stories that happened on a specific occasion

Tianbao has been in existence for eleven years, when it was Mengchun.

It is the time when Yamazakura is romantic.

This lovely flower can be seen almost everywhere in Chang'an City, from palace gardens to private houses.

Like the people living in this city, the cherry blossoms here are also diverse, both original and imported.But no matter where it comes from, it seems that it can grow freely on this land.

Speaking of the cherry blossoms in Chang'an City, we have to mention the weeping cherry blossoms in the mansion of the Minister of Rites in Shengyefang.It was a rare plant that came across the sea from Japan. Its sapling was a tribute to Chang'an City brought by the Japanese envoys to Tang Dynasty in the 19th year of Kaiyuan.After the sapling arrived in Chang'an City after several months, it went straight into the imperial city via Zhuque Street.She once showed great glory in front of the officials, and was later bestowed on Concubine Wu Hui, who was extremely favored at that time.

I thought this was the final destination of this rare cherry blossom.

Unexpectedly, during this year's Mengchun Qigu Sacrifice, Zheng Keming, who had just taken up the post of Minister of Rites, ran into Concubine Wu Hui who was admiring the flowers.Concubine Wu Hui was looking at the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming in front of her eyes, she couldn't help sighing.Zheng Shangshu, who had just left after saluting, heard Concubine Wuhui muttering alone: ​​"The mountain cherry is still beautiful, blooming in accordance with the season. It's not like the rose in my garden, which hasn't seen any movement for a long time."

Zheng Shangshu immediately retreated and said: "Concubine Wu Hui's words are wrong. No matter how beautiful the mountain cherry is, it will never be as beautiful as the rose."

After hearing this, Concubine Wu Hui turned around and asked, "Why not?"

"The mountain cherry is indeed beautiful, but the rose is the most suitable for Concubine Wu Hui." Zheng Shangshu bowed his head and said: "The world knows that the rose is the queen of flowers."

Concubine Wu Hui smiled instantly after hearing Zheng Shangshu's words.Then he chatted with Zheng Shangshu for a few more words, and said with a smile: "So you are the newly appointed Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, and you are indeed a talent."

With just these few words, Concubine Wu Hui was so happy that she gave Zheng Shangshu the cherry blossom sapling she had obtained before.

"I'm just waiting for the rose to bloom, and I'll reward you with the cherry blossoms."

Thus, this small cherry tree sapling was moved from Concubine Wu Hui's back garden to Zheng Shangshu's mansion.

This year also happened to be the time when Zheng Shangshu was happy to have a son.So, the saplings of cherry blossoms were planted in the inner hall, in front of Zheng Jiadalang's house.

In the blink of an eye, more than 20 years have passed.The tall and straight weeping cherry tree, like Zheng Jiadalang, a gentle and elegant son, has become a yearning thing in Chang'an City.

"Have you ever heard of it?" After the spring of this year, some people spread the word: "I heard that there are monsters haunting Zheng Shangshu's house, and Zheng Jiada Lang is very ill because of this, and I am afraid he will die soon."

However, when such rumors spread in Chang'an City, the weeping cherry blossoms bloomed more brilliantly than in previous years.It seems that his vitality is much more tenacious than that of his patriarch, Zheng Jiadalang, Zheng Zhiheng.

Just one morning in early spring, someone knocked on the door of Xia's house.

The servant of the Xia family came to answer the door, and when he opened the door, he saw the person outside, dressed in plain clothes but not concealing the arrogance in his eyes.The person who came first reported his family name, saying that he was the housekeeper of Zheng Shangshu's family.

Upon hearing this, the servant immediately asked someone to inform the master of the Xia family——Xia Zongyi.

Xia Zongyi, the divination teacher of the Taibu Department, is just a third-class official position that is not worth mentioning.But he is kind and kind by nature, and it is said that he seems to be born from the heart, and Xia Zongyi is like this.Kind eyebrows and kind eyes, but without losing grace.Although he is over fifty years old, he is still imposing.

Xia Zongyi heard that Zheng Shangshu sent people to visit, although he felt that something was wrong, he still ordered people to immediately invite Steward Zheng into the main hall, and serve him with new tea.

Speaking of the Zheng family and the Xia family, they were originally two unrelated families.Due to his kinship with the royal family, Zheng Shangshu's official career has been smooth and he sat on the position of the third rank, and his temper has become more and more arrogant.Although he is a minister of the Ministry of Rites, he occasionally discusses matters related to Taibu in the court, and always has quarrels with Taishi Ling.However, Tai Shiling was always forced by his official rank and background to be inferior to the six ministers of the third rank, so he often had no choice but to succumb.Zheng Shangshu has a stubborn personality, and he has shown a sneer when talking about the Taibu Department with his close colleagues in private.Therefore, Xia Zongyi has never had any dealings with Zheng Shangshu since he became a divination master in the Taibu Department.Of course, this also includes the reason that the official rank gap is too large.

But today, Zheng Shangshu will send a housekeeper here, there must be a reason for this.

Xia Zongyi pondered like this, and he was already outside the main hall.Pushing open the door and entering, I saw Steward Zheng sitting in the main hall of the Xia family, looking distressed, holding a teacup but it was too late to bring it to his mouth.

Seeing Xia Zongyi's arrival, he immediately stood up and saluted.

"Master Xia Bu, I have admired your name for a long time." Zheng Butler said.

"Where is it?" Xia Zongyi also said: "You don't have to be polite, please sit down."

But after both of them were seated, Butler Zheng just exchanged pleasantries without saying a word about why they came.

Xia Zongyi was a sensible person, and immediately dismissed all his servants.When there were only two people left in the main hall, Steward Zheng finally said embarrassedly: "It's my master, Zheng Shangshu, who wants to invite Master Xia Bu to visit Zheng's residence."

"Excuse me, Zheng Shangshu asked me to go, why?"

At this point in the topic, Steward Zheng fell silent again, and just laughed a few times.

"But for the matter of Mr. Zheng's family?" Xia Zongyi also made a guess, and asked bluntly.

Steward Zheng saw that Xia Zongyi didn't have the slightest intention to hide, so he whispered: "Master Xia Bu, you also know?"

"Don't mind, I just listened to the gossip. However, Zhou Buling from the Taishi Bureau came to the humble house a few days ago." Xia Zongyi said: "He said that when he visited the Ministry of Industry Shangshu's mansion recently, he passed by your mansion. .”

Having said this, Xia Zongyi deliberately stopped, wondering if he should continue talking.

Steward Zheng is also a person who knows how to read words and expressions, and immediately said: "Master Xia Bu, please don't mind, but it's okay to say."

Xia Zongyi nodded, and continued: "I heard from Zhou Buling that when I passed by your mansion that day, I saw something like a dark cloud appearing on your mansion under the blue sky and white sun. Then it turned into an illusion. A few wisps of black smoke entered the mansion and disappeared."

Hearing what Xia Zongyi said, Steward Zheng sighed and shook his head again.

"To tell the truth from Master Xia Bu, that cloud of black smoke is exactly the monster who wants to kill me, Zheng Dalang!" Steward Zheng said to Xia Zongyi.

Suddenly, behind the screen on one side of the main hall, there was a sound.

Xia Zongyi got up to check, but saw his second son Xia Qiuxuan was hiding behind the screen, looking panicked.

"Slave boy!" Xia Zong shouted angrily.

Xia Qiuxuan is the Erlang of the Xia family. He has reached the age of fourteen, with delicate features, and now he has grown into a handsome young man.

At this time, Xia Zongyi looked at Xia Qiuxuan who was hiding behind the screen, although he was angry, he couldn't bear to be too harsh.After all, although Qiu Xuan was very curious and playful, he was weak since he was a child and was bedridden all the time when he was young, so Xia Zongyi also felt sorry for his second son.

"I didn't intend to eavesdrop here, but I was tired before and accidentally fell asleep here." Qiu Xuan hurriedly explained.

Steward Zheng also got up and said: "Master Xia Bu, it's okay."

Qiu Xuan was considered well-behaved, and immediately stepped forward to salute Steward Zheng and apologized.

Xia Zongyi greeted Qiuxuan to wait outside the door, then turned to Steward Zheng and said: "Butler Zheng, please wait for a while, let me prepare and go with you."

After leaving the main hall, Xia Zongyi whispered to Qiu Xuan in front of him again: "Did you hear what happened just now?"

Qiu Xuan immediately showed a smile, and said, "Aye, are you saying that there are monsters in the Zheng family?"

Xia Zongyi stopped and said solemnly to Qiu Xuan: "This matter is related to human life, so you are not allowed to mention it to others. Do you understand?"

Qiu Xuan put away his smile and nodded.

Xia Zongyi was relieved now, and added: "I'll go to Zheng's house later, don't tell your mother about this."

"Then what if my mother or elder brother asks me? Or my grandfather asks me, how should I answer?" Qiu Xuan followed Xia Zongyi with small steps all the way and asked: "Are you going to lie?"

"Just say, I can go out if I have something to do."

"Aye." Qiu Xuan called Xia Zongyi, looking hesitant to speak.

Xia Zongyi walked up to Qiu Xuan, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Don't worry about Aye, I have my own measure."

"But grandfather said..." Qiu Xuan murmured softly.

"Don't worry." Xia Zongyi said decisively to Qiu Xuan, then turned and entered the study.

Soon, after Xia Zongyi came out of the study, he went directly to Shangshu Mansion with Steward Zheng.

It was past noon when we arrived at Zheng's mansion.

The lacquered red gate that opens directly to the street and the suspended mountain-style black terracotta roof are very eye-catching against a row of white house walls.

Steward Zheng stepped forward and knocked on the door, and someone from the door opened.Entering the door is a spacious outer courtyard, and then under the guidance of the servants, walk through the outer courtyard along the stone road.

Along the way, you can see all kinds of trees and eye-catching flowers and plants in the courtyard. There is a pergola in one corner, and the vines that have not yet sprouted look a little thin.There is a bird stand hanging on the shelf, and a bird with a bright coat is high above it; there is also a large fish tank next to the shelf, and several golden carps are swimming happily.

After passing through the corridor, we finally came to the main hall in the middle of the outer courtyard.

The main hall with black tiles and red pillars exudes a faint fragrance. On the brick platform, Zheng Shangshu has his hands behind his back, a purple robe, and a goldfish bag on his waist.

Zheng Shangshu is a portrait of a high-ranking official, with a dignified appearance, a full sky, bright eyes and a high nose. Although he is not a martial artist, he gives people the feeling of walking like a tiger.Thinking about it, Zheng Jiada Lang got this inheritance, and he naturally became an admirable handsome man in Chang'an City.

Xia Zongyi just wanted to go forward to salute, but was stopped by Zheng Shangshu.

"There's no need to be too polite." Zheng Shangshu raised his hand to invite Xia Zongyi to enter the main hall, and said with a smile, "It's my good fortune that Master Xia Bu is honored."

Xia Zongyi had never seen Zheng Shangshu like this, and it was the first time he spoke to him in such a friendly tone.Zheng Shangshu who used to call Zhou Buling "looks like a farmer", now his arrogance has subsided a lot, and he looks a little approachable.

"Zheng Shangshu is serious."

Xia Zongyi didn't dare to take it lightly, and he followed Zheng Shangshu into the main hall after bowing.

After Zheng Shangshu sent his servants away, he sat alone in front of a huge red sandalwood screen.The fragrance that Xia Zongyi smelled outside the main hall just now came from this screen.

"I won't beat around the bush anymore." Zheng Shangshu said to Xia Zongyi, "Master Xia Bu must have heard the rumors about my son Zheng Zhiheng."

Xia Zongyi nodded, and then said with an embarrassed smile: "It's just that I heard a few words when passing by, and I didn't care about it."

"It doesn't matter whether you care or not." Zheng Shangshu said: "The reason for inviting Master Xia to come today is for the eternal thing. I also ask Master Xia to help me. I will thank you very much afterwards."

When Xia Zongyi heard Zheng Shangshu's solemn words, he immediately got up and said, "If there is something I can do for a small talent, I will definitely help you."

Seeing Xia Zongyi's statement, Zheng Shangshu finally sighed.He got up and walked to Xia Zongyi's side, patted Xia Zongyi's shoulder, and signaled him to sit down.Afterwards, he told Xia Zongyi what happened in Zheng's residence during this period.

From Zheng Shangshu's statement, Xia Zongyi could know that Zheng Zhiheng, the eldest son of the Zheng family, was indeed dying of illness as rumored in the market.But the reason is like looking at flowers through the fog, which is unpredictable.

And all of this started from the Shangyuan Festival a few months ago.

Don't urge the jade leaking silver pot, the iron pass and the golden lock are completely open.Whose house sees the moon and can sit idle, where can you hear the lamp without looking.

The three days of the Shangyuan Festival can be said to be the busiest time in Chang'an City.

The curfew was suspended, and the streets were full of people looking at the lanterns, admiring the moon, and dancing to the music. Whether they were riding in fragrant chariots or walking barefoot on weekdays, they all flocked to the streets, blocking the entire Chang'an City to the brim.

Not only that, Pingkangfang, which is already bustling with people on weekdays, has even set up a stage in these three days. Orchids from the Western Regions, geisha from Japan, and even well-known names in Chang'an City are all on stage. dance to tune.How could such a posture attract princes and nobles not to flock to him.

Zheng Zhiheng is no exception.

On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, he went to Pingkang Fang with Erlang Youning of Cui Guogong's family and Dalang Peiqing of Lu Shilang's family.

As for Cui Youning, he is a well-known swinger in Chang'an City.This time, I invited two friends to Pingkangfang, and I went for Duzhi of Caifeng Pavilion.

As soon as the three of them stepped into the Caifeng Pavilion, someone shouted and opened the way for them.

Passing through the crowd, the three of them came directly to a spacious private room on the second floor facing the stage.

The fake bustard, dressed in bright colors, personally greeted the three of them, pouring wine and arranging dishes.

"When will Qiaoer come down?" Cui Youning ignored the graciousness of the fake mother bustard, and just kept staring at a young woman dancing gracefully on the stage.

This woman's skin is like fresh snow, her waist is like a thin willow, a small face the size of a palm has a pair of big watery eyes, her lips are red and her teeth are white, her face is like peach blossoms in March, and her spirit is like that of Xi Shi.The dancing steps are as light as the clear spring of the mountain stream, and the figure is as soft as the curtain of the wind. She is indeed a rare beauty.

Just when Cui Youning was fascinated, Duzhi named Qiaoer walked off the stage.

"Mr. Shang!"

With a loud shout, Koji came into the room.

"It smells so good." Zheng Zhiheng who was sitting on the side suddenly said.

Qiao'er nodded and smiled, and said: "This is a spice from the Western Regions, Zheng Lang's nose is really good."

"I smell it too." Cui Youning said as he pulled Qiao'er into his arms.

Qiaoer took out the sachet and handed it to Cui Youning.

"It smells so good, that's what it smells like." Although Cui Youning said this, he kept looking at Qiao'er.

"Let me smell it too." Zheng Zhiheng said.

Cui Youning tossed the sachet to Zheng Zhiheng who was aside, and threw himself into the gentle village again.

But Zheng Zhiheng took the sachet in his hand and smelled it carefully, then shook his head.

"It doesn't seem to be the smell." Zheng Zhiheng said.

"What kind of fragrance would that be?" Lu Peiqing on the other side asked absently while holding a charming orchid in his arms.Then he raised his head and said to Zheng Zhiheng: "Don't worry about the scent, just quickly find a girl to drink some wine."

As soon as Lu Peiqing finished speaking, she saw the false bustard leading another girl with a better face to come in.

The girl was wearing a Silla long dress, her jeweled hair bun coiled behind her head like a full moon, before anyone could ask her, she started dancing to the music.

"Silla maid?" Lu Peiqing frowned and said, "Do you dare to take this kind of goods to serve our Dalang of Zheng Shangshu's family?"

After speaking, he poured the wine in his hand on the dancing girl.

The woman got her socks wet with Lu Peiqing's wine.In front of the three rich men, even in front of Du Zhi and Hu Ji, her status was undoubtedly the lowest, and she immediately bowed her head and knelt down in front of everyone.

"Oh, I said Lu Langjun, let's see how you scare our family Duanqi." The fake mother bustard immediately rescued the kneeling woman.

"Don't look at her as a maidservant of Silla," the fake mother-in-law raised her face and said to the crowd, "But look at this little face, you have to admit that it is extremely beautiful."

The three of them all looked at Duanqi, and then fell silent again.

"The guest came from afar and left me a piece of beauty." Zheng Zhiheng said suddenly.

"It's still Mr. Zheng Lang who knows the goods." Hearing Zheng Zhiheng read this line, the fake mother-in-law immediately helped Duanqi up and let her sit beside Zheng Zhiheng.

Everyone on the side knew that but their faces were displeased, until Cui Youning gave her the Tianyu pendant on his waist as a gift, and then he won the beauty and smiled again.

Although it was not the first time for Zheng Zhiheng to come to this kind of place, unlike the other two, he never stayed in such a place, at most he just used it as a place to drink and drink.

Duanqi handed a glass of wine to Zheng Zhiheng, smiled sweetly but never said a word.

"What fragrance do you smell?" Zheng Zhiheng asked Duanqi.

Duanqi looked at him and just smiled.

"Can you understand what I said?" Zheng Zhiheng asked again.

Duanqi nodded, but still didn't speak.

"Could it be a mute?" Cui Youning said suddenly.

Zheng Zhiheng looked at Duanqi, and saw that her face flushed suddenly and she hurriedly shook her head, but she accidentally looked at Cui Youning, and immediately lowered her head uneasily.

At this moment, Zheng Zhiheng suddenly saw a cherry blossom pinned to Duanqi's bun.

"This is..."

Zheng Zhiheng stretched out his hand, carefully took off the cherry blossoms on Duanqi's head, looked at them carefully, and put them in front of his nose to smell them.

"It's this scent." Zheng Zhiheng suddenly shouted excitedly.

Duanqi raised her head and saw Zheng Zhiheng holding her headdress in her hand, she smiled embarrassedly.

"But, why is it so fragrant?" Zheng Zhiheng looked at the cherry blossom in his hand and said to himself.

"It's the cherry blossoms in Zheng Langjun's courtyard."

It was Duanqi who spoke.

The author has something to say: Hellom, everyone, the extra chapter "Ziyuji" is temporarily online, if you like it, please leave a message to let me know~ I will try my best to continue to update:)