Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 2: White Toad (1)
one

The bright moon is in the sky, the clear scenery is infinite, and the whole palace is immersed in a long dream.

In the harem, a small black spot suddenly appeared in the depths of the courtyard.The black dot moves outward slowly but without hesitation.The moonlight shone through, and it turned out that it was a child of eight or nine years old.

The third prince Xiao Kui, the most beloved son of Emperor Liang, began to wander like a dream again.

Behind him, a large number of palace servants carefully followed, including his mother, Concubine Rong.

Xiao Kui walked through several courtyards and stopped, as if he was tired from walking.

He sat on the stone steps and looked up at the starry sky.All the people looked at him silently.

After a long time, Xiao Kui seemed to notice their existence, Wu Liang blinked his eyes, and suddenly said, "Why are you following me?"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Concubine Rong understood that they had been fooled by her son, and said angrily: "Ku'er, you have disturbed the palace so much! Wait until dawn, Mother and Concubine, tell your father to go and ask the teacher to discipline you!"

Xiao Kui chuckled lightly, and replied nonchalantly: "Father will not. Shen Buyu is not strict in discipline, so I asked Father to withdraw him."

Concubine Rong was stunned, speechless for a moment, seeing her son slapping his buttocks and wanting to leave, she quickly coaxed him: "Hey, go back and sleep well, don't play tricks to scare people anymore."

After speaking, she reached out and touched her son's cheek.Xiao Kui turned his head to the side inadvertently, flung up the sleeves of his nightgown and ran away.

A large group of palace servants followed closely.

The night is thick, and the rustling footsteps in the breeze are far away.The tree shadows swayed and swayed, reflecting Concubine Rong's graceful figure.She stood there, staring at the direction of her son's bedroom for a long time.

Sleepiness swept over her, and she slowly walked back to her Wenying Palace, thinking in her heart all the way: "This child, why have you always been against me these days?"

Early in the morning, Emperor Liang sent a message to Concubine Rong's imperial study.

"I heard that Kui'er was sleepwalking last night?" He asked dissatisfied, "You are a concubine, how can you let him blow the wind in the middle of the night? What if it freezes?"

Concubine Rong was horrified, she lowered her head and knelt down.

Emperor Liang couldn't see the grievance in Concubine Rong's eyes. Seeing her miserable state, he couldn't bear it, and sighed unconsciously: "Get up. Kui'er has grown up. If you don't like Shen Aiqing continuing to be a teacher, then let him go. Shen Aiqing's political affairs Busy, I also want him to do more things in the court, so I might as well just get rid of this teacher position."

Concubine Rong lowered her eyes and said tactfully: "What the emperor said is very true. But Kui'er doesn't like to be restrained and likes to make trouble. Once no one disciplines him, the concubine is afraid that he will do something wrong."

"Don't worry about this, Kui'er has been very smart since she was a child." Speaking of his precious son, Liang Emperor Xiao Cha showed a smile on his face, "I'm going to discuss things this morning and ask Kui'er to sleep a little longer, so you don't need to ask for your respect."

Concubine Rong retreated on her own.

Back at Wenying Palace, Concubine Rong was lost in thought looking at the Jade Lotus Pond outside the palace.In the incense burner with carved flowers, Ruinaoxiang is burning, and the fragrance is lingering and rising.

Soon, she heard the voice of the maid outside.Immediately afterwards, the pearl curtain rattled.

Xiao Kui opened the curtain and came in alone, greeted Ann, stood up and wanted to leave.

"Stop!" Concubine Rong stopped him abruptly.

She was gentle by nature, and she always spoke softly when dealing with people, but this drink frightened everyone.Xiao Kui stood still reluctantly.

Concubine Rong approached Xiao Kui and looked down at him.The son grew taller again, but he ignored people with a dark face.She couldn't help complaining in a low voice: "Little ancestor, if you want to kill your mother, just say so! When you were young, you were well-behaved and sensible, but the older you got, the more naughty you became, causing the palace to be turned upside down. How many eyes are staring at our mother, I wish you Something happened to Wenyong Palace! Mother and concubine were scolded by your father early in the morning, if things go on like this, where will you teach mother and concubine to stay?"

Speaking of this, her eyes were full of tears and she almost sobbed.

Xiao Kui just looked down at his feet and said nothing.Concubine Rong couldn't figure out her son's mind, thinking that he was going to run away stubbornly again, her heart was full of pity.Suddenly, Xiao Kui raised his head and said, "I hate Shen Buyu, let him go!"

Concubine Rong was secretly excited, and hurriedly reprimanded: "Master Shen has been your teacher for three years. You have always been sensible and eager to learn, why are you becoming more and more unruly? If outsiders hear this, they will inevitably be suspected." Seeing her son disapproving Looking at her, she said angrily, "Okay, your father has already dismissed him as a teacher, and your wish has been fulfilled."

"Really?" Xiao Kui regained his lively appearance in the blink of an eye.

Concubine Rong sighed helplessly: "Really."

"Then I won't cause trouble."

Xiao Kui pursed his lips, a hint of complacency rose from the corner of his delicate brow, and he ran out of the inner hall with a whoosh, and the pearl curtain squeaked again.

Concubine Rong stood in front of the flower window, the outside of the hall was quiet as usual, only the sound of her son's brisk footsteps could be heard.Under the cover of the morning sun, his figure disappeared like a beating elf in the blink of an eye.

"Today is bound to be a bright sunny day."

Concubine Rong's expressionless face showed a little anger.But thinking of what her son left behind, her eyes dimmed again.

During her long court career, she always lived alone.When she first entered the palace, she was favored by Emperor Liang's family and built a jade lotus pond here.Xiao Xi loved peonies, but he also learned from "Zheng Feng" and said with a smile: "There are Fusu in the mountains, and lotus flowers in Xi." He named it "Rong".Now the beautiful scenery is still there, and it is hard to see the person who loves Lian.She guards this lotus pond alone, and the lotus in the pond is only for the purpose of "eating lotus to keep the face light, strengthen the essence, and make the black hair smooth".

Concubine Rong sighed softly, took a sip of Biluochun in her hand, and listened carefully to the movement outside.

Soon, the maid guarding the outer palace came in and reported: "Your Majesty, Master Shen is asking to see you."

Concubine Rong sat upright as usual, she nodded slightly, the maid opened the curtain, and Prime Minister Shen Buyu came in in court clothes.

Shen Buyu was about to kneel down, but when Concubine Rong saw that there was no one else in the hall, she hurried forward to stop her.Shen Buyu got up and said softly: "I have seen the emperor."

Concubine Rong stared blankly at Shen Buyu, then smiled wryly: "Kui'er is not sensible, he always takes his own way, and his father spoils him."

"Your Majesty, don't worry, it's a good thing."

“How come you see?”

Shen Buyu thought for a while, but comforted Concubine Rong and said: "After the death of Duke Dingguo, the Mu family's power is not weak but strong. The reason is that its party members have already spread all over the government and the public. And Xiao Shao is not only the empress's son, but also the eldest prince. From the folks’ point of view, Xiao Shao is none other than Xiao Shao. And why did the emperor delay in appointing a prince? His heart is on the side of the third prince! Besides, the Western Wei Dynasty has not retreated for a long time, and the country is troubled by internal and external troubles. , this teacher is inappropriate."

"My cousin has an open-minded personality, and what I said made me suddenly understand. There are so many girls in the palace, I think I will fall out of favor sooner or later, and Kui'er's future will be entrusted to you." Concubine Rong said sadly and joyfully.

"It's natural. The Shen family is also a royal family like the empress, and this humble minister will swear to protect him to the death. It's just that the humble minister is too strict in teaching, and the third highness has always been unruly. It is human nature to be afraid of the minister and fear the minister. Wait for him As an adult, he will naturally understand that this minister has good intentions, and he will not be disrespectful to his concubine mother."

Concubine Rong was relieved, she nodded again and again and said, "Blame me for overindulging. This child is my life."

"It's also the emperor's order." Shen Buyu smiled.

It is not suitable to stay in the harem for a long time, so Shen Buyu resigned.Concubine Rong kept sending him outside the palace.Waiting for people to go to the bird to keep quiet, she hasn't returned to the palace for a long time, and the sunshine is cast all over the place in her gorgeous clothes.

Shen Buyu came out of Wenyong Palace, and the palace servants led the way, walking along the long corridor.

He lowered his head to think about his thoughts, and walked slowly and calmly, without any trace of heaviness.However, such a quiet place seems to have a strong wind, and the luxuriant branches and leaves above the head are beating like waves.Shen Buyu came back to his senses, looked up and saw the terrified faces of several palace servants, before he could react, a dark sparrow's nest fell out of nowhere and hit him on the head impartially.

Children's laughter erupted from the vermilion wall.

Shen Buyu ignored the filth on his head, turned around the moon cave gate, but saw two small figures jumping down the wall, and ran away like flying.

The leader is Xiao Kui.The fourth prince Xiao Hao followed behind, and the robe almost tripped him.Xiao Kui ran calmly and without panic, looked back at Shen Buyu and raised his eyebrows in a demonstrative manner.

Shen Buyu stood there angry and helpless.All the palace people rushed up to help the Prime Minister dust and remove the dirt, and it was easy to clean up.

Shen Buyu straightened his clothes and continued to walk.Along the way, he was cursing in his heart: "Boy, I will kill your hostility, sooner or later you have to obey me obediently!"

On this day, Emperor Liang held a palace banquet to welcome Zheng Wei, the Marquis of Huanyi, to wash away the dust.

The banquet is held during the day.Several important court officials trusted by Emperor Liang included Shen Buyu to accompany the banquet.Zheng Wei also brought his family members, plus Emperor Liang's two princes, the entire palace banquet looked like a family banquet, which could avoid the eyes and ears of the Western Wei Dynasty.Emperor Liang was worried about the soldiers of the Western Wei Dynasty who had been stationed for a long time. Although the Western Wei Dynasty had slacked off on him, he was still cautious in doing things.

The queen was not present.Because Concubine Rong is the mother of the third prince Xiao Kui and is related to Shen Buyu, she naturally stays with Emperor Liang.On this day, she was dressed in strict blue-colored palace clothes, sitting upright with lowered eyebrows, shaking the palace fan lightly in her hand.

Emperor Liang raised his glass to drink with all the people, and there was a staggering exchange of toasts and chips.After drinking for three rounds, Emperor Liang's eyes shifted to Xiao Kui, seeing his sullen look, he called him, "Ku'er."

Xiao Kui had no appetite for the delicacies on the table, and his thoughts seemed to be wandering. Xiao Hao, who was next to him, secretly poked him with his elbow.Xiao Kui woke up startled, stood up, raised the wine cup in his hand above his head, and said loudly to Emperor Liang: "Father, when will the child perform meritorious service for Father in killing the enemy?"

The audience burst into laughter, and admiration, admiration, and admiration all focused on Xiao Kui.Xiao Xi was overjoyed and said, "Look, Kui'er looks more and more like when he was a widowed boy!"

"Even the tone of speech is exactly the same as that of the emperor."

"The Third Highness is concerned about the country and the people, he is really a young talent!"

The whole hall echoed again and again, Emperor Liang laughed even more happily, and Concubine Rong was secretly happy.Only Xiao Kui thought that his bold words came from the bottom of his heart, but were treated as childish and childish words by adults, which made him even more dull.

He didn't notice that there was a little girl next to Zheng Wei, who was looking at him with bright eyes without blinking.

Seeing that Xiao Kui remained silent, Emperor Liang sighed and said: "The country has accumulated difficulties, and I know that I am not a hero. I need to work together with all my lovers to gather national strength and make up for my weakness. The king is weak for three generations, and the country will be weak." It's going to decline!"

Everyone stopped laughing and their faces were heavy.At this time, Zheng Wei stood up and cupped his hands and said: "I have been an official for ten years, and I have been granted the title of Marquis of Huanyi by the emperor's grace. I only know that Qu Ping will go straight and serve the king with all my loyalty and wisdom. Your majesty, I wish to be Dading The dynasty will do its best and die!"

Shen Buyu and the others came out one after another, prostrated themselves on the ground, and said in unison: "The ministers and others will serve the country with one heart and strengthen my determination. Long live my emperor!"

Xiao Xi laughed loudly, the depression in his heart dissipated immediately, hearty laughter stirred in the hall.

"All loves are safe! My heart is so relieved. You are all my beloved generals and important ministers. As long as the monarch and ministers work together to govern the country, the foundation of the Dading dynasty will be as solid as gold!"

The monarch and his subjects drank together again, and Shen Buyu brought the wine cup to Zheng Wei, half-jokingly said: "I haven't seen you in half a year, Huanyi Hou is good at talking!"

Zheng Wei drank the wine dry, put down the bowl, and smiled generously: "Little brother is a rough martial artist, so he is not as eloquent as Brother Buyu."

The two laughed tacitly.

Xiao Jian called the fourth prince Xiao Hao to the front, and said to Zheng Wei: "It's a pity that Zheng Meiren passed away early, Hao'er has lost her mother since she was born, what a pity! Although he is not as naughty as Kui'er, he is gentle and sensible. You Uncle has no children and has always loved Hao'er, so how about I adopt Hao'er to you and share the family happiness together, so I can explain to Zheng Meiren."

Zheng Wei was overjoyed and knelt down to thank him.Xiao Hao also paid homage to his uncle.The whole hall burst into congratulations.

Xiao Xi's face was flushed, and he was laughing heartily, but suddenly he looked at the little girl beside Zheng Wei and opened his eyes: "This is—"

Zheng Wei said: "My niece. I brought her to the palace banquet today. Yizhen, come and pay your respects to the emperor."

Yizhen had been looking at Xiao Kui just now, now she bowed gracefully, and said sweetly with her small mouth: "The emperor's life is boundless".

Xiao Xi was overjoyed, and said with a chuckle: "It's just these princes, wouldn't it be better if I married Zhu Aiqing as a family? Although it will be ten years later, time flies, and the marriage will be completed by then!"

Hearing this, Concubine Rong and Shen Buyu looked at each other in unison.

Shen Buyu secretly winked.

Concubine Rong understood, still smiling slightly.

palace in the afternoon

Shen Buyu walked alone.Surrounded by warblers and swallows, it is bright and beautiful.Such a scene did not arouse his interest at all, and after recollecting the words of Emperor Liang at the palace banquet, he was even more anxious.

Concubine Rong's chariot appeared in the shade of willows.Shen Buyu stood respectfully beside the road until the chariot slowly landed in front.

In the silence, Concubine Rong's skirt meanders like light and shadow.She kept a distance from Shen Buyu, pretended to be nothing, shook the palace fan lightly, and said slowly: "The Marquis of Huanyi took up all the good things today."

"The emperor cherishes talents, Huanyi area is located at the border, and a strong general like Mr. Zheng needs to guard it strictly." Shen Buyu replied.

The voice was indifferent, as if this was just a normal thing and not worth making a fuss about.

When Concubine Rong heard this, she opened her mouth slightly in surprise, looked around, and finally couldn't bear it anymore and said: "I don't know what the emperor is thinking. Seeing that he is full of praise for Mr. Zheng's niece, does it mean that he wants her to be a concubine?"

Shen Buyu said calmly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, it might be the emperor's joke. Besides, they are still children."

"I can't take care of other people's affairs, but Kui'er is my child. If the emperor takes a fancy to the Zheng family's niece as the third concubine, wouldn't Huanyihou be even more arrogant? Cousin, you have to think of a way."

"understood."

Shen Buyu replied in a low voice, with an unreadable trance in his eyes.He bowed and wanted to retreat, but Concubine Rong stopped him in time.

"Cousin, you have resigned as a teacher, and seeing you in the future... will be less."

"That's fine too. His Highness the Third Highness has recently treated my humble minister..."

"He's still a child, he likes to act emotionally, and he can't tell right from wrong. Cousin, take care."

Shen Buyu still lowered his head, hesitated a little, and said: "Your Majesty, take care."

He drew back, and just raised his head, he saw a figure flashing in the shade of willows.The man glared at him fiercely, with a cold look on his handsome face.With just one jump, he ran to the rockery of the lake again, his jade-colored brocade robe shaking little by little.

It was Xiao Kui again.

Shen Buyu broke out in a cold sweat.He heard Concubine Rong calling "Ku'er", so he hurriedly left.

Back at the Prime Minister's Mansion, Shen Buyu's two wives came out to greet him.

Shen Buyu has been an official for many years, and has gained a good reputation in the court for his integrity and dedication to his duties.There are only two wives in the family, no more concubines.Shen Buyu studied under the father of the second wife Liu Rulan in his early years. His mentor saw that he was honest and talented, so he recommended him to Xiao Xi, who was still the King of Yueyang at that time, and betrothed his daughter to him.After Xiao Xi proclaimed himself emperor, Shen Buyu was promoted to phase, and the journey went smoothly.

"Go and call the girl at home." Shen Buyu motioned to the housekeeper Li Pinghua, and walked into Liu Rulan's yard by himself.

Liu Rulan asked the servant girl to bring new tea to the master, Shen Buyu just took a sip and put it on the table.Liu Rulan saw it in her eyes, and smiled lightly but gently: "Could the master have something on his mind?"

Shen Buyu half leaned on the rocking chair, swung it a few times, and then sighed: "Human affairs are unpredictable! If the legs of the chair are not flexible, people will turn somersaults when sitting on it. The Shen family only counted on the connection of the third prince, and did not expect this The kid doesn't want to see me at all."

"Oh..." Liu Rulan seemed to understand, and said with a smile, "What's there to be angry with a child? The Third Highness looks like a jade carving since she was a child, and whoever sees him likes it. Plus the emperor dotes on him, so naturally A bit perverse and domineering. Thanks to such a personality, who in the palace would dare to provoke him? Even the eldest prince gave him three points. The third highness is born to Concubine Rong, and Concubine Rong is from the Shen family. Although she is a distant cousin, she has broken bones It's still connected."

Such words were extremely useful, and Shen Buyu couldn't help but smile a little.

The only two daughters of the Prime Minister's Mansion were born to Mrs. Dafang, both around ten years old.They were led in by the servant girl, before they could kneel down, Shen Buyu waved his sleeves and said, "Excuse me, everyone is standing."

The afternoon sun fell on the faces of the two daughters through the screen window, and after only a moment, Shen Buyu's expression became gloomy like a cloud.He frowned slightly, and waved them away annoyedly.

Liu Rulan looked at the master's actions in puzzlement, but didn't say anything.

After sitting in a daze for a long while, Shen Buyu gathered himself together, then got up and went to the study.

Liu Rulan put a thin long gown on the master at the right time.Shen Buyu said in a blink of an eye, "Tomorrow I will go to Mengmata County."

"Master has business? I'm going to prepare now." Liu Rulan thought of something, and smiled again, "Our nanny is also from Mengmao County. I don't know how she's been doing for a few years?"

Shen Buyu just let out a deep "Oh".

Mengmata County

Six-year-old Xiuxiu was lying on the earthen wall covered with ivy, and next to her were Ni Xiu'e's two daughters.The third daughter stood by the wall, her shoulders pressed against their feet, she couldn't take it anymore, she kept yelling, "Hurry up! Are you ready?"

The eldest sister bowed her head and gave a "shh", and scolded the younger sister: "Don't shout, be careful that you will be heard by the master!"

In the private school, Tianji, who was holding a book, heard movement on the wall, looked sideways, and made a face at Xixiu.Hugh laughed out loud.The gentleman who was still shaking his head and reading the text noticed something strange, and immediately ran out holding the pointer to drive away.

"Run!"

The three of them slid down the wall in a panic, and Ni Xiu'e's third daughter sat on the ground unexpectedly.Just hearing "Ouch", the second child's dress was accidentally caught by the ivy, and he fell on his back.Several people quickly helped her up and ran home in a panic.

Ni Xiu'e was standing at the gate of her house nervously looking around, and when she saw her second daughter being helped back, she scolded angrily: "Sibao is going to school, why are you joining in the fun? Look, did you sprain your foot?" Glancing at Xixiu, he warned, "Xiuxiu, stay here and don't go anywhere."

After returning to the house, Ni Xiu'e checked her daughter's injuries, and when she turned around, Xiuxiu was gone.Her heart tightened, and she rushed out of the house, and saw Xiuxiu's small figure deep in the alley.

She opened her mouth to shout, but for some reason, she kept her mouth shut.

Xiuxiu thought of the Huojinguluosan ointment left by his father, and hurried home.After running across the alley and on a stone-paved road, her home is right in front of you.

Two men in blue robes stood awe-inspiringly at the deserted crossing, usually there were few outsiders walking around there.Probably because of Xiuxiu's young age, when Xiuxiu passed by, the two of them looked at her expressionlessly, and did not step forward to stop her.The door of Tao's house was ajar, and the thin and small Xiuxiu entered in a blink of an eye.

There was no one in the yard, so my mother, Cao Guizhi, must have dozed off upstairs.Xiuxiu didn't dare to disturb her, and slipped up the stairs like a civet cat.

The door of Cao Guizhi's room was always closed. Xiuxiu walked into his father's room gently, and gently picked up the medicine bottle on the bedside. Everything was silent.Just as he was about to go downstairs, a man's voice came from Cao Guizhi's room.

(End of this chapter)