Zhou Kao slept until the next morning, he woke up Zhou Fa, and after the two of them were dressed neatly, they were ready to go to their parents to say goodbye.

But when he got out of the room, he didn't know where his parents were, and he was thinking about where to go. When he hesitated, he suddenly heard a melodious sound of the piano, and Zhou Kao involuntarily followed the sound of the piano. Zhou Fa also had no opinion at all, just followed the weekly exam.

After a short walk, the two of them came to a room with the door facing a pond. There is a bamboo forest next to the pond, and along the edge of the pond there are several orchid grasses.

The sound of the piano came from this room, and Zhou Kao walked to the door and found that the person who stroked the piano was Wan Xi. He stopped to listen, but he didn't dare to make a sound, lest he disturb the Yaxing of the violin. Zhou Fa didn't have such a temperament, so he only listened to it for a while and said, "My mother taught me to play this song." ”

Wan Xi raised her head, and when she saw that it was Brother Zhou Kao, she hurriedly stood up and gave a salute, and said with a smile: "It turned out that my cousin and cousin were eavesdropping, but I asked Wan'er to be ugly." ”

Examiner Zhou shook the ground and said, "We didn't mean to eavesdrop, but because of the beautiful sound of the piano, I walked here unconsciously, and I didn't know that my cousin was playing beforehand, and I ask for forgiveness." ”

Wan Xi pursed her lips and smiled, and said, "I think my cousin and cousin are all passed down by my aunt and are proficient in music theory, why don't you play a song for Wan'er today, so that I can also be taught?" ”

Zhou Kao waved his hand again and again: "Brother Wei learned some fur when he was young, but in recent years, he has been practicing swordsmanship and martial arts, and the practice of music and rhythm has been neglected." Compared with my cousin, that's too far behind, I'm afraid I'm afraid that there will be dirty hearing. ”

Wan Xi didn't give up, and said coquettishly: "You have listened to me play for a long time, but you refuse to show your hand, do you think I don't play well, and you are afraid that you will compare me?" ”

Zhou Kao was about to explain a few words to her, but Zhou Fa sat on the piano with a big grin, and said: "My cousin is playing at the right time, which is the Jingtian Changyi in Ge Tian's music, and I have learned to play it a few times at home." If my cousin doesn't dislike it, I'll play a paragraph, and if there is a mistake in the song, please correct it. ”

Wan Xi turned her anger into joy at this time, clapped her hands and smiled: "Okay, it's better for my cousin to face me." ”

Zhou Fa pressed a few times on the strings in a similar way, and then played. His fingers were ticking the strings, and his fingering was decent; Although it is a little jerky, the piece he plays is very soothing and calm, but it also sounds in tune.

At the end of the song, Wan Xi smiled happily: "My cousin has only played it a few times, and it is rare to have such attainments." After speaking, he glanced at Zhou Kao, and said in his heart: Can you, as an elder brother, still lose to your younger brother?

Zhou Kao saw that Wan Ji was in a good mood, so he said: "The two of us were going to ask my parents for peace, but we accidentally entered here and disturbed my cousin, so we took our leave." ”

Wan Xi said: "My father and uncle and aunt talked in the main hall, and they have already told me to accompany my cousin and cousin to play in the city, and I asked my cousin not to worry. ”

Zhou Fa heard this, which was very much in line with his heart, and said happily: "Cousin, can you take me to the top of the mountain to play?" ”

Wan Xi said: "On the top of the mountain, there is only the main hall where we worship the ancestors of the Xin people, except for the day of the sacrifice, there are usually no people. If my cousin wants to go, that's fine. ”

Zhou Fa let out a cheer, took Wan Xi's hand and left, and Zhou Kao had to follow. The three of them left the Hou Mansion and walked to the top of the mountain.

Although it did not snow on this day, the wind on the top of the mountain was cold to the marrow, and the three of them trotted all the way to the main hall on the top of the mountain. The scale of this hall is not inferior to that of the Hou Mansion, and when you enter it, you find that there are only pillars in the hall but no partition walls, and it is a completely open hall.

In the middle of the hall there is a high platform, on which stands a statue of a foot high, Zhou Kao approached and looked, this portrait is very finely carved: it is a thin man, his body is coarse and linen, holding a long stick in his hand, and wearing straw sandals on his feet. The more Zhou Kao looked, the more he felt that the eyes of this figure seemed to be staring at him, and he couldn't help but take a step back.

At this time, Wan Xi walked under the portrait and knelt down to pay the salute. Weekly exams and weekly haircuts also followed suit. Wan Xi saluted them and said to the two: "This is the ancestor of our Xin people, Dayu, you two were born to your aunt, so you are also the descendants of Dayu, and it is natural to bow down." ”

Zhou Kao Zhou Fa took a look and saw a wooden tablet at the foot of the statue, which was engraved with the words "Xia Hou's Spiritual Position". Zhou Fa said after seeing it: "My mother once told the story of Dayu's water control, and also said that she is a descendant of Dayu. But I don't understand, why is Dayu Xia Hou's again? What does it mean? ”

Zhou Kao said: "When my mother told us stories, you always didn't listen to them, who can blame you?" There is the Xia generation, which calls the Son of Heaven the queen, unlike the current call the Son of Heaven the king, so the queen of Xia is the king of the Xia Dynasty. Dayu is Xia's, and his name is Wen Wen's life, but everyone doesn't dare to call him by his name, so he is called Dayu. ”

Zhou Fa was still half-understood, and asked again: "Then my mother and uncle are also Xia Hou's?" ”

Wan Ji replied: "No, only Xia Houqi's direct descendants are Xia Hou's family, and my father and aunt are both Xin's. Only the people who were named by the Son of Heaven as a prince can have a clan, our ancestors were sealed in Xin by Dayu, and then they took the land as the clan. ”

Zhou Fa didn't fully understand, and asked again: "No wonder my father calls my uncle Lord Xinjia, but my mother is my uncle's younger sister, why does everyone in Qizhou City call my mother Mrs. Taiji?" ”

Zhou Kao knew the difference in surnames, so he said: "Hi is my mother's surname." Dayu because of his meritorious work in controlling the water, so Emperor Shun gave him the surname Him, so the descendants all took Ji as the surname. It's just that since ancient times, men have been called their first names and women have their last names, which must not be confused. ”

Wan Xi said: "Yes, although I am from the Xin clan, but because I am a woman, if others call me by my name, I can only be called Wan Xi." If I have a younger brother in the future, then I can inherit my father's lineage. ”

Zhou Fa realized, nodded and said, "Mother said that we Zhou people are all surnamed Ji. But since I'm a man, it seems that this surname is not very useful. ”

Wan Xi smiled and said: "Dayu is not only the ancestor of our Xin people, but also the builder of this Xin city. Therefore, our Xin people set up a statue of Dayu, and they will sacrifice him from generation to generation. ”

Zhou Kao praised sincerely: "It turns out that Xincheng was built by Dayu, no wonder it is so ingenious." ”

Then, the three of them bowed to the spiritual seat of the ancestors of the Xin people in the main hall, and when they walked out of the main hall, it was already the time for the big food. Zhou Kao looked far away, but saw that the mountains in the distance seemed to be at his feet, and the big river came from north to south, winding between the mountains, like a green ribbon. He sighed: "The mountains here have aura and the water has beautiful colors, which really complement each other." ”

Zhou Fa said: "Although the landscape is beautiful, it is not as beautiful as my cousin's people." ”

Zhou Kao was taken aback when he heard this, thinking that Zhou Fa actually said such frivolous words, I don't know what Wan Xi should be angry about? What Wan Xi thought in her heart was: Fa'er is young, and what she says must be sincere, and there will never be any frivolity. Therefore, not only was she not annoyed, but she was secretly happy.

The three of them returned to the house, and Wan Xi invited Zhou Kao Zhou to her boudoir for dinner. Zhou Kao entered Dewan's room, only to feel that it was more exquisite and gorgeous than the place where he lived yesterday, and it was even more incomparable with his own home.

He didn't know that there was a Xin family since the Xia Dynasty, it was a royal family, and it had been a prince for nearly a thousand years, and the treasures accumulated by the successive generations of Xin Hou were naturally countless. And the Zhou family is only between three generations, plus the Zhou country is not abundant, and the border troubles are endless, the Zhou people have been fighting for survival for generations, where do they have the heart to fiddle with these playthings.

At this time, the people in the house laid out a feast in the room, put the dining table, and brought three round Wending and put it on the table. This Wen Ding is divided into two layers, the upper layer holds the meat soup, and the lower layer has a built-in charcoal fire that can be heated, and the meat soup in the Ding will not become cold when eating.

Wan Xi invited Zhou Kao Zhou Fa to the table and asked, "I don't know how much my cousin and cousin drink?" ”

Zhou Kao said: "Thank you cousin for your kindness, it's just that my father doesn't allow us to drink, so I think it's free." ”

Wan Xi was slightly surprised, and said, "Uncle doesn't allow you to drink?" Why? ”

Zhou Fa said: "Not only us, but the entire Qizhou City is not allowed to drink. ”

Zhou Kao saw that Wan Xi was still confused, so he explained: "Because we have little grain in Zhou, there is no surplus grain to use to make wine, so my father also strictly forbids everyone to drink. ”

Wan Ji said: "So that's the case. It's just that according to the etiquette of a businessman, it is necessary to drink alcohol when inviting people to their homes, and Wan'er was worried about being rude, so she asked. If the cousin insists, then it is okay not to drink this wine. After saying that, she picked up the dagger, said "please", and the three of them enjoyed the delicious meat soup together. This meat soup has a name called harmony, which means to take the harmony of the five flavors. These five flavors are "sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty", and they need to be mixed with various spices such as meat sauce, vinegar, salt and sour plum, so that several flavors are integrated.

After the meal, Wan Ji said: "Today, my cousin plays a song for Wan'er, and I, as a sister, always need to send a gift to express my gratitude." After speaking, she took a copper box, took out a thing, and said to Zhou Fa: "This is a stone chime, from Luliang Mountain in the north of Xincheng, and the sound is like a bell chime when it is struck." A little plaything, I just hope to fit my cousin's heart. ”

Zhou Fa took it, and at first glance it was just a row of black stones of different lengths. He tried to hit them one by one with a small mallet, and it turned out that all five notes were complete, and with a little practice, even a complete piece could be played. Zhou Fa got such an interesting thing, and he was so happy that he couldn't put it down.

Wan Xi took out another object, handed it to Zhou Kao, and said, "This piece of colored jade is also said to have come from the nearby mountains. This jade contains five colors, there are auspicious signs, if the cousin wears it on his body, he may be able to turn evil into good fortune. ”

Zhou Kao didn't dare to take it, and said: "Such a generous gift, Zhou Kao can't be repaid, it's really deserved." ”

Wan Xi was thinking about how to persuade this Mu Ne's cousin to accept this jade, and the maid beside her suddenly smiled and said, "Isn't the jade worn by Zhou Gongzi's waist just right as a return gift to Miss?" Wan Xi glanced at the maid, as if she was blaming, but she didn't say anything, just looked at Zhou Kao silently.

Zhou Kao looked down at his jade pendant and muttered to himself: "This jade was given by my mother, I don't know ......."

Wan Ji saw that Zhou Kaoshang was hesitant, so she said: "It turned out to be a treasure jade passed down by my aunt, how could Wan'er ask for such a valuable gift?" I just hope that my cousin will not dislike Wan'er's little gift, but I am lucky. ”

When Zhou Kao heard this, he suddenly lost his six gods, and said: "Cousin, just because of this, the jade is left by his mother, and without her consent, Zhou Kao does not dare to give it to others." But my cousin is not an outsider, and I think my mother will approve of it. After speaking, he took off the jade pendant on his waist and presented it to Wan Xi with both hands.

But Wan Xi refused to answer, and her tone became even colder: "It turns out that it is still for the sake of my aunt's face, not that my cousin sincerely wants to give it to me." Since my cousin has so many scruples, Wan'er is inconvenient to be strong. ”

Zhou Kao said in his heart: For the sake of my mother's face, whether it is sincere or sincere, what is the difference between this? In desperation, he had to give Wan Ji a deep look and said, "Zhou Kao sincerely gave this jade to his cousin, and I only hope that my cousin will accept it." ”

Wan Xi listened, and then slowly took the jade of Zhou Kao, and put the piece of colored jade into Zhou Kao's hand, and said: "This jade may have the effect of keeping the right and warding off evil, I hope my cousin can carry it with me, fortunately don't lose it." ”

Zhou Kao put Caiyu into his arms, looking at Wan Xi's smiling expression, only to feel that this cousin's mind was really elusive.

A few people were chatting in the room, only to hear a servant report outside: "Miss, the young master invites you and the two Zhou Gongzi to talk to the main hall." ”

Wan Ji responded: "Got it." Then he said to Zhou Kao and the others: "Father summoned us, maybe to talk about going to the court, let's go over." ”

The three of them came to the main hall and met Xin Jia and Zhou Chang and his wife, Xin Jia said: "The date of the accession of the king of Shang is approaching, so we must cross the river tomorrow to go to Chaoge. Wan'er, you ordered someone to pack up tonight and get ready. ”

Zhou Chang also admonished Zhou Kao and Zhou Fa. Zhou Fa knew that he was going to set off on the road again, and he was a little worried in his heart, and said: "Leaving Xincheng, what if you meet the dog Rong people on the road again?" Xin Jia laughed and said: "Fa'er don't worry, after the Puban Ferry, you only need to walk for two more days to reach Yuguo, and it will be very safe at that time." ”

Zhou Fa asked puzzledly: "Is Yu Guo very powerful?" Why is it safe when you arrive in Yu Kingdom? Xin Jia smiled and didn't answer, but asked, "Do you know who Emperor Shun is?" Zhou Fa immediately replied: "Fa'er knows that Emperor Shun is the ancient son of heaven and one of the three saints of Yao Shunyu. At the end, he added, "Cousin Wan Ji said that we are all descendants of Dayu." ”

Xin Jia nodded and said, "Yes, Emperor Shun is the Son of Saint and Virtue who is as famous as Emperor Yu." Just as our Xin people are the descendants of Dayu, the people of Yu are the descendants of Emperor Shun. ”

Zhou Fa's eyes widened in surprise and said, "It turns out that Emperor Shun also has descendants who have survived to this day, so those ancient legends that my mother said are true?" ”

Xin Jia smiled noncommittally, and continued: "Not only that, but Yu Country is also a very rich place. There are salt ponds in the territory of Yu State, and the lake salt produced every year can not only supply Dayi merchants and surrounding countries, but even Xirong and Beidi have Jia people who travel thousands of miles to exchange cattle and sheep, fox fur, and treasure jade for salt. Because of this, the country of Yu is a generous country, and the defenders in the city are usually more than 10,000, not to mention the dog Rong located in the remote place in the northwest, even the earth and ghost sides dare not easily attack. ”

Although Zhou Fa had no concept of the nobility of salt at that time, he also understood that Yu Country was relatively safe, and his heart was immediately relieved. He and Zhou Kao were about to say goodbye, and Tai Ji suddenly asked, "Kao'er, where is the jade pendant you wear around your waist?" Why haven't you seen it? ”

Zhou Kao was stunned, and he didn't know how to answer for a while, and he was thinking about it, but he heard Wan Ji answer: "Auntie, today I gave my cousin a pair of stone chimes and a piece of colored jade, but they are all some of my playthings, just to express my heart." Who knew that his cousin insisted on taking his jade pendant as a return gift, so Wan'er accepted it. Zhou Kao had no choice but to push the boat down the river at this time, and said: "I haven't made it clear in advance, please don't blame my mother." ”

Taiji smiled slightly after hearing this, and said, "Come and don't be rude, your brothers and sisters are close to each other, which is very good." Go ahead. Zhou Kao and the other three of them retired and left, and Zhou Chang and Taiji also said goodbye to Xin Jia and his wife and returned to their own room.

Zhou Chang said: "Let's rest earlier." While serving Zhou Chang and taking off his clothes, Taiji said thoughtfully: "The jade pendant on Kao'er was given to him by me, and Kao'er usually cherishes it, why did he give it to Wan'er today?" ”

Zhou Chang said casually: "Didn't Fang Caiwan'er already talk about it? Kao'er took it as a return gift and gave the jade to Wan'er. ”

"Where do you understand the girl's thoughts?" Tai Ji smiled, "I see that the expressions of those two children are not as simple as they say. ”

"How complicated could this be?" Zhou Chang was lying on the couch, Tai Ji covered him with a blanket, and Zhou Chang closed his eyes and went to bed, not caring at all.

"Men and women give jade to each other, or it is meant to be used as a token. Wan'er, this girl is very smart and well-behaved, in my opinion, it is a good match for Kao'er, if the two of them are really intentional, it is also a good match. ”

Zhou Chang opened his eyes at this time, frowned and said, "Kao'er and Wan'er are cousins, how can this matter be harmonious?" ”

Tai Ji said disapprerovingly: "Among the merchant royal family, it is common for cousins and sisters to marry, and it is not uncommon, this is the so-called kiss and kiss. Although the ancients had the rule of not marrying with the same surname, Kao'er and Wan'er have different surnames and different names, so why can't they get married? ”

Zhou Chang was irrefutable, so he had to say: "The two of them are still young, and it's too early to talk about marriage." ”

Tai Ji said: "When my husband married me on the bank of the Weishui River, he was only four or five years older than today's Kao'er; I was only seventeen years old, and I was only less than four years older than Wan'er. If the eldest brother and sister-in-law can also agree, they can settle this family affair first, and then it is not too late to welcome Wan'er after a few years. This matter is extremely beneficial to both families in Xin and Zhou, so why should the husband hesitate? ”

Zhou Chang couldn't help her, so he said: "Kao'er's marriage is decided by Mrs. ”

"Kao'er is your eldest son, his marriage is a big deal, why are you so careless?" Tai Ji was very surprised by Zhou Chang's reaction, not at all like the decisive Zhou Hou in the past. She lay down next to Zhou Chang, thinking to herself: Wait until I probe Wan'er's tone tomorrow, and then make a decision.