Immediately after, Xia Yan's body abruptly retreated, as if Jiang Ruan had ruthlessly pushed her. Coincidentally, she was facing the steps of the pavilion. With a loud crash, Xia Yan fell heavily at the bottom of the steps.
Xiao Shao thought for a moment, "No."
"Jiang Ruan!" A voice full of anger and fright came from the opposite side. Jiang Ruan looked up and saw Jiang Quan, Xia Cheng and Xuan Li standing opposite the pavilion. Jiang Quan's gaze was sinister and angry, as if he wanted to eat her up.
Xiao Shao passed through the plum blossom array at the foot of the mountain and walked towards Lu Yang Manor at the top.
Jiang Ruan looked at her with a smile that was not a smile, and Xia Yan felt a little flustered when she saw that pair of smiling eyes. She suddenly widened her eyes and shouted, "Ruan 'er, what are you doing!"
On the other side, a young girl suddenly said, "Why is Jiang Ruan not here yet? Is this how the Jiang family treats their guests?" This young girl was dressed in a light purple crepe gown with cloud patterns and a misty cloud butterfly skirt. She was born with a beautiful countenance like a flower and the moon, but her words were somewhat irritable. She was the daughter of the first branch of the Xia family, Shen Rou's biological daughter, Xia Jiaojiao.
"Xia Yan sent people to pursue and kill, but was rescued by this subordinate. Now she is locked up in a warehouse in the servant's courtyard. Does Miss want to use it?"
This grey-robed old man was Mr Ba Qi. He was now seventy years old and had a sage-like appearance, but his eyes were shrewd and farsighted. Without raising his head, he concentrated on studying the chess game in front of him and said, "Back from the Southern Frontier?"
Xia Cheng had not come to the Jiang fu since the incident at the ancestral hall. Xia Jun's matter was a thorn in the Xia family's heart. Jiang Ruan had been away from the capital for three years. Hearing Lu Zhu say this, it seemed that the Xia family's grandmothers had also come. Xia Jiaojiao and Xia Jun hated Jiang Ruan like a thorn in their side, and now that she had stepped into the Jiang fu again, it seemed that the relationship between the Xia and Jiang families had eased in the past three years.
On the other side, Xia Yan was talking to the Xia family's eldest grandmother, Shen Rou. Shen Rou looked at Xia Yan's belly and said with a smile, "Grand-aunt's belly is getting more and more pregnant. When I was pregnant with Jiaojiao, it wasn't this big. Maybe it's twins."
Xia Jiaojiao bit her lower lip tightly as she stared fixedly at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan was dressed in a simple robe embroidered with moonlight. Her skin was whiter than snow, her lips were red, her teeth were white, and her eyes were shockingly charming. Xia Jiaojiao originally had seven points of good looks, but under Jiang Ruan's comparison, she was left with less than ten percent. Xia Jiaojiao was extremely angry, but what made her even angrier was the ridicule in Jiang Ruan's words. Wasn't that right? Firstly, they hadn't sent an invitation, and secondly, they had never said that they wanted Jiang Ruan to accompany them. Now, they were blaming her for arriving late. No matter how they looked at it, it was unreasonable.
The sound of cicadas chirping in the afternoon of summer was so loud that it was difficult to rest well. A few third-rank servant girls climbed up to the trees in the courtyard to cling to the cicadas. Jiang Ruan had just finished a night of iced fruit juice when she heard Lu Zhu come over and say, "Miss, Marquis Xia and the Eighth Prince have come to the fu. Master wants you to go over and accompany the womenfolk to chat."
When Xiao Shao left the capital three years ago, Mr. Hakone was still in seclusion, so he did not bid farewell to him. Speaking of which, the master and disciple had not seen each other for three years.
"Ruan 'er, you're finally here. Jiaojiao has been wanting to see you for a long time. " Xia Yan smiled and changed the topic. She was still a little apprehensive in her heart. Originally, she had thought that it would take a lot of effort to invite Jiang Ruan out. She had even thought of a few reasons, but she had never expected that none of them would be useful. Jiang Ruan had readily agreed to come. However, this was just as well, as it would be convenient for her next move.
Xia Yan could not maintain her composure, and Xia Jiaojiao's lungs were bursting with anger. However, she remembered her grandfather's instructions before leaving, and she forcefully endured it.
Mr. Hakone picked up a white chess piece, and Xiao Shao held a black one. Both of them placed their pieces at the same time.
The sound was melodious like a great bell, close to the ear, but if one listened carefully, it seemed to come from a distant place, indistinct and indistinct. Xiao Shao walked towards the courtyard. Under the pear tree, he saw a white-bearded old man dressed in a grey robe sitting in front of a chess table, holding a box of chess pieces in his hand.
Xuan Li's smile was gentle and elegant, and his words were modest and full of ambition. The more Xia Cheng and Jiang Quan looked at him, the more they felt that their choice was correct. Xuan Li had the talent to govern the world, and was the ruler of the world.
Mr. Hakone replied, "Your blood is not cold enough."
Shen Rou still had a good plan in mind, and looked at Jiang Ruan with a somewhat peculiar fanaticism. Tian Zhu frowned. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, "This must be Da Furen Xia."
"Ah!" A blood-curdling scream rang out, and the lower part of Xia Yan's body was immediately dyed red, and her clothes were soaked with blood.
Mr. Hakone put down the chess box in his hand, and finally raised his head. Mr. Hakone had accepted a total of eight disciples, and Xiao Shao was ranked third. When Xiao Shao had first ascended the mountain, he had still been a taciturn youth who did not like to speak. Together with Guan Liang Han, Guan Liang Han had learned military tactics, and Xiao Shao had learned the art of Qi Huang. However, within a few years, the Old Jinying Wang couple had met with an accident, and Xiao Shao's temperament had become even more cold and cheerless. He had taken the initiative to beg Mr. Hakone to no longer study medicine, and from then on, he had only learned how to kill.
"Prepare," Jiang Ruan stood up, "Today, he has called the Xia family over. Just in time, I have also been waiting for this opportunity for a long time."
Xia Yan was slightly startled, and smiled, "Ruan 'er, your father also loves to recite these two lines of poetry."
The tortoise stuck its head out.
Although Shen Rou was already a married woman who had given birth, her appearance appeared increasingly beautiful, alluring, and plump. She had some of the charm of a young married woman. In contrast, Xia Yan, who had just had a miscarriage, had a sallow complexion, as if she had aged ten years overnight.
Mr. Hakone smiled and said, "It is still early. Since you have come, play chess with your teacher first." As he finished speaking, he lightly waved his sleeve, and all the chess pieces on the chessboard flew into the chess box in an incomparably orderly manner, not a single one missing.
In the main hall, Jiang Quan was talking with Xuan Li and Xia Cheng. These past few years, Xuan Li had been diligent and conscientious, and his political achievements were outstanding. He was also accustomed to conduct himself. A few years ago, the Emperor, who had vented his anger on Li An's matter, had gradually changed his opinion of him. In addition, Chen Guiren had caught the Emperor's fancy, and he had become increasingly favored. In recent years, the Fifth Prince had gradually fallen into a disadvantageous position, and Xuan Li's popularity had gradually increased. On the other hand, the Crown Prince had repeatedly made mistakes, and the matter of him being deposed was only a matter of time. Moreover, the matter of appointing a Crown Prince had also become a major concern for the current court officials. Those who could take sides would take their own. Obviously, the Xia family and the Jiang family naturally stood on the Eighth Prince's side.
Xia Jiaojiao's mouth twitched, and she was very indifferent to Xia Yan's words. Shen Rou was also carefully sizing up Jiang Ruan. When Jiang Ruan had first come to the Xia fu, she had only thought that Jiang Ruan was an orphan girl who could be easily bullied. However, it was precisely this seemingly easy young girl who had unexpectedly caused Xia Jun to suffer a loss. Now, with a shake of her body, she had become the current Junzhu of the dynasty. In these past three years, she had heard that she had gained the Empress Dowager's favor. Presumably, she had also been rewarded with a lot of money. Shen Rou calculated in her heart. Xia Cheng had intentionally mentioned Jiang Ruan to Xia Jun. Firstly, Xia Jun had been brooding over the previous matter, and these past few years, he had vowed to marry Jiang Ruan and torment her. Secondly, the power behind Jiang Ruan would be a great help to whoever married her. Moreover, there was also the possibility of a large sum of money.
Xiao Shao was the most sentimental person, and Mr. Hakone could see that. Although Xiao Shao was usually ice- cold, most of the time, he would take care of his fellow apprentices. A righteous person must not be an assassin. Xiao Shao was not an excellent assassin.
Mr. Hakone sighed, "She has already appeared."
This answer caused Shen Rou's face to turn red, then white, then white, then red. At that time, when Jiang Ruan had been in the ancestral hall, everyone had clearly seen it. Now that the old matter was brought up again, it was a slap to the Xia family's face.
Mr. Hakone looked at Xiao Shao for a while, then suddenly asked, "Ah Shao, in these past few years, have you met anyone special?"
Jiang Ruan sneered silently in her heart. This place was the place where Jiang Quan and Xia Yan were deeply in love, but it had also been the place where Zhao Mei had grieved. When Jiang Xin Zhi was young, he had once suffered from smallpox. For several days and nights, Zhao Mei had been guarding Jiang Xin Zhi without any clothes on. When Jiang Xin Zhi had woken up, he had asked where his father was. Zhao Mei's heart had been grieved, and when she had found Jiang Quan, he had been drinking and merrily with Xia Yan. At that time, she had still been a child who did not understand anything. She had only seen Jiang Quan and Xia Yan laughing happily, and felt that her mother's tears had been an eyesore. Jiang Ruan looked at the pavilion, smiled slightly, and said, "The lotus leaf silk skirt is cut in one color, and the hibiscus flowers are parted on both sides of the face."
"I understand," Xiao Shao replied. The order of the Emperor was superfluous to him, and he had never looked at that position. Even after Mr. Hakone had finished speaking, his expression did not change in the slightest.
Xia Jiaojiao timely interrupted, "Of course, Gu Gu was previously the most talented woman in the capital. Naturally, ordinary women from the mountains cannot compare." Xia Jiaojiao had always thought that Jiang Ruan had grown up in a rural residence. As a child, she had been raised by Zhao Mei's side, who did not understand poetry, so naturally, she did not understand literature. Jiang Ruan only pretended not to hear, and continued to smile. Seeing this, Xia Jiaojiao became more and more annoyed.
Mr. Hakone's expression became slightly restrained, "Her life entangled with yours, the rise and fall of fate, has its own cause and effect. Because of her appearance, in this life, you will be free from the fate of loneliness. Then, your fate will be that of a prince, a general, and a minister, and a star will fall. For her, you will sacrifice the Emperor's life. "
When Zhao Mei brought the young Jiang Ruan to Yan Hua Yuan, they heard the proud Jiang Quan recite these words to the gentle and graceful Xia Yan. The tenderness and affection in his eyes were something that the mother and daughter had never seen before.
The Plum Blossom Formation was a formation that Mr. Hakone had personally set up. It had a total of eight rings, extending from the foot of the mountain to the peak. Apart from the disciples of the sect, no one else could break the formation. Xiao Shao had come here many times, so he was familiar with the route. As soon as they entered the main gate of Lu Yang Manor, the large green parrot that was kept at the entrance began to flap its wings and loudly call out, "Someone's coming! Someone's coming! "
...
If these words were to spread, their heads would definitely fall. However, Lu Yang Manor was completely empty. Mr. Hakone spoke leisurely, but Xiao Shao listened calmly.
Jiang Ruan tilted her head and stared at her. Suddenly, she smiled and said, "Mother, what are you saying? Don't tell me that the etiquette instructor at the Empress Dowager's side is not a mama?"
Xia Yan stared blankly. She had not thought of this and was momentarily at a loss for words. However, since she had started, she had to continue. She grabbed Jiang Ruan's hand and gently advised, "Mother knows that you are a good person and also a smart one. However, the etiquette instructors in the palace teach you the rules of the palace. In the future, you will also be married, so naturally, you must learn the rules of being a wife. "
Shen Rou looked Xia Yan up and down. Her heart was also very suspicious. Xia Yan should be doing well in the Jiang fu, so why did she look so haggard? Where was the elegant and indifferent appearance of a talented woman from before? When she thought about the rumors that Jiang Quan was partial to the yiniang from the brothel, she understood. Presumably, she did not have the ability to bind her man's heart. Shen Rou had never been able to stand Xia Yan's virtuous and magnanimous appearance. Now that she saw it, she said a few words of comfort on the surface, but in her heart, she was rejoicing in her misfortune.
Jiang Ruan caressed the bracelet on her wrist, and the corners of her lips curled up in a mysterious smile.
Jiang Ruan said warmly, "It's nothing. First Madam Xia and I had the fortune of meeting once before. Presumably, I was too excited just now and forgot about this matter. There's no harm in it. "
However, Shen Rou had always been at odds with the Xia family's second daughter-in-law, and the relationship between the two sisters-in-law was extremely poor. Naturally, she did not want Xia Jun to live well. Shen Rou pondered. Rather than letting Xia Jun benefit, why not let her own brother benefit? Shen Rou's paternal family also had a nephew who was currently of a suitable age to marry Jiang Ruan. If they succeeded, it could be considered as keeping the goodies within the family.
Xiao Shao was silent. Teacher Ba Qi's words were too vague, and he could not comprehend anything from them. He thought for a while before saying, "What does this have to do with me?"
Xia Yan's expression stiffened, and she laughed bitterly in her heart. Twins? Her child had already died long ago, so how could there be twins? Whenever she thought about the miscarriage that night, Xia Yan wished that she could tear Hong Ying and Jiang Ruan to shreds. Although she did not know how the two bolts of chou-yu silk had been exchanged, she was certain that it had been done by these two people. Xia Yan's gaze flickered slightly. Let them laugh, let them laugh. Later, they would not be able to cry even if they wanted to.
Xiao Shao's talent was extremely good, and he was originally made to practice martial arts. Killing people was even more convenient for him. After completing his studies, the first year he had left the mountain, he had entered the Southern Frontier alone and beheaded the leader of the Southern Frontier at that time. His temperament was cold and cheerless, and he was rather bold. Every time he struck, he killed, and he had no worries. In this world, there was no one more suitable than Xiao Shao to be an assassin, but at that time, Teacher Ba Qi had only said, "Ah Shao, you are not the world's number one assassin." Xiao Shao asked, "Why not?"
Lu Zhu anxiously said, "Master, what do you mean? Outside, there will be Furen accompanying you. What can Miss do if you go? Is there anyone in the Xia family who is easy to get along with? "
Xiao Shao frowned slightly. In his life, there was no such thing as "special." In these three years, he had met countless people, so naturally, he did not know what Teacher Ba Qi had meant.
Jiang Ruan looked out of the window. It was a hot day, and there were no clouds in the sky. If she went out at this time, she would really not be afraid of getting burned. However, she smiled and said, "Alright, it just so happens that I also want to go for a walk in the garden."
Teacher Ba Qi stroked the long white beard on his chin and said, "Before I went into seclusion three years ago, I did a divination for you. The person who changed your fate should have appeared long ago."
"Not yet," Xiao Shao said, "Master's antidote is still with me." As Xiao Shao said this, his heart slightly floated with gratitude towards Teacher Ba Qi. At that time, he had wholeheartedly focused on learning the way of killing and had originally wanted to abandon his original skill of Qi Huang. However, Teacher Ba Qi had personally rejected him and taught him not to delay. Since ancient times, there had never been an assassin who studied medicine. It was unheard of to kill and save people at the same time. Now, it seemed that his missions were dangerous, and what he did on a daily basis was licking blood from the edge of a knife. With the addition of medical skills, these past few years had provided him with a lot of convenience.
"Master warned you to seize the initiative." Teacher Ba Qi's voice came from afar.
Xiao Shao frowned slightly. However, Teacher Ba Qi would never explain the divination too clearly. As the saying goes, the secrets of heaven must not be revealed. Revealing too many secrets of heaven would inevitably lead to retribution.
Different from the scenery on Mount Jia Nan, Lu Yang Manor was full of birdsong and the fragrance of flowers. Hundreds of flowers bloomed, just like the beginning of spring. Xiao Shao walked towards the manor. The huge manor was exquisitely renovated, but there was no one in sight. After a moment, a low voice came from the courtyard, "Ah Shao?"
Jiang Ruan shook her head, "It's nothing. Tian Zhu, how is the doctor from a few days ago?"
Shen Rou's eyes turned and she said with a smile, "If I had to say, Grand-aunt really knows how to enjoy life. Such a good place is hard to find in our fu."
Shen Rou and Xia Jiaojiao were guests, so naturally, they would not refuse. The three of them got up and walked towards Xia Yan's courtyard. In all fairness, although it was hot outside, Xia Yan did not dare to use ice because she was pregnant, so she could only do it in the courtyard. The courtyard was clean and tidy. Every half an hour, someone would sprinkle the cold water from the well on the flagstones. Coupled with the shade from the trees, it was cool and refreshing. Indeed, it was much more ventilated than inside the house.
"Who is it?" Xiao Shao asked.
"Master, what do you want to say?" Xiao Shao asked.
"Think carefully," Teacher Ba Qi asked again.
Xia Yan shook her head, "Perhaps it's too stuffy in the house, and my chest feels a little blocked." She smiled, "Jiaojiao, Da Sao, Ruan 'er, why don't we go to the garden for a stroll? The air outside is fresh."
"This person came for revenge, and also to repay a debt of gratitude. Life and death, life and death, life and death. She can clearly see all the things that happen in this world. Fate has changed because of her, and I don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse. "
"Teacher." Xiao Shao walked towards him.
"How dare you! You don't even salute when you see the princess! "Tian Zhu shouted with a cold face, giving Shen Rou a fright.
Xia Yan suddenly bent over, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and retched twice. Lin Lang hurried over and gently patted Xia Yan's back, saying, "Is Furen not feeling well again?"
Xia Yan suddenly became a little sad, "Speaking of which, it's been more than ten years in a flash. When Jiejie was still here, she also praised this pavilion for its beauty. Ruan 'er, you're already so old now, and in the blink of an eye, you'll reach the age of marriage. You grew up in the manor, and I'm afraid that no one has taught you manners. Mother is thinking of finding an etiquette instructor for you, okay? "
Teacher Ba Qi said, "Fine, the divination shows that I have the fate of meeting her once. One day, I will also be able to see her once. At that time, this person's karma from her past life will naturally appear." He paused, as if he had something else to say, but in the end, he swallowed it. He only looked at Xiao Shao and said, "The Southern Frontier's poison is fierce, have you fallen for it?"
"Yes," Xiao Shao replied. After returning from the Southern Frontier, he was usually busy dealing with various matters, and Teacher Ba Qi was still in seclusion. It was only in these few days that he found an opportunity to go to Jia Nan Mountain, and it just so happened that Teacher Ba Qi was about to come out of seclusion.
"This Junzhu has not received Furen's invitation, and has not heard of her coming to accompany you. I did not know that guests were coming, so how can I treat you?" A voice sounded from outside the door, and the people in the room looked up to see Jiang Ruan leisurely walking in.
As they walked, they arrived at the pavilion next to the small pond in the courtyard. That pavilion was Xia Yan's proudest handiwork. Xia Yan once had the reputation of being a talented woman in the capital. After entering the Jiang fu, she had personally tidied up the rear courtyard. The pavilion was located next to a small pond, and it was named after the "Lotus Pond Moonlight" scene in the summer. On a summer night, the cool breeze blew gently, and the pond was filled with emerald green lotus leaves. The lotus flowers were tender and beautiful, and the moonlight was like water. The scenery was extremely elegant. When this pavilion was first repaired, Jiang Quan was very fond of it. He often drank with Xia Yan in the pavilion at night, and they looked like a loving couple.
"Exactly. Ruan 'er, I did not expect that in the blink of an eye, you have grown up so much, "Shen Rou said warmly.
The snow on Jia Nan Mountain did not melt all year round, and the mountains were high and the valleys deep. Even though it was already summer, the snow and ice still looked like it had just begun to melt. The mountain stream, mixed with crushed ice, slowly flowed past, washing the brightly colored pebbles on both sides. The pine forest was covered with sparkling ice crystals, and at a glance, it was like the scenery of the northern country.
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