Chapter 17 The Second Prince's Invitation
As the New Year approaches, the palace walls inside and outside are filled with a lively atmosphere of joy.
The vermilion columns were newly painted, exquisite glazed palace lanterns were hung on the eaves, and even the armor of the solemn Jinwu Guards seemed to have been polished to an exceptional shine.
However, beneath this joy, undercurrents are still surging.
News came from the northern border that the newly enthroned young Khan of the Turks, Ashina Moduo, had sent envoys with valuable gifts to Beijing to offer New Year greetings.
As soon as the news came out, the court and the public were shocked, and the Ministry of Rites was immediately busy.
How to receive this untamed and unpredictable foreign leader became the most pressing problem on the Minister of Rites' desk.
In this tense atmosphere, the invitation from the Second Prince Liu Cong was like a stone thrown into a dull lake, creating ripples of surprise in Xiefang Palace.
"Third brother, Cui is your companion,"
Liu Cong personally came to Xiefang Palace. His moon-white brocade robe made him look like jade. A warm smile on his face dispelled the gloom left in the palace by the past events.
"The New Year is approaching, and things are getting busy outside the palace. My third brother was frightened a few days ago, and I thought, why not take this opportunity to take you out of the palace for a walk, to relax and see the market life. What do you think? Father has granted your permission."
"Leave the palace?!"
Liu Chang was originally holding the little snow rabbit and reading a book. Hearing this, he suddenly raised his head. His eyes, which were always a little timid, suddenly lit up amazingly, like lit stars. His little face was full of incredible surprise.
"Second brother! Is this really possible?"
He subconsciously looked at Cui Xiao, seeking confirmation, and was excited like a child.
Cui Xiao was also a little surprised.
Ever since the bloody incident in Magnolia Palace, the Third Prince has been feeling a little listless. Although he has gotten much better with Cui Xiao's company, there is always a lingering shadow between his brows.
Whether the Second Prince's move was out of genuine appeasement or for other considerations, it was a good thing for the Third Prince.
He looked at Liu Cong. The other's beautiful phoenix eyes were clear and open, full of sincere concern.
"Your Highness, how dare we refuse such a generous offer?"
Cui Xiao bowed and smiled, feeling a little bit of anticipation in his heart.
The world outside the palace was also something he hadn't seen for a long time.
More importantly, he could spend time with the Second Prince again, who had left such a deep impression on him during their conversation under the moonlight...
Upon hearing the news, Liu Chang's eunuch Fu Hai immediately became alert.
Busy but not chaotic, he directed the young eunuchs to prepare everything for leaving the palace.
Replacement uniforms, hand warmers, spare silver, and even gadgets to entertain the Third Prince, no matter how big or small, were arranged perfectly.
The palace gate slowly opened behind him, and the bustling city sounds came like a tide, carrying with them the unique and lively atmosphere of human life.
A spacious but not luxurious blue tweed carriage was already waiting outside the door.
Liu Cong personally helped the excited Liu Chang into the car, and made a "please" gesture to Cui Xiao. His movements were natural and smooth, without any airs of a prince.
The rumble of the carriage left the solemn palace walls and merged into the bustling streets.
Liu Chang was like a bird released from a cage, lying by the car window, looking at everything outside with curiosity.
The hawkers hawking their wares, the shops draped with red silk, the lively dragon and lion dances, and the sweet aroma of sugar-roasted chestnuts and fried rice cakes filling the air...
His pale cheeks flushed with excitement, and he let out low exclamations from time to time, and his hands holding the little snow rabbit loosened a little.
Liu Cong looked at his younger brother with a gentle smile.
Cui Xiao sat opposite, his eyes occasionally passing over Liu Cong's quiet profile.
The sense of alienation in my heart caused by the other person's identity and ability unconsciously faded a little in such a warm atmosphere.
The carriage did not stop in the bustling streets, but drove straight out of the city.
About half an hour later, a solemn and magnificent palace appeared before our eyes, with yellow walls and black tiles, towering ancient trees, and distant Buddhist bells - it was the world-famous Daxiangguo Temple.
As the New Year approaches, pilgrims flock in and the air is filled with the rich aroma of incense.
"Second brother, what are we doing here?" Liu Chang asked curiously.
"Pray to the Buddha, calm your mind, and also... take in the winter scenery here."
Liu Cong said gently and got off the car first. A monk who was in charge of reception had already come to greet him, which was obviously arranged in advance.
Daxiangguo Temple covers a vast area, with solemn halls and deep courtyards.
Liu Cong did not take them to the crowded Main Hall, but led them through several quiet courtyards to an open platform overlooking the water in the back mountain.
Below the platform, there is a lake that is not completely frozen. The lake is rippling with blue waves, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the eaves of the temple.
A few water birds, unafraid of the cold, were playing on the lake. The view was excellent, and one could take in most of the temples and the mountains in the distance.
Liu Cong stopped and pointed to a plum forest not far from the platform that was still lush and green under the winter sun.
“I heard that the green-calyx plum blossoms there are in full bloom, with a delicate fragrance.
Would you like to ask Chang Lu and the others to accompany you to take a look? Would you like to pick a few that you like and take them back to put in a vase?"
He looked at Cui Xiao, with a hint of inquiry and subtle expectation in his eyes.
"If you don't mind, Mr. Cui, sitting here with me for a while? This beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains is definitely worth seeing."
After all, Liu Chang was a child at heart, and was immediately attracted by the blooming plum blossoms. He cheered, hugged the snow rabbit, and ran to the plum forest with Chang Lu and several clever little eunuchs.
Fu Hai naturally followed closely, leaving only two calm guards on guard not far away.
In an instant, only Liu Cong and Cui Xiao were left on the platform.
The cold wind swept across the lake, bringing a cool and moist breath, and also blew the hem of Liu Congyue's white robe.
He walked to the stone railing at the edge of the platform, leaned on it and looked into the distance, his posture as straight as a bamboo.
Cui Xiao walked to a position slightly behind him and followed his gaze.
The warm winter sun plates the distant mountains with a layer of light gold, the rippling blue lake is like a huge emerald, and the sound of the bell from the ancient temple drifts in, cleansing people's hearts.
This scene is truly refreshing.
"Your Highness the Third Prince is so innocent and pure, and his pure heart is rare."
Cui Xiao looked at the small, excited figure in the plum forest and felt sincerely moved.
Liu Cong did not turn around, his voice was very soft, with a hint of melancholy.
"Yes. Being able to maintain this innocence in this deep palace is a blessing, but also... not easy."
He paused, then turned his head to look at Cui Xiao. His beautiful eyes were like clear glass in the sunlight, clearly reflecting Cui Xiao's figure.
"My third brother has a simple mind. When dealing with him, he needs care and guidance. I'll trouble Cui to be his companion."
"Your Highness's words are sincere. This is my duty."
Cui Xiao bowed. He could sense the genuine love and care Liu Cong showed for Liu Chang in his words. This kind of brotherly love was especially precious in the royal family.
"Beyond duty, there is also friendship."
Liu Cong smiled slightly, and that smile was like the first melting of ice and snow, full of warmth.
"My third brother likes you very much. He said that Brother Cui Xiao knows a lot, can tell interesting stories, and will protect him."
Cui Xiao felt a little warm in his heart and smiled: "Your Highness the Third Prince is kind and treats people with sincerity. I also regard him as a brother."
There was a brief silence. The lake breeze blew, bringing with it the chill of winter and the faint sound of Merlin's laughter in the distance.
"That day after the pavilion,"
Liu Cong suddenly spoke, his voice lowered to a whisper, and his eyes returned to the vast lake.
"I have been thinking about what Cui Bandu said."
Cui Xiao felt a chill in his heart, knowing that the main topic had come. He perked up.
"What does Your Highness mean?"
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