Among the crowd, the man in the green robe with wide sleeves was like a magnificent scene in spring, making the night seem gentler.
He Yan never thought that he would meet Chu Zhao here.
His face was gentle and elegant, and his expression was as gentle as ever. Compared to many years ago, he had become thinner. However, there seemed to be something missing between his eyebrows. He was like a pearl that had lost its brilliance, silent and peaceful.
He Yan walked two steps towards him. After standing still, he asked, "Fourth Young Master Chu … Why are you here?"
After the Crown Prince was punished and the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, there was no news of Chu Zhao. It was said that someone had seen him outside the city and guessed that he had left Shuo Jing. After Emperor Zhaokang ascended the throne, he intended to clean up Xu Jingfu's old subordinates. Naturally, the Chu family was one of the families that were suppressed. In these years, the Chu family had almost declined. Chu Linfeng had even dismissed his nineteen concubines and relied on Madam Chu's family to survive. As for Chu Zhao, everyone gradually forgot about him.
After all, Prime Minister Xu seemed to be a name from a long, long time ago.
The handsome and brave youths of the capital emerged year after year. In the dreams of the women of the Great Wei, the two brothers of the Xiao family had already married and had children. The Fourth Young Master of the Chu family, who was like an orchid, was also like a beautiful dream in a wild valley. After appearing briefly, he disappeared into the river of time.
However, he appeared again at this moment. In an instant, He Yan felt as if he had returned to the Jiyang of many years ago.
Chu Zhao smiled and said, "I have always been in Jiyang."
He Yan was silent.
If he was in Jiyang, it was understandable that no one in the world could find his whereabouts. However, perhaps it was not that the Emperor could not be found. It was better for him to be here.
He Yan could not describe his feelings towards Chu Zhao. Although he was Xu Jingfu's student, he had never really hurt him back then. It was nothing more than different standpoints. He Yan knew that Chu Zhao was quite a scheming person, and was not as harmless as he appeared on the surface. But many years had passed, and the love and hatred had gradually faded. When they met again here, they could not be considered friends, nor could they be considered enemies. They were just … an old acquaintance.
She noticed that the beautiful and charming maidservant was no longer by Chu Zhao's side. She had already expected this. She paused for a moment before she asked, "Fourth Young Master Chu, what are you doing in Jiyang now?"
"I opened a calligraphy and painting shop here to make a living," Chu Zhao answered with a smile. "A He? Why did you suddenly come to Jiyang? "
"Her Highness is getting married. My family and I are here to attend the ceremony." He Yan did not hide anything. Mu Xiaolou's wedding was a big event in Jiyang City. Everyone in Jiyang City knew about it.
"Is Military Governor Xiao here too?" he asked.
He Yan nodded.
Chu Zhao smiled and looked at He Yan. The woman in front of him still had a cheerful expression. He had met many people and many women later on, but she was the only one who had such a magnanimous and lively expression. His gaze fell on the sugar tiger in He Yan's hand. He was stunned for a moment before he asked softly, "A He … Does he have a child?"
"Yes," He Yan said, "He has a daughter. She's almost four years old now. Her name is Xiao Yao."
"… Xiao Yao?"
"Isn't the name I gave her very nice?" He Yan said proudly, "I don't have any requirements for her. As long as she's safe and healthy and lives a carefree life, I'll be satisfied."
She did not have any talent in poetry and songs. However, everyone agreed that the name "Xiao Yao" was good.
"White clouds cover the vast Jianghu, allowing me to travel freely." Chu Zhao looked at her and smiled. "Ah He is very good at naming things."
"Thank you." He Yan smiled and asked, "Fourth Young Master Chu, do you have a sweetheart now?"
Back then, Chu Zhao had tricked her into coming out in the middle of the night and confessed to her in a very mushy way. In the end, Xiao Jue was furious and she had to coax her for a long time. Now that things had changed, she had let go of many things. Although he was "Fourth Young Master Chu", he was only "Chu Zhao" now.
Fourth Young Master Chu would confess to her because of benefits and his position. Who would the real Chu Zhao have a sweetheart? He was so smart and talented. No matter what, there would be no shortage of people who would like him.
Chu Zhao was stunned for a moment. He lowered his head and smiled. "Not everyone is as lucky as Military Governor Xiao."
He Yan was about to speak when suddenly, someone's voice sounded.
"What are you doing here?"
She turned around and saw Xiao Jue walking over from the night. Her face was cold and her gaze was like a knife.
"Military Governor Xiao." Chu Zhao was also surprised. He smiled and said, "Long time no see."
Fourth Concubine, who was standing in front of a cosmetics stall, was trembling in fear. He Yan had gone to buy sweets and met a handsome young master after buying them. The two of them stood to the side and talked. This was nothing. Perhaps they had met an old acquaintance. However, Fourth Concubine could tell that something was wrong. Second Young Mistress Xiao's expression was open and magnanimous. However, the handsome young master's gaze seemed to have feelings for Second Young Mistress Xiao.
However, it was not the kind of infatuation. How should she describe it? It was as if he had once loved her deeply but was abandoned.
Fourth Concubine had been with Second Concubine for a long time and believed that she had developed a good eye. She only hated that she did not have a plate of melon seeds. Otherwise, she could sit here and eat for a few hours. A handsome young master who was frustrated in love was generally lovable. Just as Fourth Concubine's imagination was running wild, wondering what kind of entanglement the two of them had in the past and how Second Young Mistress Xiao had betrayed this handsome young man, she suddenly felt a shadow appear beside her. When she looked up, she was almost scared out of her wits.
Military Governor Xiao had arrived at some point!
He stood beside her and calmly looked at the two people in the distance. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Fourth Concubine swore that she saw Military Governor Xiao's fingers turn slightly white as they pressed against the sword at his waist.
Many of the men in Jiyang City who were jealous of each other would fight over the girl they loved. This was nothing. However … looking at that gentle and weak young master dressed in cyan, she was afraid that he would be beaten to death by Military Governor Xiao. And Second Young Mistress Xiao … She had heard that the people of the Central Plains placed great importance on women. She did not know if Second Young Mistress Xiao would be able to bear the crime of having an affair.
Fourth Concubine wanted to remind him, but she was afraid of the pressure from the person beside her. In the end, she took two steps back. However, when Second Young Mistress Xiao said something in front of him, the young master dressed in cyan looked even more dejected.
Immediately after, Military Governor Xiao walked up to him.
The moment He Yan saw Xiao Jue appear, he cursed in his heart. He did not know why, but every time this person appeared in this kind of situation, it was especially coincidental. Back then, he had a grudge against Chu Zhao. After so many years, looking at his current expression, he was afraid that he would not be magnanimous.
"I was here to buy sweets and coincidentally met Fourth Young Master Chu. We exchanged a few words." He Yan explained tactfully, "We only exchanged a few words before you came."
Xiao Jue only glanced at Chu Zhao before her gaze fell on He Yan. She said, "Let's go."
Two words, each word was chilling.
He Yan said goodbye to Chu Zhao. "Then, Fourth Young Master Chu, we'll be leaving first."
Chu Zhao smiled and nodded. He watched He Yan and Xiao Jue leave until they could no longer be seen in the crowd. Only then did he withdraw his gaze.
The water in Jiyang was still clear. He thought that after so many years, his heart had long been like still water. However, the moment he saw her, he realized that he had never let go.
However, this was all he could do.
The sweets vendor was crowded with a lively crowd. The young master dressed in cyan walked in, lowered his eyes, and said softly, "Little Brother, I want a flower basket."
Xiao Jue walked very quickly.
He Yan followed behind her. He felt a headache coming on. He called out, "Wait, Xiao Jue, Fourth Concubine is still behind …"
"She has already gone back."
He Yan: "?"
Fourth Concubine was actually so disloyal. She just threw a firecracker in front of him. She even had to coax him herself.
He Yan caught up with Xiao Jue in a few steps. He didn't care whether he was willing or not or what expression he had. He grabbed his arm and said, "Xiao Jue …"
"Why? Aren't you going to continue catching up with your Fourth Young Master Chu?" He said mockingly.
"We're not catching up. We're just greeting each other." He Yan thought that Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao probably had some ill-fated relationship in their previous lives. The moment they met Chu Zhao, he was especially excited. There were three precautions in life: fire, theft, and Chu Zhao.
"No matter how capable I am, I can't predict the future." He Yan looked at him. "I also didn't expect that he would be in Jiyang City now. Do you think the Emperor knows about this? "
Xiao Jue sneered, "He knew about it a long time ago."
Although he had already vaguely guessed it, He Yan still sighed when Xiao Jue said it out loud. Since Chu Zhao had entered Jiyang City, he probably wouldn't be able to leave in the future. He would be imprisoned here for the rest of his life. However … for him, this might not be a bad ending.
Xiao Jue sneered when she saw his expression. "You're really worried about him."
Here we go again. He Yan felt helpless and could only say, "Eldest Brother, it's been so many years. Why are you still brooding? I miss you all the time. Look. "She took the opportunity to put the sugar tiger in her hand next to his mouth." I spent a lot of money to buy this sugar figurine for you. I'll give it to you as an apology … "
Xiao Jue brushed her hand away. He was amused by her ability to lie without batting an eyelid. He said, "You're not even willing to lie to people anymore?"
"Who's lying to you? Do you want me to stand on the roof and shout? I, He Yan, like Military Governor Xiao the most. We've seen pictures together …"
"He Yan …"
He Yan giggled and said, "You clearly know in your heart …"
Xiao Jue looked at her for a long time and finally admitted defeat. Forget it. Anyway, she always had a thousand different ways to coax people, even if sometimes her coaxing wasn't very sincere.
He warned, "I'll let it go this time. He Yan, if you meet him privately again …"
He Yan thought, 'She's talking as if I come to Jiyang often. After this, who knows when I'll come here again?'
"However," Xiao Jue glanced at the sugar figurine in her hand. "I don't accept this apology."
"Then how do you want to apologize?"
He Yan raised his eyebrows and stared at her without saying a word.
He Yan was speechless.
She gritted her teeth and said, "Xiao Jue, you're just coveting my beauty and my body!"
Xiao Jue hummed and replied smoothly, "That's right."
He Yan was speechless.
That night was another muddle-headed night.
The next morning, Xiao Yao woke up. The sugar tiger had already melted into a puddle of sugar water. He Yan held a bare bamboo stick and said seriously in front of Xiao Yao, "Old … Tiger … Do you see this? This is a tiger … "
Xiao Yao looked at him with a confused expression.
Xiao Jue walked in from outside and saw that she was teasing Xiao Yao again. He was speechless for a moment before he walked over and picked Xiao Yao up. He said, "It's time to eat."
The Cui family's breakfast was sumptuous as usual. After breakfast, Cui Yuezhi had to go to the Imperial Palace to help. The customs of Jiyang City were different from those of the Central Plains.
Xiao Jue took care of the younger ones and did not forget to push He Yan's favorite dishes in front of him. Fourth Concubine, who was passing by, saw this and was stunned for a moment. After breakfast, she secretly pulled He Yan to the side and hesitated for a moment before she whispered, "Second Young Mistress Xiao, can you teach me a thing or two about your husband controlling technique?"
He Yan almost thought that he had misheard her. She asked, "What technique did you say?"
"The technique of controlling a husband!" Fourth Concubine said somewhat embarrassedly, "Last night, it wasn't that I wanted to leave first. It was just that Governor Xiao was already here, and I didn't want to disturb him. I definitely didn't abandon you on purpose! However … at that time, Military Governor Xiao didn't look too happy. This morning, he seemed to be the same as before. I just wanted to ask, how did you do it? "
How did she do it? You would have to ask her waist.
He Yan laughed awkwardly. "Actually, I don't have any husband controlling technique …"
"How is that possible?" Fourth Concubine was anxious. "I still remember what you said to Miss Ling and the others in the residence that year. After so many years, Second Young Mistress's husband controlling technique must have improved a lot. If you teach me a thing or two, I guarantee that I won't teach it to outsiders. "
'You won't teach it to outsiders? Do you really think it's a secret manual?' He Yan never thought that the nonsense he made up in the Cui residence that year would be used as a classic by others.
However, when he met Fourth Concubine's thirsty gaze, He Yan did not want to disappoint her. He began to talk, "The husband controlling technique seems to be controlling, but it's actually letting go. You … have a balance between tension and relaxation. You're neither close nor distant. Sometimes you're as cold as ice, and sometimes you're as passionate as a woman. Ahem, perhaps you'll be able to control it and practice makes perfect."
"Have a balance between tension and relaxation?" Fourth Concubine murmured.
He Yan patted her shoulder. "Take your time to think about it. I'll leave first." She ran off as if she was escaping, leaving Fourth Concubine standing there alone and carefully feeling it.
When they returned to the room, Lin Shuanghe was standing at the door. When he saw He Yan, he urged, "Younger Sister He, where did you run off to? We have to go to the Prince's residence immediately. The wedding hasn't started yet, so let's go see Her Highness the Princess first. "
He Yan hurriedly agreed.
After quickly packing up, they took the carriage and followed Cui Yuezhi to the Prince's residence.
Perhaps it was because of Mu Xiaolou's wedding, but the Prince's residence now looked much livelier than before. There were lanterns and colored banners everywhere, and there were cut 'Xi' characters pasted everywhere. Thus, the originally empty and desolate Prince's residence became luxurious and grand.
As soon as they entered, a maidservant greeted them with a smile. "Lord Cui, Military Governor Xiao, Lord He, Young Master Lin, Her Highness is already waiting for you."
He Yan and the others followed the maidservant inside. When they reached the main hall, they heard a laughing voice. "You're here."
He Yan raised his eyes to look.
Mu Hongjin walked out from the back of the hall.
She was wearing the ceremonial robes of the Jiyang royal family. Today was Mu Xiaolou's wedding, so she naturally wore red. However, this red was different from the warm red of the past. It was a bit darker, which made her face not as dignified and cold as before, but more gentle.
The woman's long hair was tied up in a bun behind her head. She didn't wear a crown. She was no longer the Princess, so she only wore a dark red velvet flower. Her eyes were still beautiful, but if one looked closely, there were still white spots in her bun. She was older and gentler. When she looked at them, it was as if she was looking at an old friend who had been separated for a long time. There was a hint of joy in her eyes.
"Your Highness." He Yan and the others bowed to her.
"This place hasn't been so lively for a long time. I'm very happy that you can come to Xiao Lou's wedding." She said.
Lin Shuanghe smiled and said, "It's been a long time since we last met. Your Highness is still as beautiful as before."
His ability to make women happy had improved a lot over the years. Mu Hongjin let out a "pfft" and then shook her head. Stroking the hair on one side of her temple, she sighed and said, "I'm getting old. What kind of heavenly beauty is this?" Her gaze was attracted by Xiao Yao in Xiao Jue's arms. She softly said, "This is Governor Xiao's daughter? How old is she this year? "
He Yan said, "Her name is Xiao Yao. She's almost three years old."
Mu Hongjin reached out to Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao hesitated for a while before reaching out her chubby arms, indicating that she could hug her. Mu Hongjin held her in her arms. Xiao Yao seemed to be very close to her. She giggled and shouted, "Auntie …" Then she kissed Mu Hongjin's face.
He Yan thought that if Liu Buwang and Mu Hongjin didn't have a strange combination of factors, he might have called Mu Hongjin Grand Master. However, he called her "Auntie", which was too different in terms of seniority.
However, Mu Hongjin didn't care about Xiao Yao calling her that. Instead, she seemed very happy. She took off a gemstone ring from her finger and stuffed it into Xiao Yao's hand. She said, "Since you call me 'Auntie', I should give Yao Yao a gift. Do you like this?"
Xiao Yao's eyes lit up. She nodded desperately and said in a crisp voice, "I like it!"
He Yan couldn't bear to look at her. Xiao Yao was considered the pearl in the Xiao family's palm. They usually gave her a lot of food and drinks. How could she be such a money-grubber? It was embarrassing.
Mu Hongjin held Xiao Yao in her arms and was talking to them. Not long after, another guard came and said, "Your Highness, the people of the Qin family are coming."
He Yan found this guard familiar and couldn't help but take a few more glances. Cui Yuezhi said with a smile, "Second Young Mistress Xiao, do you still know Mu Yi?"
Mu Yi? He Yan recalled that during the Battle of Jiyang, she had fought side by side with a soldier from Jiyang City called Mu Yi. Before she left, the young man had given her a wooden painting. She had kept the wooden painting well even now. However, the Mu Yi in front of her was very different from the Mu Yi of that year. His immaturity and childishness had all faded away. He now looked like a mature man.
However, after Mu Yi saw He Yan, his maturity and steadiness quickly dissipated. He became hesitant and excited, as if he wanted to look but didn't dare to. He was inexplicably a little shy.
Cui Yuezhi said, "Mu Yi is now the personal guard commander of His Highness in the mansion. He is no longer the young boy of that year. Mu Yi, do you still remember Second Young Mistress Xiao, Miss He of that year? "
Mu Yi scratched his head and whispered, "I remember."
Xiao Jue coldly looked at the two of them. Lin Shuanghe coughed a few times and quickly changed the topic. He didn't want the young guard commander to bump into Second Young Master Xiao's reverse scale. He only pretended to be curious and asked, "What about His Highness? We've been here for so long, but we haven't seen His Highness. Back then, His Highness didn't even reach my chest. I wonder how much taller he has grown? "
Mu Hongjin smiled and said, "Go and take a look. Why isn't Xiao Lou here yet?"
As they were talking, a woman's voice came from behind the hall, "Grandmother, what's the hurry? Aren't I here now?"
The woman who walked out from behind was dressed in a wedding dress that was as red as fire. The dress was made by the best embroiderers in Jiyang City and was decorated with fine tassels and bells. When she walked, the jingling sounds could be heard. The hem of the dress was extremely long and looked like a blooming flower. Compared to the wedding dress, the woman's face was even more gorgeous. The golden crown accentuated her fair and small face. She was born very similar to Mu Hongjin. The corners of her eyes were painted red, exquisite and eye-catching. However, compared to Mu Hongjin, she was more willful and lively.
At first glance, it was obvious that she was a wild girl who grew up in Jiyang City.
When she saw He Yan and the others, a trace of joy flitted across her eyes. However, she still had to put on an arrogant attitude and pretended to be indifferent as she said, "You've come."
"It's been many years since we last met. His Highness has grown into a big girl." Lin Shuanghe looked at her and felt gratified as a father. However, he soon sighed and said, "I didn't expect that even though His Highness has gotten married, I'm still alone."
Mu Hongjin smiled and said, "If Sir Lin feels lonely, why don't you stay in Jiyang City for a while? There are many good girls in the city. Perhaps you'll be fated to meet Sir Lin."
"Things like fate can't be forced." Lin Shuanghe opened his fan and said, "Moreover, my ambition doesn't lie here. If I meet him, I'll be lucky. If not, I'll be fated to meet him. The heavens have their own plans. There's no need to rush."
Mu Hongjin said, "Sir Lin is open-minded."
There wasn't much time to reminisce. The Jiyang royal family's wedding ceremony was complicated and the Qin family's people were about to arrive. Mu Hongjin and Mu Xiaolou went to the stage outside. He Yan and the others followed the servant's arrangements to rest first.
At night, when the sky darkened, the lanterns in the palace lit up one by one. Near the originally empty ceremonial stage, the long steps were covered in red silk. The light of the lanterns illuminated the stage magnificently and solemnly. Around them were ceremonial officials. A couple supported each other and walked up the stage.
He Yan saw Eldest Sir Qin. He was a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes. Even though he was wearing a wedding robe, he still looked quite valiant. However, he would also carefully help Mu Xiaolou tidy up her overly long skirt. His gaze towards Mu Xiaolou was full of sincere love.
From now on, there was another pair of lovers in the world. They would become the guardians of Jiyang City, protecting the land and the people of this place.
He Yan couldn't help but look at Mu Hongjin, who was below the stage.
The woman with deep eyebrows smiled as she looked at the young man and woman on the stage. The corners of her mouth were clearly smiling, but there were tears in her eyes.
Perhaps, when she put on this wedding robe, she was filled with helplessness and anger towards fate. But now, Mu Xiaolou had walked up the stage. At least at this moment, Mu Xiaolou was happy. She truly loved the man in front of her.
Being able to witness the birth of happiness with her own eyes was also a happy thing. Her regrets and unwillingness in the past seemed to have been fulfilled through Mu Xiaolou in front of her.
He Yan quietly tightened his grip on Xiao Jue's hand. Xiao Jue raised her eyes and the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
Lin Shuanghe loved crowds. He was even happier to see others get married than to see himself get married. Following the completion of the ceremony, he happily went around looking for people to drink. However, his alcohol tolerance wasn't very good. After drinking a few cups, he got drunk and complained that the heavens were unfair. He was born so handsome, yet he was still alone. It was very hateful.
He Yan was speechless when he heard this. He waited until Lin Shuanghe was dead drunk and in a complete mess. When he was about to crawl under the table to find someone, he called for the servants of the Cui Estate to help carry him to the carriage and send him back to the Cui Estate.
He Yan also drank a few cups with the people he knew. Her alcohol tolerance now was finally better than when she was in the Liang Province Guards. Although it couldn't compare to when she was General Feihong in her previous life, it wasn't to the point where she would recite a book after drinking a cup. However, He Yan didn't dare to drink too much because Xiao Yao was there. On the other hand, Xiao Jue's expression didn't change at all even after being toasted repeatedly. She really could not get drunk even after a thousand cups.
Xiao Yao was still young. When it was time, she would nod her head like a chicken pecking at rice. He Yan looked outside. It was already late at night. He explained the situation to Mu Hongjin and took Xiao Yao back.
Mu Hongjin liked Xiao Yao very much. She gently patted Xiao Yao's head and said, "Let's go back."
He Yan thought for a while and finally smiled, "Young Highness and Young Master Qin are now married. Your Highness, please take care of yourself."
Mu Hongjin also drank a lot. Her face was a little tipsy. She couldn't help but laugh, "Okay."
After they left, Mu Hongjin held a cup of wine and walked to the window in the hall. Outside the window, the willow trees swayed slightly with the wind. It was as if she had returned to the spring days of many years ago. It was as if a white-clothed youth was walking towards her, step by step. The sound of the zither was clear and melodious, and the sword was elegant and unrestrained. It was as if it was yesterday.
In the bustling hall, the noisy music seemed to gradually fade away. This should be a rare beautiful dream. Mu Hongjin found a comfortable position and leaned her head against the cloth pillow on the soft couch. She slowly closed her eyes.
Her white wrist was exposed under her wide sleeves. She wore a coarse silver bracelet. The edges of the bracelet were engraved with small wild daisies. Layer upon layer, it was bright and beautiful.
A maidservant tiptoed closer. She saw that the woman had closed her eyes and was pretending to be asleep. She smiled as if she was having a beautiful dream. The maidservant shushed her and warned her servants, "Her Highness is sleeping. Don't disturb her." She gently covered her with a thin blanket and tiptoed away.
Outside, He Yan and Xiao Jue walked towards the carriage.
Jiyang City didn't seem to have autumn or winter. It was always as long as summer. He Yan and Xiao Jue walked side by side. Xiao Yao was lying on Xiao Jue's shoulder. Her breathing was steady and she was sleeping soundly.
She seemed to be able to faintly hear the sound of singing and laughter coming from the prince's residence.
She lowered her head. Her heart was at peace like never before.
Things that she once thought were luxurious and unattainable were now by her side. She didn't ask for much. She just wanted to be ordinary.
In this life, she was free and unfettered. Since ancient times, everything flowed like water.
Nothing could compare to this moment in front of her. She was free and unfettered.
Xiao Yao smacked her lips in her sleep. Perhaps she dreamed of something delicious.
He Yan looked at her for a moment and asked with a smile, "Xiao Jue, do you want to eat candied haws?"
----- Over — —
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