Chu Sheng finished dividing the last bun, holding the oil paper in a pair of pale and slender hands, and glanced at Lu Zhaoling with a cold gaze. Lu Zhaoling shrugged his shoulders at this unfriendly gaze and approached Chu Sheng indifferently.

Chu Shenggang opened his mouth: "You again-" Suddenly, his eyes swept over Bai Heng's body, his face was stunned, and he stopped abruptly.

"This month's case money has been spent again, right?" Lu Zhaoling stepped forward and said with a smile.

Chu Sheng ignored it, lowered his eyes, quickly folded the large piece of oiled paper in his hand, and raised his feet to leave.

"Hey-" Lu Zhaoling's eyes were quick, and he grabbed Chu Sheng's sleeve that flashed by his side, "Are you in a hurry to return to the palace?" ”

"What are the commands? Princess Tongguang. Chu Sheng's words were respectful, but his attitude was very blunt, he paused after speaking, and finally felt that there was no way to avoid it, so he still turned his face to Bai Heng, "Your Royal Highness the Third Prince." ”

He recognized himself at a glance, but Bai Heng was not surprised. The queen failed to give birth to a prince, and only gave birth to two princesses, Qingping and Yuquan. Princess Yuquan is second, slightly older than Bai Heng, with a spicy and straightforward personality, and often semi-forcibly invites Bai Heng to go to her palace to chat, drink tea and listen to small songs, so Princess Yuquan's Hanchun Hall is one of Bai Heng's most frequented places in the palace, so it is not surprising that she has seen this newly favored young pianist a few times.

"Hey, I told you a long time ago that you shouldn't call yourself a princess when you leave the palace, and the same goes for the prince, besides, today is your day off, right?"

Chu Sheng avoided Lu Zhaoling's gaze and did not make a sound, indicating acquiescence.

"Then don't be in a hurry to go back to the palace." Lu Zhaoling let go of Chu Sheng's hand and looked around, "What about Shi and Xiao Tao, have you seen them?" ”

Chu Sheng didn't want to answer, but he still stretched out his hand and pointed in a certain direction.

"Come on, I'll let you see my two proud disciples." Lu Zhaoling stretched out his hand again and grabbed Chu Sheng's sleeve, with a smug look, dragging him in the direction he pointed.

Bai Heng followed aside, and kept looking sideways at Chu Sheng, who was very reluctant to be pulled by Lu Zhaoling to move his steps.

He wore a dark gray gown, which was different from the palace attire, presumably to facilitate his movements. The caftan looked very old, and in some places it was worn white and torn. His head was slightly lowered at the moment, and his long hair was scattered in front of his shoulders to cover half of his face, but he could vaguely see his unhealthy gray and thin cheeks, and with his staggering steps and the shaking of his body, the thin lips without a little blood and a pair of gray narrow eyes also faintly and intermittently met Bai Heng's eyes.

According to the standard of ordinary palace musicians, plus the generous reward given by Princess Yuquan, this favored pianist should not look so down. When Lu Zhaoling met, he asked him if he had spent all the money again, if it weren't for his habit of not being able to get on the table...... I'm afraid it's all the money used to help these beggars.

He must have suffered a lot. Bai Heng sighed in his heart.

"Ah, there!" Lu Zhaoling suddenly saw the two familiar little figures, and shouted happily, "Little Peach!" Stone! ”

"Sister Zhaoling!" "Master!" She was greeted by two childish and excited children's voices, and then two seven or eight-year-old children ran towards her with cheers.

"Let me introduce," Lu Zhaoling put his arm around a child, and reached out to pinch their faces, "This is Xiao Tao and Shishi, my two proud disciples, who have been under my door for more than a month, have made rapid progress, and their children can be taught." She proudly boasted, "Little Peach can already write a lot of words with tree branches, and she writes very beautifully!" Tomorrow I'm going to teach her how to use a brush. Although the stone looks weak and can't help the wind, its strength is very great, my scimitar can already be swung decently, and Zamabu can also be pierced all morning, worthy of being a hero with the master. ”

"Of course!" The praised stone raised his head very stinkily, "I just can't eat, otherwise I will have more strength!" They all said that my father died on the battlefield, so he must be a hero, and I will be a hero like my father in the future! ”

"You still say that you can't eat enough, Xiao Tao gives you food every day, Xiao Tao can't eat enough. A man can't just think about being full, you see how thin the little peach has become. Lu Zhaoling smiled and flicked his forehead.

"I also have an effort to ask for food, and I want to share it with Xiao Tao! But Peach always gets more than I am......" Stone grumbled a little and whispered.

"I don't even have this ability, I want Xiao Tao to take care of you, and I brag about being a hero. Protect Xiao Tao before becoming a hero, you know? ”

"I know this without you saying it! I—I don't have much skill right now...... When I have the ability, I will be doubly good to Xiao Tao! The stone cried out around his neck.

"I'm fine, Sister Zhaoling, I eat less, and I'll be full after eating a little. The stone should grow taller, and it should also practice martial arts and horse steps, and it should be eaten a little more. Xiao Tao's voice was soft and sweet.

The two children's clothes were dirty and torn, their hair was unkempt, and their faces were not clean. But their eyes were shining, full of brilliance, innocent and happy.

"That's right, Brother Chu." Xiao Tao happily raised her face to look at Chu Sheng, and reached out to pull the hem of his clothes, "I know what that song you sang before, Sister Zhaoling told us about it." When can you teach me to sing? ”

"I'm not going to teach you these superfluous things." Chu Sheng glanced down coldly, and Xiao Tao retracted his hand in fright.

"What a murderer." Lu Zhaoling pouted.

"Yes." Stone nodded, and then pouted.

"Ah, who are these two people?" Suddenly realized that different stones pointed at Bai Heng and Li Zhu'er, "What about Niu Da and Niu Er?" ”

"The two of them are...... Uh...... "Lu Zhaoling didn't know how to introduce it for a while, is it someone he knows?" Are you a friend? It can't be said that he is the new little brother......

"The two of us are Lu Daxia's newly adopted younger brothers." Bai Heng answered with a smile.

"W-sh, yes." Li Zhu'er originally wanted to refute, but she felt that Bai Heng said this, so she questioned half and swallowed back.

"It doesn't look like Niu Da and Niu Er's second brother are as capable." Stone pretended to comment.

"Wow, you stinky boy!" Li Zhu'er grabbed her sleeves and was about to have a seizure, but was quickly pressed back by Bai Heng.

Objectively speaking, although Bai Heng is not weak, he is tall and long, he still looks thin, and he has a somewhat pampered temperament, not to mention Li Zhu'er, who is naturally not as good as a sturdy and burly blacksmith son in the eyes of stones.

"This brother's name is - uh, the surname is Bai, you can call him Brother Bai," Lu Zhaoling was about to introduce Bai Heng's name, and suddenly remembered that it was a royal name, maybe it was better not to say it directly, so the words turned around when they came to their mouths, "This sister is called Li Zhu'er, you can call her Sister Zhu'er." ”

After introducing the two people, Lu Zhaoling asked them to take care of the two children for a while, she waited for this month, and today she has something to say to Chu Sheng alone.

Bai Heng glanced at Chu Sheng, who was indifferent with his head down, and Li Zhu'er pulled the two children away.

Lu Zhaoling also walked out with Chu Sheng, turning a nearby intersection before stopping. Chu Sheng still avoided Lu Zhaoling's gaze and coldly pestled there.

Lu Zhaoling didn't seem to care about Chu Sheng's attitude, and said with a little smile: "You see, although Shi usually looks like a child, he has never slacked off since he practiced martial arts with me, he is very obedient and hard-working, he said that being a hero is not just a child's bragging, he is serious, and he will definitely be able to." When he grows up, ask him to participate in the recruitment of your court, and he will definitely be able to make military exploits and get ahead. There is also Xiao Tao, she said that she wanted to read, I taught her to read and write, she is very smart, she learns quickly, and she must be a good girl who knows books and gifts when she grows up. I've also thought about it, maybe the girl's family still has to learn some female red? But I don't know how to do this, so I can't teach her...... However, if you learn to write, you will be able to help others read and write letters and notes in the future, and it should not be a problem to earn money to support yourself. ”

Lu Zhaoling said so much, Chu Sheng's eyes finally moved, and he looked at her squarely for a moment, but he quickly looked away.

"Even if you give them all the money every month, so many people, for each of them, it won't make much difference if they can survive for a few days without having to eat." Lu Zhaoling continued to say patiently, "I can't think of any good way for the elderly, but there are so many children here, will they continue to ask for food here when they grow up, waiting for your relief?" Do you think that's good for them? ”

“…… No. Chu Sheng spit out a word, and his attitude seemed to loosen.

"Actually, I only had such thoughts after I knew about you. If these children can learn some skills like you, they won't have to go around begging for food and live this hard life. But I don't have much to do, if you can teach them to play—"

"Heh," Chu Sheng suddenly sneered with mockery when he heard this, interrupting Lu Zhaoling's words, "I won't teach them to play the piano." They better not be like me. ”

“…… What do you mean? Lu Zhaoling was stunned.

"It may be right to teach them to read and practice martial arts, but they shouldn't have anything to do with people like you." Chu Sheng finally looked at Lu Zhaoling, but his attitude became indifferent and blunt again, and there was a little chill in his eyes, and there seemed to be hatred in them.

“…… Someone like me? Lu Zhaoling frowned, and he didn't know why he hated this.

"Even the three princes have brought, is it so fun for a group of beggars?" Chu Sheng said in his mouth, and moved half a step forward slightly, "In the eyes of people like you, what is the difference between them and the stray cats on the side of the road?" What is your purpose in being nice to them now? ”

"For what purpose?" Lu Zhaoling was a little annoyed by this prominent question, and his tone couldn't help but be unkind, "Obviously, you yourself have met a good person to have today, the Youling who picked you up and went back to teach you to play the piano is good to you, is there any other purpose?" ”

"Heh, you said he ......" Chu Sheng smiled sadly, his eyes wandered, "He's also a poor man......"

"What the hell is going on with you?" Lu Zhaoling finally couldn't help but get angry, "I really want to ask, you can't see me like this, what is your purpose?" ”

At the end of the conversation, there was a moment of silence between the two.

Chu Sheng didn't seem to want to talk to Lu Zhaoling anymore, so he took two steps back after silence, and turned sideways to leave. Before taking a step, he looked at Lu Zhaoling, and the moment the two looked at each other, Lu Zhaoling suddenly felt that the eyes he looked at were empty and empty.

"You're a princess, and I can't stop you from doing whatever you want. Even if we learn to read, practice martial arts, and play the piano, we will not change anything, and we will always be at the mercy of others. If you are genuinely good to them, let them go. You're not even from Anpingguo, so why bother with all this stuff. ”

He paused, and then finally said, "Maybe let them be beggars for the rest of their lives, and be freer." ”

Lu Zhaoling and Chu Sheng talked for a long time in the distance, but in the end, Lu Zhaoling was the only one who came back, and her face was not very good-looking.

Bai Heng didn't ask much in his heart, even Shi and Xiao Tao didn't ask where Brother Chu went, only Li Zhu'er asked thoughtlessly: "Where did the piano master go?" Why don't you look good? Quarreled? Are you all familiar with each other? ”

Lu Zhaoling didn't answer Li Zhu'er's series of questions, but suddenly asked her: "Did you bring money?" Li Zhu'er didn't have any heart, and nodded immediately: "Bring it, here." As he spoke, he also checked the money bag on his waist.

"Stone, little peach." Lu Zhaoling shouted to the two children, "You don't have to beg for food this morning, Sister Zhu'er will invite you to eat mutton skewers in a while." ”

The two children immediately cheered.

“…… Yes? Li Zhu'er choked inexplicably, "Didn't you say you wanted to take me to eat mutton skewers?" Why do I pay in the end? ”

"I said I'll take you to eat, but I didn't say I'll invite you to eat." Lu Zhaoling pit Li Zhu'er once, and his mood improved a lot, "What, don't you want to invite these two children to eat meat?" ”

"It's—I'm not unwilling...... But, ...... it's you? Why am I ......? Li Zhu'er's face was bewildered with a capital letter, and she was a little anxious and angry, but she couldn't say anything to refuse. She also taught Xiao Tao to write a few words just now, and she likes this child in her heart, so there is naturally no problem with taking them to eat a good meal. But this feeling of being cheated by Lu Zhaoling was very angry in my heart.

The three older children and the two younger children laughed and laughed together, and the morning passed quickly. The noon in Jingyang City is chaotic and noisy, and even in the remote and deserted Yong'an Alley, you can smell the grand and warm fireworks that suddenly rise and light everywhere in Jingyang City.

Lu Zhaoling took Bai Heng and Li Zhuer, as well as two children who had just washed their faces and hands, to a restaurant. As soon as he crossed the threshold, Xiao Er greeted him, but the smile on his face was a little strange.

Without waiting for others to speak, Bai Heng stepped forward and said to Xiao Er: "I want a side room." And quietly stuffed a piece of broken silver into the little second-hand.

"Okay, guest upstairs, please-" Xiao Er answered with a smile and dragged a long voice, raising his feet to lead the way.

Li Zhu'er felt strange and blurted out: "Just a few of us, and we don't invite any distinguished guests, but also a side room?" Lu Zhaoling also glanced at Bai Heng with a little inquiry, and Bai Heng smiled: "I'm afraid that others are watching, and the two children feel uncomfortable." Li Zhuer immediately patted the horse and flattered: "It's still thoughtful Ah Heng!" ”

She was really thoughtful, but she didn't understand what Bai Heng meant by wanting this room......

Lu Zhaoling secretly slandered himself.

At this time, the business of the restaurant is booming, think about the dress of their group, the two children are dressed in tatters, even if they wash their faces, they can see at a glance that they are beggars, plus Li Zhuer is also dirty, if it weren't for Bai Heng bribing Xiao Er to ask for a room, they are afraid that they will be kicked out of the door. Even if the store asked them to sit in the lobby, the two children would be winked at each other.

What a gentle and reliable person.

Lu Zhaoling thought to himself.

This restaurant is famous for its mutton, and residents of neighboring towns often come to Jingyang to eat the roast mutton here. There are also two vertical plaques on both sides of the store, inscribed with poems praised by a certain writer in the Anping Dynasty. If you want Lu Zhaoling to evaluate, this lamb skewer can be described as the best, the meat is firm and delicious, roasted and fragrant and oily, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, the meat aroma mixed with salty and spicy aroma goes straight to the nose, and the soft fragrance is soft and fragrant in one bite, and the enjoyment is simply the peak.

The reason why it failed to rank among the top three Jingyang cuisines in Lu Zhaoling's heart was because the price was more expensive.

The roast lamb was quickly served on the table, and the fragrant stones and small peaches drooled, and as soon as the plate was stable, the two children devoured it.

"Eat slowly, eat slowly, don't swallow." Lu Zhaoling smiled and patted the back of the stone, "I also asked for the palace protection hare, chestnut chicken, and braised yellow croaker...... There are a lot of them, and I can't finish eating them and take them back to share them with my friends and grandparents. ”

"Hmm." The stone kept nodding in his mouth and replied vaguely.

"Zhao Ling has a lot of research on the food of Jingyang City." Bai Heng tasted the roast mutton and said with great satisfaction.

"Of course." Lu Zhaoling was quite proud, and then his eyes squinted, seeing that Li Zhu'er didn't move his chopsticks unusually, and asked strangely, "Huh?" Li Zhu'er, why don't you eat it? Is it distressing to spend your money? ”

"I'm not that stingy!" Li Zhu'er retorted, "I'm thinking about ......" She paused, pouted, and continued a little embarrassedly: "I'm thinking about not letting Xiao Tao and Shi come to my house, and I will have a guarantee for my life in the future, and my family's subordinates are treated very well......"

Hearing this, Shi Shi raised his head and swallowed a large mouthful of mutton with a "grunt": "I can't see that you are quite good." ”

"Hey, I invited you for today's meal, what do you mean you can't see?" Li Zhu'er rolled her eyes.

"Even though you have good intentions, I'm not going." The stone spoke like a little adult, "I'm going to be a soldier in the future." If I go to your house and become a subordinate, will I still be able to go to the battlefield in the future? ”

"Hmm......" To be honest, Li Zhuer doesn't know if her own subordinates can go to the army, and it seems that there are indeed no domestic servants who have been requisitioned.

Bai Heng said at this time: "There is no identity restriction for the imperial court to recruit soldiers, and it is no problem for Shi Shi to join the army in the future." ”

"Yes, yes, no problem!" Li Zhu'er hurriedly agreed, and then looked at the stone hopefully.

The stone turned his head and looked at his master with a sad face, not knowing what to do. He's only seven or eight years old, and sometimes he doesn't really understand the meaning of making these choices.

Looking at the stone's eyes asking for help, Lu Zhaoling suddenly remembered Chu Sheng's words for no reason, maybe it would be more free for them to be beggars...... I was also a little stunned for a while.

Li Zhu'er saw that the two of them looked at each other, and she was anxious, and tried her best to tempt the stone: "Oh stone, don't you just want to be a soldier?" My father is Li Xuan, the general of the dynasty, and I asked my father to train you, but he is much better than you, the master. ”

Hearing the general Li Xuan, Shi's eyes lit up: "Really? "But when I think about it, what does it mean to be much stronger than my master? A little unhappy again. Unexpectedly, this master, at this time, answered: "Hey, that's right, if you can be trained by General Li, you will definitely get ahead." ”

Li Zhu'er: "...... You're pretty realistic. ”

"Since Master has said so, then I'll go." With Master's approval, Shi didn't think much about it anymore, and nodded briskly, feeling that it was better to eat more meat if he talked so much nonsense.

"What about Little Peach?".

"I follow the stone." Xiao Tao said with a sweet smile.