Chapter 133 She Wants to Choose Herself
Under the scorching sun, on the eaves of the first floor of the tower, a young man was replacing tiles.
Yuan Xiang stood on the ladder below, handing out new tiles. After handing the last tile to the young man on the eaves of the tower, he stepped down the ladder, stepped back, looked up, and couldn't help but give a thumbs up.
"General, you have laid the tiles so neatly! With this skill, I think you can take your subordinates to do the tile work and we won't have to worry about our livelihood!"
"..." Cui Jing on the eaves of the tower was too lazy to pay attention to his subordinates.
The two monks guarding outside the tower were always serious. Although they did not speak at this moment, they could not help but take another look at the young man.
Every year, there are special people to repair the inside and outside of the Tiannv Pagoda, so there should be no problem. However, General Cui is really picky and can't stand the slightest damage or imperfection. Yesterday he pulled weeds all day, cleared the creek in the water, and today he is doing bricklaying work.
Is it that there are too few official duties in Xuan Ce Mansion?
The same doubts also appeared in Chang Suining's mind.
Or is it that General Cui is also obsessed with accumulating merits like her?
At this time, Cui Jing had replaced the last old tile that he had picked out. When he raised his head, he seemed to notice something and turned around to see the girl who was temporarily stopping outside the tower courtyard.
Of course friends have to greet each other when they meet. Chang Suining smiled at him and said, "General Cui."
Cui Jing jumped down from the eaves of the tower without using a ladder and landed steadily on the ground.
He took the cotton towel handed to him by Yuanxiang, wiped his hands, and walked towards Chang Suining.
Chang Suining stood five steps away from the ground pattern drawn on the edge of the magic circle, not daring to take a single step forward, just waiting for him to come over.
Cui Jing must have been working as a laborer here for a long time. His boots were stained with dirt and moss. He stepped over the pattern with his long legs, as if he was afraid of sullying the painting.
There is nothing wrong with this small action, but in Chang Suining's eyes, and thinking of the fact that he personally repaired the Tiannu Tower here, he couldn't help but feel that he seemed to be particularly pious in treating the Tiannu Tower.
The Dayun Temple and the Tiannu Tower were originally built to imply that the enthronement of the Ming Emperor was approved by heaven. Therefore, if the old stubborn people in the Cui family saw his worthless appearance at this moment, they would probably be unable to eat for three days.
"Would you like to burn some incense?" he asked.
Probably to make it easier to work, the young man rolled up his sleeves halfway, revealing half of his forearms. The lines on his arms were smooth and tight, just like his sweat-soaked robe that stuck to his back, outlining the outstanding shoulder and back contours.
Chang Suining nodded and looked at the tall tower behind him: "Commander-in-Chief Cui, have you come here to perform meritorious deeds so early in the morning?"
The words "do good deeds" made Cui Jing's mouth twitch slightly. "I came the day before yesterday and stayed in the temple for two days."
Chang Suining was even more surprised.
So, he actually worked here for two days?
At this time, the wind started to blow, and the scorching sun was temporarily blocked by the clouds, making the air suddenly much cooler.
The two went to a nearby Bodhi tree and sat on a stone bench to talk.
Yuan Xiang took the kettle and said, "Grand Commander, have some water."
As he spoke, he grinned at Chang Suining and greeted him.
Cui Jing took the kettle, hesitated for a moment, and handed it to Chang Suining: "Would you like some water?"
It was obviously his own kettle. He asked this question out of politeness. Chang Suining shook his head and said, "General Cui, please cool down."
He said no more, uncorked the kettle, tilted his head back and started drinking.
The sweat on the young man's face disappeared again after he wiped it off. Beads of sweat slid down his strong and clear jawline into his neck, and then sank into his robe as his Adam's apple rolled when he drank water.
He drank half a pot of water before putting it down and wiping the corners of his mouth.
"Is the knife easy to use?" he asked casually.
Chang Suining was startled: "Knife?"
Cui Jing: “…”
Got it, didn't even watch it.
Yuan Xiang was stunned and looked at Chang Suining: "Ms. Chang, have you not yet opened the apprenticeship gift given to you by the Grand Commandant?"
Chang Suining finally understood: "...It's not too late yet."
I've been busy these past two days and don't have much free time.
So, Cui Jing gave her a knife?
No wonder the box is so heavy.
Yuan Xiang found it incredible - someone could resist opening a gift for three whole days, wouldn't Madam Chang be curious? "Thank you, Commander Cui." Chang Suining said, "It must have come by chance."
This was not flattery, but there were few weapons in the world that she was not comfortable with - of course, the weapons that really suited her were her own Sun Sword and Moon Bow, but both of them were now in his Xuan Ce Mansion.
Cui Jing hummed, "This knife is sharp, be careful when using it."
He added: "With your current strength, it is still unrealistic to want to pick up the Zhan Xiu. Why don't you try this first?"
Chang Suining: “……?”
So, he not only heard her big talk in the posthouse that day, but also remembered it? Cui Jing was still calm, and his tone and expression showed that he was just talking to her objectively about weapons: "Although this sword is light, if used well, it is not inferior to General Chang's Zhanxiu."
Chang Suining suddenly became interested when he heard this, and his eyes lit up slightly.
Not inferior to Zhan Xiu?
Seeing her expression, Yuan Xiang said, "This knife can cut jade like mud. There is only one in the world. The Grand Commander said that Madam Chang will definitely like it!"
Chang Suining smiled and said, "I really like it. Thank you for your concern, Grand Commander."
Cui Jing glanced at his talkative and noisy subordinate.
Receiving the disdain from his own governor, Yuan Xiang quietly stepped back.
"There is something I need to explain to the governor." Chang Suining said to Cui Jing, "I sent someone out of the city the night before last and encountered a curfew, so I used the copper talisman that the governor gave me before—"
She used it when she should have, and it would have been more appropriate for her to say it when she should have.
Cui Jing just nodded.
Nothing was said, nothing was asked.
His attitude made Chang Suining curious: "Wasn't Commander Cui asking me why I sent someone out of the city with the copper talisman at night?"
Cui Jing's eyes were indifferent: "Since I've given it to you, why should I ask you how to use it?"
If she wants to say something, she will say it naturally. If she doesn't want to say something, he doesn't need to ask.
Chang Suining: "What if I use it to kill people or set fire to something?"
Two monks who passed by heard this and chanted "Amitabha".
"You can kill and burn as you please, but when you are arrested and brought to the authorities, you'd better say that you stole the bronze talisman." Cui Jing said in a tone that drew a line between the two.
The two monks chanted Buddha's name again.
Chang Suining nodded obediently: "Okay."
Considering the possibility of being killed early, the two monks walked away quickly.
Seeing that the girl was serious, Cui Jing's expression relaxed first and he smiled silently.
Although she was not afraid or cautious, she could not do anything truly evil - if he didn't even have the ability to judge people, how could he have given the bronze talisman away so casually.
Chang Suining also smiled in a relaxed manner. At this time, the cool breeze started to blow again. She looked towards the sky and said, "It looks like it's going to rain."
Summer rain comes suddenly. As soon as she finished speaking, there was a rumble of thunder.
Chang Suining then stood up and said, "I will go to the main hall to burn incense first."
I'm afraid it will be difficult to walk if it rains heavily later.
However, as soon as she stood up, raindrops as big as beans fell in front of her eyes.
"..."The rain was heavy and rapid, and Chang Suining had no choice but to retreat under the tree behind him.
"Let's take shelter under the pagoda courtyard." Cui Jing suggested.
Although no one is allowed to enter the Tiannv Tower without permission, it is still possible to take shelter under the eaves of the tower courtyard.
"No need." Chang Suining refused without thinking. There was a formation around the tower that was specifically designed to defeat a wandering ghost like her. She was afraid that once she entered the formation, her life would be over.
Afraid that his refusal would be too strange, he added, "Just right here."
Cui Jing had already stood up and warned: "Standing under a tree during a thunderstorm is prone to being struck by lightning."
Chang Suining raised his head silently: "...That's right."
There are formations in front of us, and there is the danger of being struck by lightning behind us.
Her trip today was like a calamity.
Cui Jing turned around at this time, walked towards the rockery beside him, and returned after a while.
His shoulders were wet, and there were a few green banana leaves in his hands.
He didn't say much, just handed it to her.
Chang Suining was startled for a moment, then reached out to take it: "Thank you, Grand Commander."
She gave the banana leaves to Xier, and the master and servant used the leaves to cover their heads and trotted towards the main hall in the rain.
Watching the figure jogging along without looking back, and soon disappearing in the rain, Cui Jing picked up the kettle on the stone table and returned to the tower to shelter from the rain.
"Governor, aren't you going in?" Yuan Xiang asked.
Cui Jing shook his head.
He was covered in sweat and rain, and was afraid of offending and disturbing the "Goddess of Heaven" when he entered the tower.
"It's right here." He looked at the rain curtain in front of him and said the same words as Chang Suining just now.
…
The rain stopped in the afternoon.
Chang Suining had a vegetarian meal with Wu Jue in the temple at noon, and asked him, "Second father, which is the most amazing birth date you have ever heard of?"
Wu Jue thought for a moment and said, "Several dynasties ago, there was an emperor who founded a country..."
Chang Suining: "Please write it down so I can see it."
Everyone was puzzled: "Why write this?"
The girl said innocently: "Learn more about this."
Wu Jue laughed and said, "When did you, a little girl, become interested in the eight characters of fate?"
But I still took out a pen and paper and wrote it to her.
Chang Suining took it and looked at it, then nodded with satisfaction.
Very good, just replace the year of birth and make some minor changes, and it will be hers from now on.
This time, she has to choose her own fate.
“This person’s horoscope is indeed noble, but the earthly branches are all in conflict, so he may easily defeat his relatives…” Wu Jue sighed.
Chang Suining nodded in understanding: "The relatives are offering sacrifices to the heavens..."
That suits her better.
…
Chang Suining left Dayun Temple, got on the carriage driven by Chang Ren, and came to the farm.
She went to see Azhi first.
"Where are the people?"
"Girl, please follow me."
Azhi led Chang Suining to the cellar where Zhuangzi used to store things.
With Chang Suining's instructions, Azhi stopped talking after entering the cellar.
It was dim in the cellar. Azhi was holding a lantern in his hand, which allowed Chang Suining to see the man who had his hands and feet tied and his eyes blindfolded with a black cloth.
Yu Xie huddled in front of a pile of wine jars. When he heard the footsteps, he was horrified and stepped back: "Who are you? Why did you bring me here? Who do you belong to?"
"I know nothing..."
"Please let me out!"
"I don't want to stay here, please..."
Her voice trembled and rose and fell, and expressions of fear, anger, uneasiness and anxiety appeared alternately on her face.
Chang Suining looked at it for a long time and frowned slightly.
"I want to go out, I want to go out!"
Yuxie suddenly struggled to stand up, but because her feet were tied, she fell to the ground again as soon as she stood up.
Azhi looked at Chang Suining with a pleading look in his eyes.
Chang Suining shook his head slightly, turned around and took Azhi out of the cellar.
"What are your plans, young lady?" Azhi asked inquiringly.
"From today on, only give her water on time every day, no food." Chang Suining said, "I will see her again in two days."
Chang Ren, who was guarding outside, was slightly stunned when he heard this.
How does this look like an interrogation technique?
Chang Suining did have the intention to interrogate the suspect.
From what we saw just now, Yuxie's crazy behavior didn't seem to be pretended.
It is impossible for a person to pretend to be so flawless in an unfamiliar, unknown and extremely dangerous environment.
But at the same time, it is not difficult to see that Yuxie is not completely crazy, or in other words, she is half awake, and these two states will alternate or even appear at the same time.
Another point worth noting is that even when he was unconscious and in an unfamiliar environment, Yuxie's so-called nonsense was still measured.
What happened back then was probably the most taboo secret in Yu Xie's heart. It was even the source of her madness. Therefore, no matter how confused she was, she dared not mention it to anyone.
Otherwise, the Queen would not have been so clueless over the years... You must know that once the Queen had noticed something, no matter what she thought, she would not have just kept Yuxie as an ordinary idiot and imprisoned her in the true sense, otherwise Yuxie would not have been able to leave the Princess's Mansion so easily.
Therefore, Yuxie would never easily speak about the matter of poisoning.
Her mouth might be harder to pry open than that of a sane person.
Ordinary questioning and torture methods are mostly ineffective. If you are not sure, you should not try them casually. Otherwise, once you arouse Yuxie's vigilance, it will be more difficult to carry out subsequent methods.
Perhaps, she wanted Li Shang to ask in person—
In this case, Yuxie's mind needs to be even less clear and more confused.
It is often a good idea to starve the opponent for two days in a dark and extremely unknown environment to exhaust his physical strength first.
Chang Suining asked Chang Ren to go back to the General's Mansion and tell him: "... Tell father that I want to stay at the farm for a few days on this rare cool rainy day, and learn about the recent affairs of the farm."
She had mentioned before that she wanted to take charge of the farm again, and Chang Kuo agreed. In the past two months, she and Manager Bai have been busy with this matter.
Chang Ren agreed and was about to leave when the girl looked in the direction of the cellar and said to him, "This matter has not been completed yet. I will talk to my father in detail after it is completed."
Chang Ren was stunned.
The girl looked at him, her eyes full of trust and affirmation: "Uncle Ren and his men should not be the kind of people who have loose discipline and talk fast."
Chang Ren straightened his back: "...Of course."
All well-trained fighters know that one must be quick with both hands and eyes, but not with mouth! Although... he did think about talking to the general about this matter.
But the girl's words reminded him.
He couldn't let himself lose the most basic qualities of a good subordinate. Even if he took a step back, this was a matter between a father and a daughter. Since the general had asked him to recognize the girl as his master, why did he keep talking? He should just shut up and do his work.
After hearing his answer, the trust in the girl's eyes became even more unbreakable: "Then Uncle Ren, please go and come back soon. I can't live without Uncle Ren."
"Yes!" Chang Ren's voice was deep and powerful. He bowed and stepped back.
Chang Suining looked at Chang Ren's departing back with satisfaction.
She led Ah Zhi to the front yard. When they passed a path, they suddenly stopped and turned to look at a clump of dense flowers and trees swaying slightly beside the path.
Someone is hiding there.
Thanks to the book friends Yan Zhihu 1, Waiting is also action for the reward, thank you all for the monthly tickets, good night everyone!!!
(End of this chapter)
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