People often say a word. "But one death". It doesn't matter what happens to the person who said it. It can be seen that death is a major event for people. Both in ancient times and in modern times. It's all true.

But in ancient times. People have two different views on this view. One is to die a well-deserved death. If a person dies but can be exchanged for a good condition. Then a dead person doesn't seem like much of a thing; The second is the worthlessness of death. Some people's deaths can even cause great trouble to others. This is going to be criticized.

Of course. These are some big truths. For many. Especially some ordinary people. None of these things matter to them. Even after tea and dinner, the common people rarely talk about these big truths. All the people care about is the things around them. Something that is closely related to them. And of course, the dead.

The picture turns back to Wang Dezhao's side. When he heard his subordinate Zhao Zhutou report that someone had been killed. Wang Dezhao was naturally extremely nervous. This murder can be big or small. If only it was like last time. Someone wants to be rich because they see it. Kill another person. Or maybe it's an accidental homicide that happened because of some emotional entanglement between men and women. These things are just small things. And the murderers are very easy to catch.

But what Zhao Zhutou said is true. The gatekeeper of the city gate was killed. That's a little tricky. Gatekeepers and guards of the city gates of the Ming Dynasty. Except for the capital cities of Shuntianfu or Yingtianfu, which are under the management of the army. Officials in other states and counties were also promoted from the military. But it does belong to the yamen management of the state and county.

Merely. This official has always said that it is not a big deal. But no matter how young you are, you're still a captain. Although it is no longer under the jurisdiction of the army. But his identity is still a soldier who is joining the army. And now not a single soldier on duty has died on the battlefield. But it was killed in this prosperous Yangzhou city. This makes Wang Dezhao how not to be nervous.

In fact, the position of a doorman. It's not without danger at all. But this is also to be looked at locally. Let's say the states and counties of the frontier areas. If a doorman is killed. Then it means that there will inevitably be some foreign invasion in the near future. But that was only in the early days. Some people don't know how to figure out people's hearts at all. Foreigners with a tendon in their brains have done this. After all, this official killed and remedied, and made it clear that he was going to attack them. So there won't be a similar incident now.

And to the inland cities. But that doesn't happen at all. Even if there are some important criminals who are wanted by the imperial court to enter the city. Then he will definitely find ways to disguise himself. Instead of going and killing the gatekeepers of the city gates. Wouldn't that cause a commotion? Is it even more unfavorable to him.

So. Wang Dezhao was very surprised and flustered when he heard this. But this will. He's been emotionally stable. That's right. The gatekeeper of the city gate died. This is indeed a troublesome thing. But Wang Dezhao can basically be sure. This official must have caused trouble for his own reasons. In the end, he was killed.

So. Although there will be some trouble because of the identity of the deceased. But it's not a big deal. As long as Wang Dezhao, the prefect, can find the murderer as soon as possible. The case is closed. Then all the problems will be solved.

"Which gatekeeper died?" He sat back in his seat. Wang Dezhao asked. He had composure, though. But the expression is much more serious than Fang Cai's hanging appearance.

"Returning to your lordship. It is from the east gate. Zhao Zhutou also put on a correct posture when he saw Wang Dezhao. I also feel much better in my heart.

"East Gate." After Wang Dezhao heard Zhao Zhutou's words. The brow furrowed again. "I remember that. The doorman at the east gate seems to be surnamed Yang. ”

"Not bad. Your Excellency is right. Zhao Zhutou replied. The doorman at the east gate is surnamed Yang. It's called Yang Lin. ”

"That's not right. That's not right...... "How do you know that Wang Dezhao heard this name." The frown was deeper. "I remember that this kid was transferred just over twenty days ago. Not even a month. ”

"My lord remembers well. It is this Yang Lin. Zhao Zhutou said. The lowly also felt that this matter was a little strange. This Yang Lin also said a few words to him. It's kind of a little bit of understanding. He himself said that his family lived in Songjiang Province. not a local person; And the lowly office has little contact with him. But it can also be seen. Yang Lin is a good person. An honest man who does his duty. Even after he had become the gatekeeper of the gates. It's also very kind to people. Even the vegetable farmers who wanted to go to the city never received a penny of entry tax. If he sees that his men have overcharged. It's going to be returned right away. Even this Yang Lin saw those heavy burdens. I'll go up and help out. ”

Wang Dezhao listened to what Zhao Zhutou said. For a while, there were many more thoughts in my heart. Of course. He didn't compare what this Yang Lin did to shame himself. He had a lot of things he couldn't figure out. According to Zhao Zhutou. This Yang Lin looks like a good person. Of course. It is also possible that this is what Yang Lin showed on the surface. There may be something unsavory behind the scenes. But no matter how confused Wang Dezhao is, he will not think so.

Yang Lin is not from Yangzhou Mansion. And as the gate official of a state county. In addition to being under the jurisdiction of the local yamen. The files he entered when he joined the army would also come with him. This is also clearly stipulated by the imperial court. It is just in case the military breaks the law. No local information is available. Although Wang Dezhao is not a person who is very concerned about official business. But he's always going to look at this kind of thing once or twice. Yang Lin's transfer to Yangzhou was only more than 20 days ago. Wang Dezhao's memory is also good. So he can vaguely remember what was written on Yang Lin's dossier.

And it is precisely because Wang Dezhao remembers. He would have felt very strange about it. According to the above record in the Yang Lin dossier. This man is just an ordinary peasant kid. Parents and siblings are present at home. This excludes the factor of impersonation. After all, this check can be found. Although there is no record of character in the file. However, some weekday events will also record one or two points. Look at it from above. This Yang Lin is indeed consistent with what Zhao Zhutou said. He is indeed a good man.

Of course. The so-called painting dragon and tiger is difficult to draw bones. Knowing people, knowing faces, but not hearts. What is really like in a person's heart. Wang Dezhao will not know. But there is one thing he can confirm. That is, it doesn't matter if this Yang Lin was killed because he got into trouble. That trouble was definitely not caused in Yangzhou City. This Yang Lin has only been in Yangzhou for more than 20 days. How could you get into some big trouble that is related to your life. And even if Yang Lin is really a male thief and a female prostitute behind his back. Do something that doesn't happen. A person who is so low-key on weekdays should not have just been in a place for more than 20 days. A lot of things are not too familiar and cause trouble.

"Where did this Yang Lin die? whether it was in the guard post of the city gate or in his home. Wang Dezhao asked. This question seems a bit retarded. If Yang Lin died in the guard. It is estimated that some rumors have already been heard in the city. Where would it be so quiet. But Wang Dezhao was right to ask. Yang Lin is not a local after all. There are many things like this that people from other places are transferred from other places to guard the city gates. So various states and counties for convenience. For these guards were built several houses at the gates for them to live in. That's why Wang Dezhao asked such a question.

"In his own dwelling." Zhao Zhutou replied. "This morning. The gatekeeper at the east gate opened the gate at the end of the day. Until the time of the hour, Yang Lin was still nowhere to be seen. They're weird. Because Yang Lin lives next to the city gate. Plus he's not like a few other people who are guarding the door. They are all natives of Yangzhou. Home was not as close as he was. On weekdays, Yang Lin was the first to stand on the city gate. The guards at the city gate thought that Yang Lin was sick. And they sent a man to his dwelling place to find him. As a result, when he opened the door, he found that Yang Lin had fallen under the bed. There is no life. In a panic. So they hurried to the lowly post to explain the matter. ”

"Then how did Yang Lin die?" Wang Dezhao asked. From start to finish. Zhao Zhutou never said that this Yang Lin was killed. In case he dies suddenly. This matter has nothing to do with Wang Dezhao.

"After the lowly office got the news. I immediately went to Yang Lin's residence to check it out. Zhao Zhutou said. That Yang Lin didn't have any wounds on his body. There was no blood in the house. And Yang Lin's face looked very painful. It's like a sudden onset of heart disease. It's just that...... There is something strange about lowly position. This Yang Lin is only in his twenties. The body also looks very strong. It doesn't look like a heart attack would come on suddenly. ”

"It's impossible to say this kind of thing." Wang Dezhao said in the direction that things were most beneficial to him. "You're not Langzhong. How do you know that people in their twenties will not die suddenly of heart disease? Again. That Yang Lin may have had some disease in the past and may not have the root cause of the disease. ”

"Alas. If that's what adults say. That's a shame. Zhao Zhutou did not refute Wang Dezhao's words. Instead, he said with a sigh. "Such a nice person. He was only in his twenties. I heard that even a daughter-in-law was not married. Just died. It's a bit heart-wrenching. ”

"There's no way around this kind of thing." Wang Dezhao also sighed. Said. "It can only be said that this Yang Lin's life is not good. Who can blame this? ”

"That being the case. The procedures in this yamen still have to be repeated. Zhao Zhutou said. Regardless of whether it died suddenly or not. Always let the pestle check it. so that the corpse can be brought back. ”

The east gate of Yangzhou City. Although there was a homicide. However, because the guards of the city gate guard found the body of their commander Yang Lin, they did not make a big deal about it. just told Zhao Zhutou of the county government. So now there are not many people watching at the East City Gate. It's just because there are a lot of catchers near the East City Gate now. Only then did some curious people stop and watch. Nothing else was out of the ordinary. Even the passage of the East Gate is still as usual. It didn't cause much trouble.

"Zhao Zhutou. You see. This...... What the hell is going on with Yang Tou. That's a good guy. Why did he die suddenly? A guard at the city gate came to Zhao Zhutou's side and asked in a low voice. The expression was quite sad. This sad expression didn't come out of him. After all, Yang Lin treats them really well on weekdays. Yang Lin never let them charge an extra penny from the people who entered the city. But I also care about them very much. The men of a city gate are not paid much. But Yang Lin used his own money to make a few small drinks every now and then. Grab some side dishes and invite these four people to drink or something. He also said that he would wait until his first month's salary came down. Treat them to something good. Now Yang Lin is dead. These people are really a little sad in their hearts.

"I don't know what's going on." Zhao Zhutou didn't mean to say anything nonsense to deceive him at all. Totally telling the truth. "I actually know as much as you do. Yang Lin didn't have any scars on his body. Plus his face is distorted. Apparently in great pain before dying. I guess it was also a sudden heart attack. ”

"Alas. Yang Tou is such a good person. How can you suddenly have a heart attack. God can't open his eyes. Before he died, he made Yang Tou so painful. When the guard heard this, he also looked sad.

The two of them are talking about this here. The door of the house was opened. A man carries a box on his back. I am walking outside. While wiping his hands with a hand towel. It is the pestle in the yamen.

"Pestle. How's it going. How the hell did the people inside die. Zhao Zhutou saw the pestle come out. Hurriedly asked.

"Zhao Zhutou. The man inside had no injuries on his body. Kisaku replied. I also double-checked the small ones. In addition to the old scars written on his body. I haven't had any recent injuries. The small ones were also examined with silver needles. There was no poisoning. Just in case. All the utensils in the small bar room were checked. In the end, no poison was found. Looks like. It's what happened this morning, at the end of the ugly end and the beginning of the year. ”

"So it's certain. Yang Lin died suddenly because of a sudden heart attack. Zhao Zhutou finally asked.

"Sure." Kisaku said confidently.

"Since that's the case. That's fine. Zhao Zhutou said. Later, I will have someone come and carry the body back to the yamen. ”

"This young man is also unluckily tight. So young. But he suddenly had a heart attack. Kisaku also had a look of pity. Suddenly. He asked, a little confused. "Zhao Zhutou. Is there a problem with the villain's nose or something. I don't know if you smell the scent of flowers. ”

Zhao Zhutou listened to the words of the pestle. It was also sniffed and sniffed. It's really scented with flowers. Although it is very light. But it can still be smelled.

"It's a little bit. Maybe it was raised by the family nearby. Zhao Zhutou didn't care. Said casually.

A couple of people were saying this. Suddenly, a large procession walked in from outside the city gates. The members of the team are all made up of terracotta warriors. The terracotta warriors split up on both sides. In the middle of the line, however, there was a long line of mule carts. Each car carries several large boxes. And it's very heavy at first glance. This is exactly what Zhang Fan and Wang Meng discussed a few days ago. The armies in various places were asked to send people to transport the collected silver to Yangzhou. Now. The silver in Zhejiang has arrived.

The team walked a long way into the city. Hundreds of people have already entered the city. But look outside. That's only half the way. Half of them are also outside the city. It can be seen how much silver was transported from Zhejiang alone this time.

But for now. But it's also impossible for the uninformed to guess. Maybe someone will think about it. It must have been some kind of valuables that needed to be transported by so many imperial officers and soldiers. But I never imagined that it would be boxes of real money.

Wang Dezhao's tone was very tight. In addition to helping Zhang Fan spread the word. He didn't tell anyone about it. And he didn't know how Zhang Fan planned to transport the silver. So nowadays. Zhao Zhutou's group just watched curiously from the sidelines.

The procession marched. Just right. Liang Chao and Li Yang, who went out of the city to greet the team this time, also followed the team now.

It is said that this Liang Chao is now temporarily suspended by Zhang Fan. His current status is not as good as that of Li Yang, a person who has surrendered to Cheng. But everyone in Jinyiwei who knows about this thing knows. Liang Chao's demotion is just an example of Zhang Fan not wanting to be special in Weizhong. It's for other people to see. Liang Chao himself will return to his original position sooner or later. How could Liyang, an old Jianghu, not see this situation. Naturally, Liang Chao is still respected as before.

The two had just entered the city. Li Yang suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong. Is there something going on. Liang Chao saw Liyang stop. Asked with some confusion.

"Your Excellency. Do you smell anything? Li Yang sniffed. Said with some confusion.

"Absolutely." Liang Chao said very frankly. "It's the of this pulling mule. I've been sniffing it for hours. Now it's almost there. You did tell me to stop. It's not enough for you to smell it alone. You have to call me along. Liang Chao said. His face was very unhappy.

"Humble is not what it means. My lord. Although Li Yang is apologizing. But he didn't grovel as he used to. I was still puzzled. "The smell of lowly duty is floral."

"Floral." Liang Chao listened. Also sniffed the nose. But there is a smell of flowers. Said absentmindedly. "Maybe it's a family-raised flower blooming."

"It's not. Besides, yesterday when we were out of town. There's no floral scent here. Li Yang said affirmatively. Then point to the street in front of you.

Liang Chao looked at the place pointed by Li Yang. I found out that it really wouldn't be someone here who raised flowers. After all, this is the place near the city gates. It is lined with low streets. Ordinary and even somewhat dilapidated houses. I don't think there will be anyone raising flowers here.

"Either that, or you've sniffed it wrong." Liang Chao said. only to find that Li Yang had left his side. Walk slowly to the side.

Liang Chao saw it. I was ready to stop him right away. But I don't know what's going on. also followed Li Yang to that side.

Wait for the two of them to walk to the side of Zhao Zhutou and the others. The smell is getting heavier and heavier. Even Liang Chao could smell some. Under doubt. He looked at Liyang. I wanted to ask him what the hell was going on with this floral scent. But what does it matter.

Li Yang didn't answer Liang Chao immediately. He saw Zhao Zhutou dressed up. knows that he is a person from the official yamen. He stepped forward and asked, "Is there anyone dead here?" ”

Liang Chao and Li Yang didn't recognize Zhao Zhutou. But Zhao Zhutou recognized them. When Zhang Fan first came to Yangzhou. He saw Liang Chao among the people accompanying Zhang Fan. Later. I also saw Liyang who suddenly appeared next to Zhang Fan. Although he didn't know the identity of the brocade guard. But in his mind to come. The person who can follow the minister will definitely not be a simple person.

Knowing that they are the people of the ministers. Zhao Zhutou naturally did not dare to slack off. Hurriedly replied, "Back to the words of the two adults." Zhao Yong, the head catcher of the Yamen of the Lower Governor's Mansion. There are indeed dead people here. ”

Folk dead people are very common. But Li Yang would have known without anyone telling him. Liang Chao felt that there must be something wrong here. Hurriedly asked, "What the hell is going on?" Who died? How to die. ”

Zhao Zhutou didn't know why the people around Qin Cha were interested in the dead here. But he still told the whole story as it was.

After Li Yang listened. Without even thinking about it, he said, "No. This man was poisoned to death. ”

The pestle on the side saw Liyang say this. It seems to be because of the self-esteem of the profession. He immediately spoke, "My lord." The small one is the pestle of the yamen. The corpse has already been checked. There were no signs of poisoning. ”

Liang Chao was convinced of Li Yang's words. After all, Li Yang was originally a member of the Five Poisons Sect. He is a big expert in playing drugs. He has a say in the matter. Liang Chao said to Zhao Zhutou: "This colleague of mine is a big expert in drugs. Can we go in and see. ”

"Two adults, please." Although Zhao Zhutou didn't know what was going on. But let them in anyway. The pestle on the side also followed into the house. I want to see what happened.

in the house. A young man wears only obscene trousers. Lying on the ground in front of the bed. Hold your hands over your chest. Painful complexion.

"The little one didn't move his body." Kisaku spoke.

Li Yang is not worried about this. Instead, he squatted in front of Yang Lin's corpse. The nose sniffed hard. Liang Chao didn't ask him why he did it. Ever since he entered the house. The scent of the flowers is also stronger.

Li Yang lifted the deceased's head. He looked at the back of his neck. Then he squeezed the flesh of the back of his neck with his free right hand.

Wait until Liyang stands up. He already had a very small one in his hand. A silver needle glowing with a cold glow.

Saw this silver needle. Zhao Zhutou and Pestle were taken aback. The two of them didn't realize that what they had thought before was not the same as the truth. This Yang Lin was actually poisoned to death. But Liang Chao frowned deeply.