MTL - Perfect Encounter-Chapter 6

Long Da attached great importance to the news that the granary was about to be attacked. In order not to startle the enemy, he only quietly sent his troops to strengthen the defense, and did not inform the county government office. As for Matchmaker Xu and An Ruochen, he also sent people to monitor and follow them. But after a few days, there was no abnormal movement anywhere.

"Grandma Xu visits families of marriageable age every day, and has no contact with suspicious people. Miss An spends most of her time in the mansion, and sometimes she goes out for a stroll, accompanied by a girl. The special thing is that she went to She made two trips to the yamen of the county government and went around the Lvding in front of the yamen. She told the servant girl that this word is well written, and she should take a good look at it and learn from it."

It's also interesting, after he said that, An Ruochen actually went to study the law. Long Da felt that she was a girl who was not easy to guess, and she was always unexpected. Call her brave, but she is actually quite witty; call her bold and reckless, but she is cautious. He thought of her more complicatedly and profoundly, but found that she was just a simple and ignorant person. If she is simple, but she suddenly has some unexpected actions. Her second bundle was the same as the first one, only some clothes and belongings, nothing special. It's just that Long Da is curious, how much money can she have, and one burden after another, how can she escape next time? Also, is the information she gave him true or false?

Long Da calmed down and waited for the news.

A few days later, the news came. But it was not the granary that was burned, but the racecourse in the western suburbs that was attacked.

The horse farm was full of army horses, and the bandits burned the stables and grain barns, and poisoned the horse grain, causing many horses to die suddenly. It should be said that the guards at the racecourse are quite tight, but the bandits who attacked were so skilled that they did this without anyone noticing. When the groom and guards found out, the fire had already started. The guards chased after him for a long time, but in the end they were let go.

The matter quickly spread in Zhonglan City, including the groom's testimony: "When the guards arrived, those thieves hurriedly yelled loudly and fled. The accent sounded like Nanqin's."

Nan Qin dared to run wild in Zhonglan City and set fire to the racecourse! Also poisoned! For a time, there was a lot of discussion in the streets and alleys, and people were panicked.

When An Ruochen heard the news, he was almost struck by a bolt from the blue. It's over, it's not a granary, it's changed to a horse farm? Did they suspect that the conversation was overheard and changed their plans, or did they have two plans at all?

If the thief can't catch it, what about Matchmaker Xu?

Matchmaker Xu is proposing marriage to the second daughter of Liu's family in the east of the city. This is the second gossip that An Ruochen heard that day. The second girl of the Liu family is going to marry the third young master of the Sun family in the south of the city. Both of them are big families, so Matchmaker Xu must be able to get a lot of gift money. I heard that she was so happy that the wrinkles on her face were all smiles.

It's bad. An Ruochen felt that the situation was not good. In this way, she turned out to be a liar who lied to the general, which would have to go to prison.

No, before the general gets angry and punishes her, she has to meet him and explain.

But the general's face is not so easy to see, even the father had to post and give gifts several times before he got a reply. She must not be able to send a post to the general herself, and if her family finds out about it, she will be in trouble. An Ruochen thought about it and thought of a way.

On the second day, it was a "coincidence" that the lady in charge wanted to distribute some fruits to the courtyards, but there were not enough maids, so the lady yelled at them to make more trips. Seeing this, An Ruochen said, "It just so happens that I'm free and want to chat with someone, so I'll give it to my sisters."

She carried two baskets and sent the fruit.

Because by the way, I went to the four-bedroom courtyard first. An Ruofang saw her sister coming, so she wanted to see her off next time. The two went to the second room courtyard together.

On the way, An Ruofang held An Ruochen's hand, hesitant to speak. An Ruochen knew that it was because of the fact that she was slapped by her father the day before yesterday. That day when Qian Pei came to be a guest at home, he would stare at every young girl with poisonous eyes, from girls to their sisters, and then he would show a sickening smile. After eating, he deliberately touched An Ruochen's hand. An Ruochen couldn't hold back his nausea for a while, and subconsciously pulled his hand back. That night, An Zhifu went to her room and slapped her.

The news spread in the family, and An Ruochen overheard that the second sister, An Ruoxi, said that fortunately, the elder sister married that disgusting old man. As for the fourth sister, An Ruochen saw sympathy in her eyes.

Now that An Ruofang looks like this again, An Ruochen couldn't help but sighed and said: "If your sister is gone, you should take care of yourself. Don't be too afraid, let your mother take care of you and marry a good family."

Hearing this, An Ruofang burst into tears. She hugged An Ruochen: "Sister, don't marry him, okay? He's scary."

An Ruochen patted her on the head: "Don't be stupid, don't say this out loud, lest Daddy get angry and beat you." After some reassurance, An Ruofang's tears were stopped.

Arriving at An Ruoxi's room, An Ruoxi saw An Ruofang's sad face, and immediately became unhappy: "Why do you come to me with a sad face, looking for bad luck?"

An Ruochen came to deliver fruit, but the little girl chatted with her on the way, and she was reluctant to marry Yunyun. An Ruoxi scolded An Ruofang for being stupid, but she was also interested in the topic of marriage, so they started chatting. An Ruochen took the opportunity to ask: "Speaking of which, younger sister, you are also of marriageable age, so what does that mean when Dad asked you and third younger sister to sit next to General Long?"

The daring An Ruoxi blushed: "Then how would you know, Dad didn't mention it later."

An Ruochen murmured: "General Long is a close relative, and many rich and powerful merchants in Zhonglan City invited him, but he didn't go, but came to our Anfu. This may be possible. I just don't know if Daddy likes you It's still the third sister."

An Ruoxi's face darkened, she certainly hoped that this opportunity was hers.

An Ruofang couldn't get in the conversation, and she wasn't interested, so she just ate the fruit quietly.

An Ruoxi said: "Ronggui is the eldest son, the business of the jade shop can be connected with Mr. Qian is also due to my mother's credit, and I am older than Ruolan, no matter how you count, this good thing will not come to Sanfangtou superior."

An Ruochen smiled: "Anyway, I'm getting married, and this matter has nothing to do with me."

"Why is it irrelevant?" An Ruoxi said, "Don't forget, you married in Fu'an County, that's my mother's natal place, if there is anything, there will be someone there to take care of you."

An Ruochen thought about it: "Well then, I'll give you an idea. Dad, you know that if General Long takes a fancy to him, it doesn't matter which daughter he is. The third sister has no idea. However, the third aunt is clever, and she can't guarantee what she said to her father. It is better to act first, and while the third aunt is not moving at this time, you try to attract General Long's attention. When Dad mentions this to him, he just remembers You, naturally, will be bigger."

An Ruoxi frowned: "But General Long doesn't come to our house, how can we see him?"

An Ruochen said: "The general has worked hard for the people. Daddy respects him, but the business is busy, so it is reasonable to ask his family to send some supplements to the general for him to visit, isn't it?"

It's reasonable to be pigs, dogs, cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, and geese, but An Ruochen knows that the second sister is the same as her father, and when she wants to make a profit, she doesn't care about these at all.

That night, An Ruoxi came to An Ruochen, she said that she had found out what her father meant, and that she really intended to become a relative of General Long. But it doesn't necessarily mean letting her marry, it mainly depends on who General Long can fall in love with.

An Ruochen smiled and listened to the second sister's complaints, thinking in her heart that her father's ambitions were indeed lofty, don't you feel that this is a bit too high? He is a dignified second-rank general who protects the country, does he look up to us, a small family and vulgar merchant in a border town?

"Daddy thinks what I said about giving gifts is very good, so he will send a post to Ziyun Tower tomorrow."

"Yeah." An Ruochen nodded sharply. Dad helped her post the post, and then the second sister would not let the elders accompany her in order to be able to talk to the general alone, and she was the only suitable companion for the sisters at home.

"It's just that it's inappropriate for me, a girl who hasn't left the cabinet, to go alone. The fourth sister is too young, and I don't say hello to the third sister, so elder sister, please accompany me."

Sure enough.

An Ruoxi put on a straight face, and said again: "Again, before my sister ran out of the mansion to see the general halfway, it was really out of line. My sister is engaged to be married, and her admiration for the general cannot be overstated. It’s better to take it away, don’t think too much.”

An Ruochen laughed along with her, and agreed without hesitation.

On the second day, Long Da received a post from An Zhifu. The post was demolished by Zong Ze. After reading it, he was amazed: "The city here is really tough. The father is informal, and the daughter is willing to let go."

Long Dayang raised his eyebrows: "Anjia?"

"right."

"Miss?"

"No, Second Miss."

"Um."

"General, why don't you see me? There is no female family member who comes to give gifts. The general is not a woman, and he doesn't have a wife to help greet him. Female family members are polite to female family members. Besides, his family's idea is too obvious. I'm afraid the general has been tricked."

"What tricks can you win?"

"For example, when you go back to the room and see a girl who stripped herself naked, she yells that the general should be held accountable. Although she won't succeed, it's still a troublesome matter."

"What's the trouble with this? If you really want to meet such a stupid and lowly person, you don't need to say a word, just chop it up with a knife. You should be punished if you sneak into the general's house. Who can object?"

"..." Zong Zeqing closed his mouth, and he had no objection. As expected of a general, Thunder means.

"I agree with An's family, let them come."

"Huh?" He clearly mentioned the second lady, but how could there be them.

"You let the steward say that I am busy with military affairs and have no time to greet you. Just accept the gift and take them around the house."

Zong Zeqing scratched his head, not understanding. Why did you let the second lady come? Just accept the gift, why take her for a stroll? General, you really want to kill someone, right?

On the second day, An Ruochen and An Ruoxi led the maids and servants, and brought the gifts prepared by An Zhifu, to Ziyun Tower, Long Da's temporary residence in Zhonglan City.

Fang Yuan, the steward of Ziyun Building, received them politely.

Speaking of Fang Yuan, he was originally the second steward of the prefect's mansion, and Yao Kun specially called him over to take care of the daily affairs of Ziyun Tower.

Fang Yuan followed Long Da's order, General Dao was unfortunately busy with military affairs today, so it was inconvenient to meet him. To express my apologies, the flowers in Fuchu are blooming just right, so I can take the girls for a walk, enjoy the flowers, have a cup of tea, and bring some snacks back home.

An Ruoxi was overjoyed, and suddenly felt complacent. Although he couldn't see the general, but the general's arrangement was clearly to take extra care of her, he hurriedly agreed, thanked her shyly, and seized the opportunity to say that he would come back to thank her in person next time.

An Ruochen remained silent at the side, feeling very disappointed. When the general agreed to meet her, she guessed that the general should understand her intentions and would find a chance for her to meet. As a result, they came, but he was not there. I don't know if I will have the opportunity to see him alone in the future. She didn't want to be caught in jail one day without a word.

After drinking tea, having snacks, and saying some polite words, Steward Fang asked the maid to lead the two ladies to the garden to enjoy the flowers, while the servant maids of Anfu were arranged to wait in the side hall.

An Ruoxi was very excited, chatting with the maid all the way. Looking at the flowers is not the point, the important thing is that this is a good opportunity for her to take care of the people downstairs in Ziyun, and get closer to General Long in the future. She enthusiastically asked the maid about her health, praised the maid for her cleverness, and inquired about General Long's affairs from the side. The maid was also a little dizzy after being coaxed by her, and couldn't finish talking.

An Ruochen followed quietly, her footsteps getting slower and slower, she was not in the mood to admire the flowers, she observed the courtyards and houses here, expecting to see the general suddenly. Although he was not there, he ordered his servants to treat the sisters warmly. This must have ulterior motives, right? Just like he was willing to go to settle down and have a banquet, it had a purpose.

Just as she was thinking like this, she suddenly saw the room she was passing by, the window was open, and the furnishings inside the room were unobstructed, and what was on the table were not her two bundles.

An Ruochen was overjoyed, if he didn't see the general, it would be nice to get her money back. She pulled out the champagne from her sleeve, threw it in the corner of the room, and followed An Ruoxi and the maid. The footsteps became slower and slower, and An Ruoxi and the servant girl got farther and farther away from her. Finally at a corner, An Ruoxi, who hadn't noticed that An Ruochen was much behind, turned the corner and walked away.

An Ruochen stood still at the corner, watching the backs of An Ruoxi and the girl walking away, then turned her head and hurried towards the house just now, she had already thought in her heart that if she bumped into someone, someone would When asked, she said that the handkerchief was lost, and she came back to look for it.

The journey went smoothly, without meeting anyone, Pazi lay quietly on the spot, the window was still open, and there was no one in the room, her bundle was placed on the table.

An Ruochen stood in front of the window, her heart pounding. She looked around again, but there was no one there. Going around to the other end of the door, pushed it, and the door was locked. An Ruochen gritted her teeth, bravely climbed up the window sill and climbed in.

When I opened the bag, everything was there. But she couldn't take the rest, so she stuffed all the jewelry and silver coins into her bosom. Great! This trip was not in vain, at least the lost money was recovered.

An Ruochen smiled, turned around and wanted to leave. But he saw a tall and stern man leaning against the door and looking at her.

An Ruochen's smile suddenly froze.

General Long.

Her heart stopped beating for half a beat, An Ruochen took a step back subconsciously, and then she came to her senses, and quickly knelt down with a plop, and hurriedly said: "General, I never lied, I did hear a man ask Matchmaker Xu to It is absolutely true to find someone to burn the granary."

Long Da was silent for a long time, An Ruochen looked up, Long Da stared at her, examining her.

"My lord general." An Ruochen kowtowed again, "The daughter of the people is indeed not lying."

Long Da finally said: "I'm thinking, I'll give you three days, if you don't show up, I'll send someone to Anfu to arrest you."

real or fake? An Ruochen was startled, today was exactly the third day after the racecourse was attacked. She swallowed her saliva and broke out in a cold sweat. "General, Minnv was shocked when she heard the news. Minnv heard clearly that day, and she was talking about the granary in the north of the city. They must have changed their mind when they found out that someone was eavesdropping. What Minnv said is absolutely true, General We'll find out after arresting that matchmaker Xu."

"They found someone eavesdropping?" Long Da Shi ran to a chair and sat down.

An Ruochen moved her knees in his direction, and continued to kneel facing him, obviously quite skilled in kneeling. Long Da watched and said nothing.

"That's true. They found out that someone was eavesdropping, and Minnv hid, so she escaped the catastrophe. This matter is absolutely true, and Minnv dare not lie to the general."

"This sentence is a lie." Long Dao: "You heard about the important military situation but didn't report it to the government immediately. If I hadn't stopped you that day, you didn't intend to reveal it to me at all."

An Ruochen choked. She really didn't intend to tell anyone about it at first, she wanted to leave here, but she couldn't ask for trouble. "That's, it's because Minnv didn't find a suitable opportunity. This matter is of great importance. Minnv has no evidence in hand. No one will believe what she says. If Xu Matchmaker and the others know who reported to the official, isn't Minnv It caused trouble to the upper body. Minnv is just a weak woman, timid and afraid of getting into trouble, she did not dare to report to the officials in time, and begged the general to forgive her."

"The phrase about being timid and afraid of getting into trouble is a lie again."

"..." An Ruochen stopped talking.

Long Da asked: "Where did you hear them discussing this matter, how did you escape, and what else did they say?"

An Ruochen hurriedly said that she rented a hut in the city. When she went to see the house, she heard Matchmaker Xu talking with a man next door. The man suspected that someone was outside the house and came out to check. She hid in the water tank without being noticed by them.

"They didn't say much at that time, but they heard that Mr. Xie asked the matchmaker to burn the granary... Ah, yes, he also said that it's fine if the girls are disobedient, don't talk too much with them, or you have to silence them. Only This sentence didn't mention any specific girls or anything." An Ruochen also came to her senses when she said this, so, Xu Matchmaker used the convenience of dating or buying and selling slaves to instigate some girls to do things for her? She hurriedly added: "The matchmaker must have a lot of people. Apart from the thieves who can go to burn the granary, there are also some girls who can use it. The general will find her at the first trial."

Long Da shook his head: "If what you said is true, then Matchmaker Xu can't move for the time being. If she is arrested, she will start a panic, lest the people above her will get the news and get away in time. I have sent someone to watch her every move during this period, I haven't seen anything unusual about her."

"Since they are on guard, they will naturally follow the rules for a while."

"Did they ever suspect you?"

"It shouldn't have happened. In the past few days, no one came to me to silence me. Then Matchmaker Xu never came to my house to test me."

Long was silent. An Ruochen looked at him, feeling panicked. Will he believe her?