Although an encounter in the Chu Mansion Pavilion gave King Heng an idea, because his visit to Chu Mansion was done in private and was not suitable for publicity, he still needed to see the beautiful woman again before the success of the event, and he needed to meet it by chance under the condition of righteousness and light.

It didn't take long for him to wait for such an opportunity.

Mrs. Chu's maiden brother recently came to Beijing to visit relatives, and he was coming to Chu's house as a guest on this day. Mrs. Chu's maiden niece, that is, Chu Xue's thirteen-year-old cousin, is at a lively and fun-loving age, although she usually doesn't go out much, but in the face of her cousin who only comes to the capital once in a few years, Chu Xue still accompanies her to visit the capital with her sisterly feelings.

Not long after the cousins of the Chu Mansion went out, there was also a Confucian son in the Hengwang Mansion who went out of his own door.

The capital is prosperous everywhere, and it is early summer, surrounded by pleasant scenery, my cousin is energetic, and Chu Xue, who doesn't often go out, is also in a good mood. After playing for more than an hour, seeing that it was time to have lunch, the accompanying people reminded them to go home, and the two girls also planned to return, and before they could take a few steps in the carriage, my cousin suddenly saw the signboard of Sanmizhai on the street. "Sanmizhai" is a famous sweet shop in Beijing, the greedy cousin has been yearning for a long time, of course she refused to let go of the opportunity, and then stopped the car, pulled her out of the car and went straight to the sweet shop on the street.

My cousin was very picky, but she didn't like sweets the most, especially when she saw the hawthorn fruit wrapped in frosting, she felt sick to her stomach, so she had to look away at the crowded streets. As she looked around, she suddenly saw a jade pendant falling from a man in fresh clothes, but the man was unaware and still walked forward.

Chu Xue immediately called out to the back of the person who went forward, "This son, your jade pendant has fallen." ”

Hearing this, the man stopped, turned around and picked up the fallen jade pendant, and thanked her, "Thank you girl for reminding ......"

The voice suddenly stopped, and the man's face showed surprise.

"It turned out to be Miss Chu."

She saw the elegant son in front of her clearly, and she was also stunned.

Isn't this the same guest I met in the pavilion a few days ago?

After a short accident, she nodded and smiled, "It turned out to be Childe, what a coincidence." ”

"Why did the young lady leave the house today?" The noble and handsome son looked at her and smiled.

"Relatives came to the house, and the little girl accompanied her cousin to visit the capital." She explained.

"Oh, I see." Childe looked at her cousin who was choosing sweets behind her and the carriage with the word "Chu" hanging on it, and said politely, "Seeing noon, I wonder if Miss can invite you two to have a light meal with a face?" It's good to thank Miss for the reminder, otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to find this jade pendant today. ”

He stroked the jade pendant in his hand.

The girl in the pink dress and white dress was stunned, and then shook her head, "The little girl just reminded casually, this is human nature, the son doesn't have to be polite, we have prepared a meal at home, and the two of us are going back to say goodbye." ”

How can a boudoir girl casually dine with a strange man? Seeing that he made an invitation to overdue, Chu Xue immediately declined, and after politely saying goodbye, she beckoned her cousin to get into the carriage.

King Heng, who was smiling with his eyebrows, looked at the carriage of Chufu that was gradually moving away, and strengthened his idea of fighting since that day.

See you today, still shocked. How can such a well-informed beauty fall into the arms of others?

~~

A few days later, Chu Mansion ushered in an acquaintance, Chu Lin's old friend, Taiwei Zhou Fuzhi.

After a few simple greetings, the old friend brought him a piece of news that King Heng wanted to marry his daughter Chu Xue, and said that he fell in love with Chu Xue at first sight and hoped that he could fulfill it.

Lord Shi Chulin has a son and a daughter, the son has already married and is now performing his duties in Qingzhou, and the only daughter is Chu Xue, who has been raised in the boudoir for seventeen years. Xue'er has always been well-behaved and obedient, and she lives in a simple house on weekdays, except for people in the house and a few close relatives, few outsiders can see her, and it is impossible to know that she is outstanding.

Chu Lin was very puzzled by this sudden courtship, and asked: "There are so many noble daughters in the capital, and King Heng has never seen a little girl, so it is a little inappropriate to say that he fell in love at first sight." ”

Zhou Fuzhi was a little surprised, "The two of them haven't seen each other?" But King Heng's appearance is indeed moved by Xue'er...... It can't be the wrong person, right? ”

Chu Lin frowned and thought about it for a long time, and finally remembered that day when King Heng went to the garden to avoid the prince, he couldn't help but feel a little discolored, and he no longer avoided the presence of his old friend, and hurriedly ordered his subordinates to invite Mrs. Miss.

Chu Xue's boudoir was in the backyard of the house, a little far away from the front hall of the hospitality, and when she arrived, her mother had already arrived for a while.

"Father, are you looking for your daughter?" The crisp voice accompanied the girl's fluttering posture, like a clear sunlight spilling into the room.

Seeing her come in, Chu Lin raised his hand to Zhou Fuzhi and introduced: "Xue'er, come, this is Mrs. Zhou, you saw it when you were young, do you remember it now?" ”

The words that sounded ordinary actually implied a reminder, and she hurriedly smiled and saluted, "The little girl has seen Lord Zhou." ”

Zhou Fuzhi looked at it, and when he saw her face clearly, he also sighed secretly, but after all, he was an elder, and he smiled: "I haven't seen her for a few years, Xue'er has also grown into a big girl, and she is really a beautiful woman." ”

Master Zhou smiled and praised and glanced at his father Chu Lin.

Her father coughed and asked her, "Xue'er, for my father, I asked you, a few days ago, did you see any people in the house?" ”

She looked at the hidden worry in her father's eyes, thought about it for a moment, and replied truthfully: "My daughter did meet a son, and just ten days ago, he said that he was his father's guest...... Also, my cousin came the other day, and we saw him on the street. ”

The father seemed to frown a little, but Master Zhou next to him laughed: "It seems that he has indeed not admitted his mistake, Brother Chu should have no doubts!" The house did not set a marriage for Xue'er, this family matter can really be considered. ”

Hearing the word "family affairs", Chu Xue was very puzzled, and looked at her father in confusion, and her father was silent for a moment, clarified to her the intention of Lord Zhou, and informed her of the man's identity.

King Heng?

She paused for a moment, and was stunned for a long time before hesitating: "Looking at the appearance of that prince, he should already have a family, how can he ...... Want to marry me? As a girl who has not yet left the cabinet, the last two words made her a little shy.

This is also a common dilemma for the family.

Since he can come to protect the media, Lord Zhou is naturally willing to facilitate this family affair, and he explained to the family in the hall who were slightly embarrassed: "Of course, the royal family is different from us ordinary people, and there is one concubine and one concubine in the Hengwang Mansion, and there is also a concubine, with our background, Xue'er must be a side concubine if she marries." Besides, needless to say, King Heng has always been the most outstanding prince, and as for his appearance, Xue'er has also seen it with his own eyes......"

These words couldn't be clearer, the Hengwang Mansion now has three female dependents, and if she marries, she will be the fourth. Chu Xue listened silently and bit her lip gently.

Seeing Chu Xue lowering his head, he lowered his voice and turned to Chu Lin, "Marrying the prince, this is something that many people can't ask for." Moreover, the situation has been ...... recently People, there is a great possibility to go up. ”

The father pondered for a while, and replied politely: "This matter came a little suddenly, and let us think about it again, and reply to His Highness in a few days, okay?" ”

Zhou Taiwei was stunned, obviously a little surprised, but he understood Chu Lin's personality, so he responded: "It's okay, King Heng is not in a hurry to reply, and he also said that you can think about it." He is actually respecting you like this, but if the princes fancy which girl, it is not a matter of the emperor's words? He could have gone directly to the Holy God for marriage, but he had to do more...... You're smart, so I don't have to bother. Mrs. Zhou patted his father's shoulder meaningfully, and said goodbye with a smile.

My father returned after seeing off the guests and did not speak for a long time.

Seeing this, she frowned and blamed herself, "It's all because my daughter is not good, if my daughter doesn't go to the garden that day, there will be no today." ”

"I can't blame you, maybe it's providence." Mother sighed softly from the side.

"Providence?"

She was a little puzzled and looked at her father suspiciously.

Father paused for a moment and said, "Do you know who the concubine of the Heng Wangfu is?" ”

A deep girl, where does she understand these royal contexts? She shook her head honestly.

The father sighed deeply and said the answer, "The daughter of Xu Mao, the Duke of Peiguo, and the younger sister of Xu Jilin, the Marquis of Pingnan. ”

She was taken aback and trembled: "Xu, Xu Jilin?"

For a moment, my mother's last scream seemed to echo in my ears.

Father nodded, and all three people in the hall were silent.

Seeing that her face turned pale, her mother tried to call her, "Cher, Cher." ”

She looked back at her mother, trying to make a soothing expression, but she couldn't.

The father seemed to come back to his senses from the past, sighed again, and comforted her, "Things are not without room for maneuver, you don't have to think much about it today, I and your mother can find a way to rest." ”

She has always been a sensible child, and although there has been a monstrous storm in her heart, she still obediently said goodbye to her parents and returned to the room.

But that night, she had a nightmare.

A dream that hadn't been felt in years.

She dreamed of the isolated manor that had been, the fireworks that covered the sky and the sun, she dreamed of fierce and violent eyes, and the cries of those close to her, that dream was so real that she even smelled the smell of blood that lingered on the tip of her nose at that time.

She woke up and sat up from the bed suddenly.

But sobriety could not contain the heavy wheezing and the sharp heartbeat in the chest.

After a long while, she lay down again, but she no longer felt sleepy.

"Dad, mother, is this your arrangement?" Looking at the heavy darkness in front of her, the girl asked softly.

The only thing that answered her was the storm outside the window.

Chu Lin and his wife's room is not sleepless all night.

"Can't let Xue'er marry, let alone be a side concubine, she is still so young, how can she cope with the intrigue in the palace? What's more, it is the people of the Xu family who sit on the main seat. ”

Madame's words were full of worry.

Of course, Chu Lin knew this, but he didn't have words.

Can...... I haven't been engaged, but I don't agree to this family business, how should King Heng explain? Will it make people suspicious?

It's tricky indeed.

"Think again, there's always a way." Chu Lin closed his eyes.

He didn't know that King Heng might really have his mind on Xue'er, but another part of the reason for this courtship was probably from him. King Heng just wants to make a statement of his own, and the big deal is that he will pull down an old face, give up half of his life's prestige, and go to show favor in person...... King Heng is indeed the most top-notch among the princes, and it is not a bad thing for him to do this for the country and the people.

As for the daughter, if she can, she won't marry.

In any case, as long as they can keep Cher safe and let this poor child live a stable life, it will not be in vain for so many years of hard work.

Master Chu thought about it for most of the night before he fell asleep.

finally figured out some clues, but the next day he returned from dispersal, and Chu Xue came to their husband and wife.

Looking at the parents in front of her, Chu Xue said solemnly: "Please ask my father to reply to the letter, my daughter is willing to marry into Hengwang's Mansion." ”

The mother hurriedly took her hand, "Child, you, do you know what that place is?" ”

She was extremely firm and comforted her mother: "Mother rest assured, her daughter has grown up and has thought about it." ”

Looking at the child in front of him, the firmness that flashed in her bright eyes was so familiar, Chu Lin was in a trance for a moment, and after the trance was a faint heartache, he lowered his voice and said: "Xue'er, you are still young, don't think about the previous things anymore." ”

Chu Xue smiled and shook her head, "Father, it has nothing to do with before. She said with a serious expression: "As Lord Zhou said, King Heng is now respectful, if we refuse, and he goes directly to ask the emperor for marriage, won't he be able to escape and offend him again?" You've sheltered your daughter for so long, and I can't make it difficult for you...... If it were my sister now, I'm sure she would do the same. ”

Although her voice was soft, it still brought tears to her mother's eyes.

Chu Lin was silent.

Just because he didn't want to marry his daughter to those wealthy families in Beijing, he had declined many courtships that he wanted to marry him in the past two years, but seeing that Xue'er was seventeen, it was indeed the year to be married, if she was married to a foreign country according to the original idea......

It is indeed unreasonable for an important minister in Beijing to marry his daughter outside.

Besides, the prince has been recruited now......

The prince's courtship, can anyone in the world refuse it?

If it were his own daughter, would he still be so hesitant?

He knew that the answer to these questions was all no.

After a while, he finally said: "The most dangerous place may be the safest, let's gamble again, but, don't have distracting thoughts in your heart, the rest of the qiē, just depend on the will of God!" The princes will return to Beijing for half a year at most, and the Hengwang Mansion should soon set a date, and the rest of the time should be well prepared, there is nothing wrong with it. ”

She breathed a sigh of relief, then felt heavy again.

There's a long way to go, so of course you have to be prepared.

Sure enough, not long after Taiwei Zhou happily went to reply to King Heng, the palace set a date, June 22, which is an auspicious day, and there is only one and a half months left.

Although she is a side concubine, she can't be as complete and meticulous as an ordinary wedding, but after all, she is married to the palace, and as the only daughter of Chu Mansion, of course her marriage can't be sloppy.

In addition to learning the rules and etiquette of the palace, there is also an indispensable link before marriage - go to the Nuwa Palace to pray for blessings and incense.

On this day, the weather was good, and her mother specially prepared a carriage for her to go to the Nuwa Temple on the outskirts of the city to pay respects. This has always been a custom in the capital, and legend has it that all women who are about to get married must go to worship the god in charge of the marriage matchmaker, in order to make life smooth sailing after becoming a wife. Since she is marrying openly, she naturally cannot avoid this extremely important link before marriage.

So early this morning, taking advantage of the crisp weather, she went out.

The carriage traveled for half an hour without hurry, and arrived at the Nuwa Temple in the southern suburbs of the city.

It's just that the way back is destined not to be as smooth as it was when it came. As soon as she got into the carriage, a fast horse rushed to meet her, and the sound of the horse's hooves accompanied by a gust of wind swept quickly past the carriage she was riding, and the horse in front of the carriage was suddenly startled, and he did not listen to the command and galloped forward.

Before Yanling could get into the car, the horseman under the car couldn't pull the reins, and a frightened horse pulled her alone in the car and ran wildly without direction.

The horse's hooves suddenly slipped, and she was already panicked, and she suddenly felt the world turn upside down, and the car slid down the hill at a bend.

The weightlessness of dizziness accompanied the exclamations on the mountain road, and she didn't have time to react.

Are you going to die? That's all she has in her head.

Suddenly, she heard a shrill horse roar, and the body seemed to be pulled by something, and did not continue to slide, but with the sudden stop, her body also hit a wooden beam in the car.

The hood she wore before getting into the car was still on her head, and it cushioned her with some impact on the head, but despite this, she inevitably passed out.

The last scene that catches her eye before passing out is a man carrying her out of the car. Through the veil covering her face, she felt for a moment that the young man was somewhat familiar.

But only for a moment.

Because in the next second, she completely fainted.