Nightwatcher

On the dark passage, outside the fence, the eldest brother in the policeman's uniform stood there, squinting at him.

Xu Erlang's eyes lit up immediately, he stood up from the straw mat, and the shackles moved along with him, making a "cracking" sound.

"Why did you come in? Sun Shangshu let you in?" Xu Xinian was both surprised and pleasantly surprised.

Seeing this, Xu Qi'an calmly withdrew his scrutinizing gaze, and let out a sigh of relief: "It seems that it's just a skin trauma."

Then, he glanced at the jailer and said coldly, "Back off."

The jailer tactfully left.

Xu Nian took a 'spit' and said, "These dogs are so painful from the whip."

Is Erlang suing me? Xu Qi'an nodded: "Don't worry, Big Brother will find a way to rescue you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Nian waved his hand and interrupted him, emphasizing: "Brother, you may not be clear. This matter itself is not a fraud in the imperial examination, but a conflict between the Imperial College and Yunlu Academy."

No, I know everything clearly, Xu Qi said in peace.

But Xu Erlang didn't give him a chance to speak, he babbled on and on, his voice was full of anger, and it was true that he had only suffered some superficial injuries.

"Actually, I had a premonition for a long time. How can it be so easy and easy for the students of Yunlu Academy to get together in high school? But I am not afraid. If the academy wants to return to the court and expand its power, it needs someone to take the lead and someone to pave the way for the latecomers. "Xu New Year said in a deep voice:

"And I am the one who opened the tunnel."

Erlang, people don't admire the first person to open the tunnel, what people really admire is the person who expanded the tunnel Xu Qi'an said "hmm":

"Go on."

"Actually, I have already figured out a solution in prison. Heh, after all, I am the most proficient in the intrigue in the court."

Xu Nian proudly raised his chin, and continued: "The great Confucian scholars in the academy cannot enter the court in white clothes. But Wei Yuan can, you go and beg Wei Yuan, I don't ask him to help me get rid of the crime immediately, that would be too much." If it is difficult, it will definitely hurt your muscles and bones, because it is tantamount to going to war with the civil servants.

"My request is to get rid of the official title, but retain the power of the imperial examination. Or, after I am imprisoned for the imperial examination, I will take the general examination again three years later.

"The main purpose of the civil servants from the Imperial College is to suppress Yunlu Academy, not me."

After saying that, Xu Erlang sighed when he saw the elder brother was in a daze, "Yes, these things are really difficult for the elder brother to understand, you just need to do as I tell you.

"Although I am in prison, I can still plan strategies."

Erlang, you thought you were on the eighteenth floor, but actually you were on the surface of the earth. Xu Qi'an coughed and said, "Brother here has a different opinion."

Xu Nian was taken aback for a moment, then nodded "modestly": "Say it."

At that moment, Xu Qi'an told Xu Erlang about Wei Yuan's analysis of "kill three birds with one stone", and the cell fell into a long silence.

"So it turns out that there is such a complicated context behind this case, I, I'm done?" Xu Erlang looked shocked.

I don't know if it's because there is no hope of escape, or because his analysis is too superficial, which doesn't match what he considers to be the king.

"Don't worry, big brother will try his best to rescue you." Xu Qi'an comforted him like this.

This is the dungeon of the Ministry of Justice, so it is not suitable to say too much.

Xu New Year let out a miserable laugh.

Saying goodbye to Xu New Year, Xu Qi'an left the yamen of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, planning to go home to appease his sister and aunt. After most of the day, he has been running around outside, and the two female relatives in the family may have been worried until now.

Far away, I heard my aunt crying from the hall: "Why hasn't Dalang come back yet? Erlang was imprisoned in the Ministry of Criminal Justice. I don't know how much he will suffer. At least give me a letter."

Xu Lingyue comforted: "Mother, the elder brother must be running around to clear up the relationship. Don't worry, when the evening is over, the elder brother will tell you when he comes back."

"How long will we have to wait? Mother is suffering every quarter of an hour now." Auntie began to cry:

"Didn't you hear what your father said, Da Lang went to the Ministry of Criminal Justice to ask for help, not only did he not see Er Lang, he was also humiliated."

Then, there was Xu Pingzhi's sigh.

Although my aunt is narrow-minded and thinks she is cute at this age, she didn't insult the second uncle at this time for being incompetent and unable to save her son. This is probably the reason why the second uncle dotes on the aunt so much. Xu Qi'an suddenly discovered this detail that he hadn't noticed before.

"Ahem!"

Xu Qi'an coughed while entering the inner court, attracting the family's attention.

Xu Lingyue, who was obviously calm just now, instantly filled with tears, staring at Xu Qi'an, choked up speechless.

Seeing this, Xu Qi'an had no choice but to comfort her first, patted her fragrant shoulder: "Don't worry."

Xu Lingyue called softly: "Brother"

Then, covered by her aunt's high decibel voice, her eyes suddenly lit up, she grabbed Xu Qi'an's sleeve, looking at him expectantly and nervously. cried:

"Ning Yan, Erlang, how is he? You should quickly find a way to save him. Only you can save him at home."

Xu Pingzhi sighed: "Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment is determined to take revenge, what do you ask Dalang to do, and be humiliated by him again?"

The light in my aunt's eyes suddenly dimmed, and tears welled up in her eyes. Xu Qi'an patted his aunt's little hand, then his sister's little hand, and comforted him: "I saw Erlang, he's fine, he didn't suffer any injuries."

The aunt didn't believe it, she stared at her nephew with bright eyes, sniffled: "Da Lang, don't lie to me."

Xu Lingyue looked at her eldest brother expectantly and apprehensively. It was a younger sister's wish for a big brother she adores.

Xu Qi'an glanced at his family and said: "I invited Wei Gong and the princess to put pressure on Sun Shangshu. He dare not torture Erlang, don't worry."

If it was Duke Wei and the princess who made the move, then Erlang would not have suffered great torture in prison Like a deep friendship. Xu Pingzhi sighed in his heart, unknowingly, his nephew's network had grown so large that he looked up to him.

It's great to have Ning Yan here, always reassuring that the big stone in Auntie's heart is slowly falling.

Xu Lingyue pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling. Big brother never let her down.

In fact, I kidnapped Sun Shangshu's son, but he has no evidence. There is nothing wrong with me. I just kept him from moving. For Sun Shangshu, this is a small thing that can be done. And he cared more about his son's life than his death.

Although it is breaking the rules, if the scale is well grasped, the impact of the matter can be minimized.

Besides, Sun Shangshu really has no evidence, and Xu Qi'an was not the one who arrested him. Si Tianjian's qi-watching technique is even more fearless.

In the case of Princess Pingyang, King Yu had no evidence, his daughter disappeared for no reason, and he didn't even know who the enemy was.

Of course, after the incident, the price Liang Dang paid was to kill everyone.

As long as the effect is good, even the rules written in the Dafeng Law, some people will take risks, let alone unspoken rules!

With this thought in mind, Xu Qi'an looked at Lina and Xu Lingyin who were sitting on the side eating cakes heartlessly, and said, "Don't go out today, Lina, during the day, the safety of the family members depends on you."

"Okay!" Lina agreed.

Although this little black skin is not very smart, but she can fight Xu Qi'an is quite at ease with her.

As for being isolated by the officialdom, let alone whether Sun Shangshu would spread the matter, even if it was spread, he would not be afraid. As Wei Yuan's confidant, he had too many enemies.

Still afraid of being isolated?

Xu Qi'an is not a scholar who is going to be an official, he is a watchman, the nature of the two is different. The former needs fame and official recognition.

But it is not necessary to beat the watchman. When Wei Yuan is there, he is there; when Wei Yuan is down, he is down.

Xu Pingzhi opened his mouth and didn't express his opinion. He felt sad and relieved. What was gratifying was that his nephew had grown up, and he was no longer the kid who let him pat the back of his head.

It's a pity that I can no longer take pictures of the back of this kid's head.

My aunt wept with joy, she held Xu Qi'an's hand and said, "Da Lang, you are the most promising in the family, it will not be in vain for my aunt to train you up."

No, auntie, if you say this, your conscience will not hurt? Xu Qi'an was puzzled.

The aunt who was in a bright mood suddenly took the time to vent her anger on Xu Lingyin, and poked her on the forehead with a green finger, and said angrily: "I know how to eat, what's the use of giving birth to you, it's better to give birth to a mouse."

"Mom, I'm hungry." Xu Lingyin said aggrievedly with her small face up.

"When has your stomach been full?" The aunt hated iron and steel: "Your brother is in trouble, and you are still eating here. Heartless food."

Xu Lingyin glanced at Xu Qi'an: "Isn't the cauldron good? Mother just doesn't want to give me something to eat, so she hides it and eats it by herself."

My aunt shook her body angrily.

Xu Qi'an, Xu Lingyue and Xu Pingzhi were a little embarrassed.

Lina poked her partner's waist and said in a low voice, "You still have an older brother."

Xu Lingyin thought about it, and found that she did have an older brother, so she burst into tears, and the pastry fell from her mouth.

She picked up the cakes that fell on her clothes and legs and stuffed them back into her mouth, crying: "Did the second brother die too? I don't want the second brother to die, ouch!"

At this time, the gatekeeper Lao Zhang came in and said: "There is a girl outside who wants to see Miss Lingyue."

The family immediately looked at Xu Lingyue.

The latter frowned slightly, "Which family's girl, what do you want from me?"

The concierge old Zhang shook his head.

"Please come in." Xu Lingyue said.

In a short time, the concierge Lao Zhang brought in a pretty girl in a pink skirt. She was wearing a maid bun, but the fabric of the clothes she wore was better than that of ordinary rich girls.

"It's you?" Xu Lingyue recognized her with a stunned expression.

"The maid's name is Lan'er. Miss wants to visit Miss Lingyue today. I wonder if Miss Lingyue is free today?" The charming maid who called herself Lan'er saluted.

"This is Wang Shoufu's daughter, Miss Wang Simu's maid." Xu Lingyue explained.

She believes that with the wisdom of her eldest brother, she will be able to hear the implication.

Wang Zhenwen's daughter's maid? Why did she send someone to the house to ridicule her? Because of Erlang's influence, Xu Qi'an also felt that Wang Simu was taking pleasure in other people's misfortune, and made trouble.

Immediately annoyed.

A mere woman is so arrogant. I am a new-age human being who firmly implements the idea of ​​equality between men and women. Tearing green tea will not be soft. Xu Qian snorted coldly in his heart.

"I have something to do today, and I will visit another day." Xu Lingyue said calmly, her eyes suddenly sharpened: "Please go back and tell Sister Wang that I really like her, and I must communicate with her then."

But at the next moment, the sharpness in her eyes converged, and she turned into a weak and weak sister again, and she said with tears: "Brother, if you still have something to do, go and do it first, and I will leave the second brother's work to you."

Xu Qi'an was about to nod when she heard Miss Lan'er showing a nervous look and asked, "What's wrong with Xu Huiyuan?"

Both brothers and sisters ignored her, with a cold face, the aunt suddenly said:

"Your lady is Wang Shoufu's daughter? That's really great. My Erlang was imprisoned in the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice by some goddamn thief who slandered him for cheating in the imperial examination.

"Girl, can you please help Erlang for me?"

Xu Qi'an and Xu Lingyue looked at their aunt with stiff faces.

Does this mother (aunt) really have no brains at all?

Even if you go to the doctor in a hurry, you can't throw yourself in front of the enemy. You think you died not fast enough, so you want someone else to make up for it?

With a dark face, Xu Qi'an said coldly: "Miss Lan'er, I won't see you off."

Miss Lan'er was full of doubts, and left anxiously.

Wang Simu sat on the back of the spacious carriage, sometimes lifted the curtain of the window to look outside, and sometimes paid attention to the orange-red charcoal fire and licked the teapot at the bottom.

It fully reflects the anxiety in Ms. Wang's heart.

More than half an hour passed, Lan'er's dead girl hadn't come back yet, the waiting person was the most uncomfortable.

If Miss Xu's refusal to visit her, it probably represents the meaning of the Xu family, and also represents the meaning of Xu New Year.

Then should I continue to visit the door? Or quit?

The latter made her not quite reconciled. In the case of the former, she is a woman who has not left the court after all, the daughter of the chief minister, and she wants face and reputation anyway, so she is embarrassed to continue visiting.

As thoughts flashed, she raised the curtain to take a look, and was pleasantly surprised to find Lan'er's pony carriage.

The small carriage stopped slowly, and the maid Lan Er jumped out nimbly, trotted over, climbed into the tall carriage, opened the door and entered.

"Damn girl, you came back so late, what time is it?" the upset Wang Simu said angrily.

She took a deep breath and asked, "What did Miss Xu say?"

Laner shook her head.

Wang Simu's face suddenly collapsed, and the light in his eyes dimmed instantly.

At this time, she saw Lan'er swallowing her saliva, panting, and said, "Miss, something is wrong, Xu Huiyuan was arrested by the Ministry of Criminal Justice for cheating in the imperial examination."

"What?"

Wang Simu, who heard the news, felt mixed feelings in his heart. The first thing that came to him was shock and worry, worrying about Xu New Year's future and safety.

Then there was a trace of joy.

It turned out that he didn't go to the appointment, not because he had no intention of loving me, but because he was arrested by the Ministry of Criminal Justice and couldn't escape.

I was wrong about him.

At that moment, Lan'er relayed to Ms. Wang everything she had seen and heard in the Xu Mansion, including Xu Qi'an's cold attitude and Xu Lingyue's alienated attitude.

Sun Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice and my father are in the same party. They think it is my father who is leading behind the scenes? If it's really my father's secret push, then I, Wang Simu, feel bitter.

Lan'er said angrily: "Hmph, you have such a bad attitude and want you to save Xu Huiyuan, the Xu family really shameless."

Wang Simu frowned, "Speak well." After a pause, she looked serious, and said, "Is that Xu Qi'an's request?"

No, I only met Xu Huiyuan once, and we talked a few words. Then Xu Qi'an is a smart person, how could he ask me, Wang Shoufu's daughter, to help?

It is impossible for him to know my thoughts, not even my father.

The clever Ms. Wang immediately saw the clues.

Lan'er shook her head: "It was said by the mistress of the Xu family, she was the very beautiful woman we saw that day."

Madam Xu's request

Wang Simu's face became serious again, and he actively used his brain, pondered, and analyzed

She is Xu Huiyuan's mother. When encountering such a thing, she must have a very bad impression of me and the Wang family, so why do you ask me for help?

A woman who can raise a scheming daughter, a unparalleled nephew, and a talented son is by no means ordinary.

I have to think about it, think about it, don't be careless

"Lan'er, did that mistress scold me or my father? What's her attitude?" Wang Simu asked.

"She has the best attitude in the whole family, and she is very sincere when making requests." Lan Er said.

Wang Simu's eyes widened all of a sudden, and he had a corresponding guess in his heart.

It was the first time that I invited Xu Huiyuan to participate in the literary meeting in the name of my father. There was no problem in itself, but I invited Xu Huiyuan to visit the lake in a very short period of time. Careless men may not think too much about such things as swimming in the lake. But as a woman, and a woman with extraordinary wisdom, it is impossible for her not to notice it at all.

Even if I don't confirm my intentions, I can guess to some extent. So, this is a temptation and an opportunity?

Her attitude towards me is not disgusted, and she has no hostility or dislike for me because I am the daughter of the Wang family.

She was expressing her attitude and showing it to me.

Then, the mistress of the Xu family made this request through Lan'er.

is hinting at me.

Sure enough, the mistress of the Xu family is a person of great wisdom. She is the only one in the whole family who can see through my intentions.

At the same time, there is also the excitement of meeting the opponent.

"Lan'er, go to the imperial city, I'm going to the Yamen to find my father." Wang Simu said word by word.

PS: This plot is actually very important, one of the foreshadowings for the end of the volume, um, no spoilers.

Today, I coded 13,000 words and achieved my goal perfectly. Ask for a monthly pass, old irons.

Thanks to the lord of the "monster spirit, glass". The leader of "L byte". The leader of "Absurd 9". Leader of "sleep well tonight". The leader of "Nian Qing An Wushang".

Thank you guys.