Ma Erniang's Splendid Pastoral

Chapter 129

Everyone left, Xia Zhen took Ma Min'er's hand, "Come to my room."

"Sir, they are all waiting for you to discuss things, what room are you going to?" Ma Min'er bluffed coquettishly.

Xia Zhen grinned brightly, "Where did you go!"

"Ah..." Ma Min'er's face was as red as a boiled shrimp.

The young daughter-in-law's shy appearance pleased Xia Zhen. Taking advantage of the darkness, she reached out to hold the young daughter-in-law's hand, "Mr. Tian asked me to discuss things, and we will go to your lotus pond later."

"Don't go."

"Go."

"It's the end of autumn, there is nothing to see in the lotus pond except dead branches and leaves."

"There is a boat, we can be on the boat..." Xia Zhen gave her a light bump as if you understood, "Let's go."

Ma Min'er stared at the past, "What time is it, you still feel like this..."

Xia Zhen lowered her head and whispered in her ear, "That one is more anxious than me."

Ma Miner asked: "Then you are going to..."

"Go and listen to the news Mr. has received, and take a look at the situation outside."

"Oh." Ma Miner pushed him, "Then you go, I'll take a look in the kitchen."

"go together."

"I'm not going at this time, you go."

Xia Zhen thought for a while, "Well, that's fine, I'll find you later."

"If it's too late, you should rest quickly and go to the lotus pond tomorrow during the day."

"No, I'm going at night." Xia Zhen's eyes sparkled.

Ma Min'er's little face turned red again, and she turned and ran away.

Xia Zhen soon arrived at her guest room, and after entering the door, she asked, "How is it outside?"

Mr. Tian replied: "King Zhao in the south has completely taken Wuyue and established himself as king. Emperor Xianglong has sent a large army to quell the rebellion, and Shao Youliang is among them."

"There are really tricks." Zhang Nianmei scolded.

Zhuang Hao said: "It's not that the surname Shao has means, but that the new emperor lacks manpower."

"Xiao Zhuang's words are right. The new emperor came to power, and the clan was dissatisfied. Many descendants of the aristocratic families were unwilling to lead the army to suppress the rebellion." Mr. Tian continued: "The rice harvest is about to begin, and the nomadic peoples such as the Turks, Liao, and Zhen in the north are also beginning to fight against the rebellion." Burning, killing and looting, our soldiers on the border have stopped several times."

Xia Zhen said: "All that needs to be replenished in logistics will be replenished in time, whether it's weapons or the basic necessities of the soldiers, there should be no shortage of anything."

"General, I have already notified the Military Supply Department." Zhuang Hao replied.

Xia Zhen nodded, "The money is not enough, find Mr. Tian."

"Yes, General!"

Since the general did not participate in the military, Mr. Tian and others have removed the word "small" from Xia Zhen's title, and called him general directly.

In the independent small courtyard of the Ma family, Feng Jiangyi and King Jin played a game of chess very quickly, and it ended in a short while: "Master Feng, did you lose to this king on purpose?"

Feng Jiangyi stroked his beard and smiled, "My lord, you should know what kind of person this old man is. It is impossible to fool anyone in the game of chess. If you win, you win, and if you lose, you lose. Never play fake."

Liu Zicheng nodded: "That's right, but how can my level be the opponent of Young Master Feng?"

Feng Jiangyi shook his hand: "Go back to the lord, the old man has been traveling abroad, and he has not played chess for many years, and his hands have long been rusty. It is normal for the lord to win."

Liu Zicheng still didn't believe it, "Master Feng's chess skill was once the best in the world, how could he become unfamiliar after a few years, I don't believe it."

Feng Jiangyi smiled slightly, "Then what does the prince believe?"

"One more round."

"Okay." Feng Jiangyi agreed casually.

This round took a little slower than the last round, but compared to the two young noblemen during the day, it was still astonishingly fast, "I actually won again?"

Feng Jiangyi nodded, "Yes, my lord, you won again."

Liu Zicheng looked at the chess board on the table, "My white piece actually fell straight down, and it was done in one go."

Feng Jiangyi nodded, "Yes, my lord!"

Liu Zicheng narrowed his eyes, "Why do I feel that it's not my chess skills that are good, but my luck?"

"Haha..." Feng Jiangyi raised his head and laughed, "My lord thinks that luck is good." He stood up while laughing, "I hope lord Haihan, the old man is getting old, and when the time comes, he will go to bed and sleep. If he doesn't sleep, his chest will itch. Boring, I can't stand it."

"It turned out that it was because of the young master's health. I said how could I win three games in a row so quickly."

"Who told the lord to invite the old man to play chess at this hour?" Jiang Fengyi's old eyes were slightly smiling, inadvertently revealing something meaningful.

"Master Feng, you can always decline!"

"Haha..." Feng Jiangyi laughed again, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you so much, my lord, it's just that the old man's body can't stay up late, so it's His Highness's luck."

lucky?Liu Zicheng didn't recognize Feng Jiangyi's polite nonsense, he seemed to be implying something intentionally or unintentionally, and kindly sent Master Feng to the door of the room, watching his back disappear into the path.

"Zi Li, what does Young Master Feng mean by that?"

Liu Zaili hadn't had much contact with Feng Jiangyi when he was young, and his knowledge of him was only a rumor in the capital, but at this moment, he didn't feel that the prince was suspicious, "That's right, prince, I also think that Master Feng's chess is so intriguing." well."

Liu Zicheng closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought.

Suddenly the dark guard entered and broke the silence: "My lord, the new emperor has sent troops to the south, with a strength of about 20."

"20..." Liu Zicheng squinted his eyes to calculate the strength of the troops in Beijing.

Liu Zaili quietly did not disturb his thinking.After an unknown amount of time, Liu Zicheng stood up with his hands behind his back, pacing lightly: "Come here—"

"My lord, my little one is—"

"Has the princess received the letter?"

"Report to the prince, it has been received, and arrangements have been made."

"Well, I see." Liu Zicheng said: "Let people pay close attention to the news from the south, if it is beneficial to us..."

Liu Zaili understood the meaning of his unfinished words, nodded and said, "Understood!"

Father Shi was in the story hall of Ma's family, "Da Boss, the rice is about to be harvested, but the villagers are afraid to go out now, look..."

"Father, don't worry, I'll get back to you after I ask the little general."

"Okay!" Father Shi said: "The season waits for no one, once it rains on a cloudy day, everyone's hard work for half a year will be all gone, so I have to worry."

"I know, Dad, you go back first, and I will give you an answer tomorrow morning."

Old man Shi stood up, "Your family's rice harvesters are also waiting in Xiaoniu Mountain. It's not easy for them to travel hundreds of miles away."

Ma Qifeng then stood up, "I see, I will discuss this matter with Min'er immediately."

Father Shi was relieved to hear the promise and went back.

Ma Qifeng found the kitchen, "Min'er, let Aunt Niu handle it here, I have something to ask you."

"Oh." Ma Min'er told her father out of the kitchen: "Father, what's the matter!"

"Papa Shi came over just now."

"Are you asking about the rice harvest?"

"Yeah." Ma Qifeng asked, "What should I do?"

Ma Min'er replied, "I'll ask Xia Zhen to find King Jin about this matter. The soldiers can continue to stay in the village, but they can't prevent the villagers from harvesting rice."

"That would be the best." Ma Qifeng said: "There are also migrant workers who are going to our house to harvest rice. They dare not approach Xiaowang Village, and they all live around Xiaoniu Mountain. , these migrant workers may not be able to afford to wait.”

Ma Min'er thought about it, "I'll go to Xia Zhen now and ask him to ask King Jin not to impose martial law."

"That's the best thing, you go quickly, I will give Shi Lao an answer tomorrow morning."

Ma Min'er went to find Xia Zhen, just as they finished talking and were about to come out to find her, "I never expected you to be in a hurry than me." Standing in the dark corridor, Xia Zhen smiled prettier than the moon.

"I'm in a hurry, but I'm not in a hurry in your eyes."

"Uh, what are you in a hurry for?" Xia Zhen froze for a moment.

Ma Min'er replied: "The village needs to harvest rice, and the soldiers led by King Jin are strictly guarding it. The villagers dare not move, and even the rice can't be harvested. You know, if the ripe rice is not harvested in time, one will fall to the ground, and the other will fall to the ground." Once it rains, the harvest will be over, please help me to ask for a favor."

Xia Zhen knew what food meant, "Well, you go with me."

"it is good."

Liu Zaili didn't expect that Xia Zhen, who couldn't explain it, would come in front of King Jin again. He squinted at Erniang Ma beside him, with a pale face that made it impossible to see what he was thinking.

"Zian, come to watch chess?" Jin Wang smiled, "Unfortunately, Young Master Feng has already gone back."

Xia Zhen saluted, "My lord, the last general is not here to watch chess."

"That is……"

"I have some small matters to trouble the prince."

"What kind of trivial matter?" Jin Wang was interested.

Xia Zhen turned her head: "Min'er, come and tell the prince."

"Okay." Ma Min'er, who was looking for Ma Zhi'er, bowed to King Jin and said, "My lord, the rice in Xiaowang Village is ripe, and I want to harvest it now."

King Jin looked at the two with a smile on his face, but did not answer immediately.

Xia Zhen immediately understood why he didn't answer, and cupped his hands and said, "My lord, what should you do with your sergeants, as long as the villagers can go to the fields to harvest."

Liu Zaili glanced at King Jin who still hadn't responded, and said with a smile, "Why not a few days later?"

Ma Min'er answered: "For the county king, a few days later is defenseless, but for the villagers of Xiaowang Village, these few days are their expectation for more than half a year, and they are the fundamental source of their survival."

Liu Zaili raised his eyebrows: "What if we disagree?"

Ma Min'er smiled and said, "If you don't agree, the prince will agree."

"Oh, why should I agree?" King Jin smiled, and what Liu Zaili meant was actually what he meant.

Ma Min'er didn't know why, and said with a smile: "I often heard my grandfather say that in a rich and honorable place, you can know the pain and itch of the poor and the humble. Datong helps the world, so there is no trouble."

King Jin's eyes were tightly shut, and he shot at Ma Min'er.

Ma Min'er was seen leaning against Xia Zhen's arm, lowering her head, not daring to look at her. She was indeed a prince and grandson, with a majestic appearance and a formidable reputation.

Liu Zaili looked back and forth between King Jin and Ma Min'er, in addition to being sophisticated, there was also an imperceptible worry in his eyes.

King Jin raised his eyelids suddenly, and suddenly opened his smiling face, "It just so happens that Master Feng will invite me to the fields tomorrow, and I will personally appreciate the scene of working in the fields."

The tense breath suddenly relaxed, and her heart felt much more comfortable. Ma Min'er hurriedly saluted, "Thank you King Jin for your consideration, Xiaomin thanked the prince on behalf of the villagers of Xiaowang Village."

King Jin smiled lightly, leaned on the back of the grand master's chair, and relaxed comfortably.

Xia Zhen raised her hand, "My lord, the night is getting dark, the last general will not disturb your rest, I will take my leave."

King Jin's face was pale, which was the default.

Ma Min'er saluted again silently, and walked out of King Jin's room with Xia Zhen, and stopped for a while.

"What's wrong?" Xia Zhen asked.

"Nothing?" Ma Min'er looked around, but she didn't see Ma Zhi'er's shadow. Thinking about it, how could a big man let an unfamiliar person serve him close by? I don't know if she is back in the compound. , or stay here, forget it.

"Let's go."

"Ah."

Just two days after the full moon festival, the moon is still very round in the clear night sky, and it sprinkles patches of silver light shining on the earth. It is hazy, and there is a low male voice coming from under the holly trees on the courtyard path. , "Is it cold?"

"a little cold."

Xia Zhen hugged Ma Miner completely in her arms, "Is it still cold?"

"It's not cold anymore."

"Let's go to the boat."

"I am cold."

"I won't be cold when I hug you!" Xia Zhen whispered without giving up.

"I don't want to go." Ma Min'er crossed her arms, the autumn night was as cold as steps, it was really cold, even though most of her body was in Xia Zhen's arms, she still felt a little cold!
"I want to go."

"Don't go."

"go with!"

In the autumn night, the sky is high and the dew is thick, and a full moon casts cold moonlight, shining on the boundless golden rice fields, vegetable fields, and fruit trees. Silk is angry.

Willows were hanging quietly by the side of the road, and the shadows covered the path of weeds. Ma Miner was hugged by Xia Zhen and walked on the path, with her head buried in his arms, quietly looking up at the night view of the starry sky.

Soon, they arrived at the lotus pond, avoiding the father who was watching the pond, and directly boarded the largest black shed boat in the pond.On the withered lotus pond of more than ten acres, the two were rippling.

Picking up the sculls and gently rowing the boat, the boat left the shore quickly. In the silent night, the sound of paddling was particularly clear, which attracted Dad Wangtang to come out with his dog: "Who—"

"Old... Daddy is me."

Hearing that it was Xiaodong's voice, the old man was relieved. When it was hot in summer, Xiaodong's family also liked to enjoy the coolness in the middle of the lotus pond. He didn't ask any more questions, and continued to go back to sleep. The dog watching the pond didn't bark when he smelled the scent of acquaintances. barking, quietly half lying on the side of the lotus pond.

The boat rowed to the middle of the water, put away the oars, and everything returned to calm.

Sitting under the small black shed, Ma Min'er saw Xia Zhen put the oars away, felt the heartbeat of a newlywed for some reason, pursed her lips shyly, and said something inappropriate, "Are you going to fight?"

"uncertain."

"Then..." Although Ma Min'er didn't finish her sentence, Xia Zhen knew what she wanted to say, and replied, "He is waiting, and we are waiting too."

"Oh, that……?"

Xia Zhen put her arms around her little daughter-in-law, "Don't worry, everything is up to me."

"Oh." Ma Min'er stopped asking questions and leaned into his arms.

Xia Zhen lowered her head and omitted the word N above.

Outside the boat, by the side of the lotus pond, on a certain tall willow tree, a young man in a brocade robe sat on a branch. He was leaning sideways on the branch, looking at the misty lotus pond under the moon. At this moment, his mood was like a broken lotus pond. leaves, one withered.

After sleeping until midnight, Father Shi seemed to have sensed something, and got up all the time.

"Old man, what are you doing?"

"It seems that the troops have been withdrawn. I'll go and have a look."

"You just went to find your boss at night, and you're withdrawing your troops now, isn't it so fast?"

"I'll find out after I try it." Father Shi put on his coat, went to the courtyard, picked up a small stone from the ground and threw it out of the courtyard gate, strained his ears to listen, but there was no sound for a long time.

Aunt Shi exclaimed in amazement: "Hey, it seems that no one came to scold me."

Father Shi hurriedly opened the courtyard door and went outside, but no one came to take a knife to let him in, "It's withdrawn."

"Great, we can harvest rice tomorrow."

The entourage waited for King Jin to fall asleep. Before going to bed, he asked, "Zi Li hasn't come back yet?"

"Yes, my lord, the king of the county is transferring soldiers from the village, and I'm afraid it will take a while to come back."

"Yeah." King Jin lay down, "Let Zili be careful."

"Yes, my lord.!"

On the quiet lotus pond, the small black boat is not enough for Xia Zhen to straighten his legs. He has fallen asleep with his legs slightly curled up, but Ma Miner has no sleep at all. She caressed his cheek with her fingers after a while, it was perfect The outline is like a finely carved jade, and there are thick eyebrows. Her fingers swipe across it, like a handsome man from a distant mountain. The sleeping eyes, with long eyelashes hanging down neatly, stroked gently, like a little girl. Fans are generally charming.

Her fingers rested on the tall bridge of her nose, but her eyes were fixed on the soft Chen. Thinking of the scene where Chen collided with her just now, Ma Min'er's face burned again unknowingly.

Quickly looking at the night sky outside the black shed, the moon was flying empty among the clouds of white lotus, the boat seemed to be moving forward slightly, and Ma Miner's body was also swaying gently with the boat.

Cozy and peaceful, it came naturally, and the other hand unconsciously played with the jade water drop hanging from the neckline. For some reason, there was a kind of joy surging in my heart, but I couldn't say it specifically.

I lowered my head, looked at the quiet handsome man, and couldn't help but kissed his forehead. It was a wonderful feeling. Under such a night sky, on such a small boat, I kissed such a handsome man. It was really unreal. Feel.

Suddenly, a ray of light flashed like a shooting star, as if falling directly in the middle of the lotus pond. Liu Zaili's body rose into the air, but fell halfway, standing under the shadow of the tree, alone.

On the boat, Ma Min'er was dazzled by the light, and when she opened her eyes, the image of the jade water droplet appeared. She sat up straight in surprise, holding the jade water droplet in both hands.

"Is that you?" Modern Ma Min'er sat by a mirror, surrounded by a white and holy veil.

"You...you are going to get married?" Ma Min'er covered her mouth with one hand, she couldn't believe what she saw.

Modern Ma Miner's happy melancholy: "Yeah, I'm already 32. As far as Han is concerned, if he doesn't get married, he will become an elderly mother. It's not good for me or my future children."

"You...you are pregnant..."

"How is it possible?" Modern Ma Min'er smiled slightly, "Although I have your body, I am still an ancient person in my bones. I follow the tradition, and the intimacy between the two of us will remain after the wedding."

"Oh oh oh." Ma Min'er smiled awkwardly, turned her eyes to Xia Zhen who was sleeping next to her, and blushed again.

"Are you okay?" Hyundai Ma Miner asked, "Are my father, brothers and sisters okay?"

"They are all fine." Ma Miner asked with a smile, "Where are my parents?"

"They are also very good." Modern Ma Miner replied: "I do embroidery work at home, my father helps me manage and divide the threads, and my mother helps me serve tea and water. They all love me and treat me as their own. baby……"

Hearing this, Ma Min'er covered her mouth and cried silently, "Their bodies..."

"Everything is fine. Hanlai often takes them for physical examinations, and if there is a small problem, the doctor will take care of it immediately."

"Jin Hanlai——Jin Hanlai...thank you!" Ma Miner kept thanking her with her face buried in her hands.

"Han Lai really loves you!"

"No, he loves you." Ma Min'er raised her head suddenly and said with tears in her eyes.

"He has been by your side for ten years." Modern Ma Min'er smiled softly, "You are so lucky to be loved by others."

"No, no, no..." Ma Min'er covered her face, he was just a buddy, just a brother.

At this moment, a gentle male voice came from the jade water droplets: "Min'er, are you alright?" Someone came in from the door.

Modern Ma Min'er immediately put down the jade water droplet and let it fall on her neck, stood up, and flew towards the person like a little swallow, "Han Lai—" The voice was full of dependence and warmth.

"nervous?"

Modern Ma Miner shook her head and leaned into his arms, "Thank you for taking care of my future."

"Your future is everything to me." Jin Hanlai bowed his head and kissed him.

The jade water droplets reflected the happiness of the two. Ma Miner was about to put down the jade water droplets when a pair of old people at the door quietly moved in. His father pointed at the young man and gestured to the deaf-mute mother. She understood and said to her mother , you see how happy my daughter is.

Yes, how happy, knowing that you are all well, I am relieved, Ma Miner lowered her head and approached Yushuidrop, and murmured to her old parents: "Dad, Mom, my daughter will always love you!" Tears once again Filling the frame, she fell into Xia Zhen's arms and cried silently.

Before she knew it, her strong arms gently embraced him, and her hands gently patted her back, love flowing wantonly silently.

On the second day, on a cold morning, King Jin did not have breakfast in his yard, but went to the restaurant of Ma Miner's house. The whole restaurant was filled with the aroma of food, and people greeted each other in the aroma.

"Master Jiang, early—"

"Morning Erniang, what are you having for breakfast this morning?"

Ma Miner smiled back: "Dim sum includes crystal shrimp dumplings, steamed buns, and steamed cakes. The staple food is white porridge, and there are a few pickled side dishes."

"I like fermented bean curd. You said that it is good for the elderly. I want to eat more."

"sure!"

Xia Zhen was behind Mrs. Jiang, looking at her daughter-in-law with a smile through the top of his head. Although she was silent, her eyes were bright and bright, which put people in a good mood for the day.

"Sit down, Mr. Xia—"

Master Jiang turned around, "So it's the little general, come here, sit down."

"Master Jiang, please—"

"Er Niang, why do you sometimes call him by his full name and sometimes..."

"Did I ever call him by his full name?" Ma Min'er asked intentionally.

"Haha..." Looking at the cunning Ma Erniang, Jiang Fuzi laughed, "Oh, I haven't called him before, so why did he call you Mr. Xia again this morning?"

Ma Miner grinned, "Isn't it possible?"

"Little slicker." Jiang Fuzi laughed, "I can see that different titles represent different moods of you, little general, you can use the titles to understand her mood in the future."

King Jin and Liu Zaili also arrived at the entrance of the restaurant. Hearing these words, Liu Zaili, who was originally smiling, darkened. King Jin seemed to sense it, and suddenly turned his head to look beside him.

Liu Zaili smiled, "My lord, please—"

The people in the restaurant had already stopped what they were doing and bowed in front of the prince, "My lord——"

"My lord..."

……

"You don't need to be too polite." King Jin said with a smile.

"Thank you, Lord!"

Feng Jiangyi led Jin Wang to the upper seat, "My lord, please—"

"Master Feng, I heard you guys discussing what to eat just now."

"Yes, my lord!" Feng Jiangyi asked: "My lord, what do you want to eat today?"

"Whatever."

"it is good."

Ma Zhier, who didn't come back to the front yard last night, heard that the meal was ready, and hurried in from the door to serve the prince's meal, just like the prince's maid.

Realizing this, Ma Min'er glanced at King Jin and Ma Zhi'er invisibly, trying to find out something, but in the end she didn't see anything given her rank.

One after another, another person came over, and Ma Qifeng brought his two sons to take care of him. The two brothers, Ma Yichu and Ma Yichu, were nervous and flustered at the beginning, but now they are calm, but their words are still lacking. After all, it is not a day or two to deal with people. , It is not something that can be practiced once or twice, it is not bad to not panic like this.

After a while, the two tables in the restaurant were filled with people. Seeing that it was almost time, Ma Miner greeted Xia Zhen and quietly left the restaurant. She went to the kitchen to have breakfast.

"Er Niang, your breakfast is already on the table."

"Taking advantage of this time, let's all be together."

After breakfast, by the time King Jin and his party had packed up the yard of Ma's house, the entire field in Xiaowang Village was already crowded with people. The hardworking people had already worked for several hours, and a large piece of rice had been laid down behind them. , They bent their waists, bowed their backs, and lowered their heads, and the plump ears of rice were full of mature joy.

The King of Jin ordered soldiers and celebrated the New Year. He had never seen such a big scene, but he was still infected by the deep joy of the autumn harvest farmers.The autumn wind blowing across the fields, the golden rice, the joy of the harvest, the farmers in the fields, the smiles printed on the faces tanned by the sun, and the sweat dripping from their foreheads all gave him a different feeling.

"It really doesn't feel normal."

Feng Jiangyi smiled and said, "Seeing their harvest and watching the grain go into the warehouse, I don't know why, I always have a surplus of satisfaction."

Surplus?King Jin narrowed his eyes and looked at the field again. There were busy people everywhere in the field. Even the children followed behind the adults, helping to pick up the ears of rice and doing some work within their capabilities.

"Yes, it's Fuyu!" King Jin nodded.

Feng Jiangyi turned his head and glanced at him, "I remember when the late emperor was still in the Prince's Mansion, I was your husband."

King Jin also looked away and looked at him, "Yes, Young Master, I still remember."

"Do you remember, I once taught you a word?"

King Jin looked at Feng Jiangyi.

"An state will stabilize the country, and finally the people in the world will have enough food and clothing."

King Jin turned his gaze to Tian Ye again, as if thinking.

Xia Zhen and Liu Zaili walked slowly behind, and the eyes of the two young people collided with each other from time to time, "Are you content with one side?"

"Why not?"

With a snort, Liu Zaili looked at Tian Ye, but his eyes were fixed on Ma Min'er.

Of course Xia Zhen knew where his eyes were looking, so she moved slightly, blocking someone's gaze with her body.

Liu Zaili looked at Xia Zhen coldly, and pulled the corner of his mouth lightly, so that he could block my heart?
(End of this chapter)