This can be remembered

Chapter 14
Sitting in the side hall of the Ling Mansion, Li Xian looked at the simple but precious household items all around him, and gradually became uncomfortable.He was born in a poor family, and he traveled on the water with his father who was a boatman since he was a child. Although he worked hard, he gradually accumulated some family property. Later, he worked on a ferry, married a wife in Dongdu, and gave birth to a son.Although the days are hard, they don't have to worry about food and clothing, and they are peaceful and happy.It's not that he has never been to those big families. During the drought, he worked part-time in the home of the well-known wealthy master Qi in the Eastern Capital. Because of his honesty and hard work, he was quite liked by the manager.I have been to the main hall of Lord Qi's main house several times. Inside, there are carved beams and painted buildings, and gold and jade objects can be seen everywhere.Those family members also wear gold and silver, and servants accompany them before and after they go out. It is very beautiful and enviable by many people.

At this moment, the courtyard in the mansion is deep, although there are no carved beams, but Li Xian recognizes that the doors and windows are made of extremely precious golden nanmu, which is worth thousands of gold.Master Qi’s house has a chair made of golden nanmu. It was accidentally bumped and he repaired it by himself. I can't afford to work casually for a lifetime.Li Xian looked around, the courtyard outside the Diaomen had many towering trees, their branches stretching out into the distant blue sky, inside the whitewashed whitewashed walls, there was a row of carved ebony chairs, with sky blue backs sprinkled with golden ruyi chrysanthemum patterns.A cup of tea on the small table made of golden nanmu wood at hand exudes heat, and the tea is fragrant and elegant.He just took a sip, but felt bitter, put it down hastily, but felt sweetness remained between his lips and teeth.

At this time, there was no one in the house, and there were two servants in Tsing Yi standing outside the door, both with their hands down.In the distance is a clear blue sky, and the trees covered with yellow leaves outside the glazed tiles on the wall can be seen faintly, shining golden light in the autumn sun.This autumn scene, even if it is just a glimpse, is always in the mind.

Sitting there, Li Xian couldn't help but think of what Miss Xia'er said before.She asked herself to come to Beijing to help bring a letter. After all, the lady was seriously injured, and there really wasn't any good doctor in the small town of Dongdu.I agreed, and at first I was worried that the capital was so big, what would I do if I couldn't find it and was delayed.But Miss Xia'er said that their house is easy to find, it's on Dexuan Street, and they are the only Ling's house.He thought on the way, there should be several families in Dexuan Street, and there is only one family with the surname Ling, so he can find it by himself.

But it was only after entering the capital that something was wrong.When I arrived the day before, I thought I had heard the wrong place.This Dexuan Street is very long, with continuous high walls on both sides, which cannot be seen from a distance.He stood at the entrance of the street, looking at the long blue brick wall in front of him, stretching endlessly, he couldn't help but lose the courage to go in.However, after inquiring for a long time, there is no street with a name similar to "Dexuan" in the capital, so I got the courage to come in.

He didn't know that the word "Ling Mansion" represented the ultimate power and status that could be obtained. He only knew that he was standing in front of the main gate, watching the endless stream of cars and horses at the gate, and seeing people in luxurious clothes hovering outside the gate. Not allowed to enter, the gatekeeper showed no expression, and the bronze gate was always closed.As for my rough clothes and simple clothes, I'm afraid people won't even take a look at them.But according to Miss Xia'er, this should be their home.However, he was puzzled, if it was Miss Xia'er's house, then it should be a rich family, but how could the rich family let the female relatives go out alone.

He lingered at the door for half a day, and the only time the door opened was a young man in fine clothes and handsome appearance who walked in, wearing a ring of ashen jade and clanging.He noticed that when the young master entered, the dignitaries in front of the sedan chair all looked respectful and stepped out of the way.

Finally, he mustered up his courage and went forward.Seeing his dressed like this, the gatekeeper unexpectedly didn't say anything harsh, but asked him indifferently what's the matter.He quickly took out the letter and handed it over, explaining his purpose.The janitor asked him to wait at the door, and walked in with the letter.

It was not long before the door opened.A middle-aged man with a chrysanthemum pattern came out, and there were surprise sounds of "Yeah" from people around him, and there was some commotion.The man walked towards him regardless of the crowd, looked him up and down and asked, "Who gave you this letter?"

"It's a girl named Xia'er." He panicked under the man's gaze.

"Is that the only girl?"

"There is another lady, but she was seriously injured and has been in a coma..." Before I finished speaking, the man shook his head slightly: "There is no one else?" Before he could answer, he looked at the unfolded letter and said, "Follow me."

After that, he entered the courtyard, which was so big that he couldn't imagine it, and he realized that Miss Xia'er was right, they were the only family on Dexuan Street.It wasn't until he was invited into this hall that the man on the way told him that he was the head of the Ling Mansion, named Liu Jin.He asked someone to bring tea, and asked himself to sit down for a while, then left in a hurry.

After about another cup of tea, there were footsteps outside the door. Li Xian raised his head, and the young man he saw outside the door strode in surrounded by several people. He just stood up to salute. The man waved his hand and walked in front of him: "Tell me, how is the situation of that woman?"

Li Xian looked at the person in front of him, slightly startled, but reacted quickly, and said with a serious expression: "I took a boat from Jiangnan to Ying Town near the capital. This year's rain is similar to previous years, but for some reason it has arrived The water near Dongdu became very strong. There was another storm and eddy that day, and the lady was injured in the turbulence. The boat was anchored in a small town near Dongdu. There was no good doctor in the town. Miss Xiaer invited me The lady was still awake when the letter came."

Hearing what he said, Ling Hongjian felt anxious, but hesitant.The letter is written in Xia'er's handwriting, but how confident can we be that this is really the case?However, if he hesitated and delayed his sister's injury, it would be even more serious.

Ling Hongjian carefully looked at the man in front of him, with dark skin, tall figure, and frugal clothes.A face full of infiltration of wind and rain, giving people the feeling of honesty and honesty.

Seeing that the person in front of him didn't speak, Li Xian looked up and found that he was looking at him, so he couldn't help but feel embarrassed.The young master in front of him is the best among men at first glance, with a handsome appearance and a majestic demeanor, especially his pair of eyes, like a bottomless pool, faintly radiant, completely intelligent.And myself, a poor family in common clothes, has never read a book, so there is a difference between cloud and mud.

Seeing Li Xian wringing his hands unceasingly, Ling Hongjian's expression was not uneasiness, but embarrassment, and he knew it was his fault.After all, there are very few people who can not feel ashamed in front of him, let alone a common people.So he smiled slightly, and patted Li Xian on the shoulder: "It's really rude, I haven't asked your name yet."

Li Xian was even more at a loss by his actions, his palms were sweating in the panic: "Don't dare." He said repeatedly: "My name is Li Xian, and I am from Dongdulan County." Then he didn't know what to say .

Ling Hongjian nodded and said, "Then I'll call you Brother Li. That young lady is my younger sister. My father and the other brothers are not in the residence at this time. Xia'er's letter clearly stated that I will go and inform you immediately." My father has made arrangements. I need you to lead the way there. But I still need to prepare, so I have to ask you to stay at the house for a while." After speaking, before Li Xian could answer, he ordered: "Liu Jin, go and arrange a room for Brother Li. Wing room, is the horse ready?"

"My lord, the horse is already in the courtyard." Liu Jin stepped forward, and then walked up to Li Xian: "Brother, please come with me. The wing is in the west courtyard."

Ling Hongjian rode fast all the way, only to see the yellow and green trees planted along the street flash by.Outside the palace gate, the horse was panting heavily.The guards outside the door usually had serious expressions, but when they saw him, they showed kindness, and a leading guard came out to hold the horse: "Master Ling, are you still entering the palace at this time?"

Ling Hongjian nodded and strode into the palace gate, but still took out the token bestowed by Shen Xiyao.This token was given years ago, allowing him to enter the palace at any time during the day without a summons.It's just a very simple bronze medal, with a chi beast lying on it, a seven-treasure glass on the chi mouth, and his name in seal script on the back, as well as the engraved seal of the emperor's private seal.It looks very inconspicuous, but only three people in the entire ruling and opposition parties have this token.After all, it is a great trust and honor to be able to enter the palace without being passed on.

According to Shen Xiyao's habit, it should be in the imperial study at this time.After all, after the early court, he left behind a few senior court officials to discuss the preparations for the autumn exam and the situation of the students.Ling Hongjian entered the palace through the Chonghua Gate, which was also the only place where ministers could enter the palace.But it is far away from the Royal Study Room.The long palace walls stretched straight on both sides, and the golden glazed tiles dazzled people's eyes.He walked quickly, the little eunuchs on both sides saw his official uniform and hurriedly saluted, when he looked up, he had already walked a long way.

As Ling Hongjian was walking, he suddenly remembered Li Xian's words. The rain was similar to previous years, but the water was stronger.Because of the wide water area near Dongdu, it is adjacent to two rivers. In order to prevent waterlogging, the imperial court builds and strengthens dams every year.This year's report from Dongdu didn't mention anything about the rain.There may be something hidden in this.

Just thinking about it, I saw a group of people walking in front, all wearing court clothes of the second rank or above.Taking a closer look, it turned out that they were veteran officials. Ling Hongjian calculated the time, and even the lunch meeting was already past.It just so happened that Lord Chen, the current Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, saw him and stepped forward.

It is said that Ling Hongjian is a generation behind Mr. Chen, but he is a leader of young officials in the court. The conversation was less restrained.

"Is there something urgent to enter the palace at this time?" Master Chen looked at Ling Hongjian worriedly.

"It's not a state matter, it's just..." Ling Hongjian raised his head and looked towards the gate of the palace. Among the people who came out one after another, there was no sign of his father. Then he said to Mr. Chen: "My nephew has something important to see." Father, I know that His Majesty has left you to discuss matters, but I don't know if the discussion is over now."

Mr. Chen saw that he was not a state matter, so he smiled comfortably: "The discussion is over, no, we have to go back and prepare. Ling Xiang was left behind by the emperor, saying that he was going to play chess." Fu stroked the goatee on his chin and said: "I see that the emperor is in a very good mood today, and Ling Xiang's chess skills are superb. This time, there must be more rounds of competition."

Ling Hongjian became even more anxious when he heard Mr. Chen say this.After all, he didn't get summoned into the palace, so naturally he had to be on state affairs to face the saint.I began to think that the emperor summoned all veterans, considering their age, it would not be too long.In the past, it was at most an hour.However, the emperor wanted to play chess with his father at this time, and it might not be over within an hour.

Ling Hongjian looked up at the twilight sky. He still needed to prepare for his trip to the Eastern Capital. He had to find a doctor with excellent medical skills and prepare all the medicines.Others, who will go and when to leave, also have to be decided by the father.A moment of delay is the delay of my sister's life.

Thinking of this, Ling Hongjian became worried and needed to find a reason.I happened to see Zhang Dehai coming out of the imperial study, and hurried forward. "Director Zhang, please stop."

"Oh, it's Lord Ling." Zhang Dehai turned his head, his face was full of surprise, but he smiled for a moment: "The old Xiangye is playing chess with the emperor. It's time to be close. How can I say that Xiangye is also the emperor's teacher?" .Now I have seen it. When the emperor is happy, I will go to the dining room to order for Master Liu to have dinner."

Ling Hongjian nodded, and his eyes fell on the half-open door of the Royal Study Room with red nine carvings.

"Boss Zhang," he said in a solemn tone, "some family matter has happened, and I have to ask my father to go back and make a decision. I have to trouble Manager Zhang to bring a message. I'll wait here."

Hearing his tone, Zhang Dehai's heart sank: "I don't know..."

"It's my sister, and she encountered a dangerous situation on the way home..." Ling Hongjian's voice was very soft, but he deliberately told Ling Xuewei's situation.Seemingly passing Zhang Dehai's face inadvertently, he noticed that his face was gradually turning pale.

"It's Miss Ling..." Zhang Dehai's heart hung like a stone of gold, and then fell to the ground with a loud crash.Something happened to Miss Ling's family, is it dangerous?Isn't it at the place of the third son Ling in the south of the Yangtze River?If there is a real danger, if life is in danger, what will happen with the emperor's current obsession?Thinking about it, he couldn't help but sweat, and wiped his forehead casually: "I'll go in and report right away."

The patterns of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea are engraved around the sapphire chessboard, each of them is lifelike and ingenious. Shen Xiyao is wearing a royal blue cotton robe with concave twill pattern, with stretched eyebrows and eyes, holding a cup of tea and slowly drinking it. smile.

This is what Zhang Dehai saw when he walked into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.A rare scene of harmony between emperor and phase.It can also be seen that the emperor is in a very good mood at this time.Knowing that what he brought was bad news, Zhang Dehai had no choice but to bite the bullet and hurried forward.It would be the best if Prince Ling could not be allowed to enter the palace and Prime Minister Ling could return to the mansion.

"Your Majesty," Zhang Dehai walked between Shen Xiyao and Prime Minister Ling, and whispered, "Master Ling is outside the hall, saying that he has family matters to discuss with Prime Minister Ling."

Shen Xiyao didn't raise his head, he was completely immersed in the fun on the chessboard. "Tell him to come in." At the end, he murmured to himself, "I have finally asked Ling Xiang to give me advice on what to talk about here."

Hearing what he said, Zhang Dehai panicked, and couldn't help but glance at Ling Xiang, looking for help.After all, Ling Xiang has always distinguished between public and private, so he probably wouldn't be willing to discuss family matters in front of the emperor.It's a pity that Ling Xiang was holding a black jade chess piece in his hand at this time, his wrist was hanging in the air, and he was meditating, and he didn't feel or even hear what Zhang Dehai said before.At this time, he seemed to have thought of where to drop the chess, and after a while, he dropped it lightly. He seemed to glance at the emperor inadvertently, helped the flowing beard on his chin, and picked up the tea.Only then did he look up and see Zhang Dehai, and he nodded his head as a greeting.And Shen Xiyao looked at the place where Ling Xiang's chess piece fell, his complacency faded away, and he frowned slightly, thoughtfully.

At this moment, Zhang Dehai couldn't laugh or cry.Those who should have heard did not hear.Those who don't want to know may not be able to hide.

"Let him come in." Seeing that Zhang Dehai was still standing beside him, Shen Xiyao looked up and repeated with a little displeasure.

Zhang Dehai had no choice but to bow and retreat, and invited Ling Hongjian who was outside the door to come in.

Ling Hongjian stood outside the door and got a message from Zhang Dehai, but he didn't take a step immediately.He had just stood outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and for some reason, all the previous events flooded into his mind.Secretly clenching his fists, taking a risk, maybe the doubts that have been lingering in his heart can be solved.Now that he had made up his mind, he walked into the Hall of Mental Cultivation with obviously panicked steps.

"I send my respects to the emperor." Looking up slightly, Shen Xiyao squeezed a lotus jade chess piece in his hand, and smiled at him: "What's the matter, let's get up and talk about it. I and Ling played each other very well, and I can't bear to give up halfway."

Ling Hongjian nodded, put on an anxious expression, and said to Ling Xiang in a worried tone: "Father, someone came to report just now that my little sister was in danger on the way home..."

Before he finished speaking, there was a "pop", and there was a water stain on the ground.The maids on both sides had already stepped forward to wipe it.Ling Hongjian watched the water traces spread, and along the water traces, a Ru kiln thin porcelain teacup with cracked azure ice on the ground was broken into several pieces. The remaining tea is as soft and white as jade...it should be Yangxian tea, which is produced in the south of the Yangtze River.

Jiangnan······
Before Ling Hongjian could react, he saw Zhang Dehai kneeling in front of Shen Xiyao with a "plop" and said, "This servant deserves to die. I offended the holy driver. Please forgive me." Ling Hongjian raised his head. Wiping the water stains on the autumn-colored casual robe, he just sat quietly, without saying anything, lowered his eyes to look at Zhang Dehai, and said lightly, "You will be fined for one month's salary." Ling Hongjian got up while talking, and leaned slightly. Turned around: "Are you sure?"

At this moment, Ling Xiang also came to his senses, his expression was anxious, but he couldn't lose his composure in front of the king, so he just kept his eyes on Ling Hongjian.

"The person who came was the boatman on the same boat. I saw it with my own eyes. He also arranged to live in Yuqiu Town near the Eastern Capital. In addition, there is a letter written by my little sister's personal maid, Pei Er. I also asked about it myself. It should be true." Ling Hongjian briefly talked about the situation in distress, and looked up at Ling Xiang.

Ling Xiang looked at Shen Xiyao who was sitting on the side with a dazed expression, then looked at Ling Hongjian who was standing on the side, and finally stood up and bowed on the ground: "Your Majesty," he said slowly, his tone was completely different from that of the usual one in the court hall. Ling Xiang, who calls the wind and rain: "I value this daughter very much, and I want to take a few days off to go to Dongdu in person, and I hope the emperor will look at the love between father and daughter, so I agree."

Unexpectedly, Shen Xiyao got up and helped him personally: "Mr. Ling doesn't have to be like this. Even if you don't mention it, I'm an unkind person. Let's go back to the house quickly and get ready." Then he winked at Zhang Dehai: " Please have the best imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital go with Ling." Then he said to Ling Xiang: "It is reasonable to say that although this season is the rainy season in the Eastern Capital, it is always on guard every year. Such a dangerous situation should not happen, and there is no report. I am afraid it is the local government. There is something to hide, Ling Xiang went to Dongdu in a low-clothes this time, and he hoped to investigate this matter while taking care of the young lady."

Ling Hongjian and Ling Xiang bowed down one after another: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness." When he looked up, Ling Hongjian could clearly see that Shen Xiyao's hands were trembling slightly, and his complexion darkened.

(End of this chapter)