Chapter 108 Hawk

At dusk in December, clouds pressed down like lead lumps, and broken snow fell from the sky. Ming Huashang sat on a private seat on the second floor, holding a hand warmer, watching the broken jade falling from the gray sky.

At this time, a young man and a young girl came downstairs. The girl was tall and slender, with long hair tied up high, clean and dashing. The man next to him had red lips and white teeth, delicate skin and tender flesh, and walked in a casual manner. Even the imperial guard uniform made him look like a thief.

Ming Huashang saw it and quickly leaned out to wave, "Sister Ren, Jiang Ling, over here."

Ren Yao looked up and saw Ming Huashang. He waved at her and walked into the store. Ming Huashang hurriedly asked the waiter to serve hot tea. Ren Yao and Jiang Ling sat down one after the other. Ming Huashang asked, "Why did you come so late? Is the Northern Court so busy?"

The Yulin Army is the emperor's personal guard, with many rules and regulations. Recently, they have also been responsible for patrolling Chang'an. Ren Yao is either busy on night shift or unable to go out. Ming Huashang took a lot of effort to find a time when both Ren Yao and Jiang Ling are free.

Ren Yao drank the tea in one gulp and said lightly, "Not bad." Jiang Ling, however, started to complain, "No, she's just stupid. No one else wanted to do the night patrol, so we pushed it to her. She accepted it without complaint. She even went to the daytime training as usual. I was worried that she would suddenly die on the training ground one day. I don't know how many times I have reminded her that there are many things she shouldn't do. She was too embarrassed to say it when I asked her to push it away."

Ming Huashang looked at Ren Yao. Ren Yao had an indifferent expression, with dark circles under his eyelids that were difficult to hide. He did not refute or explain.

There are many things that men don't understand, and Jiang Ling, who has been treated like a star since childhood, will not understand. Is Ren Yao embarrassed to say it? Is she unable to see that those are not her duties? Of course she understands, but she can't refuse.

She is the only female military champion since the founding of the dynasty. The position of Yulin Army Captain was appointed by His Majesty, which has brought shame to many high-ranking military officials. If she continues to be picky about the orders of her superiors, how can she gain a foothold in the Yulin Army?

In a place full of men, just staying here requires all your effort.

Ming Huashang sighed secretly in her heart. She saw with her own eyes how hard Ming Huazhang had to work in Jingzhao Prefecture, and felt sorry for Ming Huazhang being harassed by his superiors. However, behind her, Ren Yao, Su Xingzhi, and Xie Jichuan all had to make a lot of efforts to adapt to their new identities and environment. Probably except for Jiang Ling, everyone else had their own hardships.

Maybe Jiang Ling is not at ease either. To outsiders, he has a good father. No matter what he does, his father will pave the way for him, which makes others envious. But does Jiang Ling really like this kind of preferential treatment? Even if he achieves success through his own efforts, others will say that it is all thanks to his father.

Ming Huashang did not continue the topic, and said with a smile: "Since you have worked so hard, you should have a good meal. I will treat you to dinner today, what would you like to eat?"

Ren Yao was very confident about this and said, "We have to be on duty all day and don't have time to wander around Chang'an. You must know more about food than us. You can decide. Just add a pot of hot wine at the end."

Ming Huashang was no longer polite and quickly selected the dishes. She said, "Recently, the West Market has received a shipment of Malang wine from the Kingdom of the Caliphate. I heard that it tastes completely different from the Central Plains. How about we try the new wine today?"

Ren Yao certainly had no objection. Chang'an was an all-embracing city, with imported goods everywhere. Whether businessmen or diners, Chang'an people were very receptive to new things.

Ming Huashang ordered a pot of Malang wine, and soon the waiter served the food and wine and left. Ming Huashang had chosen this place on purpose, as it was quiet and convenient for conversation. Ming Huashang poured the wine and said to Ren Yao and Jiang Ling, "Thank you for the last time, but there are a lot of things going on in Jingzhao Prefecture recently, and my second brother is busy with official duties and can't spare the time, so I asked me to come and thank you two. Thank you for your help."

Ren Yao shook his head to indicate that it was okay. Jiang Ling said casually, "We are teammates. Why are we being so polite? He was badly injured that day. I was shocked when I saw him. Is his injury better now?"

Ming Huashang smiled and nodded: "Much better."

In fact, Ming Huazhang was back to work on the case the next day. Everything went as he expected. After the King of Wei searched the temple that day, the abbot of Pudu Temple was alarmed and quietly cleaned up the traces of the underground secret room. When Ming Huazhang went there again, he only saw an empty altar.

The Laughing Buddha is also a belief of the Tantric Buddhism. Although it is not in line with the secular world, it is also beyond reproach. Just relying on the secret passage under the Pudu Temple cannot prove anything. Ming Huazhang can only look for new evidence. He has been so busy these days that he can't even see anyone. How can he have time to recuperate?

Jiang Ling asked curiously, "What did you do to offend the King of Wei? I heard that the King of Wei went to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion that night?"

There are no secrets in Chang'an. The news that the King of Wei broke into the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion at night quickly spread. Now everyone is guessing what the Ming family did to offend the King of Wei. Those who want to make friends with the Ming family are hesitant. Ming Yu and others' marriage proposal is blocked again. At this moment, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is in a state of misery. Ming Huashang did not reveal the news that their Xuan Xiaowei's identity might be exposed, but just said: "It is related to the case."

The serial murder case was widely reported, and everyone in Chang'an knew about it. Ren Yao and Jiang Ling both showed signs of understanding, and Ren Yao asked in a low voice, "Hasn't the case been settled?"

"My second brother thinks the truth is not like this, and he is still investigating privately." Ming Huashang explained briefly, saying, "One of the cases has something to do with the King of Wei."

Ming Huashang revealed a lot of information in a few words, which was very different from the truth announced by Jingzhao Yin. Ren Yao and Jiang Ling understood and stopped asking questions. They were about to change the subject, but unexpectedly Ming Huashang straightened his face and said, "Today's banquet is to thank you two. In addition, I have another matter that I would like to ask you for help."

·

The north wind was blowing, and a young man stopped his horse at the entrance of the village. He was wearing an indigo robe and a black cloak tied around his shoulders. He was tall and straight, and his movements when he dismounted from his horse were graceful and neat, just like a person in a painting walking out of the snow-covered mountains.

Such a handsome man is rare. People on the street were looking at him openly or secretly. He was at ease in such eyes. He took the initiative to stop in front of an old man and asked politely: "Excuse me, is Aunt Xu's home here?"

The old man looked him up and down and asked, "Which Aunt Xu?"

"Mrs. Xu used to work as a maid in the Lu family in Chang'an," Ming Huazhang said. "I came from Chang'an and I have something to ask her."

Perhaps because Ming Huazhang's upright and righteous appearance was so convincing, the old man did not suspect him of being a bad person and directly pointed him in the direction. Ming Huazhang followed the instructions, found Aunt Xu's house, and slowly knocked on the door.

"I'm here!" A voice responded from inside, and footsteps came thumping. Then the door opened, and the person inside was stunned when he saw Ming Huazhang. Ming Huazhang explained at the right time: "I am from Jingzhao Prefecture in Chang'an, and I came to inquire about the old story of the Lu family. May I ask if you are Aunt Xu?"

As the sun rose higher, the cold white sunlight shone on the floor tiles, scattering a dazzling halo, which seemed like a completely different world from the cold and quiet temple. Lu Du knelt in front of the mat, closed his eyes and recited the sutra, very absorbed in his study.

At this time, a person knelt down beside Lu Du. She shook the incense in her hand and murmured, "May the Bodhisattva bless me. I wish my second brother a smooth career, my family health and safety, and I wish he finds a husband of his dreams."

After she finished speaking, she bowed three times in the same way, put the incense in the burner, and walked away briskly. After she left, Lu Du closed his eyes and couldn't help but look back at her.

She seemed to have no interest in Buddhism, and her wishes were extremely worldly. She was exactly the impression of a young lady from Chang'an, with a harmonious family, a doting brother, and grew up in a banquet of gold and peonies from the Western Regions. Her every move was full of the style of the capital, and her biggest worry every day was to find a husband of equal status. She walked alone in the Buddhist temple, her demeanor was calm, curious but not stage-frightened, and it was obvious that she was used to it.

Lu Du recognized her. She seemed to be the second lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Her brother was Lang Ming Huazhang, a famous Jinshi during that time. He was serving in Jingzhao Prefecture. He was a fourth-rank official as soon as he was released from prison. He was also a very typical talented person from an aristocratic family in Chang'an. His whole life was as smooth as a legend.

He had run into these two people at Pudu Temple, and it was obvious that they had a very good relationship as siblings. Why would such a favored young lady appear alone in Qingchan Temple?

Lu Du couldn't help it, so he stood up and walked out of the door.

Ming Huashang sat sideways on the railing, reaching out to touch the red plum blossoms. The plum blossoms were redder than blood, and were weighed down by the snow. She raised her hand to brush away the snow on the branches, and her wrist looked particularly slender and white.

Lu Du watched from behind for a while, then slowly approached and said, "King Shibi cuts his flesh to feed the eagle, and the lady brushes the snow for the flowers. The second lady really has the Buddha nature."

Ming Huashang turned around and saw Lu Du. She was surprised and stood up a little awkwardly. But this awkwardness was the reserve of a noble lady. She was still polite and well-mannered, and said, "Dr. Lu, I am very happy. I am sorry to have embarrassed you."

Lu Du returned the greeting calmly and asked, "Why are you sitting here alone, Madam Ming Er?"

Ming Huashang felt a little embarrassed and said, "I came out to look for my brother, but the people in Jingzhao Prefecture said he was not there. I didn't want to go back, so I just took a walk around the area and asked him to accompany me shopping after he got off work."

Lu Du said, "It's almost the end of the year, and Chang'an is a hodgepodge of people. It might be dangerous for my lady to be out there alone."

Ming Huashang said nonchalantly, "The murderer has been caught. There are so many people on the street. There is no danger at all."

Lu Du did not respond, but lowered his eyes, not knowing what he was thinking. Ming Huashang, however, was like an innocent young lady. Even though she was wary at first, she gradually lost her guard once she started talking, chattering, "My second brother is still the best. The officials of Jingzhao Prefecture had tried to catch the murderer for four years before, but he caught the murderer as soon as he arrived. My grandmother and father both said that my second brother has made a great contribution this time, and his career will be smoother in the future. He is now a fourth-rank official. If Jingzhao Yin solves this major case, he will probably be promoted soon. When he takes over Jingzhao Yin, he will be a third-rank official. If he solves a few more cases and is transferred to the Six Ministries as a minister, maybe he can become the youngest prime minister in history!"

Such a career path to promotion is too ideal, but combined with Ming Huazhang's family background, appearance, and origin, as long as there is a little bit of luck, such a career may not be impossible to achieve. Lu Du looked at Ming Huachang quietly and said, "Second Lady is so concerned about your brother's career, it seems that you have a good relationship."

"Of course." Ming Huashang said happily, "My second brother is the best man in Chang'an, no, in the world. The serial murder case some time ago was so serious, but after my second brother took over, it was solved in less than three months. In my opinion, the criminals in Chang'an should repent and turn over a new leaf, or leave Yongzhou as far as possible, otherwise if they run into my brother's hands, I guarantee that they will be exposed and regret their actions!"

"Oh?" Lu Du replied calmly, and asked, "Second Madam trusts Young Master Ming so much?"

"Yes." Ming Huashang said as a matter of course, "I am not talking nonsense, I have examples to prove it! The murderer some time ago, did so many disguises, spent so much effort, and even tricked the lady of the mansion into killing her, but he could not escape the clutches of my second brother. His murder case was so big, but it was just to pave the way for my second brother. Thanks to him, my second brother is now famous in Chang'an, and his future is sure to rise to the top!"

Ming Huachang became more and more excited as she spoke. After she finished, she noticed that Lu Du had not responded for a long time. She touched her nose awkwardly and said, "Sorry, I was too engrossed in what I said. Dr. Lu is a refined person and probably doesn't like to hear these bloody things. I won't disturb Dr. Lu any more. I'll take my leave first."

Lu Du raised his eyes and smiled, saying, "Second Madam, you are too polite. I have devoted myself to Buddhism in recent years and don't really understand the trends in Chang'an. Where are you going next, Madam?"

Ming Huashang casually wiped the water off her fingertips and said, "It doesn't matter where we go. The main thing is to wait for my second brother. He promised to take me to buy lanterns for the Lantern Festival."

Lu Du smiled at Ming Huashang and said politely, "If Second Madam doesn't mind, why don't I take you to see Qingchan Temple?"

Ming Huashang was stunned for a moment, then her pupils lit up, and her face was filled with surprise and joy that could not be concealed: "Great, I've heard that Dr. Lu is knowledgeable and well versed in Buddhist principles, so we have Dr. Lao Lu."

It snowed in Chang'an. The ancient temples were covered in silver and the fir trees were deep and serene. Lu Du took Ming Huashang for a slow walk along the path, explaining the origins of each courtyard along the way. Ming Huashang listened attentively and exclaimed sincerely, "Dr. Lu, you know so much. Even the novice monks at Qingchan Temple can't explain as well as you."

Lu Du smiled faintly, looking at the dense shadows of trees covered with snow, and said: "The longer you stay here, the more you know. Sometimes, I also hope that I know nothing."

"What are you talking about, Dr. Lu? It's better to have more experience than no experience." Ming Huashang couldn't help but sneeze. Seeing this, Lu Du hurriedly said, "Look at me, I forgot that Second Madam is a girl. I was careless. It just snowed a few days ago, and the forest is very cold. Why don't you come with me to the Zen room to drink some hot tea and warm yourself up?"

Ming Huashang lowered her eyes and coughed, her eyelashes slightly drooping, and the expression in her eyes could not be seen clearly. When she put down her hand, her eyes were shining and she agreed happily: "Okay."