Chaos in the Chu Palace

Chapter 29
When Zhang Ziming heard this, his expression became tense, and there were already hurried footsteps two or three feet away from the Buddhist hall.Seeing that he was so nervous, Ouyang Ruo smiled brighter and brighter.Zhang Ziming hummed heavily, let go of his hand, and disappeared into the dilapidated window with a flicker of his figure.

"I will find you again." He said, his eyes were a little fierce, reminding Ouyang Ruo of a wolf's eyes.Ouyang Ruo sat down slowly, only feeling that her legs were a little soft.

After a while, the door of the Buddhist hall was knocked open by someone, and there were monks holding long sticks and guards from the Hou Mansion.

"Madam Seven!" Someone among the guards recognized her and exclaimed.Ouyang Ruo nodded and stood up.

"Excuse me, this benefactor, did you see a novice monk who behaved strangely?" Someone asked the stick-wielding monk.

"He ran over there..." Ouyang Ruo pointed to the window.Those who came after him suddenly looked alert, and chased them out one by one.

Ouyang Ruo was sent back by them.Mingying anxiously asked: "Madam, where have you been? This made the servants panic to death."

Ouyang Ruo lay on the couch and said calmly, "I lost my way."

Mingying waited to ask again, but Ouyang Ruo closed his eyes and dared not ask any more.

Ouyang Ruo and his party didn't return to the Marquis Mansion until evening, when Wan Hui came in, saw her tired face, and hurriedly asked, "Is Madam tired, do you want to call the doctor to take a pulse?"

Ouyang Ruo shook his head and was talking when someone reported that Li Jingcai had come.Wan Hui hurriedly led him in.

Li Jingcai said with a smile: "Seventh Madam Wanan, Lord Hou said today that he wants to come and celebrate the Qiqiao Festival with Madam?"

Ouyang Ruo said with a smile: "The concubine is waiting for the Lord Hou."

Li Jing stepped back with a smile.Seeing that Li Jing had just left, Wan Hui said with half worry and half joy, "Ma'am, why did the Marquis come at this time? Could it be that he heard some rumors?"

Ouyang Ruo smiled indifferently, lay down again, tucked the thin quilt around her body, and said slowly: "Don't worry, aunt, you just met Zen Master Rong De. If he doesn't ask today, he will ask tomorrow .”

Wan Hui nodded, and sighed: "That's right, but now that Madam has met Zen Master Rong De and is pregnant, she is pushed to the cusp of the storm."

Ouyang Ruo smiled softly when he heard the words: "Auntie, since I left Huaguo, it will be the cusp of the storm. Now I also want to understand, stand upright, accept the move, just be careful. Some things are not what we want You can hide if you hide."

Just like fate, no matter how you struggle, you will eventually walk step by step along the path of no return predetermined by God.In her hand, she held a scripture book given to her by Zen master Rongdi. The pages of the scripture book were as fragile as autumn leaves, and they were in danger of falling off if they were turned over a little.But if what Zen Master said is true, when will her Lingyu meet again?She quietly looked out of the window at the radiance, and the red light coated her face with a thin layer, making her quiet and mysterious even more.

Wan Hui only felt that something had changed in her, but she couldn't say anything, so she could only sigh in her heart.

In the evening, when the moon rabbit first rises, the little maids in the courtyard set up incense tables and put some melons and fruits on it.He also piled up the small purses and handkerchiefs that he embroidered on weekdays.The warbler was the most excited, and brought many things from outside, such as the head flowers made of silk, and the pair of beautiful double fishes, all of which were very exquisite.Wan Hui was afraid that they would cause too much trouble, so she told Ouyang Ruo that they should move the incense table to the backyard. After the incense table was set up, the little maids competed to burn incense again.Stars are scattered all over the night, like gems of various colors on black flannel.

Ouyang Ruo sat on the bamboo imperial concubine chair in the outer hall, watching them all face pious, prostrating three times.After worshiping, one of them took another sewing box, turned off the lights under the eaves, and threaded needles to the moon one by one.

Ouyang Ruo looked at it with a smile, and his thoughts came to a sudden.As if it was just yesterday, the little girl was sitting under the moon, with her nanny beside her, muttering: "My good lady, look carefully, put it on quickly, with the luck of the weaver girl, you will be able to marry well in the future." Sir."

Under the snow-white moonlight, she shuttled her delicate hands like flying, and she had already worn several of them in less than half an hour.What is Lang Jun, how did she know at that time.He only vaguely knew that it was her future heaven and earth, and that he would be in charge of both sorrow and joy.Time flies, but now she can calmly watch them dreaming the same dream as when she was a girl, beautiful and simple.

The maids in the yard are making a noise, vying to count who wears more needles and who wears less.Suddenly the courtyard door opened slowly, Chu Huotian entered the door first, and Li Jingcai followed behind him, still holding some things in his hands.The maidservants who were having a good time fell silent immediately.Ouyang Ruo came back to her senses, and when she saw him coming, she quickly got up to meet her, while Wan Hui hurriedly supported her, and winked at the dumbfounded maids.The maids saluted as if waking up from a dream, and retreated in panic.

"Why did Lord Hou come here so early?" Ouyang Ruo smiled and stepped forward to give her a deep blessing.She knew he was coming today, so she specially dressed a little brighter.

The dark purple red embroidered spring sleeping begonia long dress is covered with a veil of the same color. The hair is tied in a bun of hundreds of flowers. On both sides, a golden flying butterfly is inlaid with exquisite jade and golden steps. On the forehead is a grape hanging branch Jin Huasheng.There are two pairs of jasper earrings hanging from each ear, with a thin layer of makeup and powder, and the movements are like bright flowers shining in the water, and weak willows supporting the wind.A pair of big and black eyes are shining with water, and under the light, they look even more beautiful like jade, and they are unspeakably charming.

Chu Huotian helped her up with a smile, and said: "Dress well today, and don't be so plain on weekdays. You should take out some good clothes and wear them."

Ouyang Ruo led him into the outer hall and smiled as he walked, "In a few months, I won't be able to wear any more beautiful clothes."

Chu Huotian laughed, nodded in agreement, and suddenly said: "Your yard is very lively today. The little maids are all begging for cleverness."

Ouyang Ruo took the fragrant tea from Wan Hui, handed it to him with a smile, and said, "Yes, I didn't expect Master Hou to come so soon. I'm going to scare them all."

Chu Huotian smiled again, touched his face and said, "Is this Marquis so scary?"

Ouyang Ruo tilted his head, looked left and right, and said in a serious manner: "The nose is straight and the mouth is square, and the balance is full. Well, among the dragons and phoenixes, the hero is not only scary, but also scary." As he spoke, he laughed first .

When Chu Huotian saw her complexion like spring and her smile like a flower, he couldn't help but feel happy. He asked Li Jingcai to bring the plate of food, and said with a mysterious smile, "Guess what good things this Marquis brought you?" He said this At that time, with a glimmer of expectation, his handsome face was like jade, and he looked younger under the dim light.

Seeing that the lacquer plate was tightly covered, Ouyang Ruo shook her head and said with a smile, "I don't know who I am, either for food or for clothing."

Seeing that she couldn't guess, Chu Huotian smiled slightly, and lifted the silk cloth on the lacquer plate. Ouyang Ruo took a closer look, and there was a pair of concentric knots lying quietly on the lacquer plate, with a pair of white jade wrapped in the knots. The quality and luster can be learned, just like two hearts.White jade, red thread, twisted and twisted, I don't know which is the head and which is the tail.

Ouyang Ruo was a little dazed, Chu Huotian brought the pair of concentric knots, the two were exactly the same, and lay quietly in his big palm.Chu Huotian blushed slightly, coughed, and said to Ouyang Ruo unnaturally: "I saw this on the side of the street today, and I think it's interesting. Considering that you don't have much accessories on your body, this one is very happy. , I bought it, you and I each..."

Before he finished speaking, Li Jing, who was holding the plate, couldn't help but "puchi" and couldn't help laughing.Chu Huotian's eyes were like knives, and Li Jingcai had no choice but to swallow his smile.What I saw on the street, it was clear that he was sent to the Jade Embroidery Workshop in Beijing five days ago to find a 70-year-old old embroiderer to do it, and it was hung in the Yuelao Temple for a day, and he was sent to pick it up today Come.

Hey... It's really not easy to be a servant, so I have to cover up for the lord.Li Jingcai's intestines were almost knotted, and he didn't dare to laugh even if he wanted to.I heard what Chu Huotian said in my ear, "This knot is also called clothes, and it looks very beautiful when hung up." The whites of her eyes turned up: how can this red match the clothes? Wouldn't it be paired with a bright red concentric knot that couldn't be more vulgar...

Chu Huotian talked for a long time, Ouyang Ruo came back to his senses, took one, and smiled at him: "Thank you, Lord Hou, for your kindness, I will definitely keep my body with me every day, and hide it close to my body."

Her smile is as light as water, but it is so beautiful.Chu Huotian was taken aback for a moment, and then smiled deeply.As long as she understands his intentions.

The two talked for a while, and Ouyang Ruo's face showed tiredness.Just about to invite Chu Huotian to rest in the back room.Li Jingcai came in suddenly with a hurried expression, and whispered something to Chu Huotian.The more Chu Huotian listened, the more he frowned, his handsome face was deeply thoughtful, he nodded, and left the hall with him.Ouyang Ruo saw someone bowing and waiting outside the courtyard, as if there was something urgent to report to Chu Huotian.After a while, Chu Huotian stepped into the door.

Ouyang Ruo stepped forward and said softly, "If Master Hou is in a hurry, go. I will burn incense tonight, and I will definitely pray for Master Hou."

But Chu Huotian smiled and said: "You are in such a hurry to drive me away? It's nothing serious, it's okay." Looking at her expression, he said: "You are also tired, but there is still one thing to do today. , you need to get your spirits up first." Then she took her hand and walked to the backyard.

Ouyang Ruo doubtfully let him drag him to the back garden.After a while, melons, fruits and various snacks were placed on the stone table in the back garden.Fearing that the stone would be cold, embroidered pier was also paved on the stone bench. Ouyang Ruo didn't know what he was going to do, and his doubts grew more and more.He didn't ask her what she said when she went to see Zen Master Rongde today, nor did he ask if she met that Zhang Ziming today, but treated her like this.Ouyang Ruo felt more and more uncertain.Thinking about it, a look of uneasiness flashed in his eyes.

Chu Huotian saw that the arrangement was in place, and with a wave of his hand, the servants retreated cleanly.Ouyang Ruo's heart tightened suddenly, he was about to start asking her.While she was thinking about it, her waist tightened, but she was already hugged and sat on his lap, just like how he was intimate with her in the past.Ouyang Ruo only felt that his embrace was as warm and comfortable as before, so she couldn't help but relax her delicate body and lean against him.

"It's cold on the stone bench. If you have a body, you might not be able to stand it after sitting for a long time." He looked at her and said.There was softness in the deep eyes.Ouyang Ruo was stunned for a moment.

Chu Huotian hugged her, looked up at the night, and said with a slight smile: "I don't know why, I want to come to your place today for the Qiqiao Festival to talk to you and drink some wine. See if there is really a Cowherd and Weaver Girl on Xinghan .”

His words were as gentle as water, plain as water, but slowly poured around her.Ouyang Ruo looked up at the sky with him, and saw the stars were shining brightly, and the stars in the black velvet-like star curtain were scattered neatly. After staring for a long time, she even suspected that she was in it, as long as she stretched out her hand, she could catch it.There was silence all around, the grass insects chirped, and the night wind blew softly, bringing the smell of tuberose, which seemed strong but still faint and elusive.

Ouyang Ruo looked at it, and became infatuated, and suddenly remembered the words of Zen Master Rong De, "...the stars are in chaos, a sign of great changes..."

Ouyang Ruo looked back at him, under the dim light of the cage, his outline was resolute and deep, as if carved by a knife or cut by an axe, each of which clearly told her how determined the man in front of her was.

He is the Marquis of Chu Ding who has the power over the Chu Kingdom, and he is Chu Huotian who wields hundreds of thousands of troops.

"What are you thinking, you are so engrossed in watching it?" Chu Huotian asked with a smile.His palm was wide and warm, more than enough to wrap her hands.

"It's nothing, the concubine is just thinking that I can celebrate the festival with Lord Hou today." Ouyang Ruo came back to his senses and said with a smile.

Chu Huotian took a glass of wine and drank it slowly, before saying: "Yes, this kind of frugality is generally not enough. If it was five years ago, or three years ago, I wouldn't even think about it."

Ouyang Ruo thought about it for a while, and then said: "Won't the concubine live with Lord Hou? We always say that if husband and wife celebrate the Qiqiao Festival together, they will grow old in love."

Chu Huotian smiled wryly, as if recalling the past: "Hui Wan is the daughter of Zhao's parents, and she has strict boudoir training, so she always abides by women's morals and never mentions such things to me. At that time, she was young and wanted to be in the army. After making some achievements, it was inevitable that she would be left out in the cold. Later, when she returned to Beijing, not only did she not blame me, but she also advised me to take more concubines and spread branches and leaves. She has been taking care of the Hou Mansion all these years. Hou's virtuous wife."

Ouyang Ruo was silent for a while, and then said: "The princess is indeed respected. I am ashamed of myself."

Chu Huotian smiled wryly: "I'd rather she get jealous and lose her temper a lot, than see her bear everything and think about me. In the end, I will be the one who suffers. So, don't imitate her. There is her in the Hou's mansion." That's enough."

Ouyang Ruo nodded, Chu Huotian stretched his waist, and said with a smile: "Why are you talking so much nonsense today? People say that on this day, in the dead of night, you can hear the Cowherd and Weaver Girl's whispering love words. I don't know if it's true or not. "

Ouyang Ruo laughed dumbly when he heard this, and said, "Master Hou actually believes this?" A pair of big eyes looked at him in disbelief.

Chu Huotian laughed and said: "What's the matter, it's rare that I want to hear how the gods in the sky say love words, you laugh at me like this, you should be punished!" her face.

Ouyang Ruo hid and smiled: "Hey, okay, I should be punished...but let me tell you what the punishment is..."

Chu Huotian stopped his movements and said with a smile: "Okay, let Ben Hou think about it, and let you accompany Ben Hou to listen to what the Cowherd and Weaver Girl said at night. You must tell Ben Hou in detail what you hear. If you can't say it, you don't accept the punishment, and you have to pay more punishment."

Ouyang Ruo's face immediately crumbled when he heard the words, where is there any whisper of love?In the end it wasn't a mess.Just as he was thinking about it, he suddenly saw Chu Huotian under the moon with a pale face, and he couldn't help but suddenly said: "Master Hou is playing with his concubine."

Chu Huotian laughed out loud, clear and mellow.The two were chatting and laughing when suddenly Li Jingcai came forward wiping his sweat.

(End of this chapter)