"Eldest Young Master." A manservant rushed in from outside the Ao Mansion and bumped into Ao Yu.
"What's the matter? Why are you so flustered?" Ao Yu was holding a pot of purple hibiscus and admiring it with his head lowered. At this moment, he was frightened by him and almost fell to the ground. However, he wasn't angry, still smiling honestly.
"Eldest Young Master, have you seen Second Young Master?”The servant looked up and replied.
"I didn't see him. He didn't seem to return for the whole night.”Ao Yu asked.
"Old Master is about to leave the court, so he first ordered someone to return to the residence and say that he wants to see Second Young Master. This lowly one searched the residence for a long time, but couldn't find a trace of the Second Young Master. "If I wasn't in a hurry, I would have bumped into Eldest Young Master…I deserve to die…" The servant hurriedly apologized.
"No worries, no worries. The Second Young Master shouldn't be in the manor at the moment. Wait outside the door. Perhaps he will come back.”Ao Yu said.
"Hey, okay. Then I'll go now." When the servant heard this, he finally had a glimmer of hope and quickly left.
The manservant rushed out of the manor and happened to see a girl dressed in light blue clothes talking to the guard.
"What is it?" This servant was also considered to be in front of Ao Bai, so his status was naturally higher than that of the guard. He walked up and interrupted arrogantly.
Seeing that the person had come out of the manor, the girl turned around and said to him," Sir, is Young Master Ao Lang in the manor? Can you trouble him to come out?"”
"What is it?" The servant asked.
"There are important things that must be handed over personally.”the girl replied.
"What is it?" The servant asked.
"Purple Jade Flute." The girl answered and took off the flute from her waist, showing it to the manservant.
"This is Second Young Master's!" The servant recognized that the purple jade flute was something Ao Lang carried with him. He usually cherished it very much. The servant refused to move it even a little. Now, it actually fell into the hands of this girl in front of him. He couldn't help but look up and size her up. He saw that she was dressed in white and her hair was tied up evenly on her shoulders. There was a rose-colored osmanthus on her temples. She was elegant and beautiful, a rare beauty. A pair of Zhuyan's eyebrows that seemed to reject but was welcoming, full of affection and euphemism, he couldn't help but take a few more glances.
" But…Second Young Master…" The servant stammered.
"Lin Sheng, who are you talking to? What about the matter I asked you to do?”Just as the servant did not know how to answer, someone suddenly called out from behind.
So it was the butler. Lin Sheng lowered his head in shame." Second, second, second young master…"
"Where's Lang 'er?" Oboi strode out of his sedan chair.
" I, I…" Lin Sheng was at a loss.
"And this is?" Ao Bai suddenly noticed the woman in front of him and asked.
"She's looking for the Second Young Master and the Purple Jade Flute.”Lin Sheng quickly replied.
Ao Bai saw that the object in the girl's hand was Ao Lang's favorite flute. He wondered how it could have fallen into someone else's hands. Ao Bai was puzzled. He looked up at the woman holding the flute and suddenly felt that he had seen her somewhere before. She was very familiar.
After thinking for a while, she remembered that she was the dancer who sang and played at the banquet of Bumblehill's family, Miss Su Wen.
Lang 'er actually hooked up with a famous geisha? Oboi frowned.
Xie 'er rode quietly in front of the horse, and Ao Lang sat behind her. He pulled the reins with one hand and put the other on his waist. The black horse ran unhurriedly in the forest. The sky had just broken through, and the fog had not dispersed. It was hazy, and the branches and leaves overlapped, making the light crisscross mysteriously and beautifully.
"Hey, what's your name?" Xie 'er asked without turning her head.
"Ao Lang." Ao Lang said straightforwardly.
"Ao Lang is an extremely unruly name.”Xie 'er smiled faintly.
"Hehe, is that so? What about you?" Ao Lang asked with a smile.
"Then La Xie 'er." Xie 'er replied.
"Are you from the Yates family?" Ao Lang asked hesitantly.
"Yes." Xie 'er nodded gently.
For a moment, there was nothing to say. The black horse ran for a while. Xie 'er suddenly felt that there was no sound behind her. She quickly looked back and saw his deep and melancholic face. It was the same as the one she saw on the roof that day. His brows were tightly knitted, and his deep eyes were lifeless. They drifted to a distant realm, as if there was a great sorrow hidden in them.
Ao Lang galloped all the way and soon arrived in front of the Pearl Mansion.
"We're here. Come down." Ao Lang jumped off his horse and reached out to receive her.
"I'm not going back." Xie 'er pouted and turned away.
"Hey, are you going to follow me for the rest of your life?”Ao Lang smiled mischievously.
"You!" Xie 'er's face instantly turned red. She quickly brushed his hand away and was about to get off the horse.
At this moment, Rong Ruo rode her horse back from a distance, followed by a group of manservants, who also stopped in front of the Ming Mansion.
Rong Ruo saw Xie 'er at a glance. He dismounted and rushed over anxiously. His heart choked, but he said," Cousin, you're finally back." Is this going to make me worry to death…"
"I'm tired. I'll go back and rest first.”Xie 'er's mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts, and she finally said resolutely once again.
She leaned over and looked at Rong Ruo's hand that was hanging in mid-air. She hardened her heart and did not take it. Instead, she turned to Ao Lang beside her and said gently," Young Master, please help me get off the horse."”
Rong Ruo's face turned pale. Her outstretched hand was still hanging in the air, forming a pale line. He looked at Ao Lang in pain and felt that this person had the aura of a young hero. He was handsome and extraordinary…For some reason, Rong Ruo's heart ached even more…
Ao Lang smiled faintly and could not refute Xie 'er's intention. He could only wave his hand and help Xie' er get off the horse.
Xie 'er then walked over expressionlessly. Rong Ruo closed her eyes silently, feeling as if her heart was being cut by a knife.
Xie 'er walked to the door and turned to Ao Lang with a smile." Sorry to trouble you, Young Master. Aren't you going in for a seat?"”
"No, you should go back and rest. In case Master Nalan became more worried.”Ao Lang glanced at Rong Ruo and had already guessed Xie 'er's actions.
"Yes, I am. Then, Xie 'er could only visit another day to thank Young Master for his great kindness.”Xie 'er bowed and thanked him.
"No need." Ao Lang smiled and whipped away.
Xie 'er did not try to stop her and walked straight into the manor.
"Ai, Biao Younger Sister…why did you come to this? " How did the battle turn into such a ruthless one night…" Rong Ruo sighed as she watched Xie 'er's back disappear around the corner of the manor.
"Young Master, Old Master is waiting for you in the hall.”Ting Ming hurriedly walked out from the residence and saw Rong Ruo standing outside the residence in a daze, so she quickly went up to greet her.
"Got it." Rong Ruo replied indifferently.
Rong Ruo absent-mindedly stepped into the hall. Seeing Ming Zhu's sullen face, she did not care. She only bowed awkwardly and stood there silently without raising her head.
When Mingzhu saw this, she became even angrier.
"Ruo 'er, I'm not trying to care about you. I just want to remind you that the provincial examination is approaching and you have to work hard.”Ming Zhu suppressed the anger in her heart and said slowly.
"Yes, Ma. Rong Ruo knows." Rong Ruo replied meekly.
Ming Zhu thought that Rong Ruo would definitely refute her like before, but unexpectedly, although he was unhappy today, he was actually very docile and respectful. With a change in his usual behavior, the anger in Ming Zhu's heart disappeared a lot.
"Yes, it's good that you understand. Rong Ruo, Lord Xu Yuanwen has appreciated your talent. Today's letter asks you to go to the Imperial College tomorrow to study.”Ming Zhu handed the invitation to Rong Ruo.
Rong Ruo was shocked. He took the invitation and read it carefully. A smile appeared on his face.
"Yes, Rong Ruo will go tomorrow. Ma, if there is nothing else, Rong Ruo will take her leave.”Rong Ruo said tiredly.
"Okay, go ahead. Go early tomorrow. Don't miss the time.”Ming Zhu nodded in satisfaction.
"Rong Ruo knows." Rong Ruo agreed and retreated respectfully.
The autumn rain had stopped, and the weather was much colder than before.
The emperor because of Ao Lang victory and return, ready to feast eight banners children to celebrate.
Of course, Ming Zhu's family was also invited.
It was dusk that day, and the palace was resplendent and resplendent. There were clusters of brocade flowers and colorful lights hanging high in the sky. A row of tables and chairs filled the entire Baohe Palace. The curtains in the hall danced with dragons, and the curtains were like colorful phoenixes. Gold and silver were shining, and jewels were competing for brilliance. The tripod burned the fragrance of dragon saliva, and the vase was inserted with the stamen of Changchun. Such a huge and magnificent formation, if it wasn't the power of the royal family, it would be difficult to see it again in the world.
The sons and daughters of the ministers of the Eight Banners Family entered the banquet one after another. Some were chatting, some were laughing, some were taking the opportunity to climb up the ranks, and some were casually agreeing. Everyone had different expressions and their voices were noisy. The usually quiet and solemn palace suddenly had a rare liveliness.
The Obois, surrounded by the officials, also slowly entered the main hall. They rushed in with an unusually loud noise, and a eunuch came forward to show them a seat. They sat on the seats second only to the Emperor, and they were honored.
Nalan Mingzhu brought Madam Jue Luo, Rong Ruo, and Xie 'er to sit at the back seat of the hall. Mingzhu was obviously dissatisfied with his current status. He did not have the festive look of everyone else. He only occasionally exchanged a few pleasantries with the lords who came to visit. Most of the time, he just quietly drank tea.
Rong Ruo and Xie 'er, who were beside him, were not as intimate and laughing as they used to be. Although the two of them sat very close, it was as if they were separated by a wall. There was an indescribable, deliberate evasion, tormenting each other for no reason. Of course, this kind of suffering was only clear and cared about in the heart of the person involved. Ming Zhu ignored it. He only thought about the position where Ao Bai was sitting.
Oboi was so proud of himself that he chatted and drank, and there were so many courtiers who flattered him that it was impossible to get through. While Ao Bai was enjoying himself, Ao Yu and Ao Lang, who were sitting at the side, had their own thoughts.
Ao Yu was looking around for the beautiful figure of the young lady of the Lu family. Ao Lang also stretched his neck and looked straight at the banquet table beside the Emperor. It was as if he was waiting, but also as if he was longing for someone to appear. His eyes were anxious, eager, worried, gentle, and slightly happy.
"The emperor has arrived…"
When everyone heard this, they were silent out of fear. They knelt down on the ground in silence.
" Long live our emperor…" When the emperor entered, everyone cheered.
"Everyone, please rise."
"Thank you, Emperor…"
"Today's banquet is to welcome all the generals and celebrate the victory. There's no need for any formalities.”
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
" The auspicious time has arrived. The banquet begins…" Eunuch Li announced loudly after the Emperor had sat down.
Before she could finish her sentence, a fragrant aroma drifted in from outside the hall, followed by a group of palace maids dressed in flowery clothes. The bells and drums beside the hall played in unison, and their long sleeves danced, filling the hall with fragrant smells.
Just as the palace maids were singing and dancing, all kinds of dishes were served. They were all exquisite and had different plates. It was dazzling and tempting. The ministers received the Emperor's instructions and began to drink and eat, laughing and singing, the atmosphere was very harmonious. When the Emperor saw this, he also drank to his heart's content, his face beaming with joy. The monarch and his subjects were happy.
Rong Ruo saw that Xie 'er's face was hot from boredom. She was worried and quickly said," Cousin, let me accompany you for a walk."”
"Yes." Xie 'er didn't like such a scene and could only agree.
The autumn wind was bone-chilling. As soon as Xie 'er stepped out of the warm hall, she sneezed.
"Achoo!" Xie 'er covered her face and lowered her head.
"Biao Younger Sister, put it on." Rong Ruo quickly took off her coat and draped it over Xie 'er's shoulders.
Xie 'er lowered her eyes shyly and did not respond or decline. Rong Ruo smiled and quietly protected him.
The moonlight was thick and the scenery outside the hall was extremely beautiful.
"Brother!" A familiar voice suddenly sounded from outside the silent hall.
Ao Yu walked out of the hall first, followed by Ao Lang.
"Hmm? Why did you come out too?" Ao Yu turned around and asked.
"It's stuffy inside. Didn't Big Brother come out too?" Ao Lang put his arm around Ao Yu's shoulder and laughed.
"I also felt bored, so I came out to see how the moonlight was tonight.”Ao Yu laughed.
"What's so good about the moonlight? In my opinion, there's no one in there that big brother wants to see, right?”Ao Lang teased.
"Second Brother is spouting nonsense again. " Aren't you the same…" Ao Yu had just said that when he saw Ao Lang's expression change slightly. He knew that he had misspoken and quickly stopped.
"It's okay, brother. As long as I, Ao Lang, win every battle, there will be more chances.”Ao Lang pretended to be confident.
"I don't want you to have outstanding achievements. I just want you to be safe and sound.”Ao Yu smiled gently.
"I can sing wildly in the grass marsh, I would rather be an official in the wind and dust.”Ao Lang frowned and sighed." However, for her, I am willing to drag my body along the river.”
"Sigh, it's been hard on you." Ao Yu also sighed.
Xie 'er and Rong Ruo looked back and met their eyes.
"It's you!" Xie 'er said in surprise.
Ao Lang and Ao Yu walked over while chatting and laughing. They fixed their eyes on Xie 'er and said happily," What a coincidence. Why are you here?"”
"Haha, it seems that we are fated." Xie 'er said happily.
Rong Ruo's eyes turned into a light sorrow, and under the beautiful moonlight, it became a sparkling light.
" Second Young Master Ao, what happened last night…" Rong Ruo was about to ask, but she didn't know where to start.
"Nalan gongzi, last night I saw your cousin on the street penniless and hungry, so I took her to the inn to eat something. After that, she lay down in the inn and slept for a night. In the morning, I sent her back to your manor.”Ao Lang blinked and smiled at Xie 'er.
Xie 'er understood. She knew that he had deliberately concealed the matter of the brothel last night. He was somewhat loyal. Xie' er's uneasy thoughts finally settled down. She could not help but have a little more respect for Ao Lang.
"Hehe, I see. He could only blame Rong Ruo's carelessness for letting his cousin get lost. Please take care of me, Young Master. Thank you very much.”Rong Ruofang smiled and cupped his hands.
"It's fine, it's fine." Ao Lang is a man of temperament and does not care at all.
"Hehe, since the misunderstanding has been resolved and everyone is chatting happily, why don't we make friends?”When Ao Yu saw this, he quickly went forward to smooth things over.
"Alright." Xie 'er deserved it.
"Good!" Ao Lang and Rong Ruo looked at each other and smiled, as if they had known each other for a long time. In fact, Ao Lang already admired Rong Ruo very much, and Rong Ruo was also impressed by Ao Lang's demeanor as a general. Seeing Ao Yu's suggestion, Xie 'er agreed immediately, and the two of them agreed in unison.
"Oh right, with Moon and Friends, how can we lack good wine!”Ao Lang smiled mysteriously and took out a wine pot from his waist. He waved it in front of them with great interest.
"Where did you get it?" Xie 'er asked in surprise.
"Of course I stole it from the old emperor.”Ao Lang laughed.
"Wine, moon, and friends. It's really a great pleasure in life!" Rong Ruolang said.
"Then let's toast to the moon, no matter how long we live. Haha." Ao Lang then raised the wine pot, raised his head and drank a large bowl of wine.
"Here!" Ao Lang wiped his mouth and quickly handed the wine pot to Rong Ruo.
"Good! Drinking and singing, inviting the moon to get drunk together! We'll float together in a big white." Rong Ruo took it and drank it to her heart's content.
"Cousin, give it to me!" Xie 'er was infected by their forthright and unrestrained manner. She was full of pride and quickly snatched the wine pot from Rong Ruo's hand. She took a big gulp, but she choked and kept gasping.
"Hahaha! This little girl was quite a sentimental person. Then I, Ao Yu, can't be underestimated by her! Cheers!" Ao Yu took the wine pot from Xie 'er and gulped it down.
"Young Master Ao is indeed good at drinking!" Rong Ruo praised.
There was a big banquet in the hall and a small banquet outside the hall. When the young people gathered together, they were naturally full of vigor. They regretted not meeting each other earlier and hated not having enough time.
At this moment, the banquet in the hall was coming to an end. The four young people held each other's hands and quickly entered the hall. Xie 'er glanced around and saw Ao Lang standing there in a daze, not moving at all. His eyes were staring at the palace with a serious and complicated expression.
Xie 'er was shocked and was about to ask when she saw Ao Lang's originally bright eyes suddenly darken and two lines of light flowed down.
She didn't know what to do. She felt an indescribable pity in her heart. She could only stand there quietly and accompany him with her eyes.
Xie 'er followed his gaze, which was a mixture of ecstasy and disappointment. She looked up and saw a white jade hairpin shining like glass under the dazzling candlelight in the hall. Xie' er recognized the hairpin at a glance. It was the white jade hairpin that she had once fought with Ao Lang.
The owner of the White Jade Whip was a petite woman. Her pair of delicate eyebrows and thin lips that were lined with pomegranate flowers were like a cluster of frosted magnolias, washing away her bashful affection in the flowing stream.
This book comes from:m.funovel.com。