Xie Yun finally got up and walked along the long row of holding plates.
The belongings bestowed by the imperial court are basically the same plate. Shan Chao estimated that considering the size of Xie Mansion Flower Hall, he randomly piled up gold and jewelry, so that each plate was resplendent and towering into the sky.
However, at this moment, Xie Yun's face was whiter than that pile of huge pearls, and he couldn't even reflect the brilliance of the three boxes full of pigeon blood stones; Then he stopped and stood in front of the leader holding the plate.
On the plate was a dazzling coral mountain. Xie Yun stared at the coral and said word by word: "...Did you general forget to take medicine today?"
"Thank you, thank you Commander for your concern!" Chen Er, the butler, burst into tears of gratitude: "It's just that the general is very healthy, and he doesn't need to take medicine for the time being. Please rest assured, Commander!"
Xie Yun grabbed something hanging on the coral mountain, and smashed it on the ground: "Take it all back for me!"
Steward Chen Er was like a fat rabbit that had been pulled off its strings. He rushed up and grabbed Xie Yun's hand in an instant: "Commander! The imperial gift must not be damaged lightly, Commander must be merciful!"
All the people in the hall changed their colors, seeing that Xie Yun was stopped by him so desperately, his movements slowed down, the thing was quickly taken down by Chen Er butler, and put back into the holding plate with great care.
Yang Miaorong took a closer look and saw that it turned out to be a small glass bottle.
Although glass bottles are expensive, they are not uncommon, and they are even more bleak on the priceless Coral Mountain. What surprised her was that there was actually a bouquet of flowers in that glass bottle, with white petals, green leaves and bicolor stamens. Although it had been air-dried, it could still be seen to be delicate and small.
"Since you haven't taken the medicine, go back and take it!" Xie Yun said angrily, "Get lost!"
Steward Chen Er didn't dare to do anything wrong in the Imperial Army Commander's Mansion after eating a leopard's guts, so he could only make apology with a bitter face, kept laughing, nodded and bowed his head, and led him away.
A group of servants hurriedly exited the flower hall on tiptoe. The housekeeper of Xie's mansion was hesitating whether to give it away, but Xie Yun gritted his teeth and said, "Close the door and thank you! If anyone comes from General Zhongwu's mansion, I will drive them out!"
The butler thought that he was at least the hottest upstart in the capital, so is it really okay to slap him in the face so unscrupulously? But no one dared to disobey Xie Yun's will when he was furious, so he hesitated and said: "Yes... yes, the younger one must, must do it..."
Xie Yun was still angry, and he didn't even need breakfast, and walked away directly.
Yang Miaorong watched his back and went straight out the door, suddenly a strange feeling rose in her heart.
Xie Yun's hand strength...is it that soft
If Xie Yun was really angry and smashed it, Chen Er Butler couldn't stop it even with all his strength. How did he take the glass bottle out of the hands of the commander of the imperial army
"Miss Yang, Miss Yang?" Yang Miaorong came back to her senses, and saw the butler standing beside her with a sad face, and asked in a low voice: "Do you think you need to go to General Zhongwu's mansion to say hello? He just came here and was chased away …”
"No need." Yang Miaorong sighed and said, "Just listen to Commander Xie for now."
·
If Jin Xin was still in charge, she would not have made such a suggestion at all, but at the moment the whole house felt that what the housekeeper said was right, even Yang Miaorong thought so.
She intuitively felt that Xie Yun's attitude towards this apprentice who was brought up with his own hands was very subtle. On the surface, it seems quite disgusting, but not completely disgusting; it seems that there is a deep fear under his incomprehensible words and deeds.
But this is just too incomprehensible.
General Zhongwu is rising at a speed visible to the naked eye to become a new star on the pinnacle of imperial power. What is even more rare is that his attitude towards Xie Yun is still very respectful, obedient, and even flattering.
Xie Yun has been with him in the desert for many years. It stands to reason that this is the moment when political speculation bears fruit. Why would he slap someone in the face so hard in public
Yang Miaorong originally planned to wait for Xie Yun to calm down before going to discuss with him, but Xie Yun didn't give anyone such an opportunity, and went out to Beiya directly after lunch.
Yang Miaorong could only read books in the mansion bored until it was getting dark and candles were lit everywhere in the mansion. It was almost time for dinner when the butler came in a hurry, his face almost wrinkled into a ball: "Miss Yang, it's not good, there's someone from General Zhongwu's house again!"
"Didn't the commander say that you would not see us behind closed doors? Just do as he said."
The butler shook his head again and again, with an expression as if he had eaten Huang Lian, Yang Miaorong asked in surprise, "What?"
Immediately afterwards, she finally ushered in the second bolt from the blue today:
"No, can't, this time it's General Zhongwu himself..."
Yang Miaorong rushed out of the main hall, only to see a stern and tall figure of a man facing her back in the dark sky, turning his head and smiling slightly.
At that moment, the bluestone slabs were dark, and the lantern at the end of the long street was raised; the man's handsome face was slightly weathered, and his eyes were like cold stars under his sword eyebrows, which was unforgettable.
"Miss Yang," Shan Chao said with a smile, "I heard that Master got angry today, and Shan was very disturbed, so I came here to make amends, please forgive me."
Yang Miaorong couldn't help being stunned, and saw that Shan Chao lowered his head very gracefully, forming a very sincere and cultivated arc from his broad shoulders to his back and long legs.
"...General Zhongwu is too courteous." Yang Miaorong had no choice but to step back half a step and said, "my husband has not come back, so you should come in first and sit for a while."
·
In the flower hall of Xie Mansion, the bead curtains separated the rooms, the silver bricks paved with red pots, the maid bowed her head and served tea, Yang Miaorong ordered: "Please send someone to Beiya to inform the commander, and tell him that General Zhongwu is here."
The maid Rou claimed yes, and withdrew.
Shan Chao looked around, and saw not far away was a black rosewood multi-treasure pavilion, with fine brushwork flowers and birds hanging on the wall, and a huge enamel bonsai planted with jade and peach branches in the corner, and the light and fragrant soothing incense slowly drifting away. .
Although it is mid-winter outside, the flower hall is as warm as spring, and there are five-colored plum blossoms in a mutton jade vase by the window lattice; Shan Chao's gaze paused for a moment, and he smiled and said, "Master still likes to play with flowers and birds as before."
Yang Miaorong apologized slightly: "My husband just woke up from a hangover today, so he was in a bad mood, and drove back all the servants sent by the general's mansion..."
"It's okay, I made a mistake. Later, the steward told me that the imperial gift should not be given away easily, and it is only natural for the master to be angry." Shan Chao cupped his hands in embarrassment, "I'm not afraid of Miss Yang's jokes, Growing up in Mobei, I don't understand these etiquette rules at all, I'm really making a fool of myself."
He didn't even let Yang Miaorong bother to find an excuse, he took the initiative to find a reason for Xie Yun's rage and gaffe, and You Qi's words were appropriate and perfect, which even made Yang Miaorong startled: "Um - the general bothered..."
"Commander Xie has treated me with such kindness as a mountain, which is what should be done."
The two looked at each other for a moment, and Shan Chao sat upright, chic and neat, with frankness and neatness between his brows that made people feel good.
Yang Miaorong couldn't help looking away, picked up the tea and took a sip: "I know my husband stayed in Mobei for a few years, he must have been with the general, and the general was still very young at that time?"
She had actually heard Xie Yun talk about those things in the past, but now she was just looking for something to say. Shan Chao didn't seem to notice it, and sighed with a smile: "Yes. Back then, I was a small Turkic slave, and I was tortured for disobedience. If Commander Xie hadn't paid me to redeem me, I would have died a long time ago. I have died eighteen times. Later, Commander Xie and I grew up in Mobei, practicing martial arts, studying, hunting, and going to the market with him every day... I beat foxes for salt, dug wells in the desert, scooped water, and wild vegetables, several times. When I encountered a black storm, Commander Xie led me to escape. Although life was poor at that time, when I think about it now, I have a very happy life."
Shan Chao frowned and sighed.
— It is really good to have a handsome and tough face. Just a little gesture can make a woman feel affectionately.
This loyal general is a rare figure who can not forget his old kindness once he is rich and honored. Thinking of this, Yang Miaorong's tone became more gentle: "I only know that my husband was once exiled in Mobei, but I don't know that there are so many other things."
Shan Chao laughed and glanced at Yang Miaorong.
"What is the general looking at?"
"Look at Mistress."
Yang Miaorong's face turned red.
"Actually, when I saw Miss Yang for the first time yesterday, I didn't think it was amazing, and I even felt a little disappointed." Shan Chao sighed and shook his head, and sighed: "When I was young, I felt that Master was perfect and omnipotent. Only a beautiful woman is worthy; so yesterday outside the Changle Palace, I thought, why did the master find this girl, why is she not worthy of a princess?"
"But after a short meeting with Ms. Yang today, I realized that yesterday's idea was extremely wrong. Ms. Yang is a sweetheart, gentle and courteous, which is by no means comparable to vulgar fans. I am too superficial." Shan Chao got up and hugged her She clasped her fists together and bent down full of apology: "Miss Yang, please forgive me for my previous disrespect..."
"Hey, what is the general doing!" Yang Miaorong immediately got up and helped Shan Chao up: "I can't be such a big gift as a general!"
Shan Chao was helped up, and the two looked at each other for a moment, then both laughed.
—Shan Chao’s exploration was very bold, but because of this, the strange atmosphere that was originally strange because of the strangeness was broken, and an inexplicable sense of familiarity gradually rose. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, the butler came to invite dinner, Shan Chao got up immediately to say goodbye, but how could Yang Miaorong see off the guests at the meal time? So he begged to stay for dinner, Shan Chao declined a few more words, and agreed logically.
This is actually a very strange scene - the servants of Shan Chao's mansion were driven away in the morning, Xie Yun was furious, and ordered to close the door to refuse guests, it was like a slap in the face of General Zhongwu's mansion; I stayed for dinner at Xie's mansion, and even laughed at Yan Yan, and treated him as a guest of honour, as if nothing had happened.
No one realized there was anything wrong with it.
No one noticed that the rhythm of this confrontation had gradually been controlled by this handsome, sincere and polite man.
·
The dinner is served in the backyard, and it takes half a detour around Xie's mansion from the flower hall. The two chatted all the way through the garden, Shan Chao's words were decent and self-cultivated, and he also had a lot of interesting stories outside the Western Regions, which made Yang Miaorong cover her mouth and laugh, only to feel that among all the people she had met after coming out of her hometown, Shan Chao The super excellent level can be ranked in the top three.
"Tubo is good at forming formations. Before the battle, the cavalry dismounted, and each of them wore heavy armor to form a large formation of iron chains. Ordinary swords could not penetrate at all. One year I thought of a way. I poured kerosene on the tail of the ox and lit it to the Tubo One rush in the army... "
Yang Miaorong was listening interestingly, suddenly saw that Shan Chao seemed to have caught a glimpse of something, and his voice suddenly paused.
She looked curiously, but only saw the small white jade hot spring in Xie Mansion still steaming amidst the flowers and trees, reflected in Shan Chao's disappointed eyes.
"What's wrong, General?"
Shan Chao closed his eyes.
At that moment, there seemed to be a trace of pain on his always handsome face, but when he opened his eyes again, he instantly recovered his gentleness and calmness: "I remember that year when I returned to Chang'an, I presented the Longyuan Sword at the gate to ask for an audience, Commander So someone took me in... When I walked to the hot spring, I saw the commander soaking in it. Eight years passed in a flash."
He looked around, only to see streams, rockery, still flowers and trees, and a corner of carved glazed tiles exposed among the plum trees in the study not far away.
"Nothing has changed in Xie's mansion, even Master looks the same young, I'm the only one who has changed."
The sigh was sad and long, Yang Miaorong couldn't help but move slightly, and subconsciously blurted out: "Your master actually still cares about you very much, why is there such a conflict now?"
"Because of the prince," Shan Chao said.
Yang Miaorong immediately froze.
Shan Chao didn't seem to notice the obvious change in her face, and walked forward while smiling: "Master has been following Tianhou for many years, and has already had an extraordinary friendship, but in the eyes of outsiders, I am standing next to the prince. On the other side. Although the master has strictly ordered me to keep a distance from the East Palace several times, if I really do that, who will be able to defend the master in front of the new prince after the crown prince ascends the throne? So there have been many misunderstandings over the years, and gradually It has become a situation full of contradictions today."
Yang Miaorong said shyly: "I also think the prince... is not a bad person..."
The prince is not a bad person, so which one is the bad one
No one has announced the answer.
They stepped into the backyard building side by side. There was already a table full of dishes on the table, and there were two bowls full of green japonica rice exuding a warm aroma.
"The prince is benevolent, kind and courteous. He is indeed a good man. But the forces in the capital are complicated. Miss Yang must not persuade Commander Xie to change course because of this. Otherwise, it will affect the whole body, and the Imperial Army Commander's Mansion may be in jeopardy."
Yang Miaorong paused with her chopsticks, and saw Shan Chao sitting opposite her, picking fishbone carefully, and said softly: "Now the Holy Majesty wants to take the Zen position, and the empress's reaction is getting more and more intense. The situation in Chang'an is at its most tense. Master is my master." The only family member in this life, in the past and in the future, no matter what happens to the prince, I will do my best to protect the safety of Master."
Yang Miaorong was not really moved until this time, she was speechless for a moment, and only after a while did she yell in a low voice: "General Zhongwu..."
"Come, eat a piece of fish."
Shan Chao put a piece of snow-white and plump steamed Jiaji fish in front of her, Yang Miaorong took a closer look, only to find that Shan Chao put a small jade bowl in front of her, soaking all the boneless meat in the soup Put the juice in it, and he couldn't help but said in amazement: "What are you doing? Just let the servant pick the thorns!"
"Commander Xie likes to eat fish," Shan Chao said softly, "The servants can't pick the thorns cleanly, for fear of hurting the mouth, let me do it."
Yang Miaorong froze on her seat.
At this moment, the maid came in through the curtain, and she was full of blessings: "Miss Yang, Commander Xie is back!"
Xie Yun threw the snow-white fox fur cloak wrapped around his body to the steward, and strode in. His robes and sleeves were curled up in the wind and snow, his handsome face was still tinged with frost, his eyes were cold and clear, and he stared straight at Shan Chao, but he said to the butler: "Didn't I say , People from General Zhongwu’s mansion, are they all going to be driven out?!”
"Xie Yun!" Yang Miaorong immediately got up and shouted, her voice was full of reproaches: "General Shan is my distinguished guest, why not come to pay a visit?!"
Standing in front of the dining table, Xie Yun's pupils were tightly pressed into lines, his brows were black and slender, the corners of his eyes were curved, and his facial features were impeccable, like a glass statue taut with anger.
Shan Chao put down his chopsticks slowly and stood up, raised his eyebrows at him, approached him slightly and smiled, "Master, you are back."