Looking at the mountains and rivers

In the fifth year of Yong'an, on the sixth day of the seventh month, Tuobaxin entered Beijing, accompanied by five hundred Youyun Qingqi.

Early in the morning, there was chaos inside and outside the court, and everyone knew that it was unreasonable for foreign princes to enter the capital without receiving an order, not to mention bringing troops with them, which was simply a big violation of the rules.However, who dares to tell this Patriarch Tuoba any rules, everyone knows that Emperor Xiaozong angered him when he was there, causing chaos at the border and disturbing Dazhao's peace.Today's Emperor Yong'an is not more courageous than Xiaozong. He suspects that the old guild will be angry because of the dispute in the Mu Palace a while ago, and he doesn't know how to deal with him if he breaks into the palace, so he has to call a group of officials to declare the government. Hall to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Majesty, although Duke Tuoba's visit to Beijing this time has not been announced, it is said that he is only here to pay homage to the anniversary of the death of the old King Mu. Their love for the son-in-law is justifiable, and there is no need to punish them." A courtier came out. , but Gao Lu, who served under the door.

Emperor Yong'an said impatiently: "Who wants to punish his crimes? I only want to punish your crimes. I have been nagging me to remove Yang Dai and let Yang Jue succeed me. Although Yang Dai is not the grandson of Duke Tuoba, he is also Donghu blood, suddenly such a big thing happened, how could he let it go?"

"Your Majesty, be safe and don't be impatient. Then Yang Dai committed the crime of treason, which is an unforgivable crime. When Duke Tuoba knows the cause and effect, he will surely understand His Majesty's painstaking efforts." A courtier said.

He said this as if Tuoba Xin was not arrogant and violent, but a very understanding person, Emperor Yong'an was so angry that he couldn't even speak, he just looked at him and sneered in a low voice.

Another veteran came out, and it was Kuang Sheng, Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, who was the brother of Kuang Yan, Prime Minister of Wu Ya, and he said: "Your Majesty, Lord Tuoba is here with soldiers and horses, presumably he was invited by Yang Dai earlier. , entered Beijing with the intention of forcing the emperor to hand over the Northwest military power to Yang Dai. The minister thought that now that Yang Dai has been imprisoned and the Northwest is no longer under the jurisdiction of King Mu, he should order Duke Tuoba to return to the fief earlier and return the Northwest military power to the imperial court. The Ministry of War appoints Jiedu envoys to go to the post."

Suddenly someone among the ministers laughed, but it was Xie Ao, the regular servant of the sect, who took a step forward and said, "Your Majesty, if you follow what Lord Kuang said, and take the military power in the Northwest to the imperial court, even if Duke Tuoba left Jian'an sensibly, there is no guarantee that he will return. After Hexi, there will be no troubles."

Emperor Yong'an's face turned pale, it was obvious that Xie Ao was talking about his worries, and hurriedly said: "What countermeasures does Xie Aiqing have, just tell me."

"In my opinion, Prince Mu's Mansion has lost control of the Northwest. The court forcibly took it back, and Lord Tuoba would not necessarily surrender. Now because of Yang Dai's incident, Duke Tuoba has taken offense. It is better for the emperor to come and go to show comfort. Let the Northwest towns be handed over to the Tuoba family to take care of themselves."

"Thank you, sir!" The right servant shot Li Zhui anxiously, "You have to hand over all the Northwest to the Tuoba family to take care of themselves. What if he has evil intentions and colludes with Yanyu in the Northwest to rebel?"

Xie Xie smiled unhurriedly and said, "Although Yang Jue, king of Mu, has no blood relationship with Tuobaxin, the fourth son of Prince Mu's mansion is the grandson of Tuobaxin's direct relative, and Tuobaxin has no blood other than him. As long as you stay Taking this Fourth Young Master as a hostage in Jian'an, I think Donghu will not act rashly."

The ministers seemed to still have doubts, but Emperor Yong'an said: "Since there are hostages, it's nothing for Northwest to give him. Xie Aiqing, I will leave this matter to you. As long as you send Tuoba Xin well, I will reward you very much!"

Xie Yu's face showed joy, he quickly knelt down and said: "The minister leads the decree!"

On the tenth day of July, Prince Mu's Mansion.

Early in the morning, an attendant from the palace came to invite Yang Yan. He wore a brocade robe with intricate patterns and a jade crown on his head. Surrounded by everyone, he came to the main hall of Qing'an Hall.

At first there was still a maid serving tea standing in the hall, but she was quickly called out by the steward, and she was in a hurry, only Yang Yan sat in a chair, silent.

After nearly half an hour, the outside suddenly became quiet again, Yang Yan felt something, stood up, and then there was a soft knock on the door of the back room, but someone said: "Tuoba Kilometer, please, the fourth son will be waiting for a long time gone."

Listening to the heavy footsteps approaching slowly, Yang Yan collected his mind and performed the family salute: "Yang Yan has seen my grandfather."

Tuoba Xin was already over sixty years old, but he was still full of energy. He was tall and majestic, looking at the frail young man kneeling in the big hall, his eyes moved slightly, and he finally said: "Get up, let Grandpa see you. "

Yang Yan kowtowed again, stood up, and then a pair of big hands grabbed his shoulders, pulling him closer.

"You are Ayina's son," Tuobaxin said in a low voice, and seemed to be talking to himself, "Yes, you can never go wrong again."

The old man squeezed his arms slightly, and hugged Yang Yan: "My good grandson, grandpa finally saw you."

Yang Yan fell into this strange and generous embrace. He felt a little sad, but felt warm, and murmured: "Grandpa."

Tuobaxin looked at his pale face and sharp chin, and said with some distress, "Didn't Yang Ye and his son give you food? Our seven or eight-year-old children in Donghu are taller and stronger than you. Why are you so weak?"

Yang Yan smiled softly: "I have been in poor health since I was a child. I was always sick and couldn't go out."

Hearing this, Tuoba's confidence was slightly shaken, and he whispered: "I know, I have asked someone to inquire about your news, and I know how you are doing here. Yan'er, do you blame grandpa in your heart? , have never come to see you?"

Yang Yan shook his head lightly.

Tuobaxin patted his head speechlessly: "I came to Beijing this time because I was invited by Yang Dai, but on the way, I heard that he was convicted and imprisoned, and Yang Jue took over Prince Mu's Mansion." The old man There was a sarcastic smile on his face, "The royal family of the Central Plains is always so intriguing. Yang Dai looked pretty good in the past, but it is beyond my expectation that he is so vulnerable."

Yang Yan could hear the arrogance in his words, so he didn't answer.

"Yan'er, there is one more thing I came here this time to see you," he looked at Yang Yan's unfocused pupils, and sighed softly, "The children in Donghu grew up on horseback since childhood. It is big and free. But my only grandson was born in this dark room with no sun, which is really distressing."

He took Yang Yan's hand and said in a low voice: "I once thought about picking you up and going to the grasslands in the north, even if you can't do anything, I can think of my Ayina when I look at you. "

Yang Yan stared in his direction blankly: "Grandpa wants to take me away?"

Tuoba Xin took his hand back: "I have seen the emperor these few days, and there are a few courtiers who talk too much. It seems that they want to keep you in Jian'an to hold me back. You are my only one. Bloodline, I could have disregarded their wishes and brought you back to Hexi, and even let you take charge of the Northwest. What your eldest brother desires most is to be the Protector of the Northwest, and I can even let you be the King of the Northwest!"

"Northwest King?" Yang Yan repeated in a ignorant manner.

"The head of our Tuoba family is the Northwest King. Even if the imperial court does not have this title, who in the Northwest would dare to question this status!" Tuobaxin laughed softly, his laughter was full of confidence and enthusiasm. Arrogant, as if with just one finger, he could set the world in chaos.But soon, he stopped smiling. He lowered his eyes and looked at this weak grandson, "But child, since you can't see it, you won't be able to accomplish any great things in this life. I can't leave Donghu with the fate of the Tuoba family tied to you, do you understand?"

This sentence was gentle but extremely cruel. He looked at Yang Yan's face, trying to see disappointment and sadness from that childish face, but Yang Yan just raised his face and said slowly: "I Understood, I will stay here," he paused, and said softly, "But, can grandpa promise me one thing?

"Go ahead." Tuobaxin nodded.

Yang Yan said in a low voice: "Eldest brother was convicted of treason and should be punished according to the law. I wonder if Grandpa can ask for favor for elder brother and save his life."

"You want me to save him?" Tuoba Xin seemed to have heard some joke, "I heard that Yang Dai has not treated you very well these past few years, why did you plead for him?"

Before Yang Yan could answer, he sneered again and again: "Sure enough, I'm not mistaken. Apart from being blind, your child is also weak-tempered. We Donghu never value such false benevolence! Since he bullies you, you should kill him." He, you not only dare not kill, but also save him, you are so cowardly and stupid!"

After being reprimanded so fiercely by him, Yang Yan looked a little dazed. He remained silent and did not defend himself.

"But since you opened your mouth, then I will let them save his life." Tuobaxin said coldly, he suddenly bent down, and lowered his voice to Yang Yan, "You are Ayina's child, it is me. My grandson, you should not be so cowardly with my blood on your body. This is the capital, the bloodiest and most dangerous place in the world. If you are here, if you don’t want to live in humiliation, you have to make yourself like them. as vicious as a devil!"

Yang Yan was startled by the cruelty in his words, he straightened his eyes, turned towards the old man, and said in a low voice: "Grandpa..."

"I am a devil, the devil who sent his own daughter to the capital," Tuoba Xin murmured, his voice was full of pain, "Child, remember what Grandpa said."

Yang Yan gently took his hand and nodded silently.

Apart from Tuoba Xin, there was another unexpected person on this trip. When Yang Yan returned to the courtyard, he heard Wei Changxuan say to him, "Yexi, Aunt Luolan is here."

Before Yang Yan had time to be surprised, he smelled the familiar warm breath: "Loran..."

"Master." Luo Lan walked up to Yang Yan in two steps, only to find that he was already taller than herself, and he was no longer the crying child in her arms.

"I've heard from Brother Wei all these years." Luo Lan looked at him with distressed eyes, "I knew Yang Dai would not treat you kindly when I left, but I didn't expect him to do those things Come."

"It's okay, Luo Lan, it's all over." Yang Yan looked in her direction and smiled lightly.

Lorraine hesitated: "You have met Duke Tuoba, have you begged him to take you away?"

"Grandfather said that the court wants to keep me in Jian'an." Yang Yan lowered his head, "I didn't ask him again."

Luo Lan looked anxious: "Why don't you beg him for a few words, now you are the only one who has the connection between Prince Mu's Mansion and Donghu, the emperor wants to keep you in Jian'an, this is to take you as a hostage! If there is any trouble, you will be the first one to be questioned in Jian'an, aren't you afraid?"

Wei Changxuan listened from the side, frowning slightly, but Yang Yan didn't respond, just smiled: "Grandfather is loyal to Dazhao, I have nothing to do here."

Luo Lan said with some concern: "Now that the youngest is replaced as King Mu, he has a bad temper. I still can't rest assured that you are here."

"Don't worry about me," Yang Yan grabbed her hand and shook it, with a childish smile on his fair face, "Wei Changxuan will protect me."

When Luo Lan heard this, he subconsciously turned his head to look at Wei Changxuan who was beside him, but Wei Changxuan did not smile. He looked at Yang Yan deeply, and after a while he said to Luo Lan: "Aunt Luo Lan, why don't you come back this time?" go?"

"I... still want to go back," Lorraine said with some embarrassment, "I got married in Hexi last year."

After being surprised, Wei Changxuan hurriedly smiled and said, "This is a happy event!" He thought for a while, and then asked, "What kind of person is Aunt Luolan's husband?"

"He and I have known each other for a long time," Luo Lan suddenly flushed like a girl, "he has been waiting for me to go back on the Hexi grassland for more than ten years."

Yang Yan had obviously heard of this person, and with a clear smile on his face, he sighed softly, "That's great."

Wei Changxuan also admired a few words, and then asked curiously: "Aunt Luo Lan, I heard that you are also from aristocratic background in Donghu, why did you come to Prince Mu's Mansion?"

Luo Lan stroked Yang Yan's head, smiled and said, "Young master's mother is the daughter of Duke Tuoba. She is like a princess in our East Hu. Although I belong to her family, I treat her as my master. She doesn't care about my status. She is humble, like my sister, and our relationship has always been very good. Later, she married to the capital, but I couldn't accompany her. It wasn't until I heard that she was pregnant that I stole a horse and came all the way from Hexi to Jian'an to see her. After that... I never went back."

Her words "after" vaguely revealed the chaos in the palace after Yang Yan's birth, and the haste of Princess Tuoba's death. Wei Changxuan felt sobs for no reason when he heard it.

Luo Lan obviously remembered the old things, and looked at Yang Yan lovingly: "Young Master, Duke Tuoba will still be wandering around the capital for more than ten days. I will live here these days and make some snacks that you and Brother Wei like to eat. You guys, okay?"

Wei Changxuan was overjoyed, and was about to agree immediately, but Yang Yan smiled and shook his head: "No need, Luo Lan, you'd better live in the post house with Donghu's team."

After hearing this, Lorraine seemed lost and sad. She stared blankly at the grown-up child, and finally had no choice but to say, "Okay."

When she left, Wei Changxuan couldn't help but said: "Yexi, why did you drive Aunt Luolan away so mercilessly? Do you know how sad she looked just now?"

A bitter smile appeared on Yang Yan's face: "She is going to leave eventually, staying together for a few more days will only increase the pain of separation." He lowered his head, "Now she is married to the person she likes. Well done, don't let her worry about things here any more."

July 29, the inner courtyard of Prince Mu's Mansion.

The newly succeeded Mu Wang Yang Jue clasped his hands in leisurely manner, looking at the new Chief of the Palace Shi Heyan in front of him. This is his subordinate who has been in love with him since he was a boy. loyal.

"My lord, Tuoba Xin and his entourage left Jian'an at noon today. The emperor was very happy to see him leaving quickly. He said that it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival in a few days, so I would like to invite my lord to a banquet in the palace."

"It's good to go, this barbarian old dog, his aura is still very scary." Yang Jue remembered the previous meeting, still a little terrified, "Fortunately we have his grandson in our hands, forgive that old dog and dare not pass the border. Make waves."

He Yanlian claimed that it was, and said: "However, I think about it. Since the fourth son is the key figure in holding Duke Tuoba hostage, he should not be too harsh on him, but he should not be too relaxed."

Yang Jue frowned: "What do you mean by that? He is the one ordered by the emperor to stay in the capital. Just set up a mansion for him and let him live comfortably. Why bother me so much?"

"My lord," He Yan said in a low voice, "haven't you heard that Yang Dai was very guarded against this fourth young master before, and he kept this fourth young master by his side for more than two years, so he must not be a simple person , put it in the foreign house like this, are you relieved?"

Yang Jue's lazy expression suddenly changed, and he wondered: "He is a blind man, so could it be that he has some great abilities?" He pondered for a moment, "Forget it, the South Courtyard of the Wangfu is now vacant, and it is considered spacious, so it won't be too big. Wait for him slowly, and send more servants to serve him, and let me keep an eye on him."

He Yan leaned forward and said: "The humble job takes orders."