Don't go back to hometown

Beijing.

It was the first day after the snow, the midwinter sun exuded a little heat, the snow melted, but the weather became colder.

The atmosphere in Prince Zhong's Mansion was as cold as an ice cave, the servants held their breath and concentrated, and even the sound of breathing was lowered, for fear of offending the master.

"waste!"

In the study room in the front yard, there was a loud rebuke from the meeting hall, accompanied by the loud sound of a heavy object hitting the door frame, and the sound of porcelain shattering.

The servants at the outer door trembled in fright, their legs softened and they knelt down on the ground.

In the meeting hall, a burly man in his early thirties stood by the desk, his tiger eyes wide open, his breath heavy, his short beard trembling slightly, and he bowed his fingers to everyone: "I don't know why Luoxue becomes a word, I don't know who pretends to be a ghost, I don't know how to break the situation, One question and three questions! What is the use of this king raising you?!"

All of you sitting below are counselors under King Zhong's command, except for the frail and thin man with long beard sitting in a wooden wheelchair, all bowed their heads in shame at this moment, with embarrassing expressions on their faces.

From the first snowfall in Luoyang, when the snow fell outside King Zhong’s mansion, to when His Majesty’s imperial decree summoning King Zhong back to the capital to face the Holy Spirit arrived in Luoyang. I didn't understand the words.

King Zhong had no choice but to bring two counselors to Beijing to face the saint, and left a few people in Luoyang to continue the investigation.These counselors were ordered to arrive in the capital today, but they still found nothing, so how can they not be angry!

At this moment, the long-bearded man in the wheelchair coughed lightly with his fist on his lips, and the anger on King Zhong's face subsided. Seeing that the other party was coughing violently, he said to his confidant standing beside him: "Give Mr. Ren more tea." .”

"Yes." The manager hurriedly poured hot tea for the man called Mr. Ren, and handed it to the man.

After such an interruption, King Zhong restrained his anger, sat back on the chair, and poured a cup of hot tea.

The advisers below quietly breathed a sigh of relief, thanking Mr. Ren for saving them from the fire.

"My lord." A servant outside the door suddenly knocked lightly on the door, "Xie Yancheng, Mr. Xie, hold your token to ask for an audience."

King Zhong was slightly surprised, and glanced at Mr. Ren: "Xiaoyao is back?"

Mr. Ren was also a little surprised, "The subordinates don't know."

Outside the door, the dusty Ren Xiaoyao was invited in.

"I have seen the prince." Ren Xiaoyao clasped his fists to the loyal king, and then turned sideways to salute Mr. Ren, "Father."

Mr. Ren nodded slightly to Ren Xiaoyao, and asked, "Why did you return to Beijing suddenly and didn't send a message in advance?"

Ren Xiaoyao bowed his head and cupped his hands and answered, "It's expedient. My son has something important to report to the lord."

King Zhong looked at him sternly: "Say."

Ren Xiaoyao said: "My subordinates have been staying in the south of the Yangtze River for several months. According to what they have seen recently, there are signs of heavy snowfall."

King Zhong's expression froze: "Is this really true?"

Mr. Ren frowned and looked at Ren Xiaoyao, and asked in a cold voice: "Although it is early winter in the south of the Yangtze River this year, even Qin Tianjian dare not conclude that there is snow in the south of the Yangtze River. How dare you speak nonsense?"

Naturally, Ren Xiaoyao is not talking nonsense, but he clearly remembers the snow disaster in his previous life, and he is even more aware that the phenomenon of falling snow outside Zhongwang's mansion is probably Xie Cheng's trick.

Even if he is inferior to Xie Cheng in terms of scheming and strategy, he still knows that the opponent's move is to warn the people in the south of the Yangtze River, and to target the loyal king.

If the loyal king loses power, the righteous father will definitely be implicated, and his long-cherished wish for many years will come to nothing.

So when he returned to Jinling after recovering from his injury, he rushed to the capital immediately after hearing the news, in order to remind King Zhong.

For this reason, Ren Xiaoyao had typed out the draft several times and prepared his speech.

"My lord, this is the end of the matter. Regardless of whether Jiangnan is peaceful this winter, your lord has become a target of public criticism. At that time, both those who set up the situation and bystanders will take the opportunity to attack your lord. The only way now is for your lord to insist that this is a warning from heaven. The mouth of the prince saves the people in the south of the Yangtze River."

"If there is snow, it means that the prince has contributed to the rescue of the disaster and the people. If there is no snow, it is because the prince cares about the people and is anxious about the people's needs, so he has fallen into the trap of the villain pretending to be a ghost."

King Zhong frowned and thought deeply: "You mean, this king should also write a letter to ask Father to raise relief in advance to show his concern for the country and the people?"

Ren Xiaoyao: "Yes."

One of the counselors in Tsing Yi said: "If there is a snow disaster in the south of the Yangtze River, then the candidate for disaster relief will most likely fall on the prince."

King Zhong snorted lightly: "For such a thankless task as disaster relief, it is natural to choose a young and strong prince."

It is enough for him to show enough "concern for the country and the people".

Ren Xiaoyao lowered his eyes and remained silent. In his previous life, the snowstorm in the south of the Yangtze River broke out suddenly. The imperial envoys sent by His Majesty were all blocked in the road by the wind and snow. And because some people were greedy for ink and relief money, there was a lot of trouble. Many officials even died. It has also harmed countless people, and it is indeed a thankless job.

"What does the lord mean?" a black-clothed adviser asked.

There was a hint of sarcasm on King Zhong's lips: "The eighth and ninth brothers of this king have been kings for a long time, and they have never had serious errands. Why don't we give them a chance."

The counselor in Tsing Yi suddenly realized, and looked at King Zhong with a smile: "In this way, we can test whether these two silent princes have any intention of seizing the throne."

The black-clothed counselor said calmly: "Even if there is no such great contribution to attracting people's hearts, such as disaster relief, these two princes cannot be picked. Otherwise, if they become too ambitious, it will only add more resistance to the prince's great cause."

The counselor in Tsing Yi shook his head: "It's alarmist. Even if those two got the credit for the disaster relief, they are definitely not the prince's opponents. The only thing we have to worry about is abolishing the crown prince and Prince Rui—"

"This statement is wrong." The black-clothed counselor retorted, "If these two princes win the credit, what should they do if they join the deposed Prince or Prince Rui's banner?"

King Zhong's face darkened, also thinking of this possibility.

It's not that he has never thought of wooing Lao Ba and Lao Jiu these years, but Lao Ba is a reckless man, and Lao Jiu is useless, both of them turned a blind eye to his overtures, and had no intention of taking refuge in him at all.

If you think about it carefully, it's either a hidden ambition, or you've already been won over by the deposed prince and the third child.

"Then let them do nothing no matter what!"

Ren Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "My lord—"

However, seeing the ruthlessness in Prince Shangzhong's eyes that was too late to restrain, Ren Xiaoyao tightened his scalp, lowered his eyes and changed his words: "My lord, this matter should not be delayed, I heard that Prince Rui will return to Beijing soon, if he seizes the opportunity, it will be in our disadvantage .”

"That's right." The black-clothed counselor agreed, and looked at King Zhong again, "My lord, if there is really heavy snow in the south of the Yangtze River, the prices of charcoal and cotton-padded clothes will inevitably rise sharply. It is definitely a profitable business."

King Zhong smiled knowingly, stretched out his finger and pointed at him.The black-clothed strategist laughed.

The more Ren Xiaoyao listened, the more his heart became colder, and he subconsciously looked at his adoptive father.Mr. Ren shook his head slightly at him, Ren Xiaoyao suppressed the anger in his heart and said nothing more.

After a cup of tea, Ren Xiaoyao pushed Mr. Ren out of the meeting room in the study, took the fur coat from the servant, put it in front of Mr. Ren, and pushed him back to his residence.

It had just snowed in the capital, and the unpaved path was a bit muddy. Ren Xiaoyao was holding on to the armrest of the wooden wheelchair, but it still inevitably bumped, which shocked Mr. Ren and started coughing again.

Ren Xiaoyao stopped to pat the opponent on the back, waited for the opponent to finish coughing, and continued to push the wheelchair forward.

"Father..." After a long silence, he still couldn't help but say, "Just now King Zhong asked your opinion, why did you keep silent?"

Mr. Ren took a while to speak, his hoarse voice revealed tiredness: "You have brought news today and given the prince a way to break the situation. If I speak again, won't I take the limelight?"

Ren Xiaoyao was slightly surprised, but hesitated to speak.

"Otherwise, why do you think that why did Ji Ting mention candidates for disaster relief, and why did Xu Jing mention the sale of charcoal?"

It's just to show off in front of the prince.

Ren Xiaoyao knew that his adoptive father was always impeccable and measured in advances and retreats in these ways of the world, but what he asked just now was not at all.

"Father, I just want to ask," he gripped the armrest of the wheelchair, "Have you followed the will of the prince, have you still not changed?"

Even though King Zhong adopted Ji Ting and Xu Jing's advice and deliberately obstructed disaster relief and took advantage of the disaster to make money, you still decided to follow him?

Ren Xiaoyao knew best in his heart that Xie Cheng deliberately forged the "celestial phenomenon" in order to save the disaster and save the people, and by the way to trip up the opponents behind him, it may be because of him that he chose the King Zhong.

Therefore, Xie Cheng's backer must have adopted his opinion and supported him in helping the disaster and the people.

But what about King Zhong?

If he hadn't entered the game because of "Luoxue Chengzi", I'm afraid he would also adopt the methods mentioned today to eliminate dissidents and take the opportunity to make money.

Those who suffer are tens of thousands of Limin people!

Did King Zhong write the troubles caused by the snow disaster in the south of the Yangtze River in the previous life?

And did the adoptive father know about it back then?

Ren Xiaoyao's heart became more and more heavy, and he pushed the silent Mr. Ren into the small courtyard without a threshold.The latter was weak and sick all the year round. Whether in Luoyang or the Zhongwang Mansion in the capital, Zhongwang arranged for him a single courtyard that was warm in winter and cool in summer.

Now the house has been lit with fine silver silk charcoal, and there is still a faint smell of medicine.

Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help frowning: "Father, have you started taking medicine again?"

"Well, I caught a little cold when I arrived in Beijing, cough—" Mr. Ren unbuttoned his heavy fur coat, and coughed again.

Ren Xiaoyao quickly explored the teapot on the table, seeing that the teapot was warm, he immediately poured a glass of water for the other party and handed it over.

Looking at the other party's bloodless face again, he felt ashamed of guilt.

"Father..."

He shouldn't have asked such a question just now, the body of the adoptive father needs precious medicinal materials to warm and nourish, King Zhong has continued his life for his adoptive father and provided him with medicine for so many years, and he still respects his adoptive father, and he also relied on Zhongwang's mansion to raise an adult, learned a lot Literature and martial arts... Based on these, the father and son cannot do without Zhongwangfu.

Mr. Ren raised his hand to block his words, breathed steadily and said: "I know what you want to say, but those who make big things don't care about small things, some people... are destined to become victims of power."

Ren Xiaoyao looked at the cold light in the other party's eyes, and felt a little strange.He lowered his head as if avoiding, hiding the struggle in his eyes, and pushed him to the side of the bed.

Mr. Ren supported the edge of the bed with both hands and sat on the bed, panting slightly.Ren Xiaoyao pushed the wheelchair aside, squatted down and took off his boots.

Mr. Ren raised his hand and gently stroked his head, "Did you ever blame me for changing your face for my father?"

Ren Xiaoyao paused and shook his head.

In fact, Xie Cheng's guess is correct, he has no intention of presenting his grievances with Jiang Xianyu and Xie Cheng in front of King Zhong, let alone revealing the secret of his rebirth.So last time he only told his adoptive father that he had a conflict with someone in Yangzhou, which was recorded by the government.

It just so happened that the foster father said that he had traveled all these years and left too many traces, and now the prince needs to use him, so he suggested that he change his face.Ren Xiaoyao didn't refuse, took the new identity and went to Duan Yu's side.

But Mr. Ren noticed his brief pause, and the movements of his hands froze for a moment, and then continued to stroke his head, "I'm sorry for my father."

Ren Xiaoyao removed a pair of boots for him, moved his legs to the bed, took off the heavy winter coat for him, and covered him with a quilt.

"My life was given by you, even if it is given back to you, it should be done."

Mr. Ren was startled, and his face suddenly became ugly: "Nonsense!"

Ren Xiaoyao bent his lips and smiled, "Yes, yes, I am talking nonsense, foster father, don't be angry."

The other party looked at him sullenly for a moment, and finally closed his eyes wearily.

……

At Jinling Wharf, Jiang Xianyu returned from Huai'an, just got off the boat when he saw Shimo and Su He who had been waving at him.

"Senior brother three!" Su Heren's voice was loud and penetrating.

Shimo and Jiang Xianyu met their gazes, and quickly pointed to the carriage at the corner of the intersection.

Jiang Xianyu suddenly burst into a smile, and pulled the old bodyguard beside him: "Uncle, you take everyone back to the bodyguard bureau to repair, and let the cook make some delicious food for everyone, I will go first."

"Hey - then will you come back to eat?"

"Don't come back!" Jiang Xianyu turned around and ran backwards, "Su He and I won't come back, you guys eat more, kill two sheep and put it on my account."

Before the old bodyguard could reply, a crowd of young bodyguards shouted loudly behind him: "Xie Shaodong!"

Jiang Xianyu smiled, waved his hand, turned around and ran towards the carriage on the side of the road, only to see Xie Cheng, who hadn't seen him for a long time, lifted the curtain of the car and poked his head out.

Jiang Xianyu didn't even think about it, he jumped at him, and was caught by Xie Cheng, the two fell into the carriage together, before hitting the desk and the charcoal stove, Xie Cheng hugged him and smashed against the wall of the carriage.

Jiang Xian glanced at the charcoal stove with lingering fear, and quickly touched Xie Cheng's back with distress: "Does it hurt?"

"Reckless!" Xie Cheng scolded him, but there was a smile on his face.

Jiang Xianyu immediately admitted his mistake: "I'm sorry."

Xie Cheng's eyes were full of smiles, and he kissed his slightly pouty lips, "It doesn't hurt."

Jiang Xianyu laughed, held his face and kissed him.

Lips and teeth meet, expressing lovesickness.

Xie Cheng's restless heart finally fell back into his chest, and he hugged the person in his arms tightly, sharing the heartbeat of the same frequency.

Jiang Xianyu naturally understood Xie Cheng's concerns and worries. Before leaving, the other party was very worried, and repeatedly confirmed his itinerary, confirmed the accompanying personnel and supplies, checked the cotton clothes and medicines one by one, and sent him to the ship to ensure everything was safe.If it weren't for the tight curriculum of the Guozijian right now, I'm afraid I would have to follow him.

And he has thought about Xie Cheng so much for more than half a month, so that he occasionally wondered how he could not see him for several years in his previous life, and how he could not bear the pain of such lovesickness in this life?

At this moment, he just wants to hug each other tightly, share breath and heartbeat.

The two of them let go of each other until their faces were flushed and their breathing was unsteady.

Jiang Xianyu almost knelt on Xie Cheng's lap, hooked his neck with both hands, breathed slightly, and looked at him with bright eyes.

Xie Cheng was so teased that his breath became stagnant, and he held him tightly in his arms.

Jiang Xianyu leaned on his shoulder and talked to him about the situation along the way.

"We passed by a village on the way. We took the villagers up the mountain to cut down some trees while the weather was good, and helped them strengthen their houses. We also told them that if they couldn't afford charcoal, they could burn firewood for warmth. When the weather gets colder, it will be difficult to enter the mountain."

"Well," Xie Cheng kissed him lightly on the side of the cheek, "You did the right thing."

"By the way," Jiang Xianyu suddenly straightened up and looked at him, "I heard the news of Prince Zhong's Mansion in Huai'an that 'falling snow into characters', how did you do it?"