Chapter 6 Chapter 5 In the blink of an eye, two lives

At night, all the maids in Tongpu's room had already gone to sleep.The sound of deep and shallow breathing made the night even more lonely. Chen Xiang sat by the bed alone, staring at Liuli's empty bed in a daze.In this way, the clay sculpture and wood sculpture sat for a whole night until the sky became a silvery white. The bell at the door rang suddenly, Chen Xiang looked away, wiped away the tears that shed at no time, reached out and took out the small earring from under the pillow, rubbed it softly and said: "Don't worry, I'm fine, now I'm Just like you, I am also alone, but life still has to go on, let's... be happy, shall we?"

The earrings were silent, lying silently in her palm.Chen Xiang smiled lonely, got up, walked to the dressing table and sat down. Her sad face was reflected in the dim bronze mirror, just like the scene when Huixin combed her hair seven years ago.It's just that compared with the anxiety and sadness at the beginning, this bone-piercing pain made her heartbroken even more.At that time, there was Er Niang who comforted and comforted her, but at this moment, she could only lick this hard-to-heal wound alone. Putting the earrings tightly on her heart, Chen Xiang looked at herself in the mirror hypnotically and murmured: "Don't worry, Er Niang, my daughter will go back safely. As for the others, it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter..."

At the gate of Chuxiu Palace, Yinxiang had already been waiting anxiously. Last night, after Concubine De sent someone to tell him that he had found the maid, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night.Before dawn, he ran here to guard here, and the court ladies and eunuchs who came and went snickered. "Chen Xiang, please." Liu Li also got up early, dressed up carefully and put on her best attire, and with Chen Xiang's support, she came towards Chuxiu Palace.As he walked, he worriedly warned: "This is the first time Defei Empress summoned, I forgot some rules in a while, you must remind me!"

"Okay." Chen Xiang responded softly, raised her eyes and saw the tall and straight figure in front of Chuxiu Palace, her breath stagnated. At this time, Yinxiang also saw Liuli approaching slowly, stepped down the steps in a few steps, and hurried over. "See Elder Brother Thirteen—" Liu Li and Chen Xiang hurriedly rejoiced. Going forward to lift Liuli up personally, Yinxiang looked straight at her face and said with a smile: "So you are like this now, it's good to see you! By the way, is the wind and cold better? Do you want the imperial doctor to help you?" Can you fix it?"

Seen by Yinxiang's dark eyes, Liuli felt a little guilty, Liuli took a step back to avoid his support and lowered her eyes and said in a deep voice: "Brother Thirteen, I'm fine. According to the rules in the palace, unmarried men and women are not allowed to have sex in private without the permission of their elders." We met, Empress Defei is still waiting for us..." A trace of disappointment flashed in Yinxiang's eyes, and then he waved his hand: "Go in." Liuli nodded, walked around him and walked into the hall. Chen Xiang followed behind, seeing Yin Xiang's disappointed look, hesitated for a moment, turned her head and whispered: "If the two loves last forever, how can they be in the same day and night?"

After speaking, he walked a few steps quickly, and chased behind Liuli into Chuxiu Palace. Yinxiang stood in place and looked at her back, suddenly a familiar feeling appeared in his heart... "Report to Concubine De, Miss Liuli has arrived." In Chuxiu Palace, Concubine De was chatting with concubines.Hearing the eunuch's report, he nodded with a smile and said, "Let her in." The eunuch led the way out. After a while, footsteps sounded.The eunuch raised the curtain, and Chen Xiang walked in supporting Liuli. "See... see Defei Empress, ladies and gentlemen—"

Liuli originally thought that there was only one concubine De, but she didn't expect that there were so many concubines sitting there.I am even more nervous now.Hurriedly saluted, the unfamiliar and stiff movements caused the concubines to snicker. Concubine De smiled and stepped forward to help Liuli up, looked it up and down, and then smiled with satisfaction: "Sure enough, she was born smart and pretty, and it's not in vain. He cares about it so much. Get up, the palace will be like home in the future, what's missing If you don’t need anything, tell me that the maids and eunuchs are not serving you well, and tell me that this palace will make decisions for you.”

Yinxiang lost his mother since childhood, and was brought up by Concubine De.That love is no less than that of his own son.Knowing that Liuli is Yinxiang's beloved, Aiwu and Wuge take special care of her. "Concubine Xie De." Seeing that Concubine De is so kind, Liuli's nervous heart calmed down a little. Concubine De took Liuli's hand and walked back to the seat, pointing to the clothes hanger beside her and said with a smile: "Did you see the clothes hanging in front?" Although Liuli didn't understand what it meant, she nodded obediently and replied: "I see."

"It was the clothes I embroidered before I left the pavilion. I entered the palace before I could wear it. I thought I would never have the chance to see its upper body again. It just so happened that you came. I think it is very suitable for you. Go, wear it for you." Let me take a look." Hearing that Concubine De actually rewarded Liu Li with her own clothes, the concubines glanced at each other with jealousy in their eyes. Liuli was also flattered, and walked quickly towards the clothes.Because she was not used to wearing shoes with flowerpot bottoms, her feet swayed and she almost fell down. Fortunately, Chen Xiang quickly stepped forward to support her, so she didn't fall down in public and made an embarrassment.

Even so, it still caused a burst of laughter from the concubines. The concubine sitting on the left side of Concubine De raised her hand to cover her lips, and said with a feigned concern: "Oh, Miss Liuli, please be careful. I heard that your natal family was born in a bag, and you may not be used to wearing our shoes." It's normal. Don't worry, just take your time." "That can't be done. It's okay to be wobbly all day long. It's fine if you fall into a somersault. If you collide with the holy car, it will be terrible. In my opinion, it's better to send a few nuns to teach them." The concubine on the right Echoed with a smile.

Before the words fell, another concubine answered: "Come on, there are so many rules in the palace. When Miss Liuli finishes learning, I am afraid that her hair will turn white. Let me say, let it be, just like Miss Liuli used to be a court lady. , we don't know what she does, don't we?" Hearing these unabashedly contemptuous sneers, Liuli bit her lips in embarrassment, standing in the middle without moving or moving. Seeing this, the concubine de concubine motioned for Chen Xiang to sit on the low stool that had been prepared by the side with Liuli on her back. She glanced at the concubines with a gloomy expression, and reprimanded in a deep voice: "Okay, why don't you chew your tongue, don't you feel happy? ?” Seeing Concubine De got angry, the concubines calmed down.One of them stood up with a smile and tried to smooth things over: "No way, we just love Miss Liuli. Look, Empress Defei, all the sisters have prepared gifts for the girl!" As they spoke, they waved their hands, and the eunuchs and maids immediately brought in corals, ruyis, pearls, etc. Concubine De's expression softened, she casually took a pearl bracelet and put it on Liuli's wrist and said with a smile: "All of them have sharp mouths and bean curd hearts, don't look at the meanness of their mouths, they really love you in their hearts." "Thank you, ladies." Liu Li pursed her lips, stood up and thanked her. Seeing that the timing was just right, the concubine on the right quickly cast a wink at the maids and eunuchs behind her. "Miss Liuli just got married, what are you guys doing blankly, why don't you hurry up and ask for a reward, just to make it auspicious?" Knowing what the master meant, the maids and eunuchs rushed together, and knelt down in front of Liuli: "I have seen Miss Liuli, the girl is so blessed—" Never having encountered such a situation before, Liuli froze on the spot.All her savings are only two or three taels of silver, not to mention not carrying it with her, even if she happened to pretend it, she would not be able to get it out.The more anxious you are, the more you lose your mind, and the more embarrassing you become. Seeing the success of the scheme, the concubines looked at each other and smiled, waiting to see Liuli's good show, Chen Xiang had an idea, stepped forward to untie the string of pearls from Liuli's hand, and gave them to the kneeling court ladies and eunuchs one by one, then stood up After arriving behind Liuli, she said with a generous smile: "Our girl thinks gold and silver are vulgar, so she rarely gets contaminated. Since these pearls are given by women, they must be the best ones. I will share them with everyone. I hope that everyone will be like my girl. Please don't be disgusted by the grace of the ladies." "Miss Xie Liuli." The eunuchs and maids benefited, and Xie En immediately got up and retreated to the side. Unexpectedly, Chen Xiang would have such a trick, the mocking smiles of the concubines had no time to retract, and they all froze on their faces.A few of them glared at her bitterly, and a chill flashed in their eyes... Coming out of Chuxiu Palace, the smile on Liuli's face disappeared immediately. I thought that everything would be fine after climbing up to Yinxiang, but I didn't expect this harem concubine to be so powerful.Making a fool of herself in front of everyone one after another filled her with a sense of frustration.Thinking of the scene of Chen Xiang's witty rescue, Liu Li felt even more uncomfortable. Seeing that Liuli was in a bad mood and Chen Xiang couldn't say much, the two returned to the door of the room in silence. "Miss Liuli—" Suddenly an eunuch ran up behind him, and knelt in front of Liuli with a big smile on his face: "Miss Liuli, Concubine Cheng is worried that you are not used to living here, so she specially ordered the servants to send your personal maid to explain to you." Hearing this, Chen Xiang and Liu Li were startled.Concubine Cheng and the others have seen each other just now, the concubine sitting on the left side of Concubine De.She was the one who started making things difficult just now, and she didn't see her for a while, why did she suddenly change her temper? An ominous premonition rose in his heart, Chen Xiang turned to look at Liuli, hoping that she could politely refuse.Liuli hesitated for a moment, pretending not to see Chen Xiang's hint, nodded to the eunuch and smiled, "I'll take care of you as a concubine, thank you in advance. Chen Xiang, please make another trip." "Yes..." Chen Xiang hesitated to speak, and followed the eunuch out helplessly. Seeing Chen Xiang's back disappearing outside the courtyard, Liuli felt a little guilty.Of course she knew that Concubine Cheng had no good intentions, but she didn't dare to offend her.After all, he just received a reward from someone else, if he refuses like this, he will definitely give them an excuse to make a fuss with Concubine De in the future, saying that she doesn't know the rules and is arrogant because of being favored, then it will be troublesome.Balancing the two, she had no choice but to push Chen Xiang out.Beating the dog to see its owner, presumably they just wanted to use Chen Xiang to make her look ugly.In the past, they were scolded and let them vent their anger. Chen Xiang followed behind the eunuch, walking through the palaces.The eunuch walked very fast, Chen Xiang trotted all the way, but gradually opened the distance.Seeing him go up the steps and disappear around the corner, Chen Xiang hastily quickened his pace and chased after him. "Ah—" His feet slipped suddenly, Chen Xiang frantically tried to maintain his balance, but his body fell backwards uncontrollably, and he was about to climb over the railing and fall off the platform, when suddenly his wrists tightened, and he was caught by someone. pull back. Chen Xiang was terrified, and after lying in the man's arms and gasping for breath for a long time, he remembered to thank him.Looking up at the rescuer, she let out a soft cry in fright, and immediately fell to her knees. "The servant did not intend to offend the fourth elder brother, please calm down the fourth elder brother." "It's you?" Yinzhen frowned slightly, he had already recognized Chen Xiang, that frightened and timid little maid.Looking at Chen Xiang kneeling on the ground, he asked with a smile: "Am I that scary?" Chen Xiang was frightened and frightened, she nodded subconsciously when she heard Yinzhen's question, then she reacted and shook her head hastily. "It seems that I really scared you that day." Recalling what happened in the corridor, Yinzhen chuckled lightly. "Get up, I'm not angry." "Thank you fourth elder brother." Hearing his gentle voice, Chen Xiang raised her eyes tremblingly, seeing that he was indeed not angry, she thanked him in a low voice, stood up with her head down. "The servant has retired." "Don't rush away, come and see what this is." Seeing that Chen Xiang was about to leave, Yin Zhen called her back in a deep voice, motioning her to come to him. Chen Xiang swallowed her saliva, and walked to Yinzhen's side almost step by step.The scene in the long corridor was vivid in her memory, the fourth elder brother exuding a cold aura all over her body made her feel frightened from the bottom of her heart.At that moment, she suddenly had a feeling that this elder brother who always had a gentle smile was not as elegant and friendly as others thought. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Chen Xiang's fearful expression, and Yinzhen asked calmly, pointing to the edge of the steps. Chen Xiang looked along Yinzhen's fingers, only to find that there was a large stain where she slipped and fell just now, like water stains, but much thicker. "This is the trace left by the melted fat." Seeing that Chen Xiang couldn't recognize it, Yinzhen answered with a sneer and asked with a sneer: "Think carefully, have you offended someone?" When asked by Yinzhen, Chen Xiang realized that it was not an accident.Thinking of the eunuch's suspicious behavior, a chill ran down her back, and the beauty frozen into an ice sculpture suddenly flashed in her mind. Seeing that Chen Xiang's bright eyes were full of fear, Yinzhen suddenly felt a little stuffy in his chest, his brows were wrinkled, and an unknown fire burst out. "Come on, go and find out who did this!" "Hey." The guard behind him agreed swiftly, turned around and was about to leave. Seeing this, Chen Xiang didn't care about being afraid, and rushed to Yinzhen's feet to dissuade him: "Si elder brother, calm down, please don't pursue this matter. If there is a trouble, it will be bad for everyone!" "So, do you know who did it?" Yinzhen squatted down, looked into Chen Xiang's eyes with a half-smile and asked. "I...I don't know." Not daring to look directly into Yinzhen's eyes, Chen Xiang lowered her head, fearing that he would see her flaws.Although she despised the despicable behavior of the concubines, she didn't want to make things big.The difference in status is there, and in the end, it must be her and Liuli who suffer. Forbearance a moment, calm, take a step back, a brighter future.After so many years in the harem, she has seen a lot of cannibalism. As wise as Yinzhen, he had already seen some clues from Chen Xiang's fearful look.He turned his head and gave the guard behind him a wink, and after he left quickly, he turned his attention to Chen Xiang who was kneeling in front of him. "What's your name? Where do you work?" "My maidservant's name is Chen Xiang, and she's serving Miss Liuli now." Seeing that Yin Zhen finally changed the subject, Chen Xiang breathed a sigh of relief. "Liuli?" Feeling that the name sounded familiar, Yin Zhen thought for a while, and then remembered that it was the person Yin Xiang fell in love with at first sight that Concubine De had mentioned to him yesterday. "...Si elder brother?" Seeing that Yinzhen didn't intend to end the topic, Chen Xiang hesitated for a moment, and tentatively said, "The concubine Cheng is still waiting for the servant, if the fourth elder brother has nothing to do, the servant will leave first." "Concubine Cheng?" Yinzhen narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment, then returned to normal.Still with a faint smile on his face, he said calmly, "No need, I will send someone to tell Concubine Cheng that you were frightened today, you should go back and rest." Hearing that he didn't have to see Concubine Cheng, Chen Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.After saluting and thanking Yinzhen, he turned around and left. "Chen Xiang." Seeing her leaving back quickly, Yinzhen suddenly became playful, wanting to scare her again: "I happen to be missing a clever maid by my side, so I told your master later, come and serve me Bar." Before he finished speaking, he saw that Chen Xiang's steps were chaotic, and he turned his back to him and dared not turn his head and said in a trembling voice: "Slave... this servant is clumsy and careless...it's hard to be elegant, fourth elder brother should look for someone else who is smart, and this servant will leave .” After speaking, the pace became more rapid, and he ran away as if fleeing.Yinzhen couldn't bear it anymore, and burst out laughing.A thought suddenly flashed in my mind: If I really keep her by my side, it would be a good pastime... In the next few days, the weather was calm, not only did Concubine Cheng not send anyone to make trouble, but the other concubines seemed to have forgotten about it.Liuli didn't ask about Chen Xiang's meeting with Concubine Cheng, and Chen Xiang didn't mention what happened that day when she almost fell off the platform, as if everything had never happened, she still served Liuli wholeheartedly. Compared with before, Liuli talked a lot less, and she learned etiquette with the aunt sent by Concubine De every day, and the two of them haven't been lying in the same bed and talking all night for a long time. And what surprised Chen Xiang the most was that Liu Li spent a lot of money and took a lot of effort to transfer Xi Rong from other places to her room to do some clumsy work. Xirong is not a fool, so he naturally guessed that Liuli had no good intentions in making such an arrangement.Crying and begging the aunt in charge, she refused to come, but unfortunately, although the aunt in charge wanted to help her, she didn't dare to offend Liuli who was favored in front of Concubine De.He said a few words of reassurance without pain or itching, and persuaded Xirong to come. Xirong cried and fussed to no avail, knowing that her arms could not twist her thighs, so she came here reluctantly, and under Liuli's order, she did all the rough and heavy work, even some tasks that should have been done by the little eunuch. , also belongs to her.Lying in bed every night, the bones all over my body hurt as if they were about to fall apart. The former enemy turned into the master, Xirong was angry, annoyed and resentful, and he didn't dare to show anything to Liuli, so he had to tear and beat the pillow every night to vent his grievances. After a few days like this, she gradually thought about it.Anyway, she will be twenty-five years old this autumn, and then she can leave the palace and leave this ghostly place.After so many months of exhaustion, I gritted my teeth and got through it. Thinking of this, Xirong felt much more comfortable doing his job.Fortunately, even though Liuli loved her and ignored her, she didn't speak ill of her.The days are going on like this day by day, and the day when she leaves the palace is getting closer and closer. Watching all this silently, Chen Xiang always felt that something was wrong.But when I think about it carefully, I feel that there is nothing wrong with it.The reason why Liuli called Xirong over was because she wanted to make her vent her exhaustion.Liuli's angry words back then had unexpectedly become a reality today. Sometimes seeing Xi Rong so tired that he can't straighten up, Chen Xiang also feels a little soft-hearted.When she was looking at no one, she wanted to persuade Liuli, but she always smiled and said perfunctorily: "Okay, I know. You are my good sister, you can't turn your elbows towards our enemy." After hearing this, Chen Xiang couldn't say anything more.It's just that sometimes when Liuli can't see, he helps Xirong with something. When everyone was avoiding her, only Chen Xiang was willing to help her.While Xirong was grateful, he was also filled with guilt for Feiyang's domineering back then.Holding Chen Xiang's hand, she choked up and cried: "Chen Xiang, you have a good heart. What happened back then was all my fault, I shouldn't... Oh, this is all retribution." "Don't bring up the past again." Chen Xiang wiped away her tears and softly persuaded her: "Liu Li is not a bad person, she just has a bit of grudges. I will persuade her in a few days, and you will make amends to her." That's it." "...Oh, forget it." Xi Rong shook his head and sighed: "She has hated me for so many years, and it won't be resolved in a short while. Anyway, I'm leaving here soon, forgive me if I don't forgive her." It doesn't matter. As long as I work hard with my hands and feet, and don't be caught by her to make use of it." Chen Xiang was speechless, so he nodded slightly. Hiding aside with her back against the wall, Liuli heard all this clearly.There was a faint smile on the corner of his lips, but his eyes were covered with frost.Seeing that the two of them stopped talking, she turned around and left quietly... It was another early morning, and Chen Xiang walked towards Liuli's room with a tray.A few court ladies lay on the crack of the door, looking furtively into the room. "Did you see that, she broke the bowl again. Looking at her like this, she doesn't have the luxury of Thirteen Fujin." One of the maids covered her lips and smiled lightly. "What is this? When my aunt combed her hair yesterday, she sat down for less than half an hour, and she couldn't hold it anymore. She sneezed, her bun fell apart, and the jewelry jingled and fell to the floor. .” The other court lady couldn’t help but laugh so hard that her flowers trembled. "Also, when my aunt helped her change her clothes that day, she complained bitterly, saying that it was a hot day and people couldn't see her wearing so much, so it would be better to just wear the outermost one. At that time, my aunt was so angry. It's all green, and I told her through gritted teeth that this is the rule." "Oh, stop talking, I'm really laughing to death. I don't know what Elder Brother Shisan likes about her. If it were me, he must be better than her..." The maid who spoke first exaggerated Smiling, turned around twice, suddenly saw Chen Xiang standing behind him, and immediately closed his mouth. Seeing that the situation was not good, several other people bowed their heads to say hello, and scattered like birds and beasts. Chen Xiang sighed softly and pushed the door open, took the tea and walked towards Liuli: "Miss, you have practiced for a long time, do you want to have a sip of tea and take a rest?" "No need, I have to practice hard, I won't let them laugh at me." Liuli bit her lip and pushed the teacup away, grabbed a bowl and put it on her head and continued walking. Chen Xiang didn't want to persuade her much, so she had to put down the tray and back out quietly.Turning around to leave, he suddenly saw Yinxiang waving at her at the gate of the yard. Chen Xiang looked around suspiciously, and pointed to himself. Yinxiang nodded, waving his hands more eagerly. Looking back at Liuli, Chen Xiang hesitated for a moment, then walked towards Yinxiang. "See Brother Thirteen—" "Are you Liuli's personal maid?" Seeing Chen Xiang coming out, Yinxiang asked with a smile. Chen Xiang lowered her eyes and nodded. "yes." "Follow me." Yin Xiang turned around and took two steps, seeing Chen Xiang standing in place and not following, he simply turned around, grabbed her hand and ran out. Unprepared, Yin Xiang tightly grasped her hand, Chen Xiang's face was hot at first, and then he became anxious.Could it be... He recognized her? Thinking of this possibility, Chen Xiang was flustered for a while, and when he was secretly thinking about how to explain it, Yin Xiang had already stopped in front of a room. "I called you here because I want you to look at these for me..." Yin Xiang let go of Chen Xiang, and gently pushed the closed door open.In the middle of the house stood a large table filled with exquisite dishes. Looking at the dazzling array of delicacies on the table, Chen Xiang was completely confused now.Looking up at Yinxiang, he asked puzzledly: "Brother Thirteen, what does this mean?" "You are Liuli's personal maid, you should know what she likes to eat, you can pick one for me, and I'll ask someone to make it and send it over." Yinxiang blushed slightly, and explained embarrassingly. Seeing Yinxiang bothering so much for Liuli, Chen Xiang felt a pain in his chest, and murmured in a dazed way: "So you called me here because of Liuli..." "What did you say?" Chen Xiang's voice was too low, Yin Xiang couldn't hear clearly. "I said... Liuli is not picky about food, she will like whatever you give her." Chen Xiang forced a smile. After hearing this, Yin Xiang nodded repeatedly and said, "In that case, I'll let them do the same, and send them differently every day." "If Elder Brother Thirteen has nothing else to do, the servant will leave." The wound that had just scabbed was brutally torn open again, and now Chen Xiang just wanted to run far away. "Wait a minute." Seeing that Chen Xiang was about to leave, Yin Xiang hurriedly grabbed her arm, feeling a bit abrupt after thinking about it, and let go of her again. "I...like a girl for the first time, and I don't even know what to do...If...if it's not troublesome...can I ask you for help..." "Brother Thirteen, why do you like Liuli?" Chen Xiang suddenly interrupted Yinxiang's words, and raised her eyes to look into his bright black eyes.Although there was no relationship between them, she still wanted to hear his answer.After the words came out, I felt inappropriate, and hurriedly covered up: "She is my good sister, I am a little curious..." Unexpectedly, Chen Xiang would ask such a question, a warm smile appeared in Yin Xiang's eyes. "She is a different woman. That night, she kept the butterfly and my heart. I swore that I would treat her well for the rest of my life..." Be nice to her forever...be nice to her forever... This oath was like a curse, echoing in Chen Xiang's ears over and over again.Seeing that Yinxiang's already outstanding face was even more beautiful because of this smile, Chen Xiang finally couldn't restrain her eyes from turning red. "Brother Thirteen, do you know that, in fact..." "Actually what?" Seeing that Chen Xiang fell silent halfway through speaking, Yin Xiang asked in puzzlement. Chen Xiang tightly clenched his fists by his side, and the pain caused by his nails piercing into his flesh stopped the second half of the sentence he almost said in time.After taking a few deep breaths, she finally said in a trembling voice: "Actually, Miss Liuli is a very good person. The servant has something else to do, so I will leave first." After speaking, he hurriedly saluted and left as if fleeing. "Hey, hello, you haven't told me yet, would you like to help me... Hey... why are you so reckless?" Yin Xiang chased after a few steps, staring at her back and froze. Why?Why did he have the idea of ​​keeping her when she left without looking back?The familiar feeling in front of Chuxiu Palace struck again, a certain corner of my heart suddenly moved, as if something was about to sprout, and soon there was no movement.Feeling irritable for no reason, his usually wise and intelligent mind went blank at this moment. After all, what is wrong? Coming out of Yinxiang's place, Chen Xiang walks in a daze.Thoughts seemed to be in a mess, becoming more and more entangled and more chaotic. "Are you... Chen Xiang?" A voice suddenly sounded, amidst hesitation, but also with unbelievable joy. Chen Xiang stood still and looked in the direction of the sound.When he saw the man's appearance clearly, he couldn't help exclaiming: "Cang Qi?" "It's me." Looking at the pure face she hadn't seen in seven years, Hesheli smiled softly. "Chen Xiang, long time no see..." The midsummer sun scorched the earth, and the cicadas on the trees hummed weakly.Standing in the shadow of the Moon Cave Gate, Chen Xiang looked at Hesheli Cangqi dressed as a guard, and was in a daze for a while. "Cang Qi, why did you..." In memory, he hates restraint the most.Unexpectedly, when they meet again seven years later, he will become a guard in the Forbidden City.Among them, what happened? "I haven't seen you in seven years. You have changed so much. If I hadn't grown up together, I probably wouldn't have recognized you." Knowing what she was surprised, Cang Qi changed the subject with a chuckle: "Chen Xiang, what are you doing now? How are you doing?" "I'm... fine." Avoiding Cang Qi's concerned gaze, Chen Xiang replied in a low voice. "That's good." Looking across Chen Xiang's lonely face, Cang Qi didn't expose her lie. "I was assigned to work in Shenwumen. If you need anything, just come to me." "En." Chen Xiang nodded, and was about to ask about Ama and Er Niang's recent situation, when Chunshou suddenly rushed out from the side, pulled her around and left. "I said why I can't find you anywhere, so I'm hiding here, hurry up, Liuli is looking for you everywhere." Hearing that Liuli was looking for her, Chen Xiang didn't dare to neglect her, waved goodbye to Cang Qi, and hurried away with Chun Shou. It wasn't until Chen Xiang's slender figure completely disappeared from the field of vision that Cang Qi reluctantly withdrew his gaze. Seven years ago, he suddenly changed from his previous rebelliousness, and practiced his skills hard every day while hearing chickens dancing.Amaniang and all the people around her thought that he was grown up and sensible, and they were gratified and proud of it.Only he knew in his heart that his purpose of doing this was to step into the deep Forbidden City and find the person he cared about. Chen Xiang... I finally saw you... "Chunshou, where is Liuli?" After following Chunshou for a long time, Chen Xiang finally realized something was wrong.Shaking off Chunshou and holding her hand, he refused to leave. Chunshou stopped and turned around slowly, only then did Chen Xiang realize that his face was extremely ugly. "Chunshou, what's wrong with you?" "What's wrong with me?" Chun Shou snorted. "I want to ask what's wrong with you." "Me?" Chen Xiang was confused. "I am very well." "Very good? That's right. I just talked to Elder Brother Thirteen, and then turned around and had a heated chat with a guard. It's so popular, of course it's good!" Chunshou sneered, "If I hadn't pulled you away in a hurry, I'm afraid he has been reported to my aunt by now." Hearing Chunshou's strange words, Chen Xiang felt aggrieved and sad.Wanting to refute but have nothing to say, he simply ignored him and turned around to leave. Seeing Chen Xiang running away angrily, Chun Shou's mind dazzled by jealousy finally calmed down.He took steps to catch up, but finally sat on the ground slumped. He is jealous, jealous of every man who approaches Chen Xiang.Brother Thirteen was fine, but when he saw the guard who was also a slave standing in front of her, staring at her with such affectionate eyes, he couldn't hold back his jealousy anymore, and found an excuse to take her away, In the end, he broke her heart with cynicism. "Chunshou, Chunshou, you are an eunuch, how can you be worthy of her?" After Chunshou said to himself, he raised his hand and slapped himself hard twice. Early this morning, Liu Li was called by Empress De Fei, saying that she would come back after having lunch together.Perhaps it was because of the hard work these days that she gained confidence in her heart, so Liuli did not bring Chen Xiang in this time as before, but let her wait in the corner room outside Chuxiu Palace. Today's weather is extremely hot, and the small room is stuffy.Chen Xiang was idle and bored, saw a small needlework basket on the side shelf, simply took it and sat at the door, stretched the handkerchief, and began to embroider. Half an hour has passed, and the initial results have already been achieved.Putting the handkerchief aside, Chen Xiang reached out and rubbed his sore eyes.When I opened it again, the handkerchief beside me had disappeared. "Strange, where did it fall?" Chen Xiang was a little puzzled.There was still a bandage on it, so it couldn't have been swept away by the wind.But looking left and right, there was still no shadow of the handkerchief. "Are you looking for this?" Yin Zhen's voice sounded from behind, Chen Xiang quickly turned to look, and saw that he was holding a half-embroidered handkerchief in his hand, looking at her with a smile. "See fourth elder brother..." Chen Xiang was about to kneel down to salute, but was stopped by Yin Zhen's hand. "Forget it." "Thank you fourth elder brother." After Chen Xiang finished speaking, he stood aside awkwardly. "Why do you look so timid every time I see you?" Yinzhen looked at the handkerchief in his hand and said lightly, "Is it because of my nature, or is it because I pretended to be so cute and pitiful to attract me?" attention?" "Slaves don't dare." Chen Xiang's back was dripping with cold sweat. The corners of his lips raised an arc of interest, Yinzhen took off the bandage on the handkerchief and threw it into Chen Xiang's hand with a light smile, "Thirteenth brother picked up a handkerchief and got a Fujin. Now I also picked up a handkerchief , guess what I will get?" "Your servant can't guess." The speaker had no intention of listening, Chen Xiang's eyes dimmed, and her voice was full of loneliness. Yinzhen originally just teased Chen Xiang to relieve boredom, but seeing her sad expression, his brows wrinkled involuntarily.After a little thought, he had an idea. "I came here originally to talk to Er Niang. It just so happens that your master is also here. If it would be inconvenient for me to go in, I might as well go somewhere else." "Ah? Alright, see off the fourth elder brother." Hearing that Yin Zhen was going to leave, Chen Xiang secretly heaved a sigh of relief.He lowered his head and waited for a while but there was no movement. He secretly raised his eyes and met a pair of deep pupils. "...fourth elder brother?" Being flustered by Yinzhen's look, Chen Xiang bit the bullet and asked: "You.... is there anything else?" Yinzhen didn't answer immediately, but stared at Chen Xiang with a half-smile, until she saw that her nose was sweating and her legs were weak, then she said nonchalantly: "Walking around alone is too lonely, since you are fine, you can Come walk with me." "The maidservant has to wait for Miss Liuli here." Chen Xiang boldly refused. "No, I sent someone to ask just now, Erniang and the others are in high spirits, and they will never let your master leave for a while." After Yinzhen finished speaking, without giving Chen Xiang a chance to speak again, the kind smile suddenly appeared on his face. Grab it, and spit out a few words: "Why, you don't want to?" "I don't dare." Chen Xiang flinched as if the last few words were blowing by a cold wind.It was this feeling, from the time they met in the corridor, she began to be afraid of this fourth elder brother who was the kindest and most elegant among the court ladies and eunuchs.She always had a feeling that his kind and refined smile was just a mask.The kind of coldness that pierced her bone marrow is his real face... A bird flitted through the colorful purples and reds of the imperial garden, and stopped on the treetop to comb its feathers.Suddenly hearing some movement from below, he stopped his movements and tilted his head to look curiously. With her head lowered, Chen Xiang followed Yinzhen step by step, from Chuxiu Palace all the way to the Imperial Garden.As soon as I entered the garden, the refreshing coolness hit my face. "Sitting here cool and cool, isn't it much better than basking in the sun in the yard?" Yinzhen waved his hand casually, sent away a few court ladies who had greeted him, and walked around with aloes, and finally I chose a pavilion surrounded by greenery to sit down. Hearing Yinzhen's words, Chen Xiang looked up at him in surprise.Could it be that he brought her here just to let her enjoy the cool? Seeing the doubt in those bright eyes, Yinzhen smiled faintly: "After walking for so long, you must be tired too, sit down and have a rest." "Slaves don't dare." Without even thinking about it, Chen Xiang replied straightforwardly. Yinzhen looked at her steadfastly, although there was a faint smile on his face like a signboard, but there was no smile in his eyes: "Apart from saying 'servant dare not', would you say goodbye to me?" of?" "Slaves can't." Seeing that Yinzhen seemed to be a little angry, Chen Xiang became even more timid, and immediately covered her mouth in panic as soon as the words came out. Yinzhen was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't bear it anymore, and burst out laughing.While smiling, he got up and grabbed Chen Xiang's wrist, pressed her on the stool he had just sat on, walked to the opposite railing and sat on his side with one leg, lazily leaning against the pillar, closing his eyes and resting his mind. Birds chirping, water gurgling, quite a bit of the charm of a paradise.It's a pity that Chen Xiang has no intention of enjoying it at the moment.她僵硬着身子，在凳子上如坐针毡，心里则是暗自庆幸：幸好这里很是幽静，加上树影遮挡，并无旁人经过。否则被宫女太监们传扬出去，她真是无地自容了。 谁知道越怕什么越来什么，就在她琢磨着怎么找个借口拔腿开溜的时候，一个男子的声音突兀响起：“沉香？” 沉香闻声一怔，急忙抬起头向对面看去，等到看清来人相貌之后，这才松了口气：“苍其。” “我正想着得了空就去找你，没想到在这里遇到了。”苍其笑着向沉香走近，等绕过一丛月季之后这才发觉她的对面坐着的胤禛，心中一惊，急忙跪下请安：“参见四阿哥。” 用眼角瞥了跪在地上的苍其一眼，胤禛起身走到沉香身前冷声道：“什么事？” “良妃娘娘养的波斯猫跑丢了，皇上遣奴才帮着寻找。”苍其低头沉声回道。 “这里没有，去别处找吧。”胤禛挥挥手，不耐道。 “嗻。”苍其不敢多说，垂着头躬身退了下去。 将苍其打发走之后，胤禛静默了片刻，向着沉香道：“时辰不早了，你回储秀宫去吧。” 沉香如蒙大赦，行礼之后起身就走。胤禛站在亭子里，目送她的身影消失在花影树阴之后，这才转身向另一个方向走去。 刚迈了两步，身后突然传来一声惊呼，转瞬即逝，却足够他听得真切。 那是——沉香的声音！ 胤禛心中一惊，急忙转身向着声音传来的方向奔去。很快便看到了沉香坐在台阶下，手里似乎还捧着什么东西。 “你怎么了？”胤禛快步走了过去。 “没……没事，奴婢不小心摔倒了。”沉香红着脸站了起来。方才她正下着台阶，突然看到脚下躺着这个小家伙。迈出的脚已经收不回来，情急之下她只好大步向前跨出，虽然没有踩到它，她却保持不住平衡直直摔了下去。好在剩下的台阶不多，除了膝盖和手肘磕得生疼之外，其他并无大碍。 胤禛黑眸如梭，上下打量了沉香一遍，确定她确实没事之后，将视线落在了她的手上。 “拿着的是什么？” 听到胤禛发问，沉香小心翼翼将手摊开，只见一个灰不溜秋的雏鸟躺在她的掌心，闭着眼睛有气无力地叫着。 “这么多树，也不知道它是从哪里掉下来的。”沉香抬头寻找着鸟窝，却被繁茂的枝叶挡住了视线。 看到沉香的举动，胤禛不以为然地冷冷一笑：“它已经被父母兄弟遗弃，找到了又能如何？” “什么？”沉香以为自己听错了，转头傻傻地看着胤禛。“被遗弃？” “这种雀鸟天性喜欢争斗，不只是成鸟，就连刚刚孵出的幼鸟也不例外。若是成鸟带回的食物不足，几只幼鸟便会开始打斗，弱小的幼鸟便会被推出窝外，活活摔死或者饿死。”胤禛解释道。 沉香听得傻了，小嘴微张难以置信地低呼：“竟然……有这种事？” “这有什么奇怪的？人与人之间不是同样会因为权力地位明争暗斗吗？”胤禛说完觉得有些失言，掩饰性地冷哼一声，上前要将沉香手里的雏鸟拿走。“这种没人要的东西，赶紧拿去丢掉。” 见胤禛伸手，沉香急忙捧着雏鸟后退了两步，语气出奇得坚决：“没人要的话，我要。毕竟是一条生命，怎么可以就这么放弃？” 第一次见到沉香如此勇敢地直视着他，看着她清纯干净的面容，还有那因为激动而越发明亮润泽的双眸，胤禛的心跳无端地漏了一拍。 闭了眼深吸口气，等到再次睁开的时候，胤禛的眸子里已经多了一些说不清道不明的东西，脸上的淡笑依旧，却又与之前有些不同。那原本只是挂在唇边的笑容，渐渐向眼中蔓延。 “拿来吧。”胤禛微笑着伸出手。“把它给我。” 沉香摇摇头，下意识地又退了一步。 胤禛看得好笑，轻嗤一声道：“别忘了，宫女是不允许养这些东西的。被人发现的话，你该怎么办？” 沉香怔住了。她确实没有想到这个问题。正左右为难间，手中忽然一空，雏鸟已经被胤禛抓在了手里。 “四阿哥！”沉香一惊，想要上前夺回，却又没有这个胆量，只好紧紧盯着胤禛的手，生怕下一刻它便一命呜呼。 “怎么？不怕我了？”见沉香终于不似先前那般畏惧，胤禛心情极好。“这鸟儿就放在我那里吧，你想看的话，便来找我。” 说完不等沉香回答，握着雏鸟自顾自地走了。 被胤禛弄得有些糊涂，沉香愣愣地站在原地看着他走远。忽地想起了什么，匆匆转身向着储秀宫飞奔而去。 沉香气喘吁吁地跑到门口，正好见到琉璃从里面出来。上前正准备解释，却被她不悦地扫了一眼：“慌慌张张的，像什么样子！” 难以置信地看着琉璃，沉香实在没有想到她会当着这么多人的面训斥她。琉璃自己说完也有些后悔，有心想要再说点什么。可是左右看了看，还是将话咽进了肚子里。 接下来的日子，一如既往的单调沉闷。琉璃照旧每日里辛苦学习，举手投足间已经有了几分尊贵优雅的气质。姑姑很是满意，话语间也不似先前那般严厉。 或许是心情好了的缘故，琉璃对喜荣也宽待了许多。安排给她的活计少了一些，偶尔还会淡笑着主动和她说上几句话。 喜荣受宠若惊，只当是琉璃被沉香劝着消了气。瞅着一天琉璃心情不错，她便借着这个机会跪在地上磕了头道了歉。琉璃上前将她扶起，释然地长叹了一声：“罢了，既然你如此诚心诚意，我若是继续拧住不放，反倒显得我小家子气了，以后只要你好好服侍我，过去的事情就一笔勾销。” “谢谢琉璃姑娘。”喜荣感激涕零，再次跪下谢恩。虽然自我安慰只要熬到出宫就好，可是她也一直担心琉璃会仗着受宠阻挠她离开。如今仇怨解开皆大欢喜，总比那提心吊胆终日战战兢兢要好得多。 沉香在一边静静地站着，脸上也露出了笑容。一方面是替喜荣释然，另一方面则是对琉璃终于打开心结而高兴。当年琉璃那满是恨意甚至有些狰狞的脸，是那么的陌生而恐怖。每每想起，总是令她有些不安。 自那日之后，琉璃果然信守承诺，不再让喜荣做那些粗重活计，只让她在屋里服侍着起居。 喜荣悬了多日的心终于放进了肚子里，做起事来更加麻利。每日里忙忙碌碌，赎罪般将琉璃的事情打理得无比周到。就连沉香的活计，她也一并抢了去。眼看着出宫的日子越来越近，她脸上的笑容也越来越灿烂。 “熬了十二年，明日我终于能离了这个皇宫。”这一晚两人躺在床上，喜荣向着沉香感慨叹道：“忽然之间，我倒是有些舍不得了。最好的年华在这里过去，等到出去之后，还不知道是怎样的光景。说不定，还不如继续留在这里呢。” 沉香默然，有种同命相怜的感叹。与喜荣一同进宫的人，这么多年或是病死，或是自尽，或是莫名其妙，便消失在这个深深的皇宫里。活着的人里面，有的熬不过孤单寂寞找了太监对食，也有的被压抑的环境折磨得疯疯癫癫送到了别处。能像喜荣这样熬到二十五岁正常出宫的，不过十之二三。 “说什么傻话呢。”沉香叹了一声，既是安慰喜荣，也是给自己宽心。“好不容易盼到这个时候，还想那些有的没的做什么？出去的日子哪怕再苦，也总比困在这个牢笼里好。我听别人说啊，出去的姐妹因为伺候过皇上皇后，好多人家抢着要呢。” “真是这样就好了。”沉香的安慰效果不错，喜荣吁了一口气，话语中少了一些忐忑和焦虑，多了几分憧憬。“我也不求着大富大贵，只要找个好人家过日子就知足了。” “嗯。”沉香点点头，将视线移向漆黑的窗外。还要再等好久，她才能像喜荣一样离开这里。到那个时候，她一定也会这样忐忑不安吧…… 和喜荣有一句没一句地一直聊到子时过了，沉香这才迷迷糊糊地睡去。 一片漆黑的梦境中，胤祥的身影是唯一的光芒。她用尽全身力气向他跑去，距离在一点一点缩短。他终于看到了她，眼中露出温柔的笑意，伸出手向她走了过来。沉香喜极而泣，正要跑过去拉住他，琉璃突然从身边冒了出来，越过她的身子扑到了胤祥怀里。两个人紧紧拥抱在一起，慢慢消失在她的眼前。唯一的光芒失去，沉香立刻陷入无边的黑暗之中。四周阴风阵阵，鬼哭狼嚎的声音凄厉响起…… 沉香吓得大叫一声，猛地坐起身来。环顾了一下熟悉的房间，她狂跳的心这才稍稍平静。 原来……是一场梦。 深深地呼吸了几次，她放松心情慢慢躺下。刚刚闭上眼，便又是一声凄厉的惨叫在耳边响起。 “不！真的不是我偷的！不信的话，你们去问琉璃姑娘！” 刚刚松懈的神经被这一声突如其来地尖叫吓得再次绷紧，沉香骨碌一下从床上摔了下来，顾不上整理头发鞋袜，她披上外衫跌跌撞撞向外跑去。 院子里，已经围了好些人，有宫女，有太监。而喜荣，此时正披头散发地被两个侍卫押着跪在人群中央，那一声尖叫，正是从她的口中传出。 “喜荣，你怎么了？”沉香吓了一跳，急忙向她挤了过去。睡觉之前不是还好好的吗？这才过了几个时辰，怎么闹出了这么大的动静？ “沉香，不准过去。”刚刚走了几步，琉璃的声音便在身后冷冷响起。沉香闻声站住，怔怔地回头看去。只见她面色冷凝，在几个宫女的簇拥下款款从屋中走了出来。 见琉璃出来，沉香急忙迎了上去。 “姑娘，喜荣她这是……” 听到沉香发问，琉璃冷冷一笑，扫了狼狈不堪的喜荣一眼，满脸都是不屑：“她趁着出宫，偷了我的珊瑚如意串儿，结果被守门的侍卫搜了出来，押着她来这里对质。” “姑娘，琉璃姑娘！”听到琉璃出来，喜荣顿时眼睛一亮，仿佛见到救星刚刚喊了几声，突然便听到了她这样的解释，先是目瞪口呆地愣在那里，随即反应过来，疯了般扭动着身体，想要挣脱侍卫的钳制。“不是的，事情不是这样的！你胡说，你胡……” “啪啪啪啪——”喜荣话未说完，一个五大三粗的宫女忽然拿着一块木板冲了过去，手起板落使足了力气，狠狠在嘴上抽了十几下，嘴里也不闲着地一径骂道：“没良心的东西，姑娘对你那么好，你竟然如此恩将仇报！” “下去，谁让你动手了？如此没有规矩，到后院跪上两个时辰长长记性！”直到喜荣被打得满嘴是血头晕眼花之后，琉璃才装模作样地斥退了那个“不懂规矩”的宫女。缓步走到喜荣面前蹲下，她的脸上满是伤心和失望。“喜荣，你若是需要银子，和我直接说便是了。亏我还真心待你，将你视为姐妹，可是你却做出这样偷鸡摸狗的举动，纵然我有心想要救你，却也无能为力……” 说着说着，琉璃眼中已经泛起水雾，眼泪不受控制地涌出，吧嗒吧嗒地落在地上。那副情真意切的悲痛样子，看得围观众人唏嘘不已。看向喜荣的视线，也越发地不屑和冷漠。 “……琉璃，这个手串，明明……就是你赏给我的，你怎么……”喜荣挣扎着勉强撑起身子，不顾已经撕裂的嘴角和断掉的牙齿，瞪大眼睛看着琉璃，口中涌着血沫含糊不清地想要讨个说法。 “赏你的？开什么玩笑？喜荣，你就算要说谎，也编个让人信服的理由。”琉璃失望之极地摇了摇头，接过侍卫递来的那串珊瑚如意串儿，掏出手帕小心擦拭了几下，无比珍惜地捧在了手上。“这是德妃娘娘亲自替我戴上的手串，对我来说比生命还要重要。如此珍贵的宝贝，我怎么可能把它赏给了你？” 说着站起身来，向着两个侍卫吩咐道：“带走吧，该怎样处置便怎样处置，我管教下人无方，自然会去和德妃娘娘请罪。” 琉璃说完之后，深深地打量了喜荣一眼，长叹了口气摇了摇头向屋中走去。步履踉跄之中，伤心之情可见一斑。 喜荣呆住，瘫坐在地上成了烂泥一般。直到两个侍卫过来架起她准备拖走，这才如梦初醒反应了过来。双眼蓦地瞪得滚圆，睚眦欲裂，死死地盯着琉璃的背影。 That look!就是琉璃离去之时的那一眼！虽然旁人看不出端倪，可是她却瞧得清清楚楚！那一眼里包含了得意、嚣张、残忍和狡诈，如同看一个死人般地看着她！即使她再没有脑子，这个时候也已经明白了事情的真相！原来琉璃从来都不曾真正地原谅她，所谓的解开心结，只是琉璃迷惑她的一种手段。通过那种粗使杂役做的活计来折磨她，根本就没有办法令琉璃解恨。琉璃等待着的，一直是这一刻的到来，在她就要离开牢笼的最幸福时刻，给予她最致命的一击！ 沉香被琉璃喝住，怔怔地站在一边看着这场闹剧。见喜荣马上就要被侍卫拖走，迟疑了一下还是跑了过去。 “喜荣，你……” 沉香开了口，剩下的话却不知道该从何说起。反倒是喜荣见了她之后，一直憋在眼眶里的泪水立刻倾泻而出。 “沉香，我是冤枉的，我真的是被冤枉的！”喜荣突然伸手紧紧抓住沉香的袖子，号啕大哭了起来。“是琉璃，是她陷害我的，那个串子真的是她赏给我说是留个念想的！你相信我，相信我！” 沉香凝在当场，不知道该如何回答。姐妹情深，她理应相信琉璃。可是喜荣的样子，却也不像是说谎。孰是孰非，她一时间真的难以抉择。 “刺啦”一声，沉香的袖子终于经不起喜荣的撕扯，被生生拽了下来。两个孔武有力的侍卫如同拎着一只小鸡般，毫不费力地拖着喜荣扬长而去。身影消失在院门之外的那一刻，她用尽了全身的力气最后喊出一句话：“沉香，你一定要小心琉璃，一定要小心她啊——” 被喜荣撕心裂肺的喊声震得心头一寒，沉香不由自主地退了几步，一不小心撞上了身后的人，回头看去只见琉璃正阴沉着脸站在她的身后。 “姑……姑娘？”沉香吓得轻喘了一声。“你怎么又出来了？” “我听到喜荣喊你的名字，放心不下所以出来看看。”见沉香发现了自己，琉璃眨了一下眼睛，脸上阴寒之色不见，上前一步拉住沉香的手，眼中满满的委屈和担忧。“沉香，你不要相信她的话。她恨我没有昧着良心包庇，所以在临死之前反咬一口，想要借此离间我们的关系。沉香，我们这么多年的交情，你可不能因为她胡说几句，就对我有了异心啊。” “……嗯。”沉香此时心乱如麻，看着琉璃诚恳无辜的样子，她实在没有办法开口追问，只好轻轻点了点头。 “就知道你不会上当的！”见沉香点头，琉璃开心地笑了起来。双臂抱住沉香的胳膊向屋里走去，她的笑容比晨曦还要动人。“沉香，你果然是我最好的姐妹！” 沉香勉强笑了一下，随着琉璃一并走进屋去。被撕掉袖子的胳膊上有凉意传来，让她难以抑制地战栗起来…… 皇宫之中，永远都不会缺少各种各样的新鲜事。喜荣的事情，很快便被众人淡忘，每天的生活依然在继续，平静得仿佛从来不曾有过这样一个人。 虽然如此，沉香却无论如何都忘不掉她被拖走时那绝望怨恨的神情。每当看到琉璃手上戴的那鲜红的珊瑚如意串儿，她的耳边都会响起喜荣那撕心裂肺的惨叫声。越是想要遗忘，反而记得更加深刻。 而且，不知道是不是错觉，自从喜荣那件事情之后，她总是觉得和琉璃之间有了一堵看不到的墙，随着时间的推移越来越厚。那段情同姐妹的温暖时光，遥远得仿如隔世。 春寿似乎也疏远了许多，不似以前那么总是出现在她面前，嬉皮笑脸地说一些逗她开心的话。她去找他，他也总是躲着不见，苍其倒是经常过来找她，借着出宫的机会捎进来一些核桃酪桂花糕，或者是市井之间的小玩意儿给她解闷。只是碍于规矩，经常说不上几句话便匆匆离开。 虽然身在最繁华的紫禁城，她却只有浓浓的孤单。 “唉……”沉香无奈地叹了口气，抬头看着樱花树上的风铃。熬着吧，等出了这皇宫，这场梦便散了。 正胡思乱想间，一个小太监匆匆跑来，向着沉香笑道：“沉香姑娘，原来你在这里，叫我好找。” “有事吗？”沉香抬头问道。 “有人想要见你，沉香姑娘，请随我来。” 有人要见她？沉香有些意外，思来想去只有一个可能。 “是春寿让你来找我的吗？” 小太监未置可否，只是急切地催促道：“去了你就知道了，快点，别让他等得久了。” 沉香迟疑了片刻，起身跟着小太监向外走去。 “这位公公，请等一下。”东弯西拐走了好久，沉香渐渐发觉不妙。正想要叫住小太监问个清楚，却见他突然加快了脚步，很快便跑得没了踪影。 这一幕太过熟悉，沉香当即吓得站住脚步，仓皇地东张西望，脑子里飞快地思索，她最近是不是又得罪了什么人。 正六神无主间，后面突然响起了急促的马蹄声，转头看去，只见一个男子蒙着面巾，骑着一匹白马疾驰而至。沉香正要躲闪，便觉身子一轻，已经被拦腰抱起坐在了马上。 沉香惊叫一声，拼命挣扎起来。腰间手臂收得更紧，一个熟悉的声音在耳边低沉响起：“别动，小心摔下去。” 这个声音仿佛魔咒一般，沉香挣扎的动作立刻停止，侧头向那男子脸上看去，那一双黑眸是如此熟悉。 “十三阿哥？！” “这么快就猜到了？”胤祥朗声笑道，伸手将面巾扯下。四目相对，相距不过咫尺。看着那近在眼前的俊颜，沉香呼吸一滞，急忙撇开了视线。 没有发觉沉香的异样，胤祥双腿夹紧马腹，挥鞭驱驰。骏马四蹄扬尘，载着二人风一般划过马场。 从上次选菜之后，他便再也没来找过她。谁知她刚刚平复了心境，他却又突然出现在她面前。呼吸着他身上干净清爽的味道，背靠着胤祥坚实的怀抱，感受着他手臂上传来的温度，沉香再也克制不住，任由泪水在脸上流淌。 跑了几圈之后，胤祥终于收紧了马缰。骏马嘶鸣一声，缓缓停了下来。 胤祥抱着沉香从马背上跃下，手臂松开转而扶住了她的肩膀，笑得像个恶作剧的孩子：“怎么