Chapter 15 Nunnery and Graceland

In front of the third master, the one with the big head is a daughter.This girl is Rumei, she is sixteen years old, and she was engaged to the Chang family, a big family in Yuci, two years ago.Although she is a woman, she seems to have inherited Naifu's blood, and she likes to travel far, especially the places where her father often goes.She saw from her father that outside the mouth was the family's holy place, but no one took her there. The third master loves his intelligent eldest daughter very much, and the old master Kang Hunan also loves this handsome and chivalrous granddaughter very much.But none of them took her far away, let alone out of the mouth.In their eyes, her request was nothing more than a child's joke.

In Rumei, the more you go, the more you yearn for it.Therefore, after getting engaged, she stubbornly proposed: before marrying the Chang family, she must take her out of the mouth, otherwise, she will never marry. The third master vaguely agreed, but in fact, he didn't take it seriously.The third master went outside the mouth as usual, completely forgetting about his daughter's request.Last winter, when he came back from outside the mouth, Rumei was almost unrecognizable to him: she was much thinner, not to mention, what was even more frightening was that a girl who was so smart since she was a child suddenly became demented, as if she had lost her soul. like?The age of a flower, why is it suddenly aging?

The third master was horrified, and hurriedly asked Sanniang: "What's wrong with Meimei? Is there something wrong?" San Niang said: "You still ask, you are used to it! Did you promise to take her out of the mouth?" The third master said, "No?" "She said you promised, so you walked forward, and her back foot became like this. Ask her what's wrong, and she just said: If you don't take her out of the mouth, she won't get married. I asked: Who promised to take you Went out of the mouth? She said: My father. Did you really promise her? "

"Hey, you don't know yet. She has been pestering me since she was a child and asked to take her here and there. Can I say not to take her there?" "Or you are used to it! Seeing that you are going to get married, you are still so willful." After the third master asked clearly, he hurried to caress Rumei.This little girl didn't want to see him yet, she seemed really angry.He lost his smile and said: "Meimei, I went out of the mouth this time, and I almost couldn't come back. I managed to escape from death! When I got home, you didn't ask me what I suffered, and you just got angry?"

"I'm not angry. How could I be angry?" "Look at you, what you're saying is all angry! Do you think I can't hear you?" "I'm angry, and I'm angry with myself, and it has nothing to do with anyone." After hearing this, Sanniang said, "Meimei, who are you talking to?" The third master, who was not very tempered, didn't care at all at this time, and still smiled and said: "Meimei, I know you are angry with me. This time I went outside the mouth, not only to Guihua City, but also to Outer Mongolia." Camping back and forth, going through four or five thousand miles of wilderness. There are many difficulties and dangers, not to mention life and death, the camel team pulls camels, and the camel riders are all men; you are a girl, how can I take you there?"

"You don't want to take me there, if you want to take me, what else can you do?" "Tell me, what can I do?" "I'm disguised as a man!" "Haha, why didn't I think of it! Meimei, since you have such pride, I will definitely help you! After the spring of next year, I will go to Beijing and Tianjin first. This time, I will definitely take you there. Go to Beijing first Take a look at Jin, and go outside the mouth in the future, will it work?" Sanniang hurriedly said: "Just after Wuniang had an accident, you took her to Beijing and Tianjin? I'm afraid the old man won't allow it!"

The third master said, "I'm not the fifth master! If I can't even protect my daughter, what can I do?" Rumei then changed her tone and said, "I'll talk to the old man!" At that time, the third master hadn't taken over to take charge of the external business, he just followed Qiu Taiji's instructions and decided not to be bored, but to go to Beijing, Tianjin and Jiangnan.So, he took out You Jingjin to comfort Rumei.At this time, he was more consoling than promising. During the Chinese New Year, the old man suddenly entrusted him with outside business. After being pleasantly surprised, the third master decided to fulfill his promise to Rumei: not only to take her on a trip to Beijing and Tianjin, but also to take her to the south of the Yangtze River!

More than ten years ago, when Du Changxuan, who had traveled to the West, brought his half-western, half-Beijing-flavored son-in-law to the rich and powerful families in Taigu, the third master was also amazed.Du Changxuan's open-mindedness, generosity, and new style opened his eyes.He was even more envious of the unique beauty and charm of the daughter of the Du family.He never expected that this new beauty would later become his new stepmother!Back then, when he heard the news, he felt a sudden pain in his heart.Hiding this pain, he really didn't want to see this new old lady, and couldn't respect him.Now, that pain has long since passed away. He remembered this incident again, because he wanted to imitate Du Changxuan back then, and he also took his daughter-in-law with him to travel to Beijing and Tianjin, and then to Jiangnan.

He did this to tell the Kang family's firm that he was different from the old man. Ru Mei soon noticed her father's enthusiasm, and she was naturally very happy.The whole person seemed to come back to life, returning to the cleverness and mischievousness of the past.She was full of expectations and went on a long journey with her father. Rumei has been used to being wild since she was a child, and Chang Ai found an excuse to run out of the Dexintang compound and go naughty and crazy in the countryside in the village.The reason why she was able to run around the world like this was first of all because the old man doted on her.Whenever she made a fuss, the old man would speak for her. Who would dare to go against her?Then there is because she is also a natural foot.

She began to bind her feet when she was a child, and she always cried desperately.At that time, it was just in time for the Du family's father and daughter to return to Taigu to make a splash, and the allure of Beijing flavor and foreign style seemed to be fully implemented on Du Yunqing's heavenly feet.The third master, who appreciated the Du family's new beauties, made a decisive decision immediately: His Meimei's feet are no longer bound!But how could Sanniang agree: If you don't bind your feet, how can you find your husband's family when you grow up?Sanniang reported to the old man, but the old man actually said: "Meimei feels hurt, so don't bother her."Royal women don't worry about getting married, and our Kang family women don't worry about getting married either.The old man said this, what else can San Niang do?In this way, Rumei also became a new beauty without footbinding.

However, she has been running wildly all over the world since she was a child, but she hasn't run very far, the farthest is probably Taiyuan Mansion.Therefore, for this real trip, needless to say, it was full of anticipation. Who would have thought that just after the New Year, the bad news would continue to spread before the weather was warm: the Boxers had spread to Zhili, then to Tianjin, and then to the capital!Father has been worrying about the brand name in other places all day long, so how could he take her on a trip? She once asked her father: "You miss the name of Beijing and Tianjin so much, why don't you go there yourself?" Father's temper became bad again, and he said angrily, "I'll go there, it can do a lot of things! Can I even out the Boxer Boxing chaos?" Rumei didn't dare to ask any more questions, she only hoped that the trouble would pass soon.But the more I hoped, the bigger the boxing chaos became. Instead of leaving Beijing and Tianjin, it spread to Taigu instead. As soon as Taigu got Yihequan, the old man let out a word: the women's family members and grandchildren of Dexintang are not allowed to go out casually. This is great, how can Ru Mei be able to bear being confined at home from spring to summer?She is very much like this year's crops, which have suffered a severe drought and are wilting day by day. They are always looking forward to rain, but they are always hopeless.But now, no one can pay attention to her.Even if she was in a daze like a lost soul all day long, her father ignored her.When she was extremely bored, she could only think: her fate is not good.Sometimes when I get depressed, I really want to sneak out to see what Boxing is like.Of course, this is just an angry thought, it is difficult to achieve. When the Boxers were finally suppressed by the county government, Rumei couldn't bear it any longer, and immediately shouted to go outside to get some air.There is a lot of chaos outside, how could Sanniang ask her to go out?Rumei resorted to her usual trick, ran straight into the old man's house, and asked the old man for help. The old man followed the usual practice and didn't make things difficult for the granddaughter at all. He said cheerfully, "If you want to go out, you can. Call a martial artist to follow, and you can do it! Once the boxing fist is broken, the outside world will be safe." Rumei hurriedly said, "Grandpa still has style!" The old man asked: "Where is your father, he doesn't allow you to go out?" "It's not easy for me to see my father, he's busier than anyone else!" "Your father is now in charge of the house, and he's cooking outside the shop." "When grandpa was in charge, I don't think he was as busy as him." "Meimei, are you saying that grandpa is lazier than your father?" "I'm boasting about Grandpa, I'm lifting weights lightly." "Hahaha, you are so sweet!" "Grandpa just lifts weights lightly! How can Grandpa live so long if he is anxious and frantic like my father? He's already so tired!" "Meimei, the more you talk about your sweet talk, the more you will come! Now, the world is different. Our Kang family has a name all over the world, and it's not easy to spread it out." "I know. Last year, grandpa went on a tour of the south of the Yangtze River and suffered a lot!" "I like to travel far away, and when I go on a long journey, I feel refreshed. So, that's not called suffering." "I also like to travel far away, but you always stop me from going!" "Let me tell you, today you have such a sweet mouth, and you are so sweet to flatter me, so you were waiting here! Meimei, why do you want to go far away so much?" "I don't plan anything, just like grandpa, I want to be happy. I also get energetic as soon as I go out!" "You can tell." "Grandpa has opened up the brand name all over the world. If I go out and walk all the way, I have my own brand name along the way. Who do you want to give it to?" Ru Mei's words really touched the old man's heart. He cheered up and said, "Mei Mei, you have such a heart, you are really better than your uncles! If I knew you were so caring, last year I When I go to Jiangnan, I will take you there." "Last year, I told Grandpa the same way, but you didn't listen to it, did you?" "Where did you say that?" "I said it!" "That's why I'm getting old." "Last year, Grandpa was going to Jiangnan, and the whole family stopped you from going. I was the only one who agreed with you, but Grandpa, you ignored me!" "Is that true? Grandpa is getting old and confused. In the future, if Grandpa goes on a long trip, he will definitely ask you to accompany him." "Under the year, my father also promised me that he would take me to the capital, but he would encounter Boxer Boxing to make trouble? Grandpa, tell my father, when Boxer Boxing is equalized, tell him not to forget Promise me!" "I can tell you this!" The goal has been achieved, Rumei wants to leave, but the old man tells her not to rush away, stay and talk to grandpa for a while.She stayed and said a few words, but couldn't help but found an excuse and ran away. After Rumei ran away, Kang Hu nestled in the chair ring, and did not move for a long time.When the servants came to serve, he drove them all away, even Song Yu, who was being favored, came in and was also driven away. The granddaughter he loved refused to stay with him for a while, which suddenly caused Kang Hunan a feeling of loneliness that was hard to shake off.He opened his name all over the world, but how can he have a close person by his side? Although there are six sons behind him, except for the third son, none of them are successful.It's okay to be incompetent, but they have no interest in business!There is only one third child left, determined to inherit the ancestral business, but so far, he is still too bloody and lacking in wisdom.Among the grandchildren, there are a large number of girls, and it is only with the third child that they start to have children.But looking at the eldest grandson born to him by the third child, he is really not as masculine as his sister Meimei.San Niang almost spoiled him into a sweet girl.With a large number of grandchildren, Rumei is the only one who is outstanding, but she is a girl. Who can entrust the ancestral business with famous names all over the world? Looking at the current situation, the imperial court is so incompetent that even the capital has been lost!I really don't know whether the Qing Dynasty can keep its country.The Qing Dynasty will perish, and the world will be in chaos. Without great wisdom and geniuses, how can we stand up and keep our business? The world is so dangerous, and the family is so deserted, is it possible that the Kang family will follow the Qing Dynasty and fall all the way? After the old lady let go, no one dared to stop Rumei.But where can San Niang rest assured?She called the housekeeper, Lao Xia, and told him to send a boxer with good martial arts to follow, and made it clear to the driver: Lamemei is not allowed to enter the city, the city is in chaos. Lao Xia repeatedly agreed, saying: "Sanniang didn't tell me, I have to be careful like this. I even asked the door: Is there any junior who wants to go out for fun, and if we get together, there will be more people and more people. It's a pity that no one wants to go out." Go. Then I'll ask them to take care of Meimei." Sanniang said: "You know, Lao Xia, Meimei is too capricious. We don't want to make things difficult for the people below." Lao Xia hurriedly said, "Don't worry, San Niang." Lao Xia is the old housekeeper of the Kang family, and serving the old man is loyal and dedicated, without any discount.For a new master who is a generation later than the third master, he can't help feeling a little relieved.Therefore, although San Niang's orders were well fulfilled, they were not particularly caring about doing them.He just asked Master Bao Shijing to choose two of his guards and follow them to serve him. It's the end of July, and it should be the season when the autumn wind is refreshing and the eyes are full of splendor.But in the year of Gengzi, there was a severe drought, and the crops in the field did not grow well. During the period, the drought was severe, as if they had been hit by frost, they had withered and collapsed.Looking up, the green field is full of these withered and yellow plates, which really seem to be devastated.The trees are also gray-green and gray-green, without any spirit. However, how could a little girl like Rumei notice the drought in the field!The whole summer, she was confined at home, and now she finally flew out, she only felt happy. Sure enough, as soon as she left the village, she asked the coachman to take her into the city for a stroll.But Lao Xia has confessed: You can't pull the young lady into the city, so the driver naturally dare not disobey.However, the coachman was also clever. He blinked and made up an excuse, and said to Rumei: "In the past two days, the county government has been suppressing the remnants of the Yihe Fist soldiers in the city. of." Rumei said: "My father entered the city yesterday, why can't I enter?" The driver said calmly, "Third Lord has an official letter." The maid who followed Rumei also said: "I heard that even if we enter the city, we will be interrogated everywhere, and it is very inconvenient to move around. We finally came out, and what is the purpose of being restricted when entering the city?" The driver then said, "Let's go to Fengshan. I heard that it has become lively recently." Rumei had no choice but to agree to go to Fengshan. When we arrived at Longquan Temple in Fengshan, it was not as lively as the driver said. Compared with usual times, there were not many people visiting.However, Rumei didn't bother to complain, as there were fewer people and the open space allowed her to run more freely. So, Ru Mei ran around without resting after getting off the car. Commonly known as Fengshan, it is Fenghuang Mountain in the south of Taigu City.Longquan Temple is located at the foot of Fengshan Mountain. It is named after the unbeaten, clear and wine-like spring in the temple.Also because of this famous spring, entering the temple gate, there is a beautiful small lake named Kelaochi; in the middle of the lake stands an exquisite and elegant water pavilion.It reflects in the water, making Kelaochi even more ethereal.The main hall of Longquan Temple is the Hall of Three Buddhas standing against the mountain. In the hall, a giant Buddha several feet high is enshrined, and the incense is very strong. Around Longquan Buddhist Temple, there are also Longwang Temple, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, Caishen Temple, Niangniang Temple, and Zhenwu Taoist Temple.Of course, there are also theaters, booths, shops, and restaurants in the secular world. In short, because Fengshan Longquan Temple is not too far from the city, it has become a convenient place for wealthy businessmen to go outing in spring, escape the heat in midsummer, climb mountains in autumn, and enjoy snow in midwinter. Therefore, it is almost the second busiest area outside the county seat.Of course, the prosperity and beauty here is still due to the continuous donations from the big merchants in Benyi. In the summer of the Gengzi Year, the place suddenly became much deserted.The rich people who come here to escape the summer heat are almost extinct: the rich are the ones who cherish their lives the most.The only people who come here often are the nearby farmers. They come to offer sacrifices to the Dragon King and pray for rain.During the severe drought, even the Qiquan was weaker, but the Kelaochi was still full.Because the people in the nearby villages have stopped drawing water from the Qiquan in order to respect the Dragon King. Although the scenery in the temple is still ethereal and beautiful, Rumei didn't stay long.She just went to the Temple of Three Buddhas to offer incense in a hurry, then ran out from the side door behind the temple, and walked up the hillside path quickly.When she boarded a hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the mountain, the two maids who followed her did not catch up for a long time.Although they can be considered old mothers with big feet, their feet have been bound, and they cannot run, jump, or fly like Rumei.Those two servants who came to be bodyguards didn't follow either. Rumei was very proud of herself, she sat alone in the small pavilion and looked to the north: the square of Taigu City is showing the whole picture, and the white pagoda of Buddha at the South Temple in the city is even more clearly visible.She wanted to find the Gospel Church for foreigners under the White Tower, but it was really hard to tell.After all, it's too far away. She was about to leave the kiosk and continue to walk upwards when she saw a servant rushing up. Ru Mei asked, "You guys are still practicing martial arts, why are you walking so slowly?" The family member hurriedly said: "The two old mothers of the young lady and the young lady rushed to take advantage of it too quickly. After a few steps up the hill, one of them sprained his foot and couldn't walk. I'm here to ask the young lady for advice." : See if you can rest for a while, let us carry the old lady down the mountain?" When Rumei heard this, she was overjoyed, and said, "It's all so useless! Go and take care of her, and leave me alone." The servant hurriedly said: "How can we! We came out to serve the lady, not them." Rumei said: "Then you threw her away? I'll wait here, and you send her down the mountain and hand her over to the driver, and come back quickly, it's over!" The family member said: "It's still Miss Benevolence, I'll go and pass on your words. Miss Wronged will wait here for a while, and when I go down, I will ask the old lady who has no sprained feet to come up and serve. We are also fast, and we will come back when we talk." After finishing speaking, Just ran down. Seeing her servants leave, Rumei felt more at ease: it would be nice if she could avoid them!This feeling made Rumei extremely excited. Suddenly, an impulse came up: while they were not around, she hid in a secluded place to play alone, and asked them to search all over the world.If they can find them, they are capable! Thinking of this, she immediately got up, left the hexagonal pavilion, and hurriedly walked up the mountain along the hillside path.It's just that after walking a few steps, I feel that this is not enough: the old route, the old land boundary, it is not easy for them to find you? Rumei stopped, looked around, and suddenly found a place to go: instead of climbing up the mountain, she turned to the west, and soon went downhill; she passed Guandi Temple in the middle, and then went down and walked along the valley for a mile or two. The road can bend into a nunnery.This nunnery is not well-known, and the surrounding scenery is not unique.However, every time Rumei came here crazy, as long as she mentioned it to her grandfather, she would be reprimanded.At that time, grandpa was really angry.The servant who didn't control her and allowed her to go to the nunnery would also be scolded by the housekeeper, Lao Xia, as if she was allowed to step into some kind of dangerous situation. In the middle of Fengshan Mountain, the area where the nunnery is located is really plain and quiet, and there is nothing scary about it.Go for it, why are they making such a fuss? The more forbidden the land, the more mysterious the attraction. Now, taking advantage of the freedom at home alone, Rumei decided to go there again.Besides, it was not easy to chase after her mother and servant when she ran there. In this way, Rumei ran to the nunnery alone. When I came here, the nunnery was closed.But today, not only was the gate of the mountain not closed, there was also an old nun sitting outside the gate.Seeing someone running, the old nun wanted to get up and enter the nunnery, but after taking a closer look, he sat down again. The old nun saw clearly that she was a little girl, so he didn't want to avoid it, right? Rumei quickly ran over, saluted the old nun, and said, "I've come here so abruptly, I'm disturbing the master." The old nun said listlessly: "This nunnery does not entertain pilgrims, we only practice at home." While speaking, the old nun's gaze was also extremely dull, it was truly an outsider's gaze. Rumei said, "I didn't come here to offer incense, I just lost my way while running around." "How can I get lost here? It's a ditch, just go out." "Thank you, master, for your guidance. I'll rest here first, okay?" "up to you." "Can I enter the nunnery and beg for some water?" "We have a rule that people in the world of mortals are not allowed to step into the nunnery." "Giving saliva to drink is considered a kind act. Is it because the kindness is small and not done?" "We have rules!" How heartless.Are there any monasteries where incense is not allowed?I have never been to other nunneries. I wonder if they are all like this?Rumei looked in from the door, but couldn't see anything: there was a shadow wall blocking the door.The more this happened, the more she wanted to go in. Rumei first sat down on the steps outside the mountain gate, thought about it, and thought of a topic: "Master, I actually came here specially, and I also want to become a monk." Lao Ni gave her a cold look and said, "You're young, talking nonsense." "My family forced me to marry a naive and ugly man. If I can't get out of the house, I will die." "Humph." Lao Ni just snorted coldly.Ru Mei's nonsense didn't seem to impress this indifferent old nun at all. Could it be that old Nifo's eyes are bright enough to see that what she said is nonsense? "I know it is harder to become a monk than to die. Since the master saw that I did not have the wisdom root of the Buddha, I was willing to die. In fact, I made up my mind to die. I just dreamed recently that it was either a temple or a Buddha. I just thought, this Is it because the Buddha appeared and called me to become a monk?" "Humph." Lao Ni still just hummed coldly.Did you really see through her nonsense? After looking at the old nun for a while, Rumei found that she didn't seem to be old or ugly.Especially on the slant above the corner of the mouth, there was such a mole, not too big and not too small, which seemed to add a bit of charm to the whole face.It's just that his face is too haggard and melancholy, which doesn't look like what a monk who jumped out of the sea of ​​suffering should have.Is she not a real nun, or is she a bad nun?At this time, Rumei suddenly felt some fear. No wonder, the old man forbids her to run here! Fortunately, Rumei is not timid, she tried her best not to show panic, and she didn't get up and run away immediately.She pretended to be in a daze, and sat there and kept saying, "It's better to die, it's better to die..." At this time, the old nun suddenly asked coldly: "Where are you from?" "Not far from Fengshan, Kangzhuang." "Kang Zhuang?" The old nun seemed taken aback when he heard that it was Kang Zhuang. "It's Kang Zhuang." "Whose family is Kangzhuang?" "The Kang family!" "The Kang family?" The old nun was obviously even more shocked when he heard that it was the Kang family. "It's the Kang family." "Who is in front of the Kang family?" "Third Lord." "Third Master. Do you see Sixth Master often?" "common." The old nun suddenly had a cold face again, stood up slowly, turned around and walked into the mountain gate.Only then did Rumei discover that the old nun had a lame leg.However, when she moved into the nunnery, she was quite nimble, and then the mountain gate closed with a bang, which seemed even more powerful. Looking at the closed mountain gate, Rumei realized: This weird old nun seems to be somewhat familiar with their Kang family?However, she didn't have time to think about it, so she left quickly.In Taigu, who doesn't know the Kang family!At this time, I was only thinking about: how did those servants with her find her? Ru Mei made a detour and returned to the place where the carriage was parked. Sure enough, they really panicked.The coachman also ran up to look for it, but the old woman who sprained her ankle stayed beside the carriage.When she saw Rumei coming back, she yelled: "Little ancestor, where have you been? It's driving us crazy!" Rumei said calmly: "You are in a hurry, I am even more anxious than you! I lost my way by myself and almost couldn't find it. No one is useless, I can't keep up with me, and I still say it Serve me!" Seeing what Rumei said, the old lady hurriedly said: "I am useless today, and I have wronged the lady and implicated everyone! The lady is blessed with a life, and I come back safely. Even if I am scolded and punished, I am willing." .” Ru Mei asked, "Where did they find it?" "Look all over the world! I'm afraid that you will go to the top of Fengshan Mountain alone, and even more afraid that someone will kidnap your ticket. It really drives us crazy!" "In Taigu, who dares to tie my ticket!" "This year is full of chaos, which makes people feel uneasy!" "Look at you, what a fuss! Am I that useless? Come on, stop talking. I'll call them back." The old woman immediately screamed: "Little ancestor, you must not leave again! People are looking for others, looking for Sharen! Who knows where they went to find you? They are looking for you all over the world, and if you look for them all over the world, then When do we have to find it?" Rumei smiled: "Look at you! How big is Fengshan? It's like a slap in the face." The old woman still said nervously: "You must not leave! Fengshan is not big, didn't the lady also get lost just now? Let's wait for them here, and dare not go alone again!" Rumei had no choice but to sit and wait.With this small disturbance, she felt a little happy in her heart. After a long wait, an old woman, a coachman, and two servants came back one after another.When they saw Rumei, a stone fell to the ground in their hearts, but their frightened emotions could not be relieved for a while.Now they are worried, such a mistake has happened, how will they explain it when they go back? Rumei saw what they were thinking, and said with a sigh of relief: "I am also to blame for today's matter. I ran too fast ahead. It's fine if you make a false alarm. When you go back, no one can mention this matter again. If anyone Talk too much, let Lao Xia know, I can't save you if I punish you." Hearing what Rumei said, the servants were all relieved, and thanked them repeatedly. Coming back from Fengshan, it has been peaceful and quiet, Rumei almost forgot that trip to Fengshan.Six or seven days later, she suddenly found that the two old women who went to Fengshan with her were gone. She asked her mother, and her mother said, "I sent them all away." She hurriedly asked, "Why?" The mother said: "It's Lao Xia's intention to send them away. He said that they are too old, and the family is also burdened. They all want to quit their jobs and go back. In fact, I am used to being bossy, so I don't really want to ask them to go." "That's not all sent!" "What Lao Xia means is that we have found a more capable maid, and we have to replace the old one. Let me see, Lao Xia is flattering us: your father is in charge of the house, can he show nothing? So, I have to Thank you." After hearing this, Rumei felt that it made sense, so she didn't say anything more.She ran out to find a servant, and after asking, she was surprised: the two servants who went up to Fengshan with her were also sent away! Because of her own naughtiness, all four servants were kicked out, which made Rumei feel very sorry. These dishonest slaves!Tell them not to talk too much, but they won't listen.Someone among them must have talked too much in front of Lao Xia, but who could it be?Who is so stupid and doesn't understand that the result of talking too much is everyone's bad luck? Rumei suddenly remembered that during that trip to Fengshan, besides two old women, two servants, and a coachman.Was he also driven away? She went to the carriage yard to inquire, and learned that the carriage driver was still there, but he was out of the carriage and would not be able to see him for the time being. Needless to say, the one who talked too much in front of Lao Xia was the driver.It's good for you, you sold everyone else, and you have nothing to do with yourself! Rumei ran several times, and finally saw the driver.When asked, the coachman was very aggrieved, saying that he was almost kicked out by Lao Xia too!Thanks to the words of the third master and the fourth master, they are called to stay and make meritorious deeds. "When we went to Fengshan that day, we didn't serve the good lady, so we deserved to be kicked out. It's really not that I came back to talk too much! The third and fourth masters said something, I could stay, but I still suffered from Lao Xia's scolding , I really didn’t get scolded to death! The wages have also been reduced. Miss, don’t tell me to talk too much, why should I talk too much?” Looking at the driver's distraught look, it doesn't seem like he has made up nonsense to wash himself off. That's weird.No one talked too much, how did Lao Xia know what happened on Fengshan that day? Knowing from the driver's mouth that her father also spoke about this matter, Ru Mei decided to ask her father.After waiting for a few days, I finally waited for my father to come home.When mentioning the expulsion of the servants, his father said that he didn't know much about it. It seemed that the fourth master had told him, how could he remember the details?All along, the shopkeeper friends of the shops in other places have escaped and come back almost every day, how can he care about these trivial matters at home! Seeing her father like this, Rumei didn't want to ask any more questions.Just as she was about to leave, her father suddenly stopped her and said in a serious voice, "Meimei, where are you running like crazy again? It made the old man angry, thinking that I have indulged you too much. You are almost married, and you are still so wild!" , can’t you? Chang’s family is also a big family, if you marry like this, you’ll be left to make people laugh at our Kang family!” God, even Grandpa knew about it! However, Rumei felt that it would be good if grandpa knew about it.She went to ask her grandfather, and everything would be clear.Grandpa is not like others, he will tell everything she wants to know. So, after listening to her father's lecture, Rumei went to see the old man. A situation that was absolutely beyond her expectation happened: she couldn't even enter the old courtyard!As soon as she was about to enter the gate of the old home, someone came out to stop her, saying: "There is an explanation inside, and now the old man is not seeing anyone." Rumei had never been blocked like this before, so she yelled, "I'm blind, I don't see who I am!" The servant still stopped him and said, "How dare I offend Miss? There is really an explanation inside..." "I don't care! I want to see the old man!" Rumei yelled willfully, but the servant still stopped her and wouldn't let her go.When I was nervous, the old pavilion who was close to the old man came out from inside.He didn't wait for Rumei to open his mouth, and said coldly: "Don't quarrel with them, I confessed it, and the old man will not see anyone." "why?" "The old man said he doesn't want to see anyone, how can I ask more questions? Miss, please go back and close the door!" The servants of the porter of the old courtyard closed the gate really loudly. Rumei stood there blankly, as if the old courtyard she was familiar with was not in front of her.What the hell happened?Ever since she could remember, she had never been treated so coldly by the old man. She ran back and asked her mother, "What's wrong with the old man, is he sick?" San Niang glared at her and said, "Old Master, you are fine, what nonsense are you talking about!" "Then why don't you see me?" "It's been a time of war and chaos outside. Even the capital city has been lost. Shops all over the place are closed and closed, and shopkeepers and friends have fled back one after another. How can the old man have time to see you? Haven't you seen how busy your father is?" Rumei thought about it, and felt like this, but not like this.Chasing away two old women and two servants, punishing the coachman, and the old man refusing to see her, how many things happened to happen together?It is not uncommon to drive out servants and punish servants.What surprised Rumei was the old man's indifference.She has been a naughty woman since she was a child. What kind of trouble has she not caused?Not only did the old man never blame her, on the contrary he preferred her even more because of it.If she was well behaved and docile, would the old man spoil her so much?The turmoil outside is really worrying the old man, so he shouldn't treat her so ruthlessly.The old man is a courageous person, even if the sky falls, he will not vent his anger on her little granddaughter. There must be something going on in between. It was only then that Rumei thought carefully about her trip to Fengshan that day.After much deliberation, she seemed to understand: she probably shouldn't go to that nunnery.Before, they were not allowed to come near.Even grandpa is not happy every time he runs madly.This time, he managed to deceive the servants, ran close to it by himself, and talked to a strange old nun for a long time. But what's wrong with that? By the way, that old nun seemed to be no stranger to the Kang family, and she even asked about Master Liu. Did Liu Ye also go to that nunnery and meet this old nun? So Rumei decided to meet Liu Ye. The school opened by the Kang family for the children of the family also accepted some girls from the same family to teach them how to read and write.However, once you have reached the level of proficiency in writing and ink, and your age is approaching puberty, you have to finish your studies and return to your boudoir.Rumei was allowed to stay in the academy for two more years because she was favored by the old lady and was also masculine.So, she can really see Liu Ye often. Although Liu Ye is a generation older than Rumei, his age is similar.It's just that Liu Ye doesn't like her naughty and wild nature.The Sixth Master seemed to be even more awe-inspiring than the He Juren who taught in the academy.Therefore, Rumei can't see Liu Ye in the academy, because if she sees her, she won't listen to her gossip. She took a chance and went to Liu Ye's house to pay a serious visit.The reason for the meeting was to ask the sixth master: "I heard that the imperial court has lost the capital, so this autumn's rural competition can still go on as usual?" These words are right on Liu Ye's sore spot, how can he give her a good face?He opened his mouth and said to her: "Why, you failed in the provincial examination, are you happy?" Rumei hurriedly said: "Look at what Liu Ye said, I'm so dark-hearted? I'm worried for Liu Ye! The spring is still good, why is it suddenly getting worse every day, and the world is so chaotic?" "You ask me, who shall I ask?" "Sixth Master has always had great opinions on current affairs." "Whoever can foresee this step in the world will be considered a real wise man!" "What about Master He? He said all day long that he knew the capital well, and he didn't have any foresight?" "Then you have to ask him." "At this point, it's useless to ask Mr. He. It's okay for others, but you are too unlucky, Mr. Liu, and you are in a big competition. How many years of studying hard, just waiting for this year's autumn. Who could not worry about Liu Ye's troubles!" "Worry, it's useless to worry!" "Liu Ye, you didn't go to the temple to buy incense and shake a lottery?" "I don't believe that." "Not long ago, I went to Fengshan, and I wanted to make a wish for the sixth master in the Three Buddha Hall: If I can be named on the gold list in autumn, I will reshape the golden body for the Buddha. I am afraid that I will be a woman, which will insult Confucianism. I dare not." "I don't believe that!" "But I met an old nun in a nunnery in Fengshan, and she asked about you, Master Liu." "A nun asked about me? You're talking crazy again!" "There really is such a thing! That old nun knew about our Kang family, so he asked me directly: Do you see Master Liu?" "Nonsense! I've grown up and I've never seen a nun!" "What did I say! Liu Ye went to pilgrimage and draw lots, so he wouldn't go to that nunnery, would he?" "Nonsense! I have never been to any temple to draw lots!" 六爷就这样矢口否认他见过什么尼姑，汝梅也只好打住，不再探问下去。但心里的疑团却是更大了。六爷既然压根就没见过任何尼姑，那老尼是怎么知道了六爷？ 过了一些时候，汝梅陪了母亲来前院的大堂烧香。偶尔扫视侧面墙上挂着的四位过世老夫人的遗像，忽然发现有一位仿佛眼熟似的。 How is this possible? 最晚故去的一位老夫人在世时，汝梅还很幼小，根本就没有一点印象。再说，她也不是第一次来此，以前可从来没有这种眼熟的感觉！ 那么，她看这个老夫人像谁呢？她嘴角斜上方有一颗点得好看的痣。 想来想去，逮不着一个确切的对象。所以，她也不去想了。可还没走出大堂，突然就跳出一个人来：凤山尼姑庵的那个老尼！眼熟的这个老夫人，原来是有几分像那个老尼姑？ 老尼可不就生了这样一颗好看的痣！ 天爷，老尼姑像康家一个死去的老夫人，那天是见了鬼吧？ 汝梅越想越怕，不禁大叫一声，失魂落魄跑出大堂。 庚子年时局的突变，真把六爷给气蒙了。 今年恩科乡试，定在八月初八开考。六爷本来打算，七月二十就赴省府太原，驻扎下来，早做临考准备。同时，亦可会会各地来赶考的士子。然而，一进七月，无论太原，还是太谷，义和拳都大开杀戒了。几起教案，弄得太原血雨腥风，赶考的士子，谁还敢早去？ 到七月二十，竟正好是朝廷丢了京师的日子！六爷听到这个消息，除了仰天长叹，又能如何！ 十年寒窗苦读，就等着今年八月的乡试大比呢，谁能想到眼看考期将近了，竟出了这样的塌天之祸！京城丢了，太后皇上带着满朝文武逃难去了，天下已经乱了套，谁还顾得上乡试会试？ 何老爷说：出了这样大的变故，朝廷会推延考期的。 可朝廷逃难逃到哪了，谁知道？ 六爷像挨了窝心脚似的，真是有苦说不出。因为在康家，几乎就没人关心他的科考。老太爷便是第一个不想叫他赴考求仕，更不用说别人了。新当家的三哥、四哥，谁会惦记他的科考！三哥当政后，倒是不那么脾气大了，可对他苦读备考，还不是依然不闻不问？四爷是善人，也只问问寒暖而已。 学馆的何老爷，当然惦记大考，可他疯疯癫癫的，连句知心的话也没法跟他说。 以前，母亲总在冥冥之中陪伴着他，使他不感孤单。实在说，他苦读求仕，也完全是为了报答早逝的母亲。可母亲也早放下心来，离他而去：母亲的英魂不再来，康宅不再闹鬼，已有许多年。去年夏天，母亲忽然又回来几次，显然也知道考期将近了！ 可考期将近了，厄运却接踵而至：何老爷几次犯病；老太爷又对他明言：能不能放弃儒业，辅助你三哥理商？更要命的，是开春后时局就急转直下，拳乱加洋祸，一天不如一天，终于塌了天。 母亲，你的英魂也不能保佑我了？我十年苦读就这样毁了，不能蟾宫折桂？ 今年春夏以来，每当静夜，六爷总盼着母亲再度显灵。有时，给母亲的灵位敬香后，就长跪不起，默祷良久。可是，母亲再没有显过灵。 就在这种忧愤又孤寂的时候，汝梅跑来问起他的科考事。在康家，这要算惟一还惦记着他科考的人了。合家上下，就这么一个淘气的侄女还惦记他，这使六爷更觉孤寂。所以，他也没有给汝梅好脸看。 汝梅走后，六爷才觉得不该这样对待她。她一个小女子，竟然比谁都关心你，总该说句叫她中听的话吧？汝梅建议他去拜神求签，问一个吉凶，也是好意：抽到一个好签，他会少一些忧愤？ 至于汝梅说到的尼姑庵，六爷只当成了昏话听。汝梅说此昏话，是想引诱他去拜佛求签吧？ 她一向就爱这样没边没沿的昏说。 要是没有这场拳乱，这几日恐怕已经坐在太原的贡院了。眼看初十已过，什么消息也没有。 六爷真决定到寺庙去求一次签。 凤山龙泉寺的签，一向很灵。可六爷不愿意跑那么远路。想了想，决定还是进城一趟吧。在城里，不拘南寺、东寺，求个签看看。求完签，还能到别处探听到一些消息。 正做这样的准备时，何老爷兴冲冲跑来了：“六爷，有消息了！朝廷已颁布诏书，暂缓今年恩科：乡试改在明年三月初八，会试推至明年八月初八。明年的正科，以此递推。” 六爷就问：“何老爷，消息真确吗？” 何老爷就有些不高兴，说：“这是什么事，我能瞎说八道！” 六爷赶忙说：“何老爷在上，学生哪能不相信？我是怕现在天下大乱，朝廷还不知逃到哪了，会不会有假传圣旨的事？” 何老爷说：“我亲自进城跑了一趟，寻着学宫的教谕。正是教谕大人对我说，朝廷颁了此诏书。他是衙门中人，不想活了，假传圣旨！” “朝廷真颁了这样的诏书，还叫人放心一些，只是颁得太迟了。” “遇了这非常之乱，颁布及时，也传不下来。我们晋省还算近水楼台呢，诏书传来得早。” “何老爷，我们怎么算近水楼台？” “我已经得了确切的消息，太后皇上逃出京城后，是先沿了京北官道跑到宣化。离开宣化府，已改道南下，要奔山西来了。” “要奔山西来了？” “六爷还是不相信我？” “我不是不相信何老爷，只是这消息太震耳了。” “震什么耳呀！京城丢了以后，什么事你也不用大惊小怪了。还有什么事能比丢了京城更震耳？” “是呀，朝廷丢了京城，真是塌天之祸。两宫逃来山西，是看晋省表里山河，还平安一些？” “我看朝廷也是再没好地界可去了，不来山西，还能去哪儿？躲进承德离宫，洋人不愁追杀过去！逃往口外关外，两宫能受得了那一份苦焦？不来山西，真还没好地界去。” “何老爷，你看两宫会暂时驻銮山西吗？” “谁知道？朝廷真要驻銮山西，明年也不用指望有乡试会试了。” "why?" “没有国都的朝廷，还能开科取士？” 六爷听了这话，心里不是滋味。 “叫何老爷这样一说，那我该投笔从戎了？” “从戎又有何用！朝廷连京营大军都不用，只用乡间一帮拳民，你从戎有何用？” 何老爷又在说疯癫话了吧。六爷就说：“何老爷，也不用埋怨朝廷了。朝廷又岂是我们可以非议的？国都一丢，商家也更不好立身。京城字号不是都逃回来了？” 何老爷瞪了六爷一眼，说：“六爷，你这是说什么话！是朝廷守不住京城，任洋人进来烧杀掠抢，商家才难以立身！” 六爷忙说：“何老爷，我们不说朝廷了。乡试既已推延，也只好指望明年能如期开考。” “六爷，我看你也不用多指望。” “难道从此就没有转机了？”大清败亡的话，六爷没敢说出。 何老爷却瞪了眼说：“大清就是不亡，你去入仕这样无能的朝廷，能有什么出息？” 六爷知道何老爷的疯癫劲儿又上来了，不能别着劲跟他论理，你越别劲，他越要说没遮拦的话，只好顺着几分说：“何老爷，即便遭逢了末世，也不该躲避吧？一部《吕氏春秋》，傅青主激赏的只一句：'天下非一人之天下也，天下人之天下也。'顾亭林也有句名言：'保天下者，匹夫之贱，与有责焉耳矣。'” “六爷，你是错将杭州当汴州了！今之末世，实在不能与傅山、顾炎武所处末世相比。看看当今士林，都是些猥琐、苟且之辈，哪有傅氏、顾氏那样的伟岸人物？你纵然有拯救天下的大志，只怕也无处放置！士林太不堪了，你一人有志，又能如何？” “天下有难，与我们无关涉？” “六爷，你总算说了句明白话：朝廷也好，士林也好，就任其去败落、腐烂，我们何必管它！” “何老爷，我可依旧不明白！” “已经无可救，你还要去救，这能叫明白？” 疯癫的何老爷，说得毫无顾忌。可六爷想想，也真是不谬。自己真该像父亲所希望的那样，弃儒入商，改邪归正？可母亲生前的遗愿怎么交待，就这样丢弃了？ 何老爷见六爷不言语了，就说：“六爷还是信不过我吧？那我带六爷去见一个人。听听此人议论，六爷就不会疑心我了。” “去见谁？” “京号戴掌柜。” “戴掌柜有高见？” “他驻京多少年了，对京师朝野了如指掌，我们去听他说说，看大局还有救没救。以前，见戴老帮不易，现在避乱在家，正好可以从容一聚。” 六爷当然听说过戴老帮，知道是能干的掌柜，但从未见过。以前，他也不想见这些掌柜，能干的掌柜，也无非会做生意吧。现在，遇了这样的局面，见见这位京号老帮，也许真能知道京城何以会丢失？ 戴膺家在城东南的杨邑镇，离康庄也不过一二十里路。何老爷当年在京号做副帮的时候，戴膺就是老帮了，所以何老爷对戴家是不生疏的。他陪了六爷去拜访戴老帮时，也就没有劳动别人，套了车，便直奔杨邑了。 此去一路，也是旱象扑面来。年轻的六爷，对旱象似乎也没有太深的感触，他只是觉得秋阳依然炎热，田园之间也似当今时局，弥漫了疑虑和不爽。何老爷算落魄已久，所以对田间旱象还是深感刺眼惊心。 他指点着满目的旱象，不断说：“今年流年不利，遇了这样的大旱，又出了这样的大乱，真是应了闰八月的凶兆。” 六爷就说：“今年还有一个不一般。” 何老爷问：“除了大旱、大乱、闰八月，今年还有什么不一般？” 六爷说：“我不便说。” 何老爷忙叫道：“大野地的，有什么不敢说！” 六爷还是说：“不便说。” 何老爷眼一瞪，说：“怕什么，说吧！” 六爷才说：“何老爷怎样就忘了？今年为何加恩科？” 何老爷一听，连连叫道：“是了，是了，这样一件事，我怎么就忘了？今年是当今皇上的三旬寿辰！” “皇上三十寿辰，竟遇了大旱、大乱、闰八月，这么不吉利？我说呢，好不容易加了一个恩科，却招惹来这么大的祸害。” “叫我看，这不是皇上招惹来的，倒像是上天的一种报应！” “报应什么？” “报应那些欺负皇上的人呀！” “何老爷是说洋人？” “什么洋人！上天报应的，是几十年骑在皇上头上不肯下来的那个女人。” 六爷吃了一惊：“何老爷是说西太后？” 见六爷这样吃惊，何老爷笑了：“咱们是在野地里说闲话，放肆些怕什么！” 六爷就说：“我倒不怕，你可是朝廷拔出来的正经举人老爷！” “我早就不想顶这个举人了。大清给这个女人祸害到今天这步天地，六爷你还考她那个举人进士做甚？她考你们，出的题目都是如何忠君报国，可她自家倒天天在那里欺君误国！戊戌年，皇上要变法图强，她大不高兴，居然将皇上软禁了。读遍圣贤书，也没教你这样欺负君王吧？她能耐大，连皇上都敢欺负，怎么惹不起洋人？弃都逃难，她算是把国朝的体面都丢尽了！历朝亡国之君，也不过如此。” “何老爷，你小声点吧。” “我正盼他们定我一个忤逆之罪，摘了我这举人帽子呢。” “定你一个忤逆罪，只怕连首级也一道摘去了。” “摘去就摘去，只是眼下他们可顾不上摘。六爷，今日局面，我们西帮先人早就看透了：朝野上下，官场士林，真照了儒家圣贤大义立身处世的，本也没有几人。官场士林中人，谁不是拿圣贤大义去谋一己私利？既图谋利，何不来商场打自家的天下？” 何老爷越说越上劲，六爷只好不去惹他。虽说在野地里，毕竟也说得太出格。只是，冷眼看当今局面，也真有亡国迹象。国之将亡，你弃儒入商，就可有作为了？天下不兴，谁又能功德圆满？ 何老爷此番带他去见戴掌柜，难道还是劝他弃儒入商？ 戴宅自然不能与康家府第相比，但它的高贵气派还是叫六爷大吃一惊。尤其戴宅于阔绰中，似乎飘散着一种灵秀之气，这更令六爷意外。 毕竟是驻京多年的掌柜。 他们到达时，戴老帮正在后园伺弄菊花。一说是东家六爷来了，何老爷又不是生客，管家就慌忙将他们让进来，一面派人去请戴掌柜。 说话间，戴老帮已经快步跑出来。他依然还有些消瘦，特别是回晋一路给晒黑的脸面，依然如故。但戴老帮的精神已经好得多了。他一出来，就殷勤异常地说：“不知道二位稀客要来，你们看，我连泥手都没来得及洗，实在是不恭了。” 六爷忙施礼说：“我们不速而至，想戴掌柜不会介意。” 戴老帮忙说：“我早想见见六爷了，今日幸会，高兴还来不及呢！这也是沾了何老爷的光吧？” 何老爷说：“我们是来沾戴掌柜的光！” 戴掌柜就说：“我刚从京城逃难回来，晦气尚未散尽，有什么光可沾？” 何老爷说：“六爷正是想听你说说京都沦陷的故事。” 戴掌柜说：“头一回招待六爷，就说这样晦气的话，哪成！走，先去后头园子里，看看我的几盆菊花。” 何老爷有些不想去，但戴膺并不大管他，只招呼了六爷往园子里走。 戴家的园子不算太大，可铺陈别致，气韵灵动。尤其园中那个水池，很随意地缩成一个葫芦形；在中间细腰处架了一道小桥，桥为木桥，也甚为随意，一点没有那种精雕细琢的匠气。 池边一座假山，也很简约，真像移来一截浑然天成的山岩。只有假山边的一处六角凉亭，是极其精美的，为全园点睛处。 虽为大旱年景，园中却没有太重的颓象，花木扶疏，绿荫依依。 六爷不禁感叹道：“戴掌柜的园子，这么品位不俗！是请江南名匠营造的吧？” 戴膺快意地笑了：“我们哪像东家，能请得起江南名匠？不过是自家一处废园，随便点缀了点缀，遮去荒凉就是了。” 何老爷说：“戴掌柜在京城常出入官宦府第，名园也见得多了。自家的园子，还能堆砌得太俗了？” 戴膺说：“何老爷，我可不是仿京中名园。那些园子极尽奢华，想仿也仿不起的。我这是反其道行之，一味简洁随意。园子本也是消闲的地界，太奢华了，反被奢华围困其间，哪还消闲得了？再说，在乡间堆一处华丽的园子，家里什么也别做了，就日夜防贼吧！” 六爷说：“我看戴掌柜的园子，没有一点商家气，也无一点官宦气，所以才喜欢。” 戴掌柜又快意地笑了：“六爷真会说话，不说寒酸，倒说没有官气、商气。我领情了！六爷，何老爷，你们看我这几盆菊花有无官气商气？” 六爷看时，哪是几盆，是洋洋一片！其间，有少数已破蕾怒放，只是黄、红、紫一类艳色的不多，惟白色的成为主调。 戴膺指点着说：“花竹中，我只喜欢菊花。但长年驻京理商，实在也无暇伺菊，只是由京下班回来歇假时，略过过瘾罢。今年后半年，本也轮我回来歇假，他们就预先从贯家堡订了些菊花。我不在，家里也无人喜爱此道的。” 六爷就问：“戴掌柜只喜爱白菊？” 戴膺说：“六爷倒看出来了？其实也说不上是特别嗜好，只是看着白菊心静些吧。驻京在外，终年陷于官场商界的纷乱嘈杂中，回来只想心静一些。六爷是读书人，何老爷是儒师，我真没有你们那么高雅的兴致。” 何老爷说：“静之兄不要提我，我现在哪有余力伺候菊花？” 六爷见何老爷又来了，赶紧拦住说：“戴掌柜，我还真没见过这么多白色菊花。色同而姿态各异，有许多种吧？” 戴膺说：“也没有多少种。白