will surely be able to eliminate the evil!"

Everyone echoed, cupping their hands toward the upper seat.

Li Yan took one look and understood immediately.

What a Wuxiang Young Master!

Based on his news alone, these martial arts people certainly wouldn't take the risk, but with Wang Yushi's guarantee, things were different.

The Great Xuan Dynasty was at its peak. The Yang family of Bozhou had influence across several states and stirred up turmoil throughout the Southwest, but within a few months, they were suppressed by the imperial army.

What was this bit of military force of the Prince of Shu?

The imperial army was still in Qianzhou and Ezhou and could turn around at any time. The Prince of Shu being suppressed was only a matter of time.

Being able to use this to build a relationship with a Censor was truly a business that couldn't lose.

Thinking of this, Li Yan couldn't help but secretly admire him.

!

There was a reason Wuxiang Young Master could be the leader of the Chengdu underworld. By playing both sides and using others' resources to achieve his goals, he had managed to organize a not-insignificant force.

"You are all too kind."

Wang Yushi no longer had his previous disheveled appearance. Sitting in the seat of honor with a solemn expression, he turned and cupped his hands: "You are all righteous warriors of the martial world. Once we slay the evil person and quell the chaos in Chengdu, I will personally report to His Majesty and request rewards for you all."

"Many thanks, Lord Censor."

For a time, the atmosphere in the hall was very harmonious.

Wuxiang Young Master saw this, smiled slightly, and cupped his hands: "My Lord, the Prince of Shu wants to 'tour the Joyous God,' what do you think?"

Wang Yushi was thoughtful, stroked his beard, and said: "That evil person has a big plot on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. To prevent accidents, he must eliminate future troubles."

"Appearing suddenly and taking risks today is most likely a trap!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a man hurried into the back hall and whispered a few words to Wuxiang Young Master.

"My Lord is wise!"

Wuxiang Young Master turned and cupped his hands, smiling: "Just now, I sent scouts to check the Prince of Shu's entourage."

"The Prince of Shu didn't bring many people this time, but he has replaced all his attendants. They are all Black Feather Guards and the evil cultists under his command. It is indeed a trap!"

"My Lord is wise!"

Everyone began to flatter him.

Li Yan frowned slightly, remaining silent.

What news just received?

Wuxiang Young Master had clearly already scouted the intelligence and was specifically helping Wang Yushi build his reputation in front of this crowd.

Even if Wang Yushi guessed wrong, there would be a remedy.

This Wuxiang Young Master was probably already planning for the future.

But at a time like this, he was still playing these games...

He was unhappy in his heart, but Wang Yushi above was very pleased with this, nodding calmly: "This matter is not hard to guess."

As he spoke, he pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice: "But this is also an opportunity. Since that evil person has taken away his elite subordinates, we will use his own strategy against him and seize military power!"

"Seize military power?"

Elder Yuan of the Salt Gang frowned slightly and cupped his hands respectfully: "My Lord, although we are willing to give our lives, our manpower in the city is truly insufficient. Charging into the garrison is no different from seeking death."

"It would be safer to wait for the reinforcements from Chongqing Prefecture and coordinate from inside and outside."

"That is incorrect."

Wang Yushi stood up, his expression solemn as he shook his head: "The military force of the Chongqing garrison is at most thirty thousand. Even if they rush to help by water, it will take at least three days to arrive."

"I have checked. Since the twelfth lunar month, the Prince of Shu has used the Chengdu Lantern Festival as an excuse to have the Salt Gang deliver large quantities of grain and grass. Combined with Chengdu's high walls and defenses, he can hold out for several more months."

"When the time comes to attack the city, it will surely be a catastrophe."

"If we can seize military power, we can avoid this disaster!"

Everyone looked at each other, not speaking.

The logic was sound, but risking one's life was another matter.

It was still Wuxiang Young Master who looked around and said loudly: "My Lord would not let us die in vain; he must have a plan."

"That is correct."

Wang Yushi said in a deep voice: "The Grand Commandery Prince's maternal family has great prestige in the army. That evil person can control military power precisely because the curse has bewitched the Grand Commandery Prince."

"As long as you all sneak into the Commandery Prince's Mansion and control everyone, once the curse is broken, plus my persuasion, we can use the excuse of the first lunar month banquet to lure those generals into the mansion!"

Wuxiang Young Master also smiled: "My Lord's move is brilliant. To be honest, I have a secret passage that leads directly to the Grand Commandery Prince's Mansion garden. Controlling them will be easy."

Others also saw it.

These two had probably already decided on the plan.

It was nothing more than singing in harmony to force them to agree.

But at this point, there was no turning back.

"We will follow your Lordship's advice!"

Everyone cupped their hands in agreement.

Wang Yushi smiled slightly and looked at the silent Li Yan: "Li Li Shaoxia, this matter cannot do without your help. I wonder what your thoughts are."

Li Yan frowned and said: "If it can succeed, naturally there is no problem, but that evil person is not simple. If it's a chain trap..."

"Li Li Shaoxia, rest assured."

Wuxiang Young Master said in a deep voice: "This secret passage has never been exposed. As long as we act quickly, there will be no problem."

"And according to custom, the Prince of Shu's Joyous God tour must first go to Anfu Temple's Black Pagoda to ascend and pray for blessings. This is the tradition of 'Looking West from Brocade City' since the Song Dynasty."

"We can send people to harass them along the way, making him think we have fallen for it. Before entering the Grand Commandery Prince's Mansion, we can also scout it out first."

"If it really is a trap, we can leave in time."

Li Yan was silent for a moment and nodded slightly.

The plan of these two could be considered very thorough.

Such an opportunity was indeed worth a gamble...

…………

Unknowingly, it was almost the Chen hour.

Three ceremonial cannons roared, and the main gate of the Prince of Shu's Mansion slowly opened.

The massive ceremonial procession finally appeared.

At the very front were guards in red, holding eight-sided dragon-patterned sun and moon flags, followed by sixteen musicians beating drums and gongs, playing the "Chao Tian Zi" tune...

The central sedan chair of the Prince of Shu was framed with golden nanmu wood, covered with bright yellow silk curtains embroidered with five-clawed dragon patterns. The top of the sedan chair hung with tassels, and a hundred ceremonial guards were lined up in two rows in front, with twenty-four attendants holding red-lacquered ritual vessels...

The might of the Prince of Shu's Mansion rushed toward them.

By this time, many people were already on the streets, scattering to avoid them.

Although they wanted to participate in the Joyous God's tour, they didn't dare to get too close.

But just at this moment, the Chief Eunuch of the Prince's Mansion, Eunuch Liu, flicked his horsetail whisk and shouted: "His Highness has ordered the special casting of 'Joyous God Money' to reward the people of Chengdu, to pray for favorable weather, good fortune, and longevity~"

As soon as he finished speaking, eunuchs in brocade clothes rode their horses, each carrying large bags of copper coins, scattering them into the crowd with a clatter.

"Scattering money~ scattering money!"

The surrounding people immediately rushed to scramble for it.

"Long live the Prince!"

"May the Prince have good fortune and longevity!"

Many people smiled and bowed to the sedan chair from afar.

This New Year was more enjoyable than ever.

First, they sent salt and gifts, then rice.

Well, now they were even scattering money directly.

Could it be that the Prince of Shu didn't plan to live past this?

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 584 =====