Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Oath
The snow was still falling, and when Di Qing arrived at the residence of the Eighth Prince, the night was as dark as ink.
The Eighth Prince didn't sleep.
He sat quietly in the hall, looking at the thick and colorful screen in the hall, full of loneliness.
It was the first time for Di Qing to come to the mansion of the Eighth Prince, and he was a little surprised at the desertedness in the mansion.It was an old man who opened the door, his age was as old as the passing years, Di Qing knew that he was the housekeeper of the Zhao residence, it was this housekeeper who brought the Eighth Prince to testify for Di Qing, and saved Di Qing from the catastrophe.
When Steward Zhao saw Di Qing, he didn't say much, but pointed to the hall in the distance.There is a lonely lamp burning silently, and it is full of tranquility in the snowy night.
Di Qing quietly walked in front of the Eighth Prince, without asking any further questions, just quietly waiting for the Eighth Prince to say the last words of the Empress Dowager Liu.
Di Qing doesn't want to guess about many things, he only needs one answer, and that's enough.
People are not troubled by knowing little, but precisely because they know too much.Di Qing already understood this truth, so he just silently accompanied Zhao Zhen when he was crying bitterly.Zhao Zhen was tired from crying and went back to rest. Hope was burning in Di Qing's heart.He felt that the Eighth Prince would definitely not sleep, and he guessed right.
The Eighth Prince looked at Di Qing calmly, but pointed to the chair opposite and the teapot on the table.
Di Qing sat down, filled a cup of tea for himself, and raised it as a signal.The Eighth Prince nodded, and had a drink with Di Qing. After putting down the teacup, the Eighth Prince said: "Di Qing, we haven't met a few times. But I know that you are a trustworthy person, so many things, I will I can tell you."
Di Qing put down his teacup, and wanted to say that he was not trustworthy, otherwise Yu Chang would not have become what it is today, but he didn't say anything after all.
The Eighth Prince looked at Di Qing's bleak face, and after a long time, he sighed, "The Empress Dowager is right, the five dragons belong to Shambhala." Di Qing raised his heart, and the Eighth Prince calmly said: "The Five Dragons are here with you. body, isn't it?"
Di Qing's heart trembled slightly, and he said after a while: "Yes. Uncle, do you need five dragons?"
The Eighth Prince shook his head and said, "I don't need it now. I might use it in the future, but I don't know if I can use it." He spoke in a messy way, knowing that Di Qing didn't understand, and explained: "I know that Shambhala is a It is a very mysterious place. I also know that the five dragons come from Shambhala, but if there are five dragons, it may not be possible to find Shambhala. Otherwise, the first emperor held this object for many years, and he would not have been able to find Shambhala. .I have seen the late emperor holding the five dragons for many years, and I know it is very strange. But this kind of strangeness is definitely not something that everyone can feel!"
It was the first time that Di Qing heard someone analyze the five dragons so clearly, and couldn't help but ask: "Did the late emperor feel the strangeness of the five dragons?" He actually wanted to ask, did the Eighth Prince feel the strangeness of the five dragons?
The Eighth Prince said bitterly: "Of course he felt it. If it wasn't for Wulong's magical sensing ability, how could he be so crazily obsessed with the gods?"
"What did he feel?" Di Qing asked anxiously.
The Eighth Prince was silent for a long time, and then he thought about it: "As far as I know, he has sensed strange things from the five dragons at least twice. The first time, he dreamed of a scorched mountain. There is a light on the mountain, and there is someone in the light. He said that he should teach him the method of preserving the foundation forever.”
Di Qing frowned and said, "How can there be such a method in this world? The late Emperor saw it in a dream, so he can't do it for sure."
The Eighth Prince looked at the snow falling outside the courtyard, ignored Di Qing's reaction, and murmured: "The second induction, although absurd, actually happened."
"What kind of induction?" Di Qing asked anxiously.
The Eighth Prince's eyes were full of confusion, and even a little bit of fear. It took a long time before he said four words, "August 15th!"
August 15th?What is August 15th?
Di Qing was startled, remembering that Guo Zun had said these four words in front of Empress Dowager Liu back then.When Guo Zun finished speaking these four words, the Queen Mother's attitude seemed to have changed.
Because of the fifteenth day of the eighth month, Guo Zun, Zhao Yuanyan, and the late emperor all believed in Shambhala?
August 15th, is it a day or a code name, why is it so magical?
The Eighth Prince's expression was as erratic as the fluttering snow, and he said to himself: "August 15th is very simple. On that night, the night of the full moon, the sweet-scented osmanthus is fragrant. The strong fragrance always makes people lose their true nature."
Di Qing was anxious and didn't understand why the Eighth Prince suddenly mentioned this.
But the Eighth Prince was thinking in his heart, was it because of the fragrance of flowers... or lust?Or...he didn't think about it anymore, the corner of his mouth was full of a mocking smile, and then the Eighth Prince said sadly: "That day, I was called into the palace. The late emperor treated me...very good, he liked to discuss everything with me He was very excited that day, and told me that God would give him a son. The late emperor had sons before that, but they all died young. That night, he will have a son."
Di Qing was dumbfounded, and asked after a while, "What happened?"
"As a result, the five dragons suddenly appeared strangely that night... for the details, you can actually ask Guo Zun, because Guo Zun was there at the time. Later I heard that the first emperor visited Li Shunrong that night, and there was a spring breeze... and later, Li Shunrong had The flesh and blood of the former emperor, that is, the present Son of Heaven."
Di Qing was stunned, and suddenly remembered that when he was in Yongding Mausoleum, Li Shunrong once said: "The first emperor was obsessed with cultivating Taoism and cultivating immortals. One day he took the elixir... he became crazy, what did God say, he would give him a son, He walked wildly in the palace, found me, and then I... became pregnant with Yi'er!"
When Di Qing heard those words, he didn't think much about it.Now it is confirmed that what Li Shunrong said is somewhat different, but it is obvious that what the Eighth Prince said is more detailed and credible.He never thought that Guo Zun also knew about this, no wonder Guo Zun had a strange expression when he saw Li Shunrong when he was in Xuan Palace.
Guo Zun knew that Zhao Zhen's biological mother was Li Shunrong? !
The past is flying like a flash, and Di Qing can't wait to go to Guo Zun to find out what happened.But fate is unpredictable, he is in Bianjing, and Guo Zun is still in the northwest.
The Eighth Prince sighed softly, thinking in his heart that Liu E could no longer bear the indifference of the third brother that night. He wanted to stop the third brother from believing in God again, but was slapped heavily by the third brother.That was the first time the third brother hit Liu E, and it was also the last time he hit Liu E.Under the fragrant osmanthus tree, she saw me and cried out her grievances to me.The wind that night was very soft and the flowers were too fragrant. I heard her cry, why just... He thought of this, smiled, and thought again, what's the use of thinking about it.Liu E died, and I exposed her deception immediately after her death. Am I hating her?She's dead, so what's the use of me doing this again?Did I really never love her as she said?Hmph... I won't say it, someone will say it sooner or later.
Di Qing thought for a long time, and then said: "Because of the August 15th incident, Brother Guo, Uncle and the late Emperor all believed in Shambhala?"
The Eighth Prince nodded slowly and said: "That's right, I was skeptical at first, but all kinds of strange things made me believe it. The late emperor told me that the five dragons are originally a thing of Shambhala, and Shambhala is a place that can satisfy people's wishes. It was a false talk, and I didn't believe it. But later, I finally believed it. The late emperor couldn't find Shambhala, but his health failed, so he built Yongding Mausoleum according to his own ideas, imitating Shambhala. He collected all kinds of strange things and put them in Yongding Mausoleum."
Di Qing was in a trance, thinking of the five strange doors in the Xuan Palace, the heavenly scriptures, Buddha bones, and faceless statues inside...
He had vaguely thought of something, and seeing the Eighth Prince looking at him strangely, he couldn't help asking, "What did the late emperor put those things in Xuan Palace for?"
The corner of the Eighth Prince's mouth was full of sarcasm, and he said lightly: "Can't you guess yet?"
Purple lightning flashed through Di Qing's mind, he stood up abruptly, the corners of his eyes twitched, and shouted: "He hopes to live forever, and he wants to be resurrected!" As soon as he said this, Di Qing felt that his back was covered in cold sweat.
This is really a weird and absurd thing. At that moment, Di Qing recalled too many things and understood a lot of things.
When he entered Xuan Palace with Zhao Zhen and Li Shunrong, he saw a handprint on the stone table.Di Qing remembered that Li Shunrong's expression was not terrified, but disbelief. What Li Shunrong said at the beginning was, "Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
Di Qing didn't understand at the time, but thinking about it now, what Li Shunrong meant was of course that Zhao Heng would never be alive!
Therefore, Li Shunrong hurriedly went to the place where Zhao Heng's coffin was stored, just to verify whether Zhao Heng had come out.No wonder he was concerned at the time and was always on tenterhooks. He didn't know why he was afraid at the time, but now he understands.
He was afraid that Zhao Heng would come out of the coffin!
He was very afraid that the person who left the fingerprint was Zhao Heng.
No wonder Li Shunrong faltered about many things, and said, "After Zhenzong's death, he must be very lonely. He hopes that Li Shunrong will often go to accompany him."
Di Qing only felt that his throat was a little dry, and said bitterly: "It turns out that Li Shunrong is guarding Yongding Mausoleum not only for the purpose of guarding the mausoleum, but also waiting for the day when Zhenzong will be resurrected to pick him up? Of course Li Shunrong knows about these things?"
The Eighth Prince nodded and said mockingly: "That's right, she also knows the general idea, but she probably doesn't believe it. The late emperor thought that God let Li Shunrong bear him a son, which means that Li Shunrong is destined to be with him, and also with Shambhala. Let Li Shunrong do this. But... the Queen Mother has gone, and Li Shunrong has gone... Except you and me, Guo Zun may know this secret a little bit." The Eighth Prince paused for a while, and then affirmed Said: "Because of these things, I am sure Shambhala will exist, otherwise, where did the five dragons come from? But Yongding Mausoleum is definitely not Shambhala!"
Di Qing's face was ashen, and he said after a long time: "With the ability of the late emperor, if you still can't find Shambhala..."
The Eighth Prince cut off Di Qing's words, and said in a deep voice: "Di Qing, you must want to say that if the late Emperor can't find it, we must not find Shambhala either?" Seeing Di Qing nod sadly, the Eighth Prince shook his head and said: "You are wrong, To find Shambhala, it is not by status and power, but by fate."
Di Qing looked sad, "This fate is not so easy."
"Have you given up?" The Eighth Prince asked abruptly.
Di Qing was startled, and that smiling, flowery face flashed in his mind again.Holding the teacup tightly, Di Qingchang took a deep breath and said, "I have searched more than half of the Northwest for more than a year, and I have been deceived countless times, but I still have nothing. But... Uncle, I will not give up!"
What he said was categorical, and that handsome face, although vicissitudes and desolation had long been there, was more resolute and unyielding.
The Eighth Prince sighed, "You don't have a clue, but I have one."
Di Qing was surprised and asked anxiously, "What clue?"
The Eighth Prince took a sip of his tea and said slowly: "Before she died, the Empress Dowager once said, 'The five dragons belong to Shambhala, if you want to find Shambhala, you must...' This sentence is the clue."
Di Qing has always been attracted by Wulong's confusion, and only now remembered that he came here today to ask the Queen Mother's last words, and said anxiously: "What do you want?"
"We must find a map!" The Eighth Prince breathed a sigh of relief and paused.
Di Qing felt something flashed in his mind, as if he had lost something extremely precious, and couldn't help but ask, "What map?"
"The map of Shambhala!" The Eighth Prince said softly, "I have exhausted all my efforts and found out that a person surnamed Cao has a map of Shambhala in his hand. I have sent someone to buy it. Shambhala is no longer a fiction! This map is definitely not nonsense, I am 80% sure that the map is real!"
Suddenly seeing Di Qing's pale face, the Eighth Prince couldn't help but said, "Di Qing, what's wrong with you?"
Di Qing almost slammed his head on the table to death. He suddenly remembered that Zhong Shiheng had said that there was a man surnamed Cao who had a map of Shambhala for sale, but he didn't believe it at all.Could it be that the map is what the Eighth Prince said?
Could it be that...the map is actually real?
When he was closest to Shambhala, he passed Shambhala again?
Di Qing lost his mind, and it took him a long time to repeat what Zhong Shiheng said, and said in frustration: "Uncle, I thought Zhong Shiheng was lying to me, but what he said was true. I immediately went to the northwest to find Zhong Shiheng .”
The Eighth Prince was also a little surprised, and murmured: "It's strange, I found the person surnamed Cao after great hardships, how could Zhong Shiheng know the news so easily?" He pondered for a while, shook his head and said: "Nephew, you Don’t be in a hurry, sometimes the haste just adds to the chaos. The people I sent out have been away for many days, and they must have returned. If you go to the northwest, you might miss it.”
Di Qing frowned and said, "Then what should I do now?"
The Eighth Prince sighed and said, "Wait! I have no choice but to wait."
Di Qing could only nod his head, and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, who is that man surnamed Cao? How can you be so sure? He has a map of Shambhala in his hand."
The Eighth Prince hesitated and said: "I promised him not to reveal his details. I am sure that he has a map of Shambhala, and there is a good reason. But I can't say the reason for now, Di Qing, you believe me, sooner or later I will can speak."
Seeing that the Eighth Prince was in a dilemma, Di Qing couldn't force him to ask, but he still had a question, so he asked again: "If the legendary Shambhala is true, then the map is also true. Why didn't that man go find Shambhala by himself?" How about selling the map of Shambhala if you got your wish?"
The Eighth Prince smiled slightly and said: "The key to this is not difficult to explain. Just like you, nephew, even if you have the ability to pacify the Northwest, you have no chance if you have the will and strength. Even if you have a map, it is not easy to find Shambhala. Then The person surnamed Cao was originally a descendant of a prominent family in the Northwest, but he has been so destitute that he has been unable to find Shambhala."
Di Qing breathed a sigh of relief, and murmured: "So that's the case. Right now, we can only wait."
Snow drifts and frost is cold, sunrise and sunset.
Although Di Qing knew he had to wait, he didn't expect that he would wait until late spring when he was in the Guo Mansion.
Di Qing is in Bianjing, and his idle job is always free.However, Zhao Zhen would find Di Qing to enter the palace every few days to chat about state affairs.
The once helpless king can finally take power by himself, and gradually forget the sorrow and unhappiness in the past, and there is always a high-spirited pleasure in his brows.
Di Qing was summoned by Zhao Zhen again this day, and couldn't help frowning.He knew that he was not interested in governing the country at all, let alone self-knowledge.Zhao Zhen summoned him, not so much for a discussion, but rather that Zhao Zhen was talking high-spirited alone.
Over the past few days, the imperial court has undergone earth-shaking changes, and the people in the two mansions have changed a lot.Zhao Zhen paid homage to Zhang Shixun and Li Di, two former mentors, as prime ministers, while Xue Kui remained intact and participated in politics for the two governments.
Di Qing was not surprised by this arrangement. He was also in the palace and knew that Xue Kui had made the right choice in the matter of the Empress Dowager Yan Mian, so he was appreciated by Zhao Zhen.To Di Qing's surprise, Lu Yijian was removed from Zhao Zhen from the two mansions and sent out of Chanzhou!
Di Qing's position today was due to Lu Yijian's appointment.Di Qing also knew that the relationship between Zhao Zhen and Lu Yijian was not bad. Now that Zhao Zhen is in power, he should use Lu Yijian more.Di Qing vaguely heard that because of the feud between Queen Guo and Lu Yijian, he repeatedly said that Lu Yijian was originally a person close to the Queen Mother, and he was double-sided.Zhao Zhen felt jealous, so he drove Lu Yijian out of Bianjing.
But what about the inside story?No one can be sure.
But everyone knows that the principle of the emperor's change of courtiers this time is that most of the courtiers who were close to the queen mother were demoted!
Therefore, Cheng Lin, the magistrate of Kaifeng, was expelled from the capital, and Xia Song, Chen Yaozuo and others from the two prefectures were also close to the Queen Mother's followers and were also transferred from the capital.
On the contrary, those who offended the Queen Mother at the beginning, such as Fan Zhongyan, Song Shou, Ouyang Xiu, Yin Zhu, etc., were able to return to the capital and be promoted and reused.
Di Qing didn't know much about Ouyang Xiu, Yin Zhu and others, and he didn't really care about them. The only thing he felt a little happy about was that Fan Zhongyan had returned to Beijing.
He still remembers Fan Zhongyan.
That Fan Zhongyan who worried about the world and dared to be the first...
That Fan Zhongyan who died peacefully and lived without silence!
When Di Qing left the palace, he had met quite a few important officials of the court, but he was the only one who had a strong impression of Fan Zhongyan, who was not considered an important official.Although Di Qing doesn't know much about state affairs, he also knows that the more people like Fan Zhongyan in the court, the better.
Many people left the capital, and many people were transferred to the capital, but Di Qing didn't want to stay in the capital any longer.After being summoned by Zhao Zhen, Di Qing immediately left and rushed to the palace, wanting to ask Zhao Zhen when he would be resent to the border.
When countless people were trying their best not to leave Beijing, only Di Qing did the opposite.
Just as he was leaving the Guo Mansion, Housekeeper Zhao came to the door and said to Di Qing, "The Eighth Prince invites you to the Wang Mansion, there is something important to do."
Di Qing immediately put aside the meeting with Zhao Zhen and went to the Eighth Prince's mansion first.After entering the palace, seeing the swallows flying around in the sky, and the warm sun shining on her body, she felt very comfortable, but Di Qing felt a little chilly in her heart.
Although he never listened to the Eighth Prince's statement, he knew that the Eighth Prince's purchase of the map was definitely not going well.
After entering the hall, seeing the dark face of the Eighth Prince, Di Qing's heart sank, but he was still able to ask: "Uncle...how is the matter?"
The Eighth Prince's face became serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Di Qing, you must calm down."
Di Qing already had a vague feeling that the answer was not good, yet he was still able to laugh, but his smile was somewhat bleak, "Uncle, don't worry. I can bear it!" Say this sentence.
The Eighth Prince showed anxious eyes, and said with a lost expression: "The people I sent found the man surnamed Cao, but he died. The map is gone! According to my guess, the person who killed him must have wanted to grab the map. "
Di Qing was also disappointed, but he felt that the map was very useful, so he calmly asked, "Uncle, do you know who killed the man named Cao?" No matter who took the map, he, Di Qing, must grab it. return!
The Eighth Prince frowned and said: "The people I sent have found out that someone with the surname Cao had looked for him before his death. That person is the most suspected. My subordinates have found out that the person with the surname Cao is... Ye Xisun !"
The murderer is Ye Xisun? !
There was a ringing in Di Qing's ear, almost jumped up, and he said in a voiceless voice: "Ye Xisun, how could it be him?"
The Eighth Prince was a little surprised and said, "Do you know him?"
Di Qing's lonely and arrogant face appeared in front of his eyes. Of course he knew Ye Xisun, but how could Ye Xisun kill someone with the surname Cao?
Back then, Ye Xisun was chased and killed by Yasha because he had something on his body.Could it be that Yasha chased and killed Ye Xisun for the map of Shambhala?
Yeli Zhantian, Ye Xisun, and Yasha are all related to Shambhala!
Di Qing's heart was in a mess, and he felt everything became more and more foggy.He pondered for a moment, then asked: "Uncle, I have met Ye Xisun twice, but I still don't know anything about him. Do you know what background Ye Xisun is?"
The Eighth Prince shook his head, "We only found out that his registered name at the inn is Ye Xisun. As for other things, we don't know anything about it. I even suspect that this name is all fake."
Di Qing also had this suspicion. After concentrating for a moment, Di Qing had made up his mind and said, "Uncle, I can't wait any longer. I must go to the northwest again to find out the whereabouts of this man Ye Xisun. Today I will ask the Holy Master to allow me to come out." Beijing."
The Eighth Prince also looked quite tired, nodded and said: "That's fine. You and I search separately, maybe it can be faster. But... Will the Holy Majesty send you out of Beijing?"
Di Qing was stunned and said, "Why did uncle say that?"
The Eighth Prince hesitated to speak, and then said after a long while: "You first tell the Holy Majesty about leaving Beijing. But...if he doesn't allow it, you don't want to conflict with him, everything is based on discussion."
Di Qing left the palace suspiciously, always feeling that the Eighth Prince was not optimistic that he would leave Beijing.
With a wry smile in his heart, he thought to himself that everyone else was asking to enter the capital, so if he wanted to leave the capital, would it be difficult?When Di Qing arrived in Da Nei, he could pass without hindrance with his token.
He is the only forbidden soldier in the palace who is not on duty but can run amok with a knife.Those guards in front of the palace knew Di Qing long ago, and when they saw Di Qing coming, their eyes were a little envious, and they also knew that Di Qing was now a celebrity beside the emperor, so he deliberately greeted him.
Although Di Qing was worried, he still nodded to those people.After arriving at the imperial palace, Zhao Zhen was pacing up and down, seeming to be thinking about something, seeing Di Qing smiled and said: "Di Qing, why are you here so late?"
Seeing that Zhao Zhen seemed to be in a good mood, Di Qing was slightly happy in his heart, and saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty, I was late because of some delays. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
I thought Zhao Zhen would ask him what's the matter, so Di Qing borrowed the donkey from the slope and mentioned the matter of leaving Beijing, but Zhao Zhen didn't want to ask, but just said: "It's good if you come, you guess, I'm looking for you today , what's the matter?"
Di Qing was a little strange. Seeing that Zhao Zhen was in high spirits, he had no choice but to suspend the proposal, and asked tentatively: "The emperor summoned the ministers to come, could it be something about the northwest?"
Zhao Zhen said with a smile: "Di Qing, you really understand what's on my mind. I have two things with you, and one of them is about the Northwest."
Di Qing thought to himself, one thing was about the Northwest, and the other thing was what?I heard Zhao Zhen said: "Xiping Wang Zhao Yuanhao invaded our border last year, and the security army was robbed. If you hadn't been brave enough to burn Houqiaozhai with Wuying and the others, then my Great Song Dynasty would have lost all face. Hmph! The game was completely stopped, they couldn't trade with us, and the loss was even greater. No, Zhao Yuanhao sent an envoy He Zhen to ask Fan Yong to ask us to reopen the discussion, and they wanted to ask us for peace again."
Di Qing felt uneasy, and said cautiously: "My lord, I know that the party members have wolf ambitions, and Yuan Hao has been plotting for many years. Over the years, Yuan Hao has recruited strange people and strangers to expand the army and prepare for war. How could he easily suspend the army? I'm afraid there is a fraud in it!"
Zhao Zhen raised his eyebrows, and said: "I knew it, you must understand my intentions, and you can see through Zhao Yuanhao's intentions. Zhao Yuanhao's move is probably to paralyze me. I sent Liu Ping and Shi Yuansun to go Prepare for war in the northwest, and lead the troops to beware of party members."
Di Qing asked: "Liu Ping, Shi Yuansun? I'm ignorant, but I haven't heard their names."
Zhao Zhendao: "Liu Ping is the son of a general. He is both civil and military. He used to be the governor of Luzhou and put down several barbarian rebellions. This time, he will deal with the party members. I don't expect to disappoint my high expectations. Shi Yuansun is also a general. I am worthy of great responsibility." When he was talking happily, he suddenly sighed heavily.
Di Qing was puzzled, and asked, "Since the sage has already found someone to deal with Yuan Hao, why are you sighing?"
Zhao Zhen frowned, and said in distress: "Although you and my ministers know that Yuan Hao has great ambitions, those old officials in the court, Wen Yuanhao asked for peace and asked to reopen the debate, and they all submitted memorials saying that the barbarians in the Northwest are suitable to appease , Not suitable for swordsmanship. They are old-fashioned and confused, they only want to be stable, and they don't think about making progress. Now there are very loud voices in the court against my use of troops, and I can't wait...to drive them all out of the capital again."
Although Zhao Zhen said so, he knew in his heart that it was absolutely impossible to do so.As soon as the queen mother died, he had made drastic changes to the court officials, getting close to the courtiers who spoke for him at the beginning, and driving away those who flattered the queen mother.But no matter what kind of courtiers they are, they seem to be war-weary. If he confronts these courtiers again, Bianjing will be in chaos before launching troops in the northwest.
Di Qing knew that Zhao Zhen had always hated Yuan Hao in his heart. Seeing Zhao Zhen's annoyance, Di Qing comforted him: "Your Majesty, there is no need to be too anxious. This war cannot be resolved in a day or two. The chaos in the Northwest has a long history. If you want to calm down In other words, the most important thing right now is not to send troops, but to train and prepare for war. I have been in the northwest for a while, and found that the current frontier army is poorly equipped, the generals do not know soldiers, and the cavalry is scarce. It can be said that there are many disadvantages. If you really want to send troops, you will not hide it. The odds are slim and that has to change."
Zhao Zhen calmed down, took a long breath and said, "You're right." He smiled and said, "Di Qing, what you said is similar to Fan Zhongyan, Pang Ji, Ouyang Xiu and others, it seems that you are quite talented. By the way, last time Fan Yong came to the memorial and said that Zhong Shiheng and you suggested rebuilding Kuanzhou. He said that if the city is built, "the right can consolidate the trend of Yanzhou, the left can be the grain of the east of the river, and the north can be the old silver and summer." What did you say? Very good. In the whole court, if you talk about aggressive people, you are one of them."
Di Qing said with shame: "I just listened to what Zhong Shiheng said, so I made some suggestions. It was Zhong Shiheng who really came up with the idea."
Zhao Zhen said: "After I received Fan Yong's memorial, I praised him well, and then revived Zhong Shiheng, and appointed him as the main city of Xiucheng. By the way..." Zhao Zhen smiled triumphantly, "The city has not been built yet, but I have already thought of the name of the city. It is called Qingjian City, the green of the blue sky, and the stream of the mountain stream. This is the first contribution you made, Di Qing, for me to fight against the Northwest Party members. Qing Jian...Qingjian...haha."
Only then did Di Qing understand that Zhao Zhen named him because he Di Qing founded Kuanzhou.A little confused, but also a little moved, Di Qing said: "Your Majesty, it doesn't matter who built the city. But the Holy Majesty has reused talented people like Zhong Shiheng, which is a blessing for the Northwest."
Zhao Zhen paced back and forth in the hall, pondering: "I have found out that Zhong Shiheng is also a courtier, but he was demoted because he offended the Queen Mother. Such a person must be upright, and I will use it highly."
Di Qing thought, you have never met Zhong Shiheng, otherwise you would not have come to such a conclusion.But the Holy Majesty attaches so much importance to the northwest, if I ask to guard the border, he will definitely agree.
Zhao Zhen said happily, and didn't see that Di Qing was worried, and said: "The person who can make friends with you, Di Qing, will never be bad. By the way, you also said last time that Bao Zheng is a good person. I checked Fenzhou In this case, it was discovered that Ren Bian had committed a heinous crime, so he was exiled to Lingnan. However... Bao Zheng seems to be quite stubborn... he dared to refute my suggestion."
It turns out that Bao Zheng knows that there is no clue that Ren Bian colluded with the Maitreya believers for the time being, so he can only sue Ren Bian for the crime of using Ren Bian's public tools for private use and disregarding human life.Zhao Zhen always felt that Ren Bian had made some contributions in Shanxi, and he didn't want to send Ren Bian into exile for thousands of miles.But Bao Zheng insisted on his own opinion and opposed Zhao Zhen's proposal. In the end, under Bao Zheng's insistence, the two governments still exiled Ren Bian to a barren land three thousand miles away.
The Great Song Dynasty never beheaded civil servants, exiled Lingnan, and left Ren Bian to fend for himself, which was already a heavy punishment.
Di Qing said: "People who are upright and not afraid of power are mostly like Bao Zheng. How can a person insist on something if he can't insist on his superiors? For example, Mr. Fan Zhongyan, if he hadn't been stubborn back then, he wouldn't have been demoted from the capital. , but without Mr. Fan’s insistence..." Di Qing stopped talking, thinking that he would talk about the Queen Mother, which is not something he should mention.
Zhao Zhen nodded, thinking that what Di Qing said was right.Thinking back a few days ago, the Empress Dowager went away, those courtiers saw that I was mourning for my birth mother, and in order to please me, they blamed the Empress Dowager one after another.On the contrary, Fan Zhongyan, who had been demoted for asking the queen mother to return to the government, said in a letter, "The sage is a benevolent king, don't get entangled in the trivial matters of the past. The queen mother has protected the emperor for more than ten years. The emperor should remember what he likes and forget what he hates. Only then can he be a benevolent king." road."
This Fan Zhongyan, when the Queen Mother was in power, dared to contradict the Queen Mother, and now that Zhao Zhen is on the throne, he does not please Zhao Zhen.
Ning Ming dies, but lives without silence!
Thinking of this, Zhao Zhen sighed in his heart, stared at Di Qing and said, "Di Qing, you are right, I knew this, so I didn't blame Bao Zheng and Fan Zhongyan, but promoted them instead! But if I want to be a wise king, I must Do things according to the rules. You were born in the army, and now you only have a little credit, and it will be difficult for me to promote you quickly."
Di Qing said with a smile: "Your Majesty doesn't have to think about it. I have already relied on my Majesty's support to be able to have today." Before he asked for border guards, Zhao Zhen was already standing in front of Di Qing, staring at Di Qing and said, "But don't forget Yes, I once said at the beginning that if I am in charge, I will be a wise emperor through the ages, change the bad habits of the Song Dynasty, and strengthen the national prestige of the Song Dynasty. Put down the chaos in the northwest and recover the sixteen prefectures of Youyun! If I were Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, you would fight Huo Qubing of the Huns. If I were Tang Taizong, you would be Li Jing who destroyed the Turks!"
Di Qingwei was moved, and remembered that these words were what Zhao Zhen said in Xiaoyi Palace when he was in the most difficult time.I don't want Zhao Zhen to still remember this at this moment.
Zhao Zhen brought up the old matter again today, does it imply that Di Qing, the friendship and vow between the two have not changed in any way?
Di Qing's heart was already weak, and he said after a while: "The sage can probably do it, but the minister can't."
Zhao Zhen stared at Di Qing, and said word by word: "Why not? Although I can't promote you immediately because of the rules, I have a way to wash away your humble status in the past and let you skyrocket!"
Di Qing was a little surprised, and couldn't help asking: "What can the Holy Spirit do?"
Zhao Zhen smiled without saying a word, and turned his head to look outside the palace. At this moment, someone from the palace sang, "Princess Chang Ning is here."
Di Qing couldn't help but look back, and saw eight palace ladies in yellow shirts walking outside the palace.After arriving in the palace, the eight people parted ways and knelt down to Zhao Zhen.
A moment later, a woman in a light yellow dress walked briskly among the eight court ladies, walked up to Zhao Zhen in a tender way, bowed her knees, and said softly, "Chang Ning pays homage to the Holy Majesty."
Ringed with ding-dong, the voice is soft, and the imperial palace is like the sound of melodious music.
The woman has a graceful figure and a voice like that of a yellow warbler. Although she covered her face with a light veil, making her face hard to see clearly, she gave people a kind of hazy and dewy veil.
At this time, the spring breeze is warm, and every style is thick...
The woman paid homage to the Son of Heaven, but her beautiful eyes swept towards Di Qing, and there seemed to be more passion in her eyes than the spring breeze.
Di Qing didn't notice the meaning in the woman's eyes, she just thought, princess?Is this the Holy Majesty's sister?Never seen it before.She came to visit the emperor, there must be something wrong, I think we can only wait for the brothers and sisters to talk, and then talk about the matter of guarding the border.
With this in mind, Di Qing waited for a while to retreat, and Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Chang Ning doesn't need to be too polite, just be flat. Come on, give me a seat. Di Qing, you sit too."
Some palace people moved the seats so that Di Qing and Princess Changning sat opposite each other.Di Qing was a little taken aback, not knowing what Zhao Zhen was going to do.
Zhao Zhen sat at the head, looking at Di Qing and Chang Ning, who were attacking, seemed very proud.He looked at Di Qing with a smile and said, "Di Qing, as I said, I feel sorry for you."
Knowing that Zhao Zhen was talking about Yang Yushang, Di Qing felt sad, and said in a low voice: "My lord, the matter is over..." Without further words, Zhao Zhen said: "Yes, the matter is over, it is useless to think about it. But I have thought of making up for it." This is the second important thing I want to tell you."
Di Qing noticed that Princess Changning had been looking at him, the meaning in her eyes was like catkins blowing in the wind, her heart was shocked, and her face changed slightly.
Zhao Zhen didn't pay attention to Di Qing's expression, but said: "Di Qing, you lost the one you love, and every time I think about it, I feel very sad. Chang Ning is my sister. After hearing about your past, I have a good impression of you. Seeing that my sister is like this, I want to make up for you, knowing that you have been alone all this time, so I thought that if I betroth Chang Ning to you, wouldn't it be a good thing to do in one fell swoop?"
Di Qing was stunned, seeing that Zhao Zhen was in high spirits and his mind was numb.He didn't notice that Princess Changning was staring at him with beautiful eyes, and there was no joy or objection in those eyes.
Zhao Zhen continued: "Di Qing, if you marry Chang Ning, you will be the emperor's relative when you come here, and I can promote you in accordance with the laws of the Song Dynasty. You don't have to wait for military merits to be promoted. Second, you are the emperor's relative, and you will help me go Commanding the generals in the Northwest and beating Yuan Hao hard, I am very relieved. In the end... If you marry Chang Ning, and we will not be separated from each other, in a few years, I can order you to command the Northwest Army, first conquer the Northwest, and then attack Khitan. Wouldn't it be the best ending to create a prosperous Song Dynasty? I asked Chang Ning, and she has acquiesced, and now... I want to hear your thoughts."
Zhao Zhen was full of anticipation and complacent.
This idea has been around for a long time, but because he has been busy with the name of his biological mother, he has no time to take care of it.Although Li Shunrong was concubine Chen after his death, Zhao Zhen was not satisfied. Finally, after the discussion of the monarch and ministers, Li Shunrong was named Queen Mother after his death, and the funeral could be equal to that of Queen Mother Liu.
After Zhao Zhen was busy with this matter and rectified the courtiers, he thought that Di Qing had done a great job in escorting him, so he might as well stay by his side when he returns to Beijing this time.In a few years, Di Qing will be able to be promoted step by step, not relying on military merits, only relying on the brand of the emperor, and then go to lead the Northwest, and everyone will be happy.
Although Zhao Zhen is lofty and glorious, he is extremely lonely in his heart.With Di Qing by his side, he always felt that he was not alone, so he always wanted to keep Di Qing in the capital.Looking at Di Qing at this moment, only waiting for Di Qing to nod.
Di Qing glanced at Princess Changning and saw her looking down at the ground.Turning his head to look at Zhao Zhen again, he saw that Zhao Zhen was looking forward to it.Di Qing stood up slowly, knelt on one knee and said, "Your Majesty... I am not worthy."
Princess Changning's delicate body trembled slightly, and the rings on her body jingled several times.
Zhao Zhen was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "I don't dislike your background, nor does Chang Ning. There is nothing unworthy of you...well..."
Di Qing didn't wait for Zhao Zhen to make a decision, and cut off: "The sage has kind intentions, and I appreciate it. But I can't accept it!"
Zhao Zhen was stunned, and the sound of wearing the ring gradually subsided and stopped.The palace was as silent as water.
After a long time, Zhao Zhen said: "This is my kindness." Zhao Zhen was angry in his heart, and he came here on a whim. Seeing that Princess Changning was full of curiosity about Di Qing, and because she liked Chang Ning very much, he praised her in front of Princess Changning. Going to Haikou, being rejected by Di Qing this time, she was extremely displeased.
Di Qing hurriedly said: "I know that your Majesty has good intentions, but I am a member of the army..." I wanted to belittle myself a little, so as not to hurt the princess's face, but after thinking about it, I was afraid that I couldn't completely refuse, so I said decisively: "I can't. Get a wife!"
Seeing Di Qing's answer, Zhao Zhen slapped the table and said angrily, "Do you know the consequences of resisting the edict?"
Di Qing lowered his head and said, "I know."
赵祯见狄青恭顺，放缓了口气道：“那你先回去，朕给你几天的时间，你好好考虑下朕的好意吧。”他只怕狄青脸皮薄，因此给狄青台阶下。
狄青此刻才明白为何出王府的时候，八王爷有些担忧。难道说八王爷也知晓了此事？想到八王爷让他莫要和赵祯起冲突，狄青舒了一口气，一字一顿道：“臣不用考虑了，臣不能娶妻！臣请去西北！”
赵祯怒拍龙案，霍然站起，冷视狄青道：“狄青，你莫以为朕不会斩你！”
狄青神色萧索，再不发一言，可脸上满是倔强。
这些年来，风霜雕琢下，他本已少了分棱角，多了分冷静，但他这时候不想冷静。在别人眼中，他或许有些傻，但他知道自己做什么，这就足够。
他不需对羽裳承诺什么，可他和羽裳的约定，就算刀痕都没有那么深刻。
赵祯冷冷地望着狄青，常宁静静地望着狄青，狄青只是坚定地望着前方的地面。
三人沉默许久，赵祯吁了口气，烦躁道：“狄青，你退下吧。”
狄青有些意外，但知道这时候任何话都是多余，起身向赵祯施礼后，又向常宁长公主作了一揖，不再多说什么，就那么默默的退下。
赵祯待狄青远去，这才恨恨的再拍桌案道：“常宁，狄青不知好歹，朕定为你重重惩罚他。”
常宁公主沉默半晌，慢慢起身，盈盈施礼道：“圣上，狄青没错的。”
赵祯愣住，有些哭笑不得，半晌才道：“狄青没错，这么说错的是朕了？”
常宁公主道：“圣上当然也没错。圣上，狄青拒绝了常宁，常宁并不恼怒，圣上也不用为常宁去责怪狄青。常宁方才一直在看着狄青，心中已知道，这天底下，只怕没有谁能取代杨羽裳在狄青心目中的地位，说实话，常宁当时听狄青拒绝，本是有所埋怨的。”
赵祯微诧道：“那你现在不埋怨了？”
常宁道：“狄青本是苍鹰，就应该有他展翅的地方。狄青是人杰，也无需皇亲的身份来助力。常宁不再想求什么，只盼狄青痴情一片，最终能有寄托。谁都没有错，如果真的有错，那错只错在，常宁在错误的日子和正确的人相遇。”
她说完这句话后，眼中也有分黯然，再施一礼道：“常宁回阁了。圣上，常宁告退。”她娉婷的走出了帝宫，只留下环佩叮咚响声回荡在清风中，有如女儿难解的心思……
狄青走出宫中，心中也有歉然。他知道那么拒绝一个女子，实在很让人下不了台，但他别无选择。
当断不断、反受其乱，他宁可常宁恨他，也不想和常宁有什么纠葛。
茫然走在街上，不知走了多久，陡然闻花香传来。喧嚣人流中，他蓦地才发现，原来不经意间，已到了大相国寺前。
这段日子来，他并没有前往大相国寺，这本是他和杨羽裳初遇的地方。他无需再来，因为往事早就深刻脑海。
他心乱之下，不经意的到了这里，望着辉煌绚丽的大相国寺，并没有入内一观的念头。蓦地心中在想，“当初我若是不入大相国寺，就碰不到羽裳……我若碰不到羽裳，纵是一生孤苦，也是心中无怨。毕竟……羽裳就不会有事。”
这个念头挥之不去，让他一直心中发疼。他虽知道，杨羽裳不会有悔，可他始终难以释怀。
信步走过去，无意到了一花棚前，花棚前有个老汉见了狄青，招呼道：“客官……你不是狄……小哥吗？”
狄青扭头望去，见那老汉满脸褶皱，已记起来此人姓高，点头道：“高老丈，你还卖花呢？”
蓦地又想起，当初他就是在这里，见了羽裳第二面。那时懵懂的他，送了羽裳一盆花，花名叫做凤求凰。
街市人来人往，春将暮，百花更艳，狄青却只是呆呆地望着不远处的凤求凰。
花正娇，人却不在。长街繁，心在关山。
不知哪里响起了幽弦，舞动了花树的残瓣。花有怜惜，撒在狄青寂寂的肩头，飘过狄青微颤的指尖……
他缓步走过去，望着那凤求凰良久。高老汉一旁问道：“狄小哥，你若喜欢，就把花儿拿去吧。”高老汉还记得狄青昔日的恩情，却不知道当年的往事。
狄青苦涩一笑，只是摇摇头，转身要走，就见到了一双黑白分明的眼眸正望着他。那眼眸中满是清幽明澈。
宛若当年。
数年一顾，相思朝暮。
狄青内心呻吟了声，梦呓般说道：“羽裳……”他身躯晃了下，只以为是梦是幻，但回过神来，萧索更盛，眼中隐带惊奇，诧异道：“飞雪，怎么是你？”
望着狄青的那人，正是飞雪。
狄青从未想到过，新寨的那个飞雪，竟然来到了汴京。他又错将飞雪当作了羽裳。
这本是很奇怪的事情，飞雪和羽裳完全是两类的人，但狄青每次见到飞雪的时候，都留意她的一双眼，而忽略了飞雪的容颜。
飞雪静静地望着狄青，静静道：“为什么不是我？”她还是一如既往的平静，其中夹杂分难以捉摸的古怪。
狄青一时间无法回答，虽有很多疑惑，但感觉都不必去问。飞雪为何来京城，为何到这里，为何好像一直对他很有兴趣的样子？
是有兴趣，绝非情意，狄青清楚的明白这点。
沉默望着飞雪半晌，狄青回道：“汴京其实也不错……”每次他见到飞雪，都有不同的印象，伊始他被飞雪询问名字，感觉她胆子大得出奇。后来虽知道飞雪不过是个寻常铁匠的孙女，但感觉此女有着迥乎寻常的灵黠。这次再见飞雪，又从她眼中，看出一种洞悉世情的了然。
这女子，有着和她年纪完全不同的心智。
飞雪终于移开了目光，望着熙熙攘攘的人群，说道：“汴京好像不错，但我不喜欢。一个地方的好坏，不看它有多繁华，不看它有多少花，不看它有多少人，只看你的一颗心。”
“只看你的一颗心？”狄青喃喃念着，心中又痛。
飞雪说得不错，有羽裳的地方，哪里都是仙境，没有了羽裳，汴京和西北又有什么区别？
“很多东西，别人觉得很好很好。但是你心里不喜欢，就是不好。”飞雪目光清澈，突然问道：“我送给你的面具，你可喜欢吗？”
狄青半晌才道：“喜欢。”
飞雪笑笑，“可想必有很多人不喜欢，甚至会怕、会厌恶。”她说的若有深意，耐人寻味。
狄青皱起了眉头，半晌才道：“我记得，你若想让我帮你做一件事？你现在会和我说了吗？”
飞雪澄净若秋水的眼波望过来，半晌后，目光中有了分遗憾，“说了你也不会答应。你现在连汴京都出不了，怎么会平白和我赶赴千山万水？”
狄青微惊，不解飞雪如何看出他暂时无法离开汴京。这个女子，难道真有让人惊悚的直觉吗？飞雪要带他去哪里？
千山万水？那是去哪里？
狄青正诧异间，飞雪又移开了目光，望着那凤求凰，自语道：“今年花似去年好，去年人到今年老。始知人老不如花，可惜落花君莫扫。人生苦短，或许真的不如花开花落了……”
狄青不知飞雪言中之意，更不解为何她看似年少，竟这多心思，才待离去，高老汉一旁突然道：“对了，狄小哥，你拿一盆花去吧。上次你不是送一盆花给那小姐吗？她很喜欢这花儿的。”
狄青心口一跳，声音都有些颤抖，“你怎么知道她喜欢那花儿呢？”
高老汉笑道：“我当然知道了。自从你送给她花儿后，她那段日子，就不停的来这里，问狄小哥的名字，什么时候会来，还会不会再来？可老汉怎知道这些呢？她一连好多天，都在这里转悠，狄小哥，她是在等你吗？我看她多半是在等你！那是个好女子，你不能错过呀。她有一次，还亲自帮我浇花除虫，养花的经验，不比老汉差呢。”
狄青心中又颤，记得小月说过：“小姐一直都很爱护这花儿，照顾的很好。她都不让我照顾的……这几日，她不再照顾这花儿了……我们都在等着她，花儿也在等着她……”
心中酸楚，狄青垂头无言，两滴水珠打湿了长衫。春风不解，依旧牵扯着衣袂。他只给了杨羽裳一盆花儿，可杨羽裳却回了他整个的春天。
原来羽裳不止在雪夜梅前翘首企盼，怪不得羽裳称呼他傻大哥……
他实在太傻太傻，因为他直到今天，旁人若不说，他还有太多不知道的事。
春风暖，繁华乱，狄青孤单单的立在那里，如立在旷野大漠。听着高老汉还在热心道：“她后来见到你了吗？我告诉她你的名字，她看起来很开心呢。她很喜欢那凤求凰，每次来的时候，她都会看上许久……狄小哥，要不你再拿一盆吧，我保你把花儿送给她，她会喜欢。”
狄青想说，“她会喜欢。”可他嗓子已哑，心口撕裂般的疼，许久后才低声道：“她不需要了。”他不知道用了多少气力才说出这句话，终究没有抬头。
高老汉终于看出了有些不对，忙道：“不要也好。”说话间，旁边有个白胖胖的手伸出来，取了花盆。
一人轻声道：“这花儿……本公子想要。”
狄青听声音熟悉，飞快地用衣袖擦了眼角，抬头望去，也满是讶然。
来人正是赵祯。他还是当年圣公子的打扮，手摇折扇，他身边站着一人，却是阎文应。赵祯望望阎文应手上的花儿，又看看狄青，缓步走过来道：“狄青，你可知道我为何想你留在京城？”
狄青摇摇头，赵祯唏嘘道：“因为你和我相识这些年来，从不图谋我什么，我真的很需要你这样的人。”
狄青有些感慨，但只是轻轻地摇摇头。
飞雪一旁望着赵祯和狄青，目光仍是清澈无邪，似乎看出了什么，突然道：“可你知道他为什么一定要离开汴京吗？”
赵祯微怔，转望飞雪，半晌才道：“你是和……我在说话？”
飞雪凝视着赵祯，目光一如既往的平静，“不错，我就是在和你说话。狄青不欠你什么吧？”
阎文应喝道：“大胆！”
赵祯摆摆手，止住了阎文应的呼喝，惆怅道：“你说得不错，狄青的确不欠我。是我欠他的，因此我想弥补。”
“你若是当他是朋友，就不该勉强他。”飞雪目光如水，沉静道：“只要你不勉强他，他就会感激你了。他不是贪心的人，只不过……他是个痴心的人。你到底是想人感激你一辈子，还是想人厌恶你一辈子？”
狄青很是惊奇，暗想飞雪怎么这般明白他的心事？飞雪说这些，难道是为他排忧解难？
赵祯目露沉思，看着飞雪的目光满是惊奇。
飞雪又对赵祯道：“你当然也有喜欢的人。你若有可能，会不会也和狄青一样？将心比心，你就不该为难他！”
赵祯脸色已变，想起了王美人，心头一跳。
往事如沙，迷了眼，却难割流连。
狄青感激地望了眼飞雪，又看了眼凤求凰，立下了决心，霍然上前，凝视赵祯道：“圣公子，我求你一事。当年我和羽裳在大相国寺相见，蒙她垂青，以心相许，狄青当年只送她一盆花，她却回了狄青海一样的深情。狄青这辈子，再也忘记不了羽裳。”他称呼圣公子，一来知道赵祯不想泄露身份，二来还是当赵祯和当年的玩伴一样。
赵祯听到“圣公子”三个字时，神色悠悠。又望着狄青眼中的决绝，心中叹息，只是在想，“当年朕……为何就没有狄青的这种坚持，朕不如他！狄青只是有情，并非对朕无义，我又何必苦苦的为难？”
“当年去巩县时，我曾说，'羽裳，我一回来，就会向杨伯父提亲，娶你过门。狄青无财无势，只有一颗心！'这句话，羽裳记得，我记得！”狄青重复着当年的话，如同羽裳就在眼前。
或许流年短暂，但承诺还在，也从不会改变。
“我不知道羽裳还会不会醒来，我不知道还能不能见到她睁眼，我更不知道，会不会找到香巴拉。”狄青眼帘湿润，一霎不霎的望着赵祯道：“可我知道一点，狄青的这颗心，永远不会改变。”
他说的斩钉截铁，断冰切雪，“在我的心中，羽裳已是我的妻子，无论生死！狄青此生不求高官，不求厚爵，狄青可以什么都不要，可我不能不要羽裳给我的一片心。狄青不求什么，只求你准我出京，再战西北。狄青活也好，死也罢，战不负天下，情不负羽裳，狄青此生无悔无憾！”
他说完后，深施一礼，再无言语。那伟岸的身躯如山岳沉凝，在花香中，写尽悲欢。他已决定，无论如何，都要出京，没有人能阻拦。
赵祯沉默的望着狄青的坚持，良久才道：“我这次来，本是要让你出京的。”
狄青霍然抬头，眼中有了意外，更多是感谢！
飞雪再望赵祯的神色，多少也有些讶然。她那清澈澄净的眸子中，有分轻雾弥漫……
赵祯从阎文应手上拿过了那盆凤求凰，递给了狄青，感喟道：“我已送不了你什么，这盆花，就当我的一点心意吧。狄青，西北苦寒，你多保重了。”说完后，拍拍狄青的肩头，赵祯有些惆怅，本待还要说什么，终究只是转身离去。
走在长街上，赵祯突然想要痛哭一场，只是在想，“当年我若在太后面前，也是这般坚持，结果会怎样？”
可惜有些事情，永远不会有答案！
狄青捧着那盆花，望着赵祯远去，一时间激荡无言。等回过神来，感激的向飞雪望去，想谢谢她方才的一番话，却发现飞雪竟已消失不见。
她悄悄地来，静静地走，如烟非烟……
长街长，烟花繁。捧花的男子立在那里，心在塞远，不知哪里笙歌再起，声破长天，飞飘关山……