The Moon Over Tang Dynasty

Chapter 96 The expedition is about to be planned and launched

As a disciple of Li Jing and a famous general in the late Sui Dynasty, he accompanied Li Jing on his expedition to the Eastern Turks in the fourth year of Zhenguan. Twenty-five years have passed. During this period, the Tang Dynasty suffered several border invasions, but no one thought of this man named Su Dingfang again. . And he also changed from the young warrior who went on an expedition with his father at the age of fifteen, from the thirty-nine-year-old general who led two hundred cavalry into the Turkic Khan's tent, to the sixty-four-year-old man in front of him who pays attention to diet. , a good old man who always smiles... But at this moment, this man in military uniform with a solemn expression suddenly seemed to be twenty years younger, and his whole person glowed with an indescribable brilliance.

Yu suddenly felt that her eyes were a little hot, but she walked over quickly with a smile, "Congratulations, General! This year's Lantern Festival, the strange path has such good luck, it turned out to be true!" He turned back and smiled at Liuli, "You kid You really are lucky. Not only have you kept your promise, but your adoptive father seems to have been blessed by you as well. I should really thank you on your behalf!"

Liuli stood behind Mrs. Yu, her chest swollen. The Su Ding in front of her, who was as energetic as a sword unsheathed, was exactly what the God of War of the Tang Dynasty should look like, and she actually witnessed the beginning of this legend with her own eyes! When Mrs. Yu's words reached her ears, they almost buzzed with echoes. She was stunned for a moment before she came back to her senses. She saw Mrs. Yu turning around and quietly wiping away her tears, and hurriedly stepped forward to support her. "What are you talking about, mom? My foster father is full of strategies and he will make great achievements sooner or later. What does it have to do with Liuli? Going to Goryeo is just a small test."

Su Dingfang's eyes sparkled, and he laughed, "Liu Li, I lend you a good word, but you can't be too modest. The Holy Lord can suddenly think of me, an old man, and it must be thanks to you and the promise. Now the army is setting off. The date has been set, it’s just six days away, it will take a year and a half, and your adoptive mother and two nephews still have to take care of you. "

Liuli smiled and said, "Liuli should be filial to her adoptive mother, but right now it seems that Liuli is clumsy and clumsy. I'm afraid my mother will worry about me every day, which will save me from making trouble again, 'Jin'er, this is you Auntie, please tell me some jokes and make my mother lose face."

Hearing her self-deprecating mention of the joke she made when Chunshe entertained relatives and friends a few days ago, several people in the room couldn't help laughing. Mrs. Yu saw that Luo Shi's eye circles were still a little red, and knew that she had never experienced such a thing. , hurriedly walked over to hold her and whispered, "It is a great thing for a man to have the opportunity to go to the battlefield and make contributions. When has the Tang Dynasty sent troops to defeat the enemy and return to the court in triumph? What's more, he followed his grandfather. Do you still look like a general woman when you are crying?”

When Luo Shi suddenly heard the news that her husband was going to war, she was inevitably a little panicked, but seeing that not only Su and his son, but also her mother-in-law and Liuli looked confident, she slowly calmed down and tried her best to smile. , "Ajia's lesson is that this is a good thing. Aluo will definitely serve Ajia well and educate the children so that the husband will not have any worries."

Just as he was talking, Su Jin and Su Tong also jumped in, "Are Zu and Aye going to become generals and fight against the enemy? We want to go too!" Su Dingfang laughed and hugged both grandsons, " Okay, when you grow up and can afford grandpa's sword, go with grandpa and grandpa!"

On the second day, relatives and friends of the Su family came to the door one after another, and everyone looked envious and proud. Mrs. Yu and Luo Shi received their relatives and friends while packing their bags. The Su family and his son were also going there every day. The Ministry of War organized military affairs and inventoried supplies until the 24th. The troops were ordered to set out early the next morning. The Su family had an early dinner, but their maid came to report that Pei Mingfu had arrived in the outer study room.

Liuli naturally knew that Pei Xingjian had taken up a post in Chang'an County half a month ago, and since then he had been transferred from Pei Sheren to Pei Mingfu. The day after the news of Su Dingfang's expedition came out, he sent gifts. Since the Su family and his son were not at home, Mrs. Yu went out to say a few words, and then she was busy receiving other relatives and friends. It had been more than a month since the two of them had seen each other. In the past, they would have been together less and more apart, but they didn't think anything of it. However, this month, they have become really worried. I almost couldn't help but want to ask Mrs. Yu how he is doing now. It seems that even if he can pronounce this name twice, it is good. I wonder if his new official has taken office, but everything is going smoothly?

Seeing Su Dingfang walking out, Liuli forced herself to gather her thoughts, and then followed Mrs. Yu to sort out the luggage that she had already checked several times. Seeing her sitting silently on the couch, her cheerful expression in the past few days turned into a sad one. , there was also a feeling of sadness in her heart: If she remembered correctly, Su Dingfang fought in the south and north for more than ten years. Although he was invincible, he would not stop until death. For Su Dingfang, this was certainly a great opportunity, but for Madam, In other words, which one brings her more happiness, such a successful and famous husband who is thousands of miles away, or the original husband who never tires of food and spends time together every day? In more than ten years, she will probably prepare luggage for Pei Xingjian just like Mrs. Yu prepared luggage for Su Dingfang. Will she also have to ask herself this question?

Mrs. Yu was stunned for a long time. She turned around and saw Liuli with a sad look on her face. She cheered up and smiled, "You two forget the time when they talk. No one else can call you. Go and call your adoptive father." Call me back, I have to get up early tomorrow."

Seeing the smile in Mrs. Yu's eyes, Liuli naturally understood what was going on. Her face became hot, and she nodded in agreement. Mrs. Yu asked her maid to take Liuli to the study. Before reaching the door of the study room, I heard Su Dingfang's laughter coming out, "Don't be greedy. With your current ability, as long as you don't give up all your hard work, the day will come sooner or later. I'm still waiting for you to become a master." Blue is better than blue!”

Pei Xingjian’s voice seemed to be more exciting than usual, “Disciple, I will definitely live up to your high expectations!”

Liuli's heart moved slightly, so she simply stood outside and waved her hand to the maid not to disturb her. She only heard Su Dingfang chuckle, "Okay! It's a pity that I can't see you get married in person. After all, I'm over sixty years old and still have this Waiting for the opportunity, it is basically Liuli's luck. She is a smart and kind woman, so you should treat her well. "

There was a smile in Pei Xingjian's voice, "Teacher, don't worry, my disciple will never let her down."

Su Dingfang sighed, "Furthermore, everyone thinks you have a gentle temper, but as a teacher, I know that you have a stubborn temper. Now that the Holy One has planned to train you for two years and then let you join the civil service department, Although that position is important, it is also extremely delicate. If the government is unstable, it will easily lead to trouble. You must think twice before doing anything, and don't let yourself get hurt because of that proud bone in your back. "

Liuli couldn't help but wonder. Did Gaozong now have the intention to let Pei Xingjian join the official department?

Pei Xingjian was silent for a long time before saying, "Disciple will do his best." There was a sound of clothes inside, as if he was making a big salute, "Disciple wishes my mentor a speedy triumph."

Su Dingfang gave a long laugh and said, "Okay, I'll have three drinks with you when my teacher comes back."

There was a sound of footsteps, and Su Dingfang opened the curtain and walked out. He saw Liuli in the yard and smiled, "How long have you been here?"

Liuli smiled and said, "Just after I heard a few words from the corner, my mother asked Liuli to come over and say that you need to rest early today."

Su Dingfang nodded, raised his legs and walked out. The maid who led the way was also smart. She smiled and quietly left with a blessing. Liuli walked up the steps, her heartbeat speeding up a bit. As soon as she opened the curtain, she was grabbed by a pair of arms and hugged her tightly.

The two of them hugged each other without saying anything, both feeling that the past month was a little unbearable. After a long while, Pei Xingjian reached out to hold up Liuli's face and looked at the light carefully, "Why have you lost weight?"

Liuli also looked at him carefully. Pei Xingjian was wearing a crimson robe of a fifth-rank official. Liuli always thought it was a bit funny for a man to wear bright red, but when it was worn on him, it made his complexion more jade-like and complexion more attractive. It seems better than before.

When Pei Xingjian saw that Liuli was silent, he frowned slightly, "I only heard from my master's wife that you are learning to be a housekeeper. Isn't it too hard? Don't worry, I will buy a few more and settle the accounts. Literate slaves and stewards cannot tire you every day.”

Liuli smiled and shook her head, "It's not that hard, but my foster mother's teachings are even harder. How are you doing in Chang'an County? Do you still have dinner in a restaurant outside every day?" Pei Xingjian shook his head, " I just went to Chang'an County, and although nothing went wrong, there were some chores. I only came back before closing these days, so I naturally ate at home. I used to be the most intolerant of eating at home alone, but now I don't seem to be that much. It's unbearable." He thought for a while and then said, "In the future, my mentor and senior brother will not be at home. I will come over when I have time to see what my master's mother has told me. If you have nothing to do, come out and say something to me. Good words?"

Liuli felt soft in her heart and nodded.

Pei Xingjian stared at Liuli, and before his smile spread, he lowered his head and kissed her.

The scorching heat with a strangely cool breath flowed into her lips and teeth again, as if her longing for more than a month suddenly turned into a desire for this breath. She couldn't help but put her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoes. Kissed him back deeply.

After a long time, Pei Xingjian slowly relaxed his arms, and his lips gently fell on Liuli's forehead.

After a moment of silence, Liuli said softly, "Tomorrow, my mother will teach me how to cook. If you go home for dinner, I will send someone to bring you a meal. Can you try my cooking too?"

Pei Xingjian looked down at Liuli, his eyes as bright as stars, "Okay!"

Liuli smiled and said, "Then I will cook it for you every day from now on."

Pei Xingjian looked at her and frowned slightly for some reason, "As long as you stay with me from now on, it won't matter what you eat. You just need to know some of these chores. You don't have to force yourself to learn to do them. I don't want to see you working so hard." . When we get married, I won’t let you have such a hard time.”

Liuli smiled and said, "Don't worry, I am not a diligent person, I will definitely take care of myself." - Actually, he doesn't need to be so nervous, she is not Mrs. Lu, and she will not let those people succeed.

Pei Xingjian smiled and said nothing, but there was no usual smile in his eyes, and Liuli's mood became a little heavy. She changed the subject in a second thought, "In two days, can you bring over the contracts for the manor shops in Luoyang? I Want to take a look."

A look of surprise appeared on Pei Xingjian's face, and he said after a while, "Liu Li, those are the source of trouble."

Liuli nodded, "I know, that's why I have to see how this disaster came about." Seeing the worry that suddenly appeared in Pei Xingjian's eyes, she couldn't help but laugh, "This matter must come to an end. You I don’t want those things, and I don’t want them either, but will others believe it? As long as they don’t believe it, we won’t be able to live a pure life.”

Pei Xingjian sighed, "I have thought about this matter. It will probably be fine for now, but in the future..." Now he can only keep the tribesmen on both sides in a subtle check and balance, but to remove this root of the problem, there must be someone. Isn't it a chance?

Liuli said softly, "Not to mention what will happen in the future, now you have to be aware of it. I have always believed in you, and you also believe in me. I have my own way to make it happen once and for all."

Pei Xingjian was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Liu Li, there are some things that I have complained about endlessly. However, the world is impermanent and I cannot dwell on these past events. In the final analysis, the reason why I can enter Hongwen Hall and be where I am today is because of my father and brother." Yu Yin, so even though I have inherited their legacy, I can't blame others. If I want to blame, I have to blame myself for being young and ignorant, having unclear eyes and ears, and not thinking well. Now, what I don't want to see the most is to involve you. , making you worry and worry about this. I believe you can find a way, but there is always a chance, and no matter what you do, you will end up with resentment. These things should be done by me in the first place. , I will never let you endure this."

Liuli looked at the gentle but unshakable look on his face, and was speechless for a moment. She couldn't say that Su Dingfang's expedition had given her the best opportunity, and it shouldn't take too long. ... After thinking for a long time, he could only say seriously, "Do you know what the prince's wife said when she came to me to give me a house? Do you know that they have decided to take my concubine into the Hedong Duke's mansion as a concubine? ? I am really ignorant and do nothing, how can I really not be involved? "

"Your concubine? Why did you tell me today?" Pei Xingjian was startled for a moment, then suddenly shook his head, with a self-deprecating smile on his face, "It seems that I haven't made much progress after all, and I still overestimate those of my tribe. ! Liuli, don’t worry, it’s not you they’re worried about, it’s me! I promised you that I will do it if you want to live freely!”

Liuli's heart suddenly thought. She had thought about telling him about this before, but that night, she really didn't want to be spoiled by these things. It seemed that she was right not to tell him at that time. She shook her head hastily. "Don't think like that. You can't just ignore others when they don't do anything. You also said that no matter what, you will be resented. If you are really resented by them, how can you be free? In fact, they want to It’s not like I can’t guess what he’s doing. How could I be stupid enough to bump into him? “Shou, you always say that I underestimate you, do you also underestimate me?” She could naturally think of his method. He just sold these properties at a low price, threw the money into the family property, and completely broke up with the Hedong Duke. But not only was it too worthless, but it was also too cheap for his two clansmen!

Looking at his gradually relaxed brows, Liuli showed him a big smile, "You're still studying the art of war. Have you forgotten about knowing yourself and your enemy, and making decisions before taking action? In fact, I don't want to do anything, I'm just following Yi. My mother studies accounting, you have to let me know how much we are worth, right? You can’t keep me in the dark, okay?”

Pei Xingjian looked down at Liuli's smiling face, sighed, and smiled helplessly, "Okay."

  p.s. Many thanks to my dear classmates Le Youyang, Feitian Meow, Xiao Aijie, Qi Wei and Angel Is Crying. In the Tang Dynasty, the county magistrate was honored as "Mingfu".

 (End of this chapter)