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MTL - Perfect Encounter-Chapter 20
General Long brought An Ruochen into Ziyun Tower.
When he carried her to the bed, he found that she had passed out. The messenger called Wei Xingzhou, a doctor in the army, to come over and look at her wounds. While waiting for the doctor, Zong Zeqing and Xie Gang stood in the room frowning and staring at the unconscious An Ruochen worryingly.
"It is more difficult to explain why the bride was robbed than to explain the secret report and search operation." Xie Gang said.
"You said it was picked up during night patrol?" Zong Zeqing thought about his words.
"Why don't you return it after picking it up?"
"We can't send her back until we find out why she was seriously injured and fell halfway."
"Why didn't you notify Anfu immediately, and why didn't you send it to the county government office?"
"..." Zong Zeqing didn't know how to answer for a while, and jumped on his feet: "She didn't wake up, so what to give, naturally whoever picked it up will ask first, and ask clearly before talking."
"When the emperor gave you the name of General Huwei, did he know you were so noisy?" Xie Gang asked coolly.
"..." Zong Ze choked so hard that he was about to throw another punch, but saw An Ruochen on the bed opened his eyes.
"General." Her voice was barely audible.
Zong Zeqing quickly straightened his face and approached calmly: "Miss An, you're awake."
A big hand stretched out from behind and pushed him aside: "I didn't call you."
Zong Zeqing felt aggrieved when he was pushed aside. The girl was called General, but she didn't say which one. Well, looking at the eyes of Long Da and An Ruochen, the "general" was indeed not calling him.
Zong Zeqing craned his neck to watch, fearing that he might miss some exciting gossip.
Long Da first said: "You didn't go as promised, and Lao Jiang didn't pick up anyone. I checked your family's affairs. Is your fourth sister missing? Your wedding date is changed to tomorrow? How did you escape tonight? What are your plans?"
An Ruochen was shocked. Zong Zeqing also slandered the general for being so unsympathetic, so at least he said a few words of relief first, "You are safe now", and so on, how could he insist on serious business and interrogate him once he came up.
"Master Jiang didn't pick up anyone?" An Ruochen was startled and started to panic, "What about my sister? What's the meaning of missing?"
"Did you ask your sister to join Lao Jiang?" Long Da guessed what she said.
"He didn't see my sister, or didn't he take her in?"
"I didn't see it."
An Ruochen closed his eyes.
Long Dao: "I originally planned to do so. After you leave, news of your disappearance will spread throughout the city. I will arrange false clues. Mr. Xie will think you are hiding somewhere in the outskirts of the city. We publicly determined that he committed suicide , he thinks that he has a good plan, so he will take it lightly. And he guessed that you were hidden by the military, and with his suspicious heart, he would think that you have his handle, otherwise the military would have no need to hide you. After all, matchmaker Xu Mr. Xie is no longer able to verify what she said to you and what she gave you. So he will find you again. In this way, we can capture him in one fell swoop. And because there are killers who want to murder you, you Your life and death are uncertain. As time goes by, the government will not find you, nor will you find your body. In all likelihood, you will be sentenced to death. You can live in peace in another country. But now you have not escaped. The previous plan Had to change."
Zong Zeqing wanted to sigh, but General Long was indeed a fool, a wooden man. You can't use this trick to abduct a girl. The image of a hero saving the beauty should be maintained, so that the girl is grateful. At this time, it’s the second time to save each other, talking softly, talking about kindness, and I’m sure I’ll help you find a younger sister or something, I’m afraid Miss An will not go through fire and water, and promise with her body... oh, there is no need for a promise with her body . Go through fire and water to help catch the fine work. Now that the trump card is revealed, helping her escape is also to use this matter to catch the thief. The girl's heart is cold, right?
Sure enough, An Ruochen opened his eyes, with tears in his eyes: "So that's the case. I thought... I thought, my sister succeeded in catching up with Master Jiang's convoy, and the general knew that I didn't make it..."
So do you think the general came here to save her? Zong Zeqing sighed in his heart that Long Da didn't make good use of this opportunity to play a good benefactor. Zong Zeqing interrupted: "It is true that I know you are trapped, so I tried to save you."
As a result, both parties involved ignored him and never even glanced at him. On the contrary, Xie Gang glared at him, as if blaming him for talking too much.
An Ruochen asked: "What is the general's plan now?"
"This is what I should ask you. How did you escape with such a serious injury?" If someone else was involved in this matter, then he had to deal with it accordingly.
An Ruochen blinked, recalling the past few days, it was all because of the successful escape of the fourth sister, which made her cheer up until now. An Ruochen burst into tears before saying a word, and she raised her hand to wipe away the tears, only to realize that her ten fingers were all injured from digging a hole. She stared at her fingers, remembering that the fourth younger sister had dug a hole for her to help her escape, and now she came out through this hole, but the fourth younger sister was nowhere to be found.
Tears flowed down again, but An Ruochen knew that now was not the time to cry, she wiped away the tears vigorously, and said: "My father once left me in the woodshed. There are many sundries in the woodshed, some of which are discarded A hatchet or a blade with a broken handle. I found two small and easy-to-hide ones and hid them on my body."
Long Da looked at her quietly.
"I was seriously injured and fell asleep every day. Many people were sent out to look for my fourth sister. There were not many people guarding me. Besides, tomorrow is the wedding day, so they were negligent and went to bed early. I used a hatchet to pry Opened the window and climbed out. My fourth sister..." An Ruochen sniffed, "My fourth sister told me that she dug a hole at the bottom of the wall in her backyard, but it was not big enough. I went there, found the hole, Keep digging with your knife and your hands until I can get out..."
Life hangs by a thread and meets the general. An Ruochen turned her head and met Long Da's eyes.
"So no one is helping you? No one else knows about this?"
"Yes."
"Since there is no one to respond, what can you do if you get out?"
An Ruochen said: "They discovered it earlier than I expected, or I moved too slowly. I originally thought that they would search my yard first, and Fourth Aunt's should be searched later. ...and the concierge will confirm that I didn't go out, that I'm injured and can't climb the wall, and they'll think I can't get out, and I'm just hiding somewhere in the courtyard. That way I still have time."
"What do you have time for?" Zong Zeqing couldn't help asking.
"Let me go to the Yamen if I have time, I want to beat the drums to report the case..." There is no pleading paper, no lawsuit, and if I want to see the official report, I have to beat the drums.
Long Da raised his eyebrows, she really dared to do anything.
Zong Zeqing opened his mouth wide in surprise: "Drum to report that your father has arranged a marriage for you that you don't like, and beat you for it?"
Xie just glanced at him, Zong Zeqing waved his hand, "Okay, okay, the emperor knows everything. Don't interrupt, and listen to Miss An."
Obviously you interrupted, okay? Xie Gang didn't bother to talk to him.
An Ruochen bit her lips: "I want to report to the prefect that I have spied the actions in Zhonglan City, which is an important witness. I hope to meet the general."
The corners of Long Da's mouth curled up.
"Originally, it would be best to go to the general's office in Ziyun Tower to report this matter, but it's too far away. I'm seriously injured and I can't make it. The county office is closer. If I hold on, I should be able to make it through." An Ruochen is very nervous, wondering if this plan will make Long Da unhappy. But she couldn't lie to him, so she lowered her head and continued, "I am disobedient to the orders of my parents and the words of the matchmaker, and I am also suspected of abducting my sister to leave home. Although I am injured, the yamen cannot control this matter. Just as As the general said, no one can control housework. My father can say for half an hour why he disciplined his stubborn and rude daughter. When I was sent home, I was thrown into the bridal sedan chair at dawn, and changed to another place and someone to teach me. But if I am an important witness and involve important military affairs, according to the law, the yamen has to detain me and hand it over to the general. More than that General, because I am beating drums at the county government office to report to the officials, the prefect must also closely monitor me. In this situation, the marriage must be temporarily impossible. If it is delayed for a while, there will be a glimmer of hope."
Zong Zeqing secretly looked at Long Da's expression, then at An Ruochen. His grandma is a bear, she really underestimated this girl. Suddenly he remembered what Long Da said earlier, seeing An Ruochen, his problems could be solved for any reason he could find. As expected.
"I guess you've also thought up a copy of "Detailed Biography". You can tell the adults in detail for half an hour, so that they have to be cautious, and immediately report to me to go." Long said.
True or false, is it nonsense? Zong Zeqing almost rolled his eyes. Wait, General, are you flirting with a girl? But the tone is so serious that it is easy to be misunderstood.
An Ruochen blushed: "Well, although I'm stupid, I also know how many mistakes I make. Since the general knows that Mr. Xie is cheating, he must have a plan. I won't say too much, I will wait When the general arrives, listen to what the general has to say, and adapt accordingly."
"If you can't say something, how can the prefect believe you? If you don't believe me, how can you call me? Tell me, what do you plan to say to the prefect?"
An Ruochen bit her lip, the general was really afraid of her doing bad things. She whispered: "Let's just say, Xu Matchmaker is a meticulous worker."
"The prefect will definitely ask you what proof you have." Long said.
"I am the certificate." An Ruochen raised his head and said as if reporting the case, "Matchmaker Xu told me about the marriage, which is the magistrate Qian's mansion of Fu'an County. When I marry, I become the stepmother of the county magistrate. Xu The matchmaker has hinted to me many times, saying that when I pass the door, don't forget her benefits. She also said that after marrying into Qian's mansion, she will definitely encounter various headaches such as competition for favor from various houses and Mr. Qian's joy, anger and happiness. Knowing that I am not favored at home, Dao is afraid that her natal family will not take care of me. But she will let me live well, as long as I listen to her guidance."
"and then?"
"I didn't understand what she meant at the beginning, but I was also afraid that life would be difficult after becoming a wife. My mother fought at home, but she died of illness in the end. I also wanted to stabilize Xu Matchmaker and see if she could do it. How to take care of me. But she was very careful, and only chatted with me about family matters, and I asked her how to make my life better. Your husband's family seeks profit, and if your husband's family thinks you are useful, you will get more love. What's more, you can use this to gain some power in the family. She said that I was young, and she would teach me slowly. She also Let me think about it carefully, why the second aunt in my family is the most favored and can take charge of the inner house. It is not because her natal family has brought a lot of benefits to my father. I think what she said is true, but I also have doubts. She is a matchmaker My son, I can't do her any favors, why did she help me. She didn't say it clearly, she just said that I will remember her kindness at that time, and I can do something for her."
Zong Zeqing took a sneak look at the general, and what he said seemed to be true, was it true?
An Ruochen continued: "Later, I saw Matchmaker Xu talking to a man on the street. I didn't see the man's face, but I heard what they said about girls who were disobedient and silenced them, and there were granaries and horse farms. I panicked. Then I asked Matchmaker Xu tentatively. At that time, I thought, if she can really help me in my future life, I have to show that I am on her side and please her, but if there is any danger , I also have to get rid of it early, so as not to cause trouble. When I asked, Matchmaker Xu told me that she was indeed involved in some important things, so she needed some help. After I married into the Qian family, I could Becoming her right-hand man will benefit me at that time. I asked carefully what to do. I was a little stupid, afraid that I would not be able to do what she asked, so I wanted to figure it out first and make preparations in advance. She and I We chatted speculatively, and felt that I was obedient. I ran into her secrets this time, and she didn't shout and complain everywhere, and she didn't blame me. She also praised me for being calm and sensible. She said that she was a matchmaker for many people, and also for many girls. At the place where the errands are found, many wives and concubines in the big households keep in touch with her and exchange news, what she needs me to do is that simple, so I don’t have to panic, it’s very easy.”
An Ruochen stopped at this point, Xie Gang was about to ask "and then", when the general went to pour a glass of water himself and handed it to An Ruochen. An Ruochen thanked her, took the cup and drank it in a big gulp. Her hands were shaking, and her fingers were stained with mud and blood. Zong Zeqing's heart softened, he took two steps forward to hold the glass for her, and fed her the second half of the glass of water.
Long Da calmly withdrew his foot that was about to approach, and took a step back. With his hands behind his back, he watched An Ruochen seriously "gobbling" into a glass of water.
At this time, the guard reported outside the door that Dr. Wei had arrived. Long Da called him in, the old doctor entered the room to salute, went up to look at An Ruochen's wound as ordered, naturally pushed Zong Zeqing aside, and naturally invited him and Xie Gang outside together.
Zong Zeqing was still thinking about what An Ruochen said when he was outside the house, he felt that those words were quite convincing. Matchmaker Xu died strangely at that time. Although she committed suicide, the government did not find the reason for her suicide and had to close the case hastily. At the oath meeting, An Ruochen and Xie Jinsu didn't know each other, but they were harassed and pursued by him. Xie Jin died, and his identity was also a lot of doubts, but there were no evidence clues. Now that An Ruochen reported it like this, the prefect will definitely pay attention to it, and he will definitely report it to their military.
But what if An Ruochen finished talking about this? The prefect would not call off her marriage because of her meritorious service. He would probably just thank her and send her home to continue the marriage. Naturally, the general can't do anything...
Thinking of this, Zong Zeqing suddenly came to his senses: "Xie Gang, it's true that men and women can't get married, I'm convinced, but why are you and I kicked out, and the general still stays in the house?"
"What does the general care about? He will treat each other with courtesy and turn his back to avoid suspicion." Xie Gang said in a serious tone.
"Ha!" Zong Zeqing suddenly felt that he had grasped Xie Gang's handle, "It means that you are so rare, rude and shameless, that's why you were kicked out?"
"No, I'm here to monitor you and prevent you from peeping."
"..." To actually slander and belittle his character, I can't bear it!
Afterwards, Dr. Wei came out, and when he passed by the two generals who were fighting lively, he said: "The old man left the wound medicine for the two adults in the house." After speaking, he left calmly.
Zong Zeqing and Xie Gang had a meal, did this mean to let them fight at ease? He punched each other suddenly, and then the two floated towards the door at the same time, standing outside the door and looking at each other.
"Can I go in?"
"The general didn't call. You push the door."
Zong Zeqing was about to explode again: "Why did the general let me push the door without calling?"
"You have thick skin, you can do this."
Zong Ze took a look at Xie Gang for his innocence, and made a fart. He has always followed the rules and only does what he is told.
After waiting for a while, the dragon's call was still not heard. Zong Zeqing couldn't bear it any longer, and pressed his ear to the door with a gossip-like expression. Before it was firmly attached, it was pushed away. Xie Gang put his ears on the door panel solemnly.
Zong Zeqing rolled his eyes hard at him. But I have to bear it, I can't disturb the general by doing this kind of thing, so let him go for now. So they squeezed over to eavesdrop together.
Faintly heard An Ruochen talking in the room, but her voice was weak and she couldn't make out what she said. But what else could be said, Zong Zeqing guessed it all. He winked at Xie Gang: This girl is really trying to convince the general to take her in. Tell me, how will the general, a piece of iron and wood, handle this matter?
Xie Gang also gave Zong Zeqing a look, full of disgust. Zong Zeqing frowned, this guy must have not understood the meaning of his eyes just now. He frowned, and gave another look: Don't think about it, you are obviously discussing important military matters, and you robbed the bride before she got on the sedan chair. If this matter falls into the hands of someone with a heart, the general will get into big trouble, and you can't joke . You still despise, what exactly are you despising?
Xie Gang ignored him.
Zong Zeqing became impatient and felt that his eyes were not working well. He was about to ask a question when suddenly no one in the room spoke.
Xie Gang and Zong Zeqing stood upright in an instant, their faces straight and calm as if nothing had happened.
The door opened, and Long looked at them with a straight face, and said, "Come in."
Xie Gang and Zong Zeqing went in.
At first glance, An Ruochen's clothes were still on, and the injury was not bandaged. Zong Zeqing sighed inwardly, General Long, you really are a piece of wood, why don't you have the slightest bit of pity and pity for jade.
Long Dao: "Miss An has a clear mind, and she also agreed that I will help to trap Xiao Zuo."
Zong Zeqing hurriedly asked: "Then shall we keep her?" He thought Miss An was a good girl, and if he could help her escape from the tiger's mouth, he would be happy.
"Send her to the entrance of the Yamen Street of the county government. Be careful on the way, don't let others find your whereabouts."
Zong Zeqing was surprised. Want to throw Miss An to the Yamen?
Long Da glanced at An Ruochen: "She wants to beat the drums to report to the officials, so let her go."
Zong Zeqing and Xie Gang took An Ruochen there.
Zong Zeqing led several people to open the way in the name of night watch to ensure that no one was on the way. Xie Gang and An Ruochen followed from a distance in a carriage. All the way An Ruochen frowned lightly, pursed her lips tightly as if in pain. Xie Gangsui said softly: "The general's actions are justified. He didn't heal your wounds, and he didn't let you rest for too long, so he shouldn't make people suspicious. After all, you just escaped from the mansion and went straight to the yamen."
An Ruochen nodded hurriedly, she naturally knew this. "The doctor confirmed that my life was not in danger, and gave me a painkiller pill. I can hold on."
Xie Gang said again: "The prefect will definitely ask carefully. When you answer, don't be in a hurry, speak slowly, and think more in your head. Although your report to the official is credible, it should be able to teach the prefect to make trouble. Go to the general, but you have to understand that even if you are a witness, you have to go home after reporting to the official. Besides, you will marry tomorrow, and you will marry the father of the county magistrate. The prefect will definitely report to your family, and will Inform County Magistrate Qian and Lord Qian that you don’t have a good reason, neither the prefect nor the general can take you in. Even if you are detained for a few more days for trial, you have to go home afterward.”
An Ruochen nodded again: "My lord, please don't worry, I understand what your lord means. Even if I can't withdraw the marriage as I wished, I can only blame myself and have nothing to do with the general. The general and the lords saved me, let me return at this moment. I am so grateful for being able to sit safely. No matter what happens in the end, I am grateful to the adults. But as long as I am not dead, I cannot give up." When An Ruochen said this, he struggled in pain and knelt in the car Now, the space is too small, she couldn't kowtow, she just said: "My lord, time was too tight, I couldn't get the general, this may be my last chance to speak with you alone, I beg you, tell the general for me, I have the cheek to ask the general again. If something happens to me, I ask the general to help me find my younger sister. My fourth younger sister, named An Ruofang, is only twelve years old. I lost her. I let her go Dedicated to Lord Jiang's convoy, she is so young and unfamiliar with the road, but I let her go alone. I failed to take good care of her, and her life and death are uncertain now, so I feel uneasy. Please, my lord, the general, Find her for me."
Xie Gang looked at her for a while: "You didn't ask the general to give you another chance to leave, but you are willing to help trap Xi Zuo, but because you want to stay and look for your sister?"
An Ruochen bit her lips and nodded: "I really have no face to make this request, but there is really no other way. Please help me, sir."
"Okay. I promise you. If you really can't escape, after marrying into Qian's house, you probably won't be able to go out often, and it will be difficult for you to find helpers in your husband's house. You are really powerless to find your sister. I I will tell the general, I promise you, I will look for your fourth sister. As long as I don’t hear of her death for a day, I will find out, don’t worry.”
An Ruochen's eyes became hot, and he choked up and said, "It's inconvenient here, I kowtow to you in my heart."
Xie Gang looked outside the carriage: "It's almost there, I have to put you down at the intersection, you need to turn onto the main street and walk to the Yamen. The Yamen guarding the gate can see you from a long distance, you will It's all right."
An Ruochen squeezed her fingers nervously and nodded.
"I will watch you in the dark. I will leave after you have successfully entered the gate of the Yafu. Remember, the prefect is careful in his actions. He is not a person who wants to make great achievements. For him, it is more important not to cause trouble or trouble. Although he and Qian Pei have a teacher-student friendship, he also relied on Qian Pei's recommendation to become the master of the county. Later, it was because of Qian Pei's relationship that he resolved many disputes with Nanqin and made great contributions. After Meng Taishou died, he became the prefect of Pingnan County. But that was 20 years ago. After such a long time, the situation has already changed. Besides, Yao Kun had a son when he was thirty-four years old, and only One son, but he only lived with his wife, did not take concubines to seek pleasure, and did not enter the land of fireworks, such a style, he must not be used to Qian Pei's adultery."
An Ruochen listened carefully and knew that Xie Gang was pointing her.
"You have to understand what kind of person the prefect is, so you can persuade him. The death of Xu Matchmaker is strange, and Xie Jin's case is not clear. The prefect must be very guilty. He has discussed with the general many times and wants to settle the matter. Pushed it to the general, but the general asked for details, but the prefect couldn't provide evidence, whether it is a civil case or an important military matter, it is hard to say."
An Ruochen understood. General Long's attitude is false, and he also wants to use the prefect as a cover. The prefect is investigating in the open, and the general is investigating in the dark.
"Now that you are going to report the crime, it should be in the arms of the prefect. He is eager to push these things to the military, so as not to be in the hands of others in the future. Your words are half true and half false, and those things can be compared. Acceptable, it sounds very credible, but don't go too far, just like what you said to the general."
An Ruochen nodded hurriedly.
"As for the marriage, the prefect knows what kind of person Qian Pei is, and why such a marriage was arranged. The prefect also knows well. You don't want to cry and cry to get sympathy, but it will annoy him instead. What he wants , how to avoid my own troubles, instead of causing trouble for a civil woman who came to report the crime to dissolve her marriage."
An Ruochen hurriedly nodded again.
At this moment the carriage stopped. Xie Gang looked outside the carriage, they had already parked in a dark place in a secluded alley. It's time to go. Xie Gang got out of the carriage, and then helped An Ruochen out of the carriage.
As soon as An Ruochen landed on the ground, she knelt down and gave Xie Gang a heavy kowtow.
"My lord is so kind and virtuous, I will never forget this little girl. Don't worry, my lord, no matter what, I will not make a mistake and drag the general and the adults down."
"Go." Xie Gang said softly.
An Ruochen kowtowed again, then stood up and walked towards the entrance of the alley with his injured leg. She was seriously injured, and although she took medicine, she still had a hard time walking. Without looking back, she stepped into the moonlight alone as if there was no carriage and no one behind her.
She walked out of the alley and turned onto the avenue leading to the county government office.