Su Shi didn't pay attention, and Lin Zhao didn't notice either, and Zhao Yan seemed to have mentioned this matter completely unintentionally. Because on Chinese New Year's Eve, Zhengdan, these topics of sacrifice are very normal and not inappropriate.

Seeing things and thinking about people, this is true at all, although Lin Zhao has never seen his parents in this life, but after all, the family affection that blood is thicker than water is continuous. Immediately, I remembered that I was accidentally reborn in this world, and I wonder how sad my parents would be in my previous life? In addition, he can't go back this year, and even his only uncle can't accompany him for the New Year, Lin Zhao is inevitably a little sad!

Lin Zhao was a little distracted, and Zhao Zhao was also distracted...... Lin Zhao took out the jade pendant, Zhao Yan was a little surprised, this is the second time he saw it, he had prepared in advance, his mind was highly concentrated, and he looked at it very carefully.

The whole body is emerald green, and at a glance you know that it is a good jade jade, and it is carved with lifelike patterns, a pair of auspicious clouds in the east.

Is this really the case? Why did Xiren hesitate back then, and didn't explain it in detail? Now it's uncertain and uncertain. Zhao Yan was suspicious, and the feeling in his heart was like a cat scratching, which was very unpleasant! Is the jade pendant or not, is the person or not? Yes and how? Isn't there a way to do it?

For a while, a lot of thoughts came to mind, and Zhao Yan only felt that his head was as big as a fight, quite embarrassed, and quite confused. Alas, Uncle Yong, you have hurt me! But if you think about it, isn't it your fault? Curiosity kills cats, although there is no such thing in this era. But the old fritters who have been in officialdom for a long time know that knowing too much is not a good thing!

But I just couldn't help but be curious, and I wanted to make a difference, so I deliberately looked for such an opportunity and brought it up in a roundabout way.

Well, now that the goal has been achieved, the doubts and curiosity in my heart have become even stronger. This is a doubt that you can't have and dare not have, but now it is deeply engraved in my mind and lingers! Zhao Miao was very helpless and silent, maybe there was any other reason for making such a choice than curiosity...... Lin Zhao came back to his senses from sadness and said with a smile: "Forget it, it's all in the past, cherish the present, and your parents will be happy if they have a spirit in the sky!" As soon as he looked up as he spoke, he happened to see Zhao Yan's straight eyes.

Belch...... Lin Zhao couldn't help but be surprised: "Boss, is there anything wrong?" ”

Zhao Yan was old and serious, rarely lost his temper, and said busily: "No, I just happened to see the exquisite pattern on the jade pendant, and I wanted to take a look, but unfortunately my eyes are easy to spend when I am older!" ”

"Why don't I take it down and you appreciate it?" Lin Zhao was also a little embarrassed by this, after all, his uncle said that this jade pendant should be worn close to the body and should not be lost. The only relic left by my parents is my most ** thing, and I am really reluctant to let outsiders see it, but it's just a polite remark!

Zhao Yan is also an interesting person, and waved his hand and said: "No need, since it is a relic left by Lingzun Lingtang, you can just put it away closely." Seeing things and thinking about people is also a thought. ”

"Yes, when you have the opportunity, you are going to go to your hometown in Zhuozhou to see if you can find the clansmen, whether you can rebuild the ancestral hall, and pay tribute to your parents and ancestors!"

"Zhuozhou?" Zhao Miao suddenly seemed to think of something again...... Lin Zhao couldn't help but wonder, Zhao Yan's expression always made people feel weird, what seemed wrong? Inadvertently, he put his hand on his chest and attacked the piece of Xuyue Xiangyun jade pendant, and his heart couldn't help but move, could it be that Zhao Yan knew this jade pendant? Remembering that every time he mentioned his life experience, his uncle Gu Qi was hesitant, and the doubts in Lin Zhao's heart were never eliminated.

Now that Zhao Miao vaguely saw such an expression again, it was inevitable that Lin Zhao would be suspicious. But after thinking about it, even though he was born in a scholarly family, after all, he fled from the family, how could he have a connection with a high-ranking official like Zhao Yan? I must have thought too much about it.

This is just a small episode, except for Zhao Yan, no one took it seriously, and no one put it on him. There were only three of them in the hall, so this little episode passed like this, and no one noticed!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chinese New Year's Eve night, no matter where you are or who you are, Chinese New Year's Eve food is always indispensable.

Jiangning, Mengfu's Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is very rich, after all, it is one of the largest families, and secondly, there are chefs with superb cooking skills such as Gu Yuelun, naturally the table is full of delicious dishes.

But this year's atmosphere is not so good, the shipwreck in autumn, the Meng family killed and injured 20 boatmen. Although he was just a helper, he was sad and the atmosphere was somewhat affected. Fortunately, Lin Gongzi has brought the murderer to justice and avenged him, and Meng Ruoying has given each family a generous pension, which can be regarded as a compensation, and the situation is much better.

Of course, the atmosphere is not high, and more importantly, there are fewer people. Lin Zhao seems to have become the core figure of the Meng family, and he has not been able to return to celebrate the New Year this year, so it is inevitable that there will be some feelings of not being reunited and feeling a little regretful.

"Grandmother, Uncle Gu, Aunt Gu, Lin Zhao is busy with official business, and he can't come back this year, let me and Yuelun convey his greetings and apologies on my behalf!" Meng Ruoying got up and explained to several old people.

"It's important to get down to business, don't worry about it!" Mrs. Meng is very open-minded, in her eyes, Lin Zhao's bright future is a good thing, so she is even more compatible with her granddaughter! In the future, the granddaughter can also enjoy the blessings, and maybe she can be like herself, and she can have a lady who can be a lady.

Mrs. Meng is old, her eyes are still bright, and her granddaughter's mind is beginning to be able to see some clues. Moreover, the shopkeepers and stewards of the branches in various places are also the eyes and ears of the old lady to a certain extent, so he understands some things quite clearly. Although Meng Ruoying didn't say it explicitly, isn't that the thing? The old lady has a good surname, waiting for her granddaughter to take the initiative to pierce the layer of window paper!

"It's okay, as long as you're all right!" Gu Qi was a little insincere, he hadn't seen him for a year, and he still missed Lin Zhao very much. At the same time, he has concerns, as always, he is worried, Lin Zhaozai's official is getting bigger and bigger, and the risk of doing things is also increasing.

Some time ago, Gu Qi was shocked to learn that Lin Zhao had quelled the rebellion in Hangzhou and brought down a county king. Why do you want to be so close to the royal family? The emperor's family infighting is the most dangerous, and it is often a small role like you who is sacrificed, why don't you understand Zhao'er? However, when he heard that the fallen King of Yuhang County was the son of Zhao Yunrang, the king of Pu, Gu Qi felt an inexplicable relief in his heart.

All in all, the nephew is too dangerous like this, and I heard that this time because of the grain and the shipwreck, he has a grudge against a high-ranking official in Bianjing. Alas, it's really sad, but it's a pity that my nephew didn't listen, and some words can't be too deep, and now this situation is helpless.

Gu Yuelun smiled lightly and said, "Cousin let us bring gifts back, the cotton clothes and quilts were all brought by the big cannibal from Tianzhu, are you wearing warm clothes?" ”

"Warm ......" Xiao Yangu is almost one and a half years old, perhaps because of the blood of the Jurchens in the white mountains and black waters, the little guy is stronger than ordinary children. It's hilarious that this will babble and suddenly a word pops up. Xiao Dongping had just turned one year old, and he also babbled and laughed.

The old lady smiled: "It's very warm, it's better than mink, and it's extraordinarily comfortable, it's really a good thing, Dongyang has a heart!" ”

Meng Ruoying said with a smile: "There are also these precious tonics, they are all things in the palace, and he honors you." ”

"And this ......" Gu Yuelun took out a burden, took out a few pieces of fine embroidery, and said: "This is sewn by my cousin-in-law herself, and I will honor you." ”

Cousin-in-law?

Several people were slightly stunned, and then they all reacted again, Lin Zhao accepted a dusty woman in Hangzhou, and they had all heard about it.

Gu Qi is okay, no matter what, in his opinion, his nephew has grown up, he is in his twenties, and it is also appropriate to have a concubine by his side. As for the background, it seems to be a little low, but since the nephew likes it, it's just that, and he doesn't object to it very much. I hope they can have a child soon, even if it is a concubine, think about the past experience, the child is too important.

Meng Ruoying carefully observed her grandmother's reaction, for fear that her grandmother would be angry because of this, or that she would think that she had been wronged. Although it is common for large families to have concubines before their wives pass through the door, the Meng family is very strict, and no concubines have been accepted for generations, so the situation is more special.

Sure enough, Old Madam Meng's expression was slightly unnatural. However, after thinking about it, with Lin Zhao's identity and the current development momentum, it is not surprising that he will have three wives and four concubines in the future. The daughter of a salt lord has fallen into the dust, even if she is the first to enter the door? In other years, it will not have any impact on the granddaughter. Especially listening to Meng Ruoying's narration of Mu Sihong's willingness to block the sword alone in order to save herself and Lin Zhao, the attitude of several old people improved significantly...... With the efforts of Meng Ruoying and Gu Yuelun, coupled with the existence of two cute babies Yan Gu and Xiao Dongping, the atmosphere of the Meng family's Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is barely good.

The next day is the first day of the first month, and the new year begins, and the most important thing is to worship ancestors. This matter is a little sad for the Meng family, after Meng Ruogu's death, the Meng family has no male children, and such important matters as ancestor worship can only be handed over to the partial house brothers of the same clan to preside.

As for Gu Qi, seeing such a scene, he couldn't help but feel sad, at least the Meng family was able to hold a sacrificial ceremony. But what about Lin Zhao? After so many years, can he still pay tribute to his parents? Not to mention the ancestral hall, he will never have the opportunity to go back in this life.

Forget it, don't go back! Gu Qi smiled helplessly and sighed, his mood seemed to be quite sad!

Gu Qi looked at the sky blankly, as if he was saying to someone that although he couldn't pay homage in person, he couldn't ...... But he has been living well, and it is a continuation, so you can rest easy...... Gu Qi thought about it again, Zhao'er's performance is so good now, is it fortunate or unlucky? If it had been a few years ago, everything would have been perfect! In the end, the world is impermanent, maybe this is the fate that God has long predestined!

At this point, there are no other extravagant hopes, and I wish Zhao'er peace and security! Now that they already have wives and concubines, I hope they will have children as soon as possible, so that they can continue to have children and continue the incense...... Although he had just had a son in his old age, Gu Qi had an impulse and was looking forward to reporting to his nephew as soon as possible! I believe that Xiao Dongping also thinks so, when the time comes, there will be a guy who is only a little younger than himself, but he wants to call himself his cousin, and the ......~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ancestor worship who can take advantage of it is still important to ordinary people, and the royal sacrifice is even stronger.

In addition to the emperor to sacrifice heaven and earth, it is necessary to worship ancestors in Taimiao, and he also has to accept the congratulations of hundreds of officials and envoys from various countries, so the New Year begins to be celebrated, and Emperor Zhao Ji is still quite busy.

Of course, he is not alone, the Empress Dowager Cao and the Empress Dowager Gao Taotao, as well as the young Empress Xiang, also have to accept the congratulations of the princess and the princess in the palace, as well as many ladies.

One hall and three phoenixes, three generations of queens were present at the same time, and the momentum was quite sufficient. The Empress Dowager Cao is highly respected and loving. The Empress Dowager is only in her early forties, and she can be described as dignified and noble, with a huge aura. In front of her grandmother and mother-in-law, Xiang is a little gloomy to the queen, but she is also dignified and generous, and she has gradually taken on the responsibility of motherhood.

After accepting the worship, there were some celebratory performances and feasts, after all, the old grandmother Cao was already in the age of sixties, and she was a little tired, so she left first and handed over the scene to the Queen Mother Gao Tao.

"Auntie, then you go back and rest more!" Gao Tao supported the Cao family and sent him out of the hall. Gao Taotao is the niece of the Cao family, and she has been called so since the beginning of her size. Although Zhao Zongshi, who later married his husband, succeeded to Emperor Renzong and Cao's family, although he was already a legitimate daughter-in-law. However, Gao Tao has been used to it for many years, and it is difficult to change his words.

"Well, I'm fine, it's just that I'm getting old and getting tired easily, so go back and entertain the princess!"

"Okay, auntie, go slowly!" Gao Taotao looked at Cao's distant back and couldn't help but shake his head gently.

Cao really didn't want to stay here, and the so-called sacrificial celebrations always seemed so unreal to him.

Emperor Renzong was in the Taimiao, and he should have had an heir to the emperor to worship, but unfortunately he had no biological son, so he could only succeed Zhao Shu of Song Yingzong and the current emperor Zhao Ji to complete the obligation. But Pu Wang Yunrang is also enshrined in the Taimiao, who is the sacrifice for?

Damn Pu Yi, as soon as he thought of this, Cao's stomach was furious.

When he was drunk, he took away the seal and used it on the edict, Zhao Zongshi, you are so despicable!

thought that he had been raised for many years, personally made her the princess of the prince, and pushed her to the throne of the queen, Gao Tao did not say how grateful he was to himself, at least he should be more filial to himself.

But since Zhao Zongshi ascended the throne, everything has changed, and this niece has become more and more indifferent to herself, and more and more disobedient. In her, what is seen is always hypocritical. So she is very uncomfortable staying here, think about it carefully, now the emperor is his son, and she is the queen mother of the world.

As for herself, although she has the name of the Queen Mother, what is the actual one? In the end, it is not the children and grandchildren of the in-laws, but I am afraid that the mother and son of others already feel that it is a bit of an eyesore. Cao's heart became more and more sad. Let's go, get out of here, and let my niece be the protagonist here!

Cao returned to his Qingshou Palace and found that his younger brother Cao Tong was already here. This old uncle Taiguo understands his sister's state of mind very well, and now on this kind of happy occasion, my sister's heart is more sad. As a younger brother, he naturally has to take more care of his sister, at least to accompany her and comfort her!

"Sister!"

"It's rare that you're free here!" When Cao saw his relatives, he was still in a much better mood.

Cao Tong said with a smile: "The pilgrimage of the Daqing Hall is over, and the official family went to the Taimiao Temple to worship, just in time, to congratulate my sister on the New Year's Day!" ”

Speaking of the temple and the sacrifice, Cao's face suddenly became a little unnatural, and then said: "What is there to congratulate, I will be one year old in a year, but maybe it is a good thing for me, a lonely old lady, if I die early, I will really be a hundred, peace of mind!" ”

"Sister, why bother?" Cao Tong immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing!

Cao Shi shook his head and said, "It's okay, I'm a hard-working person after all, it's just a pity for the first emperor...... It's a pity that those children died young, but it's a pity that God doesn't have mercy, if you leave one...... My life is always much better! ”

"Sister, God still has a lot of mercy, after all, there is still a ......" Seeing this, Cao Tong brought up the old matter again.

"But where are the people? It's just a sentence, the world is so big, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack......" Cao Shi sighed and said: "It's already happened, why bother, let's not talk about whether you can find it, even if you find it, what can you do?" ”

Cao Tong whispered: "Didn't my sister think about ......?"

"What do you think?" Cao Shi sighed and said: "I thought about it a few years ago, but now, everything is too late, I am no longer the queen mother who holds the big seal in her hand and can be abolished, she is just a lonely old lady!" ”

"Sister...... Cao's words came to his lips and did not continue.

Cao shook his head and said: "Don't think about this, the official said that the inheritance and stability of the Great Song Dynasty is the most important thing, otherwise it would not have been ...... back then I don't want to go against the wishes of his great officials! ”

"Okay!" Cao Tong saw that his sister was unmoved, so he didn't want to say anything more.

Cao Shi said leisurely: "I do this for the good of their mother and son, since it can't be changed, let them live a peaceful life, and it can be regarded as leaving some blood!" Even if I find it, I may be able to protect him for a day, but after a hundred years, who will protect him? What's more, after so many years of living in the people, who knows what that child looks like? If his appearance is used by people with intentions, it will leave a bane for the Great Song Dynasty.

Tell Tie Mian to give him up, he is already loyal, he is the most loyal courtier in the life of the great official, and I also hope that he will obey the last order of the great official. ”

"Sister, I'm afraid this is a little difficult to ......" Cao Tong knew the person's surname, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Cao shook his head and said: "You just tell him, and you will have less contact with him in the future, I am already old, and I don't know when I will leave." When the time comes, who will protect the Cao family? "The old lady is old, but she is not confused at all, and she can be described as far-sighted.

"Besides, if the news leaks out, I'm afraid that someone will look for and hunt down the child all over the world. It's not easy to escape death, so why let him be wronged again? ”

"That's what my sister said!" Cao Tong nodded lightly, he also thought of some serious problems, after all, he is old, it seems that he will not be involved in some things in the future.

But just let it go, and there is always some reluctance in my heart. Cao Tong pondered for a moment and asked, "Sister, ask you a question?" ”

"What do you want to ask?" Mrs. Cao is shrewd? I know that the question asked by my brother is definitely not ordinary!

Cao Tong muttered: "If that person has good qualifications, and there are opportunities in reality, will you support ......?" ”

"There is no such possibility!"

"But what if?"

Cao said: "Focus on the ...... of Jiangshan Sheji" but was silent for a long time, and then said softly: "If you can, maybe go back!" ”

Cao Tong nodded and said: "With my sister's words, Tie Mian is not busy in vain, at least I can be gratified!" ”

"You can't tell him this, let him let him go, I've wronged him enough over the years, the official is sorry for him, I don't want to continue to be sorry for him!" Cao's emotions were slightly excited, and he was talking with his younger brother, and those high-sounding noble claims should be rejected by him. Maybe only then will she feel at ease and be her true self!

Cao Tong said: "I will convey the ......"

"Well, let's go back, celebrate the New Year with my children and grandchildren, and bring back my reward, I'm tired, I want to be quiet for a while!" Cao Shi waved his hand, looking very tired.

"Yes!" Cao Tong said goodbye and left, his deep eyes rolling slightly, and he didn't know what he was thinking.

When no one was around, Cao gently leaned on the couch, his face was full of bitterness and exhaustion, and his eyes looked at the roof leisurely, not knowing what he was thinking...... Who would have thought that on the first day of the New Year, the most noble person in the Great Song Dynasty did not have a trace of happiness at all...... Although ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chinese New Year's Eve is happy, the premise is reunion, otherwise what happiness is there?

Outside Yingtianfu, in the meditation nunnery, although it was cold and cold, the Jinghe monks didn't seem to care. A man stood in the empty courtyard, staring blankly at the sky.

There was no smile on the face of the Jinghe monk, and Chinese New Year's Eve was the happiest time for ordinary people, and even the masters of the Green Lantern Ancient Buddha in the nunnery would have a smile on their faces. But she was an exception, and she had never seen a sincere smile in almost twenty years...... Chinese New Year's Eve, the moment of reunion, for her there is only missing, aimless missing! There is only one object of longing in my heart, but I don't know what it looks like, or even whether I am alive or dead. But there is still such a thought, otherwise he doesn't know if he can support it...... The stars were shining in the sky, and Jinghe lay people watched and couldn't help but burst into tears. Seeing this scene, the passing master of the nunnery couldn't help but shake his head slightly, sure enough, after all, there were too many earthly concerns, leaving only a light sigh, and turned to leave!

Jinghe lay people didn't hear it, and still stood dumbfounded like that, silent, and it was very sad to see in his eyes!

At that moment, a shadow flashed across the wall, and then a figure appeared behind him.

Jinghe didn't look back, but said softly, "You're here?" ”

Under the faint starlight, the mask on the face of the person behind him reflected a faint light!

(To be continued)