Chapter 62 Taoism

Chapter 62 Taoism

Chapter 62 Taoism
Xu Qing quickly matched Su Lianqing with Magistrate He's previous concubine Yin Sanniang.

Although their looks are different, the charm in their eyes is almost the same.

"Guard Wang clearly said that Yin Sanniang has been dealt with by Magistrate He." Xu Qing believed that Magistrate He would not keep Yin Sanniang, a witch who was suspected to be from the Lotus Sect.

Then the Su Lianqing in front of me...

"Anyway, she is inseparable from the Lotus Cult."

In fact, after capturing Zhao Xiong last time, Xu Qing knew something. Zhao Xiong believed in Luojiao. The Lotus Sect was similar to the Sky Eagle Sect in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, and Luojiao was the Ming Sect.

The two are essentially one.

But the leader of the Lotus Sect has now become independent from the Luo Sect.

There are actually quite a few branches of the Luo Sect, such as the Lotus Sect.

Relatively speaking, the Luojiao's restraint on the tribes is not that strong. The relationship between the two sides is a bit like the feudal system. The Luojiao is similar to the Zhou royal family, and the tribes are the various princes who were enfeoffed. In name, they are still subject to the constraints of the Luojiao, but in reality, it depends on the situation.

Their ultimate goal is to rebel.

In essence, Luojiao believes in "Mother of No Birth, Home of True Vacuum". If the world does not become as described in the doctrine, Luojiao will still rebel even if a branch like the Lotus Sect comes to power.

Therefore, it is difficult to judge whether such a sect is good or evil; we can only say that it is very "extreme".

"If I were a commoner, as long as I had enough to eat and warm clothes to wear, I would not think of rebelling. I would rather be a dog in peace than a man in chaos." A thought flashed through Xu Qing's mind.

The Luo Sect and the Lotus Sect still have the ability to rebel, that's because there are still many people in the world who cannot survive.

I can understand that, but now we are rivals.

After three drinks.

The Eight Horses of Jiangning showered flattery on Inspector Wu and Prefect He, and each of them used their best skills to present poems and essays to flatter them.

Xu Qing, on the other hand, imitated his least related relative Xu Shu, who "entered Cao's camp and said nothing."

His actions actually reduced the jealousy of the Eight Horses of Jiangning.

There’s no Xu Qing competing with them to flatter them.

The Eight Talents were also warriors who had experienced the test of alcohol, and they knew that the most important thing at the wine table was to be in the limelight. So they had no intention of stepping on Xu Qing.

They wish Xu Qing would disappear.

Xu Qing gave them this opportunity.

Although Inspector Wu hoped that Xu Qing could show some performance, he was so intoxicated by the flattery of the Eight Horses of Jiangning that he forgot about the matter for a moment.

What's more, Su Lianqing sang and danced gracefully, like a fairy from the Moon Palace, which made people intoxicated.

County Magistrate Wu only felt that he had added one more happy thing to his life.

He didn't even care when Xu Qing used the excuse of going to the bathroom.

Xu Qing successfully walked out of the flower hall of the ship and came outside.

There were two guards named Wang Ma guarding the deck.

"Brother Xu, why did you come out?"

Xu Qing approached Guard Wang and lowered his voice: "Brother Wang, there's something wrong with Su Lianqing's background. From what I can judge, she is most likely a demon girl from the Lotus Cult."

Guard Wang was shocked. "How could that be?"

He knew Xu Qing well, and he would not attack without a purpose, so he lowered his voice and said, "Brother Xu, Su Lianqing is registered as a musician in the Music Bureau of Yingtian Prefecture. We cannot do anything without solid evidence."

Xu Qing was suddenly in trouble.

This is not the same as Zhao Xiong.

Because Zhao Xiong was going to help the religious bandits rebel that night, and he was also the chief of police under Prefect He, Prefect He dared not disbelieve it.

Now Su Lianqing is a famous courtesan in Yingtian Prefecture and also a member of the Music Bureau. If she is really a religious bandit, she can still be talked into doing something about it. But if no evidence can be found, even Prefect He may not be able to withstand the pressure.

After all, the Jiaofangsi has complicated relationships with many powerful people.

Moreover, even if Su Lianqing really had a connection with the Lotus Sect, the Jiaofang Bureau would never be willing to admit it.

Otherwise, wouldn't it become a problem for the Jiaofangsi?
Some people even think that Prefect He is hostile to the Jiaofangsi.

Xu Qing observed the black air in the bronze mirror and found only a trace of it, which was related to Zhao Bao's escape.

"Forget it. I have already reminded you. I really cannot catch him now. It seems that he has no ill will towards me for the time being."

In fact, according to the official announcement, the last time the religious bandits attempted to cause chaos and were suppressed, it really had nothing to do with Xu Qing.

Because all the credit went to Prefect He and County Magistrate Wu.

Moreover, Magistrate He personally led the team into Zhao's residence.

In the end, Zhao Xiong was interrogated personally by Prefect He.

Only very few people know the role Xu Qing plays in this.

Even if this kind of thing were to be spread, no one would believe it.

But Xu Qing was actually not very clear about one thing.

Nowadays, in the underworld of Jiangning Prefecture, it is well known that the most powerful man in the underworld, King Lin, has great admiration for Xu Qing. Even if some people from the Lotus Sect dislike Xu Qing, they do not want to get into trouble.

After all, as religious bandits attempting to rebel, the force they least want to offend is the local underworld.

Because they wanted to rebel, they had no way of getting around the local evil forces.

These people at the bottom of society are much more informed than the government.

It can be said that Xu Qing’s reputation as Jiangning’s timely rain has spread throughout the martial arts world, and Black Wind Village has also contributed to this.

King Lin’s plan is to simmer it over low heat.

Wait until Xu Qing commits a crime one day, and then lure Xu Qing to the mountain.

This is also because King Lin is patient.

If you meet someone who is impatient, you will be framed and forced to take revenge.

However, it was not easy to frame Xu Qing.

He has strong connections in the white world.

...

...

After Xu Qing had done his duty in reminding them, he naturally went back in. Anyway, Guards Wang and Ma would report to Prefect He afterwards.

In fact, he had another guess, that is, Magistrate He invited Su Lianqing probably because her eyes were like those of Magistrate He's previous concubine Yin Sanniang.

Tsk tsk.

man!

Back to the banquet.

Su Lianqing's singing suddenly stopped.

At this moment, the table suddenly seemed to have its strings snapped, and fell into silence, and everyone realized that Xu Qing was back.

Wu Xun suppressed the alcohol in his head, and the alcohol dissipated a little. He remembered that Xu Qing had not yet demonstrated his literary talent, so he smiled and said, "Gongming, you haven't written a poem tonight. Come and improvise according to what I am interested in today."

Prefect He then smiled and said, "Since it's an interesting event, I'll join in the fun. Let's use this as a topic and let everyone participate."

He meant well.

In case Xu Qing's poems are mediocre, he can compare them with the Eight Horses of Jiangning. Then they can criticize others and praise Xu Qing, which will not make Xu Qing lose face.

Others naturally did not object.

It’s also a chance to show up.

Xu Qing knew that Su Lianqing had been inside on purpose, deliberately letting everyone know that he had come in. But he couldn't escape this test tonight, so he bowed and said, "Please ask the question, Lord."

Prefect He smiled and said, "We officials all have ambitions to rise to the top. Today's event is also the realization of Lord Wu's ambitions. You can use this as a topic and write a poem."

Prefect He gave the topic, and the Eight Horses of Jiangning all began to ponder how to write an excellent piece of writing.

But Xu Qing has no martial ethics.

He did not sit down, but took a step forward and chanted:

"The man holds the Wu hook with one hand."

"This sentence is nothing but a cliché." Among the Eight Horses of Jiangning, some were surprised when they saw Xu Qing trying to imitate the ancients and compose poems with his steps. But after hearing the first sentence, they found it normal.

Xu Qing then took the second step.
"The spirit is higher than a hundred-foot building."

Among the eight steeds, someone raised his eyebrows.

Although the words and sentences are ordinary, the heroic spirit of this poem is still revealed.

Without waiting for them to savor it carefully.

Xu Qing took the third step.
"Who has written history in the past ten thousand years?"

The fourth step follows immediately.
"Eight thousand miles away, I will seek a title of nobility."

As soon as these two sentences came out, his high spirits and lofty ambitions burst out, and the whole room fell silent.

"I will surely follow the swift horses on the road, without the leisure to chase the seagulls on the water. I smile and point to the moon beside the Jinning Bridge, and several people will reach Yingzhou from then on." The next two couplets cascade down like a waterfall, relaxed and cheerful, showing Xu Qing's young self-confidence and his desire for success.

This was also the state of mind of everyone here when they were young.

After a long pause, Magistrate He praised: "This poem has a tangible form and a vivid meaning, it is a top-notch poem."

Seeing his disciple acting so pretentiously, Wu Xunan stood up and said, "Today's fun is over, let's stop here."

He pulled Xu Qing and was about to leave.

Prefect He wanted to arrange a beautiful woman, but Inspector Wu declined.

At such a critical time, it is better not to spend the night outside to avoid accidents.

Prefect He and other talented scholars then escorted Inspector Wu ashore.

Just before Wu Xun got on the carriage, Xu Qing whispered in his ear a reminder, and he was inspired to compose two lines of poetry:

"Gou Li country lives and dies, so how can we avoid misfortune and good fortune?"

...

...

In the ship, there was a guard wearing a flying fish suit and carrying an embroidered spring knife on his waist, hiding in the dark. He wrote down the poem written by Wu Xun'an and wrote down his comments.

"Or he may be a capable minister."

The above content also includes Xu Qing's poems and comments.
He hesitated for a long time and did not finish the concluding sentence: "Or he can be a person who governs the world, or he can be..."

"Gongming, was there anyone nearby just now?" Inspector Wu was not stupid, and he knew that Xu Qing's two pointers were not groundless.

What's more, before getting on the carriage, the cold wind blew and he was mostly sober.

Inspector Wu can be said to be a typical example of someone who is not confused about major issues, let alone matters related to his official career.

Xu Qing naturally did not hide it, "My disciple's eyesight is pretty good. Just now, with the dim light, I saw two Embroidered Uniform Guards hiding on the ship."

There is no need to say more about the rest, Wu Xunan can understand it himself.

When he heard the words "Xiuyiwei", Xun'an Wu was nervous at first, but then he relaxed.

I should have known that this position as Inspector General was no pie in the sky.

But with the Embroidered Uniform Guards watching over him, he won't be a cannon fodder.

Even if he is just cannon fodder, his actions will definitely be seen by the big guys above.

But what should he, as the inspector, do?
"Yes, if it is beneficial to the country, I will do it regardless of life or death. I will act according to these two lines of poetry. On the surface, no one can touch me." Inspector Wu suddenly became clear-minded.

I have a good disciple. He can observe the situation from a distance and see the core of the matter directly.

As an imperial censor, he is in charge of the administration of his post and is only responsible to the emperor and his father. How could he do anything wrong?

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that these two lines of poetry by Xu Qing were truly "golden words" in officialdom.

The state is the king and father, and the king and father is the state.

When you are stuck, always think about your king and father, and be a loyal subject and a filial son.

Wu Xunan was overjoyed and patted Xu Qing on the shoulder: "I am like a fish in water with Gongming."

Xu Qing had no choice but to thank him modestly, and complained in his heart: "Why don't you give me the name 'Kong Ming'?"

He thought that the nickname given to him by outsiders, "Timely Rain", was simply a smear campaign. The most suitable nickname for him should at least be "Today's Brightness".

Yes, there is also Zhuge Kongming in the history of this world, but unlike the history of Xu Qing’s previous life, Kongming did not die in Wuzhangyuan, and returned to the old capital, but he also stopped there.

"In a historical novel that I accidentally read last time, the prime minister used prayers to set up a seven-star lantern array to successfully prolong his life. I wonder if I have a chance to find this thing?" Xu Qing thought to himself.

But Xu Qing also knew that if it really existed, the possibility of finding it by the royal families was much greater than his.

What's more, Kong Ming only extended his life.

"The human body will eventually decay. Without the body, the soul will be helpless. If you are lucky, you will be sealed in a bronze mirror like I was before. If you are unlucky, I don't know what you will become." Xu Qing sighed secretly.

Despite all his efforts, the bronze mirror determined that he only had three more years left to live.

For now, we can only take one step at a time.

Li's house was not far from Jiangning River. Xu Qing said goodbye to Inspector Wu halfway and returned to the house.

Zhou had already prepared some hangover soup for Xu Qing and said with a smile, "Qing'er, you are getting older and it's time for you to know more about human affairs. How about I find you some maids?"

Xu Qing nodded: "Once my uncle is settled in the inspection office, my aunt will also go there. By then, the house will really need a few people to serve and support us."

The inspector was a military officer, and only of the ninth rank. His position was too low, so there was no rule that prohibited him from bringing his wife and children to live with him in the government office.

Zhou: "What does Qingge'er want?"

If she wasn't afraid that Old Li would go out and do something unruly without anyone to supervise him, Zhou wouldn't even want to go to Li Gongyu's place.

When women get older, they like to get along with young men. The yard will be lively and the house will be lively. Women will compare themselves with their husbands outside; when they return to the yard, they just want to be lively and bustling. This is what life is all about. There is something to look forward to when you are busy.

She arranged meals for Xu Qing every day and was happy.

"A clean background, good looks, and hardworking." Xu Qing made the request, and then added: "Auntie will directly ask Guozhuang to help find it, and you can help me choose it when the time comes. After all, it's so cold in this weather, it's so uncomfortable to go out and travel."

Zhou thought so and agreed.

The two chatted about family matters for a while, mostly Zhou talking and Xu Qing listening.

There is especially a lot of gossip among women. Xu Qing can hear some new and interesting things, and sometimes get some information that is difficult to detect in normal days.

However, this requires the ability to unravel the details of daily life.

After chatting, Xu Qing returned to his yard.

After drinking the sobering soup to replenish water and warm up a little, Xu Qing changed into thin training clothes and returned to the yard to practice martial arts.

The exposed skin on his arms was stained with a layer of blue.

This is the skill of Bull Demon moving the leather.

This move is mainly used in the Bull Demon's Great Strength Fist to train the ability to withstand blows.

In this way, you can ensure that you will not be hurt by your own strength after punching, and you can withstand the enemy's attack.

However, in a life-and-death fight, it is impossible to be invulnerable to swords and guns.

But it can reduce the damage.

In the yard, under the old sycamore tree, next to the ancient well, there was a sturdy young man, stirring up the strong wind. Even the layer of white snow that had just piled up in the yard was stirred up.

The rustling snow powder has a dreamy charm in the moonlight.

Xu Qing's body was getting hotter and hotter as he practiced the Bull Demon Fist. Suddenly, he stepped on the edge of the large water tank.

During the day he went to the government office to ask for tung oil, but it had not been delivered yet.

However, it had just snowed, and the edge of the water tank was still extremely slippery.

As soon as Xu Qing stepped on it, his body slipped and he fell down.

He knew that his strength increased too quickly and his body could not adapt.

Xu Qing fell down, but now he could be considered to have thick skin and flesh, so he didn't feel any pain. He stood up and stepped on the edge of the large water tank.

Entering a state of absolute concentration, Xu Qing controlled his center of gravity, stepped on the Bagua Step, and used his fist to create the powerful force of the Bull Demon's Great Power Fist. After a while, he fell down again.

"No, no, there is some conflict between the power of Bagua Body Movement and the power of Niu Mo Da Li Quan." Xu Qing immediately understood the crux of the problem.

But he did not rush to switch back to Bagua Palm. Instead, he was thinking whether he could combine the Bull Demon's Great Strength Fist and Bagua's Wandering Body Palm.

He always felt that the Bagua Youshen Palm was not powerful enough. Even if he used his full strength, he could not exert the full power of his body.

In comparison, the power of Niu Mo's powerful punch can fully exert his strength.

After all, the Bull Demon's Great Strength Fist is a systematic practice of Ming Jin.

Xu Qing paced and thought, in a state of absolute concentration, operating almost at full power. Suddenly, a ray of enlightenment flashed through his mind, but he could not grasp it.

At this moment, his soul suddenly sensed that there was something strange in the yard.

"Who?" Xu Qing's soul was shocked and he let out a sharp cry.

At the same time, he took a step forward and pounced towards the wall not far away, and the strong wind blew towards the empty void.

There was a muffled groan in the void, and then the strange feeling disappeared without a trace in an instant.

But Xu Qing still "saw" a familiar female figure through his soul.

"Su Lianqing?"

"She can also travel in the night?"

Xu Qing was slightly surprised.

...

...

"This kid actually knows Taoist magic." A few streets away from Li's residence, in a carriage, Su Lianqing's forehead was covered in cold sweat and his face was pale.

(End of this chapter)