Emperor Que Shaohua

The day when Luo Linpian, the king of clouds, arrived with his troops, coincided with another winter snowfall in Luocheng, which was like goose feathers and catkins.

Tianzizhao ordered the prince to lead a hundred officials out of the city ten miles to meet them. Everyone saw the mountains and rivers covered in white, and the North Conquering Army lined up in the vast snowy field, like a sea of ​​ink clouds that could not be seen beyond the horizon.

Even if the civil servants and generals in Luo City fulfill their duties, they are pampered on weekdays. At this moment, they can't help being shocked by the scene in front of them.

The flags of the Chinese army were unfurled, dozens of cavalry guards surrounded King Yun and approached, and everyone couldn't help but hold their breath for an instant.

The 21-year-old Luo Linpian is in his prime, and the soldiers and horses at the border have failed to wear away the beauty of the country, but instead add a little charm.He was dressed in plain silver light armor, and the silver fox cloak set off his black hair like a flowing spring.Everyone stared at him, but they felt that the frost and snow, the jade trees and Qiongzhi in front of them were all overwhelmed for a moment. There seemed to be precious light flowing between his eyebrows and eyes, which was hard to describe and difficult to draw.Some courtiers still remembered that the Fourth Highness was already magnificent when he asked for orders to go to war three years ago, but because of leading the army all the year round and making decisive decisions, Ling Ran's majesty appeared in his eyes, making people almost dare not look directly at him.

When King Yun dismounted from his horse, the army behind him stood in awe. Even though they saw the imperial court's courteous reception, they did not make any noise of excitement.

The Ministry of Rituals put up the incense table, and the prince announced the decree, but on the other hand he was a little distracted.He noticed that the tens of thousands of soldiers followed the fourth prince in order and bowed down in silence, but Xie Enhu was so majestic and mighty that he almost shook the ground, and the fear in his heart deepened.To control the soldiers and horses to such an extent, he thought to himself that there was nothing he could do.

A few months ago, when the good news from the northern border came, others were overjoyed, but to him it was like a bolt from the blue.Why did the information secretly revealed to Beiliao in advance become the key to King Yun's decisive victory, and also directly led to Yelu Shiji's death in the rift of Guiyan Peak?

Yu Muli, who was defeated in the battle, of course blamed all his faults on the false information, and the Kunlun Mansion took a long time to deal with the aftermath, so they turned Yelu Hongchou's anger and suspicion away from this point.

The prince thought about it, and the biggest possibility was that he had already fallen for it half a year ago.The opponent who set up the scheme not only had a precise grasp of the delicate balance inside the Kunlun Mansion, but also had a thorough understanding of his own intentions. He was actually led step by step, and he did his best to complete the most critical part of the decisive victory for Luo Linpian.Looking into the inside story, it was impossible for King Yun, who was in the north, to set up such a big situation by himself. He once again felt the power that he had never been able to figure out, but silently choked his throat. It was his old enemy. Luo Yanhua.

Feeling like a thorn in the back, shuddering, rushing to the heart, vomiting three liters of blood, these are not enough to describe the prince's feelings, and perhaps the only one who can understand the feeling is Han Guifei who is still under house arrest.

The whole country was celebrating, and the East Palace had to be decorated with lanterns and festoons, but Luo Wenxiao, who forced a smile on his face, knew that he was already a trapped beast in this gorgeous palace.

After the decree was read out, King Yun took over the imperial decree from Huang Ling, the crown prince cheered up and said with a smile: "I haven't seen you for three years, the fourth brother is very handsome, and I was also here that day, I sent you out of the city for my brother, the farewell scene is still in sight; Now seeing my fourth younger brother come back safely and have made extraordinary achievements for the country, I am truly overjoyed."

In front of a crowd of civil and military officials, he spoke sincerely, like a spring breeze blowing on his face.

It's a pity that Luo Linpian's expression was cold when he received the order just now, and he couldn't see any joy in reuniting with his brother after a long time. His gaze was even colder than ice, and he slowly swept across the prince's face. The Second Emperor’s brother is too praised. The temporary stability of the northern border is due to the bloody and hard work of the soldiers. It is not my credit. But today is a world of ice and snow, and I have troubled His Royal Highness to greet you outside the city, so I feel uneasy."

When the eyes met, Luo Wenxiao felt an indescribable sharpness in the eyes of the other party, like the purple lightning piercing the sky at night, instantly illuminating the evils of the world.He could hardly keep the gentle smile on his face.

Of course, he did not leave any evidence through the Kunlun Mansion's secret aid to the enemy country, but whether it is King Jing or King Yun with a cold expression in front of him, he must have already known it.

It's okay to have ghosts in your heart, but knowing that others have already seen through everything, and we understand everything, and pretending to be in front of each other as if nothing happened, the feeling is not very pleasant.

"In the bitterly cold place in the north, the fourth brother has been stationed all year round. Now it's just snow. Does this mean that you and I will be ashamed." He forced a smile, "Anyway, it's good to come back. Today's talent is so heroic, we will definitely feel happy. If we go to the shed to rest for a while, drink a glass of feng shui wine, and then we can enter the palace to see the father."

In order to reward the three armies, a colorful shed has been set up outside the city in advance, in which a stove is placed, fine wine and fruit are placed, accompanied by drum music.

"You don't need to drink alcohol. You haven't handed over the order talisman to the Ministry of War. How can you delay enjoying yourself first? I have to thank the prince for his kindness." King Yun said.If there was a bit of politeness at the beginning, there is only a coldness in his voice at the moment, "But there is still one thing I want to use this ceremony shed. When I received the order just now, I was the commander-in-chief of the three armies; I will enter this Los Angeles to meet my father." The emperor is just a son of man, you have to take off your armor and change your clothes before entering the city gate."

Hearing the words, the officials present were all terrified. The fourth prince's reputation is now in full swing. With his great reputation in the capital and the degree of love he received, he actually expressed his intention to return the military power on the first day of his return, even before he entered the city.In terms of military rank, King Yun is already a high-ranking official, but if he doesn't take charge of the army, no matter how high the title is, it will be an empty title. What is his plan?

Many people have already speculated about the next situation in the court, and now they are trying to figure it out on their own.

Luo Wenxiao was more surprised than happy. Luo Linpian had no soldiers in his hands, and his strength naturally declined. However, with Emperor Tianyi's character, it was the most sensible way to do so.He didn't expect that King Yun, who is used to making orders like a mountain, can not only have no arrogance, but also remain vigilant when he is successful.

Before the crown prince could reply, King Yun's eyes had already passed over the courtiers who came today one by one, and then stopped on King Ning who was not far away. He paused and said, "But fifth brother?"

"Brother Sihuang, I'm Pingyuan." Luo Pingyuan walked two steps closer and said with a smile.Among the adult princes, only he is two years younger than Luo Linpian, so King An can refuse to come today, and according to etiquette, he should welcome this trip.Luo Pingyuan thought it was very good, not only could he meet the fourth brother who was similar in age, but he also wanted to catch Lin Chen by the way.

"I have heard a lot about you at the border." King Yun stared at him for a moment, his face was still cold, but there was a glimmer of fluctuation in his eyes, "I haven't seen you for many years, I didn't expect that the fifth brother has grown into a child." Such a character."

As he said that, he no longer cared about others, and actually took Luo Pingyuan's hand, walked towards the wooden shed together, and said together: "You sent your subordinates to help me a lot, fourth brother, thank you for your kindness. I heard that , you managed Jing Yuwei well."

"However, after taking over for half a year, although I tried my best to improve the procedures, the results are still not obvious." Luo Pingyuan said, "The only things I can help are trivial matters, and they are all what should be done according to my duty. Don't worry about it, brother four. superior."

"Helping the father to check the household department is indeed trivial and offending chores, and no one will thank you if you do it well. That is, you are willing to plunge in." Luo Linpian said.

Hearing his words, Luo Pingyuan seemed to be praising him, but he seemed a little disgusted, so he couldn't help smiling, thinking that Brother Sihuang really still had the same noble and clean temperament as when he was young, and he refused to get involved in anything he didn't like, and he didn't want to be with him. Anyone who deals with them will be turned away thousands of miles away, and they don't even bother to look at them. Is it the same when governing the army?

The prince didn't follow up, probably he would rather stay where he was to smooth things over, and come out by himself after Luo Linpian disarmed, rather than continue to be scorned to make fun of him.Among the few princes, the fourth prince is probably the only one who can treat the prince with this attitude.

The two walked into the wooden shed, King Yun's attendant stepped forward to help him take off his cloak, Luo Linpian waved him to go out, and took off the armor by himself.

He suddenly asked: "Fifth brother, I heard that you live in the big emperor's mansion. You said to improve the procedures, but he is helping you?"

After leaving Prince Jing's Mansion, Luo Pingyuan had always shown that his relationship with Luo Yanhua was not on good terms, so he was slightly taken aback by the question.Although King Jing didn't specifically explain, when he mentioned King Yun, he often called him Linpian in the tone of addressing his own people, and accidentally called him "Ayun" twice.Thinking of this, Luo Pingyuan felt a little awkward regardless of the occasion. Brother Huang never called himself Aning or Ayuan.While thinking about it, he couldn't help asking: "What do you think of the old case of Langhuan nine years ago, brother Sihuang?"

Unexpectedly, Luo Linpian would be turned back, glanced at him, and said lightly: "Good question."

The voice is cold, and there is an indescribable chill in it, which makes people feel oppressed.Luo Pingyuan only heard him say coldly: "I have learned a lot about the inside story back then, and I think you are the same. It's meaningless to go into details now, I only look for two points. First, I respect the character of Brother Da Huang." I believe he will not lie; secondly, the military sometimes quarrels over big and small things, and they all have their own reasons when they come to me. , Langhuan's death is difficult, and it is difficult to be displaced; but seeing the noble concubine calling the wind and rain in the harem, and the crown prince seizing power and forming a party, that is enough."

Luo Pingyuan's heart was agitated when he heard it, but the bystanders could clearly see that such an obvious fact was related to the honor and disgrace of countless lives, and even the fate of the country, but Emperor Tianyi would rather blind his eyes and never see it, let alone allow others to mention it.

While thinking about it, King Wenyun said: "Pingyuan, you are different from me, so it can be said that you are involved in it. Brother Dahuang cares about you very much, but what do you really think?"

Luo Pingyuan remained silent for a while, the Crown Prince and King An always had to expound for a long time when talking to him, he didn't expect that as soon as Wang Fu met, the few words would go straight to the essence of interests.Maybe it's because they have a tacit understanding in their hearts, and it's very happy to go straight to each other.

He said: "I will always help the eldest brother, and try my best to help him clear his grievances. My concubine mother was bewitched, made a big mistake, and was killed herself; I think she must have regretted it long ago. The mother's debt is paid, and now it is only I can try my best to make up for her sins.”

Apart from the agreement with King Jing, this is the first time he has expressed his inner thoughts in front of others. Perhaps even to Lin Chen, it is difficult for him to be so frank and direct; I feel that I can express my heart and soul without further explanation.

Hearing that his tone was flat, King Yun only nodded his head: "Since you came back, Brother Dahuang has sometimes mentioned about you in his letters. I checked his mind, and it seems that he wants to trust him."

Luo Pingyuan waited for him to continue, but King Yun stopped, pondered for a long time before saying: "I can say that this is something I can't wish for, but I'm worried that he misjudged the person, and he will suffer from it in the future, and it will be too late to regret it." Seeing your response to your answer today, it seems to be okay, so let him do as he wants, I don't care, it's just easy."

Luo Pingyuan heard the clouds and mist, and was a little bit dumbfounded.Seeing the emperor's brother every day, he didn't hear what he entrusted, so Luo Linpian came to test himself first based on his guess.He couldn't help but want to ask, what's the matter?

At this time, the personal entourage came in again and told the prince in a low voice to order someone to come and ask the Fourth Highness whether he had finished changing clothes.

"This is not a place to talk. We haven't seen each other for many years, and we don't have time to say goodbye." Luo Linpian had already changed into her usual white brocade dress, with a light fur and a gentle belt, her fierce aura of dominating the battlefield was reduced a lot, and she became more and more beautiful. Hair looks picturesque.He smiled faintly at King Ning, "In two days, I will visit the eldest brother, and then I will have a good talk with fifth brother."

Luo Pingyuan watched the figure of King Yun walking out of the ceremony shed, and after a short conversation, he already understood somewhat why Luo Linpian's clear and proud disposition was able to win the admiration and support of the officers and men in the army.

On this day, every household in Los Angeles set up incense tables outside their doors, waiting to witness the peerless demeanor of the majestic Wang Shi and His Highness King Yun who returned from victory.The Ministry of Rites has already made arrangements to prepare the guard of honor for guiding.King Yun took eight thousand armored troops and entered the city from Haimen in the north of the city.At that time, it was snowing heavily and the drums were playing, and the people of Luo City almost poured out of the city, from Hanguang Street in the north of the city to Qipan Street in the east of the city, and then turned into Zhuque Street.The army in black armor marched on the snow-covered streets with a silent solemnity. Even if cheers came from the road, the faces of the soldiers who had been in battle for a long time remained calm and stern.

Two hundred cavalry guarded King Yun's side. Among the black ranks of knives and halberds, he was the only one dressed in white like snow. Wherever he went, he aroused not cheers, but a breathless silence.

If it is not a gift from heaven, how can there be such a personable character in the world.As long as His Royal Highness King Yun is there, Yu Zhou will surely have peace on the border, and there will be no more suffering from wars.Many people knelt down on the side of the road, and even burst into tears.

Naturally, Luo Linpian didn't know at this time, because of the teacher's performance that must be carried out in accordance with the imperial court regulations, he has completely become a legend in Luocheng and even Yu Zhou; but even if he knew, he would not take it to heart. There are a series of things waiting for him to get busy.

He had to enter the palace to face the saint first, resign his military power to Emperor Tianyi, and then return the Guanfang and Tiger Talisman to the Ministry of War.Before fulfilling a bunch of red tape, he can't go back to his own mansion, so he has to temporarily live in the post house.

Although the environment in the northern border is harsh, it is indeed much more casual, while the bustling city of Los Angeles is full of thorns.He never liked to spend his time in this aspect, and he was really uncomfortable for a while.

The military exploits are no better than other achievements, and with his usual disposition, if he is not careful, he will become arrogant and self-respecting.If it wasn't for Luo Yanhua's careful reminders in the letter, even if he wasn't dazzled by countless praises and worships, there would definitely be many omissions.

King Yun dismounted in front of the Chonghua Palace, and the emperor had ascended to the Zichen Palace.The palace remains the same, and the servants who lead the way are no longer the same as before.He casually adjusted his clothes and walked into the palace gate.At this time, I suddenly thought of Luo Pingyuan, the younger brother of the fifth emperor who had just been in a hurry. When I was a child, I occasionally thought that this only younger brother was cute, but I was too lazy to get close to him.As for now, she is sharp in response and calm in speech, so she should be a talent to be made; the rare thing is that she still has a little cuteness, so she is still pleasing to the eye.Living in Prince Jing's Mansion, the elder brother probably dotes on him very much, just like back then, I don't know if it's luck or misfortune.

The returning army did not all enter the city, and the rest temporarily camped outside the city to rest, and waited for the order to be dispatched before they were stationed in various camps near Luocheng.

The emperor issued a decree to reward the three armies, and it would take a few days for the rewards to be distributed, but a large amount of pigs, sheep and fine wine had already been shipped outside the city, and his own officials were in charge of distributing them.

At this time, all the troops of King Yun were busy setting up their camps, setting up pots and stoves to cook pigs and sheep, and as the aroma of wine and meat gradually spread over the camp, there were gradually more joyful and laughing voices around.

Luo Pingyuan was not in a hurry to return to the city, he was looking for Lin Chen.Due to his meritorious service in combat, Lin Chen has been promoted two ranks from Biaoqi General, and now he is Dragon Cavalry General.After all, it has been more than two months since he was injured on the battlefield. Even if this guy's leg injury is not completely healed, he should be able to walk a few steps.But among the generals who followed King Yun into the city just now, he didn't see Lin Chen. Could it be that he was still recuperating in some tent?

The general who stayed at the camp did not dare to be negligent when he saw the fifth prince, and said quickly when he learned of his intention: "General Lin is in good condition, and should have gone to Beijing with His Royal Highness, but he himself said that it was inconvenient to move, so he didn't go. Please His Highness the Fifth Prince will wait for a while, and the general will send someone to invite him to meet him."

Luo Pingyuan felt relieved, smiled and said: "No need, I don't have anything important to do, just ask someone to point out the direction, and I'll go directly to his camp."

When he first arrived in the capital, there were quite a lot of things that needed to be handled. Seeing that King Ning had no airs, the general called a school lieutenant and ordered him to lead the way.

The military camp occupies a large area, and Lin Chen's tent is not very far from the main tent of the Chinese army, but the position is slightly off, and there are two personal soldiers standing outside.Luo Pingyuan unconsciously recalled the scene of talking about hunting together when Wu Lan was hunting. We separated for half a year, and each had a lot of experience. After all, what can be written in the letter is limited. For example, the Huangsi incident. , Fortunately, I can finally see people.

There was only room for a few beds in the small tent.King Ning lifted the curtain and went in, and immediately saw General Lin Shao, whom he hadn't seen for half a year.

Lin Chen was sitting on the only chair, leaning on a wooden crutch beside him, with his head down, as if thinking alone.Hearing the noise, when he looked up, surprise and surprise flashed across his eyes, and then he was a little at a loss, and lost his voice: "Ping Yuan, why are you here!"

"Why can't I come? You said so sadly in your last letter, and then you haven't heard from me for almost a month. Can you make people worry?" Luo Pingyuan said angrily, walked to the bed and sat down.

He did not reveal the shock in his heart.Compared with when he was leaving, Lin Chen was obviously thinner, and his expression showed more vicissitudes of battle, which is the case for most of the generals who returned from the northern border.Of course, he still looked handsome, but to Luo Pingyuan's surprise, he couldn't find the familiar cheerfulness and high-spiritedness on Lin Chen's face, and replaced it with an indescribable gloomyness.He was all emaciated.

"Is your shoulder injury and leg better?" Just like meeting the sad Xue Ning just now, Luo Pingyuan also didn't know how to say the many words in his heart, so he tried to ask first.

"The shoulders have healed, and the legs are not fully healed, but they can still walk." The surprise in his eyes disappeared in a flash, Lin Chen smiled, and he could see that he was still happy, but he couldn't cheer up, " Pingyuan, I know you have something to ask me, but there are some things that I haven't figured out myself, so I don't know how to tell you. It's also because I'm useless, I've been thinking about it all the way, but my heart is still very confused. You... Can you go back first, let me think about it for a few more days, and wait until my leg recovers before going to you?"

"..." King Ning never expected that after waiting for a month, he was ordered to evict the guest at the very first sentence they met.He was a little skeptical, this person in front of him was really his enthusiastic and cheerful friend?

He couldn't help but have more doubts and scrutiny in his eyes, but Lin Chen turned his head and looked away, unwilling to meet his gaze, and said in a low voice: "I don't plan to go home, I will stay in the army, I just want to rest for a few days before telling How are you?" There was a hint of pleading in his voice, as if there were many unspeakable difficulties.

If it was normal, Luo Pingyuan might really pat him on the shoulder, turn around and leave, and wait for Lin Chen to figure it out; after all, everyone will encounter knots that cannot be solved.However, at present, he has been waiting in worry for a full month, not only for himself, but also for Luo Xuening's weight, he really doesn't want to endure the attitude of avoiding the Lord when something like this happens.

"No matter where you can't get through, I can wait. After all, you, Lin Chen, have never agreed with me." He lowered his face and said coldly, "I don't know Yelu Shibao from Beiliao and Wanyan Chaoruo from Yijin Knowing that you have something on your mind, are you willing to turn around and go back instead of coming to Los Angeles to ask for a marriage."

Lin Chen shook violently, but still didn't say anything, and didn't turn around.

There was an unknown fire in King Ning's heart, and he didn't want to care about General Lin's injury, anyway, he was almost healed, so he grabbed his collar immediately, "Whatever happened in Hanguan, it was all nine years ago It's over. You are evading and retreating like this, without even saying a word, what do you want Xue Ning to do! Are you still a man? Don't let me look down on you, if you don't make it clear today, you won't even have to be friends in the future!"

"Ping Yuan," Lin Chen's voice was trembling, almost not like his original one, he finally said, "You let go first, I...I'll tell you."

Seeing his face turning pale, Luo Pingyuan felt that what he said seemed a little heavy.He slowly let go of his hand: "What's the matter? You have to tell me, so we can find a way. We have planned for you about the martial arts competition."

"Contest." Lin Chen took a quick breath, with a wry smile on his lips.The crutch beside him had been knocked to the ground by two people, he bent over to pick it up, propped it up with one shoulder, and stood up with difficulty, "I have long thought that this camp is too stuffy, let's go for a walk, you I'll understand." Then, he walked out of the tent on his own crutches.

Luo Pingyuan stood still, seeing Lin Chen take two steps, his heart sank suddenly: "What's the matter with your leg?" He felt his voice trembling.

He is not a doctor, but he can still distinguish between the unsteady gait when the bone injury is about to heal and the stagger of the disabled. Moreover, although Lin Chen's right knee is not scary, it is enough to see the unnatural distortion.

For a while, he looked at Lin Chen's legs in disbelief, with unspeakable guilt and sadness in his heart, and said softly, "Didn't you say it's okay, it's almost healed?"

"Pingyuan," Lin Chen turned around slowly, with a blank look in his eyes, he said in a low voice, "What else can I give Xue Ning? The military doctor said that my leg must be lame from now on. "