31 Life
◎Not looking forward to his return◎
Among Emperor Jingren's six sons, only the fourth and eighth sons were not married.
The fourth prince, Prince Liao, had long been stationed in the northern border, beyond the reach of the emperor. The eighth prince, Prince Mu, was right under the emperor's nose, and had proposed several times to select a concubine for him, but the eighth prince had rejected his proposal each time.
Emperor Jingren also understood that his son loved to socialize with people from the underworld, often sneaking out of the palace in disguise, often disappearing for two or three months at a time. With such reckless behavior, how could he care about the stability of his family?
Moreover, the Eighth Prince is only nineteen this year. Considering his young age, Emperor Jingren did not press him too hard before and said that he would discuss it after he came of age.
There is only half a year left, and many ministers in the court are ready to make a move, and have secretly sent portraits of their daughters into the palace.
Qi Lique is one of them.
This man was cunning and treacherous, and he loved to curry favor with the powerful. Although his eldest daughter became the Crown Prince's Zhaoxun, she was still not favored by the Crown Prince, so he planned to use his second daughter to win the position of concubine.
But perhaps Qi Lique felt that his hope was slim, and suddenly turned around and wanted to marry his second daughter into the Shangshu Mansion.
Of course, there were likely other complicated reasons. Anyway, with the help of Fang Jikai, the Minister of Personnel, the Crown Prince deliberated for a long time and finally asked the Wu family to accept the marriage.
Since this was the Crown Prince's intention, how could Wei Ziyan think of any way to change the Crown Prince's decision? If it were Yan Qizheng, it might be possible, after all, he still had some influence in front of the Crown Prince.
Wu Guanyi sighed, his tone dejected. "It's a pity that the journey to Northern Xinjiang is so long. By the time he finishes his mission and returns, it will be too late."
"He went to the Northern Frontier?" Wei Ziyan was shocked. No wonder he said he would not be back for two or three months.
"Well, he was ordered by the Crown Prince to investigate the assassin and... the King of Liao."
Yan Qizheng's trip was a secret. If he hadn't been absolutely determined not to marry, his father wouldn't have told him. Wu Guanyi quietly reminded him, "Just keep it to yourself, sister-in-law. Don't tell anyone else."
Assassin and King of Liao?
Wei Ziyan was startled again, and the nightmare she had yesterday afternoon involuntarily came to her mind.
"Then...will he be in danger?"
Two muffled thunders rang out in the sky, and Beijiang County was covered with dark clouds.
"Why is it raining again right after you got back?" Yu Sugong looked up at the sky and urged Yan Qizheng, who had just returned from the military camp. "We have to hurry, don't get soaked to the skin."
The two men each rode a tall horse, walking on the soft forest path after the rain, followed by a dozen of their own people, as well as several officers and soldiers who were "graciously reinforced" by County Magistrate Luo.
During the day and night that Yan Qizheng went to the military camp, Yu Sugong followed the same method and took his men to post the assassin's portrait in the downtown area. At the same time, they asked every merchant, and within half a day they had some clues.
This man's name was Zhang Chao, and he used to work as a guard for the local wealthy family Liu.
Unexpectedly, the Liu family had a criminal case file in the county government. Yu Sugong had just learned the details when he saw Yan Qizhen returning from the military camp. He immediately grabbed him and went to the Liu family's old house.
"After passing through this forest, the Liu residence is just ahead. However, it is said that the Liu family has long since declined, and now it is just an empty house, with only a mute servant left in the inner room."
"Mute slave?" Yan Qizhen frowned slightly.
"Don't worry, I've got someone who knows sign language to follow behind."
"How could the Liu family decline?" Yan Qizhen was already filled with doubts before he even had time to flip through the files.
"It's a bit tragic to say." Yu Sugong began to recall the contents recorded in the file.
"The Liu family was once a successful business family, extremely wealthy, and well-known in the Northern Frontier for their generosity and generosity. Unfortunately, Master Liu overworked in his early years, damaging his foundation and passing away in his early thirties. Madam Liu fell into depression and died a year later. Fortunately, the two sons of the Liu family were able to carry on the family business."
Having said that, Yu Sugong sighed deeply.
"Unfortunately, fate was cruel. Last winter, these two brothers encountered bandits on their way back with a caravan, and no one survived."
Yu Sugong shook his head with regret, "It was said that the Liu family was happily preparing for a wedding in the spring, but then the two brothers suddenly died, leaving only one sister to take charge. The Liu family's business was divided up, and the Liu family has since declined."
"What's the name of the remaining sister of the Liu family?"
Yu Sugong hissed, his memory was failing him: "Liu... something Jue... or Liu Jue something..."
Jue, isn’t it just jade?
Yan Qi's thoughts drifted back to March.
"Master Yan, I'm honored to meet you. My name is Liu Yu'er."
The Liu brothers died last winter, and Liu Yu'er came to Liangjing to live with her relatives this spring. The timing is just right, it's probably not such a coincidence.
Could Liu Yu'er, who claims that her family has fallen on hard times and she is alone, be an orphan from the wealthy Liu family in Northern Xinjiang?
If so, why did she deliberately try to get close to me when she first arrived in Liangjing, and concealed her identity and lied that her hometown was Luo County, Mizhou? What was her intention?
Soon, the road behind the woods opened up and gradually widened. Yan Qizheng and Yu Sugong spurred their horses, and soon, the Liu residence came into view.
There is a high wall and gate, green bricks and green tiles, and a pair of huge stone lions in front of the gate.
The mottled red-painted door was tightly closed. A soldier stepped forward and knocked on it. After half a cup of tea, the door finally opened from the inside. A thin old man with gray hair and a messy beard looked at the uninvited guests with fear in his cloudy eyes.
Yan Qizheng dismounted and walked up to him with Yu Sugong.
"Don't be afraid, old man. We don't beat or arrest anyone. We just come to ask you a few questions." Yu Sugong bent his tall body and spoke softly.
The old man looked at him, still trembling with fear.
Someone who knew sign language also came forward and said to him, "Uncle Liu, they are from the government office outside. They are just asking you about some old things."
The old man named Liu Bo must have known sign language and nodded obediently.
"Uncle Liu, do you still remember the family guard Zhang Chao?" Yu Sugong went straight to the point.
After reading the sign language, the old man opened his mouth and nodded, then shook his head desperately, his eyes still panicked.
Yu Sugong smiled and said, "Then we know each other."
Uncle Liu quickly gestured with his fingers, saying "Ahhh".
The signer understood: "He said Zhang Chao is dead, killed by bandits along with the Liu brothers."
There was another rumble of thunder overhead. Yu Sugong turned and looked at Yan Qizheng, then smiled and asked Liu Bo, "Have you seen his body? Where is he buried?"
The mute slave nodded and gestured with his hands.
The signer also explained, "He said that all those who died were buried in the Liu family cemetery. Excluding the Liu brothers, there were twenty-eight people, including Zhang Chao, buried in one tomb."
"Is the list of twenty-eight people available?"
The mute slave nodded and turned back. After a while, he came back out, panting slightly, and respectfully presented the list in his hand to Yu Sugong.
After his men finished copying, the list was returned to the mute slave.
"I have no questions." Yu Sugong signaled to Yan Qizhen, it's your turn to ask.
Yan Qizhen, who had been watching silently the entire time without interrupting, finally stepped forward, stood in front of the mute slave, and spoke slowly.
"Does Uncle Liu know the whereabouts of Miss Liu?"
"Boom—"
Accompanied by a loud thunder, the mute slave's open mouth trembled slightly, and tears welled up in his turbid eyes.
A few drops of water suddenly fell on his old face. The mute slave raised his head, wanting to see the official's face clearly, but the sudden rain blocked his view.
The heavy rain finally fell, and Beijiang County was filled with strong winds and heavy rain...
"Why did your daughter come out to listen to opera in such hot weather?"
At this time, thousands of miles away in Liangjing, Yuzhou, it was a completely different world: the sun was shining brightly, and the cicadas were chirping everywhere. Liu Yu'er had just left the Liu residence when she saw Qiu Luo and the Yan family's carriage.
Qiu Luo lowered his head and replied, "The young lady was bored alone, so she sent a servant to invite Miss Liu."
Hearing this, Liu Yu'er smiled and got on the carriage without thinking.
Qiu Luo grinned quietly and followed silently.
According to the young lady's instructions, she could only say this and not mention anything else.
However, she did not know what Young Master Wu said to the young lady in a mysterious way today, and then the young lady hurriedly asked her to go and invite Miss Liu quickly.
The carriage returned to the teahouse, and Qiu Luo led Miss Liu up to the private room. Just as he stepped aside to let her in, he saw her originally bright smile suddenly fall.
"Sister Liu." Wei Ziyan stood up and walked forward, holding Liu Yuer's hand and trying to lead her in, but felt her resistance.
Liu Yu'er was very smart and had acted as a peacemaker here once. She understood what was going on as soon as she saw Wu Guanyi.
"Zi Yan, I don't want to listen to the opera today. Let's go out for a walk."
She pulled Wei Ziyan and turned to leave, but Wu Guanyi rushed over and blocked their way.
"Miss Liu..." Wu Guanyi said anxiously, "Could you please listen to what I have to say first?"
"Yes, Sister Liu," Wei Ziyan advised, "Can you listen to what he says first? I'll wait for you outside." After saying that, she was about to go out with Qiu Luo, but her hands were held tightly by Liu Yu'er.
"In that case, there's no need to avoid it. Let's just bear witness together."
Liu Yu'er looked at Wu Guanyi coldly: "Second Young Master Wu, are you trying to say that you have a crush on Yu'er?"
"I……"
Unexpectedly, she spoke first, and Wu Guanyi's words faltered. He swallowed hard, then changed his words and said, "Yes, I have a special affection for Miss Liu, and I wish to be together forever."
May we be together for life.
The imperial capital of Liangjing was rich and prosperous, filled with noble families who lived in luxury and indulged in pleasure.
Those with ambition and those without ambition each have their own place.
These noble young ladies who have lived carefree lives since childhood will find a husband of their dreams when they grow up, have children, continue their wealth and prosperity, and live a fulfilling life.
Once upon a time, she was also held in the palm of her hand, carefree. She also naively imagined that she would meet a brave and handsome man who loved her and cared for her like two brothers.
Unfortunately, those beautiful dreams were buried last winter...
"Thank you for the kindness from Mr. Wu Er. It's a pity that Yu'er is not lucky enough to enjoy it." Liu Yu'er looked at Wu Guanyi with a gloomy face and cold eyes.
"I hope Mr. Wu Er will stop here and we can still be friends when we meet again."
Although he was prepared, Wu Guanyi found it difficult to bear the direct rejection.
"Miss Liu," he wanted to turn around eagerly.
"I know you're worried about our different social status, but I don't mind at all. My dad...my dad has never interfered with my friendships, and I'm not the eldest son, so there aren't that many responsibilities that have to be placed on me. As long as we like each other, it's not impossible to convince my dad..."
"It's a pity that I don't like the Second Young Master Wu." Liu Yu'er's words were like a basin of icy water, soaking Wu Guanyi from head to toe.
"We...we've only just met, so it's normal that Miss Liu doesn't have feelings for me..." Wu Guanyi was disheartened for a moment before rallying. "But I fell in love with Miss Liu at first sight. I'm deeply in love with her. I sincerely wish to be together forever, and grow old together. I hope Miss Liu will give me a chance to pursue her."
"That's all I have to say. I hope Mr. Wu Er will step aside and stop pestering me."
"I won't give up!" Wu Guanyi's stubborn temper came up, "I will confess to my father when I go back today. I have someone I like. Although he is not from an official family, I——"
"Wu Shouzhong!" Liu Yu'er suddenly shouted, interrupting him.
Wei Ziyan saw that her face was full of anger and her chest was heaving, as if she was using her true energy.
"Although I'm not from an official family?" Liu Yu'er sneered angrily, "Does Master Wu know who I really am?"
Wu Guanyi was stunned by the sudden question and remained silent, but then he heard her say something shocking: "My name is not Liu Yu'er, I should be called - Liu, Hui, Jue."
When these words came out, not only Wu Guanyi, but also Wei Ziyan and Qiu Luo were all stunned. Wu Guanyi was the quickest to react: "What does the name have to do with it? I like you as a person!"
"It's completely different." Liu Yu'er's expression was unusually cold. "Because Liu Huijue is already dead, Liu Yu'er is just a shell."
Now, everyone was even more confused.
"Sister Liu...what are you talking about?" Wei Ziyan became more and more confused the more she listened.
The secret that she had kept with great effort was revealed, as if uncovering a scar deep in her heart. Liu Yuer's anger turned into indifference and sadness.
"Liu Huijue was born in the northern border of Liangzhou. Her family was well-off... Her parents died young, and she was raised by her two brothers. They were both elder brothers and parents, and they treasured their sister like a precious jade..."
"Last winter, however, my eldest brother was getting married, and my younger sister happily prepared everything for him at home. But in the end, she never saw him return. Her eldest and second brothers were killed along the way, and all that was brought back were... two cold corpses..."
"Sister Liu..." Hearing this, Wei Ziyan was already shocked. The hand holding hers quietly tightened and trembled slightly.
"The officials said it was an accident and the murder was committed by bandits." Liu Yu'er gritted her teeth and continued, "They thought that none of the thirty people would survive, but fortunately, God showed mercy and one of the family guards escaped..."
"He told me that those bandits were soldiers in disguise, and the real culprit behind them was a powerful figure. But my brother refused to say anything before he died. In his last words, he only asked me to tell my sister to flee the northern border and hide her identity."
"My sister buried her two brothers, her parents, and herself together." Liu Yu'er smiled sadly. "So, Liu Huijue died a long time ago. Now Liu Yu'er in Liangjing is just a walking corpse."
"Yu'er..."
Wu Guanyi never thought that her life experience was so miserable. He couldn't help but feel distressed. Just as he was about to take a step forward, Liu Yuer raised her hand to stop him.
"Second Master Wu, I hope you can understand now that what's between us isn't what you said. We just need to overcome the difference in status. How can there be any feelings between the dead? There is only cold hatred."
"Yu'er's identity cannot be made public. I hope Second Young Master Wu will put aside his stubbornness and not mention a single word about it to your father or anyone else. Yu'er will be grateful."
"I--"
"If we continue to get entangled, we will have to 'never meet again' in the future!"
The words "never meet again" were so harsh and resolute that even Wei Ziyan's heart trembled when she heard it, let alone Wu Guanyi?
All the words he wanted to say were blocked in his heart. His hand, which wanted to hold her back, stopped in mid-air. He didn't dare to do anything and could only watch her leave...
Liu Yu'er hurried downstairs, followed closely by Wei Ziyan and Qiu Luo. After leaving the teahouse, they noticed that her eyes were red and her expression was sad.
The reason why I agreed to trick Sister Liu into coming over to meet him today was because I heard Wu Guanyi say in person, "Matching someone of equal social status is a worldly prejudice, and mutual love is the most difficult thing to find."
She was touched by the words "mutual love" and wondered if it was possible that what Sister Liu said at the horse farm about being out of her league was just because of their difference in status?
Let them meet and give each other a chance. If it can become a good story, that would be the best. If Sister Liu really has no interest in Wu Guanyi, that would also teach him to give up completely.
But he never expected that not only did it fail, but it also involved Liu Yuer's secret life experience.
In order to cut off Wu Guanyi's thoughts and not reveal his identity, he did not hesitate to cut his own scars and dig up the bloody past...
Wei Ziyan felt a little regretful that she shouldn't have meddled in other people's business.
"I'm sorry, Sister Liu, I shouldn't have tricked you into coming here..."
Liu Yu'er stared at her in a daze, then suddenly hugged her.
As if all her strength had just been used up, Liu Yu'er said nothing. Like a drowning person, she frantically hugged her piece of driftwood and said, "Take me back, okay?"
The carriage drove straight to Liu's house. Wei Ziyan had many questions in her heart, but Liu Yu'er leaned on her silently and was still very sad, so she said nothing.
When they arrived at Liu's house, Liu Yu'er's eyes were still red. Wei Ziyan wanted to go in and stay with her for a while, but Liu Yu'er gently shook her head.
"Let me calm down for a while, and then I'll tell you in detail later, okay?"
"Okay." Wei Ziyan agreed, but she held her hand anxiously: "Sister Liu, don't do anything stupid..."
Liu Yu'er looked up and raised the corners of her mouth slightly: "I know."
Gently patting the back of her hand, Liu Yu'er turned and got out of the carriage. Wei Ziyan watched the slender figure disappear into the house from the carriage, deep in worry, and only withdrew her gaze when Qiu Luo reminded her.
The carriage turned around and headed towards the Yan Mansion. Qiu Luo asked in confusion, "Miss, what foolish thing would Miss Liu do?"
Wei Ziyan sighed softly, "I'm afraid she'll... go seek revenge on the murderer."
"ah?"
"That's just my guess." Wei Ziyan added.
Although it's just a guess, I always have a bad feeling.
If the only purpose was to hide one's identity, why not find a remote place? Liangjing was a thousand miles away from the northern border, and yet it was also at the foot of the emperor. Liu Yu'er had come here from such a distance, definitely not just to find a hiding place.
She said that the real murderer was in a high position of power. Where else in the world could one find an official higher up than the one in Liangjing?
"But Miss Liu is a girl, and she is powerless. How can she find the murderer and take revenge?" Qiu Luo thought it was unlikely.
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Wei Ziyan said anxiously. "What if she gets carried away and goes after her enemies without hesitation? Not only will she fail to get revenge, but she'll also get herself into trouble..."
Qiu Luo's heart suddenly tightened and he was filled with sorrow.
"Miss Liu's life story is so tragic! Her parents died young, and her two brothers were murderous. She has to live alone and hide her identity in a foreign land. It's so pitiful..."
In the past, Qiu Luo was still bothered by her secret meeting with her brother-in-law, but now he completely sympathizes with her situation and has no grudges against her.
"Miss Liu was so heartbroken when she hugged the young lady just now. She must have some feelings for Mr. Wu Er, right?"
"Miss Liu is so stupid! Young Master Wu wants to be nice to her, so why does she refuse? If Young Master Wu helps, maybe we can get revenge."
"Sister Liu doesn't want to drag down Young Master Wu." There was no need to guess, Wei Ziyan thought it through clearly.
Whether Liu Yu'er is interested in Wu Guanyi or not is not the issue. As long as Wu Guanyi can't let her go, he will definitely be implicated by her in the future.
Qiu Luo couldn't help but feel alarmed: "Could it be that Miss Liu's enemy is even more powerful than the Minister of Justice?"
Wei Ziyan remained silent.
It was at this moment that she realized this was highly likely. There were few officials in the court higher than the Shangshu, so any one of them would be a serious threat...
When the carriage stopped at the gate of the Yan Mansion, dusk had already fallen. Qiu Luo helped the young lady out of the carriage. Seeing that she still looked worried, he comforted her, "Don't worry, young lady. Isn't the son-in-law good at investigating the case? When he comes back, you can ask him for help."
"he?"
How long had Yan Qizheng been gone? Less than a month! It was still a long way from the two or three months he'd promised!
"Wait until he comes back..." Wei Ziyan muttered, "It's time for Master Wu to get married..."
Just as she was talking to herself, a man's face suddenly flashed in front of her, catching her off guard and scaring her!
How to say Cao Cao...
"Second, second brother..." Wei Ziyan was shocked again.
I had misjudged him earlier, mistaking him for Yan Qizheng. The two brothers only shared a passing resemblance in their facial features; their statures were distinctly different. One was tall and muscular, the other lanky and bookish.
The person haunting her was none other than Yan Qikuan. He had just returned home, and his eyes were filled with disdain and dissatisfaction. He glanced at her coldly and walked through the gate without saying hello.
Qiu Luo looked at his back and muttered quietly, "It seems that the Second Young Master is not easy to get along with either."
Whether or not they get along well is secondary, since they don’t get along anyway.
Wei Ziyan also looked at the receding figure, praying silently in her heart, as long as he didn't go to trouble her like Yan Qizhu did...
It was a moonlit night, with few stars. Wei Ziyan lay in bed, unable to sleep. She worried about Liu Yu'er's life story, then sighed at Wu Guanyi's infatuation. After sighing, her thoughts turned thousands of miles away.
Mrs. Yan often complained about her son's unruly behavior and how he didn't send a letter home to let her know he was safe. Perhaps because she heard it so often, she was also affected by her own concern.
Wu Guanyi said that Yan Qizheng was an imperial envoy appointed by the Crown Prince, and with the addition of a Vice Minister of Justice, local officials would surely not dare to act recklessly unless they were desperate. Furthermore, both of them were skilled in martial arts and accompanied by more than a dozen guards, so it was unlikely that they would be in danger easily.
It’s just that the northern border is so far away that it seems out of reach just thinking about it. After going back and forth, when will I be able to go home?
Of course, she wasn't looking forward to his return.
Because of what happened today, if he were here, he wouldn't be so anxious alone without anyone to talk to.
The crown prince was assassinated, the King of Liao was conferred a title of nobility, and the Minister of Personnel acted as a matchmaker. All of this was so complicated that suddenly Wu Guanyi and Sister Liu were involved. What should they do?
And how can we help Sister Liu who is carrying such deep hatred?
Liu Huijue...
Born in the northern border of Liangzhou, my family was well-off...
etc--
Wei Ziyan suddenly sat up from the bed in shock.
"Sister Liu's hometown... is also in Northern Xinjiang!"
【Author’s words】
Girl is smart [cat head]
The King of Liao is a ruthless character
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