However, as time passed, his desire gradually grew. Thinking of Xia Shengxun's intimacy with him, as if they were strangers who had gradually cultivated familiarity with each other, he found it unbearable. In his heart, he had repeatedly reminded himself that recognizing his junior martial sister was one thing, but he absolutely couldn't snatch Yuan Yi's wife. Righteousness was the most important thing, and love was second. How could he put the cart before the horse?
On the other hand, he was deeply perplexed. He clearly loved Shen Shiyun, and he had loved her deeply for six years without wavering. But now that he was interacting with her, he no longer had the feeling of blushing and heartbeat of the past. Instead, he was full of restraint, or perhaps resentment due to dissatisfaction.
On the contrary, what he couldn't get was always the best. He kept hitting a wall in front of Xia Shengxun, and his interest in her grew stronger day by day. The thing he looked forward to the most every day was visiting Yuan Yi's home, having a battle of wits and courage with her. He would set a trap for her with every word he said, just waiting for her to step into the trap.
Xia Shengxun was extremely clever, and she didn't reveal the slightest flaw. From beginning to end, she always maintained the tranquility she had when they first met. This intelligence also made Li Yijie repeatedly think of Nangong Xue. But the women he had seen were all talented and beautiful, so it was difficult to make a simple deduction.
Apart from outside the palace, Li Yijie's days in the Snow Song Palace were filled with endless worries. Apart from the occasional summons from the emperor, he would drown his sorrows in alcohol every day. After hanging out with Lu Qian for a long time, they gradually became good drinking buddies. Truth came out when drunk, and many of his heartfelt words were told to Lu Qian. He had concealed the matter of Xia Shengxun for a long time, hoping that he could capture her with his own strength. When he couldn't take it anymore, he finally spilled it all out.
After listening, Lu Qian was silent for a long time, and said with a smile, "Brother Li, you're really tight-lipped, huh? You didn't even tell me about such a big matter. No wonder the emperor trusts you so much … "Li Yijie was upset and didn't have the mood to chat with him. He said flatly," Don't make sarcastic remarks. Tell me what I should do. Tell me, is that girl really Xueer? "
Lu Qian pretended to be an old pedant, his head turned several times and he said, "I recklessly guessed that she is not. Perhaps she is." Li Yijie happily said, "Really?" However, before he could maintain the happy expression on his face for even a moment, Lu Qian continued, "But if you recklessly say that she is, she may not be." Li Yijie's face darkened. He said, "Isn't it the same as not saying anything? Are you deliberately making fun of me? "
Lu Qian laughed and said, "Look, Brother Li, you're showing your vile side, aren't you? You see, even though you've seen Xia Shengxun with your own eyes and said so many things to her, you still can't be sure. I've never come into contact with this young lady. I've only heard what you've told me, and you want me to deduce it based on my feelings? If I tell you a lie, I'm sorry, but if I tell you the truth, I really can't say. Look, aren't you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me? "
Listening to his words, Li Yijie realized that he was beating around the bush, wanting him to take him to see Xia Shengxun. He was really unwilling to do this, but in his heart he hoped that he was the only one who knew about Nangong Xue's secret.
Seeing that he did not say anything, Lu Qian knew that he was having a battle in his heart. He took this opportunity to patiently and patiently guide him. "Brother Li," he said, "I'm helping you. After I go, you don't need to say anything. If Miss Xia is indeed Xueer, you know, although I've always been unwilling to admit it, Xueer hates me in her heart. Every time she sees me, she always feels awkward. We'll go visit Miss Xia and see how she reacts. When the time comes, I'll keep an eye on her. As long as her expression is slightly abnormal, I'll definitely be able to detect it. At least we'll be able to confirm her identity first. She's in the light, we'll retreat in the dark; the situation will be much more advantageous. Brother Li, think about it, don't you think this makes sense? "
Li Yijie was fully aware that Lu Qian was still harboring evil intentions toward Nangong Xue, and he himself had never approved of this relationship. Originally, he did not want to take him to see Xia Shengxun, but now that he had taken the initiative to ask him for help, it was inconvenient to change his mind. He could only reluctantly agree. Lu Qian was immediately overjoyed, as if he had picked up a great bargain. He stopped drinking wine, took out a bronze mirror from the side, and carefully tidied up his clothes and accessories. Li Yijie was inwardly doubtful; he really did not know whether bringing him on this trip was the right choice or not.
After the two of them finished tidying up, they left the palace together and went to Yuan Yi's residence. Li Yijie introduced the two of them to each other, then said, "I'm really sorry to have disturbed you …"
Yuan Yi laughed and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. Every time Brother Li visits my humble room is like a festival; it's very joyous. It just so happens that I've prepared a few extra dishes today. If you don't mind, why don't you come and eat together? Ha ha, Brother Li, you really know how to pick the right time. "
Li Yijie laughed embarrassedly, but before he could open his mouth to explain, Lu Qian had already circled around from behind him and enthusiastically grasped both of Yuan Yi's hands, repeatedly saying, "Yuan Gongzi, one day apart really feels like three autumns! Do you still remember me? " Yuan Yi laughed and said, "The former leader of the Qing Tian Village, such a big name; even if I wanted to forget, I wouldn't be able to. Compared to you, I, Yuan Gongzi, am a nobody. "
Lu Qian repeatedly said, "How can you say that? Ever since we parted ways at Hetu Ala, I've been thinking about Yuan Gongzi all the time. Only after meeting you did I realize that martial arts are deep and boundless. What I thought I had mastered was only the tip of the iceberg; I really don't dare to boast that I have mastered the Dao. I still want to discuss more with Yuan Gongzi and clear up the doubts in my heart … "Yuan Yi laughed and said," No need to be so polite. If Fort Master Lu has something to ask of me, please don't hesitate to say it! "
Lu Qian laughed awkwardly. Although this couldn't be considered a naked debunking, the meaning behind it was still extremely bitter; it made him feel extremely uncomfortable. But his mentality had already been thwarted several times, and he had long since been tempered into steel. He didn't take these sarcastic words to heart and said, "In the end, I can't hide anything from Yuan Gongzi. Deference is no substitute for obedience. It's just that as soon as the two of us met, we didn't talk about friendship, but instead pretended to talk about official business; it's really too hurtful. In that case, let's leave it for later at the dinner table. "Yuan Yi said," That's also very good. "
While Lu Qian was speaking, although his eyes were staring straight at Yuan Yi, his peripheral vision never left Xia Shengxun, who was sitting at the side. In terms of appearance, there really wasn't any difference between her and Nangong Xue. Just now, when they had exchanged a few words, apart from the indifference and alienation on her face, there was nothing else.
At this moment, he couldn't help but inwardly sigh in admiration, "This girl's skills are really quite high." He stepped forward and greeted, "Miss Xia, oh, no, look at my memory. I should call you Young Madam Yuan. Brother Li has often mentioned you to me, saying how beautiful and intelligent you are. I've heard about you for a long time and have long wanted to see your true appearance. Now that I've seen you today, you're even more beautiful than I imagined. It's a pleasure to meet you. "These were all common pleasantries between a man and a woman; they weren't something Lu Qian came up with.
Xia Shengxun only smiled indifferently and said, "Lu Gongzi is too polite. It's just that this little girl really doesn't understand why this politeness is necessary. A truly responsible person is an extremely close friend. If it weren't for the fact that they had no other choice, they wouldn't easily trouble them. As for you and my Brother Yi, you've only met a few times. As soon as you opened your mouth, you said that you have something to ask of him. As long as you said the word 'ask', why would you waste time trying to get close to him? Sooner or later, this kind of relationship will be hurt. Since that's the case, what difference does it make if it gets hurt sooner or later? "
Li Yijie looked at Lu Qian with a bit of sympathy and thought, "I've also been criticized by her so mercilessly." However, he still kept his lips tightly shut. He didn't open his mouth, nor did he try to mediate. Perhaps it was because the one who had suffered was Lu Qian, but other than sympathy, it also aroused a bit of schadenfreude. In the past, he'd heard Lu Qian boast to the heavens, saying that whether it was Nangong Xue or Xia Shengxun, as long as he made a move, he'd be able to easily take them down. This time, he wanted to see how Lu Qian would smooth things over.
Lu Qian didn't show the slightest bit of surprise. He said, "When Brother Li mentioned it, he also said that Miss Xia's eloquence was first-rate. Fortunately, I've already made preparations. Otherwise, after being bombarded by your barrage, I'm afraid I'd be dizzy and disoriented and defeated before I even realized what was going on. When I say that I have something to ask of Young Master Yuan, how do you know that it's definitely a bad thing? This matter is closely related to you and your wife. In addition, I dare to guarantee that if Young Master Yuan agrees, your future happiness will be endless. When the time comes, you'll have to thank me as the catalyst. "
Xia Shengxun sneered, "Oh? Asking for help is asking him to treat you better? This is the first time I've heard of such a strange thing. When the time comes, I want to see what kind of tricks you can play. "Lu Qian smiled slightly and said," I won't disappoint you. " The two of them looked at each other. From an outsider's point of view, the atmosphere was peaceful. However, there was a strong smell of gunpowder within, as if there was some hidden danger that could erupt at any moment.
Afterwards, the four people took their seats as the host and the guest. The table was full of delicious food, but Li Yijie didn't feel like eating. Today he was preoccupied with a lot of things; one moment he was sneaking glances at Xia Shengxun, the other moment he was hinting at Lu Qian with his eyes. He didn't know how many times he had secretly kicked Li Yijie under the table.
Lu Qian was indeed worthy of being the leader of the underworld; from beginning to end his countenance did not change, he talked and laughed as if nothing had happened. However, he was preoccupied with toasting Yuan Yi, occasionally he would praise Xia Shengxun a couple of sentences, but it was always brushed aside without leaving a trace. His previous sweet talk and honeyed words were completely gone. Li Yijie's eyes and ears alternated; he was anxious in his heart.
At this moment, Lu Qian clinked his cup with Yuan Yi's and they both drank the wine. Then they exchanged cups and said with a laugh, "Young Master Yuan, this is the first time we meet, Zaixia has to admire your proficiency in both pen and sword. Later that day, when I thought about it in private, it was still difficult for me to dispel my respect, so I especially recommended you to Noble Consort Yun. You know, she has always treated her subordinates as' better to have nothing than to have something substandard '. But after hearing about your conduct,' great minds think alike ', she also has a thirsty desire to seek talents. If Young Master Yuan is willing to join us, henceforth I guarantee you a high position and generous salary, and for the rest of your life you will live a happy life rolling in a pile of gold and silver. What do you think, Young Master Yuan? Why don't we strike while the iron is hot? You can give me a reply on the spot and make the final decision, so that I can report back to Noble Consort Yun. I am sure she will be very happy, and then she will reward me well. You are my great benefactor for my promotion and wealth. Can you do me a favor and make things convenient for Xiaodi? "
As soon as Yuan Yi heard his words, she understood his intention. She said indifferently, "Noble Consort Yun's good intention, Zaixia appreciates it. I would like to trouble Lu Daren to tell her that Zaixia is just a Jianghu wanderer, I am not qualified to enter the hall of elegance. I know I do not have the good fortune to serve His Holiness, His Holiness. Tell her to find someone better qualified. As for glory, splendor, wealth and rank, although I do not dare to say that I 'regard money as dirt', I will not sell it to her at a cheap price. She does not need to bribe me with money. "
Lu Qian said, "How can you say that you are bribing me? Yuan Gongzi is successful in everything, but in this aspect, you are lacking. People struggle in every way, just to be recognized by a wise ruler and to have some achievements. Whether it is for the country, for the people, for one's own benefit, or for the common people's benefit, it is not just a matter of words. If you do not have real power in your hands, there is no need to talk about anything. If other people snort, you will have to be at their beck and call. If you can't even talk about the most basic freedom and dignity, what kind of achievements are you talking about? "
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