In the evening, in the back garden of Qiao's house. Several young children from Qiao's Mansion gathered here, surrounding Qiao Dong, who looked helpless, on a stone table in the middle, as if discussing something interesting. The girls hid their mouths and chuckled, and the lads played around him. The nerd Qiao Xuebin also rarely came to chat with everyone, and he also brought Heyue.

Tomorrow morning, the young lady of the Mo family that the cardinal said a week ago will arrive in Blackwater City. Qiao Dong, who had never had the idea of falling in love before, realized that time was running out, so he couldn't help but panic. Qiao Yin, the second sister who was already married, took the initiative to give advice to him, and several people who were idle and had nothing to do also came to participate in the ridicule and jokes about Qiao Dong.

Two days ago, the sixth brother Qiao Mingyan returned home and reported some things to the busy Qiao Liangyan, and temporarily stayed at home for a while, and learned that the uncle was arranged. After all, he followed the fifth brother Qiao Zhenglang and the general Pei Baolong, and he had seen people in the world. So he enthusiastically came to the uncle to serve as a staff officer.

Qiao Dong, who was surrounded in the middle, looked helpless, and showed a wry smile from time to time.

And Qiao Xin, who had just suffered the pain of losing her father not long ago, also followed behind her sister, looking at her uncle, who was about to marry a wife, with a light smile. This made He Yue a little surprised. Because after the last Qiao Mansion family meeting, Aunt Qiao locked herself in the house and rarely saw people. And Qiao Xin lost her usual smile and optimism, and almost became silent. Now seeing the scene in front of him, in fact, the big guys are a little relieved in their hearts.

"Brother, that girl is really good-looking. You have to behave. Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince helps us to be the matchmaker, we can't let the outside world rumor that the Mo family has a good cabbage to make the pig arch. Qiao Mingyan sat next to him and quipped. He has long experienced military life and is the most straightforward. In addition to having a face that can provoke the girls to become nymphomaniac, it is true that there is nothing else worth mentioning.

Therefore, although Qiao Mingyan, who is similar to him, is joking on the surface, he is actually a little worried in his heart. But immediately was glared at by the second sister on the side, and she smiled and stopped talking.

"Qiao Dong, Mingyan is too straightforward. It's all a family, how can you say that?" Qiao Yin blamed. Qiao Dong said with a wry smile, "Alas, I have no fame and no status, why did you arrange for me? Is it because I am the youngest son of the old man? I am embarrassed to meet others tomorrow." ”

"Don't. Brother Qiao Dong, you look so handsome and chic, at least in terms of appearance, you are very compatible with others. The younger brother of the Qiao family, Qiao Zhenglin, the seventh son, said. Qiao Dong smiled bitterly and waved his hand. Qiao Yin continued, "What Brother Lin said is right. Appearance is innate, and it can't be changed the day after tomorrow. Everything else can continue to be learned and strived for. Tomorrow you must wear the best clothes to make a good impression on the girl. ”

Qiao Mingyan looked at Qiao Dong's expression, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Qiao Dong, don't be afraid that people will look down on our Qiao family and look down on you." I've been with the prince these days, and I know he's not going to make a fool of us. The things he decided were well thought out, and it was impossible to treat us badly. As long as you marry that Miss Mo, the prestige of our Qiao Mansion will spread. With such a good relationship with the crown prince, wouldn't there be many discerning families to show goodwill?"

Qiao Dong nodded, hesitated, and said with some concern, "I usually read too few books, and tomorrow I am afraid that I will not be able to hold back a decent word when I see others, and I will be looked down upon by others after all." Alas..."

Several people let out a burst of laughter. Qiao Xuebin looked at this uncle, who was ten years younger than himself, he was the most lively and cheerful on weekdays, and he didn't seem to have any troubles, even before the establishment of the mansion. But I don't have much interest in practicing martial arts or congregation.,It's a heartless optimist.。 He smiled and said, "When the book is used, you hate less, who makes you usually have a headache when you see poetry? While there is still one day, I will teach you a few words of cultured and flattering to other girls." ”

Qiao Dong smiled awkwardly, "Okay... Then, Brother Xuebin, wait, wait. By the way, I have a question for tomorrow that I would like to ask Miss Xiahe. ”

"Huh?" He Yue, who was standing quietly next to Qiao Xuebin, was stunned for a moment, then smiled and nodded. She didn't answer just now, just quietly watched the children of the Qiao family teasing Qiao Dong. Although she is already very familiar with Qiao Liangyan, Qiao Xuebin, Qiao Xin and others, she is still a distinguished guest from the Dutch Mansion after all. So he looked at them with amusement and said nothing.

"Miss He... Last time we went to the palace to participate in the autumn clothes exhibition, do you remember? Yes, I think the fur fur that Shang Gong invited you to touch is quite good-looking. Moreover, the material is very unique to them. I've been trying to get a set these days. I'd like to ask how the price is, how do you feel about it? It's a pity that I won't be able to wear it tomorrow to show people. ”

Qiao Dong looked at her expectantly. He Yue thought of the mink fur he had touched on the day of the banquet. She carefully recalled her feelings that day, said to Qiao Dong, and finally mentioned, "The main thing is that the material is really comfortable, and Wu Shanggong said that the leather has a very good fragrance retention ability." It's not expensive... It's just that at that time, I thought that the style they designed was more suitable for men, so I didn't buy it yet. ”

Qiao Dong nodded, and Qiao Xin on the side suddenly said, "Wu Shanggong hasn't left Blackwater City yet. Qiao Dong, if you like it, I can buy a set for you when I leave the house, and you can wear it tomorrow to meet the Mo family girl. ”

"Really, she hasn't left yet?" Qiao Dong suddenly became interested.

"Sister Wanyan and I ordered two sets of dresses at her side, and she said she would stay until next month. Qiao Xin said with a light smile.

"That's... Sister Qiao Xin, can you help me get the money, I will definitely give it to you soon. ”

Qiao Xin smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "When the fourth brother comes back, he must have helped you with this money." Your marriage is now a first-class event in our Qiao Mansion. ”

——————

Night. Dutch.

Deep in the back garden, the Red House. The bedrooms on the second floor are brightly lit.

With his head bowed, Ho Zhe walked alone in the garden. Pacing alone in the middle of the night, there was no entourage by his side, but he was going to the Red Mansion that he had never set foot in since he had fallen about three months ago.

It occurred to him that it had been three months since he last saw the people living in the Red Mansion. He had entered Blackwater City with his family that day, and in the last carriage guarded by many guards, he inadvertently saw the woman cast a desperate glance at him.

The Hefu was formerly the Qian Mansion of the former city lord Qian Hangfu, and this Red House is the only building that has been significantly altered.

has experienced the winds and waves in the court, and experienced the anxiety brought to him by Hekang. The only thing that can make He Zhe feel afraid to face it is only his wife, Mo Ying. Ever since He Zhe picked up the young and beautiful Shen Danhe, Mo Ying has completely suffered from madness. is also at this age, Mo Ying also has a pretty face. What's more, the life experience of the rival in love used to be a dusty woman, and she was the third lady of the Mo family in the capital, and her background was extremely prominent. Extreme jealousy destroyed her mind and led her to insolvable madness. This has become a pain that He Zhe can never erase in his heart, but he can't help himself, so he can only treat her in this way.

He Zhe walked in the garden, smelling the flowers, and recalled the most unbearable past. He didn't feel sorry for Mo Ying, but the root of everything did not come from him, but Mo Ying's own guilt. She was unable to have children.

And the two famous He clans in the capital, this one of Hezhe belongs to the emerging forces, which was inherited by his late father, Old Taiwei He. He Zhe's three brothers came from childhood, and they had open and secret fights with him. A few years ago, they each died young for various reasons. There are not many people in this lineage, and if it weren't for the support of another Wan An He clan, they would not even be able to continue to maintain their status. The significance of the heir to He Zhe, Mo Ying has been very clear since she got married. She also fantasized countless times about what the little cutie she gave birth to with He Zhe would look like. How......

Ask yourself, Ho Zhe has never blamed her for this. However, Mo Ying's self-blame completely dragged her into the abyss. Plus jealousy. In the last days, she caused too much chaos for He Zhe. He had no choice but to lock her up in the Red Mansion. The two Dutch mansions are like this, and He Zhe really has no other way.

Later, his father-in-law also knew more or less about some of his daughters. He showed great tolerance. For the sake of the reputation of the Hefu and the Mofu, he acquiesced to the Hezhe's approach. However, since then, he has never passed a letter with the Dutch government, and has not spoken a word to the Hezhe again. Naturally, I didn't care about my daughter again.

This is also what makes Ho Zhe wonder. Although he involuntarily made such a move, he knew that he was sorry for Mo Ying, and he did not complain about his father-in-law Mo Lingming. It's just that... It is impossible for him not to know that he is the city lord of Blackwater City, but this time he wants to marry his youngest daughter to the Qiao family in Blackwater City. He knew that the old man had felt disgusting at his glance in the past two years. How could it be......

When I think of the past, my thoughts are like a tidal wave. Before I knew it, I had walked in front of the Red Mansion. He looked up suddenly, and as he expected, Mo Ying was already standing in front of the door waiting for him, maybe waiting for his arrival all day.

Because the little sister of the Mo family was going to travel to Blackwater City tomorrow, He Zhe had already asked the servant to tell her the news. Mo Ying really wanted to go and meet her family together, and made a point of emphasizing that her little sister didn't know about her affair with He Zhe. The maid also said a lot of good things about her. Thinking that Mo Ying hadn't returned to her parents' house for a long time, He Zhe finally relented, and was eager to take this opportunity to make up for her, so he asked the servant to tell her that he would go to the Red Mansion tonight to discuss the matter with her.

And now, what he feared most did not happen. Mo Ying was not as he imagined, disheveled, with tears on his face, seeing him with an angry face, pulling old things and making his head explode. At the beginning, when she was still in the capital, every time she was relieved to go to the Red Chamber to see her, she had this reaction. Gradually, he became afraid.

And today, two lanterns were hung on the gate of the Red Mansion at some point. Mo Ying, who was standing in front of the door, was wearing a neat red dress and a red dress, with her hands in front of her. The face was slightly powdered, and the long silky hair was naturally put behind him like the nobles of the Qinshan Kingdom, hanging down to the waist. For a long, long time, He Zhe didn't see this woman like this. Under the mild night, in a trance, his mind came up with the first meeting on the island of Airyu in Wan'an City a few years ago, with clear water and soft clouds, and an April day.

"Lord of the City..."Mo Ying bowed respectfully. The expression on his face was natural, as if there was nothing between the two.

He Zhe approached her, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the neat arrangement in the Red Mansion, which really looked like a cozy cottage. He suddenly felt a sour in the corners of his eyes, and the servant told him that day that Mo Ying had spent a day cleaning the two floors by himself. He knew what she was doing it for. He sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry. Mo Ying. He Zhe lowered his head, full of thoughts, and slowly shook his head, the first sentence was like this.

Mo Ying suddenly laughed and said, "Let's go upstairs and talk." In such a big room, the lights are not good. It's weird and cold if you don't order it. ”

Follow her to the second floor, the bedroom on the left. It's a big room with only one bed.

"Sit down. Mo Ying naturally sat on the bed, patted the bed and said.

He Zhe sat down slowly, and for the first time he felt that he couldn't imagine what Mo Ying was going through every day. He felt he had to say something, hesitated, and said, "How long has it been..."

"Don't talk about that. It's not interesting. The woman said softly, making him a cup of tea from the table next to her, and He Zhe took it with trembling hands, and Mo Ying asked a little strangely, "What's wrong with you?" I know you didn't like me to mention this the most before. ”

"Well... Wow, it's so hot!" He Zhe nodded, as if trying to hide his unnaturalness, and took a sip from his teacup, but grinned at the scalding.

"It's okay, I'll blow it for you... No, it shouldn't be hot, right? Just now I was afraid that the tea would be cold, so I went to boil a pot again. But the time you came was a little bad, and I let it go for a while. It should have been warm. Mo Ying took the teacup from his hand, blew it twice and muttered suspiciously, then picked up the teacup and drank most of it in one gulp, frowning quite cutely, "Look, it's not hot." ”

He Zhe glanced at her suspiciously, obviously the tea was still very hot. How did she... But he suddenly figured it out, maybe Mo Ying had been drinking like this all along. It's been five years, five whole years, and she's been in that state of madness. It's very likely that she has long been indistinguishable from hot and cold, right? Her madness is deep in the bone marrow, and how much effort and courage does it take to respect each other just now?

A huge sense of guilt welled up in his heart, which made him feel that this was the first time he cared about Mo Ying's feelings. Not only that, but her physical health made He Zhe begin to feel deeply uneasy.

He smiled, took the teacup from her hand, and nodded, "It's definitely not hot now, it just so happens that I'm a little thirsty too." Although the tea in the cup was still very hot, he gritted his teeth and drank the rest in one gulp, exclaiming, "This taste is very good! Tea is very ordinary, but it can make such a taste." ”

Mo Ying smiled easily, and He Zhe put down the teacup and suddenly grabbed her hand. She panicked and wanted to pull her hand back, but the whole person was pulled closer by Ho Zhe. "I now finally understand what I did wrong. His voice was accompanied by a faint cry, which was extremely painful and remorseful.

"You... Let's let it go. I—" Mo Ying bit her lip, as if she was making a very painful choice in her heart.

"Say, if you have anything to say, tell me everything, and I'll listen..." He Zhe gently pulled her hand over with a slight force, and Mo Ying didn't react at once, so he leaned on his shoulder.

She took two deep breaths and tried to calm down and not get too excited. With a smile on his face, he said, "I... My sister, she was just a little girl before I got married, seven or eight years old. Looks prettier than me, very pleasing little girl......"

Leaning on his shoulder, it had been too long to describe in words. She began to tell her little sister and her own story of how she used to be in Mofu. He Zhe listened attentively, laughing and quipping from time to time. The memories of a long time ago have been reopened, and Mo Ying has actually told him many times about her little sister and these stories, mixed with the sweet love words of the two at that time.

After talking about her sister with a happy smile, Mo Ying suddenly said seriously, "She... She doesn't know about us. Daddy doesn't even know... She's very nice, and you'll love it when you see it. She is very beautiful and kind-hearted....oh, and although she is my sister, she is completely different from me. She... She's normal. ”

"What's normal?" asked Ho Zhe, a little puzzled.

"Hmm... Birth, birth. Mo Ying said with some embarrassment.

This sentence completely made He Zhe unable to control his emotions. He turned around slightly, pressing Mo Ying, who had a panicked face and obvious snickering, under him, "You, Mo Ying, you don't have any problems. Who dares to say that you are not normal?"

He Zhe remembers very well that after so many years, he has never blamed her for the issue of heirs. Never, even after she's gone mad. The reason why things have come to this point is that he can't face Mo Ying's pain and madness. He didn't know how to face it, or he didn't dare. But he always knew this, without such a thing as an heir, Mo Ying's pain would definitely be several times more than his.

"Lord Castle, don't do this... I just want to meet my sister, and I won't bother you with anything else. I don't want it either, you and her are good, and Yuncang, you must not let him because I have an opinion about his mother. He's really a good kid. I don't know how much strength she wasted, Mo Ying suppressed the joy on her face. He said softly to Ho Zhe. She didn't dare to ask for anything else, and neither did she.

He Zhe stared at her face with great seriousness, and finally sighed and turned to lie on the bed. "Why don't you call me by my name?" said Hochje after a moment of silence.

"I'm afraid. Mo Ying, who was lying beside him, thought about it, was very sober, and said seriously.

She was afraid that as soon as she said this name, the psychological defense line that she had built with great difficulty would collapse.

He Zhe turned over again, and this time held her tightly in his arms, "Say it, don't be afraid." ”

I don't know how much emotion and power this sentence contains. Mo Ying suddenly couldn't help crying. He Zhe hugged him tighter, "He Zhe... Philosophical ......"

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. Today I understood, finally understood. I've been running away from this for five years! I'm a coward, but I'm going to face it. Mo Ying, for you!" He Zhe said with a crying voice.

"No, it's really not necessary! I still love you. All I want is for you to live well. I finally understand this truth, please do me! Don't ruin my reputation, or worse, because of me. ”

"Mo Ying!" He Zhe shouted in confusion.

"Zhe... Tell me about Blackwater City, what's like outside. What's going on here lately? Mo Ying let go of his hand and said.

He Zhe hesitated for a moment, but finally didn't hold on to anything more. Maybe this is really the best choice.

He talked about everything that happened in the conference test, and told Mo Ying about Heyue more specifically. After hearing the girl's name, Mo Ying showed a light smile. She knew that it was He Yue who gave her a glimmer of hope when she was completely plunged into darkness. And the rest of the road has to be difficult for her to get out of on her own. Anyway, although she had only met Heyue once, she was grateful.

Xingyangcheng, the Great War of the Two Countries, Hekang, Qiaofu...... Time passed quickly, and in the narration of Hezhe, it gradually came to the middle of the night. When he finished talking about everything that happened in just three months, he suddenly remembered that there were still some documents to be reviewed about the case of the spy in the Underworld.

He stood up hesitantly, and said his official business to Mo Ying in a hesitant manner. Ruthlessly, he walked to the door and opened it. Looking back at her, "I'm sorry......"

Mo Ying had already sat up, she nodded slowly, and just smiled and said, "Zhe, tonight, can you stay?"

He Zhe was stunned for a moment, opened his mouth, and finally didn't say anything. With a smile, he turned around, slammed the door back shut, walked over to the bed and sat beside her, put one hand on her thigh, and said softly, "As long as you want." ”