The river breeze in golden autumn is as clear as the unpolluted river water in front of you, with a hint of the unique smell of aquatic plants in the water town, and the river bank stirs up fine white foam.

Princess Gaoyang sat on a stone on the bank of the river, teasing the cool river water with her pair of pink and jade-like tender feet, holding her head in her low mouth, and quietly listening to Qin Mubai finish talking about what had happened in the past two days.

"To put it simply, my brother intends to murder the prince's brother, wants to blame the fourth brother, and even rebels, right?" After listening, Princess Gao Yang frowned and said softly.

"Whether he wants to rebel or not, I don't think he can think very clearly." Qin Mubai sat beside her, with a piece of grass in his mouth, and said calmly, "He just wants to clear the obstacles." The crown prince, the king of Wei, is the enemy in his eyes. ”

"It turns out that my brother is also ambitious." At this time, Princess Gaoyang is like two people with a crazy and naughty image on weekdays. With a faint sadness on her face, and a little puzzlement and puzzlement, she asked, "Then why did he detain you beforehand?" ”

Qin Mubai smiled slightly, turned the grass leaves in his mouth, and said, "Maybe it's because the safety of the crown prince's line and the tomb of Emperor Yang is arranged by me. They're worried about me doing bad things for them! ”

"Mu Bai, you don't have to cover up for my brother." Princess Gaoyang's voice suddenly revealed a little sadness, he hugged Qin Mubai's arm, leaned his head up gently, and said, "He arrested you first, because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to get out after the incident, right?" The soldiers and horses in Xiangzhou are all under your command, and with you in your hands, he and his uncle will have a little more chance of getting out. Moreover, they detained you before the incident, and they could have framed a false accusation against you, saying that you were also complicit. That way, if they fail, they will have a helper like you in the end. My brother is just a newly appointed governor of Dengzhou, and he doesn't have much strength in his hands. And you are different, you have complete control over the soldiers and horses of Xiangzhou, and you are very capable and have a wide range of connections, even my father and the emperor attach great importance to you. When the time comes, whether they use you as a helper or as a threat, it's a good deal......"

Speaking of this, Princess Gao Yang closed her eyes in some pain and muttered, "Mu Bai, am I right?" ”

For a while, Qin Mubai was speechless. He didn't expect that Princess Gaoyang, who had never asked about this kind of military and political affairs, would be able to see such a complicated issue clearly.

It's really a child born in the royal family and raised in the bitter water of politics since childhood! Even if she is not interested in military and political things, she still has innate superhuman insight and eyesight.

Seeing that Qin Mubai didn't speak, Princess Gaoyang's expression became more and more painful, her lips trembled, and there seemed to be some crying in her voice: "Brother, uncle, why are you so ruthless and want to drag my Mubai into the water?" ”

"Don't think too much, Ling'er." Qin Mubai hurriedly took her into his arms, patted her on the back and whispered comfort, saying, "No matter what, their plan was stifled in advance. Fortunately, there are shrewd characters like you, the emperor uncle of Jiangxia Wang, and the third brother Wu Wang, who detected the incident in advance and made arrangements to smash the conspiracy of King Qi and others. Now, things haven't evolved to the point where they are out of control. We are all trying to minimize the impact of this incident. ”

"There is no impermeable wall, such a big thing, and there are many people who know about it, how can it be hidden?" Princess Gao Yang wrinkled her brows and said worriedly, "Actually, I think that instead of hiding and dodging, it is better for my brother to admit his mistakes openly and honestly, and go to my father to sincerely repent." I know my father's character, and it's best not to play tricks on him. If you make a mistake, it's best to admit it honestly. It's impossible to hide from the world. If he took the initiative to detect and discover, the consequences would be even more serious! ”

Qin Mubai shook his head in embarrassment: "I don't know that I should act like this?" But the problem is that your brother is still stubborn. He kept saying that he did not regret it, and he also took all the blame on himself, saying that he did not want to betray your uncle. Ay! Your third brother and I persuaded one after another, but it was useless. It's a headache right now! ”

"Let me go!" Princess Gao Yang spoke softly, but resolutely.

Qin Mubai was silent for a moment, thinking in his heart: Li You is a person who is soft and hard, does not eat water and rice, and the only weakness in his heart is his mother and sister-in-law. Perhaps, Princess Gaoyang's persuasion will really be useful. At this point, it is impossible to exonerate Li You. The best result is that Li You sincerely repents and pushes more blame on Yin Hongzhi's head. In that case, he still has a chance to live. Li Shimin's personality is indeed as Princess Gaoyang said, the emperor is majestic and can tolerate others to make mistakes, but he cannot tolerate others to deceive and conceal. If Li You can take the initiative to admit his mistakes as soon as possible, there may be a glimmer of life.

"Okay, I'll let you try." Qin Mubai said, "But you have to promise me, do what you can, don't do stupid things." ”

"What stupid thing can I do?" Princess Gao Yang muttered, "My heart is about to break now. My brother who was standing on the edge of the cliff, the brother who wanted to drag you into the water, I really don't know whether to be sad or resentful of him. Mu Bai, do you know how sad I am now? I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. ”

"Hey...... This matter is tossed, and the most hurtful ones are you and Concubine Yin De. Remember, don't let your mother know about it, or you'll ......"

"I know." Princess Gao Yang's mood became extremely low, nodded slightly, and said, "Now let's go back, shall we?" Where is my brother now? ”

"It's in your third brother's house. Let's go! ”

The two returned to the carriage and headed for the Assassin's Mansion. Along the way, Princess Gaoyang remained silent, like a wounded bird, snuggled tightly in Qin Mubai's arms, motionless.

When she got out of the car at the Thorn Mansion, Princess Gao Yang looked at the high lintel and took a deep breath, as if she had mustered up enough courage, and said, "Let's go, go in!" ”

Qin Mubai gently hugged her waist and walked in side by side with her. At this time, he had a feeling that this young and weak little woman had a strength and resilience in her heart that ordinary people could not match. Maybe it's inherited from her mother, or maybe it's the experience of the past two years that has given him a maturity beyond his years.

All in all, in just one day, Qin Mubai was impressed by her. In his eyes at this moment, Princess Gaoyang is no longer the naughty little girl she used to be. Her wisdom and courage are buried deep in her heart, not easy to notice, but she is not much lost to Wu Meiniang.

Li Ke was eating dinner, and when he saw Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang walking side by side, he was stunned when he took a bite of rice in his mouth, and almost forgot to chew it.

Because he saw Princess Gaoyang's "peculiar" expression, the gap from the usual one was too big. He was vaguely aware of ...... This girl may already know!

"You're here! Just right, let's have dinner together! Li Ke said enthusiastically.

"Okay, I'm hungry." Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Gao Yang, eat first, right?" ”

"My brother must be eating now, right?" Princess Gao Yang smiled and said, "I know him, and he can't eat when he has something in his heart, so he has always been thin." Mu Bai, you can accompany the third brother to dinner, and I will go to dinner with my brother, how about it? ”

Li Ke's expression changed suddenly, and he said in amazement: "Gao Yang, you know everything?" ”

"yes!" Princess Gao Yang nodded, and said sincerely and seriously, "Third brother, please allow me to meet my brother, okay?" ”

Li Ke glanced at Qin Mubai, sighed lightly, and said, "Since he has already brought you here, can I still refuse?" I'll send a servant to show you the way, and you go! ”

"Third Brother Xie!" Princess Gaoyang gave a salute and walked out quietly with a servant.

"Mu Bai, how did you do it? How can you keep her informed? As soon as Princess Gaoyang left, Li Ke was a little annoyed and complained.

Qin Mubai sat down, let out a long sigh, shook his head and sighed, "We all seem to underestimate her too much." I'm not that stupid to want to take the initiative to tell her about these things. ”

Li Ke also shook his head helplessly and said, "That's right." This girl is a big ghost and smart! If she smells something, she always has a way to get to the bottom of it. Forget it, I don't blame you. In fact...... Maybe she can really convince Li You? ”

"At this point, I can only hope for ......"

"Forget it, don't talk about it. Eat first. We'll go there later and see what happens. ”

After the meal, Qin Mubai and Li Ke came to the back house where Li You was under house arrest, but Princess Gaoyang still did not come out. The two of them leaned against the door and listened for a moment, and the low voices of the two of them came from inside, which could not be heard. So they waited patiently outside.

After a long time, it was dark, and Princess Gao Yang opened the door and walked out.

Her face was unusually haggard, as if she was seriously ill. Qin Mubai suddenly walked over and stroked her shoulders in distress, and asked with concern, "Are you okay?" ”

"It's okay......" Princess Gao Yang smiled slightly with a pale face, with a little joy, and said, "I persuaded my brother!" ”

"Really?" Qin Mubai and Li Ke were overjoyed together.

"Yes." Princess Gao Yang nodded lightly, motioned for the two to go farther, and said, "Actually, my brother is also hard-mouthed and soft-hearted, and even now, he is still worried about his uncle's safety." I said to him, if you repent and admit your mistakes and beg your father to be lenient, I hope that the result will be better for everyone; If he continues to be stubborn like this, he and his uncle will be dead, and it will affect me and my mother. And just like that, he agreed. ”

Li Ke nodded and asked, "How did he agree?" ”

"I said, I will accompany him to Beijing and confess my mistake to my father. He does. Princess Gao Yang said.

Qin Mubai suddenly frowned: "But now your uncle is still missing. It's just your brother who admits his mistakes...... I'm afraid not. Unless we can arrest Yin Hongzhi as soon as possible! ”

"No need...... Princess Gaoyang's face became even paler, her lips trembled, and she murmured, "Such a big thing, it is sure to kill people...... If I had to choose, I would like to die less. After all, they are all my dearest relatives! ”

As soon as these words came out, Qin Mubai and Li Ke couldn't help but tremble in their hearts. Listening to Princess Gaoyang's words, she had already figured out that she wanted her uncle to bear all the blame for all the crimes, so as to alleviate Li You's fault...... Princess Gaoyang has always had an excellent relationship with her uncle Yin Hongzhi. From childhood to adulthood, she would spend a long time in Yin Hongzhi's house in Bingzhou every year, even more than in Chang'an.

The decision she made now seems ...... Tragic!

Qin Mubai gently patted Princess Gaoyang's shoulder, and didn't know what to say for a while. She just shook her head lightly and showed a strong smile: "I'm fine, don't worry about me." In fact, my brother also understands in his heart, but he is unwilling to accept this fact. No matter what he does, there can only be two results. One is that my uncle died, he was born, and my mother and I were implicated less; The other is that he died with his uncle, and my mother and I will only suffer for the rest of our lives. Comparing the two, he chose the former. It's not because he's afraid of death, or because he's ruthless, but ...... In reality, there is no other choice. ”

Li Ke looked at Princess Gao Yang in surprise, nodded and said, "Gao Yang, you have really grown up." ”

Princess Gao Yang looked up at the somewhat gloomy and gray sky, and muttered, "Actually, I have grown up a long time ago, but you didn't pay attention." Now I just hope that I don't grow old like my mother......"

Qin Mubai has never faced such a choice - two dearest and beloved people, at least one must die.

In fact, anyone knows how to choose, that is, it is of course best to die one less.

But at this time, how should my heart be cooled and appeased? How can the wounds left behind be healed?

And this matter is befalling the weak and young Princess Gaoyang.

At this moment, she didn't even cry. may be in response to that sentence, grief is greater than sadness. How will her immature heart endure this inhuman torture and harm?

Qin Mubai and Li Ke both fell silent. Looking at Princess Gaoyang's eyes, they were full of pity and sadness.

Princess Gao Yang smiled calmly and said, "What's wrong with you?" You're all big men, aren't you as sane and strong as I am? At this point, there is no choice. That's it. You make proper arrangements for me, I want to leave as soon as possible and accompany my brother to Chang'an! ”

"I'll go with you." Qin Mubai said very resolutely.

"Nope." Princess Gaoyang refused and said, "Xiangyang is holding a sacrifice, you have a heavy responsibility, how can you walk away?" Similarly, neither can the third brother. Send some competent people to escort you, and trust me, it won't be a problem. ”

Qin Mubai and Li Ke glanced at each other, and had to nod helplessly.

"We'll arrange it for you."

Later, Qin Mubai sent Princess Gaoyang back to Jiangxia Wang Xingyuan. Along the way, Princess Gaoyang was still silent, as if she was extremely tired, and actually fell asleep in Qin Mubai's arms.

When she arrived at Jiangxia Wang Xingyuan, Qin Mubai sent Princess Gaoyang in, she didn't say anything, just said goodbye to Qin Mubai, said hello to Li Daozong, and went back to the room early to rest.

Li Daozong's eyes can be called old and spicy, and without waiting for Qin Mubai to speak, he said, "Ling'er knows everything? ”

"Hmm......" Qin Mubai nodded, and told Li Daozong about the cause and effect of what had just happened.

"Hey...... You can't escape from what you should have, if the will of heaven is like this, what can people do? Li Daozong sighed and said slowly, "Ling'er, in fact, is much smarter and more mature than she looks. In comparison, Li You's unscrupulous brother is not as good as his sister's in case. In fact, this king had also expected earlier, maybe only Ling'er could persuade Li You to admit his mistake obediently, in that case, there would be room for the situation to ease and maneuver, at most let that damn Yin Hongzhi die and eliminate this disaster. But if you do that...... It's too cruel for Ling'er. ”

"Yes! In fact, everyone knows in their hearts that Yin Hongzhi is certain to die; Li You is not dead, but there is still a need to discuss. Qin Mubai said, "No matter what the result is, in fact, the most injured Zhonghui are Princess Gaoyang and Concubine Yinde. ”

"Pity this hard-working mother and daughter, hey......" Li Daozong also sighed helplessly and shook his head, and said softly, "Mu Bai, in the future, treat Ling'er well." ”

"I will." Qin Mubai nodded, his heart heavy.

"That's right. When going to Beijing, it is necessary to make proper and careful arrangements. Li Daozong said, "Yin Hongzhi has always been at large, this old fox is not so incompetent." Moreover, don't ignore his ability to influence Li You and Gao Yang. In fact, since childhood, the two brothers and sisters have spent most of their time with Yin Hongzhi. It is not an exaggeration to say that they were raised by Yin Hongzhi since childhood. As the saying goes, if you don't kiss you, Yin Hongzhi's status in the minds of their brothers and sisters is extraordinary. ”

"Yes, I see." Qin Mubai nodded and said, "What does the prince mean, he is a little worried that Yin Hongzhi will appear halfway and the demon will make trouble?" ”

"Prevention is certainly the best thing." Li Daozong said, "Actually, it is safest and safest for you to escort Ling'er." But at a juncture like this, you can't get out of the way. It's up to you to send some of your most competent people to escort you along the way. ”

"Good. I'll be careful about this. Qin Mubai nodded solemnly.

Li Daozong cut his hands behind his back, twisted his thick eyebrows lightly, and said leisurely with a solemn expression: "His Majesty the Emperor has always hated the most, that is, his next generation of brothers do not kill each other...... Li You, Li You, what a ghost! It's not a pity for you to die yourself, why do you hurt these poor people and suffer with you? …… Ay! ”

Qin Mubai's heart couldn't help but tighten, remembering his former father Qin Shubao, who seemed to have said something similar to himself: After the change of Xuanwumen, the four words 'cannibalism' have almost become a haze and taboo in Li Shimin's heart. Since then, he has been extremely worried and hateful, and his children have followed the example of "Xuanwumen......

Does that also mean that this time Li You's trip to Chang'an is not optimistic?