Chapter 1019
: A Profit-Seeking Person
Chapter 1019: A Profit-Seeking Person
"Report, Lord, the scout camp has reported that the leaders of several major sects in Xihe County want to see you for important matters. They want to report the White Lotus Sect's movements and some matters in the martial arts world."
The guards came impatiently and stopped beside the carriage.
inside the car,
Zhang Jinyu dozed off on the couch for a while, but the shaking of the car frame made it impossible for him to fall asleep. He was still a little confused when he heard the noise outside the car. What about the leaders of several major sects in Xihe County and the things in the martial arts world? What could be the big deal? It's just that you chop me with a knife and I chop you with a knife. If you are not dead, I will chop you again. I always feel that whether we are brothers or not, the ending is that we will be chopped with a knife. All the emotional things are fake.
Fortunately, I was bored in the car, so I sat up and replied,
"Well, ask what's going on in the underworld. If it's a small matter, then I'll disappear."
"My Lord, those sect leaders are from the big sects in Xihe County. They said that the White Lotus Sect is in Yangping and has convened a martial arts conference. They have invited all the sects in the county to participate. I don't know what they are doing."
The personal soldier who was reporting outside the car took a breath and came back to his senses. Then he remembered the news from the scout camp and quickly told it.
Oh, interesting, a martial arts conference, what's going on? He stood up suddenly, lifted up his skirt, and put on his cloud-bottomed boots.
"Yes, let those sect leaders come over,"
"Yes, Lord Marquis,"
As the sound of horse hooves faded away outside the carriage, Zhang Jinyu put on his boots and stomped his feet twice, feeling much more comfortable. King Jin had also stood up and asked curiously;
"My Lord, the White Lotus Sect is holding a martial arts conference. How can a group of traitors have such appeal?"
Zhou Ding was a little puzzled. No matter who they were, they were always somewhat distant from the martial arts sects and had never acted so blatantly.
On the contrary, this sentence made Zhang Jinyu, who had already put on her clothes, laugh.
"Your Highness, as the saying goes, one has to bow down under the eaves. The White Lotus Sect has almost conquered half of Xihe County. Those sects are big and powerful, with many disciples. If they resist the White Lotus Sect, they will only end up dead. So, if they want to go over there, we have to come here too."
After hearing this, everyone in the car understood what those people were here for, especially Lan Yue'er, who was sitting at the back, eating snacks in her hands, with a hint of smile in her eyes. The martial arts conference was really something the leader could think of, but seeing that the army was heading north, why didn't Bai Shuiyue rush to gather the army and break out, instead of provoking those people in the martial arts world?
"I see. They are just fence-sitters."
Zhou Ding was somewhat unhappy. He thought that he was playing with two women at the same time and still wanted benefits. How could such a good thing happen in the world?
"Your Highness, please do not be angry. If you want benefits, you must show sincerity. I will go and meet them."
Open the curtain,
Zhang Jinyu walked out, and the surroundings were still desolate. Ningbian had already brought a war horse. Zhang Jinyu took the reins, jumped onto the horse's back, and then kicked the horse's belly and went to the front.
Behind him, Ning Bian waved his hand, and a large number of personal soldiers followed closely. Not far away, there was already a group of people waiting there. Zhang Jinyu slowed down his horse and saw a group of Jianghu people wearing black clothes and bamboo hats. Not to mention, this outfit really looks like the Jianghu knights in his memory, alone, with a knife or a sword, and this outfit, and a wine gourd hanging on his back. Wow,
However, he did not know that his action shocked the hearts of the sect leaders. The leading man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary demeanor, and behind him were a group of heavily armored cavalrymen. Such unruly soldiers could only belong to Marquis Luo Yun. Several people immediately put down their weapons, dismounted, and knelt on the ground.
"Qin Hao, leader of the Tiger Roar Sect, Song Wenshan, leader of the Iron Palm Gang, Tang Weifeng, leader of the Lingyun Pavilion, and Fang Bihua, leader of the Xuanbing Palace, pay their respects to the Marquis."
Several people spoke one after another, each introducing their family background. Even the always aloof Palace Master of Xuanbing Palace no longer dared to use the term Palace Master, and instead used Sect Master. The four of them knelt, and the disciples behind them, how dared not ride on their horses, all dismounted at the same time, and knelt on the ground.
This group of people moved very skillfully, and they dismounted quickly and swiftly, obviously they were martial artists. Even the last person introduced himself, with his rare Wu accent and soft voice, which made Zhang Jinyu's eyes jump. There were actually women among them. Women in martial arts sects were extremely rare, let alone a sect leader. It was quite interesting.
"Stand up and answer. You want to see me, but do you have something important to say?"
While speaking, Zhang Jinyu's eyes kept looking at the tall woman, but she was wearing a black robe, a hat and a headscarf, so it was hard to tell what she looked like.
"Thank you, Lord."
Seeing that the Marquis had no intention of rejecting them, the few people were overjoyed and quickly kowtowed and stood up. The leader, Qin Hao, the leader of the Tiger Roar Sect, quickly replied;
"My Lord, although we belong to a martial arts sect, we are loyal to the imperial court. Now the White Lotus Sect is wreaking havoc in Xihe County and holding a martial arts conference in Yangping, forcing all martial arts sects to follow. We know we are in the wrong and feel deeply uneasy. We have come to ask for a chance to live, my Lord."
"Yes, Lord, we are in Cao's camp but our hearts are with Han. We dare not serve the enemy. If the imperial army arrives, we will definitely restore order and deter the villains."
Song Wenshan of the Iron Palm Gang shouted even louder than usual. People who didn't know him would think he was a loyal and righteous man. Seeing that the remaining two wanted to say more,
Zhang Jinyu quickly waved his hand to interrupt. Good fellow, you are here to sing double yellow, you say one thing after another, those who don't know would think that you have met a loyal minister. The people in the martial arts world are all a bunch of people who will not do anything without profit. I have been talking for a long time, but I don't understand. The White Lotus Sect held a martial arts conference, but these people came to me to pretend to be loyal. What's the trick?
"I don't quite understand what you're saying. The White Lotus Sect is holding a martial arts conference, and you guys are coming here to show your loyalty. Isn't that a bit inappropriate? By the way, what's the name of the leader of the White Lotus Sect? Is she a woman?"
The question was also sudden. After all, I had discussed the leader of the White Lotus Sect with King Jin a few days ago. If it was a woman, it should be the saint and the leader combined into one.
"Well, my Lord, the leader of the White Lotus Sect is a disciple of the previous leader, but she is a woman, known as the White Bodhisattva Bai Shuiyue."
Several people were also a little puzzled as to why Luo Yunhou asked these questions.
Zhang Jinyu touched his chin. "White Bodhisattva, it's really interesting. Anyone dares to call himself a Bodhisattva. Does she have these blessings? She is not afraid of shortening her life. Bai Shuiyue, fishing for the moon in a well, is naturally in vain.
"Well, the name is a little bit appealing. Tell us why you are here, don't talk too much."
Several people blushed slightly, but they were not in a position to speak. The three people in front could only look at Sect Master Fang. Fang Bihua had no choice but to curse the three people inwardly before she smiled.
"Don't blame me, Lord. We are all from a small sect. How could we dare to offend your majesty? But the smaller our family is, the more reluctant we are to part with these bottles and jars. The purpose of the White Lotus Sect holding the martial arts conference is well known to everyone. So we want to surrender to you and leave a way out for our sect. If there are some traitors in our sect, please show mercy and forgive us."
The deep affection and the woman's fragility made these words quite appealing to Zhang Jinyu. Zhang Jinyu finally understood that these were two feet, no, one foot stepping on two boats. It was a good plan. How could a beautiful woman survive in the underworld?
"You are good at talking and planning. You want the imperial court to show you favor and you want to get benefits from the bandit sect. How come you have taken all the good things in the world? If you don't have the conditions to impress me, I will pretend that you have never been here."
I've talked for so long but got nothing out of it. It's all in vain.
But he didn't know that the people in front of him, led by the Tiger Roar Sect's leader Qin Hao, quickly took out the banknotes,
"My Lord, this is the tribute from the Tiger Roar Sect. It is 50,000 taels of silver and 80,000 shi of grain a year. The Tiger Roar Sect sounds domineering, but in fact they are farmers. Most people in the county make a living by farming. Please don't be offended, my Lord."
The remaining three were all stunned. What was this? Sending food? Is this possible? They didn't know if Luo Yunhou was short of these. Wasn't this too much of a joke?
"Okay, you are indeed the Sect Master Qin. You are sincere. It is said that food is precious nowadays. Who would complain about having too much food? I will accept these."
Ning Bian understood and walked over to take the banknotes, but he did not leave, obviously waiting for others to speak. Seeing this, Song Wenshan of the Iron Palm Gang was a little surprised, but he also reacted quickly and took out a stack of banknotes from his pocket and handed them over.
"My Lord, my sect is a escort gang. Along the two banks of the canal, the Iron Palm Gang still has some face. If my Lord does not despise my humble origins and is willing to help the Marquis' Mansion, the Iron Palm Gang can provide the Marquis' Mansion with 100,000 taels of silver every year. All the escorts needed by the Marquis' Mansion will be arranged by the Marquis' Mansion."
These words shocked the three people around him. This was considered as surrendering to Luo Yunhou Mansion. Lingyun Pavilion Master Tang Weifeng swallowed his saliva. Before he could say anything, Qin Hao from Huxiao Sect suddenly knelt on the ground.
"My Lord, I was born in a humble family, and it was an accident that I became the leader of the sect. I was originally a lay disciple of Jing'an Temple in Beishan. Because I violated the precepts, I was expelled from the sect. I was adopted by the master of Huxiao Sect since I was a child. In recent years, I have taken in many refugees to cultivate the land and have a small property. If my Lord does not mind, I am willing to serve you."
Well, this is considered as an increase in the stakes, selling out the entire sect. Not to mention the three people behind him, even Zhang Jinyu felt that the silver bills Ning Bian had taken were hot. These words made him feel itchy, and then he looked at the remaining two people.
Lingyun Pavilion Master Tang Weifeng, who took the lead, gritted his teeth and said;
"If the Marquis does not mind that Lingyun Pavilion is a martial arts sect, I am willing to join the Marquis. Lingyun Pavilion does not have that many industries, but it is a place to get news about the martial arts world. It can provide the Marquis's mansion with 100,000 taels of silver every year. If the Marquis does not mind, I am willing to join the Marquis and serve you like a dog and horse." The literary words really showed that he was a scholar. To get news about the martial arts world, isn't it just like Jianghu Baixuesheng? There is no shortage of money,
"Okay, I will accept the three of you, but now that I have said this, you must keep your word. I will not show mercy to those who betray me."
"I am willing to serve the Marquis."
The three of them were relieved to see that the matter had been resolved. As for the last person, they did not dare to look up. Fang Bihua, the leader of Xuanbing Palace, was immediately anxious when she saw this.
"My Lord, my sect is made up of women. Although there is nothing special about it, we have a unique secret recipe that can produce ice wine, which is provided to martial artists who practice internal strength. Most of the sects are engaged in rouge and cloth shops and tailors. If my Lord can accept my sect of women, I can also offer 100,000 taels of silver to the Marquis' Mansion every year. I am willing to serve my Lord."
After saying this, Yingying bowed and took out an ice porcelain jar from her riding bag and held it in her hand.
"My Lord, this is ice wine. It cannot be exposed to heat, so it is extremely difficult to store."
Zhang Jinyu looked at it with amusement. What rare things had he not seen? Ice wine, he also had sparkling wine. However, it was something that could be used by martial artists with inner strength, so it must be precious.
"Oh, what kind of ice wine can be so precious?"
"My Lord, there is a story behind this. Xuanbing Palace was built on the only snow-capped mountain in Xihe County. There is an ice spring at the bottom of the valley behind it. This water is used as the source, along with precious medicinal materials, such as human body, and other precious medicines. It is secretly refined and hidden in a snow cave on the top of the mountain. After a year or so, drinking this wine can slightly increase internal strength, strengthen the body, and beautify the skin."
Fang Bihua talked more and more, just like Wang Po selling melons, boasting about herself, she was just short of immortality.
"Okay, let's go on. Is there any precious medicine in the martial arts world that can't compare to this?"
Zhang Jinyu immediately lost interest. The medicinal wine made with ginseng is better than this. It's just a pile of fluff. Fang Bihua immediately stopped talking and said with embarrassment and grievance.
"My Lord, you are not right. Precious medicines are hard to come by in the martial arts world. Even aged ginseng is hard to find by ordinary people, not to mention rare and precious things like Linzhi and purple ginseng. If there are top-quality precious medicines, the efficacy of this ice wine is no worse than that of precious medicines."
He curled his lips. If there were such good things, who would sell medicinal wine openly?
The speaker said this unintentionally, but the listener took it seriously. Ginseng and other things may be in short supply for others, but there is no shortage of these things outside the Great Wall. Signal to Ningbian,
"Take it and try it,"
"Yes, Lord Marquis,"
Fang Bihua was delighted and wanted to hand it over, but was stopped by General Ning in front of her. Fang Bihua was a little stunned and at a loss.
"Try it first, drink half of it,"
Behind him, Pavilion Master Tang quickly reminded him. Only then did Sect Master Fang react. He reached out and took out a small white porcelain bottle from the ceramic jar. He unscrewed it and put it to his mouth. He paused for a moment, but did not touch his mouth before pouring the liquid into his mouth.
Took a sip!
Then he handed the porcelain bottle over. Ning Bian took it, but still not at ease, he took another bottle and threw it to the soldier behind him. The soldier unscrewed the lid and drank it all in one gulp. After drinking it, he smacked his lips and waited for a while. After finding nothing unusual, he handed the half remaining bottle of ice wine in his hand to the Marquis.
After Zhang Jinyu received it, her palms felt a little cold. It was really as its name suggests, cold. She put it to her nose and smelled it. It was slightly fragrant and had a medicinal smell. She didn't touch the porcelain bottle and poured it into her mouth. It was icy and very delicious. When it went into her stomach, she didn't feel anything else. It should be because the amount was not enough. It could be considered a fine wine, which could quench the woman's thirst.
"Good, not bad, the taste is acceptable. In this case, the four of you will enter the Marquis' Mansion. The affairs of Xihe County, whether it is a false agreement or something else, will be handled according to your wishes. Where is the main force of the White Lotus Sect now?"
Seeing that the Marquis agreed, the four were overjoyed, and Qin Hao quickly clasped his fists and replied;
"My Lord, after the White Lotus Cult took over Yangping, they did not massacre the people. Instead, they gathered a large army of about 300,000 people and marched straight to the county town. If my guess is correct, they could have besieged the county town today. However, their leader and the right protector were presiding over the martial arts conference in Yangping and did not go to the county town."
What he said was quite detailed. At this point, the strength of the White Lotus Sect had already been figured out by several sects.
"How many people are there in Runan City?"
We can't care about what's far away, we can only focus on what's in front of us. Runan City is not a small city. If too many rebel troops are left behind, it might become another Linshan County City, which would be really difficult to deal with.
Zhang Jinyu muttered to himself and looked at the four people. The elders were led by Qin Hao from the Tiger Roar Sect, but the two sect masters of the Lingyun Pavilion and the Xuanbing Palace were quite young.
"My Lord, we don't know the specific situation yet, but we estimate that there are probably heavy troops left behind. After Runan City was captured by the White Lotus Sect, they have been strengthening the city defense. The White Lotus Sect left a hall master, An Yongkang, as deputy general, commanding more than 10,000 elite soldiers, and Captain Lu commanded 80,000 slave soldiers. A few days ago, fearing your reputation, 20,000 Taiping Sect soldiers in Qinzhou withdrew to Runan City. I think these are the only ones. Please understand, my Lord."
Pavilion Master Tang thought about it and explained the situation in Runan City clearly, as if it had been arranged in advance. The others were inevitably a little surprised.
"You are really an expert in the martial arts world. You know all the information about the bandit army defending Runan City. Thirty thousand elite soldiers and eighty thousand slave soldiers are enough to defend the city for a while."
Hearing that there were only these people, Zhang Jinyu did not have any other feelings. If he used the same siege method as Linshan County City, one day should be enough. Perhaps, if they surrounded three sides and missed one,
Thinking of this,
Zhang Jinyu pulled the reins and turned the horse around;
"The four of you, follow me in the team. Since you are following me, I will not treat you unfairly. If any of my disciples need to be appointed as officials, please recommend a few of them. Go."
With a whip of his horse whip, he rode back with his personal soldiers, leaving the four men with grateful faces, and hurriedly responded;
"Thank you, Lord. I will certainly act loyally."
When he saw the Marquis walking away, he immediately jumped on his horse and followed him.
It was but a moment.
Zhang Jinyu rode his horse to the side of the carriage, stepped hard on the stirrup, then jumped onto the carriage frame, lifted the curtain and got in. Inside the carriage, His Royal Highness Prince Jin was waiting there eagerly. Before he sat down, he heard His Royal Highness Prince Jin asking anxious questions,
"My Lord, which martial arts sect are you from?"
"Ahem, Your Highness, please don't be anxious. Let me drink some water to soothe my throat."
The wind was strong outside, making people's faces dry. No wonder those people were wearing headscarves and wrapped up tightly. They were indeed veterans in the world. Their hands were not slow. They picked up the tea bowl and brought it to their mouths to moisten their throats.
"Your Highness, you are the leader of several major sects in Xihe County. You came here to seek refuge because the White Lotus Sect has made a big move in Yangping and convened a martial arts conference. Everyone knows what they want to do. You came here to ask the court to give you some leniency."
"What? A martial arts conference? Are you planning a rebellion?"
King Jin frowned. How dare the martial arts sects interfere in these matters? Aren’t they afraid of having their property confiscated and their clan exterminated?
"Your Highness, everyone wants to protect themselves, but there are some things that people in the world cannot decide for themselves,"
"You are really helpless, my Lord. Is there something else going on here?"
(End of this chapter)