Paying for the Bed
In this sleep, Mo Li slept very deeply.
It had been a long time since he had been able to lie down on a bed and rest properly, and sleepiness clung to him like a quagmire, refusing to let go.
In his dream, he was still in Zhushan County, with the kitchen just ten steps away from the courtyard, wafting the fragrance of Auntie Ge’s stewed sweet potatoes, drifting leisurely straight into his nose.
The white fox from Qimao Mountain, not having seen Mo Li for a long time, quietly came looking for him. It first rubbed against the back of his hand incessantly, then took liberties to lie on his arm, its fluffy soft tail making Mo Li’s hand itch.
Mo Li knew well the nature of this white fox; always looking for more even while eating from its bowl, using all sorts of means just to get a few more spirit-enriched medicinal pills. Once it got its wish, it would surely slip away far.
Therefore, Mo Li ignored it, casually waved his hand to drive the fox away, and then continued to sleep.
After a while, the white fox seemed to come back, not giving up.
This time it didn’t rub against him randomly but clung to Mo Li’s arm as if holding onto some treasure, refusing to let go.
Mo Li, too sleepy to open his eyes, vaguely thought that the white fox might have been bullied by a giant python on the mountain, or it was simply too greedy. Otherwise, with the fox’s cunning, it would definitely not approach the town.
Never mind, driving the white fox away would also be dangerous for it.
Auntie Ge would probably be scared stiff, and by midday, the visit of the Fox Immortal would be the talk among the neighbors.
Zhushan County had all sorts of bizarre and interesting stories; if a fox immortal visited, it would depend on the household’s profession—seeking Doctor Mo, was the fox immortal here to seek treatment or to repay a favor?
Thinking of everyone coming over to give their advice, Mo Li couldn’t help but press his hand against that warm thing, stopping the “white fox” from going out and causing trouble.
Hmm, this touch seems a bit off?
Mo Li subconsciously sensed something was wrong, intending to wake himself, but then he was enveloped by a familiar scent again. It felt like something was wrapping around his shoulders and arms, making it very difficult to move.
Getting hotter and hotter, what’s going on?
Could it be that the giant python also came down from the mountain?
Although Mo Li was sleepy, he still sensed something was amiss. The white fox, small in size and sly in temperament, clever and deceitful, might sneak into the county undetected, especially since Zhushan County was so poor it didn’t even have a decent city wall. But the giant python was different; wherever it passed, the low vegetation would be crushed flat, and the mountain’s old hunters could find the python’s den just by looking at the traces and then avoid it from afar. How could it possibly sneak into his yard?
Besides, his teacher still lived in the east room across the courtyard!
Mo Li quickly awoke, his mind still in a mess of guesses, and reflexively twisted the “thing” that was wrapping around him to the side.
“Bang.”
The bedpost was hit.
Mo Li suddenly rose from his sleep, while Meng Qi was already prepared, calmly responding to the move.
In an instant, Mo Li, due to his subconscious reaction, missed his grab and then changed moves, blocking and striking horizontally and vertically, and then leaped up.
Then, a fallen mosquito net covered his face.
“……”
Just as Mo Li regained his senses, the bed beneath him also made a sound of breaking under the strain, and collapsed.
With a grim face, he got up, turned his head to look at Meng Qi, who had lifted the mosquito net, and asked through clenched teeth, “What are you doing?”
“Sleeping?” Meng Qi thought for a moment, then added, “Maybe sleepwalking, got all muddled up and started fighting with you.”
He was just loosely embracing in his sleep, but somehow, he ended up holding someone in his arms, and hugged tighter and tighter. In the end, wasn’t that directly waking the person up? A normal bed couldn’t withstand two top martial artists getting confused in their sleep and exerting their full strength, of course, it would collapse.
Meng Qi’s demeanor was sincere, as if he was truly reflecting on his actions.
The words Mo Li had intended to say were thus stifled, and upon waking, he soon realized what the chaotic snakes and white foxes in his dream were all about.
Normally, as a dragon vein, he seldom dreamt unless he slept near the spiritual spring. His dreams were also monotonous, cycling through a few scenarios, such as a small pond suddenly becoming a vast lake, where Mo Li would swim and lose his direction, or the moonlight entering a cave suddenly turning into tangible water, leading him to swim along the “moonlight” all the way to the sky.
A pleasant dream would be seeing a pond full of fish, each transformed from fish daemons, a lively and bustling family.
A nightmare, however, involved a row of cats squatting by the pond, about to extend their claws…
It was impossible to dream of a white fox rubbing his arm or a giant python wrapping around half of his body!
As a doctor, Mo Li naturally knew that being disturbed during deep sleep could lead to dreams about the ongoing disturbances.
Since only Meng Qi was beside him, the culprit was obvious without guessing! It must have been someone taking liberties by touching and then embracing him while he fell asleep.
Mo Li was at a loss for words, his ears burning red.
It was anger, but also annoyance.
For martial arts experts, allowing someone to approach unknowingly was a sign of trust. However, when this intimacy escalated to being embraced without waking up immediately, it was beyond what trust could explain.
Amidst the awkwardness, a hesitant voice from the Liu family’s servants came from outside.
“Two honored guests, the sun is already at its zenith.”
It was already midday, and they hadn’t gotten up. Liu Dan had asked once after returning from the palace, and now couldn’t help but send someone to check.
Deep down, Liu Dan hoped that Master Meng and Doctor Mo had quietly left, but the Sixth Prince’s words made sense; the court was lacking in wise and virtuous officials. Even if they didn’t take official positions, offering advice would be beneficial.
However, the Second Prince strongly opposed, leading to an intense argument between the two.
Sweating, a servant from the Liu family hurried to the backyard to check.
The window of the outer room was open. Although far away, the sound of the bed collapsing was too loud, leaving the servant dumbfounded, almost thinking that people were dismantling the house inside.
“The general invites the two honored guests.”
The servant called out again, tentatively.
Mo Li quickly dressed and composed himself, stepping out of the bedroom to ask, “What does General Liu require?”
“This… concerns the two princes.”
This servant was from the northern borders, unlike those from official families who dared not speak freely about those of high status. Hearing Mo Li’s question, he simply spilled everything about the troublesome princes.
“Didn’t the Crown Prince take them back?” Mo Li asked, rubbing his forehead.
“The Sixth Prince is manageable, but the Second Prince…”
The servant was troubled, as the Second Prince’s charge of conspiracy was already confirmed, making it difficult for the Crown Prince to bring him back to the palace anytime soon, with a myriad of issues waiting for the Crown Prince both inside and outside the court.
Without needing the servant to spell it out, Mo Li guessed it was because the Sixth Prince and the Second Prince had fought again.
Mo Li sighed inwardly.
“Just a moment, I’ll be there.”
As Mo Li was about to look for the well inside the mansion, the servant quickly called out, and four or five people squeezed through the back door. Some carried basins, others brought clean clothes, and there was also green salt for rinsing.
“Wait, just leave it in the outer room.” The thought of the collapsed bed in the bedroom made Mo Li’s scalp tingle.
Meng Qi came out nonchalantly, rinsed his mouth, washed his face, and finally handed a gold coin to the peeping servant, “The things in your mansion are not very sturdy, the bed collapsed with a kick, please replace it with a new one.”
The servant, speechless at the sight of the gold coin engraved with auspicious patterns, was at a loss for words.
The furnishings of the General’s mansion were all old items, present since they moved into this house, and their exact value was uncertain to the servant. This piece of gold, approximately one tael, would more than suffice to purchase a new bed. In those times, quality wood was hard to come by, mostly hoarded by wealthy families, and the readily available ones in the shops were not too expensive, even in the best stores in Taijing.
However, the chaos had just subsided, and for people from the General’s mansion to go out to buy a bed, then have it carried through the streets back to the mansion, would surely draw a lot of attention!
After all, it was not a small item that could be hidden away.
The servant frowned in worry, while Mo Li, with a stern face, pulled Meng Qi aside.
What bed to buy? Just sleep on the floor!
***
Let’s talk about this morning, Taijing was still under lockdown and martial law. By the afternoon, the Imperial Guards gradually left the city gates, allowing people to enter and exit. Shops and markets were monitored by minor officials from Taijing’s administration, who didn’t allow any disturbances or looting. Although it seemed no different from the day before at first glance, the people could sense something unusual from the behavior of these officials.
Some inquired, and the officials were evasive, vaguely stating that the Crown Prince was acting as regent.
The people of Taijing knew little about this Crown Prince, having only heard of his benevolence and kindness.
But the word “benevolent” was something the people of Taijing simply didn’t believe.
Chu Emperor Yuan was considered a wise emperor, yet he executed meritorious officials! The people thought Chu Emperor Ling wasn’t too bad either; at least during the time when the Li family of the Chu dynasty held power, the prosperity of Taijing was evident. Chu Emperor Ling was seen by the people as a confused and unlucky average emperor. The internal strife and decline of the Chu dynasty were unnoticed by the people, and Chu Emperor Ling’s early and tragic death meant he wasn’t blamed for these issues.
As for the monarchs of the Qi dynasty, who prided themselves on benevolence and treating their subjects well, the people of Taijing saw no benefit from it and often heard their elders complaining.
Though these people were subjects of Qi, they hardly felt so, nearly losing the concept of “nation” and merely considering themselves as Han people, as people of Taijing.
Now with a “benevolent” Crown Prince, they couldn’t be bothered to think too much about it, only wanting to know when the markets would reopen and the city gates would be accessible.
Fortunately, there was no delay, and everything was swiftly and orderly restored.
Two days later, the city gates slowly opened, and the people finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The palace did not ring the mourning bell or announce the Emperor’s death, and even though there were rumors that the Emperor had been killed by the Crown Prince, the people dismissed them as mere gossip. They just wanted to live their lives peacefully, not wanting to get involved in troubles. Who cares who the Emperor was?
Those hiding their identities, hoping to cause trouble in Taijing from the Southwest Holy Lotus Sect and the remnants of the three kings of the former Chu under their banners, were furious to the point of spitting blood.
—Wasn’t it said that the Emperor of Qi was acting against the will of the people?
—Wasn’t it said that the people longed for the old Chu dynasty, eager to welcome back the Li royal family?
The individuals from both factions felt deceived, blinded by the sporadic complaints of these “foolish commoners.”
Those who were resentful didn’t give up, continuing to stir trouble in the streets and alleys.
Somehow, the officials of Taijing’s administration did not stop these rumors immediately; instead, more rumors appeared in teahouses and taverns.
This was blamed on the various omens appearing this year!
Comets, red clouds, strange winds, thunderstorms… even the day before the rebellion, there were two dragons seen fighting in the sky.
So, regardless of who it was or their intentions in spreading confusion, the people of Taijing, having heard too much, took no notice. After all, today the Crown Prince was seen as a golden dragon valiantly defending the city, and tomorrow he could be the black dragon that led to Qi’s downfall, with some even swearing that a distant acquaintance who was a palace maid had seen scales on the Crown Prince.
Gong Jun returned to the capital amidst such rampant rumors.
He arrived with a group of Jinyiwei who had narrowly escaped death, and before entering the city, he received a secret order from the Crown Prince to investigate the illegal activities of Prime Minister Zhang and his faction.
The group looked at each other in disbelief, with Officer Xiao murmuring, “So, in the end, the Crown Prince won this power struggle?”
Gong Jun, with a complex expression, waved his hand, not even having time to pick up his cat, and went to the Northern Town Fusi to find his surviving subordinates. Hearing that the Imperial Guards had surrounded both the Northern and Southern Town Fusi on the day of the incident, Gong Jun’s face darkened.
The Jinyiwei, with their extensive network of spies throughout the capital, were previously under Gong Jun’s command only in a small part. Now, as the Commander of the Jinyiwei sided with the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince had delegated authority to Gong Jun, this vast network was at Gong Jun’s disposal.
He quickly identified spies from the southern Chu kings and the people from the Southwest Tianshou king.
Including Sha Qiancheng, who was mysteriously injured and had his internal energy sealed before being locked up in Taijing’s administration, and many bandits from the jianghu.
Gong Jun, unlike Meng Qi, showed no mercy. Once he confirmed the identities of these people, he executed them cleanly and decisively.
“Vice Commander Gong, there’s a strange message…”
Xiao Baihu, holding a piece of intelligence sent through a secure channel, hesitated to say to Gong Jun, “Someone went to a silver shop in Laurel Square and sold a gold bullion made by the former dynasty’s palace, weighing about two taels, but only sold it for the price of four taels of gold and then left.”
Gong Jun frowned upon hearing this, because the official silver of the Chu dynasty was pure gold and pure weight, thus extremely popular among the common people.
These days, those who reminisce about the good old days of the former dynasty are not few, and such palace-made gold and silver bullions, specifically used for rewards, are rare items with significant designs and meanings, sought after by many, hence often fetching five to ten times their value.
Gold is precious, but there are many wealthy people in Taijing!
The seller doesn’t understand at all, willing to sell at twice the price, which is indeed suspicious.
Those who can bring out such gold bullion are not likely to be ordinary people, unless it was obtained through theft.
“What happened next?”
“It was found out that the person is a servant from the house of General Liu Dan, who quells bandits, and moreover… after selling the gold bullion, he immediately went to the eastern market and ordered a bed, requesting it to be as sturdy as possible.”
The author has something to say:
Taijing citizens: Shocked! The day after General Liu forced the palace, he urgently sent a family member to buy a bed!
Jinyiwei: Shocked! General Liu actually has gold bullion awarded by the former dynasty to high officials!
————
It is known that a fat mouse and a fish borrowed a place to stay for the night and broke the bed, how much does the mouse weigh, and how much does the fish weigh?
Paying for the Bed
In this sleep, Mo Li slept very deeply.
It had been a long time since he had been able to lie down on a bed and rest properly, and sleepiness clung to him like a quagmire, refusing to let go.
In his dream, he was still in Zhushan County, with the kitchen just ten steps away from the courtyard, wafting the fragrance of Auntie Ge’s stewed sweet potatoes, drifting leisurely straight into his nose.
The white fox from Qimao Mountain, not having seen Mo Li for a long time, quietly came looking for him. It first rubbed against the back of his hand incessantly, then took liberties to lie on his arm, its fluffy soft tail making Mo Li’s hand itch.
Mo Li knew well the nature of this white fox; always looking for more even while eating from its bowl, using all sorts of means just to get a few more spirit-enriched medicinal pills. Once it got its wish, it would surely slip away far.
Therefore, Mo Li ignored it, casually waved his hand to drive the fox away, and then continued to sleep.
After a while, the white fox seemed to come back, not giving up.
This time it didn’t rub against him randomly but clung to Mo Li’s arm as if holding onto some treasure, refusing to let go.
Mo Li, too sleepy to open his eyes, vaguely thought that the white fox might have been bullied by a giant python on the mountain, or it was simply too greedy. Otherwise, with the fox’s cunning, it would definitely not approach the town.
Never mind, driving the white fox away would also be dangerous for it.
Auntie Ge would probably be scared stiff, and by midday, the visit of the Fox Immortal would be the talk among the neighbors.
Zhushan County had all sorts of bizarre and interesting stories; if a fox immortal visited, it would depend on the household’s profession—seeking Doctor Mo, was the fox immortal here to seek treatment or to repay a favor?
Thinking of everyone coming over to give their advice, Mo Li couldn’t help but press his hand against that warm thing, stopping the “white fox” from going out and causing trouble.
Hmm, this touch seems a bit off?
Mo Li subconsciously sensed something was wrong, intending to wake himself, but then he was enveloped by a familiar scent again. It felt like something was wrapping around his shoulders and arms, making it very difficult to move.
Getting hotter and hotter, what’s going on?
Could it be that the giant python also came down from the mountain?
Although Mo Li was sleepy, he still sensed something was amiss. The white fox, small in size and sly in temperament, clever and deceitful, might sneak into the county undetected, especially since Zhushan County was so poor it didn’t even have a decent city wall. But the giant python was different; wherever it passed, the low vegetation would be crushed flat, and the mountain’s old hunters could find the python’s den just by looking at the traces and then avoid it from afar. How could it possibly sneak into his yard?
Besides, his teacher still lived in the east room across the courtyard!
Mo Li quickly awoke, his mind still in a mess of guesses, and reflexively twisted the “thing” that was wrapping around him to the side.
“Bang.”
The bedpost was hit.
Mo Li suddenly rose from his sleep, while Meng Qi was already prepared, calmly responding to the move.
In an instant, Mo Li, due to his subconscious reaction, missed his grab and then changed moves, blocking and striking horizontally and vertically, and then leaped up.
Then, a fallen mosquito net covered his face.
“……”
Just as Mo Li regained his senses, the bed beneath him also made a sound of breaking under the strain, and collapsed.
With a grim face, he got up, turned his head to look at Meng Qi, who had lifted the mosquito net, and asked through clenched teeth, “What are you doing?”
“Sleeping?” Meng Qi thought for a moment, then added, “Maybe sleepwalking, got all muddled up and started fighting with you.”
He was just loosely embracing in his sleep, but somehow, he ended up holding someone in his arms, and hugged tighter and tighter. In the end, wasn’t that directly waking the person up? A normal bed couldn’t withstand two top martial artists getting confused in their sleep and exerting their full strength, of course, it would collapse.
Meng Qi’s demeanor was sincere, as if he was truly reflecting on his actions.
The words Mo Li had intended to say were thus stifled, and upon waking, he soon realized what the chaotic snakes and white foxes in his dream were all about.
Normally, as a dragon vein, he seldom dreamt unless he slept near the spiritual spring. His dreams were also monotonous, cycling through a few scenarios, such as a small pond suddenly becoming a vast lake, where Mo Li would swim and lose his direction, or the moonlight entering a cave suddenly turning into tangible water, leading him to swim along the “moonlight” all the way to the sky.
A pleasant dream would be seeing a pond full of fish, each transformed from fish daemons, a lively and bustling family.
A nightmare, however, involved a row of cats squatting by the pond, about to extend their claws…
It was impossible to dream of a white fox rubbing his arm or a giant python wrapping around half of his body!
As a doctor, Mo Li naturally knew that being disturbed during deep sleep could lead to dreams about the ongoing disturbances.
Since only Meng Qi was beside him, the culprit was obvious without guessing! It must have been someone taking liberties by touching and then embracing him while he fell asleep.
Mo Li was at a loss for words, his ears burning red.
It was anger, but also annoyance.
For martial arts experts, allowing someone to approach unknowingly was a sign of trust. However, when this intimacy escalated to being embraced without waking up immediately, it was beyond what trust could explain.
Amidst the awkwardness, a hesitant voice from the Liu family’s servants came from outside.
“Two honored guests, the sun is already at its zenith.”
It was already midday, and they hadn’t gotten up. Liu Dan had asked once after returning from the palace, and now couldn’t help but send someone to check.
Deep down, Liu Dan hoped that Master Meng and Doctor Mo had quietly left, but the Sixth Prince’s words made sense; the court was lacking in wise and virtuous officials. Even if they didn’t take official positions, offering advice would be beneficial.
However, the Second Prince strongly opposed, leading to an intense argument between the two.
Sweating, a servant from the Liu family hurried to the backyard to check.
The window of the outer room was open. Although far away, the sound of the bed collapsing was too loud, leaving the servant dumbfounded, almost thinking that people were dismantling the house inside.
“The general invites the two honored guests.”
The servant called out again, tentatively.
Mo Li quickly dressed and composed himself, stepping out of the bedroom to ask, “What does General Liu require?”
“This… concerns the two princes.”
This servant was from the northern borders, unlike those from official families who dared not speak freely about those of high status. Hearing Mo Li’s question, he simply spilled everything about the troublesome princes.
“Didn’t the Crown Prince take them back?” Mo Li asked, rubbing his forehead.
“The Sixth Prince is manageable, but the Second Prince…”
The servant was troubled, as the Second Prince’s charge of conspiracy was already confirmed, making it difficult for the Crown Prince to bring him back to the palace anytime soon, with a myriad of issues waiting for the Crown Prince both inside and outside the court.
Without needing the servant to spell it out, Mo Li guessed it was because the Sixth Prince and the Second Prince had fought again.
Mo Li sighed inwardly.
“Just a moment, I’ll be there.”
As Mo Li was about to look for the well inside the mansion, the servant quickly called out, and four or five people squeezed through the back door. Some carried basins, others brought clean clothes, and there was also green salt for rinsing.
“Wait, just leave it in the outer room.” The thought of the collapsed bed in the bedroom made Mo Li’s scalp tingle.
Meng Qi came out nonchalantly, rinsed his mouth, washed his face, and finally handed a gold coin to the peeping servant, “The things in your mansion are not very sturdy, the bed collapsed with a kick, please replace it with a new one.”
The servant, speechless at the sight of the gold coin engraved with auspicious patterns, was at a loss for words.
The furnishings of the General’s mansion were all old items, present since they moved into this house, and their exact value was uncertain to the servant. This piece of gold, approximately one tael, would more than suffice to purchase a new bed. In those times, quality wood was hard to come by, mostly hoarded by wealthy families, and the readily available ones in the shops were not too expensive, even in the best stores in Taijing.
However, the chaos had just subsided, and for people from the General’s mansion to go out to buy a bed, then have it carried through the streets back to the mansion, would surely draw a lot of attention!
After all, it was not a small item that could be hidden away.
The servant frowned in worry, while Mo Li, with a stern face, pulled Meng Qi aside.
What bed to buy? Just sleep on the floor!
***
Let’s talk about this morning, Taijing was still under lockdown and martial law. By the afternoon, the Imperial Guards gradually left the city gates, allowing people to enter and exit. Shops and markets were monitored by minor officials from Taijing’s administration, who didn’t allow any disturbances or looting. Although it seemed no different from the day before at first glance, the people could sense something unusual from the behavior of these officials.
Some inquired, and the officials were evasive, vaguely stating that the Crown Prince was acting as regent.
The people of Taijing knew little about this Crown Prince, having only heard of his benevolence and kindness.
But the word “benevolent” was something the people of Taijing simply didn’t believe.
Chu Emperor Yuan was considered a wise emperor, yet he executed meritorious officials! The people thought Chu Emperor Ling wasn’t too bad either; at least during the time when the Li family of the Chu dynasty held power, the prosperity of Taijing was evident. Chu Emperor Ling was seen by the people as a confused and unlucky average emperor. The internal strife and decline of the Chu dynasty were unnoticed by the people, and Chu Emperor Ling’s early and tragic death meant he wasn’t blamed for these issues.
As for the monarchs of the Qi dynasty, who prided themselves on benevolence and treating their subjects well, the people of Taijing saw no benefit from it and often heard their elders complaining.
Though these people were subjects of Qi, they hardly felt so, nearly losing the concept of “nation” and merely considering themselves as Han people, as people of Taijing.
Now with a “benevolent” Crown Prince, they couldn’t be bothered to think too much about it, only wanting to know when the markets would reopen and the city gates would be accessible.
Fortunately, there was no delay, and everything was swiftly and orderly restored.
Two days later, the city gates slowly opened, and the people finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The palace did not ring the mourning bell or announce the Emperor’s death, and even though there were rumors that the Emperor had been killed by the Crown Prince, the people dismissed them as mere gossip. They just wanted to live their lives peacefully, not wanting to get involved in troubles. Who cares who the Emperor was?
Those hiding their identities, hoping to cause trouble in Taijing from the Southwest Holy Lotus Sect and the remnants of the three kings of the former Chu under their banners, were furious to the point of spitting blood.
—Wasn’t it said that the Emperor of Qi was acting against the will of the people?
—Wasn’t it said that the people longed for the old Chu dynasty, eager to welcome back the Li royal family?
The individuals from both factions felt deceived, blinded by the sporadic complaints of these “foolish commoners.”
Those who were resentful didn’t give up, continuing to stir trouble in the streets and alleys.
Somehow, the officials of Taijing’s administration did not stop these rumors immediately; instead, more rumors appeared in teahouses and taverns.
This was blamed on the various omens appearing this year!
Comets, red clouds, strange winds, thunderstorms… even the day before the rebellion, there were two dragons seen fighting in the sky.
So, regardless of who it was or their intentions in spreading confusion, the people of Taijing, having heard too much, took no notice. After all, today the Crown Prince was seen as a golden dragon valiantly defending the city, and tomorrow he could be the black dragon that led to Qi’s downfall, with some even swearing that a distant acquaintance who was a palace maid had seen scales on the Crown Prince.
Gong Jun returned to the capital amidst such rampant rumors.
He arrived with a group of Jinyiwei who had narrowly escaped death, and before entering the city, he received a secret order from the Crown Prince to investigate the illegal activities of Prime Minister Zhang and his faction.
The group looked at each other in disbelief, with Officer Xiao murmuring, “So, in the end, the Crown Prince won this power struggle?”
Gong Jun, with a complex expression, waved his hand, not even having time to pick up his cat, and went to the Northern Town Fusi to find his surviving subordinates. Hearing that the Imperial Guards had surrounded both the Northern and Southern Town Fusi on the day of the incident, Gong Jun’s face darkened.
The Jinyiwei, with their extensive network of spies throughout the capital, were previously under Gong Jun’s command only in a small part. Now, as the Commander of the Jinyiwei sided with the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince had delegated authority to Gong Jun, this vast network was at Gong Jun’s disposal.
He quickly identified spies from the southern Chu kings and the people from the Southwest Tianshou king.
Including Sha Qiancheng, who was mysteriously injured and had his internal energy sealed before being locked up in Taijing’s administration, and many bandits from the jianghu.
Gong Jun, unlike Meng Qi, showed no mercy. Once he confirmed the identities of these people, he executed them cleanly and decisively.
“Vice Commander Gong, there’s a strange message…”
Xiao Baihu, holding a piece of intelligence sent through a secure channel, hesitated to say to Gong Jun, “Someone went to a silver shop in Laurel Square and sold a gold bullion made by the former dynasty’s palace, weighing about two taels, but only sold it for the price of four taels of gold and then left.”
Gong Jun frowned upon hearing this, because the official silver of the Chu dynasty was pure gold and pure weight, thus extremely popular among the common people.
These days, those who reminisce about the good old days of the former dynasty are not few, and such palace-made gold and silver bullions, specifically used for rewards, are rare items with significant designs and meanings, sought after by many, hence often fetching five to ten times their value.
Gold is precious, but there are many wealthy people in Taijing!
The seller doesn’t understand at all, willing to sell at twice the price, which is indeed suspicious.
Those who can bring out such gold bullion are not likely to be ordinary people, unless it was obtained through theft.
“What happened next?”
“It was found out that the person is a servant from the house of General Liu Dan, who quells bandits, and moreover… after selling the gold bullion, he immediately went to the eastern market and ordered a bed, requesting it to be as sturdy as possible.”
The author has something to say:
Taijing citizens: Shocked! The day after General Liu forced the palace, he urgently sent a family member to buy a bed!
Jinyiwei: Shocked! General Liu actually has gold bullion awarded by the former dynasty to high officials!
————
It is known that a fat mouse and a fish borrowed a place to stay for the night and broke the bed, how much does the mouse weigh, and how much does the fish weigh?
