Chapter 296: Breaking through Songjiazhuang

Capital City, Imperial Palace.

There was no morning court today, and Xu Zhenguan was unusually lazy in bed. When he woke up from his bedroom, it was already bright.

While having breakfast, the empress clearly felt the strong autumn atmosphere, and even the imperial garden seemed a little withered.

"call--"

The wind blew, and a scarlet maple leaf fell from the garden. It was caught by the slender white hand of the empress. She closed her five fingers and slowly grasped it in her palm.

"The maple leaves are bright red. I remember that there are the most maple trees in Linfeng Taicang. The scenery is the best in late autumn. If you want to enjoy chrysanthemums, you have to go further south, to the border of the Huai River. Well, I don't know how the preparations for the opening of the market there are going."

Xu Zhenguan spoke softly. Even though the sun was already high in the sky, the warmth of summer was gone.

Behind the empress, Mo Chou, who was dressed as a neutral female official, had just arrived and said:

"The governor of the transport system is watching over there, and your majesty has discussed this with the princess. I think if the princess returns to the Huai River Road and reports to the prince, it may change his mind."

According to Dayu’s new policy, the location for “opening the market” was chosen to be in Linfeng, on the bank of the Huai River.

Linfeng Road is close to the capital, and the imperial court has stronger control.

The Huai River has a strong business culture and is the central part of the river. Choosing this place was the result of careful consideration.

Xu Zhenguan was not optimistic, he just sighed:
"Beyond the reach of the whip, beyond the reach of the whip... Taizu's daily records once said that the power of the emperor is actually very small. Even if the cultivation is tyrannical, the emperor's authority is still only within ten steps around him. If he wants to go out, he has to rely on others to do anything..."

As she spoke, she shook her head and took the initiative to change the subject:

"Jun Ling is returning from this trip. Now that I think about it, I'm afraid he and Zhao Duan will be delayed in Taicang."

What you want to talk about is this topic... Mo Chou muttered in her heart, helplessly:
"According to the date, Lord Zhao and his men should be here soon."

She did not go into the topic of the princess.

Xu Junling joined the imperial envoy's team midway, and the officials in Taicang were unaware of it, but the shadow guards affiliated with the offerings had already passed the information back.

Well... this was the information that Zhao Duan sent back on his own initiative.

However, although this was a good opportunity to attack her love rival, Mo Chou knew better that for a minister to make irresponsible comments about the royal family was a big taboo.

In his words, he deliberately only mentioned Zhao Duan.

"Taicang... I always feel that this matter is not small. Zhao Qing crossed the river alone, and I am afraid that he will be targeted by local officials such as Gao Lian, but I don't know how he is progressing." Xu Zhenguan looked worried.

Mo Chou pinched her nose and said:
"With Lord Zhao's intelligence and skill, I think he will be able to return to the capital in triumph in a few days."

"hope so."

Xu Zhenguan's mouth curled up slowly, and he turned his head and glanced at her:
"What do you want to report?"

Mo Chou took out two letters from her sleeve and handed them over:

"A secret report from the Shadow Guard about Mr. Zhengyang. It is said that Prince Mu personally visited Mr. Zhengyang on the mountain a few days ago and had a long talk with him.

After he left, according to the legend of Mr. Zhengyang's disciples, he seemed to be planning to leave Yunfu. There were also rumors that he seemed to be planning to come to Beijing to give lectures. I don't know whether this is true or not."

Go to Beijing to give lectures?

Xu Zhenguan frowned slowly, but did not express his opinion:
"Where's the other one?"

Mo Chou said:
"The other is that the current female head of the Xiao family in Donghu is quietly operating and is quite interested in the new market opening. She may join the game and will come to Beijing soon."

The widow of the Xiao family?

Xu Zhenguan was quite interested. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said:
"You can spread this news. I'm curious whether Uncle Huai'an will be anxious after hearing about it."

"Yes." Mochou accepted the order and prepared to retreat.

"By the way," the empress added softly:
"Ask the Shadow Guards to investigate the recent movements of the Fashen Sect and other forces in the martial arts world. If there are any unusual movements, Zhao Duan will be prepared."

Mo Chou was startled: "Your Majesty is worried..."

Xu Zhenguan waved his white gauze-like sleeves lightly, and the maple leaves in the entire garden rippled like a sea of fire:
"It's better to be cautious. Zhuang Xiaocheng is not someone who will admit defeat easily."

……

"Dayu's number one hermit?"

In Songjiazhuang, Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment, and then he suddenly remembered that when he first entered Xiuwenguan, Mochou personally sent him there.

On the way, the female prime minister mentioned that Xiuwenguan wanted to invite a powerful person, but failed.

At that time, Big Ice Tuozi didn't explain either, but now I think it should be Mr. Zhengyang.

"I have heard of him, but he should not be a figure in officialdom," he asked curiously.

Xu Junling had an expression that said, "You also don't know things," and smiled:

“Since he is said to be a hermit, he is naturally not in official circles.

This person has a great reputation in the literary world... Well, since you are not involved in the literary world, it is understandable that you don't know him.

In short, Mr. Zhengyang was a man of great talent. He guarded tombs in Daoshan, Yunfu, and interpreted the classics of sages for thirty years. His analysis of the principles of sages was unmatched in the world. Even Master Dong admitted that he was inferior to him. Even the answers to the imperial examinations had to cite his annotations.

Therefore, although people do not go down the mountain, there is a constant stream of scholars going there to pay homage and study.

Since this Song Juren calls himself a disciple, he has a master among the literati. In addition, with his Juren title, it is not surprising that he can support this small family in the local area. "

learned……

So, he is the big V and opinion leader of the Dayu Dynasty... Zhao Duan nodded.

Xu Junling smiled and said:
"You're coming here like this, I'm afraid this Zhengyang disciple will be unhappy. Aren't you afraid that he won't cooperate?"

Zhao Duan grinned:
"If he dares not give me what I want, I will beat him until he gives it to me."

At this time, a large group of people swarmed out of the village in front, and they were guards protecting the village.

They were all strong and sturdy, holding swords in their hands and with murderous looks on their faces.

It seemed that what the princess had said came true. Songjiazhuang really did employ a group of martial artists as bodyguards.

The leader of the group was unexpectedly thin, a middle-aged man wearing only a blue short-sleeved shirt.

There is a sword hanging on his waist, and his eyebrows are thick and black. When he walks forward, there is an invisible aura, which is drawn by the energy of his whole body.

"Hey, there are still 'experts'." Zhao Duan said with a smile.

"Thank you, Master... Master... for saving me..."

On the ground, the muscular young man was standing on one foot in the mud with his head tilted, unable to move.

Eyes filled with tears cannot see people clearly.

But when he heard the noise, he mustered up the courage and shouted for help.

"Xiao Wu!"

The middle-aged coach who once had some reputation in the martial arts world had a gloomy face and spit fire in his eyes.

But after catching a glimpse of this group of people, his warrior instinct made him vaguely aware of the danger.

However, thinking of the talented players behind him, Coach Xie felt more at ease.

He waved his hand and everyone stopped, but the sound of swords being drawn continued.

"Sir, may I ask your name? Why did you break into Songjia Village and beat up the men in my village?"

Coach Xie had a blank expression on his face. He held the hilt of the sword with one hand, stared at Zhao Duan, and asked in a cold voice.

For a moment, the situation was tense.

It seems that if there is a disagreement, everyone will attack each other.

Zhao Duan turned a deaf ear and was too lazy to answer.

He just glanced at the dozens of angry faces in front of him.

He yawned lightly, glanced at the princess's guard beside him with displeasure, and said lightly:

"What are you still standing there for? Are you waiting for me to do it myself?"

Lu Qingfeng, the man with the knife, and the female swordsman with the sword were slightly stunned.

Then, the latter two laughed grimly at the same time and flew out.

(End of this chapter)

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