Nirvana In Fire

Chapter 12: test

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As soon as I arrived at the front door of the mansion, the sedan chair was dropped, and a servant saw it long ago, and turned over and went in to report. After a while, Xie Bi hurriedly came out, and as soon as they met, he said loudly, "Why did you guys come back? It's been a long time since someone wanted to see you!"

Hearing Xie Bi's complaint, Xiao Jingrui of course immediately asked, "Who wants to see us?" But Mei Changsu froze, a look of hesitation flashed across his brows, but that was only a momentary flash, and then Calm was restored.

Xie Bi looked up and down the clothes of the two of them, and said anxiously: "It's alright, you don't need to change clothes, come in with me quickly, it's the empress, mother, and the chief of Nihuang County to see you."

Xiao Jingrui was suddenly stunned. The three women mentioned by Xie Bi can be said to be the three most honorable and powerful women in the Daliang Kingdom at present. Needless to say, the Empress is in charge of the six palaces, the mother is in the world, the Princess Liyang is the younger sister of the Son of Heaven, the wife of the Marquis of Ningguo, and the Princess Nihuang, although her status is slightly lower, but she holds a hundred thousand southern iron cavalry. It's not easy for these three people to meet the last one, let alone waiting here. Meeting them together is a special experience that no one has ever received before.

"Why are you in a daze?" Xie Bi stabbed his brother, "If you don't want to go in, forget it, anyway, they mainly want to see Brother Su."

"What do you say," Xiao Jingrui stared at Xie Bi unhappily, "It's not because you talked out about the fight between Fei Liu and Commander Meng that they became curious. You forgot who Brother Su is? He came to recuperate, not to entertain, but now that he is in the limelight, can he still be quiet?"

Being blamed like this, Xie Bi was also a little embarrassed, and apologized embarrassingly: "It's true that I was careless. When I was with my mother, I talked about it and said it. Brother Su, please forgive me."

"Where," Mei Changsu said indifferently, "Xie Er Gongzi introduced me to the distinguished person, and I should be grateful. Maybe when I see you later, the Empress will reward me with some treasures for His Royal Highness Prince Yu. ."

Xie Bi was startled when he heard this. He looked up and saw that although Mei Changsu had a smile on his lips, there was no smile in his eyes. He knew that this little calculus of his own had been seen through by the wise leader of the Jiang Zuo League. , couldn't help but look embarrassed, and quickly turned his head to think about how to explain.

Before Xiao Jingrui became an adult, he could only be in the capital for half a year, and as an adult, he was all over the world and never got involved in political affairs. But despite this, he still has the identity of the prince of the Houfu after all, and he still knows the general situation of the court. Hearing Mei Changsu say such a sentence at this time, Xie Bi had the same expression again. After thinking for a while, he understood the reason. He was furious in his heart. Bi said loudly, "Go back to your mother and mother. Brother Su is unwell and can't come to see you."

"What are you doing, eldest brother?" Xie Bi anxiously wanted to push him away, "Don't make any more trouble, are there ordinary people waiting in the main hall? See you if you want to see it, or see it if you don't want to see it?"

As soon as Xiao Jingrui gritted his teeth, he turned his left palm up, grabbed Xie Bi's arm, and with a little force, pinned him on the spot and couldn't move, while staring into his eyes with a very serious tone: "I want mother and Nihuang County. The Lord is just curious, the one who really wants to see Brother Su is the Empress, right? So I repeat, please report back to the Empress, Brother Su is ill and doesn't want to lose his honor before driving, please forgive her."

Xie Bi struggled a few times, but couldn't break the grip of Xiao Jingrui's palm. Although he always called "brother, brother", and he did have a deep and real brotherhood with Xiao Jingrui, but from the bottom of his heart, he did not really respect and treat Xiao Jingrui as a brother. On the other hand, Xiao Jingrui is gentle and docile by nature. He has been humble to his brothers and sisters since he was a child. He has never acted like a brother. He had never spoken harshly before, and today his sudden attitude was so tough, of course Xie Bi was surprised and very unaccustomed to it.

"Forget about Jingrui, I'll..." Mei Changsu stepped forward and said a few words in a helpless tone, but Xiao Jingrui dismissed him without turning his head: "No! This is absolutely not possible!"

"Big Brother!!"

"When you invited Brother Su to come to Jinling, I don't care what your plans were. I only know that I invited him here to recuperate, and the external disturbances have nothing to do with him." Xiao Jingrui's eyes were firm and he didn't give in, "King Yu also has nothing to do with him. Well, even the prince, what kind of position do you want to choose, who do you prefer, that is your own business, father doesn't care about you, I don't care. But Brother Su is an outsider, even if he holds the world's largest gang, He is a dependable wizard, and you can't just ask him out of words without asking him what he means, and play some small tricks to force him to get involved in the dispute. Even if Brother Su is just a stranger, this kind of behavior of yours is contrary to what a person should be. The character, not to mention the fact that we get along this way, we should have some feelings anyway, right?"

Xie Bi had never seen Xiao Jingrui speak so sternly, not to mention that he was rational, so his aura was naturally a little lower, and he murmured in defense: "It's just to see the empress, and I don't have to decide anything..."

"Just to meet?" Xiao Jingrui sneered, "If it weren't for Brother Su's talent and his status as the suzerain of the Jiangzuo League, what would the empress do to see him for no reason? How should Brother Su react? If the maiden has an extraordinary and valuable reward, will you let Brother Su accept it or not? You have no reason to put him in a difficult position without the consent of Brother Su. This is not a friend at all. ?"

Being reprimanded so harshly by him, Xie Bi couldn't hang on his face. Seeing his description, Xiao Jingrui was a little soft-hearted, and said slowly, "Second brother, the family has always depended on you to take care of it, and I seldom help you. This is what I'm sorry for. I know that everything you do is to consolidate the glory and lintel of the Xie family. But no matter what, we can't treat our friends like this. If Yujin finds out about what happened today, he will scold you. Now I will accompany Brother Su back. Xuelu, as for the Empress... I think with your wit, you should be able to get past it." After that, he turned around and pulled Mei Changsu, and left without turning his head. Xie Bi stood there for a while, and finally sighed, but didn't dare to chase after him.

After returning to the Xuelu, Mei Changsu still sat down on the bench under the tree where he was used to sitting. Xiao Jingrui poured him hot tea himself, moved a wooden bench beside him, and sat with him silently for a long time before he finally settled down. He said softly, "I'm sorry..."

Mei Changsu's eyes moved slightly and landed on Xiao Jingrui's face. At this moment, this young man with dual identities regained his usual gentle and elegant feeling, his expression was soft, his eyes were clear, and the intensity and firmness he had just lost was completely gone, but Mei Changsu looked at him, but he couldn't calm down the shock he felt just now. .

I thought I already knew him and saw him through, but I never thought that this simple and kind child could still surprise him.

Although it is not what I want to see the queen now, but if I see it, it may not be impossible to cope. But when Xiao Jingrui was behind him, listening to him spare no effort to protect himself, he couldn't help feeling a little moved.

For friendship, for human character, the young man had his own simple and unchangeable principles. If all the people in the world were like him, the world might be a lot better.

It's a pity that too many people can't do this, including themselves...

"Brother Su, please don't be angry with Xie Bi... In fact, he is not malicious, he just always supports King Yu, and admires your talent too much," Xiao Jingrui couldn't figure out the meaning of Mei Changsu's expression, and was a little uneasy. Originally, you came to Jinling to stay away from the disputes between the rivers and lakes, but now you are in such trouble..."

Mei Changsu smiled slightly, as if a clear spring was flowing through the mountains and rocks in the forest, making people feel a sense of tranquility and serenity, and the impetuousness in his heart immediately disappeared. He reached out and patted Xiao Jingrui's knee, and said in a low voice, "It's impossible to be angry... I know that everyone has their own reasons for doing anything, and Xie Bi is the same. It's just that everyone thinks too much about themselves, there are many people in the world. Trouble arises because of this. Whether it is rivers or lakes, or the court, why is there any difference? Beiyan Dayu wants to win the sword, light, sword and shadow of the heir, how can we be an exception?"

"Before you came to Jinling, you said you wanted to hide your identity," Xiao Jingrui lowered his head, looking very depressed, "I promised you, but I couldn't do it..."

"How can you blame you? I forgot to tell Fei Liu to be careful..."

Xiao Jingrui shook his head and said sternly: "Brother Su don't have to pretend not to see the truth in order to make me feel better. After today's incident, we should all understand that even if Fei Liu didn't meet Commander Meng yesterday, Xie Bi would still take Brother Su. I told King Yu about his identity. It's just that after Jingning's shouting at the restaurant, I'm afraid not only King Yu, but even His Royal Highness the Prince knew that a person like Brother Su came to Jinling..."

"Why don't we escape from the capital overnight?" Mei Changsu made a joke in order to relax the atmosphere, "Jing Rui, you can't just stand by at this time, you have to accompany me to escape..."

"Brother Su!!" Xiao Jingrui cried out in tears.

"Okay, don't worry," Mei Changsu patted his vest with a smile, "if you come, you will be safe, there must be a way to the mountain. Now they are all trying their best to recruit talents, since they have unfortunately been favored by them. If I run away back to Jiang Zuo, I will only bring back the troubles. People in the alliance scolded me for causing trouble. It is better to stay in the capital and watch the excitement. After they observe for a while, they will naturally find me In fact, he is a useless scholar. Even if I want to come forward, people will not bother to ask for it. "Although Xiao Jingrui knew that it was impossible to be so simple, he couldn't help being amused, and the depression in his heart also followed. One swept away.

Fortunately, the refusal of the audience did not cause any disturbance in the end. The Empress and Princess Nihuang quietly drove away. It seemed that Xie Bi's skills were indeed extraordinary. The dinner scene that night was also very calm. Marquis Ning Guo and Princess Liyang didn't mention anything about the guests of Xuelu. Xie Bi was even more sullen, and went back to the room after eating only half a bowl of rice. Xiao Jingrui then went to visit him, he didn't get angry with his brother, just asked Xiao Jingrui to apologize to Brother Su for him, and then went to bed early because he was not feeling well.

The next day, Yan Yujin came to find everyone to play with, but was surprised to find that everyone seemed to have no energy. He suddenly wondered if he had missed something big and didn't see it, and immediately caught Xiao Jingrui and asked him to interrogate him. , but after tossing for a long time, I didn't ask anything. Fortunately, he finally remembered that tomorrow was the first day of the Nihuang County Master's Son-in-law Selection Conference. He must recharge his batteries and sprint toward the goal of entering the Langya Masters List. Only then did he stop torturing his friends and return sullenly. The government went to rest.

Outside the Zhuque Gate of Jinling Palace City, there is a towering building of royal regulations and Zhuliangliu tiles, named "Yingfeng". The ceremony of congratulations to the people is held here. Although the princess of Nihuang is not a clan, but her power is very powerful, her prestige is shining, and the special courtesy she has received in the Daliang court has always been better than that of the princess. This time, the location of her husband-in-law meeting was naturally set at Yingfeng Tower.

A month ago, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Industry to send staff to build a platform on the huge square in front of Yingfeng Tower. Sitting outside the shed, there are civilians who have been verified and allowed to come in and watch from a distance. And ordinary people, of course, were blocked from the defense and missed the event. They could only listen to the news from a distance and chat to relieve their boredom.

Although there are only a small number of people who can witness the whole picture of the conference with their own eyes, the importance of this event is self-evident. It can even be said that the attention of the whole world has now all turned to the platform outside the Vermillion Bird Gate. , waiting for the most thrilling competition that is about to begin.

And the winner among them will get the most difficult to conquer but also the best woman in the world.

With the status of the Marquis of Ningguo, it was naturally a guest in the Jin Peng. It was originally an appointment with everyone to watch this big event, but due to the frequent turmoil in the past two days, Xiao Jingrui was a little unsure whether he should still bring it with him. When Mei Changsu appeared in such a public place, he hesitated for a while. However, regarding his troubles, the client, Mei Changsu, didn't care at all. He neither said that he was going, nor that he would not go. Instead, he watched Xiao Jingrui pacing back and forth as if he were watching a play, frowning in contemplation. Thinking about it, while happily teasing Fei Liu.

"Fei Liu, do you want to learn how to make Brother Lin Chen laugh with just a single shot?"

"Want to learn!"

"What did you learn to do?"

"Shoot him!"

"But if Feiliu wants to learn, he must answer a question, and he can learn only if he answers correctly."

"ask!"

"Put up a very long bamboo pole with a hat hanging on the top of the pole. If you don't break the bamboo pole, you can't put it down. How can we Feiliu take off the hat?"

"Jump up and take it!"

"But the bamboo pole is very long..."

"Fei Liu jumps high!"

"But the bamboo poles are so long that even Fei Liu can't jump that high..."

"Jump twice!"

"If Fei Liu can't jump, how can I get it?"

"Climb up!"

"But if you climb, the bamboo pole will fall."

"Pin it to the ground!"

"What if Feiliu doesn't know martial arts and can't nail it?"

"Gale!"

"Let the wind blow it down?"

"Yes!"

"What if there was no strong wind?"

"Wait!"

"What if you wait and wait and the wind never blows?"

"Shave!"

"You mean, it's going to be windy one day, right?"

"right!"

"Oh, we Fei Liu are really smart!" Mei Changsu raised his hand happily, Fei Liu immediately squatted down beside him, leaned over and let him gently pat his face, although his expression was still as cold as ice, His eyes were full of love.

Xiao Jingrui looked at the two of them, and felt that he was sweating profusely, and his whole body was weak.

"We are too noisy, are you bothering to think about the problem?" Mei Changsu asked with a smile.

"… "

"Fei Liu," Mei Changsu rubbed Fei Liu's face twice, "Let's speak in a low voice, Brother Jing Rui is thinking about something..."

"Brother Su..."

"What are you thinking about, it's so late and you're still not going out!" With this complaint, of course, it was the uncle Yan Yujin, who was wearing a new lotus-colored dress today, with a silver ring on his head. Looking very handsome and handsome, standing at the door of Xuelu, he shouted confidently, "Let's go quickly, in half an hour, even the emperor will drive from Zhenggan Hall, what are you talking about?"

Xiao Jingrui sighed: "I was wondering if I should go today?"

"Of course we're going! Although it's not our turn to play today, we've signed up anyway, so let's observe the situation of our opponents in the future."

"I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about Brother Su..."

"Brother Su will go even more. If you don't take Brother Su to see such a big event, why would you let him play in the capital?"

"You don't know..." Xiao Jingrui still had a heavy expression on his face, and recounted yesterday's troubles. "In this case, all the important people are there. When Brother Su goes, who knows what will happen?"

Yan Yujin tilted his head and thought for a moment, then laughed loudly: "That's why we should go. If Brother Su is allowed to stay in the snow hut, there is no guarantee that the Crown Prince and Prince Yu will not come to visit under excuses, and who will come first then? , who said what was given and what was given, that's why the explanation is not clear. Today in the public, I just asked Brother Su to get to know all the people he should know. He took the opportunity to express his attitude of not being invited, so that it is impossible to say who will come first. Now, it will be cheaper in the future.”

Mei Changsu stopped tidying Fei Liu's hairband, and looked up at Yan Yujin with admiration. This young master is a person who does not like strategy, but he can always see the essence in a straight line, and he can't help but say that he is talented.

"What you said also makes sense." Xiao Jingrui didn't like to think about these tricks. Today, I only thought about it all morning for Mei Changsu, and my head has been thinking about it for a long time. Yan Yujin's words immediately persuaded him. Suddenly a lot easier, "If Brother Su has nothing to prepare, let's go?"

"No need," Mei Changsu stood up holding Fei Liu's hand, "Me and Fei Liu are not going to beg for marriage. What are you going to wear? Let's go. Xie Bi should be tired waiting outside the hospital."

"Huh? How did you know that Xie Bi was outside the hospital? I didn't say it just now, did I?" Yan Yujin was very surprised.

"Guess." Mei Changsu smiled succinctly. He walked out of the snow hut first, and Xie Bi was waiting under an old willow tree outside the courtyard gate. Seeing them come out, he rushed forward to meet them.

"Brother Su, it was me yesterday..."

"Why do you need to say more?" Mei Changsu's smile was light and soft, without any hint of sullenness, "I don't mind, so don't take it to heart."

The two looked at each other and smiled, but they didn't say much. On the one hand, Xiao Jingrui has a deep brotherhood, and on the other hand, he respects and loves Mei Changsu. At this time, seeing that their grudges have disappeared, it seems that the sky is cloudy and they are back to the harmonious atmosphere he hoped for. smile. Mei Changsu saw it in his eyes, although his face did not reveal it, he secretly sighed in his heart.

After arriving at Suzaku Gate by carriage, it was already crowded with people. Almost all the high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the city have come out of their nests. At one time, three relatives and four friends, superiors and subordinates, greeted each other in a chaotic manner, as if they were in the market. The group guarded Mei Changsu in the middle, and kept saying hello all the way until they entered the cotton shed area.

The sheds of the Yan family and the Xie family were not in the same place, but since Marquis Ningguo and Princess Liyang were both on the Yingfeng Tower, Yan Yujin sat down directly and said that they were huddled with everyone. Fei Liu didn't appear and disappear today, but was always close to Mei Changsu's side, staring at everyone who approached intentionally or unintentionally. His cold temperament even made the three noble sons next to him feel a little worried. Chills.

Thanks to the gift from Princess Jingning yesterday, at least most of the Jinpeng-level characters have heard about the amazing action of a young guard, so the eyes of curiosity and inquiry have not stopped along the way, but they are afraid of Feiliu's sinister evil spirit. , No one has dared to come over to disturb him directly.

Nearly noon, the bell suddenly rang in Yingfeng Upstairs, nine long and five short, announcing the arrival of the emperor's car, and the downstairs suddenly became solemn and silent, except for the high-pitched voice of the ceremonial official, directing everyone to worship. .

Looking up from the circle of the Jin Peng, I can see the canopy of the palace fan and the bead crown and the brocade robe in the railing of the Yingfeng Building. Except that the emperor must be sitting in the main building from the position, it is basically impossible to distinguish anyone. s face. However, for those people upstairs, the situation is naturally different. They are looking down and looking down, and everything within their field of vision can be clearly seen.

At this time, the ceremonial official had led the top fifty people who were scheduled to compete today on the platform to pay homage to the emperor. They signed up one by one and then went down. They were matched according to the order determined by the lottery, and the competition officially began.

As the suzerain of the largest gang in the world, Mei Changsu had difficulty in cultivating martial arts due to physical reasons, but he was very knowledgeable about martial arts of various schools and sects. The three young people in the same shed asked questions from time to time, and he patiently answered them one by one. Although the competition on the stage has not yet reached the level of excitement, the atmosphere in the shed is very lively.

The first three matches had just ended, and the visitors who knew there would be no shortage of visitors finally came first.

But to everyone's surprise, this visitor was something they hadn't even thought of at first.