Жизнь сельских жителей в городе во времена династии Сун

Глава 53

Li Tianqi casually loosened his grip on her hand, glanced at Lianwu, and said, "Eat up, it's getting cold!" Seemingly trying to hide some emotion, he scooped up a large spoonful and ate it by himself.

Wei Zijun said softly to Xinhe, "Xinhe, eat quickly!" Then she started eating herself. She hadn't eaten much in the morning and had walked a long way, so she was quite hungry now.

Feeling hot all over after eating, he couldn't help but vigorously wave the folding fan in his hand.

This morning, she and Li Tianqi inscribed this fan in the cabin. Li Tianqi greatly admired her calligraphy and offered her a blank fan to write on. She wrote "Gui Dang" (贵当), a phrase attributed to Lü Buwei, as a reminder. However, Li Tianqi countered by writing a passage from the "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" describing Consort Zhen, teasing her. She didn't mind; after all, it was imperial calligraphy, bearing his vermilion seal.

"Royal calligraphy!" Wei Zijun fiddled with his folding fan. "Second brother, if you have time, you might as well write a few dozen more. In case I ever fall on hard times, I can use them to exchange for some silver."

"You brat! You're obsessed with money all day long. I think your eyes are going to turn into coins." Li Tianqi raised his folding fan and tapped Wei Zijun on the head.

"Ouch—" Wei Zijun cried out in pain, "Second brother, why do you always hit my head? This smart brain of yours will be stupid sooner or later. Can't you hit me somewhere else?"

"Alright," Li Tianqi grinned mischievously, "then next time you'll spank me! How about that?"

Lianwu and Xinhe both covered their mouths and chuckled. Wei Zijun felt her face burning and glared at Li Tianqi. Just as she was about to retort, she heard two men who had just arrived at the next table whispering about current political affairs. Their voices were extremely soft, but her martial arts skills made it clear to her.

"Brother, is that really true? Was that Taoist temple established by Cai Liangao, the First-Rank General of the Cavalry?"

"I've heard that. Look at the current emperor, so old and frail. He has three princes, outwardly amicable, but who wouldn't be plotting behind the scenes? The eldest prince, Prince Yue, Li Beiji, has a distinguished military record; even the Left Wise King of the Turks died at his hands. He seems to be the most likely to succeed to the throne. But look at the current emperor, he hasn't designated an heir. Since ancient times, in the struggle for the throne, even if an heir is designated, it's hard to guarantee that the heir won't be deposed. Without a designated heir, won't there be fierce infighting behind the scenes? I've heard that Cai Liangao is one of the eldest prince's men. He set up this Taoist temple, where he keeps some sorcerers and eccentrics who know astrology and divination, secretly plotting to seize the throne. This quiet and peaceful place of cultivation is the best place to cover one's tracks. Moreover, I've heard that the female Taoist priests there are all quite talented and alluring beauties. Although they worship the Three Pure Ones, they do some outrageous things. Those high-ranking and powerful ministers, once they enter, all fall for his tricks."

Hearing this, Wei Zijun looked up at Li Tianqi with concern. Seeing his furrowed brows as he looked over, she knew he had also heard what he said. The two exchanged a glance.

"Indeed, all three princes are outstanding, and it must be difficult for His Majesty to make a decision. It is understandable that the princes are secretly building up their own power base."

"Yes, the Second Prince, Prince Jing, Li Hongyi, seems carefree and relaxed, but who knows how much he is actually up to? The Third Prince, Prince Jin, Li Tianqi, is quite distinguished. Although he has made great military achievements, he is benevolent and respectful. He is also incredibly handsome."

Wei Zijun already knew that Li Hongyi was Li Tianqi's second brother. During their time together, he would often tell her his private affairs, which she enjoyed as a lullaby; she would inevitably fall asleep listening to him. Li Luan, on the other hand, was extremely fond of women, with a harem of over three thousand, yet he only fathered three princes. His princesses, however, had given birth to more than a dozen children, which paled in comparison to Li Yuan's prowess.

"Hearing you say that, it seems I have met them before."

“Brother, you must not tell outsiders this. I have indeed seen them.”

"really?"

"Why would I lie to you? My distant cousin is a sixth-rank gatekeeper in the capital. I had the good fortune to meet him when I went to the capital. The one closest to me was the Third Prince. His appearance and demeanor were absolutely stunning, so elegant and refined that he completely captivated all the women..."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun glanced at Li Tianqi with a smile. The latter had obviously also heard the discussion, and in response to her gaze, he straightened his clothes with a serious expression. His smug look made Wei Zijun chuckle.

That man was truly audacious, discussing the royal family in such a chaotic place, and trying to keep it from being overheard by outsiders. Little did he know that he had already been overheard by everyone.

After the meal, the four of them strolled leisurely around Yuhang City.

As they walked, they attracted the attention of all passersby.

No wonder, these people were simply too eye-catching. Look at these two men: one was handsome and imposing, exuding nobility; the other was elegant and refined, free and unrestrained. And look at these two women: one was graceful and dignified, with a face like a lotus blossom; the other had a slender figure and a face more beautiful than a peach blossom.

Such a perfect combination of handsome man and beautiful woman was bound to attract attention, and people began to whisper and discuss among themselves, wondering which important figure had graced this place with their presence.

The people being discussed didn't see anything wrong with it, looking around as if it were nothing unusual.

While wandering around, they were attracted by the sound of gongs in front of them and couldn't help but squeeze in with the crowd.

It turned out to be a street performance, where a deformed dwarf was performing incredibly difficult stunts that most people couldn't endure. The dwarf was a woman with a small face and body, and her facial features were deformed, with almost no forehead, making her look like a thin, pitiful little monkey.

When Wei Zijun saw the situation inside, she turned around, pulled the others along, and walked out.

"Zijun, come and watch the excitement!" Li Tianqi rarely came to the marketplace and rarely encountered such a lively scene, so he couldn't help but feel childlike again.

"Second Brother! That person is already suffering from a disability, how can we take pleasure in watching someone else's pain? How can you bear to watch, Second Brother!"

Li Tianqi stared at Wei Zijun for a long time before saying in a deep voice, "Second brother is ashamed."

Wei Zijun smiled and said, "It's good that Second Brother understands my feelings."

Just as she was about to turn and leave, a surge of people rushed in, and Wei Zijun was knocked off her feet and fell into Li Tianqi's arms.

Instinctively turning around, I suddenly felt the whole world quiet down, as if a breeze was blowing from the horizon, opening up the flowers, smoothing the clouds, and gently caressing my cheek.

He was an exceptionally handsome young man, dressed in white as snow, tall and elegant, with skin as smooth as jade and a face as radiant as the moon. His eyes, as clear as a spring, sparkled brightly. His black hair, as smooth as satin, cascaded softly over his shoulders. The autumn wind lifted a few stray strands of hair, which danced like dark little snakes on his fair, jade-like face.

When her gaze fell upon the snow-white Hu clothing, she realized that the clothing was exactly the same as that of the people who had called her general last time. Moreover, her heightened senses after practicing martial arts made her realize that this person possessed considerable internal strength.

"Did I hurt you, young master? It was crowded, and I was offended. I apologize!" The man clasped his hands in apology, his voice as clear as jade beads and as gentle as a breeze, sweeping away the dust from one's heart.

"It's alright." She gave a brief reply and turned away, seemingly not wanting to have anything to do with this person. Because of his Hu-style clothing, her heart suddenly sank.

Looking at the man before him, Li Tianqi felt uneasy. Judging from his attire, this man should be a Western Turk. With his long-standing dealings with the Turks, how could he not recognize him? But what was someone with such profound skills doing here after just negotiating peace with the Western Turks? Seeing the man's eyes fixed on Wei Zijun and not looking away, Li Tianqi was filled with jealousy and a nameless fire of envy. He stepped forward, raised his hand, pushed the man away, and pulled Wei Zijun away.

The man glanced meaningfully at Wei Zijun's retreating figure before turning and leaving.

[Volume 1, Deer City Chapter: Chapter 48 Generosity]

The group continued on their way, and as they turned a corner, they suddenly encountered a group of beggars.

The beggars, dressed in rags, huddled in the shadows of a street corner, eating garbage-like food.

Seeing someone walk by, it raised its dazed eyes and looked over.

Wei Zijun sighed inwardly. Seeing that no one came to beg, she didn't intend to stop and continued walking while glancing around casually.

My gaze inadvertently fell upon an old man.

The old man was thin and haggard, sitting on the cold stone steps with a sorrowful expression and tears in his eyes. Although his clothes were tattered, they were neatly dressed, and even while sitting on the stone steps, he still observed proper etiquette.

Wei Zijun stopped in her tracks. The tears in the old man's eyes pierced her heart, causing her to furrow her brow and her eyes to reveal compassion.