[R18] Will drink wine – Chapter 8 of “About to Enter the Wine” [English]

Chapter 8 Suspicion

The Imperial Guards were waiting for their turn, and they were all so cold that they shrank.

The Imperial Guards of Qudu were originally the Imperial Guards of the Eight Cities, the copper and iron walls of the palace of Qudu. According to the rules, such trivial matters of custody were not their turn.But then the Eight Battalions rose up, and the responsibilities of the two sides were transferred. The Forbidden Army became a burden to the capital. Not only did it abolish the military academy exercises, but it also became a real handyman in the capital. Today, they are all hereditary military households who have never seen real swords and guns, and they are waiting to die.

Ge Qingqing is a member of the Jinyi Guards Hundreds, and is not an official in the capital, but he is just right for the imperial guards responsible for guarding him.Because everyone walks around the palace on weekdays, they must look after each other, and even the older officials do not dare to show filial piety at will.Moreover, Ge Qingqing was extremely generous in his dealings with others, so the imperial army turned a blind eye and let Zhu Ji Gang take over the original job of a handyman.

Ge Qingqing greeted the Forbidden Army and shared the hot buns he had brought.Before Ji Gang came out, Xiaoqi saw that he was thoughtful and said, “If Brother Qing is anxious, please go in and check for the brothers.”

Ge Qingqing said: “How is this in line with the rules?”

Xiao Qi bit the bun and waved his hand, signaling to the imperial guards guarding the back door to give way, and said, “Brother Qing is not an outsider either. Besides, we have surrounded the Zhaosu Temple so tightly that no one can escape.”

Ge Qingqing stopped refusing and turned around to enter Zhaosu Temple.

Ji Gang was sitting under the eaves. When he saw Ge Qingqing coming, he stood up and said, “Has the time come?”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s still dark, Uncle Ji can stay for a while.” Ge Qingqing said, looking around the temple, “No one can live in this place, and it’s the coldest month of winter right now. I’ll bring some quilts in later.”

Ji Gang saw that he seemed to be worried, so he asked: “What’s wrong?”

Ge Qingqing hesitated and said: “It’s not a big deal, I just met the Second Young Master Xiao on the road.”

Shen Zechuan raised his head and said, “That Xiao…”

“Xiao Chiye,” Ge Qingqing said, “the youngest son of King Libei is also the person… last time. I saw that he was unsteady in his steps and smelled heavily of alcohol. He must have been drunk last night.”

“It’s not just Xiao Jiming.” Ji Gang turned around and said to Taifu, “I haven’t been here for twenty years, so I’m afraid he doesn’t know the four famous generals of the Zhou Dynasty. King Li Bei gave birth to a good son, so Xiao Jiming is very good!”

Shen Zechuan asked Ge Qingqing: “Brother Qing, what did he ask you?”

Ge Qingqing thought carefully and said: “He asked me where I was going, and I said I would take a shortcut to the station where I was on duty. He also said that this route didn’t seem to lead to Shenwu Street, so I just made a fuss. I don’t think a prince like him would know how to investigate in person.”

“But it involves the Xiao family, so be careful. You still have to go to the palace later, and you have to make a mark on your duty.” Ji Gang rubbed his hands against the snow, “Chuan’er, it’s time for a fistfight.”

“Wait a minute.” Shen Zechuan’s eyes were dark, “Since this is an alley in a residential area, what is a prince and nobleman doing on this street in the early morning?”

Ge Qingqing was also stunned and said: “It’s true… the entertainment places are all on Donglong Street, which is somewhat far away from the residential areas. He is so drunk and it’s so cold, why are he here!”

“Just wait and see.” Taifu Qi turned over wrapped in a broken curtain, facing the outside with his buttocks, and said, “Shen Wei’s matter is related to the Xiao family. I listened to him because he clearly wanted this kid’s life. But he is living well now, how can he not be suspicious?”

“If he didn’t mean it, he shouldn’t have said the second sentence.” Shen Zechuan thought of that kick with lingering fear.

“Oops.” Ge Qingqing’s expression changed and she said, “You blame me for being careless. What should I do? I’m afraid I’m already on the way!”

Shen Zechuan turned to Taifu Qi: “It doesn’t matter. Since you have guessed it, you must have a countermeasure.”

* * *

When Zhaohui arrived at the Jinyi Guards Office, the minister Qian who was traveling with him did not dare to take Qiao even though he was at the same level.He led Chao Hui all the way to the filing room and said, “What does General Chao want to check? This is the duty filing room for the twelve offices today.”

Chaohui was serious in speech, picked up the book, flipped through it, and said, “How hard it is to patrol in the forbidden area. Dear brothers of Jinyiwei, I received help from a hundred households named Ge Qingqing a few days ago, and I came here to thank you today. Is he on duty today?”

“Twelve houses and hundreds of households are all inside.” Qian Shi said and moved to the wall, where the duty list of the twelve houses was clearly hung.

But Zhaohui couldn’t touch this thing, it was taboo.

Qian Shi asked: “General, does he know which institute he is from?”

Chaohui said: “I heard that the only ones who can do the morning shift are the Luan Yu Division, the Qing Gai Division, and the Elephant Training Center.”

Qian checked the names carefully. After a while, he turned to Zhaohui and said, “General, there is no such person on duty today. Can I look elsewhere for you?”

Chaohui gently closed the book in his hand and said, “No need, I’ll find him myself.”

When Zhaohui left the stall room, the sky was getting bright.He walked back along the road and strode out of the palace.

Shenwu Street was newly swept with snow, but the road was slippery, and the bearers who were escorting dignitaries did not dare to be rash and walked carefully and tried to be safe.

Zhao Hui passed by a sedan and saw the person carrying the sedan wearing a waist knife.Unexpectedly, just such a glance made he frown.

“Wait a minute.” Chaohui stopped the sedan and said, “Is this the sedan to receive the command?”

As expected, the person carrying the sedan was Jin Yiwei. The leader nodded and said, “You know who we are picking up, but you dare to block the way? Get out of the way!”

Zhaohui raised his hand to reveal his Libei waist badge.

The Jin Yiwei nodded and said, “I have offended the general!”

The sedan curtain moved, and a slender hand lifted the curtain. Her charming face glanced lazily at Zhao Hui, and said coquettishly to the people inside: “Sir, I’m looking for you!”

Ji Lei also came back with a hangover. Sitting in the sedan with a golden sword, he said to Zhao Hui: “General Chao! Is there anything wrong?”

Zhaohui just stared at the leading Jin Yiwei and said, “Nothing happened. I heard that the young master had wine with you last night, did you just come back?”

Ji Lei said with a smile: “I was worried about the second young master! As soon as I opened my eyes this morning, the young master returned to the house. Is it the prince who is looking for someone?”

“I’m worried.” Zhaohui saluted, “I’ve disturbed your lord.”

“It’s okay! I just came out.” Ji Lei waved his hand, “Who just contradicted the general? Please apologize to the general.”

The leading Jin Yiwei knelt down on one knee and said to Zhao Hui: “Ge Qingqing, who holds a humble position, has blind eyes and cannot see Mount Tai. He has offended the general and is willing to be punished!”

Zhaohui read it right.

The waist tag hanging on the side of the knife really had Ge Qingqing’s name written on it.

* * *

After Xiao Chiye heard what Zhaohui said, he was still reading his storybook with his legs crossed.

Zhaohui said: “It seems that he did not tell lies. He was sent to pick up Ji Lei before he could enter the palace.”

“Yes.” Xiao Chi said absentmindedly, “Qingjun Tower is close, so naturally we can make it in time.”

“But I always feel it’s subtle.” Zhaohui rubbed the handle of the knife with his thumb.

Xiao Chiye turned the page and said, “Can’t you think of it?”

“Can’t think of anything.”

“I’m telling you.” He sat up suddenly, crossed his legs, and supported his knees with one hand, “You entered the capital with your eldest brother. The emperor personally welcomed you, followed closely by the twelve honor guards of Jin Yiwei. Why doesn’t he recognize you now?”

“It’s hard to say.” Zhaohui said, “Maybe I didn’t remember it.”

“You haven’t even changed your robe, and you have a sword. Even if he doesn’t recognize him, you wouldn’t dare to scold him in the street so arrogantly if you use your brain a little bit.” Xiao Chiye said, “Besides, I think he has a good memory, and even I can recognize him clearly.”

“I just think it’s such a coincidence.” Zhaohui thought, “I just happened to meet him.”

“What matters is coincidence.” Xiao Chiye threw away the script, “This Shen…”

“Shen Zechuan.” Zhaohui said.

“Let him enter Zhaosu Temple, it seems like he lost a move.” Xiao Chiye said with thoughts in his eyes.

* * *

Ge Qingqing took off his wind collar and wiped his sweat.

Wu Caiquan, who was outside, ran in with his legs crossed and said repeatedly: “Thank you so much! Brother Qing, thank you!”

Ge Qingqing said: “Little things are all brothers.”

Wu Caiquan grinned, turned around and shouted to the person in the stall: “Old Xu! Today I will remember Brother Qing, he carried the sedan for me. I caught a cold last night, and I felt dizzy this morning. Fortunately, Brother Qing helped me.”

Ge Qingqing lowered her head and wiped the sweat, and said, “If you are cold, let’s go to Xu’s shop to drink mutton soup later.”

Wu Caiquan said quickly: “Okay, Brother Qing is treating me! Lao Xu, do you hear me? Let’s go together in a while!”

“Don’t take it to heart.” Ge Qingqing patted Wu Quancai on the back, “Take good care of your health. If you feel uncomfortable next time, don’t hold it in like this time. Just tell me.”

Wu Caiquan nodded like a puppy, already too greedy for the mutton soup to care about anything else.

* * *

Taifu Qi was finally wrapped in a quilt at night. He sat across from Shen Zechuan and said, “In the middle of the month, it will be the Zhengdan Festival. The city will hold a banquet for ten thousand officials. At that time, the chief envoys and state inspectors from all over the country will come to the capital to congratulate me. I don’t know the current situation yet. Please tell me now.”

Shen Zechuan was wearing thin clothes in the snow, holding the starting position of Jijiquan, but sweat was dripping from his forehead.He said: “King Li Bei has been ill for many years, and his son Xiao Jiming has been responsible for all military affairs. He will probably not come this time. The five counties of Qidong also played a role in rescuing him this time. The one who came first to be ennobled was Lu Guangbai, one of the four generals. Marshal Qi is also expected to arrive in the past few days. In this way, the two major military powers of the Great Zhou Dynasty will temporarily stay——”

“Stay here.” Taifu Qi took out his ruler from the quilt and said, “Who are the four generals?”

“The iron horse and the glacier are clear, the beacon fire is blowing the sand and the land is white, the wind is blowing the wild bamboos, and the thunder is falling on the jade platform for thousands of years!”

“I have only heard about Zuo Qianqiu. But I also know that Lu Guangbai is probably the son of Bianshabo Lu Pingyan. Although Lu Pingyan later guarded the desert of Bianjun, he was born in Libei in his early years, and he and Xiao Fangxu, the king of Libei, were good brothers. If Lu Guangbai has a sister, she will definitely be the daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, right?”

“Yes.” Shen Zechuan said with sweat dripping, “Lu Guangbai’s sister is Princess Libei.”

“Then where did the two major military powers come from?” Taifu Qi said, “With this relationship, the Lu family is the thorn in Libei’s guard in the five counties of Qidong, and it is muddy inside. Besides, Qudu also has eight camps, and there are forbidden troops under the eight camps. Although the eight camps are not as numerous as Libei and Qidong, and their reputation is not as brave as them, but you have to remember that Qudu is the heart of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and they hold the emperor’s life in their hands.”

Taifu Qi weighed the ruler, picked up the gourd, and took a few sips of wine to warm himself up.

“You also need to remember that although the Jin Yiwei cannot be called a ‘soldier’, their ability to take advantage of it is far greater than that of a ‘soldier’. When an emperor uses troops, he must be supported by famous ministers and strong generals. When he is outside, the emperor’s orders may not be fulfilled. If you hold on too tightly, you may not be able to succeed; if you let go too loose, you may become a tiger. This scale is elusive, and you must prescribe the right medicine and be able to adapt to changes. However, the Jin Yiwei is completely different, heThey are the fierce dogs under the emperor, and the chain is held by the emperor alone. Whether it is loose or tight, favored or abandoned depends on the emperor’s mood.Would you like such a knife and such a dog?”

Shen Zechuan held on for a moment and said, “If you like it, you will indulge in sex! Too much favor will lead to disaster.”

“Your brother has taught you a lot.” Taifu Qi said, “Yes, remember it, you have to remember it! Too much favor and trust will lead to disaster. Although it is a virtuous way to be close to the virtuous and far away from the sycophant, but in this world, black and white are intertwined. How can you always tell who is the virtuous and who is the treacherous? Why?There are many things that even a virtuous gentleman can’t do, but a villain can do it.An emperor who has been in power for a long time must understand the way of checks and balances and listen to the opinions of his ministers.You see, with Jinyiwei, there is Dongchang;with Libei, there is Qidong.”

Master Qi paused for a while and then said.

“When the water is full, it overflows, and when the moon is full, it is losing. Do you know why the Xiao family hates Shen Wei this time? Not only is there no way to seal Libei Jing in this battle, but the fundamental reason is that if the Xiao family fights again, a defeat will be a defeat, and a win will be a defeat. They are at the end.”

Shen Zechuan said: “Win or lose?”

“Winning is also a defeat! When Xiao Jiming won a battle, didn’t he immediately compensate his brother? If he wins a game in the future, he will be in danger. This time it is his brother who will be compensated, but next time it may be his wife, his father, or even himself.”