On the fifteenth day of March in the fourth year of Qianwu, it was the reunion day set by the ancestors of the Qiao family again. Unlike the usual banquet with some rich food, today the East Mansion was bustling with activity early in the morning. Because the family of the elders of the West Mansion will leave Beijing at the end of the month, so this reunion day is the last one this year, and everyone pays special attention to it.
Due to the historical rules of the Imperial Academy, the new Imperial Academy has to go out for a year of travel after one year in Beijing, and then return to the Imperial Academy to be on duty. Depending on the performance evaluation, they can stay in Beijing or be released. Gong Zhuoxiang always followed the rules Of course, Qiao Yingze is no exception, it's just that he is different from most of the Hanlins who only travel with entourage, or even the poorer ones who only travel with a servant. Qiao Yingze's family of four went out this time...
"Liang'er, these two children are still so young. Isn't it too hard for them to follow you two outside for a year? If you don't worry, keep them with grandma, and they won't be wronged." of."
The old lady was sitting on the couch with her left arm around Qiao Minyan and her right around Gong Jinxian. She really couldn't bear to let go of either one. The grandson had no choice but to follow the rules of the court when he was on a business trip, but let the children go with him It's unnecessary to make a fuss, but this matter was decided by Gong Zhuoliang, and it's not easy for the old lady to directly object.
Although Qiao Yingze is now an official, the old lady knows that the real decision in their family is actually the son-in-law's daughter-in-law, and her attitude towards Gong Zhuoliang now is unknowingly more like her grandson-in-law...
"Liang'er can trust her grandmother, but she thinks the opportunity is rare, and wants to take the two of them out to see the world. Boys, don't be too spoiled."
Putting the teacup in his hand on the table, Gong Zhuoliang respectfully replied to the old lady's words, with a gentle smile on his fully grown handsome face.
Although Gong Zhuoliang is the one who is married in name, but in February this year, under the auspices of the master of the Gong family, that is, his current father, he performed the crown ceremony and got the name in a fair manner, and now he His height is two inches smaller than Qiao Yingze's, and Qiao Yingze's face is so tender that he doesn't look old. It's really hard to say who is bigger when standing together.
"Yes, grandma, the grandson only needs to go to the prescribed place when going out. There is no specific errand, but more like going for fun. With the two of them, I can teach them their homework myself."
Knowing that the old lady was reluctant to bear the child, Qiao Yingze also persuaded her a few words. In fact, talking about studying is also an excuse. The most important thing is that they are reluctant to bear it. Figured it out anyway.
"That's true... you sons of the top scholar, I'm really afraid of being taught by someone else. It's just that the road is exhausted, but has everything been arranged?"
Hearing Qiao Yingze say that the errands are not tiring, the old lady felt a little more relaxed, and when he heard him mentioning the children's homework, there was a sense of pride in his tone, only one champion in three years, this is her own Bring up a good grandson.
"Grandmother, don't worry, there are branches of the bookstore wherever Yingze is going, they will arrange everything by themselves, and the basic necessities of life along the way will also be arranged in advance, so they will not suffer."
When Gong Zhuoliang mentioned them, he included both the big and the young. He himself is in good health, so this kind of "long-distance travel" has no effect, but the three are more delicate than the other, Gong Zhuoliang He dare not be sloppy, his goal for this year is to let Qiao Yingze go out for a walk without losing his balance.
"Grandmother, Liang'er, don't worry, my darlings, why are you so quiet today?"
Seeing that they had made arrangements, the old lady didn't say anything more, she looked down at the two brothers who were cuddling in her arms, and saw that they were hugging her back with tears in their eyes, the old lady couldn't help hugging her with distress. They shook and coaxed.
"Old Ancestor, Min Yan can't bear to part with you..."
Qiao Minyan, who is already six years old, still has a fleshy, white and tender face. He has thick eyebrows and big eyes and loves to smile. Now he is really a handsome sunny boy, but at this time his face is not as cute as before. The smile was full of reluctance, and he was stuck in his great-grandmother's arms, unwilling to get up.
Although Qiao Minyan was very happy to be able to go out and play with his parents, it would be a long time since he thought about not seeing his ancestors, second uncle, third uncle, grandma of the Gong family, uncle, uncle, uncle Lu, etc. who loved them. There are also cousins, he feels very reluctant, but the ones he is most reluctant to part with are his father and second brother, and he must never be separated from them, so he can only feel sorry for his ancestors!
"Old ancestor, Xian'er also misses you."
Different from Qiao Minyan's cute face, Gong Jinxian's appearance is still more delicate and beautiful than many girls. Although he doesn't like to get close to others that much by nature, but in order to make his brother happy, he also imitates Qiao Minyan. Min Yan was just as attached to the old lady.
For his beloved relatives, Gong Jinxian will also be a little reluctant, but in his heart, he is more happy to leave Beijing with his father, so that his father will not always be absent during the day because he is on duty , brother's attention will not always be divided by others!
"Look at this painful little thing."
The old lady was so happy being coaxed by the two sweet-mouthed little guys, she asked the servant girl to fetch the new shoes made for them, and put them on for them with her own hands, seeing that the size was just right for them, she hugged them into her arms again , and at this time, Qiao Yingxuan, who came back from the next duty, also brought Qiao Minren and Qiao Yiyue over. As for Qiao Minyi, because he had a fever these two days, he stayed in the house and did not hug him.
"Second brother, congratulations, the younger brother and sister are happy again, you should be more considerate of her."
After Qiao Yingxuan met with the old lady, Qiao Yingze smiled and congratulated him. When they first arrived, the old lady said that Yang Yingmo had been diagnosed as pregnant for more than two months. , this time the pregnancy seems to be unstable, and now the whole family is paying special attention to her body, and today she has been resting in the house and has not been let out to work.
"Thank you brother, brother understands."
Qiao Yingxuan responded with a smile when he heard the words, but when he turned around and sat down, the smile on his face was tinged with embarrassment and helplessness, but there were some things on his mind that he couldn't say even in front of his family... Yesterday, he asked the doctor for a correct diagnosis, then People now think they already know it.
"..."
Glancing at Qiao Yingxuan's uncomfortable expression from the corner of the eye, Gong Zhuoliang thought of his cheerfulness and relaxation a while ago, and had some guesses in his heart. He knew that the relationship between Qiao Yingxuan and his wife had always been flat, just like most men and women who married blindly and dumbly. The relationship is just a combination of family interests, and has nothing to do with love at all, so Qiao Yingxuan has been able to stick to his vow not to take concubines. Gong Zhuoliang admires him, but it is really a pity for Qiao Yingxuan... I only hope that this time, he will Can meet someone who is really good to him.
As soon as Qiao Yingxuan sat down, Qiao Yingzi came back with his younger brother Qiao Yingran, and then Qiao Yuanyin and his family arrived. After a lively salute, they invited Mrs. Qiao and the others to come out, and then put it on the screen in the hall. Two tables were formally opened, among them, the men and Qiao Yingzi, a half-grown man, were in the outer room, while the old lady, Mrs. Qiao, Qiao Yuanyin and a group of young people gathered around the table in the inner room.
You can't talk during the formal meal. The old lady sat on the main seat and let the maids wait on her to eat slowly. She glanced at the children on the table and couldn't help but sigh in her heart.
Leaving aside the youngest grandson, since Qiao Yiyue and Qiao Minren, the two great-grandchildren, were sent to her to be raised by her side, she really put a lot of thought into teaching them to behave. She was able to comprehend the things she taught at an early age, which made her very old and comforted, but there were many things that she didn't know. Now that several children are gathered together like this, Qiao Yiyue's sister and brother can't be bothered. It was really compared to Gong Jinxian.
The same rules and the same movements, at the same young age, Gong Jinxian is very natural and proficient in doing it, as if he has the style of the children of everyone in his bones, while Qiao Yiyue and his siblings are more or less restrained and deliberate, the old man People know that Gong Jinxian often learns the rules from the wife of the Gong family, so they think that the lady really lives up to her reputation...
After the meal, when the maids removed the screen and changed the tea products again, the old lady let the children sit on the couch and play together. The adults gathered together to talk and called the six-month-pregnant woman Qiao Yuanyin came to sit beside her and said a few words about her body.
After Qiao Yuanyin got married, her husband never took concubines. Although she already had a son, she couldn't bear the loneliness of her husband's knees. This time she was able to conceive a second child, which really made her feel a lot better, and the old lady was also very happy for her.
The adults over there were chatting and laughing happily, but the atmosphere of the buns here was not very pleasant. At this time, there were six buns present. There are two piles of three and three points with clear distinctions.
Among them, Qiao Yingran, the uncle, is of high seniority, but he is only six years old after all, and he is used to listening to Qiao Yiyue. At this time, he and Qiao Minren are sitting next to Qiao Yiyue, playing silently Looking at the toys around me. And beside them, Qiao Minyan and Gong Jinxian are putting the four-year-old little Zhang Lu in the middle, one is coaxing the younger brother to play, the other is continuing to play with the younger brother...
"Lulu, come and give second brother a laugh."
Seeing Zhang Lu lowering his head and watching Qiao Minyan play with the wooden horse curiously, Gong Jinxian put his arms around his dumpling-like body, tilted his head and kissed him on the face with a sweet smile, he really liked Brother Lu The little dimples on the face.
"hey-hey… "
Zhang Lu is obviously used to being kissed, and he also showed his experience with a smile. Hearing this, he raised his head towards Gong Jinxian and curled his mouth twice, showing him two dimples, and then took the opportunity to kiss Gong Jinxian. The brother kissed back on the face.
"Lulu, my brothers are going on a long trip. I won't see Lulu for a while. These toys are for Lulu. Lulu must remember to think of his brothers."
Qiao Minyan looked at the two of them with a smile, and beckoned to the maid next to him to take a cloth bag and put it beside Zhang Lu.
For this well-behaved and cute little brother, he and the second brother really like it, so whatever good things the two brothers get, they will remember to leave him a copy.
"How long is a period of time? Is it five days?"
Zhang Lu looked at the toys but didn't touch them. Instead, he put his arm around Gong Jinxian's body and pressed Qiao Minyan's hand with the other. If he didn't see his brothers for five days, Zhang Lu Lu felt uncomfortable thinking about it.
"It will take a year, much longer than five days..."
Qiao Minyan's concept of time is already very clear, and he knows that a year is a long time, but before he finished speaking, Gong Jinxian pulled his sleeves, and he stopped habitually, letting Gong Jinxian went to answer.
"Lu Lu, be good, it won't be long. When Lu Lu puts on the cotton padded clothes and takes them off again, the brothers will come back."
Seeing that Zhang Lu was already pouted with a displeased face, Gong Jinxian hurriedly patted his head to comfort him. So reluctant to be separated from his parents, younger brother Lu must not be willing to be separated from his uncle and aunt, so he didn't say anything about letting Zhang Lu go with them.
"oh… "
As soon as Zhang Lu heard that he wanted to go home by himself, he put on the padded coat, and then took it off tomorrow, so he could see his brothers, so he turned his grief into joy, and happily let Qiao Minyan teach him to play with his new clothes. Got a toy.
"Auntie, Auntie, after we leave, I will bring gifts to Brother Lu. You have to mention us more to Brother Lu, so you can't let him forget us."
Seeing that Zhang Lu was happy again, Gong Jinxian turned his eyes, turned around and ran to Qiao Yuanyin who was sitting on the same couch, put his arms around her neck, put his mouth to her ear, and whispered.
He remembered that little daddy said that children are forgetful, but don't let the two brothers leave for a year, and brother Lu won't remember them when they come back.
"Auntie remembers, she will definitely not let Xiaolu forget his brothers, and you must not forget Xiaolu'er either."
Her ears were itchy from Gong Jinxian's exhaled heat, Qiao Yuanyin couldn't help covering her mouth with a handkerchief and smiled softly, then touched Gong Jinxian's pretty little face, she really liked it tightly in her heart.
"No, don't worry, auntie!"
Obtaining Qiao Yuanyin's promise, Gong Jinxian reassured himself. He turned around and saw Qiao Yiyue and the three of them approaching Qiao Minyan's side. He trotted back and threw himself into Qiao Minyan's arms, hugging His other arm looked at Qiao Yiyue warily.
Although children don't hold grudges, Gong Jinxian really can't like a cousin who always wants to 'rob his brother' from him!
"snort… "
Qiao Yiyue was chatting and laughing with Qiao Minyan at first, but when she saw Gong Jinxian came back, she looked at her with a disgusted face, she couldn't help being stern, but she thought that her grandmother always made her get along well with this second brother , she pouted and played with her toy in silence, with an aggrieved look on her face. If Xindao didn't see that my brother likes you, I wouldn't join you.
The eldest brother is better, this second brother, how can he look like a brother, every time he sees us, he doesn't look good, and he looks better than me... Anyway, the second brother is the most annoying!
"sister… "
Qiao Minren, who was playing games with Zhang Lu shyly at first, saw that his sister and second brother were upset again, he hesitated for a while, put down the toy and sat back beside Qiao Yiyue, sitting next to her was a comfort.
"Xian'er..."
Seeing this, Qiao Minyan patted Gong Jinxian's back comfortingly, and asked the maid to bring over the other two packs of toys, signaling him to go over and coax the eldest sister, after all, he was at someone else's house.
"Big sister, these are for you and third brother."
Gong Jinxian was unwilling in his heart, but he also knew that he could not lose his manners, so he pushed a burden to Qiao Yiyue's siblings, smiled and took the initiative to ask for peace, and then pushed another burden to Qiao Yingran. His seniority is an uncle, so things should naturally be given separately.
"Thank you big brother... Second brother."
Qiao Yiyue looked at the bag of toys and blinked, then gave them to her younger brother to play with first, then thanked Qiao Minyan with a smile, and took a look at Gong Jinxian, then stopped smiling Turn around and continue playing with your brother.
And probably from this day, Gong Jinxian and Qiao Yiyue started a ten-year "civil war", which made the fighting power of the two people rise steadily, and occasionally they were almost invincible when they were in unison. Later, I will not mention it for the time being...
That night, after the whole family dispersed, Qiao Yingxuan returned to the study that had been upgraded to his bedroom, but he was not at all sleepy. It was eye-catching when he saw it, but if he didn't go, he was really worried.
Ever since the jade was exchanged at Prince Zhong's Mansion last year, although the two of them could only communicate in secret this year, they didn't spend much time together, and they both liked such a caring feeling, so they haven't reached the final step yet, but their mutual affection But they all understood, and even though that person said that it would not affect each other's family, but now that filial piety has happened, not only did he not mention the matter of marrying a concubine, but even the people who served him were all gone, which made Qiao Yingxuan My heart is really touched and I am very sorry...
"Come here, prepare a carriage, I want to go out for a trip"
Qiao Yingxuan sat in the chair for a long time, unable to calm down, and finally decided to go to the palace to see Si Shao. If the man was really angry, he could coax him quickly.
Qiao Yingxuan just knocked on the side door that he was used to, and saw the door slide open silently, revealing a little eunuch's resentful face, which surprised Qiao Yingxuan.
"My lord, you are finally here."
The little eunuch signaled the people behind him to report to the lord, and then led Qiao Yingxuan inside, but his expression had returned to normal, and he refused to say a word to Qiao Yingxuan, so he wanted to get from him. After getting some news, Qiao Yingxuan just touched his nose and closed his mouth, and followed him to Si Shao's yard with fear.
But this time, Qiao Yingxuan was not led to Si Shao's study, but turned directly to the direction of the dormitory. Qiao Yingxuan paused, but followed in without hesitation, and saw the man sitting on the couch outside While drinking tea, Qiao Yingxuan couldn't help but put his mind down slightly as he looked at him with the same gentle gaze.
"Ying Xuan is here, you all go down."
With a friendly smile on Si Shao's face, he waved his hands to signal the two confidant eunuchs serving in the room to go down first, then got up and walked to Qiao Yingxuan's side.
But the two eunuchs retreated at the sound, and they couldn't help but looked at each other with wry smiles when they left the door, thinking, master, the maids haven't finished sweeping the broken porcelain in your study.
"That... you know, huh?"
Qiao Yingxuan stood there nervously, watched Si Shao walk up to him, and murmured a question.
"Um… "
Turning Qiao Yingxuan's back into his arms, Si Shao pressed his chin on his shoulder and responded softly, his drooping eyelids blocked the thoughts in his eyes.
"Sorry, I… "
Si Shao's quiet reaction made Qiao Yingxuan feel more and more uneasy, but being hugged by him like this, Qiao Yingxuan couldn't see his expression, and he didn't know how to answer for a while.
"You are husband and wife."
Si Shao responded lightly, expressing that he understood, but he didn't say he didn't blame him.
Because of their mutual status, it is obviously unrealistic to want to communicate with each other as generously as others, and Si Shao doesn't want others to pour dirty water on Qiao Yingxuan because of his royal status, so he tolerates him having a family The cover is also necessary.
In fact, Si Shao knows that Qiao Yingxuan can't sleep in his wife's house for three nights a month, but if he can produce children like this, this really makes the dignified and loyal prince strongly jealous, and it contains extremely complicated jealousy .
Speaking of which, Si Shao himself was married by the first emperor when he was young, but the woman died before she could marry. In order to appease the emotions of the official family, the first emperor did not marry Si Shao for the next two years. The first emperor was seriously ill and continued to delay until the emperor succeeded to the throne, and Si Shao kept his filial piety, so he didn't marry a concubine until he was in his twenties, and then he fell in love with Qiao Yingxuan...
"Since you are here today, don't leave."
Sensing Qiao Yingxuan's anxiety, Si Shao sighed silently in his heart, and whispered something against Qiao Yingxuan's earlobe.
"Um… "
The gentle touch from his ears made Qiao Yingxuan's body tremble, and he felt waves of heat flowing from the places on his body that touched him, and finally flowed to his lower abdomen. Qiao Yingxuan couldn't help swallowing, and responded with a hoarse voice.
"After a while, I want to live in Zhuangzi outside the city for a few days, just in time for you Xiumu, let's go together."
With his left hand gently stroking Qiao Yingxuan's Adam's apple, the corners of Si Shao's mouth slightly raised, and his voice couldn't help but become more magnetic.
"good… "
After Si Shao finished speaking, Qiao Yingxuan turned around and put his arms around his waist, and couldn't bear to kiss him proactively, letting the clinging bodies directly tell each other his desire.
Because of Qiao Yingxuan's initiative, his eyes widened slightly. After the initial surprise passed, Si Shao smiled and supported Qiao Yingxuan's back of the neck and kissed him back...