Time flies, ten years have passed.

A bare-chested young man, lying in a wooden basin. Compared to his size, the tub looks a little smaller.

"Sister Xiaoyao, tomorrow will be my crown gift. We're leaving the palace too. I couldn't leave before, but when I can go, I'm really reluctant. The boy was a little worried.

"Your Highness, it's just a habit. If you go to Yancheng and stay longer, you will forget about this place. ”

From behind the screen came the voice of a woman of assurance.

"I hope so, I don't know what happened to Bao'er. I haven't seen you for ten years. ”

From the analysis of words, this handsome young man is Sima Liang when he grows up.

Xiao Yao behind the screen was silent for a moment.

"Bao'er Niangniang, it is Miao Ling, she must be slim and beautiful."

Then, as he walked, he came to the side of the wooden basin and began to wipe it for Sima Liang.

"Do you really think so?" Sima Liang grabbed Xiao Yao's hand and said with a playful smile.

Despite more than ten years of companionship, the two have become accustomed to each other. But this sudden act of intimacy still made Xiao Yao's face red. "Your Highness, Hugh wants to make fun of Xiao Yao."

Sima Liang gently stroked the other party's hand.

"It's a pity, a pair of good hands in the past. Now, it's become so rough. There was a hint of distress in his tone.

"Your Highness, is this a dislike for slaves?" Xiao Yao's body trembled slightly, and her eyes turned red.

"I dislike it, and I have to dislike it for a lifetime. If you go to Yancheng, I will take care of you for the rest of your life, don't think about it more. Sima Liang said with a smile.

Xiao Yao knew the meaning of her words, and while relieved, she said coquettishly.

"Your Royal Highness, you know that if you bully slaves and maids, you have to complain to the princess."

"You, hurry up. I still have to go out to get busy, and today I have to meet with my father-in-law and arrange the matters before the domain. Sima Liang scratched the other party's nose dotingly.

The sound insulation of this house is not very good, and the laughter of the two is heard by Xiao Shunzi outside the door.

His brow furrowed, as if he was a little angry.

"Your Highness, you are so indulgent to Xiao Yao. Although it is a concubine, this is too rude. ”

Ten years have passed, and Xiao Shunzi has grown into a young man. The face lacks masculinity, but it presents a strange flavor. If there is no cripple, he is also a handsome young man.

While he was waiting quietly, a little eunuch bowed in front of him in a hurry.

"Shun Chief, the guards are ready, and the car is ready."

Hearing this, Xiao Shunzi nodded with satisfaction and motioned for the other party to step back. After listening to the movement in the room, he closed his eyes and continued to wait.

After a while, there was the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer from inside the house. He opened his eyes and prepared the etiquette in advance.

"Your Highness, everything is ready, do you want to leave immediately?"

"Well done, let's go now."

Sima Liang was very satisfied with the other party's behavior and left here quickly.

Xiao Shunzi paused for a moment.

"In the future, don't be so presumptuous with Your Highness. You have to pay attention to your identity, a slave is a slave after all. ”

After speaking, he quickly caught up with Sima Liang's pace. Leaving Xiao Yao with a smiling face and complicated eyes.

After noticing that Junko was following, he began to discuss with the other party.

"Is the return gift for the queen ready?"

"According to His Highness's request, it has been sent out."

"It's good to send it, this time it can be sealed to Yancheng, and the queen's pillow wind has made a lot of contributions. Otherwise, if it is sealed to the northwest, it will be troublesome. ”

"Your Highness, there is no last resort. How could it be sealed to the northwest, where birds do not lay eggs. ”

"You're going to say nice things. Don't be afraid of 10,000, just in case. Over the years, my movements in and out of the palace have also violated the interests of many people. If my father hadn't been reminded by the queen and wanted to compensate me, I might not have been able to go to Yancheng. ”

"It's me, reckless."

……

The two checked along the way, a lot of things to do. In every matter, Xiao Shunzi replied to Sima Liang perfectly. This made him very satisfied.

"Xiao Shunzi, it's good to have you. I don't know what to reward you, do you have something you want, or something to do? I can promise you what I can. ”

"Doing things for His Highness, as it should be. How dare you ask for a reward? Besides, your taking in minions is already the greatest kindness. Now, I am sitting in the position of the head of the palace, because of your trust. Xiao Shunzi was terrified.

Looking at the other party who didn't eat oil and salt, Sima Liang rolled his eyes and thought: After so many years, this guy is still an elm pimple.

"That's it, my promise has always been valid, and it's never too late for you to mention what you want in the future." He was helpless.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

After being helped into the carriage, Sima Liang suddenly remembered something.

Stop the little straight who is about to get into the car.

"Today, I may come back later, you stay in the palace, I'm afraid that something will happen, and Xiao Yao will show her feet. Although it is not a big deal to leave the palace without permission, but when the crown ceremony is approaching, it is better to have more than one thing. ”

Xiao Shunzi wanted to accompany her, but after some consideration, she was ordered to stay.

The carriage staggered forward, and soon left the palace gate.

After being checked by the guards, Sima Liang opened the corner of the curtain and observed the outside through the gap.

"It's all good here, it's just that the water is too deep. I just want to make some money and be a prince who eats and waits for death. But just this idea can offend people. It may be a good choice to be able to leave. ”

The tone of his speech is not as open-minded as he said. Inadvertently, there is still a trace of reluctance.

It's no wonder, after all, Sima Liang was born here and grew up here. Now that I'm gone, it's inevitable that I will feel something.

With his gaze, the carriage slowly drove through the bustling business district. After a corner, I entered a large mansion courtyard.

Looking at the specifications of the mansion gate, this should be the area where the powerful businessmen live.

Noticing this, Sima Liang pulled down the car curtain without interest and no longer looked at the situation outside.

The streets are exceptionally clean and not as lively as the commercial districts. There are no street vendors, not even a few pedestrians.

The most you can see are the carriages and sedan chairs that are similar to Sima Liang.

These unidentified vehicles appear to be designed to conceal the identity of the occupants.

Others may have some effect, but for Sima Liang, it is really a bit of a cover-up.

Even if no one sees him, he can find out to the palace just by tracking him down from the carriage. Combined with the intelligence, a little speculation will tell that it is him.

Of course, the usual Sima Liang would not come here, and even if he did, he would not be so reckless.

Now he is leaving the day after tomorrow, and he is not afraid of exposing anything. By doing so, we can show our attitude to some forces.

After traveling for a while, the carriage stopped next to a mansion.

The location of the mansion is a little remote. But judging from the brand-new vermilion paint at the door, the owner still cares more about face.

Two magnificent stone lions stand on both sides of the gate.

With the high door of the mansion and the plaque with gold characters on a red background, all show the momentum of the owner.

With the support of the coachman, Sima Liang got out of the carriage.

After his feet hit the ground, he looked up at the plaque that read Tang Mansion.

"It's the first time I've been here. Lord Yue's residence looks so angry. ”

"Your Highness, the servant is going to call the door, you wait a moment." The coachman trotted to the door and banged on the knocker.

While waiting, Sima Liang looked around. Sure enough, there was a windfall. I thought, "I'm leaving soon, so if you want to see it, you can see more."

With this in mind, he turned his head and glanced a few times at several points in his line of sight. In order to let those who peep can see their own appearance.

"What does this man want to do?"

This behavior made the people who were watching a little puzzled.

Ordinary people who come here are tightly wrapped, and they are afraid that they will be seen. This person is good, he directly exposed his appearance completely, and put on an arrogant appearance. This kind of abnormal behavior made the other party a little unsure of his thoughts.

"My lord, my lord is waiting for you inside. Please move to the house. ”

When Sima Liang teased these people, the old butler of the Tang Mansion came out to greet him.

"Okay, let's go."

After giving these rude guys a smile, Sima Liang entered the mansion.

After he entered, all the people left the place one after another, apparently to report the information.

"This father-in-law's taste is not bad."

Sima Liang looked at the scene in the mansion carefully and nodded again and again.

"Actually, most of the bonsai decorations in the house were left by the previous owner, and we haven't had time to change much." The old butler was a little embarrassed.

"Well, there's no need to keep changing. I came this time, and what I discussed with my father-in-law will affect this mansion. Sima Liang's expression seemed to be smiling.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Although the old housekeeper had doubts, he didn't dare to ask more.

After passing through the inner gate, Sima Liang saw a slightly wealthy middle-aged man through the atrium.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"The little one will go down first and get busy, so don't bother the master and the adult." The old butler retreated very knowingly.

When he walked to the atrium, the other party couldn't wait to greet him.

"Your Highness, it's time to call the prince in the future."

"Uncle Yue, how do you feel, I will make you happier than me." Sima Liang laughed.

It seems that this middle-aged man who is smiling so happily is his father-in-law Tang Chong.

Ten years have passed, and the appearance of the other party has not changed much. But between his eyes and eyebrows, he is even more energetic.

It seems that all these years of life have been very satisfactory, so that he can be like this.

"After all, His Highness was enshrined in Yancheng, and that was a good place. My Tang family's new house is also there, and I will be happy to enjoy the shade under the big tree in the future. After many years of getting along, Tang Chong did not have the restraint he had when he first met.

"A place is a good place, and people don't know it." Sima Liang had something to say.

The other man nodded in understanding, and then pulled him into the hall.

After sitting down, Tang Chong handed over the freshly brewed tea.

Pinching the teacup, Sima Liang put it in front of his nose and sniffed it, and then tasted it.

After savoring it, he swallowed the tea.

Then, he raised the teacup again and drank it all.

At the same time, close your eyes and take a long breath of relief before opening your eyes satisfied.

"New tea! That's nice. ”

"Most of the new tea that I just delivered was given to a few adults. However, His Royal Highness will go to Yancheng soon, and in the future, the new tea will still be easier to get. ”

Sima Liang didn't seem to listen to the other party's words. He picked up the teapot and filled it with it.

This time, he didn't rush to drink. Instead, he looked at the teacup and thought for himself.

"The powerful people in the capital all like this new tea, do you know why?"

As soon as these words came out, Tang Chong put away his smile and his face became solemn.

"Second prince?"

"You're only partially right, this tea is so exquisite. This new tea is produced in Yancheng. The Yang family, which the eldest princess married, is a wealthy family entrenched in Yancheng. The eldest princess and the crown prince are compatriots, needless to say. You also know the second brother. The fifth brother's newly married concubine is also from Yancheng. ”

Talking about things in the palace, Tang Chong was a little restrained.

"This crown prince's position...... It's not going to change. ”

"You're not in the womb, so it's not normal. If you don't succeed to the throne, who can say it well. Sometimes, the prince is much better, but it is also a distressing thing. Those officials who are ready to stand in line are also unclear. But this new tea can connect the three possible candidates together. ”

Sima Liang looked at the teacup, and then watched some of the tea dregs in the cup shake.

"Send new tea, drink new tea, you won't offend anyone, and you can have a relationship with anyone. So this tea is now worth more than gold. ”

Tang Chong heard this explanation, but he didn't completely sort it out.

"Are you saying that when you go to Yancheng, these adults will make you stumble? But in the years since I moved to my new house, they haven't interfered with our business. ”

Sima Liang retracted his gaze and smiled wryly.

"Uncle Yue, you are just a businessman, and you don't know about this court. Originally, Yancheng was the fief of King Ning, and this imperial uncle did not stand in line, and he liked to pretend to be stupid. The seniority is there, and no one dares to make a fuss in his realm. In addition, our previous business has nothing to do with the wealthy families in Yancheng, so we are naturally safe. ”

After sighing, he drank the tea.

"You must know that I am the domain of Yancheng, official salt, ocean trade and Cao Yun, these three pieces of fat meat, you will have to share with me. Not to mention that over the years, our business has turned into a ticket office. This kind of money-making business, my brothers have wanted me to get out more than once. I don't care if I make less money, but it's too much trouble. ”

After pouring the teacup again, Sima Liang fell silent.

Speaking of which, needless to say, Tang Chong knew the consequences of standing in line. He drank the tea that had cooled in his hand, a little uneasy.

"Who are you going to choose?"

Sima Liang looked at each other's eyes, slightly helpless.

"Whoever wins. But now everyone has a chance to win, and it's really hard to choose. The lowest probability is the fifth brother, his biological mother is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The second brother has the most supporters, but the limelight is too strong and a little unstable. The eldest brother is the crown prince, as long as there is no major incident, the position can still be stable. The key decision is in the hands of his father, and his attitude is too ambiguous to guess at all. ”

After another cup of tea, Sima Liang's heart did not calm down.

He got up anxiously and walked to the door.

Seeing the greenery of the atrium and the blue sky, Sima Liang calmed down a little.

"As far as Yancheng is concerned, it is beyond my expectations. Even if I don't know how to deal with those people, I don't want to give up this city. This trip is mainly for you to give up the layout of our capital and concentrate on cultivating Yancheng in the future. Perhaps, give up some interests and go a little further. Coupled with pretending to be stupid, you may be able to survive until the day when the situation is clear. ”

These words made Tang Chong a little uncomfortable. He couldn't figure out the affairs of the court.

Leave your hometown and come to Zhongdu. Tang Chong struggled for a long time to have these industries. Although it was with the help of Sima Liang that he gained a foothold, the hard work he paid was also real.

Now that he has to give up completely, he really can't do it.

However, he still agreed to follow the other party's instructions. After all, the other party has not missed it all along.

Later, the two discussed some details until the sun set.

At this time, fireworks appeared in the sky.

"I almost forgot, today is September 1st, Midyear Day."

After the important things were ordered, Sima Liang's tone was much more relaxed.

"Yes, tomorrow will be His Highness's birthday." Tang Chong agreed.

"It's a pity, I'll have to rush back to the palace to prepare later. It is estimated that tomorrow will be busy all day, and the day after tomorrow will be the day after tomorrow. I don't have a chance, I can visit this temple fair. Sima Liang was a little pity.

"There are seven days in the temple and today is the first day. His Royal Highness set off the day after tomorrow and traveled for two days. You can catch up with the temple fair in Yancheng, although it is not as lively as moderate, but it also has a unique flavor. Tang Chong comforted.

"That's good advice." Sima Liang nodded.

After the two of them confirmed the final itinerary, he walked out of the Tang Mansion.

The carriage shook again, and Sima Liang stepped on the way back to the palace.

The Zhongyuan Festival is an important festival in the country of Li.

On this day forty years ago, the Li Kingdom destroyed the Yan Kingdom. At the same time, the name of Xinhua City was changed to the current Zhongdu.

It was also on this day that the country of Li became a great power in the world.

Since then, this day has been a day of national rejoicing every year. Even the areas where the powerful live are deeply affected.

A large number of men, women and children dressed in fine costumes walked on the avenue hand to ear.

After the carriage arrived in the business district, the scene was even more exaggerated.

The wide streets are crowded with pedestrians and vendors. Sima Liang's carriage was difficult to move an inch.

At this time, he couldn't sit still in the car.

It's not that he's anxious, but the noisy sounds around him and the lively scene outside the car make Sima Liang's heart itch.

He is a person who likes to play, and the annual lively festival is just around the corner, so he naturally can't hold it back.

"There's something big tomorrow, so don't go down and play. Let's go back honestly. ”

In the end, Sima Liang held down the hand that wanted to pull the curtain and forced himself to return to the palace honestly.