Bastards

Cui Yu entrusted Lan Qiao with the task of delivering the news, not because he was inconvenient, but because he was worried that he would be troublesome if he disappeared during the confinement period and would be discovered. Trick...

He didn't go because he couldn't ride well.

He can ride a horse, but he can't do it if he is too fast. This time, the accident happened suddenly, and it was impossible to walk slowly in a carriage.Although Lan Qiao is small, thin, and doesn't know martial arts, in fact, his body is very coordinated, and his riding skills are better than him.Moreover, as a leader in the 'servant' industry, like most people, Lan Qiao is not only extremely proficient in serving his master, but also full of endurance and carefulness.No matter how hard or tiring the task is, as long as you accept it, Lanqiao will definitely try our best to complete it!

Cui Mata also thought about whether there would be any accidents.

Lan Qiao's ability to handle affairs is not a problem, but he is a bit stubborn and doesn't know how to change things. If there is an accident, it will be very troublesome.But as he said just now, besides Lan Qiao, there is no one he can trust.And judging from the current situation, he is slightly low, and it is impossible to attract anyone's attention. There are fewer servants around, and probably no one will care about it, and no one will chase after him. Grind him.

The current him is not so important...

So unless Lanqiao is very unlucky, the possibility of accidents is very small.

And he can also ask for a little help from his premonition to plan the most favorable direction and route for Lanqiao.

In an instant, many thoughts surged through his mind, and Cui Yu's eyes pressed on Lan Qiao with a burning light: "Help me pass this news to Sha San!"

Lan Qiao was a bit reluctant at first, but during the nearly one-month separation, he was thinking of his master, and he was most afraid that the master would not take good care of him. When he returned, he found out that the master was seriously ill.After finally reuniting, we have to separate again...it's still because of other people's business!

But he couldn't bear to let his master be sad.The master frowned, and he felt sad. Now the master almost didn't give orders, it was a bit like a request. How could he not agree?It's rare for the master to show such an obvious anxious look, this matter must be very important!

He must relieve his master's worries!

"Don't worry, young master, I'll go!" Lan Qiao clenched his fist and slammed his chest twice, his eyes were too serious, "Mountain of knives and sea of ​​fire, I will definitely bring my words to you, even at the risk of my life!"

Cui Yu breathed a sigh of relief, closed his eyes, and felt carefully... Which direction, which direction the blue bridge is heading, is the easiest to meet Yang Xuan!

The sound of the wind in the ear, the slight breeze brought a little moisture, washed away the dryness of late autumn, fell on the cheeks, slightly moisturized...

"West...north...east!" Cui Yu opened his eyes quickly, raised his eyebrows slightly, and pointed the direction to Lanqiao, "After you leave the city, go west immediately, find the Hanshui River, and then drive all the way north along the river! The end of the Han River joins the Wei River, and Chang'an is to the east of the Wei River! Remember, you are not allowed to take the official road, you are not allowed to go to the market, and you can only walk along the river!"

Lan Qiao didn't understand why he didn't take the official road and cut it. He insisted on following the winding river, and he didn't ask. His loyalty influenced his character: Anyway, no matter what, just listen to the master!

Master is so smart, he must have thought differently!

Lan Qiao recalled the nearby map and the experience of coming here, and smiled: "Don't worry, young master, although Lan Qiao is not smart, he still knows the direction and can't go wrong!"

Cui Yu nodded, and continued to concentrate on telling: "If it goes well, you will probably be close to the Wei River at night. At that time, you need to pull a few willow leaves and put them on your lips to play. Stop urging the horse, slow down, and let Ah Chou down." ..."

Lan Qiao gradually understood what the master meant, that is to say, you can see Sha San by the water, and when you run from the official road to Xie's house in Chang'an, Sha San may not be there... But why blow the willow leaves? "The little one is not very good at playing music..." He had a bitter face.

"It doesn't matter." Lan Qiao didn't know that it was Yang Xuan who played the willow leaf song to see him off that day, even if he knew, he wouldn't be able to learn the song, Cui Yu just wanted to use similar sounds to attract Yang Xuan's attention, "Just blow it. "

Afterwards, he patted the little tiger's head: "Go and find Sha San, that fierce guy who won't let you breastfeed, you know? Do you remember his smell?"

With a "meow", the little tiger flicked its tail, touched the palm of its master, and raised its claws vigorously to pat the palm of its master.It doesn't know anything, but it understands one thing very well, it can go out and surf!

Cui Yu rubbed the little tiger's head: "Good..."

After explaining what should be explained, Cui Yu stood with his hands behind his back: "It's not too late, you can go now!"

Lan Qiao also completed the task earlier so that he could come back to serve his master, and he couldn't help but put the little tiger in his arms: "Don't worry, young master!"

"Meow——" the little tiger broke away from his hand, jumped up to sit on his shoulder and sat condescendingly, and waved its paw at its master, as if expressing its determination.

Cui Yu felt warm in his heart: "This time it's up to you two!"

"Yes!"

Cui Yu sent Lan Qiao out of the small gate, watched him and the little tiger disappear into the deep alley, and let out a long breath, hoping everything goes well!

……

Lan Qiao didn't change his clothes, didn't prepare anything to eat and drink, and trotted all the way to shopkeeper Feng's paper and ink shop.Hearing that he wanted a horse, shopkeeper Feng didn't ask any questions, without saying anything, he pushed the teapot to Lan Qiao, and went to the backyard to lead the horse himself.

Lan Qiao just took the opportunity to drink a pot of tea, thanked shopkeeper Feng, he carried the little tiger on his horse and left directly.According to Cui Yu's instructions, as soon as he left the city gate, he went directly to the west, ran to the bank of the Hanshui River, then turned his back and headed north along the river...

Yicheng is not too far from Chang'an, Cui Yu walked slowly for two days when he came here, it was really on purpose, if he hurried, it would be a day away from the carriage.If you go by car and horse, the speed will be faster, and if the horse is good at running, the time will be shortened.

It was late afternoon when we set off from Lanqiao. If you don’t rest for a moment, you can go to the Weishui River when you are ugly!

Hugging the cub all the way and galloping, the horse was jolted and must have been uncomfortable. Lanqiao’s riding skills were only slightly better than Cui Yu’s, and far worse than those who were really good at riding. Soon, his legs hurt and his waist became weak and unbearable. Living.But the task given by the master is important. Riding a horse is just tiring and won't kill you. As long as you persist until Chang'an, as long as you carry it for a few hours, you'll be fine!

Lan Qiao gritted his teeth and insisted, the more tired he was, the brighter his eyes became, and he was a little closer to the destination!

The little tiger couldn't stand such a lonely run, and wanted to jump off several times. Lan Qiao hugged him tightly, paying attention to adjusting his posture, and ensured the little tiger's comfort no matter how awkward and tired he was: "Good boy... Be good, Ah Chou, I will rely on you to smell it later, you really want to help the master, don't you?"

The little tiger hummed arrogantly, unable to jump down, and finally just nestled in Lan Qiao's arms and fell asleep.

Lan Qiao didn't drink any water, and his mouth was dry and cracked, so he persisted slowly until late at night...

After Cui Yu sent Lan Qiao away, he was still restless, always worried about accidents.He believed that Lan Qiao would be able to successfully help him with the message, and also believed in Yang Xuan's ability. Even if an accident happened, he would be able to escape without injury, but he still couldn't help worrying.

In order to adjust his inner emotions, he simply didn't stay at home, left the small gate, walked around the streets of Yicheng, and subconsciously went to the gate of Zhao's house, saw some people, saw some things, heard some words... Regarding the resolution of Zhao Ji and Zhao Shuxue's problem, he also had a secret plan in his heart.

The momentary detachment of thoughts brought deeper worries.

Back in the small courtyard, the moonlight shone brightly, coolly and sparsely, silently, the worry in my heart was like the tide in the night, rising little by little, layer upon layer... Will those two children be all right?

Forced himself to think urgently about his feelings, without any particularly uncomfortable premonition, these two people should be safe, but everything in the world has a contingency, even if it is avoided by chance, a small injury is harmless, Cui Mata will unwilling.

Cui Yu stood quietly outside the window, staring blankly at the far-reaching sky, where the stars were twinkling and the clouds were misty... until the cold wind hit his face, he felt his hands and feet were cold, his nose was a little itchy, and he had the urge to sneeze.

It's already October...it's getting cold.

……

Cui Yu and Yang Xuan, whom Lan Qiao was thinking of, were killing people at the moment.

Yes, literally, cut people.

To the west of Chang'an City, near the river in Hechi County, there are three small gangs, two of which have been taken down by Yang Xuan so far, and where he is now, is the third small gang, which is also the leader of these three small gangs.

Yang Xuan was carrying a big knife on his shoulder, holding the handle of the knife with one hand in his right hand, and stepping on a stool with his left leg. Looking at the bloody scene in front of the hall, he showed no mercy at all, with a cruel smile on his lips: "Don't tell me? He has one leg!"

Jiayin raised the knife and dropped it, "Ah—" a scream came out, the water bandits in front of the hall separated their legs and body, and blood flowed all over the floor.

The gang members around were silent like cicadas, with their heads lowered, wishing their bodies could huddle up and not be seen.

Yang Xuansen glanced over, and when he lifted his fingertips, Jia Yin had already raised the knife again...

The man who was missing a leg immediately begged for mercy: "I...I say! I say! Spare me..."

Yang Xuan put down his hand, and Jia Yin then put down the knife in his hand.

"Who do you give your filial piety to?" Yang Xuan's voice was low, and under the night, there seemed to be bloody coercion, and he was stern, like this late autumn cold, "The governor's code, or the imperial court's Sima?"

"Dian... Dian..."

Yang Xuan raised his hand, and the knife in Jia Yin's hand rested on the neck of the water bandit who was missing a leg: "I advise you to be careful with your words, if you continue to bleed like this, you won't live long."

"It's Sima! Master Sima Wei's housekeeper in Chang'an, all my filial piety is for him!"

Yang Xuan snorted.

Jia Yin continued to ask harshly: "Then why do you want to plant a pawn!"

"Dianzhu is the person who is the governor. Wei Sima is sent by the court officials, and he has no way of dealing with the governor. Moreover, Wei Sima's family has a concubine with a backer. Don't be afraid...not afraid of trouble!"

Yang Xuan's long and narrow eyes narrowed, and the corners of her lips curled up a little, subtle and ironic.

Wei Sima in Chang'an has a concubine at home... Yes, in his father's harem, there is a Jieyu surnamed Wei, but that Jieyu is not favored. , to be able to live well.

The Wei family is a dog of the Tian family, the Wei family... that is, the dog of King Yue.

King Yue's idea of ​​intervening in the river course was good. After all, he wanted this piece of fat meat very much, but King Yue's subordinates were really incapable of doing things. So he picked and picked, and found such a thing?

Yang Xuan glanced at the people in the pool of blood in front of the hall, and looked away in disgust: "It's dealt with."

After he confessed, he turned around and walked outside, looking at the crescent moon in the sky.

The moonlight shines lightly, leaving waves on the water surface.The unique muddy smell of the river water is mixed in the air, and with the cold wind blowing across the cheeks in late autumn, it is indescribably refreshing.

Yang Xuan liked this feeling.

This kind of fighting with one's own ability, feeling the world and enjoying the feeling of the four fields in the quietness after the blood is gone... is real and cruel, far away and close at hand, reminding you all the time, you can't take it lightly for a moment, otherwise, The one lying on the ground will be him, and the one sitting here enjoying it will be his opponent.

As far as he is concerned, it is much more enjoyable and easier to intervene in the river than to be scheming in the officialdom.The river gangs and water bandits, when you get to the bottom of it, it's no more than whose fists are bigger, who's courage is bigger, and the interests are paramount.Whoever can fight hard to win these river gang leaders and bring benefits to everyone will be supported and loyal, clearly and clearly.

Relying on his own strength, coupled with Cui Yu's precepts and deeds to deceive people, and the training mode of carrots and sticks, he soon owned a small territory of his own.Based on this territory, he stretched out his hands and feet and expanded towards the surrounding area. Slowly, he has a decent appearance.Rectifying the River Gang brought him not only benefits, but also unimaginable news channels, and an indescribable feeling of ruling...

The good-looking rabbit was indeed rewarded to him by the gods. Since they met, everything went smoothly, which made him unbelievable, and brought him a lot of good luck... King Yue's hands, feet, roots, and hairs all happened to be touched.

That rabbit... what is it doing now?

At this time, he must be sleeping.It's a pity that we can't enjoy a round of the moon together. Although the moon is not round tonight, it doesn't feel like it.

……

Jia Yin quickly took care of the hall, and came out to ask Yang Xuan, "Boss, where are you going next?" He couldn't be called His Highness in a crowded place outside.

Yang Xuan thought about it, seeing that it was still early in the morning, and Cui Yu was not waiting where he lived, so he decided to stay overnight: "Go and pick the next one."

Jiayin admires the ability and spirit of his highness very much, with such a highness, why not worry about things failing!Although he was already a little tired, he still seemed to have been injected with chicken blood, his eyes were shining, and he knelt down on one knee and surrendered devoutly: "Yes! This subordinate will go prepare now!"

Yang Xuan left here with his men, and was about to board the boat and head towards the next destination, when he suddenly heard a sound in the air, rustling, crunchy, out of tune, out of tune, a bit like a piccolo, but actually just People are practicing blowing willow leaves.

Inevitably, Yang Xuan thought of bidding farewell to Cui Yu a few days ago.At that time, he didn't have a flute on him, so he played a tune with willow leaves... much better than this man's.

He only paused, and walked directly to the boat without stopping.

"Aooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

The soft animal sound came along with the sound of willow leaves.Although the distance is far away, the aura is not majestic enough, but the breath of the king of beasts cannot be mistaken, even if it is young, it is still a sharp cub!

It's just the willow flute, plus the voice of the little tiger...

Yang Xuan stopped, his ink-stained eyebrows frowned slightly, and turned his feet: "Go and have a look."

……

"Chou... Slow down, Chou!"

The little tiger had had enough sleep, and suddenly jumped out of his arms. Lan Qiao was so frightened that it would have been fine if the little tiger just jumped down to play, but it didn't. He lay down on the ground and smelled it, and suddenly ran in one direction like crazy. Just run and run, it is still turning, jumping in the grass for a while, climbing up a tree and jumping up another tree, it is not as nimble as a tiger, but like a monkey!

It is so noisy, Lan Qiao is not easy to chase after riding a horse, let's get off the horse... the whole person is paralyzed, his legs are no longer his own, he can't move, he can only pinch his waist, shake his legs and pull the rein, panting softly Xiangqiu: "King Tiger...Master Tiger... Please spare the little one, I really can't walk..."

Hearing Lan Qiao's words, the little tiger glared at him with big black, round and extremely sharp eyes in the night, with a look of disgust of "really useless".But it didn't run anymore, it found a tall boulder, jumped on it, and yelled to the east: "Wow——"

Lan Qiao was slightly relieved, but he found that it was easy to get off the horse, but if he tried to climb it, he couldn't climb it!

Looks like he has to take a break...

But people can rest, but their mouths can't stop!

He took out the willow leaves he had stroked earlier from his bosom, picked a slender one, put it on his lips and blew it.

I don't know how long it took, maybe soon, maybe very slowly, the little tiger suddenly moved again, like a wild horse that had run wild, suddenly jumped off the boulder, howled and ran eastward.

Lan Qiao was worried, so he quickly stood up and pulled his horse to follow: "Tiger King... slow down... the little ones can't catch up..."

The cold wind was blowing, and the little tiger smelled the familiar smell, and ran wildly against the wind excitedly.It doesn't know why, it is obviously a vicious villain, why it is so excited, but it has not been seen for a few days, it misses the villain very much!

It ran and ran, with its four paws facing the sky, and its round ears were blown back by the wind. Finally, it turned a corner and saw someone!

"Meow——" it jumped over excitedly, hooked the man's clothes and crawled up to his chest, and slapped its paws, leaving a clear plum blossom paw print with the fragrance of soil on the left face of the man .

Tiger King is coming!Big villain, are you happy!

Yang Xuan quickly stretched out his hand to support the frizzy hair, and only wanted to say hello to the little tiger's buttocks looking for a place to stand firmly. His long and narrow eyes narrowed: "Why are you still so stupid?"

With a sound of 'snap', the little tiger stretched out its paws happily, and also made a paw print on his right cheek.

Private guard Jiayin looked at the scene in front of him in bewilderment, his eyes almost popped out.

"Why are you here? Where is your master?"

Of course the little tiger didn't understand his question, and acted like a "meow, meow, meow".

Yang Xuan regretted that she was stupid, wiped her face calmly, and walked towards the place where the little tiger came... After a while, she found the blue bridge.

Lan Qiao was overjoyed when he saw Yang Xuan, as if he saw a fairy: "San Sha! I finally found you, San San!"

Yang Xuan frowned slightly: "You came to see me?" As if thinking of something, his eyes suddenly became sharp, revealing a trace of bloody murderousness, and he directly grabbed Lan Qiao's lapel, "Who bullied Cui Yu!"

Lan Qiao coughed twice: "No... cough cough... no..."

Yang Xuan let him go.

Lan Qiao was finally able to speak normally: "The young master asked me to bring a message to me. There is a noble person coming to Chang'an by water, and it will only be two days. Please deal with it carefully."

noble?

Yang Xuan narrowed her eyes.Almost instantly, he understood what Cui Yu was reminding.

These words reminded him very subtly, he didn't name anyone, nor did he remind him what to do, he just said to be careful.In this way, it seems to be applicable to everyone, even if it is found out by accident, it is not a secret, and it will not cause trouble.

He was sure that Cui Yu didn't know who he was, but he was very clear in his heart, what Cui Yu reminded was: nobleman in the palace!It is impossible for a concubine in the palace to travel, so it must be the prince, his brother!

Yang Xuan's thoughts changed sharply, he raised his palm, and ordered Jia Yin: "Go and have a personal inspection."

"Yes!"

……

At the same time, on the river that Yang Xuan had just left, a large boat sailed from a distance. The hull was extremely tall, the mast was tall, the strings were painted gold, and there were hidden paintings. It seemed low-key, but in fact it was very gorgeous.

The part that is visible to the naked eye is that the boat has two floors. Although it is late at night, there are still horn lamps hanging around, which are very bright.In the bright light, the lower side of the boat was extremely quiet, but the upper floor was very lively. The two were drinking and throwing dice, having fun.

"Hahaha second brother, you lost again, drink and drink!"

"The fourth brother is lucky..."

The two sitting opposite each other are both dragon and phoenix, and their clothes are luxurious. Even if they are disheveled and sitting casually, they can't hide their aura of wealth. Even their middle clothes are embroidered with dragon patterns.

"Chang'an... My mother said Chang'an is beautiful, but I haven't been here. Has my second brother been here?" The boy who spoke was a little younger, only twelve or thirteen years old, with slender eyebrows and almond eyes. His mother, judging from his appearance, his mother must be pretty.

"I haven't been here either. But the imperial concubine said yes... this Chang'an city is good." The man called the second brother was a little older, about sixteen or seventeen years old, his eyes glanced at the outer water surface when he spoke, his voice Although soft, the smile did not reach the eyes.

"Before we left, what did my elder brother whisper to you? Don't tell me." The young boy seemed very distressed, and wanted to use his second elder brother's words.

"The king of Yue didn't tell you...he was also worried about you."

"Anyway, you are with me everywhere, so why not be afraid, just tell me!"

"This one……"

While the two were talking, an old eunuch with a white face and beardless eyes and creases appeared silently, reminding him in a gentle voice: "Ping Jun Wang, Chang Jun Wang, it's time to rest."

The slightly younger King Chang wrinkled his nose: "It's boring, I'm urging you again if you don't care!"

The old eunuch laughed together: "Your Highness, it's already very late. If the old slave doesn't come to remind me, it will be dawn."

Prince Ping put down the wine cup, and comforted him: "Fourth brother, Mo Qi, we are going to Chang'an...the days are still long."

King Chang rolled his eyes and smiled: "It's true!" He threw the wine cup in his hand and ran to the room barefoot. When he passed by the window, he stopped suddenly, frowned and pointed at the boats by the river outside. Yue said: "Whose boat is that? Didn't we say hello earlier, and no one is allowed to come out to disturb this section of the river!"

The old eunuch went over and took a look: "The boat is dark, there should be no one there, maybe it was tied to the river bank by the boatman a few days ago... The old slave promises that no one will disturb the two highnesses."

Prince Chang squinted his eyes, and there was a smile on the corner of his mouth. It looked good, but in fact, there was a sinister look in his eyes: "You'd better do it, otherwise..."

"Yes!" The old eunuch knelt down directly, sweating profusely.