Chapter 181 Picking Stars
It was rare to see something new in Shangzhou. Suddenly, a thief who had disappeared for many years reappeared and announced by name that he would come to steal treasures in three days. The news soon spread throughout the city and knew about it. Within a day, the streets and alleys everyone were talking about the Feng family and the mysterious thief.
The Feng family was on high alert, constantly recruiting guards to the mansion, which undoubtedly added fuel to the fire. Amid the controversy, the first and second days of the first lunar month passed peacefully, and in the blink of an eye it was the third day of the twelfth lunar month, the day the thief said in the letter that he would come to take the treasure. The people's enthusiasm for gossip became more and more intense, and for a while the area outside the Feng mansion was full of people watching the excitement. Everyone wanted to know who this thief was and whether he could steal the treasure from the Feng family, who was surrounded like an iron barrel today.
At this point, the theft was no longer a public security issue, but a credibility issue for the government. Li Huazhang had not expected the news to spread so quickly, so he could only strengthen the city gate guards and arrange patrols to prepare for any eventuality.
At the same time, the Feng family was also on high alert. In order to protect the treasure, Old Lady Feng spent a lot of money to hire a security guard and even invited several people from the martial arts world to guard the Zhaixing Tower. They patrolled day and night, and the third floor was truly so dense that not even a fly could get close. Because there were both people from the martial arts world and imperial soldiers in the Feng Mansion, Old Lady Feng was afraid of any problems, so she also sent an invitation to Li Huazhang, asking Prince Yong to come to the Feng family on the third day of the twelfth month.
Ming Huashang wanted to see how Miaoshou Kongkong would perform his magic tonight, so she discussed with Li Huazhang and decided to come together. Time passed by, and it was dusk in the blink of an eye. As the sky darkened, Li Huazhang arranged the affairs of the government office and rushed to Feng's house with Ming Huashang.
When Old Master Feng learned that Prince Yong and Princess Yong were here, he was overjoyed and personally led people to greet them: "I have met Prince Yong and Princess Yong. I am really ashamed to have troubled you and your wife to run around for the scandal of the mansion. I have ordered people to prepare a banquet, and your accommodation for tonight is also ready. This is a Jiangnan garden that I hired a famous artist to build at a high price. It was just completed this year and no one has lived there yet. Prince, do you think you should go to the villa to rest first, or go to eat first?"
Li Huazhang declined, "Don't be polite, Old Lady Feng. We came here after dinner. Don't bother. We can just stay in the guest room."
"How can that be possible?" Old Lady Feng said hurriedly, "The Feng family has troubled Prince Yong several times because of the thieves. I feel very sorry for it. Today, the prince and his family are here. If I fail to entertain them well, I will be guilty."
Li Huazhang climbed the stairs and said coldly, "I am the governor, and catching thieves is my job. Even if it was not the Feng family today, but an ordinary family threatened by thieves, I would come to catch the thieves myself. The newly built garden of Mr. Feng should be left to your family. My wife and I can live in the guest room. The conditions are not important, but it must be close to the Zhaixing Tower."
Li Huazhang's cold expression was quite intimidating. Old Lady Feng thought that he was indeed the grandson of the emperor. This calm and unhurried but decisive demeanor was something that no wealthy family could ever produce no matter how much money they spent. Old Lady Feng smiled and said, "Prince Yong is so righteous that I admire him. Butler, go and clean up the house for Prince Yong and Princess Yong."
The housekeeper hurriedly took the order. Li Huazhang ignored Old Lady Feng's flattery. He glanced at the crowd around him and asked, "Has there been any unusual movement during this period?"
"Not yet." Old Lady Feng said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, there are always people guarding the Zhaixing Tower. You two have been busy, I have prepared some hot tea, please take a rest, the guest room will be ready soon."
Since Li Huazhang came here, he didn't just want to sleep in a different place. He helped Ming Huashang into the house and said, "Mr. Feng is thoughtful, but I won't feel at ease if I don't watch over it in person. Let's go to Zhaixing Tower first."
This was Ming Huachang's first time entering the Zhaixing Tower. There was a guard every three steps and a sentry every five steps. A group of servants who were obviously martial artists were patrolling around the Zhaixing Tower. There were far more people than when she first entered the Feng family. Old Master Feng stopped in front of the entrance with his cane and gestured to the guards, "This is Prince Yong and Princess Yong."
Shangzhou is not more regulated than Chang'an. Ming Huashang did not wear a curtain and nodded and smiled at the guards. The leader looked at Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang with a hawk's eye and said, "So this is the famous King Yong. I have heard of you for a long time. Please come in."
Li Huazhang remained calm, nodded calmly, and walked past the guards toward the Zhaixing Building. The Zhaixing Building was spacious, with three floors, but the stairs were narrow and steep. Ming Huashang held up her skirt and walked carefully. Li Huazhang walked in front, holding her arm all the time, saying, "Be careful, pay attention to the turns."
At the last few steps, Li Huazhang was the first to climb up, turned around, held her hand and pulled her up. Ming Huashang finally landed on the ground, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's worthy of being called the Zhaixing Tower. It's really not easy to climb up."
Old Lady Feng's legs were not in good condition, so she fell behind and had not come up yet. Ming Huashang took the opportunity to look around, and saw that there were several tables and chimneys upstairs, and everything was ready. After packing a few sets of clothes, people could live there directly. At this moment, the curtains were tied to the pillars, and the windows around were open, ensuring that everything within the line of sight was in full view. In the most conspicuous open space, there was a heavy iron box.
The iron box looked old, with a slightly dull color and simple patterns painted on it, giving it a cold and rustic feel. But what attracted Ming Huashang's attention the most were the gears of different sizes on the front of the iron box.
Ming Huashang quietly asked Li Huazhang: "If I turn the wrong mechanism, will this box really shoot out poison needles?"
Li Huazhang saw Ming Huashang's eager eyes and said helplessly, "Don't be curious about everything. I heard from Master Feng that this is a treasure box that he paid a high price to the heir of the Mohist School to customize after he bought the Suihou Pearl. He checks the mechanism and poison needles inside every year, and there has never been a mistake in all these years. The Mohist mechanism should not be underestimated, so you are not allowed to mess around."
"I know." Ming Huashang responded obediently, thinking with regret in her heart that it was a pity that she could not move it to Xuanxiaowei for research. She really wanted to see what the structure inside was.
Old Master Feng, supported by his servants, went upstairs with great difficulty. He saw Ming Huashang looking at the iron box and asked, "Does the princess want to see the Suihou Pearl?"
Ming Huashang waved her hands when she heard this: "No, no, I was just tired from climbing the stairs, so I just stared at something in a daze. Feng Laomo must have misunderstood me."
"It just so happens that I also want to check the accompanying beads inside, so it's okay." Old Lady Feng said to Baozhu, "Help me over."
The two sons of the Feng family followed behind. Feng Kun hurriedly stepped forward to do the work, but was rejected by Old Lady Feng: "Let Baozhu do it."
Feng Kun was rejected in front of everyone and looked embarrassed. Baozhu responded, lowered her head and walked past Feng Kun, supporting Old Lady Feng and walking to the middle.
Old Lady Feng walked very slowly, his solid wooden cane knocking on the floor with each step, making a dull and heavy sound. Baozhu bent over and always supported Old Lady Feng steadily, without showing any impatience.
Old Lady Feng walked to the iron box. Seeing this, Feng Kun stood on tiptoe, wishing his neck could stretch like a snake. Unfortunately, Baozhu pulled open the screen from the side, completely blocking Old Lady Feng's movements. Feng Kun clapped his hands in hatred when he saw this.
Baozhu stood in front of the screen with her hands down, as if she had done it unintentionally, not realizing at all that she had ruined the eldest son's plan. Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang had no interest in the Feng family's treasures. Although there was a screen blocking them, they still walked to the window to look at it, and took the initiative to avoid Grandma Feng from entering the password.
After a sound of gears turning, there was a click, and the mechanism opened. Baozhu retracted the screen as if she could foresee what was going to happen, and turned around to help Old Lady Feng push the lid of the iron box. Old Lady Feng took out the sandalwood box from inside with trembling hands, and opened it. The moonlight-like light instantly filled the pavilion. Old Lady Feng nodded with satisfaction: "Sui Houzhu is still here. What kind of thief saint is this? In my opinion, he is just a dog-eat-dog."
Feng Kun looked at Sui Hou Zhu greedily, while Feng Lu stood by with his hands folded, looking calm and not showing much concern. In order to avoid suspicion, Li Huazhang pulled Ming Huashang to stand far away by the window. Seeing that Sui Hou Zhu was intact, he said, "Since Sui Zhu is fine, put it away first. It's not time to relax yet. Don't let others take advantage of you."
Old Lady Feng said, "King Yong is right. However, the thief dared to boast that he would show up at Zishi. I must meet him to let him know that our Feng family is not easy to mess with. Baozhu, there is no need to pack up. I will stay here tonight and watch over Sui Houzhu in person. I want to see if he dares to come again."
When Old Lady Feng said this, everyone upstairs was shocked. Erlang Feng said hurriedly, "Father, no. If that thief really comes tonight, it will be too dangerous for you to stay here."
Old Lady Feng waved her hand and said firmly, "I have made up my mind. He left a letter by my bed last time and came and went as if no one was around. It was really a great shame and humiliation. Although I, Feng Rong, am not talented, the Feng family is one of the most famous families in Shangzhou and will not tolerate provocation by a low-class thief. He came at the right time. The Zhaixing Tower has set up a net. This time, I must catch him with my own hands."
Feng Yu still frowned and said worriedly, "Then I will stay here with you tonight. It's too dangerous for you to be alone."
"No need." Old Lady Feng said stubbornly, "When I was at the top of my game, that thief was still a young boy. How could he be so arrogant in front of me? You don't need to accompany me. I can handle him by myself."
Baozhu also said earnestly: "Then you should at least bring two people with you. How about I stay here to keep watch for the old lady?"
"No need." Old Lady Feng was used to being the boss at home, and was quite arbitrary. She said forcefully, "I want to meet this thief in person. Bringing a group of people with me, wouldn't that be intimidating him? You all go back and do what you need to do. I know what I am doing."
Everyone was confused by this sudden idea of Old Lady Feng, but Feng Erlang and Baozhu, who were the most popular in front of Old Lady Feng, could not persuade them, and the others did not dare to make trouble. Li Huazhang looked for a while and said, "The defense outside the Zhaixing Tower is very strong and leak-proof. It may be safer for Old Lady Feng to sleep in the attic than in the main courtyard. As long as Old Lady Feng does not mind the simple conditions here, it is fine."
The old lady was stubborn, and the rest of the Feng family sighed. They could only do this. Old lady Feng slowly bent down and put the sandalwood box containing the Suihou Pearl into the iron box. Baozhu wanted to go forward to help, but old lady Feng stopped her and said, "You go and do your thing. I'll take care of these."
Although Zhaixing Tower was fully equipped, it was inevitable that many decorations would be added for Old Lady Feng to live in. As the head maid, Baozhu still had a lot to do. Baozhu bowed to Old Lady Feng and went downstairs to prepare. When Old Lady Feng put the Suihou Pearl into the mechanism and closed the iron box door, Feng Kun ran over to help without waiting for him to speak.
"Father, this piece of iron is heavy. Please leave it alone and I will move it."
Feng Kun came forward enthusiastically, and Old Lady Feng looked at him expressionlessly without saying anything. Before Feng Kun could see clearly, the iron box was locked with a clang, and Feng Kun curled his lips obscurely, unable to hide his disappointment.
It was already completely dark. Ming Huashang looked at the time. It was the end of the You hour, and there were still two hours to the Zi hour. Old Lady Feng saw Li Huazhang and his wife standing far away by the window, and asked, "We have Prince Yong and Princess Yong here today. Are you tired? Butler, have you prepared Prince Yong's guest room?"
The housekeeper stepped forward with his hands down and replied, "My old lady, everything has been packed."
Old Lady Feng leaned on her cane and staggered, "Okay, Erlang, help me down. I'll take the prince and princess back to their rooms."
Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang saw it and said hurriedly: "Mr. Feng has a disability, so don't bother him. Tonight may not be peaceful, you should rest for a while, and we can go back by ourselves."
Old Master Feng was already very tired after climbing the stairs. His physical strength could not support him, so he could only say, "Excuse me. Erlang, you go and send Prince Yong back to his room and obey his orders. Call your wife to talk to Princess Yong. If Princess Yong is tired, help her to sleep."
Feng Lu agreed. At this time, Baozhu came back with his people and went up and down to add things to the attic. The place suddenly became cramped. Li Huazhang said, "We won't disturb Mr. Feng from resting. Mr. Feng, don't worry. I will keep an eye on the patrol outside."
Old Lady Feng thanked them repeatedly and sent Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang to the stairs before returning amid the sound of people stopping. Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang led a large group of people downstairs, and Feng Lu personally led the way and took them to where they would stay tonight.
Li Huazhang said that they could just stay in an ordinary guest room, but the Feng family still made a courtyard for them, which was very close to the Zhaixing Tower. They could reach it in just two steps. The second wife of Feng had been waiting at the door for a long time. When she saw them coming, she smiled and greeted them: "I pay my respects to Prince Yong and Princess Yong. It's cold outside, please come in quickly, Prince and Princess."
This is where Li Huazhang and his wife sleep at night. It is not convenient for Feng Lu to come in, so Feng Er Madam led Ming Huashang in to have a look. After Feng Er Madam showed Ming Huashang the room, she asked, "Princess, is there anything else you need? I will ask someone to get it for you."
"No need, I've been very thoughtful." Ming Huashang said with a smile, "It's so late, thank you for your hard work, Madam. Madam, please go back and rest."
Madam Feng Er said warmly, "Princess, you are so polite. It is my honor to be able to do this for you. If you need anything, please send a maid to find me, or go to the front to find Erlang. Erlang has to keep watch tonight, so he is in the flower room outside the Zhaixing Tower and can take care of you at any time."
Ming Huashang agreed. After sending Mrs. Feng away, she slowly stopped smiling, turned around and scanned the room, and whispered to Jinbao, "Check the room."
Jinbao nodded, understanding. While Jinbao and the others were busy in the room, Ming Huashang stood in the corridor to get some fresh air. She saw Li Huazhang standing in the corner, looking up at something. She deliberately slowed down her steps, tiptoed around behind Li Huazhang, and suddenly rushed over: "Don't move, you big thief!"
Li Huazhang chuckled and did not hide. He let her catch him and said, "What kind of thief dares to sneak in front of the governor?"
"Of course it's the flower thief who came to steal your flowers." Ming Huashang hugged Li Huazhang's arm, leaned on his shoulder and asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Look at Zhaixing Tower." Li Huazhang pointed to the front and said to Ming Huashang, "From this courtyard, you can just see the window on the third floor of Zhaixing Tower. Look, is that a pearl?"
Candles were lit on the third floor of Zhaixing Tower, and people were coming and going inside. Ming Huashang squinted for a while and said uncertainly: "It seems that there are indeed people. But I am not as good as Prince Yong in eyesight. I can see the beauty from such a distance."
Li Huazhang lowered his eyes and tapped her forehead helplessly: "Nonsense again. I'm afraid someone will sneak in with nothing."
"You can watch it if you want. Why explain it to me?" Ming Huashang glanced at him and said, "Why? Are you feeling guilty?"
Li Huazhang was helpless and pursed his lips in silence. Ming Huashang looked at his straight neck and cold profile, holding back her smile and approached him: "Are you angry?"
Li Huazhang said in a clear and calm voice: "No."
"You got angry over a joke. You weren't such a petty person before. Did I really hit the nail on the head and make you angry out of shame?"
Li Huazhang turned around expressionlessly, this time he was really angry. Ming Huachang laughed behind him, and quickly covered her mouth, fearing that if she laughed too loudly, Li Huazhang would be annoyed, which would make it even harder to appease her.
Jinbao and his companions watched as the lady drove Erlang away and then coaxed him back. In the past six months, Li Huazhang was demoted to the post of governor. He actually went to the fields to look after the crops and climbed the mountains to see the dams. He was more introverted than when he was in Chang'an. He was intimidating without being angry. Only Ming Huashang could make him show emotions other than calmness.
After Jinbao and his men checked and confirmed that there was nothing else hidden in the room, they withdrew. Ming Huashang opened the window, leaned against Li Huazhang holding a hand stove, and bumped him with her shoulder: "Do you think the thief will really come tonight?"
Li Huazhang still looked angry, but his body could not help but pull Ming Huachang's hand, wrapping her fingers from the outside to keep her warm. Li Huazhang half-closed his eyes, his expression could not be seen, and said in a clear voice: "It's hard to say. You take the people to rest in the house, I will go to Zhaixing Tower to take a look later."
Ming Huashang teases her brother every day, but when something happens, she says without thinking, "I'll go with you."
"It's too dark outside. It's dangerous for you to go out..."
"It's because it's getting dark that I want to go." Ming Huashang interrupted him directly and said rudely, "I'm afraid you'll get into danger. After all, my husband is so handsome. What if I don't keep a closer eye on him and he gets targeted by thieves?"
Li Huazhang knew he should refuse, but his reason was eventually defeated by the sugar-coated bullet. He looked at her and smiled helplessly: "You are just good at coaxing people. What you say is more pleasant than anything else."
"How could that be?" Ming Huashang felt quite wronged as she hugged Li Huazhang's neck, her charming and beautiful face approaching him immediately, "Could it be that I neglected my husband in my actions?"
Ming Huashang saw Li Huazhang startled for a moment, then glanced around subconsciously, his expression showing both patience and helplessness. Ming Huashang succeeded in teasing him again, laughing triumphantly, and Li Huazhang caught her as she staggered, feeling quite helpless.
She only dares to speak wildly because she is outside. When it comes to real action, she is as timid as a sesame seed.
Ming Huachang flirted with her most serious brother in the house, and she became more and more refreshed and energetic. Li Huazhang saw that she was very energetic and it was already midnight, so he took her to the Zhaixing Tower for inspection.
Outside the Zhaixing Tower, patrol teams were constantly coming and going. Feng Kun and Feng Lu led people to sit in the greenhouse outside the Zhaixing Tower. The greenhouse is two small bungalows, located in the shade of flowers. Across a small path is the Zhaixing Tower. As long as you open the window, you can see the entire Zhaixing Tower. This place was originally used by gardeners to take care of the garden and store tools. After the theft, it became a resting point for the patrol team.
Seeing Li Huazhang coming, Feng Yu and others stood up hurriedly: "Prince Yong, Princess Yong."
Li Huazhang raised his hand calmly, signaling them not to be polite, and asked, "Is there anything unusual?"
Feng Lu shook his head: "Everyone coming in and out is familiar. No strangers approach the Zhaixing Tower."
Li Huazhang looked up at the rooftop. The greenhouse and the courtyard where they lived were in a straight line. It seemed that he was right. Old Master Feng had indeed opened a window. From the outside, he could vaguely see the people inside. Li Huazhang asked, "Where is Old Master Feng? Has everything been settled?"
Just as Feng Jue was about to speak, Baozhu came out from the building. Feng Jue's eyes lit up and he said, "King Yong is asking the right person. Baozhu, is everything okay with father?"
Baozhu was carrying a teapot. When she heard someone calling her, she quickly turned and walked into the greenhouse. She bowed and said, "I have met Prince Yong, Princess Yong, and Erlang. The old lady was exhausted after a day of work and asked me to make a pot of hot tea. Everything should be fine after the tea is changed."
Li Huazhang glanced at the porcelain pot in Baozhu's hand and asked, "Is Mr. Feng sleepy? I see the window on the third floor is open, be careful that Mr. Feng doesn't catch a cold."
"That was the old lady's special request." Baozhu said in a crisp voice, "The old lady felt bored, so she asked me to open the window to refresh her mind. Prince Yong and Erlang, don't worry, I put several charcoal basins inside, so the old lady won't be frozen."
Ming Huashang heard this and asked with concern: "The Zhaixing Tower is made entirely of wood. There's no one watching at night, so the charcoal basin won't catch fire, right?"
Baozhu said quickly, "Don't worry, Princess. I have checked everything. There will be no leakage."
Ming Huashang breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. Baozhu is going to change the tea for Master Feng, right? Go and do your work, don't delay Master Feng's business."
Baozhu thanked him and was about to leave when a guard ran over and asked through the door, "Is Miss Baozhu here? A maid is looking for you. She said that the old lady's parrot flew out of the cage and they couldn't catch it. They asked you to go back quickly."
"Ah?" Baozhu frowned, looking at the pot in her hand in a dilemma, "It's out again? The old lady loves the parrot very much, it will be troublesome if it runs away. But the tea..."
Feng Kun stayed in the greenhouse, silent as an invisible man. Hearing this, he became excited and said, "Baozhu, go catch the birds. I'll make tea for you."
Baozhu glanced at Feng Kun silently, looking troubled. Feng Kun said, "Brother, take a rest. I will send someone to follow Baozhu."
When Feng Kun saw Feng Rong speaking for Baozhu, his face darkened.
He came and said unhappily: "Second brother, you have to ensure the safety of Zhaixing Tower. You have an important responsibility and cannot leave. Anyway, I am a free person, I will accompany Baozhu. Baozhu, do you only want your second brother to help you, but don't want me to help?"
Baozhu dared not respond to such a remark, and hurriedly said, "Dalang, you are joking. It is my honor that Dalang is willing to help me."
Feng Kun's face looked better now. He strode out the door and snorted coldly as he passed Feng Lu. Baozhu bowed her head and waited for Feng Kun to leave before she bowed to the others in the room and walked out quickly.
After Baozhu and Feng Kun left, Feng Kun sighed and bowed to Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang: "My elder brother is rude. I apologize for your crime. Please don't blame me, my Lord and Princess."
Ming Huashang shook her head and said "It's okay". Her eyes moved and she asked, "Does Feng Dalang seem to like Miss Baozhu very much?"
Feng Jue looked embarrassed and said, "It's hard to say. My elder brother saw that Baozhu was trusted by father and wanted to take her as a concubine, but father rejected it. It's a family shame and Prince Yong and Princess Yong are embarrassed."
Ming Huashang said softly, as if thinking about something. Ming Huashang didn't know much about the Feng family, but from what she saw during these two visits, Baozhu was very much valued by Old Lady Feng, and she was the one who managed Old Lady Feng's property. Feng Kun was the eldest son in the family, but he was not valued. He wanted to marry Baozhu, not necessarily because he really liked her, but because he wanted to get Old Lady Feng's money bag.
Baozhu went out with Feng Kun in front of everyone. No matter how shameless Feng Kun was, he would not do anything to her in the dark. Baozhu was safe for the time being. As for the long-term situation, Ming Huashang was an outsider and could not do anything about it.
Ming Huashang asked curiously, "Madam Baozhu is really a wonderful person. She handles all matters, big or small, properly. I wonder how the Feng family trained such a capable maid?"
Feng Lu smiled and said modestly, "I don't deserve it. Baozhu was bought by my father from outside, not our family's own child. But she is indeed capable. Not only is she smart and has a good memory, she also knows acupuncture and understands poetry. She can remember everything my father said after just one reading, which is much more useful than us."
"I see." Ming Huashang nodded with a smile, and said, "Mr. Er is too modest. You are also very capable. Everyone in Shangzhou knows that Mr. Feng's Er is handsome and one of the best young talents in the city."
Li Huazhang silently watched Ming Huashang praise other men. In Luoyang and Chang'an, she had Xie Jichuan. Now that they were married, she even had Feng Erlang. As a man, Feng Jue quickly felt the displeasure of Prince Yong. He understood what he meant and immediately said, "Princess Yong is overly flattering. I am ashamed to accept it. Your Highness Prince Yong is younger than me but more talented than me. When it comes to young talents, who can compare with Your Highness?"
Ming Huashang then remembered that Li Huazhang was still there. She quickly glanced at Li Huazhang and said with a smile, "Of course, Your Highness is the most handsome man in Shangzhou. I just didn't want to bring you along because you're married, lest you be accused of favoring my family."
Ming Huashang was quite good at smoothing things over. Li Huazhang knew she was trying to coax him, but he couldn't help but smile. Feng Lu was inexplicably impressed. He silently thought that they were indeed a newlywed couple, and their sweetness was so sweet that it made people's teeth ache.
However, it is really unexpected that Prince Yong, who looks aloof and noble, would be like this in front of a woman.
Less than an hour later, it was midnight. Li Huazhang walked around the Zhaixing Tower and checked the patrol personnel again. During this time, Feng Kun came back with a pot of tea. He said something to the guard, and Li Huazhang let him go up.
Ming Huashang wondered how long it would take to put down a teapot, but after a while Feng Kun still didn't come down. Lian Baozhu had come back, and she hurried over and asked as soon as she saw him, "Did Dalang come back from making tea?"
Feng Lu nodded and pointed upwards: "I'm back. My eldest brother has been sent up to father, but he hasn't come out yet. Did you catch the parrot?"
Baozhu rubbed her hands and blew a breath in front of her mouth. She went upstairs without even taking the time to warm herself up. "I caught him. Why hasn't the eldest son come down yet? Did the old lady give other instructions? Second son, I'll go up and take a look."
Feng Kun had been alone with the old lady for such a long time, and no one knew what he was doing. Feng Kun nodded and asked Baozhu to ask Feng Kun to come down. After all, this was the Feng family, so Li Huazhang did not express any opinion and signaled the guards to let him go.
Baozhu went upstairs with her skirt lifted. After a while, footsteps were heard on the stairs. Baozhu and Feng Kun came down together. Baozhu bowed to Li Huazhang and said, "I have troubled Prince Yong and Princess Yong to wait for so long. I am guilty of a great crime."
Li Huazhang shook his head calmly and asked, "Is Mr. Feng okay?"
"The old lady is fine, just a little tired." Baozhu smiled, "Please ask Prince Yong to close the door. The old lady wants to rest and relax so that she can meet the thief saint later."
Li Huazhang watched with his own eyes as the guards locked the gate of Zhaixing Tower from the outside. The guards were Feng's own guards. Li Huazhang ordered the government soldiers to patrol around Zhaixing Tower and not allow anyone to approach Zhaixing Tower. Everyone followed the order and dispersed. Li Huazhang walked around the perimeter to check if there were any blind spots for the patrol.
Even in Shangzhou, it was quite chilly in the middle of December. Feng Lu repeatedly urged Li Huazhang to go back and rest, saying that he would be watching over the place. Li Huazhang checked it out one last time and confirmed that there was no problem. He agreed with Feng Lu to come back at midnight, and then took Ming Huashang back to the room.
Before leaving, Ming Huashang looked back and saw from the window that Old Lady Feng got up, drank a cup of tea, and then went to rest on the recliner. The recliner was also requested by Old Lady Feng, who refused to sleep on the bed and insisted on staying on the recliner to guard Sui Houzhu and wait for the Thief Saint to come.
From this angle, only Old Lady Feng's head could be seen. From the look of Old Lady Feng, it seemed as if he was going to stay all night. Ming Huashang thought to herself, what a stubborn old man he is. At this time, the cold wind blew, and the chill almost penetrated into the bones. She shivered from the cold. Seeing this, Li Huazhang tightened her collar for her, hugged her and said, "Let's go, we'll go back first."
Ming Huashang nodded: "Okay."
After Ming Huashang returned to the house, she immediately ran to the brazier to warm her hands. Li Huazhang skillfully poured her a cup of hot tea and asked her to warm her hands. Then he added charcoal to the hand warmer and placed it on the blanket, saying, "Be careful not to burn your clothes. It's warm here. Come and rest on the couch for a while."
Ming Huashang looked at the quilt that Li Huazhang had warmed for her and said sincerely, "Second brother, you are so kind."
Li Huazhang was tidying up the blanket. He looked up and glanced at her calmly: "Why are you still turning a blind eye to it and always thinking about the young talents out there?"
When Ming Huashang heard this, she stopped warming the fire and rushed over to him, putting her hands into his sleeves to warm herself. "He's already married, why should I care about him? Wild flowers are not as fragrant as domestic flowers. How can they compare to my second brother?"
Li Huazhang keenly caught a word: "They?"
And "们"?
"No, no!" Ming Huashang accidentally slipped up and quickly tried to save her, "Second brother is the best in the world. With you around, I can't see any other man. Really, I swear!"
Ming Huashang hugged Li Huazhang and swore and acted coquettishly, finally coaxing him into submission. After a while, Ming Huashang sat in a warm blanket, with a heater under her feet, hot tea in her hands, and her back leaning against the Xianhui human-shaped pillow, sipping tea comfortably.
It's over. She originally wanted to stay up all night and catch the thief in one go, but now she is sleepy.
Li Huazhang seemed to be able to read Ming Huachang's thoughts, and said in a gentle voice: "If you feel sleepy, take a nap. I'll keep an eye on you here and call you if there's any unusual movement."
"Ah?" Ming Huashang shook rapidly, "But we agreed to catch thieves together..."
"It's okay. You'll be more energetic after a good rest. If I'm tired, I'll need you to take my place."
Ming Huashang was convinced immediately. She lied to herself, saying "I'll just take a nap, I won't sleep," and leaned on Li Huazhang's legs. She fell asleep almost as soon as she touched his clothes.
Ming Huashang was wrapped in the familiar scent of cedar and slept peacefully. She was vaguely thinking about something in her dream. When she was trying to think about what she had not completed, a burst of firecrackers suddenly exploded, breaking the originally silent and boundless night sky. Li Huazhang hurriedly covered Ming Huashang's ears, but it was too late. She opened her eyes and was at a loss for a moment, and her misty eyes soon became clear.
Ming Huashang got up and asked in a hoarse voice, "Second brother, what time is it? What happened outside just now?"
Li Huazhang glanced at the hourglass and said, "It's almost midnight. I wonder who is setting off fireworks outside."
"Ah?" Ming Huashang was shocked. Her sleepy mind suddenly became alert. "Maybe it's empty-handed. Let's go and take a look."
Ming Huashang put on his war cape and hurried to the place where the fireworks were being set off with Li Huazhang. They moved quickly, but when they arrived, they only saw the burnt remains of firecrackers. Feng Erlang and a few servants looked around and were very surprised: "Who did it?"
Li Huazhang approached and asked, "What's going on?"
Feng Jue also shook his head in confusion: "I don't know. I heard a noise here and immediately brought people over, but I didn't see anything."
At this time, Baozhu came down from the corridor in a hurry, carrying a box of cakes, and asked, "Greetings to Prince Yong and Erlang. My dear, I heard someone setting off firecrackers here. What happened?"
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Li Huazhang turned around and saw the Zhaixing Tower standing quietly in the darkness. Suddenly his expression froze: "Oh no, the tiger has been lured away from the mountain!"
Ming Huashang quickly followed Li Huazhang back to the Zhaixing Tower. As soon as Li Huazhang arrived, he immediately went to the door to ask the guards, but the guards shook their heads and said that they did not see anyone approaching and everything was normal.
Feng Kun and Baozhu also came over. Feng Kun yawned and came back from the greenhouse. Li Huazhang frowned when he heard that no one was approaching.
How could everything be normal? If there was no action, why would the other side set off fireworks to distract the view?
Li Huazhang paced around the Zhaixing Tower, looking up at the sky, trying to see something. Others also looked up, and the guard said, "If Prince Yong is worried, why don't you just go up and take a look!"
Li Huazhang shook his head: "This sneak display of fireworks is strange. Maybe the other party wants us to open the gate so that he can in and steal something. If we go up now, we might fall into his trap."
The other yamen runners nodded and said it made sense. Feng Kun seemed to be woken up, yawning and walking over bored. Feng Kun frowned and kept looking up, with a doubtful expression. At this time, Baozhu suddenly cried out in surprise, saying, "Strange, it's been so long, why hasn't the old lady moved?"
This sentence was like a drop of water falling into a frying pan, and the crowd suddenly burst into laughter. Baozhu's face changed and she said quickly, "Open the door quickly, the old lady may be in danger."
As this matter involved human lives, Li Huazhang did not dare to be careless and immediately asked the guard to open the door. The guard hurriedly unlocked the door, and before the door was fully opened, Baozhu rushed in first, and the others followed in a mess, looking for lights and pushing and shoving.
In the chaos, Li Huazhang held Ming Huashang tightly and did not let her leave him. The chaos lasted only a moment, and Li Huazhang quickly stabilized the situation, asking the soldiers to walk in front with lights, and the rest of the people entered in turn, and no one was allowed to cut in line.
The man holding the lantern went first, followed closely by Li Huazhang, and Ming Huashang followed beside Li Huazhang. When they climbed to the third floor, they saw Baozhu kneeling beside Old Lady Feng in panic, pushing the old lady away. Feng Lu stood beside them, his face pale and panicked, and he was completely stunned.
After Li Huazhang came up, he quickly scanned the third floor and immediately asked someone to turn on the lights. The lights gradually lit up, and the darkness receded like a tide. Only then did see clearly that the old lady Feng, who had been so arbitrary not long ago, was lying on a recliner, spitting black blood from her mouth, motionless, and her situation looked very bad.
The crowd was stunned, even the two sons of Old Lady Feng were speechless. At the critical moment, Li Huazhang was the calmest. He signaled Ming Huashang to be careful, and walked steadily to the recliner, leaning over to smell Old Lady Feng's breath.
Li Huazhang trembled his fingers, stood up, and said with a serious expression: "Master Feng has died of suffocation."
At this moment, someone suddenly reacted and shouted, "Look at the jewelry!"
Baozhu barely stopped crying, and she hurried to the iron box, not caring about the password being seen by others, and quickly turned the gears. She pushed open the iron cover with great effort and took out the sandalwood box. Ming Huashang had already sensed it, and sure enough, when the sandalwood box was opened, it was empty.
Old Lady Feng died, and the priceless Suihou Pearl disappeared.
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