Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Getting along, every step is startling

The darkness, the darkness that covers the sky and the sun, can't see the Forbidden City, and can't see anyone.In this boundless darkness, Chen Xiang stumbled and ran.I can't count how many times I fell, and I don't know how far I ran.When she stood up and groped forward, she found that there were a series of cold fences in front of her. No, not just in front of her, when she turned around with a scream, the road behind her disappeared at some point.Instead, the same cold fence.These fences seemed to have life, slowly squeezed towards her, and finally turned into a huge cage, locking her inside.

"No! Please, let me out!" Chen Xiang cried.She didn't know who she should beg for mercy, she just wanted to leave this terrible cage and this cold place. Laughter gradually came from all around, from small to loud, and finally echoed sharply in her ears.This laughter was full of malice, condescending, mocking and contemptuous, piercing into her brain over and over again, making her desperate and confused. What came along with the laughter was the overwhelming cold rainwater, which poured directly into the cage from the sky, instead of flowing away through the gaps, it accumulated higher and higher, and finally completely submerged her.

"Ahem..." After a violent cough, the surroundings suddenly became brighter.Chen Xiang struggled to sit up in a daze, her eyes darkened and she almost fell under the bed. "Oh, you're finally awake. Lie down quickly, and I'll get you some medicine." A pair of hands stretched out from behind in time, helping her to lie down slowly.The furnishings at the sight are all too familiar, this is the bunk house where she has lived for seven years.And the voice next to his ear was equally familiar. "... Liuli?" Chen Xiang managed to squeeze out two words from her dry throat, looking at her busy figure, she even wondered if she hadn't woken up yet. "Why are you here...cough cough cough..."

Liu Li came over with a medicine bowl, and when she saw Chen Xiang coughing, she hurriedly soothed her back, complaining with worry on her face: "Stop talking, drink this medicine first. Tell me about you, you don't sleep in the middle of the night and go out What are you running around? If Brother Si didn't send you back, your life would be in danger." While chattering, Liuli picked up a spoon and put the medicine into Chen Xiang's mouth.The bitter and slightly fragrant taste slipped into the throat, and the dryness and discomfort were immediately relieved. According to the rules of the Qing court, palace ladies are not eligible for medical treatment when they are sick.Chen Xiang knew in her heart that if Yinzhen hadn't spoken out this time, she would have to fend for herself.

She owed him so much favor overnight, how could she pay off this debt? "It's getting late, I have to go to Empress Defei to say hello. You drink the medicine and take a good rest, and I'll come back to see you at noon." After feeding a bowl of soup and medicine, Liuli stretched out her hand to help Chen Xiang tuck the quilt up, and instructed again with concern After a few words, he got up and left. After going out the door, the smile on Liuli's face immediately disappeared, she narrowed her eyes slightly and said to herself, "Where is it? Why can't I find it?"

For yesterday's incident, she had calculated the beginning, but not the end. It should have been a sure thing, but the fourth elder brother Yinzhen who suddenly appeared halfway disrupted the situation.Although she was unwilling, she could only pretend that she didn't know anything, and took the opportunity to take care of Chen Xiang, and searched up and down in the bunk room, but she still couldn't see the earring. After a lot of painstaking efforts for no reason, except that Yin Zhen is different from Chen Xiang, there is no other gain.The more Liuli thought about it, the more angry she became, and kicked on the cherry blossom tree in the middle of the yard.Just hearing "Ouch", she bent down in pain, pressed her toes and gritted her teeth...

For the next few days, everything was calm.The fourth elder brother's threat had an effect. What happened that rainy night was deeply covered up, and no one mentioned it again. After learning that Chen Xiang was ill, Chun Shou, who hadn't been seen for a long time, finally showed up.I haven't seen him for a while, but he actually lost a lot of weight.After putting down a plate of tea paste sugar to clear and moisten the throat, he sat on the side and blamed Chen Xiang for not knowing how to take care of himself.Chen Xiang didn't mention what happened that night either, lest Chunshou would blame himself after listening too much.

Liuli would sometimes find time to visit her, telling her to take a good rest and come back to serve after her body recovered completely.That sincere look made the other court ladies envious.They all lamented that Chen Xiang is really a blessed person, to be treated sincerely by such a sister who values ​​love and righteousness. The prescription prescribed by the imperial physician worked well, Chen Xiang's complexion improved a lot after resting in bed for three to five days, except for some coughing, there was no serious problem.The only thing he cared about was Cang Qi who was taken away by Yinzhen, that night was a mess, and he didn't know how he was hurt or whether it was important or not.I wanted to find a chance to ask Yinzhen clearly, but I couldn't find anyone. This delay, another two or three days passed.

Before you know it, summer has passed and autumn has come.On the seventh day of July, it happened to be the beginning of autumn.The palace ladies who are busy and anxious every day have long been looking forward to this day. Early yesterday morning, those clever little eunuchs used porcelain bowls filled with water to bask in the sun, preparing for the palace ladies to throw needles with Weaver Girl this afternoon, to make them happy, and to ask for things in the future Let them help. Chen Xiang leaned under the cherry blossom tree, watching the court ladies playing and playing from a distance.Several young maids who had just entered the palace saw them, ran over and took Chen Xiang's hand and smiled, "Sister, how boring sitting alone, come and play together?"

"I'm not feeling well, you guys go and play." Chen Xiang sent the little maids away with a smile, watching them leave in a fight, the smile on his face was immediately replaced by melancholy. In previous years, the Qiqiao Festival was Liuli's most anticipated festival.Every time this day comes, she is extremely excited.I got up early in the morning, took agarwood to dry the water and threw needles, praying for the blessing of Weaver Girl to keep her ingenious.At night, she would sit under the porch and look up at Tianhe, muttering in her mouth, hoping that God would open her eyes and let her get out of this sea of ​​suffering as soon as possible.Those persistent and firm eyes are brighter than the stars in the sky.

Now, the prayer really came true, Liuli finally got her wish, and got the beautiful marriage that countless people dream of.Although that "he" should have been hers... Thinking of that "he", Chen Xiang felt a dull pain in his heart.She is not Liuli, and she doesn't have that much ambition.She just wants to live in peace until she leaves this cage.Yinxiang's appearance was completely out of her plan.From the moment he wrapped her in the cloak seven years ago, she had him in her heart; when he ran away with her in the winter night zhemei, she fell in love with him; The moment she fell into his arms, she had already fallen in love with him.Originally thought that there would be no chance to meet again, but fate tricked him, and he would appear in her life again.Only this time...but it's so close. Seeing him shy, helpless, and racking his brains to please another woman, her heart seemed to be cut back and forth by a blunt knife, and the bloody wound pierced her bone marrow every lonely night. Before I knew it, tears filled my eyes again.A butterfly flapped its wings and flew past leisurely, Chen Xiang lowered his head and buried his face in the palms of his hands, murmuring with sobs: "...Brother Thirteen." "It was discovered by you." A surprised voice suddenly sounded, and Chen Xiang froze for a moment.This is... Yinxiang's voice?If it is said that she had hallucinations due to excessive thoughts, then this hallucination is a little too clear. The fingers covering his face gently opened a gap, Chen Xiang tentatively looked in the direction of the sound.The bright sun cast a halo on the ground, and Yinxiang's tall and straight figure stood in the halo.The smile was dyed a dazzling gold, and the handsome features were more dazzling than the sun. Chen Xiang's breathing froze suddenly, and he didn't let go of the hand covering his face.Just when he didn't know what to do, his wrists were suddenly gently grasped, and they were slowly pulled away from his face gently but firmly.With tears in his eyes, it was Yinxiang who was watching with concern. "Did I scare you?" Startled by Chen Xiang's tears, Yin Xiang quickly let go of her hand and blamed himself: "I'm sorry, I was a little abrupt." "No, this servant is just... just a little uncomfortable." Chen Xiang raised the back of his hand and wiped away his tears indiscriminately, then knelt down with his head down: "See Elder Brother Thirteen." "Get up quickly." Yin Xiang stretched out his hand to help Chen Xiang up, looked at her pale face and said with concern: "I went out of the palace to do some errands, and when I came back, I heard that you were sick. How are you? Are you better?" Chen Xiang took two steps back gently, avoiding Yin Xiang's hand indiscriminately.The long eyelashes drooped to hide the emotion in his eyes, and he spoke calmly and politely: "Thank you, brother Thirteen, for your concern, and the servants are ready. This is where the court ladies live, and it is unreasonable for Brother Thirteen to stay here. It’s a matter, please ask Brother Thirteen to go back.” Aware of Chen Xiang's estrangement, Yin Xiang suddenly felt a sense of loss.After hesitating for a moment, he said softly: "Miss Chen Xiang, I... have something to ask for your help." "Chen Xiang is stupid, I'm afraid I can't help Thirteenth Brother, please ask Thirteenth Brother to find someone else." Chen Xiang naturally knew what Yinxiang asked her for help, and immediately declined without hesitation.She didn't want to bear the pain in her heart to help him please another woman, even if that person...was Liuli. Yinxiang was not reconciled, and wanted to say something more, suddenly the laughter of the little palace lady came from the backyard: "Look, look, my needle has floated up, it is in the shape of a shuttle! Sister Chen Xiang, come and have a look too !" "Okay." Chen Xiang agreed and wanted to go over, but unexpectedly her arms tightened suddenly, and Yin Xiang stretched out her hand to hold her. "Brother Thirteen, let go, if someone sees him like this, it will be hard to tell!" Unexpectedly, Yin Xiang would do such a thing, Chen Xiang struggled to get rid of his imprisonment. Yin Xiang also knew that it was against the rules to do so, but when he saw Chen Xiang turned and left, he suddenly felt inexplicable panic in his heart, as if once she left, she would never come back again.Immediately feeling anxious, he grabbed her recklessly and threatened her: "If you don't agree, I won't let you go." "The slave girl promised Thirteenth Brother, please let Thirteenth Brother go!" Chen Xiang panicked, and agreed without thinking about other things. "At the first moment of Shen Shi, I will send someone to pick you up." Seeing that Chen Xiang finally agreed, Yin Xiang let go of his hand. Chen Xiang was free and hurried to the backyard.Just after running a few steps, the little palace maid had already found her. "Sister Chen Xiang, what are you dawdling for? If you don't get through, my needle will sink." Chen Xiang didn't care about perfunctory little maid, and hurriedly turned around and looked back.Seeing that the cherry tree was empty and Yinxiang was gone, he was secretly relieved. Yin Xiang hid sideways beside the courtyard gate, watched Chen Xiang being dragged away by the little maid, and then slowly came out.Recalling the almost shameless behavior just now, I couldn't help but blush... Shenwumen. Chenyuan is heavily guarded.Even under the scorching sun, the guards guarding the gate are still full of energy, paying close attention to the movement around them. "...Brother Thirteen, where are we going?" According to Yinxiang's arrangement, Chen Xiang changed into a eunuch's servant, and followed him with his head down.Seeing the Shenwumen getting closer, her legs began to weaken. "Leaving the palace." Yinxiang smiled lightly, and continued walking without stopping. After confirming his guess, Chen Xiang's back went numb, and cold sweat immediately leaked out.She could not bear the guilt of leaving the Forbidden City without permission.Turning around and trying to escape, Yinxiang grabbed his sleeve calmly. "I'm here, don't worry." The sharp-eyed guards not far away greeted him immediately: "See Elder Brother Thirteen." "Get up." Yinxiang responded lightly, let go of Chen Xiang and walked forward.This time, even if Chen Xiang wanted to escape, he had no chance, so he lowered his head and followed him tremblingly out of Shenwumen. Looking back at the tall and majestic city gate, Chen Xiang had a feeling as if he had passed away.Counting the time when she entered the palace, this is the second time she has walked through here.Once in and out of the room, it has been seven years. The carriage had already been prepared outside the door, and after Yinxiang got into the carriage, the coachman drove the carriage slowly.Chen Xiang was confused but didn't want to ask more questions, so he had to walk behind the carriage with other followers. The carriage made three turns and two turns, and finally stopped in a secluded alley.Yinxiang got out of the carriage, and the brocade clothes on his body had been changed into dark blue cotton gowns. After dismissing the attendants, Yinxiang looked at Chen Xiang and said with a smile, "Get in the carriage and change this clothes. Let's go to the market. Liuli buys some rare things that you can't see in the palace." "...Brother Thirteen, let's go back. If Liuli can't find me in a while, she will be anxious." Hearing that Yinxiang brought her out for this, Chen Xiang hurriedly suggested: "If you want to buy Liuli If it’s something, it’s better to take her out directly.” "I've already asked. Empress Concubine De has just sent Liuli to accompany her. No matter what, it will take an hour or two to let her go. And if she is brought out, there will be no surprises." After Yinxiang finished speaking, he saw Chen Xiang was still procrastinating, she simply reached out and grabbed her waist and lifted her onto the carriage. "Hurry up, I'll wait for you here." Before Chen Xiang figured out what was going on, he was carried into the carriage by Yin Xiang.Shocked by his actions, she hurried into the carriage, fearing that Yinxiang would do something outrageous if she delayed any longer. Looking at the back of Chen Xiang getting into the carriage in a hurry, Yin Xiang was also a little embarrassed suddenly.The move just now was a completely natural reaction, and I did it logically without thinking too much.Looking back now, it was really inappropriate.Even through the clothes, you can still clearly feel the slenderness and softness of her waist.His palms started to feel hot, and his heart beat wildly uncontrollably.This feeling is fresh and beautiful, which makes him addicted to it, unable to extricate himself... In the compartment, the clothes he had just changed were piled up in a mess.In the corner next to it, there is also a small package, which should be the clothes prepared for her. Chen Xiang hesitated for a moment, but still opened the package, took out the women's clothes inside and put on quickly.Now that this point has been reached, it is not realistic for Yinxiang to send her back now, so it is better to act quickly, buy things early, and return to the palace before others find out. After folding and wrapping up the changed eunuch's clothes, Chen Xiang stretched out her fingertips and gently touched Yin Xiang's changed clothes.A faint scent of incense wafted from above, permeating the entire carriage vaguely.On the racecourse that day, when she was held in his arms, she smelled this kind of smell, refreshing and clean, which made her addicted. "I like you--" The deep and pleasant voice echoed in his ears, and Chen Xiang suddenly came back to his senses, only to realize that he had hugged Yinxiang's clothes in his arms at some point. As if someone had done something bad and was caught on the spot, Chen Xiang hurriedly let go and jumped up as if being scalded by fire, forgetting that she was still in the carriage in a hurry, the carriage trembled twice with a muffled "bang". "Chen Xiang, are you alright?" Hearing the abnormal noise in the carriage, Yin Xiang who was in a daze at the side immediately came back to his senses and ran over.Just as he was about to open the curtain, he suddenly remembered that Chen Xiang was changing clothes inside, and hastily withdrew his outstretched hand. "...Slave is fine." Chen Xiang took a deep breath and tried her best to keep her voice calm.He folded the clothes in two or three strokes, lifted the curtain and got out. "Brother Thirteen, let's go." Yinxiang looked up and down, and made sure that Chen Xiang was not injured, so he was relieved.Smiling to conceal his not yet completely calm state of mind, he took the lead and walked out of the alley. "Okay, let's go." Outside Zhengyang Gate, there are many shops.It was originally the busiest market in the capital, and today it happened to be the Qixi Festival, making it even more lively than usual. Chen Xiang followed Yin Xiang's side, his eyes were no longer enough.She who lived in the palace for a long time was dazzled by the crowds and objects of all kinds.Compared with the solemn and quiet Forbidden City, this place is extraordinarily noisy and noisy.The sound of selling and shouting came one after another, and the melodious tune made Chen Xiang's depressed mood miraculously relaxed a lot. Yin Xiang turned his head calmly, looked at the excited and surprised expression on Chen Xiang's face, curled up his lips, and smiled softly.Taking her to the market was not premeditated, but a temporary idea.The moment he saw her crying in despair in the Tongbu room, he suddenly had this thought.He wanted to take her out to relax, leave that cold palace, feel the most ordinary happiness, and see this world that was completely different from her life. All of this should be regarded as a reward for her to advise him.Yinxiang used such an excuse to explain his abnormal behavior, but he didn't know that the softest part of his heart had already been deeply imprinted by someone. "Girl, please stay..." An old voice suddenly sounded, and Chen Xiang, who was busy looking around, looked for the sound, and saw a white-haired, stooped old man squatting under the wall next to him, his face was full of dimples and vicissitudes of time.Although it was only late summer and early autumn, he was wearing a tattered padded jacket.The sagging eyelids are drooping, and a rusty lottery box is placed in front of him. Chen Xiang looked around and saw that no one was paying attention, so he pointed his finger at the tip of his nose suspiciously, and asked uncertainly to the old man, "Old man, are you calling me?" "Meeting is fate, girl, please ask for a lottery to relieve your fate." The old man raised his eyelid slightly, one eye was hollow and dry.The fingers that were skinny like branches pushed the old lottery box forward slightly.His voice was hoarse and dry, and he murmured feebly. Chen Xiang was startled for a moment, then smiled softly.Ask for a signature?What is there to ask for?Her life was firmly locked by the vermilion palace wall, like a bird trapped in a cage, life and death were only in the mind of the masters.Her love is firmly locked in her heart. Although the person she loves with all her affection is by her side, she can only treat him as a stranger, and even push him to someone else's side with her own hands. How can a small bamboo stick count her life and her pain?Regardless of whether the signing is good or bad, to her, it is just a joke.When I got out of the Forbidden City and left the Forbidden City, everything disappeared like a passing cloud.If she can survive until then in peace... Seeing Chen Xiang staring blankly at the signing box, Yin Xiang misunderstood her meaning.With a light smile, he handed the old man a few copper coins and picked up the signing box. "No need..." Chen Xiang came back to his senses, and was about to stop Yin Xiang, but he had already handed over the lottery box first, with a pampering that he didn't even notice in his smile. "If you like it, just smoke one." Fascinated by his gentle smile, Chen Xiang slowly took the lottery box.The cold lottery box seemed to be made of brass, it was cold and heavy, inside were dozens of bamboo sticks, about one finger wide, with simple and elegant patterns carved on the heads.That heavy and mysterious feeling made Chen Xiang involuntarily pious, closed his eyes, held the box with both hands and shook it up and down a few times, a bamboo stick suddenly jumped out and fell to the ground, making a barely audible sound. The old man reached out tremblingly to touch the bamboo stick, and his rough fingertips stroked the words engraved on it. "Sometimes there must be in fate, and there is no time in fate. Don't force it. This lottery is also signed for sisters, and the person who asks for the lottery and the people around you each have half a sentence. Please write two words to explain the fate between your sisters. number." With an indescribable penetrating power, the hoarse voice pierced directly into Chen Xiang's heart through Chen Xiang's ears.After taking the paper and pen handed by the old man, Chen Xiang hesitated for a moment, then slowly wrote two words and handed it to him. "Xiang, glass." The old man took the rice paper, glanced over it and suddenly laughed out loud. "Sometimes there must be in fate, and there is no time in fate. Don't force it. When (He Ri) will get together, when the jade will leave, the entanglement is difficult to solve, and the authorities are confused. This solution is very interesting, interesting..." After speaking, he glanced at Yin Xiang thoughtfully, got up and took the lottery box in Chen Xiang's hand, ignored the two people who were confused, staggered into the bustling crowd and disappeared. Looking at the disappearing back of the old man, Yin Xiang looked at Chen Xiang wonderingly: "Why do I think there is something in his words, Chen Xiang, do you understand?" "Sometimes there must be in destiny, and there is no time in destiny. Don't force it. When will we meet again, when we will leave..." Chen Xiang murmured these two words silently, and there seemed to be a flash of inspiration in his mind, but it was hard to catch it.Hearing Yinxiang's question in a ignorant manner, he suppressed his doubts and shook his head at Yinxiang with a forced smile and changed the subject: "I don't know what he's talking about. Brother Thirteen, let's go shopping quickly." "Mmm." Although Yinxiang was a little bit hard to let go, but he couldn't figure out what was the reason behind it.I had no choice but to temporarily forget about it and continue walking forward with Chen Xiang. The more you walk in, the more people there are in the market.Chen Xiang was still thinking about the old man's words in his heart, his mind was in a trance and he was unprepared, he was staggered by a few people pushing forward.When he stood still, Yinxiang beside him had disappeared. "Thirteen..." The terrified Chen Xiang opened his mouth to say something, but swallowed the words hastily.There are mixed fish and dragons here, if Yinxiang is recognized by someone, it might cause some trouble.He didn't dare to speak at the moment, so he stood on tiptoe and looked around in the crowd. There are bustling crowds everywhere, but he is the only one missing. Feeling of fear flooded in like a tide, and Chen Xiang became more and more panicked.It turns out that these bustling scenes are only interesting when he is with him.Now that she was alone, the noisy voice fell on her ears, it was so frightening.Looking around, she was surrounded by unfamiliar scenes, and she couldn't even find the way to come. A few dandies wandering around saw Chen Xiang's abnormal state, exchanged glances with each other, and surrounded him one after another. "Miss, are you lost? Where is your home? I will personally take you home." A man with a bad nose stood in front of Chen Xiang. The obscene eyes on his body have already exposed his essence. Chen Xiang's heart was beating wildly with fright, she turned around and ran away without hesitation.A few other people had already gathered around, grinning maliciously and said: "Don't rush away, my father and son are talking to you, answer quickly." Seeing this situation, the passers-by hurriedly dodged aside, fearing that they would be involved. Occasionally, one or two people wanted to step forward to stop them, but were scared back by their fierce eyes.Vendors set up stalls here all the year round, knowing how powerful these Eight Banners disciples are, they cleaned up their stalls one after another, fearing that they would suffer disaster. Glancing at the silent crowd, Jiuzaizi was quite satisfied with the scene.Immediately he laughed, walked to Chen Xiang's side without hesitation, and grabbed her wrist when she was not prepared to reach out. "Since you are homeless, why don't you go back with my uncle and enjoy the blessings." "Don't!" Chen Xiang was terrified, screamed, raised his hand and slapped Jiuzai fiercely.Rosacea had been on guard for a long time, and easily grabbed her other hand.Seeing Chen Xiang's pretty appearance mixed with shame and anger, Jiuxuan smiled lewdly, bowed his head and kissed her. "boom!" "Ouch!" Seeing that Rosacea's stinky mouth was about to kiss Chen Xiang's cheek, a figure suddenly broke through the crowd and rushed over.The robe fluttered and the figure flickered. Before everyone could see what was going on, the rosacea had already fallen heavily. The remaining gangsters were stunned by the accident, and it took a long time before they woke up, and hurried over to lift up the rosacea, only to see that he was covered in dust and was in a mess, and a shoe print was clearly printed on the left side of his face. "Which bastard would dare to do anything to my uncle?" Jiu Zai took advantage of his father's position as the deputy governor, and he was already used to being domineering.Now that he suddenly suffered such a big loss, he was so angry that his eyes were red, and he gritted his teeth and looked at where he was standing just now. In the open space surrounded by the crowd, the trembling Chen Xiang was already protected in his arms by a tall and straight figure.Although the man was wearing a mask and couldn't see the expression on his face, the dark and cold eyes alone were enough to make Rosacea and the others terrified. "You... who are you?" The rampant yelling of the Jiuzai gang was condensed by the icy breath around the masked person, and they couldn't help lowering their voices a little. The masked man ignored the rosacea group, and lowered his head to look at the frightened Chen Xiang in his arms.Feeling her uncontrollable trembling, the anger in his heart rose and dyed a pair of black eyes red.Murderous aura suddenly rose around him, scaring the onlookers to retreat in a hurry. The hustle and bustle of the surroundings became distant in an instant, and from the moment she was embraced by him, Chen Xiang felt extremely warm and safe.The trembling body gradually calmed down because of the familiar smell, even though he was wearing a mask, she knew who he was. As the son of the deputy governor, Rosacea has long been used to being arrogant.Now that he was completely scorned by the masked man in front of so many people, he finally became angry from embarrassment.Raising his hand to wipe away the blood oozing from his nose, he picked up the stick from the stall behind him and rushed up.The other gangsters didn't show any weakness when they saw this, and all the gangsters screamed strangely and rushed towards the masked man. "Wait for me, it will be over soon." Seeing Jiuxuan and others rushing up, the masked man let go of Chen Xiang, raised his legs and stepped in front of her, and after slightly turning his head and whispering a word, he greeted her with bare hands. Got rosacea and others. Seeing the masked man fighting against the crowd, Chen Xiang was so nervous that he didn't dare to breathe, and stared at them without blinking, lest the masked man would be in danger. Soon, the facts proved that Chen Xiang's worry was unnecessary.Rosacea and the others, who had been so rampant before, immediately became like sick cats who could only be beaten when they faced the masked man.The screams sounded one after another, and several people were lying on the ground groaning. Although he is ignorant of eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling, he is the son of the deputy governor after all, and he has been obsessed with it since he was a child, and he does have some skills in fists and feet.The other gangsters are also generals, and it is common to cause trouble and fight.It was precisely because of this confidence that although they were a little afraid of the aura of the masked man, they still bravely charged forward.Originally, they thought they could easily win by relying on numbers, but unexpectedly, within three or five rounds, the entire army was wiped out and lay on the ground.Among them, rosacea is the worst. The red nose has completely lost its shape, and the face is purple and green, as if it has opened a dyeing workshop. He raised his foot and kicked the comatose rosacea aside, the masked man raised his hand to wipe off the dust on his cuffs, and was about to walk towards Chen Xiang, when he caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye, he immediately turned and walked over. A peddler carrying candied haws was huddled nearby to watch the excitement. When he saw the masked man pushing away the crowd and walking towards him, he turned around and ran away as if he had just woken up from a dream.As soon as he lifted his foot, someone grabbed his collar.The peddler's scalp was numb, his legs went limp and he fell to his knees: "Forgive...forgive me, it's none of my business!" The masked man reached out to catch the stack of straw that almost fell to the ground, pulled out a bunch of candied haws from it, dropped a piece of silver, turned and left.Trembling, he picked up the piece of silver that was enough to buy three to five hundred bunches of candied haws, and the peddler ran away without saying a word. Stuffing the candied haws into Chen Xiang's hand, the masked man stretched out his hand to grab her other hand and said with a light smile, "This way we won't get separated." Seeing that the two were about to leave, the crowd of onlookers hurriedly "hula" to make way for a passage.Chen Xiang held the candied haws in a daze, was pulled out of the crowd by the masked man, and turned into an alley. The mask was taken off, revealing Yinxiang's handsome face.Seeing Chen Xiang looking at him without blinking, Yin Xiang explained with a slight smile: "Although there is a reason for the incident, but the dignified thirteen brother fought with a few street people in the street, and it is always inappropriate to spread it. Wearing this, It's much more convenient. Let's go, let's continue." Chen Xiang was staring at Yinxiang obsessively, but he suddenly turned to meet her gaze.With a flush on his face, Chen Xiang turned his head and said in a low voice: "It's getting late, brother Thirteen, please send the servants back." "That's fine, you were frightened today, it's fine to go back and rest earlier." Yinxiang sighed softly, and took Chen Xiang out of the alley and walked back.His hand never let go from the moment he held her.So natural, so logical. Chen Xiang lowered her head, feeling the temperature from his palm, once, just this time, let her be intoxicated in his tenderness, together with the sweet and sour taste of candied haws, buried in the depths of her memory. Although heartbroken, Chen Xiang has already made a decision.Since there is no fate, it is better not to see each other again.Long-term pain is worse than short-term pain. Doing this is a good thing for her and Liuli.She has already made up her mind, she will go to Liuli and make it clear after she returns, she will no longer be her personal maid, and stay away from their lives completely... The wheels rolled, carrying Chen Xiang and Yin Xiang back to Shenwumen. Same as when leaving the palace, Chen Xiang dressed as an eunuch followed Yinxiang into the Shenwu Gate, found a secluded corner and changed into the maid's clothes, then hurried back to the Tongpu room. The sky turned gloomy again at some point, and although it was not time to light the lights, the Tongpu room was already pitch black.Chen Xiang fumbled to the table and lit the lamp, but was startled when she turned around. "Gu... girl, why are you here?" The Tongbu room, which was thought to be empty, unexpectedly had a few more figures at some point.Judging by their appearance, they should have been here for a long time. Liuli was dressed in fine clothes, sitting by Chen Xiang's bed.A few court ladies beside him stood in awe, looking at Chen Xiang with schadenfreude in their eyes. Hearing Chen Xiang's words, Liu Li slowly put down the teacup in her hand.Lifting her bright eyes, she looked at Chen Xiang with a half-smile. "Wait for you!" The candlelight was dim, leaving deep and shallow shadows on Liuli's face.Seeing her completely different appearance from usual, Chen Xiang subconsciously took a step back. "Wait...servant?" Seeing Chen Xiang's frightened look, Liu Li's smile became even weirder.He nodded and stood up, looked around Chen Xiang up and down, and finally leaned into her ear, with a slow and soft voice: "Have a good time with Brother Thirteen?" "Slave..." Knowing that Liuli had misunderstood, Chen Xiang hurriedly wanted to explain, she only said two words, and was thrown to the ground by her slap in the face. "You also know that you are a slave, so you dare to seduce Brother Thirteen behind my back, how brave you are." There was a roar in Chen Xiang's ears, and a fishy-sweet taste came from the corner of his mouth.Regardless of still being dizzy, he tried to explain clearly: "Girl, you have misunderstood, Brother Thirteen is just asking your slaves about your preferences." "Oh? So that's how it is..." After hearing Chen Xiang's defense, Liu Li suddenly realized with a long voice.Then he squatted down slowly and grabbed Chen Xiang's chin. "Then don't I still have to thank you?" Looking at Liuli's distorted face, Chen Xiang knew that no matter how she explained now, Liuli would not listen.He simply bowed his head and remained silent, letting Liuli vent his anger. Seeing that Chen Xiang didn't pay attention to her anymore, Liuli stood up with a cold smile, looked down at Chen Xiang and said sadly: "I know you have grievances in your heart, but things are already like this, so what can be changed? Don't see Elder Brother Thirteen from today, maybe I can still think of you and give you a way to survive, otherwise..." Speaking of this, Liu Li clapped her hands, several eunuchs dragged a person in, and threw it heavily in front of Chen Xiang. "Chunshou—" Seeing that person's face clearly through the dim light, Chen Xiang screamed and rushed over.I saw blood all over his face and body, and he had already passed out.Through the tattered eunuch's uniform, one can see the bruised wounds scattered all over the place. "Liuli, what exactly do you want to do?!" Holding the dying Chunshou, Chen Xiang could no longer restrain the grievance and anger in his heart, and asked Liuli sharply. "It's nothing, I just thought of a fun game." She didn't care about Chen Xiang's accusation, Liu Li pursed her lips and smiled lightly, the contrast between her charming expression and vicious words was sharp. "I know he is your best friend, and he always likes to fight for you. After that, if you make a mistake, or go to Brother Thirteen and say something nonsense, he will be punished, right? Fair? Don't worry, I won't let him die, I will torture him very carefully, hahaha..." The more Liuli talked, the more complacent she became, and finally couldn't help laughing wildly.She is very clear about Chen Xiang's kind nature, and instead of threatening her, it is better to start with the people around her.With the handle in her hand, she can sit back and relax from now on. "Liuli, please don't torture Chunshou anymore! I've already made up my mind to withdraw from your lives far away and never see Elder Brother Shisan again. You can transfer me to wherever you want, the imperial dining room, Huanyi I'm willing to go to the bureau, even to clean the barrel. As long as you can rest assured, I'm willing to go anywhere!" Chen Xiang knelt on the ground, begging Liuli with tears in her eyes. These words were the result of her thinking on the way back. She originally wanted to find an opportunity to take the initiative to speak to Liuli, but she did not expect to say it in such a situation.原本以为此话一出，琉璃会正中下怀立刻应允，谁知道她却冷笑一声，脸上表情更加难看。 “你想得美！”琉璃杏眸圆睁，抬脚狠狠踹在了沉香身上。“你是觉得在我眼皮底下做那些不要脸的勾当不方便是吧？调到一个我看不见的地方正好让你放开手脚勾引十三阿哥是吗？别做梦了，我绝对不会给你这个机会的。我就是要把你放在眼前，时时刻刻盯着守着才能放心。我告诉你，你的如意算盘瞒不过我的眼睛。若是再犯，我就打折春寿的腿！” 自己委曲求全的想法竟然被琉璃说得如此不堪，沉香再也无力解释什么，用手撑起瘫软的身子，看着笑得花枝乱颤的琉璃，难以置信地摇着头，失魂落魄地一遍又一遍喃喃问道：“你为什么会变成这样？为什么？为什么……” “人不为己，天诛地灭，你自己好自为之，别逼我不顾姐妹情分，我们走——”觉得沉香这个问题无比的好笑，琉璃懒得和她多说，冷冷地丢下一句话，带着太监们押着春寿离开。 通铺房内，重新恢复了静寂。沉香瘫软在地上，仿佛回到了十三岁刚刚入宫的那一夜。 “别怕，没事了。她们欺负你啦？不用怕，这些人都是欺软怕硬的，以后她们要是再欺负你，你就来找我，我吓死她们，我叫琉璃，在乾西四所当差，你呢？……” 如此一幕熟悉的场景，只是时过境迁，当初欺负她的宫女，变成了今日的琉璃。而那个披着白布涂了朱砂装鬼救她的人，再也不会出现了。 夜色沉沉，笼罩着大地。两个小宫女值守归来，躲在树荫下看着天河窃窃私语。 “听，好像有哭声啊。”一个小宫女竖起耳朵听了半天，推了推身边的同伴。 “你小声些，吵到织女，她会不高兴的。”同伴将手指竖在嘴边，做了个“嘘”的动作之后，将嘴凑到了小宫女耳边压低声音道：“我听额娘说过，只有七夕夜这一天，织女和牛郎才能踩着鹊桥见面。这一天，织女都会哭的。” 小宫女急忙双手掩唇，生怕会打扰到这一对难得相聚的有情人。可是不到片刻，她又忍不住小声开口道：“不过他们真的很可怜，过了今晚，是不是又要分开啊？” “嗯，不过明年还是会再次相见的。”看着小宫女红着眼圈的样子，同伴推推她换了个话题。“快点快点，赶紧许个愿吧。听说这一天祈福，是很灵验的。” “真的？”小宫女眼睛一亮，立刻虔诚地双手合十，看着天河郑重道：“求织女娘娘保佑我不挨打不受罚，平平安安事事顺利。” 同伴听了，皱着眉推了她一下。“你怎么许这样的愿望啊？好没出息。” “那你呢？你许什么愿望？”小宫女撅着嘴，不服气地看着同伴问道。 “哼，你好好听着。”同伴白了她一眼，双膝着地跪下拜了三下，晶亮的眼睛倒映着天河的璀璨。“求织女娘娘保佑我得到皇上宠幸，荣宠后宫。实在不行，太子阿哥也都可以。” 小宫女听得害羞，红着脸取笑同伴道：“羞死人了，你这说的都是些什么呀。再说了，那样身份的人，怎么可能看得上咱们啊？” “不试试看怎么知道呢？”同伴不服，冷哼了一声语气坚决地说道：“我可不想就这么等到二十五岁，两手空荡荡地离开紫禁城。咱们是好姐妹，到时候要是有了机会，你可一定要帮我啊。” “嗯。”小宫女掩唇笑着，认真地点了点头。“我一定会帮你的。”