Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 34: Dan Que (4)
Shen Buyu got off the sedan chair, with his hands behind his back, his expression hidden in the dense gloom, he was looking at the sky.The young man in front of him, Yang Qi can be seen between his brows, he is a bit heroic, but it is a pity that he has taken refuge in the Mu family, and he will eventually develop the source of treachery and rebellion.

"Xiuxiu won't come." He cut to the chase.

"I want to see her! I want her to tell me herself!" Tianji did not show weakness.

"Boy, I've been polite to you this time, and you've made an inch of it. Since your mother used to be the nanny of the Shen family, I'll make this trip myself. If you're still messing around, don't blame me for being rude."

When Shen Buyu said this, although his tone was not fluctuating, it was ruthless.

Tianji's eyes were also cold, and he said: "I know, you have always looked down on me! Sooner or later, I will let you see me as a fat horse and light fur, and I am a scholar. I will marry Xiuxiu as my wife, and let you Posted upside down the dowry and I as a marriage!"

"What a big breath."

Shen Buyu seemed to hear something extremely funny, he laughed, then snorted coldly, and continued to sarcastically say: "Keep it in front of your eyes, don't overestimate your abilities with a little achievement, and you can't tell the north from the south. I warn you again , don’t think too much about Xiuxiu, if I accuse you casually, your official career will be ruined. I don’t care about this matter, if you want to hang around in Jiangling, you can decide for yourself.”

After finishing speaking, he didn't look at the sky, turned around, got into the soft sedan chair, and walked away.

Tianji stood where he was, breathing deeply, the wind blew his clothes and made his mind flutter.

"Shen Buyu, you will see this day!" He gritted his teeth.

Shen Buyu's sudden appearance disrupted Tianji's original plan.He immediately went south day and night, and he didn't bring much with him. Apart from official documents, he also brought a few pieces of fabric for his mother and three older sisters, and two packs of desserts for his little nephew.

Three days later, he arrived in Mengmata County, and when he arrived at the county government, he presented the official letter issued by the Ministry of Rites.By the time the procedure was completed and the county government stamped the official seal, it was already sunset.

Because Tianji was under Ji Mingyou's family, the county magistrate held a banquet to welcome Tianji, and said some polite words during the banquet.Most of the people who sat with me were the elderly patriarchs and directors, and Tianji was the youngest, and he didn't drink at all, and the banquet ended at five o'clock.

Tianji temporarily stayed in the posthouse for one night, and hurried home early the next morning.

Although this trip was low-key, it still alarmed many neighbors. People regarded Skyrim as a rarity, and there were praises everywhere.Ni Xiu'e was even more grinning from ear to ear, and killed the fattest chicken in the family to treat her competitive son well.

After everyone had dispersed and only mother and son were left at home, Ni Xiu'e looked at her son carefully, proud and joyful, patted Tianji's arm, and kept saying, "I'm thinner, but I've grown taller."

Tianji blinked mischievously: "Mom, I'm almost twenty, and I won't grow any longer."

While laughing and talking, it was already lunch time, and the house was filled with the aroma of rice and chicken.The mother and son sat opposite each other, and Ni Xiu'e looked at her son's greedy face with joy, and kept adding chicken nuggets to his rice bowl.

"Even though Jiangling is the capital, how can there be rice at home?" Ni Xiu'e sighed, then remembered something, and said, "Master Ji you said is a celebrity of the Mu family, and power is in the hands of the public. You must know what to do, and you must not be lazy. Otherwise, even If you are ambitious and talented, but you don’t have a good eye, good opportunities will be snatched by others.”

"Understood, mother." Tianji said obediently.

Ni Xiu'e took care again: "You have today, thanks to the support of your mentor. Later, send the high-quality ginseng at home, thank you very much, teacher."

Tianji nodded obediently again.

Ni Xiu'e smiled with satisfaction, and then she felt relieved to eat.

Tianji suddenly asked: "How is Xiuxiu's mother?"

"Her family has someone to take care of her now, so it's okay? She has a rich man's disease, and she gets used to it, so no one cares about her." Ni Xiu'e replied indifferently.

"I made an appointment to come back with Xiuxiu, but Shen Buyu stopped me and gave me a scolding." Tianji said angrily.

Ni Xiu'e's face suddenly changed when she heard this, her hands trembled, and her chopsticks fell off.She wanted to bend down to pick it up, but Tianji quickly helped her pick up the chopsticks.

"You went to find Xiuxiu?" Ni Xiu'e stared at her son.

"Mother, I want to marry Xiuxiu."

Ni Xiu'e raised her hand, and suddenly slapped Tianji's face hard, with a clear sound.

Unprepared, Tianji covered his face and called out aggrievedly: "Mother—"

"I'll remind you again and again, don't go to Xiuxiu, don't have such unreasonable thoughts, have you ignored your mother's words? The prime minister didn't kill you to praise you, and you still insist on going your own way, and you must cause trouble. I'm so mad! How did I give birth to your stupid son?" Ni Xiu'e scolded while panting.

"Mother, what's wrong with me liking Xiuxiu? Besides, Xiuxiu was only adopted by the Shen family, and not her own. Why should I be humiliated like this? Although my family is poor, I have a reputation. My mother has taught me to strive for success since I was a child. Aren't I just trying to win you over? Why are you shrinking back and underestimating yourself in this matter? "

Tianji's impassioned speech left Ni Xiu'e speechless, and she pretended to hit her son again.Tianji hurriedly dodged, but Ni Xiu'e couldn't hit him, so she cursed again: "Don't bring out the great truth, if you don't allow it, you don't allow it! If I find out again, don't enter this house!"

The mother and son had a quarrel over this, and it was not until they stopped talking about it that they gradually started talking and laughing again.Then, Tianji hurriedly went to visit the teacher, and Ni Xiu'e was busy at home.When Tianji came back, Ni Xiu'e had already filled a cloth bag full of boiled eggs and baked wheat cakes, and told Tianji to eat them on the road.

The mother and daughter didn't say goodbye until they got to the side of the road. Ni Xiu'e watched the carriage go away before returning with a heavy heart.

The autumn rain is misty, and the wheels of the car are rattling.Three days later, the tall and continuous city walls of Jiangling loomed not far away, and the thoughts in the sky were still as chaotic as a fog.

He still couldn't understand why his mother's reaction was always so violent every time Xiuxiu was mentioned?The more she objected, the stronger his feelings for Xiuxiu.Shen Buyu appeared twice, both with a smug look of contempt, which made his blood rush from time to time.

He thought of the dead Mr. Tao again.

When he was very young, Mr. Tao's face was solemn, his eyes were floating in the unknown place far away, and he said to him: "Tianji, when you grow up and get a good name, if Xiuxiu is still in Mengmata County, I will promise you to marry her back. Home."

It seems to be a prophecy.When he grew up, he obtained a high degree of fame, but Xiuxiu was not in Mengmata County. Why?
Could it be that God has made arrangements in the dark?
Tianji was very unconvinced, and decided that after arriving in Jiangling, he had to investigate clearly.

The autumn rain suddenly stopped, and it seemed that the chill was getting deeper.At this time, Tianji quietly came outside the Prime Minister's Mansion.

The wind blew across the high wall, and a few yellow leaves fell from the old pear tree.There is also the sound of falling leaves inside the wall, rustling, and the sky can imagine the fragrant petals falling in detail.

I don't know what Hugh is doing?Did she miss him?He thought a little foolishly.

At this time, a gust of wind swept by, mixed with the sound of horseshoes and wheels.He wrapped his robe tightly and hid under the old pear tree.But seeing Shen Buyu's carriage approaching slowly from a long distance.

Shen Buyu has always kept a low profile and never paid attention to ostentation. There are only two or three guards in front of the car, not extravagant.Even if the carriage drove into the busy city, most people would not guess that the person sitting in it was actually the prime minister.The carriage drove smoothly, passing behind the sky, passing a cold wind.

The sky couldn't help trembling.

He didn't reappear until the sound of carriages and horses disappeared in his ears.Looking from a distance, the carriage stopped outside the mansion, Shen Buyu got out of the carriage alone, there were no other people in the carriage.

Skyrim was a little unwilling, and continued to wait patiently.After waiting for a long time, there was the light sound of horseshoes on the road, and Shen Xinyang came riding a young colt, and his personal entourage was younger than him, and he was sweating profusely.

Tianji stood in the middle of the road, smiling and waving to Xin Yang.

When Xin Yang saw it, he tightened the reins, and said loudly with great interest: "Qiaoji! I was just about to talk to you, but you fell down."

"What's so rare?" Tianji also laughed.

"About my younger sister. I don't know if it's a good thing. I just heard about it from Yanxi yesterday, and I'm really worried for Xiuxiu."

Hearing these words, Tianji's breath was suffocated, and the smile on his face quickly faded away.

"What... what happened?" he asked a little stammeringly.

"She was anxious to go back to her hometown, but my father didn't agree. She couldn't go back, but she also got into a stalemate with my father. She was confined in the yard and couldn't get out."

Tianji was taken aback just now, but now he let go of his hanging heart and smiled in relief.

That's right, Xiuxiu really wanted to go back, and it was Shen Buyu who got in the way.

Xin Yang didn't understand Tianji's state of mind at this time, handed the reins to the attendant, patted Tianji on the shoulder, and said, "Let's go, it's rare for us to meet, let's sit in a nearby teahouse."

Inside the small tea house.

There are few people around, and no one comes to disturb.The two sat opposite each other by the window, the tea waiter brought some fragrant tea and left.

Tianji smelled the fragrance of tea, took a sip, and said with a smile: "How can it be a good thing that Xiuxiu is confined in the yard?"

Today he was waiting outside the walls of the Shen residence, just waiting for Shen Xinyang.Shen Xinyang has no plans, he is more ignorant of world affairs than him, and he is close to Xiuxiu, he really wants to find out something from Xin Yang.

"You know, although she is my new sister, she has feelings. Actually, I don't want her to go either."

Tianji's eyes widened, and he blurted out, "Feeling? Could it be that your family bought her to give you..."

"Nothing! Xiuxiu is just my younger sister, that's brother and sister! The one I really like is Yanxi!"

Xin Yang hurriedly waved his hands, and accidentally revealed all his thoughts, and at the end, he blushed.

Yesterday Yanxi sent him out of Juxin Courtyard, his pink face was delicate and his smile was sweet.His heart moved, and he pecked her cheek without thinking.Yan Xi's face flushed suddenly, she stopped in panic, and fled inside.

Tianji didn't care about Xinyang's falling in love with the maid, he only cared about Xiuxiu, and said with a smile: "Hehe, I was just guessing wildly. I heard that your father was all about sending Xiuxiu to the palace so that she could be her The third prince and concubine, now that the third prince has been abolished, what is your father's plan?"

Xin Yang leaned closer to Tianji's ear, and said with a smile: "I tell you, they are already on the mend."

After speaking, he found that Tianji had complicated expressions in his eyes, staring at the teacup in his hand.Perhaps his hands were shaking, and the water in the cup was dizzy like ripples.Xin Yang didn't feel strange, he stretched out his hand and waved it in front of Tianji.

Tianji woke up startled, gritted his teeth and said, "I don't believe it!"

"At first I didn't believe it either. After the third prince was deposed, Xiuxiu disappeared like a ghost, and even didn't go home for several days and nights. I asked Yanxi quietly, and then I found out that the third prince was hiding in the deep mountains and old forests, so Xiuxiu went to see him. Later, the court situation eased, and the third prince returned to Jiangling and lived in a small village in the outskirts. He was injured a few days ago, and he went to take care of him every three days. Sigh, not many people know about this. I made a poisonous oath at Yanxi not to tell it, but seeing you, I couldn't help but tell it."

Xin Yang saw that Tianji didn't move for a long time, and his expression was a little silly. He might be mistaken, and said with a smile: "Isn't he confused with joy? You and Xiuxiu have known each other since childhood, and you can be regarded as her elder brother. Her affairs are also your affairs. Sigh, I don't know when the third prince will regain his glory? The emperor dotes on him so much, there will always be a bright day. You and I will bless you and rest."

Tianji listened and didn't speak for a long time.He stared blankly at the teacup all the time, almost suspecting that he was in a dream, and what Xin Yang said just now was not true.

In a daze, he remembered that Xiuxiu's carriage was parked in the middle of the willow-shaded avenue that day, she walked towards him slowly, and said with a smile that she had returned from worshiping God in the suburbs.

So that god is Xiao Kui!

Why lie to him?

His whole body was trembling, and suddenly he sneered, but his voice trembled: "Good thing...a very good thing."

Holding the teacup in the palm of his hand, with all his strength supported by his five fingers, he turned the teacup upside down on the table as if venting.With a dull bang, the tea meandered and trickled down.

Then, he suddenly got up, and went downstairs without even saying hello.

Xin Yang hurriedly paid for the tea.Looking from the window, Tianji had strode out of the teahouse and went straight to another place.Xin Yang tilted his head, and said to himself in puzzlement: "What's going on with Chu Tianji?"

Wanton

The autumn wind and autumn rain were bleak, and the cold air in the palace became heavier.

Outside the Lingde Hall, the ground is already in a mess with broken leaves.The palace guard at the gate was about to pick up the broom when he vaguely heard coughing in the bedroom, another palace guard hastily gestured for everyone to silence.Soon, Xiao Xi's servant came in from outside, stepped on the fallen leaves all over the ground, and silently stepped on the white jade steps.

Due to being ill for a long time, Xiao Qi half-lyed on the sandalwood-colored cushion, looking sleepy.The colorless glazed window reflected the figure of the servant passing by in a hurry, Xiao Xi raised his spirits and supported his frail body with his arms.

"How's Kui Er?" he asked.

Even in his illness, he still missed his son.

The servant reported: "Back to the emperor, the wound of the third highness has healed. He asked the slave to bring a message, please take care of the emperor."

"It's a young man after all." Xiao Xi was very pleased, with a smile on his face, "Shen Aiqing was thoughtful, and sent his daughter to serve Kui'er. Although drunkards don't mean to drink, I think it's very good. They were like a match made in heaven."

"That's what the emperor said."

"If there is no accident, after the new year is the day to choose the prince and concubine, maybe Kui'er will give birth to a little grandson at the end of the year. Alas, God does not help people. I am looking forward to the good news from the Northern Zhou Dynasty day and night. So far, there is no news. No, I feel uneasy!" Xiao Qi sighed with emotion.

"Northern Zhou did bring good news, Your Majesty." The Queen's melodious voice came from outside the screen.

Xiao Xi was startled.

The queen stepped out slowly from behind the screen, and one or two small broken leaves were still stained on the colorful cape, which added a touch of vividness to the graceful and graceful appearance.There is a long necklace hanging from the phoenix between the temples, and the pearl light flows like stars, shining in front of Xiao Xie's eyes.

Behind her is Shang Shuling Ji Mingyou.At this time, he followed a few steps forward, knelt down on one knee and bowed to the emperor and ministers: "My humble minister sees the emperor."

Xiao Qi straightened up vigilantly, and asked angrily, "What are you doing here?"

The queen looked at Xiao Xie with an elusive gaze, and then said with a deep blessing, she said with a smile: "The concubine received a letter from Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou Dynasty today, which is related to the establishment of a heir in this dynasty. In this way, the concubine came to show the emperor to read it immediately. After reading it, the emperor will definitely be very happy, and it is good news to end a concern."

Ji Mingyou held up the edict sealed with the jade seal over the top.

Knowing what it was, Xiao Xi's heart tightened uncontrollably.His vision was somewhat blurred, and even the edict in Ji Mingyou's hand became illusory and unreal.He stretched out his hand tremblingly, took the edict from the servant, and lowered his head tremblingly to read it.

As if his muscles and blood had been pulled out of nowhere, he sat back heavily on the couch, his face distorted and hideous.

"The world is settled, I am strong and strong, there is no need to rush to the country!"

"Your Majesty, this is an edict from Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou Dynasty!" The Queen's voice was extremely heavy, and there was a sound on the ground.

Xiao Xie's face was pale, and he gritted his teeth and said: "Shao'er lacks courage and is more than cowardly, so he is not the best candidate for the crown prince! Important matters of the country must be decided by the officials in the court!"

"Okay, my concubine is about to say that the handbook will be read tomorrow. The Northern Zhou garrison chief is waiting outside the palace, and my concubine wants to see who dares to break the law and disrupt the government on the head of Emperor Xuan of Zhou!"

The queen's smile flashed, she said no more, she flicked her long sleeves decisively, motioned Ji Mingyou to leave, and then went out proudly.

Finally got to this point, everything is as she wished.There was a smile on her face, as if she saw Xiao Shao's crowning ceremony, and the brocades and jewels were dazzling under everyone's eyes, how bright and majestic it is!
Xiao Xi collapsed on the couch, looking out the window dimly, the sound of the wind was low and low like a sob.Suddenly, he seemed to wake up, and shouted in panic: "Shen Aiqing! And Zheng Aiqing!"

Soon, Shen Buyu and Zheng Wei rushed to Lingde Hall one after another.

General Xiao Xie said after passing by just now, his eyes were bright, and he said tremblingly: "The Mu family is so evil, taking advantage of the emptiness of the central palace to make troubles, if we don't take away his power, my whole life's hard work will be ruined by their hands!"

Shen Buyu and Zheng Wei's expressions changed, and Shen Buyu said, "This incident is violent and unexpected. It snowed heavily in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, and the people sent by the minister are still on the way, and I am afraid they will not be able to arrive in time. Even if they arrive in Jiangling, Emperor Xuan of Zhou issued an edict. It has been announced, but it is also helpless."

"If you don't kill Ji Mingyou, I will not be willing!" Zheng Wei couldn't help cursing fiercely, saying, "The murderer who assassinated the third highness has been caught, and this evil man insists on not recruiting. I will go back immediately and serve him with great punishment. It is impossible for him to recruit at the behest of Mu Shi! If you have the evidence, you can restrain Mu Shi!"

Xiao Xie nodded again and again: "That's very good, Ai Qing will go quickly."

Shen Buyu thought about it, and reminded worriedly: "Abusing lynching is illegal. If you can't succeed, it will make the Mu family even more rampant. In fact, the chaos will add to the chaos. Brother Zheng needs to be careful."

Zheng Wei roughly interrupted, staring at the eyeballs and said: "The Mu family is extremely despicable, what kind of laws should we talk to them? How can we care so much at this critical moment?"

After some discussion, the two powerful ministers left in a hurry.

Xiao Xi sat still, silent for a long time, and finally let out a sigh.

"Tomorrow's court will be full of bad luck. Kui'er, the Mu family has caused chaos and ruined the country. My father can't help you. I'm so sad!"

"Third brother, don't go!"

The door of the house opened wide, and Xiao Kui rushed out from inside.Xiao Hao followed closely, and then caught up with him in front of the courtyard gate, grabbed Xiao Kui with both hands, and insisted not to let him go out of the courtyard gate.

Xiao Kui was a little out of control, and said in a sullen and frantic voice: "Father is painstakingly governing the country alone, Mu family took advantage of the chaos to seize power, and a generation of kings was surrounded by treacherous people. What is the use of my staying here? Don't stop me, I will definitely stop it." these people!"

"Third brother, with your current status, you can't even enter the palace. If you save your father like this, it's like being trapped in a cocoon! Third brother, don't get excited, let's think of a way!" Xiao Hao tried his best to persuade.

Uncle Zheng Wei was busy late into the night when he suddenly told him the ominous news. He secretly felt that his third brother Xiao Kui would make trouble, so he hurried over early in the morning to dissuade him.

Although Xiao Kui's mood calmed down, there was an undercurrent in his eyes after all.

"Fourth brother, the Mu family has already become powerful. If the Mu family wins the throne, I will be killed by the Mu family. If the eldest brother is in charge of the government once, and then comes to another way, your life is also at stake."

"Brother is not such a person!"

"He's just a puppet."

Xiao Hao's heart sank, and he said in a choked voice: "I know. The empress disregarded her father's favor and righteousness, and attacked the court to seize power for profit. Why did the royal family do this? Can't we live like ordinary people?"

The two brothers stood shoulder to shoulder and clenched their fists.The long wind made their robes flutter unruly. At this moment, their hearts were like steel knives, but they had no choice but to let time flow slowly.

There was a sound outside the courtyard door, and Xiuxiu walked in slowly.

Within close proximity, the three looked at each other.

She seemed to understand what they meant, she walked in front of Xiao Kui silently, took a breath slowly, and said slowly: "Master Xiang has already gone to the palace. At this moment, the court meeting has already begun."

(End of this chapter)