Today is the Ghost Festival, and it is said that the inns, wine shops, and restaurants on this side of the Xiao Qinhuai River are all overcrowded.

But Jinxiu Pavilion was very deserted.

When the shopkeeper saw Wu Zhida and his entourage coming in, he hurriedly put down the account books in his hands, walked up to them with a smile, and said, "But Mr. Wu?"

Wu Zhida said "Hmm" with a half-smile but not a smile.

The shopkeeper wiped away the sweat on his forehead and said with a smile: "Master Wu, please come with me. The person you are waiting for is in the private room of Tianzihao."

Uzhida followed the shopkeeper into a private room and opened the door. I saw a handsome middle-aged man sitting at the table by the window. He was Liao Rao, the governor of Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

As soon as Wuzhida entered, the shopkeeper took the initiative to close the door.

Liao Rao didn't stand up. He raised his chin and said slowly to Uzhida: "Sit down. You are so brave. You dare to enter our territory of Dayin. Aren't you afraid that I will leave your life here?"

Uzhida He has always been the same person on Sifang Island. Even when he returned to Diluo, the Diluo generals also treated him as a guest. How had he ever been treated so lightly?

Sifang Island was originally his territory. If this person hadn't supported the Water Dragon King to oppose him, how could he be in a situation where he was constrained everywhere? Now that the Water Dragon King is dead and Jiao Feng won't cooperate with him, his chance to reach Uzhida has come.

Today, he is going to make this aloof Governor Dayin become a drowned dog!

Wu Zhida suppressed the anger in his heart and said: "I heard that your Excellency has encountered some troubles. Naturally, I am here to solve the troubles for you."

"Trouble?" Liao Rao poured tea without changing his expression and said: "I encountered it. " Is it very troublesome?"

"Did your lord send Jiao Feng's relatives in Dayin to prison? People in Sifang Island are now spreading rumors that Jiao Feng is recruiting troops and wants to kill the mermaid. Jiao Feng has been following the Water Dragon King for so long. "Master Liao, do you think she has anything shady in her hands? I came here today just to discuss a cooperation with you. After all, I have a common enemy with you."

Liao Rao played with the tea cup in his hand. , pondered for a long time, and asked: "How do you want to cooperate?"

The full moon hung high, the night was getting darker, and two more lights were lit in the guard room of the garrison capital.

Gu Changjin stayed here from daylight to the willow branches above the moon. When Heng Ping led Luo Yan over, he was discussing with Liang Xiao the defense of several coasts.

After hearing Hengping's words, the pen in the man's hand broke with a snap.

"You said she went back to the boat painting again?" This was said to Luo Yan behind Heng Ping.

Luo Yan nodded and said, "Miss Rong said that the boat parked by Uzhida on the shore might contain firearms. She had to go back and make way for the leader to find a way to evacuate the people along the Xiao Qinhuai River."

Gu Changjin's expression was very serious. Ugly.

Liang Xiao, who was behind him, looked equally ugly, "It's actually the grandson of Uzhidana. Wow, since you dare to come to my territory of Dayin, don't even think about leaving alive! I will lead people to surround the Laoshizi Jinxiu Pavilion now!"

Gu Changjin pursed his lips.

"General Liang, wait a minute." His cold pool-like eyes looked at the coastal defense formation map on the wall quietly, and said, "There should be more than just Wu Rida and his party in the inn. If there are also Liao Rao who are there at this time, , General

Liang Xiao said: "Why? Wouldn't it be better for Liao Rao to catch all the turtles in the jar?"

"Have General Liang ever thought that if Wu Rida came to meet Liao Rao today, it was just a pretense . , In fact, you are planning to attack Yangzhou. If you go to Jinxiu Pavilion, even if you capture Wu Rida, it will be too late."

Liang Xiao frowned and thought about Gu Changjin's words, and the more he thought about it, the more frightened he became.

Liao Rao was in charge of the military affairs in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the military talisman was in his hands. As long as Uzhida could trap Liao Rao and prevent him from dispatching troops, the only people in Yangzhou Prefecture who could respond to the enemy would be the soldiers guarding the capital.

Therefore, he could not go, otherwise if the pirates invaded, Yangzhou City would be in danger because there would be no one to lead the troops to defend against the enemy.

Wu Zhida still doesn’t know the purpose of coming today. If this grandson really wants to attack Yangzhou secretly for the sake of internal cooperation and external cooperation, then he will immediately go to the garrison to set up defenses!

"Master Gu is right." Liu Yuan came in from the outside and said with a stern look: "Wurida is bound to retaliate for his hatred. Liao Rao supported the Water Dragon King to compete with him for Sifang Island. Considering his behavior, he probably hated Liao Rao. Once Yangzhou Prefecture is lost, Liao Rao will definitely be punished. For Uzhida, it can be said that it kills three birds with one stone. "

What Uzhida wanted was to catch them off guard.

Liang Xiao's teeth itched with hatred: "Today is the Ghost Festival, and the people all over the city have come out to set off river lanterns and watch various plays. If pirates take this opportunity to invade, I don't know how many people in this mansion will die!"

"If Wu Ruo Wu ! Rida is really planning to attack Yangzhou at night." Gu Changjin stared at the defense map and circled several river crossings on it with a broken pen. "We must quickly prepare for the attack in these places without further delay. , General Liang immediately went to the guard station to order troops. As for Jinxiu Pavilion, I will personally lead people to rescue Liao Rao."

He put down his pen, looked at Liang Xiao and Liu Yuan, and said solemnly: "Yangzhou City cannot be broken, we can't. We need the soldiers in Liao Rao's hands."

Wu Zhida brought firearms and explosives. As long as he explodes into the inner city and creates chaos, if the pirates land, the Yangzhou Prefecture will be devastated tonight.

Yangzhou is located at the mouth of the canal, with waterways extending in all directions. Once the pirates occupy Yangzhou, Dayin's entire hinterland south of the Yangtze River may be lost.

Compared with the party struggle, it is more important to defend Yangzhou City and protect the people of this city at this time.

Even if it means losing the chance to bring down Liao Rao.

Liu Yuan turned the jade ring in his hand, was silent for a long time, and finally sighed with a smile: "Master Gu is right, Yangzhou City cannot be broken. As for the Jinxiu Pavilion, it's not your place, it's our family's place. . If the pirates really want to invade Yangzhou tonight, Jiao Feng is probably on the way. Since Mr. Gu has plans to recruit people, today will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "

Gu Changjin does have plans to recruit people.

"Wuzhida dares to come to Yangzhou alone to meet Liao Rao. He must be fully prepared. The pirates from Sifang Island will probably come out tonight. If this is true," Gu Changjin narrowed his eyes and became slightly cold. He said: "It is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Eunuch Liu -"

He looked at Liu Yuan and said word by word: "Please take Pan Xueliang to see Jiao Feng."

Liu Yuan and he looked at each other, calmly. Di took out a token covered in black from his sleeves and said seriously: "This is the token given by the emperor when our family left for Beijing. With the token in hand, all of you must obey our orders. General Liang will take it immediately The soldiers inspected the coastal defense to prevent surprise attacks by pirates. Master Gu took Pan Xueliang to recruit Jiao Feng, while our family went to Jinxiu Pavilion to rescue Liao Rao and capture Wu Rida alive. "

He always has a smiling face, this time. Shi suppressed a smile, and her delicate and delicate face became a little more heroic.

Liang Xiao recognized the token in Liu Yuan's hand, and without any hesitation, he lowered his head and made a military salute and said: "The last general takes orders."

After saying this, he pointed to several lieutenants around him and said, "Follow me to kill the enemy!" "Then the wind and fire left.

As soon as Liang Xiao left, only Liu Yuan and Gu Changjin were left in the room.

Gu Changjin stared at the spiritual tablet in Liu Yuan's hand, gritted his teeth, and after a moment, whispered: "Hengping, follow General Liang, and be sure to protect General Liang's safety. Zhuiyun, take the people with you now. Xiao Qinhuaihe, find her and send her to Pingnan Street."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan knew who the "she" Gu Changjin was referring to.

In a flash of thought, he understood why Gu Changjin had to go to Jinxiu Pavilion.

Jinxiu Pavilion was at the other end of the Xiao Qinhuai River, and the girl from the Rong family was still there. He probably wanted to go there and protect her in person.

Liu Yuan raised the corners of his lips, put away the token, and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Gu, our family will send someone to protect her."

Then he glanced at Qixin and said, "Qixin, your chance to plead guilty has come."

Qixin immediately answered: "I will risk my life to protect Miss Rong."

Gu Changjin looked at Liu Yuan and Qixin quietly, nodded and said thank you.

"I'll go to the Supervisor's Mansion to pick up Pan Gongshi." He said and walked out quickly, but after walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped, looked back at Liu Yuan, and said seriously: "There is a dragon and phoenix here, Liao Baozhi The crime is not yet a foregone conclusion."

Liu Yuan was startled when he heard this. His hand that was turning the jade ring suddenly paused. He smiled and said, "Master Gu, please be careful during this trip. The old minister still hopes that you will take Pan Xueliang An Ran. Return to the capital."

Liu Yuan gave Gu Changjin half of the warrior camp and took the remaining half to Jinxiu Pavilion.

The carriage left the garrison capital and headed quickly to Jinxiu Pavilion.

In the carriage, Liu Yuan opened the curtain, looked at the bustling Yangzhou City, and said to Qixin: "Do you remember what I said to you when I came here?"

Qixin's eyes turned red instantly, and he nodded: "My subordinates have always remembered it."

Liu Yuan withdrew his eyes from the window, looked at Qixin, and said: "Find an opportunity to tell Mr. Gu that the evidence of Yang Xu's crime was always in the hands of the General Xian of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. It's Meng Zong who is testing him. As for why he is being tested, I haven't found out yet,"

Qixin said.

Liu Yuan thought for a moment and then said: "Old Shangshu has always been worried about Meng Zong. If I die, you will be in charge of the Royal Horse Supervisor. You must continue to work for Meng Zong and keep an eye on him. If he has second thoughts, report it to your governor immediately. ."

Qixin couldn't answer this anymore.

"My lord, this subordinate, this subordinate is willing to die for your lord." Qixin choked and said slowly.

Liu Yuan raised his narrow phoenix eyes slightly and said: "Old Shangshu slandered his name in order to bring down the Qi family and the second prince, and return the military power in Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the emperor. He set up this game just to force him to As long as the emperor makes a decision, I can't let all his achievements fall by the wayside. "

Obviously, everything is going so smoothly, but it's just one step away.

But this step was so difficult.

Liu Yuan was taught by the old minister and had been in the treacherous inner court of Bo Yun for so long. He had even foreseen that once Liao Rao and Liang Xiao defended Yangzhou and defeated the Sifang Island pirates, how many people would be in the court for Liao Rao? Exonerate.

As long as Liao Rao insists that the Water Dragon King has been recruited by him and is his internal agent on Sifang Island, after some mediation by the second prince, all the evidence they have collected with great difficulty these days will be invalidated.

The battles in the court are usually black but can be said to be white, depending on whose chair you are sitting on.

As for the truth, those old oil cakes know it, and they don't pretend to be confused because they know it.

The outcome is uncertain, and no one knows who will sit in that position in the future.

No one dared to go against the second prince at this time.

Therefore, the credit for defending Yangzhou City cannot be given to Liao Rao, and he cannot be given any possibility of turning over.

Gu Changjin was right, they needed the soldiers in Liao Rao's hands.

To be more precise, they need Liao Rao and Liang Xiao to do their best to defend Yangzhou City.

Liang Xiao is good at arranging troops, and Liao Rao is good at water warfare. Both of them are famous naval generals. If they can work together tonight, Yangzhou City will definitely be defended.

But the credit for protecting the city cannot be given to Liao Rao.

To take away this credit from him, he must make a game with his own life tonight.

"The old minister always said that I can't hold my breath and am too impetuous. You're right. I can't wait any longer. If I can exchange my life for the lives of the second prince and his party, it's a good deal." Liu Yuan looked at it. Qixin smiled slowly and said, "Do you still remember what I said to you when I came here?"

Tears welled up in Qixin's eyes quickly.

"Remember, Master said, you always hoped that Yangzhou would be your burial place in the future."

Liu Yuan smiled at him: "Why are you crying? Isn't this what I got? You kid always said you wanted to hear me sing a song. , I will sing a song today."

As he spoke, he lazily leaned against the wall of the car, clapped his hands on his thighs, and sang slowly: "When a man is in the world, he has achieved fame. Qing, the sea is clear, the world is peaceful. The world is peaceful, I will be drunk, I will be drunk, dancing in the frost." (1)

This is Wu Sheng's aria, which is the last time his adoptive father sang on stage.

His adoptive father was the most famous martial arts student in Yangzhou. When Liu Yuan was young, he always wanted to take over his adoptive father's footsteps and become a martial arts student.

But his adoptive father said he was born with a Tsing Yi voice and insisted on forcing him to sing Tsing Yi.

I practiced exhausting myself, tearing my legs, and lifting my voice every day. Those days were really hard, but also really happy.

Tonight, if the city of Yangzhou is destroyed, Liao Rao will not be able to escape guilt.

Collaborating with the enemy and treason, resulting in the loss of a city, it is probably not a pity to die ten thousand times.

This method is cruel, but effective.

Throughout the ages, how many people have chosen such a despicable path in order to put their political opponents to death.

Liu Yuan could have followed this path.

But this was the city of Yangzhou that belonged to his adoptive father and him, and he couldn't bear to part with it.

The carriage stopped in the alley outside Jinxiu Pavilion. Liu Yuan stuffed a piece of wax-wrapped paper into his mouth and swallowed it.

"After I enter, you take a few people from the Warrior Battalion to look for Mr. Gu's girl and protect her so that she can make amends. Later, follow the orders of Mr. Gu and General Liang and protect the people of Yangzhou."

After saying this, Liu Yuan got off the carriage without looking back and headed to Jinxiu Pavilion.

I don't know what happened at the front, but there was a crowd on the three floors inside and three floors outside.

After a while, I suddenly heard a "bang bang" sound of gongs and drums.

Then someone heard someone yelling at the top of his lungs: "Keep guessing! Today we in Chunyue Tower are going to be the Wealth Lady! If you guess ten correctly, you can exchange for one tael of silver!"

Qixinyuan was still thinking about what Liu Yuan said, and suddenly Hearing such a sound, my heart was frightened, and I hurriedly looked up.

In the center of the crowd, I saw a temple float slowly heading towards the inner city, with two graceful and beautiful women sitting on it.

A group of arrogant young people around the float were pushing the float hard. If anyone really answered ten lantern riddles, they would take out a tael of silver and throw it over.

As soon as the people saw that they really had money to take, they all gathered around and followed the float closely.

There are beauties to look at, lantern riddles to guess, and money to earn. What a great thing!

Qixin listened to the bursts of gongs and drums and found that these drums were actually regular.

As if it was a signal, as soon as the drums sounded, the people here started shouting, and even the beggars in the nook and cranny ran out and started shouting.

The people along the Xiao Qinhuai River followed the float towards the inner city like a tide.

Seeing everyone walking towards the float, the uninformed people in the distance threw down their river lanterns and ran to join in the fun.

There is a city wall in the inner city. The wall is an old city wall built hundreds of years ago. It cannot be said to be very grand, but it can stop the pirates for a while and give the people a chance to escape.

Qixin saw a familiar figure in the thick crowd.

It's the girl from Cheng'an Hou Mansion.

The girl probably sprained her foot and walked limpingly, but she was not slow and always followed the flow of people towards the inner city.

Was it her people who reported the news to the garrison capital just now?

In such a short period of time, it was really wonderful to use such a clever way to lure away the people without disturbing Uzhida and Liao Rao.

Qixin glanced at the alley behind him, gritted his teeth, and said to several warriors in the surrounding camp: "Go and check the boats on the banks of the Xiao Qinhuai River. If there are really firearms, make all those firearms dumb for our family." Come on!"

The sadness in his eyebrows gradually dissipated, Qixin's face became solemn, and he walked towards Rong Shuxing.

The master not only wants her to protect Rong Shu, but also wants him to protect these people.

He couldn't delay any longer.