The study was quiet, only the sound of Guan Yubai's knuckles tapping on the desk.
After pondering for a moment, Guan Yubai raised his eyes, met Xiao Yi's eyes, and said slowly: "Spring is coming, this is actually a good opportunity."
"What?" Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows and asked while rubbing his chin.
There was a gleam of light in Guan Yubai's warm eyes, and he said: "Ah Yi, people in Shilin pay attention to the difference between concubine and concubine, especially these literati students who have not been soaked in the way of officialdom, they are mostly full of enthusiasm and anger. Hairy generation... "
Xiao Yi's heart moved, Bai Mo didn't plan to...
"There is a saying: the system of concubine and concubine was originally set up for the succession of sons and princes. If the system is followed by senior officials and below, it will not be the rule of the monarch but the lineage of the clan, so the patriarchal law came into being." With a sly smile, "Ayi, if this year's Spring Festival is based on this, what should I do?"
Xiao Yi applauded with great interest: "This idea is interesting."
Based on his understanding of his father-in-law, no, ahem, it is his understanding of those students. For those students who read Confucius and Mencius, the so-called orthodoxy, loyalty and filial piety are the beliefs they hold in their hearts, like a ginseng tree. Unshakable as a tree...
Once this topic is brought up, it will definitely cause the students to focus their attention on the current court, and a little disturbance will cause waves among these students, so the emperor can use this to exert his strength!
Under the huge waves of the general trend and the people's aspirations, those courtiers who have other plans in their hearts may not dare to take the big shame. If he is crowned with the big hat of not distinguishing between his descendants and concubines, and then criticized by those students, I am afraid that this crime will be confirmed, and it will be known to everyone, and will be despised by the common people...
In this way, not only can the crown prince be established logically, but also the help of Shilin can be won for the weak fifth prince. Today's imperial examinations, after the spring, there will be many outstanding people who will enter the official career. They will personally participate in this battle between the concubine and the concubine, and they will be more trustworthy and loyal to the fifth prince in the future.
but-
"such a pity… "
Xiao Yi pouted.
The emperor was surrounded by elm heads, I am afraid no one would have thought of this. If Guan Yubai is still in the capital, he can persuade him a little bit, but if Guan Yubai, who is far away in the southern border, still talks about court affairs, it will only arouse the emperor's suspicion, and he can't get involved in this matter .
But now, it is in their best interest to settle the matter as soon as possible.
Guan Yubai smiled slightly, although Xiao Yi just sighed regretfully, he already understood what he meant, and said, "Ah Yi, as far as this matter is concerned, it's not that we are helpless in the capital."
Meeting Xiao Yi's thoughtful eyes, Guan Yubai continued: "I'm afraid I have to bother you, Yi, and your father-in-law will take action..."
The Nangong family is a Shilin family and has always maintained orthodoxy. Nangong Xin is the companion of the fifth prince. For the Nangong family, if the other princes are in power, even if it is obvious that they will not deal with the Nangong family in a short time, but Nangong The family will also become a thorn in the eyes and a thorn in the flesh of the new emperor, and it will be in danger in the future.
Xiao Yi understood immediately, and thousands of thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.
He was speechless for a while, but when he raised his eyes again, he smiled. He looked dishonest on the outside, but in fact he had already made a decision in his heart.
Whether it is successful or not, you have to try it!
If it doesn't work, then they have to find a way to move the Nangong family to southern Xinjiang, so as not to be involved in the vortex of seizing the heir.
Thinking about it, he spread the paper and grinded it, and straightened the book.
A moment later, a white carrier pigeon fluttered out of Bixiaotang and headed north...
Calculating the time, Pigeon Three should be able to reach the southern border, and then a reliable person will personally send him to Nangong Mansion.
It depends on whether the Nangong family can convince their indecisive emperor to revise the exam questions before Chunwei.
Watching the carrier pigeon fly away, Xiao Yi said with a smile: "It's better to hit the sun than to choose a day. I just sent a batch of war horses from Nanliang in the morning. Let's go and have a look together."
The Nanliang horse has strong legs and feet, suitable for long-distance trekking, and has a gentle personality, intelligence, and strong alertness. It is the best choice for war horses. Therefore, after taking down Nanliang, Xiao Yi ordered people to purchase a large number of good horses .
These horses are for rations to the Ghost Rider Battalion.
Now the Youqi Battalion has expanded from 1,000 to 3,000 people. Not only are the new cavalry in urgent need of good horses, but according to Guan Yubai's plan, each cavalry in the Youqi Battalion must be equipped with two to three spare horses , in order to ensure the marching speed during the attack, thereby strengthening the combat capability of the Youqi Battalion.
Xiao Yi and Guan Yubai placed extremely high expectations on the Youqi Battalion, training them in long-range shooting, luring the enemy, guarding, outflanking and other tactics, and even fighting with machetes, spears and other weapons in close combat... After nearly After two months of training, the Youqi Battalion has begun to take shape.
Coupled with this batch of war horses... Imagining the Youqi Battalion formed in the future, the two of them couldn't help but shine brightly.
They had just mounted their horses at Dongyi Gate and were about to leave the racecourse when they heard a panting voice from behind: "Brother, brother..."
Fu Yunhe came in a hurry and said with a sigh of relief: "Brother, fortunately you haven't left yet." He took a breath and said, "Brother, Lord Hou, Nuhar wants to see Big Brother, and he is willing to cede the area around the lake city again." , and sent his eldest son Aisinuo to Luoyue City as a hostage."
Xiao Yi and Guan Yubai glanced at each other. These days, Nuhar's conditions were better than the previous ones, and now he is even more desperate to make moves.
However, it is not enough to just add the lake festival city area!
Xiao Yi lazily said: "Hezi, my nobleman is busy with other affairs and I don't have time to see him. You go talk to him and let him think about it carefully. Once the opportunity is gone, there is no medicine for regret in this world!"
After that, he clamped the horse's belly, and Guan Yubai left Bixiaotang one after the other, and went to the racecourse outside the city.
This batch of good horses sent from Nanliang has a total of 5,000 horses. These Nanliang horses are slightly shorter than Dayu's BMW, but they are of medium build, but they are beautiful in shape and have well-developed tendons in their limbs.
Xiao Yi, Guan Yubai, and Si randomly selected a few horses to try them out, and after running around the racecourse for a few laps, they all felt unsatisfied.
Which man does not love BMW!
Xiao Yi picked another docile mare from among them, and planned to give it to Nangong Yue, and the rest would be sent to the Youqi camp after recuperating.
He couldn't wait to present the treasure, and happily took the mare back to Bixiaotang.
When the servants of Bixiaotang saw a docile mare brought back by Shizi, they immediately guessed who the horse was for.
The son and the concubine are indeed deeply in love!
Under the envious eyes of the servants, Xiao Yi went back to his and Nangong Yue's yard, but as soon as he entered the door, he saw Huamei come out and said: "Master Shizi, Concubine Shizi and Mrs. Lin went to see the third girl together."
Xiao Ni? ! Xiao Yi frowned slightly, then came out of the room again, and went around from the right to the back. From a distance, the door was opened from the inside, and Lin Jingchen and Nangong Yue came out from the wing.
The grandfather and grandson were discussing Xiao Ni's condition, so they didn't see Xiao Yi.
After these days of treatment, Xiao Ni has basically given up her addiction to Wuhe Ointment, but since all the medicines only play a supporting role, what Xiao Ni has experienced during this period of time can be said to be worse than life. As a result, her body was severely deficient. Even if you quit Wuhe Ointment, you will need at least one or two months of recuperation before you can barely take care of yourself like ordinary people, but it may take more than a year to return to the previous physical state.
"Grandfather, this time is really thanks to you." Seeing Xiao Ni, who was almost withered, gradually glowing with vitality, Nangong Yue still felt like a dream.
Lin Jingchen's brows were tightly furrowed, he stopped for a moment, and said seriously: "Yue'er, compared to Miss Xiao San, His Highness the Fifth Prince's illness may be more troublesome..." After a pause, Lin Jingchen analyzed carefully, " The fifth prince's headache was restrained by Wuhe ointment, and Wuhe ointment would become addictive, which meant that if the fifth prince wanted to quit the medicine, he had to cure his headache first, otherwise one link would be linked to another, and only I'm afraid that if Wuhe ointment hasn't been quit, the addiction and headaches will occur at the same time, which will make his condition worse... "
Nangong Yue's complexion became serious when she heard this, but in fact, this is not what she was worried about.
Lin Jingchen continued: "Yue'er, I have drawn up a prescription these days, which can slightly control the addiction to Wuhe ointment, and let the fifth prince try it for the time being."
Nangong Yue's eyes lit up, and just as she was about to answer, she suddenly saw a tall and familiar figure in front of her, standing under the willow tree with a smile and looking at herself.
"Ayi!"
Nangong Yue blurted out, and subconsciously quickened her pace, but then she thought of Lin Jingchen beside her, and slowed down again, with a shy smile on her face.
Lin Jingchen watched from the side, stroking his beard amusedly.
Xiao Yi's smile became even brighter. Under the sun, those beautiful peach blossom eyes seemed to have stars and oceans, and Nangong Yue was almost stunned.
Xiao Yi stepped forward and saluted Lin Jingchen respectfully. Lin Jingchen looked at the two children, and said wittily, "A Yi, I still asked your grandfather to play chess, so I'll go first. You can talk slowly."
Nangong Yue's face was stained with a red glow, and she hurriedly ordered Baihui to send Lin Jingchen off.
Xiao Yi couldn't wait to hold Nangong Yue's hand and said: "Ah Yue, come with me, I have something good to show you."
For the spring hunting, Xiao Yi had already presented Nangong Yue with horsewhips and jewelry one after another. Looking at his expression and tone, Nangong Yue knew that he was going to give herself gifts again.
When she saw the Nanliang horse outside the study, which looked completely different from the Dayu horse, Nangong Yue was still a little surprised, her eyes widened in surprise, Xiao Yi offered the benefits of the Nanliang horse as if offering a treasure, and finally Said: "Ah Yue, this Nanliang horse is short, but also has a sharp and docile temperament. It is suitable for your girl's family. You can try riding it slowly, but don't bring it this spring hunting."
It also takes a certain amount of time for horses and humans to get along well, and Xiao Yi didn't dare to let Nangong Yue ride a strange horse to the hunting ground at will.
Nangong Yue took a piece of candy from Huamei, fed it to the mare, and responded happily.
Seeing that she liked it, Xiao Yi was even more proud, and suggested: "Ah Yue, how about we try riding it?"
Nangong Yue looked at the skirt on her body, and the corners of her eyes twitched. A Yi is still like this, it is wind or rain. Originally, it would be fine for her to go back and change into her riding clothes, and then try riding again, but...
"Ayi, in a while, several nurses in charge will report back and forth about the arrangements for carriages, manpower, guards, etc. on the day of the spring hunting. I'm afraid I'll be busy for a while. How about tomorrow?" She said helplessly.
It was for the spring hunt again... Xiao Yi's entire face turned black, this time the spring hunt really took up a lot of time for his stinky girl. It's better for Xiao Fei to marry quickly, so that the stinky girl won't have to work for her again in a few days!
Xiao Yi reluctantly grabbed Nangong Yue's hand and tried to act coquettishly, but after a sticky cup of tea, Nangong Yue left "ruthlessly".
Looking at the back of the imperial concubine going away, Xiao Yi almost wanted to look in the mirror and feel sorry for himself, he is not old like a fool!
Amidst Nangong Yue's busyness and Xiao Yi's grievances, April 12th finally arrived. This is the day of spring hunting set by the palace.
Early in the morning, the first light of dawn illuminated Luoyue City amidst the crowing of cocks.
And the palace has been busy for a long time. When it was dark, the servants began to prepare for the trip. Those servants who could go out with the master walked lightly and radiantly. The same is true in Nangong Yue's yard. The maids were all as excited as birds about to be released from their cages.
After breakfast, Xiao Yi, Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei came out of the main room.
Today, both Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei put on their newly made riding outfits. The two usually gentle and delicate girls suddenly looked heroic against the backdrop of their riding outfits, and they felt a bit like a general.
Huamei and Que'er followed behind, trying to hold back their smiles, seeing Shizi and the eldest girl guarding the concubine's side like door gods, the two brothers and sisters secretly disliked each other.
Xiao Yi curled his lips, and thought: Even if he and Ah Yue had breakfast, there would be one more person for no reason, this Xiao Fei is really ruthless! But don't fail to get married!
Xiao Fei naturally saw her elder brother's disgust, but didn't bother to pay attention to him. When he was not around, she was the one who accompanied the sister-in-law to eat, so why should she back down when the eldest brother came back? !
Under the disgusting eyes of the two brothers and sisters, a group of people went all the way to the Yimen of the palace...
From a distance, I saw a lot of people gathered at the Yimen, the girls and young masters were all excitedly whispering, the palace hadn't gone out for spring hunting for many years, let alone such a large-scale spring hunting.
When Xiao Yi and the others approached, several young masters and young ladies came over to salute one after another: "I've seen elder brother and elder sister-in-law."
While Xiao Rongxuan and Xiao Rongying were blessed, she glanced at Xiao Fei who was at the side, and secretly regretted, why didn't she think of going to Bixiaotang first to come with her sister-in-law? !
Thoughts just flashed by, the two of them were quickly diverted attention, a woman came to report, King Zhennan and Concubine Wei came over here.
So, everyone adjusted their clothes and prepared to salute the king of Zhennan.
But Nangong Yue got more information—
"Concubine Shizi, the lord has temporarily added a carriage, and Aunt Mei is also here."
Nanny Luo, who came to report, had a headache. Originally, the number of Spring Hunting companions, whether it was the master or the servants, had been pre-determined and arranged by reporting to Bixiaotang. The addition of Aunt Mei seems to be just one person, but it will be equipped with corresponding carriages, servants, guards, tents, etc...
Xiao Yi frowned, and said impatiently: "This matter, you can deal with it yourself."
Xiao Yi looked at Nangong Yue distressedly, that is to say, his stinky girl was so good-natured that she would do everything by herself, so that these servants would bother her with trivial matters.
Nangong Yue never refuted Xiao Yi's face, she smiled and said nothing.
Nanny Luo responded repeatedly, and hurriedly withdrew.
At this time, King Zhennan came up with Concubine Wei, Aunt Mei, and others, and Guan Yubai, Master Xiao San and others were following Zhennan King.
Then, everyone saluted for a while.
Now that everyone has arrived, King Zhennan mounts his horse first in high spirits, and then gives the order to set off...
Everyone who got into the carriage got into the carriage, and those who got into the horse got on the horse.
Nangong Yue smiled and said to Xiao Fei: "Sister Fei, I plan to ride a horse with your elder brother, do you want to come with us?"
Xiao Fei really wanted to agree, but she had always liked writing and was not good at martial arts, and her riding skills were really mediocre, so she couldn't get on the stage, so she shook her head and said, "Sister-in-law, I'd better take a carriage."
Xiao Rongying originally planned to follow Xiao Rongxuan into the carriage, but when she saw Nangong Yue turned over on the horse, she changed her mind temporarily, and asked the maid to pull the horse over, and said: "Sister-in-law, let me ride a horse like you." Xiao Rongying In fact, I was a little surprised. I thought that my sister-in-law was from a scholarly family, and like her elder sister Xiao Fei, she likes playing chess, calligraphy and painting on weekdays, but she didn't expect her to be good at riding. Then I have to show my sister-in-law a good look at my skills today.
Seeing this scene, Xiao Rongxuan's face turned blue and white, but now she was too obsequious to get off the carriage.
After a while, the crowd set off from the gate of the palace in a mighty manner, all the way to the direction of the city gate.
The team of the palace was already strong, and the guards of the palace carefully guarded the front and back, which immediately attracted countless people to watch on both sides of the street.
Many people know Zhennan Wang and the eldest son Xiao Yi, but they have never seen the rumored imperial concubine. Now, beside the eldest son, there is a young lady in plum red riding clothes. Very heroic.
The two rode on two horses, one black and one red, without any intimate gestures, but a look and an expression could reveal the tacit understanding between each other.
This young lady must be the crown prince!
Look at how the concubine Shizi and the master Shizi are running side by side, they really are a man of talent and a woman, that is a perfect match!
The common people whispered to each other, looking extremely excited.
A group of chariots and horses soon arrived near the city gate.
The other prefectures participating in the spring hunting have already waited there. Most of the southern borders are military generals, and the children of the generals are all dressed in bright riding clothes, sitting on the horse with their heads held high. Many girls’ families are also like Nangong Yue Ban directly abandons the carriage and takes the horse.
At a glance, women accounted for about 30% of the knights, which was something that was never seen in the spring hunting in the capital.
Looking at those heroic women, Nangong Yue couldn't help but twitch her lips. It is really a great joy in life to be able to ride a horse galloping under the blue and white clouds like now!
Seeing the arrival of King Zhennan and his party, the people from all the prefectures immediately became agitated. They all got out of their chariots and horses, and went forward to salute together.
"See the prince, the son of the world." Everyone shouted loudly.
Seeing everyone bowing their heads to him one after another, King Zhennan seemed to be in high spirits, and he was in a great mood, beckoning them to be polite.
As a result, the team of Spring Hunting became stronger, and hundreds of people headed towards the west of the city with the convoy of the Zhennan Palace as the center...
On the official road, passers-by all avoid the two sides, the carriages and horses go all the way, and the two eagles, one gray and one white, rush to the front for a while, and turn back suddenly, standing on top of Xiao Yi, Nangong Yue and Guan Yubai. Going around in circles from time to time, making crisp eagle calls, as if urging them to go faster...
Looking at the two eagles soaring in the sky, Nangong Yue couldn't help but feel happy, and exchanged a look with Xiao Yi. Both of them were in the belly of the horse, and they sped up a little.
Gentle spring breeze was blowing towards them, gently brushing their hair, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of spring flowers.
Nangong Yue's riding skills are already very good now, knowing how to swing her body along with the running of the horse can not only relieve her own fatigue, but also reduce the burden on the horse, so she galloped with the convoy for nearly two hours , she still didn't change her expression, riding the horse with ease, while admiring the beautiful scenery along the way.
In front of you, you can already see the stretching mountains. In the hazy blue mist, it looks like a dream. Just looking at it from such a distance makes people feel that they have forgotten the troubles of the world.
Xiao Yi saw Nangong Yue's joy, and said from the side: "Ah Yue, I have been to Qingyuan Mountain, and it is even more beautiful than the previous mountains. We should be able to reach Qingyuan Mountain around dusk today."
Nangong Yue responded with a smile, a pair of obsidian-like eyes shone with crystal brilliance in the sunlight.