The Moon Over Tang Dynasty

Chapter 83 Candlelight Warmth has other plans

 Slowly took another mouthful of the water-melted calf, Liuli looked at Yu pitifully, "Mom, Liuli really can't use any more."

Mrs. Yu sighed regretfully, "On the first two banquets, I saw you use less. I thought you were paying attention to etiquette. It turns out that it is like this on weekdays. You are so thin! You need to use more in the future."

Liuli nodded honestly. She felt relieved when she saw that Yu finally put down the bamboo chopsticks she was using to pick up the vegetables for her. However, she listened to Yu's instructions, "Go and serve the camel's hoof soup, and give more to the aunt."

Liuli almost fell down on the table in front of her. Yu looked at her in surprise, "This camel's hoof soup is the most delicious. Even though camel's hoof is rare, our family doesn't make it easily."

Liuli mustered up her courage and nodded, looking at the table full of dishes in front of her, she sighed in her heart. The way the Su family eats is similar to that of the An family, with a high table and wide stools. Yu explained that this is because it is convenient for the Hu people to eat at the table. Liuli nodded nonchalantly: considering his family's daily habit of serving a dozen or so dishes for dinner, a big table was more convenient - wasn't it true that in the Tang Dynasty Palace, people ate at big tables? But even at Wu Zetian's level, it seems that there are generally only nine dishes.

Luo Shi glanced at Liuli sympathetically. It took her a long time to get used to her mother-in-law's style of killing people she liked. Well, that poor Pei Shouyue was also tortured in the same way back then. , but unfortunately later... Just as he was in a trance, a maid came up and whispered something in Yu's ear with a smile. Yu was startled, frowned and said, "Forget it, Liuli, you go with her to get something first. You can drink the camel hoof soup later, and the stove will help you heat it up."

Hearing Lunyin, Liuliru stood up and responded, turned around and followed the maid out. I came back to my senses a little after I left the house—going to get some samples? He glanced back subconsciously, and then remembered that A Ni had already been sent off to eat by Mrs. Yu, and he felt relieved.

Going from the upper room of the Su family, there is the inner study room. The study room was brightly lit at the moment. The maid led Liuli to the door and raised the curtain with a smile. Liuli looked at the soft light shining from the door, calmed down, nodded and smiled at her, and walked in.

 In front of the writing desk, in the candlelight, it was Pei Xingjian who walked over with a smile.

 He was wearing a homely ocher round-neck robe, and the warm light of the candle shone on his body, making his whole person look softer and warmer.

Liuli looked at him and realized for the first time that the person in front of her who felt so familiar to her had actually been met a few times, and he never spoke too much. The most he spoke was just...a fingertip. Trembling, she couldn't help but look away.

Pei Xingjian stopped one step away from her and said softly, "I'll send someone to find you. Isn't it too late?"

Too late? Liuli was a little confused. She looked up and saw his smiling eyes, and suddenly she came to her senses. She felt warm in her heart, "Fortunately, the last soup hasn't been served yet. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to walk over in a quarter of an hour." . Is it possible that you have also been treated like this?”

Pei Xingjian nodded, with an expression of lingering fear on his face, "I remember ten years ago, the first time I went to my mentor's house for dinner, I didn't dare to go out until half an hour later. Later, I learned to be good, and I returned the favor every time. She started saying she was full before she was halfway through eating, so when she was eighty or nine full, she would start to show off. "

Liuli thought of Mrs. Yu's ecstatic introduction, her thoughtful addition of dishes, and her expectant eyes, and felt a little scared, "What a great idea!"

Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "I originally wanted to come over and tell you earlier, but my mentor dragged me to drink with him, and he just got away. He has been praising you without any words, saying how brave and resourceful you are, if you are a man, you must be Accept you as a disciple." He looked at Liuli and his eyes became softer, "Liuli, I feel relieved if you can do this."

Liuli was startled, and suddenly thought of what Su Dingfang said vividly when he came back in the afternoon: how that Pei Anshi first aggressively raised an army to accuse him, and then how he patted his chest and guaranteed that the whole clan would respect this Hu girl, but he almost didn't swear to God. ...She thought that she was ruthless enough by bringing up the banner of the Mother of the Tang Dynasty. She didn't expect that Pei Xingjian could only say a few words in an understatement and push the clan uncle into such an embarrassing situation. Her moral conduct was indeed worse than his. De Yuan couldn't help but laugh, "What's the point of worrying? Haven't you settled the clan's affairs once and for all?"

Pei Xingjian shook his head gently, "Liu Li, if my wife hadn't told me what you said, there are some things that I know how to do, but I can't always get past that hurdle in my heart. I've been doing this all these years! What do you mean? You're right, this world is originally a place where misfortunes and blessings depend on each other. The so-called prosperity and loss, there are some things..." He suddenly stopped talking, looked at Liuli quietly, and took a long breath, "I'll tell you later. No matter what, it’s all old things and has nothing to do with you or me. Don’t worry, I won’t let those people from Hedong Duke’s Mansion bother you!”

Liuli looked at his expression as if he had suddenly put down a heavy burden. Although his face was calm, there was a calmness and firmness that no one could question. Although he was a little confused about "some things" in his heart, he was mostly happy. He nodded and said, " I believe you."

Pei Xingjian just looked at her and smiled, and then said after a while, "Why do you believe me? I often think about how virtuous and capable I, Pei Shou, am, and I have nothing to offer..."

Liuli was stunned for a moment, and suddenly remembered that this was a question she had asked him before. She couldn't help but glared at him in embarrassment, "What are you talking about?"

Pei Xingjian smiled softly, "How could it be nonsense? I often thought about this question several times, but I never thought that you would ask me back. Liuli, I have never seen a woman who is smarter and clearer than you, and I have never seen a woman who is smarter and clearer than you. I’ve never heard of anyone being like me, who doesn’t want wealth or fame, but just wants to live comfortably. I’ve never met anyone who believes in me like you do. Even though... he may look down on me once or twice occasionally, in the final analysis, he still believes in me. For my own good."

This was the first time Liuli heard him talk about herself like this in person. First her face felt hot, but when she heard the last sentence, she couldn't laugh or cry at all - who said he was so generous and obviously very vindictive? But I heard him continue, "However, these are not the most important things."

Liuli couldn't help but look up at him, what's the most important thing? Pei Xingjian's eyes flashed with a joking light, "If you agree to go see the lanterns with me on the Lantern Festival, I will tell you what is most important."

Liuli felt sweet in her heart. Is this a date? She glanced at him sideways and said, "You think I'm very rare, you know?"

Pei Xingjian nodded seriously, "Pei secretly thought that you were still rare. Besides, you didn't agree. As long as you come out to watch the lanterns, I will definitely be able to find you."

Liuli never expected him to be so thick-skinned. She wanted to glare at him, but she couldn't help but laugh first, "Are there any people as tired as you?"

Pei Xingjian sighed, "Actually, before I met you, I was a very humble person. However, after I met you, you believed everything I said and agreed to whatever I did. Gradually, I became a little arrogant. From now on, you will I’m afraid I have to change my ways, otherwise I will be considered a prodigal son if I continue like this.”

Liuli blurted out, "You think you're not?" After saying this, she felt that this was inappropriate, her fingertips felt hot, and then her ears burned, and she turned her head away from looking at him. After a while, I couldn't hear what he said, so I couldn't help but turn around, only to see Pei Xingjian still staring down at him, but with his right hand behind his back - it seemed that he had suddenly held his hand behind his back like this before... Suddenly, Liuli understood his restraint, and her heart was filled with an emotion that was so sweet that it was almost painful. She could only raise her head and look into his eyes quietly, looking at the deep eyes under his thick eyelashes, and gradually... Can't even remember.

I don’t know how long it took, but Pei Xingjian suddenly said, "Liu Li, can we find a nearest date next year and get married?"

Liuli nodded without thinking, "Okay." Pei Xingjian smiled slowly, "How about tomorrow?"

Liuli had come to her senses and glared at him without saying anything. Tomorrow? Did he think he was eloping?

Pei Xingjian sighed regretfully, "It turns out that it's not like you agree with everything I say..."

Liuli looked at his lost look and couldn't help but laugh. The original subtle and slightly tense atmosphere in the room was swept away.

Pei Xingjian looked at the smiling face in front of him, and he couldn't tell whether he felt relieved or a little empty. Although Liuli always smiled on weekdays, there was always something intangible and distant in that smile, but the smile at this moment was bright and bright. It was astonishing that a strand of hair fell from her temples and fell on her snow-white cheeks. It danced with her smile. He suddenly felt that he really wanted to be like this strand of hair...

　　…………

The snow wax in the celadon Panlong candlestick with a lotus base has been half burned, and the originally yellowish candlelight has become a little cold when reflected by the clear blue Yue porcelain. Beside the candlestick, Mrs. Yang lowered her head and her eyes fell on the "Selected Literature" in her hand, but she did not turn a page for a long time.

 The sound of soft footsteps came from outside, and then Ani's low voice came, "Old Madam."

Mrs. Yang was slightly refreshed and said in a loud voice, "Come in."

Ani walked respectfully to the table where Mrs. Yang was sitting, and replied softly, "Madam has rested."

Mrs. Yang nodded, "Did everything go smoothly for her and the Su family in the past two days?"

A Ni did not hesitate and reported everything that happened in the past two days one by one. When it came to Liuli distributing plain silk to the servants and making promises to the old man, Mrs. Yang raised her eyebrows with interest and waited to hear it. When Liuli dismissed Mrs. Zheng with a few words, she couldn't help but laugh, "This girl is getting better and better!" and sighed, "That Madam of the Yu family is actually a cold-faced and warm-hearted person, but she turned to her like this. It seems that this lady is also a talented person."

She looked at the celadon candlestick in silence, and couldn't help but think of the news she heard before leaving the palace this morning - the Holy Emperor and Mei Niang took advantage of the Winter Solstice to go to the house of Taiwei Changsun yesterday, and rewarded him with ten carts of gold and silver. He also conferred the title of fifth-grade honorary officer on three of his unborn bastards, which cost them all their care. But as soon as he mentioned the matter of deposing the childless and virtuous Wang family and making Mei Niang his queen, Changsun Wuji refused to answer. What on earth was he thinking? Even after finishing the meal, he didn't even show it at all. ! If Mei Niang was as lucky as Liuli and could get help from her elders, why would she have to work so hard? It has been really difficult for her over the past few years...

A gust of wind penetrated the window lattice, and the candle flickered fiercely. Yang came back to her senses. Ani quickly took a step forward, picked up the scissors and cut off a section of the wax heart. Then she heard Mrs. Yang ask, "Is there anything else later?" Something else?"

A Ni used scissors to carefully remove the blackened wax core. Last night, Mrs. Yu said that she had been working **** weekdays, so she immediately forced the maid from Su Mansion to take her down to dinner. As a result, after a sumptuous dinner, she was dragged into chatting for a long time. , when she went back, the aunt was still drinking camel hoof soup in the upper room. For some reason, she suddenly remembered that in the past two nights, the aunt had been twirling her fingers around a strand of hair and looking at the candle in a daze. Her heart moved, but she just shook her head and said, "The Su family is very particular about food. Last night What I drank was camel hoof soup.”

Mrs. Yang showed a little surprise on her face, and then she pondered for a while, "Ani, if my aunt marries into the Pei family in the future, are you willing to go with her?"

Ani was taken aback and said hurriedly, "Old madam, if Ani has done something wrong, just teach Ani a lesson so that Ani won't dare to do it again."

Mrs. Yang smiled and said, "It's because of your good work that I let you go. She doesn't have anyone she can use now. You used to be her arm. Although Pei Shouyue is only at the sixth level now, I think I heard from Zhaoyi that she will be promoted in the next year, and she will naturally be rich and powerful in the future. Isn’t it better than staying with me? "

A Ni said hurriedly, "The old lady is thinking of A Ni. A Ni is very grateful. However, A Ni follows the old lady when she urinates. My parents are also in the house and I really can't bear to go out. The old lady still lets A Ni stay." Well, Ani will serve the old lady wholeheartedly."

Mrs. Yang laughed heartily, "If you follow Auntie and serve her well, you will also serve me." Then she said kindly, "Don't worry, your documents will also go to the Pei Mansion. No I will teach you to treat you as an outsider, but if you find yourself in trouble in the future, please remember to send someone to tell me. It will not be in vain for you to stay in this house. "

Ani felt clear in her heart that this is what the old lady should have meant. It stands to reason that Madam Kudi is gentle and generous, but she is not as weak and confused as Madam Wu. I heard that Pei Sheren also has a small family. Just the place to be. But to do this kind of thing, it would be okay if the aunt always relies on the Wu family like today, but if there is a bad day, it will be difficult for her to be in trouble... Looking at the old lady, she is smiling but cannot refuse. Looking at her eyes, she could only lean forward and say, "The old lady is as kind as a mountain to Ani, and Ani will never forget her."

Mrs. Yang then nodded with satisfaction, "I know you are loyal and sensible, and my aunt is not a fool. I can tell by listening to her talking and doing things in the past two days. I will never be inferior to others in the future. You should follow her well." When doing things, don’t lose the dignity of this house.”

Of course A Ni could only nod in response, and she couldn't tell whether she was worried or happy, but she heard the old lady say again, "You go back first, and remember to ask the aunt to come over early tomorrow."

Looking at A Ni's back, Yang sighed softly. Tomorrow she would submit a message to the Taiwei's Mansion. Last month, Yang Sixiniang was a guest. Now it's time for her to go back and pay a visit to the Taiwei. Madam, Zhangsun Wuji will eventually understand the purpose of her visit - originally she was supposed to take Shun Niang there, but now it seems that it would be better to take Kudi Liuli with her.

 Perhaps there are some things that she can be more helpful with.

  p.s. Thank you to my dear classmates Le Youyang, chengcen1988, Light Orange Light Fragrance and Dark Night Dawn. Thank you all for sending me the peach blossom fan, monthly tickets and pink tickets. I responded to the call and wrote a thousand more words...

In the Tang Dynasty, there were strict procedures for buying, selling and transferring slaves as gifts. A large document had to be signed and stamped by the official household before it could take effect. This set of procedures was called "too lowly".

 (End of this chapter)