A Collection of Old Sayings by Fourth Sister You

Chapter 139 Lin Yuan (2)
At the age of 70, he is as old as a rotten tree stump, and the national teacher is more than 100 years old, isn't he an old monster?
Lian Deng was taken aback, and subconsciously touched the scimitar on his waist before remembering to put it on the steps in front of the house.He didn't make any further moves, but just looked at her quietly, because he was a little far away and couldn't tell her expression clearly, so he shouldn't be so angry when someone peeked at her twice!

Lian Deng touched the back of his neck and jumped off the rammed earth base.It seemed that something should be said to explain, she thought about it, and finally said: "You play the flute really well."

He didn't speak, the bamboo under his feet was heavy, creating a smooth arc.He still stands there, condescending, with white clothes following the wind.

Lian Deng felt very boring, no matter how good-looking he is, he has no interest in admiring it now.Like Wang Apu, she walked back with her hands behind her back, pretending to be calm.Instinctively, his gaze should follow her, but she had thorns on her back and dared not turn her head.It was strange that she was usually bold, but this time she actually felt scared.That person was so powerful, he let her run away without saying a word.

Going back to Linlang Realm and thinking back on what happened just now, it was like a dream.Fortunately, she has always been dull, except for reminding herself to bear in mind Lu Qing's words, there is no shadow left in her heart.

It was already dark, and when it was time for dinner, a man in red clothes and white trousers brought her a food box, opened the lid, arranged the bowls and chopsticks in the same way, bowed his waist and said, "Please eat, my lady."

She thanked her and asked about the situation in Amber Wharf. The nephew said, "The supply there is the same as that in Linlang Realm, so don't worry, lady." While saying that, she beckoned to the people behind to present a red lacquered tray with a set of clothes neatly folded inside.Lifting it up for her to see, it was a short jacket with golden branches and green leaves, and a long white pear-blossom skirt.

"Changshi is afraid that my wife will not have clothes from the Central Plains to replace. This is the outfit of a maiden in the shrine. Please take it for now." The lady smiled and bowed, "My lady has a meal and goes to bed early. It will snow heavily at night, so I will send you the younger ones later." Two charcoal basins. Tomorrow is the Xiayuan Festival, and there is a ceremony to pray for blessings in the shrine, and the movement is a little loud. The lady just rests and doesn't need to ask."

Lian Deng nodded and said yes, thinking of the flute player, he tentatively asked: "The national teacher is in retreat, who will preside over the ritual?"

The nephew said: "Xiayuan is a Taoist festival. It's just to pray for blessings. It's not too grand. It's presided over by Lingtai Lang."

She bit her lip and thought for a while, "How many high-ranking apprentices does the Imperial Teacher have? Is there anyone in white who can play the flute?"

Nizi looked blank, "There are many masters and apprentices in the country, but there are no disciples who are really accepted as disciples. Did the little lady meet someone? If I want to find him, I will report to Changshi and ask him to find out for my lady."

Lian Deng shook his head, "Ask casually, there is no need to report back to the long history."

The nephew agreed, bowed and saluted, and exited Linlang Realm.

Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan were not around, she was a bit lonely by herself, she went to wash up after hastily eating, tidied up and lay down.

The terrain of Shenheyuan is high, and the wind is stronger than other places, whistling and scraping against the doors and windows, the peach blossom paper fluttered, if not for its good toughness, it might have been blown to pieces long ago.She pulled up the quilt to wrap herself tightly, but as soon as she closed her eyes, she saw the piper.She doesn't have a very precise memory of other people's looks, but she only knows that he is very good-looking. If the little man who turns around is like pearls and jade, then the flute player is like clouds and catkins.It's amazing how he stands on the top of the bamboo branch, what a skill it must be to stand there!Lian Deng felt that it was not a problem for him to come and go, but he couldn't do it like him.Everything in the Supreme Shrine is very mysterious, and if it appears in the middle of the night, maybe that person is an earth immortal.

She thought wildly for a while, fell asleep in a daze, and returned to the deep courtyard in her dream.The weather was fine, and she stood on the steps in the yard, watching two butterflies coming from the other side of the high wall, flying over the shade of the flowers, and flying to the bottom of the grape trellis.She chased after it, and the butterfly flew up along the shelf, so high that she couldn't reach it even on tiptoe.Then there was the sound of footsteps, and a few servants in costumes carried bamboo baskets into the yard to pick grapes. The ripe grapes could not withstand the shock, and when they left the vine, they vibrated slightly, and the fruit fell off. Gululu rolled to her feet.Those maidservants looked at it and didn't care. She bent down to pick it up, held it in her palm and blew it, and found that the grape was astonishingly big, the size of an egg.

The maidservants left with the full bamboo baskets, and she looked around with the grapes in her hands. On the water tank next to the steps was a half piece of moso bamboo to collect rainwater, and a terminal made of a bamboo tube was floating on the edge of the tank.She ran over, bent down to scoop water, and saw herself in the reflection wearing a double-ringed bun, still in her teens.She was puzzled, not knowing why she suddenly became smaller.Looking closely at his face, the tip of his nose was almost touching the surface of the water.

I vaguely remember that when I was a child, I was very fat. As long as I stretch out my hand, there will be a row of dimples on the back of the hand.Her face was lumpy until she was 13 years old, her eyes and nose were rubbed together, and she looked pitiful.Looking at it now, it can be regarded as pretty.

She dipped some water, wiped it on her eyebrows, waited for the water lines to subside, and took a picture again. Somehow, the reflected facial features turned into the piper, who fixed his eyes and looked at her expressionlessly.

Startled, she broke free from the dream.Looking around the house, everything is as usual, and my heart is slightly stable.It's just that she was very tired, so she raised her eyelids and closed them again.But in a trance, there is a person floating above, very close, almost face to face with her.His long hair hung down, pouring down from his cheeks, brushing against her ears.The touch was so real that she was terrified, but her hands and feet seemed to be bound and she couldn't move.In the confusion, he dared to look up, and it was the same person, this time without the cover of the fife, he could clearly see his appearance.He was a little pale, but his eyes were deep, cold and hard. He looked straight at her and could see into people's hearts.

"You don't understand the principle of doing as the Romans do." There was no emotion in his voice, but every word was tempered.

Lian Deng didn't respond, but clenched his fists and was ready to go.Because he was too close, he could smell the quiet smell of book paper on his body.She has a strong defensive mentality. Unfamiliar people break through the distance and make her uneasy.The surroundings are confused and confused, but the lampstand on the table illuminates the eyes very clearly.His face was only an inch away from her, and he didn't know if he was a human or a ghost, and the breath he exhaled was cold.Lian Deng was terrified in his heart, but the moment he spoke, his limbs loosened in vain, and he could move around.She secretly exerted a lot of strength and swung a punch at him. She couldn't kill him, but definitely knocked his face.

Unexpectedly, the punch was in vain, and his image suddenly shattered into powder, permeating the air.The fist vaguely swept something, popped it out, and hit the charcoal basin with a crisp ding.

She woke up with a sudden jolt, only to realize that she had jumped from one dream to another.My mind was messed up and I couldn't tell the truth from the fake. I sat up and stroked my forehead. The jacket on my back was soaked with sweat, and I was a little cold.

The coal nuclei in the bronze charcoal basin nestled in the ash, emitting a faint light.She took a rough breath, turned on the charcoal fire on the bed, squatted there and hugged her knees, feeling her chest tightening, and it took a long time to relax.

It's really strange, she seldom dreamed in the past, from Dunhuang to Chang'an, she would cheat, kidnap, kill and steal goods halfway, she never felt guilty.When I came here, I just peeked at others playing the flute, and then I was stunned when I came back. It really doesn't make sense.

She stretched out her hands to warm the fire, her eyes wandered and landed in front of the magnolia parrot screen.On the blue brick lies a carved walnut, with a button on the top and a dragon's whiskers on the bottom, making it look like a pendant.Probably often played with it, the surface was covered with pulp like jade, with an oily luster.She moved over, looked at it quietly for a long time, then picked it up and held it in the palm of her hand.

The night was safe and sound, and I slept soundly until dawn.The next day, just like what the nephew said, the mullion door was opened, and the outside was already covered with ice and snow.

There was a sharp and joyful roar from the entrance, Zhuanzhuan and Tanu ran over from the wooden bridge, and two green figures appeared in the white snow, jumping in front of her one by one.

"Look at the lotus lamp, it's snowing!" Zhuan Zhuan was so happy that his face was flushed from the cold, he bent down and picked up a handful of snow, kneaded it into a ball, and threw it at the deer not far away.Turning around and shaking Xue Mozi at the corner of her skirt, she raised her face and said with a smile, "The hall in front is very lively. I heard that there are rituals for Xiayuan, let's go and have a look!"

Lian Deng shook her head, "I originally wanted to leave today, but the national teacher is in retreat, don't tell me and don't be afraid of breaking the etiquette, so I plan to stay for two more days." She said and looked out, Linlang Realm was still yesterday Linlangjie, it's just that it looks different during the day and at night.It is dark and gloomy at night, and it is bright and magnificent during the day when it is covered with silver.She thought of the nine-storied pagoda, looking to the southeast, the tower was built so high that it looked misty through the fine snow.She narrowed her eyes and murmured, "This place is weird, it's better to leave earlier."

Tan Nubi turned vigilant, and she automatically connected as soon as she spoke, and asked in a low voice: "But what did you find?"

Lian Deng turned back into the room and put the walnut pendant on the low table.Zhuan Zhuan and Tan Nu looked at each other, not knowing why.

Lian Deng said: "I was lured out by a deer last night. I heard a flute sound, and I wanted to find out. Just in front of the nine-storied pagoda, I saw a man in white who was playing music against the wind. The man moved very quickly. It's also very mysterious, I was accidentally discovered by him, and he actually stood on the top of the bamboo branch and stared at me. I didn't want to cause trouble, but when I returned to Linlang Realm, he came chasing after me in my dream..."

"Chasing into a dream?" Zhuanzhuan laughed when he heard that, "Tell us first, what does that person look like, have you seen clearly? Is he young? Is he good-looking?"

Lian Deng was stopped by her question, recalled it for a while, and said hesitantly: "About 20 years old, very good-looking."

Zhuan Zhuan smiled even brighter, "That's right, I saw Xiao Langjun at that time, and dreamed of him every night for half a month. It wasn't him chasing after you in your dreams, it was you who kept remembering him. It's nothing , don’t be afraid, when a girl grows up, there will always be a time when the love affair begins.”

Lian Deng thought that she would have some unique insights, so she made a big circle and returned to the relationship between children and children.She pushed the pendant forward helplessly, "It's not what you think. I thought I was dreaming. In the dream, I punched him and missed him, but knocked this one down."

Zhuan Zhuan and Tan Nu both changed their expressions, "You mean that he really came after you, but you were half asleep and half awake? Or did he cast some illusion to make you think you were dreaming?"

Turning around to look at the pendant, his eyes were frightened, "Maybe it's some kind of mountain spirit and wild monster. Shenhe was originally a blessed land. The ground is the Supreme Shrine, and the ground is full of monsters. And the nine-storied pagoda, maybe It's used by the national teacher to suppress demons..." The more he talked, the more excited he became, pointing his thin fingers at the pendant in front of him, "Could it be a walnut spirit? You beat him out of his original shape?"

Lian Deng and Tan Nu expressed their admiration for her imagination. A Qiuci person is full of ghosts and is more enthusiastic about Wu Nuo than the Central Plains people.

Tan Nu said: "Where are there so many monsters! This is the Supreme Shrine. Do you think it is a deserted temple in the mountains, and monsters dare to come to make trouble? Don't scare yourself, maybe they are people in the shrine. Fifty, the national teacher will always have a few powerful guardians. You have never seen it, but all big people are like this. For example, King Ding, four personal entourages are always around. They are the most powerful among the entourages. Soldier, we little pawns have to be ordered by them. If you can be the protector of the national teacher, what is the difficulty of floating on the top of the bamboo branch? As for why he came after him, it must be because he is dissatisfied with being peeped by you and wants to teach you a lesson .”

Lian Deng was stunned when he heard it, thought about it, nodded and said: "It's my fault, I was too curious. Because the song seemed familiar, I thought it reminded me of the past, so I wanted to go over and ask the source. But later His reaction was so weird, I didn't do anything, it was worth his fuss?"

Tan Nu glanced around, smiled and teased: "Maybe someone has taken a fancy to you. If so, I will have to go back to Dunhuang alone in three years. Don't worry, I will explain it to Wang Abo."

Lian Deng still looks dull, the other girls are 16 years old, Huai Chun's age, she can't even blush.Wang Apu taught her martial arts to protect herself, and taught her the principles of dealing with people, but he couldn't help her with emotional matters.She is just like her name, she is open on her own, illuminating herself alone.

Zhuanzhuan's fear of ghosts faded away, and she focused on a certain sentence of hers, "You said he is very good-looking, how do you think about it? Is he more beautiful than my little man?"

Lian Deng thought about it carefully and said: "I haven't met your young gentleman, but if you compare him with General Yun Hui from yesterday, I'm afraid that even the three Xiao dynasties are inferior to him."

Turned around and said, "That looks so good, it's a pity I didn't meet him, otherwise I would really meet him for a while." Fu Xing happily tugged on the sleeve of the lotus lantern and said, "What a good start, don't fight. We don’t know each other. As long as we are in the shrine, there will always be a time to meet again. From today on, dress yourself well, maybe you will meet a good marriage before revenge.”

They have long been used to the flamboyant talk, and they don't take her seriously.Lian Deng said to Tan Nu: "Wait another three days, we will leave Shenheyuan after seeing the national teacher, enter Chang'an to find a place to settle down, and act according to the plan we agreed on the road. Although Beili is Goulan, there are many people coming and going. There are too many. Zhuanzhuan used to perform there, and it is better to bring us in than to stay here."

Zhuanzhuan doesn't know how to punch or kick, but he behaves quite chivalrously, and he slapped his chest boldly, "Put it on me, Dali can't help officials prostitutes, don't look at those lords and gentlemen in official robes. Bi Lu. After a few cups of dragon paste wine, I was so crazy that I couldn’t even recognize him. It’s easy to say something.” After speaking, he looked at them up and down, “But Beili is not a clean place. After entering, it is inevitable that I will feel wronged. You kill people on the spur of the moment, you have to learn how to deal with them. I am afraid that you are too hostile, and you will eventually ask me, a beautiful beauty from the Western Regions, to step in. I also know a few champions in Zhangtai, and I ask them to inquire about it, and it is easier to talk during the banquet."

Tan Nu hesitated, "The more people who know about it, the more dangerous it is. Those brothel girls may not be reliable."

Zhuan Zhuan said: "Don't worry, I will only entrust you if you have a deep friendship. Of course, if you have money, that would be even better."

Lian Deng thinks it is feasible, "If I get involved in it, I may not be able to confess us. But what if..."

Tan Nu said coldly: "If you can't control your mouth, you have to send her to see the King of Hades."

Turning around and waving his hands, "Don't be tempted to kill people. Sometimes favors can be relied upon. But after leaving here, it's not easy to come back. Taishang Shrine is a good place to live your life. Take a look at the beautiful scenery , if you stay for two more days, you can live for another ten years, so I'm really reluctant to leave."

The place is a good place, but they don't belong here.Lian Deng still has unfulfilled wishes, and when they start to act, it will inevitably cause waves in the court.The national teacher is the national teacher of Dali, he is obliged to maintain the situation of the country and the people, how can he allow the perpetrators to be in his dojo?Lian Deng always feels that it is not difficult to deal with a few courtiers, but to be an enemy of the national teacher is definitely to seek death.Others are in the shrine, but they can see the opportunity, so he must know the purpose of her trip.He can turn a blind eye to eradicate the traitor, but kill the emperor?
She walked over to open the mullioned window, and the snowflakes were flying outside, and the circle of running water surrounding the Linlang Realm had never frozen.A few leaves of flower trees fell into the water, and the fallen leaves rushed past her eyes with the flowing water.

The sound of cymbals in the front hall drifted over with the wind, she listened attentively, and heard Lang Lang's blessing speech, repeating something carefully.After a short pause, a woman ran quickly from the wooden bridge, saw her standing in front of the window, made a salute with crossed hands, and went to the corridor to tell the story: "Women have lost their homes. Make it up. Three ladies are invited to come along with the younger one, and you have to ask the ladies about some things."

Lian Deng's heart skipped a beat, Chang'an is really under strict control, and it's not like just entering the shrine.If the past is lost, it must be reissued, and the ins and outs of the reissue must be clarified.She doesn't care, people who are already dead in name can still prevaricate, what about Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan?If the documents are sent to the Duhufu for verification, then things will be difficult.

She collected herself and asked, "Is Lu Changshi here?"

Nizi said: "It was the young man sent by Changshi to invite the lady."

With Lu Qing around, the people in Shangshu Province will take care of him to some extent.The three of them adjusted their clothes and went out with the nephew, along the winding corridor to a house.The Taishang Shrine was built according to the specifications of a palace, so the main hall is extraordinarily spacious.Lian Deng looked up and saw two officials in round-necked gowns and headdresses with their feet stretched out, sitting facing east.Glancing to the right again, he found that General Yun Hui was also there.I hated him for his intransigence in my heart, and when I dismissed the Shang Shusheng, I insisted on looking for an opportunity to give him some flair!

She settled down and lifted her skirt up the steps.A man walked slowly over from the palace door, wearing a loose gown, standing with his back to the door, his figure looked familiar.She slackened her steps slightly, and recalled with raised brows, she couldn't remember where she had seen it for a while.Everyone in the hall heard the sound of footsteps and turned their eyes to look out. The man also turned around, because he stood tall and looked very tall.Unlike Wang Apu's slovenly appearance, every part of him is meticulously crafted and thought-provoking.It's just that the face is not familiar, and the moment of hesitation before was an illusion.

She didn't pause anymore, stepped into the hall quickly, and bowed to Xiao Chaodu and the two court officials.

Lu Qing clapped his hands and said: "General Xiao doesn't need to be introduced, the ladies all know each other. These two were brought by General Xiao, and they were Shangshu Sheng Zuocheng and Yuanwailang who had made up for the ladies. If you want to ask your lady something, you don't need to be alarmed. .The national teacher has not yet left the customs, but there is a spring official, so everything should be told according to the facts."

Lian Deng looked back, and it turned out that the person standing on the door was Chunguan Sitianjian.She heard from Tan Nu on the way that although Si Tianjian is only a branch of the Taishi Bureau, but in the Taishang Shrine, it is the direct line of Zhenggen Zhengzhi.Under Si Tianjian, there is a Lingtai Lang with five sense organs in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Among them, the spring official is the head of the five. His official position is not high, but he is the right-hand man of the national teacher. Therefore, even the second and third ranks of the court have to sell him A little face.

She looked at him, saw his warm eyebrows and smiling extremely patiently, and felt that the title Chunguan was very suitable for him.Presumably Zhuan Zhuan also thought so, otherwise he wouldn't be pulling her sleeves, and his eyes would shine when looking at people.

She arched dully, Chunguan raised her hand slightly, leaned aside and sat down.

The two officials of Shangshu Province were responsible for their duties, and they asked very carefully, where they came from, how many passes they passed, where they were lost, and why they were lost.Lian Deng thought to himself, it is not acceptable to make random nonsense, because every confinement must be signed and archived, if you want to verify, send an officer to a few cities, and you can find out after asking.Therefore, the prefectures and counties of Guannei Road should not be considered, and they still have to make a fuss about Longyou Road.

"Walking to Jiuquan, I met a group of horse thieves robbing people on the road..." She turned around and pointed, "It was to rob her. We accidentally lost what we lost in order to save her from fighting horse thieves."

Zhuanzhuan nodded cooperatively, and said sadly: "Don't dare to hide the truth from my husband. Nunu is an orphan girl, and she lives with her uncle as a performer. Uncle treats slaves badly. It was already a very difficult life. They didn't expect to fall into the hands of horse thieves. They said they were going to sell the slaves into the Goulan. When they had nowhere to go, they happened to meet them and begged them to save the slaves out of the fire pit. The slaves were escaped from the dead, and there was nothing wrong with them. The husband wants to arrest, and the slaves will go with you, but these two benefactors , I would also like to ask you to show your kindness."

Zuo Cheng heard the words and pondered: "I lost it when I was in Jiuquan, which means that more than 3000 miles are all private ferry?" Seemingly turning the corner, he asked in surprise, "I haven't left the Hexi Corridor at that time, why didn't I make up for it?"

Tan Nu didn't know how to turn a corner, and said bluntly that he had no money, "It costs [-] yuan for each person to make up the deed, and [-] yuan for three people, and I can't afford it."

Officials in the capital only understand the frontiers on the memorials, and are not familiar with the specific operations of local documents.There is no extra fee for the replacement of the deed in Chang'an, but Damo has to charge it separately. If the truth is true, the local government and even the governor's mansion are guilty of serious crimes.

Zuo Cheng and Yuan Wai Lang exchanged glances, and couldn't make up their minds. At this moment, Chun Guan stood up, clasped his hands and said slowly: "Since this is the case, there are reasons for it. The so-called punishment is to prevent leakage of national taxes. , evading taxes, and abducting people. These three women are not traders, and they are not men, and the bearded women were not trafficked, so whether they have committed crimes or not does not seem to be that important." Turning to smile at Xiao Chao, "General What do you think? As for the cost of the replacement, there are frequent exchanges of merchants on the Silk Road, and the manpower of the government is huge, and some funds are collected according to local conditions...Of course, this is just my humble opinion. All these years have been peaceful and peaceful, don't cause trouble because of the visit of the distinguished guests from the shrine, and it will be a big deal to alarm the holy majesty and the national teacher at that time."

Of course, the two life officials knew the power of it, and quickly recorded it with the tip of their pens, saying: "I lost it when I traveled to Qinzhou, and I will go to Chang'an to make up for it ten days later. After questioning and sending someone to check the access control records, there is no doubt, and I will be allowed to reissue all the records. ..."

Lian Deng turned to look at Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan, all three breathed a sigh of relief.

This time, thanks to the official Chun, thanks to his good eloquence, Yiyi Xiao helped them out of the siege with righteousness.Otherwise, if you pursue Tan Nu's words and push them to others, then it will be difficult to move forward.

The lotus lamp is not very familiar with human relationships and sophistication, and gratitude is nothing more than an attention.But I don't know if he understood, but he turned around Shi Shiran with a disapproving expression.

The passage was handed over to them, and it was affixed with the red seal of the monk Shutai of the Dali Dynasty, which is very important to weigh.Chunguan greeted Zuo Cheng with a smile, and after finishing his official business, he had to talk about "Singing Nights in the Snow Alley".But Tan Nu stared at Xiao Chaodu, with one corner of his mouth hanging, he said: "The general is so troublesome, and he made a special trip for us. Today, I made up the procedure. I really want to thank the general."

Xiao Chaodu's face was indifferent, "Chang'an Imperial Guard is a matter of Beiya's duty, and it is only natural to make up for the loss of mistakes. I have a responsibility on my shoulders and dare not slack off."

Tan Nu didn't listen to his nonsense, he smiled, showing his sharp canine teeth, and said slyly: "I couldn't use my hands and feet in the city that day, and I have been regretting it all the time. I will find the general after two days and ask the general for advice."

Xiao Chao even glanced at her, the aggressive posture of this barbarian woman is simply fresh in my memory.He is a member of the royal family, and he has never encountered such a situation before. He was slapped by her, and now thinking about it, he still feels a dull pain.Then he nodded in a gamble and said yes, "If you want to find me, come to the camp of the Shendi Army and wait for you at any time."

When they talked, Lian Deng and Zhuan Zhuan stepped aside, and the two of them folded their arms to analyze their expressions.Zhuan Zhuan said: "Tan Nu's eyes are fixed, he is going to eat people."

Lian Deng smacked her lips, "What did you see again?"

This turn around did not publish fallacies, shrugged, noncommittal.

The visitors got up to say goodbye, Lu Qing sent them out of the shrine, only the three of them and Chunguan were left in the palace.Zhuan Zhuan is usually an enthusiastic but not very polite person, but this time she brought her politeness to the extreme, chasing after the spring official to thank her.He didn't take it to heart, and said in a gentle voice: "My duty is, my lady doesn't need to be too polite." He sat under the window and poured tea with his sleeves. If so, it sounds weird to me."

When he smiled, his brows and eyes were full of spring. The word "fengyun" is usually used on women, but looking at him, this kind of word came out of nowhere.If I changed around, I'm afraid I couldn't hold back and shook out all the old things. The lotus lamp is okay, and I have the same state of mind when dealing with beauty and ugliness. The wooden sign was handed over to me by Abu himself. This is absolutely true. As for the innocuous perfunctory, I thank the envoy for us to help us. We came to Chang'an and caused a lot of trouble for the shrine. I feel ashamed. Waiting for the country The master thanked him in person when he left the pass, so he said goodbye and went elsewhere." He paused and said hesitantly, "I just heard that the national teacher is old, and I'm afraid he won't want to see me. If it's inconvenient, can I leave a post?" Also ask the envoy for advice."

Chun Guan didn't answer immediately after hearing this, he turned his eyes to see the snow falling outside the window, stroked his fingertips lightly and said, "I'm not sure if the national teacher will see you, but it's a big taboo in the shrine to talk about old age." , it’s better to say less.”

Lian Deng immediately understood that generally telling the truth is not popular, so it is conceivable that the national teacher is probably already very old.

Regarding the situation of the national teacher, I heard some more about it later. What Lian Deng remembered most was a sentence from Chunguan, calling him "the spirit of the wild crane and the cloud style".In this way, the general outline of the national teacher is outlined. His beard and hair are all white, but he looks like a fairy.Perhaps with a wave of his sleeves, there will be earth-shattering magical skills.

Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan are keen to find out those secrets, but Lian Deng is different from them, they have something on their minds, and they feel tormented if they stay in Shenheyuan for more than one day.These days, she tried her best to recall the past, but unfortunately everything before being dug out by Wang Apu is still vague.She is not a person with complicated thoughts, but the life experience she heard from them made her feel decadent.She set a goal, intending to achieve it desperately, and then return to Dunhuang to continue to live a peaceful life.

The snow outside had stopped, and the thick white covered the lush branches and leaves.Although the vegetation was not affected in any way, the temperature was very low.She had been in the house for a long time, and she was already impatient.He dug out the cloth bag in the baggage, carried it and went out.

There is running water in front of the house, and there are bluestones on the bank.She swept away the snow on the stones, poured out the willow-leaf-shaped iron pieces from the bag, soaked them in some water, and rubbed them in her hands to polish them one by one.She likes to listen to the sound of the iron piece. When she blows it hard, it will emit a long humming sound, just like the five strings played by Hu Nu.However, these iron pieces are not musical instruments. When thrown out, they form a sound net. Killing the enemy is secondary, and it is mainly used to distract the enemy.

It was very cold, and her fingers were stiff after all the grinding. She breathed hot air on her hands, turned around and saw the palace wall not far away.Linlang Realm is located in the northeast corner of the Shrine, and after a short walk to the top of the turret, you can see the whole of Chang'an.

She put the iron piece in her pocket and put it on her waist, and walked through the bamboo forest to the bottom of the palace wall. There were no stairs nearby.Looking up, the wall was built very high, maybe three or four feet.She took two steps back, tucked the train of the skirt into the belt, and stepped up with her foot, easily climbing onto the parapet.

No matter how beautiful the scenery in the shrine is, it can't compare with the world outside the wall.Don't talk about white snow and red plums, just talk about the wide field of vision, the dome hangs over the surrounding fields, and the century-old Chang'an bursts out vicissitudes and majestic beauty in the wind and snow.

She frowned and thought about it, she couldn't do anything by staying here, she had to go to the city.She stamped her foot on the top of the wall, planning to go to Amberwood to find Tanu and Zhuanzhuan to discuss the itinerary.Wang Apu said that the national teacher would make arrangements for her considering the past friendship, and the so-called arrangement was nothing more than a past and a residence.Now that the clearance is done, let's settle the accommodation by ourselves!When he first came to Chang'an, he showed his face in front of the imperial army and ministers, which seemed not a good start.Be more careful in your actions in the future, if there is a mistake, I am afraid that a large number of people will be affected.

She turned around and jumped down from the crenel, wondering how easy it was to go up just now, but something unexpected happened when she went down.The bottom of the wall was covered with snow, and there was no sign of it. It was only when I landed that I realized that there was a hole there, perhaps for drainage.Anyway, she was like an arrow thrown from a pot, inserted into the groove impartially, the fall was uncontrollable, she couldn't take a step under her feet, and landed on her knees with a plop.

She was startled, her ankle hurt a little, and she didn't know if she sprained it.Move around a little bit, but fortunately there is nothing serious, at most it is a strain.She grabbed two handfuls of snow and comforted herself: "It doesn't matter, people make mistakes, horses make mistakes..." It's strange that Chang'an people like to dig holes, and this skirt, the skirt is too long, otherwise with her method, it would be impossible to fall. It's so embarrassing.

All in all very frustrating, the only luck is that there is no one around.But God didn't seem to have fooled her enough. Before she had time to stand up, a piece of robe embroidered with gold and silver silk flowing patterns floated into her sight.She froze for a moment, then kept her kneeling posture and looked up. The man tucked his hands and looked down at her expressionlessly.

She shivered and jumped up, it turned out to be the flute player last night!She still has an impression of his appearance, but today's eyebrows look extraordinarily cold, this kind of coldness is not hostile, on the contrary it can be called kindness.But it's the taste of looking down on all beings like this, which makes people shudder.

She took a step back and looked at him warily.There was another fine snow in the sky, and he stood there quietly, his dark clothes and skin were white, like a beauty sculpted from ice.

Lian Deng always felt that there was something wrong with him, and after looking at him for a while, he realized that he hardly blinked.But those eyes are so beautiful, deep and peaceful, reminding her of the sky when the sky is clear.She was a little nervous, she didn't know why he came to see her, she muttered, but she couldn't talk about it.

"Wang Lang saved you two years ago?" He was the one who spoke first, with a faint voice, like a willow leaf or flower petal falling into clear water.

Lian Deng nodded. He could tell Wang Apu's layman's name, so he should be an important figure in the shrine!Let's not delve into his identity, but comparing him with the flute player who was staring at him in his dream last night, he gradually became in a trance.It's clearly the same face, why are there so many differences in expression and tone?Maybe it wasn't the same person, maybe she made a mistake.

He raised the corners of his lips slightly, narrowed his eyes, the fine golden light in his eyes seemed to float on the water, and said slowly: "I and Wang Lang are friends of gentlemen, you don't have to do this big gift."

Lian Deng's mind buzzed, she didn't know whether he had misunderstood or was deliberately teasing her.She was not articulate at first, but now that he blocked her, she suddenly felt embarrassed and annoyed.Just now I explained to myself that they are not the same person, it seems that she is too stupid.However, if he said that he has friendship with Wang Apu, then he must be someone close to the national teacher, perhaps even higher than Chunguan.

For the time being, she ignored her personal grievances, and said with a bow: "May I ask the envoy, when will the national teacher leave the customs?"

He walked up the cobblestone road and said leisurely, "I've already left the gate."

She was overjoyed, and followed him and asked: "I want to see the national teacher, but I don't know where to find him?"

The snow in the sky swirls and falls on his hair.He was different from the men in Chang'an city, he didn't wear a crown or a scarf hat, and only tied his hair loosely with a jade belt.Occasionally, the wind blew, and the ends of her hair fluttered, filling her sight.He pointed to the south, "The national teacher is usually in the main hall of the Jingu Palace. If you want to see him, you can ask Lu Changshi to pass it on."

Lian Deng got the pointer and was thinking about looking for Lu Qing, thanked him hurriedly and was about to go south, he turned his head and looked at her, "Today we are going to do the ritual ceremony of Xia Yuan in the shrine, you go to Chang Shi now, I'm afraid they won't be able to get out Empty."

Not to mention that she forgot, the cymbals in the front hall were shaking, it would be irrelevant to cause trouble at this time, so she twisted her silk cord and stopped.Unexpectedly, he also stopped, and asked her with his hands behind his back, "Is the transaction done?"

She replied, "Thanks to Lu Changshi and Chunguan, Shang Shuxing has already done it for us."

He hummed, then paused and said, "I haven't seen Wang Lang for more than five years. I wonder how he is doing?"

He chatted with her about the family life, this person appeared positively for the first time, but he knew everything like the back of his hand.Lian Deng was a little puzzled, "Have the envoy and my master known each other for a long time?"

He bowed his head and calculated, "Probably... more than 20 years!"

If you are an elder in this way, if what happened last night is true, it would be unbelievable.She touched the walnut ornament in her sleeve. She had always been doubtful about that dream. She really wanted to find out the ins and outs of the dream, but she was not sure whether she should expose it or not. While thinking to herself, she said, "Everything is fine, Ah Pu, and my body is also very healthy. Jianlang. It’s just that he paints all year round, and the poor lighting in the cave has a great impact on his eyes. I once persuaded him to give up, but he refused, saying that he would keep painting for the rest of his life, until the Holy Spirit sent craftsmen to Dunhuang.”

He nodded slowly, "The Holy Majesty is old and has not established a heir. In the past two years, there have been constant battles, and no one has time to care about Dunhuang. In fact, he doesn't have to be so persistent. Wait for a while, and the disputes between the court and the middle will subside, and everything will naturally be resolved."

"Apu said that if he can't take time off, he will feel that he is dead." She squeezed the walnut in her palm, looked at him burningly and said, "Isn't it scary for the envoy to think that a person has obsession?"

He still nodded, "When you think about it, you can make meritorious deeds, or you can lose your life."

She smiled after hearing this, "Apu's obsession is the most poetic achievement. Not only him, but his monk friend is also very admirable." She made up her mind and handed over the walnut ornament , "Has the envoy seen this?"

There was no wave in his eyes, he paused for a moment, and reached out to pick it up.The cloud patterns on the edge of the wide sleeves covered the back of the hand, only the slender fingertips were exposed, passing over her palm, exquisite and cold.He rubbed it in his hand, and his tone was still the same as before, "Where did you get it?"

Lian Deng carefully observed his expression, and it was strange that there was nothing strange. She tilted her neck and said, "I picked it up from my house. Someone broke into Linlang Realm last night. I failed to catch him and he escaped. But he I left this behind and handed it over to the envoy, please identify it."

He tucked his hands together again, hid the walnuts in his sleeves, stopped looking at her, and said indifferently: "This is something I carry with me, but it was lost two months ago, today I found it again, fortunately."

He continued to walk forward, and when he passed the corridor, there were already mobs guarding him. When he saw him, he crossed his hands respectfully and saluted.Lian Deng didn't catch up, it didn't matter if that person was him last night, everything in this shrine was hard to figure out, she had no other loss except for being a little frightened.It is also a good thing to be able to return the property to its original owner.

She watched him in the wind and snow, lifted the belt of the long skirt to her chest, and sighed generously: "Forget it, everyone has secrets." She is very open to certain things. Different scenery, meeting different people, as long as there is no harm, it will not leave traces in life.

She rubbed her hands, brushed off the snowflakes that had accumulated on her shoulders, and something pushed her waist, and looked down, it was the deer from yesterday.

It likes to be close to her, she smiled and stroked its horns, "Do you remember me? What's your name..." Suddenly remembered, she didn't know who that person was just now.Hastily raised his eyes to look around, he was on the other side of the wind and snow, fading away gradually.She blurted out a feed, he heard it, turned to look at her, she tiptoed and said, "You take the things back, why don't you say thank you?"

He was probably a little surprised, but he still cupped his hands at her from afar.

She yelled again, "What's your name?"

He stood there, seemingly thinking.Lian Deng thinks this person is very strange, she has amnesia, at least she can remember her own name, could it be that his symptoms are more severe than hers, and she has to think about what to call her for a long time?

She rolled up her sleeves and wiped the snow from her eyelashes. Someone bent over there to open an umbrella for him. The scarlet umbrella was embedded in the glass world, which was abrupt but extraordinarily beautiful.He stood for a while, but in the end he didn't answer her, turned around and boarded Dan Bi, and went deep into the palace.

Lian Deng returned to Linlang Realm, packed her bags and prepared to say goodbye.The deer followed her across the wooden bridge and never went far.She looked up occasionally, and it chewed the branches and leaves and walked in the snow.Coincidentally, they met their gazes, and the short deer tail swayed quickly, probably to show their favor to her.

She smiled, and put the knife horizontally on the burden.With the snow outside the window and the sound of water gurgling in my ears, it was a quiet afternoon.Suddenly the deer jumped away in panic, staring back with a pair of big eyes, she stood up, watching Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan running over from there.

"I heard that the national teacher has left the customs." Zhuan Zhuan said, "The rituals in the front hall are almost done, and now there are only a few nephews who are doing the ritual. Let's ask someone to pass it on when we see the time!"

Tan Nu glanced at her, "I'm asking someone to pass on the lotus lantern. We are separated by a road, so what's the fun!"

Zhuanzhuan pouted and said, "I've been waiting for a long time, just want to see what a person over 100 years old looks like. I have seen the present-day Holy Majesty, wearing a tiara, and his face is covered with black spots the size of fingernails. Today At 70 years old, he is as old as a rotten tree stump, and the national teacher is more than 100 years old, isn't he an old monster?"

Lian Deng heard that she didn't hold back her words, frowned and said: "Be careful with your mouth, if someone overhears it, you will cause trouble."

Tan Nu frightened her, grabbed her chin and made a gesture of swinging a knife, "Nonsense, cut off the tongue first, and then cut the tendons of the arms and hamstrings."

Zhuanzhuan pushed her away hard, put her hips on her hips and said, "You are always against me. You target me for everything I say, but you are jealous of my good looks and deliberately suppress me? Why do you always ride on my head? I am not convinced! "

She yelled, and Tan Nu snorted softly, "I saved my life, how dare you challenge me?"

Zhuan Zhuan was immediately discouraged, sat on the low couch and kicked his feet, "I will pay you back the favor, you will know when you get out, the world outside is mine."

They are always arguing, but it doesn't affect their relationship after the quarrel is over, maybe no one really hates anyone.The more bickering, the more intimate.

Seeing that the lotus lamp had changed back to its original clothes, and the luggage was placed on the head of the couch, Tan Nu said to himself: "We have nothing to clean up, just roll up the two clothes and leave. Are you going to see the national teacher?"

Lian Deng hummed, "I got the news earlier that the national teacher is in the main hall of the Jingu Palace. When Lu Changshi finishes his work, ask him to introduce me."

Zhuan Zhuan was still melancholy, "Is it true that I can't see the national teacher? You can take the lotus lamp with me, and let Tanu wait outside."

Lian Deng didn't understand why she was so curious, could it be because the national teacher was older than Da Li?She spread her hands and said, "I don't know if the national teacher will see me. If Lu Changshi doesn't stop you, you can go in."

Zhuan Zhuan was very happy, propped his arms back, protruded his two round shoulders, and smiled freely: "I heard that the national teacher can pass through the gods. When the emperor was 60 years old, Mount Tai was enshrined in Zen, and he walked to the foot of the mountain. There was a god and man bowing to greet him. The Holy Majesty asked the people around him, but no one saw it. Later, he mentioned it to the national teacher, but the national teacher was able to accurately tell the clothes of the god and man. It can be seen that the emperor's divine encounter depends on chance, and the national teacher opened his eyes , It’s no wonder I’ve seen it for a long time.”

The national teacher has never lacked anecdotes, but in Lian Deng's view, having such ability is not a good thing.The son of heaven patrols hunting on behalf of the sky, but has no intersection with the gods, so he has to use the mouth of the national teacher to convey.There is no need to argue which is true and which is false. People in the Central Plains respect ghosts and gods, and respect creates fear. This is exactly what the ruler needs.Now it's time for the country to change hands, and the court of Dali is eager for fresh blood to activate the mind.The five princes of the Holy Majesty and the sixteenth emperor Shu Ding Wang who are standing outside the pass all understand that whoever can get the help of the national teacher will have one foot on the throne, and with a little effort, the king of the world is just around the corner.With such a sensitive identity, it is not easy for the national teacher to be alone, so he will set up formations inside and outside the shrine, retreating all year round without seeing outsiders.

There are many aspects of the lotus lantern that do not work. After a catastrophe, it is like the lotus pod being blocked, and everything is "just a little bit".But occasionally there are times when her mind is clear. For example, she can't even distinguish the five grains of the Central Plains, but she has her unique insights in politics. Maybe it's all thanks to having a father like Bailiji!

"Why do you want to see the national teacher so hard? Do you want to ask the national teacher to calculate your marriage for you?" Tan Nu asked strangely, "Even if the national teacher can know the past and the future, he has not fallen to the point of telling people's fortunes. How dare you mention this?" Try this kind of request, be careful that the mole will throw you out."

Turning around, he touched his temples, tucked the loose hair behind his ears, turned his face away and said, "I'm going to leave here anyway, it's just right to throw it out." Later, he moved his position and whispered, "See if the marriage is Secondary, we also have a mage in Kucha, who has seen my face for me, saying that I will be rich and powerful in the future, let alone live to 98. If there is no good husband, can I live so long? I hope the master will do the math for Lian Deng. When can I remember the past, when can I fulfill my wish.”

A person without a past is probably like a half-fool.But Lian Deng has a good attitude, "I don't care, even thinking about it is painful. Once people are angry, they can't hold their breath, and they are easy to make mistakes. Now this is very good. I can deploy calmly, even if the enemy is in front of me, I will not be reckless. .I have two hands and a knife, and it is enough to know what I should do." After finishing speaking, he glanced at him and said, "It is almost the end of the day. If you enter the city before the curfew, you should be able to find a place to stay." The neatly folded flying money was thrown to Tan Nu, "Go to the bank to try your luck, maybe you can cash it in time."

It costs money to go outside, and it also costs money to go to Beili for activities.This flying money was robbed from the Sogdian caravan at the beginning, and the Western Regions are some distance away from Chang'an, and it was not so timely to deal with it after reporting to the official, so it might still be usable.

Tan Nu tucked the list into the sleeve pocket, "I heard that Shaoling used to have a Yin Yang Inn, where black market transactions can be accepted. You do things for others, and others will pay you. It's just a big risk, but the money comes quickly."

That kind of place is nothing more than a human life transaction, and it is not considered to take this road until it is desperate.She pursed her lips and smiled, "Wang Apu named me Lian Deng, and I can't bear to disappoint him too much. Let's talk about it after this matter is out, this is a shrine, don't defile the holy place." After finishing speaking, she got up and went to the corridor , held up a cotinus umbrella to look at the continuous palace, and murmured, "The sound of the cymbals is quiet, I will go to Chang Shi to find out about the situation."

She left alone, jumped up and wanted to go out, but was dragged back by Tan Nu, "I never believed in fate. When I was young, some people said that I would not live to be seven years old. I am not doing well now! You know why we live in Amber Wu, the lotus lamp lives in Linlang Realm? Because she is Wang Apu's apprentice, we are not."

People in the Central Plains really pay attention to closeness, and they are discouraged after hearing about it.Looking out from the window lattice, the snow was falling so densely that the lotus lantern disappeared after crossing the wooden bridge.

It is hard to tell which model the Taishang Shrine was built on. It seems that the Buddha and the Tao go hand in hand, and there is a strange sense of solemnity.The lotus lamp stepped out of the boundary and walked as close to the corridor as possible, fearing that it would accidentally stray into some formation and make it difficult to get out.

There was a section of road from Linlang Realm to the center of the Jingu Temple, the snow was too heavy, it fell on the umbrella surface and rustled, it piled up after a while, shook slightly, and fell in pieces on the stone road.Gradually walking in front of a temple, the door of the temple is wide open, the foundation of the platform is very high, and there are many thick pillars surrounding it, and the bricks on the ground are polished one by one to be extremely bright. illusion.She looked around and saw the promenade stretched in mid-air, and further ahead was the bamboo garden that she walked through in the morning.It's just that there is no one around, and I don't know where all the people who were standing before have gone.

She hesitated, put out her umbrella in front of the steps, and was about to take a step, when a lot of punks appeared out of thin air on both sides of the empty sky street, all dressed in the same stature, walking past her in a line with their heads bowed.

This battle was a bit surprising, she was caught between the two teams, and what was even more strange was that there were infinitely many people in this group, and it seemed that they would never end.She stood there blankly, only then did she realize that this place is not easy to come to, and there is no one to guide her, so something went wrong.

Lu Qing said that it is very difficult to come out after entering the formation, which sounds very mysterious.She was skeptical, turned around and walked in the opposite direction. After walking a few steps, she realized that everything in front of her was gone. There was no corridor or bamboo garden. When she turned around, even the palace had disappeared. Those puppets in white clothes and red clothes, acting like puppets.

She stood still, a little confused.I can't move back and forth, why don't you try jumping up?She jumped up and used a lot of strength to get up high, but wherever she was, there would be her son, as if locked in a box. Although the high wall could not be seen, it really existed.So after landing, she stopped doing unnecessary struggles, opened her umbrella and rested it on her shoulders, and waited peacefully for others to rescue her.

The people on the steps in front of the hall watched for a long time, then laughed loudly and said: "I thought she would panic, but I didn't expect her to be a person who goes with the situation. It wasn't like that when you were trapped in the formation. Profusely, it’s funny to think about it now.”

With a cold face, Lu Qing glanced at him indifferently, "I remember that it was in June and it was so hot that Chunguan watched for two hours. So I have always admired Chunguan since then, and I did one thing, It has to be done thoroughly.”

Fang Zhou originally laughed heartily, but was pricked by Lu Qingmian with a hidden needle, so he felt embarrassed to continue.He is indeed not that kind at times, he likes to go around in circles despite the effort.In terms of rank, although Lu Qing is an eunuch, but as the chief historian of the shrine, he is from the third rank, which is much more dignified than his seventh rank.But he didn't buy his account, the law of the court was strict, and the shrine also had its own regulations.Once the palace gate is closed, Si Tianjian has the final say.

Of course, he doesn't really mean that badly, and they can get along well after getting to know each other well.

He turned his eyes to look at the figure, the waist of the bee was pulled out, she was wearing a Hu suit, and she had a heroic look.From his perspective, Tianjie was empty, and she was the only one standing quietly.But in her eyes, those phantoms never stopped for a moment, so it was better to be still than to move, and she was too lazy to waste energy.It's rare for a girl of fifteen or sixteen to have such calmness.

He stood with his chest folded, and when he was considering whether to rescue her, a sharp bamboo whistle sounded from the temple, piercing through the clouds and fog and hitting the top of Tianjie.He squinted and saw a mirror-like ripple when the barrier broke, and the formation was untied.Lu Qing immediately went down to meet her with the hem of his robe, and couldn't help comforting "the lady is frightened".She didn't say anything, she bowed her hand to thank him, not even a trace of panic remained on her face.

What a strange girl. I don't know whether to call her bold or insensitive. The only thing that can be concluded is that she has a clear purpose and is very aggressive.He hooked the corners of his lips, turned back to the hall, and watched Lu Qing lead her past him.She whispered: "I came to ask to see the national teacher, but I don't know that it is inconvenient right now."

Lu Qingdao: "The seat just asked about the lady, please wait a moment, I will go in and pass the message to the lady."

She stretched her brows apart, retracted her sleeves to thank Lu Qing, and then stood there like a clay sculpture, motionless.In order to attract her attention, Fang Zhou cleared his throat intentionally, then she turned her head, leaned over and called Chun Guan.

He smiled quite candidly, as if the cheerful spectator just now had nothing to do with him.When he was about to strike up a conversation, Lu Qing came out from the back hall with his hands tucked in, and said in a harmonious voice: "Please, my lady, come with me."

Lian Deng followed him inside and found that there is no distinction between the front and the back of the temple here, the same vermilion pillars and lotus flower bricks, but one side faces north and the other faces south.But the deeper it is, the more sinister it is.The surroundings were silent, translucent gauze was hung on the top of the wide floor-to-ceiling hood, a gust of wind suddenly blew in from the hall door, and the curtains all over the hall bulged and flew up, instantly permeating the coldness of helplessness.

(End of this chapter)