Jincheng flower hour

General Wei practiced it for Zhou Jing and Zhuang Yang at the ferry. Shu and Han borders were divided by this river, and they only needed to cross the river to the north of the river to reach the territory of Han.

At dusk when the reeds are swaying, the scenery is particularly beautiful. The wooden boat swayed quietly, gradually drifting away, and General Wei's heart also drifted away.

"Father, look, there is a big bird!"

The little girl tugged Wei Jia's sleeve excitedly, pointing to a fishing boat with a cormorant at the stern with her little finger.

"Wow, it can catch fish, and its wings are so big."

The girl ran towards the boat, she was a child in the city, she rarely went to the wild, she was curious about everything she saw.Wei Jia shook his head helplessly, and followed his daughter, worried that she would fall on the slippery river.

"Father, the big bird flew away."

Cormorants fly on the water, flying farther and farther.

"It will fly back."

Wei Jia knelt down and patted his daughter's head.

"Father, will Uncle Jing come back?"

"Will be back."

Wei Jia took his daughter's little hand and left the river bank. His entourage and carriage had been waiting on the embankment for a long time.

Many years ago, when Zimu left across the river, Wei Jia was getting married, and his daughter was already this old in a flash.Wei Jia couldn't help feeling that life was erratic, but Jiang Shui was still the same.

Xicheng County is located in the north of the river. As soon as the boat carrying Zhou Jing and Zhuang Yang docked, Han soldiers came to interrogate them.Zhuang Yang took off the talisman around his waist and handed it to the soldiers, telling them that they were invited by Prince Liu Hong of Han.The soldiers introduced them to the county lieutenant. The county lieutenant had written a document to let him receive them. The county lieutenant did not dare to neglect and sent soldiers to escort the two to Chang'an.

Zhuang Yang and Zhou Jing passed through the houses burned by the war and the desolate and lonely villages.After several days in the car dealership, I did not encounter bandits, but encountered many refugees returning to their homeland and reclaiming wasteland.Zhou Jing asked the escorting soldiers why the refugees were willing to come back to farm?The soldiers said that those who returned to the fields were exempted from land tax for two years, and they also distributed rice, grain, farm tools and seeds.

"This is the method used by Emperor Xinwu to garrison fields more than a hundred years ago, most of which came from the hands of Wu Junshi."

It is a way to kill two birds with one stone by calling the people who fled due to the war back to farm and give them help to avoid the breeding of bandits and increase taxes in the future.

What I saw along the way was the decadence after the war, but the lives of the people were slowly recovering. The soldiers stationed there did not commit any crimes, and everything in Han was in order.

The master and apprentice arrived in Chang'an smoothly and checked into the building. On the same day, an envoy came and said that the King of Han had summoned Mr. Zhou.

Zhou Jing freshened up, went to the hall to meet the King of Han, was awarded a doctorate, and stayed at the banquet of the King of Han to drink.

Zhuang Yang separated from Zhou Jing, he was led to a palace, walked through the magnificent veranda, Zhuang Yang found that all the servants here were women, perhaps the master of this residence was also a woman.Zhuang Yang was puzzled, the envoy had entered the hall to report, and then Mother Liu and Liu Hong came out together.

Liu's mother is so different from the appearance in Zhuli back then, almost unrecognizable. Although her identity has changed, Liu's mother's affinity has not changed. Seeing Zhuang Yang, she said pleasantly, "It's really Erlang!"

Zhuang Yang's gaze shifted from Zhuang's mother to Liu Hong, who was smiling at him and calling him gently: "Erlang."

Zhuang Yang solemnly saluted at the bottom of the steps: "I pay my respects to Madam and Young Master."

"Help Erlang up quickly, no need to salute."

Liu's mother urged the maid, but Liu Hong had already stepped forward and helped Zhuang Yang up.

The two hadn't seen each other for a few days, and since they parted in Jinguancheng, they missed each other, and when they looked at each other, there was tenderness in Liu Hong's eyes.

When Liu Hong was young, Liu's mother often talked about him, asking him to repay Erlang when he grew up.This time when Zhuang Yang came, Mother Liu warmly entertained him, and her attitude was no worse than that of her own son.

This day, Zhuang Yang was left for dinner by Liu's mother, and there were only Zhuang Yang, Liu's mother and Liu Hong present.When they were in Zhuli, the three of them had dinner together, but at that time Zhuang Yang was the host, but today Zhuang Yang is the guest.

At the banquet, Liu's mother asked Zhuang Yang about the situation after the Zhuang family moved to Jinguan City. Did she even forget to care about Zhuang Yang's wife and children?Zhuang Yang replied that he has not married yet.

"Erlang is not young anymore, he has to think about marriage, so there is no woman he likes?"

In Liu's mother's view, Erlang is kind, gentle, elegant and beautiful, and he is really a rare gentleman in the world.Mother Liu has no daughter, otherwise she would be happy to marry her daughter to Zhuang Yang.

"I'm really ashamed."

Faced with Liu's mother's inquiry, Zhuang Yang really felt guilty.

"Erlang, drink."

Liu Hong interrupted Liu's mother's topic and toasted Zhuang Yang.

"I told Ah Hong that there are many vacancies in the imperial court, and it's just for Erlang to choose one."

It was rare for Zhuang Yang to come over. Mother Liu was very enthusiastic and wanted to repay her kindness.

Liu's mother followed Liu's father, and she saw a big scene. In her opinion, the character of many officials was far inferior to that of Erlang.

"It's really unbelievable."

Zhuang Yang didn't change his smile, he knew Liu's mother wanted to repay him, but he didn't need an official position, he didn't need wealth, he didn't need their mother and son to repay him.

"It's good to just stay by Hong's side and watch him for me. I'm a woman, so I can't control him going to war."

Liu's mother didn't know much about official positions, but she knew that Liu Hong had many subordinates.

Zhuang Yang seemed embarrassed, clinging to the wine bottle, hesitant to speak.Liu's mother's idea was out of good intentions. If he went to be Liu Hong's staff, there was nothing wrong with it, but Zhuang Yang felt that he and Liu Hong were getting along day and night, and sooner or later something would happen, and people would see through their affair.

"Mum, Erlang is just escorting Mr. Zhou over here, not going to be an official in the Han Kingdom, he will go back in two days."

Liu Hong helped Zhuang Yang out of the siege. He didn't think it was a good idea. It was dangerous to follow the army. He didn't want Erlang to suffer any harm, and he didn't want him to see the scene of cruel killing.

"Gouzi, I'm talking to Erlang, it's none of your business."

Liu's mother was annoyed and pushed her son away. In her opinion, Erlang was not only a benefactor, but also a noble person in Liu Hong's life.In those years in Zhuli, if it wasn't for Erlang, Liu Hong would not have met Lao Duan and Wu Ting Zhang and could have learned martial arts, let alone Erlang had taught Liu Hong literacy and etiquette.Without these, Liu Hong would be just a farmer even if he retrieved it for Liu's father.

Now that their mother and son are prosperous and rich, it's time to pay back, at least they will keep Erlang for a while longer.

"Thank you Madam for your kindness. My mother is old, and Aping and Alan are still young. I need to stay in Shu to take care of them."

Zhuang Yang politely refused, and what he said was only half the truth, because there was Zhuang Bing in the family, and his younger siblings were very sensible.

"Then stay longer and don't rush back."

Mother Liu saw that Zhuang Yang didn't have the will, so she didn't force him. She called Liu Hong, who had been kicked out of the hall, and told Liu Hong, "You have to take good care of Erlang these days. You don't have to be polite, Erlang treats this as your own." .”

Liu's mother held Zhuang Yang and Liu Hong's hands, held them together, and said with emotion: "They have grown up, and they are all good boys."

Liu Hong and Zhuang Yang looked at each other, Liu Hong's smile remained unchanged, while Zhuang Yang's expression was sad.

It was already noon when Liu Hong and Zhuang Yang left Mother Liu's residence.The two passed by the courtyard and saw a young girl surrounded by four or five maids from a distance. The girl was dressed in red and charming.

"Erlang, let's go this way."

When Liu Hong saw this woman, the smile on his face disappeared, and he led Zhuang Yang out through another door, apparently to avoid meeting this woman.

"Who is this woman?"

Zhuang Yang knew that this woman must be very close to Liu's mother, so he could lead several maids in and out of Liu's mother's residence.

"It's Jing Zhao Yin Shiqian's daughter, their mother and son often come to accompany my mother."

When Liu Hong mentioned this woman, his words were indifferent.Liu Hong's attitude towards women is not bad, as can be seen from his tolerance and kindness towards a wild girl like Zhuang Lan.It's just that this woman was hated by Liu Hong for some reason.

"Shi Qian?"

Zhuang Yang's understanding of the Han Kingdom came from Zhou Jing, and Zhou Jing never mentioned such a person. Shi Qian's job as Jing Zhaoyin seemed unusual.

"Erlang, he was my father's veteran, and he was deeply favored. Other things are not worth talking about."

Liu Hong didn't like this old official very much, although Liu Hong got along well with many of Liu's father's subordinates.

The two walked out of the courtyard side by side, Zhuang Yang looked at the scene in the hall, pointed to the front and asked:

"Ah Hong, I see that not only the palace was burned, but many towers also collapsed due to disrepair."

Liu Hong said with a smile: "This palace is dilapidated, grass grows everywhere, and many houses are no longer habitable."

Because it was a palace of the Xin dynasty, the emperor had to live in the main hall. Father Liu did not dare to claim the title of emperor, so he did not live in the emperor's palace, but lived in the side hall to deal with the affairs of the court.

Hearing Liu Hong's laughing words, Zhuang Yang thought that he disliked the palace today, but it was indeed dilapidated, with shelves everywhere and the earth masters were repairing it.

When Shi Yanjun entered the courtyard, he saw Liu Hong leaving with a strange man, and the two had an intimate conversation.This is Mrs. Dong's residence, so very few men are allowed in. Who is this strange man?

From Shi Yanjun's point of view, Mr. Hong has always been dignified and unsmiling, why is he so close to this person?

Shi Yanjun was quite scheming, she would pay attention to the people around Liu Hong, but fortunately she liked Liu's mother very much, so she could find out from Liu's mother who this strange man was from.

When Liu Hong returned to the Central Plains, Shi's father told Shi Yanjun that the lord had found a son from the countryside, but Shi Yanjun was still very disdainful, she looked down on the farmer.Later, she followed her mother to visit Liu's mother, saw Liu Hong by chance, and she became infatuated with Liu Hong again.After all, Liu Hong's appearance is really good, and he is still a king's heir.

Her thoughts were obvious, not only Liu Hong could see it, but Mother Liu also knew it well.Liu's mother is lenient, and it's human nature to think that anyone is careless.As for what kind of woman Quanzi wants to marry, Mother Liu will not interfere.

Leaving Liu's mother's residence, Liu Hong took Zhuang Yang to the stone chamber.

The stone chambers for storing ancient books are built of stones because they are afraid of fire, but it is not true that they are not afraid of fire. As long as the silk books and wooden slips in the stone chambers are lit, the flames will immediately burn.

Liu Hong and Zhuang Yang stepped into the Book Collection Pavilion, where the doctors and scholars were busy. When they saw Liu Hong coming in, they saluted from a distance and went about their own business.

Zhuang Yang was already shocked by the mountains of classics in the Zangshu Pavilion.The books in the bookstore, because of the burning and subsequent fire fighting and flooding, many books were damaged and scattered, and they needed to be sorted out and edited.

There are brand-new wooden frames on both sides of the pavilion, which are used to store classics, which is very spectacular.

"My lord, can I touch them?"

"can."

These books are already owned by the Han Dynasty, and it is no exaggeration to say that they will also be owned by Liu Hong.

Erlang can look at his things as he wants, and take them as he wants, without being restrained.

Zhuang Yang walked to a pile of messy books. He knelt down and picked up a silk book. The silk book had turned yellow and the words on it were blurred.Zhuang Yang was curious about what was in it, and perseveringly studied the silk script, thinking it was a record of the Southwestern Yi.

"This is the request of Han Yi, the guard general of the Xin Dynasty, who sent troops to the Southwestern Yi."

Liu Hong leaned over, and he knew the content after just one glance.

"Young master, how did you know?"

Zhuang Yang was really taken aback, the words were blurred and it took a lot of effort to decipher them.

"There is a copy from the military division. I have read it."

Liu Hong actually doesn't have much time to study, but he still reads some important documents.

This document contains records about the geography of Shu and southern Yunnan, which is of great value.

Once upon a time, Liu Hong was already very good, but Zhuang Yang only discovered some of his superiority.

"Ayang, son, you are here."

Zhou Jing, who was sorting out paperwork in the corner, raised his head when he heard the voices of the two.

"gentlemen."

"gentlemen."

Zhuang Yang and Liu Hong went to salute.

Zhou Jing's appearance has changed a lot. He is well-dressed and energetic.Most of the officials in the bookstore are old men, Zhou Jing looks younger and more handsome here.

Zhou Jing in Sichuan often looks lazy and casual, but here his eyes are clearly shining. He manages the world's largest library, which is full of treasures.After Zhuang Yang chatted with Zhou Jing for a few words, he left. After all, Zhou Jing had important matters at hand and he didn't dare to delay him.

The two left, and the silent people in the book pavilion whispered, they didn't know where Zhuang Yang came from.This person is dressed in the attire of a commoner, with outstanding appearance, and obviously has a special friendship with Mr. Hong.

Even Zhuang Yang, he didn't expect that his appearance attracted many people's attention.

On this day, Liu Hong accompanied Zhuang Yang and took Zhuang Yang around.He even went to meet Liu Hong's own master, Huo Yuqi.

Before seeing Zhuang Yang, Huo Yuqi thought that Zhuang Yang was a man around 30 years old. He had seen the wooden slip written by Zhuang Yang to Liu Hong, and knew that he was a man of profound knowledge and thoughtfulness, not to mention that Liu Hong was very special. respect him.

"This is Erlang?"

Huo Yuqi was dumbfounded.This person looks younger than the weak crown, young and beautiful, gentle and elegant.

"Sir, this is it."

Liu Hong laughed, he probably knew why Huo Sheng was so surprised.

Zhuang Yang was puzzled, looked at Liu Hong, and Liu Hong said: "Mr. read the official title book written by Erlang, and must have mistakenly thought that Erlang was the age of Mr. Zimu."

"Sir, Erlang is a student of Mr. Zimu."

Liu Hong introduced that he had never told Huo Sheng about such a thing before.

"No wonder no wonder."

Only then did Huo Yuqi clear his confusion. If a boy of seventeen or eighteen years old living in the countryside could write down the official system and official positions in the Central Plains so clearly, he would not believe it even if he was killed, but since he is a student of Mr. Zimu, he would It's another matter, a famous teacher produces a good apprentice.

Liu Hong's residence is a deep and wide courtyard with majestic pavilions, and the gate of the courtyard is heavily guarded.

Under the night, the two climbed up to the attic, and the palace not far away, under the light and shadow, looked like a huge, undulating monster with no head or tail.

"Erlang, I will lead the army to Longxi in two days."

Liu Hong looks at the moon scene, he rarely has a leisurely night, puts everything back, and can be with the person he likes.

"Is this going to go out again?"

Zhuang Yang couldn't imagine Liu Hong's life. Zhuang Yang had never lived in the army, nor had he seen cruel war scenes.

"Taking advantage of the victory over Xinchao, morale is high, if we can take down Longxi this year, next year..."

Liu Hong looked at Zhuang Yang meaningfully.

Next year, troops will be dispatched to Shu.

"Ah Hong, when you and I were in Zhuli, we never left Linqiong."

Life at that time was very simple, and there was no change. He was Zhuangjia Erlang, and he was the dog son of the Liu family who lived on the other side of the river.

"I don't want the world to be so big."

Zhuang Yang was quite emotional.

"Erlang, I want to hold it in my palm." Liu Hong held Zhuang Yang's hand, looked at Zhuang Yang affectionately, and said in a very low voice: "This is how I can hold you in my arms."

Zhuang Yang's eyes widened in surprise, and then his beautiful pupils gradually dimmed.

That night, Zhuang Yang was left behind by Liu Hong.

Liu Hongping withdrew his attendants, including the two personal maids in the dormitory.These two women are fifteen or sixteen years old, with good looks, gentle and pleasant.

The curtains were drooping and the lights were brightly lit.

Zhuang Yang was embraced by Liu Hong and lay on the wide and thick wooden couch.Liu Hong wanted to kiss Zhuang Yang, but Zhuang Yang turned his head away and whispered, "Ah Hong, I can't stay here overnight."

Liu Hong unbuttoned Zhuang Yang's skirt, stroked Zhuang Yang's smooth shoulders, and replied, "Let Erlang go back."

"you……"

Zhuang Yang wanted to push Liu Hong away, but he was firmly suppressed by Liu Hong.

"Erlang..."

Liu Hong's voice was low and hoarse, and he said close to Zhuang Yang's ear, "I miss you."

Parting is too painful, and the time they get together is always too short. In front of outsiders, Liu Hong suppresses his feelings for Zhuang Yang, but this is the person he loves deeply.One night is fine, after this night of tenderness, I don't know when we will see each other again.

This night, this magnificent bedroom was blurred in Zhuang Yang's eyes, whether it was the exquisite bed, the colorful screen, or the overlapping curtains.

Zhuang Yang hugged Liu Hong's shoulder tightly, feeling Liu Hong's body temperature and the joy he gave.

That night, Zhuang Yang stayed at Liu Hong's residence. Because of Liu Hong's order, no guards or maids were allowed to approach the dormitory.

Late at night, Zhuang Yang came out, fully dressed, and returned to the building.