Everyone loves Huo Qubing

"This money is useless." The pancake maker threw a handful of copper coins back into Dongfang Shuo's hand.

"Impossible," Dongfang Shuo widened his eyes, "I used this money once last month, is it still good?"

The pancake master copied a spatula in his hand: "The new regulations issued by the imperial court, the 'three baht' copper plate is invalid, and all of them will be exchanged for 'half two' copper plate, and the old coins can no longer be used."

Dongfang Shuo rolled his eyes.

"Why don't I give you the exchange price, and you can exchange it for half a tael."

"I'm in a small business, and I can't stop being busy all day long. How can you scholars have the time to go to the yamen to exchange money?" customers.

"Forget it... alright." Dongfang Shuo lowered his head and saw me and Cao Xiang looking at him eagerly, and then he even changed his address, "Master, look, I still have two hungry mouths." Where's the stomach?"

The pancake chef scratched his head and said, "Seeing that you are also a wealthy family, there are no small ones, and even broken silver is worth it. Today's business is good, and I can find it."

Dongfang Shuo lifted the money bag upside down, and a pile of copper coins clanged out.

"There is no silver, only copper plates." Dongfang Shuo took the money and turned it over and over in his hands. Without exception, the words "three plants" were neatly printed on the copper plates.

Cao Xiang couldn't hold back her laughter at last: "I'm afraid all of Doctor Dongfang's wealth will be used as a bride price for the new wife."

"My son, don't make fun of me." Dongfang Shuo frowned angrily.

"Let me pay for it." I reached into my arms to take out the money bag, but Cao Xiang held down my arm.

"Qu Bing, as an older brother, how can I ask my younger brother to pay for it? Let me pay for it."

He had just opened the purse when a person came running from behind, hurrying from south to north, saw us unable to stop and bumped into us.The two of us were staggered, and the three of us fell to the ground at the same time.

I was okay, but I was carried by the arms of the two of them, and soon I patted my clothes and got up, but Cao Xiang was held upright, and fell into a dog gnawing mud, and couldn't help growling: "Who doesn't Those with long eyes dare to bump into this prince!"

He raised his eyes and saw that this "short-eyed" man was also a young man with a head, about ten years old, when he stood up, he was taller than Cao Xiang, thin and thin, and looked very weak.He was wearing a dark coat of primary-colored coarse cloth, the hem of which looked wide and lengthy on his slender body. He seemed to be wearing second-hand clothes given to him by relatives. He had a fair face, delicate features, and bookish mannerisms.

The young man carried a large bookcase with him. The original wood texture, unpainted, is the standard reading equipment for children from poor families.At this moment, the book box was knocked over by himself, and the bamboo slips were scattered all over the floor, and even a few small round or octagonal pieces of wood fell out along with the slips.I picked a piece and looked at it curiously. It looked like an astrolabe, with five elements and dense words written on it. It read like the names of various stars, so I couldn't help but look at it a few more times.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's my fault, I didn't mean it." The person who caused the accident hurriedly waved his hand to apologize.

"Nerd, take a long walk, and next time you bump into this son, I'll see you." Cao Xiang shook off Dongfang Shuo to help him up.

I handed the astrolabe back to the young man, and after Cao Xiang and the pancake master settled the bill, the young man finally packed a box full of letters and astrolabe, and hurried to the north.

The sun is hot during the day in spring, and it can't help but feel cool at sunset.Holding the hot meatloaf, I took a bite, it was delicious, and the meat oil leaked out along the biting hole, which made me tremble, and I wished I could eat it right away—I was really hungry just now.

"You two, let's go while eating." Dongfang Shuo suggested.

Cao Xiang was holding two buns in her left hand, half a bun in her mouth, she put the money bag into her bosom with her right hand free, and just walked a few steps, she suddenly stopped.

"Where's my door talisman?"

All three were taken aback.

"I always keep the door talisman for entering and exiting Weiyang Palace with the purse!" Cao Xiang stuffed the half-bitten bun into Dongfang Shuo's arms, rummaging anxiously, but the talisman was not with him.

"Don't worry, maybe we took it the wrong way when we left the palace?" Swallowing a big mouthful of meatloaf, I took out the door amulet of Weiyang Palace from my pocket to see that my name was indeed written on it, and I didn't take it wrong.

Cao Xiang was sweating so anxiously that he lost the door amulet that allowed him to enter and exit the forbidden area of ​​the palace. Even though he was His Majesty's nephew, he would have to suffer a lot, and what's more, he would have to be beaten up by his mother, Princess Pingyang.

Dongfang Shuochao pancake master gestured: "Master, have you seen such a big wooden sign? It is made of sandalwood and pitch black."

"No." The pancake chef shook his head.

"You two don't need to worry," Dongfang Shuo comforted, "Since it was lost just now, I suspect that it was taken away by mistake by that little brother just now."

"Where is that nerd going?"

"North." I pointed to North Street.

"Hurry up!" Cao Xiang ran away, and I patted the dregs in my hand after eating the last bite of the meatloaf, and followed closely.

Dongfang Shuo was holding the steamed stuffed bun in the back, holding up his skirt and shouting, "Wait a minute, I can't run fast!"

The boy was waiting for a boat at the Weishui Ferry when we caught up with him.Cao Xiang chased after him first, and kicked the man face down.

"Thief, return my door talisman!"

The young man was stunned by this blow, and it took him a while to argue: "I'm not a thief!"

"Who else could it be if you stole it? Qubing, search quickly."

I lifted the lid of the bookcase, and fished out a large handful of strangely shaped small pieces of wood.Seeing this, Cao Xiang was annoyed and said, "How dare you steal so many door charms! Are you a collector of door charms, or a burglar who sneaks into the government?"

"My lord, I misunderstood, it was a misunderstanding." Dongfang Shuo chased after him and shouted loudly, "These are astrolabes, which are used for stargazing at night, not door symbols."

"Astrolabe?"

"That's right," Dongfang Shuo held up the round astrolabe and said, "Look, there are five of these in total, and they are used to measure the trajectories of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, the five planets." He held up another eight The angular astrolabe and a small disc said: "This is a total of eight pieces. When the eight pieces are combined together, they form a gossip array. The disk in the middle is the sun and the moon. It can be used to observe the entire astrolabe according to the seasons. The star trails in the sky. Presumably this little brother is someone who knows the art of stargazing."

"I found it." I shook out Cao Xiang's sandalwood talisman from a book slip.

"Forget it, since we found the door talisman, let's go back." Cao Shizi's expression softened, and he said to the man on the ground, "This son kicked you, even if you hit me again, we will never get along again." owed."

I left with Cao Xiang, and I could faintly hear the young man Dongfang Shuo whispering behind me.

"What's your surname, little brother? If I have the opportunity, I will definitely ask the heavenly officials for advice."

"My surname is Sima, and my first name is Qian." The young man replied.

***

Dongfang Shuo, who sent Cao Xiang all the way to Changle Palace, and took the main responsibility for our truancy under the inquiry of the palace people, made me admire.

"My son, see you tomorrow." After bidding farewell to Cao Xiang, I asked, "Where does Doctor Dongfang live? I've never heard of Doctor Dongfang inviting others to his residence."

Dongfang Shuo pointed to Qingming Gate: "Walk straight along the East Street until you reach the end."

"How far is the end?"

"It's probably as far as the capital." Dongfang Shuo gestured.

"Then—doctor Dongfang doesn't have to walk a long way to and from get off work every day?"

"It's not bad, the minister's riding skills have improved a lot."

I recalled Dongfang Shuo's "heroic posture" on horseback when I first met him, and I thought, forget it, don't bully him.

Not far from the east gate is Weifu.The Son of Heaven is going to Ganquan Palace, and Weiyang Palace is not busy with business, so all uncles should be in the mansion at this time.

"I'm home now, and I'm begging Doctor Dongfang to speak to my uncles again about his defense of Cao Shizi."

However, there seemed to be guests in the mansion today, a total of four horses were tied to the horse posts at the door of the house, and two strange guards with swords stood at the door.When he got closer, he saw the door of the house suddenly opened, and the uncle and two servants were dragging the uncle out.

Although the guards look unfamiliar, I recognize the pure black Dawanliang horse in the middle. I have lived in the Wei Mansion for more than three years, and the owner of the horse has come here several times. Discuss, it seems that this door will not be able to enter tonight.

"Did something happen at your house?" Dongfang Shuo asked his uncle cautiously.

The uncle didn't answer, but his face was gloomy, blacker than a burnt pot helmet.

Uncle frowned: "'Pingyanghou' is visiting again."

"Marquis of Pingyang?" After a while, Dongfang Shuo showed an expression of sudden understanding, "Hey, why did you come back from Ganquan Palace so quickly today?"

"I don't know." The uncle said impatiently, "Doctor Dongfang, please help me to help my elder brother. He is angry with those two in the house. It's okay for us to stand at the door. Don't let the neighbors see it as a joke." .”

"Let's go and have a drink together. I'm treating guests. Everyone should go." Dongfang Shuo called the servants to get up, and the group pushed the uncle towards the wine shop.

Looking back at the door of the house, I shook my head helplessly.With the title of "Marquis of Pingyang", walking around the streets and making private visits in micro-services, thanks to His Majesty, he figured it out!

Don't think that Cao Xiang is strong on weekdays, but he is actually a poor man. His father Cao Shi stayed in Pingyang Mansion and his health has been poor, but he always lives in the capital with the eldest princess.I heard from Cao Xiang that Princess Pingyang, who has been separated from her husband for a long time, has recently gotten very close to the son of Xiahou, the eminent son of the capital. As a son, he sees it in his eyes and feels sad in his heart—how can rich clothes and good food be compared to the love of parents? , children Cheng Huan kneeling.

Cao Xiang often caught me complaining, because he felt that we both had the same disease.But I feel luckier than him. Although I have never met my father named "Huo", I have uncles and aunts who love me. I can go to my uncles and start a new life. Cao Xiang may have to hide in the princess Under the wings of his father, he continued to suffer for a while while bearing the title of son.

Accompanying this group of adults drinking and farting, I swept away a whole plate of spicy roasted bacon, and also wiped out two bowls of wild rice soup.Since Dongfang Shuo treats guests, he is in the Dongfang residence, so why should I be polite to him.

Hurrying to go home before the curfew, the candles on the street were still on, and there were few people on the road. A group of six people walked to the gate of the Wei Mansion drunk, and the guards and the few horses had disappeared.

Someone answered and opened the door.

I stared blankly at the young man in the candlelit night.He had just taken a bath, and the fragrance of soap locust still remained on his body. He was wearing a soft silk shirt, and he could vaguely see the undulating texture of his skin.Three thousand slightly moist blue silk draped over his shoulders, blown by the night wind, like a black waterfall glistening with water; the hazy candlelight imprinted peach blossoms on both sides of his cheekbones, and there seemed to be water flowing in a pair of black pupils, two eyes Vermilion lips are as red as cherries.

Such a charming second uncle is rarely seen on weekdays, and I felt a burst of irritability for no reason.

"... Pingyang Hou... so beautiful." The drunk Dongfang Shuo leaned on his second uncle's shoulder, borrowing the strength of the wine, I kicked Dongfang Shuo's leg hard, only to hear "plop" With a sound, he fell on his knees in front of his second uncle, which startled him.

Hmph, how dare this guy eat my second uncle's tofu.

Neither can buddies!

Not even drunk!

The weather is getting hotter, and the topic of family chat after dinner recently is to predict the result of the next Cuju match between the Qimen Army and the Imperial Guard Army.

"The group of brats in the Qimen Army who haven't reached the championship, if you put in experience, how can they compare with the adults in the Imperial Guard Army." The uncle said.

"So no confidence in your second brother?" The second uncle retorted, "These 'kids' are all holding their breath, and they will do their best on the field. As for the formation, there is still some time before the game, so there is no problem in training. .”

The uncle who hadn't said a word suddenly opened his mouth and changed the subject.

"Speaking of adulthood, Qing'er, you are not too young. If I remember correctly, you should be crowned in two years, right?" he said.

"Brother remembers correctly, it is indeed the case." The second uncle put away his smile and used the honorific title when addressing the uncle.

The uncle considered it for a while and sighed.

"It's time to tell Qing'er about your marriage."

"Why did elder brother suddenly mention this?" Two red clouds flew out of the second uncle's face, "elder brother is not married yet, how can younger brother beat elder brother?"

"Brother, of course I want to get married first." The uncle said calmly, "To tell you the truth, I already have a girlfriend I like. I'm from the capital, and my family is richer than ours, but I've always been worried about my family. I have a few mouths to eat, so I put off the marriage again and again. Now that Buguang will soon enter the Qimen army, and Qubing will grow up to be half a child, so I have entrusted a matchmaker a few days ago to come to this family to secure a matchmaker. "

"I really can't tell, brother is fast enough!" said the uncle in surprise.Not only him, but my mouth opened into a circle involuntarily. My uncle spoke surprisingly, so it turned out that he came prepared.

The second uncle got up awkwardly, clasped his fists and said, "Congratulations brother, brother is really lucky."

"Don't worry, I haven't finished talking." The uncle waved his hand to signal him to sit down, "There is also a young daughter in this family, who is two years younger than Qing'er, and her character and reputation are nothing to say. I will help you with her appearance." Check it out, one of the best beauties in the capital. And this family has already spoken, the sisters don't dislike us, and are willing to be sisters-in-law with us. Where can we find such a good thing. Buguang, Qubing, don't you think so? "

Uncle looked at us, expecting our agreement, but we just looked back at him in surprise.He has already settled the marriage between the two of them by himself, and the people at our table were all kept in the dark.

The second uncle's eyes drifted away, and after a moment of silence, he came back to his senses and said hesitantly, "I'm afraid my brother can't decide on this matter."

"How can I not be the master? Parents died early, the elder brother is the father, and the marriage of the younger brothers, I am the master of your elder brother." The uncle's complexion gradually darkened, and he said firmly.

The second uncle stood up abruptly, and said anxiously: "My younger brother never dared to be disrespectful or filial to his elder brother, but—"

"Just what? Do you want me to watch my own brother be taken over by the emperor's son for the rest of his life?" The uncle interrupted him, speaking louder and louder, "I will ask the emperor in person tomorrow to see if he still has justice! "

The air instantly became deathly silent, I frowned, and my uncle was too frightened to breathe out.A group of gray sparrows fluttered out of the nearby bushes and flew towards the sky.

The meaning in the uncle's words couldn't be clearer, seeing the second uncle's expression getting more and more painful, he clenched his hands into fists and pinched his flesh.Finally, without saying a word, he just turned around silently and walked back to his room.