Who says maids don't fall for the city

Chapter 16
In the past few days, Li Xiaoyi has treated me meticulously, even the maids around him have taken care of me as if they were a serious master.I wanted to find an opportunity to tell him about my going to Mocheng, but every time he happily took me to see his collection or share his most precious memories.I was afraid of spoiling his interest, so I couldn't open my mouth.I never knew that he was such a talkative person before. It can be seen that people should not only be judged by their appearance.

But procrastinating on is not an option, and today he finally made up his mind to express his thoughts, so he asked Xing Chen if Li Xiaoyi had anything he liked to eat.

She thought about it for a long time, and said: "The second son is usually indifferent, and there is nothing he likes in particular." Then she paused, as if she suddenly remembered something, and said: "Only once, the son brought back a food box. Eat Half of it was finished, and the rest was placed on the desk to read day and night, as if I couldn’t get tired of watching it. It wasn’t until the dim sum in it couldn’t be preserved that I found a place to bury it myself. I think it should be His favorite thing."

I asked: "What the hell?"

She responded: "Qise Nuo! But to be honest, that thing is really beautiful, no wonder you are not willing to eat it."

I nodded, it turned out that he likes to eat seven-color glutinous rice.Although this thing is a bit difficult to do, it is still too light for him to take care of me.But I have no money, so I can only get some cheap things to thank him, and tell him my plan along the way.

Every young lady and young master of Shangshu Mansion has their own small kitchen, which is used to prepare some snacks and midnight snacks that the master likes to eat.I borrowed the kitchen from the chef, he probably knew that Li Xiaoyi treated me very politely, so he obediently agreed and asked me if I wanted to help.Naturally, I declined. Of course, it would be more sincere to do it myself.

I rolled up my sleeves and worked hard until it was getting dark.I found a beautiful small plate and put the dim sum on it one by one, which looked like a rainbow and was pleasing to the eye.Looking at his masterpiece, he suddenly felt in a good mood.

Put the things into the food box, asked Xing Chen where Li Xiaoyi was going, and went straight to his study with the snacks.

When we arrived at the place, there was only a young man standing in front of the door, saying that Li Xiaoyi was called by the master, and asked me to go in and wait.I thanked him, went straight into the study, looked around, but there was only the chair behind the desk, so I could only sit on it.

Putting the food box on the table, he began to look at Li Xiaoyi's study.There is a bookshelf on the left, on which there are a variety of books, and most of them look a little old, presumably they are often read.

There is a picture of the breeze and bright moon hanging on the wall. The brushwork is superb, and it looks like the handwriting of a famous artist.But when I got closer and looked at the inscription, I found out that it was drawn by Li Xiaoyi himself.

The door behind him was pushed open with a "squeak".Turning around, seeing Li Xiaoyi's smiling face, he must have heard from the servant that I'm coming.

He walked to the desk and said, "Why did you come here? Could it be that the servants are being negligent?" After a pause, his voice rose: "This is..."

I hastily answered: "This is a snack I made, I hope you can accept it." Thinking of what he said just now, I explained: "Everyone treats me very well, you don't have to worry."

His movements were a little stiff for a moment. He opened the food box and saw the colorful glutinous rice inside, and even his tone became strange: "This...I like it very much."

Thinking of this sentence, it seems that Shuangshuang also said it. Could it be that this is a tacit understanding between them, both of them like to eat?

The last time I was in Zijin Building, it was interesting to see both of them fighting each other, but if so, what should the second young master do?I don't know if he already knows about this, if not, should I tell him?
For a while, I imagined the heartbroken expression of such a jade-like person, and I couldn't bear it.Can't make up my mind.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Ah", I raised my head to look at him, he laughed and said, "I called you a few times just now but there was no response, I thought you were asleep."

I smiled awkwardly.I heard him say again: "Is there anything you're not used to these few days?"

The business came back to my mind, so I said seriously: "Second Young Master, I know that you and Shi Ziye are good friends, but it is not reasonable to keep asking you to take me in." After a pause, he said: "So I decided to go to Mocheng to find me. Prince and son."

He was taken aback, and smiled stiffly: "You don't have to worry about it, just live well. Is there something about me that makes you uncomfortable..."

I hurriedly interrupted his speculation: "Second Young Master, don't think too much. It's purely because of my own reasons, not to mention..." In order to solve the problem quickly and find a better reason for myself, "My fiancé is here Mocheng is waiting for me, I'm going to find him."

Sure enough, as soon as these words came out, Li Xiaoyi immediately fell silent.It's just that they looked a little lonely for a while, the two of them stopped talking, and stood quietly, the setting sun came in through the window, casting a shadow on the ground.

I don't know how long it took before he smiled and said: "Since that's the case, I won't force you to stay. It's just that you are a weak woman, and it's too dangerous to go alone. Why don't I give you a ride?" The slightest bit of loneliness, the smile is as gentle as jade, and as indifferent as a fairy.

I felt wrong in my heart, but I just thought that what he said made sense.So I could only smile happily and said: "Then I will trouble the second son. If there is a chance in the future, Qing'er will definitely repay him." That's what he said, but how could he need my help.

"I told Xingchen and the others to prepare some money. I wonder when you plan to leave?" Li Xiaoyi asked warmly.

I thought about it and said, "Naturally, the sooner the better."

He nodded, "Then take a good rest today, and you will have the strength to go on your way tomorrow." After he finished speaking, he turned around and ordered someone to call Xingchen, and told her what he had said.Xingchen responded, but turned his head and looked at me before leaving. There seemed to be a little anger, a little distressed, and even a little helpless in that look.

I don't understand it, and I don't bother to think about it.People don't have to always make trouble for themselves.

At night, the more I think about sleeping well, the more I can't sleep. I always feel like someone is talking in my ear, chirping, making people uneasy.

I got up and walked to the window, and looked sideways through a small gap, but I could faintly see the corner of the clothes, and the voice became louder.I didn't speak, I leaned sideways, put my ear against the wall, and listened quietly.

"I really don't know what this woman is thinking, what else can she choose from a character like Young Master?!" The voice sounded familiar, like a maid beside Li Xiaoyi. "Young master is also pitiful. You were so infatuated that you ended up like this!" There was a bit of crying in his tone, as if he was very pity.

The other person sighed and said: "One thing is one thing, what can we do as servants? I just hope the heavens will see you, and let the girl take a good look at the sincerity of the young master. If I don't give up in this life, I will die." I am willing." The female voice was melancholy, and she didn't need to think carefully to know that it was a star.

The other person was a little hesitant, and changed his voice: "Sister Xingchen..." After a slight pause, he said with pity: "You have tried your best to take care of the young master since you were a child, but how can the young master not see your sincerity?"

Xingchen smiled wryly: "Forget it, what's the use of talking about it. I'm afraid the young master is still working hard in the study, so let's go get some supper and send it to him so that he won't be hungry."

Then there was a sound of light footsteps, and the two gradually drifted away.

I was a little confused for a while.Did you accidentally let me hear these words today, or did you say them specifically for me?Could it be that the woman they are talking about is me?

But doesn't Li Xiaoyi like Shuangshuang?Maybe they misunderstood?

The more I think about it, the more afraid I feel. If I am the one who misunderstood, then Li Xiaoyi took care of me these days not because of Cheng Yu, but because of...

If this is the case, how can I pay off my debt to him in the future? !

He walked out of the bedroom lightly, turned a stone road, and saw Li Xiaoyi's study.It's late at night now, but he still hasn't rested.I know how much thought he has put in to get a place in this family, he promised to send me to Mocheng, I'm afraid it will make Li Shangshu unhappy.

I don't know what he is thinking in his heart, but when I think of the way Xingchen looked at me today and what she said just now, I feel sorry for him.

The night wind was very cool, blowing the sleeves of my clothes.

Faintly heard Xing Chen's voice: "My lord, tomorrow the master will take you to see the eldest prince, it has already been decided. If you leave, what should we do?"

Unable to hear Li Xiaoyi's answer clearly, I turned around and walked back to the room.Put away your things and wait until dawn to sneak out the back door when the guards change.First, I went to the pawn shop and pawned the wedding dress.The concubine took the order of the prince and asked someone to make it for me. The materials and workmanship are extremely high-quality, and it cost a lot of money.The one I embroidered by myself was too short of time, so I didn't finish it, and now I'm afraid it will be burned as firewood by the concubine.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile wryly.Look at the clothes that Li Xiaoyi gave me, the quality is too good, it's not safe to wear them on the road.So I went to a tailor and bought two sets of men's clothes made of coarse cloth. I sewed all the jewelry and bank notes into the clothes, and only put a few coins in my pocket.He tied up his long hair, darkened his face, neck, and hands with palm oil, and then went to the Escort Bureau to find out if there was an escort vehicle to Mocheng.It turned out that there happened to be a couple who were entrusted by a merchant to transport jade to Qingze for sale, passing through Mocheng.They saw that I was just a scholar and I was willing to give more money, so they readily agreed.On the second day, he was ready to go.

Along the way, the masters of several bodyguards may have seen that I was weak, so they took special care of me.Along the way, I picked up places with good scenery and told me in detail, and I lived a happy life.

At night, if I slept in the suburbs, I would tighten my clothes, lean against a tree stump and half-close my eyes for the night.If you can find the inn before dark, you will pay for a room yourself, so that you can sleep peacefully.It was only at this time that he had the opportunity to ask Xiaoer for some basins of water to scrub his body in the room.

After walking for about ten days, I finally arrived at Happy City.As long as there is another day's journey, they can reach Mocheng before the sun goes down tomorrow.But Xiaoyao City is a rare gold-selling cave, full of food, drink, prostitution and gambling, and the bodyguards are not willing to let go of such an opportunity, so naturally they have to stay here for one night, and then continue on the road the next day.

Although the war between Qingze and Daye was imminent, it had no effect on Happy City.The soldiers and generals stationed in Mocheng will go to Xiaoyao City to have fun when they can rest.

Brothel Chu House, gambling stalls and other places can be seen everywhere here, but there is only one serious inn.For the safety of the goods, they chose to live in the inn.Just after resting for a while, I handed over the burden of guarding things to the apprentice.A few bodyguards of my own went out to have fun.Before they left, they came to ask me out, but I refused with a dry smile.

In Happy City, I just feel uncomfortable all over, and I have no interest in going out.And if I accidentally run into trouble, I'm afraid they won't care about me.

Seeing my resolute attitude, they had no choice but to give up, and they left shoulder to shoulder.

After eating dinner in the guest room, my stomach felt a little uncomfortable, but I still didn't dare to go out.I could only circle around the table in the room with my hands behind my back, and felt dizzy after a while, so I leaned against the window to rest.

There was a sudden commotion under the window, and curiosity arose, so I pushed the slit to look down.But they saw two thick and big men roaring towards them in a big coarse cloth carriage.They have an arrogant attitude and drive extremely fast, as if they are not on the street now, but in the wilderness.But what's even more strange is that everyone turned a blind eye to all this, as if they were used to it.

The carriage sped by, but I smelled a fragrance.This smell is elegant and leisurely, and it seems a little familiar, but I can't remember it for a while.

Xiao Er brought the tea and saw me looking out of the window, so he smiled and said: "I heard that Guizhifang sent a few girls today, all of them are beauties who are all over the country. If you are interested, you might as well go and have a look." .”

Can't help laughing, how can there be so many people in this world who are all over the country.Thinking about it carefully, what I have seen is Shuangshuang and the woman in the imperial garden.

He waved his hand, "No need, thank you little brother."

Xu had never seen someone so polite to him, but the second brother's face turned red in an instant.At a loss, he said: "My lord, you are polite, you are polite." He walked out holding the tray while talking.

It was amused in his heart, and after seeing him close the door, he turned his gaze out of the window again.The carriage had already gone away, but it was strange that many rough men followed behind, talking and laughing.

Presumably the person sitting in that car is the so-called peerless beauty.

Frowning slightly, he recalled the smell just now, and there seemed to be a faint fragrance wafting from the tip of his nose.It suddenly occurred to him that the place that the bodyguards and the others had said they were going to was also Guizhifang. It seemed that Guizhifang was quite famous.I don't know how it compares to Luoyang brothels.

After walking in the room for a while, I felt that I should have almost digested it, so I sat down to rest.The sky is getting darker and darker, and the market is more lively than daytime.Suddenly remembering that I forgot to ask when to leave on Qingming Day, fearing that it would be late, I went downstairs to the backyard to find the person who stayed behind to guard the goods.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived at the lobby, they heard two soldiers sitting in the corner discussing loudly.He happened to hear the name in his mind, so he found a seat beside him and sat down, ordering Xiao Er to make a pot of tea.

"I don't think we can fight," Soldier A stretched out his right index finger with disdain and shook it, "Master Qingze has just died, and there is such a mess at this moment, how can there be energy to fight!"

Soldier B took a sip of his wine, shook his head and said, "I don't think so. I heard that Empress Qingze once gave birth to a son, but he was sent to an expert to learn martial arts to strengthen his body since he was weak. Now that Emperor Qingze is dead, The prince must have returned to the country too. He is a legitimate son, a legitimate heir! Presumably with him in charge, Qingze will not be in any trouble!"

Soldier A pushed him angrily, "Hey! Why are you trying to help others? Don't say they dare not fight, even if they fight, we have Prince Yi and Shizi leading us, so we can be afraid of them ?!"

Soldier B was not angry, but suddenly said with great interest: "Hearing what you said, I remember that Mr. Song of Xiaoyao City invited his son to be a guest today, and he is in Guizhifang!" He smacked his lips while talking, "If One day, I have saved enough money, and I will go to Guizhifang to find a red card to have fun! Haha!"

"I think you should stop dreaming! Even if you are sold, it still won't be enough money to enter the curtain!" Soldier A struck out, "I heard that all the women with red cards inside are as beautiful as flowers, so the next generation will be blessed!" The language is envious.

I listened in a daze, and a smile appeared on the corner of my mouth involuntarily.After asking the younger brother for the direction of Guizhifang, he hurried away under his suspicious eyes.

As long as I can find Cheng Yu, I can go back to the palace!The more I think about it, the happier I feel, the tip of my nose even has pantothenic acid, as if I have found an outlet for the grievances I have suffered these days.Walking all the way to the gate of Guizhifang, but suddenly stopped, feeling a little uneasy.His feet seemed to be stuck to the ground and he couldn't lift them up.I am timid.

While I was hesitating, several women surrounded me, and my nose was filled with makeup.I wanted to go away, but I was surrounded by them, and I couldn't find a gap at all.It seemed that someone was praising me for being handsome, and then I was hugged in amidst the singing of Yingyingyanyan.

There were a lot of guests in the lobby, and one of the left and right grabbed the women around me, and then I had the strength to break free from the rest, and ran to stand behind the pillars to catch my breath.

When the breath calmed down, he quietly raised his eyes and looked around, and saw that there was a stage directly opposite the door, and the guests' seats were on the opposite side of the stage.The seat is bounded by the gate and divided into two sides, leaving a road in the middle.

There is also a second floor in Guizhifang, which is the VIP seat.There are gauze curtains hanging everywhere, which can block the prying eyes of outsiders, and will not hinder the guests in the private room from watching the singing and dancing.

Today it seems that the entire second floor has been taken down.Soldiers in military uniforms stood at the stairs, and the guards were quite tight.Directly facing the stage, two people could be faintly seen sitting and drinking tea, and several others were standing behind them.

Although separated by a gauze curtain, I can still recognize Cheng Yulai at a glance after we have been together for so many years.He sat quietly, listening to the people around him talking non-stop, but making no sound himself.Still pretending to be inscrutable, making people afraid for no reason.Sure enough, after saying a few words, the adult who seemed to be surnamed Song realized that he was making fun of himself, so he shut up and drank tea.

Can't help laughing secretly.

Now that I have seen him, the question I should think about is how to talk to him.Glancing at the stairs, the soldiers all had serious faces, and it seemed difficult to speak.But I didn't have the courage to yell downstairs to attract attention, and if I did, I'm afraid whether Cheng Yu would recognize me would be a problem.

After thinking for a long time, I decided to go through the normal channel.Getting ready to walk up the stairs.At this moment, the sound of silk and bamboo orchestra came from behind the stage.For a while, everyone around praised or sighed, as if they had been looking forward to the performance for a long time.

I stopped curiously and looked towards the stage.A few women came to the stage gracefully with their sleeves swaying. Although their dancing postures were good, they could not be regarded as peerless.And the clothes are a little revealing, which is inevitably vulgar.Presumably it's rare for men here to see singing and dancing, that's why they like it so much.

Seeing nothing new, he was about to leave when he saw a few burly men on the side of the stage pushing five young women whose hands and feet were bound and whose mouths were stuffed with cloth kerchiefs.I was startled, rubbed my eyes and looked over again, one of them was very familiar.It's just that most of them have traveled all the way, so their faces are covered with dust, which can't be seen clearly.

Just thinking to himself, the song and dance performance is over, and the girls salute and end.The men threw all five girls onto the stage and knelt in a row.

An elderly woman walked up to the stage and said with a smile: "Masters, everyone is a regular customer, so I won't repeat myself. It's still the old rule today, the one with the highest price wins." She turned around and pointed The girl behind said, "My mother and I have worked so hard to find these children from the Luoyang area. All of them were grown under the feet of the emperor. The beauty of the water is not comparable to others."

That's when someone from the audience shouted: "Everyone is ashamed, how can there be such a cleverness and beauty! Mom, why don't you try to fool us, when the time comes, pay the money, go to the room and light a lamp, it's not worth it to scare yourself half to death!" Everyone roared with laughter, and followed suit vigorously.

(End of this chapter)