In the first year of Xianqing (656 AD), the fourteenth day of the lunar month, two quarters of the hour.

Puning Fang, Chang'an City, Sikong Mansion in the southwest corner, the vermilion gate is closed. Whirring north blowing, rolling up the dead leaves on the roadside, the cold chill is biting. The black fighting horse, constantly beating its nose, lying on the north side of the master, and blocking the north wind in the flesh.

Cui Xiaoqing knelt under the wall, leaning on her back with a round roll of cloth, shrinking her neck and arms, trembling all over. Blowing hot air into the palms of my hands, rubbing my hands constantly, my lips were cold and purple. After going through hardships in Wuzhou, at the end of November, he finally completed the collection of the Book of the People and received a secret letter from the queen.

On the fifteenth day of the lunar month, she opened the knife and beheaded, like a thunderbolt on a sunny day, she couldn't care about her sadness, and her tears had already dried up. Stitched the Book of the People overnight, entrusted Di Renjie with a fuss, and rushed to grow alone. Hungry to eat dry food, thirsty to drink, sleepy to sleep on horseback, almost day and night.

More than 1,500 kilometers depend on courage and will. Finally arrived in Chang'an City three days ago, she didn't go to Wufu, nor did she see the queen, so it didn't help. Master Liyin once said that he could only beg Li Tao that if he was willing to help, he could delay the beheading.

After eating closed doors several times, Sikong Mansion closed the door directly, and had no choice but to kneel outside the door to ask for a meeting. No one answered, no one asked, kneeling for two days and two nights. With sincerity as a stepping stone, it still has no effect, only the little lady of the Li family secretly sends some food.

Tomorrow, Xishi asked, I was not in the mood to eat, wiped my lips and snot, looked at the door and choked speechlessly. Around noon, the wind grew stronger, the body shrunk into a ball, and the monkey couldn't stop coughing. At this time, the corner door opened, and Yuan Niang quietly slipped out, holding a hot teacup.

Xiaoqing wiped away her tears, said thank you with difficulty, hugged the teacup to keep warm, and her shoulders shook even more. His face was as pale as paper, his hair was messy, and the tip of his nose was red from the cold. The eye sockets were sunken into the sockets, the eyeballs were bloodshot, and the whole person was haggard.

Yuan Niang came from her heart, picked her hair bun and withered leaves, and squatted in front of her to persuade: "You better go home, my father won't see you, I went to intercede just now, and scolded me fiercely." My uncle told me that the sin of the martial cat is too great, and it is useless for anyone to intercede. ”

Xiaoqing shook her head firmly, without her husband, there would be no home. Yuan Niang rubbed her eyes, picked up the empty teacup, stroked her mane, and said after a moment: "I will beg the eldest father again, if he is hard-hearted, no one can do anything." Just now, the old housekeeper said that it may snow tonight, and you are not as strong as the martial cat, so you will definitely not be able to stand it. ”

didn't get a response, Yuan Niang sighed and quickly ran into the corner door. The teacup was thrown to the butler, and he ran to the study, where someone was talking, and it was the voice of the eldest father and uncle. Creeping closer, ears to the crack in the door, holding your breath and listening.

Li Siwen was very excited, and talked endlessly: "Dedication is in Zezhou, helping the eldest brother make great contributions and solving urgent needs." In August this year, in Jincheng County, Zezhou, the Hyunshui River burst its embankment, flooding tens of thousands of fertile fields. Due to the war in the Western Turks, the imperial court could not provide relief, and the people gathered as thieves. ”

Li Tao's eyebrows frowned slightly, carefully recalled for a long time, and nodded lightly. Because of the lack of food, the people had no choice but to gather as thieves, rob the merchant ships in Hunshui, and even ransack the county seat. In the south of Jincheng County, there is the towering Taihang Mountain and the steep Magao Mountain. Every time the officers and soldiers encircled and suppressed, they hid in the depths, waited for the officers and soldiers to leave, and continued to go out of the mountains to loot.

Zhen'er is a Thorn in Zezhou, and there is a lot of pressure on her shoulders, so she once wrote to me to ask for advice. In the middle of October, the seven prefectures of Zezhou were dispatched, and several encirclements and suppressions were fruitless. The saint Long Yan was furious and sent an envoy to Shen Zhen'er, if it weren't for the old man's thin face, he would definitely lose his official position and resign.

Thinking of this, I became interested, took a sip of warm wine, and said lightly: "The thief is cunning, the mountain is the foundation, and the mountain is the camp." The officers and men encircled and suppressed it, broke it into pieces, dispersed the officers and men, and gathered to make trouble. The dedicated kid, not long after he went to Zezhou, his eyes were black, how did he solve it? ”

Li Siwen replied: "Due to the lack of grain and grass, the encirclement and suppression of the seven mansions failed, and I had no choice but to leave Jincheng. The thieves came back, and thousands of people gathered at Tianjingguan with the intention of attacking the city of Zezhou. The militia waited and watched, morale was extremely low, and the eldest brother was anxious. Dedication found the eldest brother and swore that as long as the two of them accompanied him, he could solve the group of thieves. ”

Li Tao's eyebrows narrowed slightly, and he thought about it for a long time, but he couldn't think of any strategy. Li Siwen took the wine jug, filled the grandfather with wine, and continued to tell: "Jingye and the eldest brother said that they would go to Tianjing Pass to negotiate in person, and persuade the thieves to disperse with a three-inch tongue. The eldest brother was frightened, he didn't agree to anything, and locked him up, but he ran out secretly. ”

Li Siwen was very excited: "I went out of the city alone, went directly to Tianjing Pass, and ran to the lair of thieves." He said, "You are the people, and you are forced to gather people in order to fill your stomachs." The court has pardoned, hurry home, if you don't go back, you won't be able to catch up with the fishing season. ”

The so-called fishing time is when the water is frozen, when the winter freezes, a large number of fish freeze the ice, and the people dig soldiers to take fish. There is a large amount of raw fish to eat and boil until the relief food arrives, which should not be a problem. Li Tao was relieved, this kid has a strategy and can grasp the key to the problem.

Li Siwen continued: "Jingye found the leader, blamed them for not surrendering early, and each of them was beaten with forty boards. At the same time, he released his words, and the last person to leave was the real thief, who wanted to be beheaded. As a result, thousands of thieves threw away their weapons and swarmed down the mountain. Grandpa, tell me, is it bloodless, is it brave and strategic? ”

Siwen smiled, and suddenly saw Grandpa's heavy face, so he quickly restrained his smile and waited carefully. Li Tao covered the mouth of the cup with his hand, his brows condensed into pimples, and he raised his head and shouted outside the door: "Yuan Niang, you go outside, invite Mrs. Chu Guo, and the eldest father is waiting for her here." ”

An exclamation sounded outside the door, sounding excited, and the footsteps disappeared in an instant. Li Siwen's face was full of pampering, and he quickly realized that something was wrong, and asked cautiously: "Siwen dares to ask Grandpa, why did he change his mind?" Wu Kang was disrespectful, and if he rashly pleaded, it would be detrimental to the reputation of the Li family. ”

After a moment of silence, Li Tao muttered: "Professional, brave and strategic, go to the thief's nest alone." If you say something good, you are bold, and if you say something ugly, you are too reckless. If it will work this time, it may not be next time. The Li family does not need to forge ahead, but also needs to stabilize the family business. has been fighting for his father all his life, and he will not be like him, and he will be bad for the Li family in the future, and he will definitely be dedicated. ”

Siwen was dumbfounded, cold sweat slipped down his forehead, and he felt that what he said was reasonable. Dedication was too reckless, and he mistakenly fell into Wukang's trick and beat the eldest grandson, causing the two families to have a big grudge. Thinking of this, he whispered: "What does Grandpa mean, this time to help Wukang, in the future, the Li family will suffer, can he help?" ”

Li Tao held his long hair in his hands, and his tone was unusually affirmative: "That day, after the queen appeared in the hall, it can be seen that the honor and favor are very solid. Wu Kang and the queen have a deep relationship, if they can survive this catastrophe, they will be in power in the future. As a father, he has a hunch that as long as he helps Wu Kang, even if he is dedicated and rebelled, he can protect the Li family. ”

Siwen was struck by lightning, his face was full of disbelief, it was impossible to rebel. Fine sweat on his forehead, Grandpa's eyes are vicious, he is never untargeted, and he is dedicated to that bastard boy... At this moment, there were hurried footsteps outside the door, and Yuan Niang shouted, Mrs. Chu Guo was gone.

Li Tao got up awkwardly, turned his head to look at Li Siwen, who nodded heavily and ran out of the study. After about half an hour, he returned dejectedly: "I searched all over Puning Fang, and then looked for Wufu and Xiuzhen Fang, but I didn't find my wife." Tomorrow Wu Kang asked, only Grandpa and Taiwei can delay some time, she will go to find the eldest grandson Wuji? ”

Won't look for the eldest grandson Wuji, Li Tao shook his head decisively, picked up the wine glass on the table, and suddenly froze in mid-air. Thinking of that possibility, I was both shocked and regretful, and after thinking about it for a long time, I felt that there was no other way. But that kind of way, you will definitely die, and Wu Kang can't stand it.

Is it providence that this missed opportunity? Slowly stood up, walked outside the study, and looked at the direction of Dali Temple. Outside the main gate of Dali Temple, in front of the closed door, Dou Cheng stands proudly. Xiaoqing stared intently, her pale face as paper, and a trace of warmth climbed up.

Wu Kang, who was asleep, opened his eyes suddenly, turned over and jumped off the brick bed. Ran barefoot to the cell door, clasped the fence with both hands, and stared at the opposite wall. After a few minutes, slowly close your eyes, let go of your hands, and clutch your chest. Stand up straight, have a heart, and smile warmly.

The footsteps in the corridor sounded, instantly breaking the state of mind, and anger surged up layer by layer. The prison man's scalp was numb, his eyes were full of horror, and he trembled to take the key and tiptoe to unlock the lock. After a long time, Wu Kang collected his murderous energy, clasped his fists perfunctorily, and returned to the bed to meditate.

Seven jailers entered, and the jailer commanded and shouted, quickly cleaning up. The toilet bowl was raised, the hay on the ground was cleared, and the rat hole was plugged. Place the table next to the bed, wipe it down over and over again, and move two low stools. The table is paved with jade silk, more than a dozen dishes, and a five-pound wine jar.

The dishes are hearty, all meat, even beef. Steaming, this severed meal, Wu Kang expressed satisfaction. The jailer brought the barrel, and the jailer carried a tray covered with yellow satin and placed it next to the barrel. Ivory white jade chopsticks, fluorite green wine glasses, and both are two pairs.

When everything was ready, the jailer took the jailer out and came in with four palace maids. Take out the slender silver needle, check each dish, and leave. Such a big battle, it was that person who came, and I haven't seen her since I lived in the cell.

Soon there was a shadow, and Wu Kang raised his eyebrows, which was incredible. The dignified Empress Wu is actually dressed as a palace maid, which is a bit interesting. grinned and said, "Mei Niang is dressed like a maid, but it's a pity that she doesn't feel the temptation of uniform." ”

Mei Niang rolled her eyes, ordered the guards to leave, and walked to the bed. Stretch out your slender hand, comb your sideburns, and gently brush it behind your ears. Suddenly, he twisted his ears, rotated counterclockwise, gritted his teeth and said: "The bastard who killed a thousand knives, why is he so ruthless, why did he leave me, and who should I rely on?" Damn fang, I can't screw you to death! ”

The style of painting is wrong.,It's not a maid.,It's a domineering queen.。 Wu Kang bared his teeth and hurriedly begged for mercy: "Grandma spare your life, these are not cat ears, it's useless to unscrew them." Oh, don't screw it, I just felt it, Xiaoqing is outside, did you see it? ”

The strength disappeared instantly, and Mei Niang shook her head in amazement. Wu Kang was disappointed, shook his head and sighed softly, perhaps an illusion. Moving to the side, Mei Niang sat on the bed and leaned back, lifted her legs, and pressed his thighs. The futon is against the wall, leaning on the futon with his back, and his expression is very lazy: "Only by your side can you completely relax, and it feels very comfortable." ”

The posture is very ambiguous, Wu Kang pouted, not afraid that Li Jiu would be jealous. Yu Guang glanced at the prison door, gradually lowered his face, and said in a chiseled manner: "Qian Shun and Pinglang, as well as three hundred security guards, are lurking in the capital. Qian Shun once said that he was going to rob Dali Prison, but it hasn't happened so far, and I am even more worried. ”

Mei Niang sat up straight, her eyes wide in disbelief. Wu Kang nodded heavily, and said with a few deep breaths: "I understand them for my life's friendship, and I won't give up." If the expectations are not bad, tomorrow in the West Market Execution Ground, they will be stupid and may rob the law field. ”

Kneading her thighs, soothing the meridians, and continuing to analyze: "Pinglang will choose a shop and hide on the second floor of the shop, with the window looking directly at the execution ground. He shoots the executioner with ease, and at the same time is the signal. Security guards create chaos and, if the prediction is correct, set on fire to an alcohol jar, causing a sea of fire or explosion. ”

Stopped the movement in his hand, pinched his chin with his right hand, and continued to analyze: "They rescued me, and before the city gate was closed, I escaped from Chang'an City and fled to the south. The more than 300 brothers will use their lives to attract the attention of officers and soldiers. ”

Speaking of this, he smiled helplessly: "The most dangerous place is also the safest." Qian Shun and Pinglang will keep me in Chang'an, wait for the wind and waves to calm down, and then make other plans. This group of rabbit cubs, I took them badly, and they are all bold... Eh, what are you crying about? ”

Wu Kang was speechless, reached out to wipe his tears, and his palm was patted down. The two looked at each other, and Mei Niang said softly: "Until this moment, they are still thinking about me, not letting money go with them and damaging my status." Kang Lang told me that we are not related by blood, so why did we treat me like this, I want to hear the truth. ”

It's really hard to answer, Wu Kang pondered for a long time, and a wry smile climbed up his face: "In my two lives, I lost my mother at a young age, and I never enjoyed maternal love. Therefore, he is very eager to have a strong attachment to a slightly older, mature and stable woman. In technical terms, it is a mother-lover complex, a very deformed mentality. ”

Wu Kang became interested, blinked his eyes and whispered: "Li Jiu is similar to me, that kind of plot is very heavy, and I can hardly extricate myself. When Empress Changsun died, Li Jiu was only eight years old, and he was taken by Taizong, who was extremely lacking in maternal love. So in the face of the old lady, I naturally fell in love at first sight, and then became deeply attached. ”

Mei Niang was stunned for a long time, spat twice, rolled her eyes and said, "You little bastard, you beat around the bush, you dislike my old man." I am Chinese New Year's Eve two today, only eleven older than you, and I am a sister and not a mother. But then again, except for Cui Xiaoqing, the women around you are all older than you. Like to hook up with women, such as the princess of Xincheng, and your sister. ”

I can't carry this pot, I didn't hook up with Wu Shun, Wu Kang felt embarrassed, so he changed the topic: "Let's get down to business, with your ability, you can stop Qian Shun." But don't make a noise, they are the elite of a hundred battles, and they have to find a way to subdue them. Like Chu Shenke, it will be of great benefit to you to become your confidant. ”

Mei Niang was noncommittal, got out of bed and walked to the table, unsealed the wine jar, and poured wine into the pot with the jar. With a hard look, he amused Wu Kang, got up and grabbed the wine jar, raised his head and poured it. Sitting on the stool, drying his mouth with big sleeves, he said with a smile: "It's cool to drink like this, sit down and eat with me, I'm so hungry." ”

Put down the jar, grab a piece of beef, and bite it when you open your mouth. Since I came to Datang, I have never eaten beef, which is a crime. As for the sick and dead cows, they dare not eat them even more, and they don't like to eat them. Eat meat, drink wine, and stuff it into your stomach.

It feels a little ridiculous, in Wuzhou before, every time the prisoners were beheaded after the autumn, they would accompany them to eat the severed head meal. They gobbled it up, shedding tears and stuffing it in their mouths, without chopsticks at all. I once despised in my heart, stretching out my head is a knife, shrinking my head is also a knife, what's the use of crying.

At this moment, I put myself in my shoes, and I couldn't help but cry, and I didn't have a backache when I stood and talked. When the stomach is stretched to the maximum, when you are full of wine and food, and when you burst into tears. Mei Niang got up and left the table, walked to his side, took him in her arms, and blamed herself softly: "It's my sister who is useless, has no rights in her hands, and has no ability to save you, it's me who is sorry for you." ”

Wu Kang opened his heart: "I used to think that I would be very strong, but now I realize that I am just a coward, and I don't even have the courage to commit suicide." In my life, the debts I owe to my father and mother have been fully repaid. Xiaoqing and Trouble, including my second child, can rest assured that with your care. ”

Stop crying, and yearn for it: "I have no regrets in this life, and now I only hope that after noon tomorrow, I will return to my previous life." Go back to Daddy, dump the goddess of the bright moon, and pursue Li Lingyue. That little chubby dun, who has had a crush on me for a few years, will definitely agree. When the time comes, get married and have children, and give Daddy a pension to the end, and life will be complete. ”

Mei Niang slowly lowered her head, her chin rested against her bun, and comforted her softly: "There are some words that you don't understand, understand the general meaning, and your wish will come true." Kang Lang, don't be sad, take a bath and change clothes, and your sister will comb your hair. ”

Wu Kang hummed, Mei Niang let go of her hand, turned around and left the cell. Soon the eunuch came, carrying a wooden bucket in his hand, and heated the water in the bathtub. After feeling the temperature of the water, the palace maid took the basket and sprinkled flower petals inside. Open the dresser and secure the bronze mirror. Ready for everything, they left the cell door one after another, and stood in the cell with their backs.

There are only two people left in the room, Mei Niang came to untie the belt, and Wu Deng was confused, which is not good. I didn't have time to speak, my eyes flew over, and I shut up in embarrassment. The robes fell off one by one, revealing strong muscles and scars, all of which were left by the fighting.

Mei Niang wanted to cry, stroked the scars on her chest, and kept scolding him for being a fool. Wu Kang pouted in embarrassment and sat in the bathtub, enjoying the queen's service. pondered for a moment and said his last words: "The palace is frightening every step of the way, take a wrong step, and there will be no return." You have to be careful of the three people, your mother Yang, as well as Wu Shun and Min Yue. ”

Slippery and soft, Wu Kang pulled out a light smile: "The one who has the ability to harm you is often the closest person." People are not for themselves, and the heavens and the earth will be destroyed, keep it in mind. Also be wary of Li Jiu, men have aesthetic fatigue, and facing a woman for a long time, even if the country and the city are overwhelmed, it will be boring. ”

He said twice, and continued: "Among the foreign ministers, Di Renjie and Zhang Cambodia are both prime ministers. Especially Di Renjie, whose personality is similar to mine, can be loyal to you and can be completely trusted. As for Zhang Cambodia, it is okay to use his talents, and he must not be heart-to-heart. There is also King Luo Bing, who is too macho, don't promote him. ”

Mei Niang softly agreed, untied his bun, and washed his messy long hair. After bathing, change into clean clothes and make up in front of the bronze mirror. His hair was pulled up high, and a mutton fat hosta was inserted, pulling him to his feet. looked carefully, exaggerated smacked his lips, and commented: "Although he is not handsome, he is heroic, but he is too murderous." ”

Wu Kang touched the scar on his cheek, and said indifferently: "Men don't rely on their faces, they have to rely on their ability to eat, and they hate those sissies the most, like a girl." Mei Niang, it's not too early, you should go back to the palace quickly. Remember my words, take Chu Shenke tomorrow and stop Qian Shun and Hepinglang. ”

Mei Niang smiled playfully, her daughter was full of attitude, and pulled him to sit on the edge of the bed: "Your Majesty will come soon, and I have to play chess with you, let's wait." Our sisters and brothers are on different sides of the world, and we have never had a good conversation, so let's have a good chat today..."