Chapter 23 twenty-three

The next morning Mrs. Zhou forced Zhou Botao to write a letter, and sent Zhou Gui to Zheng's house, asking Guoguang to come for a light meal in the afternoon.But Zheng Guoguang thanked him with the excuse of "people are uncomfortable".He wouldn't even write a note. "Why doesn't Boxiong come? Maybe he already knows our intentions?" Mrs. Zhou said in surprise.She was disappointed and seemed to have hit a stumbling block. "He knows, that would be bad," Zhou Botao said thoughtfully.He could not find a solution to this little matter.He always regarded it as a serious matter beyond his ability.

"Not necessarily, he won't know so soon," Mrs. Zhou thought for a while, then shook her head and said. "He said that he was not feeling well, or that he was really sick. Then we can talk about it after he recovers," Zhou Botao suddenly thought of a way to procrastinate. "Alright," Mrs. Zhou said after a moment of hesitation. "I think it's better to ask Mingxuan to go over and ask about his illness. If it's true, of course I have nothing to say. If it's a fake illness, please ask Mingxuan to negotiate with him face to face," Mrs. Chen quietly listened to Mrs. Zhou When Zhou Botao spoke, she knew what her husband was thinking, so she couldn't help interjecting.Her words reminded Mrs. Zhou.

"Your method is very good," Mrs. Zhou said to Mrs. Chen, "We have to trouble the young master to go." Zhou Botao glanced at his wife unhappily. It was inconvenient for him to make a noise in front of his mother, so he had to obey. Mrs. Zhou sent Zhou Gui to Gao's house to invite Juexin.Zhou Gui did a good job.Juexin came to Zhou's house without waiting for breakfast. When Juexin arrived at Zhou's house, he was naturally welcomed by Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Chen sincerely.They told him what Guoguang had evaded, and expressed their opinions.Juexin agrees with their proposition, and he is also willing to go to Zheng's house.Mrs. Zhou kindly asked him to have breakfast, but he couldn't refuse, so he had to eat with his grandmother, uncle, and aunts.

During the meal, Master Mei and his new young mistress, who usually hid in the room, also came out.Mei seldom talked to Juexin at the dinner table. First, because his father was present, he didn't dare to say more. Second, after Mei got married, he didn't like talking in front of people even more.Others criticized him behind his back, saying that he had said everything to the bride.This is of course a joke.But Juexin noticed that the little redness that had appeared on Mei's face not long ago had faded away.Instead, his face looked paler than before.Although there is often a smile on it, this young man's smile reminds one of the face of an old man dying.What Juexin finds particularly frightening is the pair of slightly sunken eyes, which express a kind of deep addiction, a kind of giving up after a powerless struggle.Contrast this with the vigorous health of the young woman next to me.That long face with heavy makeup seems to be coated with a layer of vitality, as if the vitality that overflows the whole body is about to burst out of the face.She never uttered a complete sentence.But she raised her eyes to look at Juexin twice: her gaze seemed to be a stream of water, trying to wash someone somewhere.Juexin thought painfully: Another crime is about to be completed.To him there was no doubt about it, and the omen was before his eyes.He looked at me pityingly again.Mei sat opposite him as if nothing had happened. "He doesn't know, they don't know," Juexin thought, unable to swallow any more grains of rice.But he had no choice but to finish the remaining rice in the bowl before leaving the table with Mrs. Zhou.

After the meal, Master Mei and his wife went back to their room immediately.Yun also sat with Juexin in Mrs. Zhou's room for a while, chatting about some gossip.Yun was very grateful to Jue Xin for the matter of her deceased cousin, and she also showed her feelings during the conversation.This is naturally an encouragement to Juexin.Only Zhou Botao, who is a father, is not enthusiastic about this matter.He always had an unhappy expression on his brow when talking with Juexin.Juexin knew his psychology, so he didn't care about him. Juexin came out of Mrs. Zhou's room and went to Zheng's house in his own sedan chair.The sedan chair stops in the hall.Zheng's servants led him into the living room.He waited there for a long time before he saw Zheng Guoguang come out.

When the two meet, they naturally say some polite words first.Juexin saw that Guoguang was in good spirits and that Fang didn't look sick, so he deliberately asked Guoguang about his illness.Guoguang couldn't feel his face turning red, he hesitated for a while before saying a few perfunctory words.He frowned as he spoke: "Thank you big cousin for asking. I caught a cold the night before yesterday, and I couldn't get out of bed all day yesterday. The doctor told me not to go out, so my father-in-law sent someone to say hello, but I couldn't go..." Juexin didn't want to listen any further, so he let Guoguang speak alone.He thought: "You still have a cold in this weather? And there is no sign of illness at all, so you are obviously lying." He did not expose Guoguang's lie, but pretended to believe it and said a few words of comfort.

Guoguang can say a lot of things in front of Zhou Botao, but when facing Juexin, his words don't apply at all.Besides, he didn't have much to say.So under Juexin's constant gaze, a look of embarrassment began to appear on his face. Juexin deliberately brought the topic to Hui's body, and then turned to the issue of the coffin's burial.Guoguang felt guilty and tried his best to dodge, but was finally caught by Juexin on the topic.He knew it was impossible to refuse in person or find excuses.He was thinking about how to deal with it, and said vaguely: "...the land has been bought, but there are other things, I'm afraid it's too late for a while, Jia Yan means... it's best to move it to next spring..."

"As far as I know, it doesn't take too much trouble to be a relative. In fact, it takes less than a year to do such a small matter. Cousin Hui is not so lucky," Juexin said with a sneer, "My uncle's idea is to invite the cousin-in-law Bury the coffin early so that the dead have a home. This can be said to be a sense of survival.” Guoguang felt that Juexin's words were harsh, and his face blushed again.However, he had a scheming thought and suddenly thought of an idea, so he put on a smile and said in Juexin's tone: "Big cousin is right. I didn't agree with Jiayan's idea at first. Yes, we should Let the deceased return to their destination as soon as possible. I will definitely do what my cousin wants. In fact, I plan to do the same without asking your cousin. Naturally, the sooner the date, the better. Jiayan will not disagree."

Such a straightforward answer was beyond Juexin's expectation.He froze for a moment, and then a look of satisfaction appeared.However, he was still afraid that Guoguang would hide away, so he said, "Then please give me a deadline before I can go back and talk to my uncle. My uncle has read the almanac and said that the fourth day of next month is just right." He thought Guoguang Certainly disapproving of the date (since it is less than ten days away), he is up for a bargaining game. But this time it was beyond Juexin's expectations, and Guoguang agreed without hesitation: "Okay, the fourth day is the fourth day, we must do it. Please don't worry, big cousin, go back and tell your father-in-law and mother-in-law that you will be buried on the fourth day." .”

As a result, many words that Juexin had prepared could not be uttered.He saw that Guoguang agreed so readily. Although this was not like Guoguang's usual attitude, it was inconvenient for him to force Guoguang any more.He felt that the negotiation this time was quite smooth. Juexin went from Zheng's house to Zhou's house, and he reported the results of the negotiations to his grandmother, uncle, and aunt.Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Chen were naturally very satisfied.They said many words of gratitude to him.Even Zhou Botao had a smile on his face.No quarrel, no conflict, no breach of decorum, only such a resolution was what he was looking forward to.And it relieved him of a burden and trouble.

Juexin said goodbye.He had already walked down the stone steps, and when he heard Yun calling him from behind, he turned and came back.He saw Yun standing at the door of the main room smiling at him.She seemed to have just stepped out of the passage with a few books in her hand. He walked up to Yun, and Yun handed him the books in his hand, saying, "Big Cousin, I return these few books to you, please pick some more for me." "Okay, I'll call someone to deliver it when I get home. I'll go to the company first," Juexin replied happily after taking the book.He was about to turn around and leave.Yun called him again.He looked at Yun, waiting for her to speak. Seeing Juexin waiting for her, Yun suddenly became speechless again.She was a little agitated, but she calmed down quickly.She whispered: "Big cousin, you have done something for my sister. She will also appreciate you in Jiuquan." She smiled movedly.She was still looking at him, tears streaming from her eyes. Juexin was quite proud of having successfully negotiated.Now when he heard Yun's two short sentences, he suddenly felt that the joy just now flew away, leaving only emptiness, regret and shame.Grateful, what is he worthy of the gratitude of the dead?What is it about him that deserves the gratitude of this innocent girl in front of him?Didn't he help others to send her cousin to die?Didn't he let the coffins of the dead be abandoned in ancient temples?At those times they asked for help in despair, and they trusted him and appreciated him, but what did he do for them?What practical things did he do now?No, nothing!All he gave them was empty sympathy and concern.But they responded with sincere gratitude.Now that things have not been settled, her gratitude comes.The vibrating voice of that pure girl stirred his heart.He had no reason to accept her gratitude!And he couldn't even repay his past debts. "Cousin Yun, don't thank me, I haven't done anything worthy of your gratitude," he struggled for a while before uttering this sentence, his eyes were also wet.He couldn't say anything more, or listen to anything, he sighed out the words "I'm going", then turned around abruptly and left. Yun stood at the door of the main room, sending him away with sympathetic and respectful eyes.It was very quiet in the patio.The sun put the shadow of the sycamore leaf on her body, and just as Yun turned around, a burst of sharp laughter flew out of Young Master Mei's room.She frowned unconsciously. When Juexin arrived at the company, he heard someone talking inside as soon as he walked to the door of his office. He quickly lifted the curtain and went in.It turned out that his fourth uncle Ke'an and Danjiao Zhang Bixiu were waiting for him here.Zhang Bixiu was sitting on the rattan chair, when she saw him coming in, she stood up and greeted him with a smile.Ke An was sitting on the movable chair in front of the desk, fanning with a folding fan. "Mingxuan, why did you come so late today? We're waiting for you," Ke'an said with a smile when he saw Juexin coming in.He still sat on the chair majesticly, but turned the chair around a bit. "I didn't know that fourth dad was coming today. I just went to grandma's house," Juexin replied listlessly. "I want to buy a few pieces of clothing for Fangwen, and I'll ask you to accompany us to Xinfaxiang," Ke'an said in an interface. "Fangwen?" Juexin said the name in surprise, but he was still thinking about other things. "This is the number given to me by the fourth master," Zhang Bixiu said with a smile. "Ah!" Juexin seemed to wake up from a dream, he let out a breath, and asked Ke'an, "Fourth dad going now?" "Then let's go, we have other things," Ke'an said. "Young master just arrived, don't you want to rest for a while? I'm afraid I'm a little tired," Zhang Bixiu looked at Juexin and said kindly. "It doesn't matter, it's better to go early," Juexin replied gently.He accompanied Ke An and Zhang Bixiu out. Juexin noticed that many people were looking at them.He knew that everyone was watching Zhang Bixiu (even people who never went to theater would know Zhang Bixiu was a dan role when they saw Zhang Bixiu's pink face, clothes and walking posture).He was a little embarrassed, but he couldn't leave Ke An and Zhang Bixiu and run away alone.He had to be patient.Seeing that Ke An was only talking to Zhang Bixiu, he quickened his pace and walked a little ahead. Arriving at Xinfaxiang, Juexin let out a deep breath.He thought he could walk away as long as he said hello at the counter and introduced Ke'an.Unexpectedly, Ke'an insisted that he stay and help choose clothing materials, negotiating for a discount.He couldn't escape it.But he just stood there blankly, talking good and bad with the two of them, and didn't contribute much. Neither Ke An nor Zhang Bixiu was in such a hurry as Juexin, nor did they notice that he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief from time to time.They carefully selected, looked at all kinds of materials, and rated them as good or bad.The guys in the store knew that Ke'an was a big customer, they also knew Zhang Bixiu's name, and they cared about Juexin's affection, so they waited on them patiently.The more they choose, the more careful they are, and the more they choose, the more they buy.The guys were busy and had smiles on their faces.Not long after, seven or eight people gathered at the door, all of whom came to see Zhang Bixiu. Finally, the clothing material was completely selected.A satisfied smile appeared on Zhang Bixiu's pink face.Ke'an spent more than a hundred yuan for these clothes, and he also bought two high-quality clothes for his wife Wang.Zhang Bixiu's clothes were delivered by someone from the shop.Needless to say, the payment is recorded on the account, and the store will send someone to collect the account before the Mid-Autumn Festival One-way collection from Juexin (Ke'an will naturally hand over the payment to Juexin at that time). Coming out of Xinfaxiang, Ke'an and Zhang Bixiu went the other way.Juexin went back to the office alone.He sat down, drank strong spring tea, casually flipped through the newspapers of the day, and there were unpleasant news everywhere: bandits in the countryside were rampant; The civil war is still going on in the country and in various parts of the province... He turned to the "Yuxing Column" and saw three poems by Wang Xinzhai, Feng Shuhe and Gao Keding titled the play photo of Xiao Huifang in Danjiao.Wang Xinzhai is Ke'an's father-in-law.He put down the newspaper frowning, feeling bored and didn't know what to do.At this time, a tenant came in from the outside and asked him to talk about collecting rent arrears.That person talked for a long time, as if he knew that he was restless, and refused to relax at all.He managed it with difficulty.He had just sent that cunning businessman away when the door curtain moved, and the newly born Manager Zhu came in again. "Master Gao, please forgive me for being unwelcome just now," the fat and white manager Zhu cupped his hands with a smile on his face and said loudly as soon as he entered.Juexin had no choice but to ask him to sit down.The two exchanged a few words of entertainment.Manager Zhu complained about some donations, and then saw the hunchbacked Manager Huang come in to find Juexin, so he left. "He's complaining again," Manager Huang asked Juexin after Manager Zhu left, with a kind smile on his thin mustache face.Juexin nodded.He also said, "It's no wonder they are there. The shops donate too much, making it harder to do business, and more people owe rent." Juexin only complied.Manager Huang delivered another letter to Juexin, which was from a shop in the commercial area.He pointed out a few points, and Juexin should think carefully about the answer.Juexin still responded obediently, and he was still thinking about other things.Later, Manager Huang also left, leaving Juexin alone.Juexin sat in front of the desk, slowly focusing on the letter, preparing to draft a reply letter. But he heard someone outside calling the young master with a loud voice.When he listened carefully, Wende lifted the curtain and came in, and reported respectfully: "Eldest Young Master, the third master is here." He stood up quickly. Keming walked into the office calmly, then stepped over the threshold of Juexin's room, and sat down on the wicker recliner.Juexin followed Keming with his eyes.Keming looked pretty good today. Juexin asked someone to make a bowl of tea.He said to Keming again: "Is the third dad going somewhere else today? The third dad hasn't been here for a long time, do you want to buy something?" "Your third aunt wants me to buy something for her. I'll go and see in a while. I'll come here first. Are you busy with things today?" Keming said gently.He took the hookah from Wende's hand, and took out the paper stick inserted in the small tube next to it.Wende quickly gave him matches. "Nothing important. Fourth dad came here before," Juexin replied with a smile. Keming heard Ke'an mentioned.His face changed immediately, but not very noticeably.He frowned and said, "I just ran into him at the door. He didn't see me. He was with a singer who sang Xiaodan..." "It's Zhang Bixiu who sang in the Qunxian Tea Garden," Wende interjected to explain.He has seen Zhang Bixiu's play.He added: "I heard that the fourth master likes him very much." "I heard that the fourth and fifth younger brothers brought Xiaodan home, is it Zhang Bixiu?" Ke Ming asked. asked with a sullen face. "Yes," Juexin replied in a low voice. "They're getting more and more noisy!" Keming frowned and cursed again.He didn't talk anymore, and he didn't smoke, he just thought painfully.Anger and anxiety gripped his heart, and he couldn't get the words he wanted to say in one breath.Juexin and Wende were silent.They are waiting.They believed that Keming would not just say a word. "I thought the fourth brother should understand better. He reads a lot, he can write facial expressions, and he has served as a county magistrate, so he can write well. I didn't expect him to be so faint now!" After a long while, Keming continued. Said: "When Dad is here, I always hope that they can learn well. I think it is hopeless." He sighed. "I think our family is ruined. You and I can't save it." A resolute light suddenly appeared on his face with an expression of despair, and there was still a smoldering fire in his eyes.He added: "But I am one day, I always have to support one day." "Yes, we should support it," Juexin repeated with emotion. "Father puts the responsibility on my shoulders, and I will help him according to his will," Keming mustered up the courage to continue, "I can't just watch them wipe out the family property. I can't watch them make money for Dad. Disgraceful." "Yes," Juexin said in response. Keming fell silent.He lowered his head, and his eyes fell unconsciously on the hookah and the paper twister in his hand. The paper twister was still smoking, so he opened the chimney and took out the shredded tobacco to put it on. Come.He smoked and thought.Wende has already gone out, waiting for the master's order outside. Juexin saw Keming buried in his cigarette, there was no movement, and he didn't want to talk, his eyes fell on the letter in front of him again. "What did your fourth father bring Zhang Bixiu here?" Keming suddenly raised his head and asked. "They" Juexin quickly looked away from the letter, he said two words, paused, and then continued: "I came here to buy clothes, and I bought a lot of them, a total of more than one hundred yuan." "Oh," Keming sighed, coughed two or three times, and put the hookah on the table.He picked up the tea bowl and drank two sips of tea. The tea bowl was still in his hand, and he said anxiously: "I don't think there are many years to spend money like them. The fourth brother also spent a lot. The money was all earned by my father. The fourth brother worked as a county magistrate for half a year, and bought dozens of acres of land when he came back. This year, he helped me in my office, and he also earned some income. But these few days The situation is not good for a month, and no case has been received. The land rent is getting less and less every year. This year, even I have used my old capital, let alone him. As for the fifth brother, he has never done anything, only spend money. For money, less than one-third of his fields have been sold. A lot of calligraphy and paintings have also been 'sold out'. Let's see what happens to him in the future!" "Third Dad can persuade them," Juexin suggested courageously. "At first, I wanted to teach them a good lesson," Keming said with a frown. They will say that I have other intentions. And those two younger sisters-in-law don't understand the reason. I have no good way to deal with them stupid people. For example, I am going to talk to you about this matter." He put the tea bowl Back in the tea tray on the table , and immediately changed the subject: "Auntie Chen told me the night before yesterday that she wanted to 'carry' a grandson and planned to 'carry' the seventh child. I didn't agree to her. There is no future, I hope to teach Qiwazi better. Although your third aunt is happy, but you can't say whether it is a man or a woman, it is better to keep Qiwazi, so I don't want to. Unexpectedly, the fourth wife came to find him today Your third aunt, she said that Qiwazi is not in good health, and the population in my room is small, so I shouldn't "carry" her out. She said that Aunt Chen wants to "carry" her grandson too much, so Liuwazi should adopt her. After a while, the fifth wife said again , Wufang’s situation is not good now, and she wants to 'carry' the nine-children born by Miss Xi to Aunt Chen." Keming felt very strenuous when he said this, although he didn't finish his meaning, he kept his mouth shut for the time being.But there was still an angry expression on his face. "Why would Aunt Four and Aunt Five say such things? Juexin said in surprise. Seeing that Keming didn't express his opinion, he asked again: "What does Third Dad mean? "" I think they just set their sights on Aunt Chen's house and the one thousand yuan bank stock, so Mrs. Fifth said that her house is not in good condition.Anyway, there are only a few thousand dollars, let them fight for it.But as far as I think, Jiuwazi is too young, and Aunt Chen may not be willing. Besides, the fifth brother only has this son, so he shouldn't be adopted. " "Then let the fourth aunt 'carry' the sixth brother to Aunt Chen," Juexin said. "That's what I think," Keming said, nodding. "But I'm afraid there will be quarrels in the future. The fifth wife will not be willing to let the four thousand yuan go to the fourth bedroom. Well, it's always money. If Dad knows these things in Jiuquan, he will be very angry. " Keming fell on the back of the rattan lounge chair, his face showed the expression of despair, haggard and tired after being hit.After more than ten minutes, Zhong Keming sat up again and said to Juexin: "I have one more thing. I want to withdraw two hundred yuan from my current deposit in your company. You can do it for me tomorrow." agreed.Keming fell tiredly on the back of the rattan lounge chair again. The sun has long been buried by gray-black clouds that gradually piled up.The light kept fading.It seems that someone painted a layer of black on the sky with ink.No, not only one layer, but also a thicker black on top of the light ink.There must have been too much ink, as if water was about to fall drop by drop from the sky.The air was stuffy, and even though the windows were open, there was no cool air in the room.As a result, Keming's nose rang from time to time. Juexin's eyes fell on the letter again, but a gray fog seemed to form in front of his eyes, and the writing suddenly shook.He raised his head, closed his eyes and leaned back on the chair wearily.He heard Wende's loud voice asking: "Third Master, it's going to rain, do you want to go shopping now?" He heard Keming's voice say again: "Okay. Mingxuan, I'm leaving." He stood up quickly.