Gu Changjin only stayed in Mingluyuan for two days before returning to Beijing.

Previously, he was injured due to Xu Li'er's case, and Zuo Shilang Tan Siyuan directly granted him half a month of annual leave, asking him to stay alive and accompany his bride.

He was a man who was always restless, and as he stayed in Minglu Courtyard for a long time, Mrs. Shen had no choice but to urge Rong Shu to go back to the west wing to sleep.

Therefore, he went back to Wutong Lane on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, and returned to the Yamen on duty within two days.

Rong Shu was unwilling to follow him and lived in Minglu Courtyard until the seventeenth day of the first lunar month. The Shen family was about to evict people, so he reluctantly returned to Wutong Lane.

The carriage jolted for nearly two hours. When it turned into Wutong Lane, it suddenly heard the sound of bamboo bangs in the alley outside.

When I opened the curtain, I saw that a family living in Wutong Branch was selling plum blossom soup cakes under the old Wutong tree on a pole.

The family's surname is Zhuang, and the couple are good at making soup cakes. The soup cakes are pressed into the shape of plum blossoms, with thin skin and lots of fillings. They are famously delicious in Wutong Lane.

The couple are both hard-working people, and they went out to sell just after the Lantern Festival.

But inside the simple cloth tent, there was a round-top stove on the ground, with a copper stove on top. The white mist was steaming and rolling, warming up the cold early spring in this alley.

The couple was busy inside, and the little girl wearing a red coat and skirt next to her was tapping a wooden stick wrapped in red cloth, knocking out a bunch of lively ideas.

Rong Shu was hungry. Smelling the aroma of sesame, chopped green onions, and fresh dried shrimps, his taste buds were ready to bloom.

I quickly glanced at Zhang’s mother, with a greedy look on her face.

How can Mother Zhang not know her?

He shook his head and said: "I don't know if the snacks on the street are clean or not. It won't be good if you have a stomachache. If the girl really wants to eat, I will go back and have someone make it for you."

Where are the Zhuangji soup cakes made by others? Taste?

Rong Shu had wanted to try the famous Zhuangji soup cake in his previous life, but unfortunately he didn't come because of the upbringing of a so-called noble girl in his heart.

She doesn't want to worry about that much now.

People who have died once are determined not to let down their stomach.

After all, it won't be long before she leaves Wutong Lane, and she probably won't come back again. Naturally, she has to cherish the opportunity and eat what she has to.

"I used to eat a lot of street snacks with Uncle Shiyi in Yangzhou, and I never got upset." Rong Shu said in a soft voice: "Besides, Zhuang Ji is the only one in Wutong Lane. Mom, I'll just eat it once, okay?"

How could Mother Zhang withstand such soft words and hard words?

His heart softened and he said: "It's windy outside. I'll let the bird fly back to you soon, and you can eat it in this carriage."

It was the time when the sun was shining brightly, and the wind was not strong at all.

Zhang's mother probably allowed her to eat in the carriage because of her status.

Rong Shu could only eat this one bite. It didn't matter where he ate it. He turned around and said to Yingque: "I want more shrimp seeds."

The lady who made Zhuangji Soup Cake recognized Rong Shu's carriage and knew that Mr. Gu His wife was not only born like a fairy, she was also exceptionally good-tempered and very amiable to the people of Wutong Lane.

Hearing Yingque say that he needed to sprinkle more dried shrimps, he grabbed a handful and sprinkled them into the pot.

Rong Shu finally ate the soup cake that he had longed for in his previous life. Not to mention, it tasted even better than Huaiyanglou's signature soup cake.

The little girl ate so much that she didn't notice the Gu family's dusty carriage coming from the end of the alley.

Changji was driving today. Changji was delicious. I could smell the fragrance of Zhuangji soup cakes from afar. I kept scanning my eyes and caught a glimpse of Rong Shu's canopy car. I said "Eh" in surprise. A sharp tug on the reins.

The carriage stopped suddenly.

Gu Changjin frowned, opened the car curtain, and was about to ask a question, but when his eyes touched the figure opposite, his voice got stuck in his throat.

Zhuang Kee's soup cakes were made as big as a thumb, and each bite was just right. The incense burner was burning in the carriage, and Rong Shu's face turned red while eating. He held the bowl and drank the last mouthful of soup with satisfaction.

The mouthful of delicious soup was still in his mouth. His eyes accidentally glanced and met a pair of dark eyes.

"Cough" -

the delicious girl choked and coughed several times.

Zhang's mother hurriedly stepped forward and patted her on the back, saying: "The girl is choking. This window shouldn't be open. The wind is so cold outside that it likes to get into her throat." After saying that, she lowered the car curtain with a "snap". .

Yingque went down to return the bowl and took out a couple of pieces of silver from the silver bag. He was about to give it to the lady at the stall when he saw her wave her hand and said, "Master Gu has already paid Mrs. Gu some silver."

Yingque was startled. , looked around, and found that a carriage in front was driving towards Gu's mansion.

Changji, who was driving, felt extremely aggrieved. His master had just asked him to go to the soup cake stall. He also said that his master felt sorry for him because he had to run around so early in the morning, so he mercifully asked him to feed the gluttons.

Unexpectedly, he was asked to go down and pay money.

He was not allowed to surprise the young lady, and he came back immediately after paying the money, even if he wanted to take a few breaths of the fragrance there.

After arriving at the Gu Mansion, Gu Changjin returned to the study without stopping.

Chang Ji was about to follow in when he suddenly heard Gu Changjin say: "Go out and close the door." He

timidly retracted his feet in mid-air.

After Chang Ji's footsteps faded away, Gu Changjin picked up the cold tea on the table and took a sip.

When she choked just now, he subconsciously got out of the carriage. If Changji hadn't called him, he wouldn't even realize that he had gotten off the carriage.

Changji was confused and asked him if he had any instructions.

He almost deceived himself and asked Changji to pay the money, as if he went down just to give such an order.

Gu Changjin closed his eyes.

Even though he didn't want to admit it, he knew that he was attracted to Rong Shu.

When he left Mingluyuan, he stood in front of the four paintings and looked at them for a long time. What he kept thinking about was the way she looked up in the dream and asked him if she looked good.

The heart beats fast.

What is emotion in the world, what is emotion without knowing its origin?

He really got a taste of it.

Maybe it's not true that I don't know where to start.

Gu Changjin opened his eyes somewhat resignedly, recalling every moment of his relationship with Rong Shu bit by bit, as if watching a shadow puppet show.

After being married for half a year, they had said very little and done very little together.

However, every word she said and everything she did, when he cared to recall it, was as clear as if it happened yesterday.

Subconsciously, he has been remembering her every move and smile.

And this is not just because of being wary of her.

Gu Changjin raised his hand to hold down his pounding chest, remembering her determination and relief when she handed over Na and Li Shu on New Year's Eve.

She probably liked him.

She asked about the Mid-Autumn Festival night in Jiayou's 19th year. Did it start from then?

Then when did she start... no longer happy with him?

"Knock knock"——

The knock on the door made the man in the room feel slightly shaken, as if he was surprised that he could have such thoughts and worries.

Just like a young boy who fell in love for the first time.

Gu Changjin slowly put down his hand, pursed his lips slightly, and waited until the chaotic thoughts in his mind dispersed before he opened the door.

The moment the door opened, the girl standing in the corridor raised her eyes and smiled warmly at him. After entering the room, she bowed to him and said, "Master Gu."

Her every move was generous, as if she had just been shocked and blushed. The person is not her.

Gu Changjin fixed his eyes on her slightly red eyes and replied: "Miss Rong."

"I came here to tell you that in early February, my mother-in-law will go back to the Hou Mansion to arrange Rong Juan's marriage. Then I will have to go back to help Auntie."

In fact, Mrs. Rong and Aunt Pei are taking care of Rong Juan's marriage, so Shen doesn't need to worry about it at all, and there is no need for her to go back to help.

After all, Rong Shu didn't want to leave A Niang alone in the Hou Mansion, so he thought that as soon as A Niang returned to the Hou Mansion, she would follow her back. After all, for Gu Changjin, if she goes back to the Gu Mansion, he can be cleaner, and it will be a good thing for both parties, so why not do it?

Gu Changjin originally thought that she was here to repay the money for the bowls of soup cakes, but never thought that she was here to return to the Hou Mansion.

As thoughtful as he is, how could he not see that this girl doesn't like staying in Wutong Lane?

No, it should be said that she didn't like to stay in Gu's house or by his side.

His heart suffocated slightly, Gu Changjin lowered his eyes and said lightly: "Thank you for letting me know, miss."

Rong Shu came to the study just to inform him, and left after saying this, very neatly.

As soon as she left, Gu Changjin picked up a copy of the document and read it, but after reading it for a long time, his eyes remained fixed on the first word.

My mind was empty, my thoughts were moving very slowly, and my heart ached deeply.

But that heart was still beating like crazy.

After sitting motionless for more than half an hour, Gu Changjin finally put down the papers in his hands, took the coat and went out the door.

Chang Ji was startled when he knew that Gu Changjin was going back to the Criminal Department again.

The master clearly took a half-day leave with Mr. Zuo Shilang and came back to Wutong Lane. Why did he want to go back again?

He opened his mouth to ask, but when he looked up at Gu Changjin's face, the words stopped in his mouth.

The master's face... was not good.

Chang Ji said no more and immediately went to prepare the horse.

Not long after Gu Changjin was sent to the Criminal Department, Hengping came to Inner Street.

"The second girl from the Marquis of Cheng'an has come to Wutong Lane."

"The second girl is Rong Juan?" Chang Ji frowned, folded his hands in his sleeves, and said, "She doesn't have a good relationship with the young lady, so why are she here looking for the young lady? "

Hengping remembered Rong Juan's angry face and said expressionlessly: "That girl is probably here to cause trouble for the young lady. Do you want to go in and talk to the master?"

Chang Ji's lips moved and hesitantly said: "Forget it. , The master is not in a good mood today, and he has just returned to the Criminal Department in a hurry. He thinks there is something important. He will wait until the master is ready to mention the matter of the young lady. You should keep an eye on Songsiyuan and don't let the young lady have any surprises. "

Gu Changjin was unaware of the conversation between Hengping and Chang Ji, and was busy until three o'clock in the morning.

When I left the Criminal Department and returned to Wutong Lane, the sky was already dark, and heavy snow was falling sparsely, but Songsiyuan, which was used to bright lights, did not turn on the lights.

Gu Changjin paused and looked at the Moon Cave Gate of Songsi Courtyard without saying a word.

Is she going back to the Marquis Chengan Mansion today?

Chang Ji, who was on the side, followed his gaze, and remembered what Hengping said, and said quickly: "Today, the young lady's concubine came to Songsi Courtyard, and the young lady went out with her. Master, don't worry, Hengping has been keeping a close eye on her. I won't let anything happen to the young lady."

After hearing from Hengping that the master had taken the young lady to Qiu Shan Villa, Chang Ji knew that the master trusted the young lady.

Employ people without suspicion and don't use people with suspicion. This is the custom of the master. If not, who would want to deal with Xuance, that monster monk?

Therefore, Chang Ji also trusted Rong Shu more, and then let Heng Ping keep an eye on him. With Hengping's temperament, even if he didn't say anything, he would probably secretly protect the young lady.

After hearing this, Gu Changjin thought for a long time and said, "Do you know where they went?"

"Linjiang Tower."

Linjiang Tower.

The man frowned and thought for a few breaths, then raised his chin towards the hanging flower door and said, "Go to Linjiang Tower."

...

Linjiang Tower, Tianzihao Room.

After sitting in this room for more than an hour, Rong Juan's patience was almost exhausted. He stood up and said, "You said that the Jiang family brother already has a sweetheart, and you brought me here to wait for half a day. Why can't you see anyone now?"

Rong Juan said. Shu sipped the fruit tea and said slowly: "What's the hurry? Isn't this a genius general who will wipe the black? Your brother from the Jiang family is probably on his way to pick someone up."

"You -" Rong Juan was furious. She didn't believe Rong. What Shu said.

She had met Jiang Shenglin several times. How could such a dignified and gentle gentleman hook up with another woman when he was already engaged?

She will follow Rong Shu to Jianglou, not to catch Jiang Shenglin's behavior, but to expose Rong Shu's lies.

Unexpectedly, it was already dark now, but she was still so stubborn.

Rong Juan sat down with his pink face covered with frost and angrily.

If it works, she will be curious to see how long Rong Shu can be so stubborn!

Rong Shu also felt a little unsure. Although she might be confident now, in fact, many memories from her previous life were gradually becoming blurry.

I just remember that when the wedding day was approaching, the cousin of the Jiang family fell ill. Jiang Shenglin felt sorry for her cousin and took her out to relax for several days.

Rong Shu even bumped into him once, and he vaguely remembered that it was a few days after the Lantern Festival.

At that time, she didn't know that the man was the brother of the Jiang family that Rong Juan always talked about. It wasn't until later that the man came to the Hou Mansion to welcome the bride that she recognized him.

Bringing Rong Juan here today is also trying his luck.

After all, Rong Juan will know in the future. Even if he doesn't meet her today, sooner or later he will know that what she said is true.

As for why she had to realize this in advance, it starts with Rong Juan coming to Wutong Lane in the afternoon.

It was probably his father who told Rong Juan about getting married from Qinghengyuan, and it was probably Aunt Pei who guessed that she was the one who brought up the matter, so Rong Juan came to Wutong Lane with a secret anger.

Rong Shu had no intention of quarreling with her, but she categorically said that Aunt Pei had been robbed of her position as the head wife, and she refused to marry from Qinghengyuan to the death, and refused to pour tea and kowtow to Aunt Pei. .

In this case, why should Rong Shu save face for her?

She simply took her arrogant sister to see how her future husband fell in love with his little cousin.

She wanted to see if her sister had the magnanimity of adult beauty.

Linjiang Tower, as its name suggests, is built next to a tributary of the Canglan River. Looking out from the window of Tianzihao Room, one can see gorgeous boats on the river.

Chang Ji stopped the carriage by the Canglan River, got on the carriage horizontally, and told Rong Shu exactly why he came to Linjiang Tower.

"For the eldest son of the Jiang family?"

Gu Changjin looked at the cases and saw that Governor Huang from the Ministry of Punishments loved to travel between government offices. He knew the secrets of many noble families in the capital.

Later that afternoon, I heard him say something about the eldest son of the Jiang family secretly ordering a boat on the Canglan River.

"Go and find out where Jiang Shenglin is, and think of a way to force him to go to Linjiang Tower."

Chang Ji knew what Gu Changjin was planning as soon as he heard this. He was the best at this kind of thing, so he quickly grabbed the topic and said: "Just leave this little thing to me."

He said and wiped the oil on the soles of his feet.

Gu Changjin asked Hengping: "Which Tianzi room does the young lady live in?"

"No. 3." Hengping said: "My subordinates were afraid that something might happen to the young lady, so they booked the fourth room in the sky, which is next to the young lady's room. ."

Gu Changjin nodded lightly, took the cloak on one side and said, "I'll go take a look, you don't have to come."