Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 25 Silver Frost (1)
one

Every March is the grand examination ceremony of Houliang. Scholars discuss knowledge and promote talents, and the government and the public are in full swing for the busy year.

There is a proverb that goes: "Whoever wins the scholars wins the world." For decades, the Mu family has gradually declined, and celebrities have rushed to the royalist faction of Shen Buyu and others.Dingguo Gong Mu Jiyuan's disciples and disciples tried their best to mediate and stick to their power and prestige.Among them, there are many people who are good at fighting or government affairs, especially Ji Mingyou is the most talented.

Ji Mingyou is not ostentatious on the surface, and has normal contacts with capable people and laymen, but secretly runs a school and sets up apartments, and makes an extraordinarily generous gesture to recruit talents.Candidates from all over the world heard that he was recruiting talents, so they went to his school one after another, and Ji Mingyou accepted them all.Two or three months later, his disciples were actually more abundant than in Dingguogong's time.

In a blink of an eye, today is the last day of the exam.

Tianji came out of the examination room with the crowd, the wind rustled through his ears, the air was clear, all the red tape in his mind was cleared, and he felt a little relaxed.

Life is like a game, this time there is a chance to win.He breathed a sigh of relief, couldn't help smiling, and continued walking forward.

In a trance, someone grabbed his sleeve from behind and said loudly: "You lost something!"

He lowered his eyes, it turned out that he was so busy just now that he didn't even know that the pen slipped off.Turning his head, he saw that it was a young man of a similar age, wrapped in a fine-textured brocade-trimmed pleated robe, with delicate features, bright white teeth when he smiled, and his cheeks were almost as clear as porcelain.

Tianji took the pen case and thanked him with a salute.The two young people exchanged names, and Tianji knew that the person was also a candidate for the exam, and his name was Shen Xinyang.

Xin Yang asked friendlyly: "Listen to your accent, you are not from Jiangling, right?"

Seeing his good-natured face, Tianji explained that he was from Mengmata County.Xin Yang's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he said excitedly, "Coincidentally, one of my younger sisters is also from Mengmao County. She likes to tell stories about her place, the narrow alleys, and the mist on the lake in spring."

Hearing this, Tianji's heart moved, and he asked urgently, "May I ask what is your sister's name?"

"Her surname was Tao, and she was adopted into my family..."

Before Xin Yang finished speaking, Tianji's complexion changed drastically, he waved his hand, and said, "So you are the prime minister's young master. It is inconvenient for me to exchange pleasantries, so I will leave." After speaking, he cupped his hands and wanted to leave.

She didn't expect to meet Shen Buyu's son.When Tianji thought of the humiliation he endured that day, his heart was overwhelmed and he couldn't help himself.The lack of predestined relationship between myself and Xiuxiu is due to the difference in status.These days, he took the time to study hard, only because Shen Buyu's last threatening reminder sounded in his ears from time to time, so his heart was filled with resentment and unwillingness.

Xin Yang knew that Tianji was from Xiuxiu's hometown, so he held Tianji enthusiastically: "Coincidentally, Xiuxiu is at home these days and seems to be in a bad mood. I am trying to make her happy. The exam is over, you Just go to my house, Xiuxiu will be happy."

Seeing that Xin Yang Tianzhen had no intentions, Tianji sighed and replied: "Thank you, Mr. Shen. To be honest, Xiuxiu and I have known each other since we were young, and we lived in the same alley. My mother used to be the Shen family nanny."

"I see, your mother's surname is Ni, and she is my nanny!" Xin Yang exclaimed in surprise, her excitement was beyond words, "In this way, you and I are brothers, so there is no need to pay attention to etiquette. Let's go, I will take you Go home!"

He pulled Tianji and wanted to leave, Tianji pulled back his sleeves, and said in a deep voice: "I have already been beaten, and the pain in my stomach is still not healed, so I wouldn't be so stupid as to step into the prime minister's mansion to look for a beating, would I?"

After finishing speaking, Tianji's face darkened, revealing a hint of dark blue.

"How could this happen?" Xin Yang was dumbfounded.

"Ask your father! Your family is rich, and we are poor and can't afford it. We can only be beaten and scolded. Xiuxiu and I grew up together, and we are brothers and sisters. When she was in Mengyu County, she still regarded my family as her own. Her father's funeral was arranged by my mother alone. Now I want to see her, and I was beaten and almost disabled. Did I steal it or rob it? It's too deceitful!"

Tianji was not happy at all, and sneered at Xin Yang.Seeing Xin Yang dazed in a daze, biting his lips tightly, his face paled, he suddenly felt unbearable, turned around and wanted to leave again.

Only then did Xin Yang come back to his senses, and grabbed Tianji again, saying: "My father has done too much. Your mother is also my nurse after all. How can I know that I will not repay you if you don't want to come into my house? If you don't want to come into my house, I will leave you. Xio called out, how about you find a place to meet?"

Tianji was overwhelmed with thoughts, and asked unconsciously, "Aren't you afraid that your father will blame you?"

"God knows, Earth knows, you know and I know." Xin Yang blinked.

Lovesickness unknowingly oozes out from Tianji's bones and makes a mess.He finally grinned and nodded vigorously.

Saying goodbye to Xin Yang, Tianji went directly to Ji Mingyou's mansion.

The atrium and inner courtyard of Ji's Mansion are separated by high walls. The place is simple and quiet, with a bend of water flowing from the water pavilion.Walking along the creek, there is another closed courtyard divided by flower walls.Tianji has been here many times, and he is already familiar with the secrets of it, so he entered directly without the guidance of the gatekeepers.

The smell of wine and meat was wafting in the wind, footsteps shuttled back and forth in the courtyard, and the maidservant in purple hurried back and forth.Tianji couldn't help opening his eyes for a while, and two examinees flashed out in front of the round wooden door, they held him back with a smile, and said, "Brother Tianji, you came late, Master Ji is about to throw a banquet for us to celebrate! The eldest prince is also here gone."

When Ji entered the hall with the crowd, it was already full of talents from all walks of life who had finished taking the exam. They were neatly dressed and looked respectful.The seat was indeed the eldest prince Xiao Shao, with a six-inch jade crown on his head and a loose light shirt, teasing the blue and purple King Kong comfortably.Accompanied by Ji Mingyou, when he saw Tianji coming in, he chuckled, with a deep and peaceful smile in his eyes.

"The exam is over, and everyone has worked hard. This time, we have a banquet to celebrate. Soon, ten years will be a cold window, and we will see each other."

At the end, he kindly asked Tianji how he did in the exam and whether he was timid on the spot.Seeing the eyes of everyone looking at him in unison, Tianji replied respectfully one by one with his back wet.Ji Mingyou stroked his beard and smiled, and personally chose a seat for Tianji to sit down.

During the banquet, some examinees softly signaled Tianji: "It seems that Mr. Ji treats you differently. Brother Tianji, when will you get promoted and get rich, don't forget our brothers."

Tianji's face was flushed, and he cupped his hands and said with a sneer, "Lord Ji loves the whole world and treats everyone equally. Tianji has little knowledge and talent, so he has to humbly ask brothers for advice. If there is anything wrong, please forgive me."

After some politeness, everyone laughed and talked.

Ji Mingyou was very knowledgeable. During the meeting, he talked about the way of studying and educating people and the principles of governing the country.Tianji kept it in mind, hoping that one day he would be able to spread his wings under Master Ji's door and realize his grand ambition.

A few maidservants came over pushing the wine barrel cart, Tian Ji took the wine bowl, and the sweet breath tangled his nostrils.He drank a few sips, suddenly felt like the cool wind was blowing through his body, and he felt extremely comfortable. He couldn't help being surprised and said: "This wine is really amazing! I don't know what it's called?"

Someone answered suddenly from behind: "This is a must in Ji's mansion, ice sweet mash."

Tianji turned around in astonishment, Xiao Shao appeared at some point, with a smile on his face.Tianji suddenly stood up.Xiao Shao couldn't help but laugh, "I've always been indulgent, Tianji doesn't need to be polite. During the Lantern Festival banquet, someone asked me about you. At that time, I was confused and didn't understand it. Today I finally know Tianji."

"I don't know who His Highness is talking about?" Tianji was puzzled.

"Miss Hugh."

This name sounded sweeter than the ice molasses in his hand, he smiled honestly, and said a little embarrassedly: "We are neighbors and grew up together."

"Childhood sweethearts?"

Xiao Shao was good at this point, and became more enthusiastic, and said: "A man with a talent and a woman with a beautiful appearance are a natural match. The Jiaofang is on vacation these days, and Xiuxiu has returned to the Shen Mansion. I have always liked the beauty of adults. How about it? Let me help you date her come out?"

Tianji cupped his hands and replied honestly: "I have already made an appointment, but I don't know what the future will be. Xiuxiu is now the prime minister's adopted daughter, and gold is very expensive. The young one can only say a word secretly to relieve the pain of lovesickness." Said Come on, I can't help but show a sad look on my face.

Ji Mingyou also came over, heard them talking, and slowly took the words: "Shen Buyu wholeheartedly wanted to send his adopted daughter to the third prince's palace, thinking that everything would be fine in this way, but he didn't know that there was also a pair of childhood sweethearts. He is so good Is beating mandarin ducks the most elegant and honest way?"

The words went to Tianji's heart.He took a breath, kowtowed his head and was about to bow, Ji Mingyou held it down at the right time, and said righteously: "There is no distinction between people who are superior or inferior, but brother Tianji has extraordinary talents, and there will always be a day of soaring. The eldest prince is here today, how dare I invite you to take off?" The prince presides over the righteous way."

"It's easy to say." Xiao Shao put away his smile, patted Tianji's shoulder, and said seriously, "Xiuxiu is a good girl, and she is loved. If Tianji needs me, feel free to speak."

A warm current flowed into his heart, and Tianji wanted to kneel several times, but was picked up by Ji Mingyou several times.Several people's hearts immediately relaxed, and they had drunk three rounds unknowingly.Xiao Shao leisurely shuttled among the crowd holding the wine cup, and Ji Mingyou walked into the crowd of sentient beings like a spring breeze.The whole house was full of entertainment, laughing and talking, very lively,

Skyrim was overwhelmed with gratitude.He thought in his heart: First Prince, Lord Ji Mingyou, these are people who care about him, and it is really right to rely on them this time.

Mom is right.

After the banquet, near dusk, Tianji took Xiao Shao's black car and went back to Tingsongyuan.

Winding along the east bank of the great river, Xiao Shao's car entered the depths of the mulberry forest, and saw that the west was immersed in a golden-red haze.His ears were filled with the sound of the wind, Tianji looked into the distance, deeply felt the strangeness brought to him by the capital Jiangling, and at the same time, an inexplicable excitement stimulated his nerves.

Xiao Shao was already drunk and was humming a ditty tune in a drunken state.The guard escorting the car said loudly: "Your Highness, the front is the direction leading to the palace."

"No, send Tianji to Songyuan first." Xiao Shao's mind is still clear.

Before he knew it, he had already called Tianji's name very intimately.

The sun is shining brightly, igniting the most intense touch.Flickering wind lanterns in the distance, looming tall and dark roofs, tinkling iron horses, and whirling leaves, under the setting sun, this place is like a mirage.He took a closer look, and saw two huge white jade lions outside Cui Wei's gatehouse, with their teeth and claws showing their majesty.Tianji couldn't help asking: "What kind of place is this?"

"Xinggong." Xiao Shao raised his eyes and replied lazily.

"Is it yours, First Prince?" Tianji asked a little naively.

Xiao Shao smiled indifferently, squinted his eyes slightly, and said in a tired tone: "The intention of building a palace is for the prince. Not long after the construction was completed, the father let the third brother live in it, intending to tell the world , his favorite is Xiao Kui."

"Isn't it true that the inheritance is not passed on to the concubines, and that the elders are not passed on to the virtuous?"

Xiao Shao couldn't help laughing: "Little brother, you don't understand this. Although there are direct descendants and no direct descendants, how many eldest sons have been stable in the world throughout the ages? The father only favors the third younger brother, deeply Heart, extraordinary times do not follow the law, and all the officials in the court have their own ghosts, it seems that a bloody storm is about to come."

Tianji listened ignorantly, with a confused look on his face.

Xiao Shao propped himself up, casually patted Tianji's shoulder, and said with a smile: "State affairs are state affairs, and family affairs are family affairs. As the great prince, I don't do government affairs, but only engage in secular entertainment. Tianji, you must concentrate on yourself and learn to reflect on yourself. One day If I am in trouble, will you help me?"

"The little one is willing to spoil the eldest prince, and he will do whatever he wants!" Tianji replied without hesitation.

Xiao Shao laughed heartily.

In the early morning, candidates from Tingsong Academy got up one after another.Ji Mingyou sent someone to deliver the most famous buckwheat cake in Jiangling.In such a sunny spring, after eating a bowl of fragrant snow-white mutton bone soup, and then chewing a few crispy buckwheat cakes, everyone sweated profusely and their spirits were lifted.

Tianji dressed neatly, left Tingsongyuan, and hurried to the prime minister's residence.

He had already entrusted Shen Xinyang with a message, and he was waiting outside the mansion at three o'clock.

It was still early, he had already appeared under the locust tree outside the high wall.Looking from a distance, there was a gorgeous carriage with curtains parked outside the prime minister's mansion, several house servants guarded the gate, and a big yellow-haired dog walked back and forth, ears pricked up vigilantly.

"Shen Buyu, this old fox, is much more on guard than before." Tianji gritted his teeth bitterly.

He knew he couldn't make it through, he didn't even have a chance to stand in front of Shen's house for a moment.I can only stand here and wait, waiting for Xiuxiu to appear.

I don't know how long I waited, but the sunlight slowly moved to the top of my head, shining through the thick leaves.A touch of warm wind, a touch of fragrance of leaves, making people sleepy.

There was finally movement in the prime minister's mansion, and all the house servants who had been lazily standing upright stood up straight.A man and a woman came out talking and laughing.The man was very young, dressed in a luxurious water-red brocade robe, with a smile on his face, carefully helping the woman across the high threshold.The woman is Xiuxiu, with a turquoise skirt rippling on her body, the Yingluo on her hair bun is shaking gently, and the sound of pearls and jade colliding is mellow.She walked forward step by step, Tianji saw a sweet look on her upturned face.

At that moment, Tianji's heart skipped a beat, an indescribable feeling.

Xiuxiu and the young man walked side by side, and the gorgeous carriage followed slowly behind.They passed through the mansion gate and came straight here.Xiuxiu passed by Tianji without looking sideways, still talking and laughing, and secretly gestured towards him.

The sky flashed to the other side of the old locust tree, and I saw Xiuxiu saying goodbye to the young man.The young man got into the carriage, and Xiuxiu stood on the spot and waved to the people in the carriage. When the carriage disappeared into the depths of the willows, she suddenly turned and ran towards another path.

Tianji checked that there was no one behind, and then followed Xixiu away.The two ran two or three lanes one after the other, Tianji finally caught up with Xiuxiu.

Xiuxiu stopped, pressed his chest in relief, panted and said, "It's been a long time since I ran like this, I feel like a thief."

The two were sure that no one from the Shen family had noticed, looked at each other and laughed happily.

"Who is that man?" Skyrim asked.

"Fourth Prince Xiao Hao."

"I thought it was the third prince." Tianji smiled in relief.

Xiuxiu didn't notice Tianji's thoughts, she was like a little fox escaping from a hunter, with an excited face: "Master Xinyang told me that you want to see me, and I have been thinking about how to get out. It happened that the fourth prince wanted to chat with me, and I Thinking about it just happened to have an excuse, and the people in the Shen residence thought I went with the fourth prince."

"clever."

Tianji patted Xixiu's shoulder affectionately, suddenly remembered something, and his face darkened immediately.

"Why is it like this now? If I want to see you, I still have to be sneaky. It would be great if I were in Mengyu County." He said wistfully.

"I will go back sooner or later." Xiuxiu said decisively.

"Really?"

"real."

Seeing that Xiuxiu nodded affirmatively, Tianji laughed silently.All the grievances and tension disappeared, as if returning to the free and easy days before.

Feeling extremely happy, he grabbed Xiuxiu's hand and said, "Go, I'll take you to a good place."

West Street.Walking across the small stone bridge, a small folk house is surrounded by a bamboo forest.

Xiuxiu followed the sky into the wooden door, but saw that although the small yard was ordinary, it was cleaned cleanly, and there were a few cherries planted against the wall, and the flowers were blooming charmingly.The bamboo forest can be seen from the leaky window, and the breeze blows, and the scattered shadows are like drizzle.

The indoor furniture is also bamboo-shaped, standing in the house, surrounded by greenery.Xiuxiu looked around and asked curiously: "Brother Tianji, you won't let me sit in this room?"

"Do you like it?" Tianji asked with a smile.

Hugh nodded.

Only then did Tianji tell him, "This was originally rented out for you. I paid a deposit for one year."

Xiuxiu asked in shock, "Then what should I do? Can you return it?"

"Why do you want to return it? I know you must like it, and this is the first time I have carefully selected for you, so I would rather leave it empty. I come to sweep the floor and remove dust when I am free."

When he said this, Skyrim's voice was softer than ever before.

Xiuxiu was stunned for a moment, and his expression softened: "Brother Tianji, it's my fault, I've wronged you."

"It's Shen Buyu who doesn't give in. There is nothing wrong with you, you are Xiuxiu, so I understand you. I really hope that you can happily wait for the day when I become famous. I will make my mother feel at ease and let everyone look at me with admiration. "

"Brother Tianji will definitely be able to, I have known it since I was a child."

Xiuxiu spoke with a smile, her bright eyes were as clear as a pool of water, allowing the joy and love hidden in Tianji's heart to seep out one by one.He hugged Xiuxiu tightly, and whispered in his mouth: "Xuxiu, you are so kind."

The two hugged each other not once or twice. The memories of their youth are like waves, one after another.But for some reason today, the temperature of Tianji's palm pierced through Xiuxiu's thin clothes, and the man's breath clung to her neck, which made her suddenly flustered.

Startled, she broke away from the hug, and said angrily, "Okay, I was almost suffocated by you."

Tianji's cheeks were flushed with hot flashes, his eyes were misty, and he said bluntly: "I like you." After finishing speaking, he lowered his head and kissed Xiuxiu's lips.

Xiuxiu was caught off guard, her face was red like rouge, she turned her head quickly and lowered her eyes.Tianji didn't follow her, turned around Xiuxiu's body, and stared at her with burning eyes.

"you are not happy?"

Xiuxiu shook his head, with some traces of sadness on his face.

Tianji raised Xiuxiu's chin, her eyes were bright, and without giving her any time to breathe, she said, "Do you still remember the rainy day when you left Mengmata County? I was waiting for you by the roadside, just to send you a word: you Wait for me. At that time you agreed, I was very happy, and I have been looking forward to the day when we will meet again. Every time you laugh, you are loud and wanton, but it is no longer like this. It is because of the bad life in the Shen family ? Or because of something else?"

"It's nothing. People will naturally change when they grow up." Xiuxiu answered with difficulty, her eyelashes fluttering.

"Has anyone ever kissed you like this?"

It seemed that the tone of voice was out of thin air, and then stopped abruptly, but Xiuxiu's heartstrings were trembling endlessly.

Memories flooded in like a tide, and she curled up in the arms of the man named Xiao Kui under the laughter of Northern Zhou soldiers.A piece of tenderness was pressed down without hesitation, that cold kiss, as if it happened yesterday.

She shook her head gently, the memory squeezed her so much that she couldn't breathe, she had to hold Tianji's hand, and said softly: "It's been too long, let's go."

Tianji obediently left the house, still talking to himself: "I'm not superstitious, but I'm afraid that Shen Buyu will force you to do something you don't want. This place is not Mengmata County, and no one will help you. I am your last Darling, if I don't protect you, who can protect you?"

Outside the window, the bamboo rustled, and a few black shadows flashed on the path, accompanied by the sound of people talking.

Xiuxiu found out in time, grabbed Tianji in panic, and said, "No, Uncle Fu brought a group of people over!"

Tianji was also shocked: "They must have followed. You hide first, and I will go out to deal with it."

(End of this chapter)