Chapter 30 Chapter Thirty Birthday
The silent dawn, the sound of continuous rain and the sound of cars passing by, is extraordinarily empty and desolate.The wind and dust are soft and red.The whole city of Ye was shrouded in continuous drizzle.The green grass and ancient trees, the gray tiles and the whitewashed walls are all stained and moist as if they are about to drip water.
Chang Gong's eighteenth birthday came in such a drizzle.In order to celebrate her birthday, Gao Zhan specifically asked her not to go to court today, and Chang Gong was naturally happy to be lazy for a day.
When it was nearly dusk, the room was already filled with expensive gifts from civil and military officials, and the maids were still busy carrying all kinds of stunning brocades bestowed by the emperor. Brocade, Pu Tao Wenjin, Dazhuyu Brocade, Phoenix Suzaku Brocade, Tao Wenjin, Shu Ti, Zi Ti, Qing Ti Ming Guang Brocade, Fei Ti Deng Gao Wen Brocade, piled up on the shelves, shining brightly in the sun.In addition, there are countless rare treasures, none of which are priceless.
On the long list of gifts, Chang Gong unexpectedly did not see Hulu Hengjia's name.This stingy fox knew that he was reluctant to spend a copper.
"My lord, the emperor really treats you with extraordinary honor and favor." The maid said enviously while arranging the brocade.
Chang Gong smiled faintly, and turned his face away. Every year on her birthday, Uncle Jiu will definitely give her a lot of presents. It seems as if he wants to move the entire treasury here, and this year he gave even more. to exaggeration.
However, when I saw these gifts this year, after a moment of joy, it was replaced by unknown sadness and sadness...
Thinking of this moment last year, the big brother's smile seems to be still in front of my eyes...
But this year...
"Chang Gong, you have received a lot of presents today." The princess's voice came from outside the door, pulling her back from her wandering thoughts.
"Ma'am..." When she turned her head, she had recovered her smile, "Yeah, I don't know what to do with so many presents."
The eldest princess smiled slightly, "I don't think you need to go to court, Chang Gong, you can live for several lifetimes with these gifts."
Chang Gong pursed his lips, and picked up a piece of phoenix Suzaku Brocade, "Ma'am, you're making fun of me again. By the way, this rose apple brocade looks very suitable for you. I remember my mother said that I like rose apples the most." pattern, so this transfer to you is perfect."
The eldest princess seemed to be slightly taken aback, "I just said something casually..."
"I know what my aunt and third brother like best." Chang Gong blinked, "Because you are all my most important relatives in this world."
There was a flash of mixed feelings on the face of the eldest princess, and then she took Chang Gong's hand again, "Look, is there any girl like you who has calluses on the palm of her hand, this kind of beating I don’t know when the day of killing will be the head.”
"Auntie, if this kind of fighting and killing can be exchanged for the safety of my Daqi, the people, the emperor, and the safety of my Gao family, I am willing. I would rather not recover my daughter's body for the rest of my life," she said with a smile. A little firm, "I have already lost my elder brother, and I don't want to lose you again, aunt, I will definitely do my best to protect you."
As soon as Chang Gong finished speaking, she suddenly felt that the aunt's fingers had become icy cold, and she could almost clearly see the light blue veins, which were beating weakly, and she could even feel the other party's expression that instantly froze because of this.
The room seemed to be quiet all of a sudden...
"Chang Gong," the eldest princess finally opened her mouth after a long time, "If someone close to you has done something wrong, maybe something that made you sad, or something that hurt your relatives, you— —will you forgive him?"
Chang Gong raised his head in surprise, only to see the light and shadow in the room slanting, half of the aunt's face was bathed in the setting sun, but the other half of her face was hidden in the shadow.
Why did the aunt suddenly say this?Could it be that she was thinking of her eldest brother when she was touched by the scene, then the person she was referring to must be Uncle Jiu...
"I—will." She struggled to utter two words. Yes, she had forgiven him this time. At the moment when she defied the military order and rushed to Jinyang, she knew clearly that for Uncle Jiu She couldn't explain the kind of feelings she had.However, she only knew that in her heart, Uncle Jiu's status as a relative was unsurpassable by anyone...anyone.
But, Uncle Jiu, don't do it again, otherwise, even she herself is not sure whether she will forgive him again...
"By the way, it's already this hour, why hasn't the third brother come back?" Chang Gong looked at the sky, and quickly changed the topic that made her sad.
The eldest princess also seemed a little surprised, "Yeah, Xiaowan also said that he would come back earlier to celebrate for you. Maybe he was preparing a gift for you. You know, every year he racks his brains to make a gift for you." Prepare the most special gift. He has never given such thought to anyone."
Chang Gong laughed lightly, and was about to say something, when suddenly she heard the faint barking of a puppy from the garden, and just when she was surprised, she saw a group of little white shadows rushing in with a whoosh. Straight into her arms...
Her reaction was also extremely fast, and she immediately caught the little white figure with her hands. She felt the tentacles were warm and soft. When she took a closer look, she turned out to be a very cute puppy. Its hair, if you look carefully at it one by one, is sharp. The upper part is black, the middle is pure white, and the roots close to the skin are gray again.When touched by hand, its fur is like a layer of frost, which feels wonderful.
"It's so cute!" The girl's nature of loving small animals was immediately stimulated by this soft little thing. Chang Gong hugged the puppy, overjoyed.
"Fourth brother, do you like this gift?" Xiao Wan walked in with a smile, followed by Hu Lu Heng Jia.
Chang Gong nodded again and again, "I like it, I like it very much, third brother, thank you!"
"I didn't expect you to really like it. When Heng Jia suggested it to me, I said how could a man, fourth brother, like such a small thing." Xiao Wan patted Heng Jia's shoulder in a good mood.
Chang Gong's heart moved, and he looked up at Heng Jia.There was a slightly smug smile on his lips, and he winked at her, as if to say that only he knew her secret.
"I heard that for this kind of dog, the more Yingjie's silver lines are, the more expensive the breed." The eldest princess also stroked the puppy affectionately, "I'm afraid the price of this little thing is not cheap."
"Mother, you have the best vision. This puppy is a Persian breed with a docile personality. A puppy like this can replace dozens of maids." Xiao Wan said with a high spirit.
"Third brother, you're so kind!" Chang Gong glanced at Heng Jia nonchalantly, "It's not like some stingy ghosts who don't take a hair out of their hair."
Heng Jia couldn't help laughing, "Chang Gong, are you talking about me?"
Chang Gong pursed his lips, "Otherwise there is another cheapskate, why don't you tell me what you gave me?"
"Of course there is," Heng Jia unhurriedly picked up the box in his hand, "Don't you think this is it?"
Chang Gong scanned the box with suspicious eyes, huh?Has this guy gotten generous?With disbelief, she opened the box and saw a flat plate inside.
"This..." She hesitated. Could it be that this plate is an antique?
"Food is the paramount necessity of the people, and everything is the same, so you see, is it timely for me to deliver this puppy's dinner plate?" He smiled cunningly.
The corner of her mouth twitched, "Heng Jia, you really gave it away. The price of this plate is probably only worth two steamed buns, right?"
"Eh? Heng Jia, why is there a gap in this plate?" Xiao Wan pointed to the edge of the plate in surprise.
"Oh, I didn't see clearly when I was picking it up." Heng Jia blurted out, as soon as his words fell, several people in the room stiffened at the same time.
"Dead fox, you, you just picked up a broken plate on the road and gave it to me, you..." Chang Gong pulled the corners of his mouth, almost vomiting blood in anger.This guy has been stingy to a certain level, and he is about to become a fairy.
Heng Jia watched Chang Gong's angry expression with great interest, smiled lightly, and took out something from his arms, "Okay, I was just teasing you, this is your gift."
Chang Gong snorted, and said angrily, "It's not rare!" But he couldn't help looking at Heng Jia's hand, and when he saw something like that, he couldn't help being stunned.It was a delicate, white and flawless double-chi chicken heart jade pendant, and it was very valuable at first glance.She has seen many valuable things, but this seems to be the first time someone gave her such a feminine gift.
"Heng Jia, why did you give this daughter something that only her family would wear?" Xiao Wan shouted from the side.
Heng Jia smiled meaningfully, "Then, Chang Gong will give it to his future wife in the future."
How could Xiao Wan think about the reason, nodded repeatedly and said, "Not bad, not bad, this is suitable for your princess."
Heng Jia came to her side, put the jade pendant in her palm, leaned over and whispered a few words in her ear.
Chang Gong's body shook slightly, he held the jade pendant tightly, forced himself to hold back the tears welling up from his eyes, lowered his head and said nothing, only the words he said were in his ears In echo, "Congratulations, Cherry."
"Prince Lanling," the royal guard in the palace suddenly appeared at the door, and said to her clearly, "The emperor ordered you to enter the palace immediately." Chang Gong raised his eyes in doubt, didn't he say yes, wait Will she go to accompany Uncle Jiu after eating at home?Why are you in such a hurry now?
"Since it's the emperor's order, Chang Gong, you should go and come back quickly." An elusive look faintly appeared in the eyes of the eldest princess.
"Chang Gong, don't go!" Xiao Wan blurted out, as if realizing his slip of the tongue, he quickly added, "I mean, why don't you go with the third brother?"
Heng Jia looked at Xiao Wan in surprise, his face was full of undisguised worry, but even if he was worried, his reaction seemed to be a little too big, right?It is not uncommon for the emperor to call Chang Gong into the palace at night, not to mention it is Chang Gong's birthday today.
Chang Gong also burst out laughing, "Third Brother, what's wrong with you? I'm just going to see Uncle Jiu, not some dangerous place."
"Yeah, Xiaowan, don't you want Chang Gong to disobey the holy order? Are you confused?" The eldest princess looked at her son meaningfully, then smiled at Chang Gong, "Then hurry up, we will wait I'll congratulate you when you come back."
"Well, I will definitely come back as soon as possible." Chang Gong smiled and stepped out of the room.
The eldest princess also walked out, and before leaving, she did not forget to scold Xiao Wan again.
Xiao Wan looked at their backs, but said nothing.Just asked quietly, "Hang Jia, do you think the emperor would like men?"
"What?" Heng Jia raised his eyebrows in surprise.
When Chang Gong came to the palace, he was led to Xiandu Garden by the maid who had been waiting there, which surprised Chang Gong a little.This Xiandu Garden was built in the time of Emperor Wenxuan Gaoyang.In the garden, the ground is dug to form a pool, and the earth is piled up to form a mountain. The scale is grand, and it is known as "Five Sacred Mountains" and "Sidu".There are palaces all over the place, such as Qingyun Tower, Mandarin Duck Tower, Parrot Tower, Lingyun City, Yusu Hall, Ziwei Hall, Youlong Temple, and the temple buildings are all tassel curtains, with jade stones and square mirrors hanging on the walls, and brocade mattresses as lichens. Sachets are everywhere, luxurious and magnificent. Therefore, this place was used by the emperor to place his favorite concubine before, that is to say, it can be regarded as another harem of the emperor.But since Gao Zhan ascended the throne, this place has been vacant. Walking along the way, she saw a lot of smoked cages made of thin bamboo strips, and a series of more than ten were placed under the eaves of the hall.Bamboo smoke is shrouded and placed on top of a large wooden basin, which is filled with steaming water.Underneath, there is a charcoal stove simmering, and the fragrant cakes in the water melt, and the aroma is dense, and everything around is smoky. The palace lady took her all the way to the largest Youlong Hall in the garden, and saw a hundred and fifty silver lamps placed in front of the hall, like a tree of fire, with wax tears condensed, looking like fiery red flowers. Huge fires were burning everywhere, and the cold night was quickly melted by warm red. The palace maid quickly withdrew, Chang Gong looked around in confusion, she was the only one left in such a big place.What exactly is going on? She walked forward in confusion, and suddenly saw a man leaning on the side of the lotus pond not far ahead, he seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, his clean and slender body covered the colorful hydrangeas hanging down on the ground. The shop is too full, and the whole branches can't hold back, and the half moon in the water is slanting, full of the past and youth. The person lying on the side by the water is like the shadow of the moon, quietly blending into the room. The light is like the water moon, and the brightness is like glass. Uncle Jiu... This situation made Chang Gong have a momentary hallucination. If the moon also has a lover, then the man in front of him is the only one in the world who can match him. "Chang Gong, you're here." Gao Zhan opened his eyes. Chang Gong quickly settled down, "Uncle Jiu, why did you call me into the palace so early? Why did you choose this place?" Gao Zhan stood up, took her hand casually, and smiled slightly, "Because, I have something very interesting to show you, and I don't want anyone to disturb us." Chang Gong glanced at the hand held by him. Although he felt that Uncle Jiu seemed a little strange today, he didn't think too much about it. He just felt a little uncomfortable. "What's the matter? Didn't I often hold you like this when I was a child? Because, Chang Gong won't fall down." The bright smile on his handsome face seemed to sparkle with all the colors in the world. Chang Gong was stunned for a moment, and the scene of Uncle Jiu holding her hand for fear of her falling when she was a child appeared in her mind, and her heart suddenly became infinitely soft, as if a warm stream of water was slowly flowing into her heart. The ultimate gentleness makes people infinitely intoxicated. Gao Zhan took her to sit down in front of the table set up in front of the hall, and clapped his hands lightly. A melodious music sounded, and Chang Gong heard that this was her favorite "Tianzhu Ji". In the sound of such music, an incredible scene appeared. A tidal and file team gradually poured in here. Under the guidance of the swaying and dancing fish and dragon team, all kinds of novel juggling, comedians, dwarves, floats, giant elephants, pulling wells, planting melons, etc., There are all sorts of strange things, dazzling to the eyes, and they come one after another. The vaudeville troupe jumped and danced happily, and the costumes of the actors were all tied with tiny lanterns with candles inside. They were vivid and strange, and they disappeared behind the garden in an instant, like a dream, like a mirage. I don't know when, two big pillars were erected in the courtyard, and the red rope was tied between the two pillars, ten feet apart. Two stunning beauties climbed to the top of the pillar at a dizzying speed, danced and circled on the rope more than ten feet above the ground, somersaulted, and jumped over each other's heads.Afterwards, they sometimes retreat and sometimes move forward, meeting each other and passing shoulder to shoulder, exchanging ideas, singing and dancing non-stop. All the tricksters participating in the dance and music are dressed in beautiful and colorful clothes.Under the light, their costumes are all kinds of strange and colorful, making people dazzled. Gao Zhan seemed in a good mood, drank several glasses of wine in a row, and asked in a low voice, "Chang Gong, do you like it?" Chang Gong had been stunned for a long time, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses, and stammered, "Uncle Jiu, this, this is too extravagant, it must have cost a lot..." Gao Zhan chuckled, "I just ask if you like it or not?" "I like it, of course I like it." She bit her lip, Uncle Jiu put so much thought into her birthday, how could she not like it? "As long as you like it." His handsome face was a little red because of the alcohol, and a trace of tenderness and pity in his eyes pulled her like a thread. "Chang Gong, as long as you like, I will give it to you." Chang Gong took a sip of the wine in the glass, but didn't know what to say. Noticing that he drank a lot of wine, he couldn't help but persuade, "Uncle Jiu, you are not in good health, don't drink too much." Gao Zhan shook his head disapprovingly, "Today is Chang Gong's 18th birthday, why don't you have to drink more glasses, and there are more interesting things that I haven't shown you yet." As he spoke, he clapped his hands again, and all the tricksters retreated immediately. "Bang!" A loud noise pierced the sky, and she raised her head in surprise, only to see a cluster of bright fireworks blooming in the air like golden chrysanthemums, and then falling slowly like shooting stars, followed by fireworks one after another. They were ignited and flew into the sky one by one, and the whole sky was instantly filled with magical, brilliant, bright colors that cannot be described in words.The fireworks flying in the night sky burst into flames, changing from one pattern to another.And the ground of the courtyard, which was still immersed in the shadows, suddenly became as bright as day. "It's so beautiful..." She opened her eyes wide and admired sincerely. This kind of court fireworks from the Han Dynasty, because it consumes a lot of fire saltpeter and red charcoal, is expensive and laborious. It is only used for important events such as the emperor's enthronement only occasionally used... "Uncle Jiu, I... it seems a bit wasteful to set off the fireworks here." She said incoherently, although she knew that Uncle Jiu had always loved her, but for some reason, she felt a little disturbed in her heart. "Was it a waste?" He stared at her, "I just want Chang Gong to watch it alone." Chang Gong raised his eyes to look at Gao Zhan, and could vaguely see the compelling heat in his eyes, the heat hidden deep under the chill on the surface of the pupils, scorching hot... Such Uncle Jiu made her feel a little inexplicable uneasy... "Chang Gong..." He stood up staggeringly, as if he wanted to say something, hesitated but still didn't say it. Why?Why at this moment, he still couldn't say the words that lingered in his heart for a long time. If you are afraid, you are afraid that you will feel pain in your heart, but you are at a loss and dare not seek, dare not try. This is the ultimate suffering of "not seeking", and it is difficult to escape.Is it not? What is he afraid of?What are you worried about?In the end...how long will it be painful? "Uncle Jiu, you drank too much, I'd better send you back to Zhaoyang Hall first." Chang Gong hurriedly supported him. "I'm not going to Zhaoyang Palace," he said in a low voice, rubbing his swollen forehead, "I'll stay in Qingyun Palace in Xiandu Garden tonight."
When Chang Gong came to the palace, he was led to Xiandu Garden by the maid who had been waiting there, which surprised Chang Gong a little.This Xiandu Garden was built in the time of Emperor Wenxuan Gaoyang.In the garden, the ground is dug to form a pool, and the earth is piled up to form a mountain. The scale is grand, and it is known as "Five Sacred Mountains" and "Sidu".There are palaces all over the place, such as Qingyun Tower, Mandarin Duck Tower, Parrot Tower, Lingyun City, Yusu Hall, Ziwei Hall, Youlong Temple, and the temple buildings are all tassel curtains, with jade stones and square mirrors hanging on the walls, and brocade mattresses as lichens. Sachets are everywhere, luxurious and magnificent. Therefore, this place was used by the emperor to place his favorite concubine before, that is to say, it can be regarded as another harem of the emperor.But since Gao Zhan ascended the throne, this place has been vacant. Walking along the way, she saw a lot of smoked cages made of thin bamboo strips, and a series of more than ten were placed under the eaves of the hall.Bamboo smoke is shrouded and placed on top of a large wooden basin, which is filled with steaming water.Underneath, there is a charcoal stove simmering, and the fragrant cakes in the water melt, and the aroma is dense, and everything around is smoky. The palace lady took her all the way to the largest Youlong Hall in the garden, and saw a hundred and fifty silver lamps placed in front of the hall, like a tree of fire, with wax tears condensed, looking like fiery red flowers. Huge fires were burning everywhere, and the cold night was quickly melted by warm red. The palace maid quickly withdrew, Chang Gong looked around in confusion, she was the only one left in such a big place.What exactly is going on? She walked forward in confusion, and suddenly saw a man leaning on the side of the lotus pond not far ahead, he seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, his clean and slender body covered the colorful hydrangeas hanging down on the ground. The shop is too full, and the whole branches can't hold back, and the half moon in the water is slanting, full of the past and youth. The person lying on the side by the water is like the shadow of the moon, quietly blending into the room. The light is like the water moon, and the brightness is like glass. Uncle Jiu... This situation made Chang Gong have a momentary hallucination. If the moon also has a lover, then the man in front of him is the only one in the world who can match him. "Chang Gong, you're here." Gao Zhan opened his eyes. Chang Gong quickly settled down, "Uncle Jiu, why did you call me into the palace so early? Why did you choose this place?" Gao Zhan stood up, took her hand casually, and smiled slightly, "Because, I have something very interesting to show you, and I don't want anyone to disturb us." Chang Gong glanced at the hand held by him. Although he felt that Uncle Jiu seemed a little strange today, he didn't think too much about it. He just felt a little uncomfortable. "What's the matter? Didn't I often hold you like this when I was a child? Because, Chang Gong won't fall down." The bright smile on his handsome face seemed to sparkle with all the colors in the world. Chang Gong was stunned for a moment, and the scene of Uncle Jiu holding her hand for fear of her falling when she was a child appeared in her mind, and her heart suddenly became infinitely soft, as if a warm stream of water was slowly flowing into her heart. The ultimate gentleness makes people infinitely intoxicated. Gao Zhan took her to sit down in front of the table set up in front of the hall, and clapped his hands lightly. A melodious music sounded, and Chang Gong heard that this was her favorite "Tianzhu Ji". In the sound of such music, an incredible scene appeared. A tidal and file team gradually poured in here. Under the guidance of the swaying and dancing fish and dragon team, all kinds of novel juggling, comedians, dwarves, floats, giant elephants, pulling wells, planting melons, etc., There are all sorts of strange things, dazzling to the eyes, and they come one after another. The vaudeville troupe jumped and danced happily, and the costumes of the actors were all tied with tiny lanterns with candles inside. They were vivid and strange, and they disappeared behind the garden in an instant, like a dream, like a mirage. I don't know when, two big pillars were erected in the courtyard, and the red rope was tied between the two pillars, ten feet apart. Two stunning beauties climbed to the top of the pillar at a dizzying speed, danced and circled on the rope more than ten feet above the ground, somersaulted, and jumped over each other's heads.Afterwards, they sometimes retreat and sometimes move forward, meeting each other and passing shoulder to shoulder, exchanging ideas, singing and dancing non-stop. All the tricksters participating in the dance and music are dressed in beautiful and colorful clothes.Under the light, their costumes are all kinds of strange and colorful, making people dazzled. Gao Zhan seemed in a good mood, drank several glasses of wine in a row, and asked in a low voice, "Chang Gong, do you like it?" Chang Gong had been stunned for a long time, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses, and stammered, "Uncle Jiu, this, this is too extravagant, it must have cost a lot..." Gao Zhan chuckled, "I just ask if you like it or not?" "I like it, of course I like it." She bit her lip, Uncle Jiu put so much thought into her birthday, how could she not like it? "As long as you like it." His handsome face was a little red because of the alcohol, and a trace of tenderness and pity in his eyes pulled her like a thread. "Chang Gong, as long as you like, I will give it to you." Chang Gong took a sip of the wine in the glass, but didn't know what to say. Noticing that he drank a lot of wine, he couldn't help but persuade, "Uncle Jiu, you are not in good health, don't drink too much." Gao Zhan shook his head disapprovingly, "Today is Chang Gong's 18th birthday, why don't you have to drink more glasses, and there are more interesting things that I haven't shown you yet." As he spoke, he clapped his hands again, and all the tricksters retreated immediately. "Bang!" A loud noise pierced the sky, and she raised her head in surprise, only to see a cluster of bright fireworks blooming in the air like golden chrysanthemums, and then falling slowly like shooting stars, followed by fireworks one after another. They were ignited and flew into the sky one by one, and the whole sky was instantly filled with magical, brilliant, bright colors that cannot be described in words.The fireworks flying in the night sky burst into flames, changing from one pattern to another.And the ground of the courtyard, which was still immersed in the shadows, suddenly became as bright as day. "It's so beautiful..." She opened her eyes wide and admired sincerely. This kind of court fireworks from the Han Dynasty, because it consumes a lot of fire saltpeter and red charcoal, is expensive and laborious. It is only used for important events such as the emperor's enthronement only occasionally used... "Uncle Jiu, I... it seems a bit wasteful to set off the fireworks here." She said incoherently, although she knew that Uncle Jiu had always loved her, but for some reason, she felt a little disturbed in her heart. "Was it a waste?" He stared at her, "I just want Chang Gong to watch it alone." Chang Gong raised his eyes to look at Gao Zhan, and could vaguely see the compelling heat in his eyes, the heat hidden deep under the chill on the surface of the pupils, scorching hot... Such Uncle Jiu made her feel a little inexplicable uneasy... "Chang Gong..." He stood up staggeringly, as if he wanted to say something, hesitated but still didn't say it. Why?Why at this moment, he still couldn't say the words that lingered in his heart for a long time. If you are afraid, you are afraid that you will feel pain in your heart, but you are at a loss and dare not seek, dare not try. This is the ultimate suffering of "not seeking", and it is difficult to escape.Is it not? What is he afraid of?What are you worried about?In the end...how long will it be painful? "Uncle Jiu, you drank too much, I'd better send you back to Zhaoyang Hall first." Chang Gong hurriedly supported him. "I'm not going to Zhaoyang Palace," he said in a low voice, rubbing his swollen forehead, "I'll stay in Qingyun Palace in Xiandu Garden tonight."