Chaos in the Chu Palace

Chapter 38
Chu Huotian was busy with official duties, and he only went back and forth to the other courtyard three times in August, and he came and went in a hurry every time.The other courtyard is some distance away from the capital city, and there is a small mountain pass on the road.That evening, Ouyang Ruo was having dinner, watching the sky getting dark, and was about to ask Wan Hui to pick up the lamps, and then light up a few lanterns in the porch, when he saw a servant in the distance with a panicked look on his face. When he came, he knelt down and trembled as soon as he entered the door: "Madam Seven, it's not good, Master Hou was assassinated by an assassin on the way to the other courtyard, and I heard that he was injured."

Ouyang Ruo's mind went blank, he swayed a few times, quickly supported the table beside him, collected himself, stared at the person coming and said sharply: "Don't talk nonsense, tell me what's going on?"

Seeing her stern voice, the servant was startled, and was trembling to ask for something, when suddenly someone outside the yard shouted: "It's not good, Mrs. Lin has passed out!"

Ouyang Ruo thumped in his heart, but found that after walking a few steps, his legs were involuntarily weak.Wan Hui quickly asked, "Ma'am, what's the matter?"

"It's okay." Ouyang Ruo calmed down the panic in Ping's heart and said, "Let's go and see Mrs. Lin."

As she spoke, she helped Wan Hui's hand and looked at Mrs. Lin.Mrs. Lin was just frightened by the news, and would faint for a while, it's not a serious problem.Ouyang Ruo heaved a long sigh of relief, and said a few words of comfort to Mrs. Lin, and Wan Hui helped her out of the house after speaking.When he arrived at the gate of the courtyard, he called the servant who sent the message over, and asked again carefully. He only knew that Chu Huotian was ambushed by the side of the mountain road in the col, and was stabbed in the arm. The injury was not very serious.Several teams of guards began to search in a radius of more than ten miles in batches, leaving a team of elite guards around the other courtyard, and the rest of the staff searched nearby.The battle is quite big, and there is a great sense of not giving up until you find someone.

Only then did Ouyang Ruo feel relieved, and sent someone to the Hou Mansion overnight to inquire about the situation.In the other courtyard here, she arranged for servants to watch over Mrs. Lin at night, and they took care of everything clearly. The old nuns were convinced and nodded secretly.By the time everything was done, it was already late at night.

On the second day, Lin's spirit also recovered, and Ouyang Ruo saw a slight smile on her face again, and felt a lot of relief in her heart.Dexuan from the Hou's Mansion came over, explained the ins and outs of the matter to Ouyang Ruo and Lin Shi in detail, and then greeted Lin Shi.Lin has always been used to being suppressed in the Hou's mansion, but now in this other courtyard, she has the highest status and is pregnant, so this time she truly passed the addiction of the mistress, and took it out of joy. A letter of silver rewarded Dexuan.Dexuan couldn't refuse, so he had to accept it.

Ouyang Ruo winked at Dexuan before calling him back.

Lin was very happy, pulled Ouyang Ruo and said: "God bless, Lord Hou is indeed protected by gods."

Her slightly rouged face was glowing coral red, and she looked charming.Ouyang Ruo stroked her hand comfortingly, and said with a smile: "Let me just say, Lord Hou is an auspicious man with his own heavenly appearance. Sister Lin, don't worry too much. The most important thing is to raise the baby well."

Lin shyly blushed, and said in a low voice: "I don't know why, but I don't feel afraid of anything when I see Sister Ouyang. If Sister Ouyang can wait with me for the birth of the child, I will be really happy."

She raised her head, looking at Ouyang Ruo sincerely and expectantly with thin eyes, except for complete trust, she really couldn't find a trace of impurity against her will.Ouyang Ruo sighed softly, and only held her hand tightly.Lin's deer-like eyes always made her feel sorry for her from the bottom of her heart.Can she stay in this other courtyard for a lifetime?And how long can she stay by her side?If a woman always wants to rely on others, she will always be disappointed and taught a lesson in the end.But these cruel words were all melted into her sigh without any trace.

Ouyang Ruo went out of the outer hall and helped Wanhui walk to the garden of the other courtyard. Dexuan was waiting behind the rockery, and only bowed and greeted her in a low voice when she saw her coming.Ouyang Ruo nodded, gave him a little help, looked at his face carefully and said, "You have worked hard too, how is the situation in the Hou Mansion?"

Dexuan said: "Mrs., it's okay. It's just that there was a bit of chaos when Lord Hou was assassinated that day. Now the capital is under martial law everywhere, and the rebels are hunting for rebels. It is said that Lord Hou is seriously injured, so... according to slaves, This time Lord Hou is making use of the problem..."

He stopped, Ouyang Ruo nodded, with a cold expression on his face: "Now that the situation in Beijing is tense, Hou Ye's move is also a workaround. Those people come out of the dark one by one. Deal with them one by one."

She said softly again: "I'm not worried about Master Hou's office. By the way, how did you check the things I asked you to check last time?"

Embarrassment flashed across De Xuanjun's face, and he slowly shook his head. Ouyang Ruo's face remained unchanged, and he nodded, with an inexplicable hatred flashing in his eyes, which disappeared in a flash.

Dexuan said in shame: "Madam, please forgive me, and this servant will investigate further."

Ouyang Ruo looked at him and sighed: "There is no rush for this matter. I have a hunch that they won't last long. Their goal is Master Hou... But this time, the situation is really about to change."

But in the bustling Chujing, which is tens of miles away, there is a turmoil secretly.Because Chu Dinghou was assassinated by the rebels in the suburbs of Beijing, the Emperor Chu was furious, and all the officials were stunned. Jingzhaoyi Wang Fu had never been under such pressure as at this moment. Every minister seemed to be watching him.However, those rebels who assassinated the assassin disappeared without a trace. Day by day, his official robe became crumpled because he hadn't taken it off for a few days. But always in exchange for a sentence: Master Hou is seriously ill and sees no guests.

On the tenth day, his hair and beard were gray, his eyes were dull, and he was more than ten years old.In the early morning of No. 11, an imperial decree dismissed him from his position and replaced him with his colleague Zhang Qiu who had been suppressed by him for many years.Zhang Qiu's people are usually very taciturn, but they are meticulous in their work. Given his personality, he would never be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Wang Fu. The husband is distantly related.The powerful relationship in the middle has to make people speculate.

Seeing his seriousness, Wang Fu usually murmurs in his heart that he has no resemblance to Guozhang Yidang and the like, and often wonders that this gossip must be the words of those clean party members to slander him.But today's sudden change, but he was replaced, Wang Fu only wished to slap himself a few times, and sighed that people should not be underestimated, and the sea cannot be measured.

Chu Jingzhaoyi's dismissal is just the beginning.Then the generals above the middle level of the Gyeonggi Guard Army also began to be dismissed in large numbers. One after another, the imperial edicts came down with harsh words, and no one dared to question Longyan's anger.It's just that the people who replaced them more or less seemed to have an inexplicable relationship with the queen, the father-in-law and the party.People with a keen sense of smell in Chujing have already begun to identify the source of the wind direction, and many rumors have gradually spread in the streets and alleys.

However, the gate of Chuhou Mansion was still tightly closed, and the front door was deserted, and the owner inside seemed really determined not to leave the door behind closed doors.

"Master Hou, now Beijing and China are undergoing a big change of blood. We expected it right. All the people who can be changed have been replaced by the crony of the queen and the king. What should we do next?" Zhao Qingling smiled slightly and shook the paper fan in his hand. , with a smile on his handsome and incomparable face like a brook shining on the water, but the brilliance of his body is not to be underestimated.

Chu Huotian's arms were still wrapped with bandages. He was wearing a dark green gown with dark patterns and tufted flowers, which made his face even more charming. He narrowed his eagle eyes slightly, and tapped on the desk with his slender fingers.But they were thinking about the changes in the past few days in their minds. They didn't expect them to be so impatient. From this point of view, their eyes and ears were already covered by the emperor. Maybe the emperor has been pinched by them now, and then they will How to do it... Judging from the actions they have made in the past few days, it is estimated that they have already lost their patience.

Everything is about to speed up.

"Is the person from over there here?" Chu Huotian asked lightly, he couldn't help stroking his injured arm, the knife that day was deep enough to see the bone, but fortunately, he reacted very quickly and escaped the danger of breaking his arm.

Zhao Qingling nodded: "We're almost in Chujing..." After a pause, he lowered his voice and said, "They pretended to be traders, and they're already in the outskirts of Beijing, and they'll be able to enter the city soon."

Chu Huotian nodded, as if thinking of something: "Tell them not to go to the city. Now the city is complicated. Benhou...go out to meet them in person. The location...is in Yiyun Bieyuan." After he finished speaking, he didn't feel that No, turned around, and suddenly saw Zhao Qingling staring at him with a half smile and half a smile.

Chu Huotian was wondering what was wrong with him, suddenly Zhao Qingling responded slowly: "Oh, I understand" and then muttered in a very low voice: "Yiyun Bieyuan is really a good place..."

Although his voice was low, it was clear to Chu Huotian's ears. Hearing the words, his cold and handsome face showed a bit of embarrassment, and he coughed lightly: "This Marquis is just for convenience, isn't it..."

"It's not because I miss the two wives at home, especially that... alas... Actually, my subordinates understand that Lord Hou doesn't need to explain." Zhao Qingling accepted Chu Huotian's words with a low smile, then left the study room, and bowed: "The subordinate has resigned, and the subordinate still needs to arrange for their meeting."

When he left the study, he only lowered his head and smiled secretly. Dexuan came over and saluted him. Seeing his expression puzzled, he asked, "Is there anything interesting, sir? Why are you smiling so heartily..."

Zhao Qingling smiled while walking, glanced at him and suddenly said: "Have you met your master? How is it? Are you still in good health?"

Hearing this, Dexuan stretched his brows and eyes, and said with a smile: "Okay, it's pretty good, my servant sees that Madam's complexion is much better than before."

Zhao Qingling laughed after hearing this: "Yiyun Bieyuan is really a good place, haha!"

A few days later, in the middle of the night, Chu Huotian and his party quietly went to the other courtyard.Ouyang Ruo and Lin Shi waited by the door, each of them wore a black servant-colored ordinary robe, but with sword-like eyebrows and star-eyed eyes, and a noble appearance, it was Chu Huotian.He walked very fast, and within a few steps he arrived at the gate of the other courtyard. The dim light in the corridor illuminated his face, his expression was still undiminished, and his aura of dignity was awe-inspiring.

Ouyang Ruo looked a little dazed, and was about to go up, when Lin gave a soft cry, went forward, and shook Chu Huotian's hand.Chu Huotian unnaturally broke away from Lin's hand, and said in a low voice: "There are guests."

Lin's face blushed, but her hand was still holding the hem of Chu Huotian's clothes.

Ouyang Ruo stepped forward, glanced at Lin's hand, and said with a blessing: "Hou Ye Wanan, I have met Hou Ye in person."

Chu Huotian took a deep look at her, nodded and said: "There are a few guests behind, you and Ben Hou meet together, Zhiqiu go in first. It's windy here, don't stand too long."

Although Lin was unwilling, she still nodded and retreated.Seeing her leaving, Chu Huotian went over and took her hand and stood silently.Ouyang Ruo's heart couldn't help beating, his hand was strong and warm, holding her hand quietly and firmly.Ouyang Ruo took a peek, only seeing the cold and charming lines on his resolute side.

"Is Hou Ye alright?" Ouyang Ruo broke the silence. "How do you ride a horse? I'm not afraid that the wound will not be healed." Her tone was slightly angry, and Chu Huotian felt very comfortable as the cool summer wind blowing through her heart.

"It's okay, take a carriage in the city, and change horses when you leave the city, so it's faster..." He turned his head and smiled at her.The smile was light, but Ouyang Ruo's complexion was slightly red.

The two were talking, and another group of people came from a distance.The group of traders was dressed up in black night and could not see their faces, but their facial features were profound, and they did not look like Chu people.Ouyang Ruo was puzzled, but seeing that they only saluted Chu Huotian silently, he knew that the origin of these people might not be simple when meeting guests in the middle of the night.

After all those mysterious guests settled into the guest room, Chu Huotian followed them to the west courtyard while exchanging greetings.Only then did Ouyang Ruo heave a sigh of relief, and returned to the room. After a while, a maid hurried in and said that Master Hou had arrived.

Before Ouyang Ruo had time to leave the house, Chu Huotian arrived at the door.Seeing that she hasn't changed her clothes, she said with a smile, "I'm too busy tonight." As he spoke, he strode into the room, took off his outer clothes, and was about to sit down.

Ouyang Ruo hesitated a little and said: "Master Hou has worked hard too. Aren't Master Hou going to accompany Sister Lin tonight? She is still pregnant, so Master Hou should also accompany her."

Chu Huotian was stunned for a moment, his handsome face was a little embarrassed and slightly annoyed, he only gave a grace, and said: "I haven't stood still yet, so you want to push me out of the room?"

Ouyang Ruo was embarrassed when he heard this, what happened today?It was a mess! ?Chu Huotian saw that she still stood still and did not come over, her pretty face was turning red and white, thinking she was jealous, and felt a little annoyed.Pick up the clothes you just took off and put them on again.He said coldly and bluntly: "Okay, I'm going to go, so you can rest." Saying that, he left with his hands, just as quickly as when he came.

Wan Hui was holding the supper that she had cooked herself, but she saw Chu Huotian's face was unkind, and another gust of wind left, she was very surprised, and hurried into the room to ask Ouyang Ruo: "Ma'am? What's the matter? Master Hou is angry?"

Ouyang Ruo lowered his head, sat back on the chair dejectedly, covered his face and said sullenly: "I drove him away, I asked him to accompany Mrs. Lin."

When Wan Hui heard this, he said, "My ancestor, madam, why don't you keep Master Hou? This time it's a disaster. Master Hou came here excitedly, what a disappointment. Oh my God."

Wan Hui sighed on the side, Ouyang Ruo was only in a trance, and then slowly said for a long time: "Didn't Auntie see it? Mrs. Lin's look when she saw Lord Hou was like seeing the most precious treasure in the world. In the past, she could not She acted rashly and was always cautious, but now that I'm here, I realize that her heart for Master Hou is unmatched by me."

Wan Hui listened for a long time before saying: "But Madam's heart for Master Hou is also true. If it has been so long since the past, Master Hou has been very good to Madam, and I can't fault him at all. Could it be Madam? Are you brooding?"

Ouyang Ruo's face turned red and turned blue and white, she shook her head and said, "I don't blame him for a long time. But when I saw Mrs. Lin's appearance, I felt empty in my heart..."

She understands how kind he is to her, but is she really sincere towards him with all her usual meekness and humility?Or are you just pretending to be a snake?She really doesn't know, doesn't understand...

Seeing her confused expression, Wan Hui sighed inwardly, and quietly backed away.

On the second day, Ouyang Ruo tidied up and went to the west wing to have a look.Everything was fine, she entered the inner hall, but saw Mrs. Lin eating breakfast alone.Ouyang Ruo was slightly surprised and asked, "Didn't Master Hou come over last night?"

Seeing her coming, Mrs. Lin got up with a smile and said, "Come here, sit down and then leave. Master Hou asked me how I am. I thought Master Hou went to my sister's place when he left."

Ouyang Ruo's heart suddenly relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face, and he said: "No, Master Hou also took a look at my concubine and left. I think Master Hou is very busy, so I don't dare to disturb it lightly."

Mrs. Lin nodded, and suddenly asked: "The days go by so fast, and the [-]th day of August is coming soon, I wonder if we should go back to the mansion." She frowned slightly as she spoke, as if a little unhappy .

When Ouyang Ruo heard the words and thought about it carefully, it was really coming soon, only a few days away.The days go by so fast.When did she just come all the way with Chu Huotian, and now it's almost the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival reunion.

The city is broken, the country is destroyed, the palace is ruined... She hasn't tasted the pain of the country's subjugation, so long has passed.It seemed like a lifetime ago, but it turned out to be like this.

She was in a daze, but Mrs. Lin was chattering aside: "I just came to this other courtyard and I will go back soon, alas... At that time, my sister will tell Lord Hou that I should come back after the fifteenth. I don’t know what the concubine and the wives in the mansion think about moving away. Ah, sister Ouyang... are you listening to me?"

After talking for a long time, she suddenly realized that Ouyang Ruo was distracted and pulled her sleeve. Ouyang Ruo recovered and smiled apologetically at her.Seeing her like this, Mrs. Lin asked worriedly: "Isn't my sister homesick? Is there anyone else in the family?"

Ouyang Ruo bowed his head and said: "There are no people, both parents have passed away, and the relatives in the clan have not had much contact with each other, so I am alone."

Lin's eyes turned red when she heard the words: "I'm sorry, I'm all to blame. What are you doing to bring up this Mid-Autumn Festival? It made my sister sad..." She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly smiled and said: "It's nothing, just remembering the Mid-Autumn Festival customs in Huadi, sister Lin is going to make me cry, isn't she?"

Lin quickly wiped away her tears and said: "I won't talk about it, but this time when I go back, my sister has to come back here if she wants to tell Master Hou."

Ouyang Ruo met her expectant eyes and nodded.After returning to her yard, she went back to her room and lay down on the imperial concubine bed alone.

Seeing that she was in a daze, Wan Hui hurriedly took a bowl of almond milk and asked, "What's the matter, madam?"

Ouyang Ruo turned her head, glanced at Wan Hui and said slowly, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon."

Wan Hui was stunned for a while before realizing it. After standing for a while, she put down the bowl and slowly sat on the low stool beside her.Ouyang Ruo glanced at her, and asked softly, "Who else is there in the family?"

Wan Hui shook her head: "No, it's just a nephew who doesn't know where he went." She paused and said, "My servant is counting the days and thinking about what to do today. , What should I do tomorrow, but I just forgot that there is such a day of family reunion. It really should be fought."

Ouyang Ruo just felt sore in her heart, and she didn't want to speak after being silent for a long time.

Seeing that her expression was cold and unspeakable, Wan Hui said: "Madam, I know that slaves know that when we arrive in Chujing, those of us who have lost our family and country are always thinking about it every day, for fear that we will make a mistake. One step, but madam has passed through the wind and rain all the way, so I can't stop at this time, and I can't retreat anymore, I can't be timid first."

After hearing this, Ouyang Ruo nodded and said, "Auntie is right. It's just that Auntie is also exhausted, and I don't know what to say."

Wan Hui smiled bitterly and said, "What are you talking about at this time, madam? The lives of slaves belong to madam. Anyway, madam is good, slave is good, madam is not good, slave will not leave madam. Don't say these things again."

Ouyang Ruo looked at her for a while, then turned her head, wiped her eyes and said in a low voice, "I'm really embarrassing my aunt."

Wan Hui let out a long sigh, blessed her silently, and then went out.

Ouyang Ruo only took a handkerchief to half cover his face, and closed his eyes to rest.After a long time, just as she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly heard noises from people around her. She thought it was Wan Hui who had left and returned, and lazily said: "Auntie, I want to drink water."

The next moment, a cup of tea was put in her hands, Ouyang Ruo took it with half-closed eyes, took a sip, raised her head, but was taken aback, and said in a broken voice, "Master Hou, why are you here?"

(End of this chapter)