Chapter 8 Chapter Three

Half a year after Concubine Yun Qing Luoru was conferred, Qing Wang Qingren received Bai Dinghou and his son from Haijiang in Zichen Hall.According to the rules for many years, Bai Dinghou was supposed to enter the capital once every three years, but this time the deadline has not yet expired, but he came here with the special permission of King Qing, and he came to Beijing to resign.The way is that the sea area has been stable for many years, and I would like to ask to be disarmed and return to the land, and recommend the eldest son Bai Xiyi to continue guarding the sea area.This was originally something that Bai Dinghou had made clear a long time ago, after Qing Ren Mian Ci persuaded him to keep it, he agreed, and Bai Xiyi was immediately named General Zhenhai.

Qing Wang Qingren and Bai's father and son were old friends, and during the two conversations, they invited Chunfei again.It is extremely sad to meet relatives.Concubine Chun wants to entertain her father, brother and their servants in the Chunming Palace, and beg Qing Wang Qingren to honor her.Qing Ren also nodded in agreement. The Bai family's father and son brought only a hundred or so entourages to Beijing this time, but they were all capable warriors from the coastal areas.What is particularly striking is that the samurai brought a batch of strange vehicles.Someone asked, and Bai Xiyi explained that it was a novelty that was snatched from the merchants of the Mermaid tribe last year. It could dance when turning the mechanism, which was really interesting.They ordered people to imitate some, named it the guide car, and specially gave it to Qing Wang as a reward.

Chunming Villa, formerly known as Nanshanshe, was the home of Muliu, a general of the Wuxiang Dynasty.Mu Liu was originally the most important minister of Mrs. Xiang. It is said that his mansion is extremely luxurious and has numerous institutions, and it has supported three thousand dead men.After Mrs. Xiang's death, Muliu was also convicted, and the mansion was closed. Qing Wang Qingren sent people to search carefully, but found nothing strange, so he made a separate residence for Concubine Chun and named him Chunming.The space behind the annex was originally a private school ground set up by Muliu.After Concubine Chun took over, she left it empty, and now she can demonstrate the vehicles brought by Bai Dinghou.Leading the convoy was a tall and vigorous young general, who was said to be the adopted son of General Bai Xiyi, named Hai Ruo.Concubine Chun saw the young man from a distance, so she asked someone to bring him in front of him, looked at him carefully, and asked him about his family background, age, what books he had read, and how many battles he had fought.Na Hairuo suddenly got the favor of the princess, and was terrified for a while.However, even though he was a rough young man who grew up in a border area, he was a bit of an idiot because he had served Bai Dinghou and his son since he was a child, and his mentors and friends were all outstanding and capable people. The appearance of a young and mature man, all the courtesy and courtesy are impeccable.Concubine Chun was looking at the boy's sharp-edged face that was blown into gold by the sea wind, secretly happy in her heart, but under this joy, there was another kind of indescribable melancholy.

Seeing his younger sister talking to Hai Ruo, Bai Xiyi found an excuse to come over.Seeing this, Concubine Chun said a few more casual words, then let Hai Ruo leave and ordered him to sit and rest by the wall.Guessing that the boy might not be able to hear the conversation clearly, Concubine Chun turned her head and asked her brother: "Why did you bring him to Yingdu?" Bai Xiyi smiled with his beard, "Now is the perfect time." Concubine Chun was dissatisfied, "I was not notified of such a big matter beforehand." Bai Xiyi said: "Hehe, if I ask you, you will definitely say wait, wait. If everything is according to your wishes, this child will never go to Beijing."

Concubine Chun sighed: "I'm worried, what a dangerous place Yingdu is, it's not like you don't know it." Bai Xiyi smiled and said, "How can you say such a thing? No matter how dangerous it is, he will come sooner or later. His future is here." Concubine Chun said: "Although it is not my flesh and blood, when I see this child, I am still extremely kind and extremely worried." Bai Xiyi said: "Bringing him here is also to wait for an opportunity. If the situation is unfavorable, we will naturally stand still. Why not bring him to the imperial capital for fun?"

Concubine Chun asked again: "Three days later, he will practice the speeding car. Is he the one?" Bai Xiyi nodded, "Don't worry, I'm fully confident that I won't let him get into danger." While talking, someone came to report that Chanjuan asked to see her.Bai Xiyi frowned, "Is it Caimengxi's granddaughter?" Concubine Chun smiled slightly, "That's right, she is a well-known talented woman in Yingdu, and I invited her here." Bai Xiyi showed a puzzled expression. Concubine Chun said: "Although she is Caimengxi's granddaughter, she is also Wugu's only apprentice."

Bai Xiyi said: "Could it be that even you need to please Aunt Wu?" "In this palace, no one needs to curry favor with Aunt Wu." Concubine Chun smiled, "However, I do like Chanjuan. She is a very special girl. When I see her, I think of myself when I was young." Bai Xiyi smiled and shook her head.While speaking, Chanjuan had already walked in, lowered her head slightly, and saluted to Concubine Chun and the new general.Concubine Chun pulled her to her side and said with a smile, "Do you know why I came to you?" Chanjuan shook her head. "Last time you mentioned something to me."

"Yueyingxiao?" Chanjuan suddenly opened her eyes wide. "That's right." Concubine Chun smiled, "This time my family came from Haijiang and brought a piece of moon shadow silk. I have ordered someone to make a hat." Concubine Chun waved her hand, and Gong'e at the side immediately took up the brocade tray. On the tray was a brand-new bamboo hat inlaid with gold and jade. The four sides of the hat were sewn with a layer of bead-gray veil with silk thread.The veil is extremely long, without any embroidery, except for a circle of large light blue pearls underneath.This priceless blue sea pearl, on the one hand, is to set off the elegance and nobility of the veil, and on the other hand, it is also for the soft veil to prevent it from dancing with the wind and losing the ladylike demeanor.Concubine Chun personally lifted the veiled hat, put it on for Chanjuan, and arranged her braids for half a day, Fang asked: "How is it?"

"Very good." Chanjuan said. Although pearls are rare and expensive, they are not worth mentioning compared to veils.This moon shadow silk is one of the twelve rarest things in the world, the best among the silk silk.According to legend, only shark wizards over 400 years old know how to weave moon shadow gauze.Even in the world of mermen, Moon Shadow Silk is quite a rare treasure, generally only the family members of the Sea Emperor are eligible to possess it.When the merman wizards weave the moon shadow gauze, they will endow it with some unknown magic power.These magical powers are hidden between the latitude and longitude, and no one else can fully analyze and use them except the creator himself.It may bring you a wonderful dream, or it may give you the ability to predict the future.This is the charm of Moon Shadow Silk.But generally speaking, all Moon Shadow Kam has one characteristic, that is, it has two sides.Looking at the past from the silk side, it is as transparent as non-existent, and all the scenery in front of me is still as clear as under the moonlight.Looking at it from the other side, it is a dense fabric that does not reveal a little light, blocking all sight.

So now, Concubine Chun couldn't see Chanjuan's expression, but Chanjuan could clearly see the faces of Concubine Chun's brothers and sisters.She only asked her about Yueyingxiao because Concubine Chun once lived in the sea.Concubine Chun's generous gift was somewhat beyond her expectations.However, the joy of getting this treasure that she had dreamed of for a long time immediately overshadowed the uneasiness in her heart. "Thank you, ma'am." Chanjuan happily kowtowed to Concubine Chun. Concubine Chun smiled and said, "Do you know how this moon shadow gauze was obtained?"

"It must be hard work and hard-won." Concubine Chun glanced at Bai Xiyi, and Bai Xiyi said, "It was snatched from an old prince of the Sea Emperor. That old fish is 300 years old. He used to be a wizard for 100 years, and participated in the training for 100 years." In the other hundred years, he yelled at the sea emperor in the court. The sea emperor had nothing to do with this old fish bone, so he sent him out to fight again. He is also a bit of witchcraft, and none of us are his opponents. Only us Hairuo is the most powerful, and he cut off his fish tail in less than a bowl of tea. The old fish left half of his body splashing on the sea surface, full of blood." "That Hai Ruo is really our Qing Kui's great hero." Chanjuan said. Bai Xiyi smiled proudly, "He's just a kid." Concubine Chun also smiled, "Chanjuan, Hai Ruo is watching you too." In fact, when she entered the door, she noticed the strange boy with golden skin by the wall.For some reason, Hai Ruo gave her a very strange sense of terror.It was as if there was a mysterious smell like dried blood on his body, which made her subconsciously want to avoid it—although she knew that it was impossible for him to have a strange smell. But at this moment, Concubine Chun's brothers and sisters looked at her, so she had no choice but to turn around and greet Hai Ruo slightly.Hai Ruo returned a crisp salute, then raised her head and stared at her intently.Chanjuan was a little displeased, but looked sideways and found that Concubine Chun was smiling at them.She understood a little bit in her heart, guessing that Concubine Chun wanted to give Hai Ruo a positive face, so she lifted the moon shadow curtain slightly, looked at Hai Ruo, and immediately turned around.At this moment, she doesn't know what a painful price she will pay for this small act many years later.She just had an inexplicable dislike for this boy, and with the sensitivity of a young wizard, she began to wonder if there was some ulterior secret hidden behind this dislike. "Girl," Chunfei laughed, "I got this treasure for you, how can you thank me?" Chanjuan said: "The empress is such a grand reward. A mere little girl, even if I give everything to me, it is not enough to repay. I have to obey the empress's orders." "Come on, when I think about it, I'll ask you to ask for it again." Concubine Chun said, "At that time, you are not allowed to deny it." Chanjuan laughed and said, "What are you talking about, Madam. It is Chanjuan's blessing to be able to serve Madam." Bai Xiyi coughed, so Concubine Chun picked up the tea bowl, and seeing this, Chanjuan took her leave.Hai Ruo's eyes followed her all the time.Seeing this, Concubine Chun couldn't help laughing: "Could it be that this child really fell in love with Chanjuan?" Bai Xiyi said indifferently: "The children in the country have never seen the world. The girls in Yingdu are too gorgeous and dazzling." "Do you know?" Concubine Chun said leisurely, "Qing Yannian wants Chanjuan to be his grandson-in-law, I guess Caimengxi will not refuse. But I am not reconciled. Not to mention the relationship with Aunt Wu, Chanjuan is The girl I like can't be taken advantage of by that useless kid from the Qing family. I think Aunt Wu has always looked down on the Qing family, why don't we..." Bai Xiyi sneered and said, "I advise you to forget it." "Ok?" "Forgive me. Just now I observed secretly. Although this girl looks docile and polite on the surface, the eyes in her eyes are all her own ideas, which is terrifying." Bai Xiyi said, "A girl who is too smart will not end well. .” "Hehe." Concubine Chun smiled noncommittally. "And don't forget," Bai Xiyi said coldly, "her father was killed by us." "Oh, you're talking about this." Concubine Chun suddenly said, "I haven't forgotten this. However, it happened many years ago. Her father had to die because he violated the military law. She can't blame anyone else. It's not a big deal. Enmity, right? Concubine Xia and the Cai family didn't mention it. I think, if the marriage is real, the account will be cleared." "It's not a violation of military law, but a secret execution." Bai Xiyi said in a low voice, "I suspect that the Cai family knows something about this matter." "What?" Concubine Chun suddenly understood, "I had to kill several officers to silence the incident back then. Could it be that the one who killed was—" Bai Xiyi nodded, "You want to get rid of this grievance, but people may not buy it. It's better to be straightforward than to please -" He made a killing posture, and Concubine Chun couldn't help frowning.The originally brisk mood suddenly became clouded again.She thought about it for a while, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.Turning around and seeing the boy named Hai Ruo again, he suddenly felt uncomfortable. Of course Chanjuan was unaware of these conversations about her.After leaving the gate of the Chunming Guest House, she immediately jumped into the carriage and pulled down the curtain.Before the car started, she tore the precious veil.The light blue pearls rolled all over the ground, and Yueyingxiao was cut into long strips of cloth by her with a pocket knife. At the same time, Prince Qing's new favorite, Concubine Yun, was twisting her handkerchief restlessly in her bedroom.Just now she asked King Qing to go to the Bai family banquet at the Chunming Villa and watch the compass car.King Qing hesitated for a moment, then shook his head in disapproval, which made Qing Luoru very uneasy.After King Qing left, her grandfather immediately went to the palace to visit her. Ever since Bai Dinghou's family suddenly entered the capital, the seemingly peaceful Qingkui Kingdom's government and people suddenly had an undercurrent.Of course, the most uneasy is the chief assistant Qing Yannian.Qing Wang Qingren's suspicion of Shoufu has not been a day or two, and he may have long wanted to weaken them.And when Qing Ren wanted to attack the civil forces headed by the Qing family, he would of course rely on trusted generals. Over the years, the relationship between King Qing and Shoufu has been relatively calm, and the suspicion is nothing but suspicion, but the inextricable connection has been cut off.Even if King Qing had the strength to cut off Shoufu's head, he still had to be afraid of injuring his own arm, so it has been delayed until now.However, the king's patience is always limited.The delicate balance of various forces is like hair resting on the blade, and it really cannot stand the slightest disturbance.After Qinghou died, the atmosphere in Yingdu changed.Sensitive people can detect that Bai Dinghou's entry into the capital was the first move of King Qing.As for Qing Yannian himself, it was impossible for him to be unaware. Qingyannian has long been prepared.He even prepared to meet the prestigious Bai Dinghou's family one day. Although he is a civil servant, the various settings in the mansion are sufficient to deal with possible military disturbances.The wall around his house is only a foot shorter than the palace wall, and there is a hidden river inside the wall, and there are hundreds of warriors patrolling day and night under the wall.It is heavily guarded, no less than King Qing's bedroom.It is almost impossible for the general army to sneak attack. What he didn't understand was that Bai Dinghou only brought a small number of people with him when he entered Beijing this time.His eyes fell on their compass car, which was said to be dedicated to King Qing.The spies sent back said that the car was quite ingenious, except for a mysterious boy named Hai Ruo who commanded the convoy, no one else could explain why. The first assistant frowned.Like a dog, he smelled the humidity before the storm, but lingered for a long time, not knowing where the wind came from.He ordered the people in his hometown in Mianzhou to strengthen their defenses, and added guards in the mansion.However, these are not the point.He thought that if King Qing wanted to attack him, he might be lured into the palace.He has a lot of eyeliners in the palace, but the warriors from Haijiang are not in the surveillance plan.In the not-too-long history of the Qingkui Kingdom for hundreds of years, similar stories have been staged many times, and they are not new at all.Therefore, when Qing Yannian received the Qing King's order to go to the Chunming Palace with him, he couldn't help imagining the situation: he was alone in the hall, and the Qing King threw a cup as a sign, and the people lying in ambush on all sides A warrior from Haijiang suddenly came out and hacked him to death with a knife and an axe.The next day he and his family were declared treasonous, the men were beheaded and hung on the city wall, and the women were sold as handmaids and prostitutes. Hovering over such thoughts, Shoufu was immersed in anxiety all day long, and a few new pieces of gray hair were added. Since Qing Luoru entered the palace, he used various names to visit his granddaughter and hinted at her exerting influence on King Qing.But Qing Luoru felt that she couldn't save this face.It's only been half a year since she entered the palace, she has learned a lot of secrets and learned a lot, but she still can't save her face to speak for her grandfather.The more Qing Ren dotes on her and puts her on his lap like a little girl, the more difficult it is for her to speak, as if this kind of thing not only tarnishes her admiration for King Qing, but also hinders King Qing's doting on her . Moreover, as clear as she is, she gradually sees that Wang's pampering is so unreliable.When Qing Ren looked at her and smiled, his eyes never met her, but fell on some unknown place.Sometimes, she would wake up at night and stare at the embroidery pattern on the bed curtain.Qing Ren slept next to her with a serious expression on his face.She knew that she was not in his dream.However, she also knew that she couldn't tell anyone about this feeling, she would just find a deserted corner and cry secretly. Seeing his granddaughter's temperament, Qing Yannian also found it difficult to force her, and gradually lost interest.Maybe when Qing Luoru gets older, when she faces conspiracy and life and death a few more times, she will understand what to do. But this time, the Bai's family banquet, compass car, and warriors in the Chunming Villa made him even more frightened.He firmly believed that it was impossible for him to come back from the Bai family's wine table intact.He declined politely to King Qing but failed, so he had to ask Qing Luoru to speak to King Qing.But Qing Luoru told him that just now she asked to go to the Chunming Villa, but was flatly rejected by King Qing.King Qing seemed unwilling to mention more about the Chunming Villa.Therefore, I am afraid that my grandfather's request cannot be said. At this time, he finally began to feel the bone-chilling cold. Qing Luoru didn't know the seriousness of the matter, she was just sad because Wang didn't care about her, and felt guilty for not being able to satisfy her grandfather's wish. But her grandfather knew that there was no chance to wait any longer. It was dark at dusk, and shadows slowly rose from the blue brick floor.After Zhu Xuan finished praying, he closed the door of the shrine and went to sleep.At this time, he saw a figure hovering outside the door.People from far and near often secretly sneaked into the temple and waited hard outside the temple for several days and nights in order to ask the aunt for a divination and a blessing. Afraid that someone would see him, Zhu Xuan hurriedly hid behind the window, and was about to inform Aunt Wu, but she saw Aunt Wu had already guarded the porch at some time. The shadow of the person coming was dark, wearing a huge cloak that looked rather thick, like a ghost.Zhu Xuan was surprised.When he saw the pale face under the cloak, he suddenly understood, "Master Shoufu..." As the chief assistant of Qing Kui Kingdom, Qing Yannian often went in and out of the shrine with Qing King Qing Kui.But he never came here alone, let alone such a secret visit.Even a wizard like Zhu Xuan, who doesn't care about world affairs, knows very well that Aunt Wu and Shoufu are long-term enemies.Aunt Wu had probably already received the secret letter, so she was not surprised by Shoufu's visit.In the secret room in the backyard, Aunt Wu asked the chief assistant to sit down, and then ordered the maid to pour tea. Whenever there are visitors, Zhu Xuan will automatically go back to his hut.However, this time, his strong curiosity towards Mr. Shoufu made him stay and hide behind the curtain.Aunt Wu might notice, but at such a critical moment, she has no time to expose him. "I think Aunt Wu will know why I'm here." Qing Yannian spoke first. Aunt Wu said: "Although I understand your purpose, I can't give you any help. I'm just a priest and can't interfere with ordinary affairs. I'm afraid my lord will be disappointed." Qing Yannian said with a smile: "Since Aunt Wu agrees to visit the officials, there is no reason for her not to engage in mundane affairs. How could the officials be disappointed?" Aunt Wu shook her head slightly, "Master Qing, I'm afraid you have misunderstood. In fact——my influence on King Qing is not as strong as you think." "Oh? This is really beyond my judgment." Qing Yannian said, "Then, apart from you, Aunt Wu, who has the greatest influence on King Qing?" This is very blatant and unanswerable.Aunt Wu couldn't help frowning and ignored him. "Wu Gu, you and I have always been at odds, so there is no need to hide it." After a while, Qing Yannian sighed, "My Qing family is in trouble right now, and there are quite a few people who can help me in the court, why don't I go Looking for someone else, but you are not afraid of bumping into a wall, and you are looking for Aunt Wu—do you want Aunt Wu to know?" Aunt Wu was secretly angry.She didn't want to help Qing Yannian at all, and the reason why she allowed him to visit was because she was curious about the conditions he wanted to propose. ——This point was also hit by him.However, Qing Yannian is finally an old fox who has been in the officialdom for many years, so what can be done to hide it from him?Let's listen to what he has to say. "The lower officials heard that Bai Xiyi, the elder brother of Concubine Bai's family, brought a strange convoy. The convoy was led by a handsome young man who was said to be Bai Xiyi's adopted son, named Hai Ruo. Bai Xiyi and his son came to Beijing this time. It’s a big move, not having a biological son, but bringing such an adopted son.” Aunt Wu lowered her head and played with the tea leaves floating in the cup, she gradually tasted the meaning of celebrating the New Year, and then followed him and said: "Bai Xiyi has three sons who were conceived by concubine, and counting the children born by concubine, there are a dozen or so. And Bai Xiyi's brother's branch is also thriving - his family is not afraid of having no heirs, so why accept this adopted son?" Qing Yannian said: "There are rumors outside that the child is a refugee who fled to the sea from Jiuyi. Both parents died in his infancy. He was thrown on the road and was picked up by Mrs. Bai who was passing by." Aunt Wu and Qing Yannian looked at each other.This is obviously a statement released by the Bai family in order to deceive people.It is not uncommon for babies to be picked up by rich families, but they are generally raised as slaves, and it is unbelievable to be an adopted son, not to mention that the status of the adopted son in the Bai family is obviously higher than that of the biological son.The only explanation is that Hai Ruo has an extraordinary background.Aunt Wu's thoughts turned quickly, and she suddenly panicked. Qing Yannian certainly noticed the change in Aunt Wu, he coughed, and added: "The age of this child is still a mystery, but it shouldn't be younger than twenty years old, right?" Twenty years ago, it was the time when Qing Yannian's daughter, Qing Fu Lan, had all the power in the harem. After the "Prince Chile Case", Concubine Qiu went crazy and Qinghou was claustrophobic.Although the truth of the matter is unknown to outsiders, the two people in front of them are tacitly aware of it.Back then, it was Wu Gu who helped King Qing uncover the truth about Qinghou's murder of the pregnant concubine, and she also had a grudge with Qing Yannian. So, Concubine Chun also had a prince back then, in order to avoid Qinghou's murder, she sent Hai Ruo back to her natal family to be raised? However, is Concubine Chun capable of giving birth to a child?Aunt Wu couldn't help thinking.As far as she knew, King Qing didn't treat her like a concubine.But this kind of question is not something she can ask.It is also possible that it was born by some unknown palace man, who was kept and raised by Concubine Chun. There are countless palace ladies in the harem, and no one can find out which one King Qing favored. Now that Qinghou is dead, Concubine Chun wants to let her prince regain the crown prince after heaving a sigh of relief.Although Aunt Wu was a little unhappy, she didn't think it was a bad thing.Qing Yannian managed to push another girl from the Qing family in front of King Qing, and a Hai Ruo appeared out of nowhere, and his situation became unpredictable again.But what does that have to do with her? Aunt Wu said flatly, "I can't control this matter—I can't see it." Qing Yannian smiled slightly, "The identity of that child is up to Aunt Wu to judge." Aunt Wu suddenly understood.Concubine Chun and the Bai family can say that Hairuo is the blood of King Qing, but this kind of thing is groundless, and Qing Yannian's party can also cite various reasons to object.What happened, even King Qing couldn't decide on his own, but had to ask the gods for their opinions.The gods and witches of the Qingkui Kingdom have the duty to verify the blood of the emperor—this is the "Blood Mirror Ceremony".This kind of ritual has not been used for many years, but if Hai Ruo's problem comes to the fore, King Qing will definitely order Aunt Wu to find out the truth in the hall. Therefore, Qing Yannian came to visit Aunt Wu before Baihou's family.In fact, Bai Dinghou didn't show any signs of disclosing Hai Ruo's life experience, but the scheming chief assistant had already planned ahead. "If that young Hai Ruo is not the blood of King Qing, then I am too worried. But if he is proved to be the son of King Qing, then he will be the King Qing in the future. So I must stop him." Aunt Wu straightened her back slightly, she knew that Qing Yannian was about to make an offer to her, "The king has never had any heirs, and the ownership of the throne in the future is still a problem. Now that he finally has a child, why did the chief minister stop their father and son?" Do you recognize each other? Is it because you are afraid that Bai's relatives will become too powerful in the future?" This was a blatant mockery, but Qing Yannian didn't care about it, just pretending to be unheard of, "I must stop it, because Hai Ruo is not the only one who is the heir of King Qing who is living outside. In this regard, Aunt Wu, you are better than anyone else." Are you clear?" There was a "clang" sound from the curtain. Aunt Wu got up and walked over, and opened the bamboo curtain to see that Zhu Xuan was kneeling on the ground, shaking with his hands on his knees. "Sit down quietly, don't scare Mr. Chief Assistant." Aunt Wu told him quietly. Zhu Xuan stood up slowly, and saluted the first assistant through the curtain.He lowered his head, letting his long hair cover his eyes.Although the bamboo curtain was deep, Shoufu couldn't help but look over there a few more times, and he could vaguely discern a slender and beautiful young man. Thinking of the legend about the "secret beast", he couldn't help feeling terrified.However, even an old man like Shoufu can hardly resist this pure and terrifying charm.This young man, who cannot be seen by others for life, will become a legend just because of his appearance.Is he more like Aunt Wu, or King Qing? Aunt Wu sat down again, took a sip of tea, and Fang slowly said, "When did Lord Shoufu know?" "There is no impenetrable wall in the world." "Master Shoufu," Aunt Wu sneered, "I'm not afraid of being burned to death. Moreover, this child will never be harmed." It is a great sin for a aunt to give birth to a child, and the mother and child will be punished.However, if it's Prince Qing's child, it's a different matter. "You have misunderstood me. I don't want to threaten Aunt Wu at all. After all, the great witch has passed away for many years, and Aunt Wu is widely loved by the people. I think this situation is very good. In fact—— Xiaguan just wants to give this child the status he deserves." He glanced at the boy in the curtain, "His father is King Qing, and no one can hide it. No one can be held accountable.” "Who is his father? You forgot," Aunt Wu said with a faint smile, "Is it the king's flesh and blood? I'm the only one who can do the divination." Qing Yannian was a little startled, and couldn't help squinting her eyes - so she thought so, she didn't want Zhu Xuan to come to the front desk at all.Normally speaking, Aunt Wu's attitude should be exactly the opposite of what it is now.If Aunt Wu wants Zhu Xuan to become the prince, it is of course very important to obtain the support of the civil officials.Qing Yannian has already expressed his attitude to her, as long as she stops Hai Ruo of the Bai family, then he will repay her by supporting her son to become King Qing.But it seemed that Aunt Wu was determined to keep this secret.She didn't want her son to come out of this temple at all.why?A woman's mind is really unpredictable, Qing Yannian thought, especially a woman who is proficient in witchcraft. However, Qing Yannian's mind turned quickly, and he was sure that his bet was not wrong.Regardless of whether Aunt Wu is willing to let Zhu Xuan become the prince, he has already held the biggest bargaining chip.Blackmailing Aunt Wu by exposing the secret can also achieve his goal of preventing Hai Ruo from becoming the prince. He secretly relaxed in his heart, and slowly said: "Whether this child is the king's flesh and blood, it doesn't have to be verified by the Shentang?" As long as the civil servants agree with Zhu Xuan, why bother to take the embarrassing and hurtful way of verification? Woolen cloth?Besides——"As long as the king says yes, then it must be." That's right, what about Qing Ren's attitude?Qing Ren knew nothing about it.Thinking of Qing Ren, Aunt Wu suddenly felt sour in her heart, and all her confidence was vented.She hung her head weakly and said nothing.If he knew that Zhu Xuan was his child, would he be puzzled, or would he be so excited that he would admit it without hesitation?After so many years, she still couldn't guess his true intentions. "If Hai Ruo is the king's son, this child is also the king's son, then it depends on the king's choice." Qing Yannian said slowly. "The king will not choose someone who can't get out of the temple at all." Aunt Wu's voice became vain. "I don't dare to judge the king's preferences. But...Have you ever heard of the name Lian Ning?" "Isn't that a silly child born to Mrs. Xiang, who has been living in Jiuyi?" "Hehe, if you want me to say, it's his blessing to be stupid, and the king wants to please Ji Sun, the heroine of the You Clan, otherwise how could Lian Ning live to this day?" Qing Yannian said calmly. . Aunt Wu understood what he meant.Qing Kui's royal struggle was extremely cruel, and sons who could not inherit the throne would often die under the sword and ax of their brothers.Once Zhu Xuan's identity is exposed, he has only two options, either to become the new Green King, or to die. "However," Qing Yannian said indifferently, "if Hai Ruo doesn't have the blood of the emperor at all, the words of the lower officials are equivalent to nothing. The lower officials will never think that the king has any other sons. You Do you mean it, Mrs. Witch?" Aunt Wu closed her eyes, "Then the king still has no children." "There will be," Shoufu said with a smile, knowing that Aunt Wu had given in, he couldn't help but relax his tone, "The king's concubine Yun is still very young." When he said this, Aunt Witch's fingers hidden under the table tightly grasped the corner of the skirt, twisting the delicate silk satin into a flower. The tea has cooled down.While Shoufu was complacent, he never expected that Aunt Wu had made a terrible decision after silently weighing things up. After sending Shoufu away, Zhu Xuan came to the room, knelt down quietly, and waited for Aunt Wu's reprimand. "Why did you break the teacup?" "Missed." "Did his words surprise you so much? You didn't just find out today, did you?" "But I'm still very surprised to get confirmation from someone else all of a sudden." His voice was trembling, obviously trying to control his emotions. Perhaps Qing Yannian was not sure about the chips in his opponent's hands, and it was just a gamble, but Zhu Xuan made a mistake.Aunt Wu once wondered whether it was Zhu Xuan himself who revealed this big secret to Qing Yannian.However, the current situation does not seem to be the case.It seems that Qing Yannian's ability cannot be underestimated.As Xue Li mentioned back then, Qing Yannian and Cai Mengxi invited a wizard to do it at home. It turned out that it was not only for Qing Ren, but also to pry into her secrets.It's only her fault that Zhu Xuan was exposed under the eyes of the conspirators after all. Aunt Wu shook her head, and thought for a long time before she continued, "Zhu Xuan, you have always been very sensible, so you don't want me to worry about it... Besides, no matter what, people have already known that you are my child." It has been known to outsiders.Zhu Xuan knew that the peaceful world built by those cloud vines, midnight stars and evening drums and morning bells would be swept away by bloody winds.When the wind and sand hit our faces, should we panic or smile? However, no matter what, the words "my child" finally came out of Aunt Wu's mouth.This is what he cares most about.Zhu Xuan blushed and said nothing.This moment of time seemed as long as a lifetime. "You are indeed my son." The sentence just now was not serious enough, she looked into his eyes and repeated it again. He looked at his biological mother, with eager light in his pure water pupils.Aunt Wu thought helplessly, what should she do at this time, should she stretch out her arms to hug her child?It feels... very uncomfortable.In the end, she just pulled the boy's night-black hair.Zhu Xuan knelt down and rested his head on Aunt Wu's lap, like a little beast licking its own wound. "Then, my father is Qing Wang Qingren." Hearing the word "Qing Ren", Aunt Wu trembled visibly, "Zhu Xuan, you have to remember that you are only my child and my apprentice." These words didn't seem to have any effect, Aunt Wu could clearly read the disapproving look on Zhu Xuan's face. Aunt Wu was a little annoyed, she unbuttoned Zhu Xuan's clothes, exposing the bones on his back, "You are like me, with long shoulder blades that are unique to the Ice people, that is our god from the sky—the phoenix bird, The mark left to us. You have nothing to do with these Qing people!" "I know." Zhu Xuan said. Aunt Wu looked at his tight lips and shining eyes, and suddenly thought of something, "So, do you really care about the prince's identity?" Zhu Xuan was silent. "I forgot, you are a man, you are always ambitious." Aunt Wu sighed, "Tell me, do you want to get Qingkui Kingdom?" "No, I don't want to get the Qingkui Kingdom at all, and I don't think I'm a prince," Zhu Xuan said, "I always knew that I was from the Ice Clan of Tianque Mountain." Aunt Wu was stunned, "Then you—" Zhu Xuan raised his head slightly, "I just miss my father, is there anything wrong with that?" "You can't see him!" Aunt Wu snapped. Zhu Xuan was taken aback. He saw the rare anger and grievance burning in Aunt Wu's eyes, as if he had taken away her treasure.He stood up and asked, "Why?" Aunt Wu stared into his eyes and said word by word: "Don't forget, you can't see anyone except me, or you will kill them." "Then why would I kill everyone who sees me?" Zhu Xuan said loudly, "Why do you make me bear such a spell? I love you, but I also want to see my father, Chanjuan, and Seeing the officials in the palace, I want to see the passers-by on the road. I know that the sky is not only a small piece of the four corners above this courtyard. I know all the incomparable prosperity and darkness in Yingdu. I know that there are magnificent mountains and rivers outside the city wall. I know that My compatriots from the Ice Race are still displaced. I know that there are vast seven seas beyond the earth illuminated by the stars. However, in reality, I can only perceive their existence from various tiny sounds, and endure long-term anxiety and pain.终生不能从这个牢笼里走出去。” 巫姑并没有听清他的话，她只听到他大声地喊“出去”。最后一抹斜阳在斗室中投下暗金色，时间仿佛凝固了。但有一股冰冷的风潮，却正在巫姑的胸中荡涤——她早就知道，她留不住他的。这么多年了，已经二十岁的朱宣，终于第一次表达出内心的狂澜，终于大声说出，他要出去。而与此同时，他竟然还在用无辜的眼神望着她…… “你……你是傻瓜吗？”巫姑用好不容易控制住的平静声音说：“我不是早就说过，一旦走出神殿，你……你就会死的？也许我的方法有些极端。但是郢都是这样荒谬的一个地方，你的身份又是如此特殊，一旦让人知道你的存在，你我就都身不由己了。为了保护你，我只能让你消失在外人面前。” 朱宣看着她，索然道：“我知道，您并不是真地想要拘禁我。” 其实，他想说的是，他宁愿去死。 他的脸色，令巫姑一阵心酸。 “朱宣，你知不知道我多么害怕失去你……”她颓然道，“你也许不记得了，我们在天阙山的那三年……你一生下来就奄奄一息，我几乎尝试了天阙山的每一种草药，还是不能治愈你，只能眼看着生命从你小小的躯体中流逝，每天都在担心你会死去……” “我知道的，”朱宣说，“我的血统使我身负诅咒。如果不是有您照顾，也许我不等出生就已经死去。这是我的宿命……” 你不知道的，朱宣。巫姑在心里面说。 那样的痛苦，甚至使她不敢回头。她第一次做了真正意义上的母亲，却不得不眼看着自己的孩子死去。她深信这是上天对她的惩罚，惩罚她在懵懂无知的少女时代，对自己的第一个孩子所犯下的可怖罪行。正是第一个孩子死亡的诅咒，杀死了清任的一个又一个后代，现在终于落到了她的朱宣身上。于是，小朱宣的病情对于她，变成了一种双倍的折磨。 她甚至一次又一次地梦见那个死去婴孩的最后一个微笑，那个面色苍白的孩子拖着朱宣的手，把他拉向无底深渊。她看着他们俩下坠，却只能发出无声的嘶喊。 如果一切可以重来，她会拼命留住那个无辜死去的孩子。然而现在，她却只能把所有眷恋，都补偿到朱宣一个人身上。 而她永远也不敢对朱宣说出这一切，不能让朱宣知道为什么她如此害怕失去他，害怕到了几欲疯狂的地步…… “我厌恶郢都，这个地方毁了我的一生……可我最后还是不得不回来。因为只有这座神殿，能够庇佑你。” 很早以前，她被湘夫人拘禁，后来又被清任用碧玉环封印了法力。于是她所有的青春和爱情，都葬送在了郢都。重获自由三年之后，她回到了这里，将自己锁入森严的神殿，重新过着孤寂而阴沉的日子，用余生为自己的孩子赎罪。 这些，都是朱宣不可能知道的…… “朱宣，我只是想保护你，因而在你的眼中，种下了过于严重的咒术。”巫姑歉然道，“但那个咒术，是永远无法消除的，即使我自己也做不到。它会跟随你一生……对不起……” “不，没有关系的，母亲。”朱宣回答着，同时又有些怅然。 巫姑叹息道：“永远与世隔绝，这大概是我们冰族巫师命中注定的……” 他把手指割开，看见里面流出清泉一样的液体。他把手指放到鼻尖下面，闻到一种清冷的气息，仿佛水上漂浮的白色花朵，“我知道我的血液里流动的是什么，我也知道我应该做什么。” 巫姑感到一阵彻骨冰凉的绝望。她似乎亲眼看见，她一手构筑的青瓷般光洁贞静的世界里，有了第一道刺眼的裂纹，不久就要分崩离析了，而她却无能为力。 朱宣等了一会儿，巫姑再没有说什么。于是他退了出来，回自己的小屋去。当他经过藏书院门口时，下意识地望了一眼那棵巨大的菩提树。 树枝上挂着一根珠灰色飘带，轻如浮云，随风飘摇。 首辅庆延年造访巫姑之后，心满意足地回到家里。宫中来了消息，还有芸妃的手信。庆洛如从来不愿主动跟祖父联络，为什么忽然写了信回来？首辅心中一惊，疑疑惑惑地拆开封蜡，才读到一半，脸色就已经变了，激动得忍不住走来走去。 原来芸妃怀孕了。 清任到底还是喜欢庆洛如的。 如果芸妃产下王子，那么青王是绝不会加害于庆氏一族的。有了巫姑的帮助，海若不会得到承认。他更有机会以玩弄权谋的罪名激怒青王，而令白定侯一家陷入困境。芸妃的孩子作为清任惟一的骨肉，一定是未来的青王。那么他们庆家，至少还有五十年的辉煌可以期待。至于巫姑，则是一枚很容易扔掉的棋子。 另外还有一个令人振奋的消息，就是原定于十日之后的春明馆白氏家宴推迟了，也没有说何时举行。看来青王已经改变了主意。 “白定侯，”庆延年喃喃道，“你们以为，天下已经尽在你白家的掌握中吗？” 芸妃怀孕的消息，像风一样飞快地传到了郢都的每一个府邸。婵娟从神殿读书归来，尚未下车，就接到了夏妃的通知，掉转车头匆匆入宫。 夏妃领着她，一同进入紫竹苑向芸妃贺喜。芸妃自然是兴高采烈，留了姑侄二人晚饭，饭后闲话许久，直到青王驾临，二人方才问了晚安出来。 彼时已是深夜，宫娥们低挑着避风灯，照亮了回廊上的台阶。夏妃携了婵娟的手，慢慢踱回自己的寝宫，忽而停下脚步，长叹了一声。挂了一整晚的柔婉笑意，早已换成了一脸愁容。 婵娟遂道：“姑妈，对采家来说，这是好事。” 夏妃摇了摇头。 婵娟问：“姑妈是在担心别的事情吗？” 夏妃犹豫了一下，吩咐宫女们自回宫去，连灯也不必留下。宫女们领命退下，过了一会儿，走廊上全黑了，只有淡淡的星光，依稀照得见人影绰绰。婵娟遂道：“姑妈是在担心洛如？” “她这个孩子，生不生得下来还难说呢。”夏妃道，“不怀孕也罢了。怀上了，又生不下来，或者生下来又死了，少不得又是一场血雨腥风啊，就像当年秋妃那个孩子，拖累了庆夫人和巫礼两个人，暗地里还不知冤死了多少人命……” “庆夫人……”婵娟小心翼翼地说，“真的是无辜的吗？” “我不知道。二十多年来，这个宫廷中都流传着一种阴森邪气，扼死每一个怀孕的母亲。不论是庆夫人生前还是死后，我都小产过。我问过冬妃……” 婵娟轻轻咳了一声，她还是个未嫁的女孩儿，不当听这些话的。然则夏妃一把抓住了她的手，低声切切道：“婵娟，你跟着巫姑这么多年，道行也不浅了。你看，这青夔王室，是不是被人诅咒了？” "curse?" “是啊。”夏妃叹道，“何以一个孩子都活不下来，这些年我想来想去，没有别的解释了。可是，我不敢轻易向人提这样的问题。怀疑王室受到诅咒，这是大逆不道啊！” 婵娟呆了呆，“有可能的。” “真的么？那是什么诅咒？” 婵娟摇摇头，“我不知道。如果真的是诅咒，那么……下咒之人一定法力高强，并且有着刻骨的怨念。因为，诅咒一个家族子孙灭绝，这……实在是太过狠毒了，下咒的人很难不受到反噬的，可说他是不顾一切地报复……” “有人会这么恨青王么？”夏妃道，“他并没有做过什么伤天害理之事。” “谁知道呢。” 沉默了一会儿，夏妃郑重地说：“婵娟，姑妈拜托你一件事情。” “姑妈是想让我查清此事？” “而且要快，”夏妃道，“我希望能保住洛如……” “恐怕我力不从心呢。”婵娟苦笑道。 “婵娟……” “不过姑妈，我会尽力的。我自己也发现了一些奇怪的事情，觉得很迷惑。”婵娟道，“也许，这些事情都有联系，我也想知道它们背后的秘密。正好……我想起一件事情，正好请姑妈帮个忙。” "What's up?" “我想到高唐庙里面去看看。”婵娟道，“听说当年湘夫人收集了很多罕见的巫术资料，都收藏在高唐庙的黑塔里面。我想去查查那边的书籍，也许可以解释这些诅咒的来由。” 夏妃苦笑道：“这可是难题。高唐庙最早是湘夫人的秘所，后来巫姑在里面住了很久，那里算是她的故居了。二十年前，巫姑离开郢都，主上就把那个地方封了起来。巫姑回来以后，住进了神殿，主上把高唐庙的大门钥匙也给了她。但是巫姑却再没有进去过，并且不让人靠近一步。你是她的徒弟，尚且进去不得，我却怎么帮你？” 婵娟道：“巫姑那里的钥匙，我无法可想。不过主上那里的钥匙，还是有办法的吧？姑妈您不是管着这个王宫里的内务么？” 夏妃愣了愣，叹道：“是啊，主上那里，必然还有一把钥匙的。” 清任和巫姑之间的暧昧，是这个宫里所有人心照不宣的秘密。 “找到了我会让人送给你，不过你也要小心。” 婵娟点点头。她们不约而同地朝王宫北面的天空望去，尽管漆黑的夜，一无所见，但她们都感觉到，郢都一角，某个荒凉庙宇里的黑塔，正在漠然地俯视着他们。它就像一个诡秘的图腾，镇压了这个宫廷全部不可告人的秘密。 “还有，姑妈……” "what?" 婵娟沉默了，似乎觉得难以开口。踌躇良久，她说：“姑妈，我想离开这里。” “好的，我叫人送你回家去。”夏妃道。 “不是的，”婵娟说，“我是说，我想离开郢都，离开青夔国。” 夏妃骇然，“你想干什么，逃婚么？你不想嫁庆家公子，我会替你想法子的。” “庆家那个人，还不值得我费力去逃。”婵娟道，“我只是想去旅行，看看山，看看水，去寻找一些郢都见不到的风景。像一个旅行者生活，再也不回来。” 夏妃急道：“不可以，你一个女孩儿家，怎么能忘了自己的身份，像贱民一样到处流浪？” “别急着反对，姑妈。”婵娟道，“我只是有这种想法，还没有决定什么时候走。至少，我会把刚才的那些事情都处理完。等我走的时候，我会让您知道的。” 夏妃正色道：“告诉我为什么要走。” 婵娟的脸上忽泛过一道奇异的光彩，然而转瞬熄灭了。她说：“我早已开始厌恶郢都这个地方，厌恶透了，今日不走，明日会走的。今年不走，明年也会走的。无论怎样，请您保重，姑妈。还有洛如，我经常担心你们被这个宫廷吞噬了，却一点办法都没有。” 夏妃哑然。 三月之后，白定侯的女儿春妃奉了青王的密令，匆匆赶往御书房。 旷阔的房间里，烛火通明。地上铺着厚厚的织毯，任何轻微的声响都消于无形。侍从们早已散去。清任披了一件薄衫，擎了一盏油灯，正锁了眉头对屏风出神。 屏风上挂着一张长长的图轴，墨迹新干，是刚刚画成的。图上既非山水，亦非人物，而是一张古怪的机械图纸。 “这是什么？”春妃低声问。 "what do you say?" 春妃认真审视半晌，说：“很像我们的指南车……但是……” 但是这个车上装有鸟一样的羽翼，它可以飞起来。 “主上前日忽然传令，要我们推迟春明馆家宴的时日，就是为了这个么？” "Ok." “呵呵。”春妃忽然释然地笑笑。 "What's wrong?" “我们以为，是芸妃怀孕，所以主上改变主意了。” 清任皱了皱眉头，“我怎么会。” “那么，”春妃小心翼翼地问，“不再邀请庆延年到春明馆中，也是因为这个？” “嗯。庆延年不愿意到到春明馆赴宴，我还正担心呢。指南车的机关虽然精密无伦，但若是他带着人早有防备，那可就棘手了。而且，即便得计，也只能杀他一个，难免留下无穷后患。现在有了这个东西，却是再好不过……” 春妃忽然觉得有点冷。她悄悄抬眼看青王，烛火在他苍白泛青的脸上跳跃，在这暗夜里显得分外鬼魅。她注意到青王愈发消瘦了，下巴已经显出了刀刻一般的尖削状，仿佛随时能戳穿什么似的。 “这个云浮飞车，只在上古传说中出现过，是天神的车驾……”春妃犹豫着，“我可以问问主上，是从哪里弄到的图纸么？” 清任沉脸不语。 春妃忙说：“那么妾回告知家兄，立刻将这云浮飞车造出来，但愿不要耽误了主上的计划。” “你们带来的工匠若是不够，”清任道，“可以从宫中调人。” “呵呵，那倒不必了，怕走漏风声呢。”春妃笑道，“海若足以胜任。” “那个叫海若的孩子，并不是匠人。” “可他聪明得像神仙一样，”春妃道，“不论什么东西，他只要看过一遍，就能精通。任何一个匠人都不会比他更适合造这云浮飞车。” “这还真是难得。” 春妃带着图纸走了以后。清任俯在书桌上，猛烈地咳嗽起来。青裙的傀儡连忙端了茶走来。桌上本来铺着细洁的白纸，此时就像雪地里盛开朱红的花。清任咳了半晌，终于缓过气，于是接过傀儡手里的茶，漱了漱口。 “薜荔，我活不长了吧？”他一把扯开了沾血的纸。 傀儡无力地垂下头。 “没关系，该做的事情，都做得差不多了。” 春妃的承诺兑现了。二十天后，海若完成了所有指南车的改装，当然这一切都是在秘密中进行的。 转眼已入冬，郢都呈铁灰色的天空里，飘起了蒙蒙细雪。在青王的授意之下，春明馆白氏家宴被重新提起。宴会定于岁末时，炙鹿肉，赏冰花，看指南车。白希夷依旧向首辅庆延年发出了邀请，首辅依旧称病推辞。清任也不再追究。 此时芸妃状况安好，首辅的心情也不错。他暗地里请人占卜，说芸妃将产下男胎。芸妃得知这个消息，却依然忧虑。关于“所有的王子都不能诞生”的风言风语，沿着宫闱的依稀每一条回廊，每一个檐角细水长流，绵延不绝，终于落到她的耳朵里。祖父的殷殷期待，反而放大了她心中的恐惧。 紫竹苑里，重帷深下。一缕馨香犹如一条滑腻的蝮蛇，在织金绣玉的帘幕间穿梭。 深夜了，玉镜台前宫髻高挽的美人，还在细细勾画着一抹春山眉。镜中的那个，仿佛并不是自己的脸，而只是一幅画，一幅为了配合周遭的宫禁氛围而精心描绘的画。——可是，自己原来那张脸去了哪里呢？ 烦乱之中，庆洛如把眉笔掷到地上，从抽屉里抓住一把小小的檀弓，仔细抚摸。那种沉甸甸的温润触感，一度是她内心的宽慰。 “呵呵，有身孕了，还不好好坐着。我可不许你再舞刀弄枪的。” 清任把年少的宠妃抱起来，放在膝上，玩弄着她细细的发辫。 “我想去巫姑那里问卜。”庆洛如咬着清任的耳朵说。 清任道：“那你明日去好了，让总管女官陪着你。” “王不去吗？”庆洛如眨眨眼睛。 “我不去，明日很忙。” 庆洛如噘起了嘴，“王陪我去，不好吗？我一个人不敢去见巫姑。” “她又不会吃了你。”清任奇道，“或者让夏妃陪你去。” 庆洛如摇摇头，“我定要王陪我同去。王明天没有空，那就等王有空的时候再去。” 清任的眼中闪过一丝不悦，“随便你。” 侍女们铺好了床，焚香，熄灯，伺候两人卧下。清任刚刚要入梦，忽然又睁开了眼睛。宫人们都已经退下了，只有一道月光铺在玉色的地板上。一片悄然中，芸妃在睡梦中甜蜜地呼吸。透过罗帐的织孔，清任看见一道血色的阴影，飞一样地穿过月光，转瞬不见了。 谁也没有听见，青王清任的喉中，发出了一声痛苦的叹息。 第二天早上庆洛如起床的时候，青王已经不见了。她慢慢吃着精致的早点，心知青王一定是去了春明馆，百般的滋味在心中涌起。无论怎样决定放开，还是不能避免一丝丝嫉恨和迷惘吧。 很多年以后，春明馆宴会的实情变得扑朔迷离。事实上，当时首辅庆延年一派的文官并未被邀请，但其余的公侯武将，仍有不少列席其中。然而没有人能够准确地说出当时究竟发生了什么，或者没有人愿意说出。在夔国的历史上，类似的事情并不少见。但巨变以如此奇异的面目发生，却还是头一遭。 当时在紫竹宫深处的庆洛如，还在为不曾帮助自己的祖父说一句话而懊恼，也为腹中的胎儿而焦虑。那个时候的庆洛如，并不知道她的担心是多余的，事情的进展远远快过她的想像。她也不知道自己如天罗花盛开的年轻生命，已经快要走到血腥的尽头。