Only two prequels will be posted today, and the main text will be released tomorrow. ）

One

Zhao Ying woke up from a coma, her eyes were bright, and there seemed to be a small bird fluttering its wings in her chest, impatiently wanting to soar into the sky. His body was weak, but his heart was extremely excited, and he was eager to tell people about the miracles he had just seen.

But that was the thing he cared about the most, so he took a deep breath, gently held the bird in his chest, looked at the old slave at home, suppressed his excitement, and asked in a slightly trembling voice: "How?" ”

The old slave Shen Laoqi didn't answer, shook his head, wanted to speak but didn't speak, his expression had already given a definite answer.

The little bird in his chest was hit hard, and there was no momentum to soar into the sky, but Zhao Ying did not accept his fate, he also shook his head, and said in a more certain tone: "Impossible." ”

Shen Laoqi's mouth was half open, and he couldn't speak, he was originally full of sadness and sympathy, but at this time, it all turned into surprise, and there was a trace of panic.

"Impossible." Zhao Ying repeated word by word, and the bird in her chest became active again, "I saw it, it was real, there was no falsehood, I saw it, it was exactly the same as what Daoist Zhou said." ”

Shen Laoqi's mouth opened wider and let out a meaningless "ah", and the more eagerly the master spoke, the more strange his expression became.

Zhao Ying found that she was playing the piano to the cow, so she struggled to get up from the futon, her feet floated, and her body shook, even so, she still pushed away Shen Laoqi, who came over to support, and strode out of the house, and the word "impossible" came out of her heart again, this time it was for herself.

In the small courtyard, the crowd has almost dispersed, only a few Taoist priests are packing up their utensils, but there is still a group of people gathered at the gate of the courtyard, and the old Taoist Zhou Xuanheng is talking to the neighbors.

"So, the most important thing is sincerity." Zhou Xuanheng carried his hands behind his back, the dust in his right palm was like a tail on the side, trembling slightly, his tone was unhurried, with a trace of regret and blame, of course the object of blame was not himself, "What are we?" It's similar to the middleman, the middle matchmaking, introducing the gods in the sky to the mortals on the earth, just like any of you who wants to see the lord on the ground, of course, you have to find an acquaintance to introduce, but in the end, whether you can meet the master, whether you can get things done after seeing the master, it still depends on your own luck and sincerity, some people are unlucky, some people are reluctant to pay, of course you can't complain about the middleman, right? Back to praying to God, the reason for the failure is all the insincerity of mortals, but we have done our duty and have invited the gods to our doorstep......"

The audience couldn't help nodding yes, and a few people's eyes shifted, Zhou Xuanheng turned around, and saw Zhao Ying, who was lost in his soul, didn't say anything, turned around, shook his head at everyone, sighed lightly, suddenly raised his legs, and strode out, as if something unclean behind him was driving him.

The neighbors hurriedly gave way, and then gathered in a heap, and their eyes turned to the owner of the Zhao family.

"Immortal." Zhao Ying's voice was a little hoarse, and she hurriedly chased after the gate of the courtyard, raising her voice and shouting, "Immortal Master Zhou!" ”

Zhou Xuanheng was gone, and a young Taoist priest stopped in front, holding a copper chime in his arms, with a smile on his face, and persuaded: "Forget it, Brother Zhao, Master is in a hurry to take a step in advance, don't chase it, that's the way it is, blessings and misfortunes are all ...... by heaven."

Zhao Ying couldn't listen to it, and grabbed the young Taoist's arm, "Impossible, I did everything Zhou Xianye said, it's not bad at all, and it's ...... And I see, really, exactly like the picture you gave me......"

The young Taoist priest was so painful that he bared his teeth, and Zhao Ying immediately let go of his hand and groped around his body, trying to find the piece of paper full of immortals to prove that what he said was true.

Zhao Ying has an only son, just over five years old, who suddenly fell unconscious a few days ago, only gasping for breath.

Monks, Taoist priests, and half-immortals have all been invited, but the son has not improved, and Zhao Ying, who has seen thirty, is such a son, regarded as a treasure, and is more important than his own life, even if he is bankrupt, he has to save it, so he entrusted many relatives and friends, spent hundreds of taels of silver, and finally invited the famous Zhou Xuanheng Zhou Xianye from the Lingji Palace.

Zhou Xuanheng led his disciples to lay out the case and cast spells, and at the same time asked Zhao Ying and his wife to sit quietly in the east and west wings and meditate separately, praying for the help of the gods, especially Zhao Ying, as the head of the family, if he could see the appearance of the gods when meditating, it would be good luck.

At that time, Zhao Ying knelt on the ground and reverently took a piece of paper with two immortals and many attendants painted on it, and he sat in the room for a day and a night, during which he did not eat, drink or move until he fainted, but in a blur, he believed that he saw the gods.

The result was not "lucky".

Zhou Xuanheng left, and the young Taoist priest stopped in front of Zhao Ying and put away the little smile on his face, "The matter has come to an end, let's mourn by the way, Ling Lang's life should be like this, I think it is the karmic debt owed in the previous life." You are still young, burn more incense and worship God in the future, if you can move the heavens, maybe there will be a son in your life......"

Zhao Ying felt a fire rise from the bottom of her heart, "I did it, exactly like what Zhou Xianye said." ”

The young Taoist priest smiled and said softly, "Whether you do it or not, it's not up to you to have the final say." ”

"Who's to say? You? Zhao Ying asked loudly.

The young Taoist priest shook his head.

"Immortal Zhou?"

The young Taoist priest still shook his head.

"Who is it?" Zhao Ying's voice was higher, attracting the attention of everyone at the gate of the courtyard.

The young Taoist priest was slightly embarrassed, and laughed, but Zhao Ying's eyes didn't blink, and there was a wolf-like glimmer in his eyes, which made the young Taoist both frightened and annoyed, "Of course it's a god...... The young Taoist turned around and said to the crowd at the gate: "Of course it's a god, do you still need to ask?" The gods refuse to show up, of course, you are insincere, obviously. ”

"No, the gods have appeared, I saw it with my own eyes." Zhao Ying tried to recall, and what she saw when she was in a coma was like what she saw in front of her.

The young Taoist priest laughed again, handed the copper chime in his hand to another Taoist priest, and when he spoke again, his tone was not as soft as just now, "Zhao Baihu, why bother, after all, it is your son, and no one complains about you......"

Zhao Ying stepped forward, grabbed the young Taoist's clothes, and said angrily: "I obviously did it!" ”

Other Taoist priests and neighbors hurriedly stepped forward to dissuade them, and the young Taoist priest couldn't even get out after earning a few times, his face was swollen and red, "Zhao Ying, don't come to this set, you are insincere, you killed your own son, no wonder others, let alone rely on our Lingji Palace......"

Zhao Ying threw a fist to fight, but was pulled away by everyone.

The people in the courtyard were pulling and pulling, and the Taoist priests hurriedly left with their utensils, muttering the words "insincerity" all the way.

Zhao Ying still wanted to catch up, his mood was a little calmer, he had no intention of hitting anyone, he just wanted to ask to understand what he did wrong, so that he ended up with a "dishonest heart", but everyone dragged and hugged him, he couldn't take a single step, he could only shout: "I did it!" ”

Shen Laoqi squeezed in, "Master, let's go and see grandma at home." ”

Zhao Ying was shocked, her son had a strange illness, his wife was heartbroken, if she had another accident, this family would really be ruined.

The neighbors let go one by one, chattering and comforting, Zhao Ying didn't listen to a word, and glanced at the main house, his son was still there, but he didn't want to look at it, he didn't dare to look at it, pushed everyone away, and ran to the west wing, where his wife Xu was sitting.

Xu Shi also did not eat or drink for a day and a night, but she was not unconscious, and heard the result earlier than her husband, so she asked the servant to bring her son over and hold him in his arms, and her heart was empty all the time, and she was silent until she heard the quarrel outside, and finally came back to her senses.

Zhao Ying entered the house and saw the son in his wife's arms, and her whole heart felt like she had been stabbed several times, and then thrown on the ground and stepped on a few times.

"It's fate." Xu's strong spirit, one of the husband and wife must stay calm, and now it seems that it can only be her.

Zhao Ying was silent for a long time, and then asked, "Is there really an immortal in the world?" ”

"What?" Xu Shi was startled and looked at her husband worriedly.

"Are there really gods in this world? If so, why let our son ...... He's so well-behaved, he hasn't done anything wrong......"

"Don't say that." Xu Shi became more and more flustered, "People will say that you are not sincere." ”

"Hey." Zhao Ying took one last look at her son's little face, turned around and walked out of the room, his wife couldn't answer his question.

"Husband......" Xu Shi wanted to get up, but after sitting for a long time, his limbs were soft, and he was still holding the child in his arms, so he couldn't move at all, so he could only watch her husband disappear.

The neighbors were still in the courtyard, whispering to each other, and when they saw Zhao Ying coming out, they all shut up, and they were all ready to say words of consolation, but before anyone could speak, Zhao Ying had already walked out of the courtyard, leaving a group of people looking at each other.

Zhao Ying didn't want to hear anything, he was full of doubts, his wife couldn't answer, and his neighbors couldn't answer.

He didn't know where to go or who to go to, he just wandered aimlessly through the streets.

Two

Zhao Ying stared at Xiucai opposite, her eyes were cold, like a lone wolf who had just won after a vicious fight, she didn't have time to taste the food she had won in her hand, and her body was still bloody, and she raised her head and bared her teeth to demonstrate to other competitors to see who dared to step forward to fight with her, in fact, it was already at the end of the crossbow, and she was unable to fight again.

The aftermath of the victor is usually effective, and Zhao Ying is not the victor, but she has the eyes of the victor.

Xiucai was timid and regretful, put down the wine glass in his hand, and said sneeringly: "I just remembered it...... There's an urgent matter...... That one...... I'll take my leave......"

"You haven't answered my question yet." Zhao Ying said sternly, as if she was reprimanding the soldiers in the barracks.

"Huh?" Xiucai smiled wryly.

"Are there any gods in the world?" Zhao Ying became more and more serious.

Xiucai is not yet thirty years old, he has experienced too few things, and he is not good at dealing with this situation, so he pinched the wine glass again with his right hand, turned it gently and uneasily, and left when he wanted to get up, and felt embarrassed, coughed a few times, and reluctantly replied: "Zi said: Respect the gods and ghosts and stay away." We are Confucian...... That's pretty much the way it goes. ”

Zhao Ying was not satisfied with this answer, and still stared at Xiucai, a good big living person, but there was the madness of a dying person in his eyes.

Xiucai was even more scared, from being embarrassed to not daring to go, turning his eyes and asking for help from the other guests in the hotel, only to see a happy face.

"Confucianism doesn't believe in ghosts and gods." Xiucai affirmed that he hoped to end the embarrassing situation soon.

"Doesn't Confucianism worship gods? Aren't the Confucian scholars who look up at the heavens in the Qin Heavenly Prison? Don't you believe in prophecy, star change, and calamity? ”

Hearing such words from the mouth of a hundred households, Xiucai was very surprised, thought about it again and again, and replied: "Respect and stay away, I have said it, that is, respect and stay away, Confucianism does not believe in ghosts and gods, but he does not object to it...... You don't need to take it too seriously, right? Since the people believed...... I'm in a hurry, that ......"

"Be more serious, of course." Zhao Ying raised her hand and slapped it heavily on the table, so frightened that Xiucai, who had just gotten up, sat down again, "If there is no god, what is the use of these many temples and temples and monks?" Why not destroy it in one fell swoop, but also save food and land. If there is God, how can we communicate with Him? The imperial court often promulgates decrees and declares to the world, where is the will of the gods? Why is it not clear that the gods are not clear about their intentions? Why? Why do you say that? ”

Xiucai fidgeted and looked at the people in the store again, begging for help.

More than a dozen guests laughed but did not answer, only a man in a long shirt leaning against the counter had just come in, he didn't know the situation, and sneered: "Who said there are no immortals?" It's just that you don't recognize it. ”

Zhao Ying's gaze finally moved away from Xiucai and looked at the man in the long robe, "Are you an immortal?" ”

"Of course I'm not, but I'm ......"

Xiucai didn't hesitate anymore, got up and hurried out, secretly vowing not to accept other people's invitations casually.

The man in the long shirt glanced at Xiucai and continued: "But I have seen it, I have seen it with my own eyes, the youngest son of Li San Mazi in Wu Lao'er Hutong was hooked by a ghost, and it was useless how many Langzhong and how many medicines he ate. ”

Zhao Ying was stunned for a moment, seemed to be speechless, and waited for a while and asked, "Who is the real person you are talking about?" ”

"Who else could it be? Of course, it's the Lingji Palace......" The man in the long shirt found that the expressions of the drinkers around him were wrong, and he didn't know what he meant, but he knew that he had said the wrong thing, and he laughed twice, "Wu Lao'er Hutong is not far from here, ask for yourself." ”

Zhao Ying stood up, looked at the man in the long shirt, and walked out of the store.

"Hey, Master Zhao, the account hasn't been settled yet...... guy shouted.

The shopkeeper waved his hand at the guy, "Frequent guests, just keep accounts." Then he looked down at the ledger.

The man in the long shirt still didn't understand, "Who was that person just now?" Say some weird things. ”

The guy said, "You don't know? No wonder, he is a hundred households living in the alley of Guanyin Temple, named Zhao Ying, and his son ...... "The man lowered his voice, "His kid also lost his soul a few days ago, and he invited the old Taoist of Lingji Palace, but it's a pity that ......"

The man in the long shirt suddenly let out a long sigh, "I've heard of it, it turned out to be him, he was insincere, he didn't invite the gods, and he couldn't complain about others." ”

The shopkeeper coughed, "Don't gossip, don't mess with right and wrong." ”

The guy obediently shut up, but the man in the long shirt was not convinced, "What else do you dare to do with a hundred households?" ”

No one accosted him, and the man in the long shirt felt bored, knocked on the counter, asked for another pot of wine, poured himself a drink, and quickly forgot about Zhao Baihu.

Three

Zhao Ying remembered every word the man in the long shirt said, left the hotel, and immediately went to Wu Lao'er Hutong, standing at the mouth of the alley, watching a few children playing on the street.

Soon an adult came out, looking at the comer suspiciously, Zhao Ying turned to leave, and walked towards home unconsciously, suddenly stopped, and a thought was born in her heart.

The house was deserted, and there was no laughter from children, Shen Laoqi swept the courtyard with his back bowed alone, his movements were slow, and he couldn't catch up with the fallen leaves blown by the wind.

A middle-aged woman walked out of the main room, holding a burden in her arms, and when she saw the man, she immediately bowed her head and left in a hurry.

When the woman disappeared, Zhao Ying asked, "Who is it?" ”

Only then did Shen Laoqi find the old man, holding a broom, looking left and right blankly, and finally understood, "Oh, that, it was introduced by Sister-in-law Wang, who washed and sewed for each family, grandma saw that she was pitiful, and often gave some work, how many times have I been here, doesn't the master know?" ”

Zhao Ying doesn't know, and she doesn't care, since her son is gone, her wife is more charitable than before, and she always thinks that she can get God's forgiveness and have another son. Zhao Ying was not interested in "understanding", but felt that the woman was a little eccentric, not like an ordinary poor girl.

"Old Seven, follow me." Zhao Ying didn't want to be nosy, she only thought about the thought that arose on the road.

Shen Laoqi gently put down the broom and followed the master to the east chamber.

The room was covered with a layer of dust, and Shen Lao Qi's eyes were dizzy, and he didn't see it, and said, "Master, I'll make tea." ”

"No, I don't. I have a message for you. Zhao Ying sat on the chair, a cloud of dust rose from under his buttocks, he still didn't care, he only thought about one thing.

Shen Laoqi snorted, he had worked hard in the Zhao family, and he had served three generations successively, so he was not particularly restrained in front of the master.

Zhao Ying fell silent, as if she had forgotten what she was going to ask, and Shen Laoqi was not in a hurry, standing in place and waiting silently, his aging body swaying slightly.

"How did Brother Wen get sick?" Zhao Ying spoke, her son's name was Zhao Wen, and the family called him "Brother Wen".

"Huh? Brother Wen didn't get sick, he was ...... He was the evil and ...... that night Somehow he lost his soul, everyone said that maybe he was too playful, and his soul had to run out when he fell asleep, but he couldn't find his way home...... "Shen Laoqi's eyes were moist, and he had a deep affection for the little master.

"Haven't you encountered anything strange during the day? I remember you took Brother Wen out that day. ”

"I went to the market and bought a piece of osmanthus cake." Shen Laoqi tried hard to raise his drooping eyelids, feeling that the master was a little strange, "Master, don't drink anymore, there is still a grandmother at home, the boss has sent people several times, saying that if the master doesn't go to the camp again, he will ......."

"Bring me a basin of water." Zhao Yingcai didn't care what her boss thought.

Shen Laoqi sighed and turned around to serve water.

Zhao Ying sat for a while, got up and walked to the wall, took off the waist knife hanging on it, pulled out the knife from the sheath, weighed it twice in his hand, hung the scabbard back up, held the knife back to its original place, did not sit down, stared at the table next to it, and was in a daze again.

Shen Laoqi entered the house with water and was startled when he saw the master holding a knife in his hand, "Master, you ...... Don't do anything stupid. ”

Zhao Ying turned to look at the old slave at home, "Old Seven, you have been in my house for a long time, right?" ”

Shen Laoqi's body shook more obviously, and the water in the basin rippled slightly, "Fifty...... It's been years. ”

"You watched me grow up, and I treat you as my own uncle."

"The lord is as kind to me as a mountain...... Shen Laoqi didn't think he was a "real uncle".

"Then tell me, why did Brother Wen lose his soul?"

"I don't know." Shen Laoqi really couldn't hold on, and put the basin on the shelf on the side, "Everything was fine during the day that day, Brother Wen jumped and jumped......"

Zhao Ying looked at the knife in his hand, Shen Laoqi also looked over, his heart trembled, and his body trembled, he knew his master too well, and he knew that he would be afraid, "Master...... What did you hear? ”

"I'm asking you." Zhao Ying suddenly lost control, her hand rose and fell, the blade sank into the table, and the blade shook slightly, making a buzzing sound.

Failed to split the table with a knife, Zhao Ying was even more angry, holding the handle of the knife tightly, staring at the old slave viciously, many days of alcoholism and lack of sleep made his eyes bloodshot, more like a hungry wolf who was desperate and ready to fight to the death.

Shen Laoqi knelt down, "Master, don't be angry, everything was really normal that day, the little master and the old slave went to the Guanjia dim sum shop in the city to buy a piece of osmanthus cake, and after eating it on the way, the master can ask the dim sum shop if he doesn't believe it." ”

Zhao Ying's arm holding the knife was still straining, and the table rattled, "You have been by Brother Wen'er's side?" ”

Shen Laoqi hesitated for a moment before nodding, Zhao Ying let out a low snort, raised his left fist, and slammed it on the table, and the corner of the table fell to the ground along the blade.

Shen Lao was colorless on his seven faces, just a vigorous kowtow called "master".

Zhao Ying calmed down, threw the knife on the table, and sat down, "Old Seven, I know that you are loyal to the Zhao family and will not harm anyone, you tell the truth, I will not embarrass you." ”

Shen Laoqi trembled, "I, I'll just say hello to my acquaintances, and the little master will run ......away by himself."

"And then?" Zhao Ying asked.

"As soon as I found out that Brother Wen was not around, I immediately chased after him and saw ...... Seeing that someone was teasing him, it was as if he had given a piece of ......"

"What does that man look like? And what is it given? ”

"I, I...... Master, I really didn't see it clearly, I called 'Brother Wen'er while running, the man turned around and left, I didn't pay much attention to it, I didn't ask too much, and took the little master home. The little master was not abnormal at the time, and he played for a long time after returning home, and only ...... at night It shouldn't have anything to do with that person. ”

Zhao Ying picked up the knife again, became more and more firm in the thoughts in her heart, and said calmly: "Go and invite Mr. Sun." ”

Four

Sun Long, the general banner, is an officer in the patrol department, and Zhao Ying is a sworn brother.

After Zhao Ying lost his son, Sun Long only came once, not because he was ruthless, but because he believed that his brother could break free from his grief by himself.

Sun Long was carrying a bottle of wine in his right hand and a bag of sauce meat in his left hand, and after entering the door, he bowed his head to Zhao Ying, "Come on?" ”

Zhao Ying was not polite, nodded in agreement, and reached out to turn over the two teacups on the table.

The two drank across the table, speechless for a long time.

In the end, Sun Long spoke, "The eldest brother and sister-in-law are both young and can regenerate, it's really not good, take the outer room, the sister-in-law understands the righteousness ......"

"I didn't come to you for this." Zhao Ying put down the cup.

"Hmm." Sun Long didn't say more.

"You've heard a lot of things in the patrol hall, have there been any children in the city who have lost their souls recently?"

Sun Long was stunned, "This ...... The patrol department is looking for thieves, and if they don't report to the official, we don't know. Why is the eldest brother asking this? Is there anything wrong with Brother Wen? ”

"I heard that there is a family in Wu Lao'er Hutong whose children also lost their souls and were rescued by the Taoist priest of Lingji Palace, I think, there may be something in the middle."

Sun Long was stunned again, lowered his head and thought for a while, then raised his head and said, "I'll go and inquire, I'll take the troops on duty tomorrow night, and I'll call you back the evening after tomorrow." ”

Zhao Ying nodded, he understood this brother, and he didn't need to do more.

Sun Long picked up the cup and drank it all, got up and said, "Big brother, listen to me, you are still young, some things are destined, don't force it." ”

Sun Long left, Zhao Ying sat alone for a long time, until the room was completely dark, he walked out of the room, looked at the faint light in the main room, and imagined the appearance of his wife chanting and praying.

Zhao Ying got married before he was twenty years old, and he didn't have a son until he was thirty years old, and now he is thirty-five years old, which is indeed not too old, but he doesn't feel that he will have another son in his life, and he doesn't want to work hard for it, he just misses Brother Wen, and he misses it until he is in his bones, so that the ground seems to tremble.

"I'm still young." Zhao Ying muttered, what swelled up in her heart was not the hope of having children, but a nameless fire, "What is sincerity?" ”

When Sun Long came to the door again, Zhao Ying prepared a table of wine and food, the two closed the door, ate and drank for a long time, and talked for a long time, during which only Shen Laoqi went in a few times, only saw that the faces of the two of them were getting redder and redder, and their words were gradually a little clever, nothing unusual.

After late at night, Sun Long said goodbye and said vaguely at the gate of the courtyard: "The eldest brother is still young, and it is only a matter of a few dozen taels of silver to buy a person, as long as the sister-in-law agrees, I will ...... tomorrow."

Zhao Ying pushed Sun Long out with a smile, stood in the courtyard, watched Shen Laoqi close the door and latch, and then went back to the wing room to rest, his body swayed, but his steps were brisk. Shen Laoqi saw it in his eyes, breathed a sigh of relief, and felt that the master should have wanted to open it.

Five

Zhao Ying packed up and went to see his wife Xu.

A young couple, middle-aged and childless, both have a stomach full of things to say, but they have nothing to say.

Xu Shi held a rosary, dressed in plain clothes, is chanting quietly, since the Taoist priest of Lingji Palace failed to find her son's soul, she converted to the Bodhisattva, in addition to eating, sleeping, more than half of the time spent chanting and worshipping the Buddha, the room was filled with a strong smell of incense.

Seeing her husband come in, Xu stopped chanting and looked up, with both a visit and a reproach in her eyes.

Zhao Ying stood for a moment and said, "Clean up, go back to your parents' house for a few days, I'm going out." ”

Xu's tears flowed out all of a sudden, "Husband, why bother? ”

I still can't hide my heart from my wife, Zhao Ying felt a moment of remorse in her heart, and immediately became firm, "Brother Wen is smart and well-behaved, I don't believe that he did something wrong in his previous life, and even if he did, he shouldn't use his life in this life to pay it back." I also don't believe that our husband and wife were insincere when they first prayed to God, so there is only one explanation. ”

"It's fate."

A smile appeared at the corner of Zhao Ying's mouth, "Yes, everything is destined, I want to see ......" Zhao Ying didn't want to say more, "Go back to your parents' house." ”

Zhao Ying left, Xu cried alone for a while, called Yahuan, turned over the cabinet, found out all the gold and silver at home, piled them on the table, and then asked Yahuan to invite Shen Laoqi.

Shen Laoqi just saw the man walk out of the house with a strange expression, and when he entered the house, he saw a table full of gold and silver jewelry, and he couldn't help but be surprised.

"Uncle Seven, I'll make a list, and you can help me give these things away."

"That's ...... That's ......."

"Yes, that's all about the family. Give it all out, the surrounding temples, several poor families, all have a share, you and Ying'er also have it, and you will give it up today. Xu Shi paused, "This is to pray for your lord, hoping that the Bodhisattva will forgive him for what he has done." ”

Six

Like many hereditary military households, Zhao Ying of 100 households does not lead soldiers, and usually does not enter the camp for training, let alone on the battlefield, and pays the regular silver to the boss every year, in exchange for a relaxed body, and since then he has come to the guard on time to order, white-collar country is a lu, and when he was young, he was also uneasy and wanted to kill the enemy to serve the country, since his father passed away, his thoughts have faded.

After the order, Zhao Ying went to find a familiar officer in the guardhouse, recovered a few debts, repaid some silver, and said a few words by the way.

Leaving the guard, Zhao Ying walked the streets and alleys, went around in a big circle, visited many people's homes, and also collected debts and repaid money, some went smoothly, some did not go well, he did not urge, but recorded them one by one, and pressed their fingerprints in case they were well documented in the future.

The last person he visited was his sworn brother Sun Long.

Sun Long was on patrol last night, and was sleeping at home at this time, when he heard that Zhao Ying was visiting, he immediately got up, washed his face indiscriminately, personally welcomed the guests into the room, and whispered excitedly: "There are eyebrows, the people in Yingzi Hutong outside the city reported to the official, saying that there were strangers feeding snacks to children on the street, and they ran away after being discovered by adults." The child only took one bite and went home in a coma for most of the day. ”

Zhao Ying snorted, "Second Brother Lao is concerned about this matter, if this person can be caught in the future, he must be cleaned up." ”

"Of course." Seeing that Brother Yi was not particularly excited, Sun Long was a little confused, "Big brother is here for something, right?" I've got you a good woman, and she's got a good woman there, less than twenty years old......"

Zhao Ying shook her head with a smile, took out a small bag from her arms, and sent it to Sun Long, "You keep this thing for me." ”

Sun Long opened the cloth bag and saw that there were several pieces of gold inside, and became more and more surprised, "This is ......"

"Anyway, take it for me first, and if you see the Zhao family downcast in the future, it's not too late."

"What are these words? The eldest brother is in the prime of life, how can he be 'down'? Even if that day were, would I ignore it? ”

"Take it, the right should make me feel at ease."

Sun Long hesitated for a while, and reluctantly said: "Okay, if the eldest brother changes his mind and wants to buy a house, it is just right to use the money." ”

Zhao Ying said goodbye, Sun Long sent it to the gate, he was puzzled, but he was too sleepy, put away the gold, went back to the room and slept again, and planned to talk to his brother tomorrow.

Seven

It was nearly noon when he left Sun's house, Zhao Ying hired a mule cart at the entrance of the street, walked Chongwenmenli Street, and then went west along the city wall, turned to Xuanwumenli Street, all the way to the north, entered Xuanchengbo's Houqiang Street, and the mule driver stopped, "Master, Lingji Palace has arrived." ”

Lingji Palace is a grand view, enshrine two Xu Zhenren, there are many believers in Beijing, Zhao Ying gave the car money, do not go to the main gate, go straight to the west gate.

He came a little late, and the ritual in the temple of Xiben was almost over, and a group of believers stood outside the temple to watch, kneeling and kowtowing from time to time.

Zhao Ying mixed behind the crowd and knelt down, but her eyes were sweeping around.

There are quite a few Taoist priests involved in the practice, and when it is almost dark, after the ritual is completed, the Taoist priests hug each other and escort the real person away, and the believers are divided into two sides, scrambling to put gold, silver and copper coins into the bags held by the Taoist priests.

Zhao Ying squeezed to the front, also threw money into the bag, his eyes were still scanning, and finally, he saw the target.

The old Taoist Zhou Xuanheng is a disciple of Lingji Palace, belonging to the "rear supporters", and he also collects money with a bag in his hand, and when he meets a familiar believer, he either nods or smiles.

After more than a dozen steps, Zhou Xuanheng also saw Zhao Ying of Baihu, put away the smile on his face, and slowly approached.

Zhao Ying wanted to give up the last dozen copper coins in his hand, but Zhou Xuanxiang closed the bag and said loudly: "Do you understand?" ”

"Figured it out." Zhao Ying let out a low sigh.

"Whose fault is it?"

"My bad."

Zhou Xuanheng was satisfied, reopened the bag, and saw more than a dozen copper coins in Zhao Ying's hand, and frowned again, "So little?" Well, just be sincere. ”

"There is no money left in your hands." Zhao Ying put the copper coin in her pocket and groped in her arms.

The Taoist priests moved forward in order, Zhou Xuanxiang took a step forward, let go of the Taoist priest behind him, approached Zhao Ying, and waited for him for a while, "That's right, I don't care about how much money is or how little money is, but this sincerity, filial piety to the gods, and you must not hide your private ......"

The surrounding believers nodded yes, Zhao Ying also nodded, took out something from his arms with his right hand, and grabbed Lao Dao's wrist with his left hand.

Zhou Xuanheng didn't care at first, his eyes turned to another acquaintance, and he was about to say hello, when he suddenly felt that something was wrong, looked down, and found that what Zhao Ying was holding in his hand was a dagger.

"You're definitely more sincere than I am." Zhao Ying said.

"You, you...... Let go! Zhou Xuanheng shouted, not afraid, only angry, and unreasonable.

Zhao Ying grabbed Zhou Xuanheng tighter, "If there is really a god, you should protect you, I will not die with this thorn." If there are no immortals-" Zhao Ying raised her voice, and her eyes suddenly showed a very violent anger, "You are a liar, and you are the culprit who killed my son!" ”

"You're crazy!" Zhou Xuanheng finally felt frightened and tried to withdraw his hand, but he forgot to let go of the bag in his hand, and the gold, silver and bronze made a loud noise inside.

First the surrounding believers, and then the Taoist priests who were on the march, noticed the abnormality here one after another, most of them thought it was a small dispute, several Taoist priests reprimanded, and several believers persuaded each other with good words, only Zhou Xuanheng himself began to weaken his legs, and he saw something that others couldn't see, that is, the hundred households in front of him were really crazy.

Zhao Ying felt that he was very calm, thinking that back then, he was also a rogue boy on the street, he had fought countless big and small fights, and he knew a truth, with less enemies and more reliance on momentum, if he couldn't control the scene at the beginning, no matter how ruthless the gangsters and big heroes were, they would inevitably be beaten by the group.

"Come up if you're not afraid of death!" Zhao Ying twisted Zhou Xuanheng's arm, forced the other party to turn around and bend over, raised the dagger, and stabbed it hard.

The old man screamed, Zhao Ying raised the dagger again, raised his head, and put on a posture of being a husband and a wife, he hadn't fought for many years, and now he picked up a set on the street, which is still easy to use.

Those who reprimanded, persuaded and watched the excitement all shut up and retreated, but the crowd a little farther away was still noisy and shouting.

The bluff didn't last long, and Zhao Ying said loudly: "Listen to the truth, I am a hereditary hundred households of Yanshan avant-garde, surnamed Zhao Mingying, and I live in the alley of Guanyin Temple. ”

Zhao Ying glanced down at Zhou Xuanheng, Lao Dao bent over, one hand was in Zhao Ying's grasp, and the other hand pressed the wound on his shoulder.

"Since last winter, at least seven children inside and outside Nancheng have eaten strangers' things so that they are unconscious, and they have all been instructed to ask Zhou Xuanheng to do something, and afterwards five children lived, two died, and my son was the one who died, obviously Zhou Xuanheng colluded with the gangsters, one poisoned, and the other was detoxified." Zhao Ying wants to make her words clear.

"That's not right! Wrong! Zhou Xuanheng finally came back to his senses and denied it loudly.

"So you're a true immortal?"

"I'm just asking God, whether you can invite or not depends on whether you are sincere." Zhou Xuanheng is still hard-mouthed.

"Hey." Zhao Ying saw several Taoist priests running from a distance with long sticks in their hands.

"Let the gods save you." Zhao Ying spit out the last sentence of the trip, and stabbed down with the dagger in his hand again.

On the evening of the ninth day of October in the seventh year of Jingtai in the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Ying, the hereditary household of Yanshan avant-garde, slashed the Taoist Zhou Xuanheng outside the side hall of Lingji Palace, which caused a sensation in the whole city afterwards, but it was a very simple thing at that time, whether it was in the sky or on the ground, there was no vision worth saying, the wind was a little cold, the blood was a little terrifying, and that was all.

Zhao Ying threw away the dagger and strode out, he had no idea of escaping, he just didn't want to stand here anymore.

No one stepped forward to stop them, and several Taoist priests with sticks did not catch up.

Eight

Zhao Ying wanted to go to the nearest criminal department to surrender, but was surrounded by a group of soldiers on the way, he did not resist, he was arrested, and after walking out of the road, he found that he was sent to Jinyiwei, and only then did he think that the disaster he caused was probably not small.

The interrogation went on intermittently for nearly a month, and Zhao Ying had subjected all the torture instruments once, without concealing them, and recounted the causes and consequences many times, but Jin Yiwei didn't care why this hundred households killed people, but just kept asking him who instructed him and what accomplices he had.

Zhao Ying has the heart of death, even if the pain is in the bone marrow, he has not confessed to anyone, and he really has no one to betray.

Just when he thought he was going to die in Jinyi Prison, he was transferred to the prison of the Criminal Department.

The people of Jinyiwei never spoke much, and the jailer of the criminal department was still straightforward, and said to the prisoner on the first day: "Although Jinyiwei is ruthless, you still have a chance to survive there. If you're lucky, you've missed this autumn slash and you're going to have to eat here for an extra year. But how to eat this rice, whether it is hard or soft, cold or hot, depends on your ability, understand? ”

Zhao Ying understood, but ignored the jailer, collapsed in his clothes, and fell asleep.

Zhao Ying thought that he was going to suffer again, but the result was unexpected, he was a death row prisoner, living in a single cell, without a bed, the hay on the ground was still thick, the food was poor, and he could eat enough, but it was cold, he had no warm cotton clothes, only curled up in a ball of bitterness.

More than ten days later, Zhao Ying ushered in a visitor.

Since his righteous brother was in trouble, Sun Long has always wanted to rescue, but he has a low position and can't speak in Jinyiwei, until Zhao Ying is sent to the Criminal Department, he has the opportunity to fight up and down, and he can't reduce the charge, at least let the righteous brother suffer less in prison.

Zhao Ying has been out of shape, three points like a person and seven points like a ghost, Sun Long cried at a glance, Zhao Ying didn't care, and said with a smile: "Brother, don't pick a courtesy, I can't get up now." ”

"Big brother, you have a big disaster, Lingji Palace was praying for the blessing of the current saint that day, and you were rushed by, so that the gods were angry. The Taoist priests have played repeatedly, and they have to kill you. Alas, why do you want to do this? Or wait a few more days, or ask me for help, it's really not good, let's die together, why is this? ”

"Whatever, I've already taken revenge anyway, and there are still children who have lost their souls recently?"

"Even if it was really Zhou Xuanheng who harmed people, the accomplices were hiding at this time, alas, the eldest brother was too anxious, and there was no proof of death."

Zhao Ying smiled again, "No one is affected, right?" ”

"Everyone in the family is fine, the eldest brother doesn't have to remember, everyone is trying to find a way to see how to save the eldest brother's life."

"There's no need to waste it, Lingji Palace is a royal building, I killed people in it, I didn't think I would be alive."

"As long as it can be proved that Zhou Xuanheng did collude with demons to poison children." Sun Long refused to give up easily.

Zhao Ying had a few more good days, but Sun Long did not appear again, one day, the jailer's attitude changed suddenly, kicked over the food plate, found an excuse to punish the prisoner, and a stick came down, and Zhao Ying, whose injuries had just improved, were covered with bruises again.

The two forces outside the prison are competing, which is reflected in the prison, that is, Zhao Ying will eat and drink well for a while, and add sticks for a while, he will not defend himself, he will eat when he should eat, and he will not beg for mercy when he is beaten, although he remembers his wife in his heart, he has never asked anyone.

As the days passed, Zhao Ying was beaten more and more, on the night of Chinese New Year's Eve, the sound of firecrackers outside was faintly heard, and Zhao Ying, who was lying on the grass, thought that he probably would not survive next autumn, rather than let Sun Long and others break the bank, it was better to die early and surpass life.

Zhao Ying struggled to get up, took off her tattered coat, looked up at the small window at the height, moved over step by step, threw one end of the clothes up, tried several times, and finally bypassed an iron bar.

The two ends of the clothes were tied into a dead knot, and Zhao Ying pulled it hard, thinking that it was quite strong, so she went to bring hay to make a stepping stone.

Everything was ready, Zhao Ying put her neck in, and just kicked the hay with both feet, and she could be a hundred.

With a clear sound of firecrackers, a cloud of snowflakes rushed in from the window, scattering in all directions, like smoke from firecrackers.

"There are no gods in the world, where is the reincarnation?" Zhao Ying muttered, suddenly not wanting to die, and carefully moved her neck.

The clothes were tied too hard to untie, Zhao Ying only moved the hay to avoid the wind, lay on it, didn't think about anything, and listened carefully to the sound of firecrackers outside.

Nine

Several jailers entered the cell, and without saying a word, they picked up the prisoner and walked out.

Zhao Ying was puzzled, and when she was about to ask, she felt that no one would answer, so she thought that it was probably time, and Lingji Palace didn't know what means she had used to let him be executed in advance.

Zhao Ying didn't want to die, but she didn't want to struggle senselessly.

The jailers dragged the prisoner to the back door, put a cloak over him, pushed him out, and then closed the door, and no one came out.

It was almost dusk, there were no pedestrians in the streets and alleys, Zhao Ying stood there crookedly, completely confused, and couldn't help but ask loudly, "What's the matter?" ”

No one answered.

Zhao Ying waited for a while, then wrapped her clothes tightly and dragged her body slowly towards the mouth of the alley.

Just after the first month, the atmosphere of the New Year has disappeared cleanly, until Xuanwumen Street, there are pedestrians, all in a hurry, acquaintances meet, just nod, even exempt from the preoccupation.

Zhao Ying became more and more confused, thinking that this was in a dream, but the pain on his body did not decrease at all, he had confirmed that he was really released at this time, his homesickness increased sharply, gritted his teeth, and limped towards the alley of Guanyin Temple in Dongcheng.

Guanyin Temple Hutong is longer, Zhao's house is inside, when Zhao Ying walked to the mouth of the alley, it was already dark, and I saw seven or eight people coming from a distance, one person came out of the crowd, ran in front of him in a few steps, hugged Zhao Ying with both hands, and laughed.

Zhao Ying was in pain and screamed, and the other party hurriedly let go, "We just got the news, but I didn't expect the eldest brother to come out." ”

"Second brother, what's going on?" Zhao Ying recognized that this was Sun Long and a few friends who usually had a good relationship, so he didn't have time to talk about the old days, so he asked the reason first, he could be suffocated along the way, there must be something big happening in the capital, only he didn't know anything.

"Talk as you go." Sun Longdao, surrounded by Zhao Ying with everyone, and after entering the alley, he continued: "Emperor Taishang restored, doesn't the eldest brother know anything about it?" ”

"Restoration?" Zhao Ying didn't react, about half a month ago, the jailers in the prison did become a little weird, often avoiding the prisoners and whispering, he didn't care, he didn't expect such a big thing to happen outside.

"Former Emperor ......"

"It's King Yu." Someone corrected.

Sun Long hurriedly changed his words, "King Yu is seriously ill, and the minister supports the emperor, that is, the current saint, who has just granted amnesty to the world, I think this is the opportunity of the eldest brother, and the brothers are about to go to the criminal department to inquire, but I didn't expect the eldest brother to come back, haha, a great joy." ”

Zhao Ying thought yes, he still felt that everything was unreal, he was a small hundred households, and he escaped death because of a restoration, which was really an unimaginable adventure.

When the master returned, the Zhao family cried together, Sun Long and others persuaded him, and quickly said goodbye, waiting for Zhao Ying to pick up the wind and wash the dust tomorrow.

I haven't seen him for a few months, his wife Xu has lost a lot of weight, and she is almost speechless from crying, Shen Laoqi is excited, and she said vigorously: "It's all thanks to grandma, kindness is rewarded, it's all thanks to grandma......"

When Shen Laoqi finally retired, Xu had time to explain: "Who would have thought that the female worker introduced by the neighbor turned out to be the palace maid next to the Emperor Taishang and Niangniang, who lived in Nanyuan at that time and lived a difficult life...... A few days ago, I came to ask about my husband, and I didn't say much, and you came back today, isn't this God's blessing? ”

Zhao Ying was dumbfounded, he used daggers and blood to prove that the immortals did not exist, and as a result, he seemed to return to the same place after going around in circles.

Ten

Zhao Ying was ordered to come to the Jinyi Health Office, the last time he came, he was a criminal, tortured, and now he has returned, his legs are still a little weak, and the scars on his body are also faintly painful.

Yesterday a military officer sent the news, the whole family fell into panic again, Zhao Ying was still calm, "Since someone didn't come to arrest me, it's okay." ”

Zhao Ying was invited to the back hall, where he was received by an elegant-looking official.

"Under the command of Yuan Bin, Brother Zhao suffered." The official smiled and arched his hand.

Zhao Ying was even more surprised, he had heard of Yuan Bin, when the Emperor Taishang was pro-conquest, unfortunately fell into the hands of the Beiyu, Yuan Bin has been accompanied by the left, after returning to the dynasty, the Emperor Taishang was imprisoned in Nanyuan, Yuan Bin was not reused, and now restored, Yuan Bin's promotion is expected, and he personally met with an offended hundred, but it was unexpected.

Zhao Ying hurriedly saluted, "The person who wore the sin has seen Lord Yuan. ”

Zhao Ying has not yet recovered the identity of a hundred households, and does not dare to claim an official position.

Yuan Bin stepped forward, looked at Zhao Ying carefully, and sighed: "Brocade clothes torture equipment, Brother Zhao has suffered it?" ”

"Yes."

"You and I are both from the past, even if you only stay in Jinyi Prison for one day, this life is unforgettable, and now when I enter the gate, I am still a little panicked."

"Lord Yuan is also ......"

Yuan Bin waved his hand, "It's the past." ”

Yuan Bin invited Zhao Ying to sit down, chatted for a while, and said, "Does Brother Zhao know why he got away with it?" ”

"I'm waiting to be told." Zhao Ying has heard all kinds of rumors since she was released from prison, but she thinks it is not accurate.

Yuan Bin glanced at the door, made sure that there were no outsiders, and lowered his voice slightly, "Brother Zhao has made a great contribution, and Your Majesty should also be grateful to you." ”

"Where do you start?" Zhao Ying thought of his wife's words, could it be that a little favor to the palace maid really had such a big credit?

Yuan Bin smiled, "In October last year, Lingji Palace prayed for the blessing of King Yu, after Brother Zhao's trouble, the blessing failed, and King Yu was already infected with the disease at that time, and in the next year, the condition worsened, and there was a restoration, which is not a great achievement." ”

Zhao Ying didn't dare to answer, the whole thing became more and more unbelievable, and even shook his already firm heart of not believing in God.

Yuan Bin laughed a few more times, "Brother Zhao still doesn't believe in gods? ”

Zhao Ying hesitated, "I don't believe it." Even if there are really immortals, they can't take advantage of an ordinary person like me. ”

Yuan Bin put away his smile, stared at Zhao Ying for a while, and said, "Okay, Jinyi Wei needs a character like Brother Zhao." ”

Zhao Ying was completely confused.

Yuan Bin got up, "Brother Zhao will go home first to recuperate, and then talk about it in a few days." ”

Eleven

When I saw Yuan Bin again, Zhao Ying's body had almost recovered, and relatives and friends congratulated one after another, thinking that the Xu family had flattered the queen and was envious.

"There are gods three feet above the head, and there is still providence in the underworld." After a few words of greeting, Yuan Bin said this.

"Yes." Zhao Ying didn't want to argue, he finally escaped death, he cherished his life very much.

"It's a pity that the will of heaven is unpredictable, and immortals are rare, since Taizu Dingding, the imperial court has been secretly visiting, hoping to find an immortal demigod, Brother Zhao must have heard about this matter."

"It's just a street talk." Zhao Ying always felt that she had gone to the wrong door and met the wrong person.

"For nearly a hundred years, the gods have seen the beginning and the end, and the impostors are endless, and the palace intends to rectify, but there is only one talent."

Zhao Ying stood up in surprise, "Lord Yuan, I'm ......"

"I know, Brother Zhao doesn't believe in God, so it's most appropriate for you to visit the demons."

"I ...... But regardless of whether it is true or false, I don't believe it. ”

"Brother Zhao has a good saying, if it is really an immortal, no one can move it, if it is not an immortal - why kill it?"

Zhao Ying's original words didn't say so, and the meaning was not too much.

"The last general...... Flattered, I don't dare to take the post, please choose another master. "Zhao Ying is self-aware, he is an idle hundred, he has never led soldiers, never fought a war, and has no experience in capturing demons.

Yuan Bin said with a smile: "Brother Zhao is too modest, to tell the truth, there are many talents in Jinyi Wei, if you talk about visiting traitors and exploring secrets, arresting smugglers, interrogating the truth, etc., there is no shortage of people, there is only one kind of person that is difficult to find, that is, Brother Zhao who never believes in God." ”

"But the original intention of the imperial court is to find the true immortals."

"There is someone else looking for the true immortal, Brother Zhao doesn't have to think about it, he just needs to concentrate on arresting the counterfeiter."

Zhao Ying began to be moved, "I don't distinguish between truth and falsehood." ”

"Of course, there is only one requirement, when Brother Zhao convicts people again, he must have evidence."

Zhao Ying's face was slightly red, he was very sure that Zhou Xuanheng was cheating, but there was no evidence that he could get his hands on, "Whose order am I listening to?" ”

"In a few days, I will transfer Brother Zhao to Jinyi Weibei Town Fusi, and report it to me directly for major and minor matters."

Zhao Ying thought for a while, "The case of losing the soul is not over yet, I want to start from the Lingji Palace." ”

"As long as there is evidence, even if it is the palace, you can find it."

Zhao Ying pondered, "Go to the soup and fight the fire, and the last general will not let Lord Yuan down." ”

Yuan Bin sighed lightly, "I'm looking forward to a time of 'disappointment'." ”

twelve

In the summer of the first year of Tianshun, Zhao Ying was transferred to the Fusi of Jinyi Weibei Town, and since then he has made countless admirable deeds.

Yuan Bin's eunuch career was up and down, and finally he was promoted from the commander to the governor, while Zhao Ying has always been a hundred households, but he is often rewarded, and his family is getting richer and richer.

A few years later, he adopted forty godsons from strange backgrounds at a time, and formed a capable team to catch monks and demons, and their footprints were all over the world.