It snowed for several days on a line, and it was white everywhere.

Sizhou Thorn Mansion is also wrapped in silver, the trees are crystal clear, there is a thin layer of ice on the water surface of the pond, a few residual lotus silently stretch out the ice surface, and it is more withered, the rockery, the roof, the road surface, there is snow everywhere, and the cold wind blows, it gradually freezes.

Early in the morning, the people in the house came out to sweep the snow and shovel the ice. They were all dressed in thick cotton clothes, and they were still so cold that their necks were shrunk, but they didn't dare to be lazy, and they were doing their own thing.

In the master's bedroom in the backyard, Gao Su and Gu Huan both woke up.

There was a dragon burning in the house, it was very warm, Gao Su turned over and pressed Gu Huan, and smiled and entangled with her. He was already young, strong-blooded, and had infinite energy, and after the first taste of love, he couldn't stop, and he was very enthusiastic every day. Gu Huan was in love with him, and he was naturally intoxicated.

After the clouds and rain, the two of them rested lazily for a while, then turned over and got up, bathed and changed, and walked out of the door with knives each.

Except for accidents, they practice martial arts every morning, rain or shine.

Gu Huan has been in northern Xinjiang for several years, and the winter is always icy and snowy, but the Turks love to launch sneak attacks in that climate, she has fought and pursued the enemy in the snow many times, and has also run long distances in the wind and snow, and she is used to such weather.

Gao Su also repeatedly fought fiercely with the enemy in winter, and the ice, snow and cold wind were nothing.

Dressed in tight trousers and light deerskin boots, the two of them moved around for a while, danced a set of knife techniques, and then fought.

Gu Huan's knife technique is a family heirloom, but Gao Su's knife technique has another Master's guidance, which has nothing to do with the Gao clan, however, the knife skills of the two have a common characteristic, the short knife is light and agile, suitable for melee sneak attacks, and the long knife is wide open and closed, extremely powerful, and it is used in battle arrays.

Since Gu Huan arrived in Lanling County, the two had to fight almost every day, and Gu Huan often lost more and won less. Gao Su spoils her very much in other things, but in martial arts, he will never let her. On the battlefield, life and death are at stake, whether martial arts are good or not is very important, he often instructs Gu Huan's knife skills, but when he fights with her, he always goes all out. Gu Huan was very happy that he did this, and tried her best to win him every time, and before she knew it, she had made great progress in her martial arts.

The sky was overcast, little by little small snowflakes were slowly flying, and the two of them were unconscious, and they stepped forward and backward on the snow in the courtyard, circling and flying, and the sword light was huo, bringing bursts of whistling, and the blades struck each other, making a crisp sound, which spread far away in the quiet mansion.

The two fought heartily, only after fighting for more than half an hour, Gao Su saw a flaw, his long legs spun and kicked out, Gu Huan hurriedly put away the knife and retreated, and in a hurry, his feet were in chaos, and he was pressed to the ground by Gao Su, and the blade was on his neck.

Gu Huan flattened his body, lay on the snow, and said depressedly, "When will I be able to win you?" ”

Gao Su put the knife in his hand on the ground, hugged her, pulled her up, and said with a smile while patting the snow powder for her: "If I can't even win against you, it's time to disarm and return to the field." ”

"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Gu Huan glared at him. "Patriarchal?"

"Absolutely not." Gao Su couldn't help but kiss her face. "Because you are younger than me, your strength is not as strong as mine, you learned martial arts later than me, and you don't have as much experience as me, which has nothing to do with men and women."

Gu Huan thought seriously for a while, then shook his head again and again: "No, you are also very young, those military attachés who are much older than you are not as good as you, and those generals of the Zhou State are basically older than you, but many of them can't beat you, so how can you explain it?" ”

"Because they're stupid." Gao Su opened his mouth and said. "But you're smart."

Gu Huan laughed: "Okay, even if you are right. ”

Gao Su picked up the knife, took her hand and went back to the house, changed into official clothes, went to breakfast, and then went to the yamen to deal with official business.

The assassin history of a state has a lot of power, and it is almost equivalent to a warlord on the horse to manage the army and the people on the horse, but it is not easy to govern all the state capitals, counties and counties. Gao Su is only twenty-two years old, and he is new to government affairs, so he naturally wants to do his best. Gu Huan is no longer as lazy as in the past, and actively assists him in handling government affairs and military affairs, and has to find a way to clean up those procrastinating officials. Although they are busy from morning to night, the two of them are concentric, their profits are broken, and they are very happy to do things.

The two were busy in the yamen until noon, and someone from Hefu sent an invitation, saying that the next day was Heshikai's birthday, and invited Gao Su and Gu Huan to Hefu for a banquet at noon tomorrow.

Gao Su frowned slightly, turned his head and asked Gu Huan, "Are you going?" ”

Gu Huan said softly: "Go ahead." ”

Gao Su was silent for a moment and sighed lightly: "I don't want to get too close to him." No matter how powerful and high their status is, they are always despised by others, and they are all shameless people, and I don't want to be in the same league with them. ”

Gu Huan bit her lip lightly, feeling a little embarrassed, and after a long time, she said in a low voice: "Since you are an official in the same dynasty, and people have invited you again, it's not good not to go, this is the minimum etiquette." I believe that no one who is invited by a monk will not go, even those who hate him. ”

Gao Su knew that what she said was the truth, and although she felt a little awkward, she still decided to go to the banquet on time.

The time was too tight, and Gu Huan immediately prepared a congratulatory gift.

She hadn't done anything like this before, but after more than three months with Heshikai, she still knew a little about his preferences. It is rumored that he loves power first, wealth second, beauty third, and dancing and ink fourth. In fact, he has not read a book, this is nothing, this dynasty is heavy on martial arts and light literature, many officials have not read books, but the monks are biased and like to chant poetry, write and paint, vassal elegance, and those really talented celebrities have to compliment him, and praise him almost in favor of a rare genius in ancient and modern times.

This is the role of power, Gu Huan understands very well that this is a phenomenon that exists in any era, and there is nothing strange about it.

She took out all the money and property that Gao Su and herself were carrying, went to the shops in the city for a long time, and finally bought a Maitreya Buddha carved with the best and beautiful Khotanese jade, which should be handy, and it can be regarded as a congratulatory gift from Gao Su. And she didn't buy anything more, and she had no money in her hands.

After going back and thinking about it for a while, she went to the study to write several words, picked a more satisfactory one and sent it to frame, and then said to herself: "That's it, it should be no problem." ”

Gao Su did not inquire about these matters, and the next morning, after taking care of his business, he rode with her to Yecheng, and arrived at the mansion of Heshikai before noon.

From the entrance of the street to the gate of the house, it was blocked, Gao Su protected Gu Huan, and the entourage opened the way in front and squeezed through.

There were many servants of the Japanese government at the door, some of them checking the invitations, and some of them recording the gifts sent by the guests. Many people sent ornate gift lists, and the attendants carried gifts tied with red silk and went in one by one.

In comparison, Gao Su and Gu Huan's salute seemed to be too light. The two of them didn't care, presented the gifts, and walked into the door.

Gu Huan has been here many times, and several stewards in the house know that she is now the most favored person by Shikai, and they are doubly enthusiastic about her. Gu Huan hurriedly told them to get busy and leave themselves alone.

The foyer and the warm pavilion in the garden are very lively, and it looks a bit like a modern cocktail party. Some of the guests sitting, some standing, some walk around, or drinking tea, or eating snacks, or chatting and laughing, the atmosphere is relaxed, and everyone feels very comfortable. Many people came with their female dependents and gathered with the concubines of the monks in the side hall, and from the main hall you can see the fragrance of clothes and sideburns, and hear the laughter of women from time to time.

When Gu Huan and Gao Su walked into the warm pavilion, they saw the monk sitting in the middle with a happy smile on his face, greeting the people who had been congratulating him endlessly.

Gao Su stopped and said to Gu Huan: "I don't want to go up, those people ...... It's all ...... and the godson of the adults......"

Gu Huan looked at those people. Most of them are in their twenties and thirties, and some seem to be older than He Shikai, and they will actually call him "godfather", which is indeed a shameless villain who tends to be inflammatory. Looking at the flattering smiling faces of those people, she pursed her lips disdainfully.

As soon as the two of them entered, He Shikai noticed it, but did not take the initiative to say hello. Seeing Gu Huan's expression, he couldn't help but show a truly happy smile. If someone else does this, he will immediately think about how to deal with it in his heart, but if he is replaced by the young and lovely Gu Huan, he only thinks it is fun. He didn't know who the people were around him, but he needed these people to do things for him, so he would naturally accept their flattery.

Gu Huan and Gao Su stood there and looked at it, so they wanted to quit and walk in the garden first, although it was cold outside, it was quiet.

As soon as he took two steps, he heard a dozen or so people gathered together, squeezing their eyebrows and talking about something.

"I heard that Kaifuyi and Sansi Pingjian sent their concubine Liu over." A middle-aged man who looked like a scribe said with a mysterious expression. "It seems that I have agreed with the adults to promote him to the history of Qizhou Assassin."

"Really?" The other was a little surprised. "Then the Liu family has seen it before, it is indeed a shameful flower, and Pingjian loves it very much, so he is willing to do it?"

"What's this? If you can be promoted and make a fortune, you can find as many beautiful women as you want. "Someone scoffed." What is it to send a concubine? People also send wives and daughters. ”

Another person said slowly: "Ping Jian said to people: 'How is it different from death if my husband loses Ah Liu?'" For the sake of oneself, it has to be. It seems that he has been forced to do so. ”

Hearing his words, many people sneered: "Forget it, there is no shortage of women with Xiangye, he is a small Yitong Sansi, and he doesn't want to tie up with Xiangye, so he can't bear to cut his love, but he pretends to be there and is disgusting." ”

Gu Huan didn't want to listen anymore, so he turned his head and walked out the door.

Gao Su followed her closely, accompanied her through the garden of withered flowers, came to the water's edge, and sat down in the gazebo.

"Officialdom is like this, it's dirty." Gao Su put his arm around her shoulders and said softly. "You are a girl, you can't listen to this, and I am disgusted. But I can't restrain others, I can only keep myself clean. ”

"I understand that when the water is clear, there are no fish." Gu Huan leaned on him, and his heart calmed down a lot. "That's good."

The two sat for a long time, chatting leisurely, and suddenly, a steward of the Hefu hurriedly walked over, bowed to them with a smile on his face, and said enthusiastically: "Lord Wang, General Gu, my family is invited." ”

Gao Su let out an "oh", and slowly walked back to the warm pavilion with Gu Huan.

After noon, the people who received the invitation from the monk came, and the congratulatory gifts from the guests began to be displayed here, which was naturally another comparison. If the face of the monk is pale, the giver will make up his mind in his heart, and he is ready to make up a generous gift afterwards.

Gao Sugui is the prince, and the congratulatory gifts sent are naturally in the front. The jade carving is exquisitely clear, extremely precious, but not excessive, everyone politely praised a few words, and Shi Kai also politely owed to Gao Su, smiled and said: "Thank you, Lord Wang." ”

Then it is to display other people's gifts according to their official ranks.

The jewels are dazzling, and even a few civil officials who have always been honest have sent a few precious calligraphy and paintings of celebrities in the former dynasties. As the gifts were opened one by one and displayed to the monks, people's admiration came and went, and never stopped.

Among the guests present, Gu Huan had the lowest grade, and it was not until the end that the gift she gave was presented.

It was a long scroll, and people thought it was a treasure calligraphy and painting, and they all looked at it.

The four family members carefully unfolded the scroll, and Shi Kai only read the first two sentences, then showed a look of surprise, and then glanced at Gu Huan who was standing in the crowd on the side with a smile, and said pleasantly: "This is not the word of the previous dynasty, but the masterpiece of a young talent in the world." ”

Everyone slammed and discussed, some guessed Lu Sidao, some guessed Xiao Fang, and some guessed several famous people in Jiangnan.

He Shikai said to a man sitting next to him: "Nahui, you are a military general, this long poem must be read by someone like you to have courage, can you take advantage of it?" ”

This person is another powerful minister Gao Anahu, he comes from a family of military generals, his father has outstanding military achievements, and he is a young man to ride and shoot, every time he goes out with his father, he is known for his vigorous skills, and he has made great contributions in the war against Khitan and Rouran, and he flatters in every way, pleases and Shikai, and has a very close relationship with him, so Qingyun goes straight up, and now he is a hussar general, don't be named the marquis of Changguo County. Hearing what He Shikai said, he immediately nodded and said with a smile: "You should serve." ”

Gu Huan wrote Li Bai's "Will Enter the Wine", thinking that even if this gift was not valuable, after all, it was written by himself, and he always did his best, and when he read it, he would not be angry, but he didn't expect him to be read aloud in public, and he couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

Li Bai, Li Bai, I'm really sorry, I borrowed your masterpiece, but I can't get your consent in advance, because you have to wait for more than 30 years to be born.

The four of them slowly turned in a different direction, pointing the scroll in the direction of the guests.

Gao Ana Qiu stood over, looked at the big characters on it, and read aloud: "You don't see the water of the Yellow River coming up from the sky, rushing to the sea and not returning." You don't see the sad white hair of Gao Tang Mingjing, and the morning is like green silk turning into snow at dusk. ”

Someone whispered below: "What a good poem." ”

He Shikai heard that "life must be happy, don't make the gold bottle empty to the moon." I am born to be useful, and my daughter will come back when she is gone", couldn't help but smile even more, Danfeng's eyes were slightly picked, and he looked at the girl who seemed to be a handsome young man.

Gu Huan held Gao Su's hand tightly, a little uneasy.

Gao Su looked at the lettering, his eyes shining, and secretly held her hand back, signaling her to rest assured.

"Will enter the wine, don't stop the glass, sing a song with you, please listen to it for me." Gao Anaqiu was thrilled by this heroic psalm. "How expensive are bells and drums, but I hope I don't want to wake up when I'm drunk. The ancient sages were all lonely, and only the drinker left his name. ”

When everyone heard "King Chen used to feast peacefully, and fight wine for ten thousand years", they all felt that this allusion was used very appropriately, facing today's scene, and waiting to hear "the master is talking about less money, and he must sell the right gentleman's drink", and they were all amused to laugh.

He Shikai also smiled, staring at Gu Huan intently.

Gu Huan liked this poem very much, so he wrote it down, but he didn't expect it to be very right on today's theme, and there was also a poem that faintly ridiculed, implying that he was stingy, and couldn't help but stick out his tongue and laugh.

Gao Anaqiu took a deep breath and read aloud: "Five-flowered horse, daughter Qiu, Hu'er will exchange for fine wine, and sell eternal sorrow with you." ”

As soon as his words fell, the people couldn't help but applaud in unison, and then thunderous applause.

The inscription at the top of the long scroll is "He Hexiang's birthday, blessing such as the East China Sea, Shoubi Nanshan", and the signature below is "Seeking Joy and Learning Pen", and there is a small seal "Green Yi Jushi". Everyone couldn't remember who this pleasure was, and they didn't know whose number was "Green Yi Jushi", so they looked left and right and asked each other.

When the roll call was displayed when this gift was displayed, everyone knew that it was given by Gu Huan, so they all looked at her.

Gu Huan's face turned red, and he involuntarily took a step back and hid behind Gao Su.

He Shikai smiled and praised: "General Xiao Gu is both civil and military, talented, and admirable. ”

Gu Huan had no choice but to poke his head out and said humbly: "If you win a prize with an adult, you will be ugly in the end." ”

Everyone understood, and they were all surprised, they didn't expect a little military general to be able to write such a good word, and they didn't expect her to be able to chant such a majestic poem at such a young age.

He Shikai waved his hand lightly, and the four subordinates slowly rolled up the painting and carefully placed it on the desk.

Gao Anaqiu observed the words and immediately saw that He Shikai loved that handsome young man, so he added fuel to the fire and said with a smile: "Since General Xiao Gu has said it, the master should hurry up and take the wine out." If we really don't have any money, we will sell all our five-flowered horses and golden furs. ”

Everyone laughed and joked: "Yes, yes, yes, we must have a few glasses with the adults." ”

The monk laughed: "Okay, I'll get drunk with everyone today." ”