Chapter 24

Two days later, Pei You'an took Jiafu into Wuding City. After placing her in his residence, he changed his clothes and went to the palace.

The King of Clouds, Xiao Lie, was alone in the study, standing in front of a huge map hanging on the wall.

This map is usually secretly hidden behind the wall, and unfolded during reading. Xiao Lie heard a report outside the door saying that Pei Youan asked to see him.

Pei You'an stepped in quickly and greeted Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie was already over forty years old, but his appearance was still graceful and handsome. He was very handsome when he was young. He looked at him with a happy look in his eyes, and said with a smile: "It's good to be back. You're going out this time for a few months. , I miss it. How, how is your grandmother? Is everything going well?"

Speaking of the origins of Pei Youan and Xiaolie, the king of the cloud, we have to go back many years ago. After the young Pei Youan left the capital, he returned to the gate where his father Wei Guogong had guarded before his death. He is a person, and he is silent all day long. He will rush to the front in every battle as a cavalry. He was injured and disappeared once. When he was on the verge of death in the ice and snow, he was found by King Yunzhong and took him to Yunnan in secret. Perhaps Pei Youan should not die. After careful care, he finally turned the corner and survived. King Yunzhong has saved Pei Youan's life since then. After that, the young emperor disappeared and King Shun'an was in power. In those few years, the southwest border was not peaceful and there were constant conflicts. Pei Youan Slowly he stayed to help Xiao Lie settle down in the southwest. He was fair in his conduct, strict in laws, and he could adapt to local conditions and people. genus, Xiao Lie valued him even more, and he was often asked for advice when encountering difficult military and political matters. At the end of last year, Pei You'an missed his grandmother, and after taking leave of absence from Xiao Lie, he returned to the capital, which he hadn't set foot in for many years, and only returned now. Xiao Lie also respected Mrs. Pei very much. Seeing that Pei Youan finally came back, she was happy and asked a few times.

Pei You'an said, "Although I haven't seen each other for many years, fortunately my grandmother is all right."

Xiao Lie sighed: "I lost my mother when I was young, and it is inevitable that I have regrets. When I was young in Beijing, I was fortunate to have the love of the old lady, and I still remember it in my heart. Unfortunately, I have many fetters now and I cannot be free. Otherwise, I should go there in person. Happy birthday to her old man."

"You'an thanked the prince on behalf of grandmother."

The two talked a few more gossips, Xiao Lie's expression turned solemn, he paced in the study for a while with his hands behind his back, suddenly turned his head, looked at Pei You'an, and said, "Now King Shun'an occupies the magpie's nest and sharpens his knife on me again. Huo Huo, You An, as you know, I have been searching for the whereabouts of the young emperor all these years. If the young emperor is alive, I will take him back to his place. Unfortunately, nothing has been found. The life and death of the young emperor is unknown. I know you can't let him go. Yes, do you have any news?"

His tone was very sincere, and Pei You'an didn't look at all, but said, "Don't hide it from the lord, after I went out of Yunnan this time and met my grandmother, I also deliberately went to the area of ​​Quanzhou where the Shaodi might be located. There was a conflict with the golden-faced dragon king, but unfortunately I didn't get any news from the young emperor, because it took some time to come out, and I could only return without success."

Xiao Lie frowned slightly: "What is the origin of this golden-faced dragon king? Why did he conflict with Jinyiwei?"

"I don't know very well either, but judging from the actions of the golden-faced Dragon King, it seems to be against King Shun'an. It is only natural that King Shun'an wants to get rid of him."

Xiao Lie pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Forget it, the so-called thing is man-made, but it also depends on whether God will give you some luck. You just came back, you must have worked hard, take a good rest these days, don't go anywhere, and your body is the best. It's important, take more care."

Pei You'an smiled and said, "You'll remember more of the prince's care."

Xiao Lie stared at him for a moment, then nodded and said: "Go, remember, come to me if you have anything. You also know that my father and I had a small friendship back then, and I always regarded you as a son and nephew, and I will be here in the future. , there are still many places that need you."

"My lord had the grace of saving my life back then. It is a blessing for You An to be able to share the worries of the lord over the years."

Pei You'an saluted Xiao Lie respectfully, "You'an retire first."

He turned around, and when he was about to leave the study, Xiao Lie suddenly stopped him and said, "You'an, you are in your twenties, right? Yintang is younger than you, and although he is not married, he has a long-term engagement, and he is only waiting for the daughter of the Zhang family. After the period of filial piety, you can get married, and you should also have a family, and there are people around you to take care of. Do you have someone you like? If there is, I will take care of it for you, if not, I will take care of it for you."

"Thank you, Lord. How can you start a family before you have established yourself? You'an has no intention of this matter, and dares not work with your Lord."

Xiao Lie watched him leave, the smile on his lips gradually disappeared, he paced to the window, put his hands behind his back, and looked towards the north. , I have gray hair on my temples, he is so big..."

...

Pei You'an walked out of King Yunzhong's study and walked towards the gate of the palace.

Xiao Yintang stood on a pavilion on the side of the road, the sun shining on the gold embroidery thread of the World Viscount suit he was wearing, it was gorgeous.

Pei You'an continued to walk forward, and when he got close, he nodded slightly to Xiao Yintang, called "Shizi", Xiao Yintang smiled and walked over: "I heard that you are back, we haven't seen each other for a while, I was about to find you, but I didn't expect you to come by yourself, how is it, everything went smoothly?"

Pei You'an smiled and said, "It's pretty smooth to have Prince Lao to worry about."

Xiao Yintang also smiled: "it's fine. To tell you the truth, I also went out a while ago, and although I didn't get any results, I also gained a little... You don't joke, it was when I was in danger, With the help of a woman, I fell in love with that woman at first sight."

Pei Youan smiled: "My slender lady, the gentleman is so good. This is a good thing, why am I joking? Congratulations to the prince."

Xiao Yintang smiled but stared at Pei You'an: "That woman was taken away halfway. It was one of my friends who took the one I love. I'm really embarrassed, You'an, how wise are you? If it were you, what would you do with it?"

Pei You'an stared at Xiao Yintang and said, "Since the prince asked me, then I will speak bluntly. To be honest with the prince, I passed by the Changjiang mansion two days ago and stayed at the post house at night, but I did do a half way to steal people. A matter of love. That woman is my cousin, a native of Quanzhou, a daughter of a good and innocent family. By chance, she was attracted by a noble person. This was originally her blessing. She was a wife, a great blessing, a concubine, and also a concubine. It's not too wrong, but the noble person gave up the ceremony of betrothal, and sent someone to take her directly from Quanzhou to Yunnan. The Book of Rites says that the one who is hired is a wife, and the one who runs is a concubine. If that noble person succeeds, my cousin may not even be as good as this concubine. It is tolerable and unbearable. Where is the noble person planning to put my cousin? Have you ever thought about it? How should I be anxious? Therefore, I am bad for the scenery, and bad people are good. I also ask the prince, should I cut people like this, shouldn’t I?”

Xiao Yintang's face gradually became gloomy.

Pei You'an smiled slightly: "I told that night that my cousin was like my own sister. This is what I said from the bottom of my heart. The prince put himself in the shoes of the prince. If someone treats the prince's sister like this, wouldn't the prince be indifferent? Others blaspheme my cousin so much, no matter how expensive or high-ranking that person is. What does the prince think?"

Xiao Yintang was silent.

Pei You'an bowed his hands to him: "I'll retire first."

"You'an stay!" Xiao Yintang suddenly said, catching up quickly.

Pei You'an stopped.

Xiao Yintang paced back and forth beside the road for a while, and said, "I heard your words from You'an, I felt like a dick, and I regret it very much. I think you also know that I brought your cousin Zhen's here from Quanzhou. Yes, it's not someone else, it's me. I did not think carefully before and wronged her. You also know that my status is limited and I can't go out of Yunnan. She lives in Quanzhou, one west and one east, and I am close to her. At the time of the meeting, there was chaos in Quanzhou again. At this time, how could I send someone to come to the door to show my identity and go to kiss? It's not that I didn't think about delaying it for a while, but you also know that my father, the king, is suspected by the court. It's been a long time, if I wait, I don't know what year and month, how can the Zhen family keep their daughter at home? After thinking about it, I really admire her so much, and this is the very method. I blame me for being too impatient. Your rebuke just now is justified! It was my fault first, and I hope for forgiveness."

Pei You'an looked at him, his expression finally slowed down, and said: "It's good that the prince knows what he did before. In this case, I will choose a day to send her back to Quanzhou. I hope the prince will not disturb her peace again."

"No!" Xiao Yintang said immediately.

"At least not now." He paused and added.

Pei You'an looked at him.

"Don't get me wrong. You also know that Mr. Ma, who was sent by the imperial court, was about to arrest my father's fault. The Yunzhong Palace is in danger and will be attacked at any time. She knows that I went to Quanzhou, and now she knows my identity. , after returning, if someone learns that she is involved with me, it will not only be a disaster for my father, but also disadvantageous to her. It is not that I don't believe her, but that when people can't help themselves, this is for the consideration of the palace, It is also for her safety, and she has a lot to do, so she has to consider it carefully."

Pei Youan pondered for a moment, then said slowly: "The prince's concerns are not empty worries. I will consider the right time to send her back."

Xiao Yintang nodded with a sincere expression: "You'an, you are her elder brother, and I have always regarded you as my elder brother. Since this matter finally came to you, I will say it directly. I fell in love with her at first sight, and if I could in this life With her by my side, I will die without any regrets. It was true that I had offended her too much before, which frightened her. Could you allow me to see her and make amends for my wrongdoing? No matter if you beat me or scold me, I am willing to accept it!"

Pei You'an looked at Xiao Yintang, but the scene of the girl who was disheveled that night rushed over to hug her and refused to let go, and thought that she was wrapped in her clothes, sat obediently, and watched with wide eyes With his own appearance, a strange feeling slowly poured out of his heart.

"Alright, I'll go back and pass it on for you."

He paused and said.

...

Pei You'an's residence used to be the residence of a local chieftain. It was not very big, with a three-entry layout, but the building was very local, with carvings and decorations everywhere. There was a unique feeling inside. In the main courtyard, there was a three-story circle with spires. From the bedroom on the third floor, you can see the whole city. The decoration of the bedroom is full of exotic style, rich and gorgeous, and the floor is covered with a thick carpet with intricate patterns, but Pei Youan doesn't like it, it has been vacant before. When Jiafu came, Pei Youan asked someone to clean it out and let her live. Jaffe really likes this place. Before Pei Youan went out in the morning, he told her that he had sent someone to Quanzhou to report the safety of her family, so now Jiafu just waited for him to send her back. During the day, she walked around his residence in a happy mood, as if she had returned to the carefree time when her father was still alive when she was a child.

It was getting dark gradually, and Pei You'an finally came back.

After dark, Jiafu listened to the movement in front of her with her ears pricked up. As soon as she heard his footsteps coming in, she quickly greeted him, like a cheerful bird.

"Big cousin! Have you eaten? I'm waiting for you to eat!" She smiled sweetly at him.

A maid reached out to pick up the cloak that Pei Youan had taken off, but Jiafu grabbed it and hung it up.

Pei You'an looked at her busy back, smiled slightly, and said, "You can eat it yourself in the future, you don't have to wait for me."

Gaff should be fine. When he was eating, he sat in the usual seat, and she sat beside him, handing him rice and soup. She was very attentive. She only went up to squeeze his shoulders and beat his back. I don't know if Pei You'an was not used to it or not If you have something on your mind, you quickly put down your chopsticks, sit up straight, and say to Jiafu, "Eat slowly, and come to my study when you're done."

As soon as Pei Youan left, Jiafu lost her appetite. Thinking of his dignified face just now, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She hurriedly finished eating, brought a pot of tea, and when she reached the door of the study, she knocked lightly and pushed the door in.

He sat behind the desk, writing and writing, Jiafu brought the tea beside him and said softly, "Big cousin, tea."

Pei You'an motioned her to put it aside. Jia Fu put it down and stood aside.

Pei You'an didn't stop writing, didn't look at her, just said: "I have already talked to the prince about you, and there will be no such thing in the future."

Jiafu smiled and her eyes were bright: "Thank you, cousin!"

Pei You'an paused and glanced at her: "It's just that the prince said that he wants to see you again and apologize to you for his previous actions. Do you want to meet?"

Jiafu was taken aback, her eyes widened immediately: "No! I don't want to see him! I don't want him to make amends! Besides, I have nothing to do with him, so what's the point of meeting? Big cousin, you didn't agree? "

Pei You'an snorted lightly: "I see, I'll get it back for you."

Jiafu breathed a sigh of relief, thought for a while, and asked, "Big cousin, when can I go back to Quanzhou?"

To be honest, she was a little reluctant to leave. It's reluctance to leave Pei You'an.

For some reason, as long as she saw him by her side, she felt at ease for no reason.

Pei You'an said: "Let's wait for a while. When the time is right, I'll take you home."

Seeing that Jiafu was puzzled, Pei Youan reiterated Xiao Yintang's concerns and said, "What he thinks is not unreasonable. Your family doesn't know his identity at all, but it's better. The more you know, the more dangerous it is. Big. I thought about it, and let you stay with me for a while, it's good for you. "

Jiafu knew that Pei You'an was really doing it for her own good. She did not resist his decision. But once he became associated with Xiao Yintang, Jiafu immediately felt uneasy.

Xiao Yintang, will he really let him go?

Jia Fu couldn't help thinking about the past again. The first time at that time, like now, she was spotted by Xiao Yintang and fell into his hands. After Pei Youan brought her back, she still did not get rid of Xiao Yintang.

For what he likes, Xiao Yintang, a man, would really give up so easily?

Jiafu's concerns about Xiao Yintang were quickly confirmed.

Half a month later, on this day, Jiafu welcomed a visitor. This visitor was completely unexpected by Jiafu in advance.

Zhang Fengtong, Xiao Yintang's fiancee.

Zhang Fengtong is the daughter of the Zhang family of the Chuxiong family. She has been known for her virtue since she was a child, and is known far and near. King Yunzhong learned of her worthy name, and when she was fourteen years old, she set up a marriage for her son. She is also unlucky. This year, she is nineteen years old. Because she has been filial to her mother, grandmother, and grandfather, the period of filial piety is still a few months away, so she has not yet married Xiao Yintang. But the entire palace has long regarded her as the prince concubine, and she often comes to Wuding Palace to walk around. Before anyone enters the door, she has already won the praise from the whole palace.

She came to Wuding Mansion a few days ago. She was going to leave today. She learned that Pei You'an's cousin came from afar, so she deliberately stopped and stayed for one more day. She didn't look down on Zhen's family background. she.

Pei You'an was not at home. In order to avoid trouble, Jiafu didn't dare to go out for half a month. She was bored at the time. Seeing a gorgeous carriage coming along the street, it stopped at the door. Then, the Pei family steward came to report that Zhang Fengtong had come to see her.

Zhang Fengtong's appearance is ordinary, but she has a round baby face. Before speaking, she smiled and listened to her. No one disliked such a woman.

In her last life, it was at the last moment that Jiafu realized that she was not a saint either.

She was just an ordinary woman who would feel bitter and resentful because her husband favored other women.

Jiafu sat opposite Zhang Fengtong, a nineteen-year-old, when she saw her smiling at him, calling her "cousin" in a gentle voice, the unforgettable despair and pain she had suffered before her death, when she saw the face in front of her. At that moment, it was as if he had gone through his whole body again.

She was terrified all over, suppressing the coldness in her heart, lowered her eyebrows, and said nothing.

Zhang Fengtong doesn't care whether the other party is talkative, because usually, as long as she is there, she is the one who dominates everything.

After she complimented Jia Fu's beauty and manners with the most sincere words of praise, she sent all the servants away, sat next to Jia Fu, held Jia Fu's hand lightly, looked at Jia Fu, gently He sighed softly: "What a beautiful little sister, even I can't help but be moved when I look at it. No wonder the prince, why would I be willing to forget you?"