When Xiang Shaolong saw that the road to the palace city was crowded with carriages and horses going to the meeting, and they were squeezing each other as slowly as a snail, he couldn't help but be glad that he had chosen to ride a light horse. He and Yao Sheng and others sometimes crossed the sidewalk, and sometimes passed between the horse carriages.
, and galloped towards the palace nimbly and swiftly.
Everywhere he went, everyone was paying attention, and noble ladies and eunuchs raised their curtains one after another to see his grace and see what kind of appearance the man who could attract the attention of talented ladies like Ji had.
Of course Xiang Shaolong will not disappoint them. He wears a warrior scarf on his head, wears a long wind cloak on top of his elegant clothes, has a straight torso, handsome appearance, and a seemingly careless smile hanging on the corner of his lips.
In addition, wearing the world-famous sword of hundreds of battles on his waist, he really has the charm to fascinate beauties all over the world.
Yao Sheng and others also felt honored, and everyone held their chests high and their backs straight, and it was so majestic.
When they passed by cars and entered the inner city, the guards guarding the city gate all saluted solemnly.
However, Xiang Shaolong's heart was as calm as water, with no worries or joy.
Before coming, he sat in meditation for an entire hour, bathed and changed clothes. He felt that his energy and energy had reached an unprecedented peak, he was full of desire and confidence for the future, and he felt that everything in front of him was completely in his own hands.
The biggest taboo in life is endless repetition.
However, since he left Xianyang and entered the battlefield, he has been living under tremendous pressure and crisis every moment. After escaping, he has been faced with the choice of life and death all the time every day. Now he is about to have a decisive victory with the swordsman master Yu Jixia.
After the battle at the official star observation platform, he returned to his warm home far away, and his life reached its most intense state.
He felt that he would never forget this moment of attending the banquet. The sound of people and cars and horses seemed to be close to his ears, but also seemed to be far away from the sky.
All the scenes have a sense of insubstantiality. Only the movement between him and the horse has a real fusion of flesh and blood.
He was trapped in the depths of this strange dream of time and space, unable to reflect on himself, unable to extricate himself, and even less willing to wake up.
The sudden sound of "General" shattered his waking dream.
Xiang Shaolong slowed down his horse and glanced back towards where the sound came from. He saw someone sticking his head out of the window of the third carriage behind him and waving to him. It was Guo Kai.
The knights of Zhao who were guarding Guo Kai on both sides saluted him.
Xiang Shaolong rode his horse to a stop, and the carriage finally caught up from behind. Guo Kai sighed: "I can finally meet Shaolong. In Shouchun, I didn't even know each other face to face. Now we can finally talk to each other. Queen Mother Jing misses you very much."
"
Guo Kai, the traitor, has aged a lot, and has become so fat that his face has become rounder, and he is no longer as handsome as he used to be. Although Xiang Shaolong doesn't like him and knows that he is plotting against him, he still pretends to be an old acquaintance.
Feeling friendly, he smiled and said: "Mr. Guo is pampered and has a big heart and a fat body. If we meet him on the street, he might not recognize you."
Guo Kai's eyes fell on his Hundred Battles Sword, and he said with deep feeling: "Back then, the late king mistakenly believed in Zhao Mu, otherwise today Shaolong and I would not only be good friends, but also partners working together to fight against foreign enemies."
Xiang Shaolong rode his horse slowly along with his carriage, advancing and stopping, accompanied by Yao Sheng and others, which attracted passers-by to watch and give advice.
When we arrived in the inner city, we felt more and more the atmosphere of celebration in the whole city. Every household was decorated with lanterns and fireworks, and firecrackers were blasting.
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "Unfortunately, there is no such thing as 'if' in fate, just like a person who dies can never be resurrected. Even if you can relive a certain moment in the past, things will still not change from the beginning."
How could Guo Kai know that this was his personal experience? He said with some unfinished content: "Reminiscing about old memories always makes people sad. However, outstanding talents will succeed wherever they go. Shaolong is the best example."
Xiang Shaolong's heart moved, and he felt that Guo Kai thought that if he did not die at the hands of Cao Qiudao tomorrow, he would also die under his arrangements. So now he was particularly emotional and showed a frankness that was rarely seen in him.
Why is he so sure?
Did you really guess that you were going to run away tomorrow night?
Unless someone in the song and dance troupe leaked the news and said that he had arranged everyone's future as if he was giving funeral arrangements, outsiders would never be able to make such a guess.
Thinking of this, I suddenly felt stunned. I remembered Zhu Xiuzhen's maid Xiao Ning. I had suspected that she had stolen the music score to Zhang Quan, but she had never been able to confirm it.
Assuming that Guo Kai hooks up with Zhang Quan, he can easily grasp his movements. Guo Kai has always been very resourceful, aware of the subtleties, and also knows his own character, so he can formulate a dragnet to deal with him.
If this is the case, his danger tomorrow night will be greatly increased, and Yan and Zhao's ambush will not be limited to being arranged on the way back to the city. The biggest problem is that no one can help him, and he can only fight alone.
Guo Kai asked in surprise: "What is Shaolong thinking?"
Xiang Shaolong said calmly: "I'm thinking that even if Prime Minister Guo wants to send someone to kill me, I will never feel resentful."
Guo Kaiju said in shock: "But I feel very uncomfortable in my heart. If Shaolong's subordinates had retained people when we were at Handan Proton Mansion, I, Guo Kai, would not be where I am today. This kind of development is really regrettable."
Xiang Shaolong didn't expect that he still remembered this incident, and he felt a little better for him, but at the moment he didn't know what to say.
Guo Kaihu said: "When Mrs. Ni died, she left a son. Did she follow Shaolong to Xianyang? Why have I never heard from him? Mrs. Ni is a good woman who is missed, but it is a pity that God is jealous of her beauty. Alas.
"
Xiang Shaolong suppressed the huge waves in his heart. After learning that Lu Buwei had revealed Xiao Pan's identity, it was like throwing a boulder into calm water, triggering other associations. For example, Guo Kai suspected that Xiao Pan was Ying Zheng.
This matter is not trivial. If Lu Buwei knew about it and cooperated with the couple captured from Handan, it would be even harder for them to have a chance to defend themselves.
But he responded: "The child was so sad about his mother's death that he didn't think about food and tea on the way. In addition, he was tired during the journey and died of an early illness."
Guo Kai said "Oh" with an expression as if he had guessed you would say that.
Xiang Shaolong was no longer interested in getting involved with him, so he apologized, drove his horse and drove over dozens of carriages, and entered the palace.
The grand occasion in Qi Palace was unprecedented.
The king's banquet and the guest of honor's banquet were set up on the Huan Gong Terrace, and there were nearly a hundred seats for the banquet. There were more than a thousand seats in the square under the Huan Gong Terrace for lower-level civil and military officials and gentry people from all over the country to attend.
The place where songs and dances are performed is the large platform in the middle of Huan Gong's platform, and the band is arranged under the platform facing the throne.
There were crowds of people everywhere in the palace, everyone was dressed up, and ladies inevitably competed for their beauty.
King Qi was laid down in the Dianjiang Hall under the stage of Duke Huan, and he accepted the congratulations from everyone with excitement.
Even more excited than him was Tian Jian. Now that the overall situation was decided, everyone rushed to fawn over and flatter him. Even people who didn't know could clearly see that he was the proud figure in the event.
After Xiang Shaolong paid his congratulations to the King of Qi, he saw Zhongsunlong vying to flatter Tian Jian, but Tian Dan stood aside with disdain and chatted with Lu Buwei and Guo Kai, inevitably thinking of Xiaopan.
Whoever becomes a monarch will be corrupted by power and the flattery of his ministers, and it will become harder to receive advice and advice. This effect seems to have become a law. Xiaopanxian has also changed a lot, and his feelings for himself can still be maintained.
how long?
Li Yuan's voice rang in his ears: "Shaolong, let's go to a quiet place and talk."
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "Is there any quiet place? I don't have to walk a few miles?"
Li Yuan laughed and pulled him toward the palace gate. When he passed by the concubines gathered together, all the girls stared at him deeply.
Xiang Shaolong thought of Mrs. Qingxiu and Shanrou and glanced around, but there was no trace of the two women.
After squeezing out of the crowded hall, the two of them climbed onto the Huan Gong Terrace, where the chambermaid Gong E was busy preparing the fine wine and dishes for the birthday banquet, which was very lively.
They came to the edge of Duke Huan's meeting, far away from the king's seat, overlooking the wilderness outside the city wall. Under the brilliant lights, Li Yuan leaned on the railing and said, "When will Shaolong plan to return to Xianyang? Are you willing to go with me?"
Xiang Shaolong felt that he really didn't hate him in his heart, and said calmly: "Don't bother, it's much faster and more comfortable for me to go through Wei Kingdom."
Li Yuan agreed: "It can indeed be done in half the time, but is there any safety issue?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "I will formally request the Qi people to escort me, and with Zhongsunlong on hand to protect me, there shouldn't be any problem."
Li Yuan followed closely and asked: "When are you planning to set off?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "Why don't we leave until the song and dance in Jixiaguan is over? Otherwise, I won't be able to rest assured."
Li Yuan lowered his voice and said: "You have to be careful tomorrow night. I am confident that Shaolong can pass Cao Gong's test safely, but the Qi people cannot afford to lose. I heard that there are Jixia madmen secretly preparing if you really
If you win, I will sneak attack you on your way back. How about I come to pick you up personally? You can use the light signal to contact me."
Xiang Shaolong secretly screamed, if he didn't know that he and Guo Kai were co-conspirators, it would be weird if he didn't fall into the trap.
However, he may have said this to test whether he would escape at night.
It would be unreasonable not to agree to such a good intention, so I agreed with him on the way of signaling.
Xiang Shaolong said deliberately: "After returning home, please send your regards to Mrs. Ling and the Queen Mother."
A sad look flashed in Li Yuan's eyes, he grabbed his shoulder and shouted: "Shaolong..."
Xiang Shaolong felt excited and said calmly: "What's the matter?"
Li Yuan let go of his hand as if he had just woken up from a dream, shook his head and said: "It's nothing, I just remembered that we will be separated soon, and one day we may have to fight to the death on the battlefield. It's nothing to be excited for a moment."
Xiang Shaolong sighed secretly in his heart
Han Chuang's laughter came and said: "It turns out that Li Xianghe and the general are hiding here. Shaolong is indeed extraordinary. The three famous concubines took turns asking me where this beautiful man is. I was so tired that Xiaohou almost committed suicide with jealousy.
Woolen cloth."
If it weren't for the hostile stance, Han Chuang would be a good partner for Songs and Colors.
I thought it was time to boost the morale of the song and dance troupe, especially Dong Shuzhen, who was taking the leading role for the first time, and asked: "Where are they?"
Han Chuang came to the two of them and replied: "In the Cihuai Hall on the lowest level, do you need Xiaohou to lead the way?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "I went to see them, and then I saw the opportunity and left first."
Li Yuan understood and said: "That's how it should be. Have a good rest and we will go with you."
When Xiang Shaolong was walking side by side with them, he took the opportunity to say: "No matter how the country develops in the future, please take good care of Shuzhen for the sake of my little brother."
Han Chuang sighed: "Don't worry, if we can't even do this, are we still human?"
Xiang Shaolong believed him on this point.
When he entered the Cihuai Hall, Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but be stunned. It turned out that the main hall was divided into three areas by cloth curtains. There were many people inside, and the sounds of women laughing and playing could be heard constantly.
Xiang Shaolong said: "Let's break up here. I want to meet them alone."
Li Yuan and Han Chuang said goodbye to him hand in hand with a heavy heart. The former said: "We will take you out of the city tomorrow."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "No need, I have already made an appointment with Lu Buwei and the second prince."
Feng Fei sat alone in front of the bronze mirror, while Yun Niang and Xiao Ping'er put on the final touch-ups on her makeup.
Xiang Shaolong said with emotion: "No wonder the eldest lady is ranked among the three famous concubines, but this dress makes people suspect that she is a descendant of heaven."
Feng Fei smiled sweetly, but complained: "Without you here to enjoy it, it would be boring for all the gods. Don't forget that this is my last performance."
Xuan You smiled and said: "Don't pay attention to people's complaints. It is still important for the General to fight tomorrow night. Go to bed early and go to bed. Fengfei will stay with you all day tomorrow."
Xiang Shaolong glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Zhu Xiuzhen's little maid Xiao Ning'er walking over with some excuse. He was more sure of his suspicions. He wanted to eavesdrop on the conversation between him and Feng Fei, so he deliberately said: "When I come back after winning the victory, I will
Let’s go shopping with the eldest lady.”
Fengfei happily agreed.
Xiang Shaolong went over to Dong Shuzhen again and asked, "Are you nervous?"
Zhu Xiuzhen, who was standing next to her, smiled and said, "The second young lady has been silent all day for fear of affecting her voice. Does the general say she is nervous?"
Dong Shuzhen secretly grabbed his hand, leaned into his ear and said, "I'll be with you tonight."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and left. He walked around the venue and saw that everyone in the group was in high morale. He used him to encourage him. He opened the curtain with joy and walked out. He happened to bump into Boss Jin and was dragged to see Shi Sufang.
Shi Sufang was wearing a cloak and stood in a corner like a ghost, silently watching her group members perform various activities. It seemed that she had nothing to do with the others and no one dared to disturb her tranquility.
Boss Jin said in Xiang Shaolong's ear: "This daughter has been withdrawn since she was young, but she doesn't think twice about her talent. She doesn't notice anything, but she can learn everything at once, and
Better than anyone else. I only admire Feng Fei in my life."
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that it seemed that she didn't even pay attention to Ji Cainnv, otherwise why wouldn't she visit Yanran without seeing her.
Boss Jin led Xiang Shaolong to Shi Sufang's side and called out in a low voice: "General Sufang Sufang is here to visit you."
Hearing the word "general", Shi Sufang's delicate body trembled slightly, and her empty beautiful eyes returned to their usual expression. She stopped turning her pretty face and looked at Xiang Shaolong.
At this time, all the girls and people in the group stopped their original activities, stared at Xiang Shaolong curiously, and asked Boss Jin to wave his hands before reluctantly continuing to touch up makeup and adjust the instruments.
Boss Jin patted Xiang Shaolong and said, "You guys talk about it"
Shi Sufang was obviously disgusted that everyone kept looking at them secretly, and said softly: "General, please follow Sufang."
After opening the curtain behind him, it turned out to be a specially separated small space with mats on the floor, cushions, bronze mirrors and shelves full of costumes.
The two sat down on the floor.
Although the surroundings are noisy and the notes of musical instruments are being tuned from time to time, this is a closed and peaceful little world.
Shi Sufang's mesmerizing beautiful eyes slowly swept over Xiang Shaolong, then landed on the curtain, and said calmly: "Does the General like to be alone?"
Xiang Shaolong thought about it carefully and replied cautiously: "Sometimes I also need to be alone quietly so that I can think about something."
Shi Sufang said quietly: "What are you thinking about?"
Xiang Shaolong said in astonishment: "The way is not certain, look at what I was worrying about at that time."
Shi Sufang nodded and said: "You are very frank. In fact, the general is the most frank and unpretentious man Sufang has ever seen in her life. Others always like to brag about their greatness, lest Sufang does not think they are great. Really?"
It’s going to be disgusting.”
Her eyes returned to his face, and she looked at him with a look that made his heart tremble: "At the meeting in Xianyang, the General left a deep impression on Sufang. At that time, Sufang wondered if the General could express his feelings.
Where are the people?”
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but said: "I heard that Mr. Pu Hu and Miss Pu Hu have a very close relationship."
Shi Sufang showed a bitter smile, lowered her eyes, and said calmly: "Either you kill me, or I kill you. Besides, people always have to die. After death, they can return to the stars in the sky, so why bother using their mind?
.”
Xiang Shaolong silently chewed the meaning of her words, with a sad tone, and was speechless for a moment.
As if trapped in a dream she had made up for herself but unable to extricate herself from, Shi Sufang said softly: "Sufang's only wish is to arrange her life to be simpler and not involve so many people and things. Alas, most people
Peace and everything are like fleeting images, superficial and meaningless. I really wish I could turn into a tree and grow silently alone in the wilderness. All it needs is sunlight, rain and soil."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "No wonder the lady likes Zhuang Zhou."
Shi Sufang said: "There is also Li Er, who does nothing but does everything. He is a small country with few people, and they never interact with each other until death. What a thorough view of life. Prosperity and wealth will only bring about social injustice, and the emperor and his ministers will just have endless disputes.
Does the General think so?"
This is the first time Xiang Shaolong met a person who completely negated human progress and civilization in this era, and he was a daughter. He nodded and said: "The current situation is not serious. When the population multiplies in large numbers and the grasslands turn into cities,
When the resources of the earth are endlessly depleted until they are scarce, and the wild animals have no place to live, the situation is frightening."
Shi Sufang was shocked and said: "The general thinks further than Sufang."
Xiang Shaolong sighed and said: "This is an inevitable development. From the beginning, human civilization has been on the opposite side of nature, completely different from vegetation and animals."
Shi Sufang was silent for a moment, then said indifferently: "When will the general return to Qin?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "It should be done in the past few days, hey, I have to leave too."
Shi Sufang nodded slightly, said no more, and fell into deep thought.