Chapter 20 Chapter 20 Princess Lanling
The news that Lanling King Gao Changgong was going to be engaged to the daughter of Zheng Sikong quickly spread throughout Yecheng, and the marriage was talked about everywhere in the streets and alleys. More than half of the girls in Yecheng had their eyes swollen from crying almost overnight, and their hearts were broken. But what makes more people curious is, what kind of woman can match up with the unparalleled King of Lanling?
At this time, Gao Mansion was also in chaos.
Chang Gong and Xiao Tie shrank obediently in a corner, not daring to look up at the aunt and brothers.However, the eyes of the brothers probably saw through several holes in her body, and she was so ashamed that she realized again that the eyes could really kill people, weeping in her heart.
"Chang Gong, you are too hasty." Xiao Yu, who hurried back from Shandong, changed her good temper in the past, "Why do you want to get married and get married?"
"No, the most embarrassing thing is that he still cried and asked the emperor to agree to marry Xiao Tie to him. Not only that, he even kowtowed over a dozen heads. Tell me, this is too embarrassing. !!" Xiao Wan blew his beard aside and stared.
Chang Gong raised his head resentfully, "Third brother, it's not that exaggerated..."
"Originally, it's not impossible for you to marry Xiao Tie, but I heard that you offended the emperor this time, and my brother is worried about you." Xiao Yu frowned.
"Okay, you all go out first, I want to talk to Chang Gong alone." The eldest princess signaled them all to go out first.
Chang Gong murmured and opened his mouth, "Ma'am, I..."
"Chang Gong, why are you so confused." The eldest princess looked worried, "What should I do now?"
"Mother, I will find a chance to send Xiao Tie away. Don't worry, nothing will happen." Chang Gong smiled, "My identity is not so easy to expose."
The eldest princess looked at her with a complicated expression, "Chang Gong, you will be eighteen next year. The current emperor has always been close to you. If you want to restore your daughter's body, maybe the emperor..."
Chang Gong was taken aback for a moment, that's right, the current emperor is Uncle Jiu, maybe Uncle Jiu would be lenient if he knew the truth, if Uncle Jiu saw himself wearing women's clothing, he would be surprised, right?If I tell Uncle Jiu...if...she suddenly becomes inexplicably excited, with a trace of unknown tension...
"But Chang Gong, if you regain your daughter's body, you will inevitably get married. But the emperor will definitely arrange a good marriage for you."
The aunt's words came to her ears, and her heart tightened again, not because she wanted to get married, but because she thought of a more important matter.
If she is a woman, how can she guard this country for Uncle Jiu?
If you were a woman, wouldn't you want to spend your whole life in a small backyard?
All of a sudden, complicated and chaotic thoughts came flooding in, making her at a loss as to what to do.
"Ma'am, let's talk about this later, and keep it as long as you can."
After a few days, the imperial decree came down, and Xiao Tie changed her name to Zheng Yuanji, and was officially adopted as Zheng Sikong's adoptive daughter. She will soon go to Sikong Mansion to receive guidance on various etiquettes that a princess should have. Chang Gong didn't expect the emperor to let Xiao Tie go to Sikong Mansion so soon, so he had to bite the bullet and agree first.When she was in the room to see if there was anything left behind, the door was suddenly pushed open.When she looked up, her expression froze. Could it be that everyone was engaged in a wheel war?This time it's his turn... "Heng Jia, why are you here?" She squeezed out a dry smile. Heng Jia ignored her, but closed the door first, then turned around and looked at her with a half-smile, "Of course I'm here to congratulate the prince on his marriage." "Don't make sarcastic remarks, I'm so annoyed." Chang Gong showed a helpless expression, "I was also impulsive that day, but the situation was critical at that time, and I could only do this." "You also know that this is a bad move. Are you planning to find an opportunity to send Xiaotie away? But I want to remind you that Turkic is about to form an alliance with Zhou Guo recently. It will be much more difficult to go to Turkic from here. I am afraid that after you send him away Before her, your wedding is coming. What do you think should be done? Also," Heng Jia suppressed her smile, "you can't keep her by your side forever, in case she finds out your secret, I doubt her... " "What do you suspect of her?" "It's nothing." Heng Jia avoided this topic, and a rare sense of sadness floated on his brows, "Chang Gong, the emperor will definitely marry you in the future, what should I do then? Your identity..." She sighed faintly, her eyes filled with tangled and contradictory expressions, "Hang Jia, am I——should I recover my identity?" Heng Jia raised his eyes and fixedly looked at her. His handsome face was as calm as water, and his deep black eyes were rippling with brilliance. He said word by word: "It's easy to restore your identity. I guarantee that the emperor will not blame you. However, Chang Gong , do you really think so? Is this what you really want? Chang Gong, in this troubled world, you will definitely radiate unparalleled brilliance. Are you really willing to be an ordinary woman who cares for her husband and teaches her children?" "Boom!" Suddenly there was the sound of something falling to the ground outside the door. Chang Gong rushed forward and slammed the door open, only to see Xiao Tie standing in the doorway with a shocked face, the porcelain bowl in his hand fell Cracked into pieces on the ground. Before she could react, Xiao Tie had already turned around and rushed out quickly. "She must have heard it, and she didn't chase after it!" As soon as Heng Jia's voice fell, Chang Gong's figure flickered, and he rushed out of the door.
Chang Gong chased to the street and found that Xiao Tie had disappeared. Just as he was in a hurry, he heard someone shouting not far away, "It's on fire, it's on fire!" She looked around and saw that it was a jewelry store in the city There was a fire, and the fire was not small, but fortunately, they were discovered in time, and the family had been rescued by the neighbors. The moment they rushed out, the first floor of the jewelry shop was completely engulfed by the fire... Suddenly, the woman screamed again, "Where's Xiao Liu? Why don't you see Xiao Liu?" The man immediately turned pale with shock, and wanted to rush into the fire, but was stopped by others, "It's such a big fire, going in is bound to be a dead end!" "My Xiaoliu is still on the second floor!" The woman burst into tears, and the others also sighed, for such a big fire, no one has enough energy... At this time, I saw a young man lightly leaping onto a big tree next to the jewelry shop, with the help of the branches, with a light tap, like a bird, he climbed into the second floor that was gradually starting to burn. Everyone gasped. It's been a while since the boy went in, the fire is getting bigger and bigger, the floor is creaking and cracking, and finally someone can't help but say, "I'm afraid the boy just now is in danger, right?" "Oh, it's a pity, it's a pity, at a young age..." Another person screamed, "Look, look! He's out!" "Bang!" There was a loud noise from the window on the second floor, and the boy flew out lightly and nimbly like a bird, with his toes touching the branch, he turned over neatly, and landed firmly on the ground. On the ground, there was a two or three-year-old boy in his arms. The woman who was still crying just now was stunned, staring at the little boy in the boy's arms in disbelief, she was speechless for a while. "This lady, your little six." The boy smiled and handed the little boy to her. Only then did the two couples come to their senses, holding the child and crying loudly, venting their joy for the rest of their lives after the catastrophe. The young man wiped his blackened face with his hand, revealing an infinitely radiant face. "Ah, isn't this the Prince of Lanling?" Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted in surprise, like a stone falling into the water, everyone surrounded him in disbelief. "Yes, yes, it is really the prince!" "My lord actually saved someone himself!" Chang Gong was a little at a loss, his face turned red.An old man squeezed forward with great effort, with an excited expression on his face, "My lord, you defeated the Turks, captured the rebels, a hero turned out to be a boy, and I finally saw you today! I have you and General Hulu in Daqi, no country can Dare to come and attack!" "That's right, with General Hulu and King Lanling here, even if they come to invade, they will be beaten to death!" "Yes, yes, if they dare to come, the prince will take command and set off. What's so scary!" A little girl about four or five years old smiled and pulled Chang Gong's sleeves, raised her head and rolled her black eyes, and said in a childish voice, "Brother Wang Ye, you will protect us, right?" Facing the eyes full of trust and enthusiasm, Chang Gong felt hot flashes in his eyes, stretched out his arms to hug the little girl, and nodded heavily, "Yes, brother will protect you, Daqi, and Your Majesty, I will never let anyone bully you!" When Heng Jia arrived in a hurry, he happened to see the young man standing heroically in the wind under the dazzling summer sun, raising his head, showing his face, and smiling... It was like suddenly seeing thousands of trees on a cold day. The peach blossoms are in full bloom.It is also like seeing miscellaneous peanut trees suddenly at the end of mountains and rivers, and the falling flowers are colorful.His heart instantly turned into a pool of spring water, with strands of strands, layer upon layer, quietly blooming, stretching out to the unknown distance... He believes that Chang Gong in women's clothing must be stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.However, her real charm is not in the gorgeous long dress; Chang Gong in military uniform may not be as charming as wearing women's clothing, but that is the real her, full of confidence and strength, shining like the morning sun, as a warrior And she exists. His gaze suddenly turned and landed on a familiar figure in the corner. Xiao Tie was also looking at this scene with complicated expressions on his face. Chang Gong also noticed him at this time, and managed to squeeze in front of him from the crowd, and suddenly smiled with relief, "Heng Jia, I want to protect not only the country of Uncle Jiu, but also these common people, in this In the world, there are things more important than yourself and dreams, and there are more people than your relatives to protect. That kind of thing is called responsibility. I am Gao Changgong, and I am fighting the enemy with blood on the battlefield. The King of Lanling who protects the country, not a little bird who is willing to be trapped in a golden cage!" Her deep eyes were full of determination and could not be moved. Heng Jia smiled slightly, he was right.That is the most beautiful thing Chang Gong has, the strength to find one's own direction even if confused, the strength to take responsibility even if one hesitates. If it were her, she would definitely be able to break through layers of shackles and shackles, and shine an irreplaceable light in this turbulent era and changing history!Then, he just needs to stay by her side, in the shadow beside the light.When she falls, catch her with a strong arm.When she wants to fly, first clear a piece of sky for her. Even if it is only as a man forever... If that is the path she chooses, he is willing to accompany her to the end. "Heng Jia, I don't know why, but I feel much more relaxed now." She blinked, and seemed to remember something, "By the way, I still have to go find this girl, Xiao Tie..." "Chang Gong—brother, I'm here." Xiao Tie's voice suddenly came from the corner of the alley. "Little Tie!" Chang Gong sneaked into the alley and grabbed her, "I was holding the door of the room just now, did you hear that? Where do you want to go?" Xiao Tie rolled his eyes, "Brother Chang Gong, why did I run away? I'm still waiting to become your princess." Chang Gong was slightly taken aback, "But you already know..." "Brother Chang Gong, no matter who you are, I only know that you are the irreplaceable King of Lanling on the battlefield," she smiled innocently, "I'm not going anywhere, Brother Chang Gong, I want to be with you By your side. With me as your concubine, no one will doubt your identity." "Xiao Tie..." Chang Gong pulled her into his arms, his heart felt hot, but he was speechless.
Summer is gradually going away, and autumn in Yecheng has come unknowingly. The sound of cicadas on the trees is still long, but it is faintly sad, without the vitality of midsummer.The vermilion walls in the palace seem to have lost their brilliance, and only show a slumped yellow, as if the youth and life of the maids have been smoothed out in the passing years. He Shikai played chess with the emperor as usual, every time he played a game, he could win or lose just right, and skillfully dealt with the emperor, always making the emperor happy.But recently, he found that the emperor always seemed to be absent-minded. Although the emperor didn't say anything, his intuition told him that it must have something to do with King Lanling. The emperor's love for King Lanling has exceeded ordinary people's imagination, which is why the empress is depressed and often complains about her dissatisfaction with King Lanling in front of him. Thinking of the queen, he also felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart. At the same time, he was a little puzzled. The emperor seemed to completely ignore the many contacts between him and the queen, or did he not care? "He Shikai, why do you sometimes lose your mind," the emperor's voice suddenly interrupted his thinking. He hurriedly laughed mockingly, "Your Majesty, I'm thinking hard about how to dismantle the emperor's wonderful banner." "It's your turn." The emperor raised his thin lips slightly, as if he had seen through his trick. "In this round, I'm willing to bow down." He shook his head in admiration, and then seemed to casually mention, "Your Majesty, I heard that the disaster situation in Shandong has been brought under control this time?" "That's right, the King of Henan did a good job this time." The emperor also answered casually. "The king of Henan has indeed made meritorious service this time, but this time he was ordered by the emperor to go to rescue the disaster, entrusting the great blessing of the emperor, but he didn't mention the emperor at all, and took all the credit for himself." He lowered his voice, "I heard that the soldiers and civilians in the Shandong area only know the King of Henan, but not His Majesty." Although the emperor didn't say anything, there was a layer of cold mist in his eyes. "Your Majesty, forgive me for talking too much. The King of Henan is also the eldest grandson of Emperor Shenwu, and he is quite prestigious in the court. If he has evil intentions, I'm afraid—" Heshi paused, but did not continue. "Oh, what do you think?" The emperor's voice was calm and calm. "Chen... I don't dare to speak nonsense." "Why don't you talk about it?" He hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, it is best to get rid of those who may threaten the crown prince as early as possible, so as to avoid endless troubles. Only in this way can the future of the emperor be assured. " As soon as the words fell, the emperor suddenly slapped the case again, his face full of anger, "Bold Hero, you have always been at odds with Henan Wang Gao Xiaoyu. Personal enmity, murdering my nephew, what should I do?" Shocked, he immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed, "Your Majesty, spare your life! Your Majesty, spare your life! I was confused for a while." After a while, he didn't hear any movement, so he raised his head cautiously, only to see that the emperor was looking thoughtfully at the sunspots on the chessboard, and the traces of murderous intent hidden in his indifferent eyes were like a storm coming. People feel trembling and suffocating. He lowered his head again, but there was an unfathomable smile on the corner of his mouth.
After a few days, the imperial decree came down, and Xiao Tie changed her name to Zheng Yuanji, and was officially adopted as Zheng Sikong's adoptive daughter. She will soon go to Sikong Mansion to receive guidance on various etiquettes that a princess should have. Chang Gong didn't expect the emperor to let Xiao Tie go to Sikong Mansion so soon, so he had to bite the bullet and agree first.When she was in the room to see if there was anything left behind, the door was suddenly pushed open.When she looked up, her expression froze. Could it be that everyone was engaged in a wheel war?This time it's his turn... "Heng Jia, why are you here?" She squeezed out a dry smile. Heng Jia ignored her, but closed the door first, then turned around and looked at her with a half-smile, "Of course I'm here to congratulate the prince on his marriage." "Don't make sarcastic remarks, I'm so annoyed." Chang Gong showed a helpless expression, "I was also impulsive that day, but the situation was critical at that time, and I could only do this." "You also know that this is a bad move. Are you planning to find an opportunity to send Xiaotie away? But I want to remind you that Turkic is about to form an alliance with Zhou Guo recently. It will be much more difficult to go to Turkic from here. I am afraid that after you send him away Before her, your wedding is coming. What do you think should be done? Also," Heng Jia suppressed her smile, "you can't keep her by your side forever, in case she finds out your secret, I doubt her... " "What do you suspect of her?" "It's nothing." Heng Jia avoided this topic, and a rare sense of sadness floated on his brows, "Chang Gong, the emperor will definitely marry you in the future, what should I do then? Your identity..." She sighed faintly, her eyes filled with tangled and contradictory expressions, "Hang Jia, am I——should I recover my identity?" Heng Jia raised his eyes and fixedly looked at her. His handsome face was as calm as water, and his deep black eyes were rippling with brilliance. He said word by word: "It's easy to restore your identity. I guarantee that the emperor will not blame you. However, Chang Gong , do you really think so? Is this what you really want? Chang Gong, in this troubled world, you will definitely radiate unparalleled brilliance. Are you really willing to be an ordinary woman who cares for her husband and teaches her children?" "Boom!" Suddenly there was the sound of something falling to the ground outside the door. Chang Gong rushed forward and slammed the door open, only to see Xiao Tie standing in the doorway with a shocked face, the porcelain bowl in his hand fell Cracked into pieces on the ground. Before she could react, Xiao Tie had already turned around and rushed out quickly. "She must have heard it, and she didn't chase after it!" As soon as Heng Jia's voice fell, Chang Gong's figure flickered, and he rushed out of the door.
Chang Gong chased to the street and found that Xiao Tie had disappeared. Just as he was in a hurry, he heard someone shouting not far away, "It's on fire, it's on fire!" She looked around and saw that it was a jewelry store in the city There was a fire, and the fire was not small, but fortunately, they were discovered in time, and the family had been rescued by the neighbors. The moment they rushed out, the first floor of the jewelry shop was completely engulfed by the fire... Suddenly, the woman screamed again, "Where's Xiao Liu? Why don't you see Xiao Liu?" The man immediately turned pale with shock, and wanted to rush into the fire, but was stopped by others, "It's such a big fire, going in is bound to be a dead end!" "My Xiaoliu is still on the second floor!" The woman burst into tears, and the others also sighed, for such a big fire, no one has enough energy... At this time, I saw a young man lightly leaping onto a big tree next to the jewelry shop, with the help of the branches, with a light tap, like a bird, he climbed into the second floor that was gradually starting to burn. Everyone gasped. It's been a while since the boy went in, the fire is getting bigger and bigger, the floor is creaking and cracking, and finally someone can't help but say, "I'm afraid the boy just now is in danger, right?" "Oh, it's a pity, it's a pity, at a young age..." Another person screamed, "Look, look! He's out!" "Bang!" There was a loud noise from the window on the second floor, and the boy flew out lightly and nimbly like a bird, with his toes touching the branch, he turned over neatly, and landed firmly on the ground. On the ground, there was a two or three-year-old boy in his arms. The woman who was still crying just now was stunned, staring at the little boy in the boy's arms in disbelief, she was speechless for a while. "This lady, your little six." The boy smiled and handed the little boy to her. Only then did the two couples come to their senses, holding the child and crying loudly, venting their joy for the rest of their lives after the catastrophe. The young man wiped his blackened face with his hand, revealing an infinitely radiant face. "Ah, isn't this the Prince of Lanling?" Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted in surprise, like a stone falling into the water, everyone surrounded him in disbelief. "Yes, yes, it is really the prince!" "My lord actually saved someone himself!" Chang Gong was a little at a loss, his face turned red.An old man squeezed forward with great effort, with an excited expression on his face, "My lord, you defeated the Turks, captured the rebels, a hero turned out to be a boy, and I finally saw you today! I have you and General Hulu in Daqi, no country can Dare to come and attack!" "That's right, with General Hulu and King Lanling here, even if they come to invade, they will be beaten to death!" "Yes, yes, if they dare to come, the prince will take command and set off. What's so scary!" A little girl about four or five years old smiled and pulled Chang Gong's sleeves, raised her head and rolled her black eyes, and said in a childish voice, "Brother Wang Ye, you will protect us, right?" Facing the eyes full of trust and enthusiasm, Chang Gong felt hot flashes in his eyes, stretched out his arms to hug the little girl, and nodded heavily, "Yes, brother will protect you, Daqi, and Your Majesty, I will never let anyone bully you!" When Heng Jia arrived in a hurry, he happened to see the young man standing heroically in the wind under the dazzling summer sun, raising his head, showing his face, and smiling... It was like suddenly seeing thousands of trees on a cold day. The peach blossoms are in full bloom.It is also like seeing miscellaneous peanut trees suddenly at the end of mountains and rivers, and the falling flowers are colorful.His heart instantly turned into a pool of spring water, with strands of strands, layer upon layer, quietly blooming, stretching out to the unknown distance... He believes that Chang Gong in women's clothing must be stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.However, her real charm is not in the gorgeous long dress; Chang Gong in military uniform may not be as charming as wearing women's clothing, but that is the real her, full of confidence and strength, shining like the morning sun, as a warrior And she exists. His gaze suddenly turned and landed on a familiar figure in the corner. Xiao Tie was also looking at this scene with complicated expressions on his face. Chang Gong also noticed him at this time, and managed to squeeze in front of him from the crowd, and suddenly smiled with relief, "Heng Jia, I want to protect not only the country of Uncle Jiu, but also these common people, in this In the world, there are things more important than yourself and dreams, and there are more people than your relatives to protect. That kind of thing is called responsibility. I am Gao Changgong, and I am fighting the enemy with blood on the battlefield. The King of Lanling who protects the country, not a little bird who is willing to be trapped in a golden cage!" Her deep eyes were full of determination and could not be moved. Heng Jia smiled slightly, he was right.That is the most beautiful thing Chang Gong has, the strength to find one's own direction even if confused, the strength to take responsibility even if one hesitates. If it were her, she would definitely be able to break through layers of shackles and shackles, and shine an irreplaceable light in this turbulent era and changing history!Then, he just needs to stay by her side, in the shadow beside the light.When she falls, catch her with a strong arm.When she wants to fly, first clear a piece of sky for her. Even if it is only as a man forever... If that is the path she chooses, he is willing to accompany her to the end. "Heng Jia, I don't know why, but I feel much more relaxed now." She blinked, and seemed to remember something, "By the way, I still have to go find this girl, Xiao Tie..." "Chang Gong—brother, I'm here." Xiao Tie's voice suddenly came from the corner of the alley. "Little Tie!" Chang Gong sneaked into the alley and grabbed her, "I was holding the door of the room just now, did you hear that? Where do you want to go?" Xiao Tie rolled his eyes, "Brother Chang Gong, why did I run away? I'm still waiting to become your princess." Chang Gong was slightly taken aback, "But you already know..." "Brother Chang Gong, no matter who you are, I only know that you are the irreplaceable King of Lanling on the battlefield," she smiled innocently, "I'm not going anywhere, Brother Chang Gong, I want to be with you By your side. With me as your concubine, no one will doubt your identity." "Xiao Tie..." Chang Gong pulled her into his arms, his heart felt hot, but he was speechless.
Summer is gradually going away, and autumn in Yecheng has come unknowingly. The sound of cicadas on the trees is still long, but it is faintly sad, without the vitality of midsummer.The vermilion walls in the palace seem to have lost their brilliance, and only show a slumped yellow, as if the youth and life of the maids have been smoothed out in the passing years. He Shikai played chess with the emperor as usual, every time he played a game, he could win or lose just right, and skillfully dealt with the emperor, always making the emperor happy.But recently, he found that the emperor always seemed to be absent-minded. Although the emperor didn't say anything, his intuition told him that it must have something to do with King Lanling. The emperor's love for King Lanling has exceeded ordinary people's imagination, which is why the empress is depressed and often complains about her dissatisfaction with King Lanling in front of him. Thinking of the queen, he also felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart. At the same time, he was a little puzzled. The emperor seemed to completely ignore the many contacts between him and the queen, or did he not care? "He Shikai, why do you sometimes lose your mind," the emperor's voice suddenly interrupted his thinking. He hurriedly laughed mockingly, "Your Majesty, I'm thinking hard about how to dismantle the emperor's wonderful banner." "It's your turn." The emperor raised his thin lips slightly, as if he had seen through his trick. "In this round, I'm willing to bow down." He shook his head in admiration, and then seemed to casually mention, "Your Majesty, I heard that the disaster situation in Shandong has been brought under control this time?" "That's right, the King of Henan did a good job this time." The emperor also answered casually. "The king of Henan has indeed made meritorious service this time, but this time he was ordered by the emperor to go to rescue the disaster, entrusting the great blessing of the emperor, but he didn't mention the emperor at all, and took all the credit for himself." He lowered his voice, "I heard that the soldiers and civilians in the Shandong area only know the King of Henan, but not His Majesty." Although the emperor didn't say anything, there was a layer of cold mist in his eyes. "Your Majesty, forgive me for talking too much. The King of Henan is also the eldest grandson of Emperor Shenwu, and he is quite prestigious in the court. If he has evil intentions, I'm afraid—" Heshi paused, but did not continue. "Oh, what do you think?" The emperor's voice was calm and calm. "Chen... I don't dare to speak nonsense." "Why don't you talk about it?" He hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, it is best to get rid of those who may threaten the crown prince as early as possible, so as to avoid endless troubles. Only in this way can the future of the emperor be assured. " As soon as the words fell, the emperor suddenly slapped the case again, his face full of anger, "Bold Hero, you have always been at odds with Henan Wang Gao Xiaoyu. Personal enmity, murdering my nephew, what should I do?" Shocked, he immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed, "Your Majesty, spare your life! Your Majesty, spare your life! I was confused for a while." After a while, he didn't hear any movement, so he raised his head cautiously, only to see that the emperor was looking thoughtfully at the sunspots on the chessboard, and the traces of murderous intent hidden in his indifferent eyes were like a storm coming. People feel trembling and suffocating. He lowered his head again, but there was an unfathomable smile on the corner of his mouth.