Capture the Jade:

"What's the rush." ​​Teng Yuyi closed her eyes and said, "First ask Cheng Bo to inquire about the famous Taoist temples and priests in Chang'an City. If there is no result, it will not be too late to prepare the cart tomorrow morning."

As he spoke, he yawned: "I'll sleep first, remember to call me when Cheng Bo comes."

Chunrong and Biluo agreed, and retreated lightly.

Teng Yuyi was exhausted after running around for days, her eyelids drooped, and she soon fell asleep.

Perhaps it was because the Emerald Sword had lost its spiritual power. After falling asleep, the long-lost demons and monsters came up again.

When she opened her eyes again, she suddenly realized that she had returned to Teng Mansion.

Bright windows and a bright moon, the room is dimly lit with horn lamps, and a piece of letter paper is quietly spread out on the desk in front of the window.

Teng Yuyi looked around in a daze, and lowered her head to see her naked body. Judging from her attire, it was the time when her aunt had just passed away.

It seems that I dreamed of my previous life again, so clearly, it really doesn't look like a dream.

Teng Yuyi raised her hand and touched it. There were still wet tears on her cheeks, and her heart was filled with unspeakable pain. It was obvious that she had just cried.

The letter on the table just got started: "Grandpa met. I learned that the East Palace has recently selected a concubine, and my son is also on the list. I wonder if this is true?"

Teng Yuyi just glanced at it and was shocked. Why didn't she remember that she wrote a letter to her father in her previous life?

Since A Niang passed away, the relationship between her and her father has been icy cold. Let alone writing letters to her father, she doesn't even read the letters from her father very much.

She read the letter upside down three times, and finally remembered that this happened in the early winter of the eighteenth year of Longyuan. At that time, there were only two months left before she was killed. There were rumors in the capital that she was one of the candidates for the crown prince. , and my father seems to have acquiesced in this matter.

I remember that she was frightened and angry at the time, and every word in the letter was like a knife.

"Grandpa forced his wife to death back then, but now he also wants to harm his daughter?"

Grandpa received the letter and did not reply, but immediately set off to rush back to Chang'an, sleeping in the grass and walking too hastily, and when he entered the door, his robe was covered with dust.

"This matter is still pending. If you don't want it, Grandpa will try to shirk it." Teng Shao took off his cloak and handed it to Uncle Cheng behind him, waving his hands to let the servants go down.

Teng Yuyi sneered and said, "Why didn't my grandfather ask my daughter's wishes before deciding on her marriage?"

Teng Shao was silent, took off the saber at his waist and hung it on the wall: "A while ago, what happened to Duan Ningyuan happened. Grandpa knew that you were wronged, so he had already thought about finding someone who is better than Duan Ningyuan for you." The hundred-fold husband-in-law just happened to be holding a flower viewing feast with the empress and concubine Cheng a while ago. Grandpa thought that this would be a good opportunity to choose a good son-in-law, so he decided to accept it for you. To be honest, the empress is the one Hui has a good impression of you, so this time the selection of the crown princess, the minister will add you to the selection list."

Teng Yuyi was stunned, that time it was actually Grandpa who arranged for her to visit Mr. Lang.

That is, at the flower viewing banquet, she met the crown prince and Prince Cheng.

The appearance of the prince follows that of a sage, with thick eyebrows and thick lips, and a naturally friendly face.

Cheng Wangshizi...

Hmph, Prince Cheng said to her portrait: "Don't marry."

This matter is the shame of her life, she stared at her father: "It turns out that Grandpa has long wanted to marry his daughter into the clan?"

"It is certainly Grandpa's fault that I didn't discuss it with you beforehand." Teng Shao smiled lightly and sat on the low couch by the window, "But Grandpa still has a lot of character towards the prince. With my grandfather leading the army, what a lonely and dangerous place Congling is, if it were the princes and princes nearby, they would not be able to endure it for a month or two, but the crown prince is never afraid of hardships. What is rare is that he treats old and weak soldiers equally... His generosity is exactly the same as that of a saint."

"I advise Grandpa to give up as soon as possible." Teng Yuyi said coldly, "My daughter will not marry the clan even if she dies."

The father and daughter broke up in such a quarrel, Teng Yuyi thought that this matter was completely shelved, but after a while, the queen suddenly summoned her.

Teng Yuyi was apprehensive, dressed up according to the uniform, and after arriving at the Daming Palace, she waited in front of Danchi.

At that time, it was already winter, and Chang'an ushered in the first snow.

The new wind picked up, and the fine snow rolled down to the verandah. She was wearing red deer suede boots, and she felt her toes were cold after standing for a while.

Fortunately, the queen didn't keep her waiting long, and the palace servants came out to lead her in.

The main hall is on fire, and the quiet and warm fragrance blows to the face. In the warm pavilion, Yingying and swallows were singing, and many juniors were talking with the queen.

"So, Big Brother Ah agrees to this marriage?"

"How come, Chengyou just agreed to meet this Mrs. Xu who is not driving in Shangzhou. I heard that Mrs. Xu lived in Yangzhou when she was a child. Once she came back to Chang'an for a banquet and accidentally saved Chengyou's life. Her nickname is Ah Gu. Chengyou has been looking for that girl doll for many years, and when he found it, he was inevitably a little curious."

Teng Yuyi's mind was like a string being plucked, and there was a clang.

There is such a coincidence in the world. When A Niang just passed away, she felt that she was alone, and she once called herself "A Gu".

Moreover, when she was a child, she went back to Chang'an with her grandfather. At that time, my mother had just passed away from illness, and she was depressed all day long. Once my grandfather was not at home, and the steward took her to a banquet. After she came back, she caught wind and cold, and her high fever persisted. She was ill for two full months.

Woke up occasionally during the period, and only remembered Grandpa's bloodshot eyes. When she recovered from her illness, Grandpa took her back to Yangzhou. She couldn't think of a single thing about those things in Chang'an. Woke up.

However, she had some impressions of Mrs. Xu they were talking about. She met Mrs. Xu once at the flower viewing feast of Yuzhen Nuguan.

Ms. Xu's appearance is not outstanding, but because she is fair and slender, she has a peaceful and beautiful demeanor. At that time, Lin Chengyou was passing by the garden with a bow and arrow on his back. Mrs. Xu had watched him for a long time. Teng Yuyi also heard a few words because he sat close.

Just as Teng Yuyi was thinking about it, the palace servants reported: "Your Majesty, Mrs. Teng is here."

The hall fell silent, dozens of gazes fell on her, Teng Yu walked forward gracefully, stepped forward and knelt down on the ground: "Ms. Teng, see the queen."

The queen's voice was calm: "Go down first, I will talk to Lady Teng."

After the crowd retreated, the queen called her to come closer: "My dear boy, come here and let me have a look."

Teng Yuyi rose up in response, taking every step carefully.

The empress smiled kindly, held Teng Yuyi's hand and said, "I met your aunt back then, and your aunt is already a rare beauty. I didn't expect you to be more outstanding than your aunt. I won't play tricks anymore. , I called you here today because I heard that your grandpa wants to discuss marriage for you recently, but you said that you want to choose a husband by yourself, and you also said, 'My husband, I am the only one in my life, and I am the most important in everything'?"

Teng Yuyi's back turned cold, she said this when she was angry, but she didn't expect it to reach the queen's ears. It seems that the prince's choice of concubine is imminent, and she decided to reject it, wondering if it would offend the queen.

However, it is better for the empress to go straight in this way than to be false, so she had no choice but to truthfully say: "Don't dare to lie to the empress, the minister has indeed said this, and the blunt and stupid words made the empress laugh."

The queen laughed and said: "Your grandfather also rejected the saint in the same way. He answered it with confidence and confidence, and it has already been spread both inside and outside."

Teng Yuyi was taken aback. It turned out that Grandpa had already expressed her attitude on her behalf. She said bluntly: "This is what I said when my daughter and Grandpa were chatting. Don't blame it."

The queen said: "Your father and daughter are chatting at home, and you speak from your heart. I only find it interesting to hear it. How could I offend you. I called you today because I wanted to ask you again in person. You are not allowed Lang Jun takes concubines, this idea has not changed."

When the empress said this, her voice increased a little, Teng Yu was puzzled, there were only two of them in the hall, and she spoke so loudly, as if she wanted to speak to a third person.

She moved her eyes a little, and caught a glimpse of a black object hidden under a black lacquered and gold screen on the right side. She realized that it was a man's black leather six-seamed boots, and hurriedly looked away.

I don't know who it is, who can go in and out of the queen's bedroom openly, presumably it is a saint or a certain prince.

The queen didn't wait for Teng Yuyi's answer for a while, thinking she was afraid, she comforted her and said: "You don't have to restrain yourself in front of me, just speak up if you have anything to say."

Teng Yuyi said with a blushing face: "The words of Hui Niangniang have never changed."

The queen smiled meaningfully, and said softly: "I summoned you to talk for a long time, you should be cold, drink a cup of hot wine to warm your body, go back."

Give Teng Yuyi a sachet and ask the palace servants to lead her out.

When Teng Yuyi returned to the mansion, the more she thought about it, the more she felt that it was strange. In the evening, her father returned to the mansion and asked Cheng Bo to call her to the study.

"Tell grandpa about your affairs in the palace today."

Teng Yuyi also knew the importance of this matter, so she told the day's events in detail.

Teng Shao listened quietly, his face neither angry nor arguing: "My lord, let me ask you, if the sage had already set the rule that princes are not allowed to marry side concubines, would you still insist on not marrying into the clan?"

Teng Yuyi wondered: "How can the prince not accept the side concubine? In order to pass on the inexhaustible, there is a rule of four sides at the beginning of the dynasty."

Teng Shao said: "Don't forget, the saint is a ready-made example. Because of the unfortunate experience of his deceased mother, the saint once vowed not to expand the inner palace."

Teng Yuyi was taken aback, no wonder the Queen's smile is so thought-provoking today, the sage never married a concubine, I heard that the sage was the eldest son of the first emperor, and was killed by the late emperor's side concubine, and was exiled among the people. Raising an adult, he recognized his ancestors and returned to his ancestors after several twists and turns.

When the sage and the queen met in infancy, the two loved each other. Since inheriting the great rule, the sage has indeed only loved the queen for many years.

She thought of the screen boots: "Could it be that man is the prince?"

Teng Shao thought to himself, if it was the crown prince, he would stay behind the screen and listen to Yu Yi's answer. Was it the queen's intention or the crown prince's?

He pondered and said: "Your name is still on the selection list for the crown princess. If you act recklessly, you may offend the palace, but you don't need to worry, the crown prince's selection of concubine is related to the foundation of the country, and it will affect the foundation of the country. The whole body, you are not the only one on the list, as long as it is not settled, it will not be accurate for a day. Grandpa will try his best to deal with it, and there will be news in a few days."

Teng Yuyi waited patiently for two days. On the day of the winter solstice, all the wintersweet flowers in the palace garden opened overnight.

Teng Shao was frequently ordered to enter the palace because of the riots in the Huaixi feudal town recently.

Teng Yuyi didn't have time to send a message to his father, so he hurriedly took Duanfu out of the mansion. After arriving there, he ordered Duanfu to wait outside the palace, and entered the palace under the guidance of his servants.

The snow fell so hard that overnight, the Bei Que Pearl Palace seemed to stand in the world of glass, and the continuous white stretched to the end of the sky. Unexpectedly, a large piece of red is blooming. When you get closer, it is actually a red plum forest outside Daming Palace. Thousands of trees and red plums are swaying on the branches, exuding a kind of Penglai fairyland.

Teng Yuyi followed the servants through the plum forest, and when they turned around a secluded pavilion, they suddenly saw a group of people guarding under the tree.

"Little princess, little princess, come down quickly, if there is a mistake, the servants and servants can only apologize with death."

"Brother Ah, why didn't you see you making noise when you were drinking on the tree just now?"

"The son can fly over the eaves and walk over walls, but a mere plum tree is nothing to him. The servants are not worried that the son will fall on them, so naturally there is no need to make noise."

"Crack." Suddenly a huge plum flew down from the top of the tree, hitting the palace servant just in time.

The palace man groaned, covered his forehead and bent down.

"I don't know how to do light work, but I know how to use hidden weapons. If you keep talking, I'll smash ten or eight bulges on your head."

Another girl said: "Ah Zhi, you are very strong now, why didn't you see you hit Miss Xu with a plum when Brother A was tearing it apart?"

The one named Azhi said: "With brother here, is it my turn to make a move?"

"That's right." The other girl seemed to be a little older, "I thought Big Brother Ah was finally willing to discuss marriage this time, but I didn't expect this Gu to be a fake."

"Brother said, repaying kindness is repaying kindness, discussing relatives is negotiating relatives, so he won't marry a woman out of nowhere just because of repaying kindness. But my brother didn't expect that someone would dare to pretend to be that old orphan."

"How does he know that person is not Ah Gu's?"

"I want to know too." A Zhi resentfully said, "But brother won't tell me."

The palace man coughed heavily, and stepped forward bravely: "My servant has seen Princess Changyi and Princess Jingde."

The treetops rustled softly, and the people on the top looked down: "Hey, Mr. Liu, who is she, is she also here for the banquet?"

The palace man bowed and said: "This is General Teng's daughter, following the Queen's order, she is going to visit Daming Palace."

Teng Yuyi looked up and saw that the plum trees were sparsely branched and the leaves were sparse. She couldn't see the head and face of the person on the tree, but she could see the magnificent and exquisite skirt hanging down.

She knelt under the tree: "My daughter Teng Yuyi greets the two Highnesses."

"Where are you from? Why have I never seen you before?"

Teng Yuyi raised her head and replied: "I lived in Yangzhou before, and it has been less than a year since I returned to Chang'an. In the past, I rarely walked around the palace. It is not surprising that Your Highness has not seen me."

Azhi heard the word "Yangzhou", and his reaction seemed strange: "Ah, why are there so many young ladies from Yangzhou all of a sudden recently. Don't tell me that your nickname is Agu."

Teng Yuyi said, it is true that she called Agu after a while, but she named it herself, and she did not mention it to outsiders in her impression, only she knew about it.

"Returning to Your Highness, my nickname is Ayu, and my parents have called me that since I was born."

Princess Changyi seemed relieved: "Okay, I'm not called Agu, you are very smart and interesting, I want to get to know you well, you step aside, I'm coming down."

Azhi also hurriedly said: "Wait for me, I will go down too."

There was another rustling sound, and the palace people under the tree were running around and changing their positions, suddenly getting confused.

Teng Yuyi dodged and hid far away, the palace people exclaimed and jumped down first.

Teng Yuyi looked over, the girl was eleven or twelve years old, she was smiling kindly, her eyes were big and round, and she was very beautiful.

After a while, the other one also came down. This person seemed to have some martial arts background, he only staggered a bit when he fell to the ground, and quickly stood still. This one is younger, shorter and fatter, with watery eyes and a delicate and innocent face.

The jade hairpin Bicui of the two girls is of the same color, and every move is priceless.

The older girl came closer and looked at Teng Yuyi: "Not bad, not bad, although they are all from Yangzhou, but you are much more pleasing to the eye than that Mrs. Xu who pretends to be A Gu."

Listening to her, Teng Yuyi knew that she was Princess Changyi.

The other material is Lin Chengyou's direct sister. Although she is young, she has a clear complexion and a beautiful face. She is a beauty at a glance. Her eyebrows and eyes are somewhat similar to her brother Lin Chengyou. She also laughs before she speaks. She looks good. hiring.

"Did the two highnesses just look for a magpie's nest in the tree?"

Princess Changyi's eyes widened slightly: "How do you know that we are looking for a magpie's nest? These stupid servants only think that we are picking flowers, and you are the only one who guessed that we are looking for a bird's nest."

Azhi was still young, tilted his head and asked, "Yes, yes, how did you know?"

Teng Yuyi smiled inwardly, what's the point of picking flowers? When she felt lonely when she was a child, she often climbed to the tree to find a bird's nest, and threw the leftover cakes into it, making the chicks chirp.

"The plum grove in the palace has been famous for a long time. The two highnesses wanted to admire the plum blossoms, but the palace servants cut them and sent them to the bedroom. Only the bird's nest is left."

Changyi thought for a while: "Hey, it seems to make sense. You are quiet and quiet, but you actually understand this. Oh, I see, you must have been digging out bird's nests before."

Before Teng Yuyi could answer, someone suddenly laughed and said, "Changyi, do you think everyone is as naughty as you?"

Teng Yuyi turned her head to look, and saw a young man striding towards him. He was wearing a golden crown and a crown of cockroaches. He was tall and tall, with a jade fish bag hanging from his waist.

Teng Yuyi recognized that it was the prince, and hurriedly retreated to the side.

The palace people were startled, and Wu Yangyang knelt down on the ground: "His Royal Highness."

The prince's face is a bit square, but his facial features are very handsome. He said in a gentle voice, "Get up."

A Zhi and Chang Yi couldn't hold back and ran towards the prince: "Brother Prince."

"It's so cold, what are you doing in the woods if you don't go back to the bedroom?"

"A Zhi and I were looking for a magpie's nest in a tree, but this A Yu came. I think she is very interesting, and I want to make friends with her." Chang Yi said, turning around and pointing at Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi felt two eyes sweeping towards her, and lowered her head.

The prince quietly looked at Teng Yuyi, and asked Azhi and Changyi: "What did you talk about?"

Azhi said: "Ayu said that although she came from Yangzhou, her name is not Agu, and she guessed that we were looking for a magpie's nest as soon as she opened her mouth."

The prince turned to Teng Yuyi and asked, "Are you from Yangzhou?"

Teng Yuyi glanced left and right, realized that the prince was talking to her, and hurriedly said: "Returning to Your Highness, although the minister and daughter have lived in Yangzhou for a long time, both parents are from Guanlong."

The prince smiled: "Your grandfather is Teng Shao?"

Teng Yuyi said: "Exactly."

"When I went out with the army, I trained under General Teng. No wonder I thought you looked familiar when I saw you. You look a bit like your grandfather."

Chang Yi asked curiously: "Brother, do you want to chat with Ah Yu?"

The prince coughed: "Hands are so cold, how long have you been nesting in the tree? How do you serve, the princess didn't even bring a hand stove?"

The palace people hurriedly sent the stove.

The prince said: "You two are messing around here, and the servants are also frightened. Auntie sent someone to look for you. You two hide in the tree and don't say a word. Next time you are so mischievous, don't expect me to cover it for you. , let's go, if you stay any longer, you'll catch a cold, and I'm going to pay my respects to Auntie, and take you back to the palace by the way."

Azhi asked: "Brother Prince, have you seen my big brother?"

The crown prince patiently said: "He is out shooting arrows with people for fun. On such a day, he thinks he is in a panic, so he is not willing to come to the inner garden."

The three walked while talking, and a group of servants also followed behind.

Changyi took two steps, released the prince's hand, ran to Teng Yuyi and said, "How old are you?"

"If you go back to Your Highness, the maid is fifteen."

Changyi counted on his fingers: "Four years older than me, five years older than Azhi, we know each other now, I will call you Ayu from now on."

Then she lowered her voice and said with bright eyes, "I know you have dug out the magpie's nest, so I'll see you next time."

Teng Yuyi blinked: "I haven't picked it out for a long time, and my hand was born long ago. Besides, the Northland is different from the Southland. If you don't find it, don't blame me, Your Highness."

Changyi was stunned, then giggled and said, "Don't call me princess, call me Changyi."

Azhi ran over excitedly: "What are you whispering about? Ayu, we will come and play with you after the feast is over. Don't wander around."

The two returned to the prince, and the group walked forward again.

The crown prince turned his head and glanced at Teng Yuyi, then stopped suddenly, and said in a gentle tone: "It's rare that both Changyi and Azhi like you, from now on you can often walk around the palace."

Teng Yuyi should be, when he lowered his head, he swept the prince's feet, his heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly remembered that behind the screen in the queen's bedroom that day, that man was also wearing such black leather six seam boots.

Because it is the winter solstice grand court meeting, this time is different from the previous summoning alone, all the wives of the court have come.

The queen called Teng Yuyi to ask a few words, and rewarded her with two spices in public.

The spice is as white as a cocoon, and the faint fragrance is refreshing.

Everyone in the hall was a little surprised, and Teng Yuyi was also stunned. Yangzhou is the capital of Tongyi. She has been in Yangzhou for these years and has seen many strange fragrances brought by barbarians from different places. The appearance of the spices is unparalleled in the world.

The queen said: "This is the incense of Kabala, known as the 'Crown of Hundred Medicines'. Last year, there were only eight of them in the palace. I heard that you contracted a cough after returning to Chang'an. Due to dissatisfaction, this fragrance has the effect of dispelling cold and dampness, and it may be able to treat your illness."

Teng Yuyi panicked and said: "This fragrance is really extraordinary, and the empress should use this fragrance to protect the body of the phoenix. The minister's daughter is weak in virtue, so she must not accept it."

The queen smiled and said: "If I reward you, you will accept it. All things pay attention to fate, and the gift is the same. These children in the palace don't like to use incense, and it's a waste to give them. If you take it back and use it, come back and tell me. A sound from the palace."

Teng Yuyi had no choice but to kowtow to thank her, and the queen took out some silks and gave them to the honorable daughter who came with Teng Yuyi with a smile.

On the left of Teng Yuyi is the granddaughter of Deng Zhiyao, a member of Zhongshushe, and on the right is the second daughter of Yushi Zhongcheng Wu Ruyun. Perhaps it is because the queen rewarded her with incense from all directions when she was eating. line of sight.

After the banquet, Teng Yuyi went out of the palace along the same road, but she never saw Princess Azhi and Princess Changyi coming to her. She was still a child at heart, so she turned her head and forgot what she said.

After returning home, Teng Yuyi put the spices on the table and insisted on waiting for his father to return home.

Teng Shao didn't show up until midnight, and when he came, Cheng Bo asked Teng Yuyi to go to the front yard.

When Teng Yuyi arrived at the study, Teng Shao was wearing a light robe, and was sitting on the couch wiping his knife.

She went in with spices, and her father would wipe his armor and sword before each expedition, and it seemed that he was about to lead the troops out of Chang'an again.

"The queen rewarded me with two pieces of kabra incense today." Teng Yuyi put the tray on the table and said calmly.

Teng Shao put the knife back into the scabbard: "The empress also summoned Deng Zhiyao's granddaughter and Wu Ruyun's daughter into the palace today, what rewards are there for them?"

"Everyone is eight pieces of silk."

Teng Shao was silent: "Those two are also on the selection list for the crown princess. The queen summoned the three of you to enter the palace, but only gave you the incense of karma. Ayu, do you know what this means?"

Teng Yuyi sneered: "Grandpa promised me that I will make the decision on my own."

Teng Shao's heart was agitated, and he got up and paced back and forth: "Ayu, this matter involves a lot. Grandpa will tell you in detail. After listening, you will know why the Queen did this."

He frowned, and said in a slow voice: "You should know that the feudal towns have been in chaos for a long time. Wei Wenmao who caused chaos in Qianzhong Road, but Huaixi Road and Shandong Road refused to hand over their troops to the imperial court, and they have stationed a large number of troops secretly in the past few years, which has become the imperial court's deepest concern."

Teng Yuyi said: "My daughter has heard about it a long time ago, but what does it have to do with what happened today?"

Teng Shao let out a long sigh: "Last month, Peng Zhen, the governor of Huaixi Road, sent troops to harass his neighbors, and someone secretly reported to the court. The sage was furious after hearing the thunder, and immediately issued an order to crusade against Huaixi Road. Some ministers objected, saying that the imperial court has been wiped out all these years, and the veterans have long been exhausted. It is not appropriate to rush to cut down the vassal. They advised the saints to focus on recruiting security.

"The other faction advocates continuing to cut down the Tibetans."

Teng Yuyi said: "Grandfather naturally advocates continuing to cut down the feudal clan."

Teng Shao nodded: "Peng Zhen is ambitious, and he has the potential to occupy the Central Plains. The Huaixi Road and the Hebei and Shandong Roads are connected to each other, and sooner or later they will cause chaos. Use troops as early as possible, otherwise there will be trouble.

"Nowadays, the two factions in the DPRK and China are sticking to each other's opinions and chattering all day long. The saint hurriedly called me back to Chang'an, and I replied: If Peng Zhen's rebel army can be defeated in one fell swoop, the two provinces of Hebei and Shandong will surely be swept away. , this move has a lot of benefits and no harm. I hope the saint will use his troops as soon as possible.

"The sage listened to Dayue and asked me to preside over the crusade against Huaixi Road, but several veteran officials in the court obstructed it. The most violent ones were Deng Zhiyao from Zhongshushe and Wu Rujun from Yushi Zhongcheng."

Teng Yuyi suddenly realized: "Deng Zhiyao's granddaughter and Wu Ruyun's daughter are also on the selection list for the crown princess. The queen rewarded me with the incense of kabra in front of them alone, which probably means a saint."

Teng Shaodao: "The purpose of the sage is to use the queen's hand to frighten the two old ministers: firstly, to show his attitude, the move to cut down the vassal is imperative; His daughter will be the princess."

Teng Yuyi's complexion turned black: "If these two old ministers still refuse to change their minds, wouldn't the sage decide me to be the crown prince?"

Teng Shao sneered: "Perhaps they have changed their minds. When Grandpa returned to the mansion just now, Deng Zhiyao and Wu Ruyun were about to deliver documents to enter the palace. The saint claimed to be resting and did not let them enter the palace. I guess tomorrow In the early court, Du and Wu would change their rhetoric euphemistically. The sage is afraid of long nights and dreams, so he just waits for these old officials to let go, and he will immediately send grandpa to lead troops to crusade."

Teng Yuyi glanced at the treasured sword her father put on the case, and wiped the armor in advance, because she knew that she would go to war soon?

Teng Shao looked at his daughter: "Ayu, if the old ministers no longer object to sending troops tomorrow, the sage will keep Deng Wu's daughter on the roster in order to appease the ministers."

Teng Yuyi nodded slowly: "Grandpa said so much, just to persuade me not to worry too much, because the monarch and his ministers are wrestling secretly, since the saint wants to restrain several old ministers, he will not rashly designate who is the crown prince at this time Concubine?"

Teng Shao's eyes showed approval: "That's right. Ever since you told Grandpa that you don't want to marry into the clan, Grandpa has refused to do so, but Grandpa has always been the most supportive faction in the court. Decree to remove you from the roster will definitely attract suspicion from both factions.

"So the sage not only didn't agree to grandpa, but also ordered the queen to favor you deliberately, but told grandpa behind his back: The children's marriage is up to them. When the war in Huaixi is settled, if you still refuse to marry Prince, he will find a decent reason for you to withdraw from the selection."

Teng Yuyi thought to himself that the arrangement of the sage was far more wise and enlightened than he imagined. It's just that in this way, everything will have to wait until the battle on Huaixi Road is settled.

Teng Shao said again: "There is another matter that I need to let you know. The crown prince also strongly advocates cutting down the feudal clan. Although it is the meaning of a sage that the queen rewards you with incense, the crown prince at least knows and acquiesces."

Teng Yuyi's complexion changed slightly.

Teng Shao raised his hand and pressed down: "Both Deng and Wu have been on the roster for a long time, and you are added temporarily, which is inseparable from the prince himself. The prince should be the first in the Yuzhennv flower feast last time." I will see you once, but he has always been prudent. Even if he has some good feelings for you, he will make a decision after careful consideration. Don't worry, the prince is a rare benevolent gentleman. Tsukuru doesn't know anything about it, everything will be discussed after Grandpa comes back from Huaixi Road."

Teng Yuyi couldn't help but said: "How long will it take for Grandpa to return to Chang'an this time?"

"The shortest is three months, and the longest is half a year. You can rest at home to recover from your illness. This time Huaixi was pacified, and all the military power in the world will belong to the imperial court. Grandpa will stay at home and concentrate on making arrangements for your marriage."

Teng Yuyi's heart skipped a beat. She hated her father deeply because of her mother's death in vain. The words she had spoken to her father over the years were not as many as tonight. She thought her father would be miserable all his life, but tonight he took the initiative Say what you want to tell sick and go home.

Teng Shao turned around and walked to the shelf to take something out. There was deep fatigue between his brows, and the shadow of the lamp illuminated his white hair at the temples, and he looked old all of a sudden.

"Peng Sishun, the father of the rebellious leader Peng Zhen, was once a minister in the court. After Peng Sishun's death, there are still many old Peng family departments in the two provinces of Gyeonggi. This time many ministers in the court opposed the crusade against Huaixi Road. It has something to do with the fact that there are many members of the Peng family in Chang'an. It is a pity that the military situation is urgent, and it is too late to investigate the traitors one by one."

As Teng Shao said, he slowly uncovered the brocade covering the thing, and when the thing was completely exposed to the shadow of the lamp, Teng Yuyi felt a thorn in his heart.

It was a piano with glossy paint and mother-of-pearl inlaid on the head of the piano.

This is the dowry of my mother. My mother was born in the Wang family of Taiyuan.

Teng Shao lightly pressed his fingers on the strings: "Since your mother left, Grandpa has not heard anyone play the piano for a long time. Grandpa is a little tired tonight. How about playing a song for Grandpa?" ?”

Teng Yuyi said lightly: "I don't know how to play the piano."

Teng Shao smiled wryly: "I heard from Uncle Cheng that you have practiced the piano so hard these years, and there are many shadows of your mother in your skills. Your mother is a master. If you can practice to this level, you should be down." A lot of effort."

Teng Yuyi sneered in her heart, she didn't like this way, she just worried that there would be no traces of her mother in this world, and she would do everything possible to keep anything related to her mother.

This piano is the only exception.

This piano once fell into the hands of my father's cousin named Wu Yingying. If she was not young and refused to let go, it would be impossible to get it back.

After taking it back, she was disliked by Wu Yingying and never touched it again because she disliked it. Unexpectedly, her father kept it in the study.

Teng Shao plucked the strings by himself, and the lonely melody overflowed from his fingertips. He was not very skilled, but he could hear the famous Hu people's music "Su Muzhe".

The more Teng Yuyi heard it, the more ugly her face became. Not long before her mother passed away, she accidentally ran into Wu Yingying and her father having a private meeting in the study.

Wu Yingying presented this song as a farewell gift.

Teng Yuyi remembered that when she broke in, Wu Yingying's face was full of tears.

And her good father was silently standing in front of the case watching Wu Yingying play the piano.

The song was mournful, and the two of them seemed to be in a daze. After an unknown amount of time, Teng Shao turned his head and saw Teng Yuyi, with a hint of panic flashing across his face.

Teng Yuyi was only five years old at the time, but she could see that there was something wrong between the two of them. This Wu Yingying was his father's cousin. She was brought home by her father half a year ago. She married someone else, but there is still half a year before the date of marriage, and she needs to live at home for this half year.

My mother puts my father first in everything, so she promised her all the time, and immediately ordered someone to tidy up a quiet courtyard and place Wu Yingying well.

In the beginning, my mother often walked around with Wu Yingying. Wu Yingying was lively and clever, and made up many gadgets to coax the young Teng Yuyi.

Not long after, the mother began to alienate Wu Yingying for some reason, and sometimes Teng Yu wanted to play with Wu Yingying, but she would be stopped by her mother.

It was from then on that my mother began to suffer from illness.

Later, Teng Yuyi ran into that scene in the study. She didn't tell her mother about it, but her mother knew about it after all. She was already pregnant at the time, and she was so desperate that she couldn't keep the fetus, and her body completely collapsed.

Recalling this point, she suddenly raised her head, the sound of the piano kept ringing in her ears, and her father was immersed in the memories, she couldn't bear it anymore, walked quickly across the room, and suddenly pushed the door open.

Teng Shao held down the strings and shouted, "Ayu!"

Teng Yuyi stopped in her tracks and said sharply, "Grandpa always misses his mother, but he doesn't even know that Auntie never played Hu Qu when she was alive! Only one person has played this song "Su Mu Zhe". Who are you insulting by playing this song?"

Teng Shao seemed to be strangled by someone.

Teng Yuyi's eyes were red: "Grandfather, you don't need to use such a method to remind me, I will never touch this piano, and every time I hear this piece, I feel sick! I will never forget how Auntie died, That woman is living a good life in Nanzhao Kingdom now, but Auntie has become a pile of bones, and all this is thanks to grandpa!"

Teng Shao's face was livid, and he shouted: "Enough!"

Teng Yuyi's tears rolled in her eyes. On the night of her mother's death, the servants were busy preparing for the coffin. She didn't know what happened when she was young, so she climbed into the coffin by herself, opened her arms and said to her mother: "Aunt, Be good, Ah Yu, please get up and give me a hug."

But no matter how much she cried, A Niang refused to pay attention to her, she was at a loss, hugged A Niang in the coffin and cried.

From that day on, no one coaxed her to sleep every night, no one hugged her and sang nursery rhymes under the flowers. No one combed her hair with a smile, and no one taught her to write by hand.

After A Niang was buried, in the countless dark nights, there was silence around her, and only the puppet left by her mother accompanied her.

She thought of her mother's smiling eyes, and she couldn't suppress her hatred for her father.

Teng Shao stood up holding the table, but as soon as he took a step, his body shook.

"Grandpa is a rough man, he doesn't understand music theory, he doesn't understand confrontation, he never painted eyebrows for your mother, and he never picked flowers with your mother. At that time, Tubo and Nanzhao Kingdom invaded Jiannan Road, It was the time when the military situation was at its most critical, and every time Grandpa came back from an expedition, he would have to leave after not being with your mother for long, so Grandpa didn’t even know what tunes your mother liked to play.”

He lowered his head and stroked the body of the piano with his fingers, his eyes were very gentle: "But Grandpa knows that your mother caresses the piano and loves to compose poems. That's right, every time someone in Chang'an publishes a new poem, she remembers it by heart, and she can calculate those tricky calculations of the Imperial College faster than anyone else. There is nothing in this world that she can't learn. "

His lips trembled: "She has many hobbies, and Grandpa doesn't know much about them, but Grandpa still wants to say that when your mother was around, Grandpa was the happiest in his life. Grandpa is the happiest The thing is to marry your mother."

Teng Yuyi looked at Teng Shao with tears in his eyes: "If that's the case, why is there Wu Yingying?"

Teng Shao gritted his teeth: "My grandfather told you earlier that I was entrusted by someone to take care of Wu Yingying back then. I owe you a lot in my life, but I never betrayed your mother!"

Teng Yuyi stared at her father, feeling ironic and inexplicable, her father couldn't remember the piece that A Niang had played, but just casually played it, it was "Su Muzhe" played by Wu Yingying.

Perhaps my father didn't even know that he was attracted to Wu Yingying at a certain stage, and for the mother who loved her father deeply, it was undoubtedly more sad than death.

She said bitterly: "Grandpa dare to say that Wu Yingying has nothing to do with Auntie's illness! You brought her home, but did you ever think about luring wolves into the house? At that time, Auntie's life was dying, so you left the medical officer for Auntie Mother went to see a doctor, but I made a special trip to send that Wu Yingying to the ferry, do you know that it was you who drove A Niang to a dead end with your own hands!"

Teng Shao's gaze became extremely severe in an instant, he stared at Teng Yuyi for a while, then turned back dejectedly, with endless sadness and pain hidden in his eyes, he said in a hoarse voice:

"Ayu, your mother's death is like a thorn in Grandpa's heart. Since she left, Grandpa has lived in torment for a day. Grandpa thinks he owes you Mother and is willing to bear all this, but You are different, A Niang has been gone for so many years, you have so many things in your heart, when will you let go completely?"

Teng Yuyi was so disappointed that she choked up and said, "Okay, just return Aniang to me!"

She stepped over the threshold without turning her head. The flying snow in the sky swept over her head, and she was blinded for a moment. Her face was wet and cold. She couldn't tell whether it was tears or snow. hand stove and cloak, and went out through the snow.

***

When Teng Yuyi woke up the next day, Teng Shao was no longer in the residence.

Cheng Bo came over to deliver a message, saying that in the early dynasty, the sage appointed Teng Shao as the Generalissimo of the Army and Horses, and he would lead the army to crusade against Huaixi Road in a few days.

"Master should have gone to the barracks now, and he will leave Chang'an in two days at the latest."

Teng Yuyi had a copy of the "South China Classic" in front of the case, and said lightly: "Got it."

Cheng Bo said again: "The master told me before leaving that the lady must bring a blessing when she goes out. If she wants to go out of the city, she must notify the old slave in advance so that the old slave can make arrangements early."

Teng Yuyi paused. My grandfather said last night that this time the court’s counter-rebellion was going through a difficult process, which may have something to do with the fact that there are a large number of traitors lurking in the capital.

There have been examples of courtiers being ambushed when they went out for fun at night before. Are you worried that those thieves will attack the family members? If they dared to do so, it would be too blatant.

But this battle is very important. It will allow the counter-insurgency army to go out one day later, and the rebels in Huaixi will gain more points for their own side. Grandpa's worries are not completely unreasonable.

She turned her head and looked out of the window. It was clear after the snow, and the sky was light.

"Laba is coming soon, I'm going to the Du Mansion today to give my uncle some gifts, you should make preparations early."

Cheng Bo agreed, and made arrangements by himself. After a while, he turned back in a hurry, "Lady, there are people coming from the palace, and the queen has an order to arrive."

Teng Yuyi hurriedly changed her clothes and went to the middle hall, where there was indeed an **** waiting.

The **** said: "Recently, the weather has been severe and severe, and food transportation in Suiyang and other places has been blocked. The sage, who is superior to others, sent his envoys to Suiyang overnight to relieve the disaster and the poor. The miscellaneous family came today to invite Madam Teng to worship the Buddha at Dayin Temple according to the Queen's order. The Empress will leave the palace tomorrow, Madam Teng, please make preparations early."

Teng Yuyi leaned over and said, "Follow the order."

The **** cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Besides, Princess Changyi also asked the miscellaneous family to bring something to Mrs. Teng: 'Meilin dealt with you that day, and Azhi and I both found you interesting. , you have to come early too.'”

The **** has a high-pitched voice, and he repeats Princess Changyi's words with such a smile, his demeanor and tone are lifelike. Teng Yuyi lowered her head and listened, almost having the illusion that Princess Changyi was standing right in front of her.

Teng Yuyi smiled and said, "My daughter obeys the order."

After the **** left, Cheng Bo rushed to deliver a letter to Teng Shao. Teng Yuyi stayed in the mansion to pack his bags, and sent another person to deliver Jieli to Du's mansion.

Dayin Temple is located in Fuxingfang. It has been built for more than a hundred years. It has always been a royal Buddhist temple. up.

The next day Teng Yuyi went to Dayin Temple with Fengjia. In addition to the family members of several important officials in the court, the queen also invited the wives and daughters of several important officials from other places who advocated the suppression of rebellion and the reduction of feudal clans.

Teng Yuyi was placed in the Xuanpu Pavilion in the east wing, and the daughters of several princes and ministers shared a dormitory with her.

Because of the need to meditate and pay homage to the Buddha, servants from various prefectures were not allowed to enter the temple, so Duanfu was naturally stopped outside.

Teng Yuyi only brought Chunrong and Biluo, the calmest maidservants, into the temple. Fortunately, there was not much luggage and it was easy to pack.

The master and servant were busy tidying up, when someone said in the corridor outside: "There are many trees in the temple, and there must be a lot of birds. It is estimated that there are bird nests on any tree, so it doesn't take a lot of trouble. You specialize Send someone to help you find the bird's nest, and be careful not to disturb your aunt."

This voice is still childish, it is that Princess Changyi.

Azhi said: "But the tree is so tall and the snow is so heavy, how can we climb up it just by the two of us. Sister, you should think of a way, the weather is so cold, the birds might freeze soon Dead in the nest, we have to get them in the house sooner."

When the other ladies heard this, they came out of the room early: "I have seen Princess Changyi, and Princess Jingde."

Azhi said excitedly: "Would you like to come with us to find——"

Princess Changyi hurriedly covered her mouth, and nodded at those people: "We have something to do with Mrs. Teng, I don't know where she lives?"

Before the words were finished, the door inside opened, and Teng Yuyi came out with Chunrong and Biluo.

Azhi and Changyi's eyes lit up: "Hey, you finally showed up, we were looking for you."

Teng Yuyi smiled and saluted, "I don't know why the two Highnesses are looking for the minister's daughter?"

Changyi took Azhi's hand and stepped into the room: "Let's talk in the room."

The luggage in the room has just been half packed, and there are a lot of clothes on the bed and couch, but fortunately they are not cluttered, and they are not an eyesore.

Changyi and Azhi turned around in the room, looked back at Teng Yuyi and said, "You will not forget to answer our business, right?"

Teng Yuyi said: "If your Highnesses are talking about finding a magpie's nest, I'm afraid it won't work this time."

Azhi was a little anxious: "Why not?"

Teng Yuyi pointed out the window: "It's snowing again at noon, and the snow is so fierce outside that you can't even see the treetops clearly. If you run out at this time, not only will you not find the bird's nest, you may fall to your death , why not wait for the weather to clear up before looking.”

Changyi said: "But when the weather improves, those birds will freeze to death."

Teng Yuyi wondered: "Princess Changyi, who told you that birds would freeze to death?"

Changyi said: "Brother Ah said that."

Brother A naturally refers to Lin Chengyou.

Teng Yuyi asked: "What did His Royal Highness say?"

Azhi's round face turned red with anxiety, she kept falling and sighing: "Look, Sister, I'll just say they don't know."

Teng Yuyi said: "Hey? What's going on, I would like to hear the details."

Changyi said: "One time when Ah Zhi and I went to Zheng Pushe's house to play, when we passed a big tree, we saw Brother Ah looking for something in the tree. We thought he had lost something, but he said he I was looking for a bird’s nest. We asked him why he was looking for this thing. He said that it’s winter, and the birds will freeze to death if they stay in the nest. Snow, the weather is getting colder, and Azhi and I are starting to worry about the birds in the palace."

Teng Yuyi looked at the two of them speechlessly, this son Cheng Wang is really capable, a few random words made the two younger sisters believe it.

She smiled: "The birds will not freeze to death."

A Zhi shook her head and said, "I don't believe it, my brother never lied to me, A Yu, don't use words to deceive people just because you want to be lazy."

Teng Yuyi said: "How dare you lie to Your Highness, Your Highness? Just think about it, in order to keep out the cold, birds either fly south in autumn or build nests in advance. Generation after generation, they reproduce like this. If every winter passes Will freeze to death, wouldn’t the world’s birds have long been extinct?”

Changyi became suspicious: "That's right, Ah Zhi, no one specially moved birds into the house before, but as soon as spring begins, the birds will come out chirping."

Azhi thought for a while, and pouted her mouth high: "Damn it, why did you lie to us?"

Changyi thought for a while and said, "Since Brother Ah came to Dali Temple, he has been wandering around in the market every day. That day he obviously said he was drunk and wanted to leave, but he ran to the tree again. Ah, you think Brother Ah is Are you not investigating any case?"

She was excited and her eyes were as bright as morning stars.

Teng Yuyi coughed, the investigation found Zheng Pushe's home? To act like this is really too eye-catching. But if it wasn't for investigating the case, why would he use words to distract his two younger sisters.

A Zhi is still angry: "Anyway, the prince and elder brother will come to the temple later. When my elder brother comes, I must punish him to tell us more stories, or play with us."

Looking like a grown-up, Chang Yi sighed: "Big brother joined the army for a whole year the year before last, and when he came back, he told a lot of stories. He usually told us interesting things about catching and eliminating demons, but after he arrived at Dali Temple, what happened? He refuses to say anything, he is so busy recently, he may not be willing to talk to us."

Azhi's shoulders drooped: "Sister, we can't find bird nests now, let's play something."

Changyi asked Teng Yuyi to come up with an idea. When he turned around, he glanced at the bed and asked in surprise, "What is that?"

Teng Yuyi looked over, and the thing lay quietly next to a pile of her underwear, it was the puppet A Niang left her back then.

Azhi also felt strange, Teng Yuyi's clothes were all expensive and neat, but the puppet was pale and pale, as if it had been touched and washed repeatedly by people, it was so worn out.

The two walked over, and found that this puppet was different from the common dolls in the market. It was actually a woman holding a little girl. Judging from their demeanor, they should be a pair of mother and daughter.

Azhi asked curiously: "Ayu, you're already this old, but if you go out for a few days, don't you forget to bring your puppet?"

Chang Yi caressed the puppet's head: "This puppet is so old, why don't you get a new one?"

Teng Yuyi moved the doll away calmly, and said with a smile: "I have had it since I was a child, and it has been with me for many years and I can't bear to throw it away. I have a set of wooden dolls made by Yangzhou craftsmen. They are flexible and can be changed into clothes. Although it is not comparable to the things in the palace, it is also clumsy and cute, do you two want to see it?"

The two looked at each other: "Okay, take it out and have a look."

Teng Yuyi put the puppet away properly, and took out another set of dolls to play with them.

The three of them sat down, and Teng Yuyi put a dozen villains on them one by one, picked up a feather fan and raised his arm, pretending to say: "I will be Zhuge, you will be Cao Cao, put the boat on, and I will come." Borrow food."

Changyi grabbed a villain in green clothes: "I don't want to be a bearded hero, I want to be a beautiful woman Diao Chan! Ah Zhi, you can be Lu Bu."

Azhi shook his head and said, "I don't want to be Lu Bu, and I don't want to be Zhuge and Cao Cao. They are all boring. I want to be Gu Qu Zhoulang."

When I was having fun, someone outside suddenly asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

It was the voice of a young man, Ah Zhi and Chang Yi were stunned, and cheered: "Brother Ah is here!"

The two left the house in a hurry, and the servants hurriedly followed.

Teng Yuyi pushed open a crack in the window, and saw two men surrounded by servants in the court, the man on the left looked very familiar, it was the prince whom he had just met not long ago.

The other one was tall and handsome, it was strange that this person was only wearing the green robe of a seventh-rank official, but he was surrounded by a bunch of servants.

Azhi and Changyi ran towards the man: "Brother Prince! Brother A, did you just come from Dali Temple?"

Teng Yuyi was a little surprised, and almost didn't recognize that it was Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou touched the heads of Azhi and Changyi, and then asked the maid in front of him: "Are you dumb? What are you doing sneakily?"

The servant girl lowered her head and said: "If you come back to my son, the servant girl will come to General Teng's young lady in the name of my wife. I heard that Princess Changyi and Princess Jingde are in Lady Teng's house, and the servant girl dare not trespass. I had no choice but to linger here, accidentally disturbing the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness, and only begging His Highness to punish him lightly."

The prince is always gentle and quiet: "Who is your wife?"

"The daughter of Li Changmao, the governor of Suzhou. When my wife lived in Yangzhou, she had a good relationship with Mrs. Teng. When she learned that Mrs. Teng was in the neighboring courtyard, she asked her maid to bring some vegetables to Mrs. Teng."

This is true, the servant girl is indeed holding a silver flat lacquered tray in her hand.

Teng Yuyi frowned, she had never seen this person before.

However, Li Changmao's daughter has some impressions. Li Changmao was a lieutenant general under my grandfather in the early years. When he was still in Yangzhou, Li Changmao's wife brought her daughter to the mansion as a guest.

Miss Li's boudoir name is Li Huaigu, which means "Huaiyang Yonggu". She has played with Li Huaigu once or twice, but they are not close friends.

A cynical smile escaped from Lin Chengyou's mouth: "From Yangzhou?"

The servant girl's face was faintly rosy, but she answered calmly: "It's true that the native place is Yangzhou, but the lady has only lived in Yangzhou with the master for three years."

Azhi snorted heavily, and Lin Chengyou turned to look at her, with a teasing tone: "What are you laughing at?"

Azhi raised two fingers: "Two."

Lin Chengyou didn't ask what the "two" meant, but sneered, "Why don't you ask for my brother, what is her wife's nickname?"

When he spoke to Azhi, his voice was softer, less aggressive, and more gentle and patient.

The servant girl's face turned even redder.

A Zhi pouted: "My brother has already asked, so just tell me."

The maid said: "Master has not specially given the lady a nickname, because she is the third in the family, and she has been called Sanniang since she was a child."

Lin Chengyou snorted and ignored the maidservant: "The prince will look for you as soon as he arrives. I think you have gone, have you had enough fun? Go and greet your aunt first."

The crown prince looked at Changyi: "Brother brought Ada here for you, you always clamored for Ada to tell you a story, today I can let him tell you enough."

Changyi said angrily: "I'm still angry, big brother, why did you lie to us!"

Lin Chengyou said with a smile: "I'm wronged, when have I ever lied to someone?"

"You still said no, you lied to us badly about the bird's nest last time."

"What bird's nest? What's the matter?"

Azhi pouted: "Brother, you still want to deny it!"

The prince looked into the room, he seemed to hesitate, but Teng Yuyi's room was as quiet as before, and no one came out to show his face, so he could only say to the maid: "You don't need to kneel, get up."

The group was about to leave, the servant girl's legs felt numb after kneeling for a long time, when she got up she tilted her body, and something fell from her waist, it was round and shiny, and rolled straight to Azhi's feet.

The servant girl showed panic, she hurried over to pick it up, Changyi had ordered the servants to pick it up, it turned out to be a silver silk sachet.

"A-Gu." Changyi tilted his head to recognize the words on it.

Lin Chengyou paused and turned to look over.

"What is this?" A Zhi curiously moved to Chang Yi's side, "It's strange, why is there someone named A Gu?"

The servant girl hurriedly knelt down and said, "If you go back to Your Highness, this is the property of my third wife, because the lady's boudoir name has a word 'Gu' in it, and the word 'A Gu' is engraved on the small bag. .”

Azhi wanted to pass the ball to Lin Chengyou, but Lin Chengyou refused to take it: "Didn't you say that your wife's nickname is Sanniang? Why is she called Agu again?"

The maid hurriedly said: "Sanniang is the lady's nickname, and Huaigu is the lady's first name. When the lady was born, the master was ordering to protect the grain transportation of Huaiyang and Yangzhou. In order to have a good meaning, he named the lady. It's called Li Huaigu."

"Huaigu, Huaiyang Yonggu...Agu." Lin Chengyou looked strange, "Has your wife ever been to Chang'an when she was young?"

The maid bowed her head and said, "I have indeed been to Chang'an several times."

"You are also here in the eighth year of Longyuan?"

Teng Yuyi thought to himself, could it be that Li Huaigu is the girl who saved Lin Chengyou when she was a child?

The eighth year of Longyuan was the year when A Niang passed away. She and Grandpa carried the coffin back to Chang'an. The journey was tiring, and she cried endlessly because she missed her mother. She fell ill with a strange disease not long after she arrived.

According to my aunt, once she went into a convulsion due to high fever, and if she hadn't invited Feng Yu from the palace to administer acupuncture and prescribe medicine, she would almost have been unable to recover.

"This..." The servant girl shook her head, "The servant girl can't remember clearly, I have to ask my wife and madam about it."

Looking at the servant girl, Lin Chengyou saw that the prince was about to speak, when a servant at the gate of the courtyard came over and said, "His Royal Highness, His Royal Highness, the Empress invites you to come over."

Not long after they left, the empress ordered all the daughters to go to the Yunhui Hall to fast and copy scriptures.

From the queen down, everyone needs to copy ten volumes of scriptures, and for three days in the temple, no meat or fish will be eaten.

After the fast meal in the evening, Teng Yuyi came out holding the scriptures given by the queen, and there were servants everywhere. When he walked around the winding corridor, the surroundings suddenly became quiet.

Teng Yuyi knew that there were guards standing around the inside and outside of Dayin Temple, just like a pond in a golden city. However, the temple was gloomy, which inevitably made people feel uncomfortable. She walked quickly through the corridor, and suddenly a person came around the corner.

The scroll in Teng Yuyi's hand almost fell to the ground, the man gave him a hand, and then let go of his hand: "Miss Teng."

Teng Yuyi stabilized her mind, bowed her knees and saluted: "His Royal Highness."

The prince said calmly: "General Teng asked me to bring you a few words. I guess you will pass by here, so I made a special trip to wait here for a while. I forgot to tell you in advance. Didn't I scare you?"

Teng Yuyi said: "I didn't scare you when I returned to Your Highness, I just don't know what Grandpa said."

But thinking in his heart, how could Grandpa ask the prince to take the initiative to speak?

The crown prince said: "General Teng is currently rectifying military affairs in the West Camp. When I went, he was looking for someone to return to the city to deliver a letter to you, but the military situation is urgent, and all parties are waiting for him to give orders. Open Kong, just say that I will come to Dayin Temple today, and you can convey it on your behalf.

"Your grandpa asked me to tell you that he will not leave the capital for the next two days, but by the time you leave the temple, he will probably have already left. Recently, the rebels have frequently made trouble, and another messenger was attacked this morning. , you have to be careful when you come and go when he is not in Chang'an for the past few months."

Teng Yuyi quietly listened to these words, and nodded: "I will keep it in mind. Thank you, His Royal Highness, for passing on the message."

The prince smiled: "When I went west with the army, General Teng saved my life. I have been fighting for more than half a year. Thanks to his word of mouth, I have selfishly recognized General Teng as the grand master. A student's duty. The words have been brought, and Madam Teng can go back to her dorm."

These words were modest and open, which not only explained the reason, but also dispelled the doubts in Teng Yuyi's heart. Teng Yuyi said: "Your Majesty, I am very grateful to you. If there is nothing else, I will leave first."

The crown prince nodded, took the lead, took a few steps, and then turned around: "You have a document in your hand, so it is convenient for you to enter the palace. Me."

Teng Yuyi was silent for a while, and was about to make an excuse to refuse, when a long and narrow lamp shadow appeared on the wall, and someone came over from the other end.

Teng Yuyi and the prince stood at a quiet corner, without even a servant around them, if they bumped into each other head-on, people would mistakenly think that they were having a private meeting.

Teng Yuyi didn't want to get involved with the prince. She looked around, thinking about getting out as soon as possible, but there were corridors on both sides, and there was nowhere to hide unless she jumped off the railing.

Seeing that the shadow of the lamp was getting closer and closer, the prince signaled Teng Yuyi to keep quiet, and pushed her into the room behind him, but he didn't go in, but closed the door for Teng Yuyi from the outside.

Teng Yuyi's heart skipped a beat. This is not a good idea, but it is the only way to not show any traces at all.

As the footsteps got closer, the sound became louder.

"Auntie heard that she found the A Gu from back then, and she even prepared a reward, but she was a fake again. Brother, how do you know that Li Huai has inherent problems?"

Lin Chengyou said: "I went to Dongshi to investigate the case, and I found out just by asking about it. Two days ago, someone went to Dongshi to cast a batch of small things, from combs to incense balls, everything was required to be engraved." The word "Gu" was used, but the mold that was taken at the beginning was engraved with the word "Sanniang". It can be seen that this person's nickname was originally Sanniang, and the engraving of "Agu" was suddenly changed for today's release. "

Azhi said in a daze, "Ah, this Li Huaigu is too bad, but brother and aunt have already punished her, why do you insist on forcing her to change her name?"

Lin Chengyou said: "Does she deserve to be called Agu Agu? I'm in a bad mood today. This person surnamed Li bumped into me. My aunt worshiped Buddha and fasted. I also did some good deeds, so I kindly changed her to Li Huaisan." , wouldn’t this name be just right for someone like her? If she’s dissatisfied, it’s okay to call her a cat or a dog, anyway, don’t let me hear her calling herself Agu.”

Azhi smiled for a while, and then asked: "Brother, how do you know that they are not the same Agu?"

Lin Chengyou said: "You just said you were looking for a bird's nest, brother took you to fly around the tree?"

Azhi cheered: "Okay!"

Then he said: "Not good, not good."

Lin Chengyou seems to be holding back a smile: "Why not?"

Azhi said angrily: "I understand, I understand! Every time I want to ask something, if my brother doesn't want to answer me, he will definitely interrupt me on purpose."

Lin Chengyou said in a low voice: "Azhi, listen, are there birds singing up there?"

"Brother, you are here again." A Zhi stomped her feet, "Brother, just tell me! This time taught me, next time you don't need to expose them yourself."

"What's in your little head? How can there be so many inquisitive things in this world? You just said that there is nothing delicious in the temple. Now that there is no one, I will go outside and buy you some snacks." , do you like the jade pointed noodles from last time?"

Azhi is angry: "No, no, I won't eat anything!"

"Okay, that brother is gone."

Azhi said anxiously: "Brother!"

The crown prince confronted him bravely: "Azhi, don't you know your brother's temperament? If he refuses to tell, no one will ask."

Azhi asked in surprise, "Why is brother Prince here?"

The prince coughed: "I just came out of the abbot's office and was about to return to the palace."

Azhi said: "Brother Prince, you are so smart, can you figure out what's going on?"

The prince was absent-minded: "It's been so many years, what can your brother recognize at a glance? Hairpin ring? Wrist bracelet?"

Azhi said: "No, no, I think it must be something interesting, and only Agu has it."

The prince laughed: "Listen, Ada, the tone of Azhi's speech is more and more similar to yours."

Lin Chengyou said with a smile; "I don't dare to compare, I dare not compare, she is much more difficult than me."

"Azhi, this place is too windy, if you want to know anything, go to the side and ask."

Azhi said: "If Brother refuses to tell me, I'll just stay here and think about it all night."

Lin Chengyou smiled and said: "Okay, I'll go back to the Yamen right away, you stay here and think about it!"

A Zhi burst into tears, Lin Chengyou paused, as if hugging his sister: "I'm afraid of you, don't cry, cry again, brother really left."

The prince hurriedly made a rescue: "I will torture your brother for you, don't stay here, be careful of catching a cold."

I heard Ah Zhi say: "Auntie said it was related to some puppet, but the puppet looks the same, how can I recognize people by this. Brother, please tell me quickly, okay?"

Lin Chengyou said: "Look how ugly you are crying, go back to your bedroom first, and I will tell you."

Azhi was overjoyed: "I saw a strange puppet today. That person also lived in Yangzhou, but her name is not Agu."

Lin Chengyou let out a long sigh: "That person knew that you were my direct sister, and happened to let you see the puppet. He also knew what Agu was not Agu, and he took the initiative to say that he didn't call him by that name. This kind of way I don't know." I've seen it a lot, and my head has been getting a little bigger recently."

Teng Yuyi listened furiously behind the door, what does this have to do with her?

The prince patiently said to Ah Zhi: "I don't blame your brother for being upset. Recently, there have been changes in court officials. Many officials from other places have come to the capital to report on their duties. Grandpa and Auntie love your brother. This is something that all court officials know. If you let Grandpa knows that the daughter of a certain official saved your brother, so he will definitely look favorably on that person. In this way, during the election period, he will be more dependent, so recently many people call themselves A Gu, and entrust courtiers to send word In the palace..."

Their voices are getting quieter.

Teng Yuyi waited in the room for a while, and did not come out until the silence outside returned.

Out of the Xuanpu Pavilion, Chunrong and Biluo were still waiting outside, their noses were red, obviously they were very cold, the master and servant went back to the bedroom to rest, they had nothing to say that night.

In the next two days, Teng Yuyi followed the queen to pay respects to the Buddha every day. Everything was the same as before, except that Changyi and Azhi statues were strictly controlled and stopped wandering around.

After three days like this, it was time to leave the temple on the fourth day. At dawn, Teng Yuyi was still sleeping soundly, when suddenly someone pushed her in her dream.

She opened her eyes in a daze, and met the frightened faces of Chunrong and Biluo.

"My lady, wake up!"

Teng Yuyi's drowsiness disappeared. These two servant girls have been with her for many years, and they have always been calm and calm. They lost their composure. I don't know what happened. She suddenly got up: "What's wrong?"

The two broke down in tears: "Master, something happened."

Teng Yuyi was stunned.

Biluo was terrified: "When the master went to court today, he was ambushed by a group of rebels at Jiafu Gate. Cheng Bo came to deliver the letter just now, and even the queen was alarmed."

Teng Yuyi's heart was beating fast, and she was helped up in a daze, only to find that her hands and feet were as numb as wood.

She pushed the two away, bowed her head and slapped her shoes at random: "I probably got it wrong, I want to ask Uncle Cheng face to face. No, Grandpa is still in Xiying, so I will go directly to Xiying to find Grandpa."

Chunrong and Biluo tremblingly helped Teng Yuyi get dressed. The three master and servant packed up and went out, the sky was getting dark, the snowflakes were fluttering, and there was a sense of mist and emptiness between the heaven and the earth.

Teng Yuyi took a breath of cold air before realizing that she forgot to wear a cloak, but she couldn't care less, and ran to the gate of the courtyard in a hurry, and bumped into a group of people head-on.

The person in the tin hairpin gown at the front is the queen, and the servants behind her are silently following her, showing a vague sense of uneasiness.

When the queen saw Teng Yuyi, she hurried over to greet her: "Miss Teng."

A strong ominous feeling emerged from Teng Yuyi's back, and he barely maintained his courtesy: "I have seen the queen..."

The queen took Teng Yuyi's arm: "No, get up quickly."

The queen's hand was colder than Teng Yuyi's, and she said in a deep voice: "The calf cart is ready, your grandpa is leading the guard on the left, the saint has sent all the imperial guards in the palace, and is doing his best to treat the child. Don't be afraid, your grandpa will serve the country with all his heart, and he will turn danger into fortune."

Teng Yuyi tremblingly said: "What happened to my grandfather?"

The queen was silent, took off the snow-white fox fur and tied it to Teng Yuyi: "The gang of thieves failed to assassinate a few officials last time, so they targeted General Teng. It should be a long-planned plan. General Teng's skill..."

The queen has seen strong winds and waves, and her attitude and tone are far less calm than usual. It can be seen that the assassination of the courtiers almost shocked the entire government and the public.

Teng Yuyi couldn't stop trembling, and walked out with a hanging heart, the queen was full of worry and anger, and sent Teng Yuyi out of the inner garden in person before stopping.

Cheng Bo was covered in blood, and he knelt down when he saw Teng Yuyi come out. When he knelt down, many guards of the Teng Mansion, including Duan Fu, all knelt down.

"The villain deserves to die. By the time the villain arrives, the master has already been seriously injured." Cheng Bo burst into tears.

Teng Yuyi numbly stepped forward to help: "On the way, tell me what happened today."

Teng Yuyi got into the calf cart, and Cheng Bo and others rode their horses to follow: "The military situation in the front is urgent these few days, and Chang'an is not peaceful. When the master came in and out, he specially added a team of personal guards, and finished the military affairs in the West Camp. Tomorrow is going to go to war. In the morning, the master and his guards passed by Jiafu Gate, and suddenly there was a thick fog around him. The fog was so evil that he felt dizzy after smelling it for a long time. At that time, the master said in the fog: Beware of ambushes. Just after saying this , a bunch of assassins came out from all directions.

"When Marquis Wu, who was patrolling the streets, heard the news and arrived, most of the guards were killed on the spot, only one survived by luck, and after being rescued, he was left with only one breath. Before he died, he said that some of the assassins knew sorcery , clearly heard the sound of swords and swords in the fog, but there was nowhere to hide. The master was very powerful and killed most of the assassins, but he was still seriously injured in the end. Now the wounds on the chest and abdomen are bleeding continuously. Feng Yu is thinking There is a way to stop the bleeding.”

Teng Yuyi clenched the handrail tightly and was still being treated, which proves that there is hope. Grandpa is physically strong, and the situation should not be as bad as I thought.

She rushed to the left leading army guard with a glimmer of hope. Some soldiers said that General Teng was placed in the middle hall.

When we arrived at the central hall, it was crowded with people, and the officials either sighed and shook their heads, or paced anxiously.

I don't know who said: "General Teng's daughter is here."

Many eyes swept towards Teng Yuyi, and Teng Yuyi walked over, and the officials automatically separated to the two sides.

Teng Yuyi saw her father's boots first, and then the dark ocher robe.

However, when she got closer, she realized that her father was wearing a royal blue shirt. At first glance, she mistakenly thought it was a dark ochre, because her father's entire chest, abdomen and calves were completely stained with blood.

Teng Yuyi's legs went limp, and several people ran up from behind, trying to help her up.

She staggered over, and suddenly saw her father's face, which was so pale that she had never seen before, whiter than paper, but her eyebrows and eyes were abnormally black, as black as ink, if it weren't for the abnormal His face was like a painting.

She moved forward and carefully held her father's cold hand.

Teng Shao opened his eyes and was out of breath.

Teng Yuyi whispered: "Grandpa."

The soldiers began to cry softly.

Teng Yuyi looked at both sides blankly: "What is the meaning of this? Why didn't you give my grandfather medicine?"

Several old men seemed to be Fengyu in the palace, with faint tears in their eyes, they cupped their hands and said: "General Teng died of serious injuries, we are incompetent, and we cannot recover."

Cheng Bo burst into tears, his shoulders lowered, and he kowtowed desperately.

Duan Fu and the others opened their mouths and knelt down without saying a word.

Young soldiers cried: "This gang of thieves! If you openly frame such a loyal minister and good general, you will die a hundred times! From today onwards, I will hunt down the murderers day and night, and when I catch the thieves, I will have their heads cut off." .”

"General Teng has led the army for decades, and he has broken countless thieves and captives. If you know how to use people well, who will not be convinced! Now that General Teng has been murdered by a traitor, how can we live in peace? If you don't avenge this, you will not be a human being!" "

"If you don't take revenge, you will not be a human being!"

Teng Yuyi shook his father lightly, but his father didn't respond, his despair reached the extreme, and instead he became stunned.

I can still see what my father said that night, but in just a few days, my father turned into such a cold body.

She whispered: "Grandpa, I'm here."

"Get up, get up and look at your daughter."

Seeing that something was wrong with Teng Yuyi, the people next to her tearfully wanted to pull her away. Teng Yuyi stood motionless, and the father and daughter were equally stubborn.

The leading guards kept crying, some people went to the palace to report the funeral, some people wanted to move Teng Shao into the coffin.

"General Teng can't close his eyes."

The man wept and said: "This is an unfulfilled ambition! General Teng, you can leave at ease. You have conquered thousands of miles in your life and made countless contributions. Now that you die for your country, you will definitely be famous. "

Outside reports: "Someone is coming from the palace."

The eunuchs: "The sage suddenly heard the news of General Teng's death, and wept bitterly in the court hall. He delivered a decree: General Teng was not afraid of the strong, and died loyally. He lived and died in mourning, and the whole country mourned. He was bestowed on the Duke of Jin and presented Taifu, set up a stele to biography, and use it in the annals of history. General Teng’s daughter, Jing Renxiao, suddenly lost her father, and I feel very sorry for her. I made her the master of Zhen’an County, and enjoyed three thousand households in the town. This is my honor.”

After the **** announced the imperial decree, he looked at Teng Shao's remains and couldn't bear to say: "General Teng, the saint, to comfort the loyal soul, vowed to wipe out the gang of thieves lurking in the capital, let alone the crusade against Huaixi." If you are hindered, when the time comes, the world will return, and the name of General Lie Teng will definitely be listed in the reward book. It is so mournful that General Teng should die."

The soldiers gently put their palms on Teng Shao's face and moved them away, but Teng Shao still had his eyes open.

"This, this is what to do."

"General Teng clearly has some unfulfilled wish."

Cheng Bo looked at Teng Yuyi, understood in his heart, and cried: "Master sees my wife is lonely, so I don't want to leave. My master, this old slave will do my best to protect my wife, so you can leave without worry."

Duan Fu has never said a word since the incident happened. At this time, he swiped the knife in his palm, his hands were dripping with blood, and he held the knife high: "My lord, Duan Fu is here, my lady is safe!"

All the guards of the Teng Mansion swear by blood alliance: "The last general is here, my lady is safe!"

Teng Yuyi gently caressed her father's face, her eyes were still open, as if waiting for an answer.

There was a sound in her throat, and tears flowed down slowly: "Grandfather."

Teng Shao looked at the beam quietly.

Teng Yuyi's tears fell on her father's cheeks: "Grandfather, I know you can hear me, I will listen to you, and I will take good care of myself. Although I am alone in the future, I will live a good life Yes, Grandpa, you can go at ease."

Unable to cry, she tremblingly stroked those eyes, and this time, they finally closed them.

Crying bitterly, Teng Yuyi leaned on her father's body, her cheek touched the hard and cold bloodstain that had already dried up, her grief was infinitely magnified, and it weighed heavily on her heart. The father and daughter have been at odds for too many years, and there are still many things that I haven't had time to say to my grandfather , just left like this, how willing and willing she was to be.

She was afraid that Grandpa's family would not leave, so she didn't dare to cry too loudly. But the grief and despair were like a rock, weighing her down so hard that she couldn't breathe.

Someone helped Teng Yuyi up, but the memory behind her was blurred. She was like a walking dead, numbly holding a spirit in mourning every day.

Teng Shao's funeral is carried out by a first-rank lord, and a separate ancestral temple is opened instead of a god.

The new ancestral temple was located in the south of the city, and there was an endless stream of officials and common people who came to express their condolences.

The prince stood quietly in front of her for a long time, and finally took off the jade pendant and handed it to Uncle Cheng: "The heroic soul is hard to find, and the orphan is pitiful. If Mrs. Hou Teng encounters any troublesome things, there is no need to worry about it, and she will send someone to find me immediately."

Cheng Bo agreed with tears in his eyes.

After Teng Shao was buried, all the soldiers escorted Teng Yuyi back to Teng Mansion.

Because he was worried that the rebels would come to trouble Teng Yuyi, the sage pointed out a team of personal guards to guard outside Teng's residence.

The weather is getting colder and colder, the battle in Huaixi is fierce, and the Xiying is in urgent need of troops. Not long after, all the traitors lurking in the capital were arrested, and the saint ordered them to be killed.

The generals and soldiers bound a hundred rebels to the south of the city, and beheaded them in front of Teng Shao's tablet.

When the rebels were eliminated, the world was cleared up, and the people of Chang'an were all happy. The guards outside the Teng Mansion finally evacuated in peace.

That night, Teng Yuyi was arranging his father's belongings in the study, and Cheng Bo replied outside: "Jingde Princess sent someone to deliver a post, inviting you to Chengwang's mansion tomorrow."

Teng Yuyi was silent for a moment, and realized that it was A Zhi. After his father had been away for a month, he heard the name of Princess Jingde again.

"Said I was unwell, and pushed for me."

Cheng Bo sighed and said: "Jingde County Master seems to have something urgent, saying that if the lady does not go, she will come to the mansion. Lady, forgive me for having too many slaves. After the master leaves, you will stay behind closed doors all day long. I haven't used it well, I've been bored for a long time, and I can't hold it anymore, since Princess Jingde invites you, my wife might as well go out and walk around, just to relax."

Teng Yuyi put his father's letter into the drawer: "Although my grandfather has been buried, there are still many chores to be done. What's more, during my filial piety, silk and bamboo entertainment should have been forbidden. Go back to the princess for me. I'm not suitable for it in the near future. Going out, if the princess has something urgent, invite her to come to the mansion."

Cheng Bo agreed, and turned around after a while: "The servant said he knew, and the princess was very happy, because 'she found that person for her brother', and she will come with another person tomorrow, saying that she has something to do Ask the lady for verification."

Teng Yuyi frowned, what is the meaning? A nonsensical sentence.

"The princess can tell who the other person is?"

"The waiter didn't say anything."

Teng Yuyi said; "Let's know about it tomorrow, let's prepare refreshments in advance."

Cheng Bo promised, and said again: "Lady, the ceremony prepared for the master's old Xiying department has been delivered. General Bai and others are very grateful. They said that Lady Duomeng took care of her family and returned triumphantly someday. She will definitely come to thank you .”

Teng Yuyi put the books on the table back on the bookshelf: "These soldiers have been with my father for many years, and they are not too young. The high-ranking soldiers are nothing but the low-ranking soldiers. The salaries are meager. They will not worry about themselves when they go to war. I only worry about the relatives who stay in Chang'an, and send some winter clothes and food to the families of these soldiers, so that they can go away with more peace of mind."

Cheng Bo burst into tears: "If the master knows that the lady understands righteousness so well, I don't know how happy he will be."

Teng Yuyi turned her head to look at him: "Those Xiying personal guards are gone tonight, and those scumbags and remnants who heard the news might come to disturb things, how are the defenses inside and outside the mansion?"

Cheng Bodao: "There are three classes inside and outside, a total of sixty people, all of whom are brave men. They change one class at Zishi and another at Yinshi. Duanfu and the old slave guard outside the inner garden. Slack."

Teng Yuyi nodded: "Cheng Bo, you are also tired these days, you have nothing to do now, you go and rest first."

"The old slave is going to arrange the rituals to be sent to the various prefectures tomorrow. The lady has something to call the old slave."

Speaking to cover the door for Teng Yuyi, she bowed her head and retreated.

Teng Yuyi tidied up the letters one by one, and looked back at the bookshelf, her father didn't like writing and ink, and most of the books on the shelf were military books.

She reclassified the clutter, stood in the middle of the room and looked around. In such a big study room, apart from the bookshelves full of the Six Secrets and Three Strategies, the only thing that can be called a pastime is the one left by A Niang. That piano is gone.

The body of the piano was covered with brocade again, and it lay quietly in the middle of the Duobao Pavilion.

Teng Yuyi stared at the piano, but finally couldn't hold back, and stepped forward to take it down.

The lacquer and glaze on the body of the piano are as good as new, and the strings are as flexible as ever. It can be seen that although my father kept it in the study, he seldom took it down to play with.

Teng Yuyi gently plucked the strings with her fingers, and a calm tone poured out from her fingertips. She listened to the music, her brows gradually furrowed, but she still felt the shock, so she put the piano back to its original place, and accidentally touched it with her right hand. To the side of the piano body, there was a slight clicking sound.

Teng Yuyi was stunned, could it be that the wooden planks on this shelf are not even? Comparing the left and right, the body of the piano is indeed high on the right and low on the left, and when you touch the shelf, there is actually a slight sliding feeling.

She turned around and put the piano on the table, and groped carefully on the shelf, and she found a wooden board that could float left and right. Pry it bit by bit along the wood seam.

Soon she pried it open, and there was indeed a small shallow layer underneath, and when something was pulled out, it turned out to be a stack of letters.

Teng Yuyi's heart skipped a beat. Where did the letter come from? It was hidden in such a hidden place by his father.

Moving to the lamp, she took advantage of the light to read carefully, and the letter was already a little yellowed, obviously it was old.

At the bottom of the first letter, there is a line of words written.

"Wu knocked on".

Teng Yuyi's eyes were on fire, could it be Wu Yingying?

But this line of characters is strong and rigid, not like a woman's handwriting, let alone if it is Wu Yingying, why does she call herself Wu?

She hastily opened the letter, and on it was written: "Farewell from Nanzhao Kingdom..."

It was late at night, and the study was extremely quiet. She barely read a line, when suddenly there was a scream from outside.

Teng Yuyi frowned, put the letter back where it was, walked quickly to the door, and leaned against the door, calling in a low voice: "Cheng Bo?"

No answer.

Teng Yuyi was astonished to the extreme, tied the fox fur around her neck, and opened the door carefully.

The wind and snow have stopped tonight, the world is lonely and cold, the moon hangs alone in the sky, and the dim moonlight shines into the courtyard.

Teng Yuyi stood on the porch and listened intently, she could faintly hear the sound of a sword colliding with a piece of armor, she panicked, it seems that there are really thieves coming to harass, where is Duanfu?

She whispered: "Duanfu."

Still no response. Teng Yuyi was inexplicably flustered. Duanfu never stayed too far away from her. If she was in the study, he would always stay outside the court.

There was no one around in the courtyard, she quickly walked out along the veranda, no matter what happened outside, it was the best policy to return to the inner courtyard as soon as possible.

She ran out of the garden gate, and suddenly a dozen figures appeared on the ground in front of her without a sound.

Each of them held a knife in their hand, and the blade was as dazzling as snow waves under the moonlight. They all waved their arms and chased after them down the beam.

Teng Yuyi ran away, screaming as she ran, "Duanfu! Cheng Bo!"

When swords and swords clashed, there was clanging in the night sky, and Cheng Bo's voice came from afar: "My lady! Go back to the inner garden!"

Teng Yuyi's scalp tingled, it turned out that Cheng Bo had been outside the study all along, why didn't he see him when he came out.

She followed the sound and looked back, just in time to see Cheng Bo fall from the wall.

His limbs looked a little distorted, and his movements were far less vigorous than usual. In just a few words, it was as if he was being choked by someone's throat.

Teng Yuyi ran a few steps and felt that something was wrong, then turned her head suddenly, a shudder suddenly felt on her back, the group of masked men disappeared out of thin air, Cheng Bo led a dozen guards, facing the empty courtyard Fight hard.

"Cheng Bo! There is no one in front of you!" Teng Yuyi reminded them fearfully while running wildly.

Cheng Bo staggered a few steps, before he could turn around, those strange people suddenly rushed out from the diagonal stab again, Cheng Bo didn't even have time to change his moves, he was stabbed in the right rib.

Gritting his teeth, he held a sword flower in his hand, reluctantly stabbing the strange man in front of him, and when he pulled out the sword, a large thin mist of blood splashed out.

"Go!"

Teng Yuyi's eyes became hot, and she ran forward desperately. What is the origin of this group of people, and why would they perform such a sorcery!

Cheng Bo was still fighting desperately behind the back, and there was the sound of fist-to-body punching in front, accompanied by a beast-like roar, suddenly two masked men were thrown far away from the corner to Teng Yuyi's feet.

Duan Fu was covered in blood, and ran towards Teng Yuyi: "My lady!"

Teng Yuyi kicked away the masked man under his feet: "These people came prepared, Cheng Bo was seriously injured, did someone go out to deliver the letter? If they can't be killed for a while, no one in the mansion will even think about leaving." !”

"Cheng Bo let the two people out just now, and he should bring people here soon." While speaking, a group of masked men chased after him, and Duan Fu put Teng Yuyi under his arm without saying a word, and quickly flee outside.

"They know different skills. Most of the guards inside and outside the mansion were attacked, and they seem to be very familiar with the people around the lady. In order to lure the old slave away, I specially found a woman who is similar to your figure to lure the old slave out. The old slave was almost fooled."

No wonder I didn't see Duan Fu and Cheng Bo when I came out, Teng Yuyi seemed to come out of his throat: "You killed those few, but you can ask who ordered them, why did you put me to death?"

Duan Fu seems to be holding back his cough, blood dripping down his lips: "I can't ask, but I should be looking for something, and I aim at the master's study when I come here.

Every time he said a word, his breath became weaker, and Teng Yuyi's heart sank quickly: "Duanfu, where are you hurt?"

Duan Fu's white temples are full of sweat: "The old slave is fine."

Teng Yuyi bit her lips tightly. Her father once said that Duanfu had extraordinary internal strength, and there are very few martial arts masters in the world. But even Duanfu was seriously injured. It can be seen that these people have already planned how to deal with Duanfu in advance. .

Duan Fu jumped up and down a few times, and quickly climbed over the inner garden wall, as long as he passed through the pond in front of the garden, he could escape from the mansion.

The pond has frozen over, and the ice surface is full of light and shadow, reflecting a silver moon in the night sky. A weeping willow in front of the pond is swaying on the ice.

Duanfu was injured, and his movements were not as light as usual. He climbed up the willow tree with Teng Yuyi on his back, and was about to jump up the outer wall, when a person quietly appeared in the night, wearing a dark cloak , standing silently on the outer wall.

Duanfu was taken aback and almost fell to the ground.

Teng Yuyi looked at the man, feeling a strong uneasiness in his heart. This man was covered from head to toe, standing in the moonlight, feeling lonely.

This person's internal strength is obviously extremely high, Lian Duanfu didn't notice it beforehand.

Duan Fu turned his palm into a fist, and lightly struck the man's chest. Teng Yuyi knew that this was a common move of Duan Fu.

Duanfu has been used many times, but he has never missed.

The man remained motionless against the wind of the fist, but a hand protruded from the cloak, with slender fingers, and something popped out with lightning speed.

Silver light flashed under the moonlight, and a ray of light flew towards him.

Duanfu swept back with Teng Yuyi, but the hidden weapon seemed to have cast some sorcery, like the wind, it was divided into two out of thin air, Duanfu only narrowly avoided one of them, and the other could not dodge , All of a sudden buried in his right neck.

The man succeeded in one blow, raised his hand and pulled lightly, Duan Fu snorted heavily, and his head was pulled to the right.

Teng Yuyi couldn't help screaming, it turned out that the man held a silver thread, which had been buried in the flesh and blood of Duanfu's neck, as long as he exerted force, Duanfu's blood vessels would burst and die on the spot.

She rushed up with blood all over her body: "Who the **** are you! If you let go of my subordinates, I can give you something!"

The man stood tall on the courtyard wall, seemingly smiling silently.

Teng Yuyi's teeth chattered uncontrollably: "I know what you want. I found it when I was in charge of my father's funeral. I'm hiding this thing in a village in the south of the city. If you want it, just let me go." And my men, I will take you to find it right away. But if you dare to hurt one of my men again, you will never find that thing."

The man raised his hand slowly, and Teng Yuyi's heart became cold in an instant. This man didn't come here to find anything at all, he was clearly here to ask for his life.

The man gathers the silver thread, it seems that he intends to deal with Duanfu first, and then she will be dealt with.

Teng Yuyi has never been so desperate, the surroundings are terribly silent, Cheng Bo and others don't know if they are still alive, even if they are still alive, they may not be able to protect themselves.

It was too late to say it, Duan Fu let out a low growl, and forcibly brought the thread to the right side, the sound of blood and flesh being torn in his ear exploded, Teng Yuyi's face became hot, and a large amount of hot blood spattered her face.

Her mind went blank, and the man seemed secretly taken aback.

The blood on Duan Fu's neck was still spraying, and his face was instantly submerged in blood.

He could no longer make a sound, and took Teng Yuyi to climb up the wall with his last breath. The street was not far outside, even if there was an enchantment outside the mansion, he would always meet Marquis Wu who was patrolling the street when he ran out.

Teng Yuyi fell on Duanfu's generous back, tears streaming down his face, this old slave obviously couldn't survive, after ten years with her, he ended up like this.

There is no other way for him to do that, that strange man is possessed of sorcery, and his ferocity is different from that of ordinary people. If he does not do this, both of them will die under the hands of the strange man.

The man quickly came back to his senses, walked slowly towards this side, raised his finger, and aimed at the other side of Duanfu's neck this time.

"Lady, let's go..." Duan Fu spit out a few words indistinctly, and threw Teng Yuyi onto the wall, with the last bit of strength, he threw himself into the man's calf.

Teng Yuyi looked at Duanfu for the last time in grief and indignation, and jumped down the wall with tears in his eyes, but before she fell to the ground, a strong force came from behind, and the man dragged her back again.

Teng Yuyi stretched out her hand and tried to drag that person down together, but this person strangled Duanfu while throwing her lightly into the ice pond with the other hand.

She grabbed her hands and said sadly, "Who the **** are you?!"

With a plop, Teng Yuyi fell into the pond, and the bone-chilling water choked into her lung ducts, making her tremble all over, her heart seemed to be tightly pinched and frozen in her cavity.

Every time she tried to grab something, she would lose her center of gravity and slide back to the center of the lake. The snow-white fox fur on her body was supposed to keep warm, but it became a burden in the water.

She struggled desperately, the two people sent by Cheng Bo should have delivered the letter, maybe someone will come soon, as long as she holds on for a while, there is hope of being rescued. She promised Grandpa that she would live a good life.

She was ups and downs in the water, trying to maintain her sanity, her body was getting colder and colder, her strength seemed to be drained, and her struggle gradually slowed down, the fox fur seemed to be full of water, like a huge white wing, supporting her to float in the water in the water.

The icy water is so cold, Teng Yuyi's consciousness became blurred, and she was back in a trance when she was a child, she was lying in A Niang's arms.

She grabbed it happily, but there was still boundless ice water in her palm. Where is that puppet? Not even with it.

She felt very lonely, and really wanted to fall into a deep sleep, it was so cold, every pore was emitting cold air, her heart seemed to be tired, and the sound of blood flowing in her ears was getting slower and slower.

Suddenly there was a strange sound, like someone fighting on the courtyard wall, the person who came seemed to be very capable, not only was he not plotted against, but he actually knew how to decipher that strange person's sorcery.

Teng Yuyi had a faint hope in his heart. In order to attract the man's idea, he tried his best to raise his arm, but only pulled it once. The fox fur seemed to be entangled with the water plants in the pond, dragging her down. .

Ice water choked into the trachea again, and her heart began to convulse. This time she really had no strength, and she gasped weakly.

Someone ran towards the pond and jumped into the water. Judging from his vigorous movements, he was vaguely a young man.

He should be a warm-hearted and kind person, and he would not hesitate to jump out of such cold ice water. The young man swam very fast and was about to catch her.

The sky was fluttering, and it started to snow again. Teng Yuyi's eyes were getting darker and darker. Thinking of the scene when her parents held her in the Nuan Pavilion to watch the snow, sad emotions spread in her chest. How many years have she had? I haven't seen snow with my parents for many years.

She choked up silently, and huge teardrops condensed in the corners of her eyes.

The surrounding water was surging, and the boy was getting closer and closer to her. At the moment he grabbed her, she let out the last breath in her chest slowly, and her eyes were fixed in her sockets.