Lanting prelude

Chapter 47
Lanting Preface Bureau 3: Chaos in Chang'an
Facing the emperor's detailed and inquisitive questioning, Xiao Junmo's answers were true and false, false and true, but none of them revealed any flaws.

When the first snow fell from the depths of the sky in the 17th year of Zhenguan, Xiao Junmo returned to Chang'an.

At this time, he has changed from a fugitive to the court's anti-rebellion hero.

Wearing the armor of Xuanjia Guards General and a scarlet cloak, Xiao Junmo rode on a tall white horse, passing through the majestic mountains and rivers of the Tang Dynasty, thousands of miles of wind, dust, frost and snow, and treacherous mountains and rivers. With many obstacles set up by his impermanent fate, he returned to the place where he was born and grew up with a feeling of being in another world.

If everything before that was a test given to him by heaven, then returning home is undoubtedly the most just reward for a warrior.

However, Xiao Junmo did not have the slightest joy of returning to his hometown with honor and returning to the court triumphantly.

Because he knew that waiting in front of him would be more horrific plots, strife and killings than ever before, while Chang'an, which appears to be rich, dignified, prosperous and peaceful, is actually full of undercurrents and murderous intentions. It will become the bloody battlefield of the ultimate confrontation between the forces of all parties.

Can I save this doomed catastrophe?

Xiao Junmo did not dare to give an affirmative answer.

At this moment, although his expression was as resolute and calm as usual, there was still a trace of confusion and uneasiness in his heart that could not be restrained.

The sky is low, and Bailuyuan is vast and boundless.

The long team escorted more than a dozen prison cars rumbling on the snow.Li You, Cao Jie, and a group of confidantes were detained in the prison car with disheveled hair.Their faces were ashen and their eyes were dull, which was in stark contrast to the proud Pei Tinglong, Xue An and others who rode their horses and walked aside.

In the early autumn of last year, Xiao Junmo defeated Qi Wang Li You's rebellious plot in just one day, and then had to stay in Qizhou for several months - the emperor gave him a decree, ordering him to stay in Qizhou to take care of the aftermath until the king of Qi was eliminated. The rest of the party can return to the court only after the peace and order of Qizhou are restored.

Of course, in addition to this, the emperor also pardoned him, declaring that he had done his meritorious deeds, not only could he forget the past and return to his original post, but also promised to give him an official promotion after returning to the court.

That day, after the imperial envoy announced the edict, Xiao Junmo still knelt on the ground and refused to accept the edict for a long time.

Because he doesn't care about the imperial court's honor, returning to Chang'an as soon as possible to find Chu Lisang is his most urgent thought at the moment.The special envoy of the imperial court in charge of announcing the imperial edict is Liu Dewei, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, who was ordered to deal with the aftermath of Qizhou together with Xiao Junmo.Seeing Xiao Junmo's delay in accepting the order, Liu Dewei was greatly embarrassed, and hurried forward to persuade him in a low voice.Huan Dieyi, Luo Biao and others on the side also took turns persuading him.Xiao Junmo hesitated for a long time, and suddenly thought that Yuan Gongwang was seriously injured. If he only cared about his children and abandoned him, it would be unrighteous. It can save some people.Thinking of this, he kowtowed to thank him and accepted the imperial edict.

In the days that followed, Xiao Junmo cooperated with Liu Dewei to carry out cumbersome review and screening work for officials of all sizes in Qizhou.

Because Liu Dewei accepted the emperor's decree before his departure, he adopted a strict attitude of "rather injure than indignant", and if there is any doubt, he will be convicted, while Xiao Junmo always adheres to the principle of lenient punishment and no doubt, hoping to control the attack surface In the smallest range, so the two often have conflicts, and they can't stop arguing repeatedly.For this reason, Xiao Junmo had to spend a lot of time and energy on investigations, presenting all the detailed evidence collected with painstaking efforts in front of Liu Dewei, which saved the lives of innocent officials.

In the end, only a dozen or so of the hundreds of officials in Qizhou were actually convicted, and most of the rest escaped under the full rescue of Xiao Junmo and were reappointed.

During this period, under the careful care of Xi Yan, Yuan Gongwang gradually recovered from his injuries.

On the day Xiao Junmo left Qizhou, there was an unexpected scene—thousands of officials, civilians and gentry from Qizhou supported the old and the young, and spontaneously came to see him off, blocking the west gate of Qizhou.Many people knelt down on the spot, kowtowed frequently, shouting "Benevolence Gong" repeatedly.Xiao Junmo's eyes were moist, he quickly dismounted and helped those people up one by one.

Liu Dewei was also affected by this scene, and said to Xiao Junmo: "The Buddha said that saving a life is better than building a seven-level pagoda. General Xiao has saved so many people, and his merits are immeasurable!"

Xiao Junmo smiled faintly: "Liu Shangshu is absurdly praised. Xiao always only asks conscience when doing things, and doesn't count merit."

"Giving kindness without seeking repayment, doing kindness without seeking kindness, the merits of not living in appearance are real merits! General Xiao is young, but his cultivation of mind and character is already very human. I admire him so much, so much!"

Until far away from Qizhou City, Liu Dewei was still admiring.

Xiao Junmo and his party walked very slowly because they used prison cars to escort the prisoners.From Qizhou to Chang'an, they walked for a full month.The day the team arrived at Bailuyuan was already the seventh day of the first lunar month in the 17th year of Zhenguan.

Li Shiji was ordered by the emperor to lead a group of Xuanjia guards to wait in line at the ten-mile long pavilion outside the Chunming Gate.

Thinking of Xiao Junmo not only recovering his life, but also returning as a glorious hero, Li Shiji's heart was filled with joy and comfort.

He stood in the pavilion and looked into the distance.

After a long time, through the snowflakes flying all over the sky, a team finally slowly entered his field of vision.Li Shiji's heart became hot, he hurried out of the pavilion, and strode towards them.

Upon seeing Li Shiji, Xiao Junmo, Huan Dieyi, Luo Biao and Pei Tinglong all got off their horses and saluted.After exchanging pleasantries with Pei Tinglong and others, Li Shiji walked up to Xiao Junmo and Huan Dieyi, staring at them fixedly, his eyes were moist without realizing it.

"Uncle..." Huan Dieyi seemed to have a thousand words in his heart, but he was choked up and couldn't speak.

"Master, the old man misses you these days when we are not here." Xiao Junmo suppressed the sadness in his heart and smiled.

"Boy, the old man doesn't miss you." Li Shiji stared and said, "You two have stiff wings, so you can do whatever you want. Why did you ever put me, an old man, in your eyes?"

"Master taught you a lesson." Xiao Junmo smiled apologetically, "Didn't we know we were wrong, so we hurried back to apologize to you?"

"You're lucky!" Li Shiji was still relentless, "If it wasn't for the good deeds of your Xiao family ancestors and your father's spirit in heaven, I think you would have come back with your life."

"Uncle, isn't everything over now? What are you talking about?" Huan Dieyi stepped forward, grabbed Li Shiji's arm, and acted coquettishly.

Hearing Li Shiji mention his adoptive father, Xiao Junmo couldn't help turning his head subconsciously, looking in the direction of his grave, with sadness in his eyes.

"During your absence, I have visited your father many times, don't worry." Li Shiji sensed his expression and said hastily, "Also, as far as I know, His Royal Highness King Wu and Grand Master Wei also came to pay respects. , everyone is doing their best for you, an unfilial son!"

Xiao Junmo was embarrassed and speechless.

"Uncle!" Huan Dieyi was in a hurry, "Brother came home after a narrow escape, can't you say a few words less?"

"Okay, okay, hurry up and follow me." Li Shiji calmed down, looked at Xiao Junmo and said, "The Holy Majesty is still waiting for your audience in the palace."

"In such a rush? Can't you let senior brother rest for a while and then enter the palace tomorrow?" Huan Dieyi said.

"The Holy Majesty is going to appoint an official to your brother, do you think you should be in a hurry?"

"Really?" Huan Dieyi immediately jumped up when he heard that, and pushed Xiao Junmo, "Hurry up, hurry up, this is a great thing, hurry up and enter the palace!"

Xiao Junmo smiled lightly.

The emperor was so anxious to call him into the palace, it was not just as simple as appointing an official.He knew very well that what the emperor really cared about was actually the "Lanting Preface" and the Tian Xing League.

Li Shimin summoned Xiao Junmo alone in Liangyi Hall, and even Li Shiji was stopped outside the hall.

At this time, there were only three people in the huge Liangyi Hall——the emperor was sitting on the imperial couch, Zhao Dequan was standing beside him, and Xiao Junmo was kneeling below.The hall, which was originally magnificent, now looks more and more empty and deserted.

Li Shimin stared at Xiao Junmo for a long time, without saying a word for a long time.

Xiao Junmo knelt motionless, with lowered eyes and a calm face.

Zhao Dequan secretly glanced at this and that from time to time, feeling inexplicably nervous.

The main hall was as silent as a thousand-year-old tomb, with only a slight sound from the burning charcoal fire in the corner.

I don't know how long it took before Li Shimin's deep voice slowly sounded from the hall: "Xiao Junmo, you have traveled thousands of miles and crossed more than ten states in the past half a year, and the golden cicadas have escaped from their shells time and time again. Ann, it hurt your brain, and it also made your colleagues exhausted and humiliated! In the end, you changed suddenly, from a criminal in the court to a hero in countering the rebellion. Such a legend is rare in the world! At this moment, I don’t know How do you feel in your heart?"

"Return to Your Majesty," Xiao Junmo replied loudly, almost without thinking, "I have experienced all this, and it can be said to be full of emotions, and my heart is still like water."

"Oh?" Li Shimin raised his eyebrows, "Aren't you contradicting yourself?"

"Yes, my minister's mood at the moment is indeed contradictory, so I can only tell the truth and dare not lie to Your Majesty."

"Then tell me first, what are you feeling?"

"It's unfaithful for me to rob the father and daughter of the debater and violate the laws of the Tang Dynasty; it's unfilial to leave my father's tomb barren and no one to worship; it's inhumane to kill Xuanjiawei's colleagues for his own life; It is unrighteous to fail His Majesty's expectations and the cultivation of the imperial court. Unfaithful, filial, unkind and unrighteous people like humble ministers are truly indignant and punishable by heaven and earth! Fortunately, His Majesty is so merciful and merciful in giving you The chance for me to reform my past and make amends for my crimes made my humble minister feel ashamed and grateful. All these things are deeply emotional in my heart."

Xiao Junmo stood in the position of the emperor and scolded himself like a dog, which was tantamount to helping the emperor vent his anger.Li Shimin felt a little better, but his face was expressionless: "Xiao Junmo, you scolded yourself so hard, but are you telling the truth, or are you carefully prepared to perfunctory me?"

"Your Majesty's lesson! What I say comes from the bottom of my heart, and I never dare to be perfunctory."

Li Shimin snorted coldly: "Then tell me again, what does 'heart like still water' mean?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, ever since my humble minister committed a heinous crime, the feeling of remorse and regret has grown day by day. I think that I have no face to live in the world, and I often want to kill myself to thank the world..."

"Wait!" Li Shimin interrupted him suddenly, "'I often want to kill myself to thank the world'? Xiao Junmo, aren't you clearly fooling me? If you really want to, why do you still try to escape Xuanjiawei's pursuit over and over again? Why don't you simply sacrifice your head to atone for your sins? If you didn't do this, it means that you are still greedy for life and afraid of death, so why do you have to speak so grandly?"

"Your Majesty taught me a lesson." Xiao Junmo smiled lightly, "However, by saying this, I naturally want to show some feelings. I wonder if Your Majesty can allow this minister to finish his sentence?"

"Okay, you continue."

"Thank you, Your Majesty! The reason why I didn't offer my head may be because I was greedy for life and afraid of death, but it may not always be the case. The reason is that I thought that my sin was so serious that one death would not be enough to atone for it, so I wanted to fight this cruel crime. body, for the establishment of the size of our Great Tang Sheji. If I can achieve my wish, I will have no regrets. After that, life or death, killing or cutting, will be dealt with according to the law. Resentment. It is precisely because of this ambition in my heart, and now that the major event is over, and life and death, honor and disgrace are no longer in my mind, this humble minister dared to say the words 'heart is like still water'."

"Make meritorious deeds for my Great Tang?" Li Shimin looked at him sideways, "Xiao Junmo, could it be that you have the ability to foretell and predict that King Qi will rebel on the way to escape?"

"Your Majesty misunderstood, I didn't have this intention." Xiao Junmo said, "It's totally unexpected that I was exiled in Qizhou and got involved in the King Qi incident."

"Then what do you mean by 'making meritorious service'?"

Xiao Junmo raised his head, with a slight smile on the corner of his mouth: "What I mean is to obtain the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" for His Majesty at all costs."

As soon as this remark came out, Li Shimin couldn't help being shocked, with an unbelievable expression on his face.

Zhao Dequan on the side was also unexpected, and couldn't help opening his eyes wide.

Li Shimin leaned forward and stared at Xiao Junmo: "Then did you get it?"

Xiao Junmo met the emperor's scorching gaze: "Yes, I got it, otherwise how would I have the face to see Your Majesty?"

In the past few months, Xiao Junmo had already thought through what to do next.He knew that when he returned to Chang'an, he would face a complicated and dangerous situation. The problems to be solved would become more and more difficult, and the forces to deal with would become stronger and stronger.Therefore, no matter what, you must first obtain the absolute trust of the emperor, and then grasp the necessary power, otherwise you will not be able to do anything in Chang'an, the dragon's pool and tiger's den.And to gain the emperor's trust, the simplest and most effective way is undoubtedly to donate the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" that the emperor has dreamed of and is determined to win!

In this way, the emperor will truly let him go.

In the final analysis, the reason why the emperor hated him was not that he took Biancai's father and daughter away, but that when Biancai ran away, the clue to find the authentic "Lanting Preface" was broken.Now that he offered the "Lanting Preface" on his own initiative, the emperor can not only ignore his previous crimes, but also give him a great credit.

At this moment, Li Shimin couldn't help standing up from the imperial couch, his eyes gleamed with joy: "Where is the "Lanting Preface" now?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, when I just entered the palace, I have already handed over the original work to General Li, who will keep it temporarily. Your Majesty can fetch it for imperial viewing at any time."

"Okay, very good!" Li Shimin's long face was joyful, "Xiao Aiqing, live in peace, you have made two great contributions to our Tang Dynasty, and I will reward you heavily!"

Xiao Junmo stood up: "Thank you, Your Majesty! But I only want to make amends, and dare not expect rewards."

"There is no need to say these kind words. I have always been strict in rewards and punishments, and you know that." Li Shimin sat back on the imperial couch again, "Of course, before rewarding you, I still have something to ask you."

"Please make it clear, Your Majesty."

"I'm curious, what was your motive for kidnapping the father and daughter of the debate?"

When Xiao Junmo heard it, he immediately showed embarrassment: "Returning to Your Majesty, I am ashamed to say it. When I was ordered to go to Yique to arrest the debater, I felt admiration for his daughter... for his daughter Chu Lisang. After the imperial court, I still can't forget it. So when Chu Lisang was invited into the palace by His Majesty, the humble minister became obsessed with ghosts, couldn't sleep well every day, didn't know how to eat, and finally... Finally, for the sake of the children's personal relationship, he ignored the king's kindness, Taking the risk, I made a big mistake!"

After finishing speaking, Xiao Junmo knelt down again, with a regretful expression on his face.

Xiao Junmo knew very well that the best way to dispel the emperor's doubts about him was to use his children's personal relationship as a shield, not to mention that what he said was partly true.

Li Shimin chuckled: "It is said that heroes are saddened by beauty, and it seems that Xiao Qing is not spared either!"

"My minister is extremely ashamed, and I dare not pretend to be a hero..."

"Okay, okay, let's get up. Young people are full of energy and easily impulsive. Mistakes are inevitable, as long as they can learn from their mistakes. As the saying goes, mistakes can be corrected. There is nothing good about it!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Junmo stood up again.

"I'll ask you again, when did you realize that you did something wrong, and then you wanted to make contributions to the community to atone for your past sins?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, I slowly figured out this matter after I escaped from Jiangling."

Li Shimin looked at him and asked again: "Then, where are the father and daughter of Biancai now?"

"After Weichen and Biancai's father and daughter took out the "Lanting Preface" in Yuezhou, Biancai said that he was going to Qizhou to visit an old friend, so we set off to go north, but we were robbed by bandits on the way, and Biancai's father and daughter fought with Weichen Lost, so far...so far unknown."

"Oh? Such a coincidence?" Li Shimin was dubious, "If you hadn't met the bandits, what were your plans?"

"Wei Chen has decided to take the "Lanting Preface" and return to Beijing to surrender to His Majesty."

Li Shimin was thoughtful: "According to what you said, you no longer have feelings for that Chu Lisang?"

Xiao Junmo deliberately hesitated for a moment, and said: "To tell you the truth, my minister's feelings for her... have not changed."

"Since you still love her, why are you willing to abandon her?"

"Because I have never lost my loyalty to the Tang Dynasty, I dare not forget the righteousness of my family and the country for the sake of my children's selfishness." Xiao Junmo's eyes flashed with sincerity, "This is also the reason why I have calmly thought about it on the way to escape, and in my heart. After going through a battle between heaven and man, I made a painful decision!"

Li Shimin obviously sensed his sincerity, so he stopped being suspicious, and instead asked, "Is the purpose of you and Biancai coming to Jiangling, is to meet with the sub-helm of the Tianxing League?"

"Yes."

"Then how many sub-helms have you found in total?"

"Three."

"Besides the Xie Ji captured by Pei Tinglong, where are the other two people at the helm now?"

"Return to Your Majesty, I haven't seen them since I left Jiangling, so I don't know their whereabouts."

Li Shimin glanced at him: "Forget it, then tell me, what is the purpose of you and Biancai looking for these three sub-helms?"

"Three cups?!" Li Shimin didn't understand why, "What are the three cups?"

To this day, the "Three Cups", which was once the core secret of the Tianxing League, has no value of secrecy, so Xiao Junmo explained the ins and outs of the Three Cups to the emperor, including Wang Xizhi's sentence "The Three Cups Explain the Heavenly Punishment" implied The deep meaning of the book was also explained to the emperor in detail.Of course, from the beginning to the end, he did not mention the "Star of Heavenly Punishment" of the alliance seal.

Li Shimin suddenly realized, and couldn't help laughing: "For hundreds of years, countless scholars have read this five-word poem written by Wang Xizhi at the Lanting Meeting, but who would have thought that in the five words'three cups to solve the punishment of heaven', there is actually Hiding such a deep mystery!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am also deeply shocked by this."

"From this point of view, all the secrets of the Tianxing League should be hidden in the authentic "Lanting Preface", right?"

"Yes, I suppose so."

"Presumably?" Li Shimin looked suspiciously, "After you got the original "Lanting Preface", you didn't do a careful study?"

"Your Majesty is wise, I did spend some time trying to figure it out, but it's a pity that my talent is dull, and I didn't find anything after all."

Li Shimin originally wanted to ask more questions, but after thinking about it, since the original "Lanting Preface" has been obtained, he can study it calmly in the future, and there is no need to rush at this moment.After a while of silence, he asked again: "After you separated from Biancai's father and daughter, why didn't you go back to Beijing with the "Lanting Preface" and went to Qizhou instead?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, this is a little selfishness of this minister. After being separated from them, this minister still misses Chu Lisang in his heart, thinking that if they are still alive, they may go to Qizhou to visit their old friends as originally planned, so this minister thought Try your luck in the past, plan to find them, and take Chu Lisang away privately..."

"Haha!" Li Shimin couldn't help laughing, "Are you trying to abduct someone's daughter and let her elope with you?"

Xiao Junmo said embarrassingly: "It's...well, I guess. I think, if I can dedicate the "Lanting Preface" to His Majesty, and stay with a beautiful woman, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? Of course, in the end, the two are really good. You can’t have both, and the humble minister can only give up his personal feelings and protect the righteousness.”

Li Shimin nodded, as if he felt that these few words were quite honest, and said, "The so-called friend that Biancai wants to visit is that Yu Shiqi who committed suicide in fear of crime, right?"

"Exactly."

"Is this person a member of the Sky Punishment Alliance?"

"According to Wei Chen's judgment, probably not."

Li Shimin frowned slightly: "How can you see that?"

"There are three reasons for this: first, if Yu Shiqi is a member of the Tianxing League, he must act in a low-key and meticulous manner, and will never shoot Quan Wanji with his own bronze arrowhead; Let Du Xingmin control the access control. If he is really a well-trained member of the secret organization, he will definitely notice it and escape. If he is a member of the Tianxing League, if he wants to rebel, he will contact other branches to strengthen his reputation, but in fact he has not. In summary, Yu Shiqi should be just a local cunning, and he is unlikely to be a member of the Tianxing League. "

Prior to this, Xiao Junmo had already reported the main case of King Qi's rebellion in the memorandum, which naturally mentioned Yu Shiqi, but only mentioned that he colluded with King Qi to rebel, assassinated Quan Wanji, and committed suicide in fear of crime when Xiao Junmo was ensnaring him. , and the rest are not detailed, so Li Shimin only asked this question.At this moment, after listening to his statement, Li Shimin also felt that it was irrefutable, and said: "Even if Yu Shiqi is not a member of the Tianxingmeng, assassinating the court officials and attempting to rebel is also a crime of extermination. Why did you let his son and his family all slip away?" Woolen cloth?"

After Yu Shiqi committed suicide, Xiao Junmo was in a hurry to find Chu Lisang, and left Qi Palace in a hurry, but before leaving, he had told Luo Biao to let Yu Ping go secretly and let him take Yu Shiqi's body away.Because the Qi Palace was extremely chaotic that night, no one cared about anyone, so Yu Ping escaped without anyone noticing with Luo Biao's help, and left Qizhou City with his family overnight, and then followed Yu Shiqi's instructions. The will went far away and hid in the deep mountains and old forests.Afterwards, Xiao Junmo bluffed and searched, but of course no one was caught.

"Returning to Your Majesty, although the Qi Palace was in chaos and complicated at that time, Yu Shiqi's suicide and Yu Ping's absconding with his family were also caused by the negligence of this humble official. I cannot absolve myself of the responsibility, and please punish me by Your Majesty." Xiao Junmo finished. Kneel down again.

Li Shimin pondered for a while, and said: "Forget it, the rebellion in Qizhou is due to your tact and courage, and you can deal with it quickly. Even if there are some faults, the merits outweigh the faults. I forgive you for your innocence."

Since Yu Shiqi is unlikely to be a member of the Tianxingmeng, Li Shimin didn't bother to investigate further.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

In today's court meeting, the monarch and his ministers asked and answered in a calm tone, and the emperor laughed loudly from time to time. From the perspective of outsiders, the atmosphere seemed to be quite harmonious, but only Xiao Junmo knew in his heart: every word mentioned by the emperor today The problem is almost a dangerous pass, and a little carelessness will arouse suspicion, and even expose one's current true identity.

Fortunately, in the face of the emperor's detailed and inquisitive questions, Xiao Junmo's answers were true and false, and none of them revealed any flaws.In the end, with his extraordinary wisdom and courage, he crossed these life and death hurdles one by one.

At this moment, with the end of the cross-examination, Xiao Junmo suddenly realized that his back was already soaked in cold sweat.

"Xiao Aiqing," the emperor's voice sounded again, "you have quelled the rebellion of King Qi, and you have made great contributions to the court. I originally wanted to promote you as a general of Zhonglang, but today you presented the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" and made another contribution. Decided to give you a higher official position..."

Li Shimin paused on purpose for a while, and then solemnly stated the official name.

When Xiao Junmo heard it, he could hardly believe his ears.

Although he had already expected that he would be promoted as an exception, he was unexpectedly promoted to such a high position all of a sudden.

Chu Lisang never thought that he could willingly live under the same roof as Mingzang.

But that's exactly what happened.

Right now, in the back garden of the big mansion in Qinglongfang, the snowflakes are swirling and turning everything into a sad white.Chu Lisang sat motionless in the pavilion, staring at the white world in a daze.

She thought of her mother, and the scene when she and her mother made snowmen in the backyard of Erya's pawn shop when they were young.She remembered that her mother could make a big and beautiful snowman every time, but the snowmen she made were always crooked and ugly.At that time, how she longed to grow up quickly, and one day she could build a snowman that was bigger and more beautiful than her mother's.Last winter—the last winter she and her mother lived in this world—the snow fell very hard. Suddenly, my mother came to knock on her door and invited her to build a snowman in the courtyard.At that time, she was hiding in the room with Lvxiu and whispering, commenting on several young gentlemen who lived on the same street, when she was interrupted by her mother, she became a little impatient.She opened the door a crack, and said with disinterestedness: "Mother, I have grown up, and I don't want to play that childish trick anymore."

She remembered that there was a trace of disappointment in her mother's eyes at that time, and then she smiled and said: "Yes, Sonny has grown up, and mother can no longer treat you like a child."

After Niang finished speaking, she reached out to touch her head, but she avoided it.

She hates being touched on the head.

Mother froze, her hands froze in the air.She was anxious to continue the conversation with Lu Xiu, so she hurriedly closed the door again.Then she and Lvxiu chatted again, and both of them giggled when they were happy.She didn't know when her mother left, and of course she had no way of knowing whether she felt a deep loss and sadness in her heart when she left.

At that time, when she was with her mother, she often felt impatient, because she felt that her mother was too old to understand the latest jokes in the market, let alone what young people liked, and of course it was impossible to talk to her like a green sleeve. Talk about something intimate.Therefore, she couldn't remember how many times she had shaken her mother's face, and it was even more common for her to reject her face to face like making a snowman.She never felt that there was anything wrong, let alone any guilt.

However, at this moment, boundless remorse and guilt strongly gnawed at her heart.

How much she wished to turn back time and let her turn every face she threw at her mother into a bright smile, and turn every rejection of her mother into a happy promise; even if she was only given a moment, let her It would be nice if I could hug my mother and say "I'm sorry", so that her heart wouldn't be so painful...

Tears crawled down Chu Lisang's face at some point.

Lu Xiu stood aside and gently wiped away her tears: "Miss, do you... miss the mistress again?"

Chu Lisang forced a smile, and held Lu Xiu's hand: "Let's go make a snowman."

After a while, a beautiful snowman stood on the snow in the back garden.Lu Xiu brought two black Go pieces for its eyes, and Chu Lisang picked a curved twig to make its smiling mouth, and when he was about to put another nose on it, a big hand stretched out beside him , with a pebble spread out in his palm.

"Back then your mother built a snowman, and I found her nose and eyes for her."

Wang Hongyi stood aside and smiled.

Chu Lisang took the stone expressionlessly and pressed it on Snowman's face.

"Sang'er, do you know?" Wang Hongyi squeezed that "nose" a little more, and then looked at her with burning eyes, "When you made a snowman, the expression on your face was exactly the same as your mother's."

On the way from Qizhou to Chang'an, Wang Hongyi talked a lot to Chu Lisang, almost all of them were about Yu Liniang.

With half laughter and half tears, he recalled countless trivial past events.And it is these fragmented memories that help Chu Lisang piece together the complete appearance of her mother in her youth—that is what her mother never told her, but it gradually becomes vivid and clear in Wang Hongyi's narration .

Chu Lisang clearly knew that Wang Hongyi was binding her tenderly with the rope of family affection, and she had clearly made up her mind to run away from him whenever she had the chance, but what she didn't expect was that, Wang Hongyi's narration seemed to have a powerful magic power, and it was firmly attached to her from beginning to end, making her not only forget to escape, but even listened mesmerizingly.

In this way, she returned to Chang'an with him without knowing it, and lived with him in this house in Qinglongfang.

A few months passed in a flash.Until now, Chu Lisang still had no intention of running away.

In addition to wanting to hear more about her mother, she faintly felt that there seemed to be a strange feeling that was gradually dissipating her desire to escape.

She was disturbed by such a discovery, even a little angry and remorseful.But the strange thing is that the original firm will is still irretrievably disintegrated like a defeated army on the battlefield.

Chu Lisang thought about this for many days, and finally realized a few days ago that this affection is actually blood relationship, a blood relationship that cannot be severed no matter how much she hates Wang Hongyi!
In fact, during the past few months of getting along, the image of Wang Hongyi as a "villain" in her mind has quietly changed.Although Chu Lisang kept telling herself that this was caused by her longing for her mother, which did not mean that her impression of Wang Hongyi had changed, but she still had to admit that every time she told her mother's story, Wang Hongyi Her smiles and tears are so sincere that they infected and moved her again and again.So deep down in his heart, Chu Lisang no longer thought of him as a complete villain and villain like before.In other words, Chu Lisang has actually accepted this father to a certain extent, even though she knows that she may never call this title out of her mouth.

"Sang'er, it's snowing heavily, let's go back to the house." Wang Hongyi said softly.

"Mr. Mingzang..." Chu Lisang was surprised that he could call out this title calmly, "You always hoped that I could stay by your side, now that I have made up my mind, I can promise you, but there are two conditions .”

Wang Hongyi was taken aback for a moment, and then smiled overjoyed: "Say it! Don't say two, even if it is twenty or two hundred, Dad will agree to you."

"First, stop embarrassing Xiao Junmo."

"This is easy." Wang Hongyi smiled, "It's just that I don't make things difficult for him, but I'm afraid he will come to make things difficult for me."

"Don't worry about that. If I have a chance to meet him, I will persuade him not to be your enemy. Even if you can't turn the fight into friendship, at least you can keep the water from falling apart."

"So good!"

"Secondly, although I will send you under your fence for the time being, what I want to do or what I don't want to do is my freedom, and you are not allowed to interfere at all."

"Of course, of course." Wang Hongyi smiled all over his face, "You are my daughter, and you are not a prisoner. How could Dad interfere with your freedom?"

"The freedom I'm talking about includes when I want to leave, you don't have to stop me."

"Leave?" Wang Hongyi was startled, "Sang'er, don't forget, the court is still looking for you everywhere, you can't go out casually. Besides, dad is your only relative now, where can you go if you leave dad?" Woolen cloth?"

In the past few months, Chu Lisang has been staying at home, and she has no idea that after Xiao Junmo's meritorious service in Qizhou, he has already petitioned the court to pardon the two of them, He Biancai, Mi Mancang, and Hua Linger.Now on the bulletin boards in the streets and alleys, there are no arrest papers for the five of them.In fact, Wang Hongyi had already learned the news from Xuanquan, but of course he would not tell Chu Lisang about it.

"No matter what, you don't want to keep me forever." Chu Lisang said with a straight face.

"Father certainly didn't mean that." Wang Hongyi hurriedly apologized, "Father is just thinking about your safety. If you mean a lifelong event, if there is a suitable opportunity in the future, father will naturally help you find a good husband. I will marry you off in a glorious manner..."

"I don't mean a lifelong event." Chu Lisang said coldly, "But if you really want to talk about marriage, you don't need to worry about it for me. What kind of husband I want to find is my own business, and has nothing to do with you .”

"Yes, dad is just expressing his attitude, not trying to make decisions for you." Wang Hongyi felt that he had never been so humble in his life, but no matter what, as long as Chu Lisang was willing to talk to him, he felt that it was a great happiness. "Sang'er, daddy also knows that you already have a sweetheart..."

"Okay." Chu Lisang interrupted him, "I'll say it again, this is my own business and has nothing to do with you."

Chu Lisang dropped these words, and left the back garden with her green sleeves.

Wang Hongyi stood there in embarrassment, but there was no displeasure in his heart.Because Chu Lisang agreed to him to stay, it was enough to make him feel extremely gratified.As for Chu Lisang's hatred for him, he can only slowly resolve it with time, patience and the father's love owed to her for more than 20 years. Right now, Wang Hongyi doesn't dare to expect too much.

"My lady, since you hate him, why don't we leave?"

Luxiu followed Chu Lisang through the moon gate and walked into a quiet small courtyard, and couldn't help asking.

Chu Lisang suddenly stopped, looked up at the gray sky, and smiled wryly: "Where else can we go now?"

"The world is so big, where can't we go?" Lu Xiu refused, "I don't believe it, we can't live without this old man."

"Yes, we can live anywhere..." Chu Lisang still looked at the sky and murmured, "But if I leave, what if Xiao Lang can't find me?"

Lu Xiu frowned slightly: "I haven't heard from Xiao Lang for so long, it's hard to say whether he can return to Chang'an, how do you know he will definitely come to you?"

"Yes, he will definitely come back." Chu Lisang turned his head, his eyes determined, "He will definitely come back to find me."

In the private room of Zui Taiping Restaurant, Li Ke, Yuchi Jingde, and Sun Boyuan were sitting in a gloomy atmosphere.

A few months ago, after Li Ke learned that the imperial court was going to suppress the gentry, he repeatedly hinted that Sun Boyuan should quickly liquidate the salt business to avoid heavy losses.Although Sun Boyuan was also aware of the seriousness of the situation, firstly, his salt farms were large in scale, and it was not easy to find a buyer who could afford the price in a short time. As a matter of luck, only a part of the relatively small-scale salt farms have been liquidated in the past few months, and most of the rest have not been moved.

As a result, just over a month ago, the imperial court attacked dozens of saltworks under his name with a thunderous force.

In the Tang Dynasty, the salt industry, like copper and iron, allowed both public and private operations.But at the same time, the laws of the Tang Dynasty also clearly stipulated: "Shanzepi Lake, the value of the property, and all profits are shared with everyone. If there is someone who occupies it, the stick will be sixty." That is to say, although the imperial court allowed private salt However, once "Zhangu", that is, the private monopoly phenomenon of Zhanshan Guze, is found, it is considered illegal and can be punished with a penalty of "sixty sticks".But to judge whether a private salt industry belongs to "Zhangu", the standard, basis and right of interpretation are all in the hands of the government.

This time, the suppression action led by Changsun Wuji was not a simple economic purge, but a political motive of "suppressing the gentry". One after another, on the grounds of being suspected of "occupying the solid state", they forcibly took all the salt industry under Sun Boyuan's name into the government at a price of only [-]% to [-]% of the market price.So almost overnight, Sun Boyuan's family business that he had worked hard for most of his life was wiped out.

Some prefectures and counties even issued arrest warrants, intending to arrest Sun Boyuan and impose a punishment of "sixty sticks". Fortunately, Yuchi Jingde ran around and beat him up and down, and managed to save him.But for those dozens of salt wells and salt ponds that were plundered by the imperial court, no matter how Yuchi Jingde tried his best, he couldn't recover any of them.

"After all, I, Yuchi, is also the founder of the country and an important minister in the court. I didn't expect to be played so miserably by the eldest grandson Wuji this time!" Yuchi Jingde said bitterly, "There is no place to put my old face, let it spread to the world. What a shame!"

"Uncle Jingde doesn't have to say that." Li Ke comforted, "Everyone knows that what the court did this time, on the surface, was led by Changsun Wuji, but in fact, it was not at the will of the father? What the father wanted to do , who can stop it?"

Yuchi Jingde smiled bitterly and sighed, and fell silent.

"Thanks to brother Jingde, Sun's life was saved this time." Sun Boyuan, who had been depressed for a long time, finally said, "Brother Jingde's loss this time, I will definitely try to make up for it..."

"Stop!" Yuchi Jingde frowned, his face full of displeasure, "I said, Old Sun, who do you think I am, Yuchi? Do you think I saved you so that you can make up for my loss?"

Yuchi Jingde holds [-]% of the shares in Sun Boyuan's salt business, and has been serving as his official protection umbrella for these years, so naturally he has not lost his dividends.

"No, no, brother Jingde misunderstood." Sun Boyuan waved his hands again and again, "I didn't mean that..."

"Shut up if you don't mean that." Yuchi Jingde said angrily, "Brothers should share the blessings and share the troubles. Your old grandson has lost all his money. If I, Yuchi, still miss those few copper coins, then Am I even human?"

Sun Boyuan was greatly moved, and he cupped his hands at Yuchi Jingde.

"Mr. Sun, how do you plan to arrange the thousands of brothers in the salt field?" Li Ke asked with concern.

Sun Boyuan's main business is the salt industry, but there are still many gambling shops, pawnshops, restaurants, farms, etc. under his name.He pondered for a while, sighed and said: "A few brothers who have been with me for many years can switch to other industries, but most of the young people are really hard to settle, so they can only pay a severance package and let them find their own way of life go."

Li Ke knew that Sun Boyuan's subordinates were not ordinary fellows, but members of the Jiugao Tuo of the Heavenly Punishment League, and now he had no choice but to dismiss them, which would be tantamount to destroying the Great Wall.It can be seen that the most difficult thing for Sun Boyuan to bear is not the heavy economic loss, but the great weakening of power in the face of this suppression.

Thinking of this, Li Ke was quite helpless and could only remain silent.

"Your Highness, the situation is getting worse and worse." Yuchi Jingde broke the silence, "I'm standing up for Lao Sun this time, and I'm probably being targeted by the Holy Majesty and Changsun Wuji. Meet in private, otherwise His Highness will be implicated."

"I also got the news." Li Ke frowned deeply, and sighed, "Some courtiers have already revealed to my father about my close relationship with you and Uncle Cheng Fan. Next, we have to Be extra careful and don’t get caught again.”

"Now that King Wei is losing power, the East Palace will definitely turn the finger on His Highness. I wonder if His Highness has a countermeasure?" Sun Boyuan asked.

"Let's adapt to all changes." Li Ke smiled wryly, "The current political situation is unpredictable, and no one knows what will happen tomorrow. Instead of acting rashly, it is better to wait for others to break the situation, and then we will strike later."

Sun Boyuan nodded, then thought about something, and stopped talking.

Li Ke was keenly aware of it, and said: "Mr. Sun has something to say."

Sun Boyuan hesitated for a moment before making up his mind and said: "Your Highness, after this severe setback, Sun has been seriously injured, and in addition to the survival of so many brothers under his command, he has to re-plan and arrange, so... Sun intends to go back first. Let's go to my hometown, deal with these troublesome things, and then come back to serve His Highness, I don't know..."

Li Ke immediately understood that Sun Boyuan wanted to withdraw due to the pressure of the court.Although I felt quite regretful, but I was not good at forcing others to make things difficult for me, so I smiled and said: "Mr. Sun, don't be embarrassed, just do what you need to do. I have my own ideas here, so you can go back without worry. If you need anything, you can do it at any time." Tell me."

Sun Boyuan showed embarrassment, and cupped his hands: "Thank you, Your Highness, Sun Mou gave up so halfway, I really feel ashamed of Your Highness!"

Li Ke waved his hand: "Sir, don't say that. I should be the one who wants to say 'thank you'. Last year, Yao Xing and Yang Bingjun were arrested. Without the help of Mr. Wang, how could I have achieved my wish?"

Sun Boyuan smiled wryly: "That's just a little effort, nothing to worry about."

"By the way, Mr. Sun, before you leave Beijing, send someone to my house. I would like to give you a small gift to show my heart." Li Ke decided to give him a large sum of money, first to thank him for his help, and second I came to help him tide over the difficulties in front of us.

Sun Boyuan was startled, and hurriedly waved his hands: "No, no, I absolutely cannot accept this..."

"Sir, don't refuse." Li Ke said seriously, "If you refuse again, you won't consider me a friend anymore."

Sun Boyuan was so moved that he had to solemnly cup his fists.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.After passing the code, Sun Pu pushed open the door, only to see Li Daozong striding in, and said to Li Ke with a happy face, "Your Highness, Xiao Junmo has returned to court."

Li Ke turned his face, and a ray of light suddenly shot out from his dim eyes.

He had already learned the news that Xiao Junmo put down the rebellion and was pardoned by his father, so he had been looking forward to his return for a long time, and today finally came.

When Xiao Junmo walked out of Chengtian Gate, he saw Li Ke standing at the gate of the palace, obviously waiting for him.

In the early summer of last year, Li Ke sent Xiao Junmo away here.

The two men approached each other, stood three steps away from each other, and then looked at each other, silent.

After a long time, Li Ke said coldly: "I thought you were dead."

"King Yan Luo doesn't like me, so he won't accept me." Xiao Junmo said calmly.

"You are too disrespectful."

"You mean I left without saying goodbye?"

"It seems that you still have some self-knowledge."

"I was out of help."

"Why do you want to save the debater's father and daughter?"

"Because of a disturbed conscience."

"you're lying."

"Believe it or not."

"Aren't you just fascinated by that Chu Lisang?"

Xiao Junmo smiled: "If you insist on saying that, then I would like to ask, so what?"

"I'm not worth it for you."

"Whether it's worth it or not, isn't it up to me?"

"If I knew your life was so cheap, I shouldn't have saved you in Bailuyuan."

"You are paying me back, don't say it as if I owe you."

"Still sharp-tongued." Li Ke sneered, "It's just that I don't know if my kung fu has improved after being a fugitive for more than half a year?"

"I dare not say if I have grown up, but it is more than enough to compete with someone."

Li Ke's eyes converged: "You must force me to make a move, right?"

Xiao Jun smiled silently: "Just talking but not practicing, I'm afraid you won't be satisfied."

As soon as the words fell, Li Ke stepped forward, his fists were fierce, and he frequently greeted Xiao Junmo's face.Xiao Junmo put his hands behind his back and dodged again and again, but with a smile on his face: "It was my fault for leaving without saying goodbye. To express my apology, I will let you do a few tricks first."

Li Ke was furious: "Who wants you to let me go? Hurry up and fight back!" As he spoke, he attacked again.

Xiao Junmo was forced to retreat more than ten steps in a row, then suddenly jumped up, spun around behind Li Ke, and slapped him on the back.Li Ke staggered and almost fell, his eyes widened in anger.

Xiao Junmo chuckled: "You told me to fight back, don't blame me."

Li Ke shouted violently, and his moves became even more fierce.Only then did Xiao Junmo suppress his smile and deal with it wholeheartedly.The two sides punched and kicked, you came and went, and dozens of rounds were fought in a blink of an eye.

The heavy snow was still falling one after another, and the strong wind brought by the fists and feet of the two stirred up the surrounding snowflakes.Chengtianmen's goalkeeper team Zheng and his sergeants were all dumbfounded.Dui Zheng knew their identities very well, and also knew that the two had a very close relationship. At first, he wanted to turn a blind eye and close his eyes, not daring to disturb them, but seeing that the two were fighting more and more fiercely, he had no intention of giving up at all, and the continuous shouting was already over. Flying into the palace wall, he panicked immediately, and quickly ran over with his men to "persuade the fight".

"His Royal Highness King Wu, General Xiao, please do me a favor!" The team was frowning, "If you want to practice boxing, you should find another place. If you openly fight in front of this palace gate, isn't this killing the humble official?"

In the blink of an eye, the two made a few more moves, and then struck each other with four palms, making a crisp sound, and each took a few steps away, but they didn't even look at each other, they still looked at each other.

"I thought you had grown up." Li Ke snorted coldly, "I'm really disappointed!"

"In front of so many people, I don't want to embarrass you." Xiao Junmo retorted.

"Then you want to fight again?"

"The future is long, what are you in a hurry for?" Xiao Jun smiled silently, "I came back from thousands of miles away, and you didn't give me a dust-cleaning banquet, isn't it very interesting?"

"That's right. Then Lang Guanqing?"

"It's almost there."

After finishing speaking, the two laughed loudly at the same time, then approached each other, clapped hands in a very tacit understanding, and finally stood side by side, walking away under the astonished eyes of the team and the sergeants.

"Is there something wrong with these two guys?" A sergeant couldn't help but ask.

"Shut up!" Dui Zheng came back to his senses and patted him on the head, "Don't be so stupid, I'll cut your tongue off!"

(End of this chapter)