Who among the gangsters wants to fall in love?

Chapter 227: Tribute from all nations, letters from far away

Zhao Wumian's nose was filled with the emperor's faint fragrance, and his palms still felt the smoothness and softness of Luo Chaoyan's thighs.

The matters between him and Luo Chaoyan had always been rather reserved, and no one had ever mentioned it. Now that Luo Chaoyan had taken the initiative to tease him, it was indeed difficult for him to sleep.

He quietly stood up, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, practicing his internal energy for the first time.

The Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Technique is indeed mysterious, and it can even temporarily suppress the White Wolf's energy... However, Zhao Wumian is now practicing internal skills mainly to calm his mind.

There are many people who can't sleep tonight, including the Central Plains thief Gu Wenhe and former Five Mountains Master Li Jingnan in the Detective Division Zhao Prison.

Song Yun regained his freedom, and Chou Manjiang's wish was fulfilled. He was just waiting to be taken to the front line by the Detective Division to serve as a fill-in.

But Gu Wenhe and Li Jingnan were different. One of them was young and optimistic, while the other was over 70 years old and took things lightly. So they started chatting across the prison door.

The jailer was sitting outside the prison where the two men were staying, but as long as the two men didn't talk about escaping prison, he would naturally not stop them from talking.

"Oh? So, Mr. Li doesn't even have any offspring?" Gu Wenhe held the prison door with both hands, put his head into the gap, and asked curiously.

Although Li Jingnan was covered in dust, he was an old man who had seen all kinds of storms. He sat cross-legged, calm and composed, and shook his head slightly.

"When I was 20 years old, I had a son. At that time, I was young and hot-tempered and didn't know much. I wanted to go out and explore the world with my son. I was so happy that I passed on all my skills to him.

When I was 45, my son went out to gain experience and was killed in Shu. It was then that I suddenly realized that a dragon gives birth to a dragon, a phoenix gives birth to a phoenix, and the principle that a mouse's son will dig holes is not necessarily true...

Just because I can become one of the Five Mountains doesn't mean my son can become one of them. Some people are not born to be in the martial arts world. Once they force their way into this quagmire, they are just a stepping stone for some favored son of heaven and become a topic of conversation for the martial arts world. But how many lives are behind this topic of conversation?"

"It's a pity that I was already 45 years old when I understood this truth," Li Jingnan sighed. "When he was a child, he liked to draw and often scribbled on the wall with a brush. Do you know what I said to him when I saw him?"

Gu Wenhe felt that this topic was a bit too serious, so he hesitated and said, "Uh, why are you drawing this crap? Go practice martial arts?"

Li Jingnan shook his head. "The brush can also be considered a short-range weapon. Since you like painting, I will teach you a martial art that uses a brush as a weapon. You should practice well."

Gu Wenhe blinked his eyes. How many people in Jianghu would envy him for having a father who knew all kinds of martial arts? But as Li Jingnan said, he was not born to be a martial artist. There was nothing he could do about it.

He changed the subject, "The thieves who killed Mr. Li's son, with Mr. Li's connections and strength, he must have cut them into pieces to avenge his son, right?"

Li Jingnan shook his head again, "Later, I went to Shu to seek revenge, but found that the thief was already dead... killed by a young man named Yangshe Congyun."

Gu Wenhe sat up straight. It turned out that this was how Li Jingnan and Dao Kui knew each other.

"Yangshe Congyun was born in a poor family. He stole a knife from a bandit and learned martial arts from the town's martial arts master. He killed the bandit to practice swordplay... But no matter what, it was a favor. So I taught him the swordplay I learned. He learned it honestly, then pointed the knife at my nose and said he wanted to defeat me."

"Every year at the end of the year, he would come to compete with me. He would lose every year, but he would come every year. Later, I suddenly realized that he had no father or mother. He came to me at the end of the year because he thought of me as his father. When he became famous, got married and had children, his son would often come to play with me."

Speaking of this, although Li Jingnan was in prison, he couldn't help but smile.

Gu Wenhe recalled, "The son of Dao Kui is called Yangshe Yucheng, right? He is the leader of the Ten Heroes of Shu, and he is a good friend of Yangshe Dong, the one Zhao Wumian killed."

Li Jingnan nodded, "He has good talent. He is now 20 years old and full of youthful vigor. He came to the capital to compete and won a Yuankui plaque. He is more promising than my son. Logically speaking, he only needs to practice hard for another ten years or so to inherit the mantle of Daokui."

"The Sword Master has such a good relationship with Mr. Li, will he come to rescue the prison..."

Ding ding————

Before he finished speaking, the jailer knocked on the prison door with a long knife, "Be careful, don't say anything you shouldn't say."

The two men had no choice but to keep their mouths shut. A tiger in plain land is bullied by dogs, and a dragon in shallow water is bullied by shrimps. When they are in Zhaoyu, they have to abide by the rules of Zhaoyu.

However, Gu Wenhe's guess is not unreasonable. Given the father-son relationship between Daokui and Li Jingnan, since Li Jingnan has been arrested, Daokui should find a way to get him back.

But Qing Liantian is now trapped in the Chengdu underworld and cannot get out. Daokui must take charge of the overall situation in the sect, otherwise the foundation will be broken up, so he probably won't have time to come during this period.

But if Daokui can't come, someone else can.

After wandering around the world for several years, whether you are doing well or not, there will always be some people who will rush to save you without hesitation when you are in trouble.

These people rely on their sense of justice and passion.

At this moment, on the official road in the Central Plains, there was such a man, riding a horse under the stars and galloping towards the capital.

Shu is thousands of miles away from the capital, so it would take some time to get there. However, so much time has passed since Li Jingnan was captured, and this person has already set off, so he should be arriving in the capital soon.

The next day was perhaps the day after the incident with Emperor Kui of Dali.

Luo Chaoyan went to the morning court early in the morning and didn't even have time to eat breakfast. It seems that she attached great importance to this international court meeting. After all, it was the first international grand meeting after she ascended the throne.

This is normal. No matter how chaotic the internal situation is, one must keep a straight face to the outside world. In the words of the capital, "the gourd may fall but the frame remains unchanged." Moreover, Dali is still far from "falling like a gourd."

Zhao Wumian sat cross-legged on the dragon bed and began to practice martial arts with the Naraku Red Silk. After practicing for a while and resting for a while, he began to think about Xiao Yuanmu.

For such a grand event with all nations coming to pay tribute, not to mention ordinary people, even most of the people from the martial arts world will come to the capital to join in the fun. The three sects and six schools will basically send people, and Taixuan Palace is probably no exception. However, they will definitely hide their identities, so they will be difficult to find.

But even if Xiao Yuanmu could not be seen at the Wan Guo Chao Hui, she would definitely be there at Yang She Yin's birthday. Zhao Wumian didn't believe that such a demon sect witch could not find any clues after the sect's treasure was lost? That was totally impossible.

At the speed of a thousand-mile horse, it would take half a month to run from the capital to Shu. Adding the time spent on the way there and back, Zhao Wumian would not see Luo Chaoyan for at least a month. Therefore, he was not in a hurry to leave after returning to the capital.

The birthday of Dao Kui's elder brother Yangshe Yin is at the end of February, so if we set out in early February, we will definitely make it... Let's leave after the banquet of all nations is over.

Of course, the sooner he left, the better, but there was no other way. If he had to leave as soon as he returned to Beijing, Luo Chaoyan would be the one who would be sad.

Zhao Wumian was only thinking about the emperor.

So when Luo Chaoyan finished the morning court and returned to Fu Mo Palace, he told Luo Chaoyan his thoughts and proudly pointed out that he wanted to spend more time with Luo Chaoyan in the capital.

Luo Chaoyan smiled at his frankness and honesty, and then asked him to go find Shen Xiangge, "Miss Shen is still in Kunning Palace with her mother, Marquis Weiming may as well go find her and discuss it."

Luo Chaoyan often smiled gently at Zhao Wumian, and every time her smile could make Zhao Wumian's heart beat fast. But now that Luo Chaoyan had something to do with Kui, she seemed to be in a bad mood, so this smile always had a bit of inexplicable charm.

"What are you discussing?"

"When you go to Shu, do you want her to follow you again... In fact, the Marquis wants to, too, right?"

Luo Chaoyan's story is very cute and scary.

"She's a stay-at-home type. She would die just by accompanying me to Changshan. How could she possibly go to Shu again? But Chengdu is a land of abundance. There must be a lot of delicious food. I like fried pork with chili peppers the most..."

"You don't deny that you want her to go with you?"

Just when Zhao Wumian was wondering whether he should continue to be honest or change the subject by saying sweet words, someone outside the palace reported that Luo Xiangzhu, the Queen Mother, and Shen Xiangge wanted to see him.

Why did these three people run away together?
Luo Chaoyan looked serious and displayed the dignity of an emperor, "Announce." The palace door opened wide, and he saw the Empress Dowager, who was leading the way, wearing a gorgeous phoenix skirt and walking in the front. Shen Xiangge and Luo Xiangzhu were half a step behind, and there were palace maids carrying large and small bags behind them... It was obvious that the Empress Dowager had taken Shen Xiangge and Luo Xiangzhu shopping early in the morning, and they had just returned at lunchtime.

The Queen Mother, Luo Chaoyan, and Zhao Wumian were already quite familiar with each other, and they didn't stick to the etiquette, so they didn't say hello, but ran over with their skirts lifted, and said with a smile: "Long time no see, Marquis Weiming?"

"Empress Dowager..." Zhao Wumian greeted her politely, but before he could finish, the Empress Dowager stuffed a small wooden box into his hand. When he opened it, he saw a flat jade plate inside.

In fact, it is a nothing card, plain and clean with nothing on it, which means nothing to do.

"A gift for the Marquis." The Queen Mother turned her eyes away from Zhao Wumian and stuffed a small wooden box for Luo Chaoyan as well. "The Emperor has one too."

Although Luo Chaoyan had come to Kui's place, she was patient and gentle as usual to everyone except Zhao Wumian, and smiled slightly, "Thank you, mother."

Shen Xiangge politely bowed to Luo Chaoyan, then came to Zhao Wumian and asked curiously, "You stayed in the palace all night yesterday?"

This question was a bit too sharp, as if the question was asking in a way that seemed to indicate that someone was doubting what had happened between him and Luo Chaoyan.

"No matter how good your talent is, you still need to work hard and accumulate time. You can practice martial arts anywhere, in the palace, in the wild, or even in a brothel, as long as you have a heart to practice martial arts. I practiced internal skills all night last night."

Shen Xiangge ignored Zhao Wumian and turned to look at the obedient Princess Luo Xiangzhu, saying with a smile: "The Princess probably doesn't know that the Marquis took the nun to visit a brothel in order to please her."

"A gentleman is lustful but not promiscuous. Although I go to brothels, I will never touch women of questionable character..."

Luo Chaoyan raised her eyes to look at him and said softly, "I trust Wei Ming Hou more than anyone else, but the topic of the brothel ends here. This is not something that should be brought up in public."

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Shen Xiangge gave Zhao Wumian a big, bright smile.

This woman must have done it on purpose. Zhao Wumian was thinking in his heart how to make her lose face.

But before letting her suffer a setback, she needs to eat first.

The Queen Mother was actually very curious about the topic of brothels. After all, she had never been to such a place. Seeing that the topic had come to an end, she raised her hand slightly, and the palace maids came forward with lunch boxes.

The Queen Mother smiled and said, "I went to Linxialou on Guangze Street and bought some food. I brought it back specially for Your Majesty to enjoy. I have asked someone to test it for poison in advance. I wonder if Your Majesty will like it?"

Luo Chaoyan didn't have any big requirements for the food. She just told Zhongli, the female official, "Ask the cook to make another dish of stir-fried pork with peppers."

Because Zhao Wumian just said that he likes fried pork with chili peppers.

At the dinner table, Luo Chaoyan said to Zhao Wumian, "This morning, I discussed with the civil and military officials for a long time and decided to hold the banquet six days later. Marquis Weiming must not be unable to find anyone by then."

Six days later, it is actually the end of the first lunar month, which is right on time, but as long as it is not delayed until February, it will be fine.

"What activities are there at the banquet?" Zhao Wumian asked curiously.

Hearing this, the Queen Mother answered for Zhao Wumian:
"The country has been away for more than 50 years. We have been resting and recuperating, restoring production, returning people to farming, and the country is strong. Only then have all these nations come to pay tribute. However, after all, the country was established by military force. According to the rules of previous years, after singing and dancing, there will be a martial arts competition to liven up the atmosphere."

"Are these foreign envoys competing with each other?" Zhao Wumian asked.

"A bunch of rotten fish and shrimp, without even a bridge to connect heaven and earth, no matter how hard they try, it's just a fight between weaklings." Shen Xiangge sneered, "Of course, we'll fight the young people from the Central Plains."

"young people?"

"If you don't hit the young, are you going to hit the old monster?" Shen Xiangge looked Zhao Wumian up and down, "How old is the Marquis this year?"

"Around twenty years old." Zhao Wumian couldn't actually tell how old he was. He just looked like he was twenty, but those of us who practice martial arts, once we reach a certain level, basically won't look too old.

Udam is an example.

"Then there must be many people who challenge the Marquis." Shen Xiangge laughed, "The Marquis is very famous, and there must be many people who would be proud to fight with him for a few rounds."

Luo Chaoyan advised Zhao Wumian: "If someone really wants to challenge you, then be magnanimous and accept everyone who comes. Just remember to be gentle and stop when you have done enough."

The Queen Mother nodded repeatedly and encouraged Zhao Wumian, "My Lord, don't lose face. The emperor has just ascended the throne, and there must be some foreign envoys who look down on us. My Lord, come on the field to show them how magnanimous we are, having survived the sword and gun."

The Queen Mother really has the qualifications to say this, as she has really been through thick and thin with Zhao Wumian.

Zhao Wumian was not interested in this kind of "showing off in public" thing at all. Instead of wasting time on bullying, he would rather talk more with the emperor, Miss Su and other girls. However, this ceremony was related to the prestige of Dali, and there was no reason for him to refuse.

Then he could take a look at the martial arts styles of these foreign warriors, which would also be beneficial to his martial arts.

At this moment, a detective from the Detective Department appeared outside the hall. It was Ji Jianming.

The famous "Sinister General" Ji Jianming has almost become Zhao Wumian's close subordinate, and all matters are handled between him and Zhao Wumian.

Ji Jianming walked into the hall and saw Zhao Wumian sitting among the beautiful women. There was no trace of strangeness in his eyes. He knelt down respectfully and bowed to Luo Chaoyan first. Then he handed over a letter and a wooden box with both hands and said, "My Lord, this is a letter from the Imperial Master."

"Master?" Luo Chaoyan was stunned.

The female official Zhongli stepped forward to take the letter and the wooden box, then turned back and paused, a little hesitant... This letter was for Marquis Weiming, but there was something in it that obviously needed to be reviewed by His Majesty first...

Zhao Wumian did not make things difficult for the female official Zhongli. He stood up, took the letter and the wooden box, and opened the envelope.

Zhao Wumian and Luo Chaoyan sat very close to each other, so Luo Chaoyan leaned her little face over to look at it with him.

Shen Xiangge glanced at the two of them, then lowered his eyes and ate in silence.

The letter was brief, with only a few words.

[After leaving the capital, I headed southwest and found a rare poisonous grass in a valley. I thought it would be good for you, so I made a poison pill. But this alone is not enough. You can go to my palace and dig up an ounce of Jade Fox Grass, crush it, and pour its juice on the poison pill.]

It was gone in just one simple sentence.

Zhao Wumian took a bite of rice and silently accompanied the girls to finish their meal. Then he took the wooden box and went to the hall where Zi Yi lived.

The hall was still gloomy, filled with strange-looking poisonous plants and poisonous insects in the dark.

There is a Gu Master to help take care of it and ask her to find the Jade Fox Grass.

Zhao Wumian sat in front of a wooden table, looking at the various tools in front of him. There was a bit of black on the bottom of the stone pestle used to pound medicine.

Zhao Wumian refused the Gu Master's offer to pound the juice for him. He held the cold stone pestle himself, put the Jade Fox Grass into the mortar, and pounded it silently.

Zi Yi must have sat here alone before, silently preparing poison pills for him.

(End of this chapter)