In the early morning of autumn, there is no impetuousness of summer, nor the severe cold of winter, which makes you want to integrate into it, but you are afraid of disturbing its comfort. Murong Shuqing walked to the small carved window and took a deep breath. The fragrance of the tea leaves in the room made her smile sweetly.
"Miss, it's better, just come out to blow air, and put on your clothes if you want to enjoy the scenery!" The snow-white brocade robe was gently draped over Murong Shuqing's body, and Lu Yi nervously arranged her clothes.
The sudden warmth caused Murong Shuqing's already smiling mouth to raise a brighter smile, "Lu Yi, who did you learn this rambling problem from?"
Murong Shuqing's spirit was much better. Lu Yi's mood was also relaxed, she pouted slightly, and smiled playfully: "I was forced out!"
Jishui put the water basin in her hand, and while making the bed, listening to the bickering and teasing of the master and servant, the corners of her mouth were quietly raised, making her profile full of birthmarks soft and sweet.
Murong Shuqing let Lu Yi pull away from the window and dress her. The weather is really good today, and her cold is finally getting better. She is going to go out to bask in the sun. If she lies on the bed like this, her bones will be stiff. Just as he was thinking about where he was going, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Miss, there is a visitor." Yu Qian's tough voice came from outside the door.
How come there are more visitors? Lu Yi frowned beautifully. Since the birthday banquet, there have been many so-called young talents and sons and grandsons who have sent a bunch of gifts on the grounds of visiting a doctor. Some even want to see the young lady. What heart can't understand.
Murong Shuqing shook his head slightly. Lu Yi understood what she meant, walked to the door, opened the door, and said softly to Yu Zhan who was standing in front of the door: "Old housekeeper, the young lady is not in good health yet, so please let this guest go."
"But..." Yu Qian hesitated to say anything. Originally, the master said that he was nowhere to be seen, so he should have gone out and refused, but this guest was too difficult to deal with.
Murong Shuqing asked softly, "Who is it?" Seeing his appearance, she was curious about who was coming, making the old housekeeper so embarrassed!
The old housekeeper said with a headache: "She said she was your good friend, and she came to see you specially today, her name is Huo Zhiqing." This little girl came yesterday, and she was not allowed to see her. She was climbing over walls and trees. When I persuaded her to leave, she was so pitiful, she refused to leave with tears in her eyes, and finally persuaded her to go back. She came again this morning, and she was full of tricks.
"Zhiqing?" This time, Murong Shuqing was surprised. After the last time, her eldest brother asked her to come to her? Afraid not to sneak out again, right
Sighing, Murong Shuqing smiled and said, "Bring her here."
Hearing Murong Shuqing's agreement, Yu Jian breathed a sigh of relief in his heart and replied, "Yes!" After speaking, he hurriedly left Pinecui Xiaosu.
Lu Yi dressed her neatly, Murong Shuqing had just arrived at the pavilion after leaving the small building, Huo Zhiqing's happy and slightly excited voice came from the door.
"Sister Murong!" Huo Zhiqing trotted to Murong Shuqing's side like a light breeze.
"Sit down and talk."
Huo Zhiqing did not sit down, but stood in front of Murong Shuqing, the bright smile on her face was put away, and with a sincere and guilty expression, she said, "Sister Murong, I'm sorry, last time I was too willful, You're causing trouble, and... and my elder brother, he was so rude that day, don't be angry."
She was like a primary school student who had the courage to admit her mistakes, Murong Shuqing laughed, "I'm not angry, your brother didn't make you too difficult." She didn't take it to heart. Women visiting brothels in this era is not only shocking, but also outrageous. . Huo Ziqi did not scold, but he was already very cultivated, but his gloomy face at that time really made Murong Shuqing worry about Huo Zhiqing for a while.
Huo Zhiqing suddenly lowered her head and whispered, "No."
no? To make this cheerful and generous woman look so shy and infinite, it seems that it is not Huo Ziqi who is "embarrassing" her, but Yan Haoyu! If this incident can promote this pair, it is also a good thing.
"You came today, didn't you sneak out again?"
Huo Zhiqing hurriedly raised her head and said, "Of course not, my eldest brother allowed me to come." She said that day that she was coming to see Sister Murong, but she was afraid that eldest brother would be angry. Who knew that he agreed after just thinking about it for a while, and gave her a 10,000 tael bill.
Thinking of this, Huo Zhiqing took out the bank note from her pocket and handed it to Murong Shuqing, "By the way, there is this one!"
Looking at the silver note in her hand, Murong Shuqing didn't take it, but picked up the tea brewed with clean water and savored it carefully. She was sick these two days, and Lu Yi didn't even let her drink tea, she really pampered them too much on weekdays.
Murong Shuqing didn't answer, Huo Zhiqing got a little anxious, sat beside her, pulled her sleeve, and said, "Sister Murong, take it!"
Without looking at her coquettish expression, Murong Shuqing replied with a smile, "I don't need this, you can take it back."
Putting the silver note on the table, Huo Zhiqing insisted: "No, I caused the disaster, and I will be responsible."
When Zhiqing became stubborn, it was not so easy to compromise. Murong Shuqing said softly, "Don't be so impulsive in the future. I won't accept this bill. Friends, don't worry about it."
Huo Zhiqing thought about it for a while, and said cheerfully, "Okay!" Just for the words of Sister Shu Qing's friend, there was no need for her to insist on this silver note.
Learning from Murong Shuqing to taste the tea carefully, Huo Zhiqing looked around the courtyard. She was in a hurry to apologize just now, but she didn't even bother to appreciate the courtyard. Looking closely, it was really elegant and fresh. Huo Zhiqing said with admiration, "Your courtyard is quite special! But there are such extremely ingenious courtyards everywhere in the capital, and it's boring to see too much. Our grassland and desert are better, where you can run and sing. "
She began to miss the comfort of riding a horse, the vast expanse, and the freedom to be free.
Yes, free souls cannot stand confinement. I planned to go out today, and one more person was just lively. Murong Shuqing smiled and said, "Today, I will take you to a place. Although it is not as vast and magnificent as the north, it is also a different atmosphere."
She had never been to that place, but as early as two years ago, she had heard from the person at Linfengguan, and even he said it was a good place, how could she not go to see it.
"Really? It's great! Let's go! Let's go!" Huo Zhiqing, who had been suffocated for a long time, heard Murong Shuqing's proposal, her eyes lit up, she stood up excitedly, and pulled Murong Shuqing to go out.
Murong Shuqing was dragged by Huo Zhiqing to stand up, she really said that wind is rain! After only two steps, Murong Shuqing suddenly stopped, turned around and said to Jingshui who was cleaning up the tea set: "Purewater, come with us!"
Murong Shuqing's words made Jingshui so shocked that the tea in her hand was spilled, and her disbelieving and terrified eyes met Murong Shuqing's soft and firm eyes.
"Me? I'm not going, I'll pack my things at home and wait for the lady to come back." After looking at each other for a while, Jingshui quickly retracted her gaze, pretending to be busy packing, but her trembling hands betrayed her nervousness and panic.
Murong Shuqing looked at such pure water, her beautiful eyebrows frowned, and she was much more afraid of going out than she imagined. Coming to her side, Murong Shuqing held her hand that pretended to be busy, and said lightly, "You will also like the place you went to today, it's beautiful."
Murong Shuqing's gentle smile can soothe people's hearts, Jingshui's flustered heart gradually calmed down, after hesitating for a while, she bit her lower lip, stroked her left cheek covered with dark red birthmarks, and said with difficulty, "I, can't. Go out." She couldn't forget ten years ago, when she walked with her mother and her mother on the street surrounded by surprise, contempt, and even frightened eyes ten years ago, she only knew that she was ugly, right? popular. She was afraid of seeing those disgusted eyes again, afraid of hearing vicious gossip again, she would not go out.
Huo Zhiqing didn't know why, seeing that their master and servant did not walk out of the small pavilion for a long time, she hurriedly held Murong Shuqing in one hand and purified water in the other, and said, "Go, go, it's fun to go together. what!"
Jingshui was pulled out, but his legs desperately stepped back, trying to break free from Huo Zhiqing's hand, but they were afraid of hurting the coquettish guest. Murong Shuqing walked between them amusingly and parted their entangled hands.
Murong Shuqing held the clean water's cool hand, gradually exerting force, making her feel her own strength, and said sincerely: "The scenery there is very good, but there are few people. You can wear a veil, I hope you will be with us. go, okay?"
In addition to stepping out of Qi's house ten years ago, Jingshui has never stepped out of this small courtyard for so many years. For the outside world, she is afraid and nervous, but at the same time curious and longing. With the veil, no one can see her flawed and ugly face anymore, so can she go out
Jingshui was speechless for a long time, and Murong Shuqing didn't bother her, let her think slowly, but the clenched hand never loosened.
When Huo Zhiqing was about to get impatient, Jishui finally said as if using all his strength, "Okay!"
Murong Shuqing looked at her approvingly and encouragingly, showing a knowing smile. Huo Zhiqing was tired of waiting for a long time, she heard Jingshui agree, and cheered: "That's great, let's go!" Before she finished speaking, people had already rushed to the gate of the small courtyard and waved to them.
The group of four collided with Qi Rui, who was rushing out, before they even walked out of the front yard. Seeing that it was Murong Shuqing, Qi Rui stopped his hasty steps and asked, "Shu Qing, where are you going?"
After the birthday feast that day, he no longer regarded Shu Qing as that willful little sister. He saw her calmness and her wisdom, and he thought it was time for him to get to know her again.
Feeling that the pure water covered by the veil behind him was obviously shaken, Murong Shuqing replied lightly, "Go out for a walk."
Obviously, Qi Rui also saw the beautiful shadow behind Murong Shuqing. He stared at the purified water tightly, and stood there in disbelief, with a look of surprise or joy on his face. Over the years, he has tried his best to get her out of Pinecui Lodge. Today, she is willing to go out with Shu Qing. Is it because Shu Qing is too charming, or is he too failed
Murong Shuqing saw Qi Rui's gaffe and the stiffness of purified water. There should be a lot of stories between the two. Now is not the time for them to reminisce about the old days. If they don't go out, there is a good chance that Jingshui will escape back to Pinecui Lodge again.
Murong Shuqing was about to speak, but Qi Rui had already recovered, but his eyes were still glued to Jingshui, and he said, "I'll go with you!"
Together? He walked quickly just now, is there something wrong? Murong Shuqing asked amusingly, "Aren't you going to go out?"
Qi Rui said indifferently, "There's nothing to do. I don't worry about you girls going out. Let's go!" After that, regardless of whether Murong Shuqing and the others agreed with him to go, he ordered the servants to prepare horses to go.
Murong Shuqing looked worriedly at the purified water, who had been slightly bowing her head, and the dark veil blocked her expression. Without giving her a chance to go back, Murong Shuqing gently took her hand and walked all the way out of Qi Mansion, and only released when she got into the carriage.
Along the way, Jingshui was still speechless.
Several women were sitting in the wide carriage, listening to Huo Zhiqing joking about childhood anecdotes, and Murong Shuqing also noticed that Jingshui would occasionally peek through the car window to peek at Qi Rui, who was accompanying him all the way in front, Murong Shuqing smiled secretly, it turned out that Qi Rui was not willing either. Talking and laughing along the way, the two-hour trip passed quickly.
After a winding road, the carriage finally stopped after about a stick of incense. Huo Zhiqing jumped out of the carriage first, seeing the lush, green towering trees in front of her, and exclaimed excitedly, "This place is so beautiful!"
Different from the common shrubs in the south, they are low and amorous, more than charming, but unfortunately lacking in charm. In this entire forest that cannot be seen, almost every tree is vigorous and straight, and the dense branches and leaves overlap, blocking the sunlight. Form a natural shade tent. After running forward for a while, Huo Zhiqing exclaimed in surprise, "What a clear stream, and there are fish. Come over here!"
Follow her to walk forward, sure enough, there is a thin stream not far away, there is not much water, but it is cool and clear.
Huo Zhiqing had been gearing up for a long time, and smiled at Murong Shuqing: "Sister Murong, shall we go catch the fish?"
"No way!" Before Murong Shuqing could answer, Lu Yi cried out nervously, "Young lady is in better shape, the water in this stream is cold, what should I do if I'm sick again!"
Knowing that Lu Yi was worried about herself, she didn't want to try the feeling of a splitting headache and shortness of breath anymore, Murong Shuqing patted Lu Yi's hand soothingly and said with a smile: "Okay, I won't go, you and Zhi. Let's go sunny."
Huo Zhiqing heard that Murong Shuqing was ill, so she couldn't force it any more, and started to mobilize the others, "How boring alone, Sister Luyi, Sister Jingshui, and Young Master Qi, let's go together."
Pure water is completely incapable of water, but Qi Rui thinks that it's not good for a man to be around for a woman to catch fish and play. In the end, Huo Zhiqing's warm greeting was only exchanged for Qing Shui's shaking of her head and Qi Rui's refusal.
Lu Yi grew up by the water since she was a child, and she was naturally able to swim. The clear water also attracted her. With Murong Shuqing's encouragement, Lu Yi and Huo Zhiqing walked to the stream ahead together.
Seeing them walk some distance, Murong Shuqing said to Jingshui, "Purewater, I'm a little cold, you can get me a robe from the carriage."
"Yes!" The forest was indeed a little cold, and the clean water responded with a sound, and walked quickly to the carriage.
When Jingshui walked out of her sight, Murong Shuqing turned around, met Qi Rui's slightly melancholy eyes, and asked in a deep voice, "What are you going to do?" It was obvious that Qi Rui likes purified water, she needs to know what he thinks.
Qi Rui didn't expect Murong Shuqing to ask her so directly, but he still said with certainty, "I want to marry her!"
"Wife?"
"Yes."
His firm answer made Murong Shuqing smile reassuringly, but their combination made her worry, "Do you understand what kind of difficulties and obstacles you need to face in doing so?" Not to mention whether the Qi family would object to it , Qi Rui, as an official of the court and after the Qi family, the royal family may have arranged for him long ago, and it is very possible to marry a county master. If he insists on this, he is afraid of causing trouble.
Murong Shuqing's worries, it's not that he didn't think about it, but it still can't change his decision, Qi Rui looked at the direction of Jingshui's departure, and replied persistently: "I decided to marry her ten years ago, I don't I'll give up!" Ten years ago, those fearful, wounded eyes captured his heart deeply, and he said he wanted to fill those eyes with joy and hope, and he would not let it go.
Feeling Qi Rui's persistence, Murong Shuqing was not so worried anymore. Since he has such persistence and determination, she should also believe that he has such ability. What she is curious about now is, "Ten years?" Why is this so? Haven't hugged the beauty for a long time
Murong Shuqing's funny expression made Qi Rui's originally resolute and resolute face collapse as quickly as he was punched. He sighed in annoyance: "She doesn't want to clean water. She always thinks that her face is ugly and not suitable. Come to refuse, and even say that if I push her again, I will kill myself. So... "
"So you haven't been able to marry her in ten years!" He couldn't go on, Murong Shuqing smiled and helped him finish the sentence. How could the wise and prudent young gentleman wait ten years and be annoyed for ten years because of a threat from a little girl.
Murong Shuqing's teasing tone made Qi Rui's already anxious heart even more depressed, but soon, he said excitedly: "Soon, she will have no excuse to refuse. I have found a famous doctor, as long as he Ken, clean water's face can be cured, then she will have no reason to hold back." But so far, he has not been able to convince the person to help clean water to heal his face.
What needs to be treated is not only the face, but also the heart. The face is the source of her inferiority complex, but after so many years, her heart has been habitually closed. Even if the face is cured, she will still be unworthy of her identity. Rejected for other reasons. Murong Shuqing looked at Qi Rui with pity, he still has many bumps in this love road.
Qi Rui, who was beside him, kept staring at the direction in which the clean water was leaving, how long did it take to be so anxious? Murong Shuqing shook his head with a sigh and smiled, "Then what are you waiting for, go tell her."
Qi Rui glanced hesitantly at Murong Shuqing, who had turned his back to him to enjoy the scenery. There was no one else in the woods, and the carriage was not far away, so there shouldn't be any danger. After thinking about it, Qi Rui turned to face him. Walk in the direction of the clean water.
Hearing the sound of footsteps walking away behind her, and knowing that Qi Rui had gone far, Murong Shuqing walked leisurely into the depths of the jungle. She couldn't go into the water, so she had to explore by herself. That person described it so well. , it shouldn't be just that, there should be more strange and shocking beauty waiting for her.
The more he went inside, the more luxuriant and tall the trees were. The numerous branches and leaves covered up the sunlight, and the fresh air made Murong Shuqing feel refreshed. After walking for a long time, he didn't feel tired. In the quiet forest, you can occasionally hear a few strange calls, like birds and insects, but unfortunately you can't see anything after hearing them.
Going forward, you can hear the bright sound of water, not like the sound of a waterfall, without the momentum of galloping thousands of miles, but it is crisper than the shallow water of a small stream, but when you look up, there is no shadow of water at all. After walking forward for a while, the sound of water was more real, as if it was around, but still no trace of water was seen. Murong Shuqing wondered, there are neither caves nor pits in the woods, where is this water source
Looking carefully at the surrounding environment, he found that there was a small downward slope not far away. Murong Shuqing walked down carefully. When he descended to the bottom of the slope, there were only some low shrubs, and there was nothing to gain. Murong Shuqing was about to go up, but felt a gust of moist air coming towards him with the breeze.
Murong Shuqing carefully avoided the short trees under her feet, and finally reached the deepest part of the bottom of the slope. She actually saw a half-human-high entrance. A little nervous and a little excited, Murong Shuqing bent down and walked into the hole.