Denghuaxiao

Chapter 206 Chinese Valentine’s Day

 On the third day after the Beginning of Autumn, Chinese Valentine's Day has arrived.

Colorful tents were erected early in the middle of West Street. Some Chinese Valentine's Day items are sold in the tents, such as yellow wax mandarin ducks, "grain boards", "xiaojier" and "fruit-eating generals" made of small wooden houses in the village... everything is available.

Renxin Medical Center also caught up with the excitement.

Put two packets of Qi-nourishing medicinal tea into the same woven straw flower basket tied with colorful silk ribbons, and put a red cloth embroidered with black words on top: "We will always be united."

This straw basket was set up on a hill in front of the wooden cabinet in the hospital. It was very popular with ordinary young couples. However, one basket was sold out in just half a day, and another layer was quickly added.

　　Until it was almost dusk, the last can of medicinal tea was sold out, and the extra silk ribbon was secretly put away by Du Changqing. When he turned around, he saw Yin Zheng sitting on the bed, dyeing her nails in front of the lit copper lamp.

Du Changqing approached: "What are you doing?"

“Dear Chinese Valentine’s Day, Master,” Yin Zheng said, “We in Sunan will dye our nails on Chinese Valentine’s Day to wish for eternal health and beauty. No,” she stretched out her hand in front of Du Changqing, “Does it look good?”

The bright red impatiens are dotted on the nails, and the originally white and round nails also become colorful.

The boss shook his head and looked away: "It's just so-so."

Yin Zheng made a sound and heard Acheng say: "There are only two girls in our medical clinic. They are going to worship Qiniang tonight and eat Qiao Qiao rice. Uncle Miao also specially bought Qixi fruit, but why hasn't Dr. Lu come back yet?" ?”

Just now, Lu Zhen said that he was going to buy a cup of sweet syrup at the corner of the street, but he hasn’t returned even after a cup of tea.

Yin Zheng said: "Don't wait, the girl is going to Pei's house."

Miao Liangfang asked: "Why did Xiao Lu go to Pei Mansion?"

Du Changqing's face darkened: "She sneaked away to find someone named Pei?"

Yin Zheng was speechless: "I'm not looking for Mr. Pei. Today is Miss Pei's birthday. The girl went to give Miss Pei a birthday gift."

 …

When Lu Zhen arrived at the door of Pei Mansion, Fangzi was already waiting at the door.

Seeing her, Fangzi came up to her with a smile: "Miss Lu is here by chance. Madam Cai just said that she was worried about the inconvenience as it got late and wanted to send someone to pick up Miss Lu."

"It doesn't matter," Lu Huo said, "it's not far away."

She deliberately avoided Du Changqing and came out first. Otherwise, according to Du Changqing's habit, after dealing with his interrogation and entanglement before returning to the Pei Mansion, the birthday party would have been over.

Fangzi led Lu Zhuo to the courtyard and said with a smile, "Madam's birthday happens to be on the same day as the Chinese Valentine's Day, and the colorful tower in the courtyard has also been built."

 While talking, the two of them had already walked into the courtyard.

Under the heavy osmanthus trees, a wooden shed was built with colorful embroidery. There was a long wooden table on which were placed many sweets, wine, melons and fruits. Pei Yunshu was wearing a green satin cardigan with pearl buttons and a emerald flower crown on her head. Hold the orb and talk to the people around you.

Fangzi said: "Madam, Miss Lu is here."

Pei Yunshu turned her head and smiled: "It's alright."

The orb made a beeping noise and waved to Lu Huan. Lu Huan stepped forward and said, "Sister Yunshu, happy birthday." He then took out a coral glazed gold incense box and handed it over.

"This is the incense box I made myself." Lu Huan said, "It is used to apply lavender on it, to harmonize with Qi and blood to ward off evil spirits. Sister Yun Shu, please don't dislike it."

The Pei family had no shortage of gold and silver. Pei Yunshu had seen too many jewels and emeralds, and after much thought, she decided to make a fragrant elixir herself, at least better than the ready-made incense sold in Shengjing Fragrance Pharmacy.

Pei Yunshu took it with a smile and couldn't put it down and praised it: "Why would I dislike the things you gave me? You are busy on weekdays, so I feel bad that you bothered to do this for me." She asked Qiong Ying to take the incense box back into the house. He glanced into the distance again: "Why hasn't Ah Ying come yet?"

“Originally, he had a rest today, and he had agreed in advance to stay with me in the mansion for the whole day,” Pei Yunshu explained to Lu Shu. “But there was something going on at the Palace Commander’s mansion, so he left in a hurry. I guess it’s time to come back.”

As he was speaking, a young man’s cheerful voice came from outside the door: “Sister Pei!”

　　is Duan Xiaoyan’s voice.

Pei Yunshu said happily: "I'm back."

Lu Zhuo looked forward and saw three people walking in the dark courtyard.

 Leading the group was Duan Xiaoyan, who was almost jumping for joy as he walked. Xiao Zhufeng walked beside him, holding two large baskets of grapes, and last was Pei Yunying.

It was evening, the sun was setting in the west, and only the lights in the courtyard flickered on and off. Today he was wearing a blue gold-woven unicorn square brocade robe, with turtle-patterned gold brocade belts outlining his figure. His eyebrows were delicate and smiling. When he walked in the dark, he looked very noble and handsome.

 He also saw Lu Zhuo and couldn't help but be slightly startled.

Lu Zong wore a camellia-rubbed blue shirt and a jacquard apricot skirt. The blue shirt was very similar to the blue robe he was wearing.

Duan Xiaoyan whispered: "It was really unintentional, and the tacit understanding is back today."

Pei Yunying ignored him.

As the three of them approached, the light gradually brightened, illuminating the three of them. Duan Xiaoyan held a large handful of colorful silk ribbons in his hand, and Pei Yunshu smiled and joked: "Xiao Yan has got so many silk ribbons."

 During the Chinese Valentine's Day, girls often give the man they like a colorful silk ribbon that they have knitted themselves to show their love.

 “It turns out that the small banquet is so popular.” Pei Yunshu asked everyone to sit down.

"Sister Pei looks up to me." Duan Xiaoyan grinned, "They all belong to Brother Yun Ying. I will help him hold them. There is a mountain at the door of the Palace Commander's Mansion."

Pei Yunshu was speechless.

 Forgot that my younger brother has always been very popular in the imperial city.

Pei Yunying glanced at Lu Huan. Lu Huan was standing beside Pei Yunshu. He had no expression on his face after hearing these words. His eyes fell on the two baskets of purple grapes beside Xiao Zhufeng's legs.

The grapes must have been freshly picked, and the grapes are as crystal clear and plump as a bunch of glazed purple jade. Pei Yunying moved the bamboo basket into the house, turned around and said, "These are the grapes for Baozhu."

Pei Yunshu was confused, "Aren't the Jingzhong grapes out of season? The ones I bought recently are not fresh."

"Yes," Pei Yunying smiled and glanced at Xiao Zhufeng beside her: "I heard that Baozhu likes to eat. When Deputy Ambassador Xiao passed by the village outside the city, he waited two days at a farmer's house to buy it."

Pei Yunshu was surprised and looked at Xiao Zhufeng in surprise.

She was not very familiar with this brother's colleague. She met him once or twice when she occasionally went to the Palace Commander's Mansion to look for someone, but she thought he was a taciturn and silent person.

Xiao Zhufeng coughed lightly: "I happened to buy it, and I just happened to pass by today..."

Pei Yunshu then curled her eyes and said, "Then I'll thank Deputy Xiao for the treasure. Let's sit down and have a meal together."

Xiao Zhufeng hesitated: "I still have something to do."

"What's the matter?" Pei Yunying put a hand on his shoulder and said lazily: "The front secretary is dead today. Since you're passing by and you happen to have brought a gift, why don't you just take the meal by the way?" ?”

 Xiao Zhufeng: "I..."

“That’s right, Deputy Ambassador Xiao,” Duan Xiaoyan came to pull him over. “You left just in time for dinner last time, and now you’re all here. If you don’t stay, it would seem rude to our commander-in-chief.”

Xiao Zhufeng raised his eyes and saw Pei Yunshu standing under the colorful building, looking at him with a smile. He paused for a moment and whispered: "Okay."

The dust has settled.

Everyone came to the Cailou table one after another. As soon as Lu Xu sat down, he felt a figure falling next to him. He looked up and saw Pei Yunying sitting down next to her.

She smelled the clear and cold fragrance of Pei Yunying's body again, like the cold mist on an early autumn night, with a thin layer of coolness.

 The light is very warm.

 The sun has completely set, and the yellow moon hangs on the eaves of the small building. Several osmanthus trees have bloomed in the courtyard, and the fragrance is fragrant.

Pei Yunshu asked people to bring up the cinnamon wine.

"Steamed rhubarb and orchids were served, and osmanthus wine was served with pepper pulp." Pei Yunshu smiled like a flower and uncorked the wine. "It used to be that every year on his birthday, Aying bought cinnamon wine. Later, he got a pearl, and he didn't drink it for a long time."

"The restaurant owner said that cinnamon wine is not intoxicating, so Xiaoyan and Miss Lu can taste a little. Ah Ying," she called Pei Yunying, "come and pour the wine."

Pei Yunying stood up and poured wine for everyone. When it was Lu Chen's turn, he stopped and looked at her inquiringly.

Lu Zhen pushed the cup forward.

 He raised the corners of his lips and poured a full cup for Lu Zhen.

After the portioning was finished and he sat down again, Lu Zhu picked up the wine cup and heard Pei Yunying say: "Are you sure you can drink it?"

 He looked at Lu Yan and said, "You don't hit people randomly when you're drunk, do you?"

"No." Lu Tong said seriously, "I can kill people randomly."

Pei Yunying: “…”

 She picked up the wine cup and took a sip.

 cinnamon wine is not bitter, but is overly sweet. It is not like wine, but more like sweet syrup. When it flows between the lips, the lips and teeth also bring out a ray of sweet osmanthus fragrance.

She drank more than half of the glass. Pei Yunying looked at her and said, "You drink so much. Do you have a good drinker?"

 Lu Zong put down his wine cup: "I should be better than you."

Last time at Renxin Medical Center’s store celebration, Pei Yunying drank some peach wine. After that, he didn’t seem to be sober, and his behavior was very subtle.

 This man's drinking capacity is very average. There was a faint moon in the sky, and the silvery sky was in the sky. Pei Yunshu tasted the cinnamon wine and looked at the large table of lively people in the courtyard, and she became more and more happy.

She said: "A Ying is busy with official duties every day. There are only these people in the house, so it is inevitable that it will be deserted and rarely lively."

Duan Xiaoyan immediately climbed up the pole and said sternly, "Really? Brother Yun Ying should not do it. How can you neglect your family for official duties? Sister, if you don't mind it, I will often eat at your place in the future. The food made by your chef is really delicious, even better than the food in Yuxian Tower... Ouch," he jumped up and asked, "Brother Zhufeng, why are you kicking me?"

Xiao Zhufeng’s face was expressionless: “It was unintentional, I’m sorry.”

Pei Yunshu was amused by him: "Okay, if you are free, you can come here to eat more. Baozhu likes you very much."

Duan Xiaoyan started to feel proud, but soon, his pride turned into frustration, "But speaking of which, don't blame Brother Yun Ying, these days are not bad, I guess I will be even busier in the future."

 “What’s wrong?” Pei Yunshu asked.

"There is a rebellion in Qishui, and there is a locust plague in southern Jiangsu. I heard that the locust plague has killed many people, and a plague has begun."

"Plague?" Pei Yunshu was startled, then looked at Lu Huan, "If there is a plague, the Medical Officer's Hospital will send medical officers to accompany them to treat it. Medical Officer Lu..."

"Medical Officer Lu probably won't go," Duan Xiaoyan scratched his head. "The accompanying medical officers are all experienced old medical officers. I haven't heard of new medical officers going there. They have no experience and they won't be able to cope with it."

"That's it," Pei Yunshu nodded, and suddenly remembered that Lu Shun was from southern Jiangsu. For fear of making her sad, she hurriedly interrupted the conversation: "People outside the court have no influence on the affairs of the court. It's a rare day today. It’s lively, let’s go out for a walk after dinner.”

"Medical Officer Lu," she called Lu Huan with a smile, "over Panlou, there is a begging market, which sells begging items. Girls who first arrived in Shengjing love to go shopping. There are also Chunqiao Club and Zhixi Market in the begging market. Zhu and Lanye are fighting for their skills. You and Yun Ying are both young people. Yun Ying will take you back to West Street later. Why don’t you go shopping on the way and buy something you like. "

Before Lu Zhuo could speak, Duan Xiaoyan shouted first: "Okay, okay, okay, I've wanted to go for a long time, but I haven't found any time. I just have a day off today, so I'll go and broaden my horizons!"

Pei Yunying glanced at him and said simply: "Baozhu will go to sleep in a short time. When Baozhu goes to sleep, sister, let's go together."

"Me?" Pei Yunshu shook her head subconsciously, "I am not a young girl who is not yet married, so I am going to join in the fun."

"Why not?" Pei Yunying said leisurely, "Young, unmarried, girl, everything is right."

 “It’s all nonsense.”

"No nonsense," Duan Xiaoyan said with a smile, "Anyway, it's Sister Pei's birthday today, so just come with us. There are a lot of us and it's lively. The guards in front of the palace will protect you, so you don't have to worry about being troubled when you go out."

Pei Yunshu laughed out loud and wanted to refuse, but she was slightly moved.

 “Let’s talk about it,” she said perfunctorily, “Maybe the orb will rest late.”

When the jar of cinnamon wine reached the bottom and the bright yellow moon rose from the eaves into the sky, the banquet broke up.

The servants were cleaning up the remaining mats in the courtyard. Pei Yunshu took Xiao Baozhu back to the house and coaxed Baozhu to sleep. Duan Xiaoyan and Xiao Zhufeng couldn't stay in Pei Yunshu's house for a long time, so they went to have tea at Pei Yunying's house next door and waited for Pei Yunshu to come out after coaxing Baozhu.

When they arrived at the hall, the hot tea was served, but there was no trace of Pei Yunying. Duan Xiaoyan was confused: "Where did Brother Yunying go?"

Xiao Zhufeng looked calm: "I'm going to show my courtesy."

 …

 At the other end, Lu Zhenzheng followed Pei Yunying into the study.

 Duan Xiaoyan talks too much, Xiao Zhufeng talks too little, and there really is nothing to say to the two of them. When they are in the same place, the atmosphere is always inexplicably stiff.

Seemingly seeing that she didn't want to sit in the hall with the two of them, Pei Yunying asked her to enter the study.

 This is the second time Lu Zhen has entered his study.

 The study is just like the last time I came here, simple and casual, too deserted. The narcissus bonsai on the table has two flowers in bloom, delicate and timid. The two white flowers will dispel the coldness and add a bit of freshness.

Pei Yunying walked to the table and poured tea.

Lu Chen saw that there was still a very small round table in the deepest part of the room. The hill made of wooden towers that she had accidentally knocked over last time was spread out on the table, like a mess made by melted quilts. The wooden mountain is messy and abrupt.

Pei Yunying didn't put it back again.

Just as he was thinking about it, a cup of hot tea was stuffed into his hand. Lu Zhu lowered his head and saw that Pei Yunying said calmly: "You just drank a lot of cinnamon wine. Wake up."

 The tea is warm, and when you hold it in your palms, you feel a sense of warmth.

Lu Zong sat down in front of the round table and asked, "Why didn't you put it back up again?"

Pei Yunying glanced at it: "I tried it, but it didn't work after a few rides. I've been busy lately, so I'll wait until it's free."

After saying that, he poured himself a cup of tea, walked over to sit across from Lu Zong.

 Lu Zhu picked up a piece of wood.

The wood was shaved into a smooth shape, and every grain seemed to have been finely polished. It was not rough when held in the palm of the hand.

 “Did you peel this yourself?” she asked.

Pei Yunying nodded, looked at her and curled her lips: "Like it? I'll give you a piece."

Lu Yan was speechless, but it was just an ordinary piece of wood, yet he spoke of it with the aura of a pearl and gem.

 She held the piece of wood, thought for a while, and said, "Can I ask you a question?"

 “You said it.” Pei Yunying answered readily.

 “Does the wood you build have any special meaning?”

Lu Zhen felt strange.

She looked at the wood carefully, and found that it was indeed ordinary wood, not unusual. There were no mountains of gold or pearls in the tower, but Pei Yunying deliberately built such a hill in his study, even though it later collapsed by her. I couldn't bear to take it out and throw it away.

Pei Yunying was startled, then smiled: "It's nothing special."

He paused for a moment before continuing: "In the past, when I encountered trouble, I would cut a piece of wood."

“It’s like venting. When you do something with your heart, you will feel much calmer.”

　　He rested his fingertips on the rim of the cup and spoke in a nonchalant tone.

"If the trouble is solved, just put a piece of wood on it. Over time, it will naturally become a wooden tower."

“So,” Lu Yan was surprised, “you have solved so many troubles?”

If every piece of wood represented Pei Yunying's past difficulties, confusion, and pressure, then the hill she saw when she first came here was already the result of Pei Yunying's dealings.

It’s really amazing.

“It’s okay,” he shrugged. “Doctor Lu is better. Writing it down on paper and killing them one by one sounds much more exciting than whittling wood.”

 Lu Huan: “…”

He is trying to accuse himself of writing his name on the killing list in a different way!

Lu Zhu said stiffly: "To each other."

Pei Yunying put her head on her hands and looked at her with a smile: "Since I answered your question, according to the rules, you should also answer my question."

Lu Zong picked up the tea cup and took a sip: "As long as I can answer."

He nodded and suddenly said: "Earlier you said you came to Beijing to find your fiancé. Is the fiancé you compiled based on Ji Xun?"

 Lu Zhuo was startled.

I thought he was serious and roundabout, asking about some revenge plan, but it turned out that he was asking such an irrelevant question?

Lu Zong put down the tea cup and said, "No."

 He raised his eyebrows slightly, "Oh."

There was a moment of silence in the room.

He took a sip of tea and suddenly spoke again in the silence: "Then what kind of man do you like?"

As soon as Lu Zhuo let go of his hand, the wooden block he was holding in his palm fell down, and Pei Yun Ying quickly caught it with his quick hands.

 She raised her eyes and looked at Pei Yunying.

In the bright and dim lights, Pei Yunying was sitting at the table. The blue woven gold unicorn brocade robe was shimmering a little bit due to the bright lights. The young man had picturesque eyebrows and a pair of beautiful dark eyes looking at her calmly. , sharp, no room left.

 Like the warm candlelight that spreads on all sides, it invades the darkness of the night.

"I…"

She opened her mouth, and something vaguely floated in her heart, like the sweet and sour taste of the cinnamon wine she just drank in her chest. The strange thing was that no matter how strong the wine was, it would not make her drunk, and even more so. It wouldn't make her dizzy, but the simple question at this moment was difficult to answer.

Someone knocked on the door: "Your Majesty, Miss Lu, the young lady has gone to bed. Madam said you can go out now."

Pei Yunshu is ready.

Pei Yunying still stared at her and replied with a smile: "I know."

 Lu Zhen came back to his senses.

 “This is the second question.”

She stood up abruptly, put the tea cup on the table, grabbed her skirt and hurried out of the room.