Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 20
"Eldest Prince, wake up." Xiuxiu pulled Xiao Shao's sleeve and asked, "I want to ask you about someone, his name is Chu Tianji. I saw him on the street during the day, and he was in the formation of the First Prince inside."

Xiao Shao rubbed his temples, looking confused.At this time, his mind was clearer, he drank the hangover tea in his hand, shook his head and said, "I went to Mr. Ji's mansion, and I met a few talents who were taking the exam, and I took them along for a while. As for After that, I didn't care."

Xiuxiu asked anxiously, "Do you know where they live?"

"Master Ji and the others are in charge of this. How do I know? How about I help you find out?" Xiao Shao was kind, seeing Xiuxiu's expression lost, suddenly remembered something, and sighed, "I know, Master Ji almost wanted yours." Fate, if you ask, you will hurt the one you said...Chu Tianji. Don't even inquire about the matter of Chunwei, you women. I will tell you secretly, Mr. Ji and your godfather and others are not together. Who knows? The queen mother wants me to intervene, so I'm too lazy to intervene, it's better to be a carefree eldest prince. Last time, the queen mother even slapped me. Sigh, it's hard to be the eldest prince!"

Thinking of the sinister eyes of the empress, Xiuxiu shuddered.She felt that the eldest prince in front of her was very pitiful, and she couldn't let him cause trouble anymore, so she stood up and wanted to leave.At this time Xiao Shao stood up and hiccupped.Thinking that he was a little unsteady, he held onto Xiuxiu's shoulder and patted affectionately: "Don't go, let's talk again. I'm happy tonight, bring me some wine!"

"Let go of her."

A deep voice sounded, and then, a shadow blocked Xiao Shao's sight.

Xiao Shao squinted his eyes, waited to see who was coming, and laughed: "Look at you, there are a lot of beauties, and the third brother is even more romantic. Third brother, Miss Xiuxiu and I are having a good chat, you drink yours Go, don't spoil our interest."

When Xiuxiu saw Xiao Kui reappeared, his face was blushing, knowing that he had returned after drinking.She decided to dodge well, so she pulled away and wanted to leave.

But Xiao Shao held her down: "On weekdays, I am the eldest brother, and I will let the third brother. But today's palace banquet, Xiuxiu was not invited by you, and she can chat with whoever she likes."

While speaking, Xiao Shao took advantage of the alcohol and hugged Xiuxiu's shoulders.Xiuxiu blushed and shrank back.Xiao Kui couldn't hide his anger long ago, he pushed hard with both hands, and shouted: "Let go of her!" Unsuspecting Xiao Shao hurriedly backed up a few steps, but finally couldn't stand still, and fell on his back on the grass mud.

It just so happened that a few palace servants heard the movement and came over to find out what happened. They were stunned when they saw this scene.Under the exclamation of everyone, Xiao Shao sobered up.Because it had rained two days ago, when everyone rushed to help him up, Xiao Shao's satin robe was covered with mud, and he was not in a panic.He looked at Xiao Kui in surprise, and asked with a stern face, "You...what are you doing?"

Xiao Kui felt that he was wronged and didn't say a word.Xiao Kui is used to being arrogant and domineering, Xiao Shao is a little afraid of this younger brother.This time he was bullied in public for no reason, even though Xiao Shao's nature was dull, he was like an enraged tiger and leopard at the moment, with a roar, he rushed towards Xiao Kui and began to fight fiercely.With great strength, Xiao Kui twisted his elder brother's wrist and slammed it on the ground, Xiao Shao fell and gnawed on the mud again.

Xiao Shao knew that he was no match for the third brother, so he simply sat on the ground and cried.No matter how much Xiuxiu persuaded him, he refused to get up.

Someone from the palace had already reported it, and the emperor and queen rushed to hear the news.Seeing his son's appearance, the queen pulled her back in distress, but she had to maintain her appearance as a queen, and asked, "Tell me, what's going on? The brothers usually get along well, and they hardly ever blush. There must be someone at this moment." Instigate!"

At this time, the courtiers and beautiful family members who were still admiring the moon all gathered around.None of the maidservants dared to speak, they almost looked at Xiuxiu in panic.Xiuxiu knew she couldn't hide, so she had no choice but to take a few steps forward.The palace man couldn't help raising the lantern in his hand, and when Xiuxiu's face became clear, the queen broke out in a cold sweat, and the rest of the words were choked in her throat.

On the night of the Lantern Festival, when Yixing was in full swing, brothers fought violently, how embarrassing Emperor Liang was.His face was livid and angry: "I ask you, who made the first move?"

Xiao Kui replied with a tense face, "It's my son."

The color in the Queen's eyes changed unpredictably, she relaxed a little, and tried to smile and said: "Your Majesty, you also know that Shao'er has a gentle temper and is honest, and he will never turn against brothers. This kind of insult to the royal family All the ministers have witnessed the decent things with their own eyes, and no one can protect anyone, so I ask Your Majesty to make a clear decision."

This was clearly for everyone to hear.

"I know." Emperor Liang said angrily, his eyes turned to Xiao Kui, "Ku'er, go to Lingde Hall with father!" After finishing speaking, he turned and left, followed by a large group of palace attendants.

Before leaving, Xiao Kui glanced at Xiuxiu with complicated eyes, but Xiuxiu bowed her head and pretended not to see her.All the ministers didn't dare to say much, and they all resigned, and the music ended for a while.

Among the retreating crowd, a pair of bright eyes stared at Xiuxiu, thoughtful, clear and far-reaching.

Xiuxiu also noticed these eyes, she just looked at him silently, then left with Shen Buyu with her head down.

She didn't notice at all, under the dense shade of the trees, Zheng Yi really gloated at all this.She thought this matter was extremely fun, and Shen Xiuxiu's expression of wanting to cry made her even more overjoyed.She laughed silently, and the pearl earrings swayed slightly with her smile, as if they were twinkling.

In Lingde Hall, Liang Emperor Xiao Cha sat on the dragon couch with a gloomy face, staring at his bowed son.Although he had lost his original hostility, his lips were still tightly pursed, and his deep eyes still showed rebelliousness.

Emperor Liang suddenly mourned greatly.

The moonlight was pulled mottled and blurred through the curtain.The candlelight flickered slightly, the moon became blurred, and a very weak tear flowed from the corner of the emperor's eyes, like a meteor in the sky that disappeared and fell to the world, leaving nothing.

When this child was born, Xiliang was in the midst of the renewal of one yuan and the renewal of all things.Mu's centralized power is too heavy, and he has been coveting the position of the crown prince for a long time.The birth of the child brought huge waves to the Quanliang Dynasty, and also gave him new hope in his depressed life.He prayed to the gods for blessings, and wished that the country would be as strong as a dome, and then he made a decree to name his child Xiao Kui.

Empress Mu asked Xiao Shao to be crowned prince several times, but he put it aside with various excuses. He was waiting for Xiao Kui to grow up.Countless times, he was proud of this son, but tonight he was too disappointing!Early tomorrow morning, the entire ruling and opposition parties will be full of gossip.Everyone knows that the eldest prince is honest and straightforward, and this time the truth is on Xiao Shao's side... The dragon seat he painstakingly laid for Kui'er!
Thinking of this, it seemed that something had blocked the veins in his chest, causing a dull pain in his abdominal cavity. He couldn't help coughing violently, but pointed at Xiao Kui with trembling hands.A palace official hurriedly brought up a medicine bowl.

Xiao Kui hastily knelt down beside his father.He loves his father deeply, and he has never seen his father look at him like this since he was a child, not even when he was confined last time.There seemed to be a faint remorse flowing in his heart, he patted his father's back, where the bumps protruded, it seemed that his father had lost weight again!

After his father stopped coughing with great difficulty, Xiao Kui handed over the medicine bowl inlaid with gold, and put the rim of the bowl to his mouth.There was silence all around, and the palace people stood respectfully with their heads bowed, silently facing the father and son.

After drinking the medicine, Emperor Liang held Xiao Kui's hand, looked at his young face, and sighed softly, "I don't know how long Father can guard you?" Tears flowed down again.

"Father..." Xiao Kui couldn't bear the sadness in his heart.

"Kui'er, what do you think about what happened tonight? For a woman, brothers would go to war, my father never thought of it!"

Seeing his son's bewildered look, Emperor Liang waved his hand to signal him not to be nervous, and said earnestly: "Next year you will be able to take off the crown. The crowning ceremony is determined by the father himself, but the important things in life are not arranged by the father. It is up to you to decide." After originally arranging for you to be exempted from the crown, a grand wedding ceremony will be held, and the grand palace will allow you to move in early. The royal father's extravagant arrangements are really well-intentioned. Do you understand a thing or two? The royal father's heart, then It is to show the government and the public: there are people in Houliang Sheji! It is not the eldest prince Xiao Shao, let alone someone else, but Xiao Kui. You are the real heir of the Houliang Dynasty. Do you understand?"

"My son did something wrong." Xiao Kui was suddenly ashamed. He held his father's hand tightly and buried his face deeply in his bright yellow sleeve. Disappointed, please forgive my father."

"Father knows that you are an outstanding son, but you are too surly. Since ancient times, emperors have always feared arrogance and extravagance from wealth, disaster from neglect, and loss from comfort. Being under the control of the Northern Zhou Dynasty for a long time, if the sons behind the father do not have strong talents, what a regret for the father for the rest of his life!"

"Royal Father!" Xiao Kui couldn't help but bowed down on the ground, choking with sobs.

"Get up." Emperor Liang hugged Xiao Kui, stroking his son's hair, "Father is suffering from a serious illness, and it's hard to say that one day he will let go. So, from now on, you have to plan two things: one is to win over The second is to choose a woman among them to be the third concubine. You should understand the intention."

"Father is very clear." Xiao Kui replied with his head bowed.

Emperor Liang's spirit suddenly lifted, and he said: "Under the strong minister, Shen Buyu's goddaughter and Zheng De's daughter are the best candidates for the concubine. Of course, it is too early to get married next year, so the more candidates the better! If you marry by then Without them, it will save outsiders from making irresponsible remarks."

Xiao Kui was silent for a long time, his drooping eyelashes cast two shadows under the candlelight, and finally nodded heavily.

Seeing this, Emperor Liang showed joy on his face, and a red light glowed on his sallow complexion, and said with emotion: "Father is only these few clear words, I am afraid that the back beam will not be strong but weak, and it will decline sooner or later! It's good that Kui'er understands, the emperor's heart is lenient."

In the silence for a long time, the father and son supported each other, their eyes were wet.Going deeper, the bright moon quietly disappears in the east, and I can smell the rustling night wind again.Xiao Kui finally stood up, bid farewell to his father, then turned around and strode away.

"Master, is Xiuxiu's disturbance bad or good?"

In the Prime Minister's Mansion, Liu Rulan asked with a worried face.

Shen Buyu was basking in the sun on the red sandalwood chair.The sun is just right, with a warm warmth, reflecting the sparse shadows of flowers and trees.At this time, his mood was more relaxed than ever, and he seemed to understand something, but he smiled lightly.

"Naturally, it's a good omen. The Third Highness apologized to his brother in public at the court meeting the next day. The big incident was reduced to a small one. It was clearly the emperor's secret grant of the opportunity. Even Empress Mu dared not object. Think about it, the third prince is an arrogant and conceited person, when will this happen?" Waiting for Weiwei to be humble? He kicked Xiuxiu out of the palace last year, and today he did something impulsive when he saw her, which shows that he cares a little about Xiuxiu. Alas, fortunately, he didn't let Xiuxiu go back to his hometown!"

Liu Rulan felt relieved, smiled, and said again: "Master just said, Lord Huanyihou told you personally that he has allowed the fourth prince to chase after my house, isn't this a mess?"

"The fourth prince appeared at the right time, and Zheng Wei helped a lot. The third prince needs a strong enemy, so as to arouse his fighting spirit. Let them go. Next year, the choice of the prince and concubine must be Xiuxiu." Shen Buyu was confident full of words.

The husband and wife were still talking, but they saw two figures appearing in the zigzag corridor, bouncing around, and faintly heard laughter.When he got closer, he saw that it was his son Xinyang and Yanxi, the servant girl in Xiuxiu's yard.The smile hanging from the corner of Shen Buyu's mouth disappeared immediately, and he said to Liu Rulan in a deep voice: "The trial period is coming, and it's still so wasteful, you mother should be more disciplined."

Liu Rulan smiled apologetically, "Xin Yang couldn't leave the door for a long time, so he went to the rest house to study."

Shen Xinyang and Yanxi were chatting and laughing, and suddenly found that the master and his wife were outside the courtyard, the clever Xinyang got into the moon cave and ran from one place, Yanxi stopped in panic, her face flushed.

"Greetings to Master and Second Madam." Yan Xi saluted.

Shen Buyu was dissatisfied and said: "Why are you in such a panic? Yanxi, let me ask you, how is Miss these days?"

"Miss looks calm on the outside, but she likes to be in a daze by the pool. The slaves advised her to go out smoothly, and she went out for a walk on the day of Lantern Festival, but later she didn't want to go out again. Master, madam, if this continues, the lady will get sick from boredom here."

Shen Buyu and Liu Rulan looked at each other, and Liu Rulan said: "You should be more sensible as a maid, why can't Miss eat well and can't sleep, you come and report immediately. I will go out on the Lantern Festival, I think she is very happy when she comes back, But what's the fun?"

Yan Xi suddenly remembered Chu Tianji, rolled his eyes, but still shook his head in denial.

The people in the yard were at a loss for what to do about Xiuxiu's despondent situation. At this time, someone came in a hurry from the corridor. They turned out to be the guards guarding the gate.The guard reported: "Master, Second Madam, the lady of the Servant is outside the door, saying she is looking for my lady to catch up on the old days."

"Zheng De's daughter?" Shen Buyu was stunned, and thoughtfully said, "Thinking about when the emperor invited Zheng Wei to a banquet, then Zheng Yizhen was at the banquet. He was so young and sweet-mouthed, that the emperor almost wanted to marry his ministers on the spot. Ten years later She also looks like a flower and jade, and can be regarded as the best candidate for the third prince's concubine. Zheng De is eagerly waiting for the day of choosing a concubine. Unfortunately, this child is inevitably a bit arrogant and defiant. I have been taught roughly that it does not suit the wishes of the third prince. "

Liu Rulan smiled tolerantly: "How many of His Highness Hesan's heart are there? Look at the good fortune of these girls. Xiuxiu is inevitably lonely in Jiangling, and it is good to have someone of the same age to talk to her and keep her company. Besides, the master and Mr. Zheng is an official in the same dynasty, he bows his head and sees him when he raises his head."

Shen Buyu nodded, and ordered the guards: "Since the guests are here, go and ask the young lady to go out to welcome the guests."

"What a beautiful yard!"

In Xiuxiu's Juxin Courtyard, Zheng Yizhen looked around and praised.

After seeing the entire courtyard from the wing room to the side room, Yizhen kept admiring: "This house is so beautiful! Many officials and officials don't have such a beautiful house."

Xiuxiu was bringing a cup of tea in person, and she didn't have time to think about it, she just smiled and said, "This yard was used to be lived by Concubine Rong, and the Prime Minister thought it was quiet, so he arranged for me to live in it."

"Is it intentional?"

Hugh smiled indifferently.She thought that Yizhen missed her, so she came to see her specially, and she was very happy, and when Yizhen was able to appreciate her, she dragged her into the inner room to talk.

Yizhen sat down, and put the teacup in his hand on the table as if nothing had happened.The inner room is clean and dust-free, and the smoke is scattered in the hollowed-out incense burner beside the bed, wafting and curling up.A light-colored yellow halo lingered on Xiuxiu's body, and the cloud was half-hanging, reflecting the icy muscles and bones, just like a pear tree.Seeing this, Yizhen felt sour again for no reason.

"Something happened on the night of the Lantern Festival, but I was there. Later, I heard from my father that the third prince probably fell in love with you, and I think so too." She stared at Xiuxiu and asked pretendingly casually.

Xiuxiu became anxious and explained: "Don't believe what other people say, if it is true, I would have told you. You also know that in the huge Jiangling, I only have you as a good friend."

"I don't have many good friends, you count as one." Yizhen felt confident, relaxed a little, and took Xiuxiu's hand and said, "I told you a long time ago that the third prince is arrogant and arrogant. It blows and rains for a while, and likes to play tricks on people. If you believe him, you will be miserable."

After hearing the words, Xiuxiu held the corner of her mouth bitterly.

Yizhen went to look at Xiuxiu's desk again. There were two green inkstones on the table, and a self-painted picture of plum blossoms. Seeing that the hairpin pattern on it was a bit delicate, she dipped a pen and ink on it and embellished it a few times. .Seeing him, Xiuxiu admired and said, "Look at how lifeless my painting looks, but with your skillful hand, it seems to come alive."

"I started playing the piano, reciting poems and painting when I was three years old. This is a compulsory homework for girls. Only such a girl can be worthy of the royal family." Yizhen was quite complacent, and her expression naturally showed arrogance, "What about you, I'm afraid You never even went to school, did you?"

"Yes, others have taught me a little bit, but it's just scratching the surface." Xiuxiu answered honestly as she felt ashamed.

Yizhen said straightforwardly: "Then let my elder brother Jiahao teach you. For the past six months, he has been in Jiangling and has a lot of free time. I'll ask you out when I'm free."

This trip has been very fruitful, not only to weigh the weight of this Shen Xiuxiu, whether he has snatched Xiao Kui from him, but also to be a favor for Xiao Hao, so that Brother Hao will not torture her all day.

Yizhen was naturally satisfied, so he couldn't sit still and wanted to leave.Xiuxiu went all the way to the gate of the mansion, watching Yizhen's carriage leave.

"Miss Yizhen is clearly here to demonstrate." Yan Xi muttered.

Xiuxiu said angrily: "Don't talk nonsense, people are clearly here to see me. What's there to protest? I'm not as good as others."

Yanxi reminded Xiuxiu: "Think about it, when she came, she said that the master arranged you to live here because she wanted you to marry the third prince. Then she kept beating you and telling you not to be wishful thinking, she is the most suitable to be the third prince." Princess's."

After hearing this, Xiuxiu stood melancholy, and a thin mist floated over her eyes.

"Miss Yizhen is right. I know the intention of the Prime Minister's Mansion, and I won't wishful thinking... Now I am nothing, but I don't know where to go."

"Miss, it's Yanxi who talks too much. If the master blames her, Yanxi's life will be lost." Yanxi was in a hurry, and begged pitifully, "Don't think too much, just stay at the prime minister's residence."

Xiuxiu's hand caressed Yan Xi's temples, gently stroking, Yan Xi couldn't help but smile.The two entered the gate of the mansion hand in hand, passed through the screen wall, passed through the flowers and brushed the willows, and went straight to the Juxin courtyard.

Suddenly there was a muffled laugh, and the two looked up. Just at this moment, the breeze blew a large piece of lush ivy out of the gap.I saw the eldest lady Li Pinghua walking towards this side with two personal servant girls, the two of them were at a loss for what to do, so they had to stand where they were, slightly bowing their heads.

The laughter stopped, Li Pinghua's gaze fixed on Xiuxiu's face with a sharp air.

This was the first time she had such close contact with the eldest lady, Xiuxiu was a little scared, so she hurriedly greeted her.Li Pinghua looked coldly, and said slowly: "Miss Xiuxiu lives quite comfortably in the mansion."

The servant girl next to her interjected: "The two real ladies in our family have never been so comfortable. The master even granted her a place to live in the Juxin Courtyard. The Da Furen treated her so politely, and I have never seen her thank you."

Another sneered and said: "She is still dreaming of a princess, maybe we should thank her!"

"He is a distinguished guest, and it was specially taken care of by Concubine Rong, please don't say a few words." Li Pinghua interrupted the maid's sharp words, and said in a weary tone, "Don't upset the distinguished guest, sue the master, I am The position of Da Furen can’t be kept.”

As if a steel whip was whipping her whole body, Xiuxiu gasped, lowered her head slightly and did not move.But she felt a cold wind blowing by her side, accompanied by the sound of rings, the lady and her party brushed past her.Their sarcasm still echoed in Xiuxiu's ears.

"Father is a sinner, mother is a slut, does she still have the face to stay in the prime minister's residence?"

"I can't be rushed, I'm really thick-skinned."

Xiuxiu felt dizzy for a while, showing a painful expression.

(End of this chapter)