Chapter 12 Chapter Twelve
As soon as he entered the nunnery, Sai Guanyin had doubts.June 18 is already very lively, where can Second Grandma Zhen and her "concubine" "sleep".When the incense was burned, people rejoiced everywhere, and the doubts became even more serious; as the second grandmother of Zhen in the Cao family, she came to Ganlu nunnery to burn incense. Naturally, a large group of girls and mothers followed, why didn't one of them disappear.
Maybe it's too early, let's wait and see.Thinking of this, she sat idle in the meditation room designated by Sun Huzi; fortunately, she had a fair and pretty face, making people happy to get close to her, so she was sandwiched between a group of wives and young ladies from the official family, and she actually talked and laughed freely.When we were talking vigorously, someone came up and asked, "Are you Mrs. Zhang Wu?"
Sai Guanyin seemed to have known this girl with a hakama, long braids, a light body and a sweet smile, but she couldn't remember seeing her there; she stood up and replied, "I dare not. My sister is from that family." of?"
"Don't ask; just tell me if you are Mrs. Zhang Wu?"
"Yes. My husband's family name is Zhang."
"That's good. Come here, please!"
Leading her to the other side, Sai Guanyin remembered that she was a girl from the Cao family; because she knew Aunt Ji.
"Hey! Aunt Ji, you've always been nice!" Saying this, Mrs. Zhang Wu gave her a blessing.
"Don't dare to do it, don't dare to do it." Aunt Ji took her hand and said affectionately: "I haven't seen you for two years, and you still look like that, you don't look old at all."
After giving way to each other for a while, Fang Shi sat down side by side, and Sai Guanyin naturally wanted to ask "this sister"; Aunt Ji immediately seemed to be flying gold on her face, and she was extremely proud.
"She was the most powerful person when our old lady was alive; now she is here to help me, her name is Xia Yun."
"Hey!" Sai Guanyin was in awe immediately, "How many people have I heard said that the four girls in front of the old lady in spring, summer, autumn and winter are both talented and beautiful, and they can read and write, and almost all the ladies from official families can't match. Strange way It looks so familiar, it was the old lady's birthday that year, and I saw it from afar." After speaking, he went to grab Xia Yun's hand, and praised: "What a talent!"
Xia Yun smiled reservedly; then gently broke free from Sai Guanyin's hand, took out the accompanying dry pipe, filled a bag of cigarettes, wiped the cigarette holder with a handkerchief, and handed it to Aunt Ji.
"Let the customers go first!"
"Thank you, thank you, I won't." Sai Guanyin hurriedly said, "Please always."
While Xia Yun was lighting a cigarette for Aunt Ji, Sai Guanyin was thinking in her heart that she might have made a mistake, saying that there was a female family member in Cao's mansion who came to burn incense, and it was probably Aunt Ji.You might as well ask this question.
"Aunt Ji came alone today?"
"Why are you alone?" Aunt Ji pointed, "Xia Yun is with me."
"No. I mean, there is someone else; like the second wife."
"The second wife is a 'big teacher', how could she come to burn the incense of Avalokitesvara?"
"Oh, really." Sai Guanyin laughed, "I forgot."
Xia Yun has a keen mind, and at this moment, he has already figured out that Sai Guanyin must be worried about Second Mistress Zhen;To reassure her, you might as well tell her a word.
"Second Grandma Zhen also came to burn incense, but because the mansion is extremely busy these days, as I said, she will not come to Ganluan to burn incense this year; she will only kowtow a few more times for Bodhisattvas in her own Buddhist hall."
One said, paying attention to Sai Guanyin's expression; very strangely, the expected relaxed look did not appear, and there was obvious disappointment on his face.
Therefore, she paid more attention to listen to Sai Guanyin's answer; unfortunately, Aunt Ji spoke first.
"I didn't want to come at all. It's the same wherever I worship the Buddha. It's Mrs. Wugou, the knowledgeable teacher here, who said, 'If Second Grandma Zhen doesn't come, you must come. The Cao Mansion is the guardian of Ganluan, and no one comes. , I don’t look good on face.’ But I’m just out of love, so I’m here.” Aunt Ji smiled and said, “Who knows that I didn’t come in vain when I met you.”
"Me too! I don't know how happy I am to meet Aunt Ji. The young master must have grown quite tall?"
"Thanks to her." Aunt Ji pointed to Xia Yun again: "It's her now; it was Biwen in the past. I finally got lucky, and I met good helpers who hit it off."
"This is the blessing of Aunt Ji; in the future, I will have the blessing of enjoying the young master!" Sai Guanyin suddenly said with emotion, "Everything else is false; only children are true."
She was excited because she had never given birth; Aunt Ji misunderstood, thinking she was talking about Second Grandma Zhen, "Yeah! Look at us," she pointed two fingers, "Now we look old and bitter! The couple is at odds , and have no children, what is the point of being a human being?"
Sai Guanyin was about to inquire about Second Grandma Zhen, but Aunt Ji mentioned it by herself, so she asked because of her words: "Accordingly, she should come to burn incense; everyone knows that Guanyin in Ganlu Temple has efficacious effects."
"Who knows!" Aunt Ji said, "Anyway, it's convenient for her to come when she thinks about it; it's no more troublesome than we have to go out and notify the outside first to send bearers and followers."
Hearing this, Sai Guanyin's eyes lit up again; comparing the two, Xia Yun saw it, and an impression immediately floated in his heart: Sai Guanyin seemed to hope that Second Grandma Zhen would come to Ganlu Temple.
Thinking like this, he intentionally guides Sai Guanyin and Aunt Ji to talk about Second Grandma Zhen; unfortunately, Wugou came to treat her to a meal and interrupted the conversation.
When Wugou was talking, she was just watching Sai Guanyin; Aunt Ji said enthusiastically, "Master Wugou, I'm afraid you don't know each other yet?"
"Exactly! This benefactor seems to be back for the first time."
"Yes." Sai Guanyin replied calmly, "It's the first time."
"Her head of the household turned out to be our weaving yamen; surnamed Zhang, Xing Wu. This Mrs. Zhang Wu has a nickname——" Aunt Ji smiled and didn't go on.
Sai Guanyin blushed and said, "It's the names of those greasy-headed bachelors."
Wugouyuan was paying attention; seeing her skin as white as snow, long face, broad forehead, and a pair of handsome romantic eyes, although she is older, she is just what middle-aged people want, and she can't help but think of the governor's yamen. Master.
Looking at Aunt Ji's expression now, from her own words, she can already imagine that she is an attractive character; therefore, she is even more interested in her nickname.
"It's okay to talk about it." She smiled and said to Aunt Ji, "If you don't say anything, your stomach will itch."
Seeing that Sai Guanyin did not resolutely stop it, Aunt Ji, who couldn't hide everything, naturally said it.
"Speaking of which, tomorrow seems to be her birthday too; Mrs. Zhang Wu is the famous 'Sai Guanyin'."
"Sin, sin!" Sai Guanyin hurriedly saluted with palms together.
"No wonder there is such a nickname." Wugou nodded seriously, "Please fast first, and I'll come back later." Saying this, he went to entertain other pilgrims.
Sai Guanyin looked at Wugou's back, and thought in her heart, seeing her red lips and white teeth, and the fragrance in her blue silk monk robe, she is definitely not a peaceful person.Maybe she herself has "friendship" with Cao Shilong.
"Let's go!" Aunt Ji turned her head and said to Xia Yun: "Everyone here respects Buddha, there is no big or small, you can sit together and eat."
"No!" Xia Yun shook his head and said softly, "I'm sitting elsewhere."
The result is still divided into two places to sit.After fasting and drinking tea, the pilgrims are leaving one after another, so Aunt Ji also plans to make a plan.
"Pick up the sedan chair!" Aunt Ji said this to Xia Yun; then she turned to Sai Guanyin and asked, "Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, when will you come to see me?"
Sai Guanyin hesitated to answer, but Wugou rushed over, seeing Xia Yun leaving in a hurry, Aunt Ji standing and talking to Sai Guanyin, so he knew what was going on?Immediately block.
"It's still early, it's still early; what are you busy with?"
"It's getting late!" Aunt Ji said, "Tomorrow is the sun, you are busy, so don't disturb me."
"So, what about tomorrow? Aunt Ji, you have to invite me over."
"Why do you still come tomorrow?"
"Naturally! You, the Dharma protector, are indispensable in the day."
In the Cao family, no one ever regarded Aunt Ji as the "righteous master": so she was really flattered when she heard these three words, and said repeatedly: "I will come tomorrow, I will come tomorrow."
"You must come, and you have to come earlier." Wugou suddenly remembered, "Aunt Ji, please wait a moment, I have something for you to bring back."
As he said, he left in a hurry; he came back in a short while, and brought a very delicate bamboo wire basket with several kinds of fruits in it; he specially declared that it was an offering that was withdrawn from the Bodhisattva, and asked Aunt Ji to take it back to Tangguan to eat, and bless him No disasters, no difficulties, smart and wise.
The thing is light and the meaning is important, Aunt Ji readily accepts it, and she gets on the sedan chair; Sai Guanyin wants to leave, but Wugou holds her back.
"It's fate, Mrs. Zhang Wu. As soon as I saw you, I felt happy. Don't leave. Let's have a good talk after I finish my work." Wugou said again, "It doesn't take long." He asked again: "Are you tired?" Not tired? Or come to my room to take a breath and take a nap; it's very quiet."
Sai Guanyin thought, what does the nun's bedroom look like?Momentarily moved by curiosity, he accepted her kindness.
So Wugou called a young nun who was fourteen or fifteen years old and hadn't blessed her yet, and told her to take "Benefactor Zhang" to her bedroom to rest.Sai Guanyin went there and saw that the wooden couch and bamboo chairs were spotless; outside the window was an old locust tree, with extremely dense branches and leaves, green and lush, and it was cool to the eyes.
"It's really quiet!" Sai Guanyin asked, "Little Master, what's your Dharma name?"
"My name is Jingming."
"Thank you, give me a cup of tea." Sai Guanyin said again: "It's better to be herbal tea."
"Yes, yes." Jingming replied, "I'll send it right away."
Soon a basin of well water was brought in; sitting in the water was a porcelain pot containing herbal tea made from chrysanthemum flowers.Sai Guanyin drank tea first, then washed her face; then she sat down, lightly waved her cattail fan, and chatted with Jingming.
"How many years have you been here?"
"More than two years."
"Master Zhike is your master?"
"No." Jingming replied, "It's my uncle."
"I don't quite understand." Sai Guanyin pointed at her hair and said, "Can you practice with hair in your nunnery?"
"There are people who practice with hair, but I don't."
"So--."
"Oh, my hair? I haven't been ordained yet."
Sai Guanyin didn't quite understand what it meant to be precepted, and she didn't want to ask any more; but she really wanted to know who the people who led the cultivation practice were.
"You said that there are people who practice with hair, but I didn't see it; all I saw were little masters like you."
"You can't come out even if you practice with hair."
"Oh, inside?" Sai Guanyin was slightly surprised, "Is there a room inside?"
Jingming laughed, as if laughing at what she said was unreasonable; she said: "The room inside is still very deep!"
Sai Guanyin wanted to know more, but Wugou interrupted as soon as he entered.She didn't seem to treat Sai Guanyin as a guest she met for the first time at all. She took off her monk robe when she entered the door, and wore a double-breasted silk gown with a gourd collar inside, with a lot of sweat on her back; Changing clothes, just turn your back to Sai Guanyin.
"Tired, hungry and thirsty." Wugou turned around and buttoned his coat while saying, "I'm really worried, there will be a lot of people tomorrow, I don't know if I can stand alone?"
"Is there no one to help?"
"The helper is inside, and I'm the only one on the scene; I can't help if I can help." Speaking of this, an old woman entered the door with a tray; behind was a girl in monk's robe with long hair, sixteen or seventeen years old Holding the food box, Wugou said, "I haven't eaten yet; would you like to make up for it?"
"No! I'm very full."
"Drink some wine, then; eat and play."
Wugou couldn't help but ask for more bowls and chopsticks; he went to fetch a large porcelain jar about a foot high, which was filled with medicinal wine.
"This is a palace recipe copied by the Cao family. It is brewed in good wine; it regulates menstruation and blood circulation, nourishes the skin and nourishes the lungs. Drinking it for a long time will benefit endlessly."
"Drink it yourself, I don't drink well."
"It's not good, but you can drink it. The good thing about this wine is that the nature of the wine will dilute the nature of the medicine, so it doesn't matter if you drink more. Come, come, let's drink and talk at the same time."
Sai Guanyin no longer refused, and sat down to watch the food. There was a bowl of stewed hair vegetables with mushrooms; a dish of cold whipped bamboo shoots; a dish of vegetarian goose; Green lotus leaf porridge.I thought that with such a particular diet, it would not be a bad idea to be a family member.
At this time, Wugou went to put another plate of salt and pepper pine nuts and smoked green beans to serve the wine; Sai Guanyin couldn't help but sighed and said, "You really will enjoy the happiness."
"The monks are all empty, and the days are the most difficult to pass; I have to think of a way to pass such a long time." Wugou asked about the situation of Sai Guanyin: "Listen to Aunt Ji's tone, you are in charge, as if Are you not in the Weaving Yamen anymore?"
"It's not there anymore!"
"Now? Congratulations there?"
Sai Guanyin pondered for a while, and decided to tell the truth as much as possible; because it is very tiring to tell lies and put on a front, so why bother in the hot weather?
"What congratulations? You're worthless! You hang out in the casino all day long."
"If you can not lose in gambling, you are the number one in the world. But, 'If the earthen pot is not broken from the well, the general will inevitably die before the battle.' Why don't you persuade you to be the masters, and give up early?"
"You have to be persuaded to wake up! When you arrive at the casino, you forget your horoscope, and you will go home only when you lose empty-handed." Sai Guanyin said again, "He and I do not know how many curses: no more gambling! That's if you don't have money; once you have money, it's like a thorn on the stool, you can't sit still, and you're too busy to go to the casino to give it away?"
"Since you often lose, where does the money come from?"
"It's not—" Sai Guanyin paused and said, "Rely on my hands."
"Your hands look like skillful hands." Wugou took advantage of the situation and pulled Sai Guanyin's right hand to take a closer look.
The hands are very white, the skin is very thin; the muscles and veins under the skin are faintly visible, but the flesh and bones are even, and they are still very beautiful hands.It wasn't too soft when pinched, and seeing a silver thimble, Wugou guessed it.
"Sister Zhang Wu, are you good at sewing?"
"It's not good, but someone always comes to the door with a job."
Wugou kept silent, picked up two smoked green beans, chewed them slowly for a while before opening his mouth.
"Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, I feel sorry for you! Let your boss go to the casino to give away the few money you received one by one." She grabbed Sai Guanyin's hand again, and gently stroked it from her wrist, "According to Your hands are really wronged by wearing a silver twisted silk bracelet; even my heart hurts!"
These words reached Sai Guanyin's heart; the grievance that she has always felt deeply and cannot be told to anyone, once someone tells it, the feeling of scratching the itchy place is both joyful and painful.
"Alas!" Sai Guanyin sighed, her eyes were red; she lowered her head to try to pull out the handkerchief tucked into her skirt, but she couldn't find it.
"Don't be sad." Wugou got up to get a brand new handkerchief, and handed it to her, "I'll help you find a solution!" She added to herself: "Who taught us to be destined?" Woolen cloth!"
Sai Guanyin wiped her eyes and remained silent; she was thinking, this is an opportunity, but it must be handled well.The most important thing is not to be in a hurry; you can't inquire about important things in a hurry.
"Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, as I said just now, I am delighted when I see you. Comparing my heart to my heart, she must be the same; your popularity must be very good."
"That is to rely on a little popularity, otherwise I would have starved to death."
"Nonsense! With your talents, you should live a very comfortable life. Let's not talk about it; I have just made up my mind. I wonder if you will help me?"
"This—" Sai Guanyin asked, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"Of course. I'm an intellectual; I want you to help me entertain the wives and ladies who came to burn incense." Wugou said again: "You have seen the situation today; if you refuse to help, I really can't handle it alone .I don't know if you will or not?"
"It doesn't matter; it doesn't matter whether you are willing or not. However," Sai Guanyin looked down at himself, feeling ashamed, "I can't walk in front of respectable people with my appearance."
"Where will people not be able to walk? However, 'Buddha needs gold clothes, people need clothes'; eight points of talent, well-dressed becomes twelve points. You are very talented, you don't need to be particular about clothes, but jewelry is indispensable ; I will borrow two for you to wear."
Sai Guanyin was naturally moved; but not without confusion?I wanted to ask a monk who sees through the world of mortals, why do they buy jewelry?After thinking about it, I thought it would be better not to ask; if she asked, maybe it would be inconvenient for her to take it out.
Stop drinking for a while and eat; Sai Guanyin also found a small bowl of porridge.Wugou stood up and said, "Sister Zhang Wu, please come here."
As she spoke, she walked towards the end of the wooden couch; behind the couch was a three-foot-wide wall with a curtain hanging on it, and she thought it was the place where the clean bucket was placed, but after opening the curtain, there was another door; inside the door was another world .
This bedroom is no different from an ordinary boudoir. There is no wooden fish, but a mirror box; there are no scriptures, but there are two sets of embroidered novels; The censer for incense is a three-legged tripod made of multicolored fine porcelain with a hollowed-out lid.There is still a faint smell of sandalwood in the house.
"So there is such an exquisite room!" Sai Guanyin was greatly surprised.
"It's a guest room. If you want, you can come and stay anytime." Wugou said while going to open the cupboard door.
Naturally, he took the jewelry out to read; Sai Guanyin didn't want to follow, so he took a novel and flipped it in his hand.
She was illiterate; she intended to use this to cover her eyes, pretending that she didn't care what Wugou was doing.I don’t want to turn over the pages of the book, and suddenly my heart can’t stop beating "Bengdong, Bengdong"; I feel that my face has a fever until the ears - what catches my eyes is a picture of "fairy fighting"; the painting is very detailed, the man It was ugly, squat, and missing an eye.The woman is enchanting and extraordinary; there is also a servant who is helping the pillow, but there is no trace of it.
Sai Guanyin glanced at Wugou and saw that she was still searching the cabinet with both hands; she quickly turned to the second page.While turning the pages, he kept sneaking glances at Wugou; when he turned to the fifth page, he saw that Wugou was turning around, so he hurriedly put the book back to its original place.
"Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, come and see, which ones do you like?"
"Oh." Sai Guanyin agreed, calming down first; then walked over, and saw an ebony jewelry box inlaid with snails opened on the table, gold and emerald jade, red and emerald, she was dazzled and didn't know where to go. Where to start?
"This is the third concubine of Wang Daotai, who left it with me. You can pick whatever you want." Wugou said again, "It doesn't matter if I borrow some time."
"What?" Sai Guanyin said hesitantly, "The third aunt of the Wang family saw it, I'm sorry."
"How do you see it? Everyone has gone to Hubei."
"So it's not here."
"I went to work with their master. The concubine and the concubine are not on good terms. Aunt Wang is too worried about these things of hers. They are specially stored with me."
As he said that, Wugou picked out a bead ring inlaid with a circle of red and green gemstones; first he took Sai Guanyin's hand, took off the silver top for her, and then put on the ring.
"The size is just right, it looks like I made it myself." Sai Guanyin opened his hand, looked at the bead ring, and said proudly.
"Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, we are the same as our own people. I'm telling the truth; jewelry should match our status; this ring is well set, and it's not expensive. Let me put it bluntly, it suits you well; others don't deserve it." Such a beautiful ring."
With the last sentence, Sai Guanyin became more and more amiable and lovely, "You are so kind to me." She said, "Your words are good. Wearing jewelry should match your status. In addition to this ring, I will borrow another gold ring." Bracelets, a gold ear pick will do.”
"Let me see!" Wugou pulled her body, looked at her hair bun: "I need a hairpin."
It was still Wugou who chose for her, a gold bracelet made of twisted silk;Sai Guanyin liked all of them, and really wanted to say a few words of thanks, but she didn't know how to word them.
"Are you putting them all on now, or wrapping them back?"
"I took it back." Sai Guanyin replied without hesitation.
"I also think it's good to pack it back."
So Wugou put away the ebony box, took another rectangular tin box, lined it with cotton wool, put the four jewels away, wrapped them with a square cloth, and handed them to Sai Guanyin.
"When shall I come tomorrow?"
"Of course, the earlier the better." Wugou replied, "It's better to come here to have breakfast while it's cool."
As soon as they sat down, Lao Zhou came one after another; Sai Guanyin told the story of meeting Aunt Ji, and judged that Second Grandma Zhen would never go to Ganlu Temple these days.He also said that Wugou invited her to have fun with him tomorrow; but Jiang and Wugou hit it off, and they have reached a deep friendship, but he kept it secret and didn't mention it. Lao Zhou pondered for a while and said, "It seems that Sun Huzi didn't calculate correctly." "What?" Sai Guanyin asked, "There is no news about that?" Naturally, it was the party who had a tryst with the Second Grandma Zhen in Ganluan; Sun Huzi judged that Cao Shilong must enter and leave through the side door of Ganluan, and sent someone to wait there, but there was no trace of him.Lao Zhou speculated from what Sai Guanyin said that Cao Shilong must have been wary and informed Second Grandma Zhen that she could no longer go to Ganluan; "Probably avoid the limelight." Lao Zhou replied, "but sooner or later they will be caught. Mrs. Zhang Wu, you should prepare as usual and wait for news from me at any time." After explaining this, Lao Zhou left in a hurry.Sai Guanyin took out the tin box, closed the door tightly, and carefully admired the four jewels; when she was ecstatic, she heard footsteps outside the door, and immediately alerted that her husband had returned. If the four jewels belonged to him See, nine out of ten it will be stolen by him and sent to the casino, and it must be kept secret. Thinking of this, he went straight to the door, set up Qu Shu first, locked the door and walked back; Zhang Wufu was already knocking on the door. "Wait a minute!" said Sai Guanyin, "I'm changing clothes." "How is it?" Zhang Wufu asked outside the door: "Have you met Second Grandma Zhen?" "What are you yelling for!" Sai Guanyin scolded, "You never use your brain when you talk and do things." Zhang Wufu was so scolded that he stopped talking; Sai Guanyin was afraid that he would look through the crack of the door, so he turned his back to block the jewelry and put it away before opening the door. "I haven't met." Sai Guanyin said again: "Old Zhou just came here." "What did he say?" "He said he would come and let me know." "What's going on? Ask him and he won't tell; ask you, but you can't tell. What kind of tricks are you playing?" "You don't need to ask. If you can play tricks, you will have your own benefits; if you can't play well, you will lose something. But there is something I want to tell you, you'd better pretend you don't know about this matter; don't inquire about it." Sai Guanyin said again: "Also, don't worry about where I want to go." Zhang Wufu surrendered for his wife, and he remained silent after listening, expressing silent acceptance.In the evening, Zhang Wufu hugged Sai Guanyin to beg for joy, and let her slap her loosely; he explained that he would go to burn incense tomorrow, and in the name of fasting, he drove Zhang Wufu into the main room to make a bed on the floor. The next day, Sai Guanyin got up at five o'clock, opened the door quietly, fetched water to wash her face and comb her hair, changed into her only silk shirt and a green silk skirt; the four pieces of jewelry, except the jade hairpin, were The remaining three cotton-wrapped cloth bags were placed in the incense basket; then I woke up my husband and said that I was going out. "Going to burn incense so early?" "There are still incense burners in the middle of the night!" Sai Guanyin said again: "I want to come back, and I will be back before dark; otherwise, I will live in Ganlu Temple, and you don't have to wait for me." After finishing talking, go out, walk out of two alleys, hire a small sedan chair in a familiar sedan chair shop, and go to Ganlu nunnery, where you put on your jewelry; wait for the sedan chair, the bearer is stunned. "Sister Zhang Wu, you look like a rich young lady!" Sai Guanyin smiled slightly, "I borrowed two pieces of jewellery, to decorate the scene." She warned, "Don't go around 'selling morning papers' for me." "Do you want to pick me up in the afternoon?" "don't want!" After paying the sedan chair money and entering the nunnery, there were already quite a few pilgrims; as soon as Sai Guanyin appeared, he immediately attracted a lot of attention, but he was quite confused; ?Looking around, there is a dignified guest there, who is carrying an incense basket by himself? Fortunately, he met Jingming, so he handed the incense basket to her; he asked, "Where is Mrs. Zhike?" "The old lady accompanying the general is talking." There are a lot of guests in Ganluan, and one room was specially set aside for the rest of the wife of General Ming An of Jiangning. When Sai Guanyin went there, she looked outside the door, and there were all the female relatives under the banner in costumes; Too many, I am afraid of being rude, and I can't help being timid. Nazhi Wugou's sharp eyes waved and shouted: "Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, please come in." This time, Sai Guanyin had no choice but to bite the bullet and step in.I saw two old ladies sitting facing the east flag, the upper one was always about sixty away, and the lower one was about fifty.Wugou introduced to her, one is Mrs. Ming; the other is Mrs. Ming's natal sister-in-law, the wife of Deliang, the deputy governor of Zhapu, Zhejiang, who came to celebrate Mrs. Mingtai's birthday. "This is the general's wife, Mrs. Ming; Miss Ming and Miss Ming." The mother and daughter stood next to the old lady Ming; Sai Guanyin saluted one by one, and praised the seventeen and eight sisters, saying: "They are so handsome! They are truly a pair of beauties." Mrs. Ming couldn't be happier to hear someone praise her two granddaughters; she immediately turned around and said, "Why don't you invite guests to sit down?" "Aren't you just holding a chair?" the middle-aged Mrs. Ming said with a smile. "Don't dare to do it; don't dare to do it." Sai Guanyin thanked, "Is there a place for me to sit here?" "You are a guest! Mrs. Zhang Wu, you are welcome." Sai Guanyin supported the handle of the chair brought by the girl from the Ming family, but refused to sit down; Wugou said, "Being respectful is worse than obeying, you just sit down!" "No!" Sai Guanyin resolutely said, "Mrs. Ming and the two ladies are standing, how can I sit down?" "Irrelevant! This is the rule of our flag; they are also used to standing." Mrs. Ming said, "Sit down and let's talk." "Old lady, I'll be with you all day; but if you ask me to sit, I dare not." "How about it," Mrs. De changed, "Let Grandma sit too!" The "grandmother" she called was Mrs. Ming; upon hearing this, Wugou went to fetch a chair, and the old lady Ming said to her daughter-in-law: "If you don't sit down, the guest will stand with you, how many Are you sorry? Sit down!" Mrs. Ming weighed a total of one hundred and twenty catties in Lixia's day; her whole body weight was supported on a pair of "flower pot bottoms", and it was miserable to stand for a long time.Fortunately, Sai Guanyin knew the courtesy, so she also had a seat, and she naturally felt it; so Mrs. Ming said a few words to Sai Guanyin, and when she turned to chat with Mrs. De about the family affairs, she clung to Sai Guanyin's hand, asking questions, and was very affectionate. After a while, Wugou came to invite him to burn incense; Sai Guanyin was thinking about Aunt Ji, so he took the opportunity to say goodbye.At the place where we met yesterday, we met again; Aunt Ji seemed surprised, and just looked at her with a smile, which inevitably embarrassed Sai Guanyin. "What's the matter with you, you don't seem to know each other!" "I think you are a different person from yesterday—" Aunt Ji stopped suddenly when she said this; it was because Xia Yun gave her a hand. Sai Guanyin saw it with sharp eyes and understood her intentions; she also thanked her for preventing Aunt Ji from embarrassing her, so she simply explained: "Aunt Ji must have seen me wearing these pieces of jewelry," she said softly, "I borrowed them. " "I really can't see it. It's just like your own." Xia Yun looked around and said to him: "The chief is reciting 'Shu Tou', let's burn incense." When I arrived at the main hall, I saw the presiding Yuanming, who personally led the practice; the atmosphere in the hall was full of sandalwood mixed with powder fragrance, and everyone wanted to get drunk.It was hot and crowded, sweating profusely, and Aunt Ji couldn't bear it any longer. She supported her head with one hand and Xia Yun's shoulder with the other; Sai Guanyin hurried forward, supported her body and asked, "What's the matter?" "A little uncomfortable, dizzy." Aunt Ji said again: "It doesn't matter, it will be fine in a while." "Probably due to heat stroke. There was something wrong when I came here." Xia Yun said while taking out a piece of purple gold ingot from his purse, stuffed it in Aunt Ji's mouth, and added: "Go back!" "Not good! I can't explain it to Mrs. Wugou." "It doesn't matter! I have you." Sai Guanyin said, "You are uncomfortable, don't force yourself." So Xia Yun took care of the little girl and went to find the bearer; since Wu Gou was very busy, he didn't need to say goodbye, he just asked Sai Guanyin to pay his respects. As a result, Aunt Ji was entrusted with the responsibility of entertaining pilgrims, and gave it to Sai Guanyin.After fasting in the middle of the day, they gradually dispersed; about the time when the plaque was applied, the ceremony was over, and the pilgrims dispersed, Wugou came to thank Sai Guanyin. "Thanks to you today! What did Mrs. Daoming say: She said that you are really better than Avalokitesvara who saves the suffering—" "What?" Sai Guanyin interrupted her uneasily and asked, "How does Mrs. Ming know my name?" "I don't know who told her?" Wugou said again: "As soon as Aunt Ji leaves, if it wasn't for you, I would be caught blind." "I'm really worried; Aunt Ji is suffering from heat stroke, it would be bad if she falls ill here." "Don't talk about falling ill, just vomiting and messing up is enough trouble." "You should send someone to look at her, too." "That's right! I'll go right away." Wugou walked a few steps, then came back suddenly and said, "Don't go back today. I have something to talk to you in detail; I really have something to ask you. Your Majesty is there, I Get someone to notify you." "No! I left a message at home." It turns out that Sai Guanyin also has a heart to accept, Wugou thought, this is naturally the effect of the four jewelry; it seems that the blind "medicine" given is right for the disease.
After dinner, there was a burst of rain, and the heat disappeared completely; the rain stopped, the water receded, and the clouds cleared; Sai Guanyin and Wugou both took a bath, enjoying the cool in the yard and talking. "There is one thing that has been successfully done. I told the host that I will give you five hundred silver; and I will find a place for you to save it. The interest will not change, and there will be four or five taels of silver a month to subsidize the family. Do you think about it? ?” "Dare to be kind!" said Sai Guanyin, "I don't know if I can do it or not." "You can definitely do it. Of course, it's not just you alone." It turned out that the wife of General Ming Ming, who was one of the protectors of Ganlu Temple, was one of the protectors of Ganluan. It was said once that every faithful man and woman had the merit of giving up their house as a temple. Although she lived in her son's yamen and had no house to leave, she had some private savings , intending to donate ten thousand pieces of silver to build a nunnery.Wugou discussed with the abbot Yuanming, hoping to get the donation, so he told Mrs. Ming that Ganluan wanted to build a lower house in Qixia Mountain and named it Yanshou Temple; Why don't you donate the silver to Ganlu Temple? "At that time, Mrs. Ming agreed straight away. You know, when I mentioned it again in a few days, she suddenly changed her mind; her tone seemed to have unavoidable difficulties." Wugou asked, "Can you guess what is the reason?" Sai Guanyin thought for a while and replied, "Maybe General Ming is unwilling?" "You guessed half right. General Ming didn't say anything; Mrs. Ming disapproved. She was the head of the family, and Mrs. Ming's private savings were handed over to her daughter-in-law. Mrs. Ming refused to let go, and being a mother-in-law was also very embarrassing." Wugou turned sharply and said: "Mrs. Ming is very happy with you, she will listen to what you say; if we can persuade her to move, our Yanshou Temple will be completed." "Oh, since you said she'd listen to me, I'm going to oblige. But I don't know how to persuade her?" "This, let's discuss it slowly. Fortunately, this is not an urgent matter." Sai Guanyin nodded, nothing to say; Wugou didn't mention this again, only said things like this, and so on. If Sai Guanyin is willing to cooperate sincerely, it will often be beneficial. "It's my teacher who guides me; I have to do my best; I dare not do my best." "Heavy words, serious words! But," Wugou suddenly asked, "How old are you this year?" "I'm thirty-four." "What month is your birthday?" "September." "So, I'm older than you; my birthday is in April." Wugou asked, "Would you like to recognize me as your sister?" Knowing sisters with a nun; this kind of secular thing also happens in Buddhism, Sai Guanyin finds it a little inconceivable.So I forgot to answer for a while. "You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to. Don't worry." Wugou took her hand, patted the back of her hand and said, "I was just joking with you." "You're joking, but I really want to recognize you as a sister. It's best to kowtow in front of the Bodhisattva together." "God knows." Wugou's attitude changed again, "You are sincere, and I am also sincere. From now on, we will be sisters in private. Do you think it is okay to use 'official title' in public?" "Why not?" Sai Guanyin blurted out, "Sister!" "Sister, good sister!" As soon as I said this, suddenly the wind blew up, and a large cloud covered the moonlight. Sai Guanyin said, "It's going to rain!" Before he could finish his sentence, big raindrops had already fallen; Wugou led Sai Guanyin into the house. "Wait!" Sai Guanyin said, "Move the rattan chair in." There are not only rattan chairs, but also a coffee table; on the table is a pot of freshly brewed incense, which is just right to drink after it has been simmered, and I am reluctant to leave it behind. Just such a delay, I was really drenched in showers. "The hair is all wet." Wugou took a towel for her, "The little gown is stuck to the flesh, change it quickly." "There is nothing to change." Sai Guanyin said, "I brought a set of small gowns and hakamas, which I just changed after taking a shower." "Just wear mine." Wugou took out a set of gray silk hakama, which was of course the style of a monk's robe; the belt was tied instead of buttons, the sleeves were big, but the hakama had narrow legs. "Go to the back and change!" I carried my clothes to the back room to change. The silk was smooth and I felt more comfortable. I sat down and looked up, and I happened to see the novel with embroidered portraits. Immediately, I was inexplicably excited, and I went to get a copy without hesitation. Then he turned the pages of the book. Just as he was dazed, a hand suddenly reached out to his chest.赛观音这一惊非同小可；身子一阵抖，书都抖落在地上，急急夺身转脸，只见无垢笑嘻嘻地站在那里，她也换了湿衣服，是一套蓝绸褂袴，头上戴一顶玄色绸子的软帽，两足分开，一双手叉在腰上，站立的姿态像个男人。 “好看不好看？”无垢问说。 “你屋子里怎么会有这玩意？”赛观音惊魂略定，正色说道：“让人瞧见了，还得了？” “除非是你，谁能到得了这间屋子里？” “你不是说，是客房吗？” “不错，是客房。”无垢答说，“不过要看怎么样的客？” 话中有深意，赛观音觉得不便再往下问了，只拍拍胸说：“真吓我一大跳！” “这可得怪你自己。”无垢笑道：“我以为你早听见我的脚步声了。” 到底她是蹑足而来，还是真有脚步声，已无法究诘，赛观音唯有笑一笑，不作声；弯腰将地上的书捡了起来。 “睡下来看！” 说着，无垢已将那套小说，拿到床前，剔亮了灯，向赛观音招招手。 赛观音在片刻的迟疑之后，突然发觉，如果再畏缩拘谨，不但自己受罪；也会扫了无垢的兴，将很有趣的一个晚上，弄成万分无聊。 她也算是在风月场中打过滚的，要放开来并不难，当下微笑着走到床前，与无垢并排坐下，一只手便从她身后伸过去，圈过来揽住她的腰；身子半靠着她的背，视线从她肩头望出去，落在小说的插图上。 “姊姊，”赛观音说，“我们今天晚上做姊弟好不好？” 无垢转过脸来，看一看她说：“你占我的便宜；应该兄妹才是。” “兄妹也好，姊弟也好；反正——，”她把她的脸推过去，伏在她的肩头上轻轻说道：“反正一男一女是不是？” “这还像句话。”无垢手一扬；身子往后一仰，拗开了书，将赛观音拉倒在一起，轻声说道：“你跟男人在一起，一定浪得很。” “浪的好，还是不浪的好？”赛观音闭上了眼，抱住无垢；想像着她是个“爷儿们”。 “自然是浪的好，越浪越好。”说着，无垢便伸手摸索着，“你没有生过孩子？” “你呢？”赛观音以其人之道，还治其人之身，“倒像是'三师太'。” “我倒想做'三师太'，可惜没有一个'申大爷'。” 她们用的是弹词“玉蜻蜓”上的典故；赛观音认为无垢的话是假撇清，但不便直言驳诘，只问：“你想不想？” “莫非你手上有这么一个人？”无垢故意试探。 "correct." "who is it?" “喏，就是我。”说着，赛观音得意地笑了。 无垢确有被戏弄了的感觉；心有不甘，却想不出报复的法子。转念想到总督衙门的赵师爷，心中一动；决定将计就计，引赛观音上钩。 “我们说正经的，如果我想弄一个，你肯不肯帮我的忙？” 赛观音心中一跳，心想莫非这会儿是床底下，还是衣橱中，就藏着一个年轻男子。不过一念甫动，立刻就觉得自己的想法太荒唐，这么热的天，躲在床底下、衣橱中，还不闷出痧子来？ “怎么样？”无垢一面问；一面伸手到她左胸，明显地觉察出她的心“蓬蓬”地跳得很厉害。 赛观音大感威胁，轻轻推开她的手问：“要怎么样帮你的忙？” “只要你肯帮忙，总有办法；就怕你——。”无垢故意不说下去；要看赛观音来不来问。 她当然会问：“怕我什么？” “怕你根本不肯，不过拿我开开胃。我可不上你的当。” “喔，你是怕我跟你开玩笑，你把你的办法告诉我，就算我捏住了你的把柄。” “这倒不怕，你不是那样的人。不过鞋子没有穿，徒然落个样，那又何苦？” 赛观音心想，看样子除非自己能显得真心实意，不能取得无垢无话不谈的信任；那样，就什么图谋都无从谈起了。 转念到此，她毫不迟疑地说：“姊姊，人心都是肉做的，你这样看得起我；待我这样好，我如果对你有一点不尽心的地方，我就畜生都不如了。” “唷，唷！你的话说得太重了！”无垢是颇为感动的模样，“你的为人，我那里会不知道。不是我自吹自擂，如果我不识人头，那里能当这个'知客'的职司。你不要多心；什么事都不会瞒你的。” “既然姊姊知道就好了。刚才说的那件事，只要有用得着我的地方，我绝不会推托。” 无垢深沉地点点头；然后问说：“你出来方便不方便？” “方便。” “怎么方便法，是不是随请随到？” “也差不多。” “晚上不回去也不要紧？” “不要紧。”赛观音说∶“只要事先跟他说一声好了。” “你们五哥倒真好说话，”无垢又说，“嫁着这种丈夫，也是一种福气。” “什么福气？”赛观音叹口气∶“没出息！” 张五福的为人，以及他们夫妇的关系，就这“没出息”三字，便尽在不言中了，意会到此，无垢有了十分把握，当即说道∶“等过了菩萨生日，我请你帮忙。” “好！”赛观音毫不迟疑地答应；但停了一下又说∶“不是我噜苏，或者有什么不放心；天生急性子，凡事不问清楚，肚肠痒得难受。姊姊，还是那句老话，这个忙怎么帮法？” “你说应该怎么帮？”无垢带着一种考验的意味，“你倒设身处地替我想一想；再问问你自己，肯帮我多大的忙？” 这几句话分量很重。赛观音知道，前面不管如何输诚，那怕跪下来起誓，都是空话；只有对她提出来的这些问话，回答得能使她满意，才真的能显出至诚。 因此，她先不作声，凝神细想了好一会才说∶“我说老实话，若说要我舍出一条命去帮姊姊的忙，我也不肯。除此以外，怎么样都可以。不过为姊姊着想，这件事马虎不得，先要好好儿预备一下，所以也急不得。” “这样说，你是想好一个办法了。” "yes." “你倒说给我听听！” 赛观音的办法是有了，要说却不知该从何处开口；因为从来也没有谈过这样的事。因而想了想，学无垢的样，从发问开始。 “姊姊，你出来方便？” “方便是方便，不过预先要说好。” “当然，我预先会告诉你。”赛观音又问∶“住在我那里行不行？” “也是要预先说好。” “这就行了。这种事，白天到底不方便——。” 听到这里，无垢方始相信，赛观音真的已想好了办法，一时心气浮动，无法自持，一把将她推倒，“慢一点，”她说，“咱们睡下来谈。” 将油灯捻得豆样大，掖好帐门，并头卧倒，但面对面亦都看不清对方脸上的表情，说话就更方便了。 “等我约好了人来通知你；你一个人悄悄儿来，私底下看一看，看不中意不谈；我另外再约。” “喔，”无垢大感兴趣，“看中意了呢？”她问。 “看中意了，就有两种法子，一明一暗，随你挑。” “你的法子倒真多。”无垢笑道：“还不止一种。” “这是我为你着想；要看你愿意明的，还是暗的。” “明的怎么样，暗的又怎么样呢？” 明的是将话说明白，饮酒作乐，率性而行；暗的是李代桃僵，午夜梦回时，做赛观音的替身。 等讲完了，赛观音还问一句话：“你看怎么样？” 无垢无以为答，因为赛观音的话，替她带来了太多的猜测与想像。看她款款深谈，似乎干惯了这个勾当的；然则“赛观音”的外号，确有由来。既然如此，就不必多费心思，干脆跟她明说好了。 这是就赵师爷方面去想；在她自己，想到李代桃僵时，心跳得非常厉害，以至于呼吸困难，喉头痉挛，不自觉地“啯啯”的出声。 “看你馋得那样子！”赛观音笑她，“都咽口水了。” 听得这话，虽在暗头里，无垢的脸还是红了起来，“你别笑我！”她反唇相讥，“饱汉不知饿汉饥。” 赛观音有些不悦，所谓“饱汉”自然是指她常有这种招蜂引蝶的行迳。自己披肝沥胆，不顾羞耻；却招来了这样的讽刺，岂不令人寒心？ “我老实跟你说，我不是馋，是怕；所以心跳得很厉害。” “又想偷荤，胆子又小；那就难了。”赛观音说：“我刚才说的话不算；你只当没有听见。” 语气不妙，无垢自然听得出来；回想了一下，是“饱汉不知饿汉饥”那句话上出了毛病，于是赶紧陪笑道歉。 “好妹妹，你不能为我无心的一句话生气。咱们俩无话不谈，等于你把心掏给我，我把心掏给你，说话自然就随便了。” 既然她这么说，赛观音自不必认真，不过有句还要表白，“这两年我跟你一样，也是饿汉。”她问：“你信不信？” “我怎么不信？”无垢又说：“不过，妹妹，我倒也有一句老实话；只怕你又会生气。” “不会。说明白就不要紧。” “那么我就说，你到底比我自由些。而且是有丈夫的，那怕怀了别人的孩子也不要紧。既然如此，你又何必自己挨饿？” “也要有机会——。”赛观音觉得措词很难；因为这不是一两句话能说明白的事。 “你说没有机会，是没有人？” "The same can be said." “不这么说，怎么说呢？” 赛观音想了一下答道：“人倒还在其次；是地方。我总不能拉到家里来呀！” “这，跟你刚才的话，似乎就不太对了。” “听起来好像不太对；其实呢，你再想想我另外一句话，我说这事急不得，我得预先想个法子，就是在想，要找个什么地方。” 无垢点点头，“这就对了！”她紧接着说，“其实也不难，不过花几个钱的事。我出钱，你去赁两间屋子，买个丫头，咱们悄悄儿来往，你看好不好？” “这当然好！不过，总也要有个盘算；天长日久，一笔开销也不轻。” “开销自然有打得出来的办法。”无垢问道：“如果有这么一个地方，你可以约些什么人来玩？” “这要看情形。从前的一些熟人，现在都不知道在什么地方了？要去打听。” “眼前总有几个吧？” 赛观音不知道她为何要这样追着问；想了一下答说：“有是有两三个，不过说出来你也未必知道。” “你倒不妨说说看。”无垢又说，“我要知道是那一号人物。” “无非常常在外面玩的一班浪荡子弟。” “不好！”无垢很快地说，“这些人招惹不得；一招惹了，闹得满城风雨。” “那么，”赛观音问道：“约些什么人呢？” 无垢不作声，仿佛在思索什么。这就越发使得赛观音困惑不解，决定问个明白。 “姊姊，你要弄这么一个地方，到底作何打算呢？” “这——，”无垢很吃力地说，“我就老实告诉你吧，有些人家的姨太太，少奶奶，想在外面打野食；总得有个地方。你说是不是呢？” 赛观音恍然大悟；心想这是一个机会，此时再不追问，更待何时？于是想一想说：“本来呢？本来在什么地方？” "uncertain." 这是在闪避，赛观音却不放松，“咱们现在睡的地方就是？”她说，“不然不会有那种书在这里。” “偶而也有。”无垢答说，“就因为不大妥当，所以我要另外找个地方。” “地方有了；人呢？” “有了地方，自然有人。这要看情形，事先说不定的。”无垢又说，“我问你可以约那路人物，就是心理有个数，到时候可以帮帮那些姨太太、少奶奶的忙。” “对了！这个忙帮得大了。”赛观音笑着说了这一句，又谨慎地试探，“你帮过那些姨太太、少奶奶的忙？” “不多。五六个。” “倒说来我听听。”赛观音想到她又会闪避，索性单刀直入地问说：“曹家的震二奶奶请你帮过忙没有？” “你怎么忽然想起她来？” “我也是听人说的。” “人家怎么说？” 本来是赛观音在发问，不道一变而为被盘诘的人了。她心里在想：“问就问吧！等我说完了，总该你说了吧？”于是她略为考虑了一下说：“我听人说，震二奶奶在外面不大规矩；背着震二爷养了族中的一个侄子。有这话没有？” 无垢有些迟疑；但一迟疑就露了马脚，若想隐瞒，便是撒谎；可想而知的，不能再获得赛观音的充分信任。但许多秘密，已经泄露了，如果赛观音觉得她欠诚恳而有所不满，口舌之间无意流露，这关系可真不轻。 转念到此，无垢不免自悔轻率；但事已如此，只有往好的地方去想——也是往好的地方去做；打算着能够以推心置腹的态度，换取她死心塌地的听从。 “做这种事，本来最忌的是指名道姓查问，心照不宣就是了。不过，你我像一个人一样；何况你说得出她'养侄子'的话，足见得也是有来历、有根据的；我更不必瞒你。只是，你应该知道轻重！” “那还用说，我又不是三岁小孩。”赛观音笑答说：“如果你觉得我口不紧，你就别说。” “不是这话，你别瞎疑心。”无垢紧接着说：“最初是他们自己有意思了；在这里会过两三次。后来我想想不妥，跟主持说，不必招惹吧；她就不来了。” “怎么不妥呢？” “震二奶奶为人很厉害，说不定'人无防虎意，虎有害人心'，拿住这里的把柄，翻起脸来，我们怎么斗得过她。” “那么，她是怎么不来的呢？” “来了没有人——我是说，只有她一个；对方没有约到，她心里有数，自然就不来了。” “不来这里，不会去别的地方？” “那是她们自己的事。” 赛观音明白了，如果想在这里拿住震二奶奶跟曹世隆已是件不可能的事。不过她也不十分相信无垢的话；说不定她为震二奶奶另作了安排。这是不能再问下去了；一问会动疑心，反而不妙。 “我倒要问你了，”无垢突然说道：“你是听谁说的？我都告诉你了，你也应该跟我实说才是。” 听得这一问，赛观音大起恐慌；而且大起警惕，倘或言语间不谨慎，稍露真相，让无垢发觉她原来是个奸细，那就不知道她会是怎么样的一种态度了。 这得找一个人来搪塞，先想到季姨娘，旋觉不妥；但急切间再想不起别的人，只好先拿她来应急。 “是季姨娘谈起的。” “我就知道是她！”无垢的声音极有把握，“再不会是别人。” 话一出口，赛观音便大为失悔；及至听见无垢的语气，越发不安。不过，不安的也不止她一个人，无垢亦复如此；想到季姨娘那种口没遮拦，不知轻重的性情，不免忧心忡忡，不知道会闯出怎么样一场难以收拾的祸来？ 于是，谈到极其投机的一个良宵；变成各怀鬼胎，辗转难眠的漫漫长夜了。
As soon as they sat down, Lao Zhou came one after another; Sai Guanyin told the story of meeting Aunt Ji, and judged that Second Grandma Zhen would never go to Ganlu Temple these days.He also said that Wugou invited her to have fun with him tomorrow; but Jiang and Wugou hit it off, and they have reached a deep friendship, but he kept it secret and didn't mention it. Lao Zhou pondered for a while and said, "It seems that Sun Huzi didn't calculate correctly." "What?" Sai Guanyin asked, "There is no news about that?" Naturally, it was the party who had a tryst with the Second Grandma Zhen in Ganluan; Sun Huzi judged that Cao Shilong must enter and leave through the side door of Ganluan, and sent someone to wait there, but there was no trace of him.Lao Zhou speculated from what Sai Guanyin said that Cao Shilong must have been wary and informed Second Grandma Zhen that she could no longer go to Ganluan; "Probably avoid the limelight." Lao Zhou replied, "but sooner or later they will be caught. Mrs. Zhang Wu, you should prepare as usual and wait for news from me at any time." After explaining this, Lao Zhou left in a hurry.Sai Guanyin took out the tin box, closed the door tightly, and carefully admired the four jewels; when she was ecstatic, she heard footsteps outside the door, and immediately alerted that her husband had returned. If the four jewels belonged to him See, nine out of ten it will be stolen by him and sent to the casino, and it must be kept secret. Thinking of this, he went straight to the door, set up Qu Shu first, locked the door and walked back; Zhang Wufu was already knocking on the door. "Wait a minute!" said Sai Guanyin, "I'm changing clothes." "How is it?" Zhang Wufu asked outside the door: "Have you met Second Grandma Zhen?" "What are you yelling for!" Sai Guanyin scolded, "You never use your brain when you talk and do things." Zhang Wufu was so scolded that he stopped talking; Sai Guanyin was afraid that he would look through the crack of the door, so he turned his back to block the jewelry and put it away before opening the door. "I haven't met." Sai Guanyin said again: "Old Zhou just came here." "What did he say?" "He said he would come and let me know." "What's going on? Ask him and he won't tell; ask you, but you can't tell. What kind of tricks are you playing?" "You don't need to ask. If you can play tricks, you will have your own benefits; if you can't play well, you will lose something. But there is something I want to tell you, you'd better pretend you don't know about this matter; don't inquire about it." Sai Guanyin said again: "Also, don't worry about where I want to go." Zhang Wufu surrendered for his wife, and he remained silent after listening, expressing silent acceptance.In the evening, Zhang Wufu hugged Sai Guanyin to beg for joy, and let her slap her loosely; he explained that he would go to burn incense tomorrow, and in the name of fasting, he drove Zhang Wufu into the main room to make a bed on the floor. The next day, Sai Guanyin got up at five o'clock, opened the door quietly, fetched water to wash her face and comb her hair, changed into her only silk shirt and a green silk skirt; the four pieces of jewelry, except the jade hairpin, were The remaining three cotton-wrapped cloth bags were placed in the incense basket; then I woke up my husband and said that I was going out. "Going to burn incense so early?" "There are still incense burners in the middle of the night!" Sai Guanyin said again: "I want to come back, and I will be back before dark; otherwise, I will live in Ganlu Temple, and you don't have to wait for me." After finishing talking, go out, walk out of two alleys, hire a small sedan chair in a familiar sedan chair shop, and go to Ganlu nunnery, where you put on your jewelry; wait for the sedan chair, the bearer is stunned. "Sister Zhang Wu, you look like a rich young lady!" Sai Guanyin smiled slightly, "I borrowed two pieces of jewellery, to decorate the scene." She warned, "Don't go around 'selling morning papers' for me." "Do you want to pick me up in the afternoon?" "don't want!" After paying the sedan chair money and entering the nunnery, there were already quite a few pilgrims; as soon as Sai Guanyin appeared, he immediately attracted a lot of attention, but he was quite confused; ?Looking around, there is a dignified guest there, who is carrying an incense basket by himself? Fortunately, he met Jingming, so he handed the incense basket to her; he asked, "Where is Mrs. Zhike?" "The old lady accompanying the general is talking." There are a lot of guests in Ganluan, and one room was specially set aside for the rest of the wife of General Ming An of Jiangning. When Sai Guanyin went there, she looked outside the door, and there were all the female relatives under the banner in costumes; Too many, I am afraid of being rude, and I can't help being timid. Nazhi Wugou's sharp eyes waved and shouted: "Sister-in-law Zhang Wu, please come in." This time, Sai Guanyin had no choice but to bite the bullet and step in.I saw two old ladies sitting facing the east flag, the upper one was always about sixty away, and the lower one was about fifty.Wugou introduced to her, one is Mrs. Ming; the other is Mrs. Ming's natal sister-in-law, the wife of Deliang, the deputy governor of Zhapu, Zhejiang, who came to celebrate Mrs. Mingtai's birthday. "This is the general's wife, Mrs. Ming; Miss Ming and Miss Ming." The mother and daughter stood next to the old lady Ming; Sai Guanyin saluted one by one, and praised the seventeen and eight sisters, saying: "They are so handsome! They are truly a pair of beauties." Mrs. Ming couldn't be happier to hear someone praise her two granddaughters; she immediately turned around and said, "Why don't you invite guests to sit down?" "Aren't you just holding a chair?" the middle-aged Mrs. Ming said with a smile. "Don't dare to do it; don't dare to do it." Sai Guanyin thanked, "Is there a place for me to sit here?" "You are a guest! Mrs. Zhang Wu, you are welcome." Sai Guanyin supported the handle of the chair brought by the girl from the Ming family, but refused to sit down; Wugou said, "Being respectful is worse than obeying, you just sit down!" "No!" Sai Guanyin resolutely said, "Mrs. Ming and the two ladies are standing, how can I sit down?" "Irrelevant! This is the rule of our flag; they are also used to standing." Mrs. Ming said, "Sit down and let's talk." "Old lady, I'll be with you all day; but if you ask me to sit, I dare not." "How about it," Mrs. De changed, "Let Grandma sit too!" The "grandmother" she called was Mrs. Ming; upon hearing this, Wugou went to fetch a chair, and the old lady Ming said to her daughter-in-law: "If you don't sit down, the guest will stand with you, how many Are you sorry? Sit down!" Mrs. Ming weighed a total of one hundred and twenty catties in Lixia's day; her whole body weight was supported on a pair of "flower pot bottoms", and it was miserable to stand for a long time.Fortunately, Sai Guanyin knew the courtesy, so she also had a seat, and she naturally felt it; so Mrs. Ming said a few words to Sai Guanyin, and when she turned to chat with Mrs. De about the family affairs, she clung to Sai Guanyin's hand, asking questions, and was very affectionate. After a while, Wugou came to invite him to burn incense; Sai Guanyin was thinking about Aunt Ji, so he took the opportunity to say goodbye.At the place where we met yesterday, we met again; Aunt Ji seemed surprised, and just looked at her with a smile, which inevitably embarrassed Sai Guanyin. "What's the matter with you, you don't seem to know each other!" "I think you are a different person from yesterday—" Aunt Ji stopped suddenly when she said this; it was because Xia Yun gave her a hand. Sai Guanyin saw it with sharp eyes and understood her intentions; she also thanked her for preventing Aunt Ji from embarrassing her, so she simply explained: "Aunt Ji must have seen me wearing these pieces of jewelry," she said softly, "I borrowed them. " "I really can't see it. It's just like your own." Xia Yun looked around and said to him: "The chief is reciting 'Shu Tou', let's burn incense." When I arrived at the main hall, I saw the presiding Yuanming, who personally led the practice; the atmosphere in the hall was full of sandalwood mixed with powder fragrance, and everyone wanted to get drunk.It was hot and crowded, sweating profusely, and Aunt Ji couldn't bear it any longer. She supported her head with one hand and Xia Yun's shoulder with the other; Sai Guanyin hurried forward, supported her body and asked, "What's the matter?" "A little uncomfortable, dizzy." Aunt Ji said again: "It doesn't matter, it will be fine in a while." "Probably due to heat stroke. There was something wrong when I came here." Xia Yun said while taking out a piece of purple gold ingot from his purse, stuffed it in Aunt Ji's mouth, and added: "Go back!" "Not good! I can't explain it to Mrs. Wugou." "It doesn't matter! I have you." Sai Guanyin said, "You are uncomfortable, don't force yourself." So Xia Yun took care of the little girl and went to find the bearer; since Wu Gou was very busy, he didn't need to say goodbye, he just asked Sai Guanyin to pay his respects. As a result, Aunt Ji was entrusted with the responsibility of entertaining pilgrims, and gave it to Sai Guanyin.After fasting in the middle of the day, they gradually dispersed; about the time when the plaque was applied, the ceremony was over, and the pilgrims dispersed, Wugou came to thank Sai Guanyin. "Thanks to you today! What did Mrs. Daoming say: She said that you are really better than Avalokitesvara who saves the suffering—" "What?" Sai Guanyin interrupted her uneasily and asked, "How does Mrs. Ming know my name?" "I don't know who told her?" Wugou said again: "As soon as Aunt Ji leaves, if it wasn't for you, I would be caught blind." "I'm really worried; Aunt Ji is suffering from heat stroke, it would be bad if she falls ill here." "Don't talk about falling ill, just vomiting and messing up is enough trouble." "You should send someone to look at her, too." "That's right! I'll go right away." Wugou walked a few steps, then came back suddenly and said, "Don't go back today. I have something to talk to you in detail; I really have something to ask you. Your Majesty is there, I Get someone to notify you." "No! I left a message at home." It turns out that Sai Guanyin also has a heart to accept, Wugou thought, this is naturally the effect of the four jewelry; it seems that the blind "medicine" given is right for the disease.
After dinner, there was a burst of rain, and the heat disappeared completely; the rain stopped, the water receded, and the clouds cleared; Sai Guanyin and Wugou both took a bath, enjoying the cool in the yard and talking. "There is one thing that has been successfully done. I told the host that I will give you five hundred silver; and I will find a place for you to save it. The interest will not change, and there will be four or five taels of silver a month to subsidize the family. Do you think about it? ?” "Dare to be kind!" said Sai Guanyin, "I don't know if I can do it or not." "You can definitely do it. Of course, it's not just you alone." It turned out that the wife of General Ming Ming, who was one of the protectors of Ganlu Temple, was one of the protectors of Ganluan. It was said once that every faithful man and woman had the merit of giving up their house as a temple. Although she lived in her son's yamen and had no house to leave, she had some private savings , intending to donate ten thousand pieces of silver to build a nunnery.Wugou discussed with the abbot Yuanming, hoping to get the donation, so he told Mrs. Ming that Ganluan wanted to build a lower house in Qixia Mountain and named it Yanshou Temple; Why don't you donate the silver to Ganlu Temple? "At that time, Mrs. Ming agreed straight away. You know, when I mentioned it again in a few days, she suddenly changed her mind; her tone seemed to have unavoidable difficulties." Wugou asked, "Can you guess what is the reason?" Sai Guanyin thought for a while and replied, "Maybe General Ming is unwilling?" "You guessed half right. General Ming didn't say anything; Mrs. Ming disapproved. She was the head of the family, and Mrs. Ming's private savings were handed over to her daughter-in-law. Mrs. Ming refused to let go, and being a mother-in-law was also very embarrassing." Wugou turned sharply and said: "Mrs. Ming is very happy with you, she will listen to what you say; if we can persuade her to move, our Yanshou Temple will be completed." "Oh, since you said she'd listen to me, I'm going to oblige. But I don't know how to persuade her?" "This, let's discuss it slowly. Fortunately, this is not an urgent matter." Sai Guanyin nodded, nothing to say; Wugou didn't mention this again, only said things like this, and so on. If Sai Guanyin is willing to cooperate sincerely, it will often be beneficial. "It's my teacher who guides me; I have to do my best; I dare not do my best." "Heavy words, serious words! But," Wugou suddenly asked, "How old are you this year?" "I'm thirty-four." "What month is your birthday?" "September." "So, I'm older than you; my birthday is in April." Wugou asked, "Would you like to recognize me as your sister?" Knowing sisters with a nun; this kind of secular thing also happens in Buddhism, Sai Guanyin finds it a little inconceivable.So I forgot to answer for a while. "You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to. Don't worry." Wugou took her hand, patted the back of her hand and said, "I was just joking with you." "You're joking, but I really want to recognize you as a sister. It's best to kowtow in front of the Bodhisattva together." "God knows." Wugou's attitude changed again, "You are sincere, and I am also sincere. From now on, we will be sisters in private. Do you think it is okay to use 'official title' in public?" "Why not?" Sai Guanyin blurted out, "Sister!" "Sister, good sister!" As soon as I said this, suddenly the wind blew up, and a large cloud covered the moonlight. Sai Guanyin said, "It's going to rain!" Before he could finish his sentence, big raindrops had already fallen; Wugou led Sai Guanyin into the house. "Wait!" Sai Guanyin said, "Move the rattan chair in." There are not only rattan chairs, but also a coffee table; on the table is a pot of freshly brewed incense, which is just right to drink after it has been simmered, and I am reluctant to leave it behind. Just such a delay, I was really drenched in showers. "The hair is all wet." Wugou took a towel for her, "The little gown is stuck to the flesh, change it quickly." "There is nothing to change." Sai Guanyin said, "I brought a set of small gowns and hakamas, which I just changed after taking a shower." "Just wear mine." Wugou took out a set of gray silk hakama, which was of course the style of a monk's robe; the belt was tied instead of buttons, the sleeves were big, but the hakama had narrow legs. "Go to the back and change!" I carried my clothes to the back room to change. The silk was smooth and I felt more comfortable. I sat down and looked up, and I happened to see the novel with embroidered portraits. Immediately, I was inexplicably excited, and I went to get a copy without hesitation. Then he turned the pages of the book. Just as he was dazed, a hand suddenly reached out to his chest.赛观音这一惊非同小可；身子一阵抖，书都抖落在地上，急急夺身转脸，只见无垢笑嘻嘻地站在那里，她也换了湿衣服，是一套蓝绸褂袴，头上戴一顶玄色绸子的软帽，两足分开，一双手叉在腰上，站立的姿态像个男人。 “好看不好看？”无垢问说。 “你屋子里怎么会有这玩意？”赛观音惊魂略定，正色说道：“让人瞧见了，还得了？” “除非是你，谁能到得了这间屋子里？” “你不是说，是客房吗？” “不错，是客房。”无垢答说，“不过要看怎么样的客？” 话中有深意，赛观音觉得不便再往下问了，只拍拍胸说：“真吓我一大跳！” “这可得怪你自己。”无垢笑道：“我以为你早听见我的脚步声了。” 到底她是蹑足而来，还是真有脚步声，已无法究诘，赛观音唯有笑一笑，不作声；弯腰将地上的书捡了起来。 “睡下来看！” 说着，无垢已将那套小说，拿到床前，剔亮了灯，向赛观音招招手。 赛观音在片刻的迟疑之后，突然发觉，如果再畏缩拘谨，不但自己受罪；也会扫了无垢的兴，将很有趣的一个晚上，弄成万分无聊。 她也算是在风月场中打过滚的，要放开来并不难，当下微笑着走到床前，与无垢并排坐下，一只手便从她身后伸过去，圈过来揽住她的腰；身子半靠着她的背，视线从她肩头望出去，落在小说的插图上。 “姊姊，”赛观音说，“我们今天晚上做姊弟好不好？” 无垢转过脸来，看一看她说：“你占我的便宜；应该兄妹才是。” “兄妹也好，姊弟也好；反正——，”她把她的脸推过去，伏在她的肩头上轻轻说道：“反正一男一女是不是？” “这还像句话。”无垢手一扬；身子往后一仰，拗开了书，将赛观音拉倒在一起，轻声说道：“你跟男人在一起，一定浪得很。” “浪的好，还是不浪的好？”赛观音闭上了眼，抱住无垢；想像着她是个“爷儿们”。 “自然是浪的好，越浪越好。”说着，无垢便伸手摸索着，“你没有生过孩子？” “你呢？”赛观音以其人之道，还治其人之身，“倒像是'三师太'。” “我倒想做'三师太'，可惜没有一个'申大爷'。” 她们用的是弹词“玉蜻蜓”上的典故；赛观音认为无垢的话是假撇清，但不便直言驳诘，只问：“你想不想？” “莫非你手上有这么一个人？”无垢故意试探。 "correct." "who is it?" “喏，就是我。”说着，赛观音得意地笑了。 无垢确有被戏弄了的感觉；心有不甘，却想不出报复的法子。转念想到总督衙门的赵师爷，心中一动；决定将计就计，引赛观音上钩。 “我们说正经的，如果我想弄一个，你肯不肯帮我的忙？” 赛观音心中一跳，心想莫非这会儿是床底下，还是衣橱中，就藏着一个年轻男子。不过一念甫动，立刻就觉得自己的想法太荒唐，这么热的天，躲在床底下、衣橱中，还不闷出痧子来？ “怎么样？”无垢一面问；一面伸手到她左胸，明显地觉察出她的心“蓬蓬”地跳得很厉害。 赛观音大感威胁，轻轻推开她的手问：“要怎么样帮你的忙？” “只要你肯帮忙，总有办法；就怕你——。”无垢故意不说下去；要看赛观音来不来问。 她当然会问：“怕我什么？” “怕你根本不肯，不过拿我开开胃。我可不上你的当。” “喔，你是怕我跟你开玩笑，你把你的办法告诉我，就算我捏住了你的把柄。” “这倒不怕，你不是那样的人。不过鞋子没有穿，徒然落个样，那又何苦？” 赛观音心想，看样子除非自己能显得真心实意，不能取得无垢无话不谈的信任；那样，就什么图谋都无从谈起了。 转念到此，她毫不迟疑地说：“姊姊，人心都是肉做的，你这样看得起我；待我这样好，我如果对你有一点不尽心的地方，我就畜生都不如了。” “唷，唷！你的话说得太重了！”无垢是颇为感动的模样，“你的为人，我那里会不知道。不是我自吹自擂，如果我不识人头，那里能当这个'知客'的职司。你不要多心；什么事都不会瞒你的。” “既然姊姊知道就好了。刚才说的那件事，只要有用得着我的地方，我绝不会推托。” 无垢深沉地点点头；然后问说：“你出来方便不方便？” “方便。” “怎么方便法，是不是随请随到？” “也差不多。” “晚上不回去也不要紧？” “不要紧。”赛观音说∶“只要事先跟他说一声好了。” “你们五哥倒真好说话，”无垢又说，“嫁着这种丈夫，也是一种福气。” “什么福气？”赛观音叹口气∶“没出息！” 张五福的为人，以及他们夫妇的关系，就这“没出息”三字，便尽在不言中了，意会到此，无垢有了十分把握，当即说道∶“等过了菩萨生日，我请你帮忙。” “好！”赛观音毫不迟疑地答应；但停了一下又说∶“不是我噜苏，或者有什么不放心；天生急性子，凡事不问清楚，肚肠痒得难受。姊姊，还是那句老话，这个忙怎么帮法？” “你说应该怎么帮？”无垢带着一种考验的意味，“你倒设身处地替我想一想；再问问你自己，肯帮我多大的忙？” 这几句话分量很重。赛观音知道，前面不管如何输诚，那怕跪下来起誓，都是空话；只有对她提出来的这些问话，回答得能使她满意，才真的能显出至诚。 因此，她先不作声，凝神细想了好一会才说∶“我说老实话，若说要我舍出一条命去帮姊姊的忙，我也不肯。除此以外，怎么样都可以。不过为姊姊着想，这件事马虎不得，先要好好儿预备一下，所以也急不得。” “这样说，你是想好一个办法了。” "yes." “你倒说给我听听！” 赛观音的办法是有了，要说却不知该从何处开口；因为从来也没有谈过这样的事。因而想了想，学无垢的样，从发问开始。 “姊姊，你出来方便？” “方便是方便，不过预先要说好。” “当然，我预先会告诉你。”赛观音又问∶“住在我那里行不行？” “也是要预先说好。” “这就行了。这种事，白天到底不方便——。” 听到这里，无垢方始相信，赛观音真的已想好了办法，一时心气浮动，无法自持，一把将她推倒，“慢一点，”她说，“咱们睡下来谈。” 将油灯捻得豆样大，掖好帐门，并头卧倒，但面对面亦都看不清对方脸上的表情，说话就更方便了。 “等我约好了人来通知你；你一个人悄悄儿来，私底下看一看，看不中意不谈；我另外再约。” “喔，”无垢大感兴趣，“看中意了呢？”她问。 “看中意了，就有两种法子，一明一暗，随你挑。” “你的法子倒真多。”无垢笑道：“还不止一种。” “这是我为你着想；要看你愿意明的，还是暗的。” “明的怎么样，暗的又怎么样呢？” 明的是将话说明白，饮酒作乐，率性而行；暗的是李代桃僵，午夜梦回时，做赛观音的替身。 等讲完了，赛观音还问一句话：“你看怎么样？” 无垢无以为答，因为赛观音的话，替她带来了太多的猜测与想像。看她款款深谈，似乎干惯了这个勾当的；然则“赛观音”的外号，确有由来。既然如此，就不必多费心思，干脆跟她明说好了。 这是就赵师爷方面去想；在她自己，想到李代桃僵时，心跳得非常厉害，以至于呼吸困难，喉头痉挛，不自觉地“啯啯”的出声。 “看你馋得那样子！”赛观音笑她，“都咽口水了。” 听得这话，虽在暗头里，无垢的脸还是红了起来，“你别笑我！”她反唇相讥，“饱汉不知饿汉饥。” 赛观音有些不悦，所谓“饱汉”自然是指她常有这种招蜂引蝶的行迳。自己披肝沥胆，不顾羞耻；却招来了这样的讽刺，岂不令人寒心？ “我老实跟你说，我不是馋，是怕；所以心跳得很厉害。” “又想偷荤，胆子又小；那就难了。”赛观音说：“我刚才说的话不算；你只当没有听见。” 语气不妙，无垢自然听得出来；回想了一下，是“饱汉不知饿汉饥”那句话上出了毛病，于是赶紧陪笑道歉。 “好妹妹，你不能为我无心的一句话生气。咱们俩无话不谈，等于你把心掏给我，我把心掏给你，说话自然就随便了。” 既然她这么说，赛观音自不必认真，不过有句还要表白，“这两年我跟你一样，也是饿汉。”她问：“你信不信？” “我怎么不信？”无垢又说：“不过，妹妹，我倒也有一句老实话；只怕你又会生气。” “不会。说明白就不要紧。” “那么我就说，你到底比我自由些。而且是有丈夫的，那怕怀了别人的孩子也不要紧。既然如此，你又何必自己挨饿？” “也要有机会——。”赛观音觉得措词很难；因为这不是一两句话能说明白的事。 “你说没有机会，是没有人？” "The same can be said." “不这么说，怎么说呢？” 赛观音想了一下答道：“人倒还在其次；是地方。我总不能拉到家里来呀！” “这，跟你刚才的话，似乎就不太对了。” “听起来好像不太对；其实呢，你再想想我另外一句话，我说这事急不得，我得预先想个法子，就是在想，要找个什么地方。” 无垢点点头，“这就对了！”她紧接着说，“其实也不难，不过花几个钱的事。我出钱，你去赁两间屋子，买个丫头，咱们悄悄儿来往，你看好不好？” “这当然好！不过，总也要有个盘算；天长日久，一笔开销也不轻。” “开销自然有打得出来的办法。”无垢问道：“如果有这么一个地方，你可以约些什么人来玩？” “这要看情形。从前的一些熟人，现在都不知道在什么地方了？要去打听。” “眼前总有几个吧？” 赛观音不知道她为何要这样追着问；想了一下答说：“有是有两三个，不过说出来你也未必知道。” “你倒不妨说说看。”无垢又说，“我要知道是那一号人物。” “无非常常在外面玩的一班浪荡子弟。” “不好！”无垢很快地说，“这些人招惹不得；一招惹了，闹得满城风雨。” “那么，”赛观音问道：“约些什么人呢？” 无垢不作声，仿佛在思索什么。这就越发使得赛观音困惑不解，决定问个明白。 “姊姊，你要弄这么一个地方，到底作何打算呢？” “这——，”无垢很吃力地说，“我就老实告诉你吧，有些人家的姨太太，少奶奶，想在外面打野食；总得有个地方。你说是不是呢？” 赛观音恍然大悟；心想这是一个机会，此时再不追问，更待何时？于是想一想说：“本来呢？本来在什么地方？” "uncertain." 这是在闪避，赛观音却不放松，“咱们现在睡的地方就是？”她说，“不然不会有那种书在这里。” “偶而也有。”无垢答说，“就因为不大妥当，所以我要另外找个地方。” “地方有了；人呢？” “有了地方，自然有人。这要看情形，事先说不定的。”无垢又说，“我问你可以约那路人物，就是心理有个数，到时候可以帮帮那些姨太太、少奶奶的忙。” “对了！这个忙帮得大了。”赛观音笑着说了这一句，又谨慎地试探，“你帮过那些姨太太、少奶奶的忙？” “不多。五六个。” “倒说来我听听。”赛观音想到她又会闪避，索性单刀直入地问说：“曹家的震二奶奶请你帮过忙没有？” “你怎么忽然想起她来？” “我也是听人说的。” “人家怎么说？” 本来是赛观音在发问，不道一变而为被盘诘的人了。她心里在想：“问就问吧！等我说完了，总该你说了吧？”于是她略为考虑了一下说：“我听人说，震二奶奶在外面不大规矩；背着震二爷养了族中的一个侄子。有这话没有？” 无垢有些迟疑；但一迟疑就露了马脚，若想隐瞒，便是撒谎；可想而知的，不能再获得赛观音的充分信任。但许多秘密，已经泄露了，如果赛观音觉得她欠诚恳而有所不满，口舌之间无意流露，这关系可真不轻。 转念到此，无垢不免自悔轻率；但事已如此，只有往好的地方去想——也是往好的地方去做；打算着能够以推心置腹的态度，换取她死心塌地的听从。 “做这种事，本来最忌的是指名道姓查问，心照不宣就是了。不过，你我像一个人一样；何况你说得出她'养侄子'的话，足见得也是有来历、有根据的；我更不必瞒你。只是，你应该知道轻重！” “那还用说，我又不是三岁小孩。”赛观音笑答说：“如果你觉得我口不紧，你就别说。” “不是这话，你别瞎疑心。”无垢紧接着说：“最初是他们自己有意思了；在这里会过两三次。后来我想想不妥，跟主持说，不必招惹吧；她就不来了。” “怎么不妥呢？” “震二奶奶为人很厉害，说不定'人无防虎意，虎有害人心'，拿住这里的把柄，翻起脸来，我们怎么斗得过她。” “那么，她是怎么不来的呢？” “来了没有人——我是说，只有她一个；对方没有约到，她心里有数，自然就不来了。” “不来这里，不会去别的地方？” “那是她们自己的事。” 赛观音明白了，如果想在这里拿住震二奶奶跟曹世隆已是件不可能的事。不过她也不十分相信无垢的话；说不定她为震二奶奶另作了安排。这是不能再问下去了；一问会动疑心，反而不妙。 “我倒要问你了，”无垢突然说道：“你是听谁说的？我都告诉你了，你也应该跟我实说才是。” 听得这一问，赛观音大起恐慌；而且大起警惕，倘或言语间不谨慎，稍露真相，让无垢发觉她原来是个奸细，那就不知道她会是怎么样的一种态度了。 这得找一个人来搪塞，先想到季姨娘，旋觉不妥；但急切间再想不起别的人，只好先拿她来应急。 “是季姨娘谈起的。” “我就知道是她！”无垢的声音极有把握，“再不会是别人。” 话一出口，赛观音便大为失悔；及至听见无垢的语气，越发不安。不过，不安的也不止她一个人，无垢亦复如此；想到季姨娘那种口没遮拦，不知轻重的性情，不免忧心忡忡，不知道会闯出怎么样一场难以收拾的祸来？ 于是，谈到极其投机的一个良宵；变成各怀鬼胎，辗转难眠的漫漫长夜了。