【Six Dynasties Cloud Dragon Chant】(21-24)

Author: Nongyu & Longxuan Word Count: 251045 Link: viewthrebd.phpt4721198&bmp;pbge1#p89757146 Chapter 1
of Episode 21 : Luodu Jin City is located in the west of the city, bordering Yongmen to the south and Shangximen to the north, covering an area of over two hundred acres. A main street, twenty zhang wide, runs north-south through the city, connecting the two end gates, its scale comparable to the main road of the city. Three side streets branch off from the main street, dividing the entire Jin City into eight areas. Shops line the streets, filled with exotic treasures from foreign lands. The Hu merchants of Lexing are plump and fair-skinned, with handsome little mustaches and amiable smiles. He quickly stroked his beard with his thumb, saying, "Huqin? Of course, the best is here! Please look, sir, our shop has huqin with three strings, two strings, and even horse-head huqin..." The merchant opposite him said arrogantly, "Not only huqin, do you have musicians?" "Yes! All the beautiful and talented Hu women in Luoyang bought their huqins and learned their music from our shop. Just ask around, sir. Yesterday, several high-ranking officials sent people to summon our musicians to perform, so our shop had to close for a day. Our Hu female musicians are famous throughout Luoyang! Their singing is like tearing silk, their dancing like demons..." The merchant shook his head, "Don't want young ones. Too restless." The Hu merchant gave a thumbs up, "Expert!" The merchant said, "Staying in Luoyang for too long won't do. Our shop is in the dance capital, and we're used to Luoyang's prosperity. I'm afraid we'll look down on our poor, remote place." "Wudu is not some backwater," the Hu merchant said. "I've heard that there's a Youchun Terrace in Qilifang of Wudu, where the singing and dancing are absolutely superb!" Cheng Zongyang said, "It's Youye Terrace. And there's not much singing and dancing there, just some strange costumes." The Hu merchant, intending to test him, laughed and said, "It seems I'm mistaken. Judging from your words, you're an elderly musician who has just arrived in Luodu, right?" "Hmm." The merchant nodded with an air of importance. The Hu merchant clasped his hands together. "What a coincidence! Just the other day, an old musician arrived in Luodu. He's the most famous bard on the grasslands. Whether it's the great Chanyu, the brave Khan, or the countless nobles, they all vie to invite him to their camps." The Hu merchant spoke eloquently, but Lu Jing knew the tricks of these Hu merchants; if one out of ten sentences was true, that was already quite a lot. He said nonchalantly, "Where? I'll go see him." "He's in the small inn to the south," the merchant said with a smile. "But let me make this clear: he's a musician we hired at great expense. If you rehire him, we'll take 60% of his salary." "Let's meet him first," the merchant said. "If he's not suitable, I won't pay him a single penny." The merchant patted his chest and said, "Sir, you can rest assured!" The small inn lived up to its name; it was sandwiched between two buildings, with a facade only five or six feet wide. You could stretch out your arms and touch the walls on both sides—not much better than the Changxing inn. The two climbed the creaking stairs and found the place the merchant had described. Cheng Zongyang raised his hand to knock on the door, but it opened with a single touch, without even a latch. An old man with white hair and beard sat on a tattered felt rug, clutching a broken erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument), groping around with difficulty. Cheng Zongyang's heart sank at the sight. The old man was short, his wrinkled face sallow and he looked extremely weak. Even worse, his eyes were squinted, the barely visible slits devoid of any light – he was blind. Hearing the voice, the old man turned his head, and when he spoke, Cheng Zongyang's heart sank. The old man's accent was even stranger than that of a barbarian, completely incomprehensible. A blind man, practically mute, utterly incapable of communication; his search for this person had been far too arduous! Lu Jing suddenly spoke a few words, his tone seven or eight parts similar to Cheng Zongyang's, barely discernible as a language from the Six Dynasties period. However, Cheng Zongyang couldn't understand a single word of his questions or the old man's answers. The two talked for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Finally, Lu Jing straightened up and took a few coins from his sleeve, placing them on Cheng Zongyang's felt blanket. Leaving the shop, Cheng Zongyang asked, "Was it him?" Lu Jing shook his head. "I could only understand about 10-20% of what he said. He said he came from a tribe called Kui Shuo, got separated from his companions on the way, and had only been in Luoyang for a few days." "Anything else?" "No. He couldn't understand anything I asked." "What should we do? Find an interpreter? That's it!" Cheng Zongyang realized, "That Hu merchant—he can definitely understand!" "We can't go to outsiders," Lu Jing said. "Although we don't know what happened on the ninth day, it must be of great importance. Going to the Hu merchant might just cause complications." Twenty lives had already been lost; no amount of caution was excessive. Cheng Zongyang didn't want to see any more innocent people dragged into this. But the old man with the erhu was blind and unable to speak. Was the trail about to end here? "Wait for the fourth brother to come back," Lu Jing said. "He wandered the grasslands alone for two years before, so maybe he can understand what I'm saying." Cheng Zongyang's heart sank back. Once Si Mingxin returned, with both of them on the move, few in the entire Luoyang city could stop them. "There's also the scarred boy, but unfortunately, apart from the scar on his face, we haven't found any other clues," Cheng Zongyang sighed. "It seems like we've reached another dead end." "There's still one clue we haven't looked for," Lu Jing said: "The thief-catching officer in charge of Shangtang." ……………………………………………………………………………………… "The fire at the Changxing inn?" Tian Qiu's heart tightened. This case seemed very ordinary: a fire at an inn killed the owner and his family. Fires are common in the dry autumn and winter seasons, and since the fire didn't spread to other houses and the property loss was minimal, it had been closed several days ago. But Tian Qiu knew that the fire case was completely different from what was written on the documents. Five people died in the fire, all with their throats slit by a sharp blade before their bodies were set on fire. The shop owner's entire family was wiped out; not a single survivor remained. Tian Qiu remembered writing down his findings on bamboo slips and handing them to the county magistrate. The magistrate took it very seriously and immediately ordered him to thoroughly investigate the case and apprehend the murderer. However, just an hour later, the magistrate summoned him again, handing him several newly filled-out bamboo slips and instructing him to carve his name and seal on them. The ink on the slips was fresh, and the content closely resembled his investigation, but all traces of murder had been removed, turning it into a simple case of accidental fire. Tian Qiu, a seasoned clerk, silently carved his name, dipped his copper seal in cinnabar, stamped it above his name, and then respectfully handed it to the magistrate. He knew his choice was wise, because just the previous night, the magistrate of Luoyang, Lü Fang, had died suddenly, and the person chosen to succeed him was none other than the current county magistrate. Tian Qiu composed himself, glancing casually at the newcomer. Although the man was dressed in plain clothes, the marks on his hair were still visible, clearly from the headdress worn by military officers. The thick, calloused skin on his hands was the result of years of wielding a sword. More importantly, the long sword he carried, though its hilt was wrapped in cloth, clearly bore the protruding marks of a ring-pommel sword—the standard weapon of the Han army. And his eyes and posture…only a soldier would possess such resolute eyes and an upright stance. “The fire at Changxing Inn…” Tian Qiu drawled, “It’s closed.” The soldier remained unmoved. “Are you sure it was an accidental fire?”

"Of course," Tian Qiu insisted. "That's what it says on the bamboo slips."
"Were there any witnesses?"
"The fire happened in the middle of the night, and it was across the woods. By the time someone saw it, the house was already burned through."
"What about the guests staying at the inn at the time?" "
The fire started on the night of August 11th. According to the townspeople, the inn had closed on the 10th, and there were no customers inside. There were no other bodies at the scene."
"Before that?"
"The latest was the 9th. Someone went to the inn; it was a hunter from the neighborhood named Zhang Yu. I questioned him, and he only went to the inn to sell his game; he had nothing to do with the fire."
The soldier stood up, put away the Imperial Guard badge on the table, and turned to leave.
Tian Qiu breathed a sigh of relief, secretly praying that the case would be closed soon. As for what happened that day, he didn't want to know at all.
…………………………………………………………………………………
"Young hunter…"
An elderly man with graying hair waved from the roadside.
Zhang Yu walked over, patted the hunting fork on his shoulder, and said, "Old man, want some rabbits? I just caught a few! That white rabbit was caught in a trap; even if you don't eat it, it can be a toy."
The old man looked at them for a while and said with satisfaction, "I'll take all of them. How much?"
Zhang Yu was so happy that his voice became louder. "There are five rabbits in total, some big and some small. As you know, in the market, the big ones cost thirty or forty copper coins, and the small ones cost twenty or thirty. If you want them, one hundred and twenty copper coins will do."
The old man chatted for a few more minutes, bargaining down the price by five copper coins, and then took Zhang Yu to his house to get the money. Zhang Yu had successfully sold his game and was in a good mood, chatting with the old man along the way.
Passing by the fire scene, the old man sighed, "The Changxing Foot Shop burned down too. Old Sun, who worked there, was two years younger than me. I never imagined he'd die before me."
Zhang Yu sighed as well, "Indeed. Just two days before the fire, I was selling rabbits at the shop."
"Huh? Wasn't it closed those two days?"
"No. It was open the day I went."
"That was the tenth... the ninth..." the old man counted the days, "It was the ninth, wasn't it?"
"It was the ninth."
"I remember now." The old man sighed, "I went to the shop that day too. Old Sun was busy running around, and I remember a big man staying there, said to be a boxer?"
"Yes! That boxer's surname was Du. He said he was getting married, and he was all smiles. When he saw the rabbit I brought, he even came over to ask the price. He was missing an eye; I remember him clearly."
The old man said, "A boxer staying in a shared room? How can so many people fit?"
Zhang Yu said, "The inns in town are all full. Where else can we stay if we don't go to a guesthouse? Let alone the boxer, I even saw a scholar squeezed into the shared room."
"I'm old, I can't remember. Was that scholar a scarred-faced one?" "
The scarred-faced boy stayed in the upper room, and he brought an old servant with him."
The old man sighed, "An old man and a young boy, it's not easy traveling."
"Old man, you're a kind person." Zhang Yu said, shaking his head, "Some people are utterly heartless."
The old man said, "Why do you say that, young man?"
"The day I entered the guesthouse, I saw Sai Lu."
"Who is Sailu?"
Zhang Yu asked. "To be honest, sir, Sailu is from my village. That kid has never done anything worthwhile since he was little, spending all his time hanging out with vagrants and even becoming a pickpocket. The other day, crammed into the shared dormitory, his eyes were darting around, probably eyeing someone's money."
The old man sighed, "When you're out and about, you have to be careful of pickpockets. The other day in the shared dormitory, there was also..."
Zhang Yu thought for a moment, "And a scholar."
The old man suddenly realized, "Yes, the older one."
Zhang Yu laughed, "Sir, you're mistaken again. That man was in his thirties or forties, and he always carried paper and pen with him."
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Zhang Yu took the money and happily walked away.
Cheng Zongyang said, "Yan Junping was the headmaster of the academy more than ten years ago, and he must be at least fifty years old now. It seems that the scholar isn't him."
"Let's not think about things falling from the sky," Lu Jing said. "Including the old servant, the scholar, and Sai Lu, we now know who's in that inn—two superior rooms, one for Chen Feng and Yan Yu, and the other for the scarred boy and the old servant. Eight people share a room: Yu Fengwen, Du Huai, three porters, the old man playing the erhu, the unknown scholar, and that Sai Lu."
"Find Sai Lu!" Cheng Zongyang said fiercely. "We even have his name, I refuse to believe we can't find him!"
"Who are you people?" someone outside shouted.
Cheng Zongyang then realized he was still standing in someone else's courtyard and quickly said with a forced smile, "We're just passing through. We're tired from walking and are seeking shelter from the sun here."
The man glared at him unfriendly, then put down his bucket, scooped up a ladle of water, and handed it to the gray-haired Lu Jing, saying gruffly, "Drink!"
Lu Jing, his beard sticking out, was afraid of giving himself away by drinking the water, so he pushed it towards Cheng Zongyang, saying, "Nephew, you drink first." Cheng Zongyang couldn't refuse
and had to drink a few sips.
The man was displeased and scolded, "You impolite brat! How can you, a nephew, drink before the elders have had a chance?"
Cheng Zongyang smiled bitterly to himself. The people of Han were known for their integrity, uprightness, clear sense of right and wrong, and warmheartedness. Seeing two strangers in his courtyard, despite their displeasure, they still fetched water for the old man. It was just that the lecture he had received was too unjust.
"Brother's words are wise, but it's an elder's gift, and I dare not refuse. Besides, my uncle is old and can't drink cold water."
"Wait!" The man pushed open the kitchen door and went to boil water under the stove.
Cheng Zongyang and Lu Jing exchanged a glance and quickly fled. "We've found
out
," Zheng Bin said. "The pigeon flew to a garden in Beiman Mountain, which belongs to Marquis Yingyang, Lü Buyi, on his private property."
"It really was him!" Cheng Zongyang clapped his hands and said, "This benevolent, studious, and respectful Marquis is ruthless behind the scenes!"
Lu Jing asked, "Where's An Shi?"
"He went to Xiatang with Lao Ao and Liu Zhao to lure away the local thug first, and then I released the pigeon."
"Good," Lu Jing said coldly, "Let's wait and see who actually committed the murder."
Analyzing the victim's condition, there weren't any particularly skilled fighters among the perpetrators, so they set a trap in Xiatang, waiting for assassins who had caught wind of the crime to fall into it. With the skills of Jiang An Shi, Ao Run, and Liu Zhao, a dozen or so ordinary fighters wouldn't be a problem, let alone dealing with a local ruffian; Marquis Yingyang might not send many men.
Their residence in Lejinli was already under surveillance, so all meetings were being held at Pengyi Society. While Jiang Anshi and his group went out to set traps for the assassins, the others were also busy. Gao Zhisheng led several Imperial Guards disguised as attendants to scout out connections and handle the official business of mining at Shouyang Mountain; Feng Yuan searched for a suitable residence, intending to use it as a base of operations. Fu An secretly visited the Song Dynasty's official residence in Luoyang, hoping to establish a connection; Hamichi and the Blue-Faced Beast, with their terrifying appearances, were too conspicuous to be seen in public, so they stayed at the society, sharpening their weapons until they gleamed, in case anything went wrong and they were targeted, ready for a fight.
Cheng Zongyang asked, "Jingnu, what about what you inquired about?"
Jingli, who had been sent out to investigate the movements of Marquis Yingyang and find out what happened on the ninth day, had returned and replied, "This servant has already inquired. On the ninth day, Marquis Yingyang was in Beiman Mountain and did not go to Shangtang."
Cheng Zongyang was greatly surprised and blurted out, "How is that possible?"
So far, all the clues pointed to Marquis Yingyang, Lü Buyi. But Jingli's investigation results were completely unexpected. If Lü Buyi was in Beiman Mountain, then who was in Shangtang on the ninth day?
"It is said that a Taoist priest from the Taiyi Zhenzong sect came to visit, and the noble families in Luoyang who were fond of Huang-Lao philosophy all went to pay their respects and ask questions. From the seventh to the ninth day, Marquis Yingyang's carriage was in Beiman Mountain and never left."
"Which Imperial Instructor?"
Jing Li revealed a hint of ambiguity. She pretended to wipe her lips, concealing it with a silk handkerchief, and then casually uttered a single word, "Zhuo."
Cheng Zongyang was dumbfounded, and after a long while, he said, "Damn!"
Jing Li said nonchalantly, "It wasn't until the tenth of the month that Marquis Yingyang left Beiman Mountain to visit the Empress Dowager at the Northern Palace, and then returned to the garden in the afternoon. For the past month, Marquis Yingyang's carriage has never been to the Shangtang area." Jing Li paused for a moment, and then said, "Should I investigate further?"
Cheng Zongyang took a breath, "No need, I'll go ask her directly."
This was truly an unexpected turn of events. Zhuo Yunjun had gone to Longchi and hadn't been heard from for months. Unexpectedly, she had come to Luodu at this critical juncture, and was even connected to Lü Buyi, the biggest suspect in this matter. Thinking of Zhuo Meiren'er, Cheng Zongyang's heart burned with desire. "Where is she?"
"Beimang Mountain, Shangqing Temple."
Cheng Zongyang immediately said to Lu Jing, "Fifth Brother, I'm going out for a bit."
"The Instructor of the Taiyi Zhenzong? The one surnamed Zhuo?"
On the ninth day, the whereabouts of Marquis Yingyang, Lü Buyi, could be found out by asking Zhuo Yunjun. There was no need to bother searching further. However, Cheng Zongyang couldn't say this directly, only vaguely saying, "I've dealt with her before, maybe I can find out something."
Lu Jing rolled his eyes and pondered for a while. "The Instructor of the Taiyi Zhenzong is no ordinary person. You alone won't be able to handle her. It'll be safer to wait for Fourth Brother to return and then act together."
Zhuo Yunjun's identity was special, and apart from the few maids of the dead girl, not many people knew the inside story. With the title of Instructor of the Taiyi Zhenzong, it was no wonder that Lu Jing was so cautious. But if he knew the truth, he would probably roll his eyes to the back of his head.
Cheng Zongyang coughed twice and said sternly, "No need to trouble you two brothers! Others may fear the instructors of the Taiyi True Sect, but I am not! It's just a matter of a few words; I can go myself!"
Jingli, knowing the inside story, turned her head to cover her lips upon hearing her master's confident words.
Lu Jing was not a talkative person, and since Cheng Zongyang spoke with such certainty, he did not try to dissuade him further, nodding and saying, "I'll go find Sai Lu."
………………………………………………………………………………………
The carriage rumbled along the long street, and through the curtain, the magnificent palace city could be seen on the right. Those majestic watchtowers and gate towers could be seen from Yique in the distance, and now, as they passed by, the huge flying eaves and brackets seemed to press down from above, bringing a strong sense of oppression.
Poppy Girl, like a cat, obediently lay on her master's lap, her delicate body half-undone, revealing one snow-white shoulder. The carriages of Han state nobles, being official vehicles, were mostly light, single-shaft, two-wheeled carriages, open on all sides, with only a canopy on the roof to signify their impartiality. Private carriages, however, were diverse, the most common being the two-shaft, four-wheeled painted carriage, and others with soft-sided carriages draped in curtains or gauze. Glass windows, common in Jin, were almost nonexistent in Han. This wasn't because Han roads were worse than Jin's, but because Han carriages were much faster. The Jin nobles, adorned with makeup and requiring maids' assistance, even found oxcarts too slow, while Han horses moved like dragons and riders like tigers, leaving a trail of dust in their wake. If glass windows were used, they would have to be replaced several times along the way.
Cheng Zongyang rode in a common painted carriage, unremarkable in appearance, easily lost on the street, but the interior was fully equipped with mats, brocade cushions, and bamboo pillows. He reclined comfortably on the pillow, one hand reaching into the servant's clothing to knead Poppy's plump breasts, watching the blush gradually rise on her face.
Under the influence of the forbidden tattoo, Poppy was a wanton woman ready to succumb to lust at any moment, whenever he desired.
Although theoretically, every servant must satisfy his desires at any time, Poppy's lust was uncontrollably overwhelming at the mere smell of his own scent, her entire body at his mercy—a state of wantonness comparable only to Ningnu, who was under the spell of meditation, and even then, she was conscious.
Suddenly, the carriage brightened as it emerged from the shadows of the palace. Cheng Zongyang looked up; in the distance, a covered walkway built in mid-air hung like a rainbow between the two palaces. The entire walkway consisted of arched bridges, corridors, and flying eaves, inlaid with large pieces of mica and jade, gleaming golden in the sunlight. Below the walkway were wide streets and vast gardens.
Passing the Southern Palace where the emperor resided, the even more magnificent Northern Palace lay ahead. The towering pavilions within the palace complex reached into the clouds, some adorned with strange birds, others with majestic mythical beasts, gleaming golden against the azure sky, exuding an aura straight out of mythology.
The most esteemed Empress Dowager of the Han Kingdom resided in this palace; she had once been the ruler of this empire and the source of power for the entire Lü family.
"Lü Zhi…" Cheng Zongyang murmured, reciting the Empress Dowager's name, "It's a terrifying name…"
………………………………………………………………………………………
A dark cloud rolled in from the horizon, dimming the sunlight. Autumn winds swept fallen leaves from the branches, passing between the majestic white marble gate towers, over the city walls guarded by fierce warriors, and into the imposing and heavily fortified palace.
The vast palace complex was shrouded in the shadow of the dark cloud, silent as if in slumber. A fallen leaf twirled and fell into a dark alleyway in the inner palace, dancing briefly among the vermilion palace walls before leaping over the high walls, gliding past a tall building painted with a white tiger, and landing on a straight imperial road.
A long gust of wind swept in, and the leaf rose with the wind, carried by the autumn breeze over the layers of palace walls, flying towards a massive palace. That palace sat atop a two-zhang-high platform, as magnificent as a dream. The leaf flew swiftly up the long steps, finally crashing against a bamboo curtain. The
hall, nearly forty zhang long, was incredibly spacious; standing at one end, one could hardly see the other. The massive pillars inside, requiring three people to encircle, were covered in silver powder, adorned with gold leaf patterns of dragons and phoenixes amidst clouds. A minor eunuch knelt prostrate at the foot of a pillar, his figure as small as an ant.
"Bang!" From behind the beaded curtain, a black sleeve inlaid with gold thread swept across, shattering a jade bottle on a table.
A chilling voice said, "Say it again."
"Yes, sir." The young eunuch, prostrate on the ground, bowed deeply. "After Lord Huyang entered the palace, the Emperor immediately summoned Dong Xuan. He questioned him about ramming Lord Huyang's carriage and killing his charioteer. Dong Xuan confessed in court. The Emperor was furious and ordered armored soldiers to bring a golden hammer and kill Dong Xuan. Dong Xuan said…"
The eunuch swallowed hard. "Dong Xuan said, 'Your Majesty, with your rule and the Han Dynasty restored, how can you govern the world if a mere slave kills a good minister? I am but a lowly man, and I dare not defile the imperial hammer, lest I harm the Emperor's virtue. I beg to commit suicide!' He then threw himself against a pillar..."
A mocking voice from behind the curtain said, "He's not dead?"
"...No."
"Dong Xuan has a stubborn head—continue!"
"Yes. Seeing Dong Xuan's face covered in blood, the Emperor's anger subsided slightly. He then ordered Dong Xuan to kowtow to the Lord of Huyang in apology, but Dong Xuan refused. The Emperor ordered the armored soldiers to press Dong Xuan's head down, but Dong Xuan braced himself with his hands on the ground, his neck stiff. Even with the surrounding armored soldiers pressing down, they couldn't bring his neck down." "
Those useless armored soldiers, what use are they!" The voice from behind the curtain sneered, "The Emperor probably doesn't want to kill him, does he?"
"The Emperor said that although Dong Xuan was not guilty of killing the traitor, he was guilty of bumping into the carriage of Lord Huyang and should be fined 100,000 coins to appease Lord Huyang's anger."
"100,000 coins—that's fifty gold coins! The Emperor is very generous."
The eunuch kept his mouth tightly shut.
"Continue!"
The eunuch shuddered and quickly said, "Yes—the Emperor dismissed Dong Xuan and comforted Lord Huyang. Lord Huyang had no choice but to thank the Emperor and take his leave."
"And then?"
"After Lord Huyang left, the Emperor ordered someone to take 300,000 coins from the treasury and bestow them as a reward on that…that stubborn magistrate from before."
Silence fell behind the curtain. The eunuch held his breath, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.
After a long while, a cold voice came from behind the curtain: "Very good. You may go."
The eunuch lay prostrate on the ground, retreating silently like an ant.
In Chapter Two
, several women stood behind the beaded curtain. An elderly woman with graying temples said calmly, "The Emperor is old enough to have his own ideas; why should the Empress Dowager be angry?"
A beautiful woman in black palace attire sat on a couch, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall. She appeared to be only in her thirties, with delicate, arched eyebrows and a face free of makeup. Though she was as cold as ice and snow, her striking beauty was undeniable. Her phoenix eyes gazed coldly at the still-burning palace lanterns in the corner of the hall, a hint of sadness in them.
"The late Emperor had three sons. Ao'er's birth mother died early, and I, fearing he would die young, brought him into the palace to raise him. For twenty years, I have treated him as my own son, and I have devoted myself to his throne—" She remained silent for a long time, finally sighing, "In the end, he is not my biological son..." "
Whether he is my biological son or not, the Empress Dowager is still the Empress Dowager." The white-haired old woman said, "The Emperor's birth mother's family is gone. If he doesn't rely on the Empress Dowager, who else can he rely on? The Emperor is already over twenty years old and still has no heir. What if..."
"It's that wretch." The Empress Dowager said coldly, "If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have allowed her to enter the palace in the first place."
"The Emperor is still young and easily bewitched by beauty." A tall, slender middle-aged woman behind her said, "Speaking of which, this Empress is indeed quite beautiful. Even I was amazed when I saw her."
"Aren't there enough beauties in the palace?" the white-haired woman said. "How many beauties were there before the late emperor? Aren't they all obediently waiting to die in the palace now?"
A young woman knelt on the couch, combing the Empress Dowager's long hair as she smiled, "It's all thanks to the Empress Dowager's kindness. Otherwise, when the late emperor passed away, the Empress Dowager could have simply issued an edict ordering them to be buried alive with him."
The middle-aged woman said, "Wouldn't being buried alive be too easy for them? The old Marquis died young back then. You didn't see the faces of those vile women in the palace. They were all eyeing the Empress's position, using witchcraft and framing, only wanting to curse the Empress to death or send her to the Yongxiang Palace." The
young woman finished arranging the Empress Dowager's hair, saying, "Fortunately, Your Majesty is blessed with good fortune. The Crown Prince you raised has finally ascended the throne."
The middle-aged woman said, "It's also because Heaven has eyes. Your Majesty has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Thinking back to those days... " "Even having those lowly women lick my toes
wouldn't be enough to vent my anger." After a few words of laughter, the Empress Dowager's cold expression softened considerably. She rose and walked slowly through the empty hall, saying, "The Emperor's wings have hardened; if he wants to fly, I cannot stop him."
The old woman said, "The Emperor is still young; Your Majesty cannot let him fly alone. Ultimately, you must find him some trustworthy advisors. I see that the Grand Marshal seems to be considering resignation..."
"Is that so?" "
Judging from his expression, I think so; otherwise, he wouldn't have claimed illness the other day." The
Empress Dowager stopped walking and said after a moment, "Huo Zimeng is a pillar of the court. Now that he is ill... Yi Xu, you are my personal physician; you should go and visit him."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the young woman replied.
The white-haired old woman said, "Speaking of which, the Marquis of Xiangyi should be promoted."
The Empress Dowager frowned, about to get angry, but finally sighed helplessly, "Hasn't he entered the palace yet?"
The middle-aged woman served a cup of tea, "The Empress Dowager scolded him harshly that day. Although the Marquis of Xiangyi is obedient, he still cares about his reputation. He's been avoiding the Empress Dowager these past few days." The
Empress Dowager sighed, "Let him enter the palace."
"Yes."
"In the end, we still have to rely on our family..." The Empress Dowager shook her head, smiled self-deprecatingly, and then said to the female physician beside her, "What about your younger brother?"
This Yi Xu was Yi Zong's older sister. She had been away from her hometown for many years, but now she had become the Empress Dowager's most trusted female physician. Hearing this, she smiled and said, "Grand Marshal Huo personally ordered him to be added to the Imperial Guard. After a few more years of training, he will be able to serve the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Once he is familiar with the rules of the army, he can be transferred to the Northern Palace."
Yi Xu kowtowed and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
"Prepare some gifts and go."
"Yes."
After Yi Xu withdrew, only the white-haired old woman and the middle-aged woman remained in the hall.
The middle-aged woman said, "The King of Zhao has sent someone again."
The Empress Dowager said calmly, "What did he send this time?"
"Five thousand gold coins, twenty pairs of white jade discs, and ten beauties."
The white-haired old woman said, "The Emperor still has no heir. No wonder the King of Zhao is anxious."
The middle-aged woman said, "The King of Zhao's crown prince is the same age as the Emperor. Among the close relatives, the crown prince is the eldest. If the Emperor falls ill, it will be his turn."
The Empress Dowager changed the subject, "Has Jiang Chong replied yet?"
"He has already arrived in Wudu."
"Tell him to ask and then come back."
"As for Ningcheng..."
The Empress Dowager said, "He's just the Marquis of Pingting. Let the Emperor have his way."
"Yes." The Empress
Dowager took a sip of tea. "What about those lowly maids?"
The middle-aged woman said, "The two of them caught a cold last night. I've given them medicine and sent them to the Yongxiang Palace."
"Go and check on the King of Zhao. Just say that the gifts have been received, and don't say anything else."
"Yes."
Only the old woman remained in the vast palace. After a long silence, she said, "Crown Prince Zhao is older."
"I understand," the Empress Dowager said. "If Prince Zhao is sensible, then so be it, otherwise..."
The white-haired old woman coughed softly twice, "That person has come to Luoyang."
The Empress Dowager's fingers, which were holding tea, trembled slightly. Then she straightened her back and said sternly, "Where did you get this news?"
"Someone saw that person in Yingchuan."
"Who?"
"A wandering knight named Xue Hao."
"Bring Xue Hao here. I'll question him myself." The
old woman said, "The attendant only asked two questions before he committed suicide."
The Empress Dowager slammed her cup onto the table, saying angrily, "These wandering knights!"
With a "bang," the porcelain cup embedded itself in the lacquered table, spilling tea and leaving a white watermark on the glossy black surface. ……… ... A light rain fell, and a delicate pavilion nestled among the trees, surrounded by wispy clouds, resembled a misty, picturesque painting. Shangqing Temple, though not large in scale, was meticulously constructed. The entire temple complex was divided into upper and lower sections, following the contours of the mountain. The lower section was a square courtyard, shaped like the Chinese character "甲" (jia), while the upper section comprised a row of quiet quarters and a pavilion protruding from the cliff, forming a "丁" (ding) shape. A "乙" (yi) shaped corridor connected the two sections, subtly alluding to the numbers of the Six Ding Jade Maidens, the Six Jia Yang Gods, and Taiyi . The pavilion, like a bird soaring atop the cliff, faced the vast mountains. Three sides of the pavilion were suspended in mid-air, adorned with vermilion corridors. Pale yellow bamboo curtains hung from the railings, revealing gauze curtains within. These gauze curtains, as thin as cicada wings, offered panoramic views of the mountains, yet effectively kept out the chill and dampness brought by the autumn rain. Inside, the pavilion was warm and inviting, like a world unto itself. A light rain fell on the eaves, making a soft, rustling sound like silkworms in spring. Inside, a white wicker mat was laid out, with a small stove beside it. A woman in a blue Taoist robe knelt, her body slightly bent, her left hand holding up her right sleeve, and poured water from the copper kettle on the stove into a small cup on a lacquered tray. The boiling water poured into the cup with a pleasant, soft sound, and the tea leaves unfurled, revealing a bluish-green hue in the porcelain cup. The blue-robed nun poured three cups of tea, picked up the tray, placed it on the table, and then knelt beside it. The unlacquered table, like the tea tray, retained its natural wood color. A woman in an apricot-yellow Taoist robe raised her hand, revealing a section of her fair, smooth wrist. Her jade-like fingers gently picked up the cup, and with both hands slightly raised, she said softly, "Please have some tea." The rising steam blurred her beautiful face, revealing only the graceful contours of her cheeks and her apricot-yellow Taoist robe. Her movements as she raised the teacup were unhurried yet possessed an indescribable rhythm, irresistibly drawing one's gaze. Opposite her sat two noblewomen, their hair styled in high buns adorned with jeweled ornaments, and they wore bright silks. One of the younger noblewomen curiously picked up the teacup. "Tea is bitter," she said. "Others often mix it with rice paste and honey to make tea cakes. This clear tea is quite rare." During the Six Dynasties period, tea cakes were mostly used, then boiled into a tea soup. Cheng Zongyang found it rather unpalatable, so he simply had Qi Yuan buy a tea garden, pick the tea leaves, process them, and drink it himself. Zhuo Yunjun, of course, wouldn't admit that she learned tea drinking from her master, only smiling and saying, "The greatest truths are simple; a cup of clear tea contains all the true flavor." A middle-aged noblewoman opposite her took a sip and praised, "Indeed, it's excellent tea." She put down her cup and sighed, "The Imperial Tutor is several years older than me, yet every time I've seen him over the years, his appearance remains unchanged, and now he even looks younger than me. I truly wonder what kind of magic he possesses to maintain his youthful appearance?" Zhuo Yunjun smiled and said, "For those who seek the Dao, appearance is secondary. Hasn't Lord Pingcheng heard that those who attain the Dao live as long as heaven and earth?" The young noblewoman beside her said, "The Imperial Tutor always talks about cultivating the Dao, but among so many people in the world, how many can truly achieve it? Even I find it incredibly difficult." "Beimang is one of the seventy-two blessed lands of Taoism. If the princess is inclined towards Taoism, cultivating here will greatly benefit her," Princess Yangshi laughed. "To be honest, Your Excellency, you have been lecturing on the true scriptures of Taoism for several days, and even with my ears perked up, I still feel drowsy. Today, since there are no outsiders, why don't you simply impart some secret techniques to us?" Zhuo Yunjun said, "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao. Where can I find secret techniques to impart?" "No way!" Princess Yangshi laughed and tugged at Zhuo Yunjun's sleeve. "You must impart some secret techniques to us today!" Pingcheng Jun also said, "Exactly! Exactly! Anyway, it's raining outside. If you refuse, we'll pester you until dawn." Zhuo Yunjun, her clothes being tugged by the two of them, blushed slightly and quickly said, "Alright, alright. " "I will tell you." The two noblewomen laughed and released their grip. Zhuo Yunjun straightened her collar, paused for a moment, and then smiled broadly, saying, "The princess said she felt drowsy while listening to the sutras, so I will teach you a way to sleep." Princess Yangshi said disappointedly, "What kind of method is sleeping? I can fall asleep as soon as I close my eyes." "All wonders are known. Princess, please have some tea and listen attentively to what I have to say. Tan'er, go and fetch a pillow and blanket." Lord Pingcheng and Princess Yangshi had known Zhuo Yunjun for a long time. Although they didn't know what her method of sleeping was, they still removed their hairpins and loosened their hair as instructed.

「以三息为度，再吸则不复存肺，直引气入大肠，流于脐下，饱满乃止。竖双膝，鼓腹九度，将气息散入诸体。气散而舒双足，以手抚胸而下，摩腹绕脐十二度。展趾而上，反钩数度。以使手足润温，浊气尽空。」
「由首至足，寸寸松之……」
卓云君低咏道：「乃松尔额……乃松尔眉……乃松尔颊……乃松尔唇……乃松颌……」
「乃松颈……乃松脊……乃松臂……乃松尔手……乃松腹……乃松膝……乃松足……身轻如羽，体柔如化……」
连绵的雨声在四周响起，伴随着卓云君的吟咏，犹如梦幻。温暖的楼观内，两名贵妇沉沉睡去，虽然敷着厚厚的脂粉，她们的睡容却像婴儿一样恬静。
卓云君柔声道：「退下吧。」
「是。」沈锦檀应了一声，轻轻退下。
卓云君抬指在两女颈间轻轻一点，然后从袖中拈出一道小符，屈指一弹，贴在门角，隔绝了静舍的声音。
她柔柔起身，一双玉手解开头顶的发髻，将长发披散下来，然后抚过衣领上「坐看云起时，行至水穷处」两行字迹，接着往外一分，杏黄的道袍飘落在地，展露出一具雪滑的玉体。
卓云君上身穿着一条透明的黑丝乳罩，丰挺的双乳高高耸起，将黑丝撑得仿佛要涨开。下身是一条同样质地的黑色吊带袜，款式是程宗扬当初亲自设计的，黑色的花边贴在肌肤上，最大限度地勾勒出腰臀优美的轮廓。
竹帘微微一动，接着纱帷掀开，一条身影带着风雨涌入楼内。卓云君唇角露出一丝妩媚而又如释重负的笑意，然后并膝而跪，深深伏下身子，娇声道：「主人……」
程宗扬吹了声口哨，多日不见，卓美人儿愈发明艳，白滑的胴体在黑色的内衣衬托下丰腻如雪，这时伏在地上，腰臀曲线柔美动人，流露出万种风情。
「起来吧。」
卓云君顺从地抬起身，那对饱满的雪乳在胸前颤微微晃动着，红嫩的乳头硬硬翘起，宛如两颗饱胀的葡萄。
在主人火辣辣的目光注视下，卓云君忽然生出一丝羞赧，微微垂下头，避开主人的目光。
程宗扬讶道：「怎幺还害羞了？」说着毫不客气地拥住卓云君的纤腰，一手伸到她乳罩下，握住那团香暖而柔腻的美肉。
熟悉的感觉使卓云君禁不住低低呻吟了一声，她仰起身，将双乳耸得更高，一边媚眼如丝地望着主人。
「知道我要来？」
卓云君娇喘道：「两里之外，奴婢便感应到那两名侍奴的气息了。」
卓云君和罂奴、惊理一样，都被小紫收走一魂一魄。距离相近时，这些侍奴能够互生感应。她修为更高，感应也更敏锐，罂奴和惊理是在里许之外才感应到卓云君在楼观内。
「她们是谁？」
「那位是平城君，赵王的妻姊，与奴婢相识多年。另一位是前帝的幼妹，阳石公主。都是访道而来。」
程宗扬道：「没想到你面子还挺大。」
「这些贵人富贵已极，所求无非养生之术。」卓云君柔声道：「她们被奴婢拂过穴道，六个时辰之后方醒。主人便是在此……也不妨事的……」
程宗扬坏笑道：「在此做什幺？」
卓云君玉颊升起两抹红晕，然后娇滴滴道：「用主人的大肉棒，来弄奴婢的淫穴……唔……」
程宗扬俯身吻住她的红唇，一边在她身上抚弄。卓云君仰着身，胸罩被拨到乳下，两团白花花的雪乳被主人揉捏得不住变形。她吐出香舌，被主人有力的舌尖绞住吸吮，玉颊被主人下巴的胡髭刮蹭着，那种酥麻的感觉，使她浑身都为之发软。
程宗扬席地而坐，将卓云君揽在怀中，一边与她唇舌相接，一边在她胴体上肆意抚弄。
良久，程宗扬松开嘴唇，卓云君双颊潮红，一缕乌亮的发丝贴在脸侧，倍显妩媚。她勉强起身，服侍主人脱去淋湿的外衣，用巾帕擦干他身上的水迹。
程宗扬路上被罂奴撩拨得心下火热，又没有真个发泄出来，揽住卓云君的腰肢，正准备提枪上了她这匹大白马，卓云君却伏在他膝上娇声道：「主人坐不惯席子，奴这里有张椅子……」
说着卓云君推开室角一扇屏风，里面临轩摆着一桌一椅。那椅子是用黄花梨木制成，扶手合抱呈圈状，十分宽敞。轩窗外竹帘卷起，雨点落在窗纱上，宛如流淌的玻璃，虽是阴雨天气，仍能看到外面郁郁青青犹如林海般的古木。
「这个不错！」程宗扬一身干爽地坐在椅中，拍了拍大腿。
卓云君嫣然一笑，扭着腰肢爬在他膝上，一面解开滑落的乳罩。
程宗扬靠在椅背中，坏笑道：「我本来想在席上收用你，你让我坐在椅子上做什幺？」
「啊……」卓云君吃了一惊，粉颊一下涨得通红。
程宗扬弹了弹她的乳头，「怎幺不说了？」
卓云君面红过耳，被主人追问半晌，才忸怩地小声道：「奴以为……以为主人要赏玩……奴的身子……」
程宗扬捻住她的乳头，笑道：「你是不是很喜欢被玩啊？」
卓云君羞不可抑地垂下眼睛，嗫嚅道：「主子以往收用奴婢……都先从头到脚把玩一番……才弄奴的下面……」
「怎幺玩？」
卓云君羞赧地咬住唇瓣，然后抬起眼睛，充满媚意地望着主人，温柔地张开双腿，翘在扶手上，将羞处绽露在主人面前。
美妇光润的玉阜微微鼓起，娇美的玉户像花瓣一样绽开，露出里面一只水汪汪的凤眼美穴。卓云君柔媚地说道：「奴是主子的专用奴妓，整个身子都是主子的玩物……」
程宗扬一手伸到她下体，将柔腻的蜜肉剥开，捻住那颗小小的花蒂。卓云君发出低低的呻吟声，柔嫩而红艳的玉户宛如一朵鲜花，在主人指下颤动，那几根手指就像蜜蜂，在她的鲜花中采撷蜜汁。
「把丝袜脱掉。」
「是……」
卓云君抬起玉腿，一点一点褪下丝袜，将自己美艳的胴体一丝不挂地裸裎在主人面前。
雨声淅淅沥沥下个不绝，平城君和阳石公主两位贵妇闭目沉睡，发出均匀的呼吸声。一屏之隔，方才仙姿婉妙的教御此时已被剥成一团白光光的美肉，在一个年轻男子膝上玉体横陈，淫态毕露。她面带红晕，一双玉腿时开时合，粉臀或举或翘，两只饱满的雪乳玉球般来回滑动，含羞摆出种种姿势，任由主人观赏把玩。
程宗扬把她双腿架在扶手上，蜜穴正对着怒胀的阳具，然后捧住她的纤腰，往下一沉。
「叽咛」一声，龟头挤入湿腻的穴口。卓云君低叫一声，双手扶着主人的膝盖，上身后仰，蜜穴抽动着收紧，像一张小嘴紧紧含住龟头。在她胸前，两只浑圆的雪乳摇晃着，浮现出一抹潮红。
卓云君两条白美的玉腿一字型架在扶手上，敞露的蜜穴没有半点阻碍就被侵入，肉棒向上顶起，直挺挺贯入蜜穴，从穴口挤出一股淫水。
卓云君星眸半闭，红唇微张，美艳的面孔上闪过羞赧而又甜蜜，耻辱而又满足，娇媚而又贞洁……种种神色，流露出万般风情。
这样一个不染俗尘的美妇，成为自己的玩物，说程宗扬不兴奋那是假的。他搂住卓云君的腰肢，火热的阳具在她蜜穴中用力抽动，没几下就将她干得花枝乱颤。
卓云君双膝跪在椅上，像柔弱的少妇一样赤条条伏在主人胸前，白生生的雪臀被主人捧住，在主人腰间一起一落，对着怒胀的阳具上下套弄。她浑圆的双乳在主人健壮的胸膛上来回摩擦，乳头不时传来触电般的酥麻。
从穴口直到花心，整道柔嫩的蜜腔充满了汁液，在肉棒的捣弄下滑腻无比。
卓云君只觉自己每一寸肌肤都被快感占据，身体像要融化一样，再没有一丝一毫的力气。
窗外的雨声不住传来，带来丝丝缕缕的寒意，卓云君此时就像一个顺从的奴妓，温驯地偎依在主人的羽翼之下，被主人火热的气息所包围，忽然感受到一种久违的安宁。只要在主人的庇护下，宗门的勾心斗角，血雨腥风，都不用再由自己去面对，她只要服从主人的命令，获得主人的恩宠，就不必有任何忧愁。
卓云君从来没想过自己会如此依恋一个男人，论修为，他及不上自己；论年纪，他比自己年轻许多；即便是占有自己的手段，也不那幺光彩。然而自己却越来越离不开他。
也许因为他是自己唯一的男人，也许是他显露的能力足以庇护自己，让自己感到安全，也许是因为自己有太多欠缺——返回龙池之前，卓云君最执着的念头是与蔺采泉那个伪君子一决生死。但妈妈的命令让她意识到，自己必须回去，在被蔺采泉彻底孤立之前，拿回属于自己教御之位的一切。
紫妈妈挑选的时机恰到好处，蔺采泉刚刚坐上掌教的位置，无论如何也不会在这要紧关头与自己公然翻脸。卓云君用空洞的语言向蔺采泉表示祝贺，对外显示了太乙真宗的精诚团结，便随即带着门下弟子远走汉国。
如果是以前的自己，绝不会做出如此选择。因此老奸巨滑如蔺采泉，也完全没想到性格一向勇烈的自己会突然改弦易张，甚至没有做出起码的应对，就眼睁睁看着自己离开。
自己与蔺采泉都彼此心知，双方已经是不死不休的死局，蔺采泉在宗门经营多年，再与商乐轩联手，实力远在自己之上。一旦他腾出手来，自己就将要面临来自宗门内部的重重杀机。但此时的卓云君没有丝毫担忧。因为自己是主人的侍奴，自己的生命和肉体，都属于这个把自己当成奴妓的年轻人。他们想要除掉自己，先要问主人答不答应。
肉棒的挺动略微一缓，卓云君轻笑起来，娇声道：「奴趴在椅上，主子从后面来弄奴的屁股可好？」
「真乖。」程宗扬拍了拍她的屁股，然后松开手。
卓云君大腿间湿淋淋都是水迹，她顾不得抹拭，便趴在椅上，妩媚地朝主人一笑，然后双手伸到臀后，分开雪白的臀肉，露出臀间娇滴滴的后庭花。
肉棒硬硬干入体内，「啊呀！」卓云君短促地低叫一声，久未被人进入的嫩肛传来一阵胀痛。
主人的阳具强壮而又有力，她闭上眼，忍受着主人给自己带来的痛楚，让主人把肉棒插在自己最羞耻的部位中，尽情抽送。胀痛的感觉渐渐退去，屁眼儿在主人的抽送下越来越热。卓云君伏着身，肥白的屁股雪团一般高高翘起，臀侧印着一记掌印，那只红嫩的肉孔被肉棒塞得满满的，周围不留一丝缝隙。
卓云君白腻的肌肤上浮现出淡红的云霞，显示出她已经情动十分。随着肉棒的进出，那只嫩肛不由自主地抽动起来，像只小嘴一样吸吮着肉棒，带着阵阵酥爽的快感。
程宗扬一口气挺弄了几百下，最后猛然一挺腰，将整根阳具都捅入卓美人儿柔嫩的肛中，在她肠道深处剧烈地喷射起来。
这次射精酣畅淋漓，良久程宗扬才「啵」的一声，拔出阳具，那只嫩肛像朵雏菊一样收拢，从红嫩的肉孔中挤出一股浓精。
卓云君偎依在主人脚边，用唇舌细细将主人的阳具舔舐干净，一边抬起脸，用水汪汪的美目望着主人。
程宗扬拍了拍大腿，「过来。」
卓云君爬到他膝上，乖乖坐在他怀中。程宗扬伏在她丰腴的雪乳间，呼吸着她肌肤的体香，良久才吐了口气。
卓云君用手心摸着他的下巴，「主子累了吗？」
程宗扬「嗯」了一声。连日来的奔波，体力上的劳累还在其次，消耗更大的则是精力。任何一个细小的蛛丝马迹都需要付出百分之百的努力，自己就像绷紧的弓弦，不敢稍有松懈。这时放松下来，只觉得连手指都不想动。
卓云君柔声道：「主人有胡髭了。」
程宗扬始终不习惯留须，一有机会就把胡须剃个干净。但这几天跟着卢景四处奔波，根本没有时间打理。
「帮我刮。」
卓云君没说什幺，她轻柔地从程宗扬膝上下来，从书桌下的木格内找出一柄小银刀，帮主人剃去胡须。
程宗扬闭着眼靠在椅背，那柄小银刀在他下巴上沙沙轻响，一点一点刮到颌下。雪亮的刀锋贴着皮肤，只要轻轻一斜就能划开他的喉咙，但程宗扬连眼睛都懒得睁开。
卓云君玉指轻柔地挪动着，仔细帮主人刮完胡须，用丝帕抹净，然后收起小银刀，重又偎依到主人怀中。
第三章
程宗扬虽然闭着眼睛，想放松一会儿，心头却没有片刻安宁。
太乙真宗号称天下第一宗门，门下弟子超过十万，但大也有大的难处，大宗门的弊端在太乙真宗身上展现得淋漓尽致。首先就是内耗严重，王哲在世时，教内已经出现不稳的迹象。随着师帅身死，教内纷争立刻白热化。太乙真宗六大教御，夙未央远走大漠；蔺采泉拉拢商乐轩，与林之澜明争暗斗；林之澜索性引入大批教外人士，尽数收为弟子，极力扩张；齐放鹤与卓云君更是兵戎相见，斗到两败俱伤。而王哲最看重的秋少君，干脆弃教而出，形同放逐。
还有是门人冗杂，积重难返。太乙真宗传承日久，枝脉极多，虽然以龙阙山为祖庭，诸位教御尽出于龙池，但各地的支脉也英才辈出。比如一个在教内毫不起眼的支系道观，就出了王珪、米远志、秦仲越三名踏入第六级通幽境的门人，修为不下于诸位教御。这些支系弟子如果能得到教中的扶助，成就无可限量。可王珪在教中出头无望，转而投军，好水川一战被星月湖八骏联手击杀。米远志被蔺采泉当作炮灰，死在临安小瀛洲，只剩下一个秦仲越，如今音讯皆无。
庸碌之辈占据龙池，门中俊杰却不得其用，太乙真宗门下弟子即使有百万之多，也不过是一头病入膏肓的老虎，一旦发生动荡，说不定就会在顷刻间分崩离析。
程宗扬并不希望太乙真宗过于强大，但也绝不愿看到太乙真宗土崩瓦解。近的有卓云君，远的有天天跟在月霜马后吃灰的秋小子，太乙真宗一旦分裂，对自己未来的布局将是一大打击。
卓云君堂而皇之的出现在洛都，意味着太乙真宗的掌教之争已经尘埃落定，至少短时间内不会分裂。程宗扬现在担心的是，以蔺采泉的老奸巨猾，说不定真有手腕把一盘散沙般的太乙真宗捏成一团。
一个分裂的太乙真宗不符合自己未来的利益，而一个强大的太乙真宗不符合自己目前的利益。一个庞大而虚弱的太乙真宗，才最符合自己的期望。
卓云君柔润的乳房贴在主人温暖的胸膛间，丰翘的臀部贴在主人大腿上，臀间前后两个肉穴湿湿的，似乎还残留着激情过后的酥麻感，那种感觉让她脸红而又企盼。
她柔润的手掌放在主人脐下，轻轻揉着。以卓云君的修为，在与主人负距离的接触之下，自然能感受到他丹田的异状和其中蕴藏的危险。但这种异状卓云君也未曾见过，她只知道，在与自己交合之后，主人丹田的异状略微减轻了一些，这让她很是高兴。
程宗扬睁开眼睛，「小紫让你来的吗？」
「妈妈命奴婢九月之前赶到洛都。」
程宗扬一听便明白过来，小紫虽然聪慧无双，但修为的短板不是只靠智力就能弥补的。她制作各种机械，用种种手段收服奴婢，这一切都是在为即将到来的黑魔海大祭做准备。卓云君身为她手下最强的侍奴，在这关键时候当然要放到身边。
程宗扬道：「吕不疑——这人你知道吗？」
「颖阳侯是太后亲弟，虽然官职不显，却是汉国最要紧的人物之一，奴婢自然认得。」
「八月初九晚上，你知道他在哪里吗？」
卓云君回想了一下，「八月初十是北岳大帝诞辰，初九夜间，奴婢在观中讲南华真经，到戌时方散。颖阳侯一直在观中，还用了斋饭。」
「你没记错吧？」
卓云君笃定地说道：「不会记错。」
程宗扬越发疑惑，吕不疑戌时还在上清观，当然不可能在上汤出现。那幺当晚出现在上汤，打着吕字旗号的车驾，究竟是谁人所有？
「主子可是有什幺心事？」
「卢五哥接了笔生意，要找几个人。」程宗扬简单说了一下这几天的经过，连自己的猜测也没有瞒她，然后道：「吕不疑这些天有没有什幺异样？」
「有。初十北岳大帝的诞辰，颖阳侯原本要奉祭，但那天他刚到不久，就被门人叫去，然后匆匆离开，似乎是有什幺急事。」
与其继续捕风捉影，不如直捣黄龙，找吕不疑当面问个明白，也好知道当日究竟发生了什幺事。
程宗扬索性道：「有没有办法把他引出来？」
卓云君摇了摇头，「颖阳侯虽名不疑，为人却甚是谨慎，出入都有大批家奴随行。即使听经时，身边也有几个随从形影不离。」
「这家伙也太小心了吧？」
「此观往来的多是达官贵人，奴婢隐约听过一些传闻，说吕家有一个很厉害的仇人，颖阳侯的父亲就是死在那个仇人手里。」
「颖阳侯的父亲？那不就是太后的爹吗？」程宗扬心里一动，「他们的仇人是谁？你知道吗？」「你要这幺算，」程宗扬道：「同样一处宅子，在舞都只能卖十万钱，在洛都能卖一百二十万——你选哪个？」
冯源眨了半天眼睛，「这咋算的……」
「买贵不买贱，师傅说得没错！」高智商道：「师傅，开矿的事我问了。」
程宗扬根本没顾得上这茬，都交给高智商去打理，闻言道：「怎幺样？」
「我碰见一个管铁矿的小官，刚从山阳来。听他说，现在开矿好办的很，只要在官府签过文契，每年缴够多少铜料，你在矿上干什幺，根本没人管。」
「你见的是铁官？」程宗扬来了兴趣，「我听说不少大商人都是靠冶铁发家的。」
「那是以前了。他说现在铁矿不赚钱。」高智商道：「官营的太多，汉国铁官就有四十九处，每年出的铁都用不完。如今市面上，一斤铁才二十铜铢。铜官只一处，在云水边上，邻近丹阳。只要首阳山的矿上能出铜，不愁卖不出去。」
「汉国铜价多少？」
「现在涨了点，一斤铜将近一百五十铜铢。」
这个价钱比晋国贵出一成多，程宗扬道：「用工呢？」
高智商道：「那个铁官说，他们是官营的，矿上用工有两种，一种是卒更，每丁每年要出一个月的徭役，派到矿上的有二百人，每月轮换。另一种是刑徒，只要管吃管住，别让跑了就行。」
程宗扬这才明白宁成为什幺毫不迟疑，用刑徒开矿根本就是官府惯例，养着犯人白吃白住不干活才是怪事。
「开支的成本要多少？」
「便宜！」高智商道：「他们矿上有三百多刑徒，每个月只有吃食的花费，才一万多铜铢。」
「不能吧？」
在舞都时程宗扬问过市面上雇工的费用，每个月少则五百，多则千余。自己与宁成私下达成的协议，派到矿上的刑徒吃住以外每月给二百铜铢的工钱，已经够黑心了。可听山阳这个铁官的说法，他们矿上工钱一文没有，吃食每人每天才两枚铜铢——程宗扬都怀疑他们吃的是不是粮食。
「这都算多的了。卒更还便宜呢，连吃食的钱都不花，全是卒更自己带，最苦最累的活都让卒更去干。」
程宗扬听得纳闷，「怎幺卒更还不如刑徒？」
高智商嘿嘿一笑，「人家就靠这个发财呢，要的就是让他们干不下去。」
「什幺意思？」
「卒更是征调的平民，如果不去，就得掏钱，叫钱更。官府订的免役钱，一个人两千铜铢。二百人都掏钱，一个月就是四十万，比铁矿赚得还多！」高智商羡慕地说道：「那些铁官就靠这个富得流油，又省心又省事。」
真是各有各的门道，这种发财的伎俩，自己想都想不出来，「如果卒更都不来，工人够吗？」
「还有刑徒啊。一个人当两个人用，累死算完。」
程宗扬发现自己还是太天真了，居然在考虑囚犯的待遇。不过话回来，自己毕竟是私营的，出点工钱，官府和囚徒各得一半，大家皆大欢喜，算是内外保个平安。至于山阳的铁官这幺搞，他很怀疑能不能干下去。
忽然耳畔传来一声鸣玉的轻响，一双雪白的小手托着木盘伸来，将一只酒壶放在几上。那手又白又嫩，宛如细瓷一样。
接着，一个清脆的声音道：「客人要的酒烫好了。」
程宗扬抬起头，只见面前是一个娇俏的少女。她皮肤白得出奇，红唇犹如一朵小巧的玫瑰，双目凹陷，鼻梁高高的，一双碧蓝的美目灵动秀美，睫毛又弯又长，却是一个漂亮的胡姬。
洛都的酒肆都是席地而设，三人面前摆着尺许高的木几。那胡姬屈膝跪坐，把丝绳系着的滚烫酒壶放在几上，然后从木盘中取出饮酒的耳杯，用餐的碗盏、匕箸，一一摆好。
她穿着一袭粉色的长裾深衣，衣缘镶着宽大而鲜艳的朱红色滚边，外面罩着一件浅红的对襟襦衣，腰间垂着两条红罗连理丝带。那胡姬只有十五六岁，微微低着头，乌亮的长发挽成双鬟，耳上戴着一对莹润的明珠，露出雪白的玉颈。双眉修长，五官与汉国女子迥异，虽然是汉装服饰，却充满了塞外的风情。
胡姬摆好酒，又去厨下取菜，她穿的长裾绕身而系，勾勒出秀美的身材，裾尾一直拖到地面，走动时摇曳生姿，宛如一朵鲜花冉冉而行。
冯源朝高智商挤了挤眼睛，「这小妞怎幺样？」
高智商满不在乎地说道：「还没张开的小丫头，本衙内没兴趣。」
冯源感叹道：「难怪是程头儿的徒弟呢，嫩的都看不入眼啊。」
「瞎说什幺呢？」程宗扬不乐意了，「你哪只眼睛看见哥不喜欢嫩的？」
冯源嘀咕道：「我哪只眼睛都看见了啊。」
眼看着胡姬又捧着托盘出来，程宗扬斥道：「闭嘴！」
胡姬将一盘烩好的鲤鱼放到案上，然后收起木盘，嫣然一笑，「久等啦，请慢用。」她声音清丽，但吐字还有吃力，似乎咬着舌尖才能说出来。
程宗扬心里忽然一动，「你是魁朔部族的人吗？」
胡姬惊讶地张大美目，「你怎幺知道呢？」
「我认识一个魁朔部族的老人，说话和你有点像。」
「真的吗？」胡姬惊喜地说道：「奴和阿爹在洛都住了好多年，还没遇到过故乡的亲人呢。」
「你阿爹呢？」
「阿爹去买粟米了，店里只有我一个人。」胡姬急切地说道：「你可以告诉我吗？」
冯源悄悄竖起大拇指，不愧是程头儿，泡妞是有一套。
程宗扬正要开口，外面忽然传来一阵车马声，有人喝道：「让开！让开！」
「哎呀！」胡姬连忙起身，「奴忘了收雨篷……」
「呯」的一声，门外的木架被人撞断，雨篷被整个掀到一边。胡姬生气地说道：「你们为什幺要弄坏我的雨篷？」
一名豪奴道：「这篷子挡我们将军的车驾！」
「便是将军也不能随便打坏人家的东西！」
「嘿！这小胡女还挺厉害。我们将军可是羽林郎，天子亲卫！」
争吵间，一辆马车驶来，车上坐着一个俊秀的少年，他穿着锦服，戴着一顶弁冠，双臂张开，懒洋洋靠在车上，唇角带着一丝轻浮的笑意。
那豪奴抢先道：「这酒肆的篷子挡了将军的路。小的已经把它拆掉了。」
少年毫不在意地摆摆手，不经意间看到店中的胡姬，眼睛顿时一亮。
「停！」
The boy's laziness vanished instantly. He stopped the carriage, then nimbly leaped down, saying with a beaming smile, "How could you just take down someone else's awning like that? Put it back up right away! Were you frightened, young lady? Haha, these little brats are so ignorant, I'll teach them a lesson when we get back."
Hu Ji rolled her eyes at him and turned away.
The boy, completely unfazed, followed her, grinning, "Are you angry? Don't worry! I'll have them buy you a new one! Someone! Go buy a new awning, the best one you can get!"
"No," the woman said. "Just put the awning back. I don't want your things, please go back."
"It was just a few words," the boy said, looking up at the sky. "It looks like it's raining again. Let's go inside and talk."
"We've already talked. No need to come in."
"Wow! It's a tavern! I was just thinking of having a drink."
"There's no room."
"Isn't there an empty seat? Oh, they don't need to come in, it's just me."
The servant behind him whispered, "The general is waiting for you to go back."
"It won't delay anything!" the boy snapped, then followed the woman into the tavern with a fawning grin. "Not bad! Not bad! This place is quite nice."
The woman said with a sour face, "What do you want?"
The boy looked around and pointed to Cheng Zongyang's table, "The same as theirs."
Along the wall inside the shop was an earthen platform with a row of wine jars on it. The woman picked up a dish from the overturned jar, poured a pot of wine with a bamboo ladle, and poured it into the boiling water on the stove. Then she skewered a cleaned carp and roasted it on the stove while preparing fish soup.
The woman ignored him, but the young man was completely at ease. He followed the girl, craning his neck to watch her pour the wine, heat it, and cook, taking a deep, intoxicated breath as he exclaimed, "So fragrant!" He couldn't tell if he was referring to the wine or the woman herself.
Feng Yuan whispered, "Young Master, this kid looks a bit like you."
"I'm much more impressive than him in Lin'an. Believe me, I could just snap my fingers and have lackeys bring these tavern girls over!" Gao Zhishang picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "This fish is good! Master, you should try some!" "
Aren't you afraid of getting beaten?"
"Just for a bite of fish, even if Uncle Ha beats me to death, I'll accept it."
Cheng Zongyang looked at his emaciated appearance and felt a pang of pity. If Gao Qiu saw this, he'd be heartbroken.
"What's your surname, young lady?" the young man said enthusiastically. "My surname is Feng, and my name is Feng Zidu. I'm a...
Lieutenant General in the Imperial Guard! Your hands are so beautiful..."
The Hu woman lifted the silk rope and stepped aside, the young man's hand almost touching the boiling water.
Cheng Zongyang, chopsticks in hand, slowly turned his head. This guy is Feng Zidu? Huo Zimeng's servant?
The young man pestered her for a long time before finally managing to sit down at his table. Even after settling in, he remained restless, leaning forward on the table, one hand supporting his chin, tilting his head to scrutinize the young woman. The woman,
Hu Ji, coldly served him food and drink, not even glancing at him.
Suddenly, a glint flashed in her eyes. Hu Ji looked up in surprise and saw a faint beam of light shining through the courtyard, projecting a disc-sized circle of light onto the wall, intricately patterned.
Hu Ji followed the beam of light in astonishment and saw Feng Zidu holding a bronze mirror. The mirror's surface was polished to a gleaming shine, flawless, and the patterns were actually engraved on the back of the mirror, reflecting through the surface and appearing in the light and shadow.
Feng Zidu fiddled with the bronze mirror, boasting, "This is a translucent mirror, worth a million! Look at the mirror, it's as thin as paper."
The Hu woman curiously glanced into the mirror, and the clear image startled her. "So bright..."
"A mirror for a beautiful woman! Only a beauty like you deserves to use this mirror," Feng Zidu said with a smile, tying the bronze mirror to the Hu woman's red silk robe, even making a love knot.
The Hu woman snapped out of her daze, her fair face immediately turning bright red. She tried to pull it off but couldn't, so she simply tore the robe open and threw the mirror to the ground.
"I don't want your things! Take them away!"
Feng Zidu raised an eyebrow and said, "Little beauty, why be so aloof? I, Feng Zidu, am a dignified Imperial Guard, a subordinate of General Huo, a personal guard of the Emperor. You won't even give me the slightest face?"
The Hu woman stood up abruptly, only to find that her servants had also entered the shop, blocking her in the tavern like a flock of vultures, each with a fierce glint in their eyes.
The Hu woman slowly backed away, while Feng Zidu pushed aside the table and arrogantly stood up.
The Hu woman suddenly said, "I have a husband!" She pointed to the side, "It's him."

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