Extra 11: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 1

The next day, the news spread that the Queen was pregnant again, and the whole palace rejoiced.

Shen Yuanling was having breakfast in Yikun Palace. Hearing the good news, he couldn't help but glance at his mother, who seemed to understand.

The Queen Mother smiled brightly and took a sip of soup slowly, as if she had everything under control.

Zhan'er and Lan'er are both very transparent children, but they don't dare to take any big steps emotionally. They are probably obsessed with the authorities, so they need a little push from her as an onlooker.

She is the Queen Mother after all. Laner Guishui was several days late, how could she not know?

Now it's better, Zhan'er is benevolent, Lan'er is virtuous, and the emperor and empress have a blind date, she no longer has any worries.

Every time that girl Jiaojiao came into the palace, she would talk to her about the scenery outside, which made her feel itchy. How about waiting for girl Jiaojiao to come back and go out with her for a walk?

The Queen Mother felt a trace of yearning in her heart, and her thoughts turned from Jiaojiao to her youngest son.

Shen Yuanling was eating the bamboo shoot tips with relish. He had missed this bite in the Outer North Territory for a long time.

The Queen Mother's eyes turned to Shen Yuanling and she smiled knowingly.

I don't know who Xiao Si is following, but she has figured it out early and has a clear plan in her mind, so she doesn't need to worry about it as a mother.

...

Shen Yuanling stayed in Beijing for two months. On June 28, it was a good time to travel, so he decided to set off.

The Queen Mother was inevitably reluctant to leave, and asked with a smile: "Don't you want to stay for one more month? Jiaojiao should be back next month."

Shen Yuanling seemed to have made up his mind and shook his head with a smile, "There are still a lot of things to do in the Outer North Territory. Now that my brother has given out the regulations, Xiaosi dare not delay any more."

This is indeed true.

Shen Yuanling traveled around the Northern Territory last year, and soon discovered that the interior of the Northern Territory had indeed been decayed for a long time, and it was difficult to recover, leaving countless problems among the people.

Returning to Beijing this time, Shen Yuanling reported the status quo. Shen Yuanzhan immediately summoned the ministers to discuss it for more than a month before reaching an agreement.

This time when he went to the Outer North Territory, Shen Yuanling had a heavy responsibility.

The Queen Mother also knew that the affairs of the world should come first, so she stepped forward to straighten Shen Yuanling's clothes and watched her beloved son leave again.

After Shen Yuanling left the palace, he went to Qiao Mansion.

After hearing the news, Qiao Tianjing went out to meet him and was surprised to see Shen Yuanling ready to go.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't leave until the third day of July?"

Shen Yuanling shook his head and said honestly: "Brother Qiao, I can't stay any longer."

I'm used to it in the outer north, but I'm really not used to it after being back for two months.

At this moment, Qiao Tianjing seemed to see the shadow of Qiao Diyi in Shen Yuanling, and couldn't help but laugh, "After all, it was my father who taught him, and he has become a monkey."

My little sister won't be able to return until the end of July, and Xiaosi can't wait any longer.

"Go ahead and be careful."

Qiao Tianjing raised his hand and patted Shen Yuanling's shoulder, his words full of concern.

Privately, Shen Yuanling was like a member of the Qiao family, and he didn't need to be polite.

"Brother Qiao, say hello to Jiaojiao for me."

Shen Yuanling nodded, got on his horse, and added another sentence.

"Yes, I've noted it down." Qiao Tianjing waved his hand.

Shen Yuanling raised his head, took a deep look at the lintel of Qiao Mansion, and then rode away.

Behind him were several followers, traveling lightly.

.......

At this time, at the city gate, a carriage was driving from outside the city.

"Miss, can you still hold on?"

Dalian looked at the little man nestled on the cushion with some concern.

The carriage looks simple and unpretentious on the outside, but in fact, the interior is the most luxurious and comfortable, including soft pillows and low stools with curtains.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Da Lian, my little butt is almost split into four parts, can you please rub it for me again?"

A little girl of six or seven years old looked up listlessly from the soft pillow. Her double-wound bun was somewhat loose, and the small pieces of hair curled up and fell on her cheeks.

As soon as Dalian saw this pitiful little face, her past aggressiveness had long been forgotten. She quickly stretched out her hand to rub it gently and muttered:

"Miss, you shouldn't have come back early. You didn't have much fun along the way. Look how much this little butt has suffered."

"But Xiaosi finally came back, and I still want to see him..."

The aggrieved and charming little girl in the carriage was none other than Jiaojiao. After much deliberation, she persuaded her parents and sister-in-law to come back first.

Since Xiao Si returned to Beijing during the Dragon Boat Festival, he must have spent the Chinese New Year in the outer north. He might not be able to see her again for two years.

Speaking of which, she actually wanted to go to the outer north, especially since her second brother and sister-in-law hadn't been back for more than a year, and she missed them very much.

Jiaojiao's thoughts were racing when suddenly a burst of rapid horse hooves passed by the carriage, passing by——

Dalian was a little curious. She raised her hand to lift the car curtain and asked curiously: "Who is so wantonly riding horses in Beijing?"

Hearing this, Jiaojiao also raised her eyes and glanced through the corner of the opened car curtain.

In a blink of an eye, he could vaguely see a young man in black in the front, with long hair flying and extremely wanton. He only saw his back, and the young man ran away like a gust of wind.

Jiaojiao couldn't help but murmur in her heart: "Why does it... look a little familiar?"

The carriage drove straight to the palace gate, and Da Lian fixed Jiaojiao's hair.

Jiaojiao jumped out of the carriage, and the guard at the palace gate saluted immediately when he saw the visitor: "See Princess Yongle."

Jiaojiao waved her hand and walked directly into the palace. When she arrived at Yikun Palace, she realized that, by such a coincidence, Shen Yuanling had already set off today!

Jiaojiao thought about it: "..."

No wonder it looked familiar just now, isn't that an acquaintance!

When the Queen Mother saw Jiaojiao rushing back, she felt distressed and annoyed. If she had known she would have kept Xiaosi for another day.

If that child knew that Jiaojiao rushed back just for him, his intestines would be filled with regret!

...

After all, a child is better than a mother.

Shen Yuanling has been in Quzhou for more than half a month, and he just received a letter from Beijing today. When he learned that he had passed Jiaojiao's carriage at the city gate that day, he was stunned on the spot.

The Queen Mother knew how to poke holes in her son's heart. She specifically pointed it out in the letter, saying that Jiaojiao rushed back alone a month early for him and was so tired that she suffered a lot and her little face became thin.

These words made Shen Yuanling so uncomfortable that he couldn't sleep well for several days.

He really couldn't get away now, so he had to write three letters full of apology and send them back to Beijing and deliver them to Jiaojiao.

Unexpectedly, when the letter was delivered, Qiao Zhongguo had already returned home. He was already furious when he heard that Shen Yuanling asked Jiaojiao to run away in vain.

When he saw Shen Yuanling's letter coming, Qiao Zhongguo immediately snorted coldly, put the letter aside, and wrote a quick reply of his own, which was all for the art of war test in the school.

He also played a trick and never signed the envelope.

When Shen Yuanling received the letter, he thought it was from Jiaojiao, so he opened it anxiously and was dumbfounded.

The first sentence is--

You little brat, your skin is itchy, aren't you?

Extra 12: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 2

On New Year's Eve in the fourth year of Ding'an, Shen Yuanling did not return to Beijing, but stayed in the Liangcheng City Lord's Mansion.

But this time, Qiao Diyi and Xiao Qianyue were not here. The one who accompanied Shen Yuanling on New Year's Eve was the Qiao family army who stayed here.

As for why Qiao Diyi and Xiao Qianyue were not there, it was because more than a year after the wedding, Xiao Qianyue finally became pregnant!

On the third day of August, Xiao Qianyue, who had always had a good appetite, suddenly became wilted and couldn't eat anything, making Qiao Diyi anxious.

He quickly called the doctor to come and take a look. As soon as the doctor checked his pulse, he immediately smiled and said congratulations.

The couple, who were still like children themselves, were completely dumbfounded when they heard this. They were stunned for a long time and could not recover.

After they came to their senses, the two of them felt extremely frightened and were on tenterhooks all day long.

Especially Xiao Qianyue, who usually carelessly wields swords and guns, now had a child in her belly, which made her anxious and anxious, and she lost a lot of weight at the sight of it.

After the good news came back to the capital, Mrs. Qiao and Mrs. Xiao discussed it together. If it didn't work, they had to bring Yue'er back as soon as possible!

The news reached the ears of Shen Yuanzhan and Xiao Qianlan, and Shen Yuanzhan directly issued an order for Qiao Diyi and Xiao Qianyue to return to Beijing to report on their work.

Nowadays, Shen Yuanling is more and more comfortable in the outer northern border, and Qiao Diyi and Xiao Qianyue have not returned to Beijing for nearly two years. Shen Yuanzhan's purpose is to kill two birds with one stone.

So in early September, Qiao Diyi protected his wife and carefully returned to Beijing. Because he walked slowly on the road, he didn't get home until mid-October.

The Qiao family was finally reunited. After a few days of hustle and bustle, Qiao Diyi finally remembered that Xiao Si had asked him to give his little sister a birthday gift.

Jiaojiao took the brocade box and opened it, revealing a dark plum blossom hosta. What's wonderful is that a few plum blossoms in full bloom just fell on the red marks of the jade.

Qiao Diyi took a look and suddenly realized.

"It turns out that Xiaosi is carving this!"

Jiaojiao was surprised when she heard this, "Huh? Second brother, did Xiaosi carve this by himself?"

Qiao Diyi nodded, "Yes, a black jade mine was discovered in Liangzhou. Xiaosi went to see it once. After returning, he found a jade carving master to follow him. When he had free time, he carved in the courtyard. It looks like he's working very hard."

"Hey, this kid-"

Qiao Diyi muttered and stopped talking.

Jiaojiao didn't expect Shen Yuanling to be so considerate. Although this birthday gift came a little late, it was still precious.

She accepted it with great care, thinking that when Shen Yuanling was born next year, she should return the favor properly.

.......

On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, Xiao Qianlan gave birth to the first princess of the Shen family, and Shen Yuanzhan named his daughter - Shen Miaojia.

Because of the birth of the little princess, Jiaojiao happily went to the palace several times, and this year's New Year's Eve was also filled with joy.

The Qiao family was even more noisy and lively because of the return of the two living treasures, Qiao Diyi and Xiao Qianyue.

The day soon came to April 12th, the fifth year of Ding'an, and Xiao Qianyue finally launched.

In the courtyard, Qiao and Xiao's family stayed together. Even Xiao Qianlan abandoned the rules and came from the palace.

In the middle of the year, Xiao Qianyue successfully gave birth to a daughter.

Everyone was happy, and Qiao Zhongguo quickly winked at Xiao Hongda.

He had already agreed with Lao Da that no matter how many children Lao Er and Yue'er had, they would all have the surname Xiao.

Now that she is a daughter, wouldn't Xiao Xiaoxiao, whom he had thought so hard about and was proud of, be put to use!

Xiao Hongda: "..."

How dare you take action against his precious granddaughter, Lao Qiao?

At this time, the child was gently carried out by Mrs. Xiao. Xiao Hongda immediately stepped forward to take it and said in front of everyone:

"The child's name has been decided. He will be called Nuan Qiao, Xiao Nuan Qiao."

After hearing the words, everyone thought about it carefully and nodded in approval.

Qiao Zhongguo:? ? ?

Lao Da, you...wait, Nuan Qiao? It does sound better than Xiaoxiao.

Hey, what a good name, why didn't I think of it...

There is a new member in the family, and life is becoming more and more "hot".

Jiaojiao naturally became a child. Mingpei, Zhisui, Xiao Zhen'er all loved to cling to her, and now there are Xiao Jia'er and Xiao Nuanqiao.

Jiaojiao was shuddered as she imagined that wherever she went from now on, she would be followed by a string of "little tails".

One day, she seemed to hear her eldest brother quietly saying that he and his eldest sister-in-law were planning to have a second child!

Brother-in-law Tan and cousin An Ning must have a second child. After all, my grandfather is still eagerly looking forward to a boy to inherit the title of "Duke of the State of Yan".

The second brother and second sister-in-law may also have children in the future.

Wow, the branches are lush and lively!

————

On the third day of May, in the outer north.

Shen Yuanling came back late at night and sat in the hall quite tiredly.

He was closing his eyes and concentrating. The butler stood quietly outside the hall and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, there is a letter from Beijing. It is from Miss Jiaojiao."

The housekeeper is from Liangcheng and was hired by Shen Yuanling with money. He is a bit old, but fortunately he is still agile and honest.

He didn't know who "Jiaojiao" was, but with the signature on the envelope, Jiaojiao must be a girl's name, so he called her "Miss Jiaojiao."

The housekeeper raised his head as he spoke, but his eyes blurred. Shen Yuanling was standing in front of him at some point.

"Where's the letter!" Shen Yuanling's breathing was slightly rapid.

The butler was startled and hurriedly replied: "Your Majesty, on the case in the inner hall, send it with the same brocade box -"

Before the butler finished speaking, Shen Yuanling's figure had disappeared from the entrance of the inner hall.

housekeeper:"......"

The prince really comes and goes like the wind...

Shen Yuanling walked quickly to the case, and sure enough he saw a brocade box with a letter on it. The letter read: Xiao Si personally opened it, signed: Jiao Jiao.

Shen Yuanling took a slow breath and gently covered the brocade box with his right hand.

The moment the rough palm of his hand brushed against the envelope, the stern look on Shen Yuanling's face that he had cultivated in the Outer North instantly disappeared, replaced by a gentle smile.

He thought for a while, reached out and took the envelope first, and carefully tore open the seal. When he saw it, the handwriting already looked graceful.

The letter contained the same ordinary greetings as before, concerned about whether he had enough food and clothing in the outer north, and whether he would feel lonely when his second brother and sister-in-law Qiao were away.

Shen Yuanling read it word by word carefully, and he was reluctant to read it too quickly. When he learned that Sister Xiao gave birth to a daughter safely, he also relaxed his eyebrows and showed a warm smile.

Jiaojiao also specially thanked him for the birthday gift.

"Thank you, Xiaosi. I like the plum blossom hairpin very much. I have already put it on my head!"

Jiaojiao said.

Shen Yuanling's hand gripped the letter tightly, and there were still a few faint white scars on his index finger, which were all scratched by the carving knife.

At the end of the letter, Jiaojiao wrote with great interest that she also carefully prepared a birthday gift for Xiaosi, which was also made by her own hands. She hoped that Xiaosi would like it.

When Shen Yuanling saw this, he suddenly turned his head to look at the brocade box on the case. At this moment, he couldn't help but feel his heart tremble.

He folded the letter paper carefully, put it away again, and then stood up to open the brocade box.

The moment he reached out his hand, Shen Yuanling's heart skipped a beat, and the fatigue just now had already dissipated completely.

He took a slight breath, and then slowly opened the brocade box. What came into view was a piece of letter paper, which read:

"If you have nothing in the south of the Yangtze River, just give me a sprig of spring."

Shen Yuanling opened the letter, and lying under it - Yizhimei.

His heart felt hot.

Just like the birthday gift he gave to Jiaojiao, it was plum.

He reached out to pick it up, only to realize that it felt strange to the touch. He took a closer look and found that the plum blossom was actually made of grass, made by Jiaojiao herself - a flower that never withers.

"Jiaojiao..."

Shen Yuanling's eyes suddenly felt sore, and at this moment, his longing for Jiaojiao almost reached its peak.

It's been two years.

He really wants to see her...

Extra Thirteen: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 3

On the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, it snowed heavily in the capital.

On the seventeenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the ground was already covered with a thick layer of white snow. Qiao Mingpei and Tan Zhisui were so happy that they pestered Jiaojiao to play in the snow.

"Auntie!"

"Auntie!"

The two of them were on one side, pulling on Jiaojiao's sleeves and swaying.

Jiaojiao: "..."

"Can't you two go hand in hand? Can I just sit aside and watch you play?"

"No, no! Please, little aunt (little aunt)..."

Jiaojiao: "..."

The sister-in-law and cousin An Ning were almost overjoyed at the same time. Mingpei and Zhisui were clever enough to know that they couldn't mess with their mother at this time. As a result, they clung to her in a tacit understanding and couldn't wait to share the bed with her at night...

Seeing that if she continued not to agree, these two would pull down her sleeves, Jiaojiao could only surrender "with tears in her eyes".

"Okay, okay, okay, let's go, let's go to the yard."

"yeah!"

Qiao Mingpei and Tan Zhisui happily held Jiaojiao's hands and ran into the snow.

After playing for a while, Jiaojiao smelled really good, and the snowball fight was even more fun than Mingpei and Zhisui.

"Mingpei!" Jiaojiao shouted loudly.

Qiao Mingpei was in Tuanxue, and when he heard this, he turned around without warning.

Snapped--

A cloud of snow hit him in the face.

"Hahaha!"

Jiaojiao couldn't help laughing when she saw Qiao Mingpei's confused look.

It's over, she really went back as she lived, haha!

"Ah! Little aunt! Look at me!"

Qiao Mingpei was so angry that he stamped his feet, quickly formed a big snowball, held it in his hand and was about to throw it towards Jiaojiao.

Jiaojiao took a look at the amount, oh! This guy is so rude!

"Haha, you can't catch up with me with your short legs!"

Jiaojiao ran away, laughing at Qiao Mingpei's panting appearance.

Tan Zhisui was younger after all, so Jiaojiao and Mingpei didn't dare to attack her. She stood in the middle, watching Jiaojiao and Mingpei chase each other, shouting excitedly, and cheering Jiaojiao up.

She is on the side of her aunt!

There was constant laughter in the courtyard. Tan Zhisui was jumping up and down and shouting. Suddenly his eyes narrowed and he looked curiously in the direction of the corridor and stopped.

Jiaojiao didn't hear Zhisui's voice for a while, worried that she was cold, so she quickly stopped.

Snapped--

Qiao Mingpei suddenly stopped, and the snowball hit Jiaojiao on the back of her head. The loose snow fell into her neck, making Jiaojiao shiver with the cold.

But she still walked towards Tan Zhisui immediately and asked with concern: "Zhisui, what's the matter?"

Tan Zhisui raised his hand and pointed towards the corridor, with a puzzled look on his face, "Auntie, who is that uncle?"

Jiaojiao paused when she heard this and looked in the direction of Zhisui's finger.

On the corridor, a young man was standing there quietly.

The weather in the twelfth lunar month was so cold that Jiaojiao had already put on a thick fur coat and an autumn-colored wind collar. If it weren't for a snowball fight, she would have to wear a cloak.

But the young man was dressed in black casual clothes and his clothes were thin. He stood up straight, his face was as usual, and he didn't seem to be afraid of the cold at all.

When Jiaojiao saw that face, she was stunned for a moment, moved her lips, and called out softly: "Xiao...Xiaosi?"

The person in front of her had grown so much that she felt a little confused for a moment.

"Sister Qiao, I'm back."

Shen Yuanling spoke and walked down the corridor, but his eyes always fell on Jiaojiao's face.

In two or three years, Jiaojiao has grown up a lot, and her eyebrows have become more and more like her mother's, but there is still a hint of heroic spirit from her father in her eyebrows.

But Jiaojiao is only seven years old after all, and she still looks cute and adorable.

Hearing Shen Yuanling's response, Jiaojiao opened her mouth in disbelief, but in an instant, the joy of meeting old friends filled her heart, and she ran towards Shen Yuanling without hesitation.

Jiaojiao came over, and Shen Yuanling could no longer bear it. He quickened his steps and met Jiaojiao under the eaves of the corridor.

Jiaojiao has no intention of avoiding suspicion, or in other words, she has no such concept at all. In her heart, she and Xiaosi are still the same as before.

She just jumped forward. Shen Yuanling's heart skipped a beat, and he opened his arms to hug Jiaojiao.

"Xiaosi, you're back. I miss you so much! Why don't you say something so I can pick you up outside the city!"

Jiao Jiao raised her head with a smile. When she saw Xiao Si very close to her, her eyes suddenly widened slightly and she said dryly for a while:

"Xiaosi, you...you have grown up a lot..."

Xiaosi's eyebrows have matured a lot, and she no longer looks childish. Moreover, holding her now, her feet are hanging in the air...

Can you grow so much in two years?

Jiaojiao was full of questions.

"It's been snowing these past few days. I didn't want to mobilize a large crowd for everyone to pick me up, so I came back quietly and went back to the palace. My stepbrother reported that he was safe and came to see the master immediately."

Shen Yuanling answered with a smile, his tone was normal, but only he knew how hot his chest was at this moment.

"Who are you! Let go of my aunt!"

Zhi Sui ran over at some point and pulled Shen Yuanling's hem with all his strength, his tone full of displeasure.

Qiao Mingpei is more knowledgeable. My aunt seemed very happy to see this man. Moreover, he seemed to have... seen this man before.

Zhi Sui was still pulling on Shen Yuan Ling stubbornly. When Jiao Jiao saw this, she quickly patted Shen Yuan Ling's shoulder and asked him to let her go.

As soon as she landed on the ground, Jiaojiao found that she had barely reached Shen Yuanling's chest.

this? ? ?

Soon, Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi got the news and came over. Qiao Diyi punched Shen Yuanling on the shoulder first when they met.

"Xiao Si, you are finally back!"

He and Shen Yuanling both followed the martial arts path, and the two of them had deep internal strength. Even in the dead of winter, a thin winter coat was enough.

Qiao Tianwen was weaker, wore a crane cloak, looked like pearls and jade, and had always been a first-class noble son respected by people in the capital.

"Let's go back to the main hall to talk."

He leaned over and picked up Xiao Zhisui first.

Everyone walked towards the corridor while chatting and laughing. Jiaojiao tilted her head and stared at Shen Yuanling tightly, never moving away.

It was strange. The Xiao Si in her impression was still in Wuding, so how could it be that in two years, Xiao Si had secretly grown up so much "behind her back"?

Shen Yuanling's attention was actually always on Jiaojiao. He could feel that Jiaojiao was looking at him.

After realizing this, the muscles all over his body tensed up involuntarily, and he felt inexplicably nervous. Although he was only wearing a winter coat, his whole body felt very hot.

There is a feeling of... being on trial.

"Ahem."

While Shen Yuanling was talking to Brother Qiao and Brother Qiao, he looked at Kong and turned to Jiaojiao and smiled.

Jiaojiao was slightly startled, then smiled back.

At this time, she couldn't help but murmur in her heart:

What's going on? Xiao Si looks pretty good when she smiles! This is the 18th male transformation!

————

ps: Ahhh! Sorry, I overestimated myself, I couldn't finish it in one day.

Although it is a side story, I still want to write it seriously, write it more delicately, make the transition more natural, and write it until they grow up.

The timeline will be accelerated tomorrow, but I don't dare to set the flag. I will continue writing anyway. The extras are all sweet cookies. You can watch them as you see fit. If you don't like this, exit immediately!

Extra Fourteen: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 4

Qiao Zhongguo was shocked when he saw Shen Yuanling again.

Shen Yuanling knelt down in front of Qiao Zhongguo politely, performed the master-disciple ceremony, and shouted:

"Master, Xiaosi is back!"

Qiao Zhongguo stepped forward to help him, his big hand fell on Shen Yuanling's shoulder, squeezed hard, and then praised without hesitation:

"Good boy, strong enough! It seems that I haven't been playful in the past two years in the Outer North."

After being praised by Qiao Zhongguo, Shen Yuanling grinned and felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart.

"Master, Xiaosi misses you very much!"

Shen Yuanling's eyes even turned slightly red when he said this sincerely.

For Shen Yuanling, Shen Yuanzhan is like his father as his eldest brother, and Qiao Zhongguo is like his father. Both of them are indispensable guiding lights in his life.

Qiao Zhongguo was somewhat sensationalized by Shen Yuanling's words. He really liked this boy. He was resistant to fighting and scolding and was very diligent. His main reason was that he had a high level of understanding.

"Good boy, when you come back, stay longer and come to Qiao Mansion often."

As Qiao Zhongguo spoke, he raised his hand to rub Shen Yuanling's head.

As a result, at this time, Qiao Tianjing on the side said unexpectedly: "Ahem, Xiaosi has his own intentions. When he came, he went straight to the backyard, and by chance, he bumped into my little sister."

When Qiao Zhongguo heard this, he raised his eyebrows and used his right hand to slap him: "Get out of here, you kid!"

Shen Yuanling was unprepared and was pushed away by Qiao Zhongguo, taking several steps back.

Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi laughed out loud when they saw this scene, especially Qiao Diyi, whose loud voice was heard outside the house.

Shen Yuanling finally stood up straight and touched his nose guiltily, not daring to say any nonsense.

Qiao Zhongguo snorted coldly, took Jiaojiao on the side, hugged Tan Zhisui in Qiao Tianjing's arms, and walked out angrily.

"Jiaojiao, daddy will take you to find your mother."

Jiaojiao:?

She also wanted to chat with Xiaosi...

Shen Yuanling scratched his head, his ears burned red, and he didn't dare to catch up even a step.

"Haha, as soon as Xiaosi comes back, my position will be saved!"

Qiao Diyi happily stepped forward, put his arms around Shen Yuanling's shoulders, and smiled so proudly.

Shen Yuanling: "..."

Qiao Tianjing walked forward slowly and said calmly: "Xiaosi, let's go. You have paid homage to the master, why don't you go to pay homage to the master's wife?"

Shen Yuanling's eyebrows suddenly lit up when he heard this, and he quickly agreed, pushing and shoving Qiao Diyi out of the house.

Qiao Mingpei, who was hanging on the back like a little tail, looked at his father, and then at Shen Yuanling in front, with big doubts in his big eyes.

So, does daddy like or dislike this little uncle?

...

The New Year's Eve of Ding'an's fifth year is the most crowded in recent years, and Qiao Mansion is always the busiest place.

Shen Yuanling spent the whole day running to Qiao's Mansion, and even the Queen Mother couldn't help but sigh: It's true that the most powerful men are not allowed to stay...

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the sixth year of Ding'an, it was the Lantern Festival.

Jiaojiao was still wrapped in a warm quilt, and bursts of laughter could be heard outside the yard.

Jiaojiao reluctantly arched herself under the quilt, but still chose to get up with her clothes on.

After all, she has memories of the modern life, and is not used to having to be taken care of all the time, so she always dresses by herself, but combing her hair into a bun... she really can't do it.

She jumped off the bed nimbly, put on her clothes carefully, opened the door to her room with her hair loose, and was about to call someone to help her comb her hair when several figures had already chirped over.

"aunt!"

"Auntie!"

"Aunt Jiaojiao!"

Jiaojiao's scalp was numb with stress, Mingpei, Zhisui and Xiaozhen'er were already surrounding her.

Jiaojiao was a little surprised when she saw Xiao Zhen'er.

"Xiao Zhen'er, why are you here today?"

Shen Chengzhen stretched out his hand and pointed back, and said with a smile: "Aunt Jiaojiao, I begged the emperor to send me here!"

Hearing this, Jiaojiao raised her eyes and looked outside, and sure enough she saw a young man in white, leaning against the courtyard door with his arms crossed, without even taking a step forward.

At this time, he was also looking here, with bright eyes and a smile.

"Xiao Si!"

Jiaojiao was overjoyed and immediately waved her hand to Shen Yuanling, her playful hair swaying by her side as she moved.

Shen Yuanling slowly stood up straight, curled the corners of his mouth, and stared at this scene, as if he wanted to remember it firmly.

There is a grand lantern festival in the capital tonight. I am spoiled and love the excitement, so I will not miss it.

Shen Yuanling volunteered to accompany Jiaojiao to the lantern festival. The Qiao family were secretly exchanging looks, and Jiaojiao had already happily agreed:

"Xiaosi, you haven't been back for two years. I've failed at this Lantern Festival. I'll take you to play tonight!"

Seeing Jiaojiao jumping out, Shen Yuanling followed behind, the Qiao family said: "..."

It doesn't matter, Jiaojiao hasn't figured it out yet, she still doesn't understand.

...

Putian Street is bustling with people.

Jiaojiao kept talking about her treasures along the way, talking about which shop had the best honey cakes and which stall had the most beautiful lanterns.

Shen Yuanling stood by his side, his dark eyes illuminated by the lanterns on the roadside, fixed on Jiaojiao's face.

You can't see such a prosperous scene in the outer north.

He was always busy running in the strong north wind. After returning to the house, in the dead of night, he was inevitably surrounded by unspeakable loneliness.

But Shen Yuanling is thinking at this moment that it won't happen in the future.

Whenever he closes his eyes, he can recall tonight in detail, Jiaojiao is by his side, with a smile, like a bright moon, shining on him all the time.

"Xiaosi, I remember you don't like sweet things, right? Try this honey cake, it's not very sweet, but it's very glutinous and delicious!"

Jiaojiao struggled to squeeze into the familiar shop, bought a bag of honey cakes at once, took out the top piece, and handed it to Shen Yuanling.

Her eyes were crescent like crescent moons when she smiled.

Shen Yuanling raised his hand to take the secret cake and put it into his mouth without hesitation. It was still too sweet...

But, he likes it very much.

"Sister Qiao, I want another piece."

"Isn't it delicious!"

Seeing that Shen Yuanling liked it, Jiaojiao's smile became even stronger. She gave Shen Yuanling another piece, and then she couldn't wait to eat it.

There were crowds of people around, and there was a buzz of people's voices, and there was also the faint sound of gongs, drums, silk and bamboo.

The two walked side by side in the crowd, chatting and laughing amidst the noise, their sleeves entangled in one place, and their steps were in unison.

At this time, someone shouted loudly: "The lantern riddle guessing has begun! This year's prize is a glaze lamp!"

call--

Waves of shouts suddenly sounded all around, and everyone quickened their pace and swarmed forward.

"Jiaojiao!"

Shen Yuanling's heart tightened, and he hurriedly closed his right arm and took Jiaojiao into his arms.

However, when he lowered his head, Jiaojiao raised her face, eyes full of stars, smiled, took his hand, and ran forward with the flow of people.

"Xiaosi, let's go! Let's guess lantern riddles together!"

The warm little hand reached into his palm, and the delicate face was full of smiles, without any distracting thoughts, only pure joy.

Shen Yuanling couldn't explain his mood at this moment.

It was grand joy and satisfaction mixed with secret loss and unwillingness, which floated up and down in my heart, and finally melted into Jiaojiao's call.

"Xiao Si, look! That glass cup is so beautiful!"

Shen Yuanling slowly tightened his palms and grasped Jiaojiao's hand.

He stepped forward, stood side by side with Jiaojiao, and said with a smile: "If Sister Qiao likes it, I will try to see if I can win it. I hope that all I have learned is not returned to Mr. Tan."

Jiaojiao couldn't help but smile teasingly when she heard this, "Then give it a try. If you lose, don't say that you learned from Brother-in-law Tan."

After all, Brother-in-law Tan is a great talent who is famous all over the capital, and no one can match him so far!

...

In the end, Shen Yuanling failed to win the glass cup for Jiaojiao.

After all, he has been traveling around the outer north for the past two years, and his martial arts skills have improved steadily, but he does not have much time to sit down and study peacefully.

After this incident, he sounded the alarm for himself. It seemed that he still didn't work hard enough and he left behind his homework.

Because he was worried that he had let Jiaojiao down, Shen Yuanling found a more luxurious glass lamp from his private treasury the next day and delivered it to Jiaojiao himself.

Jiaojiao couldn't help crying or laughing while holding the glass cup in her hands. She had forgotten all about it after sleeping.

Furthermore, there are many talented people in Beijing, Xiaosi is still young, and he has been busy in the outer north for the past two years. It would be strange to win against them!

...

In early March of the sixth year of Ding'an, Shen Yuanling was going to the Outer North Territory again. This time, General Qiao Diyi set off with Shen Yuanling.

Xiao Qianyue is going too. Even if she has a child, she will not be confined to the back house.

It's just that Xiao Nuanqiao has not yet turned one year old, and it is still cold in the outer north in March and April, so Xiao Qianyue will have to wait a few months before setting off.

Xiao Hongda had already handed Shen Yuanzhan a note and asked for leave in advance. Now that he was no longer in charge of the military and the world was stable, he was naturally more relaxed.

When the time comes, he will take his wife and send Yue'er to the Outer North Territory in person, and then live with Yue'er and his wife in the Outer Bei Territory for a while.

At the pavilion outside the capital, a group of people came to see him off.

Jiaojiao had already cried with Qiao Diyi in their arms. The two of them kept shouting "little sister" and "second brother", which made everyone laugh and feel sad at the same time.

Shen Yuanling said goodbye to Qiao Zhongguo and Zuo Hejing, greeted everyone one by one, and finally stood in front of Jiaojiao.

"Sister Qiao, Xiaosi may be very busy when we go out this time. See you next time..."

Hearing this, Jiaojiao smiled and said, "It's okay, I'm just an idler. I can go find you and my second brother!"

"I know that Xiaosi is going out to do big things this time. Come on! I will write to you often, or should I send it to a good city?"

Jiaojiao tilted her head and said with a smile.

Shen Yuanling noticed it immediately when they met. She was wearing the plum blossom jade hairpin he gave her on her delicate head.

His heart surged with heat, and when he saw that everyone's attention was on the reluctant second brother and second sister-in-law Qiao, he leaned over slightly and raised his hand to straighten Jiaojiao's hairpin.

"Jiaojiao, next time we meet, I will grow up..."

Shen Yuanling suddenly spoke in a low voice, his voice no longer as clear as usual, as if he was hiding countless twists and turns of his thoughts.

Hearing this low call, Jiaojiao couldn't help but raise her head and looked right into Shen Yuanling's eyes.

It was a serious look that she had never seen on Xiaosi's face before, and it was solemn, as if he was making a promise.

"Xiaosi..."

Jiaojiao was stunned for a moment, and there was something strange in her heart, but she couldn't grasp it.

She was really not used to it, Xiaosi called her Jiaojiao.

However, Shen Yuanling suddenly felt a little scared. He was full of regret and hurriedly took two steps back, widening the distance between the two.

"It's time for me to go, sister Qiao, take care."

He said in a panic and turned to lead the horse.

Jiaojiao opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, everyone came over and watched Shen Yuanling and Qiao Diyi mount their horses.

I really have to leave......

Shen Yuanling and Qiao Diyi waved to everyone and ran away for a long time without forgetting to turn back and wave goodbye.

At this moment, Jiaojiao had already suppressed the elusive strangeness. Her heart was full of sadness. She chased a few steps, waved her hands desperately, and shouted:

"Second brother! Xiaosi! Have a safe trip!"

————

Continue tomorrow.

Extra 15: Double production

This time in the Outer North Territory, Shen Yuanling and Qiao Diyi were really busy.

Although Beijing and China have agreed on a charter, the actual conditions in each state and city vary, making implementation difficult.

Qiao Diyi took care of his family, so he settled in Liangcheng and guarded the rear area. Shen Yuanling was left alone and was responsible for traveling around.

For a long period of time, without timely correspondence, even Qiao Diyi in the outer north would not know where Shen Yuanling was.

...

At this time, Jiaojiao, who was far away in the capital, began her "big career" of traveling around.

She finally convinced the Queen Mother to travel with her!

Since marrying into the royal family, the Empress Dowager has only been out of the palace a handful of times. If she wants to go anywhere the most, it is Luzhou, where the ancestral home of the Ren family is located.

When she was still in her boudoir, the Queen Mother once went to Luzhou with her father, and she has never forgotten the scenery there.

When Jiaojiao heard it, wasn't it simple?

Just go to Luzhou!

There is no need to mobilize troops and make a big fanfare. They bring enough followers and they travel in a low-key manner!

Shen Yuanzhan naturally supported his mother's trip. He had prepared everything early and carefully taken care of things along the way. Today, he even changed his private server and sent it to the city gate respectfully.

Jiaojiao and the Queen Mother were riding in a carriage together. At this moment, she was holding the Queen Mother's arm very affectionately.

Seeing Shen Yuanzhan's earnest instructions, Jiaojiao immediately smiled and said:

"Brother Emperor, don't worry, Jiaojiao will definitely take good care of the Queen Mother."

Shen Yuanzhan couldn't help but smile when he heard this, "Your little ancestor has taken good care of himself, brother, thank God."

The sparkling carriage drove towards the beautiful mountains and rivers in the distance. The Queen Mother couldn't help but stretched out her hand to lift the curtain of the carriage and looked back at the majestic Yongjing City behind her.

At this moment, endless emotions surged up, and finally turned into an indifferent smile at the corner of his mouth.

so good--

After leaving the city, she gave up her identity as the Queen Mother of the Shen family and became just the daughter of the Ren family and herself.

She wanted to see the majestic scenery of Dayong in person, feel the mountains and rivers and the people that her father would protect even if he sacrificed his life, and pursue the freedom that Jiaojiao talked about - the freedom facing the wind.

"Mother, would you like some honey cake?"

Jiaojiao came forward and asked with a smile.

Hearing the sound, the Queen Mother lowered the car curtain, reached out to take the honey cake in Jiaojiao's hand, took a bite, and couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Too sweet."

Jiaojiao had already eaten a piece, and tilted her head when she heard this, "Really? Xiaosi has also eaten it. He likes it, so it shouldn't be very sweet."

The Queen Mother's heart moved when she heard this. Then she looked at Jiaojiao who unconsciously took another bite of the honey cake in front of her, and couldn't help but shake her head secretly.

Could she, a mother, not know about Xiaosi's appetite? That child doesn't like to eat honey cakes, I'm afraid...

Come on, come on, it's still early.

The Queen Mother ate half of the honey cake in her hand. After wiping her hands, she took out a clean soft handkerchief, wiped the corners of Jiaojiao's mouth tenderly and dotingly, and then said with a smile:

"It's a blessing that Jiaojiao is with the Ai family. That kid Xiaosi is ambitious and the Ai family doesn't count on him."

"Jiaojiao is such a sweetheart. Without you, the Ai family wouldn't know where to cry."

The Queen Mother reached out and took Jiaojiao over. This was the apple of the Qiao family's eye and her heart's treasure.

Jiaojiao fell down and nestled in the Empress Dowager's arms, feeling very comfortable.

She raised her head and said with a smile: "My dear, you are eating from the bowl and looking at the pot!"

The Queen Mother was startled when she heard this, then she smiled and admitted her mistake again and again, "Yes, yes, it's the Ai family's fault. Let's not mention the mistress. Jiaojiao, why don't you talk to the Ai family about the delicious food along the way?" ?"

As soon as I mentioned this Jiaojiao, I got excited and started counting them with my fingers.

The Queen Mother lowered her eyes and listened carefully, her eyes full of tenderness.

————

It took nearly three months for Jiaojiao and the Queen Mother to return. It was early July in the sixth year of Ding'an, and both Zuo Anning and Hanya Xian were about to give birth.

Xiao Qianyue was supposed to leave in June, but when she saw that her two sisters were about to give birth, she was reluctant to leave.

Finally, I made a plan with my parents and simply waited for An Ning and Xian'er to give birth safely before setting off.

Jiaojiao didn't dare to leave her for a moment these days. She spent the whole day either with her sister-in-law or cousin An Ning.

Mingpei has already enlightened and has homework to do at a young age, so it is natural that he will become Jiaojiao's "exclusive pendant".

On July 26, Qiao Tianjing and Tan Hanchi were discussing matters in the imperial study.

Yesterday, Shen Yuanling's secret report came back from the Outer North Territory, mentioning several thorny issues. Today, Shen Yuanzhan summoned his two most beloved ministers to discuss it behind closed doors.

Liufuzi stood guard outside the imperial study, looked up at the sky, and couldn't help wiping his sweat.

It was the hottest time in July, and it had been two hours since Master Qiao and Master Tan entered the palace. It seemed that Prince Ling had really encountered a lot of difficulties this time.

Liufuzi was muttering secretly in his heart, when suddenly a guard of the forest army came in a hurry from the palace road, with a look of panic on his face.

Liufuzi frowned slightly when he saw this, and stepped forward to meet him.

The imperial guard immediately spoke in a low voice: "Eunuch Liufu, the Tan family sent a message from outside the palace, saying that Mrs. Tan is about to give birth."

When Liu Fuzi heard this, he was startled for a moment, then turned to look at the closed door of the Imperial Study Room.

this......

Before Liu Fuzi could make up his mind, with almost the same effort as his front and back feet, another member of the imperial forest army came quickly. When he got close, he said hurriedly:

"Mr. Liufu, the Qiao family spread the word of Princess Yongle outside the palace that Mrs. Qiao is about to give birth. If there is no urgent matter, please let Master Qiao go home as soon as possible!"

Liufuzi was about to come forward and call for help just now. After all, the Holy Emperor's favor and reliance on Lord Tan are well known. Now that even Princess Yongle has spoken, Liufuzi dare not delay.

He nodded, walked forward quickly, and called softly at the door of the temple: "Your Majesty."

"What's the matter?"

Shen Yuanzhan's faint voice came from the hall.

Liufuzi hurriedly reported: "Back to the Holy Father, people from Qiao Mansion and Tan Mansion are coming one after another. Please come home, please."

In the hall, Tan Hanchi and Qiao Tianjing reacted instantly when they heard this, and couldn't help but feel anxious.

Shen Yuanzhan understood in an instant and immediately waved his hand to let him go.

"In that case, my dear friends, please come back quickly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Qiao Tianjing and Tan Hanchi hurried out of the palace and walked on the palace road, with their hems raised.

Shen Yuanzhan stood in the hall, seeing this scene was both novel and funny.

Qiao Qing and Tan Qing are rare talents. They are a perfect match and can be his right and left arm.

Normally, the two of them are gentle and calm, but it is rare to see them looking so eager.

What a coincidence, the two children came on the same day...

What a coincidence?

Hanya Xian in the Qiao Mansion has just been activated, and everyone is busy. The news of Zuo Anning's activation has also been transmitted.

Jiaojiao is so anxious that she wishes she could break one into two!

"Oh, oh, where should I go? Are there enough people at Cousin An Ning's place?"

Zuo Hejing was also anxious. After thinking about it, he entered the delivery room and held Hanyaxian's hand tightly.

"Xian'er, good boy, Ning'er is also active today. There is no elder around her. Mom thought about it and decided that she still has to go. How about letting your mother-in-law accompany you here?"

When Hanya Xian heard that Zuo An Ning was about to give birth, she couldn't help but feel worried. She hurriedly agreed and said, "Mom, go quickly, Xian'er knows this in her heart."

"Good boy, the second baby should be born quickly and won't suffer too much. Mom will come back later."

Zuo Hejing wiped Hanya Xian's sweat distressedly, said no to Mrs. Han, and left in a hurry.

Tan Hanchi lost his mother when he was young, and Zuo Anning's mother... So Zuo Hejing had to go to Anning no matter what.

Jiaojiao watched her mother rush to Tan Mansion, squeezing her hands, and was anxious when she suddenly saw Qiao Mingpei standing nervously and at a loss.

Her heart softened, and she quickly stepped forward to take Qiao Mingpei's hand and comforted him softly.

This fuss lasted for nearly two hours. At the beginning of the unitary hour, a loud cry sounded. Hanya Xian gave birth to her second child, another big fat boy.

Everyone was overjoyed, both boys and girls were doing well, and the greatest peace!

Less than half a quarter of an hour later, good news came from the Tan family. Zuo Anning also gave birth to a boy. Shen Shimo was born earlier than the second fat boy in the Qiao family. He was an elder brother.

After Jiaojiao heard the news that Zuo Anning had given birth safely, her heart finally dropped.

She knew that her grandfather was probably grinning from the corner of his mouth to the back of his ears at this moment. After all, the "Future Duke of Yan" that he had longed for had finally arrived!

Han Yaxian is the only daughter of the Han family. Qiao Zhongguo had mentioned long ago that the second child of Qiao Tianjing and Han Yaxian, regardless of male or female, can take the surname Han.

But Han Mingzhe didn't care about this. He declined Qiao Zhongguo at that time and only said that a hundred years later, Qiao Tianjing and Hanya Xian would remember to burn paper money for him and his wife.

Han Mingzhe was an incorruptible official and a man of integrity, but he was inevitably not tactful enough in dealing with matters, so he offended many people and earned the title of "stinking stone".

But in fact, he is like a clear mirror in his heart, he has never felt guilty, and he can see things more clearly than the average person.

If he was really obsessed with this, he would have had another son anyway, and he just didn't care.

After a hundred years, dust will return to dust and dust will return to earth, but it will only be a drop in the ocean.

In the evening, the imperial decree was passed down, and Shen Yuanzhan named the second son of the Qiao family - Qiao Mingliang.

Qiao Zhongguo: Huh? ? ?

I once again lost my beloved reputation of "self-improvement"! ! !

The eldest son of Tan took the surname Zuo, and because he was from the generation with the character "Shi", Shen Yuanzhan gave him the name Zuo Shiwei, who would be the hereditary Duke of Yan in the future.

In the evening, Qiao Tianjing stayed by the couch, gently feeding Hanya Xian a bowl of warm soup.

"Xian'er, thank you for your hard work. I suffered a lot today."

Qiao Tianjing put down the soup bowl, half-knelt in front of the couch, and stroked Hanya Xian's face again and again.

Han Yaxian was in good spirits, smiled and shook her head, "After all, this is my second child. It's not as torturous as giving birth to Pei'er, but I didn't get what I wanted. I originally wanted to give birth to a child as cute as a little sister." Where's my daughter?"

Qiao Tianjing couldn't help but smile when he heard this, "I think everything is fine."

"You, everything is fine."

Hanya Xian actually said casually that this was her and Qiao Lang's child, and she liked both boys and girls.

"As long as it's about Xian'er, everything will be fine."

Qiao Tianjing leaned forward slightly and placed a gentle kiss on Han Yaxian's forehead.

"It might be difficult to get up tonight, so I'll sleep outside the couch so I can take care of Xian'er, okay?"

Hanya Xian's face turned red when she heard this, but her heart felt warm. She said worriedly, "But don't you have to go to court early tomorrow?"

Qiao Tianjing glanced at Hanya Xian with a smile, "My husband is young, strong, and physically strong, so it's not a problem to stay up for a few long nights. But my Xian'er must be taken good care of, and she must not be tired or be greedy for cold weather."

"Okay, okay."

Qiao Tianjing did the same thing when she gave birth to Qiao Mingpei, so Hanya Xian smiled and agreed, and couldn't help but burst into laughter after answering.

Being with her husband all day long, she has also learned to "be good, be good".

The couple looked at me and I looked at you, and couldn't help but smile at each other, and suddenly the room felt warm.

————

ps: Continue to write according to the timeline, everything is daily.

I rolled the dice to get Qiao Tianjing and Han Yaxian's second child. The odd number was a boy and the even number was a girl. It all depended on God's will. If it rolled three times, it would be a boy. There was absolutely no bias.

As for the second child of Tan Hanchi and Zuo Anning, in order to have a successor to the Duke of Yan Kingdom, I wrote a boy. This was decided from the beginning.

Oh my gosh, my daily routine is getting longer and longer...

I also want to finish writing and travel as soon as possible, but my obsessive-compulsive disorder prevents me from summarizing many plots in one go.

But I also had a lot of fun writing the extra, haha. When I was typing, the corners of my mouth never dropped.

Continue tomorrow.

Extra Chapter 16: A rainstorm

At the end of August in the sixth year of Ding'an, after attending the full moon banquet of Qiao Mingliang and Zuo Shiwei, Xiao Qianyue took Xiao Nuanqiao, accompanied by Duke Ding and his wife, and set out for the Outer North to join Qiao Diyi.

Jiaojiao stayed in Beijing. On the one hand, she spent more time with Mingpei and Zhisui. On the other hand, Hanyaxian and Zuo Anning were taking care of themselves. Jiaojiao went to visit the women's college from time to time.

This women's college was established not long ago. Not only is the tuition and fees free, but all the teachers are female.

The students we accept include girls from ordinary families, as well as women who are busy making a living but also want to study and become literate.

It is worth mentioning that Sheng Xiuran is one of the female teachers in the women's college. She came to her after hearing about the name of the women's college without even asking for payment.

Nowadays, the merger of the Almshouse and Tzu Chi Bureau is still progressing. Sheng Xiuran goes to the college to teach when she has free time, and she is very conscientious and responsible.

Of course, Zuo Hejing also specially invited a husband for Jiaojiao at his house.

According to Jiaojiao's words, read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles.

Now she has to work on both ends. She needs to read books well, practice calligraphy well, and appreciate the beautiful mountains and rivers.

On New Year's Eve in the sixth year of Ding'an, neither Qiao Diyi's family nor Shen Yuanling returned to Beijing.

After seven years of Ding'an, the women's college was on the right track, and Hanyaxian and Zuo Anning were free to work, so Jiaojiao went out again.

She originally wanted to go to the Outer North Territory, but Qiao Diyi said in her reply that the Outer North Territory was still being reorganized and was still dangerous, so she asked Jiaojiao to come back later.

Jiaojiaozai replied carefully, expressed her longing for her, and then chose to continue walking south.

She is a member of the Merit Mall, and her merit points have been basically used to help others over the years. In fact, there is no one or thing in this world that can threaten Jiaojiao.

On this trip south, Jiaojiao only had Da Lian and her husband to keep her company.

Da Lian's husband is Qiao Twenty-Qi, a young man with an upright appearance and a gentle temperament. If Da Lian is as passionate and fierce as fire, Qiao Twenty-Qi is like... a well, calm, gentle and tolerant.

He first fell in love with Da Lian and approached Qiao Bo, but Qiao Bo thought that his temperament was too different from Da Lian's and was not optimistic about her.

But who knows about such things as fate.

After Dalian found out about this, she went to meet Qiao Twenty-Qi. It is said that the two had another fight. After Dalian returned, she told Qiao Bo that she had a crush on Qiao Twenty-Qi.

The two became good friends.

During this long trip, Qiao Erqi was extremely attentive, and Jiaojiao regarded Dalian as a sister. The two of them laughed and made fun, seriously just playing together.

On this day, a group of three people came to Fucheng, Minzhou.

Qiao Twenty-Qi knew Jiaojiao's habits, so after arranging an inn, he went out to inquire about good places in the area.

Back at the inn, Jiaojiao and Dalian had had a good rest. Qiao Twenty-Qi made a list, including everything to eat and play.

Jiao Jiao took the order with a smile and told Qiao Twenty-Qi to take a good rest before she looked down with interest.

At this sight, she was suddenly startled.

Upon seeing this, Dalian immediately came over and asked with a smile: "Miss, what's the matter?"

Jiaojiao raised her finger and pointed at the list. Da Lian lowered her eyes and read out slowly: "Yi-Cai-Yan-Yu Teahouse?"

"Miss, Dalian hasn't read much, so what's the point of this misty rain?"

Jiaojiao raised her head, her face full of emotion, and she spoke softly after a long time: "Maybe this is where our old friend has returned."

"Where is the old friend? Miss, do you even have friends in Minzhou?"

Da Lian had a look of disbelief, but in the blink of an eye, she had a look of admiration.

"Miss, you really have friends all over the world!"

Jiaojiao couldn't help but feel funny when she saw Dalian giving her a thumbs up seriously.

"When your husband is well and rested, we will go to this Misty Rain Teahouse to have a look."

Da Lian snorted when he heard this, "Why should he rest if he is strong? It's better to be tired, otherwise he will still..."

Da Lian suddenly stopped talking. Seeing that Jiao Jiao still looked innocent in front of her, she immediately took a breath, but she still blushed secretly and stood up uncomfortably.

"Miss, I'm going to call him. Since we are meeting Miss's old friend, let's go now."

Da Lian left in a hurry, and Jiaojiao sat by the window. It wasn't until Da Lian's figure disappeared at the door of the room that she raised her hand and touched her nose, with a faint blush on her face.

What, she heard it one night...ahem...

As expected, Qiao Twenty-Qi was "captured" by Da Lian. Jiao Jiao saw that he was willingly doting on Da Lian and felt like she was being stuffed with dog food...

At this time, Jiaojiao asked about the details of Yili Yanyu Teahouse.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Twenty-Qi immediately elaborated, "Miss, the reason why this Tea House is famous is that its tea is said to be of top quality and tastes very good, and secondly..."

Qiao Twenty-Qi suddenly glanced at Da Lian, and then said: "The second reason is because the proprietress of the teahouse is a beautiful woman who still has charm, and many people go there because of her reputation."

"My subordinate thought that the lady might not want to miss it, so - hiss - it was put on the list."

Jiaojiao pretended not to notice, and Dalian took advantage of her position to pinch Qiao Twenty-Qi hard.

A beautiful woman who still retains her charm?

Jiaojiao suddenly thought of a long-lost name - Yin Zhu.

"Let's go and have a look."

Jiaojiao stood up, and Dalian and Qiao Erqi hurriedly followed.

Qiao Twenty-seven harnessed the horse, asked the store owner, and then drove to the southern suburbs of Fucheng. When he reached the bottom of the mountain, he parked the carriage and had to walk into the mountain.

In April in Fucheng, it would be misty and rainy from time to time.

Dalian held up an oil-paper umbrella for Jiaojiao, and the three of them walked up slowly without being in a hurry.

About half a quarter of an hour later, Jiaojiao finally saw an elegant teahouse hidden in a bamboo forest.

On the plaque in front of the hospital, there are horizontal strokes of pen and ink, which read: A coop of smoke and rain.

Jiaojiao vaguely saw some familiar traces in the handwriting, and couldn't help but raise her lips slightly.

You really came to the right place.

Walking into the courtyard, I saw that the teahouse was quiet and quiet, but there were many people in the hall.

It's just that this place is an elegant place after all. The tea drinkers even speak in low voices, and the surroundings are filled with the fragrance of tea, which is refreshing.

Jiaojiao looked around and found a bamboo table to sit down at random. Dalian and Qiao Nianqi were used to it and sat down to share the table with Jiaojiao.

A waiter came forward, glanced around, and looked at the youngest Jiaojiao with great discernment.

"What would you like to drink, sir?"

Jiaojiao raised her head, thought for a while, and asked with a smile: "Can I have a cup of tea to make the misty rain rise for a lifetime?"

The waiter was shocked when he heard this and immediately bent down, "Dear guest, please come to the private room."

Jiaojiao frowned, stood up and followed the waiter inside.

Entering the elegant room, there is a large hollow bamboo window facing the back forest. The sound of pattering rain can be heard, and the mountain wind rustles the bamboo leaves.

Dalian and Qiao Erqi sat aside without knowing why.

Jiaojiao stared at the beautiful scenery outside the window. After a while, light footsteps came into the elegant room and she called softly: "Miss Qiao?"

Jiaojiao turned around and saw a woman with beautiful hair and a look of surprise. Wasn't it a silver bead or something?

"It's me, but he's not here?"

Jiaojiao tilted her head with a smile on her face.

If Shen Yuanbai was here, he would definitely come in person at this moment.

Yin Zhu looked at Jiaojiao carefully and saw the little girl standing in front of the bamboo window, with bright eyes, white teeth, jade cheeks and cherry lips, so dazzling.

She calculated in her mind and guessed that Jiaojiao was only nearly nine years old this year. She couldn't help but secretly feel frightened, thinking that in a few years, the Miss Qiao in front of her would be a stunning beauty.

"Miss Qiao, can I... have a detailed discussion with you alone?"

Yin Zhu glanced at Da Lian and Qiao Twenty-Qi and said warmly.

Jiaojiao nodded, and Da Lian and Qiao Twenty-Qi retreated wisely.

Jiaojiao sat down, but Yinzhu only stood.

Jiaojiao asked her to sit down, but Yinzhu bowed solemnly to Jiaojiao.

"What does this mean?"

Jiaojiao stood up and helped her, but Yinzhu took two steps back and bowed again.

"Miss Qiao, although the master has not elaborated, I know that Miss Qiao is very kind to us, master and servant."

"The name of this teahouse is Yi Li Yan Yu, which is exactly the meaning of the young master. The young master has said that if Miss Qiao passes by here and hears this name, she will definitely come to meet you."

Seeing Yinzhu's insistence, Jiaojiao stopped stepping forward and slowly sat down.

"Where did he go?" Jiaojiao asked warmly.

Yin Zhu finally stood up, but stood aside the whole time. Hearing the words, he replied: "After the teahouse was built, the young master has not lived there for a long time. In other words, in the past four years, the young master has almost been away from home."

"I don't know where the young master has gone or when he will return. Sometimes it takes several months, sometimes half a year. The longest time... was ten months."

"When the young master comes back, sometimes he is dusty, sometimes he is leisurely and comfortable, and sometimes... he brings back wounds all over his body."

"It's been nearly four months since I left this time."

Yin Zhu spoke slowly, with emotion on his face. When he mentioned that Shen Yuanbai was injured, he frowned slightly.

When Jiaojiao heard this, a look of understanding appeared on her face.

When she saw that Shen Yuanbai didn't show up just now, she had some suspicions.

It turns out that he chose this way of living...

After Yinzhu finished speaking, he looked at Jiaojiao and saw the corner of her mouth raised, seemingly not surprised.

At this time, Yin Zhu's mind couldn't help but recall the original conversation with Shen Yuanbai.

"Sir, if Miss Qiao comes and you are not here, what should Yin Zhu say?"

"be honest."

"If Miss Qiao asks, sir, why are you walking around?"

"She won't ask."

...

"She understands everything."

...

It turns out that Miss Qiao really understands the young master.

Yinzhu sighed in his heart, wondering how Miss Qiao could become the person who knew him best despite the age difference between them.

At this time, Jiaojiao suddenly raised her head, her eyebrows curved, "It's such a good time, don't let down the good scenery in front of you. Miss Yinzhu, can you bring me a pot of good tea?"

Yin Zhu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said respectfully: "There is just one tea, just for rare guests. How about I cook the tea for Miss Qiao myself?"

"please--"

Jiaojiao raised her hand to invite.

Yinzhu got up and was busy, and then sat opposite Jiaojiao.

After a while, the aroma of tea overflowed and filled the elegant room.

Jiaojiao sat in the teahouse for more than an hour, then stood up and left.

Yin Zhu thought for a while and asked, "Miss Qiao, do you have anything to say to my young master?"

Jiaojiao had already stepped out of the elegant room. After hearing this, she turned her head and thought for a moment, then turned back and asked with a smile: "Do you have paper and pen?"

"have!"

Yin Zhu was prepared in a hurry.

Jiaojiao returned to the elegant room without thinking, and simply started writing.

Yinzhu thought that Jiaojiao would write for a while, but unexpectedly, Jiaojiao stopped writing after a few breaths.

Yinzhu was stunned for a moment, but before he could step forward, Jiaojiao had already left a word of "take care" and walked away.

Yinzhu hurriedly arrived at the door of the teahouse, and saw Jiaojiao's figure disappearing into the mist, and then hurried back to the private room.

When he saw the words on the paper, Yin Zhu was startled at first, then suddenly realized, and then whispered: "I see..."

.......

Three days later, there was a misty rain teahouse.

It rained heavily today, and it fell on the bluestone in front of the teahouse, making a constant pattering sound.

There were no customers in the teahouse. After all, it was raining so hard and the road up the mountain was not easy.

The waiter rarely had time to relax, so he stood under the eaves and listened to the rain, feeling very comfortable.

At this time, a man wearing a raincoat and bamboo hat walked towards the teahouse from the fog.

His steps were leisurely and calm, as if he had not been affected by the heavy rain.

When the man arrived under the eaves, the waiter immediately stepped forward to greet him, only to see that the man took off his raincoat and hung it aside very naturally, revealing the white short shirt underneath.

After he took off the hat, the waiter was stunned for a moment, and then hurriedly shouted inside: "Madam boss, the young master is back!"

Yinzhu heard the waiter's loud words and rushed out to meet him. Under the eaves, he saw a young man with eyebrows like distant mountains and eyes like stars. He was really too handsome.

"Master!"

Seeing Shen Yuanbai return safely, Yin Zhu's eyes felt warm.

"Yinzhu, I'm back."

Shen Yuanbai raised his eyes to look at Yin Zhu, his eyes were gentle, and the slightly raised corners of his mouth were different from before, as if he had a full human touch.

Yin Zhu nodded repeatedly, and while calling someone to make ginger soup, she led Shen Yuan upstairs to change clothes.

By the time Shen Yuanbai changed his clothes and went downstairs, hot soup, tea and pastries were all ready.

"Yinzhu, thank you for your hard work."

Shen Yuanbai said warmly, took the ginger soup in front of him and drank it in one gulp.

At this time, Yin Zhu held up a piece of paper and said impatiently: "Sir, Miss Qiao came here three days ago."

When Shen Yuanbai heard this, he put down the soup bowl for a moment.

Yin Zhu handed the letter to the case and said, "This is what Miss Qiao left for you, Master."

Shen Yuanbai raised his hand to take it but did not unfold it immediately. Instead, he asked softly: "Is she... okay?"

Yin Zhu nodded, "In July and a half of that year, outside the Wangting Palace, I once saw Miss Qiao from a distance. Now I see that Miss Qiao has grown up a lot. She has a peaceful aura around her and she looks very energetic."

Shen Yuanbai felt relieved, and Qiao Jiaojiao's heart was full. Such a person would live a good life no matter where he went, no matter when.

And she has a part in making the world peaceful and clear now. She deserves such great contributions and virtues, and all the beauty that has been bestowed upon her. She deserves it.

"Um."

Shen Yuanbai nodded slightly, responding to Yin Zhu's words.

He looked at the rainy scene outside the window, and then lowered his eyes to the thin piece of letter paper in his hand.

He slowed down his breathing, unfolded it gently, and saw only a very simple sentence——

"This place of peace of mind is my hometown."

Shen Yuanbai stared at the delicate handwriting, then shook his head and laughed dumbly.

Sure enough, she guessed it right...

"Yinzhu, get a pen and paper."

Shen Yuanbai also wrote beforehand, slightly curved the corner of his mouth, and left a word.

Yin Zhu knew that this was supposed to be returned to Miss Qiao, so she hurriedly said: "Sir, Miss Qiao didn't tell her whereabouts before she left that day. Maybe she has left Fucheng now."

Shen Yuanbai put down his pen and said with a slight smile: "It doesn't matter, just stay in the store. I think one day, Qiao Jiaojiao will bring her old friend here."

Yin Zhu didn't know who the old friend Shen Yuanbai was talking about, so she just carefully took the letter and put it away carefully.

"If Miss Qiao comes one day and the young master happens to be away, I will personally deliver it to Miss Qiao."

"Um."

Shen Yuanbai responded, took the teacup in front of him, and said warmly: "Yinzhu, sit down and drink tea together."

Yin Zhu sat opposite Shen Yuanbai. She wanted to ask Shen Yuanbai where she had been these days, but she was afraid of making Shen Yuanbai unhappy and couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Shen Yuanbai looked at the tea mist in front of him, but suddenly took the initiative to speak: "Yinzhu, I will tell you what I have experienced along the way, are you willing to listen?"

Yin Zhu suddenly raised her head when she heard the words, her face overflowing with joy, "I want to hear this!"

Shen Yuanbai raised his hand to pour a cup of tea for Yin Zhu, and then spoke slowly.

His voice was clear and smooth, intertwined with the scent of tea that filled the room, exuding an aura of peace.

That day, when he narrowly escaped death from thunder and lightning and walked through the long dark passage to see the light again, he had found the freedom he had longed for.

Now, I just want peace.

Peace of mind.

What was done back then can now be traced back to right and wrong, and the blood debt of human life is indelible.

He travels through mountains and rivers, experiences human affairs, encounters hardships and injustices, and sees all kinds of sufferings and disasters. The only thing he can take action against is his martial arts and a fairly flexible mind.

When one day you truly feel at peace, maybe it will be like Qiao Jiaojiao said, although you are wandering all over the world, you are still home everywhere.

This day may come very late, or it may never come. No matter what the outcome is, he deserves it and he deserves it.

At some point, the rain stopped outside the window.

Shen Yuanbai stood up and walked out of the private room, stepping into Xinyangli after the rain.

Extra seventeen: Good things come in pairs

In September of the seventh year of Ding'an, Jiaojiao finally returned to Beijing.

Qiao Mingpei excitedly ran to the door of the house to greet her. Jiaojiao saw at a glance that behind Mingpei was a running... puppy.

"Auntie, you are finally willing to come back!"

Qiao Mingpei has been really looking forward to it these days!

Qiao Zhongguo walked behind with steady steps. When he saw Jiaojiao, his eyes narrowed in laughter.

Jiaojiao raised her hand and rubbed Mingpei's head, then immediately ran to her father and asked curiously: "Dad, where did the dog come from?"

Qiao Zhongguo leaned over and picked up the dog, and said with a smile: "Pei'er and Lang'er liked it, so daddy brought one back."

Jiaojiao raised her hand and touched the puppy. When she saw it barking, she couldn't help but feel happy. She tilted her head and asked, "Dad, have you given this dog a name?"

Qiao Mingpei came up and said excitedly: "Get up! Grandpa gave it to me, it's called self-improvement!"

Jiaojiao: (☉_☉✿)Huh?

Isn't this your father's favorite name?

Qiao Zhongguo: ('-ι_-｀)Alas...

He scratched his head helplessly and said in a compromising manner: "I can't give you the name Zuo. This dog is lovable, so just give it a reward."

When Jiaojiao heard this, she hurriedly bit her lower lip, fearing that she would laugh out loud.

Seeing her father's depressed look, Jiaojiao hurriedly comforted her:

"Ahem, daddy, that's okay, or...let Ziqiang poof——"

Jiaojiao still couldn't hold it back and laughed out loud with joy.

Qiao Zhongguo: "..."

The petite little cotton-padded jacket actually leaks air one day!

...

The white horse passes by, and the years pass by.

In July of the ninth year of Ding'an, Jiaojiao really wanted to go to the outer north.

For three whole years, neither Qiao Diyi nor Shen Yuanling returned to Beijing.

The letters came back one after another. They were busy in the Outer North and very productive.

Qiao Diyi praised Shen Yuanling several times in his letter, saying that he was becoming more and more like a prince.

Jiaojiao couldn't imagine it, but she missed him more deeply.

The second brother and second sister-in-law haven't been back for so long, and she misses her very much. Besides, Xiao Nuan Qiao is already over four years old, so Jiaojiao has almost forgotten what Xiao Nuan Qiao looks like.

Qiao Zhongguo also supported Jiaojiao very much. He even decided to go with his wife to accompany Jiaojiao!

The second child annoyed him so much when we were together, and made him miss him so much when we were not together.

And Xiaosi, that kid has completely let go. It is said that he ran away from Manwaibei. He actually ran away and became famous, but he never returned home!

I heard from Madam that the Queen Mother often misses Xiao Si.

It's just that Xiaosi was doing serious business in the outer north, and he was very independent. Even the Holy Emperor sent a letter asking him to return to Beijing, but he didn't even accept it.

It's time to meet them...

Qiao Zhongguo thought that he was just an idler, so he immediately started to prepare.

As a result, before we even set off, a letter from the Outer North came back, which was great news——

Xiao Qianyue is pregnant again, and according to the doctor, she is pregnant with twins!

Although Xiao Qianyue had already had the experience of having her first child, twins were really careless. There was no comparison between the doctor in the outer north and the doctor in Beijing, and Xiao Qianyue should have received more appropriate care.

Qiao Diyi could not leave his post without permission, so after Xiao Qianyue's pregnancy was settled, he sent a team of Qiao's army to escort Xiao Qianyue and Xiao Nuanqiao back to Beijing.

After Qiao Zhongguo read the letter, he took the people on horseback and left Beijing without saying a word, and went north to pick them up in person.

Jiaojiao took the letter, feeling happy and distressed at the same time, looking forward to it at home every day.

A month later, Xiao Qianyue and Xiao Nuanqiao finally came back.

The Qiao family and the Xiao family all went to pick them up at the inn outside Beijing. Xiao Qianyue lifted the car curtain from a distance, waved to everyone, smiled brightly, and looked in great spirits.

After returning to Qiao Mansion, Xiao Qianyue got out of the carriage quickly. Only then did everyone see clearly that her belly was only four months old, but because of the twins, it looked like it was six months old.

Next, everyone looked at Xiao Qianyue as if they were eyeballs, and Jiaojiao, Hanya Xian and Zuo Anning were always with her.

Xiao Nuanqiao was over four years old, and she quickly became involved with Zhisui and the others, and Qiao Mansion became a veritable children's nest.

It's just hard for me to improve myself, surrounded by a group of children, howling and screaming.

Qiao Zhongguo would play with the children when he had free time. On this day, he saw the children laughing and joking around Ziqiang, and suddenly slapped his thigh.

Oops!

The name "self-improvement" is used too early!

The second daughter-in-law has two babies in her belly. What if she has a boy?

Thinking of this, Qiao Zhongguo beat his chest and regretted it!

No, I have to be fully prepared and think of two more boy names and two more girl names!

Xiao Hongda knew his good brother after all. When he heard that Xiao Qianyue was pregnant with twins, he stayed up early and thought hard with his wife about four good names. He would never give Qiao Zhongguo a chance!

The two elders here secretly started a "tug of war", while Xiao Qianyue on the other side was very comfortable.

In addition to going to class and accompanying Zhi Sui and the others, Jiaojiao spent the rest of her time by Xiao Qianyue's side.

In this era, twins are risky after all. She has a merit mall and will protect her second sister-in-law and her children safely no matter what.

Xiao Qianyue has a restless temper, and with Jiaojiao by her side, life is much more interesting.

Jiaojiao couldn't help but be curious about Xiao Qianyue's life in the outer north. With this question, Xiao Qianyue started talking.

She mentioned the customs and customs of the Outer North, the busy days she and Qiao Diyi had, and finally Shen Yuanling, who was already very close to them.

"Jiaojiao, you will definitely be shocked if you see Xiaosi again. He is almost as tall as your second brother now."

Jiaojiao's jaw almost dropped when she heard this, "Huh?"

The second brother has practiced martial arts since childhood and is taller than the eldest brother. Is the fourth brother already this tall?

She is only eleven years old, and Xiaosi is four years older than her, so she is only fifteen...

"But Xiaosi is a busy man, so he will come to Liangcheng to stay for a while around New Year's Eve. It's strange to say that his martial arts skills are improving slowly. On New Year's Eve, he even had a fight with your second brother. He was very good. What comes and goes."

"Oh, my body is weaker than theirs. I can't beat them both."

Xiao Qianyue said with emotion, touched her belly, suddenly rolled her eyes, whispered to Jiaojiao's ear:

"Jiaojiao, do you have that kind of medicine at your place?"

Jiaojiao was still trying to imagine what Xiaosi looked like now, and was confused when she heard this, "What kind of medicine?"

Xiao Qianyue didn't avoid taboos so much, and said bluntly: "Even if you eat the kind that won't give birth for a lifetime, the two in your stomach will be fine after they come out."

"Hey, it's strange to say that Erlang and I were obviously very careful. We originally wanted to wait a few years for the baby, but we didn't expect that the baby would come now, and there would be two of them!"

"Did Erlang do something bad? It can't be possible, right?"

Xiao Qianyue was so lost in thought that she completely forgot that she had drunk too much. She pulled Qiao Diyi onto the bed, and the two of them fooled around for a long time...

He even forgot to mumble these words and said them all in front of Jiaojiao.

Jiaojiao: "..."

"Yes, there is..."

When Xiao Qianyue heard this, she clapped her hands and smiled happily.

"Well, I'll give it to your second brother when the time comes. See if he can do it. On the day he was diagnosed, he even wrote a letter to Xiaosi to show off."

Due to her temper, Xiao Qianyue said these words frankly.

Jiaojiao guessed that her second brother meant the same thing, so she smiled and said:

"Second sister-in-law, when you give birth, your second brother will always come back. When you feel pain and feel angry, can you just stuff it into his mouth?"

Xiao Qianyue smiled even more happily when she heard this, "You know me, little sister, I have exactly what I mean!"

...

In early November of the ninth year of Ding'an, Qiao Diyi finally rushed home after a long journey.

Twins are not as good as singles, and they may not be able to wait until they are born at full term, so the Qiao family and the Xiao family have already tightened their nerves.

Sure enough, Xiao Qianyue started to act on November 21st, screaming in pain in the room.

The Qiao family didn't have those rules and regulations. Qiao Diyi just stayed in the house. A grown man squatted in front of the couch and was sweating profusely. He kept saying:

"Yue'er, just this once, we will never give birth again."

Xiao Qianyue was breathing rapidly in pain. When she heard this sentence, she immediately became energetic. She raised her head and asked, "Seriously?"

Qiao Diyi nodded hastily, "It's absolutely true, I will never let Yue'er suffer like this again."

Xiao Qianyue suddenly exerted all her strength, groped under the pillow for a while, and shouted to Qiao Diyi: "Open your mouth!"

Qiao Diyi didn't know why, but he still opened his mouth obediently.

Xiao Qianyue stretched out her hand and threw an unknown object into Qiao Diyi's mouth.

Qiao Diyi didn't even taste anything and swallowed it with a gulp.

His face was confused, but he was not worried. Seeing Xiao Qianyue smile, he felt relieved.

Xiao Qianyue squeezed Qiao Diyi's hand tightly and was about to say something when Po Wen suddenly shouted: "Young madam, you have to use more force!"

Xiao Qianyue hurriedly stopped, gritted her teeth to bear the pain, and started to exert force!

...

After a long time, the first cry sounded from inside the house, and everyone outside the house still looked solemn.

When the second cry sounded, everyone was relieved of their burdens and smiled one after another.

At this time, two stable women came out with their children in their arms and shouted happily: "Good things come in pairs! Everyone is happy! A young master and a young lady!"

Everyone rushed forward with smiles on their faces.

Jiaojiao waved her hand to hide the merit mall beside her. After taking a long breath, her eyes became a little moist.

Although I have witnessed the birth of several children in my family over the years, every arrival of a new life is still full of surprises and full of life.

so good......

I really hope that every child in the world is born in expectation, grows up in love, and then grows into a towering tree to find his own love and future.

"Old Xiao, of the two children, please let me have one! Just one!"

Not far away, Qiao Zhongguo's pleading sounded.

"Old Qiao, it's not that my brother looks down on your name. Now, you'd better work on yourself."

Ziqiang, who was nestling in the corner, heard his name and lazily looked up. Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, he swept his tail and nestled back comfortably.

Those little brats didn't bother it today, it's so peaceful...

Seeing this scene, Jiaojiao couldn't help but smile, and happily stepped forward to see her nephew and niece.

Dad, no wonder others, your taste...

Let's name the dog next time.

...

On November 21, the ninth year of Ding'an, Xiao Qianyue gave birth to her eldest son, Xiao Xiangheng, and her second daughter, Qiao Nuanxiao.

Extra 18: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 5

In April of the 10th year of Ding'an, Qiao Diyi hurried to the Outer North Territory again, while Xiao Qianyue still took her children to stay in Beijing for a longer period of time.

On the first day of the fifth lunar month, the Queen Mother called Jiaojiao into the palace to have a meal, and Jiaojiao went happily.

Just after entering Yikun Palace, Shen Miaojia had already rushed out of the courtyard, shouting: "Aunt Jiaojiao!"

Jiaojiao hurriedly caught the flying Shen Miaojia and said with a smile: "Little Jiaer is as enthusiastic as ever. Aunt Jiaojiao will play with you well later, okay?"

"Okay! Little Jia'er likes Aunt Jiaojiao the most!"

Shen Miaojia jumped up and down, holding Jiaojiao's hand and walked inside.

In the courtyard, under the loquat tree, the Queen Mother was sitting comfortably on a lounge chair. Xiao Qianlan was also beside her, saying something warmly.

Hearing the footsteps, the two of them looked towards the entrance of the courtyard. The moment they saw Jiaojiao, their eyebrows couldn't help but shine.

The girl is almost in her prime, her skin is as radiant as snow, and she is dressed in a bright yellow dress that makes her look tall and graceful. She is walking towards this side with a smile on her face. She is really happy or angry, like a bright pearl.

"Jiaojiao, come here quickly and try the new fruits from the south."

The Queen Mother was very happy and immediately took Jiaojiao in her arms and handed the sweet fruit to her.

"Your Majesty, you are so kind. I always think of Jiaojiao for any good things!"

Jiaojiao took it with a smile and took a bite. It was indeed sweet and juicy.

Seeing that Jiaojiao loved to eat, the Queen Mother quickly asked Aunt Mei to pack some so that Jiaojiao could take them home and eat them slowly.

After just sitting and talking for a few words, Xiao Jiaer couldn't bear it anymore and pulled Jiaojiao to play with her.

Seeing that lunch was still a while away, Jiaojiao nodded, spoke to the Queen Mother and Xiao Qianlan, and ran away with Xiao Jiaer.

I don't know how long they played, but when she saw sweat on Xiao Jia'er's face, Jiaojiao took out a handkerchief and wiped it for her, then led Xiao Jia'er back.

Just as they walked around the corner, the Queen Mother's worried voice suddenly came:

"That kid Xiaosi is really homeless. He hasn't come back for three years in a row. There are so many capable people in this court, so things in the Outer North are not really up to him."

Xiao Qianlan's gentle voice immediately sounded, "Mother, Xiaosi has great ambitions. There is a long way to go to achieve great things in the Outer North Territory. Shen Lang said that Xiaosi has done an excellent job."

"Once the Outer North Territory is completely stabilized, the Great Yong Era will not be far away."

When the Queen Mother heard this, she still sighed.

"Oh, that's the truth. The two brothers work together, and Xiaosi is so capable. In fact, the queen mother is also happy."

"But the boy Xiaosi seems to have taken root in the outer north. He is also reaching his age."

Jiaojiao had already led Xiao Jiaer around the corner, but when she heard these meaningful words, she suddenly paused.

Xiao Qianlan heard this and said: "That's true. After the Dragon Boat Festival birthday, Xiaosi will be sixteen."

"To be honest with my mother, the queen has been asking Lan'er openly and secretly for the past two years. She occasionally mentions girls of the right age in the family. I think she has taken an interest in her."

The Queen Mother was worried about this.

"It's not that we have to settle now. Let's take a look at each other first, but now it's better. Xiaosi can't be seen."

"We can't go on like this. We've been busy with things in the Outer North Territory for several years. We can't delay life-long events."

"I'd better call the kid back tomorrow and talk to him about this matter in detail."

...

"Aunt Jiaojiao?"

When Xiao Jiaer saw Jiaojiao suddenly stopped moving, she couldn't help but raise her head in confusion and called out softly.

Jiaojiao was startled, and she immediately leaned over and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, Xiao Jia'er, my aunt was a little distracted just now. Let's go back and have lunch."

"Yeah! I'm a little hungry!"

Xiao Jiaer patted her belly and returned to the loquat tree with Jiaojiao.

Seeing the two coming over, the Queen Mother and Xiao Qianlan naturally stopped talking.

After Jiaojiao had lunch in the palace, she sat there for more than an hour in the afternoon.

A place has been set aside in Yikun Palace for a long time, specifically for Jiaojiao to take a nap, and it is fully equipped with everything.

Xiao Jia'er was already taking a nap. Seeing this, the Queen Mother asked Jiaojiao to take a rest as well.

Jiaojiao responded with a smile, and was led to the inner room by Aunt Mei.

The Queen Mother and Xiao Qianlan kept watching the delicate figure disappear from the door of the inner room, and then looked away.

For a long time, the two of them looked at each other across the table, with a hint of helplessness on their faces.

Everyone can clearly see Xiaosi's thoughts, and he has a very serious temper, so he will never change in his lifetime.

Jiaojiao is the pearl in everyone's hands, and also everyone's salvation. Everyone loves her very much.

Because of this, no one has dared to expose Xiaosi's thoughts in front of Jiaojiao, for fear of making Jiaojiao feel uncomfortable at all.

But as Xiaosi was getting older, the Queen Mother also had good intentions.

She knew that Jiaojiao was precocious, but when it came to this matter, Jiaojiao didn't seem to understand. It seemed that in Jiaojiao's heart, Xiaosi was just a pure childhood playmate.

The Queen Mother does not want Jiaojiao to accept and recognize Xiaosi. Everyone has their own ambitions, and for someone as transparent and intelligent as Jiaojiao, this may not be her ambition.

The Queen Mother wanted to let Xiaosi see clearly as soon as possible. If Jiaojiao didn't mean it, she, as a mother, naturally hoped that Xiaosi could let go as soon as possible and not hold on to it.

Today, I specifically mentioned it in front of Jiaojiao. After all, the Queen Mother still had a little extravagant hope in her heart. What if Jiaojiao just hasn't figured it out yet? What if... it's still possible?

In short, the Queen Mother was very troubled in her heart, but she regarded Jiaojiao as if she had already given up, and would never and could not bear to hurt Jiaojiao in the slightest.

On the other side, Jiaojiao entered the inner room. Aunt Mei personally untied Jiaojiao's bun, took a handkerchief and brought it to her. She served Jiaojiao extremely well. She watched Jiaojiao get on the bed, and then respectfully Jing withdrew.

Jiaojiao was lying on the couch, but couldn't sleep.

It turns out...has the mistress reached the age to talk about marriage?

Jiaojiao was in a daze. In her impression, she and Xiao Si were still children.

But after listening to the words of the Queen Mother and Sister Xiao, Jiaojiao suddenly realized that this was in ancient times.

No one had ever mentioned these things in front of her before, and everyone had always treated her like a child, so she had never thought about these issues and always felt that these things were far away from her.

But now that I think about it carefully, the eldest brother and the second brother were both eighteen years old when they got married.

As a prince, Xiaosi had to go through all kinds of things, from prime minister to agreement, from appointment to engagement, and it seemed to take two or three years.

It turns out...it's so fast...

Jiaojiao turned over and closed her eyes, but she was still not sleepy.

What will Xiaosi's other half be like? Which sister from Jingzhong will it be? In other words, has Xiao Si already found someone he likes in the outer north?

The last time we met was six years after Ding'an. Xiaosi seemed to have grown up a lot at that time. Didn't the second sister-in-law also say that Xiaosi had already caught up with the second brother in height?

Xiaosi...what is he like now?

Jiaojiao's mind was filled with thoughts, and she didn't know when she fell into a dream.

She dreamed about Xiao Si after a long absence. She dreamed that on that day when Xiao Si was sent north, he leaned over to straighten her hairpin and called her in a low voice.

——Jiaojiao.

Three years later, she seemed to finally recall the look in Xiaosi's eyes at that time. There seemed to be something hidden in the fleeting panic...

"Princess? Princess?"

Respectful voices rang in my ears over and over again.

Jiaojiao opened her eyes in a daze, and Aunt Mei's gentle eyebrows came into view.

"Princess, it's time to get up, it's almost dinner time."

Dinner?

Jiaojiao suddenly stood up and realized that it was already dark outside the palace. She had slept for such a long time!

"You didn't keep your Majesty waiting long, did you?"

Jiaojiao hurriedly lifted up the quilt and hurried to the dressing table.

Aunt Mei immediately said: "Princess, don't worry, Prince Ling just returned to Beijing an hour ago and is outside now. Dinner is not ready yet."

When Jiaojiao heard this, her footsteps suddenly stopped.

Xiaosi...is back?

Extra 19: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 6

Jiaojiao put on her clothes and sat in front of the dressing table. Aunt Mei was carefully combing her hair into a bun.

The room was brightly lit with candles, and Jiaojiao stared at the person in the mirror, taking a serious look at her own appearance for the first time.

She always thought that she was still young, so she didn't care much about her appearance. Everyone said that she looked like her mother, so she knew that she would not be ugly when she grew up.

After all, my mother was recognized as the most beautiful woman in the capital back then, but looking back now, she is still elegant and noble.

"The princess is naturally beautiful. When I look at her, I look very much like Mrs. Qiao back then."

Jiaojiao is usually the most generous and friendly to others, so when Grandma Mei noticed Jiaojiao's actions, she started talking with a smile.

"My servant remembers that during the Dragon Boat Festival that year, the empress received the concubine in the palace. At that time, Mrs. Qiao followed a group of concubines. When she entered the palace, she really attracted everyone's attention at once. "

"After the banquet, the queen was still lamenting with her servants, saying that there are countless beauties in the capital, and Mrs. Qiao's must be the first."

Aunt Mei said, but her hands did not stop, and she quickly arranged Jiaojiao's hair into a bun properly.

"In two or three years, when the princess reaches her age, I think the splendor of the whole country will be overshadowed by the princess."

When Jiaojiao heard this, she couldn't help but find it funny.

Aunt Mei loves Wujiwu and treats her very well, so her obedient words become more and more exaggerated.

However, after being teased like this by Aunt Mei, her inexplicable nervousness dissipated in an instant.

"Xiaosi is outside?" Jiaojiao asked, tilting her head.

Aunt Mei nodded quickly, "I have just freshened up. The prince was going to the Qiao Mansion to visit Lord Qiao and Mrs. Qiao first, but he was left behind for dinner by the queen."

When Jiaojiao heard this, she suddenly raised her eyebrows slightly, "So, Xiaosi doesn't know I'm here?"

A faint light flashed in Aunt Mei's eyes, and she nodded slightly.

"Yes, the empress said that she wanted to scare the prince and blame him for not returning to the capital for three or four years."

When Jiaojiao heard this, she couldn't help but have the same teasing thoughts as the Queen Mother. She nodded with a sly look on her face, "Aunt Mei, look at me!"

Jiaojiao quietly left the palace, walked through a spacious inner hall, and then saw the candlelight in the main hall.

She looked carefully and saw a man sitting at the table drinking tea with his back to the inner hall.

The Queen Mother is not here.

Jiaojiao looked back, made a shushing gesture to Aunt Mei, and then stepped out gently.

Just looking at the back, Xiaosi was still dressed in black as usual. When he was sitting there, he had an aura of solemnity all over his body. His shoulders were wide and his waist was narrow. He really looked like an adult.

Jiaojiao suddenly felt a little uneasy. After four years of not seeing each other, she felt a little unfamiliar. She shouldn't have chosen such an abrupt approach.

So Jiaojiao paused, and just as she was about to call out, Shen Yuanling suddenly placed the tea cup in his hand heavily on the table.

"who!"

His voice was cold and deep, startling Jiaojiao, and she immediately froze in place and did not dare to move.

Over the years in the Outer North, Shen Yuanling has always acted vigorously and resolutely, and he always speaks the truth.

Because of his young age, the people below him would inevitably have their hearts set on him, thinking that he was easy to fool. There were even older people who took advantage of him because of his rich experience. Therefore, Shen Yuanling had already suppressed all his cheerfulness and youthful aura.

When he returned to the capital this time, he had not yet adjusted for a while, and there was no one in the palace just now. He was deep in thought, and he did not hide his true nature.

After Shen Yuanling shouted, he immediately turned to look at the person coming, his eyes full of sharp coldness.

However, when he saw the appearance of the person in the palace and saw that she was at a loss because of being frightened, Shen Yuanling stood up suddenly and turned over the tea table beside him.

Crackling——

The tea cup shattered on the floor, and Jiaojiao subconsciously took a step back.

When Aunt Mei saw this, her heart almost jumped out of her chest, and she hurriedly wanted to speak out to smooth things over.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yuanling suddenly raised his steps and walked towards Jiaojiao quickly.

Jiaojiao's heart skipped a beat, and a strong sense of strangeness swept over her.

It's Xiaosi, it's Xiaosi. His eyebrows are still the same as before, but they are longer, and his facial features are more three-dimensional. The childishness of the past has completely disappeared, replaced by coldness and determination.

This obvious change made Jiaojiao unable to even call her "Xiaosi" for a moment, and she was stunned and speechless.

Shen Yuanling walked closer and closer to Jiaojiao, and he even heard his own heartbeat whistling in his ears.

He was thinking about her just now when he was drinking tea in the palace.

He was wondering whether Jiaojiao had grown up after four years. What would Jiaojiao look like when she saw him again? And how should he appear in front of Jiaojiao?

He knew that he had changed, even Brother Qiao always teased him: Xiaosi, you are always so cold, look, no little girl will like you.

He has just made mental preparations. When he goes to see Jiaojiao tomorrow, he must put off his "bad look" in the outer north.

However, the reunion came so unexpectedly that he didn't even have time to hide it, which scared her...

Thinking of this, Shen Yuanling was filled with annoyance, but he also vaguely understood his mother's intention of leaving him for dinner.

His eyes fell on Jiaojiao's face. He had imagined what Jiaojiao would look like when she grew up countless times in his mind, but as expected, it was not as good as the real Jiaojiao in front of him.

"Jiao...sister Qiao."

The moment the soft call came out, countless warmth surged in Shen Yuanling's heart, and the cold aura around him suddenly dissipated completely.

He is also a fan of the authorities.

There is no need for any cover-up or disguise. When you see the softest moment in your heart, your coldness and determination in front of outsiders will naturally drop your armor and disappear without a trace.

When he stood in front of Jiaojiao, Shen Yuanling seemed to be the same as before, with a bright and youthful look in his arched eyebrows, and an unconcealed joy.

"Sister Qiao, did Xiaosi scare you? I thought someone was sneaking around in Yikun Palace, so my tone became more fierce."

When Shen Yuanling spoke, there was no sense of strangeness or alienation, as if they had never been apart for four years.

But some people appear calm and calm, but secretly they have already nervously folded their hands.

Shen Yuanling saw the strangeness in Jiaojiao's eyes. He wanted Jiaojiao to see his changes and notice his growth, but he didn't want Jiaojiao to stay away from him.

A familiar voice sounded. Although it was deeper than before, it was really the Xiaosi she was familiar with.

Jiaojiao secretly breathed a long sigh of relief, looking up at Shen Yuanling in front of her, a smile slowly forming on her brows.

"I was a little scared, but it's my fault. I shouldn't be in Yikun Palace - I should be sneaking around."

Jiaojiao followed Shen Yuanling's words and emphasized the word "sneaky" very hard. After saying this, she felt that her behavior just now was childish and funny, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"I didn't scare you, did I?" Jiaojiao added.

Shen Yuanling shook his head hurriedly. He looked at Jiaojiao intently. Seeing that her smile came from the bottom of his heart, he quietly let go of his clasped hands.

"you......"

Jiaojiao looked Shen Yuanling up and down, even raised her hand to gesture, and then sighed: "Xiaosi, what did you eat in the outer north? Bring me some."

Shen Yuanling couldn't help laughing when he heard this, "It's time for me. When Sister Qiao gets a few years older, she will suddenly grow taller like a willow branch."

Jiaojiao didn't know what she thought of, and suddenly murmured as if she was referring to something: "It's indeed about time..."

When I heard the Queen Mother and Sister Xiao talk about it in the afternoon, I still felt it was unrealistic.

Looking at Xiaosi now, in the words of her modern life, she is over 1.8 meters tall, and looking at Xiaosi's facial features, she looks like an adult.

So fast...

Shen Yuanling lowered his head, listening to Jiaojiao's unexplainable emotion, and vaguely noticed something strange.

He was about to ask Jiaojiao about the meaning of her words when the Queen Mother came in from outside the palace. Shen Yuanzhan and Xiao Qianlan came with Shen Chengzhen and Shen Miaojia.

Jiaojiao stayed in the palace for dinner, and sat there for nearly an hour listening to Shen Yuanling talk about things in the Outer North Territory.

Usually Jiaojiao also had the habit of staying overnight in Yikun Palace, but today Shen Yuanling was returning. Jiaojiao figured that the Queen Mother had a lot to say to Shen Yuanling, so she took the initiative to leave.

Shen Yuanling stood up immediately after hearing this, "Sister Qiao, I'll take you back."

When Shen Yuanzhan saw this, he lowered his head and turned the tea cup in front of him, with a smile in his eyes.

Seeing that Jiaojiao was about to refuse, Shen Yuanzhan said warmly: "Jiaojiao, let Xiaosi take you back, otherwise Mr. Qiao won't be able to rest assured."

Although Qiao Zhongguo had resigned long ago, Shen Yuanzhan always called Qiao Zhongguo "Master Qiao".

Hearing this, Jiaojiao no longer refused, stood up and left the table.

Seeing Jiaojiao and Shen Yuanling walking out of the palace side by side, Shen Yuanzhan looked back at his mother and could only shake his head slightly.

Just let nature take its course and let nature take its course.

Extra 20: Qiao Jiaojiao x Shen Yuanling 7

On the palace road, Jiaojiao and Shen Yuanling walked side by side.

The palace attendants followed far behind, and Shen Yuanling personally held the palace lantern to light the way forward.

Jiaojiao has walked this palace road countless times, and every time when Xiaosi was around, she would walk on her back, but now...

At this moment, looking at the flickering candlelight in front of her, Jiaojiao finally realized that everything was different.

She and Xiao Si have grown up and need to avoid suspicion. Walking side by side like this today is what they can do at their age. They can get along as much as possible, and they have to follow people behind them.

"Sister Qiao, what are you thinking about?"

Shen Yuanling noticed the silence of the people around him and felt a little uneasy. After hesitating for a while, he asked warmly.

Jiaojiao turned her head to look at Shen Yuanling. She had to raise her head to look him in the eye.

"Xiaosi, it's so fast. It will be your sixteenth birthday in a few days." Jiaojiao said with emotion.

Shen Yuanling's footsteps paused almost imperceptibly when he heard this, and his heart was vaguely excited.

Jiaojiao finally realized that he had grown up.

"Well, that's fast."

In fact, it was not fast at all. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Shen Yuanling responded duplicitously, carefully hiding his thoughts.

Jiaojiao looked at Shen Yuanling's profile, and the coldness at first sight faded away. At this time, under the illumination of the palace lantern, the delicate features of his eyebrows were revealed, and he looked more like the Queen Mother.

"Are you still going to the Outer North Territory?" Jiaojiao asked.

Shen Yuanling nodded without hesitation, and his expression became serious when he mentioned the Outer North Territory.

"After so many years of hard work, we have passed the most difficult period. Next, we will unite the three northern states. It will be almost done."

"When will you leave?" Jiaojiao asked again.

Shen Yuanling seemed to have made plans long ago and answered quickly: "We will leave in early June. It will get cold early in the outer north, so we must seize the time."

"So fast?" Jiaojiao was a little surprised.

When Shen Yuanling heard this, he turned around to look at Jiaojiao and said with a smile, "Sister Qiao, are you reluctant to let me go?"

Jiaojiao nodded immediately, "Yes, I thought you would stay in Beijing longer this time after being away from home for four years."

The speaker didn't mean it, but the listener got it into his heart. So why...

No one knows how he managed to persevere alone in the remote and cold Outer North.

Second Brother Qiao has great military exploits and is full of majesty in everyone's heart. However, he was only nine years old when he first went to the Outer North Territory. Although he was a prince, he was really young.

He chose an extremely difficult path, and gropingly learned to convince people with reason, force, and coercion. Step by step, he got to where he is now, having put in all his efforts.

He wanted to achieve results, for his brother, for Dayong, and for himself.

He is growing, becoming a better version of himself, and catching up with Jiaojiao.

"Sister Qiao, how are you doing in Beijing?"

Although Jiaojiao often shared the joy of traveling with him in letters, now, he still wanted to hear it with his own ears.

Jiaojiao nodded with a smile, "It's great for me to have nothing to do, but it's very hard for you to be alone in the outer north, right?"

Shen Yuanling shook his head. All the difficult past had long since disappeared. "It was a little difficult at first, but then it became much smoother."

Whenever he felt tired, he would think about her quietly and over and over again. There was always a warm sun in his heart, so he was not afraid of the cold.

At this moment, the warm sun is beside me.

Shen Yuanling's heart softened, and his expression became particularly gentle. Seeing this scene, Jiaojiao felt suspicious in her heart, and couldn't help but have a suspicion.

"Xiao Si, have you found someone you like in the outer north?"

I had never thought about it before, but now that I am mentally prepared, I can see some traces in Xiao Si's expression.

She just mentioned the Outer North Territory, and Xiaosi suddenly...

Jiaojiao couldn't tell, but she could sense the changes in Xiaosi anyway, so she asked without thinking too much.

When Shen Yuanling heard this, his footsteps suddenly stopped. At this moment, his heart was beating fast, his enthusiasm was rising, and there was a real look of panic on his face.

He turned his head and stared at Jiaojiao, unable to describe his complicated mood at the moment.

He hopes that Jiaojiao will know, but he is also afraid that Jiaojiao will know. If Jiaojiao doesn't mean it, will it become a luxury for him to even simply walk together with Jiaojiao in the future?

Shen Yuanling's reaction was a bit shocking. In her opinion, she seemed to have exposed Xiaosi's secret all at once.

It turns out that this is really the case...

Jiaojiao knows that Xiaosi has had a very difficult time in the outer northern border these years.

The second brother and the second sister-in-law had mentioned it to her more than once, so not all people in the North were willing to obey. There were thorns and obstacles everywhere.

And in such a difficult situation, Xiaosi was able to handle it so well, presumably not only because of his own perseverance and outstanding abilities, but also because there was someone who was always accompanying and supporting Xiaosi.

Why haven't I heard this matter mentioned by my second brother and my second sister-in-law?

Could it be that the girl was from Gubei, so Xiao Si had been hiding it, and now she accidentally revealed it?

Jiaojiao's expression changed slightly. When she raised her eyes to look at Shen Yuanling again, for some reason, an inexplicable sourness flashed through her heart, but it disappeared in an instant.

It seems that the empress is worried for nothing, Xiaosi already has someone she likes.

The empress has always been open-minded. I think that as long as the girl and Xiaosi are happy with each other, the empress will not care about each other's origins, and they will definitely grow up to be beautiful adults.

She was reckless today. Perhaps Xiaosi wanted to wait until the Outer North Territory was completely settled before bringing the girl back.

In this case, she would naturally keep the secret for Xiao Si.

Shen Yuanling's eyes never left Jiaojiao's face. He was so nervous that he almost broke the handle of the palace lantern in his hand.

When he saw the look of surprise on Jiaojiao's face, his heart almost jumped out of his chest.

Jiaojiao still found out...

Shen Yuanling was flustered and worried. He opened his mouth and said in a harsh voice: "Jiaojiao, I..."

"Xiaosi, don't worry."

Jiaojiao quickly looked serious and said with relief, "I'm just pretending not to know about this matter, so you don't have to worry about others knowing about it."

Shen Yuanling froze when he heard the words, and the words that expressed his feelings were choked in his throat, swaying and burning into ashes, and disappeared into nothing.

It turns out that in Jiaojiao's eyes, his thoughts...

Shen Yuanling felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if someone had stabbed him hard. His face suddenly turned pale, and the palace lantern in his hand fell to the ground with a clatter.

The delicate lamp handle was really broken by him.

Shen Yuanling lowered his head in silence and showed a wry smile for a long time.

That's right, Luo Hua is intentional and ruthless. These things can never be forced. He has obviously made this preparation.

But when the words "pretend not to know" came out of Jiaojiao's mouth, he still felt deeply powerless and desperate.

It turns out... it won't change. No matter how hard he tries, Jiaojiao will never look down on him.

That barrier was invisible and intangible, but it always stood in front of him. Perhaps in Jiaojiao's eyes, he would always be just a child.

Pretending not to know...

Either way, that's fine.

The palace lantern fell to the ground, and the candle inside snapped out.

The surroundings became dark, and Jiaojiao couldn't see Shen Yuanling's expression. She only heard him murmur twice: "It's okay, it's okay."

Jiaojiao lowered her head and looked at Shen Yuanling who was leaning over to pick up the palace lantern. Her heart was filled with emotions that even she could not distinguish.

These two words of "yeah" undoubtedly confirmed her guess.

Xiao Si really found someone he likes in the outer north.

"Um."

Jiaojiao responded softly, and she and Shen Yuanling reached an agreement to keep secrets.

The palace attendants behind saw the palace lantern falling from Shen Yuanling's hand and hurried to catch up.

The candlelight lit up again, but Jiaojiao and Shen Yuanling no longer looked directly at each other, but walked towards the palace entrance in silence.

Jiaojiao thought she would be very curious about what the girl Xiaosi liked looked like and how they met.

Even in her imagination, Jiaojiao saw herself asking questions endlessly, with curiosity and teasing on her face.

But at this time, she looked down at the road under her feet, but she didn't know where to start.

When boarding the carriage, Shen Yuanling subconsciously raised his hand to help, but Jiaojiao hesitated for a moment and avoided it.

She raised her skirt with both hands and climbed onto the carriage steadily.

It's time to avoid suspicion.

Xiaosi has a sweetheart, so she should keep her distance and not let the girl in the distance who is silently waiting for Xiaosi be sad and misunderstood.

Shen Yuanling froze on the spot, looking at his hands, his eyes suddenly felt very sore.

Liar.

Jiaojiao is a liar.

If she really pretended not to know, why would she not even let him help her get into the carriage?

What he feared most has indeed happened. Perhaps in the future in the outer north, he will not even receive Jiaojiao's letters...

At this moment, Shen Yuanling was in great pain. He even regretted returning to Beijing today.

Jiaojiao was sitting in the carriage, and there was the sound of horse hooves on the right side. Jiaojiao knew that, and Shen Yuanling rode beside her.

She wanted to lift the car curtain and talk to Shen Yuanling, but then she raised her hand and stopped.

She fell back and leaned against the soft pillow, staring blankly at the swaying car curtain.

Shen Yuanling held the reins in his hands tightly, and his body, which was still warm despite the cold weather, couldn't help but feel cold at this moment.

"Jiaojiao..."

He tilted his head, looked at the car curtain that was always closed, and murmured softly, showing too much unwillingness, but the voice was too soft, and it disappeared in the night wind in an instant.

The more you cherish it, the more you worry about gains and losses.

The more cowardly you are, the more afraid you are of losing.

And he will never be able to have the warmth in his heart.

...

Shen Yuanling was originally scheduled to go to the Outer North Territory in early June, but after his sixteenth birthday, he left Beijing in a hurry.

Everyone vaguely smelled something unusual, but Shen Yuanling didn't show any abnormality at all, leaving them confused.

He didn't even let everyone see him off, and rode away in simple clothes.

When Qiao Tianjing told Jiaojiao the news, Jiaojiao was accompanying Xiang Heng and Nuan Xiao.

When she heard this, she looked out the window blankly, then said "yes" clearly, and continued teasing Nuanxiao.

Come to think of it, Xiaosi is probably afraid that the girl from the Outer North Territory will wait for a long time...

Jiaojiao thought.

Qiao Tianjing frowned upon seeing this.

Something is wrong, something is indeed wrong.

————

Qiao Tianjing quietly watched for a few days. Seeing that Jiaojiao seemed a little abnormal, he decided to find out.

He and his brother and sister Jiaojiao had a very good relationship, so there was no need to mince words about certain things. That night he called Jiaojiao to the study.

"Brother, what's wrong?"

Jiaojiao looked curious. It had been a long time since her eldest brother asked her to come to the study.

Qiao Tianjing got straight to the point, "Little sister, Xiao Si left Beijing in a hurry this time, but he didn't say why. His Majesty is very worried."

"The Holy One was worried that there was a big problem in the Outer North Territory, but Xiaosi decided to take care of it himself, so he left in a hurry."

"Little sister, Xiaosi and you are good friends. Did he reveal anything to you before setting off?"

Jiaojiao was a little embarrassed when she heard this. Logically speaking, it was Xiaosi's secret and she shouldn't reveal it to her eloquence.

When Qiao Tianjing saw Jiaojiao's expression, he knew what had really happened.

He frowned. Could it be that Xiaosi was so impatient that he said something he shouldn't have said to his younger sister?

Seeing that Jiaojiao seemed to have an unspeakable secret, Qiao Tianjing immediately added another irritation, "If the younger sister doesn't know, then the elder brother can only go to the Outer North Territory on behalf of the saint to find out what's going on."

"That's not necessary!" Jiaojiao said quickly.

Seeing her eldest brother looking at her with a puzzled expression, Jiaojiao thought for a while and could only apologize to Xiao Si secretly in her heart, and then said honestly:

"Brother, this is Xiaosi's secret. I shouldn't tell others, but if you go to the Outer North Territory specifically for this, you will really suffer."

"I told my eldest brother today that he has to promise not to embarrass my fourth child."

Hearing what Jiaojiao said, Qiao Tianjing became more and more curious.

Looking at the little sister's appearance, I don't want Xiaosi to express his feelings. So...

No matter how smart Qiao Tianjing is, he really can't guess it now.

Jiaojiao looked serious and lowered her voice and said, "Brother, it's like this. In the outer north, Xiaosi... has a girl he likes, and he is anxious to go back to see her."

Qiao Tianjing: Huh? ? ? ? ?

Qiao Tianjing, who had never changed his expression even when Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, was completely stunned. He opened his mouth slightly and couldn't say a word for a long time.

Little sister...little sister, do you want to listen to what she is saying?

When Jiaojiao saw her eldest brother's exaggerated expression, she immediately squeezed her hand and said, "Brother, why don't you believe it! It's true! Xiaosi admitted it himself!"

Qiao Tianjing: Huh? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

The more you say it, the more outrageous it becomes.

Who doesn't know what Xiao Si is thinking? He, the eldest brother, is still waiting to "get in the way"!

Well, except for my little sister...

But how could Xiaosi admit this unfounded thing?

Qiao Tianjing was really curious, so she asked Jiaojiao to tell her in detail how she learned this "secret".

When Jiaojiao retold the conversation with Shen Yuanling that night on the palace road seriously and without bias.

Qiao Tianjing: "......"

OK OK.

The two ancestors talked to each other and even talked together.

One was heartbroken, one took it seriously, one went to the Outer North Territory disheartened, and the other was convinced in his heart!

Ahem, this is interesting...

Qiao Tianjing suddenly showed a meaningful smile, leaving Jiaojiao confused.

She used to think that she could keep up with her eldest brother, and she could communicate with him in terms of layout, but now she couldn't understand his expression.

"Brother, why are you laughing? Did I misunderstand something? Xiaosi said 'it's okay'."

Qiao Tianjing raised his eyes to look at the confused Jiaojiao in front of him, and his smile became even stronger.

A smart person like my little sister is also a fan of the authorities.

But this is no wonder for the little sister. Before he heard the little sister's voice, how could he have thought about marrying a wife and having children? Wasn't it because I kept listening to my little sister chanting Xian'er in my heart that I slowly became enlightened?

Furthermore, it is unclear what the little sister is thinking now.

He is the little sister's biological eldest brother, so he naturally puts her first. It is Xiaosi who is suffering now. If Xiaosi really abducts the little sister in the future, he deserves the suffering today!

With his thoughts at this point, Qiao Tianjing slowly relaxed.

Don't worry, he already has a countermeasure.

————

If we continue tomorrow, we have to be the eldest brother...

This is the last one, thank you all for still following me. I will also try to write some emotional dramas, just in case I get better at writing them in the future...