Chapter 16 fifteen

When it comes to using force, Xiangzi can't beat an old man, nor can he beat a girl.His strength is useless.To play a rogue, you can only think about it, but you can't play it.As for Huniu, he could stomp and run.For the current scene, since she had fallen out with her father and was willing to go with him; no one knew what was going on in her heart, but on the surface she sacrificed for Xiangzi; in front of everyone, he couldn't help showing a little heroism Come.He had nothing to say, but stood there and waited for the truth; at least he had to do that to look like a man. The Liu family, father and daughter, just stared at each other, having nothing to say; Xiangzi remained silent.The coachmen, no matter who they are facing, seem to have difficulty intervening.The card players couldn't stop talking, and the silence was already embarrassing.However, everyone can only say a few perfunctory words superficially, urging the two parties not to get too angry, and slowly say that things will not be difficult.They can only talk about this, they can't solve anything, and they don't want to solve anything.Seeing that both sides are unwilling to make concessions, then it is difficult for an upright official to break up housework, so let's slip away if there is a chance.

Before everyone slipped away, the tiger girl grabbed Mr. Feng from Tianshun Coal Factory: "Mr. Feng, don't you have a place in your shop? Let Xiangzi stay for two days first. Our business can be done as quickly as possible, and we can't occupy it for a long time." Your place. Xiangzi, go with Mr. Feng, see you tomorrow, and discuss our affairs. Let me tell you, if I go back to the door, I still have to take a sedan chair to leave this door! Mr. Feng, I can leave him to you tomorrow. I want someone from you!" Mr. Feng took a deep breath, unwilling to take this responsibility.Xiangzi was eager to leave here, so he said: "I can't run away!"

Miss Tiger gave the old man a look, and went back to her room, crying loudly, and locked the door from the inside. Mr. Feng persuaded Mr. Ji Liu to come in, and the old man showed his strength again, please don't leave, and have to drink a few cups: "Don't worry, everyone, from now on she is her, I am me, and I will never quarrel again. Let her go as if I had never had such a girl. I have been on the field all my life, and I have taught her to lose face! Go back twenty years, and I chopped them both alive! Now, let her go; I plan to ask me for a little girl Copper coins, everything is difficult! Not a dime! No! See how she lives! Teach her to taste, and she will know whether it is better for father or wild man! Don't go, have another drink!"

Everyone made a few perfunctory words, eager to avoid right and wrong. Xiangzi went to Tianshun Coal Factory. Things really went fast.Huniu rented two small north rooms in a large courtyard in Maojiawan; she immediately found a paper maker to paper them all for nothing; she begged Mr. Feng to write a few happy words for her, and pasted them in the house.After the house was finished, she went to talk about the sedan chair: a sedan chair full of stars, sixteen sounders, no golden lamps, no deacons.After everything was settled, she dressed in a red silk palanquin dress by herself; she got it a year ago, so she wouldn't have to move the needle if it was only broken.The happy day is set on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, which is a good day without taboos.She took care of all this by herself, and told Xiangzi to buy new ones from head to toe: "It's like this once in a lifetime!"

Xiangzi only has five yuan in his hand! Huniu glanced again: "What? What about the thirty yuan I gave you?" Xiangzi had no choice but to tell the truth, and told her everything about Cao's house.She blinked her eyes suspiciously: "Okay, I don't have time to quarrel with you, let's use our conscience! Here's fifteen yuan for you! If you don't dress up like a newcomer when the day comes, you should be careful! " On the sixth day, Hu Niu sat in the sedan chair.I didn't have a word with my father, no escort from my brothers, no congratulations from relatives and friends; only those gongs and drums sounded lively on the street after the New Year, and the bridal sedan walked steadily past Xi'an Gate and West Fourth Archway, which also attracted people wearing new clothes. People - especially the guys in the shop - some envy, some feelings.

Xiangzi was wearing new clothes bought by Tianqiao, with a blushing face and a satin cap worth three cents.He seemed to have forgotten himself, and looked at everything and listened to everything stupidly, as if he didn't even recognize himself.He moved from a coal shop to a new house covered in snow-white paper. He didn't know what happened: in the past, things were just like in a coal factory, where the piles were all black; Several blood red happy words.He felt a kind of mockery, a kind of white, vague, sullen.In the room, there are Hu Niu's original tables, chairs and beds; the stove and cooking table are new; there are dusters with colorful chicken feathers in the corner.He knew those tables and chairs, but he was unfamiliar with the stove, kitchen table, and feather duster.The combination of new and old utensils reminded him of the past and worried about the future.Everything is at the mercy of others, and he himself is both old and new, some kind of decoration, some strange thing; he doesn't know himself.He couldn't think of crying, he couldn't think of laughing, his big hands and feet were moving around in this small but warm room, like a big rabbit in a small wooden cage, looking outside and inside with red eyes, empty-handed. Running legs, can't run out!Huniu was wearing a red coat, with white powder and rouge smeared on her face, her eyes were gliding to him.He dared not look her in the eye.She is also a strange thing that is both old and new, a girl and a woman, a woman and a man, a man and a ferocious beast!This beast, wearing a red coat, has already caught him, and is preparing to deal with him carefully.Anyone can take care of him, this beast is very powerful, it will guard him all the time, stare at him, smile at him, and can hug him tightly, sucking all his strength.He cannot escape.He took off the satin hat and stared blankly at the red knot on the hat until he was dazzled——turning his face, the wall was covered with red dots one after another, whirling and dancing, and there was a bigger one in the middle. Yes, the red tiger girl with an ugly smile on her face!

On the eve of the wedding, Xiangzi realized that Huniu was not pregnant.Like a juggler, she explained to him: "If you were wronged like this, why would you nod your head firmly! I stuffed a pillow in the waistband of my trousers!Ha ha ha ha! "She burst into tears with laughter: "You silly thing! Don't mention it, anyway, I'm sorry for you; who are you, who am I? I quarreled with my father, and I followed you, aren't you thankful?" The next day, Xiangzi went out early.Most of the shops are open, but some are still closed.The Spring Festival couplets on the door are still bright red, but the yellow hanging money has been blown to pieces by the wind.The street is very calm, there are many foreign cars, and the drivers seem to be more energetic than before. Almost all of them are wearing a pair of new shoes, and there is a piece of red paper on the back of the car.Xiangzi was very envious of these coachmen, and felt that they looked a little like Chinese New Year, while he had been suffocated in a gourd for several days;He is not satisfied with idleness, but if he wants to think about tomorrow's affairs, he has to discuss with Hu Niu—his wife; he is thinking about his wife—such a wife! —begging for food.Kong has grown so tall, Kong has so much strength, it's useless.He has to serve his wife first, that thing with the red coat and tiger teeth; the thing that sucks human blood; he is no longer a human being, but just a piece of meat.He lost himself, only struggling in her teeth, like a mouse caught by a cat.He doesn't want to discuss with her, he has to go; after he has made up his mind, let her leave without saying goodbye.This is nothing to be sorry for, she is a female monster who can use pillows to play tricks with him!He is heartbroken, he not only wants to tear the new clothes to shreds, but also wants to wash himself in clean water from inside to outside, he feels that there are some unclean and disgusting things stuck all over his body, teach him Bored from the bottom of my heart.He would never see her face again!

Where are you going?He has no purpose.On weekdays, when pulling a cart, his legs follow other people's mouths. Today, his legs are free, and his heart is at a loss.Going south along the west fourth archway, he went out of Xuanwumen: the way is so straight, and his heart will not turn. After leaving the city gate and heading south, he saw a bathhouse.He decided to take a shower. Stripped naked, looking at his limbs, he felt very ashamed.Going down into the pool, the hot water scalded his whole body a little numb, he closed his eyes, his body was numb and numb, as if some accumulated filth was radiating out.He hardly dared to touch himself, his heart was empty, and profuse sweat dripped from his head.He didn't climb up lazily until his breathing became a little short, his whole body was flushed red, like a newborn baby.He didn't seem to dare to just walk out like that, put on a big towel, he still felt ugly; although the sweat was dripping down, he still felt unclean—the filth in his heart seemed to never be washed away : In the eyes of Fourth Master Liu, in the eyes of everyone who knows him, he will always be a woman-stealer!

Before the sweat fell completely, he hurriedly put on his clothes and ran out.He was afraid that everyone would see his nakedness!After leaving the bathhouse, he was blown by the cool wind, and he felt the lightness in his body.The street is also much more lively than before.The clear sky brings some brilliance to everyone's faces.Xiangzi's heart was still tugging, and he didn't know where to go.Going south, going east, and going south again, he ran to the overpass.After the new year, at around nine o'clock, the apprentices of the shop owner had already finished their breakfast and came here.All kinds of stalls and venues for performing arts were set up early to take advantage of them.When Xiangzi arrived, there was already a circle of people around, with gongs and drums beating inside.He didn't want to see anything, he couldn't laugh anymore.

On weekdays, those who talk about cross talk, those who play bears, those who juggle, those who count treasures, those who sing yangko, those who talk about drum books, and those who practice hand gestures can provide him with some real happiness and make him open his mouth wide. laugh.He was reluctant to part with Peiping, and the overpass was part of the reason.Whenever he sees the mat shed on the overpass and the people around him, he thinks of many funny and lovely things.Now he is too lazy to squeeze forward, and he has lost his part in Tianqiao's laughter.He avoided the crowd and walked towards a quiet place, feeling reluctant again!No, he couldn't leave this lively and lovely place, he couldn't leave the overpass, he couldn't leave Peiping.Walk?There is no way out!He still had to go back to her—to her! — to discuss.He can't leave, and he can't be idle, he has to take a step back and think, just like all people have to take a step back and think when they are at their wits end.I have suffered all kinds of grievances, so why call me Zhener only on this point?He can't correct everything in the past, so he has to go down the road.

He stood still, listening to the chaotic voices of people, the sound of gongs and drums; watching the people coming and going, the carriages and horses, he suddenly remembered the two huts.The sound in the ears seemed to disappear, and the people in front of him seemed to disappear, only those two white, warm rooms with red happy characters on them stood squarely in front of them.Although he only stayed for one night, he was very familiar and intimate. Even the lady in the red jacket didn't seem to be easily discarded.Standing on the flyover, he has nothing and is nothing; in those two huts, he has everything.Go back, only go back can there be a way.Everything for tomorrow is in that cabin.Shame, fear, and sadness are useless; if you want to live, you have to find a way to go. He walked back in a hurry and entered the door, probably just after eleven o'clock.Huniu has already prepared lunch: steamed steamed buns, boiled cabbage with meatballs, a plate of tiger skin jelly, and a plate of pickled radishes.Everything else has been arranged, only the cabbage is still simmering on the fire, giving off some wonderful aromas.She had already taken off her red jacket, and put on her usual cotton-padded jacket. On her head was a small red flower made of velvet, and on the flower was a small gold paper ingot.Xiangzi glanced at her, she didn't look like a bride.Her every move is like a daughter-in-law for many years, quick, sophisticated, and somewhat self-satisfied.Although she doesn't look like a bride, it does make him feel something new. She cooks and cleans the house; the scent and heating in the house are all new to him.No matter what she did, he felt that he had a home.There is always something lovely about a home.He didn't know what to do. "Where are you going? You!" she asked as she went to fill the cabbage. "Going to take a shower." He took off his robe. "Ah! Go out in the future, just say a word! Don't be so careless and walk away!" He said nothing. "Will you hum or not? No, I will teach you!" He snorted, there is no way!He knew that he married a dominatrix, but this dominatrix could cook, clean the house, scold him and help her, teaching him how to do it was not fun!He ate the buns.The food was indeed more delicious and hotter than usual; but the food was not delicious, and as he chewed, he couldn't feel the pleasure of gobbling it like usual, and he couldn't sweat it. After eating, he lay down on the kang, with his head resting on the palm of his hand, looking at the roof of the shed. "Hey! Help brush the guy! I'm not someone's boss!" she called from the outer room. Very lazy, he stood up, glanced at her, and walked over to help.He is usually very diligent, but now he is holding his breath to do things.When he was in the depot, he often helped her, but now the more he sees her, the more he hates her. He has never hated anyone as much as he hates her, and he can't say why.I'm angry, but I don't want to blow it up, and it's all in my heart; since I can't make a clean break with her, arguing is meaningless.Turning around in the hut, he felt that his whole life was a grievance. After packing up, she glanced around and sighed.Followed by a smile. "how?" "What?" Xiangzi squatted by the stove, baking his hands; his hands were not cold, because there was no place to put them, so he had to bake them.The two cottages did feel like a home, but he didn't know where to put his hands and feet. "Take me out to play? Go to Baiyun Temple? No, it's late; take a walk on the street?" She wants to fully enjoy the happiness of newlyweds.Although it's not a good thing to be married, it's good to be so unrestrained. It happens that I spend more time with my husband and have fun for a few days.In her natal family, she has no shortage of food, clothing, or change; it's just that she doesn't have a caring man.Now, she wants to make up for this shortcoming, and she wants to play with Xiangzi in the streets and temple fairs. Xiangzi refused to go.First, he felt that it was shameful to take his wife around the world. Second, he thought that such a wife could only be hidden at home;Also, once you go out, how can you not run into acquaintances, the rickshaw drivers in the western half of the city don't know Huniu and Xiangzi, he can't get everyone to whisper behind his back. "Can we discuss it?" He was still squatting there. "What can we discuss?" She leaned over and stood by the stove. He took his hand off, put it on his lap, and stared blankly at the flames.After being stunned for a long time, he said: "I can't be idle like this!" "Poor life!" she laughed. "If you don't pull a cart for a day, your body will itch, don't you? Look at the old man, he has been playing for a lifetime, and he even drives a car factory when he is old. He doesn't pull a cart, and he doesn't work hard. He eats according to his heart. You have to learn too. Be careful, how old is it to drive a car for a lifetime? Let's play for a few days first, and things are not only busy in these few days, what are you going to do? I don't plan to quarrel with you these two days, so don't be angry with me! " "Discuss first!" Xiangzi decided not to give in.Since you can't stomp your feet and walk away, you have to find a way to do things. You have to stand at the end first, and you can't swing back and forth like a swing. "Well, tell me!" She moved a stool and sat by the fire. "How much money do you have?" he asked. "Isn't it? I knew you were going to ask this! You're not marrying a daughter-in-law, you're marrying the little money, right?" Xiangzi seemed to be choked by the wind, and swallowed several times.Old man Liu, Heren and the driver of the factory all thought he was greedy for money, so he hooked up with Huniu; now, she said so herself!My own car, my own money, I lost it for no reason, and now I am under the weight of my wife's few dollars; I have to go down my spine to eat!He wished he could grab her neck with both hands, pinch!pinch!pinch!Until she rolled her eyes! Strangled everything, then wiped the neck himself.They are not human and must die; he himself is not human and must die; everyone does not want to live! Xiangzi stood up, wanting to go out again; he shouldn't have come back just now. Seeing that Xiangzi's expression was not right, she softened a little: "Okay, I'll tell you. I have a total of five hundred yuan in my hand.Even the sedan chair, rent a house——three shares②, paste sheds, make clothes, buy things, bring them to you, and return them to the bag pile③ It cost a little less than a hundred yuan, and there are about four hundred yuan left.I tell you, you don't have to worry.Let's have fun with it.As for you, you should play beautifully for a few days when you pull a cart and sweat as an adult;When the money is almost spent, we still beg the old man to go.As for me, if I didn't fall out with him that day, I would never get out.Now my anger is gone, dad is dad after all.As for him, there is only a daughter like me, and you are his favorite person. Let's be soft and accompany him, and there is probably nothing we can't get through.How readily available!He has money, we accept it decently, there is nothing unreasonable about it; it's better than you go to be someone else's livestock!In two days, you will go first; he may not see you.If you don't see him once, go there for the second time; if you give him face, he will have to change his mind.Then I'll go again and give him a few nice words, maybe we can all move back.As soon as we move back, keep your chest up, and no one dares to look at us sideways; if we stay here all the time, we will always be a pair of black people, don't you think? " Xiangzi never thought of this.Ever since Huniu came to Cao's house to look for him, he thought he had married her, bought a car with her money, and drove it himself.Although it was not decent to use his wife's money, since his relationship with her was an indescribable relationship, there was nothing he could do about it.He didn't expect Huniu to have such a trick.Pulling down the long face is certainly an idea, but Xiangzi is not that kind of person.Thinking back and forth, he seemed to understand something: if he has money, he can teach others to snatch it for nothing, and he has nowhere to sue for injustice.When someone gives you money, you have to accept it; after accepting it, you can no longer take yourself as a person at all, you have no heart, no strength, and you have to be a slave to others: to be your wife’s plaything, to be a slave The old man's servant.A person seems to be nothing at all, just a bird, if he hunts for food by himself, he will fall into the net.To eat other people's grain and rice, you have to be honest in a cage, being sung by others, and you can be sold at any time! He refused to go to Fourth Master Liu.With Hu Niu, it's a meat-in-meat relationship; with Liu Si, it has nothing to do with it.She has suffered a lot, so she can't sue her father again! "I don't want to be idle!" All he said was to save words and quarrels. "Did you suffer!" she said in a teasing voice. "I don't like to be idle, I want to do business." "I can't! I can't make any money! I can pull carts, I love pulling carts!" Xiangzi's head twitched. "Let me tell you, you are not allowed to pull the cart! I will not allow you to get on my kang covered in sweat and smelly! You have your own ideas, and I have mine. Let's see, whoever is more awkward than the other! You married a wife, but you didn't spend a small amount of the money I spent. Think about it, who should listen to who?" Xiangzi was speechless again. ①Zhong S?, read ヰソカA, sharply. ②Three shares, three months' rent in the first month of renting. ③Return to the bag pile, that is, together.