Running all the way, no further delays. Pen? Interesting? Pavilion wWw. ｂiquge。 info When hungry and thirsty, he just slows down the horse to eat in the river water on horseback. On the way, we passed through Gaoyou County and several cities and towns in Yangzhou, but the people in these towns seemed to be busy fleeing south. Apparently the news of the imminent arrival of the rebels has already been conveyed to these places. The news that should have been sent from Qingjiang County yesterday morning has been quickly transmitted south with the developed post station system of Datang.

It's just that they met a lot of pedestrians along the way, and they watched the two men on the horse snuggling up to each other and speeding past, which caused some unpopular discussions. Experienced some strange stares of disgust and consternation.

The two rode from the sun to the sky, and ran until the Jade Rabbit rose in the east. Even at night, you can only continue to hurry. Fortunately, there was a moon hanging in the sky, and although it was obscured by thin clouds, there was also some hazy light to rush by. It's just that the moonlight is dim and the horse can't gallop, and the speed has dropped a lot. But he was already approaching Yangzhou City, and knowing that the news had spread to the south, Wang Yuan's mood was not so anxious.

In the moonlight, the crisp sound of horses' hooves 'crackles' on the hard ground of the official road. The surrounding scenery is hazy, and there is a bit of a mood of wandering in the moonlight. It's just that the night wind is cold, and the people on horseback can't stand it, Wang Yuan feels a little chilly, and Cui Ruoyu's whole body is almost embedded in Wang Yuan's body, absorbing warmth from Wang Yuan's body.

Wang Yuan slowed down his horse as much as he could, he knew how unbearable the pain of wind and cold was for a weak woman, let alone a delicate eldest lady. So he had the courage to pull the cloak behind him to his chest and tightly wrapped Cui Ruoyu in his arms, so that the two were more like a couple with honey and oil.

Cui Ruoyu's mind has been cranky. Cui Ruoyu is so close to a strange man for the first time since she was a child. I could smell the enchanting scent of him, I could feel the strong beating heart in his chest, and I could feel his warm breath. Even his buttocks and thighs are tightly pressed against his thighs, which is a feeling that makes people both flustered and intoxicated.

Although she is the eldest granddaughter of the Cui family, a wealthy family in the Tang Dynasty, her identity is extremely noble, and I don't know how many people want to get married to the Cui family. But Cui Ruoyu, who has been in her teens for almost ten years, has never had such contact with any man, and has never looked down on any man she admires.

Father and brother have to forcibly set a marriage for themselves more than once, and the object of choice is naturally the son of the noble family in Jiangnan. Some are also talented and have a good reputation. But Cui Ruoyu always felt that it was an incredible thing for a man who had never met or been in contact with him to spend his life together. Fortunately, her grandfather Cui Daoyuan loves her like a treasure and is unwilling to go against her will, so the coercion of her father and brother has no effect.

Over time, people spread all kinds of rumors, saying that the eldest lady of the Cui family was probably a stone girl. And now, I don't know how the Cui family and all the people who pay attention to her know that they are riding with a man who has only known each other for two days at this moment, and they are hugging each other tightly in an extremely embarrassing posture, I don't know how they will feel.

Cui Ruoyu didn't know how many times she peeked at Wang Yuan along the way, this young man had a handsome and resolute face and a well-proportioned and strong figure. What's more, his words and deeds have an enigmatic appeal. Although he is a small lieutenant, he exudes confidence like a leading general. He was funny and polite, bold and restrained, and spoke and acted in an orderly manner, not at all like a vulgar man from the army.

In short, it was the first time that someone had a strange wave in Cui Ruoyu's heart. For the first time, someone made Cui Ruoyu feel that the man's chest was so warm and intoxicating.

"Is that Yangzhou City?" Wang Yuan's deep voice sounded in his ears, and Cui Ruoyu, who was buried in Wang Yuan's arms, seemed to be asleep, and sat up straight. But in the distance, under the hazy moonlight, there was a bright light, brilliant and blurry.

"Yes, that's Yangzhou." Cui Ruoyu said in a low voice.

Wang Yuan frowned and looked at the surrounding terrain, and said in a deep voice: "Is the Grand Canal passing through the city?" How did he go straight to Yangzhou. ”

Cui Ruoyu said: "Yes, the Grand Canal passes through the city, and Yangzhou is divided into two cities, east and west. The city gate was built on the side of the canal. The east-west diversion channel forms a moat, which flows into the Yangtze River at the confluence of the southern city. ”

Wang Yuan frowned even more: "In this case, wouldn't the rebel fleet be able to attack the North City Gate directly from the canal." Moreover, the flat terrain on both sides of the canal is not conducive to pinching them. It's a disadvantageous terrain. ”

Cui Ruoyu said softly: "I don't understand the terrain, but Yangzhou City is indeed high inside the city and low outside the city. The city was built on top of Shugang, which is said to have been built to prevent the flooding of the river. How? Isn't this terrain undefensible? ”

Wang Yuan shook his head and said, "It's not that it's not bad for defense, but it's that the rebels are seventy or eighty thousand, and it would be unwise to rely entirely on defending the city." It is better to have suitable terrain to give heavy damage outside the city. Let's go into the city and discuss it with the city officials. Don't worry too much about it at the moment. ”

Cui Ruoyu nodded in response. The horses continued to move forward in the moonlight, and the closer they got to Yangzhou City, the wider the official road. From the earth-stone official road has been transformed into a smooth and wide avenue paved with blue bricks. The trees on both sides of the road are lush and black. The channel of the canal gradually widened to dozens of zhang, and the depth of the water gradually weakened, and it was obviously an extremely gentle current.

As the horses marched forward, the brightly lit city in front of them got closer and closer, and the colorful lights illuminated the majestic castle tower in the north of the city like a dream. That prosperous city is like a dream, and the city that countless people dream of is right in front of you.

The tall north gate of Yangzhou stands near the water, and the Grand Canal is like a reckless dragon drilling into the city from the east side of the city gate. Wang Yuan couldn't see the defensive pattern in the north of the city clearly, because the sky was too dark. In addition, what we have to do now is to hurry into the city, but it is too late to investigate the defense system and terrain of Yangzhou North City for the time being.

The two of them rode slowly to the city gate, and saw the city gate closed tightly from a distance. The wind lanterns were swaying on the top of the city, and there seemed to be many figures shaking.

"What's going on? It's only about two days now, and the city gate of Yangzhou City was not closed before the third watch. Why is the city gate closed now? Cui Ruoyu felt a little strange.

Wang Yuan understands that a city like Yangzhou is located on a waterway transportation artery, and there are many merchants who come and go, and it is an extremely prosperous city, so it is reasonable to close the city gate late at night.

"Maybe I got the news that the rebels are coming." Wang Yuan said in a low voice.

"Maybe, let's get closer and open the gates." Cui Ruoyu said softly.

Wang Yuan nodded, urging the horse to slowly approach the city gate, suddenly, there was a noise of birds on the head of the city where the wind lanterns were shaking, and before Wang Yuan could open his mouth to shout, several feather arrows were shot down on the city head. Those arrows were shot on both sides of Wang Yuan's horse's head, obviously not to shoot people, but to warn. Sure enough, the arrows were fired, and the defenders shouted loudly from the head of the city.

"Who? What are the sneaky things to do in the middle of the night? Get out of here, or you'll be killed. ”

Wang Yuan raised his head and shouted to the city, "Please open the city gate, we will enter the city." ”

"Into the city? The Yangzhou government has an order to close the city gate at sunset from now on, and you can only enter the city at sunrise. We are not allowed to enter the city at night, so leave quickly, otherwise we will not be welcome. The soldiers at the head of the city shouted.

Wang Yuan frowned and was about to discuss with them again, but he heard Cui Ruoyu say softly: "I'll ask them to open the city." ”

Cui Ruoyu said, jumped off the horse from Wang Yuan's arms, slowly walked a few steps forward, exposed himself to the light sprinkled by the city, and shouted in a coquettish voice: "The generals of the city, we are residents of Yangzhou City, and we have been delayed because of the delay, so we are late to enter the city." Please be accommodating. ”

"Isn't that possible? Rules are rules, orders are orders, who knows who you are? We don't care. Hurry up and leave, if you don't leave, we're really welcome. The defenders shouted.

Wang Yuan couldn't help laughing, it turned out that it didn't work for the eldest lady of the Cui family to come forward. Cui Ruoyu heard Wang Yuan's laughter, turned around and glared at Wang Yuan, turned around and shouted loudly at the head of the city: "The general at the head of the city guards the city? Is Wang Youdao or Qian Gaozhi or Zeng Guozhong on duty? ”

There was silence for a moment at the head of the city, and a deep voice came from the head of the city: "I, Zeng Guozhong, which one are you?" How do you know the name of my Yangzhou city guard? ”

Cui Ruoyu said loudly: "It turned out to be General Zeng Guozhong, I am Cui Ruoyu of the Cui family, I rushed back to Yangzhou from Chuzhou in the north, please ask General Zeng to open the city gate and let me enter the city." If General Zeng is embarrassed, please go to Shen Taishou and ask him if he is allowed to open the city gate and let me enter the city. I can wait. ”

"Oh, damn it, it turned out to be Miss Cui returning to the city. You are really blind to your humble position, how dare you block Miss Cui at the gate of the city, do you still need to report to the Taishou when you enter the city? Come, open the gates, open the gates. Miss Cui is invited into the city. The castle guard shouted.

There was a rush at the head of the city, and after a while, the drawbridge was slowly lowered, and the heavy city gate was slowly opened. Cui Ruoyu glanced back at Wang Yuan, who raised his big finger at her on the horse. It can be imagined how huge the power of the Cui family is in Yangzhou City, and even the eldest lady of the Cui family, like Cui Ruoyu, is like a treasure to the officers who defend Yangzhou City. It can be seen how close the connection between the Cui family and the officials of Yangzhou City is on weekdays.

Cui Ruoyu slowly walked onto the drawbridge, and Wang Yuan also got off the horse and led the horse to follow her, but saw dozens of soldiers coming out with lanterns in the city gate. A short, fat leader-like general stepped forward with a smile and bowed to Cui Ruoyu.

"Miss Cui, this is blind, don't be angry. I just received an order today that the rebels were coming south, so the city gates were closed early. The dogs in the city were blind just now, and they didn't recognize Miss Cui, and they shot a few arrows down. Fortunately, it didn't hurt the eldest lady, otherwise all of us would have lost our heads, and we wouldn't have been able to resist a single hair of the eldest lady. ”

Cui Ruoyu replied: "General Zeng, don't say that, you are also on official business." The rebels are indeed almost in Yangzhou, and it is also necessary to strictly guard the city. Besides, I'm wearing men's clothes, so it's understandable that you didn't recognize me. ”

The guard general named Zeng Guozhong confessed his guilt repeatedly, and the smiles on his face were piled together, looking sincerely frightened. Obviously, he was extremely frightened because he didn't recognize the identity of the eldest lady of the Cui family just now.

"Lady Mass, please come into the city. I heard that the old man of the Cui family arrived in Yangzhou today, and Miss Cui conveyed greetings to the old man on behalf of the humble position. Another day, I was fortunate enough to visit his old man's home. ”

"Grandpa also came to Yangzhou? That's great. Cui Ruoyu was pleasantly surprised.

"Yes, I heard that I arrived this evening, and I didn't go to see him, which is really rude." Zeng Guozhong said with a smile.

Cui Ruoyu smiled and nodded, turned around and greeted Wang Yuan: "Quick, let's enter the city quickly." My grandfather also came to Yangzhou, so it's okay. When his old man came, he must have come to defend Yangzhou. I'll go and bring him to him for you. ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "That's great, it seems that the news has indeed completely spread here." ”

Cui Ruoyu nodded and said, "Get on the horse, it's too long to walk back, let's ride a horse." ”

Wang Yuan nodded, flew on the horse, reached out and hugged Cui Ruoyu's waist to carry her onto the horse, this time it was not good to sit in front of him, so he let her sit behind her. Wang Yuan urged the horse, and the two of them galloped away along the brightly lit avenue in the city.

At the gate of the city, Zeng Guozhong and dozens of soldiers watched all this dumbfounded, and after a while, Zeng Guozhong swallowed and spitted: "Who is that kid?" How did you get so close to the eldest lady of the Cui family? ”

"I don't know, I don't know." The soldiers shook their heads like rattles.

"Judging by the outfit, he is just an ordinary soldier. Is this kid fucking gone? Why did the eldest lady of the Cui family fall in love with an ordinary soldier? Isn't that a joke? The eldest lady of the Cui family is the object that the sons and daughters of many wealthy and high-ranking officials want to kiss, how can she actually fight with an ordinary boy? Zeng Guozhong said dumbfounded.

"General Zeng, what are you worried about the Cui family? The matter of the eldest lady of the Cui family is not something we have to worry about. Besides, if you tell us this, we don't know anything. Don't you have a relationship with the Cui family? Wouldn't it be better to ask tomorrow? The soldiers said as they closed the gates.

"It's light to say, I'm going to ask the Cui family? I know them, and who of them cares about me? Zeng Guozhong said abruptly.

"Didn't the general say anything just now, the old man of the Cui family is here, do you still want to visit or something? Isn't this a friendship with the Cui family? ”

"Phew, that's what Lao Tzu said, just put gold on his face. The old man of the Cui family is something I can meet? If we Shen Taishou want to see him, it depends on the mood of others. Zeng Guozhong rolled his eyes and said.

The soldiers snickered, and their own adjutant general, Zeng Zeng, was also sincere, and he said the sincere words that put gold on his face.

Zeng Guozhong scolded: "Laugh and laugh." Just now, your grandsons almost shot the eldest lady of the Cui family, and I will come back to you to settle the score. If you scratch a single hair of her, you won't be able to pay for it by cutting off all your heads. Close the gates and pull up the drawbridge. Give me brighter eyes, the rebels are coming to attack Yangzhou, and they are all in good spirits. ”

……

……

Riding two people along the wide street of Yangzhou City, Wang Yuan looked around, but saw that the street lights on both sides were as beautiful as day. Although it was late at night, there were still many pedestrians on the street. The vendors at the night market are still in business, and the food stalls are bubbling with white air and fragrance. Many of the shops on both sides of the street are still lit up, and several beautiful buildings are hung with red lanterns, and from there comes the music of silk and bamboo, the noise of men and the laughter of women. The whole city of Yangzhou is like a city that never sleeps.

It was the first time for Wang Yuan to truly appreciate the scene of the prosperous city in the south of the Tang Dynasty. It's a shame to say that it's been six years since he came to this era, and Wang Yuan's activities are only in the cities in the north. Although Chang'an is a city several times larger than any city in the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an's prosperity is the prosperity under captivity. At night, there is a huge prison, and you can't even think about the free nightlife like Yangzhou City. So that kind of life is a heavy life of confinement. It's a life that loses most of its freedom.

Although Chengdu is better than Chang'an, it is a small comparison with Yangzhou. Although Wang Yuan has been in Chengdu in the past few years, he has abolished some systems of night bans and private squares, which has enriched Chengdu's nightlife. But compared with the prosperity of the southern city, it is still much worse. The people of Chengdu and the capital may have been imprisoned for too long, and even if they are given free space, they may not be able to trust them quickly. They are like timid birds, and they subconsciously return to their nests at night, not wanting to cause any unnecessary trouble.

Running in such a street market, Wang Yuan experienced the happy life of the people brought about by freedom for the first time. This is the kind of prosperous world in Wang Yuan's mind, not powerful on the surface, but built on the imprisonment of the people. That kind of happiness belongs only to a few, not to ordinary people. However, all this will be tested, and the people of Yangzhou may not know that great danger is looming towards them. Just for the prosperity and tranquility in front of him, Wang Yuan also felt that he had a great responsibility.

The Baobao Lake in the west of Yangzhou City is the place where the scenery in Yangzhou City is magnificent, and the lakeside scenery is superb and beautiful. Because of the excellent scenery, the lakeside land is also valuable, and the homes of non-dignitaries and nobles cannot have a place on the lakeside. For the Cui family, the first wealthy family in the Tang Dynasty, this is certainly not a problem. In a quiet place by the lake on the west side of the lake, where green willows feast and drink, a specially paved blue brick avenue leads directly to the Cui family's mansion.

The horse's hooves sounded crisply, and under the guidance of Cui Ruoyu, Wang Yuan rode his horse to the left of the mansion on the lakeside. A few hundred steps away from the house, Cui Ruoyu got off the horse. Of course, Wang Yuan knew the reason, and Cui Ruoyu didn't want her family to see her returning from riding with her.

Wang Yuan also got off the horse, led the horse and Cui Ruoyu side by side to the courtyard of the Cui family's mansion with huge red lanterns and facing the blue lake. Before he could get close to a hundred paces, he saw more than a dozen black shadows rapidly approaching from between the trees. Wang Yuan was startled, and subconsciously pressed his hand on the hilt of the sword.

"Don't worry, it's my Cui family's nursing home. It seems that Grandpa and his old man have indeed arrived, otherwise I would not have so many people patrolling outside. Usually there are only seven or eight people out on patrol at night. Cui Ruoyu explained.

Wang Yuan put down his hand on the hilt of the sword, he understood that for a wealthy family like the Cui family, the defense of the family house must have been very thorough. The number of nursing homes in large families is also quite considerable, and a wealthy family like the Cui family may have a small army-sized nursing home with a considerable number of people.

"Who's here? This is Cui's private residence, and it is forbidden to approach it within a radius of 100 steps. More than a dozen black shadows quickly surrounded the two of them, and the protruding routes in all directions were blocked, and these people were obviously well-trained nurses.

"Master Liu, is that you?" Cui Ruoying shouted.

A dark shadow was surprised, "Are you ...... Miss? ”

Cui Ruoyu stepped forward quickly and said with a smile: "Master Liu, it's really you." If you come, then grandpa and his old man must be here. ”

The black shadow stepped forward quickly, bowed to Cui Ruoyu and said, "If the eldest lady is back, the old man is still talking before going to bed, you are in Chuzhou, I don't know if there is any danger." You want me to bring someone to pick you up early tomorrow morning. ”

Cui Ruoyu smiled: "I didn't expect me to come back here, I'll go and surprise his old man in a while." ”

The black shadow laughed and said, "That will definitely surprise the master, the master is afraid that he will be happy." ”

Cui Ruoyu smiled and nodded, turned around and greeted Wang Yuandao: "Captain Wang, I came to see Master Liu." He was the head of the nursing home by my grandfather's side and had been with my grandfather for forty years. ”

Wang Yuan stepped forward and bowed: "Hello Master Liu." ”

Master Liu was a sixty-year-old man, thin and thin, but his eyes were shining, and even in such dim light, Wang Yuan could still feel the pressure of his burning gaze.

"Who is this?" Master Liu said in a deep voice.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce Master Liu, this one is Captain Wang. He came from the Divine Army in the north. He brought the news of the arrival of the rebels. I came back all the way, and it was also Captain Wang who protected me. Cui Ruoyu said busily.

"Oh? From the Divine Army? Is it the Shence Army under the command of the current Wang Xiangguo? Master Liu said in a deep voice.

Wang Yuan arched his hand again and said in a deep voice: "Exactly, does Master Liu also know Wang Xiangguo?" ”

Master Liu chuckled twice and said, "Who doesn't know Wang Xiangguo, who doesn't know?" The prestige of the Shence Army is all over the world, and women and children know it. Captain Wang is a person in the Shence Army, so much so that people are in awe. ”

Wang Yuan smiled: "Don't dare, don't dare." ”

Cui Ruoyu smiled: "Let's go home and talk, we have been riding horses all day, and our bodies are about to fall apart." My stomach growled with hunger. Besides, I can't wait to meet my grandfather. ”

"Yes, yes, look at me old fool, what are you doing in traffic jams? Miss, please, Captain Wang, please. Master Liu waved his hand, and more than a dozen black shadows behind him quickly dispersed, and disappeared into the shadows after a while.

Master Liu led the way in front, and the three of them soon arrived at the gate with red lanterns. But see the door of the red lacquered copper nail as high as a zhang. On the huge steps in front of the door, there are two huge stone lions squatting on the left and right, with teeth and claws, looking mighty. The walls on both sides of the gate are also more than seven or eight feet high, and sharp objects are clearly visible above. Just looking at the courtyard gate of this house, you can see that the Cui family is magnificent.

Master Liu patted the knocker, and after a while, he answered the door, and when he learned that the eldest lady had returned, he hurriedly opened the door, and seven or eight servants quickly rushed to the door with lanterns, and the three of them were let into the courtyard.