Dressed as Su Peisheng

Kangxi 48 years

May [-]th, Yuanmingyuan

Nian brought Ling Xi to the outside of the Qingyan Pavilion, and Xiao Yingzi hurriedly greeted him, "The slave has paid my respects to the young master, and the prince may have to wait a while before returning."

"It's okay," Nian smiled at Xiaoyingzi, "I was just going to take a walk around here."

"The servant will show you the way," Xiaoyingzi bowed forward, and Nian nodded slightly, walking behind while supporting Lingxi's arm.

"The island in Qingyang Pavilion is just on the middle line of the Old Summer Palace, and the scenery is good. The prince always likes to live here." Xiaoyingzi pointed to the direction of the lake, "Our south is the front lake, and the north is the back lake. , the other side of the front lake has not been repaired yet, if it is repaired, the central hall will just across the lake from Qingyan Pavilion, and that is where the prince meets guests and handles government affairs."

"This garden is well built," Nian slightly bent the corners of his lips, and then raised his finger to point to the blue-tiled roof not far away, "The small courtyard is uniquely built, it lives by the lake and is shaded by greenery. It’s a good place to live.”

Xiaoyingzi's eyes flickered, and he lowered his head calmly and said, "That courtyard is called Wutong Courtyard, and there are plane trees planted nearby. The prince likes to read there during the day."

"So that's how it is." Nian's eyes lowered slightly, "The phoenix is ​​not a sycamore tree, so this yard is a good omen."

"Slaves don't understand these things," Xiaoyingzi smiled honestly, "When I entered the Old Summer Palace, I just felt that everything was beautiful. Being able to serve here under the light of my masters is really a blessing that I have cultivated for several lifetimes."

Ling Xi covered her lips with a smile, glanced at Xiaoyingzi and said, "When did Eunuch Li become so good at complimenting? It's not quite the same as Eunuch Su's style on a fair day."

"Hey, I made the girl laugh." Xiaoyingzi led Nian to sit down in the pavilion by the lake, "How can I compare with my master, he knows best when to say something. The same It's from the bottom of my heart, my master said it, and the masters were considerate and pleasing to the ear. If it were me, I couldn't hide the flattery. In the end, I can only blame myself for my lack of skill, this clumsy tongue It’s a problem that can’t be corrected for a while.”

Nian glanced lightly at Li Ying who was chatting with Ling Xi, his eyes darkened.

This Li Ying followed Su Peisheng all day long, looking very inconspicuous, but unexpectedly, now he speaks impeccably.

"My lord is here, my lord is auspicious—" a sudden sharp voice sounded behind several people.

Nian hurriedly stood up, but saw a small boat approaching slowly on the lake.

"It's true that the prince is back," Ling Xi looked around strangely, "but who yelled that just now?"

Xiaoyingzi frowned slightly, and glanced at the cage hanging in the shadows, "Don't blame me, my lord, it's a parrot raised by a servant. This bird also waits for people to order food, and it starts shouting auspicious words when it's far away from the prince."

"Really?" Ling Xi's eyes lit up, and following Xiao Yingzi's guidance, he looked under the tree, and there was indeed a colorful parrot hanging there.

"Go and have a look, parrot learns its tongue, this bird is the smartest," Nian gave Ling Xi a meaningful look.

Ling Xi blessed the body clearly, and walked under the tree.

Seeing someone coming, the parrot said angrily, "Silly bird, silly bird, pluck your fur!"

Ling Xi's face changed, and he picked up a branch to tease the parrot, "What else can you say, say something nice."

"Iron rooster, iron rooster, poor fool!" The parrot showed its true colors, and couldn't say anything in tune.

Ling Xi picked up a sunflower seed from the food bowl next to it and handed it to the parrot's mouth, "Come on, tell me what you've learned recently. It's agreed, and I'll give you this."

The parrot widened its mung bean eyes, looked at the sunflower seeds, and then at Ling Xi, seeming rather hesitant.

"This bird has been taught badly. Except for the prince, he doesn't speak well of anyone." Xiao Yingzi quietly walked behind Ling Xi. Nian Shi was still standing by the lake, waiting for the prince's boat to dock. Inexplicably felt a chill on the back of the neck.

"Miss, still want to hear what it has to say?" Xiaoyingzi reached out to the parrot's neck, "This bird is kept outside on weekdays, so it doesn't talk much."

"Ah! Quack! Quack——" the parrot suddenly flapped its wings, struggling desperately, but couldn't escape the tight hands around its neck.

Ling Xi's face turned pale suddenly, and he took a step back.

Xiaoyingzi turned around blankly, "What else do you want to listen to, girl? Tell me, I'll see if it will."

"No, no." Ling Xi turned to look at Nian Shi, but Nian Shi didn't notice, "I just want to tease it, if it doesn't know how to let it go."

Ling Xi quickly walked back to Nian's side, and Xiaoyingzi let go of the parrot's neck, and the poor bird almost rolled his eyes when he pinched it.

"Oh, you are not suitable to be raised here," Xiaoyingzi patted the parrot on the head, "I will cook edamame for you at night."

The fourth elder brother's boat docked, and Nian quickly went up to greet him, "My concubine pays my respects to the prince."

"Get up," the fourth elder brother straightened the cuffs of his court clothes, "Why are you waiting here? Is it for your brother's business?"

Nian pursed his lips, lowered his head and nodded lightly, "I know that my second brother has violated a taboo in the army this time, and the emperor should punish him however he wants. However, he is the brother of a concubine after all. , I still have to worry about it.”

"I understand, you don't have to worry too much," the fourth elder brother sighed unintentionally, "I went to Changchun Garden today because of your second brother's business. Fortunately, the situation in the Northwest Army is complicated now, and Huang Ama cherishes the general Cai, Master suppressed E Hai's papers without much trouble. However, your second brother's willful and reckless temper needs to be changed. This time, Huang Ama didn't want to pursue it. Must have been so lucky."

"Yes, my concubine and my father must persuade my second brother to restrain his temper and serve the prince more," Nian said with a deep blessing.

The fourth elder brother gave a little help, and the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, "Your family is full of talents, and your second elder brother is not much worse than his old age. It is inevitable that he always likes to make his own decisions. This time it will come to an end." So far, I will write to your second brother to ask him to handle the relationship with the Northwest officials, and pay more attention to his words and deeds in the future."

"Your Majesty is bothering you. You always make your Majesty run around for Nian's family. This concubine is really shameless." After speaking, Nian lowered his head again, and unconsciously loosened his hand holding the handkerchief.

Leaving Qingyan Pavilion, Nian supported Ling Xi's arm and walked slowly along the back lake.

"The young master didn't see Li Ying's vicious look just now," Ling Xi was still a little scared when he thought about it, "If the parrot really said something, the slaves don't know if they can come back with the young master."

"Okay, it's because I didn't think carefully," Nian sighed vaguely, "Just now I said that my second brother is willful and reckless, and has an arrogant and stubborn temper. In fact, why am I not?"

"My lord," Ling Xi pursed her lips, trying to say something but unable to speak.

Nian laughed at himself, his eyes drifted away, "Even if I have the answer in my heart, I still can't help asking for it again and again. After all, I'm still not reconciled..."

"Mother Nian," Mo Yaqi and his party came back from the goldfish pond just in time to run into Nian and his wife.

Nian quickly adjusted his expression, looked at the children with a friendly expression, and said, "Where are you going? Have you used your lunch?"

"I've used it," Mo Yaqi also responded with a smile, holding Hongshi who was blushing, "Eunuch Zhang took us to the goldfish pond, where we also used lunch. Fujin was a little tired all the way , we didn't bother."

"It should be, let Fujin have a good rest, and have dinner with the prince at night."

After Nianshi finished speaking, he waved to Hongshi, Hongshi trotted to Nianshi, Nianshi took off the handkerchief and wiped his face, "It's still a bit boring today, don't play outside for too long, be careful heat."

"Yes, thank you Nian Er Niang for your concern," Mo Yaqi lowered his head slightly, and his eyes, which were a little less smiling, swept over Hongshi.

Hongshi immediately ran back to the elder sister's side, raised his arm and took Mo Yaqi's hand.

Nian's eyes moved slightly, but Ilha, who had been silent all this time, suddenly turned around and said to Mo Ya curiously, "Sister, don't we still have to go to the boat? Let's go quickly, just in time to say hello to Ama."

"Alright," Mo Yaqi looked down at Hong Shi, and the corners of his mouth slightly curved, "Is Hong Shi hot? Do you want elder sister to take you back first?"

"No, Hongshi isn't hot," the little elder brother who was thinking about going to the boat quickly shook his head, "Hongshi will go with the elder sister."

"Okay, let's ask Ama for an ice bowl later." Seeing Hongshi nodding repeatedly, Mo Yaqi straightened up and looked at Nianshi, "Let's go first, and Nian'erniang should go back and have a rest."

Nian grasped the thoughts of the children, sighed inwardly, turned and walked towards Langyin Pavilion.

Yilha puffed out his cheeks and snorted, then turned his head to the side.

"Okay, don't be petty." Mo Yaqi handed Hongshi to Hongyun, and pulled Yi Erha aside, "This time, only Nian'erniang followed Fujin to the Old Summer Palace. I feel a little uncomfortable in my heart. But after all, Nian Erniang is more valued by Ama, we are juniors, it is better not to join the team."

"I just can't bear her hypocrisy." Ilha picked up a branch and hit the water, "It's the same in the mansion, but she's fine and runs to the east courtyard, and I'll send this one today and that one tomorrow—"

"Ilha!" Mo Yaqi interrupted Ilha, frowning slightly, "These words are not allowed to be said in the future."

"Yes," Ilha turned around slowly, and took a look at Mo Yaqi, "Didn't elder sister not listen to her today? She wiped and slapped Hongshi, she must be thinking about it." Let's take Hongshi back first. Anyway, Geng Erniang is usually closer to Nian Erniang."

"I don't care about the girls' affairs," Mo Yaqi raised his chin slightly, looking at the lake, "but Hongshi can't do it! We are all brothers and sisters who are close relatives, and we must help each other in the future. Their intrigue has caused mutual suspicion at such a young age!"

Indus Courtyard

After lunch, the fourth elder brother took a nap on the couch. Su Wei staggered out of the courtyard and found Xiao Yingzi who was sitting under the tree.

"Iron rooster, iron rooster," the recovered parrot immediately flinched its wings when it saw Su Wei.

"Shut up! Be careful I'll pluck your hair!" Grandpa Su waved his paw at the parrot, leaned over and sat beside Xiaoyingzi, "I saw you in a daze just after getting off the boat, and you don't even have lunch now Eat it, what happened?"

Xiaoyingzi raised his head and glanced at his master, then at the parrot, and slowly told Su Wei all the things that happened in the morning.

"Hey, it's better not to mention this matter to the prince." Su Wei sighed lightly, reached out and patted Xiaoyingzi's shoulder, "Parrot is really troublesome, I will take it to Jisheng tomorrow. Just go to Tang. As for today's matter, you handled it pretty well, somewhat like your master."

"Really?" Xiaoyingzi's eyes lit up, and her chest straightened up.

Unfortunately, the parrot hiccupped, and Xiaoyingzi lowered his head as if remembering something, and shook his hands on his knees, "I, I almost strangled it today."

Su Wei looked at Xiaoyingzi's hands, then looked down at his own, "I forgot, although you have been with me for a long time, your hands are always clean."

"Master—" Xiaoyingzi was still listless, "I probably won't be able to learn your skills."

"What can't be learned?" Su Wei grinned, "The road is made by people. You have your own skills. Master's road may not be suitable for you."

After finishing speaking, Su Wei raised his hand and patted Xiaoyingzi's head, and sighed with emotion, "That's right, Master can't keep delaying you."

"Director of the Old Summer Palace?" The fourth elder brother just woke up from his afternoon nap when he heard another great decision from his Eunuch Su.

"Yes," Su Wei sat next to the fourth elder brother, "Anyway, there are not many internal eunuchs in Yuanmingyuan, let Xiaoyingzi practice first. He has been with me for so many years, and he can't always do odd jobs."

"Miscellaneous?" The fourth elder brother raised his eyebrows, "Isn't Xiaoyingzi trained by you to serve the master? These years, he and Zhang Bao have taken shifts in the East Small Courtyard, and even took in his apprentices. In your eyes The waiter is just a handyman?"

"Oh, don't worry about this issue." Eunuch Su waved his hand casually, "As a master, I have to think about the future of my apprentice. It is enough to have Zhang Bao, Zhang Qilin, me and Ku Kui by your side." Use it, kid, you should go out and practice."

The fourth elder brother snorted coolly, turned over and put the book on his face, "You can do whatever you want, anyway, just don't forget to leave a few more people to serve me, I don't dare to rely on Grandpa Su."

"Cut, you can grow taller without me?" Eunuch Su rolled his eyes in disgust.

"My lord!" The two people in the room were talking, Zhang Bao hurried in with Fu Nai.

"What's wrong?" The fourth elder brother turned over and sat up, his face already serious.

"There was someone outside the garden who was anxious to see the lord, and my servant was afraid of causing trouble, so I took him to the vegetable garden," Fu Nai replied with a bow.

The fourth elder brother frowned slightly, changed into normal clothes, and took Su Wei to the vegetable garden.

Changchun Garden

Sitting behind the dragon case, Lord Kangxi was still holding the memorial of E Hai impeaching Nian Gengyao in his hand.

Wei Zhu stepped forward with the tea bowl in his hand, secretly glanced at Zhu Zhu on the booklet.

"The fourth brother came to intercede with Nian Gengyao," Lord Kangxi said suddenly, "However, it wasn't a big mistake in the first place."

Wei Zhu pursed her lips, and put the tea bowl in Lord Kangxi's hand, "I heard that the Nian family was originally the place where Prince Yong went down to the Han army with a white flag, and the daughter of the family married into the fourth master's mansion. Something happened to the brother-in-law, the prince No matter what, you have to ask."

"Hmph, you," Master Kangxi chuckled, and threw the folder in his hand aside.

Wei Zhu lowered her head firmly, not daring to show any expression on her face.

Old Summer Palace, Vegetable Garden

A man was wearing a cloak and sitting on a wooden chair in the main room, holding up the tea bowl in his hand for a while, and putting it down again for a while.

After a while, there was a sound of footsteps outside the house, and the visitor stood up quickly and walked to the door.

As soon as the fourth elder brother walked into the vegetable garden, the people on the steps knelt down, "Wei Chenga attended the ceremony and wished the prince good luck and good health."

"What are you doing, Governor?" The fourth elder brother put one hand behind his back, and helped the Governor of Liangjiang who was kneeling on the ground with the other. "What happened to Jiangnan recently? When did your lord come to Beijing?"

"This minister risked his life to come to Beijing to see the lord." Ga Li refused to get up, but cupped his hands in panic and said, "Someone wants to frame this minister, I really have nowhere to go, please The lord will help you out of righteousness!"