He Yan and Xiao Jue got off the carriage when they arrived at Prince Mengji's Mansion. A servant led the way. This was not their first time visiting the Prince Mengji's Mansion, so they felt much more at ease. The servant led He Yan and Xiao Jue to the entrance of the banquet hall and said respectfully, "His Highness and the guests are inside. Young Master Qiao and Madam can go in directly."
He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the banquet hall.
Mu Hongjin was leaning on a soft couch, her red robe spread across her face. She had a faint smile on her lips and was listening to the zither player playing the zither. There was another person sitting at a short and long table with his back facing He Yan. He was wearing a bamboo colored robe and had a jade hairpin on his head. His back view looked somewhat familiar.
She was still trying to figure out who this person was when Mu Hongjin's gaze swept past them and she smiled, "Military Governor Xiao is here."
He Yan and Xiao Jue bowed to Mu Hongjin. At the same time, the man who was sitting with his back facing them also stood up and turned his head to look at them.
The space between his brows was as gentle and elegant as an orchid, as clear as a banished immortal. He Yan never thought that he would actually see Chu Zhao in Meng Ji Wang Fu in Ji Yang.
The shock only lasted for a moment. He Yan immediately knew that things weren't good. She was now disguised as a woman. She didn't know what Chu Zhao would think if he saw her. This person's identity was still unknown. If he went back and told Xu Jingfu, Xu Jingfu would use this matter to create trouble for Xiao Jue. That wouldn't be good.
She stopped in her tracks and subconsciously took a step back towards Xiao Jue, trying to block Chu Zhao's gaze. However, she knew that unless she turned around and left immediately, her identity would be discovered by Chu Zhao sooner or later.
Xiao Jue seemed to sense something. She turned her head slightly and glanced at her. She sneered, "What are you afraid of?"
He Yan was about to speak when Chu Zhao saluted the Xiao Jue and said with a smile, "Military Governor Xiao, Miss He."
Well, He Yan must have seen it. He didn't even need to cover his face. He didn't even need to look in the mirror. He knew that his face must be very ugly at this moment.
Xiao Jue said, "Fourth young master Chu."
"It seems like you two are old acquaintances," Mu Hongjin smiled: "Sit, Fourth Young Master Chu is a distinguished guest from the Shuo capital."
Xiao Jue and He Yan sat down at the short table next to them.
The maidservant beside her came over to pour tea. Mu Hongjin waved her hand, signaling the musician who was still playing the guqin to leave. The banquet hall quieted down. He Yan lowered his head and looked at the tea leaves floating up and down in his teacup. Illness comes from the mouth and disaster comes from the mouth. Dieting brings no disease but choosing words leads to no disaster. At this time, it was best to speak less.
Xiao Jue looked at Chu Zhao and said: "Fourth young master Chu, what brings you to Jiyang?"
She went straight to the point and didn't say anything else. Chu Zhao lowered his head and smiled before answering: "I came to Jiyang this time because of the Uto."
'Uto?' He Yan pricked up his ears to listen. He heard Chu Zhao say: "There are Uto in Jiyang now. I'm afraid that there will be chaos in the near future. I came this time to help Your Highness and prevent more people in Jiyang from suffering from this disaster."
He looked at Princess Mengji.
Xiao Jue smiled slightly: "Fourth young master Chu, how did you find out that there are Uto in Jiyang?"
"We caught a Uto in the Shuo capital who was plotting to start a war. We followed the clues and found out that the person who met him is now in Jiyang. Father and I found out from the other party's secret message that the Uto is planning to start a war in Jiyang. Once the canal is cut off, it will cause trouble for the entire Da Wei. Father ordered me to immediately rush to Jiyang and inform Your Highness of this matter to prepare for a rainy day. "
Xiao Jue raised her eyebrows and said in a mocking tone: "As far as I know, Shi Jinbo no longer cares about the matters in the residence. I'm afraid that he can't order Fourth young master Chu around."
Lin Shuanghe had also said this to He Yan. Shi Jinbo had been fooling around every day and didn't care about the matters in the residence. Shi Jinbo's wife was in charge of the matters in the residence. As for the rest, ever since Chu Zhao had Xu Jingfu's support, Shi Jinbo had already become Chu Zhao's residence.
"It's just a rumor spread by outsiders," Chu Zhao replied in a good-natured manner. "I don't dare to disobey father's words."
Mu Hongjin seemed to have discovered something from the exchange between the two of them. She wasn't in a hurry to speak. Instead, she drank her tea lazily and quietly observed.
"If you want to inform Her Highness, a secret letter will do." Xiao Jue sneered: "Fourth young master Chu, why do you have to personally make a trip?"
"Because there's something more important that needs to be personally handed to Her Highness."
Mu Hongjin chuckled: "Fourth young master Chu, you brought the Uto's military defense map."
Xiao Jue and He Yan looked up at Mu Hongjin at the same time.
With the other party's military defense map, the war was already half won. But how did Chu Zhao get such an important thing?
He Yan couldn't help but ask: "Fourth young master Chu, where did you get this map? How can you be sure that the drawing on this map is real or fake? "
"How I got it depends on luck." Chu Zhao smiled gently: "As for whether it's real or fake, I can't be sure. So, I can only give it to Her Highness. "He paused and looked at Xiao Jue:" But I'm relieved to see Military Governor Xiao. With Military Governor Xiao around, regardless of whether the military defense map is real or fake, Jiyang City will definitely be saved. After all, Da Wei is a genius general, and only Military Governor Xiao has a meritorious service. "
He Yan's heart skipped a beat when he heard this, and he couldn't help but look at Xiao Jue. The water attack in the Battle of Guo City's Long Valley was a hurdle that Xiao Jue couldn't overcome. Chu Zilan's words were like stabbing a knife into his wound.
Xiao Jue's expression was calm. She curled her lips and looked back at Chu Zhao: "Fourth young master Chu, aren't you making a mountain out of a molehill by coming all the way to Jiyang with a military defense map that we don't know if it's real or fake? Or … "She paused, and there was a meaningful look in her eyes:" Do you have other important matters to attend to? "
"How can you say that I'm making a mountain out of a molehill?" Chu Zhao shook his head: "If I stay in Jiyang, I can advance and retreat together with all of you. If Uto really has ulterior motives, Military Governor Xiao and I will fight against the enemy. If the news is fake, it will be a false alarm, and everyone will be happy. "
"Fight against the enemy together?" Xiao Jue said lazily: "Fourth young master Chu, if you can't even save yourself, no one will be in time to save you."
Chu Zhao smiled but didn't say anything.
Second young master Xiao's skill at mocking others was unparalleled. Moreover, Chu Zilan was indeed weak. If something really happened, he would be a burden.
"Military Governor Xiao." Mu Hongjin was almost done watching the show. She had a rough idea of the relationship between these two people. She looked at Xiao Jue: "I will give you a copy of the military defense map that Fourth young master Chu brought. The total number of soldiers inside and outside Jiyang is about twenty thousand, and they will be under your command. According to the secret letter that Fourth young master Chu brought back, Uto will definitely rebel within ten days. Within these ten days, we … "She paused for a moment:" must ensure that the people of Jiyang are safe. "
Xiao Jue raised her eyebrows: "Your Highness, you have considered everything."
Mu Hongjin glanced at the smiling Chu Zhao: "Fourth young master Chu came from afar, and both of you are old friends. Fourth young master Chu will also be staying in the Cui Residence for the next few days. If you have any important matters to discuss, it will be convenient for you to discuss them."
Chu Zhao returned the greeting: "Your Highness is very considerate."
He Yan: "…"
Mu Hongjin was really good. The moment she arrived, she arranged for these two sworn enemies to be together. Not to mention that they had important matters to discuss. He Yan pondered. Just based on the fact that these two people could talk like swords, it would not be easy for them to pass these ten days peacefully.
After exchanging some pleasantries, Mu Hongjin got up and asked someone to send He Yan and the others back to the Cui Residence. When there was no one else in the banquet hall, the older maid beside her asked: "Your Highness, why did you let Fourth young master Chu stay in the Lieutenant Commander's Residence? Military Governor Xiao doesn't seem to like Fourth young master Chu. "
"These two people don't get along," Mu Hongjin said faintly: "If they don't get along, they can keep each other in check. Xiao Huaijin is a godly commander, but Jiyang City can't be controlled by him alone. After all, no one knows if what he said is true or false. "
"When these two people speak, half of it is true and half of it is false. If you compare them, you can always find some clues. Moreover, "she sighed, stood up, and looked at the sky outside the hall:" There's not much time left. "
If the Uto really wanted to move against Jiyang, from tomorrow onwards, she would have to arrange for the people of Jiyang to evacuate from the city. Her Lord Father had handed Jiyang City over to her. For so many years, she had been protecting Jiyang very well. Now that things had come to this, she could not fail.
There was also Mu Xiaolou.
She turned around, the corners of her eyes red and deep. She said coldly: "Go and call Xiaolou here."
He Yan and Xiao Jue left the Prince's Residence together. Chu Zhao stood beside them. When the three of them left the residence, they did not say anything. He Yan was secretly thinking about how to make this lie flawlessly.
He might as well insist that he was originally a man. This time, he disguised himself as a woman and went to Xiao Jue to Jiyang because he had no other choice. As for why he acted so well, he would say that he was a man and a woman. Chi Wu had been following them for so long. Didn't he not discover anything? When he thought of this, his heart relaxed slightly.
"Miss He." As he was thinking, someone beside him called his name. He Yan turned around. Chu Zhao stopped and looked at him with a smile.
Xiao Jue also stood still and did not go far.
He Yan felt a little comforted with his superior by his side. He looked at Chu Zhao and smiled: "Fourth Young Master, you don't have to call me that. Actually, I …"
"I didn't expect to see Miss He dressed as a woman again after seeing Miss He in red." The young man smiled very gently. Even his praise was sincere. It sounded more sincere than the workers of the embroidery workshop and Lin Shuanghe who blindly boasted with their eyes closed: "This dress suits you very well. It suits Miss He very well."
He Yan's prepared speech came to an abrupt end. What did he mean by "saw her last time"? Ever since she entered the military camp, this was the first time she dressed as a woman. Where did Chu Zhao see her dressed as a woman? He Yan subconsciously looked at Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue raised her eyebrows slightly as if she was waiting for him to speak. Wait a minute, could it be that Xiao Jue thought that she and Chu Zhao were already in cahoots?
You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. He Yan said: "Brother Chu, I don't quite understand what you mean. When did I … appear in red in front of you?"
Chu Zhao smiled faintly: "At the racecourse in Shuo Jing. Miss He personally went to the racecourse to protect her father and younger brother. She was valiant and formidable. It was unforgettable. At that time, the wind blew your white veil. "He lowered his head and smiled:" I accidentally saw your face. At that time, I already knew that you were a woman. "
'The racecourse in Shuo Jing? What kind of old story is this? How can Chu Zhao still remember it? Does this mean that Chu Zhao already knew that I'm a woman? ' He Yan was shocked: "So, Brother Chu already recognized me when we were in Liangzhou?"
"At that time, I saw that Miss He didn't seem to want her identity to be exposed. Moreover, there were many people in the Imperial Guard Station, so I didn't reveal it." Chu Zhao said: "However, since we've met here today, there's no need to hide it anymore." Chu Zhao looked at He Yan and said gently, "I'm not saying this for anything else. I just hope that Miss He won't worry. I didn't reveal your identity when we were in Liangzhou. Now that we're in Jiyang, I won't tell anyone either. After the incident in Jiyang, Chu Zhao will pretend that he never met Miss He. Miss He can still return to Liangzhou to make contributions. You don't have to worry about me spreading rumors. "
He probably noticed He Yan's misgivings when they were in the banquet hall earlier, so he purposely said these words to reassure He Yan.
No matter what Chu Zhao's identity was, or what relationship he had with Xu Jingfu, just from the way he spoke and spoke, he was really very considerate and thoughtful. It was very difficult for people to have a bad impression of him. He Yan smiled and said, "Then I will thank Brother Chu first."
"There's no need to thank me between us," Chu Zhao said with a smile, "I don't want Miss He to be worried because of my appearance. As for the matter of snitching, Chu Zhao isn't that kind of person. "
Xiao Jue had been standing beside He Yan and listening to him coldly. When she heard what he said, a mocking smile appeared on her lips. "Fourth Young Master Chu, you make it sound nice. Didn't you come all the way to Jiyang just to snitch?"
"When it comes to snitching, you have to distinguish between friend and foe."
"Fourth Young Master Chu, you don't have to worry about the people in the Southern Mansion Army." He raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "Even if her identity is exposed one day, I can still protect her."
Chu Zhao was stunned and looked at He Yan. "Miss He joined the Southern Mansion Army?"
He Yan replied, "… Yes."
Xiao Jue had already promised him that if they pretended to be husband and wife to solve the Jiyang incident, he would let her join the Southern Mansion Army. Although the current situation was not completely solved, it was up to his master to decide whether she would join the Southern Mansion Army or not. Since he said she would join, she would join.
Chu Zhao's eyes moved slightly. After a while, he smiled. "Then I'll congratulate Miss He … No, Brother He."
He Yan nodded.
Xiao Jue looked at him calmly. "If there's nothing else, Fourth Young Master Chu, please find a carriage for yourself. The space between husband and wife is not suitable for outsiders. Fourth Young Master Chu, please go ahead. "
He did not hide his disgust for Chu Zhao. Chu Zhao was not angry. He only smiled and said, "Military Governor Xiao, let's meet at the Cui Residence." He then smiled at He Yan.
He Yan awkwardly smiled back.
Chi Wu drove the carriage over. He Yan and Xiao Jue got on the carriage. As soon as they sat down, they heard Xiao Jue's cold voice. "Were you the one who competed with Zhao at the Shuojing Horse Farm?"
He Yan complained incessantly in his heart. It's here, it's here. When Chu Zhao told him about the Horse Farm, he almost forgot that Xiao Jue was also there at that time. Moreover, Xiao Jue also gave He Yunsheng a horse. He Yunsheng named it "Xiang Xiang".
"… Yes." He Yan did not wait for him to speak and said first, "My brother loved the horse that Governor gave him. He cut grass and fed it every day! He never had the chance to thank Governor. At that time, if Governor did not come to our rescue, I don't know how Zhao would have made things difficult for our family. He Yan is unable to repay Governor's kindness. "
Xiao Jue's eyes were cold. "So you recognized me early on, right?"
He Yan was speechless.
It was not just early on, they knew each other in their previous lives. But how could he say it?
"You are the Governor of the Right Military, General Fengyun. Who in Da Wei can be more handsome than you? I do know you. But at that time, you were high above the clouds and I was just a small ant beside your boots. Even if I knew you, you did not know me. Later, when you entered the military camp, I guess Governor had already forgotten about this matter. After all, Governor is a person of high status. How could he remember a small ant? "He Yan leaned closer to him." How would I know that Governor still remembers this matter? "
She clearly knew that this fellow was full of lies and flattery, but when she saw her bright eyes and white teeth sitting beside her and putting in her best performance, even if she was a little displeased, she also found it funny. Chu Zhao actually knew that this person was a woman before him. It sounded like he was kept in the dark and was at a disadvantage.
Xiao Jue looked away and said lightly, "Have you met him again?"
"No, no." He Yan quickly replied, "I only met him twice when I was in Shuo Capital." Then, he complained, "How would I know that it was such a coincidence? He was also at the racecourse at that time and saw my face. If I knew, I would have covered my face tightly and wore an iron mask. Look at how sharp his eyes are, he does not know who I am. "
"You don't want him to see your face?"
"Of course not." He Yan was confused. "If I leave a loophole for others to exploit, who knows if something will happen."
Xiao Jue laughed softly. "You are not too stupid."
"Governor," He Yan asked, "Do you think that Fourth Young Master Chu will tell others about my identity?" Although Chu Zhao said so, He Yan did not dare to believe him easily. Especially since this person's identity was mysterious. It was unknown whether he was an enemy or a friend.
"Now you know to be afraid?"
"Not really," He Yan said, "If he wants to tell, I will pack up and run away in advance." He Yan said and sighed. "It is just that I have been in the Liang Province Guard for so long. I really can't bear to part with Governor. If I really have to part with Governor, it will be very difficult."
"What you can't bear to part with is the opportunity to enter the Southern Prefecture Army." Xiao Jue was unmoved.
"How can you think of me like this?" He Yan said seriously. "With my skills, I will be highly valued by any general. The reason why I can't forget about the Southern Prefecture Army is because it is the Governor's army." It was probably due to Xiao Jue's constant flattery that unknowingly, He Yan was able to speak flatteringly without blushing or panting.
"Governor, what you said just now still counts, right?"
"What did I say?"
"That even if my identity is exposed and everyone knows that I am a woman, you can still protect me?"
Xiao Jue sneered. "Don't worry. No matter how long the Chu Clan's reach is, it is not as deep as the Southern Prefecture Army. However, "His beautiful eyes focused on He Yan and he said calmly," Lady He is so troublesome. Why should I waste my time and effort and take so many risks for you? "
"Because we have seen the map together. It is not a normal relationship." He Yan answered calmly.
Xiao Jue's calm face suddenly cracked. "… What did you say?"
"Don't worry." He Yan put his index finger in front of his mouth and made a shushing gesture. He said, "I will never tell anyone that the Governor and I saw the map together on the first day you came to Jiyang."
The carriage stopped in front of the Cui Residence. He Yan and Xiao Jue had just entered. Before they reached the courtyard, they saw Lin Shuanghe hurriedly walking towards them. When Lin Shuanghe saw the two of them, he closed his fan. "You are finally back. Did you know …"
"Fourth Young Master Chu came to Jiyang." He Yan did not wait for him to finish.
"You already know?" Lin Shuanghe was stunned. "He arrived just a moment before you. I heard that Princess Meng Ji arranged for him to stay in the Cui Residence. What is going on? "He looked around and saw that there was no one around. He leaned closer and whispered," Is there a conspiracy? And Younger Sister He … "Lin Shuanghe felt a headache coming on." You can't let Chu Zilan see you like this. What if your identity is exposed? "
"We have already met in the Prince's Residence." He Yan comforted him. "Fourth Young Master Chu also promised us that he will not tell anyone about this for the time being. Brother Lin, you can rest assured. "
"You have already met?" Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue and He Yan. He understood a little and asked, "Princess Meng Ji asked you to come to the Prince's Residence to meet Chu Zilan, right?"
He Yan nodded.
"What is Chu Zilan doing in Jiyang?" Lin Shuanghe asked curiously, "He's a young master from the Shuo capital. Wouldn't he come so far to sightsee? Why didn't he come earlier or later? You just arrived in Jiyang, and he arrived right after you? What a coincidence!"
He didn't know about the Uto yet. He Yan said, "It's a long story. Where's my master?"
"Mr. Liu just came back." Lin Shuanghe asked, "What's wrong?"
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. "When I saved the Little Highness, my master also mentioned that he came to Jiyang City to track down a group of Uto. Since the news brought by Fourth Young Master Chu is related to Uto, why don't you call my master over as well? Once we compare the information, we may find something else. " After a pause, she was afraid that Xiao Jue didn't trust Liu Buwang, so she said, "My master is definitely not a bad person. Commander in chief, you can rest assured."
Xiao Jue nodded slightly. "Call Mr. Liu and let's talk in the room."
In the courtyard, the manservant moved the things unloaded from the carriage into the room one by one. From clothes to food, even a mattress and incense, everything was there. These things were all prepared for Chu Zhao before he came to Jiyang by Eldest Miss Xu. If it were anyone else, they would have been touched and gratified by such considerate preparations. Chu Zhao sat in the room and looked at the small table that was gradually filling up, but his expression didn't change.
Ying Xiang walked over.
Due to the terrain and rivers, the women of Jiyang were born with deep eyebrows and were more beautiful. Even so, Ying Xiang was still the most eye-catching one among them. She walked to Chu Zhao with a tea tray, put down the teapot, and poured a cup of tea for Chu Zhao. She said softly, "Young Master, the room has been tidied up."
Chu Zhao nodded and looked outside the courtyard.
The room that Cui Yuezhi arranged was not far away from Xiao Jue's room.
"Military Governor Xiao has just returned," Ying Xiang said, "He entered the room with the swordsman in white and Young Master Lin. Take it that they are talking together. "
As for what they were talking about, there was no doubt that it was related to him.
However, he wouldn't take this matter to heart.
Chu Zhao took a sip of tea and asked, "Do you know the whereabouts of Chai Anxi?"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
