In the first year of Xianqing (656 AD), the fifth day of the third month, the hour of Chen.

Outside the gate of Wuzhou Station, 200 Shengshi security guards put up a rectangular phalanx. Black round-necked suit, black and red tiger head cape, bamboo hat on the head, strong bow on the back, and steel horizontal knife hanging on the waist. Step down the Mongolian war horse, hang the quiver on the left, and the flail stick on the right.

The body of the stick is made of hard ebony, 60 centimeters long and 4 centimeters in diameter. The head of the stick is a six-sided iron rod, 30 centimeters long and 4 centimeters in diameter, and the iron chain is connected to the stick body. This is the design of Wukang, called Wuzhou Flails, which equips the entire Shengshi security.

The heavily armed security guards are the most elite dead soldiers, all brave and good at fighting, and they are full of evil spirits. There were two carriages in the phalanx, and in the tall iron cage, there were two white-fronted tigers with hanging eyes. Although he was lying on his stomach and pretending to sleep, it made the war horse anxious, and his blood was completely suppressed.

Such a solemn atmosphere was stirred into a scout by the small leader of the phalanx. Cui Xiaoqing rides a little mare, with the same security guard outfit, and her hair is in a bun. It's like a gourd, tied to a horse, and the painting style is very joyful. Wu Kang couldn't help but smile, hugged the trouble, and whispered softly: "Madame is going to the capital, listen to Pinglang's arrangement, don't be rash." ”

Cui Xiaoqing rolled her eyes, glared at him and complained: "People are not children, and husbands don't look down on people; It's not a delicate woman, she can go to the capital alone... You're still laughing, sooner or later, I'll prove it to you. ”

Wu Kang put on a serious posture and gave a thumbs up: "Women don't let me have eyebrows, I believe in Madame's ability, and it is not a problem to walk in Chang'an alone." But we don't need to, the brothers will protect you, and if it is not a special situation, I will accompany you. When I arrived in the capital, I greeted the queen on my behalf, and came back after participating in the silkworm ceremony. ”

Xiaoqing sighed: "After attending the ceremony and seeing our grandmother, I will go back to Wuzhou." But you have to promise me that when we come back, we will go to Kuozhou and go on an outing on the beach in the East China Sea. People want to see how big the East China Sea is, how much bigger it is than Dongting Lake. ”

It's a lot bigger, baby, Wu Kang agreed with a smile, and instructed Lin Pinglang: "You are fully responsible, Madame listens to your arrangement, and you must pay attention to safety." When I arrived in the capital, I first went to Yongxingfang Wufu to visit my aunt and Wushun. After the lady attended the silkworm ceremony, she handed the letter to the princess of Xincheng, and then returned immediately. ”

The big guy emphasized Wu Shun, and Ping Lang knew it, and nodded heavily. After the explanation, Cui Xiaoqing's eyes were slightly red, Wu Kang glanced at everyone, and sincerely thanked: "You brothers, Wu Kang is grateful." ”

The security guards saluted neatly, and Wu Kang took his daughter and waved goodbye to everyone. Pinglang gave the order to set off, and the cavalry was divided on both sides, flashing in the middle. Xiaoqing turned the horse's head and led the team to set off, quite heroic.

The horse team gradually moved away, and couldn't help but sigh lightly, Wu Meiniang can really toss people. Yesterday, the urgent official document was received, and on the 28th of this month, the queen led the internal and external women to preside over the silkworm ceremony. The so-called silkworm ceremony is to worship the ancestors of the silkworm god, and to collect mulberry silkworms to encourage the people to be diligent in weaving.

The two major sacrificial ceremonies in the agrarian society, the first agricultural ceremony was presided over by the emperor, and the silkworm ceremony was presided over by the queen. Through grand ceremonies, the expression of rewards for farmers and mulberries defines male farmers and female weavers. Since the Zhou Dynasty, the successive dynasties have mostly followed the practice, throughout the entire feudal society.

Mei Niang's first ascension to the back position was to pay special attention to the invitation list. Including concubines, princesses, county lords, county lords and other internal women, as well as county ladies above the third grade, the county ladies of Xingyang County were specially invited to show their favor to Kang Lang.

The leader moved his mouth, Xiaoqing broke her leg and ran 2,000 kilometers back and forth to participate in the boring ceremony. The official document clearly stated that only Mrs. Xingyang was invited. understood what Mei Niang meant, stayed in Wuzhou to deal with government affairs, cope with the September exam, and prepare for entering the court.

I feel that she is too careful, with Di Renjie and Zhang Cambodia, she can handle it in an orderly manner, and I don't need to go out personally. As for the two tigers, they were given to Mei Niang, and it was very ridiculous to deter the wild cats in the palace.

When the horse team disappeared completely, he changed a few grimaces and laughed at the daughter in his arms. Haha laughed a few times, kissed his daughter on the cheek, and walked to the south gate. The five security guards opened the way, Qian Shun walked a few steps, and apologized with a bitter face: "The subordinates are not doing well, please punish the boss." ”

Wu Kang glared at him, feeling very depressed, he was calculated by Min Yue. She drunk me, created an opportunity for Wu Shun, and put me to sleep, which was embarrassing. No wonder Wu Meiniang asked again and again that they were not allowed to spend the night in Wufu, what did their mother and daughter want to do?

Qian Shun was very embarrassed, lowered his voice and said: "My subordinates checked yesterday, and the ones near the sea in Kuozhou are Yongjia and Angu counties. The subordinates inquired about the businessmen of Kuozhou, and the environment of Yongjia County was better, more prosperous than Angu County, and it was very suitable for outings. ”

The two counties of Yongjia and Angu, which were later Wenzhou, are now under the jurisdiction of Kuozhou. Yesterday, I chatted with Xiaoqing and said that sunbathing on the beach can be beautified. Xiaoqing immediately decided to travel and take her daughter to visit the sea. Wu Kang has never been to the beach, sunbathing in a bikini, is a dream in his last life.

In this life, I am in Zhejiang, and it is very simple to see the sea, but it is difficult to see a bikini. When he takes up a post in Beijing next year, Chang'an is far away from the sea, and it is difficult to have another chance. So he promised Xiaoqing, finished the summer harvest and summer sowing, and went to the beach in July.

made up his mind and instructed Qian Shun: "Go to Yongjia County, go in mid-July, you arrange it in advance." The order meeting that spends a lot of buildings, everything is normal, right? Do a good job in security, those wealthy businessmen from other places can't have an accident in Wuzhou. ”

Qian Shun nodded in agreement, and said after a moment of entanglement: "There will be no problem with the fluorite order, the captain Sun Mingzhen is in charge, and the fifty brothers maintain order." Actually, what I'm worried about is the Shangsi Festival overboard, and it doesn't feel like a coincidence, but a conspiracy against you. ”

Wu Kang stopped and cast a puzzled look, and Qian Shun immediately replied: "According to the brothers' investigation, the person who fell into the water is the Xue family of Da'anfang, who originally lived in the capital and returned to Wuzhou after the New Year. She is the wife of the county lieutenant of Wannian, and her family lives in Yiningfang, Chang'an City, and the county lieutenant Lin died a few years ago. ”

Keeping up with the big guy's footsteps, he continued to report: "After dealing with the funeral, the son of County Lieutenant Lin, drive her out of the house." Xue's ancestral home is Wuzhou, and Xue Yuan of Da'anfang is her brother. Xue took his daughter to defect, but Xue Yuan was not allowed to enter the door, and in desperation, he went to the lawyer for help. ”

It's a little interesting, Xiaoqing also mixed in, and Wu Kang said twice. Qian Shun pondered for a moment and continued to report: "The lawyer mediated and reached an agreement, and the Xue family's mother and daughter temporarily lived in the old house. When a few pieces of jewelry, he did a small business in Dongming Road, and started his business in February. What happened to the Xue family is very similar to Her Royal Highness the Queen, and the subordinates thought that it was done on purpose to win your sympathy. ”

Stopping again, his brow furrowed slightly, it was indeed very similar. After the death of Wu Shi Tong, several Yang's mother and daughter were kicked out of the house by Wu Yuanqing. The Yang family went through hardships and went to the Yuan Nu Wushun, and suffered a lot of white eyes under the fence.

His forehead was a little warm, Wu Kang came back to his senses, and his noisy little hands were stroking his eyebrows. Grinning, intimate little padded jacket, daddy loves you to death. The little padded jacket clucked, hugged his father's neck, and rubbed his little head against his chest.

Qian Shun continued to report: "On the day of the Shangsi Festival, I noticed her early, others were squatting by the river, and she always peeked at you. You participated in the event, and Mrs. asked me to make wine, and Xue immediately put the bowl into the river. It gives me the impression that it is deliberate. ”

No, Wu Kang smacked his lips and half-jokingly: "There are a lot of women who peek at me, and the whole Wuzhou knows that I like young women." It is not surprising that the bowl is deliberately placed, and the reward and blessing of the assassin history are crowded by women. ”

Qian Shun shook his head decisively, and his words were chiseled: "The wooden bowl she put is extremely exquisite, if it weren't for my suspicions, I would have fished her bowl." The subordinate has a hunch that she wants to get close to you, and when she is rewarded and blessed, she suddenly stabs you. ”

These words amused Wu Kang, Junko was a little nervous, had the occupational disease of a bodyguard, and looked like an assassin to everyone. However, the next words also aroused his suspicions. At that time, it was decided to send the tiger into Beijing, and Junko was in charge of the arrangement, and there was an obvious turning action.

Junko's tone was affirmative: "The moment you turned around, she fell into the water, it was too much of a coincidence." I had the feeling that she thought you were leaving, and she made a desperate bet to let you go into the water to save your life. ”

Wu Kang was a little confused, he really wanted to go into the water at that time, because the riverside was full of people, and he could show off his righteousness and bravery. was preempted by Qian Shun, who complained at the time, but now that I think about it, my scalp is numb. He pondered for a moment, showing disdain: "She is a weak woman, and she is still in the river, so she may not have killed me." ”

Qian Shun nodded, and shook his head again: "When she rescued her, she didn't panic at all and sank me in her arms. I'm very watery, but I can't control my body. Later, Pinglang went into the water, and the two of us worked together to drag her ashore. "Butterfly

After listening to Junko's words, I gradually fell into deep thought, and I felt that it made sense. Xue's origin is not right, her life experience and experience, deliberately imitate Mei Niang. She knew my temperament and knew that I was a showman and might go into the water to save her. In fact, she guessed correctly, if it wasn't for Qian Shun to take the lead, I would really have gone into the water.

Suddenly hearing Qian Shun roaring, I couldn't help but bump into the fire, what are the rabbit cubs yelling, don't scare my daughter. When I looked down and saw that the commotion was normal, I relaxed my mind a little, and looked up as if I had been struck by lightning. The three men in the tavern, who were beating the old beggar, were stopped by the bodyguards.

Qian Shun picked up the old beggar and angrily reprimanded the tavern shopkeeper. The shopkeeper nodded and bowed, saluting a handful of copper coins, and Qian Shun threw it directly in his face. The old man picked up the bamboo pole, dusted off the dirt on his body, and left slowly. Wu Kang followed quickly, slowly followed behind, and walked out of the distance.

The security guards all came over, Qian Shun received the big guy's eyes, and the old beggar was surrounded in the middle of the place where the flow of people was small. Erected two human walls, Wu Kang went to the beggar and choked in his throat: "Aya, I'm going to Huamanlou for a meeting, you can take the trouble home, okay?" ”

The old man was indifferent, the dead fish's eyes were full of loneliness, and the atmosphere was extremely depressing. For a long time, Wu Kang endured his sadness, and his voice trembled slightly: "Aye, please, take the trouble home, Xiaoqing went to Chang'an, I don't worry about others." Can you take care of her for me? ”

He was still silent, not looking at Wu Kang squarely, staring at the ground in a daze. Two minutes later, the immature voice broke the deadlock. Noisy stretched out his arms and babbled, "Grandfather hug". The beggar's shoulders trembled slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then took his granddaughter into his arms.

The wall of people began to move, surrounding him in the center, making a fuss about his shoulders, waving his hands at this side from time to time. Until the human wall gathered, and no longer saw the figure, Wu Kang's heart was like a knife. Qian Shun approached and cautiously persuaded: "Don't worry, big guy, I will deal with that tavern and make them disappear completely." ”

Wu Kang shook his head and walked towards Hua Manlou, breathing heavily. Qian Shun followed suit, struggled for a long time, and changed the topic: "My subordinates think that the Xue family is an assassin, and I will send someone to target her." The subordinates also thought that nine times out of ten, it was sent by the eldest grandson. ”

The footsteps stopped again, and after thinking about it for a long time, the eldest grandson was suspicious. He is the son of Changsun Cao, the father of Changsun Cao, and the grandfather of Changsun Wuji, and is a sibling. It is also said that the eldest grandson Wuji and the eldest grandson Quan have a common great-grandfather and are very close.

I pushed for the abolition of Wang Liwu and started a war with the eldest grandson Wuji, and I had a conflict of interest with him. But even so, according to the rules of officialdom, I should be defeated by political means. Sending assassins to assassinate them, what's the matter, don't follow the rules of the game?

couldn't help but sneer, nodded at Qian Shun, and walked towards Hua Manlou. The sleeve was pulled, Qian Shun's face was weird, he was entangled for a moment, and said cautiously: "The subordinates suspect that the matter between you and the princess, the eldest grandson knows about it, otherwise he will not send a killer." ”

Wu Kang was struck by lightning, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that it was possible, and it was estimated that only that incident would make Changsun Quan angry and disregard the rules of officialdom. It was quite tricky to hurry, standing on the side of the road and thinking about it for a long time, then turned around and asked Qian Shun: "If this is the case, how to deal with it?" ”

Qian Shun replied: "Send a clever brother to spy on the Xue family and daughter, and monitor the eldest grandson." Di Renjie and Zhang Cambodia are your confidants and allies, and you can ask them for help. Then repair the book to the queen and let her come forward in person to protect the second girl. ”

Wu Kang couldn't help but smile bitterly, I'm afraid it's hard to do it, that stupid woman, relying on the second girl to blackmail me. She has Li Jiu's backing, and Mei Niang can't help it, and she can't let Li Jiu know. The two have discussed for a long time, but there is no perfect solution, let's take one step at a time.

Dongming Road is full of flowers, the city orders Ming Sihu, the city is full of roads, and the guest appearance is Mr. Welcome. All the officials of Wuzhou received rich businessmen from all over the world at the scene of the order fair. In another quarter of an hour, after the fluorite order, it will officially begin.

In Yiwu County and Yongkang County, a large number of fluorite mines were excavated, and the poor ones were taken to make steel, and the carved handicrafts in good condition, such as vases, wine glasses and statues. Since the fourth year of Yonghui, it has opened up sales channels, radiating the Yuezhou Governor's Mansion, and even marching into Chang'an and Luoyang.

Fluorite has become a specialty of Wuzhou, one of the Tugong, and a leading enterprise. At the annual meeting in Wuzhou, colleagues reached an agreement to hold a large-scale order fair. Invite wealthy businessmen from all over the world to gather together today to display the most beautiful products.

Wu Kang came to Huamanlou, the hustle and bustle soon stopped, and the merchants saluted one after another. Colleagues came to greet them, exchanged a few words with them, and said a few words. Let everyone see outside, accompanied by Di Renjie, visit the scene of the order fair.

Similar to the country market of later generations, there are long counters on both sides, and there are a variety of handicrafts. In the counter, the Wuzhou fluorite merchants introduced their respective commodities to the merchants outside the counter. The venue was crowded, the accents were confused, and there was bargaining everywhere.

Pick up a random booth and observe the trading process. Wu Shang said that the fluorite cup can be a thousand cups without getting drunk; Foreign businessmen did not refute it, only said that it was too expensive, and it was difficult for Shezhou to sell. Start the price on the ground, pay back the money on the spot, and the deal is reached. The merchant ordered eight wine glasses, 30 inkstones, 50 paperweights, and various jewelry, and the turnover reached 70 pieces.

Di Renjie introduced that after the two sides signed the agreement, the business paid part of the deposit. Wu merchants hired militiamen to escort the goods to Shezhou, and finally the money and goods were cleared. This is the best way, the Wu businessmen can make money, and the militia can also have a lot of income, the best of both worlds.

Keep wandering, witnessing one transaction after another, until noon, when it comes to auction time. Wu Kang returned to the VIP seat, next to Zhang Cambodia, and the two exchanged ears. With the sound of a gong, the scene quickly quieted down, and the eldest grandson walked to the booth to introduce the finale auction items.

The rainbow paperweight was unveiled, and the venue was silent, and everyone was shocked. Palm-sized paperweight, black base, rainbow-like arch bridge. The seven colors are distinct and invaluable. The official carried the tray and walked into the guest area, so that the merchants could feast their eyes.

Last year, the colorful fluorite mine was dug up and the best sculptors were hired, and it took a whole year. On the fifteenth of last month, a total of three paperweights were carved. The two good ones were brought to Chang'an by Xiaoqing and dedicated to Li Jiu and Mei Niang. This is a defective product, with red and yellow flaws, and the base is missing two corners.

The eldest grandson coughed dryly, raised his voice and shouted: "You have all seen it, this is a rare treasure, although it is slightly flawed, but the flaw is not hidden. According to the rules of this auction, the reserve price is 30 yuan, and each time the price is increased, at least five yuan, and the higher price wins. ”

As soon as the words fell, someone quoted, it was a round ball fat man, and it was directly added to 200 yuan. The businessmen gasped, Wu Kang was straight, and he was rich, buddy. However, in less than half a minute, there were other people shouting the price, five times more than the fat man.

The scene became more and more enthusiastic, and the shouts rose one after another, soaring all the way to 400 times. The younger brothers smiled, the paperweight belonged to the big guy, and the big guy had already released his words, and the auction money was divided equally. All of their colleagues have a share, so they look more excited than the bidders.

The fat man who was the first to shout the price seemed to be bound to win, and he had him every time he bid. In the end, he was ruthless, and directly added to Qibaiguan, and the scene was silent again. According to the routine, the eldest grandson asked everyone three times in a row, and finally made the final decision.

Signaling everyone to be quiet, the eldest grandson smiled: "Rainbow Bridge paperweight, obtained by Yuezhou Qinjia Jewelry Company, the order will be a complete success." At the end of the meeting, the governor of Yuezhou, the assassin of Wuzhou, and the treasurer of Qin were invited to drink the celebration wine. And the treasure paperweight, personally handed over to the shopkeeper Qin, everyone warmly welcomed. ”

The Wu people knew the routine, and they clapped their hands and applauded, and soon led the audience. There was thunderous applause for a while, Wu Kang secretly smiled bitterly, there was no such thing in the script. Director Changsun Quan, are you adding a temporary drama, or do you have ulterior motives?

The applause stopped, Wu Kang got up, and gestured to Qian Shun, signaling him to be restless. At the same time, I cheered up, scanned the environment of the venue, and came to the main booth. The servant came over with a tray, a flask, and three wine glasses. The eldest grandson poured a cup first and respectfully served it to Wu Kang; Pour the second cup and hand it to the shopkeeper Qin.

Shopkeeper Qin was flattered, clenched his fists and bowed to the end, carefully taking the wine glass. He looked excited, his round face flushed, and his body trembled slightly. The eldest grandson poured the third cup, held it in his hand, and motioned for the official to leave.

Wu Kang used the corner of his eye to carefully look at the eldest grandson, to make sure that there was no abnormality, and raised his glass to invite a drink. The wine glass is placed on the side of the mouth, and the left arm is covered to show respect. After drinking the wine in the glass, the mouth of the wine glass is facing downwards to show that the wine does not leak.

The three of them smiled, the eldest grandson smiled naturally, Wu Kang smiled implicitly, and the shopkeeper Qin smiled gratefully. At this moment, the shopkeeper Qin's wrist flipped and the wine glass flew towards Wu Kang. Wu Kang turned his head to hide, a cold light flashed, and he came to his throat, and he was really tired..