Chapter 132 Life History
This morning, the King of Wei suddenly received a secret letter from Shenxing, saying that at 11:00 a.m. today, Shuangbi would go to the big willow tree at the southeast corner of Guangdefang to pick up a bookcase. The enemy who came to the door must be eliminated, so the King of Wei immediately sent out elite troops to set up a net at that location. Even if a mosquito flew in, it would not escape his eyes.
However, after a whole morning, the wooden box was still there, and no one approached. The King of Wei's first reaction was that he had been tricked, so he ordered people to check and surprisingly found that the wooden box had not been replaced, and the books inside did not seem to have been taken away. The King of Wei was a little confused and could only order people to continue watching.
It was chilly in early spring. The sun rose to its highest point, then gradually set. In the blink of an eye, it was sunset again. Ming Huazhang kept his promise today and finished work early, but Ming Huashang was still as tired as a dog. She looked at the setting sun and said weakly, "Another day has passed. Chang'an is so big. How long will it take to search it all?"
Even though he was exhausted after a day of hard work, Ming Huazhang was still calm and composed. He said to Ming Huashang in a gentle voice, "God will not let down those who work hard. There will be results."
Ming Huashang raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything. When she stepped into the gate of Jingzhao Mansion, she uttered a "huh" and her face suddenly became serious: "Second brother, was this wooden box here this morning?"
Ming Huazhang had long legs and big steps, and he walked one step ahead of her. He stood on the stairs and looked back, cold and self-possessed, his eyes were calm, but underneath they hid a sense of alertness.
What is she doing? There are so many eyes staring at this place now. If she doesn't want to reveal her identity, she should stay away from this wooden box. Why did Ming Huashang bring it up?
He met Ming Huashang's eyes. Her eyes were furry and clear, and she looked like someone who would not do anything bad. But who could know what strange ideas were in her little head.
Ming Huazhang was actually a little scared of her, so he kept a calm and cool demeanor and said, "Yes. What's wrong?"
Ming Huashang looked solemn and said to Ming Huazhang in a serious tone, "Second brother, everyone in Chang'an is on guard against boxes of unknown origin, but a wooden box appeared outside the gate of Jingzhao Prefecture. It has been there all day and no one has taken it away. Do you think there is any possibility of explosives inside?"
She acted very serious, as if she really didn't know where the box came from. Ming Huazhang met her eyes, and without words, the tacit understanding of brother and sister for many years made him understand instantly. He pursed his lips, suppressed his smile, and nodded: "That makes sense. Come on, clear the surrounding people and surround this box. Be careful, there may be explosives inside."
Ming Huazhang started a big fight, attacking the Qing army and prying boxes, and the noise was so loud that soon the people nearby knew that a bomb was found outside Jingzhao Prefecture. Seeing the excitement, the crowds gathered in three layers inside and outside. Jingzhao Yin came out and saw the battle here. He was very surprised: "What are you doing?"
Ming Huashang hugged the hand warmer to keep warm, silently watching Ming Huazhang and Jingzhao Yin argue about the possibility of a bomb. Ming Huashang secretly raised his eyebrows and hugged the hand warmer tighter.
It's great to have a brother who is a gentleman. Even if he's talking nonsense, he can make it sound so bright and righteous.
Yesterday she sent a message to the palace, asking them to send her a box of books as support. This was actually a false bait she had put in place to catch fish.
She sent people to observe from a distance. The people who were watching said that there were many people watching the box today. At noon, someone even fell down next to the box. People knocked and touched the box. It was not difficult to guess from this description that someone knew that Shuangbi was coming here and set an ambush early.
She had just delivered the letter last night, and she wanted to get the book shortly after the palace gates opened today. In such a short period of time, it was still leaked. This shows that there must be a traitor among those who left the palace last night and this morning.
The palace gates were strictly managed, and there were rules for who came in and out every day, so it was not difficult to check.
The fishing was basically successful at this point, and even Ming Huazhang thought she was just spreading false information. Unexpectedly, after Ming Huachang caught the fish, he even wanted to take back the bait.
Ming Huashang stood in the crowd holding a hand warmer, seemingly drowsy, but actually very clear-headed. The best acting is to be yourself. Only a pair of twins would try every means to avoid suspicion, but does a noble lady who is enthusiastic about solving cases and does her own thing need to look ahead and behind?
unnecessary.
No one believed that the famous couple would self-destruct in such a high-profile way, but Ming Huachang chose to do the opposite. It was safe for them to stay away from them, but the mastermind behind the scenes would understand after thinking about it. She and Ming Huachang were so concerned about the explosion that they did not react when they found an unidentified package outside the door. This was a case of trying to cover up one's own guilt.
So there is no need to think too much, just go for it. This is the collection of books of the Konghe Supervisor, it would be a shame to throw it away, it would be a waste if you don't take it.
The yamen runner put on protective gear and carefully pried open the box. Ming Huashang waited listlessly, and sure enough, not long after, the yamen runner came back to report: "Jingzhao Yin, Shao Yin, there seems to be books inside?"
"Book?" Ming Huazhang's acting skills were very good. He said solemnly, "Be careful to take out the things inside. The murderer may have hidden gunpowder underneath."
The yamen runner believed it and admired Ming Shaoyin's meticulousness and prudence very much. He ran back convinced and shouted at people to be careful and not fall into the trap.
They were like facing a powerful enemy, and they were more careful in carrying the books than when honoring their mothers. Finally, the yamen runner looked at the flat surface inside that seemed to be the bottom of a box, choked up for a long time, and said, "Shao Yin, this... seems to be a box of books?"
Ming Huazhang knew it was a box of books, but he still put on his gloves, took the book with a calm face, flipped through a few pages, and wondered, "What on earth did the murderer want to do?"
Ming Huashang stood by, looking thoughtful: "Given the murderer's arrogant character, I'm afraid he is deliberately provoking the authorities. Maybe the mystery of the third case is hidden in these books?"
Ming Huazhang and Ming Huashang looked at each other, one admired the other's acting skills, and the other admired the other's ability to lie. The brother and sister each maintained their own mystery and said, "Put all these things in and study them carefully."
Ming Huazhang deliberately dismissed Ming Huashang early, but when they finally left Jingzhao Prefecture, it was already very late. Ming Huashang got into the car with a deep hatred, still studying the book in his hand over and over again. The curtain of the car was lifted, and a gust of cold wind came, which was quickly blocked by someone.
Ming Huazhang held up his coat with one hand and got on the carriage slowly. The originally spacious carriage seemed to become cramped after he sat down. Outside, people from Jingzhao Prefecture said goodbye. Ming Huazhang nodded lightly and signaled the driver to start the journey.
The carriage slowly moved towards the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. No one in the carriage spoke for a while. Ming Huazhang saw Ming Huashang still reading with a frown on her face. He could no longer bear it and tapped her forehead: "Little liar."
Ming Huashang chuckled, but quickly suppressed it, and glared at Ming Huazhang: "I just told a few lies, unlike you, who fooled everyone and everyone thought you were a gentleman. I think you are the biggest liar."
Ming Huazhang didn't say anything, obviously he was used to being squeezed. After Ming Huachang finished making a fuss, worry appeared in his eyes again, and he asked: "Second brother, what should we do next?"
Ming Huazhang raised his hand and pressed the acupuncture points on her head with his slender fingers. He kneaded them slowly while removing the hairpins from her temples. He said softly, "Don't worry, I have a way to solve it. You have helped me a lot and have done a good job."
Ming Huashang's body slowly relaxed under his massage. She found a comfortable position and leaned on him, asking, "What about the case? The Flower Festival is only a few days away, but there is still no clue about the murderer."
Ming Huazhang didn't know what was going on in his heart, but he was still cold and gentle to Ming Huachang, and said slowly and calmly: "There is no way to rush. The worst result is nothing more than being reprimanded. I think that if the case cannot be solved before the Flower Festival, it would be a good idea to let the saint stay in the Daming Palace without leaving the palace. Don't think about these things, I will take care of everything. You have been tired for several days, so go to sleep peacefully."
Ming Huazhang's voice seemed to have some kind of magic. Ming Huachang's eyelids became heavier and heavier, and she was really sleepy. She simply closed her eyes and said deliberately: "I'll rest for a while. Remember to wake me up when we get home."
The breath above his head was clear and gentle, like a starry sky falling on the water, and he whispered, "Okay."
The carriage slowly passed through the night and stopped in front of a mansion. The gatekeeper removed the door sill, and the carriage drove straight in and stopped directly in front of Ming Huashang's yard. Zhaocai and his men came out and wanted to wake Ming Huashang up, but Ming Huazhang stopped them: "No need."
Zhaocai felt a flash before her eyes, and then she saw Ming Huazhang pick up Ming Huashang, walk out of the carriage as if holding some treasure, and walk directly into the courtyard. She was stunned for a long time, and inexplicably felt flustered, and hurriedly chased after him: "Second Young Master, let this servant come."
Ming Huazhang's movements looked relaxed, but they were full of determination. He calmly dodged Zhaocai's hand and had no intention of putting Ming Huachang down. He said, "Go get some water, wash her and change her clothes. Don't wake her up."
·
At night, Ming Huashang's brother and sister finally returned home, and Su Yuji, who was ordered to follow them, could breathe a sigh of relief. She walked home in the night, exhausted, but still worried that Su Xingzhi would be anxious after waiting for her for so long. She turned into the alley, and the door of her long-awaited home was right in front of her, but Su Yuji's body suddenly stuttered.
Her eyes turned cold, she turned her head sideways, her hands ready to attack. Unexpectedly, a kind figure came out from the side, and when he saw her, he wiped his tears: "Miss, why did you come back just now? I have been waiting for you for a long time. Why didn't you come?"
Su Yuji frowned and looked at her for a while, and finally recognized that this person was the woman who claimed to be an old servant of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion not long ago. Su Yuji said unhappily: "Didn't I already say that I want to think about it carefully by myself, and I don't want anyone to disturb me before I figure it out. Why are you here again?"
仆婦垂着手，卑躬屈膝道：“老奴不敢違逆小姐的命令，只是，有一樣東西，老奴覺得應該轉交給小姐。”
蘇雨霁警惕地看着她：“什麽？”
仆婦從袖子中抽出一封泛黃的信，雙手遞給蘇雨霁：“娘子請看。這是十七年前，夫人懷孕期間寫給王家的信。只不過這一封趕上時局動亂，未曾寄出去，這些年一直留在老身身邊。老身找了許久，好不容易從箱底翻了出來。這是夫人為數不多的遺物了，老奴覺得，小姐或許想留個念想。”
蘇雨霁聽到這是鎮國公夫人王瑜蘭的書信，指尖緊縮，眼神一下子緊張起來。她盯了紙面許久，慢慢伸出手，接住那封信。
泛着歲月陳腐味的紙張落在她指尖，仿佛重愈千斤，蘇雨霁剎那間産生種幻覺，似乎她接過的不只是一封信，更是塵封在那段歲月裏，沉重到不可觸碰的秘密。
蘇雨霁定了定神，打開信封，借着月光望向紙面。入眼是娟秀整齊的簪花小楷，幾乎能從字裏行間窺見主人寫下這些字時的情态，定然溫柔又沉靜。
蘇雨霁繼續往下看去，信中說這段時間長安裏風聲鶴唳，天後斥責太子忤逆不孝，有謀逆之心，太子已被禁足東宮。鎮國公在外幫太子奔走，形勢瞬息萬變，人人自危。她在終南山山莊養胎，幫不上什麽忙又忍不住擔心，時常覺得心悸。最近一次郎中給她診脈，說她很有可能懷的是雙胎。
她不想讓國公分心，所以沒告訴鎮國公這個消息。但郎中還說，她懷相不好，生雙胎會是加倍危險，勸她早做打算，趁現在孩子還小，來得及引産，他們夫妻還年輕，保住大人，日後總會有其他孩子。
她思來想去，還是不忍割斷和這雙孩子的緣分，為此她願意去冒九死一生的風險。她雖然害怕，但依然期待這雙孩子，不知他們是男是女。如果是一對男孩，便起名雲衢、驚寒，如果是女孩，就叫雨霁、秋水。
虹銷雨霁，彩徹雲衢。落霞與孤鹜齊飛，秋水共長天一色。
從名字中，就可見她對腹中孩兒的期待。
蘇雨霁看完後，深深陷入沉默。她知道，鎮國公府那對龍鳳胎其實叫華章、華裳，她當年還羨慕他們一看就是一家人，連名字都是配套的。可是原來，這一切都是假的嗎？
她以為哪怕沒有血緣也無私愛她的祖母兄長，其實是調換她人生的劊子手；她以為活得像話本一樣幸福的龍鳳胎兄妹，其實連名字都是錯的。
只有她的名字，才是王瑜蘭凝聚心血與愛，一筆一劃為腹中骨肉拟的。
而她卻被養在農家，十七年來連自己生父生母是誰都不知道，活得稀裏糊塗又小心翼翼。多麽可笑。
仆婦端詳着蘇雨霁的臉色，再次開口道：“這是夫人的畫像。老身看到小姐的第一眼就知道不會錯了，您和夫人，身段氣韻一模一樣。”
奴仆說着展開畫像，蘇雨霁都來不及說什麽，擡頭便看到一個女子側坐在水榭前，簪花微笑。蘇雨霁看到畫中人時如遭雷擊，一句話都說不出來。
太像了，她自己都覺得從眉眼，到臉型，再到神态，她和畫中人簡直是一個模子刻出來的。蘇嬷嬷在世時，經常看着她不說話，那時候，祖母在看誰呢？
仆婦看到蘇雨霁的表情就知道無需再說什麽了，不枉王爺費盡周折，從太原王家找出了王瑜蘭舊年的書信和畫像。
其實仆婦看到王瑜蘭畫像時，心裏也立馬确定蘇雨霁就是王瑜蘭的女兒，反倒是鎮國公府那對兄妹沒一個長得像王瑜蘭，仆婦也拿不準那兩個到底誰是假的。
本來，魏王一點也不關心這種家長裏短，誰是誰的孩子，誰被鸠占鵲巢，與魏王何幹？但誰讓這裏面有一個是章懷太子遺孤，魏王一定要把這只鸠揪出來，因為，誤入鵲巢的可不是一只凡鳥，而是龍子鳳孫。
仆婦蠱惑道：“小姐，你拿着這副畫像去鎮國公府，都不用解釋，展開畫像，大家就知道誰才是真的。蘇家欺上瞞下這麽多年，早該讓蘇家的假女兒付出代價了。”
蘇雨霁垂着頭不說話，但眼睫毛飛速扇動，可以看出心緒并不寧靜。仆婦再添了把火道：“小姐，莫非你還舍不得蘇行止，擔心鬧得太過火，給蘇家和蘇行止帶來麻煩？我的傻小姐啊，你醒醒吧，你覺得蘇嬷嬷的所作所為，蘇行止會不知道嗎？但他這麽多年都沒說，那是因為他也更愛親妹妹，想讓自己親妹子留在公府裏，安享榮華富貴呢！”
仆婦說了那麽多，都不如這一句帶給蘇雨霁的沖擊大。她猛地擡起頭，紅着眼睛道：“我和他的事，不用你挑撥。這些年他有沒有騙我，我自己會問。”
蘇雨霁和仆婦的談話不歡而散。蘇雨霁怒氣沖沖走了，她在仆婦面前表現得堅定強勢，然而等走出巷子，她卻突然頭重腳輕，力竭般靠在牆上。
她腦子裏忍不住回響仆婦的話，蘇行止知道她的身世嗎？他這些年到底把她當成什麽，相依為命的家人，還是供親妹妹改命的空殼傀儡？
蘇雨霁不願意想。她一時都忘了自己要做什麽，該何去何從，就怔怔靠在牆上。蘇行止久不見蘇雨霁歸來，實在等不下去了，出門來找，這才看到靠在自家門口的蘇雨霁。
蘇行止愣了下，忙走過來，扶住她的胳膊：“雨霁，你怎麽了？”
十多年來他們一直這樣稱呼，但這一刻，蘇雨霁卻被這個名字刺痛了。她擡頭，靜靜看着蘇行止，蘇行止被她這樣的目光看得有些心慌，眉頭皺得更緊，問：“雨霁，你到底怎麽了？身體不舒服嗎？”
蘇雨霁搖搖頭，扶着牆站起來。蘇行止意圖扶她，被她冷冷躲開了。
蘇行止察覺到她過于明顯的拒絕，又愣了下，臉色沉重起來。他仔細觀察她的表情，問：“雨霁，發生什麽了嗎？”
蘇雨霁沉默，曾經她篤信她和蘇行止之間永遠不會有秘密，但這一刻，仆婦的話像一根刺梗在她心頭肉裏，她第一次沒有對他坦白相告，而是虛虛笑了笑，垂下眼睛說：“沒什麽，只是有些累了。”
蘇行止看着她蒼白的臉色，沒有再追問。他打開門，說：“回來了那就吃飯吧。竈上一直給你留着飯，先吃了再睡。”
·
明華裳昏昏沉沉間，猛地驚醒。她盯着頭頂的床帳，愣了許久。
她不是在閉眼養神嗎，怎麽會出現在這裏？
她撐着床鋪，慢慢坐起身。帳子外，招財正在擰帕子，她聽到裏面的窸窣聲，忙挽起帷幔進來：“娘子，您醒了？”
明華裳腦子還沒清醒，她環顧四周，怔忪問：“我什麽時候回來的？”
“是二郎君帶您回來的，郎君讓奴婢好生伺候你，剛剛才走。”招財說完，臉上表情欲言又止，忍不住道，“娘子，您怎麽在外面睡着了？”
明華裳軟軟靠上引枕，手腕搭在眼睛上，有氣無力道：“我也不想啊，我只是眯個盹，誰知道一不小心就睡着了。”
招財實在憋不住了，道：“娘子，這是能一不小心的事嗎？您睡着後，是二郎君抱您回來的。”
明華裳嗯了聲，渾不在意道：“就是有他我才敢睡的，如果一個人在外面，我可沒這麽心大。”
招財幾度斟酌，小心說：“娘子，您和郎君雖然是龍鳳胎，但畢竟已經長大了，與小時候不同。大娘子、三娘子都在議親，整日吟詩作畫，十分娴靜，您卻成日往外跑，容易被說閑話。”
明華裳輕輕哼了聲，嗓音漫不經心又篤實堅定：“是啊，我已經長大了，想做什麽何須聽別人的？我出門是為了破案，問心無愧。我阿父都沒意見，他們愛怎麽說就怎麽說吧。”
明老夫人雖然輩分高，但鎮國公府終究是鎮國公府，真正主事的還得是鎮國公。本來鎮國公不同意明華裳每日天不亮就往外跑，天色全黑才回家，他倒不是覺得一個閨閣女子成日和外男厮混在一起有辱名節，而是覺得太危險。但不知道明華章私底下和鎮國公說了什麽，反正鎮國公再沒管過明華裳的行動，算是默認了。
明家上有一個無論明華裳做什麽都只擔心乖乖女兒安不安全的爹，下有一個無論明華裳想做什麽都幫她擺平障礙、解決問題的兄長，他人就算看不慣，又有什麽所謂呢？
招財當然知道這個道理，但是，明華裳是一個年芳十七、正待議親的娘子，她又沒有母親、姐姐替她相看婚事，若不讨好明老夫人，難道指望下人幫她留意郎君嗎？
Moreover, my lady and Erlang are too close. After a girl gets married, she will rely on her parents for support. It is a good thing for her to be close to her brother, but no brother will carry his sleeping sister into the house after the sun sets, put her on the bed with his own hands, and take off her shoes for her.
Zhaocai didn't know what to say about the next Duke, so he could only persuade Ming Huashang earnestly: "My lady, although that's what you said, there are only so many promising young men in Chang'an. If they are snatched away by others, the ones you can choose will become worse and worse. Your life-long affairs still have to rely on the old lady to make the decision for you. Princess Taiping has sent an invitation, and a banquet will be held in the princess's mansion tomorrow. At that time, all the noble families will be there. You must seize the opportunity and find a good husband as soon as possible. You can't delay any longer."
Zhaocai thought, maybe Erlang and Erniang are just young now, and everything will return to normal when they get married in the future.
As long as the second lady finds a husband, everything will be fine.
"Things that can be robbed are not good things." Ming Huashang lay in bed, silent for a long time, and suddenly asked, "Zhaocai, if you knew that you only had one year left to live and you didn't know when you would die, what would you do?"
"Ah?" Zhaocai said hurriedly, "Then I must first give the key to the box where my wife's clothes and jewelry are kept to the new bride, and then distribute the belongings I have saved over the years to the maids Jinbao, Jixiang, and Ruyi. I will keep the cash for myself and have a good meal every day."
"You're still blaming me. I see you're only thinking about eating." Ming Huashang laughed, and then said softly, "I think so too. Life is too short. I haven't lived well enough, and I'm preparing to die. If I think about it this way, what's the point of marrying into a wealthy family? What's the point of having gold, silver, and jewelry? I should protect the people I cherish and do what I'm really interested in. The rest of the time, I should eat well, sleep well, and be happy every day. That's enough."
"Puh, puh, puh." Zhaocai quickly spat on the ground and said angrily, "My lady, what are you talking about? Don't say such unlucky words. You will definitely live a long life."
"Okay." Ming Huashang smiled and said, "Zhaocai, it's getting late, you should go back to bed."
Zhaocai stood up with the basin in his hand and turned his head sharply: "My lady, please remember that Princess Taiping will hold a banquet tomorrow. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't run around and prepare for the banquet."
Ming Huashang reluctantly agreed, and Zhaocai left with doubt after she repeatedly assured him. After closing the door, Ming Huashang breathed a sigh of relief and was finally able to turn over and go to sleep. However, this time, she closed her eyes for a long time and could not fall asleep.
Ming Huashang opened her eyes and stared in one direction, her eyes were amazingly bright in the darkness. She and Zhaocai had been together for many years, and they could be said to have grown up together. How could she not hear the hidden meaning of Zhaocai's words?
Ming Huazhang was becoming less and less open about his behavior, and she often felt that he was expecting others to see it. But why did he do this?
She knew she was going to die this year, so she was willing to follow her own way before she died, to like whomever she wanted and to do whatever she wanted. But what about Ming Huazhang?
He is a talented person famous in Chang'an, a newly-appointed Jinshi, a promising young official in Jingzhao Prefecture, and the next Duke of Zhenguo. Is he crazy to risk his future and reputation?
What does he mean? Who is he? Who is she?