wedge

When the first snow fell in Chang'an City, the mottled seal on the door of the Yangping Mansion happened to be blown off by the cold wind.

Looking at the peeling door paint and the barren grass and dead branches in the corner of the wall, the corners of Zhu Sha's eyes narrowed slightly, and he tightened the sword in his hand.

Thirteen years ago, it was still cold here, but that kind of coldness was not the withered appearance of today's doors.

The youngest son of the first emperor who loved (love) the most was the object of everyone's touting and chasing. Only this young Yang Gong Chu Hui, who was ranked as a prince, in addition to befriending his half-brother Ning Guohou Chu Cheng, never disdained to interact with the mundane.

Therefore, even if he inherits Rong Enhao ((swing dàng) dàng for thirty years), once he loses his grace, this lonely and prominent marquis will only end up with a wall falling down and everyone pushing him.

1 Return

The winter snow is falling, but it is still difficult to hide the prosperity of the streets of Chang'an.

Listening to the cries of selling one after another, Zhu Sha walked into a soup dumpling shop with his feet raised.

"Guest officer, please, the freshly steamed crab roe bun is (hot) and will bring you a cage?"

"Crab is cold, a drawer of canola buns is good, less vinegar and more sauce, and two pots of osmanthus and green plum stuffed. Zhu Sha casually ordered two things and walked straight to the window seat on the west side.

In winter, the wind is cold, even if the window is closed tightly, it can still seep in the wind, and it is a seat by the window, and there are not many people.

When Xiao Er heard this, he couldn't help but pause for what he was about to say, laughed a few times, and said stiffly: "Girl, we Liuji have stopped selling osmanthus and green plum brew since thirteen years ago, and now the best thing in the store is Yulu Hibiscus Brew, can you try it?"

Who doesn't know that since that incident thirteen years ago, the sale of osmanthus green plum brew has been (banned)?

Even the recipe for sake brewing was ordered to be destroyed. In this world, all those who have seen the recipe for green plum brewing are afraid that except for that person, none of them have survived.

And Liuji sold the green plum brew for a long time, but because the old shopkeeper didn't have the opportunity to see the wine party, he escaped by luck.

After such a thing, no matter how bold Rao is six marks, how dare he brew privately?

"If you can make my sword feel the same way, then you might as well have a pot of hibiscus brew and taste it with it. ”

Zhu Sha raised his eyes to look at him, and casually put the sword in his hand on the table, and the slight sword light that was slightly exposed made Xiao Er's face pale.

"I don't embarrass you, tell Jiang Lao Liu, this year's plum harvest in Jianghuai Fuxian Town is good, if he thinks this is the last year, just give me a jar of hibiscus brew. ”

Hearing this, the little two seemed to have received amnesty, and hurriedly pulled out his legs and prepared to evacuate, but as soon as he turned around, he heard a clear voice after hearing (body shēn):

"Wrap my canola flowers first. ”

……

Looking at the soup bag in front of him, Zhu Sha picked one up, dipped it in the dipping sauce, and put it in his mouth.

"Thirteen years later, it's still the taste of the year. ”

The last time I came to Liuji, it was also in this position, but now that the times have changed, it is always a matter of things and people.

Jiang Lao Liu arrived after half an hour, and now he is no longer the little shopkeeper of Liuji.

Thirteen years ago, Liuji escaped from danger and was born by luck, and has opened several branches throughout Zhongzhou, since it is not just a random person who can call him around, especially when he learns that the other party is just a woman.

But because of the Jianghuai Qingmei incident, he couldn't help but feel a little taboo, so he still came.

"I heard that Xiao Er said that the girl wants osmanthus green plum brew?" Jiang Lao Liu slanted his eyes and said leisurely: "This is the girl I don't know, our store has been ordered to stop selling green plum brew since ten years ago, so I'm only afraid of ......"

"If you dare to say the same thing to Yang Pinggong. Zhu Sha raised his eyes and looked down.

"Girl, you can eat as much as you want, but you don't dare to ...... this."

"I know you have. ”

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Zhu Sha, and there was a small green jade seal in front of him, although the vermilion handwriting on it was small, but it was clearly visible that it had now become a taboo name in the whole country.

"Don't tell me you didn't peek back then. If I tell me the purpose of opening a shop in Jianghuai all these years, what will you say? But if you are obedient, I have my own way to let you sell green plum brew openly. ”

When Zhu Sha left Liuji with a jar of wine, the winter snow was like goose feathers, and the footprints that had just been stepped on by the front feet were covered with the new snow that had just been stepped on by the back feet.

After all, the prosperity of the street could not withstand the gradually increasing snow, and it was silent a lot.

Soon after Zhu Sha left, Liuji broke into a team of soldiers and horses.

As soon as the first person entered the door, he split his head and asked, "Where are the people?"

"Just left, it seems to be going to the sun...... I went to the house. ”

"Let's go!"

In the twilight, the streets of Chang'an, which had been lazy and silent for a long time, were finally broken by the dispatch of soldiers and horses on this snowy day.

"What's the matter, suddenly so many officers and soldiers?"

"I heard that there was a series of thieves recently, who stole the things of several big families, and the government is urgently searching!"

"No wonder, the New Year is over, and this thief also has to celebrate the New Year......"

……

Looking at the figures hurrying on the street at his feet, Zhu Sha on the eaves picked up the wine jar in his hand, poured a sip, and sprinkled all the remaining wine from the sky, and melted a long wine stain on the thick snow on the ground.

Seeing the empty wine jar in his hand falling from mid-air and falling into the snow, Zhu Sha showed his first smile after returning to Chang'an:

"Your favorite osmanthus green plum stuff - that ginger Lao Liuguo never deceived me. ”

2 fine wines

In fact, the best liquor in Liuji is not made of Gyokuro hibiscus, but made of osmanthus and green plum.

This is something that all the six old guests know (情qíng).

In the past, Yang Pinggong did not like the court, and the most he did was to collect and transform the wine recipes in order to make the best wine in the world.

It's just that he disdains to be known in the name of the prince, so he gives the wine he brews to various small shops on the roadside to sell, and among these wines, the most famous is the osmanthus green plum brew.

And the original little-known Liuji is also famous for its osmanthus green plum brewing.

It's just that who would have thought that the originally cynical son of heaven would hide the intention of collaborating with the enemy and usurping the throne under the appearance of not admiring the court.

And Yulu Hibiscus Brew is a new recipe personally researched by Chu Yi, the county lord of Ningguofu.

As everyone knows, Yangping Gongdu and Ning Guohou are good friends because they both like to make wine.

As the only daughter of Marquis Chu Cheng of Ningguo, the county lord of Yicheng is quite knowledgeable, but it is reasonable, not just Yurong touting.

It is commendable that the lord of Yizhen is different from Yang Pinggong, although he is a woman, he is generous and never hides his selfishness.

It's just that among all the shops that follow the cat and the tiger, only Liuji Brew is the best.

After the incident (情qíng) happened thirteen years ago, when everyone avoided Yangping Gong and hated to tear off the relationship, Ning Guohou was unmoved, and even passed on the skills obtained from Yangping Gong to his only daughter, Yicheng County Lord.

Therefore, some people speculate that if it weren't for the recipe of osmanthus green plum brewing that has long been lost, I am afraid that with Ning Guohou's brotherly friendship with Yang Pinggong, even if he does not obey the order, he will let Yang Pinggong's most proud green plum brew see the sky again (日rì).

What's more, they assert that they are afraid that this new Yulu hibiscus brew is also a tribute to the green plum brew.

But these are speculations without evidence, and no one dares to look for evidence.

Thinking back to the news he heard along the way, a sneer flashed at the corner of Zhu Sha's lips:

If you really think of siblings (情qíng), how can you not say a word when the Yangping Mansion was copied?

Who is the excerpt of the collaborator with the enemy and usurping the throne, and no one really knows?

There are some things that can deceive the world, but they can't deceive the world.

3 Plunder

As the twilight grew, a snow-colored shirt blended into the surrounding snow.

The noisy voice gradually came, and a hibiscus crane soft sedan chair stopped in front of the gate of the mansion not far away, and the guards who were originally guarding the side hurriedly greeted it, and slowly walked down a girl (shēn) wearing mink velvet embroidered hibiscus.

If you look closely, you will find that the person's complexion is somewhat similar to that of Zhusha.

It's just that the former is (Jiaojiāo) soft and elegant with little luxury, and the latter is heroic and cool.

Watching the beauty take the stove handed by the maidservant, Shi Shiran walked into the door, and Zhu Sha's eyes moved to the four gilded characters on the plaque:

Ningguo Marquis Mansion.

The knuckles of the sword turned slightly white, but after all, there was no movement, but instead turned (shēn) and disappeared into the alley.

No one noticed that there had been people waiting here for a long time, except for two deep footprints on the ground, witnessing that someone had just come.

Late at night, Ningguo Marquis' Mansion.

"Did you find it?" the room inquired in a deep voice.

"Incompetent subordinates ......"

No one answered, and a little cold sweat oozed from the forehead of the general who was half-kneeling on the ground.

After a long time, a helpless sigh came from behind the tent:

"Well, if it's that person, I'm afraid you won't find out...... Stand down......"

Compared with the prosperity of the first snow, Chang'an Street, which has snowed for several days, has only sporadic figures.

Even the street inns that originally welcomed customers were closed, for fear of bearing the wind and snow of this winter.

However, the silence did not last long before it was rudely broken.

There were more and more officers and soldiers on Chang'an Street, and they even searched door to door, and even everyone who entered and exited the city gate had to go through several checks.

It seems that all of a sudden, the pot exploded like this.

For a time, the entire Chang'an City became panicked.

"Is the Jiangyang thief so powerful? ”

"If Jiang Yang is a thief, what is the point of stealing some property? I'm afraid that now he is a flower thief!"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you know?" the man was a little surprised, and looked carefully left and right a few times, before he whispered: "It is said that the county lord of Yizhen is missing. ”

"How is it possible? Yesterday (日rì) I also saw the county lord's guard of honor going to the direction of the national temple! It is said that it is the heavy snow in the north (日rì), and His Majesty has sent people to relieve the disaster, our county lord is kind-hearted, and he also did his best to go to the national temple to pray for the blessings of the people, how could such a thing happen (情qíng). ”

The listener looked incredulous.

"What did I lie to you? This is exactly what happened on the way back from the national temple. Besides, can you talk nonsense about this? Do you think that so many people are only dispatched for a few thieves? Look carefully, those people have the word 'Ning' embroidered on their waists, and they are clearly the personal soldiers of the Marquis of Ning's Mansion. ”

At the same time, Ning Guohou's Mansion was already in chaos, just like the snow foam that had been trampled on the street.

"Master Hou, you must find Yi Zhen, if she has anything to do, I will ...... it."

Mrs. Ning Guohou, who has always lived in a simple Buddhist hall, knelt in front of Chu Cheng at this moment, her complexion was very kind, and it could be seen from her red and swollen eyes and gray complexion that the disappearance of her (Ai) daughter hit her a lot.

"Don't worry, I've already sent someone to look for it, and I'll let you know as soon as I have any news. ”

Chu Cheng looked at his wife with a somewhat unfamiliar face in front of him, a little guilt flashed in his heart, and finally reached out to help her up.

It's just that the moment his wife stood up, he seemed to remember something, and quickly withdrew his hands quietly, and said to the servants next to him: "It's windy outside, send Mrs. back to the house, and take care of it." If there are three long and two short, only you ask!"

"Master Hou!"

Mrs. Marquis of Ningguo, who has always been docile and indifferent, was rarely stubborn, and looked at everyone: "You guys retreat first, I have something to say to Master Hou." ”

After everyone retreated outside the house, Chu Cheng Fang Hui (body shēn) sat down, picked up the cup on the table, covered the tea foam, and said, "Say it." ”

"Lord Hou, please also see that for the sake of the concubine (body shēn) only this one daughter left, we must let Yi Zhen return safely......" Mrs. Ning Guohou knelt down again and took a few steps on her knees: "What happened back then was indeed the fault of the concubine (body shēn), so I have eaten fasting and recited Buddha in order to atone for my sins over the years, if there is any evil retribution, please also descend on my (body shēn), don't let Yi Zhen ......"

"Don't talk nonsense. Hearing her mention the events of the year, Chu Cheng frowned, put down the tea in his hand (desire), "Yiyun is also my daughter, I am naturally as concerned as you, you don't have to think about it, just wait for my news." ”

Mrs. Ning Guohou was still saying something, but was interrupted by a somewhat anxious voice outside the house:

"Master Hou! Madam, there is news from the county lord!"

4 Old Man

Lined with the vermilion handwriting on the letterhead, Chu Cheng's slender bone joints became more and more beautiful.

The brows frowned slightly, and there was a bit of solemnity in the handsomeness, even though he had been standing for a long time, his face was weathered, but he still couldn't hide the Fengshen handsomeness that made countless women crazy about Chang'an.

I don't know what was written on the letter, but I saw Chu Cheng holding the piece of paper tightly in his hand, walking quickly to the back of the table, and waving his pen in everyone's puzzlement.

After the ink was dry, he picked up his coat from the side and put it on, and said to Chu Huan, the guard who sent the letter: "Prepare the horse." Let the people outside come back, no need to look for it. ”

"Master Hou!

"No problem. Chu Cheng raised his hand and handed him the handwritten letter, "If Benhou still does not return tomorrow night, you will hand over this letter to Your Majesty." Don't talk to anyone about it until then. ”

Without waiting for him to respond, Chu Cheng walked straight out, but when he was about to step out of the study door, he turned around and said to his wife, who was still at a loss: "Don't worry, Yi Cheng will return safely." ”

When the figure in front of her disappeared, Mrs. Ning Guohou came back to her senses, a trace of uneasiness flashed in her heart, and she looked at Chu Huan and said, "Guard Chu, what's going on......?" What did you say?"

Chu Huan didn't seem to notice that worry, and only hugged his fists and said: "Madam, forgive me, my subordinates listen to Master Hou's orders." ”

……

The night was falling, and the unmelted snow on the roadside was a little white under the street lamps, which made people's eyes hurt.

Looking at the snow-covered house in front of me, everything in the past came to mind.

For thirteen years, since that incident, he has avoided passing by, thinking that no matter how much it is blocked, the place of the emperor's heir will not decay and fall into ruins.

Who would have thought that the house in front of him would not even know where the door plaque was missing.

That person is so picky, the perennial snow shirt is not stained with dust, and he would rather wait for three years of snow than move a spring, where can he stand such a decadence now?

Chu Cheng suddenly hated himself for his cowardice.

And in the dark, as if someone was secretly dragging him, he approached the place where no one cared for thirteen years.

No one cleaned up the snow for a few days, and when Chu Huan stepped down, the accumulated snow had not reached his calves. By the time I got to the door, my clothes were already half wet.

However, he didn't realize it at all, he reached out to brush away the mottled and messy cobwebs on the door, he raised his hand and pushed it gently, and then he heard a "squeak", and the door that had been dusty for many years opened.

The night was dark, and the traces of the fall after the arson were still visible, but under the snow in the courtyard, everything in the past still seemed to be in front of you.

"Half of the lakes and mountains lean on the dream, and the clouds and smoke are drifting. If you can solve this problem, then I will tell you what is the last thing to add to this green plum osmanthus brew. ”

The poems in his memory reappeared in his ears with a few chuckles, and the corners of Chu Cheng's lips suddenly curved unconsciously.

"Your topic is too simple, and it is not difficult for me to blow the flute by the Moon Lake. "The young man was high-spirited and a little proud.

"is not a difficult task, but my topic is not so simple. I'll wait for you to get to the last step. "The snowshirt is elegant, gradually moving away, who would have thought that this would become the last side.

Gently closing his eyes, when Chu Cheng opened his eyes again, the lights in the courtyard turned on at some point.

Hiding a hint of wetness from the corners of his eyes, he frowned slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Don't pretend to be a ghost anymore, I know who you are." Since Benhou has come to this point as promised, please let go of the ceremony according to the promise. ”

At this time, Ning Guohou still does not forget (love) his daughter, but he really lives up to the reputation of this loving father. ”

With a few high-fives, a snow-colored figure quickly crossed in front of him, and there was a bit of mockery in the clear voice that came from nowhere: "The puzzle of the year, Hou Ye seems to have not solved it yet? ”

"Ahh

Almost at the same time that the voice came out and the figure flashed, the title that had been choked on Chu Cheng's throat for thirteen years blurted out.

However, that sound and glance were like a dream, and there was no echo, only the light flickering in the night breeze witnessed the traces of someone coming.

5 puzzles

Chu Cheng never thought that he would re-enter the Yangping Mansion in such a way.

The snow covered the entire mansion, and it was impossible to see anything but the sky.

But he still walked on the snow without a beat, and set out on this road, which he had not traveled for thirteen years, but had dreamed back countless times in the middle of the night.

After more than 4,000 lonely nights, Moon Lake finally ushered in its brilliant lights again.

Countless ever-bright lights around the lake were lit up in unison, illuminating half of Chang'an in the snowy night.

And in this white (sun) shining light, Chu Cheng raised his feet and stepped onto the broken bridge leading to the moon viewing platform in the center of the lake.

"'The autumn moon has never been in the rain, and it is worth the wind to shake the lantern. "Ah Cheng, look at the words written in this book, they really have a bit of flavor. How about you say that I should build a viewing platform in the middle of this moon lake? In this way, don't say that fishing for the moon in the rain means that there is no moon to fish, and it can also provoke some envy and fishing. ”

On the swing under the tree, a young man reclined lazily, looking at the script in front of him with his cheeks propped up, and then looked back at the person beside him, with an inquiring expression.

"It's all up to you, as long as you're happy, everything is good. ”

Reaching out to brush away the petals that fell on the tips of the boy's hair, the person called "Ah Cheng" looked spoiled.

It's obviously two men, but in their eyes, they seem to be in the palace, and they can't be quiet, and they can't give birth to half a point without violating harmony.

"Tsk, that's it again, don't be ashamed......" The young man spat, turned his head and pouted dissatisfiedly.

……

The night breeze blew away the figures in the memory, and also woke up the people who were looking at the viewing platform in a daze.

He is a guest in the Toad Palace, not by the plum but by the willow.

The corners of his mouth whispered, and Chu Cheng walked straight to the tree on the left.

Squatting down (身shēn) to reach out and touch lightly around, and after a while, he felt a loose spot on the pedestal next to the tree.

With a little effort, I heard a "click", followed by a slight tremor under my feet.

Really......

"Why did you plant two different trees?"

"Isn't it good to enjoy plum blossoms (spring chūn) willows in winter (日rì) and listen to lotus and autumn chrysanthemums in summer (日rì)?"

"It's all good. As long as you rejoice, whatever you want. ”

"And what about me that I don't like?"

"Then I will not be glad. Gently rubbing the young man's head, Ah Cheng smiled warmly and took the empty small plate on the side, "After eating, I'll get you a few more." ”

"Is that so...... whispered, scattered in the wind as he turned (shēn) to peel oranges: "...... If so, what if I hate her......"

In the wind and drizzle, the light complaint seemed to be unheard.

……

Standing up, Chu Cheng walked up the stairs towards the source of the tremor in the room.

By the light around him, he saw a large hole open on the originally intact ground, which was clearly a staircase leading to the secret passage below!

Rao had a premonition in his heart, and Chu Cheng was still shocked by the (情qíng) scene in front of him.

Over the past thirteen years, he has imagined countless ways to solve the puzzle, and finally even turned the entire "West Chamber" into a thorough version.

The answer was indeed as he expected, but the scene in front of him still made him unable to calm down.

On both sides of the passage, countless pearls emit a faint light, leading to the unknown depths that cannot be seen.

Chu Cheng never thought that under this viewing platform, there was a cave in the sky, and there was such a hidden world.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

Without the slightest hesitation, he ran down the steps, the dust raised by his clothes dimming the jewel by three points, but also knocking over the locket in the corner.

As the lantern outside the Moon Lake went out, the cold wind rose again, rolling up the snow foam outside the viewing platform and falling on the crack in the ground that was gradually closing.

On the dusty staircase, a faint light of pearls and jade was reflected, and the flying snow that drifted in mixed with the scattered things in the small box, turning into a little red.