Mu Yan was so anxious that he lowered his body, sped up the speed of his horse, and left Luofeng far behind.

On weekdays, Mu Yan went directly to Cen Mansion, but it was the first time to go to Dongchang at this time, and he was stopped at the door.

"I want to see your overseer." Mu Yan said directly to the Dongchang Fanzi who was guarding the door.

Of course, the people of Dongchang know Mu Yan, but for them, Dongchang is independent of the court, and their master is only Cen Yin, and the regent is not worth mentioning at all.

This is true even if the so-called regent is allied with the Doge.

"The villain will report it." After a Dongchang fan threw down this sentence lukewarmly, he left Mu Yan to wait outside the door and ran to report.

It wasn't until Dongchang Fanzi, who went to Tongyu, came back to invite Mu Yan to come in, that Luofeng arrived belatedly.

"Regent, please."

Mu Yan was soon led to Cen Yin's study by a Dongchang fanzi.

The little scorpion withdrew in amusement.

Mu Yan was anxious, and said straight to the point: "Big brother, I just received news that the people from Taichuzhai were ambushed, and Xiao Tian's whereabouts are unknown. ”

Cen Yin knew that Mu Yan had always cared about Xiao Tian very much, his eyebrows moved slightly, and he shouted: "Little scorpion." ”

The little scorpion who was guarding outside the study immediately came in again.

"Let's see if there are any flying pigeons from Jinju." Cen Yin commanded.

The little scorpion took the order, and after a while he returned, presenting a small bamboo tube, "Overseer, I just received the flying pigeon message a quarter of an hour ago. ”

Cen Yin opened the small bamboo tube, took out the silk paper folded into slender strips, unfolded it quickly, read it at a glance, and then handed it to Mu Yan.

The flying pigeon biography that Mu Yan received here talked about the situation in Jinzhou, while the biography that Cen Yin just received was more about Xiao Tian.

Recently, there was a group of bandits in the sphere of influence of Taichuzhai in Jindong, cold-blooded and ferocious, burned and killed and plundered the land to do a few big votes, alarmed Taichuzhai, Xiao Tian took people to suppress the bandits, who wanted to be ambushed by the people of Jinjiazhai in the valley of Wanqi, Jinjiazhai people are many and powerful, and occupy the geographical advantage, Xiao Tian brought the hundred people killed and injured most of them, the injured Xiao Tian fell into the river, the river water kicked urgently, the person disappeared at once, Xiao Tian's whereabouts are unknown.

The people of Tai Chu Zhai and Cen Yin are now looking for Xiao Tian's whereabouts.

Mu Yan pinched the silk paper tightly, his face became more and more solemn, and his face sank like water.

He closed his eyes, raised his eyes to look at Cen Yin, and said decisively: "Big brother, I plan to go to Jinzhou, and the affairs of the capital can only be taken care of by Brother Lao." ”

"......" Cen Yin raised his right eyebrow slightly, unable to hide his surprise.

He knew that Mu Yan was very concerned about Xiao Tian, but he didn't expect to care about it to this point.

This is obviously unusual.

Mu Yan could naturally see Cen Yin's doubts and surprises, so he said bluntly: "Big brother, I suspect that this Xiao Tian may be Chu Tingshu, the grandson of Xuanguo Gong who was lost in his early years. ”

Regarding Chu Tingshu's matter, Mu Yan didn't dare to say much before there was definite evidence, he was afraid that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment, so he only told Old Lady Chu that he might have a little clue about Chu Tingshu......

Cen Yin was stunned, and also remembered that Xuan Guogong did have a grandson missing, "Is it the child in the Chu family's room?" ”

Mu Yan nodded calmly.

"......" Cen Yin glanced at Mu Yan with a slight surprise.

It stands to reason that when the grandson of the Chu family was lost, Mu Yan was not yet ten years old, and he was very old, so it stands to reason that he would not have too much impression of Chu Tingshu, why would he suspect that Xiao Tian was Chu Tingshu!

Although there were a lot of questions in his heart, since Mu Yan said so, Cen Yin didn't ask much, but said: "Ah Yan, you bring more people, there is still a lot of chaos in Jinzhou." ”

"Big brother, I know it in my heart." Mu Yan responded.

Mu Yan did not delay, he stayed in Dongchang for less than a quarter of an hour before leaving, and in the afternoon he set off for Jinju with the elite of the 300 Fire Gun Team he had brought back from the south.

He only told Duanmu Fei, besides, no one knew, and it wasn't until the next morning that the courtiers knew about it, and they were all dumbfounded.

Although the civil strife in Jinju has not subsided, Wu Yanping and Zhang Wenche are in Jinzhou, and the situation in Jinzhou is gradually improving.

The ministers discussed it privately, but they couldn't figure it out, and they always felt that Mu Yan, the regent's mind, was really difficult to figure out.

So, someone asked him to inquire about the news when Duanmu Xian was resting, wave after wave.

ushered in the send-off, so busy that Duanmu Xian didn't rest all afternoon, but the people who came to visit were his colleagues in the court for many years, and he couldn't avoid it, so he could only continue to pretend to be unfathomable, and use false and real words to send those who came to listen to the news.

After sending away another group of people, as soon as Duanmu Xian entered the study, he couldn't help but complain a few words to Duanmu Fei and Duanmu Heng:

"Four girls, these people are still endless, why are they staring at me!"

"I'm not the roundworm in Mu Yan's stomach, how do I know what nerves he has!"

"He is now the regent, and there are so many government affairs to be dealt with in the court, he actually doesn't say hello, just leave!"

“……”

Duanmu Fei just pursed his lips and smiled, delicate and naïve.

Mu Yan went to Jinzhou on a temporary basis, but he went suddenly, and he only hurriedly came over and told her that he was going to leave Beijing for a few days.

He didn't say much, and she didn't ask much, just told him to be careful all the way.

Duanmu Xian felt still angry, and muttered a few more words: "This kid is still too young, impetuous, how can a person say that it is wind or rain like him, he still has to go through a few more years." ”

Mu Yan, a stinky boy, did something that had to affect him, so that he couldn't say a few words to his grandchildren.

Duanmu Fei saw that Duanmu Xian was rarely resting and was not at peace, and he was very sympathetic, so he obediently poured a cup of flower tea for Duanmu Xian, and handed him a plate of cut watermelon fruit pots.

Duanmuxian felt that it was quite useful, ate two pieces of melon, calmed down a little, looked at Duanmu Heng on the other side, and changed his words: "Ah Heng, I received a reply from Li Shanchang of Donglin Academy two days ago," After returning to Beijing from his hometown, Duanmuxian sent a letter to Li Shanchang of Donglin Academy, saying that he would send several grandchildren to study in the academy.

"You still have to work this matter, you go to a few uncles' houses and tell them about my plans."

"You see when you ask for two days off from Guozijian, you personally go to Donglin Academy and send your younger brothers over."

After a pause, Duanmu Xian seemed to hesitate a little, "If they want to die or live, they really don't want to, forget about this matter." ”

Since the family has been separated, there must always be a family separation.

Duanmuxian had the intention of raising a few grandchildren, so he planned to bring a few young grandsons to Fuzhong to be enlightened, and send the older ones to Donglin Academy to study.

In fact, anyone with a discerning eye can see that Duanmuxian's suggestion must be better for the child, but everything is about your affection and my willingness, if the sons and daughters-in-law are really stupid and refuse to agree, Duanmuxian doesn't want to be reluctant, so as not to make it ugly again.

"Yes, grandfather." Duanmu Heng replied solemnly.

Duanmu Fei cast a sympathetic look at Duanmu Heng, and said in his heart: Those who can work harder.

The eldest brother is the eldest son of the grandchildren, and he can only take on this heavy responsibility.

It's better to be yourself, as long as you eat and sleep every day, sleep and play...... No, she still wants to be a female celebrity!

Duanmu Fei accidentally flew out of the sky, until Duanmu Heng reminded: "Zhen Zhen, aren't you going to go out with Her Royal Highness Princess Anping today?" ”

Duanmu Fei came back to his senses at this time, glanced at the pot leak, and found that the time was almost up, so he hurriedly got up, "Grandfather, big brother, then I'll go first." ”

Duanmuheng reminded at the right time, before Duanmufei walked to the Yimen, he met the mother-in-law who came to the ceremony, saying that Anping had arrived.

When Duanmu Fei arrived at Yimen, Anping's Zhulun had just stopped, and An Ping stretched out his hand from the window on one side and beckoned to her, "Sister Scarlet." ”

Originally, Mu Yan should have accompanied Anping and Duanmufei to visit Xu's house today, but because Mu Yan left Beijing temporarily, there was one less person, and only Anping and Duanmufei were left.

After Duanmu got out of the car, the Zhulun car drove out of the corner gate of Duanmu Mansion and headed towards Liuye Lane in the west of the city.

Anping's gorgeous face was radiant, and he took Duanmu Fei's little hand and said, "Sister Fei, this palace and Wuchen went to Jingning Temple to worship the Buddha not long ago, and it is clean, not only the peace charm is effective, the scenery is good, and it ......."

An Ping deliberately paused for a moment.

Duanmu's eyes were shining, and he said: "Moreover, the mountain spring water there is particularly famous!" ”

An Ping couldn't help but let out a bright and hearty laugh, and said, "Or do you know the heart of the palace, do you know what Ah Yan said?" ”

An Ping cleared his throat and said in Mu Yan's tone: "Isn't it just water?" The well water at home is not bad either! ”

This is indeed what Ah Yan would say. Duanmu pursed his lips and smiled, his eyebrows and cherry lips bent into crescent moons.

An Ping sighed, "Sister Scarlet, those flower teas you gave to Ah Yan before were just cow chewing peonies, and they were wasted!" ”

"Your Highness is right." Duanmu nodded matter-of-factly.

An Ping smiled even more happily, "Sister Scarlet, this palace has brought you a few jars of spring water, and after you come out of the Xu family in a while, you will go home with this palace to get it." ”

Duanmu Fei nodded kindly and asked, "Is Jingning Temple fun?" ”

"It's good to go for a walk. There are mountains and rivers, after leaving Beijing, you can travel the waterway from Yanping Station, sit on the painting boat to swim in the lake, and enjoy the scenery. An Ping smiled, his phoenix eyes bright, "Next time, let Ah Yan take you to play." ”

Anping's eyes were as bright as if they were reflecting the stars in the sky, and they were filled with undoubted joy.

The eldest princess of Anping really looks like Ah Yan! Duanmu Fei let out a heartfelt sigh in his heart.

Three women in one play, two women are not far behind, the two of them talked all the way, and the carriage was never quiet, until they arrived at Xu's house in Liuye Lane.

Xu Mingzhen and Mrs. Xu personally came to Yimen to welcome Anping.

After everyone greeted each other, Xu Mingzhen and his wife welcomed An Ping and Duanmu Fei to the main hall and sat down.

When she came to the Xu Mansion again, Duanmu Fei keenly felt that the middle and lower parts of the mansion were a lot more stable, unlike when she came again, the people were a little restrained, so that the atmosphere was faintly filled with a little unstable atmosphere.

Unlike now, these people walk in the wind one by one and feel confident.

Duanmu Fei glanced at the second elder in front of him, and knew in his heart, the second elder was determined, and the middle and lower parts of this house were naturally determined.

At this time, Xu Mingzhen said with a smile: "Your Royal Highness the eldest princess, I should have asked my second brother to come to see His Royal Highness, but he just received an errand and went to report to the Ministry of Rites this morning." ”

"It doesn't matter. The days are still long. An Ping said with a smile, his demeanor was gentle, and he said jokingly, "Ah Yan's kid is not yet, he originally promised to accompany the palace to come over, but he casually sent someone back to the house to carry a message, and ran away!" ”

Speaking of the person that the four of them cared about together, the faces of the four of them were dyed with joy that could not be missed.

Mama Liu said playfully on the side: "Young Master Cousin, that's a noble person. ”

In just a few words, the originally restrained atmosphere became lighter.

An Ping simply turned the topic around Mu Yan and said:

"Ah Yan, this kid has been like this since he was a child, and he has to do it when he thinks of it."

"I see him smiling on weekdays, but in fact, he is very stubborn, and the things he decides and likes will not change."

"When he was six years old, he suddenly said that he wanted to learn, just outside of his homework, he took time to practice in the morning and evening, and he blew his mouth to the blister, and he had to practice."

"For example, when he was nine years old, he had to go to the north to practice, and Bengong persuaded him a few times, but he was still stubborn. This palace can't ...... him."

“……”

Xu Mingzhen and his wife listened to it with relish, and Duanmu Fei also listened attentively, thinking back to Mu Yan's appearance when he was a child, he couldn't help but smile with his lips.

Mrs. Xu said with emotion: "Ah Yan, this child, has a temperament like his mother, and he is so stubborn. She seemed to think back to some of the past, and a few hazy ripples appeared in her eyes.

Speaking of the deceased Queen Xu, the atmosphere was inevitably a little sad.

Mrs. Xu felt that she had said the wrong thing, so she settled down and changed the topic with a smile: "Your Royal Highness the eldest princess, I still have something to ask for today." Our family has been away from Beijing for many years, and we don't know much about everything in Beijing, and we don't know which portals in Beijing are still quiet? ”

"I have a third granddaughter named Sister Yu, who just arrived this year, and I think I should let her go out and walk around more and make some friends."

Mrs. Xu said vaguely, but An Ping understood and knew that the other party wanted to ask who families in Beijing could get married. Mu Yan has just taken the position, and it would not be good if the Xu family happened to find someone who was working against Mu Yan.

Mrs. Xu's emphasis on the "quiet" gateway means that she and Xu Mingzhen don't want Miss Xu to marry, which is also a loving heart for her children and grandchildren.

"Mrs. Xu, this palace has remembered this matter, and I will send it to the palace when I go back to the palace." An Ping's eyes were dyed with a smile. The Xu family is very good, and after all these years of dormancy, they have not lost their hearts.

Xu Mingzhen and Mrs. Xu quickly exchanged glances, knowing that An Ping understood what they meant, and was relieved.

The Xu family has already produced a Xu Jingsi who is close to Puguo, and the second honest doesn't want his granddaughters to sacrifice for the family to marry, he just wants to find a good match for them and live a smooth life, this is a blessing.

Especially Sister Yu.

Mrs. Xu sighed in her heart.

She has always felt a little guilty about this granddaughter, her mother went early, and she was sick for a while at that time, and her granddaughter was taken to her grandfather's house, not raised by her own side, and was not taken back to her home until three years ago. In the past few years, I have been somewhat neglected to care about this granddaughter and treated this girl badly.

"Disturb Your Highness." Mrs. Xu politely owed to An Ping.

As they were talking, from a distance, they saw a man and a woman walking unhurriedly towards the main hall, it was Xu Dagongzi and Xu Sanyu.

The timing was just right.

The brother and sister entered the hall and respectfully saluted An Ping first, An Ping gave a meeting gift that had been prepared a long time ago, a set of pen, ink, paper and inkstone for Xu Dagongzi, and a string of eight treasures for Xu San.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The brother and sister saluted Ann again.

An Ping looked at the pair of brothers and sisters with an elegant temperament with a scrutinizing gaze, and casually asked Xu Dagongzi: "Where are you studying now?" ”

Xu Dagongzi glanced at Xu Mingzhen, and then replied in a proper manner: "Her Royal Highness the eldest princess, I am now studying with my grandfather at home." ”

Seeing that he had a clear gaze, An Ping felt that this child was acceptable, but his temperament was soft and not decisive enough.

An Ping smiled and said: "Your grandfather is from a good background, this kind of good thing, other people's turns can't take their turn." ”

While speaking, An Ping glanced at Miss Xu San quietly, seeing her rubbing her handkerchief uncertainly, frowning slightly, and not committal about this Miss Xu San for the time being.

Mrs. Xu smiled and said: "A few days ago, the old lady was still free, and he still had time to guide Brother Lun to study, and then he was busy, I am afraid that he will not be able to take care of Brother Lun, I am thinking about finding a academy." ”

Xu Mingzhen didn't deny it, obviously the same thing.

An Ping said again: "The best academy in the capital belongs to the Guozijian, and in addition, this palace heard that the Shandao Academy and the Wenjin Academy are also good. ”

With the identity of the Xu family, as long as the knowledge of the eldest prince Xu is similar, it is not difficult to enter the national prison, so An Ping only clicked to the end and did not say more.

Several people talked happily, and the juniors sat obediently on the sidelines, as qualified escorts.

After chatting a few words, Mrs. Xu's eyes suddenly looked at Duanmu Fei and Miss Xu San, and said with a smile: "It's also boring for you juniors to accompany us, Sister Yu'er, you might as well take Sister Scarlet around the house." ”

Mrs. Xu was also well-intentioned, thinking that when Duanmufei married Mu Yan, they were also a family, and they would often move around in the future, so Duanmufei should be more familiar with all parts of the house.

On the other hand, Mrs. Xu deliberately sent Duanmu Fei away, also to ask Anping how this marriage came about.

Although the second elder also guessed that the marriage between Mu Yan and Duanmufei might not simply be given by the emperor without authorization, and Duanmufei was not the same as the rumors they heard before, the little girl was well-behaved and cute, and talented, and the two elders liked it very much, but they still had to ask from An Ping's mouth in person, so that they could be completely relieved.

Anping couldn't guess what the second elder wanted to ask, he looked at Duanmu Fei with a smile, and said softly: "Sister Fei, you and Miss Xu San can go play by yourself, you don't have to accompany us here." ”

"Yes, Your Highness." Duanmu obediently responded.

The two girls stood up, and after saying goodbye to the elders, they withdrew from the main hall.

The July weather is hot and the sun is scorching, but the courtyard is covered with trees and the dense canopy of trees blocks the scorching sun, making it as comfortable as spring.

"Fourth girl Duanmu, please come here." Miss Xu smiled softly and softly, and led Duanmu Fei, "I'll take the girl to the garden." ”

Duanmu Fei was also polite, "I'm tired of the girl." ”

The two walked out of the courtyard and strolled along the tree-lined paths.

Miss Xu San said as she walked: "In the past ten years, we have been in our hometown, this house has been deserted, only guarded by old servants, and it has not been repaired for many years. This time I returned to Beijing in a hurry, and I only cleaned up roughly, which made the four girls of Duanmu smile. ”

The Xu family has just moved back, and there are not many people, and it is only four or five days since Duanmu came to the house, and there are still many places that have not been cleaned up.

However, the Xu family also used to be a wang family, in the period of the first emperor and the Chongming Emperor, are very favored, the pattern of this house is magnificent and elegant, the small bridges and flowing water, pavilions and pavilions, carved galleries and paintings, mountains and stones, flowers and trees, etc., are all carefully designed, scattered.

With a few minor repairs, the house can be restored to its former glory.

"Where, this house is very elegant." Duanmu smiled lightly.

Miss Xu San didn't say anything with a smile, and only regarded Duanmu Fei as polite.

While speaking, the two walked through a verandah, and in front of them was a crape myrtle forest, and at the end of the crape myrtle forest was a garden.

This time is the crape myrtle flowering period, the crape myrtle flowers on both sides of the bluestone slab path are in full bloom, and the purple, rose, red, and dark pink crape myrtle flowers are blooming all over the branches, delicate and gorgeous.

As soon as the wind blew, countless petals fell like rain.

Miss Xu raised her hand casually, and a purple petal fell on her palm, and the petals the size of her fingernails were so tender.

"Flowers fall and bloom from time to time, always thanks to the monarch of the East." Miss Xu San showed a little emotion on her face and sighed, "I haven't been back to Beijing for many years, and almost all of my old friends in Beijing have married far away, and I don't know if there will be a chance to meet again in this life." ”

Duanmu Fei casually dusted off the falling flowers that fell on his shoulders and said, "It turns out that Miss Xu San has also been to the capital before, but I have never seen a girl before." ”

"It's also normal. Seven or eight years ago, my uncle went to Qinzhou to take up my post, and I left Beijing with my grandmother and my uncle's family to go to Qinzhou. Miss Xu San said with a smile, "Three years ago, because I was old, I went back to Xu's house. ”

Duanmu Fei heard the meaning of the other party's words, it seems that this Xu San girl grew up in her maternal grandfather's house, because when she reached the age of talking about marriage, her grandfather's family was not good at deciding her family affairs, so she returned to the Xu family.

"Qinzhou was once the ancient capital of several dynasties, and there are many ruins of the ancient capital, and I want to go there when I have the opportunity." Duanmu Scarlet Road.

Miss Xu San smiled lightly.

The two quickly walked through the crape myrtle forest and into the garden.

Miss Xu San raised her hand and pointed to the front right, and said, "Fourth girl Duanmu, how about we go and sit in the flower hall?" There's a pond over there, just right to enjoy the lotus and feed the fish? ”

Duanmu Fei nodded and praised casually: "This pond of lotus flowers blooms so well." ”

The two walked across a small arched stone bridge, and then entered the small flower hall, where the mothers-in-law of the Xu Mansion placed ice basins in the four corners of the hall, and the maids gave the two girls refreshments and fish food.

The elegant lotus fragrance blew into the small flower hall with the wind, and Duanmu squinted intoxicatedly.

Miss Xu took a sip of tea, and then said regretfully: "It's a pity." If only I stayed in Beijing for a few more years and met the fourth girl of Duanmu early, then when the girl got engaged to Cousin Yan, I could still come to congratulate her. ”

Duanmu Fei said casually: "It's not too late." ”

Miss Xu's eyes flashed, the corners of her lips rose higher, and her gentle face became more vivid, "Miss Duanmu is right, it's not too late." ”

As she spoke, she changed her words, looked at Duanmu Fei curiously and asked, "Fourth Miss Duanmu, how did you and Cousin Yan meet?" I heard that the emperor decreed that it was given to you to marry, and I was a little worried at that time, hey, the girl also knows, Cousin Yan ......"

Miss Xu San bit her lower lip slightly, her eyes were shining, and she looked like she wanted to speak and stopped.

Duanmu's smile on his face became even thicker, as if he didn't understand.

This Xu San girl is interesting, it seems that she has long known Mu Yan's life experience, but she doesn't explain it half-concealed, Xu wants to set her own words, right?

If this Xu San girl is calmer and direct, Duanmufei may not necessarily not answer, but the other party is so twisted and turned, Duanmufei is too lazy to get used to her.

Duanmu said with a smile: "It's the emperor's marriage." ”

Miss Xu San looked at Duanmufei expectantly, expecting her to continue, but Duanmufei had already picked up the teacup and started drinking tea.

The smile on Miss Xu San's lips froze for a moment, and she was really not sure whether Duanmu Fei really didn't understand what she meant, or if she was pretending.

------Off topic------

Good morning!