Chapter 4 The Mystery of Sudden Death, Volume 4

After leaving the famous doctor's villa, and after several days of non-stop running around, the bustling capital city is finally within sight.Before entering the city, the few people saw a long queue in front of the majestic city gate from a distance.Many people were stretching their heads to look in the direction of the city gate, with eager faces. They got off their horses and stood at the end of the line. Shangguan Lin tentatively chatted with the two men carrying vegetables in front: "There are so many people in front, are they all waiting to enter the city?" The men were refreshing, anyway, they were idle in the queue, and one of them, who looked younger, simply replied enthusiastically: "Yeah, these days are the same every day. It doesn't take an hour to go out of the city and enter the city. I'm afraid I won't be able to pass the checkpoint." .”

"How can it be so troublesome?" Shangguan Ziyan frowned and asked doubtfully. "It used to be different, but recently something happened in the capital." When the young man said this, he looked around vigilantly, and said in a low voice, "I heard that the prince disappeared strangely in the palace, and the emperor was ill in bed again. Now the second prince who just came back from the fief Jinzhou is in charge of the overall situation, he has set up checkpoints at every city gate to strictly check the people who enter and leave, and look for suspicious persons."

Qing Yi's face darkened, and he asked coldly, "How long has this been going on?" "It's more than ten days." "I heard rumors from people I know in the palace that the third prince in Linzhou has also disappeared from the fiefdom. I think the capital is probably about to change." Another older man said with emotion. "I don't know what will happen in the future." Volume Four: The Mystery of Sudden Death The old man patted the young man on the shoulder, and said with a bit of vicissitudes: "No matter what, it has nothing to do with us ordinary people. We just want to live a good life in good weather."

Hearing this, Qing Yi seemed thoughtful.After a moment of silence, he suddenly groped his body, then turned to Shangguan Lin and Shangguan Ziyan, spread his hands together and said, "I seem to have lost something on the way here just now, and I need to go back and look for it." "Is it something important? I'll go and help find it too." Shangguan Ziyan volunteered. "No need, I saw it at noon, and it must not be far away. Little Yanzi, you and Brother Shangguan go to the city first, and go shopping in the street before it is dark, and I will be there soon."

"It's just right, I also intend to find an inn to stay first, get to know the capital in a few days, and then go to the Yamen to take up my post." Shangguan Lin nodded in response. "After you enter the city, you can ask about the location of Skylark Street. There is a Yongxiang Inn there, and we will meet at the inn." After the agreement was made, Qing Yi led the horse and wanted to leave, but was pulled by Shangguan Ziyan from the side.Shangguan Ziyan bit her lip, with a hesitant expression on her face, but her hands were persistently holding on to Qing Yi's clothes.Qing Yi turned around and asked with puzzled eyes, Shangguan Ziyan's black eyes flickered, and finally said slowly: "Qing Yi, you must come back!"

Qing Yi was slightly taken aback, and then his expression was tinged with tenderness.He patted Shangguan Ziyan's head: "Little Yanzi, I'm only leaving for a while, don't make it look like parting from life to death." "real?" Seeing that Shangguan Ziyan still didn't believe it, Qing Yi reached out and took something out of his bosom.In his hand is an exquisite golden lock with cloud patterns entrenched, the character "Yi" engraved flying and flying in the middle, and six small bells are adorned underneath, emitting a dazzling brilliance under the sunlight.

"If you are worried, just hold this golden lock. No matter where you are, I will find you by listening to the bell above." Shangguan Ziyan clenched her fist, raised her hand halfway and retracted it.She raised her head and said firmly: "I don't want it, since you won't leave us, what's the use of it?" Shangguan Ziyan always felt that if she took the golden lock in front of her, Qing Yi would disappear. She deceived herself into thinking that as long as she didn't take the golden lock, he wouldn't leave.But Shangguan Ziyan has already forgotten that Qing Yi just came to the capital with them along the way, since they are companions, there will always be a day of separation when they arrive at the destination.

Seeing this, Qing Yi didn't hesitate, took back the golden lock, and assured Shangguan Ziyan in a deep voice: "I will definitely find you before sunset." After receiving Qing Yi's promise, Shangguan Ziyan let go of her hand and watched Qing Yi get on the horse and leave. Qing Yi didn't go far, and quietly turned back near the city gate, stood still in a remote corner, took out a silver flute and put it to his lips, and the clear and melodious sound of the flute sounded immediately.Not long after he stood still, a figure in black appeared silently, knelt down in front of Qing Yi.

"Young master." "Can you find out what's going on in the palace now?" Qing Yi's expression was serious, completely gone from his usual unruliness. "It's still calm, but the prince is missing, the emperor is seriously ill, and the second prince has wooed some courtiers to control the government. I'm afraid there will be some action at any time." "There is no clue about the prince?" "The second prince returned to the palace less than two days ago, the prince disappeared in the study, and there is no trace of him yet." Qing Yi said: "Why is the father suddenly seriously ill, and there is no news before?"

"The subordinates suspect that the emperor is poisoned, but except for the second prince and his close friends, the second prince does not allow anyone else to see the emperor, and even the imperial doctor has no way to get him." "It seems that they came prepared this time." "My son, the second prince must have known that you left the fief, and guessed that you will return to the capital. I'm afraid it will be bad for you. It's important that I send some people to protect your safety." "No, although he conspired with the courtiers, he didn't hold great power. If I'm not wrong, he hasn't found the military talisman, can't blatantly seize the throne, and is still waiting for the opportunity. Before that, he didn't dare to be too arrogant. Otherwise, I will not be able to explain to the world." Qing Yi smiled coldly, and on his bright moon-like face, there was a touch of awe, "The gates of the city gate are also used to prevent me from entering Beijing under the guise of checking suspicious people, and he can only do these superficial things at the moment. "

"Young master, are you going to enter the city?" "What can I do?" The man in black took out a token and handed it to Qing Yi: "Lieutenant Lu, who guards the gate of the South City Gate, is one of our own, and all arrangements have been made for his subordinates." Qing Yi nodded in satisfaction, thought for a while, and continued to ask: "What's the second prince doing in recent days?" "The second prince made an appointment with the Japanese envoy to talk about things in three days. The location is set at Fengyue Tower. I think he is planning to borrow the power of other countries." "Fengyue Building..." Qing Yi repeated lightly, and then a playful look flashed in his eyes, "Since that's the case, I won't go to the palace for now, let's find out what kind of medicine he sells in his gourd first." "Are you planning to go to Fengyue Tower? Do you want my subordinates to accompany you?" "I'm enough for myself. There are too many people, and it's inevitable that there will be extra problems. You can go back and pay attention to the second prince's movements." "yes." The man in black was about to take his orders and leave, when Qing Yi called him again, and said with a bit of relief in his words: "Also, thank you for the two horses you found last time, they were of great help." The man in black didn't look back, he just stopped and said, "This is what the subordinates should do", and then he jumped up and disappeared quickly.Qing Yi stopped for a moment, took out the still warm golden lock from his bosom, rubbed it in the palm of his hand and looked at it carefully.He clenched his fist into a fist, and then slowly released it. Then he put away the golden lock and mounted his horse again. Although the gates of the city were heavily guarded, it did not affect the prosperity of the capital at all.You can see the criss-crossing streets and alleys, and there are cars, horses and pedestrians on the slightly wider roads.Not to mention a few bustling streets, there are many merchants on both sides, and there are hawkers selling along the street from time to time.Among the various people coming and going, there are rich and noble figures in silk and satin, as well as ordinary people in common clothes. Shangguan Lin looked around while walking, as if he wanted to draw a rough picture of the capital city in his mind from the street scene in front of him.In the future, it will be much more complicated to decide the case in the Beijing Central Criminal Department than in the small county where they stayed before.As Bai Qingyuan said before, he needs to be more cautious.And understanding the humanities and customs is the first step he wants to do. Shangguan Ziyan, who was walking beside him, seemed even more absent-minded.If it was normal, facing the dazzling array of novelties, she might have disappeared without a trace.But now after entering the city and walking for so long, she still obediently followed behind Shangguan Lin, without even opening her mouth to speak, her eyes were staring straight at the road ahead, but it seemed that nothing could enter her eyes. Turn a blind eye to everything around you.Ever since she parted ways with Qing Yi at the gate of the city, she has always been preoccupied. It's not that Shangguan Lin has not noticed her sister's thoughts, but there are some things that even if he wants to help, he can't get started. It's better to let nature take its course, so he Choose to keep silent. The two of them walked to the corner of a street, and suddenly a figure rushed over and bumped into Shangguan Ziyan who was still in a trance.Both Shangguan Ziyan and the other party had no time to dodge, only heard a soft cry of "Oops", Shangguan Ziyan took two steps back to stabilize her figure, and the person who collided with her obviously did not have Shangguan Ziyan's skill, so she fell directly on the ground On the ground, the things in his hands were scattered all over the ground beside his feet. "Sorry." Shangguan Ziyan came back to her senses and hurriedly apologized, looking intently, a delicate and glamorous face came into view.It was a young woman in a peach pink dress. She had a small face, willow eyebrows and phoenix eyes, and red lips. Her fair skin complemented the color of the dress, and she had a natural style, which was indescribably soft and charming. and charming. The woman smiled, swaying like a peach blossom, and then spoke again, with a very gentle and clear voice: "It's okay, I'm not well, I was traveling too fast, and I didn't notice anyone in front of me." She said, got up and began to pick up the things on the ground. "My younger sister is reckless, I'll help you clean it up." Shangguan Lin said in a deep voice. "Thank you, sir." The woman raised her head and cast a grateful glance at Shangguan Lin. After being reminded by her brother, Shangguan Ziyan also went to pick up a few items that were left far away from the woman. Even though Shangguan Lin lowered his head, at such a distance, the fragrance of the woman's body powder still blew towards him with the wind as if there was nothing, it was not overpowering, but elegant and just right, it moved the heart, and gave rise to a little drunkenness.Shangguan Lin restrained his mind, reached out to pick up a box of rouge next to him, and inadvertently touched a soft hand.Taking a closer look, he realized that almost all the leftovers had been picked up, except for this last item, the woman was picking up the rouge box at the same time as him.The woman was also startled, raised her head to meet Shangguan Lin's eyes, and forgot to avoid it for a while.A little inexplicable subtlety floated in the air. "I've picked them all up, and I'll return them to you." Shangguan Ziyan's voice suddenly interjected in an incomprehensible way, and the woman withdrew her hand as if being pricked by a needle, a shy blush appeared on her face.Just as she was about to speak, she seemed to hear something, turned her head and looked back, with an unconcealable nervousness faintly showing on her face. "girl……" Shangguan Lin just called out, but was interrupted by the woman, she hurriedly said: "Thank you for your help, the little girl still has important things to do, let's take a step ahead and leave." After finishing speaking, she took the things in Shangguan Ziyan's hand, He walked away quickly without looking back, and soon his figure disappeared into the crowd. "Girl, you forgot Rouge..." Before Shangguan Lin could finish his words, the woman had disappeared.Holding the box of rouge left by the woman in his hand, he stared at the direction she left in a daze.He didn't look back until he was patted on the shoulder, and Qing Yi's smiling face suddenly appeared in front of him, and he didn't know how long he stood nearby and looked at it. "Why, Brother Shangguan is interested in that girl? Do you want me to find out which family the girl is from?" Faced with Qing Yi's joke, Shangguan Lin coughed twice in embarrassment, and Zhou Zheng's face was rarely flushed faintly.He hastily argued: "I just saw her look in a hurry, as if she was avoiding something, I hope she is not in trouble, Qingyi, don't make fun of me." Before Qing Yi could speak, Shangguan Ziyan stepped forward with a smile on his face, and tugged at his sleeves, reversing his absent-mindedness just now, and his clear eyes glowed brightly. "Qingyi, are you back so soon?" Qingyi smiled and stared at her: "Little Yanzi, can I understand your reaction as that you are happy to see me appear? The thing I turned back to look for turned out to be not far away, and it didn't take me long to find it. I rushed to the Yongxiang Inn and found that you hadn't arrived yet, I was afraid that you would get lost in the capital, so I came here right away." "Since that's the case, Qingyi, you are more familiar with the capital. How about showing us around first, and then going to the inn?" Shangguan Ziyan turned her head and looked at Qingyi expectantly.Now that Qingyi has returned safely, after she let go of her heart, the curious and excited factor that had just arrived in the capital began to move around. "Okay, it's up to you, Little Swallow." The smile on Qing Yi's lips deepened, and there was a hint of love and tenderness in his eyes that he hadn't even noticed. The winding moat flows silently under the night, and there is no sound in the surroundings, only the bright moonlight sprinkled on the river, like bits of broken silver.Suddenly, a dark cloud covered the moon, and the scenery became unclear. The originally quiet river also fell into darkness, like a deep and long dark hole dug in the ground. I don't know what is hidden inside. Be careful, you will reveal a ferocious face, sucking in and devouring everything around you. What broke the unusually quiet atmosphere was the sound of chaotic footsteps.Listening carefully, the person's footsteps are quite heavy, as if every step is very strenuous.The two figures carried rolls of blankets and staggered slowly along the river bank, but seeing the strenuous appearance, the things in their hands seemed to be heavy, so they walked with one foot deep and one foot shallow . "Pfft, I didn't expect this person to die so heavy, it's a waste of my strength." Suddenly one of the hoarse voices cursed, "Okay, let's stay here, I'm exhausted!" "This, is it really okay to do this?" Another person said, looking a little hesitant. The person who spoke before had placed one end of the corpse wrapped in the sheet on the ground, found a large stone not far away, took out the rope prepared in advance, and tied it up outside the sheet.Hearing this, he stared, and then sneered: "Do you have an opinion? Do you regret it? It's a pity that there is no turning back in this world. Don't forget, who helped you deal with that matter back then." The other person also let go, hesitated for a moment and asked: "After doing this, can the past really be erased?" "Don't put on a defensive look. I haven't treated you badly in these years, have I? The future is long, why are you in such a hurry to separate the relationship between us? You and I have long been tied to the same boat. .” The man bit his lip: "I..." "Don't talk about it anymore!" The man who squatted on the ground first dealt with the boulder on the corpse, interrupted him impatiently, and urged, "I'll call one, two, three, let's throw the corpse into the river together , finish it early and go home to sleep." The other person had no choice but to swallow half of what he had said, lifted the corpse again according to the words, and shook it a few times vigorously under the command.But before the corpse was released, he took advantage of the other party's not paying attention, and seemed to secretly stuff something into the sheet, but he did it without anyone noticing. The dead body wrapped in a sheet was thrown into the river along with the boulders above it, making a dull splashing sound, disturbing the originally calm water surface.The corpse submerged little by little into the icy river water, and where the trace disappeared, the river water surrounded him again, and after a short while, it returned to its original state, as if nothing had happened, and everything was melted into the dark night. Yongxiang Inn is located on Yunque Street, one of the busiest streets in the capital city. No matter the area or scale, it is very impressive.It has been three days since Qing Yi took Shangguan Lin and Shangguan Ziyan to settle here. Although the second prince is always on guard against him, for Qing Yi, the most dangerous place is actually safe.People come and go in Yongxiang Inn every day, and there are all kinds of people living there, no one will pay special attention to the existence of Qing Yi and the others.Therefore, for a few days, Qing Yi acted like a simple traveler, leading Shangguan Ziyan and the others to dutifully introduce the capital, which seemed leisurely and comfortable. At this time, the night was falling, but the lobby of Yongxiang Inn was still brightly lit, and there was an endless stream of people entering and leaving.In a wing room on the third floor, soft candles were flickering, and the flickering light filled the room, forming a tranquility of its own, isolated from the noise outside. Shangguan Lin sat alone at the table, holding a small rouge box in his palm.On the surface of the silver box, a colorful butterfly danced lightly, as if lingering among the flowers, and that flowery face seemed to appear in front of my eyes in an instant.He gently rubbed the round body of the box with his fingers, and the cool touch made a trace of indistinct subtlety spread from the bottom of his heart. A knock on the door interrupted Shangguan Lin's thoughts.He put the rouge box on the table, got up and opened the door, and Qing Yi's figure stood prominently in the corridor. "Brother Shangguan, did you disturb your rest?" Shangguan Lin shook his head, and let Qing Yi in, "I haven't slept yet, Qing Yi, you came so late, but you need me?" "It's nothing important, I just want to invite Brother Shangguan out for a walk." Shangguan Lin was a little surprised, looking at the dark sky outside from the slightly open window, he asked uncertainly, "Now?" Qing Yi held his lips, smiled unpredictablely, and replied as if pointing: "Some places need to be visited at night for fun." Shangguan Lin immediately understood the meaning of Qing Yi's words, the only place where the door opens to welcome guests at night is the Fengyue place.He said in a deep voice: "Aren't you going to the brothel to have fun? Qingyi, you can go alone, I won't go, and you should go less." Shangguan Lin showed a slight displeasure in his tone, although he asked Liu Zhi It's a common thing for men, but if Shangguan Ziyan knows that Qing Yi went to the brothel, one of them is sadness, and I'm afraid it may cause much trouble. Qing Yi didn't answer, his eyes fell on the rouge on the table unexpectedly.Following his line of sight, Shangguan Lin soon noticed it.He took a few steps to the table, quickly put the rouge box in his sleeve, and explained rather embarrassingly: "I was just wondering if I should return the things left behind by others to their original owners." "Brother Shangguan is right." Qing Yi did not refute him, and then asked unhurriedly, "Have you thought about how to return it?" "There is no clue yet. I don't even know the woman's name, let alone a way to find her." "If I say, the owner of the box of rouge in your sleeve is where I am going tonight, Brother Shangguan, would you like to go with me and return the things with your own hands?" Qing Yi said slowly, but with a leisurely expression. She is so determined, as if she knew everything well before coming here. Shangguan Lin was taken aback when he heard the words, although the woman was charming, she didn't have the slightest sense of fashion on her body, but Qing Yi didn't need to lie to herself.He frowned, pondered for a moment, and finally raised his head and made up his mind: "Where are we going? Qingyi, you will lead the way." "Fengyue Tower." The smile on Qing Yi's face deepened, and after uttering three words, he added to Shangguan Lin, "We are going out at this time, if Zi Yan finds out later, she will be thinking wildly, why don't you go to her room, Brother Shangguan On the last trip, I simply told her that you and I are going to drink and chat, so that she can feel at ease." "That's it, we will meet at the entrance of the inn later." Tonight is the day that the second prince and the Wa country envoys have made together. It was Qing Yi's plan to visit the Fengyue Tower at night.In fact, he is a man, and he has no hesitation to say anything when he goes to the place of love and moon alone, but Qingyi knows in his heart that from Shangguan Ziyan's recent words and deeds, she may have noticed something. If he goes out alone at night, it will definitely arouse her suspicion. Maybe they will insist on following along. He didn't want Shangguan Ziyan to get involved in danger because of this. It happened that during his investigation, he found that the person Shangguan Lin was looking for was in Fengyue Tower, so he thought of inviting Shangguan Lin to go with him, and let him come forward to comfort Shangguan Ziyan. After leaving Fengyue Tower, find an excuse to act separately from Shangguan Lin, so as not to implicate him.In this way, even if Shangguan Ziyan finds out, she will simply think that they are looking for fun, and will not follow them to investigate further. Not long after Shangguan Lin went to Shangguan Ziyan's room, he stepped out of the inn gate, where Qing Yi was already waiting. "What did Ziyan say?" "No, she wants to go to bed earlier, let's go and get back soon." Qing Yi was slightly surprised by Shangguan Lin's answer.Didn't get to the bottom of it, it was really not in line with Shangguan Ziyan's temperament.But right now, what he is thinking about is more about arriving at Fengyue Tower in a while, and he has no time to think about how to find out the truth. "Where is Fengyue Tower?" Shangguan Lin asked. "It's not far from here, just across a street." The two walked side by side on the street. Although the night in the capital is not as bustling as it is during the day, there are still many places brightly lit, and the projected light reflects on the street, illuminating the street brightly. Shangguan Lin was silent for a while, and said softly: "Qing Yi, I don't ask what your background is or what you want to do, I just hope you can worry about Ziyan's mood before that." He had long wanted to find an opportunity to talk to Qing Yi talked alone, it happened that Shangguan Ziyan was not by his side today. Qing Yi's expression faltered, an unquestionable determination flashed in his eyes, and he replied in a deep voice, "Brother Shangguan, please rest assured, no matter what happens, I will not hurt Little Swallow in the slightest." From Qing Yi's tone, it's not hard for Shangguan Lin to feel his determination.After getting his assurance, Shangguan Lin also smiled slightly: "You know that girl Ziyan, I didn't want to ask too much about the things between you, but I'm just such a younger sister, and my parents are dead, I should do my best to protect her .” "Brother Shangguan, Qing Yi understands your concern for Little Yanzi." "That's good. As for the relationship, you should handle it yourself." Shangguan Lin patted Qing Yi's shoulder earnestly. While talking, Fengyue Tower is already in front of you.But seeing the signboard with black plaques and gold letters, pink curtains and flower curtains dotted around, the carved windows are slightly open, and the fragrance is overflowing, as if there are silent temptations and invitations everywhere.In front of the red-painted doorposts, there were already women in various dresses, with exquisite makeup painted on, who warmly greeted the guests inside. "Oh, the two young masters are so handsome, come in and sit down." As soon as Qing Yi and Shangguan Lin appeared, they were surrounded by many girls.Qing Yi dodged to avoid a woman who was about to stick to him, took out a silver coin from his bosom and said, "Go and call your bustard, we have a girl we are looking for." The woman took the money and left with a little disappointment, not long after, the chubby bustard walked out with her waist twisted, and greeted her with a smile on her face: "Which girl do you two gentlemen want to find? We have all kinds of girls here, and we guarantee your satisfaction." "This young master wants to see Miss Linlang." Qing Yi compared with Shangguan Lin, and Shangguan Lin found out that the girl that day was named Linlang. Hearing this, the madam's smile froze, and she replied in embarrassment: "This... Lin Lang has not been feeling well for the past few days, thanking guests behind closed doors, I'm afraid..." Qingyi knowingly took out another ingot of gold, handed it to the old bustard, and interrupted her: "And Lao Dai passed a message to Miss Linlang, saying that the son who collided in the street that day came to return the money she left behind. She will understand, as for seeing or not seeing, I believe Miss Linlang can decide for herself." The old bustard put away the gold with a smile on her face, nodded and bowed her head, and said, "Let me invite the two of you to have a cup of tea first, and wait for a while, then I will go to Miss Linlang and ask her about it." After she finished speaking, she turned and left, Qing Yi and Shangguan Lin looked at each other, and walked into Fengyue Tower. At the place where their figures disappeared, a lively and pretty face appeared from the alley not far away, and then Shangguan Ziyan took a few steps to stand in front of Fengyue Tower, looked up at the signboard of Fengyue Tower and murmured . Several women at the door saw Shangguan Ziyan, pointed and laughed and said, "Girl, this is not where you came from." Shangguan Ziyan straightened her chest, pointed at the guests coming in and out, and asked confidently: "They come, why can't I come? I want to go in and find someone." "Looking for someone? To put it bluntly, I don't want to catch an adulterer." One of the women bluntly said, "If you are looking for a woman, our girls here only serve men; if you are looking for a man, I am afraid you have to ask , sister, your lover, would you like to go back with you?" What she said caused all the women to cover their mouths and chuckle.Shangguan Ziyan glared at her angrily: "Who is your sister!" "If your man really likes you, why would he come to this gentle town to find fun? I advise you to go back, there are too many women who come to us, which one didn't lose face?" No matter how confused Shangguan Ziyan was, she understood where the Fengyue Tower was in front of her.She stomped her feet and said, "Si Qingyi, I knew you must have taken your brother to some good place, and let him lie to me about going to drink. If I hadn't expected that my brother had never been a good drinker, let alone the habit of drinking at night, So follow wisely, I'm afraid you will be deceived! It's all right if you ask for flowers and ask willows by yourself, and you have corrupted my brother. When you come back, let's see how I settle accounts with you!" Shangguan Ziyan looked angrily at the gate of Fengyuelou, turned around unwillingly, and decided to go back to the inn to wait for Qingyi to return. Shangguan Lin avoided the women and benefactors who passed by him, and indifferently watched them hug each other, tease and make out with each other unscrupulously.Up to now, he still couldn't convince himself that Lin Lang would be here.He could neither classify her with Yingying Yanyan who was around her, nor could he imagine that she would nestle in the arms of all kinds of men, flatter her, and exchange her body for money. As he thought about it, he had already stepped up to the second floor, which was much cleaner than in the lobby.Just now the madam told them that Lin Lang would like to see the two of them, that she would wait in her room with food and drink ready, and pointed out Lin Lang's wing.Qing Yi suddenly remembered that he still had things to do, so he could just let Shangguan Lin go alone.Shangguan Lin didn't care about it, he just made an agreement with Qing Yi to return to the inn in a while. Shangguan Lin looked carefully at the door number on the room, and two gorgeously dressed women walked up to them, talking softly as they walked. "I heard that Lin Lang is going to see a guest today?" "I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on anymore." The woman who answered had a bit of resentment in her tone. "That's right, even though she used to be a red card here even if she was a noble lady, she has been kept by Boss Chen for several months after all, people like us go to the romantic places where tea is served, if we don't show up for a few days, our reputation will be ruined. Now she has long been forgotten by the guests." The woman paused and said, "Oh, it seems that Boss Chen is also a kind person, he is a bit older, but he treats Lin Lang very well, so why don't you come? See you again?" "You are too naive. The man who comes here, how can there be a few good things? He must have found a new love somewhere, and he is tired of Lin Lang." "I'm just sorry for Lin Lang. Before, Ms. Wang was concerned about Boss Chen's face and didn't dare to force her too much. But these days, Ms. Wang's attitude towards her has been getting worse day by day. No wonder Lin Lang finally made up her mind to see customers again. " Another woman sneered and said, "Otherwise, she still thinks she is the red card that was famous in the capital? Why pretend to be noble! I don't think she can keep her status as a courtesan for long. Waiting to starve to death?" The two of them seemed to have just seen Shangguan Lin standing in the corridor, they suddenly fell silent, and quickly walked past Shangguan Lin with his head bowed, and his figure disappeared on the stairs.Unexpectedly, Lin Lang would be in such a situation, Shangguan Lin felt his heart tense, and continued walking, and finally came to the door of Lin Lang's room. He settled down, hesitated for a moment, and politely knocked on the door. "My lord, please come in, the door is open." A gentle voice came from inside the room, and Shangguan Lin was almost certain that she was the woman he met that day. He opened the door and entered, and as far as he could see, it was an extremely elegant room.There are not many decorations, and even the couch by the wall is not hung with gorgeous curtains like ordinary women. It is just a simple white gauze curtain hung with silver hooks. Out of the master's mind. On the table, there are wine and dishes, and the woman sitting by the table still has that beautiful face.But today, it seems that she has been deliberately dressed up, and she has applied a thin layer of makeup just right, which makes her even more radiant and makes people unable to take their eyes off her.Shangguan Lin couldn't help recalling what the two women said just now, that such a woman does have the capital to be captivating even if she doesn't sell her body.It's just that the more this happened, the more regretful he felt. He cleared his throat and said, "Miss Linlang..." But after calling out, he didn't know what to say next. Instead, Lin Lang waved her hand generously, stood up to greet her, and said with a bright smile: "Young Master, you don't have to be polite here, just call me Lin Lang, I don't know what to call you, Young Master?" "I'm Shangguan Lin." "So it's Mr. Shangguan. You are a little different from other guests." "Oh? Why do you say that?" Lin Lang signaled Shangguan Lin to sit down at the table, filled two glasses of wine herself, pushed one of the wine cups in front of Shangguan Lin, and sat opposite him again, then said with a smile: "Come to my room, I'll meet you first." Mr. Shangguan is probably the only one who knocks on the door and gets permission to re-enter." When Lin Lang spoke, although she was still smiling, Shangguan Lin did not miss the fleeting sadness in her eyes.Shangguan Lin was at a loss for words for a moment, but Lin Lang's words reminded him where he was at all times.The guests who come to the brothel are only looking for pleasure, how can they think that the women in the brothel also want to be respected?It must have been a long time, and even these women themselves have forgotten that they can still be treated with courtesy. "Come on, just for Mr. Shangguan's move, let Lin Lang offer you a toast." After Lin Lang finished speaking, she raised her head and drank the wine in the glass. Shangguan Lin couldn't refuse, so he also drank the wine.He put down the empty wine cup, took out the rouge box from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Lang: "I'm here to return Miss Lin Lang's belongings." "I heard what Mama Wang said." Linlang took Rouge, "It's just something outside of me, and I've troubled Mr. Shangguan to come here. Linlang is very grateful." "Since I know its owner is here, I must return it." Lin Lang smiled, and poured two more glasses of wine: "Things outside the body come and go as they come, and go as they go, you don't have to take it too seriously, Lin Lang never takes it to heart." Shangguan Lin was a little surprised by her words, and he asked curiously: "Then what is the most important thing to Miss Lin Lang?" Lin Lang heard the words, the smile that had been hanging on her lips faded a bit, she raised the wine cup and drank a glass of wine, and then slowly answered: "It's the heart. Once the heart loses its original self, what happens? I searched, and I couldn’t find it.” Thinking of her situation, Shangguan Lin guessed that she must be struggling with her livelihood and her own persistence.It was inconvenient for him to mention the matter of Boss Chen, so he could only stare at Lin Lang and said firmly: "I will come again in the future, if there is anything I can help, Miss Lin Lang can speak up." "Thank you, Mr. Shangguan, Lin Lang has nothing to repay, so I will use the table of wine and vegetables in front of me to borrow flowers and present Buddha, so that I can entertain you." Lin Lang raised some vegetables and put them in Shangguan Lin's bowl, "Let's talk while drinking. " Shangguan Lin nodded, and the two chatted naturally.The flickering red candles in the house envelop the softness in the room. Shangguan Ziyan didn't turn on the lamp, she sat bored in Qingyi's room, resting her head on the table, drowsy.After the innumerable times that her face was almost in close contact with the table, Shangguan Ziyan blinked her eyes in the dark, and looked out the window again at the sky.There was the sound of the third watch in the streets, but neither Shangguan Lin nor Qing Yi had returned. Apart from anger, Shangguan Ziyan was also a little worried.She couldn't stay in her own room, and felt that it would be more convenient to wait here. Suddenly, a slight sound outside the window aroused Shangguan Ziyan's vigilance.This room is located on the third floor. Could it be that there is such a bold Xiaoxiao trying to break into it?She vaguely felt that a figure came through the window, and said decisively: "Who is it?" Shangguan Ziyan was about to get up, but someone pressed her shoulders even faster, and a familiar aura instantly surrounded her. "Hush, little swallow, don't be nervous, it's me." "Qingyi?" Shangguan Ziyan tilted her head, and through the moonlight, she could vaguely see Qingyi's face, "What are you doing so well that you don't want to leave the door, and want to go through the window?" Qingyi's deep laughter came: "I know you are waiting for me, and I want to give you a surprise." Shangguan Ziyan naturally didn't believe his words, and then she remembered why she was here, she struggled to get up and said: "Don't think that if you talk about him, I will let you go, but tell me, how can you take me? Where did brother go?" "Little Yanzi, if you want to interrogate me, how about tomorrow? I'm tired tonight." Qing Yi's tone showed tiredness that couldn't be concealed, but he still put his arms around Ziyan and wouldn't let go. "Hmph, you're naturally tired after lingering in Wenrou Township, why don't you just stay in the brothel?" "Little Yanzi, I'm really tired, let me lean on for a while." Shangguan Ziyan gradually realized that something was wrong with Qing Yi. Not only did he not argue with her, but she also felt that the force leaning against her back was getting heavier and heavier. In the end, Qing Yi put his head on her shoulder, almost the weight of his whole body All rely on her to support. "Qingyi, what's wrong with you? But what's wrong?" The spontaneous concern made Shangguan Ziyan forget her anger.She stretched out her hand with difficulty, reached over the fire on the table, lit the candlestick, and turned around to face him in Qing Yi's arms.All I could see was Qing Yi's pale and handsome face and slightly closed eyes.Shangguan Ziyan was startled, she patted Qing Yi's cheek to call him, and found that his skin was cold. She supported Qing Yi's arm with one hand, and moved the other hand to his waist, trying to help him sit down, but her palm touched a piece of warm wetness.When she raised her hand, the bright red blood stung her eyes and tightly gripped her heart. "Are you injured? What's going on? Qingyi, don't scare me!" 许是感受到屋内的光亮，抑或被上官紫燕唤得略清醒些，青翊缓缓张开眼，向上官紫燕无力一笑：“这个等有时间我再同你慢慢解释，现在恐怕要麻烦小燕子你，帮我处理一下伤口了。” “那怎么行？我立即去请郎中来！”上官紫燕焦急道。 “不可。小燕子你依我的话去做便行。”青翊忙拉住欲往外走的上官紫燕，情急中又牵动了伤口，他皱了皱眉，脸色更显苍白，伤处渗出的血迹已将他的白衣染红了一大片，看起来触目惊心。 上官紫燕红了眼眶，忙扶着青翊在床边坐下：“好，都按你说的办，你快别乱动！” “别担心，这点伤我还死不了。”青翊见上官紫燕担忧的模样，心中一丝柔软瞬时蔓延开来，他轻声道，“你打开我的包袱，里面有金疮药和纱布。” 上官紫燕先小心地解开他的上衣，露出青翊结实的上身，在他腰间一道狭长的伤口血肉模糊，严重得难以忽视。上官紫燕鼻子一酸，心下好似自己也被刀割了一般，疼痛得难以言喻。她动作轻柔地拿起帕巾，蘸了清水把伤口周围擦拭干净，又取来青翊的包袱，找到他所说之物，涂抹上药，用纱布将伤口包裹起来，但仍阻不住丝丝血迹透过白色的纱布渗出。 “这样不行，我还是去找郎中稳妥些。” “不必了，这金疮药有奇效，明日定可止血好转。” 上官紫燕咬着唇，面对虚弱的青翊，她内心仿佛被一只手紧紧拧住，纠结到了一处，怎样也无法安心。青翊见状继续笑道：“小燕子，扶我躺下歇息吧，我睡一晚伤便会好了。” 上官紫燕闻言，只得收拾好东西，整理一下床铺，帮青翊躺了下来，还不忘细心地将薄被覆在他身上。她搬了圆凳在床边坐下，坚定道：“我今晚就在这里陪你，若有不适马上叫我。” “若受伤能得到小燕子你如此温柔相待，也值得了。”青翊戏谑道，语气轻快，似乎受了伤之人不是自己一般。 上官紫燕扬手欲懊恼地推他，想到他的伤，又及时收住，气急败坏地嗔怪道：“你还有心情开玩笑！” 青翊未答话，只将温柔的目光停留在上官紫燕身上。上官紫燕也愣愣地回望着青翊，一时忘了言语。这一眼中，似有无限深意，青翊的眼眸中仿佛有无限吸力，让她移不开视线，心也随着沉沦，如微风吹动她的心弦。上官紫燕并不了解这种朦胧的情感，但她也隐约明白，自己也许是有些喜欢上了眼前这个男人。 想明白自己的心事之后，上官紫燕竟趴在床沿睡得很沉，连天微明时，青翊起身下床她都未曾察觉。青翊穿好衣衫，在上官紫燕身旁驻足。他伸出手，轻柔地为她理了理颊边的碎发，又略一迟疑，弯下身子，在她脸上无声地印下一吻。上官紫燕身上特有的馨香入鼻，让青翊几乎不想移开唇。 上官紫燕的轻声嘤咛惊醒了青翊，他忙站直望去，见上官紫燕并未醒来，只继续酣睡，才放下心来。他不舍地凝视她的睡颜良久，终是握了握拳，自怀中取出一物放在枕边，坚决地转身离去。 昨晚夜探风月楼既已被二皇子发现，还被他的人暗中出手所伤，说明二皇子已等不及，想必他很快便会有所行动。继续留在上官紫燕他们身边，只会给他们带来危险，该是离开这一切，返回宫中的时候了。 只是这一别，不知相见何期…… “紫燕，我们出去走走可好？” 上官凛有些担忧地看着托腮坐在窗前的上官紫燕，他的问话并未得到任何回应。上官紫燕手中把玩着一个金锁，下意识地翻来覆去轻轻抚摸，不时举起来在耳边摇晃几下，锁下点缀的小铃铛便发出丁零的声响。锁身在窗口透入的阳光的照射下，散发出灿然光芒。但上官紫燕的目光却好似穿过金锁落在遥远的地方，兀自思索着不知名的心事。 上官凛无奈一叹。那晚在风月楼与琳琅畅谈，不觉间直到天明。他发现琳琅对诸多事情，皆有自己独到的见解，仿佛风月之地的一股清流。待结束谈话，两人竟仿佛早已熟识一般。他匆匆赶回客栈已是天明，却发现上官紫燕独自坐于青翊房中出神，手中便是握着这金锁。上官凛认得此物，乃是青翊所有。上次在城门口，他曾欲将金锁交与上官紫燕，上官紫燕并未收下，不知为何现下到了上官紫燕手上，可青翊却不见了踪影。 上官凛也曾试探地询问上官紫燕，但上官紫燕只有淡淡二字“走了”。上官凛不便多问，思及前一晚他与青翊的对话，他料想青翊必是有他非离开不可的理由。这几日，上官紫燕虽看似同平常无异，但时常会望着金锁发呆。上官凛明白，她不再是从前那个心无烦忧的妹妹，她的心缺失了一角，只是为了不让自己担心，做出强颜欢笑的模样罢了。 上官凛起身，走到上官紫燕身旁，重又唤道：“紫燕……” 上官紫燕这次才终于回过神，转头报以询问的目光：“哥哥？” “紫燕，有些事要讲求缘分，莫要太执著于心才好。” “我知道，我只是想试试看，青翊所说过的话是不是真的。”上官紫燕说着，又摇了摇金锁，俏皮笑道，“他曾说，不管身在哪里，都会循着上面的铃声找来，果然是骗人的，无论我怎么晃，他也不会再回来了。” “紫燕，你若心里不快，尽可以同哥哥说。” 上官紫燕摇摇头，小心地收起金锁，故作轻松道：“我没事，哥哥你方才说了什么？” 上官凛见状，也不再逼她，只又重复了一遍自己原本的话：“我看你这几天都闷在房里，想问你上街去逛一逛可好。” “好啊，我们现在就出发。”上官紫燕雀跃地拉住上官凛的衣袖，便向外走去。上官凛只来得及露出一抹苦笑。 昨晚一场大雨，将街道冲刷得分外干净。空气中浮动着雨过天晴的清新，晴空万里，阳光明媚却并不刺目，偶有一两朵白云悠然飘过，正可谓一片和煦。行在街上深吸一口气，沁人心脾的舒适，令人周身倍感轻松。 但上官紫燕显然无心享受这份惬意，她拉着上官凛穿行于各个摊贩之间，仿佛一只忙碌的小蜜蜂。尽管手中已塞满食物和一些零碎小玩意，她仍兴致不减地挑选着。上官凛只宠溺地跟在后面，一一付了钱，他希望上官紫燕能借此暂时抛却烦恼，哪怕仅是眼前一刻也好。 忽而人群有些骚动，若不是上官紫燕一直扯着上官凛，两人险些被挤散。他们驻足观望，发现很多人皆往同一方向赶去。上官紫燕疑惑道：“哥哥，前面怎么了？” 上官凛摇了摇头，随手拉住一名正经过身边的人问：“请问出了何事？” “听说护城河漂来一具尸首，官衙正派人去打捞呢！”那人说罢，忙脚步匆匆地继续赶去看热闹了。 上官凛道：“紫燕，我们也去看看。” "Ok." 两人随着人流，很容易便寻到了打捞尸首的现场。河岸边已站了不少围观的百姓，随后赶到的官差，设起人为的屏障，将百姓隔开在十几步之外。上官紫燕和上官凛艰难地挤过人群，终于能清楚看到前面的情形：几名官差正将一具尸首从河中吃力地抬出，放到距护城河远一些的地上，尽管那里已铺设好干燥的毛毡，但一接触到尚滴着水的尸首，还是被湿淋淋地晕染出一大片水渍。 “是顺着因昨晚大雨而上涨的水流从城外冲进来的吧？”人群中有人忍不住议论。 “真可怜，是不是溺水而亡？” “谁知道，这就是官府该去查的事了。” 见几名官差简单查验过后，又抬起尸首准备离开，上官紫燕偏头向上官凛询问：“他们会将尸首送去哪儿？” “应是刑部的停尸房，刑部中的赎罚处，专门负责处理京中掌罚罪事，凡京城中罪案，皆会交由赎罚处，由主事调查审理后，再由刑部侍郎、尚书审核定案。” “刑部赎罚处，不就是……”上官凛掩住上官紫燕的口，以眼神示意她在此不宜多言。 此时被抬的尸首正好经过围观人群前，被河水浸得肿胀的尸首清晰地呈现在众人眼前。只见尸首仰卧，眼口紧闭，一张白得无一丝血色的脸已扭曲变形得几乎难以辨认。全身浮肿得变大了好几圈，湿透的衣服紧贴在身上。吓得一些胆子略小的人，赶忙闭上了眼。 “咦？这不是陈老板吗？”忽然有人惊呼。 “哪个陈老板？”这一声立即引来人群的沸腾，人们不约而同将目光投向说话之人，“你认得此人？” “就是那个据说在风月楼一掷千金，包下琳琅姑娘，还曾言及要为她赎身的米商陈万良嘛，我之前在风月楼门口，见过他和琳琅姑娘在一起。” “难怪最近没听说他在风月楼出现，原来是死在河里了。” “唉，世事难料……” 周遭的话语传入上官凛耳中，他微微蹙起眉，似是陷入了沉思，片刻，他开口唤道：“紫燕。” "what?" “我们今日就赶往刑部去看看可好？”上官凛并未转头看上官紫燕，而是注视着官差离开的方向，声音中却似别有一番深思。 上官紫燕虽不明白哥哥为何突然想去刑部赴任，但对于她来说，在哪里已无差别。她点头应道：“听哥哥安排，我怎样都无所谓。” 于是，他们未再停留，而是径直返回客栈，收拾好行装即准备赶往刑部官衙。在结账时，掌柜告知，青翊走前已帮他们付了足够的房钱。上官紫燕眸光闪动，但仍若无其事一般并未开口，却下意识摸了摸怀中的金锁。 刑部位于京城之南，在京中具体职掌审定各种法律，复核各地送来的刑事案件，会同九卿审理“监候”的死刑案件以及直接审理京畿地区的待罪以上案件。刑部内又分各司各处，各尽其职。除正三品尚书、正四品侍郎各一人外，大多数事务皆由各部主事负责。上官凛所任职务，正是赎罚处主事，平日审理京中刑事罪案。 由于赎罚处主事一职空缺已有些时日，京城又不比原本的小县，各种案件繁多，遂积压了很多事情，护城河陈老板浮尸一案，自然也交到了这里。上官凛拜会过刑部尚书以及侍郎，便即刻投入到卷宗的翻阅和问案处理中。尽管有上官紫燕从旁帮忙，却也时常忙得不眠不休，让上官紫燕很是担忧。 一连几日的阴雨天气，将空气搅得湿漉漉的，仿佛随时能拧出水来，也带来几分入秋的微寒。上官紫燕在院中拦下手端托盘的小丫鬟，接过托盘遣了她退下，自己则径直往书房走去。主事虽不像朝中品阶官员有各自的府邸，但亦分配了一个单独院落，拨了下人供单独使用，比起他们之前的居所，宽敞舒适了许多，且距刑部衙门不远。上官凛平日除了升堂审案，大部分时间皆在家中书房度过。 上官紫燕穿过庭院来到书房门口，并未敲门，直接推门而入。因为凭她的经验，通常即使是敲了门，专注于公务的上官凛也大都听不见。与其站在外面吹冷风，不如自觉些直接入内为好。果然，上官凛提着笔，依旧低头看着卷宗，仿佛根本没发现有人走进来。 上官紫燕行至桌案前，用力将托盘放下，上面碗勺相碰，发出叮当的声响，终于成功引起上官凛的注意。上官凛咳了几声道：“紫燕你来了。” “哥哥，先把药喝了。” “暂且放那里，我稍后便喝。” “不行。”上官紫燕坚持道，“你已有好几次看卷宗忘记喝药，我见你这几日咳得越发厉害，定是天气阴冷受了寒，又不注意所致，明日我再去找个好郎中来给你看看。” “不用如此麻烦了，普通风寒而已，过几天它自己便好了。”上官凛说罢，又是一阵猛咳。 上官紫燕将药盅内的药汁倒在一旁的碗里，递给上官凛，双目一瞪道：“你就知道公务要紧，身体难道就不重要了？这么大个人，还要我这个做妹妹的操心！” 上官凛在上官紫燕的监督下，把碗内的药一饮而尽，微微一笑：“紫燕你真是长大了。” “哥哥，你这是什么话，我早就不是小孩子了。”上官紫燕不满地撇嘴辩驳。 “是，是，你已能替为兄我分忧了。”上官凛顿了顿道，“现在哥哥就需要你去帮一个忙，你到衙门跑一趟，将给护城河浮尸一案验尸的仵作唤来，可好？” “终于查到那桩案子了吗？” 上官凛点点头，其实他早有意勘察此案，但由于之前堆积的案子太多，他不能无故厚此薄彼，只得暂时搁置了几日，其间派了人去城外的护城河上游沿河搜寻。他有意去找琳琅看看情况，却一直无法拨出时间。 上官紫燕离开不久，便带来了刑部的常仵作。常仵作像是早有准备，行过礼之后，将一册验尸记录恭敬地呈于上官凛书桌之上。上官凛边翻看着边询问：“常仵作，你且把验尸结果与我说说。” “是，大人。”常仵作上前一步，如实道来，“经查验，死者姓陈，乃外县来京米商，属下检查尸首后发现，尸首腹内无水，指甲干净，脑后有一重物击打的致命伤，可以定论，乃死后才被扔入水中，非溺水而亡。” “常仵作怎如此确定？”上官紫燕不解地问。 常仵作也知上官紫燕的身份，便不避讳地答道：“姑娘有所不知，凡溺水而死之人，必会饮进过多的水存于口、鼻、腹中，而此尸首仅口中有微量水，腹未胀，内无水，乃入水时已不再呼吸所致。且生前溺水若有知觉，定会本能挣扎，指甲中充满河里泥污，此尸首亦无。综合上述结果，死者必定是入水前便已断气。” “死者身上除头部伤痕，可还见其他伤？”上官凛复又问。 “并无，未见生前有打斗或被强行捆绑的痕迹。”常仵作想了想，又补充道，“但在尸首的衣物上，发现其他织物上的细线。” 上官凛颔首，又转向上官紫燕：“紫燕，你去看看何捕头在何处，叫他来见我。” 上官紫燕应了声，不多时，便与何捕头一同返回。 “何捕头，前日我差你带人去巡查城外的护城河上游附近，可有何收获？” 何捕头将手中一只木箱递到上官凛面前回道：“在河中捞起一块被单，上面有部分血迹，另找到几截散乱的绳索，不知与此案是否有关。” 上官凛拿起绳子和被单端详片刻，又交与常仵作：“你来看看，与你所说的织物可相像？” “从颜色和质地观来，同这被单有八九分像。”常仵作仔细翻看着，“但具体还需取了回去，和属下从尸首上找到的细线再做比对，另测量血迹的高度尺寸，与尸首伤口处是否吻合，即可得出结论。” 上官凛又从木箱中拿出一个扇佩状物问：“这是何物？” “属下也不清楚，此物在捞起被单时就钩在上面，就一起带回来了。”何捕头答。 上官凛留下扇佩，将木箱盖好交给常仵作：“常仵作，你且先回去查验这几样证物，尽快呈详细结果于我。” “是。”常仵作接过木箱，行了礼便告辞退下。 “何捕头，关于死者本人，可有查到什么？” “死者陈万良，于半年前来京做卖米生意，但据我们查问，此人在京中无亲无友，除了平日生意往来之人，仅经常出入风月楼，且只找一名唤琳琅的姑娘，并无其他相熟人士。” “这陈万良可有何仇家？”上官凛追问。 “生意场上难免有竞争对手，但据闻陈万良并非奸商之流，相反待人宽厚，在同行中口碑也甚好，未查出什么端倪。”何捕头迟疑片刻又道，“唯有琳琅姑娘那边尚未探过，要不要派人去询问一下？” 上官凛略一沉吟：“暂且莫要去打扰琳琅姑娘，她那里我自有定夺。” 送走了何捕头，上官紫燕玩味地看着上官凛道：“哥哥，你可是认得那琳琅姑娘？我怎觉得你在维护她？风月楼，这名字听着好生耳熟，我想起来了，你说去喝酒那日，不正去了风月楼吗？” 上官紫燕的言语中，刻意避开了青翊的名字。上官凛也不揭穿她，只反问：“你跟踪我？不然如何得知？” “我，我那是正巧经过。”上官紫燕心虚道。 “你可知琳琅是谁？她便是前几日，你在街上撞到的女子，我只是去归还她当时遗落的胭脂罢了。” “原来是她，看来这琳琅姑娘与我们还甚有缘分。”上官紫燕意味深长道，“哥哥你会为还一盒胭脂而专程走上一趟，可是心动了？” “休要胡说，这次是为了查案，你若不相信，明日与我一同去见她便是。” “我才没有那么不识相呢！”上官紫燕说罢，不再给上官凛解释的机会，飞快收拾好东西走了出去。 上官凛无奈地失笑，上官紫燕这丫头，几时变得如此敏锐了？他抬手揉了揉隐隐作痛的额角，又重重咳了几声。不知是否最近太累的缘故，竟真觉得浑身疲惫，深感无力。 上官凛并未如预计中前往风月楼。因他在当夜，风寒忽然严重起来，咳嗽不止，且卧床发起了高烧。上官紫燕用尽了办法为他退热，皆不见成效，上官凛依旧周身灼烫不已，烧得时而清醒，时而昏迷。上官紫燕不放心遣下人去找郎中，只得吩咐好丫鬟看顾上官凛，自己出了门去。 街上已是一片漆黑，若换做平日，即便是入夜，还会偶有行人。但今晚多日的阴云未散，此时更是下起瓢泼大雨。满天乌云遮住星月，不见一丝光亮，豆大的雨点密集地砸下来，串连成一片帘雾，触目所及，视野中一片朦胧。上官紫燕撑了伞，独行在雨中，身上的衣衫和脚下的鞋早已被雨水打湿了大半。 她在街角驻足，努力透过眼前的雨幕分辨方向。本