Chapter 2

War waits for no one.

As if it was a deliberate arrangement, after Huo Qingyue welcomed Xia Ruyan through the door, the war on the frontier broke out again, and Huo Qingyue naturally had to go to the battlefield again.

Before leaving, Xia Ruyan sent Huo Qingyue out, but just smiled and asked him to rest assured that she would handle the mansion properly.

Emperor Yun Qingrui, together with the prime minister and several ministers, accompanied the battle to send him to the big mask in person for ten miles. Before saying goodbye to Huo Qingyue, Yun Qingrui patted Huo Qingyue on the shoulder and said lightly that marriage is destined to be destined.

If he had not returned to the palace when the war was over, it would have been impossible for the Secretary of Xia to ask the emperor to give him a marriage, then perhaps Xia Ruyan had been forced to marry into a prison that bound her.

At that time, Xia Ruyan's desire to be unrestrained and free was really difficult to reach.

So, is this destined?

He, a man who is unwilling to be moved by other women, will marry Xia Ruyan, a woman who does not want to be tied up by men...

He didn't know and didn't want to speculate on God's will, but he understood that taking this concubine did not change his life.

So, he accepted Xia Ruyan.

Let him be a passerby in his days without having any interaction with her.

Because of this situation, they want each other...

General, a letter from the capital.

The soldiers' call brought back Huo Qingyue's consciousness. He reached out to take it, but he felt that the handwriting was so strange. Who wrote it?

With a wave of his hand, a few simple lines of words fell into his eyes, and at the end of the letter, a name that made him familiar with came into his eyes.

Like a geese?In the past few months of the war, she has never sent any messages, but why did she suddenly send a letter after the war?

Did it be written by the General’s wife?The soldiers showed envious expressions.

They knew that Huo Qingyue had become a relative, and he married the daughter of the Shangshu, a famous talented woman in the capital. However, in the past few months, he had not received half a letter from his family. It seemed that Huo Qingyue had never married a wife, which made them very puzzled and it was difficult to find out the general's privacy.

Are you urging the general to return to Beijing?I remember that Huo Qingyue went to war just a few days after getting married. I think his wife was lonely in the empty bedroom!

I went to invite General Wen, General Chai came over and said that I had something to do.Huo Qingyue put away the letter and his face suddenly darkened.

yes!The people who saved lives and helped the wounded did not dare to neglect them. As soon as they received the order, they immediately passed the message.

Huo Qingyue hurriedly stepped down the city wall, returned to the city, and took out the letter again.

Collusion between inside and outside, suspicion of being deceitful... Huo Qingyue murmured as the words in the letter, and his eyebrows couldn't help but tighten.Why did Xia Ruyan suddenly send this letter?

Logically speaking, she should not know the situation of the border, and she had not sent a letter to ask about the situation of the battle a few months ago.Just like they made an appointment at the beginning, they did not interfere with each other.

But now the sudden message is still so suspicious that it makes people suspicious. He understands that many ministers in the court are dissatisfied with him, and even corrupt officials are eager to get rid of him. It is just that the enemy is in the dark and he is in the light, so it is not easy to investigate.

If Xia Ruyan or Shangshu Xia who stayed in the capital, he could hear any news inadvertently...

General Huo, what are the important things to discuss?Two generals Wen and Chai followed the tent of the Infantry.

The last news was indeed that the enemy had retreated, right?Huo Qingyue put away the letter and turned around and asked.

Yes, the other party’s letter of surrender has been sent back, so our army is already preparing to return to Beijing... Is there anything wrong with it?General Wen said in confusion.

Send people to the enemy camp to explore.Huo Qingyue frowned.

Is General Huo suspected that the other party was pretending to surrender?General Chai asked.

Three days later, the envoy from the Beijing party will receive the envoy from the other party.Discussing the withdrawal of troops, right?

Huo Qingyue looked at the stack of military documents on the desk, and suddenly a deep voice burst out.

yes.General Wen nodded.

Send people to rush forward and investigate the news about the envoys in the capital earlier.Huo Qingyue always felt something was wrong.

In the past, the emperor would always hand over the surrender to him with full authority, but why did he insist on summoning the surrender by the envoy in the capital?

My subordinates understand, so I will send a spy out.After receiving the order, the two generals quickly withdrew from the account.

Huo Qingyue frowned slightly. Looking at Xiuya's handwriting, in addition to worrying about the military situation, he couldn't help but worry about the concubine who was no different from a stranger.

He didn't think about her, she remembered him.I remember that his husband was fighting far away from the pass and was determined to defend his country.

This concubine Ah...

What kind of woman is Xia Ruyan?

Fake surrender and collude with the enemy.

The amazing fact was revealed in a secret report from a family letter, which made Huo Qingyue's military achievements add to his name, and this time, he even cleared out corrupt officials who colluded with the enemy and treason in the court.

At the dust-washing banquet after returning to the capital, the emperor was very happy and rewarded repeatedly, while Huo Qingyue was always indifferent.

The slightly drunkenness allowed him to leave the seat early, and after stepping onto the General's Mansion, the facts that surprised him came.

The mansion manager had already taken care of him with a good water and was ready to take a bath and rest. The trivial matters that should have been waiting for him to go home were taken over by Xia Ruyan and were handled.

The house was kept in an orderly manner, neat and without any mess, and he almost didn't have to bother.

After taking a shower, he went out and put on a comfortable new dress, and instantly felt like time had returned.

This should be what his deceased wife looked like when she was alive.

But now, the one who takes care of all this for him is a strange concubine...

He opened the small bag on the table, and wrapped in the cloth towel was the girl's house flower hairpin he selected from the market before leaving the border.

The round jade is a local specialty, with a smooth and delicate texture. Although the handmade art is ordinary, it also reveals a bit of simplicity.

At least, he should thank Xia Ruyan.

Thank her for her concern for herself and informing her; thank her for her clearly not being able to take care of her family and still take care of her family.

Putting the flower hairpin into his arms, he walked on the night and came to the quiet room he prepared for Xia Ruyan. Apart from insects and birds singing, there was almost no sound on weekdays.

He raised his hand and patted the door panel. Although he was visiting his concubine, Huo Qingyue felt like he was visiting a girl's home that was not married... he was really uncomfortable.

Is it Qingyue?Please come in.

An unfamiliar crisp tone came from the room, causing Huo Qingyue to push open the door.

Originally, he just wanted to thank him and give him a gift, but when he saw all the decorations in the room, he was so surprised that he came out half a sound...

Books, books on the wall

There are inscriptions, poems and inscriptions, landscapes, landscapes, flowers and birds, and various paintings of different thicknesses and shades, hanging all over the walls.

The two empty white walls were hung on one side and two rows of high cabinets were built on the other side. The collection of poems and lyrics were filled with spaces, which made Huo Qingyue look surprised.

I heard that Xia Ruyan is a talented woman, and it is different from the enthusiasm hidden in her heart when she actually saw her.

At this moment, he finally understood what the emperor was trying to persuade.

Ordinary men will allow their wives and concubines to indulge in poetry, calligraphy and painting so much?

The so-called "a woman has no talent" is virtue. Even if he doesn't think so, he will not guarantee that a man who is greedy and kind to Xia Ruyan's beautiful beauty will not think so.

If Xia Ruyan hadn’t married him, wouldn’t this talent be wiped out for a lifetime?

As the emperor said, she was born at the wrong time!

If one day, women can also talk about poetry in a big dialect and no longer have talent, it is virtue, then Xia Ruyan will not have ambitions!

Is hot water still appropriate?The emperor must be tired of treating you, right?Inquiring softly, all the words of concern revolve around Huo Qingyue.

Huo Qingyue looked in the sound and saw Xia Ruyan sitting upright at the table, with long hair tied up, hanging her shoulders, bright eyes and big eyes brighter than when she was taken as a concubine before. Her cherry red lips were blooming, and her soft and tenderness seemed to be tempting to bite.?

Her hands were stained with some black stains, which seemed to be caused by the full table of brush and ink.

Looking at the unfinished landscape, Huo Qingyue couldn't help but feel a little upset.

Should he come back tomorrow?Now it seems to be disturbing her...

I originally planned to explain to you the situation at home tomorrow, because the painting at hand has not been completed yet, and I am worried that you will be tired... The intermittent consideration has spread to Huo Qingyue's ears, while Xia Ruyan's hands are still flying on the drawing paper.

The pen tip is brushed over the white surface and leaks out the rippling waves of water.

She was busy painting water plants by the water, and her concentration made Huo Qingyue almost forget why she was here.

I want to thank you for that letter.Huo Qingyue hesitated for a while and did not make too many polite mistakes.However, he didn't take out the flower hairpin in his arms.

After seeing the paintings and poems in the room, and her appearance without makeup, he realized that this hairpin was not suitable for her at all.

Change it tomorrow, choose another one to give it away!

It was when I went home to visit my mother and I accidentally heard from my father that he said that someone seemed to be conspiring to rebel in the court, so I wrote a book to inform me.I don’t think others will be wary of their home letters, and they should be easily in your hands.

Xia Ruyan finally stopped writing, obviously satisfied with the painting of water and grass in the ground.

Thanks.Apart from this, Huo Qingyue really doesn't know what he can say.He is not even familiar with this concubine

Why are you polite?We are a family, and we should care for you!And I also hope there are few corrupt officials in the court!Xia Ruyan smiled so hard that her eyebrows and eyes were slightly bent, as sweet as if honey was about to overflow.

You've been drawing these in the past few months?Huo Qingyue was not interested in these poems and paintings, but after spending a long time with the emperor and several relatives and friends of good poetry and essays, he could tell the difference between good and bad.

Xia Ruyan's literary talent is indeed much better than ordinary talented people in the market.

This is the Ah I love!Although I can't travel far and enjoy the mountains and paintings everywhere, I am already very happy to be able to do whatever I want.In your mansion, I am happier than in my house!

No matter what, my mother hopes that she will learn more about the female celebrity, so even though she has a sensible father, my mother always takes some pressure on her.

But now, after being taken as a concubine by Huo Qingyue, she not only does not have to face the sarcasm of outsiders, but also can even freely draw inscriptions. What else can make her happier than this?

Especially the servant in the general's mansion seemed to have been well trained by his master, and he still respected her as the mistress of the family, which made her really take advantage of her.

See the mountains everywhere... Do you like traveling?Huo Qingyue unconsciously sat by the table.

I like it so much!

Xia Ruyan said, her eyes shining with bright eyes. If it weren't for being a woman, I would have had many inconveniences when I went out.Otherwise, I would really want to carry my bags and travel all over the world and paint beautiful scenery all over the world...

She was so eager that Huo Qingyue could hear it, as if she was pulled by her, even her soul was out of her body, and the two of them had been swimming among the mountains and green waters together.

He has seen many scenery when leading the army to fight. Although most of them were affected by the war, he also cherished the rare beauty.

So, although the reasons are different, he, like Xia Ruyan, like these natural beautiful scenery.

If she could travel with Xia Ruyan, she would probably be a good companion, right?

So far, he has never met a girl as cheerful and outgoing as Xia Ruyan.

Even his deceased wife, although very tender, was not the object of accompanying him to travel around.

When my father was a county magistrate when I was a child, I had been to southern Xinjiang. The water scenery there was more delicate and beautiful than the north, completely different from the style of the mountains and fields: When Xia Ruyan mentioned the beautiful scenery in her impression, she stopped endlessly.

She talked too much, but Huo Qing seemed to be more and more quiet. Just listening to her long series of words, he didn't feel bored..

In the past, just listening to the court officials' words of flattery, he wanted to frown and leave.

Do you like mountain view or water view?Unconsciously, Huo Qingyue started chatting with her.Although most of the time, Xia Ruyan is still the person who speaks.

Like them all!Xia Ruyan smiled so hard that the corners of her eyes looked like a crescent moon.

The northern border is full of mountains, the forests are green, the trees are as tall as peaks, and the ground is shaded... Huo Qingyue closed his eyes and opened his eyes. Xia Ruyan's words reminded him of the forest scenery he had seen in the north, and the greenness always fascinated him.

Wow...really Ah?I have only heard people say that, but I don’t have the chance to see it with my own eyes.Xia Ruyan's eyes were even more fascinated by Huo Qingyue's description.

If the war is settled, I can take you there.Huo Qingyue looked at her crystal clear eyes and couldn't help but spit out a promise.

Really? Xia Ruyan opened her black eyes widened, revealing a happy expression.

real.Huo Qingyue didn't expect that he would make such a promise, and he became stiff for a while.

Taking her out for a trip is such an intimate move...

But, she is just a little sister Ah!Walking together like this.It's okay!

Besides, she was nominally his concubine, where did she take her?In fact, they are all justified.

Thank you, Qingyue!Xia Ruyan held back her excitement and her cheeks flushed.

Looking at her beautiful face, Huo Qing felt a hint of restlessness in her chest.

The warm feeling made him very familiar...

It's great to be able to marry you, Qing Yue.Xia Ruyan narrowed her eyes with a smile.

I thought.She has ambitions for the rest of her life, but she didn't expect that an unexpected marriage would make her have ambitions for her.

She didn't know how much delicious smell she had burned in her previous life.It was only in exchange for this fate with Huo Qingyue.

Say he was marrying me.Actually, we are like brothers and sisters, right?Huo Qingyue tried his best to restrain the rapid rhythm of Fu Lai on his chest.

So you are the best big brother in the world.Xia Ruyan nodded.

I think the emperor should be able to feel at ease.Huo Qingyue casually talked about the topic.

After pouring tea, he tried to drink some water to calm himself down, but he didn't expect that there was no effect at all.

Seeing Xia Ruyan's simple smile still made the violent slap in his chest loudly.

Ah, that's right.Although I am not familiar with the emperor, the emperor agreed to make the decision for me as soon as he heard about me.

Xia Ruyan subconsciously poured tea for Huo Qingyue, and the slightly floating hair showed a fragrance, swaying in the air.

Huo Qingyue couldn't help but frown slightly.

Looking at Xia Ruyan who was so close to her.He actually had the urge to stroke her face.

Things shouldn't have become like this...

He is clearly still attached to his deceased wife.Why are you moved by Xia Ruyan?

Just because I haven't been close to women for too long?

No, he has never been moved by the prostitutes on Huajie, nor has he allowed himself to linger in the prostitute. The sex between men and women who lack feelings and warmth is not his preference.

So.Why did the impact Xia Ruyan brought to him come from?

Has he changed his mind?

The memory of that deceased wife who was still vivid and as clear as yesterday's...has he forgotten her?

No, when he thinks of his deceased wife, his heart still hurts, which means he is still attached to her, right?

He did not forget her, he did not forget her.

She once loved him deeply, so he couldn't let her down so much.

Xia Ruyan should be just his concubine and his younger sister, not the one who occupies his feelings...

Qingyue, what's wrong with you?Look at you who haven't spoken for a long time, are you tired?Xia Ruyan reached out to Huo Qingyue and waved her hand.

She always forgets that when she gets happy, she will talk nonstop.

Really, Qing Yue came to see her kindly.But she kept him for so long.

Seeing that he didn't say anything, he was probably exhausted!

There is one thing.Huo Qingyue lowered his eyes and stopped looking at Xia Ruyan.

He needs to clarify his feelings.

What illusion did he deviate from the love of his deceased wife?

Sure enough, I knew I was talking too much!Xia Ruyan responded guiltily:

Nothing happened.It's late at night and it's time to rest.Huo Qingyue heard Xia Ruyan's slightly apologetic tone and couldn't help but subconsciously look up at her again.

Then I'll take you back to your room to rest!Xia Ruyan put down her pen and ink, loosened her rolled up sleeves, and planned to accompany Huo Qingyue back to the room.

No.Her straightforward temperament made Huo Qingyue feel a little stunned for a moment.

Send him back to the room?She needs someone to take care of her.How could she send him back to the room?

This Xia Ruyan really lacks a little bit of the girl's habits.

Hey...but, you always have someone to change your clothes and serve you before going to bed, right?Xia Ruyan tried hard to find something to help.

Huo Qingyue gave her so much freedom.He also said that he wanted to take her out for a trip. If she couldn't do anything for him, she would be dissatisfied.

You are not my concubine.Thinking of Xia Ruyan's pair of slender white wrists, Huo Qingyue couldn't help but subconsciously vomited out rejection.

She and him should be treated innocently, not such a close relationship.

Keep getting closer.It is hard to guarantee that he has not yet clarified his relationship where he is going...

I... His determination made Xia Ruyan feel instantly stiff.

Yes, she is his little sister, not a concubine, and such a close behavior is really inappropriate.

But she didn't think too much, she just wanted to do something for him...

Did she exceed the rules, which made Huo Qingyue angry?

But she really has no other meaning...

what to do?Should she explain carefully to Huo Qingyue and apologize...

I'll go back to the room first, you can rest early.Huo Qingyue exhaled a deep voice.

If he stayed, he didn't know what he would say, and he knew what impulse he would make.

Uh... OK... Xia Ruyan was stopped by his bass.

Don't sleep too late.Huo Qingyue didn't dare to look at Xia Ruyan's face anymore, and quickly got up and left her room.

He hurriedly avoided it in order to recognize himself.But he didn't expect that he had a small scar in Xia Ruyan's heart.

The injury was severe, but it had a slight stinging feeling, which was enough to make Xia Ruyan unable to sleep all night...