Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Planting Drugs

The sudden decision made by the three visitors in April of the 28th year of the Republic of China brought the peaceful Qingshiling into a vortex. After several years, the Shui Family Compound, which made a living by raising herdsmen, fell into a protracted traditional Chinese medicine struggle. In the battle. If it hadn't been for a sudden change, the fourteen-year-old daughter of the Lu family from Xigou, picking up grass, would wear a red hijab and marry in a dignified manner to the wealthy Shui family in Qingshiling.The date has been agreed upon, Second Master Shui even sent the housekeeper to look around for everything for the wedding.However, at this juncture, Kong Jiexi, the magistrate of Gulang County, brought two people to Shui's house.

Kong Jiexi, the county magistrate of Gulang County, is a somewhat mysterious person. Before that, he had a little contact with the Shui family. Because of the relationship between the enemy family, they also called each other in-laws in face.Second Master Shui couldn't say that he was close or far away from this person. When he came, he treated him like a distinguished guest, and when he left, he didn't care about him as a relative of the emperor.However, in the past two years, because of the frost on the relationship between Second Master Shui and the Chou family, Second Master Shui and County Magistrate Kong have not been in contact so frequently.The county magistrate, Kong Jiexi, obviously had important business to go to Qingshiling this time.As soon as he entered the yard, before Second Master Shui greeted him affectionately, he waved his hand and said in a low voice, "Talk in the room."

After entering the room, Kong Jiexi introduced to Second Lord Shui: "This is Chairman Bai of the Liangzhou Chamber of Commerce, and this is Adjutant Qiu under the Army Chief of Xi'an City." Second Master Shui was a little dazzled this day, so he should be able to recognize the young man in military uniform who was following the county magistrate Kong Jiexi at a glance.But today, he didn't recognize it.After the county magistrate Kong Jiexi finished his introduction and was about to say hello to the young officer, he suddenly realized that this was not... "You bastard, how dare you come to my Shui house!" Second Master Shui jumped over. , Pointing at Qiu Jiayuan's nose: "Chief Qiu, you are so vicious, stealing my money, lying to my daughter, you are heartless, I..." The fire in Second Master Shui's chest was burning, and his old face had long been gone. Transformed, he looked around for objects, trying to smash Qiu Jiayuan's head hidden in the military cap.

Qiu Jiayuan was surprisingly calm.Qiu Jiayuan today is completely different from Qiu Jiayuan a month ago. If he was a child in the eyes of others a month ago, his majesty and composure on this day will impress everyone. Tongue, not daring to underestimate him at all.When Second Master Shui scolded him, he smiled slightly, as if Second Master Shui's anger had nothing to do with him. Lifting his right hand, with just one block, he blocked Er Master Shui's murderous aura back.In the astonishment of the people in the first hospital, the county magistrate Kong Jiexi said: "Second Lord, he can't be blamed for that incident. Wait a while, and I will explain to you."

"No wonder him? This bastard, he almost killed our Yingying!" Second Master Shui picked up the shovel again, but he lacked the courage to strike down, foaming at the mouth, just cursing.Qiu Jiayuan didn't even talk back, maintaining the demeanor of a soldier.His good demeanor and his neat military uniform attracted the attention of everyone in the courtyard. People clicked their tongues at him, and even Shiliang, who never liked to join in the fun, quietly came over, stood outside the crowd, and threw at him. To look in admiration. Just when Second Master Shui was about to scold enough, a whip came flying, and in the astonishment of everyone, the third lady Shui Yingying's voice came: "Where did the beast come from, blast it out!" Seeing that the whip hit Adjutant Qiu Jiayuan Qiu's face impartially, after the clear and sharp sound of the whip, Qiu Jiayuan's military cap, which symbolized majesty and power, fell to the ground, and then looked at his face. , The young and handsome face that was still full of heroism and radiance just now turned into a reddish purple, a red lock quickly rose from the imprint of the whip, and spread around, quickly turning that face ugly.Qiu Jiayuan had no choice but to raise his hand to cover the burning place, his eyes tremblingly looked at Shui Yingying who just came back from the grassy beach, his lips twitched, he wanted to say something, but he didn't dare, he took a small step back , took another small step, and hid behind the county magistrate Kong Jiexi.

The county magistrate, Kong Jiexi, was also afraid of Shui Yingying. He knew that her test was the hardest. Just when he was trying to persuade Shui Yingying with the same words, Shui Yingying's second whip came, and this time it was more accurate. People could clearly see that Qiu Jiayuan's mouth and two cheeks were bleeding. The blood flowed from the mouth first, then the left cheek, and then the right cheek also bloomed.Someone yelled, and the county magistrate Kong Jiexi looked for his reputation, and saw that the one who yelled was Changgong Shiliang.Immediately afterwards, Shuan Wuzi also laughed, and there was a prank-like pleasure in their laughter.The county magistrate, Kong Jiexi, felt that the situation was a little out of control, and coughed: "Let me tell you, everyone, we have something important to do today, can we avoid it for a while, and let us finish the business?"

Shui Yingying pushed the crowd away, and approached Qiu Jiayuan: "Silver, where is my family's silver?" Qiu Jiayuan has long since lost the prestige he had when he first came. Shui Yingying knocked out more than half of them with two whips.He also wanted to try his best to show off a little adjutant's prestige and save himself a little face. After all, he is now a special commissioner of the commander of the army in the majestic Xi'an City, and his status is quite different from before. Immediately, he retracted again, and his legs trembled violently.This was a very disappointing thing, and for a long time after that, Qiu Jiayuan was very worried about it, thinking that he didn't make it when he should be the most beautiful and brilliant in his life, and let the domineering Shui Yingying give it to him. Stirred.Shui Yingying questioned Qiu Jiayuan again, but Qiu Jiayuan didn't know whether he didn't bother to answer or didn't dare to answer. Anyway, when Shui Yingying asked questions, his gaze was cast into the distance, and he retracted it once in the middle, but he was just collecting food With a hasty sweep across his face, he turned to the distance again.

The county magistrate, Kong Jiexi, finally suppressed the anger of the Shui family's father and daughter with his clever mouth.Second Master Shui promised him that he would leave this aside in advance and not mention it, and settle accounts later.Shui Yingying has played enough prestige, and feels that if she continues to play, it will make people laugh.Besides, Qiu Jiayuan's appearance today was also a very unexpected thing for her. At first, she couldn't control herself, and felt that she had to vent her grievance and resentment. Later, she calmed down and felt that she was a little too much.Later, there was water and light in her eyes. This water and this light were all because of Qiu Jiayuan's special status and that military uniform.

He looked good in military uniform, and he was dozens of times more heroic than the soldiers he had seen before.This was the idea that popped into Shui Yingying's mind when she was going to the South Yard.As soon as the thought came out, Shui Yingying's face suddenly turned red.After the courtiers were dismissed, several people in the room finally got down to business. The conversation was first started by Chairman Bai. Chairman Bai didn't know what happened to the Shui family before, let alone Adjutant Qiu's relationship with them. He thought that the Shui family today is a bit of a bully, not just adjutant Qiu. , Even the face of him and the county magistrate Kong Jiexi was stripped together.President Bai is President Bai after all, so he can handle this kind of situation calmly.After the room became quiet again, he coughed, cleared his throat, and said, "Brother, I'm here this time, to tell you the truth, I'm asking for something."

"Oh?" Second Master Shui raised his eyes and stared at President Bai suspiciously. "That's right, Second Lord."Chairman Bai has a capable style, and he speaks quickly to talk about the matter. It turned out that Qiu Jiayuan's trip to Liangzhou was still under the order of the Xi'an Army Commander to find medicinal materials for the soldiers in front.Chairman Bai said: "At present, the Japanese are making waves in our Chinese land, and they are destroying half of our rivers and mountains. There is nothing wrong with each other, but everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the country." Before President Bai finished speaking, Second Master Shui asked nervously: "Didn't you ask me for money again when you came here?"

President Bai smiled: "That's not necessarily the case. Our chamber of commerce still has a solution for the money matter, but this trip will indeed trouble the second master." "What's the matter?" "The Chamber of Commerce would like to borrow your Shuijia compound and the big grassy beach." "Oh?" Second Master Shui looked puzzled and stared at President Bai in confusion.What's the use of borrowing this deep mountain and old ditch?His mind turned around quickly, unable to figure out the mystery, he simply asked: "This poor country is no better than Liangzhou City, the president is probably joking?" President Bai exchanged glances with County Magistrate Kong, and the county magistrate Kong Jiexi answered, "The Chamber of Commerce has purchased a batch of Chinese herbal medicines in the Gulang area, but these are raw medicinal materials, which are inconvenient to transport. Sun-dried and processed. Furthermore, the Chamber of Commerce also wants to borrow your Qingshiling's treasured geomantic omen to grow some medicines yourself." "Growing medicine?" Second Master Shui became more and more suspicious, with more than a dozen question marks in his heart, and said: "This is the first time I've heard of this. Can this Qingshiling grow medicine?" "I can grow it." President Bai nodded heavily, seeing that Second Master Shui still didn't believe it, he smiled and said, "Second Master, don't forget that you have planted poppies. Anyone who smokes opium in Liangzhou knows that Your second master Shui's name." Hearing Poppy, Second Master Shui immediately became embarrassed.Chairman Bai was right, in the whole Liangzhou, including along the desert, anyone who made a fortune knew the name of his Shui family.This Qingshi Ridge was indeed a precious land bestowed on him by the heavens, where he could grow poppies.Second Master Shui's embarrassment is due to the word "big smoke". After all, this thing has impoverished a large number of people, including his son Bao'er! The three of them were talking, when Qiu Jiayuan came in like a gust of wind, no one noticed that he had gone out, they all thought he was by their side, seeing him coming in now, there was a layer of doubt in their eyes.Qiu Jiayuan didn't care, he said to Chairman Bai: "I have checked carefully before and after, this yard, this grassy beach, can be used!" Second Master Shui was overjoyed for a while, as if he had forgotten about Qiu Jiayuan stealing his money and abandoning his precious daughter.Second Master Shui is very sensitive to new things, this is his strength, it is because of this sensitivity that Qingshiling is where it is today.But Second Master Shui never dreamed that Qingshiling could grow medicine.Medicine is the most valuable right now.Second Master Shui suppressed the joy in his heart, pretended to be dazed and thoughtful, bowed his head and did not speak. Seeing this, the county magistrate Kong Jiexi took a small step forward: "Don't worry, Second Master, the Chamber of Commerce and the Army Chief are not using your land for nothing. You can just propose how to collect the money." A more embarrassing smile rippled on Shui Erye's face, it seemed embarrassing, but it was really moist.Like a shrewd businessman, he quickly calculated an account in his mind. Processing and drying Chinese medicinal materials is a trivial matter. Putting it aside for the time being, planting Chinese medicinal materials is a big deal.Now that wars are raging everywhere, medicine is more precious than gold. Second Master Shui will not understand this truth.Furthermore, this medicine cannot be harvested tomorrow if it is planted today. If it can be planted for ten or eight years, this Qingshiling will really become a golden nest.Thinking of this, Second Master Shui had an idea.Immediately he stated: "Since the three of you have spoken, if my second child, Shui, doesn't agree, it will appear that I am stingy, right? How about this, the rent will be halved, and it is up to you to choose what you want, but if you use me The people in the ditch still have livestock, and the wages are calculated separately." After speaking, he stared at the three men openly, waiting for their reply. The faces of the three of them darkened one after another.Originally, the matter of this kind of traditional Chinese medicine was also led by Chairman Bai, and a few big households in the chamber of commerce donated money to do a charity.According to the Chief of the Army, the war cannot be stopped within three to five years, and no one can say for certain how far the Japanese invaders will trample.If you don't prepare in advance, I'm afraid that the medicinal materials will become tighter and harder to find.However, the three of them never expected that as soon as Second Master Shui opened his mouth, a lion opened his mouth.It sounds generous to halve the rent, but after careful calculation, the land rent alone is enough for the chamber of commerce to have a headache, plus labor and livestock money, fearing that if the medicine is planted, half of it will go into the pocket of Second Master Shui. "This..." President Bai lowered his head depressedly, and fell silent.The county magistrate Kong Jiexi coughed twice to show his dissatisfaction.Only Qiu Jiayuan didn't show any expression, in his heart, he was probably thinking of other things. Second Master Shui is not in a hurry. Although he is a rancher, he always wants to swallow the meat and bones of the business that comes to him.In this regard, he is even better at calculating than his in-law Qiu Dacheng. The air in the room was dull for a long time, President Bai tentatively asked: "Second Master, can the land rent be lowered?" "Hey hey——" Second Master Shui screamed and jumped up on the chair, "My President Bai, I have already halved, and you want me to reduce it. Think about it, if you let all of this land Take it to grow medicine, how much less grass will my cows, my horses, and my sheep eat? Calculated, how much less will I harvest in a year? If it is not for the face of the county magistrate’s family, this half, I can't reduce it!" "Second Master, this medicine is for the soldiers at the front." Chairman Bai said with a heavy heart. "Yeah, who says it's not the case? If it's for corrupt officials, I'll raise the rent!" After speaking, Yuan sat down on the chair again. At this moment, I saw the young and heroic Adjutant Qiu staring out the window, his eyes fascinated.The county magistrate, Kong Jiexi, glanced out, and saw Shui Yingying, the third lady of the Shui family compound, pacing back and forth in the yard with a horsewhip.She probably didn't stay safe in the south courtyard, and was anxious to see what happened ahead, but she was embarrassed to come in because she lost her temper just now. The county magistrate Kong Jiexi withdrew his gaze, and said: "My dear family, I don't think it will be halved. For the sake of the soldiers in the front who sacrificed their lives to serve the country, you will receive a little less. If you lose money, I, the county magistrate, will take care of you. Other places will find some profit for you and make up for your debts, do you think this will work?" Second Master Shui lowered his head, hesitating in his heart.In-law Kong Jiexi couldn't help but give him face. Although Qingshiling was a high mountain and the emperor was far away, it was under the supervision of the county magistrate after all. The county government had the final say on the annual tax on this pasture, as well as the tax on cattle and sheep.Also, in the early years, bandits in Qingshiling area were infested, causing no peace in the courtyard. It was the in-laws Kong Jiexi and the Liangzhou government who joined hands to capture the bandit leader Hong Laowu, and Qingshiling was able to be safe. .He couldn't help thinking about this love.After deliberating for a long time, he gritted his teeth and said, "Since the county magistrate has said something, I don't have to hold back. Forty percent, no less." The sudden decision made by the three visitors in April of the 28th year of the Republic of China brought the peaceful Qingshiling into a vortex. After several years, the Shui Family Compound, which made a living by raising herdsmen, fell into a protracted traditional Chinese medicine struggle. In the battle.The misfortunes and blessings of the Shuijia compound are as invisible as the fog rising from the grassland because of the mountains and mountains of traditional Chinese medicine.It's just that in April of this year, the shrewd and experienced Second Master Shui would never have thought of this level. Not only did he not expect it, but his two in-laws, He Dakun from Donggou and Qiu Dacheng from Pingyangchuan, also couldn't have imagined that the Shui family would suffer one disaster after another because of this. In fact, the three visitors definitely did not rush into Qingshiling rashly.As early as half a year ago, Qiu Jiayuan had sneaked into Liangzhou City with the secret order of the army chief. He was teaching in name, but in fact, he was secretly working for the army chief.The chief of the army has two purposes: one is to find a place suitable for the growth of traditional Chinese medicine. The chief of the army in Xi'an City was born in a family of traditional Chinese medicine and has a special hobby for Chinese medicine. Northwest has established a Chinese herbal medicine base under its own control. This place can not only grow large quantities of Chinese herbal medicines, but more importantly, it must be hidden and not let the outside world know.The chief of the army didn't say the specific reason, and Qiu Jiayuan didn't dare to ask, he could only follow orders.On the other hand, the chief of the army also told Qiu Jiayuan a more important matter. The chief of the army asked him to find out the communist organizations in the northwest, including Liangzhou, especially those that had contacts with the communist organizations in Xi'an.As for how to deal with it after the investigation, the Army Chief did not explain, but this did not affect Qiu Jiayuan's work.At present, the KMT and the Communist Party are unanimous in foreign affairs. Since the Xi'an Incident, Xi'an has always been the focus of the whole country and the world's attention.The chief of the army's intentions this time must be due to his foresight and foresight. As a subordinate, the adjutant Qiu Jiayuan never dared to make wild guesses. The only thing he could do was to do his best to get things done. President Bai, who had acquaintance with the Army Chief once, is a man full of blood. His ancestral home is in Northeast Liaoning. When he was five years old, he followed his father to the Northwest to do business, and finally settled down in Liangzhou City.After the Japanese invaders trampled on the three eastern provinces, Chairman Bai wanted to return to his hometown in the northeast, join the army to serve the country, and eliminate hatred with blood.It just so happened that the chief of the army sent Qiu Jiayuan to find him secretly and entrusted him with the establishment of a Chinese medicine base.President Bai patted his chest and said, "If I don't do a good job in this Chinese medicine business, I'm not worthy of being a Northeasterner!" The two had deliberately chosen Donggou in Qingfeng Gorge, where the land is lush and the climate is mild. Cool, very suitable for planting medicine.Things were about to be settled, and Qiu Jiayuan suddenly proposed to change to Qingshiling.Qiu Jiayuan’s reason is that although Qingshiling’s land is not vast, it is close to Maya Snow Mountain. There are precious medicinal materials such as snow lotus on the snow mountain, and natural medicinal materials such as cordyceps and ginseng at the foot of the mountain. How many precious herbs are hidden.Furthermore, the terrain of Qingshiling is dangerous, the population is sparsely populated, and the pasture is used as a cover, which is more in line with the commander's intention.Of course, Chairman Bai is inconvenient to object, how will Qiu Jiayuan decide how he will implement it.However, vaguely, he felt that Qiu Jiayuan's temporary change of location didn't seem to have much to do with the reasons he said, and he was afraid that there was another important reason in Qiu Jiayuan's heart that he didn't mention. The matter was quickly settled, and Second Master Shui reached an agreement with Kong Jiexi and others.On the third day, a four-horse carriage entered Qingshiling under the cover of night. In addition to a few large bags of seeds and herbal roots, there were also two very important people on board.They were pharmacists specially invited by the army chief from his hometown, two old men who looked indistinguishable from farmers.When they got out of the carriage, they smelled it with their noses first, and one said: "The air in this place is moist and fresh, and it can be planted." The other took off a handful of grass from the grass beach, rubbed it with his hand, and said: "The air of the earth There is plenty of rain, so I'm afraid there won't be enough sun." The two were still talking when Second Master Shui came out of the courtyard, holding a lantern, and greeted him with a happy face. The adjutant Qiu Jiayuan hurriedly introduced Second Master Shui to the two of them, and after being polite to each other, someone came out of the courtyard and unloaded the things on the carriage to the courtyard one by one as the butler, Old Prongtou, ordered.Fifteen-year-old Shiliang was the last to walk. He was full of worries and looked at the dim starry sky with gloomy eyes. Then he walked to the carriage, took the whip from the handlebar, and drove the carriage into the backyard.Just as he yelled out, a flash of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a thunderclap.This is a day with a lot of rain in April. God will make a few thunders every three or five days, and it will rain down in torrents.The lightning and thunder frightened the exhausted mules and horses after the long journey. Only the shaft horse neighed, kicked up its feet, and was about to run away.After picking up the grain, he was shocked and woke up from the stupor. Just as he was about to reach out to pull the horse, he heard another thunder in the sky.The thunder was so terrifying that even Second Master Shui covered his ears in shock.The shaft horse that had started its four hooves couldn't take it anymore, it raised its front hooves and roared.Everyone was still waking up from the panic of the thunder, and saw that the carriage had gone away like a rock rolling down a cliff.Picking up food, let the shaft horse take out a piece of food, and slam it heavily on the grass beach. Second Grandpa Shui yelled, and just about to shout, Yingying flew out. In just a moment, Yingying, who was as fast as a rabbit, He had already flown to the front of the carriage, and before everyone could see clearly in the dark night, Yingying jumped up into the air, jumped into the carriage and jumped onto the carriage. Everyone was amazed, Yingying jumped several times one after another, and she was already riding firmly on the horse .Taming fierce horses is Yingying's unique skill. Over the years, she has tamed countless fierce horses.Even the wild and unruly white yak, she also makes it obedient.While everyone held their breath, they saw the shaft horse jump a few times in succession, finally let out a helpless cry, and accepted Yingying's taming with a little frustration.Second Master Shui was still screaming "Ah, ah", and the out-of-control carriage was already in Yingying's hands.After a while, the carriage that ran out came back along the original road. The moment the heavy rain fell, Shui Yingying jumped off the horse, and without looking at Qiu Jia, she just cursed at the moaning Shiliang lying on the ground: "No Things to use." Then he walked into the courtyard with arrogance. Qiu Jiayuan blushed for a while, he knew that the anger with Yingying could not be resolved for the time being. The scene of Yingying taming the horses really stunned the two outsiders, as well as the long-time worker lying on the ground collecting grain. The Shui family compound fell into chaos. It was already mid-April, and according to the season, Qingshiling had already missed the best planting season.But the two pharmacists said it doesn't matter, Chinese medicine is not like crops, and they don't pick the season too much.What's more, Qingshiling has a rare two-shade climate, with slow heat and rapid cold, and the land is black soil, so rich that it is oily, it should be best for planting in April.Second Master Shui, who is used to planting according to the solar terms, dare not relax at all, for fear that three delays and four delays will ruin such a good deal.So before the two pharmacists set a date, they sent the old man to work in Dongxiergou early.At noon that day, Second Master Shui accompanied two pharmacists back from the ridge. As soon as he entered the yard, he heard Shui Yingying teaching others in the backyard.He rushed over and saw that it was Shiliang who was scolded by Yingying so much that he dared not look up.When she asked the servants, she found out that Yingying was going out, so she gathered food and prepared the saddle, and when she was about to lead the horse with a whip, she saw her bay red horse grazing naked in the stable, The lazy posture does not look like he is going to travel far.Shui Yingying got angry immediately and scolded Shiliang.As soon as Shiliang argued, Shui Yingying slapped the whip, aiming at Shiliang's neck and slamming it.Shui Yingying's kung fu on the whip is amazing, the adjutant Qiu Jiayuan still has scars on his face, and his mouth still hurts when he speaks.With this whip, there was a streak of blood red on Shi Liang's neck, the pain made him want to howl, but he didn't dare to open his mouth.Shui Yingying scolded in disbelief: "You pig-like thing, I told you to be stubborn!" Shui Yingying sighed and asked Shiliang to prepare the horse quickly, but Shiliang fell to the ground and couldn't get up. Shui Yingying thought he was resisting, and became more and more angry. She kicked Shiliang out of the stable, cursing louder than a whip ring.The servants knew that Miss San had a bad temper recently, and she was annoyed by everyone she saw, and if she was not careful, the whip would hit her, so they all stayed aside, not daring to help pick up the food.When Second Master Shui drove into the backyard, Shiliang had already been hit five or six times.Hehehe, this girl is crazy, even a horse can't stand her whip, and a fifteen or six-year-old child actually gave it five or six times!Shui Erye screamed in his heart, rushed over, and snatched the whip from Yingying's hand: "You are more cruel than a wolf, this is a human being, not an animal to let you vent your anger!" Shui Yingying twisted her nose, Contradictingly said: "Who told him to be stubborn, he doesn't have a long memory, he deserves to be beaten!" Shui Erye left his daughter behind, so he had to pick up food in distress.Picking up the food, he broke away from Second Master Shui's hand, wiped his bloody face, got up without saying a word, and went into the stable. There is a reason for picking up grain and not preparing horses.During these days, Shui Yingying was capricious, for a while, like a normal person, she went to the backyard, ran around, happier than anyone else, as if she had forgotten the sad thing that the second son of the enemy family did.Second Master Shui was just about to be happy, when he suddenly saw her in a state of despair, either he got into his south courtyard and couldn't get out, or he chased her up against the wall, making the whole courtyard restless.Second Master Shui thought, this baby hasn't recovered yet, so he privately ordered to pick up food, if the young lady settles down and prepares a horse, he must try to stop her, and it would be best to prevent her from going out.Second Master Shui is worried that the crazy Yingying will cause him more trouble, and he has no time to worry about her now.I did my best to collect food, but I was whipped instead. The father and daughter were arguing in the backyard when they saw the adjutant Qiu Jiayuan walk in.Qiu Jiayuan did not accompany the two pharmacists to choose land on the mountain this day, but went to the sister river alone.In April, the weather was warm and the ground was hot. The snow on Maya Snow Mountain began to melt. In addition, it rained several times in succession. The water in the Sisters River surged, and the water in one river poured down violently, which was truly spectacular. Seeing the father and daughter bickering, the adjutant Qiu Jiayuan joined in the fun and said, "You two really don't look like father and daughter, but rather like a pair of enemies." "Shut your mouth! No matter how stubborn the wild dogs are, I'll beat you!" Shui Yingying hurled at Qiu Jiayuan bitterly. Adjutant Chou Jiayuan's face froze with a smile, and his expression could not be relieved for a long time.It has been half a month since he arrived at Qingshiling this time, and he has put in a lot of hard work during the half month, including returning the money he took away to the Shui family.Originally thinking that Shui Yingying would forgive him and reconcile with him as before, who knows... Forget it, there is no need to be as knowledgeable as her, Qiu Jiayuan comforted herself, and left the backyard angrily. Labor is here when it comes to talking, and it is the slack season when all the seeds are in the ground and waiting for the seedlings to be picked up. There are many idlers in the Dongxiergou.The butler, the old man, carefully selected twenty strong laborers, and brought one of them with him.The moment he saw the person who cut the hole, Second Master Shui's eyes moved complicatedly, thinking that he also came here to grow medicine, and he would be able to escape by leaving behind a fool and his daughter who was about to die?Just as he was surprised, he heard the person who cut the hole come from and called out in shock, "Second Master," he said, "I also want to grow medicine for a few days, I wonder if it will work?" "you--" Second Master Shui looked at Lai Lu's face with a puzzled look on his face: "You plant medicine, Lai Lu, you plant medicine?" After asking, Second Master Shui smiled again. He should have thought of it long ago. Lu will not let go of this opportunity to make money. "Second Lord, don't worry, I've settled down at home. I'll let my second aunt take care of me for a few days. I'll hurry back after planting the medicine and earn some spare money. It won't hurt anything." "You—" Second Master Shui sighed, retracted the harsh words he was going to say, and didn't nod or shake his head, he was full of thoughts and wanted to go out.After walking a few steps, he turned around and confessed to Old Prongtou: "In a while, bring him to the upper room." When the man who cut the cave followed the old Prongtou to the upper room, Second Master Shui was talking to the adjutant Qiu Jiayuan. In a short period of time, Second Master Shui has resolved the conflict with Qiu Jiayuan. It's not that he doesn't hold grudges, the key is that he understands current affairs.Who is Qiu Jiayuan?He is the adjutant of the Chief of Army of Xi'an City, the guest of the county magistrate Kong Jiexi and the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Bai, and the commander-in-chief and leader of the planting of medicines.Of course, Second Master Shui couldn't treat him the same way he treated the second son of the Qiu family in Pingyangchuan. In his eyes, the second son of the Qiu family in Pingyangchuan, Qiu Jiayuan, had long since ceased to exist. The mighty Adjutant Qiu, such a character, of course he can't take it lightly, let alone get too entangled with the old millet and rotten sesame in the past. "It's all over. The money was returned, the interest rate was raised, and the apology was said a lot. If you keep a straight face, it will make you look petty, right?" This is the reason why he persuaded his daughter Yingying. It's a pity that her daughter Yingying is so stubborn that she can't listen to it. It doesn't matter if he doesn't listen, as long as his second son listens to it.This family is still in charge of his second child. Shui Erye smiled wickedly, he didn't think it would be shameful to get close to Adjutant Qiu Jia Yuanqiu at all. Adjutant Chou Jiayuan has a different kind of temperament. You can't tell that he has any connection with the Shui family, let alone any relationship between him and the Shui family. He speaks and acts in the tone of a public family, and he should be ordered. The local order, where it is necessary to discuss, put down the airs and take the initiative to discuss with Shui Erye.It makes people feel that once he puts on the military uniform, he completely wears away the former enemy who taught. This time, Qiu Jiayuan discussed with Shui Erye. Qiu Jiayuan said: "The land is selected, the people are determined, and the medicinal materials must be planted within half a month." Shui Erye said: "Just leave the matter of planting medicine to the pharmacist and the housekeeper. As an adjutant, you don't have to worry about these things." Qiu Jiayuan was satisfied after hearing this, but he said again: "Hurry up tomorrow and invite the people who dry the medicine, the sun is pretty good these two days, I think it's just right to dry the medicine." Second Master Shui said: "I will explain this matter to the butler." After the matter was almost explained, Qiu Jiayuan said: "I will go to the county magistrate Kong tomorrow and ask him to send over the medicinal materials collected from various places. Next, we will be busy for a while." Second Master Shui said with a smile, "Don't be afraid of being busy. If you are born as a farmer, how can you not be busy? In your whole life, you will be afraid of not being busy." These words were philosophical, and Qiu Jiayuan didn't seem to be very interested. Chinese medicine, I am afraid there is nothing else. When Qiu Jiayuan was talking to Shui Erye, the housekeeper, Old Prongtou, followed his way, waiting outside the upper room. As soon as Qiu Jiayuan went out, Old Prongtou walked in and said, "Boss, does this man eat food? What am I doing?" Isn't it natural to look at him?" "Huh?" Second Master Shui looked at the housekeeper. The old man glanced out and saw the enemy had entered the backyard, so he tiptoed into Second Master Shui's ear and said, "Boss, why did I hear that he met dubious people by the river?" Old Prongtou's words were like a basin of cold water, and the second master was splashed with water. "Is there such a thing?" Second Master Shui raised his eyes vigilantly, regardless of where he came from, he immediately asked who said this.The housekeeper, Old Prongtou, has always disliked those who serve as soldiers in the army. His only son was caught in the army that year, but he was arrested in a daze. ?The son escaped halfway, but was beaten to death by the leader of the team!From then on, whenever any soldier came, no matter whether he was an officer or a soldier, he would retaliate with hatred. "It's true, boss, I heard about it from Leng Chinese medicine doctor when I went to Donggou to recruit people." "Doctor Leng?" Second Master Shui became more and more vigilant. Doctor Leng was never a nonsense person, and his prestige in the ditch was probably second only to Second Master Shui. I don't know where the nerve came from, who stood silently at the side, and suddenly interjected: "Second Master, I'm not talking too much, I saw this person when I was chopping firewood by the river that day, it seems to be with Piedaowu from Pingyangchuan and the others. Together." "Limple five?" Second Master Shui's face suddenly darkened.This Liaowu is none other than the descendant of the famous bandit gangster in Pingyangchuan.In the past, the gangsters ate the food of the bandits and disturbed Qingshiling a lot. The night before he married Damei, he brought someone in and almost killed Damei... Later, the gangsters ate black guns in Pingyangchuan and lost their lives. But his son Pidaowu quickly became popular again, and soon became the most goddamn thing in a hundred miles. Second Master Shui thought for a while, this matter is nothing compared to other things, if Adjutant Qiu really gets mixed up with Piedao Wu, the days to come will not be easy.But the matter has come to this point, Second Master Shui doesn't want to be afraid, he can't be afraid.Soldiers come to block, water comes to block, there must be a solution to everything.He coughed, trying to cough away the panic that the old prong and the way he came from brought him.Unexpectedly, he was thinking about planting medicine, so he couldn't help but ask first. Second Master Shui had no choice but to say: "The reason is that I, Shui Laoer, are not cruel. You really didn't do this kind of medicine thing. Thinking about your house, can people feel at ease?" The person who cut the cave was most afraid of what the second master would say. When he heard it, he cried out: "Second master, if you can do it, please give me a way to survive. If the former master can't make any more money , life, it’s really on the top of the earth cliff.” Shui Erye smiled lightly, he knew that the person who cut the cave was a master who could speak soft words, and his life was on the top of the earth cliff. Poverty is true and suffering is also true It's true, but I really want to let the source put the life on the top of the earth cliff, I'm afraid that God will not thunder in the future.This is a person who can carry a mountain on his back and walk!Suddenly, a layer of sadness welled up in the second master's heart, sadness for the way he came from, and sadness for the girl picking up grass.To say that he doesn't know other people's lives, but the origin is very clear, very clear.After sighing for a while, he said: "Come back, I used to go back to your Xigou, the medicine is no longer planted, what is missing, what is the difference, just ask the housekeeper, just take it." "I can't do it, Second Master——" If it weren't for the butler's old prong to block it quickly, the cave-slasher would have knelt down to the second master with a plop. "I can't do it, Second Master, I can't do it at all. I've been on the road all my life, and I'm afraid that someone will give me alms..." "The way you came here!" The second master yelled bitterly, then felt his voice was getting louder, and said with a sigh of relief: "Forget it, you're a brainless person, and for the rest of your life, I'm afraid you'll end up digging through the ground." The medicine is planted as it is said. Qingshiling is so lively, not only lively, it's like a different world.The freshness of the medicine and the money promised by the Shui family made people fascinated by Qingshiling.Standing on the top of the mountain, everyone's eyes are shining, which is the light for silver and the light for mysterious Chinese medicine.According to Shui Erye's instructions, the two pharmacists each selected someone, and started to get busy according to the pre-planned location.Looking at the scene on the mountain that suddenly became lively, Second Master Shui couldn't help shaking his bearded hands happily. For planting medicine, Second Master Shui had his own plan. Half of this plan was revealed in the open, and half , firmly hidden in my heart. "Kong Jiexi, you are planting a cash cow on the door of my Shui family—" Second Master Shui let out a dark smile. 还没笑完，猛听山洼里响出一声，抬头一看，见是丫头英英在追野兔，狡猾的野兔逃脱了她的追踪，气得英英拿炮肚子冲远处的羊发泄哩。 这丫头，啥时才有个正形！ 水二爷心里抱怨了一声，将目光扯得更远。山洼里，受惊的羊群像是突然散开的云，一下就把山野给弄得丰盈多姿，几朵云晃晃悠悠的飘着，像要掉下来，却又把更虚幻的景致染给山野。这青石岭，真是一块福地哟！水二爷望了几望，心里，对这片土地就感激得要掉热泪了。 白日的喧嚣过后，夜晚便不声不响地来了。一到夜晚，水家大院便成了另番样子。 后院里早已安静，种了一天药的人们喝完糊糊早早就躺草铺上睡了，斩穴人来路却睡不着。他刚打儿子拾粮那儿来，儿子拾粮夜黑里睡马厩边上的草棚里，添草喂料照管牲口方便。来路原想跟儿子说上一会话就能睡着，没想，一躺到草上，心就给活跃了，身子，也跟着活跃。翻了七八个身，还是睡不着，索性坐起来，听风。青石岭的夜风跟西沟不一样，西沟的夜风是哑的，空的，瘜着肚子的，这青石岭的风，就鼓鼓的，实腾腾的，真有个风的气势。风吼得来路心里一鼓荡一鼓荡，白日里的劳累连同夜黑里的孤单全给荡没了，剩下的，就是那个活生生的希望。 hope. 来路翻起身，出了专门为种药人搭的草棚，又往马厩那边去。儿子拾粮也没睡，睁着双眼望天，一听爹的脚步，腾地翻起来。 “咋不睡？” “睡不着。” “我也睡不着。” “喧喧。” "Ok." 父子俩盘盘腿儿坐下，又喧。就听来路说：“娃，这个机会不能放过，你想想，再想想，人经几辈子，谁听过药能种？可真就能种，哟嘿嘿，白日里那个种药的架势，可喧腾哩。”来路脸上漫上一层神往。尽管夜很黑，那层红润润的向往，还是把儿子的心给照亮了。 “爹，我想了，明日个我就跟东家说。” “不成，娃，我思前想后的，这事不能跟东家说。” "What?" “娃啊，你年岁轻，对水东家，你还嫩着哩。爹问你，这挑来的二十个人，你看出什么了？” 拾粮思谋了一会，摇摇头。 “没看出是不？爹告诉你，这二十个人，甭看一个个壮头壮脑的，身子骨结实不假，气力也比你我要好。可你想想，再想想，这二十个人，缺啥？” “缺啥？”拾粮紧跟着问。 “你看看，你看看你，还是这性子，改不了。遇上事不要急，要想，要动上脑子想，要往别人想不到的地方想。” 拾粮就想。想着想着，忽然一声：“爹，我晓得了！” “悄点声，看你，又犯毛病了。”来路慌忙捂了一下儿子的嘴，松开，道：“跟爹说，晓得啥了？” “他们，他们，都是不拿脑子过日子的！”拾粮兴奋地说。 “对了，娃，对了，对得很。你当水东家挑的啥，还真就像管家说的，在挑力气？不，他是在挑脑子，这二十个人，合起来，没水东家半个脑子，他要的就是这个。” “为啥？”拾粮尽管想到了，可让爹一说，又给犯惑了。 “药！娃，道理就在这药上！你想想，水家拿啥发的财？大烟！凭啥他就能发大烟财？二爷精啊！全古浪县，就他能把大烟种子弄来，就他能想到在青石岭种大烟，不发，由不得。现在你该明白了，他为啥要挑这二十个人。” 拾粮默了好久，终于说：“爹，我明白了。” “还有一个道理你没明白，水东家为啥不让我种药，为啥宁可拿钱打发我，也不让我跟着种药？娃，甭看你爹穷，穷的是日子，不是脑子，水东家，是在防我啊——” “哦——”拾粮重重地哦了一声。 瞬间，他心里便涌上一层对爹的敬重，对爹的佩服。爹是把日子过穷了，可这能怪爹？若要是摊上别人家，怕是，日子早搁土崖头上晒着冒烟了。一家四口能活到今天，全亏了爹有脑子啊——这一夜，父子俩就这样相对而坐，直把默如死水的夜给坐亮堂了。 第二天，正在抢种药材的狼老鸦台上就出了意外。 狼老鸦台是青石岭最大也最肥的一块地，到现在还没种，是因水二爷突然心血来潮，要在这块地里种青稞。水二爷年前去了趟凉州城，喝过那儿的青稞酒，味美醇厚，忘不掉。就想在青石岭开家烧坊，自个酿酒喝。青稞下种晚，要等四月底才下种。没想，两位药师一眼就瞅准这块地，非要先在这儿种。水二爷只好把开烧坊的计划先搁置起来，毕竟，中药的诱惑要比烧坊大得多。 这两天，水二爷推掉身上所有的事，寸步不离地跟在两位药师后面，嘴上说是一心心照顾，其实，他的诡计只有他知道。五对黄牛套着五张犁，五头骡子拉着五架耙，在两位药师的引领下，一字儿摆开，狼老鸦台一下就火热了。水二爷一身粗布衣裳，一双圆口子布鞋，头上，还煞模煞样裹了块羊肚子手巾。他亲自扶着一张犁，牵绳套的动作，吆喝牛的劲儿，活脱脱一个牛把式。一双眼，却死死地盯着药师一双手，看他咋个插根，咋个细埋。隔空儿，还要停下来问上句：“这药，咋不向阳栽啊？”药师嘿嘿笑笑：“啥向阳不向阳的，这么肥的地，这么足的水份，不管咋栽下去，都活。”水二爷狐疑地盯药师一眼，知道他在说假话，心里默默记下了，嘴，却很不在意地说：“日他个天爷，这种药，比种草麻缠多哩。”接着，冲天一嗓子，吼：“年年有个三月三，三月三，打发姐儿们去绣牡丹，牡丹好绣看花难，看花难。花儿呀，绣在了个水里边……” 这天正午，叫刘喜财的药师正在弯下身子仔细拨弄一支黄芪，猛觉一阵肚痛，这痛像是事先埋伏好的，专等这一刻发出来。刘喜财起先没在意，只是拿手顶了下肚子，接着又埋下头，想把那根黄芪埋好。结果，那痛就在肚子里炸开了，刘喜财一个跟斗栽地，爹呀娘呀的叫个不停。 水二爷正跟另一位药师喧谎，他在变着法儿问黄芪的种法为啥跟当归不一样？药师支支吾吾，不肯讲实话，水二爷正不满呢，就听这边一阵喊，说刘药师不行了。 等惊乍乍跑来，就见刘药师已倒在犁沟里，身子蜷缩在一起，嘴痛苦地咧着，头上，早已是一层汗。 “咋个了，咋个了？”水二爷惊问。 “二爷，我……我……我……”刘药师强挣着，想说啥，说不出。疼痛已让他的嘴脸变了形，双手死死抓着自己肚子上的肉，往烂里撕。 水二爷头里猛一声响，冲种药的人吼喊：“快往院里抬！” 话还没落，就见斩穴人来路早已背了刘药师，朝山下跑。斩穴人来路是个矮个子，让高个子的刘药师一压，近乎看不见。可他确实跑得快，那一双短腿儿，踩在松软湿润的泥土里，就跟踩在草滩上一样灵巧，真想不出他啥时练下的这等功夫。 等水二爷缷了耙，骑上汗淋淋的骡子赶到院里，刘药师的屋子已被院里人围起来。隔着老远，水二爷就听到刘药师瓦罐子破了般尖利的叫。 “人咋个下了，好点没？”水二爷撵过去，隔门问。 里面响出斩穴人来路的声音：“二爷，他疼得要把肠子撕出来，我摁不住他。”“摁住顶屁用！拴五子，拴五子，快骑上快马，去东沟请冷中医！” 一匹快马载着下人拴五子，冲出院子，很快消失在草滩上。屋里，来路和儿子拾粮一人抓着刘药师一条胳膊，使足了劲往炕上摁。刘药师疼得撕心裂肺，情急中忽然撕住拾粮的头发，用力儿往下採。拾粮要扭开头，来路暗中踢了他一脚。等水二爷挤到炕前，拾粮的一股子头发已让刘药师拽下来。 看样儿，刘药师一定是吃了不该吃的东西。水二爷仔细看了一会，心里暗下来。两位药师还有副官仇家远的饭，可是院里单另做的，由吴嫂的外甥女狗狗亲自掌勺。水二爷来到厨房，狗狗吓得面无血色，水二爷四下张望一会，问：“早上给药师吃的啥？” “鸡蛋泡馍。”狗狗是位十来岁的小姑娘，才来院里不久。不过她的茶饭做得真是好。水二爷正是看上她的茶饭，才留她在院里的。 “就这一样？” “还有……蘑菇菜。” “蘑菇？”水二爷担心的正是这。刘药师第一天在院里吃饭，他就发现，这人，喜欢吃个蘑菇，边吃还边夸，说山里的蘑菇就是不一样，味儿鲜，肉儿厚，嚼起来有劲道。看来，害病的就是这蘑菇。水二爷急匆匆返回后院，斩穴人来路刚刚给刘药师灌下一碗醋，病象没一点减轻，相反，药师的脸色越来越腊黄，半个身子，已开始发麻。 这病，正往深里去哩。 水二爷想起白会长临走给他做的交待，两位药师可是尊贵的客人，一定要费上心招应。心，忽然就紧了。院里前些年也发生过误吃狗苔蘑菇中毒死人的事，刘药师要是有个三长两短，甭说跟人家好不好交待，单是这风声传出去，就够他受的。 这个下午，水二爷的脚步焦急地在院门外踱来踱去，目光，瞅着草滩深处。他在急拴五子。狗日的拴五子，按说也该来了呀。院里的情况一阵一个样，忽地说刘药师不疼了，不呱喊了，忽地又跑出来，说刘药师疼得要死了，喘不过气，两只手死死抓住拾粮脖子，要把拾粮往死里掐。 终于，马蹄声从草滩深处响过来，一阵疾风后，拴五子骑马到了跟前，竟是一个人！一问，说是冷中医去了平阳川，今儿赶不回来。 药师刘喜财差点让毒蘑菇要掉命的事实引得水家大院一场大乱。当种药人全部收了工，另一位药师赶去看同伴时，刘喜财的病已厉害得不成了，他口吐白沫，四肢抽搐，眼珠子朝外翻。那景儿，让人看一眼就觉是不行了，活不到半夜。水家能喂的药都给喂了，症状却不见一点好，这当儿，就听有人喊了一句：“快给喂大烟！”水二爷一听，头发腾地竖起来。“哪个不吃人饭的喊的？”一句话，吓得院里全静下来。种药人兴许不知道，自打宝儿死了后，大烟两个字，院里是很少提的，更别说喂。姓曹的药师一看，嚷着让水二爷往外送人。水二爷一脸怒燥地说：“这黑的夜，往哪送，沟里就一个冷中医，他不在，送给谁？” “那就往平阳川送啊——” “你也吃错五谷了呀，平阳川离这多远，能送我不送？！” 嚷来嚷去，一院的人还是没个主意，这当儿，就见斩穴人来路摸黑出了院，神神秘秘，往青石岭东边的帽儿山去了。 “来路，来路你个狗日，往哪去？”水二爷这阵子是急晕了头，见谁骂谁。来路没理水二爷，自顾自地走了。 这一夜，药师刘喜财疼得背过去好几次气，人，看上去真是不行了。一夜未睡的水二爷匍匐在祖先牌位下，替刘药师烧香祈祷。姓曹的药师吓得面无血色，一整夜叫喊个不停。 斩穴人来路匆匆忙忙走进院子时，谁也没有在意，等人们闻见屋里奇特的花香时，斩穴人来路跟儿子拾粮已将药师刘喜财放到了地下。一直在院里侍候东家水二爷的吴嫂忽然喊出了声：“西沟的，你手里拿的啥？” 斩穴人来路没有言喘，示意儿子拾粮掰开药师刘喜财的嘴，就在他将手里那支叫不上名的野花揉粹往刘喜财嘴里喂时，吴嫂已将东家水二爷喊了过来。水二爷一看来路又要给药师喂东西，气得一脚冲他屁股踢过去。“来路你个短命的，不想活了！”斩穴人来路还是没言喘，趁水二爷发火的空，用力捏住刘喜财鼻子，从拾粮手中要过一碗水，不容分说就给灌了下去。 奇迹是在半个时辰后发生的，药师刘喜财忽闪忽闪睁开眼时，人们才发现，斩穴人来路的两条裤腿烂了，是让荆棘划破的，血从裤腿里渗出来，渗了一鞋。水二爷只顾着看刘喜财了，反把来路给扔到了脑后。 第二天后晌，冷中医才让一匹快马打平阳川驮来，路上，他不停地跟拴五子说：“迟了，迟了半年了，就是把马挣死，也是闲的，人是救不下，顶多，我去了能帮着收下尸。”结果一进院，忽然听说药师醒了，吐了两大盆绿水，正拼命吃五谷哩。冷中医惊叫道：“有这等事？我瞧瞧，快让我瞧瞧——” 冷中医一开始坚决不承认药师是吃了狗尿苔，这玩意要是真吃下去，能撑过两天？等他在两盆绿水里翻腾半天，就把自己给否定了。“天意，毒菇毒不死种药人，真是天意。”他这样解嘲道。等水二爷把来路喂下野花的事说出来，他一脸惊讶地盯住斩穴人来路：“你哪采的花？” “断魂谷。”来路羞羞答答道。 “天，断魂谷你也敢去！” 来路冒死上断魂谷采药救下药师刘喜财，直把水二爷感动得说不出话。当下，便让管家老橛头拿出一些碎银，非要来路收下。来路结巴着，说啥也不收。僵持间，已经能下地的刘药师走过来说：“二爷，你就甭给他银子了，一个能把命豁出去的人，怕是不稀罕你那些碎银。” “哪，叫我给他啥？总不能给他一匹走马？”水二爷有点不乐，话里带着嘲笑说。 药师刘喜财没说啥，望了一眼来路，转身往院里去。走了几步，又停下，目光来回在来路脸上扫了几扫，道：“那个娃，是你的？” 来路知道他是在问拾粮，“嗯”了一声。 药师刘喜财想了想，目光挪水二爷脸上：“这娃中，明儿个，让他跟着我。”水二爷刚要说不行，就听来路扑通一声，给药师下了跪。药师刘喜财没望来路，又对着水二爷说：“这娃我收定了，明儿个，让他跟着我。” 药师刘喜财连说两遍，水二爷就知道这事不可逆转。让拾粮去种药，这是水二爷压根就没有过的想法，这些日子他还琢磨，怎么把来路打发回去呢，现在倒好，老的没撵走，小的又让药师看上了。水二爷气恨恨地从药师刘喜财身上收回目光，见来路还跪着，心里陡然就又多出几分气：“你个贱鬼，见谁也是你爹，跪，跪，跪死你。” 骂归骂，第二天，长工拾粮还是被管家老橛头带出了马厩，亲手交给了药师刘喜财。 药师刘喜财天天领着拾粮，两个人就像一对犏牛，形影不离。水二爷再想接近刘喜财，就有点难。每每看见刘喜财手把手交拾粮种药，他的心就又疼又气，可没办法，纵是他有多大本事，也还不敢冲药师发脾气，只能忍着性子，跟在姓曹的药师后头。但刘药师跟拾粮亲近的样儿，时时扰乱着他的心，一趟药种下来，该学的没学下几样，该记下的，反倒忘了个干净！ 副官仇家远的步子频频出现在姊妹河畔，这事引起三小姐水英英的注意。三小姐水英英本来打定主意不再理仇家远的，黑风谷那件事，还搁在她心里，怎么也忘不掉。穿着军装回来的仇家远到现在也对她没个解释，更让她心中不快。原来她还想，抽个时间问问他，黑风谷丢下她是怎么回事，半个多月没音没信又是怎么回事，还有，他啥时成西安陆军长副官的？所有这些，在她心里都是谜，她有必要解开。后来见仇家远老是躲着她，脸上的笑没了，说话间的那份亲热劲没了，有时候，还故意跟她端个副官的架子，三小姐水英英的心就受不了。长这么大，她还没在谁的眼里轻过薄过，一个平阳川的仇二公子，就敢对她冷眉冷眼，真让她气愤不过。 “你不理我，我还懒得理你呢，看谁狠过谁？！” 三小姐水英英无意中听说仇家远跟疙瘩五私下有来往，忽然就多出一个心眼，她要在这事上给仇家远一点难堪。 这事说来也巧得很，那天她去找爹，想跟爹公开要些银两，去一趟平阳川。她想二姐了。要论姊妹间的亲热，三小姐英英跟二姐要比大姐亲一点，很多话她能跟二姐说，却没法跟大姐张口。大姐嫁到何家，好像性格也跟了何家，瘟不啦叽，说话做事总没个痛快劲，隔空儿，还要拿话教训一顿英英，英英不喜欢她那个古板劲，倒觉得跟二姐说话轻松。仇家远穿着军装回到水家，原想平阳川怎么也得来人，把事情往清楚里说一下，可等来等去，就是不见二姐的影。英英心里就有了气，也有了解不开的疙瘩，总觉这事有点别扭，或者说，这事藏着蹊跷。英英决计亲自去一趟平阳川，把仇家远身上的谜解开。 那天她刚到门口，就听爹跟老橛头说：“给我把那贼盯紧点，看他还有啥动静。”水英英心里一扑腾，还以为爹在说她。细一听，才知说的是仇副官。爹说：“我咋左瞅右瞅他不像个好人，你瞅瞅他那个样，整天游手好闲，哪像个跑来种药的。”管家老橛头接话道：“你还说哩，前儿个我看见他朝南岭去，跟了几步，你猜他咋说？他说再要是敢跟他，就提携我到西安城当探子长。哼，他以为我不知道探子长是做啥的？这种人，一看就贼眉鼠眼，靠不住。” “谁靠他了？我是让你操心点他跟疙瘩五的事，要真是跟疙瘩五有来往，我就得找孔杰玺，这种人，不敢留。” “对，不能留。” 爹的话忽然让水英英想起那个遭人丢弃的午后，恍惚中记起，仇家远带着她往黑风谷去时，好像提过这个疙瘩五。对，提过。当时两人都在马上，英英还拿西安城女学生的事跟仇家远没完，谁知仇家远冷不丁地说：“往后，可不敢再提啥子女学生，这话要是让疙瘩五他们听见，了不得。” 那天英英没跟爹要银两，掂着步子轻轻走开了。关于仇副官和疙瘩五，却牢牢钻在了她心里。 英英决计跟踪仇家远，这个人越来越像个谜团，把她本来不乱的心给扰乱了。机会终于在这一天出现，英英是在仇家远出门不久后打草滩另一条路上摸到姊妹河边的，为了不让仇家远发现，她连马也未骑。一路上英英想了好多，其中就想到她对他的好，她对他的那份思念。想来想去，才发现，她是剃头刀子一头热，人家姓仇的心里从来就没有过她，这事令她懊恼不已，也徒添出几分伤心。感觉自己一直晴朗着的天，忽然就让仇家远给抹阴抹黑了。 snort!英英气得跺了几下脚。 那天她刚到大鹰嘴后面，就见河谷里映出三个人，三个人交头接耳，神神秘秘说着什么。 姊妹河在大鹰嘴这儿接连拐了几个弯，拐出几个类似于穴洞的可怕地儿。仇家远跟疙瘩五他们站着的地方，平日是很少来人的，就算土匪杀人，也不会选这么麻烦的