As Mei Changsu said, in just one day, the news of the concubine Yuegui being deposed and the prince being punished behind closed doors and thinking about it spread throughout the court and the opposition. Because the language used by the Zhongshu Province in announcing this incident was too vague, with only the words "violating the holy will and being disrespectful to the servants", it caused rumors to spread, and all kinds of bizarre speculations came out one after another, which fully reflected people's imagination. The power can really expand infinitely.
Some people say that a concubine, the emperor's new favorite, was killed by the imperial concubine for no reason; some people say that the imperial concubine interfered with the prince's handling of court affairs with a lot of words, and thus annoyed Shengyan; The queen caught it; some people even said that it was because the new puppy raised by the imperial concubine had bitten the emperor's dragon claw without being trained...
The more people who have nothing to do with this matter and don't know anything, the more they secretly discuss conjectures behind their backs with great enthusiasm, but those who are involved or know something about the rumors are silent and don't say a word. a word. Because Xiao Jingrui and Yan Yujin witnessed Mei Changsu's arrangement in Wuying Hall at the time, they roughly guessed that the matter was related to Princess Nihuang, but they didn't know the exact process, but both of them were smart people with interest. , and did not follow up.
The so-called literary test the next day was never canceled or postponed due to this incident, but for both the candidates and the organizers, this huge son-in-law election meeting has completely turned into a chicken rib. Everyone couldn't fathom the confusing thoughts of Princess Nihuang. If she had no intention of choosing her son-in-law in this way from the beginning, she could have refused to allow the emperor to hold this selection; but if she really moved her daughter's heart, I hope she can choose the best among these young heroes. If she gets married, her attitude seems a little too cold. No matter in the early stage of the martial arts test, or after the ten candidates stood out, she did not know the character, temperament, strengths and weaknesses of these young people through any means, and it was completely irrelevant to herself. People took the initiative to tell her that she turned a deaf ear, but the other people in Mufu in Yunnan were full of energy.
But for all the candidates who have competed to this point, of course, there is no reason to give up easily. Maybe the princess is just a reserved daughter and does not want to reveal it. I am afraid that she will only be known to the final face-to-face confrontation. How is your mind. Therefore, although there were fewer people watching the quiz, the people who actually participated, except for Xiao Jingrui who made up the numbers, were still extremely serious.
Among this group of people with different minds, the Beiyan Mission was the one who took advantage of the good news and returned after the bad news. It is their pride and pride to have a Bailiqi with superb martial arts, and Bailiqi is indeed the only one of all the candidates who has the hope of defeating Princess Nihuang. Unexpectedly, when the water is full, it overflows, and a sick Su Zhe emerges from the sky. I don't know what kind of evil magic tricks he used, which made this master of hard skills lose inexplicably. If you lose, you will lose, and you will lose face. After adjusting your mood, the overall situation has not changed, but Bailiqi disappeared from the inn on the second day of the defeat. City search, did not find half a shadow, but let the officers and soldiers of Daliang see a joke in vain. The marriage proposal was not done well, and the person who brought it also lost one. I am afraid that this unfortunate ambassador will have some bitter fruit to eat after returning to China.
Of course, such a grand event will not be without beneficiaries. Some people didn't intend to get the flower of the high mountain in the end, and they can get through this platform, or get famous and show their faces, or win the opportunity to be appreciated by others. , but the person who made the most profit was obviously the Su Zhe who appeared out of nowhere.
This weak and sick young man who does not show the mountains and waters, first had a young guard who was very skilled in martial arts, so he was well appreciated and befriended by the commander, and then he trained the young boy to defeat the first person in the martial arts test with a fantasy method, showing his own. With super strength, he was full of brilliance when he presided over the county master's literary test, and his dazzling talent was praised by the saints. I heard that he was privately called by the imperial study in white clothes. I know what they talked about, but the generous rewards and the honorable title of the guest afterwards all showed that this is a legitimately popular newcomer, which must not be underestimated. Even some well-informed people have asserted that this Su Zhe is 100% early. As for the pre-determined county horse candidate, everyone else came to play with him.
After such rumors came out, it naturally caused quite a storm. Even if most of the people's purpose of running for election is not just for the position of the county horse, it is still not a happy thing to be dragged to play with them. For a time, the focus of the whole capital has fallen on this new talent. , if he hadn't lived in Ningguohou's mansion, where the door was strictly guarded, he would have been looked down upon long ago. But even so, there are still some noble children of extraordinary family background who keep visiting the door to see what this amazing Su Zhe looks like.
"Is the last person defeated by the county lord today?" Mei Changsu tightened the fur on his shoulders and let out a long sigh, "It's a pity that such a lively event didn't end in the end."
Xiao Jingrui stood in front of him, eyebrows knitted together. The longer I know this person, the more I feel like I can't see him clearly. If he is not good to his friends, he is obviously gentle, considerate and considerate, but if he is good to his friends, he always feels that the hot friendship is wasted, as if there is a layer of separation, and it does not reach at all. on his heart. That day, I couldn't help but lose my temper a little. Later, when I saw him, I felt a little bit cautious, and I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. I didn't expect that he was really just like what Yan Yujin said, and he didn't notice him at all. The displeasure is quite unpleasant.
This kind of helpless situation like swallowing water also appeared in other aspects, and his attitude towards the county master was actually the same. It was obvious that everything was on his mind and he interfered with each other, so that it became the focus of attention in the entire capital, but seriously, he really didn't seem to have any other ideas, and hoped that the county master could choose a good son-in-law. It doesn't seem to be false.
At this moment, a strange sound came from the other side of the flower path, as if someone had been thrown out. Xiao Jingrui glanced over there, shook his head and sighed. The location where the two of them are now is not the Xuelu where Mei Changsu lives, but an open pavilion very close to the atrium of Ningguo Mansion. A small scene standing on the edge of the road is not a suitable place to sit for a long time. Since there are too many people asking for a meeting for various reasons in the past few days, even if they refuse, they will keep finding new excuses to come back. Come and sit, embrace the fur around the fireplace, and read books leisurely. Whoever wanted to see him would be led by Xie Bi to take a look at him. After satisfying his curiosity, he would leave quickly, thus sending a lot of visitors away. However, there were always some people who were not satisfied with just seeing his face clearly, and tried every means to bypass Xie Bi's obstruction and have a close contact. But since Mei Changsu has a guard who can fight against Meng Zhi, of course he is not just playing around. Catching and throwing those who have invaded the warning range is one of Fei Liu's favorite games these days. It's a game, just try not to really hurt people.
"The number of people who came today should be almost the same. It's too cold here. Brother Su should go back to Xuelu." Xiao Jingrui couldn't help but persuade when Mei Changsu closed the collar of the fox fur again.
Mei Changsu shook his head slowly, smiled softly, and said something else entirely: "Jing Rui, is that child Tingsheng okay?"
"Huh?" Xiao Jingrui said curiously, "You only asked me to visit him in the morning, how do you know that I have already been there so soon?"
"The ochre-red sand on the soles of your shoes is unique to the martial arts training grounds of Prince Jing's Mansion. If you didn't go, where did you get it from?"
Since Mei Changsu often somehow knows things that others don't expect him to know, Xiao Jingrui is not surprised why he even recognizes the red sand in Prince Jing's mansion, but just raised his foot to look at it and said, "I originally I want to tell you slowly at night, Tingsheng looks very good. There is a big yard behind Jingwang's mansion, which originally housed the orphans of some fallen soldiers. Tingsheng lives there. There is a separate room. Master, eat well and sleep well, no one bullies him, you don't have to worry about it."
There was a hint of approval in Mei Changsu's eyes. Prince Jing was really smart, he didn't give Tingsheng any preferential treatment, and kept him hidden among the crowd in a low-key manner, and secretly trained him, which was indeed the best policy.
"This child Tingsheng is also a kind-hearted person. He also specifically asked me about your physical condition. I hope that one day I can come to teach you again. By the way, he also delivered a gift for me to bring..." Xiao Jingrui said from He took out a small bag in his arms and opened it to see that it was a small eagle carved out of tree roots. Although the carving method was rough, it was very simple and interesting.
Mei Changsu glanced at Xiao Jingrui's hand with a smile on his face, and said, "It's hard for him to have a heart. Fei Liu is on the ancient cypress over there, go and give it to him yourself."
"Huh?" Xiao Jingrui wondered again, "How do you know this gift is for Feiliu?"
"You can tell at a glance," Mei Changsu couldn't help laughing, "If he really wanted to give me a gift, he wouldn't choose this. Feiliu taught those children the footwork for two days, and Tingsheng liked him very much. I've seen them sit together and carve these little things."
"I really can't hide anything from you." Xiao Jingrui looked into his eyes and laughed. In fact, if you think about it carefully, since the day they met, Mei Changsu's attitude towards people and things hasn't changed much. Since others haven't changed, then his dissatisfaction is a unilateral coercion, how can he put the blame on others? Yan Yujin is right, he regards Brother Su as the most intimate mentor and friend in the world, that is because Brother Su has this qualification and ability. Conversely, if the current Xiao Jingrui does not have the strength, he can occupy the same place in Brother Su's heart. The important position is one's own problem, and it is really unfair to blame others for being cold and thin.
Thinking of this, the pimple in my heart could not help smoothing out a little better. I took a deep breath and felt that my chest was open. Brother Su's eyes with a soft smile were still as kind and gentle as before. Looking at the ancient cypress that Mei Changsu had just pointed to, Xiao Jingrui wrapped the tree-rooted eagle again, stretched out his figure, swept over, raised his head and shouted, "Fei Liu! Come down and see what this is?"
There was a handsome face between the cypress branches and leaves that looked completely normal, Fei Liu opened his eyes wide and looked down.
"Well, your little friend brought it..." Xiao Jingrui raised his hand and shook it.
"what?"
"Come down and see, come down and see." Because he was already familiar with it, Xiao Jingrui also began to tease this cute boy who looked cold and innocent like a child like a big brother.
"What?" Fei Liu was really amused, and asked again.
"Can't you come down? Then I'll take it..." Xiao Jingrui put the hand holding the bag behind his back, and gestured to leave.
In the next instant, Fei Liu's feet had already landed, and he turned his palms and hit him. Xiao Jingrui made a mistake and avoided it. At the same time, he twisted his waist and jumped up. When it comes to practicing martial arts, the moves must be taught by others, and the internal skills and proficiency must be cultivated by oneself, but when it comes to movement techniques, being able to be chased by a master of the master can definitely stimulate your potential. achieve different effects.
Mei Changsu watched the two of them chase from a distance, and watched Xiao Jingrui finally lose out, and was caught by Fei Liu and snatched the small bag. Watching Fei Liu pick up the little eagle, dodged and jumped in the shadows of the trees, his heart rose. There was a sense of tranquility, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.
But the smile soon disappeared from the corner of his lips. The sense of oppression that came from nowhere slowly invaded, and he raised his head intuitively, and his eyes were accurately directed to the small bee waist bridge on the east side of the corridor.
There was a slender figure standing quietly on the small bridge. Because it was too far away, his face was unclear. The only thing that was clear was that the man was looking at him seriously.
The visitor who had been waiting for a day finally came to the door, Mei Changsu stood up slowly, the snow-white fox fur scarf slipped off his shoulders, and the cold wind blew through the bare skin outside the collar, although he did not bring the familiar wind and sand outside the Great Wall, but Also as sharp as a blade.
Seeing Mei Changsu standing up, the figure no longer stood still. He turned around and walked down the bee-waist bridge, and entered the corridor with the overhanging eaves. The shadow becomes clear.
Different from when she was outside the western suburbs, Xia Dong was wearing women's clothes at the moment. Although she was still wearing short clothes with narrow sleeves and long boots, the embroidery on the front and the fringe on the waist had successfully reconciled some of her evil, mysterious neutrality. Temperament, showing a bit of pretty and charming. Only the long and smooth hair was still tied with a ribbon, without any hairpins, and the pale strands of the dark clouds were still very conspicuous.
Under Mei Changsu's quiet gaze, the female hanging mirror walked across the corridor, and suddenly turned around lightly, the tail of her hair was fluttering, the dark eyes that were as cold as autumn water under the long feathered eyelashes condensed, and she raised her hand by mistake. His body swept up like a cloud, and cast a shadow of his palm, and what smashed this "Golden Bodhi shadow" was a volley that was so quiet that Fei Liu didn't even shake the air.
In a short period of time, Xia Donglang laughed and shouted: "Good movement!" In the competition of masters, the continuity of breath is the most important thing, and she has to forcibly exclaim in Fei Liu's almost suffocating offensive. , Although it is arrogant, it also has the meaning of provocation. If you tempt the opponent to speak out, you can find a gap in the sect's best skill.
Unfortunately, Fei Liu is no ordinary opponent. He has learned since childhood that he focuses on forbearance and perseverance, and focuses on the weak points of the enemy's neglect. As soon as Xia Dong made a sound, the rhythm of his breath changed slightly, just like a crack suddenly appeared in the golden mesh facing the blade. Fei Liu rushed through and instantly pushed her back to the east of the corridor. As for the challenge in Xia Dong's tone, the child didn't understand it at all.
Xiao Jingrui had already rushed back to Mei Changsu's side at this time. Seeing that the two were fighting fiercely, he couldn't help but get busy and shouted, "Brother Su, tell Fei Liu to stop, that person is..."
"Hangjing Envoy's martial arts that have been passed down through the ages is indeed the king's way," Mei Changsu smiled slightly, with a leisurely tone, "Even if something goes wrong, you can still retreat without defeat. If Langya Pavilion had not received the royal secret order earlier, Xuanjing Envoy would not have been allowed to enter. Ranking on the list, I'm afraid that among the top ten masters, their position is indispensable at any time."
"Hanging mirror ambassadors are not allowed to be on the list?" Xiao Jingrui had never heard of this before, and was greatly surprised, "No wonder, I always thought it was because they acted secretly, so Langya Pavilion didn't get any record of their achievements. ."
Mei Changsu said with a smile: "You too underestimate Langya Pavilion. However, Xuanjing Envoy has always been less involved in the affairs of the rivers and lakes, and is also invisible in the DPRK. It is right not to be on the list."
"But Feiliu is so martial arts, why didn't he make the list?"
"If Feiliu didn't go out before, he will be able to join next year." Mei Changsu sighed, "If only I could find a way to ask Pavilion Master Langya not to exclude him from the list, Feiliu is a child..."
"It's not easy, this time Feiliu is a master of continuous battles in the capital, I'm afraid... ah!" Just in the middle of speaking, Xiao Jingrui suddenly called out, reacting, "Since Brother Su knows who she is, then call Feiliu quickly. Stop it! I'm really... I've been chatting with you... "
However, Mei Changsu shook his head and said with a firm tone, "Let them fight, I won't care."
"Brother Su..."
"Fei Liu has already been instructed to not hurt anyone, what are you worried about?" Mei Changsu said lightly, "The martial arts and temperament of the Xuanjing Envoy are the most unpredictable, I told Fei Liu to stop, he will really Stop immediately, if the other party suddenly becomes temperamental, wouldn't it be harmful to Fei Liu?"
Xiao Jingrui hesitated after being told this. Seeing Mei Changsu slowly sit back on his bench, pick up the long fur that slipped off when he just got up and wrap it up, with a relaxed attitude, it seems that he really doesn't care, but he can't do anything. When he didn't care, he had to cough, chase after the two who were fighting, and shouted: "Sister Xia Dong, can you stop first?"
However, Xia Dong's competitive spirit, which is rare to meet an opponent, has been aroused. Like a circle, the palm shadow seemed to disappear immediately, and a strong cyclone flew straight away. The cold and indifferent face of the young man finally had an expression at this time, but this expression was not panic no matter how he interpreted it. Facing the surging wind, his erratic body not only did not try to stabilize the fall of his feet, but instead became more relaxed. His whole body was like a dead leaf floating away from the treetops, and he could roll up an incredible posture with the eddy current. The two palms turned out from under the threat like a ghost, inserted straight into the colorless and invisible palm shadow, and accurately cut on Xia Dong's wrist.
Everything ended so abruptly. One moment ago, the silhouettes were flying, and the palms were blowing. The next moment, the two of them were separated very quickly, and they looked at each other from a distance of ten feet.
Xia Dong's left hand was on top of his right wrist, and his expression was still calm, but his face was slightly pale, and he was breathing lightly. Fei Liu was still in his usual appearance, indifferent and cold, with no emotion in his eyes, he pointed at Xia Dong's feet and said, "Stand here! Yes!"
Xiao Jingrui stared blankly at this, then at that, speechless for a long time. If there is a mirror in front of him at this time, he must be able to clearly see two words on his face - shock!
Although I have long known that Feiliu's martial arts is extremely high, and although I have long known that this young man's skills are far from his own, but... But... that person is Xia Dong, a court envoy who has been a teacher for more than ten years, a court official There are only a handful of masters in Jianghu. And this Fei Liu, this mind like a child, often sees the young man who is clinging to his brother's knee, and he can beat her!
Compared with Xiao Jingrui's surprised expression that he forgot to hide, Xia Dong himself was much calmer and calmer. She first used luck to remove the accumulation on her wrists, then she stroked her slightly messy long hair, pursed her lips and smiled slightly, and said, "Xia Dong is reckless, please see Mr. Su."
Mei Changsu's voice came through the low bushes: "Fei Liu, please come over."
Fei Liu immediately raised his head, pointed to Mei Changsu's direction and said to Xia Dong, "Past!"
Those who knew him of course understood that he had always been like this, but in the eyes of those who didn't know, this act was simply rude, Xiao Jingrui hurried forward and said, "Don't be surprised, Sister Xia Dong, Fei Liu has always been so brief, No disrespect."
What kind of eyesight Xia Dong is, after he stopped and observed carefully, he knew Fei Liu's abnormality, and he was not angry at the moment, he stepped into the corridor and walked to the open pavilion.
Mei Changsu had already stood up to welcome the guests, smiled and asked Xia Dong to sit down on the pier beside the small table, lifted the lid of the copper pot sitting on the stove next to him, glanced at the misty white air, and said with a smile, "Seven The plum snow is divided into three parts, and the dew is divided into three parts. Now that the water has been newly opened, would you rather drink a cup?"
"It's disturbing." Xia Dong replied peacefully.
At this time, Fei Liu was gone again, and he didn't know which tree he jumped to to play. Xiao Jingrui is the most considerate and sensitive person. Knowing that Xia Dong is not an ordinary curious person, there is a natural reason for this, so he did not want to get in the way. After saying that he had an appointment with a friend, he said goodbye and left. Therefore, there are only two people above this pavilion.
After warming the Zisha tea set, Mei Changsu scooped out an appropriate amount of tea leaves with a wooden spoon and placed it at the bottom of the tea cup, slowly poured the boiling water to ninety percent full, sucked off the tea foam, skimmed the first steps, and brewed again. with guests. Xia Dong also took it with both hands, sniffed the aroma of the tea slowly, took a sip, paused for a moment, swallowed, and sighed, closed his eyes and tasted it, and was speechless for a while, as if he was really just invited to drink tea. the general.
She didn't speak, and Mei Changsu didn't speak, just smiled and held a cup to accompany her. Under the steaming hot tea, there was a hint of Zhu Run on his originally pale cheeks, and he seemed to have a calm and elegant demeanor. Xia Dong stared at him for a while, then Fang sighed softly: "I have something to tell you frankly, don't blame me sir."
"Master Xia, don't be polite," Mei Changsu addressed him respectfully, with a modest tone, "If you have something to say, it's okay to say it."
"Mr. is indeed an excellent character. I know that I can't see you clearly now. But... No matter what kind of person Mr. is, I can't escape either of the two."
"Oh," Mei Changsu smiled, "I would like to hear the details."
"You are either the elegant genius of Qin Yun and the fragrance of tea, or the strategist of Wanjun in the city, but no matter which one you are, you are not the type suitable for Princess Nihuang."
Mei Changsu's smile remained unchanged, and he said warmly, "Could it be that Master Xia is here today because he heard some rumors, thinking that Su is the future husband-in-law chosen by the county master, so he should check it out beforehand?"
Xia Dong snorted: "The purpose is indeed this purpose, but it is not according to the rumors."
"Oh?"
"I have known Princess Nihuang for many years, and her temperament and temperament can be considered to be well known. If there is no special reason, even if you are the most popular person in front of Your Majesty and the princes, she will not treat you with such courtesy." When Xia Dong said this, there was a sudden chill in his eyes, "But Mr.'s response to the various preferential treatment of the county master is disappointing. It can be said that he has never voted against Li, which makes me really puzzled. There are also people in Mu's house. I have the same feeling that Mr. is too arrogant and not attentive enough."
A wry smile appeared on Mei Changsu's face, he raised the teacup in his hand and took another sip, Fang said slowly: "Master Xia... Su may also speak bluntly, you are really wrong."
"wrong?"
"The county master has a peerless demeanor and a high bearing. Su Mou is not deaf or blind, so how can he not have a heart of admiration? It's just... When he was sick and weak, his longevity was immortal. What's more, the county master? Second, even if Su is interested, the county master is afraid that he has no intention. As Master Xia said just now, no matter what type Su is, he is not suitable for the county master. Master Xia knows this, the county master How can she not know? The person she can hold in her heart must be a righteous man, a heroic man, but she can go on the battlefield with her and fight the enemy side by side, how can she be so sluggish and lazy like Su Mou, without any heroic spirit? "
"But Nihuang Mingming..."
"The Princess Nihuang is indeed very polite to Su, but the reason is not what you imagined." Mei Changsu put down the teacup, stretched his fingers and roasted in the fire, "Master Xia is the hanging mirror. You, the means are extraordinary, you must have checked the ins and outs of Su Mou clearly, right?"
Xia Dong nodded calmly and said, "That's right. Jiang Zuomeng's suzerain is so young, it surprised me a little."
Mei Changsu looked at the white mist that he exhaled in the cold air, his eyes widened, and he said: "The county master also knows my identity. The reason why she looks at Su with blue eyes is not for anything else, it is because of this. "
Xia Dong raised his eyebrows, and there was a flash of puzzlement in his eyes: "Although the Jiang Zuo Alliance is the largest gang in the world, it has some background, but if you are not afraid of being annoyed, it is just a martial art of Jianghu. The body is led by 100,000 iron cavalry, your identity can shock her?"
"How could the county master be shocked?" Mei Changsu laughed, "I don't dare to have such delusions. But I said that the county master treated me with extra courtesy because of my status as the suzerain of the Jiangzuo League. Not fake."
Xia Dong frowned and said, "The world is not all smart people like Mr. Can you explain it more clearly?"
Mei Changsu sat up slowly, took out a few pieces of incense cake from his sleeve, and threw them into the purple cauldron next to him to burn. A piece of red charcoal went in and changed, hugged it tightly again, and changed to a more comfortable position on the bench, Fang smiled and said, "Although the sky is gloomy, it is a good thing to burn incense around the fire and have clear tea in hand. It's a pleasure. If there is no urgent matter for Mr. Xia, would you like to listen to Su tell a story in this open pavilion?"