Chapter 90 couple against each other

Although Ma Shiying said that he was going to seek the emperor's will, two full days passed after the meeting in the Qingyi Hall, but nothing happened.On the contrary, during these two days, the news from the Eastern Front became more and more frightening—for a while it was said that the Qing soldiers were crossing the river, and there was a fierce battle in Zhenjiang; Leading the Fujian soldiers under his command, they abandoned the city and fled, while Huang Binqing, the other commander-in-chief, didn't even want the army at all, and absconded with only a few entourages by boat.On May 9, the situation became even more dire. It was said that a large number of troops from the Qing army had crossed the Yangtze River and headed straight for Danyang from Zhenjiang.Yang Wencong, the inspector of Changzhou and Zhenjiang, was unable to reach the enemy, and had already led the remnant soldiers to flee to Suzhou.As the news spread, the entire city of Nanjing fell into an unprecedented panic.In the streets and alleys, everyone is full of fear of the imminent disaster, and there is a lot of discussion.At the same time, a wave of great escape is also brewing and happening rapidly.The whole city, from officials and gentry to wealthy businessmen and ordinary people, packed up their belongings one after another, colluded with each other, and planned to leave the city for refuge.Every time the news spread that one family had successfully escaped, ten, twenty, or even hundreds of families would be induced, setting off a bigger wave of fleeing...

Probably in order to calm people's hearts, Emperor Hongguang issued two imperial edicts on the tenth day of the fifth month: first, the family members of the gentry were not allowed to leave the city;However, at the same time, there was a third imperial decree, that is, the four ladies selected a few days ago—all of whom are currently placed in the economic factory—are also ordered to be released to their mother's house.It was this third edict that aroused Qian Qianyi's vigilance.Because these four ladies were played by Emperor Hongguang of Ming Dynasty by Qian Qianyi a month ago, and the emperor came to Yuanhui Hall in person, looked at the 120 candidates from Nanzhili and Zhejiang, and finally selected them of.Not long ago, the eunuch Li Yongfang urged him to take out the money for the big wedding, and the emperor also issued an order: "The Ministry should quickly borrow money." Among them, the three items of the future empress's bead crown, ceremony crown, and permanent crown alone cost a lot of money. Forty thousand taels of silver.At that time, it happened that Zuo Liangyu was raising troops, and the news was very tight, but the preparations for the big wedding never stopped.But right now, a decree was suddenly delivered to let the lady go home, it seemed that things were by no means that simple. "Ah, could it be that the emperor has become discouraged and desperate, and decided to follow the example of Emperor Daxing and die as a sacrifice for the country?" As soon as this thought flashed, Qian Qianyi suddenly became very nervous. He left the chair by himself, started to wander around the study with his hands behind his back.

Indeed, as early as three days ago at the Qingyitang meeting, Qian Qianyi had already estimated that there were only three options before the Nanjing court-war of resistance, surrender, or escape.But he didn't have time to think deeply about the meaning and consequences of each of them.Even after Zhao Zhilong proposed to surrender, Qian Qianyi still didn't think about it seriously.But it is different now. Emperor Hongguang has never expressed support for the idea of ​​surrender, but he has not fully prepared for the war; judging from the fact that he still summons theatrical troupes to perform in the palace until today, it seems unlikely that he will abandon the city and flee.Then maybe he was planning to die for his country.If such a situation really occurs, Qian Qianyi, as a minister, should also follow the martyrdom.Doing so will naturally be heroic, loyal and brave, and will definitely win the praise of the world.But he is the only descendant of Qian's main branch, he still has an estate in his family, and beside him is a beautiful concubine Liu Rushi.All these made Qian Qianyi unable to give up categorically.What's more, I have devoted myself to study for most of my life, and I have accumulated a lot of knowledge, which has not been fully utilized.In particular, I have one of my greatest long-cherished wishes in my life: I plan to compile a history of the Ming Dynasty.For this reason, he has collected a large amount of information, and he is confident that once it is compiled, it will be famous forever.If he died at this moment, it would be difficult to rest in peace.Well, if it is not a last resort, it seems that it is best not to die!What about running away?For example, hide and wait for the opportunity to move; or retreat to the countryside from now on, and don't care about world affairs.It seems that that is not the way.Not to mention that as a minister, when the emperor is still guarding the capital, he cannot escape privately.Even if he escaped, he would have nowhere to hide when the Qing Dynasty acquired Nanjing and then took China as its own.What's more, with his status and fame, he will definitely be searched out by all means.If neither "death" nor "going" can be done, then the only remaining option seems to be surrender.When it comes to surrender, it doesn't matter whether it is easy to accept in the eyes of others. As for Qian Qianyi, he clearly feels an instinctive disgust and fear.In fact, if he is merely an insignificant figure, or a warrior without etiquette, surrender is easy.However, unfortunately, he became a senior official and a famous leader in the literary world.Once he betrays and surrenders, he will never escape harsh public opinion and ruthless historical writing.Even thousands of years later, he will still be criticized and reviled by future generations.This was exactly what Qian Qianyi was worried and afraid of, and he couldn't put it calmly.

He stopped by the window.Although it didn't rain anymore outside, it was still cloudy.When the application was submitted, it was already dark.This situation has been like this since three days ago.In addition, the strong wind has been blowing non-stop, so that the whole sky is covered by rolling dark clouds, and it is gloomy all day long, and sometimes it is necessary to light candles in broad daylight.It seems that even God is feeling sad and terrified of the imminent catastrophe of national subjugation. "Ah, maybe the emperor is not intending to die for the country, but is preparing to surrender? Yes, this is by no means impossible, and it can even be said that this is more in line with his nature! In fact, even if the emperor and the old horse have made a decision to go to the Qing Dynasty' The matter must be done in secret, and we will not let us know. Of course, if the emperor decides, we as courtiers can only obey. Even if future generations want to blame, they can't blame me. Because it is not me I am willing to do this!" Because he suddenly discovered a possible way out of the predicament, Qian Qianyi suddenly felt a little more at ease, and even felt relieved.So I began to concentrate and ponder along this line of thought.He thought that although he surrendered with the emperor, once he surrendered, he would no longer be able to rely on the emperor's protection, so he had to find a way to protect himself.It is necessary to try to bring together the most powerful figures among the conquerors.For this reason, gift-giving and spending money are absolutely indispensable.On the contrary, I used it last year in order to seek a comeback, and almost emptied all my family's savings.After arriving in Nanjing, although I tried my best to search for it, I managed to get some of it back. After all, the time was short and the income was limited.But I can't care too much. "Hey, rather than digging a well when you're thirsty, it's better to prepare for the rain. It's better to get it done as soon as possible!"

Having made up his mind like this, Qian Qianyi regained his energy, turned around, and shouted excitedly: "Li Bao!" When the servant appeared in response, he ordered a message to go in, and asked Mrs. Liu to quickly gather up all the belongings, but don't put them in boxes and pack them. When he comes back, he will have a place in his own area.After Li Baoyingnuo withdrew, Qian Qianyi also left the house in a hurry, together with the eunuchs Tian Cheng, Li Yongfang and others, went to the economic factory, finished the matter of distributing the ladies, and then rushed back to the yamen, changed into casual clothes, and went straight to the inner house go.

The weather is already hot, and it would have been so hot that it would have been restless if it had been in previous years.It's either raining or windy these days, but it's getting better.However, within a short time, the outside wind stopped, and the room suddenly became hot.Qian Qianyi thought with all his heart that at this moment Liu Rushi must be following his orders, busy in the upper room until the corners of his forehead were sweating.However, when he stepped into the living room, he found that it was quiet, not even a single person.He couldn't help being slightly startled, and hurried to the bedroom on the right, and opened the curtain, and then he saw clearly: it turned out that his petite and exquisite concubine was only wearing a very thin, translucent plantain cloth obscene dress, semi-transparent. She was lying on her side, on a cool couch with green gauze curtains hanging down.Under the reflection of a bucket-colored crystal lamp next to it, the plump body and the red tube top are faintly visible.As if she didn't hear her husband's footsteps, she still bent her beautiful arm like a snow lotus root, holding a pale emerald round fan with her five fingernails painted with Kodan, gently covering her face, pillow Only a head of rich hair like a dark cloud was exposed.

Perhaps moved by the wonderful scene that suddenly came into his eyes, even though he caught a glimpse of the maid Hongqing turning out from behind the screen with a water plate in her hand, Qian Qianyi waved his hand to signal her to keep quiet, and then let go Stepping lightly, he approached the couch, admiring the concubine's sleeping state intently; a stronger feeling of unbearable love and compassion rose from the bottom of his heart, and instantly filled his chest. "Ah, just for her, I can't just die like this!" He thought reluctantly and persistently.At this moment, Hongqing had already moved a pouf to the side of the couch, so Qian Qianyi sat down first, then reached out and patted the concubine's arm lightly, intending to ask why Don't even try to manage your belongings.However, Liu Rushi remained motionless, seemingly unaware of her husband's arrival.

Seeing the concubine like this, Qian Qianyi couldn't help feeling suspicious, because Liu Rushi didn't follow his instructions, obviously there was a reason for the incident.With her nature, she would never fall asleep peacefully before she made it clear to herself.Therefore, she is more likely to be angry at the moment. "Well, did something happen just now?" Qian Qianyi frowned and turned to ask Hongqing. "No, nothing happened!" Seeing the master's unkind expression, Hong Qing seemed a little flustered. "So, has anyone been here?" "Human? Oh, Miss Hui and Miss Bian came here just now, sat there for a while, and then went."

"Well, what did they say?" "Oh, they said, said, that the Tartar soldiers are coming, and many people in the city are planning to flee. It's very chaotic." "anything else?" "No, no more!" Qian Qianyi stopped asking.Yes, in the past month or so, he has indeed concealed many changes in the current situation from Liu Rushi, such as Zuo Liangyu's rise of troops eastward, Yangzhou's fall, and the recent meeting of the Qingyi Hall, etc., he did not disclose, in order to avoid She was terrified. "Well, she has been with me all these years, and this period of time is probably the most proud of her, so let her have a good time for a few days!" He thought more than once when he was worried.Unexpectedly, Huixiang and Bian Saisai exposed all the good intentions at once.

"Hey, why are you angry? No, I'm also planning to discuss it with you!" After figuring out the reason for the concubine's anger, Qian Qianyi turned his face back to the couch, coaxing and explaining, "Outside The situation is indeed a bit bad, and it is true that the northern soldiers are going to call. However, the emperor is still guarding the city. Ma Yaocao called the Minister of Civil and Military Affairs to the Qingyi Hall for a meeting the day before yesterday. It seems that he will pay the northern soldiers. If this is successful In the future, this official will still have something to do, but it will cost some money. That's why I ordered Li Bao to send a message, asking Madam to take care of the savings in my hand, so that I can have a plan in mind, so that I won't be in a hurry when the time comes."

Despite his explanation, Liu Rushi still lay there, motionless, as if he didn't hear anything at all. Seeing the obstinate concubine, Qian Qianyi couldn't help but frowned, raised his voice slightly, and urged: "Well, don't just lie down, the northern soldiers may arrive sooner or later. Hurry up and get ready together." "Do something, no!" Liu Rushi finally spoke.But through a round fan, her expression is still unclear for the time being. "Why not? It's only been more than half a year, so it's too much to say, but there is still a little bit, I remember..." "If you say no, there is no. No one can lie to you!" "No, no? Then—how could it be?" Qian Qianyi blinked, a little out of breath.Undoubtedly, with Liu Rushi's arrogant temperament, he would naturally be very unhappy that he intentionally concealed the situation outside from her.But, didn't I explain everything to her just now?At the moment when the fire is imminent, she still only cares about showing off and making troubles, which is too much.What's more, Qian Qianyi didn't know anything else, but a few days ago he kept receiving Gongsheng students who came to walk through the door and seek official positions, and he received a lot of various gifts. At that time, he ordered them to be sent to the inner house to be handed over to Liu Rushi .Who would have thought that the concubine would push her away in one gulp!Qian Qianyi was a little annoyed.However, when his eyes fell on the other party's smooth back exposed under the obscene clothes, and the deep, beautifully twisting waist and eye sockets, his heart couldn't help softening, so he lifted the green gauze curtain, Sitting on the couch, gently patted the concubine, half persuading and half coaxing: "Hey, don't be childish, get up quickly, help my husband sort things out, and see what's in store. You can feel at ease now that you've sorted things out clearly!" While speaking, his right hand with exposed veins and age spots stretched along Liu Rushi's armpit.Unexpectedly, with a "slap", Liu Rushi beat back severely. "Damn! I said no, no, no! Did you hear that?" she shrieked, stamping her little feet. Qian Qianyi was stunned for a moment, and his dark face with a gray beard suddenly sank: "You said no, then, tell me, where did the things and money go? Tell me!" Because Liu If the savagery and willfulness shown at this moment are too unreasonable, Qian Qianyi really got angry, and his tone suddenly became sharp. However, Liu Rushi did not show any weakness. As soon as she turned over and sat up, her face was flushed, her eyes were wide open, and she shouted angrily: "Where did you go? Tell you, I ate, flowers, I stole it, and I was stolen." Robbers are robbing! This is done!" This was Qian Qianyi's unexpected answer again.Moreover, the arrogance of this petite woman was so fierce and compelling that Qian Qianyi was so frightened that he stood off the couch all of a sudden, and took two steps back in a panic.However, when he found out that the other party was obviously making trouble out of no reason, his anger was fanned even more intensely and could not be suppressed. "Well, since there is nothing here, then go back to Changshu for me, sell the fields, land, and houses! You must also collect enough money and send it to me!" "Success, if you want to sell, just sell it!" Liu Rushi also jumped to the ground at once, with bare feet, stepped in front of the rosewood desk, reached out and grabbed an ancient jade hairpin vase, He fell to the ground with a "smack"; he grabbed a handful of vegetarian teapots and smashed them to pieces; then he grabbed the front of the obscene clothes with both hands, and tore them to the sides with a "chi"; Weeping, mournful cry: "Sell it, sell it all! You don't have to go back to Changshu, call someone tomorrow and sell me too! Don't you just want to make money and buy another official? Sell me, and you will have money To give it to the Tartars, there are officials who have done it! Will you sell it? Ah, will you sell it or not!" After nearly four years of getting along, although Qian Qianyi has figured out a lot about Mrs. Ru's temper, he still never imagined that when she exploded, she would be in such a desperate manner.He was really frightened, staring at the tearful Liu Rushi with wide-eyed frightened eyes; then he lowered his head, frowned, and sat back on the open pouf without saying a word. superior.