Chang'an [Rebirth]

Yaoyao suddenly raised her head when she heard these words, and her eyes fell on Chai Zheng... Yaoyao had encountered the situation at sea before in the reflection of the water, and Chai Zheng's judgment was not bad just now. Although Mu Sang is a small country, But King Keqin has invested heavily this time, and it seems that King Keqin will not be reconciled if the entire south is not removed from the territory of Dajing.

At present, King Keqin has basically stabilized the domestic situation, and the only difference is Wu Heng. He has also tried to recreate one over the years, soaking it in medicine for ten years, but no matter how many people are selected and how much medicine is added, so The body load was exceeded, and several children died. King Keqin couldn't recreate Wu Heng.

The oracle only needs one person to convey it, and if Yaoyao is still alive, King Keqin will never be able to fulfill his wish.

Because of this, he was able to stabilize the court but still failed to win the hearts of the people. It was widely rumored that King Keqin lost his conscience and killed his brother to seize the throne, so he could not get the blessing of the sacred tree, and even Wu Heng gave up on him.

Keqin Wang hated these rumors the most in his life, and Yaoyao was the cause of these rumors, so he also attracted hatred.

Although Chai Zheng's prediction of the battle situation was accurate, Yaoyao knew that King Keqin not only wanted all the fertile land south of Dajing this time, but also wanted to capture Wu Heng back. His own life, and then King Keqin will train another Wu Heng who is average in ability but easy to control, so that the imperial power and theocratic power will all fall into the hands of King Keqin.

Yaoyao is aware of her responsibilities, but she still does not want to return to Musang. For so many years, it seems that everyone and every choice pushed her to the highest position in the priesthood, but no one asked Yaoyao if she would like to return to Musang. willing.

"Yaoyao," Chai Zheng stopped, and she looked at the little girl tenderly, "From now on, you will no longer be alone, Xian Yi will go back with you, he is Jun, you are Wu Heng, you will Support each other, just like countless emperors and high priests before."

The little girl squeezed Que Linglong's hand tightly, "Can't I not go back?"

"You already have the answer to this question in your heart," Chai Zheng sighed, and put her hand on Yaoyao's head, "When you find that many things can't be controlled, it's considered grown up...but I'm not from Musang, I only think of you as my junior sister, the treasure left by Yueqing, you can make your own choice, I will not interfere, and I will not let anyone make things difficult for you."

"But Yaoyao, your decision is related to many things, you can't just be willful for a while, you have to decide how to go in the future, and never regret it."

The top of Yaoyao’s head is dry and warm, and little Wuheng is like a rising sun, but this sun is too young, she is only 12 years old, her birthday is late, she was born in the snowy winter, and she is not like Chai Zheng Or Ruan Linshuang, with a clean and innocent skin, but the soul inside is riddled with holes.

After being quiet for a while, Yaoyao said, "I want to see Sister Ruan. Usually when I encounter difficulties, you are always by my side. Even if I say goodbye this time, I want to say goodbye well."

The entire Prime Minister's Mansion is as solid as gold, and it is not easier for outsiders to come and go than Chai Guogong's Mansion, but Chai Zheng still nodded, "Okay, I will take you to see her."

The third person in the study stood by the side and never said a word. Xian Yi suddenly felt that Yaoyao was like himself back then. He was obviously not prepared at all, but suddenly came the time when he had to do the important tasks of his family and country, but now his identity was changed. , I have already lost Wu Hengluo, who was planning and making plans along the way, and even bet on life and death, and Yaoyao is about to lose Chai Zheng, who she dislikes verbally, but always tries to protect her...

Before Xian Yi could recall his thoughts, a tree branch was suddenly handed over to him.

"This is what you gave me back then. No matter what I ask for, as long as it is within your ability, you will definitely do it." Chai Zheng's face was reflected behind the branch, "Now I will return the branch to you, and at the same time I beg you One thing... Respect Yaoyao, if she is willing to return to Musang to be the high priest, you can't bully her because she is young, and if she wants to measure the world with her feet, you can't restrain her with the righteousness of the family and the country. Up to now, I have never owed you to Mu Sang, and you have already repaid what you did for her."

Xian Yi held the branch in his hand.

He had tried every means to cheat this thing back. He gave it away back then, but it was just a youthful spirit, and he didn't worry about the consequences. Unfortunately, Chai Zheng and Ruan Linshuang are too smart, even if they use tricks, Xianyi's gift can't be cheated back.

But he didn't expect that at this time, Chai Zheng returned the branch for an unselfish request, and added, "A gentleman promises a thousand gold."

Forced Xian Yi could only give a wry smile, "Don't worry, little father-in-law, I will try my best to abide by it."

"In addition, in order to save Yaoyao back then, I also owed you a favor. I needed to do something for you. In order to prevent me from falling into a passive situation like you, I discussed it with Xiao Ruan," Chai Zheng said. It is wide and short, but when you squint at this time, you can still see the treachery of the fox, and she said again, "I will help you mess up Musang's form, and even make the entire Musang army on display at sea become your supporters, but This is how our debt is settled.”

Chai Zheng said, spreading his hands, "I can completely stand by and watch, and my Dajing Nanhai Navy is not a mob."

This business is forced to buy and sell, but Chai Zheng is right, Prince Xianyi has no choice.

He could only sigh, "I've been counted twice by the young master in this short period of time. It seems that Mu Sang should make friends with Dajing in the future, otherwise the mere sea island will not be able to withstand the wind and waves."

Although it is not a pure joke, but Xianyi has many opportunities to deal with Chai Zheng and Ruan Linshuang in Credit Chou County, and every time he is at a disadvantage, why not seek peace and stability if he has not been able to find flowers for so many years .

What's more, King Keqin was born in the army, and after becoming the king of a country, he didn't have any thoughts of calming down. When the domestic situation was not stable, he transferred the contradictions to attack Dajing, and then invaded all the small surrounding countries. At this time, he urgently needed to recuperate.

Xian Yi turned his eyes back to the topographic map, "What is the little grandpa going to do?"

"In a day or two, Zhang Fan will rush back from the land of Liangjiang, and then I will be able to determine the situation," Chai Zheng said, and then glanced at Yaoyao, "At least little Wuheng will help you before you take the throne. "

Yaoyao nodded slightly.

"Okay." Xianyi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Since the crown prince is willing to cooperate, then this matter is settled like this. It's a long journey, and the journey is hard. Go back to your room to rest first, and I'll take Yaoyao to see Xiao Ruan." Chai Zheng couldn't bear it anymore.

These days, Chai Zheng was too busy. If she had time to study the prime minister's mansion, she would definitely be able to find a gap to sneak in. Although Ruan Linshuang's surroundings were not as lively as Duke Chai's mansion, she hadn't been idle either.

Zhao Qian once visited her privately, and was accompanied by Mu Qing to see her once. At that time, Ruan Linshuang was embroidering a blood-red peony. There are no embellishments, Zhao Qian stared at it for a long time before saying, "This flower is too dazzling."

"Really?" Ruan Linshuang said, picked up the scissors at hand, and cut the embroidery from the middle. The lines were completely broken, and even the best tailor could not complete the patch.

"..." Zhao Qian didn't expect Ruan Linshuang to be so decisive and bold. After a moment of silence, he continued, "I've read your paper on policy, and it's very well written. The bachelors in the Hongwen Museum also said that it will be the top one, and it will be released in three days. , I want you to be the champion."

Ruan Linshuang thought it was a bit ridiculous, as long as the emperor himself decides these things, it doesn't have to be like grace, and he should inform him in advance.

So she said lightly, "Thank you Your Majesty."

According to Mu Qing, the existence of Ruan Linshuang and Chai Zheng is like two fishes of yin and yang, they can stabilize their throne if they are used properly, and they will fall directly into the abyss if they make a slight deviation.

Zhao Qian added his own understanding in it. First, he made it clear that he didn't want to be manipulated by others all his life, so the two little girls who could affect his fate must die. Secondly, while they were still alive, they had to provoke, win over and use...

To judge others by himself, Zhao Qian has always been the most suspicious, thinking that everyone in the world has the same heart, not to mention the deep relationship between Chai Zheng and Ruan Linshuang. One is in Chang'an, the other is in Liangjiang, even if they have shared joys and sorrows for many years, it is better than growing up with Chai Yuandao since childhood, and being dependent on each other in Linlang Palace?

Now that he is in power, many feelings will fade away, so he always gives Ruan Linshuang the best—Princess Concubine, the position of mother of a country in the future, and the current number one scholar, the title that all scholars throughout the ages can't dream of.

Chai Zheng was like Zhao Linlang since he was a child. He was competitive and unwilling to be left behind in his life. Zhao Qian firmly believed that even if Chai Zheng still cared about Ruan Linshuang at this time, once the gap between them widened, Ruan Linshuang would be taken by the high-ranking officials. The desire for power brought by the superintendent was blinded, and Chai Zheng gradually began to be jealous, resentful and resentful of injustice, and estrangement would arise.

This kind of estrangement will reach its peak when the champion is selected in the palace. If Chai Zheng directly throws Ruan Linshuang's face, the two will not be far from parting ways.

Mu Sang's puppet forbidden technique is not complicated, and its lethality is very limited. One of them requires the cooperation of the host. If the struggle is too severe, although it will not completely fail, it will produce a certain degree of deviation. As long as Ruan Linshuang's psychological defense is broken, Then Zhao Qian's plan will be smoother.

Who would have thought that Ruan Linshuang didn't seem to be keen on this matter, every word of Zhao Qian seemed to be thrown into the abyss, without any expected response.

After a while, Ruan Linshuang took the initiative to ask, "How did Chai Zheng do in the exam?"

Zhao Qian didn't expect Ruan Linshuang to ask this question suddenly, he pondered for a while and said, "Is it related?" His voice was deep and full of threats.

"No," Ruan Linshuang chuckled, "I just hope that His Majesty will uphold justice and not cause the most undesirable ending just because of some small actions."

Zhao Qian had no good intentions in the first place, he came to bury the thorn in Ruan Linshuang's heart, but the hole had just been dug, before he had time to fill it in, because of Ruan Linshuang's words, the thorn he couldn't put down was refurbished instead, His complexion instantly became ugly.

The priestess who had been standing quietly in the corner twitched the corner of her mouth slightly when she heard the words. Mu Qing's face rarely showed any expression. Compared with Wu Hengluo or Yaoyao, Mu Qing was actually more like a pure outsider. , not to be happy with things but not to be sad with oneself, and it is not sincere to be by Zhao Qian's side, so no matter what happens, she can stand on the sidelines.

Zhao Qian was good at calculating, and when Ruan Linshuang dug up the scars, he just smiled and covered it up. He said again, "I want Yan'er to marry you as soon as possible. A girl as good as Xiao Ruan will be snatched away at any time."

"I'm not an object, and I'm not happy about being robbed here and there," Ruan Linshuang continued, "Your Majesty changes his orders day and night, as long as the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty have no objections, I have no objections either."

It was completely blocked.

Probably in the end, Zhao Qian also felt that what he was doing was completely meaningless, and took Mu Qing away with the fan in his hand. During the whole process, only Ruan Yuzhang squatted nervously in his study and opened half of the window, his eyes blinked instantly. Staring at it for a moment, for fear that something might go wrong.

It's a pity that in order to protect the privacy of his daughter, Ruan Yuzhang worked hard on the orientation of each room. His study room was closest to Ruan Linshuang, but even if he opened all the windows, he could only see the shoulder of the opposite yard. It was for no reason. I was so nervous that I couldn't help.

After Zhao Qian left, Ruan Yuzhang was startled by the sudden knock on the door, Ruan Linshuang said softly outside, "Father, I know you are in the room, can my daughter come in?"

"The door is open, come in." Ruan Yuzhang rubbed his swollen eyes and sat behind the table.

The door is made of wood, although it is often oiled, it will inevitably make a slight noise. Ruan Linshuang held a cup of tea in his hand, and put it in front of Ruan Yuzhang respectfully.

Although his daughter was raised by Chai Yuandao, Ruan Yuzhang was not worried that she would make a mistake, but after so many years of seeing each other, it was inevitable that she was a little unfamiliar. Ruan Yuzhang pretended to pick up a brush and scribbled on the book, seeming to mark the key points, but... …

"Father, the nib of the pen is clean. You haven't touched any ink." As soon as Ruan Linshuang finished speaking, he saw him poking the pen in the dry inkstone. It took a long time for Ruan Yuzhang to realize that he hadn't rubbed the ink himself.

He sighed, and could only put down the camouflage things in his hand.

Ruan Linshuang said again, "Father, I have something to discuss with you."

"What's the matter?" Ruan Yuzhang thought for a while, "If you want to leave Chang'an City overnight, I'll prepare your horse right now, and you don't have to tell me where you're going. If your whereabouts are exposed, Beijing will send someone to arrest you at any time. return."

Ruan Linshuang shook his head, "Father, I will not leave, I want to marry Zhao Yan. What I told you is another matter... Zhao Qian wants to make a big fuss about me, and as expected, I will get married That day will be the time when Duke Chai's mansion and my prime minister's mansion will be cut off."

Ruan Yuzhang is not a blind idiot. As early as when he was a teenager, he discovered that Zhao Qian was suspicious and jealous. Even if he was above ten thousand people, he would not think that the selection of talents was for Dajing, for him, the king of a country. On the contrary, Over the years, all the officials who have achieved results and are widely praised have been dismissed and relegated. Most of Beijing is fishing in troubled waters or has no real power.

But Ruan Linshuang's words were too rebellious. Not only did he call the current Holy Master by his name, but it seemed that if Zhao Qian really killed him, Ruan Linshuang would fight back.

This is different from ordinary people seeking revenge. The target of revenge is the current Holy One, and there is no other way but to rebel.

Ruan Yuzhang also realized instantly that his daughter was going to rebel!

"Whose meaning is this? Yuandao asked you to be this lobbyist?" Ruan Yuzhang's expression changed, and he had the courage to fight the officials in court.

"That's what I mean," Ruan Linshuang said, still speaking softly, "Father, why don't you rebel? You have seen more in the court than I do, so you should know that the current court is in decline, so go on." If you only care about whether Jiangshan’s surname is Zhao, the eldest princess can also be the emperor, but I don’t think the eldest princess is necessarily rare..."

"Ruan Linshuang!" The paperweight slammed down on the table hard. Ruan Yuzhang's hand was not strong, but it still knocked off the layer of paint on the table.

But Ruan Linshuang didn't stop, she looked at Ruan Yuzhang calmly, "Father, we are scholars, we should know that the world is not the surname of one family, but the surname of a hundred families, and we should also understand that it is inevitable for a king to lose his way in every dynasty and every generation." , if this is the case, why bother to be trapped in 'loyalty'."

"It's really rebellious," Ruan Yuzhang was very angry at these remarks, but he waited for Ruan Linshuang to finish speaking before saying, "Since it is inevitable for the king to lose his way, how can you be sure that the person who replaces Zhao Qian will definitely be better than him , more worthy of support?"

"Because if that person is not the eldest princess, then it will be me." Ruan Linshuang did not flinch, "Father, tell me, who is more suitable to be the master of the world, compared with the eldest princess?"

Ruan Linshuang's question made Ruan Yuzhang speechless. If the succession to the throne does not emphasize blood relationship, then Zhao Linlang is indeed a better choice. It doesn't mean that Zhao Qian will be a great emperor.

Ruan Yuzhang even reflected a long time ago whether Zhao Qian actually prefers to fight wits and courage with his officials rather than governing the world. Only when the whole world is inferior to him can Zhao Qian feel satisfied.

After a long silence, Ruan Yuzhang suddenly asked a question, "How long have you been preparing for this?"

"It's been 12 years." Ruan Linshuang didn't dare to speak for more than 20 years because she was afraid of scaring her father.

"...What did Zhao Qian do to apologize to you? Since you were four years old, you have thought about..." Ruan Yuzhang paused, and finally said those two words, "Rebellion."

"On the day when Chai Zheng and I were kidnapped, I saw Zhao Qian murder with my own eyes. A boatman, an innocent person. This boatman has never seen Zhao Qian, and will not have any influence on Zhao Qian. It may just be Tian Geng. He was killed when he walked up and touched him." Ruan Linshuang sighed, "From then on, I knew that in the eyes of our majesty, human life is nothing more than a trivial matter. Today is just a passer-by on the road, and in the future it will be who?"

Ruan Yuzhang didn't speak again, he quietly looked at the daughter in front of him——Ruan Linshuang's thin body seemed to be able to hold thousands of hectares of waves, and it looked calm, but in fact it was vast and profound, unpredictable.

It's only been six short years, Ruan Yuzhang sighed abruptly, still feeling a bit brooding when he thinks about it.

"Father, I don't force you to give me an answer today, but you can't wait too long." Ruan Linshuang's expression relaxed, and he even smiled slightly, "We don't have much time left."

After finishing speaking, she leaned back and said, "Daughter will leave for the time being, so as not to delay Daddy's decision."

She was aggressive just now, but now she became obedient again. Ruan Yuzhang watched her go out, only to realize that the tea in hand was still warm... Ruan Linshuang calculated the time when she could drink it.

The elders of Chai and Ruan's family are the most uncertain part of Ruan Linshuang. They have never seen the face of Zhao Qian when he joined the three clans, let alone the tragedy of the world's ruins and withering many years later. They couldn't bear to betray Zhao Qian. Qian, at least purely from his own standpoint, cannot and will not betray Zhao Qian.

However, as a general, he is most afraid of the collapse of the territory; as a minister, he is afraid of the people wandering around. Zhao Qian is not only a person, but also a pillar in this country. , I have already changed my original intention, so this pillar should not be kept.

Ruan Linshuang knew her father well, so she didn't threaten her life when she spoke. She knew that Ruan Yuzhang would figure it out. If her father had been a fool from head to toe, the court would have been in chaos long ago, so why wait until now.

The door of the room was closed, but the hair caught in the crack of the door when Ruan Linshuang went out was gone, and the smell of herbs and hawthorn was vaguely floating in the air. Ruan Linshuang's brows and eyes were slightly bent, and he opened the door and said at the same time, "I came back."

Chai Zheng hadn't heard Ruan Linshuang's voice for a long time, she was sitting on the desk shaking her legs just now, when there was any movement at the door, she pounced on it, and when Ruan Linshuang appeared, Chai Zheng put her arms around her neck and rubbed against Ruan Linshuang's neck .

"..." Yaoyao instantly felt that the two of them were like cats expressing intimacy.

Ruan Linshuang reached out and patted Chai Zheng's back, and asked softly, "Why are you here?"

"Yaoyao is clamoring to come." Chai Zheng was still very close to her, and then said after a while, "I found the loophole after wandering outside for more than half an hour... Don't worry, no one will find out."

Chai Zheng's skill of pretending to be pitiful became more and more exquisite, even Yaoyao almost didn't hear the flaws in this sentence, but it's a pity that Xiao Wuheng was a bystander, knowing that there was an element of artistic processing in Chai Zheng's sentence.

"I have seen your skills in the school martial arts field," Ruan Linshuang kissed the top of Chai Zheng's head, "If you want to bypass those eyes and ears at my door, it's just a matter of lifting a finger, so I can rest assured.

"..." Chai Zheng managed to pretend to be cute, but was exposed face to face, she muttered, "Don't worry too much."

After finishing speaking, Chai Zheng felt unwilling again, and exposed her canine teeth and rubbed against Ruan Linshuang's lips for a while, but in the end, she was not willing to bite, and just kissed lightly, as if feathers were brushing, making it tickle.

Ruan Linshuang didn't seem to notice Chai Zheng's small movements. She raised her eyes and looked at Yaoyao. Seeing that the corners of Xiao Wuheng's eyes were still red, she must have cried, so she asked, "What's wrong?"

"The wind and sand on the road are very strong, and I was blown hard." Yaoyao even had a strong nasal voice, but she wanted to be brave with her mouth.

"Little Wu Heng, you're not telling yourself." Chai Zheng held Ruan Linshuang in his arms, and turned to look at Yaoyao, "I didn't ask what happened to your eyes."

Yaoyao became angry from embarrassment, and turned her head away with a "hum", "I would like to talk about eyes!"