A Collection of Old Sayings by Fourth Sister You

Chapter 140 Lin Yuan (3)
Where did you hear the news that the National Teacher is 180 years old?
After Lu Qing sent her in, she left. She stood there alone, at a loss for what to do. Because it was too quiet, her heartbeat became louder than ever.Gradually mixed with other things, it hit the ground with a rattling sound.She held her breath and listened carefully, the rhythm became shorter and shorter, and suddenly something rolled out from the other end of the hall, the size of a fingernail, and rolled all the way to her feet.

She bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a translucent bead, and she could distinguish the grain-like strands inside just by the light.I squeezed it, it was very hard, I don't know what kind of object it is.Zheng Nahan, a voice came out from behind the curtain, saying emotionlessly: "This is a shark bead, wear it with you, it can prevent hundreds of poisons."

She held it in the palm of her hand in surprise, and then looked behind the curtain, indistinctly, someone was standing with her hands behind her back.He just kept a certain distance and couldn't see his facial features clearly.

She has an impression of this voice, she should have heard it somewhere.She always thought that the national teacher was very old, and it was impossible for an elderly person to have such a clear voice.Did you guess wrong from the beginning?Or the so-called longevity with the Dali is completely false?

Aroused by her curiosity, she tried her best to look there, but after all, she had scruples, so she couldn't be too presumptuous.It's a pity that the eyes can't grow hands, and the curtain can't be lifted.Feeling hopeless, he gave up later, and said with a long bow across the curtain: "Rush to meet, I disturbed the national teacher's Qingxiu, and I hope the national teacher will forgive me. I don't know if Chang Shi has notified me before. Wang Apu has been a disciple for more than two years..."

"Your father is Bailiji, the deputy governor of Anxi?"

Her roots are a bit complicated, but when introducing yourself, you must always speak as smoothly as possible.Unexpectedly, he only asked a question, and then blocked all her words.This is also good, there is no need to whitewash the peace, but it is true.

She eased her mind, and said with lowered hands, "I was dug out from the Gobi Desert by Abu. I was still alive at that time, and I survived by luck. But I don't know anything about the past, it was Abu. Tell me about my background, that my father is Bailiji."

The national teacher was silent, the figure behind the curtain moved slowly, getting closer to the curtain, and asked after a long time: "Since you escaped from death, why don't you find a place to hide, but come to Chang'an instead?"

In fact, when he first arrived at the Supreme Shrine that day, Lu Qing had already revealed that the national teacher knew about it.In addition, the person I met before is also very familiar with Wang Apu, so her secret may not be called a secret at all in the Supreme God Palace.Let's put it bluntly, if he wanted to stop her, he wouldn't have taken her in for two days.

"In front of the national teacher, I dare not lie." She raised her eyes and answered very firmly, "I once asked people about my father's life, and my father was convicted at the time because there were rumors in the court that he colluded with the Turks. But I grew up in the Western Regions. Everyone in the desert knows that the Protector of Baili quelled the war three times and made great contributions to Dali. If such a person intends to collude with the Turks, how can there be the Protectorate of Anxi now? Bailiji was convicted, I'm the only one left, since I'm still alive, I can't let my parents die in vain."

The people behind the curtain listened quietly and were surprised by her outspokenness. The only strange thing was that no anger could be tasted from her tone.There is no deep-seated hatred, not even a frown, so where does her persistence come from?He sighed slowly, "It's really a pity to be the guardian of Baili, but beheading for the fifth generation is the inevitable fate of many heroes who founded the country. Why don't you think about it, today's knife, tomorrow's fish, if you don't do it, someone else will do it for you .”

The lotus lamp is silent, and the heart is as bright as a mirror.The ancestor of the Baili family fought with Taizu and was once the most important general of Emperor Taizu.The descendants of the Baili family were brave and good at fighting, and the mantle was passed on to Bailiji's generation, which happens to be the fifth generation.The fifth world seems to be the hurdle for all famous families.After a generation after generation of accumulation, if there is no defeat, it is suspected that the master has made great achievements, and the consequences are of course very serious.

Every time Baili Protector wins a big battle, it becomes a habit to win every battle, and the occasional miss can't be tolerated.Three years ago, he was defeated in a war against the Turks and could not ask for help, so he wanted to retreat into the pass.The emperor was furious, locked the Yang Pass, and abandoned [-] soldiers and horses on the vast Gobi.She couldn't imagine what kind of blows and pains he suffered, but he miraculously took root, repelled the Turkic army, and once extended the battle line to Persia.

Defeated is a disgrace, but won is incomprehensible.The pampered brain of the court is swollen with wealth and wealth, and all unreasonable things must be deceitful.If the Turks hadn't let him go, how could he have survived?Then someone went to the emperor and killed Bailiji in Suiye City, and the hereditary glory of the founding heroes came to an end.

Maybe everyone has a doom that is hard to escape. Lian Deng heard the general idea, and he can connect the cause and effect. From the perspective of a bystander, he is embarrassed but calm.

But she doesn't believe in karma, and she doesn't have the patience to wait.

"Instead of relying on others, it's better to rely on myself. I have limited time, and I have to go back to Dunhuang as soon as I finish. I can't rest assured that Ah Pu is alone in Mingsha Mountain. Now that I have arrived in Chang'an, there is no reason to return without success." She arched I cupped my hands, "I'm here to thank the national teacher first, and to say goodbye. I've been bothering you for two days, and it's time to say goodbye..."

The wind outside the hall gradually picked up, and the fine snow rolled down the corridor and swept into the hall.She stood there talking sternly when she was suddenly distracted.Turning around to look at the curtains, they are fluttering, and at any time a gust of wind will lift half of them.

I saw the corner of the national teacher's robe... After all, she is not very old, she looks stable and mature, but her heart is still the heart of a child.If the national teacher doesn't show up, it's like only posting the riddle but not the answer.She had a desire to find out, but she managed to hold back her nerves, cleared her throat and continued: "Since entering Chang'an, I have had encounters with General Yunhui and Shang Shusheng, and I will pay more attention when I am outside. I will not bring trouble to the Jingu, please rest assured, the national teacher." While saying, he bent slightly, hoping that the wind would be stronger, and then it would be stronger...

Seeing the gold-plated ball-shaped sachet worn by the national teacher on her lapel, she jumped for joy.The sachet was unique, with exquisite copper carvings in every arc, which complemented his spotless gown.It's not luxurious, but it has the power to hit people's hearts.

The people inside the curtain probably didn't pay much attention to her, and after hearing her words, they said calmly, "Chang'an is no better than Dunhuang, the wind and snow are too heavy and it is difficult to move an inch, and it is not too late to leave after the snow stops. Since Wang Lang asked you to come to the shrine, I can't do it either." As entrusted by old friends, if you encounter any troubles, just tell Lu Changshi."

Lian Deng said yes, but he didn't hear what he said clearly.Her attention was all on the veil, and the wind was playful, always just a little bit behind, and slowly fell back.She didn't give up, and followed the trend of the curtain feet, getting lower and lower, and finally she was half on her side, almost hitting the pillar.

The person inside the curtain tucked up his wide sleeves, still looking at her calmly.Until just now, her words and deeds were all in line with the norms of youth and maturity. She never thought that after half a cup of tea, she would become like this.So kids are kids, easily distracted by one thing.Or maybe she trusts Wang Lang too much, Taishang Shrine makes her feel very safe!

He let go of his hands and turned sideways, the wind passed behind him and rolled up the veil in front of him.He saw her face, young and full of life.The desert and the wind did not cause any harm to her skin. Unlike most people who grew up in the Western Regions, she is not yet old, and her face is full of vicissitudes.She is fresh, with beautiful outlines and clear eyes.Just the right beauty, just the right bearing, not biased, everything is just right.

For Lian Deng, the momentary glimpse when the curtain was raised was enough to shock her out of her wits.

She has been waiting for the national teacher to leave the customs, but who knows that she has seen him the night she first entered the shrine, and even talked to him not long ago after she jumped off the wall.No wonder she felt that the person before was familiar with Wang Apu, so he was the national teacher.She has never complained about Tannu's unreliability like now. She said that the national teacher is older than Dali, and he is 180 years old. What is going on with this man in front of him?Apart from blinking once in a long time, nothing is related to the word old-fashioned.

Fortunately, she is good at controlling her emotions, her mind is spinning quickly, and her five sense organs have returned to where they should be.She began to wonder if there was another person in the shrine who looked exactly like the national teacher, otherwise everything last night would be too difficult to explain.She thought about asking directly, but couldn't muster up the courage.Just like not daring to be presumptuous in front of the Buddha, this kind of question itself is a blasphemy against him.

She hid her doubts in her heart, she was able to talk just now, but now she was speechless.After hesitating for a long time, he tentatively said: "Forgive me for being abrupt... Are you the national teacher?"

He came out, Yuntoulu stepped on the lotus brick, silently.Turning his gaze in front of her, "I am. Wang Lang should have told you that the national teacher's name is Linyuan."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she remembered that not long ago she asked his name loudly through the wind and snow.He might have felt offended, and didn't answer at that time, but she came to the door again after a few hours, and now he didn't need to ask, he could tell her straightforwardly, these two words were enough for her to digest for a long time.

Lian Deng was in a great embarrassment, never expecting such a strange encounter.She took a step back and bowed to him, "I was reckless before, please forgive me if I was rude." Thinking about it, she was very embarrassed, forced a smile, and flattered dryly, "A Bodhisattva once The national teacher's strength of character is greatly praised, and I am honored to meet the national teacher today, and it is really awe-inspiring to look up at the mountain."

Lin Yuan automatically ignored her difficult words of praise, and murmured: "Wang Lang would say hello to me, it sounds really strange. At that time he came to me to play chess, and he often got red in the face because of a fight. Now we have traveled so far , maybe we will never see each other again in this life, but think of my benefits."

The lotus lamp became more and more embarrassing when he said it. Of course, Wang Apu never praised him. When he mentioned him when he brought the camels to them, his evaluation was nothing more than four words-aloof and cool.But how can these words come out?She coughed as a cover, "playing chess is an elegant game, even if there is a dispute because of it, it should not be taken seriously. Ah Pu was alone, saying that Dunhuang is good, sometimes seeing him feel sad for the moon, but in fact he also misses his hometown. He kept the wooden sign of the Jingu very well, which shows that he cherishes the friendship with the national teacher. I have two friends who often bicker with them, and neither of them is angry with the other, but he is very careful and polite when talking to strangers It's because of seeing outsiders." In order to complete a lie, she explained in a serious manner.I felt that it was very reasonable, and finally concluded, "Apu and the national teacher can't see each other. The national teacher is the best friend of Apu. Long-term love, long-term remembrance, the national teacher is in Abu's heart. So we come to Chang'an, and we will remind you before we leave. Wan urges us to visit the national teacher."

Lin Yuan listened to her long-winded speech, but the sentence of long lovesickness and long love made him smile.He knew Wang Lang's intention of letting her come to the Supreme Shrine, but she didn't seem to intend to take a shortcut.As she said before, relying on herself without relying on others is really the pride of Bailiji.

With his hands behind his back, he walked slowly to the eaves. There was a whistling of the branches, and his sleeves were filled with wind.

This year's climate is not so good. There was no rain for two consecutive months in midsummer, and it snowed more than usual in winter.It's a pity for his flowers and plants. He squinted his eyes and looked far away, and he could hardly see any greenery on the branches, only endless white, pure, but also dull.

"Everyone has the right to choose their life. Since you have made the decision, no one else has the right to comment." He turned his head to look at her, then turned his gaze away again, "But you were saved by Alan himself, and he has rebuilt you." Grace. While you are focused on avenging your father, can you also consider him? Have you ever thought about why he saved you? Apart from admiring your father, I think it is more because of loneliness. I have been friends with him for more than 20 years. I know his temper. He is not well-mannered, not well-versed in dealing with things, and everything in Chang'an is unbearable for him, so he would rather give up everything and exile himself to Dunhuang."

Lian Deng stood aside with her head bowed, she calmed down and thought about it, she was indeed ashamed of Wang Apu.From the moment Tan Nu learned of her origin, she never really let go of it.She has lived in Mingsha Mountain for two years, not knowing why she exists, nor the meaning of living.Now she finally had a goal that made her desperate, and she left Wang Apu behind with a single step.For her, Wang Apu's loneliness can never be compared with the tragic death of her parents.She is not ungrateful, but has priorities.It's the same to untie the knot in my heart first, and then go back to Dunhuang to accompany him.Of course, if she dies, then the only way to repay her life-saving grace is in the next life.

"Is the national teacher trying to persuade me to give up?" She shook her head, "Some people can get by, but some people can't. Before I left Dunhuang, I made a three-year contract with Abu. It doesn't matter whether the matter is settled within three years. , I will go back to Dunhuang.” She smiled and changed a relaxed tone, “I once advised Ah Pu to find a teacher’s wife, isn’t it possible for a Taoist priest like him to marry? But he didn’t want to, saying that he was too poor and had no People want to marry him."

She finished speaking and watched his reaction. He stood facing the wide Tianjie, only seeing the gentle lines of his side face, neither happy nor sad, like a solemn Bodhisattva in a cave.

Lian Deng has little contact with other people, Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan Zi needless to say, have the same personality as fuel for the fire.As for Wang Apu, last time he picked up a rabbit, he yelled for a long time, so he didn't have any mood swings, which is a bit scary to say.The national teacher is such a person, and the emotions and desires cannot be seen from his face.His smile can represent many things, or his satisfaction and dissatisfaction, all in one gaze and one turn.

He was noncommittal to her words, and after a while he said: "Three years is not short, do you think you can save your life?" He raised his hand and pointed to Chang'an, "It is the most prosperous place in the Central Plains, where many people You only see the superficial peace and prosperity, but you can’t see the undercurrents under the cover of the prosperous age. The court is the brain of the Dali, and no one above the court is a simple character. No one who plays tricks will stand ready to be killed. Skills, there are such talents around them. Once some things start, they will never stop. At that time, not only you, but also the dedicated painter on Mingsha Mountain will not escape this catastrophe."

Lian Deng suddenly realized that she had taken the wrong first step when she stepped into Chang'an.When being interrogated by the government soldiers, the Taishang Shrine should not be involved, but she didn't have time to think about it in order to escape, and she was even eager to prove the origin of the shrine's wooden plaque, so she also told Dunhuang.From this point of view, it seems that if you can afford to live but can't afford to die, you can hide when you are alive, but if you die, you will fall into the hands of others.

She felt a heavy weight in an instant, and it was too late to regret it now, this face had been shown before, no matter how careful she was, there would be times when she was careful.

She thought for a while and asked: "If I become completely unrecognizable and no one knows my origin, will it not hurt Ah Pu?"

Hearing this, he turned around, nodded and said yes, "But what you said is beyond recognition, what exactly do you mean?"

Without any hesitation, she raised her face and said: "If this face will cause trouble, then discard it, make a few cuts, or have some strange medicine, it's okay to try it."

He was obviously taken aback, but the surprise was only for a moment, and he changed into a calm expression again, and said in a calm voice: "It seems that no amount of persuasion will work if you have made such a big determination. To change beyond recognition is not the only way to destroy yourself." The method of appearance. Wang Lang has taught you everything he has learned, so didn’t he mention to you a secret technique in the Central Plains called disguise?"

Since there are even shark beads here, it is certainly not unimaginable to change faces.She said: "Abu has indeed told me about it, but unfortunately he is not proficient himself, so he didn't talk about it in detail." She was a little anxious, and stepped forward two steps, "The national teacher is very powerful, I must have a lot of experience in this Can I ask the national teacher to enlighten me? I learn things very quickly, and it will not take long for the national teacher. After learning it, I can protect myself and reduce risks for Jingong and Ah Bodhisattva. Does the national teacher say yes? "

He looked back at her, with clear spring-like eyes flowing across her face, "I don't want Wang Lang's hard work to come to naught. If the things you are going to do don't violate my door, I will not interfere in the Supreme Shrine. But if one day Jingu is ordered, and at that time life and death will depend on your fate."

He didn't immediately answer her yes or no, but Lian Deng understood what he meant. Before he got involved, he could give her a little help and then stand by.But if the power of the shrine is to be used today, no matter how much face Wang Apu has, he will defend the majesty of his national teacher, and any favors are empty talk.

Each has its own position, which is understandable.She bowed her hands sincerely to thank him, "The teacher of the state is benevolent and righteous, and the lotus lamp is grateful."

He looked into the distance with his hands behind his back, and said in a cold voice: "There are two kinds of disguises, one comes from oneself, and the other uses tools. The first one uses silver needles to seal the main camp, dumb gate, and Tianzhu, and the silver needles enter Seven points, the excruciating pain is unbearable, but there is no need to rely on external force, so there is no flaw. The other is a human skin mask, which has slight flaws, no pain, and no harm to the body. In your opinion, which one is better?"

Lian Deng is a ruthless person, he will do his best if he wants to do it, and said: "I am not afraid of pain, please teach me the first method."

He raised his eyebrows lightly, and with a smile in his voice, he shook his head and said, "I'm afraid you won't be able to endure the torture. Besides, if you use this method for a long time, your facial features will be displaced in the future, and even the gods will not be able to recover. Isn't it worth the loss? Choose the second option." Well, although it will take some time to make it, at least it won't be too bad to be repaired. When I return to Dunhuang in the future, I can explain it to Wang Lang."

Lian Deng naturally had no objection, leaned over and said: "Everything is under the arrangement of the national teacher. I just don't know how long a mask will be made for?"

He said: "Depending on the weather, it can range from half a month to January."

She was ashamed, she lowered her eyes and dared not look at him, and said softly, "Then I have to bother the national teacher for a few more days... To be honest, I feel very guilty. I am too tired to take care of this kind of mundane affairs, the national teacher is so kind and virtuous, even if the lotus lamp is smashed to pieces, it will be difficult to repay it."

He didn't take it seriously, he just waved his hand and dismissed it.

At this time, the snow was getting lighter and the wind seemed to be less strong. He turned around and returned to the hall without saying a word.The lotus lantern stood alone in the porch, unable to advance or retreat for a while.After thinking about it for a long time, the national teacher is tired!But this trip is rewarding, I can get a human skin mask, and I don't have to be sneaky when I enter the city.She was very happy, rubbed her frozen cheeks, and planned to go back and tell Tan Nu and the others the good news.Just as he was about to leave, he saw the national teacher coming out of the hall again, carrying a clay pot, and silently stepped into the wind and snow.

She looked up at the sky. After all, it was snowing, and it was not good without an umbrella.Besides, she didn't know what he was going to do, maybe it was to make a mask, and it would be good for her to help him by the side.

She remembered the umbrella she was holding, hurried back to the front hall to fetch it, and hurriedly chased after it.

He walked through the snow, walking unhurriedly.Lian Deng held the umbrella, not daring to get too close to him, trying to cover the umbrella above him.With a relaxed attitude, he came to a peach tree, collected the snow from the branches into a clay pot, twirled a petal with his fingertips, turned around and handed it to her, "Do you know what this is for?"

The lotus lamp was at a loss, but it was determined to be very effective. She thought about it seriously, "Should I use it to dye the mask? I remember that in poetry, it is often said that people have peach blossoms on their faces. Using peach blossom juice to smudge the blood color, can the fake be confused with the real one?"

After hearing this, he thought about it, and lifted up the clay pot in his right hand, "What about this? What is it for?"

"Maybe... use snow water to cast the mold? Snow water is pure, and the texture of the mask made is more delicate?" Lian Deng felt that her thinking suddenly became very agile, and now she understands why people in the world are willing to make friends with talented people. A good teacher can inspire.She no longer only focused on the iron pieces in the cloth bag and the blade of the golden knife, but spread out, and she was able to think of something broader.

Unexpectedly, he threw away the petals, covered the earthen pot and said, "The first snow on the peach tree is best used to make tea. There must be no impurities in the snow, so the peach blossoms and branches must be cleaned."

He waved his sleeves, sweeping away the fine snow from the corner of his robe, looking calm and breezy.But the lotus lantern was tongue-tied, and his active mind instantly languished. It turned out that his thinking was too complicated. He collected the snow on the flower trees for such a simple purpose...

But it's that simple, so why not!She was relieved very quickly, and the same is true of the world, with superficial illusions, perhaps just to cover up the least suspenseful truth.The matter itself is not complicated, what is complicated is the human heart.

She held up the umbrella for him as before respectfully, sent him back to the main hall, bowed and bid farewell.He asked her to wait for a while, looked at her eyes carefully and said: "The biggest beauty of changing appearance is to change the shape, how about being an old woman?"

The lotus lamp does not have any requirements, "Everything is up to the master of the country."

He nodded, "It's getting late today, come back at noon tomorrow." After saying that, he carried his clay pot and went deep into the curtain.

Lian Deng stood for a while, making sure that he would not go back and forth, so he took an umbrella and went back to Linlang Realm.

Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan were still waiting for her, and when they saw her appear at the other side of the wooden bridge, they rushed out of the house to meet her.Turn around and ask: "How is it? Is the national teacher eloquent? Do you want Lu Changshi to relay it?"

She glanced at Tan Nu, "Where did you hear the news that the national teacher is 180 years old?"

Tan Nu blinked his eyes, "What? Isn't it? My information is very accurate. There is a record about the national teacher in the "Taizu Benji". It was also mentioned in the "Shimilu" compiled during the Zhongzong period. He said, 'The national teacher has been in charge of the sky for more than a hundred years, and the emperor especially attaches great importance to it', aren't these all historical facts!"

Zhuanzhuan also chimed in: "I used to run on both sides of Chang'an East, and I heard many rumors about the national teacher. What Tan Nu said is true. For more than 100 years, the national teacher has only Linyuan, unless everyone who succeeds later The national teacher is called Lin Yuan, otherwise his age is a certainty... After talking for a long time, how is the national teacher?"

The lotus lamp was leaning on the table, and now recalling it still feels unreal, and he said weakly: "I dare not ask his age, for fear of offending him. Anyway, it is different from what you said, the national teacher is very young, at most Only 30 years old."

Of course, doubts about his identity and the Piper's identity must never be said. If there is no certainty about the rumors, if it is leaked out, the big thing will be bad.

Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan were dumbfounded, and said in an uproar: "You are bluffing us, it is clearly recorded in the history books, there will be no mistakes!"

Lian Deng thought about this question, the situation like Zhuan Zhuan said is not impossible, just like the emperor passed on from generation to generation, Lin Yuan may have become a job, not just a name anymore.The emperor needs to establish a deified image of the national teacher, similar to the totem worship of the western domain clan. The national teacher is not only a guarantee of good weather, but also a strong evidence that the emperor governs the people.

But she didn't want to explore that any more. She came to Central Plains for her purpose. Whether the national teacher is immortal or needs to be eternally young for some political reason is not what she should care about.She said: "I had a detailed discussion with the national teacher just now, and I could hear what he meant. He, like Wang Apu, hoped that I could let go of my hatred and go back to Dunhuang."

Tan Nu fully supported her decision, "Then what do you say? Anyway, you want revenge, and we will fight side by side with you. You said to go back to Dunhuang, we will go buy dry food now, and go on the road immediately."

Lian Deng shook his head, "I told him my thoughts. I spent so much time and energy on this journey, but I gave up when I arrived in Chang'an. I'm sorry for the dead parents, and I'm sorry for you. It's just that I have thought about it for a long time, and I can't put you It got involved. This time when I entered the Divine Palace, there was a lot of commotion. I'm afraid that Xiao Chaodu and the soldiers of the government would have noticed it, and there will be no mistakes in the future. I have already put life and death aside, you are outsiders, don't risk your life for me. She paused, held their hands, with a sad expression on her face, "There is no banquet in the world that never ends, thank you for accompanying me to Chang'an, I am very happy these past few months, I never expected to make such righteous friends like you But now I have to separate from you, you go back to the Western Regions, if something goes wrong with me, it won't hurt you."

Zhuan Zhuan puffed up his chest, Dang even refused, "The three of us agreed to live and die together, my life was saved by Tanu, and Tanu's life was saved by you, so we both owe you. What are you afraid of? The manjusawa on Huangquan Road are in full bloom. Just treat it as a different place to play. We will never separate from you. Your business is our business. If you want to kill people, we will sharpen your knife for you. Go ahead and carry it out with confidence, kill gods when you meet gods, kill Buddhas when you meet Buddhas, and we will follow up for you later."

It was the first time for Tan Nu to look at Zhuan Zhuan full of admiration. In the past, she thought that Jiyue would only play tricks and sing melodramatic sounds, but now Zhuan Zhuan's loyalty made her awe-inspiring.She shook Lian Deng's hand vigorously, "Before I met you, I thought I was going to die, but you carried me back and let me live to this day. Since life is picked up, it is no pity to lose it. Although we I'm not a man, but I won't frown even if I stab my friend in both sides. Even Zhuan Zhuan, a coward, said so, what else can I shirk? My horizontal knife hasn't drunk blood for a long time, and I can hear it at night Humming with thirst, just waiting for your order, we will kill him forever."

Lian Deng was grateful to them in her heart, after all, it is rare to have friends who are close to her when life is at stake, and what they rely on is their passion, but she has nothing to repay.

She lowered her eyes, feeling that her eye sockets were wet, and she didn't want them to see them, so she took a breath and said, "You don't want to go, and I won't force you. But there are three chapters of the agreement, and I don't need you to do anything, I will do it myself. If you agree Just stay, if you don't agree, then there will be only one difference and two lenient."

She was deliberate, Tannu looked at her eyes, and it was completely different from sitting on the sand dunes singing the red fox's lotus lantern.Chang'an is her battlefield. Before going on the battlefield, she was confused and hesitant. On the battlefield, she is the general, just like the guardian of Baili.

She exchanged glances with Zhuan Zhuan and had no choice but to agree, "Then shall we enter the city now?"

Turning around to pack the burden, Lian Deng gave her a hand, "I can't leave for the time being, I will ask the national teacher to change my appearance for me, and it will take more than half a month for the mask to be made. Xiao Chao is in charge of the capital city. Guard, if there is any change in the city, he will be the first one to arrive. I am worried that he will recognize me, and I will have to find out the Taishang Shrine at that time. The status of the national teacher is respected, and he cannot be involved in this dispute. So the best way is to disguise myself. As long as I am alive, no one will know who I am."

Disguise has existed since ancient times, but it only appeared in legends, and I have never seen it with my own eyes.What surprised Tan Nu was not the secret technique, but the attitude of the national teacher, "You go to see the national teacher, I have been worried that this shrine is mysterious, not as simple as we imagined. No matter what the national teacher's position is, he After all, he is the national teacher of Dali. It is his duty to balance the law and not to cause chaos in Chang'an. If he suddenly changes his mind and takes us to Dali Temple, the consequences will be disastrous. You said he is willing to disguise you, It sounds unbelievable to me, why do you think there is fraud in it?"

Turning around with a chuckle, "It's rare for you to use your brain, and it really doesn't make sense when you use it. We are in the shrine, and the national teacher wants to eat us roasted or dipped in salt. It all depends on his preference. Could it be that we are like this?" Man, does he still need to be afraid? He was against Lian Deng for revenge, but Lian Deng refused to listen, and he couldn't kill her, so he gave a little help for Wang Apu's sake, and kept Lian Deng, as well as The Supreme Shrine kills two birds with one stone."

It seems reasonable to explain it this way.Tan Nu no longer struggled with this, looked at the sky and said: "Stay overnight in Amberwood tonight, and tomorrow morning I will turn around and go to Chang'an. You wait here for the mask of the national teacher, and we will first go to Beili to inquire and wait for you." When you come to meet, maybe there is already a clue." She patted her waist again, "I'm afraid this flying money will become waste paper if it is not cashed, and three thousand pennies is not a small amount. Give it to those fans , don’t worry about them not doing their best for you. But if it’s too late to exchange, you don’t have to worry, just go to Beili first, and I’ll go to the Yin Yang Inn, and I’ll have everything.”

Lian Deng was worried when he heard this, and hurriedly said goodbye, "You are not the only one who accepts the business, you have low qualifications, and there must be someone who should handle the easy things. The remaining tricky things are too risky, and accidents will happen. If you have to Go, let's wait until I leave the shrine, so that the two of you can take care of me."

Tan Nu smiled and agreed, but she had her own plans in private.She is King Ding's dead soldier, and she has no special skills. If she had to choose something from her monotonous life, it would probably be killing people like hemp.She has no choice about the souls of the dead under the knife, and the lotus lantern is to avenge and kill the high officials.Those ants don't need her to take action. Since she doesn't let her participate in revenge, the only thing she can do is to pave the way for her so that she can have no worries.

The three of them had an agreement, and Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan still returned to Amberwood.Zhuanzhuan was still regretting when she stepped out of the threshold, "It's a pity that I didn't get in touch with Chunguan more. Please find out for me what his name is, how old he is, and whether he is engaged." She scratched the door frame and said, "Si Tian Most of the officials in the prison are born in white clothes, so they can get married. I like Chunguan very much, you can help me match up, and we will get married in the future, I must thank you as a great matchmaker."

Lian Deng had a dull expression on his face, "Are you already planning to marry him?"

Tan Nu rolled his eyes, "Marrying a ghost is so wishful thinking, just because he is good-looking? A gentleman values ​​virtue, while a villain values ​​color. A superficial person like you will be embarrassing in the end."

Zhuanzhuan stomped his feet angrily, "Nonsense, why don't I value morality? I made up the office today, and there was no Chunguan to rescue us. How easy is it to handle? I'll thank him on your behalf, can I promise him with my body?"

Tan Nu laughed loudly, "It turned out that he married him on our behalf, the little lady Zhuanzhuan is so righteous! Just wait, we will go back to Dunhuang after the big event is over, you can marry whoever you want, I don't bother to say you."

Zhuanzhuan was unhappy, with puffed cheeks like a toad.Lian Deng waited for Tan Nu to go to the bridge before comforting her, and whispered: "Don't say anything, I will pay attention to inquire for you, and I will tell you when I meet you when I have a clear question."

After turning around, he showed a smiling face, nodded, and walked briskly to Amberwood.

When it was time to go to bed, there was a lot of fine snow, which seemed to be a little weak.The lotus lantern opened the window twice at night, and the snow basically stopped at midnight, and only the biting north wind remained at dawn.

When she woke up, she heard the sound of iron horses on the eaves horns. When she opened her eyes, she found that there was light shining on the window lattice.I haven't seen the sun for a few days, and when the sky clears up, I even feel better.He got up and dressed, combed his hair and went to Amber Wharf, where he saw Zhuan Zhuan sitting under the window to do his makeup, dipping the nib of the pen into the thrush eyebrows with indigo daisy, and drawing a pair of curvy and long phoenix tails.

"Does it look good?" Zhuan Zhuan looked at her in the mirror, "I will also dress up for you in the future. You are more beautiful than me. If you dress up well, you will make men flock to you."

Lian Deng smiled and didn't answer her.She has never considered herself beautiful, and she has never tried to make up.Zhuan Zhuan's colorful face looked thrilling, and she couldn't imagine what it would be like to wear such a costume.

She touched Zhuanzhuan's cheeks, the powder was too thick, leaving a layer of white on her fingertips.She pointed to the red spot on her lips, "What is this?"

Turning around, she said, "It's a dimple, isn't it cute? It looks like a laughing hole?" Seeing Lian Deng's silly look, she compared it to her one by one, "This is oblique red, this is yellow forehead... Only when you dress grandly can you attract attention, and you are full of snobbish eyes in the north, you are too shabby and no one cares about you." As he spoke, he picked up a piece of emerald red flower tin from the dressing box, took a few breaths of hot air and stuck it between her eyebrows, pulling She came to look in the mirror and exclaimed, "Fairy bones are made naturally, and a piece of flower tin can add color."

Lian Deng looked at herself in the mirror, there was a little more color between her brows, and she really became lively.She smiled, stretched out her fingers and touched lightly, "Like a bird."

"It was made after the wings of flying birds." Zhuan Zhuan said, while fastening the cloak, he raised the veil hanging from the brim of the hat and told him, "After we leave, you should be more careful when you are alone. When you go to Beili, find a woman named Xie Cai." If there are no accidents, we should be there."

Lian Deng said hello, "At least half a month and more than one month, I will definitely go to Xiecai Garden to find you."

Tan Nu waited in the corridor for a long time, and seeing that Zhuan Zhuan had packed up the burden, he put on his veiled hat and greeted inwardly, "I'm going to meet you in a few days, so there's no need to be so hard to part with! Hurry up and get on the road, Don't wait for the sun to snow, the ground will be muddy and it will be difficult to travel."

The lotus lamp sent them out, Lu Qingzao prepared two good horses and waited at the door, when the nephew led them over, their manes fluttered in the wind, and the horseshoes were newly nailed, and they made a loud noise when they stepped on the green bricks.

As a deacon in the palace, Chang Shi understands the ways of the world. He gave money and silk as a gift for the horse, but Tan Nu politely refused, "Thank you for taking me in these two days. We can't accept the money. We only borrow Chang Shi's two horses. It will be returned next time."

After hearing this, Lu Qing pursed his lips and smiled without forcing it.Reasonable people are not annoying, their future is uncertain, so try not to be contaminated if you can.Especially when it comes to money, if something bad happens in the future, it will not be good for the Taishang Shrine if people talk about how much money they donated and how much assistance they gave.

Lian Deng helped Zhuan Zhuan get on the horse, Zhuan Zhuan pressed her shoulder, turned the horse's head and rode side by side with Tan Nu.What should be said has been said in the residence, and it is inconvenient to repeat it in front of others, so they waved to her and rode their horses towards the exit of Shenheyuan.

The weather was fine, and the sun after the snow wasn't enough heat, but it felt comforting when it shone on my body.The lotus lamp tucked up its sleeves to watch them gradually walk away. A wind blew over, blowing away the snow on the branches, and there was a rustling sound of falling.

"Did they leave you behind and go away?"

Suddenly someone spoke behind him, and Lian Deng looked back, it was the enchanting official Chun.

It is not necessarily accurate to say that he is enchanting, his conversation and appearance are not feminine, but it just gives the feeling of Lian Deng.She is a straightforward person and doesn't understand his many roundabouts.For example, when he looks at people, he doesn't stare straight at them, or squints slightly to hold people in his mouth, or is half a beat late, slowly returning his delicate eyes, which is very strange.A person's first impression will affect a person's life. Anyway, this Chunguan was marked by her, and she was really surprised when Zhuanzhuan unilaterally clamored to marry him.It's not that he's not good, it's just that people can't figure it out. It's also a very laborious thing for a lover to have a delicate heart.

However, as entrusted by others, she has to try her best to complete the entrustment of Zhuan Zhuan, so she is very willing to talk to him.

"They go to the city to find someone, so let's take a step first, and I'll join them in two days." She smiled slightly, "Does God envoy have any free time today, come out to bask in the sun?"

He turned his head and looked towards the east, "The sun doesn't hurt and doesn't itch, and there is no warmth in it. I heard that someone is leaving, so I came here to see her off." He looked down at her, the corners of his lips raised, "You didn't leave Just fine."

Lian Deng didn't respond much to his mysterious tone, and said in a low voice: "Thank you for your kindness, I still have some things to trouble the national teacher, so I have to stay here for two more days." A few cuttings stood tall, without much shelter, and the wind blew and chilled people's necks.She pointed to the palace gate, "It's so cold here, will the gods let me in?"

He doesn't seem to be afraid of the cold, the fabric of the robe is thin and drapes, stretching the outline of the person to be long and elegant.The cross-collar was buttoned up casually, and the neck was exposed to the cold wind, without changing expression.Others are spending the cold winter, but his dress seems to be spending the summer.Lian Deng felt cold just by looking at his appearance, but he was not. He put his hands behind his back and said, "Shenheyuan is high-lying, and the winds coming and going gather here. Wait until tomorrow, and the wind will be less when it rises." It seems that he just noticed She pointed at her words, "Go in, I have nothing to do, I'll take you for a walk in the garden."

In fact, Lian Deng just wanted to go back and hug the brazier, but since he said it, it was inconvenient to refuse, so he nodded in agreement.But I muttered in my heart, the snow had just stopped not long ago, and the rockery and trees couldn't see their true colors clearly, so I didn't know what to visit.But seeing that he was interested, he had to sacrifice his life to accompany the gentleman.

But she made a mistake. She walked through a gate with a gossip-like layout, and the scenery inside was quite different from what she had expected.The snow here seems to melt faster than outside. When Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan were sent away just now, the surrounding area of ​​Shenheyuan was still covered with ice and snow. When we arrived here, the snow melted at a visible speed.She stared intently at a mountain rock, the area covered by snow on the surface of the rock became smaller and smaller gradually, the white gradually gathered into a bowl and a cup, and then turned into a white spot, disappearing completely.

She reached out to touch it, and the surface of the stone was cold.She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled elegantly, "The flowers, plants and trees in the shrine are the treasures of the national teacher, what if they are frozen?" Without further explanation, he clasped his hands and continued on his way.

Speaking of the national teacher, it is indeed like a mystery.Talking to you is not unattainable, but there is an invisible gap between you and you, which cannot be crossed, and you can only look up across the river.

She felt curious, "How long has Chunguan been to Jingu?"

He blinked, "I was taken in by the National Teacher when I was young, and it has been 23 years now."

In 23 years, he was still taken in by the national teacher... Lian Deng said slowly, "I asked to see the national teacher yesterday, and the national teacher is younger than I thought... I walked from Dunhuang to Chang'an for four months. I have heard a lot of rumors about the national teacher, so when I saw the real face of the national teacher for the first time, I thought I was mistaken." She stopped and asked him hesitantly, "Chun Guan, is the national teacher a god?"

He paused for a moment, thought carefully before saying: "The world says that the national teacher is an immortal, and he does have some advantages. If this can be called an immortal, then he must be!"

This answer is ambiguous, like no answer.Lian Deng was a little disappointed, but she didn't change her expression, she just said: "No wonder the official Chun said that talking about the age of the national teacher is taboo in the shrine that day, I know now. Thanks to the official Chun's warning, otherwise I'm afraid it will be a big joke."

"It's not just a joke, I'm afraid there's life in danger." He laughed loudly, and whispered under his voice with the posture of an informer, "It's okay for you to ask me about the age of the national teacher. Don't mention it. He usually has a good temper, but if you offend him, it will be bad."

He didn't say what's wrong, but Lian Deng saw something from his eyes that suddenly dimmed, and his heart was panicked by him.

Maybe she overreacted. Chunguan seemed very happy to see her like this, and then comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I just said this for your own good. In fact, I don't know the age of the national teacher, and I never I didn't think to ask. Just treat him as a god, the age of a god is already a mystery!"

Lian Deng listened to his warning and just nodded.After walking another distance, most of the branches and leaves have lost their silver clothing, and the snow has turned into water, dripping from the branches.Suddenly he leaned towards her, raised his sleeves, and covered her underneath.Lian Deng is not a delicate lady, once it feels dangerous, all actions are reflexive.She didn't know what he was going to do, he came so fast that she couldn't allow her to think about it, so he struck out with one palm.

Chunguan's skills should be very good, and he expected that she would fight back, so he quickly grabbed her wrist.He pulled his sleeves to show her, and said helplessly, "I'm just covering you from falling snow, the lady is a distinguished guest, no one in the shrine will hurt you, you can rest assured."

Seeing that the extension of his wide sleeves was wet, Lian Deng felt a little guilty, took a step back and cupped his hands and said, "I'm sorry, I shot without thinking carefully, I was reckless."

He smiled tolerantly, "Being vigilant is a good thing. You don't have to worry about it in the shrine, but it will be different when you go outside... The lady's martial arts were taught by Wang Apu? It's amazing to have such accumulation in two years."

She said: "Abuddha taught me a little bit, and I myself have foundations, so I learned quickly."

He half-raised his head, made a long oh, said nothing else, and led the way ahead, walking along the willows and flowers.

Lian Deng followed behind him, his hands clenched involuntarily.She still remembered that night when the Piper chased into Linlang Realm and hovered above her, the distance was only one foot away, and she could smell the ink on his body.But just now when Chunguan raised his hand suddenly, the smell in his sleeve was blown up by the wind, it was very similar to that flute player.She may not pay much attention to people's appearance, but she has a keen insight into smell.Just like the air before a sandstorm is close to sulfur, and the smell of acacia in the sand dunes before the rain, once you remember it, you will never forget it in your life.

If it wasn't difficult for them to change their faces, she began to wonder if it was him that night.But the national teacher is not an ordinary person after all, I am afraid he may not have the courage to pretend to be him.

She stroked her forehead, feeling that she might be thinking too much.Let's stop this matter and forget about that night, maybe it was really just a dream.

Chunguan began to eloquently explain the origin of each plant and tree, this is the strange stone of Mount Tai, and it is the product of the West Lake, and everything he said was impressive.

"In addition to Chang'an, there are many beautiful places in the Central Plains. If you are interested, you can travel around."

She agreed casually, thought for a while, and said, "Chunguan doesn't need to see you, just call me Lian Deng!" After she finished speaking, she blinked her big eyes and looked at him. People in the Central Plains pay attention to courteous reciprocity. She gave her name first, and he gave it back. , Should it also be expressed?

He turned his head and asked, "Wang Apu gave you this name? The lotus lamp is on the opposite side of the boat, and you are destined to come home."

So is he called Fang Zhou?It really has the same purpose.Lian Deng said with a smile: "Ah Bodhisattva is taken randomly, it seems to be from the "Taisho Canon". I didn't expect it to match the name of Chun Guan. It's a coincidence."

His expression seemed to be happy and melancholy, he stroked his hair and shook his head, "It's not casual at all, it seems to me that Wang Lang entrusted you to me. Since the name is involved, there must be more in the future." Take care of you."

Because the names are all watery, do they have to be classified into one category?Lian Deng didn't think about having anything to do with him, and said irrelevantly, "Don't worry too much, Chun Guan, Ah Pu never meant that. Besides, I don't need anyone to take care of me, I can live a good life by myself."

He stood still and looked back at her, and said with a half smile but not a smile: "I'm living a good life because I haven't encountered any setbacks so far."

The lotus lamp is suffocated, and I don't know how to deal with the inexplicable climbing.She is now planning to entrust Zhuanzhuan, and she has found out her name. She is over 23 years old, and it seems that she will not pass the time.what else?It seems that only his marital status remains.This is not easy to ask, how to ask, directly say, has the envoy ever been engaged?Although she grew up in the Western Regions, she was ashamed to speak out about this kind of question.

She took lingering steps, thinking about it as she walked, and seemed to be able to make indirect remarks, and then said: "I just arrived in Chang'an, and I am not familiar with everything. I stayed in the shrine for two days, and I only know about Lu Changshi and you. I heard that There are five of Ling Tailang, I haven't seen the other four, aren't they in the palace?"

Fang Zhou said: "They have lived in the Taishi Bureau and Chang'an City for the past few days, so they haven't returned to the Shrine for now."

"What about Chunguan? Did he also build a mansion in Chang'an?"

He said leisurely: "I have no family and no mouth, so why build a mansion? Wouldn't it be good for the shrine to stay away from the hustle and bustle? Why bother with those secular stinky people!"

Lian Deng heaved a sigh of relief, now all the problems of Zhuan Zhuan have been found out.As for being a matchmaker, don't be in a hurry, just get acquainted later, or entrust Lu Changshi to do it.

Fangzhou didn't intend to let her fool her so easily, he hugged his chest, tilted his head slightly, and looked at her sideways, "Are you curious about my affairs? People in the Western Regions are said to be bold and unrestrained. You grew up in the Western Regions, why didn't you learn that?" To their essence? If you have something to say, why beat around the bush!"

Lian Deng felt that she had already been very tactful, but she did not expect to be spotted by him.She touched the back of her head and said awkwardly: "Since the envoy is so forthright, I'm not going to be polite... May I ask if the envoy has ever engaged? Or is there a girl he likes?"

After hearing this, his expression became confused, and he smiled with no deep meaning. He stretched out a finger to scratch his scalp, and said in a long voice: "This question really makes me at a loss... The lady has not lived in the Central Plains for a long time, and she doesn't understand the Central Plains." People's habits. When you ask about marriage, you usually have the wish to get married." He asked her in a manly voice, "How old is my lady this year?"

Lian Deng said, "It's the sixteenth day of the Chinese New Year." She looked at him suspiciously, "Chun Guan, don't get me wrong, I'm inquiring for others."

But he turned a deaf ear to the second half of her sentence, and sighed: "16 years old, exactly the same age as flowers."

She suddenly felt a little scared, something went wrong, and she went in a direction she couldn't understand and never looked back.She quickly waved her hands, "An envoy... An envoy, I am not asking for myself, but for the girl from Kucha who just left. Her name is Zhuan Zhuan, she is beautiful, and has a gentle temperament. If the emissary If you have the heart, wait for me to pass the word to her, and I can have an interview with her one day."

Dali is a relatively open dynasty, and women have a certain right to speak in marriage.It is common for the woman to ask a matchmaker to come to her house to propose marriage if she has her eyes on the man.So from Lian Deng's point of view, there is no big problem in explaining it clearly, but the official Chun murmured: "Fang the boat, Lian Deng..." Then he pursed his lips and smiled softly, his expression quite shy.

The lotus lantern was horrified, and his scalp felt numb.To explain again, seeing him suddenly turn his gaze, the smile on his face also restrained.She was puzzled, looked back, and saw a group of people walking by in the corridor not far away, the leader was wearing a scarlet long-sleeved shirt, wearing a skirt, with jingle ribbons around his waist, and was dressed in a grand manner.

If the national teacher I saw before was as light as a breeze, then now she is as gorgeous as a peony.The costumes of Dali are the most luxurious in all dynasties, and the higher the grade, the more complicated it is.Crimson is usually the color used by princes and princes. The clothes are covered with plain silk, and the makeup flowers on the silk tapestry seem to show through, and it is so beautiful that it is separated by a layer.

(End of this chapter)