Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven
Wanli thirty-two years.
Sister Wei moved to Xiulou in early winter.It can be said that Hui Niang did her best to tidy up the embroidery building—the third girl was pregnant and felt very uncomfortable, so she specially sent someone to pick up Hui Niang and go to Wu's house to see her. Sister Wei's embroidery building is ready to go.I can't remember exactly when it was, and Yunqiao also started to stay at home, and she enshrined a Buddhist altar in her room, burning incense and worshiping all day long, and she had to eat fast on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year—this made the maids in her room very embarrassing , because every time I went to give instructions to the kitchen for the fasting meal, I had to be grumbled disapprovingly by the cook.Over the years, it has become common for Ling Yang's room door to be closed all day long, and to crawl and embroider on the desk all day as if punished, but now Yun Qiao has started to do this, making Hui Niang extremely lonely.She always misses the way the three of them talked and laughed intimately together. At that time, Ling Yang always flashed a pair of big eyes, like a naive and cruel child; and Yun Qiao was always tender and tender, when those The petty sadness hit, and tears rolled out quietly in the eyes, and the two of them needed to comfort her in a hurry... Now, all of this is over, and she is left alone. She knows that no matter how vigorously she acts, Forty-eight years old, and still old—she can only often sit in the house of the old housekeeper, looking at her old friend with all white hair, she can still secretly comfort herself, feeling that she still has a charm anyway .The two of them were nothing more than chatting about old things, and the housekeeper had to keep her ears up all the time, listening for the old housekeeper's hoarse, baby-like groans from the back room.
"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings, so it's useless to worry about it. Now that the third girl has given birth to a pair of twin brothers for her husband's family, and they look beautiful, the third girl has no worries about not being able to stand in the Wu family. Aunt Hui Why worry about it, the only thing that matters is taking care of yourself." Now the butler's brows are much duller than before.
She also just smiled lightly: "Why don't I know how to take care of myself? It's just that things in this mansion are piled up. I want to train someone who can replace me, but I can't even find a shadow. Originally, I wanted to count on Brother Chuan Daughter-in-law..." At this point, she paused, and a layer of desolation gradually appeared in her eyes.
The housekeeper smiled as if she was out of trouble: "Think about it, with Young Mistress Chuan's temperament, she can't afford to take on such a burden anyway, even if she is still around." Having said that, she also fell silent.
"It's strange to say." Hui Niang sighed, "Originally, she was shut up in her room to read and write all day long, and I couldn't speak to her for a year or so, but she really went, and I still feel sad in my heart." I feel more and more lonely. Tell me, this is really what people say about one leaf knowing the autumn, is this family going to be more and more depressed?"
"Where is this?" The housekeeper's wife covered her mouth and laughed, "Why is Aunt Hui's tone so fluctuating now? Although I am old, I can still hear others talking about it. Who doesn't admire me when I mention it?" , but in the past four or five years, the income of the mansion has almost doubled in the hands of Aunt Hui - the current Tang family is not as painstakingly supporting that shelf as before, thanks to you." She patted the back of Niang Hui's hand on the table, a kindness on her face that she never had when she was in charge, which made her feel warm, thinking of the years when the two of them worked side by side for that house.
"That's right." She didn't want to hide her pride, "With the help of Wisteria and Hou Wu, it's still full of enthusiasm every day—but my heart is still empty."
"Wisteria came to see me a few days ago." The housekeeper raised her hand and wiped the corner of her eyes seemingly unintentionally, "Speaking of which, she is really a kind and righteous child. She also told me that our Master Chuan has always been reluctant Sister Wei's marriage, but I also understand Madam's hardships, we really should repay Xie's family—fortunately, I am no longer in charge of the mansion, I am just making things difficult for you, and it is not good for anyone, Chuan The young master also loves this little girl who has no father since childhood."
"That's exactly what you said." Hui Niang laughed, "Otherwise how can you say that elder brother is like father."
Maybe it's been too long, they seem to have calmly regarded Master Chuan and sister Wei as a pair of ordinary brothers and sisters.Therefore, Ling Yang's resentment may be justified.
I still have to look back, starting from the beginning of that year, a few days after the Waking of Insects, sister Wei fell ill.Although the illness was not serious, but after two or three months, the person was still pale and lying on the bed weakly.Naturally, some people will quietly discuss that what Sister Wei suffers from is actually a heart disease, a girl who becomes a widow before she is married, anyone else would find it hard to survive, not to mention that Sister Wei is a child with a heavy heart.Now that Wisteria has become the housekeeper's wife, nothing else is a problem, except that she can't do what the housekeeper's wife used to do, when she heard someone talking about the master's affairs, she would scold her head and face - she couldn't save face, and she didn't. That majesty.She had no choice but to tell Niang Hui in private, but when Niang Hui heard this, she just sighed and said, "Let's start buying sister Wei's dowry from now on. I still have the list when the third girl left the cabinet, no matter how big or small it is." What's more, everything has to be upgraded to a higher level. Jewelry and clothes need to be purchased more - we have three or four years to prepare this - we are not afraid of spending money, the government now has the ability to save money elsewhere That's enough." Seeing Wisteria's slightly sad expression, she smiled, "That's all I can do for that child. If you want me to persuade Madam to withdraw the engagement, you'd better save it. Madam is a direct relative. My daughter, I can’t say that, it’s unreasonable.” Wisteria frowned and said, “Then I’ll just say something that doesn’t worry Aunt Hui will get angry, the reason for sister Wei’s illness is probably because I’ve heard too many people chewing their tongues ——Everyone in the house said that the madam was confused. Seeing that the third girl, a concubine, was married to an official's family anyway, the concubine did not bother to find a good marriage; Being widowed doesn't mean you can't keep it, if you promise it to the son of the Duke and General Xiang's family, you will naturally keep it—but except for some money, the Xie family can't catch up with us in terms of family status or foundation..."
Hui Niang was so angry that her face was ashen: "If you hear someone say such a stupid thing again, you should go up and slap him - take out some housekeeper's wife's pie, if anyone disagrees, you can tell me directly, Mr. Xie is right for us Is the kindness of the family still shallow, saying such words is not afraid of hurting Yin Zhi, I thank the family..." But after thinking about it, there are many things that Wisteria doesn't know, and the loneliness comes up again, what's the point? She said it, she smiled to herself, and had to tell herself once again habitually: You are really old.
All the gossip can't reach Ling Yang's ears now, she bought herself the temple-like silence in the early morning with an arm.One day after her birthday, the old lady of the Wu family had a birthday party and invited a troupe to sing at the party—naturally, it was inconvenient for her to attend, and Madam Hui always dealt with these matters on behalf of the family, but she asked Madam Hui to bring her little Such as.She asked Xiao Ru to read the ending of "Embroidered Jade Pavilion" for her. Although Xie Shunhui had already told her about it, she was still not reconciled.These days, she always thinks about it quietly and solemnly: Now, I have a play.Afterwards, my heart felt warm, and I couldn't help but smile on my face.
After Wenxiu broke her arm, the reputation of her chastity spread. Finally, the imperial army returned triumphantly from the battlefield. When rewarding their achievements, the emperor discovered that the general who died in battle named Shangguanyu had another Such a virtuous and virtuous wife.Wenxiu was sealed in this way, and her parents-in-law's face changed again. They wanted to take her back to the deep house compound, but Wenxiu refused.She guarded the embroidered jade pavilion from spring until another deep winter.The middle of winter is coming for the third time, and the whole play has reached its final turn.On a snowy night, someone knocked on the door, and the little maid reported that it was another poor and sick passing man.Wenxiu said it was inconvenient to receive them, but through the thin door, the visitors begged in every possible way.Wenxiu opened the door anyway, and saw Shangguanyu standing in the heavy snow.Sorrowful and joyful, lingering, Shangguanyu told his wife: He is actually a ghost.Wenxiu said, she knew.Thus came the end of the play, and they finally met again.
Ling Yang likes this story.
She also went to see her in Sister Wei's room—in fact, everyone said that she didn't love Sister Wei, which really made her feel wronged.She sat next to Sister Wei's bed, and the servant girl who was serving beside her immediately didn't know where to put her hands and feet.She gazed at her pale daughter, and she knew that the child would have been very beautiful if it hadn't been haggard from illness.He looks like Ling Yang, but the cold obsequiousness that overflows between each expression is very similar to Brother Chuan.Fortunately, everyone only said that brothers and sisters were similar, and did not suspect anything else.She stretched out her hand, wanting to hold Sister Wei's hand that had fallen on the quilt, but Sister Wei frowned and avoided it.This heartless child, I don't know if she only has this hand left.She smiled bitterly: "I know you resent me in your heart." Sister Wei refused to open her eyes: "Where did Madam go? It's cold outside, Madam should go back, don't tire yourself." Then For a moment, she wanted to tell the child what kind of pain, fear, and near-death she had experienced when she was born... But after thinking about it, there was nothing else to say, Sister Wei had to get out of her body, regardless No matter how much she suffered, she could only blame her own poor health, and Sister Wei didn't owe her anything.So she just said: "You are still young, you don't understand, Mr. Xie's house is the best place to go. Your husband is gone, but no one will treat you badly, Xie's family is the most tolerant family in the world—you never If you adopt a child in your house and call you mother, you don’t have to suffer all the hardships that a woman will suffer. I can’t say too deeply about some things, and you will understand in a few years.”
It's just that "in a few years" is too far away after all, so sister Wei quietly turned around and tucked herself into the quilt.
Good news came from afar. Over the past year, Mr. Tang's rewritten "Embroidered Jade Pavilion" has indeed played in the mansions of many dignitaries.Therefore, when the governor of Nanzhili came to Beijing, he had to tell the officials at the same table with great interest that the play was originally born from the story of a real chaste woman, and this chaste woman happened to be born in another country. Under the Huizhou government.It is said that this story has already been told to the Minister of Rites—it is just a rumor, but this "rumor" is enough to make Yang excited for a long time.This kind of day with expectations, even if it is as quiet as always, it is not a pool of stagnant water, it feels like it is always shimmering and trembling, singing with the sun.
Even if there are nearly twenty years left to wait, it doesn't seem too difficult. Thinking of the sixteen-year-old self when the master just left, she sighed happily: You, you are too old. young.In fact, at this moment, she is not calm about where she is going, and she will ask Xie Shunhui after a while: "In my opinion, sir, can I really get the archway earlier?" Xie Shunhui's answer is the same every time: "I can't tell, But I think it’s okay.” Often, I will add another sentence after a while. "As long as Master Chuan can pass the Jinshi examination earlier, the day when Madam will come out will be closer." Then the two of them looked at each other and smiled, as if Master Chuan's failure in two consecutive examinations became an interesting thing.
But Mr. Xie has not heard from him for a while.Even Ling Yang had heard about it. For a while, the state capital was in chaos.A few days ago, Young Master Chuan came home from the academy, and he was very excited when he talked about it—it is too much to say that the eunuch stationed in Huizhou in charge of collecting mineral salt taxes has accumulated countless public grievances in the past few years—now someone led the leader to surround him The eunuch's tax supervisor's mansion, the group of scholars in the academy also followed suit. In fact, at the beginning of the crowd gathering, the widely circulated call to crusade against eunuchs came from Master Chuan's Dongyang Academy—as for the specifics. Whose handwriting, naturally no one will admit it.
Generally speaking, Ling Yang refers to things she cannot understand as "men's things".When thinking this way in my heart, I usually frowned slightly, and put down the puzzling paste.Although eunuchs can't be regarded as "men" in any way, it's just that these involve the entanglements between the court, literati and common people, so it must be a man's business.It was also because She County was too chaotic, and Mr. Xie mostly stayed at home, so no one could answer the questions that filled Yang Yang's heart.She only remembered that Hui Niang asked Master Chuan in surprise: "It's so big in the blue sky and daylight, the magistrate should not be able to see it." In other words, I went to Qimen for something, and the gates of the county government in Shexian County have been closed since today—the county magistrate issued an order saying that the county government is not allowed to send a single soldier to help the tax supervisor's government." Hui Niang concealed With a horrified smile: "It can be seen that this eunuch really caused public outrage. This tax collection has been a matter of the government since ancient times. They came out to make trouble out of thin air. They deserve to be hated by others. The same is true in our mansion, because I don’t know how much unjust money they have spent in the business of participating in shares these years—but if they really let it go and cause trouble, where will the emperor’s face go?” Young Master Chuan laughed again: “It’s really a woman’s fault. See, the death of two eunuchs is nothing. The people besieged the tax supervisor’s mansion not only in our Huizhou, but also in many places. I heard that there were people in Hunan who directly tied up the eunuchs who came to collect taxes and threw them in the river. Drowning in the river—I have never heard of any magistrate being investigated for this. If you read the memorials submitted by the ministers above the court, you will know what it means to not save face for the emperor. Some of them are simply pointing their noses. You scold me, let me see that our Majesty is really self-cultivating..." Young Master Chuan's speech was already pointing out the country, and it was easy for people to forget that he had never personally seen the memorials of the courtiers. "Don't bully us women who haven't seen the world." Hui Niang spat disdainfully, "All these years, not to mention anything else, just listening to what the master said back then, I know something about the things in the court, not to mention ..." Hui Niang stopped talking at this point, so dangerous that she almost put on the table what she had heard in the teaching workshop on a whim.However, Young Master Chuan's face was full of joy, and he didn't hear the slightest clue: "Who doesn't know that Aunt Hui is a husband in a pile of makeup, how dare you underestimate it."
Ling Yang was silent for a long time, and the more she listened, the more confused she became: "How dare you scold the emperor—are you afraid that the emperor will kill you?" She couldn't hold back before she asked.Master Chuan and Niang Hui were stunned at the same time, and then they laughed together - Ling Yang thought that he must have asked some stupid question again, but he didn't know that this question seemed childish, but it was not so easy to answer.Hui Niang just smiled and said: "Madam is joking again." This made her even more confused, so she had to laugh along with them embarrassingly.Master Chuan said: "Think about it, madam, can the emperor behead all the civil and military officials in the whole dynasty?" Although Ling Yang hesitated, he still asked: "Your majesty... can't you?" Everyone stopped laughing, and Niang Hui hurriedly picked up the folding fan on the table and gave Master Chuan a light blow on the shoulder: "It's all your fault, bring up this topic to provoke her." At that time, I felt—after all, Mr. Xie is the best.
Hui Niang and the others also mentioned that during the past six or seven years, Long Live God seemed to think that the money was not enough, so he set up tax supervision offices in all provinces and dispatched eunuchs who specialize in collecting mining taxes to lead them.It is said that the tax for mining is collected, but in fact, for a place like Huizhou that has no mines at all, it is naturally collected on the heads of merchants from all walks of life.Huizhou has always been a prosperous and peaceful place. For so many years, most of the local officials who have come here to take office know how to cherish it—not to mention paying taxes to the government, they have been used to it for generations. Taking a step back with the people is a tacit agreement reached over the years.But I have never heard of the reason why the eunuchs ran out of the capital to levy an additional tax - it is inevitable that there will be complaints.The ministers of the DPRK and China have submitted countless memorials, explaining how unreasonable the mine supervision tax is, but the Long Live Lord turned a deaf ear to it.If it is heard that the people there really rioted, injured or even killed the eunuch who was in charge of the mining tax, it would be nothing more than reassigning another vacancy—the men who have dealt with Hui Niang in business over the years, When mentioning "Tax Supervisor's Mansion", there is no one who does not grit his teeth, and Hui Niang once sighed inexplicably: "I really didn't expect that the Ninth Five-Year Lord's hand can be so tight."
Ling Yang never dreamed that these "man" things, which were completely outside her mind, would one day have something to do with her.In short, after getting to know Mr. Xie, it seems that there is really nothing impossible in the world.
It was dusk.Master Chuan ignored everyone's dissuasion during the day, and rode his horse back to the academy. Ling Yang didn't understand why the chaos in the state capital made him so excited. He was gearing up, his eyes filled with burning joy.The whole face seemed to light up—something his women had never been able to do.Lan Xin closed the door again and burned incense to write. Ever since she learned that the third girl was pregnant, her face was even more dull and expressionless.Hui Niang was busy at the front as always, Yun Qiao hated Ling Yang as always, and in the kitchen, the dinner was still peacefully scented amidst everyone's busyness, and in the corner of the smell of food, there was still a faint smell of medicine— — It was still the prescription that Forsythia sent in, and it was assigned to Sister Wei.
Wisteria came into the room mysteriously in this mediocre dusk, and said in a low voice: "Madam, Mr. Xie is here. He sent his servant to communicate with Hou Wu in advance. We opened the back door. He Waiting there right now. He even told me not to make a fuss, and just lead Madam over there, saying that I have something important to tell Madam."
Ling Yang smiled helplessly: "I'm fascinated by ghosts all day long, and I don't know what I'm doing." After speaking, he stood up, followed behind Wisteria, and called Xiaoru again.Wisteria walks lightly and swiftly. In order to keep up with her, Ling Yang doesn't care that she has a deep foot and a shallow foot. She can't help but think of Hui Niang who scolded Wisteria like a cat many years ago. It seems that she has not wronged her.There are five entrances to the Tang family mansion, one courtyard passes through another, but each courtyard has a similar appearance, walking through it with full concentration makes Yang feel a subtle dizziness.
Xie Shunhui stood casually inside the arched back door, as if accepting someone who fit him in with a chic attitude.Beside him was his tired horse.Seeing her coming, she hastily smiled and said: "Madam, how about helping Xie Mou to solve his urgent needs this time? Take a person to stay in the mansion for a few days, life is at stake, Madam is the most merciful." She has already seen him Behind him was a dilapidated carriage and an absent-minded coachman who was just waiting to settle his payment.She took two or three steps forward, carefully lifted a corner of the blue curtain hanging on the carriage, and immediately withdrew her hand as if being scalded--you don't need to look, you can tell that this is a huge trouble with just one glance.She ordered Zi Teng to say: "Call two trusted boys of Hou Wu to bring them over in a sedan chair and put them in Mr. Xie's usual room. Then call Dr. Luo."
Xie Shunhui looked at her approvingly: "Madam is really a general..." She gave her a hard look.
The sleepy intruder was covered in blood, and it took a little effort for Ling Yang to instruct Xiao Ru and another maid to take off the coarse cloth shirt on his body.While waiting for Dr. Luo to come, Ling Yang ordered Xiao Ru and the others to boil water in the kitchen, and sat there and looked at the man carefully for a few times.Not to mention the bruises around the eyes, the face and the back of the hands were scratched with blood, the blood congealed into spots of brown, but there was still fresh blood oozing from the white shirt inside, if If you don't look at the frightening and dazzling red, you can find that this middle suit is actually very elegant, and Ling Yang doesn't even recognize what kind of satin it is-then she scolded herself with a mocking smile in her heart: This is from a strange man. Clothes are still worn inside - I am not ashamed to look at them so carefully.Obviously there was no other sober person in the room except her, so she still moved her gaze away to the pair of shoes placed in front of the bed—it was full of dirt, filthy, with stains on the edges. She was wearing something suspicious, maybe she stepped on cow dung in the field - but the style of these shoes is strange, and the material is good... This idea just flashed in her mind quickly, before it had time to take shape, the door There was a creaking sound, and Doctor Luo came in.
Ling Yang asked Xie Shunhui's servant to stay to help Doctor Luo, and then retreated by himself.Xie Shunhui was sitting next door, drinking tea leisurely, and when she crossed the threshold, she happened to hear him joking with Xiaoru: "The walnut cakes in your mansion have been making more and more delicious over the years, pack them for me when I go home in a few days How about a few boxes to take away?" Xiaoru seriously replied: "Well, I have to go back to Aunt Hui to see if there are any left in the kitchen..." Xie Shunhui smiled and said, "You can't just make new ones for me. How about making a few boxes? Am I only worthy of eating the leftovers from your family?" Xiaoru blushed, and her tone of voice was unmodified because she was anxious: "Oh, Mr. Xie, I didn't mean that, so don't always You are joking with me, Madam will scold me again when she hears it." After she finished speaking, she turned her head and saw "Madam" standing quietly behind her, not knowing where to put her hands and feet, only hearing Xie Shunhui's hearty laughter: "You child is so sincere, you are just joking with you." Ling Yang ignored Xiaoru, squinted at Xie Shunhui and asked, "What are you doing? Even if it is You stabbed me and asked someone to clean it up for you, and also explained it clearly so that we can be confident. That man, was beaten like this by your people?" "Heaven and Earth Conscience." Xie Shunhui sighed helplessly, "Xie a certain book I thought I hadn't visited the mansion for a long time, and I finally got some free time today, but I just left the city, the boy said he was going to relieve himself, who would have thought that he would have picked up this poor man in the field... I have spent a lot of time It’s really meaningless to think about it because Madam wronged me so much.” Ling Yang was really embarrassed, but in order to cover up this embarrassment, she sat heavily on the chair and stared at him. Looking elsewhere, there was no other way, so I had to deliberately increase the intensity of my sigh: "You are really a poor man, he must have come to do business with us from other provinces. I think the style and material of those shoes are not bad, maybe they are He is in the business of silk and satin. Could it be that he met a bandit...doing a crime, and his family doesn't know how to worry about it." Xie Shunhui was about to speak with a smile, when suddenly he heard Dr. Luo knocking on the door outside, calling in a low voice: "Madam, can Madam take a step to speak?"
Xie Shunhui got up and opened the door unhurriedly: "Doctor, please come in, Xie will just go out." He walked leisurely on the corridor outside the door twice, then looked down at the quiet place on the ground of the courtyard. A small puddle was formed, until Doctor Luo came out in a panic and bowed slightly to him, then he returned the salute and stepped in again.Sure enough, when he hit Ling Yangliu, his eyebrows were raised, and he glared at him angrily.The way she was angry always amazed him.As soon as he saw him, Ling Yang raised his voice and said: "You really want to kill me! I really thought he was just a passer-by and decided to take him in. I didn't tell Huiniang—but it's good now, such a big one The trouble was brought to the family by my hands, how can I behave like this!" Still feeling puzzled, he bit his lip and added, "Look, now even the grandson has been educated in the school, you are a grandpa I still think of doing things like this, and I just go out and tell people what is good about you. You have a compassionate heart and see people in trouble, so why don't you invite this eunuch to your home to recuperate? What should I tell Madam Hui? If the government comes to look for him in a few days, what should I do..." Instead of cursing, she was talking to herself nervously. "Ma'am, please calm down." Xie Shunhui smiled and waved her hands. For some reason, she also became quiet obediently.
"In the beginning, I really only wanted to save people, and didn't think about the rest. I was almost at the mansion, only to find out that he is the father-in-law of the tax supervisor's mansion—it's not that I didn't think about going back the same way to bring him My family, but Ma’am, you know, She County is in chaos right now. I heard that a servant in the Tax Supervisor’s Mansion had ordered those troublemakers to beat him to death. Even Jin Yiwei had injured several people. I changed the clothes of the common people and escaped in the chaos. I was afraid that something would happen if I took him back at this time, so I thought it would be better to let him hide in Xiuning for a while. I'm going back."
"How did you find out that he is the father-in-law of the Tax Supervisor's Mansion?" Ling Yang seemed to have thought of something, and he didn't care to get angry.
"In fact, madam has already seen it. It is true that this man's shoes are different. They are soap boots. We ordinary people can't wear them. Only court officials can wear them. The style of eunuch's boots is slightly different—on the contrary, Madam I thought he was running a silk and satin shop." Xie Shunhui laughed very happily, "This is really wonderful, Madam, tell the people in the house that he is a relative of your natal family who is in the silk and satin business. No, the ones bought and sold are all made in the palace.”
Ling Yang was very embarrassed by Xie Shunhui's back and forth, so he had no choice but to snatch away and say: "I have seen a few people wearing official boots, besides, those boots in official uniforms are hidden behind the clothes, how can you really see them. You said to send him back when he recovers, and where to send him...you tell me, so I can give orders to the boys at home."
"I'm afraid I don't need the servant of Mrs. Labour's family." Others might think that Xie Shunhui's smile is mocking at the moment, but Ling Yang never thinks so, just listens intently, "In a few days, the imperial court will send someone to come I'm looking for him. Madame just needs to diagnose and treat him, everything will make sense when he wakes up."
Ling Yang was taken aback: "You mean, the imperial court will come to look for him too?" Then, his eyes lit up.
Xie Shunhui picked up the teacup slowly: "He was sent by the court to collect taxes. Now that such a big incident has happened, how could no one come to look for him? Speaking of which, Madam is really familiar and informal. She used to talk to me, but always 'Sir' is long' and 'Sir' is short, now just 'you and me' get up."
"It's really hard to tell you something serious." Ling Yang's eyes widened again, "If you say that, I have to thank you, maybe he will think of me and help me when he returns to the capital Please do me a favor—there is hope for our big event. Haven’t you already thought of this level?” She had taken the archway as a matter of course for both of them.
"It's not too early, but I just thought of it on the road." Xie Shunhui said with a smile, followed closely, and sighed earnestly, "Now, Xie really has nothing to advise Madam, Madam has already 'leaved'. "
Ling Yang bowed her head lightly and smiled in disbelief. Only when she was with him would she forget that she only had one arm left, and even if she suddenly remembered it, she would feel that it was no big deal.
When the eunuch named Yang Chen finally woke up, the first thing he saw was Ling Yang.His whole body was so heavy that he seemed to be buried in the soil, and when he lifted his eyelids, he felt a pain in his head.He had to close his eyes again, and at that moment, the pain was locked in a dark box, and a clear voice came into his ears: "Is the father-in-law awake?" His heart suddenly sank. , seemed to have passed through flesh and blood and fell to the ground, he had no strength to despair, so he could only calmly think: It seems that it is still useless to change into the clothes of ordinary people.Then one hand was gently pressed on the place where his chest and shoulders were connected, and the voice said: "Elder-in-law, don't move, so you can recover from your injuries. Although our family is not outside the boundary of Huizhou, Xiuning is still a short distance from the state capital." , the humble house is simple, but no one disturbs you. Just lie down and feel better, and I will send the young man at home to deliver the letter for the father-in-law."
Enduring the pain again, he slightly opened his eyes.Ling Yang and the morning light flooded in front of him together.One can't tell how old the woman in front of her is, she doesn't look very young, although her skin is smooth, but the lines on her face seem to have passed through the filth of the world, which makes the look in her eyes weathered.But her voice is clear and beautiful, like a young girl, and she always feels that along with her voice, a few tears will splash in her eyes following the dazzling voice.She was dressed in plain colors and had no rings in her hair, so she might be a widow.For some reason, she convinced him that he was indeed in a safe place.
Several years later, Yang Chen recalled the days when he was recuperating in the Tang family's mansion. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that he only stayed there for seven or eight days.So he didn't know why he could remember so many things about Ling Yang.The lady of the Tang family asked her personal maid to serve him with medicine every day, and his three meals a day were brought into his room by the lady herself.They were enthusiastic and meticulous, but on Mrs. Tang's face, he couldn't find a trace of the fear and flattery that others would have when they saw them.She watched him eat seriously, and asked him to eat more of this or that dish in a natural tone, and chased after him: "Drink the soup quickly." This kind of calm made him feel incredible The most unbelievable thing is that he was secretly worried that if he really didn't drink it quickly, she would blame him.
At first he was reluctant to talk to her, he knew that his voice had a strange thin voice, which actually made him feel ashamed... especially, in front of women outside the palace.But one day, he finally put down the bowl and smiled at her seriously: "Since I came to the Huizhou Tax Supervisor's Mansion, no matter whether it's officials or ordinary people, I don't know how many cold eyes I have received. Only at Madam's place, I have not only seen smiling faces, You can even listen to the cold and warm." "How could it be?" Ling Yang couldn't believe it, "How many people are afraid of you, how dare you shake your face?"——Madam Tang still likes to chat with him, but she is like a Like children, they often ask ridiculous but extremely difficult questions.
"What they are afraid of is the emperor, but they look down on us. If the two incidents add up, what can they give if they don't give cold eyes?" He laughed at himself, "There are also those who come up and nod and bow, but when the people riot and surround the tax inspector According to the official regulations of the government, they are the ones who throw stones at us the most viciously."
"But having said that, the government's taxes are already quite a lot. No matter how rich the place is, people earn hard money. You come here as soon as you say it, and you collect another one. No wonder you will be hated." I used what I heard from my mother.
"Why don't I know this, but madam, think about it, we are also under the orders of the Holy Majesty. We were beaten and scolded by the people, and some people lost their lives. Those officials and gentry were polite and stumbling us secretly... In this way, if the tax is not enough, you will have to be punished, and you shouldn’t complain to Madam about this kind of suffering, it’s really rude.” Yang Chen smiled wryly and shook his head, as he relaxed, his voice became more and more shrill.With a sincere expression on his face, he opened his mouth, but the voice coming out of his throat was like a strange bird learning to speak human language.But Ling Yang didn't find it unpleasant.
"Oh." She originally wanted to raise her left hand, but she couldn't. In desperation, she hastily changed her right hand to cover her mouth, "When the father-in-law returns, please don't tell the emperor what I just said. Women and Taoists have no knowledge..."
Yang Chen smiled in disbelief: "Mrs. Tang is really worrying too much. The emperor is busy with everything. How can he find time to ask all the people who complained?"
"Even if you don't know how to question the crime, it's not good to make the emperor angry." Ling Yang looked at him seriously and confused, "Eunuch Yang, why are you laughing..."
He said sternly: "Madam thinks highly of me too much, the emperor is something I can see whenever I want."
They spent a few days peacefully, and no one came to look for Yang Chen.Ling Yang's life suddenly became busy. From early morning to evening, he walked back and forth through those several courtyards.The simple joy in her heart was not only because Yang Chen might have something to do with her important affairs, but also because she had returned to the time when she first came to the Tang Mansion in a trance—she had rushed to find him in such a hurry. Yun Qiao.Now, the door of Yunqiao's room is closed all day long, and she feels that after losing Yunqiao, she seems to have a friend again.谢舜珲私下里跟蕙娘通了声气，蕙娘知道如今府里藏着个烫手的山芋，最好的办法便是不闻不问。只按着令秧的话，告诉身边几个亲近的下人，借住在家里养病的客人是夫人的远房表弟，做绸缎生意的。
“我在府上受夫人这般关照，只怕给夫人添麻烦。”杨琛歉然道。他其实是个羞涩而谦恭的人。谦恭也许是被宫里的倾轧调教出来的，可是羞涩却是与生俱来。
“不麻烦，横竖我也没有什么正经事情。”令秧愕然。总是听说这群宦官仗着在朝中的权势，在各处都是跋扈横行，却没想到，这个杨公公很多时候都还会脸红。
“我是怕，府上的人真以为我是做绸缎生意的客人，会有人说夫人的闲话。”他脸上一阵微微地发热，恐怕也是因为，他隐隐地期待着真有人能传点什么——这是他有生以来第一次，那么多的人以为他不过是个普通男子。
令秧淡淡地一笑，抬起一条胳膊，另一只手轻轻地将左边的衣袖往上一捋，露出那只扭曲如一截火烧过的树枝一样的手臂。随后若无其事地柔声道：“公公不必替我忧心，我家老爷离世十几年，我什么闲话都听过，后来我自己将这胳膊砍成这样，那之后便彻底清净了。倘若再有什么闲话，我给他看看这个便是。”她的面庞上像是笼罩起一层柔和的亮光。
杨琛什么都没说，点点头。他倒是懂得人生所有的艰难。
“你在京城里，可看过一出名叫《绣玉阁》的戏没有？”令秧期待地看着他。
He shook his head.
“怎么可能！”令秧攥紧了拳头倒吸一口冷气，“公公当真从没听说过这戏？”
这一次他不敢摇头了。看她的表情，似乎没看过这戏是什么伤天害理的事情。
“那出戏说的是我呀。”令秧笑靥如花，“如此说来他们也是在哄我开心，看来京城里也不是人人都知道这戏。不要紧，我讲给你听。”
那日卯时，小如端着煎好的药来到杨琛房里。“有劳。”杨琛略微欠身道，“今日怎么不见夫人？”小如笑道：“族里九叔家今天设宴，请夫人过去看戏了。”随即又像想起什么那般补充道：“原本自打我们老爷去了之后，夫人除了上坟祭祖之外再不出门的，今儿个实在架不住九叔盛情，二来今日赴宴的都是族中亲属没有外客，三来九叔家的班子要唱全本的《绣玉阁》，我们夫人就被说动了……公公想必听夫人说起过，《绣玉阁》这戏，讲的正是我们夫人的事情吧？”杨琛点点头，然后不动声色地换了个话题——短短几天，“绣玉阁”三个字已经将他的耳朵磨出了茧，他实在不想继续跟人聊这个了：“有件事还想劳烦姑娘，待我回京之后，是定要答谢府上的救命和收留之恩的，可是不知道夫人喜欢什么，只能请教姑娘了。”小如愣了片刻，心内一惊，脸上却慌忙重新摆出那副心无城府的笑容：“我们夫人最喜欢的东西，公公怕是也难得着。不如就不必讲那么些虚礼，送我们点京城的点心叫我们尝尝鲜好了。”杨琛也笑道：“若真只叫人快马加鞭送点心到这儿来，才是虚礼。姑娘且说来听听。”小如见火候已八九不离十，便叹息道：“公公有所不知，我们夫人自老爷过世以后，十几年来一直冰清玉洁，恪守妇道，又勤勉持家，生怕哪里出了错玷污了这书香世家的门楣，饶是这样，也难过上清净日子——公公想想。”小如热切地抬起眼睛，说故事的天性又自然而然地破土而出，“老爷才刚下葬，族里的长老们就把我家夫人带到祠堂，硬要她寻死殉夫，估计也是担心当时夫人才十六岁，正值妙龄，不可能干干净净地守一辈子吧……”
杨琛终于忍不住大笑了起来，直笑得小如心里发毛——这小丫鬟煞有介事地学老人讲古，神态居然也随着变得老气横秋起来，杨琛一面笑，一面抬起手背擦了擦眼角笑出来的泪，其实他也知道，他偶尔会爆出来一阵完全不由自己控制的狂笑声，有时候是会吓到人家，可他对此真的毫无办法。“若我没说错的话。”他试图深呼吸，以控制身体的前仰后合，“没说错的话，你们家老爷过世的时候，姑娘你还没出娘胎吧……怎么说得像是你都亲眼看见了。”小如脸羞得一阵紫胀，抢白道：“怎么没出娘胎，不过是还太小没进来府里罢了。我七岁入府，十二岁开始伺候夫人，日日夜夜地看着夫人守节的艰难，虽说是熬到了五十岁朝廷便给旌表，可是夫人还不到三十的时候就因为那起损阴德的乱嚼舌头，白白砍坏自己一只胳膊；看着夫人苦成这样，我就想着谁若能让她不必再熬那么久，早点让她得着牌坊，就真的帮了夫人的大忙。可是这忙，公公帮得上么？”
他终于不笑了，静静地叹口气，恢复了原先的正襟危坐：“姑娘怎么知道，我就一定帮不上呢？”小如怔怔地看着面前这张瞬间从狂笑变得不怒自威的脸，近乎费力地说：“若公公不是说笑的，小如就先在这里给公公叩头了……”笑意再度浮上了杨琛的嘴角：“好啊，我便恭敬不如从命，就此领受……不过是同姑娘玩笑的，姑娘这是干什么，快请起来……”他的脸也像小如一般涨红了。
此时，令秧正坐在唐璞家最深的那一进天井里，那是他家戏台子的位置，坐下来的时候才惊讶地发觉，过来看戏的都是女人。也许男人们散了宴席，都留在前边的中堂里饮茶聊天了，当然，也必定会有那么几个，不约而同地告辞，再一起去到某位当红姑娘的花酒桌上。锣鼓声响起的时候，令秧突然觉得有人在她胸膛里放了一面鼓，用力地擂，震得她从五脏到指尖都在微妙地悸动着，相比之下，自己的心跳得未免太微弱了。她心慌地朝四周瞧了瞧，怕有人注视着她交头接耳——但是她好像也多虑了，族中各家的女人们，对这戏早已烂熟于心，并没有几个人是认真观赏的，不过是想借着这看戏的契机说说家常，图个热闹。令秧深深地叹了口气，虽说如释重负，可到底也有些落寞。明明这戏里真正的“文绣”就坐在台底下，她们怎的如此漫不经心呢。
于是转身想端起杯子喝口茶，却发觉原本站在旁边的小丫鬟没了踪影。她不由得有些烦躁：众目睽睽的，让她用一只手揭了茶杯盖子，再颤颤巍巍地端到嘴边去委实不雅。因为家里必须留个人伺候杨公公，她不能让小如在身边跟着，只好带个小丫鬟，按说她不至于贪玩到这个田地，只是她见过什么场面，说不定是在唐璞家这幽深的宅子里迷路了。她打量着台上正唱到她烂熟且不怎么喜欢的一段，便站起身来去寻那孩子。
出了这一进，便跨进了前边一进院子的回廊。丝竹声从她背后飘过来，她眼前这一片天井却是空空如也。虽说这个天井比搭得起戏台的那一处狭窄得多，可是却静得沁人心脾。她的眼前，一栋两层的屋子悄然地对着她，屋檐层层叠叠地蜿蜒直上，媚态横生。令秧轻轻地叹息一声，倚着回廊里的柱子，只这一会儿工夫，她就已经忘记了是出来干什么的。只想着，唐璞的宅子虽说比她家大宅奢华，可是也许是因为大，看起来反倒是没有那么多的人，失了那种她看惯了的，满满腾腾的烟火气。她看见唐璞从天井的另一端跨过了门槛，起初嵌在那道粉壁中间，跟着从粉壁里走了下来，她目送着他慢慢靠近，突然柔软地想：隔了这么些年，他倒是不见老。随后便不由自主地翘起了嘴角：横行霸道惯了的人，怕是因为莽撞，身上才挂不住岁月的。
唐璞却以为，令秧在对他笑。
他终于走近，她早已直起身子，恰到好处地行礼：“这么些年了，头一回逛九叔的宅子，早就听了一百次九叔家里的排场，如今算是见着了。”
“可还看得入眼？”他淡淡一笑。语气听起来亲昵，却也让他十分窘迫——他总是不知道该怎么称呼她，所以只能含混地一带而过。
“喜欢。”令秧用力地点头道。随后轻轻地扬起下巴，“就是觉得那边的墙角，缺了棵竹子。就像是祠堂后院里面那棵一样的。”
“你还记得祠堂的那棵竹子。”他看着她的脸，不过只略微看了一会儿，还是挪开了，“离在祠堂里见着你，已经十五年了。”
“九叔的记性真了不得！”令秧像是被吓了一跳那样，右手的三根手指并拢，掩在了嘴上，似乎是嫌倒抽一口凉气太不礼貌，小指分得很开，微微向上翘着，就好像鼻子下面落了朵开得不甚齐整的栀子花。
“戏唱得不好？”他换个话题，眼睛里有点失望。
“瞧九叔说得，哪儿会呢。”令秧有些不好意思，“台上正好演到我不怎么喜欢的一段，我带来的小丫鬟不知跑哪里去了，便想去寻她，也捎带着透口气。里面的女眷们都夸九叔呢，说九叔九婶子一向恩爱，所以九婶子生日，九叔还要专门弄这么一台戏来，我们也都跟着沾上光了。”
“我是特意叫他们演给你看的。”说完，他又即刻后悔了，补了一句，“若你不来，就叫他们唱别的戏了。”看着令秧丝毫没听出什么端倪来，他脸上神情便更加平静，虽说心里还是有点隐隐的落寞。
她愣了一下，随即将视线挪到自己的裙子上，听见唐璞说：“你快回去坐着，我让人去把那小丫鬟找来，这么点子事儿，哪里用得着劳动你。”
她又一欠身，急急地转身去了。甚至来不及担心自己走路的时候是不是身子又斜了。正犹豫着要不要回过头去对他一笑，身后传来了他的声音：“家里缺什么，或是有什么事情，你只管差人来告诉我。”
那声音压得非常低，就好像他们二人一起行走在夜色里。
做梦也没想到，戏台上唱到皇帝封赏的时候，那小丫鬟神情慌张地跑了回来。她皱起眉头刚想责怪两句，哪知这孩子抢先俯下身子在她耳边耳语低声道：“夫人，家里出事了，侯武差人派了马车来接咱们回去呢——”然后重重喘了一口粗气，几乎弄热了她的耳朵，“川少爷在家里闹起来了，大发脾气说现在要跟夫人对质。”她以为自己在耳语，其实音量已经引得坐在两旁的妇人们侧目。令秧尴尬地站起来，同唐璞夫人告了辞，领着小丫鬟动身了。她问究竟发生了什么，这孩子也颠三倒四说不出个所以然。最终还是回去的路上，侯武简明扼要地回明了事情——得亏是他亲自赶了车来接——原来就在刚刚，几个着朝服的宦官来到了唐家，下了马便不由分说地占据了中堂要宣圣旨。川哥儿自然急急地换了衣裳出来跪着，一起不得不跟出来的，自然还有杨琛。圣旨究竟说了什么，侯武也不甚明了，当时他跪在离中堂老远的地方，不过是称赞了唐家收留杨琛有功之类的话。领头的公公还留话说三日后清早，便有车来接杨琛回京，还说当日请夫人务必在府里候着，因为皇上赏赐给夫人的东西那日就到徽州了。侯武用力地加了一句：“这个我是绝对没有听岔，那公公真的说了皇上有赏给夫人，只不过他们一行人快马加鞭地先来给杨公公一个安心，御赐的赏品却不能在路上颠簸唯恐弄脏弄坏了。”
令秧觉得所有的血液都涌到了脸上，她急急地问道：“皇上是怎么知道我的？”几乎是同时，小丫鬟困惑地问道：“如此说来不是天大的好事么，川少爷还要生哪门子的气？”侯武为难道：“这个，我可说不好。”一句话，倒是把两人的问题都回答了。
川少爷脸色铁青地坐在令秧房里，小如胆战心惊地倒了茶放桌上，他手一挥杯子就跌下去摔得粉碎。小如静悄悄地躲在门口，也不敢过去扫地，一转头看见令秧终于不紧不慢地款款走在回廊上，立即念了声佛：“阿弥陀佛，夫人可算是回来了。”川少爷听着了，立即握紧了拳头站起身，在室内狂躁地来回踱着。
令秧跨进门槛，淡淡地吩咐小如道：“出去吧，到杨公公那里问问，他想吃什么，然后让厨房去做。”
川少爷听了这话，立即从鼻子里重重地哼了一声，小如咬咬嘴唇慌忙地逃走了，令秧慢慢地掩上了身后的门，转身笑道：“怎么这川少爷越大倒越像是活回去了，连个茶杯都端不稳。”
川少爷冷笑道：“我来就是想请教夫人，现如今这个家里做主的究竟是哪个？老爷刚过世那阵子倒也罢了，我还未及弱冠；可如今，我就把话索性跟夫人挑明了，这个府里在外头应酬官府的是我，在族中顶门立户的也是我，我敬着夫人为府中主母，也纯是看着老爷的面子。家内的大小事务夫人做主我不拦着，已经足够尊重了；夫人若是在外面给我难堪，那便是僭越，休怪我说话难听……”
令秧轻轻地打断他：“我糊涂了，怎么皇上的圣旨到了给咱们赏赐，反倒是我做错了不成？杨公公是谢先生在田地里发现的，莫说是朝廷的宦官，哪怕是个贩夫走卒，难道能见死不救？我没告诉你也是因着你去书院了不在家，你如何连点儿道理也不知道了呢。”
川少爷的脸慢慢地逼近了她的，那么清俊的面庞，也可以被激愤撕扯到狰狞的地步：“我忘了告诉夫人，休要再提那个谢舜珲。一个也算是读过圣贤书的男人，在这种时候给阉人帮忙，真是丢尽了天下读书人的颜面！这里究竟是唐家的地方还是谢家的地方？他自甘堕落也便罢了，牵累得所有人都知道是我的府上窝藏了那阉人，我如何回书院里去交待众人？”
“既是读过圣贤书的。”令秧的声音里毫无惧怕，“便该知道一日为师，终身为父的道理。谢先生当日如何待你不用再提了，单理论这件事情，皇上的赏赐都来了咱们家，这难道也是有错的？”
“妇人之见，跟你讲不清楚！”川少爷暴躁地挥了挥手，险些抽到令秧脸颊上，“看看天下读书人，哪个不骂阉党？即便是圣上也知道读书人跟阉人水火不容，即便是因为阉人得罪了圣上，也只是一时，子孙后世也会记得你做了读书人该做的事；即便圣上一时气急了砍了你的脑袋，过一阵子照样后悔给你立碑……你们这些见识短浅的妇人如何能懂得这个？靠着谄媚阉人换来这一星半点的小利，脏污的是我在外头的名节！你以为天底下只有寡妇才在乎名节么？”
“话虽如此说。”令秧觉得自己被伤害了，“赶明儿杨公公走的时候，你不照样地点头作揖，你敢当着他的面说一句'阉人'么，以前还觉得谢先生说话离经叛道，现如今才知道……”
“休要再提他！”川少爷快要吼了起来，“我不会准他谢舜珲再踏入我家门半步！溦姐儿的婚事我明日便去退了，我不知道他究竟灌过什么迷魂汤给夫人，总之我已经忍无可忍了。”
“你敢！”令秧真的被激怒了，可惜她委实不大会骂人。
“我如何不敢！”
“你毁了我女儿的婚事，老爷还在天上看着呢！”令秧混乱地喊道，头脑一阵发晕。
“老爷在天有灵必定恨不得溺死她。”川少爷突然间冷静了下来，“她是你和我的女儿，你打量老爷真的会不知道？”
这是令秧第一次从人嘴里听见这个，赤裸裸的真实，她脑袋里像是飞进了成百上千只蜜蜂，指尖也像是发麻了，在袖子底下冰冷地颤抖着，就连那只残臂此刻也像是又有了知觉。
她扬起手想打他，可就在此时，门开了——小如那丫头到哪里去了怎么不拦着呢，是她把小如打发到厨房去的，她真是该死，她木然地望着门边脸色惨白的兰馨。川少爷立即换上了一副镇定的语气：“你跑来做什么，回房去。”
兰馨的身子微微晃了一下，她目不转睛地瞧着令秧，因为失了血色，一张脸倒益发显得粉雕玉砌。她微微一笑：“夫人别忧心，兰馨什么都没听见。兰馨不过是担心夫人这边有口角，所以才来看看的。没事的话，我回去了。”
那天夜里，兰馨把自己吊死在了卧房的房梁上。她的丫鬟直到黎明时分才发现，她早已冰凉。
那日，杨琛的早饭比平时来得迟了些。令秧拎着食盒进来的时候，居然还宁静地一笑：“杨公公，不好意思，今日府里出了点子事情。”她发现他正用力地看着她，便安静了下来。
他不知道自己满脸的悲悯：“夫人这就太客气了，我知道府上出了大事。饶是这样还要劳烦夫人，真不知该说什么好了。”
令秧已经把食盒放在桌上，一层一层地取下来，刚要去取第三层的时候，突然哭了。杨琛就静静站在桌子的另一头，等了好久，不理会所有的饭菜都已冷透，看着她哭。
令秧不记得，自己已经多久没哭过了。