Chapter 19: Missing Home

At this time, military advisor Xie Chong only hated himself for joining in the fun - Zhou Shengchen accepted a disciple, so what could he do?

Faced with Zhao Teng's request, Xie Chong hesitated and couldn't answer, so he could only look at Zhou Shengchen: "Your Highness,"

"The military advisor has always respected etiquette and law, and he must also agree with my opinion. Your majesty's request for a portrait is not for himself. Military advisor, do you think so?" Zhou Shengchen asked with a smile.

Xie Chong felt that his back was soaked with cold sweat in this cold weather.

"Well, His Highness is right," he muttered.

"But we should also listen to the opinions of the eleven people, right?" Zhou Shengchen asked with a smile.

Xie Chong was immediately relieved and quickly looked at Miao Shiyi.

"Don't be afraid on the 11th, my master will make the decision for you. I know you are not willing, so just shake your head." Zhou Shengchen said to himself.

Xie Chong secretly cheered: You are really good at coaxing apprentices!

Lady Jiansan wanted to laugh, but she also felt a warm current flowing through her heart: Zhou Shengchen seemed arrogant, but he truly cared for his novice apprentice, and he was not afraid of offending the Holy Master.

Zhao Teng was angry after hearing this: Zhou Shengchen, what are you saying? Don't you yourself laugh?

Ji Shiyi raised his head with a blushing face, looked into Zhou Shengchen's dark eyes, and then quickly lowered his head.

As if she had exhausted all her strength, her head shook slightly.

"Okay, Eleven doesn't want to." Zhou Shengchen said immediately.

Zhao Teng, Xie Chong, and Jiao Sanniang present still had their own ideas, but everyone from Jiao Feng to Xie Yun secretly applauded Zhou Shengchen and Jiao Shiyi.

Zhao Teng was extremely frustrated when he saw that Shi Yi had expressed his stance. Suddenly remembering it again, he persisted and said: "Your Highness and your apprentice, the girl from the Yang family, reply like this,"

"Your Majesty just gave us Ban Jian and Huang Yue. Isn't it a special favor?" Zhou Shengchen said with a frown.

Zhao Teng immediately did not dare to say anything else, and he cupped his hands and replied: "According to His Highness's wishes, I will return to Zhongzhou right now."

After that, he turned around and said, "Go back," and his followers immediately followed him. The painter just thought it was a trip and ran out in a hurry.

Zhou Shengchen took a few steps away with intention and stood at the gate without moving. He thought to himself: Shi Yi, we won the first battle!

Military advisor Xie Chong approached and said in a low voice: "Your Highness, this seems inappropriate."

He was so anxious, and he was using words and demeanor to induce and mislead Zhou Shengchen.

It is not a great sin to refuse an artist's unwarranted portrait. Moreover, there is a king with a different surname at the moment - a man called King Ping Qin. He is not stingy in life, but lives the most carefree and comfortable life.

"Your Majesty is young but kind-hearted. If such a ridiculous thing were to spread, wouldn't it surprise everyone in the world? Therefore, I guess that it was not his intention, but someone must have wantonly instigated it. In fact, someone deliberately used this to provoke me. The relationship between the King and His Majesty.”

Zhou Shengchen said loudly and angrily.

Xie Chong swallowed hard and quickly warned: "Your Highness, please speak softly! Can you say this casually?"

Zhou Shengchen turned to look at him and thought to himself: You have a secret report to Zhongzhou on a regular or irregular basis. Do you think you are trying to coax a child by saying this?

"Military advisor, don't worry too much." After saying that, Zhou Shengchen looked at Jiao Sanniang who was approaching, "Jiao Sanniang is worthy of being a hero among women, and the daughter she has taught is also strong and strong!"

Sanniang was either angry or amused by his words, so she bowed solemnly and said, "His Royal Highness is in a high position, but he has a heroic spirit, which is really admirable."

Waving his hand, Zhou Shengchen replied calmly: "Don't be humble yourself, Sanniang. Seeing that your mother and daughter have such character, I will be more confident in teaching Eleven."

Nao Sanniang had no choice but to endure her complicated mood, thanked and bowed again, and then waved to Nao Shiyi.

"Shi Yi, His Highness is willing to take risks for your reputation," she said.

Before her mother could finish speaking, Mao Shiyi immediately bowed and bowed. Zhou Shengchen nodded, indicating that she didn't need to care.

Everyone did not dare to speak openly, but they were all excited by King Xiao Nanchen's response this time.

Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Zhou Shengchen ordered everyone to retreat.

Taking advantage of the situation, Sanniang stepped forward and said, "I have a few more words that I want to say to His Highness." Zhou Shengchen immediately invited her to sit down.

Sanniang Jiao said: "Jiao Shou will lead two thousand members of the Jiao family to stay in Xizhou to protect my daughter. Please give me your permission."

Zhou Shengchen immediately replied: "Yes. But my troops here all pick up swords and guns to go into battle in wartime; in peacetime, they plow the fields and cultivate fields. This is also to reduce the burden on the people, General Yu should know."

Sanniang immediately replied: "General, just go to the countryside and do as the Romans do."

"Yes." Zhang Shou answered with cupped hands.

Jian Sanniang continued: "Jiang Sanlang Feng has always admired His Highness. This time he comes with us and must follow His Highness to fight everywhere. I am bringing here a letter of recommendation written by my brother, and I ask Your Highness to agree."

"You don't have to read it. As long as Mr. Nao is not afraid of hard work or death, and is willing to loyally protect the people, I will naturally agree." Zhou Shengchen replied immediately.

Sanniang originally thought that he was worried that outsiders involved in military affairs would interfere with or even seize power. But he didn't expect that the world-famous King Xiao Nanchen would agree so easily.

She couldn't help but praise directly: "I thought it would take a little more effort to get His Highness's consent. But I didn't expect His Highness to be so forthcoming."

"Eleven's brother, how could I refuse?" Zhou Shengchen replied calmly.

After Sanniang thanked her again, she looked a little hesitant.

"The third thing you want to say must be about National Day?" Zhou Shengchen asked proactively.

Sanniang sighed softly, and then said, "Shi Yi suffers from aphasia, as you have seen."

"Is that the case at all, or is it?" Zhou Shengchen asked knowingly.

After hesitating for a moment, Sanniang said sadly: "Since her father left home, she has fallen ill."

"That's a heart attack." After Zhou Shengchen said this, he thought about it and said, "Shiyi's father left home originally just because he offended the late Queen Mother Gao. But now that the Gao family is all under the law, he,"

Mentioning this matter, Sanniang's eyes turned red with regret, and she had no choice but to reply: "I heard earlier that he became a monk and went to a temple called 'Qinglong Temple'. But later when I ordered people to look for him, But it was never found again.”

"So," Zhou Shengchen sighed for her and said, "You must cherish what you have in front of you."

Sanniang nodded silently, raised her sleeves and wiped the corners of her eyes.

"Report to your highness, Miss Nao's place has been tidied up." Feng Qiao came in to report, followed by Nao Shiyi who looked much more relaxed.

Seeing her daughter's happiness, Sanniang couldn't help but get up and walk to her.

Knowing that the time to say goodbye to her mother had come, Jian Shiyi quickly reached out and pulled her sleeve.

The sadness mentioned in the topic just now has not subsided. When Sanniang saw her daughter's anxious expression when she wanted to express her farewell but couldn't, she could only feel even more sad.

The mother and daughter looked at each other for a while and couldn't help but hug each other tightly.

"From now on, my mother can no longer be by your side. You have to get used to it." Kao Sanniang choked with sobs and Kao Shiyi kept crying.

No matter how hard it is for mother and daughter to leave, they will eventually separate.

Sanniang went out and got into the car. Under the protection of the guards, she turned back to Zhongzhou.

Jian Shiyi silently watched the vehicle carrying her mother and the group of guards go away, still so sad that she wiped away tears.

"Master has already led troops to fight at the age of little junior sister. But now, little junior sister is still crying." Zhou Tianxing said to Zhou Shengchen, also trying to feel relieved for Shi Yi.

Jian Shiyi wiped away her tears and turned around.

"Little junior sister, let me take you back to rest." Feng Qiao came closer and said.

"She has just entered the palace and is not familiar with the house or courtyard. It is better for me to take her back myself." After Zhou Shengchen said this, Miao Shiyi nodded vigorously with trust and gratitude.

When walking in the huge palace, Zhou Shengchen was leading the way, and it was appropriate for Mao Shi to stay slightly behind and follow.

"I will have a lot of military affairs to deal with, but I will also take time to teach you. In addition," Zhou Shengchen raised his hand and pointed to a separate wooden building, "that is the library, you can go there if you have time."

Since he was born in a wealthy family, he was naturally well-read and loved reading. Looking in the direction of his finger, she saw a large building, and secretly praised in her heart: King Xiao Nanchen has a complete civil and military skills, which naturally relies on his daily accumulation.

Seeing his strong figure and slender arms and legs, Yu Shiyi first secretly praised him, but then felt a little embarrassed that he paid so much attention to his master.

The two looked at each other, and she panicked for a moment, nodded quickly, and then quickly lowered her head.

Her maid Cheng Xi followed. When Zhou Shengchen saw it, he immediately reminded him: "Shi Yi came to the palace just now, and she just left her mother. You have to serve her with all your heart, and don't let her be too formal."

The role of Cheng Xi is not only a maid in Miao Shiyi's life, but also an etiquette teacher who monitors her words and deeds.

Hearing what Zhou Shengchen said, Cheng Xi did not dare to push too hard on Shi Yi and quickly bowed his head and answered yes.

After settling in the palace, Ji Shiyi quickly became familiar with the environment and was happy to be able to freely enter and leave the palace.

Cheng Xi was told by Jiao Sanniang to keep a close eye on her. After not seeing him for a while, she would rush around to look for him.

The two met either in the library or in the flower hall. They felt both anxious and funny as if they were playing hide-and-seek.

Jian Shiyi was only thirteen years old, and Cheng Xi was only fifteen or sixteen years old. They are the only two girls who live permanently in the palace. After all, they have little girl personalities, and they get along very well with each other.

Zhang Shou took two thousand troops and was arranged to cultivate in the suburbs outside the city. Farming is necessary, but taking good care of Yang Shiyi is even more important. Yang Shou also comes to visit every day.

Seeing her lively expression, Yan Shou was relieved.

Kao Sanlang Kao Feng, because he was allowed to participate in military affairs, could no longer accompany his little sister every day.

Because the first meeting left a deep impression, he and Hong Xiaoyu quickly accepted each other's personalities during their daily interactions and became good friends who talked about everything.

Together, Yu Feng and Hong Xiaoyu came to Yu Shiyi's residence to say goodbye.

"I have joined the king's army. I have to patrol the camp with General Hong tonight, so I can't spend more time with you." said Feng Feng.

Shiyi replied mischievously in sign language: Shiyi can be alone, brother, don’t worry.

After Miao Feng told Cheng Xi to take good care of Miao Shiyi, he left with Hong Xiaoyu with peace of mind.

Cheng Xi, however, disappeared that night.

It can be said that it takes a lot of effort for her to search for Miao Shiyi in the huge palace alone. Not daring to be too public, she went to Zhou Shengchen's study and walked in after getting permission.

"Your Highness," Cheng Xi's hesitant expression surprised Zhou Shengchen, who was sitting and reading.

Instructing the entourage next to him to step aside, Zhou Shengchen asked again: "What's the matter?"

"Your Highness, Miss Niao is missing!" Cheng Xi said anxiously, "A woman from a wealthy family is missing at night. If this spreads out, it will definitely damage her reputation!"

Zhou Shengchen had long disliked this arrogant and conceited maid. Now he couldn't bear to hear her talk about Shiyi in such words.

Zhou Shengchen frowned and shouted in a low voice: "I have always been very harsh on you when I see you treating Miss Yang. After all, you are a maid, how can you be so rude and disrespectful? Miss Yang is my new disciple, how could you? How dare you say such words in front of me?! If you were working under me, you would have been beaten to death!"

Cheng Xi knew that he was going too far in his anxiety, so he quickly fell to the ground and said, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. In fact, I have the great trust of the clan leader and Sanniang,"

Before she could finish speaking, Zhou Shengchen shouted again: "They asked you to serve her wholeheartedly, but did they ask you to discipline her on my behalf? How dare you speak harshly?! They also said that you can use such words to comment on the master. ?!”

Cheng Xi buried his head on the back of his hands and lay on his knees, not daring to move. He had to beg, "I'm really anxious, so I'm talking nonsense. Please forgive me for the sake of your sincere love for Miss Ni."

Zhou Shengchen stood up silently and walked over slowly.

Cheng Xi was trembling all over, and his chest and back were soaked with cold sweat from fear, but he still looked like a mouse frightened by a civet cat, not daring to move.

"You come with me." Zhou Shengchen walked out on his own. Cheng Xi stood up in a hurry, put his hands in front of his lower abdomen, lowered his head and followed.

Standing in the courtyard, Zhou Shengchen looked around and found that it was indeed what he had guessed: there were lights on in the library.

"Miss Nao went to the library to study. Didn't you expect this?" He said in a deep voice.

Cheng Xi's legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground again and said, "This slave is temporarily dizzy. No king can think clearly."

Zhou Shengchen ignored him and walked towards the library. Cheng Xi lay on the ground for a long time, then quickly stood up and followed.

Feng Qiao and Xie Yun, as well as acting chief Shi and Fucheng's Shi Yize, He Yuanqing and others, were discussing important military and political matters together. At this time, they saw Zhou Shengchen alone in front, and Cheng Xi, who looked flustered, followed behind, and they all followed with doubts.

Arriving in front of the building, Zhou Shengchen looked up again.

It took Zhou Shengchen many years of hard work to slowly accumulate the books and bamboo slips from this library and build a building to store them.

Ming Chengxi and others stayed outside to wait. After he opened the door, he did not see Miao Shiyi on the first floor.

Along the wooden stairs, he walked gently to the second floor.

The back of that cute little girl had appeared in his eyes.

Because she had nothing to do, she loved reading, and she admired King Xiao Nanchen's rich collection of books. She browsed the books in the library and forgot the time.

At this time, she was holding a roll of bamboo slips in her hand and was lost in thought.

"Eleven, are you homesick?" Zhou Shengchen said softly and walked to her side.

Yao Shiyi is unable to speak, but has no problem with his hearing. Upon hearing King Xiao Nanchen's inquiry, she quickly stood up.

Facing him, she bowed and nodded slightly.

"There is a saying that once you come, you will live in peace." Zhou Shengchen said with a smile, "When you come to the palace, you can live in peace."