Chapter 54
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Cui Xingzhou hoped that he would know he was sleepy. But every night, when he was alone in the army bed, he was almost falling asleep. He always felt that there was an orchid fragrance revolving around his ears. It seemed that there was a soft voice asking, “Do you want some water, Husband?”
When he was dazed that he answered “Yes”, his entire person was excited, and the long-simmering sleepiness disappeared.
If he can’t sleep well, he won’t have a good temper either.
In this way, the barbarians in the Northwest were chased again and again by some enchanted Prince Huaiyang. The Imperial Court frequently received good news from the Northwest.
For a while, the name Prince Huaiyang suddenly became very popular among the people. This is the heart of Yue Fei and the talent of Wei Qing in the Great Yan Dynasty! The government and the public are also discussing the imminent victory in the Northwest.
However, the people in the highest position in the Yuyu Palace think differently from ordinary people.
When the soldiers reported the military situation, Empress Dowager Wu was smoking a pipe on the Royal Concubine’s side bed.
This is a tribute from the vassal state. The cut tobacco in the jade bottle is filled in the ivory carved pipe. The Palace maid holds the slender pipe in her hand and she inhales it gently. It seems that the hatred of the young widows has gone off a little in the smoke.
It was the newly promoted General Shi who told her about this good thing. She then found it from the tribute which has the effect of soothing.
She puffed smoke with her eyes closed, and said softly, “You proposed to let Prince Huaiyang lead the army in the Northwest, saying that killing two birds with one stone could eliminate the hidden danger of a King with a different surname in the State of Zhen. But now, when Cui Xingzhou was in the State of Zhen, he only had less than tens of thousands of soldiers, and now he has more than 100000 soldiers! When he won the victory, the soldiers and horses in the Ministry of War together cannot be compared to the troops of the King with a different surname! How can you eliminate the worries of the constraints of The Emperor? After I take your advice, it turns out that I raised a big issue for The Emperor! General Shi, when you were in the State of Qing, you were dealing with Prince Huaiyang all day long. Do you have any way to relieve the worries of The Emperor? ”
Shi Yikuan is a smooth person. He has been promoted quickly since he entered the Capital for the garrison. Now he is the right handyman of the Ministry of War. He is very good at sweet-talking and knows how to flatter people. Soon, he was favored by Empress Dowager Wu. His future is bright and boundless.
For a time, he was a newly popular and rising Minister in the Imperial Court, and he was very comfortable. Along with his concubine’s son-in-law, who was recruited, he has also become the favorite of the Capital…
Hearing the question of Empress Dowager, Shi Yikuan hurriedly said, “The Empress Dowager is kind and intelligent, and women are not inferior to men. It is because you have repeatedly saved the Great Yan Dynasty’s land from danger. That Prince Huaiyang can resolve the war situation in the northwest, isn’t it also due to the great blessing of the Empress Dowager??”
The Empress Dowager Wu looked at General Shi and said, “Don’t talk about greasy flattery, or I will deploy you to go to the Northwest and continue to be a close neighbor to Prince Huaiyang!”
Shi Yikuan quickly knelt and said, “I mean, the Empress Dowager is very benevolent and powerful. Why are you worried that the Princes are not convinced? The whole court and the field know that Prince Huaiyang was alone before he went to war. Since he did not marry a proper wife, why not Empress Dowager choose a suitable Princess for him? After he became the Empress Dowager’s son-in-law, he will be able to submit to the Empress Dowager’s majesty like me…”
The Empress Dowager Wu narrowed her eyes. She had one son and one daughter. Her daughter, Princess Wuhua, is now fifteen years old. It was time to choose her husband.
However, not everyone can be the brother-in-law of the Emperor. She only had this one daughter, it’s natural that she has to choose a decent one for her.
Prince Huaiyang is previously just a local vassal king. How can he be her son-in-law? But now, he is strong and powerful, and he has made remarkable contributions to pacify the Northwest, so it is not easy to cut down the clan for a while.
Otherwise, wouldn’t the people all over the world denounce the Court as the traitor, Qin Hui? Since they can’t crack down hard at the moment, it’s better to recover appease.
Cui Xingzhou met the Late Emperor in the Capital when he was a teenager. She was still an Imperial Concubine at that time. She saw him several times at the Palace banquet, and he was a beautiful young man. Now that he had grown as an adult, he must be good-looking too… If he matches Wu Hua, I wonder will her daughter be willing to?
However, Shi Yikuan’s words are indeed a good prescription. Cui Xingzhou is a fierce tiger. If his neck is fastened and used by her, what else in the Great Yan Dynasty should she still worry about?
Empress Dowager Wu took another puff of her cigarette, didn’t speak again, waved her hand, and called the crowd down.
When Shi Yikuan came out of the Palace, he intended to go back to the official office, but when he was halfway there, someone suddenly threw a note into his sedan chair.
Shi Yikuan frowned and looked at it. He wanted to ignore it, but after thinking about it, he ordered people to turn around and go to a quiet teahouse in the Capital.
When he brought his servant boy to the teahouse, a servant boy has long waited at the entrance and led General Shi around the winding corridor and turned to the back of the teahouse.
There is a small quiet courtyard. The layout of the courtyard is the dry sand and stone landscape of the previous dynasty, which is very elegant.
When Shi Yikuan opened the bamboo curtain and entered the room, he respectfully saluted the person sitting at the tea table, saying, “I have come late, letting Prince Sui here waiting for a long time.”
Prince Sui’s period of filial piety has finally come to an end, he was finally able to return to the earthly world by rolling his hair up and shaving his mustache to restore some handsome looks. He waved his sleeve carelessly, asked Shi Yikuan to come and sit down, and poured him a glass of water on the way, “What did the old woman say?”
Shi Yikuan was not very courtesy too, so he sat down and said, “I had just mentioned it to her according to your wishes. It seems that she is moved. However, in this way, isn’t it raising his rank? He is now making you difficult, extorting, just like a mountain bandit. Once he becomes the son-in-law of the Empress Dowager, he will be more fearless.”
Prince Sui sniffed and said, “General Shi, you should be as kind and considerate as your son-in-law. Don’t you know Cui Xingzhou’s dog temper? How has the old witch’s daughter been spoiled? If she really married over, there will be a good show. Do you think Prince Huaiyang will be grateful to the Empress Dowager?”
Shi Yikuan gave a thumbs up and said, “Your Highness is still smart. Killing people without showing the sword! But… the matter of the Northwest iron ore, is it really over just like that?”
Prince Sui emptied his teacup, narrowed his eyes, and said, “The people who should die are almost dead now. Cui Xingzhou has benefited from this, so it is unnecessary to turn over my identity. However, if I don’t return some benefit to him, wouldn’t I look down on him too much?”
Shi Yikuan poured tea for Prince Sui and said, “You are a person with lofty aspirations, Your Highness. Things like Cui Xingzhou are just flies and cows bothering people. Don’t take it too seriously.”
Prince Sui looked at Shi Yikuan thoughtfully and said, “This sweet talk is worth a thousand troops. I see that Cui Xingzhou is fighting blood and sweat on the frontline, which can’t be compared to General Shi’s flattery in the Capital… Now that you have attached yourself to Empress Dowager, you probably don’t take me seriously… I have to even take some effort to see you now…”
Shi Yikuan hurriedly said, “You are thinking too much, Prince Sui. How could I be so ungrateful and forget the support of Prince Sui?”
Prince Sui smiled and revealed his white teeth. “General Shi is tied to a boat with me now, and I certainly am not worried about you rebelling… After all, you may be the father-in-law of the future Emperor, and I need your help?”
Shi Yikuan turned in his mind and looked warily at Prince Sui. He hesitated and said, “Prince Sui… You are drinking tea, not wine. How can you… say something like that?”
Prince Sui was deliberately surprised and said to Shi Yikuan, “Why? Your son-in-law didn’t tell you the truth and his true identity?”
Shi Yikuan hesitated and said, “What identity should he be?”
Prince Sui kindly waved his hand and asked him close to listen to him. He spoke in a low voice for a while.
Shi Yikuan’s eyes slowly stared, his upper and lower teeth began to tremble, and he just said: “You…… Did you know his identity long ago? Why did you let me marry my daughter to him?”
Prince Sui’s smiling face gradually faded, and he said coldly, “I naturally need to leave such a good thing to my people. Why? General Shi doesn’t think it’s a good thing? Seeking wealth in danger. Look at the dignity of the Wu family’s relatives. If your son-in-law can succeed in one go, it’s your Shi family’s turn to be dignity!”
Shi Yikuan’s eyes were about to burst with blood. However, he is also an old fogey of official affairs. Such a big storm can’t kill him at once.
When the mood gradually calmed down, Shi Yikuan knew that if Prince Sui could lift him to his present position, he would also have to put a rope around his neck.
In the beginning, he hid in the dark and asked himself to arrange the job of appeasement. It turned out that he also set a trap for himself secretly.
But one thing that Prince Sui said was right, “Wealth and honor are something to be sought in danger! Ziyu’s identity is… For Shi Yikuan, it depends on how he uses it…”
He snubbed Prince Sui these days. No wonder Prince Sui gave himself a thunderbolt when he was in his prime.
So Shi Yikuan knelt and took a few steps back, and said respectfully to Prince Sui: “I’m cultivated by Prince Sui, and it is your slaves of a different surname, Your Highness. The honors, splendor, and wealth, isn’t all that bestowed by Your Highness?”
Prince Sui smiled and felt that he was really a pearl of insight when he found such a flexible and extensible talent.
Many villains are unjust. He’s afraid General Shi will have more than one Master in the future. However, now that the reins are in his hands, Shi Yikuan doesn’t dare to betray.
And Cui Xingzhou… If he could hold the reins of the dog one day and can freely order the mad dog of Prince Huaiyang at will, how arbitrary would it be?
Prince Huaiyang, the mad dog held in Prince Sui’s mind, was whipping sandbags under the scorching sun.
The iron fist that simply twined the cloth fell on the shaking sandbag like raindrops, and sand was leaking from a broken place.
Cui Xingzhou shook his head, and his shoulder and back, with his muscles knotted in an inverted triangle shape, were all covered with bright hot sweat.
He waved the sweat off his forehead, and then said to the soldiers beside him, “Go ahead and get another one!”
Mo Ru was holding a towel and a water bottle beside him. He was serving carefully. Seeing that The Prince had stopped, he approached him carefully and said, “This is the fourth sandbag you broke in three days, Your Highness. Do you want to have a rest?”
Cui Xingzhou took the bottle, took a drink near the mouth of the bottle, and then casually asked, “Is there any situation with the Wuning Checking?”
Mo Ru can’t really get hold of the timely situation thus, he stretched his neck and asked carefully, “According to Your Highness means… what should happen?”
As a result, The Prince stared at him fiercely without saying a word, and then went on and continue to hit on the new sandbag.
Mo Ru was rejected by his master, he is very depressed. But the Wuning Checkpoint has really no situation?
However, from time to time, his Master always asked him to go back to the courtyard of the Wuning Checkpoint to pick up the clothes that were put there, not all at once. He thought of a coat today, and the innerwear tomorrow. He always let him run back and forth.
So he was clear about the situation in the small yard: Recently, Lady Liu didn’t even go to the medicine shop. She accompanied her uncle around the yard all day long, and recuperate his injured leg. The rest of the time she will be in the small kitchen and learn how to cook soup with Servant Li. Otherwise, she will return to the room and practice calligraphy for half a day…
In Mo Ru’s eyes, his Master has always been a wise Vassel King who is calm and self-sufficient, and mature in his youth. However, since he became close with Lady Liu, The Prince began to discard the classics and rebel against orthodoxy.
The way his Master is now… Disrespectfully speaking, he… he seems like a young man, who was seduced out of his wits by the girl. Moreover, he still has to hold his temper in and not think about her. He only tortured himself day and night and was moody.
Mo Ru was just thinking about it secretly. He didn’t dare to say so in front of The Prince. He could only watch The Prince’s iron fist explode one sandbag after another.
However, at noon, the guards of the Wuning Checkpoint caretakers rushed in. After entering the military tent, they came forward and said arching their fists, “Reporting to The Prince, Lady Liu and her family left yesterday after loading the carriage. But when Servant Li was packing up today, she found that Lady Liu had left the box of land deeds and silver notes. She didn’t know what to do, so she sent me to ask what Your Highness means…”
Cui Xingzhou was having dinner. He put down his chopstick after hearing it, he slowly raised his head and asked grinding his teeth, “They left? When did they leave? Why did you only notify me after they left?”
Prince Huaiyang’s expression was so penetrating that the guard fell to his knees with a puff of fear and carefully reminded him, “Do Your Highness still remember that you went to the Wuning Checkpoint for the last time and ordered us that when Mr. Lu’s injuries have recovered, they can come and go freely. Just send someone to escort them to the State of Xi. Don’t need to bother Your Highness… So we didn’t dare to disturb Your Highness yesterday.”
Last time? The last time Cui Xingzhou left was when he was angry. He couldn’t remember what he told the guards.
Now he’s surprised to hear that Miantang left last night. He immediately got up and rushed out of the tent, rolled over the horse, and rode straight to the Wuning Checkpoint.
After arriving at the familiar courtyard, Cui Xingzhou rolled over, dismounted, and rushed into the courtyard. But there was no smiling face in the yard anymore, and said to him, “You are back, Husband! Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon…”
Servant Li saw that The Prince rushed into the house and came out slowly after a while. She went forward and presented the box containing the title deed and a letter to The Prince.
Cui Xingzhou did not take the box but slowly reached out to take the letter. When he took out the letter paper and opened it, the handwriting on it could be counted as dignified and beautiful. The font was the font of the post he wrote to her.
“I don’t know if The Prince would take time to read it when you are busy. Let me write a farewell message. Looking back on the past year, thanks to the care of The Prince, Miantang was able to survive the disaster and continue to be filial to my grandfather. I will never forget the grace of saving my life, and I will find an opportunity to return it to The Prince someday. As for all other things, they are all made by nature, and I have nothing to complain about. I will give back all the land deeds and silver notes. I hope that The Prince will be healthy and return as soon as possible.”
Cui Xingzhou read every word of a short letter for a long time. He tried to find out if there was any hatred for him, even being sad about parting…
But she said that she had no complaints, so does she have no love left for him?
These days, he has been waiting for her to calm down and recall their previous sweetness.
Unexpectedly, she left without even saying a word. Cui Xingzhou has always been convinced that Miantang loves him. However, this woman, who wanted to live and die with him, when she turned around and left, she was more determined than any other woman!!
After all, Servant Li is old and experienced. Seeing The Prince like this, she knows his thoughts.
Liu Miantang is so beautiful, and she has always thought of The Prince as her husband. Given a man getting along with such a beauty day and night, how can he not grow any feelings for her?
But such a lovely girl has a hard temper!
In fact, in Servant Li’s opinion, Lady Liu is capable and tough as weeds. She can live well anywhere.
But if she really entered The Prince Residence, she may not be able to live well. It’s fine if the legal Princess Consort hasn’t entered the door, but what happens after she entered?
In any case, Servant Li could not imagine Lady Liu being content to remain in a lowly position, smiling obsequiously and calling others Madam.
Although Servant Li has been a slave in The Prince Residence all her life, she is also the legal Madam when she returns to her own home. If she still has to be a slave when she returns home, there will be no time to breathe a sigh of relief in her life.
If Lady Liu is jealous again, according to her method and means. She is afraid that those cruel concubines in the old prince’s time are not enough for her to play. At that time, there will be no peace in The Prince’s Residence.
But these are all women’s worries. Never expect a man in a high position to feel the same way. And although Servant Li feels sorry for Miantang, she still thinks more from the perspective of The Prince. Lady Liu would be better if she were an outer Mistress. If she entered The Prince Residence, it would be a storm and it would not be peaceful…
So Lady Liu might as well leave like this. With her appearance and skills, she must be able to find someone who really loves her. As for The Prince, he is a man who wants to do great things. Even if he is bored in the Northwest and grows the thought of common young couples, he can’t keep it for long. If he stays a little longer, he will forget everything.
Just when Servant Li thought so, The Prince had gone out and got on the horse.
Servant Li thought he was going to chase Lady Liu. She was trying to remind The Prince that they left early yesterday morning, and he’s afraid he won’t catch up.
Unexpectedly, Prince Huaiyang turned his horse around and headed for the Jinjia Checkpoint.
Servant Li sighed with relief and sighed again and again. She turned back to look at the empty yard. In fact, she felt very sad!
Besides, the Lu family carriages that started their journey yesterday have arrived at the Jintuo River after a day. It is not too far from the Checkpoint after crossing the river.
When they arrived at the riverside and were about to board the boat, Miantang slowly got off the carriage and turned to Fan Hu, the leader who escorted her, and said, “Captain Fan, you can just send us here. You can turn around with your men. The iron ore case has been closed, and all the officials who are close with my Big Uncle have died clean and there is no more proof. Prince Sui doesn’t need to chase my Big Uncle again. After crossing the river, the official road will be busy and there won’t be any accidents.”
Fan Hu tightened his face and respectfully presented a knife to Miantang, and said honestly, “Lady Liu, The Prince once told me to send you back to the Lu family in the State of Xi safely. If I go back halfway, The Prince will also cut my head off. So if you think that we are annoying and want to drive us away, or you want to dump us in a way. You’d better use this knife to cut my head off first so that if I die in front of you, The Prince may consider my loyalty and treat my dependants well.”
When Fan Hu said this, he looked very serious, and then stretched his neck, asking Miantang to find the right bone to cut, so as not to roll the blade.
Miantang also seriously asked Fan Hu how much he was paid for one month. Fan Hu was honest about the number. Miantang nodded, “It’s indeed not little, but it’s not worth it to exchange for your life. You are too hard!”
Fan Hu told Lady Liu that it was not a matter of money, but honor, the dignity of a man.
When escorting her to the Northwest, Captain Fan’s dignity fell on the wooden cart. So this time, it was the last chance to pick up a man’s face.
After hearing this, Miantang gave up the idea of dumping them. Otherwise, according to Fan Hu, he would kill himself every minute.
Now Miantang has regained her dressing as a girl. After letting her bun down, she simply tied her hair in a thick braid and wrapped it in a blue cloth towel. She was also wearing ordinary coarse cotton clothes.
It’s the dress of ordinary girls, but if Fan Hu and others follow closely, the motorcade will look too eye-catching. Miantang then discussed this with Fan Hu. Since they are called the “secret sentries”, they should go into hiding. They should be separated from the Lu family’s chariots and horses and should not walk together.
When she returned to the State of Xi and Captain Fan had almost picked up his face, he could go back quietly. The two will not interfere with each other.
Miantang made this request. In fact, there are also her considerations.
When they went on the journey together previously and when Bi Cao and Fang Xie were cooking, it was inevitable that she would need to prepare the potion for these bodyguards. They were big and tough and they have big appetites! Always reaching out for more food…
Miantang felt that she could not support them with her present wealth.
She didn’t ask for any of the silver noted and the shop land title was given to her by Prince Huaiyang. Otherwise, she would be just like the outside Mistress he raised.
However, the result of preserving her pride was that she and her uncle were a little short of money.
Her eldest uncle was hunted down at the beginning, and he didn’t bring much money and silver. People in the Shenwei Escort Agency also need to eat. So Miantang had also used up all the rice and flour in the small yard when she left with a thick face. She steamed several pots of steamed bread and took them away.
She also had the silver dowry note that was with her when she was saved. But she doesn’t want to use them as the journey fee for the time being, so she plans to save as much as she can.
After those Royal Residence guards with high wages are cleared away, the toll and dry food can be almost maintained during their journey to the State of Xi.
However, Fan Hu did not know that Lady Liu’s request was because she disliked that they has big appetites.
He knew that she had broken up with The Prince. He only thought that he and his subordinates were getting in the way of the Lady, and she was upset. So Captain Fan immediately agreed, and more than 20 guards disappeared without a trace in a short time.
Lu Xian also felt more comfortable without these guards. So he said to his niece, “It won’t take us half a month to return to the State of Xi following the current schedule. If my father sees you back, won’t he be overjoyed?”
But Miantang didn’t want to return so early. She still had something important to do.
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Cui Xingzhou hoped that he would know he was sleepy. But every night, when he was alone in the army bed, he was almost falling asleep. He always felt that there was an orchid fragrance revolving around his ears. It seemed that there was a soft voice asking, “Do you want some water, Husband?”
When he was dazed that he answered “Yes”, his entire person was excited, and the long-simmering sleepiness disappeared.
If he can’t sleep well, he won’t have a good temper either.
In this way, the barbarians in the Northwest were chased again and again by some enchanted Prince Huaiyang. The Imperial Court frequently received good news from the Northwest.
For a while, the name Prince Huaiyang suddenly became very popular among the people. This is the heart of Yue Fei and the talent of Wei Qing in the Great Yan Dynasty! The government and the public are also discussing the imminent victory in the Northwest.
However, the people in the highest position in the Yuyu Palace think differently from ordinary people.
When the soldiers reported the military situation, Empress Dowager Wu was smoking a pipe on the Royal Concubine’s side bed.
This is a tribute from the vassal state. The cut tobacco in the jade bottle is filled in the ivory carved pipe. The Palace maid holds the slender pipe in her hand and she inhales it gently. It seems that the hatred of the young widows has gone off a little in the smoke.
It was the newly promoted General Shi who told her about this good thing. She then found it from the tribute which has the effect of soothing.
She puffed smoke with her eyes closed, and said softly, “You proposed to let Prince Huaiyang lead the army in the Northwest, saying that killing two birds with one stone could eliminate the hidden danger of a King with a different surname in the State of Zhen. But now, when Cui Xingzhou was in the State of Zhen, he only had less than tens of thousands of soldiers, and now he has more than 100000 soldiers! When he won the victory, the soldiers and horses in the Ministry of War together cannot be compared to the troops of the King with a different surname! How can you eliminate the worries of the constraints of The Emperor? After I take your advice, it turns out that I raised a big issue for The Emperor! General Shi, when you were in the State of Qing, you were dealing with Prince Huaiyang all day long. Do you have any way to relieve the worries of The Emperor? ”
Shi Yikuan is a smooth person. He has been promoted quickly since he entered the Capital for the garrison. Now he is the right handyman of the Ministry of War. He is very good at sweet-talking and knows how to flatter people. Soon, he was favored by Empress Dowager Wu. His future is bright and boundless.
For a time, he was a newly popular and rising Minister in the Imperial Court, and he was very comfortable. Along with his concubine’s son-in-law, who was recruited, he has also become the favorite of the Capital…
Hearing the question of Empress Dowager, Shi Yikuan hurriedly said, “The Empress Dowager is kind and intelligent, and women are not inferior to men. It is because you have repeatedly saved the Great Yan Dynasty’s land from danger. That Prince Huaiyang can resolve the war situation in the northwest, isn’t it also due to the great blessing of the Empress Dowager??”
The Empress Dowager Wu looked at General Shi and said, “Don’t talk about greasy flattery, or I will deploy you to go to the Northwest and continue to be a close neighbor to Prince Huaiyang!”
Shi Yikuan quickly knelt and said, “I mean, the Empress Dowager is very benevolent and powerful. Why are you worried that the Princes are not convinced? The whole court and the field know that Prince Huaiyang was alone before he went to war. Since he did not marry a proper wife, why not Empress Dowager choose a suitable Princess for him? After he became the Empress Dowager’s son-in-law, he will be able to submit to the Empress Dowager’s majesty like me…”
The Empress Dowager Wu narrowed her eyes. She had one son and one daughter. Her daughter, Princess Wuhua, is now fifteen years old. It was time to choose her husband.
However, not everyone can be the brother-in-law of the Emperor. She only had this one daughter, it’s natural that she has to choose a decent one for her.
Prince Huaiyang is previously just a local vassal king. How can he be her son-in-law? But now, he is strong and powerful, and he has made remarkable contributions to pacify the Northwest, so it is not easy to cut down the clan for a while.
Otherwise, wouldn’t the people all over the world denounce the Court as the traitor, Qin Hui? Since they can’t crack down hard at the moment, it’s better to recover appease.
Cui Xingzhou met the Late Emperor in the Capital when he was a teenager. She was still an Imperial Concubine at that time. She saw him several times at the Palace banquet, and he was a beautiful young man. Now that he had grown as an adult, he must be good-looking too… If he matches Wu Hua, I wonder will her daughter be willing to?
However, Shi Yikuan’s words are indeed a good prescription. Cui Xingzhou is a fierce tiger. If his neck is fastened and used by her, what else in the Great Yan Dynasty should she still worry about?
Empress Dowager Wu took another puff of her cigarette, didn’t speak again, waved her hand, and called the crowd down.
When Shi Yikuan came out of the Palace, he intended to go back to the official office, but when he was halfway there, someone suddenly threw a note into his sedan chair.
Shi Yikuan frowned and looked at it. He wanted to ignore it, but after thinking about it, he ordered people to turn around and go to a quiet teahouse in the Capital.
When he brought his servant boy to the teahouse, a servant boy has long waited at the entrance and led General Shi around the winding corridor and turned to the back of the teahouse.
There is a small quiet courtyard. The layout of the courtyard is the dry sand and stone landscape of the previous dynasty, which is very elegant.
When Shi Yikuan opened the bamboo curtain and entered the room, he respectfully saluted the person sitting at the tea table, saying, “I have come late, letting Prince Sui here waiting for a long time.”
Prince Sui’s period of filial piety has finally come to an end, he was finally able to return to the earthly world by rolling his hair up and shaving his mustache to restore some handsome looks. He waved his sleeve carelessly, asked Shi Yikuan to come and sit down, and poured him a glass of water on the way, “What did the old woman say?”
Shi Yikuan was not very courtesy too, so he sat down and said, “I had just mentioned it to her according to your wishes. It seems that she is moved. However, in this way, isn’t it raising his rank? He is now making you difficult, extorting, just like a mountain bandit. Once he becomes the son-in-law of the Empress Dowager, he will be more fearless.”
Prince Sui sniffed and said, “General Shi, you should be as kind and considerate as your son-in-law. Don’t you know Cui Xingzhou’s dog temper? How has the old witch’s daughter been spoiled? If she really married over, there will be a good show. Do you think Prince Huaiyang will be grateful to the Empress Dowager?”
Shi Yikuan gave a thumbs up and said, “Your Highness is still smart. Killing people without showing the sword! But… the matter of the Northwest iron ore, is it really over just like that?”
Prince Sui emptied his teacup, narrowed his eyes, and said, “The people who should die are almost dead now. Cui Xingzhou has benefited from this, so it is unnecessary to turn over my identity. However, if I don’t return some benefit to him, wouldn’t I look down on him too much?”
Shi Yikuan poured tea for Prince Sui and said, “You are a person with lofty aspirations, Your Highness. Things like Cui Xingzhou are just flies and cows bothering people. Don’t take it too seriously.”
Prince Sui looked at Shi Yikuan thoughtfully and said, “This sweet talk is worth a thousand troops. I see that Cui Xingzhou is fighting blood and sweat on the frontline, which can’t be compared to General Shi’s flattery in the Capital… Now that you have attached yourself to Empress Dowager, you probably don’t take me seriously… I have to even take some effort to see you now…”
Shi Yikuan hurriedly said, “You are thinking too much, Prince Sui. How could I be so ungrateful and forget the support of Prince Sui?”
Prince Sui smiled and revealed his white teeth. “General Shi is tied to a boat with me now, and I certainly am not worried about you rebelling… After all, you may be the father-in-law of the future Emperor, and I need your help?”
Shi Yikuan turned in his mind and looked warily at Prince Sui. He hesitated and said, “Prince Sui… You are drinking tea, not wine. How can you… say something like that?”
Prince Sui was deliberately surprised and said to Shi Yikuan, “Why? Your son-in-law didn’t tell you the truth and his true identity?”
Shi Yikuan hesitated and said, “What identity should he be?”
Prince Sui kindly waved his hand and asked him close to listen to him. He spoke in a low voice for a while.
Shi Yikuan’s eyes slowly stared, his upper and lower teeth began to tremble, and he just said: “You…… Did you know his identity long ago? Why did you let me marry my daughter to him?”
Prince Sui’s smiling face gradually faded, and he said coldly, “I naturally need to leave such a good thing to my people. Why? General Shi doesn’t think it’s a good thing? Seeking wealth in danger. Look at the dignity of the Wu family’s relatives. If your son-in-law can succeed in one go, it’s your Shi family’s turn to be dignity!”
Shi Yikuan’s eyes were about to burst with blood. However, he is also an old fogey of official affairs. Such a big storm can’t kill him at once.
When the mood gradually calmed down, Shi Yikuan knew that if Prince Sui could lift him to his present position, he would also have to put a rope around his neck.
In the beginning, he hid in the dark and asked himself to arrange the job of appeasement. It turned out that he also set a trap for himself secretly.
But one thing that Prince Sui said was right, “Wealth and honor are something to be sought in danger! Ziyu’s identity is… For Shi Yikuan, it depends on how he uses it…”
He snubbed Prince Sui these days. No wonder Prince Sui gave himself a thunderbolt when he was in his prime.
So Shi Yikuan knelt and took a few steps back, and said respectfully to Prince Sui: “I’m cultivated by Prince Sui, and it is your slaves of a different surname, Your Highness. The honors, splendor, and wealth, isn’t all that bestowed by Your Highness?”
Prince Sui smiled and felt that he was really a pearl of insight when he found such a flexible and extensible talent.
Many villains are unjust. He’s afraid General Shi will have more than one Master in the future. However, now that the reins are in his hands, Shi Yikuan doesn’t dare to betray.
And Cui Xingzhou… If he could hold the reins of the dog one day and can freely order the mad dog of Prince Huaiyang at will, how arbitrary would it be?
Prince Huaiyang, the mad dog held in Prince Sui’s mind, was whipping sandbags under the scorching sun.
The iron fist that simply twined the cloth fell on the shaking sandbag like raindrops, and sand was leaking from a broken place.
Cui Xingzhou shook his head, and his shoulder and back, with his muscles knotted in an inverted triangle shape, were all covered with bright hot sweat.
He waved the sweat off his forehead, and then said to the soldiers beside him, “Go ahead and get another one!”
Mo Ru was holding a towel and a water bottle beside him. He was serving carefully. Seeing that The Prince had stopped, he approached him carefully and said, “This is the fourth sandbag you broke in three days, Your Highness. Do you want to have a rest?”
Cui Xingzhou took the bottle, took a drink near the mouth of the bottle, and then casually asked, “Is there any situation with the Wuning Checking?”
Mo Ru can’t really get hold of the timely situation thus, he stretched his neck and asked carefully, “According to Your Highness means… what should happen?”
As a result, The Prince stared at him fiercely without saying a word, and then went on and continue to hit on the new sandbag.
Mo Ru was rejected by his master, he is very depressed. But the Wuning Checkpoint has really no situation?
However, from time to time, his Master always asked him to go back to the courtyard of the Wuning Checkpoint to pick up the clothes that were put there, not all at once. He thought of a coat today, and the innerwear tomorrow. He always let him run back and forth.
So he was clear about the situation in the small yard: Recently, Lady Liu didn’t even go to the medicine shop. She accompanied her uncle around the yard all day long, and recuperate his injured leg. The rest of the time she will be in the small kitchen and learn how to cook soup with Servant Li. Otherwise, she will return to the room and practice calligraphy for half a day…
In Mo Ru’s eyes, his Master has always been a wise Vassel King who is calm and self-sufficient, and mature in his youth. However, since he became close with Lady Liu, The Prince began to discard the classics and rebel against orthodoxy.
The way his Master is now… Disrespectfully speaking, he… he seems like a young man, who was seduced out of his wits by the girl. Moreover, he still has to hold his temper in and not think about her. He only tortured himself day and night and was moody.
Mo Ru was just thinking about it secretly. He didn’t dare to say so in front of The Prince. He could only watch The Prince’s iron fist explode one sandbag after another.
However, at noon, the guards of the Wuning Checkpoint caretakers rushed in. After entering the military tent, they came forward and said arching their fists, “Reporting to The Prince, Lady Liu and her family left yesterday after loading the carriage. But when Servant Li was packing up today, she found that Lady Liu had left the box of land deeds and silver notes. She didn’t know what to do, so she sent me to ask what Your Highness means…”
Cui Xingzhou was having dinner. He put down his chopstick after hearing it, he slowly raised his head and asked grinding his teeth, “They left? When did they leave? Why did you only notify me after they left?”
Prince Huaiyang’s expression was so penetrating that the guard fell to his knees with a puff of fear and carefully reminded him, “Do Your Highness still remember that you went to the Wuning Checkpoint for the last time and ordered us that when Mr. Lu’s injuries have recovered, they can come and go freely. Just send someone to escort them to the State of Xi. Don’t need to bother Your Highness… So we didn’t dare to disturb Your Highness yesterday.”
Last time? The last time Cui Xingzhou left was when he was angry. He couldn’t remember what he told the guards.
Now he’s surprised to hear that Miantang left last night. He immediately got up and rushed out of the tent, rolled over the horse, and rode straight to the Wuning Checkpoint.
After arriving at the familiar courtyard, Cui Xingzhou rolled over, dismounted, and rushed into the courtyard. But there was no smiling face in the yard anymore, and said to him, “You are back, Husband! Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon…”
Servant Li saw that The Prince rushed into the house and came out slowly after a while. She went forward and presented the box containing the title deed and a letter to The Prince.
Cui Xingzhou did not take the box but slowly reached out to take the letter. When he took out the letter paper and opened it, the handwriting on it could be counted as dignified and beautiful. The font was the font of the post he wrote to her.
“I don’t know if The Prince would take time to read it when you are busy. Let me write a farewell message. Looking back on the past year, thanks to the care of The Prince, Miantang was able to survive the disaster and continue to be filial to my grandfather. I will never forget the grace of saving my life, and I will find an opportunity to return it to The Prince someday. As for all other things, they are all made by nature, and I have nothing to complain about. I will give back all the land deeds and silver notes. I hope that The Prince will be healthy and return as soon as possible.”
Cui Xingzhou read every word of a short letter for a long time. He tried to find out if there was any hatred for him, even being sad about parting…
But she said that she had no complaints, so does she have no love left for him?
These days, he has been waiting for her to calm down and recall their previous sweetness.
Unexpectedly, she left without even saying a word. Cui Xingzhou has always been convinced that Miantang loves him. However, this woman, who wanted to live and die with him, when she turned around and left, she was more determined than any other woman!!
After all, Servant Li is old and experienced. Seeing The Prince like this, she knows his thoughts.
Liu Miantang is so beautiful, and she has always thought of The Prince as her husband. Given a man getting along with such a beauty day and night, how can he not grow any feelings for her?
But such a lovely girl has a hard temper!
In fact, in Servant Li’s opinion, Lady Liu is capable and tough as weeds. She can live well anywhere.
But if she really entered The Prince Residence, she may not be able to live well. It’s fine if the legal Princess Consort hasn’t entered the door, but what happens after she entered?
In any case, Servant Li could not imagine Lady Liu being content to remain in a lowly position, smiling obsequiously and calling others Madam.
Although Servant Li has been a slave in The Prince Residence all her life, she is also the legal Madam when she returns to her own home. If she still has to be a slave when she returns home, there will be no time to breathe a sigh of relief in her life.
If Lady Liu is jealous again, according to her method and means. She is afraid that those cruel concubines in the old prince’s time are not enough for her to play. At that time, there will be no peace in The Prince’s Residence.
But these are all women’s worries. Never expect a man in a high position to feel the same way. And although Servant Li feels sorry for Miantang, she still thinks more from the perspective of The Prince. Lady Liu would be better if she were an outer Mistress. If she entered The Prince Residence, it would be a storm and it would not be peaceful…
So Lady Liu might as well leave like this. With her appearance and skills, she must be able to find someone who really loves her. As for The Prince, he is a man who wants to do great things. Even if he is bored in the Northwest and grows the thought of common young couples, he can’t keep it for long. If he stays a little longer, he will forget everything.
Just when Servant Li thought so, The Prince had gone out and got on the horse.
Servant Li thought he was going to chase Lady Liu. She was trying to remind The Prince that they left early yesterday morning, and he’s afraid he won’t catch up.
Unexpectedly, Prince Huaiyang turned his horse around and headed for the Jinjia Checkpoint.
Servant Li sighed with relief and sighed again and again. She turned back to look at the empty yard. In fact, she felt very sad!
Besides, the Lu family carriages that started their journey yesterday have arrived at the Jintuo River after a day. It is not too far from the Checkpoint after crossing the river.
When they arrived at the riverside and were about to board the boat, Miantang slowly got off the carriage and turned to Fan Hu, the leader who escorted her, and said, “Captain Fan, you can just send us here. You can turn around with your men. The iron ore case has been closed, and all the officials who are close with my Big Uncle have died clean and there is no more proof. Prince Sui doesn’t need to chase my Big Uncle again. After crossing the river, the official road will be busy and there won’t be any accidents.”
Fan Hu tightened his face and respectfully presented a knife to Miantang, and said honestly, “Lady Liu, The Prince once told me to send you back to the Lu family in the State of Xi safely. If I go back halfway, The Prince will also cut my head off. So if you think that we are annoying and want to drive us away, or you want to dump us in a way. You’d better use this knife to cut my head off first so that if I die in front of you, The Prince may consider my loyalty and treat my dependants well.”
When Fan Hu said this, he looked very serious, and then stretched his neck, asking Miantang to find the right bone to cut, so as not to roll the blade.
Miantang also seriously asked Fan Hu how much he was paid for one month. Fan Hu was honest about the number. Miantang nodded, “It’s indeed not little, but it’s not worth it to exchange for your life. You are too hard!”
Fan Hu told Lady Liu that it was not a matter of money, but honor, the dignity of a man.
When escorting her to the Northwest, Captain Fan’s dignity fell on the wooden cart. So this time, it was the last chance to pick up a man’s face.
After hearing this, Miantang gave up the idea of dumping them. Otherwise, according to Fan Hu, he would kill himself every minute.
Now Miantang has regained her dressing as a girl. After letting her bun down, she simply tied her hair in a thick braid and wrapped it in a blue cloth towel. She was also wearing ordinary coarse cotton clothes.
It’s the dress of ordinary girls, but if Fan Hu and others follow closely, the motorcade will look too eye-catching. Miantang then discussed this with Fan Hu. Since they are called the “secret sentries”, they should go into hiding. They should be separated from the Lu family’s chariots and horses and should not walk together.
When she returned to the State of Xi and Captain Fan had almost picked up his face, he could go back quietly. The two will not interfere with each other.
Miantang made this request. In fact, there are also her considerations.
When they went on the journey together previously and when Bi Cao and Fang Xie were cooking, it was inevitable that she would need to prepare the potion for these bodyguards. They were big and tough and they have big appetites! Always reaching out for more food…
Miantang felt that she could not support them with her present wealth.
She didn’t ask for any of the silver noted and the shop land title was given to her by Prince Huaiyang. Otherwise, she would be just like the outside Mistress he raised.
However, the result of preserving her pride was that she and her uncle were a little short of money.
Her eldest uncle was hunted down at the beginning, and he didn’t bring much money and silver. People in the Shenwei Escort Agency also need to eat. So Miantang had also used up all the rice and flour in the small yard when she left with a thick face. She steamed several pots of steamed bread and took them away.
She also had the silver dowry note that was with her when she was saved. But she doesn’t want to use them as the journey fee for the time being, so she plans to save as much as she can.
After those Royal Residence guards with high wages are cleared away, the toll and dry food can be almost maintained during their journey to the State of Xi.
However, Fan Hu did not know that Lady Liu’s request was because she disliked that they has big appetites.
He knew that she had broken up with The Prince. He only thought that he and his subordinates were getting in the way of the Lady, and she was upset. So Captain Fan immediately agreed, and more than 20 guards disappeared without a trace in a short time.
Lu Xian also felt more comfortable without these guards. So he said to his niece, “It won’t take us half a month to return to the State of Xi following the current schedule. If my father sees you back, won’t he be overjoyed?”
But Miantang didn’t want to return so early. She still had something important to do.
Cui Xingzhou hoped that he would know he was sleepy. But every night, when he was alone in the army bed, he was almost falling asleep. He always felt that there was an orchid fragrance revolving around his ears. It seemed that there was a soft voice asking, Do you want some water, Husband?When he was dazed that he answered Yes, his entire person was excited, and the long-simmering sleepiness disappeared.If he can't sleep well, he won't have a good temper either.In this way, the barbarians in the Northwest were chased again and again by some enchanted Prince Huaiyang. The Imperial Court frequently received good news from the Northwest.For a while, the name Prince Huaiyang suddenly became very popular among the people. This is the heart of Yue Fei and the talent of Wei Qing in the Great Yan Dynasty! The government and the public are also discussing the imminent victory in the Northwest.However, the people in the highest position in the Yuyu Palace think differently from ordinary people.When the soldiers reported the military situation, Empress Dowager Wu was smoking a pipe on the Royal Concubine's side bed.This is a tribute from the vassal state. The cut tobacco in the jade bottle is filled in the ivory carved pipe. The Palace maid holds the slender pipe in her hand and she inhales it gently. It seems that the hatred of the young widows has gone off a little in the smoke.It was the newly promoted General Shi who told her about this good thing. She then found it from the tribute which has the effect of soothing.She puffed smoke with her eyes closed, and said softly, You proposed to let Prince Huaiyang lead the army in the Northwest, saying that killing two birds with one stone could eliminate the hidden danger of a King with a different surname in the State of Zhen. But now, when Cui Xingzhou was in the State of Zhen, he only had less than tens of thousands of soldiers, and now he has more than 100000 soldiers! When he won the victory, the soldiers and horses in the Ministry of War together cannot be compared to the troops of the King with a different surname! How can you eliminate the worries of the constraints of The Emperor? After I take your advice, it turns out that I raised a big issue for The Emperor! General Shi, when you were in the State of Qing, you were dealing with Prince Huaiyang all day long. Do you have any way to relieve the worries of The Emperor? Shi Yikuan is a smooth person. He has been promoted quickly since he entered the Capital for the garrison. Now he is the right handyman of the Ministry of War. He is very good at sweet-talking and knows how to flatter people. Soon, he was favored by Empress Dowager Wu. His future is bright and boundless.For a time, he was a newly popular and rising Minister in the Imperial Court, and he was very comfortable. Along with his concubine's son-in-law, who was recruited, he has also become the favorite of the CapitalHearing the question of Empress Dowager, Shi Yikuan hurriedly said, The Empress Dowager is kind and intelligent, and women are not inferior to men. It is because you have repeatedly saved the Great Yan Dynasty's land from danger. That Prince Huaiyang can resolve the war situation in the northwest, isn't it also due to the great blessing of the Empress Dowager??The Empress Dowager Wu looked at General Shi and said, Don't talk about greasy flattery, or I will deploy you to go to the Northwest and continue to be a close neighbor to Prince Huaiyang!Shi Yikuan quickly knelt and said, I mean, the Empress Dowager is very benevolent and powerful. Why are you worried that the Princes are not convinced? The whole court and the field know that Prince Huaiyang was alone before he went to war. Since he did not marry a proper wife, why not Empress Dowager choose a suitable Princess for him? After he became the Empress Dowager's son-in-law, he will be able to submit to the Empress Dowager's majesty like meThe Empress Dowager Wu narrowed her eyes. She had one son and one daughter. Her daughter, Princess Wuhua, is now fifteen years old. It was time to choose her husband.However, not everyone can be the brother-in-law of the Emperor. She only had this one daughter, it's natural that she has to choose a decent one for her.Prince Huaiyang is previously just a local vassal king. How can he be her son-in-law? But now, he is strong and powerful, and he has made remarkable contributions to pacify the Northwest, so it is not easy to cut down the clan for a while.Otherwise, wouldn't the people all over the world denounce the Court as the traitor, Qin Hui? Since they can't crack down hard at the moment, it's better to recover appease.Cui Xingzhou met the Late Emperor in the Capital when he was a teenager. She was still an Imperial Concubine at that time. She saw him several times at the Palace banquet, and he was a beautiful young man. Now that he had grown as an adult, he must be good-looking too If he matches Wu Hua, I wonder will her daughter be willing to?However, Shi Yikuan's words are indeed a good prescription. Cui Xingzhou is a fierce tiger. If his neck is fastened and used by her, what else in the Great Yan Dynasty should she still worry about?Empress Dowager Wu took another puff of her cigarette, didn't speak again, waved her hand, and called the crowd down.When Shi Yikuan came out of the Palace, he intended to go back to the official office, but when he was halfway there, someone suddenly threw a note into his sedan chair.Shi Yikuan frowned and looked at it. He wanted to ignore it, but after thinking about it, he ordered people to turn around and go to a quiet teahouse in the Capital.When he brought his servant boy to the teahouse, a servant boy has long waited at the entrance and led General Shi around the winding corridor and turned to the back of the teahouse.There is a small quiet courtyard. The layout of the courtyard is the dry sand and stone landscape of the previous dynasty, which is very elegant.When Shi Yikuan opened the bamboo curtain and entered the room, he respectfully saluted the person sitting at the tea table, saying, I have come late, letting Prince Sui here waiting for a long time.Prince Sui's period of filial piety has finally come to an end, he was finally able to return to the earthly world by rolling his hair up and shaving his mustache to restore some handsome looks. He waved his sleeve carelessly, asked Shi Yikuan to come and sit down, and poured him a glass of water on the way, What did the old woman say?Shi Yikuan was not very courtesy too, so he sat down and said, I had just mentioned it to her according to your wishes. It seems that she is moved. However, in this way, isn't it raising his rank? He is now making you difficult, extorting, just like a mountain bandit. Once he becomes the son-in-law of the Empress Dowager, he will be more fearless.Prince Sui sniffed and said, General Shi, you should be as kind and considerate as your son-in-law. Don't you know Cui Xingzhou's dog temper? How has the old witch's daughter been spoiled? If she really married over, there will be a good show. Do you think Prince Huaiyang will be grateful to the Empress Dowager?Shi Yikuan gave a thumbs up and said, Your Highness is still smart. Killing people without showing the sword! But the matter of the Northwest iron ore, is it really over just like that?Prince Sui emptied his teacup, narrowed his eyes, and said, The people who should die are almost dead now. Cui Xingzhou has benefited from this, so it is unnecessary to turn over my identity. However, if I don't return some benefit to him, wouldn't I look down on him too much?Shi Yikuan poured tea for Prince Sui and said, You are a person with lofty aspirations, Your Highness. Things like Cui Xingzhou are just flies and cows bothering people. Don't take it too seriously.Prince Sui looked at Shi Yikuan thoughtfully and said, This sweet talk is worth a thousand troops. I see that Cui Xingzhou is fighting blood and sweat on the frontline, which can't be compared to General Shi's flattery in the Capital Now that you have attached yourself to Empress Dowager, you probably don't take me seriously I have to even take some effort to see you nowShi Yikuan hurriedly said, You are thinking too much, Prince Sui. How could I be so ungrateful and forget the support of Prince Sui?Prince Sui smiled and revealed his white teeth. General Shi is tied to a boat with me now, and I certainly am not worried about you rebelling After all, you may be the father-in-law of the future Emperor, and I need your help?Shi Yikuan turned in his mind and looked warily at Prince Sui. He hesitated and said, Prince Sui You are drinking tea, not wine. How can you say something like that?Prince Sui was deliberately surprised and said to Shi Yikuan, Why? Your son-in-law didn't tell you the truth and his true identity?Shi Yikuan hesitated and said, What identity should he be?Prince Sui kindly waved his hand and asked him close to listen to him. He spoke in a low voice for a while.Shi Yikuan's eyes slowly stared, his upper and lower teeth began to tremble, and he just said: You Did you know his identity long ago? Why did you let me marry my daughter to him?Prince Sui's smiling face gradually faded, and he said coldly, I naturally need to leave such a good thing to my people. Why? General Shi doesn't think it's a good thing? Seeking wealth in danger. Look at the dignity of the Wu family's relatives. If your son-in-law can succeed in one go, it's your Shi family's turn to be dignity!Shi Yikuan's eyes were about to burst with blood. However, he is also an old fogey of official affairs. Such a big storm can't kill him at once.When the mood gradually calmed down, Shi Yikuan knew that if Prince Sui could lift him to his present position, he would also have to put a rope around his neck.In the beginning, he hid in the dark and asked himself to arrange the job of appeasement. It turned out that he also set a trap for himself secretly.But one thing that Prince Sui said was right, Wealth and honor are something to be sought in danger! Ziyu's identity is For Shi Yikuan, it depends on how he uses itHe snubbed Prince Sui these days. No wonder Prince Sui gave himself a thunderbolt when he was in his prime.So Shi Yikuan knelt and took a few steps back, and said respectfully to Prince Sui: I'm cultivated by Prince Sui, and it is your slaves of a different surname, Your Highness. The honors, splendor, and wealth, isn't all that bestowed by Your Highness?Prince Sui smiled and felt that he was really a pearl of insight when he found such a flexible and extensible talent.Many villains are unjust. He's afraid General Shi will have more than one Master in the future. However, now that the reins are in his hands, Shi Yikuan doesn't dare to betray.And Cui Xingzhou If he could hold the reins of the dog one day and can freely order the mad dog of Prince Huaiyang at will, how arbitrary would it be?Prince Huaiyang, the mad dog held in Prince Sui's mind, was whipping sandbags under the scorching sun.The iron fist that simply twined the cloth fell on the shaking sandbag like raindrops, and sand was leaking from a broken place.Cui Xingzhou shook his head, and his shoulder and back, with his muscles knotted in an inverted triangle shape, were all covered with bright hot sweat.He waved the sweat off his forehead, and then said to the soldiers beside him, Go ahead and get another one!Mo Ru was holding a towel and a water bottle beside him. He was serving carefully. Seeing that The Prince had stopped, he approached him carefully and said, This is the fourth sandbag you broke in three days, Your Highness. Do you want to have a rest?Cui Xingzhou took the bottle, took a drink near the mouth of the bottle, and then casually asked, Is there any situation with the Wuning Checking?Mo Ru can't really get hold of the timely situation thus, he stretched his neck and asked carefully, According to Your Highness means what should happen?As a result, The Prince stared at him fiercely without saying a word, and then went on and continue to hit on the new sandbag.Mo Ru was rejected by his master, he is very depressed. But the Wuning Checkpoint has really no situation?However, from time to time, his Master always asked him to go back to the courtyard of the Wuning Checkpoint to pick up the clothes that were put there, not all at once. He thought of a coat today, and the innerwear tomorrow. He always let him run back and forth.So he was clear about the situation in the small yard: Recently, Lady Liu didn't even go to the medicine shop. She accompanied her uncle around the yard all day long, and recuperate his injured leg. The rest of the time she will be in the small kitchen and learn how to cook soup with Servant Li. Otherwise, she will return to the room and practice calligraphy for half a dayIn Mo Ru's eyes, his Master has always been a wise Vassel King who is calm and self-sufficient, and mature in his youth. However, since he became close with Lady Liu, The Prince began to discard the classics and rebel against orthodoxy.The way his Master is now Disrespectfully speaking, he he seems like a young man, who was seduced out of his wits by the girl. Moreover, he still has to hold his temper in and not think about her. He only tortured himself day and night and was moody.Mo Ru was just thinking about it secretly. He didn't dare to say so in front of The Prince. He could only watch The Prince's iron fist explode one sandbag after another.However, at noon, the guards of the Wuning Checkpoint caretakers rushed in. After entering the military tent, they came forward and said arching their fists, Reporting to The Prince, Lady Liu and her family left yesterday after loading the carriage. But when Servant Li was packing up today, she found that Lady Liu had left the box of land deeds and silver notes. She didn't know what to do, so she sent me to ask what Your Highness meansCui Xingzhou was having dinner. He put down his chopstick after hearing it, he slowly raised his head and asked grinding his teeth, They left? When did they leave? Why did you only notify me after they left?Prince Huaiyang's expression was so penetrating that the guard fell to his knees with a puff of fear and carefully reminded him, Do Your Highness still remember that you went to the Wuning Checkpoint for the last time and ordered us that when Mr. Lu's injuries have recovered, they can come and go freely. Just send someone to escort them to the State of Xi. Don't need to bother Your Highness So we didn't dare to disturb Your Highness yesterday.Last time? The last time Cui Xingzhou left was when he was angry. He couldn't remember what he told the guards.Now he's surprised to hear that Miantang left last night. He immediately got up and rushed out of the tent, rolled over the horse, and rode straight to the Wuning Checkpoint.After arriving at the familiar courtyard, Cui Xingzhou rolled over, dismounted, and rushed into the courtyard. But there was no smiling face in the yard anymore, and said to him, You are back, Husband! Are you hungry? The food will be ready soonServant Li saw that The Prince rushed into the house and came out slowly after a while. She went forward and presented the box containing the title deed and a letter to The Prince.Cui Xingzhou did not take the box but slowly reached out to take the letter. When he took out the letter paper and opened it, the handwriting on it could be counted as dignified and beautiful. The font was the font of the post he wrote to her.I don't know if The Prince would take time to read it when you are busy. Let me write a farewell message. Looking back on the past year, thanks to the care of The Prince, Miantang was able to survive the disaster and continue to be filial to my grandfather. I will never forget the grace of saving my life, and I will find an opportunity to return it to The Prince someday. As for all other things, they are all made by nature, and I have nothing to complain about. I will give back all the land deeds and silver notes. I hope that The Prince will be healthy and return as soon as possible.Cui Xingzhou read every word of a short letter for a long time. He tried to find out if there was any hatred for him, even being sad about partingBut she said that she had no complaints, so does she have no love left for him?These days, he has been waiting for her to calm down and recall their previous sweetness.Unexpectedly, she left without even saying a word. Cui Xingzhou has always been convinced that Miantang loves him. However, this woman, who wanted to live and die with him, when she turned around and left, she was more determined than any other woman!!After all, Servant Li is old and experienced. Seeing The Prince like this, she knows his thoughts.Liu Miantang is so beautiful, and she has always thought of The Prince as her husband. Given a man getting along with such a beauty day and night, how can he not grow any feelings for her?But such a lovely girl has a hard temper!In fact, in Servant Li's opinion, Lady Liu is capable and tough as weeds. She can live well anywhere.But if she really entered The Prince Residence, she may not be able to live well. It's fine if the legal Princess Consort hasn't entered the door, but what happens after she entered?In any case, Servant Li could not imagine Lady Liu being content to remain in a lowly position, smiling obsequiously and calling others Madam.Although Servant Li has been a slave in The Prince Residence all her life, she is also the legal Madam when she returns to her own home. If she still has to be a slave when she returns home, there will be no time to breathe a sigh of relief in her life.If Lady Liu is jealous again, according to her method and means. She is afraid that those cruel concubines in the old prince's time are not enough for her to play. At that time, there will be no peace in The Prince's Residence.But these are all women's worries. Never expect a man in a high position to feel the same way. And although Servant Li feels sorry for Miantang, she still thinks more from the perspective of The Prince. Lady Liu would be better if she were an outer Mistress. If she entered The Prince Residence, it would be a storm and it would not be peacefulSo Lady Liu might as well leave like this. With her appearance and skills, she must be able to find someone who really loves her. As for The Prince, he is a man who wants to do great things. Even if he is bored in the Northwest and grows the thought of common young couples, he can't keep it for long. If he stays a little longer, he will forget everything.Just when Servant Li thought so, The Prince had gone out and got on the horse.Servant Li thought he was going to chase Lady Liu. She was trying to remind The Prince that they left early yesterday morning, and he's afraid he won't catch up.Unexpectedly, Prince Huaiyang turned his horse around and headed for the Jinjia Checkpoint.Servant Li sighed with relief and sighed again and again. She turned back to look at the empty yard. In fact, she felt very sad!Besides, the Lu family carriages that started their journey yesterday have arrived at the Jintuo River after a day. It is not too far from the Checkpoint after crossing the river.When they arrived at the riverside and were about to board the boat, Miantang slowly got off the carriage and turned to Fan Hu, the leader who escorted her, and said, Captain Fan, you can just send us here. You can turn around with your men. The iron ore case has been closed, and all the officials who are close with my Big Uncle have died clean and there is no more proof. Prince Sui doesn't need to chase my Big Uncle again. After crossing the river, the official road will be busy and there won't be any accidents.Fan Hu tightened his face and respectfully presented a knife to Miantang, and said honestly, Lady Liu, The Prince once told me to send you back to the Lu family in the State of Xi safely. If I go back halfway, The Prince will also cut my head off. So if you think that we are annoying and want to drive us away, or you want to dump us in a way. You'd better use this knife to cut my head off first so that if I die in front of you, The Prince may consider my loyalty and treat my dependants well.When Fan Hu said this, he looked very serious, and then stretched his neck, asking Miantang to find the right bone to cut, so as not to roll the blade.Miantang also seriously asked Fan Hu how much he was paid for one month. Fan Hu was honest about the number. Miantang nodded, It's indeed not little, but it's not worth it to exchange for your life. You are too hard!Fan Hu told Lady Liu that it was not a matter of money, but honor, the dignity of a man.When escorting her to the Northwest, Captain Fan's dignity fell on the wooden cart. So this time, it was the last chance to pick up a man's face.After hearing this, Miantang gave up the idea of dumping them. Otherwise, according to Fan Hu, he would kill himself every minute.Now Miantang has regained her dressing as a girl. After letting her bun down, she simply tied her hair in a thick braid and wrapped it in a blue cloth towel. She was also wearing ordinary coarse cotton clothes.It's the dress of ordinary girls, but if Fan Hu and others follow closely, the motorcade will look too eye-catching. Miantang then discussed this with Fan Hu. Since they are called the secret sentries, they should go into hiding. They should be separated from the Lu family's chariots and horses and should not walk together.When she returned to the State of Xi and Captain Fan had almost picked up his face, he could go back quietly. The two will not interfere with each other.Miantang made this request. In fact, there are also her considerations.When they went on the journey together previously and when Bi Cao and Fang Xie were cooking, it was inevitable that she would need to prepare the potion for these bodyguards. They were big and tough and they have big appetites! Always reaching out for more foodMiantang felt that she could not support them with her present wealth.She didn't ask for any of the silver noted and the shop land title was given to her by Prince Huaiyang. Otherwise, she would be just like the outside Mistress he raised.However, the result of preserving her pride was that she and her uncle were a little short of money.Her eldest uncle was hunted down at the beginning, and he didn't bring much money and silver. People in the Shenwei Escort Agency also need to eat. So Miantang had also used up all the rice and flour in the small yard when she left with a thick face. She steamed several pots of steamed bread and took them away.She also had the silver dowry note that was with her when she was saved. But she doesn't want to use them as the journey fee for the time being, so she plans to save as much as she can.After those Royal Residence guards with high wages are cleared away, the toll and dry food can be almost maintained during their journey to the State of Xi.However, Fan Hu did not know that Lady Liu's request was because she disliked that they has big appetites.He knew that she had broken up with The Prince. He only thought that he and his subordinates were getting in the way of the Lady, and she was upset. So Captain Fan immediately agreed, and more than 20 guards disappeared without a trace in a short time.Lu Xian also felt more comfortable without these guards. So he said to his niece, It won't take us half a month to return to the State of Xi following the current schedule. If my father sees you back, won't he be overjoyed?But Miantang didn't want to return so early. She still had something important to do.
