Lord of Earth Fiend

On the third day of February, it snowed in Beijing.

Goose feather snow!

It snowed heavily, and overnight, the city was covered in silver.

As a southerner, Chen Jin rarely sees snow, and he likes snow.

So I went outside the yard door, gathered the snow, patted it and shaped it, and gradually piled it up into two chubby snowmen, one on the left and one on the right.

Ma Shengshen didn't expect him to be so interested. He held a broom in his hand and looked at it curiously.

Chen Jin made the shape of the snowman and inserted a few black pebbles into it to serve as eyes and nose. As for the mouth, he used dead branches as the mouth.

It seems that the snowman has a look.

How silly!

"Scholar, you can actually build a snowman."

Gu Leyou came back, carrying large and small bags of ingredients.His current job is as a cook, responsible for several meals a day for three people.

"It looks good."

Chen Jin is very satisfied with his work.

"It's quite vivid."

Gu Leyi went into the house and started working. It didn't take long before a table of mutton hot pot was ready.

This kind of snowy weather is perfect for eating hot pot.

"Oh, these days, the price of all meat has increased by [-] to [-]%; vegetables are even more outrageous, almost more expensive than meat."

Gu Leyou muttered.

He plays the role of housekeeper, and all expenses come from his hands, so he is most sensitive to price fluctuations.

Unlike the previous Xiaoqian, Gu Leyou knew how to budget carefully, and the price increase made him feel very distressed.

Chen Jin was silent, the capital was a strategic area, and prices were already high, but the current market situation was obviously not normal, and had even exceeded the warning line.

When prices are disordered and skyrocketing, it means that some order has begun to collapse.

Gu Leyou added: "I went to look at that Duanyun room again. It turned out that there lived a skinny old lady who was hard to get along with. When I saw her appearance, I had no idea at all. No wonder. The Taoist temple has no incense and is extremely dilapidated."

Chen Jin said: "It is rare for a female to host the event."

Gu Leyou said: "By the way, someone seems to have moved into the house in front of the alley. I took a look and found it to be quite grand. He should be a well-established scholar. I wonder if he is also a candidate for the Beijing examination."

"That's not surprising."

Chen Jin said casually.

Just as he was talking, there was a sudden knock on the door outside.

Gu Leyou was startled: "There's someone knocking on the door, I'll go take a look."

He got up and went out, and came back after a while: "Scholar, someone is here to visit. He is the newly moved one at the front of the alley. Well, he is indeed here to take the exam, and I don't know how to receive him. It's up to you to come forward for the scholar's matter. good."

"Ah."

Chen Jin walked out and came to the door and saw two people standing there. One was a follower, holding an oil-paper umbrella in his hand to help the young master in front of him cover the snow.

This young man has a long body, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and is extremely handsome.Wearing a mink fur cloak, he has a graceful and noble temperament that is heart-warming.

Chen Jin cupped his hands and said, "Who is your Excellency?"

"My friend, Cui Qizhao, is from Shangzhou and is taking the exam in Beijing. I heard that some classmates are here, so I took the liberty of visiting."

"The Cui family of Shangzhou?"

Cui Qizhao replied: "Exactly."

Chen Jin asked: "Then how come Mr. Cui lives here?"

Cui Qizhao smiled and said: "It's all because this street is my family's property."

Chen Jin: "..."

What does it mean to have a big family and a big business? This is it.

He had contacted three of the five famous families before, beheaded the head of the Wang family, and became the Su family's uncle. As for the Xie family, he felt that they were not on the stage and were nothing special.

But in fact, this is because Chen Jin's own cultivation strength has reached a certain level, so he can compete with him, or even be on an equal footing.

However, when it comes to the truth, it's two different things.

Chen Jin's current situation is that he has enough magical abilities to protect himself, so he can come and go freely without having to look at other people's eyes.

This is a special case.

Just like when a pony crosses a river, the depth of the water does not change. But when a squirrel walks across the river, it is a completely different experience than when the pony walks.

There is always relative comparison among things in this world.

Chen Jin didn't know anything about the Cui family in Shangzhou.Geographically, Shangzhou is located in the north, close to the capital.

External comments say that Cui Jia is good at business, involved in all walks of life, and his style is low-key and unassuming.

To use a jargon saying, that is called "low luxury".

Cui Qizhao smiled and said: "Chen Jieyuan, don't you invite me to sit in the house?"

It was not surprising that he knew Chen Jin's identity. After all, renting a house and completing procedures must be registered.

Since you are a landlord, you will naturally understand the basic situation of your tenants.

Chen Jin made a "please" gesture: "Please."

The two of them entered and sat in the living room.

Cui Qizhao looked around and asked, "Chen Jieyuan, are you getting used to living here?"

Chen Jin said: "I'm sorry, I just moved in not long ago and I haven't prepared many things, not even tea."

Cui Qizhao smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, Xiao Wu, you go back and bring the tea gift."

The entourage named "Xiao Wu" went out immediately, and not long after, he came over with a carriage, entered the courtyard, and began to unload the goods.

Then move it in and pile it up like a hill.Look at the costumes, including tea, wine, medicinal materials, meat, etc.

Chen Jin was startled: "Master Cui, what are you doing?"

Cui Qizhao said: "When we meet for the first time, a little greeting is not respectful."

"How can this be so embarrassing? No reward for no merit."

"It's not something valuable, it's just daily food. Why should Chen Jieyuan see it outside?"

Cui Qizhao said: "To be honest, I have admired Chen Jieyuan for a long time. When I met him today, I finally got what I wanted. Being famous is not as good as meeting him."

Gu Leyou, who was listening next to him, couldn't help but curse in his heart: These scholars really only use nice things to say when they talk.

But it has to be said that the etiquette is done enough to give people a completely different look.

Who doesn’t like to hear flattery?

Observing his words and demeanor, Mr. Cui is very easy-going and natural in his movements. You can't fault him. You will feel that everything he says comes from the heart and there is absolutely no hypocrisy.

Is it possible that he was really impressed by Chen Jin's poetic talent and literary brilliance?

This is possible.

Cui Qizhao didn't stay long, chatted a few more words, and then left. From beginning to end, he seemed quite measured and not offensive.

After he left, Gu Leyou went to look at the gift boxes and said with a click of his tongue: "This Mr. Cui is very generous. Although he doesn't send expensive goods, the value increases when the quantity is large. This pile must not be A hundred taels of silver?"

Chen Jin said in a deep voice: "Favors must be repaid eventually."

Gu Leyou said nonchalantly: "What's the matter? He comes from a well-known family, so he's probably just trying to win over you. But this guy is really handsome. He looks a bit more handsome than you. You probably don't have to pay for a visit to a brothel. of."

Chen Jin: "..."

At dusk, the snow was falling heavily with no intention of stopping.The follower of Xiaowu came to the door again and invited Chen Jin to come over for a drink.

Chen Jin thought for a moment, then agreed, changed into a robe, and went out with an oil-paper umbrella.

Gu Leyou did not follow. He was not used to occasions with too much etiquette. As for Ma Shengshen, he would not go.

The journey was not far, and soon we arrived. When we entered the mansion, we found that there was a unique cave inside. The decoration was very elegant and had its own style.

The banquet was held in a pavilion in the back garden.

It's said to be a banquet, but it's actually seven or eight side dishes, plus a jug of good wine.

There were only two people sitting across from each other. It seemed like it was a very private gathering.

Cui Qizhao changed into a pale white dress, with long hair tied up in a crown. He was indescribably chic and elegant, with an extraordinary bearing.

The children of the same famous family, such as Wang Yujun, Wang Yubao, and Su Yuanchong, are far inferior to them.

"Thank you, Brother Chen, for the compliment."

The names have changed.

Chen Jin said: "We live next to each other and we are taking the exams in the same year. Brother Cui invites me, so of course I can come."

Cui Qizhao seemed very happy: "Brother Chen and I hit it off right away. Come, let's have a drink."

"Please."

The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one go.

As the wine entered his throat, Chen Jin immediately tasted the meaning and couldn't help but praise: "Good wine!"

Cui Qizhao said: "This wine is a secret spirit wine. It has a famous name and is called 'Jiuqu Nang'. Drinking it for a long time can strengthen the body and improve qi and blood."

Chen Jin looked at him: "Brother Cui also practices martial arts?"

"I know some boxing skills... Actually, I invited Brother Chen here tonight because I have something to ask for."

"Oh, please say it."

Cui Qizhao said: "Brother Chen has unparalleled poetic talent and is good at composing lyrics. Two of his songs, "Butterfly Lianhua", are famous all over the world; one song, "The Sapphire Case", is the best in the Lantern Festival. But I heard that Brother Chen has another unfinished work.' When did the spring flowers and autumn moon come, how much do you know about the past? I can only say this, but there is no more behind it."

Chen Jin thought it was something, but he didn't expect it to be this. He was quite surprised.

Cui Qizhao added: "I feel particularly fond of these two sentences. I really want to know what is written behind them. I wonder if Brother Chen can fulfill my wish?"

Chen Jin coughed dryly and said: "I came up with this sentence purely by chance. I only wrote two sentences and couldn't continue. So I'm sorry, I don't know how to write it later."

The following content must not be made public unless he is determined to become a rebel.

"Oh, I see, that's such a shame."

Cui Qizhao said regretfully: "It's normal that there are fragments of sentences and not the whole article. Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's drink. I still have some classic articles that I want to ask you for advice."

"Classic articles?"

"Yes, a while ago, a book spread from Jiangzhou to Shangzhou. I bought it and read it, and I benefited a lot. The book is called "33 Collected Works", and Brother Chen must have read it."

Chen Jin replied: "I have seen it."

"One of the articles was titled "How to Treat the Responsibility of Humanity and Righteousness". I read a point in it, but I have some different opinions. I want to talk to Brother Chen..."

The snow was falling, the north wind was blowing, the charcoal fire was burning in the pavilion, and the lanterns were shining. The two of them were eating and drinking, talking about academic issues, and they were extremely engaged.

This was the first time for Chen Jin to get along with others like this. It felt like exchanging knowledge with classmates, which was quite comfortable.

Time passed by and it was Haishi.

He stood up and said: "It's getting late, Brother Cui, I have to say goodbye."

"Okay, I'll take you out."

Cui Qizhao took his umbrella and walked side by side with Chen Jin. There was snow on the stone path, leaving four lines of footprints.

After being sent outside, under the light of the lights, Chen Jin saw Cui Qizhao's cheeks were slightly red, a bit charming, and he seemed to have drunk too much.

"Brother Cui, please stay."

He cupped his hands, held the umbrella and left.

Behind him, Cui Qizhao stood there and watched for a while before turning back to the house.

……

At night, snowflakes are flying.

In this weather, the streets are quiet, with few vendors or pedestrians.

The sound of footsteps has a rather rhythmic rhythm.

They are a team of more than ten people. They wear uniform leather armor, hats and helmets with a handful of red tassels sprinkled on their heads.

They are the fans of the inner factory.

Fanzi and Tiqi have two different attires, one is black and the other is red, and one rides one step at a time, so it is easy to tell them apart.

Night patrol in the inner city is not Fanzi's duty, but the situation in the city has not been very peaceful recently, and many troubles have occurred, so the inner factory has sent Fanzi to patrol and strengthen vigilance.

The leading captain had a sinewy face and a mustache. He patted the falling snow on his shoulder impatiently and complained: "What a damn weather!"

"Come on, have a drink of wine to warm yourself up."

A fan behind him handed over the wine bag with a wink.

The arrogant captain took it and took a big sip.

Na Fanzi took the opportunity to ask: "Captain, there are rumors these days that many thieves from Tongwenhui have sneaked into the city. Is this true?"

"There must be some, but to say how much is a joke? Do we really think that our inner factory is just a decoration? The thieves from Tongwenhui can't fly, they can just hide. But these people who can sneak into the city are probably powerful As a character, everyone needs to wake up and be careful."

As soon as the words fell, there was a sharp sound piercing the air, and a strong black shadow swooped down from the roof next to it, like a falcon that had been waiting for a long time.

"Enemy attack!"

The team that was the first to react was shouting angrily, drawing its sword with its backhand, and was about to meet the enemy.

The black shadow opened its hand and released a handful of green mist.

"Be careful it's poisonous!"

The captain reminded hurriedly, and the man retreated quickly, but still retreated slowly, and his face was stained with some green powder.

The powder stuck to the skin, causing a burning sensation, followed by pain, as if countless ants were crawling and biting.

It hurts and itches.

He reached out to grab it involuntarily and even threw the knife in his hand to the ground.

But the more I scratched, the more itchy I became, which was unbearable.

"Ahhh!"

The team was screaming: "What is this?"

Tear!

There was a crisp sound, and finally he had his own face peeled off, his face turned blood red, and it was too miserable to look at.

Not only him, but other people who are contaminated with the green powder will have such symptoms. They will scratch their faces and bodies, and even take off their leather armor and clothes.

Deep blood marks soon appeared on the skin of the body...

But it's useless, it doesn't relieve the itching at all.

They grabbed and grabbed each other, and fell down on the snow one by one. Dark red blood seeped out from the scratches, dyeing the pale snow red, which was shocking.

A black shadow appeared, wearing a bamboo hat and a black robe. He was tall and thin. Without saying a word, he threw down a wooden sign.

Whoosh, it flew up to the roof again and disappeared.

There are bright red words written on the wooden sign: The frost is heavy, the snow is red; the swallow returns, and the world is united... (End of this chapter)