After Gu Xu and Shangguan Jin returned to the Exorcist Department's Yamen in a carriage, they immediately went to the observatory and truthfully reported what they saw and heard during the mission to Chief Luo.
After hearing the news that "there is a waiter who looks exactly like a former member of the Shenji Camp," Luo Chuan couldn't help but frown.
"This sounds a little weird," he said, "You two go deal with other things first. I will go to the palace later to ask about the recent situation of the Tianlong Formation."< /p>
Gu Xu and Shangguan Jin nodded.
Seeing that Chief Luo personally took over the case, they did not delay on the matter.
After leaving the observatory, neither of them spoke, but they came to the exorcism department's library together with a tacit understanding and looked through the information about the previous generation's "Shenji Camp".
After a brief silence, Shangguan Jin pointed to a few lines on the information and said to Gu Xu next to him, "Because the members of the first-generation Shenji Battalion often had to go out to deal with dangerous ghosts, they all once Leave a soul lamp in the yamen. If the soul lamp goes out, it means that they have unfortunately died.
"The soul lamps left by senior Wu Danggui and his comrades are all used to deal with Qiongqi. They were extinguished during the battle, but no one could find their bones. "
Hearing her words, Gu Xu couldn't help but think of the "Snow Girl" and "Han Ba" in Qingzhou Prefecture. He secretly guessed whether the group of monks who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in the eighth year of Tianxing's reign had passed through a group of people. A method similar to the "Zhao Ming Forbidden Technique", using another life form to resurrect the dead
"The Shenji Battalion back then was definitely full of talents. Formation master Bao Xun, stick master Zhuang Xingchen, famous poison doctor Mao Chichang, and Gu master Su Ying'e from southern Xinjiang are all members. Their leader was Su Hao, a famous swordsman who had reached the sixth realm when he was under forty years old," Shangguan Jin continued, "But none of them returned safely from that mission. "
Speaking of this, she sighed softly, took out the "Divine Machine Token" from her pocket, and held it in her hand.
The golden sunlight filtered through the window lattice, Shining into the library.
With the light, Gu Xu could clearly see the nine-tailed fox carved on the surface of the token, and also noticed a hint of sadness in Shangguan Jin's eyebrows.
"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Gu," Shangguan Jin turned his head and showed a complicated smile to Gu Xu, "Ever since the Chief of Staff handed me this token, I feel both proud and fearful.
“I know that having the qualification to join the Shenji Battalion is the chief of the department and the imperial court’s recognition of my qualifications and strength. It is an enviable honor.
” I really want to seize this opportunity to climb higher and see the scenery higher up.
“However, as the long night is coming, the ghosts and ghosts our generation of Shenji Camp will encounter will only be more powerful than the previous generation.
“Sometimes I am really scared, What if we never come back during a certain mission?"
Her voice became softer and softer,It became as thin as a mosquito or fly, and soon like a wisp of smoke, it completely dissipated in the library and was never heard again.
Gu Xu looked at her elegant and graceful face, looked at her eyes that had become hazy due to loss of focus, and felt that she was a little strange today.
The impression Shangguan Jin left on Gu Xu was that he was always smart, capable and well-rounded. She seems to get along with everyone and handle everything with ease.
Unexpectedly, deep in her heart, there is still a fragile side and a fear of the future.
He pondered for a moment and said softly, "In fact, in my opinion, the long night is a doomed fate in this world. Whether we join the Shenji Camp or hide in a corner, we will encounter terrible ghosts and monsters. , all have the possibility of losing their lives.
“In the Shenji Camp, although we often need to take the lead, from another perspective, we also have more opportunities to become stronger than outside. ”
Hearing his words, Shangguan Jin covered her mouth and chuckled.
She took a serious look at Gu Xu, and the worry on her face disappeared instantly. She has returned to her usual calm and elegant appearance.
"Fellow Daoist Gu, you are the youngest among us," she teased, "but you are better than everyone else in the face of various crises. All calmer. Sometimes, I wonder if you are really only eighteen years old. ”
Gu Xu smiled and did not respond.
As a time traveler, his mental age is already more than eighteen years old.
Besides, since he After coming to this world, he has been living in the shadow of death, and has been striving hard for the goal of living a long life. As a result, he has become calm and difficult to make big emotional waves.
Next, Shangguan Jin asked Gu Xu about his future arrangements.
Gu Xu answered "go home and practice" without hesitation.
But he thought of "Shuchangfang" just now. Opening, things must have been busy recently, so I needed to pay more attention to it, so I added, "Stop by my elixir workshop to have a look." "
Hearing the words "Elixir Workshop", Shangguan Jin became curious and said with a smile, "I have long heard that Fellow Daoist Gu built a new elixir workshop in Luojing, but... Because of my busy schedule recently, I haven't had the opportunity to support you. I just have some free time today, can you take me with you to have a look?"
Gu Xu thought about it and felt that running a shop and workshop in a place like the capital would be difficult without some background. . As a native of Luojing, Shangguan Jin has a wide network of contacts. There may be places where she needs help in the future.
"No problem. "He nodded in agreement.
When Gu Xu came to "Shuchangfang" again, the steward Yang Shuo immediately dropped his work and went out to greet him enthusiastically.
Previously Manager Yang has been working for the Shi family in Qingzhou Mansion, and his understanding of Gu Xu is roughly that he is "a young man with amazing talents."
Now that he came to the capital, seeing the bustling streets of "Shuchangfang" and hearing all kinds of exaggerated rumors, he found that he had obviously underestimated this young man's talent and influence.
So on the one hand, he silently sighed, "Miss Shi has really good taste." On the other hand, his attitude towards Gu Xu became more and more polite.
"Master Gu, earlier today, our workshop has signed an order with Dongping Hou, Yongcheng Bo, and the Jiazi Battalion of the Capital Guard," Manager Yang said with a smile. Walking forward with a smile, he couldn't help but use a tone of asking for credit, and said to Gu Xu, "They have already paid the deposit and will come here to pick up the goods in a few days."
Gu Xu nodded, thinking in his heart I once again lamented the speed of development of this workshop, which has already entered the sight of Luo Jing's powerful people even before it has recruited all the people.
Shen Qiu’s ability to run the industry was indeed something he didn’t just blow off.
Thinking of Shen Qiu, Gu Xu casually asked Manager Yang, "Is Master Shen busy in there now?"
"Master Shen is not in the workshop," Manager Yang shook his head. , replied, "He said he had an important matter at home and had to go back to Jinling to deal with it. He should be able to get back within two days."
Gu Xu was not too surprised by this.
After all, as a son of a powerful family, Shen Qiu said that he wanted to leave the family, but he must have an unbreakable connection with the family, and he would definitely encounter a lot of messy and troublesome things. .
Besides, Shen Qiu is a guest, not a servant, so he has a high degree of freedom.
It is normal to occasionally leave the workshop for two days.
Subsequently, Manager Yang brought a young man in his twenties to Gu Xu.
This man is of medium height, with a thin build, a pointed chin, and slanted eyes. He is wearing a cyan gown similar to Gu Xu's style.
"His name is Zhong Jun, and he is the alchemy apprentice our workshop just recruited today." Manager Yang introduced.
From Manager Yang's mouth, Gu Xu learned that this young man named Zhong Jun was a casual cultivator from nearby Xin'an County. He came to the capital three years ago and worked in many alchemy schools in order to make a living. among medicine workshops.
Since Gu Xu has been in the limelight recently and "Shuchangfang" has just been built, Zhong Jun regarded it as a God-given opportunity and left his previous employer behind without hesitation to come here.
"I have admired Mr. Gu's reputation for a long time," Zhong Jun said with a smile on his face. "Being able to work under Mr. Gu is a blessing that will take me several lifetimes to earn."
p>He kept talking flattering words, and at the same time he did not forget to run into the room and pour a cup of hot tea for Gu Xu.
Gu Xu had a calm expression on his face, but deep down he couldn't help but secretly comment on this man's ability to compliment others. Compared with Guan Jin, the difference in rank was too big.
Shangguan Jin praises people very naturally and meticulously. He can always praise others and make them feel like a spring breeze..
But this Zhong Jun’s words are a bit pretentious and exaggerated.
Even with Gu Xu’s psychological quality, he couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed.
"Do a good job"
In the end, Gu Xu didn't know what to say, so he reached out and patted Zhong Jun on the shoulder, leaving a simple sentence of encouragement.
Then, Gu Xu also introduced Shangguan Jin, who came with him, to everyone in the workshop.
I heard that Shangguan Jin was the trusted assistant and indispensable right-hand man next to the head of the Exorcism Department. Everyone present had a look of surprise and awe on their faces.
After all, Luo Sishou is a mysterious and powerful saint who rarely appears in public.
So cronies like Shangguan Jin and Chu Fengge are often regarded as the spokespersons of Luo Sishou. Every word they say will make people wonder whether they are the Sishou. The will to convey.
But today, Shangguan Jin showed no pretensions, with an approachable smile on his face, and greeted everyone present cordially.
In addition, she also took out a large and exquisite three-legged alchemy cauldron from the storage magic weapon she carried with her, with the outer wall carved with cranes, pine and cypress patterns.
"This is a small gift from me," she said with a smile. "I hope Shouchangfang will prosper and everything will go well in the future."
Manager Yang thanked her repeatedly.
Things like alchemy furnaces and alchemy cauldrons are indeed supplies that "Shuchangfang" needs very much at the moment.
The "Three-legged Alchemy Cauldron" has the meaning of prosperity and prominence, and the cranes and pines and cypresses on it symbolize longevity, which can be regarded as a just right wish.
It’s just that Gu Xu felt a little strange about this.
He thought that Shangguan Jin came to Shouchangfang with him today on a temporary basis.
I didn’t expect that she had prepared the gift early and kept it with her.
She had already planned it
This woman is really thoughtful. Unfathomable.
As for the new alchemy apprentice Zhong Jun, his face became even more joyful after seeing Shangguan Jin.
He was born in poverty and lacked a background. He had been wandering in the capital for a long time, but he had never become famous.
The reason why he left his original employer and came to "Shuchangfang" was because he had speculative thoughts and wanted to rely on Gu Xu, a rising star, to find a job for himself. Good future.
Because of this, when he first met Gu Xu, he was eager to show his courtesy, hoping to be remembered by Gu Xu.
But he didn’t expect that today, besides Gu Xu, he would have the opportunity to meet another big shot of the Daqi Exorcism Department
This was simply a big deal for him It was an unexpected surprise
So he rushed into the room again and brought Shangguan Jin a cup of tea. The compliments poured out of his mouth like a tide, shaking Shangguan Jin from his head. Bragging to the extremeGo through it all, from appearance to personality, to cultivation, to ability to work, how exaggerated you want to be.
Shangguan Jin stood there and looked at him with a half-smile.
Seeing this scene, Gu Xu silently complained in his heart, young man, do you know that you are playing tricks on your class?
I have to say that Zhong Jun’s performance today made him I thought of some young people who had just entered the workplace in the past life and couldn't wait to be liked by their bosses, but because of some inappropriate words and behaviors, they ended up self-defeating.
At this moment, a gorgeous-looking carriage drove from the end of the street and stopped outside the door of "Shuchangfang".
An old man in rich clothes and with a long beard stepped out of the carriage with the help of a waiter.
The old man first raised his head and glanced at the plaque with the words "Shuchangfang" written on it. Then with a kind smile on his face, he walked straight towards the small building.
Since Gu Xu had never seen this old man before, he asked Manager Yang beside him, "Who is he?"
Manager Yang's eyes were solemn and he did not answer immediately.
He took out a piece of paper with more than ten names written on it from his pocket, read it several times, and frowned more and more.
After a while, he said to Gu Xu apologetically, "I'm very sorry, Mr. Gu, I just came to the capital not long ago and I don't know this guest."
Gu Xu looked at the paper The familiar handwriting on the note, he narrowed his eyes slightly, "Who wrote this note in your hand?"
"It was left by Mr. Shen when he left," Manager Yang replied, "He said, These people are all his clients, and they may have come to visit you in the past few days. But, Mr. Gu, please forgive me, I really can’t recognize which one of them this old man is."
Gu Xu said nothing.
The Daqi Dynasty always paid attention to etiquette.
Failing to recognize the identity of the guests may sound trivial, but it also means disrespect for the host and the guests, which is extremely detrimental to the future relationship between the two parties.
However, just as Gu Xu was thinking hard about how to solve this problem, Shangguan Jin suddenly came to his ear and whispered to him, "This old man is the head of the Wynn Chamber of Commerce, Ye Hui. His name is Ye Wuwei. One of his cousins is a concubine of the Chen family in Xiangyang, and a large part of the funds for his chamber of commerce comes from the Chen family in Xiangyang. Not long ago, his son just got engaged to the sister of the head of the Fufa Chamber of Commerce. ”
While she was speaking, Gu Xu could clearly smell the calming fragrance emanating from the sachet on her waist.
He immediately remembered that Shen Qiu had also mentioned in front of him that this Ye Huishou was a creditor of "Shou Chang Fang". He not only lent "Shou Chang Fang" a thousand taels of silver, but also waived Most of the interest was paid.
However, he used to send housekeepers to deal with him, so everyone in "Shouchangfang" did not recognize his identity.
"It would be too embarrassing if I couldn't recognize the funder's father today."
Gu Xu thought silently, thanked Shangguan Jin in a soft voice, then stepped forward with a smile and said to the long-bearded old man, "Ye Huishou came to visit me today, which really made my small workshop flourish."
Ye Huishou He cupped his hands and smiled and said, "I have long heard that Mr. Gu is a proud man of heaven and a young hero. When I meet him today, he is indeed worthy of his reputation."
""
The conversation between the two was about business interactions. Perform while blowing.
Gu Xu's image and conversation left an excellent impression on Ye Huishou.
Ye Huishou was in a happy mood, so he waved his hand and placed an order worth hundreds of taels of silver on the spot. The Wynn Chamber of Commerce itself was not short of elixirs. He placed this order obviously out of favor. It was to cheer up Gu Xu.
At the same time, he also mentioned that he has a daughter who is one year older than Gu Xu. If Gu Xu is not married, he might as well consider it.
Of course, Gu Xu decisively refused, and at the same time politely stated that he had already fallen in love with the person.
Ye Huishou felt very sorry.
However, Manager Yang next to him quietly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that this future uncle was really a hot commodity in the capital. If Miss Shi hadn’t known him early enough, she would have been dismissed. Someone else took it away.
After Ye Huishou, several more distinguished guests came to "Shuchangfang".
They were all people Shen Qiu had contacted before, and Gu Xu didn’t know any of them.
Fortunately, Shangguan Jin followed him and told him the identities of these guests in time, saving Gu Xu from embarrassment.
These customers showed a very friendly attitude towards Gu Xu and did not hesitate to place orders. Seeing that Gu Xu was not married, they enthusiastically introduced partners to him.
But Gu Xu refused.
Manager Yang next to him looked very nervous.
He felt that it was necessary to write a letter to Mr. Shi of Qianhu in Laizhou Prefecture, describing Gu Xu's popularity in the capital, and urging Mr. Shi to quickly make an engagement for his daughter to avoid long nights and dreams.
Although Gu Xu and Shi Xiaohan have a deep friendship, he is still a young man with a strong spirit. If a certain family wants to recruit Gu Xu as a son-in-law and marry him a beautiful and noble daughter, Give him a way to reach the sky in one step, but Manager Yang can't guarantee that Gu Xu can resist this temptation.
After all the guests left, Gu Xu stood on the steps outside "Shuchangfang", looking at the people coming and going on the street, and breathed a sigh of relief.
He must admit that the recent high reputation, the support of many monks, and the attitude of guests rushing to express their goodwill to him have really given him a sense of elation.
His current situation can be called "proud in the spring breeze".
In the entire history of the Daqi Dynasty, almost no one could achieve what he has achieved today at the same age.
But Gu Xu did not dare to relax.
Because his goal is still far away.
As long as one day he does not become a saint, he will feel that there is a swordIt hung above his head, making him uneasy.
In addition, he also hides secrets such as the "Ziwei Fate", the white-haired boy, and the "Huilu Rune". He also learned about Emperor Tianxing behind the case of Lu's murderous house. These secrets will undoubtedly put him on the opposite side of the emperor.
If one day, the emperor discovers his secret, will his glory at this time be shattered in an instant like a flower in the mirror?
Gu Xu did not think about it anymore.
He only felt as if he was walking on the edge of a cliff, and he had to be careful every step he took.
At this moment, Manager Yang came to him and reported to him today's income from "Shuchangfang".
Gu Xu listened silently.
Suddenly, he realized an important issue
Shen Qiu has always been a very thoughtful person.
Since signing the cooperation agreement with Gu Xu, he has handled things in an orderly and flawless manner, and has never let Gu Xu worry about things in the workshop.
When dealing with powerful people, he can figure out everyone's thoughts and give them the most appropriate gifts.
According to his personality, if he were to leave Beijing for business, he should find the portrait and information of each customer in advance to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to recognize the customer's identity.
However, today, Shen Qiu threw down a note and hurriedly left his handover work. He failed to do it at all, so that Manager Yang looked at a loss when facing the guests.
This is completely inconsistent with Shen Qiu’s past style of doing things
Gu Xu frowned.
He guessed that Shen Qiu might have encountered real trouble when he left Beijing and returned to Jinling City.
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