Chapter 11: Hibiscus
Set against the winding and undulating mountains of the southeast of the Night Country, the Night Country is located in the deep valley of the Spiritual Peak. Pen ~ fun ~ Pavilion www.biquge.info valley is full of exotic flowers and plants, rich in poisons. The mountain road is lined with strange rocks and shaded by green trees, and the evening sun cannot penetrate the shade of the large trees, and the night in the valley falls early. Without the guidance of the sun, the meandering and hidden streams are often disorienting, and the scenery in the valley is both real and fantastic, adding a touch of mystery.
At the end of the first month, the second valley lord Mengben returned from going out in the evening, all the way into the courtyard of the valley lord Qu Hanyan, who was in the depths of the valley. At this moment, Qu Hanyan was taking care of a few brightly colored poisonous flowers and poisonous plants in front of the courtyard.
"Big brother, there's been movement at night. Meng Ben said to Qu Hanyan.
"Hmm. Qu Han replied and motioned for Meng Ben to continue.
On the one hand, Jiang Yanpei's righteous son Di Qiu led the troops to invade the Guansai city adjacent to the Night Kingdom in the east of Hengguo, attracting the attention of various countries. On the Hengguo side, the Ruihuang sent two princes, Yunan and Yushi, to lead the Yi State to surrender to the army. On the other hand, the Night Kingdom quietly sent troops to march to the northern border market of Hengguo, ambushing the surrounding areas with the intention of acting. ”
"It has been nearly a year since he ascended the throne, and it took so long to stabilize his foundation and have the spare strength to raise troops to Hengguo, I overestimate him. Qu Hanyan's hand movement paused, turned to look at Meng Ben and said.
"The Yi Kingdom is surrounded by the Wei Kingdom, the Lonely Kingdom, and the Heng Kingdom, and it is not adjacent to the Night Kingdom, but it is obvious that Emperor Luo also wants to take advantage of the chaos to get a piece of the pie. Xiang Hengguo's army is a superficial article, and using the star altar to eat Yi Guo is his real purpose. ”
"Isn't Jiang Yanpei going to go out in person?"
"That old guy is old, and he claims that he can't see blood, so he sits in the night capital, but in fact, he is not reluctant to give up the power in his hands. At present, the position of Yin is vacant, and it seems that only he, who is in the position of Sima, is a strong candidate. ”
"Jianghu ranks third, second only to Moge Guanzhou and Ci'an Temple Yibei...... He kept vigil in the night and was the biggest obstacle. ”
"Are we still going according to plan?"
"Even if we can't shake the position of Emperor Luo, but after all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and their strength is weakened, how can we let him be too idle and proud. ”
"I know, I'll inform Ning Yan and the fifth brother. Monburn said, gesturing to leave.
"Wait. Qu Hanyan stopped Meng Ben and said, "I will leave for the night capital with you immediately and personally instruct them on their next actions." That's the only thing that has changed in the plan. ”
"Big brother...... You shouldn't risk your life at night. Meng Ben said in a deep voice.
"Every drop of blood in my body is boiling, longing for the enemies of the Blade Clan. In order to find out the news of the night capital, Ning Yan did not hesitate to touch the death of memories, how could we stand by and watch without caring about ourselves. Between Qu Hanyan's words, he couldn't help but think of the scene when the two of them met Ning Yan for the first time.
"Her dancing is like no other in the world, and just imagine that she has once again been the center of attention in the past three months. Meng Ben recalled the scene in the past, and couldn't help but be a little in a trance, and asked after a pause, "Is the fourth brother with us?"
"The identity of the Qu family is easy to cause confusion, I don't want to expose Lian Shibuya's true face too early, Yuehuai stays in the valley, and then Yinyin and the seventh brother take care of each other, which can ensure that all affairs run as usual, even if our trip to the night capital makes Emperor Lu vigilant, he can't suspect Lian Shibuya's head for a while. ”
"Well, it's still the eldest brother who is thoughtful. ”
~~~
Thirteen years ago, in the spring of the year of Jichou, sixteen-year-old Qu Hanyan and fifteen-year-old Meng Ben took twelve-year-old Qu Yuehuai to escape from the enemy's pursuit and escape, and fled all the way into the central part of the Night Kingdom.
Bucheng is a rich and prosperous town, the women in the city are known for their good singing and dancing, and there are many restaurants and dance halls. And the most famous in the city is the apricot blossom shop in the south of the city.
This night is the annual Oiran Night of Xinghuafang, and after the newly elected Oiran dances for the guests, the highest bidder will be accompanied by the Oiran Night, which is said to be worth a thousand gold in the Spring Festival.
Since most of the people in the city were attracted by the Oiran Night, or they wanted to compete for the company of the Oiran, or to join in the excitement to see the Oiran style, the streets of the city were deserted, and Qu Hanyan and the three of them could not help but be abrupt and conspicuous when walking in the city. In the silence, the sound of the hooves of a group of horses from far and near was also particularly obvious.
"They're coming after you, Childe, we'll have to find a place to take refuge. Meng Ben said to Qu Hanyan.
Qu Hanyan looked around, made up his mind in his heart, looked at Qu Yuehuai, patted him on the shoulder and said:
"Yuehuai, do you listen to what the eldest brother said?"
"Father and mother have passed away, the eldest brother is like a father, what do you say, Yuehuai will do it. Qu Yuehuai said sensibly.
"We've dodged several crises along the way, but the road ahead is still dangerous. They know me and Mengben, but they have never seen you, so instead of you and your eldest brother taking the risk together, it is better for you to stay in the city for the time being, and wait for us to lead away the pursuers, and then choose a time and place to meet. Qu Hanyan stared at Qu Yuehuai with a firm expression.
"I don't want to be separated from my big brother. Qu Yuehuai listened to Qu Hanyan's words, and her heart became anxious.
"If it weren't for the situation, the eldest brother would not want to part with you. But we shoulder the hatred of the country and the family, you are my only brother, we can't die together even if we die, someone must leave their lives behind, so that he can overthrow the thieves who steal the country one day. Yuehuai, do you understand?"
Qu Yuehuai's eyes were glistening with tears, he bit his lower lip and nodded.
"Don't let people find out about the jade pendant on your body, that will reveal your identity. Take it and use it. Qu Hanyan stuffed a money bag into Qu Yuehuai's hand, and carefully instructed, "Find a kind old man to live in, don't listen to any rumors, no matter what happens, you can only leave after a month when the wind calms down." If the eldest brother is safe, he will be waiting for you in Shibu City. If so......"
"Brother, don't say unlucky things. You must be fine. You'll be fine. ”
Qu Yuehuai's voice fell, and the sound of horses' hooves was getting closer and closer. Qu Hanyan could only hold back the reluctance in his heart and said:
"It's too late, so let's leave it at that. ”
"Second son, take care. Meng Ben immediately bowed to Qu Yuehuai and said.
"Brother, Brother Meng, be careful in everything. ”
Subsequently, the three parted at the fork in the road and walked with their backs in both directions.
Hearing the sound of horses' hooves resounding through the streets of the city, Qu Hanyan and Meng Ben had to climb into the wall of the backyard of Xinghuafang in order to avoid the pursuers. Out of expediency, the two quietly sneaked into the second floor of Xinghuafang and hid at the corner where the VIP wing room was connected to the corridor. Looking down through the hollow carved window of the corridor, I saw that the hall on the first floor was crowded, and the crowd was filled with a noisy and festive atmosphere, and a young woman who looked like a workshop owner was giving a speech on the stage.
"Childe, it looks like this is a song and dance studio. Meng Ben whispered.
"If you come here, you will be safe, and there are many people here, so it is a good place to hide. Qu Hanyan said.
After the owner joked with the guests, the new Oiran took the stage to dance and play in the midst of thousands of calls.
The woman wears a red dress, the face is tied with tulle, the figure is slender and seems to be young, and the figure is good, the posture is graceful, the dance steps are light, the person is like its name, it is really like a budding hibiscus, on holidays, it must be a beauty who enjoys the appearance of the city.
"Slow singing and dancing condensed silk bamboo, red ferns curling in the autumn smoke. Although the name Fleur is also apt, it always lacks a little charm, and she deserves a more beautiful name. Qu Hanyan praised. Growing up in a famous family, Qu Hanyan has seen many dancing girls since he was a child, but there are only ones who can be worthy of his admiration.
Although the light veil obscured her appearance, there seemed to be a trace of sorrow between her eyebrows, she was only the same age as the second son, and she was still a child. There was a hint of pity in Momben's words.
But by the end of the night, she was no longer a child, and her life changed overnight. Is this the glory of Oiran or sorrow?" Qu Hanyan seemed to sigh for Fleur, and as if he was sighing for his own situation.
As soon as the Fleur girl finished dancing, she returned to the boudoir to dress up. This dance captured the hearts of many of the guests present, including the wealthy merchant in the VIP room, who, after several rounds of bidding doubled, won the night at a price that the rest of the guests could not match. Qu Hanyan and Meng Ben then clearly heard the conversation in the VIP room.
"Congratulations to the master, the lord spent a lot of money to buy the Oiran overnight, are we going to prepare to marry the tenth aunt's wife in the house?"
"After spending so much money on your lord, of course you can't just spend this night. Later, the old man and the Oiran will sleep together, and you will go to find out the tone of the owner of the shop, and see how much more money will be added to the redemption of the Oiran?"
"Yes, the villain will help the master find out. ”
After the rich merchant and the little servant left one after another, Meng Ben couldn't help but shake his head again and again, and said:
"It's a pity, it's a pity. ”
Qu Hanyan was about to say something, but he heard a commotion downstairs.
"Come on, surround this dance hall! No one is allowed to enter or leave. ”
"We are on the orders of the emperor to search for the imperial court, and we will not give way out!"
"Have you ever seen a man like that?"
"I was searched carefully, and I was not allowed to let go of any corner. ”
Meng Ben looked at Qu Hanyan, waiting for his instructions. Qu Hanyan pondered for a moment and looked up in the direction of the attic. A flash of surprise flashed in Meng Ben's eyes, but there seemed to be no other way, so he bowed his head slightly and followed Qu Hanyan to the attic.