Chapter 71 Contribution guest

In Huang Zongxi's camp, Shen Shizhu and Liu Jingting talked worriedly about Yu Huai's belated arrival.In fact, they didn't know that Yu Huai had already arrived on the other side of the Qiantang River.It's just that he didn't cross the river, but went to Haining again, and after several inquiries, he finally found Maoxiang's residence.Until the afternoon of the fourth day after Shen and Liu met Huang Zongxi, he was still drinking and talking with Maoxiang and his son in the half-burned house of Maojia in Haining City. Yu Huai came to Haining six days ago.Because Maoxiang was not found in Yixing, and Chen Zhenhui avoided seeing him all the time, he had to take his servant Awei on the road, but he was unwilling to do so, so when he went south via Suzhou and reached the edge of the Qiantang River, he decided to go to Haining again Look for it.He reckoned that with the identities and fame of the Mao family and his son, at least in those gentry's families, there would always be someone who would know about it.As a result, when I inquired, I really found out.When he appeared in front of Maoxiang in a hurry, the two friends couldn't help but feel a lot of extraordinary joy and sorrow.Yu Huai was greatly astonished and lamented that the once rich and extravagant life of a risky family suddenly fell into a state of extreme poverty without food and clothing.He immediately took out the silver taels he carried with him to buy food, clothes and quilts for Maoxiang's family, as well as other expenses, and then temporarily stayed in Maojia.Although he also thought about the mission of coming to the south this time, and thought that Shen Shizhu and Liu Jingting would be worried because of his late arrival, but he also felt that Shen and Liu should have already settled the matter, and he left sooner rather than later. It doesn't matter much, and after finally meeting Maoxiang, I really don't want to leave in a hurry.As a result, after such a hesitation, five or six days passed in the blink of an eye.In the afternoon of this day, after much deliberation, he felt that he had to go on the road no matter what, so he specially ordered Ah Wei to go to the street to get back a pot of wine and a few side dishes, and put them in an empty house in the east wing that was half burned down. Open it up, and invite Mao's father and son over again, intending to say goodbye during the banquet.Unexpectedly, after three glasses of wine, the host's conversation became more and more lively, Yu Huai couldn't bear to break the happy atmosphere of the banquet, so he had to hide his thoughts in his stomach temporarily, and wait for the banquet to end.

Now, the host and guest are sitting around the Eight Immortals table.Mao Qizong was enshrined as the main seat as usual, while Yu Huai and Mao Xiang accompanied each other on both sides.Although it is early summer and the days are getting longer and longer, after all, dusk is approaching. Outside the west-facing window lattice, the fiery red sunset is making shadows among the green trees in the courtyard, making the room shimmer with bright afterglow .The gray-haired Mao Qizong was quite drunk because he drank two more glasses, and he talked extraordinarily much. "Hey, nephew," he leaned his body towards Yu Huai, narrowed his eyes, and said with an excited smile, "you are a good person, a very good person! I didn't say this casually, if you don't believe me, just ask Xiang'er! Well, I Mao Qizong is not a flattering person! Nephew, you are really a good person, a very good person! Hey, I didn’t say this casually! If you don’t believe me, ask Xiang’er! Xiang’er, you say yes No? That’s right—a few days ago, hehe, I’m not afraid of my nephew’s jokes, my family is almost out of control! Think about it, there are thirteen people, and Xiang’er has been seriously ill for several months, so she pretends to be alone Zhang Luo, is it easy? Not easy! Don’t you think so? So, it’s really hard for him! He’s also a good man, a loyal servant! But he can’t support himself alone! So, life is—hee hee, it’s really hard, It's hard! Who knows, by coincidence, the nephew came here, traveled thousands of miles, and generously donated money! This is very rare, very rare, so I say you are a good person!"

After saying so, he raised his wine glass, tilted his neck, drank it down, then put the glass on the table, pointed at Mao Xiang with wide red eyes, and asked, "Tell me, is he a good person?" Say it quickly!" Seeing Mao Xiang nodding his head, he raised his face triumphantly and laughed. The old man's compliment was undoubtedly sincere.But Yu Huai, who was sitting next to him, was very panicked and embarrassed when he heard this.Because his donation this time is entirely based on the friendship between friends and the return of Mao Xiang's generosity in the past, and he has no idea of ​​asking for gratitude from the other party at all; what's more, the old man said the same thing just now Once, he had repeatedly expressed that he didn't dare to take it, but the other party kept saying it again and again, which made him a little restless.In fact, not only him, even Mao Xiang, who was sitting across from him, seemed to feel that his father was a little too humble, so he raised his glass and seemed to want to say something, but Mao Qizong waved his hand and blocked him.

"Don't interrupt! I haven't finished yet!" The old man glared at his son, then turned his blushing face to Yu Huai, opened his mouth, and said in an almost flattering tone: "My nephew is a good man, a very good man After traveling thousands of miles, I... unexpectedly found our poor family, and gave us a helping hand. It's rare! There are ten... thirteen people in my family! It's hard to be alone! You are the solution My family is in a... catastrophe. My nephew is really a lifesaver, I am grateful... Hey, please accept the gift from the old man!" As he said, he staggered and really wanted to stand up.

Finding that Mao Qizong kept saying one thing over and over again, Yu Huai knew that the old man was drunk, but he couldn't stop it, so he could only smile wryly, and bowed his hands to Mao Xiang who was sitting opposite, expressing his deep apology.Suddenly seeing Mao Qizong getting up to salute, he couldn't help being surprised, stood up hastily, pushed the old man back into the chair lightly, then grabbed the wine glass on the table with one hand, lifted the hem of his clothes with the other, and fell to his knees on the ground, loudly Say: "My dear uncle, my nephew took the liberty to pay a visit this time. Thanks to you for not being stingy, sweeping the house and taking care of the mats, so that my nephew can get close to each other day and night. In the past few days, I have been more considerate and considerate of each other. I am very grateful to you for treating each other like family members. Already, I would like to respect the old man!"

As he spoke, without waiting for the other party to answer, he raised the wine to his lips, gulped it down, then stood up, sat down again, wiped his mustache, and immediately pointed to Mao Xiang and said: "Hey, just now I heard from the old man that brother Pijiang had a serious illness last year. But according to my nephew, looking at him now, he is not much different from the past, and his spirit is clearer. This is also because of the good family, so the gods are blessed! " A few days ago, he learned from Mao Xiang that his old friend's illness lasted for several months, and it was extremely dangerous, which made the whole family anxious day and night.He deliberately brought up the matter in order to divert the old man's attention.

Sure enough, Mao Qizong, who was still floating around and wanted to argue with Yu Huai, stopped his movements after hearing what he said, looked back at his son hesitantly, opened his eyes and said: "You mean him! But No, that serious...severe illness was really serious! He beat, beat, beat, and had diarrhea. Sold, all... all pawned, sold! But, it’s not enough! No way, I can only grab some herbs at random, er, deal with it. Remember the winter solstice—er, is it the winter solstice? Yes, that day The most, the scariest, the whole night... was exhausted, I didn't know about personnel, and couldn't wake up after pushing. We thought, he... hey, he couldn't take it, and finally at dawn, he woke up again Come here. No, it’s after Lichun, uh, it’s slowly getting better!”

Yu Huai had actually heard about Mao Xiang's stories about Mao Qizong's situation.In order to lure the old man away from the embarrassing topic just now, he still pretended to be listening attentively.Moreover, when the old man stopped talking, he immediately said: "Brother Pijiang's serious illness has caused the old man to worry a lot!" "Hmm..." Mao Qizong shook his hands, hiccupped, and said with his tongue out, "Say... to worry, it's not me who has had the hardest time, it's the... that little one in his room. Hey, Xiao Wan ——That girl Xiaowan, I really can't say! Accompanying him day and night, feeding soup and medicine...and the dedication, we all feel sorry for him! When Xiang'er is cold, she hugs him; when Xiang'er is hot... She wiped his sweat and fanned him; when Xianger wanted to get up, she supported him; Even Xiang'er's excrement, she...she will not let it go, she has to see it with her own eyes—well, to see if it is good or bad! But...Xiang'er is asexual during illness, has a very violent temper, and scolds people at every turn , and sometimes beat her. But she endured all...all of it, and never...had a sound of impatience. Hey, Xiang'er was able to survive this catastrophe, her credit... credit is really not small! "

What the old man said this time is already the situation inside the house, and some things may not be suitable for outsiders to know.Probably because of this reason, Yu Huai didn't hear Mao Xiang's mention.He glanced at his friend sitting on the side, and found that Mao Xiang really lowered his head and kept silent, he didn't know whether he was happy or unhappy.Yu Huai is a smart person, he hesitated for a moment, then stood up wisely, cupped his hands and said: "Old man, brother Pijiang, it's getting late, today's talk is very enjoyable! Why don't we leave the banquet here. My nephew still needs to pack his luggage, So that we can set off on the road tomorrow!"

"Why, brother is leaving tomorrow?" Mao Xiang suddenly raised his head and asked suspiciously. Yu Huai nodded: "It's because my younger brother is going south this time to do goods in Jiaxing. If you don't leave, I'm afraid you won't be able to make it in time. Besides, the family members will be anxious to see that younger brother won't come back!" Regarding the secret mission of this trip, Yu Huai did not disclose it to the other party out of caution.So hearing what he said, although Maoxiang didn't say anything for a while, but after a while, he still hesitated to stay and said: "It's a rare meeting, brother, how about staying for two more days before going?"

Yu Huai smiled wryly: "Even the younger brother would like to stay with the elder brother, but the times are poor and the world is chaotic, making a living is not easy, even if you have this heart, is it possible?" "But……" "Hey, Xiang...Xiang'er!" Mao Qizong's vague voice came from the side. The two friends looked back, and found that just for a moment, the old man had already leaned on the chair with his eyes closed, looking drunk and exhausted. "Oh, the baby is here! I don't know what orders my father has?" Maoxiang asked quickly. Mao Qizong pointed to the door: "Well, you go - call Xiaowan!" "Call Xiao Wan to come? What are you doing?" "If you are told to call, you can call!" Mao Qizong said impatiently, without opening his eyes. Mao Xiang moved his mouth, as if he still wanted to ask, but when his eyes fell on his father's old and drunken face, he turned around and walked out. "Well, nephew, sit down!" Mao Qizong, who seemed to have fallen asleep, threw out another sentence. Yu Huai was already planning to leave with him, and felt a little puzzled to hear his order, but he had no choice but to agree, and hesitantly sat back on the chair. The room fell silent as the conversation ceased.As the setting sun outside the window receded its last rays, a misty mist began to float in front of my eyes.Now there is only one old servant pretending to be able to order the pretender, so seeing that the sky is going to be completely dark, there is still no one coming in to light the lamp.On the contrary, Ah Wei, Yu Huai's personal attendant, thought that the master was still in the room, walked in and took a look, and found that the banquet was not over yet, so he found a broken oil lamp and put it on the table to light it.He asked the master that he had no other orders, and then withdrew again. Now, relying on that small lonely flickering flame, Yu Huai saw Mao Qizong leaning back on the chair, motionless.In the dim light and shadow, the gray braid drooping on his chest was particularly eye-catching. "Well, the old man asked Pijiang to call Dong Xiaowan, what's the matter?" He thought, "But this time, Dong Xiaowan must have suffered a lot during the escape. Compared with three years ago, the black and thin and haggard appearance is almost nothing. She looks ten years older. I almost didn't recognize her when I saw her that day! Of course, after returning to Pijiang, she finally got what she wanted. Compared with Shi Niang and Sister Mei, she is still Much luckier! But, I'm just afraid that her fate is not enough, I think she..." Just as he was thinking wildly, he heard footsteps in his ears.He looked up and found two figures outside the dark doorway.Then, Maoxiang and Dong Xiaowan stepped into the shadow of the lamp, one behind the other. "Good luck, master! Master calls for his wife, what order do you have?" Seeing that there were guests present, Dong Xiaowan lowered his head slightly as soon as he entered the door, went straight to Mao Qizong, folded his sleeves around his waist, and asked politely. Mao Qizong closed his eyes and did not respond.It wasn't until Dong Xiaowan asked another question that he raised his eyelids with an "ah".When he saw that Dong Xiaowan was standing in front of him, he grinned and nodded, then closed his eyes again, waved his hands, and said: "Well, it's good that you're here! Yu...Mr. Yu said he's leaving. He's a good...good man, a good man! He saved our family! You...you just sing...sing a little song, Give him... see him off!" "Ah, the old man said, see me off?" Yu Huai couldn't help being startled. "Well, it's for you!" Mao Qizong said with certainty. "This...I'm afraid...but..." "Report to my lord father," before Yu Huai stammered, Mao Xiang, who was standing at the side, took a step forward unexpectedly, and lowered his head to report, "Xiao Wan is not feeling well these days, and she hasn't sung for a long time. , I'm afraid, I'm afraid I can't sing well..." "Good singing!" Mao Qizong interrupted him impatiently, "A few days ago, I heard her singing in the room, to relieve your boredom, she sang very well!" "However, she is really sick these few days, and she has a fever, so she doesn't sing any more." Mao Xiang insisted. When Dong Xiaowan was still a famous prostitute in Qinhuai River, she became famous for her excellent sex and art.Yu Huai has also heard her sing more than once on various occasions, and left a deep impression on her.Later, she married Maoxiang, and this opportunity no longer existed.Now, Yu Huai is naturally very happy to appreciate Dong Xiaowan's wonderful singing voice again.He hesitated just now, because he felt that the master was too affectionate and he couldn't bear it.However, now hearing what Mao Xiang said, he suddenly became uneasy, and hurriedly chimed in: "Oh, since you're sick, don't force yourself!" "Don't listen to him!" Mao Qizong interrupted rudely, then opened his eyes and glared at his son angrily: "What's wrong, I can't sing. It's obviously a deliberate prevarication! Mr. Yu has traveled a long way and went to Yixing again. , came here again, just to visit us, is it easy? He also donated money to help and rescued our family, is it easy? You don’t miss this kind of love, but I do! Now that he is leaving, how about I don’t know when we will see each other again. My family has fallen into such a state, and I have nothing else to thank them for, isn’t it just singing a little song? But you, you still refuse to buy it!” The more the old man spoke, the louder his voice became.His drunken eyes shone with resentment, his brows stood up, his chest heaved and heaved, panting for breath.Seeing his father like this, Mao Xiang visibly flinched, but he still argued tenaciously: "But Xiao Wan..." "Ah, are you singing or not? Are you singing or not?" The old man shouted suddenly, and at the same time he flicked his hands angrily, and the cups and bowls on the table shook left and right, and a piece was poured. "Oh, my daughter-in-law sings! My daughter-in-law sings! My daughter-in-law sings now!" Dong Xiaowan, who was standing by the side, trembled in fright, and said repeatedly.She went up to her husband at once, said something in an eager whisper, then drew him aside, moved a chair, and sat him down.Seeing that Mao Qizong had shown an impatient expression again, she hurried up to Yu Huai again, bowed deeply, and said, "Mr. Yu, please sit down, and wait for the concubine to present a song, on behalf of my master and husband. Mr. Yu sees you off. Please forgive me if I sing badly!" When Maoxiang and his son had a big dispute, Yu Huai also felt at a loss.He naturally understands Mao Xiang's feelings of returning to protect his concubine, but if he tries his best to help his friend, he is afraid that it will hurt the old man's good intentions, so he doesn't know how to persuade him for a while.Now, seeing that Dong Xiaowan couldn't resist Mao Qizong's urging, and was finally about to start singing for himself, he suddenly became uneasy again, and instinctively planned to decline.But when he came into contact with the other party's line of sight, he unexpectedly found that under the dim light, Dong Xiaowan's flickering eyes looked so anxious, pitiful, and full of prayers... So he couldn't help but feel it. He retracted the words on his lips, returned the salute hesitantly, looked at Mao Xiang who was frowning silently, and sat back on the chair in a state of anxiety. Now, the room was silent again.Dong Xiaowan, who had already walked to the table of the Eight Immortals, kept her mouth shut, silently rolled up her sleeves, picked up a bamboo chopsticks, stood with her legs together, and assumed a habitual posture.However, she didn't start singing right away, but frowned slightly, staring at the beating flame on the table, as if she was concentrating, and secretly choosing a song.Finally, with a movement of her wrist, she tapped the beat on the table with bamboo chopsticks, first hummed a passage of music, then opened her red lips lightly, and sang gracefully—— This is a section of the Southern Opera "Worshiping the Moon Pavilion", which is sung by the protagonist Jiang Shilong and Wang Ruilan when they were fleeing from disaster and were robbed on the way.Maybe Dong Xiaowan had a similar experience when he fled with the Mao family last year, and now he felt something in his heart, so he naturally thought of this verse.However, it would be a bit unlucky to sing something like "encounter a robber" while seeing Yu Huai off.Therefore, before she sang the last four words "death for a moment", Mao Qizong shook his head and interrupted loudly: "Well, not good, not good! This song is not good, choose another good one to sing!" Dong Xiaowan was immersed in the scene shown in the lyrics, and after singing three songs in succession, she couldn't stop feeling sad and tears were shining.Unexpectedly, when she heard her father-in-law stop drinking, she suddenly woke up, quickly wiped her tearful eyes, apologized with a sorry smile and said: "Oh, what my father-in-law said is right, this song is not good, my slave will sing another song, and sing another song." !" On the other hand, Yu Huai, when Dong Xiaowan started to sing, although he was still a little uneasy, after two or three lines of the song were sent to his ears, his emotions gradually relaxed as if he was being soothed by an invisible hand, and he was involuntarily attracted by the song. The other party was attracted by the graceful singing voice that was full of resentment, admiration, and weeping, and with the change of tunes, he was deeply moved by the chaotic feelings conveyed in it.In addition, the scene in the room is full of lamps and shadows, which also adds an infinitely sad and urgent atmosphere to this swan song.Therefore, when he heard that Dong Xiaowan was going to sing something else, he was a little surprised, and was about to say that there was no need for it, and it would be great if he continued singing like this!But when he raised his head, he met Maoxiang's cold gaze, as if he was asking: "Hmph, haven't you heard enough? How long do you want to listen?" Yu Huai couldn't help being startled for a moment, then suddenly realized, and immediately said: "Oh, thank you for the song! I wanted to learn, but it's really late, Xiaosheng still needs to pack up, so let's save it for another day!" As he spoke, he bowed his hands to Mao Xiang in apology, and stood up first.