When Murong Xue heard the other party introduce herself as Lehu and gave her the name "Rui Ji", she immediately knew that the girl in front of her was from a humble background.
Lehu is the name of the criminal code of the Shengtang Dynasty.
This is a kind of criminal servant, also called "lucky person". Usually, the wives and daughters of criminal officials were brought into the government, attached to the music status, and became musicians. Some young and beautiful musicians are also sent to workshops to serve as official prostitutes for people's entertainment.
Official prostitutes who are good at singing and dancing are often named "Ji".
Therefore, "Rui Ji" is not this girl's real name.
Seeing that she didn't mention her true life experience, Murong Xue guessed that she must have something to hide, so she didn't continue to ask, and said with a hearty smile: "My surname is Murong, you can just call me Brother Murong. Don't do anything about repaying your kindness in the future. Mention it. You and I met by chance, and we will go our separate ways in the future. Don’t worry about small things."
When Ruiji heard what the other party said, she knew that this elder brother Murong was telling her that he would part ways with her soon, and they would have nothing to do with her from now on. She couldn't help but suddenly felt sad. She nodded silently, but tears could not stop flowing down her cheeks. Flow down.
Murong Xue was slightly shocked when she saw this: "Miss Rui Ji, why are you crying?"
Rui Ji closed her eyes and did not want to answer his question, but then she thought about it and felt that it would be disrespectful to her benefactor. She hesitated for a moment and replied softly: "The slave family dare not deceive Master Murong. I have already determined to die, and I am afraid that I will not do it again in this life." It is difficult to repay your kindness, so I feel extremely sad. I hope you will forgive me."
Murong Xue hated to see a girl cry sadly the most in her life, so she quickly comforted her: "Rui Ji, how can you abandon your parents who care deeply about your body and skin? If you have any difficulties, just tell me and I will do my best to help you. No matter what the trouble is, , don’t be afraid, and don’t have to worry.”
His simple but affectionate words touched Rui Ji's sadness even more. While sobbing softly, she told her story.
Because her father was convicted, Rui Ji was sent to a prostitute workshop to learn skills since she was a child. When she was eighteen years old, she was spotted by a minister of the Ministry of Industry, who redeemed her body, expelled her citizenship, and took her into the palace as a concubine. Unexpectedly, the waiter's wife was very shrewd and could not tolerate Rui Ji at all. The poor girl was beaten, scolded, abused and humiliated all day long. In less than half a year, he was kicked out by his wife.
The minister also felt helpless and had no choice but to give her a hundred taels of silver and hire a carriage to take her back to her hometown of Bianzhou to settle down.
Unexpectedly, when Ruiji arrived here, the old coachman was greedy for time and did not stay at the inn in time, so he was robbed by bandits. If Murong Xue hadn't come to the rescue, her body would have been defiled, and it would have been difficult to save Qingqing's life.
"Young Master, to tell you the truth," Rui Ji finally said, "I have no relatives in my hometown for a long time, and I was a little discouraged when I was on the road. If we encounter this disaster again today, I am afraid that God will not tolerate it. I dare not tolerate it. Mr. Delay, after I say goodbye to you, I will find a pure place to end this life."
Murong Xue scratched her head, bit her lip and thought for a moment, then patted her thigh and said, "Oh, let's do this. Ruiji, you don't have to be embarrassed. If you don't mind, just follow me to Dongdu first. When we get to Luoyi, I'll think of a way. I’ll help you settle in. As the saying goes, there’s always a way, and as long as you don’t give up, there’s always a way to live a comfortable life, okay?”
Hearing this, Rui Ji hesitated for a while, but finally she seemed to have finally made up her mind, showing joy, struggling to stand up and bowing to Murong Xue: "I am willing to serve you like a cow to repay your kindness. "
The helpless Ruiji felt that her life had rekindled hope after being taken in by Murong Xue. She felt happy and her body recovered faster. In just two days, Rui Ji recovered. So the two of them continued their journey and went to Luoyi together.
Murong Xue briefly told Rui Ji about her identity, but the naive and romantic Rui Ji didn't pay much attention after listening. Because in her opinion, no matter whether Mr. Murong is a high official or a commoner, they are all the same. As long as he could stay with Murong Xue, he would be satisfied.
Especially when she heard that Murong Xue was still unmarried at such a young age, she acted very happy. At the same time, she also inadvertently changed the word "nujia" she originally called herself to "concubine".
Murong Xue was bold and free-spirited by nature, so of course she didn't mind this, so she took Rui Ji through the town, over mountains and wading rivers, talking and laughing along the way. Occasionally, when the mood strikes, he will go into the woods, shoot pheasants and hares, and roast them for Rui Ji to taste. Rui Ji enjoyed her meal so much that she stood beside the bonfire and danced for Murong Xue to entertain her.
The two walked happily for more than ten days, and finally arrived at their destination - Luoyi City, the eastern capital.
Before reaching Huiping Gate in the north of Luoyi, Murong Xue saw a group of officials and soldiers coming towards him from a distance. The leader was none other than Xie Guang's trusted general Di Xian.
Di Xian stepped forward quickly and saluted Murong Xue with a warm attitude: "I'd like to see you, Lord Murong." The day before yesterday, I received a notice from the inn, saying that your Excellency will arrive in the Eastern Capital in the next few days. I will lead the officials from various departments in Luoyi to greet you here. Master Murong, you have had a hard journey."
Following his words, the generals and officials behind him also bowed and greeted each other, creating a commotion.
Murong Xue bowed her hands and replied, "Thank you, my lords." Then he smiled at Di Xian and said: "General Di, you are well. You and I are both the fourth-ranked Yulin Zhonglang generals in the imperial court. Murong does not dare to take this 'humble position'."
"Where is it?" Di Xian looked extremely cordial: "How dare you compare with your Excellency in such a humble position? Although they have the same rank, your Excellency is not only a general of the imperial army accompanying you, but you are also promoted to the crown prince Zhan Shi of Zhan Shi Mansion in the East Palace. He is in charge of all the government affairs of the three temples in the East Palace and the Shi Ling Mansion. In the future when His Highness ascends the throne, Master Murong will definitely be granted the title of Marquis and Prime Minister. When that time comes, I will still count on you to take care of and support me in this humble position, hahaha..."
Murong Xue also burst out laughing when she heard this: "Di Xian, Di Xian, you are such a lovable guy. When I was at Mingde Gate in the imperial capital, I was lucky that I didn't have the impulse to shoot you an arrow."
Di Xian felt embarrassed when he heard the other party deliberately mentioning this matter, but he couldn't get angry on the spot. He could only pretend not to understand the sarcasm, mumbled and led Murong Xue and Rui Ji into the city.
The imperial palace of Luoyi is located in the northwest corner of the city. It is said that you can enter from the Huiping Gate from the north and turn right to get there quickly. However, Di Xian refused to enter, and instead led Murong Xue straight across Luoshuihe, which ran through the city, and went straight to Jiashanfang next to Nanshi.
Before Murong Xue came to the Eastern Capital, she had already made a detailed study of the terrain and road conditions in the city. When she saw that Di Xian was going in the wrong direction, she was not only a little confused, but she asked him why.
"Oh, Lord Murong doesn't know something," Di Xian responded: "At this time every day, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is taking a lunch break or studying, and he hates being disturbed the most. Therefore, there was a special decree in the palace, saying that after Lord Murong arrives, he will go back temporarily. Let’s rest at home and see you again in the palace early tomorrow morning.”
Murong Xue was even more puzzled when she heard this: "In that case, shouldn't we go to the official office of Zhan Shifu? Why are we going further and further to the southeast?"
Di Xian pointed to a mansion in front and said, "Oh, this is what Taifu Xie meant. Mr. Murong came to Luoyi from afar, so he must not have a comfortable life in the imperial capital. Taifu Xie was afraid of neglecting you, so he specially bought the house in front of him. As an adult’s home in Luoyi.”
Speaking of which, Xie Guang is really generous. This large house located in Jiashanfang, Luoyi, covers an area of nearly 100 acres. It has five courtyards, more than 80 wing rooms on the left and right, pavilions, pavilions, pavilions and gardens. A pond was dug out in the northeast corner of the backyard to divert Yishui from the city into the pond. Surrounded by rockeries and lush forests and bamboos, it shows a luxurious style.
The most thoughtful place is a three-story building by the pond. It has carved beams and exquisite shapes and is named "Shushan Pavilion", which somewhat echoes Murong Xue's birthplace.
Under the guidance of Di Xian, Murong Xue and Rui Ji took a full hour to visit the entire mansion.
"Master Di, I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy such a luxurious residence." Murong Xue came from a wealthy family and didn't care much about everything in front of her. She said calmly: "The imperial court has regulations. Officials of what level live in what kind of mansion. , I’d better ask Taifu to take this place back, Murong is kind enough to accept it.”
Di Xian shook his head when he heard this and said: "Hey, what are you talking about, sir? You are now a close minister of the prince. This house can only be regarded as barely commensurate. How can it be described as luxurious? There are many wealthy merchants in Luoyi City. The scale here is even bigger. Besides, there are rumors that Lord Murong is not on good terms with Taifu Xie and that he was specially sent by the imperial capital to monitor Taifu. A mansion can immediately dispel the rumors and save His Royal Highness the dilemma. Bitterness, isn’t it good?”
After hearing this, Murong Xue thought about it secretly in her heart, nodded and said: "In that case, I would rather obey your orders than being respectful. Murong is temporarily staying here. Please forgive Taifu and General Di for disturbing me."
"Your Majesty, you are polite. This is what you should do in a humble position." Seeing Murong Xue agree to accept it, Di Xian felt relieved and then said with a smile: "There is one more thing, please forgive me, Your Majesty. Although the house is well-appointed, but the servants and maids in the mansion are... , but Taifu was not prepared. Firstly, he did not want to misunderstand Lord Murong by arranging servants; secondly, we all thought that Lord Murong would bring at least a dozen followers with him when he went to Luoyi. Unexpectedly, there was only Madam. Come with you."
When the other party mentioned the word "Madam", Murong Xue was slightly startled: Madam? Where did the lady come from? Then he reacted and turned to look at Rui Ji. Rui Ji's pretty face was slightly red, she lowered her head and said nothing, with a shy and happy look on her face.
Murong Xue felt that she couldn't explain it to Di Xian in a sentence or two, and at the same time she was worried that Rui Ji would be embarrassed, so she responded vaguely: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. I can take my time to find a servant."
Di Xian nodded slightly and said that there was a banquet in Taifu's house tonight to welcome Murong Xue. He was looking forward to his visit. Then he said goodbye and led his men away.
Murong Xue and Rui Ji were the only two people left in the hall. Rui Ji curiously looked at the exquisitely crafted and valuable furniture and furnishings, but hesitated to say anything to Murong Xue.
Murong Xue was a little curious: "Huh? Do you have something to say?"
"Young master, oh no, sir," Rui Ji timidly replied: "I never expected that although you are young, you are such a big official. I am afraid that the minister of the Ministry of Industry who ransomed me will not even be yours." Even my little finger can’t compare.”
