Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 33: Dan Que (3)
Today, he still went out.The thought of his third brother Xiao Kui made him put aside the depression in his heart for a while.He felt that the behavior of turning around and leaving that day was a bit reckless, and the brothers only said a few words.In any case, Xiao Kui is his closest relative, and now that he has fallen to this point, he should visit him again.

It was a windy day that day, when Xiao Hao arrived at the small village, the wind was even tighter and slightly cooler, as if foretelling that autumn was just around the corner.He went up and knocked on the door, and after knocking for a while, someone opened the door.

It was Jiang Chen who opened the door, and when he saw Xiao Hao, he seemed to heave a sigh of relief: "It turned out to be the Fourth Highness."

"Who do you think I am? The door is closed so tightly, are you catching a thief?" Xiao Hao half-jokingly asked.

"Although living here is hidden, the thieves still smell the breath, so we have to guard against it."

Jiang Chen spoke deeply, and led Xiao Hao to the inner courtyard.When he walked to the gate of the Moon Cave, he saw several guards walking around Xiao Kui, all of them holding swords, with serious expressions showing nervousness.

"Fourth brother, you go and sit in the living room first." Xiao Kui greeted.

Xiao Hao knew that Xiao Kui had something to do, so he agreed.Xiao Kui approached Xiao Hao, patted him on the shoulder affectionately, and was about to say something more, when another gust of wind blew the densely branched trees along the wall violently, making the leaves rustle.

Xiao Kui seemed to have discovered something, and pushed Xiao Hao away.

"careful!"

Almost at the same time, suddenly, a hidden arrow came out, hitting Xiao Kui's left arm impartially.

"There are assassins!"

A black shadow passed through the slanted branches and leaves, climbed over the eaves of the wall, and disappeared quickly.Jiang Chen led several guards up the wall and followed them away.

Under the protection of several other guards, Xiao Kui entered the dormitory.Someone quickly brought the golden sore medicine, and after a while of busy work, the arrowhead was still stuck in Xiao Kui's left arm.Xiao Hao saw it in his eyes, but he was frightened and flinched in his heart.

Xiao Kui carefully grasped the shaft of the arrow with his right hand, slowly increased his strength with his fingers, and pulled it out.Immediately, blood poured out, and his clothes were stained red in the blink of an eye.

"It's easy to hide a sharp spear, but it's hard to defend against a hidden arrow. I'm afraid the arrow is poisonous." Xiao Kui smiled nonchalantly.

The guard tore off his sleeve and began to examine the wound and apply medicine.Xiao Kui gritted his teeth and endured, his face became extremely pale.

Xiao Hao was so sad that his heart and lungs hurt, he grabbed Xiao Kui's right hand tightly, and said with deep guilt: "It's all my fault, I shouldn't have come at this time, I was reckless, and almost killed my third brother."

Xiao Kui smiled lightly, but instead comforted him: "The murderer is coming for me. If you don't show up, they will still kill me, but they got into the yard through you, and we just let him sneak in conveniently because of our negligence."

"Who wants to harm you so much?" Xiao Hao still didn't understand.

"The court is very complicated. Some people are afraid of my return. If you are not familiar with political affairs, you naturally don't know, and you don't have to guess."

"I didn't expect it to be like this..."

Xiao Hao muttered something, and sat beside Xiao Kui in silence.

Soon, Jiang Chen and others came in to report that they had searched the small village to no avail, and the murderer had escaped.

Xiao Kui snorted coldly: "Who appointed the murderer, the truth will come to light sooner or later. If one day I make a comeback, I will make them unable to hide!"

The two brothers were chatting, and the guard who guarded the gate reported that Xiuxiu had come.

Xiao Kui glanced at Xiao Hao, and smiled softly: "What a coincidence, I was injured, and you all came to see me. You cover me with the quilt, so as not to frighten her. Women always cry endlessly." Understand."

Unexpectedly, Xiuxiu had already learned about it from Jiang Chen, and trotted in all the way.She didn't even pay attention to Xiao Hao's existence, and there were faint tears floating in Xiao Kui's bright eyes.Xiao Kui murmured that it was not good, but seeing Xiuxiu walking straight in front of him, he slowly lifted the thin quilt.

Xiao Kui's upper body was bare, his left arm was tied with gauze, and the gauze was soaked by bright red blood.Xiuxiu didn't know the depth of the injury, the blood hurt her eyes, she said tremblingly: "What's going on? Who wants to hurt you?"

She bent over to touch him, but she was afraid of hurting him, so she couldn't help crying.

Xiao Kui felt a little fussy, and frowned slightly uncomfortably, but his tone was gentle: "It's okay, it will be fine in a few days. If you have a little skin, you will be like this. Brain, what should you do?"

This was originally a joke, but Xiuxiu turned pale with shock and wanted to cover his mouth.Xiao Kui grasped her hand subconsciously, and the two of them stared silently, with affection in their eyes.

Seeing this scene, Xiao Hao, who was sitting dryly beside him, couldn't bear it anymore, and got up to leave.

Xiao Kui's face was tired, and he didn't stay, he just told him: "Fourth brother, don't tell anyone about my injury, including my mother and concubine."

Xiao Hao nodded, glanced at Xiuxiu, turned and left.

Not long after leaving the dormitory, Xiao Hao stopped when he heard someone calling "Fourth Highness" from behind, without turning his head.

Xiuxiu chased after him and walked up to Xiao Hao.The breeze blows, bringing a wisp of fragrance, making Xiao Hao hold his breath and dare not look at Xiuxiu.

"Fourth Highness." Xiuxiu paused hesitantly, and said slowly, "I don't know what to say... I want to say that Fourth Highness is a very, very good person."

Xiao Hao suddenly raised his face slightly, with tears in his eyes, and said: "I said, I never force you. I was too inactive, so I missed it, right?"

"No. Actually, I have been to the Third Highness for a long time..." Xiuxiu explained with difficulty.

"So I don't stand a chance at all, do I?"

"Fourth Highness..."

"Don't call me that, I'm not that miserable." Xiao Hao finally lowered his head, only to see Xiuxiu's thick long eyelashes calm and calm.He looked at her and said, "I didn't expect that you would follow the third brother when he was down and down. In the future, no matter what his situation is, you will be like this, right? "

Xiuxiu couldn't help smiling, and a fire flickered in the depths of his eyes: "The Fourth Highness is very right, I'm following him."

Under the scorching sun, Xiao Hao only felt his temples beating violently.At this moment, his chest was empty.He was very sad for himself, but in front of Xiuxiu, he tried his best to cover up the sadness, and only wanted to tell her what was in his heart.

Perhaps, this is the last love story.

"I said that I hope to be able to travel all over the world with you in the future. I will never take back every word I said, because it comes from my heart. Every time I see you, there is a faint smile in front of my eyes. White clouds, green grass, and a scent of flowers. I will keep these most beautiful imaginations in my heart, and they will not change, and you will never want to erase them."

After speaking, he stopped bowing his head and walked forward straight.

Xiuxiu stood silently, watching Xiao Hao's figure blur in his vision and gradually drift away.

"You said Xiao Kui is not dead?"

In the queen's palace, after hearing Ji Mingyou's report, the queen who was sitting upright suddenly stood up and frowned.

Ji Mingyou continued: "The people we sent sneaked into the courtyard. I didn't expect Xiao Kui to have taken precautions and almost exposed himself. Queen, I think this move is dangerous. It is inevitable to scare the snake and put us in a dangerous situation."

"So what if he is exposed? This palace is just taking the opportunity to kill him! If Xiao Kui is not eliminated, there will be endless troubles." The queen's face was ashen, and her nails were almost broken.

Then, she smiled ferociously: "The emperor secretly visited Xiao Kui several times. He thought that the palace didn't know about it. Shen Buyu and other old thieves secretly went to the Northern Zhou Dynasty to deal with Xiao Kui in order to alleviate Xiao Kui's crime. Such a way is simply absurd and whimsical! Unless Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou Dynasty gave me an amnesty, trying to escape such a serious crime of harboring is tantamount to a dream!"

Ji Mingyou stepped forward and reminded: "However, it is said that Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou Dynasty was absurd, and state affairs were even more tense. In the Northern Zhou Dynasty, there were also treacherous villains who worked together to deceive the emperor. Shen Buyu and the others' treacherous plan restore Xiao Kui's status as prince. If it succeeds, the consequences will be disastrous!"

The queen stood there in a daze for a moment, her face changed drastically, and she was almost speechless: "It can't be..."

"Zheng Wei has lived in Huanyi for many years and lived comfortably and happily. When did you see him come back so quickly? He must have obtained some kind of secret edict. These people secretly plan and plot every day. Empress, you must guard against their unreasonable ambitions! "

The queen trembled all over, patted the phoenix chair, and gritted her teeth: "You send people to the Northern Zhou Dynasty secretly, and beg Emperor Xuan of Zhou to give instructions and make Xiao Shao your heir. !"

Ji Mingyou was overjoyed, and knelt down on the ground, making promises repeatedly.

And in the secret room of Xiao Xi's bedroom, several important ministers were also discussing secretly.

"Someone tried to stab Kui'er, and it really did. It's good to be on guard, otherwise, if disaster comes, can Kui'er escape?" Xiao Qi said in a hoarse voice.

Shen Buyu stepped forward, and said unhurriedly: "The other party failed to succeed in his plan and showed his feet. From my point of view, if the murderer is caught and confronted in court, how can the instigator escape responsibility?"

A minister questioned: "However, what if the murderer insists that this matter was not instigated by others?"

Xiao Xie slapped the couch railing, the corners of his eyes were filled with anger and sharpness: "I know, this matter must have been done by the Mu family! The most urgent thing is to catch the murderer first. With the hard-heartedness of the love ministers who enforce the law like a mountain, but the prisoner confessed, How does Mrs. Mu justify? If you break the law, you will be punished. Seeing that there is hope for success, Mrs. Mu cannot guarantee that he will not do crazy and stupid things. As the lord of ten thousand chariots, my beloved son has been deposed, and An De is in such a state of panic?"

"Your majesty is holy!" All the officials knelt down and said in unison.

Only then did Xiao Xi lean on the big pillow, closed his eyes as if weary, waved his sleeves, and said: "The meeting is over, all my loves, go back."

All the ministers resigned and filed out of the palace gate.

Shen Buyu walked slowly down the corridor, looking at the autumn colors on both sides, he felt much refreshed.He glanced in the direction of Concubine Rong's bedroom, pondered for a while, and continued on his way.

There was the sound of boots slamming from behind, and a gust of wind swept in. Zheng Wei came to him with strides, opened his throat and shouted: "Brother Buyu, I've been here for a while, why didn't you invite me?" Eat and drink tea, see me as if avoiding the plague!"

Shen Buyu stared at him, pretending to be unaware, and said with a smile: "Brother Zheng Wei, don't blame me, how can I be free like you, didn't you see that I was so busy? The emperor's complexion gradually improved, and suddenly there was an assassination incident , the decree not to arrest the murderer has come again. How about I invite you to dinner today and discuss some practical strategies by the way?"

"That's all." Zheng Wei said bluntly, "I'm doing it for Hao'er. Let me ask you, Hao'er likes Xiuxiu in your family. Do you nod your head in agreement, or not?"

Shen Buyu was stunned: "If this really happens, how can you be unhappy as a father? You and I are in-laws, haha. However, I don't know what to do with it? By the way, I'm just her adoptive father. You can't decide all the big things, you have to go home and ask her, don't you think so?"

Hearing this, Zheng Wei raised his face and said dissatisfiedly: "You are not the only one who has the final say on the marriage of children, so where are you talking? Are you still looking for the third prince? Let me tell you, our Hao'er is also a dignified prince. Your daughter is still an idiot, it is a blessing for your family that Hao'er has her eyes on her. I have already given you face, go back and think about it, and give me an answer as soon as possible!"

Shen Buyu was startled, but he finally held back the words and laughed quickly.

Having already left the palace gate while speaking, Zheng Wei patted Shen Buyu's shoulder vigorously, took the whip from the guard, jumped on the horse, and left in the dust.

Shen Buyu quickly withdrew the faint smile floating on the corner of his mouth, and sighed as if he couldn't bear the burden.

"Zheng Wei, Zheng Wei, if I had told me about this a few months earlier, maybe I would have considered it. It's different now. In the long run, it's Xiao Kui who is the right one for Xiuxiu."

叁

The sweet-scented osmanthus blooms and falls, the days are rushing, and it is late autumn in a blink of an eye.

Xiuxiu's carriage drove across the moat and followed the flow of people and cars into the city gate.There were fewer Northern Zhou soldiers guarding the city than in the past, lazily leaning under the parapet, neither checking nor paying attention to the passing pedestrians.Emperor Xuan of Zhou, Yu Wenyun, had been in power for less than two years. He was excessively extravagant and extravagant, and Gan Gang monopolized and severely punished, causing chaos in Beizhou.The soldiers of the Northern Zhou Dynasty stationed in Jiangling were also distracted, and they could be seen drunk and ugly everywhere in the wine shops along the road.

During these days, although Xiao Kui lived in seclusion to recuperate his wounds, he had the taste of keeping a low profile.Xiuxiu heard him say more than once: "Northern Zhou has his own ministers who support Yang Jian. In this way, brother Yang has another chance to come out again."

The carriage passed the noisy street and turned to the tree-lined path leading to the Prime Minister's Mansion.The sound of horseshoes fell lightly, it turned out that there was someone blocking the way ahead.

The coachman stopped his horse and yelled, "Who is in front?"

Xiuxiu poked his head out when he heard the sound, and exclaimed in surprise: "Brother Tianji!"

Tianji stood there, watching Xixiu step by step towards him.The sun slanted on her body, and after a few months of not seeing her, she looked even more beautiful.

Xiuxiu was also looking at Tianji, seeing his high eyebrows and handsome physique, she was secretly happy for him.Brother Tianji in front of me is dressed more elegantly than before. His ambition and knowledge are starting to come into play.

"How do you know I'm passing by?" She took the lead in grabbing his arm, shaking it childishly.

In front of Skyrim, she will always naturally return to her original appearance.When talking with others, she tends to be a little reserved, even when facing Xiao Kui.But facing the sky is different, she can speak freely and without restraint.

Tianji's words were also clear: "Xin Yang told me, if you are not in the mansion, you are going out of the city, and you will definitely go home before the application time. What are you doing out of the city?"

Xiuxiu couldn't explain, but with a smile on his face, he prevaricated, "Of course I went to pray to Buddha." Then, he took Tianji's arm and said, "Let's go, let's talk while walking."

On the banks of the Quliu Bridge, the wind is as calm as water, and fallen flowers are floating all over the ground.The two walked side by side, as if they were back on the road of Taoli Fangfei in Mengmata County.

Tianji said: "My mother wrote to say that since you left, your mother's complexion and spirit are not very good, and she fell into a serious illness in spring and almost died."

Xiuxiu's expression changed, and he hurriedly asked, "Did you hire a doctor? What happened to my mother?"

"Shen Buyu bought you, and naturally gave your mother a lot of money. It's just that your mother is tired of drinking medicine every day, loses her temper when she sees anyone, and sometimes clamors to come to Jiangling. Does she regret it and wants to see you?"

"No, my mother won't regret it, she just feels lonely." Xiuxiu looked solemn and sighed, "Why didn't the Prime Minister tell me about my mother's illness? I can go back to see my mother and my father." new tomb..."

"Shen Buyu black heart, he treats you like a bird in a cage, he doesn't care about your mother-daughter relationship." Tianji gets angry when he thinks about the past.

"He has become more lenient these days."

As Xixiu said this, he knew in his heart that the reason why Shen Buyu treated her graciously was because of Xiao Kui.

"I'm going to Mengyu County for business in a few days, do you want to go back to my hometown with me?"

This is the purpose of Skyrim looking for rest.

Xiuxiu pondered, then nodded slightly: "I'll talk to the second lady. If the second lady agrees, the Prime Minister has nothing to say."

She was full of confidence and made an appointment to meet next time, and the two said goodbye happily.

After Xiuxiu went back, he told Liu Rulan about going back to Mengmata County to see his mother.After hearing this, Liu Rulan smiled and said: "That's your filial piety, how can I stop it? Back then, the Shen family sent your parents away and didn't allow them to set foot in Jiangling again. But it's been so long, your father passed away, you It's too old, it's pitiful for your mother to be alone at home."

"At home, I'm afraid of my mother. But it feels weird to leave her..." Xiuxiu looked bewildered.

"It's because of family affection. It's not easy for your mother to be pregnant for ten months. You and that Tianji are as close as brothers and sisters. I'm relieved to go with him. You go and clean up, and I'll tell the master later."

Xiuxiu was delighted to hear that, thanked Liu Rulan, and hurried to tidy up.

In the evening Shen Buyu went back to his residence and had dinner in Liu Rulan's courtyard as usual.After the meal, Cui Hong served tea, and Liu Rulan Fang said slowly: "Since taking a rest, Cao Guizhi's health has been deteriorating. As a daughter, she can't bear it, and wants to go back and have a look."

Shen Buyu turned serious, put the teacup away, and said: "Cao Guizhi doesn't have to worry about food and clothing, there will be a doctor visiting at any time, I will take care of these, she still thinks it's not enough?"

"Master misunderstood the meaning of being a concubine. Although Xiuxiu was adopted by the Shen family, Cao Guizhi was her biological mother after all. It has been more than a year now, and her biological mother is ill. It is natural for a daughter to go back and do a little filial piety." .”

"Xiuxiu is staying here well, and the relationship with Xiao Kui is also growing day by day. Seeing that a good thing is approaching, if Cao Guizhi randomly disturbs it and the good thing turns into a bad thing, who will be responsible?"

Liu Rulan seemed to have realized something: "Master, what you mean is that if Cao Guizhi knew that the Shen family took Xiuxiu to marry the royal family, she would feel at a disadvantage and make troubles endlessly?"

Shen Buyu said in a deep voice: "Cao Guizhi sold her daughter not because she was afraid that her daughter would suffer with her, but because she wanted to be rich and prosperous! Xiuxiu left Mengyu County, and the Shen family and the Tao family settled. Xiuxiu's mother is now You, why don't you understand this truth?"

Seeing the master's anger, Liu Rulan lowered her head, bowed her knees and bowed: "I am confused, I almost missed a big deal."

"Absolutely don't let Xiuxiu go back to Mengmata County! There is also Chu Tianji, who is young and vigorous, and opposes me in everything. He does not know how to do things under Ji Mingyou's door. He is trying to abduct Xiuxiu! You are on guard Hurry up, don't allow this person to enter the gate of Shen's residence!"

Shen Buyu's face was full of anger, he didn't even finish his tea, so he turned and went to the study.

Liu Rulan wandered around all night, Chen Shi washed herself up and called Cui Hong to go out.She searched all the way, and slowly walked towards the Juxin Courtyard.

Yanxi came out to greet her, Liu Rulan entered the door, seeing that Xiuxiu's luggage had been packed, she was immediately embarrassed again.

Xiuxiu was still smiling at first, but when he saw Liu Rulan's expression, he vaguely understood something, and couldn't help asking: "Could it be that Master Xiang doesn't agree?"

"Master said that the current situation is very chaotic. The Third Highness needs your care while he is recuperating. It is not the time for you to return to his hometown this time. The state affairs are still worrying. If you make troubles again, how can the master stretch his hands and feet to do things? Hugh, the master is right. , you listen to him this time, and wait until the court situation is stable before leaving." Liu Rulan reluctantly persuaded.

Xiuxiu was stunned, his face was full of disappointment: "The court is stable... When is the court stable?"

"At least wait until the Third Highness is not deposed."

Speaking of Xiao Kui, Xiuxiu sat on the chair as if overwhelmed, and suddenly sneered, "That's right, just because I like the Third Highness, the Prime Minister can turn me into clouds and rain. I can't go to Mengyu County." , He wants me to forget my identity as a poor girl and forget it forever!"

"Xiuxiu, master, this is also for your own good."

As if aware of her gaffe, Xiuxiu smiled apologetically at Liu Rulan.She remained silent for a moment, then raised her eyes again, but with indescribable helplessness.

"The second lady, please tell Xiangye that I want to go back. It has nothing to do with Brother Tianji. Don't hurt him!"

On the day we met, Tianji waited under the pavilion outside Tingsongyuan.

There are chrysanthemums all over the place, eyes full of bright yellow, hearing the pine waves undulating like waves whispering, Tianji couldn't help but smile on his face.

Several strong men came slowly in a soft sedan chair, and when he saw Uncle Fu who was the leader, Tianji couldn't help but feel suffocated.

He understood that Xiuxiu would not be able to reach Mengmata County anymore.With Shen Buyu coming here this time, does he want to repeat the scene at the beginning of the year again?At this time, Tianji is no longer that young student rushing for the exam, except for despising Shen Buyu's tricks, he is no longer afraid of him.

(End of this chapter)