Xiao Si walked inside with the fat pigeon in his arms, blocking Xiao Hui's sight, then took out some grains from a pot, sprinkled them on a table, and let the fat pigeon peck at himself .
"Srustling..."
There was a sound of swaying branches and leaves mixed with the sound of wings vibrating from outside, and then a gray shadow landed on the window sill, a pair of sharp eagle eyes looked at Guan Yubai first, and then at Xiao Si, Or, the fat pigeon next to Xiaosi.
The fat pigeon that was pecking seemed to be frozen instantly, its chubby body was motionless, and it didn't dare to eat at all.
Xiao Si turned around speechlessly to meet Xiao's gray-gold eagle eyes, squinting slightly, the threat was beyond words.
Xiao Hui looked at him nonchalantly.
At this time, Guan Yubai raised his eyes and saw this scene, and couldn't help laughing. Xiao Si and Xiao Hui are really a pair of enemies.
Xiao Si didn't miss the corner of his son's slightly raised mouth, and he had the answer in his heart: It seems that there is a good news from Nanliang, at least that Prince Xiao didn't let the son waste his thoughts in vain!
Suddenly, Xiao Hui and Xiao Si moved at the same time, the former flapped its wings and flew away, while the latter moved its ears vigilantly, and looked out of the window again, only to see a black shadow turning over lightly from the eaves above.
The next moment, there was a handsome young man with sleepy eyes by the window. It was a winter night, and the weather was still a bit cold, but the young man was only wearing a thin black robe, with long black hair hanging down. It seems a bit uninhibited.
Seeing Xiao Huifei's back, Si Lin grumbled, "Running as soon as you see me, it's too embarrassing."
Xiao Si rarely felt that Xiao Hui had done a good job, and the corners of his mouth curled up almost invisibly.
Si Lin put his right hand on the window sill, quickly turned over from the window and entered the room, then leaned obliquely on an armchair by the window, and yawned lazily: "Yu Bai, I just heard a carrier pigeon flying Here we come," he said, his eyes fell on the fat pigeon behind Xiao Si, and he raised his eyebrows, "Is there any news from Xiao Yi?!"
Guan Yu smiled without saying a word, and handed the tissue paper directly to Si Lin.
Si Lin glanced at it casually, raised his sword eyebrows, and asked fearing that the world would not be chaotic: "Where shall we fight next?"
Xiao Si couldn't help but glared at him.
For this battle, the young master was exhausted, and he didn't go to bed on time for several nights. The winter in southern Xinjiang is much warmer than in the capital, so you should take better care of yourself!
Si Lin put down the tissue paper casually, waved his fingers and said, "Little Si, you don't know your son too well. Your son was born to live on the battlefield. During the years in the capital, leisure is leisure." But how could he be as energetic as he is now."
Xiao Si's lips were pursed into a line.
Indeed, in the six months since he came to Southern Xinjiang, the young master has worked hard and lost a little weight, but his pale face is full of vigor, making Xiaosi seem to have returned to the glorious years in Western Xinjiang.
"So..." One moment, Si Lin still looked serious, the next moment, he laughed unscrupulously, and said, "Yubai, who do you want to kill next?!" It's quite interesting to assassinate something.
Xiao Si's full of emotion was suddenly interrupted, and his face immediately turned black.
Guan Yubai smiled and shook his head, then said, "Little Four, help me grind."
The four lost cities in southern Xinjiang have all been recaptured, and the stragglers have almost been wiped out. If these tens of thousands of troops continue to stay in the four cities of Dengli and Yongjia, it will only attract unnecessary suspicion.
Xiao Yi can't go back for the time being, so he has to delay for some time.
It's time for the army to "return in triumph"!
…
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Shun Xing scattered lanterns.
According to folklore, this day is the day when the stars descend to the lower realm.
Early in the morning, the sound of galloping horseshoes woke Luoyue City from its deep sleep with a good news.
As a galloping horse galloped by, the people of Luoyue City erupted and lit firecrackers to celebrate the great victory.
After Dengli City was recovered, Ikaluo was defeated and fled, trying to make a comeback. Under the command of the eldest son Xiao Yi, the Southern Xinjiang army frantically encircled and suppressed it. Now, the army of Nanliang retreated back to the Baiyue territory, leaving only hundreds of remnants running around, and it was impossible to make any more waves in the southern border.
This also means that the battle with Nanliang is finally over!
And the army will return in triumph today.
The good news was presented to King Zhennan immediately, and King Zhennan was sent to Bixiao Hall in a good mood.
Nangong Yue held the good news in her hand, with a smile on her face.
Xiao Fei, who came here to accompany Nangong Yue for breakfast, was also overjoyed when she heard the words, and said, "Is the elder brother coming back?" If the elder brother can come back before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he can also accompany his sister-in-law to celebrate the Lantern Festival!
Speaking of Lantern Festival, Xiao Fei couldn't help but think of last year, if her elder brother hadn't rescued her, she might have passed away. It's been a year...
Nangong Yue let go of the good news when she heard the words, her eyes dimmed slightly, and it disappeared for a moment.
Neither King Zhennan nor Xiao Fei knew that Xiao Yi was currently in Nanliang, and I'm afraid he would not be able to come back with the army this time.
Nangong Yue didn't explain, just said: "Your elder brother will be later, Dengli, Yanding and other four cities are waiting to be rebuilt. Your elder brother is the eldest son, and he will come back after he has settled his military affairs and people's livelihood."
Xiao Fei was a little surprised, the movement of stroking the orange cat stopped.
"Meow-"
The little orange on Xiao Fei's lap uttered a cry of dissatisfaction, and raised her round head. Xiao Fei hurriedly started to move again, stroking the orange cat's back and smoothing its fur. Xiaoju sat down again contentedly.
Facing Xiao Fei's worried eyes, Nangong Yue smiled slightly, "The war is over, your elder brother will come back sooner or later, and there is no rush."
Sister-in-law is really reasonable! Xiao Fei couldn't help but muttered: "Brother really made money."
The maids serving on the side couldn't help pursing their lips and chuckling, feeling that the eldest girl was right!
Nangong Yue frowned, and said in a good mood: "Baihui, go and ask Zhu Xing to find out when the army will return. Huamei, you go to Lin's house and tell grandfather and sister Xia the good news."
The two servant girls took orders to retreat.
Nangong Yue stood up with the good news, and said, "Sister Fei, let's go and announce the good news to my grandfather, so that the old man will be happy too!" The only person that Mrs. Fang cares about most is Xiao Yi!
Xiao Fei responded.
She was about to put down Xiaoju on her lap and let it sleep here, but Xiaoju, the cat uncle, was not happy, and protested with a "meow meow", Xiao Fei had no choice but to pick it up with difficulty. Take them together to listen to Yuge.
When Mrs. Fang saw the good news with his own eyes, he was so happy that his eyes narrowed into a line of smiles, and he kept saying hello.
Nangong Yue explained from the side that Xiao Yi estimated that he would return to Luoyue City later, and then said jokingly: "Grandfather, this time is thanks to you. If it weren't for the iron arrows you went to, the battle between our Southern Border Army and Nanliang might have been a disaster." It's not over so quickly, you should be credited for this military achievement! Sister Fei, don't you think so?"
Nangong Yue wanted to make Mrs. Fang happy, but Xiao Fei thought about this matter seriously, nodded vigorously and said: "Sister-in-law, what you said is right. When the elder brother comes back, he must tell the father about this matter." It is."
Seeing her serious and serious face, Nangong Yue and Mrs. Fang looked at each other and smiled. Mrs. Fang stroked his beard and smiled boldly. The whole person seemed a few years younger all of a sudden.
Even the little maids serving in Tingyu Pavilion had a smile on their lips. Every time the concubine Shi Zi and the eldest girl came over, the old man would be in a particularly good mood.
Amidst the laughter, another little servant girl hurried into the room, bent her knees and said, "Old Master, Mother Chu is asking to see you outside."
Mother Chu? Xiao Fei pursed her lips, and couldn't help but think about the events of the first two days, her face sank like water.
Old Master Fang frowned. Of course, he still remembered the nanny next to his daughter, who was married from Fang's mansion back then.
On the fourth day of the lunar new year, Nanny Chu came to visit him. At that time, when she heard that she had returned to Zhennan Palace, Old Master Fang was in a good mood to see him. Unexpectedly, as soon as she came, after paying respects, she justly said that the concubine Shizi was young, didn't know the rules and etiquette, she was a bit arbitrary by nature, and couldn't listen to the old man's kind words, so she came here to ask to see me, and wanted him to treat her as an elder Come forward and admonish the concubine Shizi.
Mrs. Fang didn't take it seriously. His grandson-in-law had always done things safely, so he didn't need a servant who relied on the old to tell her what to do. He gave Mother Chu a few words and then casually dismissed her.
But Nanny Chu is also stubborn. In the past few days, she has come to Tingyu Pavilion once a day to ask to see Mrs. Fang, but Mrs. Fang refused to see him, and today is no exception.
"Let her go back." Old Master Fang said flatly, with a hint of impatience in his tone.
The little maid hurriedly retreated. The little maid had already guessed that Mrs. Fang would not see Nanny Chu, but Nanny Chu was really difficult to deal with, so she insisted on coming by herself to pass on the news.
Bixiaotang is so big, and Mother Chu didn't deliberately avoid other people. She came to listen to Yuge every day, and it had already reached Nangong Yue's ears - but out of the respect of the other old man, Nangong Yue let him Handle it yourself.
Zuo Zuo is just an old servant.
At this time, the little orange on Xiao Fei's lap finally woke up. After yawning, she easily jumped to the ground and yelled "meow meow meow" a few times, as if to say, I'm hungry, I have something to eat of it
Mrs. Fang is very familiar with the two cats raised by Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei, especially this orange cat. Xiao Fei came to play chess with him every day, and this orange cat often followed, as soon as it barked, Mrs. Fang knew that it was hungry, and hurriedly ordered the little maid to prepare fish for it.
Being interrupted by Xiaoju, the three grandparents and grandchildren immediately forgot about Nanny Chu in the blink of an eye.
Seeing that Xiaoju was eating enough, Old Master Fang thought of another thing and said with a smile, "Ah Yue, Sister Fei, come with me, my grandfather got some good things recently..."
Old Mrs. Fang showed a mysterious smile, he made a gesture, and the little maid in the room pushed his wheelchair towards the study.
Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei exchanged a puzzled look, and followed side by side.
Old Master Fang asked the little maid to push his wheelchair behind the carved mahogany desk, and then took out a red lacquered wooden box from the side and put it on the desk.
Judging from the crashing sound of the box falling, the contents of this box are not light.
Seeing Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei's curious faces, Mrs. Fang smiled triumphantly, and opened the box in front of them...
Xiao Fei's eyes lit up immediately, and she and Nangong Yue glanced at each other, the sister-in-law and sister-in-law blurted out at the same time: "Three treasures of Yinshi!"
The so-called "Three Treasures of Yinshi" are Tianhuangshi, chicken blood stone and hibiscus stone.
These three are treasures among seal stones, each with its own characteristics. Tianhuang stone is warm and noble, hibiscus stone is bright and clear, and chicken blood stone is beautiful in color and quality. It is difficult to distinguish between the three.
Old Master Fang stroked his beard, smiling until the lines on his face were crowded together, and he was in a good mood. Even if there is a treasure, someone needs to know the goods.
His box contains not only the three treasures of Yinshi, but also several pieces of each kind of Yinshi. It seems to be a box of stones, but in the eyes of knowledgeable people, this is invaluable!
"Ah Yue, Sister Fei, I just got these seal stones recently, both of you choose one and engrave a seal, shall we?"
Before and after the Chinese New Year, Old Master Fang received a lot of gifts from the relatives of the Fang family and the stewards below, including these seal stones. When Old Master Fang saw it, he knew that Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei would definitely like it. Sure enough!
"Grandfather, then my grandson-in-law will not be polite to your old man!" Nangong Yue said with a smile, "Grandfather, I heard from A Yi that you know stone best, why don't you help me choose a seal stone?"
Old Mr. Fang agreed immediately, and he casually took out a few seal stones from the box and put them aside, muttering, "Ah Yue, you have a gentle temperament, Tian Huangshi is more suitable for you."
As he spoke, he picked up one of the translucent Tianhuang stones, which was delicate, moist, and smooth. When it was placed in the sun, fine grains could be seen faintly.
Grandpa Fang said with satisfaction: "Ah Yue, what do you think of this place? You can carve a cicada to make a seal button. The texture of this stone can match the texture of the cicada's wings."
Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei also came over to look at the pattern of the yellow stone in the field, Xiao Fei couldn't help but said: "Sister-in-law, grandpa's idea is good, I just want to learn seal cutting recently, shall I draw a cicada for you to match the stone pattern?" , Xiao Fei is already gearing up, and she can't wait.
Nangong Yue responded with a smile. Seeing this, Xiao Fei hurriedly ordered the servant girl to serve the pen and ink, and she couldn't wait to start drawing on the spot in front of another desk in front of the window...
Old Master Fang and Nangong Yue looked at each other, and they both couldn't help but laugh, knowing that Xiao Fei might have forgotten to choose the seal stone for herself.
Nangong Yue then suggested: "Grandfather, why don't you choose a side for Sister Fei too."
Old Master Fang glanced at Xiao Fei. Under the warm winter sun, Xiao Fei's profile looked so soft, as crystal clear as the dew on that winter morning.
Old Mrs. Fang took out a piece of hibiscus stone from the box, which looked like jade but not jade, pure and clear, delicate and pure, pure and clean... just like Xiao Fei.
Grandpa Fang and Nangong Yue looked at each other and smiled, Nangong Yue said again: "Grandfather, Ah Yi's skill in carving seals is pretty good, when he comes back and carves a seal for me, I'll show it to you, okay?"
"A Yi can also carve seals?"
Old Master Fang raised his eyebrows with great interest, and chatted with Nangong Yue about his grandson.
In the small study room, the atmosphere is warm and peaceful.
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Zhu Xing sent news that the army would arrive at Luoyue City on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and Fu Yunhe would return with the army.
Nangong Yue immediately took Xiao Fei to the Lin residence, and passed the good news to Han Qixia.
Han Qixia was really overjoyed, and excitedly discussed with Xiao Fei about going to meet them that day, and they also decided to reserve a private seat at the Zuixiao Tower at the gate of the city, so that they could witness the grand occasion of the army entering the city with their own eyes.
Nangong Yue looked at Han Qixia with a smile, happy for her from the bottom of her heart.
In the eager anticipation of the whole city, it came to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which is the day of the Lantern Festival. Originally, Luoyue City was filled with a strong festive atmosphere, and the people in the whole city knew that some soldiers of the Southern Border Army were going to return to the city in triumph today. The people spontaneously gathered near the gate of the city, waiting for the arrival of the soldiers. return with glory.
On the street facing the gate of the city, the restaurants and shops on both sides were full of people, and the common people were all eagerly waiting, it was even more lively than the first day of the new year.
Guards in armor stood along the street ten steps at a time, blocking the enthusiastic people on both sides of the street.
The sun was slowly rising from the eastern sky, and halfway through the hour, I could vaguely hear the sound of rumbling footsteps mixed with the sound of horseshoes coming towards this side...
In Zuixiao Tower near the city gate, Han Qixia, Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni were sitting by the window in a private seat facing the street on the second floor of a restaurant, looking forward to the direction of the city gate from the window. Infected by today's atmosphere, everyone's eyes are shining like gems.
"Sister Xia, third sister, it's Chen time now." Xiao Fei looked at the sky and said, "I heard from my sister-in-law that the army should arrive between Chen time and Si time..."
Han Qixia responded, her face flushed slightly, she looked down at the window, a voice in her heart sighed and said: Cousin He will be back soon.
At this time, Xiao Ni seemed to see something, stretched her neck and looked down.
Xiao Fei was about to ask, when Xiao Ni looked back at herself and said, "Big Sister, Sister Xia, I saw that Miss Gu is here too, so I'll go say hello."
Han Qixia doesn't know Miss Gu, but Xiao Fei remembers Xiao Ni's lifesaver, now, Xiao Ni should go to say hello.
"Third sister, you can go." Xiao Fei nodded slightly.
After Xiao Ni got up, straightened her skirt, and stepped out of the private seat gracefully, and saw Miss Gu wearing a blue brocade-patterned beanie, walking down to the third floor at the respectful invitation of Xiao Er.
"Miss Gu!" Xiao Ni hurriedly called to stop the other party, and stepped forward quickly.
"Miss Xiaosan," Miss Gu turned her head to follow the sound, and smiled gently, "I didn't expect the girl to be here, what a coincidence. Miss Xiaosan, I reserved an elegant seat on the third floor, why don't you come up with me A story?"
Xiao Ni naturally agreed, and followed Miss Gu to an elegant seat on the third floor.
After Xiaoer served hot tea and snacks, he withdrew.
After taking a sip of hot tea, Xiao Ni put down the teacup in her hand and said, "Miss Gu, I need to thank you for saving my life again today."
Miss Gu, who was holding the teacup, looked up at Xiao Fei, raised her right eyebrow slightly, and asked, "Miss Xiao San, does your asthma..."
Xiao Ni nodded, and said: "Probably because of the winter season, my asthma has recurred several times in the past few days, but I'm fine after taking the girl's medicine. Miss Gu, your family medicine is really effective." As she spoke, she bowed cautiously, "Xiao Ni thank you here."
"Miss Xiao San, you don't need to be polite." Miss Gu supported Xiao Ni with a smile, and then changed the subject, "Miss Xiao Xiao, my elder sister was supposed to accompany me to watch the army return home today, but she was not feeling well. Come on, I have hit it off with the girl, how about the girl talking with me here?"
Xiao Ni was stunned for a moment, then responded with a smile, then turned her head and told Sang Rou: "Sang Rou, go down and talk to the eldest girl."
Sang Roufu followed the order, closed the door of the private seat and retreated.
"Miss Gu, Sister Ling..."
Xiao Ni originally wanted to greet Miss Gu's sister, but she stopped abruptly in the middle of her conversation. She seemed to smell a familiar scent, a scent like gardenia...
Then, a cold feeling surged from the bottom of her heart, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
"Hoo-hoo-"
Xiao Ni's breathing began to increase, lengthen and deepen, as if her body was not her own.
Her body softened, and she fell to the ground, her chest hunched, her arms hugged herself and she almost curled up into a ball, trembling all over, like fallen leaves trembling in the cold wind.
Her asthma is back!
Xiao Ni's mind went blank, unable to think, she could only say in pain: "Miss Gu... Ma... Please... call my maid... come here."
Miss Gu got up and walked to Xiao Ni, squatted down, looked at her tenderly and said, "Miss Xiao San, don't worry, I have medicine on me."
Xiao Ni's originally dark eyes lit up, like a dying person grabbing the last straw, muttering: "Medicine...medicine..."
But Miss Gu smiled, with a hint of interest in that gentle smile, carelessly playing with the white jade plum blossom pendant hanging around her waist with one hand.
Xiao Ni's heart sank in an instant, thinking of the scent of gardenias, thinking of the other party's attitude at the moment, how could she not know that there was fraud in it...
Miss Gu stood up, looked down at Xiao Ni, and said slowly: "I have a lot of medicine, and I can give it to you, but..."
Xiao Ni's body trembled even more, her eyes fixed on the string of white jade plum blossom pendants.