Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 470 A Bowl of Wine
Yingge was pleasantly surprised to see Ah Man.

Just as she was about to speak, Ah Man walked forward without looking away, saying, "Keep going, don't stop."

Yingge became suspicious and hurriedly followed, walking side by side with A'man.

Ah Man then said, "Miss, I am here on the orders of the mistress to take you back to Saba Mountain."

Ah Man glanced at the tall Yang Yuan in front of her.

Yang Yuan was chatting with an elder of the Xianxing tribe as they walked.

Ah Man then added: "Oh, and... him."

Speaking of Yang Yuan, Ah Man felt a dreamy feeling in her heart.

How did the idle man who used to deliver money in Lin'an become the top scholar in the imperial examination?

How did he accidentally become my girl's man?

I...I am the girl's personal maid!

Thinking of this, two red clouds quietly climbed up the face of the personal maid.

She was wearing a pair of gold bracelets on her wrists.

Ah Man suddenly felt that her wrist was a little heavy. This pair of bracelets gave her a sense of fate.

This was given to her by Yang Yuan in Lin'an.

Could it be that it has been destined in my life that Yang Yuan will be the man I have to serve for the rest of my life?
Yingge didn't notice the ripples in Ah Man's heart at all. When she heard that it was her mother who sent Ah Man, Yingge's heart suddenly warmed.

Although my elder brother broke my heart, my mother still loves me very much.

Yingge asked happily: "How did my mother know I was here?"

Ah Man whispered, "Because Lord Yuan Zhong sent Abu back to Saba Mountain, the mistress knew that you would probably land at the Aiyeku River."

When Yingge heard her elder brother's name, her pretty face suddenly darkened and she said in a cold voice, "He sent Abu back to the mountain?"

Ah Man said, "Yes, Lord Yuan Zhong wants to send Ah Bu to Dun En City. He should first return to Saba Mountain to report to the master."

Ah Man told Ying Ge what happened when Abu returned to Saba Mountain.

The arrogant Ugun Yuanzhong could not tolerate his sister being treated like a slave.

Even if the person who receives the gift is the top scholar in the Song Dynasty.

Upon learning that Yang Yuan and the two kings' families would take a detour back to Shangjing by sea, Yuan Zhong speculated that their possible landing place would be the Aiyeku River.

If they landed from the Aiyeku River, they would definitely pass through Dun'en City, or they might even land in Dun'en City.

Although Yuanzhong's troops were unable to advance north to Dun'en City, the Ugun clan still had a great influence on the northern coastal tribes.

So Yuanzhong sent Abu to Dun'en City by land on horseback, hoping to use the power of the local tribe to execute Yang Yuan and take back Yingge.

When Abu went north, he had to pass through Suifenhe, the base of the Ugur clan.

This is where the Ugun people have lived for generations.

Yuanzhong's father Elun and mother Princess Biguo now live on Saba Mountain in the lower reaches of Suifen River.

When Abu passed by here, he was going to pay his respects to the master and the mistress. Moreover, since it involved the treatment of Yingge, Yuanzhong had to ask his father for instructions.

E Lun and Princess Bi learned from Abu the story that happened outside the city of Liaoyang, and also learned about Yingge's current situation.

Although Elun still served as the Sabashantemu (Wanhu) and the patriarch of the Ugun clan, he had actually handed over the real power of tribal affairs to his eldest son Yuanzhong.

Given that the Ugurun clan had always had a very close relationship with the Wanyan royal family, and that Wanyan Liang had suppressed the Ugurun clan in many ways when he was purging the royal clan, Yuanzhong had already decided to bet on Wanyan Yong.

The false theory also agrees with this.

Now, as the head of the family, he fully understood his son's difficulties.

This concerns the interests of the Ugun clan, and we cannot change our position because of one person.

E Lun even knew in his heart that if Yuan Zhong had not taken into consideration the feelings he and Princess Bi had for their daughter, his order would have been even more decisive: if there was no chance to get Ying Ge back, kill her.

The Ugun family could not bear another insult.

In the end, Elun agreed to his son's arrangement.

But Princess Bi had her own ideas.

The Jurchens have always had a divided view of the Song people.

On the one hand, they looked down on the Song people in terms of military force.

On the other hand, culturally, they looked up to the Song people.

Yang Yuan was the top scholar in the Song Dynasty. In the eyes of Princess Bi, there was nothing wrong in accepting such an outstanding son-in-law.

Although the marriage of Yang Yuan and Ying Ge was not the marriage of a daughter of the Ugur family.

Moreover, because Yingge was a prisoner of war given to Yang Yuan by Li Taigong, she was a concubine, not even a wife.

Therefore, Yang Yuan became the ironclad evidence of the Ugur clan's shame.

But... if I bring him back and let him, the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, become my son-in-law, wouldn't that turn the tables?
The false theory also agrees that the son's shame should be washed away with blood.

As a woman, Princess Bi obviously did not agree with the ideas of the father and son.

Seeing that she could not convince her husband, Princess Bi secretly sent A'man to disrupt Abu's actions and take Yang Yuan and her daughter back to the mountain.

When Yingge heard this, her face turned very ugly.

When she was tied to the cart, in front of the two armies, under the gaze of thousands of people, there was a group of big men around her who were undressing and trying to humiliate her.

What did her brother do?

Her brother, who has a large army behind him, wants to shoot her to death with one arrow!

Now, her father acquiesced to her eldest brother's decision and killed her man.

When I was captured as a slave, you not only didn't save me, but also wanted to kill me.

Because of Yang Yuan, I was able to avoid embarrassment and humiliation that was worse than death, and now you are chasing me and trying to kill him?

The honor of the Ugun clan is above everything, your face is above everything, do I, Yingge, deserve to be sacrificed by you again and again?
From the beginning to the end, have you ever cared about my feelings? Have you ever treated me as your daughter, as your sister, as a human being?
Yingge was furious.

Ah Man said, "Girl, Abu is hiding in Chanchun tribe now. However, I have persuaded Xianxing tribe to help in the name of the mistress.

In a moment, we will take the initiative and snatch you and... Yang Yuan away. I have arranged fast horses near Ling Ge's house, let's..."

"No! I won't go back, Ah Man. I won't go back to Saba Mountain again!"

Yingge turned her head and looked at A'man sadly.

"You don't have to worry about this. Go back and tell my mother that since my father and my eldest brother think that I have brought shame to the Ugun clan, then let them treat me as dead! I will never go back!"

As Yingge spoke, tears were already welling up in her eyes. She was heartbroken once again.

Ah Man said anxiously: "Miss, don't be angry. Master Yuanzhong must have had no choice. Didn't the mistress already..."

Yingge ignored her, gritted her teeth, and walked forward quickly.

Ah Man stamped his feet and quickly chased after him.

She had never put herself in Yingge's shoes to consider her feelings, so she was somewhat puzzled by Yingge's reaction.

Seeing that Yingge had quickly caught up with Yang Yuan, Ah Man hurriedly slowed down his pace and stayed not too far away, just wanting to find another chance to persuade Yingge.

……

At Ling Ge's house, Yang Yuan saw the scene that he had only seen when he returned to his hometown to worship his ancestors.

Relatives from the same clan gathered at the home of an elder.

In the yard were tables, stools, bowls and chopsticks brought by the guests attending the banquet.

Therefore, the sizes, heights, and specifications of all utensils are different.

Relatives who are rarely seen in normal times gathered in groups of three or five and chatted animatedly.

The food was not served all at once, but was brought up one pot, one plate, and one bowl at a time.

There is no exquisite plating or anything like that, the main focus is on large portions and enough to fill you up.

At the innermost part of the yard, under the tall walnut tree, there was only one table, and all the people sitting there were the important people in the area.

The distinguished guests were the elders of the Erwang family, and they were accompanied by Bojin and elders from the Chanchun and Xianxing tribes.

There were too many elders of high rank and status here, so Yang Yuan was squeezed to the fourth seat. Li You, Yu Fengxian and Yang Xuance naturally sat at the same table with him.

Yingge sat next to Yang Yuan, and as soon as they sat down, the two of them started talking in whispers as if no one was around.

When Li You saw this man in this state, he felt sad. He and his wife used to be so inseparable.

"Crack!"

The chopsticks in Li You's hand were broken by him.

What Yingge and Yang Yuan were talking about were not sweet love words.

As soon as she sat down, she told Yang Yuan everything about the Lingge tribe hiding Abu, a confidant sent by her eldest brother Yuanzhong, and their plan to kill Yang Yuan and kidnap her during the banquet.

Yingge has fully inherited the genes of a grassland woman. Whoever's tent she sleeps in belongs to her, even if she was kidnapped.

Yang Yuan listened with a very calm expression.

He leisurely peeled the crispy roasted pine nuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts, and fed them to Yingge one by one.

Even when he heard that Abu wanted to kill him during the banquet, Yang Yuan was not moved at all.

He had even done such exciting things as assassinating the emperor in the deep palace and being violated in front of the emperor. His nerves had long been as tough as steel bars. This little thing really could not shock him.

"I see."

Yang Yuan picked up a peeled hazelnut and put it into Yingge's red lips, saying, "I'll take care of it from now on. Just pretend you know nothing."

Yingge said worriedly: "But..."

Yang Yuan patted her arm gently and soothed her softly, "Be obedient, let your man handle this matter."

Whether it is Yuan Zhong or E Lun, they are just thinking from their own perspective about the best outcome for the family.

From the beginning to the end, Yingge's feelings were not important and they did not consider them.

Perhaps, as the head of a clan, there is nothing wrong with their rational considerations.

But Yingge is also a flesh-and-blood person, she has her own emotions and feelings.

Yang Yuan could feel that Yingge's voice couldn't help but tremble when she told him this.

If he hadn't fed her in time and interrupted the brewing of Yingge's emotions, Yingge would have been unable to hold back her tears.

Ying Ge, who has always been domineering, just can't stand Yang Yuan's domineering nature.

Hearing him say this, Yingge felt sweet in her heart and agreed obediently.

She believed that Yang Yuan must have a better way than her.

This was already proven in Lin'an.

However, there is no need to give him a bag of jewels as a reward this time, since he has already been compensated with his life anyway.

…Under the walnut tree, Li Taigong was directing the world.

Among those present here are many direct descendants of Wanyan Dari and Wanyan Luti.

But in terms of knowledge and rhetoric, there is really nothing to show for it.

Therefore, Li Minghe naturally became their "spokesperson".

Li Minghe was cursing Wanyan Liang passionately, listing all his absurd actions.

The two Bojins from Chanchun tribe and Xianxing tribe laughed awkwardly.

Although they agree with Li Taigong in their hearts, they don't need to take sides.

In particular, both of them knew that there were members of the Uguluan clan hidden among their followers.

And Ugulunjia is now on the side of the imperial court.

They are even less able to express their opinions.

When Mr. Li saw the two of them like this, he couldn't help but smile.

Of course, these words alone are not enough to convince the two tribes to work for them.

What ultimately plays a decisive role is one's own interests.

Li Taigong changed the subject and said, "I said this just to tell you two Bojins that Wanyan Liang is unpopular.

When Da Rui and Lu Ti started a rebellion, most of our Jurchen nobles supported them.

With everyone's support, how can great things not be accomplished?
When we return to Shangjing and unite the forces of all parties, the entire Northeast will be unified, and then we will naturally be able to kill the tyrant. As for the two of you..."

Li Minghe stroked his beard and smiled, "Your tribe is in a difficult situation, and there are not many people.

If you were asked to draft able-bodied men, I'm afraid the tribe wouldn't even be able to protect itself. I won't make it so difficult for you.

However, I have a great benefit to give you. It won't be difficult for you to do it. I wonder if you two are interested?"

Ling Ge listened to him scolding Wan Yanliang for a long time. Finally, he waited for the topic that he was most concerned about. He was immediately in high spirits and hurriedly said, "Old man, please speak."

Li Minghe said: "The location of your two tribes is not very good.

There are many mountains and rivers, and the land is not fertile enough. The tribe can only be supported by farming and fishing.

This time, I ask you to provide some food for the families on our ship. I am afraid it will affect you. Will you have a hard time this winter? "

The two Bojin smiled awkwardly. They were poor, that was a fact and there was nothing to deny.

But it’s true that when someone says it to your face, I feel ashamed.

Li Minghe said: "When we return to Shangjing, we will unite the forces of all parties, reorganize the troops, and support Da Rui and Lu Ti who are fighting in Liaodong. By then, we will need a large amount of military supplies.

These things are also difficult to collect in Shangjing. Fortunately, through Mr. Yang, I got to know the Goryeo shipping king.

Next, I plan to purchase military supplies from overseas through this Goryeo shipping king.

These troops needed to be transported to Shangjing, and there were two ways to go:
One way is to go along the Heilongjiang River and enter the inland river from Miaoergasan.

Another way is to go along the Aiyeku River and land at your Dun'en City.

Think about it, if I choose Dun'en City as the berth for this merchant ship, your poor and barren place will become the most prosperous commercial port in the north..."

Li Minghe held the wine glass in his hand and looked at the two Bojins with a smile: "Do you two know what this means?"

Ling Ge and Fu Jinzhan couldn't help but feel their hearts beating fast after hearing this.

Even though they are poor, it doesn't mean they don't have basic knowledge.

They certainly knew what it would mean for the two tribes that depended on it for their survival if the city of Dun'en became a trading port.

Compared to the illusory friendship of the Ugun family, it seems that... the pancake drawn by Li Taigong is more fragrant, with the flavor of chopped green onions and sesame seeds!

Not only were the two of them overwhelmed with emotion after hearing what Li Taigong said, but even the elders of their two tribes began to breathe heavily.

Ling Ge had a rapid thought in his mind: If I let Abu assassinate Yang Yuan and kidnap Ying Ge, would it anger Li Taigong?

If Li Taigong gave up Dun'en City and used Miaoergashan to transport military supplies...

When he thought of this, Ling Ge felt as if his heart was stabbed by a knife, as if he had lost everything.

Fu Jinzhan also thought of this concern at this time: If I let A'man and Abu fight, and let them abduct Yang Yuan and Yingge, will it anger Li Taigong?

If Li Taigong gave up Dun'en City and used Miaoergashan to transport military supplies...

The balance in the two people's hearts suddenly tilted towards Li Taigong.

However, they were not sure whether the killing or capture of the number one scholar of the Song Dynasty would hinder their cooperation with Li Taigong.

Ling Ge coughed and said tentatively: "If Dun'en City can really become a large commercial port, it will naturally be a great fortune for us.

But, I just heard from the old man that you are the Goryeo shipping king whom you met through Scholar Yang of the Song Dynasty.

Is this Song person...reliable? Can that Goryeo shipping tycoon really get a large amount of military supplies to be shipped to Dun'en City?"

Li Taigong laughed and stroked his beard and said, "That Goryeo shipping king is a close friend of Mr. Yang.

Right now, he trusts me based on his friendship with Scholar Yang.

However, as long as we successfully complete a transaction once, what will we have to worry about in the future?

As for the fact that Yang Xueshi was from the Song Dynasty, what's the problem? Our Great Jin is inclusive and tolerant. As long as he is talented, what does it matter where he is from?
The Song people, the Khitan people, the Bohai people, and even the incompetent emperor Wanyan Liang all used him. If we want to accomplish great things, aren't we as broad-minded as Wanyan Liang?

I really want to recruit Mr. Yang, but he is loyal to the State of Song and is unmoved.

Now, I just hope that I can be sincere and move Master Yang one day, hehe..."

When Ling Ge heard this, his heart sank. This Yang Yuan, was actually so important?

Ling Ge hesitantly picked up the wine bowl and toasted to Mr. Li and other distinguished guests.

He took a sip of wine and slowly glanced at the tribesmen at the tables who were drinking, eating meat, and chatting loudly.

He had been to Shangjing, and he knew how luxurious a life the dignitaries there lived.

He heard that Yanjing was more prosperous than Shangjing, and Jiangnan was more prosperous than Yanjing.

That's the life that superior people should live.

What kind of a heavenly life do the upper class people lead?

Is it time for my Chanchun tribe to suffer in poverty from generation to generation?

Should I, Ling Ge, stay huddled in this riverbed and canyon for the rest of my life without being able to stretch out?
We can't afford to fight a war, and if we don't even want this opportunity that's been delivered to our doorstep...

Ling Ge gritted his teeth, gulped down the wine in the bowl, and said to Li Minghe with red eyes: "Mr. Li, please spare me a moment to talk."

However, he didn't expect that Fu Bojin had the same plan as him, and almost at the same time, he said the same thing to Li Taigong.

Their eyes met immediately, and sparks flew like swords.

Ling Ge said in a deep voice: "Old Fu, I have something very important to tell Mr. Li!"

Fu Jinzhan sneered, "Me too!"

Li Taigong was surprised and asked, "What do you two have to say? Can't you talk about it here?"

Ling Ge and Fu Jinzhan said in unison: "No!"

After saying this, the two of them glared at each other again, and the people at the same table couldn't help but look at each other in surprise.

……

Abu and the seven or eight people he brought from Liaoyang City set up a separate table at the east corner of the courtyard.

He originally wanted to wait until everyone was about 70% to 80% drunk before taking action, which would make it easier to succeed and get away with it.

But when Abu saw Ling Ge and Li Taigong chatting happily under the walnut tree, he felt a little uneasy.

Liaodong is now in chaos, and the Ugurun clan is out of reach of Dun'en City.

Lord Yuanzhong also knew that the local tribes would not offend the relatives of the second king and would take action on their behalf.

Therefore, the method decided at the beginning was to use the influence of the Ugur clan to force Ling Ge to help them create an opportunity.

As for killing, kidnapping and other things that require physical action, they are the ones responsible for that.

Their influence on these two tribes was not strong before, and is even weaker now.

Now seeing that Ling Ge and Li Taigong were having a very pleasant conversation, Abu was afraid that Ling Ge would change his mind and reveal their secrets.

Therefore, just as Ling Ge and Fu Jinzhan grabbed Li Taigong's wrists on the left and right, vying to tell Li Taigong the secret, Abu made up his mind, put down his chopsticks, and said in a deep voice: "Do it!"

Seven or eight warriors who were sitting at the same table stood up at once, each holding a bowl of wine, and walked over sideways.

Abu picked up the wine bowl and followed them.

Judging from the situation, they seemed to be going to toast to a table of guests, and the direction they were going around happened to pass by Yang Yuan's table.

In another corner of the courtyard, Ah Man, who was petite and looked young, sat at the top.

However, this phenomenon is not surprising.

If “he” is of high enough generation, it would be natural for him to sit at the head seat at not only this table but also at the head table.

Seniority and age are two different things.

Ah Man had already discovered the location of Ah Bu and the others and had been secretly watching them.

Seeing Abu and the others standing up with their drinks, Ah Man threw the chicken leg he was chewing onto the table and said in a deep voice, "Go ahead!"

The seven or eight guards at the same table immediately picked up their wine bowls and walked towards him, following suit.

Ah Man knew Ah Bu, and for fear of being seen by Ah Bu and arousing his vigilance, he hid behind a group of warriors.

At Yang Yuan's table, Yang Yuan picked up the wine and said to Yu Fengxian and Yang Xuance with a smile: "Fengxian, Xuance, your names sound like heroes who can defeat thousands of enemies."

Yu Fengxian and Yang Xuance hurriedly picked up their wine bowls.

Yu Fengxian smiled and said, "To be honest with you, Mr. Yang, my name was quoted by my father from a great ancient person."

Yang Xuance said casually: "I am two years younger than Fengxian. When I was born, my father was very happy to see that I was a boy.

My father thought that the Yu family borrowed the name of a great hero from ancient times for their son, so he used a chicken to ask a fortune teller for the name Xuan Ce.

The teacher said that our name also means we are a great hero!"

Yu Fengxian said: "Mr. Yang, you are a learned man, who do you think is more powerful, Fengxian or Xuan Ce?"

Yang Yuan glanced at the two groups approaching them and smiled, "Who is more powerful, Fengxian or Xuan Ce? They are not from the same era, so it is not fair to compare them.

However, I know who is more powerful between Yu Fengxian and Yang Xuance now."

As soon as he said this, Li You, who was a little unhappy because he was not included in the toast, looked at him curiously.

Yang Xuance glared and asked, "The two of us? Who is more powerful?"

Yang Yuan smiled and said, "In a little while, whoever of you kills more people will be more powerful!"

After saying that, Yang Yuan twisted his fingers and a bowl of wine flew out in a spin.

(End of this chapter)