Chapter 165:

Third day of February. The emperor's birthday. Beginning at the lunar month. The Prince himself was busy in the Chongzheng Hall for more than a month. Finally put everything to a standstill.
Ouyang Jue and Yan Ran County Lord. Like a pair of golden boys and girls. Go forward. Each hand holds a bright red coral Ruyi. Kneel into the emperor. Rarely, this pair of Ruyi Daxiao has similar shapes and colors. Against the white filament spike, it looks even more red like Yunxia. Delicate and cute.
The emperor smiled. Obviously very happy with this new couple.
Ouyang Nuan sat in position. Look at this scene with a smile. Lin Yuanxin beside him laughed and said, "Why, treat this younger brother with another eye?"
Ouyang Nuan smiled. no answer. Ouyang Jue's marriage. As long as he is satisfied himself. He looks very good now. Looking at Xiao Yanran's eyes also revealed a faint tenderness, which shows that this marriage. He is happy. in fact. Xiao Yanran wore a wedding dress and walked into Ouyang House. Ouyang Nuan has a hunch. She is bound to marry Ouyang Jue.
"You are always dedicated to Jieer. Now he has grown up. Now you should let go of your mind a lot." Lin Yuanxin said.
Ouyang Nuan nodded. Said: "That's true. I'm eating a good night's sleep. I lost this little baggage of Jieer. The mood is very pleasant."
Lin Yuanxin poked her cheek with her finger: "You have a hard mouth."
Lost? There is one point. After all, my younger brother who has taken care of him from a young age just gave it to others. There will always be some uncomfortable feelings. Instead, she believes that Xiao Yanran can use his life to love Jueer. She will surely make him happy. In contrast. She was a little sad. It's nothing.
Ouyang Nuan was about to speak, but suddenly held her back. She looked down, and a little boy fell on her, his clothes delicate.藕 Generally, he also has a gold bracelet on his short arm, which is very pleased with a smile. Looking at her with her head up.
"Hug." The little man pulled her horns. Round eyes are full of intimacy.
Lin Yuanxin glanced. The nursing mother next to him immediately picked him up: "Little Highness. Don't make trouble"
Sheng Er was unwilling, pushing her with a small hand. Mouthful. "Auntie hugs, auntie is pretty." The childish words made Ouyang Nuan tolerate. Sheng Er's small arms fluttered and fluttered to pass.
Lin Yuanxin laughed: "Look at this little guy. The young age has loved to be close to beautiful women. I really don't know who to follow. There are so many guests here, it's really ridiculous and not hug it."
Nu Niang was about to leave Sheng'er and left his face flushed. Nu Niang hugs lightly. Can't stop Shenger. He blinked and squinted. The teardrops fell down.
It was indeed not suitable for holding children at such a banquet. Others looked rude, but Ouyang Nuan couldn't help it. Picking up Shenger: "Don't cry." She patted his back gently, and the little man burst into tears for a moment. The speed of change is breathtaking.
Sheng'er seemed to smell something. Struggling to reach out to touch Ouyang Nuan's face, she leaned into her neck and rubbed. Seems to smell something. "Auntie Fragrance." After confirming the fact, he tried to straighten and muttered. Seeing to put on pink cheeks. Ouyang warm fiber hands slightly. The weight in her arms was suddenly lifted by the sidelines.
The child who attempted to steal incense hung in the air silly for a long time before realizing that he had been dragged away from nephrite Wenxiang's arms. Crying again.
Xiao Zhonghua looked at Sheng'er for a while. Throw him to the nearby nurse: "Take it down!"
Sheng Er was reluctantly carried away. Lie on the shoulder of the nurse. Yiyi reluctantly shook hands with Ouyang Nuan.
Ouyang Nuan raised her eyes and looked at Xiao Chonghua. The other raised an eyebrow: "The show is about to begin. Wait for me to go after the banquet."
When the show is about to start, what are you going to do here with your family members? Did n’t you see many people looking sideways? Ouyang Nuan laughed, Xiao Chonghua seemed to come here intentionally to say this sentence, and then nodded to Lin Yuanxin. Quickly walked back to his seat.
Lin Yuanxin sighed, and said, "The king of your family Mingjun. It's getting weirder. It's unpredictable."
Ouyang Nuan's complexion flushed inexplicably. Fortunately, it is already night. I can't see the flush on her face.
The Yanran County host on the stage returned to Ouyang and sat down. She chose to sit by Ouyang Nuan. Has shown her attitude. Even though Princess Chu over there felt lost in her heart, after all, she was a married daughter. But there is no alternative.
The young ladies who were close to Yan Ran began to ask Xiao Yan Ran's wedding life. The ridiculous teasing made the beautiful young girl flush her cheeks. Jiaojiao interrupted. "Sisters are not serious when they say what they say, and they make fun of it, do they want to bully me?"
"Who dares to bully Yanran County Lord, afraid that there is only your aunt across from you," the sisters of handkerchiefs joked.
"Where to speak, Ouyang's family is also a high gate, and Ouyang's son knows the courtesy and courtesy, for fear of being pressed by others." I broke my secret mind.
"Just laugh again. I tear your mouth carefully." Yanran yelled angrily, and the girls rushed to hide, laughing together. "Oops, oops. Never dare." The speaking girl smiled.
"Good sister, this is the husband you should deal with, how can you deal with me instead?" Talking burst of laughter. The people next to him all looked over.
Ouyang Nuan just laughed and listened to them. The corners of his eyes seemed to have infected Xiao Yanran's vitality. With a touch of light.
Just then. Xiao Yan stood up and said, "Father Emperor. I am willing to prepare music and dance for you. Should you watch it now?"
Xiao Qinwu had a rare red face and nodded at Xiao Yan.
Right now. Like dream. Fireworks arranged around the palace wall suddenly ignited. The whole sky is completely full of magical, marvelous, bright colors that cannot be described by words. The music sounded. A hundred fish and dragon plays began to perform. Under the guidance of the swaying fish and dragon team, a variety of novel juggling, such as wandering, Confucian, Shanfeng, pulling wells, planting melons, killing horses, stripping donkeys, etc. Strange. Dazzling. Come one after another. Fireworks leaping in the night sky banged. Imagine a new pattern from one pattern. And the ground that was still immersed in the shadows. All bright as day. The juggling and dancing team jumps and dances. Must be between. Disappeared behind the hall. Completely gives people a dreamlike feeling.
This is just a foreplay for the emperor's birthday feast. Waiting for the viewers to breathe. Suddenly the water in the palace was full. Pa Hao Guiao, a piranha fish. On winter nights, it appeared very terribly on land. The costumes of those actors are tied with tiny lanterns with candles inside. Lively, weird. It's very realistic, before people can praise it. A huge fish appeared out of thin air. Several feet of water sprayed out of the fish's mouth. Against the backdrop of fireworks in the sky. Weird. Quite a few timid people. Exclaimed back. Suddenly, the fish turned into a yellow dragon. Seven feet long. Shouting, shaking his head. Spit fire tongue.
Ouyang Nuan looked at the sky. The fireworks kept on.
At some point, two large columns were erected in the courtyard, and red ropes were tied between the two columns. Tens of feet. Two teenagers. Climb to the top of the pillar at a dizzying speed. Circle the dance on a rope more than ten feet above the ground. Struggling. Jumping over each other's heads. then. They sometimes step back. From time to time. Meet and pass by. Teng Nao changed. Sing and dance. All the trick people who participate in dance music are all beautifully colored. Under the light, their costumes were strange. Colorful and dazzling. The musicians are holding various strange musical instruments in their hands. everyone. They were all dressed in robes with white spots on the bottom. Embroidered golden silk acacia hat on the head. Beaming.
Get all the attention. Ouyang Nuan sighed softly: "This banquet. I'm afraid it will cost a lot"
Lin Yuanxin's sneer was indistinguishable in this huge piece of music: "The cost of the fireworks and the performances of a hundred operas. Five million dollars!"
Five million two. Really a big handwriting, Ouyang Nuan's lips brushed a hint of surprise.
Looking at this spectacular scene, Xiao Qin Wu Xun in Wei Wei sighed. He toasted and drank, admiring the authentic: "Yaner, you are doing well!"
He was a little breathless. Drinking and slightly cold. He showed signs of a gas attack. Xiao Yan hurried over and put on his black cloak. Then his gaze rose casually. I saw Ouyang Nuan. immediately. A slight smile to her.
Ouyang Nuan couldn't tell. There was something clearly in that smile. But it was too far apart, when she would watch again. Xiao Yan's face has returned to peace, as if nothing.
Just then. Musical instruments and fireworks, and all kinds of dramas stopped, and the world seemed to be quiet. Ouyang Nuan turned her head. Looking up at the stage.
The people next to them were slightly surprised: "What's wrong?"
Lin Yuanxin had to speak. Ouyang Nuan faintly heard the melodious voice of silk bamboo. Appears very distinct in the stillness at this moment.
I do n’t know when. Countless beautiful fragments blew. Every piece is crystal and beautiful. Just when everyone was confused. A woman came out in a white muslin dress. The heavy lotus petal jade veil embroidered with pink embroidered filigree and silver thread. Like smoke. The skirt is adorned with numerous shimmering fine spar. Glorious. She was covered with green hair like a black bird cloud, her hair was slightly drooping. Gently like a willow, it moves gently with the wind, and it also uses Fei Jinqiao to bring the plum tree uranium, and the surrounding golden tired silk tube. Crystal tassel half-fall on the bead. Shake slightly.
With the music, she danced softly.
That beautiful woman. Between every dance. There were shards of crystals in the sky that brushed her clouds and blue silk. Drop on her sleeves and skirt. With the music melody flying. The scented clouds, as if safflower and Baixue are from her breath, in the cold night, the unique charm of the slim body under the thin Luoyi is more exuded. Exciting.
The crowd looked startled and stunned. Almost blinded.
Because it's night. The air was getting colder. Especially this banquet was also held in the open air outside the hall. A gust of wind came. Ouyang Nuan just felt cold. Could not help shrinking. Immediately, a cloak fell on her, Ouyang warmed for a moment. Ruby whispered: "Sent by the king."
Ouyang Nuan's eyes narrowed over the crowd, and when she saw the mat opposite, Xiao Chonghua was looking at her, her expression was unclear. Those eyes were dark and heartbreaking. The beauty dance over there is lively. He didn't care. Just staring at Ouyang Nuan, his eyes were quite strange. Ouyang Nuan sighed. She did not expect that the banquet would be held in the open air. Where would it be so prepared.
Where next to Lin Yuanxin thought of the eyes of the couple. Sincerely said: "This dance. Even the Rong County owner was not comparable."
Ouyang Nuan glanced at the dance, but still felt that Xiao Zhonghua's hot eyes were staring at himself, and he couldn't help getting a hot face. Turn away. To Lin Yuanxin: "Who is this woman?"
"Yes--. Lin Yuanxin hasn't spoken yet. The beautiful woman has stopped dancing and walked up the steps. She said softly:" Gao Changguo admires Hongxue. Meet Your Majesty. Wish His Majesty Longevity. "
Because the distance is close. Ouyang Nuan saw her for the first time. I just felt like seeing her at first sight. Almost even her breath was slightly frozen because of her presence. This woman is indeed beautiful. But it is not the sooty dust in the world, but the mountain winds. The misty mist that started in Xiaowu's early days. She stood silently in front of everyone. Only vaguely see the skin of the neck like Baixue. Let people reach out to stroke. Under the reflection of light. You can see the fine fluff on her cheeks like the freshest peach in May, and a tear mole under her left eye crumbling under the candlelight, making her a little gentle like relief.
The noble ladies next door began to talk: "So beautiful!"
"No wonder it's the first beauty in the world. Look at the skin that can be broken. It's comparable to the fairy in the sky!"
"It's better than the main jump of Rong-gun! Yeah, it's more beautiful! It's like squashing Kyoto's doubles!"
These intermittent words continued to be heard in Ouyang Nuan's ears, but Lin Yuanxin smiled: "The appearance of the Princess Xiangxue. The Rongjun Lord is also between the middle of the middle. They are really exaggerated!"
"However. This Xiangxue Princess looks much better than me." Ouyang Nuan smiled. She knew very well that her appearance was slightly inferior to that of Rong County, and she couldn't compare with this Xiangxue Princess. But I don't know why they have to compare the three of them together.
The Rongjun Lord's eyes stared at the beautiful woman on the steps, her heart was sour and unbearable. She involuntarily looked at Ouyang Nuan, but saw that Ouyang Nuan was smiling and talking to Lin Yuanxin, as if she hadn't heard the discussion at all.
The male guest's side obviously has already blasted the pot.
"Is that the princess of Gao Changguo. Is that the world's first beauty?"
"It's a beautiful country. I thought the Rongjun Lord was already beautiful. Who knows that there are such beauties in the world? It looks like jade carving!"
"Look at her age. Seems older than Yongan-gun? Why haven't you got married yet?"
"Yes, Princess Xiangxue is seventeen years old this year, mainly two years older than Yongan County. It was because the queen of Gao Changguo passed away. So she must be filial for three years."
Yun Jun Wang Xiao Qinghan always likes beauty. At first I was very fond of Ouyang Nuan. Who knows but married Zhu Ningbi, a little Yasha, who was in control. On weekdays, there is no chance to admire the beauty. Even the two waiters in the room were sent away by Zhu Ningbi for a month. Now, when she saw this princess of Gao Changguo, she couldn't help it.
King Yong Yue of the Shu Family ’s house, Xiao Yueming teased him: "How, this is the beauty of the country. How is it better than your fairy?"
Everyone in Kyoto knows that Xiao Qinghan admired Ouyang Nuan most and tried to climb the walls of his house in the middle of the night. Want to sneak out and watch Ouyang Nuan. After being unsuccessful, he was held for a while. Until they got married, they still cherished the theme of Yong'an County. At this time could not help but please him.
Xiao Qinghan's eyes were bright. Very disdainfully: "Everything is different, I still prefer to invite the beautiful Yongan County Lord!"
The person next to him gave Xiao Qinghan a stun. Begged him not to. Did not cover it. King Mingjun came over here.
"Since it's a beauty. Why not talk about it?" Xiao Qing Lenghan didn't care. "Beauty is rare. Now that he has Yongan. Let me see!"
Xiao Zhonghua certainly heard the argument here. He looked up at Ouyang Nuan opposite. At this time, Ouyang Nuan's eyes were focused on everyone's body. Xiao Chonghua looked at Ouyang Nuan. She was sweating. Long eyelashes flicker. Staring at Mu Hongxue seriously. Supporting the collar with one hand, he looked weak and cute, Xiao Chonghua could not help laughing.
he knows. She won't be jealous, she seems to be. Not very concerned about looks. And Xiao Chonghua himself. is also like this. See more beauties. Then I felt very numb. No matter how beautiful you look, it will wither, so why bother? Therefore, he didn't notice the turbulence around him, but just felt that Ouyang Nuan seemed very happy tonight. Her smile was like a brilliant light that brightened the hall. Also brightened his soul. Let him breathe. With her words and deeds, she smiled and beat up and down.
A tall man stood beside Princess Xiangxue at this moment. The man had a strong and vigorous hugh, no fat lines, and thick bones. Like a perfect lion, under the gorgeous candlelight. Unreserved strength and beauty. His outline is angular. The facial features are profound. Abnormal heroic. That is, there is a brave spirit. With the unique distinguished temperament of the children of the royal family. This man is different from the usual beautiful man in the calendar. There is a wild beauty in him. Masculine beauty. Furious beauty. Even if far apart. Ouyang Nuan can also detect that he has an aggressive momentum and grandeur.
He exclaimed, "Morocco, Gao Changguo, see your Majesty. I wish you good luck, longevity, and happiness."
Don't wait for Ouyang Nun to ask. A woman next to her said, "Who is this man?"
"It is the nine prince of Gao Changguo. I heard that this man is terrible. He is a prince who does not blink!
"Is he and Brother Xiangxue brothers and sisters. Why aren't they like it at all?"
"No, not compatriots! Princess Xiangxue was born to a queen. I heard that Mu Xuanyuan was the illegitimate son of the emperor Gao Changguo looking for home!"
"Ah, no, it turned out to be an illegitimate child. This is a royal scandal!"
"The emperor of Gao Changguo seemed to have run into a private visit to the Dali Dynasty. He gave birth to a woman I was facing. Who knew that this woman came to give birth to a son. I heard. It didn't take long for this woman to die. .The child also lives in the folk. It is said that the prince was only found a few years ago! "
"You look so scary! But he looks handsome!"
"Yeah. It looks so powerful!"
The man in front of him does not meet the aesthetics of women in the Dali Dynasty. But still let a lot of ladies look stunned. He does not have the style of essay push on the aristocratic calendar. At first glance, I knew it was fierce. But it is this fierce beauty that makes people feel that there is an illusion of being conquered.
Ouyang Nuan nodded. To Lin Yuanxin: "It seems that Gao Changguo is rich in beauty"
Lin Yuanxin explained with a smile: "Yes. Gao Changguo has a lot of handsome men and beautiful women. Most of the men in the middle school have high noses and deep eyes, and they are tall, the nine princes. Known as the first beautiful man in Gao Changguo!"
"First?" Ouyang Nuan smiled. She still appreciates Xiao Zhonghua's beauty. To such a terrible man ... don't like it very much.
Lin Yuanxin obviously thinks so too. The next sentence was: "But. Your Mingjun King is more handsome, both civil and military. It is much better than such a barbarian."
Ouyang Nuan listened to these irrelevant gossip messages. Could not help laughing.
Xiao Qinwu was obviously very glad that the nine emperors Gao Changguo and Princess Xiangxue had arrived, giving them a special place. Right next to Xiao Yan. Ouyang Nuan looked at this scene. Frown slightly. See what the emperor meant. Do you really want to make Princess Xiangxue a princess? She subconsciously glanced at Lin Yuanxin next to her. Not too late to speak. But I have heard Lin Yuanxin say, "A lot of things. It can't be avoided, since it can't be avoided. It's better to face it with a smile."
Ouyang Nuan nodded. Take it seriously. Instead of worrying that Xiangxue Princess will become a competitor. Might as well live your own life. The cousin will give birth in another month. At that time, if the next son is born. Then no one can shake her status!
And Princess Xiangxue on the stage is saying to her elder brother: "Nine brother. People here are staring at me!"
Mu Xuanxi smiled: "That's because Xiangxue you are our first beauty in Gaochang. They all stare at you."
"No, didn't you see it when you walked up? There were two young women sitting there. One of them was beautiful and gorgeous, and the other looked like us. The poem says that the moon is just as bright! "
Mu Xuanyuan looked at the moon that his sister said. With only one glance, he froze all over! is her. It turned out to be her. It is his benefactor who can't forget!
Mu Xiangxue looked at Mu Xuanyuan in surprise. I don't know what happened to him. Why is my eye straight and straight, as if I saw a ghost, even if I see a beautiful woman. Don't you show that expression? !! She quietly pulled his sleeve: "Brother Jiu, the prince is toasting you!"
Mu Xuanyuan's glance back. Look at Xiao Yan opposite. Sure enough, he saw him raise a glass to himself. Mu Xuanyuan immediately raised his glass, and drunk this glass full of wine.
Mu Xiangxue said quietly: "Jiu brother. What's wrong with you. Why do you always stare at that woman? Do you know her?"
Mu Xuanyuan was forcing himself to take a look from the other person, but he felt how difficult it was to remove his eyes from her. She also seemed to glow when she sat there. Her face is brighter than any other woman. Let you except her. Don't want to see anything. See nothing. But he really couldn't look at her anymore, she might have noticed.
No, she may have forgotten herself, this is certain. At that time he had not acknowledged his ancestors. Just a beggar wandering around. After receiving a little favor from her, she has never forgotten her face again. Although she did not show up in the carriage at the time. But he saw her face at the moment Feng Feng lifted, although he was just a glance, but he would never forget it. It must be her! He could even remember her crescent nails on her beautiful hand. He will never forget his benefactor in his life! He suddenly wanted to go to her. Ask her if she still remembered the little beggar she had favored at the beginning? Although he is very different from what he was then. But he still hoped that she would recognize him!
but. Mu Xuanyuan's idea failed to materialize. Because he has been scrambled by the nobles of the Dali calendar. Until he saw Ouyang warm up and left the table. It's about to leave. He pretended to be drunk and went out to the toilet. While others are not paying attention. Quietly dumped the who sent him to the toilet, followed behind Ouyang Nuan.
Mu Xuanyuan's heart was faintly excited. This time he took the initiative to invite him to the calendar. Just to find this benefactor, a few years away. The dignified girl has matured charmingly. The eyebrows are beautiful, the lips are like red diamonds, the exquisite figure is tall and moving, and the behavior is infinite.
Just when he wanted to stop her. A figure appeared ahead! His steps stopped abruptly. Subconsciously hid behind a rockery.
"I feel so stuffy inside?" Xiao Chonghua smiled and looked at Ouyang Nuan.
"It's okay. There are just too many people toasting. My head is a little dizzy." Ouyang Nuan laughed. The ruby ​​behind him immediately pushed away without disturbing his master.
"Did you drink too much?" Xiao Zhonghua naturally reached out and touched her forehead. "The wine in the palace is a bit infused. It is sweet and soft, and full of energy. It is easy to get drunk accidentally. Don't be stubborn. Push it if you don't want to drink.
Ouyang Nuan sat on a stone bench in the gazebo. He shook his head: "It's just a drink or two. Is my alcohol so bad?"
"What one or two glasses, you still lie to me. I personally saw that you helped Lin Fei to block four glasses of wine." Xiao Zhonghua's tone brought a smile.
Ouyang warmed for a moment. Then he said, "You keep staring at me",
"Don't stare at you. I definitely don't know how to come here!" Xiao Chonghua wanted to grind her teeth for a while. "It wasn't me who made the water in the wine. You can't stand up now."
"You really love to worry." Ouyang Nuan suddenly noticed the ridiculousness. The two laughed at the same time. "Nuaner" "Huh?" "Let's go back earlier." His voice was low. Soft as spring breeze. "I want to be alone with you."
Moonlight fell on Ouyang Nuan's forehead. Like a coat of white awn. After listening to Xiao Zhonghua. Her delicate face also turned reddish. Like a delicious and seductive spring peach. Xiao Zhonghua stared silently for a long time. Detective held his thin wrist firmly and fell into his chest. Slammed into my arms. Ouyang Nuan raised his head a little annoyed.
"what are you doing."
I don't know where a gust of wind came from, and the snowflakes that originally accumulated in the village flew, and suddenly they were covered, like a catkin. Ouyang Nuan forgot to be angry. I look up. The dark eyes reflect the day by day. Like the countless stars.
"Warm child".
Xiao Zhonghua murmured a sigh in his ear. Too late to answer. The warm kiss came down.
The sweet wine swelled between her teeth, her consciousness was a bit fuzzy, and she unconsciously wrapped around his neck. He rolled around his lips forcefully, demanding sweetness, his dark eyes seemed to be in flames. Familiar breath and inexplicable peace of mind. Even taking her warm up. Yi Fa dazed. The kiss grew deeper. Fibrillation is inseparable. Breathing gradually becomes disordered. The hands behind her neck were hot. The arms slowly tightened. Stuffed together, forgetting everything in the world. Until a slamming motion broke the silence. Look up. A strange man looked at them in amazement. Stare. Faint expression.
Ouyang Nuan realized that it was in the garden of the palace. For a moment, he wanted to retreat and was blocked by Xiao Chonghua.
"Is there something wrong with the nine emperor?" The polite inquiry was not half embarrassed. It seemed a bit ridiculous to the other party's astonishment.
"You ... you ..." Mu Xuanyuan was shocked and speechless. Opposite young man. In a brocade, his eyebrows are handsome. The temperament is submerged and introverted, such as a sharp sword being sheathed to remove its sharp edge. The dazzling flying becomes elusive. But it is more deadly. Those deep eyes fell down at the sight of him. Covered all dissatisfaction. No one can peep.
Such a scene. Like a sharp thorn stuck in my heart. There was silence all around. The unexpected scene caught off guard. No one knows how to react.
Mu Xuanyuan didn't expect that he would encounter such a scene. The behind him did not know when he was looking for him. He excitedly grabbed his sleeve and said, "Oh, Lord Nine, how did you come here? The slaves are looking for you everywhere! Your Majesty is looking for you to speak. Come on, "
Mu Xuan turned back suddenly. The anger that had been suppressed just now erupted. "let go!"
The was startled. Only to find out that the nine emperor of Gao Changguo shot infinite cold light. It's terrible. Suddenly startled. Knelt down in the tunnel: "Yes. The slave was overrun, begging the nine princes to forgive him!"
Mu Xuanzhen shook his sleeves. Leave angry
Ouyang Nuan looked at his figure. Suddenly I felt a strange thought came to my mind: "This person one by one one by one"
"What's wrong?" Xiao Chonghua asked.
Ouyang Nuan looked carefully at the back. Think and think again. The black and white eyes were raised, and the cold voice was crisp and sweet. "A bit strange."