Chapter 2 　　

After Shi Yue left Ji Ying Hall, he felt mixed feelings.Xiao Youdan taught the emperors and ministers of the Song Dynasty a lesson. This person should not be underestimated. With Daliao's current talents, other people should not be underestimated either.Just now the emperor was obviously very depressed. The Song Dynasty was oppressed by the Khitan for more than a hundred years, and it has always been psychologically disadvantaged. It was hard to get ahead. The emperor wanted to take advantage of his tongue, which is actually human. Although the past few years have been diplomatic The Shang Song Dynasty actually took advantage of it, but after all, this was the first time that the emperor faced a heavyweight in the Liao Kingdom in person.However, he didn't expect to meet a powerful character, making him feel ashamed.The emperor had been drinking all the time, and Li Xiangan politely stopped him a few times, but he didn't stop him. During the banquet, Zhao Xu's expression showed that he was a little drunk.

But this is also a helpless thing.This kind of debate, Shi Yue thinks that he is not the opponent of Xiao Youdan's domestic debate, he is good at speaking with facts, so compared with those who talk about righteousness, his words are obviously more convincing.As for the Xixia people, it was obvious that the Xixia people didn't read enough, and after all, there was a big gap in status and strength between Song and Xia.Shi Yue also easily took the initiative.However, Xiao Youdan is not the same. The Liao Kingdom behind him has long been on equal footing with the Song Dynasty, and it has been a big country against the court. However, Xiao Youdan himself has outstanding wisdom and has obviously worked hard to understand the Song Dynasty in the past ten years. He has even read Su Shi's articles. Knowing that Shushi was more suspicious of what he said in Jiying Hall just now, there was a bit of sowing dissension.He spoke on the side of the so-called propriety, righteousness and benevolence, and he seemed to be a friend of the Song Dynasty, but in fact, he catered to the old party's thinking everywhere. If he was not from the Liao Kingdom, people would almost think he was a disciple of Sima Guang.Perhaps, this shows that subconsciously, the Liao Kingdom is more willing to deal with the traditional Song Dynasty than the changing Song Dynasty. However, considering that Xiao Youdan himself is actually a political strategist, Shi Yue cannot but suspect that he has ulterior motives.This matter will definitely become the excuse of the old party for a long time. In the eyes of the old party, this is naturally a shame to the Liao country.It is not impossible for the new party to label the old party as colluding with the Khitan because of this.

The current court situation is already like a person walking a tightrope, in an extremely unstable state, even if there is nothing wrong, it is not optimistic.Xiao Youdan used some means at this time, if it was not handled properly, the conflict would probably intensify in advance. Shi Yue returned to the mansion full of worries, knowing that Zi'er was in the palace, he didn't go back to the inner room, so he went straight to the study.Knowing that Bianjing will be busy today, Shifu gave the servants a holiday on this day, so there are not many people in the mansion.When passing through the corridor, he saw Shi An appearing from nowhere, bowed to Shi Yue, and said with a smile: Bachelor, Mr. Sima Chunfu is here, talking with Mr. Pan in the study.

knew.Shi Yue forced a smile and nodded. After more than ten years with him, Shi An is already old.Why didn't you go to Daxiangguo Temple? The little ones have been in Bianjing for decades, why haven't you seen the excitement?Shi An said with a naive smile, there are too many people there, and people like me can't see anything, only the backs of others.Let the son lead a few grandchildren to go. There are not many people in the mansion today, so I don’t feel at ease. I look around and mention that there are snitches and other guards. The boys are too young. Get together and shut up, when did this rule come into being in the mansion?Everyone thought today was a holiday, so they slacked off last year's Lantern Festival. Didn't they lose a lot of things in Shao Shilang's house?

When people get old, they talk more.Shi Yue smiled and said: Isn't Shi Jian at home? Shi Jian?Shi An smiled and said, the scholar was called away by the magistrate not long after he left. Shi Yue was stunned for a moment, he didn't need to ask him to know which county lord it was, but Rou Jia is not what she used to be, and she is no longer the temperament of mischief, but I don't know why she called Shi Jian away?He shook his head, gave Shi An a few more instructions, and walked quickly towards the study.Going around a few corridors, I saw Sima Mengqiu and Pan Zhaolin talking in the study from a distance. They also saw Shi Yue at the same time, stopped talking quickly, and got up to greet them.

When Shi Yue entered the study, Sima Meng begged for an audience, and before Shi Yue sat down, he said: Bachelor, Master Zhiyuan is back. oh?Shi Yue was stunned, looked at Sima Mengqiu, and asked: How about it? But Sima Mengqiu said with a wry smile: Wang Jiefu refused to come out of the mountain. ah?This was a setback that Shi Yue did not expect. He cast his eyes on Pan Zhaolin, and found that he was also smiling wryly, obviously he knew about it already. There is still room for redemption.Sima Meng asked, and Master Zhiyuan said that Wang Jiefu did not return the messenger's edict, but he did not agree to come back, which proved that he was still hesitating.In addition, according to Zhiyuan, Wang Jiefu gave Lu Jifu a lot of ideas on the matter of handing over the banknotes.Letters have been exchanged between teachers and students so far. It can be seen that Wang Jiefu is not indifferent to world affairs, but that he can't bear Lu Jifu.

Zhiyuan can't even lobby, what good strategy can there be?Shi Yue said dejectedly, he also suffered too many setbacks in this day, could it be that Lu Jifu really deserved to die? So far, the only way to find Mrs. Sang is.Pan Zhaolin did not give up so quickly. it's useless.Shi Yue shook his head, Wang Jiefu was not someone his sons and daughters could touch.If I go to Jinling in person, there is still a 50% chance that I can persuade him, but I can't leave Beijing no matter what. I'd better take a trip. No, now that the capital is changing rapidly, Mr. Pan cannot easily leave the bachelor's side.Sima Mengqiu immediately rejected Pan Zhaolin's suggestion, and even Zirou was called back.

The last letter I received was that Zi Rou had arrived at Ling Yamen.God only knows how long it will take for him to send the letter somewhere in Hangzhou before returning to Beijing.Pan Zhaolin said. Shi Yue sighed, don't worry.Now that Lu Jifu has stabilized his position, things may not go as we imagined.But Brother Qianguang really shouldn't leave Beijing at this time.Fujian Zi is not easy to get along with, I expect him to fight back immediately.It's just that I don't know whether to attack Wen Yanbo or Sima Guang first.To bring him down, we had to count on Cai Yuanchang.

Cai Jing didn't believe it.Pan Zhaolin said coldly. I know he can't believe it.Shi Yue said indifferently, therefore, if there is no 100% certainty to bring down Lu Jifu, Cai Jing will have something to do, and he will not show that he is afraid of hurting himself.But I don't need ordinary things, what I want is a handle that can kill with one blow.The Minister of Taifu Temple has changed to Xue Xiang, I don't believe that Fujianzi can't be caught.In Taifu Temple, a government office full of oil and water, how can there be a cat that doesn't steal? What the students are worried about is the situation in Yizhou. Sima Mengqiu said in a deep voice, if Wang Jiefu refuses to come back, how will Yizhou be dealt with?And Xiao Youdan's going south this time, I'm afraid he's not well-intentioned.

When Shi Yue heard him talking about Xiao Youdan, he couldn't help asking: Did Chunfu find out anything? Hebei Fangshi is a wine bag and rice bag.As soon as Sima Mengqiu mentioned this matter, he became very angry. Now I don't know who is the spy of the Communication Bureau in the Hebei room. Several important people who are lurking in Khitan have died, betrayed, and suffered heavy losses.It is a rare thing that the real one-handed talent is really rare. It is a pity that the Lord of Liyang County is a woman. If it is a man, she is really a unparalleled national scholar. She was only entrusted by someone, and she still takes care of Li Qing's orphans and widows.Moreover, the students saw that she was unwilling to leave Shaanxi, so it was not easy to force her.Nowadays, there are really only a handful of people in the museum who can really deal with the Bureau of Communications.The student had no choice but to temporarily ask Master Zhiyuan to take care of him for a while, and then try to call Wenhuan over.

When Shi Yue and Pan Zhaolin heard what he said, they already knew that the Staff Fangguan knew nothing about Xiao Youdan's purpose.Shi Yue sighed in his heart, and said in a gentle voice: Father Chun, don't be in a hurry, victory or defeat is a common matter in military affairs. Sima Mengqiu blushed, and hurriedly said: I also found myself a little impetuous, when he was in Liao Kingdom, Xiao Youdan was the one he feared the most.At this time, he met his old opponent, although he was in the dark and Xiao Youdan was in the light, he still suffered from this big loss, so he couldn't help but lose his temper. How many officials are bought and how many secret operations are placed, these are trivial matters.The most important thing for staff officials is to find out the prices and taxes in various parts of the Liao Kingdom, whether the people have complaints, the background and ethics of the officials, the factional struggles in the court, the number of troops stationed, the likes and dislikes of the generals, and the dangers. pass map.If these can be done well, it is enough.Winning or losing a short-term battle has no bearing on the overall situation, so don't worry too much about it. yes. After Shi Yue reminded Sima Mengqiu, he stopped talking, changed the subject, and said: "I can't do anything about the situation in Yizhou now."As long as Wang Hou and Murong Qian take up their posts as soon as possible, there may be a turning point. Pan Zhaolin shook his head silently, but did not refute.From the look in Shi Yue's eyes, he knew that even Shi Yue himself didn't believe what he said.Yizhou Road?Pan Zhaolin hid his thoughts. As long as the situation on Yizhou Road cannot be stabilized, Lu Huiqing's aspect will not be truly stable. This is the fatal injury of Fujian Zi.Shi Yue might not understand this, otherwise why would he have opposed him leaving the capital without hesitation, but he was subconsciously escaping in order to secure his conscience.However, Pan Zhaolin didn't have such worries. Once he succeeded, he wanted to overthrow Lu Huiqing, surpass Sima Guang, return to the political core, and gain power. How could there be no stepping stones under his feet?In a sense, no matter what Shi Yue thought in his heart, the crisis of the Great Song Dynasty was his opportunity. This is the hard and cold truth. But Pan Zhaolin didn't need to tell all of this. At this moment, I saw a family member hurriedly walking towards the study room. When he arrived at the door, he saluted Shi Yue and said: Li Duzhi in the palace sent someone to send a message, saying that there is something urgent. Shi Yue got up quickly and said: Quick, lead the way.Hearing this tone, he knew that it was not a decree, and Li Xiang'an quietly delivered the message, let alone dared to delay. The family bowed to Pan Zhaolin and Sima Mengqiu again, and led Shi Yue to the living room.When I arrived at the living room, I saw a little yellow man pacing up and down with his hands folded, with a panicked expression on his face. Seeing Shi Yue coming out, he shouted from afar: "Scholar, something serious happened!" Shi Yue was startled, and listened to the little Huangmen's words, until his face turned yellow, and he froze on the spot, speechless for a while. Somewhere on Panlou Street. Shi Rui held Shushou's little hand, pointed at the dazzling array of products in the store, and introduced them incessantly. This is the little clay puppet for the Qixi Festival I mentioned last time. Awang bought one for me a few days ago. After reading her introduction, the four pairs of eyes were amazed, envious and excited, looking at a pair of little dolls, a man and a woman, placed in a carved wooden pedestal, decorated with gold and silver. Decorated with jewelry, it is really attractive to this group of children. give it to me quickly!Maid Zhao behind Shushou pointed at the pair of villains and shouted in an orderly tone.But Shushou slapped him hard on the hand. Didn't you hear what Lulu said, you need money to buy things outside. Maid Zhao hit her sister abruptly, and looked at Shushou with an aggrieved expression. Don't make trouble when I bring you out, I've agreed to listen to Lulu.Shushou is full of majesty and authenticity, otherwise I won't take you out next time. Brother Six, next time I will bring you a pair.Shi Rui said comfortingly. I also want! I also want! I also want! As soon as she finished speaking, Shushou, who had just brought incomparable majesty, yelled together with Zhao Wei and Di Huan.Shi Rui glanced at the three of them with a bit of embarrassment. You need to know that this little male and female doll is a popular item on Qixi Festival in the Song Dynasty. Like the dolls in front of you, there should be a pair of strings. Money has no concept, so I don't know how much money it is. Although Shi Rui is only six or seven years old, she has been educated by Shi Yue since she was a child, and she has a little sense of money. Lose Awang's monthly cents for one month.She was a little worried that she would not be able to afford it, but the hesitation was only for a moment. She immediately thought that the big deal would be to ask grandma and grandma for it.Her parents were very strict in discipline, but the two elders of the Sang family loved this granddaughter like a baby. Even the stars in the sky would be taken off for her if there was a price, let alone a few dolls. Well, then one person and one pair.Shi Rui generously agreed. The four were overjoyed.Shi Rui pointed to a little turtle carved out of yellow wax, and proudly introduced: This is called floating on water, and when placed on water, it is like a boat, unsinkable.After she finished speaking, she glanced at Maid Zhao, saw his lips move slightly, and quickly added: Last time Awang brought me here and wanted to buy it for me, but my mother refused. But Maid Zhao ignored the hint in her words, and shouted: I want one too. Immediately all the children followed suit: I want to too! All right.Shi Rui replied reluctantly, but he was already muttering in his heart that so much money was spent in vain. Although grandma would give it to her, but if her parents knew about it, she would inevitably be punished.She originally wanted to show them General Fruit, Zhong Sheng, Huagua and other novelties, but now seeing that His Royal Highness wanted the same thing, she couldn't help but retreat in her heart, and she refused to say more. She changed her mind and asked Di Huan, "Brother Huan, how much money did you bring?" Di Huan took out the purse from his waist, opened it and counted, several children gathered around and counted for a long time, the total amount was only a little more than 50 Wen.Shi Rui couldn't help feeling contemptuous, and said: Brother Huan, is that all you have for a month?There was a lot of compassion in the words. Di Huan is also an honorable son who rarely spends money, and Qinghe is very strict in discipline, and rarely goes out, and has no sense of money.Even these dozens of pennies had already been saved with great difficulty, and they were going to secretly ask his companion to buy him snacks. Although he was the only one with some copper coins among the children at this time, he heard that Shi Rui had just been generous. She had promised so many things, and she was laughing at her again at this moment, remembering that she had flaunted that she had a lot of money just now, she suddenly felt blush.Whispered: My money is managed by the housekeeper. Maid Zhao said contemptuously: A gentleman doesn't talk about profit, what do you do with money? Shi Rui shot him a sideways look, and said: Then we will ride in a carriage and you will walk, and we will eat meatloaf and you will watch. Maid Zhao was at a loss for words, and then she heard Zhao Cheng ask: Lulu, do we want to take a carriage? Of course sit.Shi Rui seemed to be the tour guide for everyone, and said, "Grandma Cao's meatloaf is at the Vermilion Bird Gate, we can't go that far."However, Brother Huan had too little money to rent a carriage, so he had to take a postcoach, with four Wenqian per person, and there was a station at the intersection in front of him.The stagecoach she was talking about was the popular bus system in Bianjing, a carriage that was longer and wider than ordinary carriages.Shushou and the others have been famous for a long time, but they have never had the opportunity to sit, so they couldn't help cheering happily at this moment. Lulu, how do you know everything?Di Huan asked almost reverently. My natal family is here, both Awang and Shi Jian have taken me on a postcoach.Shi Rui replied proudly. Everyone let out an envious cry.But Shushou turned his face away and said to Maid Zhao: Do ​​you want to take a car or walk? Maid Zhao hesitated for a while, after all, he is a gentleman who knows current affairs, and said in a low voice: Take the car. Seeing five children go out happily, the clerk in the store watched them leave the store, and couldn't help muttering in a low voice: I don't know which family's children it is?Why does that little girl look so much like the eldest sister of Shi Xueshi's mansion?He no longer dared to think that there was a crown prince, a prince, a princess, a cavalry captain, and a bachelor's daughter who just came to the store! When Shi Rui took a bunch of golden branches and jade leaves to take the post car to eat Granny Cao's meat pie, Roujia was already anxious like an ant on a hot pot, and her whole body was almost on the verge of collapse.Only at this moment did she know what it meant to be seen as a small witch, and only now did she truly understand how her parents worried about her back then. It never occurred to me that Shushou would have the guts to order a group of women to come to the palace to pay their respects. Because the queen mother wanted to see Shi Rui, Zi'er brought her daughter into the palace as well.Then, the Empress Dowager left Princess Gaoli to talk, and Zi'er was invited by Qinghe to Jingyuanzhuang to have a small talk, and asked the Queen because Concubine Zhu and Concubine Wang specially asked Roujia to lead the prince, Duke Xin, and Princess Shushou Going to Jingyuan Manor to play together, these two princes are about the same age as Di Huan, and they have been playmates since childhood, which is not unusual.Since Shushou met Roujia, her aunt, she became so close to her that she almost became Roujia's follower, and Jingyuan Village often came and went.After arriving at Jingyuan Manor, Qinghe let the five children play together in the garden, only asked a few little Huangmen of the same age to follow and accompany, and brought Roujia over to play stone chess together. Unexpectedly, in such a short time, something big happened. Shushou designed to lure a few little yellow gates to play hide-and-seek in the garden, and led four children aged seven or eight to get out of a dog hole in the backyard of Jingyuan Manor. Fortunately, Shushou was able to touch Jingyuan Manor so well. clear.That part of the garden was originally guarded by a few eunuchs, but because most of the servants of Jingyuanzhuang were originally servants specially transferred by the empress dowager. The provincial capital was short of manpower, and these people were transferred back to help, so in the huge Jingyuan Village, many places were left unattended, and Shushou was taught to run away. Of course, no one thought that such a thing would happen. matter. When they found out, everyone was shocked.Jingyuan Manor was in chaos, all the people rummaged through the manor like crazy, several small yellow gates were closed immediately, Zi'er and Qinghe were interrogated strictly, they were both such a single seedling, the child suddenly Missing, it is very difficult for a mother to keep calm, let alone bring three nobles, especially a prince! If there is any accident, is there any way for the Shi and Di families to survive? Responsibility can never be the prince and princess's.This point, both Zi'er and Qinghe are clear in their hearts.And Qinghe especially has to bear a responsibility. They disappeared in Jingyuanzhuang. However, this is actually irrelevant. For Zi'er and Qinghe, if any accident happened to their daughter and son, it would be tantamount to the sky falling. Princess Qinghe suppressed the worry, anxiety, and despair in her heart. Although the people of Bianjing are honest and the public security is excellent, it is unavoidable for a child to get lost in a metropolis with a population of over one million. A few years ago, Thirteenth Lang of Wang Shao's family got lost during the Lantern Festival. Fortunately, the boy was clever and quick-witted, so he was not abducted. In the end, he was found by the servants and rescued by the Emperor and Empress.But such good luck doesn't come often.There are always a few human traffickers among the prisoners executed every autumn in Kaifeng Mansion.Among these five children, the eldest Princess Shushou is only in her teens, while the other four are all only seven or eight or nine years old. It's not surprising that she was kidnapped.But Qinghe knew that she couldn't leave Qingyuan Manor right now, she stopped Zi'er who was in a daze and was going to ask someone to report to Kaifeng Mansion, and the two went to the palace together to plead guilty. Zi'er was originally a very smart person, but when Qing He reminded her, she immediately understood.No matter how anxious she was, she could only enter the palace with Qinghe to plead guilty.Although Xiaohuangmen said it was Princess Shushou's idea, Di Huan and Shi Rui could only be wrong. Moreover, no matter how important this matter is, it cannot be made public.One is that the Empress Dowager’s birthday feast cannot be disturbed; the other is that if it is spread out, the royal family of the Song Dynasty will lose all face, not only will it make the people all over the world laugh at it, but also let foreign envoys watch the excitement, which means that the royal family has no way to teach their children; Unable to explain to Queen Xiang and Concubine Zhu, Qinghe's heart is like a mirror, and this matter really spreads, even if the sixth brother Zhao Gong is only a child less than ten years old, this is also a major event of the prince's moral failure!But the most important thing is that even if there is an earth-shattering disturbance and the search is full of wind and rain, it will not help the matter . Therefore, Qinghe had no choice but to instruct Roujia to try to find it first, but he and Zi'er rushed to the palace to plead guilty. When people are flustered and overwhelmed, if there is someone around who can make up their minds, they can often settle down quickly.With Qinghe's Dinghaishen needle, let her arrange and deal with it.Knowing daughter Mo Ruomu, Zi'er immediately thought that among the five children, the other four rarely go out, only her daughter is often taken to run around outside, Shi Yue seems to have never had the slightest intention to cultivate everyone Thoughts, often lead her to run around in Bianjing.The couple had a little quarrel over the way the child was educated, but in the end Zi'er compromised.Therefore, if the five children slipped out and could really lead the way, perhaps only her family, Shi Rui, would be the only ones who could lead the way.She hurriedly told Rou Jia about the places Shi Rui usually liked to go to, and then followed Qinghe into the palace with great anxiety. The heavy burden fell on Rou Jia like this. Joo Chia wasn't sure if this was a kind of retribution.Back then, she caused so many people to panic and frighten her. Now, with a few children making small attempts, the great achievements of her life are not as good as such a scare. God knows, there is a His Royal Highness the Crown Prince among them! Moreover, how did the stone teach the daughter?Roujia's mind was in a mess. The places that Zi'er mentioned Shi Rui used to go to, from Fengqiumen and Beizhou Bridge in the north of the city, to Yulou steamed buns in the south of the city, Granny Cao's meatloaf, and Zhang Bajiayuan's house. From Dongxiyulin Lane and Zaozhongzi Lane in the east of the city to Wanjia Mantou, Jianlong Temple, and Zhouxi Wazi in the west of the city, God knows why Shi Yue took his daughter to such a place?Forty or fifty place names in a mess were stuffed into her mind by Zi'er. The southeast and northwest of Bianjing City, Panlou Street, Tushizi, and Daxiangguo Temple, whether they are famous or unknown in Bianjing, seem to have no names. This is a place that the eldest sister of the Shi family doesn't like to go to! If Rou Jia really wants to find these places one by one, she won't have to think about it in two or three days. Roujia started to think of ideas when she left Jingyuanzhuang. Fortunately, she was once a troublemaker, and she was so courageous that she abducted her back to the prison, grabbed a small yellow door, and asked him to lead her there. Find Shi Deyi.Didn't Qinghe say that he can't speak out?Just go to the Imperial City Secretary.She hadn't thought about Shi Deyi's authority so much that ordinary clans would be afraid of him, not to mention that she was just a county lord.But Roujia is used to acting according to her own ideas. Even though she has become sensible and mature over the years, she will not be as thoughtful as Qinghe, who caught Shi Deyi in front of the Xihua Gate and grabbed his ear Pulling it aside, there was a clatter of orders and it seemed that she was the imperial envoy of the Song Dynasty. It was only natural that he was asked to dispatch all the soldiers of the imperial city to search quietly, and quickly sent people to the gates of the city to conduct a strict inspection. When she said this, Shi De was shocked out of his body.Shi Deyi knew that Roujia was different from the ordinary clan and could not be offended easily.What's more, with such an earth-shattering event on the table, how dare you say anything more? You promised repeatedly without hesitation. Remembering the clothes of the five people, you hurriedly sent someone to order all the spies of the Imperial City Division to immediately change their tasks and do their best to investigate the three men and two men. Female with five children.Even Shi Deyi himself didn't dare to stay in the forbidden area anymore, he hastily compromised the safety of the forbidden area, and went out of the palace to supervise the handling in person. But Rou Jia didn't really know how powerful the Imperial City Secretary was, so after looking for Shi Deyi, she rode her horse to Shifu.Her thoughts were very simple, Zi'er told her so many place names, it was impossible for her to remember all of them, she asked people from Shifu to help, they should know the places Shi Rui always loved to go.She didn't care whether this thought was right or not, when she arrived at Shifu, she happened to run into Shi Jian.Hearing what she said, Shi Jian was completely shocked. He naturally knew how big it was!Randomly arrested a few servants from the mansion, and followed Rou Jia to search everywhere. Shi Jian also often leads Shi Rui to play, knowing that Shi Rui's family is in Panlou Street, and she loves the excitement there the most, and that area is not too far from Jingyuan Manor, so he immediately takes Roujia to Panlou Street. A few people ran to Lou Street, sweating profusely, and inquired everywhere in Panlou Street, but they didn't know that Shi Rui had already led Shushou and four people, and they were sitting on the bus from the old Fengqiu Gate to the Zhuque Gate. On the stagecoach, they clapped their hands and shouted happily. The shopkeeper of Granny Cao's meatloaf is not Granny Cao, but an honest and honest middle-aged man.Yelumeng obviously couldn't accept that Granny Cao's meatloaf was actually a man's shopkeeper. He was a little surprised. He was far inferior to Xiao Youdan in understanding the Song Dynasty. Naturally, such a well-known and well-known old shop like Cake will not change its signboard easily.But this member Cao obviously has no idea of ​​business expansion. There is an endless stream of people who come to buy meatloaf as much as possible, but Grandma Cao’s meatloaf is still just a small shop, but most people buy it and take it with them. Let's go, only a very small number of people will eat cakes with clear soup in the store. This day was an unusual day for Yuanwai Cao.Although it was the Empress Dowager's birthday, Cao Yuanwai, who had always believed in thrifty housekeeping, did not go to Daxiangguo Temple to watch the excitement like ordinary Bianjing citizens.The citizens of Bianjing like to be lively, but Cao Yuanwai upholds a purpose of 365 days a year, rain or shine, and the shops are always open to welcome customers.Citizens go to Daxiangguo Temple to watch the excitement. People who live in the south of the city will pass by here when they go home. Ordinary citizens dare not go into a big restaurant like Li Qijiazhengdian. I would only go to Granny Cao meat pie to buy a piece of cake, or go to Zhangjia Youbing, Yulou Baozi to buy a piece of oil cake, or buy a steamed stuffed bun to satisfy my hunger.Therefore, shops like Granny Cao's meatloaf usually come from very ordinary people in the market, and there are very few dignitaries who condescend to dignify them. But this day, it seemed extremely abnormal. First, two guests came. They were well-dressed and behaved like ordinary people, and their accents were even less like Bianjing people.The two bought a few cakes, ordered two big bowls of soup, sat down in a corner, and ate with relish.One of the guests praised it while eating it. It is rare that the taste of this meatloaf has remained unchanged for more than ten years.Ordinary people don't know that to eat Granny Cao meatloaf, you must come to the store and eat it with soup, which is authentic.How could Li Qingchen know such wonderful things? Because of his tone of voice, Yuan Cao was actually a regular customer in the store more than ten years ago. Because he suspected that he was rushing for the exam, he was thinking about smiling and going up to say a few words. Write a poem, write a picture or something, hang it up, decorate it. He was thinking about it, but four customers came into the store, asked for some meat pies, and didn't eat soup. They just found a table and were absent-minded. biting.These four guests said that being poor is not like being poor, saying that being rich is not like being rich, saying that people are not like ordinary people, and saying that being officials is not like being officials.They didn't look like they came to eat, but they looked at the two guests at that table from time to time.Yuanwai Cao couldn't figure out where they came from, but he heard his youngest son tugging at his clothes and whispering in his ear: Father, this is from the Imperial City Division. how do you know?Don't talk nonsense.Cao Yuanwai was taken aback. The one sitting over there is Lin Wu from Xiaotianshui Lane. Three years ago, he bribed Father-in-law Lan from the palace to find a job in the Imperial City Department.Dad don't remember? Cao Yuanwai unconsciously took a closer look, and it was indeed Lin Wu. Dad, nothing will happen, right? What can happen to our well-behaved ordinary people?Cao Yuanwai reprimanded a few words in a low voice, then whined at Xiao Youdan and Yelumeng, it was for those two. But after such a disturbance, Cao Yuanwai didn't dare to talk to him anymore.Fortunately, the detectives from the Imperial City Division didn't stay for too long. Not long after, the four of them seemed to have something urgent to do, so they paid the money and left in a hurry. This abnormal behavior not only puzzled Cao Yuanwai, but also secretly surprised Xiao Youdan and Yelumeng. Xiao Youdan is by no means the kind of person who follows the rules. Li Qingchen refused to accompany him to eat Granny Cao's meatloaf. The guards inside and outside the Duting Station were heavily guarded, but he still found a chance to slip out. However, no matter how capable he is, It can't match the large number of people in the Zhifang Division and the Huangcheng Division, and there are a few tails behind their buttocks.It's just that the official department and the imperial city department have very different ways of doing things. The official department is secretly watching, but the imperial city department is blatantly following, and they are not afraid of being discovered. Their respective responsibilities are related, and the official secretary wished Xiao Youdan could come to meet the spies in Bianjing, but the Imperial City Secretary would be satisfied as long as there were no mistakes. However, no matter what they did, Xiao Youdan just gnawed on the meatloaf with relish. In his opinion, the meatloaf for Granny Cao for a few pennies was much more delicious than the delicacies in Jiying Hall.Therefore, he didn't care if the people from the Imperial City Division came in to follow up provocatively. Instead, they left suddenly, which made him wonder secretly.But this nosy matter is beyond his control. Satisfied with the last sip of soup, Xiao Youdan wiped his mouth with satisfaction, looking at Yelumeng who had already finished eating, the two unconsciously looked at each other and smiled.Just as I was about to ask the shopkeeper to come over to check out, I heard a childish voice saying: "Shop, I want five meatloaf and five bowls of soup." OK!Xiao Youdan heard Cao Yuanwai's promise, but saw two women, three men and five children walk to an adjacent table and sit down, he glanced casually, but was immediately stunned. Dragon pattern! An eight or nine-year-old boy sitting next to him was sitting on a bench, his feet dangling, revealing half of his boots, which were actually embroidered with dragon patterns! Xiao Youdan almost suspected that he was wrong, so he looked closely at the clothes of the five children. The clothes and hats on the five children were all extremely exquisite and luxurious, but there was nothing unusual about them. Rituals are already commonplace.The royal family of the Song Dynasty, even the emperor, often wore the same clothes as ordinary officials. Xu is a child of a certain prince's family who sneaked out.Xiao Youdan thought secretly.But Cao Yuanwai's youngest son came over with a dish, wiped the table, and said with a very familiar smile: "You guys, little lady, why did you come out to play by yourself?" Outside the staff?Maid Zhao looked at Di Huan and asked strangely: Brother Huan, are you Yuanwai Lang?He had only heard of Yuan Wai Lang, but he didn't know the folk customs. He saw that this guy was talking to his party, but he and Zhao Qi couldn't belong to Yuan Wai Lang anyway, so in his mind, Di Huan was the only one. Di Huan shook his head and said proudly: I am Captain Qi, not Yuanwailang. Zhao Mai and Zhao Wei felt even more strange, they looked at Shi Rui intently, but they refused to believe that she could be Yuanwailang!But this sound of riding a captain really shocked people.Ever since Wang Anshi worshiped the Prime Minister, the Song Dynasty has become more and more strict with Enyin.At such a young age, Di Huan favored Captain Qiqi, which not only surprised Xiao Youdan and Yelumeng, but even the youngest son of the Cao family was also shocked. Brother Six and Brother Seven don't talk too much.After all, Shushou is a little older and needs to know more about things, so she put on her sister's airs and glared at Zhao Gong and Zhao Cheng.The two were in awe of Shushou, shrank their heads, and dared not speak. The youngest son of the Cao family looked at the five people suspiciously, knowing that it was a son of a noble family who had sneaked out to play, so he didn't dare to say anything. He served the soup and cakes, and ran back to discuss with his father whether he should report to the Kaifeng mansion.The people in Bianjing are very enthusiastic, and they don't have the habit of sweeping the snow in front of their own doors. What's more, if these children get lost, they will not be able to get rid of their responsibilities if the government finds them here. But these few words have already made Xiao Youdan curious.He felt almost intuitively that these children were unusual.So he left without being too busy, and paid more attention to these children. The five children were obviously hungry. Although they took a post car from Panlou Street, there was still a long distance from Jingyuanzhuang to Panlou Street. Although the children were walking and playing, it was not easy to feel Tired, but most of the people are in a state of extreme excitement for most of the day, but it also consumes a lot of energy.Maid Zhao used to be extremely picky eaters when eating in the palace, and she couldn't eat much, so her body was extremely weak. At this time, she drank a mouthful of clear soup with a mouthful of meat pie, and she couldn't eat a single bit of food.Not to mention Zhao Wei and Di Huan, they finished eating early, they didn't dare to provoke Shushou, they just looked at the half cake in Shi Rui's hand, but after all, they were embarrassed to openly ask for what Shi Rui had in his mouth. I want one more!But Maid Zhao didn't think so much, and immediately yelled loudly after eating. There is not enough money.Shi Rui said in embarrassment, Di Huan took out the copper money from his purse and poured it on the table, but it was only thirty or so cash, which was just enough for each of them to have a meatloaf. The few children looked at each other, Maid Zhao wanted it very much, but was afraid of being scolded by Shushou, so he looked eagerly at Shushou. Xiao Youdan now found it interesting from being curious. He was sure that these children were all honored children of the Song Dynasty, but he didn't know how noble their identities were.He watched the children with interest to see how they would handle the matter. But Shushou glanced at Maid Zhao, then turned to Shi Rui, and asked: Lulu, did you say that there is a place for things last time? Rui nodded, and immediately understood, ah, said: If you pawned something, you will be scolded if you are found out.而且我爹爹說過，到當鋪當物什，都是很虧的。 我便說不小心丟了便是。淑壽不以為然地說道，一面摘下一個耳墜來，學著石蕤的口氣喊道︰店家。 曹員外已經聽他小兒子說起這群小孩中有個騎都尉，心裡正在為難︰他到底不知道底細，也不敢隨便報官，須知開封府的官老爺也不是那麼好相處的。但若不管，又怕擔上干係自己擔待不起。這時聽到淑壽喚他，連忙親自跑了過來，打了躬問道︰小娘子，不知有何吩咐？ 我用這個再換你三個肉餅，行麼？淑壽到底是第一次幹這勾當，心裡又是興奮，又是忐忑。 曹員外望著淑壽手裡的耳墜，半晌說不出話來。單單耳墜上面的那顆珠子，只怕梁家珠子舖裡輕易也尋不出這麼好的珍珠來。用這麼名貴的東西，換三個肉餅要得！曹員外幾乎忍不住要把這兩個字吐了出來。 淑壽卻以為他不肯答應，不覺失望，這對耳墜原是她極喜歡之物，若非是心疼兩個弟弟，哪裡便肯給人？這時抿抿嘴脣，又取下另一隻耳墜，道︰這總該夠了吧？ 一隻便夠了。石蕤卻不幹了，一把攔住。上回我到梁家珠子舖買一顆尋常珠子都花了幾百文，三個肉餅也就是十幾文，一隻便夠了。 蕭佑丹在旁邊聽得再也忍耐不住，不由得哈哈大笑。招手叫過曹員外，笑道︰店家便給他們三個肉餅，算到我的賬上便是。 員外陪著笑應了，一方面是如蒙大赦，一方面卻又是戀戀不捨。連忙吩咐了兒子上肉餅。 石蕤卻不肯平白無故得人好處，學著大人的樣子，對蕭佑丹襝衽一禮，道︰不知這位先生如何稱呼？尊府在何處？明日我好叫人將餅錢送還。她到底也算是名門之女，年紀雖小，面對生人之時，倒還沒把平素學到的禮節全部拋到九霄雲外，也說得似模似樣的。 這時肉餅已經送到，趙傭拿起一個肉餅方啃了一口，聽石蕤還要還錢，含著餅道︰既要還錢，便再來兩個！ 這回連耶律萌都忍俊不禁，哈哈大笑起來。 但他只笑到一半，便猛然頓住連蕭佑丹也想不到，石越竟會在此時突然出現在曹婆婆肉餅的店門口。 石學士！蕭佑丹才說了三個字，便聽到一個怯生生的聲音喚道︰爹爹！他大奇回頭，卻見石蕤低著頭，一副做了錯事的模樣。他又抬頭望望石越，見他滿頭大汗，一臉焦急，全不似平時的從容鎮定，幾乎再次笑出聲來。 蕭大王？石越亦沒有料到蕭佑丹會出現在這裡，他看著蕭佑丹，目光卻停到了石蕤臉上，他見女兒沒出什麼意外，已放了一半的心，再掠過她身邊，見淑壽、趙俟、狄環都心虛地低著頭，趙傭剛好捧著肉餅咬了一口，猛然間見到自己，似乎咽也不是，吐也不是，一臉茫然地發起呆來，石越又好氣又好笑，但一直懸著的心終究還是落了下來。小孩子不知天高地厚，幾乎將他嚇得半死汴京城到底不是世外桃源，反倒是一個巨大的名利場，什麼樣的人都有，萬一碰上歹人，後果可真是不堪設想。皇帝這時候早已經知道幾個孩子失蹤之事，又驚又急，幾乎是坐立不安。現在外頭看起來歡天喜地的，禁中卻早已經亂成一團李向安這才派人給他報訊。石越收到消息，立時便猜到此事他的寶貝女兒功不可沒若沒有她從中撩撥，另外那四個孩子，哪裡會想到溜出宮來？因此他亦是循著女兒愛去的地方尋找，不過他到底身分不同，一面調集了府中的人手，只說是石蕤失蹤，瞞了兩個皇子與公主的事，令他們四出尋覓；一面又動用自己的關係開封府有兩個巡檢，乃是他撫陝時的親兵出身，平素裡，凡是石府的門客親兵家人，只要出了石府的大門，石越便一律不許來往（司馬夢求是個例外）這亦是為了避嫌，這時候卻顧不了許多便是如此，他在城南足足找了一個時辰，才有開封府的一個捕頭來報，說見著石府的小娘子在曹婆婆肉餅店，他匆匆趕來，卻不料竟在這裡見著蕭佑丹不過也不奇怪，那開封府的人，自然是不認得蕭佑丹的。 石越見幾個小孩平安無事，穩下心來後，卻又暗暗叫苦。他也不知道蕭佑丹是否已經知道幾個孩子的身分，這時更不敢多說，立即反客為主，問道︰蕭大王如何會在這裡？蕭佑丹並非常駐使節，沒有宋朝官員陪同，隨便出都亭驛，到底是不合禮節。因此石越語氣中隱隱便帶了質問之意。 蕭佑丹笑道︰一別汴京十餘年，閒來無事，正好出來走走，看看汴京究竟還有何變化這一位，便是令嬡麼？ 小女頑劣，石某教女無方，讓大王見笑了。石越輕描淡寫地回了一句，旋即道︰還是請大王早回都亭驛，若要觀賞汴京風情，可叫禮部安排官員陪同大王固有閒情逸致，然若有何意外，大王乃北朝重臣，到時大遼皇帝問起來，可叫敝國為難了。 學士說笑了。蕭佑丹眼見石越似乎急著遣開自己，反倒生了疑心，他用眼角餘光又瞥了石蕤幾人一眼，笑道︰休說大宋職方司、皇城使都是精兵強將，護衛周到，便是小王與耶律將軍，亦都是馬上出身，等閒之輩，不足掛齒，又能有何意外？ Is it?他話音剛落，便聽到店外有人冷冷接道，蕭大王是以為我大宋無人麼？ How dare!蕭佑丹淡淡笑道，望著一個其貌不揚的中年男子，緩緩走進店中。石越見著此人進來，心中暗叫一聲苦，果然，便見趙傭終於回過神來，慌忙咽下口中含了半天的肉餅，笑逐顏開地跳了起來，口裡喊道︰楊將軍，你來了！他雖然貴為太子，但終究自覺心虛，加之宋室皇子教育嚴格，石越又是朝廷重臣，他剛才猛然間見到石越出現，竟是大大嚇了一跳，所受驚嚇只怕比石蕤更甚三分。所以捧著肉餅發了好久的呆，竟不知如何是好，只覺怎麼樣都是失儀，這時見到楊士芳出現，便如見著救星一般，急忙拋了肉餅就朝楊士芳奔去。 楊士芳見趙傭無恙，亦暗暗鬆了口氣，下意識地便想行禮，總算是生生忍住。 楊將軍？蕭佑丹與耶律萌交換了一下眼色，狐疑道。二人越發覺得這事不同尋常。 楊士芳只看了石越一眼，卻沒有再理會蕭佑丹。他回過頭，似是向門外打了個暗語，便見一輛馬車急疾而至，停到了店門之外，又有兩個身著常服的班直侍衛走進店中，逕直走到淑壽與趙俟身邊，護著二人出門而去。楊士芳牽著趙傭的手緩緩走到店門口，忽然回頭，冷冷逼視蕭佑丹一眼，便轉過頭，帶著趙傭揚長而去。 石越心中苦笑不已事情如此發展，他知道以蕭佑丹的精明，這件事終究是瞞不過去的，但這時候也只好瞞得一時算一時，畢竟他怎麼樣都管不到楊士芳。一面向石蕤道︰蕤兒，環哥兒，你們過來。 石蕤與狄環怯生生地走到石越身邊。石越看了女兒一眼，一時也不知道說什麼，半晌，方抬頭欲向蕭佑丹告辭鬧出偌大的事情，他必須領著這兩個小孩，去宮中請罪卻見蕭佑丹與耶律萌都變了臉色，怔怔地望著門口。 他順著二人的目光瞧去，卻見店門口的一塊鋪地的青磚，竟已四分五裂。 石某尚有俗務在身，不便久留，便先告辭了。為大王安全計，為兩國邦交計，還望大王早回驛館。石越正抱拳向蕭佑丹告辭，卻感覺有人扯著自己的衣襟。他低頭望去，卻見石蕤正在輕扯自己的衣袍，見他目光，慌忙低下頭去，細聲道︰爹爹，我還欠這位蕭大王三個餅錢 楊將軍，剛剛那個是什麼人？馬車上，趙傭好奇地問著楊士芳。與日日相處的楊士芳在一起，他感覺自在了許多。但心裡終免不了有點惋惜不捨。 六哥問的是那個契丹人麼？楊士芳習慣性是冷冰冰的語氣，他是遼國的北樞密使、衛王。是來給太后祝壽的。 北樞密使是多大的官？和文太傅一樣大麼？ 差不多大。楊士芳簡短地答道。 他比文太傅和氣。趙傭突然道。 六哥千萬不可亂說。坐在馬車門口的內侍龐天壽慌忙回過頭來，他是負責照顧趙傭與趙俟的內侍這個是讓人羨慕的差使，誰都知道，趙傭是大宋朝的儲君。但這一次出了這麼大的漏子，他的前途也隨即變得黯淡起來。幸好當今的皇帝、太后、皇后都不是暴戾的人，否則他的小命根本留不到現在。文太傅可是當今名臣 他生怕趙傭隨口亂說，又惹出禍來，便想為文彥博辯護幾句，但他畢竟只是個內侍，支吾半天，卻說不出個所以然來。 卻聽楊士芳道︰六哥可知道他是契丹人？ I know.娘娘說過，契丹是北邊的大國。 那是我們大宋的世仇。楊士芳沉聲道，六哥將來要做官家的，便要靠文太傅這樣的大臣輔佐，才能打敗契丹，收復故土。趙傭與趙俟似懂非懂地聽著，楊士芳又道︰像剛剛碰到的蕭佑丹這樣的人，是我們的敵人。文太傅是朝廷的忠臣，是好人。 他到底只是個武人，不明白趙傭心裡想著什麼趙傭每次見著文彥博，無論是向皇后、朱妃，還是服侍他的內侍，都必然要叫他規規矩矩，謹守禮儀，這樣太子才能受到百官的稱讚，若舉止有絲毫不妥，回來必定要被說上一番。所以趙傭對於文彥博、石越這樣的朝廷大臣，心裡實在頗為懼怕。這時見蕭佑丹言笑晏晏，素不相識還肯借錢買餅給他吃，又聽說是契丹的大官，兩相比較，自是覺得蕭佑丹要親切得多。 六哥、七哥回宮，要好好向官家、聖人請罪。千金之子，坐不垂堂龐天壽接過楊士芳的話來說道，趙傭這時候才明白，自己到底是再次回到了平素的生活中，一大堆的規矩與禮儀在等著自己。他不住地拿眼睛馬車的車簾外瞄望，一臉地戀戀不捨。這裝飾富麗堂皇的馬車，竟是遠遠不及簡陋的驛車有趣。隨著馬車的顛簸，趙傭眼皮越來越重，竟是睡著了。 載著趙傭、趙俟與淑壽的兩輛馬車，直接駛入了靜淵莊。楊士芳等班直侍衛、內侍服侍著三人在靜淵莊下了馬車，早有宮中的內侍在那裡等候，直接便引著三人往保慈宮去。趙傭、趙俟與淑壽這時見著眾內侍都低著頭，走路靜悄悄的，喘氣都不敢大聲的神情，這才隱約意識到事情嚴重了。 到了保慈宮前，高太后極親信的內侍陳衍已在宮前等候，見著三人過來，忙行了一禮，低聲道︰官家、太后、聖人都在，六哥、七哥、主主，待會兒好好認個錯。一面又對楊士芳與龐天壽道︰太后讓二位也進去。卻不再多說什麼，龐天壽看了楊士芳一眼，見他面無表情，不覺苦笑了一下。 陳衍引著五人進了保慈宮，佑大一個保慈宮內，靜悄悄地，竟是一點聲音也沒有。便見正殿外的院子裡，整整齊齊跪著數以十計的宮女、內侍，全都是服侍趙傭三人的。楊士芳與龐天壽見著這情形，便也不敢再走，也在院中跪了下來。趙傭三個先進到殿中，卻見高太后坐在正中的椅子上，全不似平時和藹可親的樣子，沉著臉，一聲不吭。趙頊與向皇后卻坐在一側，見著三人進來，倒更似是鬆了一口氣的神情。趙顥與趙頵站立著侍候，趙頵看到三人無事，亦是鬆了口氣，臉上不覺露出一絲微笑；趙顥卻一臉的肅然。 而在大殿的正中央，赫然跪著朱妃、王妃、清河、梓兒。 三人見著這陣仗，心裡已先是慌了。淑壽是闖慣禍的人，這時見勢頭不對，立即便跑到高太后跟前，順勢跪下，便抱住了高太后的腳，可憐兮兮地說道︰娘娘，溫國知錯了。都是溫國不好，擅自帶著六哥、七哥出去，溫國知錯了，害娘娘、官家、聖人擔心（注︰宋朝管祖母、母親都叫娘娘，宮中民間皆然。） 趙傭和趙俟呆了一下，待到淑壽一氣說完之後，方才反應過來，一齊跪下，跟著說道︰孩兒知錯了，請娘娘責罰。 淑壽這麼著可憐巴巴地一認錯，若是平時，高太后心腸便軟了。但鬧出這麼大事來，若不給他們點顏色瞧瞧，有一難免有二，若再跑一次，欲待如何收場？而且這事還牽涉著太子的名聲，趙傭雖為儲君，但一日不登基為帝，他的地位便一日不能算是安穩了。自古以來，多少太子平安無事，還要憂讒畏譏的，何況還鬧出這麼大事來？高太后提心吊膽半日，生怕三人有什麼意外；待知道他們平安無事，這擔心便轉為惱怒，早已硬下心腸，要給這幾個無法無天的孩子立立規矩，卻哪裡會被她幾句話打動。 當下看也不看淑壽一眼，冷冷道︰我知道妳錯了！一句話出口，怒氣上湧，高聲道︰妳還知道錯？ 她這麼著一發怒，連向皇后都坐不住了。須知這三個孩子，都是由她撫養的。忙欠身勸道︰娘娘息怒不料一句話都沒說完，便被高太后打斷，息怒？妳帶的好孩兒，如今還要回護他們麼？ ! 這話卻已經是極重，向皇后臉一紅，連忙起身跪下，垂首道︰臣妾教子無方，累娘娘擔憂，罪孽深重，不敢避罰。還盼娘娘息怒，以免傷了鳳體。 高太后哼了一聲，卻也不叫她起來。向皇后就這麼跪在保慈殿中，清河與梓兒跪都跪得不心安，二人方又要把罪責往自己身上攬，卻聽一個腳步匆匆走進殿中，跪在她們身後，稟道︰觀文殿大學士石越領著女兒石氏、騎都尉狄環在西華門外請罪。 趙頊望了一眼高太后，卻聽高太后沒好氣地說道︰有什麼罪好請？石越畢竟是朝廷大臣，沒有隨便處置的道理若是太子果真有什麼好歹，也不用降罪，石越便只有自殺一條路可選；但太子既然沒事，縱使聲張出去，御史彈劾，無非也就是降職、削爵、罰俸教女不嚴是什麼罪，至少大宋的律令上是沒有規定的，縱要處罰，從來都是與事情實際造成的後果、皇帝對當事人的態度來決定的。且皇帝還在，這亦不是高太后可以做主的；何況高太后與皇帝都不想張揚，這就更不能無緣無故處罰石越這樣聲名赫赫的大臣了。 高太后心裡早就有了主張，又道︰孩子叫他領回去，嚴加管束。十一娘的公主俸削了，改食郡主俸，不得再用公主儀制。韓氏的郡夫人誥命也削了。回去好好學學相夫教子，妳們倆個都退了罷。 臣妾謝太后恩。清河與梓兒連忙謝恩。二人在保慈宮已跪了大半日，雙腿僵硬，血脈不通，幾乎站都不站起來。但這時更不敢失儀，強撐著起身，恭恭敬敬地退出保慈殿。 向皇后見高太后三言兩語，便將清河從一個準公主變成郡主，又奪了梓兒的誥命，處分如此嚴厲且不留半點情面，便已知道高太后是鐵了心要立規矩了。果然，便聽高太后又道︰叫楊士芳、龐天壽進來。 未多時，楊士芳與龐天壽走進殿中，一齊拜道︰臣楊士芳、龐天壽，叩見皇太后、官家、聖人。 你們知罪？高太后逕直問道。 臣等知罪。 也罷，每人杖責二十。 楊士芳與龐天壽不由一愣，幾乎是喜出望外，連忙頓首道︰謝太后。 趙顥聽到高太后如此處分，亦不由大感意外按常理慣例，出了這樣的事情，楊士芳與龐天壽都會被逐出宮中。楊士芳或許貶往某州安置，龐天壽大概會在洛陽或者大名府度過餘生，事實上，那些被淑壽設計騙過的小黃門，便是被杖責後趕出了宮中。但高太后卻乎意料的留下了楊士芳與龐天壽。眼見二人叩頭謝恩，便要出去受罰，趙顥嘴脣微動，欲要進言，卻終於忍住。 不料淑壽卻忽然喚道︰娘娘！眾人都是一愣，卻見她猶豫了一下，忽大聲說道︰娘娘，都是溫國犯的錯，一人做事一人當，請娘娘處罰溫國，不要降罪楊將軍他們。 殿中之人再也沒有人想過淑壽小小年紀，竟有如此擔當，都不覺一怔。高太后與趙頊心中幾乎同時轉過一個念頭︰可惜她是個女兒。楊士芳與龐天壽剛走到殿門口，聽到這話，身子都不由一顫，幾乎不能自已。但二人卻也知道這種求情是絕不可能有用的，並沒有停下腳步。 果然，妳放心，少不了要罰妳。高太后的聲音依然嚴厲，怒氣卻平抑了許多，各人有各人的職責。你們是皇子、公主，一舉一動，關係的都不只是你們自己。尤其是六哥，現在你犯了錯，身邊服侍你的人，都要跟著受處罰。將來你若是不顧後果，犯下大錯，便是整個大宋要跟著你受罰！ 凡為天下國家有九經。第一即曰修身，修身則道立。齊明盛服，非禮不動，所以修身也。六哥為天下士民之望，七哥與主主亦都是皇家宗室，一舉一動，宜為軍民之表率。是年紀雖小，漢昭烈所謂不以善小而不為，不以惡小而為之，正應當從小便學著守禮儀，知規矩才對。趙顥一旁語重深長地附和道，娘娘的教誨，不惟六哥，便是七哥和主主，亦當牢記在心裡。這才是大宋萬民之福。（注︰主主是宋朝皇室中，長輩對公主的昵稱。） 高太后瞥了自己這個愛子一眼，沒有說話。向皇后一向是個規規矩矩的懦弱性子，雖聽出趙顥這冠冕堂皇的話後面，總有那麼點不對勁，卻也不知道該如何駁斥。朱妃在高太后面前，更是一句話都不敢有的，兒子闖了這麼大禍，她也只知道跪著哭泣賠罪而已。惟有王賢妃卻是聽得極刺耳，壯著膽子，低聲說道︰孔子曰︰不觀高崖，何以知顛墜之患？不臨深淵，何以知沒溺之患？不觀巨海，何以知風波之患？聖人猶自如此，何況幾個孩子？所謂知過而改，善莫大焉。六哥、七哥、主主，雖犯了過失，但若能就此知辱，誰說不是好事呢？還請娘娘重加責罰，讓他們知道教訓，這亦是為了他們好。 她話中之意，也是附和著高太后的話，卻又隱隱地和趙顥的說法針鋒相對。 王氏說得對。高太后冷冷地應道，卻聽不出她是什麼心意，人非聖賢孰能無過，不過犯了錯，就要受到懲罰。不管是普通宗室，還是親王太子，都不能例外。不能讓天下萬民譏我皇家沒有家教。俗語雲棍棒底下出孝子，六哥、七哥、溫國既做出錯事來她頓了頓，沉聲道︰陳衍，領他們三個一道去宗廟，跪足三個時辰。 高太后此話一出，連趙頊都變了顏色。跪上三個時辰，文弱一點的大臣只怕都受不了，何況三個自小嬌生慣養，過慣錦衣玉食生活的小孩子？尤其趙傭身體又弱，這麼著一跪朱妃一聽這處罰，身子一晃，幾乎便要暈倒，勉強支撐著，泣不成聲地乞求道︰娘娘開恩，娘娘開恩 向皇后亦求情道︰娘娘，六哥、七哥、主主都是嬌生慣養的 王賢妃卻知道說什麼也用，雖心如刀絞，卻只是默默地不說話。 趙頊幾次也想開口求情，但知道淑壽是個鬼精靈，若知道他有半點不忍之意，將來真是無法管教，嘴脣動了幾動，終於還是忍住，只用目光向趙顥與趙頵示意。趙頵立時跪了下來，求情道︰娘娘，六哥、七哥、主主雖然有錯，還望娘娘從輕些發落，若有個好歹，娘娘難道不心疼孫兒孫女麼？ 趙顥卻抿著雙脣，只做沒有看見，竟是一句求情的話也不說。 便在這當兒，卻聽殿外有人高聲道︰好漢做事好漢當。六哥、七哥、主主，做錯了事不許混賴，都和我一道去跪隨著這話聲，便見柔嘉大步走進殿中，跪在高太后面前，道︰雲鸞之罪，任憑太后責罰，絕不敢辭。是我看丟了六哥、七哥和溫國，我理當陪他們一道罰跪的。不過雲鸞也有一事，想求太后應允！ 這麼膽大包大的話，也只有柔嘉敢說。她也不待高太后答應，便又說道︰我聽說，真宗曾說，太宗皇帝最好的誡諭，都是關於讀書的。雖說祖宗定制，宗室要十歲才上學，但六哥、七哥闖出這禍事來，亦是因為沒有個好師傅好好教導之故。便請太后恩准，給六哥、七哥選個好師傅，出閣念書罷。 柔嘉的性子，高太后也是知道的。本來淑壽這般膽大妄為，她心裡還頗有怨到柔嘉身上，卻不料她居然還有這種見識，又想到幾個孩子失蹤時，柔嘉雖然還是莽撞的性子，卻竟也知道去找石得一，種種事情聯繫起來，倒讓人不由得要刮目相看。當下竟點頭應允道︰便依了你。 聽到這話，向皇后、朱妃、王妃，都不由得不又驚又喜，心裡暗暗感激柔嘉。趙顥卻是臉色微變，口裡卻笑道︰不料竟是十九娘有見識。 謝太后。柔嘉對高太后叩了個頭，便拉著趙傭、趙俟的手，叫起淑壽，隨陳衍一道出保慈宮而去。