Emperor Que Shaohua

The rain in early spring fell on the streets and alleys, like a soft whisper, saying that the frozen winter is far away, and another spring has ushered in Los Angeles.

In the evening, King Jing and King Ning were not the only ones who took a walk in the drizzle to settle their minds. In the Dingjianhou's mansion, Major General Lin Chen also used a crutch after dinner, and slowly walked out of his room. , want to walk around.

It has been more than two months since he returned to Los Angeles and was boned again by the owner of Mengxian Valley in Prince Jing's Mansion. Perhaps the treatment, medicine and care received this time are far better than the previous one, and his knee has recovered quite well. , Since seven or eight days ago, I have been able to walk a few steps in my courtyard with crutches.

During these days when he was recuperating at home, Ding Jianhou was also worried. He invited an imperial doctor to examine him, and he came to the conclusion that there is no need to worry, as long as he recuperates slowly. not to be damaged.It could be seen that the gray-haired imperial doctor admired Xi Minghua's method of connecting muscles and bones. Seeing the prescription of dietary soup and medicine, he also admired it, and turned around to ask which national player did it.Lin Chen didn't want to reveal Dr. Xi's name, and only answered vaguely that it was His Royal Highness King Ning who hired a famous doctor for him.

Others don't know, but Ding Jianhou learned from the soldiers in the army that his son was almost doomed to be handicapped before, and now he is naturally happy and grateful, but at the same time, he can't help feeling fearful.The crown prince and King Ning were obviously at odds with each other in terms of political views, and there was not much brotherhood left after the Huangjue incident. The relationship between the son and the fifth prince was so good, it would not be a problem in the eyes of the crown prince.But seeing Concubine Han falling out of favor, the prince also losing his sacred heart, his power is not as good as before; King Ning's talent has attracted the attention of the government and the public, and he is on the rise. Can the future of the Hou Mansion be as rock-solid as once thought?

After returning to the Hou's mansion, his mother cried in her arms and greeted him every day, showing great concern for him. His father, Lin Huai'an, put on the airs of being the lord of a mansion, but actually would come to sit for a while every few days.Lin Chen was reluctant to speak at first, but gradually, he realized that he had to face the reality, and it was not an option to just immerse himself in his emotions.

He didn't mention the past that he learned in the north to his father, so he didn't know where to start, and what use would it be to say it.But I couldn't help worrying. After all, it was a family member. In exchange for status and honor over the years, could my father have done too many things that should not be done, and his feet have fallen into deep trouble?He began to carefully pay attention to what Lin Huai'an was busy with every day, and what information was revealed in his speech.

For Lin Chen, who has just turned 20, this worry is not all that worries him.Entering February, the Forbidden Army Academy is full of swords, lights and swords, and the sky is full of excitement. The victory or defeat of each battle, the gains and losses of each arena, will quickly pass through the excited crowd and spread to the streets and alleys at an unbelievable speed. Hearing this, he crossed the thick city wall of Luocheng, which was more than four feet high, and flew in all directions.The dense courtyard of Dingjianhou's Mansion could not stop the news that it seemed to have grown wings. No matter how calm Lin Chen was, he couldn't help but care about the battle situation and sent his entourage out to investigate every day.

Like every ordinary Yuzhou person, he is happy for his country's victory and grits his teeth for the arrogance or despicability of Liao and Jin, but these are only the most superficial emotions.The martial arts competition in Luocheng represents the honor and disgrace of Yu and Zhou, and it is another battlefield outside the northern border. The unpredictable and dangerous battle may not be under the blood-stained battle in the mountains; the difference is that it will decide between himself and Xue condensed future.For so many years, the younger generation has been fighting for this, but as the person who should do his best, he has done nothing, can't do anything, and can only entrust his fate to waiting.

Lin Chen believed in his good friend Luo Pingyuan, and in the King of Jing Luo Yanhua, but his feelings about everything were so complicated that he couldn't describe it, and he was almost jealous that Luo Pingyuan could think so clearly.If he could, he really hoped to stand on any ring and fight until he was covered in blood, exhausted, and finally fell down, which was better than being helpless now.So many people are fighting for or protecting the princess, but shouldn't Xue Ning be guarded by him? Sometimes, he feels that his heart is tormented like cooking oil. Go on, will God really allow me to get my wish for nothing?

As time passed day by day, all he could do was to heal his wounds. He drank every soup and every bowl of bone soup boiled with medicinal materials seriously, and waited in endless thoughts until he could move freely again.It has been almost five months since he was injured on the battlefield, and the last time he was with Xue Ning was last summer, Xiaolu Youyou must have grown up.Sometimes in the middle of the night when no one was around, he would quietly take out the purse in his arms, look at the exquisite patterns on it, and then think of the lush and lush Mulan paddock, the goodbyes in the gazebo by the small lake, and Luo Pingyuan coming from the palace. Bring back the oath.Only at this time, he would feel a hint of gentle comfort.But sometimes I also think, why is there a chubby little tiger embroidered on the purse? Is it in Xue Ning's heart that she still has no ability to protect him, but needs the protection of others just like him?

In this way, until the end of the martial arts competition yesterday, he learned of Yu Zhou's record and the unexpected fall of the Frozen Terrace.The personal entourage sent to the school to observe the situation came back very angry, but also a little worried, saying that the three winners in his country are all outstanding martial arts and character.Lin Chen breathed a sigh of relief, with Luo Pingyuan's character and ability, he would definitely take care of the Liao people, at least Xue Ning would not fall into the hands of foreign barbarians.

Perhaps it was because I finally got the confirmed news, so I really wanted to stay outside for a while today.Lin Chen pointed the slightly wet path under his feet with a wooden turn, and walked slowly in the first rain this spring.The entourage followed suit, holding an oil-paper umbrella for him, and advised the young master to return to the room early, so as not to catch a cold accidentally.Lin Chen just ignored and walked slowly towards the back garden of the mansion.He didn't feel how cold the humid air was. The raindrops fell on the top of the umbrella and the ground, which made him feel the peace he hadn't seen for a long time, as if his heart, which had been immersed in tension and bitterness for a long time, could finally relax.

A few days ago, Concubine Rong in the palace had sent someone to send some valuable supplements, which were given to her mother in name, but actually for herself, and she should have learned about the progress of her leg injury from the imperial doctor.King Ning also sent two letters, the last one also said that when the ring was over, he would take time to visit him.

Because of this sentence, Lin Chen couldn't help but look forward to it. He was so depressed that Luo Pingyuan might bring a message from the princess.In addition to talking about Xue Ning and the martial arts competition, he still had one thing in his mind. He didn't know whether he should mention it to King Ning: Marquis Ding Jian seldom returns late, but since about ten days ago, he has been uncharacteristically, and has come under curfew several times. Just go back to the house.He learned from his mother that the prince had summoned him and went to the East Palace to discuss matters.

What kind of official business needs to be discussed repeatedly, so urgent?Lin Chen didn't pay much attention at the beginning, but when he casually asked his father about it, Lin Huai'an immediately darkened, first said it was an official business, and then reprimanded him not to talk nonsense.

If it was just like this, Lin Chen might not have thought too much about it, but since he went to the East Palace twice, he felt that his father's state was a bit unusual, even when he was talking to himself, he would look in a daze. Uncertain, although he tried his best to pretend nothing had happened, but the involuntary worry couldn't hide from his eyes.

What exactly did the prince discuss with his father?The doubts in Lin Chen's heart gradually expanded.Thinking back to Ding Jianhou's attitude of avoiding and not answering, it didn't seem like he was angry because of the abrupt question, but seemed nervous?

When his attention was temporarily removed from the competition, he couldn't help thinking about the abnormalities of his parents.

There is no news from King Ning yet, most likely because he is too busy with the aftermath and is still at a loss for resources. When Ping Yuan arrives, maybe he should at least find out what the prince has been up to lately.

The back garden of Dingjianhou's Mansion is not very big, but there are also ponds and rockeries, with stacked rocks, flowers and trees to create a pattern of winding paths leading to seclusion.While thinking about it, General Lin had already walked near the pond. It was getting late, and the willows by the pond were faintly visible, and the tender green branches were swaying in the mist and rain. His entourage was still around to persuade him that walking for too long would be bad for the knees.Lin Chen felt that this guy was very annoying, so he took the oiled paper umbrella over and said with a smile: "It's hard to relax, I have to stay a little longer, you go back and get me a thicker cloak. Go, I will wait for it. "

The attendant was not at ease, but couldn't bear to be urged repeatedly, so he ran towards the residence quickly.Lin Chen won't wait for him when he gets a free time. Holding an umbrella in one hand and turning a pole with the other, he made a turn along the path. He remembered that this area was relatively secluded, and there was a small pavilion by the water.

The pavilion has twelve corners, surrounded by fences on the outside, and a solid room inside.Ding Jianhou arranged the interior as a study, and occasionally came to live there for a day or two when he wanted to hide away, but usually it was vacant.

There was silence all around, Lin Chen originally stayed in to rest his feet, but when he approached, he heard a familiar voice from the pavilion. "Master Hou, after living in this pavilion for three days, have you really made up your mind? It's not because I'm cowardly, this matter... this matter is really related to the family and life of the whole family, so I can't excuse my illness and ask that person in the East Palace to show you a noble hand It’s really not possible, we resigned from the government and went back to our hometown, at least we can have a stable meal.”

There was some pleading in the gentle voice, it was his mother, Lin Chen was startled, not only because the content of the words surprised him, but also because of the deep worry in his mother's tone.

"It's not that I've made up my mind, but I have to do it if I don't do it. Whenever His Highness opens his mouth, how can he refuse?" Ding Jianhou's voice followed, as if he deliberately lowered it, but still couldn't hide his irritability, "Woman Road He has little knowledge, and he still talks about resigning from office, how can it be easy to get off after getting on this boat!"

Lin Chen suddenly realized that the reason why there was no one around the pavilion was that his father had sent him away specially, and what they were talking about might not only solve many of his doubts, but also be of great importance.He unconsciously held his breath, walked as lightly as possible, moved to a more secluded position, sat down on the fence and continued to listen.

His internal strength is not bad, although the voice in the room is quiet, it still reaches the ears without missing a word.

"However, no matter which one of the two things that the Marquis promised is wrong, it is a serious crime." The mother's voice was trembling, and there was a trace of choking in it, which was obviously disturbed, "I am a concubine. I don’t know anything, as long as it’s for the sake of the Hou’s mansion, it’s fine, but I beg Lord Hou to think about it for Chen’er, he doesn’t know anything, in case the Fifth Highness will pursue it later... Besides, Concubine Rong has always cared about our family. , Chen'er is still waiting for you to come forward and ask His Majesty for a marriage."

"It was for Chen'er's sake that I gritted my teeth and responded." Lin Huai'an put away his impatience, lowered his voice, but sounded more serious, "I'll tell you clearly now, I It has not been a day or two for the Lin family to work for the East Palace, and they have been tied together for a long time. Otherwise, these years of prosperity would have been for nothing? If the situation of the prince does not improve, we will definitely be dragged into the water, and then it will still be a serious crime. What future can Chen'er have? Therefore, it is imperative to fight hard, not all because of the order of the prince, but also for himself!"

He paused, as if feeling a little emotional: "It's a pity that you still think about Princess Shang. If there was hope two years ago, now, Chen'er doesn't have this life, so let's protect yourself first."

Mother didn't make a sound, she didn't know whether she was wiping her tears or was frightened by these words.

"Madam, don't worry too much. It's very simple to do. His Highness the Fifth Highness has already said that he will come to the manor to see Chen'er, and I will try to invite him tomorrow. At that time, you only need to entertain him as usual, just like what your husband told you before." , cook a few small dishes in the kitchen, and then serve the small altar of wine, just pour two cups for them." Lin Huai'an slowed down his tone and continued, "The medicine came from the East Palace, put it in the wine It is colorless and tasteless, and there is no abnormality on the spot after drinking it. It will take twelve hours to attack. It was really heavy at first, but it recovered after ten and a half months. Everyone knows that His Royal Highness has been under a lot of pressure recently, and his illness is like a mountain. But, who would suspect us? Even if he feels suspicious, it's useless if he has no reason."

There was no delay in what he said, and it could be heard that he had thought it over and over again. Lin Chen stayed outside, feeling that the blood in his whole body was getting cold.He instantly remembered what happened to Heng Dao in Hanguan City. Ten years later, his father wanted to do the same thing as his uncle.The same deliberation, taking advantage of others' unpreparedness, the same instigation by others, and even using oneself.The narration of the comrades in Shao'an City is unforgettable, but now it's their turn to hear it with their own ears, and the shock is even more like a thunderbolt.For a moment, he sat blankly, hardly knowing where he was.The mother's hesitant voice followed in her ears: "His Royal Highness really has an antidote for Chen'er, so it won't hurt his body? I really can't figure it out. His Highness Fifth is about to compete with the Liao people. It's a good thing. He If you fall ill, what will you do next?"

"Don't think about it if you don't understand it. This is a man's business, and it is for the overall situation of my Yuzhou." Ding Jianhou said lightly, "It is just a temporary dispute with Beiliao, and the status of His Royal Highness is a matter of eternal importance. If you can't play temporarily at a critical moment, you will inevitably lose love in front of the army. Someone will clean up the mess for him. Even I follow orders, so don't ask more questions, what are you thinking about. Chen'er's antidote will be clear the next day. Send it, otherwise the two of them fell ill at the same time, wouldn't it be revealing."

There was a moment of silence in the pavilion, and then my mother said: "Master Hou, I will do what you want. If Chen'er has any complaints in the future, I will only hate me. If something happens in the future, I will bear the responsibility alone. But I There is an unfeeling request, the other thing His Royal Highness wants you to do is too risky, please decline it."

There was another silence, and Ding Jianhou didn't seem to have expected his wife's tone to be so firm. After a while, he sighed, "You can think of it, but I can't? But this one must be done. Compared with asking you to It is more important to do it. I will not hide it from you, but now the arrow is on the line, Yu Deshu has received the order, and it will be done tonight."

Lin Chen's stunned mind became sober again, and he remembered that Yu Deshu was a general in the mansion in the past, and he had a solid kung fu.When his father led the army in his early years, he saved the lives of his family by chance. Yu Deshu was grateful for his kindness.

Lin Chen is no stranger to Deshu. Every New Year's Day, this strong old man would come to visit his father, and he never missed the etiquette.

He was recalling what kind of position this person held, when he heard his mother tremblingly say, "In the middle of the night, put a big living person in the palace city, and if it is discovered, it will become an assassin. I just heard about it in the past few days. Now, there are thieves in the palace. What if we investigate and deal with it? Master Hou will take back his order soon, so he must not do it!"

"I've even noticed this, I really can't underestimate Madam." Lin Huai'an smiled instead, and it spread into Lin Chen's ears, a smile that pretended to be relaxed, but actually revealed tension and excitement, "It won't implicate the mansion. , in order to be safe, do you know how many people are cooperating in secret, and how well-planned the arrangements are? Send that young man in tonight, and at this time tomorrow, His Highness will be able to eliminate the biggest opponent, and I will also go to Dingjianhou's mansion Many years of hidden dangers, you can sit back and relax. You said that Chen’er stayed in Jingwang’s mansion a while ago, why was he worried about being a husband? The eldest prince has a long-standing grudge against my Lin family. As long as he is still alive, one day he will take revenge on us and hurt Chen’er. This danger , is worth the risk."

Lin Chen silently listened to his father's explanation of the plan, and dispelled his mother's worries. The young man who was restrained was the hidden guard next to King Jing. He was sent in by thieves in the palace. How would you react if you found out?

He spoke briefly and to the point.Some places are reasonable, while others are puzzling. Why are you so certain that as long as you follow the plan, King Jing will surely die when he enters the palace tomorrow?Lin Chen didn't know how his mother felt, he just felt that his whole body was cold from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet.Finally, I remembered that Yu Deshu's mission was to supervise the transportation of newly drawn spring water from Xishan into Chonghua Palace every night at five o'clock.

Ding Jianhou has been thinking about it day and night for many days, and he has no one to share, so he is quite unhappy. At this time, he has already said that the future will come true. The descendants managed to find Yin Meng; he also said, "King Ning is now threatening more and more. If Chen'er gets too close, the prince will suspect that our family is on two boats. It may not be a bad thing to break it now. It is not because I am cruel. In the world, anyone who is involved in the power and position of the heavenly family has never been one or the other, life and death, now looking forward and backward, it will be the turn of others to be slaughtered in the future."

Lin Chen subconsciously rubbed his numb legs, got up slowly, and tried his best not to make any noise.His mind was still confused, but an urgent thought had come to him: to leave as soon as possible, before his father found out that he had been here.

The sky is already dark, and the rain is still falling. How long did it take for the conversation just now?One stick of incense, two cups of tea?It was so short compared to the 20 years he had experienced, but it seemed to have subverted his life again.In my impression, his father Lin Huai'an often puts on the majesty of the Marquis, but he is actually a cautious, sometimes even submissive person. He has never seen such a chilling determination and viciousness. It is the first time, perhaps never before. Really understand my father.

Thanks to the spring rain tonight, the wooden crutch landed on the wet soil without making a sound, but after taking two steps, there was a sound of hurried footsteps from far to near, and someone ran towards him and shouted, "Master , so you are here!"

Lin Chen was terrified, but he had no time to stop it. The unlucky follower was wearing a cloak and was sweating profusely, "I've searched everywhere for the little one, and I've been looking at it for a long time."

There was a sudden silence in the pavilion, the door opened suddenly, Ding Jianhou walked out quickly, and shouted sharply: "Who is outside?"

The shock Lin Chen received is far from over, but this is after all

This is the second time, he has also experienced those crises where life and death were on the line on the battlefield.In an instant, he instinctively turned around, making himself look like he was walking towards the pavilion along the path, then turned around and said in a low voice, "What's the point of yelling, young master, I'm just fighting at the Taihu Stone." Turn around, you idiot will not be able to find it. I just turned a corner and walked this way, and I was startled by you again, so I couldn’t stop talking!"

Then he bowed to Ding Jianhou: "I saw the shadow of a lamp from a distance, and I came to have a look out of curiosity, but my father is still busy, is my mother here to deliver supper?" Next, his expression doesn't look too stiff.

When Ding Jianhou saw his only son, the murderous intent in his eyes dissipated immediately, and his expression softened a little, but he still stared sharply at his face for a moment before he said: "It's so late, why don't you stay in the room to rest, and run out to take a risk. How long has the rain been running around?"

"It hasn't been long. It's really boring to rest in bed all day long." Lin Chen tried his best to appear as usual, and smiled, "It's just a little rainy, and I just came out to get some air. Why can't my mother cook supper?"

The entourage didn't dare to say anything more, and stepped forward cautiously to put the cloak on Lin Chen. Madam Ding Jianhou's heart was in the air, and she let it go at this moment, feeling sorry for her son, and said quickly: "I still walk around with bad legs. Why don't you go back soon, when you are missing from the midnight snack, my mother will send someone to send it later."

Lin Chen couldn't wait for the sound, his thoughts were ups and downs, he felt his whole body was cold, and at the same time he was so nervous and anxious that he was about to smoke, fearing that he would be seen as strange if he huddled around for a while, he immediately agreed: "I'm a little tired, so I'll go back Let's go." As he spoke, he handed over the umbrella in his hand to his followers, and slowly leaned on his crutches, turned and left.

Standing in front of the door, Ding Jianhou looked thoughtfully at his son's receding figure: "Chen'er doesn't look right, his face is too pale."

"You mean, Lord Hou, he might have heard it? I don't see it." Madam was taken aback, but couldn't help feeling uneasy, "Our voice is very quiet, and there is no movement outside, so it shouldn't be so? Besides, even if you hear Going to say a word, he also knows Hou Ye's painstaking efforts, nothing will happen."

"Don't think too easily." Lin Huai'an's face had a flash of coldness, "Since he came back from the northern border, I think he has changed a lot, he refused to go home, and lived in Jingwang's mansion for a month. Yu, I don't know what I've been thinking these days, and I've been out of my mind all day long."

There is no room for change in the plan, he said solemnly: "Chen'er remembers the princess, there is no guarantee that he will not make a big mistake in a flash of his head. The matter is too big, it is better to be careful."

Lin Chen returned to his courtyard and sat blankly for a moment.Sentences from the conversation he heard just now came to mind, and he suddenly realized that King Ning, King Jing and Xue Ning had all been involved in the two events planned by his father and the prince.Some places were cryptic, but he could feel the ominousness in them.If it wasn't to manipulate Xue Ning's marriage contract, why would someone else take Ping Yuan's place in the martial arts competition at the expense of drugging?There is also the framing of King Jing...

If all what the father said came true, what would the situation be like?Who will Xue Ning be forced to marry?Will Ping Yuan turn against him?If King Jing is killed, how many people will die because of this, or will they be wronged forever?

It is unknown how much the Dingjianhou Mansion has done for the prince in the past ten years, but what he is about to commit now is already a heinous crime.

He shivered violently.Dare not to think about it anymore, even the continuous spring rain outside the window seems to become miserable at this moment. Through the night, relatives are like parents, friends are like King Ning, beloved Princess Danyang, everyone's unpredictable fate seems to be suddenly revealed in the dark night and wind and rain. He became precarious, and there was also Yu Zhou's family country that he was still fighting for a few months ago.

God's will led him outside the pavilion on the eve of the eve, and when he learned of the plot, what would he do?

He raised his voice and wanted to call his followers to come in, but there was no answer outside.

At this moment, the gate of the courtyard opened, and it was the mother who ordered two servant girls to bring the supper, along with a close entourage of the father, who bowed respectfully and said: "Master Hou sees that the servants around the young master are reckless. , I am afraid that the lack of service will affect your recovery, so I have to teach him to learn the rules for a few days. It would be good for the younger one to accompany you for the past two days."

"No matter how good it is, then there will be trouble." Lin Chen's heart sank suddenly.Sure enough, Lin Huai'an still became suspicious.But he still didn't care, and casually took the bird's nest from the maid.

There was another sound of footsteps outside the courtyard, passing by the door.Seeing that Lin Chen listened attentively, he said with a smile, "Young Master, I learned that, Lord Hou said just now that there are a lot of barbarians in the city and outside, and the defense of the mansion must be strengthened. From today onwards, the number of inspections will be doubled, and it will be earlier at night." The doors are closed, and no one is allowed to enter or leave at will."