Qi Zhifu said casually, and the others didn't take it seriously. Xu Liang talked with several subordinates as usual, and politely sent the three or three people away.

After returning to the study, Xu Liang summoned the iron head over. He asked in a deep voice: "On the day of intercepting and killing Commander Ma, did Commander Ma leave any special wounds on his body?" ”

Tietou touched the back of his head in confusion, shook his head, and said, "No." The person who led the escort that day was a captain surnamed Xiao of the Tsing Yi Guard Garrison, who was cautious and not weak in martial arts. Captain Xiao later returned, and after successfully killing the seventeen people including Commander Ma, he was about to destroy the corpse when he suddenly caught up with a group of people from behind, and the incident happened in a hurry, and Captain Xiao ordered two swords to be made on each official in order to ensure that nothing went wrong. ”

Xu Liang's expression moved, and he said, "Could it be that there is anything special about the knife wound on Commander Ma's body?" ”

Tietou couldn't figure it out, shook his head and said, "There shouldn't be any difference." Young Master, the group of people led by Captain Xiao are all veterans carefully selected from the Liang Army, and they are extremely strict and loyal to the young master, as for the weapons used, they are all ordinary weapons, and there is nothing special about them. ”

Xu Liang nodded slowly, and for the time being, he couldn't figure out what Jinyiwei was doing with the corpses of Ma Commander and others, so he ordered Qingyiwei to investigate carefully.

For the next two days, Yang He, the governor of the three sides, stayed in the Yamen of the Shaanxi Provincial Political Envoy, and did not do anything other than to meet with a few close officials.

However, the Jinyi Wei Xi'an Thousand Households Hong Gang ran more and more diligently to the Yamen of the Political Envoy Division.

On the evening of 29 July, some high-ranking officials in Shaanxi Province received invitations to a dinner from the governor's yamen. Xu Liang, the new governor of Shaanxi, held a banquet in the Shaanxi Yamen that night to reward the Shaanxi officials.

There was a lot of traffic in the governor's yamen. The voice is full of people, and he was originally a military general of Xu Liang's family. Coupled with the Shaanxi civil official system close to Xu Liang, there are always nearly fifty or sixty people. Pushing the cup and changing the lamp in the governor's yamen, it's not lively. The noisy sound came from a few miles away from the governor's yamen, causing passers-by to look sideways.

Compared with the lively atmosphere of the governor's yamen, the Shaanxi political envoy Si Yamen, which is two streets away from the governor's yamen, seems very deserted. Yang He, the governor of the three sides, Qian Yongtai, the political envoy of Shaanxi, Song Shiwen, the master of Yang He's side, plus two Shaanxi politicians, several people sat around a table, and also set a table of wine.

It's just that the atmosphere at the wine table is depressing. Everyone felt that the wine in their mouths had no taste.

"Lord Yang, this Xu Liang doesn't take you seriously!" Master Song Shiwen scolded angrily: "He, a governor of Shaanxi, held a public banquet, and he knew that the governor was in Chang'an City, so he dared not to give you a post!" ”

Yang He didn't answer, drank a full glass of wine in a sullen voice, sneered, and said: "Xu Liang, this governor, this governor has always been optimistic about this person!" Young and unrestricted. Arrogant and tight! Hmph, he thought he could be lawless with tens of thousands of soldiers and horses in his hands? What childishness! ”

Yang He turned his face to look at Qian Yongtai, the political envoy of Shaanxi, and said in a deep voice: "Lord Qian, you are the political envoy of Shaanxi!" The money and food in Shaanxi Province are all under your control! In the future, not a penny of Shaanxi's money and grain will flow into the governor's yamen! But the Governor wants to see. Without money and food support, he Xu Liang led tens of thousands of soldiers and horses to drink the northwest wind! ”

Qian Yongtai was also depressed and looked at Governor Yang. With a bitter face, he said, "Your Excellency, you don't know anything. Xu Liang's arrogance has exceeded our imagination. Two days ago, in the name of the governor of the yamen, he actually ordered all the prefectures and counties in Shaanxi to no longer pass through the yamen of the political envoys. And report directly to the governor's yamen! This person is vicious with evil intentions, and he wants to empty the political envoy of Shaanxi! ”

The two political participants who sat with him listened to this, and their expressions became gloomy. Xu Liang suddenly issued such an order, and the Hanzhong, Pingliang, Qingyang and other prefectures that were originally under the jurisdiction of the political envoys actually carried it out without going through the political envoy yamen.

Song Shiwen said angrily: "This ...... It's a mess! Lord Governor, Lord Qian, and Xu Liang have done such an excessive thing, and the two adults should be impeached for this person! ”

Qian Yongtai sighed and said, "After hearing the news, the official reported to the court overnight!" Alas, it's just that now it's just in time for the New Year, and I'm afraid that I have to wait until after the fifteenth day of the first month to report to the saints. ”

Today is the twenty-ninth day of the lunar month, and when we wait until the fifteenth day of the first month of the next year, there will be half a month. Everyone thought that in this long time, Xu Liang didn't know how many things would come out.

The mood of several people became even heavier.

Qian Yongtai had the deepest resentment towards Xu Liang, and after drinking the wine, he looked at Yang He, the governor of the three sides, and arched his hand: "Your Excellency, the northwest still respects you." Xu Liang is so presumptuous, can you tolerate his wanton behavior? ”

When Governor Yang heard this, his face became a little gloomy, and he slapped the chopsticks in his hand on the table with a snap, and said angrily: "This governor is in charge of the three sides, how can he allow Huangkou Xiaoer to be presumptuous!" Alas, it's just that Xu Liang has the sword of Shang Fang given by the emperor in his hand, if there is no definite evidence of the crime, it is not easy for the governor to know what to do with him! ”

When Qian Yongtai and the others heard this, their faces showed disappointment.

Seeing this, Governor Yang sneered a few times and comforted everyone: "However, there is no need to worry about the adults. There are more than a few people here who want Xu Liang to be unlucky. He pointed to the north with great meaning, and said with a smile: "I heard that the death of the eldest prince of the Cabinet University Shiwen Pavilion is inseparable from Xu Liang!" Elder Wen now hates Xu Liang to the bone, with Elder Ge's methods, how can he let Xu Liang go easily. ”

When Qian Yongtai and the others heard this, their expressions relaxed slightly. One of the political participants thought about it for a while, and said regretfully: "Although the status of the old Wen Pavilion is respected, it's just that his old man is far away in the capital, and if he wants to rectify Xu Liang, I'm afraid that he can't reach the whip, right?" ”

When Governor Yang heard this, he smiled, took a sip of wine, and said mysteriously to a few people: "You are wrong about this." Wen Ge Lao is a cabinet minister, and he has a good relationship with Zhou Yanru, the first assistant, and the people he wants to rectify, as long as he is still in the territory of the Ming Dynasty, there is no one who can't be cured. Ben Governor has some news for you! ”

Qian Yongtai and the others were shocked when they heard this, and stretched their necks to look at Yang He.

Governor Yang whispered happily: "The case of the murder of seventeen officials including Commander Sima of the Commander of the Metropolitan Command, not only do we suspect Xu Liang, but even the adults in the court are also suspicious of Xu Liang. Jin Yiwei has already intervened in this case! And according to the news reported by Hong Qianhu in Xi'an. The case has made great progress, and the evidence of the crime is directed at Xu Liang, the governor of Shaanxi! ”

Hiss! Qian Yongtai and others listened. It's all very happy. One of the political participants had a look of fear on his face, and said with a pale face: "Xu Liang is really so vicious? Dare to kill seventeen high-ranking officials in one go? ”

Qian Yongtai glared at the politician. He said hatefully: "Xu Liang is lawless, except for pulling the flag and rebelling, what else does he dare not do in this world?!" ”

When the politician heard this, his face turned a little paler, and he gradually became panicked.

Governor Yang said: "Xu Liang can't be around for a few days. Elder Wen Ge has already sent a letter to the Governor, as long as Jinyiwei confirms his charges, the Governor can order to take people! ”

"That's great!" Qian Yongtai and others were greatly excited when they heard this. Qian Yongtai raised his glass and said: "Come on, for Xu Liang to fall as soon as possible." Let's drink this cup together! ”

"Cheers!"

……

In the governor's yamen, Xu Liang said goodbye to the last official. After all the Shaanxi officials who came to the banquet left, Xu Liang's face showed a trace of exhaustion, and the third lady Lou Xian'er stepped forward and helped Xu Liang to go back.

At the door of the lobby, Luo Baiguan, the head of the Liang army, was rubbing his face that was already smiling, and when he saw Xu Liang and Lou Xian'er coming, Luo Baiguan stepped forward to greet him.

Xu Liang paused and asked Luo Baiguan, "Have all the things been sent to those who are in the hands of adults?" ”

Luo Baiguan said: "Back to the words of the adult." It's all sent down. It was sent by a subordinate himself. ”

Xu Liang nodded, and asked again, "Can someone refuse to accept it?" ”

Luo Baiguan smiled, shook his head and said, "My lord, the people who came to the governor's yamen to attend the banquet tonight are all old oilmen in the officialdom. The adults put thick red envelopes in front of them. They naturally understand what adults mean. A total of forty-five officials present, none of them were left behind, and they all took it! ”

"That's good!" Xu Liang smiled. "Eat people with soft mouths and short hands. These people have benefited from their own officials. It's hard to go against this official again! Xu Liang saw that Luo Baiguan was also very tired, so he said, "I've worked hard for you today." Let's go back and get some rest. ”

"Hey! Your Excellency has also drunk a lot of alcohol, so rest early. Luo Baiguan said, then nodded and went back to his residence.

Lou Xian'er continued to help Xu Liang walk in the direction of the bedroom, and when she entered the bedroom, there was a ring to bring hot water. Lou Xian'er waited for Xu Liang to sit on the edge of the bed, and squatted down to wash Xu Liang's feet.

With his feet soaked in the warm water, and a steaming towel on his face, Xu Liang breathed a sigh of relief.

Lou Xian'er said with a painful face: "Xianggong, I think you are too generous." These officials who are here tonight are given food and grabs, so you are the governor of Shaanxi, how can the situation tonight look as if they are uncles. ”

Xu Liang lay on the bed, listened to Lou Xian'er's slightly complaining words, couldn't help laughing, and said, "You, are you distressed about the thirty or forty thousand taels of silver that were scattered!" There is a good saying, I can't bear the wolf when I am reluctant to let my children trap me, I am reluctant to let my daughter-in-law go, I can't catch the hooligans, hooligans! The more than 40 Shaanxi officials present tonight have all been carefully verified by the Tsing Yi Guard, and it is very likely that they will win over people from my side. Don't look at them being so respectful to me as a governor at the wine table, it's probably because I'm the governor and I have soldiers and horses. Their attitude towards the prime minister, the respect on the scene is far greater than the closeness in their hearts. But now that they have the benefit of my Xu Liang, it will not be the same in the future. ”

Lou Xian'er pouted and said, "Xianggong, your twists and turns, Xian'er doesn't understand." Xian'er just feels sorry for the money! That's our own money! ”

Xu Liang laughed.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of an iron head outside the door.

"Young Master, is it convenient now? I have an urgent report. ”

Xu Liang stopped laughing and called Iron Head to come into the house.

"What's wrong?" Xu Liang knew that if it was not a very urgent matter, Tietou would not come to disturb him at this time.

"Young master, something has happened." The Iron Head said in a deep voice, "The two guards of the Tsing Yi Guard are missing. ”

"Missing?" Xu Liang was surprised, "The entire Chang'an City is in our hands, and there are still people missing in Tsing Yiwei!" What's the disappearance law? ”

Tietou said: "The two missing guards turned out to be in charge of guarding the front yard. The day before yesterday, the two met to drink on the street when they were resting in shifts. I went out the morning before yesterday and haven't returned. At first, we didn't care if the two of them had overplayed and forgot when they came back. I arranged for a few people to go out and look for it. It wasn't until Fang Cai that the people who sent it out came back and said that they hadn't found it. I thought things were out of the ordinary. ”

Xu Liang pondered for a moment and asked, "Could it be that these two people left Chang'an City by themselves?" ”

Iron Head shook his head affirmatively, "No." The gates of the entire Chang'an City are watched by the people of the Tsing Yi Guard Detective Department, and if they go out of the city, they can't hide the eyes of the Detective Department. ”

Tietou got up anxious and said: "In the past two days, Tsing Yiwei has searched all the restaurants, theaters, teahouses, painting workshops, and casinos in Chang'an City, and these two people seem to have suddenly disappeared out of thin air. ”

Xu Liang wondered: "Who in Chang'an City would have such courage?" ”

The iron head was also puzzled: "Yes! Both of them are good. And they went out with weapons. If they offend someone and clash with each other, a dozen or so people are not their opponents at all. And in such a fight, it is impossible for the Detective Department to be unaware! It's weird. ”

Xu Liang frowned and pondered. Suddenly raised his head and asked, "You just said that these two people brought weapons when they went out?" What weapon? ”

The iron head was very dazed, and said as a matter of course: "What other weapons can there be!" It is the refined simple knife that Tsing Yi Wei is uniformly equipped with. ”

Xu Liang listened, and a buzzing sound sounded in his head: A day ago, Qi Chu, the prefect of Chang'an, had reported to himself that most of the seventeen officials who had been killed had been buried in coffins. Only Commander Ma and Deputy Commander made the bodies of the two people taken away by the Jinyi Guard. It was said that the two people were to be examined for stab wounds.

Cuts?! Xu Liang's expression became solemn, he glared at the iron head, and hurriedly ordered: "Go and call Captain Xiao who led the team that day!" ”

Captain Xiao of Tsing Yi Wei had already fallen asleep, but when he heard Xu Liang summoning him, he hurriedly dressed neatly, poured cold water on his face, sobered himself up, and stood in front of Xu Liang in high spirits.

"Subordinates, see your lord!" Captain Xiao said respectfully.

Xu Liang stared at Captain Xiao and said in a deep voice: "Let me ask you, who did it when he killed the horse commander that day?" ”

Captain Xiao's heart sank, and he said worriedly: "If you go back to your lordship, Ma Jingyi is the most important one among the seventeen people. In order to prevent mistakes, subordinates will personally act when they act. ”

"The two knives that were made up afterwards were also your own hands?"

Captain Xiao was even more uneasy in his heart, looked at Xu Liang with trepidation, nodded nervously, and asked in a low voice, "Yes, my lord!" …… But what's wrong? ”

Xu Liang sighed lightly, his eyes fell on the matching knife on Captain Xiao's waist, and said, "It's the knife on your waist, right?" ”

"Uh...... Yes, my lord. ”

Xu Liang and Tietou looked at each other and smiled bitterly. Xu Liang waved his hand at Captain Xiao and said, "Okay, you go down first." (To be continued.) )