At noon on the second day, Manyao used his injury as an excuse to not go to Guanhe Hall to attend Zongzheng Wuyou's final concubine selection feast.
After sending everyone away, she sat alone under the corridor in the courtyard. There was a small pomegranate tree beside her. Some of the pomegranate flowers on the tree were a little bit withered. It fell down and slumped in her hands, like a scene of a beauty in her twilight.
Leaning her back against the colonnade, she looked at a place beyond the numerous pavilions, her eyes misty and helpless.
Master, why are you up
While speaking, Ling'er had already walked towards her, Man Yao smiled lightly and said, "Don't you like to watch the excitement the most? Why didn't you go to the Holy Lotus Garden?"
Ling'er said: "It's over."
Manyao was stunned, it's over so soon? It was less than an hour. He finally wanted his own wife, who would Zongzheng Wuyou choose
She looked at the withered and withered petals on her hand, the dark brown color against her slightly pale skin, which made her look even more desolate and sad. , asked in a murmur: "Is it Miss Sun?" The woman who tried every means to embarrass her was just for Zongzheng Wuyou. It should be her, the person whom Emperor Lin Tian likes is also the leader among the group of women.
Ling'er saw it, shook her head and said, "No."
Manyao was startled, but didn't look up. He didn't choose Sun Yali? Which girl did he choose
She lowered her eyes lower, almost dozed off, and pressed her lips tightly, she was afraid that she would ask again.
No matter who he chooses, it has nothing to do with her. She held her own hand, the weather in June, her palm was cold.
Ling'er walked around the pillars, turned to her and squatted down, looking up at her, seemingly thoughtful.
Master, King Li...no one was chosen. "
Man Yao's body was shaken, he raised his eyes in surprise, and asked involuntarily, "No one chose? Why?" Even if he refused to choose, Emperor Lintian would not agree.
This concubine selection banquet is different from the previous ones, not to mention the presence of Ning Qianyi, all civil and military officials must have put in a lot of effort to win the position of Princess Li for their own family, and it took several hours last night If Zongzheng Wuyou suddenly changed his mind and refused to vote, wouldn't it be equivalent to teasing everyone and offending the courtiers all at once
Ling'er said with doubts on her face: I don't know the reason either. Anyway, when a ditty song was about to sing, Li Wang suddenly stopped him. He said it was boring and a waste of his time. He also asked someone to bring chess and said that he would choose whoever could give up a game with him to be his wife. "
Manyao's heart trembled slightly, chess? It's not that he doesn't know, it's impossible for those women to meet them. When he did this, it was obvious that he didn't even have the heart to deal with it. If he had no intention of choosing a concubine from the beginning, why would he hold this concubine selection banquet
Ling'er said again
How can those ladies know how to play chess? They don't even know each other. Later, a minister said, "I heard that Concubine Yun Gui played a game of chess when she was young. It was a kind of chess that the world had never seen before. Could it be this?" "
Man Yao asked
Then what? "
Ling'er said: "The ministers are whispering below, thinking that Prince Li did it on purpose? It's hard, I'm angry and dare not take it out, and my face is ugly. The Emperor Lintian asked someone to send Prince Chenfeng back to rest, and let the ministers disperse I ordered all the maids and eunuchs to retreat ten feet away."
Back ten feet away? What is the emperor going to do? He was really angry this time!
Ling'er, go and have a look again. go quickly. "
The white thorny sunlight shone on the lake, and the lake moved with the wind, creating waves and waves, which were reflected in the half-open hall, making people's eyes hurt.
At this time, within a radius of ten zhang in Guanshi Hall, only Emperor Lintian and Zongzheng Wuyou father and son were left.
Emperor Lintian stepped down from the dragon chair, and slowly came to Zongzheng Wuyou, his eyebrows were like swords, he frowned, his eyes were burning with anger, he stared closely at Zongzheng Wuyou, his chest heaved unceasingly.
Zongzheng Wuyou sat calmly and leisurely, playing with a black chess piece in his hand, completely ignoring the angry emperor standing in front of him who was about to explode at any time.
Bang, boom, boom! ! "
With a wave of the Emperor Lintian's hand, a burst of crackling sound was heard in the quiet hall. The white jade chessboard was suddenly swept to the hard ground, several petals were planted, and the chess pieces on the board bounced around. Still puzzled, he kicked up again, and the entire table between them was lifted and flew out. It hit the carved pillar and bounced back, the wooden frame scattered and sawdust flew.
The blue and white cups and pots shattered, and the tea juice and tea leaves were scattered all over the floor.
Only then did Zongzheng Wuyou raise his eyes, his eyes were cold and menacing, Lin Tianhuang was startled, he fixedly stared at the only child left to him by the woman he loved the most in his life, his eyes were full of pain and anger, like surging waves Ban was tumbling and steaming in his heart, and he couldn't hold it back. He questioned: "From the beginning to the end, you didn't plan to choose a concubine at all, did you?" ! In vain I broke my heart for you, but you teased me! Where are you going to bring your father's face
Zongzheng Wuyou asked indifferently when did I tease you?"
Emperor Lintian became more and more angry: You know that no one can play this chess game, yet you still shake it out as a condition for choosing a concubine! Do you dare to say that you didn't go as planned in advance
Zongzheng Wuchen twitched the corners of his eyes, noncommittal, and lightly lowered his eyelids, covering the fleeting pain in his eyes. Who said no one would play? That woman is on par with him!
Seeing that he didn't say a word, Emperor Lintian assumed that he was acquiescing, and he was even more furious in his heart. Suddenly grabbed him up, and shouted in pain: "You have nothing to say",
Zongzheng Wuyou waved his hand away, sneered, and said, "So what?" He would never explain anything to others, let alone the man in front of him.
you you! ! Emperor Lintian was so angry that his body trembled and he couldn't speak. He instinctively raised his hand to teach this son who didn't understand his hard work as a father, but just as he raised his hand, he held up a face like Yun'er in mid-air, making him take a picture anyway. have to go down.
Zongzheng Wuyou looked at him coldly and smiled ironically. He wants to see if this person can do anything. At this moment, someone hurriedly shouted at the gate of the main hall: 'Don't, don't, don't! Calm down your father's anger, if you have something to say, don't do it." The Ninth Prince heard the loud noise in the attic outside the garden, fearing that something might happen, and finally got worried, so he sneaked back. Seeing this posture, I was so frightened that I couldn't care about anything, so I rushed in.
As soon as Emperor Lintian saw the Ninth Prince, he found a punching bag, and shouted in a deep voice: Who told you to come in? "The Ninth Prince hurriedly said: "I don't worry about Father Emperor and Seventh Brother..."
roll! "Emperor Lintian didn't listen, and swept away with a palm wind containing strong internal force. The Ninth Prince was shocked and didn't dare to take it hard, so he could only dodge quickly, but was still swept by the rest of the palm wind. Fei hit the wall, he wailed and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Zongzheng Wuyou's face changed, showing anger, and said: Don't always take out your anger on him! Don't forget, he is your son too! Since you don't like it, you shouldn't do that ridiculous thing. "
Emperor Lintian's pupils shrank, because he had been drunk all night, he was cautious, afraid that Yun'er would find out about the incident, if he didn't know the existence of this child until the woman gave birth, he would definitely not let this child come to this world. The Ninth Prince pressed his chest and stood up, his eyes dimmed quietly, but he still smiled heartlessly. When did the father consider him his son? ! He is just the product of his father's absurd night. As soon as he was born, his mother was given to death by his father. He was taken by a maid. At that time, who knew that there was such a prince who didn't even have a name in this country. ? In this royal family, a prince who lost his mother and couldn't even have a proper status lived worse than a court lady and eunuch, until he met Seventh Brother. In his young eyes at that time, Seventh Brother was like a fairy. He stubbornly wanted to follow him, with a stubbornness he had never had before.
Yes, until now, he still doesn't even have a name. If it wasn't for the relationship between Seventh Brother, father might not even know his rank. The Ninth Prince raised his lips and said with a smile: Brother Seven, it doesn't matter to me. Royal Father, Seventh Brother didn't mean to tease you. In this world, there are indeed women who can play chess. "
Emperor Lintian was taken aback, and blurted out, "Who?" The Ninth Prince said, "Liyue, oh no, it's Princess Rongle!
Emperor Lintian's body shook, his eyes were sharp and deep, and he turned his eyes and asked: Wuyou, what Lao Jiu said is the truth? "
Zongzheng Wuyou pursed his thin lips tightly, as if he had never heard his question, he only said to the Ninth Prince: "Old Ninth, you go out first."
oh. "The Ninth Prince nodded and left, looking back frequently, still feeling a little worried.
Emperor Lintian was slightly taken aback, why did Princess Rongle play chess? Worry-free, could it be her"
Zongzheng Wuyou interrupted in a deep voice: You don't have to ask anything, I won't answer. Don't make plans for her, otherwise, I won't stand by. "How firm his look is, how tough his tone is
Emperor Lintian didn't say anything this time, but calmed down slowly. Secretly thought, no wonder Wuyou is so special to her! I see!
Emperor Lintian sighed, helplessly said Wuyou, if you didn't get angry with me back then and just married her, there wouldn't be so many things now. You will not suffer so much yourself! You deliberately oppose me every time, and you never understand my painstaking efforts. ,
Zongzheng Wuyou put his head aside, the sun outside the window was scorching hot, scorching the earth, just like his heart was suffering. He had thought more than once, just like when he obeyed once, married her, they would not fall into the same trap. Such a field.
Emperor Lintian looked at his side face, how familiar was the imperceptible sadness between his brows and eyes, just like the secret wounds he had suffered in countless days and nights that he was not forgiven before. Son, with a bit more sternness in his voice, said: That's fine, you shouldn't have love in the first place. Forget about her quickly, otherwise, sooner or later, she will become a bargaining chip for others to support or even control you. You are the future emperor, you can't have any weaknesses, so as not to be in a dilemma between the country and your lover in the future.
When did I say I was going to be emperor? Zongzheng Wuyou looked at each other coldly, and said decisively: "I have never paid much attention to your country. My business has nothing to do with you."
Emperor Lintian stared with firm eyes, and said in a painful voice: "You have to want it if you don't want it. This country has ruined the happiness of your mother and me. Only you" are qualified to inherit it! "
When Zongzheng Wuyou heard the word "Mother, my heart throbbed, and my throat suddenly became a little hoarse as if someone had stabbed me. Don't mention my mother to me! It's not Jiangshan, but you who ruined my mother's happiness." ! Don't try to shirk responsibility, it will make my mother unable to rest in peace under the nine springs! I don't need the qualifications to inherit the country, I, "I don't want to be the same person as you."
He deliberately avoided mentioning another sensitive topic that would cause him extreme pain, his mother's death. But that doesn't mean he can control himself not to think about it.
The air was suddenly heavy, and a strong sorrow filled the hearts of the father and son.
Emperor Lintian's eyes hurt sharply, he looked at him, and didn't make a sound for a long time. Every time he mentioned his beloved woman, it would inevitably trigger the deepest pain in the hearts of both father and son, and then there would be a suffocating silence.
All was quiet.
After a long time, Emperor Lintian turned around and walked back to the dragon chair, sat down slowly, with a calm but firm voice, and said: "If you want Princess Rong Le to live well, then you should prepare to be the crown prince early on. Crown Prince The candidate for the concubine is Sun Yali. Prime Minister Sun is the head of civil servants, and if you marry his daughter, it means you have won the support of half of the courtiers!"
You threaten me! Zongzheng Wuyou said coldly.
Lintian Huangdao can do whatever you want. "
Zongzheng Wuyou sneered and said: Don't forget, she is Princess Heqin and the wife of the Great General of the State of Wei who controls the entire army! You want to touch her, unless your country doesn't want her anymore! "
Emperor Lintian smiled deeply, and don't forget, if I want a person to disappear silently from this world, there are ways, and there is no need to make a big fuss! So "Wuyou, don't force me!"
It's you, don't force me! "Zongzheng Wuyou's eyes were sharp like a blade, his tone was icy, and he said decisively: If you dare to touch her, I will destroy your country that weighs more than your life!"
The air is filled with a strong smell of gunpowder, and time seems to be stumbling at the touch of a button. The sun was hot outside, but the hearts of the two inside the hall were as cold as water.
The two confronted each other for a long time, but they still refused to give in.
Emperor Lintian finally frowned and sighed, his voice was much softer, your mother's death day will be in a few days, you should talk to her well. Come here..." The maids and eunuchs who were ten feet away heard the emperor's summons and hurried up to the attic, listening to the order respectfully, and passing on my order, leaving the king without the emperor, and should have been severely punished, but because he had done something wrong She has made meritorious deeds and has the heart to repent. I am now punishing him with a one-year salary. From now on, I will go to Siyunling to face the wall and think about it for three months. There must be no mistakes."
Zongzheng Wuyou laughed mockingly, snorted coldly, and left with a flick of his sleeves.
Looking at Zongzheng Wuyou's back, Lintian Emperor frowned, worried. He always uses the people around Wuyou to force him to do things he doesn't want to do, just to let him understand that he can't let others catch his weaknesses. I thought that Wuyou had been tempered enough to be indifferent and ruthless, but unexpectedly, if he didn't pay attention, he would have such a fatal weakness!
The afternoon sun became more and more scorching, making the ground hot, making people's hearts restless for no reason.
Manyao stood up and walked slowly in the corridor for a few minutes.
Master, there is news! "Ling'er trotted all the way over, her forehead was covered with sweat, "The Emperor Lin Tian issued an order to fine Li Wang with one year's salary, and go to Siyunling to face the wall for three months. "
Manyao frowned, this was probably the first time Zongzheng Wuyou was punished! With his character, how could he accept punishment willingly? How did he react? "
Ling'er said: "Prince Li didn't respond. He didn't accept the order, and he didn't resist, so he just left the Holy Lotus Garden.
Man Yao sat down again, frowned in thought, if he didn't resist, he just admitted it! What was the reason for him to accept the punishment
Ling'er hesitated and asked: Master, are you worried about Prince Li? "
Man Yao's heart was shocked, she was worried about him? How could she worry about him! He hurriedly collected his thoughts, smiled coldly and indifferently, "I'm just idle and bored, just ask casually to pass some time."
At this time, a court lady came in to report to Madam, and guard Leng begged to see her! "
Man Yao turned around and saw the silent Leng Yan standing at the gate of the garden, she couldn't help being slightly taken aback, "Ask him to come in, Leng Yan approached, stopped ten steps away, saluted expressionlessly, and said: "Princess, my family Your Highness invites you to go. "
Man Yao's heart skipped a beat, what did Zongzheng Wuyou ask her to do at this time? Isn't he going to Siyunling? Manyao frowned and thought for a while, then asked: "King Li is looking for me, why?" "
Leng Yan said: "My subordinates are directly in charge of inviting people, and don't ask about other things." After saying that, he stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation, as if if she didn't go, he would take her to see him in a strong way.
What a cold wood. Ling'er murmured softly, and whispered in Man Yao's ear: "Master, do you want me to go find the general and come back with him
Manyao shook her head and said: No need. The general didn't come back, so he had his own business to do. When he comes back, just tell him. "After that, he followed Leng Yan and left.
Leng Yan walks very fast, and Man Yao struggles to follow, the wound will hurt when he walks too fast. After a while, her forehead was covered with fine sweat, but she didn't stop Leng Yan, knowing that it would be useless.
She lowered her head all the way and guessed in her heart what exactly Zongzheng Wuyou asked her to do here."
After turning around a few gardens, the road and the scene looked very familiar. Following Leng Yan, he entered a spacious garden, with willows blowing on the bank and white lotuses blooming in the garden, it turned out to be the Fuliu Garden.
Under the shady willow tree on the bank, the man was dressed in white, with his back leaning against the tree, his eyes half-closed, his expression tired and lazy, and a white jade chessboard was placed on the stone table in front of him. From a distance, it looks like a lazy fairy
Leng Yan disappeared after entering the yard, so there was no one else around.
Manyao slowed down, walked slowly across from him, and sat down gently.
You came! "Zongzheng Wuyou seemed to be greeting an old friend for many years, extremely calm. After he finished speaking, he opened his eyes, and the bloodshot eyes were densely covered with blood, as if he had not slept for several nights.
Man Yao looked away, and said lightly, "Well, let me know. In such a situation, she can't say the usual official polite words to keep her distance.
Looking at the chess pieces on the table on both sides of the Chu River and the Han Realm returning to their respective positions, she was a little dazed. Ling'er said that there was a sound of a chessboard being smashed in Guanhe Hall, why there is still a chessboard here. Maybe he had already made a plan before he went up the mountain? He expected that Emperor Lintian would make a move, so he prepared an extra pair.
Unable to tell what it was like, she took out the white jade bottle that the Ninth Prince gave her last night, and handed it over, trying to use as plain as possible. Kiss said: "Thank you for the medicine, the effect is really good."
Zongzheng Wuchen didn't answer it, and didn't even look at it. He just said indifferently that the effect was good, so he put it away. Play chess with me as your thank you gift.
This is the calmest conversation he has had since parting.
Man Yao withdrew her hand and nodded slightly.
In the quiet garden, apart from the faint sound of the wind, there is only the occasional sound of falling children, which is extremely light, as if afraid that a little heavier will disturb someone's unknown mind.
The air is filled with a faint breath of nostalgia and sadness. Those days of being together day and night, those unshakable days of a game of chess every day, with each piece falling, become more and more clear, as if it was just yesterday.
The years swept away those beautiful feelings like a torrent, leaving only the stinging memories
Zongzheng Wuyou's gaze slowly moved up across the chessboard, and looked at those clear and intelligent eyes. No matter when and where, no matter in the past or now, and no matter who is sitting opposite her, she can always play chess with concentration. , Move one child and see the overall situation.
Man Yao waited for a while, saw that he was unconsciously holding the chess piece, and did not move for a while, so he raised his eyes, and the moment they met, the sadness and tenderness that flashed in those deep and indifferent eyes made people seem to be dazzled.
The summer wind, somewhat hot and refreshing, mixed with the moisture of the pool water and the faint fragrance of white lotus, brushed over their brows and eyes. She seemed to have returned to those peaceful years, and he was also holding the chess piece like this at this moment, looking up at her from time to time, with tenderness looming in his eyes. She was in a trance for a moment, and somehow called out the name Wuyou, it's your turn. "
After speaking, she was so shocked that her heart trembled violently, she could still call him by his name today after a year of separation! He had hurt her so badly, used her so deceitfully. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to meet those eyes again.
Zongzheng Wuchen's body shook, and the chess piece in his hand accidentally slipped off his fingertips and rolled to the ground. He didn't know it, his eyes suddenly blazed, looked at her, and said: "I didn't expect to hear you call my name before I thought about it. Aman",
His Highness Li Wang, Manyao interrupted him suddenly, not wanting to listen to him, she turned her head, her face was calm and calm, but her heart was full of mixed emotions. She bent down to pick up the chess piece on the ground and handed it to him. As if correcting the previous mistake, he said again: "His Royal Highness, it's your turn."
Zongzheng Wuyou's eyes paused, the blazing light in those eyes seemed to be hit by a heavy hammer, smashed and cracked, scattered in all directions, and became icy cold again.
The following sentence of "His Royal Highness Li Wang" made his heart feel as cold as water, and he couldn't add it.
He picked up the chess piece, his slender fingers turned white and blue under the scorching sun, he coughed suddenly, and faintly felt a trace of blood in his throat. He forced himself to swallow it. It turned out that people's internal injuries can also be endured bit by bit in this way.
Zongzheng Wuyou put his eyes on the chessboard again, and dropped the chess piece casually, forgetting the previous layout.
It was that move that broke the all-time draw.
After a few incidents, the outcome has already been decided.
Looking at the game of chess, Man Yao was a little astonished. It's that simple, and it's over? ! It's only a stick of incense. In the past, it took them so long to play a game of chess.
Zongzheng Wuyou laughed at himself, the smile was a bit miserable, he raised his head and looked straight at her, as if he wanted to look into her heart or even her soul.
Manyao looked back silently, suppressed the confusion in her heart, pursed her lips, neither of them made a sound.
After a while, Zongzheng Wuyou seemed to be muttering to himself, his voice was very soft, with some self-deprecating, some vague plans, he said: "I lost!"
In front of the beloved, the indifferent and pretentious words fade away, like the sigh of the wind, sad and long
He said: He lost!
Manyao's heart trembled, she was very surprised.
He is such a proud and conceited person, it is so difficult for him to say these three words, but he finally admitted it! In fact, from the very beginning, he had already lost!
He always thought that everything was under his control during those cautious temptations, calculations and utilizations. He thought that as long as it was what he wanted, he couldn't escape from his grasp. But at that time, he didn't know, Love cannot be calculated, sincerity cannot be used!
He unknowingly threw himself into the emotions that were both true and false in those days. And she has always been passive, on guard, and kept awake, always remembering to keep that extra point for herself. Although she would be in pain, she endured the pain bravely, sealed up her feelings rationally, set up a series of tricks and resolutely walked out of his life.
It was only afterward that he suddenly realized that his love was deep and he could never get out.
In this unconscious emotional contest, he failed miserably! She already has another person in her heart, what else can he do for her
Zongzheng Wuyou stood up slowly, and the slender fingers supporting the stone table seemed to have lost their tenacious strength, making them even more white as paper. He walked slowly past her, and the wind lifted his unfettered long hair, sweeping across her slightly pale cheeks.
Man Yao sat there motionless, as if she hadn't recovered from his words.
Zongzheng Wuyou took out an exquisite ink five-fold fan from his sleeve, put it in front of her, and said, "Put it away. Maybe it will be useful to you in the future."
Before Man Yao could ask anything, he had already left.
She didn't turn her head to look at his back, but just sat there quietly, looking at the chessboard, in a daze. There were bursts of bitter pain in her heart, and she suddenly didn't understand herself, what the hell was she doing
After a while, she picked up the folding fan.
The texture of black jade is excellent, the tentacles are smooth, icy and cool, one side of the jade bone is carved with Kui patterns, Kui's mouth is open, tail curled up, like a tsunami dragon. As a whole, it is not much different from the Ninth Prince's folding fan except for the color, but it is obviously more noble and mysterious than that one.
This folded shoulder should be related to Wuyin Building, but why did Zongzheng Wuyou let her keep it? What is his intention
She was walking back with the Moyu folding fan, her eyes wide open and her mind extremely confused. His words... I lost seemed to be echoing in my ears.
A long-prepared grand banquet for concubine selection came to an end. Whether it was Emperor Lintian, Prince Li, or Prince Chenfeng, as well as civil and military officials, all the high hopes that had been placed on this feast were all in vain. The reason is only because of a woman.
Manyao went back to the General's Mansion with Fu, and everything returned to calm.
Ning Ganyi has visited her a few times, and said that he will stay for another month to enjoy the mountains and rivers before returning to Dust Wind Country. Because of the last assassination incident, in order to ensure his safety, Emperor Lintian sent a large number of expert guards in the open and in the dark, and gave a one-month deadline to order Wochou to be fully responsible for investigating the mastermind behind the assassination.
A few days later, Man Yao's injuries were no longer serious, and Zongzheng Wuyou's medicine really went extraordinary. During this period of time, Fu Zhao left early and returned late. Although he came to Qingmi Garden to rest every night, the total number of words the two of them had said did not exceed ten sentences. He always came into the room after she fell asleep, and he liked to hug her from behind, his movements were very gentle. Occasionally she would wake up in the middle of the night and hear a soft sigh behind her.
This morning, before the sun rose, she walked around the mansion with Ling'er.
Ling'er, has Xiao Sha been going to Ruanxianglou recently? Have you seen the girl in the building? "
Ling'er nodded and said: He still goes every day. The girl's name is Keren, and I went to find her, but the madam there said she didn't accept guests, so I didn't see her. "
Manyao asked if they would not pick up guests? Because of Xiao Sha? Or did you not give enough money? "
Ling'er said suspiciously: No, I paid for the money, but the madam didn't care about the money at all. Moreover, she also recognized my identity and told me not to worry about it. "
Manyao's heart shuddered, but her complexion was like a bud. A girl in a brothel doesn't pick up customers, and the bustard in the brothel doesn't look at the money, and easily sees through Ling'er's identity. She was contemplating carefully when she heard a scream from not far away. The voice was not loud, but the voice was hoarse. , and depressed and desperate.
She frowned and asked, "Whose voice is it?"
Ling'er shook her head blankly, they went around the courtyard wall, followed the sound, and saw a locked courtyard door. She jumped and walked lightly into the yard.
It was an extremely simple yard, located in a remote place, with deep trees in the garden, narrow and winding paths, and uneven roads. The dense branches crossed vertically and horizontally, like a tight net, blocking the sunlight above their heads.
Man Yao walked forward slowly, the hoarse cry became more and more clear to her ears, making her feel eerie when walking in the dense forest.
Master, why is there such a place in the General's Mansion? I don't know who called it so scary! "Ling'er followed closely behind her, gently tugging at the corner of her clothes.
Walking through the dense forest, she came to a few dilapidated houses. The doors were closed but not locked. She pushed lightly, only to hear the door creak, and it opened with a bang.
The rooms are nestled one after the other, and the yellowed walls are peeling off in large chunks, leaving mottled spots all over the floor.
There was nothing in the room, and she walked through three doors, and it became darker as she went in. All the windows in the house were nailed down without leaving any gaps.
Walking into the last room, a strong and pungent stench hit her face, she frowned intuitively, and stopped, the room was pitch black and hard to distinguish.
Ling'er covered her mouth and nose, pulled her quickly, and said softly, "Master, let's go out."
Manyao didn't make a sound, and his vision gradually cleared a little. There seemed to be many murder weapons on the surrounding walls, all kinds of weapons.
She suddenly understood that this is the punishment room in the mansion! No wonder that day, when those girls heard that they were going to be sent to the execution room, their expressions changed drastically.
The screaming had stopped since she entered the house.
She picked up the flint on the side, lit the torch on the wall, and saw a person nestled on the ground in front of her.
Perhaps, it can no longer be called a human being, but a fuzzy mass of flesh and blood. The ground around the man was stained with brown blood.
Ling'er screamed, and said in a trembling voice
Lord, master "He, who is he? Is he dead or alive?"
Man Yao patted her hand calmly, took a few steps forward, and asked: Who are you? "
The man on the ground raised his head with great effort, his messy hair almost covered his entire face, only those pair of unwilling and desperate eyes looked over through the gap in the hair. With a hoarse voice as if his throat had been broken by a palm, he said in an extremely weak voice: Madam, "Don't you recognize your subordinate?"
This voice seemed somewhat familiar. Man Yao's heart was shocked, and he asked tentatively in disbelief, "Xiang Ying."
The corner of the man's cracked mouth was covered with dark brown blood that had already solidified, and he let out a miserable laugh, which made people's hair stand on end, "It's hard for Ma'am to... still remember this subordinate."
Man Yao immediately stepped forward, stretched out his hand to brush away the hair in front of him, his hand trembled slightly, the once masculine face had already become thinner than a human being at the moment, his complexion was sallow, his hair was like withered grass, his eyes were cloudy, Lifeless. But I can still tell that it is indeed Fu Zhao's personal bodyguard Xiang Ying!
Man Yao frowned and asked: Why are you here? Still make it look like this? "Isn't he the most powerful subordinate around Fu Zhao
Xiang Ying hangs his hands weakly, his eyes are desperate, powerless
Because of the Qingliang Lake...the subordinates were not good at protecting the master, and my wife almost died...the general ordered someone...to pick my tendons and make me here...to think about my mistakes. "
Manyao was shocked, it was because of her injury that Fu Zhao punished his cronies like this! Does Fu Zhao value her so much? Or is Fu Tzu himself cruel by nature and does not allow others to make even the slightest mistake
It is better to say that it is to wait for death than to think about it. His body was rotten with blood and flesh, his hands and feet could not move, and there was a bowl far away beside him. The bowl was full of food from Zhou Guo, and it already gave off a musty smell. It must be because he couldn't move his hands and reached for it with his mouth. Eat it before spilling it.
She knelt down and checked his meridians, and found that not all of them were broken, as long as it didn't take too long, there was still hope of recovery.
Fu Tzu's punishment was indeed cruel enough. For a person like Xiang Ying, the physical pain alone should not be enough to break him down. On the contrary, it is this way of keeping a glimmer of hope for him, allowing him to slowly rest in the passage of time. It is the most tortured way to experience the feeling of despair coming.
Manyao turned her head and ordered: Ling'er, go and ask someone to invite the best doctor. Let someone carry Xiang Ying back to his residence. "
oh. "Ling'er responded and went out.
Xiang Ying trembled and looked at her in shock. In his eyes at this moment, she was like a fairy who saved the world, and her beauty beyond the world was even more dazzling. His godless eyes gradually ignited a ray of light, flickering on and off, as if he didn't believe that she would save him, or he didn't believe that she could save him. For a long time, as long as they entered this torture room due to punishment, no one had ever been lucky enough to get out alive. He also didn't expect the general to make an exception for him.
At that moment, countless emotions flashed in his eyes, there was the expectation of seeing a glimmer of hope when he was on the verge of despair, and there was also the fear that hope would be followed by deeper despair. He is actually not afraid of death, but he is afraid of this way of death, which is too long to suffer.
With a trembling voice, he said, "Ma'am, the general... will not agree.
Man Yao smiled consolingly and said: Don't worry, since it's because of me, I won't ignore you.
The servants guarding the garden came soon, and when they entered the house, they respectfully said to Manyao: "This subordinate is not good at guarding, and let Madam enter such a bad place. This subordinate and others should be damned! Please also please Madam leave the exit quickly
Manyao didn't speak immediately, but just glanced at them with extremely sharp eyes, and after a while, said: "You send Xiang Ying back to his residence, and when the general returns to his residence, I will explain to him, and I won't hurt you all." .”
Those people looked at each other, bowed together and said: Madam, forgive me! The general has ordered that anyone who enters here, unless there is a personal pardon from the general, otherwise, whoever releases them without authorization will be guilty of the same crime as the criminals here. "
bold! "Ling'er scolded loudly, "You don't even look at who my master is!" Same crime as the criminal? Give you a hundred guts, see if you dare touch my master? ! Do you know? The reason why Xiang Ying was so severely offended was because he failed to protect my master well. How dare you openly disobey your master's order, how many heads have you grown? "
When the servants heard this, a look of panic flashed across their faces, their heads drooped, and they didn't dare to make a sound, nor did they dare to agree to let them go. Who is Xiang Ying? She is the general's confidant. He was punished like this just because it is not good for protecting his wife. It shows the importance of his wife in the general's heart!
Man Yao's eyes were sharp, and after she lowered her face, she was full of majesty, her voice was low, and she said imposingly, "I said before, the general blames the blame, and my wife is responsible!" He said coldly: "What? Are you waiting for Mrs. Ben to do it yourself
Madame calm down! The subordinates dare not! Those people hurriedly bowed a few times, and quickly carried out Xiang Ying who couldn't move.
This night, Fu Tzu returned to the mansion much earlier than the previous day.
After dinner, she sat in the garden to enjoy the shade. After Fu Zhao changed his clothes, he sat across from her and looked at her thoughtfully, as if he was waiting for her to say something, but Man Yao didn't speak, as if nothing happened, he casually took out a folding fan from his sleeve , Fanning on his own.
Fu Zhao glanced at the folding fan, his gentle eyes changed slightly, and asked calmly, "Rong Le, your fan, "It's very special, where did it come from?"
It was only then that Man Yao realized that what she was holding was actually the Moyu folding fan that Zongzheng Wuyou gave her, she gently closed it, and said flatly, "It was given to her by someone else."
Fu Tuo looked at the lifelike Kui carved on the king's bone, his eyes turned a few times, and his chest felt aching. He lowered his eyes and said calmly, "Oh.
Man Yao retracted her shoulders and put them into her sleeves, without beating around the bush, she said directly: "General, I want someone with you."
Puchou asked gently, "But Xiang Ying?" "
yes. "She knew that she had someone release Xiang Ying, and he would get the news in no time.
The waiter didn't even hesitate, and responded: "Okay."
Manyao was taken aback, she didn't expect him to agree so readily.
Fu Zhao seemed to have seen through her thoughts, and said with a gentle smile that you have been married to me for more than a year, it is rare that you are willing to ask me for something today, so what if I make an exception for you? Let alone one person, even the entire General's Mansion, as long as I can give it, I will agree. "
He suddenly leaned forward, reached out to grab her hand, and held it tightly. He looked at her fixedly, with tenderness in his eyes, and said again: "It's just... Rong Le, when will you... take me too
Man Yao's expression froze, and he looked away unnaturally,' the general laughed. "
Just take it as a joke. Fu Tiao let go of her hand, and his usual gentle smile was mixed with a bit of bitterness. He is a general who controls the life and death of the country, and he can change the color of the world with a wave of his hand. He doesn't change his face and doesn't care, but who would have thought that every night he would look at the person next to his pillow, thinking hard about the woman who was quietly held in his arms, but whose heart was so far away from him. What are you thinking in your heart
The moonlight that night was extraordinarily bright, shining through the window on the ground of the bedroom in Qingmi Garden. She was still lying on her side with her face inside, Fu Tiao leaned on her waist behind her, listening to her shallow and even breathing, clearly knew that she was not asleep.
He looked past her, looking at the black jade folding fan in her hand, and there seemed to be something surging in his chest, which he couldn't suppress no matter what.
He closed his eyes heavily and opened them again, suddenly stood up and pulled her over.
Before Man Yao had time to think about it, he kissed her lips violently, and she couldn't help being surprised.
Fu Tzu at this moment made her feel so strange, she couldn't figure out the situation at all, and she didn't know why he suddenly became so manic, changed from his usual gentleness, his kiss, rage mixed with anger, as if in It's like being angry with someone, like a wayward child.
He eagerly tore her clothes, turned over and pressed down, Man Yao panicked, and instinctively pushed her hard.
Fu Tzu raised her head, her gentle eyes were extremely hot at the moment, and her handsome face was full of strong longing. She asked very much what kind of message Chu Na was passing to her.
general..."
Rongle." Fu Zhao interrupted: "I'm not a saint. "
Man Yao's body trembled, and she stared at him blankly. He is such a gentle person, it is really unexpected when he gets angry.
Xiaochou took the shoulder, holding it with such strength as if it was about to be crushed, and a cloud of depression in his heart was rapidly expanding, "These days, do you just hug it to sleep? Have you ever cared about me halfway?" Feeling? Even if you say, "You don't love me, but I am your husband after all!" Have you ever thought about it, I also have dignity, "have sincerity!"
Behind the deep desire in his eyes, there is an unknown expression of pain.
She was slightly surprised, facing such a strange Fu Tiao, she suddenly felt her throat tighten, and she couldn't say a word that could be used to decline or explain.
She turned her head to one side, breathed evenly, her voice was serene and quiet, and she said indifferently: "The general's sincerity should be left to the person who should keep it." I can't stand it! !
Fu Zhao's eyes dimmed, and he put his hands round her head, forcing her to look at him, "Is it because I can't bear it, or I don't want it?"
There was no way to avoid it, so she looked directly at him and said frankly, "I can't bear it, and I don't want it." "
Fu Zhao's fingertips were cold, and she refused to even tell a lie to comfort him. "Am I that inferior to him?"
Man Yao calmly said: "It's not that you are inferior to him, but that you know better than me what the relationship between you and me is. I have no intention of trampling on the dignity of a general, and we are not suitable for talking about sincerity. As for my Remnant body, "If the general really wants it and doesn't dislike it, then "take it. To me, it's just a skin, that's all."
Her rejecting hand slowly slid down, and she slowly closed her eyes, silently waiting for the storm that greeted her.
The night was extremely quiet, her face was calm, but her heart was already flustered.
After waiting for a long time, the expected storm did not come, and the man on her body did not move at all, neither violently tearing her clothes, nor grimacing at her.
She suppressed the uneasiness in her heart and still closed her eyes tightly.
Fu Tzu just stared at her steadfastly, the previous fanatical atmosphere was gradually replaced by sadness, after hearing her overly sober and calm words, and facing her expression like a strong man breaking his wrist, he suddenly wanted to laugh, and he really did. But there was sadness in his eyes.
How it starts determines how it ends.
He turned over and sat up, grabbed a piece of clothing, opened the door, and walked away.
boom! "
The sound of closing the door shook her heart directly, and she opened her eyes, the corners of which were extremely dry.
In the next few days, Fu Tzu did not step into Qingmi Garden again, and her life was still as usual.
Ling'er stood far away, looked at Manyao several times before hesitating to speak.
Without raising her head, Man Yao said calmly: "When did you learn to read words and expressions? Just say what you have to say.
Only then did Ling'er say the same thing: "Master, what happened to you and the general?" Did you fight that night? "
Manyao said casually: "It's nothing serious. It will be fine in a few days. How is Xiang Ying's body recovering?"
Ling'er said: "Very good, I can already take care of myself."
Man Yao nodded, "That's good."
A servant came in and reported: "Ma'am, Xiang Ying wants to see you."
Man Yao said: "Let him in." Xiang Ying entered the room, kowtowed three times respectfully in front of her, without any ambiguity at all.
Man Yao waved his hand to make the others retreat, and then called Xiang Ying to stand up. Xiang Ying didn't get up, but raised his head, straightened his back, and his masculine face was full of gratitude. He was not good at words, and he didn't have a lot of grateful words, but his eyes were firm and sincere, and he would All his gratitude and joy for the rest of his life were expressed. He clasped his fists with both hands, and said in a calm voice: "Master, Xiang Ying will be reborn with kindness! From today on, Xiang Ying's life is the master's. As long as the master says a word, Xiang Ying will die!" "
Only those who are struggling in the darkness like the edge of hell and have personally experienced the heart-biting pain of despair will know the preciousness of light!
Man Yao noticed that he called her Master, not Madame, which represented his choice of position for the future. She was not in a hurry to tell him to get up, but walked around him, and then stood in front of him, condescending, her sharp eyes looked straight into his eyes, and said in a low voice: "Xiang Ying, think about it. I I rescued you not because I wanted you to give me anything in return. I just thought you were a rare talent, so it’s a pity that you died like that. You don’t have to follow me. You can be like before. I’m the wife and you are the general. In this way, you have nothing to ask from me. But if you are really willing to recognize me as your master, I will ask you to be absolutely loyal, without any concealment or deceit, otherwise, my methods may not be better than How is the general better? You... you have to think carefully. Xiang Ying was slightly stunned, the wife in his eyes was demure and indifferent, and he had never seen her with such a majestic appearance. He didn't answer immediately, but lowered his eyes carefully consideration.
Manyao stood there motionless, watching every subtle expression change on his face. If he immediately agreed and swore allegiance to her, she would think he was rash and doubt whether such loyalty was credible.
After a while, Xiang Ying looked up at her, with a firm answer in his eyes, and solemnly said: I have made up my mind, and I am willing to follow the master. I dare not say anything else, but loyalty, I can guarantee it with my life. "
Manyao nodded, and Xiang Ying said that there is only one point, I want to ask the master to forgive.
you say. "
Everything about the general and what happened before that, please don't ask, I can't tell you. "
Manyao slightly raised her eyebrows and asked: Oh? Why? Xiang Ying said: "Because before today, I was loyal to the general." I cannot break the promise I made before just because I am loyal to you now. This is the principle of my life.
There was a sweet smile on the corner of Man Yao's mouth, but he asked, "Don't you feel contradictory. Xiang Ying shook his head and said, 'I don't think it is contradictory."
Man Yao said: "The general treats you like that, don't you hate him?" Xiang Ying said: "No. Before leaving that day, the general ordered me to protect you well. It was my fault for protecting the Lord. If I failed to complete the task, I should be punished. of."
Man Yao paused, thought for a while, and then asked, "If that's the case, why didn't you continue to serve the general and choose me instead." Since you are the most powerful subordinate around the general, you should know that I have nothing but these meaningless vain identities, and I may not be able to give you a bright future for the rest of my life. If you follow me, maybe you will always be an unknown attendant. "Xiang Ying didn't avoid her gaze, and replied calmly: I choose you precisely because you have nothing. There is no shortage of me by the general's side."
Man Yao was startled, her eyes went back and forth on his face. Because she has nothing, and because she needs someone who is devoted to her wholeheartedly, he chose her.
get up. "Man Yao stretched out his hand to support him, restrained his aura just now, and showed a sincere smile, "From now on, you will become the person I trust the most in this world, I hope you will not disappoint my trust in you. Xiangying, thank you! "Xiang Ying's body shook, and her smile was like a lamp in the dark night, instantly lighting up a world.
Man Yao smiled and said to go to rest, wait a few days for the injury to heal, and help me with something. "There are some things she needs to figure out!" Xiang Ying bowed her head, "Yes, master"
Red face, white hair, pain