Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 11
Shen Buyu broke free from his trance, and in a blink of an eye his face was full of smiles: "How can I trouble Your Highness Fourth? Today is the royal servant's birthday, and my servant has prepared a small gift, and I am about to take Xiuxiu away!"

He had to sigh, at the beginning he was worried that Zheng Mei would monopolize his favor, Zheng Wei had a better chance of going straight to the top than him.It's a pity that Zheng Meiren responded to the confidante's fate, and once the beauty returned to the west, Zheng Wei's official career would be cut off.Although the emperor's kindness is mighty, and he was granted the title of Marquis of Huanyi, how can it be true that Shen Buyu is in a high position?Even though Xiao Hao is handsome and handsome, he has no right or power to live in Huanyi, how is he different from the down and out prince?
A sensible person can tell at a glance that Xiao Hao is interested in Xiuxiu.This is not acceptable, we must find a way to keep them from getting too close.

Shen Buyu was planning in his heart, but on the surface he still led the way diligently, until he reached the bank of Yeying Pool.He asked Xiao Hao to wait for a while, then turned around and told Uncle Fu to call Xiuxiu.

Xiuxiu had finished her dressing, and trotted out immediately.Seeing Xiao Hao sitting alone in the waterside pavilion, looking at the lotus breeze, he greeted with a smile: "How is the Fourth Highness?"

Xiao Hao turned his head, fixed his eyes on Xiuxiu's face, and smiled brightly: "I've been waiting for this day. I haven't seen each other for more than ten days in the blink of an eye. If Mr. Shen doesn't take you there, I will come to pick you up."

Xiuxiu didn't dare to ask the injured person's recent situation, she guessed that Xiao Hao didn't know.Because she was able to see acquaintances again, her eyes were filled with excitement: "I just came to Jiangling, and I didn't even want to join in the excitement. I didn't even go to the streets."

"Why don't we make an appointment, and I'll take you for a stroll." Xiao Hao was wrong, and immediately said courteously.

Hugh couldn't answer for a while.Before she could open her mouth, Shen Buyu started urging her.The two of them followed Uncle Fu to the gate of the mansion, and Shen Buyu stood beside his carriage, motioning for Xiuxiu to get on.

"Sit in mine." Xiao Hao said.

"It's okay, the Imperial Servant's Mansion is not far from here, we will be there soon." Shen Buyu gave Xixiu a hand.

Xiao Hao was not embarrassed by the cold reception, and went back alone.The two carriages went all the way through the streets and alleys, and went straight to the Imperial Palace.

There were lanterns and festoons outside the imperial servant's mansion, and bursts of crackling firecrackers sounded.Tai Servant Zheng De stood at the door to greet the guests in a bright cloud pattern shroud, and when he saw the Prime Minister coming, he naturally stepped forward with a smile on his face.Zheng Wei also stood aside and looked around, seeing Xiao Hao's carriage and Shen Buyu appearing at the same time, his face was frost-like.

He grabbed his nephew and dragged him to a corner to talk.

"I didn't see anyone early in the morning, so I went to the Prime Minister's Mansion! Hao'er, did you fall in love with Shen Buyu's goddaughter?"

Xiao Hao blushed immediately, and explained: "I had a lot of fun hunting last time, and Yizhen was also there, we agreed to meet again..."

Before the explanation was finished, Zheng Wei interrupted him rudely: "This girl is seducing you, Shen Buyu must have secretly instigated it! Now you are obediently accompanying your uncle to pick up the guests, and you are the only prince in the Zheng family. Support me!"

Xiao Hao had no choice but to follow orders and leave.

Zheng Wei panted heavily, pushed aside the crowd, and patted Shen Buyu's shoulder vigorously: "Brother Buyu, I have something to say."

Shen Bu met Zheng Wei's face flushed red, secretly screaming that something was wrong.Pretending to be relaxed on the surface, leaving Xiuxiu alone, he followed Zheng Wei into the Moon Cave Gate.The place is quiet, Zheng Wei pushed aside an empty room, and began to question Shen Buyu.

"Have you tried your best to recognize a girl from a long distance, isn't it aimed at Hao'er? Let me warn you, Hao'er is honest and honest. I tell your girl not to be in two boats. If she hurts Hao'er, I will follow you." You're not done!"

Shen Buyu hated it in his heart, pretended not to be angry on the surface, and laughed loudly: "Brother, I didn't know you were so pedantic! They are just children, they don't understand political affairs, and they don't understand the relationship between men and women. They are just playing around. Why take it seriously?" ?”

"I, Zheng, took it seriously, so what? Shen Buyu, you have bad intentions!" Zheng Wei's eyes were bigger than copper bells.

"Brother Zheng Wei, I have been an official with you for 20 years. Why can't you change your bad temper?" Who will benefit from quarreling over such trivial matters? Right now is an extraordinary period, and only by uniting with each other can we live up to the grace of the emperor, do you understand?"

Although Zheng Wei's mind was not as delicate as Shen Buyu's, he also knew how to weigh the pros and cons. After Shen Buyu said it, most of his anger dissipated.

"Since that's the case, I don't care about it."

Then there was a burst of laughter in the wing room, and the two began to have a bright future.After coming out, Zheng Wei even put Shen Buyu's shoulders on his shoulders, like a pair of good friends.

Sitting alone, Xiuxiu saw Shen Buyu and Zheng Wei both appearing, and then joined the officials of Heshou with beaming smiles.She was feeling bored when a maidservant in red clothes stood inside the moon cave gate, waving at her constantly.

After confirming that the maid was calling him, Xiuxiu followed into the Moon Cave Gate.The maid led her through several bridge railings, and after seeing the zigzag flower walls along the left and right walls, there was another courtyard hidden behind.There are a few crabapple plants planted outside the gate, all kinds of flowers and plants are available, so you can only enter the prime minister's mansion.The maid opened the soft curtain and went in, followed by a scent of pollen.Xiuxiu understood, she entered Zheng Yizhen's room.

Sure enough, Yizhen was sitting in front of the bronze mirror and was dressing up. Under the mottled sunlight, she could clearly see the intricate patterns embroidered on her pink brocade dress.Xiuxiu didn't dare to look down, Yizhen had already seen her in the mirror, and only heard her chuckle.

"I called you here to tell you that the Third Highness rewarded me with the leopard."

Xiuxiu raised his eyes involuntarily, and he didn't find it strange after thinking about it.Xiao Kui was caring for the wounded at that time, and he had long forgotten about the cheetah.Seeing that there was no envious expression on Xiuxiu's face, Yizhen turned around, her dark eyes were facing her, and the complacency faded from the corner of her mouth with the laughter.

"Everyone in my family praises me. Even my uncle said that I have caught the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, I have mentioned you a lot. After all, you have carried me on your back and helped me."

"Just be happy. Fortunately, you found out that time early, otherwise if we were caught by Northern Zhou soldiers, the consequences would be disastrous." Xiuxiu said sincerely.

Yizhen stood up, the long glazed necklace hanging down her waist, swaying like wicker with her light steps.The seductive movement didn't stop until he walked in front of Xixiu.

Miss Qianjin in the capital is really different from others.Accustomed to seeing the unrestrained and exaggerated postures of women in Mengmata County, Xiuxiu admired Yizhen with envious eyes, feeling that she was extremely beautiful.

Yizhen stood in front of Xiuxiu, sized him up unscrupulously, bit his lips, and finally expressed his doubts: "When I went back to Jiangling that day, I clearly saw His Highness the Third Prince getting into his carriage, why did he appear after you? In your car? When you entered the city gate, Beizhou people followed the car to check, and I was shocked when I heard his voice coming from your car. Tell me, what's going on?"

Xiuxiu was unprepared, his face changed suddenly, but he didn't say anything.

"I don't know. He came up suddenly, it seems that the darkness made a mistake..." she said perfunctorily.

There was no smile on Yizhen's face, and his eyes were so cold that there seemed to be a trace of disdain: "Shen Xiuxiu, I think you are Mrs. Shen's daughter-in-law, so I talked to you calmly. Didn't I hear the laughter of Bei Zhou soldiers? What did you and the Third Highness do in there? Don’t think that brother Hao and those palace guards are used to this kind of thing, the Third Highness is mine! When I was six years old, the emperor himself promised the marriage between the emperor and his ministers! I really don’t understand you guys The women in Mengmao County, not to mention their rustic clothes, see princes and grandchildren like cats smelling fish, and don't even want courtesy, justice and shame!"

"You bullshit!"

Xiuxiu's back froze suddenly, and his voice trembled uncontrollably because of anger: "Nothing happened between me and the third prince, don't insult people! Yes, I'm from Mengyu County, I'm rustic, but Don't abuse yourself casually!"

She took a deep breath, forcing herself not to cry.She thought that Yizhen came to her to reminisce about the old days, but she didn't expect that the purpose was that. She was extremely disappointed, and the joy of meeting again disappeared.

Yizhen was surprised that Xiuxiu's emotions had become so intense, and she froze there for a moment.However, her doubts were shattered in a few words, and she denied the idea of ​​haunting people like poisonous poison.Feeling relieved, he pushed Xiuxiu on the shoulder.

"Don't be angry, pretend I didn't say it. It's fine, I'll have a few drinks with you later, and I'll make amends, okay?"

After all, she stretched out her hand to caress Xixiu's fair cheek, and blinked those crooked peach blossom eyes.Xiuxiu smiled wryly, and finally nodded slowly.

At this moment, the servant girl ran in from the outside and shouted: "Miss, hurry up, the Third Highness is here!"

Hearing that Xiao Kui had entered the Imperial Servant's residence, for some reason, Xiuxiu felt a surge of heat in his heart.Yizhen next to her started yelling, she looked at the bronze mirror again, smiled, held Xiuxiu's hand and said, "Let's go."

As soon as he got out of the flower wall, he saw Yizhen's mother rushing towards her.Mrs. Zheng's neat dress of Mrs. Erqianshi, the red pleated skirt is extremely complicated, and the pearls and emerald clouds are trembling beside her cheeks.When she saw Yizhen, she stomped her feet, and said anxiously: "You almost scared me to death! The Third Highness is already at the banquet, and before you go out to greet him, the limelight has been taken away by other daughters!"

"Understood, mother, isn't my daughter about to go there?"

Although Yizhen's tone was nonchalant, she had already let go of Raxiuxiu's hand and quickened her pace.

"hurry up."

Mrs. Zheng glanced at Xiuxiu inadvertently, before she had time to ask further questions, she just grabbed her daughter's hand and rushed outside.Xiuxiu still walked slowly, watching the winding stone paths around him, birds coming and going, until the sound of noise and laughter came through the wall.

Xiao Hao stood in front of the Moon Cave door. Because of his slender stature, his head almost touched the door lintel.Seeing Xiuxiu approaching calmly, he said with a low smile, "There are so many guests, it's really not easy to talk to you."

Having said this, Shen Buyu flashed out of nowhere.He seemed to pass by unintentionally, and smiled at Xiao Hao, but actually urged Xiuxiu: "Go and sit in the main hall, everyone is here."

Zheng Wei also called out to Xiao Hao, but Xiao Hao waved to Xiuxiu helplessly, and went to the other side by himself.Here, Shen Buyu brought Xiuxiu into the banquet hall, and whispered secretly: "The third prince looks good today, you can toast later and talk casually."

The two walked into the banquet hall almost quietly.Xiuxiu looked up, only to see people moving around in the hall, and there was a lot of noise.In front of the guest-of-honour, Xiao Kui, dressed in emerald-yellow cloud-patterned formal attire, was talking leisurely, surrounded by warblers and swallows, and people seemed to be mixed in a heap of brocade embroidery.Yizhen sat beside him, looking at him with joy on his face.

Sure enough, as Shen Buyu said, Xiao Kui is very kind to people today, and anyone who comes forward to kneel and salute will be excused.Xiuxiu also heard his hearty laughter: "Come on, I'm here to drink birthday wine, so don't pay homage to the old man. The old birthday star is there, and there will be a red envelope for Mr. Zheng."

Then Fu'er said something to Yizhen, like a joke, Yizhen stroked her handkerchief and laughed lightly.Their conversation attracted countless envious eyes, some brought good snacks, and some offered green-glazed and gold-painted teacups.Xixiu sat quietly at a distance, watching them laughing and talking, suddenly felt a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

She couldn't sit still, the hot wine in her hand was still hot, she had no choice but to pick it up and put it down.After going through this for a while, Xiao Kui seemed to have calmed down a little, and Shen Buyu who was sitting opposite gave her a timely look.

Xiuxiu understood, and stood up slowly, but her heart was unavoidably flustered.Shen Buyu held the wine cup in his hand, turned his head and smiled at the lower officials, he walked ahead with his head held high, and followed restlessly.A group of splendid beauties scattered on both sides, showing Xiao Kui's vigorous and vigorous features.

Shen Buyu was the prime minister, so Zheng De hurriedly stood up and gave up his seat.Shen Buyu waved his hand with a smile, while holding Xiuxiu, he said to Xiao Kui with a smile: "Two days of hunting, the Third Highness must be familiar with Xiuxiu. I don't want to talk nonsense, let Xiuxiu respect the Third Highness."

He seemed quite determined.One is that he is both Xiao Kui's teacher and the emperor's relative, and the other is that the ceremony of toasting wine is also normal, and Xiao Kui will definitely accept this ceremony.Besides, these words are also for everyone to hear, the relationship between the third prince and the newly recognized goddaughter of the prime minister's mansion is regardless of their closeness.

A maid served a wine cup, and the water and wine in it slowly wafted.Xiuxiu took it and blessed Xiao Kui Yingying.

But Xiao Kui had a smile on his face, turned his head to talk to others, and didn't stop talking.Shen Buyu thought Xiao Kui didn't hear it, and looked a little embarrassed, but wanted to say it again.Unexpectedly, Xiao Kui stood up, took Yizhen's hand, and laughed heartily, "Where is the leopard that rewarded you? Take me to see it!"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeves, Xiuxiu was holding the wine cup, he might as well shake his hand, the wine cup fell to the ground with a thud and shattered all over the floor.Fortunately, the banquet hall was covered with Hetian flower-patterned carpets, and the crackling sound was very dull, but a few exclamations attracted the attention of the surroundings.Some officials had been paying attention to the movement here, and they couldn't help being surprised to see this scene, and began to whisper.

Shen Buyu never expected that he would be stunned by Xiao Kui's cold reception on such an occasion, and a thick layer of ice suddenly formed around his body.

The wine cup was broken, and Xiuxiu was at a loss for a while.She couldn't help but bent over to pick up the fragments, only to find that Xiao Kui's boots had been splashed wet.She subconsciously touched it with her hands, and said in a very thin voice, "I'll wipe it for you."

Xiao Kui twitched his feet very quickly, and called a palace attendant, leaving only two cold words for Xiuxiu: "No need."

Xiuxiu was in a trance, watching Xiao Kui Cuihuang's back gradually blurred in front of his eyes separated by the figure.

"Are you okay? Are you burning?" Xiao Hao's concerned voice was next to his ear.

"It's nothing..." Xiuxiu smiled weakly, and a thin layer of mist suddenly appeared in his eyes.She thought: The third prince clearly knew that she was going to toast to him, why did he pretend to ignore it?Do you hate her?Everyone is gone, and there is no answer.She lowered her head, turned and walked away silently alone.

Xiao Kui went out to let the servants wipe the boots clean, and he was not in the mood to enter the banquet hall, so he stood by the bridge railing and recalled what happened just now, with a smile on the corner of his mouth, showing a hint of complacency.

Shen Buyu, today I will make you look ugly.Don't think that you can do whatever you want because you are the prime minister of the current dynasty and the celebrity around your father.

"Three Highnesses."

Xiao Kui was startled when he heard the sound, and looked back, Shen Buyu strolled up to him, the gloom in his eyes did not dissipate.Xiao Kui laughed, with a pure childish smile on his face: "Is the teacher coming out to let the wind out, or asking the students to disrespect the teacher? Just now I was only joking with others, and didn't notice that Miss Xiuxiu would come to toast. Did she scare her to tears?" ?”

brat!Facing Xiao Kui's lukewarm response, Shen Buyu cursed inwardly.What happened today really made him angry. No matter how calm and determined he is in the eyes of this kid, it would be futile.

"Xiuxiu has just arrived in the capital and has little experience in the world. It was the first time I saw him on such an occasion, and he was really frightened. Even though His Highness the Third Highness has prejudices against veterans, what is wrong with Xiuxiu? During the hunt, His Highness took care of him in many ways, and made a toast as a token of appreciation. Thanks are well deserved.”

Xiao Kui felt harsh when he heard it, and just wanted to leave quickly, so he said perfunctorily: "How can I refuse Miss Xiuxiu's kindness, and visit her another day to show my sincerity."

Shen Buyu rolled his eyes and called Xiao Kui: "Why is Your Highness wanting to leave in such a hurry? I still have something to say to you!"

"Teacher, please enlighten me."

Facing Xiao Kui's impatient expression, Shen Buyu's anger surged in his chest and abdomen, and his tone was stern: "The emperor prepared that palace for the prince, how many pairs of eyes are staring at it! Before the third highness lived in, Be sure to send more guards to guard the inner three floors and the outer three floors, if any clues are leaked, it will not only endanger the emperor, but also involve the entire Xiliang!"

Hearing this, Xiao Kui's expression changed drastically, and he asked nervously, "How did the teacher know?"

"This minister is just reminding His Royal Highness. When it comes to the safety of the dynasty, this minister is bound to have one heart with His Highness, isn't it? As for this matter, if His Highness doesn't say anything, no one will know if this minister doesn't say anything."

Xiao Kui's face twitched, but he couldn't bear it, the flying look just now was gone.

"What does the teacher mean?"

Shen Buyu gained the upper hand, smiled indistinctly, and whispered in Xiao Kui's ear: "Be kind to Xiuxiu."

Hearing this, Xiao Kui's eyes froze, but on the surface he pretended to be flattering, and answered with lowered eyebrows: "Student understands."

Only then did Shen Buyu settle down, leaving behind an ambiguous smile with ulterior motives, bowed deeply, and turned straight away.

A stage was set up in the banquet hall, and the gongs and drums were beating loudly.Xiao Kui was still standing by the railing of the bridge, his gaze was like a falcon, his fists clenched suddenly, and he slapped the mahogany railing fiercely.

"Come on! Go back to the palace!"

Xiao Kui's bedroom

Qiuyue looked out a few times, and carefully lowered the heavy curtain.She turned around and walked inside, her steps were very light, almost silent.

Inside the hall, on the mirror-like black brick floor, Jiang Chen and two other personal guards were kneeling.Xiao Kui didn't look at Qiuyue, his cold eyes fixed on the kneeling person, he gritted his teeth and said, "Say, who broke the news to the Prime Minister?"

"Your Highness, the servant is tight-lipped and has not leaked any information."

Xiao Kui moved to Jiang Chen who was kneeling upright: "Jiang Chen, what about you?"

Jiang Chen's face remained unmoved, and he spoke so quietly: "This servant swears to serve His Highness to the death."

Xiao Kui couldn't find out what was going on, the fire in his chest was burning endlessly, and the poisonous thorns in the boy's heart were growing wildly. He couldn't bear it anymore, grabbed an imperial tea bowl, and smashed it to pieces.

"It's in vain that I trust you all, and you want to piss me off! Don't tell me, will you? If you have the ability to endure, I will let you recruit them! Someone, drag them out, and give them fifty lashes each!"

Several strong inner eunuchs came in and dragged the three out.Not long after, there was a thrilling sound of whipping outside the hall, and someone was already screaming "Your Highness is wronged".

Qiuyue couldn't help dissuading her in a soft voice: "Your Highness, this will kill people. Jiang Chen has been with His Highness for ten years and is loyal..."

"Shut up!"

Xiao Kui was furious, and interrupted Qiuyue's words: "These dog slaves, who have raised them for nothing for several years, dare to betray this palace! Thinking of the face of that old guy Shen Buyu, I feel disgusted! Now there is a reason to be accused by him Holding it in his hand, he is proud and happy. It's all these dog slaves who killed me!"

The more he spoke, the angrier he got, he simply walked out of the palace gate, pointed at the three people who were tied up in the yard, and ordered: "Smash! Smash me hard!"

"Third brother, do you want to beat them to death?" Xiao Hao's voice came from outside.

(End of this chapter)