Huan Rong

boom!

A lacquer cup fell to the ground, and the bitter medicinal smell filled the air instantly.There was no sound in the Tai Chi Hall, except for Sima Yu's heavy breathing.

"What did you just say?"

Sima Yu sat leaning on the bed, with a big shirt embroidered with dragon patterns draped over his shoulders.The beard and hair are all white, the eyes are sunken, and the sick appearance is obvious. It is almost like two people from Huan Rong's crown ceremony.

The eunuch lay prone on the ground, with his head resting on the bluestone, trembling slightly, a layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Return to Your Majesty, the two princes were summoned by the Queen Mother to go to Changle Palace."

"All gone?"

"Yes."

"Okay, very good!" Sima Yu laughed back angrily, "It's because I'm seriously ill, can't wait?"

The eunuch didn't dare to breathe, wishing he was deaf and didn't hear a word.

"Is there any change in the court?" Sima Yu was out of spirits, his anger broke out, and he looked more and more tired.Sitting on the edge of the couch, half closed his eyes, and coughed twice uncontrollably.

"During these days of my illness, can the Korean and Chinese Wu take any action?"

"Return to Your Majesty, Changle Palace once sent people to Bird Clothes Lane, and wrote to Qingxili."

"Oh?" Sima Yu opened his eyes, "Do you know what's going on?"

"Your Majesty forgive me, but I failed to inquire clearly."

Sima Yu sneered twice, and said: "It's nothing more than asking the nobles to come forward and urge me to establish the crown prince. It seems that Chu Suanzi can't sit still because of my illness."

He had known for a long time that that woman would not stay in Changle Palace with peace of mind.As long as an opportunity arises, he will definitely seize it and try to regain control of Taicheng in order to completely turn around.

This time he was careless, he didn't expect that he could still have a son, and he didn't expect the Kunlun servant girl to be so bold!Not to mention that the two sons were born with two hearts early, and their usual filial piety was just a joke.

However, this is not bad.

At least let him see many things clearly.

It is not uncommon for brothers to fight each other, and father and son to fight against the royal family.It's just that he didn't expect that things would develop so fast, beyond imagination, and he couldn't grasp it.

Sima Yu sighed.

As early as in Xichao's mansion, he should have expected today.

Changming appears to be honest and filial, but there is a lot of scheming behind his back.Daozi has been clever since he was a child, but unfortunately his mind is a little crooked, and his personality is irritable and violent, no one restrains him, and he will definitely get worse in the future.

In addition, the fact that the two were born as maidservants in Kunlun was a sharp thorn in Sima Yu's heart.It's a pity that he is over half a century old and only has two sons left under his knees. No matter how unwilling he is, he has to be raised as the heir.

The results of it?

He was seriously ill in bed, not to mention serving the decoction diligently, but went to Changle Palace together!This means that the "threat" is gone, he is dying of illness, and he intends to use Chu Suanzi's power to force him to issue an imperial edict to establish the crown prince?

Sima Yu sneered.

After laughing, there were bursts of bitterness in his mouth.

At this moment, an eunuch walked into the inner hall and saluted, "Your Majesty, Princess Xin'an, please see me."

"Daofu is here?" Sima Yu's mood finally improved slightly, "Xuan."

"promise!"

Not a moment after the eunuch retreated, Sima Daofu entered the inner hall.Seeing Sima Yu's appearance, even if he was mentally prepared in advance, he couldn't hide his surprise.

"Father!" Sima Daofu walked quickly and knelt down in front of the couch, "Father, why are you so sick? Where are Changming and Daozi? You are so angry that you don't serve soup and medicine in front of you?!"

I don't know if I should say the truth, or which pot should not be opened and which pot should be lifted. After these words came out, the hall was silent again.

The eunuchs all shivered, their scalps tingling.

Sima Yu looked at the eldest daughter with red eyes and angry face, his heart was touched, he couldn't help reaching out to stroke her temples, and said wearily: "Daofu, don't worry about this matter. Because of my father's illness..."

Speaking of this, Sima Yu suddenly started coughing, and the coughing got worse until he couldn't breathe.

"Doctor, call doctor!" Sima Daofu panicked and hurried forward to support Sima Yu.

Sima Yu barely made a sound, and said intermittently: "Water, water..."

"Bring water!" Sima Daofu shouted loudly, his fingers trembling in anxiety.Unable to say words of consolation, I could only read over and over again, "Father, Father, Father, you can't do anything, Shui! Are they all deaf?!"

A cup of warm water was poured into the abdomen, and the intense coughing finally eased.

The doctor walked into the inner hall, carefully diagnosed the emperor's pulse and prescribed prescriptions, and personally instructed the eunuchs to make medicine.

The decoction was delivered, Sima Daofu reprimanded the eunuch, and personally served Sima Yu to take it.

It must be admitted that the doctors who can be resident in Taicheng are really capable.After a bowl of soup and medicine, Sima Yu's face was still pale, but his spirits improved a lot. He coughed a few times, but he didn't feel heart-piercing like before, and couldn't even breathe.

After the doctor withdrew, Sima Yu took a short break and said, "Daofu, do you still have the elixir you sent earlier?"

"Father, did you mean Hong Dan?"

"Yes." Sima Yu looked at his daughter, "Is there more?"

"Indeed." Sima Daofu hesitated for a moment, "Father, you are ill now, so you should not take pills."

"I know." Sima Yu said, "You just send it."

Seeing Sima Yu's expectant face and unconcealable eagerness in his eyes, Sima Daofu gritted his teeth and finally took out a silk bag.There are two round-bellied jade bottles in the silk bag, the body of which is no longer than the palm of your hand, the mouth of the bottle is blocked with a cork, and there is a circle of wax seal around the edge.

"Father, these are the last two bottles." Sima Daofu said in a low voice, "The Taoist who made this elixir said that the ingredients are hard to find, and it may take several years to make another elixir."

"enough."

Sima Yu gripped the jade bottle tightly, picked off a small piece of the wax seal, and sniffed lightly at the mouth of the bottle, showing an intoxicated expression.

"Father?"

Sima Yu was silent, sniffed deeply for a moment, and then said: "The wind is strong these days, and accidents are about to happen. I will write to Da Sima and take you back to my aunt. Your husband is not by your side, so you can't live alone Jiankang is too long."

"Father, I don't want to go back!" Sima Daofu gritted his teeth, "I want to stay in Jiankang."

"no."

"Father!"

No matter how much Sima Daofu pleaded, Sima Yu still refused to let go, and his attitude was always firm.

"Nankang went to Youzhou. There are no elders in the mansion. Huanxi and Huanxin are all there. It's inappropriate for you to stay."

"However, the daughter is really worried to leave without seeing her father, Emperor Kangyu."

"It's okay." Sima Yu smiled, "Go to Gushu, with my letter, no matter what happens in the future, you will always be able to live comfortably. Remember, don't be so self-willed in the future, after all..."

Sima Yu didn't say what happened next.

A thought flashed through his mind, realizing that he was simply arranging the funeral affairs, Sima Daofu finally couldn't hold back, and lay down on the side of the couch, weeping uncontrollably.

"Da Sima is a hero of the times. No matter what he thinks, his contribution to the country and the people cannot be denied."

Sima Yu caressed the back of Sima Daofu's head, and said in a low voice: "At the beginning when I married the Huan family, I originally wanted Huanxi. It's a pity that he got engaged early, and the matter didn't work out, so I can only let you marry the second son. Fortunately, Huanji also has a title , will not humiliate you.

He thought that Huan Wen's successor was Huan Xi, and his most outstanding son was actually Huan Ji.Don't want to miss it, the most outstanding one is actually Huan Rong who is considered to have a short life!

Things are tricking people.

If he had known this earlier, he might not have let Sima Daofu marry into the Huan family.

"Daofu, you have to keep in mind that I am the emperor, but I am just a puppet. If I can protect you for a day, once your brother ascends to the throne, he may not really protect you."

"Those two slaves were unfilial and unfaithful, so angry that my father became seriously ill, I..." Sima Daofu suddenly stopped, realizing his slip of the tongue, his face turned pale on the spot.

Sima Yu didn't pursue it. Looking at Sima Daofu like this, he sighed deeply when he compared the two sons who were behind him in a suit on the surface.

"Don't say such things again."

"Father, my daughter knows her mistake."

Sima Yu waved back the eunuchs in the hall, leaving only Sima Daofu by his side, and said: "When you return to Gushu, put down your dignity, serve your husband wholeheartedly, and don't be too willful. I advise Huan Ji to restrain his words and deeds, and don't provoke Huan Rong .If you can’t be persuaded, wait for Da Sima for a hundred years, you send someone to give this thing to Huan Rong, and leave Huan Ji to live alone. Remember, remember!"

While speaking, Sima Yu turned around, took out a wooden box from the dark cabinet next to the couch, and opened it in front of Sima Daofu.

"Father, is this the emperor's golden seal?!"

Sima Daofu turned pale with shock when he recognized the contents in the box.

Even if it is not as good as the jade seal, it still represents the dignity of the emperor, how can it be bestowed on the ministers?

"Do as I say." Sima Yu said in a deep voice.

"Strictly keep your word, don't let others know. If the situation changes and Taicheng changes hands, take this thing to Youzhou to ask Nankang, and ask her to protect your life."

"Father, the matter has not reached that point, the daughter will never leave Jiankang!"

"Be obedient!" Sima Yu raised his voice.

Sima Daofu's eyes were swollen from crying, and he said with a trembling voice: "My daughter is gone, who will take care of my father? Those two slaves... my younger brother is confused, and the queen mother is watching, and the civil and military affairs of the court are ambiguous. Ah There are many dangers around the father, and the daughter is really worried!"

"It's okay, I can handle it myself."

Seeing that his daughter was choked up and unable to make a sound, Sima Yu felt sad, took out another piece of yellow silk, wrote a secret order with a pen, sealed it in the box with the gold seal, and told Sima Daofu to keep it.

"I have wronged you a few times before, and I have no choice but to be a father. This is the only thing I can do for you. Don't disappoint your father's heart."

"……promise!"

Sima Daofu took half a step back, knelt down, and bent deeply.The forehead touches the ground, the palms are clasped in front of the head, and the Jishou salute is performed.Two lines of tears rolled down the corners of his eyes, silently.

"It's getting late, let's go out of the palace." Sima Yu said kindly, "After returning to the mansion, order someone to pack up immediately. If your aunt doesn't come, you should leave Jiankang as soon as possible."

"promise!"

"After arriving at Gushu, if Da Sima asks about his father's illness, he should tell the truth and there is no need to hide anything."

"promise!"

Sima Daofu's eyes were red and swollen, he didn't cry like before, but he was more sad.

"Father, take care too!"

"Go."

Sima Yu waved his hands, lay back on the couch tiredly, and slowly closed his eyes.Sima Daofu stood up, looked at his haggard father, bit his lower lip hard, and soon tasted the smell of blood.

After a while, Sima Daofu walked out of the Taiji Hall, and the eunuch bowed and saluted, and entered the inner hall to serve him.

Walking down the steps, they met Sima Yao and Sima Daozi head-on.

The three siblings faced each other, but no one spoke first.

Looking at the two younger brothers with flushed faces, and thinking of Sima Yu who was seriously ill in bed, Sima Daofu was so angry that he took half a step forward, and his long sleeves swept across the air, creating a gust of cold wind.

With a bang, Sima Yao staggered back from the beating, turned his head, leaving two clear bloodstains on his left cheek.

Sima Daofu withdrew his hand, and two nails broke at the root, which shows how much strength was used.

"Sister, why is this so?!" Sima Yao said angrily.

"You were unfaithful and disobedient to your father, so angry that your father fainted. Where would you be happy if you weren't serving soup and medicine in front of your father?! As the eldest sister, I should teach you what filial piety is!"

Sima Yao's face turned red, knowing he was wrong.

Since Sima Yu became seriously ill, his life became more and more difficult.

He used to be known as filial piety among the people, but now his father is so angry that he is bedridden, it is tantamount to slapping himself, a "hypocrisy" hat is pressed down, and he can't take it off no matter what.

Otherwise, how could he go to Changle Palace.

What is his plan when he doesn't know the Queen Mother?

However, the situation forced him to have no second choice.

Sima Daozi laughed secretly, but he didn't want Sima Daofu to point the finger at him again, slapping him with a wave of his hand.

Sima Yao was caught off guard because he was unprepared.Sima Daozi, on the other hand, immediately turned half a step sideways, avoiding the slap, and slapped Sima Daofu's forearm even harder, not weaker than the opponent in the slightest.

"you……"

"How about me?" Sima Daozi snorted coldly, even rushed forward, slammed into Sima Daofu's lower abdomen, and kicked her calf hard.While she was bending over in pain, he waved his hand and slapped her face.

The servant girl wanted to step forward to protect her, but was stopped by the servant following Sima Daozi

"What are you!" Sima Daozi said gloomyly, "Father is here, and you can still shout a few times. When Father is gone, believe it or not, I will make you a human pig? When you insulted my mother, I will always remember it! You want to imitate the old lady in Nankang, and weigh up if you have that ability!"

Sneering twice, Sima Daozi flicked his sleeves, bypassed Sima Daofu, and went straight to the palace gate.

The guards in front of the palace were like clay sculptures and stone sculptures, their expressions did not change at all, and they turned a blind eye to the scene of Fang Cai.

"Sister." Sima Yao said suddenly, "You have seen what Daozi looks like. If he becomes the crown prince, sister's life will definitely be difficult."

"So?" Sima Daofu looked at Sima Yao, covered the wound with his hands, and gritted his silver teeth.

"My sister took care of me before, and my brother is always grateful. If I can do the same in the future, I will never forget my sister's friendship." Sima Yao cupped his hands, not caring about the scar on his left cheek.

"You mean, let me stand by your side and help you ascend to the crown prince?"

Sima Yao neither admitted nor denied it, but just bowed his hands again, saying: "Sima Huan is so powerful that he still has to worry about Jingkou and Jiankang Gaomen, and dare not act rashly. In fact, my sister is the same as me, and has no better choice. With my support, I can still maintain my honor today. If not, what will happen, sister, you better think about it."

After saying these words, Sima Yao walked away without looking back.

Sima Daofu was left alone standing in place, clenched his fingers tightly, his nails snapped off abruptly, piercing into his palms.

Beads of blood dripped down between the fingers, staining the bluestone floor, leaving some deep marks like ink.

Youzhou, Xuyi City

Murong Chong and his party arrived three days ago and walked through Xichengfang City, which was an eye-opener for them all.

Row upon row of shops, shoulder-to-shoulder pedestrians, very different from the layout of shops, bustling and bustling beyond imagination.

In terms of land size, Xuyi is five points less than Yecheng.But as far as merchants and shops are concerned, they are evenly matched, even exceeding [-]%.

Walk into a grocery store at random, and there are rows of wooden shelves against the wall. The shelves are divided into several areas, and the goods are complete and dazzling, making people dizzy.

Murong Chong walked into Fangshi, crossed two streets one after another, saw long queues of food shops, squeezed into crowded pastry shops and sugar shops, and did not miss the silk shops, silver houses, and colorful treasure shops opened by Hu merchants. , and even went to the cattle and horse market.

When I returned to the inn, my purse was empty, and I replaced it with a small bag of hard candy, fine silk cloth, and several exquisite wooden mechanisms.

"Huan Rong is indeed a great talent."

Playing with the delicate wooden bird, Murong Chong frowned.Even if he was reluctant, he had to admit that he would definitely not be able to govern Youzhou to the present state.

"Tomorrow, I will go to Nancheng tomorrow!" Putting down the wooden bird, Murong Chong made up his mind and said seriously.

"Your Highness, Huan Rong may not know that we are entering the city, and if we stand still at this moment, he may have other plans." The accompanying counselor said.

"I understand." Murong Chong waved his hands a little impatiently, "but the matter is urgent, so we can't delay it for too long. Besides here, where else can we go to buy ironware?"

It's impossible for the Qin family, the Di people are thousands of miles away, Tuyuhun...the level of craftsmen there is not as good as that of Goguryeo.Furthermore, with King Tuyuhun's way of doing things, [-]% of the time he would take the money and not do anything, and he would even betray him to the Qin family when he turned around.

"I've made up my mind."

Just as the counselor was about to persuade him again, there was a knock on the door.

"What's the matter?" A guard stepped forward to answer the door.

"We have a visitor."

Have a guest?

The door opened, and the guard's pupils suddenly constricted.

The waiter retreated to one side, and several state soldiers in leather armor stood in front of the door.

Dian Kui is dressed in hard armor, full of evil spirit, mighty and intimidating.Everyone inside the door was startled, instinctively holding down their sabers.

"You don't need to panic," Dian Kui clasped his fists and said in a low voice, "I learned that the king of Zhongshan is coming, and the envoy sent a special servant to welcome you. Please come to the mansion to tell me."

Murong Chong had met Dian Kui before, and knew very well that this man was extremely brave, and the guards around him might not be his opponents.What's more, he wanted to see Huan Rong, so it would save him a lot of trouble.

Telling his followers to be calm, Murong Chong grabbed his saber and stepped out of the room.

Seeing the Liangshi state soldiers standing downstairs, he couldn't hold back in the end, and sarcastically said: "Such a big battle, Chong Chong is really flattered, Envoy Huan is really polite."

Dian Kui grinned, and said: "Your Majesty has something to say. It is a pity that His Highness was not allowed to see the scenery of the south when we met on the battlefield before. Now that His Highness is here, you should try your best to be a landlord."

Landlord's Ritual?

Murong Chong frowned and looked at Dian Kui carefully.

Thinking of the young man standing on the martial chariot, who looked weak but actually concealed his ultimate move, causing him to fall and be captured, he suddenly shuddered, and the alarm bell sounded in his mind.

His hunch was accurate.

At this very moment, Mr. Huan was sitting on the porch, feeding the pony while thinking about whether the fat sheep should make a long-term plan when he took the initiative to come to the door, or whether he should hit the nail on the head and make a one-shot deal.

"It's difficult!"