Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 5: White Toad (4)
This time they returned to Jiangling earlier, they didn't expect to be rejected first.Zheng Wei looked at the dragon and tiger flags of the Western Wei Dynasty fluttering on the city wall, spat on the ground, and cursed: "These bastards!"

Xiao Hao comforted his uncle and said, "There is no need to be angry with the Western Wei people. Even the emperor can do nothing to them, so what can we do?"

Zheng Wei held back his anger, gritted his teeth and said, "Just wait and see, sooner or later, I will let them go back to their hometown!"

At dawn in the east, the suspension bridge was slowly lowered, and the horses and pedestrians waiting outside the city filed into the city gate.Zheng Wei's convoy made a routine interrogation, and the chief of the city guard pretended to recognize the other party as Huanyihou.

Today, although there are still soldiers from the Western Wei Dynasty stationed outside Jiangling City, the city is full of vitality. There are endless shops, cars and horses, and people are buzzing.Zheng Wei turned pale, and ordered the horse team to go straight to his elder brother's mansion.

The imperial servant Zheng De and his wife greeted him outside the door. Zheng Wei laughed and said, "Brother, I brought Hao'er too. This birthday is quite lively!" Uncle, after a while of bowing and saluting, a group of people rushed into the mansion with hugs.

Sitting down in the living room, the maid served boiling hot tea.Zheng De asked Zheng Wei to have a look at the list of guests for the birthday banquet, and said with great concern: "Nowadays, the imperial court is divided into two factions. You and I are the one that protects the Emperor Dading, and the Mu clan is undercurrent. Whoever invites someone else will have to Think carefully, so as not to be caught for ganging up and cheating on Weifu."

"Holding a birthday banquet, how can you be so timid? You just do it, and I will not be afraid of anyone with my Huanyi Marquis protecting you!" Zheng Wei looked at the list with a sullen face, and suddenly snorted coldly. "Shen Buyu is living a smooth life!"

Speaking of Shen Buyu, Mrs. Zheng couldn't help muttering: "At the beginning, the Shen family offered Concubine Rong, and my family offered my own sister. I didn't expect my sister's life to die, and all the favor of the holy family was taken by Concubine Rong. Shen Buyu didn't rely on this level. Relationship to climb to the position of prime minister? Now that Concubine Rong's favor is gradually declining, Shen Buyu is trying to climb up to the royal family in a different way. I heard that he has a new goddaughter who is as beautiful as a flower. Hmph, who knows Sima Zhao's heart? "

Zheng De frowned impatiently, and said: "Recognizing a goddaughter is not the family of the Prime Minister's House. The third prince has grown up, and the selection of a prince and concubine is a matter of time. Which family doesn't rack their brains to send their daughter to the palace?" deliver?"

Hearing this, Zheng Wei laughed disapprovingly: "They are daughters-in-law, and our Zheng family is a daughter-in-law. I think the emperor was full of praise when he saw Yizhen, and he made a promise of marriage. Brother and sister-in-law, just wait for the selection ceremony. Let Yizhen stand on the big ceremony, the third concubine must be Yizhen!"

Zheng De and his wife nodded again and again, as if it was true, they all burst into laughter.

Xiao Hao was exhausted all the way, and when he returned to his uncle's house, he found a room to take a rest.Drowsy, with his nose itchy, he opened his eyes, and saw the beauty sitting in front of him brushing off her silk handkerchief, smiling at him and saying, "Brother Hao."

"So it's Cousin Yizhen. Let me sleep for a while, and then play with you." Xiao Hao muttered a few words and turned over.

Yizhen refused, so he forced him to stand up, pouted and said, "You came to my house without looking for me first. Although it is my father's birthday, you don't need to worry about your fourth highness. The only thing you have to do now is to accompany my cousin .”

This kind of appearance and words are extremely lovable, Xiao Hao has no choice but to get up and put on his clothes and boots: "I will accompany you for an hour, before I have to go back to the palace to greet my father, and I have to see my third brother to discuss autumn. Hunting matters."

Yizhen covered her lips with a handkerchief, and two blushes appeared on her face: "Brother Hao, Qiushou...can you take me with you?"

Xiao Hao had already seen Yizhen's intention to find him, so he coughed in a serious manner.Yizhen hastily poured tea for him, still bowing her head.Xiao Hao took a sip slowly, and finally said with a smile: "Okay, I got it. I'll write it down for you when I see Third Brother."

"Thank you brother Hao."

Yizhen bowed in full of surprise, her smile burst open like a peach or plum.

The day was approaching evening, the sky was dark early, the sky was covered by dark clouds, and it seemed that it was going to rain.

The glazed gauze lanterns were lit early in the Juxin Courtyard located in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the shadows of the lanterns moved and the light smoke curled up.In the wing room, there are exquisitely carved lacquered gold cabinets everywhere.In the exquisitely crafted copper mirror inlaid with gold and silver threads, Xiuxiu's slender figure is vaguely reflected.She was immersing herself in arranging the clothes brought from her hometown, a little rouge reflected on her face, and she had a different kind of brilliance.

There were a few light footsteps outside, Xiuxiu looked up nervously, only to see the servant girl Yanxi trotting in: "Miss, don't clean up, the second lady is here to see you."

Xiuxiu looked back in surprise, and saw two maidservants in ring-knots holding lamps to lead the way, and the second wife Liu Rulan, supported by her maid Cuihong, came slowly through flowers and willows.Xiuxiu hurriedly went out to salute, Liu Rulan gently lifted her up, and said with a smile: "The big salute has already been done during the day, you and I are our own family now, so don't be cautious."

Xiuxiu patronizingly answered in a low voice, but didn't dare to raise her head.The second lady in front of her was dressed in red and yellow brocade clothes, her makeup was exquisite and light, her side hairpins swayed as she wished, and under the shadow of the lights, she was gorgeous and elegant to the extreme.The faint fragrance on his body came along with the wind, permeating Xiuxiu's internal organs almost pervasively, making his breathing stagnate immediately.

All the noble ladies in the capital are like this, right?
Liu Rulan was also looking at Xiuxiu silently, with an inexplicable liking in her heart, and a smile floated on the corner of her mouth.

"I've been here for a few days, are you used to it?" She asked kindly.

Hugh said "yes" and quickly thanked her again.

"The water and soil in the south really nourish people, look at this child's water spirit." Liu Rulan patted Xiuxiu's face, took her hand, and said softly, "Don't be afraid, this is your home. There is no embarrassment, If you need anything, just come to me. You are Xiangye's goddaughter, so naturally you are my daughter. Where can I find such a cute daughter?"

The second lady's hands are soft and moist, not as rough as Tianji's mother. Apart from her, Xixiu has never felt the warm touch from other women.Even her biological mother never had one.

Liu Rulan looked around the room, saw Xiuxiu's pile of clothes, and ordered the two maidservants: "Miss these clothes are no longer needed, put them away and take them away."

She had good intentions, but unexpectedly, Xiuxiu jumped up like a rabbit, blocked the maidservant, hugged the clothes tightly, and couldn't help exclaiming: "Don't take them away, they are all given to me by my father!"

Everyone in the room looked at it helplessly, Liu Rulan hurriedly dismissed the maidservant, and comforted Xiuxiu: "Don't take it away, don't take it away. It's all my fault that I made my own decision without asking clearly. It was given to you by your father. Naturally, it should be well preserved. It’s getting late and it’s about to rain, so I’ll go back first and come see you tomorrow.”

She specially said a few words to Yan Xi, and left with peace of mind after the doors and windows of the wing room were closed.

Along the way, Liu Rulan recalled what Xiuxiu did just now, and her heart couldn't help being in a trance.Seeing Madam like this, Cui Hong couldn't help saying in a low voice: "I was taken aback, I thought it was some kind of treasure! Madam, that girl's appearance is fair, but she is a bit rusty, she must be used to being poor."

Liu Rulan said slowly, "Stop talking nonsense. The master took a fancy to that girl and welcomed her all the way to the prime minister's mansion. He has his own reasons."

After pondering for a moment, she sighed and said: "Compared to the collateral clan, the Shen family is not prosperous. The two daughters born to the eldest family are very ordinary and even ugly, and they are not pleasing to the eye. The Prime Minister let them marry early. That girl Xiuxiu is simple and innocent, her features are pretty and pleasant, she is not like the delicate lady of the official family, but it makes people feel a little bit of pity."

"Ma'am, what do you mean, do you really recognize her as your goddaughter?"

"Something is better than nothing. The prime minister's mansion has been too quiet for the past two years, and it would be more lively if a girl is born. It's just a pity, who are Xiuxiu's biological parents? When she first entered the mansion, she had a small Bai Hua, my father must have passed away not long ago. If the master doesn’t say anything, I don’t need to ask. Alas, he looks like a poor child!”

After a night of autumn rain, the sky is brighter than before, and the whole capital looks clear and bright, which is magnificent.And the palace where Xiao Xi lived was bathed in the sun, the breeze was blowing, the sky was filled with the fragrance of pollen, and fallen flowers were piled up in arrays on the ground and on the steps.

Inside Lingde Hall, the air was unusually tense.The glazed palace lanterns were still burning under the hall, and figures were visible on the shiny gold-painted floor tiles. Numerous maids in the palace, including the imperial physician, were walking quietly in the hall.Shen Buyu stood bowed in court attire, looking at everything in front of him, he couldn't help showing anxiety.

Nearly half a hundred years old Liang Emperor Xiao Cha leaned on the dragon couch, first he gave a hearty smile, waved his large bright yellow sleeves, and the imperial physicians and palace servants who were kneeling all over the ground bowed and retreated.

"These slaves are so troublesome, even the phlegm I cough has to be studied and analyzed for half a day." Xiao Xi smiled at Shen Buyu, "It's just a little red thread, it's just getting old, it's not a problem, Ai Qing don't need to be nervous."

Sweat dripped from Shen Buyu's forehead, he said: "The emperor's safety involves the whole country, so I have to think about the emperor."

"Aiqing should understand what I'm most worried about." The emperor stood up slowly, grabbed Shen Buyu's wrist, and said earnestly, "I think back then, you and Zheng Wei followed me, helping me fight the country and put down the rebellion, how happy it was! I have always regarded you as brothers, but Duke Ding is so powerful that I have no choice but to give you Rong. Even though Duke Ding is dead, the Mu family is too powerful and has many party members, so it is difficult to decide on the establishment of the crown prince."

Shen Buyu was very good at observing words and demeanor, and he could see through the emperor's mind. He reminded: "Your Majesty, the power of the minister is too heavy, and the subordinates are arrogant, so we must guard against the heart of disobedience."

The emperor was in a lot of troubles, and he nodded frequently: "Aiqing's words are true. Everything is foreshadowed, and if not forewarned, it will be abandoned. Sooner or later, the matter of establishing a crown prince will be settled. You know that Shao'er is a foolish man who is difficult to become a great weapon, and Kui'er is talented and intelligent but born Perverse, Hao'er is honest, honest and ignorant of worldly affairs, and the rest of the emperor's sons are fledgling, young and indifferent..."

Shen Buyu knew what the emperor meant, but he didn't dare to say it directly, he just clasped his hands and replied: "My minister is sincere and fearful, the emperor must have a decision."

Sure enough, Xiao Xie then said: "I'm afraid that with the power of the empress's family, there must be corresponding ministers in the court, not to mention Shao'er is the eldest prince. Once I make Kui'er the crown prince, I'm afraid there will be many opponents, and it will be difficult at that time." .”

Only then did Shen Buyu say unhurriedly: "The emperor is wise. In my humble opinion, this action should not be taken too hastily. Wait until the power of the Mu family is gradually weakened, and then wait and see the reaction of the ministers. When the time comes, the ministers will guess the emperor's mind. There will be no more objections, and the emperor is not in a hurry for a year or so."

Xiao Xi stroked his long beard in satisfaction, and smiled again: "A knowledgeable son is like a father. Kui'er is too young, and he is very self-willed. I coddle him. You are his mentor when he was young, and you must help him." Follow the righteous way and teach him more."

When Shen Buyu heard it, he was naturally surprised, and his face showed embarrassment.

Seeing Shen Buyu's expression, Xiao Xi couldn't help laughing, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Is it embarrassing? Even the teacher can't control him, and who can control him?" After a pause, Xiao Xi seemed to be He said to himself, "Someone needs to take care of him. Kui'er has not yet chosen a marriage, and when he is weak, he will choose a prince and concubine. The affairs of the society are serious, and he can't let him do anything."

"Your Majesty, let the temple department handle this matter."

"Well, at that time, we can ask the temple department to take care of it, and select a few more from the families of princes and ministers who are above the second rank. Remember, beware of the Mu family."

"I understand." Shen Buyu bowed his hands and agreed.

"By the way..." Seeing Shen Buyu bow and leave, Xiao Xi suddenly remembered something and said, "I heard that Aiqing recently adopted a foster daughter?"

"Yes."

"Ai Qing has always had a good eye, how old is she?"

"I'm 15 years old, a country girl, I haven't seen much of the world." Shen Buyu said humbly.

Xiao Xie joked: "Jade in the rough is pure gold! Jade cannot be carved without making it into a tool, and it must be a good piece of jade if you train it well. If you have time, take her into the palace to talk with Concubine Rong, and Kui'er will see her too. As for the future, what will happen?" It depends on the fate of the children, if one day, you and I become in-laws, haha..."

The more the emperor talked, the happier he was. There was no sign of sickness on his face, and the sunlight shone through the shadow of the dragon lamp, oozing auspiciousness.

Coming out of Lingde Hall, Shen Buyu let out a long sigh of relief, and looked up at the radiant sky.The flock of geese flying high in the sky passed neatly, and the corners of his eyes were instantly covered with lines of laughter.

Shen Buyu walked forward with ease, and in front of him was the triple eaves, the majestic Wanfu Pavilion of Cui Wei, the Xishun Mountain Tower, a few Tangli trees with lush branches and leaves, the breeze blowing catkins, and the Concubine Rong's Wenying Hall was in front of him.

A woman was buried in this pavilion for twenty years of her youth. Now that her youth is fading away, the pavilion has become a place that is no longer dazzling in the palace.The lotus pond is still a lotus pond, and the rolled green lotus is covered with water droplets, as if knowing that it is doomed under the fierce sun, it rolls aimlessly and desperately.

In the inner hall, the personal servants bowed and left after paying respects to Biluochun.

Concubine Rong sat upright, the passage of time did not leave many traces on her body, she was still as pretty as a peach or plum.Especially the pair of phoenix eyes, although they have lost the tranquility of their youth, they are still looking forward and shining brightly, making people unable to look away for a long time.

Shen Buyu thought of another person, those eyes were like a pool of water, clear and innocent.

"Cousin, what does the emperor say?" Concubine Rong called softly.

Shen Buyu regained his composure from his shallow thoughts, this time he didn't want to hide anything, not to mention that this was what Concubine Rong was most concerned about.So he coughed lightly, and replied: "The emperor wants to establish a crown prince. Also, you can't let the temper of the third highness do it. After the ceremony of his weak crown is over, you must find him a prince concubine."

"That's great. The emperor has always cared the most about Kui'er's affairs. It's just...you see how failed I am. I can't even take care of my only son."

"Your Majesty can discuss more with the emperor, after all, this is the emperor's family business."

"I haven't seen the emperor for a month." Concubine Rong looked embarrassed, with a trace of melancholy in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, take care." Shen Buyu didn't dare to look at her directly, and lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, there was blood in the phlegm last night."

Concubine Rong let out an "oh", her eyes dimmed.There was no sound in the palace of Wen Yun immediately, and occasionally a breeze would blow past the sky-blue organdy, making a lonely rustling sound.

"You took her in?" After a while, it was Concubine Rong who broke the silence.

"I've been here for several days, and I placed her in the Juxin Courtyard. First, it's quiet there, and second, it's to prevent outsiders from disturbing me."

Concubine Rong smiled slightly, with an indescribably blurred light in her eyes: "I used to live in the Shen family, and I lived in Juxin Courtyard for two years..." She regained consciousness, and couldn't help sighing, "Poor child .Bring her here in a few days, so we can meet up first."

"Your Majesty, don't worry, I will arrange it myself."

The two muttered for a while, seeing that it was getting late, Shen Buyu bowed and left.

Concubine Rong stood alone outside the hall, looking at Shen Buyu's leaving back, the pear tree was full of fallen flowers, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and trees.After feeling melancholy for a while, she turned around and walked to the inner hall, and slowly sat down on the rosewood chair, where the residual warmth of Shen Buyu seemed to remain.For more than twenty years, things are not things, people are not people, she must rely on him in the end, just like him.

After making up her mind, she called the maid and said slowly, "Go to the Palace of the Three Emperors."

There is still a long way from Wenyong Hall to Xiao Kui's residence, but after crossing the corridor, one must get off the chariot and walk.The sun is shining directly down, the golden glazed tiles in front of you are shining brightly, and the cornices are straight into the sky.Concubine Rong walked dozens of steps, her forehead under strict makeup was already covered with a fine layer of sweat.

After all, there are not many chances to see his son while walking around like this. The emperor has already started a big construction project outside, and Kui'er will soon have his own palace.Such a gift from the emperor is half out of favor, and half is for the world to see.

Concubine Rong walked to the gate of the moon cave in the inner garden while thinking, only to hear a loud call: "Cao Yanrong!"

When I turned my head, I saw the golden canopy floating in the winding corridor, and the queen was surrounded by a large number of court ladies, spreading brocades here.Under the canopy, the empress frowned tightly, looking at Concubine Rong with anger.The eldest prince Xiao Shao, who followed closely beside him, stuck out his tongue innocently with a bitter face.

Concubine Rong was slightly shocked by the sharp voice, and then bowed her knees to salute.The queen raised her chin, and looked at Concubine Rong coldly: "Look at your good son, who tricked Shao'er's purple-blue macaw, and said he would not return it if he said it was for fun. That parrot is Tuyuhun. It was given to me, and it was only such a rare thing in the whole Liang Dynasty, but your son took it to play with it like a monkey. If he doesn't return it, I will ask you to ask for it!"

Xiao Shao on the side hurriedly interjected: "Mother, the third brother said that he will definitely pay it back, but he doesn't know when he will pay it back..."

"Shut up!" The queen stopped her son, her whole face darkened, "You will speak for your younger brother, who would have thought about it for your big brother? Can you pay him back? He has been arrogant and rampant not once or twice."

Seeing that Xiao Shao was reprimanded by the queen, Concubine Rong said guiltily, "Shao'er, don't worry, I'll take you to Kui'er right away, and I will definitely get the parrot back."

While speaking, a court lady in emerald green clothes came slowly from the other end of the corridor, she turned out to be Xiao Kui's maid, Qiuyue.When she turned in front of everyone, their eyes lit up suddenly, and Qiuyue was holding an ebony carved cage in her hand.The purple-blue macaw was inside, covered with bright blue feathers, and its eyeballs rolled around with vigor.

Concubine Rong felt relieved and said with a smile, "What a beautiful parrot, just return it."

The queen was not reconciled, and kept wandering her eyes on the parrot.Qiuyue presented the cage in front of the queen, and the parrot seemed to understand the meaning, opened its hooked beak and shouted at the queen: "Give it back to you! Give it back to you!" The queen was frightened, and her face turned livid.Xiao Shao found it interesting, took the cage and couldn't help teasing it, and the parrot immediately said, "Stingy! Cheapskate!"

The maids around couldn't help covering their mouths and giggling.

"Third Highness said that the parrot only learned a few sentences." Qiuyue said slowly, seeing the queen trying to restrain her emotions, gave a slight salute, turned around and left without waiting for permission.

Concubine Rong also thought it was ridiculous, but when she found that the queen's phoenix eyes had burst into flames, she explained very kindly: "Ku'er, my sister also watched him grow up, and he is self-willed. Sister Wanwang, don't be upset." he."

The queen snorted coldly, covered the fire in her eyes, and said with a sneer: "Ku'er is the emperor's heart, how dare I dare?" Turning her head to Xiao Shao, she said, "Let's go. Remember, don't give away your own treasures to others indiscriminately!"

Seeing the empress, mother and son being surrounded by maids of honor, Concubine Rong paused for a moment.She went out of the Moon Cave Gate and walked quickly until she reached Xiao Kui's bedroom.There was a rushing sound from the rockery waterfall, and what was louder than the sound was Xiao Kui's unrestrained laughter.

Concubine Rong looked around the rockery, surrounded by maidservants surrounded by white jade railings, Xiao Kui and Xiao Hao leaned side by side on the bench.Xiao Kui whispered a few words to Xiao Hao, hugged Qiuyue and laughed loudly. Under the shining sunlight, there was a hint of evil on his handsome appearance.And Xiao Hao seemed to hear something interesting, so he couldn't help laughing too.

(End of this chapter)