Hongjun snapped his fingers and said with a smile, "Actually, it's just a monster I saw in Luoyang. Jinglong said that both of you are favored by His Majesty, so no matter how suspicious he is, he won't suspect you. "
When Hongjun looked outside, a light suddenly flashed in the crowd. Hongjun narrowed his eyes. He knew that it was Qiu Yongsi's signal. Everyone was ready.
"Okay." Li Guinian smiled. "Then it's settled. We'll listen to your instructions."
"Mm …" Hongjun was still a little nervous. He admired Li Bai and Li Guinian very much, but he didn't expect Li Jinglong to understand him so well and put them in the same group. This was the peak of his life. However, when he thought about Li Jinglong's situation, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
When it was close to noon, the gongs and drums in front of Xingqing Palace were beaten. The guards of the six armies rushed out like a tide to clear the way for Li Longji. The palace gates opened, and the dazzling emperor's carriage came out of the palace gates. It was truly a scene of "the opening of the Nine Heavens Gates, the opening of the palace, the attire of ten thousand nations paying homage to the emperor". In an instant, the common people shouted "long live the emperor", and the sound was like thunder.
Hongjun hurried to another window of Ci 'en Temple's Sutra Pavilion and looked outside.
"Are you listening?" Li Guinian said.
Hongjun: "?"
Li Bai: "Oh …"
Hongjun didn't understand what he was listening to, but Li Guinian and Li Bai seemed to smile knowingly.
"I don't know why …" Li Bai said, "but this prosperous scene vaguely has an ominous feeling."
Li Guinian hurriedly signaled Li Bai to stop talking, but Li Bai sighed and said, "Since the day Yang Guozhong ground the ink for me and Gao Lishi took off my boots, the golden flowers fell on that tree, more or less, there have been signs of decline."
"Listen to what?" Hongjun had yet to answer another question. The Carp Demon explained seriously, "Listen, they are all calling you His Majesty, not Imperial Consort."
As the carriage passed through the Vermillion Bird Street, the common people were all shouting 'Your Majesty' or 'Your Majesty', very few people were shouting 'Gui Fei'. The eunuchs were throwing money and food into the crowd. Hongjun was wondering if he was going to throw the people's wealth and ointment.
"The Yang Family has caused a lot of trouble." Li Guinian said, "Rumor has it that the Six Armies have long been dissatisfied with the Yang Family."
"Is it because of the pay?" Hongjun vaguely remembered that Li Jinglong once mentioned that Yang Guozhong had embezzled and embezzled a large amount of money from the Six Armies, and the Yang Family had been bullying and humiliating the military officials all year round.
"It's not just the money," Li Guinian said, "The Yang Family's food, clothing, and other necessities were all exchanged with the lives of the Six Armies. The Yang Family embezzled pensions, and the servants in the mansion raped the soldiers' widows, and forcibly seized property. These are all evil deeds. "
Li Bai lamented, "Killing one's parents and raping another's wife and children is an absolutely irreconcilable enmity. Presumably, this debt will be settled sooner or later. "
Li Guinian sighed, shook his head, and looked at Hongjun. Hongjun nodded, understanding that Li Guinian wanted him to not mention this in front of Li Bai, so as to avoid this guy getting drunk and telling Li Longji about the Xie Yu affair, ruining Li Jinglong's plans.
Hearing the two talk like this, Hongjun also had a somewhat ominous feeling. It was as if the flourishing world before them was nothing more than the last feast before the great edifice of the human world collapsed. It was also as if the curtains on the stage were coming to an end with singing and dancing.
Everything had come to an end. This kind of atmosphere, amidst the flourishing, faintly revealed a desolate omen that good times would not last.
The scorching sun hung high in the sky. Yang Yuhuan and her group of sisters were in the imperial carriage, passing through Zhuque Street. A large number of people flocked to follow behind. At this time, Li Longji's favored concubines were all dressed in splendid attire, with beautiful eyebrows and vermilion lips. Luo Qun wore several layers of clothes, with hairpins on her head, exquisite jade pendants, and tortoiseshell earrings stacked together, weighing at least five or six catties.
Madame Han bit her lip and said, "It's really hot."
"Endure it." Yang Guozhong looked around and said, "You wear more jade pendants than me."
All the concubines were sweating so much that their makeup was soaked. Even Li Longji was somewhat unable to endure and came down the street. Yang Yuhuan was originally smiling, but she heard someone take advantage of the chaos to shout, "Treacherous concubines harm the country, the evildoers of the Tang Dynasty are trouble!"
In an instant, Yang Yuhuan's expression changed, and the crowd instantly exploded. Crown Prince Li Heng, who was riding at the front, immediately turned his head and looked around. However, that person only shouted and then snuck into the crowd, unable to find the culprit. Li Longji was furious and wanted to investigate, but Yang Yuhuan lightly waved her hand, indicating that Li Longji should not be angry.
Li Longji also knew that he could not be disheartened today, so he could only let out a long breath. Yang Yuhuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this concubine is already satisfied with today's grand event. It's most likely a small group of people who are jealous of their elder brother and are causing trouble. It won't be too late to investigate later.
Li Longji dropped the matter. The carriages passed through Vermillion Bird Avenue and turned towards Ci 'en Temple. All the citizens of Chang' an City were crowded together, and a sea of people rushed out of Ci 'en Temple.
Under the scorching sun, Li Jinglong passed through the alley and arrived in front of Anxi Wei Manor. The sky above the manor was empty. An Lushan and his subordinates had all left the manor and headed towards Xingqing Palace, preparing to attend Yang Guifei's three days and three nights of birthday banquet.
Under the scorching sun, Anxi Wei Manor's scenery was slightly distorted, becoming a land of death.
The door was wide open. Li Jinglong stood in the midday sunlight, and his shadow was very short. Sweat slid down his face and dripped onto the ground.
An invisible restriction appeared on the door of Wei Manor. Li Jinglong knew that it was the Void Distortion Curse, similar to the one used by Nine-Tailed Fox and Wan Jue in Luoyang City. After passing through this door, what awaited him was definitely a Void Domain created by demons.
Fortunately, Li Jinglong had already made sufficient preparations. Just as he was about to enter, a voice came from inside. "Leave the Sword of Wisdom outside."
Li Jinglong removed the Sword of Wisdom and leaned against the door. As he walked through the door, he raised his hand. With a buzz, the door flashed with light, and he was directly transported into another world.
The noise in the distance gradually died down. Mo Rigen, wearing black leather armor and a helmet, and carrying a quiver of arrows, passed through an alley.
"Who do you want to take this time?" Lu Xu suddenly appeared in the alley, blocking Mo Rigen's path.
Mo Rigen's expression became increasingly gloomy as he stared at Lu Xu.
Lu Xu's hands were empty. He loosened his knuckles, making a sound.
"If I'm not wrong," Lu Xu said slowly, "the target this time is Hongjun, right?"
"Yes." Mo Rigen's voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke in a low voice.
Lu Xu said, "Did you forget what I said?"
"You won't let anyone touch a single hair on his head." Mo Rigen said in a low voice, "I don't understand why the two of you always look like you're going to die together."
"You don't understand," Lu Xu said, "but even if you really beat me, you might not necessarily be Hongjun's match."
Mo Rigen said in a low voice, "Don't forget who dragged you back from Dunhuang."
Lu Xu said, "Since that day, I've wanted to have a good competition with you. It seems like you won't be convinced until I beat you down."
Mo Rigen said in a mocking tone, "You're no match for me."
"Then how about a bet?" Lu Xu said in a low voice, "If you lose, you'll come with me."
"And if I win?" Mo Rigen said calmly.
Lu Xu replied, "You can do whatever you want with me." As he spoke, he crossed his palms, stood still, and made a diagonal cut with his palm. He pulled back his right palm and turned his body slightly to face Mo Rigen. He said seriously, "Let's fight. No arrows."
Mo Rigen clenched his fists, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and staggered. His hunting boots slowly scraped the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
"Please. Teach. Me." Mo Rigen said coldly.
Immediately, the two of them turned into black and white shadows. With a "swoosh", they rushed towards each other and collided.
Surrounded by the crowd, Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan arrived outside the Great Mercy Temple. The Great Mercy Temple rang the bell, and the abbot and sixteen eminent monks slowly walked out in their kasayas. Yang Yuhuan first put her palms together and bowed with Li Longji. The two wooden fish were knocked, and the monks chanted the prayer. The square outside the Great Mercy Temple was silent, and the people knelt on the ground.
It was the first time in Hongjun's life that he saw so many people. The crowd was moving, but there was no chaos. Nearly 70% of the Chang 'an people, including the prominent families of the Tang Dynasty and the Hu people, all knelt on the ground and prayed for Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan.
After a while, the abbot retreated, and the people stood up. Li Longji brought Yang Yuhuan to the steps of the Great Mercy Temple and sat down. The people once again cheered loudly.
The crowd rushed towards the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine. Hu Sheng was unusually vigilant. He followed the prescribed order, and led his subordinates to watch over the crowd. A thousand people at a time kowtowed nine times in front of the Great Mercy Temple, and then left. First, it was the people of the outer city, then the people of the inner city, then the Hu merchants, then the people from all walks of life. Finally, it was the rich families without official positions. Then, it was the Chang 'an civil officials and scholars below the sixth rank. Finally, it was the military officials and soldiers of the six armies below the fifth rank.
Qiu Yongsi followed the crowd, looking at the sea of people and troops. Han Guolan was about ten zhang away from him, leading a group of Hu merchants, waiting for the opportunity to meet him.
In the end, Geshu Han did not appear. An Lushan obviously changed his plan and gave up on this second substitute. Originally, he had wine, sex, wealth, and Qi, but now he only had one left. If he had to disguise himself as the former Emperor in front of tens of thousands of people, his power would obviously be greatly reduced. The only thing he did not know was whether An Lushan had received the news that the other two Gu Apes had died at the hands of Li Jinglong. Since they had not returned to Chang 'an, presumably the situation had changed. The only thing left was to brace himself …
Qiu Yongsi hid the mirror in his sleeve and pointed it upwards to reflect the sunlight. He could not help but guess who this Gu Ape impersonating Han Guolan would turn into …
Hongjun's eyes flashed several times, and he knew that Qiu Yongsi was ready. Immediately he said to Li Bai and Li Guinian, "Let's also get ready."
The three of them left the Sutra Depository and split into two groups. Li Bai went to the east, while Hongjun and Li Guinian went to the west. They walked quickly along the corridor on the second floor of the Great Mercy Temple.
"Fox demons can also transform. Why is it so troublesome?" Hongjun asked as he looked at the crowd, searching for Han Guolan's figure.
"Fox demons must first absorb the essence of a living person before they can transform into their physical body." Li Guinian explained, "Although each demon clan has the ability to transform, they all have a fixed form. Only the Gu Apes can use the hair and fingernails of the dead to restore the details of the living. They do not necessarily have to transform into a human. They can easily transform into flowers, trees, houses, and rocks. However, it is meaningless to transform into these."
Hongjun said, "Later, you two will be responsible for protecting His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine …"
"You've said it many times." Li Guinian smiled and said, "I will not forget."
It was Hongjun's first time on this mission. He was extremely nervous. He looked at the entrance of the Great Mercy Temple and saw Yang Yuhuan and Li Longji with their backs facing him.
In Xingqing Palace, Atay was wearing a singlet and silk trousers. His skin was as white as snow, and his face was delicate and pretty. His eyes were indigo blue, and his hair was brown and curly, making him look like milk. Ashina Chong changed into a eunuch's outfit and specially shaved his beard. Atay whispered, "Isn't it better to let Trandol do it?"
"He likes men." Ashina Chong said, "White, soft and weak …"
Atay cursed, "How am I soft and weak? I'm not a teenager anymore! "
Atay was thin and white, but he had thin abdominal muscles. This role should be played by Hongjun.
"Be careful that Li Jinglong doesn't strangle you." Ashina Chong whispered, "Let's go! Quick! "
After Li Longji left, the palace was very empty. The courtiers arrived one after another and went to the Imperial Garden to prepare for the birthday banquet in the evening. An Lushan sat on a couch and chatted with Geshu Han, laughing and laughing. It was completely unlike the night before when he wanted to get rid of him.
Ashina Chong held a horsetail whisk and led Atay through the Imperial Garden. He handed the wine to Atay and retreated to the pavilion. Atay hid his dagger behind his waist and covered it with his singlet. He held the wine in his hands and walked forward. He knelt on the ground and handed the wine pot to Geshu Han's soldiers.
The soldiers poured the wine. Geshu Han and An Lushan chatted and took a sip. Suddenly, his expression changed and he shouted angrily, "Who sent the wine!"
The wine had a rancid smell. Geshu Han had a violent temper and immediately threw the wine pot out.
In the distance, Ashina Chong's hand holding the dagger trembled. Seeing that Atay was caught and brought into the pavilion, An Lushan burst into laughter.
"Forget it! Forget it! "An Lushan said," Today is a joyous day, why bother? General Geshu! Let me ask for a favor! "
Atay knelt on the ground and trembled. His body was splashed with wine, wetting his chest and silk pants. After it was wet, it stuck to his thighs. His skin was faintly discernible. He was almost naked.
"Raise your head." An Lushan said to Atay, "What's your name?"
Atay slowly raised his head. His pupils had been mixed with medicine and changed color, revealing a hint of gold. His skin was white and tender, and his eyebrows had been specially trimmed. Although he had a youthful figure, his baby face still made An Lushan sigh in admiration.
Geshu Han snorted in disgust. Apparently, he knew about An Lushan's eccentricity. He stood up and said, "This old man will take a walk."
The soldiers hurriedly stood up and left with Geshu Han. An Lushan said, "I won't see you off, I won't see you off! I'll drink with the old general tonight! "
After Geshu Han left, An Lushan's eyes flashed with resentment. However, he smiled indifferently and stretched out his thick and fat hand to pinch Atay's chin, saying, "You're from Seimu? How did you get into the palace? "
Atay purposely squeezed out his voice. His voice was clear to begin with, but now that he was speaking in a gentle tone, there was more or less a hint of charm in it. He said in a low voice, "Today is the imperial consort's big day. Lin Zun brought us into the palace as a gift …"
Atay purposely didn't speak fluently and made mistakes. An Lushan saw that he was only one person and didn't have his guard up. He was only concerned about the decorations outside the Great Mercy Temple. An Lushan smiled and said, "This wine isn't that bad …"
As he spoke, he actually swaggered over and wrapped an arm around Atay's waist. He stuck out his fat tongue and licked Atay's abdominal muscles.
Atay didn't expect this fellow to be so wretched. A layer of goosebumps appeared all over his body. Ashina Chong watched from afar and his expression changed. An Lushan's hand had almost touched the dagger hidden behind Atay's back!