Denghuaxiao

Chapter 221 Decision

 The night is dark.

When Qi Huaying woke up in the Grand Master's residence, she heard Qiangwei beside her telling her maid that Pei Yunying had come to the residence.

Pei Yunying?

 Qi Huaying was startled.

 Brother’s body is not yet cold, what is he doing here?

Qi Huaying lifted the quilt and got out of bed to go to the hall.

 In the hall, Qi Yutai's coffin was placed in the center. All the lanterns in the mansion were changed to white overnight. When the night wind blew, it was eerie and chilling.

Qi Qing was sitting on the seat, his dry body wrapped in a dark gauze robe, his expression was lifeless, and he looked more like a corpse than the person in the coffin.

The sound of footsteps sounded in the silence, especially clear at night.

He raised his eyes, his cloudy old eyes fixed on the person in front of him. It took him a long time before he seemed to see the person clearly.

“Pei Dianshuai,” he said.

Pei Yunying stood still and glanced at the coffin in the hall. Finally, he said calmly: "My condolences, Master Qi."

 The Grand Master nodded, his expression not showing any sadness or sorrow. He was silent for a long time and then spoke calmly. "Just now, my servant said that Medical Officer Lu came to the house and was taken away by you."

 “You want to save her?”

Pei Yun's eyes turned cold: "You want to kill her?"

 The guard at the door was alert for a moment, and his fingers wrapped around the scabbard of his sword.

 Qi Qing raised his hand to stop the guarding action, coughed softly again, coughed a few times, put down the handkerchief from his lips, and sighed deeply.

 “I am just such a son.”

He said: "I have been favored by many people since I was a child, and I have never suffered any grievances. I expected him to shine on the lintel, but I didn't expect that his qualifications were mediocre and his life was short."

 Qi Qing looked at Pei Yunying.

The young man in front of him is dressed in black scales and brocade clothes, and he is heroic and majestic. He is like a cold knife in the soft red of Shengjing City. It is sharp and sharp, and it can seal its throat when it sees blood.

 It’s a pity that he is not his own son.

“Your father is better off than I am,” he sighed, shaking his head. “With an outstanding son like you, the Pei family will have a bright future.”

Pei Yunying said calmly: "Your Excellency, there is no need to tie me to Duke Zhaoning's residence."

“So, you are going to abandon the Pei family for a medical woman?”

Pei Yunying smiled.

He scorned: "How can we turn our backs on those who have never walked together?"

Qi Qing didn't say anything, but stared at him carefully. His gloomy old eyes turned sharp for a moment. He suddenly said, "Did you already know why your mother died in the first place?"

Many years have passed since Duke Zhaoning’s wife was shot dead by the rebel army.

It is a well-known fact that Pei Yunying had a rift with Pei Di from that time on.

The person who knew the inside story at that time is no longer alive. On the surface, Duke Zhaoning sacrificed his wife to quell the chaos, which was just a moral and personal choice. It was natural for Pei Yunying to separate from his father and son.

However, Qi Qing trusts his intuition more.

 It's just that in these years, he hasn't found any clues to prove that Pei Yunying has different intentions. At the royal night banquet, Pei Yunying protected him and gained the trust of the royal family. Even if this trust was not 100%, the position of the palace minister in the court could not be shaken at will.

Over the years, Qi Qing had not failed to advise Emperor Liang Ming to be wary of Prince Ning. However, Prince Ning pretended to be too good. After Emperor Liang Ming succeeded to the throne, several princes of the late emperor had troubles one after another. Emperor Liang Ming was also afraid of the world's gossip, so he even let the tiger return to the mountain. The seemingly weak and incompetent King Ning survived.

 The weed has been cut without eradicating the root, and the opportunity has been lost. What's more, he is getting older and declining day by day, and the emperor's heart is gradually dissatisfied with being controlled by him. Nowadays, even for the position of crown prince, Emperor Liang Ming also has his own selfish motives. To suppress the prince is to suppress the imperial palace.

  internal and external troubles, the monarch and his ministers are alienated, and the Qi family is no longer monolithic.

 At this time, something happened in Yutai.

“Are you here to warn me on behalf of the third prince?” he asked.

"no."

Pei Yunying said indifferently: "I am here to tell you on my own behalf, don't touch her."

He didn’t say her name, but it was obvious to the two of them who the “she” was.

Qi Qing’s face darkened slightly.

He sneered: "Before Yutai's accident, she was the only one who had close contact with her, and she is inseparable."

 “Even if it has nothing to do with her, this woman must not be kept.”

The old man spoke slowly: "If I want her to die, what will you do to me?"

Hearing this, Pei Yunying actually laughed.

“Master Taishi is already old, how can I do anything to the elder?”

He raised his eyes, his eyes were piercingly cold, and he raised his lips mockingly: "The Qi family just lost their son, but they still have a daughter."

Qi Qing's eyes suddenly became cold and stern: "How dare you!"

Pei Yunying smiled and took two steps back, his fingertips brushing the long knife on his waist.

“Five years ago at the royal banquet, the Grand Master saw me killing people. Sir, you might as well give it a try and see which one is faster, yours or my sword.”

　　"If you touch her, I will kill your... most beloved person."

His eyebrows are soft and his smile is bright, but his eyes are like cold knives and murderous.

 He wasn't kidding.

Qi Huaying's face suddenly turned pale when he walked to the door.

 When she had fantasies about Pei Yunying, she had looked forward to having him come to her house many times. I didn't expect that the first time I saw him at his house would be like this.

Such cold, sharp, and tense.

 She felt sorry for herself.

Pei Yunying glanced at her lightly, the look in her eyes made her terrified.

　　Until the other party left, Qi Huaying did not recover from the fear in that glance.

There was a violent coughing sound in the hall. Qi Huaying suddenly woke up and ran into the house quickly. Qi Qing held the silk handkerchief and coughed violently. Qi Huaying burst into tears: "Dad!"

Qi Qing looked at her and closed his eyes.

 He has only one son and one daughter.

Son, now lying in the coffin.

The daughter has been outstanding since she was a child. Sheng Jing always praises her for her dignity and propriety, but this propriety is not worth mentioning before the heavy rain comes. If he dies in the future, who can protect Qi Huaying?

It turns out that we are at the end of our road.

 …

The sky is as thick as dark ink, and the night is still long.

 In the East Palace, Prince Yuan Zhen has not gone to bed yet, and is pacing back and forth in the house wearing his middle coat.

The Crown Princess handed over a cup of hot soup from the side, but Yuan Zhen brushed it away, looking a little irritable.

 He has been under house arrest for more than a month.

Liang Mingdi punished him resolutely and strictly prohibited him from leaving the government. He was unable to attend the banquet on the Mid-Autumn Festival night, and there was no trace of him in the ceremony. All the ministers had seen Emperor Liang Ming's plan to change the throne to crown prince, and Yuan Zhen was very anxious.

 Yuan Zhen knew that his father had always disliked him. Emperor Liang Ming preferred Yuan Yao, the son of Concubine Chen, to himself.

 The growing power of Chen Guogong's faction may not have been without the tacit approval of Emperor Liang Ming.

 The father wanted to depose the prince.

Yuan Zhen herself was at a loss. She didn't know when Yuan Yao had reached an equal position with her. Even though his father doted on him, he was the eldest son. Why did Yuan Yao deserve it?

He gradually began to lose his composure. Grand Master Qi Qing had been comforting him and telling him not to be impatient. However, news came back last night that Qi Yutai was dead.

 Qi Qing's son Qi Yutai died.

There is only one son in the Taishi Mansion. Qi Qing supports him in order to prepare for his son in the future. However, now that there are no people in the Qi family to inherit the family business, no one can say whether Qi Qing will no longer stand by him. .

 The human heart is unpredictable.

He stood up abruptly and called his confidants in.

“You, go to the Grand Master’s Mansion and bring a message to Qi Qing,” he said.

The confidant was startled: "Your Highness, those people are watching the East Palace very closely now..."

 Emperor Liang Ming was suspicious of him, and there were emperor spies everywhere in the mansion. It was very risky to go to the Taishi Mansion to send a message at this time.

Yuan Zhen said angrily: "Go if I tell you to!"

 There is no time.

 He ​​had an intuition that Qi Yutai's death seemed to be the beginning of something. Yuan Yao would not miss this opportunity. If he could not change the situation as soon as possible, he might not have another chance in the future.

 He grabbed his henchman by the collar and spoke hurriedly.

"Tell him that his son is dead, but he still has other members of the Qi family. If Yuan Yao ascends to the throne and I die, he won't be able to escape, and he won't even be able to save his daughter, the daughter of his beloved daughter!" "I want him to think about it. It’s clear, live or die together!”

The prince stared. The long period of confinement made him less calm than before, and even his previous arrogance was gone, like a madman seeking medical treatment in a hurry.

The confidant was shocked, and Nuonuo responded: "Yes..."

 …

 The night passed, and everyone was sleepless in his own way.

Lu Zhen rested at the Palace Commander's Mansion that night.

As expected, Qing Feng and Chi Jian guarded her conscientiously, preventing her from stepping out of the palace gate.

Pei Yunying had another message delivered to Yin Zheng and Lin Danqing, saying that Xiao Zhufeng had suddenly become seriously ill, and that Lu Zhu would stay at the palace commander's residence to treat Xiao Zhufeng's illness, and would go back in a few days.

 It's about the Palace Commander's Mansion, so naturally the Medical Officer's Court won't say anything. Yin Zheng came to deliver the medical kit at night, and saw that Lu Zhuo was fine, so she gave up her last doubt. She regretted that the lychee kidneys she bought had to be put into Du Changqing's stomach when they were cooked for duck. After talking for a few words, she returned to West Street. .

Lu Zhen didn’t tell her these things either.

 One more person knows, but it only increases troubles.

The guards in the Palace Commander's Mansion were very enthusiastic towards Lu Huan. Although they did not ask her why she stayed here, they were afraid that she would be bored and bored, so they all rushed to chat with Lu Huan to relieve her troubles.

Lu Zhen tried to get some news about the Taishi Mansion from these people, but he didn't know whether the guards were too tight-lipped or they really hadn't heard any news. After a whole morning, there was no result.

 In the afternoon, someone came to the Palace Commander's Mansion.

 People come often.

Qingfeng put Chang Jin into the Palace Commander's Mansion. As soon as he entered, Chang Jin pulled Lu Zhuo to talk.

"I came to see you last night. Danqing said that you had returned to West Street and would come back early this morning. Early this morning, I also said that Deputy Xiao was seriously ill and that you were in the Palace Commander's Mansion." At this point, Chang Jin looked around and said suspiciously: "Why don't you see Deputy Ambassador Xiao?"

"He recovered and went home to rest." Lu Yan said without changing his expression: "What is the doctor looking for me for?"

 Often in a hurry, as if there is something important to do.

Chang Jin glanced outside and asked Lu Zhuo to come into the room to talk. This was where Pei Yunying and Xiao Zhufeng were handling official documents. There was no one at the moment. Chang Jin pushed Lu Zhuo in and closed the door.

Lu Zhen looked at his movements with some confusion.

Chang Jin took out a booklet from his arms and handed it to Lu Huo.

 Lu Zong looked over and couldn't help but be startled.

"This is...a list of medical officers who went to southern Jiangsu to save the plague?"

 Chang Jin sighed.

"After the locust plague in southern Jiangsu, a serious epidemic gradually broke out. The palace arranged for medical officers to go to southern Jiangsu to treat the epidemic. Originally, I didn't want to call you."

"Most of the medical officers who treat the epidemic are old medical officers. You are young and have no experience in treating epidemics. I treated Mr. Qi before, so I didn't tell you about it. I thought it would be better for you to stay at the Medical Officer's Hospital."

“However, something happened to Mr. Qi now.”

Chang Jin looked at her worriedly.

"You and Mr. Qi had an old grudge. Mr. Qi died miserably now. You treated him before. Although his death had nothing to do with you, the Taishi Mansion may not be angry. I have thought about it, and you stay It’s dangerous to be in Shengjing, so it’s better to go to Sunan together and avoid the place of right and wrong for the time being. After this matter is over and the dust settles, it won’t be too late to return to the capital.”

Lu Zhen was stunned.

  She did not expect that Chang Jin would have such plans for her.

Seeing that she was silent, Chang Jin misunderstood her meaning and thought she didn't believe it, so he explained: "Medical Officer Lu, you used to work as a civilian, so you don't know some things clearly. Medical officers who are ordinary people have no background in the imperial city, and sometimes they are ill. If someone gets into trouble, they will inevitably be treated as a punching bag.”

  “In the past, this kind of thing didn’t happen.”

He sighed: "I'm not being alarmist, I really can't bear to see you sacrifice yourself for these irrelevant things. The team going to southern Jiangsu is about to leave the next day. If you don't object, I will add your name. This way, you can avoid trouble. "

He came closer and lowered his voice: "Young man, it may not be a good idea to take a step back and avoid the danger for a while."

 Lu Zhen clenched the roster in his hand and raised his head.

“The doctor is helping me like this, are you not afraid of causing trouble?”

Chang Jin is a good old man. Since Cui Min was imprisoned, all affairs of the court have been temporarily handled by Chang Jin. After Qi Qing inquired about adding his name to the roster, he immediately knew it was Chang Jin's idea.

Why bother to offend the Taishi Mansion for yourself?

Hearing this, Chang Jin smiled sheepishly.

“Medical Officer Lu, I’ve actually been to West Street once.”

 Lu Zhen was slightly startled.

He said: "After the incident about Chief Cui passed, I went to inquire about it. Later I found out that the doctor at Renxin Medical Center turned out to be Vice Chief Miao."

"When I first entered the Medical Officer's Hospital, I didn't understand anything. I often failed in the official examination. It was Vice-President Miao who lent me his medical notes to help me review them. Who among the old guys in the Medical Officer's College had not been trained by Vice-President Miao? Courtesy of the Court.”

He laughed: "When I went to West Street, you went to the Taishi Mansion for treatment and were not at the hospital. Vice President Miao told me that you were his benefactor and his student, and asked me to take good care of him in the medical hospital. You, don’t be too strict with me. I have been told not to say that I have seen him.”

"No wonder you are so good at medicine, because you have a good husband." Chang Jin sighed, "The vice-president entrusted me to take care of you, but your medical skills are far superior to mine. I have nothing to teach you and my status is not prominent. Now If something happens to the Qi family, if I can't help, am I worthy of entrusting myself to the Vice-President? "

 Lu Zong was silent.

 She didn’t know that Chang Jin had sought out Miao Liangfang, let alone that there was such a level between the two of them.

"Medical Officer Lu," Chang Jin said seriously, "I can do my best to help, but there is only so much you can do. The Qi family in Shengjing is very powerful, and you are in danger. However, the epidemic in southern Jiangsu is serious, and medical officers are not foolproof. Everyone has their own problems. The difficulty is, how to choose is up to you.”

“It’s too late, I can’t stay long, I have to go back to the medical hospital.” He said, “Think about it carefully, and when you think about it, tell me before noon tomorrow.”

 He gave Lu Zhen a few more instructions and then left in a hurry. After he left, the two people came out under the sycamore tree at the entrance of the Palace Commander's Mansion.

Xiao Zhufeng glanced at Chang Jin's retreating back and said, "Your Medical Officer Lu is very lucky."

Now the situation is very unfavorable for her, but at this time, there is Chang Jin who comes to help her, and things turn around.

Pei Yunying was speechless.

Xiao Zhufeng tilted his head: "Reluctant?" He reminded: "This is her best opportunity."

"You and I will be very busy next. Shengjing is in turmoil, and she will be living in trouble if she stays here. Even if you protect her, aren't you afraid that she will act impulsively and go to the Taishi Mansion to kill?"

Pei Yunying pressed her eyebrows.

Lu Zhen is not afraid of death at all.

After her revenge, she only wanted to die with Qi Qing to protect everyone behind her. Her belief in dying was so firm and her attitude was so decisive that he could not find any way to stop her. Even if she is imprisoned in the Palace Commander's Mansion now, she can't be imprisoned for a while but not for a lifetime.

 He ​​originally felt that nothing in the world was insurmountable, but now he was helpless against her, just like the most difficult piece of wood in the wooden tower of his study. No matter what, he failed completely in front of her.

After a long while, he said: "I'm just worried."

  What is the epidemic situation in southern Jiangsu? It is difficult to know just from a few sentences in the document.

“Her medical skills are among the best in the medical academy, and she is better at killing people than anyone else. Even ten men are no match for her. What are you worrying about?”

Xiao Zhufeng didn't worry, "If you are worried about her, why not worry more about yourself? Maybe when she comes back from southern Jiangsu, she will be able to collect your body in time, and maybe she will avenge you, and she will be able to live a few more years." "

Hearing this, Pei Yunying smiled and said calmly: "Forget it. If I die and see her running and working hard for me, I'm afraid I won't be able to rest in peace."

 Xiao Zhufeng was speechless.

The two were silent for a while, and then Xiao Zhufeng said: "However, she may not go to southern Jiangsu. She herself left the Lu family and went to southern Jiangsu in the year of the epidemic in Changwu County. It is inevitable that she would be hurt by the situation."

People never want to face painful memories.

Pei Yunying's eyes moved slightly.

 He actually didn’t know what Lu Zhen would choose.

He hoped that she would stay in Shengjing so that he could watch her and protect her, but he was afraid that staying in Shengjing would only make this stubborn person walk into the abyss again without looking back.

 Dilemma.

Just as they were thinking, they heard the sound of footsteps behind them. The two of them turned around and saw Lu Zhuo walking out.

 She saw the two people under the tree in the courtyard at a glance, walking directly towards Pei Yunying.

Xiao Zhufeng turned his back silently and left quickly.

Lu Zhen stood still in front of Pei Yunying.

The ground under the sycamore tree was covered with yellow leaves, and under the empty branches, the two people stood facing each other.

The wind blew and a fallen leaf fell in her hair. He raised his hand and gently brushed it away for her.

Lu Zhen's eyes moved slightly and he raised his head and looked directly at him.

"The palace commander doesn't have to hold me down all the time," she said, "the guards in the palace are also quite tired."

Pei Yunying lowered his eyebrows and looked at Lu Yan when he saw her reaching out and holding up a blue-covered document in front of his eyes.

 “I’m going to Sunan.” She said.

 (End of this chapter)