Chen Qiuniang forgot to be reserved and proud, abandoned her precautions and calculations, walked with her heart, moved her body slightly, hugged his arm, put her head close to his arm, and rubbed it like a kitten comforting a sad owner.

This was originally a comforting action, because she really felt sorry for Zhang Ci, but she didn't know what to say to comfort her, so she just left it at that. Zhang Ci didn't feel embarrassed, but put his hand on the top of her head and patted her gently, really like the owner patting a cat.

"Then when you became the patriarch, how many alternate heirs were left?" She asked in a low voice. Although she didn't want him to be in pain, she wanted to get to know him better. She was afraid that after tonight, she would never have the chance to get so close to him again, so after thinking about it for a while, she still broke the rare tranquility.

"Two." He replied.

"Two? How many were there? Chen Qiuniang was taken aback, but she continued to ask like a paparazzi interviewing a star.

"Twenty-four." Zhang Ci replied calmly, and then added, "The Zhang Mansion is a very large family, spread all over the north and south, and at its peak, as many as forty-five candidates were elected. ”

"It's amazing." Chen Qiuniang couldn't help but admire. She could see from Zhang Ci that to be the heir of the Zhang Mansion, she must be talented, and she was able to select forty-five talented children, and this family was surprisingly large.

"No matter how powerful it is, in the end, not a single survivor will be destroyed by the enemy." Zhang Ci smiled self-deprecatingly.

Chen Qiuniang was silent, but Zhang Ci continued: "The remaining two grew up with me. Because they are candidates, they have long been targeted by the enemy, and even if I become the patriarch, the enemy will not let them go. Within a few days, they were killed. In the days to come, all the hunting will be on me. ”

"Then why do you still want to live in Bianjing?" Chen Qiuniang never understood that even if the enemy was in Bianjing, why he was not in the old mansion, but wanted to go to Bianjing.

Zhang Ci chuckled and said, "You are mistaken, Bianjing is not me." ”

"Huh?" Chen Qiuniang dragged out the end in surprise.

"From the day each patriarch is identified as the heir, the family will look for someone who looks like the heir and nurture him to make sure that he is real. At that time, there were a total of eighteen stand-ins for me, and Bianjing was one of them, all of whom wore human skin masks. So, I look the same as I am. Zhang Ci told the secret.

Chen Qiuniang heard the "ah", but she was not surprised by the cruel protection of the big family, nor surprised that Zhang Jiaming knew that this method was useless, and could only save the life of the heir for a while, she was surprised that it seemed that only the disguise technique in martial arts novels existed, and there was really such a thing as a human skin mask in this time and space.

"Is there really such a thing as a human skin mask? Didn't Jiang Fan talk about the disguise, just makeup? Chen Qiuniang still asked without any scruples.

Zhang Ci said "um" and said, "Yes." This is an ultimate skill, not only craftsmanship, but also a variety of knowledge and cultivation to complete. This is the most advanced part of the transfiguration technique, which ordinary people can't learn, and it takes a lot of effort to make a human skin mask, and it is expensive. Where do ordinary transfigurants have the opportunity to use it? Not to mention practice. So, where do ordinary transfigurees know about human skin masks? ”

It turns out that the disguise technique is all about. I used to read martial arts novels, cats and dogs would put a human skin mask on their faces, and then go out to cheat and deceive, it is really not much more advanced than dog skin plasters, Chen Qiuniang has always thought that thing is fake, even if it is true, the human skin mask should be the lowest part of the disguise technique. But I never thought that the human skin mask technique was real, and it was also the most high-end in the disguise technique.

But—

Chen Qiuniang felt that it was wrong again, so she asked: "But I have seen Jiang Fan's master." Looking at their fairy wind bones, it is said that their kung fu is also very high, they should not be ordinary disguisers. Jiang Fan shouldn't be unaware of the human skin mask. ”

"Oh, you've seen them?" Zhang Ci was a little surprised.

Chen Qiuniang told the truth about the time they met on the street, and the swordsman and his wife had just arrived, so they had to take her as an apprentice. Then he said his feelings, he felt that those two people were like top masters, definitely not ordinary people, Jiang Fan said that his master was good at disguise techniques, and that should be very powerful.

"The best part of them is swordsmanship. The disguise technique was made by Jiang Fan's master herself, and the nature of playing tickets, human skin masks and other things can be done, but it is easy to be pierced. Moreover, Jiang Fan's favorite thing is to sing big operas, and that kind of makeup is her favorite. Zhang Ci patiently explained, and then added that the most powerful person in disguise was the Pan family among the nine major families.

"The Pan family?" Chen Qiuniang searched her memories carefully, the last time she opened for the Yunlai Hotel, she could be regarded as cleaning up the famous families, famous businessmen, and respected people in Shuzhong, but she had never heard of the Pan family.

"You don't know. This Pan family is in the north, in Cangzhou Mansion. Zhang Ci said.

Of course, Chen Qiuniang knew where Cangzhou Mansion was. That place borders the sixteen states of Yanyun given to the Liao by Shi Jingjiao's old horseman, and it belongs to the border place, and it fights from time to time, and it is not a place to live at all. She never dreamed that there would be a big family in that place among the nine major families. And since the Pan family is one of the nine great families, it is impossible for them to be unknown.

"Oh, how could it be in that place?" Chen Qiuniang asked in a low voice.

Zhang Ci didn't answer, but asked, "Do you know what Cangzhou Mansion is?" ”

His tone was very calm, but Chen Qiuniang was taken aback by this. Because in ancient times, there was basically no concept of a map. The so-called maps are all state secrets, and even if the prince looks at the map casually, he will be suspected of rebellion. Generally speaking, those who can see the map must be generals in the army, and they must be famous in the division to read the map. As for the map drawn by the scout temporarily, it is only one place, and it is not accurate, and the map drawn temporarily is basically for military deployment, and it can't do anything popular.

She knew the location of Cangzhou Mansion so casually, which was inevitably suspicious. Ah, you're really careless, careless. Chen Qiuniang secretly accused herself in her heart.

Zhang Ci asked to himself: "You have seen the map, right?" ”

Chen Qiuniang resolutely bowed her head and did not answer, Zhang Ci patted her head lightly, and said with a smile: "What are you afraid of?" If you've seen the map, you've seen the map. Besides, you've seen the map, and it's not that surprising. ”

Isn't that surprising? A girl who grew up in the family of a wealthy local tyrant is now starving to death, even if she has read a book, how can she come into contact with something like a map that is related to state secrets.

She didn't speak, and turned her head to look at him in confusion. Under the candlelight, Zhang Ci's gentle expression really made people unable to take their eyes off. And at this moment, he was looking straight ahead, and with a smile on his lips, he said, "Because you have a face that is almost exactly the same as that of Madame Blossom." It's just that you're still young, and if you dress up as a girl or wear men's clothes, you don't look that much like that. So, it's not a surprise that you've seen the map. ”

He smiled at her as he spoke.

"I don't know what you mean." Chen Qiuniang pretended not to understand, with an innocent look.

"You." He smiled and shook his head, then stood up and asked, "Are you still tired?" ”

"After resting, you can continue walking." Chen Qiuniang replied, and also stood up and straightened out the crumpled cloak.

"Then let's move on." Zhang Ci said and began to continue walking.

Chen Qiuniang secretly scolded herself: It's just to see the moonlight, why do you have to go to the top to see it. Although the moon from this top is certainly much more spectacular, at such a high place, and there is no ropeway, it is simply fatal to walk up on two pairs of feet. He has gone through all kinds of training since he was a child, so he is naturally not afraid, but she is still a child. If this is a date with a girl, the girl who does not covet his power and wealth will definitely have to share it with him. It's simply not going to take care of people.

She secretly slandered herself, but Zhang Ci said as she walked: "When I was in Bianjing, I accidentally entered the palace, met Mrs. Hua Rui, and had a conversation. ”

"Oh. I've heard that she's pretty pretty. So, were you just complimenting me on my good looks? Chen Qiuniang still pretended to be stupid and naïve, although her behavior was simply clumsy in Zhang Ci's opinion, but she told him in this way that tonight's conversation was not an equivalent exchange, and it was not that he told her the secret of his life experience, and she would definitely tell him about it. Because in modern times, she was not calculated and guarded against people from the beginning, she was also stupid and naïve, and she had a heart-to-heart relationship with others, but the final result was that others told her that everything was false, and after taking out her true heart, she tried all kinds of ways to rectify her. After a few times like this, she basically doesn't talk about herself with anyone, about what is going on in her heart. Over time, she instinctively resisted when she heard that others were trying to dig out her privacy and guess her heart.

Zhang Ci didn't answer her, and walked forward by himself, and the surroundings were surprisingly quiet. Chen Qiuniang was a little annoyed that she had made the situation like this, and some blamed Zhang Ci for how she could force her to admit that she was the daughter of Madame Hua Rui and Meng Chang. No one has confirmed this life experience, not even Chen Liu's family. Moreover, she always felt that the identity of the princess of the dead country would be taken advantage of, and as soon as Zhang Ci mentioned it, she would feel that Zhang Ci also wanted to use this identity. When she thought about this, her whole body felt very uncomfortable.

The two of them slowly climbed to the top one after the other, and did not speak to each other again. I don't know how long I walked, Zhang Ci suddenly stopped, and said bluntly: "I'm tired, take a rest." ”

As soon as he finished speaking, he sat down on the steps, put the candlestick in his hand aside, patted the place beside him, and said, "Come, take a rest." ”

Chen Qiuniang was still a few steps away from him, standing at the foot of the steps and looking up, he saw that his expression was quiet and soft, reflecting the candle flame, like a child.

"Come here." He patted the position next to him again, his tone and expression were stubborn, and now he looked more like a child.

Chen Qiuniang silently walked over and sat down side by side with him, but she was very grateful to him in her heart. The man was actually very considerate, at least she could hear him gasping for breath and see where he was tired. He said this because she was tired.

"Thank you." She said.

"What?" Zhang Ci asked.

"I said thank you." She smiled at him, trying to undo all the embarrassment.

Zhang Ci was stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a smile, then sighed and said, "But you still guard against me." In fact, I have never understood that you have always grown up in the Chen family, and the Chen family is also an honest farmer, and you have always been very good to you before the war. And why are you so guarded, it's almost catching up with me. ”

Zhang Ci's expression was full of inquiry, Chen Qiuniang glanced at him, made a grimace, and said, "Maybe, this is called talent, um, or instinct?" ”

"Haha." Zhang Ci laughed, and then said, "Where is this kind of thing called natural instinct." Don't you know how clumsy your acting skills are? ”

Chen Qiuniang shrugged, looked indifferent, and said, "Didn't the book say that Prime Minister Cao Cheng was naturally suspicious?" Why can't I? ”

"Okay." Zhang Ci looked speechless, causing Chen Qiuniang to cover her mouth and laugh.

"You." Zhang Ci said dotingly, and then even rubbed her hair.

"Hey, my hair is messed up." Chen Qiuniang protested.

"Rub it up a little more, and this son will help you comb your hair." Zhang Ci seemed to be interested, grabbing Chen Qiuniang's head and rubbing it for a while.

"Zhang Ci, your uncle." Chen Qiuniang couldn't help but say this. When Zhang Ci heard this, he was even happier and said, "My uncle is in the Northland, I will take you to meet you in the future, and then-"

He deliberately sold off the guanzi and laughed very conspiratorily.

"And then?" Chen Qiuniang knew that there was fraud, but she couldn't help but ask curiously.

"And then 'when it rains at night in Bashan'." Zhang Ci read aloud.

Chen Qiuniang looked at him with disdain and said, "No creativity." ”

"Hey, my uncle is a famous cook. I saw that you have talent in cooking, and I wanted my uncle to train you. Aren't you grateful to Ben Gongzi? Zhang Ci protested.

As soon as Chen Qiuniang heard that she was a cook, she immediately came to her senses, she also planned to wait for Yunlai to get on the right track in the restaurant, she made money, she had to walk around, visit the world's famous chefs, and see how the dishes that were only stored in ancient books were made.

"Oh, second son, is this true? The little girl is grateful, please accept the little girl's worship. Chen Qiuniang immediately stood up, jumped down the stairs, and bowed to thank Zhang Ci.

"Seeing the wind makes Tuo so fast." Zhang Ci said disdainfully, but his expression was more relaxed than he had ever been.

Chen Qiuniang looked at Zhang Ci like this, and felt both happy and sad in her heart. This person has never laughed so freely and defenselessly since he came out of his mother's womb. She just looked at him in a daze, and Zhang Ci soon noticed her gaze, and the whole thing fell silent, and he also lowered his head to look at her.

Somehow, Chen Qiuniang's eyes were full of tears.

"Fool, I'm fine." He seemed to read all of her heart, and comforted her like this.

She was embarrassed to be told the matter, so she lowered her head, blinked her eyes, let the tears drip down the stone steps, looked up at him with a pretended relaxed look, and said with a smile, "Hurry up." After resting and resting, you can only watch the sunrise at the top of the mountain. ”

He nodded, "hmm", and the two set off again. And this time, both of them walked a lot lighter.

There was still no speech along the way, after about a quarter of an hour of silence. Zhang Ci suddenly said: "Qiu Niang, I have never calculated against you. Whether you admit that you are the princess of Hou Shu or not, I just want you to know that I have seen your biological mother, in the palace of Bianjing. ”

Jing Liang also said that Mrs. Hua Rui was in Bianjing and reprimanded me for being unfaithful and unfilial. My mother was humiliated and never thought of saving her. The country is broken, and he never thinks about revenge, and he tries to live an ordinary life. Chen Qiuniang replied with this. Although she knew that Zhang Ci might just want to talk to him casually about things related to each other, she still couldn't properly talk about the sensitive topic of Madame Hua Rui.

"That's what he told you?" Zhang Ci was very surprised.

"Yes. Jing Liang approached me and asked me to cooperate with him to convince you not to live so badly. She replied truthfully. Originally, she was also thinking of finding an opportunity to sue him about Jingliang.

Zhang Ci was silent for a while, didn't ask for specific details, just asked, "How do you answer him?" ”

Chen Qiuniang looked up at Zhang Ci, but only saw his back, thin and tall, but it made people feel majestic. However, in what state of mind did he ask this question, and what kind of answer did he want to hear? She was a little uncertain for a moment, because she really didn't want to disappoint him.

However, after hesitating for a moment, she answered truthfully and said, "I refuse." ”

"Why?" Zhang Ci suddenly turned around, stood on the high steps, and looked at her condescendingly.

Chen Qiuniang raised her head and replied calmly: "Prosperity and decline, full profit and loss." Anything that is too complete is a tragedy. ”

Zhang Ci squinted slightly, then turned around and said very calmly: "I didn't expect you to have this answer." You're only nine years old, but you're better than too many. ”

Chen Qiuniang did not have the joy of being praised at all. In fact, she felt that there was another self in her heart that was about to move, and from time to time she jumped out and wanted to ignore the wheel of history and be happy to take revenge.

The two continued on their way, not speaking for a long time. Suddenly, Zhang Ci opened his mouth and said, "Qiu Niang, I think I'd better tell you about your biological mother." You don't interject and don't have superfluous thoughts. I'm just telling you one such thing, I think you should know. ”

Chen Qiuniang said "um", and continued to hurry, listening carefully.

Zhang Ci told a story about his encounter with Mrs. Hua Rui that year. said that that year, he went to the Bianjing Palace to save a person and accidentally broke into Mrs. Hua Rui's boudoir. At that time, Mrs. Hua Rui was burning incense in the house to worship the portrait of Meng Chang, and Zhang Ci, who was intruded, was frightened and panicked, and shouted: "Who are you?" ”

Zhang Ci immediately understood that this might be the famous Houshu beauty Mrs. Hua Rui, who was plundered. He replied in Shuzhong: "I'm not a villain, don't panic, madam." ”

When Mrs. Hua Rui heard the local voice, tears poured out, and finally helped him, and learned that he was the son of Zhangfu in Liuhe Town, Shuzhong, so she immediately asked him to help take care of her daughter.

"I was surprised. Everyone knows that she and Meng Chang have nothing to do. She said that she gave birth to a daughter, but she was put outside the palace to raise her as soon as she was born. Because in those years, Meng Chang had forgotten about his hard work and indulged in lustful dogs and horses. Hou Shu seems to be full of flowers, but in fact it is like a city on the sand, she is afraid that her daughter will suffer in the future, and she will become a princess of the dead country, it is better to be an ordinary woman. Zhang Ci sighed when he said this, and said, "This Mrs. Hua Rui is really talented and beautiful, and she can see the withered people from the prosperity, which is really admirable." ”

But she is really naïve, a person who meets in Pingshui doesn't know whether the other party's details are true or false, so she leaves such a heavy secret to the other party. I think she's stupid. Chen Qiuniang replied calmly.

Zhang Ci said: "No, this is precisely her cleverness, she wants many people to know the reason why the Zhao brothers imprisoned her in the deep palace." ”

"The reason? Isn't it because of her beauty? Chen Qiuniang asked rhetorically. This is a settled matter in history, and the Zhao brothers have a great interest in beauties, especially wives.

"Beauty is an insignificant thing. For monarchs who reign over the world, beauty is really negligible. Besides, which ambitious person really cares about a person's beauty? What they care about is power, wealth, and a piece that can stabilize the country. You should understand, right? Zhang Ci said.

Chen Qiuniang nodded silently, only to remember that he had been walking forward and couldn't see it, so she said, "I know." So, is there really some secret in Madame Blossom? ”

"Madame told me that there is a treasure in Houshu, which can only be opened by her daughter, and that her daughter looks very similar to her, and she will know when she sees it. Haha, so let me protect her daughter. Of course, Zhao Kuangyin probably also suspected that Hou Shu might have treasures, so he wanted to leave her alive, and after her first two suicide attempts, Zhao Kuangyin threatened her with her daughter's life. Let her live, on the surface, it seems to be pampered, but in fact, she has inquired many times about Houshu's financial resources. Zhang Ci briefly recounted the situation of Madame Hua Rui in Bianjing.

Chen Qiuniang's heart is very complicated, and it is about the part of the memory and emotion that belongs to the original Chen Qiuniang. When she heard that Madame Hua Rui had to accept the man who ruined her country for the sake of her daughter, she felt very sad, and she felt the urge to save her mother despite a single qiē.

"He asked me to take care of you, and soon after, I secretly returned to Shuzhong, and was in distress at Jianmen Pass, and all the dead around me were dead, seriously injured, and kept hiding in the dense forest, all the way to Liuhe Town. Because there are people I trust here. Eventually, I thought I was going to die in that mountain. However, unexpectedly, I met you. Zhang Ci said, and suddenly turned to look at her.

Chen Qiuniang looked up at him, only to feel that his eyes were dancing with two clusters of flames, and his whole expression was focused and gentle. RS