incomprehensible

In Qingxuan Hall, Nangong Yayu and Lan Qi were sitting opposite each other, and Nangong Xiuren next to him was holding Xiaomi, wearing the rabbit-eared cloak brought by Lu Yao, with a circle of snow-white fluff around his neck, both big and small. Powder carved jade, looks very pleasing to the eye.

"It's really difficult to invite distinguished guests." Nangong Yayu pretended to be emotional, "Rong Cai is really too stingy, but he would never let you go if he wanted to treat you to a meal, and he had to ask Xiuren to invite you for me. Ben The face of the palace is not as good as that of the National People's Congress."

Nangong Xiuren was feeding jujube cake to millet. Hearing this, he raised his chin proudly, his round eyes narrowed into slits.

Lan Qi smiled and said: "The queen mother is joking, you have been ill recently, so I don't want to bother you."

Nangong Yayu smiled and shook her head, always felt that the word "Queen Dowager" made her 20 years older; but after looking at Xiaomi, she felt that she was indeed a grandmother, so there was nothing to worry about.

The new emperor has just ascended the throne, and all the affairs in the court are complicated. Ye Xuehuan has to go back to the northwest before summer, and he can't take care of the ancestor's mausoleum for the time being; at the end of March at the latest, Ye Xuexun must return to the north to avoid the heat, so For a few days, he took Mo Ran to see Prince Ning's Mansion, which he was repairing, and personally supervised the work. He said that he would not be able to live in it if he was not in a hurry, so he left Xiaomi at Nangong Yayu's place.

Xiaomi has already entered Beifu's citizenship, and the emperor gave him a new name and alternate characters, but everyone couldn't change it for a while, Mo Ran sometimes got angry, and when he taught him, he even called "Mo Xiaomi" by name and surname, that's right. I don't know when the name of the Eight Classics will be used.

Xiaomi didn't recognize his life, and was thrown into the palace by his two cruel fathers, but he got along with Nangong Xiuren who often went to the palace, and had a good time; he had only met Lan Qi once before, but he still remembered him, He also called out "Aunt" very seriously, which almost made Nangong Xiuren laugh.

Nangong Yayu felt extremely troubled by her son's messy parenting standards, and secretly thought that in the past two months, Xiaomi's foundation must be strengthened, otherwise Ye Xuexun and Mo Ran would lead her into something. Sample.It is said that Princess Yanbei is also careless and blah, otherwise she would not be able to raise such a devilish king like Mo Ran; but after thinking about it, she herself has used Ye Xuexun to such a virtue, and she seems to have no position say others.

Although her place is lively now, in a few months, she will go her own way again; and since she has become the empress dowager, all affairs in the harem will be gradually handed over to Yu Tian, ​​and even the eyebrow sand on her forehead will be repainted. It was covered with a layer of dull ocher red, which seemed to imply that the most glamorous period of her life had ended, and she should be an idler from now on.

But she is still unwilling, these young children have not been able to get what they want in their hearts, and she also has a long-cherished wish that has not been fulfilled, and she is still unwilling to return to peace.

"You don't need to call the queen mother, it sounds awkward." Nangong Yayu smiled slightly, "If you want, you can call me concubine mother just like Rong Cai."

Lan Qi choked on a mouthful of jujube cake and almost couldn't swallow it.

Nangong Yayu looked funny, and couldn't help teasing: "Why are you ashamed, it will happen sooner or later. That kid Rong Cai has been doing something since he was a child, and there is nothing he can't do."

Nangong Xiuren chimed in on the sidelines: "Lan Jiang has been doing this and that with the third brother all day, and even pretends to be thin-skinned, calling him the third sister-in-law and still not admitting it, so I don't know how much I like it. Ah Yao is right, you are ..."

When he raised his eyes and saw Lan Qi staring at him quietly, he quickly swallowed the words that came to his lips, for fear that he would betray Lu Yao and they would be dealt with together later.

Lan Qi didn't bother to pay attention to him, turned to Nangong Yayu and said, "Your Majesty, don't make fun of me, and Rong Cai won't agree."

Nangong Yayu smiled knowingly, and didn't insist anymore.

She felt guilty to the Qi family, and grateful to Lan Qi. She felt that the child had lost his parents since he was a child, and he had lived with difficulty and perseverance until now. This kind of discussion behind the scenes, knowingly asserting that he is the abandoned son of the Empress Chu, and unknowingly accusing him of being seductive and seducing the Lord.At such a young age, even younger than Ye Xuexun, but she has already been burdened with countless burdens, she inevitably has some maternal love, and wants to give him more love and encouragement; but not everyone is like her son She has no skin and no face, and she can catch Princess Yanbei and call her "mother" before she is married - although her mother-in-law seems to like it very much.

Ye Xuehuan is obviously more cautious in this regard, and he is more insistent on certain forms of etiquette. He insists on giving Lan Qi a title in an upright manner, so before that, Lan Qi is not willing to change his words easily and admit that he is Ye Xueshi's "daughter-in-law".

Nangong Yayu could understand, but when the high branch she threw was pushed back, she was still a little shameless, and seemed a little too attentive, so she deliberately joked: "Your serious temper is really different from your appearance." Very similar. Nuan Wen came back last year and told me that Rong Cai was sincere. I didn't take it seriously, but he insisted; .”

She smiled a little playfully, and seemed to be somewhat nostalgic and emotional, "When he first received the seal of the Northwest Commander, many people wanted to match him up. Even Marshal Lin wanted to marry a daughter to him, but he refused all of them. I I also asked him the reason, but he actually answered me... Ning Que Wu Lan."

It was the first time Nangong Xiuren heard about this old incident, and burst out laughing: "No wonder Lin Xize suddenly had such an argument with the third brother at that time, it turned out that the third brother refused to be his brother-in-law..."

Lan Qi also couldn't help laughing. He could imagine Ye Xuehuan's mentality at that time. He was seriously injured in the battle. thoughts.But he was definitely not as prudent as he is now. He couldn't explain many things face-to-face, and would rather be a villain—even now, he is still the same. Although he has been more tactful, he still disdains to express kindness straightforwardly, and is not used to being appreciated.Those who understand will naturally understand, but in the eyes of most people, he is unfeeling and cold.

Lan Qi was very lucky to meet him after they both matured; but sometimes he felt regretful that he could not meet Ye Xuehuan, who was violent and surly yet gentle, and could not accompany him through the journey. those most difficult times.

Reminiscing about the past topic, Lan Qi didn't want to mention it too much, and didn't want to talk too much about the various things between him and them behind Ye Xuehuan's back. I was also hostile, but Prince Ning was the first to encourage me."

"Then do you know how Nuan Wen evaluated you when she came back?"

Nangong Yayu gave him a meaningful look, and said slowly: "He said, you can save him."

Lan Qi's eyes drooped slightly, and he vaguely understood the real reason why Nangong Yayu invited him to the palace for dinner several times.

"Xiu Ren, take Xiaomi out to play." Although Nangong Yayu was talking to Nangong Xiuren, her eyes were locked on Lan Qi, "I want to have a few words with him alone."

Nangong Xiuren didn't move, looked here and then there, finally mustered up the courage, and said: "Auntie, I brought Lan Jiang into the palace today, you can't make things difficult for him, or the third brother will clean up again." I……"

Nangong Yayu raised her hand and tapped him on the head, scolding with a smile: "It's just a few words, what's embarrassing? Get out of here."

Nangong Xiuren stuck out her tongue, then picked up Xiaomi and went to play in the small garden behind the hall.

Lan Qi watched the maids leave the hall and closed the door, and asked softly, "What do you want to ask me?"

Nangong Yayu suppressed her smile: "After last year, before Nuanwen came back from Youling, you gave him something."

Lan Qi nodded: "Yes."

Nangong Yayu pursed her lips, and said again: "You gave him some of your own blood."

Lan Qi nodded again: "Yes."

"Your blood can resist poison!"

Nangong Yayu couldn't help getting excited, and grabbed Lan Qi's hands, "After he came back, the imperial doctor diagnosed that the heat poison in his body had weakened—not suppressed, but weakened! Although it was not obvious, But in previous years, in June and July, he would have a major attack even in the snowy mountains; this year, although he vomited blood, he didn’t burn his internal organs! That’s why he returned to Danlu half a month earlier, all because With your blood!"

Although she is over middle age, she is pampered after all, her hands are white and tender, but the palms are full of wet sweat; the back of Lan Qi's hands are also as cold as cold jade, overlapping each other, I don't know who is colder.

Lan Qi didn't pull his hands away, just let her hold them, and said calmly: "Don't dare to hide my mother. Back then, the Queen of Chu left something in my body, so my blood can indeed heal poison and wounds, but only for Rongcai is effective. Rongcai did not fully believe in me at the time, and I did not tell him, and I am not sure how effective it will be; Prince Ning and him are blood relatives, so it is not easy to say, I just took Prince Ning to do it. It's just a test."

Nangong Yayu's face was slightly stiff, but she still insisted: "But your blood is also effective for Nuanwen, isn't it? Good boy, you, if you help him again, I will immediately adopt you as a foster son and give you a beautiful appearance." Marriage!"

Looking at her eager eyes, Lan Qi couldn't tell what it was like; although no one dared to object to the Queen Mother's gift of marriage, if the marriage was obtained in this way, it must not be the result Ye Xuehuan wanted.

"Prince Ning also talked to me about this matter..." He replied slowly, "He said, it's not an example."

"You don't want to save him?" Nangong Yayu's tone turned cold, "He treats you as a relative and friend, and trusts you to protect you when everyone doubts you...but you don't want to save him?"

She has been in the latter position for many years, and has always been a smiling tiger with a needle hidden in the cotton; but there is no smile at this time, and her moist and affectionate peach blossom eyes are slightly narrowed, which is full of power and influence.

Lan Qi was still calm, and solemnly replied: "Of course I am willing to save him, but not in a way that hurts myself. The empress is eager to protect her son, so she must understand that I am not alone. Some people will feel sorry for themselves."

There was a bit of pride in his tone, Nangong Yayu also heard some kind of hint in it, a pair of slender eyebrows raised immediately, "Are you threatening Bengong?"

"Lan Qi dare not." Lan Qi's tone was soft, but those dark eyes did not flinch at all, "Your Majesty came to me today behind Prince Ning's back, just because I don't want him to feel ashamed for this, I also I don't want Rongcai to have a deadlock with the empress because of this. I will spare no effort to find the Guanghan Jade for him about the awakening of the ancestor's tomb; but if I am asked to self-mutilate and bloodletting... unless it is requested by him, I will not do it .”

Nangong Yayu's hands trembled, and she grabbed the back of Lan Qi's hand tightly, yelling in a low voice almost threateningly: "Don't forget...Who Nuan Wen became like this because of!"

"Prince Ning also told me about this point." Lan Qi replied indifferently, "He said——it was the Nangong family and the first emperor who made his life worse than death."

Nangong Yayu was stunned for a while, and finally let go of his hands dejectedly, and slowly leaned on the soft chair behind him, with extremely complicated eyes.

She knew that this request was a bit out of line, and she was carrying Ye Xuexun because of a guilty conscience, knowing that he would never agree; she thought that as long as Lan Qi let go, the rest would be easy to solve, but it never happened. To think of being rejected so decisively and quickly.

When she saw Lan Qi several times, she was accompanied by Ye Xuehuan, and she felt that he was docile and soft, cautious and reticent; however, his nature was so recalcitrant, soft and hard. He could refute all the righteous reasons even more confidently, and there was no way to start.

Nangong Yayu is by no means a good-tempered person, and her anger has been building up for a long time; but when she heard the phrase "life is better than death", all the anger in her heart was vented all at once, and turned into Bottomless misery and despair.

Ye Xuexun had never complained about Nangong's family with her. He might have complained to Mo Ran, Ye Xuehuan, and even Lan Qi, but he never mentioned anything to her.

In fact, she knew clearly that the blood red lotus saved Ye Xuexun's life, but made him live in extreme pain. The blood he vomited during the attack was full of poisonous seeds. No one could get close to him, so he could only be left alone. He endured the pain of burning his body with internal fire, waiting for the hot poisonous blood to cool down completely before being touched by others.

He was only six years old at the time of the accident, such a young child, before he understood what "death" was, he had already regarded these two words as an unattainable "liberation".

Even if he didn't say anything, how could he not hate the late emperor and the Nangong family, how could he not hate everything related to the struggle for imperial power in the imperial city.

"He... really told you that?"

Nangong Yayu suddenly felt a little confused, feeling that she had never really understood Ye Xuexun in all these years.

"Of course everything the empress does is for his own good, but not necessarily what he wants." Lan Qi didn't answer directly, but said softly, "Because it's the empress, he won't refuse or object. But that doesn't mean he really wants to."

Nangong Yayu stared at him blankly, and heard him say in a clear and gentle voice: "Prince Ning is not that fragile, he has his own ideas and pursuits. What the empress wants to do is not to seek salvation for him , but to give him enough trust that he can live a good life in his own way."

Speaking of this, Lan Qi didn't know what to think of, and he smiled slightly, the two shallow pear dimples at the corners of his mouth were extraordinarily sweet and soft, "Your Majesty, do you know why Rong Cai let me enter the palace today?"

Nangong Yayu was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Because Chu Yuezhi is back?"

Lan Qi nodded: "Yes. He doesn't want me to confront Mrs. Chu, I can understand, but to be honest... I don't want to accept it, and I'm a little angry."

Nangong Yayu couldn't laugh or cry: "So you entered the palace out of anger?"

Lan Qi said: "It's not enough to be angry. Since he wants me to avoid it and handle the Chu family's affairs by himself, I will follow him and not make him difficult, but that does not mean that I am willing in my heart."

He looked at the thoughtful Nangong Yayu, "Does your lady understand what I mean?"

Nangong Yayu smiled bitterly helplessly, but she felt a sense of relief undeniably in her heart.Her maternal love for Ye Xuexun contained too much guilt, and she always wanted to make up for his pain as much as possible; however, she didn't realize until this moment that giving too much is also a burden.Ye Xuexun readily accepted her offer, it was nothing more than some kind of concession and compromise, it didn't mean that he really had no complaints at all.

——Her child has grown up and become independent, but she has not faced up to this fact; but today, she should really try to let go.

"I understand why Rong Cai likes you so much." She shook her head as if admitting defeat, "Forget it, what happened today... just pretend I didn't mention it."

Lan Qi lowered his eyes and said, "Thank you, Ma'am, for your compassion."

When he was coerced and lured before, he had no fear, but now he is not relieved when he is let go, it is true that he is not surprised.Nangong Yayu's heart moved, and she asked tentatively: "Did you know that I have plans for you?"

Lan Qi shook his head: "I didn't expect Nuan Wen to tell the story."

He had been pretending to call "Prince Ning" before, but now he suddenly called Ye Xuexun's substitute, and there was always some irony in the intimacy.

Nangong Yayu had no choice but to explain: "He was also forced to speak out by me."

"I didn't mean to blame him." Lan Qi also explained, "I just met him at the time, and he dared to use it after giving him blood. I should be grateful for this trust."

His tone was flat and sincere, but for some reason, there was a bit of slyness and teasing.

Nangong Yayu really has nothing to do with him, she has dominated the harem for many years, but today she is led by the nose by a boy who is younger than her own son.Thinking about his originally hostile position, but now he has become Ye Xuehuan's closest person, from Tong Xuan to Chu Changyue to Mo Ran, it's not unreasonable to accept them all.

"Now that I've made it clear, Madam, I'll save this lunch for next time." Lan Qi stood up and said goodbye, "Rong Cai has a good idea, but I don't want him to face it alone."

"Alright, let Xiu Ren take you back."

Nangong Yayu thought for a while, and then said: "The thing about the adoptive son mentioned earlier...you can think about it, or discuss it with Rong Cai, it will not be harmful to you."

Lan Qi was noncommittal, just thanked him, and left the palace with Nangong Xiuren.

"Blue sauce blue sauce."

In the carriage back to Baiyong Garden, Nangong Xiuren pulled Lan Qi and kept asking, "What did Auntie tell you?"

Lan Qi said gloomyly: "You might as well tell me first, what did Lu Yao say about me?"

Nangong Xiuren was so panicked that he couldn't choose what to say: "Of course it means you are beautiful, cute, ice-snow, smart, and Lan Xinhui is beautiful in quality and wise in appearance..."

Lan Qi flicked his forehead with his fingers, and finally made him shut up.

It was very quiet outside the Baiyong Garden, but when the two guards at the gate saw Lan Qi, they immediately got a little nervous, and hurriedly came up and asked, "Why did the young master come back so early?"

Lan Qi said: "Go and report to the prince, just say that I am in a bad mood today, I had a quarrel with the queen mother, and I came back without lunch."

Nangong Xiuren: "..."

The guards looked at each other, how could he have quarreled with the queen mother, he had clearly lost his temper with his prince; but at this moment, Duke Chang and his wife are still confronting each other inside, so is it possible to ask Ye Xuehuan to come out to coax him?

While hesitating, Lan Qi had quietly stepped into the door.Nangong Xiuren followed in, and the guards didn't dare to stop him, so he rushed to rescue the soldiers first.

Lan Qi did not leave in a hurry, and was stopped by Gao Qian before reaching the main hall.The cunning old eunuch didn't stop him, he just smiled and said: "Young master, don't worry, this old servant will inform you."

Lan Qi nodded reservedly, with the attitude of the mistress of the family.Nangong Xiuren wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, and Gao Qian didn't know what his thoughts were, and he didn't shy away from him, leading them to the main hall.

As soon as he arrived at the door, he heard Mrs. Chu's sharp roar inside: "Chu Changyue! It's against you!"

"What am I against? I have a clear conscience!" Chu Changyue's voice was louder than his mother's, "Mother, you are the one who is insane for colluding with the concubine and murdering the royal family!"

Even though the hall door was closed, Lan Qi could still feel the cold aura of war inside, and even if he hadn't done it yet, it was not far away.

Gao Qian seemed to spread his hands helplessly at him, but his eyes were shining brightly, it was clear that he wanted him to retreat in spite of the difficulties.Lan Qi didn't make a sound, but he didn't retreat; Nangong Xiuren also accompanied him with a smile, eavesdropping outside together.

The hall was surrounded by more than ten Xuanfeng guards. Although the sword was not drawn, the atmosphere was tense.Chu Yuezhi's face was ashen. Although Mrs. Chu was trembling with anger, she was still a little apprehensive in front of so many ruthless guards. She unconsciously stood behind Chu Yuezhi, and then she felt more confident, raised her eyebrows and said angrily: " When did I collude with the concubine!"

Xu was really confused, or maybe she was not good at power struggles. Chu Changyue listed her two crimes, but she only denied one, which was equivalent to admitting the other, and she didn't realize it.

"My aunt doesn't know, so it's my uncle's arrangement." Ye Xuehuan still sat leisurely, with a soft and deep voice, "If you want Chu's family to prosper, how can it be enough to help me ascend the throne? Naturally Find a way to kill Concubine Yamu and make Chu Tangying the Empress Dowager, right?"

Chu Yuezhi remained silent, but Ye Xuehuan accurately caught the cold light in his eyes.The corners of his mouth were raised higher, but there was blood in the eyes of the phoenix, and he said each word with a pause: "Wait until Sixing grows up, or I leave an heir... then I can die, right? "

Chu Yuezhi remained silent, which was equivalent to acquiescing.

The snow in Juyang County was too heavy this year, and he even lost contact with Danlu for a while, which wasted too much time; if he could come back before the death of the first emperor, the situation would be very different.At this time, the overall situation was settled, and it was impossible for him to overthrow Ye Xueyuan. Relying on Ye Xuehuan's backing, Chu Changyue presumptuously suppressed the strength of the Chu family in the army. It ended in failure, Chu Yuezhi no longer had any initiative, and this round had already been lost.Today's showdown with Ye Xuehuan was just an attempt to divide some of the benefits under the disadvantaged situation and ensure the living space of the Chu family.

He originally thought that Ye Xuehuan thought the same way, so he originally planned to restrain himself first, show his elder majesty and pretend to scold him before negotiating terms, but he didn't expect Ye Xuehuan's attitude to be so tough.

Ye Xuehuan is too difficult to control. Although it is the only choice for the Chu family right now, it is by no means a long-term solution.Chu Yuezhi originally had a more detailed and long-term plan. Regardless of whether Mrs. Chu succeeds or not, he still has a backup; but no one thought—perhaps even the late Emperor himself did not think that he would really perish in the In this palace change, it was too late to implement any follow-up plans, and the throne had already been changed; but even so, even with such a plan of trying to use Ye Xuehuan as a pawn, it still stepped on his bottom line.

He called the guards to surround him, and made it clear that he was going to tear his face.

"You said that I colluded with the concubine and murdered the royal family..." Chu Yuezhi said slowly, "Where is the evidence?"

Chu Changyue said bluntly: "Daddy should be thankful that there is no evidence, otherwise I should go to the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice to talk to Daddy now."

Chu Yuezhi sneered: "If I go to the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, you will not be able to escape the crime!"

Chu Changyue let out a sigh of relief, and replied loudly: "As a son of man, I am guilty of not being able to persuade my father to return from the wrong way."

Chu Yue's anger suddenly arose, this stunned young man completely disregarded the position of the Chu family, and was determined to defend those ridiculous "reasons" and "righteousness". His father made a big mistake that was not conducive to the country, and although he was right, he was willing to be punished together with the family who made the mistake. He is really a loyal minister and general with a high moral integrity and righteousness.

Madam Chu was so angry that her brain ached, and before she had time to swear, she heard Chu Yuezhi yell, "You know nothing!"

Ye Xuehuan interrupted before the long speech came out: "It's not that I don't understand when I grow up, but my uncle is too self-righteous. The Liu family has collapsed, and the Nangong family has retreated. If uncle doesn't retreat, he will become a young bird."

Chu Yuezhi said irritably: "How can my Chu family and Nangong's family be the same?!"

Nangong Xiuren outside the door pouted with an innocent face.

The Nangong family can be said to be extremely smart this time. Not only did they do nothing honestly, but they also took the initiative to provide huge sums of money for disaster relief in the snow-stricken areas in the north, and won countless favors among the people.Of course, there is Nangong Yayu's mediation. Now that she has become the queen mother, she says she doesn't care about things, but in fact her position is more stable, and she can provide a way for the Nangong family in many things.Ye Xueyuan was also pushing the boat along the way, many trivial vacancies in the Ministry of Rites were filled by the vassals of the Nangong family, and an agreement was reached.

The situation of the Nangong family is indeed different from that of the Chu family. An imperial tomb has not yet been opened, Ye Xuexun’s heat poison cannot be cured, and more than half of the time of each year is spent in the snowy mountains in the north. It is impossible to be emperor, and the Nangong family simply does not No hope; the second is that what the Chu family holds is the army, but what the Nangong family holds is money. No matter which king they change, the treatment will be different.

If the Nangong family retreats, it is possible to enter again. If the Chu family retreats, there is no capital to turn around.

But what Ye Xuehuan said was also true. Now that the check and balance of the three families has been broken, if the Chu family still insists on standing at the forefront of the storm, it is impossible to come up with any gentle means when the court situation is stable and the royal family recovers.

Chu Yuezhi is indeed in a dilemma now, but even if he retreats, he has to retreat with his head held high, in exchange for actual benefits, otherwise the Chu family will never be able to hold their heads up again.

He suppressed his anger and asked in a deep voice, "How do you want me to retreat?"

Ye Xuehuan said: "At the court meeting in the future, please ask my uncle to take the initiative to sue his old age, let Changling take the title, and then give half of the military power to Changyue. When he has enough military merits in the future, he will be appointed as a marquis."

Chu Yuezhi was stunned for a long while, then suddenly looked up to the sky and laughed loudly: "So that's the case! You rebel, want to divide the military power and make another marquis, just put it bluntly, why bother to make such a big detour!"

"And you!" He stared at Ye Xuehuan, "Prince Rong, I really underestimated you, so you are not for Ye Xueshi, nor for your little boy's favor, but for your own ambition!"

Ye Xuehuan asked him to divide the military power of the Chu family into two, which seemed to be still in the hands of the Chu family, but once Chu Changling came to the throne, there were very few chances of actually going on the battlefield, and Chu Changyue was in the northwest On the border, military merits are naturally accumulated very quickly. With the ebb and flow, the power in the army will soon be tilted towards Chu Changyue, and it will be indirectly in Ye Xuehuan's hands.

——He actually wanted to eat half of the Chu family in one bite!

"Speaking so high-soundingly, you are just blinded by the power!" Chu Yuezhi said calmly, "When the time comes, you will be the master...you will only die even worse!"