Sealing Sword

When Gu Xiao returned to the mansion, Chu Yao was still awake.

Compared with the rolling meatball three years ago, his physique has grown a lot due to martial arts training, and he has naturally drawn out. Although he looks round, he is not chubby and soft. He has the appearance of a young man. He has a heroic silhouette, with baby fat on his face, and when he smiles, he fills his dimples with honey.

August 11th is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is also Chu Yao's birthday. After today, he will be [-] years old, and he will step into the threshold of the little adult.

The birthday of the emperor's grandson should be lively, but it is a pity that it happened to be praying for Emperor Chongzhao. Princess Jing Tang Zhiyin ordered not to make big moves to provoke impeachment, so she made a dress for Chu Yao with her own hands, and ordered the chef to prepare some exquisite meals and snacks. It was to celebrate his birthday.

Young people like to be lively, and Chu Yao is no exception, but he also knows that the emperor's grandfather is seriously ill, and now is not the time to have fun. He ran to the yard, staring at the gate eagerly, waiting for Gu Xiao to come back.

Master said to bring him candied haws when he came back.

However, he waited until the appointed time before Gu Xiao came back.

Even though it was mid-autumn festival, the weather was cold, and he didn't know where he went. His sweat was blown cold by the night wind, his face turned pale, and his lips were slightly blue.

Chu Yao originally wanted to show his temper, so he swallowed his words when he saw this, and trotted forward to grab Gu Xiao's hand, but the man grabbed him with his backhand, so hard that his thin bones began to ache.

"Pain, pain, pain, master, what are you doing?"

Gu Xiao seemed to be awakened suddenly, subconsciously let go of her hand, watched Chu Yao hurriedly withdraw her hand to blow air, calmed down the chill on her face, opened a smile on the corner of her mouth, squatted down and said: "I'm a little tired, sorry. Ah Yao, Why don't you rest?"

Chu Yao circled around him twice, flattened his mouth: "Where's the promised candied haws? Master, you lied to me again!"

When Gu Xiao left Zuichunlou, it was already late, and the Beijing Guards were on patrol. Even with the help of light skills, he should still avoid trouble, so he hurried on his way, how could he still remember this little thing?

Hearing this, Gu Xiao knew she was wrong: "It's not right for me to be a teacher. I will supply you with two tomorrow, okay?"

Although this child is a bit delicate, he is very sensible and rarely embarrasses others in these matters. Gu Xiao originally thought that he could be fooled by this, but unexpectedly, Chu Yao turned his back, rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, and remained silent.

Gu Xiao was soft but not hard, so he surrendered when he saw the situation: "Little ancestor, don't cry! Be careful that the princess will let me die!"

"Mother and concubine can't..." Chu Yao said softly, with some unspeakable grievances, "Father is in a bad mood, mother and concubine always have to be by his side, how can he have time to take care of me?"

Gu Xiao was startled.

Recently, there is an undercurrent in the city of Tianjing. Although Emperor Chongzhao has many heirs, none of them can surpass the eldest prince Chu Huang who died young. .

The more powerful the prince is, the more the relatives of the mother's family behind him will occupy more positions in the court. No matter who wins the throne, who will know whether this country's surname is Chu or what?

Emperor Chongzhao was obsessed all his life, but he persisted in this matter, so word came from the spies in the palace that the emperor wanted to make his eldest grandson Chu Xun the emperor's grandson.

As soon as the news was revealed, it was not spread to the public, but it had already caused a storm in the dark.

When Emperor Chongzhao did this, it was as if he had slapped all his sons hard in the face. He would rather establish a grandson than a son. Even if there are rules to be found, how many people can agree?

Now this is just rumors, when Emperor Chongzhao actually issued an edict, then the situation will change suddenly.

King Jing has swallowed his anger and planned secretly for many years, now that his wings are full, naturally he is no longer willing to bear it.

All kinds of thoughts turned in Gu Xiao's mind. He stretched out his hand and pulled Chu Yao to face him, scratched his upturned nose, and said with a smile, "Okay, have you eaten dinner yet? How about I eat it for you?" ?”

The birthday was deserted, so Chu Yao was naturally unhappy, and his appetite was not very good, so he just took two mouthfuls of food and waited for him in the middle of the night. Goo" cried out.

He blushed, stopped making trouble, hugged Gu Xiao's neck and rubbed it affectionately, a little excited: "Master, did you do it yourself?"

Gu Xiao said in her heart, "Keep an inch", and smiled kindly: "I will throw noodles with my own hands."

Chu Yao: "..."

He smacked his lips, let go of his hand honestly, the young boy had a lot of twitches, Gu Xiao could smoothly walk forward holding Chu Yao's hand without bending down, stepping on the fallen flowers in the yard, one big and one small, Leave two shallow footprints.

Chu Yao didn't want to sleep, Jing Wang and his wife were talking at night in the study, and the palace people naturally didn't dare to persuade them too much. They watched Gu Xiao take the little master to the front yard, threw away a wooden knife for him to practice moves, rolled up his sleeves and went in. kitchen.

There are also cooks and servants on duty in the kitchen. When they saw him, they all bowed their heads and said hello. I thought this master was hungry and wanted to find some supper, but Gu Xiao drove them all out with a wave of his hand, and he started to get angry. pot.

He's always teasing kids, and actually knows how to cook.Gu Xiao lived with his master and his wife on the mountain since he was a child. The ten fingers of the teacher's wife never touched the spring water. The master's cooking was limited to eating food that would not kill him. Therefore, he has been self-reliant since he was ten years old. His kung fu in the kitchen is better than that of a knife. When the year is old, there is always nothing to say about the next bowl of noodles.

The firewood ignited under the stove, and the pot was heated and poured water. Taking advantage of this time, Gu Xiao took the dough that had been woken up in the kitchen, and spread it out with a rolling pin into a large sheet of dough. With a few strokes of the kitchen knife, the width was almost the same. noodles.

He didn't do too much, after all, it was already late, and the boy would accumulate food if he used too much, so his movements were naturally fast.Not long after, Chu Yao, who was watching frequently, saw the maid approaching with a nanmu tray, and put a bowl of steaming noodle soup on the stone table.

Evenly thick noodles sank under the mellow chicken broth, topped with minced vegetables and soft-boiled eggs, garnished with a handful of green onions, it looked ordinary and not delicate, but the heat made his eyes reddish.

Gu Xiao washed her hands, sat in front of him, and raised her eyebrows: "What's wrong?"

"No... Master eats first."

Chu Yao sniffed, picked up a chopstick and brought it to Gu Xiao's mouth first. Gu Xiao lowered his head and sucked the noodles, then watched the young boy gobble it up with a smile, and the attendants around him hesitated to speak. The little master is feeding all the royal demeanor to the dog by eating like this.

Seeing that Chu Yao was eating happily, Gu Xiao felt relieved for no reason. This kid is a bit silly like a royal, but he always makes him laugh unconsciously.

It's a pity that the smile didn't last long, and it disappeared quickly at the corner of his mouth.

There is a visitor to Prince Jing's Mansion in the middle of the night.

The grandson of the emperor, Chu Xun, invited himself to go to Datong Temple outside the city to pray for the emperor for three days today. He would leave early tomorrow morning, accompanied by Princess Yuning and consort Tang Zhiyang. Gu Xiao did not expect them to come to Prince Jing's mansion tonight.

Princess Yuning, Chu Wanning, is the only daughter of Concubine Tang Chen, and her son-in-law, Tang Zhiyang, is the elder brother of Concubine Jing, Tang Zhiyin. From this, it can be seen that Prince Jing, Chuyan, and the Tang family are closely connected, and even marriage has become a red rope for the union of the two parties.

Emperor Chongzhao was afraid of his son, so naturally he didn't care much for his daughter. Fortunately, Princess Yuning has a beloved mother, and she has always been quiet and never caused trouble. Compared with her two sisters, she is more favored by the emperor.Therefore, the other two palace lords married far away from outside the Great Wall, and only Princess Yuning married Tang Zhiyang, the general of Jingwei. The couple stayed in Tianjing for a long time. .

Originally under the influence of Concubine Tang Chen, and now supported by in-laws, the relationship between Princess Yuning and Prince Jing's Mansion has always been very good. In comparison, Chu Xun's status is a bit embarrassing.

He is the eldest grandson of the emperor, and lost his father in the early years. The emperor's uncles didn't say how kind they were to him, but they always looked good, especially Jing Wang Chuyan, thinking of his elder brother's caring feelings in the past, has always been quite generous to Chu Xun. Even when Chu Yao became a teacher three years ago, if it hadn't been for King Jing's promise, Gu Xiao would not have been able to accept him as an apprentice, let alone let him be the first disciple.

However, since the past year, the battle for the heir apparent has intensified, there are many factions in the court, intrigues in the harem, and the relationship between the princes has dropped to a freezing point. Naturally, Chu Xun, who is the emperor's heart, is more delicate.

Although Chu Xun was young, he was a very shrewd and transparent person. Seeing the situation, he wisely reduced his walking and walking, avoiding suspicion and avoiding the front.

Gu Xiao thought about the new year in his heart, Chu Yao was not careful, so he laughed when he saw them, put down the bowls and chopsticks, ran over and hugged Princess Yuning's hand, and said, "Aunt Huang, slow down, Don't scare the little girl!"

Princess Yuning was just stepping over the threshold, and she laughed when she heard the words, and caressed her slightly raised belly with one hand, jokingly said: "Even the imperial doctor hasn't diagnosed it yet, how does Yao know it's my younger sister?"

Chu Yao blinked: "Because A Yao has a brother Xun, of course he wants a younger sister!"

Tang Zhiyang couldn't help shaking his head: "Ah Yao, what if it's a younger brother?"

Chu Yao glared at him: "I want a sister, that's my sister!"

Chu Xun finally couldn't help laughing, he bent down in front of Chu Yao, pinched his little cousin's cheek: "Okay, Aunt Huang will definitely give birth to a beautiful little girl for Ah Yao!"

Satisfied, Chu Yao stopped making trouble with Princess Yuning, took Chu Xun's hand and turned to Gu Xiao and shouted, "Master, brother Xun is here!"

Gu Xiao came over, first covered Chu Yao's face with a handkerchief, wiped off his oily cat face, and then cupped his hands and saluted: "I've seen Your Royal Highness, my son-in-law!"

Now he has a nominal post under King Jing to facilitate his travels. Seeing Princess Yuning and his wife, he naturally has to follow some etiquette. As for Chu Xun and Chu Yao, both his disciples who should salute him, they are naturally exempt from this rule.

Although Princess Yuning seldom went out of the palace, it was not the first time she saw him, so she smiled lightly when she heard this, and Tang Zhiyang even helped Gu Xiao up with her own hands: "There are no outsiders now, so there is no need for Vice Captain Gu to be polite."

Gu Xiao stood up straight and said: "My lord is discussing matters in the study."

What he said was simple, but the three people who came were all thoughtful. Princess Yuning smiled and said: "Tomorrow is coming, I am pregnant and the first child, so I am here to find Mrs. Wang for a lesson."

What she said was reasonable, Gu Xiao frowned secretly, the palace has its own imperial physicians and palace servants who specialize in this field, why bother to ask Concubine Jing?It's nothing more than an excuse.

He glanced at Tang Zhiyang, the prince's son-in-law's smile was still gentle, but his eyes were full of mischief. When he saw Gu Xiao's eyes, he said, "The trip is imminent, and the capital and guards are frequently transferred. This general wants to discuss this matter with the prince."

Heartbroken, Gu Xiao called the butler and told him to take the son-in-law to the study, and at the same time invited Princess Jing, who carefully asked the servant girl to set up refreshments in Yaoguang Pavilion so that the princess could entertain Princess Yuning.

Princess Yuning was smiling all the time, except that the knuckles of the hand pinching the handkerchief had turned white. She didn't talk nonsense, and quickly left with the maid and attendants.

Seeing that Tang Zhiyang was silent, Gu Xiao looked at Chu Xun and asked, "Xun'er?"

Chu Xun respectfully saluted him as a disciple: "I haven't seen Master and A Yao for a long time, I miss you very much, and I have gained a little from practicing martial arts recently, so I will borrow Aunt Huang's carriage tonight for convenience, Master will not hesitate to teach me yes."

Gu Xiao laughed, Chu Yao couldn't wait to pick up his wooden knife, took Chu Xun's hand and ran to the martial arts field, his footsteps were flying like flying, and he couldn't see the slightest clumsiness and sluggishness, probably thinking that Yixue was swept away by Chu Xun last time. Pile of shame.

Gu Xiao looked at their two backs, one tall and one short, the flying flowers and fallen leaves were swept behind by hurried footsteps, the noble young man in yellow shirt and jade belt had a warm face, and the young boy with tall black hair danced happily, raising his hands and feet lightly Worry-free, it seems that all the troubles of the world of mortals are thrown out of the sky, and the years are as quiet as a picture scroll.

However, it is just like a picture scroll.

There seemed to be a flash of light in his eyes, and he sighed silently.

Gu Xiao walked very slowly. When he came to the martial arts arena, the two brothers had already sparred for several rounds.His eyes are vicious, and he can tell at a glance that Chu Xun's skills are solid and his moves are proficient, he must have worked hard. It's all in the past, and even the basic skills are just passing the eye. If it weren't for Chu Xun's subordinates who were merciful to take care of the little cousin's face, the latter would have fallen off the plum blossom pile and become a rolling ball.

Three years together, Gu Xiao is not careless to teach, it's just that Chu Yao is coquettish and can't bear hardships, she will cry for her father and mother every time she strides, and feed all her ambitions back then to the dog, and she will act like a spoiled child every time she persists for less than an hour play tricks.He is young and cute, and he is unmatched in his coquettish behavior, and the princess loves her son so much, Gu Xiao insisted on it a few times but had no choice but to let go. Why twist the melon vine?

Even so, when Gu Xiao saw his horrible moves and moves, even if the one who had the upper hand was his apprentice, he still felt very ashamed.

Chu Yao was just being lazy, not really stupid, as soon as the two sides fought each other, they paled in comparison. He tried his best but couldn't even touch the corner of Chu Xun's clothes, and soon blushed, not knowing whether it was anger or shame.

The next moment, the back of his neck tightened, and Gu Xiao grabbed the collar and threw him back, but he felt the wind in his ears, and his feet landed on the ground. The ground, fluttering like a leaf falling on the branch.

"Ah Yao, from tomorrow onwards, I will wield [-] more knives and walk [-] extra steps every day. I will watch you do it as a teacher." dragon."

Before Chu Yao could express his rebellion, he felt a blur in front of his eyes, and Gu Xiao's shadow suddenly disappeared on the plum blossom pile.

Instinctively, Chu Xun straightened his saber forward, just in time to hit a force, and then there was a crack, his expression changed and he flew back quickly, seeing that the palm-width wooden saber in his hand was only half left.

The cut was smooth and neat, it should have been cut off by a sharp blade, but just now he could see clearly that Gu Xiao didn't have a knife in his hand at all.

He was startled, and Gu Xiao's voice rang in his ears: "Thunder."

This time Chu Xun reacted very quickly, and the broken knife slashed out against the trend, and it was the domineering "White Rainbow".

"Nianhua."

The broken knife collided with the fleshy palm, and the originally strong force suddenly softened. The hand squeezed lightly under the blade, and the gesture changed. Chu Xun only felt that the wrist was loose, and the hand was empty.

He was disarmed, but he didn't panic. He stood on the plum blossom pile with one foot, turned his body along with the trend, rubbed his palms together and slashed towards Gu Xiao. The fire is already visible.

It's a pity that he was confronted by a "broken wild goose" with a broken chest. Even if Gu Xiao had saved seven points of strength, the broken knife stopped within a short distance and instead shocked him back, Chu Xun was still in a cold sweat.

Chu Xun smiled bitterly and said, "Master is really not stingy this time."

Gu Xiao smiled: "I can't let you make this trip in vain, pay attention—Pan Feng!"

The Qi gathered on the plum blossom pile turned into a wind and circled around him. Chu Xun couldn't get close or retreat, so he had to bite the bullet and fight in embarrassment.He could clearly see that Gu Xiao used all his strength to stop at the end, and deliberately reported the name of the move before making the move.

Chu Yao sat on the ground and looked up, staring intently. Except for the attack three years ago, it was the first time that he rekindled his yearning for martial arts.

He stared closely at his master's movements, not even daring to blink, until the sixteen moves were performed and the two of them landed on the ground.

Gu Xiao calmed down, Chu Xun was already sweating profusely, but he was still humble: "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

"You are willing to work hard, and you have practiced the basic skills solidly, but the moves are too rigid, not flexible enough to change, so naturally you can't keep up with the changes in footwork; your internal strength is also too weak, you need to spend an extra hour every day to breathe and breathe, and you should cultivate your qi first. Exercise." Gu Xiao explained his question carefully, then beckoned Chu Yao over, narrowed his eyes and teased, "Wanzi, do you remember?"

Chu Yao was a little ashamed, and didn't even refute this annoying title. He shook his head like a rattle, and his voice was like a mosquito: "Just, just remember half of it..."

"Finally memorized half of it, I taught you for three years!" Gu Xiao put his hand on his chest and sighed, "Back then, I was ordered by my master to memorize the moves within a month, but you haven't memorized them for three years. You're a smart kid who just doesn't work hard, how can I meet your master?"

Chu Yao shuddered when he thought of the "female bandit" three years ago.

The child's memory is both the shallowest and the deepest, and he can't hold too much in his little heart, but Gu Huafang is so domineering as his name suggests, like a sharp knife pierced in his heart, making Chu Yao want to forget It is also difficult.Ever since he joined Gu Xiao's sect, what Chu Yao was most worried about every time he was lazy was not that his master would punish him, but that he recalled the face of his master's smirk, for fear that one day this "female bandit" would come to Tianjing City for inspection Disciples and grandchildren, when they saw him upset, they really made themselves into a plate of braised meatballs.

He had so much awe for Gu Yaofang, but he didn't know that a thousand days had passed by so quickly, and the woman in fresh clothes and angry horse had long since disappeared.

Gu Xiao caught his expression in his eyes, slowly clenched his fingers tightly, without changing his expression, and said, "Go, stand on the stake for half an hour."

Chu Yao didn't find excuses to be lazy this time, he got on the plum blossom pile in a hurry, and practiced his hand skills honestly, with only one pair of eyes still staring down. Unfortunately, the night wind was strong, so he couldn't hear what the two of them said.

In fact, Chu Xun only said one sentence to Gu Xiao: "Tomorrow at midnight, at Yongchang Lane in the north of the city, Mr. Ruan wants to meet Master."

Gu Xiao's pupils shrank slightly.

There are quite a few officials surnamed Ruan in the court, but there is only one person worthy of Chu Xun's late-night speech—the Minister of the Household Department, Ruan Feiyu.