Forbidden City of Heze + Dalufei

He stayed in the corner of the courtyard, and the shade of the low-hanging trees just covered the whole figure.He wanted to spend the afternoon hiding in this quiet place as usual, but the burning pain in his arms and back made him restless.

Yan Liang rolled up his sleeves and licked the newly added bloodstains on his arms with his tongue. The warm touch temporarily relieved the burning sensation on the skin and slightly soothed the irritability in his heart.

It's just that I didn't use the knives and forks in the order they were placed on the table. After being reminded by my strict father, I threw away the tableware in my hand and grabbed the food on the plate with my bare hands to eat. Beat.And because he was not obedient, he tried to snatch the whip off several times, and the small punishment finally escalated into violence.

He was as sensitive as a wild animal when he was just injured, and soon noticed the second person's sight.He stopped, looked up at the opposite building, and saw the boy standing at the door.

He frowned and stared at him fiercely, the young Junliu instinctively shrank back and hid behind the door opening, but still peeked at him with one eye.

This happened not once or twice, before Yan Liang was too lazy to talk to him, but this time, the feeling of being violated in his private domain suddenly became unbearable.Full of nameless anger, he picked up a stone from the ground, walked out from the shade of the tree, and was about to throw it there, but stopped.

No matter how hostile he is, Jun Liu is always polite and tolerant.He got so much love that he had to give it away.Yanliang knew that after his father beat him just now, he still didn't forget to go to Junliu's room and watch the little son take a nap with a smile on his face.

So he threw away the stone in his hand and put down his sleeve to cover the scar on his arm.Then he waved to the child who was still peeping here, motioning him to come closer.

"elder brother!"

Junliu ran over expectantly, as if he had been waiting for his call for a long time, and there was a bit of shyness in the friendly address.Even if he is surrounded by his family, he is lonely and unbearably lonely without any friends of the same age. Before he is 12 years old, he must receive closed education in Xiaxi Garden. In this huge and gorgeous castle, he will live alone A deserted childhood.

The afternoon sun covered his back like a dry blanket, so warm that it almost felt heavy.Yan Liang's gaze was like a wild beast delimiting its territory, crowding out this small black animal that was a head shorter than him.And Junliu stood in front of him, raising his eyes to look at him from time to time, as if observing an interesting object up close for the first time, showing cautious curiosity.

Yan Liang grabbed his hand and dragged him to the front, and put the other hand roughly into his pocket. After groping the left pocket, he switched to the right. Made a plasticine pinch toy.

Junliu bit his lip, the light in his eyes became even more attractive, as if it would overflow at any moment.His hands hung down in bewilderment, and he didn't resist until Yan Liang let go.After all, the other party's temper has also been taught several times, and he is much more courageous than before.

Watching Yanliang peel off all the candies and stuff them into his mouth, Junliu didn't run away.He was still too immature, with the capacity of his head, he couldn't remember the lessons at all, and his self-esteem was not more important than playing. Seeing that the bad-tempered boy didn't drive him away, he stayed where he was.After a while, he whispered: "Sisters put sugar and ready-made snacks in several cupboards in the kitchen every day, but the cupboards are so high that I can't reach them, can you help me get them?"

That was the first time they stayed together, and Yan Liang could remember every detail.They went into the kitchen and stole several sugar bowls and biscuit boxes, and would have emptied the whole cupboard if they hadn't been able to take them down.In order not to be caught, they left the familiar courtyard and walked across a large grassy field to a garden far away from the main complex.Yanliang easily climbed up those old trees that no one cared about for hundreds of years, dug out the bird's nests above, and threw the eggs one by one down to Junliu standing below.In the beginning, Junliu was hiding away, but later it became a game, he would dodge while giggling.Then they walked aimlessly from the woods to the lake, which is a lake formed by a tributary of the Himi River, and the silver-white lake is as smooth as a mirror.They drove wild ducks, threw stones into the middle of the lake, took off their shoes and drenched in the water, and Yanliang pushed Junliu into the water several times viciously, making him completely soaked, and when he just stood up, he was pushed hard again to a deeper place.He laughed at how he got more and more embarrassed, until he got tired of the trick and sat down on the bank to eat the big pile of snacks.

Until the sun set from the other side of the lake, the orange twilight receded from the childish faces of the two, and the layers of trees in the distance turned into dense black silhouettes, and the heavy night fell on the two small figures. Shivering from the cold, he stood up and walked back.Yanliang walked very fast, even started to trot, as dexterous as a nocturnal animal in the wild environment, Junliu couldn't catch up with his footsteps, and was left far behind.

Junliu opened his eyes desperately, but he couldn't find him, and his flustered footsteps made him fall down.The land of Xiaxi Garden is really big and boundless for a child.He felt that everything around him was so strange that he could no longer find his way home.The coldness and fatigue all over his body made him squat down and cry, and the night was like an invisible monster squatting beside him.He seemed frightened by his own voice, quickly covered his ears, and curled up even tighter.

Just when he was extremely helpless, a hand grabbed his arm and hugged him, and he was carried on his back by the boy who turned back.The young man's thin but powerful arms supported his small body, and he took steady steps, wading across the grass and making a rustling sound, echoing alone in the wilderness.

"elder brother?"

Junliu smelled the other person's breath, rested his head on his back with peace of mind, and soon fell asleep.

The two children had been lost for an unknown period of time. When the darkness was about to completely submerge them, there were one after another shouts and the small beam of light from the flashlight in the distance. The servants of Xia Xiyuan found them.

When Junliu was woken up by the loud voices, his mother was hugging him who was trembling constantly, and the servants also ran around in a panic, fetching hot water for him, and wiping his cold face, And hurriedly changed the wet clothes on his body.

He raised his head and looked around, looking for Yan Liang's figure, but saw the young man standing far away from the door through the gaps in the crowd, no one cared about him, he didn't even step through the threshold, he was still standing outside in the deserted night In, like a transparent shadow.He stood there silently for a while, and ran away at some point.

That day was truly a nightmare in Junliu's memory. In the middle of the night, he had the first high fever in his life.When he regained consciousness, a candy that got into his hand at some point had already melted into a mess.

In that dark night when it was just the two of us, I really wanted to abduct you and hide you where no one could find you.

Yan Liang felt his body was as heavy as a rock, and he couldn't even move his fingers.

The atmosphere was dignified, and Yizheng sitting in front of him had completed all his confessions, and was looking at him with cold eyes.

His mind was in a mess, trying to recall the cause and effect of everything he had just heard, but Jun Liu's face kept appearing in front of him, from the past to the present, with different looks and expressions, but it was all him.His consciousness seems to want to use this kind of reminiscence like a lantern to find the most subtle clues to imagine Junliu's state of mind when he walked on this road.

That timid and fragile child did something stupid that he expected, which he had already judged.But at this moment, he was completely shocked and speechless.

He finally understood from the bottom of his heart the meaning of Yizheng's phrase "he is the complete opposite of you", and he couldn't accept Junliu's choice at all.But never like this moment, he desperately wants to come back to him, and fight the whole world with him.Nothing else matters, the urge is so strong that it overwhelms all will.

At this time, Ling Ju, who was standing by the side, finally understood the whole story. His inexplicable hatred for that distant prince disappeared in an instant, and what sank in his heart was an indescribable sorrow.If he was a soldier of He Ze, he would even have great respect for him.Even though they never had the chance to face each other, for the sake of Jier's happiness, he would rather give up his military self-esteem, and he felt incomparable sympathy for Shangguan Junliu's experience.

"Although the plot I know can explain the whole incident, it is not complete. If you want to know more about the inside story, you have to ask another person. She lives in the first room near the stairs on the top floor of my building." Yizheng's eyes became darker, "Junliu's wife is the one who directly contributed to this tragedy, but she hasn't spoken for a long time."

Even in a deep basement, one can feel that the battle on the ground has entered a fever pitch.The vibrations brought about by the bombing continued to shake deep into the ground, and the skylight coming in through the vents was also drowned out by the thick gunpowder smoke.Ling Ju understands that the soldiers in the base have already started to fight back. Even if the rebel army wants to cooperate in a realistic enough show, the guns have no eyes. There is a great danger, if you don't retreat, you may really die here.

"There's no time." He had to urge.

In the next second, Yan Liang stood up and loaded the gun in his hand with a click.Then he took a step forward, aiming the muzzle of the gun firmly at Yizheng's forehead.

"Is there anything else you want to say?" He looked at the man who had taken off his armor and halo, and asked coldly.It can be said that when the authority of the Shangguan family represented by him collapsed, Yan Liang had let go of all the debts he demanded from him, just like killing an unrelated person, not even out of anger or hatred, but just moving forward must.

Yizheng clasped his hands, still sitting upright and steady, with the king's usual demeanor.His back is straight, like a quiet stele. Although it commemorates the past, the thick and long memory makes him exude an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

His forehead touched the cold muzzle of the gun, Yizheng curled the corners of his mouth, showing a relieved smile, and spoke the next words without worrying about being interrupted at any time.

"The Shangguan family on this land is so ancient that it can be traced back to more than 500 years ago. It has always been a famous family in Heze. We were once wealthy, led the construction and management of the country, accumulated high prestige, and established Although a wise monarch has been working hard to limit this privilege, the people in this family who covet power have never stopped. The intensified power struggle has continuously shamed the glory of the Shangguan family. "

"When this kind of scandal came to me, it should have developed to the extreme. When I realized that no matter how I retreated, even if I lived in seclusion like a transparent person, I would still have to be involved in power struggles. I was determined to seize the throne by any means. At that time I have only one thought: the royal power must disappear forever in my generation, and my descendants will never have to wear this crown of thorns."

"The irony is that not long after I ascended the throne, the war in Helangdu broke out. In order to mobilize resources more effectively and command the army, I gained more power and became what people call a dictator. Kingship is at its peak."

"This group of stupid and weak citizens, they are constantly howling, cursing, and questioning my actions, but as a king, my greatest responsibility is to protect them at all costs. Protecting these is already a symbol in my eyes. People who are ants. This responsibility is taken for granted and cannot be shirked. Even if I work hard and sacrifice my most important things, I must bear it, and this has nothing to do with my own will."

"Giving up responsibility for the majority easily is a sin that a monarch cannot forgive." Yizheng's eyes were unusually bright, and on his face full of vicissitudes, they were like two bright lights in a long bleak night. All these years of growing up around me have fully understood my position, and he is not afraid that I am a ruthless devil, because he accepts this responsibility as much as I do."

"But what worries me is that this child is too kind. Seeing him nakedly revealing this kindness to the world at the coming-of-age ceremony, without any defense, I don't know how many vicious eyes are staring at him .I know it's a bad omen, but this innocence and enthusiasm seems to think that the whole world can be saved by his good wishes. Maybe I'm in a daze, I'm infected."

"I was even thinking, let him continue to be idealistic, let him continue to believe that he can create a bright future, let him continue to love these stupid and weak people, and win their love, even if he becomes a beautiful girl in the Shangguan family. The decoration is also good. That dirty and cruel royal power will be ruined by me, the father."

"Even so, you overestimate him." Yan Liang snorted softly, "He has no way to be qualified for this position. Today's situation is the result of his insistence on being brave! That kid Junliu is only suitable for a free man Ordinary people, living the most mediocre life, can hope to grow old safely. It is best not to let him fall into this kind of conflict, otherwise he will kill himself sooner or later!"

"Maybe you're right." Yizheng let out a long breath. Although the last time he revealed his heart was to a man who didn't agree with him, he was also very grateful that the other party listened to everything. "I have dreamed more than once. If Shangguan's family is just an ordinary family, I can live for the things I cherish, and I don't have to be forced to undertake obligations beyond my personal ability. I should be very happy."

"Fulfill your wish." Yanliang put on a cold smile again, and tightened his index finger holding the trigger.The light and shadow of the fan blades falling on the ground alternately counting the last second hand.

"I am the terminator who ended the Shangguan family. The royal power that you have enjoyed and suffered for hundreds of years, come to an end with me!"

He Ze's last king seemed to be ready, he maintained that calm demeanor, and then his eyes darkened, as if the weight of the years had finally made his journey exhausted, and he was about to enter the world after the lamp ran out. Infinite silence.

"Junliu, please."