Continue Xiao Wu Yi

Author: Anonymous (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: It is said that at this time, the four gates were tightly closed, and the local constables were inspected. The entire Xiangyang City was searched, but there was no trace of the Prince and the bandits. It was necessary to report to the superior. The superior sent Jiang, Zhan, Lu, and Han to ask if they had seen the Prince outside the city. The four accepted the order and went. The superior then sent Jin Prefect, along with Master Gongsun and Wei Chang, to inspect the granaries and warehouses of the Prince's mansion. The inventory of all furnishings was recorded and reported, and this is not in detail. It is said that Jiang and the others went up the road to the city and looked outside. The streets were bustling with people. The people of Junshan, those waiting to enter the city, and even the merchants, were in a chaotic state. The four of them went to the city tower to ask Zhong Xiong to answer. After a while, Zhong Xiong arrived and asked why the city gates were not opened. Jiang explained the situation to him and asked if he had seen the Prince of Xiangyang. Zhong Xiong replied, "Not even a single soldier from the Prince's mansion was seen. We guarded all night, but no one came out." Jiang was helpless and had to return with the other three to see the superior. Upon hearing this, the superior sighed deeply and had no solution. Jiang then gave the superior an idea: "The city gates cannot be closed for long. It would be better to open them and station guards at all four gates. Those entering should not be searched, but those leaving must be questioned carefully, and those who recognize the Prince must be on guard. If they are hiding in the city, they will surely try to escape when the gates are opened. At that time, the guards can recognize and capture them. Wouldn't that be good?" The Yanshi Court repeatedly nodded and immediately sent those who recognized the Prince to guard the four gates. In no time, the four gates were opened, and the chief of Junshan was sent to the upper court, while the bandits returned to Xiaogushan. The superior returned to the upper court, captured the soldiers of the Prince's mansion and handed them over to the local authorities. All the dead were buried outside the city in a single pit. The gates of the Prince's mansion were sealed, and local officials were stationed outside. The superior returned to the court to govern. Everyone looked at each other, all because the Prince had not been captured. Suddenly, someone reported, "The wise man has taken all his belongings and left, unknown to anyone. He left a letter for the superior to show respect." Upon hearing this, the superior sighed and said, "The wise man was driven away by the court." Jiang said, "The wise man does not wish to be an official and has explained to Wei Zhen that he is willing to take Wei as his master. Now that he has left, he must be returning home to pay respects to his ancestors, bidding farewell to his relatives and family. After completing these matters, he will likely become a Taoist. That must be his intention." The superior was helpless. You ask why the wise man left? It was because the court had decided to write that he had stolen the alliance list, not that Shen Zhongyuan had. The court had intended to add more details, but seeing the superior's displeased expression, they could only nod and retreat. Upon returning to their room, they wrote a letter and left it there. They packed their belongings, including the pearl abacus, the heaven-measuring ruler, the heavenly and earth plates, and several Taoist books. Fearing to be seen, they slipped out through the back door and escaped the city, heading straight for Huangzhou County in Huang'an. P12-13