The water in the cup bobbed up and down, twisting and turning back. Where did the colorful butterflies dance with the zither, elegantly chasing after the intoxicating fragrance.
On a warm day, in the Hibiscus Garden, by the Qujiang Lake.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan finally had time to gather with their relatives. They brought all kinds of cooking utensils and chose a good spot. There were women in the inner courtyard playing the zither and flute.
The two of them laughed and talked to their parents and grandparents about the recent events. The little ones ran around everywhere. Occasionally, they would come over to ask for a bite of food and then turn around to play. Even Zhang Xiaohai, who was usually a quiet person, had become a child.
Within a radius of 200 meters, the entire circle was guarded by 500 people. No one was allowed to come close. Even if the Imperial Family's garden was open to the public today, ordinary people would not think of coming to the Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Family to watch and play. No one would reason with them one by one.
Even so, the person in charge of the Hibiscus Garden was scared out of his wits. He even arranged a layer of guards outside. If anything happened to this family, no matter how many heads he had, it would not be enough to be chopped off. According to his idea, the entire Hibiscus Garden was sealed off. However, the people from the Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Family had already gone too far. He did not agree.
"Mother, how do you usually take care of yourself? Tell me, I will see if I can come up with a new product or a new skincare method. If I build a beauty salon, I will definitely make money. If you don't believe me, you can ask the people who come to play outside. Do you look like my sister? "
When Zhang Xiaobao was massaging his grandmother's legs, he did not forget to talk to his mother. After a few sentences, Zhang Xiaobao burst out laughing and glared at her son.
"Your mouth has become flowery. Go tell Cuckoo."
"No, I'm just telling the truth. If you don't believe me, you can ask my father. My mother is getting younger and younger. What should I do? It seems that I have to find a way to make men not age too quickly. "
Zhang Xiaobao continued to coax the Jang Wong Clan. Although the Jang Wong Clan knew that it was fake, she was still happy when she heard it. She looked at her son with pity and said, "Don't worry about everything. The world is so big, I can't manage everything. As long as you guys are fine, Mother is happy. And Cuckoo, you can't bully her. Otherwise, Mother won't forgive you. Cuckoo, come, come to Mother. Tell Mother, did Xiao Bao bully you?"
Wang Juan was embroidering. She came over and said with a smile, "He bullied you. He really bullied you. Was it Xiao Bao?"
"Why don't you tell the truth? I'm still looking at the moon and making delicious food for you every day. As a person, you have to have a conscience. Mother, don't listen to her nonsense." Zhang Xiaobao quickly complained.
"Mother naturally believes Cuckoo. Cuckoo, let Mother take a good look and talk to Mother. Xiao Bao, go to your father. The Ministry of Works is busy recently. Don't let your father tire himself out."
Jang Wong Clan hugged Wang Juan and chased Zhang Xiaobao away. Then, she started chatting with her future in-laws.
Xiao Bei was crazy for a while. When he saw others playing the guqin, he also got someone to carry a guqin and put it by the river far away from his family. They were already out of the circle of protection, so the guards could only split up and watch from a distance to prevent any accidents.
Xiao Bei pulled Xiao Yuan over and played the guqin a few times. He turned to look at Xiao Yuan and asked, "Do you have that feeling of harmony between the guqin and the heart?"
When Xiaoyuan was dragged over, he was reciting poems with his grandparents. He planned to show off, but he was interrupted by Xiaobei. He was obviously not in a good mood. He said in a low voice, "Yes, there is. Alas, it is like Mount Tai."
"Mount Tai? I didn't think that far. I watched the butterfly play. It seems that you and I can't connect like brothers and sisters. "Xiao Bei regretfully shook his head.
Xiao Yuan was about to cry. He was really suffering. "Xiao Bei, let's talk. Can you not imitate adults? Connect our hearts? You have to do something that can connect our hearts. I thought you were playing the guqin. "
"You're the one imitating adults. I'm not young anymore. I'm going to find someone who can connect our hearts. I don't want you anymore." Xiao Bei stood up angrily and stared at a place by the river. There were a few large rocks there, and a little boy was sitting on one of them. He was looking at the water, and no one knew what he was thinking.
Xiao Bei glanced at Xiao Yuan proudly and ran over. Xiao Yuan imitated the adults and patted his head. He instructed the guards behind him, "Follow him. Don't fall into the water. I'll go back and talk to grandfather. Forget it, I'll follow."
Xiao Bei trotted over to the rocks and curiously sized up the little boy who was sitting there looking at the water. She couldn't estimate his age and temporarily decided to treat herself as an older sister.
Thus, she asked, "Hey, little brother, what are you looking at?"
The little boy was startled by the sudden voice. He turned his head and looked at Xiao Bei warily. When he saw that Xiao Bei was a girl, he felt a little better. However, he didn't say anything. He was obviously not as mature as Xiao Bei and the others.
"Say something. If you say something, I'll give you something to eat. I have candy here. Tell me, is there something fun in the water?" Xiao Bei took out the candy from her bag and gave it to him.
When the little boy saw the candy, he happily reached out and received it. He sadly said, "Father doesn't want me anymore. He doesn't want mother either."
"Hey? How did you know? Did your father tell you personally? "Xiao Bei asked suspiciously.
"Father just finished the spring … spring …"
"The spring examination."
"Yes, the spring examination. I have to be an official here. I have to be with other women every day. I miss my mother, so I asked father to find her. Father didn't agree." The little boy sadly told Xiao Bei the reason.
Xiao Bei nodded and asked, "Little brother, how old are you?"
"Six, six years old."
"That's a fake age. You promise that you're younger than me, so you call me older sister. Then what kind of woman is your father with? Older sister will help you think of a solution. Xiao Yuan, come here and listen. Something big has happened. My younger brother is being bullied. "
Xiao Bei blurred the matter of age and still treated him as an older sister. She turned around and waved at Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan quickly walked over and frowned. He was no longer as soft as before in front of Xiao Bei. He said to Xiao Bei with a sullen face, "Don't just call them relatives. Don't you know your status? If you're being used by others, your older brother and sister will have to worry. Being born in a family like ours, you can't be like a child all day. "
"I know. Then, little brother, tell me, what kind of woman is your father with?" Xiao Bei pouted and turned around to ask the little boy again.
The little boy couldn't speak and think like Xiao Yuan and Xiao Bei. He could only think hard and answer softly, "Rich. My father is the registrar of Wan, Wan … Wan. A woman came to look for my father and gave him wine, delicious food, and new clothes. He was over there, playing the zither and drinking wine. I ran out by myself."
When the little boy was being treated, he pointed to the lower reaches of Qu River and looked like he was about to cry.
Xiao Bei nodded. "Then tell your father to do his job properly and bring your mother here."
"Yes, I did. Father said that he is the lord …"
"The registrar, right?"
"Yes! He is an official, so he has to be like that. My mother is still waiting at home. "When the little boy mentioned his mother, tears flowed down his cheeks.
Xiao Bei smacked her lips and said, "Oh! I know, the registrar of Wannian County. An official, what a big official. Wannian County is in Gongji Province, and it's even more powerful than a county. The registrar should be Xiao Yuan. "
"A seventh-rank official. He has just finished the spring imperial examination, and he can get a seventh-rank official position. It's really impressive. It's even more impressive than your position as the county magistrate of Jian 'an County. What do you want to do?" Xiao Yuan remembered this more clearly. Usually, she was beside Xiao Bei like a secretary.
"Nothing much. I just want to get to know him. Xiao Yuan, if a person who has just become an official can abandon his wife, won't he betray the Tang Dynasty if he encounters any problems in the future? Registrar, you and I are responsible for inspecting all the officials in the Tang Dynasty. If we don't ask when we meet them, wouldn't we be neglecting our duties? "
Xiao Bei put his hands behind his back. When he spoke, it sounded like he was doing something right. If his voice was not that of a child, it would be even better.
Xiao Yuan sighed. "What if he has difficulties?"
"I'll help to solve it. Are you going? If not, I'll tell sister and your mother. "Xiao Bei patted the little boy's head.
"Do you want me to get the seal? Let's bring the Supreme Court along too. We'll arrest and investigate. "Xiao Yuan cooperated.
Xiao Bei smiled proudly and pulled the little boy up. "I've already brought it. How can I just casually put something that I use frequently? Let's go, little brother. Sister will help you find your mother. "
"How is it frequently used? It's only been used twice. To be able to be directly appointed as a seventh-rank official in an important place with real power, he probably has some backing. Go ahead and investigate.
Xiao Yuan followed behind, shaking her head and sighing.
When they reached the place, Xiao Bei had already asked about the general situation. The little boy's surname was Ma, and his father's surname was also Ma. His name was Ma Pang, and his family lived in Duji Province, which was near Luoyang. The little boy was not sure about his age. He only knew that he had passed the imperial examination two years ago, and this year, he had taken the imperial examination. His results were not bad, being 22nd.
After the examination, as soon as the results were out, someone came over and dragged him to drink. Then, he got to know that woman. It had been more than two months since then. The woman's house was very big, and they had to walk four doors to get to the place where they slept. A few days ago, they even visited all the zoos in the capital, whether they were paid for or not.
The little boy also went to the Joy House to eat twice. He ate on the fourth floor, not the fifth floor, nor did he go to the roof. The little boy's clothes were for the spring season at the Xinliu Children's Clothing Store under the capital's Shuiyun Group.
After Xiaobei and Xiaoyuan found out about this matter, they concluded that the woman's family should have an official background. Furthermore, they had some money, but not much power. Otherwise, they would not have been unable to go up to the fifth floor. This was because the fifth floor's price was not as expensive as the fourth floor's, but there were better new dishes. However, that required status.
There were two ways to obtain this status. One was to be an official of the fifth rank or above in the capital. The other was to have a deposit of 100 million coins in the Tang Bank, which was 100,000 strings of coins. That was a deposit. Those who had a deposit would not only get special treatment in the Joy House, but also in the transactions between the Zhang Family and the Wang Family.
100,000 strings of coins was a number that many people did not even dare to dream of, but for Zhang Xiaobao, this was the bottom line of his credibility. Of course, this money was not under Zhang Xiaobao's control. If it was in the bank, Zhang Xiaobao was afraid that this precedent would be set and that someone would use the deposit to commit crimes.
"The summer song reflects the concubine's heart, and the song is continuous and full of affection. Continuous and long-winded, and endless … " When Xiao Bei arrived, there was a woman playing the zither and singing. He did not know who wrote the lyrics, but it was very unpleasant.
Looking over there, there were more than ten people. If no one had left, then there would be thirteen people. Including the little boy beside Xiao Bei, there were fourteen people in total. There were six men and eight women. Excluding the little boy, there were five men and eight women. One woman was playing the zither and singing softly, while the other was playing the flute.
They drank and drank happily. Among them, there was a person wearing a light green patterned official's robe. He was the center of the thirteen people. Basically, they all surrounded him.
Needless to say, Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan knew that this was the little boy's father, Ma Pang. There was a woman beside him. She was leaning sideways and smiling sweetly. Her attitude was very ambiguous. She was probably a woman from that family.
Xiao Bei curled his lips and muttered, "He's afraid that others don't know that he's a seventh rank official. If I had known earlier, I would have worn my fourth rank official's robe and scared him to death. Yes, and also my goldfish bag."
"It wasn't easy for him to become an official. It's good for him to be awe-inspiring for a while. I'm just afraid that his eyes are not bright enough and he will offend people. In the capital, don't talk about being a high official. How can he ask?" Xiao Yuan also looked down on him.
"Look at me, little brother. Shouldn't you treat us to something to eat? We're hungry. I think that roasted lamb is not bad. It can be cooked soon. There's also wine, grape wine. We can have some too, right, Xiao Yuan? "
Xiao Bei said to the little boy. He wanted to drink again and was afraid that Xiao Yuan would tell.
Xiao Yuan didn't say anything, indicating that he agreed.
The little boy nodded a little timidly. He walked in front to the barbecue rack. Before he reached the place, he was discovered.
"Little boy, where did you go? I couldn't find you just now. Whose children are these two? " After Ma Pang saw his son, his eyes fell on Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan. The two of them had good looks. They were delicate and clean. When he looked at their clothes, he was puzzled.
Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan were wearing cotton clothes today. They were light yellow, but at first glance, they seemed to be white. They didn't have the smooth feeling of silk. They were very comfortable to wear, absorbed sweat, and breathed in.
Nowadays, people with some status liked to wear branded clothes. Brands were also popular because of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. They were either embroidered on the sleeves, the chest of the clothes, or put on the collar.
Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan naturally wouldn't wear branded clothes. They were specially made by their own family. The materials used were exquisite, the tailoring was fitting, and the style was novel.
Other people who had some money liked to wear leather boots and shoes. Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan were wearing cloth. The soles were high, and the insides were hollow. They were like casual shoes. Because it was the season now, people wore leather to cover their feet.
It was this kind of dressing that made Ma Pang confused. The fitting clothes were not something that could be obtained easily. It had to be specially made. However, it was not silk. If it was cotton, it would be too fine. At the same time, he couldn't find the stitches.
Whose child was this? What was his identity? Where was his family?
With doubts, Ma Pang didn't directly chase them away.
The little boy was obviously afraid of his father. He said timidly, "I went somewhere else and met them. I said I was hungry and wanted to eat sheep."
Ma Pang smiled slightly and waved at Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan. When the two came closer, he asked kindly, "What are your names? Where do you live?"
As he spoke, he saw how cute Xiao Bei was and wanted to pat Xiao Bei's head. Xiao Bei hurriedly took two steps back, not because he was afraid of being touched, but because he was afraid that Ma Pang would die. There were so many sniper rifles in the surroundings, and he couldn't possibly kill him the moment they met.
"My name is Xiao Bei, and he is Xiao Yuan. We are childhood friends. We live … we live next to the East Market of the capital. We do business there."
Xiao Bei didn't lie. He was very honest. It was just that he chose his words.
When Ma Pang heard this, he misunderstood. He was led into a ditch by Xiao Bei. He thought that Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan were the children of two businessmen who had a stall in the East Market. They were from the capital and did small business. Their family took advantage of the opening of the Hibiscus Garden and brought them out to play. They ran around and met his son.
It was just that he was a little puzzled. He was wearing an official's uniform. Children should be afraid when they saw him. Why did he only see innocence in the eyes of the two children? They were not afraid or curious.
"Wang Qiang, cut some meat. Cut it thin and let Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan eat." Ma Pang stopped guessing and ordered a person beside him.
The person immediately went over and cut two big pieces. He then cut them into smaller pieces and sent them to Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Bei and Xiao Yuan couldn't eat it either. They found a place to sit and put the tray on their legs. They started eating.
After eating two mouthfuls, Xiao Bei stopped. The meat was thin, but it was a little big. It would always rub against his mouth. Xiao Bei stopped and rummaged through his bag. He took out a box and opened it. A small knife with teeth and a small fork appeared. He then cut the meat with one hand and the other.
Xiao Yuan also received a set of cutlery and ate like Xiao Bei.
Seeing the way the two ate, Ma Pang could no longer calm down. The two children didn't seem to eat very fast, but they finished two pieces of meat in a short while. Moreover, no matter how he looked at it, he felt that the two children's eating movements were graceful. It was as if they were not eating, but performing.
They cut the meat, forked the meat, and put it into their mouths. Their movements were very skillful. It was obvious that they had not just started learning. What kind of family could nurture their children like this?
Xiao Bei ate another piece and stopped. He smiled sweetly at Ma Pang and said, "Registrar Ma, thank you for treating me and Xiao Yuan to meat. I didn't expect you to know Prince Li Yan. You actually used a plate with the Prince Li Residence's symbol. Ah, it's even a product from Shui Yun. No wonder you don't want a wife. Do you think that you can wait for the day of your meteoric rise? Xiao Yuan, what do you think? "
Xiao Yuan also ate three pieces and nodded. "It's very good. The sheep is also not bad. I tasted it and felt that it was a little lamb from Feng Province. The meat is tender but not loose, smooth but not greasy. The smell is light, and there is a milky fragrance. This should be specially provided by Feng Province to the palace. I didn't expect to be able to get it. I can't help but praise you.
Ma Pang didn't have the same thought of treating children like before. Sweat flowed down his cheeks. His mouth was slightly open, but he didn't move. The hand holding the wine cup trembled, causing ripples to form in the wine.
"You guys, who are you guys? What do you want? "Ma Pang tried to keep his voice steady.
"Who we are is not important. What's important is that you answer our questions. Otherwise, your official position will be gone. Li Yan can't protect you, and he doesn't dare to protect you. Where is Ma's mother?"
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