In the evening, in the most prosperous street market in Bogu County.

Outside a small wine shop.

After Qiao Dingxing and Qiao Mingyan had a simple dinner, they immediately went out to lead the horse and inspect the congratulatory gifts. And Qiao Xuebin was still sitting in the wine shop, sipping a pot of wine, from time to time sandwiching the leftovers on the table after being swept away by a few big men, leisurely watching the few people at the door busy.

But his pretended calm demeanor could not hide the nervousness in his heart at the moment. It has been a whole day and a night since the master came out, and at this moment, I don't know what big moves are in the middle fairyland. But he knew that the Ten Heavens Altar Sacrifice that Egret Daozi said was the most powerful Heavenly Sect in the Qinglong lineage, and in addition to several powerful forbidden techniques in ancient times, this sacrifice was known as the Ten Heavens and the Nine Heavens, which was the first in the world. And the person he will visit tonight is the person who caused all this sensation but didn't know it, He Yue. Whether he can solve the doubts in his heart, whether he can count the motives of the Dream Clan, is all tied to this girl.

Qiao Xuebin was a little bored in his heart, threw the wine glass on the table with a little force, and strode out.

The beautiful sunset at dusk sets outside this mountain tavern, adding a bit of grandeur and excitement. At the door, Qiao Dingxing was facing Qiao Mingyan and another handsome boy in white. That handsome son is Qiao Zhenglang's fourth brother Qiao Liangyan. It turned out that according to Qiao Shifan's instructions, when he went to the Dutch Mansion to congratulate the city lord on his appointment, Qiao Liangyan had to be present. So Qiao Dingxing chose to quit and let a few young people show their style. Although he didn't understand why the patriarch insisted on going by himself, Qiao Liangyan was still anxious about Bogu County after visiting the Huang family in Beicheng.

"Fourth brother is also here, Uncle Xing, are you leaving?"

Qiao Dingxing glanced at Qiao Xuebin, who was still stained with wine on his lips, and thought to himself that this kid is usually so steady, how can a person exude a loose atmosphere everywhere today. He nodded his head and said yes, and then pulled the three juniors together and carefully instructed them on etiquette. After a few servants carried the congratulatory gifts carefully selected by Qiao Liangyan on the back of the horse, Qiao Dingxing rode a black horse, and without saying a word, he rode the horse to Qiao's mansion. The sun was magnificent, and the three brothers of the Qiao family also rode on their horses and rushed towards the new city lord's mansion on the map.

"Second brother, sixth brother, do you think I prepared some good things for the city lord and the eldest lady?"

"The city lord can barely guess, the little girl's, the little brother can't figure out where the fourth brother wants to start to win the hearts of others even if he wants to break his head...... Haha......."

"The fourth brother is very thoughtful, the second brother thinks it should be the purple cloud tassel alchemy furnace given to the city lord, the ancient blood wolf brush given to the Yuncang prince, and the most precious pure gold phoenix feather in the house library given to Miss He Yue, right?"

"Wow, second brother, you're too good! But I guessed the wrong gift for He Yue. "Everyone is no stranger to Qiao Xuebin's occasional extraordinary prophetic ability.

"Oh?...... What's that?" "You'll know when you get there." ”

Indeed, Qiao Xuebin can't figure out everything about Heyue.

.......

The sky has completely darkened, and the alley that was dark a few days ago has been full of lanterns at this time, and the two big characters of "Hefu" are engraved on a huge plaque and hung on the gate of Hefu.

It took a lot of time for the three brothers of the Qiao family to get around this one from so many alleys, and when they approached, they found that at this time when the Qiao family came to visit, the city lord was actually standing alone at the gate of the Hefu. The body was facing the other direction, as if waiting for the arrival of the Qiao family.

Seeing this, Qiao Xuebin immediately made a silent gesture to everyone behind him, and soon even the neighing of the horse was suppressed. He immediately dismounted, Qiao Liangyan and Qiao Mingyan also rushed to get off the horse, and ran to He Zhe, who was facing away from them, and the three of them all performed an official etiquette used by subordinates to see their superiors, Qiao Xuebin wanted to speak, but Qiao Liangyan had already spoken one step ahead of him: "The kid of the Qiao family doesn't know the general situation, and he dares to bother the city lord to wait in person!"

"Hehe, this is Qiao Liangyan, right? Who said I was waiting for you here?" He Zhe turned back with a wry smile on the corner of his mouth, as if he was somewhat familiar with Qiao Liangyan.

"Recently," He Zhe lowered his voice and leaned into the three, "my newly renovated Dutch Mansion is a little unpeaceful." ”

Qiao Xuebin's heart twitched suddenly, and his eyes when he looked at He Zhe were a little complicated for a while, but they immediately returned to normal.

Qiao Liangyan smiled and said, "What did the city lord say?" When you take office as a new official, there will be a turtle and a crane in your mansion, how can there be a ghostly ghost who dares to come to ask for trouble? Even if there really is that blind ghost in your mansion, this congratulatory gift we brought to you will definitely be able to exorcise demons and subdue demons!"

Qiao Xuebin thought helplessly in his heart, after all, these four brothers are still the ones who haven't read a few books. The city lord actually bluntly said the matter of his family in front of the three of them, which already had a very special meaning in it, how could he answer so hastily. He just wanted to say a few words, but he saw He Zhe sigh and said to Qiao Xuebin lightly: "If you want to fight in the future, Qiao Xuebin, the conference will try to select a virtuous person like you, and in a few days, I am afraid that you will face a severe test." In the official's heart, he is not steady......"

Qiao Xuebin didn't understand what He Zhe was saying at all, could it be that what the city lord said was not peaceful, shouldn't it be He Yue's business? But he didn't notice that the faces of the two younger brothers on the side had changed several times. Especially Qiao Mingyan, there seemed to be some unbearable excitement on his face at this time. Qiao Xuebin didn't know how to answer He Zhe, "This... Lord of the City, how can there be a war recently......" Before he finished speaking, He Zhe laughed and interrupted him: "Okay, okay, these words shouldn't be said to you...... Three of them are today's guests, it's so hot outside, come in and talk!"

After entering the house, several people put this little episode aside in their hearts. Fortunately, Qiao Mingyan had already seen the wealth of the Gao family in the afternoon, and he would not be too dumbfounded in the face of this city lord's mansion that had not yet been renovated. But even if it hasn't been renovated yet, the luxury of the City Lord's Mansion can be comparable to that of Wang Gao's second family. However, in terms of rules, any city lord of Qinshan Kingdom does not belong to the local family, but the manpower and material resources of the city lord's mansion can be said to exceed that of any family.

There were already quite a few people sitting in the hospitality hall of the Dutch Mansion, but it was far less than the number of people in the Gao Mansion. Since the Hefu is not a family mansion, most of the people here are the disciples who have followed Hezhe in the imperial capital. On the left seat, a delicate son who is writing the four big characters of "Top Gun", He Zhe's nephew, He Yuncang's cousin, eighteen years old, named He Kang, the word Runhao. Originally, there were dozens of relatives in the He Mansion such as He Zhe's cousin He Yingxue, He Zhe's cousin He Ming, etc. But only Hekang will be there tonight.

Seeing He Zhe leading the three people and a group of servants into the door, the doormen got up and saluted He Zhe, while He Kang continued to write carefully as if he hadn't seen it. But the atmosphere at the scene was obviously a little cold, and almost no one set their eyes on the three members of the Qiao family.

"Runhao, the guests are here, you go and call Yuncang and Heyue!" He Zhe glanced at He Kang, who was still practicing calligraphy, and said.

The pen in He Kang's hand moved quickly twice, hastily completed the work, got up and made a peace salute to the three members of the Qiao family, and went out.

"Duhua...... This...... These three ...... Where's the guest?" asked an old man with gray hair standing up tremblingly beside the main seat. He was a close friend of He Zhe when he traveled in Beijing, and later followed He Zhe into the court as an official, and also made a six-grade privy envoy, surnamed Liang Fuji, and the word is new. Later, he was demoted along with He Zhe, and he is currently holding a seven-rank position. Liang Fuji doesn't have a good memory, and he doesn't remember that the guest tonight is Jianzhu Qiao's house, so the atmosphere on the field was a little embarrassed by such a question.

"Everyone, be quiet!" He Zhe shouted, like a bell, just like the day he was going to try. But Qiao Xuebin sounded very unusual—there was obvious traces of some kind of spell blessing in his voice. "These three are the distinguished guests of Qiao's Mansion at the foot of Jianzhu Peak. This Qiao Xuebin, ranked 20th in the official examination, and his official position was initially set as the deputy captain of the granary warehouse in Boguxi County, and his poem "Plugging the Moon" is a work of genius, which is as famous as Gaofu Gaoli; this is Qiao Mingyan, the personal soldier of Lord Qiao Zhenglang, a staff member under General Pei Baolong of the Kansai Army, has been an official at the age of seventeen; this Qiao Liangyan, the family business with the barbarians of tea, horses, cloth and exotic treasures, is also a very powerful role in the people who do business with the barbarians in Blackwater City. ”

After the introduction that had to be said, the hall finally focused on the three visitors. But the attitude of the people in the Dutch Mansion and the Gao Mansion was completely different, and they just looked at the three of them quietly, as if they were trying to see through something.

"Lord City Lord, our three brothers came to your mansion today with a cheeky face, mainly to congratulate you on your appointment to the position of city lord, and secondly, to congratulate you on your daughter's extraordinary talent and appreciation by Master Sen Dao. Although the congratulatory gift is thin, I will talk about my heart, and I invite the lord of the city and you to look at it. ”

It was Qiao Mingyan who spoke, after all, he was born in the military, and there was a lot less humility and politeness of his brothers in and out of his words. He Zhe smiled slightly and said: "Don't be anxious, today one is my lord, but I am the lord of the city and the people of the city, and the third is my house first, so we should wait for us first, so there is a saying that we will send congratulatory gifts to each other." ”

As he spoke, he did not go to the main seat, walked to the calligraphy left by He Kang, carefully picked it up, and asked the Dutch doorman present: "What do you think of the little nephew's writing?"

"It's pretty good, it's just that the last few strokes are hurriedly finished, and the strength is also clear. "The sense of wholeness is very strong, and the four words are integrated. "The power of the pen is so great! With the words 'Top Gun', it is appropriate to give it to the distinguished guests of Qiao's Mansion. ”

There was a small conversation from the guest of honor, and everyone in the Dutch house gave different evaluations of Hekang's masterpiece, but they all undoubtedly affirmed the depth of his penmanship. It is also true that the word "Zhuangzhi" is sharp, full of horizontal and vertical, and is written in the middle of the huge rice paper; But at first glance, this combination of lines and letters, magnificent, profound meaning, can be called a masterpiece.

Talking about it, he has introduced the three members of the Qiao family into the main seat of the guests. Qiao Mingyan and Qiao Liangyan also commented on everyone, but Qiao Liangyan was thinking in his heart, could this calligraphy be a return gift from the Hefu? That would be too hasty. I had a lot of contact with He Zhe a few days ago, and it didn't look like his style at all.

Only Qiao Xuebin was very nervous at the moment. When Ho Zhe picked up the work from the main seat, his sea of consciousness shook slightly. "In a fine work like this, there is usually a casual spiritual exchange between the author and the work, whether he is a mortal or a monk, and this spiritual exchange often leaves traces. He remembered what Egret Daozi had said to him, and his mind moved inadvertently. But he soon gave up the practice of using mental power to capture Hekang's spiritual sense. After all, there is also a He Yue in the Hefu who has a lot to do with all these strange things, and he can't easily expose his Taoism in front of others, after all, only his father and Qiao Shifan know about it, as well as his late mother.

But this calligraphy was able to resonate with his sea of knowledge, and it became more and more similar to the breath he felt that night. The fluctuation of the remaining spiritual consciousness in the calligraphy has obviously exceeded the spiritual power of a mortal, either He Kang is a monk, or, today, someone has set up a bureau in the He Mansion and framed the city lord in it. And this man, as expected, had a great connection with the young man.

While thinking about it, He Kang had already brought He Yue and He Yuncang to the reception hall. They sat in the main and slave seats opposite the three of Qiao's family to show respect for the guests. And He Kang watched his uncle take what he wrote casually for everyone to evaluate, his fair face couldn't help but turn red, and he quickly retracted back to his seat.

Qiao Xuebin's attention was immediately attracted by He Yue.

After the calligraphy evaluation came to an end, He Zhe put it on the table and gestured to the three members of the Qiao family, and then Qiao Liangyan stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and gave a circle of filial piety.

"In the summer of the fifteenth year of Qinshan Litianji, Lord Shi Hezhe, the secretary of the fourth grade of the Jingshi, moved to Heishui City to take up the position of the city lord. When the lord of the city was the secretary of the long history, he was known as the iron-faced selfless reputation, and selected good words from various admonitions from all over the world to serve in the saints, so that the loyal words were not concealed, and the holy listened all over the world, so that they had the reputation of the prosperous world. Although the lord of the city moved to the left, it is actually a blessing for the 100,000 people of Heishui City! Heishui City is known as an important military city in our country, with simple folk customs, prosperous economy, and strong military strength. It is also an important passage between Qinshan and Mansai. The ancients had clouds, pink with beautiful women, and swords for heroes". My Blackwater City is like a sharp sword, and the Lord of Hecheng is the man who wields the sword, one of the largest armament districts in the country, and the richest city in the whole state. We all firmly believe that under the rule of the Lord of the Hecheng City, it will become one of the most prosperous places in the country!

At the end of the sentence, there was a round of applause from the audience. In the past few days, there are not many families who have come to the Dutch Mansion to celebrate the appointment of the city lord, but they are all looking at each other, talking and doing things carefully, and there is no ambition declaration that Qiao Liangyan just made. This heroic remark really infected many strategists and disciples in the Dutch Mansion.

He Zhe's mood also brightened up suddenly--in recent months, he has been repeatedly ostracized by villains in the DPRK, and finally ended up degrading. Although he has an optimistic personality, it is inevitable that he will be sad about the moon from time to time after coming to Blackwater City. But Qiao Liangyan, these words seem to be an empowerment - this Blackwater City has such abundant manpower, material and financial resources, and has the reputation of the world's first military city, this is simply an opportunity for God to give him great achievements, and it is also a good time for Blackwater City to sweep away the bad wind of corrupt officials and corrupt officials for several years!

"Well said! Well said! Where to degrade, why move to the left? The people of Heishui City are outstanding people, and this is the opportunity for God to give me Hezhe to rejuvenate the country and serve the country. I will live up to the expectations of the fathers and villagers of Heishui City, I will be a clean official, and I will be a city lord who can make a difference!"

After He Zhe finished speaking, there was another round of applause below. Qiao Xuebin also smiled and applauded at this time, wondering in his heart when the fourth brother was so eloquent. Liang Fuji, the former privy envoy, applauded sincerely—for so many days, only he could see Hezhe's inner struggle. Fortunately, the young man's words can be regarded as untying the knot in his heart.

"The city lord has this determination, it is really a blessing for Blackwater City for a thousand years!

Several servants standing outside the hall heard this, and hurriedly pushed a huge gold box into the hall. Qiao Mingyan stepped forward, used all his strength, and opened the gold box, and the huge purple cloud tassel alchemy furnace inside lay peacefully and quietly, dazzling and dazzling, stealing all attention.

"Lord of the City, this is a high-quality tassel in the Western Regions, and the best purple gold ...... in the depths of the East China Sea."

Everyone was listening to Qiao Liangyan's introduction, and they were all looking at the style of this alchemy furnace, only Qiao Xuebin was not in a state at all.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the girl. She was no different from the peasant girls she met when she was a commoner. But her face is delicate and handsome, very attractive, or the more she looks at it, the better she looks. This is completely different from the country girl who is very smug. And her every move is almost impossible to be exercised by ten days of family life - she doesn't smile and don't speak loudly. When Qiao Liangyan's infectious speech ended, her expression seemed to have a touch of sadness, and the voice of applause seemed to be deliberately looking for the beat of the big guy. Most of the time, she just sat there quietly, like her dull and strict brother. It's just that when He Yuncang sat there, he was like a piece of wood, and the breath of the whole person was completely exposed. But Heyue, like a bright moon, the people around her are all stars, she skillfully blends her own aura with everything around her, and unconsciously occupies the dominance. This feeling is very subtle, and only those who have a certain degree of Taoism can feel it. So Qiao Xuebin came to a conclusion: Heyue is indeed different from ordinary people, but she doesn't know it herself.

He Yue's hair was long, hanging down like all the ladies of the Blackwater City family, and it was scattered to her chest. The jet-black hair was faintly watery, as if it had just been bathed. Her long hair is exceptionally soft in Qiao Xuebin's eyes, as if she is a second independent life independent of the girl.

"Yuncang is just a child, but he bothered the three sons to be so attentive that they prepared such a valuable gift for me. This pen is based on many years of wolf king's hair, there is still a sense of bloodthirsty, the most suitable for a pre-war song, must be the best work. The three sons have good intentions, and Yun Cang is grateful!"

The little boy with a serious face beside He Zhe was full of joy that could not be concealed at this time, it seems that this ancient blood wolf brush was given to the right person. Qiao Xuebin hurriedly glanced at He Yuncang, who stood up, and continued to focus on He Yue.

"Strange, that boy should be Heyue's servant, right? Why don't I feel a masculine aura in her today? Could it be that it is a maid who serves her?" Heyue is wearing the formal clothes of the eldest ladies today, with embroidered green clothes on the upper body and a pure white Luo skirt on the lower body. Although he was only fifteen years old, he had a feeling of full charm, like a sultry goblin after being carefully dressed. As soon as this idea appeared, Qiao Xuebin's previous views were broken, and he felt more and more that the young man felt his prying eyes, so he deliberately dressed He Yue like this, triggering Qiao Xuebin's temptation.

Qiao Mingyan's strong arms opened the last golden box, and a strong aura rushed straight in all directions. It was a congratulatory gift to He Yue, and it was also a gift that Qiao Xuebin didn't expect at all.

"Lord of the city, your daughter is so young that she can easily speak to the master of the forest way, and is deeply appreciated by the master. Miss Heyue is a righteous daughter of an adult, so smart and clever, this is an auspicious omen from heaven, helping the city lord to make a difference. Please enlighten my treasure and congratulate it!"

Inside the golden box was a five-colored ashlar slumbering, which was almost a huge source of spiritual power in Qiao Xuebin's eyes. The moment the golden box was opened, it was obvious that the faint aura on He Yue's body was very quickly disturbed for a moment, and the luster in her watery eyes was shining in an instant, and she had a strong resonance with this spiritual power like Qiao Xuebin.

Fang Shi fell asleep silently, and the spiritual power it emitted made everyone present feel very comfortable.

"This is the five-color stone relics, the ancestors went to the ocean to do business by chance, put it around, it has the effect of dispelling diseases and diseases, strengthening the body, and can also make people full of aura every day, and feel comfortable. Give it to Miss Heyue, and wish you good health and clarity. ”

Qiao Xuebin obviously felt that the spiritual power was no longer pouring towards him, as if he recognized the master, and rushed to the seat opposite.

"It turned out to be this treasure...... It's just that I have lived next to the treasury all year round, so how come I never noticed that such treasures exist?"