"Little ...... Elder Xiaoge, what should I do next? ”

After recounting what had happened, I saw that the official in charge of managing the Tribute Academy, his heart was in turmoil, he looked at Yan Shifan with a gaze that was almost pleading, and asked cautiously.

After all, in a few days, the imperial court will hold an exam specifically for the clan and nobles in the Tribute Academy, and now, at this critical moment, there is such a thing.

In case a bad rumor spreads at that time, then the black gauze hat on his head may not be able to keep it!

Thinking of this, the official in charge of the tribute court immediately knelt on the ground with a 'plop' and sobbed.

"Xiaoge Lao, you can't see death and not save it, there are old people in the lower officials, and there are young people in the lower officials, you really can't ......"

It's just that before the official's words were finished, he was interrupted impatiently by Yan Shifan.

"Hmph, what's the hurry, now the official will go to the Gongyuan with you to see the situation!"

Seeing that Yan Shifan was willing to help, the official immediately kowtowed like pounding garlic, and his face was full of gratitude.

"Xiaguan thank you for saving your life, thank you to ...... Xiaoge"

Seeing this, Yan Shifan waved his hand and immediately commanded.

"Okay, no need to say any more, when the official prepares, we will officially set off!"

"Yes, Little Pavilion Elder!"

When the official in charge of managing the Tribute Court heard Yan Shifan's words, his expression immediately turned grim and he replied in a deep voice.

When Yan Shifan heard this, he nodded imperceptibly, and immediately walked towards the room where Yan Song was, he planned to tell Yan Song the news.

However, Yan Shifan gave up this idea as soon as he took a few steps, only to see him pause abruptly and muttered to himself silently.

"It's getting late now, and my father is probably already asleep, so I'd better not disturb him!"

Yan Shifan thought so, and immediately called the housekeeper to prepare the sedan chair as soon as possible.

Soon after this, Yan Shifan rode in a sedan chair and marched towards the Gongyuan with the official in charge of managing the Gongyuan.

……

At this moment, in the Tribute Courtyard, Yin Ding Shichang of Shuntian Mansion looked at the scene in front of him and couldn't help but gasp.

In the entire Gongyuan, there are red lines everywhere, and there are many bells wrapped around the red line, and from mid-air, these red lines form a "heaven and earth net", as if they want to trap something.

On the ground, there were still a lot of Five Emperor coins scattered on the ground at will, in addition, on the temporary altar, there were also many unburned talismans, as well as a black dog that had long since died, and there was a faint smell of blood in the air.

"Hey, it's so cold here, could it be the souls of those candidates who died in the Gongyuan Academy?"

"In the early years, when the official took the examination, there were rumors that the reason why the weather in this Gongyuan was so abnormal was because there were many poor and depressed candidates who died in the Gongyuan, and their resentment accumulated......"

Thinking like this, Ding Shichang couldn't help but tighten the official uniform on his body, and then, he saw him stop a subordinate who was in a hurry and asked.

"Did you find any clues at the scene?"

Seeing that Ding Shichang, the Yin of the Shuntian Mansion, was personally questioning, the subordinate did not dare to slack off in the slightest, and immediately leaned down and responded respectfully.

"Lord Yin, before this, we have asked the guards who were guarding outside earlier, and we have not received any useful clues, in addition, the six corpses have also been sent to the side of the house, for a while, I am afraid there will be no result!"

After listening to the subordinate's report, Ding Shichang couldn't help but have a trace of disappointment on his face, only to see him wave his hand quite casually and command.

"Well, the official knows, you can continue to be busy!"

"Yes, Lord Fu Yin!"

After the subordinate left, Ding Shichang's eyes accidentally swept over the officials who were collecting evidence at the scene, and saw that one of the officials was holding a money sword in his hand.

"Well, this tribute courtyard is really weird, for the sake of safety, the official should go out and wait!"

Ding Shichang thought so, and immediately called a few guards and walked out of the tribute courtyard.

"Alas, I don't know what kind of sins this official created in his previous life, and he actually came to be the Shuntian Mansion Yin in this life!"

Just as Ding Shichang was complaining like this, he saw a Xu official not far away, hurrying over.

After the official came to Ding Shichang's face, he immediately leaned down and reported respectfully.

"Hey, Lord Fu Yin, the little pavilion is old!"

After listening to the report of the official, Ding Shichang's face was full of shock, and immediately, he came back to his senses and commanded in a deep voice.

"What, the elder Xiaoge is here, then what are you still doing in a daze, why don't you go over with this official to greet you?"

"Yes, Lord Fu Yin!"

After that, Ding Shichang took a few subordinates and hurriedly went to greet him.

"Xia Guan has seen Xiao Ge Lao!"

After the sedan chair that Yan Shifan was riding stopped steadily, Ding Shichang immediately led his subordinates to bow to Yan Shifan who came out of the sedan chair.

When Yan Shifan heard this, he just swept his gaze from Ding Shichang's body, nodded imperceptibly, and immediately asked.

"Did you find any clues?"

When Ding Shichang heard Yan Shifan's words, the smile on his face suddenly froze, and after organizing the language in his mind, he spoke cautiously.

"Elder Yu Xiaoge, at present, the relevant people and others have been controlled by the lower officials and taken to prison for interrogation!"

"In addition, we found six corpses at the scene, and there were no injuries on these six corpses, and in addition, there were no traces of any fighting at the scene!"

"Do you think there is something dirty in this Gongyuan Courtyard?"

"After all, at this time in the past, the Tribute Courtyard is closed, could it be that we disturbed the peace of those unjust souls in the Tribute Courtyard, which led to ......?"

Before Ding Shichang's words were finished, he was coldly interrupted by Yan Shifan: "Shut up, can you say this nonsense?" ”

When Ding Shichang heard Yan Shifan's words, he reacted suddenly, and his eyes were full of fear.

After all, in a few days, the imperial court will hold an examination specifically for the clan and nobles in the Gongyuan.

If at this time, there are any bad rumors that circulate, then he, Ding Shichang, as the spreader of the rumors, will definitely not be able to eat and walk around, and it will be considered light to lose his official position and abandon his post at that time, in case he provokes His Majesty's anger......

Then, I saw Ding Shichang bow his head, his face was full of gratitude, and he said respectfully: "Thank you Xiaoge Elder for reminding me, otherwise, ......"

Yan Shifan took in the expression on Ding Shichang's face and waved his hand, indicating that he didn't have to care.

The reason why Yan Shifan reminded him was because this Ding Shichang had assisted him not long ago by posting a large number of notices in the capital to recruit craftsmen who studied steam engines.

Then, I saw Yan Shifan suppress the chaotic thoughts in his heart, turned his gaze to Ding Shichang, and commanded in a deep voice.

"In that case, let's take the official in first to see the situation!"

"Yes, Xiao Ge Lao, please come with the lower officials!"

As soon as Yan Shifan's words fell, Ding Shichang answered without thinking.

Immediately, under the guidance of several guards, Yan Shifan, Ding Shichang, and the official in charge of managing the tribute courtyard entered it together.

After a few people entered the Tribute Courtyard, the previous scenes appeared in front of their eyes one by one, and Yan Shifan's face flashed with shock when he saw the "Heaven and Earth Net" composed of red lines.

Subsequently, when Ding Shichang saw this situation, he immediately stepped forward and introduced the situation here to Yan Shifan in every detail.

"Elder Xiaoge, look, the altar over there is the place where the body was found!"

After that, Yan Shifan, under the guidance of Ding Shichang, came to the altar, and at this moment, the scene he saw was no different from what Ding Shichang saw earlier.

When he saw the talisman seal on the altar that had not yet been completely burned, and the corpse of the black dog that had already died on the side, he couldn't help frowning, and turned to Ding Shichang to ask.

"Those bodies were found around here?"

"Yes, sir!"

As soon as Yan Shifan's words fell, Ding Shichang on the side followed closely with Ying Hedao.

Immediately, I saw Ding Shichang call a subordinate and command in a deep voice.

"Tell Xiao Ge Lao about the specific situation!"

When the subordinate heard this, after bowing and saluting, he immediately stepped forward and told Yan Shifan about the situation they had discovered.

"Xiao Ge Lao, when we received the report, we rushed to the scene without stopping, and at that time, after we entered the Tribute Courtyard, we found six corpses dead near the altar, and these six corpses were all facing the sky."

"There were no signs of a fight at the scene, and there were no injuries on the six bodies."

"Except for the money swords, the Five Emperor coins, and the incomplete runes found at the scene, there are no other discoveries for the time being, and there is only one way to enter the Tribute Courtyard, and that is the road we came from earlier."

After listening to the subordinate's report, Yan Shifan's face suddenly became extremely gloomy, and he muttered to himself silently.

"Hmph, after talking for a long time, doesn't it mean that no evidence has been found?"

Then, I saw Yan Shifan suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and immediately asked in a deep voice.

"In that case, what about the six corpses?"

Seeing this situation, Ding Shichang on the side hurriedly stepped forward and took the first step to explain.

"Xiao Ge Lao, those six corpses have been sent to the other side, and there must be results soon!"

When Yan Shifan heard Ding Shichang's words, the expression on his face looked a little better.

After that, I saw Yan Shifan turn his gaze to Ding Shichang and commanded.

"Well, the official knows, if there is any news at that time, notify me immediately!"

"Don't worry, Xiao Ge Lao, Xia Guan will definitely do his best!"

When Ding Shichang heard this, he immediately patted his chest and assured Yan Shifan.

Yan Shifan did not comment on Ding Shichang's words, but nodded faintly and said slowly.

"In that case, then the official will leave first!"

"Little Pavilion Elder Please!"

Seeing this, Ding Shichang hurriedly leaned down and responded respectfully.

Seeing that there was no breakthrough in the matter for the time being, Yan Shifan was ready to leave the Gongyuan first and go back to discuss the long term, but he had just walked a few steps before he turned back suddenly, and after looking Ding Shichang up and down, he immediately ordered.

"Lord Fu Yin, you should know what to do tonight, right?"

After perceiving Yan Shifan's gaze on him, Ding Shichang reacted suddenly, his expression was awe-inspiring, and he replied in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, Xiao Ge Lao, I'll shut them all up!"

"Hmm."

When Yan Shifan heard this, he responded imperceptibly, and immediately walked away.

After seeing Yan Shifan take a sedan chair and leave the Tribute Courtyard, Ding Shichang breathed a sigh of relief: "Huh~ Xiaoge Lao is finally gone!" ”

At this moment, a subordinate came to Ding Shichang and cautiously asked.

"That'...... Lord Fu Yin, what should we do next, is it possible, just do it here? ”

When Ding Shichang heard this, he glanced at the subordinate coldly, and commanded impatiently.

"Idiot, do you have to ask the official for a trivial matter like this, leave some people, take care of the scene, and no one is allowed to enter or leave!"

"Also, notify me immediately, no one is allowed to leak half a word about tonight's events, otherwise, then don't blame the official for being polite!"

When the subordinate heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.

"Yes, my lord, the next official will do it!"

After the subordinate left, Ding Shichang withdrew his gaze, sighed, and muttered to himself silently.

"Alas, it's miserable now, six people died, and it's still on the territory of the capital!"

"No matter, it's not too early, let's go back first, and wait for the news over there!"

Immediately, I saw Ding Shichang suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, take a sedan chair, and leave the tribute courtyard.

……

After Yan Shifan took a sedan chair and returned to Yan's mansion from the Gongyuan, he went straight back to his room.

At this moment, Yan Shifan's heart was in turmoil, his heart was full of remorse, and countless thoughts were intertwined in his mind.

"Alas, I knew that this kind of thing would happen, I shouldn't have thought about it in the first place, and asked the Taoist priest to exorcise evil spirits in the Gongyuan!"

"At the moment, there are six lives, and by coincidence, they have died in the Gongyuan!"

"You know, in a few days, the imperial court will hold an exam specifically for the clan and nobles in the Tribute Academy, if at this time, there are bad rumors and interfere with the normal progress of the exam, then I, as the chief examiner, am really dying!"

"When the time comes, Your Majesty will be angry, maybe I, Yan Shifan, will be dragged by Your Majesty to the entrance of the vegetable market to be beheaded!"

Yan Shifan tried to conceive such a picture in his mind, and suddenly felt shuddered.

Then, I saw him shake his head, throwing out all the messy thoughts in his mind, and comforting himself like this.

"It's useless to be anxious at the moment, let's wait for the news over there, and when the autopsy results come out, the truth of the matter should soon come out."

After that, I saw Yan Shifan forcing himself to close his eyes, but he tossed and turned for a long time and still couldn't sleep.

On the other side, although the night was already very deep, Xu Jie had no intention of sleeping, and saw him pacing in the room with his hands behind his back, quite anxiously.

At this moment, I saw the housekeeper hurriedly walk into the room, and when Xu Jie saw the housekeeper coming, the anxious look on his face suddenly disappeared, and he stepped forward to ask quite eagerly.

"Have you taken care of everything from beginning to end?"

"If you go back to the master, it's all dealt with!"

When the housekeeper heard Xu Jie's words, he immediately leaned down and answered in a deep voice.

After Xu Jie learned the news from the housekeeper, the whole person immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and the burden that had been accumulated in his heart all this time finally landed safely.

I saw him withdraw his gaze from the butler's body and command.

"Well, this matter has worked hard for you, you go down and rest!"

"Yes, sir!"

When the housekeeper heard this, he was about to step away, only to hear Xu Jie's voice sound again.

"By the way, tell them to spread the news tonight, the bigger the movement, the better, preferably to the point where everyone knows about it!"

"Yes, sir, I will convey your words to them!"

When the housekeeper heard Xu Jie's words, he paused suddenly, turned around, and responded respectfully.

"Well, let's go down and rest!"

Seeing this, Xu Jie only bowed slightly to the housekeeper and commanded.

After the housekeeper left, Xu Jie's face was full of unconcealable smiles, and he came to the chair and sat down, holding the chair with one hand, his face was full of gloomy, and he muttered to himself silently.

"Hmph, Yan Shifan, I see what you should do next, wait for death obediently!"

……

The time of the night passed in the blink of an eye, early in the morning, in the hall of the Yan Mansion.

Yan Song, as usual, held a bowl of thick porridge in his hand and drank it unhurriedly.

On the table in front of him, there were still countless delicacies, but what made Yan Song feel strange was that he had already drunk the porridge in the bowl, but Yan Shifan still had no sign of coming.

At this time in the past, Yan Shifan would definitely appear at the dinner table.

Just as Yan Song was about to instruct the maid on the side to go to investigate the situation, he heard a sound of footsteps outside.

Yan Song followed the prestige, and saw that Yan Shifan at this moment was full of exhaustion, his steps were vain, and his dark circles were extremely heavy.

Seeing this, Yan Song couldn't help frowning and asked in a cold voice.

"Yan Shifan, where did you run last night, how could you be so tired?"

In the face of Yan Song's inquiry, Yan Shifan just shook his head, came to the vacant seat on the side and sat down, and immediately took a bowl of thick porridge from the maid on the side.

After Yan Shifan hummed and drank a few mouthfuls of thick porridge, he put down the bowl, immediately looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and said slowly.

"Father, to tell you the truth, the child didn't sleep last night!"

"What's wrong?"

When Yan Song heard this, his face suddenly became extremely solemn, and after looking Yan Shifan up and down, he asked in a deep voice.

Yan Shifan didn't mean to hide it, and told everything to him.

"Father, last night, the child got the news that there was a dead person in the Gongyuan!"

"What, dead man, who died?"

When Yan Song heard Yan Shifan's words, his face was full of surprise, and he followed up and asked.

When Yan Shifan heard this, he sighed helplessly, his tone full of exhaustion.

"Father, do you remember the Taoist priest who was invited by the child to exorcise evil spirits for the Gongyuan earlier?"

"What, what do you mean......"

Yan Song said this with a look of shock on his face after learning the news from Yan Shifan's mouth.

"Well, that's right, father, those Taoist priests are all dead, dead in the Gongyuan!"

"There are no scars on their bodies, and other than that, there are no traces of any fighting at the scene, and there is only one way to enter the Gongyuan!"

When Yan Shifan said this, he paused for a moment, then immediately plucked up his courage and asked Yan Song.

"Father, do you say that behind this, could it be ghosts and gods, after all, at this time in the past, the Gongyuan was closed, and it was precisely because of the rash opening of the Gongyuan that it disturbed ......"

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he was categorically interrupted by Yan Song.

"Hmph, it's ridiculous, there is a way, Zi is silent, strange and confused, your father and I have lived for most of our lives, and I have never seen any ghosts and gods!"

When Yan Song said this, he changed his words, turned his gaze to Yan Shifan, and then reprimanded.

"Also, why didn't you tell me earlier that something so big happened?"

"Father...... Father, it was getting late, and you were already asleep, and the child couldn't bear it......"

When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, he immediately lowered his head and explained hesitantly.

Seeing this, Yan Song's face flashed with a trace of unbearability, and he waved his hand and commanded.

"Okay, no need to say more, tell me what happened!"

"Yes, Father, such a ...... of things"

Under Yan Shifan's narration, Yan Song also has a general understanding of the ins and outs of the whole thing.

Then, I saw him turn his gaze to Yan Shifan, his face was full of determination, and he said in a deep voice.

"Hmph, the people behind this curtain clearly plan to take this opportunity to put you to death!"

"Ah, Father, this and this......"

Yan Shifan, who was on the side, heard the answer given by Yan Song, his face was full of horror, and he couldn't even speak clearly.

Yan Song saw that the expression on Yan Shifan's face was in full view, and after organizing the language in his mind, he immediately spoke.

"You might as well think about it, after a while, it will be the day when the imperial court will officially hold an exam specifically for the clan and nobles, but at this time, there are people in the Gongyuan!"

"You say, what will happen if this news gets out?"

When Yan Song said this, he looked at Yan Shifan on the side, quietly waiting for his response.

After thinking about it for a long time, Yan Shifan was bold and gave his own response: "Father, you mean that someone in the court wants to take this opportunity to interfere with this exam specifically for the clan and nobles, and put me to death by the way!" ”

Yan Song saw that Yan Shifan understood what he meant, and a hint of relief flashed on his face, nodded and said slowly.

"Well, that's right, you know, when His Majesty forced this matter, it caused an uproar in the court!"

"Although those officials didn't dare to say anything because of His Majesty's prestige, secretly, they would definitely try their best to hinder this matter!"

"After all, if the clan and nobles regain the right to speak in the court, then their lives will not be easy in the future!"

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, Yan Shifan's face was full of sudden realization, and he saw him get up from the seat suddenly, and his tone was full of respect: "Thank you father for solving the child's doubts, the child knows!" ”

But then, a look of joy appeared on Yan Shifan's face, and he said to himself: "Fortunately, the child has already ordered the seal in advance, otherwise, things will be in trouble!" ”

When Yan Song heard Yan Shifan's words, he immediately looked at Yan Shifan with a foolish look, and said unhurriedly.

"Hmph, idiot, do you think you can suppress this news on your own?"

"Look at it, this news must have been flying all over the sky!" (End of chapter)