Chapter 101 Amulet
Ninfu naturally noticed that he was staring at her lips, and pointed at him and asked, "What are you thinking about, my lord?"
This means not to think about those things anymore.
Zong Si asked, "Did you change your rouge today?" It was plain, elegant and smooth, not bright but very suitable for her.
"Nuan Xiang Pavilion has released a new rouge, so of course I have to try it." Ning Fu is aware of her advantage in appearance, and people often ask about the rouge and powder she uses, so this is for the business of Nuan Xiang Pavilion.
"It suits you very well." Zong Si said.
He wasn't the only one who said it was suitable, everyone who had seen it said so.
Zong Si seems to have become much more talkative recently and has gradually learned how to explain things.
She said, "If the prince treats me more kindly, I will naturally be able to feel it."
"Okay." In fact, if you listen carefully, you can tell that his attitude towards this word "Okay" is clearly serious.
"I should go back." said Nymph.
"I'll take you there." Zong Si said.
Ningfu wanted to refuse, but seeing that he clearly did not allow any arguments, she did not say anything.
In the carriage of the Fu Mansion, the sandalwood made people feel calm. Various snacks were placed on the small table. Zong Si was handling official business, and she sat beside him and found a book to read.
Since he had no time to talk to her, Ningfu didn't know why he wanted to send her off.
"In your heart..." He wanted to ask what she thought of Lu Xingzhi, but he didn't ask it out loud.
Nymph gave him a confused look.
"Nothing to do, just read some books." Zong Si said.
"I'll take these to Ah He." When the carriage stopped, Ning Fu pointed at the snacks and said to Zong Si.
Zong Si took out a pouch and put the snacks in it for her.
"I folded a page where I saw it, don't move it." Nymph warned again. Before King Xuan's incident, the two of them might have to meet again, so she still had to read the book.
"Yeah." He glanced at it and responded.
Only then did Nymph get off the carriage.
During the day, Yue Niang reported to him about the matter. When she saw the book on the small table, she reached out to touch it, but she heard Zong Si say calmly, "Don't move."
"But is it Mr. Qiu Yu's "Dream of Resurrection"? " Yue Niang withdrew her hand politely, but the fact that she asked this question meant that she was also looking for this book.
"Well, if Afu can't find the page when the time comes, it's my fault." Zong Si said casually.
Yue Niang's expression changed, as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed her words back in the end.
Nymph only stayed in the carriage three times and finished reading the book.
"What do you feel after watching it?" Zong Si asked her.
"It is more worthwhile to die for a just cause than to live in vain," said Nymph.
"The country is protected by countless people with their lives. Border defense commanders are not afraid of life or death." Zong Si said.
"My lord, you are not afraid of life and death?" Ning Fu looked at him.
"I will die for my country without any regrets." Zong Si said calmly.
Ningfu admired him for this point. It was one thing to be power-minded and ambitious, but it did not interfere with his concern for his country and the world.
"The prince will be safe." said Nymph.
"That's not the case." Zong Si said, "I've almost lost my life before. Two years ago, I was shot by an arrow and fell in the snow. I happened to run into a hungry wolf. But thinking of my mother and Prince Xuan's Mansion, I held on to my last breath and fought with the wolf leader. I stabbed the wolf leader's neck with a sword and saved my life."
Ningfu had never heard of this in her previous life.
"Does the princess know about this?" Ning Fu asked. Logically speaking, Princess Xuan would not hide such things from her.
"Mother and An Ning are just women and children in the rear house. There's no need to make them worry." Zong Si said.
But Nymph thought, then why should I tell her, she is just a female monarch.
"Afu is different from my mother. Afu is a tenacious female monarch. If I encounter any trouble, I will have to tell you in the future. Maybe Afu can save my life." Zong Si said with a smile.
Not only is it tenacious, it's also smart.
But no one expected that his joking words would come true in the future.
Naturally, Nymph had no choice but to say, "If I can do it, I will definitely save the prince."
Zong Si said: "If that happens, you should pay attention to your own safety first."
Nymph's eyes became more complicated, and she didn't respond.
Since then, the two have been getting along much more harmoniously.
When the two met, they might not say a few words. Sometimes Zong Si was too busy to pay attention to her, so they just sat there and did their own things.
This time, he looked a little more serious.
"I will leave Beijing in a few days." Zong Si said.
Nymph asked, "Is it dangerous?"
"Maybe." Zong Si said frankly.
After two months of getting along, Ning Fu had figured out his thoughts, so she half-seriously asked, "Can you write me a letter and let me know you're safe?"
"If I'm free, I'll write you a letter." Zong Si said with a twinkle in his eyes.
This time, Zong Si stayed out of the capital for quite a while.
Zhang He wrote to Ningfu to ask her to go to Hanxiang Temple together. Due to the young lady's constant persuasion, Ningfu did not refuse.
Zhang Heshang is small, wearing a pink round-necked jacket, and looks playful and lively. Walking from a distance, she looks like a pink ball, making people want to pinch her face.
"Sister Ning." As soon as Zhang He saw her, he put his arm around her wrist affectionately.
"Why do you suddenly want to pray?" Nymph asked.
"I heard that the North has started to become turbulent again. I am worried about my father." Zhang He said with some fear, "Sister Ning has never lived there. She doesn't know how terrible it is when a war breaks out in the North. Every time it happens, I am so worried that I can't sleep."
Ning Fu only felt that Zhang He's intuition was very accurate. In the previous life, four months from now, Zhang Linsheng would have blocked a sword for King Xuan, saved King Xuan's life, and became the benefactor of the entire King Xuan's Mansion, and from then on he would rise to prominence.
I just don’t know whether King Xuan was framed or he just happened to encounter this dangerous situation.
"Sister Zhang, don't worry. Lord Zhang is a lucky man." Ning Fu said. Although Zhang Linsheng was seriously injured, he did not lose his life.
Zhang He said: "In my lifetime, I will never go to the North again. Even if you give me a lot of silver, I will not go."
This was not the first time Zhang He had mentioned this. Ning Fu sighed in her heart, saying it was a pity that things always went against one's wishes.
Since he was praying for his father, Zhang He was naturally extremely pious, and every time he kowtowed, he did it with a solid force.
Ning Fu also prayed for her father and brother. Thinking of Zong Si, she also prayed for his safety. Although she was just trying to coax him, she really hoped that he could come back safely.
Zhang He also remembered something and said, "I hope that my brother, the prince, can be safe and sound."
Nymph paused and looked back at her, only to see the little lady kneeling sincerely in front of the Buddha statue with her eyes closed and her hands clasped together.
After a long time, he stood up, smiled again and pulled Nymph along.
"Sister Ning, who are you praying for? Is it for your brother?" Zhang He said as he looked at the amulet she prayed for.
Nymph smiled but said nothing more.
"I will also ask for one for my father, my brother the Crown Prince, and Uncle Prince Xuan." Zhang He turned around and went to the abbot.
After a moment, he came out.
"I heard that the prince brother will be out of the capital for a long time. I wanted to go to Prince Xuan's mansion to learn archery from him, but I couldn't meet him." Zhang He said with some distress, "I heard that Sister Xie and An Ning's archery skills were all taught by him, and their results are very good. He did teach me when I was young in the north, but unfortunately I have forgotten everything."
Ning Fu didn't know when Zong Si would return to the capital, so she could only say, "When he returns, ask him."
Zong Ning heard about this in the school on the second day. She couldn't help but laugh and said, "Sister Zhang, my third brother definitely doesn't have the time to do this. He's not even enthusiastic about teaching me. You might as well ask my second brother. He won't refuse a young lady like you."
The second brother does not know how to get along with Nujun and keeps his distance from her, but he is actually much more patient with the little Nujun who is like a younger sister to him than the third brother.
Zhang He smiled and said, "I would rather have the prince teach me. If I am rejected, I will look for my second brother." The little lady is always so brave and fearless.
"Why do you want my third brother to teach you?" Zong Ning asked curiously.
"Because the Crown Prince is the most powerful. I want the most powerful person to teach me." Zhang He smiled with the corners of his mouth curved, looking admiring.
Zong Ning also smiled and said, "If my third brother rejects you, don't cry."
Nymph watched from the side but did not interrupt the conversation between the two.
After leaving school, she went to see Fu Jiahui.
He placed the blessing of peace he had prayed for under the table. Zhang He also prayed for one for him. It was up to him whether to use his own blessing of peace or not.
"This is the letter that the prince gave to the fourth young lady." Fu Jiahui said.
Ning Fu tore the letter open and took a few glances. Zong Si did not mention in his mind what he was going to do this time, nor did he tell her when he would be back. He only mentioned briefly what he saw and heard, as if he took time out of his busy schedule to write this letter.
Ningfu ground some ink and wrote the word "read" on the letter. Then she looked at the content of the letter and imitated his handwriting.
In fact, she had learned it in her previous life, but she only had the expression but not the charm. If it hadn't been for years and months, it would have been difficult to practice to the point where it was difficult for people to recognize it at a glance.
But she didn't waste long, as she took the imitation papers away.
But Zong Si returned to Beijing that night.
Meng Ze was just released from his confinement recently, and he went to Yixiang Tower to find him.
When Zong Si appeared in Yixiang Tower, there were two women sitting next to Meng Ze. They were both the top girls in the building. They had swaying figures and were charming, but there was no trace of worldly air on their faces. They leaned against Meng Ze as if they were seeking his protection.
When the woman saw Zong Si come in, her eyes were fixed on him.
"Aren't you afraid that Meng Che will make a fuss about your private affairs again?" Zong Si said.
Meng Ze said with a half-smile: "Father is just pretending. He won't really blame me because of a woman. But you have to give Meng Che an explanation." Even if he was really biased, he had to pretend to be fair on the surface.
Zong Si said nothing, nor did he look surprised at all, and sat down opposite him.
Meng Ze patted the woman in his arms and said with a smile: "All women are like you. They can't walk when they see him. I once said that whoever captures him will be given 1,000 taels of gold. You can give it a try."
Women naturally want to try it.
Zong Si said, "Go down."
The voice was clearly calm, but it was intimidating. The woman paused and looked at Meng Ze with some embarrassment.
"Didn't you hear what he said?" Meng Ze said with a smile. In fact, if you look closely, you can see that there is no trace of reluctance in his eyes either. To him, women are just a pastime.
The woman hurriedly got up and left.
"It's clear that the north was pacified not long ago, and logically they should have kept a low profile. But now that the Hu Khan has passed away and the new Khan Tuoba Ju has come to power, they are ready to make a move again. Is it a coincidence, or did someone leak the news that something happened in my uncle's army?" Meng Ze said.
Last year, Dayan's grain output was not as good as the year before. That was why the border areas were competing for grain and fodder. Ning Zheng and Zongduo had a dispute over this matter because of this. And if it weren't for the ministers in the capital who were in charge of related matters, I'm afraid no one would know about this.
Furthermore, one of the two generals around King Xuan died of illness, and the other was seriously injured on the way back to Beijing to visit relatives. No matter how you look at it, this matter is not simple.
Zong Si said nothing.
"I'm afraid he wants to kill my uncle." Meng Ze said.
"This time when I go to Northern Qi, I have purchased enough food and fodder." Zong Si said. This time when Zong Si left the capital, he ostensibly went to Danzhou, but actually went to Northern Qi. He hid among the merchants who went to negotiate the sale of the Nuanxiang Pavilion shop, and secretly found the merchants to discuss the matter of food and fodder.
When the time comes, the food and fodder will be transported back to Dayan in the name of Nuanxiang Pavilion's goods.
For her own benefit, Ningfu wrote a letter to the Princess of Northern Qi, hoping to get her protection. The princess treated Ningfu with some sincerity and did not refuse her. Therefore, people who passed the customs for the goods from Nuanxiang Pavilion naturally did not dare to offend the princess and would not check them carefully.
Meng Ze said: "Now that the food and grass problem has been solved, I am relieved of my worries. However, I still have to tell my uncle to be careful. This is also very likely done by Meng Che."
Zong Si curled the corner of his mouth but said nothing.
It was already late at night when I finished discussing with Meng Ze.
Zong Si returned to Prince Xuan's Palace and happened to run into Zong Duo who was also returning home. The two looked at each other for a moment.
"Is it done?" Zongduo asked. Even though he was still a little unhappy, he would not delay his business.
"Yeah." Zong Si was unwilling to talk about it in detail, and there was a hint of impatience in his eyes.
"Deputy General Lin is blind." Deputy General Lin was a general under King Xuan. On his way back to Beijing to visit his relatives, he was assassinated, but fortunately he is not dead yet.
"I will go to the palace tomorrow and ask for rewards for him." Zong Si said.
Zongduo nodded and said nothing more.
The more important the matter, the calmer you have to be. In Prince Xuan's mansion, things are no different from usual. Although this matter is serious, it is definitely not a matter of the moment.
On the second day, Zong Si met Zhang He in the mansion.
Zhang He had not expected to meet him, and his eyes were filled with joy. His eyes were bright and shining like stars, and he said, "Brother Prince, I want to learn archery. Can you teach me? I heard that Sister Xie and Sister Ning were both taught by you. I also want to get good grades."
Zong Si looked at her. Zhang He was not even as tall as his chest. When she asked for help, she was sincere and not flattering, which was very likable. However, he did not agree.
Zhang He went to Zong Ning to tell him about this.
"I told you before, my third brother doesn't have that patience." Zong Ning had already anticipated this.
Zhang He was not discouraged and encouraged himself: "I must learn from the best."
Her archery skills must also be top-notch.
Zhang He came to Prince Xuan's mansion every day, clinging to Zong Si like a dog-skin plaster, begging him pitifully, "Brother Prince, everyone says you are the best, please be a good person and teach me. I am willing to work like a cow or a horse for you in the future."
"If your father knew that the lady of Hua'an Prefecture had to work like a slave, he would probably be so angry that he would vomit blood." Zong Si said.
"No, no, if I get top marks in archery and win the title of female talent next year, my father will only think I'm amazing." Zhang He said quickly.
Zong Si naturally still did not agree.
"Aning said that you are the best brother." Zhang He grabbed his sleeve and acted coquettishly, but it was the intimacy of a younger generation towards an elder.
Zong Si calmly pulled his hand away and said lightly: "I have something to do recently." Otherwise, for the sake of his father Zhang Linsheng, he would be willing to give some advice.
"After that, there will always be time when you are free. Brother Prince, just teach me for a while, and then I will practice by myself and will never disturb you." Zhang He said, his eyes full of desire to be the best in archery.
Zong Si said a few perfunctory words and had no intention of getting entangled with her for too long.
"Oh, by the way, brother Prince, this is the amulet I asked for you in Hanxiang Temple. I hope that you will be safe and sound in the future, just like my father." Zhang He looked up at him and said.
Zong Si paused and looked back at her.
In the eyes of the little girl, the stars are bright, sincere and warm.
Ning Fu also received the news that Zong Si had returned to Beijing on the same day, but seeing that he did not let her go to Qingtian Pavilion, she did not act rashly.
In the school, Zhang He complained to her as soon as he saw her: "Sister Ning, the prince brother refused to teach me."
Nymph smiled but said nothing.
"I want to have a talented woman, so I must let my brother the prince teach me." Zhang He encouraged himself.
Ningfu also wants to find a talented woman, but she doesn't mind competing with her. Whoever wins gets it. It's a matter of ability, and whoever wins is the most powerful.
After school, Zhang He complained about this to the lady who was traveling with him. The lady smiled and said, "The prince is still good to you. He also cut bamboo for you in the forest that day. You are still too young now. When you grow up, you will be so beautiful. When you become the prince's consort, will he not teach you?"
Zhang He was stunned, then said: "I only regard Brother Prince as my elder brother."
"Sister Zhang, you are still young and don't know what love between men and women is. When you grow up, you will understand these things." The lady whispered to her teasingly.
Zhang He frowned, but didn't say anything for a while, with a confused look in his eyes.
Ning Fu happened to be walking behind the two of them. She couldn't help but glance at them but didn't say anything.
Zhang He is very cute now, and she will be beautiful when she grows up another two years. Ning Fu has never seen such a lively female monarch, who is positive and willing to endure hardships in terms of talent and learning.
"Sister Ning." Zhang He turned around and saw her, and said, "In a few days, my mother is going to hold a banquet for me to celebrate my first place in the math and arts exam. Do you want to come and play with us?"
Seeing how enthusiastic she was, and considering the connections between the various mansions, Ningfu should have gone anyway, so she did not refuse.
…
After being busy for several days, Zong Si finally saw Ning Fu's graceful yet sharp words "read".
He couldn't help but think of her sitting at the desk, reading the letter carefully, and then leaving these two words.
Zong Si couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth.
Then I saw the amulet next to the letter paper. It was somewhat similar to Zhang He's one, small and very exquisite.
"How many times has the fourth young lady come?" Zong Si asked the manager of Qingtian Pavilion.
"I came here once and stayed for about an hour. I read a letter and then sat here to read a book for a while. I didn't walk around and didn't read anything I shouldn't have." The manager said truthfully.
Such a smart nymph would naturally not do anything like looking through things.
Zong Si did have some secrets, but he knew that she would abide by the rules, and he also guessed that he would not leave secret letters in Qingtian Pavilion, so he did not deal with them.
He put the amulet away.
Ningfu heard a noise outside the window before going to bed. Dongzhu was about to call for help when she saw a figure enter the room.
Ningfu was very familiar with the man's figure, and Dongzhu was also used to it, so she didn't say anything for a while.
"You're risking your life!" Ning Fu couldn't help but say. They sneaked here in the middle of the night and their mother just left. If they were discovered, both of them would be dead.
"I want to see you." Zong Si smiled. His eyes and brows looked much gentler than his usual calculating appearance, and the coldness had faded a lot.
A few days ago, he dreamed again that she was his wife.
I dreamed of getting married, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
She received the peace and blessings she prayed for.
That's why he especially wanted to see her.
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