Xie Xiang

Compared with ordinary women, Xie Yi is not short, but Liu Zao is two inches taller than her.Her guilt, uneasiness, annoyance, and gratitude were intertwined with deeper and deeper love, and her complex emotions were chaotic. She hugged her very tightly.

"Auntie." She called softly, with dependence, gratitude, and deep grievances in her words, as if she blamed her for not saying it earlier.His Majesty's eyes were red.

Xie Yi noticed it, so she relaxed her body first, leaning on Liu Zao's arms, freeing her hand to caress the child's back.Her comforting was very effective. Gradually, Liu Zao also relaxed, and the strength of holding her also loosened.But as soon as she relaxed, she hugged Xie Yi even tighter, as if holding a unique treasure.

"I should have recognized you earlier." Liu Zao said guiltily.She has great kindness to her, even if she only saw her when she was young, she should not forget her.

This is where you start to blame yourself.Xie Yi was a little helpless, but felt that His Majesty was really cute.She still didn't speak, and gently stroked her back, her shoulders, comforting her with the utmost tenderness.

The palm of her hand caressed her body, it was obviously soft, but full of strength, Liu Zao finally calmed down, and the complicated emotions settled down a little, and he was no longer so upset.

Only then did Xie Yi say, "I don't blame you."

Hearing this, Liu Zao tried to bend the corners of his lips, but found it so difficult.

"Clear the empress and the crown prince." Xie Yi said again, her chin resting on Liu Zao's shoulder, her voice rang in her ears.

Liu Zao nodded heavily: "Yeah!" The mood was much more stable, Xie Xiang had done so much, and it was time to leave it to her.

Xie Yi knew from her obviously heavier breathing and her extraordinarily solemn tone that she had regained her composure, and her eyes softened, revealing a doting look, and continued, "Jaen Weishi."

Liu Zao agreed again: "Okay!"

After coaxing the child, Xie Yi felt a little peace of mind. After thinking for a while, she raised her hand and touched the back of the little emperor's head. It was neatly combed hair, soft and smooth. With the palm of her hand on it, she could vaguely feel the softness under the hair. body temperature.

Liu Zao liked it, and she realized it at this time, she hugged Xie Xiang, Xie Xiang's soft body was in her arms, and the fragrance of her body was a little bit cold in the cold wind of winter evening.Liu Zao was so obsessed, she thought that she might be suffering from a disease called Xie Yi, and only Xie Yi could be cured by taking medicine.

Unexpectedly, Xie Yi touched her head, indicating that she should let go.But the little emperor remained motionless, and even lowered his head, burying his head in her neck.She suddenly noticed something was wrong, but she couldn't say anything about it.

She patted the emperor's shoulder lightly, and said softly, "Your Majesty, let go."

Liu Zao had no choice but to let go, she backed away a little, her eyes were still red, and at this moment, she looked extremely wronged.Xie Yi couldn't bear to see her pitiful appearance, so he comforted her: "Don't feel guilty, don't blame yourself, being a wise king is enough to comfort the prince's heroic spirit."

"No." Liu Zao agreed, she looked at Xie Yi, she still had a lot to say, but unfortunately it was dark.

They were in the front yard, and there were countless servants and aides passing by.Mr. Xiao Lang, who came from nowhere, couldn't help but hugged the Prime Minister, and some servants had already seen him.It's just that the Xiangfu's family style is strict.Whether the servants or the staff, they didn't dare to take a second look. Seeing this situation, they all lowered their heads to avoid suspicion and hurried away.

So far, there is no one around.

Xie Yi glanced at the sky, and said, "Your Majesty, go back to the palace. It's already dusk, so walk slowly."

Liu Zao knew it was too late to stay, but she really didn't want to leave Prime Minister Xie. She struggled for a while, and finally said obediently: "Then I will go first, and you, you will settle down earlier."

Xie Yi smiled, agreed and sent her outside the door.

When Liu Zao returned to the palace, his heart was much calmer, not as turbulent as when he came.

She went to the palace, ate some food casually, and then returned to the bedroom.

There is a brazier in the greenhouse hall, which is warm and harmonious.Liu Zao took off her cloak, and the black dress further accentuated her slender figure.Zhengdan is approaching, and after Zhengdan, it will be the second year of Yuanzhen, and she will be 16 years old.

When she entered the palace at the age of 14, she had just recovered from a serious illness. She was very thin, her cheeks were slightly sunken, and she was not tall, even shorter than Xie Xiang.

In just one and a half years, she didn't know when, she suddenly jumped up, like a newly planted sapling in spring, growing rapidly.Although she was still thin, her complexion was obviously much better than when she first entered the palace.

What is even more surprising is that she seems to have changed in person, her demeanor, demeanor, words and deeds have all changed drastically.

Liu Zao sat in the hall for a while, took a look at the scroll, but missed Mr. Xie again.She tried her best to turn her energy to the bamboo slips in her hand, but it didn't work. Xie Xiang's eyes and Xie Xiang's smile occupied her brain.

Liu Zao closed her eyes, endured it, and finally gave up, she opened her eyes again, and said loudly: "Everyone back down."

The palace servants moved in unison, saluted neatly, then turned around and filed out.

When the last person retreated, Liu Zao stood up, picked up the lamp on the long table, and went to the side hall.

It was a quiet room with simple furnishings, a smooth floor, a few couches in the depths, and rows of lamps on both sides.Liu Zao walked over, lit the lamps on both sides, and then put the lamps in his hands on the table.

Then she turned around and saw the copper lamp in the middle of the quiet room.

The copper lamp is about half a person's height, carved into a human shape, and his face is carefully carved according to Xie Yi's appearance, lifelike, almost exactly the same, the black hair is tied up in a bun, his clothes are half-faded, revealing his fragrant shoulders, his hands are in front of him, holding A lamp, just blocking the scenery in front of him.

This was cast by a skillful craftsman from Changyi Kingdom, and it has been here for many days.Liu Zao often comes to visit, and every time he looks at it, he expresses his lovesickness.Just looking at the appearance is like drinking poison to quench thirst.Lovesickness can only be solved, and she will have infinite thoughts because of the slipped clothes of "Xie Xiang". Only by dragging this person to the couch and loving him can she completely "quench her thirst".

It's been like this every time I've been back.

She involuntarily raised her hand to caress the face of "Xie Xiang", her eyes were fascinated, and she involuntarily murmured: "Auntie."

Like the previous few times, she moved her eyes down again and touched the bare shoulders of "Xie Yi". Yi" body, covering her body.

Annoyance and shame appeared in Liu Zao's eyes, like a child who has made a mistake, and said in a low voice: "Liu Zao is a bastard, aunt please forgive me once."

She shouldn't have done this, she shouldn't have been so profane.

It is true that she loves Xie Xiang, and her mind remains unchanged.But after knowing the past, the situation is different again.Previously, she regarded Xie Yi as the person she loved, and it was okay to act dissolutely and frivolously. Human relations were inevitable, and she always had to do that.

But now, after learning about the past, she no longer dares to be so presumptuous - Xiang Xie really regards her as a junior and loves her.She has no children, and she is not married, as Ye Ting Ling said, even if she has children, it is nothing more than that.She treats her really well, not asking for anything in return.

She still admires her, but there is more respect and bitterness in this love.

Is Xie Xiang tempted by her?

Could she really have her?

Liu Zao was confused and in pain, while Xie Yi on the other end was not at ease.

Her mother suddenly entered the study, came up to her, and asked who the young man was.

No one knows Liu Zao's identity except his confidantes and staff.The old lady's eyes were cold, and her old face was covered with wrinkles.She was extremely beautiful when she was young, the famous Wei Zifu's younger sister, her appearance was naturally good.It's a pity that she is immoral, and as she gets older, she appears extraordinarily mean.

Xie Yi was reading the official documents, when she heard the sound, she raised her head and glanced at the two servants in front of the door. The servant immediately knelt down, bowed her head and said, "The little one is guilty, he shouldn't be allowed to trespass and disturb the peace of the prince."

Xie Yi withdrew her gaze and landed on the old lady's face.The old lady was pale and trembling with anger.

However, Xie Yi never gave her face, no matter how angry she was, there was nothing she could do.The old lady restrained her anger, and said coldly: "You are old, you should think about big things, that young man has a handsome appearance and luxurious clothes, he should be a child of Guijie."

Hearing her describe Liu Zao like this, Xie Yi smiled inwardly, but there was no expression on her face, she lowered her head and continued to read the volume of official documents.

The old lady was still saying: "You are the prime minister, and the power is in the hands of the people. Although there is a big difference between you two, because of this power, the gentleman's family must also agree with the matter between the two of you."

Xie Yi didn't open her mouth, she was well aware of her biological mother's nature, she expected that she would have something to say later, but the woman said again: "A young man's nature is uncertain, he is unreliable, now you are still attractive, he can be tender and affectionate, live a few years, You look haggard, but he is still young, who knows that he still has the deep affection he has today."

"It's not as good as your fourth brother, the two families are familiar with each other, and they have fallen in love with you for a long time, so they will definitely treat you well."

The old tune is repeated.

The fourth brother in her mouth is named Chen Mu.The old lady has two sons and one daughter, the second son is the son of Chen Zhang, both of them have entered the official position, but they are minor officials, far less prominent than Xie Yi, and considering the two's ability, it is afraid that they will not have the time to be dignified.Chen Mu is the second cousin.The Chen family is in decline, and the old lady wants to help the Chen family, so she wants to match the two.

Seeing that she had finished speaking, Xie Yi raised her head and glanced at the two servants at the door.The servant understood, got up quickly, and said to the old lady: "Please go back, old lady."

She didn't even speak to her.The old lady was furious and was about to scold, but met Xie Yi's cold eyes.Xie Yi looked at her as if he was looking at someone who had nothing to do with her. If she was disrespectful, Xie Yi would really make people punish her.

All the words of scolding were swallowed back.The old lady nodded, said two good words, turned and walked out.

As soon as she left, the room became peaceful again, and the servant carefully closed the door.Xie Yi turned her eyes back to the bamboo slips in front of her again, her emotions remained unchanged.After a long time, Fang frowned slightly between her brows.

Liu Zao didn't know these things.She began to look forward to seeing Xie Yi, and tried every means to summon her.He is partial and unwilling to appear impatient and immature, and the reason for calling must be found to be reasonable.

Fortunately, at the end of the year, there are many government affairs, Liu Zao really has many things to discuss with Xie Yi.

They discuss the state affairs first, and after the discussion, Liu Zao always spends more time with Xie Yi and asks about the past.Her mother passed away many years ago, she couldn't remember her appearance, and there was not even a trace of her in her memory.She couldn't help but ask what her mother looked like and what kind of temperament she was.

Xie Yi also answered her seriously, telling her everything she knew.Liu Zao listened to her description, and a woman appeared in her mind, dressed in the clothes of a concubine, timid and cowardly, but tenacious and unyielding, and she was born under the risk.

She didn't really miss her mother very much, because she never remembered her.But after hearing what Xie Yi said, she missed her like never before.If the mother is still there, she can be filial to her.

Liu Zao will also ask about Prince Wei.Prince Wei is a taboo, no one in the palace mentions it, and the ministers don't talk about it if they can.She could only ask Xie Yi.

Xie Yi should be more familiar with the prince and that palace lady.

They sat under the window, it was snowing outside the window, the sky was dark, and the hall was lit with lamps.

Xie Yi looked at the pure white snow, and explained bit by bit clearly.

"The prince has different political views from Emperor Wu. He is lenient, he loves Li Shu, and he doesn't like fighting. But he has been a prince for many years, and he naturally has a city. Even if he disagrees with Emperor Wu, he will not contradict Emperor Wu. Therefore, Emperor Wu hates the prince." Weakness', in fact, I have never thought of abolishing the prince."

The crown prince has been established for 30 years, and the emperor has trained him for 30 years. How can he say that the fee is useless? The weakness of the crown prince really makes Emperor Wu regret, but from another perspective, if the prince is shrewd and resolute, decisive in killing and cutting, will Emperor Wu be satisfied?I'm afraid it's even more frightening.

Liu Zao thought that Xie Yi was going to talk about the tragedy next, but she changed her voice and started talking about some daily trivial matters.They are all insignificant things, such as the Baekje tribute pearl, which was obtained by the prince and presented to the queen.Another example is the queen's birthday, how did the prince and princess celebrate their birthdays? There was also a prince who was studying, and once made a harmless joke because of a small oversight.

It sounds like a rare warmth in the cold palace.

Liu Zao laughed, but she couldn't help it, and said again: "Why don't you tell me about the scourge of witchcraft."

The scourge of witchcraft was a tragic event, causing her family to be ruined, but she was the emperor. To the emperor, such a major event that caused turmoil in the government and the people and caused the country to lose its reserves was obviously more meaningful.

Xie Yi paused when she heard the words, looked at her with some helplessness, and said, "I always feel that Your Majesty is still young, and I don't want you to experience the darkness." Even though she was a powerful minister and bullied the king at the beginning, she never had much with Liu Zao. Embarrassed, she still couldn't bear it, and only worked hard in places that Liu Zao couldn't see, and showed the Queen Mother.

Her words were full of love and care, which naturally made Liu Zao happy. She was a little shy, but also a little unconvinced, and said: "After Zhengdan, I will be sixteen, and I am an adult."

While talking, she stared at Xie Yi with piercing eyes, and added: "I'm an adult, so I can choose my own spouse to fill the pepper room."

Xie Yi hadn't noticed that the little emperor was looking at her with a devouring gaze, but she said with concern: "The last time your majesty was drunk, and you mentioned someone you love, which family is it?"

Liu Zao was stunned: "Drunk?"

Xie Yi smiled with a gentle expression, "It was the time when His Majesty was lying drunk in the gazebo."

Without her reminding, Liu Zao remembered it. She was only drunk once, so she could remember it naturally, but she didn't know that she had spoken to Xie Xiang.Hu Ao made a mistake.Liu Zao was secretly annoyed, his cheeks were flushed, he hesitated and said: "I, what else did I tell you?"

Knowing that she was shy, Xie Yi would not intentionally tease her, while thinking about the cuteness of the young girl's mind, she said, "It's just that I don't want to be a royal husband, and I know I have someone I like."

She also thought at that time, since she has someone she likes, wouldn't it be great to make this little man the emperor's husband?It's just that at that time, her position was not easy to ask too deeply.

Liu Zao's cheeks turned even redder, and her eyes drifted away, not daring to look directly at Xie Yi.

But embarrassing His Majesty?Xie Yi was surprised, and said with a smile: "Since your majesty is an adult, won't you even tell the person you like?"

Liu Zao is not a person who can be provoked.It was just Xie Yi's smile that made her unable to resist.She suddenly stretched out her hand and covered the back of Xie Yi's hand. Xie Yi was a little dazed and looked down at Liu Zao's hand.

Liu Zao suddenly felt uncomfortable. She had no scruples before, and she just wanted to wait for Prime Minister Xie to return to power, so she wanted to do whatever she wanted.Although this idea is naive and ridiculous, it is the best idea she can think of, to keep Ren by her side, and to get her no matter what.But right now, how dare she, how can she do whatever she wants with her aunt who has a great favor with her?

What made her even more confused was whether her aunt, who loved her so much, could develop love for her.

Xie Yi was surprised that His Majesty covered her hand but didn't speak. When she looked up, she saw bitterness in His Majesty's eyes.But this bitterness was quickly covered up, and the emperor promised her obediently: "One day, I will say thank you."

Xie Yi couldn't ignore the bitterness she had flashed just now.

She hesitated for a moment, but then thought that His Majesty was calm and restrained, and would not reveal what he did not want to say.It doesn't matter if she asks, if His Majesty doesn't want to say it, so let her do it, and I will never force her.

Xie Xiang thought about this, slowed down his voice, and said with concern: "Your Majesty has something on his mind, could it be that things with Mr. Xiao Lang are not going well?"

She actually took the initiative to ask, Liu Zao couldn't help smiling wryly.Who can remain indifferent when a loved one takes the initiative to mention it?She thought for a moment, and finally couldn't help but say: "She still doesn't know what I mean."

Xie Yi frowned, very displeased, felt that the child had been wronged, and became dissatisfied with that young man.But seeing the little emperor's expression, Xie Yi put away his anger again.His Majesty seems to admire that person very much, if she expresses dissatisfaction, it may embarrass His Majesty.

On the one hand, she is the person she admires, and on the other hand, she is the aunt who treats her kindly. It must be uncomfortable to be caught in the middle.

Since Liu Zao found out about the past, Xie Yi no longer concealed her love for her.She couldn't bear the embarrassment of the emperor, so she followed her and asked, "Why doesn't your majesty be honest with him?"

Hearing this, Liu Zao's hand trembling over her, looked at her and said: "Because she will definitely reject me for thousands of miles."

Now, it became clear why the emperor didn't take advantage of the situation to make that man the emperor's husband.It's not that I don't want to, but that I can't.

Xie Yi shook her head, but didn't say anything.

She didn't say anything, which made Liu Zao uneasy. She couldn't help asking: "According to Mr. Xie, what should I do?"

Xie Yi said: "Your Majesty decides on his own."

Liu Zao suddenly felt aggrieved, even more sad, he didn't even express his thoughts, but just told her that she had a sweetheart, and she was so indifferent.One day, she couldn't help it, and told her that she was afraid that she would avoid it even more?

The little emperor fell down immediately.Her lips were pursed tightly, her eyes showed a stubborn look, and that stubbornness was mixed with grievance and sadness, which made Xie Yi unable to bear it.

She sighed, and finally said: "Your Majesty likes it, so do it yourself."

Do it for yourself?Liu Zao was stunned, a little light appeared in his eyes, and asked cautiously: "Can I do it myself?"

Xie Yi nodded.

Liu Zao couldn't help bending her lips, and asked again: "What if she doesn't want to?"

Xie Yi said: "Try it, it's better than shrinking back and regretting it in the future."

The little emperor's eyes suddenly seemed to be sprinkled with dots of light, dazzlingly bright.Xie Yi couldn't help but smile too.The snow outside the window stopped at some point.

Conversations like this happen all the time.

Liu Zao loves getting along with Xie Yi very much, sitting in the palace chatting and taking a walk outside the palace, if it wasn't for winter and the snow makes it difficult to walk, she might want to play outside the palace with Xie Yi.

They've known each other for too long and it's too late.Liu Zao was full of questions, asking a few questions every time, as if he couldn't exhaust them all.

Today, she mentioned why Xie Yi pretended to be a powerful minister.

Xie Yi didn't hide any more, and said frankly, "I'm afraid that the queen mother will be unfavorable to you."

Liu Zao tilted his head to look at her.

Xie Yi explained: "The empress dowager's power is still strong in the palace, and I can't do anything in the palace. Only by strengthening yourself and making the palace people lean towards you can the empress dowager's power collapse."

To put it simply, except for a few confidantes that the Empress Dowager placed in Weiyang Palace, most of the palace people are grass on the wall and play by ear.Once the emperor cleared the palace people, Xie Yi would not have to be restrained.

Right now, Liu Zao has become more than half, she has become a major force, except for the Queen Mother's confidant, the rest of the people have worshiped.

Liu Zao understood, and she suddenly remembered something: "Chunhe pays special attention to diet, as if afraid of being poisoned, he hinted to me that Emperor Zhao's death had something to do with it, but the Empress Dowager..."

When she reached this point, she stopped, but Xie Yi could hear the unfinished words.She shook her head and denied, "It's not the Empress Dowager." Then she said, "Chunhe came to look for me not long after Emperor Zhao passed away and told me about it."