Jincheng flower hour

When Liu Hong was young, Liu's mother often said that your father would come to pick us up, and then we could live in a big house, and the dog could eat whatever he wanted.The young Liu Hong lay in Liu's mother's arms and asked: "Mother, will there be candied dates?"Liu Hong, who was five or six years old, was very willing to listen to these words. When he was in his teens, he no longer believed that his father would come back to pick them up, and Liu's mother no longer mentioned it.

I only occasionally heard about Liu Hong's father with the women she made friends with in the village, or mentioned Liu Hong's father to my aunt. Liu's mother didn't tell Liu Hong as much as Uncle Wang said.Perhaps Liu's mother was afraid that Liu Hong would feel resentment towards this father who had never returned, or that Liu Hong would be sad, so after Liu Hong became sensible, he seldom mentioned his father.Liu Hong knew that his father was Liu Yichang, a native of Sizhou, who was in an army sent by the Xin Dynasty to quell the chaos in Laiqiong 16 years ago.Before the chaos was settled, news came that the rebel army had entered the capital and killed the emperor. This army withdrew in a hurry. On the way, it must have been attacked by Sima Shu, the prefect of Yizhou. I don't know if he is dead or alive.

Presumably after waiting year after year, Liu's mother went from her initial expectation to despair, thinking that he was dead.If they are not dead, why didn't they come to find their mother and son?When Liu's father left, he made an appointment with Liu's mother. If he couldn't return for a year, it would be three to five years at the latest, so he must wait for me.The husband and wife hugged and cried, and Liu's father took away a painted wooden grate from Liu's mother as a token.

At this time, the wooden grate was in Liu's mother's hands, and the patterns and colors remained the same, and sixteen years hadn't left many marks on it.It's just that the woman who handed out the wooden grate back then had a pair of white and slender hands, while the woman who took it had hands that were rough and ugly due to years of hard work.

Liu Hong rushed to the Zhuang's house, and the people watching in the Zhuang's house spontaneously stepped aside and let him in.There is a long distance from Luwei Lake to the dealer. Liu Hong thought of many possibilities on the way, no doubt he was very shocked and found it unbelievable.

In the hall, Mother Liu clings to the wooden grate and weeps. A middle-aged official is telling her something.There was also Erlang in the hall. Erlang had gloomy eyebrows, and when he saw Liu Hong, he covered up his melancholy.Seeing this scene, Liu Hong knew that this was not an illusion, it really happened.

"Ah Hong, this is the envoy of the Central Plains."

Zhuang Yang welcomes him and introduces Liu Hong.The eyes of the middle-aged official fell on Liu Hong when he came in. He was very excited and clapped his hands in admiration: "Like, really like!"

Liang Yu and Liu Yu were old friends, so on this mission to Shu, his duty was not only to negotiate with Gongsun, but also to go to Linqiong to find his wife and children under the entrustment of Grand Sima Liu Yu.

When he came to Shu, Liang Yu felt that this was a shadowy matter, and he didn't want to see Da Sima's wife and children right in front of him.Moreover, Da Sima's son is very heroic, his facial features and demeanor are very similar to Da Sima's when he was young, he is worthy of being his own father and son.

"The lord entrusted the ministers to look for the son and the mistress. The lord has never forgotten the separation in those years. But the war and chaos have prevented it. Today, the ministers have to take the opportunity of negotiating peace with the king of Shu to come to Laiqiong."

Liang Yu treated Liu Hong with respect. He was older than Liu Hong, and his subordinates called themselves.

Liu Hong was at a loss, his mind was blank, he looked at his mother, very confused.Back then, my father was just a cavalry commander, but now what does the "lord" in the mouth of this strange official mean?

Mother Liu shook her head when she heard Liang Yu's words. She had mixed feelings in her heart and had no time to care about other things.

"You say my father is?"

"My lord, don't panic, the lord is Grand Sima Liu Gong."

Liang Yu, the general of Zhonglang, was originally an official of Xinchao, but he followed the Liu family and won Liu Yu's trust.

"No, my father is not Da Sima."

Liu Hong shook his head, unwilling to believe that although he lived in the remote Zhuli, he had good friends with Lao Duan and Wu Tingchang, knew the official titles, and knew that Liu Yu was one of the forces entrenched in the Central Plains.

After so many years, if a veteran came to look for Liu Hong, Liu Hong would be very happy to embrace him, because in his heart, he thought his father should be like this.If he was still alive, he might not be in a good situation, so he never came to look for his wife and children. Now this person suddenly told him that his father was the Great Sima Liu Yu, how could he accept it.

"Gouzi, come to Mommy."

Mother Liu greeted Liu Hong, and she knew it must be correct, because she had a token from that year in her hand.Her husband, who was called Liu Yichang back then, is called Liu Yu now, obviously changed his name, as for why he changed his name, it is unknown.

"He is your father."

Liu's mother put a wooden grate in Liu Hong's hand, Liu Hong was puzzled, and Liu's mother continued: "This is the token that my mother gave to your father."

Liu Hong pinched the wooden grate in his hand with great strength, the teeth of the comb pressed against the palm of his hand, and there were red teeth marks, which barely bleed.

Zhuang Yang watched Liu Hong's movement of pinching the wooden grate, and frowned slightly. He felt a pain in his palm, as if he felt Liu Hong's touch.

Today, not only Liu Hong was stunned, but Zhuang Yang was also in shock. As for the other onlookers in Fengcun, they were either excited, envious or jealous, chatting with great interest.

"Young master and mistress are invited to go to Sizhou with the car, and the family will be reunited. It's a great event!"

Liang Yu wanted to take Liu Hong and Liu's mother away. Once the matter was settled, he could explain to Da Sima when he returned home.

"Mother."

Liu Hong would not just leave with him, he looked at his mother, his heart was in confusion at this moment, such a happy event that fell from the sky caused Liu Hong great trouble.

"If it is separated by war, I am a woman, and I know that after some years, I can still figure out the way."

Mother Liu couldn't understand why it was only now that she came to see her and Quanzi, and why her husband ignored her and didn't communicate with her during those years of hard suffering.

"Mistress, don't blame the lord. This is a helpless move. The lord is afraid that the people of Shu will know about it, and the mistress and son may be killed."

When Liu's father fled Shu with the army in a hurry, he fought a battle with Sima Shu, the prefect who seized the opportunity to occupy Shu, and the two families have feuded ever since.After Liu's father returned to Sizhou, the middle road was blocked.There were also uninterrupted years, but at that time Liu's father had already formed a climate, and he was at war with various forces, and had a bad relationship with Gongsun Shu of Shu.

This time, taking advantage of the opportunity of forming an alliance, they sent people to find Liu's mother and son.

"In the past 16 years, I think he also has a wife and children by his side. Where will I be when I go back with my dog?"

If it were an ordinary woman, she would be overjoyed when she learned that her husband, whom she had not seen for many years, was already a great Sima and sent someone to pick her up, and got into the car without saying a word.However, Mother Liu is different. The waiting for these years has consumed her emotions, and her once very miserable life has sharpened her temperament.

"The mistress is the main wife, and the son is the eldest son, so why worry about it?"

Liang Yu's words were perfunctory.

After hearing this, Liu's mother sighed and said, "I will make some preparations with Quanzi. After two days, Mr. Laoshi will come back."

Liu Hong didn't want to go, but he couldn't bear to make his mother sad. After hearing what his mother said two days later, his expression finally eased.

"Okay, the minister will come to greet you in two days."

Liang Yu bid farewell and left with the servants guarding outside the hall.

The people watching in the courtyard were all over the mountains and seas, and they voluntarily backed out of a way to let the official who didn't know what official position to leave.

After Liang Yu left, Liu Hong invited the people who had squeezed into the hall out. He was quite annoyed and closed the door.

"Let's go, let's go."

Dachun disperses the villagers. He envies Liu Hong, but he also knows that Liu Hong must be in complicated mood at this time.The people in Zhuli are very inquisitive, and they all know that Liu Hong has no father, and his father was a soldier in the old dynasty.If it was him, his father, who had been away for many years, suddenly sent someone to tell him that he had been prosperous for many years, but even if he never came to look for him, Dachun would probably be more indignant than happy.

The young and strong members of the Zhuli night patrol team have a good friendship with Liu Hong. Like Dachun, they invited the people at the door of the Zhuangjia to leave, especially the large group of people in Dongcun.

The door was closed, and Mother Liu got up in the hall and walked slowly back to her room. Liu Hongzhi's mother's mood was probably as complicated as his own. For so many years, the impression his mother gave him was the back of her hardworking weaving. Difficult and busy, Liu Hong rarely had a good chat with his mother.He left with Liu's mother. Liu's mother clung to Liu Hong's hand, patted Liu Hong's hand twice and said, "Boy, he is your father after all, and now he is in a high position. He still misses our mother and son, so let's go and reunite with him."

Liu Hong couldn't say no, if an ordinary person heard such news, he would be ecstatic, and Liu Hong was also happy, but his heart was covered with a layer of melancholy.

Walking to the door, Liu's mother turned her head and said, "My mother is happy today. These 16 years are considered to be the beginning, so you can go."

The joy in Liu's mother's heart is expanding. She dare not even dream of what happened today. It is naturally a happy event for her to be reunited with her husband, and Gouzi will be the son of a high official in the future, and her life will be changed by this.

Mother Liu didn't need Liu Hong's company, but the person who needed Liu Hong's company was sitting in the hall.

Zhuang Yang vaguely felt that this was a dream, especially after the officials and servants left and the people in the courtyard dispersed, everything seemed to return to normal.The camellias are still blooming in the yard of his house, and the omelets are hanging around in the yard as usual.

For Liu Hong's father, Zhuang Yang thought he was an ordinary soldier, so earlier, he vetoed Mr. Zhou's guess that Liu's father came from the big Liu family in Sizhou.No one would have guessed that the Liu Hong they were familiar with, his father was the Great Sima Liu Yu who was entrenched in the Central Plains.

In the melee of various armies and horses, Liu Yu occupies the largest territory, is full of talents, and has the most powerful momentum. He is a hero.

I should be happy for Liu Hong, his talent will eventually come into play.

While thinking about these things, he heard the familiar footsteps, Zhuang Yang looked up and saw Liu Hong walking towards him, he looked depressed.Liu Hong lowered his body and embraced Zhuang Yang's back. He wrapped his arms around Zhuang Yang's waist and put his head on Zhuang Yang's shoulder. This was Liu Hong's habitual movement.He is attached to Zhuang Yang, he has a big chest, long hands and feet, he hugs Zhuang Yang like this, as if he is holding Zhuang Yang in his arms, and in his nostalgia, he still has the desire for exclusive possession.

Zhuang Yang patted Liu Hong's head, the only thing he could do was to appease Liu Hong.He was happy that Liu Hong was the son of the Great Sima, but also worried about him.As Liu's mother said, Liu's father already has a wife and children, what position will they be placed in when they go?This is a very realistic thing, and this is exactly what Zhuang Yang is worried about. He can't bear Ah Hong to be wronged.

What Zhuang Yang was thinking about was Liu Hong's going to the Central Plains, but what Liu Hong was thinking about now was the parting of the two, and his heart was empty.

"Erro."

I dont want you to go.

Zhuang Yang put both hands on Liu Hong's arms wrapped around his waist, he pulled Liu Hong away, stood up and said, "I have taught you the etiquette, titles, and manners of officials in the past two days, don't let anyone despise you." .”

Zhuang Yang is a disciple of Mr. Zimu, he does not want to become an official, otherwise the county government would have promoted him.He knows how to be an official and how to respond.

Liu Hong sat on the ground and lowered his head.He lives in a remote place and has never seen a place other than Linqiong, nor is he able to obtain knowledge from books like Zhuang Yang.But Liu Hong knew that Sizhou was very far away from Jinguan City, but it didn't count the distance, the mountains and rivers. Once the two sides turned against each other as before, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able to meet Zhuang Yang for many years. See.

"Hiro, this is a good thing."

Zhuang Yang's words were gentle as usual, he looked at the courtyard and the riverside scenery, and looked at the low house of Liu Hong's family. He would keep all these in his heart, including such a person.

The shocking news that Liu Hong was the son of Grand Sima Liu Yu spread quickly.The group of Dong village villagers who came to Zhuli, after returning to the village, described it vividly to Liu Hong's uncle's family. They were so shocked that their aunt Ahe and cousin Dong Su were dumbfounded, and then they were so panicked that they wanted to dig a hole to hide. Du Ahong's belly, Liu Hong wanted to settle the score with them, and he settled it properly two years ago.Uncle Dong Zhang patted his thigh regretfully, if he had treated their mother and child better, the family would have flourished at this time.

At this time in Laili, Lao Duan was sitting in the courtyard, his face was a little pale, he looked at the chirping birds in the treetops, and with the cool breeze blowing, he stretched out an arm to bandage his daughter Duan Si.

"Father, just say you're injured and don't go, can't you?"

"The county lieutenant personally leads the troops. Your father and I have to be dispatched. Can we not go if we don't want to go?"

Old Duan has straw hair and a full beard, and if he is called out to suppress bandits all day long, and he doesn't have money and refuses to drink, he will turn his back sooner or later.

Of course, these are just words of anger. He loves his wife and loves his daughters, so how can he let them lose their livelihood.

The end of the hero, I think that when he was sixteen years old, he served under Lieutenant Liang in Xinchao, and he was praised by Lieutenant Liang because of his bravery and skill in fighting, saying that he was a general.Alas, born at the wrong time.

When Lao Duan was sighing that his youth was wasted, Wu Tingchang came running out of breath. He was fat and strong, and he was out of breath: "Ah... ah..."

After a long time, I didn't say a complete sentence.

"What's the matter, let's take a breath first, Ah Si, pour you a bowl of water for Uncle Wu."

Old Duan thought about what else could happen, he didn't care if the county was captured by bandits.

"Uncle Wu drink water."

Duan Si handed over a bowl of clear water, Wu Tingchang took a sip, put down the bowl and said loudly: "That boy Ah Hong, his father is the Great Sima Liu Yu!"

Lao Duan and Duan Si looked at each other, Lao Duan felt that Wu Tingchang led the young and strong squatting thieves at night recently, he must have not slept well, so he was talking nonsense.

"Old Wu hasn't woken up yet, go wash your face."

"Da Sima sent an envoy to Dong Village, and he wanted to find Liu Hong. I heard from the people in Dong Village, how could there be any mistake!"

"Oh!" Old Duan patted his thigh. He knew that Liu Hong's father was the cavalry commander of Xinchao, and he had heard from the county captain that Liu Yu was stationed in Linqiong back then, and he was under Lieutenant Liang Xiaowei.He also said that if Liu Yu had been buried in a certain place in Linqiong back then, the lord would have obtained the Central Plains today.

"Amazing! Oops!"

Old Duan got up in shock and slapped his injured arm.

"Let's go, let's ask him."

Wu Tingchang greeted Lao Duan, intending to go to confirm, this kid is extraordinary in appearance and high in martial arts, it seems that he is a tiger father but no dog son.

"I still have to be sent by the county lieutenant tonight. Forget about Lao Wu, let's go."

Lao Duan took the bow and arrow with him, led the horse and was about to set off.

He was poor and humble all his life, but it is gratifying to have an apprentice of a general.Hearing that Liu Hong is the son of the Great Sima, Lao Duan undoubtedly immediately imitated Liu Hong's demeanor of a young general who rushed into the battle and was well-received by everyone.

When Lao Duan and Wu Tingchang came, Liu Hong was chopping pork legs by the well, and Zhuang Yang was cleaning vegetables on the other side. The two lived in harmony. There was a big yellow dog lying on its stomach and a tapir sitting in the yard.

"Ha, there are pork legs, Lao Wu, we came at the right time."

Old Duan was carrying a jug of wine, and Chief Wu Ting was carrying a sheep's head.Goat's head is served with wine, but it is delicious in the world.

"Master, Chief Wu Ting."

Liu Hong put down his ax and was obviously very happy to see the two, who hadn't had a party together for a long time.

Although it must not be a coincidence that they came here today, they came here specially to congratulate him.

Zhuang Yang untied his bandages and smoothed his sleeves. He stepped forward to entertain and led Lao Duan and Lao Wu to sit in the hall.Mother Liu was boiling water in the kitchen, when she heard the sound, she saw that it was Liu Hong's benefactor, and greeted them with a smile.

"Old Duan and I have heard about Ah Hong, what a joyful event!"

Wu Tingchang was delighted from the bottom of his heart, he especially appreciated Liu Hong, and now this person is about to enjoy glory and wealth.

"Thanks to Wu Tingchang and Duan Youjiao's care for many years, I taught him how to shoot bows and knives. Now he will finally have a bright future."

Mother Liu was delighted and was very grateful to these two people.She often learned from her son that the two people took care of him, especially Duan Youjiao, almost treating him like her own son.

"This kid is capable. Even if Mr. Liu doesn't find him, he will be a general in the army for three to five years."

Lao Duan has confidence in his apprentice, and he is quite proud of teaching such an apprentice as Liu Hong.

Wu Tingchang asked: "Sister-in-law, did you say when to leave?"

"A few more days."

When Mother Liu mentioned the date, the smile on her face did not change. She was mentally prepared for what might happen in the future.

Zhuang Yang was listening to their conversation, he handed out drinking utensils for everyone, and seeing the head of the sheep dripping with blood, he brought a tray to serve it.

"Erlang, this is not something you did, I will do it."

Wu Tingchang got up quickly, mutton is not easy to handle, Wu Tingchang went to cook by himself.

The Zhuang family has no servants at present, Zhuang Yang is approachable and does it himself.

When Wu Ting came to the courtyard, he picked up straw and firewood and burned the hair off the mutton until the mutton was half cooked. Then he scraped the head of the sheep carefully with a knife and rinsed it with clean water.

Then chop off the sheep's head, cut it into two pieces, and cook it in a pot.Boil it and pick it up, cut it with a knife, and it is suitable for grilling and dipping sauce.

The marinated pork leg chopped by Liu Hong is steamed by Liu's mother in a steamer. The parts with more meat are sliced ​​and steamed, covered with sliced ​​bamboo shoots, and the parts with more bones are steamed whole, and then the meat is taken out and cut.

At night, there is wine and meat, and a joyous gathering.

Liu Hong and Zhuang Yang sat together, Wu Tingchang and Lao Duan were together, and Liu's mother was also there.The five of them drank and chatted happily.Liu's mother had never drunk alcohol, but after drinking a glass, she was a little drunk, and Liu Hong helped her back to her room to lie down.When Liu Hong came out, he heard Lao Duan say:

"The fly in the ointment is that Da Lang went to Jinguan City and is not here today."

Old Duan laughed so that wrinkles formed on his forehead and his eyes narrowed into a line.

"If Duan Youjiao and Wu Tingchang pass through Jinguan City in the future, they must go to the mansion."

Zhuang Yang invited them.

Wu Tingchang said: "I will definitely pay a visit."

"That is, that is."

The smile on Lao Duan's face gradually faded away, he seemed a little sad, he probably won't come to Zhuli in the future, the people he made friends with have already left and won't come back.

"Hiro, drink."

Liu Hong sat down next to Zhuang Yang, who poured wine for Liu Hong.Liu Hong took the wine from Zhuang Yang, touched Zhuang Yang's fingers, his eyes were affectionate, took a glass of wine, took a sip, and a hot feeling burned in his chest.

"Boy, this farewell, I'm afraid I won't be able to see you after I become a teacher."

Old Duan sipped his wine and wiped his mouth.

"Master, I will come back."

Liu Hong's eyes are firm, he will definitely come back in the future, and he will never be like his father, who will never hear from him once he goes.

"Then it will be troublesome. At that time, the teacher and the head of Wu Ting will have to beat you, Liu Jiajun!"

"Ha ha!"

Wu Ting laughed, if this day really came to pass, Liu Hong must be a difficult general to deal with, but it was just a joke after all.

Wu Tingchang was in a good mood, picked up the empty fou, danced and sang a tune during the banquet.

Liu Hong had already learned the tunes that he couldn't hum back then, and he sang along with the crowd.

Outside the courtyard, the night is bright and the stars are sparse. The omelette is gnawing on a pig bone, and the bamboo shoot is gnawing on half of a sheep's head.