As Mei Changsu said, in just one day, the news that Concubine Yue was deposed and the prince was punished for thinking about it behind closed doors spread throughout the government and the opposition. Because the Zhongshu Province announced this incident with too vague language, only the eight words "disobey the holy will and serve the disrespectful", but it caused a lot of rumors, and all kinds of bizarre speculations came out one after another, which fully reflected that people's imagination can really be infinitely expanded.

Some people say that there was an emperor's new favorite palace concubine, who was killed by the concubine for no reason; Some people say that the concubine interfered with the prince's handling of court affairs with many words, so she annoyed Shengyan; Some people also say that the concubine practiced witchcraft in the inner courtyard and was caught by the queen; Some people even said that it was because the concubine's newly raised puppy had not been trained and actually bit the emperor's dragon claws......

The more people who have nothing to do with this matter and don't know anything, the more they quietly talk and speculate behind their backs, and the more people who are involved or know about some rumors are silent, and no one before or after them says a word. Xiao Jingrui and Yan Yujin had probably guessed that the matter was related to the Nihuang County Lord because they had witnessed Mei Changsu's arrangement in the Wuying Hall at that time, but they didn't know what the specific process was, but these two were smart people who were interested in it, and they didn't ask later.

The so-called literary examination the next day was not canceled or postponed due to this incident, but for both the candidates and the organizers, this huge election meeting has completely become a piece of chicken ribs. Everyone was puzzled by the bewildering mind of the Nihuang County Lord. If she had no intention of choosing a son-in-law in this way from the beginning, she could have not agreed to the emperor to hold this selection; But if she really touched her daughter's affection and hoped to marry among the best young heroes, her attitude would inevitably seem too cold. Whether it was in the early stage of the martial arts test, or after the ten candidates stood out, she did not learn about the character, temperament, advantages and disadvantages of these young people through any means, and she looked completely unconcerned.

However, for all the candidates who have competed to this point, of course, there is no reason to give up easily, maybe the county lord is just a reserved daughter and does not want to be exposed, I am afraid that only when the final face-to-face fight can we really know what her intentions are. Therefore, for this literary exam, although there are fewer people watching the excitement, most of the people who really participate in it, except for Xiao Jingrui, who make up the numbers, are still extremely serious.

Among this group of people with different thoughts, the one who came and returned the most was the Northern Yan Mission. Having a superb martial arts Bailiqi was their pride and pride, and Bailiqi was indeed the only one among all the candidates who had the hope of defeating the Nihuang County Lord. Unexpectedly, when the water was full, it overflowed, and a sick Su Zhe was killed in the air, and he didn't know what evil magic he used, which made this hard master lose inexplicably. Originally, if you lose, you will lose, just lose face, and the overall situation of adjusting your mood has not changed, but Bailiqi doesn't know what happened, and disappeared from the post house the day after the defeat, and the ambassador of Beiyan asked the commander of Jiumen to search for the whole city, and he didn't turn out half a shadow, but let the officers and soldiers of Daliang see the joke in vain. The matter of courting relatives has not been done, and the person who brought it has lost one, I am afraid that after this unlucky envoy returns home, I don't know how bitter the fruit will be to eat.

Of course, such an event will not be without its beneficiaries. Some people didn't plan to finally fold the flower of Kaolin, and being able to go through this platform, or show their fame and face, or win the opportunity to be appreciated, can be regarded as a great gain, and the person who made the most effort, but the most profitable, is obviously the Su Zhe who came out of nowhere.

This inconspicuous sick and weak young man, first there was a young guard martial arts, so he was quite appreciated and befriended by the commander, and then trained the young children to defeat the first person in the martial arts test in a fantastic way, showing his own super strength, and later presided over the county lord's literary examination when he was full of Jin Tao Xiuluo, and his dazzling talent was praised by the saints, and I heard that he had been privately summoned by the imperial study in white clothes, and talked for nearly two hours, although no one knew what they talked about, but then the rich reward and the honorific title of the guest secretary, All of them show that this is a legitimate newcomer, and it must not be underestimated, and even well-informed people have asserted that this Su Zhe is 100% a candidate for the county horse that has been decided a long time ago, and everyone else is to play with him.

After such rumors came out, it naturally stirred up a lot of storms. Even if the purpose of most people's candidacy is not just for the position of the county horse, but it is still not a happy thing to be dragged to play, for a while the focus of the whole capital fell on this new talent, if he did not live in the heavily guarded Ning Guohou Mansion, I am afraid that he would have been looked down on a layer of skin. But Rao is like this, there are still some noble children with extraordinary family backgrounds and status, who continue to visit the door, to see what kind of amazing appearance this Su Zhe is.

"Did the last person today also be defeated by the county lord?" Mei Changsu tightened the fur fur on his shoulders and exhaled a long breath, "It's a pity that such a lively event ended up with no results." ”

Xiao Jingrui stood in front of him, his eyebrows twisted. The longer I got to know this person, the more I felt that I couldn't see him clearly. If he says that he is not good to his friends, he is obviously gentle and considerate, and if he says that he is very good to his friends, he always feels that the hot friendship is wasted, as if there is a layer of separation, and it does not reach his heart at all. I couldn't control my little tantrum that day, and when I saw him later, I felt a little more cautious, and I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, but I didn't expect him to be really as Yan Yujin said, and he didn't notice his displeasure at all, which was quite unpleasant.

This kind of lukewarm and helpless situation also appeared in other aspects, and his attitude towards the county lord was actually the same. Obviously, he took everything to heart and meddled in everything, so that it has become the focus of attention in the whole capital now, but when it comes to it seriously, he really doesn't seem to have half of his other thoughts, and his desire to hope that the county lord can choose a good son-in-law does not seem to be hypocritical.

At this time, there was a strange sound from the other side of the flower path, as if someone had been thrown out. Xiao Jingrui glanced over there, shook his head and sighed. The location where the two of them are now is not the snow house where Mei Changsu lives, but an open pavilion very close to the atrium of Ningguo Mansion, with corridors on all sides, separated by flowers and trees, and several paths passing through the side, in fact, it is just a small scene on the side of the main road, not a suitable place to sit for a long time. Because there are too many people who have asked for a meeting for various reasons in recent days, even if they refuse, they will keep finding new excuses to come again, in order not to accumulate more and more trouble, Mei Changsu simply found such a convenient place to sit, hugging Qiu around the fireplace, and leisurely flipping through books. Whoever wanted to come to see him, Xie Bi led him to take a look at the side, and when he satisfied his curiosity, he left quickly, but he sent away a lot of visitors. However, there are always some people who are not satisfied with just seeing his face clearly, and try their best to bypass Xie Bi's obstruction and have a close contact. But since Mei Changsu has a guard who can fight against Meng Zhi, of course it is not for play, catching and throwing out those who have invaded the warning range is a game that Feiliu likes to play very much these days, but it is just trying not to really hurt people.

"The people who came today should be about the same, it's too cold here, Brother Su should go back to Xuelu." Xiao Jingrui saw Mei Changsu pull the collar of the fox fur again, and couldn't help but persuade.

Mei Changsu shook his head slowly, smiled softly, and said something else entirely: "Jing Rui, is Tingsheng's child okay?" ”

"Huh?" Xiao Jingrui said curiously, "You only asked me to visit him in the morning, how do you know that I have been there so soon?" ”

"The ochre red sand on the soles of your shoes is unique to the martial arts training place of King Jing's Mansion, if you didn't go, where did you get it?"

Since Mei Changsu often knew some things inexplicably that others didn't expect him to know, Xiao Jingrui wasn't surprised why he even recognized the red sand of King Jing's Mansion, he just raised his feet and looked at it, and said, "I wanted to tell you slowly at night, Tingsheng looks very good." There is a big courtyard behind King Jing's mansion, which originally housed some orphans of fallen soldiers, Tingsheng lived there, there was a separate room, there was a master who practiced literature and martial arts, he ate and slept well, no one bullied him, you don't have to worry. ”

Mei Changsu's eyes showed a hint of approval. King Jing is really smart, he didn't give Tingsheng any preferential treatment, and let him hide among everyone in a very low-key manner, and secretly train him, which is indeed the best policy.

"Tingsheng, this child is also a kind person, and he specially asked me about your physical condition, hoping that one day I can be taught by your side. By the way, he also handed over a gift for me to bring ......" Xiao Jingrui took out a small bag from his arms, opened it and saw that it was a small eagle carved from tree roots, although the carving method was rough, but it was very simple and interesting.

Mei Changsu glanced at Xiao Jingrui's hand, smiled, and said, "It's hard for him to have a heart." Feiliu is on the Cooper over there, go and give it to him yourself. ”

"Huh?" Xiao Jingrui said curiously again, "How do you know that this gift is for Feiliu?" ”

"Just look at it," Mei Changsu couldn't help but smile, "If he really wanted to give me a gift, he wouldn't choose this." Feiliu taught the children how to do their footwork for two days, and Tingsheng liked him very much, and I once saw them sitting together carving these knick-knacks. ”

"I can't hide anything from you." Xiao Jingrui looked into his eyes and laughed. In fact, if you think about it carefully, since the day we met, Mei Changsu's attitude towards people has not changed much, since people have not changed, then his dissatisfaction is unilateral force, how can he attribute the responsibility to others? Yan Yujin is right, he regards Brother Su as the most intimate mentor and friend in the world, that is because Brother Su himself has this qualification and ability, on the other hand, if the current Xiao Jingrui does not have the strength to occupy an equally important position in Brother Su's heart, it is his own problem, and it is really unfair to complain about the coldness of others.

Thinking of this, the pimple in his heart couldn't help but smooth out a lot, he took a deep breath, he felt that his chest was open, and Brother Su's eyes with a soft smile were as kind and gentle as before. Looking at the ancient cypress that Mei Changsu had just pointed out, Xiao Jingrui re-wrapped the little eagle at the root, stretched his body, swept over, raised his head and shouted: "Feiliu!" Let's see what it is? ”

A handsome face appeared between the branches and leaves of the cypress tree, which had been unusual, and Feiliu looked down with wide eyes.

"Oh, the ...... sent by your child" Xiao Jingrui raised his hand and shook it.

"What?"

"Come down and see, come down and see." Because he was already acquainted, Xiao Jingrui also began to tease this cute boy who seemed to be cold, but was actually as innocent as a child.

"What?" Feiliu was indeed amused a little annoyed, and asked again.

"Don't you come down? Then I'll take ......" Xiao Jingrui put the hand holding the bag behind his back and was about to leave.

In the next moment, Feiliu's feet had already landed, and he struck with his palm, Xiao Jingrui's footsteps were wrong, and he could avoid it, and at the same time twisted his waist and jumped up, flipped a few times, and followed in another direction. If you want to talk about martial arts, the moves must be taught by people, and the internal strength and proficiency must rely on your own practice, but when it comes to body methods, being chased behind by a master among masters can definitely stimulate potential and achieve different effects.

Mei Changsu watched the chase between the two from afar, watched Xiao Jingrui finally lose his skills, was caught by Feiliu and snatched the small bag, and watched Feiliu pick up the little eagle and jump between the shadows of the trees, a sense of tranquility rose in his heart, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.

But the smile quickly disappeared from the corner of his lips. The feeling of oppression that had arisen out of nowhere slowly crept in, and he intuitively raised his head and looked accurately at the small bee waist bridge on the east side of the corridor.

There was a slender figure standing quietly on the bridge, because it was too far away, the face was not clear, the only thing that was clear was that the man was looking at him seriously.

After waiting for a day of visitors, Mei Changsu slowly stood up, the snow-white fox fur scarf slid off his shoulder, and the cold wind blew through the bare skin outside the collar, although it did not carry the once familiar wind and sand outside the plug, but it was also as cold as a blade.

Seeing Mei Changsu standing up, the figure was no longer standing still, turned around and stepped down the bee waist bridge, entered the corridor with the eaves Tu Dan, and every time he took a step closer, the shadow reflected in the eyes of the sect master of the Jiangzuo League became clear.

Unlike when she was outside the western suburbs, Xia Dong was wearing women's clothes at the moment, although she was still wearing a short dress with narrow sleeves and long boots, but the embroidery on the front placket and the tassel on the waist had successfully reconciled some of her evil and mysterious neutral temperament, showing a bit of beauty and charm. Only the long, smooth hair was still tied with a ribbon, without any hairpin rings, and the pale wisp between the dark clouds was still very conspicuous.

In Mei Changsu's quiet gaze, the footsteps of the female mirror envoy stepped through the corridor railing, and suddenly turned around lightly, the tail of her hair fluttered, and the dark eyes that were as cold as autumn water under the long feather eyelashes condensed, raised her hand and staggered her body, flying up like a flowing cloud, sprinkling a palm shadow, and what shredded this "Bodhi Golden Shadow" was a volley blow that Feiliu quietly did not even shake a trace of air.

In a flash, after a few moves, Xia Donglang laughed and shouted: "Good body!" "In the master competition, the continuation of the breath is the most important, she has to force her voice in the almost suffocating offensive of the flying stream, although she is arrogant, but she also has a provocative intention, and she can tease the other party to open her mouth forcefully, and you can attack with the cotton needle heart method that this door is best at.

Unfortunately, Feiliu is no ordinary opponent. He had learned since he was a child, based on forbearance and tightness, focusing on the enemy's negligent and weak points, and as soon as Xia Dong spoke out, the rhythm of his breath changed slightly, as if a crack suddenly appeared in the golden wire mesh facing the blade, and was broken by the flying stream, and instantly pressed her back to the east of the corridor. As for the challenge in Xia Dong's tone, this kid didn't understand it at all.

Xiao Jingrui had rushed back to Mei Changsu at this time, and seeing that the two were fighting fiercely, he couldn't help but be a little busy, and shouted: "Brother Su, tell Feiliu to stop, that person is ......"

"The martial arts that have been passed down from generation to generation are really king," Mei Changsu smiled slightly, and his tone was leisurely, "Even if something goes wrong, you can retreat without defeat." If it weren't for the royal secret order of Langya Pavilion, the Hanging Mirror Envoy would not be allowed to be on the list, but I am afraid that among the top ten masters, their positions would be indispensable at any time. ”

"The Hanging Mirror Envoy is not allowed to be on the list?" Xiao Jingrui had never heard of this before, and he was surprised, "No wonder, I always thought that it was because they were secretive, so they didn't get any information about their achievements by Langya Pavilion." ”

Mei Changsu smiled: "You also underestimate Langya Pavilion." However, the Hanging Mirror Envoy has always been rarely involved in the affairs of the rivers and lakes, and he is also an invisible existence in the DPRK and China, so it is right not to be on the list. ”

"But Feiliu is so martial artistic, why didn't he make the list?"

"Feiliu didn't go out before, but he will be able to go next year." Mei Changsu sighed and said, "It would be nice if I could find a way to ask the Lord of Langya Pavilion not to be exclusive to the list, Feiliu is a child......"

"It's not easy, this time Feiliu is a master in the capital, I'm afraid it has already been ...... Yes! Just as he was halfway through speaking, Xiao Jingrui suddenly screamed and reacted, "Since Brother Su knows who she is, then tell Feiliu to stop!" I'm really ...... I'm actually talking to you......"

But Mei Changsu shook his head and said in a firm tone: "Let them fight, I won't care." ”

"Brother Su......"

"Feiliu has already been instructed that it won't hurt anyone, what are you worried about?" Mei Changsu said lightly, "The martial arts and temperament of the Hanging Mirror Envoy are the most unpredictable, I told Feiliu to stop, he will really stop immediately, if the other party suddenly makes a temperament, wouldn't it be harmful to Feiliu?" ”

Xiao Jingrui was hesitant to say this. Seeing Mei Changsu slowly sit back on his bench, pick up the long fur that slipped off when he got up, and look leisurely, it seems that he really can't care, but he can't care like him, so he had to cough, chased to the two who were fighting, and shouted: "Sister Xia Dong, can you stop first?" ”

However, the summer and winter competitiveness of the rare chess opponent has been aroused, and he ignored it at all, took a step back sharply, and the strong wind in his sleeves puffed up, and he had made every effort to make the master master of the "Jiang Artesian", and his round arms crossed a circle like a painting of Tai Chi, and the palm shadow seemed to disappear immediately, and a strong cyclone swept straight away. There was finally a hint of expression on the young man's cold and indifferent face at this time, but this expression was not panicked no matter how he interpreted it. In the face of the surging wind, his fluttering body not only did not try to stabilize the fall of his feet, but became more leisurely, and the whole person was like a dead leaf floating away from the treetops, and he could roll up with the vortex in an incredible posture, and his palms turned out from under the flank like ghosts, and plunged directly into the colorless and invisible palm shadow, accurately cutting on Xia Dong's wrist.

Everything ended so suddenly, one moment there was still a figure flying, the wind was blowing, and the next moment the two were separated at great speed, looking at each other from a distance of a zhang.

Xia Dong's left hand was held on his right wrist, and his expression was quite calm, but his face was slightly pale, and there was some inaudible gasp. Feiliu was still the usual one, indifferent and cold, with no emotion in his eyes, and pointed to Xia Dong's feet and said, "Stand here!" OK! ”

Xiao Jingrui looked at this in a daze, and then at that, speechless for a long time. If there was a mirror in front of him at this time, he would definitely be able to see two words on his face very clearly - shock!

Although he had long known that Feiliu's martial arts were extremely high, and although he had long known that this young man's skills were far from being comparable to his own, he ...... But...... That person is Xia Dong, a hanging mirror envoy who has been a teacher for more than ten years, and a handful of masters in the government and the wild. And this Feiliu, this child-like mind, often sees the boy he is in love with snuggling up to his brother's knees, and he can actually defeat her!

Compared with Xiao Jingrui's surprised expression that he didn't hide at all, the person concerned, Xia Dong, was much calmer and calmer. She first luckily washed away the stale on her wrist, then stroked her slightly messy long hair, pursed the corners of her mouth and smiled slightly, and said, "Xia Dong is reckless, please see Mr. Su." ”

Mei Changsu's voice came slowly through the low bushes: "Feiliu, please come over that sister." ”

Feiliu immediately raised his head, pointed in the direction of Mei Changsu and said to Xia Dong: "Go!" ”

Of course, those who know him understand that he has always been like this, but in the eyes of those who don't know, this move is simply rude, Xiao Jingrui hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Sister Xia Dong, don't blame, Feiliu has always been so concise, and there is no disrespect." ”

Xia Dong is such a vision, after stopping his hand, he observed carefully, and knew the abnormality of Feiliu, and he was not angry at the moment, and stepped into the corridor and walked to the open pavilion.

Mei Changsu had already gotten up to greet the guests, smiled and invited Xia Dong to sit down on the brocade pier next to the small table, lifted the top lid of the copper kettle sitting on the stove next to him, glanced at the white air, and said with a smile: "Seven points of plum snow, three points of dew, now that the water has been newly opened, would you rather drink a cup?" ”

"I'm sorry." Xia Dong replied peacefully.

At this time, Feiliu was nowhere to go, and I don't know which tree he jumped to play. Xiao Jingrui is the most considerate and sensitive person, knowing that Xia Dong is not one of those ordinary curious people, there is naturally a reason for this, so he doesn't want to get in the way, so he said goodbye and left after making an appointment with a friend. Therefore, on this open pavilion, there are now only two people.

After the water warmed the purple sand tea set, Mei Changsu scooped out an appropriate amount of tea leaves with a wooden spoon and placed them at the bottom of the tea cup, slowly poured the boiling water into the nine points full, sucked off the tea foam, skimmed the first way, and then brewed. Xia Dong also took it with both hands, sniffed the tea slowly, took a sip gently, stopped his tongue slightly, swallowed his teeth and throat sweetly, slightly closed his eyes and tasted carefully, and was speechless for a long time, as if he really just came to drink tea at the invitation of the general.

She didn't speak, and Mei Changsu didn't speak, smiling lightly and holding a cup to drink. Under the dizziness of the hot tea, his originally pale cheeks had a hint of vermilion, and he looked like he had a casual temperament and elegant demeanor. Xia Dong stared at him for a long time, and Fang sighed softly: "I have a word to tell you frankly, don't blame Mr." ”

"Lord Xia doesn't have to be polite," Mei Changsu addressed him with respect, and his tone was modest, "If you have anything to say, you might as well say it." ”

"Sir is indeed a very good man, and I know that I still can't see through you. But...... No matter what kind of person he is, he can't escape one of the two. ”

"Oh," Mei Changsu smiled, "I would like to hear about it." ”

"You are either an elegant genius with a fragrance of piano and tea, or a strategist from the city government, but no matter which one you are, you are not the type suitable for the lord of Nihuang County."

Mei Changsu's smile still did not change, and he said warmly: "Lord Fei Xia came today, did he hear some rumors, thinking that Su was the future husband selected by the county lord, so he had to check it in advance?" ”

Xia Dong snorted: "The purpose is indeed this purpose, but it is not to listen to rumors." ”

"Oh?"

"I've known Lord Nihuang for many years, and I know a little bit about her temperament. If there is no special reason, even if you are a popular celebrity in front of Your Majesty and the princes, she will not treat you so politely. When Xia Dong said this, a chill suddenly flashed in his eyes, "But for the county lord's preferential treatment, Mr.'s response is disappointing, it can be said that he has never voted for Li, which makes me really puzzled." There are also people in the Mu Mansion who feel the same way as me, and feel that Mr. is too arrogant and not attentive enough. ”

A wry smile appeared on Mei Changsu's face, he raised the teacup in his hand and took another sip, and said slowly: "Lord Xia...... Su might as well say bluntly, you are really wrong. ”

"Wrong?"

"The county lord has a peerless demeanor and a lofty bearing. Su is neither deaf nor blind, does he have no admiration? Merely...... The reason why he has not married a wife so far is that he does not want to take other people's daughters, let alone the county lord? Second, even if Su is interested, the county lord is only afraid and has no intention. As Master Xia said, no matter what type Su is, he is not suitable for the county lord. Lord Xia knew this, how could the county lord himself not know? The person she can pretend to be in her heart must be a righteous man, a heroic man, who can go on the battlefield with her and fight the enemy side by side, how can she be as lazy and lazy as Su, without half a heroic spirit? ”

"But Nihuang is obviously ......"

"The Nihuang County Lord treats Su very politely, but the reason for this is not as you think." Mei Changsu put down the teacup and stretched his fingers to roast in the fire, "Lord Xia, as a mirror hanger, has extraordinary means, so he must have checked the ins and outs of Su Mou, right?" ”

Xia Dong nodded calmly: "That's right." The fact that the sect master of the Jiangzuo League is so young surprised me a little. ”

Mei Changsu looked at the white mist he exhaled in the cold air, his eyes were leisurely, and he said in a rambling voice: "My identity, the county lord also knows." The reason why she looked at Su with blue eyes was not for anything else, it was because of this. ”

Xia Dong raised his eyebrows, and a touch of puzzlement flashed in his eyes: "Although Jiang Zuomeng is the largest gang in the world, it has some origins, but if you are not afraid of your annoyance, it is just a Jianghu sect in the end." The county lord is a noble body, and he commands 100,000 iron horsemen, can your identity shock her? ”

"How could the county lord be shocked?" Mei Changsu smiled and said, "I don't dare to have such delusions. However, I said that the county lord was particularly courteous to me because of my status as the sect leader of the Jiangzuo League, but this is not false. ”

Xia Dong frowned and said, "There are not all smart people like Mr. in the world, can you explain it more clearly?" ”

Mei Changsu sat up slowly, took out a few pieces of fragrant cakes from his sleeve, threw them into the purple tripod next to him and smoked them, and took out the stove that he had been holding in his arms, opened the lid of the stove, used a small tongs to clip a few pieces of red charcoal into it, hugged it tightly, and changed to a more comfortable posture on the bench, Fang smiled and said: "Although the sky is gloomy, it is also a pleasure to burn incense around the stove and have tea in hand." If Lord Xia has no urgent matter, would he like to listen to Su tell a story on this open pavilion? ”