Bastards

The night rain knocks on the window, the wind blows the bead curtains, the air is filled with light humidity, and there is a light scent of hosta flowers in the nose.

The candlelight is like beans, and the two people face each other on the screen window.

On such a rainy night, there is no need to do anything deliberately, it is full of sorrow.

The figure of Cui Mata pulling her hair and trying on the hairpin was reflected in her eyes, and the sound of the continuous ticking rain seemed to hit her heart... For some reason, Yang Xuan suddenly felt panicked, and she really didn't want to let Cui Mata out of her sight.

He tried to persuade him to stay: "Why don't you send someone else this time?"

Before he finished speaking, he turned his eyes away from Cui Yu's surprised eyes, and explained in a low voice: "We people also need experience."

Cui Yu lowered his eyes, and there was a smile at the bottom of his eyes: "Why, can't you bear me?"

The habitual smile with lowered eyebrows, familiar teasing, seems to imply a different kind of provocation at the moment, even the voice is slightly hoarse, amidst the sound of dripping rain, under the flickering candle shadow, there is a special ambiguity, as if... understands everything like.

Yang Xuan's heart was shocked, he clenched his fists subconsciously, did he notice it!

"Hey, these past few years, you and I get together less and leave more. You just came back, but I have to leave. I don't even have time to have a good drink. Let alone you, I actually don't want to part with it."

It turned out that this was what he was talking about...Yang Xuan's heart fluttered and then fell, and he couldn't tell whether it was luck or regret.

Cui Yu let out a long sigh: "But it can't. If it's about Chang'an, I don't care if I don't go, your people can handle it well. Luoyang is the capital of Da'an, under the feet of the emperor, and the result may change ever-changingly. There is no room for sloppy." After speaking, he smiled and comforted Yang Xuan, "Don't worry, I only left a few days earlier, and we will meet again soon."

Having said that, who can control the throbbing in his heart?

Yang Xuan's eyebrows and eyes were silent, and she didn't speak.

Cui Yan sighed, put down the hairpin, and thought about going to bed soon, so he didn't tie up his hair without any fuss, let his long hair hang over his shoulders, and walked slowly in front of Yang Xuan.

"Be good and have faith in me, huh?"

While talking, he stretched out his hand, habitually wanting to rub Yang Xuan's head.

But when he stretched out his hand halfway, he stopped.

Yang Xuan was already much taller than him, and he was not the kid who always made troubles back then, but His Royal Highness, such behavior... was no longer appropriate.

He was stunned for a moment, subconsciously bent his fingers slightly, and retracted them embarrassingly.

But Yang Xuan bent slightly, and took the initiative to put the top of his head into his palm: "Cui Yu."

Due to her lower body on purpose and the short distance, Yang Xuan wanted to see Cui Yu, so she had to slightly raise her face and raise her eyes to look at him.The arrogant prince had a pitiful expression at this moment, like a big dog who had been bullied by someone, his deep and dark eyes were full of grievances and pleadings.

"You promise me, you must be good..."

Cui Yu smiled, and rubbed heavily on Yang Xuan's hair, which felt slightly rough and uncomfortable: "Mmm!"

In the end, he still felt that it was not enough, so he patted the back of Yang Xuan's head by the way.

Following this force, Yang Xuan fell forward and hugged Cui Yu's body.

He wrapped his hands tightly around Cui Mata's waist, put his chin on Cui Mata's shoulder socket, and rubbed the tip of his nose against the skin of Cui Mata's neck before sinking into his hair.

"Cui Yu..." He took a deep breath and sighed, not sure if he was satisfied or not enough.

Before parting, Cui Yu tolerated Prince Xiong's rare coquetry in recent years, and patted him on the back: "Huh?"

"In the past few years... I miss you very much."

Cui Mata smiled: "Me too."

The rain hits the plantains, the candle shadows shake gently, and the cuddling figures are reflected in the screen window. They seem to be alone, and it is impossible to tell which is you and which is me.

A moment seems to freeze into eternity.

"Then..." Yang Xuan's voice was slightly hoarse, "Shall we sleep together tonight?"

"No." Cui Yan pushed Yang Xuan away, "You are already an adult."

Disappointment was evident on Yang Xuan's face.

Cui Yu smiled: "Don't act like a girl, as I said, we will meet again soon."

After a while, there was indeed a reunion, but Cui Mata was not the protagonist.

Human premonitions are sometimes so wonderful.

……

Cui Yu's departure time was set on July [-]th. Yang Xuan personally checked the calendar to set the time, because this day is very good and everything is suitable for travel.All pre-trip preparations are also underway in an intense and orderly manner, and everything is going well.

July [-]th, the Ghost Festival, customs vary from place to place, but lively activities are indispensable. Chang'an City and the river have different ceremonies.

Cui Yu didn't go anywhere, just stayed in Yicheng. Fortunately, Chang'an Yicheng went to and from Yicheng very quickly, especially after mastering the waterway, the fast boat went back and forth, but in a few hours, no matter how many things happened, Yang Xuan could guarantee to come back in time to see him off.

Yicheng, the excitement came very quickly.

The sun has not yet set, and the heat has not yet dissipated, and people can't wait to go out.Vendors are busy looking for places to set up stalls and display things, shop assistants tidy up the halls inside and out, hang out decorations, especially the lanterns that have been made in advance, they need to be hung up, so that people can see them at a glance when they pass by shop.

Gradually, the flow of people on the street increased, adults, children, girls, boys, groups of three or five, lively and lively.

It was rare that he had such free time, so Cui Yu took Lan Qiao Mutong and Fuzhong's guards to the street.

"Look, young master—playing with fire! There is also face-changing!" Lan Qiao was very excited, and pointed out to Cui Yu all those who thought it was new and beautiful.

Cui Yu has seen more dazzling scenes than this one, which is novel... not to mention, but the atmosphere of fireworks in the market and the harmonious and lively atmosphere are rarely felt, which is quite fresh.All the old and young men who passed by were full of support and applause. If you were stunned, you would not even be able to squeeze in, let alone see it up close.

Cui Yu squeezed the bus and subway many times, and the experience was not good at all. The sense of distance, the sense of personal space being violated, and the inexplicable sense of irritability were all negative emotions.But at this moment, being huddled with a group of people to watch the flame-breathing and face-changing, it doesn't feel uncomfortable.

It’s hot in summer, not everyone has their own fragrance, no sweat and no body odor, but everyone here is smiling and happy, and never drafts first when talking to strangers, worrying that they won’t be the fastest and best Expressing meaning and annoying, they are all familiar with each other, and they can chat with you at any point.Even if you don't respond much, they can make the atmosphere alone.

They will kindly help you when you are slightly swaying, pull you to the side to avoid being stepped on by the big man nearby, and push the crying child of the woman next to you to the shoulder, let him hold the mother Kissing hands, watching the show happily and without worry.

This is a group of simple and kind people.

For no reason, it makes you feel warm.

When the night wind blows, what remains on the tip of the nose is the smell of fireworks in summer festivals, the sweetness of candy mixed with the fragrance of flowers, and the attractive taste of various foods.

At this moment, Cui Yu felt that he actually liked this era very much.This is not advanced, inconvenient, but full of human touch.

He took the purse from Lan Qiao's body, dug out the broken silver, bought a big bag of pine nut candy, and casually distributed it to the crazy children who were shuttling through the crowd.

"Master, you have a good heart..." Lan Qiao held his face in his hands, and looked at his master with bright eyes, "There is no better person in the world than my young master! Well, he looks good when he smiles, he really shines! I don't know what Only such a girl can become my young mistress..."

Mu Tong burst out laughing, and gave him a sideways glance: "You'd better not let Sha San hear this."

That domineering, unreasonable, possessive man is determined not to be able to stand those words.

Lan Qiao wondered: "What's wrong with letting him hear it?" He turned the white of his eyes over Mu Tong, "Don't be careful, you are a gentleman's belly, Sha San is very good, although the status is different now, but we get along better than before What! He is so good with the young master, I must hope that the young master finds someone he likes and lives a happy life!"

Mu Tong sighed a long time: "...People are stupid and have no cure."

Cui Yu saw the dots of river lanterns in different shapes but all were beautiful, so he went to put one on a whim.Because there is really no deceased person who needs to express his grief, he simply prayed directly, wrote the word "Xuan", and wrote down the wish in small letters with hairpin flowers, such as Daan, Jiangshan, and forever...

Very happy to play.

When you are happy, you naturally hope that the people around you will be happy together, so you encourage Lan Qiaomu and the guards to find ways to play that you like.

Lanqiao's child has a heart, needless to say, he can also find fun.Mu Tong suddenly ran into an old acquaintance, and asked for leave with Cui Mata.Because there are many guards coming out, even if they are on duty in turn, the guard strength is enough, so Cui Yu waved his hand, let's go play!

After all, his physical strength was not as good as these people's. Cui Yu got tired after a while. After buying an ugly but menacing mask at a mask stand, he sat at a nearby tea stand and drank tea.

Because of his handsome appearance and the conspicuous location of the tea stand, everyone could see him every time he turned his head. Gradually, everyone changed from looking back from time to time, to looking back for a while, and finally to taking a long time to look back.

No matter what time, Cui Yu was always there, holding a cup of tea, smiling and watching the lively scene in front of him.

……

Yang Xuan is very busy today.

This time I went to Zhangye to fight and disappeared for half a year. Those who knew it trembled and couldn’t sleep day and night, for fear that something might happen and they couldn’t stop them. Those who didn’t know it began to wonder why the prince disappeared again, and the situation would be messed up if he didn’t show up again.So he worked tirelessly and ran to several places non-stop.

Xie's private banquet is going to show up to connect with his subordinates; Mr. Wang Fu has to go to see it, and bring his homework by the way; Huangci Temple does not have to go, there is no change, the old eunuch who watched him grow up doesn't mind him When are you going to see him...

You have to take a walk on the river too.The river gang does water monopoly, and the ghost festival also has special water sacrifice ceremonies, so the boss has to come forward.

This busy, until the ugly time, there is no rest.

"Your Highness—Your Highness!"

Just as Yang Xuan twisted her neck and relaxed for a moment, she heard Yichen's voice coming from a distance, and her mood was slightly wrong.

Suddenly, with a 'thump' in his heart, Yang Xuan's sword eyebrows frowned, and he strode out of the inner room: "What's the matter?"

"Cui...is gone." Yichen shook hands and handed the note from Feige to Yang Xuan.

Yang Xuan didn't move, her pupils shrank suddenly, as if she didn't hear Yi Chen's words: "You said... who is missing? What do you mean by missing? Explain to me clearly!"

"Your Highness..." Yichen knelt on the ground with a "plop", "It's Cui Yu, Mr. Cui is gone."

Yang Xuan's eyes fell on the note, the word 'missing' on it was particularly eye-catching.His eyes darkened, and he couldn't suppress the fury in his heart, and with a "bang", he kicked over the table.

The crown prince hasn't been like this for several years... Yichen slammed his head on the ground heavily: "This subordinate is not good at doing things, please be punished by Your Highness!"

"You really should be punished." Yang Xuan had a severe chest pain, but he also knew that there was no time for him to think too much, so he strode out, "If Cui Mata loses a hair, all of you will die!"

Yi Chen quickly followed.He didn't need to ask any questions, he knew what Yang Xuan was thinking, and when he came to deliver the news, he ordered his subordinates to prepare the fast boat. Sure enough, Yang Xuan went straight to the fast boat without saying anything, and set off directly!

After the fast boat flew out like an arrow, Yang Xuan stood at the bow of the boat, his eyes were ice-cold: "What's going on, tell me!"

Yi Chen calmed down before opening his mouth solemnly: "Today's Hungry Ghost Festival, Yicheng is very lively. Mr. Cui had dinner, took the guards to the street, watched magic tricks, set off river lanterns, bought candy for the children, bought Ghost mask, drinking tea and resting, having a good time... There is nothing unusual here, no one is following, there is no conspiracy, there are our people in the guards, I am very sure of this."

Yang Xuan sneered: "Surely why is it still missing?"

Yichen lowered his head: "My subordinates don't know either. The young master has been drinking tea at the tea stand in a good manner. There are people everywhere. It is impossible for someone to kidnap someone in full view. When they find that the person is not there, the guards immediately ask. The owner of the tea stand said that there were too many people, so he didn't pay attention, and he didn't know when the young master disappeared, but a few tea customers saw it, and said that the young master got up and left by himself, and no one coerced him."

"Leave by yourself?" How is that possible!

Yichen also didn't understand: "It stands to reason that it is impossible for the young master to act like this, but our people can't find the source of danger, and we can't find any traces..."

"So people just disappeared out of thin air?" Yang Xuan's eyes were ironic, "Or Cui Yu himself was unhappy and dissatisfied, and ran away from home?"

Yichen lowered his head: "Subordinates dare not think about it."

Yang Xuan narrowed his long and narrow eyes, and his voice was as cold as frost: "Where's Mutong? Were you there when the accident happened?"

"Mu Tong went out with the young master today, but because he ran into an old acquaintance in the middle, and the guards were strong enough, he asked for leave and was not there at that time."

"His old acquaintance, did he meet by chance, or was it just waiting for him?"

Yichen's voice turned cold: "Your Highness means..." There is a conspiracy in it!

Yang Xuan clenched his fists with knuckles and said, "Go and investigate this person. Cui Yu is not a person who gets angry casually and ignores everyone. It is impossible for him to leave by himself. He didn't call the guards at that time, and he was alone. Get up, probably because you don't want to disturb everyone's fun."

"The young man is going to..."

"Do what you, me, and everyone else would do after drinking tea."

Yichen understands, it's convenient!Some villains must have played tricks during this period and captured Cui Yu!

"Subordinates immediately pass on the news and focus on checking the clean rooms nearby!"

"Check the nearby alleys to see if there are any horse-drawn carriages passing by. It is lively tonight and there are many pedestrians, but there are horse-drawn carriages. Because of the crowding, I must be impressed." Yang Xuan narrowed his eyes. Some family has a big problem recently, but they can't ask Cui Yu to help; check the route in and out of the city, whether there is any abnormality... Let me check everything carefully!"

Under the stars and the moon, the fast boat goes smoothly, like an arrow flying off the string, traveling fast.In a short period of time, several figures and several flying pigeons jumped out of the fast boat and flew, the water touched the surface a few times, and soon disappeared from sight.

The night was silent.There is only the humming of the wind, the sound of gurgling water, and even the summer insects are quiet and don't like to scream.

Yang Xuan stood at the bow of the boat, looking in the direction of Yicheng, anxious.

……

Crown Prince Yang Xuan is no longer the weak young man with all his martial arts and almost no contacts four years ago. He can almost control the entire Chang'an City, Xiaoxiaoyi City, and if he wants to shake the sky, he can do it.

Soon, where Cui Yu passed by, whom he met, and whom he had spoken to, all were found out.Even the ghost masks Cui Mata bought and the river lanterns were found.

The mask is the most common ghost mask on the stall, and the river lantern is the most common lotus lantern. The words on it were written by Cui Yu himself.

A word of "Xuan", written softly and honestly, with long pen and ink, seems to be full of emotions at the turning point, a simple word, seems to be full of Cui Yu's inner expectations.

He is real... miss him, wish him well, wish him well.

"Cui Yu..." Yang Xuan stared at the river lantern, his eyes were almost bleeding, "The other side! How could there be no news, how could there be no news!"

Yet it is what it is.Mu Tong's old acquaintance met by chance. Mu Tong was working next to Cui Yu, and the people around him didn't even know about it.

The Cui family has not been unusual recently.The entire Cui family, no matter whether they are smart or stupid, has deeply understood that Cui Mata is the absolute boss of the family and must not be messed with.

As for the upper circles, there are too many people who want to ask Cui Yu for help... but no one really dares to do it. No one can bear the consequences of offending the master of profound arts.

……

Cui Yu really just disappeared, without a sound.The last place people saw him was outside a certain tea house. The waiter said he saw him go to the clean room, but he didn't pay attention after that.

"If that doesn't work, let's expand the scope and look at my enemies!" Yang Xuan's heart aches when he thinks of the possibility that he has implicated Cui Yu.

In the end, it really came at him.

Two days later, at noon, he received something—a hosta wrapped in Supa.

Jade is a good jade, with warm tentacles, crystal clear, full of water, and the carving of the hairpin head is also very familiar. He personally holds a carving knife and draws cloud patterns one by one.

It was the hairpin he gave Cui Mata!

The person who sent the hairpin was a little beggar, his mind was a little confused, and he couldn't say clearly, he only said that a man gave him money and asked him to send it over.As for what the man looked like, he only remembered that he was dark and had a big mouth, and he couldn't describe it in detail. He didn't seem to have any impression of his accent, how tall he was, whether he was fat or thin.

In short, this person could not be found.

The Supa wrapped in the hairpin is also a very common material, a very common style, which can be found everywhere.

Except for these two things, there is nothing else, and there is not a single word.

The clues seemed to be broken.

But since someone sent this thing, it meant that they wanted to negotiate terms. No gold or silver was mentioned, and nothing else was mentioned. Maybe the other party hadn't figured out how to negotiate with him.Naturally, there was also a threat, telling him that Cui Yu was in their hands, and told him not to act rashly.

In any case, in a short period of time—at least for the time being, Cui Mata's life should not be in danger.

Even so, Yang Xuan's heart didn't sink a bit, and he immediately ordered: Check all the people who appeared around the little beggar just now!

……

When Cui Yu woke up, he was very surprised. He didn't understand why someone wanted to take him captive, and why the supernatural power didn't warn him of danger.

He just went to the toilet, and when he went out, he smelled a strange fragrance and was stunned.The medicine worked quickly and well. He didn't feel much discomfort, nor was he completely unconscious, but he couldn't speak or move.

He was quickly helped into a box, and someone gently helped him change his outer clothes. The whole process felt very respected and not offended.The only thing that dissatisfied him was that the new clothes were women's clothes.

He heard someone apologizing in his ear, but his consciousness was so dazed that he couldn't distinguish between men and women.

For a long time, he was groggy, as if he had taken a boat, then a car, then another boat, then another car, turned around a few times, and finally arrived at the place he is now.

During this period, no one abused him, and those who came to serve him were all well-trained servant girls with light hands and feet. They ate, drank, dressed, and even slept as carefully as possible. Make him as comfortable as possible.

The medicines given to him have no side effects, no headache, no vomiting, and no lightheadedness, just like waking up from sleep.

There was a faint fishy smell of river water coming from his nose, and the feeling of shaking slightly under his feet was very familiar... It was obvious that he was on a boat.

The three-legged incense burner is burning magnolia incense, and there are new teas on the table, exquisite snacks, a white jade chessboard, and leisure books to pass the time.

He stared slightly, did not touch these things, frowned, walked to the window, and looked out.

The field of vision is white and full of water, and it is really on the surface of the water.

The eyes are full of water, but it does not mean that the boat is in the middle of the water. There is only one side of the window, and you can only see one side of the scene, but there is a fresh smell of plants and leaves in front of your nose, and the cabin is not very hot... This boat, no Close to the shore is a special dock.

Cui Yu looked at it for a long time, and he was sure that he didn't know this water area, and he always felt that the temperature here was different from that in Yicheng.He didn't know how long he had been in captivity, but he was definitely... far away from Yicheng.

Yang Xuan...she should know that he is missing by now, so she must be very worried.

As if aware of his movement, there was a soft "duk tuk" sound on the door, and someone was coming!

Cui Yu's eyes narrowed suddenly, and his heart hung high.