Chapter 032 Lao Bao has an idea
"Lu Xiaolang, what is this?"
Zhan Zhao pointed at the black jukebox, his face full of curiosity.
He wasn't the kind of fool who would think, 'There must be a little monster stuffed inside' when he saw a box making a sound.
But even so, it still feels very magical.
"The mechanical technique passed down by my master can play the recorded sound repeatedly. It's not worth mentioning." Lu Sen smiled and said, "Captain Zhan, please take a seat."
Zhan Zhao sat down as he was told, suppressing his curiosity and no longer looking at the jukebox next to him. Then he placed the golden stone sword in his hand on the table and said, "I have to thank Lu Xiaolang for saving my life."
"How to say?"
Zhan Zhao then recounted what had happened to him some time ago.
It turned out that he tracked the Five Rats to Songjiang Ferry, but happened to meet the Five Rats coming out of Xiankong Island.
At that time, the Golden-Haired Rat Bai Yutang was holding his master's cicada-wing sword and cut off the arrow hanging on the Ershu's calf. He was about to go to his master's sect to return the sword, but he bumped into Zhan Zhao.
Originally, it would not be difficult for Zhan Zhao to suppress the Five Rats, but unexpectedly, Bai Yuting actually used the Cicada Wing Sword in his hand. After the six people fought for half an hour, the Cicada Wing Sword cut off the Juque Sword.
Without his weapon, Zhan Zhao was no match for the Five Rats.
In desperation, Zhan Zhao had to pull out the stone sword given to him by Lu Sen.
He originally thought that the stone sword could only block three or four attacks from the cicada wing sword before breaking. However, after fighting for a long time until the five rats were forced back, the stone sword did not have any problems.
Although the stone sword is not sharp, it is really tough.
Afterwards, Zhan Zhao not only forced the Five Rats to retreat, he even seriously injured Bai Yutang and almost snatched the opponent's Cicada Wing Sword.
Logically speaking, two of the Five Rats are injured. As long as they continue tracking and entangle them for a few days, making them physically and mentally exhausted, they should be able to capture all five of them.
But suddenly he received a message from Governor Bao ordering him to return to Bianjing City as soon as possible.
"The Cicada Wing Sword that can block the third best sword in the world must be a rare sword." Zhan Zhao gently pushed it and said, "Zhan is not greedy, please ask Lu Xiaolang to take back this sword."
Warriors all love precious swords and famous sabers, and Zhan Zhao is no exception.
Deep down, he loved this sword to death, but because of his personal beliefs, he was unwilling to take advantage of others too much.
Lu Sen pushed the golden stone sword back from the table and said, "Captain Zhan, I gave the things away, and you accepted them before. How can I return them?"
“But…” Zhan Zhao gritted his teeth.
Lu Sen interrupted him and continued, "How about this, my little maid is very interested in the internal Qi training method. I would like to ask Captain Zhan if there is any Qi training method that can be spread freely without any sectarianism or scruples?"
“It does exist, but its grade is not very high, just barely acceptable.” Zhan Zhao thought for a moment and said.
"How about using this Qi training method to exchange for this stone sword?" Lu Sen said with a smile.
Zhan Zhao thought for a moment, clasped his hands together and said, "Then I will respectfully obey your command."
He stood up, picked up the sword again, put it behind his back, and said happily: "Lu Xiaolang, I have to go back to Kaifeng Prefecture to report to Governor Bao, so I won't bother you any more. I will come to visit you again after I have handed over my official duties and found the secret book."
"Okay, okay." Lu Sen also stood up and shouted to the outside: "Black Pillar."
"I'm here." Hei Zhu walked in from outside, holding a handful of raw vegetables, and handed them to Zhan Zhao with both hands: "This is a small gift from my husband, please accept it, Captain Zhan."
"Thank you." Zhan Zhao took the vegetables. This was a normal gift between host and guest, so he should accept it. He smiled and clasped his hands together to express his gratitude.
Then, with Lu Sen's farewell, he turned around and left the yard. When he was almost at the foot of the mountain, he could still faintly hear the music coming from halfway up the mountain.
“Mechanical engineering?” Zhan Zhao jumped on his horse and pondered carefully: “Is he a disciple of Lu Ban or Gui Gu?”
As we all know, disciples who can learn the art of mechanical engineering must come from these two schools.
But... no matter how he looked at it, he felt that Lu Sen was more like a disciple of Guiguzi.
Zhan Zhao rode back to Kaifeng Prefecture in his thoughts. Along the way, many young ladies and prostitutes on the street flirted with him, but he ignored them all.
After returning to Kaifeng Prefecture, he greeted many constables and wanted to find Bao Fuyin to report official business. He happened to meet his colleague Gongsun Ce, so Zhan Zhao stepped forward to greet him and said with a smile: "Long time no see, Gongsun Zhubu."
As soon as Gongsun Ce saw Zhan Zhao, he smiled and said, "Captain Zhan has returned just in time. Prefect Bao has had someone prepare roasted meat in the backyard and is asking us to come over and taste it together."
“That’s perfect.” Zhan Zhao smiled. He raised his right hand and showed his colleague a handful of raw vegetables. “A friend gave me some lettuce a while ago.”
“Lettuce wraps and roasted meat are indeed a perfect match.” Gongsun Ce clapped his hands with a smile.
The two men walked side by side and soon arrived at the backyard of Kaifeng Prefecture, where they met Bao Zheng, the prefectural governor, in the pavilion.
Bao Zheng was dressed in white and sat in the main seat.
He has a white face and a long beard, is slightly plump, has a high forehead and a square face, giving people a sense of majesty without even being angry.
Zhan Zhao stepped forward, bowed, and then wanted to report on his official business.
Bao Zheng waved his hand with a smile on his face: "Captain Zhan has just returned. He is tired from the journey. If there is nothing very important, we can talk about official business tomorrow. This government office is closed now. It is rare for us to get together with colleagues. Let's eat first."
In addition to Bao Zheng, there were also some constables and minor officials from Kaifeng Prefecture in the pavilion.
When everyone saw Zhan Zhao, they just sat down and bowed as a greeting.
We all know each other well, so just follow the etiquette, there's no need to be too serious.
What the crowd was surrounding was a large charcoal stove with a large square black iron plate on top.
A cook next to him was cutting the belly meat into thin slices and then placing them on an oiled iron plate. After roasting them for a few breaths, he picked them up piece by piece, put them in a bowl, and brought them to Bao Zheng.
Bao Zheng had someone to serve him, and the others came on their own.
Zhan Zhao saw this and handed the lettuce to the Bao family servant standing nearby, saying, "Go wash it quickly and bring it back up."
The servant immediately retreated with the lettuce.
Zhan Zhao and Gongsun Ce took their seats, and the detectives moved aside to make room for them.
Everyone present was Bao Zheng's trusted confidants, so there was no need for formalities and Zhan Zhao soon started chatting and laughing with them.
Not long after, the servant came over with a plate of washed lettuce and placed it on the corner of the black iron plate.
At first, no one cared too much. Although raw vegetables were quite expensive, they could still afford them.
Bao Zheng was honest, which meant he was not greedy.
But he was actually very rich. His annual salary alone was almost equal to one month's tax revenue in Hangzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Top-level civil servants usually have this annual salary, and can easily support a group of people.
Bao Zheng never had hungry soldiers. In addition to the food and wages issued by the court, Bao Zheng would also give extra supplements to the constables and officials of Kaifeng Prefecture.
They can try raw vegetables every now and then.
The constable closest to the lettuce plate took a piece of lettuce and wrapped it with the roasted pork belly. He took a bite and his eyes lit up: "Hmm? This lettuce is extremely delicious. Prefect, would you like to try it?"
Bao Zheng had eaten several pieces of pork belly in a row, and his mouth was a little greasy. He took a piece of lettuce and wrapped the meat slice to try. After chewing it, he nodded repeatedly and said, "The lettuce I have tasted in the palace is not as sweet as this. Everyone should try it too."
Bao Zheng was a minister who could attend palace banquets from time to time. He had eaten a lot of delicious food. If even he said it was good, then it was really good.
So everyone picked up a piece of lettuce to try it, and soon all the leaves in the plate were cleared away.
Everyone nodded and praised the meal while eating.
Gongsun Ce asked, "Captain Zhan, who is selling this lettuce? I'll buy some for you later. My old father has no appetite recently and can't eat greasy food. I think this should help him whet his appetite."
"This was given to me by a friend of mine. He has some planted in his yard, but there seems to be no sign of it being sold." Zhan Zhao smiled.
Gongsun Ce showed a regretful expression.
At this time, Zhan Zhao suddenly frowned slightly, thinking of Lu Sen's many miraculous things. He couldn't help but ask: "Prefect, Zhan has encountered some problems recently and doesn't know how to deal with them. Can you give me some advice?"
Bao Zheng sat up straight and looked at Zhan Zhao: "Xiong Fei, there is no need to be so distant. If you have anything to say, just say it."
Xiongfei is Zhan Zhao's pen name.
Zhan Zhao thought about it again, then raised his head and said seriously: "I may have met a magician ."
Everyone stopped using their chopsticks, feeling a little overwhelmed.
They had been following Bao Zheng for some time and knew that what Bao Zheng hated most was this kind of weird stuff.
After all, scholars believe in "not talking about strange and supernatural things" and generally speaking, they would not pay attention to these things.
In particular, the consequences of the "Heavenly Book" incident, which was planned by the late emperor, have not been completely eliminated until now.
Although Bao Zheng was young during the Heavenly Book Incident, he still remembers it clearly until now. At that time, the entire Song Dynasty was madly practicing Taoism and seeking immortality, disregarding the law and human feelings, and it was almost distorted.
As a result, all the ministers in the court who are over 50 years old do not have a good impression of Taoist priests and monks.
Bao Zheng was a little upset at this time, but his good scholarly manners made him appear calm: "Xiong Fei is also a well-informed person. Don't you even know that person's tricks are being used?"
"I really can't tell the difference." Zhan Zhao looked ashamed. "Besides, I always feel that he is a real magician."
Bao Zheng put down his chopsticks and took the matter seriously: "Xiong Fei, tell me, what is so magical about that man?"
Zhan Zhao then told him about some of the things that happened between him and Lu Sen, and also about the Fanglou and the jukebox that he had just seen.
Zhan Zhao was a good speaker, and he told the story in a leisurely manner. The constables and clerks were all moved and wished they could go to the hill to see it for themselves.
But after listening to it, Bao Zheng closed his eyes and thought for a while, then said, "I, as the prefect, have issued an order that what Xiong Fei said just now should not be heard by others, and everyone present should keep Xiong Fei's words in their hearts; and, except Xiong Fei, no one else is allowed to go to the short mountain to find the Taoist priest surnamed Lu, do you understand?"
Everyone's expression was stern, and they all clasped their fists, bowed their heads and shouted, "Your subordinates obey your orders."
Then Bao Zheng stood up and said, "You guys continue, Xiong Fei, follow me."
The two left the backyard and entered the study not far away.
Bao Zheng sat on the chair in front of the desk, squinting his eyes. After a while, he said, "The Taoist priest surnamed Lu you mentioned lives in a low mountain. That is the mountain behind the Yang family's ancestral hall. He even gave away the hinterland that is related to the rise and fall of the family. I think the Yang family knew that the Taoist priest was supernatural earlier."
In this era, even the smartest scholars believe in the existence of ghosts and gods to some extent.
There is no way around it; it’s the limitations of the times.
Zhan Zhao didn't say anything. He knew he was not very smart, so he never showed off his cleverness.
Unlike a certain mouse, he only does things honorably.
Bao Zheng took out a small black box from the bookshelf next to him. "This is the top-grade green tea given by the government. Put on your official uniform, take my name card, and go to the Yang family to say hello to Old Lady She on my behalf. Thank you for your help to Kaifeng Prefecture a few days ago. Besides, I am not feeling well and cannot go in person. I am very sorry. If you see Old Lady She, remember to check on her condition to see if there is any improvement."
Originally, Bao Zheng should have gone by himself, but he knew that he had a straight-forward character and was not good at acting, so he let Zhan Zhao go to investigate the matter.
Moreover, Zhan Zhao held the honorary position of a third-rank military officer. From the perspective of his superficial identity, it was not considered rude of him to meet Old Lady She.
Zhan Zhao nodded, picked up the small wooden box and went out.
After an incense stick of time, Zhan Zhao appeared at the gate of Tianbo Yang Mansion. He explained his purpose to Uncle Qi and handed over Bao Zheng's business card. Then he stayed at Yang Mansion for about half an incense stick of time, came out again, and returned to Kaifeng Mansion.
He went to the study and saw Bao Zheng, then he clasped his hands and said, "The prefect's gift has been sent to Yang's house. Old Lady She claimed to be ill and could not come out. It was Marshal Mu who received me."
Bao Zheng nodded: "Perhaps Old Lady She has recovered from her illness, and the Yang family seems to be trying to keep this a secret from too many people."
“Why is this?” Zhan Zhao was puzzled.
"Many people want Old Lady She to die sooner." Bao Zheng shook his head helplessly. "When the Yang family was prosperous, they offended many people. Now that they are declining, many people hope that the Yang family will collapse. Old Lady She is the only pillar of the Yang family. If she falls, the Yang family will fall."
Zhan Zhao understood: "Is the Yang family stalling for time and waiting for a turnaround?"
"The Yang family doesn't seem to want too many people to know about that Taoist Lu." Bao Zheng stroked the long black beard on his chin and said, "It just so happens that I also don't want too many people to know about that Taoist Lu, and I don't want his reputation to spread to the palace. Xiong Fei, do you think we can persuade that Taoist Lu to leave Bianjing City?"
Zhan Zhao was stunned.
At this time in Yang's residence, Yang Jinhua looked at the square glass bottle on the table, then at the sparkling honey inside. She felt itchy and always wanted to pour it out and drink a few sips with water.
Mu Guiying joked, "Don't be greedy. I'll have someone send this honey to the Northwest Army for your elder brother in a few days."
Mu Guiying and Old Lady She have tested it and found that just a little bit of this honey can cure hidden diseases in the body. Even if there is a big cut on the hand with blood flowing, just take a sip and the wound will heal immediately without even a scar left.
This good thing for healing wounds must of course be sent to Yang Dalang, who is fighting hard in the Northwest Army and trying to win glory for his family.
"But it looks really delicious." Yang Jinhua rested her chin on the table and said weakly, "Mom, can I just take a small sip? Just to taste it."
"If you really want to drink it, go find your Lu Xiaolang and ask him for it." Mu Guiying finally finished embroidering the peony flowers. The next step was to embroider the red veil with mandarin ducks.
Yang Jinhua sat up straight and glared at Mu Guiying: "What my Lu Xiaolang? There is nothing between him and me. How can you slander your daughter's innocence out of thin air?"
At this time, Old Lady She came over, and her maid Xiaotao was holding a blue bag in her hands.
"Just now I was thinking of asking Jinhua to deliver to Lu Xiaolang." Old Lady She leaned on her cane and walked to a chair and sat down: "Since Jinhua dislikes Lu Xiaolang, I will ask Xiaotao to deliver it on my behalf."
"No!"
Yang Jinhua snatched the blue bag from Xiaotao's hand, snorting.
Then she was stunned again, and her pretty face turned rouge under the teasing gazes of the two elders.
Finally, she grabbed her bag, covered her face with her hands, and ran out the door.
