Bastards

The days in winter are short and the nights come quickly.The north wind blew, and the crows and birds returned to their nests early. In the dark sky, there was only a little light on the treetops.

The first snow of this year began to fall before noon, and it has not stopped until now, and it is getting bigger and bigger. The snowflakes are like goose feathers. It's full of people.

When the last ray of light in the sky disappeared, the guards of the city gate responded to the time, yelling, talking and laughing, rubbing their hands while breathing, and closed the city gate with the key.At the moment when the city gate was about to close, one person and one rider suddenly rushed over, quickly passing through the narrower and narrower gap in the door.As soon as he passed through, the door slammed shut, under the force and inertia of the guard, it was so dangerous that it made people sweat out of fear!

The guards looked at each other in blank dismay, and when they turned around, one of them had already gone away alone, and the black horse in black clothes disappeared from sight in an instant.

"Damn, who is it, I can't see clearly all in black!"

"The horse is also a good horse. It runs so fast and the sound is so soft, we didn't even hear it!"

"He didn't stop, and even accelerated. How could he be sure that he could just come in? Our city gate is heavy, and he was almost stuck to death!"

"Looking at his figure, he's still a teenager..."

"Hey... Don't look down on young people, the most powerful people these days are young people! Have you heard about it? A big event happened in Huangzhuang today, our prince..."

"What? Da'an and the prince?"

"Tsk, you are a young man with little knowledge. Not only do we have a prince, but we are also an orthodox descendant, as the late emperor pointed out! Come on, go make a pot of good wine and honor your elder brother, and my elder brother will tell you about us. This prince's business!"

……

The more impatient, the more things were busy. Before Yang Xuan went to Xishan, King Chang lost his temper and made a big fuss. He was looking for faults and chasing away customers. Worried about accidents, Yang Xuan stayed in Xishan for a while.Facts have proved that it is right to stay. In heavy snow and difficult mountain roads, his hidden guards saved several families and officials from unexpected accidents.

But this delay prevented him from going back to the city, and he was not about to enter the city until this time.

Covered with snow on the head and shoulders, there is a vast expanse of whiteness in front of me, even the red lanterns raised by the roadside restaurants are half white, the light is soft and moist, illuminating the hazy and unreal road ahead.There is the smell of food coming down the street.

Chang'an City, as always, is peaceful and healthy, full of friendly fireworks.

But Yang Xuan didn't care about anything at the moment, he lightly clamped his legs, urged the horse forward, and ran straight in the direction of Xie's house.

Cui Mata, Cui Mata, Cui Mata—he wants to see Cui Mata!

……

At this time, the Xie family... is in a meeting.

Patriarch Xie Yan, the two brothers Xie Wen and Xie Cong, and the two brothers' father Xie He, mother Zheng, heavyweight clansman... In short, those who are in Chang'an now have good vision and strength, and they can participate in the decision-making of the clan. , all are there.

Xie Cong was still in shock and didn't recover: "Grandfather... grandfather, Sha San, uh no, the prince...does Cui Liu know?"

Xie Wen glanced at his younger brother: "It doesn't matter whether Cui Yu knows or not, the key is how we deal with it. Cui Yu is recuperating at our house now, and the crown prince will definitely arrive soon."

The father of the two, Xie He, looked solemn: "What Wen'er said is true, the prince's current situation is worrisome, if Luoyang is concerned... I am afraid it will be a miserable storm, we need to be cautious."

"It's best to avoid it."

"Do you want to put it somewhere else, and ask Cui Mata to move to take care of himself?"

"If you can put aside the relationship..."

Before the two clansmen finished speaking, Xie Wen sighed, stood up and saluted: "The two clan uncles, it's not because my nephew is disrespectful, but my nephew needs to remind everyone that we and the prince... can't hide the past. .”

Xie He and Zheng Shi exchanged glances: "This year's autumn feast."

"Yes. This year's autumn banquet, the prince helped our Xie family to host it, and we also met with guests during the banquet."

As soon as Xie Wen said this, the room was instantly quiet, and everyone frowned and looked solemn.

After a long time, the clansmen looked at Xie Yan who had been silent all this time: "We still need a word from the patriarch about this matter."

Xie Yan stroked his beard, drooping eyelids, and sighed after a long while: "It's a pity."

The tribe looked at each other, what a pity?This is a bit out of line.

Xie Yan looked in the direction of Xishan: "It's a pity that the old man didn't want to see the fourth prince, so he pushed the plum feast and didn't go. If he could be there, he would know what to do..." As he spoke, his eyes fell on Xie Wen, "Today the prince Is the performance really extraordinary?"

"The scene at that time has already been relayed by my grandson. The crown prince is truly amazing and brilliant, which is deeply memorable. My grandson believes that everyone present today will never forget that moment."

Xie Wen saw that the attitudes of the clansmen were still hesitant, and when he remembered something, he said in a deep voice: "The prince also worshiped Wang Laoshan as his teacher... I just don't know if he knows about it." After speaking, he laughed suddenly, and his voice became clearer, " Even if you don't know, you should know now. The old man likes the prince so much, I don't know what his attitude will be."

"Of course we can't let that old boy be more beautiful than before!" Xie Yan glared at his grandson, "You little bastard, don't play tricks here, if I can't see it, you will turn to the prince!"

Xie Wen touched his nose: "Is that also due to the situation..."

Xie Yan snorted, and patted the table: "Let's not talk about it, my Xie family has never had an ungrateful generation since the tenth generation! The crown prince saved Cong'er, no matter what, I thank you Family benefactor, if you are not strong enough to take care of him, let it be, there is no reason to push it away when you are in trouble!"

The eyes of several clansmen changed slightly, and they sighed long.

"What is the status of our Xie family? How many major events have we experienced? Change the dynasty and fight Conglong, you count, but there are still few? But has our Xie family collapsed? No! A family, with the integrity of a family, must have the same vision and courage. I'm afraid, I'm always thinking of hiding, where can I hide? You're going back to the mountains, don't you live in this bustling city!"

Xie Yan had trained his clansmen in full spirit, and Xie Yan snorted: "Sooner or later, Xie's family will enter this court. According to the old man, now is the opportunity!"

The clansman was puzzled and looked at Xie Yan.

Xie Yan stopped talking, closed his eyes and stroked his beard, and snorted at Xie Wen.

Xie Wen had no choice but to bow and reply: "The number of sons of the sage, there are only those who are expected to inherit the throne. At present, there are only four kings, the king of Yue, the king of Pingjun, the king of Changjun, and the crown prince. The king of Yue and the king of Changjun have the same mother. No matter who they are, if Deng Xiaoping If I lose my position, will it be good for my Xie family?"

Concubine Tian Gui is close to her own people. King Yue Changjun also likes to associate with the Tian family. In the early years of business, several forces have turned to each other. King Yue is about to get married, and the princess is also a family. , will not get any benefits, and will not have much merit in the future.

King Pingjun...was a bit tactful. Maybe Tian Guifei and Yuechang two princes were watching closely. He had an ambiguous attitude towards all forces. He didn't make any definite statement, and his strength was not enough. If he got close like this, he might become a target , King Pingjun can't protect him, sooner or later it will be over...

Coupled with the direction the Xie family envisions, it is not easy to achieve...

Looking at it this way, it seems that the prince is the most suitable.

Sending charcoal in the snow is the most rare friendship.Although the prince is weak now, does he know that Qianlong cannot fly into the sky?

Besides, is there a reason for them to be tied up with the prince? How can they not repay the grace of saving their lives?If there is an accident in the future, it is not impossible to turn the operation...

There is no need to beat the drum with a heavy hammer, and there is no need to explain in detail. Everyone put aside the sudden fear and think carefully... You can find out by yourself that Mr. Xie has a good vision, and this kid Xie Wen is smart enough. If there is no accident, the future of the Xie family ...no need to worry.

"Report—" The butler outside the room hastily reminded loudly: "Master, that one is here!"

Everyone's eyes stopped, and they all looked at Xie Yan.

The prince and Cui Yu are good friends, and Cui Yu is here, the prince will definitely come over, so even if there is a meeting, Xie Yan also told the subordinates to report 'Sha San' as soon as possible.Everyone in the room understood, but no one expected that the crown prince would come so quickly!

"Grandfather—" Xie Wen's voice was slightly anxious.

Xie Yan paused, then walked out: "Xie and Xie Wen Xie Cong, follow me to meet guests!"

Although the matter has not yet come to a conclusion, everyone is on the same page. Seeing Xie Yan's action, several clansmen immediately followed and went out: "I'll wait outside and watch, it won't have much effect if we fight for it!"

Mrs. Zheng also walked out, her beauty undiminished, her expression became more solemn and firm: "I'll go and look at the inner house, and make sure nothing goes wrong!"

Everyone retreated in several ways, in an orderly manner.

Xie Wen put a thick fur cloak on the old man Xie Yan, a little worried: "I don't know the prince..."

"Don't worry kid, those who don't know don't blame us, the crown prince won't blame us for our rudeness before." In the long snow, Xie Yan sighed, looking at Gaoyuan Yekong, "Other families, I'm afraid they won't be as peaceful as ours."

Today's incident is too sudden, how to treat the prince is almost the most important problem faced by the dignified family in Chang'an City.Not everyone thinks the same as the Xie family, and families with constant internal strife are more prone to accidents.

It is an opportunity for the Xie family to lean towards the prince at this time, but there will definitely be more challenges and difficulties in the future.

But now that he has made a choice... "Work hard, grandson!"

Mr. Xie Yan was very cheerful, but Xie Wen was reminded and began to think after being excited...

When Yang Xuan entered Xie's mansion, of course he immediately rushed to the small courtyard where the two lived together.As a result, as soon as he saw Lan Qiao, before he had time to enter the room, he was stopped by Mr. Xie Yan with his children and grandchildren in court.

"Xie Yan and his family, please the crown prince Jinan! May the crown prince be safe and healthy, and the blessings will continue!"

It was the first time for Yang Xuan to meet him like this, and he was still a familiar person, so he felt...a little embarrassed.He is in a hurry now, can we talk to Cui Yu first!

"Please get up, old man." Yang Xuanxu helped Xie Yan up, saw that Xie Yan's face was excited, there seemed to be water in his eyes, and seeing Xie Wen again, Xie Cong's expression was excited, he wanted to see him a few more times but he couldn't act rashly because of the rules... ...more embarrassing.

As smart as he is, he doesn't need to think too much, he already understands what the Xie family means and stands.It stands to reason that he should have a "monarch and his ministers get along well", be moved by what the Xie family has done, talk about the relationship with each other to show their closeness, and it is best to be in high spirits, go have a drink and a meal together... Unfortunately, he only wants to see Cui now. Mata.

So he held back for a while, and instead of performing passionately, he said directly: "I would like to meet Cui Yu first."

Mr. Xie had an acting bonus, so he was a little surprised to see that the prince did not play cards as usual.But the old fox is an old fox, and immediately answered with a smile: "Prince, please—"

Yang Xuan was a little embarrassed, this behavior did not look like a prince at all: "I have some things that need to be dealt with urgently, and this visit is abrupt, so don't blame the old man."

"The prince regards us as his own, so he gave up those appearances. The old man is very happy. In this Xie mansion, you can do whatever you want, don't worry about it."

The old man Xie Yan spoke beautifully, Yang Xuan also relaxed a lot: "What the old man said is true." He is really different from others to the Xie family, subconsciously has a sense of intimacy.

Only Lan Qiao, who was standing at the door, had his eyes wide open and was dazed, as if he had been struck by lightning.

What did he hear!

The Xie family calls Prince Sha San, and Sha San is the prince!

Seeing Cui Yu lying on the bed with a pale face and light lips, Yang Xuan was shocked: "What's going on? But I'm sick!"

Xie Yan explained: "I've asked a doctor to come over to see it—it's the old doctor who was invited by Zhong Xia last time. He is very familiar with Cui Yu's physique. Sleepiness is the body's means of self-protection and self-cultivation. After enough sleep, the mind will return, and it will wake up by itself, no serious problem."

Only then did Yang Xuan's eyes widen slightly, and he sighed secretly: "Thank you, old man."

"It's okay, it's okay, this kid, Cui Yu, I like it very much, so I should take care of him." Xie Yan observed Yang Xuan's expression, and said in his heart that the degree of care for Cui Yu may be even higher.

He is indeed optimistic about Cui Yu, and intends to make friends with him, because Cui Yu is a great talent, different, looking at it now, the previous attention is still less.

"Yeah." Yang Xuan sat on the edge of the bed, and couldn't help but want to shake Cui Yu's hand.But he knew that the timing was not right, he was no longer Sha San who could be completely desperate, but Prince Yang Xuan.

He took a serious look at Cui Yan, and led Xie Yan and the others to a side room: "What happened today has shocked everyone."

Xie Yan didn't go into details, and directly cut to the point: "It's okay, but there are a few things that need special attention..."

Yang Xuan liked this way very much, nodded slightly, and listened quietly.

First, the crown prince appeared in front of everyone, even though they were all officials of the aristocratic family, the news was unstoppable, Yang Xuan needed to have a regulation on how to spread this matter, how it would be spread, and what effect it would achieve.

Second, some of the officials of the aristocratic family have met Yang Xuan before. The Xie family can deal with the prince first, delaying some time to ensure that everyone will not talk nonsense, but the Xie family cannot guarantee how long this time will be. Appropriate countermeasures, in case someone has bad thoughts... how to deal with it calmly.

Thirdly, even if the situation in Chang'an can be controlled, no one is willing to report. The prince's public appearance is a threat to Tian Guifei, King Yue and others. The next small move from Luoyang is inevitable, and Yang Xuan needs to be careful.

Fourth, I heard that the prince is discussing the court affairs with the officials today, and he must have thought about it. Among these officials, which ones are attractive and plan to win over, the Xie family can also help.

……

So many things, so many things.

Yang Xuan used to work alone, and most of his subordinates were warriors, and he relied on strength to build territory. In the past six months, he had known Cui Yu, and Cui Yu would teach him and help him think of ideas, but Cui Yu was his own, so it didn't count. This was basically the first It was quite a novelty to receive the care and assistance from the family once.

However, this does not affect his performance.

He already has a city in his chest, and he has been fighting at the border all year round, full of courage, and because of Cui Yu's teachings, the way he treats people and things has changed, and his words and deeds are calm, wise and unparalleled.Furthermore, before coming here, he had already thought of these problems, and he had a way to deal with them, and now he is talking slowly, speaking with substance, and lifting weights lightly, which makes people feel quite comfortable.

Now that the Xie family stood up and expressed their submission to him, he stopped thinking about what he was doing, and only pointed out the direction, hoping to see what the Xie family was capable of.

How could Xie Yan not know?He only asked questions, did not give himself any advice, just wanted to see if the prince had any ideas. Before that, he focused on Cui Mata and neglected the prince a little, so he was not sure about his talent for a while.After listening to it now, his hale and hearty old eyes burst out with burning light, this prince is no less talented than Cui Yu!

In this way, he also became more energetic, with a sudden feeling of pride in his chest, he wanted to show off his fists and let the prince see the majesty of his family!

……

Finally, the host and guest enjoyed themselves, Xie Yan left with his children and grandchildren, and was about to show off. Yang Xuan was finally quiet and sat by the bed, guarding Cui Yu.

He was finally able to hold Cui Yu's hand without taboo.

The knuckles of this hand are slender, the skin is smooth and soft, and the touch feels the same as before.It's just that it's too cold, and it doesn't look like jade fat, glistening and shiny like before, it should be because of illness.

Yang Xuan's heart seemed to be squeezed by a big hand.

His people...his rabbits...Why are they not well protected every time and always get sick?

Cui Yu knew he was the prince, would he blame him?

There was the sound of snow rustling outside the window, the whistling of the wind, and a charcoal basin was lit in the room, creating a warm feeling, but Yang Xuan's heart seemed to be thrown into the outside room and wrapped in the north wind, and could not be warmed no matter what.

"Master... It's time to take the medicine." Lan Qiao came over with a medicine bowl, trembling slightly, not knowing how to deal with Yang Xuan, he had never faced such a noble person as the crown prince.

Yang Xuan took the bowl: "Lonely."

"But—" Lan Qiao was a little afraid of such a prince.

Yang Xuan gave him a sidelong glance: "Gu is more familiar than you."

Lan Qiao suddenly remembered that a few months ago, the master was sick and entered Xie's mansion, and the prince took care of him alone... He didn't doubt Yang Xuan's sincere skills, but—"You are the prince, how can, how can you do this The work of serving people? I didn't know it before, but now, now... the young master will scold me when he wakes up!" Lan Qiao lowered his head and pinched his fingers, feeling very uneasy.

Yang Xuan sighed, "Blue Bridge."

"Here!" Lan Qiao's conditioned reflex responded.

"I'm still me, the prince is still Sha San, here in Cui Yu, nothing will change, you can be the same as before, don't be so afraid."

Lan Qiao looked at Yang Xuan cautiously, and asked weakly, "Really?"

Yang Xuan glanced at him lightly: "I never joke."

Lan Qiao is a person who cares about everything, since the crown prince agreed, he was relieved, and immediately snatched the medicine bowl over: "Then I won't need you to wait on me, the young master is Lan Qiao's young master!"

Yang Xuan's face darkened immediately, and his voice was deep: "Huh?"

Lan Qiao couldn't resist the coercion, obediently handed back the medicine bowl, and muttered in a low voice: "Obviously we agreed to keep everything as usual, but the result is not scaring people!"

Whether this idiot boy is afraid of him or not, Yang Xuan himself is not sure, but he is not angry anyway.

However, in this way, he is in a slightly better mood, and the object is like the protagonist, Cui Yu... probably won't be angry with him.

Yang Xuan skillfully picked up Cui Yu, let him lean on his shoulder, and reached out to take a spoon to scoop up the liquid medicine. When he was about to feed him, Cui Yu opened his lips slightly, and said two words softly: "Yang Xuan..."

The voice was soft and weak, like coming out of the tip of the tongue, not very clear, wrapped in thousands of emotions, it hit Yang Xuan's heart heavily.

He never knew that his name was called by Cui Yu, it was so... beautiful.

Seeing that Yang Xuan was stunned, Lan Qiao explained, "For some reason today, the master kept calling this name, when he fainted, and when he fell asleep. I don't remember the master knowing this person, maybe... the master is dreaming .”

"He knows it." Yang Xuan's gaze slid across Cui Yu's face inch by inch, extremely affectionate.He is the prince, he is Yang Xuan, Cui Yu knew it long ago, why didn't he see it?if earlier...

Lan Qiao was slightly taken aback, thinking he didn't know him?

But he has never been inquisitive, as long as the master is doing well, he will be lazy to care about the rest.

Yang Xuan was really good at taking care of Cui Yu, and he fed the medicine well without spilling a drop.

Holding Cui Yu's shoulders, he gently put the person back to lie down. Inadvertently, his arm slipped, and the pillow moved a little. Yang Xuan's eyes were sharp, and he read the note beside the pillow.

He picked up the note and read it—it was the name of a shop.

"What is this?" His eyes were slightly cold.

Lan Qiao shook his head: "I don't know, I found it in the sleeve pocket when I was changing the young master's clothes. I was worried that it was an important thing, so I didn't dare to lose it. I put it under the pillow, and the young master can see it when he wakes up."

Yang Xuan narrowed her eyes slightly, and slowly put the note away: "Put it here first." He had to go and check to see who it was who wanted to pick peaches from him!

Cui Mata has been in a trance, his consciousness is blurred, and he can't get rid of the pain in his whole body, especially the pain in his knees. He doesn't even let him go in his dreams.Perhaps it was a side effect punishment, and the dreams were full of teeth and claws, weird and terrifying scenes, as if he would not give up until he was scared to death.

He didn't know that he slept for five full days and nights, but he only knew that when he woke up, he would see Yang Xuan's face.

As soon as Cui Yu woke up, Yang Xuan realized it, and immediately leaned over to look.

The two looked straight at each other, big eyes to small eyes, the atmosphere was very quiet, and a needle could be heard.

Yang Xuan thought, what should I say now?How did Cui Yu know his identity?Or do you care about your body first, the same as before?But the attitude is the same as before, will Cui Yu be disappointed, thinking that he is not worthy of the status of prince?

Cui Mata thought, what should I say now?First apologize and say I'm sorry, I already knew who you are, or just say hello, Prince, how are you?It doesn't seem to be suitable...