Chapter 44 Chapter 2 Reunion (Part 1)

Yinxiang turned around and walked out of the house, paused at the door, squeezed and loosened his hand on the door frame, hesitantly, he still didn't turn his head, and finally walked out with big strides, "Huh..." I let out a long breath and turned to the door Then he leaned heavily on the cotton pad, only to feel that his mind was completely blank... The cotton curtain was lifted, and Xiao Taoer from outside the door walked in lightly, with some fear on her face and some anticipation, she slowly walked in. Walked up to me, and slowly knelt down on the edge of the tavern I lowered my head and smiled at her, she was stunned, her expression relaxed a bit, she didn't speak, just rubbed the corners of the satin cloth on the tavern with her hands.Outside the window were all the maids waiting, but there was no sound at all, the ping-ping-pong-pong of firecrackers just now could not be heard at all, and the remaining joy seemed to be captured by the eyes. The depression was swallowed up silently.

"Thank you for your hard work these years," I whispered. The husband and wife haven't seen each other for three years, and I don't know when they will be the boss. I have always felt guilty for her.Xiao Tao'er, who lowered her head, trembled and didn't look up, but her voice was choked with sobs, "Miss... don't say that, Xiao Tao'er has been doing very well these past few years... contentment..." Before I could speak again, Xiao Tao'er suddenly raised her head, leaned her body halfway, and said hastily, "Master, don't worry too much. According to this servant, the Thirteenth Lord is not in any serious danger. There should be nothing..." In the second half of the conversation, she kept talking lower and lower... I forced a smile and nodded, "I understand, don't worry", Xiao Tao'er also forced a smile, and sat back stupidly.

I turned my head and looked out of the window. The locust trees in the garden had long since had bare branches, being pulled at will by the ruthless north wind.I'm not worried that Yinxiang will be risky if he goes there. If that's the case, he won't make a big fanfare to pass the decree, but quietly drink a glass of poisoned wine. What I'm worried about is... "The tree wants to be quiet but the wind More than that"... murmured out in his mouth. Xiao Tao'er was a little confused and looked up to see if I had said anything. Before I could say anything, I heard hurried footsteps outside, and Xiao Tao'er's face suddenly turned pale, and my heart couldn't help beating wildly , It was so fast that it felt disgusting, I just felt the blood rushing to my head, but my hands and feet turned cold...

Swish", the cloth curtain was lifted all of a sudden, Qin Shun'er almost staggered and rushed in, "Master...Hoo...Master..." He knelt down in front of me all of a sudden, breathing quickly and swallowing dryly. I was spitting, my face was purple and swollen like a smile but not a smile, but my face was covered with sweat in winter. "Hiss..." I couldn't help taking a breath, it hurt so much, I looked down, only to find that my nails were hard Pinch it in the palm of your hand, and four red marks are printed clearly. For some reason, my heart suddenly became quieter, "Talk slowly, don't worry," I said softly, seeing that I was calm, Qin Shun'er paused, then took two breaths, "Yes, master, Thirteenth Lord It's all right, it's a decree from the palace, the emperor wants to see him, and ordered him to enter the palace immediately, and let me tell the master, don't worry, I'll tell you right away if there is a letter," he said out loud.

Xiao Tao'er wept with joy, "Miss, miss", she could only cry like this with tears streaming down her face, Qin Shun'er was also full of joy, smiling foolishly, suddenly there was a buzzing sound outside the room , cheers, weeping, laughter, such undisguised joy instantly filled every space, gap... After a while, Xiao Tao'er and Qin Shun'er slowly calmed down, but they just looked at me.I know I should be happy, happy for Yinxiang, happy for his comeback, happy for his bright future... But I really can't be happy.He grinned reluctantly, "Go down, I want to be quiet, you all know what to do, if you have any news, just let me know right away."

"Yes, that servant will leave." Qin Shun'er pulled Xiao Tao'er who was still about to say something, turned around and went out together, said something in a low voice, I didn't hear clearly, but the outside immediately became quiet. I already knew that this day would come, didn't I? In the history books, there is a lot of controversy about how long Yinxiang was imprisoned, but I didn't expect it to be so fast, so I couldn't help but smile bitterly. Did I expect to be imprisoned for such a long time in my heart?Deciding to come in and accompany Shisan is a kind of relief for me, but now...

These three years of ordinary but stable and comfortable life, not a free body, but a free heart and speech, no fighting, no malice, no defense, and not so much love and hatred, all of this will soon end... The most important thing is that the moment Yinxiang stepped out of this gate, he was still an upright thirteen son, the son of the phoenix and the grandson of the dragon, and he never changed.And me... who the hell am I... There was a sudden throbbing in the temple, and I couldn't help pressing it hard with my hand, only to feel better.Forget it, don’t think about it anymore, when I don’t want to come, I come, when I don’t want to die, I die, when I think I can’t live, I come back to life, everything is being fiddled with by an invisible hand, and I can’t help myself at all

Thinking about the outside world, I can't help but feel a little bit moved. If I was imprisoned here when I first came here, I'm afraid I would be crazy. Thinking about it this way, God has treated me well, and it is still letting me go step by step. Suffering, grinned with a sneer, and lay down relaxed, ordering himself not to think about anything... Feeling very hot in a daze, I shook my head, opened my eyes to look around in the dimness, and woke up suddenly, only to find that Yinxiang came back at some time, hugged me to the bed, and was next to me in my clothes. asleep.I was a little dazed, looking at his red face that seemed to be smiling a bit, sleeping deeply, and a strong smell of alcohol wafting around, I couldn't help but feel stagnant, how long has it been since he drank so much wine up.

I couldn't help reaching out and gently stroking his hot face, warm breath blowing evenly on my hand, black eyebrows, straight nose, hard lips, but there is an obvious line Smile marks are printed on the corners of the mouth.I can't help feeling warm in my heart. It is the most successful thing for me to keep him happy all these years. Ah", I yelled in a low voice, the hand on Yinxiang's lips was grasped by him, but the person didn't wake up, just rubbed against the pillow, called "Xiaowei" indistinctly, and then I fell asleep, but my hand was firmly grasping mine and refused to let go. I sat quietly beside him, looking at his sleeping face. For some reason, I suddenly remembered that year in winter hunting, when Yinxiang was raped by a bear. Hurt, I went to take care of him that night.

At that time, he also tightly grabbed my hand, and then grabbed my heart. There was some pain, but more joy. Just like now, it has never changed... The thin bed curtains around me covered my heart. He and I are surrounded by a world.The warm breath of each other is entwined, even if there is only a little bit of air left, we still have to share it together. I didn’t realize until today that this quiet world is what I wanted, and I have had it for so long... "Master, do you think this is good?" Xiao Tao'er smiled and fiddled with piles of fabrics beside me. These silks and satins were either rewards from the emperor or congratulatory gifts from those masters. I didn't care at all, just casually Tossing with Xiao Taoer.Ever since I made my wish come true that night, I have been wholeheartedly happy and planning for Yinxiang.

Yinxiang also guessed a little bit about what was going on in my mind. He was afraid that I would be too worried or that something would happen. Seeing how peaceful and happy I am now, although he didn't quite understand what happened, he didn't ask any more questions. But obviously relieved.I know that he refused to add or replace slaves. He clearly said that he had just received the favor of the emperor, and he should serve the emperor and serve the court instead of tidying up his private house. In private, he naturally didn't want any new people to enter the mansion, which would be disadvantageous to me. The emperor's decree made it very clear that originally Yinxiang was involved in the abolition of the crown prince, although it was unintentional, he should be punished slightly. It has been three years, and he has performed well, because he was released to serve the court. To make up for mistakes and so on... In the end, this imperial decree is nothing more than a piece of beautifully packaged chocolate, with layers of coats peeled off, but there is still some sweet and bitter taste left.Yinxiang naturally understands the taste, but for him, sweeter is better than bitter... Yinxiang has returned to the old rhythm of life. He went to court every day and went to the six departments to run errands. Getting better and better.In private, his words are full of pride, but outside he is modest and cautious. I can only sigh, this is the future number one virtuous king... Everything in the mansion has to be changed, firstly because Yinxiang has recovered his grade, so the daily expenses are naturally different, and secondly, to get rid of bad luck, all the things used during the ban will be taken away and burned.Everyone was laughing and full of energy, but I was no longer in the mood for decoration at that time. I just hid in my room, read and wrote every day, and even preferred to do needlework clumsily rather than go out. After being like an ostrich for a few days, even the busy Yinxiang felt that something was wrong. Seeing his hesitation, I just laughed and said that there are too many people coming and going in the house now. If one is not careful, someone will see him Not good.He hugged me but was silent, and finally he just said something in a low voice above my head, "I've wronged you"... My eyes became hot, and I said in a hoarse voice, "I haven't been wronged by your side", Yinxiang didn't say anything again Talk, just hold me tighter "Miss, is this good?" "Ah" I came back to my senses and looked at it, "Well, it's pretty good." Xiao Taoer curled her lips, "I asked you more than ten times, and it was always the same sentence, um, pretty good".I laughed, "It's pretty good, I can't tell if it's not good," and Xiao Tao'er laughed too. The little girl outside the door replied, "The thirteenth master is back." I was taken aback, and I looked at Xiao Taoer, "Why is it so early today?" "Boss Qin didn't say anything, just said that the master will The horse will be here", "Well, I see, you go", the girl outside the door backed out.I thought for a while, "Xiao Taoer, go and prepare some porridge and water, it's good to warm Lord Thirteen first, it's too cold and you'll catch cold easily", "Yes, let's go" Xiao Taoer hurriedly responded. Looking at Xiao Tao'er's back, I suddenly remembered that I told her two days ago to let her go home and have a look, she was full of tears.I got up and walked to the study, thinking that if Yinxiang didn't come to me when he came back, he should be in the study and let Xiao Taoer go out to meet outsiders. Although he was her husband, she still had to tell Shisan anyway. There are already few servants in the mansion, and they have been so busy recently that they are basically serving in the front. There are a lot fewer people in the backyard, and I am happy to walk leisurely and leisurely.My heart has not been so comfortable for some days, so I slowed down even more. Although the surrounding area is bare and the water has frozen, only a few sparrows are still jumping around for food like that. Seeing the study, there is no eunuch waiting at the door. Thinking about it, maybe the person hasn’t come over yet, so he probably went to look for me. Suddenly he felt a little funny, shook his head, and was about to turn around and go back, but after thinking about it, Don't go astray again, just go to the study and wait for him. If you can't find me there, you will naturally come here. Lifting his feet up the steps, he thought to himself that the last time he saw a book of miscellaneous people's travels on Yinxiang's bookshelf, he wondered if it was still there.Now that I can't go out to play, it's good to read this kind of travel guide. I pushed the door open and walked in. Where are the books? In a blink of an eye, there are layers of books. Relying on the memory of the last time, I reached out to the upper bookshelf to look through it. Just as I took out a book, I suddenly heard the sound of the door being pushed open behind me. Seeing a figure standing upright at the door, the book fell heavily on the ground with a "slap", and the eyes suddenly became blurred, "You..." Slender and straight figure, somewhat pale complexion, slightly ironic The corners of his mouth, and... those eyes that were so dark that they couldn't see to the bottom, they were obviously blurry, but they could see so clearly, fourth master... Fourth Master put one hand on the door leaf, and seemed to be about to push the door to come in, but now he stood there stiffly, with an indifferent expression, but his fingers were already turning white. "What he wants, I want too"..."Is this your choice too"..."Yes, I've been crazy since the day you opened my fingers"..."I'll see you again, won't I" … The words he once said filled my mind like thunder, echoing affectionately or ruthlessly... With a "pop", tears fell on the ground, the sound was so loud, I couldn't help but hit Trembling, Fourth Master's eyes darkened, and I felt the figure in front of me flickering, and I couldn't help opening my eyes... "Hey, fourth brother, why are you standing at the door and not going in?" Thirteen's hearty voice came from outside the door, and the four Grandpa froze, I turned my head subconsciously, and quickly wiped two handfuls on my face. "Fourth brother, you..." Thirteenth appeared at the door with a grin. When he raised his eyes and saw me, he was taken aback for a moment. It's strangely cold at the door against the wind." Fourth Master nodded lightly, walked in, went to sit on the grand teacher's chair beside him, picked up a picture written by Yinxiang on the table and looked at it. Thirteen turned around and shouted to the outside, "Shun'er, quickly serve the tea, it's the old gentleman's sister that the third master sent me before." After speaking, he turned around and smiled at the fourth master, "Fourth brother, you can try it too, The third brother praised this tea as if it was a fine nectar." The fourth master raised his eyes, twitched the corners of his mouth, and lowered his head again. Yinxiang turned his face and looked at me with a smile, as if he didn't feel anything, my heart twitched, my head was swollen to death, and there was a buzzing noise, but my intuition had already made my legs go out spontaneously, and I straightened my lower body Go, and said steadily, "Servant to fourth master, Thirteenth master please greet", Yin Xiang was taken aback for a moment, the smile froze on his face for a moment, but fourth master remained motionless. After a while, it seemed like a long time, "Well, get up", the fourth master's deep voice sounded, as cold and indifferent as before, but my heart felt hot, "Yes", I answered in a low voice , I just feel that although my heart is blank, my emotions are like a poplar tree that has lost all its leaves. Just about to get up, a hand stretched out and held my wrist lightly but tightly. I paused, then straightened up with strength, and looked up, Yinxiang's faint but satisfied smile appeared in my eyes at the same time. , he touched the corner of my eye lightly with his hand, paused for a while, withdrew his hand, but only asked in a low voice, "I have something to do with you", I shook my head, "It's nothing serious, let's talk about it later, You're on business," he nodded. I blessed my body in the direction where the fourth master was sitting, so I lowered my head and turned around to back out. The moment the door closed, I couldn't help but raise my eyes, but I only saw the silhouette of the fourth master with his head bowed, and the shapeless hand in his hand writing paper... A hand suddenly touched my forehead lightly, and I couldn't help being startled. When I looked up, I saw Xiao Tao'er's concerned face, "What's wrong with you, you're not feeling well, your complexion was not good just now, and it was still rosy in the morning , Did you catch the wind when you went out just now?" After speaking, he touched his forehead and murmured "It's not hot". I forced a smile, "I'm fine, don't be surprised, I'm not Guan Gong, how can I keep blushing all day long."Xiao Tao'er let out a burst of laughter, and the little girl on the side also pursed her lips and snickered, so she didn't say anything else, but asked the little girl to serve the meal, Yinxiang had already asked people to go back and forth, saying that today she was going to be with the four Let's have dinner together, don't wait for him. Xiao Tao'er asked the other girls to retreat, and sat on the side to eat with me, so it was easier to talk.She gave me this and that from time to time, and I just ate every bite, and my mouth felt bitter, and I felt like I was chewing dregs when I ate everything.But things from the past kept reappearing in my mind, first meeting, acquaintance, acquaintance, and... It is said that once a person is over fifty years old, he will unconsciously recall the past, so as to feel the glorious existence of life, whether physically or psychologically, the older he is, the more he will think about it... I can’t help but smile bitterly, I have thought about it for so long, Could it be that my heart is also old? Although I still have a face in my twenties, I ordered myself not to think about it anymore. "Master...", "Ah" I was stunned, and looked at Xiao Taoer, who just smiled and looked at me, "Where are you going to go to some god?" After speaking, I pointed with my finger. Taking a look, I realized that I was drinking soup with chopsticks... I blushed, glanced at Xiao Taoer who was pursing her lips and giggling, put down the chopsticks, picked up the bowl, gurgled and drank it... Wipe your mouth, look Seeing Xiao Tao'er's stunned expression, her mood suddenly improved a lot. Xiao Taoer shook her head in a funny way, took the soup bowl in my hand, muttered something in her mouth, "make a pie, settle down", then suddenly remembered something and said, "Master, first listen to Qin Shun'er He said that this year's first lunar month lantern festival has been held for a long time, and capable craftsmen from all over the country have been sent to the capital to make lanterns, so it must be very lively." I looked at her, thinking that Yinxiang was released on the day of Xiaonian, and it was already 20 days in a blink of an eye. The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is just around the corner. Outside, there are no lights to enjoy in the backcountry. I couldn't help being a little bit moved, anyway, Yinxiang is still going to the palace this year, but it has nothing to do with me, so I sneered in my heart, it's fine if I don't go to that ghostly place.Looking at Xiao Taoer looking at me eagerly, thinking about it for a long time, she has never returned home. Although I didn't say it just now, I think Yinxiang will not object Over the past few years, after going through all these things, Xiao Tao'er is no longer the little girl who used to have her bowels open to the end. She knows what to say and what not to do.I faintly feel that my mentality is too bad recently, maybe it will be much better to go out for a walk, not to mention that I haven’t stepped out of the house for so many years, there must be a lot of changes outside, although it can’t keep up with the rapid changes of China’s reform and opening up, but more There will always be more or less changes. Thinking about it, I couldn't help but smile, "Got it, you can eat quickly." Xiao Taoer saw me happy, knew that there was hope to go out, and was very happy in her heart. So what. In the evening, I went to bed early, maybe subconsciously I didn't know what to say when I saw Yinxiang. When someone sighed, his forehead felt hot, and when he opened his eyes again, it was already daylight. Yinxiang had already gone out, and left a message saying that there was a table in the evening, and he came back late. When I washed and washed, I saw Xiao Tao'er's happy face, and I found out after asking, last night Yin Xiang saw that I was asleep, so he asked Xiao Tao'er what I was going to do with him in the afternoon.Xiao Taoer said that it was probably for her to go home and have a look. I heard me mention it in the morning. Yinxiang thought about it, and then agreed, just telling her to be more careful.Xiao Tao'er naturally understood the implication in these words, although she was vigilant for a while, she still happily complied. I scratched my cheeks, smiled at Xiao Taoer who was combing my hair in the mirror, "It's better to hit the sun than to choose a day, how about today", Xiao Taoer paused, her eyes turned red, she bit her lip but didn't speak.Seeing that she was not in the right mood, after asking, I realized that she was a little timid, "How about I go with you?" Xiao Taoer was startled, and before she could speak, I shook my hand, "First, I also want to go out for a walk. It’s better later, bring a cloak to cover your head and face, if it’s dark, others won’t be able to see clearly, second, you can’t go home without someone to accompany you, this is the rule, third, before it’s fifteen However, the lanterns should have already been made, so I just went to have a look while there were few people.” Xiao Taoer looked hesitant, "Then do you want to tell..." "No, let's hurry back and bring the guards, nothing will happen."Xiao Tao'er is still worried, but I don't care. After having a nightmare last night, I have already decided that if I die once, I will die again. Worrying about gains and losses, you can hide your head and show your tail. This day, Xiao Taoer was flustered and happy, and I quickly slipped past in anticipation. I didn't really want to tell Yinxiang, I didn't want him to worry, and I didn't want him to stop me. I just felt that I hadn't lived for myself for a long time. Alright, I'm going to take a breather today anyway. In the evening, I asked Xiao Tao'er to call Qin Shun'er, and he stood respectfully outside the door, "What orders do you have, master?"I cleared my throat, "Xiao Taoer is going to go home and have a look today, your thirteenth master promised." "Yes, the slave is going to prepare the car now." "Yes," I nodded.Qin Shun'er looked back and thought of Xiao Tao'er who was on the side and said with a smile, "Congratulations, husband and wife reunion", Xiao Tao'er blushed and lowered her head. Qin Shun'er turned his head with a smile, "Master, who will follow, Yanhong or Double Happiness", "No need", he was taken aback, "No, master, this can't be done, this is the rule, if the slave wants to go home, it's not necessary." ..." He didn't finish his sentence, when he saw me walking out in a cloak, his eyeballs almost fell out. "Hehe, Qin Shun'er is terrified today," Xiao Tao'er said with a smile in the car, forgetting that she was also worried to death.Qin Shun'er refused to say anything, so I had no choice but to tell him, if he said anything else, I would take off my cloak and stride out. The ancients mistaken Yang Hu for Confucius, what am I afraid of. Although Qin Shun'er didn't understand what Yanghu Kongqiu was about, it can be seen that I was determined to go, so I could only send more guards to follow, and I ordered two little girls to follow, and I gave them thousands of warnings. I laughed and said, "Anyway, it's too late for him to go and inform you about the Thirteenth Lord." Xiaotao smiled, looked at me again, and I sighed, "Got it, auntie, when you talk about the past, we will be quick I will never run around when I come home," Xiao Taoer laughed out loud, which is more at ease. After walking for a while, it gradually became lively and my heart jumped. So many people, such noisy voices, and all kinds of mixed aromas made my heart boil.I felt as if I was entering the city for the first time, and I stretched my head to look desperately. After a while, I realized that Xiao Taoer was still at the side, afraid that she would make a joke, but when I looked back, she was already firmly stuck to the window , I wanted to laugh, but couldn't help sighing.