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Volume 1 | North Bird Does Not Return

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Deaf with all my heart.

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Chang Geng chased the monk outside the city. It was late at night, the atmosphere around it felt lonely, only the faint sound of a wooden train that was patrolling the city could be heard. He then stopped and called the monk, “Teacher, please slow down your footsteps.”

Liao Ran stopped.

Chang Geng spoke slowly, there was not a trace of anger in his attitude. He was gentle and polite, similar to how he normally sat quietly in the meditation room while sipping Ku Ding’s tea that year.

It’s just that his hand has moved to the handle of his sword, the blade can be unsheathed at any time and easily stabs the monk into meat satay.

Chang Geng, “I have had the opportunity to talk a lot with the teacher lately, I have also benefited a lot from it. I know that Master’s heart is fixed on the civilians in this country, you are not the one who will stay quiet in a temple, discuss Buddhism only in theory. “

“For my origins, maybe the Master has also heard about it. The power of the Marquis is displayed for thousands of miles, a famous general of this generation. But no matter what country this country has placed him in, to me, he is still a member of a mutual family. depend to live with me. “

“I am just a minor character who does not have the ability, the weapon in my hand is only enough to maintain a peaceful life for myself. I am not capable enough to live in a big scheme.”

“My heart only contains a Marquis manor as big as my palm, and some people, I still hope that the teacher will explain clearly.”

Liao Ran, “…….”

He did not know how Chang Geng usually talked to Gu Yun, but for outsiders, his speeches always remained ‘few words, deep meanings’. Liao Ran immediately thought that she had experienced it herself, but she still never expected that in this world, even words filled with killing intent like ‘Friendship is friendship, if you dare touch Gu Yun, I will stab you with this sword’ 一 can be delivered in such a calm way.

Liao Ran looked at her shoes. Because they had been running and running for so many days, they had lost their original color. He tried to test the water, “Your Majesty came from the ranks of the nobles, you are very kind and generous. Your heart should contain the breadth of heaven and earth, no need to humble yourself like that.”

Chang Geng remained stable, completely unmoved by his words, “Humans are born in this world, if one cannot even keep the small bow of the land around them safe, then what is the point of looking away so far?”

Liao Ran smiled bitterly, he knew that Chang Geng was not easy to be fooled, he had no choice but to swear, “Marshal Gu is a pillar of the country, pulling a strand of hair will affect the whole body, how could this monk dare to act out of line?”

Chang Geng’s hand was still on the handle of the sword, “But the teacher still has every intention to bring my Yifu to this place.”

Liao Ran said earnestly, “Your Majesty, please come with me.”

Chang Geng looked at him for a moment and raised the sword again. He smiled and said, “In that case, thank you for troubling you, teacher, for leading the way to explain this situation.”

If you can’t make it clear then I still have to stab you.

The monk took off his outer robe and wore it upside down. Her white clothes actually have two sides. The inside was black, and when used to cover himself, the monk’s entire body disappeared in the depths of the night.

Chang Geng, “…….”

A question arose unconsciously in his heart 一 during their journey from the capital to Jiangnan, he had never seen Liao Ran change his clothes, in the end, whether the inside of his robes was indeed black, or whether it was the result because he wore it for a long time ?

With this in mind, Chang Geng who has a special habit of cleanliness suddenly feels that there is no way he can walk with the monk anymore!

Dressed in his ‘night clothes’, Liao Ran led Chang Geng through Jiangnan with many small rivers and bridges, and soon arrived at the Inner Canal Pier.

The path between the Great Liang sea route and the inland canal was opened ten years ago. The two lines are parallel to each other, it is very easy for ships to come and go. The path has brought prosperity to all areas along the coast. In recent years, due to heavy taxes, the place looks a bit grim.

However, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse. At this time, even though it was late at night, there were still lots of merchant ships and crew members busy at the docks.

Liao Ran waved his hand to stop Chang Geng’s footsteps and said, “There are already watchdog eyes from the Black Iron Camp ahead, we can’t go any further.”

Chang Geng glanced at him, then took out Tian Li Yan to look at the water.

The dock was very calm, the crew and shipping workers came and went. There were soldiers who had been moved from the Jiangnan Garrison who were standing on the beach, inspecting the goods. He could not see people from the Black Iron Camp, nor could he see any abnormalities in the water.

Chang Geng didn’t trust Liao Ran at this time, he didn’t immediately ask any questions but watched the scene in silence.

The crew was loading the goods, the items were uniformly packed in thin wooden boxes. Before boarding the ship, the cover of each box must be opened and placed on a conveyor belt, the garrison guards then thoroughly inspect everything. The checked box will be transported to the other end, there are some workers waiting there to bring the sealed boxes properly to the ship.

A few days ago, he had heard local people gossiping about it 一 Previously the sea and river transportation terminals on merchant ships were not strict enough, but because of the recent application of farm puppets in Jiangnan, the Imperial Palace had distributed large amounts of Ziliujin in here. To prevent personal resale, they have tightened the inspection process.

As soon as one box was opened for inspection, even when it was separated by a hundred feet, Chang Geng still could not help wrinkling his nose, “What’s that aroma?”

Liao Ran wrote to the tree beside her, “Compressed fragrant balm.”

Chang Geng, “What?”

Liao Ran wrote, “His Majesty lives in the Marquis manor, the balm used there must have been sent from the Imperial Palace, unlike cheap items used by civilians.”

“It is a pile of various herbs and herbs left over from making fragrance products, which are then compressed into oil or paste, and have a very strong aroma. After purchasing, three layers of sealed cans must be added to prevent the scent from coming out. Only part of it little needed, after being weakened with warm water, it can be used for several months. “

“Every fragrance balm is only about the size of a thumb, to use it for nine or ten years is not a problem, it will only use up one set of coins.”

The compressed balm has a scent that is too heavy, after the scent reaches a certain level, it will actually turn into a bad odor instead. Chang Geng’s head became ill from inhaling the aroma. He did not even have the mind to correct the monk’s misunderstanding. Manor never uses balm, washed clothes only have the scent of saponin soap.

Chang Geng raised his Tian Li Yan and suddenly saw the figure of a man on a merchant ship. His hairstyle, accessories, and clothes are different from those of the Central Mainland. Chang Geng recalled the knowledge of foreign countries that Liao Ran had taught him, he asked, “It seems I have just seen a Dong Ying man according to what you told me before, then this is a merchant ship to send to Dong Ying⭐ … What are the Dong Ying people doing with this much fragrant balm? Take it home and cook it? “

➖⭐
Dong Ying is another name for Japan.
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Liao Ran gave him a look full of appreciation.

The wooden boxes containing the balm were lined up in long lines resembling dragons, there were four or five ships hidden in the darkness of the night waiting for them, looking more spectacular than merchant ships carrying fresh aquatic products and seafood entering the docks next to them.

If a single fragrance balm can be used for ten years or eight years, why would anyone want to buy this much?

Not to mention on the small Dong Ying islands, not even the Great Liang masses could use the amount of balm here on these ships.

The guards at the dock were soaked with tears, holding handkerchiefs to cover their noses, desperately urging the crew to hurry away with the cargo boxes. At first there was a dog that helped with the examination, but the dog immediately became useless because of the scent that was too strong, he just lay motionless on the side.

Chang Geng whispered, “May I ask the teacher, the dog next to the guard, what’s the point?”

“It is an ‘inspection dog,'” he said, “Ziliujin has a faint aroma of bitter metal, people cannot detect it, but dogs are very sensitive. Ziliujin is a very important issue. It used to be when Emperor Wu strictly handled the black market Ziliujin, the inspection dog has made a major contribution and can still be used to this day. “

The cheap fragrance balm causes the dog’s eyes to turn white, now the dog cannot even be sensitive to meat and bones, let alone Ziliujin.

Chang Geng, “Teacher suspected that this merchant team from Dong Ying had a hidden purpose, so you led my Yifu here to investigate?”

However, before he could nod, Chang Geng immediately asked, “So I dare ask the teacher, how do you know that my family’s Marquis will come alone? And this matter should be taken care of by local personnel from the responsible Ying Tian manor and Jiangnan garrison troops. He left his job to come here, how do you know if he definitely wants to intervene? “

“Why don’t you look for a governor or an inspector, why do you have to skip the closest solution just to reach a further solution and through many problems to bring it here from the northwest?”

Liao Ran, “…….”

He used to think that when the boy came out alone for the first time, meeting with a big conspiracy like this 一 when in a state of surprise, it was easy to ignore many things 一 but he did not think that Chang Geng was not surprised at all. From beginning to end, he only frowned once, moreover, he even insisted on getting to the bottom of the problem.

The monk could not help but think of rumors saying that when Gu Yun brought this child back from Yanhui city 一 some people said that the barbarian uprising in the area was pushed forward by the adoptive mother of the Fourth Prince, but His Majesty had put aside his family’s love for the country, provide the Black Iron Camp with preparations to exterminate the barbarians.

How old was Chang Geng at that time? At best, he’s only twelve or thirteen years old …

Suddenly Liao Ran really wanted to ask, “When the city of Yanhui fell into chaos, did you kill someone?” But after a while, he swallowed it again, feeling that such a question was unnecessary.

Chang Geng looked at him calmly, and under the moonlight, Liao Ran saw two shallow shadows from inside his eyes.

He knew that Chang Geng had developed a kind of intelligence and special sharpness at an early age. He thought that it was a sensitivity born from the drastic changes he had to face at a young age, combined with living at the expense of others in the capital. Until now, the monk suddenly realized that the boy’s eyes contained dark corners that were unknown to or seen by others.

He guessed that even Gu Yun did not know.

Liao Ran’s attitude became much more serious, after a few moments of consideration, Liao Ran slowly wrote, “I know that he will come. I also know that when he comes, he will definitely intervene. This problem is on a very large scale and not can be handled by one little manor Ying Tian 一 there are things in his heart, the Marquis is also fully aware of that, just like us. “

Chang Geng blinked, he realized that Liao Ran just said us.

At this moment, suddenly there was a strong gust of wind behind him, Liao Ran was unable to react but the ornamental sword hanging on Chang Geng’s waist had already flown out of its sheath. This was an instinctive reaction that was built from his habit after repeatedly clashing swords with iron dolls.

The bright white saber sword came into contact with the black iron Wind Slasher, Chang Geng recognized that the person was a Black Eagle warrior, both sides then pulled their weapons at the same time.

The soldier knelt, “I apologize for the sudden intrusion 一 Marquis has asked your subordinates to bring His Majesty and teacher back.”

Chang Geng raised his eyebrows. How could Gu Yun know that he and Liao Ran had snuck out to come here?

‘Fully aware in his heart’ what did the monk say?

However, Liao Ran was not surprised. He took off his silly head covering, cupped his hands together to express his courtesy, then in silence expressed his meaning without words 一 Thank you for bothering.

As soon as they returned, Chang Geng was immediately sent back to his room. He did not know what Gu Yun and Liao Ran had discussed with each other but the following morning, a Black Eagle soldier knocked on his door.

The soldier said, “Teacher Liao Ran must continue to travel, Marshal must also hurry back to the northwest, your subordinates are ordered to escort His Majesty back to the manor, please propose the right time for a comfortable departure.”

If he had not witnessed the merchant ship Dong Ying at the dock the night before, Chang Geng felt that he would truly believe these words.

But before he could open his mouth, someone knocked on the wooden banister.

The Black Eagle soldier turned and saw the mysterious mute monk, not knowing when he was standing there. Liao Ran quickly used sign language to Chang Geng, told him to wait a moment, then immediately reached out to push Gu Yun’s door.

Chang Geng and the soldier were both dumbfounded 一 The monk didn’t knock at all!

If it wasn’t for the fact that the entire Marquis manor knew that Gu Yun hated bald heads, Chang Geng would almost believe that the relationship between the two was very unusual.

Maybe he was afraid of being kicked out by force, because after opening the door, he did not enter the room directly but only stood outside and paid homage to the people inside.

Gu Yun actually ignored him completely. It’s just that his voice sounds impatient, “What’s in the teacher’s mind?”

Liao Ran wrote, “Marshal, young birds do not grow in a golden cage, especially this time, you still need some helpers to avoid people’s eyes and ears, why not bring His Majesty with you? The Emperors left their title of Yan Bei and status Jun Wang to His Majesty, after one or two years, he must also enter the Imperial Palace. “

Gu Yun replied coldly, “Teacher has extended your reach far beyond your limits.”

At this moment, Liao Ran stepped forward and suddenly crossed the room’s entrance. He seemed to be gesturing to Gu Yun, where others could not see him.

Gu Yun who was in the room suddenly fell silent.

Chang Geng heard that Cao Niangzi whispered behind him, “What do you mean? Where will Marshal take us?”

Suddenly, his heart pounded like crazy. Chang Geng really knew, with Gu Yun’s personality, there was no chance that the man would agree to take him with him. He immediately assumed that he had to choose between ‘quietly following him, acting alone’ or ‘obediently returning to the capital and not worrying about him’, he never expected that Gu Yun would let him participate.

But this time, with hope that suddenly ignited in him, a layer of sweat involuntarily broke out in his palm.

Even when dealing with barbarians, he was not too nervous like this.

After a while, he heard Gu Yun sigh, “It’s okay to come along, but don’t leave my side, do what we discussed earlier.”

Ge Pangxiao and Cao Niangzi gave their cheers even though they did not know where they were going and for what purpose, Chang Geng lowered his head and coughed, trying to suppress a happy, innocent smile on his lips. At the same time, another question floated in his heart 一 What did Liao Ran say to Gu Yun?

Is there anyone in this world who can convince his Yifu?

Not long after that, the tattered train went towards the outskirts of the city.

Inside, there was a monk, a ‘weak scholar’ master, who brought along two servants and a little girl. All the Eagle units that were with Gu Yun had previously disappeared.

Chang Geng could not control himself to see Gu Yun. He had removed all his armor and changed into a high-necked robe with large flowing arms, the wound on his neck was also hidden. He did not tie his hair up, letting it fall down, like a taunt to the bald driver. A piece of black cloth covered his eyes.

Because the upper half of his face was invisible, Chang Geng realized that his attention was inadvertently fixed on the pale lips of his Yifu, he forced himself to turn his gaze to another place and draw his gaze.

Ge Pangxiao couldn’t help asking, “Mr. Marquis, why do you have to disguise yourself like that?”

Gu Yun looked slightly at him and pointed at one ear, seriously saying, “I’m deaf, don’t talk to me.”

Ge Pangxiao, “……….”

Deaf with all my heart.

No one knew whose idea it was, but Gu Yun intended to use his identity as a fragrance expert to mix into the boat that was currently carrying the fragrant balm.

Some people in the fragrance business believe that the five senses will block the sense of smell, they will make small children blind and deaf, only rely on their sense of smell to live. Fragrance experts who are cultivated in this way are the highest class experts, people commonly refer to them as ‘fragrant masters’. Once they have graduated, even hundreds of thousands of gold are difficult to invite.

Gu Yun closed his eyes with a cloth and pretended to be deaf. Since he left, he even asked others not to talk to him, wholeheartedly playing this role.

When they arrived at the dock, someone was waiting there to greet them. Chang Geng lifted the curtain of the car and saw a short middle-aged man happily smiling at them, “Mr. Zhang is a bit late, did something happen on the way?”

No one knew the identity of who Gu Yun was currently using for himself, Chang Geng suspected that the original fragrance master had been kidnapped by the Black Eagle warriors while on his way. His expression did not change, he just cupped his hands and said, “My apologies, our master’s eyes and ears are not good.”

The middle-aged man was stunned, Gu Yun reached out and patted Chang Geng’s arm, then reached out his hand to be guided by the young boy.

Chang Geng quickly caught his hand, at the same time he also felt confused, ‘Even if he was just pretending, his eyes were still covered with cloth. How can his movements have absolutely no discomfort? ‘

He didn’t even fumble before reaching Chang Geng, as if he had long been used to being unable to see.

However, this doubt only crossed for a moment. When Gu Yun got out of the train, he had to bend down a little and almost fall into the arms of Chang Geng. When he suddenly let go of all his armor, his figure looked a little slim, Chang Geng had the illusion that just by reaching out, he could gather the man into his arms.

This made his mouth and throat quickly dry up, his sharp intelligence when questioning Liao Ran the night before had disappeared without a trace, he could only maintain his calm on the surface. With thoughts in his head that had become lost, unable to stop and daze at the same time, he led Gu Yun in front of the middle-aged man.

The man’s expression quickly crossed with suspicion and caution, he said, “Sorry for not knowing that you are a ‘master scented’, we are just a small business, selling fragrance bales worth a few coins at a time, how can we invite someone like you … “

The words were not finished, but some men in crew suit had turned around, their eyes each glowing brightly, their temples protruding slightly. One can tell even by a glance that it is impossible for these people to be just ordinary crew members.

➖⭐
Bulging / prominent temples are signs that they are well-trained martial artists.
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Chang Geng lowered his head slightly, stepped forward and gently hid Gu Yun’s hand behind him, then wrote on Gu Yun’s palm, “Sir, they are asking about our origin.”

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