Chapter 49 Get promoted

In mid-July, Qian Qianyi finally decided to leave home and go to Nanjing to take up his post.Originally, regarding his appointment, he had been sent to Changshu as early as a month ago, and Qian Qianyi also wanted to take up the post as soon as possible.Unexpectedly, it was very unfortunate that at this moment, Liu Rushi fell ill.I asked the doctor to check her pulse, and said that she was overworked, which led to the relapse of the fainting chills and fever two years ago, and she must stay in bed and rest.Ordinarily, Qian Qianyi might as well go ahead and take Liu Rushi to Nanjing after she recovers.Even Liu Rushi persuaded him on the sick bed.However, Qian Qianyi connected Li Zhan's line this time, which had a lot to do with Liu Rushi's side talk through Hui Xiang.In order to reward his concubine for his contribution, he resolutely decided: he would rather postpone the date of departure, but also stay and take care of Liu Rushi himself; when she recovers from illness, the two of them will leave together.As a result, things dragged on like this.

Speaking of Qian Qianyi's comeback this time, it is almost a lifeline.Originally, based on what he did during the period of supporting the new king, all his fantasies were completely shattered when King Fu formally ascended the throne.In the end, it was Liu Rushi who encouraged him to cheer up and connected him to Li Zhan.After a series of intense and secret activities--of course, a large amount of money was spent, in the end, he not only realized his dream of re-establishing the imperial court for many years, but also was promoted to an official position. He was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and an assistant manager of Zhan Shifu, ranking in the second grade.The ecstasy and gratitude in Qian Qianyi's heart cannot be described in words.In the past month, on the one hand, he was full of energy to entertain the endless stream of congratulatory guests, on the other hand, he invited famous doctors to treat Liu Rushi's illnesses, caring and caring for Liu Rushi in every possible way.After a month of careful recuperation, Liu Rushi's sick body has basically recovered.All the luggage and items to be taken to Nanjing for use are also ready for handling.Qian Qianyi asked the hexagrams and helped the ji, and finally chose July 15 as the auspicious day for the official departure.

Naturally, such an important news cannot be hidden in Changshu City.Besides, Qian Qianyi didn't intend to hide it.Therefore, on the day of departure, a large group of local sages and celebrities gradually gathered on the Inland River Wharf not far from Banye Hall, starting from Mao time.Most of them are relatives and friends who have always been friends with Qian Qianyi, but there are also many casual friends.Even some long-lost people with feuds with each other are not far behind.Mostly they thought that since they had gone to the Banye Hall a month ago and respectfully and solemnly expressed their congratulations to their hosts, then coming to see them off today was an honor they were entitled to share as a matter of course.However, among the group of waiters in front of them who were wearing formal attires and holding various folding fans, Gu Ling and Sun Yongzuo attracted the most attention, because as Qian Qianyi's students and confidants, they I will also go to Nanjing with my teacher.With this enviable "favor", they naturally became the objects surrounded by people.

"Brother Yunmei, brother Zichang, the two brothers are able to follow the old Mu to the capital, what a joy and congratulations!" "Ever since I learned that Elder Mu appointed Da Zongbo, I guessed that Elder Mu would not bring his disciples to Beijing. If he wanted to, Yunmei and Zichang must be the first choice, and now it really is!" "That's needless to say! There is a saying, there is no one who knows a disciple better than a teacher. What's more, Gu and Sun's character and talent have long been well-known in this town. How can the elder Mu not be aware of it!"

"Hey, with the great talent of the old shepherd, now that he has been favored by the holy majesty, he will probably pay homage to him in a few months. By then, the two brothers will be half old!" People flocked to flatter and joke, while Gu Ling and Sun Yongzuo blushed excitedly, kept arching their hands and bowing, repeatedly expressing their shame and daring.Due to Sun Yongzuo's clumsy eloquence, Gu Ling became the protagonist of the scene as usual. "To tell you the truth," he raised his voice a little in order to calm the surroundings, "my brothers and others are so dull and inferior, they are really not enough to be encouraged by my master. This time chasing and accompanying me to Beijing is just for the sake of money." That's all! It's just that today I've paid great attention to my family teacher's recovery. Within a month, there were actually two decrees to urge him to do so, so it's hard for my family teacher to refuse, so I had to hurry!"

"Oh, no wonder the previous edict arrived in mid-June. My brother is guessing, why did I not see the old shepherd taking up his post so late? It turned out that I wanted to refuse. If I hadn't heard the teaching today, my brother would not have realized it!" A young man The scholar said in amazement. "Of course!" Another middle-aged gentleman showed a rather knowing look, "Old Mu is the most indifferent in his life, besides, he has been traveling in the forest for many years, with a broad mind, he has long been like a wild crane in the clouds, empty and lonely, how can he repeat himself in the dust net? The reason? If it wasn't for the imperial order, I'm afraid that Qinchuan Fengyue, even ten thousand households, marquis, and elders would not exchange it!"

Gu Ling nodded solemnly: "That's right! Even my younger brother, I was deeply worried at the time, and I went to the court day and night to make pleas, begging my family teacher to think about the common people in the world, to be sympathetic to the ruin of the country, and to be angry with the rebellious bandits. , for the time being, I will enter the center of praise and work for the country, and wait until the ZTE is completed and the affairs of the universe are over, and it will not be too late to do the five lakes. Even so, the master has hesitated for many days before he has the intention to change his mind!"

"Ah, in this way, today's trip is really difficult for Mu Lao!" Many people expressed their amazement in unison.Next, in order to express admiration and reverence for this noble aspiration, everyone began to praise Qian Qianyi's "strength of character" and "embrace" one by one. While the guests who were seeing off were gathered on the pier and waiting, Qian Qianyi was already dressed and ready to go out in the Jiangyun Tower in the Banye Hall.It was only because Liu Rushi led a few close maids and his mother, who were still busy in the bedroom upstairs and didn't come down for a long time, that he still sat in the main room and waited patiently.

Today, Qian Qianyi's mood, needless to say, is happier and more exciting than anyone else's.Because the long-awaited departure day has finally arrived.In the past month, although he appeared calm and unhurried, he was still a little anxious in his heart.However, until yesterday, it rained all night, making Qian Qianyi secretly worried that the farewell ceremony at the pier today might not be as colorful.But when I got up in the morning, it was sunny, and the air became particularly fresh and pleasant as the night rain dispelled the accumulated heat of the past few days.This kind of good omen made Qian Qianyi feel that even God took extra care of him for his comeback.His mood couldn't help but become more cheerful and happy.Right now, everything has been prepared, just waiting for Liu Rushi to go downstairs and go out.Qian Qianyi sat on the chair, having nothing to do, so he lowered his head wearing a brand new black gauze hat, and once again admired the second-rank official uniform on his body.This is a beautiful official uniform carefully sewn with silk.Reflecting the sunlight coming in from the doors and windows, the crimson color of the official uniform is particularly bright and dazzling, and even the delicate dark patterns of ganoderma lucidum flowers on the material are clearly discernible.However, what makes Qian Qianyi most proud is the "patch" adorning his chest, which is now embroidered with colored silk thread with a churning wave and a few floating clouds. On the rock, stands a golden pheasant that spreads its wings and wants to fly.This is the symbol of the second-rank official rank, a symbol of power and status.In Qian Qianyi's eyes, this pattern looked so gorgeous and precious that he couldn't help stretching out his hand and caressing it gently.Indeed, just a month ago, it was still so distant and estranged, but at this moment, it was actually clinging to his chest.How could Qian Qianyi's heart tremble and surprise be filled with such a change that he had never imagined in his dreams?And when I think about how much money, thought and energy I have spent, and how many setbacks, humiliations and pains I have suffered in the past fifteen years, this kind of surprise turns into infinite emotion: "Ah, I can never lose it again." I can't afford to lose it anyhow!" With a look of resoluteness on his face, mixed with sorrow and joy, he got up and began to walk up and down the room with great strides.It wasn't until this excitement condensed into a firm belief and was placed in a firm position in his heart that he gradually calmed down.

Now, the surroundings are very quiet, even the group of women in the bedroom upstairs has become silent.Only a fallen leaf seemed to occasionally fall from the tall tree in the courtyard outside, making a soft clang on the stone steps. "Hey, what's going on, why don't they come down?" Qian Qianyi thought suspiciously, and couldn't help becoming impatient, turned around, and planned to go upstairs to find out what happened.At this moment, footsteps sounded from the steps outside the door, and then the curtain was lifted, revealing the young master Qian Sun'ai's bloodless face.Qian Qianyi didn't know what was wrong with his son's intrusion, so he was stunned for a moment, but he had to give up his original plan and turn around again.

Qian Sun'ai didn't enter the room immediately, he seemed confused by his father's brand-new appearance and attire, he just blinked a pair of small round eyes, looked up and down, his thin face showed both surprise and awe.It wasn't until Qian Qianyi coughed and asked, that he said "Oh" as if he had just woken up from a dream, stepped over the threshold, and quickly walked forward to salute. "Father is well..." "Well, what's the matter?" Qian Qianyi asked, frowning habitually. "I don't know if my father is ready to stop? If there is something that needs to be done by the child, please ask me." Qian Sun'ai still bowed her waist and said respectfully. Qian Qianyi glanced at his son, feeling a little surprised: when did this young master, who was always weak, spoiled and oblivious, learned to come to ask for trouble by himself?He sat back on the chair first, then pointed to a pier next to him, signaling his son to sit down, then shook his head and said, "There's nothing else, everything that needs to be done has been done." "So," the son said hastily as he sat down, "Father is going to Beijing this time, and I think it will take a long time before he can come back. I wonder if there is any instruction for the boy?" Qian Qianyi's heart was moved again, "What's the matter today? Listening to him, it seems that he has changed his temper!" He thought strangely, "Could it be that my son has really grown up and become Have you become sensible?" With such doubts in his heart, he couldn't help but raise his eyes and look at his son carefully.That's right, the son's demeanor at this moment is so focused and serious. Compared with the past, he is obviously a little less immature and a little more stable. "Well, maybe my appointment and promotion this time stimulated his enthusiasm and made him see a role model, so..." Thinking of this, Qian Qianyi felt an unprecedented feeling of relief in his heart. , his expression also became kind. "Just now—" he stroked his beard ponderously, then turned his head to ask with a smile, "When you came in, I saw that you just looked at Weifu and didn't dare to move, why?" "This... the child sees that his father's clothes and appearance today are different from usual, and he can't help being awed, so he hesitates." Qian Qianyi nodded, and said with emotion: "When you were one year old, you were a father, and because of the jealousy of the powerful officials in the court, you stepped down and returned home. You no longer wear this clothes. No wonder you were surprised when you first saw it. It's different. Only after fifteen years have passed, the father can still re-establish the court. Do you know the reason for this?" "This...the child doesn't know." "I don't know—well, you might as well think again!" "...Could it be, could it be that someone in the court got the money and broke the joints on behalf of his father?" Qian Sunai asked tentatively. He was not wary of his son's answer like this, and obviously hit the bottom line of the matter, Qian Qianyi choked up all of a sudden.But then he became solemn and shook his head resolutely: "No!" "...?" "The reason why I have been a father for 15 years and has never lost my reputation has always been the attention of the government and the public. There is no one else who has made a comeback until today. It all lies in the hard work of being a man and learning! Well, one is being a man, The second is learning. If you succeed in these two, you will be invincible! Now that you have entered the academy, you will be elected, become a Jinshi, and enter an official career in the future. However, no matter when and where, you must Keep in mind the teaching of today as a father, even at home on weekdays, you should also practice prudence, and don't play around and slack off, do you understand?" After finishing these words in a solemn and earnest tone, Qian Qianyi stared at his son intently, waiting for an answer.However, his expectations were not met.Because a woman's laughing voice suddenly sounded behind her: "Ah, what are you doing and learning? It's too frightening for my husband to teach you a lesson!" Qian Qianyi turned his head and saw that Liu Rushi was turning out from the edge of the screen, followed by Hong Qing, Lu Yi and the two mothers. Because today is going on a long trip, let alone such a beautiful time, Liu Rushi in front of her is completely dressed up: inside, she is wearing a light yellow dress with narrow sleeves and ochre-colored trim. The jacket has an orange-red collar and half-sleeved back, on the back is a pattern of twining flowers embroidered with colorful silk threads, and a ochre-brown belt with a palace sash is tied around the waist. Chinese dress.Because the bun was too small, a "Shuangfeiyan" style fake bun was added on the outside, and along the waist of the bun was inserted a row of gold and jade jewelry.This deliberate grooming, coupled with the plump oval face, curved eyebrows, and small scarlet mouth, made her look really beautiful when she raised her head slightly and walked out in a leisurely manner. She looked so graceful and luxurious that even Qian Qianyi's eyes widened, secretly amazed that this petite and exquisite woman had already learned the demeanor of everyone's ladies so full of taste. Liu Rushi undoubtedly expected her husband's reaction, and was very proud of it.But she deliberately didn't look at Qian Qianyi, and only smiled at Qian Sunai and asked: "Young master, why did you come in in such a hurry to try to be good to your old man? It's rare! However, I always wondered, you are an honest boy, when did you learn to be so flirtatious? There must be someone behind you." Which scholar from the underworld, godly mother who climbed the pit, couldn't bear to wait outside, and tricked you to be a ghost?" Qian Qianyi's going to Beijing to take up his post today is undoubtedly a big event for the family.According to etiquette, Mrs. Chen, as the wife of the wife, must come out to offer wine and say goodbye as usual.Liu Rushi also had to kneel down and bid farewell to Mrs. Chen.However, a few days ago, in order to collect money, Liu Rushi sought employment for Qian Qianyi and insisted on reducing the expenses of everyone in the family, which aroused Madam Chen's dissatisfaction.For a while, the two had a rather unpleasant quarrel.Therefore, Qian Qianyi was always worried secretly, for fear that Liu Rushi would not accept this lowness when the time came, which would make Mrs. Chen unable to step down.In fact, although Qian Qianyi has no love for his wife at the moment, but as a family of gentry, he feels that he can't ignore the basic rules of etiquette, let alone on such a happy day, It is even more important to avoid making the scene too embarrassing.Originally, he planned to tell Liu Rushi about this idea, but he was afraid that it would be counterproductive, so he hesitated all the time.Now, listening to her questioning Qian Sunai like this, and her tone clearly revealing contempt and resentment, Qian Qianyi couldn't help being taken aback, and hurriedly winked at his son, fearing that he might say something that might add fuel to the fire. However, Qian Sun'ai didn't immediately understand his father's gesture, and obviously lacked the ability to adapt to changing situations.As if frightened, he opened his mouth several times hesitantly, but he couldn't speak, he just cast questioning glances at his father frequently. Of course, this kind of situation cannot escape Liu Rushi's eyes.I saw her turn her face, her eyes suddenly became cold and sharp.She stared hard at her husband.It wasn't until Qian Qianyi lowered her head timidly that she hummed, turned her head and walked out the door. When Qian Qianyi saw it, he panicked even more.He hastily left his dazed son behind, followed quickly, and began to try his best to explain that he hadn't made any hints, it was purely Qian Sunai's misunderstanding just now;But Liu Rushi didn't seem to hear it, she just kept her face tense and quickened her pace without making a sound.As a result, the two followed each other until they walked to the outer hall. According to the layout of the outer hall, there is usually a screen that acts as a screen near the door that communicates with the inner house.When Qian Qianyi followed Liu Rushi across the threshold, he heard the voice of conversation coming from the other side of the screen.Due to the low voice and Qian Qianyi's inflexible ears, he couldn't hear the content of the conversation clearly for a while.But by the tone of his voice, he could tell that one was Mrs. Chen, and the other was his protégé and in-law Qu Shixu. "Ah, so Qu Jiaxuan is here, why didn't he see the pass? He must have just arrived!" Qian Qianyi thought in a hurry, and without thinking, he took two quick steps and rushed out of the lobby first. Sure enough, Qu Shixu, who was wearing a visitor's uniform, was sitting on a chair above him. He probably heard footsteps. He had already stopped talking with Mrs. Chen and turned his head.Seeing Qian Qianyi, he stood up, arched his hands and said: "The teacher is overjoyed to go out! The disciples have been waiting here for a long time!" "Oh, it turned out that you insulted your father-in-law to come in person, and the students didn't know what to do. Offended, really offended!" Qian Qianyi hurriedly returned the courtesy and apologized.On this occasion, he has temporarily ignored Liu Rushi, and only complained to Mrs. Chen as usual: "Why didn't you report in earlier?" "The concubine wanted to report it," Mrs. Chen explained, "the old relative must not allow it, and said that it will not be too late to see you after the husband finishes cooking." Qu Shixu quickly confirmed: "That's exactly the case. The teacher is leaving today, and there are many things to do, but the disciples have nothing to do. Besides, I have been given tea here by the teacher's mother, so I don't want to disturb the teacher too early." Qian Qianyi shook his head: "Then it should be reported immediately!" However, after finishing speaking, he didn't go into details, but made a gesture of giving up his seat: "Then, please!" "Oh," Qu Shiqi declined preparedly, "it's not early, and the guests are already gathered outside. All the people who want to say under the door have been done yesterday. Teacher, it's better to go out early, so as to avoid the guests waiting for a long time." This is of course true.However, Qian Qianyi still pretended to ponder, and then nodded and said: "Yes, that's fine!" After he said so, according to the etiquette, Liu Ruyi should serve the wine as a concubine, and Mrs. Chen should give her husband a farewell party.But because of her aggressiveness just now, Qian Qianyi no longer dared to expect Liu Rushi to do this.Originally, if only members of my own family were present, it would be fine if I was careless.Unexpectedly, there came a serious and serious Qu Shixu, who was too hasty and accommodating. Not only Madam Chen couldn't get it off her face, but even Qian Qianyi himself had a hard time explaining himself in front of his in-laws.So, for a moment he was caught in a dilemma, saying "Yeah" over and over again, but he still didn't dare to turn his face to greet the concubine, the scene seemed quite awkward and embarrassing. "Master, madam, here comes the wine!" A soft greeting sounded in his ears, Qian Qianyi turned his face away instinctively, and suddenly froze - he saw Liu Rushi holding a vermilion tray in both hands, Tingting came to the front.On the tray, there was a silver jug ​​and two small wine glasses.Against the backdrop of a pair of small hands like white jade, the precious vessel looked extraordinarily vivid. Qian Qianyi blinked his eyes, wondering if he had misread it.However, it was true, it was indeed Liu Rushi in front of him.The difference is that the savage and ruthless vigor just now is gone now, and she slightly lowered her well-dressed bun, and her expression and posture have become so dignified and supple. Mrs. Chen naturally didn't understand the awkwardness between her husband and his concubine just now.She was only suddenly excited because her husband was about to go far away. With trembling hands, she picked up the jug, filled it with wine, held it, and said with slightly red eyes: "May your husband go smoothly and get promoted every step of the way! Safe... come back safely. " Qian Qianyi said "oh", took it in a panic, drank it down, and then returned a glass to his wife.When Mrs. Chen bowed her head to drink to hide her tears, he looked at Liu Rushi happily, intending to express his gratitude with his eyes. Liu Rushi didn't even lift her eyelids to him.After handing the tray to the maid, she took a step back, knelt down to Mrs. Chen, and bowed respectfully twice, until Mrs. Chen stepped forward to help her with a blushing face, she silently stood up again.