Chapter 124
A cold light flashed across Gong Yinai's eyes, and she closed them in pain. The wind blowing towards her was extremely cold and light. Gong Yinai thought she would die here, but the knife that was about to chop her was knocked away.
"You dare to kill and rob in my Nanliang territory. Are you too small to be alone in Nanliang?" Zhou Li pulled the reins tightly, and the white horse neighed, instantly surrounding the killer.
Gong Yinai looked up at Gong Yifu who was riding on a white horse. Her cloak fluttered, her face was cold, and her expression was more serious than she had ever seen before.
Gong Yifu raised his hand again, his tone icy: "Kill."
The people she brought immediately engaged in a melee with the killer. She dismounted and extended her hand to Gong Yinai, "Look at how embarrassed you are."
Her tone was relaxed as usual, but in this environment, her tone was a little scary in its calmness.
Gong Yinai's hands were covered in mud, and the killer forced her to sit in the mud. She hesitated for a moment, and Gong Yifu grabbed her arm and pulled her up.
Seeing that she looked in a state of disarray, Zhou Li took off his cloak and put it on Gong Yinai, then pulled up the hood to hide her disarray.
"You're not hurt?"
She spoke in a calm tone, and Gong Yinai shook his head.
Zhou Li smiled when he saw this, pressed the cloak on her head, and directly picked up Gong Yinai by the waist and put her on the horse's back.
Gong Yinai, who had somehow landed on the horse's back, hadn't reacted when Zhou Li stepped on the stirrup and mounted the horse. She tightened the reins and said, "Hold on tight!"
He rode back to the city as soon as he got on horseback, and behind him, a skilled soldier was cutting off the killer's head, tying it up casually with a cloth and bringing it back to the city.
The body was thrown into the river. Gong Yinai had never seen such a bloody scene before, so she closed her eyes. Zhou Li's body blocked her view. She beat her horse while explaining, "He is a killer. There is no point in keeping him alive. It is better to kill him to deter him."
Gong Yinai felt the hot chest of the person behind him, but his heart gradually grew colder, and he became wary of Gong Yifu.
He said that killing someone was like throwing away a piece of trash. Although they both grew up in the palace, he was so different.
Gong Yinai originally thought that he was hard-hearted enough, but compared with these people who grew up in the palace, he was still not cruel enough.
Gong Yinai closed her eyes and told herself that the other person was the one who wanted to kill her, and she didn't need to feel guilty.
A group of people rushed into the city like a gust of wind and the rain gradually stopped.
When they arrived at the Palace of Prince of Southern Liang, Gong Yinai dismounted herself, pulled down her hood, turned around and looked back, and saw a bright moon in the sky, illuminating the ground like water.
Zhou Li yawned and threw the whip to the servant.
After running all night, I was exhausted.
She doesn't have the leisure to appreciate the moon.
Gong Yinai's face looked haggard. She stood under the lamp and watched Gong Yifu enter the gate.
Zhou Li only remembered it after she stepped over the threshold. She turned back to look at Gong Yinai and said, "Take a hot bath. We can discuss things tomorrow."
The butler stood at the door waiting, listening to the prince's instructions.
"Tell the kitchen to prepare a calming soup for the Sixth Prince, and to increase patrols in the mansion to prevent thieves from breaking in."
"yes."
Gong Yinai lifted the corner of her clothes and walked up the stairs. Although she was in a mess, the more she looked, the more she could not hide her elegant appearance and clear eyes. When she walked, her feet did not touch the ground, and her clothes fluttered, as if she was walking on clouds.
When the housekeeper saw the Sixth Prince wearing the Crown Prince's raincoat, he thought that the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince must have a good relationship, otherwise he would not have gone to look for the Sixth Prince in person upon hearing that he was missing. Fortunately, they had been deeply rooted in Nanliang for a long time, and the movements of these evil spirits could not be hidden from them.
It's good that both of them are fine.
Back in the house, a maid came up to serve Gong Yinai, and Gong Yinai said, "No need."
She untied her cloak and placed it on the couch. A servant knocked on the door and said, "The hot water is ready."
Gong Yinai entered the compartment next door, and the water in the wooden barrel was just the right temperature.
After undressing and washing off the mud on his face and body with hot water, Gong Yinai finally got into the wooden barrel.
The scalding hot water washed away the fatigue in her muscles and bones. After getting out of the bathtub, Gong Yinai felt her legs go weak. She held onto the bathtub and stared blankly at the water surface. After a long time, she stood up straight, her eyes still tired.
After changing into new clothes and wiping his hair, Gong Yinai saw Gong Yifu's silver-white cloak still lying on the couch.
Gong Yi Fu was taller than her and didn't look very strong. Although she knew from the archery class that he could pull a two-stone bow, it had never been as clear as today. He put her on the horse's back as easily as lifting an onion.
Gong Yinai was a little unconvinced.
She was not born with any talent for this and originally thought it was because she started learning late. Later she wondered if it was the difference between men and women. However, Gong Yi Fu's level was far superior to that of other princes, and only the eldest prince, who had been trained in the military camp, could match his arm strength.
The legitimate son of the King of Southern Liang truly lived up to his father's reputation.
Someone knocks on the door.
"The prince said you were frightened today, so he sent you a bowl of soul-soothing soup and some food."
"Enter."
Gong Yinai wrapped herself in an outer shirt, and the long-sleeved shirt concealed the girl's developing bones.
The servant brought the things in, lowered his head and walked out, but was stopped by Gong Yinai.
"Wash this."
She picked up Gong Yifu's cloak and handed it to the servant.
The servant hugged him, lowered his head, turned around and closed the door.
Looking at the things on the table, Gong Yinai felt very touched.
Although Gong Yi Fu sometimes makes people so angry that their teeth itch, it has to be said that he is quite understanding and it is not an exaggeration to say that he has a good understanding of people's hearts.
Some small favors are enough to win people's hearts.
Gong Yinai sat down, frowned, and drank a bowl of soul-soothing soup.
Zhou Li felt much more comfortable here.
Even when she went out, she was accompanied by attendants personally selected by the Princess of Nanliang.
Her attendant was her elder sister who had been with her for many years. Zhou Li lay in the spacious bathtub, and her elder sister rubbed her back, moaning with comfort.
Zhou Li sighed: "This is what life is like."
He then lay on the soft couch and fell asleep.
No one around her dared to disturb her. They covered her master with the blanket and quietly left.
The next day, Gongsun Nai woke up very early.
She had a bloody nightmare last night. She got up and went to look for Gong Yifu, but was told that he was not in the room. When she was about to turn around, Gong Yifu and a beautiful lady came walking down the corridor, talking and laughing.
Gong Yifu wore a light pink outer garment with a white inner shirt, looking very energetic.
Most people can't wear this delicate color like a girl, but it looks just right on her, like the tender buds growing on the branches in early spring, which is refreshing to look at.
Gong Yinai frowned.
I hadn't seen anyone around Gong Yifu in the past few days. Where did this person come from? What was his purpose in approaching Gong Yifu? And Gong Yifu was already married, so what was Hongying thinking?
Zhou Li looked up and saw Gong Yinai, and said excitedly, "I made a bet with Sister Lvliu that you wouldn't be able to wake up today. Lvliu said you would definitely wake up, and I said you couldn't. I didn't expect that I would lose!"
Gong Yinai frowned, then relaxed helplessly.
I have never seen anyone so happy even after losing a bet. It seems like everything is possible in front of him.
Zhou Li grabbed Gong Yinai's wrist, pushed open the door, and pulled her into the house.
"Now that you're here, just come in. It's just right that you can have breakfast with me. Haven't you eaten yet?"
"No." Gong Yinai said.
Lvliu stopped outside the door and bowed.
Gong Yinai took a look at her and thought she was quite pretty.
Sit at the table and have breakfast.
People never tire of fine food, but the food on the table in front of me is varied and small, each one served in a jade bowl.
Gong Yifu urged her to eat. Gong Yinai picked up the chopsticks and put them down again. She pursed her lips and said, "We are here to provide disaster relief." She wanted to remind Gong Yifu not to indulge in wine and women. The maid who warmed the wine last time was replaced by a new one. There was always someone to serve Gong Yifu, but Gong Yinai always thought of Liu Yingzi.
Her family was destroyed and she is now hiding her identity.
The King of Southern Liang and Tutor Liu are brothers, so he is willing to help her, but this marriage relationship is not necessarily happy. Just look at Gong Yi Fu, he also said that it was just an old friendship.
The woman is not loved by her husband's family and is only supported by past kindness. Just like her mother, she waited for the saint for so long in Yushan. The saint said he would take her into the palace, but she never got the chance until her death.
Men are fickle, and Gong Yifu doesn't want Liu Yingzi to die like his mother. At least she has love, so she can survive even if she has nowhere to go.
Zhou Li hesitated: "Do you think the dishes are too many?" She said aggrievedly, "I've already asked the housekeeper to reduce the amount of dishes."
Gong Yinai sighed inwardly.
Compared to what she had eaten at the Prince of Nanliang's Palace, it was already considered little.
She said helplessly: "Eat it, just pretend I never said anything."
Zhou Li said happily, "The relief grain has been distributed almost completely, and the rain is about to stop. Can we go back to Beijing now?"
Gong Yinai shook his head, "I haven't found out who wants to kill me yet, and there's also the issue of the people's violence, so I can't go back yet."
Zhou Li stopped eating with her chopsticks. She looked at Gong Yinai and said, "Min Hu is dead." All the people who participated in the riot and attacked the officials are dead. What else can be investigated?
Gong Yinai's eyes widened. "Doesn't your people protect him?"
Zhou Li shook his head and said, "He must die, and I also know who wants to kill you."
"Who is it?" Gong Yinai's tone was a little excited. Her front accidentally hit the table and her chopsticks fell on the table.
"Someone, come and change a pair of chopsticks for the Sixth Prince." Zhou Li changed the subject.
"You haven't told me who it is yet?" Gong Yinai slammed the table, wondering who had the guts to kill her, a prince!
Zhou Li personally handed the chopsticks to Gong Yinai and said, "Calm down."
"This matter is beyond the scope of our two's ability to handle. We will return after the disaster relief is completed. If the saint asks you, just say you don't know, otherwise I am afraid of implicating you."
Gong Yinai narrowed his eyes and looked at Gong Yifu, who looked sincere.
"I won't harm you. You'll know when the time comes."
Gong Yinai pursed her lips and her expression faded. She slammed her chopsticks on the table, stood up and said, "Gong Yifu, I have always underestimated you." She stood up and left, and soon disappeared outside the door.
"You're so angry." Zhou Li shook his head and ordered the person beside him: "Luliu, send someone to protect the Sixth Prince and don't let her get hurt by others."
"Yes, Prince." Luliu clasped his fists and quickly sent someone to follow Gong Yinai.
Gong Yinai left the Nanliang Palace angrily. Standing on the street, she saw the people feeling happy because they were basking in the sun, and she felt a little confused.
The days of rain were washed away by the sun, and the lofty ambitions she had when she came were diluted by the life-and-death revenge. She didn't know who wanted to kill her. She only remembered running alone and helpless on the rainy night, with a fierce heartbeat in her chest, a taste of rust in her throat, and her heavy breathing could not suppress the fear. It was the first time that Gong Yinai wanted to live so much.
She slowly walked into the crowd and watched the lives of the people in the city.
She once longed to have a normal family, but she was pushed step by step to this point. No matter who wanted to kill her, Gong Yinai knew that she just wanted to live.
Gong Yinai lowered his eyes and chuckled softly.
She was thinking left.
She was now nothing more than a vassal, relying on the Crown Prince in the palace and the Prince of Nanliang outside the palace. What did she have? Nothing at all.
Gong Yinai tried to grab something in the air with his hands weakly, and clenched his fists, but there was nothing.
In this case, I will kill gods and Buddhas if they stand in my way!
Gong Yinai raised her eyes and straightened her back, seeing that everyone was struggling to make a living! All she had to do was climb up, to a position where no one dared to look down on her anymore!
In the Palace of Prince Nanliang, Zhou Li was leisurely drinking tea.
The weather is really nice today. It’s time to go home and finish my work.
Capital city, Chengtian Palace.
Zhou Li and Gong Yinai stood at the front of the ministers.
The King of Nanliang, who had not been seen for a long time, also attended court for the first time since his long illness.
He looked at Gong Yi Fu standing with the other princes, his face full of pride.
After the morning court meeting was over, they finally talked about the flood problem in Nanliang. Gong Yinai stretched out his body and talked about various problems in the disaster area and their handling and resettlement with ease, while Zhou Li listened on the side.
The saint asked, and she only answered yes or no, leaving everything else to Gong Yinai.
Gong Yinai really stole the limelight this time.
The Saint looked at Gong Yinai, a gentle look on his face. "I heard that Xiaoliu was nearly assassinated in Nanliang this time? Who was the murderer? Has he been apprehended?"
Zhou Li then spoke up and said, "Because I'm in a hurry to return to Beijing to report, the story is still under investigation."
The saint's expression remained unchanged, yet his dragon-like majesty was immense.
"The fact that someone dared to kill the prince appeared in the territory of Nanliang is simply due to the lack of strict discipline, King of Nanliang."
The sage suddenly spoke up: "This is your fiefdom, how do you explain it?"
The King of Southern Liang knelt down tremblingly, and Zhou Li also knelt down quickly.
"Sage, I have not been strict in my administration. Please punish me."
He did not make any excuses but just pleaded guilty.
The sage said, "You haven't been back to your fiefdom for a long time. I don't blame you for what happened, but I have to punish you. I know your leg disease has recurred, but whoever dares to kill my son will be executed, even if they are far away! I leave this matter to you! If you can't do it well, come and accept the punishment!"
"Yes, I understand!" King Nanliang took over.
Gao You, standing in the front row, was shocked. The Saint had actually entrusted this matter to Gong Yi Xiong Fei! This time, I'm afraid it's all over!
After the court was dismissed, Zhou Li watched Gong Yinai follow the prince away. She stood where she was and turned to see her father. The two of them gradually became distant from each other, as if it was their predetermined fate.
King Nanliang patted Zhou Li on the shoulder and praised him, "Well done!"
Zhou Li smiled and said, "The Sixth Prince handles everything. I'm just a burden."
King Nanliang smiled and shook his head. It would be dangerous if his son stopped this matter single-handedly. The current situation was just right.
The saint can rest assured that his own heir is not outstanding and is surpassed by his son.
The two of them walked slowly back home in the palace.
The King of Nanliang said, "After this matter is resolved, I will take your mother back to my fiefdom. I will resign from my other positions. From now on, it will depend on your own luck in the capital. Remember..."
"Don't stick your head out." Zhou Li continued, "The first bird to stick its head out gets shot."
"As long as you understand."
The King of Nanliang said, "Don't blame me, your father, for being cruel."
Zhou Li shook his head: "It's better for you and my mother to leave early. The capital is a place of trouble. We should stay away from it."
Several princes have grown up. Although the crown prince was appointed early, some people are already ready to make moves based on the changing situation.
At the palace gate, Zhou Li helped her father into the car before she jumped in.
The carriage swayed, and when we reached the street, the King of Nanliang said, "I have already given the secret letter to the Saint. Today is just a test of my knowledge. The Saint still trusts me. You take good care of your mother in the capital, and send her here when this matter is over."
Zhou Li nodded.
Prince Nanliang patted her shoulder again and said, "Live a good life with Hongying."
"Don't worry, father." Zhou Li said.
After seeing off the King of Southern Liang, Zhou Li did not stop his studies and continued to learn in Yangying Hall. However, the Third Prince and Gongsun Nai became busy at the same time and often asked for leave. The tutors turned a blind eye to it. After all, the princes had reached the age to take on responsibilities. However, the Crown Prince was not in a hurry at all and took the Seventh Prince and the Eighth Prince to play every day.
The third and fourth princes were invisible figures in the academy. Although their mother's families did not hold high positions, they were of noble status after all. The two of them often stayed together and did not get involved in other matters. However, this time, Yangying Hall had another task, which was to help the Hanlin Academy organize the examination papers of the new Jinshi. This was also because the Taifu saw that the princes were idle and asked the saint to do it.
When Zhou Li heard this, he knew that a major imperial examination cheating case was about to happen in the Kingdom of Qing.
It was this major fraud case that caused serious damage to the Crown Prince and also allowed the Sixth Prince Gong Yinai to take another step forward.
It was autumn, and Zhou Li was covered with a cloak by his family early in the morning. He went to the Academy of Learning and was locked up together with the Hanlin scholars who were marking the examination papers.
Of course, she was not there to correct the papers, but to divide the papers and count the A, B, C, and D.
When they ran into Gong Yinai's carriage on the road, Zhou Li gave an order and deliberately drove parallel to Gong Yinai's carriage.
She lifted the carriage curtain, looked across, and shouted, "Gong Yinai, how long have we not seen each other? Are you deliberately avoiding me?"
The daylight was dim and the carriage was dark, with a lamp lit.
Gong Yinai was looking at the list of students, wondering how many of them could be used by the prince. When she heard Gong Yifu's voice, she was stunned.
Ever since the last time, she had indeed been deliberately avoiding Gong Yi Fu.
Because seeing Gong Yi Fu reminded me of how I was at the mercy of others.
Before the Prince of Nanliang returned from his investigation, Gong Yinai had already learned from the Crown Prince who wanted to kill him.
It was also her fault for being stupid at the time. She never remembered that the Third Prince had a grudge against her.
It is said that the King of Southern Liang had already found out the evidence, but it was delayed because of the Autumn Examination.
Gong Yinai was lost in thought when suddenly a startled sound came over the horses, causing the carriage to sway. The servants exclaimed, "Prince!"
A pair of hands opened the car curtain and came in.
Zhou Li said with a smile: "If you don't come, I will see you myself."
The young man in white is as bright as the spring sunshine in March.
Gong Yinai lowered his brows, said nothing, and allowed Gong Yifu to approach.
Zhou Li sat beside her, his knees brushing against hers as the carriage swayed. He asked, "Have you been so busy lately? You haven't come to play with me. I heard you've been doing a lot of things. Is the prince treating you well?"
Gong Yinai sighed helplessly in his heart.
She had no way to avoid Gong Yi Fu's questions, but fortunately she picked up the book and pretended not to hear.
Zhou Li scratched his head and muttered softly, "So serious."
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