Qi Shuyu praised: "This couplet is good!" Chu Tianshu said: "What's so good about it?" Qi Shuyu said: "Teacher, don't test me. The good thing is, I can't tell. You should explain it to me." Chu Tianshu said: "This couplet contains narration and discussion, with historical facts and feelings. The isolated city in the north of the Yangtze River and the soil in Huainan fit the story of Shi Kefa's tenacious defense of Yangzhou; the strong grass in the wind and the plum blossoms on the ridge are a compliment to his character. .A man of riches and honours cannot be promiscuous, poor and humble cannot be moved, and mighty cannot be subdued. This is the style of Jin Cao and Plum Blossoms!" Qi Shuyu said: "That's a good point! To be a man is to be a grass in the wind and a plum blossom on a mountain. Writing like this is a higher level than just praising 'loyal ministers'." Chu Tianshu said: "Your views are also very high!" Qi Shuyu said with a smile: "Fortunately, there are no outsiders here, otherwise people will hear it, and I'm afraid we brothers and sisters will laugh at each other." As soon as I said this, someone suddenly laughed and said: "I heard it! Brother, you are so biased." It was Chu Tianhong who walked in. Chu Tianshu smiled and said, "Aren't you convinced that I praise Yumei?" Chu Tianhong said: "Sister Yu is better at martial arts than me, reads more than me, and has more knowledge than me. How can I not accept her? What I am not convinced is your partiality. When my sister comes, you seem to have completely forgotten I lost my sister." Chu Tianshu smiled and said: "You blame me for not coming to play with you, right? Who told you to get up, Yan, when we came, you were not up yet. And I know you will find it yourself." Chu Tianhong said: "Do you think I came to you because I was greedy for fun? It was Daddy who told me to go back to you." Chu Tianshu said: "What's the matter?" Chu Tianhong said: "There is a guest at home." Chu Tianshu said: "Who is the guest?" Chu Tianhong said: "It's a guest that you didn't expect. But this guest, I believe Sister Yu must be very happy to see him." Qi Shuyu's heart skipped a beat: "Could it be Brother Yuan?" He said, "Don't ask me to guess charades, open the boring gourd." Chu Tianhong smiled and said, "The lid of this stuffy gourd can be opened as soon as you get home anyway. What are you in a hurry for? Let's take a guess first." Qi Shuyu only said that it was Wei Tianyuan, but he was unwilling to reveal her conjecture. She and Chu Tianshu's brothers and sisters hurried home, only to find out that she had guessed wrong when they got home. The guest is not Wei Tianyuan, but Ding Bo. Ding Bo is her family's old servant, but her grandfather never treats him as a servant.Qi Shuyu was not born yet, he was already in Qi's family.Qi Shuyu has always regarded him as a member of the family.Ding Bo is also a well-known figure in Jianghu, and he is also an old friend with Yangzhou hero Chu Jinsong. Qi Shuyu was both surprised and happy, and said, "Uncle Ding, how do you know I'm here? Did grandpa ask you to pick me up?" Ding Bo said: "Your grandfather asked me to come out to look for you, but your father told me that you are here. He wanted to know how you are doing, so he asked me to come and see you for him." Qi Shuyu said: "Ah, so you have already met Daddy, how is he?" Ding Bo said: "He and Mu Juanjuan are very, very good together." Qi Leming's martial arts has been abolished, and Ding Bo didn't want Qi Shuyu to worry about his father, so he didn't say anything.However, when he said that Qi Leming was living "very well", it was not a lie.With Mu Juanjuan accompanying Qi Leming to live in seclusion in the mountains, Qi Leming's life is indeed much more carefree than the days of wandering in the rivers and lakes. "Your grandfather is looking forward to your return, but there is no need to be in a hurry. I know that you have only been in Yangzhou for half a month. You can go back after the New Year." Ding Bo said. "Uncle Ding, when are you leaving?" Qi Shuyu asked. "Maybe, maybe I will stay for a few days." Ding Bo said. Chu Tianshu hurriedly said: "Uncle Ding has already said that you can go back after the New Year. You don't have to rush to go with him." Qi Shuyu said: "Oh, you won't leave until a few days later, do you have other business?" She ignored Chu Tianshu and continued to ask Ding Bo. Ding Bo said: "There is something that is indirectly related to you." Qi Shuyu hurriedly asked: "What is it?" Ding Bo said: "Do you know the whereabouts of Young Master Wei?" Qi Shuyu said: "I just wanted to ask you about it. Although I went to the capital, I didn't see him. I only know that he caused a big event in the secret magic cliff that shocked the capital. I don't know his whereabouts afterwards gone." Ding Bo said: "I know some news about him. I heard that he is with Shangguan Yunlong's daughter now." Qi Shuyu said: "Shangguan Yunlong's daughter, that, isn't that—" Chu Tianshu said: "That's right, we have been to her home in Beijing, but we haven't seen her Shangguan Feifeng." Qi Shuyu felt sour in his heart, and thought to himself: "So, could it be that those rumors are actually true?" Ding Bo continued: "I heard that Young Master Wei and that Shangguan girl have come to the south of the Yangtze River. It is very likely that they will come to Yangzhou within a few days." Qi Shuyu said: "Uncle Ding, you said there is another matter, you must be referring to Brother Yuan's matter?" Ding Bo said: "That's right, another reason I came to Yangzhou this time is because of Young Master Wei." Qi Shuyu said: "Many people say that Shangguan Yunlong is the biggest devil in the world, and his daughter is a ruthless witch. I can't figure out what Shangguan Feifeng is like. But grandpa doesn't seem to have said anything bad about her father. I don't know if he is the devil or not. Uncle Ding, since you are here for Brother Yuan, what are your plans?" As soon as I said this, I suddenly saw someone carrying a coffin in. Qi Shuyu was taken aback, and asked, "Father, what do you want this coffin for?" After sending the porter away, Chu Jinsong said, "This is your Uncle Ding's idea." Ding Bo said, "I plan to make a play." Qi Shuyu was puzzled and said, "Do a play?" Chu Jinsong said with a smile: "You need your help to sing this play. Uncle Ding has already made an agreement with me. I just wonder if you, Yu'er, are willing to play a supporting role in this play?" Qi Shuyu said: "Who is the protagonist?" Ding Bo said, "It's your Brother Yuan, and maybe that Shangguan girl." Qi Shuyu said: "Uncle Ding, what exactly... what kind of medicine are you selling in the gourd?" She originally wanted to say "what the hell are you doing?", but to save her stepfather's face, she changed her words on the verge of speaking. Chu Jinsong said: "Yu'er, follow me." Qi Shuyu followed his stepfather into a room, and was stunned as soon as he entered the door. This was originally a study room, but now it looks like a mourning hall.The coffin that was just carried was placed in the middle of the room. Chu Jinsong said: "Old Ding, how do you see the arrangement?" Ding Bo said: "It's almost done. According to Baoding's custom, two ever-burning lamps should be lit at the head of the coffin." Chu Jinsong said: "There is no writing on the tablet, how do you think it should be written?" Ding Bo said: "She is a junior, so you can't enshrine her. You can think about it later. Well, and, it's better to add another portrait for the mourners to pay their respects to the remains." Chu Jinsong said: "Shu Er's painting is not bad, let him paint this portrait." Qi Shuyu collected himself, and said, "Daddy, Uncle Ding, what's going on?" Chu Jinsong sighed and said, "What should I say? Well, Lao Ding, you should tell her." Ding Bo said slowly: "Life is like a play, miss, why don't you use the mourning hall as a stage." Chu Jinsong then went on to say: "It is very likely that this play will be staged tonight, but you don't need to read the speech, just watch others do it." Ding Bo then laughed and said, "You don't even need to look at it, you just need to listen with your ears." After listening to Ding Bo's explanation, Qi Shuyu knew what role she was going to play. She felt aggrieved, but she still agreed. Wei Tianyuan came to Chu's house, it was the middle of the night. He didn't want to disturb others, so it was best to meet Chu Jinsong first.Then Chu Jinsong helped him arrange an appointment with his junior sister alone.He was afraid that his junior sister might be in the same room as Xu Zhongyue's daughter. But how can we just meet Chu Jinsong first?Chu Jinsong may also live together as a husband and wife, and he cannot sneak into every room to peep. There is only one way, to make a little noise, Chu Jinsong's martial arts is the highest in the Chu family, he will be the first to notice, and this will draw him out. However, "slightly revealing", this "slightly" must be just right.Otherwise, it's hard not to alarm the other members of the Chu family. While he was hesitating, he suddenly saw a room in the corner of the garden, with a faint light in the room.Who is in the house, it's so late, and you haven't slept yet? A gust of wind was blowing from there, and there was a scent of sandalwood in the wind. Wei Tianyuan was taken aback for a moment, and thought to himself: "Could it be that this room is a Buddhist hall? Hero Chu is not a lay Buddhist who believes in Buddhism." At this time, he had already discovered a pair of blue lanterns hanging outside the door of this room. He felt even more strange: "Blue lanterns are hung at the door, which means that there is a funeral at home. But they are usually hung outside the door, not just outside a certain room in the house. It can't be that the Chu family died or something people?" Suddenly, someone faintly heard crying in the room. Wei Tianyuan shivered, but he was surprised and happy in his heart. He remembered that time in the rubble field of his hometown in Baoding, he heard a sigh that seemed to be Jiang Xuejun's voice. The sobbing sound this time is clearer than the sighing sound that time, but the sobbing sound can only be heard to be a woman. Is this woman Jiang Xuejun? He didn't believe that Jiang Xuejun was still in the world, but he couldn't help thinking wildly: "Could it be that Xuejun's grievances are endless, and she knows I'm coming, so she wants to show her spirit?" That time when he chased after him, he couldn't see the "ghost". This time he didn't dare to be reckless, and hid his figure behind the rockery, thinking to himself: Humans and ghosts have different paths, maybe she still doesn't want me to see it Her, I don't want to scare her away. Just as he hid his body, a "female ghost" with disheveled hair came out of that room. It's not a "female ghost", it's Xu Zhongyue's daughter Xu Jinyao! Wei Tianyuan didn't want to see her the most, and thought: "Her father deserves to die, but she is innocent. I don't want to scare her, I will go in and see after she leaves." Xu Jinyao was approaching his hiding place when she stopped suddenly and shouted, "Who is it?" Wei Tianyuan was startled when he heard someone say: "Junior Sister, it's me!" Xu Jinyao said: "Brother Yuan, you startled me!" Wei Tianyuan smiled wryly in his heart: "Brother Yuan's title is the same, but unfortunately her 'Brother Yuan' is not the Brother Yuan that Xuemei liked to call before she was alive." It turned out that the person who came was Xu Jinyao's senior brother Guo Yuanzai.He escorted Xu Jinyao and Chu Tianhong back to Yangzhou from the capital, and he was still living in the Chu family at this time.Among Xu Zhongyue's disciples, his conduct was the most upright, which Wei Tianyuan had known for a long time. Guo Yuanzai said: "Junior Sister, are you going to scold Jiang Xuejun again?" Wei Tianyuan was amazed when he heard this, he seemed to blame Xu Jinyao for always scolding Jiang Xuejun, how could it be possible? Xu Jinyao said: "She killed my father, shouldn't I scold her?" Guo Yuanzai said: "That's right, Master died because of her. However, I am afraid that Master also has this matter..." Xu Jinyao said: "I know that my father is wrong, but no matter what, since Jiang Xuejun has another lover, she shouldn't have married my father in the first place." Wei Tianyuan thought to himself: "At first she thought that I was already dead, and she was forced by the situation, so she fell into Xu Zhongyue's trap. But Guo Yuanzai didn't know the reason, even if he knew the reason, it would be inconvenient. Xu Jinyao spoke ill of her father in front of her." Guo Yuanzai said: "Master and Jiang Xuejun have died together. As the saying goes, if you die, then why should we care about right and wrong? Besides, Jiang Xuejun is brother Chu's junior sister, and her spirit card was also established by the Chu family. Are you right?" Her spirit card scolds her to vent her anger, which is not very kind to the master." Only then did Wei Tianyuan understand what the so-called "running to scold Jiang Xuejun again" was all about.Feeling quite dissatisfied in my heart, I thought: "It doesn't matter if you scold me, but you shouldn't scold Mr. Xue!" Only Xu Jinyao said: "You guessed wrong, I'm not scolding Jiang Xuejun." Guo Yuanzai said, "Are you scolding Wei Tianyuan?" Xu Jinyao did not answer, but said: "To be honest, I also know that I said that Jiang Xuejun killed Daddy. This sentence is a bit heavy, but according to your statement, you also admit that Daddy died because of her. For this That's why, I did hate her. But now I don't hate her, instead I feel sorry for her!" Guo Yuanzai said sadly: "Miss Jiang is indeed a confidante who deserves to be pitied." Xu Jinyao snorted, and said: "Do you think I pity her misfortune? Her misfortune is self-inflicted. But the retribution came so quickly, I didn't expect it. I'm afraid she didn't know until the day she died. It's too late. So I think she is both pitiful and ridiculous!" Guo Yuanzai seemed startled, and said, "What retribution? Forgive me for being stupid, but I still don't understand what you mean." Xu Jinyao said: "I only found out about this matter today. Wei Tianyuan heard that he has come to Jiangnan, maybe he will come here within a day or two. However, he didn't come alone!" Guo Yuanzai said, "Who is he with?" Xu Jinyao said: "The daughter of the great devil, Shangguan Yunlong!" Guo Yuanzai remained silent, and said for a while, "So those rumors are actually true." Xu Jinyao said: "They walked together and stayed together all the way. Someone saw it with their own eyes. Can there be a fake?" Wei Tianyuan once lived in the same house with Shangguan Feifeng in the hotel by the Mochou Lake, and he thought to himself: "This rumor must have started because of this. There are many gossips in Jianghu, like Shen Gongbao. It’s not worth me to be angry about it. I just don’t know who is the so-called person who ‘saw’ me and Feifeng with my own eyes? Although Meng Zhongqiang and Ling Yuyan were in that hotel, don’t say I didn’t tell them They figured it out, even if they have figured it out, Ling Yuyan is probably still recuperating in that inn." He was not angry with the rumor, he couldn't figure out who it was, so he stopped thinking about it.But when others said that he was "unconscionable", he was very excited. Guo Yuanzai sighed and said: "Jiang Xuejun's body is not cold yet, Wei Tianyuan has moved on, and I feel worthless for Jiang Xuejun!" Xu Jinyao sneered and said: "They have been fighting fiercely before Jiang Xuejun was alive! I was not present at the Battle of the Secret Demon Cliff, but I heard people present say that Jiang Xuejun actually committed suicide because of their anger. Hehe, this is called a report Retribution, retribution really comes quickly! Jiang Xuejun cheated on her husband and killed my father, and unexpectedly, her old lover hooked up with other witches in front of her!" Guo Yuanzai said: "Wei Tianyuan is such a heartless man, I can't think of it. However, Jiang Xuejun is dead, we don't have to gossip about her anymore." He originally wanted to blame Xu Jinyao for gloating, but Thinking of how pitiful her experience was, she couldn't bear to use such a heavy tone. Guo Yuanzai and Xu Jinyao walked away holding hands, and Wei Tianyuan walked into the room. It really is a mourning hall!There were two ever-burning lamps on the head of the coffin, and he saw Jiang Xuejun's portrait and Jiang Xuejun's memorial tablet. Mourning, grief, resentment, sentimentality... All kinds of emotions were tangled in his heart. He knelt in front of the coffin, caressing the coffin, and poured out the depression in his heart to Jiang Xuejun.Not only regard Jiang Xuejun as a lover, but also as a bosom friend.A child has to tell his mother when he is wronged, but an adult can only talk to his confidant.Although during Jiang Xuejun's lifetime, they would have separated more often, so I'm afraid there had never been such a true friendship between them, but at this time he really felt this way. Wei Tianyuan supported the coffin and whispered: "Mr. Xue, I don't care how others scold me. I just come to ask for your forgiveness. Mr. Xue, I don't think you will call me ruthless, do you? You know that, Before you were alive, there was only one you in my heart. Do you still remember that there was a time when you wanted to fulfill me and my junior sister, and this matter may have left a shadow in your heart? But you You finally understand, don't you?" "That's right, Junior Sister Qi has liked me since she was a child. She is not afraid to show her love for me in front of you. I also know her heart. But I always treat her as a little sister. I have never loved you like that." loved her that way." "If I were the kind of unlucky boy that others say, and I would love to change when I see a difference, I should have fallen in love with my junior sister a long time ago. In this way, I can not only repay my grandfather's kindness in raising me, but also get a happy family life. If I marry her, I will not You will be scolded by others like you are now, and you will also encounter many unfathomable risks!" "Junior Sister is a good woman, a piece of pure white jade that has not been artificially carved. In terms of talent and appearance, she will not lose to Shangguan Feifeng. If I don't have true feelings for you, why didn't I Falling in love with her? But only now falling in love with Shangguan Feifeng?" He whispered endlessly in front of the coffin, expressing his true feelings for Jiang Xuejun by refusing the love of his junior sister. But he didn't know that the one lying in the coffin was not Jiang Xuejun, but his junior sister Qi Shuyu! He always treated Qi Shuyu as his little sister, and Qi Shuyu knew it too.But this time she got confirmation from Wei Tianyuan, but it still made her feel embarrassed. Yes, Wei Tianyuan also praised her, but the praise still couldn't dispel the anger in her heart: "Why do you compare me with that witch? Hmph, since you said that I didn't lose to that witch, why did you give it to that witch again?" Infatuated? Before Sister Xuejun was alive, you didn’t love me, I don’t blame you. But now Sister Xuejun is dead, but her bones are still not cold. If you move on so quickly, Sister Xuejun forgives you, and I can’t forgive you either. Yours, I don't care about your love. From the time I knew you were hanging out with that witch, I am no longer a little girl who doesn't know anything like before. I just hope that you will give me a little love. !" She almost shouted: "Wei Tianyuan, I want you to know that I don't love you anymore!" Of course, she finally held back and didn't yell.But the anger already made her body tremble slightly! Wei Tianyuan caressed the tong coffin, faintly feeling that the coffin moved slightly. Wei Tianyuan was startled, doubtful: "Is Lord Xue appearing? Or is it my hallucination?" He became more excited, and continued: "Mr. Xue, have you heard my report? I think you will forgive me, right? Oh, remember when you fell into my arms, what you said The last sentence is: I know you love me, and I am very happy. After I leave, someone will take care of you. Although you didn't say her name, I know you must be talking about Shangguan Feifeng. " "Mr. Xue, you and I have gone through tribulations together. Our two families have suffered the same fate. Our relationship grew out of adversity. The same is true for me and Feifeng. If it weren't for her, I would have died long ago. She saved me. took my life and encouraged me to live. I can't lie to you, I love her now as I loved you before." "Now I have followed your will, and I am engaged to Feifeng. Feifeng was going to come to worship you tonight, but I was afraid of causing trouble, so I discouraged her. However, her love for you, I have brought you before your spirit. Do you know that she respects you as a 'sister'? Do you know the meaning of 'sister'? Although you and I have no husband and wife status, we are in her heart , I already regard you as my ex-wife." "Mr. Xue, I never tell you a lie. If my words are heard by others, maybe my crime of 'feeling' will be aggravated, but I know you will never say that I am ruthless. As long as you forgive me Well, I don't bother to care about what other people think!" How did he know that this "others" also included his junior sister Qi Shuyu. When Qi Shuyu heard his words in the coffin, she almost jumped up in anger. She didn't believe that Jiang Xuejun entrusted Wei Tianyuan to Shangguan Feifeng when he was dying.A girl always has the self-esteem of a girl. Although she already knows that love cannot be forced, and she also understands what kind of feelings Wei Tianyuan has for her, she still can only believe that if Jiang Xuejun really said that, " Someone will take care of you." That person should refer to her, not Shangguan Feifeng. "Shameless!" She scolded in her heart: "Sister Xuejun's bones are not cold, so you empathize with others. You are clearly afraid that others will call you unlucky, so you misunderstand sister Xuejun's meaning. If you don't fall in love, don't fall in love with her." Now, why bother to tell the 'true feelings' for Sister Xuejun? Are you crying for a mouse, or are you here to anger her?" The dead Jiang Xuejun would not be angry, but she was really angry! When she got angry, her breathing became cloudy unconsciously.Although separated by a layer of coffin boards, Wei Tianyuan began to notice it a little bit. "Is there someone hiding in the dark?" He picked up an ever-burning lamp at the head of the coffin and looked around, but there was no "ghost". The coffin moved again! "Mr. Xue, is it you who manifested? I'm not afraid to see you. Just show yourself and let me see you!" The "ghost" of Jiang Xuejun he was looking forward to, of course, did not appear.But the coffin moved again for the third time! As the saying goes, "There are only three things to do", he felt suspicious. Suspicious and suspicious, he put his ear against the coffin and listened intently.At this time Qi Shuyu did not dare to move, and his breathing had returned to normal.But Wei Tianyuan had practiced the skill of listening and distinguishing instruments, so his hearing was very keen, and he could still hear a little sound faintly. "No, how can a dead person breathe! It doesn't matter whether he is a ghost or a human being, you have to find out!" He boldly, as soon as he gritted his teeth, he stretched out his hand suddenly, and opened the coffin lid. Chu Jinsong and his wife sat opposite each other in the bedroom, turned off the lights, and talked softly in the dark. "The main character has come. I just wonder if the ending of this play is as we expected?" Mrs. Chu Zhuang Yingnan said. Chu Jinsong said with a wry smile: "I am not a well-behaved person. I have done things that other people think are misbehaving, but this is the first time I have encountered such absurd child's play. It’s not that Lao Ding persuaded me to listen to his arrangement, I—” Zhuang Yingnan laughed and said, "Lao Ding is actually doing it for you. Let me ask you, would you like to turn my daughter into your daughter-in-law? They are different from their parents. Brother and sister are just a name, so they can get married." Chu Jinsong said: "When they become husband and wife, Qi Leming and I can also change from enemies to in-laws. Of course I am willing to marry this kind of marriage. However, in my opinion, since Yu'er came to our house, she and Tianshu The relationship between them seems to be very good, if they don't sing this drama, maybe they can, and they can gradually fall in love with each other." Zhuang Yingnan said: "It may be possible to speculate, but I can't rest assured. You have to know that Yu'er grew up with Tian Yuan. She wholeheartedly wants to marry Tian Yuan. According to Lao Ding, she once harmed Tian Yuan for him." Shan Sibing. Although things have passed, but if she hadn't let her know that Tian Yuan has formed another marriage alliance, she probably wouldn't have given up on it! She has another person in her heart, and no matter who she marries in the future, the marriage There will be no happiness!" Chu Jinsong said: "But even if things come true according to Lao Ding's arrangement, it's only halfway through. Whether this play will have a happy ending is still unknown!" Zhuang Yingnan said: "If you want to succeed in something, there is no risk at all. No matter what the outcome is, it is worth a try." Chu Jinsong said: "What if it's a ridiculous ending?" 庄英男道：“这出戏是丁勃编的，丁勃是你的老朋友，你应该知道，他并不是一个荒唐的人。” 楚劲松忽道：“夫人，咱们许久没有下棋了。我记得你上次布的那个'玲珑'（围棋残局，称为玲珑），我现在都还未能解开。” 庄英男道：“咦，你怎么突然想起下棋来了？那个玲珑，其实也并不难解。变化虽然好似十分复杂，但关键的着法也不过三着。这三着棋看得通透，玲珑就可解开。” 楚劲松道：“老丁的设计也可以比作一个棋局。我就是怕有一步棋看不通透，那就会下错了子。” 刚说到这里，就听得有人说道：“你是哪一步棋看不通透？” 丁勃走进来了。 楚劲松道：“这主意不是你出的吧？” 丁勃笑道：“毕竟是老朋友，你知道我没有这种鬼才。实不相瞒，要你们伙同我唱这出戏，这主意是穆娟娟出的。” 庄英男皱眉道：“哦，主意是她出的？” 丁勃说道：“嫂子，是否怀疑她不安好心？” 庄英男道：“不，我只是奇怪她为何爱管这个闲事？”她的心里，其实的确是有点信不过“银狐”的。 丁勃说道：“她可并不认为这是闲事。少、少……嫂子，她觉得亏欠你的太多，故此想为你们两家化解。据她说，少爷对劲松兄虽然没有从前那样恶感，但心头的结可还没有解开的。少爷只有漱玉这个女儿，父女之情，胜于一切。假如小姐嫁给了劲松兄的公子，那就什么仇怨都可以化为乌有了。”丁勃是齐家的老仆人，习惯了把齐勒铭称作少爷的。以前他也习惯把庄英男称作“少奶”，只因他也是楚劲松的老朋友，时刻提醒自己，这才记得改变称呼。 庄英男道：“穆娟娟出的这个主意，勒铭知不知道？” 丁勃道：“我想少爷是知道的。” 庄英男道：“你怎么知道他知道？” 丁勃说道：“少爷和我谈过卫少爷和那位上官姑娘的事情。他说他们二人倒是一对。他还说他以前也曾想过要卫少爷做女婿的，但现在主意已经变了。我就问他喜欢把小姐许配给谁，他说玉儿的事情自有她的母亲作主，他不管了。” 庄英男道：“那也未能证明他已经知道了穆娟娟出的这个主意呀。” 丁勃道：“最后少爷还说了一句意味深长的话，他说他相信在选女婿这个问题上面，娟娟的看法会和你一样。只要是你们二人都同意的人选，那么女儿的婚事如何安排，他也都会欣然同意。假如不是穆娟娟在他面前露过口风，少爷不会这样说的。” 庄英男道：“劲松，你还有那步棋看不通透？” 楚劲松道：“是最关紧要的一步棋，卫天元真的是已经爱上了上官飞凤吗？” 丁勃道：“这个我当然不能替他作答。但少爷是曾经见过他们二人在一起的，少爷冷眼旁观，也觉得他们二人是性情投合的一对。这些日子，他们一路同行，人言藉藉，恐怕也未必全是谣言。” 楚劲松想了一想，问道：“听你们说的勒铭的口气，倒似乎并不认为那位上官姑娘是个妖女？” 丁勃说道：“岂只不认为她是妖女，她的父亲上官云龙，许多人说他是天下第一大魔头的人，我家少爷对他也甚为推重呢。” 庄英男说道：“勒铭以往的行事虽然颇多乖谬，但他对上官云龙父女的看法我是信得过的。”弦外之音，不用担心卫天元娶妻不当。 楚劲松道：“我也希望卫天元能娶得一个好妻子，但假如他和上官飞凤的关系不是如咱们所想的那样，这出戏恐怕就会唱得荒腔走板了。” 丁勃说道：“如果卫少爷不是真心欢喜那位上官姑娘，上官姑娘要他也是没用。咱们试他一试，对上官姑娘也是无损。” 楚劲松默然不语。 丁勃笑道：“戏已经唱到一半了，现在该轮到咱们这两个老角登场啦。走吧，走吧！” 楚劲松道：“当真要假戏真做？” 丁勃笑道：“假中有真，真中有假。总之要记得你演的角色是一个关心他的长辈，那就可以戏假情真了。” 楚劲松道：“其实是为老不尊！”接着苦笑道：“说老实话，这样捉弄小辈的事情，无论如何，我都觉得有点荒唐。” 丁勃道：“楚兄，你不是想反悔吧？” 楚劲松笑道：“谁叫咱们是老朋友呢，没法子，我只好和你联手做一次荒唐事了。” 丁勃微有歉意，略一迟疑，似乎想说什么，但却没有说出来。好在他是走在前面，楚劲松没有看见他脸部的表情。 原来他还是有一件事情瞒着老朋友的。 他不但见过齐勒铭和穆娟娟，还见过另外一个人。而且是见这个人在前，得到了这个人的指点，他才见得着旧日的少主人的。 今晚的安排，也并不是完全出自穆娟娟的主意。甚至可以这样说：这出戏的戏文是那个人编的，穆娟娟只不过在枝节上的安排参加一点意见而已。不过这个人是谁，他却是不便向楚劲松和盘托出了。 楚劲松和丁勃放轻脚步，走近“灵堂”。刚好听见了卫天元的自言自语。两人发出会心微笑，好象在说：我们来得正是时候。 不错，来得正是时候。卫天元正在准备揭开棺盖。 棺盖还未揭开，忽然听得有人在叫： “卫少侠！” “卫少爷！” 是两个人同时在叫。一个声音非常熟悉，另外一个声音也不算陌生。 他吃了一惊，回过头来，只见楚劲松和丁勃已经站在他的面前了。 “楚大侠，丁大叔，你，你们……” “我是特地来这里等候你的。”丁勃说道。 卫天元定了定神，说道：“楚大侠，请恕我不请自来。我本是想来拜访你的……” 楚劲松道：“我并不觉得奇怪。我知道你会为姜雪君来的。你已经拜祭过了吧？” 卫天元点了点头。 丁勃说道：“卫少爷，你的心事已了，那就请你立刻和我回家去吧！” 卫天元怔了一征；道：“立刻？” 丁勃说道：“不错，你不知道你的爷爷是多么盼望你们回去吗？” 卫天元道：“哦，原来是爷爷叫你到这里找我和师妹回去的。” 丁勃说道：“正是。爷爷因为你和小姐久不归家，十分挂念，好不容易才打听到小姐是来了这里，他想你多半也会到楚家来的，所以叫我赶来扬州，找你们回家。他说要是你们不能一同回去的话，那一个先回去也好。你要知道你的爷爷虽然身体壮健，毕竟也是上了年纪的老人了。一个孤独的老人当然希望有个晚辈在跟前陪伴他的。” 卫天元道：“那就让师妹先回去陪伴他吧。” 楚劲松道：“卫少侠，你还有什么未了之事？” 卫天元道：“我想把姜雪君的灵柩运回她的故乡，与她的父母葬在一起。” 楚劲松说道：“这件事我可以代办。或许你未知道，江湖上颇多不利于你的流言。这件事与其你办，不如我办。雪君的父亲是我的同门师兄，我给她的一家办理丧事，也是名正言顺。” 卫天元想起自己一路上碰上的事情，情知若是由他押运姜雪君的灵柩回去，的确会惹出许多意想不到的麻烦的，雪君的灵柩也未必能够顺利运回故乡。于是道：“楚大侠，你既是以雪君师叔的身份出面治丧，那晚辈也不便和你争了。” 楚劲松道：“好，你既然不和我争，那就该和丁勃马上回去。” 一个说“立刻”，一个说“马上”，卫天元不觉笑道：“楚大侠，我还没见着师妹呢，你就要下逐客令了？” 楚劲松道：“不是我下逐客令，但我认为你是不必等待漱玉来和你见面了。” 卫天元道：“她不在家吗？” 楚劲松道：“她在家。但你无须与她见面，丁勃在等着你动身呢！” 卫天元道：“为何你们催得如此之急？” 楚劲松道：“玉儿来到我家不过半个月，她的母亲已经和她说好，要过了年才让她回去的。” 卫天元不觉起疑，强笑道：“师妹过了年回家不打紧，但你让我多留片刻也不行吗？” 楚劲松道：“我要你马上跟丁勃走是为了你的好。” 卫天元道：“哦，那么要是我多留半个、一个时辰，待见了师妹才走，就有什么事情不好了的？” 楚劲松眉头一皱，似乎想说什么，却没有说。 给他回答的是丁勃。 “卫少爷，你是和那妖女同来扬州的吧？” “哪个妖女？”卫天元涩声问道。 “上官云龙的女儿！”丁勃说道。 卫天元面色一沉，说道：“上官云龙的女儿不是妖女！哼，假如这话是别人说的——” “那你就要和他拼命了，是不是？” 卫天元默认。 丁勃叹口气道：“卫少爷，你刚才在姜姑娘灵前说的那些话我听见了，唉，原来你果然是爱上了那、那……上官云龙的女儿！” 卫天元冷冷说道：“我喜欢谁是我的事。不过，倘若说到那位上官姑娘，别人骂她妖女我不奇怪！丁大叔，你却似乎不该把她当作妖女！” "why?" “你是因为别人说她的父亲是大魔头，你才把她当作妖女的吧？” “不错，人家都这样说！” “但爷爷却不是这样说！丁大叔，你和爷爷作伴几十年，难道你没听见过爷爷谈及上官云龙，爷爷对他也相当尊重的。” 丁勃叹道：“但别人都这样说，那、那……” 卫天元道：“那又怎样？” 楚劲松道：“卫少侠，你是聪明人，难道还不明白？别人都这样说，那就不管那位上官姑娘是怎样的人，你和她一起就只能招祸，不会有福了！” 卫天元道：“是祸也好，是福也好，我都愿意一人承担。”说至此处，瞿然一省，纵声笑道：“楚大侠，我明白了，你是怕我连累你！” 楚劲松哈哈大笑，笑得比他更大声。“卫少侠，在你的心目中，原来我楚某人竟是这样的一个人吗？” 卫天元道：“扬州大侠楚劲松本来不应是怕受人连累的人，但你因何要赶我走？” 楚劲松道：“我只是想你快离开这个是非之地，更紧要的是离开那个招惹是非之人！”话意再也明显不过了，那即是要他离开上官飞凤！ 卫天元面色十分难看，说道：“楚大侠，你是我尊敬的长辈。但喜欢跟谁在一起，这是我自己的事，请恕不能从命！告辞！” 丁勃叫道：“卫少爷，你——” 卫天元道：“丁大叔，请恕我现在也不能和你一起回家。” 丁勃、楚劲松拦住门口，不约而同的说道：“你要去哪里？” 卫天元淡淡说道：“我从来处来，去处当然也只能就是来处了。” 丁勃道：“卫少爷，你怎的如此执迷下悟，仍然要回到那位、那位上官姑娘身边呢？” 卫天元道：“丁大叔，我的脾气你是知道的，我说过的话从无更改。爷爷我当然是要回去探望他的，但不是现在！” 楚劲松忽道：“卫少侠，请你留下！” 卫天元道：“咦，你不是要我马上走的么？” 楚劲松道：“我现在已经改变主意了。” 卫天元道：“哦，你肯让我和师妹一见了么？好，那就请你将她唤出来吧。” 楚劲松道：“她已经睡了，明天你再见她不迟。” 卫天元说道：“不，我和飞凤已经说好，天亮之前就回去的。我想师妹不会怪我吵醒她的，我只要和她见上一面，说几句话就走。” 楚劲松道：“不行，无论如何，你也得过了今晚才走！” 卫天元道：“刚才你要我马上离开，现在又要我留宿，这，这……” 楚劲松道：“这并不矛盾。” 卫天元道：“哦，我明白了。要是我跟从丁大叔回家，你就巴不得我走得越快越好。但你却不愿意我回到飞凤那儿。” 楚劲松道：“我也只是要留你今晚，以后我就不管了。” 卫天元疑心大起，问道：“为什么你们定要拦阻我今晚回去见她，我是答应过她的。” 楚劲松道：“这个诺言，我劝你不要遵守了。” 卫天元道：“楚大侠，我知道你素重诺言，为何却要别人不守诺言？” 楚劲松似有难言之隐，叹口气道：“我也不知怎样说才好，但反正到了明天，你就会明白的。” 卫天元疑心更甚，说道：“你们一定有什么事情瞒着我，是不是？我等不到明天了，你们不说个明白，我就自己回去弄个明白！” 楚劲松道：“你还不明白吗？不是我怕受到你的连累，是我怕你受到别人连累！” 丁勃忽道：“上官云龙有个得力手下，名叫公冶弘，他是早就来了扬州的，家住观音山大明寺附近，对吗？” 卫天元道：“丁大叔，你的消息倒是灵通得很，看来你想必亦已知道我们是住在他的家里了。” 丁勃点了点头，说道：“不是我的消息灵通，是别人的消息灵通。” 卫天元道：“别人，哪些别人？” 丁勃说道：“那可多了，有些是上官云龙的仇家，有些是中原的侠义道。这两帮人虽然身份不同，正邪混杂，但有一样却是相同的，他们都是与上官云龙誓不两立！” 卫天元道：“那又怎样？” 丁勃说道：“他们不敢上昆仑山去向上官云龙挑战，对付上官云龙的女儿他们是有把握的。实不相瞒，已经有人叫我参加他们的行动，我是看在你的份上，没有答应。” 卫天元急道：“快说，什么行动？” 丁勃说道：“活捉上官云龙的女儿，要是活的捉不到，死的也要！” 卫天元道：“围攻计划，定在何时开始？” 丁勃说道：“正是今晚三更！” 卫天元是三更时分来到楚家的，此时已经过了半个时辰了！ 楚劲松道：“卫少侠，你明白了吧，要是你此际赶回去，可能碰个正着，所以……” 卫天元大叫道：“让开！”楚劲松侧身一闪，却用了一招拂云手，把卫天元向他猛推的力道卸开，丁勃随即一招“旋转乾坤”双掌齐出，一推一带，两人合力，把卫天元的身形带过一边。总之不让他走出灵堂的门口。 卫天元火红了眼，沉声说道：“楚大侠，丁大叔，你们不让我走，我宁愿死在你们的掌下！” 丁勃卸开他的掌力，说道：“卫少爷，我是奴才身份，岂敢伤害主人。但这是你爷爷的主意，你的爷爷是希望你最好离开那个妖女的！” 卫天元怒道：“好吧，你既然是奉了爷爷之命来拦阻我，你杀了我也不算是以下犯上，你使出杀手吧！你不使我可要使了！” 丁勃道：“爷爷的话你也不听了？” 卫天元道：“别的事我可以听，这件事你在我死后告诉爷爷，原谅我不能奉他之命！” 只听得声如裂帛，丁勃的衣袖被卫天元一个龙爪手撕去了一幅，在掌风中化成了片片蝴蝶。 但在丁楚二人合力阻拦之下，卫天元虽然使出杀手，仍是未能冲出。 丁勃见他形同拼命，也自有点心惊，暗自想道：“这出戏似乎也该适可而止了。嗯，不如换几个角色唱那下半场吧。” 卫天元喝道：“丁大叔，我不想伤你，我知道你也不想伤我，但今日之事，实是逼我，逼我不能、不能……” 话犹未了，丁勃忽地闪开两步，说道：“唉，卫少爷，你不知道，即使我让你走，他们也不会让你走的！” 卫天元道：“他们是谁？” 就在此时，园子里的假山背后，花树丛中突然跳出了七八个人，涌到灵堂来了。 “我们是上官云龙的仇家！”那些人齐声说道。 卫天元认得为首那两人正是他在保定之时，在他老家门前那片瓦砾场上，伏击过他的那两个貌似胡人的汉人。 为首那两个人向楚劲松唱了个喏，说道：“西门霸、东方雄拜见楚大侠，请楚大侠原谅我们骚扰贵府。” 楚劲松道：“只要你们不为己甚，我可以置身事外。你，你要知道——” 西门霸道：“我知道卫天元是丁勃的少主人，丁勃是你的老朋友。” 楚劲松道：“你们知道就好。” 西门霸哈哈大笑起来。 楚劲松怔了一怔，说道：“我和丁勃是老朋友，这又有什么好笑？” 西门霸大笑过后，说道：“楚大侠，丁勃大概还没有和你说过吧，他是你的老朋友，也是我们的老朋友啊！三十年前我们曾经和他在黑道上联手做买卖！” 说罢，回过头来，对丁勃施了一礼，说道：“丁大哥，我们知道卫天元也算得是你的少主人，看在咱们以往交情的份上，我们当然不想伤害他。但可也得请你帮个忙，帮忙劝劝你家的少主人——” 卫天元早已是气愤填胸，忍耐不了，陡地喝道：“丁大叔，你是不是要和他们联手再做一次买卖？” 丁勃呆了一呆，说道：“卫少爷，你这是什么话，难道我还能出卖你吗？不过——” 卫天元道：“你若不愿与我为敌，那就不必再说什么'不过'了。为了保全你和他们的交情，你不帮他们，我也不要你来帮我！” 丁勃竟然好象同意他这提议，说道：“卫少爷，我希望你最好先听一听这两位朋友的来意。能够不动手，还是不动手的好！”说罢，他就退过一边了。 卫天元冷笑说道：“丁大叔，你这两朋友和我也不是初会面了。他们的来意，我早已知道！有一笔旧帐，我正等待他们来算呢！” 西门霸哈哈一笑，说道：“卫少侠，你错了。我们并不是来和你算旧帐的。我们是上官云龙的仇家，与你并无深仇大恨。不错，在保定那晚，我们曾经和你打过一架，也曾经吃过那妖女与你联手的亏。但这次我们只是为了对付那妖女来的，只要你置身事外，我们决不把事情牵连到你的头上。” 丁勃说道：“对啦，卫少爷，你就安安静静在这里过一晚吧，何必——” 话犹未了，卫天元已是一声大吼，喝道：“谁要对付上官飞凤，先得对付我！” 大喝声中，猛冲过去。 只听得一阵金铁交鸣之声，西门霸以一对虎头钩、东方雄以一把斫山刀挡住了他的剑。他们带来的那些人亦已迅速布成阵势，把卫天元困在阵中了。 只西门霸和东方雄二人联手，已是足以和卫天元