Chapter 103 Lifelong Event
June 14th
The two walked for a day and a night and finally returned to Tokyo. Although they had dinner together in a restaurant, Shen Kuo and Yong'er did not say more than ten sentences to each other. Yong'er was like a piece of ice. She was not good at speaking and did not like to express herself actively. If you asked her something, she would only answer with a few words. Her eyes were pure, but also a little dull. No matter how caring she was, she could not get a smile on her face. She seemed not to be able to laugh at all. Or she did not even know how to feel happy, angry, sad, or joyful. But she and her sister had the same ability, which was to appease the old donkey with a very bad temper who cried all day long. Even just stroking its cheek could calm the donkey down. Unlike Xiaoping, Yong'er was muttering something when she was appeasing the donkey, but it was unclear what she was saying. When Shen Kuo asked her, she said that it was a secret mantra taught to her by the Saint Auntie, which could calm all animals, including wolves, tigers, leopards, and pythons.
When they saw the city gate, they heard the sound of drums from the city wall in the distance. It seemed that the city gate was about to be closed. The two men whipped the animals together and finally entered the city in time.
After entering the city, he went straight to the Northeast Army Headquarters in the inner city. This matter was extremely confidential, so it was obviously not appropriate to go to Yang Wei De's house first.
When it was completely dark, the two rushed to the Military Headquarters. Shen Kuo was cautious and asked Yong'er to stay in a teahouse outside to listen to Gu first. She sat in the back row with a veil on so that no one could see her face clearly.
After arranging these, Shen Kuo went in to report. His purpose was to check if there were any strangers inside. He was most worried that Wen Yanbo was still having tea with Mr. Bao.
When he entered the door, he saw soldiers sweeping the grounds and Xu Chong squatting on a stone bench feeding chickens. These chickens were the ones that Lao Bao had used to test whether there was poison in the bran that the pigs ate. The poison was not found, but now they have become familiar with the dogs who also came to test the poison. Now the military department is in chaos all day long.
However, Xu Chong was absent-minded while feeding the chickens, and sighed from time to time. He lived in a nearby military camp, and often stayed in the military headquarters until late to help Bao Zheng with some extra affairs, but today his sighing was a bit unusual. Shen Kuo hurried forward to ask the reason, of course he could probably guess the reason, it must be related to Jin'er.
"Brother Xu..."
"You are finally back."
Xu Chong grabbed Shen Kuo with both hands, but there was still no life in his eyes.
"Is my husband here?"
"Right here. My husband just came back from the palace. He just mentioned why you haven't come yet. He said that if you don't come back tomorrow, he will send someone to look for you."
"I see you're a little depressed, but what about Jin'er?"
"Hey... Before you left, you gave me your savings for the past few months. I am so grateful. But... But that fake painting seller, Mr. Pei, is really hateful. He still paid a high price to buy Jin'er."
"It's only been a few days, how come it's sold so quickly?"
"It's because Mr. Pei spent money down the mountain, and the stuttering prince consort arranged it for him. He insisted on buying her as a concubine, saying that she could help him manage the accounts, so he could hire one less accountant. Do you see how irritating this profiteer is? Hey... Brother Shen, you'd better go in quickly. My husband is waiting. I'm miserable myself, so I can't blame others."
"Is there anyone else inside?"
"Mr. Wen was here just now. They went into the palace together to comfort the emperor. After coming out of Xihua Gate, they drank tea and talked for a while. They all looked embarrassed, but Mr. Wen has left now. Don't worry, I didn't tell Mr. Bao a word about our meeting with Mr. Wen in Yan's house that day."
"That's great. I have one more thing to trouble you with, brother."
"What is it?"
"Can you please lead all the servants and soldiers out of this courtyard? I have a guest who must not be seen through and I want to introduce him to Mr. Bao."
"Did Xiao Ping get found?" Xu Chong was not confused.
"Um!"
"Leave it to me. I'll invite you brothers to have a drink. There will naturally be no idle ears and eyes in this yard." Xu Chong said as he stood up and left. Shen Kuo walked into the main hall, stopped at the door for a while, and thought carefully about all the details before going in.
Old Bao was feeling depressed. The two cups of tea on the table were still steaming and had not been cleared away, indicating that Wen Yanbo had been gone for a short time. When he saw Shen Kuo coming in, he quickly walked around the table.
"Cunzhong, you are back. Xu Chong said that you left the city as soon as the city gate opened on the eighth day of the sixth lunar month. It has been six days now. I was so anxious. You are finally back."
Old Bao was not angry. He grabbed Shen Kuo's sleeve and pulled him to a chair.
"Someone, bring some tea."
Lao Bao called for help, but no one responded outside.
"Sir, I've asked Xu Jie, who is from the Military Headquarters, to leave."
Shen Kuo picked up the teacup on the table and drank it all without caring who had the leftovers. He was indeed thirsty.
"Is it something confidential?"
"Exactly."
Bao Zheng thought for a moment, then went to the gate again and found that the yard was indeed empty. Shen Kuo was really meticulous in his work.
"Okay, there are no eyes or ears around, you can tell me anything."
"Sir, the soldiers around you are not your spies. They are not the ones we need to guard against. I did go too far by sending them away."
Shen Kuo put down the teacup in his hand and Bao Zheng immediately understood the hidden meaning of Shen Kuo's words.
"You mean to say that the one we need to guard against is Prime Minister Wen?"
"Exactly."
"I asked Xu Chong how he knew that you left the city gate early in the morning on June 8th. He refused to tell me where you went that night. I guess you went to some places."
"I still remember that day when we searched the Kaibao Pagoda, my husband said something thought-provoking. At that time, you said: National law is the foundation of the country, and if the law is enforced justly, the foundation of the country will be strong. However, I still thought too shallowly. If it is too just, I am afraid it will shake the foundation of the country. Not only Huailiang, but too many people are self-righteous and think they can do whatever they want by upholding the public spirit. It's a pity and hateful!"
Lao Bao stood up and paced back and forth twice.
"Sir, please forgive me for being so rude, but what is the meaning of this?"
"As smart as you are, you must have this question. Okay, I will tell you in detail. That day, I talked to Minister Wen about some strange cases. He said that there was a dripping design on the crossbow on the Baifan Building, deliberately preventing the crossbow from hitting the palace gate. It seems that the Maitreya Sect may not be united. I also said that I didn't mean it, but unexpectedly, Minister Wen suddenly said that maybe there are loyal and righteous people in the Maitreya Sect? Of course, I didn't understand. Then he mentioned that the previous emperor was superstitious about ghosts and gods, and the court was in a mess. However, since the appearance of the hat monster thirty years ago, the previous emperor was afraid and afraid of disaster from heaven, so he didn't dare to After playing tricks again, the court atmosphere was changed. From then on, the sea was peaceful and the river was calm. The world was at peace for more than 20 years. Until now, the emperor has become more inclined to believe in astronomy and use the theory of astrology to decide state affairs, instead of relying solely on the court's policy as before. I felt that he was talking about something else. Then he changed his mind and said: "Loyal words are unpleasant to the ear, but children's songs and prophecies are acceptable to the emperor." It was clear that children's songs and prophecies were the words that the emperor would listen to. But I didn't ask further, and I didn't dare to ask further. I knew that he had suppressed the rebellion in Beizhou and understood the Maitreya religion the most. I was really afraid that I would find out that he was involved in this matter."
"However, it's not just Minister Wen. Minister Yan Shu is also involved. I think there are many officials in the court who are involved in this case, all for the so-called nursery rhymes and prophecies." Shen Kuo decided to get straight to the point.
"You came to see me today, and you weren't worried that I was among them?"
"I am indeed a little worried. However, that day, Xu Jieji and I climbed up to the Yan Mansion to eavesdrop, and Wen Xianggong was there. He mentioned that he had wanted to persuade you secretly, but you didn't move. I think it's like this: Honest words are unpleasant to the ear, but you accept the prophecies of children's songs."
"Ah... Since Dong Zhongshu, our Holy Religion has indeed had stories of taking advantage of disasters and using prophecies to persuade the king to implement benevolent policies. Sacrificial offerings and asking for divinations are also the legacy of Confucius. However, interpreting the disasters from heaven as the king's immorality and promoting good governance is one thing, but pretending to be a god and making a demon is another thing to associate with the Maitreya Religion? Ah... go on."
"The Hat Demon from 30 years ago was planned by Prime Minister Yan and important officials in the court. Also involved at the time was Yu Hao, the grandfather of Yu Jing who has been executed. A few years ago, the government began to use the trends of the stars to force reforms, which aroused the dissatisfaction of the court officials. However, by then Yu Hao had died and the method of the Hat Demon had been lost."
"So they thought of Maitreya?"
"That's right. This matter is very complicated. In order to control the sect, Yan Shu found a pair of sisters and infiltrated the sect to act as saints."
"Is that the wanted Xiao Ping? I know she is called Fox Fairy Yong'er in the sect."
"Actually, Xiao Ping is Xiao Ping and Yong Er is Yong Er. They are sisters."
Lao Bao waved his hand. It was a headache to hear all these tricks played by Yan Shu, so he let him continue.
"Now, the Maitreya sect has a new leader. I met him once in Beimang Mountain. He is a meticulous person, and his actions are extremely cunning. We cannot see his true face. Now, without Master Huailiang intervening in the sect, and without the Saint Girl sent by Minister Wen to control it, and with the guest star flickering in the northeast, I am afraid that a great disaster will occur."
"I am also worried about this. During the past few days when you were away, I went to the palace to see His Majesty every day, but I saw that His Majesty had lost weight and neglected state affairs. If we cannot solve the mystery of the hell picture on the wall, I am afraid that there will be no improvement."
Shen Kuo suddenly stood up and knelt in front of Lao Bao, which scared Lao Bao.
"Cunzhong, why are you doing this?"
"I am a dull person, and it is hard for me to figure out how the hell picture on the palace wall was made. I cannot help you, sir. I just want you to show mercy and invite Master Huailiang back."
"Please bring him back... Do you know where he is hiding?"
Old Bao suddenly realized that no one around him was telling the truth, and Shen Kuo was actually hiding something. Old Bao stood up and walked to the court, then sat down on the chair.
"It is not only the people who are kind-hearted who want to be pardoned, but to pardon them is not only a violation of the law, but also a deception of the emperor. Get up, I promise you, if I don't go to hell, who will?"
Shen Kuo stood up: "There is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"It may not be easy to invite Master Huailiang back, as he still has some unresolved issues."
"What kind of knot?"
"It's Prime Minister Di Qing. We must ask Prime Minister Di Shu to come and apologize in person."
"Let me handle this matter. I have some history with Di Qing. I heard that he had suffered from a poisonous sore in the past few years, and his character has actually changed a lot. He often lamented that he had committed too many sins of killing."
"One more thing."
"Go ahead."
"I brought that Yong'er here."
"Please invite her in for a chat."
Shen Kuo went out and called Yong'er in, and they met in the lobby. Bao Zheng was also quite surprised when he saw Yong'er, and found that the shadows and figures were completely different from those drawn by the painters in Kaifeng Prefecture. The reason for this was probably caused by Wen Yanbo. If Xiaoping was caught, it would certainly be a threat to him.
Shen Kuo mentioned that Yong'er had to stay in the capital to wait for Xiao Ping to send some news, so Bao Zheng allocated some money and asked Shen Kuo to find a place outside the city to settle Yong'er. That night, they stayed at the Juntousi Inn.
Early in the morning of June 15th, Shen Kuo took Yong'er out of the city and found a small courtyard in a secluded countryside not far south of the city.
This courtyard belongs to the branch of Qianming Nunnery outside the city. This nunnery also manages some farms and fields outside the city, and has more than a dozen rooms rented out to female guests. The place is clean and quiet. However, the nun in charge of the house saw that Yong'er not only rode a horse and carried a sword, but also had an eagle on her shoulder, which was really scary. However, the temple has not been popular recently, and there are not many pilgrims staying outside the temple, so she reluctantly agreed.
After arranging all this, Shen Kuo was about to return to the city. He made an appointment with Xu Chong to go shopping together in the afternoon to help Xu Chong relieve his boredom. He was about to ride on his donkey when Na Yong'er ran out of the yard and stood behind him.
Shen Kuo noticed the gazes behind him and half turned around holding the reins.
"Sir, are you leaving now?" Yong'er said. She hadn't spoken more than five sentences this morning, but she didn't know why she had just said goodbye and then came back again, as if she had something else to say?
"Yes, I'll go to the city right away. You just stay here and keep an eye on the eagle. Tomorrow I'll ask someone to send some firewood and rice."
"It's not Sixth Brother's business, nor is it related to food and firewood. It's about something else."
Shen Kuo was a little puzzled. If there was really something, why didn't he say it in the morning, but was so hesitant before leaving?
"What's up?"
"We escaped from the tomb the day before yesterday and found my sister's letter in the pile of clothes."
"What did she say?" Shen Kuo asked anxiously. He had expected Xiao Ping to leave some words, but Yong'er didn't say anything at the time. He thought that she didn't write because time was tight. But he didn't expect that there was really a letter, which Yong'er hadn't said.
"She said...she said...she wanted you to take care of me."
"I will naturally take care of you."
"She said you'll take care of me for the rest of my life." After saying this, Yong'er blushed. This was the first time Shen Kuo saw her with some expression, she usually had no expression on her face.
Shen Kuo was stunned on the donkey. She finally understood why Yong'er had not taken out the letter. Perhaps she was also struggling, wondering whether to tell such an unbearable thing.
Yong'er walked to the donkey, took out the letter paper and gave it to Shen Kuo.
He took it and read it immediately. The handwriting was very sloppy, and there were some damp spots, which showed that it was written in the dark on the wet saddle. The letter was hidden in Xiaoping's own clothes. It was obviously for Yong'er, but the tone of the letter was clearly written to Shen Kuo.
In the letter, she wrote that although this sister was born on the same day of the same month as her, she was quiet and dull, and had been acting as a saint for a long time, unlike her who spent more time hanging out in brothels in the capital. She once mentioned that if she had a sister with a clean background, she was actually referring to Yong'er. First, Yong'er had never had a lover, and second, she was not a prostitute in the theater, so she could really bear the word "innocent". The identity of this fox Yong'er arranged by Yan Shu for her also had a history. She was indeed raised in a wealthy family with the surname Hu since she was a child. Later, it was arranged that she could communicate with the gods and see Miss Zi, so she became a medium. After being selected by the Saint Aunt to join the Maitreya Sect, she was renamed Fox Fairy Yong'er. Her original name was Hu Yong'er. The two sisters grew up in different environments since childhood, so naturally they have different personalities and different insights.
At the end of the letter, Xiao Ping hoped that the two could get married. She said that she had sent some money to the Yue Lao Temple in Songzhou, and asked the temple priest to tie a red string for the two to make up for their marriage. Shen Kuo was impressed that the Yue Lao Temple was really good at making money, and it could even make wishes for customers. However, Xiao Ping did not learn her lesson. The red string she tied for herself also ended in tragedy. She still wanted to use this unreliable method to find a husband for her sister.
He sat on the donkey blankly with the letter in his hand. He knew that this was Xiaoping's wish. Yong'er looked exactly like Xiaoping, but Yong'er was not Xiaoping herself.
"However, I cannot agree to this. You are not your sister."
Yong'er bit her lip and turned back to the yard. Shen Kuo sighed and urged the donkey to leave.
