The Delicate Lady Coroner Chapter 73: Sihexiang 13

www.lnmao.org, the fastest update to the latest chapters of Wu Zuo Jiao Niang!

Chapter 73 Sihexiang 13

This statement made the shopkeeper's face change slightly, "This is "Thousand Rivers" painted by Mr. Lu more than half a year ago. I heard that it was bought at a high price. Later, many students and scribes in the city tried to imitate the painting, but they never succeeded. It took a few months to imitate the painting with such charm, but only a few people in the small shop were able to imitate it. However, the shop has not yet put it up for sale. If you have seen it, you must have seen the real thing. Could it be that you should buy it? Do you know the person who took this picture of "Thousand Rivers"?"

Bao Ruoyou also looked at Huo Weilou suspiciously. Huo Weilou seemed to be smiling but did not answer the question, "You have sold Lu Wenhe's paintings in your store, and you have seen this lady come to the store and asked her many times." , then have you ever seen Lu Wenhe and this lady meet here?"

The shopkeeper was a little confused, "This is unprecedented. Even the villain has only met Mr. Lu twice. Usually the price is agreed upon and a deposit is paid, and then Mr. Lu orders someone to paint the painting. Send it over."

"No middleman?" Huo Wei asked again.

The shopkeeper said: "No, Mr. Lu had an art studio that he knew well at first, and most of his paintings were consigned there. Later, the shopkeeper left the capital. Because he met the villain, he sent Mr. Lu's paintings to him. The painting was placed here by the villain, and it was because of the villain that he did not let Mr. Lu's paintings cost money. Therefore, it was relatively easy to get Mr. Lu's paintings of the villain later. The owners of other calligraphy and painting galleries in the capital also wanted to sell them. Mr. Lu’s paintings, but I can’t compete with the villain every time.”

While talking, the shopkeeper rolled up the scroll in his hand and said, "In addition to paintings and poems by talented people from Beijing, the shop also has two authentic paintings by everyone from the previous dynasty. Would you like to see them, sir?"

The shopkeeper saw that Huo Weilou did not appreciate Lu Wenhe's paintings, and felt that his status was probably noble, so he tentatively asked, but Huo Weilou still stared at the scroll in his hand and said nothing.

The shopkeeper then said: "Although this imitation is very similar to the real thing, it is not worthy of the status of an adult. If you like it, I can ask Mr. Lu if he has any new paintings recently."

Huo Weilou looked around the shop and asked, "How often does this lady come here? When was the last time she came?"

The shopkeeper hurriedly said: "The last time I came here was five days ago. I can't remember how often I came here before. I come every month. When I come regularly, I come once every ten and a half months. And I come here frequently. People speculated that this young lady was probably interested in Mr. Lu, so she worked tirelessly. She had met many young ladies who admired Mr. Lu, but most of them only came to ask once or twice. She was the only one who came to ask. If you say it several times, the villain will remember it."

After a pause, the shopkeeper reacted belatedly, "Your Excellency, I'm here to ask if this young lady has been here before. Could it be that... this young lady has not returned home?"

The embroiderer wears the official uniform of a yamen, and he can tell which yamen he belongs to. But if he is on official business, how can a woman follow him? Moreover, Huo Weilou was also incognito. After much deliberation, the shopkeeper realized that Huo Weilou had come looking for someone, so he couldn't help but ask: "Could it be that this young lady has eloped with someone? Could it be that... she eloped with Mr. Lu?" ?"

Huo Weilou glanced at him, and the shopkeeper was forced by his look and quickly shut up.

It is true that Wei Ling often comes here. Regardless of personal opinions, at least she wants to come here, not Chongwen Museum. Chongwen Museum is just a cover. She is probably someone who admires Lu Wenhe. , but she was born in an uncle's house and her status was considered noble. If she really liked Lu Wenhe, why didn't she just find a way to meet him? But to be so sneaky.

Huo Weilou glanced across the hall, "Who else has their paintings and calligraphy sold on consignment here?"

The shopkeeper sighed, "There are quite a few, but how can those people sell without names? Many people make a living from this, but they can't even maintain their livelihood. It's really pitiful. Only those who are good at imitating There is a certain amount of oil and water that can be gained from the painting."

They are nameless people with ordinary painters. People who really like calligraphy and painting will naturally not buy their works. However, imitation paintings, especially imitations of handed down works, are almost in short supply.

" When this young lady comes, does she always wear a red dress? Does she come alone?"

The shopkeeper nodded, "Exactly, this young lady is beautiful and likes red dresses. It seems that she comes from a wealthy family. However, she does not bring a girl with her every time, which is a bit strange."

"Among the literati who sell paintings and calligraphy on consignment here, are there any who have a missing left hand?"

Huo Weilou's tone was careless, and the shopkeeper was shocked when he heard it, "Is there a defect in the left hand? There is no such thing... Most of these scholars have failed in the examination room, and some are still outstanding. They will not have it." Disability."

Bao Ruoyou's autopsy revealed that the murderer's left hand was injured or had only four fingers, but the shopkeeper's words made Huo Weilou a little disappointed. He looked around the shop again and saw that he had nothing to gain, so he led the people without any hesitation. leave.

Getting on the carriage, Huo Weilou ordered: "Go to Duke Huo's Mansion."

Bo Ruoyou hesitated and said: "The Marquis said he had seen that painting, at the Duke's Mansion?"

Huo Weilou nodded, "Huo Qinghong bought it back."

Bo Ruoyou was not surprised when he thought of Huo Qinghong, but Huo Weilou looked gloomy. Seeing him like this, Bo Ruoyou had expected that he would not look good on Huo Qinghong later.

However, when the carriage arrived at the Duke's Mansion, Huo Qinghong was not there.

Ning Xiao stood outside the carriage and reported: "The prince has not returned home for several days. At this time today, I don't know where he is."

Huo Weilou's face suddenly turned very ugly, and he ordered: "I will go to the Weiyang Lake to see what he is doing. You can take a few people to the Imperial College Jiji Restaurant and make a thorough investigation of Mr. Lu. The bottom line is that I will take Huo Qinghong back to the Hou Mansion, and later invite this great talent from mainland China to the Hou Mansion to see him."

Ning Xiao agreed and hurriedly led the people to the Imperial College Sacrifice Wine House.

Even though Bo Ruoyou had just returned to the capital not long ago, he also knew that there were many brothels and boats by Weiyang Lake. Huo Weilou knew where Huo Qinghong was without even asking, so he knew Huo Qinghong well.

The carriage headed straight for Weiyang Lake. Weiyang Lake is in the west of the city. Although the location is remote, because of the excellent scenery and being connected to the main road of the West City, it has become a prosperous place for enjoying the scenery and having fun. Lakeside wine shops There are many brothels, and several famous brothels stand by the lake. These brothels are extraordinary and can be compared with ordinary brothels. Many of them have stunning beauties, and each of them has unique skills. To get here and get close to the beauty, you have to spend a lot of money. It is really The Golden Grotto in Beijing.

Huo Weilou didn't say anything along the way. When Bo Ruoyou saw him like this, he was naturally too calm and didn't dare to speak. Only when the carriage passed by the West Market, Bo Ruoyou couldn't help but lift the curtain and look out. Take a look.

Changxingfang is in the east of the city. She bought all her household items in the East Market in the past few days. Therefore, it was the first time she came to the West Market after returning to Beijing. The West Market was bustling, even more so than the East Market. Now at noon, it was even more lively. There was a huge crowd, and Bo Ruoyou looked at the painted buildings and carved beams outside with some freshness. Only then did Huo Weilou speak quietly.

He asked slowly: "Is it fun to watch?"

Bo Ruoyou hurriedly put down the curtain and turned around, sitting upright and not daring to move.

Huo Weilou was a little helpless, "I don't mean that you are not allowed to see it."

Bao Ruoyou glanced at him twice and saw that the look on his face was really relaxed. He straightened his back and said, "The Marquis was in a bad mood just now. The daughter of the people should have raised the curtain to make the Marquis unhappy. So..."

Huo Weilou raised his sword eyebrows slightly, "Is this prince so unkind?"

Yes.

With such an answer from the bottom of his heart, Bo Ruoyou rolled his eyes and said rather tactfully: "How can the Marquis be so unkind? It's just that the Marquis has a distinguished status. If the Marquis is unhappy, it will naturally be the fault of the people below. Wrong."

These words made Huo Weilou laugh angrily, "Are you mocking me?"

Bao Ruoyou couldn't help but look bitter, "How dare a civilian girl?"

Huo Weilou snorted angrily, and when he saw the carriage leaving the West City and approaching Weiyang Lake, he said: "Have you met Huo Qinghong? His parents only have one son, but he is nearly twenty years old. It’s really irritating to have no ambition at all.”

Bo Ruoyou and Huo Qinghong walked together for half a month, and naturally he had some experience, "Master Hou, please calm down, the prince has a noble status and is considered young. It is not a big mistake to indulge in a little indulgence now."

Huo Weilou raised his eyebrows slightly, obviously not expecting Bo Ruoyou to speak for Huo Qinghong, "If I were like him, how could I be the Marquis of Wu Zhao today?"

Bo Ruoyou said casually: "It is naturally difficult for the Crown Prince to compare with the Marquis. Not to mention the Crown Prince, it is difficult for millions of people in the Great Zhou Dynasty to compare with the Marquis."

Huo Weilou raised his eyebrows and looked at her, and Bo Ruoyou said casually: "The Marquis is of noble birth, and his heart is for the city, and his methods and strategies are far superior to ordinary people. Who in the world can compare with the Marquis?" If the prince thinks that the prince is not as outstanding as you, he will only make himself angry, which is really not worth it."

Huo Weilou's raised eyebrows fell, and his expression became much more relaxed, "It doesn't make him like me. He is really so out of place and out of place."

Having said that, his tone was gentle. Bo Ruoyou breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that no wonder people in the officialdom are flattering. Who doesn't like to hear compliments? And this method of flattery is really easy to use. In just a few days, she has already used it like a fish in water.

Huo Weilou was in a good mood, and Bo Ruoyou became less nervous. The carriage drove all the way to the lake. Not far away, Bo Ruoyou first saw the Wanyun Pavilion standing on the east side of Weiyang Lake. She I couldn't help but say, "This is where Feng Wodan and his maid were lost that day."

Hearing this, Huo Weilou also leaned over. The two of them leaned out of the window to look out, but the window was only that big. Huo Weilou's approach made her feel nervous, but she did not reject it. Getting closer to him, she stepped aside and pulled the curtain higher with one hand to ensure that she could also see.

"The maid of the Feng family said that the Taoist priest of Qingxu Temple set up a place for divination and praying for talismans in the pavilion. At that time, everyone released animals outside first, and then went to the pavilion to pray for peace talismans. There were many people there. There were many, so she waited outside, but after waiting for a long time, she didn't see Feng Wodan come out. Later, she went in to look for him, but found that there was no one inside either."

As Bo Ruoyou said, Huo Weilou also looked at Wanyunting.

This night Yunting is called a pavilion, but it is a waterside pavilion with grilles on all sides. It faces Weiyang Lake on the west side, and the carved grille blocks the outside view on the east side. The main entrance is on the south side. The weather is clear today, and there are many tourists by Weiyang Lake. At this night, there are many figures wandering around in the Cloud Pavilion, but it is difficult to see clearly due to the grille.

Huo Weilou looked at the structure of the pavilion, and when the carriage was about to pass by, he said: "This pavilion has more than one exit." After speaking, he said: "Stop the car and go see if there is an exit on the north side of the pavilion. ”

The carriage stopped, and after a while, the embroiderer came back and reported: "Let me tell you, Lord Marquis, there is indeed a small door in the northwest corner of the pavilion."

Bo Ruoyou reacted immediately, "So Feng Wodan left from the north by herself that day? Did she deliberately want to get rid of her maid?"

Qin Lou and Chu Pavilions are all on the northeast side of Weiyang Lake. The carriage started moving again. Huo Weilou said: "It's not impossible. Wei Ling also deliberately went out alone for some reason. Feng Wodan was also alone when he was discovered. She also has her own reasons."

Bo Ruoyou thought for a while, "No matter why the two of them were alone, the murderer has probably figured it out already. It's easy to spot when wearing a red dress, but having a cinnabar mole on your body requires someone who is extremely close to notice it. This can easily make People think that the murderer may be someone close to them, but although the two of them have intersections, the intersections are a bit broad. Could it be that Feng Wodan also likes Lu Caizi?"

Huo Weilou pondered for a moment, "We still don't know. We can wait until we meet Lu Wenhe before asking about the Feng family."

Bo Ruoyou responded, and at this moment, the carriage stopped.

The carriage stopped in front of Yiyue Tower, but there were three courtyards at a glance, and there were several boats moored by the lake in the distance. Just looking from a distance, you could see everyone on board. It's a pair of out and in pairs.

Huo Weilou ordered the embroidered clothes envoy to search for the prince's name. Soon the embroidered clothes envoy found out clearly and reported back: "Master Hou, the prince is on a boat called Feiyun Pavilion in front of him." ."

The carriage rumbled and soon stopped in front of the boat. The boat was moored by the lake. A red lacquer pedal led directly to the boat. Compared with the Shen family boat on the way north, this boat also had three floors. But there is no mast, and it is more exquisite and splendid. It is also decorated magnificently. It is still daytime. If it is night, it can be imagined that it is really like a beautiful palace.

The embroidered clothes envoy was the first to board the boat. The expressions of the people on the boat who were having a drink and enjoying the scenery with their companions changed drastically. The embroidered clothes envoy asked where Huo Qinghong was. The shopkeeper led the way and walked there cautiously. Huo Qinghong rested and left on the third floor.

Bao Ruoyou followed Huo Weilou nonchalantly at first, and when they reached the second floor, he suddenly remembered that this was a place for fireworks. It was really weird for her to enter as a woman, but fortunately the embroidered clothes made her awe-inspiring. Those who were having fun and drinking outside were driven back. At this moment, most of the drinkers and prostitutes closed their doors and did not dare to mess with them.

"Master Marquis, the prince is right here——"

The shopkeeper laughed with me, but he had climbed to the third floor and his face was already covered in sweat.

Huo Weilou frowned slightly, and kicked the door open without saying a word. The broken door latch fell to the ground, and a loud noise seemed to shake the hull of the ship. Bo Ruoyou was slightly startled. , subconsciously took half a step back.

Huo Weilou stepped inside, but Bo Ruoyou hesitated for a moment but did not follow.

The curtains in the room were hanging down, and the first thing you saw was a pink embroidered curtain. The rich fragrance of powder was a bit pungent. Huo Weilou glanced around and saw a large four-part screen standing behind the double curtains.

Huo Weilou pointed and said, "Get people up."

The embroiderer waved the curtain and walked around the screen to call for someone, while Huo Weilou sat down on the low couch under the west window.

The woman next to Huo Qinghong had already been awakened by the sound of the door being kicked. At this moment, she was pushing Huo Qinghong when she saw a big man entering the inner room and couldn't help but scream. The embroidered clothes expert is well-informed , said coldly: "Put on your clothes and get out."

The woman was so frightened that her face turned pale. She quickly put on her shirt and skirt and ran out without even having time to tie up her hair. She almost reached the door when she saw Huo Weilou sitting under the west window. The woman was stunned. She still had time. There was a look of surprise on his face, and then he realized who Huo Weilou was, and ran out without even being polite.

Bao Ruoyou, who was waiting outside the door, staggered when she hit him. She apologized and ran away downstairs.

Bao Ruoyou couldn't laugh or cry, how could he be so frightened?

Huo Qinghong was pushed a few times in his sleep, and he was a little impatient. The embroiderer said helplessly: "Your Majesty, it's really time for you to wake up. The Marquis is here -"

"You...you little liar, my eldest brother never comes to these places." Huo Qinghong murmured a few words, turned over and fell asleep again.

The tone of his voice was so sticky that even the embroiderer couldn't help showing a look of disgust on his face, and called him again, "Your Majesty, the Marquis is specifically looking for you. When he expected you to be in these places, he went directly to find you. Come here, the Marquis is here on an errand, please get up quickly, lest the Marquis will be angry."

"I'm here on an errand..."

Huo Qinghong repeated something confused, and the next moment, his closed eyes suddenly opened.

Huo Weilou does not come here on weekdays, but he is on errands. Where can't Huo Weilou go on errands?

He knows Huo Weilou too well!

Huo Qinghong sat up abruptly, "Where is brother? Already on the ship? I'll go see him right away and tell him not to come in-"

The embroiderer looked at Huo Qinghong sympathetically and pointed outside.

With a bang, Huo Qinghong felt like he had been struck by lightning. He hurriedly picked up the clothes thrown at the end of the bed, put them on and walked out, without even having time to put on his shoes.

"Brother...if you have anything to do, just ask someone to call me. Why come in person..."

Huo Qinghong was naked on the upper body and wore a pair of snow-white brocade trousers on the lower body. At this moment, he took a coat and put it on with difficulty. After finally putting it on, he walked out of the curtain, but when he looked at Huo Weilou , but saw Huo Weilou looking at him suspiciously, "What are you wearing?"

Huo Qinghong was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and glanced at himself. This look also surprised him. He got up in such a hurry that what he picked up was not his own clothes, but a woman's bright red robe. , although he likes to have fun, he does not love women's clothes, especially in front of Huo Weilou, it is so dissolute and unconventional.

"I got the wrong brother! I'll change it, I'll change it-"

Huo Qinghong rushed back and tidied up for a long time before he came out in person. He looked at Huo Weilou with a cautious expression, "Brother, why are you here? What's wrong?"

He walked cautiously to Huo Weilou, not daring to sit down, but Huo Weilou was looking at the room. The room was full of exquisite women's things, but the eyes were full of red and pink colors and pungent beauty. The incense made Huo Weilou feel a little uncomfortable. It was not that he had never set foot in such a place. No matter how high and powerful he was in the officialdom, he still needed some social interaction. However, in the past three or four years, his position had become more stable and powerful, so he rarely did so. This is such a nonsense.

So, having never stayed in these places for more than two hours, he asked incredulously, "You have been hanging out here for many days without returning home?"

As he spoke, Huo Weilou pushed open the window next to him, and instantly the cool breeze from the lake roared in, making Huo Qinghong tremble.

Huo Qinghong folded his arms and asked, "What's wrong here? Isn't it good here?"

Huo Weilou had a cold face and raised his hand to touch the tip of his nose in disgust. Huo Qinghong understood. He took two deep breaths and said, "Brother, what are you disgusting about? Doesn't it smell bad? How fragrant it is here. Everyone smells delicious——"

"You talk like a girl now." Huo Weilou said without mercy.

Huo Qinghong raised his eyebrows and couldn't help but straighten his waist, "I don't look like a girl, I'm a tiger and a tiger -"

"Shut up." Huo Weilou couldn't bear it. "I'm here for business. You can follow me back home."

Huo Qinghong looked bitter, as if he still refused to leave this place, but Huo Weilou had already stood up. He glanced at Huo Qinghong coldly for a moment, and Huo Qinghong immediately said honestly: "Okay, okay, I'll follow you right away. You go."

After leaving the door, Huo Qinghong saw Bao Ruoyou. He was extremely surprised, "Youyou? Why is it you? Why are you here? Are you following your elder brother?"

Bo Ruoyou blessed his body and said, "I came to see the crown prince. Yes, I came with the Marquis."

Huo Qinghong opened his mouth. If Huo Weilou had not already started walking down, he really wanted to hold Bao Ruoyou for questioning. The group of people went downstairs, and the shopkeeper was still waiting with sweat on his face. Huo Weilou Striding away, as if afraid of being stained by the vulgar atmosphere of this place, Huo Qinghong followed Huo Weilou, looking back at Bo Ruoyou from time to time, with a look of curiosity and interest on his face.

Huo Weilou's pace slowed down only after he reached the shore. He stood on the shore and looked at the several boats in the middle of the lake. In early spring, the weeping willows on both sides of the lakeshore sprouted new buds, and Weiyang Lake seemed to be left behind by the gods. A piece of tourmaline in the human world, the lake is green yet blue, and the decadence and desolation of winter have long been swept away. It would be quite interesting to take a boat trip around the lake at this moment.

"Brother, aren't you leaving?" Huo Qinghong asked him.

Huo Weilou's eyes were narrow, "I changed my mind. Let's find a boat and go to the lake to have a look."

Huo Qinghong looked surprised, then Bo Ruoyou asked: "Master Hou, do you want to find the boat that Lingxiao Poetry Society rode on?"

Huo Weilou showed a hint of approval in his eyes, as if he didn't expect Bo Ruoyou to react so quickly. Sure enough, he ordered the embroiderer as she said, "Go and ask which boat is commonly used by Lingxiao Poetry Society... …”

Huo Qinghong looked at Huo Weilou in surprise, "Brother, you actually know about the Lingxiao Poetry Club? The poetry club is filled with noble ladies from the capital's aristocratic families. Do you care about their poetry club? Could it be that... Are you looking for a sister-in-law for me?"

These words made Huo Weilou even more impatient, but Bo Ruoyou on the side opened his eyes slightly when he heard it.

Huo Qinghong still wanted to ask, Huo Weilou said coldly, "Shut up", and then strode towards the Huafang Pier in the distance. Huo Qinghong blinked, but walked towards Bo Ruoyou with some reluctance. Come here...