Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 28 Silver Frost (4)
Xiuxiu enters the palace and arrives at the Palace of Wenyong, but by chance the imperial doctor is taking the pulse of Concubine Rong.The maid was busy setting up a seat, and she sat by the curtain and watched quietly.

Concubine Rong stretched out her hand from the curtain.Her velvety fingers are delicate and boneless, and they were the most beautiful in Xixiu's eyes before.In just a few months, the nails stained with impatiens juice could not hide the yellow fine spots, and they were as white as blood loss.

The third prince was right, life was full of ups and downs, and Concubine Rong lived like a walking dead.Now that there is no third prince, what is the meaning of her life?Xiuxiu thought of the story of Concubine Rong, and sighed secretly.

She must have been forced to enter the palace back then.Thinking about it, Xiuxiu lost his mind, and his thoughts drifted to unknown places unknowingly.

The imperial doctor took the pulse for a while, gave some advice to the palace maid, and then left.Concubine Rong asked someone to roll up the flower curtain, propped herself up on the bed, and signaled all the maidservants to retreat.

"Hugh."

Hearing Concubine Rong's voice as cool as water, Xiuxiu regained his composure and responded softly.Concubine Rong beckoned to her, Xiuxiu sat down next to Concubine Rong, and Concubine Rong grabbed her hand.

Concubine Rong's palms were icy cold, and she couldn't feel the slightest bit of warmth.She looked at Xiuxiu with a trace of sadness in her brows.Xiuxiu's heart tightened all of a sudden, seeing the young but thin Concubine Rong, she couldn't help but tremblingly called out: "Your Majesty..."

"You must think I'm very pitiful, right?" Concubine Rong smiled lightly.

Xixiu lowered his eyes, unable to speak.

Concubine Rong took a breath and said to herself: "I am indeed the most pitiful woman in the palace. Regardless of other people's status, their children are always by their side. As for myself, I have struggled for 20 years, but I have nothing."

"Your Majesty, don't think so. His Highness just left the palace, but he is still in Daliang Dynasty. If he is here, there is hope." Xiuxiu comforted.

Concubine Rong shook her head: "He left the palace and is no longer a prince. He should say goodbye to me, right? But he walked away without saying a word, without even saying hello. Where did he put my mother? Now let me tell you the truth, for the past ten years, he has treated me like a stranger. As the saying goes, a mother is more expensive than a child, and his father loves him so much. I've been neglected to such an extent. Every time I want to keep him and talk to him more, he always perfunctory, finds excuses and walks away. What do I owe him in my previous life, that he treats me like this?"

Having said that, Concubine Rong was greatly mourned, and finally burst into tears uncontrollably.Xiuxiu handed over the embroidered handkerchief, silently looking at the heartbroken Concubine Rong, trembling all over when she saw her covering her face on the embroidered handkerchief.

The sunlight outside the window was very weak, and occasionally birds chirped a few times weakly.In such late spring, where the ground is full of flowers, there is a solitude in the palace of Wenrong.Except for Concubine Rong's crying, the surroundings were almost eerily quiet, and the air was filled with the smell of medicinal herbs, which made Xiuxiu's heart even more depressed.

At this moment, she really wanted to do something for Concubine Rong.

When Concubine Rong's crying gradually subsided, Xiuxiu smiled slightly and said, "Actually, the Third Highness has told me more than once that when he was very young, he wanted to spread out his immature arms to protect you. Don't let you be bullied. But he is too young and ignorant, always thinks he is mediocre and incompetent, and he is ashamed of you. Later, he gradually became afraid to talk to you. When he grows up, his ambition becomes lofty. He puts the most importance on the achievement of Liang's career, so he neglected you again. He said that he will make you happy."

"Is what you said true?"

Concubine Rong asked urgently, a light flashed in her eyes for an instant, she couldn't care about her demeanor at all, and suddenly tightened her grip on Xiuxiu's hand.

Xiuxiu's eyes were also clear, she nodded affirmatively, and her smile was extraordinarily gentle.

Concubine Rong was relieved, smiled with tears in her eyes, and muttered: "Ku'er, this child... this child..."

After a long time, Concubine Rong came out from the half-bitterness and half-joy, wiped away the tears on her face, and said: "As soon as you come, my illness will be cured, and my heart will feel much more comfortable. I don't have anything, but I feel so sad Son. He is my lifeblood. If something happens to him, I am afraid. If he leaves, I will lose my heart. "

"Third Highness may be afraid of implicating you, so he left without saying goodbye. Not only you, but even the emperor, Fourth Highness, and other people who care about him don't know where he has gone. It is better for him to choose to avoid such a dangerous thing than to confront it head-on. it is good."

Xiuxiu searched her stomach and comforted Concubine Rong, but inadvertently got to know Xiao Kui better and better.

Concubine Rong looked at Xiuxiu without blinking, then stretched out her hand again, put her palm on Xiuxiu's palm, and slowly pulled it to her chest.Xiuxiu was stunned for a moment, puzzled and just blinked his eyes.

"Good boy, I will ask you to find Kui'er."

Xiuxiu felt her heart beating violently, paused, and said hesitantly, "But..."

"No, but, you must help me find him, so that I can feel at ease." Concubine Rong's fingers became warm, as if a flame was slowly burning, and her tone became irresistible again, "Tell Kui'er, no matter what happens in the future, Mother is with him to share adversity. Don’t worry about me, eat well and sleep well, mother will always wait for him to come back.”

Xiuxiu was shocked, thought for a while, and finally solemnly nodded in agreement.

Only then did Concubine Rong let go of her hand, and hugged Xiuxiu tenderly.

On that rosy evening, Shen Buyu returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion.He went to the study as usual, and when he turned around the winding corridor, he was suddenly startled.

Xiuxiu stood at the door of the study and had been waiting for a long time.

"Tell me the address of His Highness the Third Highness. You must know where he is, and I'm going to see him." She said seriously, her face was so calm that there was no wave.

Shen Buyu was taken aback for a moment, and involuntarily narrowed his eyes, the fundus of his eyes was like an abyss, glowing with unpredictable waves.

Xiuxiu didn't say much, just looked at Shen Buyu indifferently.

After a moment of silence, Shen Buyu nodded slightly, and said slowly, "Okay."

"I went to see His Highness the Third Highness because I was entrusted by Concubine Rong, and there was no other meaning. He is no longer the prince, and your wishful thinking was wrong."

Shen Buyu listened and didn't speak for a long time.He seemed to be thinking about something, and after a while he smiled slightly, and the same word came out of his mouth again.

"it is good."

The carriage left the south gate of Jiangling, crossed the Sangyu Ancient Road, and after driving for another twenty or thirty miles, it arrived at the valley, where people gradually became scarce.Looking towards the road, the broad river surface is as clear as a mirror, like a winding dragon lying in the canyon.The mountain road twists and turns, the cliffs are steep, the clouds and mists are shrouded, and the wild geese are circling the abrupt peaks.If it wasn't for the coachman's familiarity with the road, Xiuxiu was really afraid that he would get lost in this place.

Soon, he wandered down the mountain road, and his vision suddenly widened.The two canyons become flat, the small river is clear and the vegetation is verdant, the deer are leisurely eating the green grass, and all kinds of birds are chirping happily in the lush woods.Xiuxiu got out of the carriage, holding the wooden box in his hand, and looked around.

She stroked the messy hair on her forehead, and sighed: "It's really unexpected that there is such a secluded and good place."

The coachman stopped on his horse and called worriedly: "Miss, there is no road ahead, and the car can't pass. According to the master, not far away is the place where His Highness the Third Highness rests. There is a ditch here, miss, be careful."

The two were discussing how to go when they suddenly heard the neighing of a horse in the canyon.Looking closely, I saw a white horse galloping across the forest, and the knight on the horse was vaguely seen wearing a red robe with short sleeves and narrow sleeves, with disheveled long hair and fluttering robe corners.Horses travel through mountains and rivers as if they are walking on flat ground, and they fly over vegetation with ease.Judging from his body shape, that person resembled Xiao Kui very much.

Xiuxiu's heart suddenly flashed, and he told the coachman: "You wait here for me." After speaking, he walked forward quickly.

Although the hillside wasn't too steep, it was uneven with uneven rocks, grass and trees, and with a wooden box in his hand, Xixiu walked cautiously.When she arrived in the opposite forest, her forehead was already dripping with sweat.

Looking around again, Xiao Kui has long since disappeared.

"Hi—" she called out loud.

The sound pierced through the valley, and the long neighing of a horse between the mountain ridges was indistinctly harmonized with it.Xiuxiu was secretly delighted, when suddenly a figure flashed out of nowhere, and the long sword whizzed across the air, pointing directly at her chest.

Xiuxiu took two steps back in horror, and after seeing who the other party was, she couldn't help but smile slightly: "Jiang Chen."

Jiang Chen put away his long sword, raised his brows, and said sharply: "So it's Miss Xiuxiu. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see His Royal Highness."

"He is not the Third Highness anymore. If you want to dream of being a concubine, you have found the wrong person." Jiang Chen said sarcastically, "The Third Highness will not meet anyone."

Xiuxiu couldn't help getting angry, pointed to the wooden box in his hand, and said: "I am here to see His Highness Third Highness at the order of Concubine Rong, please don't stop me."

"Even if the Jade Emperor is here, His Highness the Third Highness won't see each other. Put your things here, it's considered an errand, you should go back."

"No, I want to see him in person!" Xiuxiu was about to go over.

Jiang Chen stopped her abruptly: "I've already said, the Third Highness doesn't see anyone! If you expose the whereabouts of the Third Highness, and those people with malicious intentions chase you here, there will be no Third Highness in the world!"

"Jiang Chen, it wasn't me who exposed his whereabouts, but you!" Xiuxiu sneered, and said in person, "The third highness disappeared, the emperor didn't know, and the concubine Rong didn't know. I suspect that you reported it to him secretly. General Yang is recovering from his injuries in the palace, and the Prime Minister also got the news from you. Do you think I am stupid and can't figure it out?"

Jiang Chen was taken aback for a moment, his face turned ugly, he was silent for a moment, and obediently moved aside.

Xiuxiu felt a little proud in her heart, and was about to continue walking when she heard Jiang Chen calling her from behind.When she turned her head, Jiang Chen hesitated, and his tone seemed slow, and said to her: "The Prime Minister has saved my life, and I will be ordered by him. I have accompanied the Third Highness since I was a child, and he is my master, so I will be loyal. Two The latter is not contradictory, please understand, Miss Xiuxiu."

Xiuxiu didn't say anything, and didn't even have time to chew on Jiang Chen's words. He just nodded quietly and continued to walk deep into the forest.At this moment, her heart was enveloped by an inexplicable joy, like willow silk fluttering in the spring breeze, with the warmth of the sun, meaningful and long.

He would be overjoyed when she suddenly appeared, right?Facing him, what should I say?
There are many ditches and ridges along the way, and it is difficult to walk. Fortunately, in the depths of the trees in front of you, there are short eaves on the top of the door. It was originally a courtyard surrounded by three rows of large brick houses.Seen from a height, the roof is covered with gray-brown thatch, and a few large stones are pressed scatteredly.There is a large lawn surrounded by an old fence in the courtyard. It seems that no one has cleaned it. The ground is full of broken leaves and weeds are overgrown.

Before Xiuxiu approached the stone gate, the white horse, which was grazing leisurely under the big tree, saw the stranger approaching, turned its head vigilantly, and let out a buzzing sound.Xiuxiu was frightened and stopped involuntarily.

Soon, a red figure flashed inside the stone gate and asked sharply, "Who?"

"It's me." Seeing that it was Xiao Kui, Xiuxiu answered with a smile.

Sure enough, Xiao Kui showed a startled expression, his gaze was fixed on Xiuxiu's face, and his eyes flickered.Xiuxiu looked at him and gave him a faint smile.Xiao Kui quickly recovered his indifference, frowned, and said: "Shen Buyu is indeed an old fox, he has come all the way here after smelling it."

I haven't seen him for a while, but he is still handsome and unrestrained, but his hostility is getting worse.Xiuxiu didn't want to mention Shen Buyu, and her voice was soft: "Concubine Rong misses you very much, and I must find you. She is not in good health, and she can only feel at ease knowing that you are doing well."

As he said this, the sourness in his heart gradually rose, Xiuxiu didn't dare to let Xiao Kui see the tears in her eyes, so he lowered his eyebrows, pointed to the wooden box in his hand and said: "Inside are the cakes that the empress specially picked out for you. , are your favorite food on weekdays. When I came out, it was still hot."

The wooden box was very heavy, and her arms ached from lifting it all the way, so she walked slowly to him and handed the wooden box to him.

I thought Xiao Kui would be moved to accept it, but Xiao Kui only glanced at it, and said in a casual manner, "Take it back. I am a common man now, and I can't bear these delicate things. You tell my mother, people I've seen it, and I've had a good time."

Xiuxiu's heart felt as if it had been scalded by a fire, and she had a lot of thoughts, and forced a smile: "You live in the forest house of Shannong, how can you say it well? This is the mother's wish. If you refuse, she will be sad."

Xiao Kui snorted indifferently, and said casually: "This is between me and her, you just go back to your life. It doesn't matter to anyone where I live. What about the third prince and the third highness?" Yes, they are all illusory names, which have long since disappeared. But this is also good, I live in the mountains, far away from the prosperity of the world, work at sunrise and rest at sunset, and live quite comfortably.”

He didn't look at her for a second time, his dark eyes kept drifting into the distance, as if she didn't exist at all at this time.

Xiuxiu was extremely disappointed, and he couldn't help saying bluntly: "Is this your real idea? The matter endangers the safety of the court, and your father's decree is a last resort. You should understand their difficulties, instead of blindly blaming them and thinking that Your father and mother do not have you in their hearts..."

"Shut up! Don't bring out those big truths to pressure me!"

Xiao Kui interrupted Xiuxiu's words suddenly, turned her head, almost poked Xiuxiu's nose with her finger, her sharp eyes made her tremble slightly, and said: "What did Shen Buyu teach you? I warn you, go back Stop embellishing my mother. I don't need any care and love at all, I will bear all the sins, and no one cares!"

"I care!" Hugh exclaimed suddenly.

Hearing this, Xiao Kui seemed impatient to listen to these words, his eyebrows were furrowed even more deeply.

Xiuxiu met his gaze, and bravely replied loudly: "You rescued General Yang because you respected his talent, knowledge and courage. To others, this is a crime, but to me, it is a virtue. Virtue has great potential." People will be rewarded. I have always regarded His Highness as a hero, and heroes will not be easily defeated by these things! Now, you have become so depressed, why don't you make my heart ache!"

Xiao Kui's breath became more and more intense, his face flushed, and the veins on his neck protruded. He said in a deep voice, "Have you talked enough? It's only been a few months, and he has become more and more eloquent. Shen Buyu's training is really good. He must be very disappointed, the good third prince is gone, his position as Prime Minister is no longer secure, right?"

"Why did you mention him? These are all from my heart." Xiuxiu was extremely aggrieved, and tears flowed down her face.

Seeing this, Xiao Kui became more and more angry, and began to drive her away: "Go away, go back to Jiangling, go back to your prime minister's residence!"

"I won't leave, you take these first." Xiuxiu insisted on handing over the wooden box to Xiao Kui.

Xiao Kui forcefully pushed her away, turned around and strode towards the stone gate.Xiuxiu was not reconciled, and wanted to catch up, when Xiao Kui suddenly blew a whistle.

The white horse under the tree got the master's instruction, spread its hooves and came straight towards Xixiu.

Xiuxiu dropped the wooden box in a panic and ran away.The horse was chasing after her, but she ran desperately in front, passing through several ravines and jungles, the sound of the horse's hooves had disappeared, but she didn't dare to stop a step.

Xiuxiu finally stopped, her face was covered with grass, her dress was cut by thorns, and she stood panting for breath.Jiang Chen and two or three bodyguards were digging the ground, and when Jiang Chen was about to speak, Xixiu couldn't help crying.

"I told you that the Third Highness didn't see anyone. Did you run into a wall this time?" Jiang Chen sighed.

"I didn't expect him to treat me like this..." Xiuxiu kept wiping away tears, his face was stained, and he was extremely embarrassed.

"He has a bad temper now, and he gets angry at every turn. Forget it, it's all like this, Miss Shen don't come here anymore."

Xiuxiu stopped crying immediately, wiped away her tears, and said resolutely, "No, I'm still coming."

All the guards looked at each other in blank dismay.

In the following days, Xiuxiu went to the deep forest every seven or eight days.

Xiao Kui didn't want to see her at all, and ordered the guards to drive her away again and again.Sometimes when his temper flared up, he would whistle and call for horses to scare her away.Xiuxiu was most afraid of this move, put down the wooden box and ran away.

The wooden box was filled with various snacks, and Concubine Rong asked Xiuxiu to bring some clothes.Xiuxiu would always show up profusely in sweat, but Xiao Kui didn't even bother to say a word to her, and she ran back profusely in sweat.

She didn't know whether Xiao Kui threw away the sent things or distributed them to the guards, but she still went to see him persistently.

Later, a new mud wall was built outside the courtyard.The mud wall was very high and strong, Xixiu walked on the hillside and couldn't see the scenery in the yard, but the people in the yard could quickly spot her.She went around half a circle before finding the wall door, but Xiao Kui's horse was guarding there.

Xiuxiu stood there in panic, not daring to move forward.

Jiang Chen shouted from behind: "Miss Xiuxiu, it's useless for you to come here a hundred times. His Highness the Third Highness doesn't see anyone, just doesn't see anyone!"

After standing for a while, Xiuxiu had no choice but to put down the wooden box and leave silently.

After that, she couldn't even see his face. Every time she put something down outside the mud wall, she just stood there for a moment, then walked back with her head down.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and every window in the Juxin Courtyard has been installed with screens, so that the sunlight cannot come in, and the scenery outside is hazy when standing in front of the window.Most of the pear blossoms in the yard had also withered, and the begonias on the small flower terrace were moved by Yan Xi, and they were empty and lifeless.

Xixiu stroked his sore arm and looked out the window.These days, she never saw Yan Xi when she came back. Where did this girl go?
While muttering, Yan Xi ran into the yard bouncing around, calling "Miss".Xiuxiu went out of the back room, and said angrily, "I made a fuss, I thought something big happened."

"It's a big event. Ma'am, great news!" Yan Xi exclaimed happily, "The imperial court has released the list. Young Master Xin Yang has been named on the gold list, and awarded No. 17 of the second-class Jinshi!"

Xiuxiu was also happy for Xin Yang, but she became quiet again in a blink of an eye.I don't know how the Skyrim exam is doing?

As if guessing what Xiuxiu was thinking, Yan Xi pulled out a letter like a conjuring act, raised it, and said, "Master Xin Yang asked me to give this to you. I know, it must be written to you by Chu Tianji."

Xiuxiu hurriedly took it, opened it and read it carefully, with a smile on his face.It turned out that Tianji was also named on the gold list, ranking ten places higher than Xinyang. Huang Jiashu was sent all the way to Tingsongyuan, and firecrackers were set off in the courtyard for a long time.He decided to stay in Tingsongyuan and wait for vacancies in various ministries.

The master and servant were laughing, but they didn't notice that Liu Rulan stepped into the door and looked at them with a smile.When Xiuxiu found out, Naxin's hand trembled weakly suddenly, and it was too late to hide it.

Liu Rulan couldn't help laughing, and said: "If you don't let me see it, I know it's a letter from the Chu family's child. Xin Yang has already told me. His mother Ni Xiu'e is still Xin Yang's nanny. When I was young, I was still reluctant to part. There is a scholar in the Chu family, and I am also happy for them."

"Since you are reluctant, why did you let Mama Ni go?" Xiuxiu couldn't help asking.

(End of this chapter)