Chapter 12 eleven, no such thing

Old man Shi Ji ate breakfast and walked to Mingyue Park.The old man was dressed in white clothes and trousers, and the flat Lux shoes were also white, very elegant.He has white hair and a beautiful beard again, and he is more like a fairy.As long as the weather is fine, the old people will go to Mingyue Park and gather with old friends in Laihe Pavilion, singing opera, playing chess and chatting.Shi Lao likes to sing a few lines of Beijing opera, but his words are correct and round, which shows his basic skills. Laihe Pavilion is on the hill in the southwest corner of the park, and there are stone steps to climb on all sides.From the bottom of the mountain, you can only see it vaguely, and the eaves want to fly.Shi Lao took his time and stepped up.Walking to the middle of the mountain, I can only feel the wind blowing through the bottom of my sleeves, which is very refreshing; after going up a dozen levels, I can see the couplet of Laihe Pavilion:

Shuanghe has gone as white clouds The bright moon always comes with the breeze When I was about to go to the pavilion, I heard someone singing "Cut the Yellow Robe": The lonely king was drunk in Peach Blossom Palace, Han Sumei was born with good looks. As soon as the widow (also) sees Longxin's favor, brother Fengguo and sister-in-law are sealed in the Peach Blossom Palace. He could tell that it was Old Chen who was singing, and it must be Old Liu who was playing the erhu.Then Aunt Guo has probably not arrived yet. The only one who often plays here is Aunt Guo Guo Chunlin, who is an expert. She was a professional luthier of the Beijing Opera Troupe before she retired, and she has played the erhu for decades.Last year, Aunt Guo met Mr. Shi for the first time at Laiheting. She said that she had accomplished nothing in her life and had played a broken erhu for decades.Shi Lao said, I am the most useless person. Now that I am over seventy years old, I can't remember what I have done in my life.After all, you have been engaged in art work all your life!Aunt Guo laughed and said, art?The common people refer to playing the qin as sawing the qin.Our neighbors only said that I was a sawing qin from the Peking Opera Troupe, and compared me to sawing wood, and confused me!You are very old, a famous Chinese medicine doctor, and a famous calligrapher!Old Shi waved his hands quickly.

Sure enough, Chen and Liu were partners.When Mr. Chen saw him coming, he waved his hand at him, still shaking his head and singing.Mr. Liu closed his eyes and played the piano, as if his mind had wandered far away.Shi Lao and everyone bowed their hands to pay tribute, and someone got up to give up his seat for him.He politely raised his hand and pressed it down to express his gratitude, and found a place to sit down by himself.Aunt Guo really hasn't arrived yet.Shi Lao couldn't help but feel happy. I cry for Zheng Sandi, and I call, call, call, call, call Zheng Ziming.The widow is drunk and will (uh) kill you, my third brother!

After Mr. Chen finished singing, Mr. Liu who was playing the piano also opened his eyes.Mr. Chen said, Mr. Shi, come for a while?Shi Lao shook his hand and said modestly, you should continue.Mr. Liu smiled and said, you think I can play the qin badly.Your partner is always late.Shi Lao arched his hands together to express his offence, and said, where is it? I just came up and I am still out of breath.Old ghost Liu blinked his eyes angrily and said, when you marry her, there will be times when you will be out of breath!Mr. Shi pointed at Mr. Liu and scolded Mr. Liu for being unscrupulous. Just joking around, I saw Aunt Guo coming.She was also dressed in plain white, and she sat down and asked, what is so funny?Mr. Liu was quick to joke, and said, laughing at you!Laughing that you and Shi Lao have a tacit understanding, and they also wear the same clothes.Young people like to wear couple clothes, the two of you have caught up.Winning credit for us old guys.Guo Chunlin smiled and said, Mr. Liu, I'm afraid you haven't rinsed your mouth in thirty years, why does it smell so bad when you speak?Shi Lao waved his hands and smiled, and said, Xiao Guo, don't talk to him anymore, the more you talk about him, the more energetic you will be, and you won't know what nasty things he is going to say later.Mr. Liu came to Mr. Shi and said.Are you protecting her so clearly?Brothers all know that you will feel sorry for your wife!The brothers and sisters laughed and asked them when they would do business and asked for a wedding wine.

Aunt Guo blushed and lowered her head to tune the strings.Everyone laughed that she wasn't a erba girl, so shy? Shi Lao said, Xiao Guo, please ignore them.Come on, I will sing "Empty City Plan", and I will sing Kong Ming's "I am watching the mountain view from the tower". Aunt Guo nodded and pulled her up.Shi Lao took off his airs in a serious manner, and sang: I was looking at the mountain (na) view from the city tower, and I heard the chaos under the city. The banners fluttered and somersaulted (na) shadows, but it turned out to be soldiers sent by Sima. I also sent people to (ah) to inquire, and after inquiring, Sima led the troops to the west.

One is that Ma Di has no (wow) talent for planning, and the other is... Aunt Guo played the erhu, but Mr. Liu didn't play it, and talked about qigong with a few people.He likes to talk, and when he talks, he spits out lotus flowers, which is magical.The old ladies believed him very much and kept nodding their heads.Someone here cheered Mr. Shi, and Mr. Liu didn't forget to stop, clapped his hands and said hello, and then talked about his qigong. Zhuge Liang has no other respects, and has prepared a lamb and wine to reward your army. Now that we have come here, we should enter the city. Why are we so hesitant and in a dilemma?

There are two Qintong people on the left and right (na). I have neither ambushes nor soldiers. Don't let your mind wander, come and invite Shangcheng to listen to me playing the piano. As soon as Shi's old tune fell, applause broke out.Mr. Shi cupped his hands to express his thanks, and said to everyone with a smile, don't believe Mr. Liu's tricks.How does he know what qigong is?Mr. Liu blinked and smiled, but ignored it, and was still beaming. Now no one is singing, Aunt Guo is playing the tune by herself, humming softly, very intoxicated.The two old brothers over there started to fight over chess, their voices were very loud, as if they were going to fight.Everyone turned around to look at them, laughed at them as three-year-old children, and told them to be careful not to fight for urine.Old and young, the older you are, the younger you are!Aunt Guo didn't seem to hear the movement over there, she just kept humming to herself.

Brothers and sisters came in twos and threes, and left in twos and threes.Mr. Liu was carrying a vegetable basket and wanted to stop by to buy vegetables and go back.Mr. Chen said, you old slave, haven't you been busy enough for a lifetime?When you are old, don't worry about him so much, and you have to be a slave to your children and grandchildren!Just open your mouth for food, stretch out your hands for clothes, and see what they do to you! Mr. Liu shook his head and laughed at himself, I'm just playing my spare heat! Mr. Shi and Aunt Guo haven't left yet.Mr. Liu said, you two old lovers are having fun, so we won't bother you anymore.I think the attitude of coming to Heting is about to change. Now it is "Shuanghe has come back for a long time".

Shi Lao bowed his hands and said, Amitabha, go and buy your vegetables quickly, be careful that your daughter-in-law won't give you food! Everyone is gone.Only some unknown tourists came up and slipped down again.Aunt Guo seemed to relax all of a sudden, and said with a sigh of relief, it's quiet, it's quiet. Shi Lao said, yes, there was a lot of noise everywhere. Aunt Guo said, without such a place, there is really no place to go. Shi Lao said, do you just move to my place and forget about it? That was not what I meant.Aunt Guo lowered her head, her face turned red.The old lady is sixty years old, without a trace of gray hair, and looks less than fifty years old.

It was already noon, and the number of tourists gradually thinned out.Looking west in the sky, there are two idle clouds. It was past one o'clock in the afternoon when Shi Lao returned home.This is the ancestral home left by the ancestors of historians, a small courtyard house at the end of the alley.Mr. Shi entered the room very lightly, he knew that his family members had eaten lunch and were taking a nap. The nanny Xiaozhen gently brought warm water for Mr. Shi to wash his face, and immediately brought food.His children and grandchildren went to work and went to school. Mr. Shi's life rules couldn't match them. He just followed his own way.

After lunch, Xiaozhen said, Uncle Shi told me to tell you to eat and sleep. Know!After saying that, Mr. Shi went back to his room. Uncle Shi mentioned by Xiaozhen is Shi Lao's eldest son.Shi Lao has two sons and a daughter.The eldest, Shi Wei, works as a teacher in the No. 1 Middle School of the city, teaching history; the second son, Shi Gang, inherits his father's career, and is a doctor in the Municipal Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital; the youngest daughter, Shi Yi, also works in the Municipal Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital as a nurse.The sons and daughters are very filial and take good care of Shi Lao's life. Shi Lao lived in the main room next to the middle hall, with two rooms inside and outside.The inside is a bedroom, and the outside is a study and reception room.He hasn't seen a doctor for ten years. He only cultivates himself at home and writes a few words when he feels interested.No one could understand why he refused to see a doctor, it was just a pity.A few years ago, it was said that he wrote a couplet: Illness is hot and cold, and cold is the way of the world. What is the way of the world, old man? Medicines are divided into yin and yang, and yin and yang are always human feelings. Can a good prescription save human feelings? Someone asked Shi Lao for advice, asking him if he had made this couplet, what it meant, and whether he said that the morals of the world were beyond redemption.Shi Lao just smiled and didn't answer. Shi Lao just ate and didn't want to go to bed right away, so he opened the window to let the wind blow.Outside the window is a small flat, with a big elm tree at the corner, covered with elm coins in autumn; there is also a clump of plantains and several old plum trees scattered among the flat, very random.There are also some one-story houses connected to Xiaoping, which do not block the wind and do not cover the eyes.The cool wind blows, the banana leaves rustle, and the plum trees show their poses.Shi Lao likes this small world.In such a busy city, it is a blessing to be able to leave such a small world.The Shijia Courtyard was originally on the street, but it was squeezed into this corner after the city planning changed.On the contrary, it was quiet, just in line with Shi Lao's elegant intention.There is also a small flat in the backyard, where you can watch flowers and watch the moon. The sound of cicadas is lazy and tiresome.Shi Lao yawned and went to bed to rest. The old man got up after sleeping for a while, and the children and grandchildren went out.He went to the kitchen to pour water to wash his face.Xiaozhen heard the movement, hurried over and said, Grandpa is waiting for me.He didn't say much, and let Xiaozhen pour the water. After washing my face, I feel refreshed.He shook his hands, kicked his legs, twisted his waist, and went back to the room, laying out paper and splashing ink.The elderly are like this every afternoon, without interruption.There is no time limit, as long as you do what you do, it all depends on your interest.It's just that the words and sentences written must be fresh and elegant.The current popular language, the old man always feels that he is not energetic when writing.At this time, he remembered a couplet in Mingyue Park, and wrote it down: Qingshan has never been impermanent I just need leisure in my life After writing, I raised my hand and looked at it for a moment, then wrote: The old man has an arty sentence: there are trees in the backyard that are unbearable, and the elms are hung every year money.Qiu Lai borrowed tens of thousands of gold and asked Sheqiu Tian to go to Nanshan.Bye bye, joke poem It's good poetry, it's just out of place.Nanshan has an inch of land and an inch of gold, and it is impossible for a high-ranking official to show off his wealth take its place.I made a doggerel again to laugh at myself: Nanshan has an inch of gold, who would Whoever has the money will fight.My generation only talks about the wind and the moon, the three chariots and children and grandchildren.The ancients had Cloud: The owner of the impermanence of the mountain, the idler is the owner.The couplet of Mingyue Park is full of love from the ancients and also! I can't help but feel a little proud when I put down my pen and examine it carefully.Mr. Shi is always very satisfied with his casual works, which are less formal and ingenious.Most of the people who want to ask for words on weekdays think of some sentences on their own, and many old Shi don't like those bullshit.But to collect money, people have to be satisfied, he just bites the bullet and walks the dragon snake.These works are often not satisfactory to him.Mr. Shi is not willing to write for others, and he can't shirk it, so he always charges for retouching pens according to the standard.The standard is naturally set by him, but no one said it was expensive. After a while, the grandson obviously came back from school, so he ran to grandpa's study and called out "Hello grandpa, I'm back."Shi Lao patted Mingming's head and said, go play.Oh, by the way, today is Friday, after dinner let grandpa read your handwriting. He is obviously the child of his second son, Shi Gang, who is in primary school.Shi Wei has a daughter named Yike who works in a foreign trade company.My daughter, Jiaoyi, is still single and an old lady in her thirties. The children and grandchildren came back one by one, and they all went to Mr. Shi to say hello first.Shi Lao just responded indifferently.It's just that Shi Yi hasn't come back yet. After dinner, the eldest daughter-in-law Qiuming came to invite Mr. Shi and said, Dad, it's dinner time.Shi Lao said, okay, come here.Seeing that Shi Lao hadn't left yet, Qiuming didn't dare to urge him any more, and didn't dare to leave immediately, but just stood at the door with his hands down.Mr. Shi put away his pen and inkstone, and seeing his wife still standing there, he said, "You go, I'll come."Only then did Qiuming gently turn around and go away. When Mr. Shi walked to the dining room, his second daughter-in-law Huaiyu hurriedly came over to hold the chair for the old man, and beckoned him to sit down.Shi Lao's seat is a fixed top seat, and no one dares to sit indiscriminately on this chair.Shi Lao sat down, and everyone took their seats one by one.Shi Lao looked around, frowned, and asked, why is Yiyi missing?The whole family looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing how to answer.You can also be more casual in front of grandpa, she smiled and said, maybe my aunt has found friends!Shi Wei looked at the old man, turned his face and scolded his daughter, presumptuous!Have you ever said that about your aunt?Shi Lao didn't say anything about his granddaughter, he just said that he should call back too!After that, he picked up his chopsticks.The whole family just started eating. Shi Lao only ate a bowl of rice, and put away the bowl after drinking a bowl of soup.Shi Gang hurriedly said, Dad, eat more?Shi Lao waved his hand and said, enough.Shi Wei immediately stood up and greeted the old man to the room.Back at the dinner table, Shi Wei said, Dad doesn't seem to have a good appetite?Huaiyu said, is the food not suitable for the taste of the elderly?Xiao Zhen lowered her head when she heard that.Qiumen said, it's not your fault, Xiaozhen.The old man's taste is different from ours, you have to ask him often.Xiaozhen hesitated for a while and said, I dare not ask.I was also afraid that Xiaozhen would be wronged, so she said, I don't want you to ask, you just cook whatever you have at home. Because Huaiyu is in charge of buying vegetables, Qiuming is afraid that his daughter's words will offend his sister-in-law, so he can just scold her, it's not your business!What do you say about adults?He said to the man again, you have to ask Dad.You are the boss, whether Dad is happy or not, you have to think more about it. After everyone had dinner and washed up, they went to the old man's study.On this day of the week, the elderly have to check Yike and Mingming's calligraphy homework.Both sons, daughter-in-law and daughter will also be there. Mr. Shi read Mingming's homework first, and only said that he has made progress. Yike's handwriting is better, which is quite in the style of grandpa.But the old man just nodded and said that he had to work hard. Shi Wei and Shi Gang hurriedly taught their children a lesson.Yi Ke and Ming Ming listened to the training with their heads down.Mr. Shi looked at his two sons, became strict, and said, "You are the same too!"Shi Wei and Shi Gang hurriedly said yes. Qiuming was obedient, pointing to the old man's new work on the table, and said, "Look at Grandpa's handwriting!" Everyone hurriedly gathered around to appreciate the old man's impromptu work this afternoon, and there was a lot of tsk tsk. With shame on his face, Shi Wei said, I can't always grasp the way Dad uses ink. The old man said majestically, in layman's terms!When calligraphy has reached a certain level, technique is always second, and what matters is Tao and reason.It is necessary to understand its way, understand its principles, keep it in the heart, and send it out of the outside.If you only pay attention to technique, you are only a writer at best! Before Shi Wei could say anything, Shi Gang came up and said, yes, yes.Dad's calligraphy always has a breath of air, what should be said, and what should be stopped.Looking at the overall situation, there are ups and downs, dense and dense, and a combination of hardness and softness.If you are strong, your strength will penetrate the back of the paper, if you are soft, you will be in the wind... What other words are in your stomach?Shi Lao glanced coldly and said, you only know what to say in books. The old man taught his children and grandchildren a few more words, leaving only Shi Wei alone, and had something to say.Shi Wei stayed behind, standing there with his hands down.The old man asked him to sit down, and he sat down with his hands on his knees. The old man didn't say anything for a long time, just walked around in the study.Shi Wei didn't dare to ask his father what's the matter, but just looked at the old man, feeling a little uneasy. The old man walked for a while, sat down, and said, I have something to talk to you about.It has been five years since your mother passed away, you are all very filial, and I am living well.But the elderly have the fun of the elderly, and the elderly have their own words to say.You will not know this until you are old.I am dating an aunt named Guo, and I want to live with her.You don't recognize this Aunt Guo.She was originally a piano player of the Beijing Opera Troupe in the city, but she retired last year, and she is about ten years younger than me.Her wife passed away a long time ago, and she lived alone with her daughter for many years.My daughter went abroad with her son-in-law last year, and she was alone at home, and she was very lonely.I'm only talking to you about this, go and talk to them! Shi Wei said obediently, all right.As long as you live a happy life, we as children will feel at ease. The old man waved his hand and said, well, you can go. Shi Wei stood up, hesitated for a while, and said, Dad, I... want to tell you about my sister. What's the matter with her?the old man asked. Shi Wei said that her younger sister found a boyfriend, and she said that he was very nice and treated her very well.She wants to bring it back for you to see.She has been talking to me for a long time, let me tell you, please agree. The old man was upset, and said, why didn't she say anything to me?So I, as a father, are too cold and don't care about you? Shi Wei hurriedly apologized, saying, of course not.Yiyi is just... Well, stop talking.If she wants to bring it back, let her bring it back! Shi Wei said, Dad, take a rest, and came out with his head hooked. Shi Lao is completely two people at home and away from home.With outsiders, he appears open-minded, cheerful, and well-mannered, but a little arrogant on some occasions.When he got home, he became majestic, men, women, children and children dared not show their air in front of him.Not to mention anything else, no one in the family dared to cross their legs in front of him.Filial piety is filial piety, and obedience is filial piety.The children and grandchildren follow the old man's wishes in everything.Yiyi had found a boyfriend before, but the old man looked down on him, so her daughter had no choice but to leave him.That man came to the door for the first time, forgetting the taboo in front of Shi Lao, and crossed his legs.When the old man saw it, he walked away. After Shi Wei came out, Yiyi also came back.Shi Wei told her to meet her father.Yiyi was a little afraid, but went anyway.After a while, Yiyi came out and asked Shi Wei, Brother, Dad seems unhappy today?Shi Wei asked, what's the matter, what did he tell you?Yiyi said, that's not true, it's just that she doesn't pay much attention to me.Shi Wei said, the old man is like this, let him do it.Tell your second elder brother and second sister-in-law to come over, we brothers and sisters have something to discuss. Shi Yi came to the room of the eldest brother and sister-in-law together with the second brother and the second sister-in-law.It can also be seen that adults have something to discuss, so they get up and avoid it.Historians are up and down the rules.Shi Wei said to her daughter, stay and listen, you are no longer a child, but a worker.Not knowing what important things to say, everyone looked at Shi Wei with wide eyes. Shi Wei didn't talk about that right away, but first said something peripheral.He said that historians are not allowed to separate within three generations, which is the rule set by the ancestors.It is rare for everyone to live together without double-mindedness.It is our common wish as children and grandchildren to make the elderly happy.It is not easy for the elderly to support us and teach us.Without him, we would not be where we are today.If the elderly don't feel happy, how can we as children and grandchildren have any happiness to talk about?Have we thought about this?I'm afraid I haven't thought about it.First of all, I didn't do well as the boss, so I don't blame you. You mean, you want to find a wife for the old man?Huaiyu asked. Shi Gang immediately gave Huaiyu a blank look, and said, listen to the elder brother finish his speech. Shi Wei said that Huaiyu was right.Dad just told me about it.He said that there was an Aunt Guo who was very close to him, and they wanted to live together.This Aunt Guo just retired last year, maybe just sixty years old, and she used to work in a Peking Opera troupe. Everyone listens, you look at me, and I look at you.It can also be said that she is more than ten years younger than her grandfather!After grandpa passed away, let's say we still have to support this grandma for ten years.Besides... You are bold!It was okay for Shi Wei to interrupt, saying, everyone hopes that grandpa will live a long life, but you come to curse him!Curse me next time? !Your mother and I are dead long ago, so I don't want you to raise me! Qiuming also scolded, you are outrageous!Grandpa loves you and Mingming the most, you are not even as good as Mingming!Grandpa celebrated his birthday last time, and he still knows that grandpa has a long life without bounds!You are in your twenties, what did your dad and I teach you? Shi Gang and his wife persuaded her, forget it, but it may be inadvertent, she is quite sensible. Yiyi also said that Keke is quite sensible, usually when grandpa gets angry, she is the only one who can make grandpa happy. sensible!Know a damn thing!Sensible to say such a thing?Shi Wei's embers still persisted. You can also bow your head and admit your mistakes, saying, Mom and Dad, uncles, aunts, aunts, I... I was wrong, and I failed my grandpa's love for me.That was not what I meant.I mean, now... what time is it now, and we have three generations in our family.It's not about cursing grandpa, people will have that day.A hundred years from now, grandpa will still be with that grandma. We still have to live together.From a management point of view, this is also unscientific... Shi Wei patted the table with a "slap".Qiuming quickly waved his hands, and said to the man, please be gentle too, don't let the old man hear you.Shi Wei looked back at the door, calmed himself down, and said, the more you talk, the more outrageous you become.Also management!How many drops of ink do you have in your belly?Just based on what you have learned, your mouth is watering, and it is still worthy of grandpa's breath!Do you want to fly alone?What are your skills?All together, which point did you treat you badly?What a big warm family!Grandpa treats you badly?Mom and Dad treat you badly?Aunt treats you badly?Or are your uncles and aunts treating you badly? Huaiyu hurriedly said, bro, stop scolding Keke.Ke Ke usually has a high level of dignity in front of me and her uncle, which is very rare nowadays. Ke Ke is very obedient, don't scold her until she says something wrong.Yiyi went over and took Yike's hand. Qiuming poked her daughter's forehead, then turned around and said, "You are the only ones who always follow her."Don't worry about it, you don't know what will happen in the future! But he didn't say a word now, and he didn't dare to lift his head while sitting there.Shi Wei said that you should not be allowed to stay.When you grow up, don't be ashamed of your face.You go, don't hang around there. You can also rub the corner of your clothes and go out. Shi Wei said that since Dad had his eye on it, he must be a good mother.As children, we have to follow the wishes of the elderly. Shi Gang said, yes yes.Has Dad told you about the specific arrangements? Shi Wei said, no. Qiuming thought about it, and said, even though he was an old man, he still had to get a marriage certificate, and he had to do it properly.Otherwise, it doesn't sound good. Huaiyu thought it was the same, so he said, it's better for the eldest brother to ask Dad what he thinks, and we brothers and sisters will discuss how to do it later. In late autumn of this year, Shi Ji and Guo Chunlin got married.Shi Lao didn't like much excitement, so he only invited those old brothers and sisters who often had fun together in Mingyue Park, and the best friends of the three Shi family brothers and sisters.Yiyi's boyfriend Zhao Shutai also came.The young man started his own company and heard that he made a lot of money.Yiyi and Zhao Shutai have been in secret contact for a long time, and the last time I brought it back, I showed it to Mr. Shi.Shi Lao didn't say anything, and had dinner with Zhao Shutai.Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, explaining that the old man agreed that Yiyi would make friends with this young man. After getting married, Mr. Shi still went to Laihe Pavilion in Mingyue Park every morning, but he no longer walked alone, and was always accompanied by Aunt Guo.The old people who come to Heting envy them. But after ten days, Mr. and Mrs. Shi didn't come to Heting anymore.Mr. Liu, Mr. Chen and several other old people went to Shi's house to have a look. They knew that Mr. Shi was ill, and Aunt Guo was attentively serving him.Seeing that Mr. Shi seemed to be seriously ill, Mr. Liu and the others came out after saying some words of comfort.When they got outside, the old people started joking, saying that Aunt Guo is so beautiful, but she doesn't look old, how can Mr. Shi not be sick? Shi Lao's children and grandchildren were very anxious, but they didn't dare to ask for a doctor.Shi Lao is a famous doctor himself, how could he let others see him?Shi Lao knew in his own mind that he told his family not to panic, as he would have no major problems.The children and grandchildren had no choice but to let the old man die by himself, and politely dismissed those who asked for words.He asked Guo Chunlin to take care of him, and he was bedridden for more than 20 days, and gradually recovered. It's winter time.In the afternoon of that day, Shi Lao was lying on the bed, seeing the sun shining on the withered and yellow banana leaves in the backyard, feeling very warm.What a sun!He said.Looking into his eyes, Guo Chunlin understood what he meant, and helped him get out of bed.Shi Lao went to the window, opened it, and saw those old plum trees in full bloom.Shi Lao hooted twice, saying that this year's plum blossoms are so lively.Guo Chunlin's eyes lit up, and he said, it's strange, I saw it yesterday, and it was just some flower buds, which fully opened overnight.Old Shi!This is just for you!Upon hearing this, Shi Laoai smiled and opened the door to the backyard.With the support of the two old men, they walked around the courtyard a few times.Shi Lao stood under the elm tree, let go of Guo Chunlin's hand, closed his eyes and adjusted his breath for a while.Then he said, Pure Lin, I'm fine.Starting tomorrow, we will go out for a walk every day as usual.Guo Chunlin smiled softly and said, it's all up to you. Back in the house, Mr. Shi said that he hadn't written for a long time.Guo Chunlin prepared his pen and ink and laid out the paper.Shi Lao dipped his pen in the ink and said that his hands were a little stiff.Guo Chunlin said on the side, you can do it, you can do it.Shi Lao turned his head and smiled, concentrated for a moment, and wrote a couplet at random: Push the window Lao Meixiang behind closed doors Guo Chunlin squeezed Mr. Shi's shoulder, and blamed him, saying, "You are too old to go on the road. My face is full of wrinkled wallets, and I still have five people!"Writing this thing, my children and grandchildren are so embarrassed to see it.Shi Lao smiled and said, this is not for children and grandchildren to read, but for you.You keep it, wait for me a hundred years later, it might be worth a few dollars.Guo Chunlin was not happy when he heard that.These words were already sad, as if she valued the money in Shi Lao's pocket.Seeing that Guo Chunlin had stopped talking, Mr. Shi couldn't figure out what she was thinking, but felt that she was in a bad mood.Shi Lao didn't say much, he still picked up his pen and wrote some words on both sides of the couplet, such as meeting a bosom friend in his later years.As he wrote, Guo Chunlin tilted his head while reading.After reading and reading, Guo Chunlin became happy. After dinner, Mr. Shi returned to his room to drink tea with Guo Chunlin.The tea was brewed by Xiaozhen according to the preferences of the two elders.Shi Lao took a few sips of tea and said, Chunlin, after you drink your tea, go watch TV, I have something to say to Shi Wei.Guo Chunlin obeyed, and went to the living room before finishing his tea. Mr. Shi saw that Guo Chunlin seemed a little unhappy, and he was probably to blame for his alienation, and he always avoided her when things happened at home.Shi Lao was not going to explain anything to her.What he wanted to say to Shi Wei was not trivial. After a while, Shi Wei came and asked in a low voice, what's the matter with Dad? Shi Lao didn't say anything first, just said, sit down. Shi Wei sat down and looked at his father, breathing a little nervously.In his experience, if his father seriously asked him to come over for a talk, nothing good would happen.Either his daughter-in-law said something she shouldn't have said, or her daughter was inappropriate, or there was something wrong with his brother or sister-in-law, or someone else in the family.And all of these are his responsibility as the boss.Many things that Mr. Shi cares about are not big things in Shi Wei's view.But in order to show his filial piety, and to prevent the family from making a fuss over trivial matters, he had no choice but to agree to everything.Home and everything are going well!But today, Shi Wei found that his father's demeanor was very different.The old man just looked at him kindly, drank tea slowly, and didn't say a word for a long time.Shi Wei felt a little embarrassed under his father's kind eyes.Dad has always been dignified, and it is rare for him to have a pleasant face. Shi Wei, Dad is getting old, the burden of this big family will finally fall on your shoulders.Shi Lao looked away from Shi Wei's face and looked up at the ceiling.Shi Wei, you know, our family is different from other families.I also noticed that some people in my family didn't understand my way of thinking, but they didn't dare to say anything.Especially the juniors, who say that I am an old antique. Shi Wei hurriedly said, no, the children and grandchildren all respect you from the bottom of their hearts, which is also what you taught well. Shi Lao waved his hands and said; our family has our family tradition, which is caused by history.Now is the time for you to understand our family history.You listen carefully.Our historian is an ancient distinguished family, with high-ranking officials and emperors from generation to generation.The story begins with the ancestor Shi Bingong.Shi Bingong was the favorite minister of Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty.In the fourth year of Emperor Jianwen, Yan Wang Zhu Di Xingjing Nan's division, the Nanjing Corps, broke the palace and entered the court, and stole the throne.This is the later Yongle Emperor Ming Chengzu.At that time, there was a fire in the palace, and the official history records that Emperor Jianwen was burned to death.In fact, Emperor Jianwen did not die.Seeing that the general situation was over, Emperor Jianwen wanted to commit suicide and die for the country. More than 20 people around him also swore to die with Emperor Jianwen.Fortunately, Cheng Ji, editor and editor of the Imperial Academy, strongly advocated the death of Emperor Jianwen in order to restore the country.Therefore, all the ministers left the city in chaos, and Emperor Jianwen left the palace alone through the secret passage, and agreed that the monarchs and ministers would meet in Shenlian outside Nanjing.It was a late night in June of the lunar calendar.Finally, it was agreed that Yang Yingneng, a professor of Wu Wangfu, Ye Xixian, a supervisory censor, and Cheng Ji, an editor of the Hanlin Academy, would accompany them and stay on the left and right;The rest of the ministers all went home to help from afar.Xianzu Shi Bingong returned to his hometown in Wujiang.Since then, Emperor Jianwen became a monk, with three followers, two monks and one Taoist.Together, the three monks were displaced and panicked, and there was not a day when they were not afraid.Besides, most of the civil and military men of the Manchu dynasty of Emperor Jianwen were loyal and righteous people.After Zhu Di became emperor, many officials in the dynasty refused to obey, some died of disobedience, and some returned home with crowns.Afterwards, more than 430 officials of the old dynasty were deposed by Zhu Di.These people don't care about two masters, admirable and admirable!Zhu Di also knew that Emperor Jianwen was not dead. While deceiving the world, saying that Emperor Jianwen died in the fire, he secretly ordered to search for Emperor Jianwen's whereabouts to avoid future troubles.Zhu Di once ordered people to go all over the world, looking for the god Zhang Sanfeng, who is well-known in the government and the public, just to hunt down Emperor Jianwen.Later, when he heard that Emperor Jianwen had gone overseas, Zhu Di ordered the eunuch Zheng He to sail and visit overseas countries.Zheng He's voyages to the Western Seas recorded in the official history are just political lies of Yongle Emperor Zhu Di.During his exile, Emperor Jianwen visited Xianzu Shi Bin's residence three times.Every time Shi Bingong greeted him with the courtesy of a monarch and his ministers, and presented him with clothes.When the monarch and his ministers met for the last time, Emperor Jianwen ordered his guards to take out a copper box and said, "Shi Aiqing, you and the poor monk are farewell today. I don't know if there will be a day to see you again."The poor monk gave you a casket, which is not a rare thing, but it can guarantee that your family will be saved from danger in times of crisis.Remember what the poor monk said, don't open this box until you have to.May your historians be safe for generations, and your descendants will not have to open this box! Shi Lao got up, opened the closet, took out his clothes, and carefully opened the small dark compartment at the bottom of the closet.Shi Wei didn't dare to approach, he felt his breathing was a little short.Dad's family histories sounded like myths to him.He noticed that his father's gaze was far away just now, as if he had penetrated from that summer night in the Ming Dynasty more than five hundred years ago.He imagined that on that summer night, there must have been a lot of optimistic mosquitoes, biting people chaotically.The Jianwen Emperor of the Xun Kingdom must have a sad face, and all the civil and military officials kneeling in front of him must be crying with their throats suppressed.They didn't dare to cry out loud, because there must be Zhu Di's minions everywhere in Nanjing City, barking like chickens and dogs.I don't know what kind of taste Shi Bingong is, why he is neither one of the three personal escorts, nor one of the six food and clothing transporters.Although Shi Wei was a middle school history teacher, his historical knowledge did not go beyond the scope of middle school history textbooks, and he couldn't figure out the details of historical events.He couldn't figure out a historical mystery like Emperor Jianwen. Shi Lao took out the copper box and carefully placed it on the table.The box is not too big, but it is very delicate, and some dragons are wrapped around it.Shi Lao said that when Shi Bingong took over the steel box, he thanked Emperor Jianwen with three kowtows and nine obeisances, and swore that his children and grandchildren would be loyal to the emperor.Since then, Shi Bingong has established a rule for our historians that unless Emperor Jianwen returns to the country, the descendants of the historians will never be allowed to be official.This copper box has become a family heirloom of historians.From then on, although our historians' ancestors were not rich and prosperous, they were also well-fed.This is the blessing of this copper box.According to the rules of the ancestors, the bronze casket should not be passed on at will, but someone with good prestige and talents in the family should be selected to inherit it.Anyone who takes over this copper box is the head of the family, and the important affairs of the family are tied to one shoulder.I took this box from your grandfather at the age of forty-one, and I know the responsibility is heavy.I have been comparing you two brothers, and after much deliberation, I still think you are more suitable.Shi Wei, the rules of historians for more than five hundred years depend on you to pass them on. Svergen had a fever, and he hesitated, thanking Dad for trusting him. The box, you take it back and keep it safe.This matter is related to the prosperity and decline of the family, so don't talk about it with outsiders!Shi Lao spoke in a long voice. I know, Dad.Shi Wei asked again, Dad, where are the keys? Shi Lao's face suddenly changed, and he said sternly, you started asking for the key?Did you just go back and open the box? No no, Dad.I mean... I mean... Shi Wei didn't know what to say. Shi Lao walked anxiously in the room, and said, Shi Wei, you have to stop the idea of ​​opening the box at all.Emperor Jianwen's decree is that when our family is in crisis, opening the box can help us save the day.What our children and grandchildren have to do is not to let our family encounter catastrophe.Otherwise, does opening the box when it is safe and sound mean that something bad will happen to our family?So, on the other hand, what Emperor Jianwen said was prophecy again.Shi Wei, the family rules established by the ancestors have been established for more than five hundred years, so there is no mistake.You take the box back first, I think about when I can give you the key, and I will naturally give it to you. Shi Wei took the copper box back, and his wife Qiuming waited anxiously in the room.She didn't know what happened today. Her husband had been away for so long and hadn't come back yet.She knew that every time her father-in-law went to talk to Shi Wei, there must be nothing good.Since entering the Shi family's family, she has gradually adapted to the Shi family's family style, and followed her father-in-law in everything. Picked up the baby?Seeing Shi Wei holding something, Qiuming became nervous. Shi Wei leaned sideways, not wanting Qiuming to see the copper box in his arms.He said nothing, you go to bed first.But Qiuming wanted to come and take a look, so he had no choice but to say, just read it, don't ask me what it is, and don't go out and talk nonsense!After saying that, Shi Wei put the copper box on the desk and turned on the desk lamp.两口子头碰头，仔细审视着这个铜匣子。史维这才看清了，铜匣子铜绿斑斑，古色古香，四面和盖上都缠着龙，共有九条，底面有“大明洪武二十五年御制”的字样。秋明眼睛亮了起来，说，是个文物呢，老爸送给你的？史维瞟了秋明一眼，说，叫你别问呀！秋明便噤口不言了。 此后日子，史维像是着了魔，脑子里总是那个铜匣子晃来晃去，弄得他几乎夜夜失眠。他原来想，老父在世，以顺为孝，犯不着惹老人家生气。一家人好好儿孝顺着老人家，等老人家享尽天年，驾鹤仙归了，再让全家大小按自己的想法过日子去。可是，自从他听说了家族的历史，接过了那个神秘的铜匣子，他就像让某种神力驱使着，或者让某种鬼魁蛊惑着，觉得自己就是父亲，就是爷爷，就是列祖列宗，就是五百多年前神乐观里跪在建文帝面前的史彬公。一种叫使命感的东西折磨着他，有时让他感到自己高大神武，有时又让他感到自己特别恐惧。他一天到晚恍恍惚惚，像飘浮在时间隧道里，在历史和现实之间进进出出。他甚至越来越觉着自己像幽灵了，便忍不住常去照照镜子，看看自己还是不是自己。终于有一天，他实在忍受不了某种庄严使命的折磨了，便跑到图书馆，借了《明史》、《明实录》、《明史纪事本末》、《明通鉴》、《明成祖实录》等一大摞有关明史的书。戴着老花镜的图书馆管理员，看见这些尘封已久的书今天到底有人来借了，就像养了几十年的丑女总算有人来迎娶了，了却了天大的心愿。老先生把老花镜取下又戴上，戴上又取下，反复了好几次，以为碰上了大学问人。 史维把这些书堆在书桌，在家除了吃饭睡觉就是伏案研读。他教了多年的中学历史，却从来没有读过一本历史专著。做个中学历史教师，只须翻翻教学参考书就行了。而现在翻开这些史书，他只觉两眼茫然。因为他不懂这些史书的体例，也理不清明代纪年。光是研究这几本史书的体例，他便用了三天时间。然后又花两天时间，列了一张明代纪年同公元的对照表。事实上不列纪年对照表也无妨，需要了解相关年代的时候再推算一下就得了。可史维觉得时间不明明白白，脑子就糊里糊涂。那一刹那，史维猛然间似乎有了顿悟，发现人是生活在时间里的，生命存在于时间。人可以生存在任意的空间里，却不可以生存在任意的时间里。时间的霸道与冷漠，令人绝望和悲伤。 大约半年以后，史维在《明史纪事本末》里读到这样一段话：“……乃逊国之期，以壬午六月十三日。建文独从地道，余臣悉出水关。痛哭仆地者五十余人，自矢从亡者二十二士。……其经由之地，则自神乐观启行，由松陵而入滇南，西游重庆，东到天台，转人祥符，侨居西粤。中间结庵于白龙，题诗于罗永，两人荆楚之乡，三幸史彬之第，踪迹去来，何历历也。特以年逼桑榆，愿还骸骨……夫不复国而归国，不作君而作师，虽以考终，亦云(上而下火)矣。”史维反复研究这段话，意思大致明了，只是不明白“(上而下火)”是什么意思。翻开《现代汉语词典》，里面根本没有这个字。查了《康熙字典》，才找到这个字。上面解释说：泥短切，音暖，缩也。史维思量再三，“(上而下火)”大概就是畏缩、没有胆量的意思。那么这段话的大意是说，建文帝逊国以后，在外流浪了四十多年，最后无力复国，身老还家，做了佛老，终究是畏缩无勇的弱者。 史彬公到底是多大的官？有些日子史维总想着这事。可遍翻明史，都找不到有关史彬公只言半语的介绍。史维便估计史彬公的品级只怕不会太高。这想法简直是罪过，他不敢去向爸爸讨教。爸爸说过，史彬公是建文帝的宠臣。史维猜想，宠臣起码应该是近臣，倘若不是近臣，就没有机会成天在皇帝跟前行走，自然就不会得宠。而近臣差不多都是重臣，不是一定品级的重臣，哪能经常接近皇上？按这个逻辑推断，史彬公再怎么也应该相当于当今的省部级干部。可是除了《明史纪事本末》上提了一下他的名字，明史上怎么就再也找不到他的影子了，这是为什么呢？后来史维猛然想到翻翻自家家谱。家谱是爸爸收着的，史维找了借口，拿了出来。他当然不敢向爸爸谈起自己大逆不道的想法，只是说想多了解一下家族的历史。这让史老很高兴，把家谱交给了他。你们的确要多了解自己家族的历史啊！你们欠缺的就是对自己历史的了解！ 翻开家谱，见扉页上竟然就是史彬公的肖像，下面赫然写着：大明徐王府宾辅史彬公。史维平素也翻阅过一些外姓家谱，发现大凡家谱都有攀附陋习，总得推出一个历史上显赫的人物认作祖宗。似乎这一姓人的历史只是从这个祖宗才发祥的，在此之前这个家族都还是猴子。要说史家的显赫人物，史彬公之前至少还有史思明。只是史思明同安禄山先后造反，史家羞于认这位祖宗了，就像秦氏家族并不乐意把秦桧当作祖宗。史维反复琢磨，不明白这徐王府宾辅是个什么级别的官，只怕不会相当于省部级。充其量徐王也只是个省部级，那么史彬公勉强是个厅局级干部。那个时候的厅局级干部有机会经常同皇上在一块儿，是不是那时的皇上比较联系群众？史维想不清这中间的道道，反正史彬公的形象在他心目中是打了折扣了。真是罪过！ 史维研究家族历史这段日子，史老慢慢放权，也乘此一步步树立史维的威信。好些事情，本该是史老亲自作主的，他都让史维作了主。要说家里也没什么拿得上桌面的大事，无非鸡毛蒜皮。比方那棵榆树的枝桠伸到院子外面去了，快撑破邻居家的屋顶。邻居找到史维协商这事怎么办，史维说他得问问爸爸。他知道爸爸最看重那棵榆树。史老听史维说了这事，手一挥，说，都由你处理吧。史维同邻居商量了三个小时，拿了好几套方案，最后达成一致意见：由史家请人，将伸过去的榆树枝锯掉一节。 民工爬在树上锯树的时候，正是中午，史纲、史仪都下班了，他俩吃惊地望着在树下指手画脚的哥哥。他俩还不知道爸爸把处理榆树枝的事情交给哥哥全权负责了，生怕爸爸回家时生气。爸爸照例带着妈妈去明月公园唱京戏去了。过会儿秋明也回来了，望着树上纷纷扬扬飘落的锯末，嘴巴张得天大，忙问这是谁的主意？她还清楚地记得，前几年邻居也提过榆树的事，说是榆树叶子落在他家瓦楞上，把屋顶沤坏了。邻居家没明说，只是暗示史家把这榆树砍了。史老笑了笑，一句话没说。邻居也就不好多说了。史老是街坊心目中的贤达，大家都顾着他的脸面。自此全家人都知道老人家很喜欢这榆树，没人敢动它一枝一叶。史维全然不在乎弟弟、妹妹和妻子的惊疑，也不作任何解释，只是在那里抬着头指指戳戳。 这天史老回来得早。大家听到小珍在里面喊道爷爷奶奶回来了，这边榆树枝正好哗然落地。秋明吓了一跳，双肩禁不住抖了一下。史纲把脸望在别处，像躲避着什么。史仪飞快地从耳门进了屋里。 史老径直来到了后院，抬头望望榆树，说，好，好。史老说完就转身往屋里走。史维这才问道，爸爸你说这样行吗？史维明知是多此一举，还是冲着爸爸的背影问道。史老不再多说什么，点着头进屋了。一家人便跟着老人进屋，开始吃中饭。 一家人正默默吃着饭，史老突然说，今后，家里的大小事情，你们都听哥哥的！ 全家人便望着史维，说当然当然。 过了好一会儿，史老又突然说，我老了，管不了这么多了，你们就听大哥的吧！ 史维对建文帝逊国的研究几乎走火人魔了。可是能够找得到的史料少得可怜，他只能在只言片语上费劲琢磨。历史竟是这种玩意儿，可以任人打扮的。他反复研究手头的材料，没有大的收获。有个雪夜，史维面对发黄的竖排线装书，弄得头昏眼花。他去了后院，抓起地上的雪往脸上乱抹了一阵，一下子清醒了。他发现自己苦苦研究两年多，终于发现有些史实同爸爸跟他说的有些出人。爸爸说当年有二十多名大臣发誓同建文帝一道殉国，其实根据他的研究，那二十多名大臣只是愿意随建文帝出逃。爸爸和先祖怕是把“自矢从亡者二十二士”这句话误读了。这里面的“亡”其实是“逃亡”之“亡”。祖祖辈辈对先贤们的忠义感动得太没道理，简直是自作多情了。再说，建文帝无力复国，却还有脸面回到宫里去，就连有血性的大丈夫都算不上，更莫说是英明之君了，不值得大臣们那么效忠。史家世世代代还守着个铜匣子做逸民，就更显得可笑了。史彬公也不是先辈们标榜的那样显赫的重臣，这个家族没有必要把这么重的历史包袱当作神圣使命一背就是近六百年。而且，即便先辈们传下来的故事是真实的，建文帝也并不是说这个匣子不可以打开，他只是说但愿史家世世代代都用不着打开它。史维站在寒风瑟瑟的后院里，感觉自己简直可以当历史学家了，便有些踌躇满志了。 可史维一回到房里，面对一大摞明史书籍，他的观点动摇了。他重新翻开做了记号的地方，一行一行地读。他很佩服古人发明的竖排法，让后人读前人书的时候不得不点头不止。所以中国人总是对前人五体投地。而外国人发明的横排法，后人读前人书的时候总是在摇头，偏不信邪。相比之下，还是中国古人高明，牢牢掌握着后人。史维想，难道那么多高明的史家先辈都错了？impossible! 信奉和怀疑都很折磨人，就像热恋和失恋都会令人心力交瘁。这两种情绪在史维脑子里交替着，叫他一日也不得安宁。他想解脱自己的痛苦，便试着不再关心什么历史，把注意力放在了铜匣子上。每到夜深人静，他都有瘾似的要把铜匣子偷偷取出来把玩。他把台灯压得很低，让光圈刚好罩着铜匣子。心境不同，铜匣子给他的感觉也就不同。有时候，铜匣子在灯光下发着幽幽青光，像盗墓贼刚从古墓里挖出来的，有些恐怖。而有时候，铜匣子让灯光一照，烟烟生辉，似乎里面装满了财宝。史维尽量不让自己猜想匣于里面的谜，好像这是种邪恶，可其实他想得最多的还是里面到底装着什么宝物。他夜夜把玩铜匣子，上面九条龙的一鳞一爪，四壁两面的一纹一理，他都烂熟于心。后来一些日子，他越来越着魔的就是那把神秘的锁了。锁是蝙蝠状的，锁销子掩藏在蝙蝠的翅膀下面，匣子的挂扣也看不见。转眼又是一年多了，可老人家一直没有交给他钥匙的意思。他真的有些着急了。 终于有一天，史老叫他去房里说话。史维，你是不是觉得我应该把钥匙交给你了？老人家不紧不慢地问。 史维恭敬地注视着老人，说，爸爸交给我的话，我会很好保管的。 Yeah?史老问道，你是不是每天晚上都在琢磨那个铜匣子？ 爸爸怎么知道？史维感觉爸爸的语气有些不对劲了，慌张起来。 史老眼睛望着天花板，说，你不要成天想着铜匣子里面到底装着什么东西。这个匣子本来就不是交我们打开的。 是的，史维说，但按建文帝的旨意，也不是说不可以打开铜匣子，只是说但愿我们家族世世代代都用不着打开它…… 史老长叹一声，说，我就知道，我只要把钥匙交给你，你马上就会偷偷打开铜匣子的。那样史家说不定就大祸临头了。你借了那么多明史书籍回来研究，我还让你读家谱。看来，我让你掌握我们家族历史，是个失误啊！ dad…… 不要说了，史老闭上眼睛说，你把铜匣子给我拿来吧，我考虑还是将它交给史纲算了。他只是医生，不懂历史，没你那么复杂，只怕还好些。 史纲怎么也没想到爸爸掌握着这么大的家族秘密。他把那个铜匣子抱回去时也是深夜，妻子已经睡了。怀玉是个一觉睡到大天亮的人，你背着她到街上转一圈，她保证不会醒来，说不定会告诉你昨晚做梦逛了城隍庙。史纲一个人望着铜绿斑驳的匣子，满心惶恐。爸爸今晚同他进行了几个小时的长谈，要他担负起家长的担子。从很小的时候起，他都是听哥哥的，因为爸爸一向要求他们三兄妹间应该讲究尊卑上下。他觉得自己不堪此任，不说别的，他简直无法开口让哥哥怎么做。可是爸爸的旨意是不可违拗的。就连这一点，也是哥哥反复对他说的。哥哥说过多次，爸爸年纪大了，儿女们以顺为孝，凡事依着爸爸。要是爸爸不高兴了，发火也好，生闷气也好，全家大小都过不好日子。还是那句老话，家和万事兴。爸爸把铜匣子交给史纲时，看出了他的心思，便说，你不用担心他们不听你的。你只要手中有这个铜匣子，你们就得听你的。我们史家一直是这么过来的，快六百年了。 史维在史纲面前不再像哥哥了，倒像位弟弟似的。每天的晚饭，全家人都会到齐。这往往是决定家政大事的时候。老人家便总在这个时候向史纲吩咐些事情。家里人最初感到突然，慢慢地就习惯了。所以，每餐晚饭，多半老人只跟史纲一人说话，其他人的眼珠子就在他两父子脸上睃来睃去。 这天，也是晚饭时候，老人家说，史纲，快上春了，你叫人把屋顶翻一下，怕漏雨。 史纲说，好，爸爸！ 看需要多少工钱，你叫史维先帮你算算。老人家又交代。 史纲说，好。哥哥，你今晚就算算吧，我明天就去叫人。 史维说，好，我吃了晚饭就算。 老人家又说，算的时候，打紧些，心里有个数。谈的时候，人家会还价的。 史纲不知爸爸这话是不是对他说的，一时不敢回话。史维知道爸爸吩咐事情一般不直接同他说，也不敢答话。气氛一下子就不太对味了。史纲忙说，行，我和哥哥会注意的。史维这才答道，是是，我注意就是了。 怀玉这天晚上破天荒地醒来了，见男人躲在角落里鬼头鬼脑。她突然出现在身后，史纲吓了一大跳。他这会儿正想着明朝初年的那场宫廷大火，是不是真的烧死了建文帝，爸爸说的建文帝君臣四个沦作三比丘、一道人，浪迹天涯，最后赐铜匣子给先祖，是不是真的？他脑子里完全没有历史概念。关于历史，他的印象不过就是很久很久以前，人们高冠博带，羽扇纶巾，在宁静的石板街上优游而行。其实他也像哥一样，每天晚上都会把铜匣子拿出来研究一番，只是他脑子里是一团浆糊，不像哥哥那样到底懂得历史。 什么东西，好希奇！怀玉蹲下身子。 史纲嘘了声，悄悄说，铜匣子，爸爸交给我的！ 是不是很值钱？怀玉问。 史纲说，你只当从没见过这东西，不然爸爸会生气的。这是我们家的传家宝，只能让家族传人掌握，不能让别人知道！ 难怪爸爸现在什么事都同你商量，原来他老人家叫你掌家了。怀玉恍然大悟的样子。 怀玉晚上再也没有那么多瞌睡了。她睡不着，她比史纲更加想知道匣子里到底装着什么。在一个夏夜里，天气热得叫人发闷，两口子大汗淋漓，蹲在地上摆弄铜匣子。当初爸爸把铜匣子交给史纲时，老人家神情很是肃穆，双手像捧着皇帝圣旨，史纲也不敢随便，只差没有跪下来了。这会儿两口子却把个传家宝放在地上颠来倒去。没办法，天太热了，他俩只好席地而坐。怀玉突然有了个主意，说，史纲，你明天偷偷把这匣子背到医院去，请你们放射科的同事照一下，看里面有没有东西。 史纲笑了起来，说，你是想发疯了！这是铜的，怎么透视？你还是当教师的哩！ 怀玉也觉得自己好笑，也就笑了，说，我是数学老师，又不是教物理化学的。 怀玉说着，突然眼睛一亮，说，你还别说呢，我当老师的还真有办法！ any solution?史纲忙问。 怀玉面呈得意色，说，我可以根据这个匣子的体积、重量等，大致推测一下这个匣子是空心的还是实心的。若是空心的，里面是空的还是装着东西，也可算个大概。 史纲想了想，觉得有道理。 于是，两人找来秤，先称一称匣子的重量，再量量长。宽。高，计算体积，再查了查铜的比重，算算实心的应是好重，空心的应是好重。经反复计算，推定这是个空心匣子，壁厚大概多少。最后又反复计算，结论令人失望。 怀玉很肯定地说，里面是空的，没装任何东西。我敢打赌！ 史纲不敢相信怀玉的话。他摇头说，不可能，绝对不可能！我们史家祖祖辈辈不可能守着个空匣子守了将近六百年。我们史家历朝历代可是出了不少聪明绝顶的人，就这么容易上当？就说我爸爸，自小聪慧，才智过人，老来德高望重，在远近都是有口皆碑的。Impossible, absolutely impossible! 怀玉笑道，信不信由你。我这是科学计算，不会错的！ 怀玉不再关心铜匣子，每天夜里照样睡得很好。史纲夜夜望着铜匣子发呆，慢慢地也就没了兴趣。他倒是把一家老少大小的事情打理得清清爽爽。毕竟生下来就是老二，他始终尊重哥哥，体恤妹妹和晚辈。所以全家人都很服他。 又是一个冬天，史老大病了一场，直到次年春上，才慢慢好起来。人却老了许多。儿女们都清楚，爸爸病起来难得痊愈，多半因为他自己是一方名医，不肯轻易相信别人。可谁也不敢说破这层意思，眼睁睁望着老人家艰难地挨着，心里干着急。老人家能自己动了，仍是每天带着郭纯林出去走走。也不是每天都上明月公园。一向感到很轻松的路程，现在越来越觉得遥远了