The heavy snow fell intermittently for several days and did not stop until early October.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the sky cleared completely, and Ling'an City gradually returned to its previous bustle, especially outside the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, which was bustling with people.
Today is the day of the Qilin Sage Association organized by the Seventh Master of the Duke's Mansion. Many people who have not been invited are lingering outside the mansion, unwilling to leave.
In the gatherings organized by Master Chu Qi, the results of the latest battles between spiritual masters and martial arts practitioners are always reported, and there are often good words and phrases. People outside the mansion want to know about them as soon as possible, so they are waiting here. For a long time, groups had gathered. Some were reciting poems and studying spiritual arts, while others were talking about state affairs and gossiping.
The Jin Dynasty has never been guilty of speech. You can always hear some shocking secrets from the mouths of the literati, spiritual masters and martial cultivators outside the palace.
"Have you heard that at today's grand event, the young prince of Prince Pingnan, who is tenth on the list of geniuses, came specially from Jinzhou to ask for advice from His Highness King Qin."
"Is it the one whose real name is Wu Zhaomei?"
"Yes, that's him. I also heard that he is already halfway to the Earthly Evil Realm and his progress is astonishing."
"If this Wu Zhaomei can step into the Earthly Demon this year, she will tie the record of being the youngest person when Gu An was relegated. Such a person was actually overshadowed by a prince who had a reputation for being stupid. If it were me, I would definitely I’m not willing to give in!”
"I also heard that this young prince was specially found by the third prince, His Highness Prince Yu."
"What does this matter have to do with King Yu?"
"You don't even know this. King Yu wanted the most beautiful woman in Kyoto to be his daughter-in-law, but His Highness King Qin intercepted her! He was so angry that he wanted to ruin His Highness King Qin's reputation."
"Really? How did I hear that it was Prince Yu himself who fell in love with Chu Xiaoqing?"
"Ah? That old pervert is almost forty, isn't he?"
"Shh! You don't want your life. He is the future emperor. I, the Jin Dynasty, will not punish sins with words. You will not punish sins for your rebellious words. If someone with a heart listens to them, you can go directly to reincarnation tonight!"
…
It was lively outside the house, and the same was true inside the house.
There are desks placed in the waterside pavilions in the courtyard, with some snacks, fruits, nectar and jade liquid on them.
There were young men and women of all colors gathered everywhere, all dressed in luxurious clothes and elegant in manners. They stood together in twos and threes, drinking tea and laughing, or holding wine glasses and drinking.
"My lord, it's almost starting outside. Why don't you go out and take a look?"
In Yaxin Pavilion, Xiaodie looked at her girl who was still sitting in meditation and couldn't help but remind her.
Today, there are many talented men and women who come here for Chu Xiaoqing's reputation.
The talented man wanted to see the most beautiful woman in Kyoto, while the talented woman wanted to challenge the status of the most talented woman in Ling'an.
"Later."
Chu Xiaoqing, who was sitting on the futon, closed her eyes tightly and responded quietly.
"But His Highness Ninth Prince has arrived..."
After saying that, Xiaodie stared closely at her master's reaction. Unfortunately, she couldn't see anything unusual. Chu Xiaoqing just frowned slightly and returned to normal: "No hurry, wait a moment."
Xiaodie pouted in dissatisfaction and said helplessly: "Mr. Gu is here too and is waiting for you outside the hospital."
Hearing this, Chu Xiaoqing said slightly angrily: "When did you come? Why didn't you tell me earlier? It's so cold outside, why didn't you let the young master come in to talk!"
Xiaodie curled her lips and remained silent, looking at the back of her girl as she hurriedly pushed the door open, and muttered: "Hmph, let him come in, and if he is caught by my uncle again, my mistress, you will definitely be bullied by an evil concubine in the future, uncle." Don’t even think about your love.”
Chu Xiaoqing quickly walked out of Yaxin Pavilion, and her eyes fell on the eaves not far away. There stood a thin man. He was wearing a dark-colored warm jacket, with black hair like a waterfall. His appearance was handsome, but his expression was slightly lonely. , There seems to be an irresolvable gloom hidden between the brows, and his eyes are extremely dull.
"Master."
Gu An was banished and discovered Chu Xiaoqing at the same time she came out. His expression suddenly softened and he became that gentle and elegant look again. His face was filled with a warm smile, but his eyes were still dull.
Chu Xiaoqing came to him quickly and said respectfully: "When did the young master come? She must have been frozen. Xiaodie is serious. I will punish her well when I go back. How can I let the young master wait outside for so long?"
Gu An raised his hand and refused and said, "It's okay. I won't go into my daughter's boudoir. I came here to give you some instructions on how to use the spiritual poison. I was in such a rush that day that I was worried that Madam wouldn't be able to tell you clearly."
"oh…"
Chu Xiaoqing curled her red lips slightly, lowered her head and said, "Master, please speak, Xiao Qing listens."
Gu Anban looked around and made sure there was no one around, then said in a deep voice:
"This Gu is transformed by the Love Gu. It is a twin Gu. It is made from life spirit seeds. It is colorless and tasteless when entering. It will be digested by the body within a moment without any adverse effects. You need to take one first. Only the main Gu transfers the secondary Gu into his mouth through lip-to-tongue communication. Within a moment, if you ask any questions, he will not lie. Remember, you only have a moment, be sure to ask him how to cast the seventh-grade holy spell. secret."
Chu Xiaoqing nodded solemnly: "Yes, Xiao Qing has taken note of it. Don't worry, young master, I will definitely ask him about his secret!"
"Okay, I'll wait for your good news."
After saying that, Gu An was about to turn around and leave.
"Son..."
Chu Xiaoqing immediately called Gu An to banish her and said urgently: "Apart from this matter, does the young master have anything else to say?"
"What else is there?" Gu Anzhen looked at her sideways and asked doubtfully.
Chu Xiaoqing bit her red lips lightly, not knowing what to say for a moment.
She longed for some relief, and felt a little annoyed by such a hasty and hasty first kiss.
Suddenly remembering that interesting snowball fight, she turned to smile and said with deep expectation: "The snow has just begun to fall, and the scenery in the garden is very beautiful. Yesterday Qing'er saw her nephew at home building several snowmen in the east yard. Master, Do you want to go and have a look?"
"What's so impressive about some childish behavior."
Gu An immediately shook his head, and then seemed to feel that he was speaking too coldly, and then said softly: "There are many guests in the house today. If someone sees it, it will inevitably affect your reputation. I know this matter is a bit challenging for you. , but he is your future husband after all, so you won’t be too embarrassed.”
"How could it not be embarrassing!"
Chu Xiaoqing's voice immediately rose a few degrees, and she immediately realized that she had lost her composure. After taking a deep breath, she lowered her eyes and said, "I'm sorry, sir, Xiao Qing has exceeded the rules."
It's not that she was against kissing His Highness, it was just that it was her first kiss after all, and being used like this made her very upset...
Why do both the son and the mother regard this as a trivial matter...
Perhaps it was the boy's respect for his wishes that made her reject this kind of order that did not consider her true feelings.
Chu Xiaoqing suddenly felt very confused.
Gu An's face turned gloomy: "It doesn't matter, but you are the Nightingale Saint, don't forget your identity! You shouldn't be emotional!"
After that, he turned around and left. He just took a step and stopped again.
But as Chu Xiaoqing looked forward to it, what she heard was: "Remember, word of mouth is passed on through lips and tongues, other methods are useless!"
"Lip and tongue! Lip and tongue!"
Seeing Gu An's retreating back, Chu Xiaoqing had an inexplicable expression on her face and kept repeating these four words.
For some reason, she had always been indifferent and would never refuse orders. This time, she felt an uncontrollable anger welling up from her heart.
What she wanted to see turned out to be just childish behavior in his eyes, and no one cared about her feelings!
It was never her choice to be the Nightingale Saint. She had been acting according to orders all her life and never shied away. But why, why did they not consider her wishes!
That was her first kiss, why didn't anyone care what she thought!
Chu Xiaoqing returned to the study angrily and kicked the futon off the floor, causing the books on the bookshelf to scatter all over the floor.
"Little Master!"
Xiaodie was startled, and quickly approached Chu Xiaoqing, worriedly saying: "Little Master, what's wrong with you?" When she saw the tears in Xiao Qing's eyes clearly, she couldn't help but feel angry:
"Did that pretty boy Gu bully you? I'm going to find His Highness Ninth Prince to deal with him!"
"Flutterfly!"
Chu Xiaoqing immediately called Xiaodie who was about to go out and asked in a cold voice: "Where is His Highness Ninth Prince?"
Xiaodie said: "I just saw him by the lake in the backyard..."
Chu Xiaoqing's chest was heaving, she flipped her sleeves angrily, and quickly pushed open the door with an angry look.
"Hey, little master, put on your warm jacket..."
