Chapter 65
The competition was scheduled for June 15th, and the venue was set in the river near Huangzhuang on the outskirts of Dasheng. The river led downstream to Tanshui Township. A month in advance, the Jinwu Guards and their officers and soldiers began to clean the riverbed and screen out dangers.
Half a month before the competition, soldiers were stationed there, fearing that assassins might be waiting in ambush. A week before the competition, the young and playful masters in Shengdu had heard the news and knew that His Highness was going to compete, so they discussed going there to play. Of course, they did not dare to seek death by staying near the imperial farm. They all had their own farms in the suburbs, so they stayed there for two days and went there to watch the excitement on the day of the competition.
This was originally decided, but the result was——
"Father, are you going too?"
"The competition will be held on the 15th, and His Majesty has said that he will take a day off. Lord Du asked His Majesty if he could come along to watch the fun and see the Crown Prince's heroic performance. His Majesty was very happy and said that anyone who wanted to go could go."
His Majesty has said so, even if you don't want to go, you have to go and show your support. Of course, if the children of each family are participating in the competition, you must go.
My child has been training for more than a month. He has become tanned, and his skin has peeled and turned red. He looks like a monkey, but his eyes are bright and his teeth are white. He happily talks about how good the training is every day. When the critical moment comes, he will naturally go.
The emperor asked with a smile today: "My dear Wang, come with us and see the fun. Your boy is quite skilled."
Wang Zuo naturally agreed and even praised the prince a few words.
The monarch was in great joy.
"Lord Wang is highly regarded by His Majesty. As the saying goes, a tiger father will have a dog son. Young Master Wang has also been praised by His Majesty."
Upon seeing this, the officials in the court all said a few nice words to praise him. Wang Zuo smiled and replied with mixed emotions in his heart. In the past four years, the emperor had used such tricks that he was unable to speak out his pain.
So the people of Shengdu City have something to talk about recently. In fact, a month ago, when the soldiers were clearing the river, the ordinary people nearby were a little curious. They didn't dare to ask the officials, so they just said a few words in private.
“How can we clean up the river for no reason?”
"It turned out that the official cleaned it up himself."
If it is something else, then the people will be recruited. The current emperor is a good one, and he has always been kind to the people. If it is to build roads or clear riverbeds, he will recruit people for money during the slack season. If it is an emergency, he will exempt some taxes from the people, which is also a real favor.
At first, there were just a few murmurs, but by now it was getting more and more lively. Several families in the city were leaving the city one after another. When nobles went out, especially when their female family members were with them, there was a lot of pomp and circumstance.
There is no such thing as clearing the streets in Shengdu City——
The masters of the Taiji Palace were only escorted by soldiers when they went out, so naturally the common people did not dare to rush forward and consciously avoided them. These high officials and nobles, no matter how noble they were, could they be as noble as the emperor? If they dared to clear the main street today, the memorial to the Censorate would be ready tomorrow.
Therefore, when each government office went out, the people on both sides of the carriages would watch the fun.
"Is it the Lin family's car? Prime Minister Lin is also leaving the city?"
Someone was thinking, why are the nobles out of the city? Is there an attack from the north? Before he could finish his words, someone next to him said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to have a water fight."
"What water fight?"
"The young master of the Li Mansion used to bring a group of young masters back to the mansion every day, and sometimes he even went to Tanshui Township in the suburbs. You must have seen them."
“I have.”
"I heard that Young Master Li and the Crown Prince are going to compete in this."
"Rowing?"
"Maybe. I can't say I haven't seen it. I have seen that boat. It's small, like a child's toy. It's even smaller than the fishing boat."
Today alone, the people came together to count and found that six or seven families had gone out, including those from the Lin Mansion, the Liu Mansion, the Princess Mansion...
"What a grand scene." someone exclaimed.
"What date is it?"
"have no idea."
Two days later, the people counted which families had left. There were some people they didn't recognize, including officials of all ranks. They couldn't help but sigh, "Could it be that all the officials in Shengdu have been emptied out?"
"No, the officials are still on duty. I ran into Lord Wen this morning when he came to buy sesame cakes. We chatted for a while and he said that there was a competition on the 15th and that day was a day off and not on duty."
"Then those who left the city in the past few days are all family members."
"You are still drinking tea and chatting here? I said that the merchants in Hengliang Prefecture are still good at doing business. Guess what? The big merchant named Mu in Hengliang is so bold that he even dares to set up a shed near the imperial farm."
"What?"
“Is this true or false?”
"How can it be false? I saw it with my own eyes. Someone also asked about it. This shed was built very quickly. One section was already built by the river overnight. I heard that it was rented out on the day of the competition. Otherwise, what would the nobles do with such a hot day?"
"Boss Mu must have some connections, right?"
"Can we go then?"
I don't know about that, but some people are a little tempted. There were many dignitaries at the competition that day, and he knew that the river was very winding and wide and narrow, so it was impossible for the entire section of the river to be occupied by someone -
"You still want to build a shed? You haven't seen the sheds built by Mr. Mu. The wood is all cut and polished smooth. The tarpaulin used for the shed is very thick, and there are mats inside. It is very impressive. If you want to make money from this, then you have to spend a lot of money up front. Besides, the competition is approaching, and it is impossible for us to buy materials."
"That's right, how about selling food and drinks?"
"That's OK, and it's not OK. The nobles all have stoves with them. But it's hot, and maybe the nobles want to eat something they can't normally eat."
"We have to try. This is a business opportunity."
"Let's go and take a look at the place first."
Those who were bold and smart had already started thinking about ways to make money, while others simply wanted to watch the fun. Businessmen communicated with each other and found out that the emperor did not forbid the people to come on the day of the competition, but only marked out areas and required identity verification and registration.
The timid people dare not go forward to watch the excitement, for fear that something might go wrong and get into trouble, so it is best not to go.
Therefore, the flow of people was somewhat controlled.
As for the business of the businessman surnamed Mu in Hengliangfu who was building a shed, Xuanyifu knew about it. Boss Mu found Wen Lianglu and asked him to tell him about it. Xuanyifu was drinking iced mung bean soup at the time, raised his eyebrows, swallowed the food in his mouth, and said, "This is different from how you act."
After saying this, Xuanyu Fu thought for a moment and then said, "It's actually the same as yours."
Although Lord Wen looks like he is a man of high moral character, he is actually worldly-wise but not too slick or annoying. He does everything just right.
If someone else came, Duo Xinfu would definitely not be interested in suspecting that the other party had received money from the merchants.
His eyes lit up and he stretched out his hand.
Wen Lianglu smiled and said, "I didn't ask for it. Boss Mu came to me and told me about this, but I didn't agree. So I asked His Highness for him first. If it works out, I'll get a red envelope from the middleman, and most importantly, I'll get half of His Highness's profits."
"Are there still lonely ones?" Xuan Fu was not obsessed with money, but was just curious. "You told me everything."
Wen Liangluo talked a lot. He had been on duty in the Eastern Palace for four years and knew that the prince liked to do things quickly, so he spoke simply and straightforwardly.
After listening to this, Xuan Fu felt that it made sense.
Just like the title sponsor, he organized the competition this time, and originally it was for their class to play around, but later they chose to move it to the river outside - after all, they trained every day in Taiye Lake, and it would be unfair to Li Ze if the venue was set in Taiye Lake.
There are also cases where Taiye Lake is too mature and it is not fun to play there.
At the same time, seeing that my father is also interested, the business will become bigger and bigger.
The weather is hot, and there will be many people watching by the river. You can't just leave it there to dry out? What if people get sunburned? There are so many people that we have to plan the site to avoid chaos. Boss Mu suggested setting up tents in different sections of the river, which is also a way to limit the flow of people...
If private merchants do not contract this matter, they can let the Internal Affairs Bureau do it - which is more expensive. And after all, the competition was proposed by the prince, so the money for the Internal Affairs Bureau must be paid by Duoxiu Fu himself.
It's impossible for the guests who came to watch the competition he organized to get into trouble and not have a good time. Although he would not blame the prince, this competition was no longer for Xuanfu and his classmates to play, and the comfort of the "tourists" had to be considered.
"That makes sense." Xuanyu Fu nodded.
Then Lord Zhou Muyu arrived. It seemed that Lord Zhou was very smart and knew about the secret contact between Wen Lianglu and Boss Mu. When Xuanyuefu saw Lord Zhou coming, he quickly lowered his head to drink mung bean soup and said, "You two can debate yourselves. I am happy to listen."
When someone is in power for a long time, sometimes he is blinded by his own opinions and cannot just listen to one person. His father told him that, especially when he was young, he should not make decisions lightly on things he did not understand. He should let the two sides argue first and then he should just listen.
Xuan Fu would use the debate between the two adults as an excuse to eat.
Wang Yuanyuan replaced it with a bowl of tofu pudding, red beans, taro balls, milk and honey sweet soup for His Highness.
Zhou Muyu's official rank was lower than Wen Lianglu's, and he called himself a subordinate, but he was neither humble nor arrogant, and it was obvious that he came prepared. Lord Zhou said first: Lord Wen is on good terms with the merchant surnamed Mu, and the two are from the same hometown.
Many blessings a 'wow'.
Wen Lianglu was a man of many ideas. He heard about the merchant surnamed Mu from Hengliang Prefecture. Only then did he know that Hengliang Prefecture was in the south of the Yangtze River.
Lord Wen said with a smile: When selecting talented people, do not avoid relatives.
Lord Zhou said uprightly: He urged Your Highness to engage in business and compete with the people for profits.
Lord Wen said sternly: No, this time we made money from officials and nobles.
Xu Xuanfu: ...That's true. Just now Wen Lianglu said that those luxury tents are rented to the mansions of wealthy families. The price is high, and they don't rip off ordinary people at all.
The two adults debated the time for the prince's bowl of sweet soup, and finally the more they debated, the clearer it became - Xuan Fu had some ideas in his mind. He could do this, but there must be rules. "This year, in the first year, you can't oppress the people. You have to leave space for the people to watch. You can't use my name to collude with the upper and lower levels. The silver you get will be sent out by the nine gates during the Lantern Festival this year. This matter will be supervised by Lord Zhou."
During the three days of the Lantern Festival every year, the nine gates of Shengdu would distribute silver, wedding cakes and other things to the people.
Of course, you can't use a lot of money for yourself. It's better to donate it or give it to the common people.
When Lord Zhou heard that His Highness had made up his mind, he was not a stubborn person, so he bowed and said, "I will follow Your Highness's arrangements."
"Since Lord Wen and Boss Mu are good friends in the same village, Lord Wen will be in charge of this matter. If anything goes wrong and someone uses my name to do evil, I will find Lord Wen." Xuanyifu said.
Wen Lianglu smiled bitterly in his heart, then bowed his head in a serious manner and accepted the order.
He turned around and said to his friend: "We are tied together. If we were not friends for many years and knew your character, I would not have stepped into this muddy water."
In fact, this matter was handled in a thoughtful manner, and it would also be good for the reputation of the East Palace and His Highness. That was why Wen Lianglu was willing to be a middleman.
"Brother Wen, this time it's all thanks to you. I will definitely not let you down."
"I'll keep an eye on it too. There will always be times when you can't handle it all by yourself."
…
Even though they knew each other's character was reliable before, now was not the time for small jokes. Once His Highness was serious, he would be soft-hearted but there would be hard-hearted people around him. Wen Lianglu could only keep an eye on everything. Fortunately, although the first year was a bit hectic, no major mistakes were made and the task was completed smoothly.
Zhong Yun naturally knew about the planning of the viewing area by building sheds near the river, and when he heard it was the work of the Crown Prince, he did not ask any more questions and trusted the Crown Prince very much.
"It's just a small matter. Even if the prince messed up, it's just a little heated and nothing serious." Zhong Yun comforted Xiaoman.
When Xu Xiaoman heard it, it seemed to be true.
It would be even hotter without the shed, so it’s a good thing to think that way.
On the evening of the 14th, school was over at Chongming Hall.
The class was clearly divided. Li Ze said, "See you tomorrow."
"We will be there in the evening, but don't worry, we won't practice secretly," Xuanyufu said.
Li Ze was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then said, "What a coincidence, we will arrive in the evening as well."
Many blessings: ...
"Does he want to secretly practice more at night?" Liu Qiang came over and whispered loudly.
Of course Li Ze heard it and said, "I don't believe you didn't secretly familiarize yourself with the terrain."
"You think you're the same as the rest of you?" Wang Yuansun said sarcastically, "It's all about excitement."
The teammates behind Li Ze were a little angry. Li Ze didn't look at Wang Yuansun, but looked at His Highness and said, "In this case, our team will make a promise here that we will not practice more at night."
"Okay, I believe you." Xuanyu Fu stretched out his hand.
The two captains clapped their hands together, which was considered a promise.
"Let's go." Li Ze went first.
Xuanyuefu also said to his classmates: "You should go back quickly too, don't be nervous, we will see you in the evening." His classmates all lived with him in Huangzhuang.
"Okay.", "See you tonight, Your Highness.", "I've left with many blessings."
Xuanyunfu waved to his classmates and whispered to Wang Banban as he walked out: "Banban, do you know where Li Ze and the others are staying tonight?"
There are many farms scattered around the imperial farm.
Wang Yuanyuan said, "It should be the farm of the Duke Zhongyi's family, which is closest to the imperial farm."
That is Zhong Ziqin's home.
Xuan Fu did not return to the Eastern Palace. The things he needed for the competition had been delivered to the imperial farm during the day. Now he just needed to meet up with his two fathers and go together.
It’s been hot recently, and the wind is hot in the evening.
At around four o'clock in the afternoon, the family of three left the palace and planned to go to Huangzhuang for dinner. Xu Xiaoman quite liked going to Huangzhuang, where there were mountains and water, and the beautiful mountains always reminded him of the time when he played in the village.
"Actually, we were hungry and very poor back then, but I don't know why I only remember the time when we were playing foolishly." Xu Xiaoman was riding on a horse. It was hot and it was stuffy to sit in the car, so he rode side by side with Zhong Yun.
The prince's horse was slightly behind. Xu Xiaoman saw the cub coming and turned his head to look. Duoduo, who used to need to move a stool to get on the horse, now got on the horse very neatly and majestically. He kicked the pedal with his long legs, passed the other leg across the horse's body, and easily climbed on and sat firmly.
Zhong Yun said: "It looks quite good."
"So handsome." Xu Xiaoman was very supportive and kept praising him.
The many blessings that the horse had put on were immediately broken. Dadada made the horse run two steps closer to the horse of my father, and said happily: "I have only learned 50% of my father's fur."
Zhong Yun: ...this lackey.
"More than that, in my opinion, His Highness has achieved 70%."
"Where is the remaining three points?"
The father and son had a funny chat.
Zhong Yun inserted forcefully and said, "It's because your legs are too short."
"Father, harsh words can hurt people like a cold winter!" Xuanyu Fu turned his head and advised.
Zhong Yun: "It's just right for you to cool down. Go to the side. It's so hot standing next to you."
"Aiya, aiya." Xuan Duofu acted coquettishly to his father, "Daddy, don't mind that I'm hot."
Xu Xiaoman: "I don't mind, I don't mind."
The Jinwu Guards rode on horseback to clear the way. The main street was wide, not to mention three people riding side by side, even ten people could run wide. The family of three rode out of the city. When they arrived at Baifu Street, there were many people around, so they automatically moved to the sides and knelt down to salute.
When the emperor travels, the procession of carriages is huge.
"Who was that just now?", "Are you really stupid? Apart from the emperor, which official would dare to put on such a grand display in Shengdu?", "It turned out to be the emperor's carriage, but I didn't see him getting in the carriage, he always rode on horseback."
There was also a carriage at the back, but it was not bright yellow, and the size of the carriage was also ordinary. Sitting in it were palace maids such as Zhuixing and Zhuyue.
"The one riding a horse in the middle, I dared to raise my head and take a look. There was a young man in red clothes. I think he must be the Crown Prince. He has a really good appearance."
"You still dare to look, I don't even dare to look up."
"What does His Highness look like? I heard that when he was young, he looked as festive as the boy Shancai under the Bodhisattva's seat."
"Looks good, looks good. Now he is extraordinarily handsome."
The handsome and extraordinary prince could run away as soon as he left the city. He drove happily to the imperial farm, and the Jinwu Guards came forward on both sides. Xu Lingguan rode his horse close to the prince, protecting him at all times. Manyu Fu misunderstood and said, "Lingguan, you are a good rider, let's compare."
"Master, go slower."
"There's no one outside, don't worry."
That was not what Xu Lingguan meant. Once his master sped up, he couldn't just run fast enough.
It was around six or seven in the evening, and the sky was still light, but the wind in the air was not warm. It was still much cooler in the suburbs. Many horses were riding faster, and the wind blowing in their faces was very comfortable. Xu Lingguan and others followed suit.
Zhong Yun rode slowly over with Xiao Man from behind. Seeing Xuan Duofu's state, he said, "Even dogs hate him."
"Nonsense, Duoduo is loved by everyone." After Xu Xiaoman said this, he pulled the reins and accelerated.
Zhong Yun: ...caught up.
They rode their horses quickly and arrived at the imperial farm just after dark. Zhao Erxi was already waiting to welcome the emperor. This time the emperor took a day off to watch the prince's competition. Not only the emperor, but also the two concubines from the palace came. Zhao Erxi escorted them during the day.
Zhong Yun didn't think of inviting the Concubine Dowager at first, but Xu Xiaoman was kind-hearted and said: The Concubine Dowager may not have been out since she entered the palace. This time she is in the suburbs, not far away. Since everyone is going out to play, why not go and ask her and take her along to get some fresh air?
When Emperor Minghe was in power, he would go out hunting every year with his concubines and sons, but the two young nobles were not eligible. When Zhongrui became emperor, there was no place for these two.
As soon as Xu Xiaoman mentioned it, Zhong Yun agreed.
The two concubines had lived in the palace for more than 20 years. When they heard that they could leave the palace to follow the emperor to watch the prince's game, they were of course willing and happy to go.
"Zhao Banban, have my classmates arrived?" Xuanyun Fuluoma asked first.
He ran away early, but was later caught up by his father and the emperor, and they arrived at the imperial farm together.
Zhao Erxi: "Your Highness, several young masters arrived one after another about an hour ago. Now that they are all together, they are staying in the courtyard next to yours."
"Father, I'll go find them first." Many people ran inside before the words were spoken.
Those who were accompanying the Eastern Palace must have either arrived during the day or are following now.
Anyway, in the imperial farm, many blessings will not be lost and no accidents will happen. Zhong Yun didn't care and said to Xiao Man: "Wash first and then eat? Don't worry about it."
"Wash first. I ride a horse too fast and my face is covered with sweat and dust." Xu Xiaoman said.
Zhong Yun smiled and wanted to say something, but there were too many people around, so he didn't say anything.
The hot water was ready, and the two of them washed and changed into light jackets and trousers - this was all thanks to Xuanduofu. Xuanduofu was fat in the summer and could not stand the heat. In the East Palace, the Purple Palace, and the Xuanzheng Hall, he took off all his clothes and trousers and still complained of heat.
Xuanyuefu knew that his father was soft-hearted and loved him, so he asked his father if he could change his underwear to short sleeves and his underwear to shorts.
"That's underwear." Xu Xiaoman was shocked.
Wearing underwear in the side hall of Xuanzheng Hall - even if the ministers couldn't see and asked the eunuchs to guard and not allow outsiders to enter, the rumor would spread, but running around in his father's territory in underwear, although Xu Xiaoman had little education and was naturally wild and stupid, he probably knew at this time that it was inappropriate.
Many Fuhui made adjustments. He said it was either underwear or shorts. He wore a small waistband and a pair of pants over the waistband - he modified the big underwear into small waistband, which was cooler. When he told his father about it, the shorts and short-sleeved shirt had actually been prepared by the housekeeping department.
Xuan Fuduo was a filial son. He would think of something useful, fun and convenient, and would use it himself without forgetting to give a copy to his two fathers. Therefore, that set of cool summer clothes was sent to Zichen Palace.
…
Later, Zhong Yun said that he didn't care about details in his own area, and it was cool and good to wear this.
Xu Xiaoman: ...
His waist is almost broken.
The summer clothes have been improved year after year to be more comfortable, exquisite and beautiful. At this moment, Zhong Yun and Xu Xiaoman were wearing "couple clothes" - this is what Xuan Duofu said. After Zhong Yun asked about it, he shook his head and said, "Couples are not good."
Manyu Fu:? This is not good?
"Your father and I are lovers."
Manyu Fu: ...I don’t like to eat dog food when it’s hot, kick it over.
At this time, the clothes of the two people are the same color and material, goose yellow, and the embroidery is also some fresh embellishment on the cuffs. The half-open collar on the chest has pearl buttons, and they are wearing loose trousers underneath. The fabric is light and sweat-absorbent, which is very cool.
There are many fields and trees in Huangzhuang, and there are also many mosquitoes in summer.
Dinner was served in the living room.
Xu Xiaoman sat down and asked, "Did Duoduo eat? They must be noisy when they are together."
Zhao Erxi replied, "Half an incense stick ago, His Highness's courtyard also ordered a meal. Originally, Young Master Liu said he wanted to eat barbecue, but His Highness said it was not a good idea because he would have a competition tomorrow and if he ate meat, he might get nervous and have a stomachache due to water and soil incompatibility. Now His Highness' courtyard is eating noodles and porridge, mostly vegetarian dishes..."
"Duoduo is quite cautious, good." Xu Xiaoman laughed after hearing that.
After going out to play, Zhong Yun was more relaxed and said, "Whatever the prince wants to eat, serve one portion over here." He added, "Just wait and see. I think in less than an hour, Xuan Fu will have to order a midnight snack."
Xu Xiaoman didn't gamble because Zhong Yun was right.
Zhao Erxi had a smile on his face, and Xu Xiaoman knew that there was something else going on, so he asked what it was. Zhao Erxi said, "While His Highness was having dinner, he did not forget to send someone to the manor of the Duke Zhongyi's mansion to inquire."
"Li Ze's team." Xu Xiaoman guessed it and laughed.
"Master Liu shouted from the side: Someone has to guard the river. If there are any suspicious people, it must be Li Ze and his group."
"When I just came back, I heard several young masters say that after dinner, it would be better for them to guard the river themselves."
Zhong Jue:......
So funny.
"The mosquitoes outside the river are so numerous that they can eat people," said Xu Xiaoman.
Zhong Yun: "Let them go. They will come back when they are bitten by mosquitoes."
Xu Xiaoman agreed with this. Children are playful and it is impossible to stop them, so just let them go. It is just a mosquito bite, not a big deal.
When the 'Prince's Dinner' was served, Xu Xiaoman laughed out loud, "These are all green vegetables. Duoduo will be upset if he eats too much."
"Try it." Zhong Yun picked up some food for Xiaoman.
There was also a plate of wild vegetables, but the imperial chef had prepared them very well, not too rough, and quite wild. But after Xu Xiaoman and Zhong Yun finished eating, they looked at each other, their appetites aroused.
The two men rode all the way from Taiji Palace to Huangzhuang, so it would not be enough to just eat the vegetables, but there were other things on the table, and the two of them just tasted the prince's meal first.
Prince's Courtyard.
Xuan Fu and his companions ate vegetarian soup, noodles and porridge, and agreed to go patrol the riverside. Liu Qiang was full but felt that something was missing. However, he was in a hurry to wait, so he didn't want to eat more. He walked over to Wang Yuansun and said, "Do you think Li Ze and the others will come?"
Wang Yuansun said nothing.
Liu Qiang said to himself: "Of course he will. That kid is very cunning."
"Maybe we are just being mean--" Li Ang began.
Liu Qiang: "Li Ang, don't be too thoughtful. How can you say this about your own people? Are we villains?"
"Who has thought of it carefully?" Li Ang said.
Xuan Fu didn't care about the quarrels and arguments behind the scenes, he often heard them. If Liu Qiang didn't quarrel for a day, Li Ang would ask him if Liu Qiang was sick.
"Okay, okay, I was wrong, but seriously, if a fight breaks out tomorrow, don't go easy on Zhou Quan." Liu Qiang admitted his mistake very quickly.
Li Ang: "I definitely won't let them win. I don't know if I can beat them."
"Just don't release the water."
…
The servants prepared the horses, and Xuan Fu and Yan Jin Jin rode on one. They still had some distance to the river. Including the Jinwu Guards, there were about 20 to 30 people riding out at night, which made a lot of noise. But when they arrived, the Jinwu Guards who were patrolling by the river came to report that they had caught a group of people. They looked very confused and entangled, and when they saw His Highness coming, they looked "thank God".
Many blessings will know who has been caught.
“…”
“…”
“…”
Liu Qiang was the happiest. He slapped his thigh and said, "Haha, I knew it."
"Where?"
"Let's go and meet them."
The dozen or so people on the opposite side who were being watched by the Jinwu Guards were naturally Li Ze and his group. When they arrived, Zhong Ziqin's tone of voice was six parts soft, two parts hard, and two parts humble.
"Do you know who my father is? My father is Earl Zhongyi. We are not trying to steal and harm people. Please let us go." Zhong Ziqin didn't even dare to fight with his father.
Many blessings: ...
"Your Highness." The Jinwu Guards were the first to notice that the prince had arrived, and they all saluted with their fists clasped.
All the people from Li Ze's side arrived and the two sides met.
Xuanyu Fu: "They are all my classmates. It's nothing serious. Please step aside first."
"yes."
There were torches burning brightly all around. Both sides secretly counted their numbers. Very good, both teams were present. However, Zhou Quan felt a little embarrassed, and then looked at Li Ang.
The two captains Xuanyifu and Li Ze communicated first.
Li Ze: "We are not here for extra training. We don't even have a boat."
"Yeah, us too."
Li Ze: "We've eaten too much, let's take a walk."
Many blessings: edit and continue editing.
"Yeah, us too."
But no one on either side suggested leaving. Instead, they looked at each other. There were too many grasses and mosquitoes here. Finally, Duo Nuofu couldn't stand it anymore and said, "How long are you going to stay? Since we are here, why don't we just walk around the river?"
"Okay." Li Ze agreed readily.
The two teams walked along the river, and their respective "military advisors" recorded the route. After they finished a circle, Liu Qiang was hungry and could not walk anymore. He said, "My stomach is growling with hunger. I didn't eat enough tonight, so I am weak."
Wang Yuansun: "I'll be back soon."
He wasn't full either.
The brothers Zhong Ziming and Zhong Ziqin also walked together, secretly talking to each other. When they returned to the starting point, Li Zexian took the initiative to say, "Actually, we are not here to check the river terrain. I am here to prevent you from coming. After all, you are closer."
"Same here." Xuan Fu smiled.
Good, everyone is on high alert.
It was getting late, and some people were still hungry, so they looked at each other and rode back. Xuanfu returned to the imperial farm, feeling very itchy. Wang Yuanyuan had prepared some cooling ointment and added some to the bath water.
Xuanyuefu took another shower and looked in the mirror to find that his cheeks and neck were all covered with bites. He and Yan Jinjin slept in the same yard and asked his deskmate how he was doing. Wang Yuanyuan said, "Zhuixing is taking care of him. I heard he's fine."
What do you mean it's okay? Xuan Fu took a look at Yan Jinjin and found that he had fair skin and tender flesh, not even a mosquito bite. However, his face, arms, neck and legs were covered with lumps.
"Yan Jinjin, what do you have on you? Why do mosquitoes only bite me and not you?"
Yan Huaijin: "I didn't bring anything with me. I didn't get bitten by mosquitoes at home before. I was surprised that there wasn't a single mosquito tonight."
"...They bit me all." Xuanyu Fu cried.
What kind of blood is Yan Jinjin!
"Let me apply some medicine on you, Xuan Duofu." Yan Huaijin saw that Xuan Duofu's face and neck were all red. "Don't scratch it."
"I know, I'll endure it." Xuanfu sat on a stool, handed the ointment to his little classmate, asked him to rub it on him, and said, "I'm hungry, are you hungry?"
“A little.”
Xuanyun Fu found an excuse, "Wang Banban sent some midnight snacks. Ask Liu Qiang and the others if they want to eat some meat. Just don't make it too spicy."
Wang Yuanyuan had expected this. The imperial kitchen prepared some food. After a while, wormwood was lit in the courtyard to repel mosquitoes. The smell of wormwood dissipated a little, and a sweet fragrance wafted through the air.
"Roasted sweet potatoes!" Xuan Duofu was happy and took his deskmate's hand to go out for a midnight snack.
The smell attracted all the students. Since they hadn't fallen asleep yet, they gathered around the table in the yard to have a midnight snack. Yan Huaijin also talked about the river terrain he saw tonight. They chatted for a while and ate until they were seven-tenths full. Wang Yuansun stopped first.
When Liu Qiang saw this, he took his last bite and stopped moving his chopsticks, saying, "Don't eat too much. Go to sleep and conserve your energy."
Xu Xuanfu suppressed his yawn, tried to open his eyes wide, and said, "Starting from Chenshi tomorrow, eat breakfast after cleaning up. We have prepared snacks before the fight. Just eat two more pieces of this candy. Don't eat too much or you'll vomit."
"Tomorrow, we must defeat Li Ze's team."
"yes!"
Everyone shouted in unison, quite loudly.
The Holy Courtyard.
Xu Xiaoman was relieved to hear that Duoduo had returned. She yawned, and Zhong Yun took Xiaoman to sleep, saying, "You will be able to see the prince's heroic figure tomorrow."
"Duoduo will definitely win—"
Zhong Yun hugged Xiao Man and nodded, "Definitely."
It’s okay if you can’t win, but as a father you can’t let your child down.
The author has something to say:
Your Highness Duozi: I will show my skills tomorrow!
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