The two looked at each other, and silence was better than sound.

Yuan Mingkong was the first to break the silence, and his voice was full of indescribable joy:

"Brother Zhao, I didn't expect to meet here again today. What a blessing! Why don't you and I find a place to go and have a few drinks to catch up on old love? ”

A warm light flashed in Zhao Rang's eyes, and he laughed, his voice loud:

"Just what I want! I think that at the beginning, we fought side by side and survived the difficulties together, and now that we are reunited, how can we not get drunk? Do you know where the best wine is worth tasting in this imperial city? ”

Yuan Mingkong smiled slightly, and his smile revealed a little smugness:

"Brother Zhao, you can be regarded as asking the right person. Although there are many fine wines in this imperial city, if you talk about the mellow aroma and delicate taste, it is none other than the 'Qinyun Wine Workshop'. The wine there is not only of high quality, but also has a charm that is difficult to find anywhere else. And the environment is quiet, which is just right for old friends like us to catch up. ”

When Zhao Rang heard this, his eyes were even more interested:

"'Qin Yun Wine Workshop'? Hearing the name is extraordinary! So what are you waiting for? Let's set off and taste the wine of the 'Qin Yun Wine Workshop'! ”

The two of them said they would go, without dragging their feet in the slightest.

Leaving the temple, we walked through the bustling street market and went straight to the quiet alley where the "Qin Yun Liquor Workshop" was hidden.

This wine shop is unremarkable, but it exudes an indescribable simplicity and elegance.

On the wooden signboard, the three big characters "Qinyun Wine Workshop" are written vigorously and powerfully, revealing a dusty fairy atmosphere.

The two stepped into the restaurant and were immediately attracted by the layout inside.

There are several splashed ink landscape paintings hanging on the wall, with chic brushstrokes and far-reaching artistic conceptions.

The wooden tables and chairs are neatly arranged, and every detail reveals the boss's intentions and taste.

It's mid-afternoon, and the sun shines through the windows, adding warmth to this quiet space.

There weren't many customers in the restaurant, only a few regular customers whispering in the corner, making it even more peaceful and cozy.

When a fellow saw the two of them coming in, he immediately greeted them warmly:

"Two guest officers, please! I wonder what you want to taste? ”

Yuan Mingkong smiled slightly, his gaze swept around the wine shop, and then fell on the guy:

"I heard that your store's 'daughter red' is a must in the imperial city, and we are here to taste it today."

When the guy heard this, a smug smile appeared on his face:

"The two guests are really in the right place! Our 'Daughter Red' is brewed with the finest glutinous rice and clear spring water, and then buried in the ground for more than ten years before taking it out and drinking. Its color is as crystal clear as amber, and its aroma is fragrant, sweet and mellow. Guaranteed to satisfy the two guest officers! ”

So saying, the man led the two to a table by the window and sat down.

After a while, the two long-sealed "daughter red" and a few delicate side dishes were served.

Yuan Mingkong waved his hand to let the guy retreat, and then personally poured a full glass of wine for Zhao Rang.

The liquor swirls in the glass, giving off an enticing aroma.

He picked up his wine glass and signaled to Zhao Rang:

"Brother Zhao, please!"

Zhao Rang was not polite, he picked up the wine glass and drank it all.

Suddenly, a warm current poured from his throat into his abdomen, turning into a wave of heat that spread to all his limbs.

He couldn't help but close his eyes and savor the lingering fragrance in his mouth:

"Good wine! Sure enough, it lives up to its name! ”

Yuan Mingkong smiled slightly, and also took a sip of the wine glass. He put down his wine glass, looked at Zhao Rang and said, "What does Brother Zhao think of this 'daughter red'?" ”

Zhao Rang smashed the bar and smashed the mouth, reminiscing about the aroma of wine in his mouth:

"This 'daughter red' is really extraordinary! Sweet and mellow in the mouth, with a long finish. And ......"

He paused, as if searching for the right words to describe,

"And there's an indescribable emotion in it."

"Do you feel that this wine seems to be infused with the tenderness and endless expectation of your daughter's family?"

Yuan Mingkong said, his gaze became deep and distant, as if he was also immersed in that distant memory.

Zhao Rang was stunned when he heard this, and then nodded suddenly with a sense of understanding:

"That's right! That's how it feels! This wine is infused with the true feelings and expectations of the world, which makes people can't help but be moved. ”

The two looked at each other and smiled, and they both knew in their hearts that the reason why this "daughter red" was so delicious and moving was because of the sincere emotions and expectations incorporated into it.

In this quiet wine shop, the two seem to have crossed the barrier of time and space, and returned to those days full of passion and blood again.

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of food, the conversation box between the two was completely opened.

He talked about the adventures and battles in the Western Regions, the experiences and observations in the Imperial City, and his future plans and visions...... There are endless topics and laughter.

Before you know it, it's getting late.

The two completely forgot the passage of time and the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and only immersed themselves in this rare reunion and joy.

The dim lights in the restaurant add warmth and hazy beauty to this quiet space.

In the night, the lights of the "Qinyun Wine Workshop" are swaying, like stars, and the stars in the sky reflect each other.

The aroma of wine wafts in the night breeze, with an intoxicating charm.

Yuan Mingkong and Zhao Rang were still sitting at the table by the window, slightly drunk and talking.

Yuan Mingkong suddenly sighed lightly and said:

"Brother Zhao, do you remember that legend? The legend about the 'daughter red' buried under the osmanthus tree and the seal was opened to drink when the daughter got married. ”

A hint of mist flashed in Zhao Rang's eyes, and he was also brought into distant memories by this legend:

"Yes, of course I do. It's a pity that I can't realize it, after all, I don't even have a daughter-in-law, let alone a daughter! ”

Yuan Mingkong picked up the wine glass, shook it gently, as if he hadn't heard it, looked at the wine in the glass with a confused gaze, and said with emotion:

"yes, we don't know which father buried it for his daughter, which we drink today."

"Brother Zhao, do you believe in your fate?"

Zhao Rang was slightly stunned, then laughed, and said proudly:

"Brother Yuan, just act without shame. If you believe in this thing, you will have it, and if you don't believe it, you will not have it. As for our reunion today, I prefer to believe that we have a deep brotherly relationship and a good heart! ”

When Yuan Mingkong heard this, a look of appreciation flashed in his eyes, he picked up his wine glass again and said:

"Well said! Here, let's have another drink, brother! ”

The two of them drank again.

At this time, the atmosphere in the "Qinyun Wine Workshop" was broken by a soft music, which was like a mountain spring gently dripping, and like an early spring breeze caressing peach blossoms.

Yuan Mingkong and Zhao Rang were originally immersed in talking to each other, but they were attracted by this sudden beautiful melody, so they stopped talking and followed the music.

Their gaze passed through the smoke that swirled inside the winery and fixed on the body of a woman in red.

She sat in front of a guqin in the corner, her long hair like a waterfall, her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, her red dress swayed lightly in the wind, her fingers jumping lightly on the strings, and every plucking seemed to have a magical power, making the air around her freeze.

The music fluctuated with the dance of her fingers, and the melody seemed to contain the joys and sorrows of the world, love and hatred

As the last note slowly dissipated, the woman in red also gently stopped playing.

She slowly got up, bowed slightly in the direction where the two of them were, and a faint smile appeared on her face, and then turned lightly, like a red butterfly dancing in the night sky, fading away.

In the dim light, her figure gradually blurred, and finally disappeared into the night.

Yuan Mingkong and Zhao Rang watched the woman in red leave, and an inexplicable emotion surged in their hearts.

Retracting his gaze, he landed on the wine glass on the table again.

At this time, there is not much liquor left in the wine glass.

Yuan Mingkong picked up the wine glass, took a sip, then put down the glass, and said softly:

"Brother Zhao, it is my greatest blessing to be able to know, intersect and know you in this life. No matter how the future changes, our friendship will not change. ”

Finally, when the last wisp of wine dissipated between their lips and teeth, the two also ended their reunion tonight, and helped each other out of the "Qinyun Wine Workshop" and stepped into the silent alley.

The alley was dark, with only distant stars twinkling in the night sky.

Yuan Mingkong stopped, full of reluctance.

Zhao Rang laughed and said arrogantly: "Brother Yuan, don't worry! No matter when and where, as long as there is a call, you will definitely go to the soup and fire, and you will not give up! ”

When Yuan Mingkong heard this, a trace of warmth flashed in his eyes.

He knows Zhao Rang's personality very well, and knows that since the other party is so promised, he will have no regrets until death.

Gently patted Zhao Rang's shoulder, and said in a deep voice:

"Brother Zhao, with your words, I am relieved. However, in addition to reminiscing about the past, there is also something to discuss today. ”

Zhao Rang raised his eyebrows and asked curiously:

"Brother Yuan, what do you need to discuss with me?"

Yuan Mingkong smiled slightly, and his smile revealed an indescribable deep meaning:

"Brother Zhao, do you know that three days later will be the Spring Festival Banquet in the palace?"

"Spring Festival Banquet?"

Zhao Rang repeated, and then a hint of clarity flashed in his eyes.

"Are you saying that every year after the winter solstice, the emperor will hold a grand banquet in the forbidden palace?"

"Exactly."

Yuan Mingkong nodded, and there was a solemnity in his tone.

"This Spring Festival Night Banquet is not trivial, not only the nobles, meritorious generals and civil servants will gather together, but even the major families and clans in the north, and even the forces that are friendly with Dawei outside the territory, will send representatives to the palace to participate. It can be said that this is the most important occasion to show the strength and majesty of Dawei. ”

Hearing this, Zhao Rang frowned and asked:

"In previous years, the Spring Festival Banquet was supervised by the Three Princes, why, this year this matter has fallen on you?"

Yuan Mingkong sighed lightly, with a hint of helplessness on his face:

"It's not because the dispute between the third prince and the fifth prince is becoming more and more acute, my father handed over this matter to me in order to balance the situation. As you know, I've never been a fan of fights and intrigues, but since my father has a life, I can only do my best. ”

Zhao Rang was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head and looked into Yuan Mingkong's eyes:

"What do you need me to do?"

"To be honest, although this Spring Festival Night banquet is grand, it is also extremely cumbersome. From the preparation of the guest list, to the setting of the banquet, to the security of the night, everything needs to be carefully planned and arranged. I can't be busy alone, so I want to ask Brother Zhao to help me sort out and screen together. ”

Zhao Rang laughed and said:

"Since Brother Yuan has spoken, how can I not help?"

Yuan Mingkong was overjoyed when he heard this, he held Zhao Rang's hand tightly, and said gratefully:

"If you can do me a favor, you'll do me a great favor! I am grateful! ”

Zhao Rang waved his hand and said with a smile:

"Brother Yuan's words are wrong! Since you and I are brothers, why should we be so polite? Besides, as a citizen of Dawei, I should do my part! ”

As he spoke, he turned to leave.

Yuan Mingkong hurriedly stopped him:

"Brother Zhao, slow down! This matter needs to be discussed in the long run, and it is not too late for us to discuss it in detail tomorrow. It's getting late today, why don't you and I change places and have a few more drinks? ”