Chapter 59 Chapter Sixteen: Marriage from the Son of Heaven

When we returned to Yinggeyuan, it was already dark, and the little Li Zi who held the lamp was leaning against the door, he was overjoyed when he saw Chu Qiao's return, he ran forward joyfully, and said with a smile: "Girl, you are back. " Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows: "What happened?" Xiao Lizi replied: "It's nothing, it's just that the prince came back and asked about you before, and when he heard that you went out, he took Ah Jing out to find you." "Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, "How long have you been there?" "It's been an hour." Xiao Lizi replied, while lighting a lantern courteously in front of him, he suddenly saw that Chu Qiao was about to go in the direction of Lantianxuan, so he immediately stood in front of him and said, "Girl, there are slaves at Lantianxuan." Clearing snow, let's go this way."

Chu Qiao was taken aback for a moment, then slowly raised her head, she glanced at Xiao Lizi from the tip of her eyes, and remained silent. Xiao Lizi looked embarrassed, muttered for a while, and murmured: "The road over there is not easy." The girl's complexion sank, she pushed Xiao Lizi's arm away, and strode forward. Just as she reached the arch, she heard a soft and delicate female voice, together with the sound of servants carrying boxes and smashing cabinets. The girl stopped and stood in front of the arch with a calm expression. She stood silently for a long time before she said in a deep voice, "Who sent it?"

"Master Ji Wenting Ji, the censor of the Northwest River Channel." Chu Qiao frowned, and said in a deep voice, "It's him again." Chu Qiao's tone was not good, and Xiao Lizi was also silent, looking at her eagerly, afraid that she would really go straight in regardless of opposition. With a swish, Chu Qiao suddenly turned around and walked towards her room.As he walked, he said in a deep voice: "Tell them to keep quiet and don't disturb my rest." Xiao Lizi stared blankly at the direction where Chu Qiao disappeared, and his brain was a little unable to react.This place is far away from Chu Qiao's courtyard, even if she shouted loudly, she might not be able to hear her there.

During dinner, I sent someone to call twice, but Chu Qiao didn't come.Prince Yanbei sighed superficially, but secretly felt a little bit of pride in his heart. He was about to go there in person when he suddenly saw Chu Qiao walking in in white clothes. He was still dressed in men's clothes, as if he hadn't changed since he came back. Yan Xun was stunned and asked, "Ah Chu, what were you doing just now?" Chu Qiao raised her head with a calm expression, "I'm approving the spring flood draft for the canal in Bianyang, and there are a few issues that I would like to discuss with you."

A trace of disappointment suddenly filled his heart, Yan Xun sat down and said, "Let's eat first." "Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, "I'm really hungry." The woman sat down with a flick of her sleeves, eating with a calm expression, Yan Xun frowned slightly, seeing that Chu Qiao didn't mean to speak, and couldn't see any annoyance or abnormal expression, his heart was depressed, and he felt a little depressed. Outside the house, the cold moon was shining brightly, the stars were few and far between, and the wind and snow that had been drifting for a day finally stopped.

"The Spring Festival transportation in Bianyang must be done urgently. Now that the governor of the river channel has been changed there, the water transportation is not working well, and there is not much time. We must make plans." Putting down the chopsticks, the woman's voice was cold, she took out a blank piece of paper from her bosom, looked at it and said, "The Salt Envoy Daotai of Licheng arrived last month, and the new official is Wei Yan, a collateral descendant of the Wei Clan. After Mr. Wei took office, he rectified the salt transportation in Licheng. The salt merchants were uneasy. Miss Yu wrote to say that we should be careful and change our minds. After all, Licheng is related to Shangdang and Pengze. Moment makes a huge difference.”

"Also, Xihua needs someone to take over. I prefer Miss Yu's disciple, He Qi. What do you think?" Yan Xun nodded: "You can figure it out." Seeing Yan Xun listless, Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows and asked, "Tired?" The man had no interest in discussing matters, and said lightly, "It's okay." "Then you rest first." Chu Qiao stood up, "Prince Bian Tang is about to arrive at the imperial capital, King Xia's birthday is approaching, and the envoy of Huai Song Dynasty is also on the way. Let it go." Yan Xun didn't make a sound, and saw Chu Qiao turn around and go out, the little maid Lu Liu chased after her and put on a robe for her, and the two figures disappeared at the end of the long corridor in an instant.

Yan Xun sighed softly, leaned on the back of the chair, and gently rubbed his temples. On this day, dealing with the news secretly sent by the guild, dealing with court officials whose attitudes became much more friendly and hospitable after the last hunt, and conspiring with the children of the royal family and aristocrats, was not as difficult as it was just now. "Ah Jing," the brocade-robed young master said calmly, "Send those girls sent by Ji Wenting out." "Your Majesty?" Ah Jing was taken aback, and said, "Don't you want to confuse the rich and powerful? If you do this, I'm afraid it will chill Ji Wenting's heart."

Yan Xun shook his head and sighed: "Those who can be fooled by such superficial methods are nothing to be afraid of, and those who should be taken seriously will not be fooled by this kind of show. So, it's better to let it out to win people's hearts and be a favor." "What's more," the following sentence Yan Xun said was very vague, Ah Jing didn't hear clearly.I saw Yan Xun's lips slightly opened and closed, and then slowly closed his eyes: Compared with Ah Chu's trust, what is Ji Wenting worth? Although, she doesn't necessarily care. Yan Xun comforted himself hypnotically: Ah Chu, after all, he is still a child.

Although, she never acted like a child. "My son," Lu Liu briskly ran back, handed over a large volume of documents, and said, "This is what the girl just approved." Yan Xun glanced over it sleepily, and was about to put it aside, when suddenly his eyes lit up, and he pulled out a thick stack of documents and said, "Why haven't these seals been opened?" The little servant girl scratched her head and said: "The girl said, it was nothing more than flattering words. She told the servants who came to deliver the letter to tell their masters to come up with new words next time."

Yan Xun was taken aback for a moment, and then there was a hint of joy on his face, a smile appeared in the corner of his eyes, he handed the letter to Ah Jing, and said, "Just do what Ah Chu said." After all, he got up and went back to the study, his steps were much lighter. Ah Jing looked at Yan Xun's back in puzzlement, and glanced at the letter in his hand, he saw a big "Ji" written on the cover in elegant Song style, the paper was fragrant, and the fragrance was tangy. On the second day, Deputy General Cheng of the Xiaoqi Battalion sent someone to send a set of riding and archery uniforms, equipped with official boots, bows and crossbows, for Chu Qiao to have a look. The little maids were very excited, dancing and saying that for so many years, no girl has entered the Xiaoqi camp as an instructor. I really don't know how those noble children will feel when they are taught by a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. A group of them talked lively, but Chu Qiao secretly paid attention, not to mention the deep meaning of Emperor Xia's move, but to say that those defenders of the imperial city with their eyes above the top can really listen to her, a little girl. Pin it?Even if the folk customs in Daxia are open and the status of women is quite high, it may not be realistic.After all, in modern times, women were also discriminated against in the army. No matter how brave they were, how many military exploits they made, their promotion speed was much slower than that of men. Thinking of this, even someone as smart as her can't help but feel a bit worried about taking office five days later. "Girl." Ah Jing suddenly came from outside and said, "The prince said that he will be back very late tonight, so you should eat first, don't wait for him." Chu Qiao was taken aback. Over the past few years, Yan Xun has always been a low-key person. Although the current situation is not as good as before, he will never wander around late at night like those clan sons in the capital. "Is there anything urgent?" "No," Ah Jing said with a smile, "you don't have to worry, girl." Seeing that he didn't answer, Chu Qiao stopped asking. I was alone, didn't eat dinner, only ate some pastries, and warmed up by the fire in the room, lazy and didn't like to move. In the past two years, he has been running outside, cultivating external forces for Yan Xun, and he has not lived such a leisurely life for a long time. Although the owner of the Holy Golden Palace restricted Yan Xun's actions and did not allow him to leave the imperial capital, the control over Yan Xun's subordinates was not very strict.On this point, Chu Qiao still can't figure out Emperor Xia's intentions. Could it be that he really doesn't care about Yan Xun's power growing in secret?Or does he have another trump card? Today's Great Xia Empire is divided among various forces, far from being able to turn the world upside down with just one word from the emperor, does he really have such ability and confidence? Among the seven major families, the Lingnan Mu family, the Huaiyin Helian family, and the Dongyue Shang family have always kept a low profile and remained neutral to the factional struggles between the court and China. keep safe.Especially in recent years, the high profile of the Mu He family and the Wei family has made them more and more silent.It's just that these families have accumulated for generations, and the family power is deeply rooted. Temporary self-control does not mean that they have no desire to fight for power. Once they are caught by the opportunity, they will definitely fight back fiercely and seek high positions.These people are cold arrows lurking in the dark, and they might shoot out at any time. However, the Mu He clan, whose family has been prosperous for ten years, has gradually shown signs of decline due to the departure of the previous patriarch, Mu He Yunting. , and gave birth to three sons, Zhao Che, the seventh son of the emperor, Zhao Jue, the eighth son, and Zhao Wei, the youngest nineteenth son, but they still couldn't make up for the disadvantage of Mu He's son's low talent.Prior to this, Mu He's lineage had always supported Zhao Jue, who was more tactful and easier to control, to ascend the throne, hoping that after the current emperor a hundred years later, the Mu He family would soar into the sky and surpass the elders.However, before the wishful thinking was started, Zhao Jue was bestowed to death by Emperor Xia. Zhao Yu was still young, and Mu He had no choice but to support Zhao Che again.However, the seventh son of the emperor, who has a firm mind and a heart full of longitude and latitude, doesn't seem to buy into his mother's family very much, and he also treats his mother with a strange and unpredictable relationship. Some families are happy and some are sad, and the gradual decline of the Muhe family is the good news that the Wei faction likes to hear the most.Wei Guang was scheming and forbearing for several years, finally accumulating enough strength for today's prosperity.Concubine Shu lived in the deep palace for many years. Although she did not get the emperor's love very much, she behaved well and was elegant and graceful. She is the current imperial concubine second only to Mu Henayun. The third son of the emperor Zhao Qi and the thirteenth Zhao Song has always been favored by Emperor Xia, especially Zhao Song, who was crowned king at a young age and became the earliest prince with a fief after Zhao Che.Now that Zhao Qi is in charge of the power of the imperial capital, he has won the trust of the Emperor Xia. The Batuha family in the Northwest originated from a foreign race. A hundred years ago, they were also the royal family in the Northwest. Later, the family surrendered to Daxia, and only then did they get a seat in the Presbyterian Council.But after all, they are barbarians in the grasslands, they are not loved by the clans in the capital, and they have no foundation in the court.Only know force and brute force, not to be afraid of.Once the Muhe family falls, the Batuha Building will fall. On the other hand, the Zhuge family is hard to see clearly. Many people are willing to compare Zhuge's lineage with Lingnan Mu family and Huaiyin Helian.But Chu Qiao knew that Zhuge's family would never be so simple. What was hidden under Zhuge Muqing's mediocre and gentle face was unfathomable scheming and unfathomable calculations.A wealthy family that has been prosperous for three hundred years will definitely not be as docile as it appears on the surface.This point can be seen just by looking at brothers Zhuge Yue and Zhuge Huai. However, General Meng Tian, ​​General Le Xing and other generals in the army mostly chose to rely on the powerful and close to the imperial power, and could not form a system of their own. Secondly, there are the vassal kings scattered all over the place. Twenty years ago, the feudal lords in the south of the Yangtze River rose up and attacked the imperial clans, but they were suppressed by the clans.King Lingxi, King Jingjun, and King Yan Shicheng were all survivors after that battle. The powerful kings at the time have long since disappeared. When the royal family was massacred back then, Yan Wang Yan Shicheng tried his best to intercede for the vassal kings. It was precisely because of this incident that he, a vassal king who had not been involved in it, was expelled from the vassal and removed from the Zhao family ancestral temple.Changed Zhao's surname to Yan, sent him to the bitter and cold land in the north of Yan, and was not allowed to return to Beijing. To this day, how many people still remember that King Yan of Yanbei is also from the royal line of Daxia, and grew up drinking the same mother's milk as Zhao Zhengde? Chu Qiao smiled indifferently, Zhao Zhengde was an emperor who worked really hard. Since the founding of the Great Xia, the imperial power has been falling sideways. Compared with the emperors who have been tied to military and political power for thousands of years in China, it is really too aggrieved. At this moment, the sound of the door opening in the front yard was suddenly heard. The girl glanced at the window, her ears pricked up, and she was quietly lost in thought. "Girl, are you asleep?" Lu Liu's voice sounded outside the door, Chu Qiao agreed, and the little maid walked in cautiously. "Girl, it's cold at night, and this servant will replace you with a brazier." Chu Qiao nodded, and asked in a deep voice, "But is the prince back?" "En," the little girl replied crisply: "I heard from the little Li who opened the door that the prince went to Jinxiaolou to entertain the generals of the Xiaoqi camp for dinner, and also sent all the dancers sent by Mr. Ji yesterday. them." Chu Qiao was taken aback when she heard the words, and stopped talking when she saw the red brazier. "Miss?" The little girl frowned and called, "Miss?" "En?" Chu Qiao raised her head, "What's the matter?" "If it's okay, the servant will go down first?" Chu Qiao nodded: "Go down." "The girl should go to bed early." The little maid closed the door, the sound of the wind outside suddenly became louder, whistling past the window, the sound in the front yard gradually became quieter, and gradually returned to silence. In five days, she will go to the Xiaoqi camp to take up her post, Yan Xun's intention to entertain the generals of the Xiaoqi camp tonight can be imagined. They always tell each other that they must be honest with each other, never hide anything, trust each other all their lives, and never have a rift in their hearts.But as they grow older, there are still some things that prevent them from being honest with each other.For example, the grievances between her and Zhuge Yue, her disgust and disapproval of the aristocratic style in her heart, and his other appearance on the outside, the prodigal face of a prodigal son who confuses others. However, some things will not change. The tacit understanding that goes deep into the heart and lungs, and the friendship that they work together make them always silently make the most appropriate arrangements for each other.Although they don't say it out loud, they will always be close comrades-in-arms and family members who live and die in the face of the bizarre world outside. It was like that snowy night many years ago, when she was beaten while looking for medicine, covered with scars, staggering step by step in the snow, holding his life-saving medicine in her arms, trying to rush back with her last breath, but in the cold Seeing a dying patient in the secluded Huangyuan, but holding on to his body in panic, calling her name in a low voice, it was as if he was looking for him.That day, the frail young man was sick all over his body, but he resolutely carried the scarred young girl on his back, with blue lips and pale face, walking alone in the dark night.Even though he faltered, his expression was extremely firm. That day, he knelt by her bed, held her hand, and whispered each word in front of the girl's fainting eyelids that he would never let her be bullied again in this life. At that time, they didn't even dare to speak loudly at night.But it was such a lackluster promise that deeply shocked her mind, causing her to tie this lucky life to the blade of his grand plan and dominance. On the second day, when Wei Shuyou brought people to persecute him again, Yan Xun, a powerless young man, had a part of his little finger chopped off. If Zhao Song hadn't arrived in time, his whole hand might have been broken by Wei Clan's knife Down. That night was the first and only time Chu Qiao cried when she entered the Holy Golden Palace. When she was short of food and clothing, she didn't cry, when she was bullied, she didn't cry, when she was whipped and bruised, she just opened her eyes wide, firmly remembering the face of the enemy, without showing a trace cowardly.But on that day, when Yan Xun had a part of his little finger cut off, and at night when he stubbornly refused to show her the wound, she couldn't bear it anymore and cried bitterly. She can endure hunger, pain, contempt, and suffering by herself, because she knows that she will always grow up, escape from trouble, and avenge herself with a knife and a sword. She has patience and time . But she can't stand the people around her being hurt, Yan Xun's finger is broken, who will heal him? That night, she cried for a long time, crying until Yan Xun was at a loss what to do, in the end he could only clumsily hug her, patted her sobbing back, raised his right hand and said, "Look, it's only such a small section broken, don't delay holding the sword, no It's okay if you don't delay practicing swordsmanship, don't delay eating, and don't delay writing. This was the first time Chu Qiao cried bitterly after coming to this era, more tears than the time she shed in the woodshed of Zhuge's house.It took a long time for her to understand that just because she was always alone in the past, even if she cherished those children, she still didn't have the slightest sense of belonging.But on the day when Yan Xun cut off her finger, she suddenly discovered that she also had relatives.Therefore, she was able to let go of her short-term emotional weakness. Both of them are lonely, in this world, there is no one else but each other. The fire shone on the woman's face, the night became more and more hazy, and the window was longer and longer, and the night was windy, Chu Qiao raised her head, looked at the swaying tree shadows outside, and slowly huddled on the soft couch, she didn't eat at night, At this moment, he was quietly waiting for someone to knock on the door. "Ah Chu," Sure enough, after a while, a mellow and gentle voice sounded outside: "Are you asleep?" The girl's lips twitched slightly, and it was a rare low-pitched smile.There was no more sound outside, and after a while, she jumped off the couch and ran to the door barefoot. The door creaked open, and there was no one outside, only a carved nanmu food box, which was quietly placed on the ground.There is also a note on it, pick it up, the handwriting is chic and mellow, very familiar. "I know you sleep late. If you're hungry, eat some. This is the duck from Xiguifang. It's oily, so don't be afraid of getting fat." Chu Qiao raised her head, and saw a green-faced bamboo umbrella propped on her head in the fluttering white snow. Under the cloak of the white fox fur, the green shirt was scattered and her figure was handsome, gradually disappearing in the dark corridor. between.The white snow was falling, and for a moment she almost saw the young man whose surname was not Yan who stood by Chishui Lake many years ago and shouted to help him again, instead of the man who was hiding in the darkness all day long, wearing a black robe and gloomy eyes. Perhaps, only in front of her, would he occasionally show the way he was back then. It's not that he hasn't changed, it's just because of her presence that he has left such a soft boundary in his heart, no one else can set foot in it, surrounded by high walls, and the courtyard gate is closed, open only for her. Chu Qiao stood there holding the food box in a daze, the wind and snow were blowing, and the ground was covered with nothingness. Two days later, it was the eighth princess Zhao Chun's death ceremony.The Eighth Princess and Zhao Che were both born to the same mother, and she is the princess with the most respected status in the royal family today, so her ceremony was naturally arranged grandly and grandly. Because of the dispute in the hunt that day, Yan Xun's patience with this unruly girl was gradually exhausted, so he only sent Ah Jing to give a congratulatory gift and let the matter be hastily. When Chu Qiao was looking at the gift list, Yan Xun was drinking tea in the hall, and saw a few auspicious words respectfully and politely written on it, and a bunch of gifts below: two pairs of Hetian Ruyi, four gold and jade colored lions, and eight pregnant Song Yujin. It is neither expensive nor shabby, and it is in line with etiquette. Chu Qiao shook her head, wondering how Zhao Chun'er would feel when she received the gift.For so many years, the story of Princess Chun's love for Yanbei's son has long been spread in the upper circles of the capital. The three regardless of the policy made the little princess even more careless. "Guizhi Jiayuan, Yueding Zhushan, Ah Chu, if we have a chance, we really want to go to Biantang to have a look, taste Zhushan wine, and eat a Jiayuan pill." Chu Qiao raised her head, the sun was very good today, it was rare that there was no snow, Yan Xun called her to the conservatory early in the morning, and the two of them just sat facing each other all morning without speaking, she read a book, he drank tea, they were quite contented .Hearing him say this suddenly, Chu Qiao nodded and smiled: "Okay, we have a chance to go together." Seeing her happy, Yan Xun smiled, "Ah Chu will be a beautiful woman when he grows up." Chu Qiao sneered: "What did you eat today, your mouth is so sweet? Or are you used to being glib outside, and you can't take off your unrestrained appearance when you come back?" Yan Xun was stunned when he heard the words, he was so speechless.Chu Qiao knew that she had made a slip of the tongue. There were some things that they tacitly never touched, but they didn't expect those things to go deep into their hearts, and unconsciously revealed them embarrassingly. Chu Qiao bit her lower lip lightly: "I'm sorry, I was talking too much." Yan Xun shook his head: "Ah Chu is the best woman in the world, no one can match her." The tone of his words was very natural, as if saying that today's food was delicious, but Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback when she heard this, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she rarely showed a girl's coquettish attitude. No matter how close they are, they have never revealed their thoughts. Over the years, they have been getting along like comrades-in-arms or relatives, but there is no relationship between men and women at all.Suddenly hearing Yan Xun say this, the girl who has experienced two lives can't help feeling a little flustered. "Achu," Yan Xun suddenly looked serious, and looked at her very seriously: "You and I have known each other for eight years, during which we have shared good and bad, and we have been in trouble together. Now, everything is going to pass. Wait until the things here are over. , back to Yanbei, we will..." Before he finished speaking, Ah Jing's slightly panicked voice suddenly sounded outside the door: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty has summoned you." All the lingering emotions disappeared instantly, Chu Qiao stood up abruptly, and the scroll in her hand fell to the ground with a slamming sound. Yan Xun was also taken aback, for seven years, Emperor Xia had never summoned him, but today he was summoned suddenly, is it a blessing or a curse? "what to do?" Chu Qiao's complexion was heavy, she turned her head and said in a deep voice. Yan Xun thought for a while, and finally said: "Don't panic, there should be nothing wrong, I'll go and have a look." "Yan Xun." Just as Yan Xun turned to leave, he was suddenly grabbed by Chu Qiao.The girl's small hands were sweating slightly, as cold as snow, she held him tightly, her eyes were worried, but she also had the tenacity of dying: "Be careful, come back early." "Don't worry." Yan Xun's heart warmed, he held Chu Qiao's hand behind his back, and patted her on the shoulder: "I'll go back as soon as I go." Luliu stepped forward and put on a big fur coat for Yan Xun, and Yan Xun left Yingge Academy with a few servants. Throughout the afternoon, Chu Qiao was restless, always feeling that something was going to happen.In the evening, Ah Jing came back suddenly, Chu Qiao was overjoyed, she ran forward quickly, and asked in a deep voice, "Where is your son? How is it? Why haven't you come back yet?" Ah Jing looked a little embarrassed, but she still said slowly: "Your Majesty is fine, and now he is having a banquet in the front hall." Chu Qiao let out a long breath, and said reassuringly, "It's fine, what's the matter with the emperor summoning him?" Ah Jing glanced left and right, and saw a few little maids following Chu Qiao, all of them looked at him with puzzled expressions, and were at a loss for words for a while. Chu Qiao frowned slowly, vaguely feeling that something was unusual, and said in a deep voice, "What's going on?" "Your Majesty..." Ah Jing hesitated to speak, and finally said in a deep voice: "The Emperor just summoned His Royal Highness to... to give His Royal Highness a marriage, and he has already pointed it out to Princess Chun who has just passed the ceremony. gone." The girl was stunned for a moment, and wanted to say something, but she opened her mouth and couldn't say anything. She glanced left and right, her eyebrows gradually furrowed like a river, and finally frowned, and asked in a low voice: "Give me a marriage?" "Girl..." Ah Jing cried out worriedly. Chu Qiao nodded, and murmured, "Give me a marriage." "Girl, the prince is afraid that you are worried, so he asked me to come back and tell you, he said..." "I'm fine," Chu Qiao shook her head and said, "The royal banquet is too sharp, you go back to him to protect him, don't make any mistakes. I'm just a little worried, afraid that the emperor will be bad for him, oh, bestow a marriage, I see." Ah Jing showed a look of unbearable expression, and whispered softly: "Girl..." "I'll go back to the room first, you go quickly." Chu Qiao turned around, her back straightened, without any trace of sadness, she just murmured: "I still have a lot of things to do, Luliu, take the letter from the flower room Send them all to my room, and I will reply." The snow is boundless, the woman is wearing a goose-yellow shirt and a cloak of the same color today, revealing a rare charm of her daughter's home, the wind blowing from a distance, rolled up the snow on the ground, and hit her on the back , the cloak flipped, looking a little bit cold. In the distance, the sun is setting slowly, and the sky is fiery red, but no matter how colorful it is, it will eventually set.