Chapter 675

Why was Widow Wang here?

Li Yan was surprised in his heart, stepped back slightly, and hid his body in the darkness.

To tell the truth, his popularity in Li Family Fort was not good; except for Hei Dan, he had almost no friends.

One was that most of his energy was spent thinking about how to practice his martial arts well.

The second was the conflict of concepts from his past life.

He spoke directly, was too lazy to spend effort on human relationships, and wouldn't suffer even half a loss.

Others couldn't afford to provoke him, so they could only not associate with him and gossip behind his back.

As for Widow Wang, there was even less interaction.

It wasn't until the appearance of the Cold Altar Rampaging Soldiers that both sides had to join forces.

But after the event, Widow Wang, along with the fox immortal she worshipped, also immediately fled and disappeared.

Li Yan only knew that they were Out-Horse Immortals from the northern frontier, seemingly hiding from enemies.

If they had met on the road, it would have been fine, but appearing here now...

The matter seemed not that simple.

Just as Li Yan was pondering, the atmosphere in the courtyard changed again.

"Truly peerless beauty!"

A young master in white sighed, hitting his fan, and signaled to the servant beside him.

The servant immediately ran out carrying a silver bag, and soon, a pimp shouted loudly in the courtyard: "Young Master Lu sends two flower baskets to Miss Hu; good times and beautiful scenery, flowers are good and the moon is round, there is a time!"

Immediately, maids placed two flower baskets on the embroidered building.

"Wow, Young Master Lu is so generous!"

Exclamations instantly came from several rooms.

Li Yan knew this thing; it was similar to a theater troupe, all for showing support.

Similar to the rewards of his past life, first grabbing a bit of color, showing off.

The flower baskets in Chang'an City had expensive and cheap ones, ranging from twenty taels to two hundred taels.

But looking at this situation, the price was definitely higher.

"Tsk tsk..."

Before he could ask, Dong Cunshan beside him sneered, "This flower basket is five hundred taels; it's rare to see one on weekdays, but now two are sent at once, throwing a thousand gold just to get a beauty's smile, people from the Ministry of Revenue are really rich."

Seeing Li Yan's confusion, he explained in a low voice: "This kid is named Lu Deqian, his father is Lu Wang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and his mother's family is also a powerful clan in Jiangnan. Relying on his father's name, he opened a weaving workshop and earned quite a bit of silver."

Li Yan furrowed his brows, "Being so flamboyant, aren't you afraid of causing trouble?"

Dong Cunshan laughed, "That Lu Wang was originally a small official in Jiangnan, but because of the Open Seas matter, he was forcibly supported by the Open Seas faction."

"Over the years, there have been quite a few such officials who have soared to the sky in the capital; some know how to keep a low profile, but most don't change their merchant habits, becoming arrogant and losing their senses, and sooner or later there will be problems!"

In his words, there was clearly some contempt.

Li Yan nodded slightly, saying nothing.

Dong Cunshan came from the Bagua Sect, a top-tier existence in the martial world; since the Great Xing era, he had been famous, and now there was a Grandmaster sitting in charge.

It could be said that he was a real local in the capital.

Although the Bagua Sect would look at the wind direction, they had long since befriended the Open Seas faction, and even sent many disciples to Chengdu to assist and protect the Wang Wang Yushi, but what they did and what they thought were two completely different things.

Some of the styles of the Open Seas faction were clearly not liked by Dong Cunshan.

When in Chengdu, Li Yan had vaguely sensed this.

Dong Cunshan had lost his motivation after being injured, so he naturally didn't have any scruples in his words anymore.

"Young Master Lu is so generous."

In the East Wing room, a sneer suddenly rang out: "But the Ministry of Revenue just investigated the grain transport deficit this spring; is your father willing to let his son squander it?"

The young master in white heard this, his face instantly becoming ugly, and he sneered, "It's just a thousand taels of silver; my uncle does legitimate business, some expenses don't count for anything."

"It's you, spitting blood and dragging in the Ministry of Revenue..."

"If you think my family embezzled silver, why not let your father file a complaint?"

Once these words were spoken, the person opposite immediately stopped talking.

"That's the son of Zhou Zhe, the Wang Wang Yushi of the City Patrol."

Dong Cunshan shook his head, "A dog of the local faction; originally a famous Confucian scholar, but now he bites people everywhere. These days, because foreign merchants bombarded the Tianjin wharf, he has made a big fuss about this matter, attacking the Open Seas faction, causing several people to lose their official positions, and he's not a good bird either."

"The capital is really lively..."

Li Yan also followed up with a joke.

He had long been accustomed to such things, which had existed from ancient times to the present.

He also knew why the other party didn't dare to talk back.

Everyone knew that the real person in charge of the Ministry of Revenue now was the current Emperor.

This Majesty almost had his position snatched when he was young; perhaps it was a psychological shadow, so from the beginning, he firmly held the power of money, grain, and military, not allowing any force to interfere, and although he caused quite a few messes, he also thoroughly controlled the imperial court because of this.

Of course, there were too many things this Majesty wanted to do.

The accounts of the Ministry of Revenue had also become a mess.

If it weren't for the profits brought by opening the seas, the national treasury would have had big problems long ago.

Audit the accounts?

Who dared to audit?

By the time it was audited, it was estimated that it was all the Emperor's problem.

The Emperor naturally couldn't have a problem.

Then only someone else could lose their head.

Of course, with this thousand taels of silver, it couldn't suppress the young masters in the capital present.

Not long after, someone sent three flower baskets, four flower baskets.

They were mocking each other and tearing each other down.

Dong Cunshan didn't lie; he was just here to watch the fun, sipping wine while introducing:

"The one in purple is Wang Chongming, the only son of Wang Xianzhao, Minister of the Ministry of War; last month he beat a scholar to death for fighting over a woman..."

"That one playing with a fire gun in his hand is even more troublesome; his grandfather is Zhao Bi, Duke of Zhenguo, who manages the three major camps of the capital..."

As he spoke, he pointed to the green-shirted scholar who was silent in the North Wing, "That one looks gentle, but he is actually Feng Shaoqing, the godson of Feng Yuan, Commander of the Commandant's Office; he doesn't speak on weekdays, but is very insidious behind the scenes."

Li Yan was already somewhat impatient, "Are the young masters in the capital all like this?"

"That's not the case."

Dong Cunshan shook his head, "There are also some powerful ones, either studying or joining the army, avoiding these playboys from afar."

"Shut up, all of you!"

Suddenly, Commandery Prince Hai could no longer hold back, drunk and tipsy, he tore off the coiled dragon jade pendant at his waist, "This Prince uses this as a betrothal gift; tonight, this big candle, this Prince has decided to light it, no one is to fight with me!"

"Commandery Prince, you can't!"

The two guards saw this and were instantly scared to their knees, but they couldn't stop Commandery Prince Hai from throwing the jade pendant toward the embroidered building.

Just as the jade pendant crossed the air, a figure broke through the air, borrowing strength by stepping on the rockery in the courtyard, arriving later but reaching first, scooping the jade pendant into his hand, and then landing with a beautiful swallow-turn.

It was Feng Shaoqing, the godson of the Commandant's Office Commander.

"Good!"

Commandery Prince Hai was actually applauding happily, clearly already drunk.

Feng Shaoqing smiled, shook his head, and said, "Commandery Prince Hai, this is a treasure bestowed by His Majesty after you were born while Prince Ying was still alive; don't joke, please put it away."

"I... my things, do you need to meddle?"

Commandery Prince Hai's tongue was thick, his face full of impatience.

He was not valued in the Commandery Prince's Mansion, his monthly allowance was limited, and he had been punished with grounding; having snuck out, the money he brought was not much.

Originally he was a bit annoyed, seeing these playboys, each more generous than the other, and thinking of himself, the son of Prince Ying, falling into this state, he became hot-headed and threw out the most precious thing on him.

It was said that Buddha fights for a stick of incense, and people fight for a breath.

But Commandery Prince Hai's breath was clearly fought in the wrong place.

"Many thanks, Young Master Feng."

A guard hurriedly stepped forward and carefully took the jade pendant. Seeing this, Commandery Prince Hai was even more furious, "Stop, this Prince said if I gave it, I gave it! Even if I have to lose my head tomorrow, this thing must be sent out today."

"My lord, stop making trouble..."

The two guards were about to cry.

If the thing was really sent out, Commandery Prince Hai didn't know what would happen, but they would definitely die.

"Hehe..."

Another playboy laughed, "Xiao Chenghai, you're crazy, we don't dare to follow, let's go!"

Having said that, he directly stood up and left.

At the same time, a few others shook their heads slightly and left, but the look in their eyes when looking at Xiao Chenghai was already like looking at a dead person.

Li Yan only then knew that this Commandery Prince Hai was named Xiao Chenghai.

Prince Ying was originally surnamed Qin, but as the Emperor's trusted general, he changed his name to the national surname, so the Prince Ying lineage was all surnamed Xiao.

Today's matter originally didn't count for anything.

Sending out the jade pendant, at worst he would secretly exchange it back, and no one would strictly pursue it.

But that Feng Shaoqing seemed to be saving the situation, but in reality, he poked the window paper in public.

This was clearly digging a hole.

Some playboys had already seen that something was wrong, so even with a beauty in front, they had to leave quickly to avoid getting into trouble.

Dong Cunshan was deep in thought, saying in a low voice: "Prince Ying's Mansion is being watched, someone wants to use them as a stepping stone..."

"Xiao Chenghai!"

Just at this moment, an angry voice came from outside the door.

But he saw a black-faced middle-aged man with a square face, leading a few people walking quickly, seeing Commandery Prince Hai, who was full of wine and shrinking, he instantly snorted, "Grab him and take him back!"

As he spoke, he looked at the two guards, his eyes gloomy, "How did you handle things!"

The two guards were trembling all over, hurriedly explaining the matter.

"Oh?"

This middle-aged man was clearly experienced, immediately turning his head to look at Feng Shaoqing, a trace of murderous intent flashing in his eyes, but he didn't say much, directly leading his people, dragging Commandery Prince Hai away like a dead dog.

"That is Xiao Jingyan, the second younger brother of the current Prince Ying."

Dong Cunshan drank a cup of wine, saying in a low voice: "The big and small real matters of Prince Ying's Mansion are decided by him and Prince Ying; if you want to know something, he knows it best."

Li Yan cupped his hands slightly, "Many thanks, Brother Dong."

He knew that this old martial world hand, Dong Cunshan, had already seen who his target was.

"Hehe, no problem."

Dong Cunshan smiled and raised his glass, "This place today is really not presentable, when Brother Li is convenient, I will set up a wine to welcome you, and by the way, help me teach my disciples a lesson, let them know what is meant by 'there are people outside people, and there is a heaven outside heaven'."

"Brother Dong is joking."

Li Yan took a sip of the wine and gave an ambiguous answer.

He knew that Dong Cunshan's invitation was not that simple.

There were three Grandmasters sitting in the capital.

Excluding Huo Yin, the Grandmaster of the Bagua Sect was also among them.

It was rumored that when the two were young, they didn't get along, and the Dong family also forbade disciples from joining the Divine Fist Society.

His reputation was great, but he was only a junior; asking for guidance was pure nonsense.

Who knew what was inside, so he naturally couldn't easily agree.

Dong Cunshan laughed heartily and didn't say anything more, just kept urging him to drink, and after drinking a few cups, he stood up to say goodbye.

Before leaving, he turned his head specially, "Brother Li, rest assured, I haven't seen you tonight."

Clearly, he knew that Li Yan had hidden his identity to enter the city and must be doing something big; pretending not to see was already very much in line with the rules of the martial world.

"Brother Dong, we'll meet again later."

Li Yan also cupped his hands to say goodbye, but his attention was in the courtyard.

A play of a brothel girl debuting directly became a farce.

That Feng Shaoqing didn't rush to leave, but after others had left one after another, he turned and walked toward the embroidered building.

The pimps and thugs of the Piaoxiang Pavilion not only didn't stop him but also nodded respectfully and retreated.

This kid has a relationship with the Tiger Might Hall!

Li Yan's heart stirred, and he immediately pinched the Yang formula, his little finger flicking slightly.

Swish!

A paper man flew out from the leather bag at his waist, sliding rapidly along the dark corner of the wall, silently, and drilled into the embroidered building.

He remembered Luo Faqing's warning that there were many vulgar gods in the capital, and one should not use magic arts at will.

Although he didn't fear them at all because of his Celestial Official status, it was better to provoke as little trouble as possible, so he used the paper man, which had the least movement and was the most secret, to investigate.

As he closed his eyes, his vision also moved rapidly with the paper man.

First floating up from the dark corner of the wall, then landing in the crack of the eaves.

The situation in the embroidered building was also clear at a glance.

He saw that the girl surnamed Hu was already sitting in the main seat in the room, her eyelids drooping, her onion-white jade fingers holding a teacup, lightly skimming the tea foam.

Although she was still peerless in beauty, she had the posture of someone in a high position.

Widow Wang was serving carefully on the side.

Even that Feng Shaoqing was standing respectfully in the hall with his chest lowered and head bowed.

Sure enough, there was a problem!

Li Yan became interested and covered his aura even more carefully.

After the girl surnamed Hu drank a sip of tea, she glanced lightly, "Speak, why interrupt the plan?"

"Incense Master, don't be angry."

Feng Shaoqing hurriedly cupped his hands, his face full of flattery, "That coiled dragon jade pendant, I'm not the only one who recognizes it; if I played dumb, tomorrow they would make a big fuss about this matter, Prince Ying's Mansion would be annoyed, and they would inevitably investigate deeply, and the Incense Master's identity would also be exposed."

"If I point this out, they will think it's our Commandant's Office wanting to find trouble with Prince Ying's Mansion."

"Hahaha..."

The woman surnamed Hu suddenly sneered, "So, I have to thank you?"

Five parts charming, with five parts wild flamboyance, making one's heart and spirit sway.

What a powerful charm technique!

Li Yan was shocked in his heart, inexplicably thinking of a fox.

Feng Shaoqing's face was also full of infatuation, but his body trembled, and sweat instantly broke out on his forehead, explaining: "Incense Master, please see clearly, I really have no ill intentions. Some time ago, something happened at the Tianjin wharf, foreign demon people bombarded the wharf, and the Jinghai Gang controlled by Prince Ying's Mansion participated in it."

"This matter caused a storm in the city, and many people wanted to take a knife to Prince Ying's Mansion, but none succeeded. Does the Incense Master know why?"

The woman surnamed Hu raised her eyes, "Don't sell the secret."

"Yes, yes."

Feng Shaoqing hurriedly replied: "Over the years, the Emperor has successively cut down the vassal states and gathered military power, and the meritorious officials who followed from the dragon have been thrown into prison one after another, and even his own younger brother, Prince Shu, rebelled; there have already been bad words spreading among the people, saying that the Emperor is heartless and wants to clean up the old officials in the court."

"After the Tianjin incident, Prince Ying entered the palace overnight and knelt outside the hall for a whole night; although the Emperor responded, he also intentionally or unintentionally controlled the court struggle between the Open Seas and local factions, clearly wanting to let Prince Ying's Mansion go."

"Prince Ying's Mansion won't be destroyed; even if you invite a living Yin-runner and control Xiao Chenghai, it's estimated that you won't be able to force out that Wuleji..."

So it was for that "Dark Five Immortals" that they came.

Li Yan suddenly realized and guessed the identity of these people.

Northern Frontier Five Immortals Hall!

Just at this moment, the woman surnamed Hu suddenly raised her hand, her eyes becoming fierce, looking outside the door.

"Which bastard dares to spy on this lady!"

Li Yan thought he had been exposed, but his brows furrowed, and he suddenly opened his eyes to look outside the courtyard.

He smelled a pungent bloody smell.

But he saw that in the darkness came a faint sound, and the heads of the pimps and guests in the Piaoxiang Pavilion were falling one after another.

All the people were as if possessed, dying without making half a sound.

And Li Yan also smelled a scent of incense floating above the small courtyard.

The woman surnamed Hu in the embroidered building instantly changed her face,

"Not good, it's the Night-Wandering God!"

(End of chapter)