Mikago

What is this for? !

Lu You froze for a moment, then looked up at Empress Xiao who made the request.

Not only him, Emperor Huiming also cast a surprised look at Empress Xiao.

Empress Xiao seemed to have made up her mind.Seeing that Lu You didn't move, she even took the initiative to walk in front of him.

Can't escape.

Lu You collected himself and took the initiative to undo the clothes on his upper body.

After taking off his outer robe and mid laner, Lu You followed the instructions and turned around, only then did he remember that the shame that Zhao Yang branded on his back still remained on his back.

After being treated by Lao Shanggong's skillful hands, the shameful word "cheap slave" is no longer clearly recognized, but the unhealed scabs and slightly raised scars have damaged the originally flawless back shockingly.

Sure enough, Empress Xiao whispered: "What's going on?!"

So, Lu You picked and picked the story of being branded again, aiming to imply his innocence and Zhao Yang's absurdity.

However, before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a chill run down his back—it was Empress Xiao's finger poking him.

Not touching, not probing.The cold fingertips circled a certain part of the back in a small area, and then exerted a little force, as if they wanted to pick off the scar left by the layer of burns.

Is she looking for... a birthmark or a mole?

Lu You didn't know if there were any special marks on his back, even if there were, they might have been damaged by Zhao Yang.

On the contrary, not long ago, in the hot spring of Tianwu Palace, Tang Ruilang also groped in a similar position. Could it be that...

Just as he was thinking of this, the movement on his back finally stopped.

"Yunchu, take him outside first." Emperor Huiming's voice sounded again: "I have something to discuss with the empress."

Qi Yunchu took the order and led Lu You back outside the Ganlu Hall.Since there were still some other people standing in the yard, they didn't talk to each other.

Lu You deliberately stood in a dimly lit corner, even so, he could still see all kinds of eyes projected from all directions.

The emperor chatted for a long time in the hall, but there was no movement.

The night gradually deepened, and the wind blew from the South China Sea pool in the north in bursts.The loose clothing on Lu You's body was thin, but he began to shiver after a long time.Qi Yunchu saw it, took off the plain clothes she was wearing, and draped it over his shoulders.

At about this time, Empress Xiao's voice finally came from inside the door.

"Come in."

Pushing open the door and entering the hall, Lu You once again knelt down in front of the empress docilely.

Emperor Huiming had been lifted up and sat on the dragon chair in the hall.He only heard him ask in a deep voice: "You are young, what are your plans for the future?"

Lu You shook his head.

"The villain is already a middle-aged man. He has no relatives and no reason at home. He is lonely. He really doesn't know where else to go. The villain originally just wanted to stay in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and earn a living, but—"

He paused for a moment, and suddenly burst into tears: "However, with the permission of the emperor and the empress, the villain is willing to be buried for His Royal Highness Xuan Wang!"

Emperor Huiming sighed: "You are knowledgeable in books and reason, and you are good at archery. It would be a pity if such a good seedling was sent to be buried... But, you pretended to be King Xuan, after all, you committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. If you don't Punishment, how to convince the public?"

As soon as the words were finished, Empress Xiao gently pulled La Huiming Emperor's sleeve, frowning slightly.

Lu You bowed his head and said: "The villain knows that he is ashamed. The emperor and the empress have cared for him, and the villain can't wait to repay it. Whether it is death or life, I am willing to let the emperor and the empress take care of me!"

Emperor Huiming nodded, then pondered for a moment, then cleared his throat and said, "Because of your loyalty to King Xuan, death is inevitable, but life is inevitable... I will first punish you with a staff of [-], and then guard the spirit for [-] days for King Xuan." . Come see me again in a month."

After finishing speaking, he looked at Qi Yunchu again: "As for you, you don't report what you know, and you help to hide it. Will I punish you for a year's salary, are you convinced?"

Qi Yunchu said: "I am convinced."

Thirty boards, of course, is not a big punishment, not to mention that the eunuch in charge of the punishment understood everything when he saw Lu You's face.

The board was raised high and then lowered lightly. After finishing all the beatings, it was even less painful than the meal he received in the Taimiao on behalf of King Xuan last year.

After accepting the order and receiving the punishment, Lu You returned to Jack Yaluo to rest for a few days.That evening, he was leaning on the bed and reading a book when he heard a loud noise outside the house. A group of eunuchs came from the Anren Hall to bring supplements and clothes; followed by the medical officers from the Imperial Medical Bureau.

Needless to say, Lu You also knew that - this time, he really is not what he used to be.

During the few days of recuperation, because Qi Yunchu had ordered in advance, no one came to harass her.Lu You didn't care what other people thought or thought, but there was only one person who hadn't contacted him since he returned to Beijing, which made him a little uneasy.

Tang Ruilang has always opposed him getting stuck in the palace.However, now this step is more than a deep trap, it is simply rushing in with all one's heart and soul.

If Rui Lang knew that he had said the words "willing to be buried", he would probably be nagging for a long time.

Not only that, but also the scars on his back—whether Rui Lang and Empress Xiao care about the same thing, and if so, what does it mean?

It would be great if I could know what Tang Ruilang was doing, and if I could talk to him and confide my full of doubts during this boring waiting, it doesn't matter even if I get complaints...

When Lu You realized that Tang Ruilang was his heart and mind, he picked up his pen and wrote a letter.

However, the letter was not sent out of the palace—because his master Li Honghe and Lao Shanggong suddenly disappeared from the Moon Shadow Terrace.

Lu You could vaguely guess that this had something to do with the arrival of Tianliang Xing, but there was no way to trace the inside story.So he tried to send someone to call Lu Ying'er into the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but he didn't clarify the purpose, but Lu Ying'er took the lead to borrow money.

It is said that they forget righteousness for profit and are ruthless. It seems that the Lu family couple are not trustworthy people after all.

If this is the case, Lu You can only temporarily suppress the thoughts in his heart.He secretly complained that such a big incident happened, why didn't Swiss Lang take the initiative to come over and care about it.

The days passed in thoughts and complaints.On the fifth day, Qi Yunchu came over and led him to the funeral palace.

Guarding the spirit of King Xuan is not as scary as it sounds.Since there were eunuchs accompanying him all the way, Lu You didn't have much to do: three religious ceremonies a day, and slept in the inverted room next to the side hall at night.In the rest of the time, you can read and meditate quietly in the funeral palace.

In addition, some officials will come to the palace to worship during the day.Every time they saw Lu You's face, they would show various expressions.

Most of them are stunned, but there are also people who are afraid and guilty.

After wandering around in Zichen Palace for so long, Lu You has learned to read the truth behind various expressions.So he calmly kept all these reactions in his heart, and at the same time wondered how many people he could use for himself in the future.

On the third day, he saw a familiar person.

Jiang Qiguang, the young minister of the Taipu Temple who once walked beside Zhao Yang and encouraged him to covet the crown prince, now walked in front of the Lingtai ostentatiously.Even after seeing Lu You, there was no look of panic on his face.

"I have something to say to you."

After worshiping Zhao Yang, Jiang Qiguang took Lu You to a secluded place aside.

"If I'm not mistaken, you should be the eunuch who was sitting next to King Xuan at that time. I have heard that there is a kind of disguise in Jianghu, but I didn't expect it to be so vivid."

Having said that, Jiang Qiguang's eyes still lingered on Lu You's face.

Lu You didn't explain much, but instead said: "Speaking of it this way, isn't Mr. Jiang's hiding his strength and biding his time in Taipu Temple another better disguise?"

"Hiding one's strength and biding one's time is a game for those who can handle it well. I just do my best and follow my destiny. Being a commoner is not good enough. All I can do is wait for the east wind to rise."

"Wait for the east wind?"

Lu You raised his eyebrows: "Now that King Xuan is dead, Mr.'s original plan to unite with Xiao, Tang and others to abolish the crown prince has been aborted. Hasn't Mr. Feng died young?"

Jiang Qiguang blinked his eyes: "The wind below is the east wind, not the west wind."

Lu You's heart skipped a beat because of his words: "You are... the prince's man?!"

Jiang Qiguang said with a smile: "A good bird chooses a tree to live in. Just as I wondered why there is a smart little eunuch beside King Xuan, haven't you thought about why I came to lobby the hopeless King Xuan?"

Lu You nodded, her heart had completely settled down.

"So, you were sent by His Royal Highness to test King Xuan on purpose. By the way, you also tested the loyalty of the Xiao and Tang families and the important officials in the court to the prince. And the proposal you proposed to impeach the prince is impossible to be realized at all. It is just a Looks like a tempting bait."

"Bait is only useful for greedy fish." Jiang Qiguang said, "After this battle, I have seen many smart people who are wise and safe, and stay away from disasters, as well as useful talents."

"Be wise and protect yourself, are you talking about Duke Changqiu?"

"Isn't it? Qi Yunchu avoided Tianwu Palace not because he was powerless, but because he made a gesture, expressing that he would not intervene in the struggle for the heir apparent. However, I didn't expect that there would be someone like you under his command." It's a good move. It seems that as long as Emperor Huiming is in power for a day, the power of the inner court will inevitably grow, and your future is naturally limitless."

Lu You hooked the corners of his mouth: "But once the emperor and the courtiers, if the new emperor ascends the throne, the attitude towards the inner court may be completely different. Especially His Royal Highness the crown prince has always been honest with his servants and relatives. So it is better to take advantage of the time when the crown prince is in charge of the country. Win over, please him—is that what Mr. Jiang meant?"

Jiang Qiguang said with a smile: "Sure enough, it is exquisite and clear, and it is ice-snow smart."

Lu You didn't make false claims with him either: "Lu You is just a middleman and has no personal possessions. I believe that what the crown prince really needs is not Lu You, but the support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"

Jiang Qiguang asked him back: "What is the difference between you and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the future?"

Lu Youqi wanted to answer, but he was at a loss for words. After a while, he asked again: "Since the prince wants to make peace with the servant, which side is he going to aim at?"

"Jiang originally thought that this matter has long been self-evident. But do you still remember the words I said when I first visited King Xuan-the more important things are, the less they will be fettered by blood relatives. If the prince wants to achieve great things, how can he be restrained by those old branches and leaves?"

Lu You was not surprised, but asked one more question: "Then what about the Tang family?"

Jiang Qiguang didn't expect him to ask such a question, he hesitated for a moment before answering: "Although the Tang family is a foreign relative, they have not participated in this battle for the heir apparent. , the future of the Tang family should naturally be in your hands."

What a sly answer.

Lu You sneered in his heart, but on the surface he was still tight.

"From now on, this junior will ask Mr. Jiang for advice."

After the funeral, Lu You took advantage of the darkness to sneak back to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.Seeing Qi Yunchu, he recounted how he met Jiang Qiguang during the day.

Qi Yunchu still lowered his head and fiddled with his cherished Lingxiao vine: "What do you think of joining forces with the prince?"

"Seeking skin with a tiger is nothing more than that. Right now, the crown prince's goal is the Xiao clan, so he naturally needs to win over the power of the inner court to achieve his goal. And when the Xiao clan is executed, the inner court will become his next target. Unless..."

"Unless Orchid and her children are used, there may be some chances of winning."

Qi Yunchu finished what was in Lu You's mind, and then gave him a sideways glance: "The reason why you were sent to rob the prison was not to take advantage of that woman. There are already enough lonely ghosts in this broken place, so what if you let two go?"

Lu You was taken aback for a moment, but felt a little more at ease: "Sometimes, I really don't understand what is going on in your heart."

Qi Yunchu chuckled and said, "I think it's actually very simple, but if you're not me, you won't understand."

Lu You didn't hesitate, and brought the topic back to the right path.

"According to the current development, when the crown prince wipes out the Xiao clan, he will definitely turn around and deal with the inner court. Your position in the court, Mr. Changqiu, is certainly difficult to shake, but if things go on like this, the political situation will become unstable, which will inevitably cause people to die."

"Don't worry."

Qi Yunchu waved his hand.

"Tian Liangxing said that the emperor's illness is mainly due to the dampness in the palace. In the past few days, he has moved from the Ganlu Hall to the Penglai Pavilion for a temporary residence. The place is relatively ventilated and dry, and with the presence of a divine doctor, it is believed that the condition will be very fast. It will improve. It is not so easy for the prince to ascend the throne."

So what we have to do now is to wait for the turning point by making false claims.

Thinking of this, Lu You heard Qi Yunchu say: "Your Tang Ruilang asked someone to bring a message. He said that these days he has to prepare for the exam in the Hongwen Hall, and he can only participate in the Spring Festival in January after he passes it. To gain confidence, during this period You have to retreat and study hard, and let yourself do it for yourself.”

The words "good for yourself" were obviously added by Qi Yunchu himself, but these words stopped in Lu You's heart, but it was obviously a bit unpleasant.

If nothing happened, then the current self should be making the same preparations as Tang Ruilang, instead of standing in the Ministry of Internal Affairs plotting to influence the future of the Daning Dynasty.

... Which one is happy and which one is worried about?

He didn't allow himself to think too much, and instead asked another question: "Grandpa Qiu, why did the Empress ask me to take off my shirt in the Ganlu Hall that day?"

"She's looking for a mole." Qi Yunchu didn't hide anything, "A mole that once appeared on her own flesh and blood."

"Zhao Yang? Or... Zhao Xu?"

"What do you think?" Qi Yunchu asked him back.

Lu You's hands were silently clenched into fists under his sleeves: "Do you...do you believe in the theory of reincarnation in this world?"

Qi Yunchu still asked back: "So what if you believe it, so what if you don't believe it? Believe it, you can't become the next prince of the Daning Dynasty; if you don't believe it, there is a way to make everyone think that you are the reincarnation of Dongjun."

If Lu You realized something, he was silent for a moment and asked one last question.

"Swiss... how much do you know about Dongjun?"

"You, really want to know?" Qi Yunchu raised his eyebrows.

Lu You nodded seriously: "You once promised that one day you would tell me why Tang Ruilang came to me in the first place. I think that now I am capable of bearing any truth."

"Alright."

Qi Yunchu seemed to sigh.

"But the answer may subvert your perception of him all along."

Time flies like a white horse.

On the twelfth day, the period of stopping the court was over, and the bells and drums rang together. On the main hall of the East Palace, the left and right Chunfang and the officials of Zhan Shifu lined up to welcome them.

After more than ten days, scattered news began to reach Lu You's ears-the crown prince began to clean up the law in the middle of the court, and first took a few idle officials with minor titles to operate.

For the time being, Lu You does not know the reaction of the courtiers.For him right now, the most important thing is that Xuan Wang Zhao Yang is finally going to be buried.

On the seventh day of October, the north wind howled, and the sun and the moon were dark.

The mighty funeral procession left Anfumen in the west and headed for Huiluanling in the north of Zhaojing City.Lu You was dressed in silk, holding a bright banner, walking in front of the coffin of King Xuanai.

I saw paper money flying all over the sky like blowing snow, flags and banners fluttering in the wind, and the fragrance of sandalwood filled the air.

It seems that Lu You has never seen such a grand battle, the streets are full of plains, and the fields are filled with elegiac songs... But no matter what, this is Zhao Yang's last mourning.

On the evening of the second day after Zhao Yang's burial, Lu You was summoned to Penglai Pavilion.

Under the flickering lamps and candles, it was rare for Emperor Huiming to sit upright. Beside him stood Qi Yunchu, chief servant and supervisor, Qi Yunchu, holding a square sandalwood plate covered with a yellow cloth in his hand.

Eunuch Lu You, because of his loyalty to serve the master, was promoted to serve as a young supervisor, and was rewarded with 35 hectares of Yongye farmland as a gift.

Qi Yunchu walked up to Lu You holding the square plate, and took off the yellow scarf that was covering it.On the plate, there was a purple robe laid upright.

Not only that, but there is no need to go to Jackdaws Fall.

The northeast corner of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is called Ziyun Courtyard, which is exclusively for eunuchs above the fifth rank.Although Qi Yunchu had a private house outside the palace, he also lived in a mansion named "Cloud Gate" in Ziyun Courtyard most of the time.

Lu You's new home is just west of Yunmen, close to the south wall of Yeting Palace.Tall paulownia trees are planted all over the courtyard, their leaves have long since fallen off, and their black iron-like branches are shaking in the bleak north wind.

Qi Yunchu said that the eunuch who used to live here was a talented man, but unfortunately died young, leaving only dozens of palace complaint poems.Nearly half of them are chanting the tung flowers and phoenixes here, and this place is also named "Zitongyuan".

Zitong and Zipao, it seems that this noble and desolate purple will be tightly intertwined into his future life, and it will be difficult to get rid of it.

From that day on, Lu You got a brand new errand - every morning, he would first go to the Li main hall of the East Palace to attend the court meeting of the East Palace.Then go to Penglai Pavilion, wait for Emperor Huiming to get up in the morning, serve soup and medicine, and tell the emperor about all the important matters in the court.

In the afternoon, go to Anren Palace, serve Empress Xiao for lunch, and talk with her for a while.At dusk, they will return to Penglai Pavilion again to pay their respects, and sometimes they will stay overnight in the pavilion.

Because of his well-behaved, smart and quick-witted behavior, coupled with his [-]% similar appearance, the initial slight confusion of the emperor and empress quickly disappeared, and they became more and more convinced of certain things in their hearts.

As for the prince, because of Jiang Qiguang's mediation, he seemed to have acquiesced in the actions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and did not make any trouble for Lu You.

After taking a big step upward, Lu You's life ushered in a period of peace again.

However, he has already understood that the so-called calm is just an illusion before the next wave.

After the north wind howled for a whole day, the first snow of this winter finally fell in Zhaojing City.The majestic Jiuzhong Palace is completely clean.The red buildings and green tiles in the mortal world are all sublimated into the Qionglou Yuyu in the sky.

In more than ten days, it will be the first day, and the annual Tianmen Dynasty is just around the corner.Just as all the civil and military officials were eagerly waiting, there was news in the main hall of the East Palace that Yu Cheng, the imperial servant, was sent to imperial prison in the name of taking bribes.

When the news reached Lu You's ears, he wasn't too surprised - the younger sister of the censor Yu Cheng had been humiliated by the crown prince, so he took refuge in King Xuan.Now that King Xuan has passed away, the crown prince is going to settle accounts after the fall.

Don't be suspicious of people, don't be suspicious of people - if Lu You were to be the crown prince, sooner or later, this double-minded courtier would be wiped out.It's just that although this Yu Cheng is not of high rank, he is a senior official who manages the daily affairs of Yushitai.Almost all impeachment documents from south to north have passed through his hands. As time goes by, his relationship with the court and China can naturally be called "intertwined".

Now the crown prince is still only a supervisor of the country, and his foundation is not stable. Although it is not difficult to dismiss a small censor, it is too impatient.

How could that old and cunning Jiang Qiguang give the prince such an idea?

A question mark was placed in Lu You's heart, and he did not forget to report this matter to Emperor Huiming.

That Emperor Huiming listened quietly to what he had said, and then calmed down for a moment, before he said slowly: "Notify the East Palace and other places that I will personally preside over the great court on Yuan Day."

After all, the world belongs to the emperor, and if the emperor has not abdicated for a day, he is still the nominal owner of the Zichen Palace.

What's more, although the prince supervises the country, he has no real power in his hands.The military power is divided into three parts, Xiao Tang's relatives hold the third part, and all the forbidden troops, including Nei Feilong, are all under Qi Yunchu's control.

Lack of military power naturally lacked confidence, so the matter of the first day was settled without encountering any obstacles.

To be honest, it doesn't make any difference to Lu You who will preside over the Yuanri Dynasty.But what really has something to do with him is a reward from Empress Xiao.

Pingkangfang, on the east side of the imperial city, has always been a place where people travel from south to north.Among them is a large mansion located on the west side of Shizi Street, which was originally the golden house where Zhao Yang asked Empress Xiao to beg to secretly raise beauties.Now that the person is gone, it is sad to think about it, so Empress Xiao casually rewarded the mansion to Lu You.

Although Lu You didn't have much yearning for Tian She, he also knew that he should make good use of this reward to create some momentum for himself.Therefore, people were hired to change this mansion into the Xuanai Wangxiang Temple.

After the ancestral hall was completed, he had a secret conversation with Jiang Qiguang, and finally persuaded the prince to come to Pingkangfang to preside over the opening ceremony.Then he ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to spread the news, without making any demands on the surface, and only let the ministers inform each other.

However, on the day of the opening of the sacrifice, although there was some thin snow, there was an endless stream of officials who came to worship, almost filling up the entire front yard.

Naturally, these people didn't come for Zhao Yang who had already been buried in the ground.

The prince stood under the eaves with his hands behind his back, squinting at the ministers standing under the steps.

"Look at those people, they pretend to be humble and obedient on the surface, but they all regard this king as a murderer in their hearts."

"That's why it's the right time for Your Highness to come this time."

With piercing eyes, Lu You looked at the future emperor beside him.

"In ancient times, people were relieved by not arguing. Only when the people don't argue, can the court be stable; only if the courtiers don't argue, the emperor's country can be preserved forever. However, Your Highness is the prince of Daning, one person is below ten thousand people. If Your Highness doesn't argue, how can you convince the crowd? If Your Highness doesn't argue, how can there be any medicine for regret in the future when "people's mouths melt gold, accumulate money and destroy bones"?"

"What Lu Shaojian said is true."

Jiang Qiguang, who was on the side, also echoed, "I just took a rough look, and saw that some of the ministers had secretly expressed their favor to King Xuan. My king might as well take this opportunity to give some warnings."

Only then did Zhao Yun calm down, and asked again: "Arguing, how should I argue?"

"It's up to His Majesty to decide."

Lu You and Jiang Qiguang stopped talking, and at the same time bowed their hands and retreated behind the prince.

Sensing the movement here, the officials also gathered together one after another, and dozens of pairs of eyes projected over with different emotions.

"today……"

As if pushed by some invisible force, Zhao Yun slowly opened his mouth.

"Today is the auspicious day for the opening of King Xuan's Shrine. All the nobles came here to pay respects. They really have intentions. King Xuan and this king are siblings of the same mother. They are close relatives of flesh and blood. They love each other more than ordinary brothers. However Heaven is jealous of talents, King Xuan died young, and this king is also deeply mourning. Fortunately, Shao Jian Lu built this hall today, and this king and you are here to pray for blessings, and to talk about the pain of grief."

Having said that, he raised his eyes and slowly glanced at the officials under the steps.

"However, since the ten days since the cessation of the court, the king has been hearing that some people in the court have made a lot of remarks about the matter of King Xuan. There are even some people who speak unreasonably, making false comments about the inner court and slandering the clan. Today, after a rough look, these people It's still in this yard."

As soon as these words came out, the officials under the steps were in an uproar in a low voice, they looked at each other in blank dismay, but dared not say anything.

But at this moment, Jiang Qiguang signaled his subordinates to close the door of Xiangci Temple heavily.A heavy voice sounded, and many people were startled, turning their heads to look around.

The crown prince said again: "I will swear to my younger brother's tablet today, if there is any gossip in the court, it will be like this!"

After finishing speaking, he suddenly drew his sword and swung it towards a newly planted young bamboo in the courtyard.The bamboo pole snapped at the sound.

All the officials were silent.

Only Lu You, who was standing in the corner, secretly thought about it.

The crown prince, Zhao Yun, is really a person who has more than enough rigidity but not enough softness.It only provoked him a few words, and he immediately released a pass to the officials.

However, this is easy to manipulate, and perhaps the days to come may not be so difficult.

After the training of the officials who came to enjoy the shrine, the prince himself seemed quite satisfied, so he ordered the sacrifice.

Cigarettes curled up and the sound of scriptures burst into the temple.After tossing and tossing like this, it is considered as the end of the cutscene.

Thinking that there were still a bunch of unread memorials in the Lizheng Hall, Zhao Yun drove back to the palace early.Lu You was left alone, facing the court full of officials alone.

He also knows that many people here are actually here for him.

The beautiful eunuch who looks exactly like King Xuan, was favored and favored overnight to become a servant and young supervisor, and now he is standing behind the current crown prince—anyone would be curious about this young man who was born out of nowhere.

Lu You was not in a hurry.

At this moment, he was wearing the purple robe bestowed by the emperor, standing under the fiery red maple tree in the courtyard, waiting for a person who had been watching him from just now to come towards him.

Yang Rongru——years ago, one of the culprits who betrayed Ye Kaiquan and led to the ruin of the Ye family.

The former minister of the Ministry of Industry has now moved to the right to be the Minister of the Ministry of Industry.Lu You did a little research and knew that this person had no achievements in the court, and he still took pleasure in flattering horses and forming cliques. These days, he even hugged the prince's thigh tightly and never let go.

Although Lu You was disgusted in his heart, but because Yang Rongru's rank was higher in name, he was still face-to-face with a smile on the surface.

Naturally, Yang Rongru didn't know that the young prisoner in front of him was a former Ye family child, so he only regarded him as a celebrity in the palace.

I saw an important court official in his forties, bowing his body, fawning over a fourteen or fifteen year old boy with a big smile on his face. This scene is unavoidably ridiculous.

Lu You pretended to be perfunctory, accepted the gift from Yang Rongru, and dealt with it for a while before sending him away.But then, another person squeezed beside him...

There were about thirty officials in the ancestral hall, and almost every one of them came to talk to Lu You.After going through all the rounds, more than an hour has passed.

The sky in the afternoon was gloomy again, and the north wind seemed to be about to snow again.The pampered passers-by hurriedly dispersed, and the temple became deserted again.

Lu You was not in a hurry to return to the palace.He paced alone in the backyard of the ancestral hall, taking advantage of the quietness and coldness, to think about some thoughts that no one could read.

A few days have passed since the conversation with Qi Yunchu.The momentary astonishment and loss had long since returned to calmness, but the remaining knots in her heart were not so easy to untie.

Tang Ruilang, the active and gentle person who is always talking and laughing on the surface, really has something different on his mind.And whether this relationship he has with himself is true or false... It's really hard to say, it's unclear.

Forget it, anyway, he was busy taking the exam during this period of time anyway, so let's sit down and clarify everything after he finishes the exam.

It is always easier to escape than to solve the problem.Thinking of this, Lu You turned his attention to the surrounding scenery.

Zhuge Qinglou, Danying Carved Jue - in all fairness, this is indeed a good house.However, Zhao Yang had a bad reputation during his lifetime, and I am afraid that after today, no one will come here to worship.

After seeing too many carved railings and painted buildings in the palace, this mansion outside the imperial city is even more intimate.Naturally, for the first time in so many years, Lu You missed the "home" where he lived with his parents and sister.

Chongrenfang is not far from here, since I am not in a hurry to go back to the palace, it is okay to go and have a look.

Lu You sent away the little eunuch who accompanied him out of the palace, held up his umbrella, and was about to walk north alone.As soon as he opened the door and went out, he saw a person riding a green horse in the fine snow that had just started to fall.

"Fortunately, I caught up with him!"

Tang Ruilang ran to Xiangci in one breath, got off his horse, and quickly hid under Lu You's umbrella.

"This damn weather, no matter how it snows, it will snow. It's cold outside, let's go in and talk first."

Without any explanation, he pushed Lu You back into the door.

The person who was still thinking about it just now stood in front of him, and Lu You couldn't help being a little stunned.However, Tang Ruilang didn't leave him room for wild thoughts, he casually pushed open a half-covered side room, and dragged Lu You into the dark room together.

Lu You hurriedly wanted to get up, but was pushed down and rolled on the spot, biting his lips and smacking his tongue, no one wanted to lose to anyone.

After a long time, Lu You finally managed to push away Tang Ruilang who was pressing on him.

"How did you get here?"

Only then did Tang Ruilang sit aside with his arms extended: "Just now, two officials ran to my house and heard that they were reporting to my father about King Xuan enjoying the shrine. I took a little care and heard them mention you. "

Lu You's heart tightened, "What did they say about me?"

"They said that you seem to be highly valued by the prince, and you don't behave like an ordinary person. You should try to win me over."

Having said that, Tang Ruilang paused for a moment, with complicated eyes: "One of the people who said these words was Yang Rongru. Have you met him today?"

"Not only met, but also talked for a while." Lu You asked him, "Why?"

"...He said that you seem to have a good impression of him."

After saying this, Tang Ruilang laughed himself: "What a blind eye."

Lu You didn't take it seriously: "Isn't it my acting skills?"

"It's great, but I don't like it." Tang Ruilang sighed: "Because the better the play is, the deeper you hide yourself, and the more unhappy you become."

Lu You sneered and turned his head to look at him.

"You are really contradictory! I still remember that when the Duanyang Festival was at the edge of Quehua Pond, you said that I didn't understand what is 'passing tough and easy to break', and that my father 'doesn't understand the way of life in the court', But now that I have figured it out, you don’t like it anymore?!”

"I did not mean that!"

Tang Ruilang scratched his hair again and again: "I mean, it's a good thing that you know how to pretend to protect yourself, but it doesn't stop me from feeling sorry for you... Also, you still remember what I said so long ago. Keep it in your heart. Focus on this, everything you say is right!"

"Hmph, glib."

Lu You counterattacked with his mouth, and suddenly recalled the conversation between himself and Qi Yunchu in his heart, and suddenly felt a little unhappy.

Instinctively, he wanted to ask, but then he thought that if the matter got involved, it would affect Rui Lang's mood, and even delay his performance in the exam, so he pursed his lips again, and put it aside for the time being. From time to time, I heard Tang Ruilang say: "I have already passed the examination of the Hongwen Museum. However, there is nothing to be happy about. Ten days later will be the examination of Chunwei, success or failure depends on it."

Lu You purposely said shabbyly: "The son of the dignified minister, the right servant She, is he still worried about losing his name to Sun Shan?"

"It is impossible to fail the ranking, but it is not an easy task if you want to get some limelight."

In Tang Ruilang's eyes, there is a unique brilliance when he is serious: "I know what others think of me. Even if I am really named on the gold list, I am afraid I will attract gossip. But I still do it, just to prove myself...and you, at least you You know me, and I hope you can be proud of me, too."

"Your talent, over the years, I naturally know best."

Lu You nodded, and the two of them sat like this for a while in the dark side room, finally feeling the chill hit.Lu You went out again, opened the umbrella and looked back at Tang Ruilang.

"Now I plan to go back to the old house in Chongrenfang to have a look. If you have nothing to do, go back and study."

Tang Ruilang also walked over: "I have nothing to do, but what I want to warm is not the book, but you."

While speaking, the snowflakes on his head were as big as goose feathers.Tang Ruilang went out to lead the horses, and Lu You followed him to sit in front of the saddle.Holding an umbrella and riding a horse together, the two walked slowly towards the north on the deserted streets amidst the endless white snow.