[Three Kingdoms] Carnival

Dawn breaks dawn, night ends dawn.

One night passed, and the wind and snow had already stopped.The sun shines through the clouds and shines on the white snow, reflecting soft and warm light.The wine "liquid" in the small stove has been boiled, leaving only a few wisps of plum fragrance, which spread outside the pavilion.The servants of the mansion stood outside the small pavilion, not daring to disturb him, until they saw Cao Cao slowly opened his eyes, and hurried up to greet him, asking softly if he wanted to deliver breakfast to the pavilion.

"Did there be any changes in the mansion last night?"

"Report to the Prime Minister, everything is fine."

"There is no rush for meals. You should send more servants to the Xun Mansion first. Before Ling Jun returns to Xu, you must take good care of the mansion. Then go to the Jiaoxiang Lane in the south of the city. I will wait until next spring, and everything will be as usual."

Xun Lingjun returned to his hometown to recuperate, and there was no one left in Xu Duzhong's mansion except for some old servants with handicapped legs and feet.It is also common for the prime minister to send some servants to take care of him.As for Jiaoxiang in the south of the city, there is a person who is good at making incense. The prime minister will order a lot of people. mentioned this.

But he naturally didn't dare to ask the doubts in his heart, even though Cao Cao seemed to be in a particularly good mood today, with an unconcealable smile on his brows and eyes.He bowed down respectfully, passed on Cao Cao's order to the steward, changed his clothes, and planned to leave the mansion for a trip to the south of the city.

When he walked out of the courtyard, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of light green.At the corner of the wall, some new buds have sprouted from the branches pressed down by the snow.

When the snow melts, it will be spring.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little excited, even the freezing weather was no longer so unbearable.He took a few breaths of hot air into his palms and quickened his pace of leaving the house.

And in Yingyin, thousands of miles away, the falling snow gradually disappeared in the rising sun at the beginning of the day.The windows of the house were closed again at some point, and the only pot of unburned silver charcoal was placed beside the table, lingering a trace of warmth.Guo Jia looked at Xun Yu who was lying on the table opposite, raised his head and drank the last drop of wine, dragged his exhausted body, and slowly pushed open the door.

"It's cold, madam, you don't have to wait here." Seeing Tang waiting at the door, Guo Jia didn't seem surprised, "Wen Ruo is still asleep, it's just that Xu Du still has something to deal with, so Jia can't come. When Wen Ruo wakes up, Madam please apologize for Jia."

Tang was as gentle and courteous as yesterday: "In this case, I will send Mr. out of the house as a concubine."

Hearing this sentence, Guo Jia's eyes moved slightly, and he stopped: "Madam, don't you go to see Wen Ruo first?"

Tang's complexion froze for a moment, and then immediately returned to his gentle appearance, as if the panic that had just flashed by just now was just Guo Jia's illusion: "Mr. is a guest, and my concubine is a contemporary husband who personally sent him out of the house. If not, the husband must know about it, and he will blame the concubine for her lack of etiquette."

The answer is watertight.

He knew it in his heart, but he was unable to delve into it.

When he walked through the snow-covered courtyard and was only a few dozen steps away from the gate of the mansion, suddenly, his eyes blurred, and the exhaustion he had been suppressing surged like a flood breaking an embankment. go to bed:

"What a silly girl..."

Hearing only a sigh of unknown reason, Guo Jia was completely plunged into darkness.A woman in black came out from the dark and took Guo Jia from the servant:

"I'll help the young master back to the carriage first."

Xun You nodded, and looked at Tang again: "Three hours after we left, my aunt sent a letter to the prime minister, saying that my uncle was suffering from a cold and passed away unfortunately. If anyone has doubts after that, my aunt will ignore it. The prime minister is a hero for a lifetime. , will never embarrass "women" and childish children."

"Okay." Tang nodded.For so many years, she has experienced countless ups and downs with Xun Yu, and today is just one of them. She doesn't feel panic, but just worried, "Ke Gongda, you don't have to..."

"Aunt Wan, don't say such things again." Xun You stopped Tang Shi first, "Before you left Yecheng, you left a letter of resignation. Compared with my uncle, the official title and fame are not worth mentioning. What you did before, It's just for the safety of the Xun family, but now—"

He lightly raised the corners of his lips, and there was a youthful sharpness in his eyes,

"It's time for you to live for yourself."

There are two carriages, one is parked at the main entrance, and before Guo Jia wakes up, Xi Wu will drive the carriage all the way west to Xudu.The other one was hidden in the depths of Pianmen Lane, and Xun You carefully carried Xun Yu up to it.From then on, the world only knew that Xun Yu died as a martyr to the Han, and that Xun You resigned gloomily, but in fact, they would leave Yingyin and find an unobtrusive place to live in seclusion for the rest of their lives.The past, the past, all causes and effects, no longer any connection.

"This is the document that Mr. Zhong imitated. You will use it when you leave the customs." After sending Guo Jia to the carriage, Xiwu came to the side door, "Mr. Zhong also asked me to tell you that you don't have to worry about it. If the prime minister really He will do his best to protect the Xun family."

The characters on the slips are long and thin, and there is no difference between them and the real customs documents.And between the various customs documents, there is still a piece of plain silk, on which is Zhong Yao's original handwriting, elegant and dignified, implying love.At such a critical time, he did not forget to write "The Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix" as a gift to Xun You.

Don’t fly, make me perish.

Zhong Yao spent half his life dealing with wolves, tigers and leopards in Guanzhong in exchange for high officials, rich salary and family safety, but now he bet everything without hesitation and got involved in this matter.But Xun You knew that Zhong Yao would not want to say any word "thank you" in his mouth.That was too heavy and too light.

Putting away the documents and plain silk carefully, Xun You looked at the evening mist in front of him.He didn't have to tell Zhong Yao the word "failure", but he couldn't face Xiwu calmly.

"Ah, you..."

"I promised to help you, it has nothing to do with you." Unexpectedly, Xiwu interrupted Xun You.She lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes were like dark feathers, covering her endless thoughts.

"I admit, I once admired you."

At that time, she was just a little girl who hadn't experienced much in the world, she just followed Guo Jia's side every day, and she didn't know what a man and a woman were.Until the apricot blossoms rained down, she ran into a young man in plain clothes, with bright eyes and bright stars, with a beautiful appearance and a moony charm.Guo Jia asked several times, but she denied it all the time, but she still couldn't help but recall the glorious days that day, which made her feel confused.Later, they got acquainted gradually, he took good care of her, but he always stopped at courtesy, and she never thought about anything else, she was just curious why the person who dared to assassinate Dong alone in the past and want to rule the world with the help of Yizhou natural danger, would change Become so restrained and self-sustaining now.Seeing those star-like pupils cover up all kinds of elegance for indifference, she was puzzled and puzzled, and felt a little sour in her heart. After thinking about it, she realized that she was distressed to smooth away the edges and corners for the wind and frost. people.

And then, a few days ago.He found her in private and begged her to replace the poison in the wine with a "drug" that would fake death.She has never disobeyed any of Guo Jia's orders, but when she touched the little stars shining again in her eyes, she was in a trance, and nodded her head in a strange way.

"But it was also at that moment that I suddenly realized that I didn't like you as much as I thought."

She smiled sweetly, burning brightly.

"I promised to help you because I know that if Ling Jun really dies today, the young master will definitely regret it in the future. Therefore, you don't have to apologize. From the beginning to the end, it has nothing to do with you."

Xun You was silent.The thoughts of his daughter's family have never been hidden, which is why he dared to take the risk of leaking the news to beg Xiwu. It is absolutely impossible to betray Guo Jia's people according to common sense.He could see through, so he took advantage of this unexplained feeling.But he didn't want to break it down, because from the beginning to the end, he couldn't promise anything.

"I'm not like the young master who can see through everyone's heart. I can only understand you. You think I'm forcing a smile." Seeing Xun You's expression, Xi Wu smiled even brighter.Her eyebrows are curved, but she doesn't pretend to be happy, only a pair of bright eyes are clear, full of water,

"Then you are wrong. Xun Gongda, listen carefully, not every woman will be desperate for love.

I have more important things to do. "

When she spoke, she held her head up proudly like a victorious general, so as to keep the tears from falling down her eyes.

She told a very small lie.

It wasn't until this moment that she realized that she really didn't like Xun You that much.Even such an insignificant win or loss, she was unwilling to give up.

As the sun got higher and higher, passers-by began to pass by from time to time in this secluded alley.The snow light reflects the plum shadows, and finally, they bid farewell to each other in the warm sunshine. They said lightly that there will be a long time after the mountains are high and the rivers are long, but they know in their hearts that the world is far away and the road is far away.

Xi Wu stood in the distance, quietly watching the carriage go away together with her thoughts.When the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, her heart finally calmed down completely, and she turned around and walked back to the carriage at the main entrance.

She carefully added new charcoal to the small stove, looked at Guo Jia's sleeping face, and suddenly, the sadness she thought had calmed down swept her body again.

But this time, she didn't shed a single tear.She just rubbed her eyes vigorously, walked out of the car, flicked the whip hard, and the horse rushed forward in response.

She has more important things to do.

Master, that is the most important thing for her.

————————————————————

A carriage came slowly and stopped in front of a small village with beautiful mountains and rivers.

"Uncle," Xun You reined in his horse and called back to the car, "You wait here for a while, and you go to the village to buy some food."

However, the car was silent and there was no response.

Since Xun Yu woke up a few days ago and knew everything, he hasn't said a word.Xun You knew that Xun Yu must be dissatisfied with his assertion, but if it happened again, he would still choose this way.

He has already wasted most of his life for the so-called clan.Now, he only wants to live for himself and the one he loves.

He sighed secretly, without further words, walked towards the village.

After Xun You walked away, Xun Yu lifted the curtain and looked out of the car quietly.

The heavy snow that day seemed to be the last snow of this year. Since then, the weather has gradually warmed up, and the melting ice and snow flowed into the dark "black" land.The auspicious snow heralds a good year, with the nourishment of winter snow, and the common people will have a good harvest next year.

Looking at the green "green" emerging from the snow-covered area, Xun Yu had a thought, left a note, and got out of the car for the first time in many days.

Perhaps because of the warmer weather, Xun Yu's legs didn't hurt as much even when walking in the snow.He walked forward slowly, passing through the snow-pressed plum blossoms and children playing and laughing at the entrance of the village, and saw in a courtyard, an old farmer with gray temples was feeding hay to his cows.

He stopped outside the courtyard.

"Old man," Xun Yu said loudly, "do you need me to help you?"

The old man heard the sound and looked, and saw that the person who came was dressed in plain robes, but he had a majestic figure and a jade-like crown, so he could tell at a glance that he was a big man.Shaking his head quickly, he said, "How dare you trouble your nobleman with vulgar matters. If you have nothing to do, you can come to the courtyard and have a cup of chili wine to get rid of the cold."

"Cultivating cattle is related to farming, and farming is related to people's livelihood. You are old, and these things shouldn't bother you." After saying that, Xun Yu walked to the courtyard, took off his robe and put it on the old man's thin clothes Outside, he helped the old man to one side and sat down.The old man was overwhelmed by the flattery, and wanted to hold on to his robe so that it wouldn't get on the snow, and he was afraid that his hands that had just finished farm work would get it dirty.When he was in trouble, he turned his head and was surprised to find that Xun Yu actually rolled up his wide sleeves and fed the remaining cattle with hay, not caring that the hem of his clothes was stained with grass clippings and dirt.

"Old man, do you live alone?"

"I live with my son and daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, they went to pick up my grandson from primary school today, and they won't be back until noon." He grabbed his robe, his voice a little nervous, "They don't let me do these tasks on weekdays. They are not here today, so this old man wants to help them share some of the burden." Unexpectedly, this kind-hearted guest was troubled instead.

Hearing this, the corners of Xun Yu's eyes smiled more sincerely: "Your son and daughter-in-law are filial, so they don't want you to come and take care of these things." He said as if chatting, "Look at your family's cattle are strong and fat, this year's harvest should be Not bad right."

"Yes, yes." The old farmer agreed again and again, not only for the filial piety of his son and daughter-in-law, but also for this year's good harvest. , and will give us seeds. The year before last, a river on the edge of the village was led into the village, and every household no longer had to carry water every now and then. Even my grandson no longer had to help me with farming. , can go to primary school to study. These days are really much better than previous years."

"Ruixue has a good year, these days will get better and better."

After feeding the cattle, he helped the old farmer sieve the seeds that were hanging under the eaves, and brought the cured dried meat hanging on the side and the winter wine brewed in the cellar to the front yard.This kind-hearted man from nowhere seems to be very interested in the situation in the village. From farming and weaving to his grandson's studies, everyone will ask them carefully one by one. ’ will go deeper.Asking such a noble person to help, the old man was embarrassing, but he couldn't resist him, so he had to answer Xun Yu's question with more heart, which could relieve the guilt in his heart.

After finishing everything he could do, Xun Yu untied the cloth and tied up his messy hair again. The old man brought him a glass of warm pepper wine:

"Today is New Year's Eve. If you don't dislike it, you might as well drink at the old man's house and watch the new year, and leave tomorrow."

"I appreciate your kindness." Xun Yu said with a slight smile, "It's just that I have family members waiting for me outside the village, so I won't bother the elderly." After speaking, he took out another roll of bamboo slips from his sleeve, " This is the "Book of Filial Piety" annotated by Zheng Gong. When your grandson finishes studying the "Liujia" and "Sancang" that he is reading now, he can learn this book again. And..." He explained it from his waist again The next sachet was passed to the old man, "Here are some pepper sunflower seeds, you can hang them at home to prevent insects."

"You, you are really..." Too many words of gratitude accumulated in his heart, and the old man didn't know what to say.When he finally organized his words, the plain figure had disappeared.

When Xun Yu passed by the village entrance again, the children with the buns on their horns were still playing.Some of them chased each other on a bamboo pole, and some dragged dove carts and pottery pigeons to help out. The girls broke off plum blossom branches and stuck them on their heads. When they saw someone being hit by a snowball, they giggled like silver. The bell is crisp and full of joy.

He couldn't help but frowned again, more gentle than years.

He continued to walk forward, and a few dozen steps away from the carriage, he saw Xun You whose coat was fluttering in the wind,

There is also Xiahou Dun who came from afar.

Xun You took a step forward and blocked Xun Yu behind him, making no secret of his hostility towards the visitor.

"What is General Xiahou doing here?"

"Dun passed on the message to Xun Shangshu on behalf of the Prime Minister." Xiahou Dun said, "The Prime Minister said that Mr. has the talent to know the world. If he retreats to the cave, it will be a great regret for the court. Therefore, the Prime Minister cannot agree to Mr. resignation."

Xun You's expression became more serious, and he would not hide or retreat: "The prime minister loves you so much, you are ashamed. I also ask the general to report back to the prime minister. You have made up your mind and will not care about any disputes after leaving. The prime minister can rest assured."

"Gongda." Seeing Xun You clenched the hilt of his sword secretly, Xun Yu called out and pressed his hand, "I think, General Xiahou hasn't finished speaking yet."

"The prime minister also asked Dun to tell the gentleman that although he cherishes his talents, he also knows that the gentleman is determined and does not want to return to serve in the court." Xiahou Dun continued, "So, the prime minister has asked your majesty to give you the post of Yangzhou pastor. Supervise all affairs in Jiangdong. In order to prevent Mr. from missing his relatives, the Xun family can also move to Jiangdong with him." After finishing speaking, he handed the things in his arms to Xun You, "This is an imperial decree. Whether you accept it or not, it is up to you."

"There is one more thing, the prime minister asked Dun to give it to the gentleman." However, when Xiahou Dun said this, he looked at Xun Yu behind Xun You, "Lingjun died of an illness, the prime minister was very sad, and ordered the craftsmen to rush to make orders overnight. The incense that you loved the most during your lifetime is given to your husband, and you can also see things and think about others, and express your condolences."

The lacquer box is simple and unsophisticated, but there is a dark fragrance lingering, like an empty valley and orchids, elegant and distant, just like in the past.

"Words and things have been brought. It's cold and the road is long, Mr. Wang cherishes the road ahead."

After finishing speaking, Xiahou Dun really didn't bother anymore, got on his horse and left.He came and went in a hurry, if it wasn't for the clear row of horseshoe prints on the snow leading to the distance, he would even feel that what happened just now was just a dream.

"Uncle, you..."

"Don't ask Yu, ask yourself." Xun Yu looked at Xun You, "No matter where, Yu will go with you."

If it is said that letting Xun Yu and Xun You go to Cao Cao is nostalgic for old feelings, then letting Xun You take up the post of Yangzhou Shepherd and letting the Xun family move to Jiangdong is almost to hand over all of Jiangdong to Xun You.The absolute trust contained in this made Xun You not sure whether Cao Cao was really just because of his trust in him and Xun Yu, or whether he had other plans.

But hearing Xun Yu's words, all his worries disappeared.

Whether he assassinated Dong alone back then, or went to Jiangdong today, as long as Xun Yu is around, he will no longer have any hesitation.

"Go to Jiangdong."

On the other side, at noon, the old farmer's son and daughter-in-law returned home with their grandson as promised.The grandson was anxious to go to the entrance of the village to play with his friends, and ran back to the house to change clothes as soon as he came back.The son and daughter-in-law shook their heads helplessly, and said to the old man:

"Father, didn't I say that all these tasks will be done after I come back. Your legs are not good, you should rest more in the house."

"That's not the case." The old farmer hurriedly shook his head, explained the cause and effect, and regretted, "It's a pity that I don't even know the name of that nobleman."

The son picked up the bamboo slips that were left behind in the volume, and frowned slightly when he saw the contents of the slips.The daughter-in-law was considerate to help the old man give advice: "Father, you still remember the appearance of that noble man. If we are destined to meet each other in the future, we may meet again."

"Hmm..." The old man recalled carefully, "He has a high forehead, a slender neck, and slender shoulders. He seems to have the same leg problems as me. It's just that he looks a little tired, and he said that his family is waiting for him at the entrance of the village. He must be passing by. people."

"Father's description reminds me of a sentence." The daughter-in-law smiled, "There are people in the east gate, whose coat is like Yao, whose neck is like Gaoyao, and whose shoulders are like sons, but naturally it is not as good as Yu's three inches below, and there are many. Like a lost dog."

"Hey!" The old farmer was dissatisfied, "I didn't say that nobleman is like a stray dog."

"Father," the son happened to hear this sentence, raised his head and explained with a smile, "Mi'er means that the noble person you met is a saint who traveled all over the world for the sake of the common people."

"Forget it, forget it, you always say things I don't understand." The old farmer waved his hand and didn't ask any more questions.He knew that his godson and daughter-in-law were good half a year ago, both filial and considerate, and he treated his grandson as his own, but he always said some polite words that he couldn't understand.He doesn't know as many characters as his grandson, so he doesn't know what they mean.

"Father." The daughter-in-law frowned slightly, "Is this cloak also left by that nobleman?"

The old man nodded.

"Xianyi," the daughter-in-law picked up the cloak and sniffed it lightly, with a hint of worry in her eyes, "The incense on it..."

"Shh." The son shook his head.When he saw the volume of "Book of Filial Piety" annotated by Zheng Gong, he guessed a little bit.It's just that the peaceful life now is exactly what he and Mi'er want, so there's no need to point it out.

She was stunned for a moment, and then came to her senses, smiling and talking about other things: "Then I'll cook first. Xianyi, after you help father back to the house, come over and give me a helping hand."

"Yes." He bowed in a dignified manner, "I would like to obey Madam's order."

Auspicious clouds send joy, snow reflects red.After a while, the courtyard wafted the strong aroma of food like other homes.The young children at the entrance of the village are still playing the role of Lang riding a bamboo horse, and the family has yellow hair hanging down to share the family relationship.There are no officials to call the door, no old people who have lost their homes, plots are not prosperous, chaos and thieves are not involved, barns and grains are full, kindness and virtue are wide and grass and trees.When the full moon is in the sky and the sound of firecrackers, thousands of households gather to massacre Su, singing this peace.