The moon rose over the eastern mountain, and a thin layer of mist rose from the distant mountains, revealing the lights of Jianye and Qinhuai River, making the sky and the earth hazy.
It was dark early on the mountain. Liu Qi drank his tea but had no intention of falling asleep. In the ancient times when people worked from sunrise to sunset, he was still not used to going to bed early.
When I have nothing to do, I just stroll around enjoying the mountain breeze. Since I traveled through time until now, I have either been acting with others or fighting in wars. I have never been so completely relaxed.
In this chaotic world of swords, shadows and treacherous circumstances, every step has to be taken cautiously and as if walking on thin ice. How can we have time to enjoy peace and quiet
Walking out of the courtyard, he saw a bluestone path winding up to the top of the mountain. Liu Qi stood under an ancient pine tree, listening to the sound of pine waves, and was hesitating whether to go to the top of the mountain to take a look.
At this moment, suddenly there was a faint sound of a flute, accompanied by the swirling clouds and mist, as if it was blending with it, rising and falling, low and ethereal.
Music, chess, calligraphy and painting are compulsory courses for every child of aristocratic family. Liu Qi was influenced by Liu Biao since he was a child. Although he did not like music very much, he also wanted to pretend to be a cultured person, so he could appreciate a thing or two.
After listening silently for a moment, Liu Qi turned around and saw Zhao Yun, dressed in a white robe, standing at the gate of the courtyard with a sword in his hand, also watching from afar like the pine and cypress trees.
Zhao Yun is such a reassuring person. He is taciturn, meticulous in his work, careful and thorough, and will not disturb others, who may even ignore his existence.
Such a caring guard may be better than Dian Wei and Xu Chu. No wonder Liu Da'er prefers to take him with him when he goes out.
"It's still early and it's really boring here. How about going up and taking a look?"
Liu Qi never treated Zhao Yun as a servant. He respected him as much as he treated Guan and Zhang. Except for being more formal in the army, he treated him like a family member in other people's daily lives.
Zhao Yun walked forward without saying anything. Liu Qi suddenly became bolder. The two of them walked up the mountain along the path in the moonlight.
Liu Qi was also curious. Zhang Zhao clearly said that there was no one else in the back mountain and it was absolutely safe. Where did the flute sound come from? Was it another trick
But since the other party has laid the bait, it would be a pity if I don’t find out what’s going on. I want to see who is here.
When you reach the top of the mountain, you will see an octagonal pavilion surrounded by pine and cypress trees to block the mountain wind. The flower beds are very neat and obviously taken care of by someone. There is a faint scent of magnolia in the air.
In the pavilion, a person was sitting alone playing the flute. Judging from her posture, she should be a woman. She was wearing plain clothes and gauze, and seemed to blend into the moonlight.
Liu Qi stepped forward lightly, while Zhao Yun stood at the intersection, looking around and keeping alert, silently taking out his bow and arrow so that he could provide timely rescue if anything unexpected happened.
"What great oral skills!" Liu Qi walked to the edge of the pavilion and clapped his hands in praise.
The woman suddenly turned around, but she was wearing a veil, and seemed a little surprised: "Who are you? Why is there another man in the courtyard?"
Liu Qi heard her gentle voice, like a clear mountain spring. Although he was startled, he remained calm. He clasped his fists and said, "I am Liu Qi, I live in the other courtyard at the foot of the mountain. I had nothing to do this evening. I heard the sound of the flute and came up to find out what was going on. The girl seemed to be worried and distressed."
"Young lady?" The woman seemed to be in a trance and stood up slowly. "Sir, are you the Lord of Jingzhou, Marquis of Xiangyang?"
"That's right!" Liu Qi nodded and smiled, "May I ask your name, young lady?"
"I... am already a married woman!" The woman sighed softly, paused for a moment, and slowly took off her veil, staring at Liu Qi with bright eyes: "Sir, do you really not recognize me?"
"You are Da Qiao?" Liu Qi was stunned and shocked when he saw the flawless face.
He met Da Qiao twice in Luoyang. Once was at Qiao Xuan's house, where they just had a quick glance. The other time was in the imperial palace. Da Qiao had worked as a musician in the Yuefu, specializing in teaching music to concubines.
Once, Liu Qi accompanied Liu Biao to the palace to discuss matters. They stayed in the imperial garden and met Liu Xie. At that time, Liu Xie had just been brought into the palace and was lawless, so Liu Qi lied and said he was taking Liu Xie to the Yuefu to practice the piano.
This fellow grew up in a Taoist temple and had none of the upbringing of a royal child. He was frivolous and arrogant, and often flirted with palace maids. He was reprimanded many times by Emperor Ling. He had heard that the musicians in the Yuefu were beautiful and good at dancing, and he had been coveting them for a long time. Today was the perfect opportunity to find someone to take the blame for him.
Da Qiao happened to be present at the time and was immediately fascinated by her. If Liu Qi had not stopped her with righteous words, she would have taken her to the palace to play the flute for him alone.
The Da Qiao in front of him was no longer the bright and charming girl she was when she was a palace maid. Her hair was tied up high, her slender neck was like a swan, her brows were filled with sorrow, her red lips were cold, and she looked more cold and resentful.
"It was just a quick glance, and I didn't expect that you still remembered me." Da Qiao smiled faintly. The beauty under the moonlight was even more captivating.
"Madam... you are extremely beautiful. I think anyone who has seen you will never forget you," Liu Qi sighed and joked, "I heard that Cao Cao is obsessed with you two ladies. He came to Jiangdong this time partly for you sisters!"
"Cao Mengde?" Da Qiao looked into the distance and smiled sadly: "When that happens, I will be the spoils snatched away by the victor, right?"
"I didn't mean to offend you!" Liu Qi waved his hand and said, "The Cao thief has retreated. It was just a joke. Please forgive me, Madam!"
Liu Qi wanted to liven up the awkward atmosphere, but ended up touching someone's sore spot. He apologized sincerely.
The speaker may not mean it, but the listener may take it seriously. It is really wrong to offend others, but Liu Qi will not say that others can't take a joke.
Da Qiao stared at Liu Qi and saw that he was sincere. She asked, "When we met in the palace, I spoke for justice and scared the prince away. How come after I got Jingzhou, I was known as a lustful and greedy person?"
"A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind!" Liu Qi sighed helplessly, "When people reach a high position, they will naturally be envied. There will be many people who slander and spread rumors. Who doesn't talk about others behind their backs?"
Da Qiao was slightly startled: "That makes sense."
Liu Qi was puzzled and asked, "I heard that the lady was keeping vigil for the general who was fighting against the rebellion in the temple. Her deep love was touching. How come she is also in this back mountain?"
"Infatuated?" Da Qiao looked up at the bright moon and said faintly, "My love has long been given to the bright moon and the gentle breeze."
Liu Qi looked around and asked, "Zhang Zhao arranged me to stay in the other courtyard, saying that there were no outsiders on the mountain. But I heard the sound of a flute on the mountain, so I came here out of curiosity, but I didn't expect to disturb the lady. Could it be that Zhang Zhao also arranged you here to wait for the day after tomorrow to offer sacrifices to the general who is fighting against the rebellion?"
Da Qiao did not answer but asked, "Sir, what do you think of General Sun?"
Liu Qi hesitated for a moment and replied, "Sun Bofu started the rebellion with 3,000 men and horses. He went to Jiangdong at the age of 18 and pacified Jiangdong in a few years. He was so successful that he established such a great foundation at such a young age. How many people in history could have done that? It's a pity that God is jealous of talented people and they fell into the hands of scoundrels. If he hadn't encountered an accident, with his ability, he would have already entered the Central Plains and fought against Cao Cao!"
Da Qiao raised her eyebrows slightly: "So, you also admire General Sun?"
"Of course!" Liu Qi nodded seriously and said, "The title of Little Overlord is well deserved!"
Liu Qi still deeply admired Sun Ce's abilities. Throughout history, eighteen-year-old boys have basically been under the protection of their parents, dreaming of changing the world. Sun Ce has already put it into action!
However, his family background of hard steel determined his fate. This was to be an enemy of the times, just like a person going against the turbid waves, he would be unable to move forward.
"General Sun's tablet is in the belly of this mountain!" Xiao Qiao pointed to the cliff behind her, "Sir, would you like to go and burn some incense?"
"In the mountains?" Liu Qi immediately became alert. Could the trap be in the mountains