Chen Fu saw that the favored young lady of the Jiedushi family was staring at his sword intently. Only her eyes showed a hint of smile on her dull face: "Young lady, you want to see my sword?"
Xiao Qingxue admitted openly: "I heard from my cousin Qinghe that Senior Brother Chen Fu has the true inheritance of my great-grandfather's swordsmanship, so I wanted to see it."
It turned out that he wanted to see the swordsmanship. Chen Fu said, seemingly true and false: "I never draw a sword easily. If this sword is drawn, it will drink blood."
Xiao Qingxue's eyes suddenly lit up. This was the feeling of a swordsman hero she wanted, so elegant!
Xiao Qinghe, who was listening to the conversation between the two, couldn't see his cousin being deceived, and said: "Cousin, don't listen to senior brother's nonsense. When we were on the road, senior brother used this sword as a hiking sword and also chopped firewood."
Xiao Qingxue's mystery about the sword was mostly shattered. After a while, she cheered up again. Maybe this was a master who returned to his original nature. In the martial arts world, this kind of thing is usually done by an expert.
Chen Fu said: "It was because he was on the road, so he had to do it." After that, he held the sword across his knees, the scabbard was simple, and there was a circle of brown coarse cloth wrapped around the hilt. He pushed the sword out of the scabbard with his thumb, and a touch of Youhong is reflected clearly in the corridor.
Just a flick of the finger is the buzzing sound of Jin Ge.
Even Xiao Luolan was attracted by the sword. Xiao Qingxue simply squatted in front of Chen Fu, wearing a light pink skirt like a flower bud. She looked at the big sword curiously. She didn't know if it was an illusion, but she just felt There is a coldness to the blade of the sword, and I want to touch it but dare not.
"This sword is very sharp. This little lady is so delicate that you should never touch it with your hands." Chen Fu added.
Xiao Qingxue was itching: "What's the name of this sword?"
"Tan Ying." Chen Fu replied: "It was smelted and beaten by the teacher himself when he was in his prime, and was later given to me as a gift."
"It turns out that my great-grandfather can also make swords. He is so amazing. How come he can do everything, including writing poems, writing with chopsticks, engraving seals, and making swords. He is both civil and military." Xiao Qingxue exclaimed.
As soon as he said these words, the smile on Chen Fu's face got bigger. Xiao Qinghe's face turned a little red, and he was very proud. He invited again: "Great-grandfather, he can also make mountaineering tools. There are mountains and fog around Qinghe. Cousin, When you arrive at Qinghe, my great-grandfather will definitely make mountaineering equipment and give you a mountaineering guide, and then we will go out to play together, climb mountains and see the distance."
"Okay!" Xiao Qingxue agreed wholeheartedly, looking forward to the trip to Qinghe in late spring. She would definitely wear the green palace ribbon that her mother-in-law had made for her.
Xiao Luolan watched the two of them chatting with a smile, and pasted the cut paper on the door.
Then he went indoors and looked through the open window of the study. He saw his daughter and Qinghe sitting next to each other and having fun together. She also took out the mechanism box she had given her on the 16th yesterday and gave it to Qinghe to play with.
Chen Fu leaned against the pillar and looked at the two people.
Qinghe held up a piece of her paper-cut and showed it to her daughter in the sunlight. Xiao Luolan looked at this scene and suddenly remembered a poem written by Mr. Xiao in his early years. She searched for a while on the desk and finally found it. The short poem next to "Autumn Thoughts" does not have a title, so it must have been written casually.
There is fine snow and sparse pines and cypresses, and it is a cold night in the small courtyard.
When the candles are cut against each other, we have a good night together every year.
Xiao Luolan picked up the book and read it for a while, finding it quite interesting.
The next day.
Xiao Luolan went to visit Wan Niang with gifts, and Yuen Niang and the others also went to see Granny Cui. Granny Cui helped her a lot during the Chinese New Year.
Because Mr. Qingshan's home is in Gaoxinfang and Wan's house is in another neighborhood, Xiao Luolan put on her curtain hat and visited Zhao's house first. Lord Lian's house is also on this side, but Mr. Qingshan's house is bigger than Lord Lian's. The house is much smaller.
Xiao Luolan waited at the door for a while and heard Mr. Qingshan's long-lost laughter.
"Mistress, please come in quickly." Mr. Qingshan was very relaxed at home, wearing a large cloak made by his wife. It was not yet work time, so he took some time to rest with his wife until the sun was up.
Yueniang stood behind her husband, nervously and happily watching Jieduzhi's wife come to her house to pay New Year's greetings, and quickly greeted her.
Xiao Luolan presented the New Year's gift and smiled at Yueniang. The two chatted in the backyard for a while. Mr. Qingshan cooked some food and Xiao Luolan used it at his house.
When Yueniang learned that Lan Niang was going to Wan Niang's place, she mustered up her courage and said, "Then I'll take you there. I'm very familiar with Wan Niang's place."
"Thank you Yueniang." Xiao Luolan smiled.
Yueniang took Lanniang out with her, and she also wore a hat. Mr. Qingshan sent his beloved wife and mistress away. He felt that the smile on his wife's face was more than usual. When he returned to his home, he thought about it and went first. Let's take a look at the government office. I'll be on duty in a few days.
"Why haven't you seen Qingxue?" Yueniang asked.
"She took Qinghe to play at her friend's house." Xiao Luolan replied.
The two of them went to the Jin Mansion across the street together.
The person who opened the door was Jin Ben. He looked at Jiedushi's wife and Mrs. Qingshan who had come to pay New Year's greetings. He opened the door and called out "Mother" again. There seemed to be fewer people in Jin's house than Mr. Qingshan's house, but the place was quite big.
After Jin Ben saluted, he withdrew, leaving his mother-in-law to spend time with her friends. Jin Hewan was stunned for a moment when he saw Lan Niang and Yueniang coming together.
Xiao Luolan put down the gift: "I know you like sweet and sour food, so I made some jujube cake. Wan Niang, would you like to try it?"
Jin Hewan sat down. She looked hard to get along with because she always had a cold face, but the sunshine was very good today, which also added some warmth to this stubborn woman. She asked the old servant in the house to bring the tea set and prepare to cook it. Tea.
Yueniang played the piano beside her, while Xiao Luolan and Wanniang ate pastries, and then sewed the girdle belt, hoping to finish it early so that Sect Master Zhou and Shen Zhi could use it.
After making tea, Yueniang also pinched a piece of jujube cake and ate it. The slightly sour and glutinous texture made her use a few more pieces.
While visiting relatives and friends during the New Year, Xiao Luolan originally wanted to go to Cui Mansion to see Granny Cui and Langjun Cui, but it was too late, so she asked Dong Xue to go back to the house first and prepare to go tomorrow.
Unexpectedly, as soon as I entered the house, I heard Uncle Sun reporting that Cui Langjun was coming.
"Happy New Year, mistress." Cui Shizi coughed and greeted the mistress with a smile, holding a sleeve stove in his hand.
"Happy New Year, Cui Langjun." Xiao Luolan first took the people to the pavilion to rest, and said with some surprise: "Are you here to see the general? He went to the government office today and hasn't come back yet. Cui Langjun hasn't come back yet. If you mind, you can wait here for a while."
"Then I'll stay shy for a while." Cui Langjun said with a smile.
Xiao Luolan gave Chunhua some fresh fruit refreshments.
"You're welcome, Cui Langjun can stay as long as you want." Xiao Luolan said.
Cui Shizi felt better after a winter of cultivation. He smiled and said: "On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Madam Xiao took Yulang of the Xiao family to my home to visit me. She also bought gifts on the way."
"Is there such a thing? The child didn't tell me either." Xiao Luolan opened his eyes slightly.
"My little lady is sincere and kind, and she is a good child." Cui Shizi took a sip of tea and smiled warmly.
Not long after, Zhou Xu came back.
"Here comes Shizi." Zhou Xu smiled when he saw his wife. He lifted his robe and sat beside her: "What are you talking about? Are you so happy?"
"Just chatting about the New Year." Xiao Luolan said.
Cui Shizi looked at his lord and said, "The angel will arrive on the 8th/9th/. I wonder what my lord's plans are?"
Zhou Xu took a sip of tea and said: "I don't know his true intention at the moment, but I have sent a letter to the Nanning County Sheriff to find a reason to remove all their armor from me first. When they arrive in Langge, it will be nothing more than my mansion and Prince Bao, let’s see where they go.”
"Three thousand soldiers, I'm afraid they won't want to." Cui Shizi expressed his concerns. After all, they are the emperor's own soldiers and are well equipped.
Zhou Xu smiled slightly and said: "That's not up to them. The Xunjiang River is so big that no matter how many people there are, it can eat it."
Xiao Luolan was a little frightened when she heard the murderous voice of Sect Master Zhou.
"There are still a few days until the angels arrive here. I also thought of a way. I have already passed my anger with Prince Bao and will wait for them to come."
Seeing that his lord had a plan, Cui Shizi took his leave after sitting for a while.
Xiao Luolan asked curiously: "What method?"
Zhou Xu said in a joking tone: "How about I also be a guest at the curtain?"
Xiao Luolan was stunned, and then thought about it for a while. Guests who entered the curtain originally referred to the staff who listened to the lord's discussions with others behind the curtain. As time went by, the word gained other meanings. Some staff members were handsome and often visited the lord's house. behind the scenes.
Xiao Luolan looked at the burly figure of Clan Master Zhou and his calm and confident face, and couldn't help but smile with water in her eyes. Of course she knew that Clan Master Zhou just wanted to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. Now this word was quite similar to Clan Master Zhou. difference.
Zhou Xuyuan was a little frustrated, but when he heard his wife's laughter, he also laughed. There was no trace of evil or coldness on his cold face.
Chapter 164
Shangqing view.
The little Taoist boy sat slumped in front of the Xiaoguan gate with a look of despair on his face. The snow was so light that there were no soles on his shoes. They were in a remote village and naturally there were no green brick avenues. When it snowed, no matter how clean it was, it would still fall. He left the star dots behind. Originally, he had swept them once two days ago, but it snowed lightly in the morning. The messy path boy would rather count the bricks in the corner than move.
In the past few months, the little Taoist boy has been living with his master in this dilapidated small temple. It is much harder than before. He has to grow his own vegetables, wash his own clothes, and polish the bronze statue of the founder of the Sanqing Dynasty by himself...
I was very upset. My master ignored the good Heshuo County and insisted on selling off his assets and running to the bitter cold Youzhou. He spent money and gained fame along the way and was taken advantage of. Well, he finally got to Langge and was betrayed. He was rescued by the kind-hearted Mrs. Xiao, who thought that he could live a good life by becoming Mrs. Xiao's disciple.
The little Taoist boy originally thought that if Mrs. Xiao also believed in it, she might build a Taoist palace or something for his master, and receive incense and enshrinements from others. But the truth turned out to be cruel. Although Mrs. Xiao was very favored, Buqu Manor There was no shortage of anyone, but she left a dilapidated small temple on the mountain far away from human habitation for the master to live in.
The most important thing is that their little master, Mrs. Xiao, often does things that ordinary people can't understand. How can such a delicate little lady let people who believe in Taoism take care of the reincarnation of grains... The little Taoist boy comes from his heart. .
Thinking of what he had done with his master a few months ago, the little Taoist boy's face suddenly twisted.
Xiaoyaozi walked up the mountain vigorously, carrying a basket of eggs in his hand. The eggs were bought from someone down the mountain.
"Master, you are back." The little Taoist boy shouted immediately when he saw the master.
"Well, little lady, come over today. You leave five or six eggs in the kitchen and put the rest in jars." Xiaoyaozi handed the basket to the little Taoist boy.
The little Taoist boy walked through the front hall to the backyard kitchen. Just when he was about to be lazy, he heard the clear voice of the little lady in the main hall. The little Taoist boy felt happy. Every time the little lady came over, he would bring them some delicious food. , or just money and clothes. In fact, the young lady is quite good to them.
"Xiaoyaozi, we are here to see you."
At the same time, Master's heroic and joyful voice also sounded faintly.
The little Taoist boy put down his basket and ran to the front hall. Unexpectedly, he saw the general's wife.
Xiao Luolan looked at Xiaoyaozi and the little Taoist boy in front of them who were still immortal, and crossed the threshold with her daughter, and said: "Taoist Xiaoyaozi, are you okay?"
"Haha." Xiaoyaozi twirled his long, snow-white beard and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but everything is fine."
The little Taoist boy followed behind his master, his face red with excitement.
"Xiaoyaozi, my mother and I are having dinner here today. Why don't you go get ready." Xiao Qingxue took her to the back hill of the Taoist temple. She had already changed to a larger venue.
"Then I'll make Shangqingguan's vegetarian meal for you two to try." Xiaoyaozi said, and took the little Taoist boy beside him away. After these few months, Xiaoyaozi could finally see that his Although this little mistress did some rather bizarre things, looking at her with a clear idea, it didn't look like she was just doing it randomly, but that she was going to do something.
He also deliberately chose such a remote place. Xiaoyaozi stroked his beard and decided not to hear what was going on outside the window. The young lady did not come in front of her when she was tinkering with things in the past. Of course, when it came to using him, he was not shy about it. .
Xiaoyaozi is very open-minded.
On the other side of the small dirt road to the mountain, Xiao Luolan was holding a bamboo hiking pole. There was snow on the road and some sections were quite slippery.
"Go slowly, be careful of falling." Xiao Luolan grabbed her excited daughter and asked her to slow down.
Xiao Qingxue originally wanted to take her mother to see something good quickly, but after hearing her words, she walked beside her honestly.
The mountain at the back was not big, and Xiao Luolan saw a small wooden house after a while, and smelled the smell of urine. Xiao Qingxue had already prepared a scented towel for her mother: "Mom, you Stay away."
Xiao Luolan smelled the smell. She didn't have any pretentious thoughts. Instead, she stood closer. There was a flat open space in the house, and in front of it was a man-made pothole. It was similar to a cellar, but not big. The pothole looked It is also relatively small, with some stones piled around it and urine mud inside. The temperature inside the wooden house is higher than outside. There are several charcoal pots and stoves next to it. It seems that someone is looking after this place. It should be Taoist priest Xiaoyaozi and the little Taoist boy. .
Xiao Luolan carefully recalled the three things her daughter once told her about making gunpowder. She remembered that her daughter collected some saltpeter last time she came here. Did she make this again?
"Isn't there enough saltpeter?" Xiao Luolan thought of this immediately. This thing seems to be quite important. It accounts for the largest proportion of gunpowder.
"When you really need to use it, the bit of saltpeter you use to scrape the wall is too little and it takes a lot of trouble." Xiao Qingxue pulled her mother back a few steps. Although it was a successful product of her own concept, it was too smelly after all. She was proud of it. He proudly asked Auntie for credit and said: "In ancient times, mines of all kinds were usually located in deep mountains and old forests, and there were no mature mining tools. Not to mention the small quantity, it was very dangerous."
"I just remembered this method of making nitrate in the nitrate field. It is more convenient than mining and can control the quantity. The purity of the nitrate is higher, but it is only half completed." Xiao Qingxue did the math and said with a little regret: "If it had been done a few months earlier, Just make it. I first add fallen leaves, wheat straw, water and lime to this kind of pit, let it ferment first, and let the soil underneath become warm. Langge is too cold in winter, I really I’m afraid the soil will freeze.”
