Clouds and Waters

Shui Xinyou smiled and said: "The song "Nine Zhangji" is often sung by my mother. It was when I was five years old, and I sat in my mother's arms and listened to her singing this song over and over again. The first song, as I sang it, I burst into tears."

Yun Chen Xiaoqi said: "Why does your mother love this song only? Is there any deep meaning in it?"

Shui Xinyou looked up at Yun Chenxiao, and continued: "I didn't understand at first, and I kept asking my mother. But she didn't say anything. Later, I gradually realized that it was because of him, it was him..."

"Your father?" For some reason, Yun Chenxiao blurted out the word without even thinking about it, as if she had some kind of telepathy, silently guiding her.As soon as the words fell, she suddenly felt uneasy, completely shrouded in an unknown feeling of unease, and the hand holding Shui Xinyou suddenly trembled a little.

But Shui Xinyou didn't notice it, she nodded and said: "Yes, you are so smart, you are my father." She spoke for a while, her bright eyes flashed, she smiled sweetly, and moved closer to Yun Chenxiao .

Yun Chenxiao had something to worry about, but she smiled wryly, wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and heard her continue: "Although I rarely see Daddy, I do remember that he is tall and handsome, tall and straight like a big tree. , as soon as he sees me, he will lift me up. He still loves me very much. Every time he comes, he will bring me a lot of delicious and fun things, and look at me and smile... But, this is my five When I saw my father for the last time, he came in a hurry and left after saying a few words to my mother. My mother seemed to be crying, but also seemed very happy. From then on, I sat at home every day At the door, looking out the door, singing "Nine Zhang Ji", waiting for daddy, until...until..."

At this time, Yun Chenxiao's heart is like clear snow, and the mirror is clear, and she has already guessed the point. She doesn't want Shui Xinyou to touch the sad past again, and playfully plays with her hair on the side of her temples, playing with it on the tip of her nose, casually Changing the subject, she said, "Xiao You'er's mother must be pretty too, right?"

Shui Xinyou giggled and said, "Smelly puppy, do you also joke about my mother?" After a while, he said: "Yes, I think my mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. Everyone who knows my mother That's what it said."

Yun Chenxiao laughed, turned over and leaned on Shui Xinyou's lap, and deliberately joked with a smiley face: "It may not be so, my mother is the most beautiful. I know that my mother had a lot of troubles when she was young. My mother is from the middle of Sichuan, where the mountains and rivers are beautiful, the scenery is pleasant, the water and soil support people, and they specialize in talents and beautiful women. My grandfather was the Minister of the Ministry of War at that time. My father often said that my mother is smart and beautiful, and she is virtuous and considerate. He said, My mother became very famous when she was in her boudoir, and there are countless dignitaries and dignitaries who proposed marriages, but my grandfather ignored them and turned them all away, do you know why?"

Hearing what Yun Chenxiao said, Shui Xinyou also became interested, and said with a smile: "Your mother must have had a crush at that time. Your grandfather wants to fulfill your mother?"

Yun Chenxiao said: "That's a good guess, but it's a pity it's the other way around. In fact, grandpa took a fancy to my dad. Seeing him as a young hero, he is a rare and handsome talent. He will definitely do great things in the future. He intends to betroth his beloved daughter to Dad, so as to make a happy marriage. .”

Shui Xinyou frowned lightly, and said, "It's the order of my parents again, but I can't make up my mind. Maybe your mother had someone else at the time..." As soon as the words came to this point, Shui Xinyou suddenly felt that something was wrong. , stuck out his tongue, and pulled Yun Chenxiao's arm.

Yun Chenxiao smiled generously and said: "Maybe, my temperament is three points like my father, but seven points like my mother. I think my mother was restless when she was in the boudoir. But at that time, my mother was not I already have a relationship, and now I don't know. But after she and her father got married, they were a loving couple who respected each other like a guest and raised their eyebrows. At that time, there were frequent wars in the court, and my father often led expeditions. Yes. Sometimes it took several years, but mother waited for him without complaint. Later, when the war eased, father finally stabilized and settled down in Jingzhou. But the good times didn’t last long, and mother suddenly contracted a sudden illness ,At once……"

Shui Xinyou shook Yun Chenxiao's hand, and said affectionately: "Puppy, we are all hard-working people, and our mother left early, but, but you still have a father and a home, I'm all alone."

Yun Chenxiao sat up and kissed Shui Xinyou on the forehead, and said softly: "No, Xiao You'er, you are not alone, you used to have your master, and now you have me. Okay, let's not talk about it." These things are over." He said with a smile on his face, and said: "Young Master Xie will go to welcome my father out of prison tomorrow, you go with me, I think... I want my father to see you too."

When Shui Xinyou heard that Yun Chenxiao wanted her to see Yun Zhengting, "Yeah?" she exclaimed, but felt hot in her heart, half ashamed and half happy, and a little nervous and flustered, her face flushed unconsciously Come on, that shrewd and capable Shui Xinyou is actually a little shy and naive.Looking at her, Yun Chenxiao felt that whether this woman was crying or laughing, she was affecting her, and she had no ability to resist, so she could only let her emotions sink and follow her forever.

Seeing that Shui Xinyou didn't speak, Yun Chenxiao thought she was in trouble, so she nodded her head as a matter of course and said, "Of course I want to see my father. I will definitely let him meet. The person his daughter loves the most in her life, I want my father to know. Shui Xinyou is the person I, Yun Chenxiao, want to protect all my life."

Shui Xinyou's eyes were filled with love and tenderness, looking at Yun Chenxiao, it seemed as if everything in the world had disappeared and everything was quiet, only this little dog occupied his body and mind.After a long time, Shui Xinyou whispered: "Then, aren't you afraid that your father will blame you for being ridiculous? After all, after all..."

Yun Chenxiao couldn't help frowning, but in an instant, he had a hopelessly optimistic smile, and said, "Father and daughter are natural, the person I like, Daddy will definitely love you as much as I like. If he sees you, he likes you or not." It’s too late, so how could you blame me? Besides, Dad was born in the army, he’s not one of those pedantic sour scholars, so he shouldn’t be able to teach so much etiquette. But if it’s really impossible..." Yun Chenxiao gritted her teeth, and said no more. After a moment of hesitation, he said decisively: "Everything is allowed. Only lifelong events cannot be forced. In the future, I will have to go by myself. No matter who it is, even my parents who gave birth to me and raised me can't force me. Daddy, he can forgive me. , It doesn’t matter if you annoy me, I just want to be with you.”

Shui Xinyou was taken aback suddenly, and stared at Yun Chenxiao intently, but seeing her looking into the distance, the determination and tenacity in her eyes, the arrogance and fierceness that could not be concealed, were something Shui Xinyou had never seen before. .It turned out that behind her cynicism was such an inherently hard and unyielding heart.It turns out that she obeys herself in everything, not because she has no opinions, but because of love and tolerance.Because I love her, I am willing to do something against my will for her. Because I love her, I am willing to live in the background and remain unknown. Because I love her, I hide my edge and fold my wings, just quietly guarding her side. When she was lonely and helpless, she reached out to give her a hand, and then continued on as if nothing had happened.Because she knew that she was aloof, so she was willing to compromise, put all the lights and garlands on Shui Xinyou's head, and pushed Shui Xinyou to the highest peak, while she looked up at the white-clothed goddess in her heart, so, enough.Because what she needs is not to roam the rivers and lakes, let alone unlimited rivers and mountains, but just the charming smile and beautiful eyes of the goddess in white.

At some point, Shui Xinyou's eyes were filled with mist.This person in front of him is really stupid.But it was this stupidity that kept her in love, which was unforgettable.When we met for the first time, she was so presumptuous and rude, she took her veil but was unwilling to return it; when we met again, she was so unrestrained, competing with herself to guess riddles.At that time, I thought, why is this person so annoying?He always quarreled with himself endlessly, but later, she suddenly fell into a coma, and in his heart, he became anxious and worried for unknown reasons, so much so that he even brought her out with the excuse of the tin box.Thinking of this moment, Shui Xinyou was startled and said: "Could it be... Could it be that I brought her with me at that time, not to open some iron box, but simply to take care of her? It turned out that it was just for the sake of her at the beginning. Her enemy..." When we first met, I liked her eloquently. When I saw her again, I admired her wit and intelligence. Even now, she is so obsessed with love, and she loves her to the extreme.Is it wrong?But he has no complaints or regrets, and is willing to fall.Shui Xinyou suddenly smiled, and the two hugged each other at the same time, and they never separated again...

The next morning, when Yun and Shui came to the inn early in the morning, Xie Ziliang was having dinner at the inn. Seeing the two of them coming, he quickly stood up and greeted courteously: "You two girls, sit here."

Yun Chenxiao didn't refuse, and took Shui Xinyou to sit opposite Xie Ziliang and said with a smile, "Good morning, Mr. Xie."

Xie Ziliang smiled and nodded, Shui Xinyou looked around and asked, "Where's my master? Why aren't you with Mr. Xie?"

Xie Ziliang smiled and said: "Respecting the master, how can you be with me, a junior, in everything?"

Shui Xinyou nodded and said: "That's true." After asking about Shui Ling's room, he went up to look for it.After seeing Shui Xinyou's back, Yun Chenxiao couldn't wait to ask: "Mr. Xie, when are you going to pick up my father?"

"I'm going right now. Coincidentally, Ms. Yun just came at this time." Xie Ziliang stood up and said, "Why, Ms. Yun also wants to go with me?"

"That's exactly what I mean, what's wrong?"

Xie Ziliang smiled and said: "This... After all, the Holy Spirit has not arrived yet, so we still need to be cautious. Miss Yun can go with me, but... I have to feel wronged."

Yun Chenxiao understood immediately, and nodded with a smile.Immediately, the messenger bought a short robe and cap, pretended to be a servant, and followed behind Xie Ziliang.She originally wanted to ask Shui Xinyou to go with her, but after seeing her master, Shui Xinyou looked sad and seemed a little unhappy, so she shied away for a long time.Yun Chenxiao didn't take it to heart either, and said that she was thin-skinned and thought that the prison would be dark and humid, so it doesn't matter if Shui Xinyou doesn't want to go, but when she gets back home, everything is arranged, and then she asks Shui Xinyou to formally visit her father. Late.So he stopped being reluctant and went to the Jingzhou Prison with Xie Ziliang.

Although the imperial decree had not arrived at that time, the prefect of Jingzhou was also a man with sharp eyes and ears, and he had already found out the intention of the imperial court, and even added "hospitality" to Yunzheng Pavilion.Xie Ziliang is the current emperor's imperial bodyguard. He is a fourth-rank official, and the emperor appreciates him very much. Although he didn't say that he came here this time because of a secret order, a discerning eye can tell it at a glance.Also, senior officials of the Xie family in Jinling and ministers of the past dynasties were quite powerful in the court. The magistrate of Jingzhou knew his details and dared not neglect him.But Xie Ziliang chuckled, waved his hands and said, "Your Majesty is tired. Xie is only visiting Yun Shuai now, talking about a personal relationship, but there is no reason to ask someone to come out? I should go down to meet him myself."

The magistrate of Jingzhou is also a veteran in the officialdom, and he is well versed in the way of observing words and expressions. He guessed that Xie Ziliang was just trying to win over Yun Zhengting, so he made this gesture.But he didn't tell the truth, he opened the prison door obediently, told the jailer a few words, and exchanged greetings with Yun Zhengting, then shrugged off the entanglement of official duties and left with acquaintance.

When Yun Zhengting saw Xie Ziliang, he couldn't help but use official clichés like hush and ask for warmth.Yun Chenxiao's ears were already callused, but he looked around the cell.This prison was supposed to be a place to kill the yin and tide, but the place where Yunzheng Pavilion was locked up was a splendid tent with tassels hanging down the floor. The prison room had all kinds of things, such as beds, desks, purple sand, and the four treasures of the study. Presumably, it was the prefect of Jingzhou. After knowing the holy will, it was specially arranged.Yun Chenxiao couldn't help smiling, and said in her heart: "Daddy is sitting in prison more freely than I am outside." This is her second visit to the prison, but this time she knows that her father is not in danger and can come out safely. Prison, the mood is relaxed and happy, completely different from the last time.

But three days after Yun Zhengting was released from prison, the imperial decree arrived.Yun Zhengting was convicted of the crime of neglect of "lax military management". His official position remained the same, but his salary was deducted for one year.This is a trivial matter, and there is no need to elaborate on it.However, a day later, another imperial decree came down, saying that although Yun Zhengting didn't know about it, the generals under his command were suspected of covering up accomplices, and the crime was unforgivable.Therefore, according to the severity of the circumstances, those who were transferred were transferred, those who were demoted were demoted, and what's more, they were sent to the army and never returned.For the vacant official positions, the imperial court will send other trusted generals to fill them up.As a result, all Jingzhou troops were under the control of the imperial court.Yun Zhengting had no generals to dispatch, no soldiers to transfer, he just kept the title of General Soldier of the Seven Provinces for nothing, but the military power was divided up by the new generals.This is naturally the young emperor's way of soothing people's hearts and killing two birds with one stone.It is important to know that Yunzhengting has made great contributions throughout his life as a soldier. If he does not die well in old age, it will inevitably chill the hearts of the veterans in the court. Therefore, the young emperor kept Yunzhengting's official title and made him a "big border official" who had nothing to do when he was old.Not only took advantage of this turmoil to evade his military power, but also reassured the elders in the court.

Yun Zhengting has experienced the ups and downs of the officialdom, how can he not know the holy will?But he used to go out early and return late every day to practice military generals, and now he is suddenly free, and he can't give up in his heart after all, he is extremely lost and depressed all day long.After dinner that night, Yun Zhengting got so excited that he asked Yun Chenxiao to play chess.Yun Chenxiao was thinking about talking to his father about Shui Xinyou these few days, but he was not happy, and he never found a chance.At this time, I got this good opportunity to play chess, and without any excuses, I went happily.

Yun Zhengting was busy with military affairs on weekdays, and he was even stricter and serious towards Yun Chenxiao.The father and daughter seldom interacted with each other on weekdays, and this was the first time that they played games on separate tables. Yun Chenxiao was unavoidably cautious, with fine sweat oozing from his forehead.However, Yun Zhengting has changed his previous style and has a pleasant face.Coupled with the nature of father and daughter, blood is thicker than water, and after a while, the two were talking and laughing happily.Yun Chenxiao's chess skills are not bad at all, once he let go of his hand, sometimes a surprise attack will surprise Yun Zhengting and kill him by surprise.However, Yun Zhengting was careful and thoughtful, and finally he was able to strictly defend his position, and then tried to attack.Although it is not like Yun Chenxiao's schemes and plans to attack him unprepared, but he is cautious, heavy and solid, but he does not fall behind.In the dead of night, the third watch has passed, and the game will end.The final game counts, but the two are tied.

Yun Zhengting asked someone to put away the chessboard, Nian Xu nodded and said with a smile, "Xiao'er, who did you learn how to play chess from?"

Yun Chenxiao pursed her lips lightly, raised her eyebrows, and said confidently: "Why do you need to learn from others when playing chess? I have read some chess records, and then I figured it out by myself. When I have nothing to do, I also play against myself, but it's not easy. It's boring. If I had known that Daddy also liked Go, I would have come to you every day!"

Yun Zhengting put down the teacup in his hand, laughed loudly and said, "If that's the case, you're welcome as a father! I'm afraid you won't have time to accompany me, old man."

Yun Chenxiao saw that her father had a look of disbelief, so she got up and said anxiously: "Daddy doesn't believe it? Don't say that these black and white pieces are chess, Shuanglu, and Liubo. I don't know how to do it. If Daddy doesn't believe it, you can come and try it." .”

Yun Zhengting smiled and said, "Why don't you believe me as a father? My daughter is so smart, and you can easily solve the math problems that all Jingzhou scholars can't solve? It's just Xiao'er, but you are a little clever Hey. Hey, you think you study in private, don’t your father know? But seeing that you are addicted to books, my father doesn’t want to embarrass you, hey..." Yun Zhengting suddenly let out a long sigh, Yun Chenxiao knew that he might have something to say, so she had to put Shui Xinyou's matter aside for the time being, and listened to Yun Zhengting's continuation: "Xiao'er, since you have read thousands of volumes, let me ask you for my father, you appreciate it the most. Who is the character in?"

Yun Chenxiao was taken aback for a moment, but he didn't expect Yun Zhengting to ask this question suddenly. After thinking about it, he seemed to have a deep meaning and said: "What my daughter appreciates most is the unrestrained demeanor of the seven sages in the bamboo forest. Ji Shuye's last song "Guangling "San" has never been heard through the ages, Liu Ling was drunk and buried after death, how carefree, Ruan infantry drove poorly, singing long songs should be crying. All of them are the expression of true temperament. Therefore, although the daughter is in the boudoir, she appreciates Wei Jin and despises the vulgar demeanor."

Yun Zhengting pondered for a while, and said in a low voice: "It fits your rebellious temperament. As a father, you admire Su Shi..."

Yun Chenxiao's eyes lit up, she almost jumped up and said joyfully, "My daughter appreciates it too, not only appreciates it, but also likes it..."

Yun Zhengting frowned and waved his hands, and said, "It's different. Xiao'er, what you admire is Su Dongpo, who is optimistic and open-minded, who lived a misty life. What you admire as a father is Su Shi, who is a simple father." I was fooled by my cleverness for a lifetime. I only hope that the child will be foolish and unruly, and come to the court without any disasters. Xiao’er, you don’t need a court, Daddy only wants you to be safe.”

Yun Chenxiao suddenly realized that her father had been around for so long, but she still wanted to talk about it, so she knelt down on the ground, bowed her head and said in a low voice, "My daughter violated the ancestral precepts, I hope my father will punish her."

Yun Zhengting shook his head and helped Yun Chenxiao up and said, "Xiao'er, how can I blame you for being a father?" He paused, his eyes suddenly showed a rare tenderness and lingering, and said slowly: "You My mother died early, and she left me a daughter like you. Although you have an elder brother, you are the only one who resembles me the most. Although I am strict with you on the surface, I actually hope that you can live a good life! Xiaoer, I'm telling you this just to let you understand the painstaking efforts of being a father. If you are a man, maybe I still hesitate, but since you are a woman, I don't have to worry anymore..."

Yun Chenxiao saw that the tenderness in his father's eyes gradually turned into a gloomy one, and felt a chill in his heart, and said softly: "Daddy, now that the grace is so great, Daddy doesn't need to worry too much."

Yun Zhengting smiled wryly and said: "Yes, the grace is mighty. Otherwise, our Yun family would lose their heads. But I don't understand. Now the generals sent by the emperor don't know anything about military affairs He has no actual combat experience, and is nothing more than a brat who has read a few military books. If there is a real war, the vassals and kings will be strong and strong. I am afraid that the court... Sigh, is the emperor too young after all, or is he too..."

Yun Chenxiao frowned, thought for a while and said, "Father, although I don't know anything about military affairs, I do understand one thing, which is to control and balance. Now the various forces in the world are almost the same, and each has their own considerations. There will be no war for the time being, right? And even if it's a turmoil, it's just a vassal's civil turmoil. The world is still under the surname Xue, so what's the matter with Dad? Since the Emperor has accepted Dad's military power, he intends to ask Dad to withdraw from the government so that he can enjoy his life."

Yun Zhengting laughed and said, "Although what you said is right on point, it's a lot wrong. Forget it, the state affairs are complicated, so let's not talk about that. Xiao'er, you are only my daughter after all, so there is no need to get involved in such a struggle." Come. Father will find you a child from an ordinary family in the future, and I hope that you will spend your life safely and happily, and Father will be satisfied."

Yun Chenxiao didn't care about political affairs at all, and just echoed a few words just now. Hearing his father's relief, he took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Daddy, please forgive my daughter for being ridiculous. My daughter already has someone she likes in her heart. My daughter also I just want to spend this life with her, and there is no one else to replace me."

When Yun Zhengting heard this, he was astonished. He was stunned for a long time, and finally a gratified smile appeared on his face and said: "Well, you girl is very anxious if you don't want to stay in the university. This is also like yours. Ha, that's good, don't worry about your father. Then..." When he said this, he seemed a little embarrassed and said: "Xiao'er... Well, who is your favorite? Which family's child? Oh , how about character and talent? What about appearance? He treats you..."

Hearing his father's tone, Yun Chenxiao couldn't help feeling warm in his heart, his eyes were sour, and he almost burst into tears.This heroic general galloping on the battlefield, invincible, asked about his daughter's marriage, but he was just an ordinary old father, caring about these trivial matters.

Yun Chenxiao raised his head, and suddenly felt that Yun Zhengting's thick beard was turning gray.She grieved in her heart, clenched the hem of her clothes tightly, and said in a trembling voice, "Father, she is not a member of a noble family, but she is the person my daughter loves the most. She is now in Jingzhou Mansion. If Daddy wants to see her, I will How about calling her over tomorrow...?"

The word "how" sounded like fine lines, almost inaudible, just like Yun Chenxiao's heart, without any confidence.

Yun Zhengting only thought that his daughter's life-long affairs had been settled, and he was happy in his heart. He didn't notice Yun Chenxiao's abnormal tone, and immediately laughed heartily: "Okay! Call him tomorrow! I want to see how extraordinary it is." Characters, can make my daughter fascinated. But..." He pondered for a while, nodded his head firmly and said: "Xiao'er fell in love with him, so Daddy has nothing to say. Daddy couldn't be happier if you two are in love. "

At this moment, Yun Chenxiao couldn't bear the heat waves rising and falling in his chest any longer, his eyes were hazy, and he fell to his knees with a plop, and said, "Daughter, thank you daddy... for your success!"

Yun Zhengting waved his hand, with a delighted smile on his face.How long has it been since his mother left such a handsome and bright smile?Yun Chenxiao looked at her father complicatedly, her brows never relaxed.