dream back to qing dynasty

Chapter 60

one
"Concubine?"

The pen that was writing stopped, I looked up and glanced at the two people sitting in front of me, then continued to write, and said with a smile: "Old Ten, when did you start learning to be a matchmaker?"

"Brother, it's not that we want to be troublesome, it's just that you have rejected several marriages a while ago, and the rumors outside are not very good." Lao Jiu's tone is still unhurried, "I must have heard about it too. Let's go."

"Hmph, thinking about it, I'm so annoyed, slandering starling like this, I don't know who made the rumor, and when someone finds him, he will have to chop him up!" Old Ten said angrily.

Rumors - fear of guilt?

Smiling slightly: "Let others talk if they like, and don't care what he does."

"Brother, our brothers naturally know that you don't value women, and that you have a deep affection with your sister-in-law, but outsiders don't understand. The so-called "one mouth makes one gold, three people make a tiger", this kind of words spread, to you, to us The future plans are not a good thing. Besides, this candidate is not chosen casually. This adult's daughter is knowledgeable, gentle and virtuous. She knows how to advance and retreat. My sister-in-law is a sensible person, and I will not object if I think about it. It is."

"Yes, yes, Brother Nine is right, that's what we think. Mynah, look at the portrait before we talk."

The brothers sang together, it seems that today I must agree to it before giving up.I kept practicing calligraphy, and I laughed and said, "It's not impossible to take a concubine. If there is a girl who is more beautiful than your sister-in-law, I can naturally consider it."

"Sister-in-law's appearance is also one of the best in the entire capital, starling, didn't you make it clear that you want to embarrass us?" Lao Shi muttered, but Lao Jiu stopped talking, presumably because he understood what I meant, and slowly changed the topic open.

We talked about the political affairs of the meeting again, they said their goodbyes and left, and when I was alone in the study, the habitual smile on my face faded away.

Putting the brush on the pen stand, I leaned back on the chair and closed my eyes.

Why don't I understand what Lao Jiu said, it's just that things have their own priorities. Compared with dealing with rumors, it is more important to use Prince An's position and power to consolidate one's own strength.The purpose of not taking concubines is to appease Prince An's family, it has nothing to do with feelings.After being married for several years, there is love between husband and wife, but can it be deep and affectionate?Hmph... When this kind of word is used on us, it really doesn't fit well enough to make people shudder.

Women, whether they are arrogant and aggressive, or gentle and virtuous, they are all the same artificial, dull and boring in their bones.There is no need to bother.

It's just that I didn't know that at the time, but in a few days I would meet a woman that I couldn't get even after all my efforts.

"what?"

Just after school at noon, passing by Chuxiu Palace, the tenth younger brother who was telling anecdotes about the class suddenly stopped talking, looked to the side, and his face was full of surprise.As he looked over, the two figures that flashed into his eyes also made me startled.

Today is the day when Xiu Nu enters the palace, what are the fourth and thirteenth children going to Chuxiu Palace for?It is understandable to say that the thirteenth child wants to see beautiful girls, but the fourth child is not like such a idle person.

The tenth brother turned around and followed silently.I smile lightly.

The fourth and the thirteenth have always been at odds with us, maybe we can catch their mistakes this time.This time, Lao Shi's brain moved quickly.

As soon as I entered the garden, I heard human voices coming.

"Do you know who we are?" It was the fourth child who spoke.

"Now I know. Greetings to the two elder brothers. I am auspicious." The voice of a girl who had never heard it before was clear and pleasant, and there was a kind of peace and stability. Elder brother, an ordinary woman should be cautious and flustered.

"How about her, isn't it interesting?" Old Thirteen's smile was full of complacency.

"Hmph." The voice of the fourth child was still indifferent, but I could hear something strange in it.

I must meet the woman who moved even the fourth child.

"Fourth brother is so excited, he actually came here to see Xiu Nu?" The tenth brother walked out first, and I turned out afterward.

"Brother Ten, don't talk nonsense." I met my eyes and stopped speaking.

The black and white pupils are first confused, then turned into enlightenment, then surprised, helpless, even a self-deprecating smile and a touch of guard...

It turns out that a pair of eyes can express so many emotions in an instant, and reveal all true emotions so unguardedly. In this palace where everything is covered up to seven points, such a transparent person is really rare. .

Those eyes finally lowered according to the etiquette, and I saw the girl's appearance clearly.

At the age of fourteen or fifteen, his face is only pretty, but his temperament is intriguing. No wonder even the fourth child...

"Myna, brother ten is also in good spirits." Thirteen dodged in front of the girl to block her.

"Hehe, I just passed by after school and heard someone's voice, so I came over to have a look, but I just happened to meet." Looking at Thirteen's protective movements with the same expression, and the girl's eyes looking at Thirteen Clearly showing pity, "This girl is..."

The girl seemed to wake up suddenly, and then she remembered to say hello to us, and was about to announce her name, but Minghui, who had just arrived, called out first.

Unexpectedly, she was a girl from Yinglu's family.

Seeing the same surprise on the face of the tenth brother, I naturally understood what he was thinking.Why is the daughter of Yinglu's family with Lao 43 and the others, and why is she full of wariness and even hostility towards us?

Watching the girl leave with the eunuch, the tenth brother's voice sounded in his ears: "Tomorrow is a draft girl, I have to go and watch the fun, fourth brother, eighth brother, thirteenth brother, let's go together."

Seeing that the eyes of the fourth child darkened, the anger on Thirteen's face flashed away, and my smile surfaced again.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we parted ways with them, and my tenth brother and I turned around and walked towards Concubine Nalan's palace.

Since the fourth and thirteenth care about her so much, I must grab this girl!
of two
Heavy footsteps stepped into the door from the outside.At the same time, Old Ten's angry voice sounded.

"This Mingwei is quite courageous, how dare she pretend to be sick!"

Minghui beside him trembled, his head drooped, his face pale.

"You're talking nonsense again, old ten, you need to correct your problems." Put the book on the table, "Minghui."

"Master?" Ming Hui hurriedly responded.

"I don't know how Miss Mingwei's illness is. Take some time to visit these two days. After all, after entering the palace, there will be fewer chances for your siblings to meet in the future."

"Yes. Thank you for your compassion..." The blood on Minghui's face gradually returned.

I patted him on the shoulder, and I smiled: "I know you are worried about your sister, don't worry, Empress De is well-known in the palace for her kindness, Miss Mingwei will not be wronged in Changchun Palace. If you need help, I will naturally Will not sit idly by."

"Father..."

"The fourteenth brother will be here soon, Minghui, you should go to the door to meet him."

Watching Minghui leave, there was still a smile on the corner of his mouth, but Minghui's eyes filled with excitement reminded me of another pair of very similar eyes that have been wandering in my mind for the past two days.

"What kind of woman is it that makes Old Ten so angry? I'd like to see her."

Lao Jiu's voice brought me back to reality, and only then did I realize that I was in a daze for a moment just now.

"Who else is there, Mingwei from the Yalarta family. Ninth brother, you have been busy with the emperor's errands these two days and have not met. Mynah and I can see that girl and old 43 are together, sneaking I don't know what I'm doing. The starling asked Concubine Nalan for Yinglu's sake, but let the fourth child take the lead..."

"So you are not convinced today and want to make a fuss during the draft, don't you? But the person who made you make a fuss is not around..."

"Ninth Brother, you..." Old Ten's face flushed red.

"Okay." I interrupted the old ten, "How can you be fooled by such a big event as the draft? It's a good thing that Miss Mingwei didn't show up this time, otherwise you will suffer."

"Are you talking about that Mingwei?" A relaxed and laughing voice came from the door, "I haven't officially entered the palace yet, but the people in the palace have said my name many times. Miss, she seems to be more beautiful than nobleman Rong."

A figure flashed in, accompanied by Fourteen's familiar smile.

In the palace, everyone seems to have a mask, even among brothers who have a good relationship, they will habitually wear it.My smile, the smile of the fourteenth brother, the inscrutability of the ninth brother, and even the recklessness of the tenth brother... These masks concealed the true emotions behind them.Will one day, the owner of those clear and transparent eyes will let the mask cover everything and let the hypocrisy become his nature?
Smiling and beckoning Fourteen to sit down, he quietly diverted the topic away.

When the business was over, they said their goodbyes and left, and it was getting dark.

Without lighting, I sat alone in the study, letting the darkness gradually cover myself.

Yesterday afternoon, I received a message from Concubine Nalan, saying that Concubine De was the first to ask her for Mingwei, and she couldn't refuse.The tenth brother, who was also present at the time, got angry and shouted that he would make a big fuss during the draft, and that Mingwei must be snatched.I naturally know the serious consequences that will be caused if the tenth brother really makes a scene, but I just can't say anything to stop it.This is not my style, but it is the first time I have followed my own will.

Why can the fourth child always get what he wants?Huang Ama's attention, the prince's trust, the ministers' awe... including the hearts of women!If my mother-in-law also has the status and status of Concubine De...

I have known since I was a child that there is an Erniang who comes from a humble background. Even if she is a prince, she does not get the respect she deserves. It is even because she was born in the royal family that she has to bear the oppression of status and worldly vision.It is also because of the restriction of my birth, even if I am better than others, I can only suppress my pride and vigor, and make myself more easy-going to smooth out jealousy and slander.It's only when I'm alone that I can truly relax and let my emotions flow.

Perhaps this is the reason why I don't want to let go of Mingwei—she has the truth that I have always envied and longed for.

Wearing the mask for too long is very, very tiring.

Third
The noise gradually subsided, and the emperor's voice came clearly.

"Old Ten, why are you so quiet today, who can't bear to be angry with you, huh?"

I smiled and watched the old ten next to me get up to answer, but I suddenly hesitated in my heart.

The news about the confrontation between the female officer of the Empress Dowager and the ten princes has probably spread throughout the Changchun Garden. The word spread from us, and Huang Ama's intervention was expected.In this place that most advocates respect and order, a female official dares to contradict the prince elder brother. This matter is not a big deal, but it is not a small thing. Although it can't bring down Concubine De's position in the palace and the emperor's heart, but She also has to bear the fault of lax teaching, and the possibility of losing the holy will during this period is also very high.

However, the consequences of that Mingwei...

"Huihuang Ama." The old ten's voice sounded, I was shocked, and suddenly found that my left hand had been stretched out, and I wanted to hold the old ten to stop him from speaking...

She retracted her arms without changing her expression, and glanced at Concubine De, but Mingwei was nowhere to be seen.Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the complexions of the fourth and thirteenth had darkened.

"...It's okay, it's just that my son was accidentally bitten by a dog just now..."

"Haha..." The words of the tenth queen were drowned out by laughter, the emperor laughed happily, and the other people beside him also laughed along, but their expressions were different.

Old Ten sat down again, snorted lightly, and looked at Thirteen provocatively.

The clenched left hand slowly relaxed, I lowered my eyes and drank lightly, no longer caring about Lao Jiu's exploration and Lao Ten's sudden change of mind, but secretly guarding myself for my frequent abnormalities in the past few days.

In the palace, kindness and soft-heartedness cannot be tolerated.

I was walking on a remote path, and the lights in the distance were faint, reflecting the bustle of that side, and I had already withdrawn from it, letting the coldness and silence engulf me.

This feeling has been used since childhood.It's just that when I was a child, I hid in a secluded place and grieved alone because I was rejected and isolated. Now, I voluntarily quit the imperial banquet and gave myself a breathing room after I finished what I should do.

Walking forward to the lake, I stopped.

Didn't expect to run into another person here.

The moonlight was like a practice, and it sprinkled on that person, giving off a faint halo.Lake water, mountains and rocks, green grass, safflower, Iraqi people.Standing by the bushes, I no longer want to move.

The peaceful and soft face seemed to melt into one with the moonlight.The summer night breeze and the fragrance of flowers floated in the air, as if it was the fragrance left in my arms when she bumped into me in the afternoon.

Now she is soft and warm, but I can't forget her face flushed with anger and the fire in her eyes when she stood at the door and heard the old ten speak in the afternoon.

It cannot be denied that I was expecting her outburst at that time. I wondered, after entering the palace for so many days, would she still maintain her true temperament?So, when her anger disappeared and she greeted us with tea calmly and politely as usual, I was rather disappointed.

Unexpectedly, she would use such a method to fight back against the old ten. The way the old ten coughed until his face was flushed, and the stubbornness on her respectful expression at that time, I still can't help but feel full of anger when I think of it now. smile.

She hasn't changed.Not only true, but also intelligent.

"Kara." The voice walking on the gravel road slowly approached.I hold back my smile.

It's the fourth child.

From a distance, I watched them sitting side by side with cold eyes, talking casually and the fourth child laughing loudly.When his laughter faded away and he touched her face with his hand, a gloomy and cold feeling emerged from the bottom of his heart.

"Then it's hard for Master Shi, come and bite my dog ​​first." I remember her resentful voice was clear and loud just now.Such a witty person, among the thirteenth and the fourth, is he still the one with power?

Until they left separately, I still stood motionless, letting my heart freeze to a rigidity again.

Between the fourth child and the thirteenth child, a crack finally appeared.I know what's caught between the cracks.

Yalarta Mingwei.

She may be a very useful pawn.

Turning around and leaving, leaving all emotions away, the habitual smile hung on his face again.

Of four
The chiming clock on the table was ticking, and for a while it became the only sound in the study.

"Brother, I don't understand what is wrong with Deyang. You want him to kneel outside for so long?"

Old Ten was still not patient enough to break the silence.

Putting down the official document, he raised his eyes to scan the chiming bell, and then ordered someone to help Deyang in.

"Slave pays respects to Lord Ba." Deyang's voice was weak.

"Do you know it wrong?"

"Yes, slaves shouldn't forget about their dignity, and fight against the Thirteenth Master in the palace, making the Emperor angry and adding chaos to the Ninth Master."

Sighing lightly, I stood up and walked in front of him: "Just understand. The punishment is for your own good, so you can remember not to be so reckless in the future. If it wasn't for your loyalty to the Lord, your ninth master would not I will guarantee you in the first place, think about it, what will be your situation now?"

"Yes, I will definitely remember Eighth Master's teachings, and I will do my best to repay Jiuye's kindness!"

The smile appeared again, and my voice softened: "Okay. You have been with the ninth brother since you were a child, and in our eyes, you are like a family. Please don't say polite words. How is your injury? These days Take good care of your body and let the doctor take a closer look to avoid any internal injuries. I still have a snow lotus bestowed by the emperor here, which is a panacea for wounds. I will send someone to your room later. If you eat it, the injury will heal. faster."

"Master, this..." Deyang's face was touched.

Someone helped him out, and in a blink of an eye I caught a glimpse of Lao Jiu's comprehension, and I smiled faintly.

"Myna is not only teaching Deyang, but also our brothers. We were indeed a little reckless yesterday, but we didn't expect Shisan to be so angry, and we would get up as soon as we teased him."

Mid-autumn night, no matter who is ridiculed as a motherless child, they will be furious.These elder brothers who have never tasted it would not have thought of it.I sneered in my heart.

I also had the feeling of the old thirteen. When I was young, I couldn’t be with her because of my mother’s status. I seldom even saw each other. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, I saw other brothers with their mothers by their side. The feeling in my heart, I am afraid I will never forget it in this life.

"Don't forget what I said, don't provoke them, the fourth child and the thirteenth child will make trouble themselves."

Lao Jiu's eyes flickered, and he smiled knowingly: "That's right, let's just watch the fun, why bother to make ourselves feel fishy."

"Troubleshooting? What's the matter?" Only the old ten was still ignorant, and then he seemed to think of something, with a strange look on his face, "It doesn't mean that the old thirteen hugged the beauty to sleep last night, right? ?”

I startled. "What?"

"After entering the palace this morning, I heard that the old thirteen slept on the bed of the female official of Changchun Palace last night."

"who is it?"

"Who else, isn't it the one from the Yalarta family?"

Mingwei? !
The smile is no longer there, the original deliberations and assumptions were completely overturned by the old ten's words.Did Mingwei choose Old Thirteen in the end?Why?
While my mind was churning, I suddenly saw Lao Jiu looking at me from surprise to comprehension, and finally let out some ironic smiles.

"The servant has met the eighth master, the master is auspicious."

"Get up. Is Old Fourteen here?"

"Go back to the eighth master, the fourteenth master is writing in the room, and the servant will report it."

"No, go get busy, I'll just go in by myself."

Smiling and dismissing the eunuchs in the Fourteenth Palace, I turned around the corridor and arrived in front of the old Fourteenth's study.

The window of the study room was wide open, and Shisi was sitting at the table in a daze, wondering what he was thinking, and saw that the expression on his face alternated with joy, annoyance, and trance.

Pausing my steps, I smiled and said, "Old Fourteen, what lessons are you studying?"

Fourteen was slightly startled, and looked at me. In an instant, his usual nonchalant smile changed.

"What wind brought myna here? Didn't you say that today you have to deal with the errands assigned by Huang Ama, so you can't enter the palace?"

I approached him with a smile, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the words "Buddha" on the paper he laid flat on the desk, "Is the fourteenth brother going to start studying Buddhist scriptures?"

"No, I wrote it for fun." Fourteen said casually, crumpling the paper into a ball and throwing it aside.

"I just went to Huang Ama's to answer. I remembered that the old thirteen was injured yesterday. I don't know how the injury is today, so I came to have a look."

Fourteen's face darkened, and then he laughed again: "Old Thirteen, you don't have to worry about myna. He's doing well."

I could clearly see the flash of emotion on his face, it was anger.Because of jealousy?Unexpectedly, that Mingwei was so powerful that even Shisi fell into it.

Smiling slightly, I changed the subject and talked for a while, then got up to leave when the sky darkened.

Shisi escorted me to the door, and suddenly stopped, his eyes fixed on a pair of figures by the pond not far away.

It's Shisan and Mingwei.

Shisan was talking about something, and his originally laughing face slowly sank, but when Mingwei held his hand, his eyes looking at her brightened again.

I know why his eyes are bright.

It was the deep pity on Mingwei's face.

Moran broke up with Fourteen, I went back to the mansion, changed clothes as usual, sat on the couch and continued to read the official document, but I couldn't read it, the expression full of pity filled my whole mind.

"Master, the water is here."

"Put it over there, you go down."

Standing up and walking to the washbasin, I bowed my head to wash my face to wake up, but I accidentally saw the reflection on the water surface, and I was stunned——

Do I also have the expression that appeared on Fourteenth Brother's face in the afternoon?

I closed my eyes and let the towel fall into the water, disturbing the image.

At noon, I finally understood what the meaning of the look in my eyes that Brother Jiu looked at me was.

Of five
The sound of horses galloping on the snow came from far and near, and then passed us, bringing a biting cold wind, and then disappeared in the snow.

As soon as the neck was cold, snowflakes drifted into the skirt of the clothes with the wind, and the chill went straight to the bottom of my heart.

"Huh? What's wrong with the old fourteen, running outside under such heavy snow?" The original high-pitched shouts of the old ten next to him were scattered by the wind.

I kept silent, thinking back to the expression I saw when I met Shisi just now, I felt uneasy.

"I'm having trouble with someone again. This old Fourteen has been acting weird lately, getting angry every now and then, not like the original him." Old Nine said slowly, with sarcasm in his words.

What he said was fourteen, and he was probably referring to me secretly.

To be honest, I was relieved to go out to Beijing on business a while ago, at least this way I can no longer hear the rumors about Lao Shisan and Mingwei.I am not the fourth child who has established a firm foothold in the imperial court, let alone the thirteenth child who has no ambitions. If I want to succeed, I must abandon my love for my children.

How do you feel about Mingwei?I kept asking myself that night, but couldn't figure it out.Perhaps, I, who have never enjoyed care since I was a child, are greedy for her warmth, or perhaps, it is just out of jealousy that Shisan can get the warmth and pity.

So, when I'm not in deep trouble, the best way is to stay away temporarily.

But now it seems that what I did is obviously not successful.Lao Jiu's words were both a hint and a warning.I know what they will do if I don't know how to restrain myself, and even miss a big deal because of it.

brother?Hmph... If I were still the young eighth brother who had no power, how could the ninth and tenth brothers be by my side? If one day I fell into decline again, who would follow me wholeheartedly?Lao Jiu and the others just bet on me, hoping to lean against a big tree to enjoy the shade.Brotherhood?In my life, there is no such thing.

Brothers are like this, let alone strangers.Do you have to give up everything you have worked so hard for such a warm expression?What's more, that warmth is not for me...

I lightly patted the snow off my body, turned my head and smiled at Lao Jiu, and said, "Old Fourteen just lost his temper as a child, don't worry, he can take care of big things."

Lao Jiu also smiled: "What the starling said is true, I was too worried." He turned his head and ordered his relatives to follow Fourteen to take care of him, and then took the lead to drive forward.

Old Ten naturally didn't care what we meant, he just laughed and followed.

I looked at their backs with cold eyes, and the chill in my heart was even worse.

"Xiaowei, Xiaowei... Be careful!"

I opened my eyes suddenly, and there was darkness in front of my eyes, and I could only hear the heavy breathing that couldn't be concealed in the darkness.

Thirteen's voice actually came into my dream.

The rejoicing voice of the Imperial Physician Xiangran sounded in his ears again: "Thanks to Miss Mingwei stepping forward to attract the attention of Ye Xiong, otherwise Master Thirteen's injury would not be as simple as this..."

My breathing gradually slowed down, my drowsiness disappeared, and I sat up.

When I returned to the tent in the afternoon, I could see people rushing in from a distance. After asking, I found out that the fourth and thirteenth children came back injured after they encountered a wild bear while exploring the road.Decided to visit now.No matter how fiercely they fight secretly with the fourth child, on the surface, they still have to act like they are brothers and sisters, especially at this time.

But I ran into Concubine De outside the tent of the fourth son, and knowing that the fourth son had already taken the medicine and fell asleep, it was not good to disturb him, so he accompanied Concubine De to the tent of the thirteenth son to have a look.Unexpectedly, I heard the coma of the old thirteen and the words of the imperial physician.

Mingwei, can you even give up your life for the old thirteen?
I can't describe the feeling at that moment, and at the moment I heard it, I even saw Lao Jiu's moving face.

Even if he didn't look at it in the dark, he knew that there was a wry smile on the corner of his mouth at this moment.Lao Jiu's reaction is not surprising, such a woman cannot be moved.Whether it's the courage she showed, or the feelings supported after that courage.

Would she have done that if I had run into the bear?
This question comes to my mind over and over again, but I don't allow myself to think about it, and I don't allow myself to be vulnerable even for a moment.

I am the pride of my mother, and the support of the old nine and ten. I must be strong, because there is no one to rely on.

there has never been.

Of six
The snowstorm finally stopped.

The injuries of the fourth child and the thirteenth child were stable, and envoys from all over the country arrived one after another, making the atmosphere in the paddock change from yesterday's tense and dignified to relaxed.Along the way, songs and laughter filled my ears.Looking at those smiling faces, I was a little envious of them who could laugh so freely.

"Mynah."

Lao Jiu stopped suddenly and yelled in a low voice.

Returning to his senses, he followed his gaze and raised his eyebrows slightly.

In the distance, a person came out from a secluded corner, lowered his head, straightened his clothes, and blended into the crowd with a calm expression.

Prince!

The emperor's banquet is about to begin, what is he doing here instead of accompanying the emperor to meet those envoys?
Seeing the prince walking away quickly and then disappearing, we stopped at the same place, and our eyes were still on the place where the prince appeared just now.

As expected, soon another figure slowly stepped out.

Looking at Lao Jiu, I saw the light in his eyes, and I believe that the same light appeared in my eyes at this moment.

It can only be said to be a coincidence.If the emperor hadn't told us some urgent business to deal with before leaving, we might be socializing at the banquet venue at this moment, how could we see this scene.

The crown prince and Zheng Guiren, who is currently in favor...

The value of this chess piece is enormous!As long as the timing is right, it may turn the world upside down.

I greeted Lao Jiu with a smile and walked towards the banquet, already thinking about what to do next.

The imperial banquet was very lively. Foreign envoys and Mongolian princes and ministers were taking turns to toast the prince and his elder brothers. The joy from the bottom of my heart made me smile, because this was the first time I saw the prince's proud appearance but did not feeling of resentment...

His eyes slanted, his mind was slightly confused, and his smile faded unconsciously.

The fourth child was sitting on the seat, looking forward, with focused eyes.

This is the first time I have seen him lose his mind on such an occasion, and I know what he is looking at.

So it was easy to find her——Mingwei.

For more than two months, this was the first time I saw her.She seemed to have changed a bit, a little haggard, and she was less relaxed and calm when I saw her before, but a little more gentle; she seemed to have not changed, she still had a pair of talking eyes...

What would the old thirteen look like if he saw them looking at each other like this?I sneered in my heart, hoping secretly that Thirteen, who was still smiling and talking to Fourteen, would turn his head...

But she didn't want Mingwei to look away first.

When those eyes met mine inadvertently, I smiled and nodded at her, and then saw her eyes clearly.

The joy that still remained in my heart was gone.

"This Mingwei, please don't let it fall into my hands. If it falls into my hands, I will take all of these back." Old Ten yelled as he opened the curtain to enter the tent.

"Mingwei? Why did she provoke you?" I asked with a smile.

After the banquet was over, Lao Jiu and I stayed to reply to the emperor, and Lao Ten and Lao Si went back to the camp to rest first.After such a short time, they actually met Mingwei again?
The old ten blushed and didn't say anything, but smiled and explained the whole story to the fourteenth, only to find out that when they returned to the camp and passed the tent of the thirteenth, the old ten was played by Mingwei again.

"Burn your head in the snow to sober up? Oh, that's a good way." I said with a smile.

"Brother!" Old Ten yelled.

I smiled, stopped teasing him, talked a few more words, and Fourteen excused himself to leave.When his back disappeared outside the curtain, I glanced at the thick-necked old ten who was still blushing with anger, and remembered the thoughts that even a smile couldn't hide when fourteen was about to leave.

The influence of this Mingwei...

"Hmm!" Lao Jiu cleared his throat, which woke me up. I put on a smile again, ignored Lao Jiu's slightly sarcastic gaze, which was almost used to, and continued to discuss the business just now.

It's just that I'm secretly annoyed that every time I think I can get rid of that disorder, she will appear to disturb my mind again.What's even more ridiculous is that she did all of this inadvertently.

She will give pity and warmth to Thirteen, and show heartache and tenderness to Fourth, but to me, she is only cold.

Seven of
The door was pushed open with a low creaking sound, followed by the sound of light footsteps, the slight collision and friction of the plate on the table, and then the footsteps slowly retreated.

Still leaning on the soft couch with closed eyes and resting his mind, the surroundings became silent again, and his thoughts returned to the broken place just now.

The chaotic days finally passed, and the palace returned to its original stability. It seemed that everything was fine, as if nothing had happened, but there were a few high officials in the court and some ministers in the palace.

Suo'etu, no one expected him to be so bold, but he was also stupid enough. In today's peaceful and prosperous world, the only result of making trouble is to seek his own death.So it's no surprise that he failed.It's a pity that the prince was not pulled down this time.

It can be seen from this that the emperor still has deep feelings for the prince, so it was a wise move not to disclose the matter between the prince and Zheng Chunhua at the beginning.Any move of chess should play a corresponding role.If we had reported on the prince at that time, I am afraid that not only would we not be able to bring down the prince, but it would be detrimental to us.

However, there has always been Suo'etu's guidance behind the prince's words and deeds. With Suo'etu's downfall, the prince lacked a strong support. His intelligence is by no means enough to lead the court. When political affairs disappointed the emperor every time, would the emperor trust him as much as now?
Now the only one in the imperial court who can give substantial support to the crown prince is the fourth son...

This fourth child, I actually underestimated him.

Originally expected that even if he and Shisan did not turn against Mingwei, they would at least have a knot in their hearts and no longer cooperate so well, but he did not expect that even when Mingwei was about to be married to Shisan, his first Shisan was the one who took care of him, and even single-handedly facilitated Shisan's marriage.

In the days that followed, even though he was visibly thinner, even more silent, and even more cold, he remained calm and flawless when dealing with official business.And Shisan, after this time, helped him wholeheartedly, followed him on a few errands, and grew up quickly, and his skill in dealing with people and things surprised us, and made the fourth brother even more powerful in handling things.If the fourth child had predicted this early on, then his scheming was beyond our reach.

Thinking of this, I suddenly realized that I had never recognized the real fourth child before.

I'm afraid that among the people in the palace, only Mingwei really understands him.

I still remember Mingwei's expression after the fourth child said those words when the marriage was bestowed—from the initial daze and embarrassment to deep pain, bloodstained lips were bitten, and washed away by falling tears.But her pain also carries realization and self-mockery...

I didn't quite understand what that self-deprecation meant at the time, but now it is completely clear.At that time, Mingwei knew that in the heart of the fourth child, no matter how profound love was, it could not compare with another thing.

In terms of reason, I am not as good as him.

So I stood up to stop, gave the fourth brother a chance to show his brotherhood, and gave Mingwei a reason to be more hostile to me, but in the end nothing could be redeemed.

It's just that, anyway, I fought for it. It's better than the pain of the fourth child who let someone out. At least I won't be like him who can't eat and is depressed.

I sat up with a mocking smile, and the food was already set on the small table beside me just before the next person came in and out. I picked up the chopsticks to eat, and my smile gradually faded away. The food tasted bitter.

"You are destined to be evil, so you should not marry early. If you marry, will you evil or me?" She asked Shisan with a low smile.

"Of course it's against you!" Old Ten replied.

"My servant thanked the emperor, Concubine Xie De." She thanked loudly.

When I finished speaking, Mingwei looked up at the hostility and anger in my eyes; when the old ten intentionally disrupted the situation, she changed from hesitant to determined...

In fact, the fourth child was not the only one who pushed Mingwei out, so why not push her heart to Thirteen with my own hands from the other side.

Of eight
"Master, Master Fourteen has arrived." Wang Yi announced at the door.

I answered without raising my head, and only ordered someone to come in.

Not long after, I heard Fourteen's footsteps stepping into the door, and then his laughter sounded: "Yinzhen greeted the eighth brother, haven't the ninth and tenth brothers arrived yet?"

I stopped writing and motioned him to sit down, "They have already entered the palace, and they will arrive in a while." As I spoke, I looked at him calmly.

Shisi still had the usual laughing face, and his voice was very brisk, but the smile never reached his eyes, and even the brisk voice seemed a bit deliberate.

"Mynah is practicing calligraphy again?"

"That's right. Huang Ama ordered me to write ten characters every day, and today I'm short of two." I sighed slightly, then smiled, "I'm really not good at calligraphy. I can't write as well as the fourteenth brother. The former mother De gave Erniang a Buddhist scripture. I saw that the handwriting was tall and straight, and it looked like yours. I am still surprised. Copying Buddhist scriptures for your mother, the fourteenth brother is really filial."

The hand holding the tea paused for a moment on Fourteenth, and then took a sip as if nothing had happened, "I deserve my starling's praise this time, I didn't copy the Buddhist scriptures, there are no capable people in the palace, it's written in handwriting There is no shortage of good people." He said flatly, but his eyes were in a trance.

What is the reason for this trance, I can understand it even if he doesn't tell me, and naturally I won't point it out.

Recently, Fourteenth has come closer to us, apart from the influence of my ever-expanding influence in the court and our deliberate wooing, Mingwei is probably one of the reasons.Because of the temptation of the fourth child, Concubine De refused Fourteen's request to beg Mingwei, and because of the support of the fourth child, Thirteen got Mingwei as she wished.Therefore, the fourth child got the whole-hearted support of the thirteenth, and correspondingly, pushed the fourteenth farther and farther.Perhaps it is because he and Shishi are brothers of the same mother that he neglects him so much, but this neglect has benefited us a lot. Compared with Thirteen's potential, Fourteen's potential is absolutely indisputable.

Just as he was about to change the subject, footsteps sounded outside the door, the door curtain was lifted, and Lao Jiu and the others walked in.

"What's the matter?" Seeing their strange faces, I asked.

"Just got the news from the palace." Lao Jiu paused, then continued, "Old Thirteen's wedding date has been set."

I was slightly stunned, and I understood Huang Ama's meaning in a flash, and my eyes could not help but pass over Shisi, his pale face twisted instantly, and a vein burst out on his forehead.

Withdrawing his gaze, when he turned to Lao Jiu again, he met his probing eyes.I smile.

If Lao Jiu thinks that I will be like Fourteen, he is wrong.For Mingwei, I have been tempted, but it was only tempting. I will not allow myself to continue to indulge in a woman who already belongs to someone else, and it is even more impossible to give deep feelings without thinking like Shisi.

Perhaps this is the best, standing in the position of a bystander, so as not to get hurt.

Back at the gate of the mansion, I got off the horse, handed over the reins to the servant, and walked towards the gate without saying a word.

The sound of horseshoes rushing behind him stopped abruptly, and the sound of chaotic footsteps ran over, accompanied by screams.

"Brother, I know I was wrong, don't be annoyed, okay?"

My footsteps stopped, and I said lightly: "Wrong? Do you know where your mistake is?"

I can imagine the old ten stuttering without looking back. I sighed, walked slowly into the garden pavilion, dismissed the servants, turned around and looked at one of the two people who followed me: "Old ten, if you still think I am Your starling, if you say what you mean, don't say it in front of me from now on."

Old ten blushed: "Brother, you said don't make trouble at the wedding banquet of old thirteen, I know I didn't listen to you, but I just can't see old thirteen's complacent look and want to destroy his prestige, No big trouble, why are you so angry, myna, I don’t understand.”

Want to destroy the prestige of the old thirteen?I sneered from the bottom of my heart, who was the one who was ridiculed in the end?

"Brother, we are acting a bit left-handed today, especially since the crown prince is still here, we shouldn't embarrass the old thirteen. Fortunately, myna came in time, otherwise we would have done something against the holy will. Today Please don’t worry, myna.” Lao Jiu paused, and then saluted, “It’s getting late, we’re leaving now, you should rest early too.”

I nodded slightly.After all, Lao Jiu has a flexible mind, and he understood the pros and cons in a flash.

The sound of their footsteps gradually faded away. I sat leaning on the railing, looked up at the sky, and saw only the moon and stars.

The night was getting dark, and only the sound of frogs could be heard in the garden. This quietness was in stark contrast to the joyous scene of drums and gongs in the palace earlier.

Is the old thirteen proud?She should be proud to marry such a woman with seven apertures and exquisite heart.

Even I couldn't help worrying when Fourteen toasted Mingwei wine.Not worried about Mingwei, but worried about whether tenth and fourteenth will mess up the wedding.Huang Ama agreed to Shisan's marriage at this time, in order to appease people's hearts and let people inside and outside the palace know that everything in the royal family is still as usual.If something goes wrong at such a wedding that is just a show for everyone to see, the person who caused the trouble will probably have bad consequences.

Unexpectedly, Mingwei would say that "husband and wife are one body", and logically let the thirteenth generation drink alcohol, making everything invisible.Such a woman is admirable, but also hard to let go.

Is it right or wrong to lose such a woman and gain Thirteen's loyalty?At that time, the fourth child who had stood outside the door for an indeterminate amount of time, and the fourth child who could not help turning pale even with strong restraint, did he regret it in his heart?

The sound of small footsteps interrupted my thoughts, and two figures came from the other side of the garden.

The one in front has a familiar slim figure, and the night shrouds her figure, but I can clearly see the beauty and beauty of that face.

I smile.

When I got married, I encountered the same problem as Shisan.At that time, I had no influence in the court, and I married the granddaughter of Prince An, so I was jealous, and the insinuations and provocations I faced on the day of marriage were only a lot more than Shisan's return.There are also people who want to make a fool of us in the name of a toast, but her countermeasure is to simply raise her head and drink three glasses of spirits without changing her face.At that time, her drinking capacity made everyone applaud, and she no longer made things difficult for us, and I was secretly amazed.But when I went back to the room after socializing, I found that she was already drunk—she was just so proud that she didn't want to show weakness.

Such a special woman beside me, although not as intelligent as Mingwei, although she has a bit of a delicate and savage temper, but at this moment, when I remember her bravely standing up to defend our dignity, tenderness suddenly rises in my heart.

In fact, she is the woman I justifiably want to treat well—my wife.

"Mingwei is a powerful character, we can't underestimate her in the future."

When I came out of the palace and was about to break up, Lao Jiu suddenly said such a sentence in a low voice, I was startled, and seeing Lao Jiu's eyes, I knew it clearly.

Just now Shisan and Xin Fujin met the family ceremony, although I didn’t say anything, I also know that the ninth child is looking forward to getting something between the fourth child and Mingwei, except for Mingwei’s inconspicuous gaffe when the fourth child first came in In addition, her attitude towards the fourth brother was the same as that of the other brothers, which made the ninth brother wary of her in spite of accidents.

The old nine who said this had officially listed Mingwei as one of his opponents.

And he said this to me specifically, because he didn't want me to stop his actions.I smile lightly.

If it is beneficial to remove future obstacles, how can I prevent it?I don't care who is going to suffer.

Putting Mingwei's staring gaze at me behind me when she served tea, I quickly walked into the mansion and asked casually, "Where's Fujin?"

"If you come back to Master, Fujin is in the room. If you want to look for it, the servant will send a message to Fujin right away."

Put your hands down, "No need."

After dismissing the eunuch, I walked towards the inner room, and saw the shadow of the figure on the window reflected by the light in the room from a distance.

"Miss, now the Lord loves you more and more." The laughter of the dowry girl Baozhu was faintly heard in the room.

"Husbands and wives, aren't they all like this." Her voice was lazy and proud.

"That's not true. Looking at the palace, which elder brother treats Fujin as exclusively as Lord Belle treats you."

She snorted: "Men, how many are dedicated? You don't know. He had a different heart a while ago. Now that he can treat me like this, I am afraid that the words of the concubine Liang will help a lot."

My hand that was about to open the door froze in mid-air.

"Ms. Liang Concubine? Miss, what did you talk to your empress for so long when you entered the palace last time?"

"It's nothing, I just want my mother to have a chance to read a few words to him, hmph, the one who cares about other people's women doesn't look like a man who does great things..."

I stopped listening, I walked away quickly, my ears were ringing, and I didn't need to look to know that my face was livid.Her sarcastic tone, the way she asked An'er Niang to look at me hesitating to speak a few times before entering the palace, and her worried and distressed eyes all converged into anger that was eager to burst out of her chest at this moment.I have never been so humiliated since I grew up to be alone!And it was my first wife who humiliated me like this!

Originally, she was moved by her guarding behavior when she was newly married, but now she realizes that she was wrong. All she cares about is her own dignity, and never includes me.

Thinking of this, I suddenly had the urge to laugh wildly, but I habitually restrained it, fisted my hands and slammed the pillar beside me.

The severe pain in my hand made me gradually wake up, and I stood against the railing. I closed my eyes, feeling the chill.

The eyes with a hint of pity and tenderness that had been deliberately forgotten just now flickered in front of his eyes again.This is the first time that Mingwei looked at me without hostility. At this moment, this gaze has become my only warmth and comfort...

Nine
Coming out of Qianqing Palace, Lao Jiu pondered slightly, and then asked: "Brother, Huang Ama ordered us to assist third brother in compiling the book, where do you think we should start?"

Before I could answer, the old ten had already interjected: "What did you say to help compile the book, but let us help find people, just pick from the juren."

"Old Ten, if it's really that simple, why do we need to do it?" Lao Jiu interrupted him, "Third Brother already has a lot of Hanlin Bachelors, if they can't do something, we must find more. Learned men of letters. The question is where do we start."

I smiled slightly: "If you talk about literati, there is a ready-made one in my house."

Lao Jiu's eyes lit up: "Brother is talking about He Zhuo? I didn't expect it just now. He is a talent, not knowledgeable. Just because of his status in Jiangnan literati, he should not be underestimated." He pondered for a while, " But with him alone, no matter how powerful he is, he probably won't be able to meet our needs."

"Did Brother Nine forget that there is another person in the court?" Old Ten smiled triumphantly, "Speaking of influence, he is definitely no less than He Zhuo."

Lao Jiu glanced at me, and said in his mouth, "Master Zhang..."

I naturally understand the meaning of his look. I have already offended Zhang Zhibi by responding to Lao Jiu’s proposal to take concubines. At this moment, even if he is acting under the emperor’s order, whether he will assist with all his heart is beyond our control.

I lowered my eyes to hide my fluctuating emotions, and my voice was still calm: "I have always admired Mr. Zhang's talents and learning, so let's choose a day to pay a visit to the house."

"Brother?" Lao Jiu was surprised.

I smiled lightly: "There are three ways to be unfilial, and the greatest thing is to have no offspring. I have no children so far, and I feel ashamed of Huang Ama and Erniang. Thinking about it, it's time to take a concubine."

The silvery white moonlight poured into the room through the open windows, and sprinkled on the paintings on the tabletop.

I stand upright at the desk.From the surprised eyes of Lao Jiu and Lao Shi during the day, I can guess their thoughts. They never thought that I would agree to take a concubine, but what they didn't expect was that I agreed, not for the convenience of business, but for this painting.

"Hmph, if you miss her, you should come here a long time ago. Don't wait for someone else's Fujin to take a portrait to see things and think about others."

In the painting, the girl is smiling while picking up plum blossoms. Her face is delicate and her smile is graceful. Apart from the childishness remaining between her brows, she is somewhat similar to another person.It is precisely because of this similarity that she is mercilessly attacking her.

The girl's face in the portrait gradually blurred, while the other pale face and painful eyes became more and more clear.

Xiaowei...

A few nights ago, when this name was called out of my mouth without hesitation for the first time, I was also surprised. During winter hunting, the image of Shisan still calling Mingwei's name when he was seriously injured and unconscious flashed again. over, and then replaced by loss and self-deprecation.

So what if he has the same name as Thirteen?I'm not thirteen, no one would give up their lives to protect me.

At that moment, Mingwei lost the flexibility and strength I used to see in her bones, only the fragility that seemed to break at the touch of a touch remained.However, is this fragility due to her pain, or the person who was holding her at that time?
At that moment, the behavior of the fourth child had gone beyond the distance, but he didn't care. At that time, he probably didn't care about anything.What he cared about was only Mingwei's injury, and only the turbulent undercurrent when Mingwei was entangled with his eyes.

At that moment, Lao Jiu moved, I knew he was going to do something to Lao Si and Mingwei, but I interrupted him with a question to Mingwei.Naturally, I have reasons for not wanting to do anything at this moment, but the sarcastic eyes of Lao Jiu behind me still make me feel a little guilty.

That moment passed quickly.The mist dissipated from Mingwei's eyes, and she regained her senses.

I watched Mingwei put on a mask-like smile lightly, and my heart sank.

I am not the fourth child, no one will treat me with my true colors.

I watched indifferently as the fourth son's wife Fujin was covering up for him.

The fourth child is lucky to marry a good wife.

And me?

Looking up at the person on the steps, he was familiar yet unfamiliar.

The guests were gone, and before I could speak, she had already thrown the painting in front of me, as well as the sarcasm.

But she didn't know that this was not Mingwei, but the concubine Lao Jiu and the others persuaded me to take.

The picture scroll unfolded slowly, and there was a line of small characters in the lower left corner - Zhang Zhibi's daughter.

ten of
Hearing the whisper, I raised my head, put down the wine glass that was raised to my lips, and smiled slightly, hiding the light that flashed in my eyes.

"Ba Ye, today is your day of great joy, you must drink this wine." The people on the side were still playing and booing.

I stood up and said with a smile: "My lords, I will definitely drink this wine, but I have to wait until I finish picking up the prince."

Everyone was taken aback for a moment, then fell silent for a moment, with embarrassing expressions on their faces.

I turned a blind eye and greeted the old nine and ten to follow me to pick them up, but when I turned around, I sneered in my heart.

I naturally know these personal thoughts.

Even though we are always friendly on the surface, in essence, our competition with the prince has never stopped.Now that they meet the prince in my house, they will naturally be designated as my people by the prince.Such a determination is a very bad thing for those who are still half-hearted.However, this is exactly the result I want, so those who are still hesitating have to lean on my side.

Sure enough, when the prince saw the civil and military officials behind me, his smile became forced and his face turned blue.

In the past two months, the fourth child and the thirteenth child have gone to Tongcheng to inspect the river. Without their assistance, the crown prince has failed two errands in succession, causing the emperor to be dissatisfied. Naturally, I am very clear about the scene in the mansion and what it feels like in my heart.

Showing off mountains and dews was originally not my style, but now that the crown prince is a strong outsider, he can no longer shake my position, and I still hold a trump card in my hand...

After saluting, he led the prince into the mansion, thinking about the next move in his heart, still smiling and greeting him, and the night was getting dark in the midst of toasting.

The guests parted happily, and I walked back to my room slowly.You don't need to look to know that the room has been decorated in a beaming red.Footsteps paused.

When I was newly married, the red room, the delicate face, the proud and stubborn eyes, the posture of raising my head to toast, now turned into a face full of resentment and unwillingness...

The old thirteen is newly married, in a red room, with a calm look, and a generous smile in the face of difficulties, "Husband and wife are one body, so why separate each other"...

Now, when I step into a new house, what kind of woman will I face?
The door was gently pushed open, and the figure beside the bed sat quietly. I approached, stretched out my hand, and the hijab slid off.

The person in the portrait truly caught my eye, but the tense and cautious posture, and the regular downcast eyes made me no longer find the original familiarity.

An inexplicable sense of loss gripped my heart.

The cold wind pushed open the half-closed windows and poured straight into the room.

I was half lying on the soft bed, my eyes didn't move when looking at the book, when I heard someone come in gently and close the window, approaching and tucking the corner of the quilt covering me.

The aroma that has been familiar for a year enters the nose.

"Master, Profile for the cold, you should rest early."

"Go and rest, I still have an excerpt to read today." Said lightly, her eyes still did not move.

The people around were silent for a while, and then silently retreated from the study.

When the sound of footsteps faded away, I closed my eyes wearily.

On the way back from the concubine's birthday banquet today, our conversation reappeared before my eyes.

"This Mingwei! This Mingwei..."

Old Ten was talking bitterly to himself as he walked.

I smile.These four words have almost become Lao Ten's mantra. Every time he meets Mingwei, Lao Shi is always the one who is choked to the point of speechlessness. No wonder he is so annoyed.

"If you're a woman, don't care about anything with her. There's no need to get angry with her." Lao Jiu persuaded.

Old Ten was stunned for a moment, his face softened, and he snorted: "Ninth Brother, you don't know, I don't want to be as knowledgeable as this girl, but it's really surprising that such a unique woman is standing on Old Thirteen's side. Annoyed..."

My heart moved, and I looked sideways, and saw that tenth old man was staring at thirteenth who was talking to the prince, his eyes were full of hostility.

Does this hostility also contain elements of jealousy?

"Brother Ten is right, I tried my best to get you, so I should have been more careful."

"Women should obey the three obediences and four virtues... But my Ama is not here, and my husband didn't say anything, so the only thing left is... If Master Shi insists on letting me listen, then I will just follow your orders."

The hand she held tightly with Thirteen, her warm and tender eyes closely intertwined with Thirteen...

Unique, what Old Ten said this time is really appropriate.

I lowered my head, hiding the wry smile that flashed by.

Yes, so what if they have similar eyebrows?There is only one Mingwei.

The End - Not the Ending Ending
When Fourteen asked to see me, I was taking portraits of my family.

This hunting trip can be described as earth-shaking.The crown prince, Shisan and Mingwei were detained separately. For a while, the court was in turmoil and everyone panicked. Before the emperor had a clear order, in order to avoid suspicion, everyone adopted a conservative attitude. After doing their own duties, they went back to their homes and closed the doors No, and as the leader of this accident, I am naturally even more so, just waiting for things to develop in the mansion.

When I heard the notification from the servants, I smiled slightly, put away the pen, and asked someone to bring Shishi in.

"My master's painting is to beautify the concubine's body." The person who was painted came over and looked at the portrait, and smiled lightly, "It would be great if the concubine could have such a spirit."

The smile froze for a moment, and I looked at the portrait.Indeed, the woman in the painting is not as weak as the person in front of her eyes, but the calmness between her brows, the wisdom in her pupils, and the firmness contained in her expression...

He crumpled the drawing paper casually, "It's because the drawing doesn't look like it. Let's redraw it when you have time."

The footsteps around me receded, and I looked at the corridor, and saw Shisi's figure walking towards me.

What is the purpose of his coming, I have already guessed.

After so many days, can you finally bear it?If I don't let him see Mingwei, I'm afraid he will never be able to untie his knot, and a person who is bound by regret will not help me anymore.

"The emperor arranged for Master Ba to be in charge of the House of Internal Affairs, which is enough to show how much he values ​​you. Congratulations to Master Ba!"

"My lord, you are being polite. With the trust of the emperor, a courtier can only live up to the emperor's grace by doing his job with all his heart. If there is any need for your guidance in the future, please give him your advice..."

The play-like polite conversation starts from the morning, and doesn't end until almost after the Meridian Gate.

The crowd around me gradually dispersed, and I lowered my eyes.

Today is the first early morning return to Beijing, the crown prince was imprisoned, and the emperor appointed me as the head of the House of Internal Affairs, the meaning of which, everyone must have seen clearly.It's no wonder that after the next dynasty, everyone flocked to fawn over him, even those who had always stood by the prince's side.

The so-called loyalty... nothing more.

Even the emperor can sacrifice the innocent Thirteen in order to protect the stability of the court. Naturally, these individuals can also give up their principles and loyalty in order to protect themselves.It is common practice for trees to fall and monkeys to scatter. No matter who they are, they must be prepared to betray their relatives when they lose power. After all, there are too few people like Mingwei.

I am used to using and being used, and I have also adapted to the selfish and indifferent human nature, but there is still a glimmer of hope in my heart, hoping that someone can prove to me that there is still selfless and pure emotion in the world.

This man, I have found, is about to die at my hands.

I let the helplessness and sorrow sneak into my heart, and I smiled miserably.

It is as if a person who has been wandering in the dark all his life, finally finds a bright light, but has to smash it, because only by sinking himself into deeper darkness can he survive.

He stopped, closed his eyes slightly, and scenes flashed before his eyes.

The clear eyes when we first met...

The peace under the moonlight in Changchun Garden...

She looked at the warmth and pity in Shisan's eyes, and the coldness in my eyes...

When the marriage was bestowed upon her, the clear and firm voice said, "I thank the emperor, my maidservant, and my concubine Xie De"...

The witty answer when I quarreled with the old ten every time...

The only time when you gave me a soft look without any hostility...

Pale complexion when injured...

The courage and determination to break into Yanbo Zhishuang Pavilion without hesitation...

"Master, the ninth and tenth masters are waiting at the gate of the palace."

The sudden sound in my ear woke me up, and I found that my eyes were wet.I took a deep breath, and when I opened my eyes again, my mood had calmed down. I looked back at the solemn and solemn palace behind me. I continued to walk towards the old nine and ten waiting outside, and my steps became more and more determined.

The last soft part of my heart has been thrown away by me since then.

(End of this chapter)