The Moon Over Tang Dynasty Chapter 226

Chapter 226: All your wishes come true, the Kitchen God arrives

Wearing a luxurious bright red round-neck robe with a round collar and a beautiful golden jade belt, the pink-white skin and elegant eyebrows of the man in the crown are made even more beautiful and charming. The corners of his delicate mouth are slightly raised, bringing out a hint of presence. Ruowu's smile.

Liuli turned her head and looked at the picture of the Kitchen God of the Tang Dynasty that she had just painted. She felt that it was beautiful, but there was something strange about it that was indescribable. Yunyi, who stood aside and watched for a long time, clapped her hands and laughed, "Why does the Kitchen God painted by my sister look a bit like that Koyokuro!"

Liuli took a closer look and couldn't help but laugh, but no! Those slightly raised phoenix eyes and coquettish smile are really a bit like a peacock. No wonder they look awkward - well, although there are not too few handsome men I have seen, they are all quite masculine and can follow This is the only monster that can compete with a stunning beauty. Now when I started to draw this "beautiful" Kitchen God Zhang Chan, I unknowingly brought in a little bit of Qu Chongyu's style. This painting will be posted on my home during the Chinese New Year. On the stove... Liuli shuddered secretly, shook her head and handed the painting to Yunyi, "You can play with it."

Yun Yi's eyes suddenly lit up, "Thank you, sister!" She picked up the painting and looked at it from side to side, then walked out happily.

Liuli spread out another piece of cooked jute paper, thought about it for a moment, and then lowered his head to draw.

When she raised her head again, the sun outside was almost at zenith. Liuli took a few glances at the new painting and put down the pen with satisfaction - the Kitchen God painted this time was beautiful and dignified, and it would not affect her appetite at all. Anyway, there are still a few days left before the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month when the stove is sacrificed, so I can draw a few more pictures like this in the afternoon and give them away.

She was packing away the pens, inks and paints on the table when familiar footsteps came from behind her. Liuli smiled without looking back, "Why are you back so early today?"

Two arms stretched out from behind and wrapped around her waist, and her back became warm. Pei Xingjian's voice rang in her ears, "Finally, I'm done. Why are you so cold? No. Wear more."

Liuli put down the small jar of paint and leaned back comfortably. "My arms are not working well because I wear too much clothes. I will make more charcoal in the house tomorrow. The accounts have been sorted out. Nothing went wrong, right?"

Pei Xingjian said with a smile in his voice, "What could go wrong? It means that I have to reconcile the accounts and pay the money one by one, which is more complicated."

Liuli let out a soft breath. In the past few days, Pei Xingjian and An Sanlang have been working together to settle the other half of the money that the Hu merchants deserved after delivering food, because the military warehouse receipts and accounts must be matched one by one, which is indeed extremely difficult. It was cumbersome, and the matter of raising military rations was now considered complete, but he... She turned around and raised her head, "Has there been any news from the military camp today?"

Pei Xingjian smiled and shook his head without saying anything. Liuli reached out and touched the center of his eyebrows. There was a hint of gloom there that had not dissipated for more than half a month. Liuli sighed, "Still worried?"

Pei Xingjian smiled faintly and said, "What's there to worry about? My mentor has always had prestige in the army. Besides, don't you still have your share of the Book of Ten Thousand People? You can suppress those ghostly tricks! Everything in the army is as usual now, even Dadu Er No one even mentioned it, and Wang Wendu was much more polite to his mentor. He probably felt that instead of getting into a bigger and bigger problem, it would be better to make it a trivial matter and let it go. Then we will return eastward via the sea road."

Liu Li looked at him quietly for a while, "Shou Yue, what are you worried about? Are you worried that His Majesty will let Cheng Zhijie and Wang Wendu go out of favor, which will chill the hearts of the people of Xizhou?"

Pei Xingjian's voice sank slightly, "It's not enough to argue with reason. Even for General Cheng, the Holy Emperor will definitely investigate this matter. It's just a matter of the size of the crime and the severity of the punishment."

Liuli snorted softly. Thousands of innocent lives were lost. "It would be better to deal with them more severely. Even if they are punished on the spot, it won't be considered unjust!"

Pei Xingjian was silent for a moment before saying, "Probably not. Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, officials have never been executed for foreign affairs. In fact, General Cheng... he is not a cruel person. I probably have never mentioned it to you. General Cheng and my father and brother are very The mentor also said that it was General Wang Wendu's idea that the three armies formed an army to massacre Tadu, and he probably just didn't want to violate the holy will, so he and Guang Tong. Chen, I just want to be safe and wealthy. I am willing to deal with this matter seriously and uphold the laws of the country and the military, but every time I think that General Cheng will be ruined and his reputation will be ruined, I really can't be happy. "

Liuli looked at Pei Xingjian in surprise, why had he never mentioned this before? But yes, Pei Xingjian's father and brother were both famous generals in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, so it is not surprising that they were familiar with Cheng Zhijie. However, Pei Xingjian's official position was not prominent when he was in Chang'an, and he was too far away from Cheng Zhijie, who was the Duke of the country. He would not usually take this friendship seriously. Just keep it on your lips, otherwise it would seem like you are exaggerating your own worth. But now, what she did seemed to be stepping on Cheng Zhijie to fulfill his reputation and prestige... She couldn't help but frown in annoyance.

Pei Xingjian lowered his head and kissed her forehead, "Liu Li, I'm not blaming you. You didn't know about this matter. Besides, you knew about it. Due to circumstances and reasons, we can't allow General Cheng to act so recklessly and confuse right and wrong just because we care about General Cheng." ”

There was some sadness in his voice, "The so-called fate tricks people. I thought that assisting the army in transporting food and grass this time would kill two birds with one stone. Not only could it help my mentor, but I could also repay Cheng Gong's kindness back then. Who knew that it turned out to be the case? Ending! These days, I often wonder, if I were General Cheng, what choice would I make this time? Should I imprison Wang Wendu and fight with He Lu? Or should I pretend to be deaf and follow the tide? I would rather face unexpected situations in the future than sit back and watch the army behave like this, but General Cheng is a very popular minister and has many descendants. He made such a decision..." He shook his head, with a wry smile on his face.

Liu Li sighed several times in her heart. Pei Xingjian was usually very open-minded, but he was always too serious about matters such as loyalty, filial piety, kindness and righteousness. Did he have to figure out this dead end? She simply changed the subject, "Honor the promise, according to your opinion, when will the edict come down? Today Ayan reported back that Mi Dalang is almost going crazy in the basement of the drug store."

Pei Xingjian was startled for a moment, and a smile appeared on his face, "It must have been the past few days. It's better to hold it in for a while." He paused for a moment and smiled again, "Han Si really has some tricks in his hands. And that miracle medicine.”

Liuli smiled and shook her head, "That medicine is actually not surprising, but after taking it, you will become drowsy, your breath and heartbeat will be much slower than usual, and you will not feel the pain at all. It was originally used by doctors to regenerate limbs for the injured. It is used when setting bones or dissecting meat. It looks deceptive, but if you really look closely, you will definitely not be able to hide it. It's just that Han Si has done something to Mida's body and face, and the appearance and color will deceive people first. , and pricked his palm hard with a silver needle. When others saw that Mi Daquan had no reaction, they were even more suspicious. It's probably because it has a lot of medicinal uses. It turns out that the weight of calves is somewhat different from that of humans.”

Pei Xingjian was startled for a moment, then laughed dumbly, shook his head and said, "In this case, Mi Dalang's luck is really not good."

Liuli nodded seriously, "No! Han Si is also a bit stupid, and he actually told this matter in front of Mida. If Ayan hadn't been there that day, Han Si would have been beaten... "

Pei Xingjian couldn't help laughing, and the two of them sat down and chatted for a while. Liuli was about to order the kitchen to serve lunch when Xiaotan's urgent and slightly changed voice suddenly came from outside, "Alang, Alang! Protector's Mansion Someone came to look for him, saying that the edict had arrived and he was looking for someone to lead the way to read it in the army!"

Pei Xingjian stood up and walked out. Liuli was startled and quickly picked up a cloak and chased after her. When Pei Xingjian took the cloak, he held her hand and said, "Go back to the house quickly. The military camp is a few kilometers away from Xizhou." It's more than a hundred miles away. I'm afraid I won't be able to come back today. I'll be fine. Don't worry." He nodded, turned around and walked away.

Liuli stood in the yard, looking at the place where Pei Xingjian's back disappeared, and was lost in thought for a long time. She really didn't remember much about Cheng Zhijie's fate after this battle. It didn't seem too bad, and she hoped it wouldn't be too bad... at least it would give him some peace of mind.

When Xiaotan turned around, he saw Liuli still wearing a jacket and standing in a daze in the wind. He couldn't help but startled, "Isn't the lady cold?" Liuli came to her senses with a shiver and returned to the house in a few steps. This Xizhou Although the winter was not very cold, the north wind blowing in the twelfth lunar month was still biting. She sneezed a few times as soon as she entered the house. Ayan hurriedly cooked a bowl of **** soup. Liuli took a few sips and put it away. aside. Although her body looks a little thin, it has been almost immune to all diseases in the past few years, so a little coldness is nothing. But I had something on my mind, so I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, until some clear light came in through the high window, and then I fell asleep.

In the haze, something soft and cool seemed to touch her forehead and cheek gently. Liuli muttered "Don't make trouble" before she suddenly woke up. When she opened her eyes, she saw Pei Xingjian's face, with clear eyes. With a smile on her face, she slowly laughed too, "But everything is okay?"

Pei Xingjian's face was still slightly chilled by the wind and frost. He rode back at about dawn and hugged her with the quilt in his arms with a smile. There was a sense of relief in his voice that he had never heard in these days, "Holy Saint According to the order, General Cheng stayed for a long time and failed to pursue the thief, so he was reduced to death and dismissed from office; Wang Wendu was sentenced to death and returned to Chang'an to wait for his fate. The other general managers such as Zhou Zhidu and Su Haizheng returned to their respective headquarters, and their mentors temporarily took over the duties of the general manager and controlled the situation. The three armies.”

Liuli blinked, not sure why Gaozong didn't mention the massacre at all. Su Haizheng and others are also safe and sound?

Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "After all, the massacre of the city was detrimental to the reputation of the Tang Dynasty, so it was not mentioned at all in the edict. Furthermore, it would not be possible to convict all the generals who participated if the punishment was not punishable. But severely punishing Cheng and Wang The intention of the two general managers to dismiss the generals and re-employ their mentors was clear. Moreover, as far as General Cheng was concerned, he could be dismissed from office because he could not catch the thieves. The damage to his reputation would be limited, and he could stay away from the court from now on. Right or wrong, it's not a bad thing.”

Liuli nodded. Although he felt that the punishment was too light, looking at Pei Xingjian's bright smile in front of him, his mood couldn't help but lighten up. After thinking for a while, he said, "It's just General Cheng. Wang Wendu actually falsely preached the imperial edict in the army and sent troops to massacre the city. Isn't it a heinous crime?"

Pei Xingjian's smile faded slightly and he shook his head lightly, "False transmission of the imperial edict? It's hard to say. The holy will is unpredictable, but since he is asked to return to Chang'an to await his execution, he probably won't really end up on the execution ground of Duliu Shu. Maybe it's just a few years of cold weather.”

  In other words, Wang Wendu will only lose his official position, and only for a few years? Before Liuli could figure it out, Pei Xingjian had already changed the subject, "Since my mentor has left the post of acting general manager, His Majesty's intention is to prepare for war again to attack Helu. My mentor and I discussed last night to pacify the Turks in one fell swoop. The price of soldiers is not large, but fine. Therefore, this time the army will return east as usual, and only 10,000 elite soldiers will be selected from the original 30,000 border troops in Western Xinjiang for rigorous training in preparing for war and charging into battle. , I'm afraid no one can match him, but when it comes to food and grass logistics and the control of sergeants, he has always been a bit lax. Liuli, I'm afraid I will spend more time in the military camp. "

Liuli suddenly felt reluctant, stretched out her arms and wrapped them around his neck. Pei Xingjian gently stroked her long hair and sighed softly, "Liuli, don't worry, my teacher will definitely defeat the enemy in this battle, and I will too." You only need to help your mentor with the chores of collecting food and arranging prisoners. You don't have to stay in the camp every day. You will come back when you have free time." He looked down at Liuli and his tone became lighter, "What do you want to do at home? You can go wherever you want. From now on, you won't have those troubles anymore!”

Liuli thought for a while and couldn't help but laugh, "Are we pretending to be powerful? That Su Nanjin doesn't dare to bring trouble on himself, and Qu Chongyu probably won't trouble us again in the future!"

Pei Xingjian smiled and rubbed her head, "What a majestic little fox!" He paused for a moment and smiled again, "Actually, even if this matter hadn't happened, Prince Qu would never trouble me again. This person is a bit narrow-minded. , but he still retains his true qualities as a man. Originally, he was just worried that I would seize the power of the Qu family and force them back to Chang'an. In government affairs, Xizhou civilian husband will also protect you. Although he acts a little selfishly, he still keeps his promise. After this incident, he will dispel his worries. If something happens in Xizhou in the future, the Qu family will not say anything about helping him. It won't add insult to injury.”

Liuli couldn't help but suddenly realized that Qu Chongyu had indeed treated her a lot more politely since he returned from supervising the grain supply. She had thought that a war was imminent, and he had somewhat tempered his selfishness. It turned out that there was such a reason! In other words, from now on, outside there is Su Dingfang sweeping across the Western Region, inside there is the Qu family and his son who owes them favors, the sky is high and the emperor is far away, the quilt is warm and the winter is late... Liuli couldn't help but let out a long breath, and felt that since she came to this place There has never been a moment in time and space where I could be so confident, carefree, and relaxed. She rested her head comfortably on Pei Xingjian's shoulder, not even bothering to move her little fingers.

Pei Xingjian hugged her quietly, as if he didn't want to talk anymore, and just gently combed her long hair with his fingers. After an unknown amount of time, Liuli nuzzled into his arms and asked in a lazy voice, "How long will you be busy in the army?"

Pei Xingjian whispered, "It will probably be a little busier these days. I won't be able to come back until the next year, and I will be busy for another month or two after that. It will be much better after mid-spring. I estimate that the real war will not start until late autumn." Besides, I am still a governor of the West, so I can't stay in a military camp all year long.”

Liuli said "hmm" and said, "You should remember the things about Miss Liu and Yun Yi in your spare time."

Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "That's natural. I have already released news in the army that I am looking for Fang Lie. The Nishu tribe has also sent people to inquire about the news. This matter is not a small matter. How could I forget?" His lips Liuli lingered on Liuli's cheek for a long time, "In the past few days, there have been many changes in the army, and things have been the busiest. I will pack my bags and go to the camp later. You have a good rest at home. There are many things in the past year, so in the future I will only I'm afraid that there will be more entertainment, so if you don't want to go there, don't pay attention to him. No one in Xizhou can make things difficult for you anymore." He paused for a long time before whispering, "Liu Li, I'll take care of you. , finally did it.”

 Live a free and carefree life... Liuli buried her head on his shoulder and laughed softly.

In the next few days, posts from the family members of various high-ranking officials in Xizhou flew into Pei's house like snowflakes. Liuli declined politely - it was so easy for her to be willful, but she really had no interest in wasting her good time on In socializing with the female relatives. It's just that she didn't know whether it was because she said "I'm a little sick" too much, or because the wind and cold in the sun came out, but she gradually started to feel a headache and became heavier. She couldn't help but laugh at herself: Could it be that she really didn't have a happy life?

Seeing that the New Year is approaching, the city of Xizhou is becoming more and more lively day by day, whether it is the Hu businessmen who have made a lot of money from military rations, or the large Buddhist temple that actually has thousands of incense left after settling accounts, or Ordinary people who have heard that the Holy Spirit issued decrees to comply with public opinion, punish evil and promote good, all feel that this new year is particularly exciting: the calendar printed by Anjia is cheaper and more practical than the original one, and the new fine white calendar is on the market. The folded cloth was incredibly comfortable, and the prices of rice, grains, melons and fruits also dropped a lot after the army left the country... Although the weather was slightly colder, the festive atmosphere in Xizhou City was increasing day by day.

This day was already the twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month, and it was time to worship the stove in the evening. Liuli had breakfast, but her head felt heavier. She drank a bowl of hot soup, and was about to go to bed to cover her body with sweat. Xiaotan came to report with a smile, "Prince Qu, please see me!"

Liuli couldn't help but feel refreshed - Qu Chongyu sent someone to tell him two days ago that the four cents of interest that he sent to Bai Diefang must have arrived today! She suddenly felt that her headache was much relieved, and said with a smile, "Please wait for a moment in the hall in front." She put on the clothes to meet guests and went forward. Before reaching the main room, I heard a string of crisp laughter coming from the room. It was Yun Yi's voice, laughing with great joy.

Liuli felt a little puzzled and stepped in. When she saw Qu Chongyu standing opposite Yunyi, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Qu Chongyu was a little confused at first, but now he couldn't help but feel guilty. He hurriedly looked down at the bright red round collar robe and mutton-fat jade gold silk sash on his body, and then touched the silver crown on his head. It seemed that There was nothing rude about it. He looked up at the two women who were smiling uncontrollably in front of him. He just felt confused. He couldn't stand or walk. He couldn't help but stay there for a moment.

  Let's end the Year of the Rabbit with a happy chapter, hehe. Let's read the next chapter on the morning of the third grade of junior high school. p.s. After Wang Wendu arrived in Chang'an, he was pardoned from the death penalty. He was only dismissed from office. Within three years, he was reinstated and died suddenly in Goryeo. Cheng Zhijie was soon reused as a local governor, but he resolutely retired and died peacefully at home eight years later. Also: The Kitchen God in the Tang Dynasty was different from later generations. He was a red-robed man who looked like a beautiful woman. He usually worshiped the Kitchen God on the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month. In short, Liuli is celebrating the New Year, and I hope everyone has a happy New Year and that all your wishes in the Year of the Dragon will come true.

 (End of this chapter)

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