Linquan Ancient Tree is located in a mountain forest, and it is not easy to walk along the way. The official family built a road here, and there are many pedestrians on the road. Especially on festival days, men, women, and children from Kyoto will come here to pay their respects.
Yu Zhi and Wang Dafu got off the car early and walked along the bluestone road at the edge of Weiming Lake behind Baiweiju. Because it has no name, it is called Weiming Lake.
The warm sunshine for several days has melted the snow on Weiming Lake. Snow occasionally falls on the green plants on the pavilions built next to the lake, and from time to time, clear cries can be heard from the mountains and forests.
The bluestone road does not seem crowded. Although there are many people, the road is also wide. There are people walking forward only after several steps.
"Why are there more old people than young people?" Yu Zhi asked.
Wang Dafu explained on the side: "They are all families who are anxious to have grandchildren or nephews. In recent years, there have been fewer in-law affairs among people in Kyoto. Young men study hard for Qingyun Examination, while young girls want to find those who have become princes. A family that worships the prime minister.”
Yu Zhi smiled and looked at the pedestrians walking back and forth intentionally or unintentionally, among whom there were also boys and girls coming one after another. There were many women who glanced at Yu Zhi several times, and then whispered to the people around them. "There are only a few young men of marriageable age in the court of Da Chu. Even if they have more than a dozen concubines, they cannot accommodate so many people."
"Master Xiao Yu is absolutely right. If Master Xiao Yu is interested in someone, I can go and inquire about him." Wang Dafu had a flattering smile on his face, as if he had done a lot of matchmaking.
"Me?" Yu Zhi was surprised, then shook his head like a rattle. "Not to mention that I already have my heart, and even if I like her, the girl's family may not like me." As he said this, Yu Zhi thought of Li Wantong again, whom he hadn't seen for several days. I miss you so much.
Wang Dafu said: "With such conditions, such official position, and such a face, the young master is one of the top fifty people in Kyoto. You shouldn't be so humble. If I have a daughter, I will let her marry you."
Yu Zhi suddenly felt more confident for some reason. After thinking about it carefully, he laughed and scolded: "You still want to take advantage of me?" Yu Zhi looked at Wang Dafu's thick eyebrows and big eyes. He said that his daughter is like his father, but he didn't dare to Imagine.
"If I had a son-in-law like the young master, I would be able to wake up from my dreams with a smile." Wang Dafu said.
Yu Zhi had tidied herself up today, and the black hair falling in front of her forehead was slightly unruly, like a sprouting willow branch swaying in the wind. The handsome face hidden under the black hair makes people want to take another look at it.
Yu Zhi may not be as aloof as Ye Qinghuan to attract girls, but he must be a handsome young man.
Yu Zhi was walking in front, when someone suddenly stuffed a white silk scarf towards him, with a pair of vivid mandarin ducks embroidered on it. After a slight sniff, there was a scent that entered his nose. I don't know if it was the smell of makeup or a girl's body fragrance. .
"This is it?" Yu Zhi smiled bitterly. This is the first time he has received favor from a woman.
Wang Dafu smiled obscenely and explained: "In Kyoto, if a woman falls in love with a certain young man, she will hand him a close-fitting silk scarf. It seems that Master Xiao Yu is very popular."
Yu Zhi took the white silk scarf and took a closer look, and saw two small words embroidered on the lower right corner of the scarf - Wanrong. This is a woman named Wanrong, and she is also a bold woman.
Yu Zhi had already found the other party, but he didn't know what to do with the white silk scarf in his hand. He definitely couldn't throw it away. He folded it and put it in his sleeve.
…
"Sir, you have collected so many silk scarves. If it is known, you will be scolded." The girl followed behind the boy, with dozens of silk scarves in her arms, all left by the girls' families who passed by.
The young man was wearing a white velvet robe, a rich uniform, and an extremely pure green ring jade pendant around his waist. Although he kept a low profile, it could be seen at a glance that the young man came from a wealthy family.
The girl's clothes were also made of extremely expensive fabrics, and she kept shouting like a gentleman.
"You have wronged me. They obviously forced it on me, how could I refuse?" Xiao Jingyao was helpless. He came out of the East Palace with the palace maid Wan'er today to see Linquan Gu. Tree.
Xiao Jingyao himself found it ridiculous. He had been born for more than ten years, especially in Kyoto, but he had never even visited Kyoto. Although he is the crown prince, he has never seen a corner of his family.
Although it was a private visit incognito, the clothes and noble temperament of a master and a servant still made people feel that he came from a wealthy family.
"Young Master just accepted the silk scarves from those girls with great joy, but Wan'er was tired. Wan'er never saw the Young Master refuse, and she always refused and welcomed them."
Xiao Jingyao turned around and looked at Wan'er behind him with a smile. "Is Wan'er jealous?" He stretched out a hand and stroked Wan'er's cheek. His hand was very gentle and his face was very hot. Xiao Jingyao liked these ambiguous actions in the palace, and wanted to truly taste the green and tempting fruit.
"Sir, this is outside." Wan'er reminded.
Xiao Jingyao smiled and took back his hand, taking the pink and white silk scarves in Wan'er's arms. "Since Wan'er is jealous, I will throw them away."
"But..." Wan'er hesitated.
"It's nothing, just throw it away." As he said that, Xiao Jingyao flicked his hands, and the silk scarves embroidered with various exquisite patterns fell into the Weiming Lake with the cold wind.
"If this young master doesn't like rejecting girls, how can he be so humiliating?" Guo Songxian was quite envious when he saw the silk scarves in Xiao Jingyao's hands, and he was even more jealous when he saw the jade pendant around Xiao Jingyao's waist.
He was born into a wealthy family and had a good father.
At this moment, the eyes of many pedestrians on the bluestone road fell on the two of them. Especially the girls who were waiting for marriage looked at Xiao Jingyao angrily.
No one has ever received so many silk scarves as Xiao Jingyao, but no one threw them randomly in public. A piece of love was abandoned.
This kind of scene really makes these girls who want to get married feel a sense of belonging. Of course, there were many girls who actually handed Xiao Jamyao scarves and were watching this scene.
"Brother Guo is right. They all come here to seek a marriage, but this young master is too humiliating." There were many people like Guo Songxian on the road who said. The man and Guo Songxian nodded, obviously they were acquaintances.
"Master, if you are not here to seek marriage, why not return these silk scarves one by one? Don't tease the hearts of Kyoto women, and don't ruin your own reputation." Guo Songxian persuaded with righteousness. He spoke for justice, spoke for thousands of girls in Kyoto, and even spoke for himself.
Guo Songxian is well-known in Kyoto, but he is still alone. He lacks a wealthy family to recruit him as his son-in-law. It seems that the reputation is even greater.
"What if I don't?" Xiao Jingyao was really surprised. It was rare that he met someone looking for trouble when he went out. He has lived in the palace for a long time, and everyone respects him. It is quite interesting to meet this person.
"Besides, I've thrown it into the lake, how do you want me to pick it up again?"
How to pick it up?
Half of the lake is covered with ice, unless you jump into the lake. However, even under the warm sun, the lake water was still bitingly cold, and no one could bear it.
Xiao Jingyao looked at the lake with ice floes and silk scarves floating on it, sparkling waves, and the cold light made him feel even colder. At this moment, his eyes were a little colder.
"Presumptuous!" Wan'er said angrily. She stepped out in front of Xiao Jingyao and humiliated him to death. Wan'er has been with Xiao Jingyao since she was a child, and she also understands this deeply when she is in the palace.
And Jamel Xiao is not just her master.
"Girl, I would like to advise you not to be deceived by such a noble person." Guo Songxian advised with "kindness".
Wan'er can become Xiao Jingyao's maid, and her appearance is naturally much more beautiful than ordinary women. Guo Songxian thought, a little girl like this is the easiest to deceive.
"Wan'er, forget it." Xiao Jingyao listened to the gossip in his ears and knew who this scholar-looking guy was. There are many famous talents in Kyoto, and Guo Songxian's reputation has also penetrated into the palace. Although it was not loud, it was featured in some garden poetry gatherings in Kyoto, and Xiao Jingyao heard some of it.
Xiao Jingyao took Wan'er's hand from behind and planned to leave. This mood has been ruined by Guo Songxian.
"Aren't you going to apologize?" Guo Songxian blocked the way, not wanting to give up at all. Guo Songxian felt a little proud in his heart as he felt the adoring eyes of the women around him.
Among many poetry gatherings, even if Guo Songxian can shine, it is only temporary. The great Chu was a warrior, but his Majesty now wanted to expand the territory rather than recite poetry.
Xiao Jingyao was quite angry, and no one ever dared to block his way. There are none in the imperial city, but there are some outside the imperial city. When had he ever been angry? Apart from Qiu Jinfeng, who had taught him since he was a child, he was now being blocked by someone outside the imperial city.
"Oh, Brother Guo?"
Yu Zhi saw this scene from afar, but Wang Dafu wanted to lure Yu Zhi to the other side. As expected, Yu Zhi looked at it for a long time and then walked up. It seemed that he was going to cause trouble.
Wang Dafu thought about the huge plaque in Qiu Mansion and emboldened himself. Whose young master would be less frivolous if he had such a background? Thinking about it this way, Wang Dafu felt that Yu Zhi was a good boy.
When Guo Songxian heard the unfamiliar voice, he naturally turned his head and saw that it was Yu Zhi. His expression changed slightly, but he greeted him with a smile. When Yu Zhi entered Shuntian Mansion, he was the lawyer of the Bai family. Guo Songxian's heart was not so magnanimous. After all, he and Yu Zhi had had a dispute.
Yu Zhi pretended to be surprised and looked at the scene in front of him, pointed his finger and said, "Hey, Brother Guo is bullying people again?"
What is bullying?
When did I bully others?
How can this be called bullying?
Guo Songxian was wronged, and his face turned blue and purple. Although he made friends with various families in Kyoto, he didn't really have a wealthy family as a backer like Yu Zhi. Therefore, Guo Songxian naturally did not dare to go against Yu Zhi.
"Looking at Brother Guo like this, do you still want to throw people into the lake?" Yu Zhi said. He doesn't mind being Guo Songxian's enemy, because it's Guo Songxian, so he doesn't mind helping him even more. "As a scholar like you, don't use force. It would be disrespectful to you as a scholar."
Yu Zhi walked between the two, separated them, and then faced Guo Songxian.
"Okay, since Mr. Yu said so, I, Guo Songxian, am not unreasonable. As long as he apologizes to you girls, I will let him go."
The generous words made those girls look even more eagerly.
Guo Songxian looked determined, but he was happy in his heart. He wanted this effect. Since entering Kyoto, Guo Songxian has been looking for such an opportunity to become famous.
Yu Zhi turned around and asked Xiao Jingyao behind him, "Are you willing?"
Jamel Xiao shook his head with a smile.
Therefore, Yu Zhi acted like a peacemaker. Then he turned to Guo Songxian and said helplessly: "Brother Guo, they don't want to. Can you let them go?"
Yu Zhi's attitude was very humble, and he looked like he was begging for help.
"Master Yu, if this is the case, you can't blame me." Guo Songxian looked like he insisted on standing up for the girls around him.
"You really don't want to give me face?"
"No. A real man is born in this world, and he does things and things he doesn't do. If he is willing to apologize, his mistake at this moment is not unforgivable. But, Mr. Yu, you have also seen him. This man refuses to repent."
"So what are your plans?"
"Throw him into the lake, pick up these girls' silk scarves, and return them one by one."
Yu Zhi looked at the cold lake and frowned.
"This lake is probably going to freeze to death. Brother Guo, is there no other way?" Yu Zhi seemed to be frightened by Guo Songxian's words, with a worried look on his face.
Guo Songxian felt proud that the situation was under his control. Now he holds the truth, has the support of those around him, and is extremely confident.
With confidence, Guo Songxian's voice became a little louder.
"No."
When Yu Zhi heard this, he scratched his head and looked helpless.
"Can you swim?"
Jamel Xiao was stunned for a moment, but still shook his head. Is this guy planning to throw me into the lake too? Xiao Jamyao looked at this young man who suddenly appeared warily.
Yu Zhi sighed and moved away. He took a few steps towards Guo Songxian, and suddenly Yu Zhi reached out and grabbed Guo Songxian's shoulder.
thump!
Cold water splashed, falling on the water and on the bluestone pavement.
Screams rang out in unison.
"How could you throw Brother Guo into the water? This lake can freeze people to death." The person who spoke was the man who had just been colluding with Guo Songxian.
thump!
There was another crisp sound of water splashing.
Yu Zhi clapped his hands, crossed his arms across his chest, and looked at the two struggling in the water with a proud expression.
"Master Xiao Yu, the water in this lake can freeze people to death." Wang Dafu said worriedly.
Yu Zhi said nonchalantly: "How about you go and fish it out for them?"
"Master, I think these two people have committed a heinous crime and deserve to be frozen in the water." Wang Dafu said with an indignant look and took a few steps back, for fear that Yu Zhi would kick him down.
"By the way, you two remember to pick up those silk scarves in the water." Yu Zhi shouted loudly. He was also glad that these two guys knew how to swim, otherwise he would have to worry about how to fish them out.
There was silence on the bluestone road, and the onlookers were afraid that the young man would throw them into the Weiming Lake one by one. They secretly looked at the lake, which was glowing with cold light.
Now the two people in the lake have turned pale, and they are constantly cursing: "bastards." and other words.
"Wang Dafu, don't let them come up until they have picked up all the scarves."
After Yu Zhi said calmly, he walked again along the bluestone road towards the Linquan ancient tree. The curse words were too brief, and Wang Dafu kicked him into the water in less than half a sentence.
The girls with eager eyes were no longer eager and fearfully made way for Yu Zhi.
Yu Zhi stopped and the girls around him took a step back. Yu Zhi smiled lightly and stepped forward.
…
"interesting."
Xiao Jingyao looked at Yu Zhi's back playfully and murmured. Now no one pays attention to the two people who caused the trouble, Xiao Jingyao.
Wan'er had been following Xiao Jingyao for a long time, and knowing what Xiao Jingyao was thinking now, she said, "Master, why don't we catch up and meet him?"
Xiao Jingyao smiled and said, "If you save us, you must meet him."
…
Yu Zhi was walking alone on the road. The second half of the bluestone road was already in the mountain forest, surrounded by wild trees on both sides. Yu Zhi sniffed the fresh air in the mountain forest, occasionally hiding from the snow falling from the trees.
Yu Zhi wanted to accompany Ye Qinghuan to Beiliang Mansion, and even more wanted to take Li Wantong to meet the miracle doctor. There is another trouble - Yu Zhi is the secretary of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Although the official is not a big one, he still has trouble in this small official position.
In the court, the most busy people are not the first-class officials, but the petty officials like Yu Zhi.
"Oops, I have a headache." Yu Zhi said to himself. He planned to talk to Qiu Jinfeng. After all, the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate was Qiu Jinfeng's disciple.
"Brother."
Yu Zhi turned around and saw Xiao Jingyao. He saluted immediately and walked away again.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingyao caught up with him again.
"Brother, the road is rough. I would like to treat you to a cup of tea." Xiao Jingyao said sincerely.
Yu Zhi looked at Xiao Jingyao, and then at Wan'er behind Xiao Jingyao. "You brought her here to seek marriage? You are not a good person either."
Yu Zhi knew that there were many young masters in Kyoto who raised some beautiful daughters in their homes. In the west, these were called child brides. This was the way he looked at Xiao Jingyao and Wan'er.
"Brother, I owe you a favor." Xiao Jingyao looked at Yu Zhi's back and shouted.
Perhaps soon, Yu Zhi will know how valuable this favor is.
"Sir, you two don't even know your names. I'm afraid he won't be able to keep this favor." Wan'er said with a smile.
Both are smart people. What Yu Zhi said was that Xiao Jingyao already had a beauty by his side, and she actually came to seek marriage. One sentence accidentally touched Wan'er's heart.
Although she knew that there was a huge difference in status between herself and Xiao Jingyao, and it would be impossible for them to be together in their lifetime, every girl would have a dream.
Xiao Jingyao also smiled and touched Wan'er's head. "Wan'er, have you seen the token on his waist?"
"That's the brand of the Metropolitan Procuratorate." Xiao Jingyao continued.
Ever since he got the token from the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Yu Zhi has always hung it on his waist, for fear that others wouldn't know. And with such a bright sign, how could Wan'er not see it?
"Oh, he is from the Metropolitan Procuratorate? Wan'er heard that His Majesty recently awarded a minister of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, so he must be this person."
Xiao Jingyao turned around and left in the opposite direction of Linquan Ancient Tree.
"Young Master, aren't you going to see the ancient tree?"
"I won't watch anymore. Meeting such a person today is a worthwhile trip."
