Shortly after Yang Peng left Tianjing Hotel, Zhao Xiangxiang and Luo Yanran also left Fanlou and went to Zhao Mansion. On the way, Zhao Xiangxiang asked jokingly: "My sister is so concerned about national affairs, do she also want to be a female minister?" Luo Yanran smiled sweetly, "Sister is making fun of me. How can I be a female minister if I have that ability?" , and don’t want to get involved.” After a pause, he continued: “My little sister is just concerned about her own family affairs.”
Seeing Zhao Xiangxiang's expression of confusion, she explained with a smile: "The scholars in the scholar-officials say that King Yan is like a monster. Naturally, my little sister is worried that King Yan wants to kill the people in the scholars! But after yesterday During the night and the conversation just now, I discovered that King Yan was not who he was in the legend. He, he just wanted to change some inherent situations, and he did not want to kill the people in the Shilin!" He smiled mockingly, " A family like ours that has long been denied recognition by the Shilin people will have no problem! Hey, I am completely relieved now."
Zhao Xiangxiang couldn't help but feel happy for Luo Yanran, and then said worriedly: "The people in the scholar society have a deep misunderstanding of my eldest brother, and they are very hostile. I, I am really worried!"
Luo Yanran shook her head and said: "Sister is wrong. The hatred of the scholars towards King Yan is not out of misunderstanding, but out of interests!" Seeing Zhao Xiangxiang's expression of confusion, she couldn't help but secretly said: 'Sister Although my sister is very talented and intelligent, her character is weak and childish, and she simply does not understand the despicable and sinister nature of people in the world! On this point, Confucian scholars are even worse! Uh, how could I think about things like this? ’ Quickly put these messy thoughts behind, smiled and said to Zhao Xiangxiang: “Sister, you and I don’t have to worry about these things. We can’t even if we want to. Besides, with King Yan’s wisdom and With my martial arts skills, I can surely handle this kind of problem!"
Li Qingzhao felt that what Luo Yanran said made sense, and most of the worries in his heart disappeared, and he nodded with a smile.
The four girls returned to Li Mansion. As soon as they entered the gate, Zhao Ming and his wife came up to them and said with smiles on their faces: "Did you have a great time, girls? You must not have eaten yet, the food is ready!" Then they said to the old servant next to them. He ordered: "Take the two ladies to the backyard for dinner!" The old servant responded.
Zhao Xiangxiang said quickly: "Uncle, there is no need to be busy, we have already eaten at Tianjing Hotel!" Ju'er, who was standing behind Zhao Xiangxiang, said proudly: "We ate with Brother Yan Wang!"
Zhao Ming and his wife's eyes lit up, and Zhao Ming laughed and said, "That's great! King Yan likes our girl. This is really the blessing of our family from previous lives!" Zhao Xiangxiang heard her uncle say this again, His face suddenly turned red, and he quickly explained: "We just happened to meet King Yan. King Yan actually has no other intentions for us!" Zhao Ming and his wife could not believe it, and nodded with a smile. : "Yes, yes, the girl said yes."
Seeing this scene, Zhao Xiangxiang knew that the more she talked, the more misunderstanding she would get, so she simply stopped talking and said to Zhao Ming and his wife, "Uncle, aunt, I'm going back to my room." Zhao Ming said quickly: "The girl must be tired, go quickly Rest! Your aunt and I will bring you tea later." Zhao Xiangxiang nodded and walked towards her embroidery building in the backyard. Luo Yanran smiled slightly at Zhao Ming and his wife, and followed them. Of course the little maid carrying a lot of things also followed.
The four girls came to Zhao Xiangxiang's embroidery building. The two maids quickly put down the things in their hands, took a long breath, and patted their sore arms. Ju'er pulled Yun'er's sleeve and said, "Let's prepare tea." Yun'er asked in confusion, "Didn't Mr. Uncle just say that they would bring tea?" Ju'er rolled her eyes and said: "I don't trust the tea they make! Come on!" After saying that, he walked downstairs, and Yun'er quickly followed.
Zhao Xiangxiang and Luo Yanran walked to the moon cave window and sat down. After chatting for a while, Luo Yanran suddenly asked: "Sister, does this courtyard belong to my uncle and his family?"
Zhao Xiangxiang shook her head, with a look of gratitude in her eyes. She smoothed her hair with her delicate hands and said, "My eldest brother gave this to me. It seemed to have belonged to a Beijing official before." Seeing Luo Yanran's half-smiling look, she couldn't help but Her cheeks turned red and she quickly said: "Sister, don't misunderstand me! Brother, he just saw that I was helpless, so he helped me specially. In fact, it was mostly because of the friendship between the princess and my sister. !”
Luo Yanran smiled and said: "My little sister, I'm not thinking about anything, I'm afraid it's just you!" Zhao Xiangxiang's face turned even redder.
Luo Yanran thought for a moment, raised her head, glanced at Zhao Xiangxiang, and said, "Sister, there are some things I don't know whether to say or not!" Zhao Xiangxiang held Luo Yanran's delicate hand and said sincerely: "Sister and I have not known each other for a long time. , but we fell in love with each other at first sight, and we feel like sisters. If my sister has anything to say, it’s okay to say it!” Although these two talented women, Zhao Xiangxiang and Luo Yanran, had long heard about each other and admired each other, they had never known each other until the Khitan army marched southward. , the two women met and got to know each other on the way to escape, and soon became close friends who talked about everything. Soon after, Zhao Xiangxiang followed Yang Peng's building boat to the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun, while Luo Yanran and her party returned to Yangzhou. Soon after, Khitan soldiers approached, and the Luo family fled the Yangtze River until more than a year ago. , The Luo family returned to their hometown Yangzhou from Jiangnan. Not long after, Luo Yanran got the news about Zhao Xiangxiang, which led to her current trip to Tianjing New City.
Luo Yanran was silent for a moment, glanced at Zhao Xiangxiang, and said: "Sister, as a guest, I shouldn't say these things, but, I'm really worried! Sister, that uncle and grandma are obviously not It’s not appropriate for such kind people to stay by my sister’s side! It’s best for my sister to find a way to get rid of them all to avoid causing problems in the future.”
Zhao Xiangxiang looked embarrassed and said: "Actually, I can actually see it. When I came to Bianliang to join them, they were not as close to me as they are now... until, until they found out that my eldest brother and I After the relationship... But, after all, they are my relatives, I, I really don’t want to..." Luo Yanran sighed and said: "Sister is gentle and kind, no matter how much others have done, I'm sorry for you. Things, you can forgive them!" Zhao Xiangxiang smiled. Luo Yanran thought: "Although these two villains have ulterior motives, as long as my sister has that kind of relationship with King Yan, they will not dare to act recklessly! Huh, villains know how to survive best! There is no need to worry too much. !”
There were footsteps on the stairs. Ju'er and Yun'er each came to the two women holding a bowl of fragrant tea, offered the tea, and then stepped aside. The two women picked up the tea bowl and took a small sip. There were footsteps again on the stairs, and this time it was Zhao Ming and his wife who came, both holding a bowl of tea in their hands. When I came face to face with the two women, I saw that tea was already placed in front of them, and I couldn't help but feel a little resentful. The couple put down their tea bowls, and Zhao Ming took out two invitations from his arms, handed them to Luo Yanran, and said with a smile: "I almost forgot, these are the invitations sent by Mr. Shang and Mr. Zhuang in person this morning. The two young gentlemen have nothing to do with the young lady. , but it can truly be said to be a deep love!"
Luo Yanran stood up and said with a smile: "Thank you, uncle!" Then she accepted the two invitations and sat back down. After looking at them separately, I found that they all invited him to the banquet tonight. After thinking for a moment, she said to Li Qingxia: "Sister, is there any letterhead here?" Zhao Xiangxiang nodded and said, "Yes." Then she ordered Ju'er: "Go get two pieces of letterhead." Ju'er responded, He ran to the desk not far away and came back with two pieces of snow-white letter paper, pen and ink.
Luo Yanran picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and started writing on the two pieces of letter paper. She held the pen holder lightly with her slender fingers, her wrist trembled slightly, and each of the beautiful regular scripts appeared on the white letter paper like magic. . After a while, both letters were written. Luo Yanran asked Zhao Xiangxiang for two more envelopes, put two pieces of letter paper into the envelopes, and wrote the words 'To Mr. Shang' and 'To Mr. Li' on the envelopes. After finishing the letter, he handed the letter to Yun'er and ordered: "Delivery it to the two young masters' residences respectively." Yun'er unwrapped the two letters, but with a look of embarrassment on his face, he said: "Miss, I, I can't find it. The residence of the two young masters.”
Zhao Xiangxiang smiled and said: "This is easy to handle," and then said to Ju'er: "Ju'er, you and Yun'er go to deliver the letter together." Ju'er responded, and Yun'er looked at her happily, and then the two maids Then he said goodbye to his lady and went downstairs hand in hand. …
Yang Peng stood on the attic in the backyard, looking at his wives and children playing in the backyard, with a happy smile on his face.
Click, click, click, hurried footsteps were heard on the wooden stairs behind him, and then a fragrant breeze floated from behind. Yang Peng smiled slightly, knowing who was coming. I heard footsteps stopping a few feet behind me, and then Jiang Li's voice came: "Master, the latest news from Ningxia!"
Yang Peng turned around, took the letter from Jiang Li, opened the envelope, took out the letter paper, unfolded it and read it, and saw that the letter read: The Tibetan army has cut off the connection between Xuanhua Prefecture and Xiliang Prefecture. Although the Xixia army is still resisting, the situation is already very unfavorable. The subordinates have sent people to contact Aodaochong according to King Yan's previous arrangements, but no news has been received yet.
Yang Peng held the letter and turned his hands behind his back, turned to look out the window, and fell into deep thought. He was thinking about how to deal with the current situation. According to previous estimates, the Tibetan army would not advance so quickly, and the war between the two sides would be delayed until at least the beginning of next spring. By then, the autumn harvest would have passed, and it would be easier for the Tibetan army to mobilize its army, and the fisherman would benefit from the snipe and clam competition. However, according to recently obtained intelligence, Xixia's resistance is much weaker than previously expected.
According to the current situation, Xixia will be completely defeated by Tubo before winter, which will be very bad.
Previously, the Tubo envoys and the Xixia envoys came to Tianjing New City at the same time. The Xixia side wanted to imitate the story of Bangu, the Han Dynasty's envoy to the Western Regions, and sow discord between Tubo and Yanyun, but it was self-defeating. However, due to Zambala's wisdom and strategic vision, the relationship between the two parties not only did not break down, but also reached some secret agreements under Zambala's promotion, which was naturally detrimental to Yanyun. However, the Tubo mission was suddenly attacked and killed by Xixia warriors on their way back to Tubo, causing heavy casualties. Even Zambala died in the attack. The members of the Tubo mission who escaped the disaster hated the Xixia people deeply. After returning to the country, they told the whole incident in detail, including the attack by the Xixia people in Tianjing New City. narrated it.
As a result, the Tubo monarchs and ministers were furious, and with Yan Yun's side adding fuel to the flames, the Tubo emperor couldn't wait to issue an order to conquer Xixia. Soon after, 150,000 Tibetan troops gathered. At this time, Xixia had also noticed the movements in Tubo. They immediately sent envoys to Tubo and actively prepared for defense. At this time, Odaochong still hoped to calm down the war. However, the Tubo Emperor had made up his mind and could not listen to anything Xixia said. Finally, not long after, 150,000 Tubo troops suddenly launched a fierce attack on the Snow Mountain defense line. At this time, because the main force of the Xixia Army was all deployed in Xiliang Prefecture to defend against the Yanyun Army, the Xixia Army on the Snow Mountain did not have many troops and lacked preparations. There was another internal rebellion among the officers, and as a result, the Tibetan army broke through the snow mountain defense line overnight.
Immediately, the Tubo army crossed the snowy mountains, divided into two groups, and attacked Xuanhua Prefecture and Xiliang Prefecture respectively. At the same time, they used a fine cavalry to cut off the connection between Xiliang Prefecture and Xuanhua Prefecture in one fell swoop. Xixia was in a precarious situation. The development of the situation completely exceeded Chen Xiao and others' previous expectations. The plan could not keep up with the changes. Yang Peng had to change the plan immediately. Otherwise, he might be in vain and Xixia would eventually be occupied by Tubo.
Yang Peng turned around and said to Jiang Li: "Gather everyone to come to the hall to discuss matters." Seeing Yang Peng's solemn expression, Jiang Li realized that he had something important to discuss with everyone, so she immediately agreed, turned around and ran down. …
Above the hall, Yang Peng stood in front of the map, and the civil and military personnel who had stayed in Tianjing New City came in one after another. When they saw Yang Peng, they all worshiped: "I have met King Yan (eldest brother)!"
Yang Peng looked at Xixia on the map and said: "The Tubo people's progress is much faster than we previously expected! I just received news from Ningxia that the connection between Xuanhua Prefecture and Xiliang Prefecture has been Tubo is cut off! We must change our plans to deal with it!" Pointing at Xixia, "Otherwise Xixia will be swallowed up by the Tubo people, and our long-planned plan will be in vain."
Everyone also felt this way, Han Bing said: "In fact, as far as the current situation is concerned, only one hundred thousand elites can control the situation. Unfortunately, we don't have enough food and grass. It is difficult to mobilize an army of one hundred thousand, not to mention an army of thirty or forty thousand!" "After a pause, "Besides, we promised not to use troops against Xixia before the spring begins. If we openly violate our oath, I'm afraid it won't be good!"
Huang Guang said: "There was a plan before to ask Li Tongren to stay in Xingqing Mansion and send people to lobby Aodaochong. I wonder if Li Tongren has already followed it?" Yang Peng turned around and said: "The envoy sent by Li Tongren has arrived at Xuanhua Mansion. , Xiliang Mansion and other places, but the situation is not yet clear.”
Huang Guang thought: "Under the current circumstances, O Daochong is very likely to be persuaded! As long as O Daochong and others surrender to our Yanyun, there will be room for change!" Chai Yonghui frowned and said: " It’s hard to say. Even if the Xixia people surrender to us, will the Tubo people be willing to give up the fat in their mouths? If the Tubo ignores our warning and continues to attack, I’m afraid the land west of Xiliang Prefecture will still be taken away by the Tubo!”
Huang Guang said: "It is possible, but it is also possible that the Tubo people do not dare to offend us, Yan Yun, and give up the attack and withdraw their troops and return home. As far as the current situation is concerned, it is difficult for us to control the progress of the matter. If Odao Chong Once we surrender, we may be able to lead things to an outcome that is most beneficial to us.”
Yelu Hanyu said: "What Mr. Huang said makes sense. In fact, even if the Tubo people take away the land to the west of Xiliang Mansion, it will not matter. In the future, when we have enough food and grass, we will take it back with a large army. At that time, maybe only If we need to raise our posture, the Tubo people will obediently offer their land. Brother, there is no need for us to dwell on the need to seize Xiliang Mansion and other places at this moment." Zhang Xiang and Chai Yongqi agreed: "What the empress said is absolutely true!"
Yang Peng glanced at Yelu Hanyu with a smile and said: "Mei'er is right, but it would be much better if we could capture Xiliang Mansion now!" Everyone looked at each other and felt that this matter was not under their control. Well, the final result depends on God's will.
Yang Peng walked up to the top, sat down, glanced at everyone, and said, "I plan to send an order to Yang Yanzhao to select 20,000 elite cavalry to attack the enemy!"
Huang Guang frowned and said: "Although our army is brave and invincible, with 20,000 warriors, it may be difficult to seize food from the tiger's mouth!" Han Bing continued: "In addition, we have promised Tubo in a formal document that we will not fight until the spring of next year. Sending troops to attack Xixia, isn't sending troops at this time a violation of the promise? Brother, we should abide by this promise to compete in the world!" Chai Yonghui nodded in agreement: "Sister Han Bing is so right!" He looked at Yang Peng and said angrily: "Brother, you are a great hero, but you cannot be a villain who breaks your word!"
Chai Yongqi was shocked when he heard his sister talking like this, and immediately scolded: "Little sister, don't talk nonsense! What do you know? This country is competing for supremacy in the world, and intrigues and intrigues are common. That's a perfectly normal thing!"
Yang Peng chuckled, waved his hand and said: "Yonghui is right, we'd better not break our promises until we have to!" He glanced at Chai Yonghui and said with a smile: "This is like doing business, everyone is always willing Believe in reputable merchants! Of course, you can still break your trust once or twice if you have no choice but to do so or if you have huge enough interests. Everything is based on the interests of the nation, and there is no need to seek fame and reputation." After a pause, "But that's it. As a matter of fact, I don’t intend to break my promise.”
After hearing what Yang Peng said just now, everyone thought that he had made up his mind to send troops, but they didn't expect that he actually said that he would keep his promise. They were all confused. Only Yelu Hanyu seemed to have thought of something.
Yang Peng smiled and said: "With only 20,000 warriors attacking, there will definitely be no benefit from this boiling pot of gruel, and there may even be huge losses! So my idea is..."
Immediately, Yang Peng sent someone to notify the wives, concubines, and children in the backyard. The entire family put on casual clothes and headed to Tianjing Hotel in a grand manner. Yang Peng had long planned to have a good meal at Tianjing Hotel with his whole family this evening, so after having lunch at Tianjing Hotel at noon today, he gave instructions to the shopkeeper of Tianjing Hotel. I booked the entire top floor of Tianjing Hotel.
A large family and guards came to the top floor of Tianjing Hotel. Yang Peng said loudly: "There are no rules tonight, everyone is free to do whatever you want!" All the guards responded in unison with smiles on their faces: "Yes!" All the wives and concubines showed their faces. With happy smiles, the two infant children were babbling and singing happily in their mother's arms.
Yang Peng and his wife, concubines, and children sat down at the large round table near the window. Although Yang Peng and the others were quite crowded, the round table was larger, and it didn't look crowded at all when more than a dozen people sat down. The guards sat around the round tables. At this time, the dishes have not yet been served, and there is only tea and snacks on the round table.
A young and beautiful woman came to Yang Peng's side, bowed with great respect and asked: "Excuse me, King Yan, can we serve the food?"
Yang Peng heard that the voice was familiar and quickly turned around. Seeing that it was indeed Meng Yulou whom he hadn't seen for a long time, he couldn't help but said happily: "When did Miss Meng return to Tianjing Hotel?" Meng Yulou's expression when he saw Yang Peng was the same as before. Just like when he was prosperous, he couldn't help but feel moved in his heart and said: "My subordinate just arrived yesterday!"
Yang Peng said enthusiastically: "Come on, come on, sit down too, let's have a good meal together!" Meng Yulou looked hesitant, Zhao Jinxi saw Yang Tong wink over, and immediately got up and walked over, holding both hands He hugged Meng Yulou's arm and said affectionately: "Sister Meng, we haven't seen each other for a long time. We need to have a good talk today!" After saying that, he brought Meng Yulou to Yang Tong's side and asked her to sit next to Yang Tong. Between Meng Yulou and himself, it was difficult to reject Meng Yulou's kindness, so he had no choice but to be respectful rather than obey orders.
Yang Peng turned to the fat shopkeeper standing by the stairs in the distance and said loudly: "Let's serve." The fat shopkeeper was waiting for Meng Yulou's instructions. He was surprised when he saw Meng Yulou sitting with King Yan and his concubines. At the same time, I felt at a loss. When I heard King Yan's order, I quickly agreed and shouted down the stairs: "Serve the food quickly! Serve the food quickly!" The maid waiting at the bottom of the stairs heard the shopkeeper's order and hurriedly went to the stairs. Rush to the cupboard.
After a while, the pretty maid of Tianjing Hotel came up with various dishes and wines at very low prices. In the blink of an eye, every table was piled with dishes and wines.
At this moment, a child's cry came from the stairs: "Master!" Everyone followed the call and saw the graceful, noble and generous Concubine Mu holding Zhao You's little hand. Yang Peng's heart fluttered, and Concubine Mu's heart also fluttered, and then she looked away.
Chai Yonghui had already left her seat, ran to Concubine Mu and her son, hugged Concubine Mu's arm, and called affectionately: "Cousin!" Concubine Mu smiled sweetly. Zhao You raised his head and said loudly: "Little auntie!" Chai Yonghui responded happily, and then led Concubine Mu and her son to the round table and sat down. Zhao You went to tease Yang Rui, and he didn't know that Zhao You had done it. What? Chen Rui burst into tears. Everyone couldn't help but look over and saw Zhao You dancing anxiously, as if he was a master of dance, and they couldn't help but laugh.
At this time, footsteps came from the stairs again, but it was Ye Qi Guanyin coming. Yedi Guanyin stood at the top of the stairs and glanced around. When she saw Yang Peng, her eyes lit up and she walked straight over. There happened to be an empty seat next to Yang Peng, and Ye Qi Guanyin sat down on it without any courtesy. When the girls saw this, they couldn't help but show anger. Just now, the girls were so humble to each other that the seat to the right of Yang Peng became empty. However, they did not expect Ye Qi Guanyin to come and sit on that chair without being polite at all. Ye Qi Guanyin was slightly surprised to see many women showing dissatisfaction and anger towards her, but this feeling was quickly forgotten by her. She only cared about her lover, and other people were nothing to her. respectively.
When Yang Peng saw that everyone was here, he raised his voice and said, "Come on, come on, let's eat whatever you want!" Knowing that if he didn't move, others would definitely not move, so he picked up his chopsticks and ate a piece of meat. When everyone saw Yang Peng moving, they started moving one after another. Like a little adult, little Zhao You scooped up a bowl of shark soup and carefully fed it to Yang Rui. Yang Rui drank it happily and laughed out loud from time to time.
Seeing this, Yedi Guanyin asked teasingly: "Little Zhao You, why are you so nice to Rui'er?" Little Zhao You said while feeding the soup carefully: "Because Rui'er is my little sister! "
Ye Qi Guanyin said: "I think you little guy wants to marry her as your wife in the future!" The girls couldn't help but their hearts moved, and they looked at little Zhao You, but Xiao Zhao You seemed to be frightened by Ye Qi Guanyin's words, holding up Wan stood there stupidly, obviously never thinking about it, "I, I, I never thought about it!" He glanced at the infant Yang Rui and couldn't help but said: "She, she, she is so good How can you be my wife, little one?" Everyone couldn't help but smile.
Ye Qi Guanyin smiled and said, "She is very young now, and she will grow up in the future. Don't you want her to grow up?" Little Zhao You blinked, not knowing how to answer. He was still young, and he didn't know how to answer. I haven't thought about these things yet, and I have no idea at all about love between men and women. Concubine Mu smiled and said: "If Rui'er falls in love with little Zhao You in the future, I will be very happy to accept her as my wife!" She said and looked at Yang Peng. Yang Peng smiled and nodded.
Seeing this scene, Yang Tong couldn't help but become worried, thinking: 'If Xiao Zhao You really marries Rui'er in the future, I'm afraid it will affect Long'er's future! 'When I thought about this, I couldn't help but feel worried.
Yang Peng and the other women talked about the past while eating and drinking. Whenever the wives and concubines heard their eldest brother talking about things related to themselves, they couldn't help but show tender and lingering expressions. However, not every woman is so gentle, like Ye Qi Guanyin. , when she heard Yang Peng talking about the things between the two, she said angrily: "You are a heart-stealing evil thief, I don't even know when you stole my heart!" Han Bing felt the same and was angry Authentic: "I also had my heart stolen by him without knowing it! For him, I actually, I actually,..." Yang Peng laughed, looked at them tenderly, continued to talk about the past, and then talked about his longing for the future. , when everyone heard that Yang Peng said that he wanted to live in seclusion in a paradise without outsiders, some showed yearning for it, but some disagreed, thinking that this colorful world is better than the uninhabited world. How many times.
What happened after all, let’s see what happens next.
