Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

"What's the matter?" Zhuo Zhiyang asked kindly, moved the round stool closer, and stretched out his hand to tuck the quilt for his son.

Lying on his stomach for too long, Zhuo Kai struggled to cough, and his nose was short of breath. When he was tortured, he received [-] boards. ,My son is unfilial, I have embarrassed you two elders—"

Zhuo Zhiyang immediately interrupted: "Don't talk nonsense! You have always been filial and motivated, but you were unlucky. You were bullied and pestered by His Highness the Seventh Prince. Do things in a down-to-earth manner, His Royal Highness King Qing is upright and strict, just sent someone to give you a reward, how rare! Except for him, no one can hold His Highness Seventh and appoint you."

"I understand." Zhuo Kai smiled, feeling better, and said sadly: "Your Highness is indeed magnanimous and fair, and deserves to swear allegiance to the death, but I am incompetent. Still going back to Beiying, as long as His Royal Highness does not give up, he will definitely pick quarrels and stir up trouble. What should we do then? This time Brother Rong used justice to mediate and exchange fifty boards for his life. What about the next time? Not every time you have good luck Yes." At this point, he closed his eyes and gasped for breath, his lips were pale and chapped, and he solemnly told: "Father, after thinking about it, I feel that I am not suitable to go back to Beiying or stay in the capital."

"what?"

Zhuo Zhiyang opened his eyes wide, clasped his knees hard, leaned over suddenly, approached and asked, "What did you say?"

"It is reported that His Highness ordered a team of personal soldiers to follow Brother Rong to the post. After the injury is recovered, I will ask His Highness to transfer to Hejian to see if there is a turnaround."

"You want to go to Hejian?" Zhuo Zhiyang was shocked, became anxious for a moment, and blurted out his objection: "How can I do that? Absolutely not! Your brother has no enterprising spirit at all. Ever since he offended the eldest princess and was sent back to his hometown, he spent day and night looking for pleasure, If you leave Beijing too, your mother will probably lose her eyes from crying!"

"Father, don't worry, listen to my explanation first." Zhuo Kai had planned for a long time, and analyzed carefully: "I probably know Brother Rong's difficulties, he is much younger than me, but he is so clear-headed and decisive, He took the initiative to ask for an order to be transferred to Hejian. He stayed away from the vortex of right and wrong in one fell swoop. Regardless of his future career, he got out of the predicament smoothly. I was in the imperial study that day. It's on my head, I have to try to appease the Holy Wrath, now Brother Rong's transfer has woken me up, it's a god-sent opportunity, why, why bother to stay in the capital? Why don't you change a place and try something else." Zhuo Kai finished speaking with difficulty, his throat was thirsty, and he coughed a few times with difficulty.

Unprepared, Zhuo Zhiyang was stunned to hear it, and he woke up like a dream after a long while. He hurriedly fetched warm water, helped his son's upper body, and said helplessly, "Come on, drink some water and moisten your throat."

"Cough cough." Zhuo Kai tried his best to prop up his elbows, gulping water from his father's hand. The serious injury and high fever tortured the originally strong and heroic young man to the point of dying.

Zhuo Zhiyang frowned and said nothing, upset, wiped his son's mouth with his sleeve, helped him lie down, lifted the quilt to check the wound, then sat down slowly, clasped his knees with his hands, bent his back, sighed, and beat him forcefully Get up your spirits, and first warn: "You can't directly call His Highness the Seventh Highness by his name, if you listen carefully to outsiders, then you don't know what it will be like."

"...Yes." Zhuo Kai narrowed his eyes in disgust.

Unable to bear his son going to a poor place to endure hardship, Zhuo Zhiyang hesitated, and persuaded with a weak voice: "Although, although His Majesty was angry, it is well known that His Royal Highness Seventh was reckless and willful, and he accidentally injured His Royal Highness King Qing. You were innocently killed." Is it not enough to be dismissed from office and to suffer a great crime?"

"You are my father, so naturally you consider me everywhere; but Your Majesty is the father of the Seventh Highness, would he severely punish his son for his subjects?" Zhuo Kai reminded sharply.

"This—" Zhuo Zhiyang clenched his fist, extremely unwilling to accept the fact.

"Father, I've made up my mind. I really can't stay in Beijing anymore!" Zhuo Kai was determined, but then softened, and said guiltily: "But I still have to recover from my injuries. Let's talk about it with my mother after a year so that she won't be upset." I don't care about the New Year. I have nothing to fear, only worrying about your elders' health."

Bad luck, bad luck!

Which god did my Zhuo family offend?In the past two years, there have been accidents one after another, and the family situation has not gone smoothly!

"Alas!" Zhuo Zhiyang sighed heavily. He was not stupid, but he felt sorry for his son and couldn't bear to let go of his son. Finally, he nodded helplessly and said in a trembling voice: "Forget it, you have grown up, you have to think clearly and make up your own mind about everything. As a father, you can't always take care of your son." You are in charge. Although Youtang is young, he is old-fashioned, sensitive and prudent, smart and quick-witted, and he is also a celebrity in front of His Highness. As long as there are no major accidents, the future should not be bad. If you want to go, go, man Zhi In Sifang, being a father at home can still hold on for the time being.”

"Thank you dad." Zhuo Kai choked up, his eyes were red but he smiled, trying to hide his sadness.

A few days passed by, and New Year's Eve arrived.

Different from the liveliness and joy of previous years, this year the only young master of the Rong Mansion has traveled far away.

A table full of sumptuous dishes, bright in color and fragrant, allowed Kaiji to sit alone, without appetite, and only moved a few things. After sitting for half an hour, he put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, stood up, and smiled The other two seats below said: "Everyone, don't be restrained. Since you are staying here for the New Year, you have worked hard for a whole year, and you must eat and drink to your heart's content. The wine for the New Year's Eve has been warmed up, and the fruit and cakes are also available. Feel free to do whatever you want."

"Yes."

"Thank you sir."

……

The cloth shop assistants and servants who were homeless or far from home stayed for the New Year as usual, and they got up and thanked one after another.

"Old Li, Jiang Bai." Rong Kaiji called out.

"Hey, what's the master's order?" Butler Li Shun trotted closer.

Jiang Bai, the steward of the cloth village, bowed and asked, "You don't need any more?"

Rong Kaiji shook his head: "No, I'll go back to the study to keep the New Year's Eve and welcome the God of Wealth while waiting for my son. Have you prepared rewards, fireworks and other things?"

"Don't worry, it's ready."

"The rewards, you two, look at the pies, and pick some dishes, fruits and other things to reward." Rong Kaiji gently ordered, paused, and then seriously said: "Although it is said that the New Year's Day should be relaxed and enjoyable, setting off fireworks and cannons You must be careful when using bamboo to prevent accidents."

"Yes, I understand." Jiang Bai nodded and bowed, respectfully.He was in charge of the cloth house, and only reported a few times a month. Seeing Rong Youtang's promotion, he became more respectful towards Rong Kaiji.

"You guys go to the table." Rong Kaiji waved his hand and went straight to the study room. As soon as he stepped through the threshold, his smile disappeared, and he sat for a long time with worries and concerns. He began to spread paper and ink, practice calligraphy and meditate. It was only before midnight that I put down my pen and went out to take a look around to see the whole cloth village join forces to welcome the God of Wealth.

There are many shops on the East Street. As soon as the midnight arrives, the sound of firecrackers, gongs and drums explodes together, forming a bustling scene, and laughter resounds through the streets and alleys.

With the sound of firecrackers, my son is one year older.

Rong Kaiji sighed quietly, but his face was not good, he forced a smile to watch the fireworks.

At the time of Chou, the sound of firecrackers, gongs and drums on the street still didn't stop, but the Rong Mansion's New Year's Eve dinner was eaten and the rewards were given out. Except for some people who were on duty at night, everyone went back to fight, eat wine or gamble for fun. The backyard was quiet again.

Rong Kaiji wiped his face, washed his hands, picked up his pen and continued to silently write Buddhist scriptures, preparing to spend New Year's Eve with it.

After a while, there was an urgent knock on the study door, and Li Shun lowered his voice to report:

"Master, His Royal Highness Prince Qing is here!"

"Who?"

"Who did you say is here?" Rong Kaiji looked up in astonishment, thinking he had heard wrong.

"His Royal Highness Prince Qing is here!"

Youtang is not at home, what is His Highness doing?

Rong Kaiji was at a loss, very dazed, he put down his pen and quickly opened the door, just about to ask more questions, when he raised his eyes, he saw that King Qing had already walked slowly through the courtyard door, surrounded by a group of personal guards.

Ah, it really is him!

Rong Kaiji calmed down, walked quickly to greet each other, while about to salute, he said: "I didn't know His Highness was coming, and the grassroots are far away to welcome you, please forgive me."

"Excuse me." Zhao Zeyong raised his hand, his tone was calm, his face was usually expressionless, and he was wearing a gorgeous prince's dress, which was very dignified and natural.

"Your Highness, you..." Rong Kaiji hesitated to speak, and involuntarily lowered his head to look at the other person's calf. He wanted to ask about the injury but felt presumptuous, so he urged: "Please take a seat in the hall."

"It doesn't matter." Zhao Zeyong stood still like a pine. After careful care by many imperial doctors and military doctors, his leg injury has probably healed, but it is not suitable for strenuous activities. After receiving the palace banquet, he came in a carriage.

"Is everything going well in your family?" Zhao Zeyong said bluntly.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your inquiry. Thanks to you, the humble house went smoothly." Rong Kaiji answered with bowed head.

Zhao Zeyong nodded, waved his hand slightly, the guards behind him understood, and immediately handed a small paper tube to Rong Kaiji with both hands.Facing the puzzled expression of the other party, Zhao Zeyong explained concisely: "He will report your safety."

"Ah? Tang'er?" Rong Kaiji was overjoyed, and hurriedly took the small scroll.

"Because the canal in the north is frozen and the waterway is impassable, my king told him to pass on the book by flying pigeons." Zhao Zeyong walked towards the small garden in the backyard as he walked, as if strolling through Prince Qing's mansion, calmly.

"So that's how it is." Rong Kaiji spoke indiscriminately, held his breath, and hastily unfolded the family letter the size of a palm. With one glance at ten lines, he scanned the crowded small script with two eyes, and caught up with King Qing in three steps at a time. He was very grateful Said: "Thank you, Your Highness! I guess they will be in Hejian now. It's New Year's Eve. At least eat some hot food to warm up."

Zhao Zeyong nodded, walked to the garden, borrowed the strength of his personal guards when he went down the steps, stood still and looked around, looked around, and finally picked out the wisteria flower tree.

"Your Highness, please come in and drink tea." Rong Kaiji invited, wondering if he accompanied him, at one point he thought King Qing was drunk, but he didn't smell alcohol.

"No need." King Qing dismissed it lightly. With a good memory, he raised his hand and pointed to several flowers and trees one after another, and solemnly reminded: "He gave me the plum wine buried under those trees. Be careful and break the wine jar carefully."

"what?"

Rong Kaiji was stunned, and answered in a low voice: "You are right, Youtang did bury some wine in April and May." Rong Kaiji suddenly came back to his senses, suddenly realized, and hurriedly promised: "Caomin, take note, be careful to protect your wine, and never allow idlers to get close!"

Zhao Zeyong nodded in satisfaction, and ordered: "Bring something, I dig a jar and have a look."

"Yes." Rong Kaiji listened to the order, and Li Shun had already rushed to the annexe under the garden porch to take two hoes, large and small, quickly rolled up his sleeves, held the handle of the hoes tightly, and respectfully said: "Your Highness, there is a lot of dust here, Please take a seat in the hall."

"No need." Zhao Zeyong refused again, reached out to take the hoe, gestured a few times unfamiliarly, and dug the soil himself.

Li Shun was stunned, motionless, and sucked in a big breath of the north wind.

"Your Highness!"

"Take care of your leg injury."

"Come down?"

Rong Kaiji was at a loss, and begged: "You are so honorable, how can you do this kind of rough work, please allow the grassroots to do it for you—"

"Quiet! Don't make any noise." Zhao Zeyong ordered directly.

So, all the people in the garden shut up, stunned, anxiously watching King Qing swing the hoe clumsily, trying to persuade but unable.

It took more than a quarter of an hour before Zhao Zeyong dug out a jar of wine and handed it to the guards. He clapped his hands and pondered for a while. Because his injuries had not healed, he simply ordered the guards to dig out all the plum wine. Lead the crowd to leave, just as suddenly as when they came.

Rong Kaiji and Li Shun looked at each other, their hearts surging.

"Oh, hehehe, Your Highness even asked someone to fill in the pothole, so that we don't have to do it." Li Shun smiled dryly, folded his hands and rolled up his sleeves.

Rong Kaiji couldn't laugh, and thought to himself:

Look at His Highness's expression... What are the two of them?

At this moment, it is almost Yin time.

Starting on the morning of the [-]th day of the twelfth lunar month, the horses rode fast, the wind and snow stopped for a while, and even the starry night traveled. Rong Youtang and his party arrived at a post station in front of Hejian on New Year's Eve, and they would enter Hejian within half a day.

"The station is here!" Wei Jie yelled, swinging his whip, his voice being blown in all directions by the cold wind.

Due to being blocked by heavy snow halfway, the journey was slowed down, Rong Youtang's hands and around the eye sockets had long been frozen, and he was unconscious. Scratching the ice slag, rattling, shivering slightly, shouting: "Brothers, work harder, let's go to the post station to rest for a night, refresh our spirits, and go on our way tomorrow!"

"Yes."

"My lord, can you hold on?"

"Master?"

The entourage and guards asked the youngest frail boy in the team with concern, Rong Youtang shook his head: "I can hold on."

After a while, they dismounted in front of the post station.I saw that the gate was closed tightly, and there were two lamps hanging under the gate. The lights were dim and warm, and the fragrance of wine was faintly wafting from inside.

Rushing through the wind and snow for a whole day, the trembling group of people let out a sigh of relief at the same time, happily, just wanting to eat some hot soup and hot rice right away, knocking on the door hurriedly, shouting happily: "Come on, open the door."

"Where's the steward? Where's the buddy? Come on, come on!"

"Open the door."

……

Rong Youtang rubbed his red, swollen and purple palms vigorously, smiling.

After a long time, the inner courtyard door opened, and two handymen ran out, like quails, with rattling teeth, through the gate, and said in a coping manner: "I'm sorry you guys! It's really unfortunate today, This inn has been taken over by Master Yuan, the magistrate of Diaozhou."

"Thirty miles ahead, there is still a station."

Wei Jie suddenly lowered his face, and with a loud voice, he questioned forcefully: "The post station was set up by the imperial court for officials who come and go on business to rest. It is not an inn. What is a 'package'?"

"Hehe, I don't know this little one." The round-faced handyman smiled perfunctorily, and his long-faced companion was very impatient, and hurriedly said: "We will do as the steward tells us! It's late at night, you guys please go your own way." As soon as he hit his companion with his elbow, he turned around and ran back to the room to warm up.

Rong Youtang shouted loudly: "Wait!"