Today is the fifth day of the third lunar month.
The sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly.
On the bank of Mingyue Peak in Cuihua Mountain, in the courtyard in front of Hongqinju, dozens of servants lined up neatly, with happy faces. Everyone looked towards the intersection leading to the plank road in the back mountain.
It's a nice day today, just like everyone's mood.
Today is not only a good weather day, but also a good day.
As the saying goes, people feel refreshed when happy events happen. When happy events happen, everyone is naturally happy to see them.
Because a few days ago, Xu Lengyue, the eldest daughter of Hongqinju, and Chu Menghua, the daughter of Chu Yunfei, a layman from Nanshan who was a close friend of Xu Feng and Xu Daxia, suddenly and mysteriously disappeared after they went to the butterfly garden in the back mountain together.
In order to find the two people, dozens of people from all over the house, including the owner Xu Feng, all set out to search carefully for two days and two nights in the Butterfly Garden and Wangyou Valley in the back mountain, almost completely destroying the back mountain. Every inch of land was turned upside down.
The mysterious disappearance of the two people made everyone in Hongqin Residence worried.
After two days of hard searching, God finally opened his eyes and finally found the two of them in a top-secret cave on the cliff of the back mountain.
It turned out that that day, when the two sisters were picking herbs on the cliff of Wangyou Valley, they both accidentally fell down the cliff and fell into a rock crevice on the cliff.
And these two people were lucky enough to be blocked by a big tree on the cliff, and they luckily did not fall to the bottom of the valley. Once you fall to the bottom of the valley, how can you survive?
In this thrilling scene, they happened to be hit by a mysterious woman who was passing by the cliff, and she kindly saved them. He took them back to his residence to apply medicine and treat their injuries. After some careful care, the two men have gradually recovered from their injuries.
The two sisters were suddenly in danger, but fortunately they were rescued by a noble man, which was a blessing in misfortune.
When Xu Feng and Liu Ruyan came to the dense forest at the back of the mountain, they accidentally discovered the mysterious cave and ventured into it, only to find their whereabouts by accident.
Today is the day to take the two of them home.
Therefore, everyone in Hongqin Juli was in a good mood, and everyone was sincerely happy that the two sisters escaped safely. The entire Hongqin Juli was celebrating the safe return of the two sisters, and the atmosphere was extremely warm, as if it was a festival.
Xu Feng sent a group of men and horses back to Hongqinju early to tell his wife the great news.
After Shangguan Hongqin learned the good news, she was so excited that her eyes filled with tears. She kept kowtowing in front of the Guanyin statue in the side room, and muttered: "Thank you, the great and compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva, for blessing me! Thank you Bodhisattva for showing up and saving my daughter! Thank you! Thank you! I kowtow and burn incense for you!..." In the past few days, she had spent her time in fear. When she thought of the two people whose whereabouts were unknown, her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.
More than ten years ago, she had lost her unfilial and rebellious son, and finally got a daughter in middle age. She could no longer live without this daughter.
In the past few days, she had not thought about food or tea. When she thought of her daughter's well-behaved appearance, she couldn't help but shed tears. Every day, I kneel down and pray in front of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s altar, asking the Bodhisattva to protect my daughter from catastrophe and return safely.
When she received the good news, she couldn't help crying with joy.
Early this morning, she summoned all the servants and maids in the manor and said that she would reward everyone for their hard work. In addition to hosting a grand banquet for everyone, she would also reward each person with an additional ten taels of silver.
Hearing that today was the day when the eldest lady and Miss Menghua came back, everyone gathered in front of the courtyard early in the morning and lined up to welcome them.
At three o'clock in the morning, with everyone's eager anticipation, Xu Feng and Liu Ruyan appeared at the entrance of the plank road on their tall horses, followed by two sedans, carried by eight strong servants, slowly heading towards Hongqin Coming from the entrance of the courtyard.
When everyone saw a group of people approaching, they couldn't help but cheer excitedly. At the gate of the courtyard, two servants fired several colorful arrows into the sky to celebrate the safe return of the two ladies.
Colorful arrows roared and exploded in mid-air, emitting colorful light.
Shangguan Hongqin led a group of maids to greet him at the gate.
Xu Feng and Liu Ruyan got off their horses in front of the courtyard and waved to everyone. The two sedans at the back immediately stopped at the door, and Shangguan Hongqin and a group of maids hurriedly walked forward to greet them. The maids excitedly called to the eldest lady. At this moment, all their worries turned into surprises.
Xu Lengyue does not usually have the aloof demeanor of a eldest lady. On the contrary, she is very approachable. Because she is of similar age to the maids, they treat her like sisters in private and get along well with them. In the eyes of the maids, this eldest lady is the eldest lady who is least like a eldest lady.
She is actually a very simple girl. Although she is the noble and superior eldest daughter of the Xu family, she never looks down upon the maids, and does not even treat them as subordinates. Therefore, the maids like her very much. , and often play with her.
A group of maids gathered in front of the sedan and cheered. Xu Feng walked to the sedan with a smile and stretched out his hand to lift the curtain. Xu Lengyue and Chu Menghua stuck their heads out and waved to everyone, looking at everyone with half-smiles. His eyes showed the panic and desolation of surviving a catastrophe.
Two maids stood on both sides of the sedan, carefully supporting the two of them.
After getting off the sedan, Xu Lengyue caught a glimpse of Shangguan Hongqin in front of her and suddenly called out: "Mother!" With a whoosh, she threw herself into her mother's arms and burst into tears. The mother and daughter hugged tightly. Shangguan Hongqin's eyes were red, she choked and lost her voice. Her nose was sore, and tears instantly burst into her eyes. She gently stroked her daughter's hair.
Her lips trembled and she comforted in a soft voice: "My daughter, I have finally found you! Thank you God for opening your eyes, and thank you Guanyin Bodhisattva for blessing you with your safe return. My daughter, these two days when you were missing, mother is I don’t think about tea and food anymore. When I think of you, my mother can’t sleep! I look forward to the stars and the moon, but I hope you are back.” She held her daughter’s shoulders and stared up and down, “You are scaring my mother to death, hurry up. Let mother take a look, where are you injured?"
Xu Lengyue had burst into tears in her arms, her shoulders shaking slightly, and she kept sobbing. Shangguan Hongqin comforted her softly and patted her back gently. She had just experienced this nightmare-like disaster. Although she had narrowly escaped death, the thrilling and terrifying scenes that day were deeply engraved on her. I still have lingering fears in my mind.
Now, after the disaster, she finally saw her dearest and most beloved mother. She couldn't help but feel sad, and the fear, grievance, and pain hidden in her heart burst out.
For every child, the mother's embrace is the warmest harbor and the most solid support!
Shangguan Hongqin's eyes were red and she comforted her with a trembling voice: "Yueer, be good! Don't be afraid, we are home! Okay, don't cry, don't cry!" She stared at her daughter, and finally broke into tears and smiled, "Go home. Now, it’s safe. From now on, just stay close to mom and stop running around! Okay, okay, stop crying, you won’t be pretty if you cry again!”
Xu Lengyue cried so hard that she looked pitiful.
Seeing the mother and daughter hugging each other and crying, everyone present expressed their gratitude!
Xu Feng stood aside and couldn't help but burst into tears. He felt a little embarrassed in front of all the servants, so he turned away and wiped his tears quietly.
After a while, he turned back and smiled at the mother and daughter: "Yue'er and Menghua survived the disaster and returned safely. Today is a day to be thankful for. You two should stop crying. You should be happy. ah!"
Chu Menghua on the side couldn't help but feel sad when she saw the touching scene of mother-daughter love in front of her. She glanced at Liu Ruyan beside her and called out "Brother!" She couldn't help but throw herself into Liu Ruyan's arms. , let out a cry, and started sobbing softly.
Liu Ruyan also patted her back gently and comforted in a low voice: "Sister, don't cry. Okay, everything is over. Look, aren't we back safely? Daddy is still waiting for you to go back and give him Happy birthday!"
After that, he straightened her body and reached out to wipe away the tears on her face.
Everyone was crying and laughing as they watched, what a warm and harmonious scene of reunion.
At this time, Xu Feng suddenly said: "Today is a good day. We brought back Leng Yue and Meng Hua, and we also invited a distinguished guest!"
After that, he walked to another sedan next to him, reached out and slowly opened the sedan curtain, bowed his waist, nodded slightly, and said respectfully: "Please ask our great benefactor of the Xu family, Empress Luoxia, to get off the sedan!" Everyone shouted. Listen, the "great benefactor" and "Empress Luoxia" don't understand the inside story and can't help but look at each other.
I saw a graceful beauty slowly coming down from the sedan chair. She had a peach blossom face and picturesque eyebrows. She was dressed in white clothes that were better than snow and not stained by dust. Her long black hair was draped over her shoulders. Her temperament was elegant and incomparable. . She held a pink silk scarf in one hand and a peach blossom fan in the other. Her eyes moved as she looked around the field and smiled.
Xu Feng greeted everyone with a smile and introduced to everyone: "This is Empress Luoxia, the great benefactor who saved Leng Yue and Menghua. Welcome to empress Luoxia!" After saying that, he cupped his fists and saluted Empress Luoxia, and stepped aside to give way. , reaching out to make a "please" gesture.
Empress Luoxia nodded to everyone, then turned her eyes to Xu Lengyue and Chu Menghua, looking at them with a smile.
At this time, when Shangguan Hongqin heard that it was the young and beautiful woman in front of him who had saved his daughter, his eyes suddenly lit up with an expression of surprise, and he was about to kneel down and worship Empress Luoxia.
Seeing this, Empress Luoxia hurriedly helped her up and said with a smile: "Old man, stop being so polite! This is what you should do, old man, please get up quickly!"
She suddenly remembered what she had experienced that day and said slowly: "That day, I went out to the Wangyou Valley to collect medicine. Just as I was passing through the bottom of the valley, I suddenly heard a cry for help coming from the cliff, and saw two girls trapped in the valley. Halfway up the cliff, unable to move, I took a look and thought that they must have accidentally fallen off the cliff. The situation was urgent. I couldn't think too much, so I climbed up and rescued them. Fortunately, the two girls were lucky enough to survive. Big, they happened to fall into a rock crevice and were blocked by an old tree from falling to the bottom of the valley. Otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous!"
Hearing this, everyone was surprised at first, and then burst into enthusiastic cheers and clapped their hands. Everyone said words of thanks one after another and expressed their heartfelt praise to Empress Luoxia for her kind deeds!
Shangguan Hongqin bowed to Empress Luoxia and expressed her gratitude. She said excitedly: "Thank you Empress Luoxia for saving my little girl's life. You are the life-savior of our Xu family. Please accept my thanks." !" After saying that, he was about to prostrate himself, but was quickly lifted up by Empress Luoxia's hands.
Empress Luoxia was a little flattered and said: "Old man, you are so polite. How can I stand by and watch when someone is in trouble? How can I not help? It's nothing to do! The old man is so polite, he really embarrasses me. !”
At this time, Xu Feng saw the host and guest being polite and said hurriedly: "It's inappropriate to stand outside the house. Let's invite the empress into the house! Empress Luoxia, please!" Empress Luoxia walked lightly, Surrounded by everyone, they walked into the VIP lobby.
With a smile on his face, Xu Feng warmly greeted all the guests to sit down. Empress Luoxia was arranged to sit at the distinguished main seat on the south wall, Liu Ruyan and Chu Menghua sat at the guest seats in the west, Shangguan Hongqin and Xu Lengyue sat in the guest seats in the east.
Xu Feng immediately asked the maid to serve tea. When entertaining distinguished guests, the best tea must be used. The best tea in Hongqin Juli is the tribute tea collected by Xu Feng, the fine Mingqian Longjing.
He stood in the center of the hall and said loudly to the people gathered at the entrance of the hall: "Today is a banquet. Firstly, to celebrate the safe return of sisters Leng Yue and Menghua. Secondly, it is to entertain our great benefactor, Empress Luoxia. , thank her for her kind act and saving the lives of the two sisters!"
He smiled at everyone and said, "Today, all servants in the hospital will be rewarded with ten taels of silver each to thank everyone for their hard work! Everyone, go about your business! Before dusk, go to Manager Ma to receive the reward!"
When everyone heard this, they couldn't help being happy and dispersed in twos and threes. Today, Hongqinju is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and is filled with laughter and joy.
While the servants were busy with their work, they talked a lot, saying that the eldest lady and the Menghua sisters were both lucky people, and they were able to survive such a disaster without any harm! Of course, I am full of praise for this fairy-like beautiful Empress Luoxia. The two sisters were able to escape from the cliff, naturally thanks to the rescue of Empress Luoxia! Everyone was amazed by the elegant temperament of Empress Luoxia. They were astonished when they first saw her. They never imagined that there could be such an incredible woman in the world!
In the living room, the guests of honor were chatting and laughing.
Xu Feng invited the guests to have tea. Xu Feng was in a good mood and recited poems impromptuly for fun, making everyone smile.
Shangguan Hongqin changed her worries from the day before and greeted the guests enthusiastically, showing the elegance of the hostess of Hongqinju.
She said cheerfully: "Today Hongqin Residence welcomes a distinguished guest, which makes Pengpi shine brighter. Empress Luoxia's great kindness will be remembered in the hearts of the Xu family and will never be forgotten. If it is useful in the future, I can get Hongqin." Where you live, please speak up, I will do my best!" After that, he turned to Leng Yue and Meng Hua and said, "Why don't you serve tea to your benefactor and thank Empress Luoxia for saving her life?"
Xu Lengyue and Chu Menghua glanced at Shangguan Hongqin, and each quickly held a cup of tea. They walked up to Empress Luoxia, plopped their knees, held the tea in both hands, nodded and said, "Junior, thank you, Empress Luoxia." To save my life, please treat me to tea!"
Empress Luoxia smiled slightly, quickly took the tea cup, and said to the two of them: "You two girls, why do you need so many courtesy? Please get up quickly!"
She took a sip of tea, put the cup on the table, walked forward slowly, and said leisurely: "Speaking of it, this is God's will. That day I just decided to go out to the Wangyou Valley to collect medicine, but unexpectedly met two girls. How could I not save myself from such a catastrophe? Alas, the two girls are lucky enough to be destined by heaven, so their lives should not be cut off! This must be a fate destined by the gods, so please stop being polite!"
Liu Ruyan bowed her hands to Empress Luoxia, nodded and said, "I will never forget your kindness! Your Majesty's chivalrous demeanor and compassionate heart really make me admire you! I can see your Majesty's peerless splendor here, and I will never forget it!" Lucky to be born!”
Empress Luoxia waved her hand and said: "Young Master Liu is serious, I just did what I should do! I heard about Master's name many years ago, but I just didn't meet him by chance. I didn't expect that he would have such an outstanding disciple. . But I don’t know how to call your father Liu Shaoxia?” She looked at Liu Ruyan, a little curious about his life experience.
When Liu Ruyan heard her mention her missing relatives, her eyes suddenly darkened, and she said quietly: "To be honest with you, my father's name is Liu Yulou. When I was five years old, an accident happened at home. Fortunately, my master adopted me. I was lucky enough to survive, but since then, there has been no news about my father, mother, and sister. For twenty years, I don’t know where they are, whether they are dead or alive?”
When Empress Luoxia heard this, her heart suddenly trembled, and she asked in surprise: "What did you say your father's name was?" She suddenly looked at Liu Ruyan intently, with a strange light flashing in her eyes.
Seeing her strange expression, Liu Ruyan repeated loudly: "My father's name is Liu Yulou." He asked in confusion, "Why, do you know my father?"
Empress Luoxia lost her voice and said: "Liu Yulou? Liu Yulou!"
She suddenly looked flustered and turned her head away, trying her best to calm down. It seemed that he was deliberately avoiding it, not wanting Liu Ruyan to see his excited expression.
For some reason, when she heard the words "Liu Yulou", a strange look suddenly appeared on her face, as if she had changed into a different person.
She closed her eyes and bit her lips, with a look of panic on her face, but she returned to normal in an instant. This subtle change was seen by Shangguan Hongqin, who was as careful as her hair.
Although Shangguan Hongqin felt puzzled in his heart, his face remained calm and he still greeted the guests cheerfully and enthusiastically.
At this time, Empress Luoxia suddenly said: "Leng Yue Menghua, it's time to change the dressing today, you two come with me!" After that, she nodded to everyone, smiled slightly, and led the two of them to the back room.
Xu Feng cupped his fists and saluted Empress Luoxia, and said, "Thank you, Empress Luoxia!" He watched them leave, then turned around and invited Liu Ruyan to have tea.
Liu Ruyan nodded, smiled, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. He couldn't help but frown, thinking about the strange expression on Empress Luoxia just now: Why did she suddenly look flustered when I mentioned my father's name? Why is this? Does she know her father? What the hell does this happen?
Just as he lowered his head and meditated, Shangguan Hongqin suddenly said: "Nephew Liu Xian, what are you thinking about? You have worked hard these past two days. I only focused on looking for the two sisters, and I haven't had time to pick up the wind for you? I want to make a promise to you today. Uncle, how many drinks should I take?"
Liu Ruyan raised his head and said in surprise: "Ah, it's nothing! These are what juniors should do, I'm sorry." He raised his head and smiled at Shangguan Hongqin.
Xu Feng also smiled and said: "Your aunt is right, our uncle and nephew must have a drink today." He took a sip of tea and said lightly, "If I remember correctly, last time Liu Xiannephew came here, It was ten years ago, when you were only a teenager! Alas, ten years have passed and you have grown up! Your aunt and I are also old! "
His eyes suddenly became hazy and distant, as if he was recalling those high-spirited passing years.
Liu Ruyan smiled slightly and said: "Yes, I was only twelve years old that year. It took me two days of riding in a carriage with my master Huamei to arrive at Hongqinju. At that time, Huamei came to Uncle Xu for the first time. I was a guest at home. Unexpectedly, she got along very well with Miss Leng Yue, and she didn’t want to leave once she came.” Talking about that wonderful past event, the uncle and nephew couldn’t help laughing.
The day before yesterday, when Liu Ruyan first came here, she seemed extremely reserved. After all, she had not seen Uncle Xu's family for ten years, so she inevitably felt a little unfamiliar. Now, after spending a few days together, he is no longer as reserved as before, but more relaxed.
He originally wanted to spend today and take Hua Mei back to Zhongnan Mountain early tomorrow morning, but then he thought about it, Hua Mei had just experienced this catastrophe and was surviving the disaster, and the wounds on her body had not fully healed. At this time, I brought it up, but for fear of spoiling everyone's interest, I couldn't speak after the words came to my lips.
Everyone drank tea and talked freely, and when the conversation got exciting, they laughed loudly from time to time, making it a happy scene.
A maid came forward to refill the tea from time to time, and the sweet and fragrant fragrance of tea filled the room.
Empress Luoxia led Leng Yue and Meng Hua into the wing room. It has been a while and they haven't come out yet. Liu Ruyan looked at the side room from time to time, and had just seen the abnormal behavior of Empress Luoxia. He couldn't help but be filled with doubts in his heart, but he couldn't say it out loud.
Xu Feng seemed to notice that he was restless, so he asked in confusion: "I see that nephew Liu Xian is very worried. Does he seem to be worried about something?"
Shangguan Hongqin looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Liu Ruyan wanted to express the doubts in his heart several times, but he didn't know how to speak, so he could only prevaricate: "Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing! Thank you for your concern, uncle. My nephew is just thinking that the master's birthday is approaching. I don't want to If we encounter such a delay again, I'm afraid we won't be able to rush back to celebrate my master's birthday before his birthday?"
Shangguan Hongqin hurriedly smiled and said: "I thought it was something that made my wise nephew frown. It turned out to be something to celebrate my master's birthday. It might as well be okay. Today is only the fifth day of March. Isn't your birthday the eighth day of March?" There’s no way we can delay it for a few days.”
Xu Feng also frowned and said thoughtfully: "Leng Yue and Meng Hua are still injured. If we set off nearby, it will be a tiring journey. I am worried that their bodies and bones will not be able to withstand it?"
Shangguan Hongqin persuaded: "My dear nephew, what your uncle said is very true. The two of them are injured and it is not suitable for them to travel long distances. It is better for your uncle to write a letter and send it back by flying pigeon to explain the reason to the commander. After a while, In time, when their injuries are no longer serious, how about our family coming to apologize?"
Liu Ruyan thought for a moment, then clasped her fists and saluted the two of them: "That's all we have to do. There is a reason for everything, so my master will not blame me! Then my nephew would rather be respectful and obey the orders of my uncle and my aunt!"
Xu Feng and Shangguan Hongqin looked at each other and smiled, then ordered the maid to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone. Xu Feng immediately splashed ink and wrote a letter of dozens of words, and asked his servant Fei Ge to pass it back.
At this time, Empress Luoxia led the two sisters out of the wing.
Empress Luoxia smiled and said to several people: "I have just replaced them with new medicine. The wounds will heal quickly. I think they will be cured in a few days. Don't worry!"
Xu Feng smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Empress Luoxia!"
Empress Luoxia replied: "Master Xu is too polite. It's because they are young and have good health that they can recover so quickly."
The three of them were overjoyed when they heard this and quickly bowed their hands to her.
Just as he was talking, he saw Cuilian walking forward quickly from the hall door, bowing to everyone, and said: "The banquet is ready. Please come and take a seat, Madam Luoxia, Lady Liu, please!"
Under the leadership of Xu Feng and his wife, everyone came to the huge courtyard. Ten Eight Immortals tables were neatly placed in the courtyard. Ten delicacies were prepared on the tables. Butler Ma and all the servants and maids were already standing at the dining table. Waiting for you.
Seeing the host and guests coming, Butler Ma hurriedly came over and said respectfully: "Master, all the wine and food are ready. Please invite the guests to sit down!"
Xu Feng invited Empress Luoxia to sit in the upper seat, Liu Ruyan and Chu Menghua sat in the left seat, he and Shangguan Hongqin sat in the right seat, and Ma Guanjia and Xu Lengyue sat in the lower seat.
The maids sat at one table and the servants at another. The maids and servants each sat at several tables. Seeing that everyone was seated, he immediately said loudly to dozens of servants and maids: "Everyone has worked hard. Today is a day to be grateful for. Let's drink as much as we can. Come, let us raise our glasses to Leng Yue and Menghua’s safe return is a toast to the visit of our great benefactor Luo Xia of Hongqinju!”
Everyone raised their glasses together and drank. At the banquet, cups were exchanged, guessing games were played, and songs were played. The guests and hosts had a great time, and it was so lively.
Xu Feng raised his wine glass and said to Empress Luoxia: "Thanks to Empress Luoxia for her rescue, Leng Yue and Menghua were able to escape safely. Xu has admired Empress Luoxia's name for a long time, but he never expected to meet in such a situation and be able to catch a glimpse of Luoxia. Your Majesty Xia is so beautiful, Xu feels so lucky! I would like to offer this glass of wine to you, Your Majesty, please!" Then he raised the glass and drained it.
Empress Luoxia's eyes wandered and she said with a smile: "I didn't expect that I would meet Master Xu, Mrs. Xu, by chance because of such things, and get to know the young and promising Liu Shaoxia. This is also a destined fate, and we will be friends from now on. Thank you Master Xu for your kindness. Treat!" After saying that, he raised his glass to each other and drank it all in one gulp!
Xu Feng was in high spirits. The two maids took turns pouring wine for the guests. Everyone chatted while eating, and the atmosphere was extremely lively. Xu Lengyue and Chu Menghua also stood up and each raised their glasses to propose a toast to Empress Luoxia, thanking her for saving her life.
They were still frightened when they talked about what happened that day, and they made impassioned speeches that were touching and all of them were emotional. Listening to this, everyone felt sad and lamented that things in the world are unpredictable!
When Liu Ruyan stood up and raised her glass to propose a toast to Empress Luoxia, she was stunned for a moment, then raised her glass happily, her eyes blinking as if she was hiding a different kind of emotion. She quietly observed Liu Ruyan's expression from time to time, seeming a little surprised and a little surprised. She hesitated and wanted to say something, but she couldn't say it after all.
While she was drinking happily with everyone, she was suspicious in her heart: "Liu Yulou, Liu Yulou, it's been more than twenty years, I didn't expect your child to grow up so big. No wonder he looks so similar to you, hum, this is really God willing!"
As she thought this way, she suddenly felt a sense of sadness and sadness in her heart, but in the blink of an eye, she seemed to be relieved again.
After three rounds of drinking, everyone was already feeling hot and intoxicated.
Xu Feng's face was red from drinking, and he couldn't stop drinking one cup after another. Shangguan Hongqin saw that her husband was drinking to his heart's content, and was worried that it would harm his health. She wanted to persuade him kindly, but she was also afraid of disturbing his mood and making him unhappy. He hesitated to speak.
The sunshine is gentle, and the courtyard is filled with a layer of peaceful warmth.
Liu Ruyan was drinking and eating, feeling a little uneasy in her heart: She had been away from her master for six days, and she didn't know how he and Uncle Lei were doing. If Huamei and I can't rush back on time to celebrate his birthday, he will definitely feel disappointed. Alas, something like this happened unexpectedly. If the old man knew about it, he would definitely be very worried.
Everyone was eating and drinking in a lively manner. Suddenly, a spy who was changing guard at noon came to the front of the court on horseback. He tightened the reins, turned over and dismounted, and hurriedly bowed to Xu Feng and said, "Sir, we caught two people at the Zoumaling outpost halfway up the mountain." , the visitor said he wanted to go up the mountain to see the master."
The spy came back from changing his guard, with a quiver and several flares slung over his shoulder. There was a bell tied around his waist. This was an object used by spies to send signals to each other. Everyone had one. This bell has a strange and wonderful function. There is a switch on the bell. It is usually closed and does not make any sound. It will only be opened when a stranger comes to visit or is in danger. Once an extremely critical situation is encountered, bells all over the mountain will ring.
Xu Feng frowned and asked: "Two people? What kind of people are they? Can I ask the name of the person coming?"
The spy bowed and clasped his fists and said: "There are exactly two people coming. One is a tall and slender young man who looks about twenty-four or five years old, and the other is a short and fat middle-aged man who looks like They were about forty years old, and they were all well-dressed and well-groomed. The visitor did not give his name, he just said that the master would know after reading this letter. "
Xu Feng and the others looked at each other and muttered: "Oh, bring it up quickly!"
The spy took out a yellow leather envelope from his pocket, lowered his head and presented it with both hands.
Xu Feng took the envelope, but saw that the cover was empty, not a single word. He immediately tore open the envelope and shook out a piece of paper. Along with the paper, a small and exquisitely carved flying knife slipped out.
When Xu Feng saw it, he was stunned for a moment. Everyone looked at each other in surprise. Xu Feng read the letter carefully. Suddenly, his face became solemn, his eyes widened with a strange expression.
After a while, he looked up into the distance and murmured to himself: "It turns out it's them!" A strange light flashed in his eyes: "Twenty years have passed, and you are still here after all!"
He put away the letter and ordered the spy: "Go and invite them over quickly!"
The spy nodded and saluted, turned around, mounted his horse, and ran towards the mountainside.
Xu Feng sat down calmly, and the maid came forward to fill a glass for him. He raised the glass and drank it in one gulp, then put down the glass and let out a sigh.
Everyone was suspicious and looked at him in confusion.
Shangguan Hongqin had already noticed that her husband looked wrong and thought to himself: Who is this person? Could it be that something difficult has happened? She looked at her husband eagerly, as if she wanted to see the answer in his eyes. But she only saw the sadness in her husband's eyes, and nothing else.
When Xu Feng saw everyone looking at him with confusion, he quickly smiled and said happily: "Come on, let's continue eating and drinking."
Everyone saw his worry just now, so they were not interested in continuing to eat and drink. It was Empress Luoxia who spoke first: "Master Xu, is there something important?" Her eyes wandered and she glanced at the direction in which the spy left.
Xu Feng's hand that raised the wine glass paused in the air, and said in a deep voice: "It's just old friends I haven't seen for many years are here to visit. I didn't expect them to come today. Ignore this matter, come on, let's drink!"
Liu Ruyan put down the chopsticks in her hand and said seriously to Xu Feng: "Uncle Xu, if you can be of use to my nephew, just ask!"
Xu Feng looked at Liu Ruyan, then at Shangguan Hongqin, and said with a smile: "My dear nephew, don't worry, come on, you and I have another drink!" The uncle and nephew raised the glass again and drank it all.
At this time, noon has passed, and the sun is still fierce, shining between the sky and the earth, emitting a clear light.
Not long after, the spies led the two people up. The three of them climbed over the mountain pass and appeared at the entrance of the plank road.
The two people who came there were one tall and one short, one fat and the other thin. The taller one was carrying a long sword wrapped in green cloth, and the short one was holding a scimitar in his hand. The scimitar was half-moon-shaped, without a box, and shone brightly in the sun. Both of them appeared calm and collected.
The three of them strode forward, and Xu Feng slowly stood up. The rest of the people also stood up.
The spy who led the way bowed to Xu Feng, nodded and said, "Master, the visitor has been brought here!" After that, he stood sideways.
The two of them cupped their fists and saluted Xu Feng. The short, fat middle-aged man smiled slightly and said first: "Xu Daxia, you're fine! Do you still recognize me?" He glanced around the field, his eyes were slender and narrowed. A seam. The round face like a full moon seemed to be smiling but not smiling, and it was hard to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.
Xu Feng cupped his fist and saluted him, smiled and said, "Who is your Excellency?"
The man frowned and smiled coldly: "Xu Daxia is such a noble man who forgets things so much. Why don't you remember me?" He paused and cleared his throat with a couple of hums. "It doesn't matter if Daxia Xu doesn't remember me. Ten years ago, the sword You must remember the fierce battle when the door was closed, right?"
Xu Feng's heart trembled, he frowned and said thoughtfully: "Oh, are you from Tangjiabao in Sichuan?" His eyes flashed, and his mind searched hard for the memories of that year.
He couldn't help but feel surprised: Tangjiabao was severely damaged in the battle at Jianmen Pass, could it be that debt collection is here now?
The man was pacing on the spot, his brows furrowed, and he said quietly: "It seems that Master Xu still remembers some things. Yes, I am from Tangjiabao."
He said, lowering his head and playing with the scimitar in his hand. Suddenly his eyes were like daggers, looking at everyone, "I don't think so, it's an unlucky time for us to be here today. Master Xu actually has an honored guest at his house. Do we have any trouble?" He looked at Empress Luoxia, who was standing next to Xu Feng, with a look in his eyes. A different kind of light.
Empress Luoxia looked at him steadily without changing her expression or making a sound.
Shangguan Hongqin stood there with a worried look on his face and thought to himself: This man looks strange and speaks in a weird manner, so he must be evil. What do they want to do here? She frowned, glanced at her husband suspiciously, and remained silent.
Xu Feng said slowly: "I wonder what you two are here for?"
The man smiled coldly and said, "Since Master Xu already knows that we are from Tangjiabao, he must have guessed the purpose of our coming today." He rolled his eyes and said quietly, "Ten In that fierce battle two years ago, we suffered heavy losses. Fifteen people died. Even the two guardians were seriously injured. We are at a loss, Master Xu, please tell me, should we claim back this debt?"
Xu Feng smiled faintly and said thoughtfully: "So you two are here to collect debts." He paced, frowned and thought, "I don't think the two of you are from Tangjiabao. Since they are here to collect debts, they are here to collect debts." If you are here, why don’t you two give us your names?”
At this time, the servants and maids in the courtyard had packed up the tables, chairs, bowls and chopsticks and dispersed. Under the leadership of Manager Ma, we went to the backyard and everyone was busy with their work.
Steward Ma stood in front of the bay window in the kitchen, looking at the scene from time to time. He frowned, his eyes flashing with vigilance and sharpness.
