Mountains and rivers fall into red

Chapter 47
After turning a few bluestone roads and passing the promenade, there is the lake and pool.In autumn, it is lush and full of flowers, and it is repaired like an overseas fairyland.The finely carved stone boat rests quietly on the shore, as if you can still see the scene of incense temples surrounded by long laughter.

Zheng Yizhen suddenly coughed lightly, and said, "Miss Xiuxiu, do you want to keep silent?"

Xiuxiu came to his senses and hurriedly said, "My lady, please tell me."

"This palace is not as rich as I imagined. The wall pillars should be painted with gold, which will shine golden light during the day, so that people will feel comfortable. Also, the bluestone road leading to the palace should at least be inlaid with white jade, so that it will be more beautiful." identity."

After all, he chuckled lightly.

Xiuxiu paused blankly before saying, "Yes."

Zheng Yizhen looked at Xiuxiu without blinking, and slowly stretched out his hand, the delicate fingers dyed with impatiens were like jade green onions.Xiuxiu hesitated to put his hand in Yizhen's hand, Yizhen's hand suddenly tightened, as if to crush Xiuxiu's bones, but the smile on his face did not fade away, and he continued to point her enthusiastically.

"Compared to the palace, this place is not bad. I think Father loves him very much. People who have been here once have come here, and they want to come again. Has Miss Xiuxiu been here before?"

Xiuxiu panicked, and blurted out her denial, "I haven't been here."

Yizhen smiled as if he didn't care, his eyes flowed like red mist in the sun: "Look at what I asked, why did Miss Xiuxiu come here? The eldest prince said he saw you here, and I still argued with him. A few words. I think he is used to being among the green willows and red flowers, so naturally he can't tell right from wrong, wouldn't he be wronged Miss Xiuxiu?"

The words hit like a mallet, making Xiuxiu flustered, Yizhen's fingers were cold, but her palms seemed to be smeared with honey oil, making her feel uncomfortably sticky.

There was a lot of regret in her heart, she really shouldn't come to this place again.

"Yes." She lowered her eyes.

Only then did Yizhen let go slowly, and said with a cold snort: "The third prince is elegant by nature and has a lot of romantic affairs. That's in the past. Some people who don't know good and evil come to cling to him and blackmail him, so naturally they don't treat me as a prince. The concubine put it in her eyes."

Then she continued: "I am still a concubine at any rate, of course I will not be polite, and I will show them some color when necessary. Miss Xiuxiu, do you think I am right?"

Xiuxiu didn't know who Yizhen was referring to, every word seemed to slap her in the face, making it impossible for her to leave, or not to leave, and she was looking forward to getting out and leaving as soon as possible.

However, Yizhen became more interested in talking, took Xiuxiu's hand again and said with a smile: "Let's not say such depressing words." She pointed to an octagonal pavilion on the island, "Take a boat to go there, all the scenery in the palace is there. It's in my eyes."

Xiuxiu bit the bullet, went to the island with the boat, and entered the octagonal pavilion.Several court ladies stood around the pavilion, which was filled with all kinds of delicious fruits and delicacies. Yizhen enthusiastically helped her introduce the surrounding scenery along the coast.

Xiuxiu wandered absent-mindedly by the pool, looking around.Yizhen sat leisurely in the pavilion with a grape in her mouth, staring at her standing figure with a mean smile on her lips.

The side near the sleeping hall is covered by rattan railings stretching along the coast, and the scenery inside is not realistic.Xiuxiu turned sideways and asked the maid standing behind him: "What's in there? It's so well covered."

The maid replied respectfully: "His Highness the Third Highness has planted bamboo there, and now no one is allowed to enter."

Xiuxiu's head buzzed and exploded, his whole body was so hot that he had fallen into a steamer, and he was so chaotic that he didn't look like himself.

On that quiet New Year's Eve night, he took her hand and walked on the bluestone road leading to the bedroom.Looking at the bamboo forest, he put his arms around her and rubbed his chin against her neck.

By this time next year, there will be more bamboo, he said.

She tried her best to restrain herself, walked slowly into the pavilion, and bowed to say goodbye.Yizhen became suspicious. Seeing her solemn expression, she stood up and said with a smile, "It's getting late, so I don't dare to stay any longer. If Miss Xiuxiu is free, come and walk around more. Our sisters will get to know each other for a while. It was destined."

After politely sending Xiuxiu out of the palace gate, Yizhen turned back to the pavilion and sent the maid who had just been questioned by Xiuxiu to come over.

"What did the lady ask you just now?"

"Going back to your mother, the young lady asked the servant girl what was covered there, and the servant girl replied that it was the bamboo forest raised by His Highness the Third Highness, and there is nothing else to say."

Yizhen stared at the bedroom, thinking about it, her deep black eyes were dark and intricately intertwined, no one could guess what she was thinking.

The sun was westward, and the cold air in the pool gradually forced up, and the bat skirt was dyed with mist, which penetrated into the body, and Xiuxiu's legs felt numb.Soon, the palace people on the other side began to get busy. There was a clatter of horses' hooves on the bluestone path, and the fore hoofs inlaid with black gold shone sharply and coldly in the sun.

She knew he was back.

Abandoning the boat and crossing the covered bridge leading to the shore, she tried to add some warmth to her wet and cold body.When she reached the outer hall with golden tassels and red curtains, her body regained its warmth, her face was blushed, and she looked like an apricot.

Xiao Kui is handing the reins to Qiuyue.Because of the backlight, his finely crafted face was grayed out, and there was no trace of a smile in his pale expression.

Yizhen stepped forward to salute and say hello: "Your Highness came back early today."

Xiao Kui hesitated, closed his eyes, and untied the buckle of his robe in front of his neck.She raised her hand to help him, but he gently pushed her away.

She was a little absent-minded, she stood there blankly, smiled slightly, and suddenly said: "Today, I invited Miss Xiuxiu, and we chatted for a while."

His hand that untied his belt seemed to froze for a moment, and then he asked indifferently: "Shen Buyu's family?"

"Your Highness has a good memory. She is the Prime Minister's daughter, and she will be the real one. Lord Shen has been hiding it, but he still hasn't kept it."

She took the opportunity to untie the buckle, and this time he didn't refuse.

"What do you want her for?" he muttered oddly.

"It's funny to say. I asked her if she had ever been to the palace, but she said no. She has been here, what can I hide? Look at her panic-stricken look, I am worried about her Your Highness, tell me, is it funny?"

"You are not allowed to invite anyone in casually in the future." He frowned.

Yizhen responded sweetly.

Xiao Kui remained silent, took off his robe and handed it to Yizhen, who hurriedly reached out to catch it.Xiao Kui was about to enter the inner hall, his eyes raised inadvertently, and stopped on her face for a moment.Her heart began to beat wildly, and she looked at him with gentle eyes like waves.

"The hairpin is inserted crookedly." He raised his hand and pulled the plum hairpin off her head, and a bunch of hair fell out.He was very close to her, and the faint fragrance of Ruinao on his body overwhelmed her soul, and she closed her longing eyes in a daze.

A touch of coolness passed over her palm, and she heard him say: "A prince concubine should look like a prince concubine."

Opening her eyes, the hairpin in Xiao Kui's hand was already in her hand.Seeing him dodging into the inner hall, she followed him unwillingly.

"Your Highness, I am waiting for you in the wedding hall tonight. Although I like to be quiet, I feel uncomfortable physically and mentally when I am deserted like this."

"Didn't I tell you that you are not allowed to enter here?" His voice was full of impatience, "You should live in the best bedroom, you should be satisfied."

"But this concubine likes to be with His Highness..." she said aggrievedly, tears filled her eyes.

Xiao Kui turned his back to her and did not speak for a long time.

She lowered her head in frustration and had no choice but to move away.He seemed to think of something suddenly, and called her: "In a few days, important guests will be staying in the palace, so you should prepare well. As for the palace banquet, you should not go, and wait here, the guests will come at any time."

"Is it Bei Zhou's guest?" She realized something and blurted out.

"Don't ask more questions, you'll know when the time comes."

Her heart went up in her throat.Xiao Kui is so cautious and welcomes the guests into the palace, does it mean that he will be on the throne soon?

And she, isn't she the crown princess?

She rolled her eyes, and said in an aggrieved and disappointed tone: "But, what I think of is Your Highness..."

"Okay, I'll go to your place tonight." His voice was as flat as water.

In the blink of an eye, a beautiful smile bloomed on her face, like a child finally getting a long-awaited reward.She rushed forward, put her face on his back, and wrapped her arms around his waist tightly.

two

Shen Buyu became nervous again these two days.

Or, regardless of Emperor Liang or the Mu family, the whole dynasty fell into a state of tension.

Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou Dynasty fell ill, and Zen was located in Yu Wenyan, the eldest son of Emperor Jing.Emperor Jing was young and was assisted by Yang Jian, Duke of the Sui Dynasty.The situation in the Northern Zhou Dynasty was turbulent and unstable. Yang Jian went from being an exiled general who was suspected by Emperor Xuan, through many hardships and ups and downs, to take control of the Northern Zhou regime almost overnight, which caught everyone by surprise.

Yang Jian suddenly went south to inspect Houliang. When the news came, the expressions of the ministers in the DPRK and China were different.Yang Jian's reappearance this time is naturally not what it used to be. Is the prospect he brings to Hou Liang a blessing or a curse?
Everyone wants to please Yang Jian.The royalist party and the Mu family have gradually turned from a secret war to an open one, and it depends on which side Yang Jian leans towards.The arrow is on the string, and it must be sent.

Shen Buyu had mixed feelings.Happily, Emperor Liang learned that Xiuxiu was his own daughter, and did not overly condemn her for treachery. After all, it was a romantic affair 18 years ago, and it was peaceful for a while.Today's Emperor Liang was already unable to do what he wanted, relying too much on Shen Buyu, Zheng Wei and other ministers, even before entertaining Yang Jian, he called Shen Buyu and others to meet Yang Jian.

At the beginning, Yang Jian took refuge in Jiangling and was arrested in Xiao Kui's palace, which shows that Yang Jian and Xiao Kui have a deep friendship.Yang Jian has seen things deeply, and after so many days, Xiao Kui must have given Yang Jian a clear impression: this is a young hero who is both assertive and extremely talented.Therefore, Yang Jian is very likely to dismiss the other princes, and believes that Xiao Kui is the future heir to the throne.

The sad thing is, ever since Xiao Kui gave up on rest, Shen Buyu's heart has always been heavy and he can't let go of it.In the past six months, although Xiao Kui has never acted abnormally, he must be vigilant and suspicious.

After more than 20 years of hard official career, he has stood on the edge of a cliff and cannot turn back.Once Xiao Kui sits on the crown prince, will he be bold?Or take the opportunity to retaliate and push him to the cliff?

After the meeting with Yang Jian, Shen Buyu felt uneasy again.This Yang Jian obviously deliberately avoided the matter of establishing a reserve, he neither bluntly pointed out the shortcomings of Emperor Liang's governance of the country, nor leaked a word to prove who he was enamored of.Shen Buyu and the others just listened without making any arguments, but their hearts were beating—Yang Jian's heart was unpredictable!
Tomorrow, Emperor Liang will host a banquet for Yang Jian, accompanied by princes, ministers and family members.Shen Buyu didn't know what to do, so he called the second wife Liu Rulan.

"I haven't been to a palace banquet for many years, so I'm unavoidably nervous. I'm afraid of speaking abruptly. Let Xiuxiu go with me." Liu Rulan said with a smile.

Shen Buyu understood Liu Rulan's intentions, remembered Xiuxiu's usual indifference, and said in a muffled voice, "Is this necessary?"

"Master, this is a good opportunity. It's rare for you father and daughter to meet and talk. After a long time, she will recognize you as a father."

Shen Buyu thought for a moment, then pressed his forehead wearily: "It's hard for you to be so open-minded..."

He sighed.

At first, it was a wrong step.

One wrong step, every step is wrong!

In the Suxin Courtyard, Xiuxiu waved her hands subconsciously: "No, no. Second Madam, Xiuxiu really doesn't want to go."

"Are you afraid of going to the palace? Or are you afraid of seeing the master?" Liu Rulan smiled softly.

Xiuxiu smiled weakly, and murmured, "It's not that I'm afraid, it's that I don't want to go."

Liu Rulan softened her voice and coaxed her to say: "You know, Master has been an official for so many years, and the lady always accompanied him to the palace banquet. It's a rare time for me to enter the palace. I'm afraid that Master is busy with state affairs and will leave me alone to go home. You You have been in the palace, so you are familiar with it, so let's take it as a company to accompany me, so we can come back together."

This kid, I'm afraid he wasn't selected last time, so he's still unhappy, isn't he?
She continued to persuade: "There are so many ministers in the court, and the women's relatives all sit in the back row, and don't need to see anyone. Let's go back the same way, and we won't be able to stay for long."

Xiuxiu respects Liu Rulan and doesn't want to reject her again.Afraid that Liu Rulan would guess her thoughts, she secretly comforted herself: This is a dinner party, and she hid far away, so she would definitely not let acquaintances see her.

Thinking of this, she readily agreed, and Liu Rulan happily prepared to go.

The night in late autumn in Jiangling is extremely quiet, there are few people along the road, and the sound of the unrecognized carriages and horses galloping on the long street is particularly ear-piercing.

Xixiu sits in the car and lifts the curtain to look out, Shen Buyu's mount is right in front of him, the dark wind robe on his body looks like a huge eagle's wings.

She suddenly remembered the first time she went to the palace banquet with this man, she was innocent and stupid, staring at his back with curious eyes, as if this man could fill her with satisfaction and happiness by waving his sleeves.And his back seemed to have eyes, so she couldn't hide her emotions from him.Just like before leaving, he stood in front of her with his hands behind his back, and looked at her indifferently, his eyes were hidden under the night, and the faint light that appeared, like a cold blade, cut her mind apart.

"Don't be afraid to see Xiao Kui, he can't see you."

The voice was close to a whisper, but like a drop of boiling water, it made her heart shrink.

Someone beside her grabbed her hand and comforted her warmly.She stopped being in a trance, lowered the curtain of the car, smiled faintly at Liu Rulan, and remained silent.

Sometimes, a dream is just a dream. After waking up, you can remember and think, but it is an untouchable void.

The dinner was exactly as Xiuxiu had imagined, and the banquets lined up almost from the inside of the hall to the outside of the hall.The female relatives were all arranged in two corners of the back hall, singing and dancing in the middle, while the front hall was crowded with people, and the view of the front hall was blurred.

Houliang has always had a frugal hospitality custom. To entertain Yang Jian, a distinguished guest in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, delicacies and delicacies were usually presented, which cost the people of the capital half a year's expenses.Between the interlacing of entertainment and laughter, lurks the treacherous disputes behind Liang Boyun.

The canopy of the front hall was brilliant, and under the light of the eight-treasure glass, Xiuxiu vaguely saw Yang Jian.He is more energetic than before, with a determined expression and a smile on his face.Emperor Liang actually made a toast in person, the bright yellow dragon pattern was majestic, Xiuxiu blinked, and the scene of the front hall was covered by the moving human head.

The skirts of a group of singers are winding on the crystal-like floor tiles, swaying like flowers blooming.The lights were dimly on, and the beauties wore wide sleeves and bowed their hands.

Xiuxiu was surrounded by birds and birds, and some curious people couldn't help standing up, looked at the front hall for a while, and suddenly exclaimed: "Look, look, His Royal Highness the Third Prince is toasting!"

"What does he look like?" Someone asked her hastily.

"Needless to say, he's so handsome. Oh, he's looking our way!"

"Where?"

Hulala stood up with a group of people, stretched their necks and looked around.

Seeing this scene, Liu Rulan smiled and said to Xiuxiu: "Look at these women's homes, there are no men around, and they are even more rude."

Xiuxiu smiled, sipping the wine in the calendula one sip at a time.Once upon a time, I looked around like this, full of curiosity.Now things are different, and her state of mind is already different.

The banquet had reached its climax, she lightly shook Liu Rulan's hand, and said, "Second Madam, I'll go out to get some fresh air. If anyone leaves the banquet, just call me, and we'll go back too."

"It's too lively and noisy, I'm sweating." Liu Rulan wiped Xiuxiu's forehead lightly with her handkerchief, and took care of her.Xiuxiu nodded obediently, put on the mat sideways, and stepped out of the hall.

A fresh and natural evening breeze came slowly, making her refreshed.Autumn nights are clear, with a hint of alcohol and sweet aroma in the air.There were people walking around outside, it turned out that she was not the only one who couldn't stand the noise.

Xiuxiu leans on the railing and looks into the distance, seeing as far as the eye can see, the bright moon hangs high, and the towering palace towers straight into the sky.A series of lights flow like stars in the dark night.The shadows of the trees are scattered, the shadows of the wind and the moon linger, the rustling westerly wind blows up, and the fallen leaves tremble, one after another.She felt the coldness and couldn't help raising her arms to stroke her shoulders.

"Hugh."

She turned around suddenly.

It turned out that the leaves were whirling, and the roosting night birds were soaring into the sky, and a mournful cry came from the thin night sky.

She shook her head and smiled lightly. This misty garden of palm trees will give people some hallucinations for no reason, so I don't want to.

She just got off the railing and took a few steps, when she heard another cry: "Xiuxiu." She was so startled that her heart beat, and she turned her head to look, it turned out to be the dim figure of the eldest prince Xiao Shao, staggering towards her.

She couldn't help covering her chest, and let out a breath: "Prince, are you calling me?"

In the dim night, Xiao Shao's face was dyed a large blush, why does he always look like this drunk?

Xiao Shao was still awake, he waved to her: "Xiuxiu, it's good to see you. Come, let's have a drink."

He took the wine bottle and stretched it towards her, his whole body still swaying.Xiuxiu shook his head and chuckled, and helped Xiao Shao sit down at the stone table.

Xiao Shao was restless, and started to chatter as if Xiuxiu was an acquaintance.

"Those people don't understand my thoughts at all. The third brother is stronger than me. He is the material to be the emperor. I have no objection. They are both the sons of the father. What is there to fight between brothers? But the mother's face turned cold." , saying that I am useless. Also, Mr. Ji and his gang don’t think of me as the eldest prince at all! Look at my face, is it useful or not?”

He spoke incoherently, so Xiuxiu had no choice but to avoid it, coaxing him: "The First Prince is kind-hearted, so naturally he doesn't care about these things. As long as you live happily, why bother? If you are unhappy and you care about others, no one else will." If you care about you, you will be more unhappy."

"Yes, you are absolutely right." Xiao Shao said with a look of sudden enlightenment, "A sentence is shocking, why don't these people understand?"

"I have also experienced a lot before I gradually understand some truths. I am unable to face it, and I cannot avoid it, so I can only avoid it from a distance." Xiuxiu smiled bitterly.

"Understood...I understand."

After Xiao Shao finished speaking, he stuffed the wine bottle into Xixiu's hand: "You hold it for me, and I will go to them to discuss it." Without Xixiu dissuading him, he staggered away.

Hugh pursed his lips and smiled lightly.This eldest prince, although his body is stained with powder and powder, is indifferent to the world.In this world of rich and powerful disputes, there is something rare and precious.

The wind is cool and the dew is cold, and there are faint laughter and laughter.She is going back too.

Turning around, beside the incense path, under the shade of the trees, a faint figure is covered in the dim light.There seemed to be a cluster of extremely bright flames burning in the man's eyes, and he just stared at her steadfastly without dodging or avoiding.

It was just a short moment, but Xioxiu seemed to have walked through the entire long night on foot.

The wine bottle in her hand fell off in an instant and fell into the grass, but what she heard was like dull thunder.Her heart seemed to have been whipped violently by a sudden whip, the blood on her face twitched violently, and there seemed to be a sharp voice at the apex of her heart urging her: "Run! Run!"

She almost walked away in embarrassment.There is a boundless horizon ahead, she can only run desperately, even if what greets her is a mountain of swords and a sea of ​​fire, she has to go through it, and can never turn back.

In the night light, Liu Rulan who was coming towards her looked anxiously for her.Seeing the panicked Xiuxiu, she was about to speak when Xixiu threw himself into her arms, sobbing loudly.

"What's wrong?" Liu Rulan grabbed her twitching shoulders.

(End of this chapter)