Between the vast sea of ​​clouds

Qingping watched her go away, the candle on the table was brightly lit, and a large drop of wax oil slid down as if overwhelmed; the candle wick curled up, and the burnt carbon black withered on the table, leaving a trace of burnt fire.In the dark snowy night, only the whimpering of the wind was heard, and the snow covered the steps in the night, and she stood facing the wind for a long time, as if she could keep a little clarity in this way.

This step-by-step approach is affectionate, and in the end she still needs to be with her body.Chu Hao is by no means a kind person. She has acted abnormally several times in recent days and accompanied her with extraordinary patience and care, just to keep herself.

Qingping closed the door, brushing the peonies carved on it with his hand.This flower has a graceful and luxurious posture, and when it blooms, it is like a cloud like a fog, beautiful and rich, and is loved by the world.But it takes several years of careful care by the gardener before you can see the true face.She is like this flower, Chu Jun wants to cut off her branches and leaves, and put her in a house full of gold and jade, so that she can be brought out to watch and play at any time... She wants her to be with her for such a long time, no amount of warmth can cover up the almost Paranoid possession.

Qingping just felt a little tired, she knew what kind of person Chu Jun was, he was meticulous and thorough, but he was not what she saw today.

If it were in the past, in front of this deep affection, she must sincerely offer her sincerity.But now her heart is like frozen ice, three feet is not achieved in one day, but it only takes one time to destroy all hopes. The bond she once thought was just her illusion, and this illusion will eventually be shattered.

Facing Chu Jun's gentleness now, Qingping was surprised but only found it absurd.Maybe for this person there is not much difference between emotion and strategy. If there is something missing, then make up for it with a new one.Stepping into the chess game step by step, she is still a pawn in Chu Jun's hands, being pushed into a brand new game.

This emotional game has never been fair, she has no ability to refuse, nor is she qualified to stop.

Qingping has realized this truth since that rainy night, Chu Jun may not understand what this kind of fairness is, she has always been condescending, and she wants a loyal courtier who is obsessed with her, not someone who tries to stand up and be equal to her.This kind of fairness has never existed between them. Qingping admits that he is still tempted by her, but he will never easily believe in such an illusory feeling.

Qingping watched the candlelight gradually fade away, as if watching the passion dissipate with cold eyes.She just felt tired, and she didn't want to be with Chu Junxu again, but she had to gamble with her feelings, which was inevitable and intentional, so why didn't she want to use Chu Jun's hand to see this feeling clearly.

They are tacitly aware of this, and each has their own thoughts, but they never catch them without a fight and sit and wait for death.

A few days later, the snow was still falling. When I got up early in the morning, I saw the steward leading his servants to wipe and clean the house outside. The movement was not small, and there was a lot of noise everywhere, so he asked, "What is this for?"

The steward replied: "The end of the year is approaching, and it is customary to clean up."

Before she knew it, it was the Chinese New Year, and the time passed so fast, she stayed in the study every day, never expecting such a thing to happen.

Qingping looked at the eaves in a daze. In the past at this time, she spent years in Sun Congshan's mansion. At this time, Yunzhou was snowing continuously and it was freezing cold. If nothing happened in the mansion, a few people would sit around the stove, He could also gossip and gossip, but in the end Junjun Sun, who thought he was too noisy, drove him to look at the official documents.

The steward said: "The greeting cards and things have been prepared, and they have been sealed according to my lord's instructions. But my lord is going out?"

Qingping turned around, gathered the cloak on his body and said: "Well, take your things, I'm going to pay a visit to Lord Wen's mansion now, and I will come back later, if anyone comes to ask to see him at the mansion, just leave a greeting card , no matter what, wait until I come back."

The steward agreed, brought a fox fur sleeve and leather felt, and said, "My lord, take it with you on this road, lest the cold get in your hands."

Qingping took the things and walked outside the gate of the mansion, a carriage had been waiting for a long time, she nodded to the steward, got into the carriage immediately, and went to visit Wen Tianfu's mansion.

A few days ago, she wondered, since Chu Jun was able to appear in her house in such an upright manner, did it mean that the affairs in the court were almost over, whether Yuan Sui and Jin Huan had returned to Beijing, and what is the current situation in Chenzhou? , she knew nothing and could only wait patiently.

For Qingping, as long as she can return to the Ministry of Rites and appear in the court, she can at least have contact with the outside world. What can I do.

Wen Tianfu's house is located in Qingmei Lane in the west of the city. This seemingly inconspicuous alley is home to important officials in the court such as the Chief Assistant of the Cabinet, the Minister of Rites, and the Minister of Dali Temple.Qingping got off the carriage in front of Wen's residence, and the steward of the residence had already waited outside the door to welcome her in.

There is a large charcoal stove on the open space in the courtyard. The snow has melted before it falls, so there is no snow covering the stove.The servants used bamboo baskets to hold charcoal and kept adding it to the furnace to keep the charcoal fire strong.Qing Ping took a few more glances at the charcoal stove, and the steward of Wen's Mansion saw it and said, "This is an old custom in our lord's hometown. When the end of the year is approaching, we will set up a big stove in front of the door, which means that the coming year will be prosperous."

Qingping nodded, and the steward stopped talking, and led her into the back room. Wen Tianfu was wearing a half-worn silver-patterned robe, his gray hair tied up with a wooden hairpin, just like an ordinary old man, sitting in the hall waiting with a smile on his face.

Qingping saluted her and sat down on the chair on the left.

Wen Tianfu smiled and said: "It's good to be back. It's really unexpected that such troubles have occurred in Chenzhou. Li Shizhong and his party in Chenzhou must have gained a lot. Now that you are returning to Beijing to report on your work, His Majesty should be rewarded."

Qing Ping didn't care what the reward was, he just said: "The lower official just fulfilled his duty as a minister, and he dare not ask for anything."

Wen Tianfu picked up the teacup and said casually: "Before you came here, Chen Kaiyi and Master Chen left my place. Do you know why she came here?"

Qingping removed the sleeve in his hand, and bowed slightly: "If the lower official's guess is correct, your lord will be returning home early next year, and she should be here for this purpose."

Wen Tianfu replied: "Yes, the list of candidates for the Minister of Rites will be presented to the imperial court a few years ago. At that time, His Majesty will call six ministers to discuss with the Grand Scholars." She turned to Qingping and asked, "Li Shizhong, what about you?" Why did you come here?"

After thinking about it, Qing Ping said: "I have been in the Ministry of Rites for less than a year, and I dare not compare with Mr. Chen. From the perspective of emotion and reason, Mr. Chen is indeed the best choice to take over as Minister."

Wen Tianfu smiled and said: "That's right, but there are still college students in the Imperial Academy, even if it's seniority, it's out of her turn. What's more, it depends on your majesty, who is favored by the holy will. That's what matters."

She smiled meaningfully, and Qingping naturally understood who was favored by the holy will, so she made it difficult for her to say: "The lower official's visit to the lord has something to do with this matter, and the matter of Chenzhou is often overstepped by the lower official. If the punishment is equal, I am afraid that it will be difficult to stay in the court at that time, so I thought about sending him to another state, and it would be good to become a state official."

Wen Tianfu scolded: "Stupid! How could you think that way? Under the Shangshu is the servant. Even if the new Shangshu comes, I need to give you some face. Just wait a few more years, and you will be recommended for the post of Shangshu It is a matter of certainty. I think His Majesty also has this intention. There will be more and more things in the court in the future, and there will be more opportunities to stay in the capital. You have suffered from your young age. Although you cannot compare with those adults, you are still young It’s also a good thing, being able to do something, accumulating achievements quickly, when the time is up, you will be able to reach this position naturally.”

Qingping knew that it was Mrs. Wen teaching him, even though she didn't want to take over the position and wanted to be transferred outside, she still stood up and bowed to her, saying: "Thank you for your teaching, I will keep it in mind."

Seeing that she had listened, Wen Tianfu felt a little relieved, and said, "As long as you hold your breath and do what you need to do well, that's enough."

While talking, the steward came up to change the tea, and asked Wen Tianfu for instructions: "My lord, the charcoal stove outside the house has almost burned out, so let's not add charcoal for now?"

Wen Tianfu thought for a while and said, "It's almost burnt, is it the same as before?"

The steward said, "Yes, the same."

Wen Tianfu said to Qingping: "This is a custom in my hometown. When Chinese New Year is coming, Duanxi people often set up a stove in front of their house. If there is a way for visitors to pass by, they can rest their feet and bring good luck."

Duanxi is a big county in Qiongzhou, Qingping once heard this matter from a student from Duanxi in the government school.In fact, Yunzhou people also have this custom, but they only let it go for one day, because once it snows in Yunzhou, it will be endless, and no matter how busy the stove is, it will be useless.

It's funny to say, she is obviously from Qiongzhou, but she didn't expect to get used to life in Yunzhou after staying in Yunzhou for a few years.She doesn't remember everything about Qiongzhou very clearly. What impressed her most is a big river in her hometown. When it was flooded, the water reached people's knees, and the children took wooden basins to catch small fish in the water.Once the rainy season is over, the water recedes, and it returns to its original state.

This is the only memory she has.

Wen Tianfu said: "I heard that you are going to discuss marriage with the Shao family in Fujian?"

Qingping was taken aback, feeling bad, how could he forget about this matter.At this time, whether she should or should not, she picked up the teacup and tapped on the edge lightly, her thoughts turned quickly: "This..."

Wen Tianfu thought she was embarrassed, and said with a smile: "As the saying goes, start a family and start a business, why are you doing the opposite, first start a business and then start a family?"

Jin Huan's excerpt should be sent directly to the imperial court, why does even her immediate superior know it now?Qing Ping was very surprised, pretending to be difficult to speak, and said: "Your Excellency, don't make fun of being dismissed from office. This matter... Not many people know about this matter, and it is uncertain."

Wen Tianfu was happy: "Not many people know? The name of the Shao family's imperial merchant is very famous. If you want to discuss marriage with her family, don't others know? Chang'an Dongfang is where the Minzhou Chamber of Commerce is located, and the news has already spread It must have been instructed by the Shao family."

This is completely opposite to what Shao Ming said to her at first, didn't he say it just for show?Qingping couldn't figure out what was going on for a while, so he could only nod his head repeatedly, pretending to be drinking tea seriously.She instinctively felt that Wen Tianfu would not bring this up without reason, and must have something else to say. Sure enough, Wen Tianfu said again: "But there is still something wrong with discussing marriage with the Shao family. This marriage seems to be good for you. Duo, once you are connected with the imperial merchant, I am afraid that it will be difficult for you to be an official in the court in the future, and there is a high possibility of being sent outside; even if you have the opportunity to stay in the court, you will only be able to serve as a vacant post."

Qing Ping was eager to let it out, and if she couldn't do it, she could be downgraded and transferred outside. After hearing these words, she was suddenly enlightened, and she had a plan in her heart. She said: "Thank you for your reminder, I will definitely think about it carefully when I go back as an official."

"It's not enough just to think about it. It's been a while since you've been back. Once you're over, go back to the Ministry of Rites." Wen Tianfu waved his hand and said, "There are a lot of things at the end of the year, so let Director Chen share some work with you. Think carefully about this matter again. Take a long-term view, don't just look at what is in front of you."

Her so-called 'before' refers to the marriage with the Shao family, Qingping said: "Yes, thank you sir."

Wen Tianfu replied: "You don't need to thank me, just thank yourself, the future is still reliable if you earn it yourself, remember this, go back."

When Qingping returned to the mansion, it was already past the meal time, the steward did not expect that Shangshu's mansion would not even allow guests for a meal, and was busy ordering the kitchen to re-open the fire.Qing Ping said: "No need, just go and get busy, it's the same if you eat at night. When I'm not around, can someone come to visit the house?"

The steward said: "Someone handed me a greeting card. I don't know if my lord still has an impression. It was the guest who stayed at the house last time. My lord was away in the morning. I asked her to come back tomorrow, but she insisted on coming in the afternoon."

What did Li Yan come to do, Qingping thought for a while and said: "I know, if she comes by then, I will invite her to the study."

Qing Ping went back to the study and took out the written book and read it again. He felt that there was still something wrong, so he gave up and rewrote a copy.She chose the Taimiao when she went to Chenzhou, and she had to explain clearly in the brochure what the result would be.When she finished writing, the steward came to the study and knocked on the door, saying that a guest had arrived.

Li Yan stepped into the study room, without any words of greeting, straight to the point: "Master Li, just before you left, Mu Liangpu of Chenzhou Prefecture was assassinated and died, do you know about this?"

Liang Pu has served in Chenzhou for dozens of years, there are many things that the court does not know, but Liang Pu must know better than anyone else.Such an important figure was actually assassinated at the Wanghai Banquet, so it would be difficult to corroborate what Yuan Sui and Jin Huan initially investigated.Qingping even thought of a deeper level, once Liang Pu died, her officials would be implicated, so what should Yan Jinghan do?

She quickly calmed down and said, "I don't know about this matter. I left in a hurry that day, so the news might not spread so quickly."

Li Yan looked at her for a while, then said word by word: "Sir, I dare to ask you something, you don't have to answer, but don't lie to me."

Qingping put the notebook aside, moved his fingers slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Tell me, what's the matter."

Li Yan hesitated for a moment and said, "What exactly did you bring back from Chenzhou?"

At the end of the setting sun is an extremely dazzling brilliance, and the clouds are burning between the sky and the mountains. This is the last light before the night, and when the night falls, the light disappears, and even the raging river is calm, as in the wilderness So she looked up at the brightly lit world on the other side of the river. Compared with it, the lamp in her hand was so small, she let go of it and let it fall into the water without a trace.

Xie Qi led the horse to push through the tall grass, looked left and right and said, "Did anyone stop you?"

Xie Yuan looked at the empty hands, and replied: "I have passed the customs a long time ago, and I still have some confidence to keep her in Chenzhou. If I go out and go to Chen Minzhou, it will be much more difficult."

Xie Qi stared at the river silently, and said: "Then don't chase after it, it's useless to chase, didn't you already get that thing?"

Xie Yuan turned around and said, "The thing is fake."

Xie Qi was stunned and said, "Then why are you still chasing her all the way?"

"Chenzhou is heavily guarded. As long as Bi Shu stays here, he will be found out sooner or later. Why don't we drive her to Minzhou to save us trouble?" Xie Yuan replied, "I'm afraid she didn't get it from the mountain." That thing, this is bad."

Xie Qi asked: "If you say that, the thing should still be in the mountain. It's not that difficult to send people into the mountain to get it."

Xie Yuan said: "That may not be the case. Bi Shu has always been conceited, she will not make any mistakes, and that thing may have been dropped in the mountains."

"Who would dare to do that?" Xie Qi asked back.

Xie Yuan laughed and said: "You should go back to the court, if you continue to stay in Chenzhou like this, I'm afraid you will become more and more stupid."

Xie Qi's face darkened, and Xie Yuan accepted it as soon as he saw it, and said, "Let me remind you that the imperial court will rebuild the Taimiao, and send two servants from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry to choose a place of spiritual mountains and rivers. Guess what, Who will it be?"

Xie Qi's face became even more ugly, and he said after a long while: "Li Qingping, don't think about him other than her."

Xie Yuan sneered, and said: "For such a roster, I really didn't expect that I made so much noise in Hezhou that the little girl from the Wu family found out, and she still has some skills to touch the Xie family all the way. During the mutual market in Yunzhou, she was in charge of checking the account books of the caravan, so she really knew too much. I sent someone to Yunzhou to arrest her, but by accident, I ran into the person you sent. In the end, the girl She is dead, but the person you want to kill is still alive and well. But then again, why did you kill her?"

Xie Qi's face was frosty, and when he heard the words, he said coldly: "When Your Majesty was not enthroned, I realized that there was something wrong with this person. If I kept her, something might happen in the future. Now it seems that my hunch at the beginning was Yes."

She continued: "What is that thing? Why are all the aristocratic families in Chenzhou looking for it, even King Xinyang wants it?"

"A roster from a hundred years ago is nothing more than a useless thing. Those people have ghosts in their hearts, and everything they see is a shadow of a snake." Xie Yuan turned on his horse, held the rein tightly and said, "If the thing is really in her hands, just put the news on it." Just go out, there is no need to say more about the rest."

The author has something to say: If I kneel like this again, I will be useless, so how do Japanese girls sit on ducks? It’s amazing!