xymnovel Chapter 331 You'er isn't here, but there's still Zhen'er, right, Father?
Chapter 331 You'er isn't here, but there's still Zhen'er, right, Father?
Lu Xiao at Yumen Pass was not in a hurry, but Yang Guang in Luoyang was so anxious that he fell ill.
In particular, upon hearing that Yang You had not only suffered a military defeat but had also been captured by people from the Western Regions and become a prisoner of the foreigners.
Upon hearing the news, he immediately fell ill.
"Yu'er..."
Yang Guang lay on the couch, his eyes somewhat cloudy, staring blankly at the curtains above him, muttering his grandson's name over and over again.
Yang Zhaoying died young, and the tragedy of an elderly person burying their child is something he has already experienced once.
He didn't want to see his grandson suffer the same fate, and he didn't want to experience it a second time.
"Father, isn't Zhen'er still here?"
Yang Ruyi sat in front of the bed, her tone light and cheerful, as if she were comforting someone, or perhaps reminding them.
She brought the medicine bowl to her lips and gently blew on it, causing wisps of steam to rise.
Lu Zhen stood straight in front of the couch, his posture upright.
Despite his young age, he exuded an air of nobility, and every move he made was graceful and disciplined.
He was dressed in a moon-white robe with a jade belt around his waist, looking like a little adult.
"Zhen'er, how are your studies going?"
Yang Guang sat up, extended his hand to let Lü Zhen come closer, his eyes full of affection.
With Yang You absent, Yang Tan took over the handling of state affairs, keeping him extremely busy.
Besides the Empress, only her daughter and grandson remained by her sickbed.
Everyone else is busy fighting for power and profit, who has time to care about this old man?
"Replying to my maternal grandfather, it is very good."
The grandson has memorized all the articles the teacher taught him. The teacher also said that the grandson's writing is getting better and better.
Lu Zhen took the medicine bowl handed to him by Yang Ruyi and carefully served Yang Guang.
Holding the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other, she fed him spoonful by spoonful, her movements gentle, as if afraid of scalding her grandfather.
"I heard General Tianbao taught you martial arts?"
As he spoke, Yang Guang glanced at Yuwen Chengdu, who was standing in the distance, with a hint of approval in his eyes.
This child is both scholarly and athletic, far superior to his good-for-nothing grandson.
"Yes, Master said that my grandson has excellent aptitude and is a good candidate for martial arts training."
"When my grandson grows up, he will surely expand the territory for his grandfather, sweeping away all obstacles, and letting the banners of the Sui Dynasty fly throughout the land."
Lu Zhen spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice clear and crisp, yet each word was forceful.
Yang Ruyi listened to her son's words with a look of satisfaction on her face, her smile almost reaching her ears.
This son is truly a gift from his parents; he's so eloquent, every word he utters touches his father's heart.
With just one more push, will the throne be far behind?
"Okay, Grandpa will wait for you to grow up."
When you grow up, your maternal grandfather will entrust you with the best troops so you can go and make a name for yourself.
A smile gradually appeared on Yang Guang's face, and even the medicine he put in his mouth seemed to taste sweeter and less bitter.
Lu Xiao and Ruyi really know how to raise their son; he's learned and skilled in both literature and martial arts at such a young age.
He also appears extremely mature in his interactions with people, neither arrogant nor humble, and poised and generous.
This child is truly lovable, even more so than his grandsons.
After taking the medicine, Yang Guang slowly lay down to rest, closed his eyes, and his breathing gradually became steady.
Yang Ruyi, on the other hand, remained in the palace to serve, fulfilling her duties as a son without a moment's rest.
"Master, I have learned all the cymbal techniques you taught me."
When Lü Zhen arrived at Yuwen Chengdu's place, he spoke with utmost respect, cupping his hands in a gesture of greeting, displaying a very courteous attitude.
Although Yuwen Chengdu was his master, he never acted like a prince or showed off in front of his master.
"Have you learned it all?"
Yuwen Chengdu was slightly taken aback, his eyebrows twitched, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
How long has it been since they started teaching?
All in all, it's only been half a month.
I remember when he first started learning, it took him more than half a month to barely memorize the moves.
Lu Zhen only came to see him in his spare time, studied for a while and then left, yet he made rapid progress.
"Yes. I have memorized every move Master taught me, and I have practiced it many times after returning home."
Lü Zhen nodded without hesitation.
"After my shift ends, I will teach the Crown Prince new techniques."
Yuwen Chengdu originally intended to proceed step by step, first laying a solid foundation for Lü Zhen, and then teaching him new skills once he had mastered the basics.
In retrospect, this was completely unnecessary.
Unlike Yuwen Chenglong, who is a good-for-nothing and learns everything slowly, there's no need for him to build a foundation. He can just go straight to the most difficult moves.
"Okay. Thank you, Master."
Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Lü Zhen's eyes, and he cupped his hands in thanks.
Then, he turned and returned to the bedside.
He just sat there quietly, guarding Yang Guang, without saying a word or moving around.
Yuwen Chengdu witnessed this entire scene. He was a filial son, loyal to Yang Guang, and obedient to his father, Yuwen Huaji.
Now, seeing someone even more filial than him naturally increases his goodwill and makes him like them more and more.
This young master will surely achieve great things in the future.
"hey-hey."
Yang Ruyi withdrew her gaze, a slight smile playing on her lips, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.
Judging from his son's performance, he had already left a deep impression on General Tianbao.
When Yan'er grows up a bit more, she will become Yuwen Chenglong's apprentice and keep Yuwen's youngest son by her side.
At that time, all the new generation of the Yuwen family will be members of the Lü clan.
Even if Yang You comes back alive, what right does he have to fight me?
What face does a crown prince who has been captured by foreigners have to inherit the throne?
What will the world think of him?
What will the court officials think of him?
Of course, if it's not possible to save Yang You, it's best not to.
Dying in the Northwest would be the end of everything, and it would be better for everyone.
At Yumen Pass, Lü Xiao found a chair, sat down, crossed his legs, and silently watched the foreign cavalrymen outside the pass wander back and forth, but he was not in a hurry at all.
He picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip.
"Your Highness, the porcelain cauldron has arrived."
Yuwen Chenglong carried a porcelain cauldron, along with other dishes, up to the city gate.
"Okay, light it."
Lü Xiao nodded and closed his eyes to rest.
"Okay."
Yuwen Chenglong responded, squatted down, moved some bricks to build a stove, and then found some dry firewood and lit it with a tinderbox.
A moment later, the fire was lit, and the flames licked the bottom of the pot, making a crackling sound.
"I'll do it."
Lu Xiao pushed Yuwen Chenglong aside, rolled up his sleeves, first added oil, then salted pickles.
The salted pickled vegetables sizzled in the hot oil, releasing their aroma instantly.
Once it's almost done, add water, cover it, and let it simmer to let the salted pickles slowly release their flavor.
"Will this taste good?"
Yuwen Chenglong looked at the food, which didn't even have a bite of meat, and was quite disgusted, pursing his lips.
He is a meat lover; he can't eat without meat.
"You don't understand."
Lu Xiao was too lazy to explain to him and continued to stare at the movement in the pot.
Once the pot was boiling and steaming, Lü Xiao picked up a piece of tofu, placed it in his hand, cut it into chunks with a dagger, and rolled each chunk into the pot.
He had never eaten this before, but today he was in the mood and decided to have a bite of pickled vegetables and tofu.
In this northwestern border region, eating hot tofu while watching the enemy outside the pass stare blankly is also a kind of enjoyment.