Hot water was burning on the charcoal stove, Baihui skillfully picked up the pottery pot filled with hot water, and brewed tea. In an instant, the rich tea fragrance lingered, attracting many people's attention.
From the aroma alone, one can guess that this is a good tea worth thousands of dollars!
Those students couldn't help salivating, and one of the blue-robed scholars asked curiously, "I don't know where these brothers are from?"
Xiao Yi said with a smile: "Our brothers came here from the capital, and when we heard the name of the Yellow Crane Tower, we came here to pay our respects."
"So it's a visitor from afar!" The blue-robed scholar smiled and cupped his hands, "We have many scenic spots in Jingzhou, since it's rare for you to come here, you should have a good time here."
While talking, Baihui's tea had already been brewed and distributed to several students. Because Baihui didn't bring enough teacups, some students could only use their own teacups to fill the tea.
The blue-robed scholar was a tea-savvy man. After smelling the tea intoxicatedly, he sighed, "Is this green cake Pu'er more than thirty years old?"
Although Pu'er tea cakes that have been stored for 30 years are not as good as 50-year-old Pu'er tea cakes, which are known as the gold in tea, they are already very precious.
Most of the scholars thought of this, and some of them developed a friendship. This young man from the royal capital seems to be from a noble family. It should be beneficial and not harmful to socialize. When they go to the royal capital to rush for the exam in the future, Maybe because of this, I can have one more friend and one more care...
Whoever said that scholars keep their ears to the outside world, most of the scholars study with the idea of "learning literary and martial arts and selling them to the emperor's house", so their minds are naturally active.
Xiao Yi smiled slightly, and said: "Master, you have good eyesight..."
Before he finished speaking, he heard a burst of lively noise from upstairs, that is, the third floor.
Nangong Yue, Xiao Fei and Fu Yunhe all looked up curiously, and the students on the side exchanged a look with a smile when they saw this.
"It seems that the four brothers are coming to the Yellow Crane Tower for the first time, so they don't know why." The blue-robed scholar explained with a smile, "I don't know if you have heard the story of "Zhou Yi's Painting of the Dragon" before? "
Xiao Fei nodded, and began to recite: "Zhou Yan, from Jiangning, good at Danqing... I tried to put the painting on the Yellow Crane Tower, and marked the price as 'one hundred taels'. There is a certain person..."
The story of "Zhou Yan's Painting of Dragons" tells the story of a man named Zhou Yan who is good at painting and is famous for painting dragons. Once he hung his paintings on the Yellow Crane Tower and marked the price of one hundred taels. At first, no one paid any attention to it, until a judge saw the painting while enjoying the scenery at the Yellow Crane Tower, and he appreciated it very much, and was willing to bid one hundred taels. After hearing this, Zhou Yan took up the scroll and presented it to the boss, saying that it was a sword for a hero, and that he didn't want silver taels, but just used it to observe the eyes of the world. After that, Zhou Yan became famous because of it.
Nangong Yue thought about it, and asked curiously: "Could it be that there are some people who 'paint dragons' upstairs?"
"That's right." The blue-robed scholar nodded with a smile, "Now, this is the most famous 'scenery' on the third floor of the Yellow Crane Tower. I also hung a few calligraphy and paintings upstairs. Would you be interested in taking a look, brother?"
Hearing this, Xiao Fei's eyes were already shining, and she couldn't wait.
Accompanied by those students, Nangong Yue and his party went up to the third floor. The third floor is really bustling. At first glance, the walls are covered with calligraphy and paintings. Many literati and arty people gathered there, watching, commenting and discussing...
Nangong Yue and his group looked at each picture with great interest, and commented a few words from time to time.
Anyone here can hang their own calligraphy and paintings, so the works are naturally good and bad. Although there are occasional good works, there are no eye-catching ones... until they walked in front of a piece of calligraphy, Xiao Fei's eyes suddenly lit up.
It was a bold cursive script with an ancient poem copied on it.
Poems are good poems, and words are also good words!
Xiao Fei looked at this cursive script with burning eyes, and sighed: "The writing force is extremely strong, and the stroke is down, the brushwork is unrestrained and unrestrained, and it is done in one go, with the danger of flying over the wall!" She couldn't help clapping her hands and praised, "Excitement! It's really exhilarating!"
Xiao Fei lowered her eyes and saw that the price under the picture was 1,000 taels.
Nangong Yue also saw it, nodded her head and said in agreement: "This calligraphy is indeed worth a thousand taels!"
Fu Yunhe also looked at it for a while, and said: "Although I don't know much about calligraphy, this calligraphy does have some meaning, as if dancing a sword..."
"Brother Tai really has a vision!" The blue-robed scholar and his friend looked at each other with a smile, and then said, "The person who wrote this cursive script went to Ye County to watch the sword dance in order to practice it. After reading it for three months, I felt like the god of cursive script."
When Fu Yunhe heard this, he stroked his chin proudly: "I'll just say it, no wonder I see sword energy in this cursive script."
"Pretend!" A cold and aloof voice interrupted suddenly.
For a moment, everyone's eyes looked over, and saw that it was a scholar in a pale robe, fifteen or sixteen years old, with a handsome face and a hint of arrogance at the corner of his mouth. There were four or five young students around him, who seemed to follow his example.
The blue-robed scholar frowned slightly, and said, "Brother Yang, why did you say that?"
It seems that these young local students all know each other.
Mr. Yang shook the folding fan in his hand, and said: "I think they were invited by the Yi family to build momentum and raise their own value?" Then, he looked at a square-faced young man on the right, "Brother Ye, Your calligraphy is also praised by the calligraphy teacher in the academy, what do you think?"
"Ye Mou and Brother Yang have the same opinion." Mr. Ye nodded agreeingly, then pointed at the cursive script with the handle of his fan, shook his head and sighed, "One thousand taels?! How can this calligraphy and painting be worth one thousand taels?"
The blue-robed scholar's complexion became even more ugly, and he said again: "Brother Yang, Brother Ye, this person is dead, at least it's a classmate, please be careful!"
Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei couldn't help but glanced at each other, could it be that the person who wrote the letter had passed away
"Brother Wang, could it be that since Yi Jiangxiu is dead, he just needs to say some flattering words, and no one is allowed to tell the truth?" Young Master Yang didn't want to save face, and snorted coldly.
Yi Jiangxiu? This name seems familiar...
Nangong Yue frowned, looked at the red seal on the lower left corner of the cursive script, and then exchanged glances with Xiao Yi who was beside her.
Nangong Yue pondered for a moment, then suddenly said: "Every flower is in everyone's eyes. This cursive script may be worthless in the eyes of the young master, but in my eyes it is worth a thousand taels." Nangong Yue looked at the The blue-robed scholar said, "Young Master Wang, I will buy this calligraphy and painting for 1,000 taels today. Would you like to ask Young Master Wang to hand over the silver taels for me?"
Prince Wang's eyes widened in disbelief. Although he could see that these people had extraordinary backgrounds, he didn't expect to spend so much money, just casually saying a thousand taels of silver.
Mr. Yang blushed with anger, he couldn't see that Nangong Yue and the others were clearly against him on purpose!
He looked Nangong Yue, Xiao Yi and the others up and down, and said disdainfully: "Hmph! Just pretend! You don't put your left pocket in your right pocket!" He waved his arms, "Let's go!" He said He walked away with Ye Gongzi and several other students arrogantly.
Prince Wang shook his head helplessly: "My lords, don't take it too seriously, Brother Yang is just a man who has no intentions!"
"Since Shengyu, why Shengliang!" The green-robed scholar on the side curled his lips disapprovingly, "He just thinks of himself as Zhou Yu!" As he spoke, the green-robed scholar looked at Nangong Yue and the others, "The person who wrote this calligraphy and painting When he was alive, he was extremely intelligent, and he was the number one in our academy, and that Mr. Yang just now was the number two in ten thousand years, so he has had some complexes of 'he is born bright when he is born Yu'."
Wang Gongzi was also touched, looked at the calligraphy and painting and sighed: "Brother Yi is really a pity, I won the Jingzhou Jieyuan at the age of fifteen, but died young, otherwise this subject will definitely be nominated for the gold list! "
For a while, the surroundings were silent, and those young students all showed regret.
Nangong Yue bowed to the crowd and said, "To be honest, I once met Brother Yi in Wangdu."
Those scholars all showed surprise on their faces, and then suddenly realized, thinking that it is no wonder that this young man is willing to buy this cursive script at a high price, presumably to stand out for his old friend. He really is a sensual person!
These people looked at Nangong Yue with a little more respect.
Wang Gongzi clasped his fists and said with a smile: "This young master is brother Yi's friend, today is a fate!"
Nangong Yue smiled faintly, "It's just a one-time relationship, and I can't claim to be Brother Yi's friend. But I really admire Brother Yi's talent and learning. I thought I would have the opportunity to meet Brother Yi again this time when I came to Jingzhou. Talk about the past and the present, and speak freely. Unexpectedly, Yin and Yang are separated, and there is no such opportunity anymore... "
What she said made the eyes of the sentimental young masters glisten with tears, and they silently wiped the corners of their eyes with their cuffs.
Nangong Yue sighed, and said: "Brother Wen probably doesn't know the news yet, I have to write a letter to inform him, so that he can come to Jingzhou to express his condolences."
Brother Wen... Fu Yunhe blinked, and looked at Nangong Yue strangely. Could it be that she was talking about her cousin Wen Yu? Or... just another person with the same surname
At this time, Mr. Wang said with surprise: "Brother Wen? So you know Mr. Zicheng too!"
"Zicheng?" Nangong Yue was startled.
Prince Wang immediately explained with a smile: "Brother Wen Yu thinks his name is too feminine, and has always asked us to call him by his character 'Zicheng'."
"Speaking of which, we haven't seen brother Zicheng for a year." The green-robed scholar said with emotion, "May I ask how brother Zicheng is doing now?"
Just these two sentences revealed a lot of information to Nangong Yue and Xiao Yi.
On that day, Yi Jiangxiu did not lie, he did know Wen Yu, and Wen Yu had even been to Jingzhou. But why did Wen Yu pretend not to know Yi Jiangxiu
More questions appeared in Nangong Yue's mind, she temporarily pressed them down, and said nonchalantly: "Brother Wen is now visiting relatives in the capital, and he started working in Li Fan Yuan last year."
"Li Fanyuan?"
Those young masters all looked at each other in blank dismay, unable to hide their astonishment. Since Wen Yu worked in the Lifan Academy last year, it means that he did not rely on the imperial examination. If he did not rely on the imperial examination, then he relied on recommendation. Obviously, Wen Yutou's relatives are by no means ordinary relatives.
The green-robed scholar hesitated and said, "Could it be that Brother Zicheng gave up the imperial examination?... That would be such a pity!"
"Yes." Wang Gongzi also echoed, "Although brother Zicheng's talent is slightly inferior to brother Yi's, he is still a young talent. Even if he fails this subject, there is great hope in three years..." Why did you give up like this? How come you gave up so easily after studying hard for ten years
Furthermore, since Wen Yu's relatives can help him arrange errands in the Lifan Academy, they must also attach great importance to him, so why don't they support him in taking the imperial examinations
This is not only the prince's doubts, but Fu Yunhe also can't figure it out.
When Wen Yu came to recognize her relatives, her grandmother was very happy, and ordered someone to investigate carefully:
Wen Yu grew up in a small town in the south. He also studied for a few years when he was young, but later, because the family who adopted him fell into poverty, he dropped out of school early and lived a very poor life. Grandmother was reluctant to sigh because of this...
But now, listening to these young masters say this, it is not the case at all.
Wen Yu is not only intelligent, but also talented in imperial examinations
Is the Wen Yu they are talking about his cousin "Wen Yu"
Nangong Yue pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: "Young Master Wang, I don't know what happened to Brother Yi... When I saw Brother Yi in the capital at the beginning of February, he was still very healthy!"
"Brother Yi fell into the river after being drunk when he was in the capital in February..." Prince Wang sighed and said regretfully, "Brother Yi always drinks moderately, and I don't know why he drank a few more glasses that day. Hey, if the few of us were in the capital at that time, and Brother Yi hadn't been drunk by the river alone, such a tragedy would definitely not have happened..."
For a while, the students were all sighing.
But Nangong Yue's complexion was a bit unsightly.
February
According to the prince, it was obvious that Yi Jiangxiu fell into the water and died not long after he met Yi Jiangxiu that day. In this way, it is no wonder that Xiao Yi couldn't find Yi Jiangxiu's whereabouts at the beginning. It turns out that this person has long since passed away.
The issue is--
Was Yi Jiangxiu's death really an accident
Nangong Yue's heart trembled, how could there be so many coincidences in this world...
At this time, Fu Yunhe suddenly spoke, with an unnatural expression on his face, and asked, "I don't know if Mr. Wen left a calligraphy treasure on the Yellow Crane Tower?"
Prince Wang nodded, stretched out his hand to make a petition, and led Xiao Yi and his party to a calligraphy and painting. It was a landscape painting overlooking the Yangtze River from the Yellow Crane Tower. It was bold and unrestrained. Name: Wenzi City.
Fu Yunhe stared at the inscription on the calligraphy and painting for a long time. Although he was not 100% sure, the handwriting looked very familiar, and it was very likely that it was the handwriting of cousin Wen Yu.
Seeing him engrossed, Prince Wang asked with a smile: "Brother Zicheng likes this painting and calligraphy? Brother Zicheng entrusted this calligraphy and painting to me before leaving. Why don't you give it to Xiongtai today?"
Fu Yunhe was startled for a moment, then smiled and bowed his hands to Young Master Wang, "Then I will thank you, Brother Wang. I will let my younger brother be the host today, how about inviting a few brothers to drink?"
Those scholars did not shirk, and agreed. The group of people waited and went to a nearby small restaurant to drink. During the conversation, their common friends Yi Jiangxiu and Wen Yu were naturally mentioned from time to time.
Later, Fu Yunhe was almost restless.
If there is something wrong with Cousin Yu, then what is he plotting
The more Fu Yunhe thought about it, the more frightened he became, he couldn't help but glance at Xiao Yi and Nangong Yue, and thought: Did the eldest brother and sister-in-law know something, otherwise, why did the sister-in-law just keep guiding the prince to talk
Finally, after thirty days of drinking, Xiao Yi and his party said goodbye to several scholars, Fu Yunhe couldn't wait to ask: "Brother... what's going on?"
Nangong Yue looked at Xiao Yi, and then said: "Let me tell you... In February, Sister Fei and I ran into Mr. Wen in front of the Jinyu Pavilion in the capital..." She briefly said what happened that day , and said, "At that time, I thought it was a little strange that Mr. Yi didn't look like he had recognized the wrong person."
Xiao Fei was right next to her, so Nangong Yue naturally didn't mention that it was because of Wen Yu's deliberate pursuit of Xiao Fei that she felt something was wrong. He just said vaguely: "...Later, your elder brother asked someone to investigate Mr. Yi, and found that he hadn't returned the rented yard for a long time. Until today..."
Xiao Yi nodded slightly. He actually ordered people to continue to investigate Wenyu later, but at that time most of his mind was still on how to get the emperor to allow him to return to southern Xinjiang. He really didn't take Wenyu too seriously. superior. It's just that when he came back, people continued to check, and whenever there was news, Fei Ge sent him a letter. I never expected that there would be such a harvest in the Yellow Crane Tower.
The more Fu Yunhe heard it, the more frightened he became, and he couldn't help thinking like Xiao Yi and Nangong Yue—who the hell is Wen Yu?! If Mr. Yi's death was related to him, then why did he...
Fu Yunhe didn't dare to think about it anymore.
"No!" Fu Yunhe immediately said, "I have to write a letter back to my grandmother... I must ask her to look it up again!"
Xiao Yi agreed and said: "I will write when I return to the station today. I will arrange people to continue to investigate around Jingzhou... to see how Wen Yu arrived in Jingzhou and when he left. I think there should be some reward."
Fu Yunhe said gratefully: "Thank you, brother."
Xiao Yi patted his shoulder and said nothing.
Fu Yunhe looked a little anxious, so they didn't delay outside and went back directly.
After entering the post station, just before the small courtyard of the Tianzifang, I saw Zhu Xing waiting outside with a slightly strange expression. As soon as he saw them coming back, he hurriedly greeted them, and said: "Master Shizi, Concubine Shizi..." After speaking, he glanced at Nangong Yue, and then said in a low voice, "...the eldest girl of Prince Qi's mansion is here."
Han Qixia
Several people looked at each other in blank dismay, with surprise on their faces.
Why did Han Qixia come here
Han Qixia was placed in the ear room. When she opened the door, she seemed to hear the voice and looked up. She was pleasantly surprised at first, but then, tears flowed down her face.
"Sister Xia."
Nangong Yue gestured to Xiao Yi and Fu Yunhe, telling them to leave for a while, then she and Xiao Fei walked in and closed the door again.
Nangong Yue walked up to Han Qixia, squatted down, put her arm around her shoulder and patted her gently.
After a while, Han Qixia finally stopped crying.
Xiao Fei poured a glass of water and handed it to her, Han Qixia took it and thanked her softly.
Seeing that her mood had stabilized a little, Nangong Yue moved two round stools to sit beside her, and asked softly, "Sister Xia, why are you here?... Did you come alone?"
Han Qixia's expression darkened, she took a deep breath and said, "I... Yue'er, on March 16th, Han Qixia was already dead."
Nangong Yue was shocked, "Sister Xia, what are you talking about?!"
Xiao Fei on the side also showed surprise, looking at Han Qixia in doubt.
Han Qixia laughed at herself, and said: "I...I threw myself into the lake on March 16th... Everyone in the capital should think I'm dead by now." Her eyes were full of sadness, "My mother My concubine asked me to marry Kui Lang, but I don't want to."
"The emperor... wants you to marry? But King Qi..."
"No, Yue'er." Han Qixia shook her head and said, "It's not Uncle Huang, it's my concubine mother... My concubine mother took the initiative to ask Uncle Huang to send me out to get married."
how come?!
Although Nangong Yue knew that Princess Qi paid more attention to her illegitimate son, the son of Prince Qi, but Han Qixia was also her only illegitimate daughter! How could she push her into the fire pit with her own hands!
"I can't help it..."
Han Qixia sighed softly, her voice was soft and slow, with a hint of helplessness and a deep despair...
-off topic-
The previous chapter originally used Jingzhou, which was taken from one of the Kyushu states in ancient China. "Yugong" called Kyushu as Ji, Yan, Qing, Xu, Yang, Jing, Yu, Liang, and Yong.
The ancient Jingzhou was probably in the area of modern Hubei, which is actually different from the modern Jingzhou.
When I wrote it, I didn't expect that it would cause ambiguity. Now I have replaced it with a fictitious place name...
(The author checked carefully when he wrote it... )