A traitor

In just a few words, Mei Liusheng felt as if a dozen knives had been stabbed in his heart. He didn't know where it hurt, but he felt that his whole heart was about to break.

He remembered that time three years ago, when Cai Jun really came to the palace to look for him in a panic. At that time, he wanted to tell him about Su Qinglang, but he was still angry. He dropped a sentence: "His life and death, what does it have to do with me?"

Now, Su Qinglang's life and death really have nothing to do with him.

What did he do in those years, what did he do to Su Qinglang, and what did he do for him, the past is vivid in his memory, which one didn't break his heart completely?

Time and time again, he thought that no matter what he did, Su Qinglang could only be forced to bear it, and could do nothing at all, but he never thought that there was one thing that he could not interfere with no matter what.

Life and death are determined by the sky, and the sky wants Su Qinglang to die, but at this moment, he can only say dryly, I will not allow him to die.

However, the emperor can only decide the death of the living, but he cannot let the dead live. In the face of a person's death, his country, his world, are all useless.

The news of Su Qinglang's death dealt a great blow to Mei Liusheng, and he did not go to court for several days.

King Chang Shan came to see it, but it was useless, and the little prince Li Ji came to see it, but it was also useless. In the end, it was Cai Jun who came forward.

In the huge palace, Mei Liusheng locked himself in the room alone, sitting on the white marble steps, without crying or tears.

Cai Jun walked over, saw his appearance, sighed slightly, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty..."

Mei Liusheng didn't respond, and he continued: "Master Su has spent his whole life for the country and the people, and he doesn't want to see you like this..."

Because of this sentence, Mei Liusheng remembered what Su Qinglang said before——

This is your benevolent government?

Li Chengsi, back then I let you go because I thought you would be a good emperor because of your good name in the past.

I betrayed the emperor, I betrayed my oath, and let you take the throne of the emperor, but I want you to implement benevolent governance, so that the people of the Southern Tang Dynasty will no longer be in dire straits.

But now, look at yourself, what I got by giving up everything, what did you give me in return?

So, cheer up, go to court, review memorials, day and night, don't give yourself any free time.

A few years later, the Southern Tang Dynasty was in good weather. Under the rule of the new king, the people were rich and the government was clear, achieving unprecedented prosperity.

However, Mei Liusheng's state of mind deteriorated year after year.

Sitting in the court hall, his eyes touched the familiar position, and he was in a trance for a moment, feeling that there should be a person standing there.

Dressed in a crimson official robe, with a smile on his brows, he has a dashing and heroic demeanor, an indescribably gorgeous demeanor.

However, when he took a closer look, there was nothing. Standing there was the new Minister of Rites, an old man over sixty years old.

He had been to Su Qinglang's former mansion and lingered there for a long time. After Su Qinglang left, the Shangshu Mansion was returned to the imperial court. He didn't give it to anyone, but just kept it.

At that time, when he was an official in the city, the mansion where he lived also remained.

That day, he dismissed all the servants, walked alone in the mansion, came to the place where he and Su Qinglang had sat, stood there for a long time, quietly watching.

At that time, Su Qinglang was still fine, and when talking to him, he always smiled involuntarily.

He thought, Su Qinglang must not know how good-looking he is when he smiles, and the gods gave him a skin that is unparalleled in the world, but made his fate so rough that he never could achieve perfection.

A few years later, Li Huiyuan really went back to Chang'an to look for him, but it was not because someone made things difficult for her, but because she had run out of expenses.

A dignified princess, with golden branches and jade leaves, how could she be willing to live an ordinary life, so she was extravagant, willful and extravagant, and the money brought out from the palace was quickly used up. At the beginning, I could bear it, but in the end, all my feelings were consumed by life.

Li Huiyuan couldn't bear it anymore, had a big fight with him, and ran out of the house, carrying the folding fan that Su Qinglang had given her, hoping that Mei Liusheng could help her.

Seeing Li Huiyuan, Mei Liusheng was filled with resentment and anger. He felt that Li Huiyuan was at least half responsible for Su Qinglang's death.

Therefore, in the face of this so-called cousin's request, he did not feel any compassion.He even wanted to cut her into pieces to vent his hatred.

However, seeing the folding fan Su Qinglang gave her, he finally softened his heart.

Take back the folding fan and give Li Huiyuan enough money.However, she was forced to write a letter of repentance, saying that she had no virtue and deeds, and was not worthy of Su Qinglang, and announced to the world that Li Huiyuan and Su Qinglang's husband and wife status were terminated, and she was no longer a member of the Su family.

Having regained the old things, Mei Liusheng became more and more sad, and in the vast world, he could no longer find Su Qinglang's figure.

In the end, it was hard to hold back, and she pinned her hopes on ghosts and gods.

A large number of monks and Taoists were supported in the palace, practicing magic all day long, hoping to recall Su Qinglang's ghost.

The emperor was so absurd, the ministers under him had nothing to do, but seeing that he was only obsessed with ghosts and gods, he was still diligent in government affairs, and he didn't do anything out of the ordinary, so they let him go.

Unexpectedly, some people had bad intentions. Seeing that the emperor missed him so much, they opportunistically selected a scholar named Su Lian'er in an imperial examination.

This Su Lian'er was originally not named Su.However, in order to get involved with the person in the emperor's heart, he deliberately changed his surname.

This person is eighteen years old, and his appearance is somewhat similar to Su Qinglang's. Not only that, but he also deliberately imitates Su Qinglang's dress, words and deeds, but unfortunately, similarity does not mean the same, some actions made by him, on the contrary There is a kind of imitation.

The person who recommended him to come out described Su Lian'er as the reincarnation of Su Qinglang, who came back this time to reconnect with the emperor.

Although Mei Liusheng was confused at this time, he was not so confused as to believe them, but he was still fascinated by that face after all.

He treated Su Lianer very well. Basically, whatever Su Lianer wanted, he would give.

It seems that if it is given to Su Lian'er, even if it is given to Su Qinglang, he can make up for his past mistakes and debts.

There was only one time when Su Lian'er was domineering and wanted to live in Su Qinglang's former mansion, but after being stopped by someone, instead of restraining herself, she even injured her.

In the end, they went to Mei Liusheng's house and learned that Su Lian'er wanted to live in Su Qinglang's house, so Mei Liusheng naturally didn't want to.

However, seeing him crying and looking very aggrieved, his heart softened again and he broke ground for him and built a more luxurious house, but in the end he didn't give Su Qinglang's house.

This Su Lian'er was so proud of being favored and spoiled the court, Mei Liusheng turned a blind eye, because of his face, he always ignored him.

Unexpectedly, in the end, because of lack of greed, they conspired against Pei Yan and colluded with Xuan Guo to cooperate with others. If it wasn't for Chang Shan Wang and his son, they would really have turned against the heavens.

Pei Ying was sent to the cold palace, Pei Yan was beheaded and ransacked. As for Lu Xun, although Mei Liusheng leniently did not kill him, he was no longer allowed to work in the court, and finally let him return to his hometown with his wife and children.

It was Su Lian'er's turn, but Mei Liusheng was in trouble. He searched and waited for many years before he found someone similar to Su Qinglang.

He has already lost Su Qinglang once, so now he can't even keep his shadow?

Seeing his hesitation, Cai Jun finally couldn't help it, and in a rage, he carried Su Lian'er into the palace.

He threw him to the ground, pointed at Su Lian'er and asked, "Let's see, Your Majesty, who is he, Mr. Su, is this really the case?"

Mei Liusheng was sitting in the hall, looking down, and saw Su Lian'er lying on the ground trembling, begging for mercy, with tears still in her twinkling eyes.

That's right, how could Su Qinglang be like this? When he was forced to face so many people, he stood with a sword in his hand, cold and aloof, without flinching at all.

He said, Li Chengsi, you are capable and ambitious, and you may become a good emperor.Unfortunately, you are not my master after all.

That person has always been so ignorant, he lived and died for his beliefs.

How could it be so...

Su Lian'er was finally executed. In the battle between the Southern Tang Dynasty and Xuanguo, Changshan Wang and his son took advantage of the victory to pursue and seized more than a dozen cities in Xuanguo.

Seeing that the army was going straight to Huanglong and was about to attack the capital of Xuanguo, the emperor of Xuanguo finally couldn't sit still and sent Wen Shiliang to negotiate a peace.

At this time, it has been twenty years since Su Qinglang passed away.

20 years of swords, swords, and court battles have made Wen Shiliang, who has never passed the age, pale and gray.

That day, he stood in front of Su Qinglang's grave, looking at the tombstone engraved with the name "Su Qinglang", speechless for a long time.

Since Su Qinglang passed away, Jinniang built a house next to his tombstone, and lived with Su Wang guarding Su Qinglang's tomb all day long. She didn't know Wen Shiliang, and when she saw him standing in front of Su Qinglang's grave, she thought it was a Su Qinglang's old friend came to pay respects.

So, he stepped forward and asked, "This lord, is the young master's friend?"

Wen Shiliang heard the words and said silently: "Friend..."

Then, with a wry smile: "Maybe."

On that day, Su Qinglang made it clear that if he came to Nantang next time, he would be treated as a friend and treat him to a good drink.

But now, he is still there, but Su Qinglang is guarding the years of 20 years ago, and can no longer leave.

His temples are gray and wrinkled, he is already old, if Su Qinglang stands in front of him at this moment, he should still look like a boy.

That day, he stood in front of the grave for a long time.In the end, he raised his hand to sacrifice a pot of wine, turned and left, and never looked back.

In Chang'an, he met Mei Liusheng, and during this meeting, Mei Liusheng's change was beyond his expectation.

The originally handsome and elegant young master in ink clothes looked not much different from him at this moment.It turned out that the facts changed early, and even he was no longer young.

Mei Liusheng sat in the hall, looked at Wen Shiliang, and sighed after a long time: "You shouldn't have come."

Wen Shiliang smiled, and replied: "Military family and state affairs are obligatory. Shiliang still wants to do more things."

They talked a lot that day, mostly about the past.

Finally, Wen Shiliang said: "Your Majesty, do you still remember the family that took us in when we were in trouble?"

Mei Liusheng was startled, nodded, and heard Wen Shiliang say again: "This time when I came to Nantang Road, Shiliang also visited. I wanted to thank you for your kindness in sewing, but I heard that the blind old lady had passed away long ago. And the male owner of that family, shortly after we left, drowned to save people in the river."

"At that time, their family was hit one after another, and it was almost impossible for them to survive. Fortunately, someone helped them. Now, the children of that family are married, and they have a pair of children, and their life is stable. At this time, they are still opening an inn by the river. , convenient for passers-by.”

As he spoke, he looked up at Mei Liusheng and asked, "Does your Majesty know who is the person who helped them?"

Mei Liusheng said in a daze, "Qinglang...is that him?"

Wen Shiliang silently nodded, and smiled wryly again: "Master Su is always like this, even a passer-by he meets by chance can make him worry."

The words were so common, but they made Mei Liusheng's heart ache, and tears fell directly.

He also heard Wen Shiliang say: "In front of Mr. Su's grave, there are several peach trees planted. At this time, they should be full of flowers."

In these years, Mei Liusheng had never paid homage to Su Qinglang.Even, I have never been to Qingzhou.

He always felt that if he didn't go to pay respects or see him, Su Qinglang would still be alive and live in Qingzhou well.

But now, he knew that Su Qinglang was really dead.

In March, Mei Liusheng went to Qingzhou, and when he arrived there, the peach blossoms in front of Su Qinglang's grave had withered, and the trees were covered with lush green leaves.

That day, Jinniang went to deliver freshly dug wild vegetables to Su Qinglang's parents, and only Su Wang was at home.

Seeing the person standing in front of the grave, Su Wang felt a little strange, so he stepped forward and asked, "Are you here to worship my father?"

Mei Liusheng turned to look at him, and when he heard the word "father", and saw Su Wang's and Wan Yuzhen's somewhat similar eyebrows, he knew the reason.

He nodded, remained silent for a moment, and asked, "What's your name?"

Seeing that this person has a good temperament, Su Wang never expected that this person in front of him is the current emperor, and he even regarded him as an old friend of Su Qinglang.

So, he replied: "The junior's name is Su Wang, Su from Suzhou, forgetful Wang."

"Su Wang..." Mei Liusheng read in a low voice, and finally gave a wry smile, turned and left.

Su Wang was left alone, standing in front of the grave, turning his head to look at Su Qinglang's tombstone, and vaguely understood who came and why he had to leave.

Back in Chang'an, Mei Liusheng's health went from bad to worse, and in the end, he couldn't even go to court.

In his life, he only had Pei Ying as a queen, not even a concubine, let alone an heir who could inherit the throne.

Fortunately, Li Ji had two sons, the eldest son Li Shun was smart and smart, and Mei Liusheng liked it very much, so he adopted him and made him the prince.

Seeing that he was seriously ill, the prince knelt by the bed, full of worries, Mei Liusheng looked at the people guarding the bed, and finally opened his mouth soundlessly.

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what he was talking about, but an old servant who was serving beside him understood what he meant, took out a folding fan from beside the pillow, unfolded it slowly, and showed it to him with trepidation, Mei Liusheng was satisfied at that, looking forward Looking at the peach blossoms on the folding fan, I returned to the Wind and Rain Pavilion in a trance.

That year, peach blossoms dazzled people's eyes, but a certain person smiled prettier than peach blossoms, and said to him: "I am also here to play, and I am worried that I have no company. There are still two jugs of thin wine here. If you don't mind, brother, how about How about a few drinks?"

If life is just like the first time he saw it, will he know how to cherish it and no longer have regrets?

In a trance, he stood in the peach blossom forest, smiled brightly, and really walked towards Su Qinglang.

Then, never woke up again.

After the death of the first emperor and the succession of the new emperor, after the national mourning, there will be the imperial examination.

That year, a scholar named Su Wang stood out. The emperor liked him very much, and relied heavily on him, keeping him with him all day long.

The two of them stood on top of the high-rise building, and they could see the vastness of the mountains and rivers in their eyes.

The emperor said: "I heard that King Jing of Xuanguo conspired against him and murdered his father and brother. Such behavior is really embarrassing."

Su Wang smiled slightly, and replied: "Imperial matters are inherently complicated, so it's not surprising to do such a thing for the sake of the throne."

As he spoke, he paused again, with a smile on his face, but he said meaningfully: "I also heard that a noble concubine gave birth to a son. As a result, the baby was murdered before it was full moon." Death, some people say that it was the concubine who had an affair with someone, and the children she gave birth to were evil, and the emperor didn't allow him, so he killed them. However... who can say for sure about things that are speculative?"