Chapter 245: Exchange
The most famous thing in the Drunken Immortal Building is the self-brewed Drunken Immortal Wine.
This wine is golden in color, clear and transparent, like an elixir.
When it is slowly poured into the cup, it is like a golden thread dancing in the air, and finally falls lightly into the bottom of the cup, splashing in a circle of fine ripples.
Zhao Rang raised his glass and shook it gently, and the drunken immortal wine in the cup rose and fell with his movements, flashing with a seductive light under the reflection of the light.
He smiled slightly and handed the wine glass to Qingqing.
Qingqing took the wine glass, lifted it lightly, and touched Zhao Rang's wine glass lightly, making a crisp and pleasant sound, and then drank it all.
The sweet liquor slid down the throat, bringing a burst of warmth and comfort.
After putting down the wine glass, Qingqing couldn't wait to urge:
"Okay, now you can tell me what you found in the stables, right?"
Zhao Rang slowly put a chopstick dish into his mouth, chewed it carefully, and then said leisurely:
"What's the hurry, eat first. I'll tell you after eating! ”
Qingqing was so angry by Zhao Rang's words that she gritted her teeth, but she could only helplessly pick up the chopsticks and start eating.
The two chatted while eating, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
It didn't take long for Zhao Rang to put down his chopsticks, lean on the back of the chair, and close his eyes slightly, as if he was still reminiscing about the delicacies just now. But his thoughts had already drifted to the stable, and those subtle clues echoed in his mind repeatedly, gradually connecting into a complete picture.
After a while, Zhao Rang slowly opened his eyes and looked at Qingqing, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a confident smile.
Qingqing's curiosity was ignited instantly, and she couldn't wait to urge:
"Tell me what the hell you've found?"
Zhao Rang picked up the teacup unhurriedly and took a sip:
"The horses' hooves were stained with fresh soil. The soil is moist and sticky, which is clearly different from ordinary soil. ”
"In the dirt, I also found some tiny particles that shimmered faintly under the light of the candle flame. I suspect that the particles were not ordinary sand and gravel, but the powder of some kind of ore. ”
Qingqing listened attentively, her eyes were firmly fixed on Zhao Rang, for fear of missing any detail:
"Powder of ore? How do you see that? Is there anything special about those pellets? ”
Zhao Rang smiled slightly and explained:
"First of all, the dirt on the hooves of those horses is different in color and texture from ordinary mud. They are wetter, stickier, and darker in color, suggesting that the soil is likely coming from a specific place, and that's what the soil of that place is. ”
He said as he gestured with his hands.
"Secondly, those tiny particles that I found in the soil. It's not a lot, but it's very conspicuous. They shimmer faintly in the light of candle flames, and this reflective property indicates that they are not ordinary sand and gravel particles. Combining these two points, I deduced that the horses were probably coming back from the mines to transport ore. ”
Qingqing was dumbfounded when she heard this, and couldn't help but sigh:
"Zhao Rang, you must come to the Investigation Division to work! Because you were born to eat this bowl of rice! ”
Zhao Rang waved his hand, signaling Qingqing not to interrupt him, and then continued:
"If the horses were really carrying ore back from the mines, then there was a plausible explanation for the mud in the woods. I suspect that there is a mine hidden in that woods, which is where the people of the Western Regions have settled around the Imperial City! ”
Qingqing nodded, she felt that what Zhao Rang said was right, but there were still many doubts in her heart...... After thinking about it, he asked again:
"If there's really a mine hidden in that woods, why hasn't the Detective Division found anything before?"
Zhao Rang pouted and said:
"Either because the mine is very hidden and somehow covered up. Either that...... You know what I'm trying to say! ”
Qingqing was silent after hearing this.
What Zhao Rang wanted to say was nothing more than that in addition to the traitors in the General Building of the Imperial City Investigation Division, he stood on the side of the people of the Western Regions and helped them cover up.
"Zhao Rang, I want to go to that forest to explore."
"It's not impossible to go and investigate, and I can accompany you. I have one condition, though! ”
Zhao Rang looked at Qingqing calmly, and said slowly:
"I hope you can get the Investigation Division to revoke the surveillance of me!"
This is Zhao Rang's unbreakable bottom line.
Qingqing was stunned when she heard this, she didn't expect Zhao Rang to put forward such a condition.
"I see what you mean. But even the owner of the building can't decide on this matter......"
Qingqing's tone was full of sincerity and helplessness.
"I understand your difficulties. You can wait until you go back and discuss it before giving me an answer. ”
Zhao Rang did not back down in the slightest.
Some things are not inherently understandable.
The two sat relatively wordless for a while, and Zhao Rang suddenly stood up and broke the silence:
"Let's go, I'll take you somewhere."
Qingqing looked at him suspiciously, not knowing what medicine he was selling in his gourd, but she still stood up with him.
Zhao Rang took Qingqing through several bustling streets and came to a remote alley.
It's quiet, and there's hardly any pedestrians.
"What are you bringing me here for?"
Qingqing asked curiously.
Zhao Rang smiled mysteriously, did not answer, but walked straight into the alley.
Qingqing had no choice but to follow him.
The alley is deep, lined with high walls, with the occasional faint light from a few windows.
Zhao Rang took Qingqing around and finally came to a door.
This door was very ordinary, but Zhao Rang knocked on it with ease.
After a while, the door opened, and an old man poked his head out, and when he saw that it was Zhao Rang, a surprised smile appeared on his face:
"Childe, why are you here?"
The old man greeted warmly.
This is a courtyard of the Zhao family in the imperial city.
Except for the descendants of the Zhao family, no one knows.
This annex, hidden outside the hustle and bustle of the imperial city, imitates the entrance is an ingenious moon cave door, and the door is carved with cloud patterns and flying birds.
Passing through the moon cave gate, there is an open courtyard, and there is a unique rockery in the center of the courtyard, and the mountains and rocks are scattered.
The old man is the housekeeper of the previous generation of the Zhao family, named Zhao Fu, who has never started a family in his life and has no children or daughters.
Zhao Fu followed the head of the Zhao family when he was young, was loyal, and was deeply trusted by the head of the family.
When he got older, he volunteered to come to the Imperial City to take care of this annex.
On the one hand, it is to continue to serve the Zhao family, and on the other hand, it is also to enjoy this tranquility and tranquility.
Zhao Fu saw Zhao Rang take Qingqing to the other courtyard, although he was a little surprised in his heart, but he was more happy.
He hurriedly welcomed the two into the courtyard, and said as he walked:
"Childe, who is this?"
Zhao Rang introduced:
"Fauber, this is a young girl, my friend."
Qingqing smiled at Zhao Fu and said hello.
Zhao Fu also smiled back, and secretly admired the appearance and temperament of this young girl in his heart.
The three of them came to the small hall in the courtyard and sat down, and Zhao Fu hurriedly ordered to go down and prepare tea and snacks.
In a short time, a servant brought fragrant tea and delicate snacks.
Zhao Rang took a sip of tea, then looked at Zhao Fu and said:
"Fauber, I'm here for a matter that I want your help with."
Zhao Fu was slightly stunned, and then smiled:
Childe laughed, the old slave is now a crippled body, just surviving...... However, whatever the old slave can do, there is no one definition to reject. ”
Zhao Rang nodded and said:
"I want to borrow this annex for some use and arrange for some people to live in."
Although this annex is private, it is not something that can be lived by anyone.
However, Zhao Fu understood Zhao Rang's intentions after thinking about it, Zhao Rang wanted to arrange some manpower here in case of emergency.
He nodded and said:
"No problem, although this annex is not big, it is more than enough for a dozen people. How many people does Childe want to live in? The old slave will arrange it. ”
Zhao Rang smiled slightly and said:
"Thank you Fauber. I'd like to move in some of the Detective Division's personnel, who are investigating an important matter and need a secret foothold. ”
Zhao Fu was shocked when he heard this, glanced at Zhao Rang deeply, and then said:
"Childe, rest assured, the old slave will definitely handle this matter."
Zhao Rang nodded and said:
"Then there's Lawford. This matter should be kept secret and no one should know about it. ”
Zhao Fu nodded solemnly, unchanged, and repeated:
"Childe, rest assured, the old slave will definitely handle this matter."
The three of them chatted for a while, and Zhao Fu got up to say goodbye to arrange for the check-in of the investigation department, while Zhao Rang and Qingqing stayed in the small hall to continue drinking tea and chatting.
It didn't take long for Zhao Fu to come back and say that it had been arranged.
Zhao Rang knew that Fu Bo had always been safe and reliable, and he was very relieved to leave this matter to him.
Qingqing frowned slightly at this time, looked at Zhao Rang puzzled and asked:
"Zhao Rang, I don't understand, why do you want to let the people of the Investigation Division live in the Zhao family's courtyard? Doesn't that expose our actions? ”
Zhao Rang shook his head lightly and said thoughtfully:
"You should know that there are many restrictions on the movement of the personnel of the Investigation Division in the Imperial City, and their every move may be noticed by someone with a heart. But here, in the Zhao family's courtyard, is a place that we can completely control! ”
Qingqing pondered Zhao Rang's words, and gradually realized the deep meaning behind this arrangement:
"You're saying that in this way, we can secretly assemble forces without attracting attention from the outside world, and at the same time ensure their safety?"
Zhao Rang nodded:
"Exactly. The location of the Zhao family's courtyard is remote, and there is an old housekeeper like Zhao Fubo. He is familiar with every nook and cranny of the area, and can ensure that the personnel of the Investigation Division can move freely here, while avoiding unnecessary risks! ”
Qingqing suddenly realized.
I couldn't help but say very excitedly:
"This way, we can lay out in the shadows without the enemy noticing!"
But as she spoke, she hesitated again:
"But...... After all, the person in the investigation department is not me, nor is it the owner of the building...... How can you make sure that the men of the Investigation Division can trust you, believe in Fu Bo, and believe in the Zhao family? They have always been wary of you and the Zhao family! Besides, they don't know about the existence of this annex in any way for you or your family......"
Zhao Rang had been prepared for this for a long time, and calmly explained:
"I will personally explain the issue of trust to Zhang Zong. In fact, I only need to say one thing: once the investigation progresses, all the credit will go to the Investigation Department, and the Zhao family will not interfere and will not show any traces! ”