Chapter 12 Chapter 11 When is the event
Little Zhurong is a descendant of the royal family of Shennong, with a noble family background, and his father is the famous hero Zhu Rong.After the destruction of the Shennong Kingdom, Xiao Zhurong returned to the Yellow Emperor and married Chishui Xiaoye, the only daughter of the Chishui patriarch.After that, Xiao Zhurong was reused by the Yellow Emperor and became the first important minister of the Yellow Emperor, in charge of the Central Plains (the vast area that originally belonged to the Shennong Kingdom).
At the beginning, because of Xiao Zhurong's bloodline and identity, no one dared to openly question him, but in secret, many people still criticized Xiao Zhurong. After all, his parents died fighting for Shennong, but he returned to Xuanyuan and became the important minister of the Yellow Emperor. It is unavoidable for people to mention it with a little contempt.
However, for more than 100 years, little Zhu Rong has changed the appearance of the Central Plains where bandits and bandits were rampant and the people were in dire straits. Although we still dare not say that the prosperous times are prosperous, the officials are clear and bright, the refugees return to their homes, and the people live and work in peace and contentment.
It is said that Xiao Zhurong never evaded his identity as a survivor of Shennong, spared no effort to fight for the interests of the people of the Central Plains, and never concealed his thoughts in front of the Yellow Emperor. The poor people of the Central Plains live a better life.For this reason, Xiao Zhurong has suffered a lot of slander and pressure.Gradually, the clans in the Central Plains not only no longer questioned little Zhu Rong, but respected him very much. Zhu Rong's death is a kind of royal integrity with his homeland in mind, so why is little Zhu Rong's life another kind of royal style with his homeland in mind?
The Chishui Autumn Competition was held after Xiao Zhurong took over the Central Plains.At the beginning, it was just that Xiao Zhurong wanted to stimulate the small-scale competition of the Zhongyuan clan, so that the Zhongyuan disciples would not be confined to one side and be self-confident, and let the children of each clan understand that there is a sky outside the sky, and there are people outside the people, so they are open-minded, eager to learn, and work hard.But because the effect is very good, many clans want to have this opportunity to train their children, and more and more clans are participating in the competition in the Great Wilderness.Later, the great families joined in one after another, and the Chishui Autumn Race became a grand event in the whole wilderness.
The special feature of this competition is that it is not based on the country, but a competition and exchange between families, so it crosses national boundaries.Huangdi and Jundi would send ministers to bring generous prizes every time, which attracted many talented young people to participate.
This time, Emperor Jun sent Li Shou to lead a team to deliver the prizes.
Zhuanxu went with the team, Xiaoliu naturally went with him without any doubt, and Anian also got Emperor Jun's permission to go with Zhuanxu and Xiaoliu.
Xiao Liu thought that Zhuan Xu had been to Chishui Qiusai many times, but Zhuan Xu told Xiao Liu that this was his first time.
After thinking about it for a while, Xiao Liu understood.Families large and small in the Great Wilderness gathered in the autumn competition. The children who came to participate in the competition must be outstanding children in the family. For many children of aristocratic families, the competition is important, but perhaps more important is to make friends and prepare for the future. Get ready for power.Before, Zhuanxu didn't go to Qiu Sai, not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't want to attract the attention of all the forces in Xuanyuan, and he became wary and murderous towards him; now he goes because it doesn't matter if someone finds out, because he Already ready to go back to Xuanyuan.
Gaoxin has a lot of water, and there are rivers and lakes all over the country. As in previous years, Lishou chose to take a boat by water.
Zhuanxu was worried that Xiaoliu and Anian would be in the same boat and would have conflicts, but he didn't expect the two to get along very well, could they still be seen whispering in the corner, Zhuanxu asked Xiaoliu puzzled : "How did you subdue Anian?"
Xiao Liu smiled very mysteriously, "Secret."
Along the way, I met a lot of families who wanted to rush to participate in the competition. Big families like the Gaoxin Sibu often used a large boat with dozens of people, while small families only took three or five people in small boats, and even sent only one child. Families participating in the competition.
Zhuanxu and Ruoshou greeted each other, got off the big boat, followed the big boat in a small boat, and walked alone.Xiaoliu and Anian naturally followed Zhuanxu, and Anian brought Haitang with her.
Many people thought that the four of them were the children sent by the small family to participate in the competition. When the boat docked to rest, people would often come to chat with them. Zhuan Xu also treated them warmly, and made several friends along the way.
When approaching Chishui, there were more and more boats in the river. Fortunately, people sent by Xiao Zhurong were on the shore to guide them. Although they walked slowly, they were not chaotic.
Entering Chishui, the river gradually widens, and both sides are fertile fields.It is the rice harvest season at this time. At a glance, it is golden and splendid, like a golden lake. There are many people bending over to work in the fields, and there are bullock carts transporting the harvested rice back and forth. It is a busy and lively autumn harvest scene. .
The river breeze blew, and there was a burst of rice fragrance. Xiaoliu felt refreshed. Even Anian stood at the bow of the boat, looked around, and said with a smile; "The people on the shore are very happy to see it."
Zhuan Xu looked at the scenery on both sides of the strait, his eyes were a little sad, but there was a smile on his lips.
Xiao Liu couldn't help asking: "Why are you in such a complicated mood?"
Zhuanxu said in a low voice: "Zhu Rong killed his father, and the hatred of killing his father is irreconcilable. When little Zhurong returned to his grandfather, I was still in Xuanyuan, and my grandfather asked me to decide whether little Zhurong would live or die. I had the opportunity to kill little Zhurong, but I gave up. Seeing such a scene today, I feel comforted in my heart, and feel that my giving up is right, but I also feel ashamed of my parents... Sigh!" Zhuanxu sighed lightly.
Xiao Liu said: "The path you choose is destined to be righteous and not personal. Now that you have chosen, don't think too much about it. I think uncle and aunt will support your choice."
Zhuan Xu smiled, and said in a few words: "I understand."
The boat is moving, and the scenery changes suddenly.The south bank is still lush and lush, but the north bank is barren, like a desert, spreading northward, seemingly without boundaries.
Anian was puzzled, and asked, "Chishui has plenty of water, and I heard that there are many rains in spring and summer and snow in winter on both sides of Chishui. How can there be a large desert here?"
Zhuanxu came to Chishui for the first time. Although Xiaoliu had wandered in the wilderness for many years, Chishui was close to Jizhou. She had been consciously avoiding Jizhou and had never been to Chishui, so neither of them knew.
The boatman who rocked the boat for them often came to Chishui, and said with a smile: "According to the old man, many years ago, there was no desert here, but since I don't know when, this land has turned into a desert. Legend has it that there is a large peach blossom in the middle of the desert. Lin, in the peach blossom forest lived an ugly big monster, that big monster was like a furnace, scorching the land into a desert. Because the monster brought drought, people called it Drought Demon.”
Zhuan Xu asked, "Didn't the Protoss send troops to kill the monsters?"
The boatman said: "I heard that there are some brave youths from the Protoss who want to slay demons and demons, but this desert is very weird. Get out quickly. Although the monster is entrenched here, it has never harmed anyone, and everyone doesn't even know if there is a monster, so the common people don't care, and gradually no one cares about it."
Anian said: "Damn it! It should be a thousand miles of greenery, but it was destroyed by a monster. It's a pity that the north bank is in Xuanyuan territory. If it is in Gaoxin territory, I will definitely tell my father and let him send someone to get rid of this monster."
Xiao Liu looked at the desert and said, "This monster is not bad."
Anian glared at Xiaoliu dissatisfied, and Zhuanxu explained: "Just now you also said that this place is near Chishui, and the water source is plentiful. It rains in spring and summer, and snows in winter. With the relief of so much water, there is also a desert for thousands of miles. You Think about it, if this monster chooses another place, what a terrifying scene it will appear? It can be seen that it has no intention of harming anyone."
Although Ah Nian felt that what Zhuan Xu said was reasonable, he still felt that this kind of monster should be eliminated.But she was used to listening to her father and Zhuanxu since she was a child, so she didn't speak out again.
After the boat sailed for another half hour, sparse vegetation began to appear on the north bank.Gradually, the green became thicker, and it turned out to be a lush fruit forest. Various fruits hung on the branches, red and yellow, very pleasing, and everyone forgot about the monster.
In the evening, the speed of the ship gradually slowed down, and the pier could already be seen from a distance, and many ships were moored nearby.
Zhuan Xu, Xiao Liu and the others returned to the big boat. The trackers chanted their chant, pulled the boat to the shore, and moored at the designated location.
Officials came to welcome Liashou, although there were Princess Gaoxin and Prince Xuanyuan in the team, neither Zhuanxu nor Anian revealed their identities, so no one paid attention to them.
The group of people rested in the posthouse arranged by the officials, and Li Shou naturally had business to deal with, so he couldn't accompany Anian and Zhuanxu.
Rushou is the son of Emperor Jun's cousin, and also Emperor Jun's apprentice. He is regarded as the confidant cultivated by Emperor Jun. Knowing the close relationship between Anian and Zhuanxu, he didn't ask about Anian's plan, but directly asked Zhuanxu's plan.
Zhuan Xu replied: "Get a good night's rest first, go out for a walk tomorrow, and when the game starts the day after tomorrow, of course we are watching the game, so you don't have to worry about us."
Ruo Shou said: "The children who come to participate in the autumn competition are all the elites of various families. Some people are inevitably a little arrogant. If the prince encounters it, just ignore it. Avoid conflicts that can be avoided. After all, we are just spectators of the competition. Not a participant, there is no need to fight with people. If the other party is really rude, leave it to me to deal with."
Zhuanxu knew that Li Shou's words were actually for Anian, so he smiled and said, "Okay."
Ah Nian knew Li Shou since he was a child, in terms of blood relationship, the two are still cousins and they are very familiar with each other.She curled her lips and said to Li Shou: "You are the only one who can do things, we are all fools, okay?"
Ruo Shou smiled wryly at Zhuan Xu, and left with his personal entourage to attend the reception banquet held by Xiao Zhurong for him.
On the second day, Xiao Liu and Anian coincidentally, both took a late night sleep, and when they got up, the sun was already high.Zhuanxu was not there, and he didn't know where he went.
Xiao Liu and Anian sat on one side of the room and ate slowly. After eating, Anian called out, "Hey, do you know what to do?"
Xiao Liu hurriedly said: "I know, I made an oath, don't worry, I will never let your royal father marry you to me."
The two drank tea slowly for a while, and when Zhuanxu came back, Anian pouted and asked, "Brother, where have you been?"
Zhuan Xu said with a smile: "Go outside and ask around, see where I can take you to play later."
Ah Nian smiled sweetly, Xiao Liu secretly rolled his eyes.With Zhuanxu's mouth, the sweet talk is as if he doesn't want money, he really sold him, and he still thinks he is the best.
Knowing that Xiao Liu was slandering him, Zhuan Xu patted the back of Xiao Liu's head, "Let's go."
Zhuanxu and Xiaoliu took Anian and Haitang out of the post house, because the entire Dahuang clan had come, and there were people everywhere, making Chishui City, which was originally quite small, very crowded.
There is a tributary of Chishui in Chishui City that bypasses the entire city, so many people who come by land choose to visit Chishui City by boat. The people of Zhuanxusi are tired of taking boats, so they naturally choose to go on foot.
Zhuan Xu has traveled to almost every place in Gaoxin in the past two hundred years, but he is not familiar with the city in Xuanyuan, so he looks very carefully.Although it wasn't the first time for Ah Nian to visit the Central Plains, it was the first time she was able to visit the Central Plains alone, and she was also very interested. The gadgets used by folk girls all caught her attention.Seeing that Anian liked it, Zhuan Xu picked out some silver bracelets for her, and Anian divided Haitang into two. Haitang smiled happily, and they put them on excitedly.
Xiao Liu has been wandering for more than two hundred years, why hasn't he seen it?Feeling boring, fortunately there are all kinds of snacks, she bought some snacks, sometimes sitting by the stall, sometimes standing by the river, eating and waiting, looking at Zhuanxu from afar.Zhuanxu glanced at her from time to time, the two of them didn't talk much, but they both had a kind of peaceful joy.
When he tasted something delicious, Xiao Liu would buy more and bring it to Zhuan Xu and Anian.Anian thought it was salty and refused to eat it, so naturally Haitang didn't dare to eat it either.Zhuan Xu took a few big bites, and the taste was extra sweet.
Seeing that Zhuanxu and Xiaoliu both ate deliciously and sweetly, Ah Nian couldn't help being greedy, but she just refused in disgust, so she was embarrassed to say that she wanted to eat, so she just looked at Zhuanxu and Xiaoliu frequently.
Perhaps because of Emperor Jun and Zhuanxu, Xiao Liu is very pleasing to the eyes of Anian now, and is very clear about Anian's awkward thoughts about the little girl.Xiao Liu asked Haitang for a clean veil, carefully peeled off the outer skin of the food, handed it to Ah Nian, and coaxed her, "Try it, the inside is not dirty at all."
Ah Nian balked and refused to eat, Xiao Liu said a few more good words, Anian pretended that you begged me to eat, not that I was greedy, and reluctantly took a bite.Street snacks always have a unique flavor, which cannot be prepared by any famous court chef. Being greedy is a girl's true nature, and Anian quickly fell in love with street snacks.She started to eat, and Haitang would naturally have a good time, so she tried the snacks recommended by Xiao Liu.
The four of them played, ate, and strolled, and they were in a very happy mood.
In the afternoon, they left Chishui City in an ox cart and came to the largest dock in the Central Plains.This dock belongs to the Chishui Clan. Ordinary boats can be sold to various clans in the Great Wilderness, but it is said that the Chishui Clan and the Yellow Emperor had a secret agreement that the best ships could only be sold to the Yellow Emperor. Jundi sent someone to order them, but the Chishui Clan refused. up.
The skill of shipbuilding is a secret among all families who know how to build a ship. No one can really enter the dock, but there are still many people who come here because of the reputation. Say "I saw Chishui's new boat with my own eyes".
It is said that under Xiao Zhurong's suggestion, the Chishui clan often specially arranges new boats to test sail for everyone to watch, which not only promotes the Chishui clan's boats, but also satisfies tourists who come from afar to see new ones.
When Xiao Liu and the others arrived, because it was almost dusk, there were not many people by the river, and they were all watching the river scenery under the setting sun in twos and threes.
Xiao Liu and Zhuan Xu lead Anian and Haitang to walk casually, when they suddenly heard the sound of conch shells, they didn't expect a new boat to go down the river at this time, Xiao Liu and the others stopped and stood on the bank to watch.
The gate of the dock was opened, and a small boat slowly moved into the river.
Xiao Liu couldn't understand the quality of the boat, but felt that the shape of the boat was very unique, narrow at the front and wide at the back, like a flower bud that has not yet opened. It is estimated that the owner who ordered this boat was a girl.
Ah Nian had seen quite a few good boats, so he sneered and said, "Chishui's boats are just mediocre."
A girl in purple turned her head, walked a few steps, and stared at Anian, "What do you think is wrong with this boat?" The girl has fair complexion, a pair of watery almond eyes, and the corners of her eyes are slightly upturned. Laughter is also charming and dark.
Ah Nian took a look at the woman, pointed at the boat and said, "This boat was obviously built to please a woman, but its shape is neither fish nor fowl. What kind of flower is it? Since you can't take into account both speed and shape, why don't you just choose one of them?" One, the Chishui Clan wanted both, and the result was that neither was occupied."
The girl in purple said coldly: "Do you want it yet?"
Anian was so angry that she wanted to refute, but the girl in purple didn't give her a chance, she jumped directly from the shore, stood on the new boat, and turned her head to stare at Anian disdainfully.
Ah Nian understood that the woman in purple was the owner of the boat, and snorted coldly with disdain: "What's there to be proud of about a broken boat?"
It was getting late, Zhuanxu discussed with Anian and Xiaoliu where to have dinner.
The three of them didn't want to go back to the inn. Xiaoliu proposed to go to the lake by boat, and said with a blunt mouth: "The boat people living on the river know how to cook seafood, and there is no need to find any restaurants. Let's rent a clean boat and ask The boatman borrowed a fishing net to catch some fresh fish and asked the boat mother to cook them on the boat. The grilled fish is too common to mention. Cut open the mussels, put them on the charcoal fire and grill them with their shells, spray a little wine and sprinkle some mustard greens Zifen, fresh and slightly spicy, I want to eat another one after eating one. There are also river prawns, first soak the live prawns in strong wine, and the prawns eat the wine in their stomachs, although they are drunk, they are still alive. Burn the slate When it’s boiling hot, pour the drunken shrimp on it, the river shrimp is crackling and bouncing, the mellow aroma of spirits and the freshness of the river shrimp are tangy, when the shrimp shell is fried and roasted until it turns red and golden, remove the head of the shrimp and take a bite , the lips and teeth are fresh and fragrant, tender and smooth..." Xiao Liu almost salivated, and Anian also felt greedy.
The feeling in Zhuan Xu's heart is very complicated, it's interesting to say it now, but this bit of fun condensed from a difficult life has to be tasted very bitter.He didn't show his face, instead he knocked on Xiao Liu's forehead and made fun of Xiao Liu: "You worthless thing, you have nothing to do but eat."
Ah Nian curled her lips, her face full of disdain, but she kept looking at the boat parked on the shore.
There are a lot of boats parked on the shore, Xiao Liu is very experienced, with a glance, he can tell what kind of person the boat owner is based on the arrangement of the boats.She picked a clean boat, negotiated a price with the boatman and his wife, and asked the boatman to buy two jars of spirits and some vegetables and fruits.
The four got on the boat, Zhuan Xu and Anian sat aside, watching Xiao Liu busy.
Haitang was too embarrassed to do nothing and wanted to help, but Xiao Liu thought she was causing trouble and drove her back to Ah Nian.Xiao Liu asked the boatman to borrow a fishing net, stood at the stern, watched carefully, and when it was about the same time, she cast the net down.When the net was to be collected, several fish, a small bucket of river prawns, and a few crabs were caught in the net.
Xiao Liu poured the spirits into a small bucket, soaked the river prawns, put them aside, picked three fresh and tender breams and asked the boat lady to kill them for her, and gave the other fish to the boat lady.Xiao Liu took out some herb-like things from his body, and marinated the killed fish.
Ah Nian was still thinking about what Xiao Liu said just now, and asked, "Where's the mussel?"
Xiao Liu took off his coat and said to Anian: "Whether we can eat mussels depends on you."
"rely on me?"
Xiao Liu pointed to the lake, "Can you help me temporarily separate the water over there? It doesn't need to be very big."
"What's so difficult about it?"
Although Ah Nian was delicate, her cultivation was not weak. She put her hand into the water, and the water began to part, exposing the sand and rocks at the bottom of the lake.Xiao Liu tied a bamboo pole around his waist, jumped into the water, and swam to the place where Ah Nian parted the water.She walked on the bottom of the lake, bent over and turned over
Picking mussels, I picked up a bamboo basket in a short while.
It was the first time for Ah Nian to fish for something to eat by himself. He was full of nature, and while poking his neck to look, he smiled and called: "There, I saw a big one over there."
Xiao Liu followed the direction of Anian's finger and found a big mussel under a big rock. Xiao Liu held the mussel in one hand and swam with the other, and returned to the boat.
Xiao Liu put the mussel that was as big as a small millstone in front of Ah Nian, "You caught this, and I will roast this for you later."
Ah Nian was all smiles, and asked impatiently, "When can I eat?"
The boat lady had already lit the fire, Zhuan Xu dragged Xiao Liu to the stove and sat down, asked the boat lady for a clean handkerchief, and helped Xiao Liu dry his hair first, "Is it cold? Have a few sips of wine."
Haitang hurriedly brought the wine to Xiao Liu, Xiao Liu drank a couple of sips, her body immediately warmed up, she waved her hand and said, "Do it! Do it! Eat while taking the exam, you will still feel hot!"
The four of them sat down around the stove and began to grill the mussels. At first, Anian didn't dare to do it, but gradually became interested, imitating Xiao Liu's sprinkling of seasonings.I don't know if the freshly caught mussels are really delicious, or because I did it myself, Ah Nian just feels that I have never eaten such delicious mussels.
Xiao Liu ate the mussels for a while, and her clothes were almost dry. She took out the three marinated fish, wrapped them in lotus leaves, and put them aside to roast slowly.
The four chatted and laughed while eating, and before they knew it, the moon had risen above their heads.
On the lake, you can occasionally meet other boats that come to visit the lake, but they are not as happy as they are, embracing the stove to watch the moon and drinking wine.
The smell of grilled fish wafted far away, and some people even chased after smelling it, and asked salivatingly, "Will you sell it? We are willing to pay a high price."
Before Xiao Liu could reply, Anian had already refused. "We barely have enough to eat ourselves."
Zhuan Xu said to Xiao Liu: "No wonder people are greedy, you don't know what seasoning you used for grilled fish, even people like me and Anian who are tired of eating fish are greedy."
Xiao Liu giggled, "Exclusive secret recipe, not to be passed on." This is really not Xiao Liu's bragging, she has in her mind the herbs and prescriptions that countless people in the world dream of, but she doesn't know much about medical skills, but instead puts what each herb is. I remember the taste clearly, and often use herbs as seasonings.After a long time, she really explored a lot of excellent flavors, so the food she cooks may not be well cooked, but the taste is indeed unique.
Suddenly, the lake became foggy, and the mist was lingering, and the boat seemed to be walking through the sea of fog.The boat lady was afraid of colliding with other people's boats, so she lit a few more lights and placed them along the side of the boat.It is estimated that the same is true for other ships, so from time to time you can see some lights appearing and disappearing in the fog, like stars shining in the sea of clouds.
The breeze brought a melodious sound of the piano, which came and went with the wind. In the white mist, the sound of the piano was sometimes clear and sometimes blurred. The pear blossoms are rustling.
Listening to the piano under the moon is an elegant thing, but listening to the piano in the mist on the water is even more special.It's a pity, as I listened, I felt that the person playing the qin was going away in the boat, and the sound of the qin was getting lower and lower. Both Xiao Liu and Anian felt a little regretful, Xiao Liu sighed: "The sound gradually fades away .”
Zhuan Xu said: "As long as you want to hear it, what's the problem with letting her caress it for you?"
Xiao Liu was puzzled, "Don't tell me you want to call him back loudly, even a rough man like me knows it won't work."
Ah Nian pushed Haitang, and Haitang hurriedly opened the bag she was carrying with her, cleaned the flute she bought during the day, and handed it to Zhuanxu.A Nian said to Xiao Liu: "Father is proficient in rhythm, it is said that he is especially good at playing the piano. He personally taught my brother's rhythm. Although my brother can't compare with that Qingqiu son Tu Shanjing, he is not weak."
Zhuan Xu put the hole flute to his lips, and started to play, it was the same piano music just now, but with many changes.The qin melody just now was heard intermittently, and the passages that he heard clearly were allowed to be played according to the original song. If he didn't hear clearly, Zhuan Xu composed the music himself to complete the melody.The original melody and Zhuanxu's new melody were blended together seamlessly, even more casual than the melody just now.
Xiao Liu, a person who doesn't know the rhythm, almost stunned and admired, and the person playing the piano was probably even more surprised and praised, causing the boat to turn around.The sound of the piano came over again, together with the sound of the hole flute.The tunes of the two are both similar and completely different. They both compete with each other and follow each other. The white fog has completely become a world of piano and flute sounds.Sometimes they soared to the sky, sometimes they fell into the blue sea and soared. Gradually, the sound of the piano seemed to be subdued by the sound of the flute.
Anian felt more and more uncomfortable, and suddenly stretched out his hand to grab the flute, the sound of the flute stopped abruptly, Zhuanxu was not angry, but looked at Anian tenderly, "What's wrong?"
Suddenly the sound of the flute was lost, and the sound of the qin was playing faintly, lingering and whispering, as if asking the person who played the flute.
Ah Nian felt upset, and said forcefully, "I don't want to hear it anymore."
Xiao Liu lowered his head, suppressed a smile, and concentrated on eating her crab.
The sound of the piano lingered for a while, but there was no response from the sound of the flute, as if he was angry, he swiped the piano with his hand, and there was a loud sound of the strings breaking, and the sound disappeared.
Zhuan Xu picked up a crab, carefully picked the crab paste into the crab shell, dripped a few drops of ginger vinegar juice, and put the crab shell in front of Anian, Ah Nian laughed again, and ate it happily with.
Zhuanxu took another crab, peeled the crab paste, and gave it to Xiao Liu. Xiao Liu held the crab's pliers in his mouth, and said vaguely: "The crab has to be picked and eaten to taste."
Zhuanxu didn't like to eat crabs, so he put the peeled crab paste in front of Anian, although Anian was a little bit reluctant to eat what Xiaoliu didn't want, he didn't say anything.
Xiao Liu gave Zhuan Xu a fish, "Try it."
Zhuanxu lifted the lotus leaf, and a strong fragrance wafted into his nostrils. Anian and Haitang hurried to get the fish.Haitang saw that there were only three fish, so she was embarrassed to eat them, so Xiao Liu said, "Don't be polite to me, I still have delicious drunken shrimp!"
As Xiao Liu was talking, he scooped up a spoonful of drunken shrimp and poured it on the hot stone slab. Amidst the sizzling sound, white mist rose up, and the drunken shrimp crackled and danced. The rich aroma of wine and delicious shrimp scattered around open.
There was a voice shouting from a distance, "Hey, boatman over there, bring some of your grilled things. If the taste satisfies my lady, there will be a big reward."
It wasn't the first person who was interested in the things they roasted, but they were all polite and willing to negotiate, but this maid was in a tone of shouting and drinking.
Ah Nian said dissatisfiedly, "It's amazing to be rich? No!"
Haitang was not a worry-free person either, and she turned back loudly: "My lady said, 'It's great to be rich? Don't give it'"
The boat sailed over, and it turned out to be the new Huaguduo boat that I had seen in the afternoon.Seeing Ah Nian and the others, the maid standing by the boat knew that she had misunderstood, and apologized without sincerity: "The lake was foggy, I didn't see clearly just now, I thought it was the boat lady, and my tone was casual. Please let the grilled fish go." Me, the price is up to you."
Ah Nian thought of the lady in the afternoon, and became even more displeased, so she glanced at Haitang.Haitang understood that she disdained to talk directly to the maidservant, so Haitang stood up, bowed her head, and smiled softly, "We don't lack money for the time being, if you are willing to exchange things, we would be willing, but I don't know if you have any?"
The maid looked at Haitang for a while, and said arrogantly: "We don't have many things in this wilderness, just talk about it!"
Haitang smiled more and more amiably, "I don't dare to ask for things that are too good. I heard that the hibiscus wood in the Holy Land Tanggu heats itself without a fire. We want a bundle of hibiscus wood, which is just for roasting the leftover drunken shrimp."
Xiao Liu half-covered his face with his hands and laughed silently. People in the Great Wilderness used to measure the sacred tree of Fusang by the length of their fingers and the width of their fingers.However, looking at the wilderness, only Anian dared to say so.
The maid knew that Haitang had teased her, and she was furious. "How dare you tease me?"
Haitang smiled and said: "You told me to say it anyway, how could I say I was teasing you? Think about it next time when you speak, be careful not to let the wind flash your tongue!"
The maid's face was flushed with anger, and she moved her hand directly, throwing a few water polo.Haitang was also polite, and waved her hand to block the water polo.The maidservant was drenched, and said with a mournful face, "Don't run away if you have the ability!" She turned around and ran into the cabin.
After a while, the lady in purple and a beautiful woman in water red that Xiao Liu and the others met in the afternoon came out of the cabin, but the woman in water red was not a stranger, but Fangfeng Yiying.
Xiao Liu quickly retreated into the cabin, hiding in the shadows.Zhuan Xu sat down beside her, blocked her with his body, and asked without turning his head, "You know her?"
Xiao Liu said to Zhuan Xu in a low voice: "The woman in the red dress is Fangfeng Yiying." Min Xiaoliu's face is only recognized by people in Qingshui Town, and people who come to Qingshui Town to beg for life have compelling reasons, and most of them don't. She would leave, so Xiao Liu was never worried that someone would recognize her, but she never thought that Fang Feng Yiying would appear here.
The purple-clothed lady scowled with a cold face, "You are so unreasonable. The servant girl came to buy some food. If you don't want to, just refuse. Why bother to tease and yell at me?"
Ah Nian stood up, "What do you mean by teasing and cursing at the same time? Why don't you ask who was rude first, who spoke big words, and who made the first move?"
Miss Ziyi recognized Anian, and said angrily, "What kind of master there is what kind of slave, you don't need to ask me to know who is rude."
Anian was furious, "My boat is not good and you are not allowed to tell others? Who do you think you are? I still say, a broken boat!"
Miss Ziyi was so angry that she wanted to do something, but she seemed to have some scruples. She suppressed her anger, but she couldn't hold back her breath, and her face changed instantly.
Fangfeng Yiying said softly: "My good sister, I'm all to blame for this matter. I smelled the fragrance and said casually, if it wasn't for satisfying my temporary appetite, why would you be angry with a villain? Since I caused it , let me handle it, and your father and elder brother won't say anything if they find out later."
Fangfeng Yiying turned his face away, and when he saw Anian and Haitang, his face was already covered with frost.She said: "You apologize immediately, otherwise don't blame me for being rude!"
Ah Nian was kidnapped by the famous Nine Lives Devil and Xiao Liu in the wilderness back then, and she showed no signs of fear, how could she be afraid now?She sneered and said, "Okay, I'll wait to see how rude you are."
Seeing that the situation was not right, the boatman and boatwoman jumped into the water and escaped, not daring to cause trouble.
Fangfeng Yiying waved her hand, and shot a row of short arrows from her sleeve, she didn't know if she missed it, or it happened that there was fog blocking her view, but most of the arrows actually went towards Zhuanxu.
Knowing that she was Fangfeng Yiying, Zhuanxu used his spiritual power to cover Anian and Haitang. At this time, Anian and Haitang were fine, but he was afraid of hurting Xiao Liu, so he managed to avoid all the short arrows.
Before they had time to catch their breath, another row of short arrows came over, but Anian and Haitang had already reacted, both of them had strong spiritual powers, and Fangfeng Yiying didn't really want to shoot them, so there was no problem for the two of them to protect themselves.
A lot of short arrows were nailed to the hull of the boat. Fangfeng Yiying is indeed one of the best experts in Fangfeng family. This kind of sleeve arrow with little power shattered the hull of the boat, and the whole boat fell apart, and all four of them fell. into the water.
Xiaoliu was secretly happy, Zhuanxu, Anian and Haitang grew up in Gaoxin, as long as they entered the water, it was like returning to their hometown, even if they didn't capsize the other party's boat, it should be no problem to escape by water.However, she was shocked to see that Zhuanxu and Anian couldn't swim, and the servant girl who was beaten by Haitang called a group of maidservants to beat Haitang who fell into the water with all their strength. Haitang was too entangled to save Anian.
Xiao Liu had no choice but to brave the rain of arrows against the wind to rescue Zhuanxu and Anian. Although Zhuanxu couldn't swim, he didn't panic, and used his spiritual power to turn his legs to wood and float on the water.But Ah Nian was so nervous and flustered that he forgot that he had the ability to divide water. He had already choked on several saliva and was about to sink.
Zhuan Xu said to Xiao Liu, "Don't worry about me, save Ah Nian."
Xiao Liu can only save Ah Nian first, "Be careful."
As soon as Ah Nian touched Xiao Liu, he immediately entangled Xiao Liu like an octopus, not even caring about the defense between men and women.Xiaoliu's spiritual power was low, not as strong as that of Anian, and she was led by Anian to sink to the bottom of the lake, but just avoided two arrows that shot at her back.
Xiao Liu slapped Ah Nian hard on the back of the neck, knocked Ah Nian unconscious, and quickly fled with Ah Nian.Swimming to the shore in one breath, she lay on the shore, gasping for breath from exhaustion.
Xiao Liu pinched Ah Nian and woke him up, "I'm going to Zhuanxu, can you do it by yourself?"
The fog was so thick that it was impossible to see anything clearly, as if monsters were lurking all around.Ah Nian trembled all over, but nodded firmly, Xiao Liu patted her cheek, "Hide well, don't come out no matter what happens."
Xiao Liu turned around and jumped into the lake, looking for Zhuan Xu.
Although the fog was so thick that it was difficult to tell the direction, Xiao Liu had encountered much more terrifying weather than this one. She swam back to the place where they fell into the water, but the lake was empty and there was nothing.
Unwilling to give up, Xiao Liu swam around in circles, looking for Zhuanxu.
After searching for a long time, they didn't find Zhuanxu, but they saw Haitang floating on the water, unconscious and hit by an arrow in his left leg.Xiao Liu couldn't bear it any longer, and couldn't care less about hiding anymore, he raised his voice and shouted: "Brother, brother..."
Xiao Liu dragged Haitang and called while swimming, but no one responded.Xiao Liu had no choice but to take Hai Tang back to find Ah Nian.
Ah Nian curled up and hid in the grass. The white mist made her blind, and Ye Xiao's shrill cry made her terrified.
When she heard the sound of water pattering, she held spiritual energy in her hands and stared nervously ahead.A black shadow of a monster emerged from the white mist, staggering towards her, she was trembling with nervousness, the monster approached, but it turned out that Xiao Liu was carrying Haitang.Anian rushed out excitedly, "Xiao Liu."
Seeing the tears in the corners of Anian's eyes, Xiao Liu remembered how panicked and disturbed he was the first time he slept in the mountains.She patted Ah Nian on the shoulder and praised: "You are very brave!"
Ah Nian was embarrassed, and immediately acted as if she was not afraid of anything, "Where's brother? What's wrong with Haitang?"
Xiao Liu put Haitang down. "I was slapped on the back, and there was an arrow wound on the leg. With me here, I can't die."
Xiao Liu fed Haitang a pill, and wanted to tear open Haitang's pants, but Anian blushed, "Can't we wait until we get back to treat him?"
"In such a thick fog, do you know how to go back? Although this arrow missed the vital point, I really dare not underestimate Miss Fangfeng. If I don't get medical treatment soon, I'm afraid that Haitang's leg will be crippled."
"But, but you are a man!"
Xiao Liu rips open Haitang's pants, "If it's a big deal, I'll marry her!"
Ah Nian thought about it too, but was a little unwilling, "Hmph! It's cheaper for you!"
Xiao Liu pulled out the arrow vigorously, and said to Anian: "Hurry up and take out all your good medicine."
Ah Nian first brought a hibiscus wooden bottle to Xiao Liu, "It contains Tanggu water soaked with hibiscus flowers."
Xiao Liu poured water on the wound, and the water gradually ate away the blackened flesh on the wound, revealing bright red clean flesh and blood.
Ah Nian took another jade bottle and handed it to Xiao Liu, "In it is the Liuguang Feiwu Pill refined from the water in Guixu Shuiyan and spirit grass."
Xiao Liu crushed three pills in a row, and the pills turned into hundreds of purple-blue water droplets, flying around the wound like fireflies, slowly blending into the wound, and the bleeding from the wound stopped soon.
小六开始包扎伤口，“好了！”
阿念担忧地问：“哥哥呢？”
小六摇摇头，“不知道。我们只能尽快返回驿馆，让蓐收去查。”
小六背起了海棠，对阿念说：“走吧。”
阿念跟在小六身旁，深一脚浅一脚地走着。
大雾中，看不清路，湖边的路又十分泥泞，每一脚踩下去都不知道自己会踩到什么，精神紧绷，时间长了，阿念觉得很累。可灵力低微的小六背着一个人依旧走得很平稳，神情也十分镇定，好似不管多大的雾，都不能遮住她的眼。小六的平稳镇定感染了阿念，也让阿念很不好意思，她咬着牙，紧紧地跟着小六。即使觉得听到了蛇游走的声音，她也紧咬着唇，一声不发。
小六走到了一处坡地，冲着白雾叫起来：“船家，双倍价钱，去赤水城。”
竟然真有声音从白雾中传来，“好嘞，您等等。”一点灯光亮起。
小六带着阿念朝着灯光走去，果然看到有船停在岸边。
阿念上了船，心下一松，双腿发软，一屁股坐到船上，惊讶地问小六：“你怎么知道在这里停着艘船？”
小六一边轻轻放下海棠，一边说：“昨天班干，我们呢是逆着这条河取得湖上，我看到了船家停在这里生火做饭。”
阿念不相信地说：“扫一眼就记住了？你又不能预见我们会遇险。”
小六淡淡一笑，“如果时时生活在危险中，不记住就是死，记住却会多一分生机，自然而然就形成了习惯，不去刻意记，也会留意。”
阿念盯了小六一眼，不说话了。
船夫和小六商量：“眼见着就要亮了，太阳一出来，雾很快就会散去，不如等等再走。”
小六问：“你自小就生活在这里吗？”
“祖祖辈辈都生在赤水，死在赤水。”
“从这里往下是顺流，我看河流很平稳，不如我们慢慢地顺流漂着，等雾气散了一些了，再加速。如果一个半时辰内赶到赤水城，我再加钱。”
船夫琢磨了一下，应道：“好嘞。”
船夫在船上多点了两盏灯，自己立在船头，谨慎地张望着。
船平稳地顺流而下，约摸半个时辰后，雾气开始消散，已经能看到几丈外，船夫开始摇橹加速。随着大雾的消散，船的速度越来越快，雾气还未完全消散，已经进了赤水城。
驿馆前就有河，在小六的指引下，船夫直接把船停到了驿馆前。
阿念未等船停稳，就跃上石阶，赶去拍门。小六把钱给了船夫，背起海棠，走上岸。
开门的侍从看到阿念和小六的狼狈样子，立即派人去叫蓐收。
蓐收已经起身，正在洗漱，听说海棠受伤了，顾不上再洗漱，立即冲了出来。看阿念完好无损地站着，他才松了口气，对阿念说：“只要你在，我就知道太平不了，只有事大事小，绝不可能没有事。”他对身后的婢女吩咐：“把海棠送回屋子，让医师去看看。”
阿念也顾不上和蓐收拌嘴，说道：“颛顼哥哥不见了。”
蓐收刚散开的眉头又聚拢到一起，“你仔仔细细把发生的事情从头到尾说一遍。”
阿念从他们傍晚遇见那个紫衣小姐讲起，一直讲到晚上再次相遇，爆发冲突。小六等阿念全部讲完后，才说道：“动手的女子叫防风意映。”
蓐收说：“竟然是她！”
阿念忙问：“她很有名吗？我怎么没有听说过？”
蓐收无奈地说：“青丘公子涂山璟的未婚妻。”
“竟然是她！”阿念拍案而起，“我去涂山家问问，他们是不是想高辛境内的所有生意都关门？”
蓐收道：“虽然是防风小姐动的手，可她是为那位小姐出气，这事纵然闹起来，也是那位小姐和你们的矛盾。更何况你们又没表露身份，也不能责怪人家误伤了你们。”
小六也说：“现在不是要找谁麻烦，而是先弄清楚颛顼去了哪里。”
蓐收对小六和阿念说：“既然知道是防风小姐，很快就能找到那位小姐，只要找到人自然会弄明白王子的去向，这事交给我来办。你们去洗个热水澡，好好休息。”
阿念回了屋子，小六却绕了一圈，在门边等着蓐收。
蓐收看到她，立即停住了脚步，他虽不知道小六的身份，可离开前俊帝亲口叮嘱他照顾好小六。蓐收客气地问：“公子还有什么事要嘱咐我吗？”
蓐收毕竟是高辛的臣子，有些话不好说得太直接，小六只能说：“小心一些防风小姐，我总觉得她不仅仅是为好朋友出气，我怀疑她应该认出了阿念和颛顼。”
蓐收到：“我会提供警惕，一有消息，我会立即派人告诉公子。”
小六作揖，“多谢。”
小六洗完澡，却睡不着。颛顼、防风意映、涂山璟、相柳……所有人像走马灯一般在她脑海里转悠，想到后来，小六都觉得头痛欲裂。
小六觉得自己这样是浪费精力，不如好好睡一觉，等蓐收打听到消息后，能配合蓐收行动。她吃了一颗药丸，借着药性，昏沉沉地睡了过去。
一觉睡醒时，已是晌午，小六去吃饭，看到阿念正坐在窗下发呆，眼圈发黑，显然没有休息。
小六坐在食案前，埋头大吃，阿念恼怒地瞪她，“我哥哥待你不薄，他现在没有消息，你竟然还吃得下饭？”
小六无奈地问：“不吃不睡，他就能回来吗？”
阿念骂：“冷血！”
小六知道她心理烦躁，不理她，自己吃自己的。
一会儿后，阿念看着窗外，低声问：“我是不是真的很麻烦？如果不是我，昨夜根本就不会有冲突。”
小六说：“麻烦是美丽女人的特殊权利，女人不制造麻烦，如何凸显男人的伟大呢？至于说昨夜，即使没有你，照样会起冲突。”
"real?"
“我不会把烤鱼卖给那个嚣张的婢女。”
阿念觉得好过了一些，小六问：“不过，你可是高辛人，怎么能不会游水呢？”
阿念扭扭捏捏地说：“我娘胆子小，她生我生得十分艰难，怕我淹死，小时候一直不肯让我去戏水。错过了小时候，女孩子大了，就不方便游水了，再说我也不喜欢，所以就不会游了。”阿念还想为自己的不会游水辩解几句，蓐收走了进来。
阿念立即站起来，“找到哥哥了吗？”
蓐收对阿念行礼后，说道：“颛顼王子一切安全，你们不必担心。”
“他人在哪里？”
“在赤水氏的府邸中。”
阿念不解，“怎么会在赤水府？”
蓐收慢吞吞地说：“昨夜和你们起冲突的那位小姐叫神农馨悦，是小祝融的女儿，现任赤水族长的外孙女，未来赤水族长的妹妹。”
阿念的脸色十分难看，怒意无处可发泄，把案上的杯碟全扫到了地上。
蓐收和小六都面不改色心不跳。小六小声说：“我听着好复杂，这位神农馨悦小姐显然是血脉纯正的神农子弟，她的哥哥怎么会是赤水氏未来的族长？”
蓐收小声地解释道：“小祝融娶了赤水族长唯一的女儿赤水小叶为妻，赤水族长不仅是小祝融的岳父，还是表舅父，对小祝融有大恩。小祝融视他为父，听所小祝融曾答应赤水族长，将来若有两个子女，必让一子给赤水氏。后来赤水夫人生了一对龙凤胎，哥哥自出生就被定为赤水氏未来的族长，在赤水族长身边长大。你们昨天看到的那艘船据说是神农馨悦小姐自己设计，她哥哥建造给她的。”
小六继续小声地虚心请教，“既然神农小姐来头这么大，我们又得罪了她，颛顼王子怎么会在赤水府住着？”
蓐收叹气，小声地说：“我也不知道，我只知道王子非常安全。”
阿念拍案，嚷嚷：“你见到人了吗？他们说安全就安全啊？”
蓐收说：“我当然不放心，要求见人。赤水府的人并没刁难，很爽快地让我见到了王子。王子肩膀上中了一箭，还在湖底泡了一会儿，所以气色有点差，但别的一切都很好。王子亲口对我说让我放心回来，等他伤转好一些就会回来。”
阿念冷哼，不屑地说：“他们肯定是知道哥哥的身份了，怕得罪黄帝和我父王，所以献殷勤。”
蓐收动了动嘴唇，却又闭上了，阿念拍案，“有什么就说什么！”
蓐收摸了摸鼻子，很小声地说：“我看他们还不知道王子的身份，王子说自己是俊帝陛下的远房亲戚，所以他们把王子当作了高辛四部之一青龙部的子弟。”俊帝的母族是尊贵的青龙部，蓐收就来自青龙部，是俊帝的表侄，俊帝陛下真正的亲戚。
阿念再次恼怒地拍案，张着嘴却不知道说什么，愣了一瞬，猛地站起，气冲冲地走出了屋子。
小六问蓐收：“见到防风小姐了吗？”
“见到了，我就是从她那里知道和你们起冲突的小姐是小祝融的女公子，防风小姐十分客气周到，还向我道歉，说不知道是俊帝陛下派来的人，不过太客气周到了，反倒让人觉得……”蓐收摇摇头，“反正回头得提醒王子多加小心。毕竟明枪易躲暗箭难防，防风小姐是大荒内数一数二的暗箭高手。”
小六说道：“以当时的情形看，防风小姐肯定是想装糊涂杀了颛顼王子，可大概突然发生了什么，神农小姐竟然阻止了防风小姐，救了颛顼王子。”小六可不相信是神农小姐的善良，这些久居上位的公子小姐，因为从小就手握生杀大权，自然而然地养成了对微贱生命的不在意。并不是说他们冷血，只是一种生活环境决定的习惯，就如有钱的人不在乎钱，没饿过肚子的人不知道珍惜粮食。
蓐收轻轻咳嗽了两声，说道：“其实，我已经派人设法打听了具体过程。”
小六并没觉得意外，像赤水氏这样的大家族，俊帝不可能不关注，也不可能没有眼线。真正机密的事情不见得能知道，但一个冲突的始末却应该能打听清楚。
蓐收看小六只是静静地看着他，表情从容，并不主动探问，不禁心内暗赞了一声，难怪俊帝和颛顼都对他另眼相看。蓐收说：“据当时在船上服侍的婢女说，船上的侍从们碍于小祝融的规矩，不敢在秋赛期间动手惹事，却暗中兴风作浪，帮助防风小姐。王子不识水性，吃了大亏，被防风小姐射中后，身子沉了下去。本来神农小姐已经下令开船离开，可此时从湖下浮起了一管洞箫，神农小姐看到洞箫后，据说愣了一瞬，突然就跳进了水里，把王子从湖下给捞了起来。”
小六双手托着下巴，怔怔发起呆来。
蓐收盯着他看了一会儿，问道：“你在想什么？”
虽然刚才阿念没有讲述湖上琴箫合奏的事情，但蓐收不见得不知道，小六给蓐收细细讲述了一遍，说道：“我在想那位神农小姐是否很善于抚琴。”如果神农馨悦是那位和颛顼琴箫合奏的人，她看到洞箫救人，就说得通了。
蓐收说：“这倒不清楚，不过贵族子弟们或多或少都会学点音律。”
小六笑了笑，展着懒腰站起来，“我再去好好睡一觉。”快要出门时，她停住脚步，好似突然想起什么，不经意地问：“涂山家只防风小姐来了吗？”
“璟公子也在。”
小六不在意地“哦”了一声，走出屋子。
早上那一觉是靠着草药强行入睡，睡得并不好。下午这一觉倒真是睡得很酣沉，小六一直睡到快吃晚饭时才起来。因为睡了一天，没什么消耗，不觉得饿，懒得吃晚饭，捧了一碟子水果坐在廊下吃。
虽已是秋天，天气却还未冷下来，秋风中的凉意吹到衣衫上，让人只觉清爽轻快。
阿念也吃不下饭，看小六吃得香甜，也拿了一碟子水果，和小六隔着一段距离，也坐在廊下吃。
小六看她眼圈发黑，显然下午仍然没休息好，说道：“让婢女给你煮点酸枣仁汤，再喝碗羊奶，好好休息一晚。”
阿念只吃，不说话。
蓐收走进来，笑说道：“今日下午的比赛很精彩，你们明日去看比赛吗？想看哪个家族可以现在就告诉我，我来帮你们安排。”
阿念想了想说：“好啊！有高辛四部和赤水氏的比赛吗？我想去看看。”
蓐收苦笑，“有是肯定有了。”
小六自从灵力被散掉后，对这些打打杀杀的事就了无兴趣，可以不用陪颛顼去看，简直心中暗喜，所以赶忙摆摆手，“我白天睡多了，今夜肯定睡得晚，明天只怕要晌午后才能起来，你们去看你们的，不用管我。”
蓐收道“秋赛一共有六天，就算明天不看，也还有四天可以看，而且越到后面越精彩，你好好休息，不必着急。”
第二日，小六果真睡到晌午才起来。
驿馆内静悄悄的，想来大家都去看比赛了。小六懒得麻烦厨房开火，跑去街边摊子上吃。
她要了一碗河鲜汤饼，汤头炖得十分鲜美，乳白的汤汁，嫩绿的葱花，小六吃了一碗还不够，又加了半碗才吃饱。
小六吃完后，只觉心满意足，看墙根下有不少老人在晒太阳，或席地而坐，或袖着双手蹲着。小六跑过去坐到地上，边晒太阳，边眯眼看着河上的船只来来往往。
有船从河上过，一个青衣男子坐在船头，背对着小六，和另一个蓝色衣衫的男子欣赏着岸边的风景。
熟悉的背影让小六立即认出是璟，小六知道他看不到自己，所以明目张胆地盯着他看。
璟却忽然扭过了头，向着岸上看过来。小六没有动，依旧懒洋洋地坐着，懒洋洋地看着他。小六不知道璟有没有看到自己，只看船渐渐地行远了，一抹天青色渐渐地隐入了熙攘红尘中。
他知道她在赤水城，她也知他在赤水城，可再不能像在清水镇上一样，挥挥手，大叫一声十七，他就会出现在身边。
小六也不知道坐了多久，反正身边晒太阳的人已经换了几拨。又有人走了过来，轻轻地坐在小六身旁，熟悉的药草香淡淡地飘来。小六没有回头，因为知道，即使看到了面孔，也是假的。她微笑地看着船儿行过，心中透着一些若有若无的喜悦。
半晌后，小六低声问：“不怕人跟踪你吗？”
“我的祖先是狐，只有我追踪别人，很少有人能追踪我。”
小六想起第一次被相柳抓走，是他找到了她，第二次被颛顼抓进地牢，也是他找到了她，他好像的确非常善于追踪。
小六问：“你没有去看比赛？”
“涂山氏并不善与人打斗，每次来这里的主要目的是谈生意和招揽人才。”
小六不再说话，十七默默地陪着小六晒太阳，小六虽一直没有回头，却一直能嗅到他身上的药草香，令人安宁。
直到夕阳映照在河上，十七轻声说：“我得走了，你什么时候回去？”
"I should go back too."
“那你先走吧。”
小六心中有一丝温暖的涟漪，“好！”她站了起来，沿着河岸，慢慢地踱回驿馆。因为知道有人一直在目送着她，本来一个人的路程却好似一直有人相伴，没有孤单，反而一直有一种温暖。
可目送她离开的人，品尝到的只是逐渐的远离，十七选择了把温暖留个她。
小六连着休息了五天，直到比赛最后一日，实在推辞不过，才被蓐收和阿念强拉着去看最后一场比赛。
经过一次次比赛，有幸争夺最后胜利的是一男一女。
男子叫禺疆，来自高辛四部之一的羲和部；女子叫献，来自四世家之首的赤水氏。禺疆长着一张娃娃脸，眉清目秀，总好像在笑，让人一见就觉得亲切。献是一张清冷的瓜子脸，嘴唇紧抿，眼带煞气，让人都不敢直视她。两人都修行水灵，禺疆是水，献却是水系中的冰。
众人都十分期待这场水与冰的大战，大部分人觉得禺疆可亲，希望他胜利，可又觉得献出手狠辣，更有可能赢的是献。
小六害怕碰到防风意映，却实在痛恨变幻容貌，正好阿念在这种闹哄哄的场合自恃身份，戴了帷帽，小六也戴了一个。
进入比试的场地后，小六发现观看比赛的人不少都戴着帷帽，放下心来。
比赛快开始时，小六看到颛顼和一个戴着帷帽的女子走了进来，小六觉得头痛，装没看见。阿念却站起，用力挥着手，叫道：“哥哥！”
颛顼和女子从人群中挤了过来，阿念这才反应过来这个女子有可能是谁，满是敌意地问：“哥哥，她是谁？”
颛顼微笑着给彼此介绍：“这位是我妹妹，阿念。馨悦，你也叫她阿念就好了。这位是神农馨悦，阿念，你叫她馨悦。还有这位是……”颛顼找小六，却不知何时小六已经离开了。
因为颛顼不在，蓐收可不敢把阿念和小六托付给别人，所以特意选定了看台，带阿念和小六来看最后的决赛。
看到颛顼带着馨悦走过来时，蓐收立即偷偷地开溜，小六也悄悄地站起，随在蓐收身后跑了。
两人成功地溜出来后，对彼此抱抱拳，都表示佩服佩服！
这是最后的决赛，来看比赛的人非常多，所以位置一个萝卜一个坑。小六没心没肺地提议：“颛顼霸占了我们的位置，那个神农小姐一定有位置空着，我们去坐她的位置。”
蓐收否决，