Longtou people
Chapter 18: Longtou People
When asking Yi Huan to be the county magistrate's concubine, Nalan Han listened to her story about her experiences before fleeing, and also knew the increasingly famous name of Peng Zuoyuan, but she wanted to protect Yi Huan by using her as a person and her official position.
"At least, I can protect him for one day until he finds me."
"A Zheng. You can consider me your safe haven. If you want to leave, I will provide you with travel expenses. If you want to stay, I will protect your safety within my power."
Yi Huan felt a heavy sense of security from this plain promise. His heart was warm and his eyes were sparkling. "Are you really a girl? Let me confirm it someday."
"A Zheng, I don't dare to answer if you're too frank."
Yi Huan smiled back, reached out and straightened her bun, and answered her previous question, "Nalan, if he finds out, you'll be implicated by me. I'll stay for a while and then leave, leave Jiannan Road, and stay away from him."
"Your new arrival will only arouse suspicion. Ah Zheng, you will enter my backyard and become my childhood sweetheart and concubine. My identity will become a shield for you to hide."
She had thought of all the ways out. Yi Huan was hesitant, "Nalan, I want to stay here too, but I shouldn't use you as a springboard to save myself."
Nalan Han grabbed her wrist and advised, "A Zheng, where else can you find a good place to go if you keep running around? Staying with me, you'll definitely be able to hide well with your intelligence. My status as a concubine is too low, so I won't attract attention. I'm afraid I'll let you down."
"Nalan, I don't know how to express my gratitude."
"For my lady's sake, I am extremely willing and wholeheartedly devoted to serving her."
Yi Huan was amused by her bowing gesture and made a plan: "I will try not to come to the county office in the future, and I will also try to go out on the streets as little as possible. I will usually disguise myself and make up, and be your childhood sweetheart as Zhou Zheng."
"good."
Two seasons overlap in Yongchuan County of Changzhou. A simple courtyard stands there. The county magistrate has not yet married and has only a girl who plays the zither at home.
Yi Huan glanced at the tail of the person in front of him, put away his brush and said, "Your eyebrows were drawn just right this morning, not too heavy, but clear and bright."
Nalan Han finished dressing in his light crimson official robe and reached out to help her sit down. "No need to see me off. It's still early. Azheng, you can sleep a little longer."
"Okay, be careful on the road."
After instructing the maid to take good care of him, Nalan Han followed Qiong De out.
"Han, wait a minute."
Before Nalan Han stepped onto the corridor stairs, he turned around almost the moment he heard it.
Yi Huan tiptoed to put the heavy cloak on her and said with a gentle smile, "Ah Han, it's getting colder tonight. When you get off duty, we'll have some roasted meat."
"My Ah Zheng is still more careful."
Feeling warmth coming from his body, Nalan Han leaned forward and asked with a smile, "Did Azheng forget something?"
Yi Huan hummed helplessly, brushed her laces, and said, "Have a safe trip."
During the two years they were together, Yi Huan said these four words countless times. Occasionally, if he forgot, Nalan Han would ask for them.
In the square courtyard, Yi Huan prepared raw meat and charcoal. Nalan Han sat in front of the burning charcoal, turning the skewers. He was wearing only a round-necked robe and the heat was rising.
The elegant man handed the grilled skewers to the girl beside him, and no matter how cold the wind was, it was blocked out of the warm atmosphere between the two of them.
The fifteen-year-old maid Cuitao sighed and complained to Qiongde beside her: "Hey, Qiongde, you said, my lord and my aunt have been childhood sweethearts and have a deep affection for each other, so why can't they be husband and wife?"
"My dear, you have your own considerations."
After tsk-tsk-tsk-ing his perfunctory official words, Cuitao secretly said, "He doesn't understand romance."
According to outside news, he has been expanding his power in the past two years, leading his troops directly into the Jiedu Mansion. It is said that he forced the Jiedushi to run away in disgrace to Chang'an to cry to his father-in-law.
Nalan Han explained the situation in detail, adding some context, "But Rongzhou is so remote, there's no need to be so cautious."
"That's right."
Yi Huan went over the information in his mind and reached out to feed her a piece of meat.
After almost finishing their meal, the two of them huddled together on a couch to talk. The silver-gray night sky was so domineering that it did not allow the stars and the moon to appear. The fluffy white clouds were the only embellishment.
"My mother was also forced to come here by him, but he never loved my mother. She was stupid. She had expectations and was disappointed, and later she became a lunatic."
Yi Huan interrupted, how could it be different from what she had heard? Nalan Han was not from the Nalan family and was supported by the family, so how could he have an unfavored mother?
Nalan Han looked away with a sarcastic look, "That old man doesn't know he has a daughter. When I was his advisor, I offered him several strategies, and he gave me the surname Nalan. He gave me an identity to support me, and I will repay the Nalan family with all my support."
His warm hands touched Nalan Han's hair, and Yi Huan said softly, "Han, you've worked hard so far."
"If I had the choice again, I would still live with a lunatic for twenty years. If the old man knew I was his biological daughter, he would definitely not cultivate me in this way."
Nalan Han envied Zhou Zheng's courage to escape. Even as a child, she had thought about taking her mother out of the suffocating yard. Nalan Han would definitely not chase her. She would go to work and earn money, and she would definitely not let her mother starve.
"But Lian Niang was once deeply trapped. When her heart was broken, she threw away the courage in her feelings. She was just an ordinary timid and fragile girl. When she was bullied, she only dared to drive herself crazy."
As children, they should be filial to their parents, so Nalan Han never regretted setting the fire. Twenty years of forgotten life was painful for Lian Niang, because she saved her.
Rescue a heart that is forever trapped in the dense web of morality.
"Then I found out about you. I couldn't save her, but I could help you."
Yi Huan arched his eyebrows, "Thank you, Ahan."
I'm helping myself too. Nalan Han tightened her cloak for her and pleaded, "Zheng Niang, you have to be well."
"must."
Officials had not yet finished their holiday after the New Year. After dinner in the evening, Nalan Han led Yi Huan to the street to feel the last bit of the New Year atmosphere.
"A Zheng, this is for you."
The lantern glowed with warm orange light and looked lifelike. Yi Huan took it with surprise, "There are still ten days left before the Lantern Festival. What a lifelike shrimp."
Nalan Han stood still and watched her smile happily, then smiled as well, "New products are being sold, let's catch the wave."
“I like this lamp.”
"It's yours. Let's go to Changjiang to play ice skating tomorrow. I'll go fishing for winter fish and make fish soup when I get back. It's guaranteed to be fresh."
Yi Huan saw her plan to make a comeback, paused for a few seconds and reminded her, "Ah Han, three feet of ice is almost as thick as your fishing rod. How easy is it to break through the ice?"
"Okay, okay." Seeing her anticipation turn back into frustration, Yi put his arm around her and promised, "I'll go ice skating with you, and we'll bring our picks too."
"A Zheng is still good to me."
Passing by the first building on the main street, looking from the street towards the box with the open window, Nalan Han happened to meet the eyes of Jie Yu who was toasting and chatting.
Folding his hands in a salute, Nalan Han said in a loud voice: "Your humble servant greets the Governor. It's the end of the year and the cold winter, and I want to ask how you are doing."
"You're such a sweet talker, come up and meet some of them."
Nalan Han understood Jie Yu's good intentions and turned around after responding, "A Zheng, I'll be back soon."
"Well, I'll wait for you."
The protagonist of this banquet was not Jie Yu, the governor of Changzhou, but Peng Zuoyong, who had forced out three military governors some time ago and was now dominating the entire Jiannan Road.
He forced Geshuer to retreat. Although he had no imperial appointment, everyone knew that he was the person in charge of the thirty-two states and one prefecture in Jiannan Road.
He has 100,000 subordinates who obey his orders. He is a real local emperor.
Nalan Han followed Jie Yujing around, and unexpectedly saw Peng Zuoyan's true face.
He was twenty-eight at that time. Nalan Han had never seen General Peng when he was younger. He only felt that he was reserved and unfathomable with a serious demeanor.
"General, this is Nalan Han, the magistrate of Yongchuan County. He has worked diligently and without error during his two years in office."
Hearing the word "two years", the man on the armchair raised his eyes and glanced at him. He saw that he was a delicate figure with delicate features and elegance. Standing behind the burly Jie Yu, he looked like a prostitute selling his body and art.
"Deshan, come and meet General Peng. General Peng's visit to Changzhou this time was not a big deal. It's fate that you can meet General Peng tonight."
Nalan Han politely bowed, "Your humble servant Nalan Han, I have long admired the general's reputation."
He couldn't help but think of Zhou Zheng who was waiting downstairs, and disgust and worry flashed in his lowered eyes.
If you are in a high position of power but abuse your position to bully others, how can you be respected?
"Well, go down."
Nalan Han showed no emotion, and with a mixture of fear and flattery, he obediently followed Jie Yu to the side.
Yi Huan stamped her feet, which had become stiff and cold from waiting. Suddenly, the shrimp-shaped lantern went out. Hearing footsteps behind her, she spoke softly, "Ah Han, it's so cold today."
“Ah.”
The person who came was actually Peng Zuoyang.
Meeting his searching and oppressive eyes, Yi Huan shrank her neck and took a step back, her eyes timid and her voice soft as she said, "I'm sorry, I recognized the wrong person."
"What's your name? Who are you from? Are you a permanent resident? Do you have your household registration with you?"
The girl in front of him was not like her from the front. She looked more mediocre and timid. Her dull eyes did not dare to look him in the eye, and her whole body revealed a petty air.
"I, I am..."
"Didn't I tell you not to come? Look at which concubine is as clingy as you? If you dare to offend General Peng, I'll punish you when you return!"
Nalan Han came in a hurry, thinking that Peng Zuoyan couldn't see it, so he reached out and pinched her arm. The latter obviously had a reflexive fear of Nalan Han, with an expression as if she was willing to be beaten and punished and complained aggrievedly.
Peng Zuoyuan looked away and asked, "Is this the concubine of Magistrate Nalan?"
"To be honest, General, I am Zhou Zheng, an abandoned girl from a village under the jurisdiction of the capital. We have been childhood sweethearts. When I was serving as the magistrate of Yongchuan County, she came to me alone. I took pity on her loneliness and took her in."
Ignoring Nalan Han's bow, Peng Zuoyan stared at Zhou Zheng behind him and asked, "Your name is Zhou Zheng?"
"…yes."
Two tears flowed from his eyes because of fear. Yi Huan didn't dare to wipe them away and answered him with a trembling voice.
Peng Zuoyan didn't feel that she was imposing, but only found her fearful posture boring.
Waving his hand to tell the two to go, Peng Zuoyan saw that the two of them quickly walked together, and called Zhou Zheng's concubine to come closer and said something. Nalan Han laughed in interest, put his right hand around her waist, and said something that made Zhou Zheng lower her head with anger.
Peng Zuoyang turned around and shook his head. The one who lowered her posture and flirted with others was Nalan Han's concubine. Yi Huan had died two years ago. They were just two similar figures, but their cores were very different.
A few days later, at the city gate, Peng Zuoyuan stopped two people who had just returned from the city in a carriage.
Sitting on his horse, Peng Zuoyan unceremoniously lifted the carriage curtain and said condescendingly, "The concubine of Magistrate Nalan is very timid."
"Oh, please forgive me, General. I don't go out often, so I'm a little shy when I see strangers."
Glancing at the man who was pinching his fingers and lowering his head, he loosened the curtain. The temptation became meaningless, and Nalan Han dismounted and spoke to him with his head raised, complimenting him.
Zhou Zheng's life story was indeed told by Nalan Han. She was a plain farm girl and there seemed to be nothing wrong with her.
"Is County Magistrate Nalan back from leaving the city?"
"General, I went fishing in Changjiang River today when I returned to Wenzhou. The fresh white fish are delicious. How about I send you a few?"
Peng Zuoyao chuckled, "It seems that Magistrate Nalan has gained a lot."
Nalan Han smiled sheepishly, "I am very lucky to be favored by the general."
After watching Peng Zuoyan leave on his horse, Nalan Han returned to the carriage with a heavy face, "A Zheng, why do I feel like he's targeting you? We haven't been exposed."
"You already know his name, so you can naturally find out the names of his concubines. Ah Han, I'm sorry, I lied to you."
Yi Huan's face was full of apologies, but Nalan Han didn't care. He said without blaming her, "I didn't ask. You said your name was Zhou Zheng, so I believed you. I should be happy that you were on guard against this."
"Actually, my name is..."
"Don't say it." Nalan Han withdrew the fingers that were holding her lips. "Zheng, wait until he's gone completely before telling me."
Nalan Han was afraid that he would let something slip and cause trouble for Zhou Zheng.
Yi Huan thought for a few seconds and suggested leaving.
If you leave now, wouldn't that be exactly what he wants? Nalan Han ordered Qiong De to continue driving the carriage while objecting, "A Zheng, we should hold our ground and continue living our lives as usual, so as not to arouse suspicion."
"I, Ahan, am afraid of being discovered."
Nalan Han placed his left hand on the back of her hand and patted it soothingly, "A Zheng, even if the worst happens, I'll be with you."
She is righteous, but that doesn't mean Yi Huan can endlessly consume her friendship. Yi Huan has made up her mind that if it really comes to that, she will definitely protect Nalan Han.
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