When the devil

The sky in February darkened very early, the sun was hidden, and the air was chilly again.

The weather was strange, the sun was still shining during the day, but at night it was shrouded in darkness, and snow began to fall after a while.

Gu Yuan didn't stay in the palace for too long. He ate two mouthfuls of rice and drank a bowl of hot soup, and said that he had to rush back to the other courtyard overnight. The road is not easy to go.

There were only four people at this table at night, the emperor Gu Xiao, the king of You Gu Yuan, the crown prince Gu Xuancheng, and the queen Yue Erzhen. The eunuchs and maids were already gone. The emperor doesn’t like crowds or complicated scenes. After drinking, lean on the chair and listen to Yue Erzhen chatting about the things she heard recently.When Gu Yuan said she wanted to leave, the emperor didn't respond, but Gu Xuancheng got up to see her off. When he asked, the emperor waved his hand as a sign of agreement.

The two brothers were about to leave when they suddenly heard Yue Erzhen laughing behind the table: "Xuan'er has doted on Yuan'er since she was a child, and the relationship is still so close."

She said this to the emperor, and Gu Xuancheng continued to walk forward, but Gu Yuan stopped and said with a smile on her face: "After returning to my mother, the prince is now invincible and has the ambition to blow out thousands of feet. It's a bit stupid, but since I was young, I was taken care of by the queen mother and the prince, even if I followed the gourd, it would not be much worse, this is the greatest blessing for my son."

Although Gu Yuan was a concubine, she was brought up by Yue Erzhen. He called Yue Erzhen his mother since he was a child, even though he knew very well in his heart that he had no blood relationship with this woman.

Yue Erzhen smiled slightly, looked at Gu Yuan and said, "Look, you, you always talk one way after another. I really don't know who I learned from. People in the palace say that King You is famous for being eloquent." He is eloquent, but nine out of ten of these words and arguments are very touching."

"Yuan'er is like me." The emperor sighed unintentionally: "The civil and military officials are both in awe and enthusiasm for him, but they have their own ghosts, and no one is taking advantage of anyone."

Gu Yuan didn't know whether the emperor's words were praise or derogation, but the atmosphere was harmonious at this time, and the emperor started laughing again after speaking, he silently regarded the words as compliments, and accepted them with great gratitude.

After the last few words were finished, Gu Yuan was finally freed. He walked outside the door wearing a cloak, and seeing Gu Xuancheng waiting for him looking at the heavy snow, a smile appeared on his face again: "Brother."

When there is no one around, Gu Yuan will always call Gu Xuancheng "Brother", as if in front of brothers, all those messy titles no longer exist.

"The queen mother didn't make things difficult for you, did she?"

"Why would you make things difficult for me, but I'm leaving in such a hurry, I'm afraid it will spoil the atmosphere of the family banquet."

In the winter, Gu Xuancheng still holds the steel fan in his hand, but now the fan is tightly closed and held in his hand, as if it is an indispensable part of him.

Gu Yuan looked at Gu Xuancheng's face for a while, she didn't stand for long, her face was already pale from the cold, Gu Yuan knew that Gu Xuancheng's health was poor, and she used to catch a cold every winter, and it wouldn't get better until the spring warmed up, thinking of this , he took a step and stood under the steps: "Brother, you can go back, I came here on horseback, there is no need to see you off."

Gu Xuancheng looked at him for a moment, then laughed: "How can you ride a horse? Horse racing is not allowed in the city."

Gu Yuan: "Let's see who dares to stop me."

Gu Xuancheng: "As a county king, you should also look like a county king."

Gu Yuan said with a playful smile: "I have no merit or virtue. When I am a county king, my father has never followed the rules. He said that the wind is the rain... But I like the title of the prince, admit it, admit it."

"You." Gu Xuancheng had nothing to do with him: "I'll walk with you for a while, just to ask you something."

"You don't need to walk with me, it's cold outside, brother, just ask if you have anything to say, don't get cold just to ask a few words, it's really like this, the queen mother will make things difficult for me."

Gu Xuancheng couldn't say no to Gu Yuan, he was silent for a long time, and said softly: "Then I asked, I heard a few days ago that the father arranged Bai Lie to go to you, he is too serious, how can you get along with him?" Difficulty?"

"It's been almost a month since he went to my place." Gu Yuan said, "I was punished by my father for causing trouble in Jinchuan, and I have lived a fairy life in the other courtyard for a year-after Bai Lie came, the good life will come soon. At the end of the day, he is also free, watching me go to bed early and get up early, and let me practice martial arts."

The voice sounded so aggrieved that he could squeeze out water, Gu Xuancheng couldn't help smiling: "He is the commander of the Snow Wolf Army, how many people are willing to be guided by him."

"How many people must not include me." Gu Yuan curled her lips: "In my opinion, Father did this to transfer him from the Snow Wolf Army."

Gu Xuancheng looked at him: "How do you say that?"

Gu Yuan said: "Back in Jinchuan, Yang Fan turned into a demon and was killed by Bai Lie himself, but he evaded the important in the memorial, which was very different from the memorial handed in by the Taili Court. Then Bai Lie was arrested from the Guo Mansion. The snow wolf army committed Zheng Yulu again, and died suddenly on the way back to Yudu. There was not even ashes left. Bai Lie failed to come up with a reasonable explanation for such a big matter. Someone in the palace impeached him. He said that he had been stationed in the Eastern Territory for many years and was suspected of colluding with the Eastern Territory's rebellious army..."

Gu Xuancheng's eyes changed slightly, as if he didn't agree with it, and Gu Yuan was not in a hurry, and continued: "I know no one will believe it, Bai Lie will go to the end, and he can't do things in secret collusion, but there is no wind, no waves, fire It has already started to burn on Bai Lie, there must be hidden dangers in the Snow Wolf Army."

Gu Xuancheng said: "You mean that the emperor placed Bai Lie with you, one is to let Bai Lie stare at you, and also use you to restrict Bai Lie?"

"I don't dare to guess what my father is thinking. Let's speak with facts. I was indeed stared at by Bai Lie, and Bai Lie was indeed restrained by me." Gu Yuan reached out and grabbed a snowflake in the air, and then spread it out. It has turned into water in his palm.

Gu Xuancheng looked down at Gu Yuan's hand and said nothing.

Gu Yuan said: "I think it's just luck, I don't know if I can use Bai Lie's sword in my hands." After speaking, he raised his eyes: "Don't worry bro, you told me I will remember everything about me.”

Gu Xuancheng's gaze followed Gu Yuan's arm upwards, and slowly fell on Gu Yuan's face.

He saw regret remaining in Gu Yuan's expression, as if facing the melted snow, and as if facing his unfinished words.

"It's fine for Bai Lie to go there. There's been some turmoil recently. It's time for you to add some protection to yourself. Don't let a blind man surround you." Gu Xuancheng said softly.

When he mentioned the word "blind man", Gu Yuan was bowing her head and exhaling, her eyes flickered faintly, but Gu Xuancheng didn't see it.

Snowflakes fluttered and fell to the ground, melting into a cloud of black water.

"Okay, just call me when you need my help." Gu Yuan sniffed from the cold.

It seemed that the words were finished, Gu Xuancheng planned to watch Gu Yuan leave before going back, he waited for a while, but Gu Yuan did not leave, the two of them met their eyes, it was Gu Yuan who spoke again: "Your injury, hasn't healed yet?"

Gu Xuancheng was startled, he was wearing a fur-collared cloak that wrapped his entire neck tightly, when Gu Yuan said this, he subconsciously stretched out his hand to touch it, thinking that it was impossible for Gu Yuan to see it, and there was something on his face. Awkward.

"I'm asking casually, because you used to say that the collar is too tight and uncomfortable." Gu Yuan blinked: "Seeing how tight your collar is today, I wonder if it's... to cover the wound."

"It's too cold." Gu Xuancheng said with a little tiredness on his face, "If you're injured, it's a good thing if you really leave a scar."

Gu Yuan said: "How can that be done? Your scars are left by engravings, and they are all over your body...It would be so ugly if there were real scars."

Gu Xuancheng closed his eyes: "I killed my uncle, this scar should remain on me, a sinner, for the rest of my life."

"It's coming again." Gu Yuan put her hands on Gu Xuancheng's shoulders, shaking him for a while: "You are not allowed to say this again, there are many people who can treat diseases in Taili Hospital, think of something, you Don't disappoint my good intentions."

Gu Xuancheng was shaken uncomfortably by him, he punched Gu Yuan on the shoulder, and pushed him away: "Okay, you go quickly, my lord."

"I'll go, I'll go." Gu Yuan stepped back two steps according to the strength, and put on a wronged look of being chased away: "Don't hold on, remember, call me when you need me."

There is no light in the sky.

Night fell.

Gu Xuancheng looked at Gu Yuan standing in the heavy snow, and after helplessness, a gentle smile slowly emerged.

***

Youwang Mansion is in the south of Yudu, by the river bank. After dark, two lanterns were lit on the mansion, and the rest did not have much ostentatious light. Gu Yuan arranged a reunion dinner in the dinner hall in the back garden. No one else was invited, the situation was not too big, but it had a warm atmosphere like a family banquet.

Bai Lie originally planned to go back to his own mansion, but Gu Yuan persuaded Liu Ying in advance, it happened to be A Li’s birthday tonight, and the maid of Prince You’s Mansion played tricks, saying that there was a gift that Gu Yuan would personally give when she came back from the palace Bai Li, Bai Lie is too embarrassed to postpone it after going back and forth like this.

Seeing that Bai Lie gave up struggling, Gu Yuan added angrily: "You and I shouldn't be here, you should be holding back in another courtyard. If you want to go to the city tonight to join in the fun, just have fun. If you are caught by the crowd in the palace The gossip woman is watching, and we will both be punished later."

These words didn't frighten Bai Lie, but did frighten Liu Ying, she hurriedly said: "How about... let's go back to another courtyard."

"No, today is Xiaobai's birthday, how could he be bumping back and forth on the carriage..."

Gu Yuan waved her hands and asked the guards to bring the gift. Bai Li was pitifully hungry, but King You didn't come back, and Bai Lie wouldn't let him move his chopsticks. Now when he heard that there was a gift for him, he immediately became excited.

A stooped old man brought a pure white pony, which was about the same height as Bai Li, and was white and shiny all over, very beautiful.

Bai Li blinked: "For me?"

"For you." Gu Yuan squatted down, looked at Bai Li's gaze, "Touch and see?"

Bai Li looked at Bai Lie, then at Liu Ying, and after his parents nodded their approval, he walked over very carefully, touched the pony's head, his pretty little face smiled like a spring breeze, sweet and lovely .

The little white horse blinked, not hiding or running away, obediently being touched by Bai Li.

"It's still young, so I'll keep it healthy. When it grows bigger, I'll send it to you, and then ask someone to take you to train the horse." Gu Yuan gave the old man a look and asked him to take the horse. take it down.

"I'll go too!" Bai Li took a step forward, "I, I'll go too, to see off the pony."

But he walked so fast that he almost bumped into the old man leading the horse. Hearing the sound, the old man raised his head, revealing a pair of pale eyes. Bai Li met his eyes and stayed where he was.

"Ah, I'm sorry, this is Lao Li—" Gu Yuan protected Xiaobai's shoulders and pulled him back: "I used to have an eye injury on the battlefield, which didn't work well, so I took it in. I have been with me for many years .”

The old man lowered his head humbly, his slender and curly hair shielding his frightening pupils.

Bai Lie looked at him silently for a moment, his eyes unintentionally swept over his hand.

"Okay, okay, Lao Li, take the horse down first."

The old man led the horse away, Bai Li was stunned for a while, and immediately followed. Seeing that Bai Li was wearing a single shirt, Liu Ying ran outside, quickly pulled up her coat and chased it out. The little birthday boy is happy tonight Yes, Bai Lie saw it, and was happy in his heart.

Seeing Bai Lie smiling, Gu Yuan hurried forward: "Dabai, what's the matter, am I a qualified daughter-in-law?"

Bai Lie said: "Who is this old gentleman?"

"Huh? Who?"

"Old Li."

Gu Yuan pretended to be surprised: "Hey, Dabai, he did it unintentionally, and he didn't intend to scare Xiaobai."

Bai Lie said nothing, seemed to be thinking.

Like a wolf in the jungle, he has an instinct for beasts of prey.

"He used to be good at martial arts, but now he's abolished, more thoroughly than Xiao Lingzi." Gu Yuan justified herself, showing regret: "At the beginning, he was kind to me, so I took him to do some chores in the house. Dabai , you also know that I am not interested in the throne, but unfortunately there are countless eyes staring at me in the palace, I dare not bring guards, I can only bring a useless person..."

Bai Lie woke up like a dream, but turned around with a perplexed expression: "I was curious for a while, and I have no other intentions. Please don't take it to heart, my lord."

Hearing Bai Lie's serious answer, Gu Yuan couldn't help but burst out laughing. When he laughed, Bai Lie was even more at a loss. The two of them looked at each other for a while, and finally Gu Yuan laughed so hard that her stomach ached. I ignored him and walked into the house alone.

There are a few more people in the huge Prince You's Mansion. Although it is not considered lively, it is much better than the quietness of the past.

In the banquet hall, Mo Chi was hugging Wei Ling and complaining endlessly. He thought Wei Ling was dead, Murong Chenhao was dead, Xia Zhou was dead, and Zi Wan'er was dead. up.Unexpectedly, just when he was heartbroken and ready to earn money to return to his hometown, Murong Chenhao and Wei Ling appeared, and hope was regained in his life. Even if he cried for a day and a night, he felt it was worth it.

Compared with him, Murong Chenhao was not so energetic.It was not a joke to fall into the water in the freezing weather. Wrapped in a thick fur coat, he sneezed one after another. His nose was red and his eyes were sullen. He lit a fire in the yard and sat alone. Blowing the cold wind and snow next to the fire, I heard Mo Chi's loud voice talking in the banquet hall from time to time, the more I listened, the more I felt the fire, and then I sneezed again.

"The reunion dinner is about to start." When Gu Yuan passed by, she kindly reminded him: "Go in."

"My lord's kindness, I appreciate it—" There was another sneeze, Murong Chenhao rubbed his nose, and wrapped the thick fur coat tighter.

Gu Yuan looked at him, her voice suddenly became a little colder: "Don't worry about it, come in, you have to take care of the trouble you brought back."

Perhaps because he was used to his ostentatious voice, his tone sank, and anyone could hear the strangeness. Murong Chenhao raised his head, and in the flickering firelight, he saw Gu Yuan squinting her eyes and smiling, and after a short moment, again He opened his eyes, his deep black pupils glowed brightly, which was inexplicably enchanting against the mole of tears at the corner of his eyes.

"Blame me." Murong Chenhao stared at him: "That idiot is a dog, and he recognizes people by his nose. My disguise can't fool him, and he deserves to be pestered by him. Please also ask King You to spend some time to keep his fox tail in good shape." Hidden, his immortality is not weak, if found out, don't blame me for not reminding."