Cyber Daming

It was exactly half a day’s time as Liu Tu expected.

On the last day of June in the twelfth year of Jiaqi, Liu Dian appeared in the Liu family’s house on Taiping Street outside the old imperial palace.

When the bronze pointer in the sedan chair slid to the number ‘eight’, the red lacquer and gold-buttoned staircase door slid to the left and right.

Liu Dian, covered in dust, walked out with heavy steps, and what he saw was a beautiful landscape painting.

Hill meadows, Qinghe sailboats, stone bridges across the two banks, rice with joints and ears bent down, wild flowers that could not be named bloomed on the crisscrossing fields, and towering trees in the southeast, northwest and four directions, supporting this piece of world that was moved into the building.

And in the center of the world, an ancient three-entry courtyard with blue bricks and gray tiles is located here.

Looking around, every plant and tree in front of you is an ordinary thing that can be seen everywhere in the outside world, but it becomes a luxury that ordinary people can’t imagine in this building.

Thunderclaps from the ground, this is the tone and background of the first-class family in the old empire's "two capitals and thirteen provinces".

But at this moment, in Liu Dian's eyes, the mountains and rivers and plants in sight are all covered with a sticky blood color, man-eating beasts are poking their heads in the forest, bloodthirsty demons are sharpening their knives on the mountaintops, and malicious eyes are hidden in the corners, coveting his flesh and blood.

"Master, you are back?!"

"Get out."

Liu Dian, who was in a bad mood, kicked away the servants who were kneeling to greet him and hurried forward.

When he walked into the courtyard, his feet were already full of mud and his shoes and socks were soaked.

'The autumn knife reveals the ink bones in winter, and the spring pen dips in the summer to touch the literary heart. '

Liu Dian stared at the couplets hanging outside the study, took a deep breath slowly, until he felt that the irritability in his heart was suppressed, and then he raised his hand and gently knocked on the door of his father Liu Jinxun's study.

"Come in."

A peaceful voice came out.

After getting permission, Liu Dian stamped his feet on the spot to shake off the mud on his shoes before pushing the door open.

In the room, three walls were all connected to the ceiling with solid wooden bookshelves, each layer was filled with various thread-bound ancient books, and even the ground was piled with thick tomes, which were so messy that Liu Dian couldn't even find a place to step when he entered the room.

And his father Liu Jinxun was lying on a recliner surrounded by a sea of ​​books, looking up at the beams on the roof, as if thinking about something in a trance.

Liu Dian stood awkwardly, his heels touching the threshold, and whispered: "Father, I'm back."

"It's good to be back."

After a boring and simple conversation, the father and son fell into silence almost at the same time.

"Sit down." Liu Jinxun raised his right hand and pointed at the "book stool" with a pile of books next to the chair. Liu Dian quickly lifted his front and carefully raised his foot to cross the obstacle in front of his feet. But by chance, a drop of mud and water slipped from the sole of his shoe and quietly hit the cover. It should have been a trivial matter, but the expression on Liu Dian's face suddenly stiffened, and his body was neither forward nor backward. "It seems that after going out for a walk, you still can't get rid of your impetuousness. If you take every step steadily and slowly, how can you be muddy? Forget it, you are excusable this time, come here." Liu Dian pursed his lips and dared not respond. He sat down next to Liu Jinxun very carefully. "Tell me, what is the Japanese area like now?" Liu Jinxun asked softly, still looking at the roof. "The new policy has become popular, and the people live and work in peace and contentment" Liu Dian blurted out, but he was interrupted by his father after just two sentences. "It's a rare opportunity for you and me to be alone together. I want to hear what you have to say."

"Yes."

Liu Dian calmed down and said slowly: "After the turmoil in Edo City, the Japanese Jinyiwei no longer had an organized system. Those Jinyiwei who were willing to change their allegiance were either incorporated into the local garrison or dispatched back to the base of each clan. All the military forces were in the hands of the Xuanwei Yamen in each city. In order to give his comrades a proper retreat, Su Ce, the captain of the Japanese Jinyiwei, has done his best. If one of the three people from the Buddhist and Taoist families who were deceived into the Japanese area that day escaped, my son believes that this time, no Japanese Jinyiwei will survive."

Liu Jinxun nodded without comment: "Go on."

"Now more than one million young and middle-aged laborers of Japanese pirates have been dismantled and sent to major provinces in the empire. At most five years, this group of people will die, be disabled, and finally live in various factories and workshops. Those who come down will no longer admit that they are pirates. Without this layer of backbone, the backbone of the pirates has been withdrawn by more than half. The remaining young seedlings were all planted in the fields of Confucius Temple. When they grow up, they will also be Confucian rice and bear Confucian ears. "Liu Dian said calmly: "And the group of old people who disobeyed the governance and wanted to fight to the death also got what they wanted. However, my son did not let them rest in peace, but burned them to ashes. In this way, I don’t have an obstructing tombstone, and their descendants will have less trouble in offering sacrifices. Everyone gets what they need. It shouldn’t take long. When we finish these three steps, the word "Japanese pirates" can only be seen in history books. "Liu Jinxun tapped the armrest of the rocking chair with his fingertips and asked: "If I remember correctly, these measures should be first proposed by the young man named Yang Baize? He is Pei Xingjian’s student? " "Yes, father. "Liu Dian answered honestly.

"Sure enough, he and his teacher are printed in the same mold. He is more than ruthless in his work, but unfortunately he lacks courage."

Liu Jinxun commented: "Although these measures of his have quick results, I don't know how many Japanese pirates will join the rebels and become enemies of the court in the next ten years. If it weren't for this time, the character and style of their master and apprentice happened to be what the chief assistant said. It’s necessary, otherwise this Yang Baize might not even be qualified to enter the Japanese area.”

Liu Jinxun smiled: "Poor Pei Xingjian, that stubborn donkey may not have come to his senses at this time, and is still complacent in his Chongqing government office."

"You mean, all this was expected by the Chief Assistant?" Liu Dian said in surprise.

"The 'number' of the six arts has gone beyond ordinary people's imagination."

In the past, based on Liu Dian's understanding of his father, Liu Jinxun would not have commented much on Zhang Fengyue.

But Liu Jinxun seemed to be in a good mood today, and for the first time he said something more: "If Dian'er has the opportunity to do things for him in the future, don't overestimate your capabilities and consider whether the other party's orders are thorough. Instead, focus on how to get things done. The ancients once said that a wise man will always make mistakes, but our party leader is no longer a wise man, but a saint who has already taken half a step forward."

"I see."

Liu Dian squatted on the 'book pillar', lowering his head to hide his unnatural gaze.

Liu Jinxun didn't know that Liu Dian was going behind his back and doing things that he considered overestimating his capabilities.

"It seems that you have achieved something in the Japanese area this time, and it is not in vain that my father sent you to experience it."

"A son dare not let down his father's hard work."

Liu Dian, who was engrossed in replying, suddenly felt someone tapping him lightly on his shoulder. He was suddenly startled and immediately raised his head.

Liu Jinxun lowered his eyes and looked directly into Liu Dian's eyes with deep eyes, "I have been dead for three days. Why didn't you come back until now?"

"It happened so suddenly that I couldn't get away from my official duties, so I was delayed for a few days."

"Are you worried that it's not outsiders who are killing people, but your own people?"

"It turns out that Father, you have already guessed it."

When Liu Dian heard this, he smiled bitterly: "Actually, when he learned about his uncle's death, my son's first reaction was not anger, but fear."

"It's normal to be afraid. When I was your age, my father was also afraid. I was afraid that the elders in the clan would not understand me for being in power, and I was afraid that my brothers and sisters would be jealous of my rising power. The hidden arrows fired from within are far more powerful than the open spears fired from the outside. , even more heart palpitating.”

Liu Jinxun chuckled and said, "This time you dared to come back after only three days of delay. Do you think you have found out the whole story?"

"It's been found out clearly that my uncle's death was caused by external trouble, not internal trouble." Liu Dian replied in a deep voice.

"What is the truth? You have your own judgment. There is no need to tell me. Just do what you want."

Liu Jinxun looked at the other party with a loving expression and said softly: "As a father, I only want to remind you that you must be bold when the odds are against you."

Liu Dian was stunned when he heard this nonsense and didn't understand what it meant for a while.

But before he had the courage to ask, he saw Liu Jinxun wave his hand slightly tiredly.

"Okay, let's get down."

Liu Dian did not dare to say any more and retreated respectfully.

Liu Jinxun sat on the chair tiredly, took a thread-bound ancient book from his hand and read it, but after only flipping through a few pages, he closed the book with waning interest and laughed at himself: "It seems that the children have grown up. You don’t want to tell the truth to me, an old man.”

"Actually, old man, you know very well that Liu Clan is facing not only external troubles this time, but also internal ones."

A deep voice came from the corner of the study. The speaker was a man who stood upright and had clear features. His full head of black hair was not tied up on top of his head, but hung casually on his shoulders.

"Whether it's internal or external troubles, they will come sooner or later. Let the fire burn brighter, because only the fire can forge real gold."

The man frowned and asked, "Aren't you worried that the fire will be too big and out of control?"

"Nothing can be bigger than the flames that burn the mountains. When the spring breeze blows next year, the vegetation that grows will only be more lush, but the green mountains will remain the same."

Liu Jinxun suddenly changed the topic: "But there is only one green mountain, which cannot accommodate two cubs. Now is the time to let them show their claws and show their superiority."

"Don't you ask Master Dian to go to the Japanese area just to build another green mountain?"

"The Donglin Party can be divided into old and new, but the clans that make up the Donglin Party cannot."

Liu Jinxun said in a tone that left no doubt: "The Ming Empire can only have one Jinling Liu clan."

"Then it seems that you still prefer Master Dian. Otherwise, how could you remind him that he needs to be bold when something goes wrong? Your bowl of water is not fair."

The man was not as reserved as Liu Dian in front of Liu Jinxun and asked with a smile.

"Zhu Jin, when did you Six Tao people become so talkative?"

"Brothers are fighting for power. I've only heard of this kind of thing before, but this is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes. Of course I'm curious."

Liu Jinxun frowned, seeming dissatisfied with the man's frivolous words.

"Okay, okay, I know you shouldn't inquire about these things. It's my fault."

Zhu Jin laughed and asked with a smile: "Old man, did you ask me to come here this time to settle the matter with the lone martial artist named Li Jun? If that is the case, then I can give you a 20% discount this time. Because I happen to have an account to settle with him.”

"He is not included in the business here. Whether you want to use him as an extra or not is up to you."

Liu Jinxun shook his head: "What I want to know is where the remnants of Tianque appeared in Jinling at this time. Is it the little character named Shen Li who jumped out on his own initiative, or is it an old guy talking about the martial arts of the sect? Finally, you can’t hold back anymore and want to stand out. Are you going to borrow our Liu family’s ladder to get on the stage again?”

"Shen Li"

Zhu Jin rubbed his chin and muttered to himself: "Why does this name feel a bit familiar? There seems to be a person with this name in the group of Wu Xu who I sold to Sangyan Temple for breeding."

Liu Dian, who left the study, had just walked to the sedan ladder decorated as a pavilion when he met the person he least wanted to see.

"Brother Dian? When did you come back? Why didn't you notify me in advance?"

Liu Tu walked out with an expression of surprise. He stepped forward and patted Liu Dian's arm warmly. He looked up and down and said with a smile: "It's been a while since I last saw you. You've gone through a lot of vicissitudes. It seems that life in the Japanese area is really difficult. I was Just tell father that you should not be allowed to suffer this."

"Brother."

Liu Dian also shouted with a smile, interrupting Liu Tu's words.

"I can barely be considered a chicken head in the Japanese area. Of course, I can't compare to you, my eldest brother, who is a phoenix tail in Jinling."

Liu Tu's smile did not change and he said: "You brat, I was originally worried that the news of uncle's murder would make you depressed. Seeing that you can still joke with your elder brother, I feel relieved."

"It won't happen if I'm depressed, but I will definitely track down the real murderer. I hope you can help me, brother."

"Of course. If you dare to disturb Tai Sui, no matter who the opponent is, our Liu family will not let him go."

Liu Dian said gratefully: "With your words, big brother, I feel relieved."

"We are all family, don't be so polite."

Liu Tu said: "Now that my father is getting older, his temperament will inevitably become a little moody. If he reprimands you, don't take it to heart. If you have anything, just tell me. Oh, yes, this for you."

"This is?"

Liu Dian looked at the palm-sized black square box in his hand.

"This is the scene at the time when my uncle was killed. People from the Moxu Central Branch and Love Center are also among them."

"Brother, what do you mean?"

Liu Dian rubbed the projection equipment in his hand and asked softly: "Is my uncle's death related to the people in the Central Court?"

"I don't know either. I can only hand over all the evidence I collected to you. As for whether it is true or false, it is up to you to judge."

Liu Tu pondered for a moment and said: "But I think there is no smoke without fire, not to mention the fact that is right in front of us now. Although the Intermediate Court has been very close to Confucianism in recent years, you and I know very well that the master in their eyes is not us Liu Tu. Home."

Liu Dian was silent for a while and then said, "I understand, thank you for your trouble."

"Go and have a good rest first. Look at the dirt on your body. Your top priority now is not to avenge the dead, but to have a good sleep. After you have had enough sleep and are not in a hurry, you can comfort yourself and return the favor. People who are not dead.”

Liu Tu stepped towards the outside of the pavilion, and suddenly stopped.

"correct."

Liu Tu, who was standing at the foot of the pavilion, turned around, and Liu Dian in the pavilion heard the sound and looked over.

The two people looked at each other, and there was no trace of excitement in their eyes, and there was no enthusiasm in speaking with their lips and teeth in the pavilion just now.

Calm and indifferent.

"Brother knows that you were a little dissatisfied with me before, but I want to tell you that this time we are facing outsiders. We should fight against outsiders first and then settle down. What do you think?"

Liu Dian smiled and said: "On this point, you and I agree."

When Liu Dian's figure was blocked by the closed sedan elevator door, Liu Tu turned around and walked into the beautiful mountains and rivers.

Walking casually along the Qianmo trail, when passing by a rice field, Liu Tu sat down on the ridge, took off his shoes and socks and stepped barefoot into the rice field, slowly closing his eyes with a smile on his face.

When he opened his eyes again, he had arrived at the golden house amid the heavy snow.

"Elder Liu, the facts are before our eyes, do you have anything else to say?"

Liu Tu looked at Liu Xianzhou, who was sitting opposite, and went straight to the point, his words as sharp as the wind and frost swords whistling outside the window.