Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

"The one surnamed Rong not only killed the young master, but also cut off the wealth of the brothers. He deserves to die!" Qiu Bao gritted his teeth, and viciously "dumped" the scabbard against the hard stone wall on the edge of the cliff.

He Shuo was over sixty years old, thin and deep, with gray beard, gray hair, and cloudy eyes. He said calmly, "I have been stable for half my life. Who would have thought that at this age, my house would be confiscated by the court? You have followed this old man for many years. A generous An Jiayin."

Qiu Bao bared his big yellow teeth with a smile, and said with a flattering smile: "Brothers absolutely trust you! Don't worry about any work, even if you tell us, we will do everything! But, what price can You Guanying offer? We are helping him to kill the imperial envoy Now, at the risk of beheading."

"Are you afraid?" He Shuo squinted.

Qiu Bao squatted on the edge of the cliff, grabbed a root of grass and stuffed it in his mouth to chew, turned his head and glanced at Qiqibaba, who was holding a sword or lying or sitting with his eyes closed, with a stalk in his neck, and said slowly: "Afraid? Hehehe, brother Their knives are all drunk with blood, who didn’t bear three or five lives? But the fat sheep slaughtered in the past were all businessmen or rich peasants, and they were slaughtered as soon as they were slaughtered. Fierce. But this time it’s different, as for the imperial envoys, the emperor’s men, brothers who have done this job, will have to go far away for the rest of their lives and live incognito.”

"Don't kill the imperial envoy, can you live a dignified life as a farmer?" He Shuo asked without raising his head.

"I—" Qiu Bao was speechless and choked.He grabbed a few more grasses casually, stuffed them all into his mouth, chewed them hard, and swallowed them straight up.

He Shuo stared intently at the rushing river below, and said in a flat tone: "Human blood is stained on your hands, and you can't wash it off for the rest of your life. It's too slow to kill ordinary fat sheep, so it's better to make a big one. You Guanying promised to give 20 taels if everything is done , I don’t want any money, I will give it all to the brothers. You take the money, stop here, the world is big, and you will be a good man if you change your name and surname. When the time comes, you will marry a pretty woman and have a few big fat sons, and you will be safe and sound Live the rest of your life steadily."

20 taels of silver?Give us all points?

A beautiful woman, a fat son, a stable life...

That was the life they dreamed of!

Qiu Bao and his companions' eyes lit up, unable to hide their excitement and longing.

"I have worked so hard for half my life, and I ended up being a white-haired man giving away a black-haired man. All my wealth was confiscated by the court, and I am destitute like a family dog. If I don't avenge this revenge, I swear I won't be a human being!" He Shuo said every word, his eyes bloodshot.

The river wind mixed with the mountain wind, and the leaves on the edge of the cliff rustled together.

Qiu Bao moved back in fear, he didn't want to be blown by the wind and fall to his death.

The old man stood firmly on the cliff boulder, his robe fluttering, and he was calm, which amazed the bandits.

"Mr. He, come down a little bit, the wind is too strong." Qiu Bao reminded again that the dragons cannot be leaderless, for fear that He Shuo would also fall.

They are all capable men who have followed the He family for many years.At the beginning, he followed He Shuo and was mainly responsible for attacking opponents in the water transport business field; later he followed He Shuo's beloved son He Zhongxiong, He Zhongxiong became more courageous, and became brothers and brothers with Yu Xin, the bandit leader of Jiufeng Mountain, and Yu Xin copied the county government and the county magistrate Gold and silver treasures, the two sides trade food, medicinal materials and cloth, each takes what it needs.

The local officials were corrupt and incompetent, and the imperial court sent troops to suppress the bandits several times but failed. They were very proud and lived happily for more than a year.Unexpectedly, the emperor was furious and sent King Qing to suppress the bandits!

The situation got out of control again and again, He Zhongxiong was eager to get out to protect himself, but Yu Xin insisted on killing him.He Zhongxiong had no choice but to escort grain to Shun County in person, trying to persuade Yu Xin to abandon the village and flee... Later, they were finally defeated by King Qing.

Staring at the endlessly rushing water of the Yanhe River, He Shuo felt moved, shook his head and said, "It's okay, I haven't seen such a big storm before?"

"You are really a character! Even the governor of Hejian has to listen to you, let alone other small officials." Qiu Bao gave a thumbs up in admiration.

He Shuo snorted, and said indifferently: "Do you think he has no selfish motives? He is greedy. Most of the state and county officials who are promoted and appointed are like him. They extort money from the villagers, arousing public anger. A riot in Guanzhou last month blood-stained the long street. , The news was not covered up in time, so it could only be reported to the imperial court, which attracted imperial envoys, and once a thorough investigation was made, the governor would at least ransack the house and behead him."

"Hmph, corrupt officials!" Qiu Bao cursed angrily and contemptuously: "I knew it, they wanted to blame us again! Once the imperial envoy dies, the imperial court will probably send a large army to search the mountains to suppress the bandits, and the brothers will have to go to other places to avoid the limelight." After a pause, Qiu Bao asked curiously: "Mr. He used to be the assistant of the Water Transport Mansion, and he was well-informed. Tell me, is there any official in this world who is not corrupt?"

He Shuo was silent for a long time, and answered in a low voice: "Yes, but very few. The officialdom is a big dye tank. There are many greedy people and few honest ones. It is difficult for honest officials to get support for promotion."

"That's right." Qiu Bao nodded half-understood, and then scolded: "You Guanying is ungrateful, it's not a joke! You pushed him to be governor back then, and he turned his face and wanted to obey the court to build a military camp near Lushui. Want to recruit soldiers to wipe us out!"

He Shuo stared at the river so bitterly that he finally stepped down from the boulder, paced with his hands behind his back, and said with a sneer, "The idea of ​​digging and widening the Yanhe River was proposed by the old man. In the end, he was promoted to governor, and we gained the convenience of communication. During the 20 years of my childhood , How much benefit has my He family given him? I am afraid there are several large carts of gold, silver and treasures, all of which have ledgers and witnesses. If he wants to cross the river and demolish the bridge? He must first weigh his own soles. "

Qiu Bao hurriedly got up to follow, bent down, and gave a thumbs up to praise: "Tall, really tall! You Guanying is unreliable. Fortunately, you have the foresight and left behind, otherwise we wouldn't be so mad?"

"Don't talk nonsense." He Shuo solemnly ordered: "Shanbao, go and tell the brothers to be vigilant, and don't be soft later. You killed 20 taels of imperial envoys. You Guanying will never renege on his debts. I will give you all of them when the time comes." Have a good time."

"Yes!" Qiu Bao's eyes lit up, he spat out half of the grass dregs in a "bah", and ran to arrange an ambush and robbery in high spirits.

at the same time

Governor's Yamen Backyard

At the end of the day, You Guanying was still sitting upright on the bed, leaning against two soft pillows, restless, and bowed her head in thought.

"My lord, are you up?" The beautiful concubine led the order to enter, holding a small tray in her hand, her waist swaying with a smile, and asked softly, "My lord, will my concubine help you wash?"

"En." You Guanying didn't even lift his head, he tossed and turned without sleep all night, his eyes were swollen and his eyes were narrowed into slits.

"Yes." The concubine was meek and courteous, knelt down to put on shoes for him, then helped him to wash, and finally took the regular clothes habitually——

Unexpectedly, You Guanying flew into a rage without warning, slapped his concubine forcefully, and staggered back, angrily scolded: "What are you doing with your regular clothes? It's not Xiumu today, I'm rushing to the front hall to handle official business , who told you to take the regular clothes? Anyway, you have been with me for a few years, why are you so stupid and confused?"

The concubine hurriedly fell to her knees, her left cheek was red and swollen, and the corner of her mouth was broken and bleeding, but she didn't dare to cry at all, and kowtowed tremblingly, begging for mercy: "I know I'm wrong, my lord, forgive me, my lord, forgive my life, it's all because I'm stupid and stupid."

In fact, she had no idea where she was wrong: because You Guanying seldom went to the front hall on weekdays, and she was unwilling to wear complicated official uniforms, all official duties were handled by the chief secretary and staff.

"Forget it, please forgive me." You Guanying waved his hand angrily.He sent out an evil fire, his mood calmed down a lot, and he ordered: "Get up, get the official uniform quickly."

"Yes, yes." The concubine stood up, lowered her head to hold back her tears, and carefully waited for You Guanying to put on her official uniform.

"Where's Old Qiu?"

"Concubine, I don't know."

You Guanying stared, and was about to scold, but the maid at the door said respectfully:

"My lord, Steward Qiu is asking to see you."

"Tell him to come in quickly!" You Guanying urged impatiently, and irritatedly scolded the concubine: "What are you still doing? Roll around, you stupid thing with no winks."

"Yes." The concubine hurriedly bowed and left as if she had been pardoned.

in no time

"See my lord—" Qiu Steward was about to salute, but was interrupted by You Guanying: "Is it done?"

Steward Qiu looked around at the doors and windows, took a few steps forward, lowered his voice, and whispered, "It's done."

"Is everything safe?"

"Boss He personally took action, and Lao Zhu assisted, adults can rest assured." Qiu Steward said secretly: "The revenge of killing your son and copying your family is irreconcilable! Boss He is afraid that he wants to swallow Lord Rong alive. His bloody feud has nothing to do with us."

You Guanying was always restless and uneasy, clasped his hands tightly, held his left thumb in his right palm, swallowed, and said angrily: "I treat each other with courtesy, I persuade them again and again, I blame them for being ignorant, Insist on exposing Lao Tzu's background! It is tolerable, what can't be tolerated."

"That's right, it seems determined." Steward Qiu was indignant, and angrily complained: "My lord has good intentions, but they are arrogant and conceited. They refused to accept the beauties who were selected by thousands of people last night, and insisted on leaving! The little one and Lao Zhu knelt down and failed to keep him."

You Guanying frowned, opened and closed his thick lips, and murmured: "The officials who gave me a chance to survive are the ones who want to die, and they can't stop them. There is nothing they can do. They are too young to know how to be an official. There are a lot of local affairs, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away, how can we be too serious? They won't leave me a way to survive, so of course I can't wait to die."

"There will be news at noon at the latest." Qiu Steward smiled fiercely: "Unfortunately, the imperial envoy was ambushed and robbed by water bandits. Let's take people to search the mountains and catch a few thieves. Sending more troops to encircle and suppress the bandits will not hinder your foundation."

You Guanying nodded indiscriminately, paced anxiously, and ordered: "Go and watch, and report as soon as you have news!"

"Yes."

At this time, Rong Youtang and his party rushed to Guanzhou by boat. Due to the countercurrent, the speed was slow, and they had not reached the middle reaches of the Yanhe River in two hours.

——However, this trip is not only a medium-sized official ship of the governor's office, but also nine large ships behind it!

The official ship took the lead, and more than 30 officers with knives strictly guarded their posts and looked out for vigilance; the nine large ships belonged to three wealthy businessmen in Guanzhou, who returned from the south with a full load of goods.

Among them, in the large cabin of a civilian ship in the middle, a group of people had a happy conversation.

"Hahaha, Master Rong is still so humorous!"

Pang Cong laughed heartily, and sighed with emotion: "At the beginning of the year, I went to Shun County to support the bandit army with food. Sansheng was lucky to meet the Lord. Oh, it's really not that we were an afterthought. The grassroots decided that Lord Rong is definitely not a thing in the pool!"

"Isn't it true? His Royal Highness King Qing is invincible and the victory against the bandits is invincible. General Qi and Lord Rong have contributed a lot." Cui Jiantong slapped his thigh hard, full of praise.

Meeting friends in a foreign country, talking and laughing about the old days, makes people feel refreshed.

"I can't wait to obey orders." Qi Zhiyang smiled kindly, he sat leisurely, the Shangfang sword in his hand was wrapped in blue cloth.

Rong Youtang also said modestly: "Where is that, the shopkeepers are overrated. At that time, the conditions in Shun County were poor, and His Highness ordered me to be in charge of receiving the food security team, but I couldn't even set up a decent banquet to entertain you. After the war, I hurried back to Beijing. Returning to life, I feel really sorry."

"Hey, don't the grassroots go there for good wine and good food? The bandits in Jiufeng Mountain ran amok and harmed the common people. The grassroots have no ability to suppress the bandits. It is a great honor to be able to help with food." Chai Wei said seriously, and then Elbowing Pang Cong, he said happily: "My lord doesn't know. When Enke released the rankings in the middle of the year, Yijia became famous all over the world. The grassroots heard that the number one scholar is your name! Ouch, I was so excited at that time. I only hate the distance. The capital is too far away, so I can't come to congratulate you."

After finishing speaking, the three shopkeepers stood up, solemnly clasped their fists, and congratulated Rong Youtang.

Friendship out of adversity.They met in the chaos of Shun County. Not only did they have a few meals at the same table, but when the bandits attacked the city, they also guarded the county government side by side with a knife. Their friendship is extraordinary.

"Thank you very much, please sit down and talk." Rong Youtang hurriedly got up and returned the greeting.

"How long have the shopkeepers been to Jiangnan?" Qi Zhiyang asked.From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Judy who was dripping with sweat and drooping his head. He neither asked questions nor told him to sit down, deliberately ignoring him.

Pang Cong replied respectfully: "Return to the general: Cao Min went to the south of the Yangtze River in early June to buy cloth, tea and other things, and arrived at the Hejian Ferry three days ago."

"Every year?" Qi Zhiyang asked curiously.

Pang Cong replied with a wry smile, "Yes."

"But the purchase didn't go well?" Rong Youtang asked with concern, he only thought that Judy didn't exist from the beginning to the end.

Pang Cong sighed: "Well, the grass people have been traveling for half their lives, and the road is basically fixed. It's not too difficult, but..." He couldn't help but turned to Zhu Di, and changed his voice: "It's just that the grass people are old, and they don't know Can run for a few more years.”

"What are you afraid of? The tiger father has no dogs and sons, so just let the young master take over." Rong Youtang said in relief. His family also runs a business, so of course he understands the other party's unspeakable secret: he is worried about business taxes and the situation.

Jokes and jokes have nothing to do with Judy.He was in extreme torment, standing with his hands down, his back drenched in cold sweat, helpless, wishing that Yingzui Cliff would never arrive—what should we do?Wouldn't Mr. He mistakenly think that we lied to him?Who knew that Rong Youtang would run into a wealthy businessman from Guanzhou whom he knew by chance?

In fact, Rong Youtang ran into Pang Cong in the lobby of the inn after dispelling the properties of the medicine last night. The two hit it off and agreed to go together today.Moreover, Rong Youtang specifically told Pang Cong to keep it secret, to set off for an hour first, wait on the way, and meet again when they met. Although the other party was puzzled, he quickly took care of it.

As a result, Judy fell into the predicament in front of her.

As we talked, we inevitably mentioned the Guanzhou Rebellion.

"I still remember what I said when we saw off the bandits after the great victory in the suppression of the bandits: If there is a chance to go to Guanzhou, I will definitely find you to drink." Zhou, I have met you by chance."

"The grass folks are resting in the provincial capital. I really didn't expect to meet the two imperial envoys!" Chai Wei couldn't hide his surprise.

Rong Youtang took advantage of the situation and said: "General Qi and I are here to investigate the case." When the point was over, he was not surprised to see the embarrassment on the faces of the shopkeepers, so he thoughtfully replied: "But you six I went to Jiangnan at the beginning of the month, and I don’t know what happened in my hometown.”

In front of Zhu Di, Pang Cong and others were cautious in their words and deeds, only reminiscing about the past and chatting, avoiding talking about the New Deal and the government.

"Has Master Zhu ever been to Guanzhou?" Qi Zhiyang asked abruptly knowingly.

When everyone heard this, they naturally looked at Judy.

"..."

However, Judy, who was falling into anxiety, did not respond.

Rong Youtang turned his head, smiled, and called briskly, "Master Zhu? Master Zhu Di?"

"Ah? Ah, hey." Judy came back to his senses suddenly, and asked nervously, "What do you want, sir?" He was wearing a gray-blue satin robe, and unconsciously raised his sleeves to wipe his sweat. His sleeves were instantly soaked with sweat, and his back was even more so Large slices were wet.

Qi Zhiyang asked again: "What is Master Zhu thinking? Have you never been to Guanzhou?"

Zhu Di hurriedly shook his head: "Return to General: The villain travels along the Yanhe River at least once a month, and goes to the prefectures and counties along the way."

"Oh." Rong Youtang nodded, and said with great interest: "It turns out that Mr. Zhu has to inspect the prefectures and counties in person every month. It's really hard work."

Judy shook her head, just about to say a few words of humility, but then quickly swallowed back her humility!He hastened to make amends: "My lord praises me, but the younger one is just accompanying the governor. How can we talk about hard work? If we talk about hard work, it's Mr. You."

What nonsense!Why did You Guanying visit the prefectures and counties every month?Once a year at most.

The three of Pang Cong bowed their heads and drank tea at the same time, pretending they hadn't heard anything.

"Master You worked hard too." Qi Zhiyang nodded thoughtfully, and said to Rong Youtang: "Your Majesty ordered me to inspect the customs and customs of Guanzhou. Officials like Governor You and Master Zhu should be reported to the court."

Rong Youtang agreed deeply, and nodded in agreement: "Yes." He got up, walked steadily in front of Zhu Di, took a closer look, and asked in amazement: "Why is Mr. Zhu sweating profusely? Could it be that you are not feeling well?"

Zhu Di forcibly resisted the instinct to avoid, and said with a dry smile: "Thank you for your concern, the little one is fine, it's just hot."

"So that's how it is." Rong Youtang pushed the window all the way open, calmly, leaning on the window lattice, lowered his head to watch the rushing river, and found that he didn't feel dizzy with satisfaction.He turned his head and said, "I really didn't expect that the water volume of the Yanhe River would be so abundant and swift! The boss of the boat is very skilled, and I didn't feel much swaying."

Hearing this, Qi Zhiyang also got up and went to look out the window, followed by the rest.

"What your lord said is true. The boss of the boat was hired by the grass people with a lot of money. He is a veteran who has sailed all over his life." Pang Cong was quite proud.

Qi Zhiyang stared at the rushing water waves, turned to look at Zhu Di, and asked bluntly, "If it's a small boat, wouldn't it be dangerous?"

"This, this..." Zhu Di laughed dryly. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles since she boarded the boat, her feet fluttered with guilt, and she forced a smile: "Thank you, General, for caring about the people in Hejian. In fact, all the boatmen who dare to go here have excellent skills. Practice makes perfect, they are trotting boats."

While speaking, the fleet nimbly bypassed several dangerous shoals and arrived at Yingzui Cliff in the middle reaches of the Yanhe River.

A whole block of straight boulder cliff rises in front of the ground, towering toweringly. As the name suggests, Eagle Mouth Cliff is the tip of the cliff protruding like an eagle's beak.

The boat is swaying, the sound of the water is rumbling, the moist water mist is mixed with the mountain wind, the sails are blowing, the cliffs are covered with moss and vines, and there are countless fallen leaves and flowers rolling forward with the rapids.

Hey!

Rong Youtang supported the window lattice with one hand, wiped the mist all over his face with his left hand, his mind suddenly became enlightened, and he sincerely praised: "It's really a magnificent mountain and river!"

"Be careful." Qi Zhiyang closed half of the window casually, and pulled the little brother back.

"Master Rong, hold on tight, you are not familiar with the terrain." Chai Wei yelled with concern, and he stood comfortably in front of the window to blow the wind. After feeling refreshed, he blurted out: "Other dangerous beaches are nothing, but Yingzui Cliff Dangerous, water bandits like to set up ambushes here to murder—"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Judy snapped abruptly, it was too late to make amends.He suffered a lot and really didn't know how to face the angry questioning of You Guanying and He Shuo, let alone imagine the consequences of the imperial envoy's thorough investigation results being reported to the emperor.

It's over.Judy thought desperately.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm outspoken, oh no! I'm talking nonsense, please forgive me." Chai Wei's face changed suddenly, he shouted badly, and quickly apologized.

With a few "bangs", Rong Youtang closed all the windows to block out the large amount of water mist.

Qi Zhiyang glared at Zhu Di with displeasure, and said lightly: "Master Zhu is so angry, could it be that he is not willing to be ordered by me?"

"That being the case, you can go back to the governor's office when you arrive in Guanzhou later." Rong Youtang said mercilessly.

The task is not completed, how can I go back?

With a pale face, Zhu Di plopped down on his knees, kowtowed and begged: "I beg your forgiveness, it's all because of the little one who got dizzy on the boat, lost his head and slipped his words, please forgive me, your imperial envoy." As he spoke, he kowtowed heavily.

The ten ships, in addition to the officials of the imperial guards and the governor's yamen, and the guardians of the three wealthy merchants, passed through Yingzui Cliff smoothly and headed for Guanzhou.

Eagle Mouth Cliff

"Why are there ten ships? Didn't we agree on one medium ship?"

Qiu Bao was so angry that his teeth were itching, puzzled and angry, he drew his sharp sharp knife out of its sheath, and chopped off a small tree in the middle with a "boom".

Watching the enemy leave safely, He Shuo's face was ashen, and he said angrily: "How dare You Guanying fool this old man?"

"That ungrateful white-eyed wolf!"

"Are you courting death? How dare you tease us?"

"I'm really tired of living, why don't you play with us?"

……

The gangsters lurked for most of the day in vain, but found nothing, and cursed at each other.

He Shuo waved his hands angrily: "Stop arguing! Shanbao, pick a few brothers to follow the old man to You Guanying."

"Yes!"

At noon, the imperial envoy finally arrived in Guanzhou, separated from the three wealthy businessmen, and each was busy: investigating the case, unloading the unloading.

"It's finally here!" Rong Youtang let out a sigh of relief, subconsciously rolled up his sleeves with high fighting spirit.

Qi Zhiyang held Shangfang sword in his hand, and strode forward: "Let's go, find a place to fill your stomach first, and then go to the state government office."

"Okay." Rong Youtang nodded eagerly, now he is [-]% afraid of the reception banquet in the local area.

Zhu Di has no right to speak, and follows helplessly.

Half an hour later, they settled at the inn and had lunch in a hurry.

"Brother Qi?" Rong Youtang couldn't wait to find Qi Zhiyang's house.

"Wait a minute, right away." Qi Zhiyang rewrapped Shang Fangjian after wiping without raising his head, with quick hands and feet.

With the window ajar, Rong Youtang paced back and forth, thinking hard to solve the case, when suddenly he heard the sound of "flapping wings" from outside the window, accompanied by "cuckoo cluck" birdsong.

Rong Youtang raised his head upon hearing the sound:

A pigeon with silver-gray feathers landed on the window sill. It folded its wings, took two graceful steps, and then stood still, tilting its head left and right, observing Rong Qi and Rong Qi, as if identifying them, with a naive look.

One person and one bird looked at each other for a while.

Rong Youtang couldn't help laughing, just as he was about to speak, the pigeon suddenly took off, with an extremely fast speed, and rushed towards his face like lightning.