The Moon Over Tang Dynasty

Chapter 120: Heart knots are difficult to resolve and misfortunes are easy to occur

The sunlight that had just begun to slant in the west happened to shine on Cui Cenniang's face, applying a light golden color to her slightly pale and thin cheeks. Coupled with the stretched smile, she seemed to be more beautiful than usual. A lot of brilliance.

Pei Yan naturally knew that although his wife had a gentle temperament, it was not easy for her to talk and laugh with strangers. His eyes couldn't help but turn to the woman next to her, and he saw that she was also smiling. The face that always seemed a little distant and indifferent in his impression was filled with brilliant joy. He felt a little tense for some reason, and he lowered his head and took a sip. The pomegranate wine suppressed the strange feeling.

In the past two years, he actually did not often think of the woman in front of him. It seemed that the heartbeat at that moment and the disappointment afterwards were just fleeting and meaningless emotions. It was just that in the past few days, various news about her Words kept coming, some saying that she was charming and charming, and some saying that she was incomparable, brave and resourceful. He couldn't help but think of those two brief meetings and couldn't help but think about it. What kind of person is she? After suddenly receiving Pei Xingjian's post two days ago, he couldn't help but wonder what she would look like now that she was an official's wife. It was only when he really saw her and saw the bright smile on her face that he had never seen before that he discovered that his feelings were unexpectedly a little astringent...

In the blink of an eye, Cui Cenniang and Liuli had walked into the pavilion. Pei Xingjian and Pei Yan both stood up and greeted each other twice. Pei Yan calmed down and called "Sister-in-law", and the smile on Liuli's face became gentle and polite. , he returned the courtesy with his crotch folded, turned around and sat on the guest seat next to Pei Xingjian.

The desks on both sides had been decorated with melon and fruit snacks on lacquer plates. Cen Niang glanced at them briefly, but they were just ordinary things such as soufflés and rice cakes. She then looked at the white lotuses blooming on the lake outside the pavilion, and looked at the glass. He smiled and said, "If I had known you earlier, I would have asked someone to pick some fresh lotus leaves and lotus pods to make lotus cake and lotus leaf drink today. It will definitely be more suitable for the occasion than these."

Liuli laughed, "What are you talking about? These are all neat and tidy. What I said is just for freshness, but it is not elegant. If Mrs. Cen likes it, I will ask the cook to make a portion later. Please give it a try."

Pei Yan felt slightly puzzled and glanced at Cen Niang. Cen Niang said with a smile, "Auntie is very clever and thought of several dishes made with lotus leaves. They are all unheard of. Just now I was asking Auntie for advice." He said to Liuli again. He smiled and said, "In a few days, Erlang and I will move to Yongningfang. It will be more convenient to ask you for advice in the future."

Pei Xingjian raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Zilong actually wants to leave the house and live alone?"

Pei Yan said calmly, "There used to be an old house in Yongningfang. It was a pity that it had been abandoned for a long time, so my father cleaned it up and let us live in it for a while. Since it is not a new house, I don't plan to disturb our relatives and friends." He couldn't say that when he returned to Chang'an, he found that the fight between the two concubines at home became more and more annoying, and he just wanted to be quiet, right? Thinking that one of them was the aunt of the woman in front of him, he almost made her his concubine that day... He glanced at Liuli subconsciously, and suddenly saw a seemingly familiar face behind her, and he was stunned. After coming back to his senses, he couldn't help but look at Pei Xingjian in confusion.

Pei Xingjian smiled faintly, "Did Zilong notice it too? These two maids were originally a special gift from Princess Linhai before the Bathing Orchid Festival."

Pei Yan was stunned for a moment, his eyes lingering on the two maids for a little longer, his face became a little solemn, and he was silent for a moment before saying, "How did I hear that this year's Furong Banquet, as promised, you will also go?" The brother said that this year because Pei Shou was going, the impromptu program at the Furong Banquet included calligraphy in addition to poetry recitation. It turned out that the eldest princess wanted to let him do it this time because he had not appeared at the Furong Banquet for many years. Top spot. Why does it seem that there is another mystery behind the matter at this moment? It's not like the eldest princess didn't know the inside story, so how could she not know that Pei Shouyue didn't want to mention that part of the past?

Pei Xingjian said leisurely, "The eldest princess sent the post to her humble residence on the morning of the 12th, and asked Ruzhuo to make a special trip to the Chang'an County Government Office the next day. How can I live up to such great love?"

Pei Yan remained silent for a longer time, and after a while he carefully considered his words and said, "Ruzhuo also grew up with us, but he is not a person who can hide his thoughts."

Pei Xingjian smiled and nodded, "Of course. You will go anyway, but I haven't seen you write in a few days. I heard that there was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at the Furong Banquet, so you shouldn't be careless."

Pei Yan was startled, what did Pei Shouyue mean by this? All I can say is, "When it comes to Mo Shu, there is no one in our generation who can compare with Brother Keeping the promise."

Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "Zilong's regular script has a precise structure and is unique in its own style. Why belittle oneself?"

A wry smile appeared on Pei Yan's face: Although his handwriting is not bad, but compared to Pei Shouyue, who is most admired by the current emperor, everyone will probably say that it is not as good as Pei Shouyue. Speaking of which, after Pei Shouyue entered Hongwen In front of his classmates, who doesn't know that he is the leader among the younger generation of the Pei family? But when Pei Shouyue, who was only a year older than him, arrived, despite his reputation as a fool, he always performed well. He even passed the Ming Jing exam in more than half the time! In the past two years, things have been soaring. No wonder... He shook his head, his gaze passing over the face of Pei Xingjian who was looking at Pei Xingjian with a smile on his face, and towards the newly blooming lotus on the lake outside.

He heard Cen Niang next to him laughing, "Zilong often said that my brother's cursive calligraphy is the most spirited, and it is also the most appreciated by the Holy Father. Everyone is now looking forward to seeing it."

Pei Xingjian's voice was still confident and modest, "I just accidentally fell into the eyes of a saint. How can I deserve such praise from my brothers and sisters?"

The breeze blew across the lake in waves, and the white lotuses among the green leaves swayed gently in the wind, like smiling pink faces. Pei Yan suddenly felt that the laughter around him was far away from him, and there was only one thought left in his heart. Faintly ups and downs: If it weren't for the scorching summer heat, how could the shallow world know that this cold white lotus is the one that can best withstand the test of scorching heat? But compared to the green pines and green bamboos, the pond of lotus flowers in front of them is nothing. This summer has just begun. One day, they will know which flowers and trees are most worthy of cherishing...

As if the gods were arrogant, it rained twice in succession before the summer solstice in the sixth year of Yonghui's reign. During the three days of rest at the summer solstice, the sky turned blue again, and the ivory mats and green bamboo pillows that the palace had just given to officials were immediately visible. It can come in handy, not to mention it is in compliance with the popular saying that there is no rain in the summer solstice and it is a good farming season.

Just after Si Shi, Pei Xingjian went to the outer courtyard and ordered his servants to prepare the carriages and horses. Liuli was also dressed up, and turned around to see that Ayan had already put on the beige silk sweater that she had ordered the sewing room to make a few days ago, an apricot yellow high-waisted narrow silk skirt, and a lake blue gauze half-arm. Wearing two exquisite and small silk hibiscus flowers, coupled with her delicate and attractive appearance, she looked inconspicuous, but she was extremely decent, and she couldn't help but nodded.

After a while, Yunu also walked in through the curtain. She was dressed the same as Ayan, except that her hair was slightly high and her skirt was a delicate light apricot red, which gave her a little more charm. She came in and bowed to Liuli, then stood aside silently with her head slightly lowered. When Pei Xingjian strode in, he subconsciously took a step back, lowering his head so much that he could hardly see his face.

Liuli saw this and couldn't help but shake her head secretly - ever since she knew she had to go out with her, the rain slave had fallen ill and said she couldn't get up. When Pei Xingjian heard about it, he went over and only said a few words. She said that that day He got better, and nothing happened since then. But every time he saw Pei Xingjian, he was like a mouse seeing a cat, wishing to disappear immediately. She couldn't restrain her curiosity and asked Pei Xingjian what tricks he had used, but Pei Xingjian just said lightly, "Didn't you say that when Mrs. Cui sent them here, she repeatedly told them that the eldest princess Linhai was afraid that we would not have decent maids outside? Is it rude in front of others? I just told her that if she refused to accompany the lady to the guests, I would have to arrange for her to entertain the distinguished guests in the outer courtyard, so that she could not live up to the eldest princess's hard work. "

At this time, Pei Xingjian had already changed into clothes for going out, but Liuli made him a bamboo green robe. Only the hem and cuffs were embroidered with a circle of relaxing cloud patterns with dark silver silk thread. He has lost weight recently. On the contrary, this robe makes her stand taller and taller than a bamboo. I didn’t know what I had ordered when I went out, so I walked a little hurriedly. When I entered the door, I looked at Liuli up and down several times, and saw that Ayan was already holding a medium-sized package in her hand. She smiled and nodded, "You are really nimble. Very.”

Liuli couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at him: He had been preparing for half a month, did he think he would have to scramble when the end came? He smiled and said, "If you think this is not serious enough, I can slowly choose another outfit and comb my hair again."

Pei Xingjian smiled and shook his head, looking back at the sky, "Let's leave now."

Liuli, Ayan and Yunu got on the carriage at the gate of the mansion, and walked out of the north gate towards Yongxingfang. Looking out from the newly replaced carriage window screen, Pei Xingjian's calm profile was clearly visible. Liuli sighed in her heart. What has he been busy with in the past half month? Although he only briefly said a few words to himself, it was not difficult. Guess how much work goes into that…

This hibiscus banquet was not held at the Hedong Palace, but at the eldest princess's annex in Yongxingfang, which was four blocks away from Yongningfang. Pei Xingjian did not take the main road, and only let the carriage pass through the block. Liuli reluctantly I couldn't help but wonder: Since the banquet was held before noon, and the time was sufficient, why was there such a rush? Only when he arrived at the south gate of Yongxingfang did he realize that there were a lot more gorgeous carriages and horses on the road than usual. From time to time, people were greeting and joking with Pei Xingjian. It seemed that they were all guests attending the banquet. Only then did Liuli know , it’s not too early to go out on your own.

 Seeing that the carriage had arrived at the intersection of Yongxingfang, it turned eastward. Liuli knew that in just a few dozen steps she would be the gate to the princess's villa, and she felt a little nervous. She couldn't help but laugh at herself: Didn't he say that all you have to do today is to be cautious and wait and see? It's a drama, but why are you so nervous?

Ayan raised her head and glanced at Liuli, then laughed softly and said, "Madam, don't worry too much. I checked several times before going out. I have brought everything I need to bring."

Liuli understood what she meant and nodded with a smile. Just when she was about to speak, she heard a sharp call from behind the carriage, "Is this the Pei Ming Mansion in front of you? Please stay! Stay!"

Liuli couldn't help but was stunned. She felt that the slightly weird voice was very familiar. She hurriedly looked out the car window and saw that Pei Xingjian had reined in his horse and turned back. The color on his usually calm face suddenly changed.

p.s. According to "Two Capitals of the Sui and Tang Dynasties", there is Pei Xingjian's house to the west of the south gate of Yongningfang, and Pei Yan's house in the northwest corner. Uh, so what, there will be a second update before eight o'clock in the evening. call…

Many thanks to my dear classmates Le Youyang, Gentle Anxiety, Prajna Juechen and Yesternan.

 (End of this chapter)