At three o'clock in the morning, the twilight is dim.
The city department officials stood on the tall mahogany ladder and hung lanterns on the light poles along the road. The winding lights diffracted out from the night fog, making Jinjiang Night Market seem to be covered with a dream-like layer. Fantasy gauze.
Lin Sui'an sneezed while sitting in the carriage.
Ling Zhiyan also sneezed, Fang Ji sneezed again, and Jin Ruo sneezed again.
The four people rubbed their noses and looked at the initiator with black lines on their heads.
Hua Yitang leaned crookedly on the embroidered gold cushion, shaking her fan now and then. Layers of clothes covered half of the carriage. The jade-carved sachet ball at her waist jingled as the carriage swayed.
The light filtered by the bamboo curtain fell on his face, his skin was like jade, his pupils were shining, and his eyelashes were moving, making stars shine.
Hua Yitang is very particular about what he wears - of course, every personal outfit he wears is very particular, but today's one is particularly exaggerated - in order to make Yangdu's number one dandy go to the banquet with dignity, Mu Xia tried her best.
The "Light Smoke and Flowing Water Shirt" emphasizes seven layers of gauze and seven layers of snow, the "Free Flying Flower Boots" emphasizes the ability to step on clouds without a trace, the "desert and light cold jade hairpin" climbs up the bun like spring, and the name of the incense is "boundless silk rain" "As thin as sorrow", just like the rain in early spring, dense and endless, using the fan of "Infinite Dawn Moon" to fan the flames twice, the fragrance is overwhelming and suffocates everyone to death.
The four people in the same car bore the brunt and became the first victims. They sneezed and had runny noses all the way. Fang Ke's dislike of Hua Yitang reached an unprecedented peak. Several times he wanted to sprinkle the smelly powder in the porcelain bottle in his hand on Hua Yitang, but several times he endured it for the sake of the overall situation.
Today's night banquet is different from the past. The host is Su Feizhang, the head of the Su family in Suizhou. He has invited the heads of the eight great families in Yidu (Wu Zhengli is in jail and cannot come). In addition, Chi Ji, the governor of Yidu, Xia Ren, the chief official of Dali Temple, Si Zhi Ling Zhi Yan was among those invited. Of course, the most important guests were Hua Silang of Yangdu Hua Clan and Jingmen Lin Sui'an.
The venue of the banquet was originally held at the Su family's old residence, but because there were too many people invited, it was temporarily changed to the Sanhua Building on the bank of the Jinjiang River.
All the way east along the Jinjiang Night Market, you can see a six-story building with red pillars and green eaves standing under the dark blue sky in the distance. Very shocking. It is said that when viewed from the air, the six-story cornices look like flower petals blooming one after another, hence the name Sanhua Building.
The large square downstairs of Sanhua is filled with all kinds of gorgeous carriages. The horses have shiny coats. The boys who are responsible for guiding the way are neatly dressed, have handsome features, and are polite in words and deeds. In modern times, they are at least the standard of a six-star restaurant.
Hua's carriage was hung with the golden bell that was the Hua's logo. As soon as it entered the parking lot, it received attentive service from three ushering boys. They led Mu Xia to park the car at the distinguished seat closest to the gate. The shopkeeper of Sanhua Building said: People were waiting at the gate early, with smiles on their faces, and they respectfully invited Hua Yitang and his entourage to enter.
Tonight is the Suizhou Su Family's private dining room. No outsiders are entertained. Everyone can climb up to the top floor along the circular staircase. The staircase design of Sanhua Building is different from that of Zhangyi Building. The route is clear at a glance and the style is simple and elegant. The first and second floors are the lobby for receiving individual guests. Starting from the third floor, there are more hidden private seats and boxes.
The design of the six-story top floor is even more unique. It is an octagonal pavilion. All the windows can be fully opened, which is equivalent to a wide high platform with a roof. Standing in the pavilion and looking around, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Yidu City and Jinjiang from different directions. Like a jade belt, the night market is like a fire dragon, and thousands of lanterns are like stars falling into the sea of clouds, catching the river breeze in your arms, creating boundless pride.
On a normal day, Lin Sui'an would appreciate such a rare scenery, check in, and ask Hua Yitang to draw a travel sketch for her, but she happened to meet Su Yiyun at the door of the six-story pavilion. , and suddenly I lost all my mood.
Su Yiyun wore a plain gown today, with a water lily embroidered on her shoulders. She had a handsome appearance and a gentle smile. She looked completely different from the maniacal look she had when she and Jingmen were competing for the Jinli Night Market the day before yesterday.
"Hua Canjun, Mrs. Lin, Ling Sizhi, Master Jin, Fang Wuzuo, all of you who took the time to come, the Su family is really shining!" Su Yiyun looked affectionate and raised his hand to pat Hua Yitang on the shoulder. , Hua Yitang quickly shook the fan twice, and the incense rushed over. Su Yiyun sneezed earth-shatteringly. As soon as he was distracted, Hua Yitang turned sideways, avoiding Su Yiyun and walked into the door. Not even a look.
Lin Sui'an understood: No wonder this guy is using such a strong incense today. It turns out it can also exorcise evil spirits.
The kind-hearted Ling Zhiyan pretended not to see Su Yiyun, Lin Sui'an clicked his tongue, Jin Ruo rolled his eyes, Fang Ji didn't look sideways, and they all followed in. The corners of Su Yiyun's eyes twitched hard.
The hall has already been properly arranged. There are musicians playing and singing in the southeast corner. Male and female waitresses in bright clothes are walking quickly among the crowd carrying trays of drinks. Four rows of couches and tables are arranged neatly, with chopsticks and bowls ready on the tables. The tea has not yet been served, and everyone has not sat down. They are walking around casually. Everyone is dressed in rich clothes, with oily hair and pink noodles. They hold hands and hold hands with each other, chatting enthusiastically. The burning candlelight reflects everyone's smiling faces in different colors, like a group of people. Lots of faces.
As soon as Hua Yitang entered the scene, he was naturally the center of attention. In addition, Hua Ermu ran over shouting "Fourth Grandpa!" with a loud voice. Suddenly, everyone's eyes flew towards Lin Sui. An's hair stood on end. This scene was like hell to her, who was half-frightened. She was about to retreat, but found that Fang Ke was actually hiding behind her.
Lin Sui'an: Doctor Fang, you are not being kind!
What was even more unkind was Jin Ruo. In the blink of an eye, he had disappeared.
Seeing the dark crowd about to pounce like wolves and tigers, Hua Yitang took half a step sideways to block Lin Sui'an's view, turned his head and smiled and said, "You and Doctor Fang find a place to rest." Come on."
Lin Sui'an, as if granted amnesty, ran away with Fang Ke and Ling Zhiyan also wanted to run away, but Governor Chi and Xia Changshi suddenly appeared and pulled out Hua Yitang and Ling Zhiyan one by one. Xia Changshi considered himself an elder and insisted on running away. Introducing some old friends to Ling Zhiyan, Chi Taishou's face glowed red and he was frothing at the mouth, and he introduced Hua Yitang to the aristocratic family nobles who came to say hello.
Hua Yitang had an impeccable smile on his face, and he was well-rounded and versatile. Ling Zhiyan's smile was a little stiff, but fortunately he was rich in experience and could handle it well.
Fang Ke found a corner and sat down. Although he was wearing conspicuous red clothes, his temperament was so terrifying that he instantly created a pure area within three feet. No one dared to disturb Lin Sui. An also wanted to get closer to get some light, but Jin Ruo suddenly appeared and dragged Lin Sui'an to another direction.
"Master, guess who I saw?"
Lin Sui'an looked in the direction Jin Ruo pointed and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
Wu Zhengqing, a soldier who joined the army, was sitting across from the case with a woman, talking incessantly.
Wu Zhengqing is wearing soap green casual clothes today, wearing a futou and a jade pendant. His beard is cleanly shaved and it can be seen that it has been carefully groomed. From this direction, only the back of the woman opposite can be seen, wearing a lily She is wearing a green skirt, a light blue shawl, her hair is in a high bun, and her hair accessories are very simple, with only a plain pearl hairpin.
After hanging out with Hua Yitang for a long time, Lin Sui'an had gained some discernment. The pearls on the woman's hairpin were lustrous and round. They were obviously extremely high-grade sea pearls and were worth a lot of money. She must have an unusual status.
"That woman is the only daughter of the head of the Liu family in Xicheng, Liu Qingxi, who is twenty years old and not yet married. The old head of the Liu family has been ill for many years. The Liu family's family business is all supported and managed by Liu Qingxi. It has been quite successful over the years. People of the Liu family He respects her very much and has basically decided that she will be the next head of the Liu family." Jin Ruo said in a low voice, "There are probably only two ways for the future head of the Liu family to get married, either by recruiting a bride or by marrying another aristocratic family. I guess Wu Zhengqing went there for the marriage."
Lin Sui'an was surprised, "Wu Zhengqing? Marriage?"
"As soon as Wu Zhengli was imprisoned, the Wu family was in chaos. Today, several elders from the Wu clan have visited Wu Zhengqing. They seem to intend to support Wu Zhengqing as the next head of the family."
Lin Sui'an opened his mouth.
Wu Zhengli has only been in jail for a few hours, and the Wu family has even chosen his next successor. He is not so quick to kill the donkey, right?
Jin Ruo chuckled, "Should I say it's a precautionary measure, or is it a premeditated plan?"
Interesting now.
Lin Sui'an and Jin Ruo looked at each other, quietly walked to the two empty seats next to them and sat down, pricking up their ears.
Wu Zhengqing: "I have heard that Mrs. Liu is very knowledgeable about calligraphy. I wonder if Wu can ask her for advice?"
Liu Qingxi: "Wu Canjun was joking. I just like to write on weekdays, not to mention any research. Today, there are many talented people from aristocratic families in the city. Why don't Wu Canjun chat with them more?"
Jin Ruo winked: "It sounds like Mrs. Liu doesn't like to see Wu Canjun."
Lin Sui'an raised his eyebrows: "More than not wanting to see you, this is already an order to expel guests."
But Wu Zhengqing seemed not to have heard anything at all, and actually started talking to himself, "Wu believes that elegance should be the most important thing in writing, with regularity both horizontally and vertically, and only if the words are neat and orderly can they be orthodox." Liu What do you think, madam?"
Liu Qingxi picked up the tea cup and took a sip without saying anything.
Jin Ruo: "What do you mean?"
Lin Sui'an scratched his forehead: "Sounds like criticizing Sang and Huai, saying that Mrs. Liu doesn't follow the rules?"
Wu Zhengqing: "The saying is that a person's handwriting is like a person. You can see a person's heart by looking at a person's handwriting. Wu once had the opportunity to see Mrs. Liu's handwriting. It was more than soft and beautiful, but not correct enough. This shows that Mrs. Liu's foundation is not strong and her writing is unstable. This is a woman. A common problem in learning calligraphy is that because women have smaller hands and insufficient arm strength, the characters written by women often have only shapes and no bones. If you continue to practice like this, you will get twice the result with half the effort, and the gain will not be worth the loss."
Jin Ruo: "I understand this time. Wu Zhengqing is saying that the Liu family's female head of the family has an unstable foundation."
Lin Sui'an: "I have to say, Wu Zhengqing's words are really annoying."
Jin Ruoshen agreed: "More annoying than the one named Hua."
Liu Qingxi put down the tea cup, "I wonder what Wu Canjun has to say?"
Wu Zhengqing smiled proudly and chewed his teeth, "Wu has been learning calligraphy from a famous teacher since he was a child. He has been practicing calligraphy for more than ten years and is quite accomplished. If Mrs. Liu does not give up, Wu is willing to recommend himself and come to Ms. Liu's house to provide free guidance. Of course, If Mrs. Liu is willing, she can come to my ancestral house of the Wu family, and Mr. Wu will definitely sweep up the bed to wait for her, how about that?"
Jin Ruo: "This sounds so disgusting."
Lin Sui'an: "..."
What's even more disgusting is his tone and expression, which are self-righteous and extremely greasy. Especially when he said the four words "sweep the bed and wait", his eyes were very lewd - Lin Sui'an remembered that when he first met Wu Zhengli, he looked at him with the same eyes.
Liu Qingxi took a breath and sat up straight, "I have been practicing calligraphy since I was three years old. I became a disciple of Taoist Master Yanqing of Songshan Mountain when I was five years old. It has been fifteen years now. I have studied every day and never slacked off. My disciple Calligraphy follows the method of ups and downs, opening and closing, ups and downs, softness in the hard, roundness in the square, and curves in the straightness. Before the Tang Dynasty, it had never been heard of. The style of the calligraphy of the teacher's "Dabei Tie" is full of vitality, yet still clever and unrestrained. The sage once personally praised him for "breaking the old and establishing the new, fearless", and he was called "the character of the prosperous Tang Dynasty and the character of hundreds of people". Liu was not talented, and his "Treatise on Four Solar Terms" was also selected into the Imperial Academy for students to copy. ." After a pause, "I wonder if Mr. Wu has any works. Can Mr. Liu see them with his own eyes?"
Wu Zhengqing's face froze.
Jin Ruo was afraid of his thighs: "Oh my God, I'm embarrassed for Wu Zhengqing."
Lin Sui'an secretly laughed: I wanted to show off but when I met a real boss, Wu Zhengqing kicked the iron plate too loudly.
Wu Zhengqing coughed twice and changed his position, "Ms. Liu is already over twenty this year, right? Aren't the elders of the Liu clan ever worried about Mrs. Liu's life-long events?"
Liu Qingxi's tone was not good, "What does Wu Shenjun mean by this?"
Wu Zhengqing leaned forward slightly and put on that greasy smile again, "It's really hard for a woman to be the head of the family. It's not as easy as retreating to the house to look after her husband and raise her children. Although the Wu family is not as rich as the country, they are still rich. She is very suitable for the Liu family." He lowered his voice and got closer and closer, "Wu also fell in love with Mrs. Liu at first sight and fell in love with her——"
"Click" a chopstick fell from the sky and penetrated the table more than an inch, causing the whole table to buzz.
Wu Zhengqing's expression changed in shock, and he suddenly jumped up, "Who - hiss!"
Lin Sui'an stood behind Liu Qingxi, twirling a chopstick in his right hand, with an expression that seemed to be smiling but not smiling.
Wu Zhengqing clamped his legs in response to stress and took half a step back, "Ms. Lin, Wu is discussing important matters with Madam Liu. You——"
"It's just a casual chat, nothing important." Liu Qingxi chuckled, stood up, and saluted Lin Sui'an Pingting, "I guess this is Mrs. Lin from the Jingmen. Qingxi is polite."
Only then did Lin Sui'an see Liu Qingxi's face clearly, with light eyes and thin lips, and a calm temperament, which made people fall in love with him at first sight.
Liu Qingxi is also observing Lin Sui'an. According to legend, Lin Sui'an is capable of defeating a hundred people, but she looks like a young lady of seventeen or eighteen years old, with black clothes and black hair, long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, and a straight and straight figure. , heroic.
"Wu Canjun, long time no see." Jin Ruo put his arm around Wu Zhengqing's shoulders.
Wu Zhengqing threw Jin Ruo away with a look of disgust on his face, "Master Jin, I'm not familiar with you!"
"Wu Canjun, didn't you report that you were sick at home?" Hua Yitang came over with a full body of rich floral fragrance, and looked Wu Zhengqing up and down with her beautiful big eyes, "Wu Canjun's face looks like It’s not very good. Why don’t you take some more rest?” At this point, he seemed to suddenly think of something. He let out a yelp, covered his mouth with a fan, and blinked his long eyelashes, “Could it be... Wu Canjun’s hidden illness? Is it getting worse again?”
Jin Ruo: "Pfft!"
Wu Zhengqing's face turned green, "Hua joins the army, don't talk nonsense!"
"Ah, it was Hua who made a mistake." Hua Yitang lowered his voice and stepped forward, "Wu Canjun, don't worry, you and I are officials in the same yamen, Hua will definitely keep it a secret for you, but for this kind of disease, the most fearful thing is that the disease is hidden and the treatment is avoided. , it must be treated as soon as possible!"
Wu Zhengqing became angry: "Hua Yitang! If you dare to do it again-"
"But don't be like your cousin Wu Zhengli, who kept putting it off until it became an incurable disease!" Hua Yitang said with a smile.
Wu Zhengqing's expression changed, he opened his mouth, but he didn't say a word and left with a puff of sleeves.
This Wu Zhengqing is indeed suspicious. Lin Sui An said.
Hua Yitang rolled his eyes at Wu Zhengqing's back, turned around and clasped his fists sternly at Liu Qingxi, "Silang of the Hua family has met Mrs. Liu."
Liu Qingxi returned the gift respectfully, and was very surprised in her heart. He had a reputation as the number one playboy in Yangdu. He thought he was a fat-headed and wretched man, but he turned out to be such a handsome and bright young man, especially this outfit - Liu Qingxi compared the two. After looking at what she and Hua Yitang were wearing, she sighed and murmured, "As expected of Shiro Hua, I am ashamed of myself."
When Hua Yitang heard this, he felt very proud. He shook his fan twice and said, "Did you hear that even the steady and dignified Madam Liu praised me for my beauty?"
Jin Ruo: "Ugh——"
Liu Qingxi was so shocked that her eyes almost fell out.
Lin Sui'an tried not to laugh out loud, cleared his throat and asked, "Why are you alone? Where is Ling Sizhi?"
"Ling Liulang is so unkind," Hua Yitang groaned, "I found an excuse to escape and ran away. I was left alone among those old men to listen to their bragging. It's really uncomfortable."
Jin Ruo glanced at the crowd, "So you ran away and left your grandson Hua Ermu there?"
Hua Yitang smiled and said, "Hua Ermu enjoys it endlessly. Hua regards herself as a beautiful person."
While everyone was chatting, the hall suddenly became quiet, and everyone's eyes turned to the door.
I saw a group of people walking into the pavilion. The leader was a man in his fifties, wearing a Sichuan brocade robe and long gown. He had gray hair on the temples and sparkling eyes. His eyebrows were very similar to Su Yiyun beside him. .
On the other side was a man in his thirties, dressed in blue and black attire, with black leather wristbands on his hands. He had high cheekbones, sharp eyebrows, and his heels did not touch the ground when he walked. He was obviously skilled in martial arts.
"The one in the middle is Su Feizhang, the head of the Su family in Suizhou," Jin Ruo whispered. "The warrior next to him is Wu Chun, the leader of the Wuling Alliance."
small theater
Fang Ke in the corner yawned: When will dinner be served? :,,
