"Geng Hai's daughter?"

Feng Yan raised his head from the teacup, raised his right eyebrow, and asked casually.

An Ping said "um", his tone was full of undisguised disdain and disgust, and he said slowly: "The Geng family prides itself on being loyal, but in fact they are just a group of utilitarian people!" Her voice grew cold, chilling to the bone, "If it weren't for Geng Hai's betrayal back then, how could the imperial brother have died so miserably!" ”

An Ping's emotions were a little excited, his shoulders trembled slightly, and his eyes became deep and gloomy little by little, raging like a storm passing through.

The Geng family of the Weiguo Mansion has won the trust of the emperors of the Dasheng dynasties for generations, and holds the power of the five armies and the power of the world's soldiers and horses.

Geng Hai and Xue Qiyuan, the king of Zhenbei, were both companions of Emperor Chongming when he was the crown prince, and later Emperor Chongming succeeded to the throne, treating the two of them like cronies and brothers, and they valued them very much, but Geng Hai betrayed Emperor Chongming and secretly took refuge in Jinshang. Back then, if Geng Hai hadn't defected, why would Emperor Chongming have lost everything!

Feng Yan half-lowered his head, a cold sharp light flashed in his dark phoenix eyes, and the teacup in his hand stopped in mid-air.

"Rumble ......"

Suddenly, there was a muffled thunder outside, incessantly, like the rumbling sound of horses' hooves pressing towards this side.

An Ping raised his eyes and looked out the window, his red lips pursed, and his eyes were cold and full of murderous intent.

I don't know when, in the sky outside, dark clouds condensed, covering the afterglow of the sunset layer upon layer, the sky was dark and gloomy, and the air was heavy, and the wind and rain were coming.

There were a few palace lamps lit in the room, which shone brightly and brightly like day.

Darkness and light are distinct.

In the blink of an eye, it has been almost fifteen years, and the scenes that happened back then clearly appeared in front of An Ping's eyes, as if they were yesterday.

It was also a cloudy night, and Jinshang, who was still the king of Ning at that time, led tens of thousands of soldiers from the Xishan battalion to the capital, and surrounded the palace with lightning speed.

Geng Hai, the Duke of Weiguo, who was supposed to be rescued by King Qin, turned against him, so that the imperial brother was cornered and could only kill himself with a knife, and she was pot-bellied and about to give birth, so she couldn't do anything at all.

In just one night, the day changed!

After that, Geng Hai, who held a heavy army, slaughtered all the courtiers who refused to surrender at that time, and supported the throne with blood and blades.

She still clearly remembers that day, Geng Hai led the troops to seal the princess's mansion, rammed into her couch, looked at her condescendingly, and said that he would spare her life! Without the favor of Emperor Xian and Emperor Chongming, she is nothing!

Thinking of the past, Anping's eyes were hot for a while, and the faces of the old people flashed quickly in front of him.

Everybody went......

Looking up at the gloomy sky outside the house, An Ping closed his eyes as if in remembrance, and when he opened his eyes again, his pupils were deep and quiet.

She regained her composure, and said in an icy voice: "Ah Yan, the Geng family sent Geng Tinglian into the palace this time, ostensibly to be a companion to Wuyang, but why should the daughter of the Geng family be a princess companion to coax her identity...... Geng Hai is scheming, and he can't afford to be early, who knows what he is planning in secret! ”

At this time, the sky suddenly split a huge lightning bolt as if it was torn, illuminating the courtyard for a moment, and also coating the sealing flame by the window with a faint white light, his delicate skin was as moist as jade, and the narrow inky black phoenix eyes were like a bottomless abyss, glowing with a deep cold light.

"Mother," Feng Yan said slowly while putting down the pastel enamel teacup in his hand, "The horse that the fourth girl of Duanmu rode out of the palace this morning was tampered with......

Thinking that his son was in a good mood when he came back, Anping knew that Duanmu Fei must be fine, but his face still couldn't hide the shock, and his eyes suddenly withdrew from the window and looked at Feng Yan nervously.

Then, Feng Yan told him how Duanmu Fei almost fell off the horse on the shore of Cuiwei Lake this morning, his eyes and tone were as cold as a sword, "Mother, this timing is too coincidental...... Could it be Geng Tinglian or the Geng family's hands? ”

Feng Yan's thin lips tightened into a straight line, and his hand subconsciously clenched the teacup, almost crushing it, and his thoughts were racing.

Obviously, the Geng family chose this time to send Geng Tinglian into the palace in order to learn from the dragon's merits.

On the surface, the Geng family is now using this to surrender to the queen and the four princes, but the Geng family has always been eager for quick success, and no one knows what they think in their hearts.

Duanmu Fei is the girl of the Duanmu family, and she has nothing to do with taking the heir, but she is very close to the eldest princess, the fourth princess, and even the queen and the concubine......

Feng Yan's eyes were treacherous, and after a moment of silence, he said slowly: "Mother, I will ask someone to check it out to see if it is Geng Tinglian......

"Who else but the Geng family!" An Ping interrupted Feng Yan in a cold voice, and frowned in disgust, "The Geng family has always done things to achieve their goals, unscrupulous means, and they are used to doing things that are two-faced and sow discord in secret......"

Anyway, whether it was the Geng family or not, they would not let the Geng family go!

Another "boom" thunder exploded from a distance, and then the bean-sized raindrops "boomed" down, "crackling" on the corrugated and ground, and instantly wet the ground, however, the air around was still a little dull.

An Ping looked at the curtain-like rain outside the window, hooked his lips with a smile, and sneered: "Our emperor has not established a prince for a long time, and those people's hearts have begun to float......"

"Since the defense of the country has moved, it is an opportunity for us." Feng Yan also smiled, squinted his eyes, his eyes slowly condensed into a sharp mang, stood up and said, "Mother, then I'll go to Wuchen to discuss." ”

An Ping responded with a smile and waved his hand to let him go.

After Feng Yan arched his hand at An Ping, he hurriedly opened the curtain and went out.

After Feng Yan left, Anping was the only one left in the house, silently, only the roaring rain became louder and louder.

An Ping looked at the door curtain that shook suddenly, the smile on the corner of his mouth disappeared, and his bright face instantly became cold.

Obviously, she didn't say anything, didn't do anything, and there was a strong killing intent on her body, which made people shudder.

The rain continued to fall, as if there was no end to it.

I don't know how long it took, An Ping, who had been sitting quietly for a long time, finally moved, elegantly picked up the teacup and put it to his lips, covered his eyes slightly, and the emotions in his eyes gradually stabilized......

Some accounts have to be settled!

At this moment, the originally calm door curtain was raised from the outside again, and a girl in Tsing Yi walked in unhurriedly, and presented a post respectfully, saying: "Your Highness, the Weiguo Mansion has just sent a post." ”

An Ping took the post with his hand, opened it and glanced at it casually, and his eyes fell on the payment below the post-

Duchess of Weiguo.

The maid in Tsing Yi stood aside and looked at An Ping quietly, waiting for her response.

An Ping's long and thick eyelashes hung down, and his eyelashes trembled slightly, covering the depth of his eyes.

There was silence all around, and the air in the room became heavy.

An Ping closed the post with a "snap", casually threw it on the desk on the side, and said lightly: "Reply to the Weiguo Mansion for the palace, the palace will go." ”

"Yes, Your Highness." The girl in Tsing Yi retreated with bated breath, walking quietly.

"Rumble ......"

In the distance, there was another thunder in the sky, and the thunder continued one after another, and the rain became louder and louder, and it continued all night......

Not only the Anping Princess's Mansion received the post from the Duchess of Weiguo, but also the famous nobles and high-ranking families in the entire capital have received the posts from the Duke of Weiguo Mansion one after another.

These posts flew like snowflakes like pebbles falling into the otherwise calm lake, causing ripples in the capital.

Since the establishment of the Dasheng Dynasty, the Weiguo Mansion has been deeply favored by the emperor and has been standing.

After Emperor Taizu established the country and ascended the throne, he was rewarded for his meritorious deeds, and he was crowned as the founding father of the first generation of the country, and he deserved to enjoy the Taimiao. For more than 100 years, the Holy Family of the Patriotic Mansion has been in charge of the world's soldiers and horses.

Three years ago, the old Duchess passed away due to illness, Wei Guogong and his family returned to his hometown to keep filial piety for his mother for three years, and now the filial piety period has expired, and the family has returned to Beijing, so he posted a banquet in Beijing.

Duanmu's house is now the first auxiliary mansion, and the post of the Weiguo Mansion is naturally impossible to miss the Duanmu family, and the post was sent to Duanmujun in the morning, and in the evening of the same day, when Duanmuxian returned home, Duanmujun and Duanmufei sisters went to Duanmuxian's outer study together and presented the post to Duanmuxian.

It was dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun slouched through the window into the room, which was slightly dark.

Duanmuxian unfolded the big red gold post, read the post at a glance, casually beckoned the two sisters to sit down, and asked, "Sister Jun, four girls, do you know the Weiguo Mansion?" ”

"Grandfather, when I went to the study to take classes in the palace two days ago, I happened to hear Mrs. Zhang mention a ...... or two" Duanmu Fei casually said a sentence or two about Geng Fu and Geng Hai that Mrs. Zhang said, and then said casually, "Grandfather, the day before I went home, I happened to meet Miss Geng Wu from the Weiguo Mansion, and she had just entered the palace to be a companion to Her Royal Highness the Eldest Princess." ”

Duanmu Xian stroked his beard and nodded, and said with a straight face: "Sister Jun, four girls, the two of you have not been in the capital for a long time, and I am afraid that you are not familiar with the Weiguo Mansion." This Patriotic Mansion is very unusual among the ministers and nobles in Beijing, and although he has been away from Beijing for three years, he cannot be taken lightly......"

The first generation of Weiguo Gong Geng Fu and Emperor Taizu are righteous brothers, not only followed Emperor Taizu to raise troops, but also died on the battlefield because of saving Emperor Taizu, and the successive Weiguo Gong were the emperor's confidants and favorite ministers, so Wei Guogong was able to take charge of the Governor's Mansion of the Five Armies.

Now Geng Hai, the prince of the country, has supported Jinshang to ascend the throne, and he has made great contributions, and he has the merit of being a dragon, and he can be regarded as a confidant and important minister over the years. Especially after the first ascension to the throne, the court was empty, and there were many ministers in the court who were pulled up by Geng Hai.

Geng Hai's relationship in the court can be described as intertwined!

Duanmu Xian slowly said the powerful position of the Weiguo Mansion, and he deliberately bothered to say this to his two granddaughters, hoping that Duanmujun and the Weiguo Mansion would not be rude when they walked around, that is to say, this time the Weiguo Mansion made a post, and they Duanmu must go.

Duanmujun has always been smart and intelligent, and immediately understood what Duanmuxian meant, owed a debt, and responded.

Recently, Duanmu Xian has just been promoted to the first assistant, it can be said that he is proud of the spring breeze, and his mood is naturally good, looking at this pair of beautiful and clever sisters, he is more and more satisfied, and said with a gentle smile: "Sister Jun, I have already told Brother Heng that in two days, you and him will go to Huangjue Temple with him to bring your grandmother and your second aunt back." ”

"Yes, grandfather." Duanmujun's eyes flashed, and he immediately responded.

After that, Duanmu Xian casually sent Duanmu Jun, and only he and Duanmu Fei's ancestors and grandchildren were left in the house.

The sunset was lower, the sky was darker, and in the courtyard outside, red lanterns were hung one by one, but the house was a little darker, and the maid had already been sent out by Duanmuxian, and no one lit the lamp.

Duanmu Xian looked at the last touch of red in the sky outside the window, stroked his beard and said: "The first thing Wei Guogong did after returning to Beijing was to send his daughter to be a princess companion, and I don't know what the intention is......"

Duanmu Xian said something unclear, and Duanmu Fei knew that Duanmu Xian was worried that once Duke Wei leaned towards the queen, the situation of the eldest prince and Duanmu Guifei would become passive.

Duanmu Fei's eyes were half lowered, and his deep gaze fell on the red knot rope on his left wrist, rubbing his hand casually, and a flash of light flashed in his eyes.

There is a way, under the nest, there are no eggs! This has been the case since ancient times.

She knew that if she and Duanmu Jun lived well, the Duanmu family must not fall, and it has always been the easiest to punish the nine clans, not to mention that the eldest prince is the eldest son of the emperor, if he can't ascend the throne, the new monarch is afraid that it will be difficult to tolerate......

She had to think about how to keep the Duanmu family from this disaster.

Duanmu Fei groaned, raised his eyes to the deep and complex eyes of Duanmu Xian, and said with a smile: "Grandfather, don't worry, don't mess up with yourself first." Originally, cousin Xian's eldest son was already a thorn in everyone's side, and now it is actually a good thing that one more person comes out to distract him. ”

After a pause, Duanmu reminded Duanmu Xian meaningfully: "Grandfather, don't forget, the emperor and Beiyan still have an appointment in advance, and the crown prince will be the son of Emperor Yelu's concubine." ”

Although this agreement between the emperor and Beiyan is only Duanmufei's speculation, all Duanmufei's previous speculations about Beiyan have been verified one by one, with the emperor's current tolerance of Beiyan and his current favor to the imperial concubine, this agreement about the prince is nine times out of ten true.

Duanmu Xian contemplated with his eyes, and his right hand made a fist on the bookcase slightly, and looked at the big red gold post in his hand.

Duanmu Fei always smiled, and her delicate eyebrows and eyes were curved, like Xia Lotus blooming, which made people's hearts calm down when they looked at it.

She said unhurriedly: "Grandfather, according to my granddaughter's opinion, your top priority now is the reform of the 'salt introduction' system, you are the first assistant, and the new official has three fires, so you have to let the emperor and the Manchu Dynasty see that my grandfather is doing things for the country and the emperor with all his heart, and he is selfless." ”

"As for the rest, let's wait and see. The emperor is in full bloom, and the crown prince cannot be set in three or two days......"

Besides, if the emperor is the crown prince at this time, how can he explain to the people of Beiyan?!

After a pause, Duanmu Fei's smile became even bigger, and he added: "It's the same as grandfather competing for the position of the first assistant...... The emperor has been watching! ”

Duanmu Xian bowed his head slightly, only to feel that the haze in his heart disappeared with Duanmu Fei's words, and his eyes suddenly opened up, and his heart brightened.

He casually called "Someone is coming", and a blue-clothed maid came in and lit the two octagonal palace lamps in the room, and the originally gloomy atmosphere around them was instantly swept away.

Duanmu Xian slowly stroked his beard and smiled: "Four girls, grandfather has recently gotten some good things, do you want to pick and choose first?" Duanmu Xian's tone was full of jokes and teasing.

After Duanmu Xian became the first assistant, there was an endless stream of people who gave him gifts, and Duanmu Xian was not old-fashioned and inflexible, those gifts that were too valuable or ill-intentioned were withdrawn, and some gifts that were not light or heavy were accepted.

Duanmufei's eyes lit up when he heard this, like a cat smelling fish, and he nodded hurriedly.

The blue-clothed maid didn't need to ask Mu Xian to say anything, so she went directly to hold a few wooden boxes, these boxes were heavy, one box was a copybook, one box was a music score, and another box was a small jade seal, which was the best for carving seals.

Duanmuxian is not boasting, there are indeed a lot of good things in it, such as Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy, such as a few pieces of Tianhuang stone and bloodstone, Duanmufei was also polite to him, and he smoothed a few things, and it didn't take long for him to load a box.

When Duanmu Xian wanted to coax the little girl to pick a few more, the Western clock on the side suddenly began to tell the time, one or two...... It took six knocks before it stopped.

Duanmu Xian muttered, "It's all this time...... Four girls, your big brother is probably coming soon. Duanmu Xian reminded Duanmu Fei with a smile, his eyes narrowed with a smile, he looked very kind and kind, and his tone was a little doting.

Duanmu Fei subconsciously glanced at the Western clock, yes, this is more than half of the unitary time, and this time should also be the time for Duanmu Heng to come over and let Duanmu Xian teach his homework.

Thinking about it, Duanmu Fei was like a mouse seeing a cat, so she jumped up in shock, holding her wooden box and blessing Duanmu Xian, "Grandfather, then I will retire first." As she spoke, she also cast a grateful look at Duanmu Xian, thanking her grandfather for covering for her.

Duanmu Xian couldn't help but smile when he looked at her, waved his hand at her, and motioned for her to go.

Duanmu Fei slipped away with his skirt and pulled his legs, and disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving only Duanmu Xian's hearty laughter echoing in the room......

The weather in June is getting hotter and hotter day by day.

The lotus flowers in the pond are also blooming, the lotus leaves are swaying, and the lotus fragrance is overflowing, announcing the arrival of summer.

Duanmuxian knew that Duanmufei was afraid of cold and heat, and specially told Duanmujun to buy more ice this year, so since the beginning of June, the house has used ice early, Duanmufei has been obediently staying in the house every day to hide from the laziness and the sun, and the life is very comfortable, except for the occasional battle with Duanmu Heng to deal with his footcloth-like chatter.

Other than that, life is wonderful!

On June 13, Duanmujun went out early in the morning and went to Huangjue Temple with Duanmuheng.

Until noon, Bi Chan opened the curtain and entered the small study, and said to Duanmu: "Girl, Mrs. Tai's carriage has just arrived." ”

In the small study, because of the use of two ice basins, it is cold.

Duanmu Fei was standing behind the bookcase by the window to practice calligraphy, she happened to have just finished writing two pieces of paper, and after answering, she casually put the wolf's pen on the side of the fish-shaped white porcelain pen on the shelf.

Then, she straightened her dress, glanced at the ice basin with some reluctance, and took Bi Cicada out of Zhanqing Courtyard.

Compared to the inside of the house, the wind outside was like wafting out of a steamer, hot and hot.

Duanmu Scarlet's cute little face wrinkled, and he could only walk in the direction of Yimen with a bitter face.

Duanmujun's ceremony is almost here, and Duanmu Mansion can't do without elders to preside over her ceremony, so Duanmu Xian will order Duanmu Heng and Duanmu Jun to go to Huangjue Temple together to take the He family and Xiao He's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law back to the mansion.

When Duanmufei arrived at Yimen, there was already a commotion, crowded, and the ladies, sons, and girls in the other rooms were almost all there, and everyone was talking one after another, so it was not lively.

A black-painted flat-topped carriage slowly stopped outside the Yimen under the guidance of the porter's mother-in-law, followed by Duanmu Heng, who rode a horse, and a rough mother-in-law immediately placed a small pestle under the carriage.

Soon, the He family got out of the carriage with the support of the maid, followed by the little He family, and then Duanmujun.

I haven't seen him for half a year, He Shi wore a purple sauce-colored auspicious Ruyi dark pattern jacket, with a silk embroidered Luo skirt underneath, and a neat bun on his head, fixed with a jade hosta, looking dignified and plain, and vaguely revealing a noble atmosphere throughout his body.

Xiao He's is also dressed very elegantly, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law look thin, but they are in good spirits, they have been nurtured by Buddhism in Huangjue Temple for half a year, and their expressions seem to be a little more kind.

"I've seen my mother."

"I've seen my grandmother."

Everyone bent their knees to salute He's, and then greeted Xiao He's with him, the atmosphere was very harmonious, at first glance, a scene of family harmony.

After saying goodbye, everyone went to Yongxi Hall with the He family, and the main hall was packed.

After He pretended to take a sip of hot tea, he put down the teacup, looked at Duanmujun, and asked softly: "Sister Jun, how are you doing in the house in the past six months?" ”

He asked simply, Duanmujun knew that she was asking about the middle feed in the mansion, so he picked and said a few, such as because Duanmu Xian was promoted to the first assistant, there were more exchanges in the mansion, and some subordinates were bought; For example, Wufang added a concubine last month, added some examples, and so on.

He Shi listened casually while drinking tea, and casually praised "well done", and then changed the conversation and said: "Sister Jun, your ceremony is almost here, you have always been an idea, the guest, the praiser and the master, do you have a number in your heart?" Also, who would you like to invite at this ceremony? ”

He Shi's words sounded like he respected Duanmujun's own opinions, but in fact, all the female relatives knew that He wanted to be the shopkeeper, and these trivial matters in the girl's family and the ceremony were generally decided by the elders.

Duanmu's scarlet eyes flashed, his eyes half-lowered, staring at the corner of his skirt revealing a pair of shoe tips, and the peony on the upper was vividly embroidered.

The two sisters have only been back in Beijing for four years, in addition to the three years of filial piety, they have been walking in Beijing for more than a year, and most of the people they know are peers.

Smart as Duanmujun naturally understands, but he is neither humble nor arrogant, calmly and decently owes the debt, and responds: "Thank you grandmother for mentioning it, my granddaughter knows it." ”

Several female relatives exchanged glances with a smile, guessing in their hearts: Duanmujun didn't know if he really "counted", or if he wanted to save face. This is a major event that a woman only has once in her life, and once she is disrespectful, she will inevitably be despised in the future...... Duanmujun is too young after all, and he doesn't know how to bow his head when he should bow his head.

He nodded slightly at Duanmujun, and then stopped continuing the topic, looking at Duanmuheng, looking at Duanmuheng, his expression remained unchanged, but there was a touch of love in his eyes.

"Brother Heng, your grandfather sent someone to tell me, I know that your marriage did not work out...... But it's okay, you don't have to worry, your mother and I will pick a good one for you. He said softly.

Xiao He also nodded frequently on the side, feeling concerned. Although the Fu family looks pretty good, there are many better families in this capital than the Fu family, not to mention, this time is different from the past, Duanmu Xian is now the first assistant, and their Duanmu family is naturally rising, and now there are many daughters of high-ranking families who can let Duanmu Heng pick at will.

As for the people in the other rooms, they didn't know about it at all, so they couldn't help but look at each other on the ground, and said secretly: The old lady's mouth is really strict, when did this marriage start to talk about, and when did it blow again, it turned out to be silent.

"Thank you, grandmother." Duanmu Heng stood up and said to the He family seriously, "Grandfather said to his grandson that letting his grandson study well is the first priority, and there is no hurry to get married." ”

Seeing that Duanmu Heng's face was not red and his heart was not beating when he talked about marriage, and he looked down and generous, He and Xiao He felt a little embarrassed in their hearts, on the one hand, they were glad that this matter did not mess up Duanmu Heng's heart, and on the other hand, they sighed in their hearts that Duanmu Heng had not opened his mind at all.

After Duanmu Heng took off his robe and sat down again, He's eyes turned in another direction, looking at Duanmu Fei beside Duanmujun, and the corners of his mouth curled out a touch of disapproval.

"Sister Scarlet." He called out lightly.

Duanmu Fei was drinking tea, but she didn't expect He to suddenly point the finger at her, raised her head in surprise and looked at He, blinking her eyes wide, and obediently calling "grandmother".

Her little face is like a flower, not only beautiful, but also cute.

He slowly twisted the rosewood Buddha beads in his hand, his expression looked very kind, but he couldn't hide the coldness in his tone, and said, "Sister Scarlet, I have heard some things in Huangjue Temple recently...... You've been out and about a little too flamboyant! ”

This girl used to be a fool, but now she is strong at the tip, so she can't help but go too extreme!

He said in a reprimanding tone: "The Duanmu family is now deeply favored by the emperor, as a child of the Duanmu family, going out represents the face of the Duanmu family, you should be cautious in your words and deeds, follow the rules, and be generous and forbearing!" If you are so arrogant outside, it will only make people think that the girls of our Duanmu family are as ...... as you."

He Shi seemed to have suppressed it for a long time, chattering endlessly, and Duanmu Fei didn't speak, listening with empty eyes, letting his thoughts drift away. Well, the red bean cornmeal cake I ate this morning is really delicious, it smells fresh and fragrant, the food is sweet but not greasy, soft and sweet, and she eats her teeth and cheeks fragrant, and the aftertaste is endless.

Just let the cook cook it again tomorrow, and you can also eat it with warm goat milk.

Thinking about it, Duanmu Fei couldn't help but salivate, and his index finger moved.

Because it was none of their business, most of the people in this hall were absent-minded, so no one noticed that there was a slender and elegant figure outside the threshold of the main hall.

When the fourth lady Ren turned around to hold the teacup, she happened to notice it, and she was dumbfounded for a moment, and forgot to hold the tea for a while.

"I think the four girls are very good." Duanmu Xian outside the door said lightly.

The short eight words were like a dry thunder on the ground, and the surroundings were quiet, and the eyes in the hall followed the prestige.

Duanmu Xian, dressed in a stone blue straight jacket, lifted his robe and strode over the high threshold.

He didn't expect Duanmu Xian to put his face in front of the public like this, and his face suddenly stiffened slightly.

The hall was quieter, silent, except for the sound of Duanmuxian's footsteps.