As soon as the words left her mouth, Zhao Jin knew that she had said the wrong thing. She was vexed and did not dare to look at Jiang Xin Zhi's eyes. No matter how brave a girl was, when facing her sweetheart, she would always be a little shy. However, the situation in this place was not right at all. Zhao Jin simply wanted to cry. She stared at the huge black bear and said, "In any case, it is too late to say anything now. My feelings for you can be treated as a story. After you go back today, you will still be a great general. Right now, the number of noble and virtuous girls in the capital who want to marry you is like carps crossing the river. You will always be able to pick one that suits your heart. Afterwards, you will have white hair and eyebrows, and you will be in harmony with her … "
She was a person who did not like to study and hated literary poetry. This was the first time she had used two such idioms in a row. Most likely, she felt sour at her own words, but the more she thought about it, the sadder she felt. Ever since Jiang Xin Zhi was made a general, he could be considered the backbone of the court. He was so young, handsome and gentle, and there were many women who wanted to marry him. She had also asked her two brothers what kind of women men liked. Her brothers had all said that they had to be gentle and graceful, proficient in the four arts. It would be best if they had a weak and pitiful appearance. Zhao Jin thought about how she had stabbed a straw doll in the courtyard with a spear and felt even more disheartened. Now, she had wanted to quickly persuade Jiang Xin Zhi to leave, but when she thought that Jiang Xin Zhi could really be in love with a weak and lovely woman, she felt even more sour in her heart. She sniffed and the rims of her eyes immediately turned red. But she still stubbornly raised her head and forced back her tears. She said, "Since we are not fated in this life, it is better to turn my feelings for you into friendship. If I can die for a great general like you in this life, I will have no regrets. Previously, we were together in the Southern Frontier's camp, and now we are facing such a situation together. We can be considered friends of life and death! "
Jiang Xin Zhi's heart had softened after hearing Zhao Jin's words, and seeing her red eyes, he felt his heart ache. Who knew that when Zhao Jin said this, Jiang Xin Zhi's face darkened again. What was this? What kind of feelings become friendship between friends? She looked like a man protecting his master on the battlefield. He originally wanted to wait for this lass to understand on her own, but now he felt that with her way of thinking, she probably wouldn't be able to understand even if she waited her entire life. Forget it, since he was a man, he should take the initiative.
"You should get on the horse first." Jiang Xin Zhi suddenly pulled her onto his horse. Zhao Jin's horse had already been scratched by the black bear and couldn't move, but Jiang Xin Zhi's' injured 'horse was miraculously able to run again. Zhao Jin was slightly startled. Jiang Xin Zhi suddenly unsheathed the soft sword from his waist and chopped down the thistles and thorns in front of him, opening up a path for two people and a horse.
The black bear's body was huge. Although its fur was hard, it was helpless against the sharp thorns. It could only stand at the back and roar. The horse ran very fast, and Zhao Jin finally came to her senses. She asked dumbfoundedly, "How can the horse run again? Is it injured? "
"I'm fine now," Jiang Xin Zhi replied.
"Then you don't have your arrows anymore …" Zhao Jin was held in front of him, leaning against Jiang Xin Zhi's chest. This was the first time she had been so close to a man's body. In the past, when she came into contact with men, it was either martial arts competitions or fights. She had never been so gentle.
"I don't have my arrows, but I still have my sword," Jiang Xin Zhi replied.
No matter how careless Zhao Jin was, she still felt that something was wrong. She suddenly sat up straight and looked at Jiang Xin Zhi in shock. "You lied to me?"
The horse ran a distance and was probably safe. It slowed down, and Jiang Xin Zhi finally had the time to look at Zhao Jin. He said, "Why do you think I lied to you?"
Zhao Jin was a straightforward person and never liked to beat around the bush. She hated being tricked and schemed against the most, so when she found out that Jiang Xin Zhi had lied to her, she was very angry. Jiang Xin Zhi's question made her forget about her anger. She looked at him with some confusion. "Why?"
"I saved you just now," Jiang Xin Zhi said. "How are you going to repay me?"
Zhao Jin looked at him in a daze, not understanding what he meant. Jiang Xin Zhi was really too strange today. She couldn't understand what he was saying, but she still answered honestly, "I'll ask my brother to pick a few suitable weapons for you. If you don't like them, you can send some money over later …"
This person was really too honest. Jiang Xin Zhi did not know whether to laugh or cry. He suddenly did not understand why Zhao Jin, who was obviously a few years older than Jiang Ruan, could not compare to Jiang Ruan's intelligence and sensitivity. She was surprisingly slow on certain matters.
"None of that is necessary," Jiang Xin Zhi interrupted her. "Just devote yourself to me."
Zhao Jin blinked, her mind momentarily a little muddled. This person's words were so unreasonable. Devote yourself to me … devote yourself to me? She suddenly quivered. Unable to control the wild thoughts in her mind, she stammered, "This … this …. That time at the Southern Frontier Barracks, I also saved you … "
"That's fine," Jiang Xin Zhi finally lost his patience. He pulled her over and bent his head to kiss her. "I devote myself to you."
…
The bonfire slowly burned, making a crackling sound. Jiang Ruan and the others sat in front of the fire. The curtains had already been set up. There were a total of three: one for Xuan Pei, one for Jiang Ruan, and one for the Embroidered Uniform Guards. Xuan Pei's bodyguards did not have such good fortune, so they casually found a big tree to rest against.
Jiang Ruan nudged Xiao Shao. "How is Eldest Brother?" Since there were so many wild beasts in the hunting grounds, it seemed that it was not just to frighten the sons of the nobility. The deeper meaning could only be revealed tomorrow. Even so, Jiang Ruan could not help but worry about Jiang Xin Zhi.
"Ying Jing has sent people to protect him. Don't worry." Xiao Shao held her hand.
As they were speaking, Xuan Pei's head suddenly popped out from between the two of them. He nonchalantly sat between Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao. He looked at Jiang Ruan, blinked, and said, "Wangfei, I'm so scared."
Fortunately, Xuan Pei's bodyguards were sitting far away and did not hear Xuan Pei's words. Otherwise, they would have been so shocked that their eyeballs would have fallen out. Even so, when the Embroidered Uniform Guards heard Xuan Pei's words, they all widened their eyes. This child usually looked calm and steady, like a second Xiao Shao. He was also the most unfathomable. To show weakness to Jiang Ruan without any scheming … How was he behaving like a prince? He was practically like a nestling nestling up to its mother.
Jiang Ruan liked Xuan Pei the most. Even though Xuan Pei had changed the way he addressed her, Jiang Ruan still treated him like she did in her past life. She immediately stretched out her hand to stroke Xuan Pei's hair and said, "Don't be afraid, I will stay here to protect His Highness."
The jaws of the Embroidered Uniform Guards dropped again. Although Jiang Ruan usually looked gentle, everyone knew that she was not someone to be trifled with. Her gentleness on the surface was merely courtesy, but in reality, she was as cold as their master. Even their master did not seem to have received such a gentle smile from Jiang Ruan. It was simply capable of melting a person's heart. His gaze was filled with love, causing everyone's hair to stand on end when they looked at him. Jin San said, "How is Young Madam looking at His Highness? She's clearly looking at her son. When I was on a mission, the aunt next door looked at her family's Da Niu in this way. "
"Perhaps His Highness has inspired her to want to be a mother?" Jin Er touched his nose, "Does Young Madam want a child of her own? This Thirteenth Highness is very cute, Young Madam will probably like him. "
Jin Si shook his head, "That's not right. With Young Madam and Master's appearance, a child born from them will definitely be much better looking than Thirteenth Highness."
Jin One, who had been watching from the sidelines, unhurriedly said, "That will still have to be born."
Everyone was silent for a while before Jin San said, "It seems that Young Master still needs to work hard. Even if it's for Young Madam's sake, we can't just sit back and do nothing. Sigh, when we get back, let's talk to Old Lin, he will definitely have a way. "
Jiang Ruan, who was sitting in front of the bonfire, obviously did not know that the Embroidered Uniform Guards had seen her warm treatment of Xuan Pei and that it had already become evidence that Xiao Shao was' incapable '. She and Xuan Pei had a deep relationship, so in Xiao Shao's eyes, there was nothing inappropriate. Ever since Xiao Shao knew of Jiang Ruan's past, his view of Xuan Pei had changed a lot. Sometimes, he would even specially instruct the secret guards in the palace to take care of him.
However, Xuan Pei clearly did not understand his cheap father's good intentions. As soon as he saw Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao together, he felt a sense of loss, as if something important to him had been taken away. So, when he saw Xiao Shao's unmoved appearance, he said, "Xiao Wangye is indeed full of spirit and jade today. Just now, I saw that there was a sumptuous game. Presumably, tomorrow's champion should be you. Have you thought of asking Imperial Father for some good luck? "
Without waiting for Xiao Shao to speak, Xuan Pei continued, "Are you going to ask Imperial Father for some beauties? Recently, the palace has recruited a new batch of beauties. Perhaps this prince has heard that the Yao family's daughter is also deeply in love with you. Coincidentally, this prince sees that she is also here today. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to ask for her? "His words were half teasing and half serious, making it difficult for people to understand his meaning. When the Embroidered Uniform Guards heard this, they all secretly cursed this child for being too bratty. Without any rhyme or reason, he actually came to disturb the relationship between husband and wife.
In the eyes of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, it was like this, but in Jiang Ruan's eyes, it was not. She had lived together with Xuan Pei for many years, so she was very clear about Xuan Pei's thoughts. Xuan Pei's question was only to force Xiao Shao to take a stand. It seemed that the matter of the Yao family's daughter was not small, and even Xuan Pei was alarmed. Xuan Pei was supporting her, afraid that she would be bullied by Xiao Shao.
"Since the good luck is obtained by this prince, whatever this prince says goes." Xiao Shao's face was as cold as ice, and he coldly said, "This prince will ask His Majesty to bestow a marriage between Your Highness and the Yao family's Young Miss."
"Hey," Xuan Pei angrily jumped up, "You want me to marry that old woman? How dare you! "
Xiao Shao's silence was clearly a provocation.
Jiang Ruan had a slight headache. Whenever these two people were together, they could not behave themselves. In any case, Yao Niannian was one of the top beauties in the capital of the Great Jin dynasty. This year, she was only seventeen or eighteen years of age. Although she was a little older than Xuan Pei, it was not to the extent of being an 'old woman'. However, if Xuan Pei really married Yao Niannian, Jiang Ruan would always feel that it was wrong. The Yao family had coveted Xiao Shao and coveted her husband. If she really wanted to be her son's wife, as his mother, she would be the first to disagree. However, if Yao Niannian and Xuan Pei really became imperial consorts, wouldn't they have to call her mother for life?
When she thought of Yao Niannian and Xuan Pei calling her mother, Jiang Ruan's expression became indescribably strange.
"What's wrong with you?"
Xuan Pei saw that Jiang Ruan was lost in thought and touched Jiang Ruan's hand, "I …. This prince was only joking, Wangfei must not be sad because of this. If Jinying Wang dares to act recklessly, this prince will definitely not spare him. As for that nuisance Young Miss Yao, hmph, unless her father no longer wants to mingle in the imperial court. "
"Why does Thirteenth Highness look like Young Madam's maiden family?" Jin San thought about it and his expression changed abruptly, "Oh no, could it be that he covets Young Madam's beauty and wants to obstruct us?" The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Jin San anxiously watched them.
Jiang Ruan smiled. Xuan Pei, on the other hand, was nervous. She walked to the side and rummaged through the luggage that Xiao Shao had brought. She wanted to see if there were any snacks to give to Xuan Pei, but she did not expect to see that there was actually a Jiao Wei zither in the luggage. The case of the Jiao Wei zither was very precious, yet Xiao Shao had just casually placed it in the cloth bag. However, what surprised Jiang Ruan the most was that Xiao Shao had actually brought this along with him. She asked, "You actually brought a zither?"
Xiao Shao grunted, "En." Jiang Ruan looked at the long and narrow zither case in front of her and suddenly felt that Xiao Shao really respected Old Lin from the bottom of his heart. She had originally thought that this zither was nothing more than a decoration. Who would carry a zither on their person in the hunting grounds? Xiao Shao was not a woman in a brothel who played the zither and played with the moon. She was dumbstruck. She stared blankly for a moment before she recalled the rumors in the capital that Yao Niannian could also play the zither well. Suddenly, she picked up the zither case and walked to Xiao Shao's side, "Since you have also brought it, why don't you play a song? I have never heard your zither before."
Steward Lin had said that Xiao Shao played the zither well. Jiang Ruan knew that Steward Lin would not lie about these things, but she was still very curious. In her previous life, she had never heard Xiao Shao play the zither well. Her own zither was also not bad, but the Jiao Wei zither had always been slightly more difficult to play than other zithers. It required extreme calmness of the heart. Ever since her rebirth, her entire body had been filled with hostility. How could she play the zither well? She tried to play as little as possible, lest the sound of the zither reveal her state of mind.
Xiao Shao was slightly startled. He had not expected that Jiang Ruan would make such a request. He glanced at Xuan Pei, and then his gaze fell on the Embroidered Uniform Guards not far away. Jin Er and the others hurriedly pretended to look at the flowers and did not meet his gaze. Xiao Shao coughed lightly, "There are many people here. After we return to the fu …"
"Could it be that Xiao Wangye does not know how to play the zither?" Xuan Pei wished for the whole world to be in chaos, "Ai, it is rare that Wangfei would like to listen to the sound of the zither. This prince has heard that newlyweds play the zither together to achieve the beauty of harmony between the zither and the harp. However, looking at Xiao Wangye's appearance, I presume that he has never played the zither with Wangfei and Wangfei. Ai, no matter what, Wangfei is still a woman. In this world, which woman does not wish for their husband to be in harmony with their zither? "
Xuan Pei had a delicate and delicate appearance, but now that he was still young, he still looked somewhat childish. In the past, when he had been in the palace, he had always put on airs in his speech and mannerisms, and even that childishness had dissipated. However, in front of Jiang Ruan, he could not help but reveal a childish demeanor, which was the liveliness of a child his age. As he spoke, his words were clear and logical, and he had the appearance of a young man who had matured.
Xiao Shao did not speak and only turned his head to look at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan looked at him as if nothing had happened, showing a rare trace of stubbornness.
He no longer refused and only took out the Jiawei zither from the zither case. The body of the zither was made of an unknown tree branch, but the texture was distinct and it emitted a deep luster. The smell was rich and fragrant, refreshing to the heart and mind. Just this zither alone was enough to attract people's attention.
Jin Si rubbed his eyes and said, "Oh my god, am I seeing things? Master is actually going to start playing the zither. Ever since Wangye and Wangfei passed away, Master has never touched the zither again. I thought that he would never touch this Jiawei zither again in this lifetime. "
"Speaking of which, it has been more than ten years since I have heard Master's zither. Ai, do you still remember when Master first learned to use this zither? Every day, who knows how many people would come to the entrance of the fu to listen? Even the women wanted to climb over the wall to see our Master's beautiful face. It is said that one can know a person by listening to the zither. In this world, there is a zither that is better than Master's. "
Indeed, many years had passed since Xiao Shao had not touched the Jiawei zither. At that time, Jinying Wangfu had not yet been born and Xiao Shao had not been labeled as a rebel. He was also not as indifferent as he was now, but his temperament was slightly colder. At that time, his appearance was handsome. This kind of calmness made him even more outstanding and very eye-catching. At that time, it was his first time learning the zither, but his state of mind was calm. The music he played was beautiful and moving. If he had not been a man, it was likely that all the men in the Great Jin dynasty would have gone crazy and all the artists would have been ashamed.
Xiao Shao took out the zither and placed it on his lap. Now that the sky was like a mattress on the ground, there was no need to rigidly adhere to formalities. Therefore, he did not burn any incense to bathe his hands. He only casually fiddled with the strings. Even though it was such a simple action, it did not seem vulgar or sloppy. On the contrary, because of his own elegant temperament, it was natural and smooth, adding a bit of confidence and otherworldliness.
The tune flowed from his hands and flew along the zither strings. In the snowy ground, it was exceptionally clear and melodious. The sound of the zither was ethereal and peaceful. It was like a small stream trickling into the sea. The waves and sand were slowly contained within, no longer stirring up the slightest splash. It was a calm that could only be obtained after experiencing great storms and great waves. It was a kind of invincible method. Nothing could shake the calmness and tranquility of the mind. Behind such strength, there seemed to be a faint trace of gentleness that unconsciously flowed out, making this world of ice and snow seem to have a trace of warmth.
Jiang Ruan rested her chin on her hand and looked at the gentleman dressed in black who was playing the zither beside her. He seemed to be an elegant young master from a prestigious family in the Shengjing. He was reserved and noble, elegant and cold. The bonfire made his fair complexion look like a celestial being from a painting. His eyebrows were like swords, his eyes like stars, his nose straight and his lips thin. Every time his long eyelashes quietly drooped, the myriad of emotions in his eyes were concealed, leaving only mystery and gentleness. Beautiful beyond compare, cold to the bone. Like an icy spring in a mountain stream, he was also like the lonely moon shining through the carved window railings in autumn.
The beauty was like a painting, a beautiful scene. Xiao Shao, who was playing the zither, was indeed as Steward Lin had said. It was indeed a beautiful scene in a flourishing age. Such a source of calamity, if seen by others, they would probably want to join in. In this world, beauty bewitches people and evildoers run rampant. It was really very dangerous. Jiang Ruan sighed softly and moved closer to Xiao Shao. Suddenly, she reached out and covered the strings of the zither.
Xiao Shao was slightly startled. Jiang Ruan had already started playing. Her playing was slow and slow. It was completely different from Xiao Shao's. If Xiao Shao was cold, like the lonely moon or the cold star, then her tune was fire, like the blazing sun. It clearly pulsed in people's hearts, with a kind of brilliance and aggressiveness that could not be ignored. Then, in the collision of ice and fire, a wonderful and harmonious blend appeared. This allowed the two people's two kinds of music to blend into one, and their tacit understanding was extraordinary.
The corners of Xiao Shao's mouth slightly curled up. His hands did not stop moving. Jiang Ruan also smiled. She had always been afraid to play the zither because she was afraid of exposing her inner thoughts. Now, she did not dare to say that the sound of the zither was absolutely tranquil. Compared to the past, which was full of hostility, it was already much more peaceful. Perhaps this was because she had also reached Xiao Shao's level of strength, so strong that she could calmly face all the ups and downs. Or perhaps it was only because Xiao Shao was by her side.
Xuan Pei sat quietly at the side. The gaze he looked at Jiang Ruan seemed to be somewhat complicated, but also somewhat gratified. These two people were both incomparably beautiful, and their temperaments and manners were also very outstanding. Although it was only their first time playing together, it seemed very harmonious, as if they were born to be together. Jin Er said, "Indeed, the zither and the harp are in harmony."
"This is simply a match made in heaven." Jin Si shook his head.
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. She only felt that it was a little funny. This was clearly a hunting competition that involved blood and lives. Everyone had their own ulterior motives, and there were clearly dangers and traps everywhere. But here she and Xiao Shao were playing the zither, and in front of them was a burning bonfire. Before Steward Lin had left, he had said that it was nothing more than a game, and now, it really had come true. She had originally thought that in her previous life, she had not been able to come to the hunting grounds to experience it, but in this life, she had experienced the methods involved. She did not expect that it would be such a different experience. This was a completely new feeling that she had never experienced before, but it was also not bad.
…
In the camp at the entrance of the Northern Forest, the womenfolk who did not know how to hunt began to enter their tents to rest. A woman dressed in black sat in front of the tent. The maidservant beside her smiled and said, "Miss, just now, an imperial bodyguard came back from the forest and said that he seemed to have heard someone playing the zither. It is said that the sound of the zither is superb. I wonder who could actually be so leisurely?"
Yao Niannian smiled slightly, "In the forest, there are wild beasts running amok, and people are always at odds with each other. It is rare to see someone with a calm mind playing the zither. Since the sound of the zither is wonderful, it is even more so not an ordinary person. It is worthy of admiration."
"Who is this kind of person?" The maidservant asked curiously, "Could it be His Eighth Highness? His Eighth Highness can be considered an outstanding person with a calm mind. "
Yao Niannian shook her head and smiled without saying a word. She only looked at the depths of the forest and sighed. There seemed to be some sadness in her gaze.
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
