Jicanghai

Mingran quietly followed Zuo Wenhui back to Yunjing.The two discussed it carefully on the way, and after Zuo Wenhui planned to report to the King of Ming Dynasty, he sent an urgent letter to Wang Chong eight hundred miles away.Ming Ran reminded: "Don't report this matter to the Lord Ming. He is cautious (in fact, he is as timid as a mouse for fear of causing trouble), and there are too many people in the palace (actually, Yunjing's meticulous work is everywhere), so it is better to plan it." It’s not too late to report later.”

Zuo Wenhui wanted to do the same thing, so he simply ordered someone to send a letter to Wang Chong, asking him to let the thirteen countries in the Western Regions know about Yunyusu's absence at Jinyang Pass, even if the other party didn't come, he had to find a way to seduce them. .

He pondered for a long time, and suddenly asked solemnly: "Have you thought about the future of Zhu Luan Kingdom? How far can you go, how long...how long can you last? What are your plans?"

Mingran smiled, and said slowly: "Does the eldest cousin think that Yunjing is in danger?"

Zuo Wenhui turned his head to look at Mingran, deliberated, pondered, and finally said: "I sent all of your cousins ​​from Pingnanhou's Mansion to the Northwest Allied Army. They are too ineffective. If you practice more, maybe There will be some progress. Xiaoran, the king...he seems to be a bit less emperor than the Cangpei country's majesty."

Mingran knew that the southern army was under the control of Zuo Wenhui, and knew that he was worried about the situation in Yunjing, so he left a way out for the Zuo family.Seeing that Zuo Wenhui told the truth with sincerity, he decided not to hide it from him: "The lord is also my cousin, and I planned well, thinking that my brothers would work together for the same benefit. But under General Wen After he died, he had no plans, but he was sympathetic to the people of Yunjing, and was afraid of being poisoned by the Cangpei Kingdom. If he was lucky enough to expel the soldiers and horses of the Cangpei Kingdom this time, he would find a way to sign another contract with the other party, even if Being able to keep ten years of peace is worthy of my conscience. As for the future, let's take one step at a time."

Zuo Wenhui looked serious, shook his hand, and said in a low voice: "It's good that you have this thought, cousin, I can't demand anything from you, I just hope that no matter where we go in the future, we can always support each other .”

Mingran nodded, and suddenly remembered something: "Big cousin, I have one thing to ask you, the Yanhua Academy that my uncle often goes to is Cang Peiguo's secret work base in Yunjing. I'm afraid I will go there again after I go back. Quite a few, you take the time to get him back, and then find an excuse to level Yanhua Academy directly, so there is no need to keep it."

Because Zhong Xu always misses the gentle hometown of Fireworks Alley, Zuo Wenhui also found Yanhua Academy a bit distasteful, so he responded simply and neatly: "Okay."

Mingran returned to Yongjiang Marquis Mansion, took a bath and changed clothes, and then went to the palace to meet the lord.The king had been waiting for him like the stars and the moon for a long time, and now he finally met. He was in a love-hate relationship and didn't know what to do with him. He complained openly and secretly while rewarding him with a bunch of things.Mingran didn't want to talk to him too much, and only asked a few questions about military affairs. Although the king was full of anxiety, he answered somewhat wrongly.Seeing that Mingran seemed to be frowning, he hurriedly said: "Gu go and call you the Minister of the Ministry of War and Wan Shunjue, how about we have a good discussion?"

Mingran said: "Let's talk about it later, I will go to kowtow to the Queen Mother first."

Seeing that he didn't mention anything about Wen Jiaxiu, the lord thought he was relieved, and immediately took him to kowtow to the queen mother, who couldn't help but feel mixed with sorrow and joy when she was hugged by the queen mother, and told him to go to Xiao's mansion earlier to make a marriage Matters, Mingran nodded and said: "I'm going, don't worry, auntie."

After bidding farewell to the Queen Mother and returning to the mansion, Ming Ran ordered Ming Zhuohua to prepare a generous gift and a red sandalwood box, and asked Ah Yan to carry it with him, and went straight to Xiao Xiangguo's mansion.

Xiao Xiangguo is old, he has long since stopped participating in political affairs, and only takes care of himself at home.At this time, he was supposed to come out to meet Mingran, but it happened that the eldest son Xiao Xuanni was at home, so he stopped his grandfather and father, and went out by himself to invite Mingran into the hall for daily reception.

The two sat on the pear wood armchairs on both sides, respectively. Xiao Xuanni saw that Ming was wearing a dark gold fretwork brocade narrow-sleeved toga, with a suet jade crown tied with hair, and matched with a belt of the same color. .His face was not as dark as usual, and a smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

The two exchanged a few words, Mingran was hesitating about how to speak, Xiao Xuanni looked at him intently, suddenly cupped his hands at him, and said first: "Minghou Ye, I heard that you led the Mingxiang Army to fight against the enemy in the Ningjiang area. I have been serving as the captain of the guard army under the governor of Lingnan County. Although my position is not high, but thanks to the trust of the governor, I have the authority to dispatch thousands of troops. And because the situation in Yunjing is ambiguous, I have transferred troops to Between Xiangtan and Xiangtan, if you need my cooperation to resist the enemy, you will be able to march to Chu in a few days. But I don’t know what you want?"

What Mingran wanted to say was blocked by him, and he was stunned for a moment and said: "The Sixth Army from Chu has sent troops there, and there is no need to work for the eldest son. The eldest son has a heart, and I will thank you in advance."

Xiao Xuanni said: "Since I'm a family, how can I thank you? Since I don't need it for the time being, I will stand still. I also heard that the Ministry of War often withholds Mingxiang's military salary, but I don't know what the current situation is. Although the family wealth is not as rich as the expensive mansion, it is temporarily blocked. The younger sister also told me that her dowry can be given in full. she."

Mingran: "No...no need."

He gritted his teeth, stood up suddenly, and gave Xiao Xuanni a deep salute: "My lord, there is something that should not be mentioned at all, but it is really inappropriate to delay it. I have been traveling around all year round, and now I am resisting the enemy at the front. I always have a precarious heart, if there is something good or bad, I'm afraid it will delay my sister..."

Xiao Xuanni suddenly sneered, and squinted at him, his eyes were as cold as ice in an instant, and his whole body was filled with murderous aura.Without realizing it, Ming Ran sent the ebony wooden box to Xiao Xuanni's side and opened it. Inside the box was a thick stack of house deeds and land deeds. On the paper was a small emerald fish wearing a green silk thread. He continued: " I have heard that the eldest son has some roots in Lingnan. In the early years, the Ming family also set up some properties in Guangdong Province for the convenience of sea transportation. There are a total of 400 high-quality shops and more than [-] fertile fields. In the past two years, I I went to the sea, so I have been neglected to take care of it, but the location of the pavement field is excellent. Last time, because the military salary was not enough, I converted all the pavement near Yunjing into silver coins to fill the vacancy. I didn't make a move too far, and now I'm entrusting it to Lingmei, I hope you don't want to be disgusted."

Xiao Xuanni glanced at the wooden box, and said lightly: "Is this a betrothal gift? It's too heavy."

Mingran was silent, and finally said: "It's not a dowry gift, it's makeup. If Miss Xiao finds another lover, it will be easier if she has these properties by her side."

There was a strange long sound of "squeak", in this empty hall, one's teeth were terrified.It was Xiao Xuanni who shook hands into a fist and scratched four deep marks on the surface of the Limu table: "Master Ming, what do you mean?"

Mingran said: "Everything is my fault, but this matter cannot be delayed any longer."

Xiao Xuanni remained silent, just staring at a blue brick underground three feet away, the whole hall was full of wind and rain.Mingran waited quietly in this weird atmosphere, but suddenly heard a sharp female cry from behind the curtain in the second room on the left: "No! Why are you treating me like this!" Then she burst into tears.

Mingran had known that there were people hiding there, and had heard the sound of wearing rings, and guessed that the girl from the Xiao family was listening on the side, but when she suddenly heard the sad cry, she still couldn't help shaking , slowly turned his head and glanced over there, seeing that the curtain trembled slightly like water waves.He bit his lower lip helplessly, feeling extremely embarrassed, and gave another deep salute to the curtain: "It is indeed my fault, and I am to blame for death. Now I can't make mistakes again and again, and I hope the girl won't do it again." God is hurt by this."

Xiao Xuanni said in a deep voice: "You said it so easily." He turned his head and looked at Zuo Jijian: "Sister, our family doesn't pay attention to those red tapes, so don't cry, if you have something to say, say it face to face. It's a big deal." I will make the decision for you as a brother."

Xiao Feiyue suddenly stopped crying again, and there was a long silence behind the curtain, only to hear her whimpering, and said intermittently: "I won't go out. Brother, since Marquis Yongjiang wanted this, even if you forced him to let me marry, It's meaningless. If you cancel the engagement, just cancel the engagement and let him go. "

Xiao Xuanni said: "Your sister said that twisted melons are not sweet, right?" He suddenly slapped the desk, and swept over with his palm, Ming Ran refused to dodge, but was hit on the shoulder, and the old wound burst instantly Wound.Xiao Xuanni's eyes were tearing apart: "Mingran, I originally had the intention of sympathizing with you, but your character is so despicable! Why didn't you leave early when you wanted to retire, but delayed my sister for four years. She is now nearly twenty years old. , but who do you ask her to marry? If you really do this, don’t blame me for enmity with you in this life!”

Mingran stood still, only stretched out her hand to touch her shoulder, and touched her hand full of blood.Xiao Xuanni stared at the dark marks on his shoulders that were gradually stained and expanded, and a faint light flashed in his eyes: "Are you injured?"

Mingran said: "Small injuries are nothing. The Eldest Young Master is right, I am indeed despicable, and it is impossible to deny it.... Eldest Young Master and Miss, don't be angry with me anymore, it's not worth it." Slightly towards Xiao Xuanni Bowed, then turned and left.

Xiao Xuanni stared at his back as he resolutely left, and heard Xiao Feiyue's faintly suppressed cries, bursts of heart-wrenching, unbearable to listen to.He had heard about Mingran and Yu Jinfeng for a long time, but he thought that apart from this matter, Mingran was impeccable, and the younger sister never went out, so it didn't seem to hinder anything, so he chased him to the front of the door : "Mingran, listen to me again. My sister-in-law, Xiao Bing's family training, is gentle and courteous. She doesn't know much about the outside world. Even if you...she won't do anything. Don't be impulsive This decision, think twice before acting, if you can figure it out, I will treat you as if you never said it just now. Also, don’t let it out beforehand, my grandfather is old, and my grandmother is not feeling well these days. bear."

Xiao Xuanni's natural nature was arrogant and free and easy, never had she ever been so submissive, it was extremely difficult to say every word, but it showed a heart of affection for her sister.

Mingran had already walked to the bottom of the jade steps in front of the hall. Hearing the words, he stopped and nodded slowly: "Young master, please rest assured, and we will talk about it after the overall situation in Yunjing is stable." He also did not dare to announce the divorce. The group of seven aunts and eight aunts at home knew that it would be strange if they didn't eat him alive on the spot.

Xiao Xuanni stared at him for a long time, and finally chuckled lightly: "Young Master Ming, I heard that both the Empress Dowager and the King worship Buddha, how about you?"

Mingran said: "I have been aware of it since I was a child."

Xiao Xuanni said lightly: "It's good to know, it's up to you whether you believe it or not. You can walk so slowly." After saying that, she walked into the hall with a flick of her sleeves, and directly stuffed the red sandalwood wooden box to Xiao Feiyue who was hiding behind the curtain, but Xiao Feiyue Pushing it away: "I don't want it, you take it and return it to him!"

Xiao Xuanni's distress was mixed with anger, and she simply didn't know what to do: "Why don't you? Don't know which fox is too cheap! If you let me take it, you will take it." Forcibly shoved into her arms.

In fact, the two of them talked about this matter, even if the two families still managed to get married, they had already been at odds, so it could not be considered a good marriage.Thinking of this, Xiao Feiyue hugged the box and cried even more until her heart broke.

Mingran had already left two gates, but the mournful cries of the girl from the Xiao family still seemed to be faintly lingering in his ears, he couldn't help walking faster and faster, leaving the Xiao mansion as if fleeing for his life.

Several concierges still regarded him as a future guest of their own family, and greeted him very respectfully: "Master Ming, your bodyguard was called by a little boy just now, saying that it was sent by Uncle Zhong Guo." A guard was waiting for him in the hallway of the side gate, and now he had gone to the alley outside the gate. Ah Yan was pulled by his sleeves by a teary-eyed maidservant crying, and was so embarrassed that she was sweating profusely and piercing her hands and feet: "You Let go, don't pull me, it's so ugly! Do you understand the difference between men and women, let go quickly!"

Mingran frowned slightly, it was supposed to be Ah Yan who finally fell in love, but it didn't look like it.He watched it for a while as if watching a shadow puppet show, and then he understood that the little girl was sent by Zhong Xu to invite Mingran. He didn't go to the gate of Xiao's mansion, so he grabbed Ah Yan, the scapegoat.

Ah Yan suddenly turned her head to see Mingran in her panic, as if she saw Guanyin Bodhisattva descending from the mortal world: "Young master, come quickly, something serious has happened!" The girl followed with a soft cry and made an annotation: "Master Ming, you can count Come out! Master Pingnan sent troops to surround Yanhua Academy, saw people murder, saw dogs slaughter dogs, even grasshoppers and grasshoppers were not spared. They, they want to kill Uncle Guo!"

Mingran said: "Nonsense, it's impossible." Secretly wondered why Zhong Xu was still in Yanhua Academy, why didn't the big cousin get him out before doing anything?Thinking about what kind of nonsense these are, I was very troubled for a moment and added another three thousand melancholy, and the whole person felt that something was not good.

The author has something to say: here to solve the confusion.In ancient times, girls were probably married at the age of fifteen or sixteen. Miss Xiao, who was divorced when she was nineteen, could still marry, but she had to be lowered several levels, and it was almost impossible to find someone like Xiaoran again. .Unless it is to fill in the house, because most of the boys are married at the age of [-] or [-].Of course Uncle Zhong Guo was an exception, he was older and unmarried.But Uncle Zhong Guo is a model of incompetence for Yunjing's children, and it is impossible for Young Master Xiao to let his younger sister marry him.