"August twenty-fifth..."
Gu Hai picked up a pen and sketched something on the paper. This was the sixth day since Gu Shiba Niang left home.
"Young Master..." Lingbao came in holding the official robe and helped him put it on with two other maids. Today was the day for him to report to the Ministry of Personnel.
"By the way, what does your brother do for a living now? It's time to invite him to his house for a few days after he comes back." After finishing his clothes, Gu Hai walked out and said to Lingbao who was following him.
Lingyuan picked him up and Cao on the way. The way he dressed and acted at that time, Gu Hai thought he was an escort. However, Lingyuan refused to escort him because he was afraid that Gu Hai would dislike him, so he took the opportunity to be vague and did not identify himself. .
Although he had been in prison, Gu Hai still disdained the arrogant Zhu Chunming. Under such circumstances, Lingyuan naturally did not dare to come to the door, not because he was afraid that he would scold him, but because he was afraid that the scolding would give Gu Hai Bring unnecessary trouble to yourself.
Lingbao's face turned pale when he heard the question, and Nono didn't know how to answer.
Mrs. Cao was already waiting in the yard and wanted to send him out in person. Gu Hai quickly walked over with a smile and left behind what he wanted to ask. Lingbao standing aside breathed a sigh of relief, but had to frown.
She couldn't imagine how furious Gu Hai would be if he knew what Lingyuan had done.
Gu Hai simply clicked on the staff and waited for the next appointment. There were a lot of transfers this time, and everyone who came and went was in a hurry to find out information and establish relationships. Naturally, Gu Hai would not do such a thing. In fact In fact, he also understands that even if he does it, it will be in vain. For a small official at his level, the most he can do is look at it from the chief assistant, Mr. Zhu. In this case, why does he need to open up the relationship
After visiting several colleagues, Gu Hai strolled out and saw four or five officials gathering together and whispering. Gu Hai recognized that most of these people were censors from the Metropolitan Procuratorate. He couldn't help but stop and stood outside the circle to listen. After a while, his expression became uglier as he listened.
They were talking about Yang Taisheng, who was finally sentenced to death by the emperor a few days ago.
The words of these censors were filled with anger but helplessness.
"You are censors and public officials, why don't you submit a letter?" Gu Hai couldn't help but said.
Several people turned their heads. Anyway, what happened to Gu Hai back then was quite sensational. Even though it had been so long, everyone still recognized him.
"Hanzhi is back..." they greeted with strange expressions, and then they all found excuses to disperse.
Gu Hai stood there, unaware of their intentions to avoid disaster. The autumn wind swept by, and he felt sad in his heart.
"What? My cousin is going to step forward again?" A familiar yet unfamiliar voice came from behind.
Gu Hai did not look back, but said to himself: "This is the official censor of our Great Zhou Dynasty. If we allow this disease to spread and spread, so that the government is in disarray and the people are in poverty, we, the Great Zhou Dynasty, will eventually become terminally ill..." "
Gu Yu chuckled slightly from behind and reached out to pat Gu Hai's shoulder, "Cousin, do you think the laxity in state affairs is all the fault of one person?"
Gu Hai turned to look at him, his expression slightly changed.
Gu Yu did not stop, but passed by him, the autumn wind swept by, and his clothes fluttered.
"Why do all the civil and military officials in the dynasty only want to protect themselves? Why does no one raise their arms and shout for everyone to respond? Why don't they work together to eradicate evil and bring order to chaos? Is it possible that the civil and military officials in the dynasty are all shameless, heartless and heartless people... ." He also said to himself, as he walked away, his voice drifted closer and closer with the wind, "Think about it, my cousin..."
Gu Hai's expression was gloomy and he stood there watching him leave without moving for a long time.
When I walked out of the staff department, it was almost noon, but I saw officials who were originally invisible swarming out, greeting each other and heading in the same direction.
"Hanzhi, can you come with us?" Several classmates he knew greeted him.
"Where to go?" Gu Hai asked somewhat confused.
The classmates looked surprised, "You didn't know? Today is the birthday of Prince Wen..."
Everyone knows that Prince Wen and Gu Hai have an old relationship, and they support and protect each other. In any case, he can be regarded as a supporter of Prince Wen. As his supporter, he doesn't know Gu Hai's birth date. This is simply a strange thing. .
Gu Hai was the only one who knew the truth. He didn't even know how old Prince Wen was, let alone when he was born.
Maybe he could see his sister... A glimmer of hope arose in his heart, a smile appeared on his face, and he changed the topic by joking with those people.
"The identity of the county king was a bit embarrassing at first. Otherwise, after coming to Beijing for so long, you would have seen no birthday party. But it is different now. Yesterday, His Majesty and the Queen Mother personally gave gifts to Prince Wen, saying that the Festival of the Weak Crown will be held in a big way... ." The classmates joked.
So that's it. From this point of view, the canonization of the prince in mid-September is certain.
After a few polite words, Gu Hai left. Since he was going to celebrate his birthday, he couldn't go empty-handed.
Today's Wenjun Prince's Mansion has changed from its past solemnity and majesty and is thousands of miles away. The streets are busy with traffic, people are crowded in front of the door, and announcements are heard one after another.
The prince's birthday banquet is all organized by the official department, which is still not enough manpower. There are also many people from the palace. Although it is busy, it is not chaotic, and the royal style is displayed everywhere.
Gu Hai was chatting and laughing among the crowd, his eyes wandering around, trying to catch sight of Gu Shiba Niang, but he knew it was in vain.
The crowd suddenly became lively, and many officials rushed to the door.
"Look, Master Zhu is here..." the official standing next to Gu Hai said in a low voice.
Gu Hai naturally knew who Mr. Xiao Zhu was. He raised his eyes and looked at the arrogant and arrogant group of people.
"Alas..." Someone beside him sighed and shook his head.
In order to save Yang Taisheng, a group of officials collected numerous evidence of crimes against Zhu Chunming and other party members in an attempt to counterattack. Unexpectedly, the emperor was furious, punished the officials with a staff, and immediately refused Yang Taisheng's death penalty.
"Hey, there aren't many of you here..." As he was talking, a group of people led by Zhu Xian came over and glanced at the Qingliu party who were here to flatter and invite others. Several of them shouted loudly He smiled and said, "How many times have you been hit and you can't get up? You can't help but beat me..."
As soon as this statement came out, the whole crowd was in an uproar, and the faces of the Qingliu Party members were ashen, but no one dared to speak out to refute and rebuke.
"A bunch of cowards" Zhu Yan came out from behind, laughed, and strode past these people with disdain.
Gu Hai watched this scene from behind and felt his temples twitch suddenly, which gave him a headache. He had to lower his head slightly and raise his hands to press it lightly. He looked up again and saw that Zhu Xian and others had already walked towards the main hall, and were chatting with four or five elderly adults. He spoke in a high-spirited manner, without any humility of the younger generation.
"It is said that Mr. Zhu once said privately to the prince that in the future, his son will inherit his father's legacy..."
"What?"
"Will you agree?"
"Of course I will... The county prince is fully supported by Mr. Zhu..."
A low whisper came from the side.
This is not a groundless rumor. When the four princes came to Beijing, although they did not have any contact with the ministers, there was no way to stop this kind of thing. The princes wanted to seek support, and the ministers naturally had to prepare in advance. , and Zhu Chunming is a supporter of King Wenjun. This is basically known to everyone.
Gu Hai let out a breath. Others didn't know it. He knew that according to what the Eighteen Mother said, the new emperor would ascend the throne in a few years and Zhu Chunming would be destroyed. It would be impossible for a son to inherit his father's legacy. However, the person who is likely to become the new emperor now is not the Prince Zhe that Gu Shiba Niang said, but the person who should not exist in destiny.
Everything has changed, will Zhu Chunming's fate also change
Gu Hai looked towards the main hall again. Young Master Zhu was reaching out to hold a young man in the same splendid attire, and was talking to all the elders enthusiastically.
"Oh my god..." Gu Hai couldn't help but raise his hand to rub his bruised eyes, and said in a voiceless voice, "Then...who is that?"
"Oh? Which one?" The colleague next to him heard it and followed his line of sight, "Oh, who could it be? Mr. Zhu's godson..."
Although Mr. Zhu has no biological son, he has many godsons and grandchildren. For example, as soon as Yang Taisheng refused to die, several court ministers immediately ran to recognize his godfather.
"He? He..." Gu Hai was a little confused and stared closely at the young man standing behind Master Zhu in front of the main hall.
"That is the real Mr. Zhu. Even though he was born as a domestic slave, Mrs. Zhu likes her deeply..." The colleague next to him whispered, "Don't underestimate this guy. He has a good skin and a good body." Kung Fu is currently under Master Zhu of the Criminal Department, but he is a good dog who bites but does not bark..."
Gu Hai couldn't help but take a few steps forward, wanting to see this person more clearly. At this moment, the sound of ritual music sounded, and under the guidance of a group of maids and chamberlains, Prince Wenjun, dressed in rich clothes and a golden crown, walked out slowly. Everyone stopped joking and talking and paid homage.
Gu Hai followed everyone and bowed down. When he raised his head, he could no longer see the young man. Officials of his status were not qualified to enter the hall.
"Hanzhi, come on, let's sit down." Someone called him.
Gu Hai responded, and once again glanced at the main hall filled with important officials and wealthy families, his expression turned gloomy.
"Okay...dog" he whispered, turned around and sat down at the table.
The sound of drum music came faintly through the cracks in the window. Compared with the noise of singing, dancing, and laughter in the main hall over there, the cubicle in the study seemed particularly solemn.
After pulling out the last golden needle, Peng Yizhen's inner clothes were soaked with sweat. This was not because of the burning brazier in the room, but because every needle was extremely dangerous.
Seeing him standing away, the chamberlain Huang on the side hurriedly stepped forward, first took the thin quilt on the side and gently put it on King Wenjun's waist. King Wenjun had his eyes closed, his brows were tightly knitted and his face was also covered with sweat. Zhu's body showed that he was in great pain.
Huang Chamberlain wiped it gently. He tried his best to be careful, but every touch still made Prince Wen's body tremble slightly.
Peng Yizhen lowered his head and retreated.
"How is it?" Gu Shiba Niang asked in a low voice, holding the medicine bowl.
"It's fine so far." Peng Yizhen replied wiping sweat, but there was no joy at all on his face. According to the original condition of King Wenjun, if he didn't receive treatment, he could probably survive until the end of September, but now he has started to use acupuncture to eat. Medicine, diseases and diseases will all be exported.
"Success or failure depends on the end..." Peng Yizhen said in a low voice.
Look at the last acupuncture and the last medicine, Longhu Decoction.
"Eighteen Mother, what percentage do you have..." Peng Yizhen couldn't help but ask again.
Almost every day, Peng Yizhen would ask again. Gu Shiba Niang had never seen him so nervous. Originally, she was about to give it a try, but she couldn't help but become nervous when he asked her again and again.
She was really unsure, but she didn't want to tell the truth or lie, so she could only say a favor, estimate the time, and go in with the medicine bowl.
Prince Wenjun had already changed into a crescent white lining and was still lying flat on the bed with his eyes closed.
"Ms. Gu..." Seeing her coming in with a bowl of medicine, Huang Huang could no longer hold back her tears, "Can you wait until the prince eats a bowl of longevity noodles before taking the medicine..."
Because of the powerful effect of the medicine, Prince Wen could hardly touch any water after taking the medicine. He vomited whatever he ate and relied on ginseng to maintain his energy all day long.
"Get out." Prince Wen opened his eyes and said calmly. As he spoke, he sat up and did not hesitate in his movements. He seemed not to feel the severe pain in his body.
Huang Huang also knew that what he said was hypocritical. In the face of life, there was no point in talking about longevity. However, he still felt a little sad in his heart, so he hurriedly left as he said.
Gu Shiba Niang always lowered her eyes and said nothing. After taking the medicine, she picked up the book of Zhiguai Zaozhuan as usual, but she did not read it as before.
"Today is the prince's birthday?" She listened to the sound of drums outside, and faint singing and laughter could be heard.
King Wenjun expressed his gratitude, but every time he applied acupuncture, his energy was exhausted, and his fatigue came one after another. If it weren't for his strong willpower, he would have given up this treatment method.
Although neither of them said it, he also understood that the hope of living was less than 30%. Since we were all going to die, why not die more comfortably? There was always this voice lingering in his heart many times.
"The prince will definitely receive many gifts." Gu Shiba Niang asked, looking for a topic to cheer him up, "What does the prince like?"
Prince Wen still closed his eyes and did not answer.
Just when Gu Shiba Niang thought he couldn't resist the fatigue and fell asleep, he slowly spoke.
"One year, when I was at home, when I was eating longevity noodles, I put a hibiscus flower on it..." He raised his head slightly and leaned on the soft pillow.
"It's hibiscus. Remove the impurities and stems, sift out the dust, dry it in the sun and use it..." Gu Shiba Niang replied smoothly.
A smile appeared on King Wenjun's face and he opened his eyes.
"Three words, never leave your profession, I'm talking about you." He said.
It was rare that he had the energy to say so many words in one sentence, and the smile on Gu Shiba Niang's face also disappeared.
"The prince likes hibiscus flowers?" she asked.
"That's a hibiscus flower carved from radish," Prince Wen said calmly, "It was made for me by my mother..."
Prince Wenjun's mother and concubine had already passed away, which was a taboo matter that Huang Huang had specifically told her to avoid.
"Your Majesty, forgive me." Gu Shiba Niang hurriedly lowered her head and said.
Prince Wenjun expressed his kindness and raised his hand slightly.
Gu Shiba Niang was even more happy when she still had the strength to raise her hand.
"Your Majesty, people often say that it is better to seek help from the Buddha than to seek oneself. I am probably referring to people like this." She raised her eyes slightly to look at Prince Wen, then quickly lowered her gaze.
"How do you say this?" King Wenjun asked.
Based on this preliminary understanding, this girl is not someone who flatters people easily, and a smile couldn't help but appear on her lips again.
"Although I am being diagnosed and treated by Dr. Peng, without your cooperation and will, I am afraid that I would not be able to survive..." Gu Shiba Niang said sincerely.
Although she didn't experience it personally, from Peng Yizhen's description, she could imagine how painful each of the ninety-nine and eighty-one injections would be. But when she was in the study, let alone a cry of pain, there was not even a moan. heard.
It's really unexpected that a pampered nobleman like him can do this.
"The gecko can cut off its tail and escape, so what does that mean to me?" King Wenjun chuckled and looked at Gu Shiba Niang, "Let's not flatter each other..."
Gu Shiba Niang also smiled and talked for a while. Seeing that his energy finally got better, she felt relieved.
"Prince, do you still want to hear the story?" She picked up the book again and asked softly.
Prince Wen shook his head, "They are all stories, but when I listen to you speak, they become true."
Gu Shiba Niang was slightly embarrassed. In fact, she was not a talkative person in her previous life. Because she couldn't talk and made many mistakes when talking, she didn't like to talk anymore.
The sound of drumming outside was still carried by the wind, and the banquet must be in full swing.
"Why don't I give the prince a gift." Gu Shiba Niang had an idea and raised her head and said.
When he met King Wen's eyes, he saw a smile flashing in his usually cold eyes.
"What?" he asked.
"I can't carve flowers," Gu Shiba Niang said with a chuckle, a hint of confidence flashed in her eyes, "I can cut medicine..."
"Cut the medicine?" Prince Wen looked at her and repeated it in his mouth.
With this idea in mind, Gu Shiba Niang also became interested. She quickly went out to get her medicine cutting knife and some medicine.
Although Huang Huang was very curious, he still did not follow him in the belief that he would not disturb the two people's interaction. He just found a small kang table as required by the Eighteen Niangs.
"Put it on the ground..." Gu Shiba Niang looked around, trying to find the best place for Prince Wen to see clearly.
"Put it on the bed." King Wenjun said suddenly.
You don’t dare to do that, Gu Shiba Niang said as she hurriedly saluted, not to mention that she still had to use the knife. In front of such a noble person, few people can meet with a weapon of blood and light. She has already exceeded the rules.
"I'm tired of turning my head..." King Wenjun said calmly.
Waiter Huang immediately placed the small kang table at the end of the bed and invited Shiba Niang with a smile.
Gu Shiba Niang knelt down to apologize first, then stood up, carefully knelt down at the end of the bed, and took out the medicine knife from the bag.
"Good sword." Prince Wen said.
"I won it from Mr. Xiao Liu..." Gu Shiba Niang looked at the knife with a smile on her face. She remembered that King Wenjun didn't know who Mr. Xiao Liu was. Just as he was about to explain, the eunuch Huang next to him had already spoke.
"Oh, is that the stupid boy who jumped out to challenge you after winning the first place?" He asked, "Hey, even with his stupid appearance, he is worthy of such a good knife... Your Majesty, you Say yes."
Gu Shiba Niang was slightly startled. Hearing what he meant, it seemed that they had met in person at the scene. She originally thought that they just came to watch the fun at the end of the game...
She couldn't help but raise her eyes to look at Prince Wen across from him, but Prince Wen's expression remained calm and he didn't answer.
"Master Xiao Liu's craftsmanship is pretty good..." She lowered her head and whispered softly. As she spoke, she picked up the pinellia ternata on the table, took a deep breath, and raised the knife.
Her knife skills were so fast that Huang Huang's eyes were dazzled. With a slight cutting sound, the pinellia cubes in Gu Shiba Niang's hand turned into pieces.
"Oh my God..." Huang Huang couldn't help but cover his mouth and whispered, "Prince, Prince, you look so thin..."
He couldn't help but whisper in a low voice. Prince Wen looked up at him and frowned slightly, as if he was very displeased with his yelling. Waiter Huang couldn't help shrinking his head and glanced at Gu Shiba Niang who was attentive. He quietly withdrew with a smile.
"My knife skills are actually not that good..." Gu Shiba Niang whispered, as if talking to herself, she put away the last knife and spread a thin layer of slices on the table.
She reached out and picked up the needle and thread on the side. She tilted her head and thought for a moment while flying the needle and threading. She quickly gathered these thin pieces together. Then she stretched out her hand and a plain white flower appeared in her hand.
"Okay..." She looked at her results, the smile on her face spread, and she shook her head, "Well, there are no wrinkles, but it still doesn't look like..."
"Let me take a look." Prince Wen's voice came from the opposite side, and at the same time he stretched out a hand.
His body leaned forward away from the pillow, his outstretched arms shaking slightly.
"Prince." Gu Shiba Niang hurriedly got off the bed, stood in front of him, handed him the flowers, "Sit down quickly."
Prince Wenjun took it and turned it around in his hand. He saw that the flowers were composed of pinellia leaves, which were as thin as cicada wings and shaped like feathers. They fluttered lightly as they turned.
He looked at the flower and remained silent for a long time.
"The prince is laughing..." Gu Shiba Niang whispered, stepping away and tidying up the end of the bed.
Prince Wenjun suddenly said, "Good knife skills."
Gu Shiba Niang was very happy when she heard someone praising her knife skills. She couldn't help but look a little sad when she remembered that she had been beaten by Mr. Liu for her knife skills, and she was not satisfied with him in the end.
"The clear pinellia that my master cut out is the real cicada wing pinellia..." She murmured, "I have to practice for a long time..."
"You won't let him down." Prince Wen said, slowly leaning back on the pillow and taking a breath.
His lips were chapped and slightly bloodshot.
Gu Shiba Niang came back to her senses and took the warm water from the stove nearby with ease.
"Prince, if you bear with me a little longer, you will be fine." She dipped a chopstick in warm water and gently tapped it on his lips. "Soon, you will be able to eat whatever you want, whatever you want. It doesn’t matter if you drink or eat as much as you want…”
Prince Wenjun couldn't help but chuckle, closing his eyes slightly, still holding the pinellia flower in his hand beside him.
Gu Hai was the last one to leave Prince Wenjun's Mansion. The night had already enveloped him. He was sitting in the swaying carriage. Although he had eaten wine, his face did not show the slightest trace of spring. Instead, it was as heavy as the bottom of a pot.
The car passed through the busy street market and turned into a deep alley. A figure walked out of the darkness beside the wall.
Ah Si, who was driving the cart, habitually reined in his horse, jumped off, and stepped aside.
"Ah Si?" Gu Hai's questioning voice came from inside the car.
Only then did Ah Si come back to his senses. The man sitting in the car was the young master, not the young lady. He patted his head and came back.
Gu Hai had already opened the car curtain and his eyes fell on the person approaching in front of him.
"Young Master..." Lingyuan lifted his clothes and knelt down.
"I don't dare to take it..." Gu Hai said slowly, "Second Young Master Zhu..."
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It’s worth two updates, hehe