The spring breeze darkens Yumen Pass, flying sand outside the pass, light willows inside the pass, and wild flowers everywhere.
Like clouds of catkins, one after another, like the snow in the sky, and there is more warm wind, rushing towards the face, walking around the shoulders, slightly intoxicating.
At this time, the sky should be the spring scene of shallow grass without horseshoes, and flying flowers chasing the water. Qing Chen sat idle in the atrium, leaning halfway in front of the porch, with a fluff of catkins falling from his hand, turning gently, chasing the wind freely.
On the low ebony table in front of him were scattered plain bamboo pens, and the transparent and moist jade paper weighed lightly on one side of the paper. The breeze was smooth, like a woman's slender jade hands lifted the paper and flipped it lightly.
Xue Zhan huddled up beside Qing Chen, sweeping his tail boredly. Xueying didn't know where to go to play, slipped back in an instant, jumped, and unexpectedly stepped on the Duan inkstone of the kingfisher Mingchun, her little claws turned black. Walking forward, there were a few small marks of plum blossoms on the snow paper, Qing Chen raised his hand and tapped its head, it raised its paw and pressed a plum blossom on Qing Chen's hand, then turned around and disappeared without a trace.
Qing Chen didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he put away the paper. Xue Zhan was sleeping peacefully, but Xue Ying was always spinning around, making it uneasy, got up and stretched, and suddenly raised his ears.
Qing Chen still kept his eyes open, the sound of horseshoes looming in his ears, the horse snorting slightly, the conversation mixed with a few words, the clanging of swords and armor, the rubbing and bumping among the sound of boots, and the birds chirping in fright. She could imagine someone striding across the courtyard, with flying eyebrows, dark eyes, and thin lips showing a trace of determination, which matched the chiseled face.
There was a smile on his lips before his cold and familiar aura filled the surroundings, Qing Chen opened his eyes slightly, Ye Tianling looked down at her, his starry eyes were bright, and his thin lips were smiling.
She got up lazily, and Ye Tianling shook her hand: "It's still cold outside, don't sit too long." He took off his cloak, put it on her, and walked in with her on his arm: "Good day ?"
Qing Chen smiled and said, "Okay, I didn't expect you to come back so soon."
After the city of Dana was broken, the Celestial Dynasty stationed troops here, thinking it was a large camp, and at the same time dispatched cavalry to cross the vast sea, taking advantage of the situation to send troops to the west of the Turks.
Ye Tianling personally led the army this time, and defeated the Western Turkic army in Yaoyun Mountain. More than 20,000 enemies were killed and 30,000 were captured, including Hersa, the right wise king of Western Turkic, and Lile, the eldest prince who shot and protected the Khan. . After the Western Turks were defeated in the battle of the previous year, the country was weak and its army was weak, and a large area of land was occupied by the Eastern Turks. At this time, facing the Xuanjia cavalry is like hitting a stone with an egg.
On the day when the city of Dana was broken, Khan Shiluo was lucky enough to escape and went into exile in Western Turks after he died because of Muzhisha.
At the beginning, Yu Su, in order to resist the army of the Celestial Dynasty, secretly wooed the Eastern and Western Turks to temporarily repair the friendship, swore blood and made an alliance to divide the world into three parts. At this time, Yu Su was defeated and died, and the covenant became a dead letter. Shehu Khan remembered the old grievances for many years, and he was brooding. He immediately sent troops to hunt down Shiluo and captured him alive.
Now that the Celestial Dynasty is approaching the border, the Xuanjia Army's remaining prestige has not disappeared, and the winning streak has continued. The people of the Western Turkic Kingdom are panicked.
Shehu Khan also felt that he had nowhere to go, so he had to send envoys to escort Shi Luo to meet King Ling and ask for an end to the war.
When the envoy entered the camp and handed over the surrender form, Ye Tian looked at him coldly and dismissively. If it hadn't been for the war between the two countries, the envoy would have turned his back on him mercilessly. But Khan Shiluo was not so lucky. He was beheaded in court to sacrifice the flag, and he had dominated Mobei for decades.
The Western Turkic envoy was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground, Ye Tianling threw down the words, "I give you five days to mobilize your troops and prepare for the war. You'd better prepare well, don't let me down!"
The messenger took his life and returned home in a hurry. When Shehu Khan heard the reply, he looked up to the sky and lamented - the Turkic Turks died in the sky!
Qing Chen followed Ye Tianling into the room, but still felt lazy and weak, so he casually leaned against the couch. Ye Tianling took off the armor by himself, lay on his back beside her, half-closed his eyes idlely, and relaxed all over.
Qing Chen rested his palms on his hands and stared at him, feeling that he seemed to be in a particularly good mood today, not like someone who had just returned with soldiers, his handsome and cheerful eyes made him feel warm and full of smiles. With her beautiful hair scattered in front of her, she suddenly became playful and pulled a strand of hair to tickle him. He didn't seem to notice it, but he pulled her into his arms vigorously the moment she moved forward.
"Oh!" Qing Chen laughed out loud, threw his fist down at him, and Ye Tianling smiled and said, "What evil thoughts?"
Qing Chen pursed his lips, and found a comfortable position with his arm on his pillow, Ye Tianling's arms tightened, and he wrapped her around her close to him. Qing Chen wondered: "What happened today, you are in such a good mood?"
Ye Tianling raised the corners of his lips comfortably, "It's nothing. When I came back, I went deep into Yaoyun Mountain with Wanqi Shuofeng. I was very happy to gallop through the grass along the way. To the west of Yaoyun Mountain is Kunlun Mountain. Thousands of miles away, there is a lake that has not been frozen for many years. It looks like a fairyland. Concubine Mu, she might like it."
Qing Chen said: "You should go to the holy lake to fill a pot of water again. If there are mountains and water, everything will be complete."
Ye Tianling shook his head: "I didn't go to the holy lake, we'll go when you're better. Qing'er, the sky is high and the land is wide, let me laugh proudly, then I want you to be with me."
Qing Chen said softly: "Okay, up to the poor and down to the underworld, it's all up to you."
Ye Tianling said with a smile: "The beauty of the world is endless, enough for you and me to ride a horse and sail a boat, and there is no need for Huangquan."
Qing Chen looked up at the roof of the tent, smiled and hummed: "You and I have agreed for a hundred years, whoever dies at the age of ninety-seven, how can we wait for three years on the bridge..."
Ye Tianling listened to the soft voice and melodious tune, and turned to stare at her with a smile and asked, "Didn't you say that you will follow me from Shangqiongbi to Huangquan, why do you make me wait?"
Qing Chen said: "How do you know that you are waiting for me, what if I wait for you?"
Ye Tianling frowned slightly, and said, "I don't like to hear that."
Qing Chen said: "Then I don't agree with what you said."
Ye Tianling pretended to be cold, and turned his face down: "You are stubborn, so you can't teach it!"
Qing Chen made a grimace: "The talk is over!"
The two looked at each other, and suddenly burst into laughter at the same time. Qing Chen leaned over Ye Tianling and made a fuss enough, the two stopped laughing, and the surroundings seemed to gradually become extremely quiet.
The tent was like smoke, covered with beautiful colors, Qing Chen only felt that Ye Tianling's eyes were so clear as he looked over, like stars all over the sky reflecting the clear waves of the lake, he smiled lightly, there was a kind of waves surging in that smile, Ruthless and touching.
Feeling his heart beating so fast unexpectedly, she moved slightly, and suddenly a peachy and charming look appeared on her face.
Ye Tianling whispered hoarsely: "Didn't you say that it will be okay after three months?"
Qing Chen nodded lightly: "Be gentle, don't hurt the child."
Ye Tianling caressed her lower abdomen carefully, leaned over to look at her, that concentration and deepness almost melted people inside, and the real heat stirred up a bright and shining warm current in the bottom of people's hearts, making people have nowhere to escape.
A strand of black hair lingers around Qingchen's ears, and her snowy skin and flowery appearance are bright and moving. Ye Tianling's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and he leaned over to kiss her soft lips, but he heard Wei Changzheng's voice outside: "Your Highness!"
Ye Tianling was stunned, and helplessly stood up, Qing Chen looked at him with raised eyebrows, and couldn't help but smile with his lips covered, he couldn't help but laugh.
Ye Tianling glared at her, then cleared his voice: "What's the matter?"
Wei Changzheng replied: "Madam Bai and the others have arrived at the camp."
"Oh," Ye Tianling said, "Understood, let them come to see the princess."
Wei Changzheng left in response, Qing Chen asked in surprise, "Madam Bai?"
Ye Tianling smiled and said, "Go, have a look."
The two stepped out of the inner room, Mrs. Bai, Baguio and several younger maids were already waiting outside, and they all stepped forward to say hello.
When Bi Yao saw Qing Chen, she quickly stepped forward and called "Prince Master", her face was full of joy, Madam Bai and others also laughed from ear to ear. Qing Chen said to Ye Tianling: "You brought Mrs. Bai and the others here without telling me in advance."
Ye Tianling smiled, and said: "It's the emperor's grandmother who got the good news and was anxious. She planned to send you back to Tiandu first, but she was worried along the way. Mrs. Bai is an old man in the palace, and she can take care of her safely. People who are used to you, with them around, everything is more convenient."
Mrs. Bai looked at Qing Chen wearing a moon-white cloud brocade robe, covered with a water-blue transparent cloud dress, her brows were calm, and she quietly smiled. Although her body was not too obvious for more than three months, but upon closer inspection, she was already better than her. When I was in Tiandu before, I became a little plump, and the charming charm that flowed unexpectedly in my eyes was more like apricot blossoms, pink lotus dew, very moving, and asked with a smile: "How is the princess? The queen mother is worried in every possible way, I specially asked two experienced female officials from the palace to come together, and they will come to see the princess after a while."
Qing Chen smiled and said: "This is really a lot of work."
Baguio ordered the maids to bring in the things they had brought, and said back: "The queen mother, the emperor, and the empress dowager all have gifts from the palace. Ah, that's right." She took out something from her bosom and handed it to Qing Chen: "It was sent by the imperial concubine to Mingyan."
Qing Chen reached out to take it, a little curious. Opening the peony-colored light silk, there is a peace talisman in the palm, the color looks a little old, the ordinary satin, plain weaving cloud pattern, sash tied with wishful knots, can be seen in ordinary Buddhist temples.
Madam Bai watched from the side, and suddenly said: "This... Is this the one His Highness wore when he was a child?"
Ye Tianling frowned, a little confused, "What?"
Mrs. Bai smiled and said: "It looks like it, but His Highness seems to have lost it at the beginning, and I'm not sure."
Qing Chen's phoenix eyes lighted up, teasing him: "So forgetful?"
Ye Tianling smiled lightly, a little sadly in his smile. If Mrs. Bai hadn't mentioned it, he might not really be willing to remember this talisman.
It was the birthday of the tenth year. According to the practice of the heavenly family, the princes always gave a banquet in the palace of the mother and concubine on their birthdays. However, the year-round desolation of the Lotus Pond Palace has not changed in the slightest due to the growth of the four princes. As the mother, Concubine Lian is like the cold ice color of the autumn water in Yaochi, day after day, year after year, she refuses people thousands of miles away .
So like in previous years, the banquet was held in Yanxi Palace. Because of the empress dowager's favor, the banquet was lively and lively, and Ye Tianling was also quite happy until someone from Lianchi Palace came to present this peace talisman.
The disc with vermilion lacquer and gold supports such an auspicious talisman on the dark background. The servant stepped forward to take it and brought it to the front, and someone nearby whispered something: There are ordinary Buddhist temples everywhere, and people who are dignified outside the palace don't ask for such auspicious symbols, the concubine Lian is not careful enough.
But there are even more people who pick up on it: In previous years, there was no such thing, but this year it is strange.
The few gossips that were very light fell on Ye Tianling's ears. The young and energetic man couldn't restrain the arrogance in his heart, and just after the banquet ended, he went to the Lotus Pond Palace alone.
He said "Chuang" because Concubine Lian's maid passed on the words "I don't see you", and he was even more annoyed when he heard that, so he walked in. Behind the veil like light smoke and mist, his mother and concubine who is the most crowned in the sixth palace is half turned sideways, he can't see the expression on her face clearly, that face that makes the sun and the moon dim is far away and strange, as if separated by thousands of rivers and mountains.
The fragrant tripod with green lotus entangled branches, and the misty light smoke curls around.
For some reason, at that moment, the impulsive anger suddenly disappeared, replaced by desolation in his heart. He stood in the empty hall for a moment, put down the peace talisman, and left without looking back.
The moment he turned around, Concubine Lian stared at each other inside the veil. He didn't understand the emotion in the quiet eyes at that time, and it had been the confusion that lingered in his heart for many years.
That was the only time he stepped into the Lotus Pond Palace, and it was also the last impulse in his memory. That autumn he first went to the battlefield with Brother Yanzhao, and since then he has fought many times, even the imperial capital has gone more and stayed less.
Qing Chen picked up the peace talisman, only to feel that it was heavy, which seemed a little different. She looked it over carefully, and found that the auspicious symbol was actually a small bag, turned it upside down and lightly paused, and another auspicious symbol fell out of it.
The bottom is woven with silver thread, with exquisite workmanship, which is different from ordinary crafts. Two small Hetian jade ornaments are carved into exquisite double locks and tied on the soft silk ribbon, showing an elegant luster as if they have been touched countless times. . The auspicious talisman, which is half an inch square, has a few small characters embroidered with pure gold thread on the front and back, not Chinese characters, she doesn't understand, so she looked up at Ye Tianling.
Ye Tianling reached out to take it, and when he saw it, his heart shook. It was written in Rouran, with "Joy, Joy and Ankang" embroidered on the front and his birthday on the back. One stitch at a time, every thread is in the button, with the traces of the years, deep and complicated. For a moment, his heart was surging, and he couldn't help himself. He held the peace talisman in his palm, and raised his head slightly to avoid Qing Chen's inquiring gaze.
How could the lonely and arrogant boy in the past guess his mother's heart? He didn't even have the patience to discover that hidden blessing. But now, he is willing to use the vast land of Mobei and the prosperity of the celestial dynasty to smile at his mother, hoping that from now on, his kind face will be stretched and he will be able to enjoy joy.
After a long time, Ye Tianling's mood calmed down a little. He lowered his eyes, reached out and brushed Qing Chen's long hair scattered on his shoulders, and put the peace amulet around her neck.
Qing Chen said, "Is it for the children?"
Ye Tianling nodded: "Yes."
"Then why are you wearing it on me?"
Ye Tianling smiled slowly: "It was given to the child by the mother."
Qing Chen was confused, and was about to ask again, but when he saw Wei Changzheng coming in from the outside, he seemed to have something to do, so he put the topic aside for the time being.
Madam Bai and Baguio knew that they must have something to talk about, so they left together. Wei Changzheng stepped forward and replied: "His Royal Highness, the Marquis of Changding wrote a letter to impeach Shao Xiubing a few days ago, and then Qin Guogong revealed many evidences that the generals in the army were involved in private salt trading. Feng Changjun and the three have military ranks, and they will be escorted back to Beijing for trial immediately."
"Oh? So fast?" Ye Tianling raised his brows slightly: "What do you say over there?"
Wei Changzheng said: "King Zhan didn't make any movement, he just dispatched other people to supervise the transportation of grain and grass. However, the person who heard back said that Gong Sicheng had begged King Zhan to try to save the three of them before, but he probably didn't get his answer."
Qing Chen turned around and sat aside, with a cold smile on his lips. Gong Sicheng was smart all his life, but he was confused for a while, he made thousands of mistakes, the only mistake was that he shouldn't make his own opinions. Ye Tianzhan is gentle and elegant, but it does not mean that he can be manipulated by others. When necessary, his heartlessness may not be inferior to Ye Tianling. Shao Xiubing and the other three were determined not to be able to keep it, and Gong Sicheng had some foresight, and must have seen the way ahead.
Ye Tianling nodded, and asked Wei Changzheng, "How much food is there?"
Wei Changzheng said: "The first batch has already passed through Jizhou, and they will probably arrive the next day at the latest. King Zhan summoned the patrol envoys from various states one after another, and personally supervised the process. Presumably, it will not delay sending troops to the Turks five days later."
Ye Tianling said lightly: "Very good."
At this time, there was some noise coming from a distance outside, Ye Tianling raised his eyes, his brows tightened slightly. Wei Changzheng turned around and went out, summoned the guards on duty to ask, and came back and said, "Your Highness, the guards are competing with Mu Chinsha in martial arts. Speaking of which, Mu Chinsha has recovered from his injuries, so please show your Highness how to deal with it."
Ye Tianling pondered for a moment, "Bring him here to meet me." After speaking, he paused, looked at Qing Chen, and said again: "Let's go to camp."
Qing Chen smiled slightly: "Everyone is saved, are you still afraid that I will be unhappy? Bring him here."
Ye Tianling raised the corners of his lips, signaling to Wei Changzheng, but after a while, Wei Changzheng brought Mu Chin Sha in.
After entering, Mu Chinsha didn't kneel down or salute, but stood with his head held high, looking directly at Ye Tianling. Ye Tianling just raised his eyes calmly, and after a while, Mu Chinsha couldn't bear it anymore, frowned and turned his head, unexpectedly seeing Qing Chen sitting not far away.
A pair of clear eyes looked at him quietly. He froze for a moment, opened his mouth, and suddenly said in blunt Chinese: "Thank you, Princess, for saving my life that day!"
Qing Chen flicked her eyebrows lightly, looked over indifferently, just smiled, and said nothing.
Mu Chinsha saluted respectfully, and then said loudly to Ye Tianling: "I admire your martial arts, and your concubine saved my life, but you want me to submit to the Celestial Dynasty, but I refuse." , If you want to kill or cut, you should take it easy!"
Ye Tianling raised his eyebrows lightly, with a half-smile, as if he thought about his suggestion for a while, and said, "It would be a pity if you were killed with all your kung fu."
Mu Zhisha said: "What do you want?"
Ye Tianling said: "I really want to know why you refuse to surrender to the Celestial Dynasty?"
Mu Chinsha said coldly, "You want me to fight for you and kill the Turks, of course I won't."
Ye Tianling said: "When did I say that I want you to go to war, whether you fight this battle or not, the result will be the same for Turks."
Mu Zhisha said: "If you don't fight, what are you doing?"
Ye Tianling said: "I have always had few deputy commanders among my bodyguards, are you interested in trying?"
Mu Chisha's eyes widened involuntarily, and after a long pause he asked, "You... you dare to use me as the deputy commander of the guards?"
Ye Tianling said indifferently: "Why not?"
Mu Chisha said: "Aren't you afraid that I will assassinate you?"
Ye Tianling said: "Since I use you, I don't think about it."
Before Mu Chinsha could answer, Wei Changzheng took a step forward and hurriedly said, "Your Highness..."
Ye Tianling raised his eyes and glanced away, but he didn't continue speaking. The guards of the palace have always been responsible for the safety of King Ling and his concubine. They have heavy responsibilities, and it is inconvenient to appoint someone who is not extremely trustworthy. As an enemy general, Mu Chisha would have disastrous consequences if he really wanted to assassinate him. Wei Changzheng looked at Qing Chen anxiously, wanting to ask her to dissuade Ye Tianling, but Qing Chen smiled, shook his head slightly, and signaled him to stay calm.
Mu Chisha is a well-known general, and if he wants to use him, he can only be recruited in this way. Since he cherishes this talent, how can she obstruct him? If he wants to save, she will save, if he wants to take risks, she will accompany him to take risks. It was this magnanimity, the trust of life and death, the fearlessness of jokes, and the domineering calmness. She looked at Ye Tianling and smiled slowly.
Finally, after a long silence, Mu Chisha said, "Now I know why Khan was defeated by you."
Ye Tianling smiled proudly, his gaze had already seen him clearly: "I will give you three days to think about it, and after three days, you can choose to stay or stay."
Mu Chin Sha asked, "Aren't you going to kill me?"
Ye Tianling said: "I don't have the habit of killing indiscriminately."
After Mu Chisha pondered, he raised his head and said, "I drank blood wine with the Khan, and I am only loyal to the Khan in life and death. Although I admire you, you are the enemy of the Khan and the Turks. If you don't kill me today, In the future, I will not be able to seek revenge on you, but I will never surrender to you! Even if you repent and want to kill me now, I will still say the same!"
Ye Tianling laughed loudly and said, "Good man! How can I, Ye Tianling, be a man who doesn't keep his word? Long March, give him a horse and send him out of the camp. No one should make things difficult for him."
Wei Changzheng heaved a sigh of relief, and responded loudly. When Mu Chinsha exited, he took a few steps, then turned around suddenly and stroked his chest with his hands, and gave Ye Tianling a very honorable Turkic salute before leaving.
Wei Changzheng walked to the atrium, and there was a guard leading him hurriedly forward: "Commander Wei, urgent report from Tiandu 800 Li!"
Seeing that it was an urgent report, Wei Changzheng didn't dare to neglect it, and then saw that the messenger's clothes came from the palace, so he greeted each other and immediately reported it on his behalf.
The courier came in to deliver the urgent report. Qing Chen felt a little uneasy when he saw the urgent report in Baishu, but Ye Tianling opened it and looked at it, his expression changed suddenly, and he stood up suddenly.
It was rare to see him lose his composure like this, Qing Chen was really taken aback, and hurriedly asked, "Fourth brother?"
The snow-like thin paper slipped from Ye Tianling's hands, and she looked down and saw only four words—Concubine Lian's death.