Chapter 5 Volume Five Mystery of the World

In the gloomy stone room, only the occasional crackling of candles could be heard, which was cold and eerie.The two sat opposite each other across a stone table, with tacit smiles on their faces. "How was the talk with the Japanese envoy?" One of them asked. "Don't worry, they are eager to win over our forces. Right now, we just need to wait for them to dispatch some troops to help me." Another person said proudly. "Don't take it lightly. It will take a month or so to transfer troops from the Japanese kingdom. During this period, you have to work harder on those courtiers to stabilize them."

"Understood." The man waved his hand, and his words were a little unhappy, "If it wasn't for the third younger brother's sudden return, he would have a hand in everything big and small in the court, how could it be so difficult? I really don't understand what your plan was. Wouldn't it be much easier to kill him earlier so that he couldn't return to the palace?" "It's a pity that you still have to be a person in the world. Why are you so inconsiderate in thinking about things? You don't have a soldier talisman in your hand, and it's unknown how many troops you can mobilize. And you want to kill the third prince. It's obvious that you are telling the world that you want to seek power and usurp the throne. You will lose the support of more people, how sure are you that you will hit it with one blow? Last time you made your own decision to assassinate him in Fengyue Tower, I haven't settled with you yet, so don't make your own decision again in the future."

"Okay, don't preach to me. After all, you are just a helper. I am not the one who will be the emperor in the future? I won the world, and I will definitely benefit from you. Third brother, what do you plan to do?" The man sneered: "Everything is under my control. He won't be able to make a fortune. Let him be free for a few days. After we are in power, we will get rid of him like an ant." "How is the prince?" The fifth volume of "The Mystery of the World" is still closed. I will think of a way to let him tell the whereabouts of the military talisman. You don't have to worry about it. All you have to do is to control the situation of the emperor. People from the famous doctor’s village insisted on treating the emperor, what countermeasures did you take?”

"Let him go and see it. I ordered a few days ago to increase the dosage of the medicine. Now that the father is completely unconscious, I believe that even if Hua Tuo is reborn, he will not be able to recover." "You are really ruthless." The other person snorted coldly, with a little disdain in his words. "That's natural. In order to be able to ascend the throne, sacrifices are necessary, so how can you be kind to a woman?" "Well said! So, let's have a drink first and celebrate our success in advance." "Okay, happy cooperation."

As the two talked, they picked up the wine cups on the stone table, and after a clear clink of glasses, they drank the wine in one gulp and looked at each other with a smile.After the conversation was over, the stone room returned to tranquility, only the dim candles were still flickering, reflecting a room of conspiracy and killing. In Shangguan Lin's study, Shangguan Ziyan kept pacing back and forth, with a worried expression on her face.When she did not know how many times she passed in front of her, Shangguan Lin, who had been sitting in front of the table and processing the files, finally couldn't help but persuaded: "Ziyan, don't be impatient, you have been gone for an hour, sit down and rest first." Just a little bit."

"Brother, I'm not tired." "But I'm dizzy." Shangguan Lin said helplessly. When Shangguan Ziyan heard the words, she stopped, sat down opposite Shangguan Lin, and looked at him with bright eyes: "Brother, do you think Senior Brother Bai will be okay?" "He just entered the palace to treat the emperor, so you don't need to worry too much." Shangguan Ziyan still frowned uncomfortably: "But, isn't it rumored that the palace is in chaos right now? Those second princes belong to the third prince, will they embarrass senior brother?"

"Since the decree has been delivered in the palace, it means that at least someone is willing to treat the emperor and enter the palace in Qingyuan. He will definitely keep Qingyuan safe." "but……" Shangguan Ziyan wanted to say something more, but she heard the voice of the servant girl in the yard saying "Master Bai is back", Shangguan Ziyan immediately swallowed the rest of the words, and ran to the door in three steps at a time.She quickly opened the door, and saw Bai Qingyuan who was about to knock on the door. "Brother, you're back. They didn't do anything to you in the palace, did they?" Shangguan Ziyan pulled Bai Qingyuan into the study, looked him up and down with concern, seeing that he was safe and sound, Fang was slightly relieved.

"Your little head must be thinking wildly again. I'm just a medical practitioner. What can they do to me?" Bai Qingyuan comforted Shangguan Ziyan with a gentle smile, but when he looked at her, his expression seemed hesitant to speak, "Ziyan , I saw someone in the palace today." Shangguan Ziyan still lowered her head and did not turn back her thoughts, she asked casually: "Who is it?" "Qing Yi." Shangguan Ziyan froze, and stared at Bai Qingyuan in disbelief, her voice trembling: "Brother, what did you say? Did you see Qingyi?" "It's also possible that I made a mistake, it's just that the face is similar, because that person is the third prince." Bai Qingyuan looked at Shangguan Ziyan's slightly pale face worriedly, "And he didn't show any familiarity when he saw me. , as if meeting for the first time. This time it was he who sent me to treat the emperor."

Bai Qingyuan's words also attracted Shangguan Lin's attention.He got up and walked up to ask with concern: "Qingyuan, can you look carefully? After all, the status of the third prince is extraordinary." Although Qing Yi's gestures, Shangguan Lin vaguely felt that Qing Yi was not ordinary, but he never thought about it He will be the prince. "After all, I haven't had much contact with Qingyi, only a few days in the villa, so I don't dare to confirm it." "Did he say anything to you?" Shangguan Lin asked. Bai Qingyuan shook his head: "When I was treating the emperor, there were many guards around me. Both the second prince and the third prince were present. The third prince only proposed to find a place for me to stay temporarily in the palace for the convenience of treatment, so that I would not have to come every day. I went to get rid of it, but I declined."

"Brother, you are going to enter the palace tomorrow, aren't you?" Shangguan Ziyan, who hadn't spoken for a while, suddenly grabbed Bai Qingyuan's sleeve, "I'll go with you too!" When she said this, both Shangguan Lin and Bai Qingyuan were taken aback.Shangguan Lin hurriedly said: "Ziyan, don't worry about Qingyuan, do you know where the palace is? It's not a place where you can do whatever you want." "That's right, Ziyan, even if you go to the palace, the third prince may not be Qingyi, so why bother to take risks?" Bai Qingyuan also persuaded him from the sidelines.

Shangguan Ziyan's eyes were full of pleading: "I can pretend to be the entourage of the senior brother and enter the house, and I will never cause trouble for the senior brother. I just want to go to see the third prince and confirm whether he is Qingyi, so that I can feel at ease." "Ziyan, it's not that brother doesn't agree with you, but if you sneak into the palace and are found out, the situation will be serious." "Brother, senior brother, you all know what it feels like to like someone. If you finally get news of the person you miss and have a chance to meet, if it were you, would you miss it? But you will still stand here, calm down. What are the stakes?" Shangguan Ziyan's words revealed a bit of sadness in anxiety. Shangguan Lin and Bai Qingyuan fell into silence when they heard the words. If they had a choice, who wouldn't want to be happy with the one they love and stay together forever?But they could only pass by, so why should Shangguan Ziyan be discouraged from entering the palace to meet the person who may be Qingyi?They realize that even if there is only a glimmer of hope, Shangguan Ziyan will not give up. Shangguan Lin sighed softly: "Qingyuan, do you have a way to bring Ziyan into the palace to meet the third prince?" "It's not difficult. Let Ziyan pretend to be a medicine boy and go with me tomorrow. There should be no suspicion. When I treat the emperor, the third prince will definitely be there." "Then I'll hand her over to you." Shangguan Lin said, then turned to Shangguan Ziyan, and told him solemnly, "Ziyan, you must listen to Qingyuan's words in everything in the palace, and you must not act impulsively." "Brother, I understand." Bai Qingyuan thought for a while and said: "Ziyan, I will teach you some things to do when entering the palace, you must remember them well." Shangguan Ziyan nodded, determination flashed in her eyes.Secretly through her clothes, she caressed the golden lock hanging on her chest, thinking that the person in the deep palace might be Qing Yi, whom she hadn't seen for a long time, and she was so nervous that she couldn't calm down. On the second day, he entered the palace as promised. Shangguan Ziyan took the medicine box and followed Bai Qingyuan to the palace by car.The car drove to the gate of the palace, and after a routine check by the gate guards, it slowly drove into the red-painted gate.There was silence in the car, only the sound of wheels rolling over the ground could be heard. Bai Qingyuan looked at Shangguan Ziyan with concern.Shangguan Ziyan was holding the medicine box tightly in her arms, and she was not in the mood to appreciate the scenery of the palace outside the car, she was slightly lost in thought.With her long hair tied up and hidden in a handkerchief, Shangguan Ziyan, who was dressed in men's clothes, looked like a handsome young man, but there seemed to be infinite thoughts hidden in a pair of nimble black eyes. "Ziyan, are you okay?" Bai Qingyuan couldn't help asking softly. Shangguan Ziyan pulled out a smile: "I'm fine, brother don't need to worry." Before the two of them could talk much, the car stopped at this moment.A palace man who looked like a eunuch opened the curtain of the car and poked his head in, and said in a shrill voice, "Master Bai is here?" "Eunuch Cui." Bai Qingyuan greeted politely. Eunuch Cui turned his gaze to Shangguan Ziyan beside Bai Qingyuan, frowned and asked, "This is..." "He is a medicine boy in the family. He was treating the emperor yesterday. He still lacks a few hard-to-find medicines. He brought them here today. Eunuch Cui doesn't need to pay attention to him." "People in Famous Doctor's Villa have a lot of rules. To get medicine, you need to follow a special follower." Eunuch Cui waved his sleeves, with a little disapproval in his tone, "Come down, the second and third princes have been waiting for a long time." Hearing Eunuch Cui mentioning the third prince, Shangguan Ziyan couldn't help but her expression froze, her heart beating more and more like a drum.She didn't know how she got out of the car behind Bai Qingyuan, and led by Eunuch Cui, all the way to the front of the hall with her head bowed. After Eunuch Cui informed, the two walked into the hall.There were several people present in the hall, but it was extremely quiet, as if even the sound of breathing could be heard clearly.In the middle, there is a large dragon bed, with the curtain hanging down, dragging all the way to the ground, completely covering the person on the bed.There were two people sitting by the bed, their appearances were somewhat similar, but their expressions were very different. Shangguan Ziyan couldn't wait to raise her eyes, met the eyes of the man in white, and couldn't look away.Although his face is stern, there is no trace of the familiar smile on his handsome face, and even though his white clothes embroidered with gold silk are a little more dazzling than before, Shangguan Ziyan can be sure in an instant that the person in front of him is Qing Yi.There is no reason, but she firmly believes that she will never admit her mistake. In the black eyes that touched her, there was a flash of fluctuation, and then it returned to normal, as if seeing a stranger, with a light glance, he looked away. Bai Qingyuan secretly tugged at Shangguan Ziyan, then knelt down and saluted respectfully: "Caomin see the second prince and the third prince." "Exemption." The second prince spoke first, "I heard from Mr. Cui that you brought medicine to your father today. Since it came from a famous doctor's farm, it must be a rare thing. Let your medicine boy present it for a look." Bai Qingyuan got up, signaled Shangguan Ziyan to come forward with his eyes, and explained himself: "It is a few doses of medicine that the village has made itself, which can keep the functions of various parts of the body from declining. The emperor needs this medicine to maintain his life when he is bedridden for a long time. .” Shangguan Ziyan walked towards the second prince slowly amidst Bai Qingyuan's voice, but her heart became even more nervous.For some reason, she always felt that the second prince exuded a hostile aura, and that gloomy feeling made her feel very uncomfortable.These few steps seemed to be a very long walk, Shangguan Ziyan finally came in front of the second prince, and forced to open the medicine box calmly, while she lowered her head and did not look at him. The second prince flipped through a pile of bottles and jars a few times, put them back as if he was not interested, and ordered Shangguan Ziyan: "Raise your head." Shangguan Ziyan was stunned, although she was absolutely unwilling, she didn't dare to disobey him in full view, so she could only raise her face slightly higher. "Well, this medicine boy is born well." The second prince rubbed his chin and smiled. Just when Shangguan Ziyan didn't know what to do, a low voice interjected: "Second brother, is it important to heal father first?" "The third brother is right." Hearing this, the second prince waved his hand resentfully, signaling Shangguan Ziyan to back down.Shangguan Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief secretly, before turning around, she looked at Qing Yi who had rescued her, but he remained expressionless and did not look at her. "Second Brother, I suddenly feel unwell, and I want to go back to rest for a while, and my father will leave it to you." "Third brother, how did your health become so poor? Since you returned to the palace, you have been in good times and bad times, and you don't want to let the imperial doctor treat you, so why don't you ask someone from the famous doctor's villa to show you by the way." Although the second prince spoke words of concern, he couldn't feel any affection from his tone. Qing Yi stood up and said: "No need, the most important thing is to heal the father." After finishing speaking, he walked out the door quickly. "There is still a good medicine for nourishing the body in the herb medicine box, you can give it to the third prince first." Bai Qingyuan said suddenly. "Oh? Then send it quickly, the third brother hasn't gone far, maybe he can still catch up with him." "Let Caomin's medicine boy go, and Caomin stay to treat the emperor first." After Bai Qingyuan finished speaking, he nodded to Shangguan Ziyan, and Shangguan Ziyan immediately ran out with the medicine box knowingly.She understood that there was no medicine at all, and Bai Qingyuan said this just to create an opportunity for her. Shangguan Ziyan was anxious, and couldn't help walking faster, chasing the white figure wholeheartedly, and after a while, she caught up with Qingyi in front of a courtyard gate. "Qing Yi!" Zi Yan called out. Qing Yi didn't look back, and didn't stop in his footsteps, and walked into the courtyard as if he didn't hear it.Shangguan Ziyan bit her lip, and followed in, until the surroundings were clear, even the palace guards were rarely seen, the people in front stopped and turned to look at Shangguan Ziyan. "So it's Mr. Bai's drug boy, what do you want me for?" "Qingyi, why do you act like you don't know me? You can hide it from others, but you can't hide it from me." Shangguan Ziyan insisted. "I don't understand what you're talking nonsense about. Do you know who you're talking to? I'm the third prince, Nan Xuanyi, and I'm not the person you're looking for. If you have nothing to do, leave as soon as possible. The palace is not a place for you to wander around." .” "You can call the guards to arrest me and punish me." Shangguan Ziyan looked at him proudly, certain that Qingyi would not do this. Sure enough, Qing Yi's face changed, and he said with a flick of his sleeves coldly, "Okay, I'll go." How could Shangguan Ziyan let him go, she turned her hands into palms and stretched forward to grab him, Qing Yi dodged sideways.After catching the air, Shangguan Ziyan raised her foot and kicked over again. Qing Yi quickly turned around. Although she avoided it, she was a little slow, and with a muffled grunt, she swayed to stabilize her figure. "Qingyi, are you injured? Or is the injury from the last time still unhealed?" Shangguan Ziyan wanted to check with concern, but was avoided by Qingyi. swept away. Shangguan Ziyan stomped her feet and doggedly chased after her, but her skill was not as good as Qing Yi's after all, and she lost Qing Yi's trace in front of a temple.Shangguan Ziyan was not willing to go back like this, the third prince must be Qing Yi, and she definitely wanted Qing Yi to admit it.There are many doors in the main hall in front of him, one next to the other, Shangguan Ziyan paced cautiously, afraid of accidentally disturbing the guards. Suddenly, a door behind her opened silently, stretched out a hand, and pulled Shangguan Ziyan into the door, before she had time to react, the door was closed again before her eyes.Shangguan Ziyan was taken aback, and just about to make a move, she felt that she fell into a warm and familiar embrace in an instant.Smelling Qingyi's unique scent, Shangguan Ziyan's nose turned sore, and finally she couldn't help but shed tears. "Little Swallow, don't cry." Qing Yi's voice came from behind, and gently stroked Shangguan Ziyan's cheek with one hand, wiping away her tears. "Are you finally willing to recognize me?" Shangguan Ziyan choked with sobs, her mood being swayed by him in a spineless way.She struggled to turn around in anger, and smashed Qing Yi's chest with a pair of pink fists, but then recalled his performance when they fought just now, and hurriedly withdrew her fists and said, "Qing Yi, are you injured? Where is the injury? Hurry up." Let me see." However, Qing Yi grabbed her restless little hand and hugged her tightly, as if trying to melt into his flesh and blood.He bowed his head and kissed Shangguan Ziyan's hair, and whispered softly: "Do you know that the moment I saw you in the hall, how much I wanted to hug you like this, if I didn't get away in time, I'm really afraid I won't be able to control myself .” "Qing Yi, I'm here to see you." Shangguan Ziyan rested her head on his chest, listening to his steady and strong heartbeat, and only then did she truly feel that Qing Yi had returned to her side. "You shouldn't come here, the palace is too dangerous." "Qing Yi, there is something I must say, otherwise I will miss it and fear that I will never have the chance to tell you." Shangguan Ziyan raised her head in Qing Yi's arms, fixedly looking at him, "I like you." "I know, I couldn't help but secretly went to see you last time, and saw you in a trance with a golden lock, then I understood." "Sure enough, you came that day." Qing Yi chuckled, cupped Shangguan Ziyan's cheeks, and gently kissed her cherry lips.Shangguan Ziyan couldn't help but close her eyes, feeling the happiness that filled her heart.Qingyi's lips carried a hint of coolness, lingering between her lips and teeth like feathers, like a warm spring breeze blowing into her heart, causing ripples.Shangguan Ziyan grabbed his shoulders and responded greenly.Time seemed to be frozen at this moment, and they entrusted their hearts to each other in this kiss until the end of time. It took a long time for Qing Yi to let go of Shangguan Ziyan with flushed cheeks, but she covered her mouth and coughed fiercely.Shangguan Ziyan didn't have time to savor the taste of that kiss, so she stepped forward to help him sit down at the table worriedly and asked, "What's wrong with you?" "Actually, it's not a disease. It's just that I was a little careless after I was injured last time. I didn't realize that there was poison on the weapon, and I couldn't clean it up in time. The residual poison seeped into the body and it has been difficult to get rid of it." "How can this work? Why don't you ask the imperial doctor in the palace to have a look?" Qing Yi shook his head: "Brother Erhuang must not know that I am poisoned." "Then I'll go find Senior Brother Bai to detoxify you." "There are so many eyeliners in the palace, it may not be easy for you to avoid people's eyes and ears and call him here." Qing Yi said worriedly. "It can't be done in secret. We can use a legitimate reason to ask Senior Brother Bai to come here to see you. Anyway, as long as he doesn't disclose the fact that you were poisoned, it's fine. Senior Brother Bai is a trustworthy person." Qing Yi smiled: "Little Yanzi, you are still so straightforward in doing things. But it's also very good, it's because I think too much about everything, but I'm not moving forward." "Just now when I came out, the senior brother made an excuse, saying that he asked me to deliver tonics for you. I can go back and tell them that you feel unwell after taking the medicine, and ask the senior brother to come and take a look." Qing Yi said: "You can add something, just say that I have a rash all over my body, I don't know if it is contagious, let Mr. Bai be more careful, and other people should avoid it." Shangguan Ziyan immediately understood what Qing Yi meant, if the second prince or others followed, things would be much more difficult.She nodded and said, "I'll go back as soon as I go." "Little Swallow..." Qing Yi stopped her, "Be careful." Shangguan Ziyan gave him a comforting smile, pulled out the golden lock from her neck and shook it: "Don't worry, I have it for protection." After saying that, she turned and left. With Qing Yi's foreshadowing, things went quite smoothly.Soon, Shangguan Ziyan brought Bai Qingyuan back.Shangguan Ziyan let Bai Qingyuan enter first, and stood at the door looking around cautiously for a while, then closed the door tightly and walked into the house. "How? Do you have any doubts, Brother Second?" "It seems that I don't fully believe it, but when I said that I was suspected of being contagious, no one dared to follow rashly. It was a temporary scare." Shangguan Ziyan replied. "But this method can only be used once. After Mr. Bai leaves here, they will know." "It's not too late, let me read it for you first and then talk about it." Bai Qingyuan and Qing Yi sat down beside the bed, unbuttoned his shirt, examined the wound carefully, and checked his pulse. Shangguan Ziyan couldn't wait to ask: "Senior brother, what's up?" "No serious problem, it's just that there is residual poison, which can accumulate and cause illness, but it is not fatal. I have some elixir in my medicine chest, one pill a day, and it will definitely cure the disease in less than seven days." Hearing Bai Qingyuan's words, Shangguan Ziyan's heart fell back to its original place.She helped Qing Yi tidy up her clothes, took the medicine that Bai Qingyuan handed over, and poured warm water for Qing Yi to take.Bai Qingyuan saw that Shangguan Ziyan's movements were natural, without any twitching, and he suddenly understood a little bit. "Master Bai, in front of Second Brother, it is inconvenient for me to ask, how is Father's condition?" Bai Qingyuan's face darkened slightly: "The toxin in the emperor's body did not form in a day or two, it has penetrated deep into the lungs right now, it is unlikely that he will wake up." "Even you can't help it?" "I can only cure diseases, but I am not omnipotent. All I can do is try my best to save the life of the emperor. But he may be bedridden and lethargic all year round, and it is unknown when he will wake up." After hearing this, Qing Yi fell into silence, with deep powerlessness and sadness in his eyes.Shangguan Ziyan only felt sorry for him, the whereabouts of his elder brother was unknown, his father was in a long sleep, his second brother had ulterior motives, and there were dangers all around him, how difficult would it be for him to be alone in such a day?She sat beside Qing Yi, lightly held his hand, silently giving him support.Qing Yi looked at her, and the two looked at each other and smiled, the warmth was self-evident. "Ziyan, we should go. If we stay too long, we may arouse suspicion." Bai Qingyuan reminded. "Master Bai is right, little Yanzi, you should leave." Qing Yi reluctantly let go of Shangguan Ziyan. "I won't go, brother, go back alone, I want to stay with Qing Yi." "Little Yanzi, the palace is not safe. I can't selfishly keep you here regardless of your safety." "Ziyan, if you don't go back, how can I explain to Brother Shangguan?" "I've made up my mind, you don't need to persuade me anymore." Shangguan Ziyan said firmly, "Now Qingyi, you are alone in the palace, and the lingering poison is not clear, so how can I leave with peace of mind? Besides, there will be someone who will stay with you Is there a safer place around you? From now on, wherever you are, I will be there." Sensing Shangguan Ziyan's affection, Qing Yi felt a little warmth in his heart, he touched her cheek touchingly, looked at Shangguan Ziyan with burning eyes and said: "Okay, it's up to you, we will never separate again." "Mr. Qingyi, no, maybe you should be called the third prince. Do you really want to keep Ziyan in the palace?" "When there is no one else, just call me Qingyi." Qingyi turned to Bai Qingyuan, "Ziyan can stay by my side disguised as a maidservant in the palace. There are many maidservants in the palace, and no one will investigate where I call her." Come on, maid, but when Mr. Bai is out of the palace, you have to find some way to prevent people from finding out that your medicine boy is missing." "It's not difficult. I just need to follow what you said, Qingyi, and tell them that there may be an infectious disease in the carriage, and no one will be allowed to check it before going back to clean it up." "Senior brother, I still caused you trouble." Shangguan Ziyan said with some guilt, "Help me tell my brother that Ziyan failed to keep her promise and is a disobedient sister." Bai Qingyuan smiled gently: "As long as you, a younger sister, can be happy, how can brother Shangguan and I blame you? Just be more careful, I will find a chance to see you when I enter the palace." Shangguan Ziyan nodded, and bid farewell to Bai Qingyuan with Qing Yi. After Bai Qingyuan left, Qing Yi found a set of palace attire from nowhere, asked Shangguan Ziyan to change into it, and combed her hair with her own hands.Looking at the mirror again, Shangguan Ziyan has changed from a handsome young boy to a handsome palace maid.The many changes that happened on this day made Shangguan Ziyan feel like she was still in a dream. She told Qing Yi about her feelings, Qing Yi just sat down on the chair, pulled her into his arms and smiled, "Do you feel real now?" Shangguan Ziyan leaned against his chest, felt his warmth, took a deep breath, and pulled out the golden lock from her neck again: "This time, I don't need to think about others anymore." "Little Yanzi, I had no choice but to leave at that time. Brother Erhuang found out my whereabouts. If I stay longer, I'm afraid that you and Brother Shangguan will be in danger." "I understand that you must have your difficulties, so I will forgive you once, but you have to promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you will not leave me behind." Qing Yi straightened the broken hair on her forehead, and said in a deep voice, "I promise." "Qingyi, what's your name? You said you were Nan Xuanyi just now in the yard?" "Nanxuanyi is my real name. The three of us are the eldest brother Nanxuanyan, the second emperor's brother Nanxuanli, and Qingyi is my baby name when I was young." Shangguan Ziyan nodded, thought for a while and then asked: "How many things have you kept from me? The night you left, I clearly saw you entered Fengyue Tower, so how could you come back injured? The person who wants to kill you is The second prince Nanxuanli, right? Could it be that it is true that he wants to seize the throne as rumored outside?" "Little Yanzi, what have you heard in the marketplace?" Shangguan Ziyan briefly recounted what the two diners said in the restaurant a few days ago, and then worried: "If this is the case, wouldn't it be very dangerous for you to compete with the second prince in the palace?" "Little Swallow, do you still remember our conversation on the roof that night? This is the responsibility I have to shoulder. No matter how difficult it is, I have to try." Qing Yi said in his memories, "When my father The emperor thinks that the elder brother is mediocre, so it is true that he intended to make me the crown prince, but my mother passed away since I was young, and I was brought up by the empress together with the elder brother. What do you think? That's why I voluntarily took over the fief and left the capital." "But the second prince is not willing to do so?" "That's right, the second brother always thought he was stronger than the first, but he was withdrawn and surly. His father felt that he was not suitable for governing the world. Under his father's persecution, he had no choice but to go to Jinzhou. After he had been dormant for many years , I received a secret report saying that he went to Beijing privately, so I secretly rushed to the capital, who knows that I will still have time to protect my father and elder brother." Qing Yi's words revealed deep self-blame. Shangguan Ziyan put her arms around Qing Yi's waist, put her face on his chest and comforted him: "It's not your fault, since the Second Prince made the move, he must have come prepared, and you alone can't turn the tide. It needs to be considered in the long term.” "Little Yanzi, what you said is true. Our top priority is to find a way to deal with the Second Emperor. The reason why I visited Fengyuelou at night was because the Second Emperor invited the Japanese envoys to discuss the matter of dispatching troops. It's a pity. Right now, all the ministers with heavy troops in the court are still waiting and watching, unable to express their position." "If the Second Prince were to send troops, wouldn't it be difficult to protect the palace?" Shangguan Ziyan frowned, "Is there no way to convince those people?" Qing Yi sighed lightly: "I haven't found the soldier talisman yet, so it should be with the eldest brother. Now his whereabouts are unknown, and the second brother and I have no right to use soldiers, but there may be someone who can persuade them." "Who? Let's go find it." "When the first emperor founded the country, there was a high-ranking general named Tan Buyi. He was brave and good at fighting. He has fought in the north and south for many years, and he has great admiration for him. If he can come forward, he should be fully confident." "Where is this person now?" Qing Yi shook his head and said: "Ten years ago, he resigned his official position to his father, disarmed and returned to the farmland, and since then he has disappeared. No one knows where he has gone to live in seclusion." "Isn't this looking for a needle in a haystack?" "This matter is not the most difficult. There are still many things in the palace that need to be investigated." Qing Yi paused, and then continued, "The poisoning of the father and emperor must be caused by the second brother, but there is nothing in my hand. There is no evidence, even if the evidence is found, there is nothing he can do about it. The eldest brother must have been imprisoned by him. Before he got the military talisman, the second brother would not kill the eldest brother. He needs to dispatch troops to suppress the courtiers and force the eldest brother Passing the position of crown prince to him can be justified, therefore, the eldest brother must be imprisoned somewhere. But every time I want to investigate, I always feel that the whereabouts are clearly grasped by the second brother, and I can never get out." Shangguan Ziyan suddenly said: "You mean, there is the second prince's eyeliner here?" Qing Yi nodded: "The person who arranged for me to be in the palace was originally a trustworthy person, and I will introduce you to Xiao Yanzi another day, but I don't know who has replaced his identity and mixed in." "Let's find this person first." Shangguan Ziyan seemed a little happy to finally be able to help Qingyi, "As I am, it should be much easier to find out than you, and you will introduce me to this place later. Other palace people." Qing Yi pulled her lips and smiled: "But little Yanzi, you have to be careful yourself." After talking about the affairs in the palace, Shangguan Ziyan told Qing Yi everything that happened since he left. "It's rare that Mr. Bai can be so generous and let go of his feelings for you." Qing Yi was not surprised. "You already knew that senior brother liked me?" "Slightly aware." Qing Yi hugged Shangguan Ziyan a little tighter, "I didn't expect Brother Shangguan to suffer from love." "I think sister Linlang is also a person with a hard life, but it's a pity that she and her brother have no fate, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for them to be together in this life." "We are so lucky at the moment." Shangguan Ziyan agreed: "Therefore, we need to cherish it even more. No matter how dangerous it is, even death, I will die with you." Qing Yi leaned over, and placed a delicate and gentle kiss on Shangguan Ziyan's cheek, uttering a silent oath.At this moment, no more words are needed, only a lover can understand it, even if it is only a short moment, it is enough to make people unforgettable. Shangguan Ziyan found out later that the place where Qingyi lived was called Yixiang Palace, and it was the place where he had been living before leaving the palace.It's just that after he went to the fiefdom, all the palace people in the palace were sent to other places in the palace, and the current five palace people were all arranged temporarily after he returned to the palace.Among them are two maidservants, who are called to be careful in words and deeds, which shows the strict rules in the palace; there are three junior eunuchs, but they don't often follow them except for passing some messages. Before Shangguan Ziyan came, she was responsible for taking care of Qingyi's daily life with prudent words and deeds. Since her arrival, Qingyi no longer uses prudent words and deeds, and mostly let Shangguan Ziyan accompany her.In Shangguan Ziyan's view, cautious words and deeds are more suspected of leaking Qingyi's situation than a few young eunuchs.Therefore, she rejected Qingyi's proposal to let her live alone in the side hall in the name of a close maidservant, and insisted on moving into the room adjacent to Jingyan and Shenxing, so as to find clues. Shen Xing is a timid and cowardly girl who doesn't talk much, especially to a newcomer like Shangguan Ziyan, perhaps because of her introverted nature, she shows a bit of unfamiliarity.On the contrary, Jinyan is warm and generous, teaching Shangguan Ziyan many things in the palace, and often pulling her to chat.Of course, during the conversation, he also inquired about Shangguan Ziyan's origin, but was dealt with by Shangguan Ziyan with the rhetoric he had arranged with Qing Yi.But a few days passed, Shangguan Ziyan had doubts, but did not find anything abnormal.Therefore, after discussing with Qing Yi, Shangguan Ziyan decided to test it out a little. After eating dinner that day, Qing Yi ordered Rang Jinyan to tell the eunuch Xiao Huzi who was in charge of meal preparation that he did not need to prepare lunch and dinner for him tomorrow.Jin Yan and Shen Xing were ordered to retreat, Shangguan Ziyan deliberately stayed and dawdled for a while, and then came to the room where the palace servants had meals.Generally, after serving the master to eat, the maidservants eat together here.Pushing open the door, Jin Yan and Shen Xing were sitting and chatting together, they were a little surprised to see Shangguan Ziyan entering, and the two hurriedly moved away from each other. Shen Xing picked up the bowl on the table and ate in silence, while Jin Yan asked with a smile, "Zi Yan, why are you here today?" "I'm here to eat." Shangguan Ziyan said and sat down at the table. "Don't you come back after eating in the Palace of the Three Princes on weekdays?" "The third prince said that he had something important to do tomorrow and wanted to rest early tonight, so he sent me back." Hearing Shangguan Ziyan's words, he said curiously: "Since you came to our Yixiang Palace, you have been very close to the third prince, so you know what the third prince is going to do so mysteriously?" "It's inconvenient for me to inquire about the master's affairs." Shangguan Ziyan first showed a look of embarrassment, then thought for a while, and then lowered her voice, "However, I seem to see him holding a picture and talking about finding an important person. s things." "Ziyan is right, those of us who are servants, it's better not to talk too deeply." Jinyan suddenly changed the subject, kept silent and didn't ask further questions. Shen Xing, who hadn't spoken for a long time, put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hand: "I'm full." "By the way, be careful, didn't you have a headache just now?" Jin Yan said with concern, "It happens to be nothing tonight, so you go to bed early, and I can clean up the dishes and chopsticks." Shen Xing nodded, said goodbye to Jinyan and Shangguan Ziyan, got up and went back to his room first. Jinyan turned to Shangguan Ziyan again: "Ziyan, can you go to Xiaohuzi's place after dinner? I went just now, but he happened to be away. I will tidy up this place later, so I can only entrust you to pass it on." The words of the third prince." "Okay, I'll go now." Shangguan Ziyan ate a few mouthfuls of food in a hasty manner, went to Xiaohuzi's place for some errands, and then returned in a hurry because she kept a watchful eye on her words and deeds.When she returned to the living room, she saw that Shen Xing's room was pitch black, she wondered if she had really rested as she said, but the light was on in Jin Yan's room, and she could be vaguely seen pacing in the room from the window.For the sake of caution, Shangguan Ziyan tiptoed to the Shenxing window, poked a small hole in the window paper with her hand and looked in.In the dim light of the moonlight, she could vaguely see the figure of Shen Xing lying on the bed covered by the quilt with his back turned to him. Shangguan Ziyan returned to her bedroom, opened the window and looked outside, and watched the movements in the two rooms intently.What puzzled her was that Jin Yan seemed to have been walking back and forth in the room restlessly for half an hour without stopping. Shangguan Ziyan finally couldn't help it, walked to Jinyan's room, knocked on the door and asked, "Jinyan, seeing that you are still having trouble falling asleep so late, let me see if you are okay and if you need my help." 随着上官紫燕的话音，谨言像是被吓了一跳，猛地转身，发出咚的沉闷声响，屋子里旋即陷入了黑暗之中。 “谨言，怎么了？我进去了。” “别，只是不小心打翻了烛台，屋里黑，你莫入内，以免磕碰。”谨言的声音听上去有些喑哑，多了些许浓重的鼻音，“我没事，只觉得身体略感不适，许被慎行传染了风寒，别再传给你，我想休息了，你回去吧。” “那好，你好生歇息。” 谨言这样说，上官紫燕也不好强行闯入，只得安慰一句后转身离开。行至院中，她又转头望了望谨言的房间，里面不再见到烛火燃起。这时，谨言旁边，慎行的房门被从内打开，慎行披了件衣裳走出，蹙眉询问道：“我似是听到了响动，发生何事？” 上官紫燕将谨言的话重复一番，安抚她：“没什么，慎行你也去睡好了，夜寒风凉，莫又病重了。” 慎行应了一声，回身重又走向自己房内。上官紫燕目光忽而一闪，神情流露出一抹若有所思。她的视线在谨言和慎行相邻的两个房间上巡视，总觉有一丝异样，却又难以想出个究竟。她摇了摇头，决定暂且继续观察，明日再找青翊一起讨论。 未及上官紫燕找到青翊，第二日天才蒙蒙亮，太监小山子火烧眉毛一样匆匆跑来，说是来了人告知，浣衣局的人今早在常打水的井里，发现了谨言的尸首，问青翊是否需要过去看看。青翊顿感意外，忙叫上上官紫燕一同来到离浣衣局不远的井旁。 旁边已围了几名宫婢和太监，议论纷纷，却无人敢上前。见青翊到来，众人行礼后自动让开，青翊与上官紫燕一眼便望见躺于地上的尸首。谨言双目圆睁微凸，面色紫黑，但露在外的手和脖颈却是抽离了血色的惨白，且被水浸过之后，已开始肿胀，更与脸上颜色呈现出鲜明对照。她身上依旧穿着昨晚的衣衫，赤足，鞋则被单独捞出，孤零零地扔在一边。她长发宫髻未散，可发丝间和衣服上滴出的水已在周围沁出了一片水渍。 “三皇子，您看是不是赶紧将尸首抬往殓房去？”一名太监上前问。宫中有专门停放和处理宫人尸首的殓房，一般若死了宫人，大都不细问因由，直接送去，择时候草草掩埋。 青翊摆摆手：“不急，将浣衣局主事给我唤来。” 他话音刚落，一个年纪稍长的宫婢从人群中走出，恭敬地行礼道：“三皇子。” “听说是你浣衣局之人发现的尸首？为何人？” “乃是宫婢柳儿。”主事答罢，向人群中一指，一个站在前面的年轻宫婢扑通一声跪在地上，吓得浑身忍不住颤抖。 “柳儿，你无须害怕，我只有几个问题，起来答话。” 柳儿谢过青翊站起身，仍旧不敢抬头。青翊沉声问道：“你怎知井中有人？” “回三皇子，今早轮到奴婢当值，负责打水，奴婢一早到井旁扔下水桶，却感到被何物阻住，再向上使劲拉，竟隐约见一人手臂，奴婢忙叫了人来，打捞出之后才知是谨言。”柳儿声音很轻，还带着些许哽咽，看来是受惊不小。 “你初见井内有人时，可确定她是否已死？” “奴婢叫了几声，都不见有反应。” “你们将尸首捞出时，头与脚何者在上？” “奴婢记得是头下脚上。”柳儿如实回答。 青翊想了想，又继续追问：“你打水前，可见井水与平日相比，有何不同？” 柳儿摇了摇头，复又不确定道：“似是比平常多了些水沫，许是奴婢多心了。” 询问罢柳儿，青翊踱步到尸首前蹲下身，反复翻看片刻，又将尸首侧覆卧，再次仔细观察，这才挥手命人上前，抬走了谨言尸首，并叮嘱，暂将尸首放置于殓房，没有他的命令，不可掩埋。 返回翊祥宫的路上，上官紫燕一直显得疑惑不已：“昨晚我明明看守了一夜，谨言是何时出宫去，还落入井中的？” “谨言并非落井，而是被杀之后，丢入井内。” 青翊的话让上官紫燕一怔：“为何如此笃定？你可是查验到什么端倪？” “凡自投井，被人推入井，失足落井的尸首，大同小异，皆是头目有被砖石磕擦痕，指甲、毛发中有沙泥，肚子胀，使尸体侧覆卧，便口内水出。但谨言尸首侧卧后，口中并无水流出，可见腹胀也非涨水所致，乃为死后入水。”青翊面色微沉又补充，“且大凡有缘故入井，须脚直下，如头在下，怕是被人赶逼，或他人推送入井。” “你方才询问柳儿，莫非觉得她可疑？” “不，柳儿并未说谎，凡井内有人，其井内自然先有水沫，以此为验，她与谨言之死无干系。” 上官紫燕了然地点了点头：“那谨言究竟是如何而死？” “应是被闷致死，如是被人用东西压塞口鼻，出气不得而命绝身死的，眼开睛突，满面血荫赤黑色，腹部干胀，我查看谨言尸首，正符合此种情形。” “暂不论谨言是否为你身边泄密之人，怎好端端一个人就死于井中，变作一具冰冷尸首了呢，昨晚我们尚且一同吃过晚膳。”上官紫燕一叹，心下不免有些感慨。 “这便是宫中，一条生命消逝，不过眨眼之间，且不会有人深究。” “难怪哥哥、师兄和你，皆言宫内险恶。” 青翊停住脚步，目不转睛凝视上官紫燕，抬手温柔地抚过她面颊，语带坚定道：“小燕子，无论发生何事，我定会保护你。” 两人回到翊祥宫，太监小山子早已候在门口，禀告道钱思仁大人来访。青翊一直肃然沉重的面容之上，这才稍显露出一抹笑容。他向上官紫燕道：“我同你引见一个人。”说罢，便加快了脚步往殿内走去。 上官紫燕顿觉有些好奇，自入宫以来，青翊思虑颇多，鲜少见他展现这般轻松愉悦的神情，想必与来人交情极深。她跟在青翊身后步入殿内，见里面坐着一位与青翊年纪相仿的男子，一身紫色锦衣，衬出他剑眉星目，硬朗挺拔。在他不远处，则有一名黑衣人垂首而立。 “思仁，你来了。”青翊同那人打招呼，又转向黑衣人道，“暗影也在。” “主人。”被唤作暗影之人跪地行礼。 “快起来，如今你保护我的任务已完成，你真正主人亦在此，不必这般。” “唉，你堂堂三皇子，岂不比我来得更加尊贵？”钱思仁半开玩笑开口。 青翊掀袍在他对面坐下：“你又拿我说笑了，你我之间，还需谈何身份？” 这时，上官紫燕正端了茶奉上。钱思仁打量上官紫燕片刻，含笑问道：“这便是你殿中私藏之佳人？上次匆匆让我帮你找套宫装，还弄得颇为神秘。” “这不就为你介绍了。”青翊拉上官紫燕坐在身边，“小燕子，你可还记得我曾提及，宫中有一可信任之人？来认识一下钱思仁，宫内锦衣卫统领，也是我儿时伴读，自小一同长大。” “钱大人。”上官紫燕礼貌唤道。 钱思仁摆摆手：“青翊没同你说过吗，和我大可不必如此拘礼。其实我从暗影那里，也对紫燕姑娘你之事，闻听了一二。” 上官紫燕疑惑地望向一旁的黑衣人，青翊为她解释道：“暗影是思仁培养的影子护卫之一，便是他到封地去给我送信，并暗中保护我回京，思仁帮了我不少忙。” “只可惜，我即便人在宫中，却做不得什么。”钱思仁叹息，“甚至眼下，都还未查出太子下落。” “这急不得，只要大皇兄还活着，我们便尚有机会。” 钱思仁关切道：“对了，我来时听说你宫中死了一名宫婢，到底怎么回事？” “你可记得谨言？我和紫燕怀疑，她与慎行之中有一人为二皇兄派来，潜入翊祥宫打探情况之人，我们设了计，紫燕刚暗中监视，谁知谨言便送了命。”青翊把昨晚刻意放出风声，自己要有所行动引泄密人上钩一事叙述一番。 “没想到我选人入你翊祥宫时，还是有所疏忽了。” “不能怪你，这等事防不胜防。” “听你之意，谨言似乎非正常而亡？” 青翊点头道：“我观察过尸首，料定她是被闷口鼻，窒息导致死亡。” “她既是二皇子派来，有无可能是二皇子知她暴露，杀人灭口？”钱思仁猜测。 “眼下尚无法定论，我与紫燕调查之事，应无人知晓才对。” “青翊，我们去查清谨言死因可好？”上官紫燕忽而问道，“昨晚我便感到，谨言和慎行皆有些许不对劲，若不探得真相，心中难安。” “也好，谨言算得上我翊祥宫之人，总不能让她无端枉死。” “可在朝中要与二皇子势力抗衡，我们时间亦不多了，可否会额外分了神？”钱思仁面带忧虑。 “反正最近诸事也无太大进展，如谨言是二皇兄的人，说不定追查下去会有意外收获。” 钱思仁仿佛也觉得青翊所言有理，转而问道：“你打算如何做？” 青翊略一思索，“昨日晚膳时，我还见过谨言，小燕子，你最后一次看到她，是在何时？” “若说真正见到她本人，亦是在同吃晚饭时。”上官紫燕回忆，“那之后我曾与在房中踱步的她对过话，但只是隔门交谈，谨言像是染了风寒，说想早些睡下，之后便未有过动静。” “看来谨言是死于昨晚到今早这段时间。” “不如我先从慎行处打探一下。”上官紫燕提议，“她与谨言更为熟悉，且那时我觉得她也有点奇怪。” “小燕子你要旁敲侧击，莫惊扰了她。”青翊叮嘱。 “那今日我便先回去，你们有何发现及时知会于我。”钱思仁起身，向暗影点点头。暗影立即会意地上前，呈上一卷纸笺，钱思仁解释道：“这是暗影所查到的近日常出入二皇子处的朝臣名单，我送至此，希望能有用途。” 钱思仁将纸笺交与青翊，带着暗影离开了翊祥宫。 上官紫燕返回住处第一件事，便是敲响了慎行的房门。 “请进。”慎行的声音由内传来，听起来有些哽咽。 上官紫燕推门而入，见慎行坐在桌边，虽然她马上极力掩饰，略显红肿的眼睛和颊边未干的泪痕还是泄露了她此刻的心绪。上官紫燕立时明白，慎行定是也听闻了谨言死讯。 她在慎行身旁落座，小心问道：“慎行，你可是已知晓谨言之事？” 慎行轻点了点头，交握于桌上的双手，手指不安地扭动，语中透出深深的难过：“谨言和我到翊祥宫之前，便在一处共事，她性子比我好，对人也颇为照顾，不承想……” “你是否觉得，谨言之死未免太过突然？”上官紫燕试探道。 慎行动作一滞，有片刻失神，又缓缓开口：“宫婢之命，一向轻如鸿毛，人一死，便成过往云烟，不会有人深究。” 慎行一番话，却使上官紫燕想到了琳琅。同样的身不由己，命若浮尘，有多少坎坷女子，就是因此而无声陨灭？她望着慎行，坚定道：“我会去查，怎能让谨言死得这般不明不白？” 慎行闻言，惊诧地转头与上官紫燕对视，有一丝莫名的光亮从她眼中一闪而过，但旋即黯淡下去。她又低下头，看着自己的手：“紫燕，你若听我一句劝，就莫要淌这潭浑水，宫中许多事，非你我所能左右。” “听慎行你之言，关于谨言的死，你是否知道些什么？” “不，我只是随口说说罢了。”慎行慌乱地摇头，不小心失手打翻了桌上的茶杯，溢出的茶水顿时流了满桌。慎行站起身，取来帕巾，擦拭着桌子，并不看上官紫燕一眼，只轻声道：“我帮不了你，你回去吧。” 上官紫燕看着慎行的动作，慎行拭水渍时袖口被桌上残余的茶水浸湿了些许，染成一片阴晕。顿时，有个情形自上官紫燕脑中浮现，但她却难以理得更加清晰。 见慎行不再多言，上官紫燕起身准备离去。走至门口，她停下脚步，回首再次开口，决然道：“慎行，我明白宫中险恶，但不论遇到任何困难，我亦会找出谨言之死的真相。” 慎行没有回答，上官紫燕拉开门走了出去，在房门闭合之前，她似乎听到慎行几不可闻的叹息：“我若有紫燕你这般勇气便好了，只可惜当初……” 慎行的话，到这里便未再继续。上官紫燕悄然回望，见慎行失魂落魄地跌坐在凳子上，思绪不知飘向了何处。她知道，慎行定是有所隐瞒，眼下她无法逼慎行说出口。可她能感受到，慎行内心的动摇。也许等慎行想通了，便会自己说出口，那时一切皆会真相大白。 可惜上官紫燕始终是低估了隐于幕后那双手的残酷，更加没能想到这是她最后一次同慎行坐在一起交谈。 自慎行处未探知任何线索，青翊决定借看望皇上诊治情形时，试试二皇子的口风。自有白清远每日入宫为皇上医病，青翊颇为放心，连日来，自己并未在皇上寝宫出现。一方面，是为证实他身体确实不适，以免引起二皇子对他们上次会面以及白清远的怀疑；另一方面，亦是让二皇子放松警惕，认为他因病不再诸事关切，今后行动才更自由些。 青翊带着上官紫燕来到皇上寝宫，白清远正在书写药方，抬头见上官紫燕，目光一闪，却未敢表现出过多关注，复又低下头，继续做着自己的事。二皇子南玄礼交叠双腿，悠然坐在不远处的红木椅上，闭目养神，看不出分毫为皇上病情忧心。 听到脚步声，他才慵懒地睁开眼，看着青翊，招呼道：“三弟来了？快坐。” 青翊未着急落座，而是径直走到皇上龙榻前：“父皇病情如何？” “我看了几日，都是那样。”南玄礼指了指白清远，“还是让他给你说说吧。” “皇上周身毒气浸染，现已侵入五脏六腑以及头部，因此头脑中血行不畅，导致昏迷不醒，草民已用药维护住皇上体内各部分正常活动能力，但要彻底解毒，恐时日不详。”白清远行礼回答。 白清远所言，基本与那日在翊祥宫中无异，看来也未有过多进展。青翊站在榻边望去，皇上依旧脸色苍白，紧闭双眸，气息微弱，显得憔悴衰老了甚多，不见有任何清醒之迹象。尽管早知如此，青翊心中仍不免有些凝重。 他走至南玄礼对面坐下，沉声问道：“既然父皇乃中毒至此，我们是否该追查下毒之人？” “这我早已想到。”南玄礼不以为意地答道，“不过我查了几天，也没发现甚为可疑之人，索性一个都不放过，将原先在父皇身边近身服侍的那些宫人全杀了。” 南玄礼说这话时，语中不经意带出的戾气，使得上官紫燕不禁一寒。她和青翊自然明白，既是南玄礼授意给皇上下毒，那么他这般做，不过是为了杀人灭口，不留下证据罢了。服侍皇上的宫人何其多，他一个命令，便不管有无干系，悉数丧命，又何差谨言一人？难怪慎行会言，宫人之命，轻如鸿毛。 南玄礼的做法已在青翊预料之中，他面上依旧做出谦和状道：“辛苦二皇兄了，在我休养的这几日，也多亏二皇兄在父皇处照料。” “都是一家人，何必见外？”南玄礼流露出一抹看不出真诚的关切之情，“倒是三弟你身体怎样？” “已无恙，多谢二皇兄挂记。” “那就好，保重身子最为重要，三弟若有不适，就无须为宫内大小事务操劳，我自会处理。” 任谁一听便知，南玄礼假意关心，实则暗指青翊干涉太多，警告他莫要凡事插手。青翊佯装不明白，牵唇轻笑道：“身为皇弟，本应为二皇兄分忧，又岂有让二皇兄一人操劳之理？” 南玄礼面色一沉，旋即冷冷看了一眼立于青翊身后的上官紫燕，转了话题：“这宫婢怎看起来面生？” “是我新近调入翊祥宫的，宫中婢女甚多，二皇兄自不可能一一皆认得。” 南玄礼又上下打量上官紫燕一番，他的目光不论何时都让上官紫燕一样厌恶且不自在。好在他很快便将视线调转回青翊处，看似漫不经心问道：“听说你翊祥宫前日死了一名宫婢？” “确有一人跌落浣衣局旁的井中，溺水而亡。”青翊迎视南玄礼，却保留了详情。 “也太不小心了，不过还是三弟你有先见之明，找好了替代的新宫婢。”南玄礼摸着下巴，笑得意味深长，又阴郁地道，“不过，这宫中之事一向邪气得很，难保日后还会不会再出事，我看三弟你还是多寻几个宫人备用的好。” 南