Xiao Luolan didn't expect Clan Leader Zhou to be able to make things up when he saw such a tall man, so he became curious: "Clan Master Zhou, what are you making up?"
Zhou Xu raised his head and said with a smile: "Calamus lanterns, you can put a few fireflies in them when you're making them."
Seeing Mrs. Xiao leaning over to watch, Zhou Xu generously patted the grass beside him: "If Mrs. Xiao wants to watch, I can teach you. It's very simple."
Xiao Luolan thought for a while and got down from the stone. She sat on the grass and Sect Master Zhou gave her some calamus grass.
Xiao Luolan took the calamus and knitted it according to Master Zhou's gestures. Zhou Xu approached her quietly and smelled Mrs. Xiao's soft and fragrant mature fragrance. He knitted very slowly because there was only moonlight and flowing fireflies around. The light is not too clear.
"Mrs. Xiao, you should go through it here and tie a knot."
Xiao Luolan looked at the shapeless calamus lantern in her hand and had to start from scratch, trying to make it the best. Zhou Xu was very patient and taught more carefully.
It took some time, but when a calamus lantern actually appeared in his hand, Xiao Luolan smiled unconsciously. Qingxue would definitely like it.
"Sect Master Zhou, thank you." Xiao Luolan smiled.
Zhou Xu looked at Mrs. Xiao who was smiling and said with a smile: "No need to thank you for this little thing. I can also weave grasshoppers and dragonflies. Mrs. Xiao, do you want to learn?"
"Just like this first." Zhou Xu started teaching directly. The hem of the plain skirt and the dark robe touched each other. Zhou Xu held a piece of calamus in his big hand and chatted with Mrs. Xiao while teaching: "Next month is May. , there is the Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of May. Youzhou, like other places, likes to hang mugwort and calamus under the eaves to ward off evil spirits. Xunjiang County also holds dragon boat activities every year. If the time is right, Mrs. Xiao can come and see us in Xunjiang dragon boat race."
"I will watch it if I have the chance." Xiao Luolan studied hard and felt that Zhou Zongzhu was approachable, enthusiastic and simple. She also learned flower art, so she learned quickly.
"Mrs. Xiao's hands are so skillful." Zhou Xu praised.
"It's thanks to Clan Master Zhou." Xiao Luolan replied. Perhaps it was a quiet and peaceful night. Xiao Luolan looked at the cute little grasshopper in her hand and chatted a few more words: "Clan Master Zhou, how could you make this up? .”
"When I was young, I was the son of a local powerful man. Unlike some young men from aristocratic families who followed the rules and followed their servants all over the mountains and plains, I learned the calamus lantern from an old father-in-law in a countryside." Zhou Xu did not shy away from it at all. With his original identity, he was not the prince of Qingfeng Langyue's family.
"That must be interesting." Xiao Luolan guessed.
Zhou Xu only saw a soft smile on Mrs. Xiao's lips. He was silent for a while, and then lay down on the grass with an extremely relaxed posture: "Yes, it was indeed very interesting at that time."
"I'm going to catch some fireflies." Xiao Luolan walked toward the grass with the calamus lantern she made.
Xiao Luolan caught it several times and finally caught a firefly. She put it into the lantern, and the small lantern gave off a flickering fluorescent light.
Zhou Xu admired the scene of Mrs. Xiao flapping the fireflies and felt that tonight was a worthwhile trip.
"Auntie, what is this?" Xiao Qingxue received a gift when she got up early in the morning. She raised the delicate and lovely grass lantern and asked in surprise.
Xiao Luolan was sitting on the soft couch sewing a menstrual belt. Seeing her daughter's happy look, she smiled and said, "It's a calamus lantern, and there are fireflies in it."
After hearing this, Xiao Qingxue stuffed the small lantern under the quilt and watched the fireflies for a while before she came out with satisfaction.
"Thank you, grandma."
Xiao Luolan took out a few small animals woven from calamus grass from the secret compartment and placed them one by one on the coffee table next to the soft couch: "Go and wash up quickly. You can play only after washing."
After Xiao Qingxue washed her face with a kerchief, Fang Yun took out the balm and gently applied it on the little master's face, then dressed her hair.
Xiao Qingxue looked at herself in the bronze mirror, holding her small face with her hands, and said narcissistically: "I'm so good-looking."
Fang Yun said: "The little lady is naturally beautiful."
After finishing the meal, the carriage began to move.
Xiao Qingxue looked outside. Lei's cavalry servants lined up in two teams to protect the surroundings. On the tall horses at the front, Sect Master Zhou and Mr. Qingshan rode one behind the other.
"Master, little lady, please eat some pears." Fang Yun brought a plate of cut pears and placed it on the table.
Xiao Luolan rubbed her sore eyes and called her daughter to come over and eat pears together.
In the afternoon, the mother and daughter read a book together and taught Fang Yun a few words. Seeing that Fang Yun was working very hard, Xiao Luolan also filled some sand on a plate, picked up a twig, and taught Fang Yun some words. Practice on sand.
As soon as it got dark in the evening, Xiao Qingxue took out the calamus lantern given to her by her mother, and the fireflies stayed with her all night. On the next day, Xiao Qingxue let these cute little creatures go, and they walked and walked. stop.
Three days later.
Xiao Luolan heard the sound of raindrops, and she opened the window. A few days ago, it was cloudless and the sky was clear and blue. But this morning, there were clouds gathering. Sure enough, it rained.
It might be raining, it would be cooler, Xiao Luolan thought.
"Auntie, I'm so bored." Xiao Qingxue stretched out her hand to catch the raindrops and sighed. They traveled during the day and rested at night. They only had this little place to move around: "When can we get to Taiyang County?"
"It should be soon. I will return the books to Sect Master Zhou in the afternoon and change some books for you to read." Xiao Luolan comforted him.
"Close the windows, the rain seems to be getting heavier."
Not long after, the team that had been advancing forward stopped.
Xiao Luolan's heart skipped a beat.
Xiao Qingxue covered her mouth. Although she felt bored, she didn't want to be assassinated again. That would be fatal. Fang Yun stood with the masters and did not hear the order to get down.
Xiao Luolan felt a little relieved when she heard a muffled thunder sound coming from the front. She opened the car door and saw a huge team appearing at the far end in front of them, like a black cloud, rushing towards them.
The sturdy infantrymen were at the forefront, holding long swords and halberds. Their steps were heavy and orderly, and they were greeted with a chilling air. Behind them, there were canopies and scaled chariots, and the banner with the word "You" in red letters on a black background was fluttering. It was bright and conspicuous in the strong wind. Incomparably, a man on horseback in the middle was wearing heavy armor and was riding forward. As soon as he rode, yellow mud was splashed everywhere, and his feet were imprinted. His leather boots were deep in the mud. Because he was wearing heavy armor, it was difficult to salute, so he lowered his head and held his hands. And worship, the sound is as loud as muffled thunder.
"Yang Dong, the commander-in-chief of Taiyang County, pays homage to Lord Jiedushi."
Zhou Xu dismounted and helped him up: "Captain Yang, there is no need to be polite."
Yang Dong laughed a few times, but his face could not be seen clearly under his visor. Only his loud voice could be heard far away: "I... No, I heard from Lei Shan that you were assassinated, so I hurried over here. There are some cavalry behind me. If the assassins still dare to come this time, hey, I won’t be named Yang unless I trample them to pieces!” The last sentence was filled with murderous intent.
"Master Jiedushi, hurry up and get on the carriage. I've prepared some warm wine for you." Yang Dong said sideways.
"There's no rush. I'm traveling with Mrs. Xiao. Please invite her into the car first. The woman is weak and won't get well if she gets caught in the rain." Zhou Xu and Yang Dong walked away together, but one behind the other.
Yang Dong followed Lord Jiedushi. He didn't know who this Madam Xiao was, but he actually asked Lord Jiedushi to invite him personally.
Xiao Luolan only heard what the loud-voiced Captain Yang said. He was too far behind and couldn't hear clearly. Seeing Sect Master Zhou and the others coming in the rain, Xiao Luolan was very confused.
"Sect Master Zhou, is there something wrong?"
She opened the gauze curtain and held an umbrella in her hand. When she saw Sect Leader Zhou approaching, she handed it to him.
Zhou Xu opened the umbrella, and raindrops were pouring from the brim: "Mrs. Xiao, the rain is strong and the wind is strong, we need to change the carriage and travel."
Yang Dong stared blankly at the beautiful woman on the carriage. Her face was made of hibiscus and jade, and her skin was whiter than milk. She seemed to be glowing in the misty rain. Her temples were a little wet from the rain, making her look even more delicate and tender.
Whose wife is this?
Chapter 20 (revision)
On a heavy rainy day, several canopies were about three meters wide and two meters long. They were lined up next to each other in a long line, blocking the rain pouring from the sky. The servants spread rolled carpets on the ground, layer after layer. Until it was dry, a luxury carriage pulled by four tall horses came slowly in front. There were a bunch of golden Zhan Fengduo on each corner of the eaves. When the wind blew, the ribbons floating below flew up. The black nanmu body, the carriage There are carved beams and painted pillars on the outside of the carriage, and there are railings on the outside of the carriage. There are armored sergeants standing at the four corners. A tall banner with the word "you" is placed in the back of the carriage, blazing like fire.
Zhou Xu put away his umbrella: "Mrs. Xiao, please."
Xiao Luolan came down with her skirt in hand and turned to wait for her daughter. Fang Yun followed the young master, feeling uneasy. She had never seen such a scene and was worried that she would embarrass her masters in the new carriage.
Yang Dong saw Lord Jiedushi and Mrs. Xiao walking side by side. Behind the beautiful woman was a noblewoman with outstanding appearance. He recalled that there must be no such two noblemen in Youzhou, so where did they come from? Are you from Heshuo County?
This time the Jiedushi Master went out of the state to visit Master Kongming in He Shuo to study Buddhist scriptures, but everyone knew that this was a pretense. Yang Dong could not figure out the ultimate purpose of the Jiedushi Master, and it made his head hurt to think about it, but he really wanted to Knowing the woman's identity, he approached Mr. Qingshan. Zhao Qingshan shook his folding fan and looked at Captain Yang of Taiyang County with a half-smile but not a smile.
Walking to the black carriage, Xiao Luolan noticed that the wind chime had the word Yang engraved on it, and a banner with the word "you" stood behind the carriage. Captain Yang of Taiyang County should be one of the clan leaders of Zhou.
The last assassination incident caused quite a psychological shadow on Xiao Luolan and made her a little nervous. When she straightened her thoughts, the tension in her heart suddenly eased a lot.
The wide carved wooden door was opened, and then there was a golden hooked curtain. A warm spring-like fragrance came from inside. Several maidservants were kneeling and sitting at the door, their heads lowered, holding up things with only their hands. According to the order of warm water, bath beans, clothes , clogs, arranged in order, obviously a set of procedures for washing hands and changing clothes.
As soon as Xiao Luolan came in, she felt that the dampness and coldness of the rainy day were immediately dissipated.
"Are there any women's clogs?" Zhou Xu asked after finishing his hands.
"As for your husband, yes." The leading maid folded her hands on the floor, then paused and replied.
"Then get three pairs." Zhou Xu casually ordered, and the maidservant retreated.
Zhou Xu took off his wet robe, took out a loose robe and put it on. When he changed into the clogs, he happened to see Mrs. Xiao had also put on the clogs. The snow-white socks were exposed. The clogs seemed to be too big. The feet look exquisite.
Zhou Xu smiled.
Xiao Qingxue wore clogs and walked a few steps. They felt no different from modern slippers, except that the heels were a little harder. Clogs like this could only be worn at home or when it rained. Fang Yun followed the masters, Don't dare to look around, and abide by your duties as a personal maid.
A curtain made of precious silk was separated on both sides. A tiger skin blanket was spread on the floor. A small rectangular wooden table was placed near the window. Two round cushions were spread at the beginning and end of the table. There was a red clay stove with a strong fire burning a pot of wine.
Is this to talk about something? Xiao Luolan thought for a while, then took her daughter and Fang Yun into the inner room. Separated by a bead curtain, a large number of cascading begonias were inserted into a half-person-high red glazed vase. The flowers of the cascading begonias were light pink. The color is delicate, hanging down in layers and flowing to the floor. There are books on the desk that smells of pine wood. If you are tired, you can rest on the soft couch nearby.
The thin bamboo curtain in the deepest part was lowered, and the bed was vaguely visible.
Xiao Qingxue is sitting on the soft couch, well behaved, but her eyes are lively. What will Sect Leader Zhou and Captain Yang be talking about later?
Xiao Luolan saw that Fang Yun had been holding her body nervously since entering the carriage, and she was a little confused. Seeing that there was only Sect Master Zhou outside and no one else was there, she asked the little girl to sit down and have a rest.
Fang Yun shook her head slightly.
Zhou Xu sat on the round cushion and clapped his hands gently. After a while, a maid came forward with her head bowed: "Do you have any instructions, sir?"
"Send some sweets to the inner room." Zhou Xu said.
The maid lowered her head and replied, "Yes."
After asking a lot of questions and getting no useful information, Yang Dong changed out of his heavy armor and entered the carriage. Mr. Qingshan still looked that chic. Yang Dong remembered that there were not only Lord Jiedushi but also Mrs. Xiao in the carriage, and asked: "I Do you want to wear a mask?”
"Have you brought him before when you met Master Jiedushi?" Zhao Qingshan asked.
"No." Yang Dong shook his head.
"That's it." Zhao Qingshan wore wooden clogs, shook his folding fan, opened the curtain and went in.
Yang Dong thought for a long time, and finally went in without a mask. He was wearing Xie Gong's clogs. This Xie Gong's clogs, invented by Xie Gong, a famous family man in the south and a great scholar of the time, have become popular in Youzhou, where there are some people with some status. , both men and women, young and old, like to wear Xie Gong clogs, and Yang Dong is no exception.
After entering the door, I found that Mrs. Xiao and Miss Xiao were not outside. The bead curtain vaguely covered the figures of Mrs. Xiao and Miss Xiao.
After asking for so long, Yang Dong only knew that the relationship between these two noble people was that of mother and daughter, and he felt a little frustrated inside.
There were maidservants passing by carrying a fruit plate. When they saw their master bending their knees slightly, Yang Dong waved his hand and told them to wait on their own without asking for instructions.
"Captain Yang, come and sit down." Zhou Xu said.
Yang Dongxin was pleased that Master Jiedushi didn't show any interest in him, but he still bowed and bowed before sitting down opposite Master Jiedushi. On the long wooden table, the wine in the pot was boiled away, and the wine was gushing. It's hot, but it's not too hot because the windows are wide open. The aroma of wine is filling the air, and the white mist is steaming. It's hard to see the adult's face clearly. Only the sharp curve of his jaw can be vaguely seen, and his stubble seems to have just been shaved. Not long after, those narrow eyes looked dangerous even in the fog, like a hawk in the sky.
Zhou Xu took out two wine glasses, filled them up, and pushed the other glass in front of Yang Dong.
Yang Dong straightened up in an instant: "I don't dare to trouble Lord Jiedushi. I will do it myself."
Zhou Xu drank a glass of wine. After Yang Dong finished drinking, he picked up the wine pot and filled it up for Lord Jiedushi, and then poured a glass himself.
"I wonder why Governor Li didn't come with Captain Yang?" Zhou Xu asked casually, holding the wine glass.
The prepared speech went through his mind. Yang Dong held the wine glass. A long scar on his left face was probably red and congested due to drinking. He said: "The governor is seriously ill because of the elderly at home. I need someone to look after my illness, so I only have the next person to pay my respects to Lord Jiedushi."
