Zui Xian Tower
At the end of midsummer, the moon and stars are thin, and the deep twilight gradually envelopes the earth. The heat in the air has not yet subsided, and in the bustling Chang'an West Market, restaurants, teahouses, theaters, and brothels on both sides of the streets are bustling with people and noisy.
And right next to the street in the West Market, a lantern with the three characters "Zui Xian Lou" hung in it, swaying in the wind in the cool summer night, while the sound of changing cups and drinking, and the sound of drinking and drinking, came from the brightly lit attic. Spread far.
From time to time, carriages drove through the bluestone streets with interlaced light and dark, and drove out of the West Market, while several dogs barked from the rows of houses.
Behind Zuixian Tower, there is a manor covering an area of more than ten acres. The pavilion facing the lake stands majestically. The red lanterns raised at the corners of the eaves are in harmony with the bright moon and stars in the sky and the lake rocks and willows on the shore. In the lake, the light and water complement each other.
This is where Chu Princess Zhen Qing, the person behind the scenes, entertains Jia Heng. The excitement can be heard from the front yard through the eaves and pavilions.
To the southwest of the manor, there is a gatehouse. Two carriages are parked beside the road, and several carriage drivers from the Prince of Chu's Palace and the Prince's Palace of Beijing rest beside the road.
On the second floor, in the wing room
Zhen Xue stood in front of the window, looking into the distance. The beauty had high temples and a beautiful face. A gentle and watery aura flowed silently. The red lantern swayed gently in the wind, and the faint light and shadow illuminated the young woman's face. The eyebrows and eyes were shrouded in dark shadows and light waves, only the clear eyes were bright and clear, but they were somewhat in a trance.
A long dress with plain green gauze and embroidered plum blossoms made her delicate body as soft as a willow. A few strands of hair curled behind her ears, and her earlobes were decorated with earrings, shining brightly under the lights.
Because it was midsummer, the temperature in Guanzhong was unbearably hot. Hua Xin's gentle and quiet cheeks, chin, and neck were all covered with sweat. Even the edges of her clothes were wet, and there were circles of faintness on the candlestick not far away. Under the light of the lights, the glistening beads of sweat were shining, and the snowy jade skin had a rose-red aura. From the rouge smeared on the young woman's lips, it can be seen that, well, she also put on makeup before coming.
Zhen Xue picked up a handkerchief, stretched out her hand to wipe the sweat on her temples, stood at the window, and looked at the evergreen pines and cypresses, and the shadow-shaded environment of the bamboo forest. In particular, she looked through the sycamore trees at the blue waves in the distance and the swaying lights. Jiang Chi smiled lightly, his pink lips slightly parted, and said softly: "Sister, I don't think it's quite quiet here."
Although they are sisters, Zhen Xue has not been to all Zhen Qing's properties in Beijing.
"The house here used to be a banquet place for some officials' children, but because of the high price, not many people usually come. Today, I specifically asked the shopkeeper not to receive other guests." Zhen Qing smiled softly and explained. .
Today, the strong-tempered Princess Chu has changed into a long pale red palace dress, with a bun like a cloud, charming phoenix eyes, red lips and pink face, and a flawless, white and jade-like face that looks a bit sharp. , and the crescent moon earrings are worn on the earlobes between the temples. The sparkling light is so beautiful that it makes the skin feel greasy.
At this moment, the round and crisp snow like a millstone bounced up from the back chair, walked forward with a leisurely pace, and said with a chuckle: "I also know that sister, you always like to be quiet, so I didn't look for a box in the restaurant facing the street, sister. Just like it here.”
Zhen Qing said softly, and couldn't help but glance at the jasper flowing wine pot on the wine table. This wine pot was specially made by craftsmen. It was actually a nine-bend mandarin duck pot, and contained two kinds of wine.
Zhen Qing didn't dare to look any further, so she quickly withdrew her gaze and looked at her sister steadily, feeling a complex feeling in her heart. "Sister, it's cheaper to travel here." Zhen Qing looked up and smiled.
The two palaces obviously cannot be used as a place to host banquets. Not to mention the question of whether Jia Ziyu will accept the invitation, there are also many servants and maids in the two palaces. , and some gossip may be spread.
In fact, it is not suitable to receive ordinary diners in a private room in front of Zuixian Restaurant. People come and go, so there is a manor-like courtyard behind the restaurant, but it is more suitable.
Zhen Xue thought about it and chuckled, "My sister is still very experienced in dealing with people."
Half of Zhen Qing's snow-faced jade cheeks were hidden in the shadows, and she chuckled: "My sister used to be innocent, but she is not
Those who were hesitant and did not want to get married became more worried. "
When Zhen Xue heard the words, her jade face was slightly startled, and she couldn't help but sigh, and said quietly: "After leaving the pavilion, things will be different from those in the boudoir after all." Zhen Qing was silent for a moment after hearing the words, chuckled, changed the topic and asked: "My sister has been in the family since she was a child. She just likes reading. When she was in Jinling, she was also a famous talented woman. The poems she wrote at that time were all the best among the sisters in the clan. I wonder if she still has any poems written in these years?"
Under Zhen Xue's beautiful eyebrows, her watery eyes flashed, looking at the light scene, her eyes looked a little nostalgic, and said: "I haven't done this in the past few years. At that time, I was still in the boudoir, playing with my sister. Son, I was reading, writing poems, and working as a female celebrity, and I didn’t have that many worries at that time.”
Since she married in the capital, she has never written those poems again, and her sister is more concerned about her family than before. Zhen Qing looked at Zhen Xue, who looked a little lonely, and whispered: "My sister has suffered a lot from marrying far away from Shenjing these years."
She also learned through some spies a few years ago that her brother-in-law turned out to be like that, and her sister was so young... Zhen Xue had a faint face, and whispered: "People have to grow up, after all, they are no more carefree than when they were children. of."
Turning around, on a mahogany book table, the orange candlelight reflected Wen Ning's soft eyebrows clearly, and said: "Sister, will Uncle Yong Ning like the things we gave you?"
Zhen Qing chuckled lightly, took Zhen Xue's hand, and said with a smile: "That is something used by military commanders. Uncle Yong Ning will definitely like it." He must be overjoyed to give such a beauty like his sister to him, and for her Drive.
After thinking about it, he joked: "If my sister feels unsettled, why not write a poem to Uncle Yongning?"
After all, she was a married woman with children, and since the sisters had grown up together and slept in the same bed, their conversation was somewhat casual.
When Zhen Xue heard this, her heart skipped a beat, her fair-skinned cheeks heated up slightly, and she said angrily, "What are you talking about, sister?" As a married woman, what poems could she write to Uncle Yongning?
Zhen Qing smiled, took her sister's hand, and said softly: "Sister, there are no outsiders here anyway, we sisters are chatting and laughing, why are you ashamed?"
Hearing this, Zhen Xue rolled her beautiful eyes at Zhen Qing and said angrily, "Sister, if you keep talking like this, I will ignore you."
Looking at her younger sister who was suddenly a bit shy and coy, Zhen Qing smiled and stopped teasing her. While talking, she pulled Zhen Xue to sit on the bamboo couch beside her.
Zhen Qing sat down at once. The bamboo couch seemed to be unable to bear the softness and roundness of a millstone, making a "squeaking" sound, while the full moon in front of the beauty reached its peaks.
Princess Chu Zhen Qing looked at Zhen Xue who was sitting down, and said softly: "Sister, I heard the matter of brother-in-law was discussed in the court today, but I am not sure what my father is planning, sister."
Zhen Xue frowned slightly, pursed her lips, and said with a rare hint of resentment and grievance in her tone: "Since the prince has made no progress over there, he can just come back, why bother lingering at the border?"
"Sister, don't you understand? A real man's life and career are still based on merit. Now anyone with a discerning eye can see that the Military Aircraft Department is in charge of the military forces of the Han Dynasty. My brother-in-law is now the Minister of Military Aircraft. How can he not do this? A lot of achievements?" Zhen Qing said with a chuckle and looked at her sister.
While the two sisters were talking, a female official who was Zhen Xue's personal official suddenly came in from the outside and said, "Princess, Uncle Yongning is here."
When Princess Chu Zhen Qing heard this, her face changed slightly and she said with a smile: "Sister, we are here." Zhen Xue nodded and got up.
After a while, a female official led a young man with sharp eyebrows and a plain white brocade robe into the inner compartment.
"Brother Heng, are you here?" Princess Chu Zhen Qing was overjoyed to see that the visitor had kept her appointment as scheduled. A smile overflowed on the face of the gorgeous young woman. With her phoenix eyes twinkling, she couldn't help but take another look at the young man.
He secretly thought, since ancient times, heroes have been born from young. Speaking of which, the person in front of him was a few years younger than his sister, but he was already an important military minister in charge of the Privy Council.
Princess Zhen Qing of Beijing was standing aside. Under her curved eyebrows, her watery eyes looked at the young man. She saw that he was only wearing cloth clothes, with a cheerful expression and Xiao Xuan sparsely raised his eyebrows.
It is difficult to associate it with the young man who was walking with his sword under the escort of a large number of imperial guards in front of the Xihe Palace, where hundreds of officials were kneeling on both sides.
Men are visual creatures, and so are women, but they are adults after all. After taking one look, they felt something strange in their hearts, and then stopped looking any further.
Jia Heng raised his eyes, looked at the Zhen sisters, nodded and said, "After the court, the palace gave a banquet. I'm late. The two princesses have been waiting for a long time, right?"
Zhen Qing smiled sweetly and said in a charming voice: "My sister and I have just arrived. Brother Heng is a busy man, so I came here despite my busy schedule. I hope it doesn't delay your official duties."
Zhen Xue's eyes were gentle and her voice was soft and soft, and she said happily: "Zi Yu is busy with official duties. I originally thought that Zi Yu might be too busy and not come."
"I just returned to the capital, and I don't have much to do at hand. Besides, I have to talk to the princess because of the matter regarding King Beijing." Jia Heng looked at the young woman Hua Xin, whose eyebrows were as gentle as water, and said softly.
When Zhen Xue heard this, she was startled and said softly: "Let Ziyu worry about it." Jia Heng said: "Princess, you are polite."
"Sister, Brother Heng, our two families have been relatives for decades, so we don't need to stay out of the house." Zhen Qing said with a sweet smile, extended her hand to invite you, and said, "Brother Heng, sit here."
Jia Heng nodded and sat down at Zhen Qing's invitation.
At this moment, the seating order of the three of them is that Jia Heng is leaning against the door, Zhen Xue is sitting nearby, and Zhen Qing is beside Zhen Xue so that she can prepare the food and drinks and hold the pot to pour the wine.
Facing the gazes of the Zhen sisters, Jia Heng looked calm and said slowly: "I asked about the matters entrusted by the princess before when I entered the palace. There are indeed some problems in Datong and Taiyuan."
"Oh?" Zhen Qing put down the tea cup, her beautiful eyes slightly focused, as if asking.
Zhen Xue turned around slightly, and under her beautiful eyebrows, her bright eyes also showed seriousness.
Jia Heng said: "The prince of Beijing County went to Taiyuan and Datong. The generals in both places said that there was a real shortage of soldiers. In recent years, soldiers have not been deducted from their pay. Although there are old and weak soldiers, they have been eliminated after being eliminated, but the imperial court has This statement is generally unbelievable. It seems that the Prince of Beijing County does not believe what they say, and is still staying in Datong Military Town to investigate the details."
He didn't know how King Beijing ordered his troops. Of course, there was a high probability that 70,000 to 80,000 people would not line up to check them one by one, which would give the town general room for fraud.
"What do you mean in the palace? Is your father obviously unhappy?" Zhen Qing rested her arm as white as snow on the table and looked at the young man opposite her in surprise.
Jia Heng said: "The Holy One didn't say anything."
After thinking for a while, he turned to look at Princess Zhen Xue of Beijing, who had a worried look in her soft eyes, and said in a low voice: "Princess, don't worry too much. After a while, the prince will become a famous general with his military achievements." Just transfer here from Taiyuan."
Even if he goes to investigate, he still has to paralyze Datong and Taiyuan.
When Zhen Xue heard this, she felt happy and said softly: "Zi Yu, I mean the same thing. Since there is no progress with the prince, it is better to come back. However, the prince is also stubborn in temperament. I, a woman, can't persuade him. Zi Yu See if you can persuade the prince?"
Zhen Qing's eyes flashed and she chuckled: "Brother Heng, there are indeed problems in Datong and Taiyuan. The Military Aircraft Department can't turn a blind eye, right?"
"Princess, this is a military and state secret. Isn't it inappropriate for the princess to inquire about it like this?" Jia Heng glanced at Zhen Qing and asked with a slight smile.
He didn't know what Chu Princess Zhen Qing was thinking, but he was still a little wary.
When Zhen Qing heard this, her face, which was as charming and beautiful as peach blossoms, changed slightly, her phoenix eyes flashed, and she said with anger or annoyance: "Brother Heng, don't say anything you don't want to say, why bother to scare me?"
The slightly sharp brows exuded the charm of a gorgeous young woman, especially as she spoke, the trembling snow-capped mountains, overlapping lights and flickers, were undoubtedly sultry in such a thin and cool summer day.
Zhen Xue also looked at Jia Heng worriedly and tightened her handkerchief. Jia Heng chuckled lightly and said, "I was joking with the princess."
After pondering for a while, he said in a cold voice: "The formation of the army is related to the imperial court's major plans. It is definitely not something that those with evil intentions can just ignore. If they don't understand the general situation, the imperial court has other ways to deal with it and will never tolerate the adopted daughter!"
He went to the military towns of Datong and Taiyuan to talk to Princess Jinyang, but it was difficult to talk to Princess Zhen Qing of Chu.
Zhen Xue looked at the young man opposite who spoke righteously and had sharp eyes. Her beautiful eyes flashed and she couldn't help but take another look. She quickly lowered her beautiful eyes and pursed her pink lips.
Even though this man was dressed in commoner clothes, his demeanor as a minister of military affairs was still intact. Instead, he had an indescribable sense of freedom and ease, making every effort seem light.
"That's fine. Brother Heng is the military minister in charge of the country, so he can make his own decision in his mind." Zhen Qing smiled sweetly, and a hint of thought appeared in her long-awaited beautiful eyes.
As he said that, he glanced at the vast night outside the window and chuckled: "Brother Heng, it's getting late, let's have dinner first."
Jia Heng nodded. At this time, the female official led the two maids, brought the basin, and helped Jia Heng, Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue wash their hands.
Everyone sat down and ate the dishes.
"Brother Heng had a hard time going out to Beijing this time. I heard that Brother Heng even fought with the bandit leader in Kaifeng and personally captured Gao Yue alive? It was quite a thrill, wasn't it?" Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes looked at the opposite person intently. The young man had a look with a bit of surprise and reverence in his eyes.
To be honest, thanks to Zhen Qing being here, otherwise, if Zhen Xue, who was just not good at warming up the scene, was here, the atmosphere would not be so close and natural.
Zhen Xue also looked at the young man in cloth, and said in a soft voice: "After the bandit leader was escorted to the capital, many people in the capital came to see him. Ziyu is brave and brave, and everyone in the capital knows it."
Such a young man, who was several years younger than her, was not only good at martial arts, but also accomplished in both civil and military affairs. He was truly one of the top talents in the country since its founding hundreds of years ago.
Of course, this young woman with beautiful letters just often reads "The Biography of Jia Heng" written by her sister, out of a feeling of looking at her friends of the same age, and has no other intention.
Jia Heng put down the chopsticks in his hands and said: "The generals will inevitably fight with the enemy outside. It is not dangerous, but Gao Yue is brave enough to commit murder. I am the commander of the Beijing Camp, so I will not sit idly by."
"I heard that on that day, Gao Yue Company beheaded several generals in the army. Brother Heng came out with a sword and captured them off their horses. The news spread throughout the capital. Brother Heng bravely defeated the three armies and was as brave as the fierce generals of ancient times." Zhen Qing After complimenting him, the smile on his gorgeous face was like a hibiscus flower, and he said softly: "I offer you a toast to brother Heng."
With that said, he picked up the wine pot, took the wine cup and poured a glass for Jia Heng, and then poured a glass for his sister Zhen Xue. Jia Heng said softly: "It's too much praise. It's not that amazing. The enemy is at the end of a strong crossbow."
He had no intention of boasting about his invincibility in front of the two young women.
Zhen Qing smiled, raised the wine glass with both hands, looked at the young man opposite with her eyes full of eyes, and said: "With this glass, my sister, brother Jingheng, and I will destroy the bandits with the power of thunder in the Central Plains."
Zhen Qing raised the wine cup and took a sip first. She looked quite bold and did not forget to raise her eyes to glance at the young man opposite. "Princess is too flattering." Jia Heng raised the wine cup, put it to his lips, and took a sip.
In fact, he doesn't drink much, and he is a little wary of Chu Princess Zhen Qing, but seeing Zhen Qing drinking heavily, it shouldn't be a serious problem.
On the other side, Zhen Xue also raised her wine cup and toasted to Jia Heng.
The beauty's pink lips, as plump as rose petals, were pressed against the rim of the wine glass. She seemed to feel that the alcohol was too strong, so she subconsciously stretched out her lilac tongue and took a sip like a kitten. Then she quickly drank a glass, because her movements were hidden. The sleeves of the skirt were hidden, so no one noticed it, but it was a bit indescribably playful.
The young woman drank a glass of wine on her face, and after a glass of wine, her cheeks as white as snow suddenly turned red, her rose petal lips exhaled the smell of wine slightly, and her cherry teeth were like braided shells shining with crystal light.
Seeing that Jia Heng just took a sip, Zhen Qing felt anxious and said with a smile: "Brother Heng, is this wine not to your liking?" Although the amount of aphrodisiac she drank was sufficient, it was only a small sip, who knows if it will have any effect. ?
Moreover, she had just finished the drink in one gulp, and this person felt a little unhappy.
Jia Heng put down the wine cup and declined, "I'm sorry, Princess, but I haven't been feeling well these days."
Hearing this, Zhen Xue put down the wine cup. Her eyes were as smooth as water with concern, and she said softly: "If you feel uncomfortable, just drink two less cups."
. "
Zhen Qing smiled and said: "Brother Heng, we don't want to persuade anyone today. We just drink one or two cups until we are slightly tipsy, in a good mood, and easy to talk. Although Brother Heng is young and light, he is very dignified and majestic. Respectable yet unapproachable."
With that said, he poured himself another cup.
Zhen Xue heard her sister's slightly "intimate" words, her heart skipped a beat, and she glanced at Zhen Qing. Jia Heng glanced at Zhen Qing, who was refilling her glass, nodded and said, "That's what the princess said."
In fact, she was a little too wary. Zhen Qing often looked for her during this period, but she didn't have any bad intentions.
Zhen Qing smiled, with a soft light in her eyes, and said: "Speaking of which, Brother Heng was really tired out this time. I read in the newspaper that the dikes on the Henan side are more dilapidated than those on the Nanhe River. Because Heng My brother repaired the embankment in advance, and there was not a single breach. Instead, there were actually two breaches along the Nanhe River embankment. It was clear at a glance who was dedicated to the king's affairs."
Mentioning this matter, this respected princess couldn't help but sigh, this is a capable minister and official.
"Ziyu lived on the river embankment every day during that time, and it seems that he was much less wealthy than before he left the capital." Zhen Xue looked at the young man with watery eyes, and then suddenly said.
Jia Heng looked at Zhen Xue across from him. Hearing these words, he felt a little strange in his heart for some reason, but he said, "Actually, it's not bad. I'll just take care of him for a while."
Zhen Qing glanced at her sister and chuckled in her heart. She picked up the wine bottle, pressed her fingers on the button, and took Zhen Xue's wine cup to pour a glass.
Then, Zhen Qing looked at the young man, with a look of admiration on his beautiful face, and said, "If it weren't for Brother Heng, I don't know how much trouble there would be in Henan. Brother Heng lives and eats in the dike in Henan. It's really hard work." Qing, my sister and I will toast to Brother Heng again."
As he spoke, he raised the wine cup with both hands and drank it all in one gulp.
She didn't believe it, could she drink a glass of wine ten times?
