Chapter 3: The East Gate (5 B)

Look at the eyes of your colleagues, either wincing or gloating. Cheng Xiaojiu felt that his back was gradually cold, and the feeling of being targeted by wild beasts when it was dark surged in his heart, his neck was covered with small pimples, and his palms were tightly clenched.

In the palm of his hand was the wooden handle of the saber, the only thing that made him feel safe and trustworthy, and it was warmer than the smiles of his boss and colleagues in front of him.

Lin Xianling's gaze was still wandering, and Xiao Jiu knew that he couldn't make up his mind. This cowardly guy with ears softer than earthworms has always regarded him as a trustworthy elder! Do you want to conspire with Zhang Jin? Whoever comes up with the idea will be the messenger! Since you and others regard guarding the pavilion Tao as the responsibility of Cheng Mou, what reason does Cheng have to send him to death for Er!

Thinking like this, Cheng Xiaojiu slowly lowered his head. Learn from other people's eyes, nose, nose, and heart, and sit still like an old monk in meditation. He heard the chirping of birds outside the window, the wind blowing through the treetops, the nervous breathing of his colleagues and the rumbling of his stomachs...... After spending the whole night in fright, no one had a chance to eat breakfast. The first person who can't resist hunger may be the first to stand up and take the initiative to ask Ying to be a messenger, and Cheng Xiaojiu has long been used to being hungry and full, and he won't feel dizzy if he doesn't eat all day.

There was a long horn sound outside the window, and it was almost noon. A trumpet signifies the peace of the city so far. Pity those village warriors who stick to the city, if they know that the boss behind them is such a shameless group, do they still have the morale to pick up a spear?

But these guys never felt that they were ugly, and they cleverly looked for excuses to "push" the eyes of Lin Xian Ling one by one. The head of the city bureau who usually refuses to let the traders owe a good meat suddenly became a stupid donkey who is not good at calculation, and Jiang Ye, the archer who is usually proud of his martial arts, suddenly vomited blood last night, and there are many people who testify. Jia Zhutou has a grudge against Du Scar's father and daughter, and Guo Zhutou's legs and feet are inconvenient. Dong Zhushu is an appointed official of the imperial court, and after entering the enemy camp, he will humiliate the face of the Son of Heaven......

No one is fit to be a messenger. Although when discussing the purpose and details of the mission, everyone was smarter than the other, and each was more eager than the other. "It's not that it's humble, it's that it's that it's afraid of delaying the lives of the old and young people in the county!" The excuses are kinder than the other, and the other is more reasonable than the other. The only one who couldn't find an excuse was Cheng Xiaojiu, who was sitting at the table.

The young man felt a myriad of eyes converge on his head. He is the only and most suitable messenger. It was as if the day I entered the barracks, Heaven had already arranged all this. Therefore, he should not refuse, if he refuses, he does not know how to appreciate the grace of Lin County's order, and does not obey the destiny of heaven in the dark!

If the envoy explained all the details of the city to Zhang Jincheng, I am afraid that Guantao City will be attacked by the rogues in half an hour. In that way, all will die, regardless of their status, noble or lowly. As Wang Ermao said before, a big fire should be burned clean. In this fire, there is also his own thatched hut in Donkey Alley. Cheng Xiaojiu couldn't help but smile bitterly, and tears slowly welled up in his eyes.

"Cheng Bingcao!" Lin County's voice came at this time, making the young man's heart as cold as ice. He sniffed and stood up with a smile, "If you have something to do, just give orders, Cheng Mou is the only one who looks forward to you!" ”

"When you first became a soldier, you have repeatedly made great contributions, which is obvious to all in this county!" Lin Xian Ling was stunned by Cheng Xiaojiu's gaze, swallowed and spit, and made a detour with difficulty. "This county, among the young heroes I have seen in this county, there is no one, no one can be out of your right. If, if......"

"Huh!" A hearty laugh interrupted him. Cheng Xiaojiu shook his head again and again while laughing, "Don't praise me, adults." Cheng can't afford to be a hero. But adults don't have to be embarrassed, Cheng is willing to take on this mission! ”

"Cheng Bingcao-" Lin Xian Ling dragged out his voice with emotion, and his face turned red for a rare time. "This county, if you can complete the mission, this county will never forget your credit!"

"Your Excellency!" Cheng Xiaojiu continued to smile and shook his head, his gaze became ancient in an instant, "Since it is a soldier in this county, it is Cheng's duty to kill thieves and retreat from the enemy." I only hope that adults can agree to Cheng's requests, so that Cheng can go with peace of mind! ”

"Speak, as long as the county can do it, it will definitely promise you!" Hearing the other party's request, the guilt in Lin Xianling's heart immediately eased a little, and he replied with vigor.

"Cheng has been hungry all night and wants to eat a full meal first!" Cheng Xiaojiu arched his hand and said indifferently.

"Of course, that's of course. The county was so worried just now that they forgot everyone's breakfast. Master Sun, you go and arrange it immediately, and go to Xiaoyao Building to ask for a table of the best wine and food. This county will personally give the lamp to Cheng Bing Cao Zhuangxing! ”

"In order not to be seen through the city by thieves, please prepare suitable clothes for Cheng again!" Cheng Xiaojiu smiled and continued.

"That's nature, that's nature. If you are a messenger, how can you go out in such bloody clothes? Director Liu, you should immediately send someone to the city to take a look, and get more suitable clothes and boots for Cheng Bingcao. Be clean and tidy, don't let the thieves see the jokes of this county! "As if fearing that Cheng Xiaojiu would regret it, Lin County Ling didn't have the mouth to agree." What else do you want, just say, the county will arrange people to do it one by one! ”

"If Cheng can't come back, please send a copy to Cheng's wife." Cheng Xiaojiu's head slowly lowered, and his teeth bit his lower lip tightly. He didn't want to shed tears, at least not to expose his weakness in front of these people. Weakness does not bring any sympathy here, it only prompts others to step on a heavier kick. From today on, he is Cao Cheng Mingzhen, a soldier in Guantao County, and he is no longer a half-sized son of Cheng Xiaojiu in Donkey Hutong. He had to walk out of town with his head held high and not let anyone see the joke.

A young man must be dead and dead. dragged it out to the end, Zhang Jin said that if he found out that he had been deceived, he might dig out his heart and liver and drink in public. So his final request was a bit embarrassing, and Lin County Ling still decided to accept it. "Cheng Bing Cao can rest assured. If you succeed in your mission, the county will certainly guarantee you to the position of county governor from the county warden. If Zhang Thief dares to be disgusted, this county will definitely find a way to avenge your hatred. As for the old lady in your family, this county will never treat her badly, as long as this county lives, your income will not be interrupted! ”

After that, he put on a kind smile and faced Cheng Xiaojiu, hoping to see the admiration and emotion in the eyes of the other party. But he was soon disappointed, and at this moment, Cheng Xiaojiu's eyes only had strong sadness. The sorrow was like fire, so that Lin Xian Ling didn't dare to look at it anymore. He had an impulse in his heart to retract the previous arrangement, stand up and order everyone to fight to the end. Courage rolled on his lips a few times, but finally dissipated. "Later, the county will send twenty dollars to your house, which will be counted as half a year's salary in advance. Do you have any other requirements? The county will try to help you do it!"

"If there is no definite news, please don't inform my mother of Cheng's matter!" Cheng Xiaojiu suddenly raised his head again and said in a commanding tone. "If there is sudden chaos in the thief camp, please seize the opportunity. Whether it's fighting or leaving, don't hesitate! ”

"What are you going to do?" Lin Xianling was taken aback by the fierce expression on Cheng Xiaojiu's face, and asked in a trembling voice. He suddenly remembered that the seemingly weak young man's mind in front of him was actually as hard as steel, and in the middle of the night last year, he knew that he would die and held a knife in front of him! If he tried to assassinate Zhang Jin, in case he failed......

"Don't worry, sir!" Cheng Xiaojiu's words continued to come, with a bit of calmness. "As long as there is a glimmer of hope in the peace talks, Cheng will not use extraordinary means. Cheng still wants to return alive to continue to serve under the adult's account, and he will never gamble with his life! ”

His mind was seen through all of a sudden, and Lin Xianling's face was a little embarrassed. He laughed awkwardly a few times, nodded and promised, "This county is looking forward to your safe return." The county still has some connections on the side, and the letter has been sent a few days ago, and it is estimated that it will be ...... soon."

The next words, Cheng Xiaojiu's left ear listened, and his right ear followed closely and came out. He didn't have the heart to talk to anyone anymore, he needed plenty of time to regain his strength. An unknown danger awaited him outside the city walls, and only when he had enough spirit could he hope to come back alive. Then he will no longer wallow in the filthy yamen. The twenty hangs of money that Lin Xianling promised today were enough for him to marry Xinghua, and his recent savings and rewards for killing enemies could also be taken out and rented a small shop in the downtown area......

Xiaoyao Lou was not open at all today, and the guys bolted the door with iron rods and hid behind the door panel to listen to the movement on the street. Knowing that Cheng Bingcao, who led the group to kill the thieves last night, was going to visit the tiger's den in the afternoon, several chefs immediately ordered someone to raise the fire, used all their strength to rectify a table of first-class dishes, and sent them over while they were hot. Several teams who took turns to rest in the city also heard about the arrangement of the county magistrate, and ran to Cheng Xiaojiu's side with righteous indignation, asking to go with him. For everyone's good intentions, Cheng Xiaojiu smiled and declined. He ate a full meal quietly, and then quietly changed the silk robe and satin crown forcibly requisitioned from the shops by his colleagues from the city office, pinned a horizontal knife to his waist, and said goodbye to everyone.

At this time, even Jia and Guo, who have always regarded young people as thorns in their eyes, also felt a little admiration in their hearts. took all the disciples and grandchildren, followed him behind the Lin County Commander and sent him to the edge of the fence. The townsfolk silently removed a fence and opened a small door for Lord Bing Cao, and then stood silently in two rows, watching the young man who lived and died with everyone last night walk towards that dead road.

"Hyoca-sama!" Jiang Bailing, the brigade leader, couldn't stand this oppressive atmosphere, and choked up and stopped in front of Cheng Xiaojiu. "Slow down, sir! If Zhang Jin said that the dog thieves took the opportunity to attack the city, who would lead the group to resist? ”

"Yes, Hyosa-sama can't go! Lord Prefectural Commander, you can't let Lord Bing Cao go to death! "The villagers, who have always been honest, saw that someone was taking the lead, and immediately surrounded them." If Zhang Jin says that the dog thief is unreasonable, what should everyone do? Who has a soldier who will fight? ”

Lin Xianling was asked so much that his forehead was sweating, and he couldn't give an answer. He had also thought about everyone's worries, but if no one went to the enemy camp to block Zhang Jin, Guantao City might break faster. Moreover, the two heads of the catchers believed that Zhang Jin was credible...... His reputation for keeping his word seems to be even better than that of his own county magistrate!

Just when he was embarrassed, Lin Xianling suddenly heard Cheng Xiaojiu say: "I have already discussed this matter with the county lord, and I have already taken corresponding countermeasures." Jiang Bailing, you performed the best last night, and you are the most suitable to replace me in commanding and dispatching the brothers. Don't stop me, everyone, I'll go to the enemy camp to find out what they are doing, and maybe I'll be able to turn around in a blink of an eye. At that time, let's defend the city together and exchange the thief's head with the county magistrate for money! ”

"Yes, yes, Cheng Bingcao has already recommended Jiang Brigade to me. What he did last night is obvious to everyone! Lin Xian Ling glanced at Cheng Xiaojiu gratefully, and explained to the villagers in a row. Jiang Bailing is Jiang Ye's nephew, and he came to command the villagers in place of Cheng Xiaojiu, which should no longer arouse the suspicion of the two head hunters. As for the reward, it was promised a long time ago, and it was the same when it was cashed out.

"Everyone sent Cheng Bingcao away, and they could go to Director Liu to receive the reward. If you cash out on the same day, you will never be in arrears! "Afraid that the time will drag on for a long time, there will be more trouble, so Dong Zhushu took over the words of Lin County's order and announced it loudly.

The villagers were stunned for a moment, and then cheered in unison in an instant. In two bloody battles last night and this morning, hundreds of enemies fell outside the fence. If Lin County Zunken fulfilled his previous promise, each of the living villagers would have made a small fortune. In the cheerful cheers of everyone, Cheng Xiaojiu turned his body sideways with a smile and squeezed along the gap in the fence that had just been widened to the edge of the remnant wall. He looked nostalgically at the thatched roof behind him, smiled, and jumped off.

It's enough, after a jump, he will never be the half-sized son Cheng Xiaojiu of Donkey Hutong. He is Cheng Mingzhen, who dares to follow the example of the ancients to carry a dagger into an unpredictable place. It's a pity that it's not easy water here, no one hits the rope, and no one sings for their own swords.

"Little Brother Jiu, wait for me!" Suddenly heard a familiar shout behind him, and turned around suddenly, Cheng Mingzhen saw Wang Ermao sitting under the remnant wall in a daze. His ass was stained with black blood, but he had an honest smile on his face.

"I'll go with you!" Wang Ermao patted the soil on his hands and said with a smile.