Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 32: Dan Que (2)
Shen Buyu nodded in satisfaction, and warned: "Although the emperor still loves him, Xiao Kui's status as prince has been abolished. That is a firm fact. Now that he has taken a fancy to you, it is hard to predict whether it will be a blessing or a disaster. Xiao Kui Young and energetic, it is inevitable to act impulsively. You should not obey him in everything, learn to think carefully, and don't fall into the joke of the whole Jiangling."

"Yes." Xiuxiu lowered her eyes and promised as she said.

It didn't take a while for a palace official to report that the emperor had arrived.Shen Buyu hurriedly took Xiuxiu to the front yard to greet him, and Emperor Liang Xiao Cha had already stepped through the gate.He comforted the kneeling Shen Buyu briefly, and then hurried to the inner courtyard.Xiuxiu peeked over, and saw that Emperor Liang was brisk and full of energy, his pale and fluffy face was flushed, as if he was a different person.

As dusk fell and the sunset glowed brilliantly, Xiuxiu followed Shen Buyu back.Looking at the small village that was drifting away, she imagined the happy scene of Xiao Kui and his parents reunited.Xiao Kui is thinking of his mother, Concubine Rong must be very content, right?
For some reason, she felt faintly disappointed.Perhaps it was because the joy of being together did not belong to her.

two

After returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion, Xiu Xiu followed Xiao Kui's instructions and began to collect some military books and historical records.Moving the books from the palace undoubtedly alarmed the Mu family, so Shen Buyu had no choice but to pick some from his study and colleagues, and actually filled two rattan boxes.

Although it is early autumn, the summer heat has not receded, and the climate in Jiangling is hotter than that in the deep mountains and dense forests.During the day, Xiuxiu couldn't get used to it for a while.In the evening, there were two consecutive heavy rains, thunder and lightning, which made Xiuxiu naturally think of the horrible scene of encountering mudslides.After such a sudden shock, coupled with the constant busyness for days, Xiuxiu finally fell ill.

Concubine Rong found out about this, and she felt really sorry, so she sent the imperial doctor to the prime minister's mansion to give Xiuxiu a pulse.The second wife, Liu Rulan, was obsessed with Xiuxiu's illness, and went to the Juxin Courtyard to visit her every day, putting aside the old master's previous warnings.Fortunately, Xiuxiu was young, and the high fever subsided after two days. He was only weak and tired, and slept peacefully all day long.

When Xiuxiu went to the forest, Xiao Hao came several times, but he never saw her.From the mouth of the second wife of the Shen family, he learned that Xiuxiu had gone to his hometown, Mengyu County, and he did not know when he would return.Although Xiao Hao believed it, he still felt a little uneasy when he found out that Xiuxiu's personal maid, Yan Xi, was still in the mansion.Could it be that Xiuxiu has something hidden?
Since Xiao Kui was demoted from the palace, Xiao Hao felt that something was missing in the huge palace, so he moved to live in his uncle Zheng De's mansion.The uncle's house is quiet, and he doesn't have to look at the faces of those palace servants, so he can live comfortably.Cousin Yizhen sometimes comes to accompany him, her face is full of sorrow, and she has lost her former vivacity.While chatting well, there was unknowingly a layer of tears in her eyes, she would always ask: "Will His Highness the Third come back?"

One sentence touched Xiao Hao's mind, and he was also thinking about the third brother in his heart, and he was helpless about what happened to him.Every time the two mentioned Xiao Kui, there was always a long silence.

On this day, the second uncle Huanyi Hou Zhengwei suddenly appeared in the capital.

It was only then that Xiao Hao remembered that the half-year appointment promised by the second uncle had arrived. Could it be that he was here to catch him and bring him back to Huanyi?
He lived in anxiety all day long.

When Zheng Wei arrived in Jiangling, he went to the palace to meet Emperor Liang, and didn't come back until evening, and hurried into the study to have a secret talk with Zheng De.Xiao Hao faintly felt that there was something important going on in the court, so he stood opposite the study and listened intently, only hearing the words "Northern Zhou" and "Yang Jian" intermittently.

He immediately thought of his third brother who hadn't heard from him for a long time.The third brother caused trouble because of Yang Jian, but this time, why did Yang Jian make the second uncle so anxious?

Xiao Hao has never been familiar with political affairs, but this time he became suspicious for no reason.He stood still, deep in thought.

The study door was pushed open, Zheng Wei and Zheng De came out side by side, they saw Xiao Hao standing not far away almost at the same time, and looked at each other in surprise.Xiao Hao couldn't dodge in time, he hurriedly bowed and wanted to leave.

"Hao'er!" Zheng Wei called out to stop him.

Xiao Hao's scalp was numb with regret, so he had no choice but to stay where he was.Brother Zheng Wei walked up to him, sure enough, Zheng Wei asked, "I let you spend half a year in Jiangling, that Shen Xiuxiu, did you catch up?"

"Uncle, you know I'm stupid, not so fast..." Xiao Hao reluctantly responded.

"You can't even handle this kind of thing, how stupid!"

Zheng Wei scolded: "You have read the holy books, are able to write and understand, and you are almost 20 years old, but you are so ignorant about the relationship between men and women, how can you laugh?"

It was the first time for Xiao Hao to be reprimanded by his uncle at such a young age, so he forbeared not to say a word.Zheng De saw it in his eyes and persuaded him: "It's no wonder Hao'er. It's good to be able to get married with Master Shen. It's just that the relationship between a man and a woman can't be rushed, let alone forced, it can only be taken slowly..."

"A matter between a man and a woman is like a war, and it must be resolved quickly! I think it's clear that Shen Buyu is using delaying tactics to look down on our family Hao'er!" Zheng Wei interrupted harshly, turning his finger at Zheng De, "You too, with one heart I want Yizhen to become a concubine, and let her follow Xiao Kui's ass. In the end, everyone is demoted, so why should I be a concubine? Shit!"

Zheng De was reprimanded, and knowing Zheng Wei's temper, he could only shake his head and smile wryly.

Zheng Wei turned around and reprimanded Xiao Hao again: "You are the son of Emperor Liang, His Royal Highness the Four Princes, if you just stay in Huanyi, you are making a big mistake! Now Xiao Kui has been demoted, and the emperor has set up a heir." Although you can't succeed Xiao Kui, this is the time for you to show your talents. Forget it, this marriage of the Shen family is not worth it!"

After hearing the last sentence, Xiao Hao blurted out: "I only like Xiuxiu!"

Zheng Wei's eyes widened and he wanted to speak, but Zheng De persuaded him again: "Hao'er's temperament is very much like our sister who died in our family. She got stuck in a dead end and couldn't get out. The more you talk about him, the more he will get out." Si Ke, if you don't talk about him, he will figure it out on his own. Second brother, just let him go, maybe one day the Shen family's children really leave with him."

"Oh, I'm afraid that this child, Hao'er, will be ruined by the word 'special affection'!"

When mentioning the dead sister, Zheng Wei sighed, but it was hard to continue to blame directly, shook his head and left.

Xiao Hao looked at the backs of the two uncles leaving, sweating profusely all over his body, and his heart was still pounding when he returned to his room.

Tangled all night, still worried about Xiuxiu, the next morning while Zheng Wei went out to handle government affairs, Xiao Hao cleaned up his clothes and went out again.

Outside the prime minister's mansion, the guards guarding the gate saw that it was the fourth prince, and they all bowed to greet him.

"Is Miss there?" Xiao Hao asked as usual.

"In the."

Xiao Hao was overjoyed when he heard this.The guard was about to inform the second wife, but Xiao Hao stopped him in time: "I have come here many times, so I don't need to bother your second wife every time. I will go directly to the Juxin Courtyard, and just announce Yanxi."

The guard said hey, and was busy making an announcement.

Xiao Hao entered the Juxin Courtyard alone, and was surprised when he smelled a scent of medicinal herbs.Yan Xi who was inside opened the bead curtain and came out, Xiao Hao said, "Why does it smell like medicine, who is sick?"

Yan Xi saluted: "Miss caught a cold and has been ill for three or four days."

Xiao Hao was startled, and kept blaming himself: "I'm stupid enough, I wish I had come a few days earlier."

"Miss is ill, it has nothing to do with Fourth Highness coming early or late."

Yan Xi and Xiao Hao got to know each other well, so they made jokes informally.In her eyes, the fourth prince is gentle and handsome, and considerate to the young lady, ten times and a hundred times better than the arrogant third prince.Since the young lady got acquainted with the third prince, she has had constant bad luck, so she might as well choose the fourth prince.

When Xiao Hao entered the room, he stepped lightly, lifted the soft curtain and looked into the inner room.The windows in the room were closed, and the curtains were covering the curtains. It was half-bright and half-dark, and there was no sound in the sea-red curtains.

"Is Miss better?" He asked softly.

"Better, just fell asleep."

Xiao Hao hurriedly hissed, walked to the tea table on tiptoe, and said with a low smile: "Don't call her right now, wait until she wakes up, I'll wait here first."

"The medicine in the kitchen is about to be cooked, the servants are going to bring the medicine." After Yan Xi finished speaking, she turned and left the house.

Xiao Hao sat down by the tea table and drank tea slowly.Seeing that there are two stacks of leaflets neatly stacked on the case, I opened it casually, and saw that it was a book on military affairs, and I didn't feel a little strange.Looking down the desk, there are two large rattan boxes underneath, and the volumes above are also military books and histories.

He unconsciously thought to himself: Third brother loves to read these books the most, how come there are these books in Xiuxiu's house?So carefully sorted, where to send it?
He tidied up the books, sat for a while with nothing to do, and picked up a book to read.

With the sound of the curtain hook, Yanxi came in holding a silver plate, on which was an emerald green tureen.Seeing Xiao Hao reading books there, she smiled lowly and said: "These books should have been sent out, but once Miss got sick, I put them here for the time being."

"Where are you going?" Xiao Hao said kindly.

"Third Highness is there."

Xiao Hao was taken aback for a moment, and said to himself: "So the third brother has already returned..."

Yan Xi thought Xiao Hao knew about it, but now she knew she was talking too much, so she hurriedly said: "Your Highness is not to blame. The medicine is cold, and this servant will wake up the miss."

Xiuxiu's voice came from inside: "Yanxi, is the Fourth Highness down?"

Xiao Hao called Yan Xi: "I'll take it over." He took the silver plate and carefully entered the back room.

Xiuxiu was about to meet the ceremony, but felt dizzy, so she had to sit down again and smiled apologetically at Xiao Hao.Xiao Hao brought the medicine bowl to her, and saw that her cheeks were a little red, probably because the fever had not subsided, so he stretched out his hand and gently wiped her forehead.

"I'm sweating all over, it's okay." Xiuxiu spoke softly.

After she finished drinking the medicine, Xiao Hao took the wet towel and wiped off the medicine juice at the corner of her mouth, looked at her face, and said with a smile: "Seeing the two big boxes of books, Yan Xi said it belonged to the third brother, is it a joke?"

"It really belongs to the Third Highness. The Prime Minister asked me to sort it out. He has already returned to Jiangling. I will leave it there when I am sick, and I will send it over in two days." Xiuxiu answered generously and told him the exact address.

Xiao Kui and Xiao Hao were the best friends since they were young. When they were in the mountains and forests, they heard him mention the fourth brother more than once.Returning to Jiangling is also a low-key act, only Shen Buyu and a few ministers in the court know about it.Xiao Hao was used to being alone, so no one told him of course.

Xiao Hao felt relieved, and felt ashamed of his random suspicion just now, and laughed like a child: "It's good to see third brother!"

After a good night's sleep, Xiuxiu felt much more comfortable and smooth, and even walked no longer lightly.She was afraid that Xiao Kui would miss the book and miss him unceasingly, so she decided to go to the small village today.

Shen Buyu was not in the mansion, so she asked Liu Rulan for instructions.Liu Rulan naturally agreed, and called the man to prepare the carriage, and carried the two rattan boxes into the carriage.Not at ease, he ordered two servants to follow him all the way.

Xiuxiu hurriedly dissuaded him politely: "It's a mess outside, and the Third Highness is hiding there. The fewer people who know about it, the better."

Liu Rulan felt that Xiuxiu's words were reasonable, so she gave up.It was sent directly to the gate of the mansion, and when Xiuxiu was about to get into the car, she suddenly remembered something, and told her: "Hurry up and come back quickly. You are a big girl, it is not good to keep running outside. The eldest lady is naturally I don't like it, I've already started gossip. I don't want to judge the matter between you and the third highness, it's better to be cautious in everything, so as not to be nagged by others."

Xiuxiu agreed embarrassingly, with a thin blush on her fair cheeks.She was afraid that the second lady would notice what was on her mind, so she lowered her head and quickly got into the car.

The autumn tiger is scorching hot, and the cicadas sound one after another along the road.Xiuxiu's eyes lingered on the emerald green fragrant grass, feeling the changes in the past year, and the love thread in his heart grew wildly like a fragrant grass.She yearned to travel all over the green fields with Xiao Kui, play and sing without emotion, and live up to their precious youth.

When they arrived at the courtyard where Xiao Kui was, Jiang Chen and others removed the rattan box from the car.After entering the courtyard gate, Xiuxiu walked all the way quickly, and when she reached the rockery in the backyard, she stopped suddenly, and for a moment forgot which room Xiao Kui was in.

A figure flashed behind the rockery, and someone suddenly grabbed her waist, without even giving her time to salute, the man's chin was pressed against her forehead.Xixiu leaned in his arms and softly called: "Third Highness."

Xiao Kui slowly raised her chin, pretending to be angry and asked: "Why are you here so late? Shen Buyu won't let you see me?"

While speaking, one hand rubbed the back of her hand and intertwined with her five fingers.

"That's not the case. It's because I've been sick for a few days, and I'll see you when I get better today." Xiuxiu explained with a smile.

Xiao Kui raised his brows, and then, like a newborn puppy, he sniffed at her and murmured, "No wonder it smells like medicine, and it's so strong."

"Did you hate me?"

"No, it smells like bitterness."

The two were flirting, Xiao Kui's nose rubbed against Xiuxiu's nose, his lips came together stupidly, and lightly bit her lips a few times.There was brilliance in his eyes, so bright that it made people dizzy, just looking at him for a moment, Xiuxiu couldn't help but feel numb.

She remembered the second wife's advice before leaving, she hastily pushed Xiao Kui away, and retreated to the other side of the rockery.Xiao Kui held her tightly and clung to her body so that she couldn't get rid of it.

"I'm going back soon." She trembled.

Xiao Kui acted like a child, and said in a half-stubborn tone: "Don't go back. This place is much better than the mountains, so stay with me tonight."

"No, Your Highness."

"You sleep inside, I sleep outside, it's okay. Just stay with me for one night, and I'll take you back tomorrow."

Xiuxiu was distracted, and struggled desperately in his heart, saying "no" again and again.During the entanglement, there was a noise in the inner courtyard, and the two were startled, and raised their heads at the same time.

No one expected that Xiao Hao was standing in front of the Moon Cave door, with a terrified expression on his face, and his eyes, which were about to burn, were focused heavily on Xiuxiu.

"Fourth Highness!" Xiuxiu couldn't help but blurted out.

"Brother Hao!" Xiao Kui also called out.

Xiao Hao didn't answer, his face was full of frustration, a haze flashed in his eyes, he turned and left.

Xiuxiu raised her skirt and wanted to chase her, but Xiao Kui held her down in time: "I'll call him." After saying that, he strode out of the Moon Cave Gate, and the figure quickly disappeared among the lush trees.

Xiuxiu stood there waiting, feeling at a loss.The fourth prince in my impression had a slightly raised mouth and a gentle smile, such a delicate appearance couldn't conceal his affection.He mentioned his affection more than once, but she didn't accept it, because Xiao Kui was the only one in her heart.However, the fourth prince treated her sincerely, such a kind person, she didn't want to hurt him at all.

After a long time, Xiao Kui appeared with a solemn face.

Xiuxiu went up to meet her, and asked with concern, "Where is the Fourth Highness?"

"I chatted with him a bit. He didn't want to come in and insisted on going back."

"He is because of me. You brothers reunited after a long absence..." Xiuxiu let out a breath slowly, still full of guilt in his heart.

"We can still meet if we have a chance." Xiao Kui raised his eyebrows slightly, and raised a thought-provoking smile, "It turns out that the fourth brother's favorite person is you. He is sometimes stubborn, and it is difficult for anyone to persuade him. What can we do in the days to come? Or, go and tell him clearly that Xiao Kui and Xiuxiu want to fly together.”

As he said that, he also made a movement of his arms soaring.

Xiuxiu blushed again with embarrassment, and slapped Xiao Kui, saying: "I dare not persuade him, for fear of seeing his sad appearance. It's good if he knows, but I still feel uncomfortable."

Xiao Kui couldn't help but put his arms around her, and although there was a smile on his face, he said in a serious manner: "No matter how good the relationship between brothers is, this kind of thing must never be allowed. Don't just be afraid of him being sad. If you want to break it, you must naturally break it. You only have me. Do you hear me, you have only me."

"I only have you." Xiuxiu couldn't help answering.

At that moment, she truly felt the arrogance Xiao Kui passed on to her.That was what she liked, even obsessed with.

Xiao Kui looked down at Xiuxiu's delicate face, picturesque eyebrows, and clear eyes, and suddenly felt pity.She is not a jiao'e who is randomly summoned in the palace, but a lotus flower who will stay with him one day and form a pair of twin stalks together.

Thinking of this, his unrestrained eyebrows and eyes became a little condensed, and he patted her shoulder in silence.

Perhaps it was Xiao Hao's sudden appearance that somewhat disturbed his mood, and the two stood silently.After a while, the two spoke almost simultaneously: "We—"

Xiao Kui grinned, and spoke softly like never before: "It's getting late, you'd better go back."

Hugh also nodded gently.

The two are holding hands, and the first sunset glow reflects their figures, which is romantic and charming.

As dusk was about to fall, Zheng Yizhen went straight into Xiao Hao's room.

There are no lights inside, only a few rays of the setting sun seep through the window screens, and the curtains and even the tables and chairs are covered with a halo of halo.Yizhen looked around and found Xiao Hao leaning on the Maitreya couch with a blank expression and a sense of loss.

"Brother Hao, my mother called you to eat."

Xiao Hao closed his eyes, as if he had never heard his cousin calling.Since he came in, he has been sitting still, not wanting to think about anything, but thinking about everything.

"What's the matter? Are you uncomfortable?" Yi Zhen stroked his cousin's forehead.

Xiao Hao frowned and shrank back a bit.

Yizhen blinked in a strange way, sat down beside Xiao Hao, propped his head with one hand, and asked if he realized something: "Did the second uncle talk about you again? Sigh, who told the emperor to adopt you to the second uncle? Uncle is your father. He is very angry and gets angry at every turn, and you don't even have the slightest resistance. Seeing that you are still the fourth prince, you are much more pitiful than ordinary people."

"But he is also the person who cares about me the most in this world." Xiao Hao sighed.

"I care about you too." Yizhen smiled nonchalantly, grabbed Xiao Hao's sleeve, trying to pull him up, "Hurry up and eat, mom and dad are waiting."

Xiao Hao did not move lazily, gently pushed Yizhen away, and said, "I'm not hungry, you go back by yourself."

"Brother Hao!"

Yizhen had never seen Xiao Hao so emotional, he stomped his feet and became angry.

"Don't bother me, go out and close the door."

Xiao Hao turned over and turned his back to the outside, his voice was indifferent.

"Crazy."

Yizhen scolded, pouted and walked away.

The twilight merged, and the darkness poured in like a tide.The chill in the room seemed to rise suddenly, Xiao Hao felt that he was frozen, and felt that there was no warmth around him, just like that person's heart, which couldn't be warmed no matter what.

However, he couldn't bear to blame her.

She leaned against Xiao Kui's arms, her face was as bright red as peaches and plums, and her thick eyelashes trembled.She is smiling, smiling so sweetly, so foolishly.She smiled at him more than once, but it wasn't like this.It turns out that there are many kinds of women's smiles. He never expected his mother's smile since he was a child. In his memory, the smile that really penetrated into his bones and blood came from this woman named Xiuxiu.

He didn't realize until today that she just smiled at him.

Suffering surged up in an instant, he covered his face, and cried silently by himself.

This was the first time in his life that he cried sadly.

He was bored in the room for three full days, no one cared, even Zheng De and his wife would not try to figure out his thoughts.Because in their eyes, the fourth prince, who lost his mother at birth, was docile and never caused trouble, dull and not humorous.Let him go.

(End of this chapter)