Chapter 44 Who? But not long ago, he forced another person...
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Yan Siqing was silent for a moment, then softly asked Xiaoyun, "I don't understand. What kind of case happened in Chang'an that caused such a big fuss?"
Her mother didn't know that things would go against her wishes. It was the rainstorm that night that stopped her for two days and allowed the palace to catch up with her.
This is God's will.
A banquet at the royal palace, plus the imperial court, plus God’s will.
She didn't dare to disobey and could only move forward.
But trying not to get involved is one thing, and understanding the situation and avoiding it is another.
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"The Red Flame Ghost Fire Serial Case?" When Yan Siqing heard the term serial case, he paused while tidying up the food boxes, a little surprised.
Chang'an has a strict judicial system, especially the Dali Temple and the Jinwu Guards, which are full of talented people. How could they allow serial murders to happen under the feet of the emperor?
Even if it takes a lot of effort, we must solve the case within the time limit to reassure the people.
The fact that they happened in succession and disrupted land and water transportation means that not only many people died, but they were also powerful and influential.
"There are Zhongdu Assistant Minister Yan Guangxue, Xuanwei General Chen Kaizhi, Junior Architect Liu Yu, and Zhongyuan Earl Zhao Yue..."
Xiaoyun had a good memory and could recite these names one by one. They all had official positions and titles, so they were naturally not commoners. There were more or less clan backgrounds behind them, especially the last one among the dozen or so dead people.
"A student at Xie Wengong Academy, and also a candidate, Zhou Yuanxing."
The people in front were all officials, and they were all powerful officials. Yan Siqing could understand why the matter involved so many people, because such a large-scale tragic death of officials could easily be involved in party disputes - using the name of ghosts to eliminate dissidents.
But suddenly a scholar came and she was stunned. Fortunately, Xiaoyun added a sentence cautiously.
"His father is Zhou Yong, the governor of Chang'an, and his brother is Zhou Li, the major general of the Jinwu Guard."
Yan Siqing's eyes were somewhat dark. Before Xiaoyun could add any more details about the amazing part of the above statement, she slowly said, "I heard that this Major General Zhou is a very popular figure in the palace."
Xiaoyun was surprised, "You know?"
Yan Siqing: "When doing business, the most fearful thing is not being able to grasp the court's movements. It is worse than a natural disaster."
She spoke frankly, but Xiaoyun understood.
What happened in Yancheng is the most powerful testimony.
Xiaoyun nodded. "Indeed, that Lord Zhou is no ordinary person. He and the Junior Justice of the Dali Temple, Jian Wuliang, are known as the Twin Pride of Chang'an. However, they are also known as the Twin Devils in private."
She lowered her voice and added, "One Yang Sha, one Yin Sha."
Because both of them were the emperor's confidants, they often acted on behalf of the emperor and were ruthless, which made people in the court and the country shudder when they heard about it.
This is also the reason why the Censor impeached, the Dali Temple intervened, and the lineage of Prince Yan felt troubled. It was only because of this seemingly romantic matter that Jian Wuliang had to investigate. Whether it was a big deal or a small matter depended entirely on the emperor's mind.
In other words, once Yan Siqing enters Chang'an and is found by the Dali Temple, the first person she will face is likely to be the sinister Jian Wuliang.
Zhou Yuanxing, who is as famous as him, is naturally no simple person.
The Zhou family was already a big family, and they also had the emperor's favorite ministers. The severity of the incident might have had a greater impact than those of the ministers who died before.
Yan Siqing: "It's a serial murder, so it's all connected. The manner of death is similar. Was he burned to death? Or did he see a ghost?"
Otherwise it wouldn’t be called the Red Flame Ghost Fire Serial Case.
Xiaoyun: "The deceased had various identities and backgrounds, and died at various times, both during the day and at night. But according to the current discussions in the streets and the court, most of them were burned to death in a nearly closed, secret room. There was no sign of a second person at the scene, and no signs of a struggle. The Dali Temple thoroughly investigated every death scene, digging deep underground, but found no poison or hidden weapons."
This is very strange.
While Yan Siqing was lost in thought, Xiaoshan said, "This is just a ghost story. Will-o'-the-wisp? Did you see a ghost?"
Xiaoyun shook her head. "The theory of the red ghost fire originated from the fourth case. When Zhong Yuanbo Zhao Yue died, it was said that his concubine went to deliver soup and accidentally saw a human-shaped flame appear in the window of his alchemy room, where he usually practiced alchemy and Buddhism. She was frightened and screamed. The guards rushed over and broke down the door and window. They saw Zhong Yuanbo's body ablaze with sparks, silently twisting as if possessed by a ghost, and burning to ash alive."
Yan Siqing grasped the key point, "Silent? Ashes? Wasn't the fire extinguished?"
There were guards at the gate of the mansion, and people were shouting. It could be seen that the owner of the house was still able to move at the time. Regardless of whether he could shout or not, the servants would fetch water to put out the fire. How could it be burned to ashes?
Unless the fire was unusually intense, it could burn a living person to death in a short period of time.
This is also unlikely.
How can natural fire be so powerful? Even a piece of wood takes a while to turn into ash, let alone a human body with sufficient water, which would take a long time to burn...
Yan Siqing: "Are all corpses like this?"
That's not clear. There are many rumors in Chang'an. Xiaoyun naturally couldn't talk to that general, but he had chatted with other guards in the mansion, and Ruoqin was also eavesdropping on them.
The guards knew the identity and general situation of the deceased, as well as the details about the body. After all, the matter had become so serious that the Dali Temple kept the details secret, fearing that the rumors would become more serious and anger the emperor, and then more than just the deceased would die.
Xiaoyun: "Or should I go out and gossip again, uh, uh, no, and find out more about the inside story?"
Yan Siqing was amused and patted her head. "No need. After all, it's an errand for the Dali Temple. It's good to know the news. The rest has nothing to do with us."
But it has something to do with your palace.
She thought to herself.
But I didn't know that at this moment, a rainstorm came.
Crackling.
It’s raining so hard it could kill people.
Inside the carriage, Xiaoyun and the other man looked at Yan Siqing.
Outside the carriage, Wang Fu and others looked at Jiang Hui.
The two of them also met eyes through the rain in an instant.
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The team stopped immediately and had to decide where to hide from the rain, otherwise it would be disastrous if they encountered any flood accidents.
Where is the nearest location?
It was obviously impossible to go back to the post station. We had been walking for most of the day, and the area over there was still prone to landslides.
The next station can only be reached late at night, which is not possible.
unless....
General of the palace: "Your Highness, White Horse Temple."
"The closest one is the White Horse Temple."
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Fortunately, the White Horse Temple is not located on the mountainside or on the top of the mountain, so there is no need to climb the mountain in heavy rain.
It's at the foot of the mountain.
However, there is a plank road specially built for pilgrims to enter the mountain. Horses and carriages are not allowed to go forward because the wooden planks of the plank road cannot withstand too heavy a load and are easily damaged.
Furthermore, it is a courtesy to fall from one's horse and enter the realm of Buddha.
This is the case for princes and nobles.
The bamboo forests on both sides of the plank road are like waterfalls flowing on the plain, which is better than the rainstorm outside. The dense bamboo leaves block the violent raindrops. When there is wind, they shake it and block the rain.
The rain turned into silk, penetrating the sky and the earth and forming green silk.
Yan Siqing didn't let Xiaoyun serve her. After all, she was taller and it was more convenient for her to hold the oil-paper umbrella by herself. She walked slowly on the wet plank road.
There were many of them, and they were well-armed and had many umbrellas.
Yan Siqing watched coldly, knowing that the palace was well prepared, and that the prince must have some beneficial connections in the Imperial Observatory.
But she didn't understand what it meant.
Drive yourself to White Horse Temple.
Jiang Hui also noticed it, but due to the "gap" between him and Yan Siqing before, it was difficult for him to approach him. He could only walk behind him with another umbrella, keeping some distance, but the distance did not become longer or shorter.
Xiaoyun saw that the two of them were avoiding each other and never spoke. Otherwise, in the past... His Highness would rush to discuss the case with the Young Madam at the meeting, and even if the Young Madam was cold towards His Highness, she would still focus on her business and tolerate the latter's closeness and enthusiasm.
The closer they got to Chang'an, the more distant the two became.
It's windy.
The wind got stronger and the rain started to fall sideways.
So we have to find a pavilion or a courtyard to take shelter temporarily.
During the rainstorm, many pilgrims were blocked or had to change their route, but most of them hurried to the main temple inside, not caring about these few steps. Only they encountered this evil wind and had to take shelter temporarily.
Fortunately, there are few people, it is quiet, and can accommodate everyone.
There is a cloud resting courtyard on the road.
The door was naturally open, not avoiding the benefactor. The old monk guarding the courtyard had already heard the noise of the crowd and arrived under the eaves first. He must have been able to tell where the people in the palace came from. After all, the White Horse Temple often received dignitaries. He even recognized Jiang Hui.
"It turns out to be His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"It's been a long time."
Jiang Hui nodded, stepped forward, unsheathed his sword, and saluted. "I was out on business and encountered this rainstorm. Sorry to bother you."
The old monk naturally did not ask what kind of task could employ the soldiers of the royal palace.
But he had sharp eyes and could tell at a glance that most people were quietly protecting two people.
The first one is naturally the Prince Yan, who is as arrogant as ever, a young man like the bright moon... standing under the umbrella, more eye-catching than anyone else.
The old monk bowed to everyone and led them in, reminding them, "There are other distinguished guests sheltering from the rain ahead. They are female relatives. I've made some ginger soup to ward off the cold. Does Your Highness need it?"
As they were talking, the east wing of the quadrangle with eaves was wide open, and the maids and guards who were guarding inside all looked over when they heard the sound, and it turned out that both sides knew each other.
When Jiang Hui raised his eyes, he saw a beautiful woman leaning against him and sipping tea.
"Aunt Huaixuan."
"I was just wondering who was making such a big fuss to come to the White Horse Temple at this critical moment. It turns out it's you, Chi Lin."
Only elders were accustomed to calling him by his nickname, and they were close blood relatives. Yan Siqing heard the other party's words from behind and only then knew that Jiang Hui's nickname was Chi Lin.
However, this person should be the third princess Huaixuan, the emperor's second daughter and the sister of Prince Yan and Prince Qi.
Jiang Hui had always been aloof and had a fierce reputation in the royal family. He had few friends of his generation. The elders put aside the power struggle and praised him highly on the surface, as if they relied on him. They were usually either respectful and polite to him, or intimate and warm to him.
However, it can be seen that his relationship with Princess Huaixuan is not very good. The latter's words are somewhat critical and harsh, and seem to contain some resentment.
Yan Siqing didn't want to be too closely associated with Jiang Hui, and naturally didn't want to get involved in the affairs of the royal family. After all, these nobles standing at the top of the empire could make the lower class people helpless with just a wave of their hands.
She was hidden in the crowd, shielded by the tall and burly soldiers in armor. The light under the eaves was dim, and the monks were preparing to light candles.
"The wing is ready, please come this way, sir."
The old monk came to invite, pushed open the small door opposite Huaixuan, and invited her softly, with a better attitude than that towards Jiang Hui. Princess Huaixuan didn't hear the difference in tone, but she knew that Jiang Hui, the eldest grandson of the emperor in front of her, was a noble man, more noble than herself, but she didn't expect that there was another person guarding among the soldiers in the palace.
The young lady of the Prince Yan's Palace, her eldest brother was born like a piece of ice tip scraped off the snowy peak of the north sky, without a single bit of life in him. The incident that happened some time ago...
Could it be true?
Is there really such a person?
She was originally lazy, but she sat up straighter all of a sudden, her sharp and fierce eyes fixed in the direction where the old monk was speaking.
Over there, Yan Siqing had no choice but to bow and express his gratitude, "Thank you, Master."
She walked out and into the house.
From Huaixuan's perspective...I saw nothing.
It was because the blind and annoying nephew blocked the way and asked, "I heard that Aunt Huaixuan was ill and her diet was not good. Is it the rule to eat vegetarian food at the White Horse Temple?"
He used to always agree with her when she criticized him as his elder, but today he was much kinder and even remembered to ask about his elder's health.
Huai Xuan thought to himself that this bastard must have been escorting an extremely important...female relative for his father.
I’m afraid it’s the “good man” who has been hidden for more than ten years.
The good man who was rumored to have killed her husband and wiped out her family to be the only one with her?
Is that sending it out of Chang'an?
Huai Xuan was not in power, nor did she know that Prince Qi and Prince Yan were fighting to the death and spying on each other's military intelligence. She did not know the movements of Jiang Hui and the royal soldiers, and was not sure at the moment. She only saw that Jiang Hui was being polite today in order to avoid that "beloved", and it seemed that he was planning to avoid her seeing it.
Oh, if that's the case...
Huai Xuan said, "Well, what else? Didn't you chop up all the meat I ate?"
Meat dishes...chopped...
The locals in Chang'an probably know about this.
I don’t know what’s happening outside.
Seeing that she continued to provoke with no sign of softening, Jiang Hui's eyes flashed and he paused.
Huai Xuan made a feint and tried to look from the other side, but Jiang Hui blocked his attack as if he had a third eye.
The two aunts and nieces obviously knew each other very well. Huai Xuan was furious, but he was unwilling to break up with others regardless of his status and confront Jiang Hui, the devil.
Just taking a break.
"Who are you?"
There was a noise over there.
Hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Hui frowned, thinking that something was wrong, and turned around.
On the aisle under the eaves of the wing house opposite, where the old monk was pointing, stood a young man in white clothes and a handsome gentleman. He was tall and graceful, and extremely beautiful. If you glanced at him casually, you might even mistake him for a woman dressed as a man.
But he is the Jiulang of the Xie family, famous in Tiandu for his good name, and ranks third on the list of young masters of the Tianchao families.
Everyone knows that it is as bright as the moon.
But not long ago, he forced another person to use this identity...
At that time, Jiang Hui was certain that the other party was far away in Nansheng, the hometown of the Xie family. Why did he suddenly return to Chang'an?
And bumped into it.
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