Ming Dynasty, Beijing.
The spring breeze is warm, and the gate of Zhu's Mansion slowly opens. The sunlight shines on the bluestone slabs, reflecting the busyness. Zhu Wenhan stood in front of the mansion and greeted the guests, smiling, but worried in his heart.
Today, the Zhu Mansion will regain its glory. He whispered to himself, his voice firm.
The news of the Spring Banquet spread throughout the capital, and Zhu Wenhan planned the feast with the intention of enhancing the prestige of the family. The servants were busy, and Zhu Wenhan personally checked to make sure everything was perfect.
Zhu Gang, how are you preparing? Zhu Wenhan asked.
Zhu Gang, Zhu Wenhan's personal warrior, has a burly figure and a resolute face. He bowed slightly and replied, "Everything is ready, master." ”
Zhu Wenhan nodded and walked into the mansion, looking forward to it.
Guests arrived one after another, and Zhu's Mansion was very lively. Zhu Wenhan stood in the banquet hall**, greeting the guests, with a warm smile and appropriate words.
The banquet began, and the table was full of delicacies from the mountains and seas, and the aroma was overflowing. The guests toasted and the atmosphere was warm.
Suddenly, the night pearl in Zhu Wenhan's hand attracted everyone's attention. It is dazzling, as if it can illuminate people's hearts. Zhu Wenhan announced loudly: "This is the heirloom of the Zhu Mansion, and tonight, it will witness our happy gathering." ”
The guests were amazed and the Night Pearl became the focal point of the banquet. Zhu Wenhan smiled with satisfaction, and the spring banquet seemed to be half successful.
Subsequently, Su Xiu, the embroiderer in the house, performed embroidery at the meeting. Her fingers are dexterous, and silk threads flutter across the cloth, attracting the attention of her guests. Zhu Wenhan also looked at it with appreciation, proud of having such a talent in the house.
However, at this moment, Zhu Wenhan suddenly discovered that the Night Pearl was missing. The tray on the table was empty, and the Night Pearl seemed to never exist. The audience was in an uproar, and an ominous premonition surged in Zhu Wenhan's heart.
The banquet fell silent for a moment, and the guests looked at each other at a loss. Zhu Wenhan's face instantly turned pale.
Seal off the door and search immediately! There was a hint of anger in Zhu Wenhan's voice, but he quickly regained his composure.
The warriors of the Zhu Mansion sprang into action, and they searched every room, every corner. However, the Night Pearl vanished without a trace as if it had never existed.
When night fell, the spring banquet ended, the hustle and bustle had dissipated, and there was silence in Zhu's mansion. Zhu Wenhan sat in the study, with a list of guests for the banquet spread out in front of him. Looking at the list above, his brow furrowed. The people on the list are all suspicious, but those people are all heads and faces, and if there is no conclusive evidence, Zhu Wenhan doesn't want to offend them.
Zhu Gang, have you made a discovery? Zhu Wenhan raised his head and asked, with undoubted majesty in his voice.
Zhu Gang stood in the corner of the study with a serious expression. "Homecoming, the house has been searched several times, and the night pearl is like evaporation, and there is no trace to be found. ”
Zhu Wenhan pondered for a moment, he knew that the theft must have been premeditated. "Go, gather everyone in the house to the front hall, and I'll ask for it myself. ”
Zhu Gang took the order and left, while Zhu Wenhan stood up, tidied up his clothes, and walked towards the front hall.
In the front hall, everyone in the house, including the servants, maids, cooks, and others, had gathered, and they were talking in low voices, with uneasiness on their faces.
The theft of the Night Pearl was like a piece of ice, which made the atmosphere in the Zhu Mansion suddenly tense. Zhu Wenhan stood on the steps of the front hall, his gaze swept over everyone, and his tone was calm and firm. "I need an explanation for what happened last night. If someone does not report it, they will bear the consequences. ”
Zhu Wenhan's gaze swept over them one by one, and there was undoubted majesty in his voice: "At the time of the Spring Banquet, you were all **? What was done? ”
A young servant stepped forward, bowed his head and replied respectfully, "My lord, the little man has been cleaning in the back courtyard and has never left. ”
Zhu Wenhan nodded slightly, motioned for him to step back, and then turned to a maid: "What about you?" ”
The maid's voice was as thin as a mosquito: "My lord, the slave and maid are waiting in the inner room, and they have not stepped out of the door. ”
Zhu Wenhan's gaze turned to the cook, he was a burly middle-aged man, and his voice was loud: "My lord, the kitchen was busy during the Spring Banquet, and the villain was busy in the kitchen and never left. ”
Zhu Wenhan's gaze finally fell on the guard, and there was a hint of sternness in his voice: "You are responsible for the security of the mansion, have you found anything abnormal?" ”
The guards looked at each other, and one of them stepped forward: "My lord, everything was normal in the house last night, and we didn't find any suspicious people. ”
After asking, everyone got nothing. See nothing unusual. Zhu Wenhan waved them back, although his heart was anxious, he still remained calm on his face.
When he returned to the room, Zhu Wenhan's eyes were shocked, because he was surprised to find that there was a letter on the desk in the room. In the dignified Zhu Mansion, in the room of the head of the family, a letter appeared mysteriously, this time the letter was released, what if he came to assassinate himself next time? Thinking of this, Zhu Wenhan shuddered.
Zhu Wenhan carefully opened the wax seal on the envelope, revealing the letter paper inside. Zhu Wenhan's gaze fell on the letter, his brows were tightly locked, and an ominous premonition surged in his heart.
The content of the letter was short and direct, but it was like a hammer hitting him in the heart. The letter reads: "Behind the brilliance of the Zhu Mansion, there is an unknown secret. The expansion of many years ago was not innocent. Framing and plundering is the original sin of your Zhu family. The pearl of the night is just the tip of the iceberg. - Avenger "".
Zhu Wenhan's fingers trembled slightly, many years ago, Zhu Fu used some dishonorable means in order to grow. But with the passage of time, those past events have been forgotten, and the Zhu family has gradually been whitewashed and has become a good family in the eyes of people.
The tone of the letter carried a hint of provocation, suggesting that the theft of the Night Pearl was related to the Zhu family's past. A wave of anger rose in Zhu Wenhan's heart, he knew that the owner of this letter must have a deep understanding of the Zhu family. Most of them are enemies of the Zhu family.
The appearance of the letter, silent, like a ghost, made him feel threatened like never before.
Zhu Gang, Steward Wang, come in. There was a hint of imperceptible anger in Zhu Wenhan's voice.
Zhu Gang and Steward Wang hurriedly entered the room, both of them with a hint of nervousness on their faces. They knew that Zhu Wenhan's call must have caused something wrong.
What do you command, the head of the house? Zhu Gang asked, his voice respectful and calm.
Zhu Wenhan didn't answer directly, but picked up the letter, but didn't show it to the two: "Have you noticed anything unusual in my room?" ”
Steward Wang replied first: "Master of the house, we have been strictly guarding your room according to your orders, and no one has been found approaching your room. ”
Zhu Gang also immediately said: "The head of the family, the defense I am responsible for is also tight, and I have not found any suspicious people. ”
Zhu Wenhan's brows furrowed, and he threw the letter on the table, with a hint of anger in his voice: "Yes, then tell me, why did this letter appear on my desk?" ”
Zhu Gang and Steward Wang glanced at each other, and they both saw the confusion and worry in each other's eyes. Zhu Gang said cautiously: "Family master, this matter is indeed strange. We'll look into it thoroughly. ”
Steward Wang also hurriedly added: "Family master, I will immediately strengthen patrols in various places in the mansion to ensure that there will be no more such incidents." ”
Zhu Wenhan nodded, he knew that Zhu Gang and Steward Wang were both loyal people, but the occurrence of this incident made him deeply worried about the sense of security in the Zhu Mansion.
This matter is related to the safety of the Zhu Mansion, and you must strictly investigate it. There was a hint of resoluteness in Zhu Wenhan's voice.
Zhu Gang and Steward Wang agreed in unison, they knew that this time the matter was very serious.
In Zhu's mansion, a festive atmosphere is permeated. Red silk hung on the branches, the word "happiness" was pasted on the lintel, and Zhu Wanqing's wedding preparations were in full swing. The wedding date was set as early as a year ago, and the other party was a world friend of Zhu Fu, and the family had close business contacts with Zhu Fu, which belonged to a union of interests.
Zhu Wenhan stood in the courtyard, looking at the busy servants, but it was difficult to calm down in his heart. The theft of the Pearl of the Night and the appearance of a mysterious figure loomed over him like a shadow.
Father, you seem a little worried. Zhu Wanqing asked softly, with a hint of concern in her voice.
Zhu Wenhan turned around, looked at his daughter, and reluctantly showed a smile: "Wanqing, the wedding is coming, I am naturally a little nervous." ”
Zhu Wanqing smiled slightly, her beauty was like a spring flower, pure and delicate. She comforted softly, "Father, everything will be fine." The Night Pearl will definitely be recovered, you don't have to worry. ”
However, just before the wedding, something unexpected happened. Zhu Wanqing, the bride of Zhu's mansion, disappeared overnight. Everything was business as usual in her room, except for a note left on the dresser.
Zhu Wenhan held the note, his hand trembling slightly. The note read: "Zhu Wanqing has been taken away by me, if you want to see her, see you on the bridge in three days." - Avenger "".
It was another "avenger", a wave of anger surged in Zhu Wenhan's heart, he knew that this was a well-planned kidnapping. He immediately ordered the gate of the mansion to be blocked, and sent his men to look for Zhu Wanqing's traces.
then called Zhu Wanqing's personal maid Xiaomei to inquire about the situation. As a result, Xiaomei didn't notice anything unusual.
Slaves and maids should be damned! Please forgive the head of the house! Xiaomei cried and knelt down and begged for mercy.
Zhu Wenhan was not in the mood to worry about Xiaomei at this time, and said impatiently: "Enough, you go down first." ”
The festive atmosphere in the house disappeared in an instant, and was replaced by a sense of tension and unease. Zhu Wenhan stood in the courtyard, looking at the empty room, his heart was full of powerlessness. His daughter, the pearl in her palm, disappeared silently.
Zhu Gang immediately investigated the matter. There was a hint of tremor in Zhu Wenhan's voice, but more firmness.
Zhu Gang took the order and left, and Zhu Wenhan stood in the study, playing with the stolen letters of the Night Pearl in his hand. His mind was full of doubts, was there any connection between all this? The theft of the Night Pearl, the disappearance of Qing'er, is there a bigger conspiracy hidden behind all this?
The wedding was forced to be canceled, and the joy of the Zhu Mansion turned into sadness. Zhu Wenhan stood in front of the window, looking at the night outside, his eyes seemed to be thinking about something.
Three days later, the night is like ink, and the moon is like washing. On the bridge under the moon, Zhu Wenhan stood alone, and Zhu Gang stood at the bridgehead not far away.
Zhu Wenhan glanced around. The water was babbling under the bridge, and the moonlight cast silver ripples on the water.
After a while, a figure quietly appeared at the other end of the bridge. The man was dressed in black, and his face was covered by a mask, revealing only a pair of deep eyes.
Zhu Wenhan, you're here. The mysterious figure's voice was low and hoarse, as if from another world.
Zhu Wenhan responded in a deep voice: "Who are you?" How did you learn about my Zhu family? ”
The mysterious figure chuckled, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice: "Zhu Wenhan, have you forgotten?" How did the Zhu Mansion expand its power many years ago? Those families who were framed and plundered by you, will their blood and tears disappear? ”
Zhu Wenhan's face changed, and his voice became stern: "Those are all in the past. What do you mean by mentioning it today? ”
The mysterious figure took a few steps closer, and his tone suddenly became cold: "Passed? No, I came today to tell the world so that the world would know the true face of the Zhu family. ”
A wave of anger surged in Zhu Wenhan's heart, but he forced down his emotions and asked calmly, "What do you want?" Why is Wanqing involved? ”
There was a hint of madness in the mysterious man's voice: "What I want is justice." If you don't do what I say, I can't guarantee Zhu Wanqing's life. ”
A trace of fierceness flashed in Zhu Wenhan's eyes: "If you dare to hurt Wanqing, I, Zhu Wenhan, will never let you go." ”
The mysterious figure sneered and turned around to leave: "Three days later, tell the world about the scandal of your Zhu family." Otherwise, Zhu Wanqing's fate, you know. ”
Wait a minute! Zhu Wenhan stopped the mysterious figure, "The Night Pearl was also stolen by you." ”
Hey! The mysterious figure laughed: "So what? It's just a matter of collecting some interest first. ”
The Night Pearl is related to the treasure house of the ancestors of the Zhu family, you are too greedy. Zhu Wenhan said angrily, and was ready to let Zhu Gang come over and catch the mysterious man.
Do you think I'll take the Night Pearl with me? Don't you want your daughter's life? The mysterious man said calmly.
Zhu Wenhan didn't make a move in the end, standing on the bridge and watching the mysterious figure disappear into the night. Back in Zhu's mansion, the night was dark, and the lights in the mansion were dim. He stepped into the study, closed the door, and forced himself to calm down.
The atmosphere in the study was heavy, and there was a sense of depression in the air. Zhu Wenhan sat at the desk, holding his forehead with his hands, and his heart fluctuated.
He knew that once the scandal of the Zhu family was made public, the reputation of the Zhu Mansion would be ruined, and the future of the family would also be overshadowed. But Zhu Wanqing's life hangs by a thread, as a father, how can he ignore his daughter's safety?
He took a deep breath and tried to calm his mind. Zhu Wenhan began to go through the matter from beginning to end, he recalled every detail of the theft of the Night Pearl, and he analyzed every possible clue, trying to find the connection.
Zhu Wenhan's brows were tightly locked, and his mind was like a marquee, replaying every scene. He knew there must be clues he hadn't noticed. His gaze fell on a piece of paper on his desk, which was the timeline of events he had put together. His gaze wandered across the paper, trying to find a breakthrough in it.
Suddenly, he seemed to think of something, and then shook his head again and said, "It seems that there is still something missing." ”
Zhu Wenhan stood up, paced back and forth in the room, and inadvertently touched the embroidery on his clothes, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "Embroidery, embroidery thread." "It was as if a ray of light had pierced the fog in my heart. He suddenly figured it out, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I see. ”
After some thought, he had a plan in his mind.
Zhu Wenhan stood up, his eyes were firm, he knew that the moment of a showdown was coming soon. Actions must be done with care and not be noticed by the other party.
Zhu Wenhan sat quietly in the study for a while, called Steward Wang, and whispered a few words. Soon, Su Xiu was taken to the study. Her face was pale and there was a hint of uneasiness in her eyes.
Zhu Wenhan stood up and looked directly at Su Xiu: "Su Xiu, do you know why I called you here?" ”
Su Xiu lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly: "The slave doesn't know, and I ask the head of the family to make it clear." ”
Zhu Wenhan sat in the study, staring at Su Xiu with his eyes like a torch. He already had the answer in his mind.
Suzhou embroidery, on the night of the spring banquet, your performance is eye-catching. Zhu Wenhan spoke slowly, with a hint of ** in his tone.
Su Xiu's fingers unconsciously wrapped around the corners of her clothes, and her voice was low: "Master of the family, the slave maid is just doing her part." ”
Zhu Wenhan stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to Su Xiu: "However, just as you were performing, the Night Pearl mysteriously disappeared. Is this just a coincidence? ”
A trace of panic flashed in Su Xiu's eyes, but she still insisted: "Master of the family, the slave doesn't understand what you mean. ”
Zhu Wenhan sighed, his voice softened: "Su Xiu, you and I have been a master and servant for many years, and I have always trusted you." If you tell me honestly and cooperate with me to catch the mastermind, I will not hold you accountable. ”
A trace of panic flashed in Su Xiu's eyes, but she still forced her composure: "The master of the family, the slave and maid really don't know. ”
At this moment, Steward Wang hurried in, holding a delicate wooden box in his hand. He placed the wooden box on the table and opened it, revealing the brilliant pearl of the night.
The head of the house, this was found in Su Xiu's room. As the head of the family expected, it was hidden in the thread ball for embroidery. Steward Wang said excitedly.
Su Xiu's face turned pale in an instant, and she knew that the matter had been revealed. Zhu Wenhan's eyes were as sharp as a knife: "Su Xiu, what else do you have to say?" ”
Su Xiu finally collapsed and knelt on the ground: "The master of the house, the slave and maid are guilty, and they only want to die." ”
Zhu Wenhan looked at Su Xiu and sighed, "Su Xiu, I know you are not the mastermind. On the day of the Spring Banquet, your performance was amazing, and the person took the opportunity to steal the Night Pearl when our attention was on you, and when he found that the Night Pearl was stolen and the audience was in a commotion, the person took advantage of the chaos to give you the Night Pearl, because when the Night Pearl was stolen, everyone looked at you, so no one would suspect you. It's just that what I still don't understand is why you're doing this. ”
Su Xiu just knelt on the ground and was silent. In the study, the atmosphere is heavy. Su Xiu's eyes were full of despair. Zhu Wenhan stood in front of her, his expression was complicated, both angry and unbearable.
Zhu Wenhan spoke slowly, with a hint of heaviness in his tone: "Su Xiu, do you know how much shame your behavior has brought to the Zhu Mansion?" ”
Su Xiu's voice was low and desperate: "My lord, the slave is guilty." I only want to die quickly to apologize to Zhumen. ”
Zhu Wenhan sighed, with a hint of disappointment in his voice: "I have always treated you well, is this how you reciprocate." and Wanqing, she has always treated you as a sister, how can you bear it? ”
A trace of struggle flashed in Su Xiu's eyes, and her voice was choked: "My lord, slave." The slave didn't want anything to happen to her. ”
Zhu Wenhan squatted down and looked directly at Su Xiu: "Su Xiu, if you cooperate with me, I promise not to pursue your faults, how about it?" ”
Su Xiu raised her head, and the despair in her eyes was gradually replaced by a glimmer of hope: "My lord, are you really willing to let go of the slave?" ”
Zhu Wenhan nodded solemnly: "I, Zhu Wenhan, will do what I say." ”
Su Xiu's voice was filled with gratitude and shame: "My lord, the slave is willing to cooperate." The slaves didn't want to see them hurt Wanqing. ”
Zhu Wenhan stood up and stretched out his hand to help Su Xiu: "Get up, Su Xiu." From now on, you listen to me. ”
That person is very cunning, if he can't hit it with one hit, once he escapes, there will be endless troubles, for the sake of Wanqing, for the sake of Zhu Mansion, we must be cautious. ”
Su Xiu replied: "The master of the house, the slaves and maids all listen to you." ”
The night was like ink, and there was silence in Zhu's mansion. A black figure walked lightly through the corridor and came to the door of Su Xiu's room. He knocked lightly on the door, and the door opened quietly, revealing Su Xiu's nervous face.
There you are. Su Xiu's voice was low and trembling, and she held a ball of thread tightly in her hand, with worry in her eyes.
The man in black walked into the room and closed the door with his backhand, his eyes were sly and confident: "Xiu'er, what did you call me for?" ”
There was a hint of trembling in Su Xiu's voice: "Brother Gang, the night pearl is hidden in this ball of thread, and I am worried every day, for fear of being discovered." ”
Under the illumination of the light, I saw that the person had a resolute face and a burly figure, and it was Zhu Wenhan's personal warrior Zhu Gang.
Zhu Gang approached Su Xiu and smiled contemptuously: "Xiu'er, you are too worried." That's exactly what goes dark under the lights, and the most dangerous places are often the safest. Although the Zhu Mansion is heavily guarded, who would have thought that the Night Pearl was right under our noses? And since the Night Pearl was stolen, the Zhu Mansion has been heavily guarded, and even if I go in and out, it is inconvenient, let alone take the Night Pearl out of the house. ”
Su Xiu nodded, as if he was appeased by Zhu Gang's words. She turned around and poured two cups of tea and handed Zhu Gang a cup: "Brother Gang, come, take a sip of tea and settle down." ”
Zhu Gang took the teacup, without the slightest defense, and drank it all. He put down the teacup and was about to speak, but he felt a wave of dizziness and his body shook involuntarily.
Xiu'er, you. What did you do? Zhu Gang's voice was weak, and his eyes were full of disbelief.
Su Xiu took a step back, and a trace of determination flashed in her eyes: "Brother Gang, I have to do this." You've gone mad, and I can't let you go any further. ”
Zhu Gang's body finally couldn't support it anymore, and he fell to the ground, unconscious. Su Xiu looked at Zhu Gang's fallen figure, with a trace of guilt and a hint of relief in her heart. She whispered to herself: "Brother Gang, don't blame me. ”
Zhu Gang woke up in the dimly lit dungeon, and the cold touch of the chain made him wake up instantly. He looked around, only to see the torches hanging on the stone wall emitting a faint light, and when he saw Zhu Wenhan sitting outside the prison door, he instantly understood.
Zhu Gang, you're awake. Zhu Wenhan's voice came from outside the door, calm and profound.
Zhu Gang struggled to sit up, with a hint of unwillingness in his voice: "Zhu Wenhan, how did you find out?" ”
Zhu Wenhan's voice was still calm: "On the night of the Spring Banquet, only you and Steward Wang stood near the Night Pearl. It is not difficult to take away the night pearl in front of everyone. The difficult thing is how to hide yourself afterwards and hide the night pearl. And that letter, the only one who can enter and leave my room without being discovered is Steward Wang. Steward Wang has been in the Zhu family for decades and is loyal, so the problem lies with you. ”
Zhu Gang was silent for a moment, and then laughed maniacally: "Haha, Zhu Wenhan, you are really smart." However, my name is not Zhu Gang, my name is Yang Mingyu. Decades ago, the Yang family was framed by the Zhu family, and the family was ruined, leaving only me and my father. We are here for revenge, to make your Zhu family ruined. ”
There was a hint of sigh in Zhu Wenhan's voice: "I think that the person on the bridge under the moon is your father, Yang Mingyu, your behavior has put the Zhu family in crisis." Do you know that your revenge not only hurt the Zhu family, but also innocent people. ”
Yang Mingyu's voice was full of madness: "Innocent? When the Zhu family framed my Yang family, did they ever think about being innocent? The Night Pearl is related to the Zhu family's treasure house, and the money was originally robbed by your Zhu family. I'm just doing the right thing for heaven. ”
Zhu Wenhan was silent for a while, and then slowly spoke: "Yang Mingyu, I can understand your hatred. But hatred doesn't solve the problem, it only brings more hatred. After saying that, he shook his head, ignored him, and walked out.
On the walls of the dungeon, the light of the torches flickered, reflecting Yang Mingyu's distorted figure. He was chained and struggled between the cold stone walls. Yang Mingyu's eyes burned with madness, and his heart was filled with endless anger and despair.
Zhu family! What you owe me, I want you to pay back tenfold! Yang Mingyu's voice echoed through the dungeon, like the roar of a wild beast.
He began to pound the stone wall frantically, each blow paining his body, but he didn't seem to feel pain, only the thrill of revenge. His fist slammed against the hard stone wall, ** cracked, blood flowed down his arm, but he didn't care.
Hahaha, Zhu Wenhan, do you think you can stop me? I will let you know that the blood of the Yang family will not be shed in vain! Yang Mingyu's laughter was crazy, and his eyes had lost his mind.
His head slammed against the wall, each impact making a dull sound. Blood oozed from his forehead, but he kept pounding, as if to release all his anger and hatred in this way.
I'll make you pay, Zhu family! Yang Mingyu's voice became lower and lower, and his body gradually lost its strength, but there was still an inextinguishable flame burning in his eyes.
Eventually, he fell to the ground, gasping for air, and the scars and blood stains on his body witnessed his crazy masochism. His path of revenge has become a path of self-destruction. At this moment, Yang Mingyu is no longer an avenger, but a poor man consumed by hatred.
Zhu Wenhan stepped out of the dungeon, and the night was already dark. His heart was heavy, but there was a hint of relief in his eyes. Zhu Wanqing stood in the courtyard, her eyes were uneasy, and when she saw Zhu Wenhan, she stepped forward.
Thank you father for saving me. Zhu Wanqing asked softly, her voice filled with concern. She knew that her father was also under a lot of pressure during this time.
Zhu Wenhan just smiled slightly and patted his daughter's shoulder: "It's okay, Wanqing, it's over." ”
It turned out that Zhu Wenhan learned from Su Xiu that Yang Mingyu's father was hiding in Jincheng Temple outside the city, and Zhu Wanqing was also hidden in **. Before Yang Mingyu fell into a coma, Zhu Wenhan sent someone to rescue him.
At night, the lights of Zhu's Mansion are warm and bright. The figures of Zhu Wenhan and Zhu Wanqing stretched out under the lights, and they knew that despite the turmoil, the warmth and tranquility of home would never change.
End of story!