The world is heavy and late

Chapter 157 Returning to Beijing
In the evening, after Xia Qing started to have a high fever in a daze, a carriage indeed entered the gate of Chang'an City with the emperor's private seal.

Xu Zhongxin was a little excited. Although he knew that he might not be able to enter the palace gate at this time, he would see people soon. Although his ribs were aching, Xu Zhongxin was even more agitated at this moment.

He came back first, and rushed back to the capital overnight on the pretext that his injuries needed to be recuperated.

He knew how clumsy his excuses were, but he couldn't let go of the thoughts that kept coming up, she was an ordinary person after all, so he might as well obey his will.

He couldn't wait any longer, he hadn't seen the person he loved for more than a year, he was heartbroken and missed him endlessly.

So early the next morning, Song Qilang, who was guarding the gate of Suzaku Gate, saw a carriage parked not far away. Of course, after moving back, he was still guarding the palace.

As soon as the palace bell rang, he saw a familiar person get down from the sedan chair.

After the people came forward, he waved the people next to him to check as usual, and he asked, "Why is Mr. Xu back?"

Before Xu Zhong could reply, he patted himself on the mouth and said, "Don't mind my lord, brother, I don't want to talk to you."

Asking this kind of thing is really suspected of prying into secrets, Song Qi is obviously used to being outspoken.

Xu Zhong bowed to Song Qilang, he still knew this person, he said: "Master Song has flattered you, come to reply to His Majesty's errand."

Song Qilang didn't pay much attention to these things. Although the whole world knew about this incident, what did it matter to him?
All he needs is wine, meat, and brothers. Well, it's best to be able to walk the world with a sword in the end.

He didn't ask any more questions, and Xu Zhong didn't answer any more.

Xu Zhong walked all the way in, and many people who saw it were a little surprised, and the people on the palace road hurriedly saluted.

After Xu Zhong walked all the way, these people dared to turn their heads and take a look. This, this, this is Xu Zhong? !
Xu Zhongxin walked straight, and waited until he had walked a long way before he thought about the time, and found that it was not morning yet, so he had to go outside the emperor's bedroom to find his master first.

Although he missed Xia Qing very much, and his footsteps were a little disobedient, he still had to meet His Majesty first when he came back, otherwise they would be able to choke if His Majesty knew about it.

Xu Ji stood at the door, watching the people in the hall dressing the emperor, when suddenly a servant ran up to him and whispered a few words, Xu Ji glanced at the emperor, and retreated first.

Standing at the door, he could see a person walking step by step facing the rising sun from a distance. Xu Ji felt that the red sunlight was a bit dazzling. He squinted his eyes slightly, thinking that it was really his apprentice Xu Zhong ?

Looking at that demeanor, he doesn't look like a servant anymore, and his uprightness is even better than before. He walks calmly step by step, with inexplicable nobility lingering around him. When people walk up to him step by step, looking at that familiar yet unfamiliar face , I felt that this person was somewhat familiar.

Seeing Xu Ji at the door, Xu Zhong took two steps forward, lifted his robe and wanted to kneel down to salute the master.

Xu Ji quickly used the dust in his hand to hold his leg, and said: "You are an official now, you don't want to kneel down as a slave."

But Xu Zhong insisted on bowing and said: "The disciple has returned for a long time, and he has not fulfilled his filial piety in front of the master. When he comes back, he should kowtow to the master to make amends."

Xu Ji looked at the gradually familiar disciple in front of him, and sighed, "It's good to be back, but have you got what you want?"

Xu Zhong looked up at Xu Ji, Xu Ji was only in his forties, but his head was already full of white hair, the servant didn't have a beard, and the dimples on his face were clearly visible.

He lowered his head and thought about all kinds of people he saw along the way, and said to Xu Ji, "Yes, the disciples and their party have gained a lot, and their minds are more open than before."

Xu Ji nodded and said, "It looks promising, but do you want to see Your Majesty?"

Xu Zhong lowered his head, so Xu Ji glanced at him, went in and saw that the emperor had already prepared breakfast and said, "Your Majesty, Xu Zhong is back."

The emperor put down the chopsticks in his hand, looked at Xu Ji who was bowing his head, took the handkerchief beside him, wiped his hands and said, "Didn't you say that you can only arrive in the capital today? Why is it so early?"

Xu Ji lowered his head and replied, "Perhaps it is urgent, so I dare not delay."

The emperor snorted, he didn't think it was urgent.

But he put down the handkerchief in his hand and said, "Call him in."

The emperor looked at Xu Zhong who seemed to have changed a lot in front of him, but he didn't express much. He motioned Xu Ji to reach for the account book that Xu Zhong had brought up, glanced at it casually, then put it aside and said, "Come back. Was there an attack?"

Xu Zhong lowered his head. Now that he looked at the emperor, he felt less fear than before, and he understood the great ambitions in the emperor's heart.

He replied: "On one occasion, thanks to His Royal Highness King An, I was able to return safely."

The emperor's face was a little ugly, these people really pushed their limits.

He calmed down and said, "You have done an excellent job, what reward do you want?"

Many things flashed through Xu Zhongzhong's mind, but he knew that none of these things could be done, so he said: "It's my duty to serve the people's livelihood, and I dare not accept your majesty's reward."

The emperor looked at the person in front of him, looking around, he seemed to be far behind Xie Huizhi in terms of etiquette and appearance, and everything else was not too bad. He took a sip of tea from the table.

Such a person should be put to good use.

So he said: "If you succeed this time, your slavery will disappear, and I will grant you a walk before the imperial court?"

Xu Zhongzhong wasn't too excited, he really thought so, he didn't have any idea about being an official, he just felt that he had read so many sage's words, no matter what he said, he had to unite his words and deeds, so as to contribute to the peace of the world. .

So he said: "It is my honor to be able to share your majesty's worries, and I don't seek fame and fortune."

The emperor waved his hand indifferently and said, "Let's go, go to court."

Xu Zhong paused, but seeing the emperor's appearance, he still followed behind.

On the way to the court hall, Xu Zhong was a little anxious. Looking at the master beside him, he wanted to open his mouth several times, but looking at the emperor in front of him, he stopped wanting to speak again.

Unexpectedly, the emperor in front started to joke, saying: "Did you meet Xia Qing when you came back?"

He froze, and looked at Xu Ji, Xu Ji only glanced at him casually, and didn't say anything.

In fact, Xu Ji was snorting coldly in his heart. Since they dared to expose the matter to the emperor, they must have the ability to end it.

Xu Zhong couldn't see any response from Xu Ji, so he said, "Not yet."

The emperor snorted and said, "Then you have to go and see her when you go to court later."

Xu Zhong didn't know how to answer, so he didn't answer. Xu Ji glanced at his disciple again, thinking about what happened last night, and didn't say anything.

Forget it, the emperor didn't say anything when he found out, and let the two of them make trouble on their own, he's old.

(End of this chapter)