Fengmou in troubled times

"Your Highness, Your Highness! Slow down, and be careful not to fall!"

Accompanied by the exclamation of a group of servants, a group of small pink figures moved lightly and swiftly through the flower garden and the corridor, and shouted cheerfully while laughing: "I told you not to chase after me! I'm going to find my uncle!" , don’t follow me!”

Although the nurse and maidservants who were chasing behind heard this, they were not willing to let her mess around alone, so they had to respond perfunctorily, not daring to stop her, but always guarding her left and right for fear that she would fall and bump into something.Seeing that she couldn't get rid of these "shadows", the little girl running ahead pouted her lips angrily and ran faster. The following group of servants played their hands like crazy.

Just like this, she rushed to a courtyard, the little girl's eyes lit up, she rushed in immediately, and shouted: "Little uncle! Come and play with Pan'er!"

The woman guarding the door saw the person coming, and hurriedly greeted the little girl, bowed to the little girl upright and said: "Your Highness, the Marquis is taking a bath, please move to the front hall first, Xue Fu will go now." Lord Hou, please come out."

The little girl patted her chest with her small hands to catch her breath, and ignored the panting servants who were chasing after her, she tilted her head and asked doubtfully: "When the queen mother takes a bath, Pan'er also follows her, why does my uncle have to take a bath?" How about avoiding Pan'er?" She raised her head, her innocent face full of grievances, "Pan'er finally begged my father and queen mother to allow me to stay at my grandpa's house for two days, and my little uncle won't be with Pan any longer. Son, Pan'er is going back to the palace. I don't care, I'm going in to find my uncle!" She said and ran to the door, Xue Fu was startled, she raised her hand and didn't dare to drag the princess, so she hurried to Looking at the few maidservants who came with her, they were just as helpless as herself.While hesitating, a clear voice sounded, and then the door was opened from the inside, and a young man with black hair and green clothes came out. "Pan'er, you're being naughty again."

Hearing his voice, several maidservants in the courtyard hurriedly knelt down along with Xue Fu, saying, "Master Hou is well." But their eyes couldn't help turning their eyes upwards, just hoping to secretly look at the well-known man. Wang Shuhou took a glance at it, then it was worthwhile to follow the little princess out of the palace to Fengfu.But seeing the young Hou Ye standing in front of the door, he casually put on a sky blue long-sleeved silk dress decorated with orchid grass, and his waist-length hair that was not yet dry was smoothly draped over his shoulders, making him as gorgeous as a spring peach and cold Dongxue's handsome face added a bit of lethargy and softness.Those eyes were brighter than stars and moons, the pupils seemed black but not black, with a faint wine-red glint, making people dare not look at him.Seeing that the corners of his mouth were slowly raised, the maidservants knew that the young master's smile was aimed at the princess, but they couldn't help but feel a burst of excitement in their hearts, as if they had received a gift from heaven, they were even more reluctant to take their eyes off him.

Standing in front of the crowd is Princess He'an, Shuyan Pan'er, who is not yet six years old this year, and the Emperor Yin's lineage only has her and Prince Shuyan Pingyu's sons and daughters, and she is the queen's son, so she is extremely doted on. , so she was never harsh on her in terms of etiquette.Now the servants were kneeling on the ground, but Pan'er didn't feel anything unusual. He looked up at the smiling young man in Tsing Yi, stretched out his hands, and said in a childlike voice, "Hold me, little uncle."

Pulling the wet hair behind his back, he leaned over and hugged Pan'er, the young man in Tsing Yi seemed to have unintentionally put the phoenix-shaped white jade pendant that had slipped out of his skirt close to his body, as if he didn't see Princess Pan'er's longing for love. look.If it was an ordinary thing, even if the child took a second look, he would do everything possible to find it and give it to her, but this jade pendant had a different meaning, so he was reluctant to give it away.Pinching her nose dotingly, the young Marquis promised her that he would find something new and fun for her, and at the same time he raised his hand to signal the servants to get up, and said lightly: "Xue Fu, take these people with you." Go down first, and let Feng Yao go to Curry to deliver the set of sapphire-polished Jiulianhuan to my sister's palace, and say it is a toy I gave to the little princess."

"Yes, Lord Marquis, this servant will retire." Xue Fu smiled sweetly, her delicate eyebrows and eyes were still a bit lively and cheerful when she was young, but they were much calmer and more elegant.Knowing that her master didn't like too many idlers waiting around, Xue Fu didn't care how much the maids brought by those princesses were reluctant to leave, and led them out of the yard deftly while greeting them.

Seeing that the "respondents" who followed her every day were gone, the little princess immediately smiled, and forgot that she was still thinking about the phoenix jade pendant of her uncle but failed to ask for it, so she hugged his neck affectionately, water Wang Wang's big eyes were full of joy. "Little uncle is the best! If every time I enter the palace, I can spend more time with Pan'er, then it would be even better to go to Uncle Linyuan!" She said "baji" and kissed the boy on the cheek, rubbing Drooling all over his face.

The young man in Tsing Yi pinched her nose again, and carried her to the Lianhu Landscape in the West Garden of Feng Mansion, where she splashed water to catch fish, climbed high and fluttered butterflies. non-stop.After playing with her for an hour, seeing that the little girl fell in love with the swing again, the young man in Tsing Yi sat leaning on the railing, keeping an eye on her safety from a distance, but he was thinking about other things in his heart.

This young man who was accustomed to wearing Tsing Yi was naturally Feng Yinran, the only son of the Prime Minister Feng Tong and the Empress's younger brother.Thinking back to the grand occasion when I was granted the title of Wang Shuhou by Emperor Yin just after my 15th birthday a few years ago, which caused a commotion in the court and discussions in the capital, almost half a year later, Feng Yinran still felt a little nervous. I can't laugh or cry.In the past few years, every time Emperor Yin saw him, he rewarded Feng's family one more time. Everyone only said that the emperor relied heavily on Prime Minister Feng and had a deep affection for the empress and his wife. With a bit of vigilance and resistance.In particular, he had noticed the way Emperor Yin looked at him, with a touch of tenderness in his confusion, which always made him shudder a little.

He changed his posture, watching Princess Pan'er, who had been clinging to him since he was a child, swinging in the air like a pink butterfly, with a softer smile on his face.Thinking of the Feige letter sent by Ah Hong yesterday, which promised him that he would return to the capital within two years, Feng Yinran couldn't help shaking her head when she saw that his unbridled and sunny temperament remained unchanged between the lines.After getting the roster given to her by Lu Mochen, Feng Yinran secretly investigated the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty, relying on her increasingly sophisticated deception techniques, she visited all the officials who had a close relationship with King Jinyang in private. Although it is not possible to directly forcibly change the thinking and character of these court officials, it has also dug up a lot of evidence of King Jinyang's treason.In the past few years of personal experimentation, Feng Yinran has gradually understood and adjusted the advantages and disadvantages of the mind-confusing technique. Except for a pair of eyes that faintly revealed some wine-red light, there was no harm in other aspects, which made him doubt whether Liuyin's exhortation back then was true. Some exaggerated.

And that King Jinyang has been more peaceful these years. Feng Yinran, who was thinking whether to wait and see what happens or force him to act, just picked up the teacup when he saw one of his hidden guards turn over and fall in front of him, bowing and saying: "Pavilion master!" , Chief Mo Xi sent someone to deliver the news." The secret guard whispered, with no emotion in his expression and tone, "General Lu Heng was ambushed by the Qiu clan of Langfu Kingdom, and the entire army was wiped out."

……Dividing line……

On the morning of the third day, the news of General Lu's death was quickly spread back to the capital.When she heard the report from the servants at home, Feng Yinran, who had already received the secret report, finally put down the writing brush in her hand, and sighed long.

The Lu family and the Feng family have been friends for a long time, but Lu Heng has been fighting outside for many years, and Feng Yinran has only seen him two or three times with his father during the New Year's Day over the years.He still vaguely remembered that the famous General Lu smiled kindly, and he was very kind and tolerant towards them juniors. He brought some special snacks from the border, and he never forgot to bring some for the crown prince, Linyuan and him.

The tug-of-war between Cangjue and Rongshao has lasted for too long, and the new emperor of Langfu Kingdom, who has been watching the battle from the sidelines, was enthroned last year. Presumably, he was afraid that the war between Cangjue and Rongshao would one day burn to the neighboring land of Langfu. Taking advantage of Rong Shao's unpreparedness, he set up an ambush at the junction of the three countries and wiped out the hundreds of soldiers led by Lu Heng who was patrolling the border.Lu Mochen, who was sitting in the army, got the news, and calmed down under grief and indignation. He personally led the Lu family army to counterattack calmly, and occupied all three cities on the border of Langfu. Gold and a thousand beauties were exchanged to Rong Shao for the three captured cities.Fang Hua, the emperor of the Cangjue Kingdom who was also informed of the incident, also sent someone to send a letter. He actually praised Lu Heng, whose Cangjue army was retreating steadily, and not only expressed his deep condolences , also expressed the hope to send a princess to marry Rong Shao, and only hoped to re-establish peaceful diplomatic relations with Rong Shao.

These two letters of credence were almost delivered to Emperor Yin along with the news of Lu Heng's death. The little yellow door who delivered the letter looked at the emperor with a cloudy expression on the dragon chair, and quickly retreated quietly.The hall was silent for a long time, and finally there was the sound of Emperor Yin smashing the teacup incense burner and a bunch of decorations, and immediately summoned Feng Tong and other important officials into the palace to discuss matters.On the second day, the decree came out, and Lu Mochen carried the coffin back to Beijing, and formally agreed to sign a non-war agreement with Cangjue and Langfu.

When the edict came out, Feng Yinran thought of Lu Mochen talking about Lu Heng's weariness of the war, and felt a little sad for no reason.Finally, he lost the leisure time to read books and practice calligraphy, so he called Feng Yao to prepare a funeral ceremony and other things for worship, changed his clothes and went to Lu's residence.

Although Lu Heng's coffin hadn't been transported back to the capital, the Lu family was full of dead, and a mourning hall was set up in the hall.Feng Yinran was led by his servants to Lu Heng's spiritual seat to put on a stick of incense. Thinking that Lu Heng, who was ambushed and died in battle, might not even be able to find a complete body, she couldn't help frowning, and greeted Lai Mrs. Lu and Lu Xuexin, the young lady of the Lu family who has become a princess, feel more sympathetic.

"Thank you, little lord." Lu Xuexin helped Mrs. Lu go forward to return the gift, wearing a white filial dress, it seemed that this woman who was only two years older than Feng Yinran was extremely haggard and frail.Lu Xuexin was naturally saddened by the sudden passing of her loving father, but it was difficult for her to think about the manners and etiquette that a princess should have all the time, and she did not dare to lose a single bit of etiquette.

"Madam and Princess Concubine please express my condolences and take care of your body." Feng Yinran sighed, and said a few words of gentle persuasion, and chatted with Madam Lu for a few more words, until another official came to express condolences. Farewell and exit the oppressive and solemn mourning hall.

After standing under the warm spring sun for a long time, Feng Yinran felt that the sense of desolation around him had faded a little bit. As a human being in two lifetimes, he thought that he had long been indifferent to the life, old age, sickness and death that no one can escape, but when he had to let go again After the people and things that are not enough, it is difficult to be as open-minded as before.

Feng Yinran breathed out slowly, but when she looked up, Fang Linyuan, who was still dressed in white, was standing not far away, looking at her, her gaze fell on her softly and clearly, as if she could just stare at her forever, but she didn't know how to be so silent How long have you stood with yourself.Staring blankly at Fang Linyuan walking towards her, Feng Yinran watched his exquisite face carved like white jade being coated with a light golden layer by the sun, her heart gradually settled down, and she couldn't help smiling and greeted him, her voice was inexplicably Seeing some hint of dependence that he himself didn't realize, he called his name softly: "Lin Yuan."

He stretched out his hand to hold Feng Yinran's usually cold hands and wrapped them in his palms to warm him up. The two people's wide robes covered their clasped hands, and in the eyes of outsiders, they were just standing a little closer.Looking up at Fang Linyuan's pink lips so close, Feng Yinran's heart skipped a beat, and she almost couldn't control her emotions and wanted to kiss him, using the gentle and sensitive touch of her lips to calm the repressed feelings deep in her soul. Living uneasy and helpless.He opened his mouth, just about to say something to calm his impetuousness, when he suddenly heard a noise at the door, the guard rushed in, shouting all the way: "His Royal Highness is here!"

Seeing that several officials in the courtyard who hadn't left immediately stood on both sides of the road and bowed to greet them, Fang Linyuan and Feng Yinran had no time to dodge when they were spotted by Shuyan Pingyu who came in.In front of so many court officials, Shu Yanping Yu couldn't delay the business of expressing condolence to his father-in-law, and it was inconvenient to greet them, so he gave him a "wait for me" look, tidied up his skirt and sleeves, and walked in hastily. The mourning hall.

Although it has been seven or eight years since Fang Linyuan was given an excuse by Emperor Yin to punish Fang Linyuan because of the prince's lack of virtue, but Feng Yinran has always been difficult to change his prejudice against him. He doesn't want to run into Shuyan Pingyu.Seeing that the prince was coming late, he couldn't help but frowned, but he heard Fang Linyuan beside him say slowly: "Ping Yu came so late, I'm afraid he will be left in the palace to discuss the peace talks."

Negotiating peace... Feng Yinran was taken aback for a moment, as if she suddenly understood the cause of the unease and bewilderment hidden in her heart, she bit her lip and asked: "After Rong Shao and Cang Jue signed the armistice agreement, Linyuan you You're going back to Cangjue, aren't you?"

Holding his hand tightly, the smile on Fang Linyuan's face disappeared in an instant, pursed his lips, but did not answer his question, pulling him away from the coming and going guests and servants, as if there was no He planned to wait for Shuyan Pingyu to come out, and went straight out of the solemn and sad General's Mansion with him, then turned around and said: "It's still early, why don't you go for a walk outside the city."

The clear voice like the colliding glass rings is as warm and soft as ever. Feng Yinran, who is standing shoulder to shoulder with him, can't see the expression on his face clearly from the angle of the backlight, but his eyes almost bleed out as if being hurt by the bright sunshine. Tears come.A little bit annoyed by his reaction at the moment, and a little bit annoyed at her pettiness like a daughter in a boudoir, Feng Yinran bit her lower lip, and was rejecting his invitation for some reason, when she saw her secret guard holding his thigh. Wuma came over, bowed and said: "Master Hou, Mr. Gu just sent someone to send a letter of greeting to President Gu, please go to Gu's mansion."

"Understood, you go down first." Feng Yinran got on the horse in response, had an excuse to say goodbye, pulled the rein and turned around, but saw Shuyan Pingyu hastily followed out from inside, couldn't help frowning and said lightly Sentence: "Let's go first." Then he ran towards Gu's Villa with a whip.

Shuyan Pingyu picked up her robe and trotted after her, but only saw the back of Feng Yinran galloping away on the horse. Looking back, she saw Fang Linyuan's face was so indifferent, she couldn't help but blurted out and asked, "What's wrong?" Did you quarrel?..." Before he finished speaking, Fang Linyuan turned around and left, Shuyan Pingyu was stunned for a moment, and wanted to follow, but had no choice but to meet a few ministers who came to express their condolences, exchanged a few words, and then looked up There is no shadow of Fang Linyuan, so I have no choice but to do it unwillingly...