Chapter 18 Chapter Eighteen
Cao Zhen sat quietly for almost half an hour before he could calm down; but he still had bursts of urges from time to time, wishing to lift the roof to vent his bad breath.
"Second Lord," Xing'er came up and said, "The three masters in the tent are joining together for a cold-elimination party today, please invite Second Master to drink."
"Do I still have the interest to drink with others?" Cao Zhen thought for a while and said, "You tell the small kitchen to add two dishes as my gift; thank the three masters for me, and say that I am not feeling well."
Xing'er nodded and asked again: "What about Erye himself? What would you like to eat, I'll explain it together."
"Don't think about anything, just boil a pot of wine for me, that's all."
Not long after, Xing'er brought someone a food box, besides wine, a hot pot with raw slices; four dishes of side dishes for appetizers; in addition, eight steamed buns and a can of millet porridge.After laying, the charcoal basin was turned on again, and the doors and windows were closed tightly.Cao Zhen drank two cups of hot wine and felt better.
"I don't want to eat steamed stuffed buns." Cao Zhen said, "Come scoop up the hot soup and eat the steamed stuffed buns."
Xing'er scooped a bowl of soup from the hot pot as he said, and started eating while standing there; while eating, he asked: "There is a saying, why didn't the second master ask Long Guan just now?"
"Oh, what are you talking about?"
"How much are two broken suitcases and old clothes worth to drummers? Fifty taels of silver was used as the principal, plus interest to redeem them, but they were said to be sold to drummers. Is there any truth in this world?"
"Ah!" Cao Zhen just woke up like a dream, dumbfounded; many thoughts floated up in his mind, and he said after a long time: "You heat the pot of wine again, let's check it carefully."
This accounting captures several key points.Xing'er thought that since the two boxes were going to be moved out, they wouldn't move them back; but they didn't end up with Cao Shilong, but moved to another place that Second Grandma Zhen could trust.
"How can Longguan get the two boxes by himself? Either hire a car or hire a porter to pick them up; if you can find these coachmen and porters, you will naturally know where the two boxes are left." Xinger said again, "Anyway, it's just that A few familiar car dealers, quietly go to ask, and you will definitely be able to find out."
Cao Zhen pondered for a while and said: "You are half right. He can't move the two boxes by himself, so he must find someone to move the two boxes; but he is afraid of leaking the news, so he doesn't know how to find a car dealer, or even hire a car. The porter is looking for help from his own acquaintances."
"It's easy to handle. You can tell if it's a coachman or a porter. The second master might as well ask Fang Chaofeng again, what does the person who carries the boxes for him look like and what clothes he wears? Come back and find Guan Long." Question: If the two words are wrong, how can he lie?"
"Yes! It makes sense." Cao Zhen lifted his spirits; he said loudly, "Go and ask for another plate of steamed stuffed buns. Let's go to work when we're full."
The second time he went to visit Li Hedang's imperial court Fang Zizhong, Cao Zhen was prepared in advance, and asked carefully from the beginning, detailing everything.Fang Zizhong, who had a very good temper, was a little impatient with the question; but the harvest was very fruitful, knowing that the box was an octagonal iron-wrapped camphorwood box, it was very useful; Beiyin, a middle-aged man who looks like a poor official.
The camphorwood box with four iron corners costs five or six taels of silver per mouthful. It is neither a "broken box" nor can it be used to hold "old clothes"; this shows that Cao Shilong is lying.As for who the redeeming person is, it is not difficult to understand after thinking about it-Ma Senru, the head of the Guangchu Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
There are many people in the Ma family, and this Ma Senru is the uncle of the second grandmother of Zhen, Xing San; Cao Zhen and his wife call him differently, and the second grandmother of Zhen calls him "third uncle"; Cao Zhen calls him because of Mrs. Ma's relationship "Three uncles".He was very close to Cao's family. Every time he was sent to the south and passed through Jiangning, he would stay at Cao's house for a day or two.This time I went back to Zhenjiang to investigate the Buddhist pavilion project of Jinshan Temple, and lived in Cao's house; Cao Zhen remembered that he brought five or six people with him, two of them were servants, and the rest were craftsmen.Among the servants, there was a blue spot on his left eye, nicknamed "Big and Big Eyes", which would leave a deep impression on anyone who saw it.Ask Fang Zizhong, if there is such a person, then there is no mistake.
From this point of view, the accusation of misappropriating property is not a false accusation.When Cao was shocked, what he couldn't swallow the most was that after the last quarrel, Second Mistress Zhen still regarded Cao Shilong as a relative closer than her husband, which shows that the adultery continued.Is it tolerable or unbearable?
The overwhelming green cloud sharpened Cao Zhen's emotions like a blade; he kept saying in his heart: I must kill the adulterer and adulteress!
Because of this, he seemed extraordinarily calm, but when he was free, he either sat quietly or walked around, thinking over and over again, how to deal with this matter?
I feel more and more that I need to find someone to discuss with; and this person is naturally Sai Guanyin.
Sai Guanyin pondered for a while and said, "It's fine if this matter doesn't get into trouble. Once it gets into trouble, I'm afraid it won't end. Second Master, you have to make up your own mind before I can make up your mind for you."
"I've made up my mind a long time ago! I have to break up with her." Cao Zhen waved his hands vigorously, "I don't hesitate to ruin my family. Anyway, this family will be ruined sooner or later."
Sai Guanyin hesitated, but finally shook his head and said, "No, I can't do this crime."
"It's my business to commit crimes."
"Okay!" Sai Guanyin also made up his mind, "Say it again, what do you want?"
"I want evidence! You can think of a way for me, how to catch their evidence."
"I will introduce a person for you, he must have a way." Sai Guanyin said: "You may also know this person: Wu Sanye!"
"Mr. Wu?" Cao Zhen was greatly surprised, "Is it Wu Duo, Mr. Wu?"
"I don't know his name; the tall one—."
When it comes to appearance, it can be confirmed that it is Wu Duo.Cao Zhen asked Sai Guanyin why he met him?She made up a reason to evade it - of course, neither she nor Wu Duo would tell the truth, and had conspired twice about the second grandma and Cao Shilong.
He was robbed to the empty house where he had suffered before; when Cao Shilong saw Cao Zhen was there, his color changed drastically and his body trembled a little.
"Second Uncle," he reluctantly greeted, "You've always been here?"
Cao Zhen ignored him; he only said to Wu Duo: "Brother Angus, please tell him for me."
"Okay! Brother Shilong must know the good and the bad." Wu Duo said very gently: "Brother Shilong, you always know what you are doing; as long as you tell the truth today, Uncle Ling will not make it difficult for you. We outsiders, Don't mind meddling, don't worry."
Seeing his attitude, Cao Shilong felt a little more relaxed, and asked, "What does Mr. Wu want to ask me?"
"Let's talk about the two boxes that Lihe pawned; the octagonal iron-coated camphorwood box; it cost fifty taels of silver to redeem it, but it is said that your old lady sold it to a drummer. Can you believe this?"
Cao Shilong was taken aback, but the facts were there and could not be denied, so he just bowed his head and remained silent.
"Let me tell you again, the person who redeemed those two boxes was not you; it was someone from Beijing."
"Well, I don't know."
Unconsciously, he revealed the truth; he just gave the pawn ticket to Second Grandma Zhen, and he really didn't know who went to redeem the two boxes.Anyway, this is not important, what is important is that he has to say it out of his mouth: "Who asked you to pawn those two boxes?"
Cao Shilong thought to himself, it is absolutely impossible not to say it; it doesn't matter if it is said, so he immediately replied, "It's the second aunt Zhen."
"How did you get it out?"
"Yes—." He recounted the situation at that time.
"Okay! This matter is clarified. There is one more thing—" Wu Duo looked at Cao Zhen hesitantly.
"It doesn't matter! Samkor Angkor, paper can't hold fire, so you just agree."
Wu Duo thought for a while and then asked Cao Shilong: "Did you seduce your Second Aunt Zhen; or Second Aunt Zhen seduced you; or who pulled the string?"
Cao Shilong trembled as he listened, his face turned from red to blue, from green to white, his eyes rolled, he didn't know if he wanted to find a hole to drill or planned to escape.
"talk!"
"No, no, nothing to say."
Before he could finish his sentence, Cao Zhen pulled out a saber from under the table, slapped it vigorously, and shouted violently, "Say!"
Cao Shilong was so frightened that he was paralyzed that he couldn't sit still and slipped under the table; Wu Duo grabbed him by the collar, lifted him up, pushed him to sit down, and then persuaded him: "I told you just now, as long as I tell the truth, I won't leave without you." You made a mistake and were not honest, so it’s no wonder that you provoked your uncle to reward you with a knife, but there is no place to complain if there is a grievance.” He said, and removed the knife from the table.
Cao Shilong's heart beat "Bengdong, Bengdong", he kept looking at Cao Zhen in fear, but couldn't speak.
"Second Master Zhen," Wu Duo said, "it's no wonder he can't tell you about this kind of thing in front of you. Please stay away until I come to ask him."
Cao Zhen nodded, walked to the courtyard without saying a word, and wandered under a wintersweet tree; Cao Shilong felt that the threat had diminished, so he could seriously consider how to word it.
"Hey! Speaking of which, Second Aunt Zhen and I both fell for the nunnery."
From this point on, he confessed the process of forming a sinful relationship with Second Grandma Zhen; of course, there are places where he avoids the serious and ignores the minor, but the adultery is true, and the rebellious relationship is also true.
After listening, Wu Duo asked, "Do you have anything else to say?"
"I only have one sentence, I'm damned!" After he finished speaking, he slapped himself several times, his cheeks were red and swollen.
"It doesn't have to be like this, it doesn't have to be like this!" Wu Duo shouted from a distance: "Just take it out after writing it!"
It turned out that someone was taking notes in the compartment; Cao Shilong woke up like a dream, and the difficulties were still to come.
"Take a look, if there are mistakes, you can correct them; if they are right, then——" Wu Duo took the brush from the confessor and handed it over: "Please draw a monogram!"
"No!" Cao Shilong resolutely said, "I can't draw a bet; once I draw, I'm dead."
"You just said it the other way around. If you refuse to draw a bet, you must die. If you don't mention the difference in your body, you will get an extremely ugly reputation. What is the point of this? When I tell you the truth, you will be shocked as soon as you hear it." Understood."
Wu Duo analyzed the pros and cons for Cao Shilong; he said that Cao Zhen's original intention is that there is no need to publicize the family ugliness, and it is fine to just divorce his wife and return to her natal family.But there is no definite evidence, where is Second Grandma Zhen willing to sell this account?Cao Shilong's personal testimony is required to deal with Second Grandma Zhen; as for Cao Shilong, since the matter is private, of course he will not be involved, this is an inevitable reason.
If Cao Shilong refused to draw a charge, and he had no choice but to sue the official; Wu Duo was the witness who heard him tell about his adultery with Zhen's second wife; what's more, there are many other witnesses.In short, once a lawsuit is filed, the truth will be revealed without going through a second trial; a serious case of infidelity must be charged with "judgment".
This reasoning is not difficult to understand. Although Cao Shilong thought that it would be unreasonable to file a lawsuit, he always felt that once he drew the monogram, it was tantamount to pleading guilty, so he still hesitated.
Seeing this, Wu Duo didn't urge him; he just shouted: "Second Master Zhen!"
So Cao Zhen came back from the courtyard, his face was ashen, a tendon under his left eye was twitching slightly, and the corner of his mouth hung up, describing it as quite scary.
"Ling nephew refuses to draw a pledge, what should I do?"
Cao Zhen stared, as if he could spit out fire; then he said in a decisive voice: "Since he doesn't want his life, I have no choice but to lose face."
"You, please come here."
Wu Duo accompanied Cao Zhen into another room.Of course there were guards outside; Cao Shilong was very upset, just thinking, how could he find a way to notify Second Grandma Zhen.
After an unknown amount of time, Wu Duo accompanied Cao Zhen and reappeared. He held two pieces of paper in his hand and handed one to Cao Shilong.
Take it over and see that it is Zhang Zhuangzi; the reason is: "Cao Shilong, the evil nephew, raped his aunt and committed a crime of injustice. Please arrest him immediately and bring him to the case for strict trial, and convict him according to the law, so as to rectify the country's legal affairs."The following is a detailed description of the facts and evidence. The physical evidence is the transcript of Cao Shilong's testimony; there are many witnesses, and the first one is Wu Duo.
"How is it?" He asked Cao Shilong, who looked ashen.
Cao Shilong didn't answer, turned around, and with a "thump", he fell to his knees, kneeling in front of Cao Zhen.
"You don't have to!" Cao Zhen didn't allow him to speak at all, and turned to ask Wu Duo: "What should I do if I didn't bring my stamp?"
"Then it has to be fingerprinted."
So Cao Zhen stretched out his right thumb, pressed the ink pad on the table, and stamped a very clear fingerprint on the form.
"Ask your little follower to be a 'complaint', and wait for me to give him a few words."
"Xing'er, Xing'er!" Cao Zhen shouted immediately.
After finding Xing'er, Wu Duo asked, "Have you been to the county government office?"
"I have been to Shangyuan County."
"That's right! It's Shangyuan County." Wu Duo asked again: "Do you know where the punishment room is?"
In front of the hall of the county yamen, on both sides of the corridor, there are six rooms, with officials, households, and rituals to the east; soldiers, punishments, and workers to the west.Xinger recalled and replied: "I remember it is in the middle of the West."
"That's right. When you go to the execution room, look for Zhang Shuban; take a piece of my business card and tell him that I will ask him to take care of you, and he will send someone to take you to submit the paper."
"It's getting late," Cao Zhen said, "Go quickly!"
Xing'er agreed, took the certificate and Wu Duo's business card, turned around and left.Cao Shilong was tormented in his heart, thinking of the idiom "One word enters the public door, nine bulls can't be pulled out", and blurted out: "Come back, come back!"
After getting the petition back, he obediently wrote his name and stamped his fingerprints on the testimony record.
"Second Lord Zhen, the matter is well established; however, for such a big event, don't be rash. What I mean is that I am wronged and ordered my nephew to stay here for one night, so as not to leak the news; I will accompany you to the Qinhuai River House to relax , use your mind to cool it first, and then move after making a plan. What do you think?"
"Brother Angus, you are really considerate of thinking about your friends." Cao Zhen said emotionally, "I invite Brother Ang to sit at the Qinhuai River Room; I invite Brother Sun to come and let me talk about my feelings."
"Old Sun has something else to do, so you don't need to invite him, just let me accompany you!" Wu Duo said again: "Brother Shilong, it's unavoidable, please stay here for a day or two; your family, please Xing'er to inform , you can live here with peace of mind."
Cao Shilong knew that it was useless to fight, so he hung his head and remained silent.As soon as they left, a thin middle-aged man with a big beard came out. He introduced himself: "My surname is Sun; everyone calls me Sun Beard, so you might as well."
"Don't dare, dare not!" Cao Shilong asked very humbly: "Mr. Sun, please give me more advice and care."
"I can't talk about advice; if I can help, I want to make you a friend——"
Cao Shilong was overjoyed, and rushed to say: "That's great! Mr. Sun has made friends with me, so he knows that I, Cao Shilong, are not half-baked."
"This," Sun Huzi smiled and didn't continue; then he said: "I have something to ask you, what's on your mind when you betray your aunt who slept in the same bed like this?"
"Mr. Sun, you've always heard and seen, what can I do to force me like this?" Cao Shilong said with a sad face, "You can't feel the taste in my heart. Now as long as there is a way to save her; what? Do everything!"
"Is this the truth?"
"Why not the truth!"
Sun Huzi nodded, pondered for a while and said, "I heard that Second Grandma Zhen is very powerful?"
"Yes. She is quick-witted and decisive."
"I think so! Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to steal my nephew." Sun Huzi said, "The purpose of keeping you here is very clear. Second Master Zhen went back to make a fuss and asked you to confront him. What would you do then?"
It turns out that Cao Zhen still has this trick!As soon as Cao Shilong was reminded, the five high schools were on fire; the more he thought about it, the more afraid he became, and the more he thought about it, the more annoyed he became, so he blurted out, "I wish I could die!"
"It's better to die than go!" Sun Huzi interjected and said, "As long as you go far away and fly high, there will be no proof; second grandma is so powerful that she will be able to withstand it naturally!"
Hearing this, Cao Shilong really felt that he was in a desperate situation; when he calmed down, his mind became sharper, and he knew that there was something in Sun Huzi's words, so he immediately asked in a low voice: "Mr. Sun, tell me, how can I go so far away?" ?”
"Then it depends on Second Grandma Zhen."
"I'm sorry, please explain a little more clearly."
"Then open the skylight and speak the truth! As long as Second Grandma Zhen doesn't feel too distressed about money, she will let you go far away."
"Then, can you please tell me the amount, maybe I can do it with my strength."
"You don't have that power. I know." Sun Huzi asked, "I heard that Second Grandma Zhen has a helper; she's a housekeeper, do you have that?"
"Yes. It's called Jin'er."
"Can she make the decision for Second Grandma Zhen?"
Cao Shilong understood that Sun Huzi was going to deal with Jin'er; he immediately replied: "The matter is too big for her to decide; but you can talk to her about anything."
Sun Huzi didn't need to ask any more questions, he only comforted Cao Shilong a few words, and then entered again; it was the turn of Sai Guanyin who was waiting there to contribute.
Every time Sai Guanyin came to Cao's house, she had to say a few nice words to the old lady on the door or guarding the side door with a smile before she could get in; She had to be a little wary. This time, her expression was different from that of the past, she walked to the door proudly, and said, "I have something urgent to find Miss Jin'er. Should I go in by myself, or do you invite Miss Jin'er out?" Seeing this, the doorman waved his hand and said, "Go in by yourself! Let the middle doorman notify you." When the announcement was made at the middle door, Jin'er felt very abrupt; when they met face to face, seeing her strange expression, she already felt uneasy; and hearing her request for a private conversation, Jin'er felt even more that disaster was imminent. In a secluded place, Sai Guanyin lowered her voice and said, "Miss Jin'er, Second Grandma Zhen would never have dreamed that Long Guan told Second Master Zhen that he had slept with Second Grandma Zhen!" Said; first took revenge on Second Grandma Zhen for humiliating her. When Jin'er heard this, she almost fainted; quickly supported the wall with one hand, and pointed to the two pieces of paper in Sai Guanyin's hand with the other and asked, "What are those?" "One is what Long Guan said, and his adulterous relationship with Second Mistress Zhen is written on it; the other is that Second Master Zhen intends to enter Shangyuan County and sue Long Guan. You will know it after reading it. " Jin'er can't read much, but she can recognize the name written by Cao Zhen; if she doesn't have time to read it carefully, she must first figure out what's going on? "Second Lord Zhen found a few friends and tricked Longguan to a place; he put a knife on Longguan's neck and asked him to tell the truth. Let's start with Li Hedang. The two camphor boxes belonged to Second Grandma Zhen. The redemption was not Longguan, but Second Grandma Zhen’s uncle. And you look out for them——" Jin'er's face burned, and she hurriedly interrupted her and said: "Don't mention these, you only talk about the future." "In the future," Sai Guanyin said, pointing to the transcript, "Second Lord Zhen wanted Longguan to draw a monogram and admit what he said, but Official Long refused; Second Lord Zhen decided to sue, saying, 'If you don't want to die, I will die too. I had no choice but to lose face.' After the petition was written, Xing'er was sent to 'complain', and the official Long drew the charge." "So, what about Second Master Zhen? Didn't see him come back, where did he go?" "Let his friend go to the Qinhuai River 'old courtyard'," Sai Guanyin continued, "Second Master Zhen has another friend named Sun. Seeing that this incident is going to cause people to die, he is willing to help Second Master Zhen Grandma, do me a favor; he knows my Wufu family, so he specially asked me to write a letter, and it is best for you to meet with Long Guan, and everything will be clear." "Where is Longguan?" "I don't know; the one surnamed Sun is at my house, and he will take you there." "How about going?" Jin'er thought of the most important sentence: "How does the surname Sun plan to help?" "I plan to let Longguan go and let him stay far away; if the adulterer can't be confronted, can't the adulterer get away with it?" Jin'er heard her use such unscrupulous words, and really wanted to slap her hard; but why couldn't she bear it now?The strong word suppressed Zhang Zhang's blood, and after thinking about it, he asked: "The surname Sun is willing to help, so naturally he has something in mind; how much does he want?" "I don't know. But," Sai Guanyin said slowly, "I think you have a big appetite, don't you?" "Okay! Please come with me." She took Sai Guanyin back, and told Xiao Yutou to take care of her; she went in for about a cup of tea, and when she came out, she had put on a leather jacket and armholes, and she looked ready to go out. "How did you get here?" "Come by car; the car is still waiting." "Okay!" Jin'er said without hesitation, "I'll take your car, let's go together." A car with two loads, when it arrives, it has to stop and remove the curtain; Jin Er sees that it is a strange place, so she immediately asks, "Isn't it your house?" "That's right! You don't need to come to my house, so as not to make it public; Long Guan is here, you go in and talk!" Jin'er couldn't help feeling a little flustered, not knowing what would happen; but at this point, even a tiger's den had to be broken; showing weakness would be bad.Thinking of this, he straightened his chest and walked straight in. "Wait!" Sai Guanyin has small feet, afraid that he might not be able to keep up. At that time, Sun Huzi had already come out, and Sai Guanyin introduced them both; Jin'er said very politely: "Sister Zhang Wu told me to take care of grandpa, thank you, thank you!" "You're welcome." Sun Huzi said frankly, "Water helps the boat, and the boat helps the water; this matter needs to be done quickly, and it will be very difficult to remedy it once the second master Zhen comes home." finished.Sun Huzi led the way and led them into a courtyard in a zigzag way. From a distance, he saw Cao Shilong supporting the case with his elbows and holding his head in his hands. Although he was from the back, he seemed to have seen his expression of wanting to cry without tears. "Please go in!" Sun Beard said, "We won't disturb you." The sound alarmed Cao Shilong. Looking back, he rushed out. Seeing Sai Guanyin, he couldn't help but blurted out, "So you also have a share!" "I have a share of what!" Sai Guanyin said with a serious face, "Don't 'a dog bites Lu Dongbin, you don't know a good heart.'" After saying that, he threw his hand and left. "Say what you should say!" Sun Huzi warned: "Don't waste your time in vain." This also reminded Jin'er that he didn't bother to complain about Cao Shilong; seeing Sun Huzi walking away, he immediately asked in a low voice: "What do they mean?" Cao Shilong was ashamed and regretted the merger, but he didn't know where to start?After thinking about it, he lowered his head and asked, "You know everything?" "Yes. I know everything." Jin'er said in an urgent tone, "You just said, how much do they want?" "Yes, yes—," Cao Shilong struggled, "50,000 silver." Jin'er's heart sank, "That's really a lion's mouth!" She said, "This matter is difficult!" Cao Shilong lowered his head again, thought and thought, and finally asked, "Second Grandma also knows." "certainly." "I, I'm really sorry for her—" "Don't say these words now!" Jin'er asked, "Just tell me, what do they really mean?" "Miss Jin," Cao Shilong murmured, "I don't quite understand what you mean." "I mean, how much money do they want? So what?" "Don't be afraid!" Cao Shilong made a bearded look with gestures, "The old boy is their dog-headed military adviser. He is very powerful and has many tricks. He is hard to guard against. However, he can ask for prices and pay back the money on the spot. Of course he can bargain. of." "Let me ask you one more question, how is Second Master?" Jin'er felt that the question was not clear enough, and then said: "Do you think Second Master has seduced outsiders and set up this trap to beat Second Grandma's bamboo?" bar?" Cao Shilong felt that this question was incredible; but he didn't dare to conclude, because the appearance of Sai Guanyin was unexpected, so he thought about it carefully and said, "It doesn't look like it!" Jin'er would rather Cao Zhen seduce outsiders and set up this trap, the matter would be easier to handle; now hearing what Cao Shilong said, he felt that the situation was serious, so he thought about it for a while and said, "Bring the man surnamed Sun, and I'll talk to him." Sun Huzi was standing in front of the Chuihua Gate, ready to make a move, with a hesitant look on his face. Of course, Jin'er knew that he must not show a panicked look, otherwise he would not be able to win many concessions. "Mr. Sun," she said slowly, "let's open the skylight to be honest. I brought something with me. After the negotiation is settled, we will release him while paying the money. Everyone is very happy. However, Mr. Sun, you must do everything according to your ability." Why, no matter how ruthless they are, it’s useless to do things that others can’t do. Don’t you think so?” Hearing these few words, Sun Huzi secretly admired him; sure enough, there are no weak soldiers under the strong general, and the people trained by the second grandmother of Zhen have a sense of propriety in their speech.To do this kind of thing, she wanted to be clean and tidy, and she was able to bring "something" with her.With that in mind, I decided to make a big concession. "Miss Jin," he said politely, "I want to ask, what did you bring?" "Naturally, it's a passbook." Jin'er took out a passbook from the armhole, together with a stamp, and handed it over, "Mr. Sun, it's a little fun." "Whoa whoa!" Sun Beard didn't know how to answer properly?Just open the passbook and see that there is 10,000 silver deposits in it; there is also an interest of 322 taels of silver, which is also recorded in the passbook. "This," he said, "Miss Jin, it's too far behind." "Tens of thousands of silver is not a lot." Jin'er said: "In a short while, where to collect so much cash. If Mr. Sun can be trusted, let Long Guan go first; then slowly collect it, always let Sun Sir is satisfied." Not counter-offer!Just say owed; what's the matter here, where is there a credit transaction?Sun Huzi assessed the situation and made a very generous decision. "Miss Jin, to be honest, I have met my match! How about it, if you give me another discount of 8,000 yuan, we will conclude the deal." "There is one booklet, but it's not worth eight thousand dollars; it's my own private house, and I lent it to our second grandma, and it's worth more than three thousand taels of silver." As he spoke, he took out another booklet; and raised his sleeve. He shook twice, indicating that there were no more. Sun Beard had no choice but to say, "Okay!" He said, "I'll let go of my friendship for a while." Jin'er chuckled, and dropped a sentence: "'What's the worst of one, but the worst of it?'" Just such an idiom burned Sun Huzi's face red; there will be a second time for such a thing, isn't it self-confessed that extortion is a regular business?So he hurriedly said: "Slip of speech, slip of speech!" "There are some jokes." Jin'er asked seriously: "Mr. Sun, what should we do next?" This is asking how to handle the delivery?Sun Huzi was simply beautiful, and returned the stamp of the passbook and said: "Brother Shilong, please take it, and prepare to go there. I will send someone to deliver it; when you get outside the city, you will hand in the things." Jin'er nodded; looked at Cao Shilong and asked, "How is it?" "Don't ask me; do what you say?" "Go that way, you have to make up your own mind." Seeing Cao Shilong hesitated to speak, Sun Huzi was very knowledgeable, got up and said, "Let's talk first." Watching his back go away, Jin'er hurriedly said: "Make up your mind quickly. Now you can't delay for a moment; tell me first, which way are you going to go?" "I'd better go north." Cao Shilong said, "Go home first, bring some money, and explain a few words." "Don't delay! People can't wait too long." "I know." Cao Shilong said, "I'm only worried about the second grandma! Alas!" He sighed, with thousands of words stuffed in his throat, but he couldn't say a word. "Don't worry about her, just take care of yourself and don't let the second master catch you." Jin'er said again, "You don't have to say anything to your family; it's not good to talk too much." "I know." Cao Shilong asked again: "I want to send a message back, what should I do?" "There is no need to send a message." Jin'er said seriously: "You and Second Grandma will stop here!"
Mrs. Ma's face was frosty, and she remained silent for a long time; two teardrops slowly rolled out of the corners of her eyes. "Since there is real evidence, I can't say anything. Besides, it's my natal family; you can see for yourself!" "Anyway, it's either she is going or I'm going." Cao Zhen replied, "I don't want to break up with you either, but the situation is so crowded that I really can't help it." Mrs. Ma was about to answer, when the curtain was lifted and Jin'er appeared; she entered the door and said loudly, "It's not easy to build a family; You have to let the defendant speak; the second master can't just rely on his own one-sided words and say that he wants the second grandma to return to the flag." "You mean, let her argue, argue?" "Of course." Jin'er raised her voice and replied, "Who knows those two things you got from there!" Hearing this, Cao Zhen was furious; Huo Di stood up, pulled his sleeves, and was about to make a move. At this time, another person flashed out, it was Qiuyue. "Second Master Zhen, a gentleman uses his mouth." Cao Zhen was reminded, "Okay, okay!" He held back his breath and said, "You let her confront you?" "Who is the confrontation with?" Jin'er immediately interjected, "If you want to confront it, you have to find Long Guan." Seeing this scene, Mrs. Ma couldn't help being puzzled; at the same time, she also felt hopeful.She had read Cao Shilong's confession and thought it was absolutely true, so she had nothing to say.Looking at Jin'er's tone and demeanor now, it seems that she has trusted Second Grandma Zhen; So she said: "It's good to ask Long Guan to ask." "It turned out that I wanted to confront her with him; after thinking about it, why would I make her embarrassing again. Since my wife didn't believe me, I had no choice but to follow the original advice." Cao Zhen rushed out, called Xing'er loudly, and took care of him and said: " You go to the place where you went before, find Sun Huzi, and say that I asked him to send Longguan here." When Xing'er agreed to leave, Mrs. Ma immediately sent someone to invite Second Grandma Zhen.Not long after, Second Grandma Zhen arrived with a calm demeanor. In Madam Ma's heart, it was as if a five-flavored bottle had been turned upside down. She hated her for not living up to expectations, but also felt wronged for her; moreover, she was worried and anxious, and after seeing her relatives, she also felt a sense of grief, so she only said a word. : "Look at your son-in-law!" Tears rolled down immediately. This made Second Mistress Zhen feel embarrassed; but she thought quickly and decisively, thinking that it was impossible to calmly distinguish in this situation, so she had to resort to drastic measures.After thinking about it, I decided to do a bitter trick regardless of everything. "Madam, there's no need to be angry; let alone be sad. The second master is determined to kill me, and it's over if I give it to him." After finishing speaking, he snatched a pair of scissors from the table and stabbed his throat; staggering, his footsteps were not straight, his body tilted, a pair of scissors stuck on his left shoulder, and he fell to the ground immediately. The people in the room, even Cao Zhen, were taken aback; Jin'er and Qiuyue rushed up to support them, and when they touched the blood on their hands, Jin'er burst into tears. "Don't cry!" Qiuyue was relatively calm, and first snatched the scissors from Second Grandma Zhen's hand; then covered the wound with her hand, and shouted: "Hurry up and find Uncle He!" This shout woke up the frightened girls and mothers crowded at the door. Some people ran out to find He Jin; Is it heavy? Are you hurting your bones?" While talking, he followed to the back room; Cao Zhen was left alone outside, embarrassed and useless, and he didn't know what it was like. In the back room, she unbuttoned her shoulders and looked at the second grandma's injury. Fortunately, it was not serious; but it was bloody and bloody, which looked terrible.Ji Zhen's second grandma deliberately made a fuss with her eyes closed, making Mrs. Ma's tears flow again. "It's really going to be stuck in the throat, what's the matter?" Jin'er said in a reproachful tone: "Don't think about it, if something really happens, how can I be sorry for my wife?" "He forced me to do this," Second Grandma Zhen also cried, "Teach me what to do?" As a result, Jin'er cried, and Qiuyue cried too; the girls and mothers were all infected, and they all wiped their eyes with the back of their hands.Cao Zhen, who was in the outer room, couldn't stay any longer, stomped his feet and walked out; his heart was eager to vent, and he decided to wait for Cao Shilong to come and beat him up first. When I got back to my yard and just sat down, the little girl came to report, and Xing'er had already returned; Cao Zhen rushed out and asked loudly, "Where is Guan Long?" "Ran away!" Hearing this sound, Cao Zhen felt as if Jiao Lei had been slapped on the head; he was dumbfounded and speechless. "Sun Huzi said that the guard was negligent and let Longguan slip away. He also went to Longguan's house and said that he had gone to Hangzhou on a temporary emergency. Xing'er said angrily: "I think it is Sun Huzi." I’m playing tricks.’ I said: ‘No one is hard to explain, please go and tell our second master face to face.’ Second master, do you know what he said?” "How to say?" "He said: 'I advise your second master not to make trouble. If you make trouble, everyone will lose face.'" Cao Zhen gasped, obviously he bought and let go; it's just strange that Cao Shilong is so powerful that he was able to convince Sun Huzi in just a moment.But when he thought about Wu Duo's hospitality in the river house and his repeated attempts to keep him, he suddenly realized that he had been betrayed. Sitting in a daze, Jin'er came back, but ignored him when she saw him, and hurried to the back room to straighten her clothes; Second Grandma Zhen's wound was no longer serious after He Jin applied medicine to stop the bleeding, but she was told not to move The second grandma Zhen was also happy to avoid her husband, so she decided to stay with Mrs. Ma temporarily.The clothes on her body were stained with blood from the inside to the outside; so Jin'er came to check and change clothes for her. After the package was checked and taken out of the outer room, Cao Zhen had already changed his place and sat on a chair next to the door, obviously trying to block it; Jin'er put down the bag, opened the drawer and pretended to look for things, waiting for him to speak. "I really don't understand, how could you become her best friend? Especially in this matter." "What about this?" Jin'er asked. "Do you want me to say it? You can do it, but I can't say it. Bah!" Cao Zhen spat heavily, "It's so ugly!" Jin'er couldn't help being annoyed when he heard the words "you can do it", but thinking that Cao Zhen might be provoking intentionally, and arguing with him just made him stir up the subsided waves, so he couldn't help but bear it.But he is indistinguishable from Second Grandma Zhen, but he can't be reconciled anyway. 因此，她冷冷地说：“你可把话说清楚，什么'你们、你们'的；你要说我就说我，别扯上二奶奶。” 最后这句话是反话，她真正要说的是：“你要说二奶奶就说二奶奶，别扯上我。”曹震自然明白；但心恨锦儿有意抹杀是非，便故意拿话挤她。 “哼！若非你死护着她；我怎么会扯上你？莫非你也知道做的事见不得人，所以死揿着，不教掀出来？” 锦儿勃然大怒，恨他明知道她清白无辜，却以制不住悍妻，迁怒到她头上；一股怒火有压不住之势，但毕竟还是强自抑制了。 “随便你怎么说，我自己对得起自己就是了。丈八灯台照得见人家，照不见自己；我劝你自己也好好想一想，如果不是你剪了隆官的靴腰子，叔侄俩一盘混帐，那里会有今天的风波。”说完，提起衣包，越过曹震身边，出了房门。 由于她语气平静，说得又在理上；曹震想寻衅亦无懈处可击，竟眼睁睁看着她扬长而去。 一股郁闷的怒火，无可发泄，曹震在冲动之下，抄起一只花瓶，对准穿衣镜；正要出手之时，突然心头一动——早就打算着要盗用震二奶奶的私房，只为平时总有人在左右，不得其便。同时事后也怕震二奶奶跟他打饥荒；所以那一点“盗心”往往一起即灭；此刻却是很快地在上升了。 他在想：震二奶奶住在马夫人那里；锦儿要在那里照料，一时不会回来；那班小丫头看他的脸色可怕，都躲得远远地，这不是绝好的一个机会？ 至于事后，“哼！”他在心里冷笑，“你不跟我打饥荒，我还找你的碴儿呢！怕什么！” 主意打定，气恼便能暂时丢开了；坐下来想喝茶，叫小丫头倒了茶，上手连热气都没有，自然生气，但立即想到，正好借故吓阻，以防让她们撞破。 想到做到，当下将眼一瞪，将茶杯使劲往地下一摔；声音极大，连走廊的小丫头都吓得一哆嗦。 “混帐东西！多冷的天，拿凉了的茶来我喝，你有脑子没有？” 那小丫头脸都吓白了；嗫嚅着说：“我，我再去倒！” 曹震气鼓鼓地不理；小丫头重新倒了茶来，找同伴将碎瓷片及水渍都收拾干净。有一个不小心，滑了一跤，这回是让曹震吓了一跳。 “都替我滚！”他大吼着，“别惹我生气。” 等小丫头走光，他喝着茶把气平了下来，然后起身去找钥匙——震二奶奶床后有口箱子专贮紧要东西，但却不知从那里去找开箱子的钥匙？ 信手开了几个抽斗，最后打开镜箱；视线触处，不由得心头狂喜，一把系着红头绳的钥匙，赫然在目，正是他要找的那一把。 这时天色将暮，小丫头怕他，不敢来掌灯；他想了想，不要灯也好，摸索着到床后去开了箱子，伸手探索，摸到首饰箱便捧了出来；花梨木匣子上有一把防君子不能防小人的小锁；曹震使劲一扭，就把它扭开了。 打开一看，珠翠满目，还有三个存摺，一个八万多，其余两个三万，这就快十五万了，可是，图章呢？ 失望之余，逼得他横起心来，索性一不做；二不休，来个“席卷”。当下找了块包袱，放在床上，将首饰连存摺往上一倒，卷成一长条，搁在旁边，先处理那个首饰盒。 这有两个办法，一个是把空盒子摆回去；一个是干脆将空盒子藏在不易发觉的地方。若取后者，一旦发觉，震二奶奶会疑心遭了外贼；倘用前法，那就等于明告，是他干的好事，因为除了他以外，还有谁能这么从从容容地取走了东西，还将空盒摆回箱中？ 两相比较，自然是弃盒一法，对他有利；但那一来，所有执役的下人，都有嫌疑，尤其是有一两个手脚不甚干净，让震二奶奶狠狠揍过一顿的小丫头，必然大遭其殃。这件事做得本欠光明，再贻祸他人，惹得大家痛骂，将来怎么做人？ 转念到此，他毫不考虑地将扭坏了的那把小锁，往首饰盒中一丢；盖上盒盖，放回原处；锁好了箱子，钥匙亦仍旧放在镜箱之中。 接着便是捞起皮袍下摆，将那卷成长条的包裹，系在袴腰上；将皮袍放了下来，谁也看不出来他不止于“腰缠十万贯”。
由于兴儿先来通知，张五福揣了他妻子给他的十两银子，上赌场去过夜；赛观音央兴儿去办来酒肴，生得旺旺的一个火盆，静候曹震来幽会。 “你先回去。”曹震一到便嘱咐兴儿，“明儿上午来接我；留神多打听打听，明儿告诉我。” 兴儿答应着走了；赛观音便先替他卸马褂。屋子小，火盆大，连皮袍都不用穿。 但曹震却不肯脱。 “不忙！我先问你一句话；我想给五福几百两银子，让他写张休书给你。你的意思怎么样？” “那要先问你的意思怎么样？” “我替你买座房，买两个丫头，另外给你几千银子，动息不动本，每个月的开销也够了。”曹震又说，“只要你肚子争气，能替我生一个，那怕是女孩，我也就可以接你回去了。” 赛观音想了一下问道：“你这话是真是假？” “自然是真的。” “好吧，你真我也不假。你给五福一千银子；等过了元宵，我就跟他提。” 这时曹震才开始解皮袍衣纽，一面解，一面说：“我做了一回贼。” 赛观音不解所谓，信口问道：“你偷了谁的东西？” 曹震突然警觉，掩住皮袍衣襟，轻声说道：“你看看外面有没有人？” 赛观音这才知道他不是开玩笑；急忙开了房门，只听西北风“哗啦、哗啦”地刮窗户作响，院子里空宕宕地那里有人？但她还不放心，去看大门闩得好好地；回来又在走廊上细细看过，方才进屋。 “别说人，鬼都没有。” 于是曹震卸去皮袍，将腰上那个包袱卷解了下来，放在床前的一张桌子上，背对着窗户，解了开来。赛观音顿时神迷目眩，几乎失声惊呼。 “你把这些东西收好。”曹震捡起三个存摺，“我有话跟你细说。” 这一下，赛观音便大感为难了，不知如何收藏，才能万无一失？最后仍是曹震作了决定暂且包好，置于枕旁再说。 “不用说，这是你家那头母老虎的东西。”赛观音问道：“你是怎么弄了来的？” “这话说来就长了。” “我知道，你先喝着酒，慢慢儿告诉我。你说完了，我也有话告诉你。” “喔！”曹震听出弦外有音，便即问道：“什么话，你先说。” 赛观音心想，曹震能拿如此贵重之物托付，其意可知；以后患难富贵相共，就在此刻便该输诚，才能进一步收服他的心。因此，决定透露曹世隆脱走的真相；不过其中关碍着锦儿，似乎需要考虑。 “怎么回事？”曹震疑云大起，“什么话碍口？” 不能让他再催了！赛观音心生警惕，决定拣能说的话先说。 “你们今天把隆官弄在一处地方，逼着他承认奸情，是不是？” “是啊！”曹震大为惊异，“你怎么知道？” “我认识孙胡子；他来找我，到隆官家送了个信，不知道送了多少钱，孙胡子把他放走了。” “果然是这么一回事！不过我倒没有想到，是你送的信。你当时没有想过，你送这个信，坏了我的事？”曹震的脸色不好看了。 赛观音一惊，也很懊悔；是弄巧成拙了！心头千回百折地想过来，认为除了和盘托出以外，再无法能消除他对她的怀疑与不满。 “我跟你实说了吧，我通知的不是隆官家，是通知锦儿去跟隆官见面。锦儿带了一个存摺去，连图章给了人家，才得脱身；往北方逃了去了。”赛观音紧接着说，“我这么做是为你，不愿把事情闹得收不了场。你手里的证据，尽够了；尽可以让你们的二奶奶服贴了。既然如此，何必又抓破脸。照我的心愿，巴不得你那头雌老虎出乖露丑；可是你场面上的一个爷们，伤了面子，以后还见人不见。为了你，我才这么做的。” 听她说得坦率恳切。曹震完全谅解了。但事情过于离奇，他一时还不能分辨自己的感觉。前前后后地想了几遍，才发现赛观音所透露的秘密，极有关系；他觉得到得此刻，他是立于不败之地了。 “真是'若要人不知，除非己莫为'。”曹震突然想到，既已有恃无恐，何不公开跟妻子谈判：“我还拿了她三个摺子，没有图章没有用；我本想跟你商量，想个什么法子，能让这三个摺子有用。如今不必了，我明天叫锦儿跟她去要图章。” “她肯给吗？” “不给我就拉你出来做证；你不会怕吧？” “我怕什么？说起来我还是为她好呢！不过，我看你这个法子没有用；你跟她要图章，是自己送信给她，找两句话把你稳定，赶紧去挂了失，换新摺子、新图章，那时，你手里的摺子，就真的成了废物了。” “啊，啊！”曹震被提醒了，“我倒没有想到。还是得另外想法子。” “我们穷家小户，连个柴米油盐凭摺取货的摺子都没有，别说生息的存摺了。不过，我在想，图章如果掉了呢？莫非就取不到钱了？” “那不会，可以挂失。” “挂失是怎么个规矩。”赛观音说，“非得本人不可？” "nature." “本人死了呢？” 这下将曹震问住了。从“挂失”二字上去琢磨了一会，即时喜上眉梢。 “你提醒我了！我可以挂失。不过，”他又现踌躇，“这件事得找个人去办。” “办什么事？”赛观音问：“五福办得了办不了。” “他怕办不了。这得跟县衙门的书办打交道。” “那，我倒想起一个人来了。”赛观音笑道：“只怕你不愿意。” “谁？你怎么知道我不愿意？” “吴三爷。” 一听是吴铎，心里先就反感；正待发话，赛观音却又抢在前面开了口。 “吴三爷欠着你的情。他托我打你招呼，说这件事是孙胡子的主意，他亦叫无奈；只有将来补报。这件事不正好托他去办吗？” 曹震这才完全明白，赛观音是让他们勾结住了；当即问道：“你分了多少钱？” 赛观音略现窘色，笑着伸了一只指头。 “一万？” “那里！据孙胡子说，一共才弄了五千银子，不过倒是两个摺子；其中一个还是锦儿的。” “那么是一千银子？” “不错，一千。”赛观音问道：“吴三爷意思倒是很诚的。” “我看他有点儿怕了。你如果吃得住他，我就听你的。” “我凭什么吃得住他。”赛观音是怕曹震疑心她跟吴铎有交情，所以特为辩这一句；接着又说：“你如果怕他；不妨防着一点儿。反正有件事，我可以写包票，这回再不会把你卖给你们二奶奶。” “这话倒也是。”曹震想了一下说：“我明天就找他。” “说到头来，你到底要他办什么？说来我听听，也许能替你拿个主意。” 原来曹震是决定将曹二奶奶的图章挂失，这得向县衙门立案；户婚细故，找到户房就行了。丈夫出面替妻子办这些事，名正言顺，绝无不准之理；只要县衙门有了案，存钱之处想不承认，或者要求本人来处理，道理上都说不过去。 “这么说，你一下子发了十五万银子的财，”赛观音笑道：“倒不嫌烫手。” “我倒还没有想过这件事。”他很快地有了主意，“这笔钱要拿来还债；公家的债，我自己的债都可以还了。再有钱多，置上百十亩祭田。花光拉倒。” “那，”赛观音又畅快、又好奇、又有些担心，“你家二奶奶会怎么样？怕不闹翻了天？” “闹不起来的，我先就给她一颗'翻天印'！” “这是什么法宝？” “一句话就把她堵住了；与其你拿存摺送人；还不如我来用。” 赛观音不作声，沉吟了好一会：“真是一颗翻天印；她的哑巴亏吃定了。不过——。” “不过怎么样？” “她能咽得下这口气吗？” “你怎么不问一问我，咽得下这口气吗？”曹震又说：“她的私房也不只这么些，有两箱子东西已运回娘家了。再说，她的私房那里来的，不就咱们曹家的钱吗？” 听他用了“咱们”二字，是把赛观音也当作曹家的人看待了。她心里自然高兴；为震二奶奶忧虑的心思，便抛到一边了。 “二爷，”赛观音忽然警觉，“你今儿个还是回去。因为有这件事，格外要避人耳目。咱们的日子长，也不争在一个晚上。你说是不是呢？” 想想她的话也不错；但总有些恋恋不舍，“我实在怕回去。”他说，“冰清鬼冷的一个人，真正万般凄凉。” “说得那么可怜！”赛观音笑道：“赏你一个'皮杯'吧！” 说完，满衔了一口酒，由灼热双唇中，度入曹震口中；接下来摸摸索索地温存了一会，听得远远传来打更的梆子，细数一下，是二更天了。 “快走吧！”赛观音说，“好在路也不远，辛苦一点儿，走了回去吧！我送你到巷口。” “不必，不必！给我一个灯笼就行了。” 一个人打着灯笼，踽踽凉凉地回家；门上一见诧异，怎么深夜独归，连兴儿都不带，这是从没有的事，但也知道他们夫妇吵得不可开交，所以不敢问什么，只陪着到了中门，代为叫开了门。再由看中门的老婆子打灯笼送了回去。 锦儿却还未睡；但也没有料到曹震会回来，急忙亲自迎了出来，一见面便埋怨似地说：“这么冷的天，这么晚才回来！” 曹震没有理她，管自己回卧室；锦儿便叫小丫头沏热茶、拨火盆。见此光景，曹震心不觉就软了；但他知道，这一回的言语行动，错不得一点，在锦儿面前亦须小心。因此，只是想着她去私会曹世隆送摺子的事；要这样才不会让锦儿的柔情把他的心拴住。 “在那里吃的饭？”锦儿问说，“要不要再烫点酒你喝？” 曹震不能不理；也不愿假以词色，只在鼻子里哼了一下。 曹震无可无不可地“嗯”了一声；锦儿却殷勤得很，不知是适逢其会，还是预先便有安排，摆了一桌子的菜和点心，而且无不精洁。曹震暗生警惕，不断地自我提示一句俗话：“无毒不丈夫！无毒不丈夫！” 由摆桌子、请入座、斟酒布菜；他对锦儿的服侍，一概以冷漠处之；于是锦儿也越来越气馁，最后终于忍不住说了句：“看见你这张脸，我一直凉到心里。” 这可不能不开口了！曹震反诘：“莫非你们做的事，就不教人寒心？” “说我就说我，说二奶奶就说二奶奶；别扯在一起。” 这就仿佛在说：二奶奶偷人，我可没有；你得分个清楚。曹震懂她的意思；但不以她的想法为然；当下责问：“不是你心里只有她；一点都没有想到我，我怎么会拿你们相提并论？” “你是怪我卫护二奶奶？” “已经不是什么卫护了，简直是心甘情愿蹚浑水。” 锦儿勃然色变，“你这话什么意思？”她瞪着眼问：“我淌什么浑水？” 曹震欲言又止，只是“嘿，嘿”连声，那种不屑与言的神情，自然使得锦儿更加恼怒。 “说啊！我淌什么浑水？你拿证据出来！” “哼！”曹震冷笑道：“我要说出来，你会恨不得有个地洞可以钻。” 这一下就让锦儿更不肯干休了，“怎么？”她想狠狠地责问：“我做了什么见不得人的事？你血口喷人，摸摸良心看。” 曹震也忍不住了，“你还嘴凶！我问你，隆官是怎么逃走的？”他说：
Every time Sai Guanyin came to Cao's house, she had to say a few nice words to the old lady on the door or guarding the side door with a smile before she could get in; She had to be a little wary. This time, her expression was different from that of the past, she walked to the door proudly, and said, "I have something urgent to find Miss Jin'er. Should I go in by myself, or do you invite Miss Jin'er out?" Seeing this, the doorman waved his hand and said, "Go in by yourself! Let the middle doorman notify you." When the announcement was made at the middle door, Jin'er felt very abrupt; when they met face to face, seeing her strange expression, she already felt uneasy; and hearing her request for a private conversation, Jin'er felt even more that disaster was imminent. In a secluded place, Sai Guanyin lowered her voice and said, "Miss Jin'er, Second Grandma Zhen would never have dreamed that Long Guan told Second Master Zhen that he had slept with Second Grandma Zhen!" Said; first took revenge on Second Grandma Zhen for humiliating her. When Jin'er heard this, she almost fainted; quickly supported the wall with one hand, and pointed to the two pieces of paper in Sai Guanyin's hand with the other and asked, "What are those?" "One is what Long Guan said, and his adulterous relationship with Second Mistress Zhen is written on it; the other is that Second Master Zhen intends to enter Shangyuan County and sue Long Guan. You will know it after reading it. " Jin'er can't read much, but she can recognize the name written by Cao Zhen; if she doesn't have time to read it carefully, she must first figure out what's going on? "Second Lord Zhen found a few friends and tricked Longguan to a place; he put a knife on Longguan's neck and asked him to tell the truth. Let's start with Li Hedang. The two camphor boxes belonged to Second Grandma Zhen. The redemption was not Longguan, but Second Grandma Zhen’s uncle. And you look out for them——" Jin'er's face burned, and she hurriedly interrupted her and said: "Don't mention these, you only talk about the future." "In the future," Sai Guanyin said, pointing to the transcript, "Second Lord Zhen wanted Longguan to draw a monogram and admit what he said, but Official Long refused; Second Lord Zhen decided to sue, saying, 'If you don't want to die, I will die too. I had no choice but to lose face.' After the petition was written, Xing'er was sent to 'complain', and the official Long drew the charge." "So, what about Second Master Zhen? Didn't see him come back, where did he go?" "Let his friend go to the Qinhuai River 'old courtyard'," Sai Guanyin continued, "Second Master Zhen has another friend named Sun. Seeing that this incident is going to cause people to die, he is willing to help Second Master Zhen Grandma, do me a favor; he knows my Wufu family, so he specially asked me to write a letter, and it is best for you to meet with Long Guan, and everything will be clear." "Where is Longguan?" "I don't know; the one surnamed Sun is at my house, and he will take you there." "How about going?" Jin'er thought of the most important sentence: "How does the surname Sun plan to help?" "I plan to let Longguan go and let him stay far away; if the adulterer can't be confronted, can't the adulterer get away with it?" Jin'er heard her use such unscrupulous words, and really wanted to slap her hard; but why couldn't she bear it now?The strong word suppressed Zhang Zhang's blood, and after thinking about it, he asked: "The surname Sun is willing to help, so naturally he has something in mind; how much does he want?" "I don't know. But," Sai Guanyin said slowly, "I think you have a big appetite, don't you?" "Okay! Please come with me." She took Sai Guanyin back, and told Xiao Yutou to take care of her; she went in for about a cup of tea, and when she came out, she had put on a leather jacket and armholes, and she looked ready to go out. "How did you get here?" "Come by car; the car is still waiting." "Okay!" Jin'er said without hesitation, "I'll take your car, let's go together." A car with two loads, when it arrives, it has to stop and remove the curtain; Jin Er sees that it is a strange place, so she immediately asks, "Isn't it your house?" "That's right! You don't need to come to my house, so as not to make it public; Long Guan is here, you go in and talk!" Jin'er couldn't help feeling a little flustered, not knowing what would happen; but at this point, even a tiger's den had to be broken; showing weakness would be bad.Thinking of this, he straightened his chest and walked straight in. "Wait!" Sai Guanyin has small feet, afraid that he might not be able to keep up. At that time, Sun Huzi had already come out, and Sai Guanyin introduced them both; Jin'er said very politely: "Sister Zhang Wu told me to take care of grandpa, thank you, thank you!" "You're welcome." Sun Huzi said frankly, "Water helps the boat, and the boat helps the water; this matter needs to be done quickly, and it will be very difficult to remedy it once the second master Zhen comes home." finished.Sun Huzi led the way and led them into a courtyard in a zigzag way. From a distance, he saw Cao Shilong supporting the case with his elbows and holding his head in his hands. Although he was from the back, he seemed to have seen his expression of wanting to cry without tears. "Please go in!" Sun Beard said, "We won't disturb you." The sound alarmed Cao Shilong. Looking back, he rushed out. Seeing Sai Guanyin, he couldn't help but blurted out, "So you also have a share!" "I have a share of what!" Sai Guanyin said with a serious face, "Don't 'a dog bites Lu Dongbin, you don't know a good heart.'" After saying that, he threw his hand and left. "Say what you should say!" Sun Huzi warned: "Don't waste your time in vain." This also reminded Jin'er that he didn't bother to complain about Cao Shilong; seeing Sun Huzi walking away, he immediately asked in a low voice: "What do they mean?" Cao Shilong was ashamed and regretted the merger, but he didn't know where to start?After thinking about it, he lowered his head and asked, "You know everything?" "Yes. I know everything." Jin'er said in an urgent tone, "You just said, how much do they want?" "Yes, yes—," Cao Shilong struggled, "50,000 silver." Jin'er's heart sank, "That's really a lion's mouth!" She said, "This matter is difficult!" Cao Shilong lowered his head again, thought and thought, and finally asked, "Second Grandma also knows." "certainly." "I, I'm really sorry for her—" "Don't say these words now!" Jin'er asked, "Just tell me, what do they really mean?" "Miss Jin," Cao Shilong murmured, "I don't quite understand what you mean." "I mean, how much money do they want? So what?" "Don't be afraid!" Cao Shilong made a bearded look with gestures, "The old boy is their dog-headed military adviser. He is very powerful and has many tricks. He is hard to guard against. However, he can ask for prices and pay back the money on the spot. Of course he can bargain. of." "Let me ask you one more question, how is Second Master?" Jin'er felt that the question was not clear enough, and then said: "Do you think Second Master has seduced outsiders and set up this trap to beat Second Grandma's bamboo?" bar?" Cao Shilong felt that this question was incredible; but he didn't dare to conclude, because the appearance of Sai Guanyin was unexpected, so he thought about it carefully and said, "It doesn't look like it!" Jin'er would rather Cao Zhen seduce outsiders and set up this trap, the matter would be easier to handle; now hearing what Cao Shilong said, he felt that the situation was serious, so he thought about it for a while and said, "Bring the man surnamed Sun, and I'll talk to him." Sun Huzi was standing in front of the Chuihua Gate, ready to make a move, with a hesitant look on his face. Of course, Jin'er knew that he must not show a panicked look, otherwise he would not be able to win many concessions. "Mr. Sun," she said slowly, "let's open the skylight to be honest. I brought something with me. After the negotiation is settled, we will release him while paying the money. Everyone is very happy. However, Mr. Sun, you must do everything according to your ability." Why, no matter how ruthless they are, it’s useless to do things that others can’t do. Don’t you think so?” Hearing these few words, Sun Huzi secretly admired him; sure enough, there are no weak soldiers under the strong general, and the people trained by the second grandmother of Zhen have a sense of propriety in their speech.To do this kind of thing, she wanted to be clean and tidy, and she was able to bring "something" with her.With that in mind, I decided to make a big concession. "Miss Jin," he said politely, "I want to ask, what did you bring?" "Naturally, it's a passbook." Jin'er took out a passbook from the armhole, together with a stamp, and handed it over, "Mr. Sun, it's a little fun." "Whoa whoa!" Sun Beard didn't know how to answer properly?Just open the passbook and see that there is 10,000 silver deposits in it; there is also an interest of 322 taels of silver, which is also recorded in the passbook. "This," he said, "Miss Jin, it's too far behind." "Tens of thousands of silver is not a lot." Jin'er said: "In a short while, where to collect so much cash. If Mr. Sun can be trusted, let Long Guan go first; then slowly collect it, always let Sun Sir is satisfied." Not counter-offer!Just say owed; what's the matter here, where is there a credit transaction?Sun Huzi assessed the situation and made a very generous decision. "Miss Jin, to be honest, I have met my match! How about it, if you give me another discount of 8,000 yuan, we will conclude the deal." "There is one booklet, but it's not worth eight thousand dollars; it's my own private house, and I lent it to our second grandma, and it's worth more than three thousand taels of silver." As he spoke, he took out another booklet; and raised his sleeve. He shook twice, indicating that there were no more. Sun Beard had no choice but to say, "Okay!" He said, "I'll let go of my friendship for a while." Jin'er chuckled, and dropped a sentence: "'What's the worst of one, but the worst of it?'" Just such an idiom burned Sun Huzi's face red; there will be a second time for such a thing, isn't it self-confessed that extortion is a regular business?So he hurriedly said: "Slip of speech, slip of speech!" "There are some jokes." Jin'er asked seriously: "Mr. Sun, what should we do next?" This is asking how to handle the delivery?Sun Huzi was simply beautiful, and returned the stamp of the passbook and said: "Brother Shilong, please take it, and prepare to go there. I will send someone to deliver it; when you get outside the city, you will hand in the things." Jin'er nodded; looked at Cao Shilong and asked, "How is it?" "Don't ask me; do what you say?" "Go that way, you have to make up your own mind." Seeing Cao Shilong hesitated to speak, Sun Huzi was very knowledgeable, got up and said, "Let's talk first." Watching his back go away, Jin'er hurriedly said: "Make up your mind quickly. Now you can't delay for a moment; tell me first, which way are you going to go?" "I'd better go north." Cao Shilong said, "Go home first, bring some money, and explain a few words." "Don't delay! People can't wait too long." "I know." Cao Shilong said, "I'm only worried about the second grandma! Alas!" He sighed, with thousands of words stuffed in his throat, but he couldn't say a word. "Don't worry about her, just take care of yourself and don't let the second master catch you." Jin'er said again, "You don't have to say anything to your family; it's not good to talk too much." "I know." Cao Shilong asked again: "I want to send a message back, what should I do?" "There is no need to send a message." Jin'er said seriously: "You and Second Grandma will stop here!"
Mrs. Ma's face was frosty, and she remained silent for a long time; two teardrops slowly rolled out of the corners of her eyes. "Since there is real evidence, I can't say anything. Besides, it's my natal family; you can see for yourself!" "Anyway, it's either she is going or I'm going." Cao Zhen replied, "I don't want to break up with you either, but the situation is so crowded that I really can't help it." Mrs. Ma was about to answer, when the curtain was lifted and Jin'er appeared; she entered the door and said loudly, "It's not easy to build a family; You have to let the defendant speak; the second master can't just rely on his own one-sided words and say that he wants the second grandma to return to the flag." "You mean, let her argue, argue?" "Of course." Jin'er raised her voice and replied, "Who knows those two things you got from there!" Hearing this, Cao Zhen was furious; Huo Di stood up, pulled his sleeves, and was about to make a move. At this time, another person flashed out, it was Qiuyue. "Second Master Zhen, a gentleman uses his mouth." Cao Zhen was reminded, "Okay, okay!" He held back his breath and said, "You let her confront you?" "Who is the confrontation with?" Jin'er immediately interjected, "If you want to confront it, you have to find Long Guan." Seeing this scene, Mrs. Ma couldn't help being puzzled; at the same time, she also felt hopeful.She had read Cao Shilong's confession and thought it was absolutely true, so she had nothing to say.Looking at Jin'er's tone and demeanor now, it seems that she has trusted Second Grandma Zhen; So she said: "It's good to ask Long Guan to ask." "It turned out that I wanted to confront her with him; after thinking about it, why would I make her embarrassing again. Since my wife didn't believe me, I had no choice but to follow the original advice." Cao Zhen rushed out, called Xing'er loudly, and took care of him and said: " You go to the place where you went before, find Sun Huzi, and say that I asked him to send Longguan here." When Xing'er agreed to leave, Mrs. Ma immediately sent someone to invite Second Grandma Zhen.Not long after, Second Grandma Zhen arrived with a calm demeanor. In Madam Ma's heart, it was as if a five-flavored bottle had been turned upside down. She hated her for not living up to expectations, but also felt wronged for her; moreover, she was worried and anxious, and after seeing her relatives, she also felt a sense of grief, so she only said a word. : "Look at your son-in-law!" Tears rolled down immediately. This made Second Mistress Zhen feel embarrassed; but she thought quickly and decisively, thinking that it was impossible to calmly distinguish in this situation, so she had to resort to drastic measures.After thinking about it, I decided to do a bitter trick regardless of everything. "Madam, there's no need to be angry; let alone be sad. The second master is determined to kill me, and it's over if I give it to him." After finishing speaking, he snatched a pair of scissors from the table and stabbed his throat; staggering, his footsteps were not straight, his body tilted, a pair of scissors stuck on his left shoulder, and he fell to the ground immediately. The people in the room, even Cao Zhen, were taken aback; Jin'er and Qiuyue rushed up to support them, and when they touched the blood on their hands, Jin'er burst into tears. "Don't cry!" Qiuyue was relatively calm, and first snatched the scissors from Second Grandma Zhen's hand; then covered the wound with her hand, and shouted: "Hurry up and find Uncle He!" This shout woke up the frightened girls and mothers crowded at the door. Some people ran out to find He Jin; Is it heavy? Are you hurting your bones?" While talking, he followed to the back room; Cao Zhen was left alone outside, embarrassed and useless, and he didn't know what it was like. In the back room, she unbuttoned her shoulders and looked at the second grandma's injury. Fortunately, it was not serious; but it was bloody and bloody, which looked terrible.Ji Zhen's second grandma deliberately made a fuss with her eyes closed, making Mrs. Ma's tears flow again. "It's really going to be stuck in the throat, what's the matter?" Jin'er said in a reproachful tone: "Don't think about it, if something really happens, how can I be sorry for my wife?" "He forced me to do this," Second Grandma Zhen also cried, "Teach me what to do?" As a result, Jin'er cried, and Qiuyue cried too; the girls and mothers were all infected, and they all wiped their eyes with the back of their hands.Cao Zhen, who was in the outer room, couldn't stay any longer, stomped his feet and walked out; his heart was eager to vent, and he decided to wait for Cao Shilong to come and beat him up first. When I got back to my yard and just sat down, the little girl came to report, and Xing'er had already returned; Cao Zhen rushed out and asked loudly, "Where is Guan Long?" "Ran away!" Hearing this sound, Cao Zhen felt as if Jiao Lei had been slapped on the head; he was dumbfounded and speechless. "Sun Huzi said that the guard was negligent and let Longguan slip away. He also went to Longguan's house and said that he had gone to Hangzhou on a temporary emergency. Xing'er said angrily: "I think it is Sun Huzi." I’m playing tricks.’ I said: ‘No one is hard to explain, please go and tell our second master face to face.’ Second master, do you know what he said?” "How to say?" "He said: 'I advise your second master not to make trouble. If you make trouble, everyone will lose face.'" Cao Zhen gasped, obviously he bought and let go; it's just strange that Cao Shilong is so powerful that he was able to convince Sun Huzi in just a moment.But when he thought about Wu Duo's hospitality in the river house and his repeated attempts to keep him, he suddenly realized that he had been betrayed. Sitting in a daze, Jin'er came back, but ignored him when she saw him, and hurried to the back room to straighten her clothes; Second Grandma Zhen's wound was no longer serious after He Jin applied medicine to stop the bleeding, but she was told not to move The second grandma Zhen was also happy to avoid her husband, so she decided to stay with Mrs. Ma temporarily.The clothes on her body were stained with blood from the inside to the outside; so Jin'er came to check and change clothes for her. After the package was checked and taken out of the outer room, Cao Zhen had already changed his place and sat on a chair next to the door, obviously trying to block it; Jin'er put down the bag, opened the drawer and pretended to look for things, waiting for him to speak. "I really don't understand, how could you become her best friend? Especially in this matter." "What about this?" Jin'er asked. "Do you want me to say it? You can do it, but I can't say it. Bah!" Cao Zhen spat heavily, "It's so ugly!" Jin'er couldn't help being annoyed when he heard the words "you can do it", but thinking that Cao Zhen might be provoking intentionally, and arguing with him just made him stir up the subsided waves, so he couldn't help but bear it.But he is indistinguishable from Second Grandma Zhen, but he can't be reconciled anyway. 因此，她冷冷地说：“你可把话说清楚，什么'你们、你们'的；你要说我就说我，别扯上二奶奶。” 最后这句话是反话，她真正要说的是：“你要说二奶奶就说二奶奶，别扯上我。”曹震自然明白；但心恨锦儿有意抹杀是非，便故意拿话挤她。 “哼！若非你死护着她；我怎么会扯上你？莫非你也知道做的事见不得人，所以死揿着，不教掀出来？” 锦儿勃然大怒，恨他明知道她清白无辜，却以制不住悍妻，迁怒到她头上；一股怒火有压不住之势，但毕竟还是强自抑制了。 “随便你怎么说，我自己对得起自己就是了。丈八灯台照得见人家，照不见自己；我劝你自己也好好想一想，如果不是你剪了隆官的靴腰子，叔侄俩一盘混帐，那里会有今天的风波。”说完，提起衣包，越过曹震身边，出了房门。 由于她语气平静，说得又在理上；曹震想寻衅亦无懈处可击，竟眼睁睁看着她扬长而去。 一股郁闷的怒火，无可发泄，曹震在冲动之下，抄起一只花瓶，对准穿衣镜；正要出手之时，突然心头一动——早就打算着要盗用震二奶奶的私房，只为平时总有人在左右，不得其便。同时事后也怕震二奶奶跟他打饥荒；所以那一点“盗心”往往一起即灭；此刻却是很快地在上升了。 他在想：震二奶奶住在马夫人那里；锦儿要在那里照料，一时不会回来；那班小丫头看他的脸色可怕，都躲得远远地，这不是绝好的一个机会？ 至于事后，“哼！”他在心里冷笑，“你不跟我打饥荒，我还找你的碴儿呢！怕什么！” 主意打定，气恼便能暂时丢开了；坐下来想喝茶，叫小丫头倒了茶，上手连热气都没有，自然生气，但立即想到，正好借故吓阻，以防让她们撞破。 想到做到，当下将眼一瞪，将茶杯使劲往地下一摔；声音极大，连走廊的小丫头都吓得一哆嗦。 “混帐东西！多冷的天，拿凉了的茶来我喝，你有脑子没有？” 那小丫头脸都吓白了；嗫嚅着说：“我，我再去倒！” 曹震气鼓鼓地不理；小丫头重新倒了茶来，找同伴将碎瓷片及水渍都收拾干净。有一个不小心，滑了一跤，这回是让曹震吓了一跳。 “都替我滚！”他大吼着，“别惹我生气。” 等小丫头走光，他喝着茶把气平了下来，然后起身去找钥匙——震二奶奶床后有口箱子专贮紧要东西，但却不知从那里去找开箱子的钥匙？ 信手开了几个抽斗，最后打开镜箱；视线触处，不由得心头狂喜，一把系着红头绳的钥匙，赫然在目，正是他要找的那一把。 这时天色将暮，小丫头怕他，不敢来掌灯；他想了想，不要灯也好，摸索着到床后去开了箱子，伸手探索，摸到首饰箱便捧了出来；花梨木匣子上有一把防君子不能防小人的小锁；曹震使劲一扭，就把它扭开了。 打开一看，珠翠满目，还有三个存摺，一个八万多，其余两个三万，这就快十五万了，可是，图章呢？ 失望之余，逼得他横起心来，索性一不做；二不休，来个“席卷”。当下找了块包袱，放在床上，将首饰连存摺往上一倒，卷成一长条，搁在旁边，先处理那个首饰盒。 这有两个办法，一个是把空盒子摆回去；一个是干脆将空盒子藏在不易发觉的地方。若取后者，一旦发觉，震二奶奶会疑心遭了外贼；倘用前法，那就等于明告，是他干的好事，因为除了他以外，还有谁能这么从从容容地取走了东西，还将空盒摆回箱中？ 两相比较，自然是弃盒一法，对他有利；但那一来，所有执役的下人，都有嫌疑，尤其是有一两个手脚不甚干净，让震二奶奶狠狠揍过一顿的小丫头，必然大遭其殃。这件事做得本欠光明，再贻祸他人，惹得大家痛骂，将来怎么做人？ 转念到此，他毫不考虑地将扭坏了的那把小锁，往首饰盒中一丢；盖上盒盖，放回原处；锁好了箱子，钥匙亦仍旧放在镜箱之中。 接着便是捞起皮袍下摆，将那卷成长条的包裹，系在袴腰上；将皮袍放了下来，谁也看不出来他不止于“腰缠十万贯”。
由于兴儿先来通知，张五福揣了他妻子给他的十两银子，上赌场去过夜；赛观音央兴儿去办来酒肴，生得旺旺的一个火盆，静候曹震来幽会。 “你先回去。”曹震一到便嘱咐兴儿，“明儿上午来接我；留神多打听打听，明儿告诉我。” 兴儿答应着走了；赛观音便先替他卸马褂。屋子小，火盆大，连皮袍都不用穿。 但曹震却不肯脱。 “不忙！我先问你一句话；我想给五福几百两银子，让他写张休书给你。你的意思怎么样？” “那要先问你的意思怎么样？” “我替你买座房，买两个丫头，另外给你几千银子，动息不动本，每个月的开销也够了。”曹震又说，“只要你肚子争气，能替我生一个，那怕是女孩，我也就可以接你回去了。” 赛观音想了一下问道：“你这话是真是假？” “自然是真的。” “好吧，你真我也不假。你给五福一千银子；等过了元宵，我就跟他提。” 这时曹震才开始解皮袍衣纽，一面解，一面说：“我做了一回贼。” 赛观音不解所谓，信口问道：“你偷了谁的东西？” 曹震突然警觉，掩住皮袍衣襟，轻声说道：“你看看外面有没有人？” 赛观音这才知道他不是开玩笑；急忙开了房门，只听西北风“哗啦、哗啦”地刮窗户作响，院子里空宕宕地那里有人？但她还不放心，去看大门闩得好好地；回来又在走廊上细细看过，方才进屋。 “别说人，鬼都没有。” 于是曹震卸去皮袍，将腰上那个包袱卷解了下来，放在床前的一张桌子上，背对着窗户，解了开来。赛观音顿时神迷目眩，几乎失声惊呼。 “你把这些东西收好。”曹震捡起三个存摺，“我有话跟你细说。” 这一下，赛观音便大感为难了，不知如何收藏，才能万无一失？最后仍是曹震作了决定暂且包好，置于枕旁再说。 “不用说，这是你家那头母老虎的东西。”赛观音问道：“你是怎么弄了来的？” “这话说来就长了。” “我知道，你先喝着酒，慢慢儿告诉我。你说完了，我也有话告诉你。” “喔！”曹震听出弦外有音，便即问道：“什么话，你先说。” 赛观音心想，曹震能拿如此贵重之物托付，其意可知；以后患难富贵相共，就在此刻便该输诚，才能进一步收服他的心。因此，决定透露曹世隆脱走的真相；不过其中关碍着锦儿，似乎需要考虑。 “怎么回事？”曹震疑云大起，“什么话碍口？” 不能让他再催了！赛观音心生警惕，决定拣能说的话先说。 “你们今天把隆官弄在一处地方，逼着他承认奸情，是不是？” “是啊！”曹震大为惊异，“你怎么知道？” “我认识孙胡子；他来找我，到隆官家送了个信，不知道送了多少钱，孙胡子把他放走了。” “果然是这么一回事！不过我倒没有想到，是你送的信。你当时没有想过，你送这个信，坏了我的事？”曹震的脸色不好看了。 赛观音一惊，也很懊悔；是弄巧成拙了！心头千回百折地想过来，认为除了和盘托出以外，再无法能消除他对她的怀疑与不满。 “我跟你实说了吧，我通知的不是隆官家，是通知锦儿去跟隆官见面。锦儿带了一个存摺去，连图章给了人家，才得脱身；往北方逃了去了。”赛观音紧接着说，“我这么做是为你，不愿把事情闹得收不了场。你手里的证据，尽够了；尽可以让你们的二奶奶服贴了。既然如此，何必又抓破脸。照我的心愿，巴不得你那头雌老虎出乖露丑；可是你场面上的一个爷们，伤了面子，以后还见人不见。为了你，我才这么做的。” 听她说得坦率恳切。曹震完全谅解了。但事情过于离奇，他一时还不能分辨自己的感觉。前前后后地想了几遍，才发现赛观音所透露的秘密，极有关系；他觉得到得此刻，他是立于不败之地了。 “真是'若要人不知，除非己莫为'。”曹震突然想到，既已有恃无恐，何不公开跟妻子谈判：“我还拿了她三个摺子，没有图章没有用；我本想跟你商量，想个什么法子，能让这三个摺子有用。如今不必了，我明天叫锦儿跟她去要图章。” “她肯给吗？” “不给我就拉你出来做证；你不会怕吧？” “我怕什么？说起来我还是为她好呢！不过，我看你这个法子没有用；你跟她要图章，是自己送信给她，找两句话把你稳定，赶紧去挂了失，换新摺子、新图章，那时，你手里的摺子，就真的成了废物了。” “啊，啊！”曹震被提醒了，“我倒没有想到。还是得另外想法子。” “我们穷家小户，连个柴米油盐凭摺取货的摺子都没有，别说生息的存摺了。不过，我在想，图章如果掉了呢？莫非就取不到钱了？” “那不会，可以挂失。” “挂失是怎么个规矩。”赛观音说，“非得本人不可？” "nature." “本人死了呢？” 这下将曹震问住了。从“挂失”二字上去琢磨了一会，即时喜上眉梢。 “你提醒我了！我可以挂失。不过，”他又现踌躇，“这件事得找个人去办。” “办什么事？”赛观音问：“五福办得了办不了。” “他怕办不了。这得跟县衙门的书办打交道。” “那，我倒想起一个人来了。”赛观音笑道：“只怕你不愿意。” “谁？你怎么知道我不愿意？” “吴三爷。” 一听是吴铎，心里先就反感；正待发话，赛观音却又抢在前面开了口。 “吴三爷欠着你的情。他托我打你招呼，说这件事是孙胡子的主意，他亦叫无奈；只有将来补报。这件事不正好托他去办吗？” 曹震这才完全明白，赛观音是让他们勾结住了；当即问道：“你分了多少钱？” 赛观音略现窘色，笑着伸了一只指头。 “一万？” “那里！据孙胡子说，一共才弄了五千银子，不过倒是两个摺子；其中一个还是锦儿的。” “那么是一千银子？” “不错，一千。”赛观音问道：“吴三爷意思倒是很诚的。” “我看他有点儿怕了。你如果吃得住他，我就听你的。” “我凭什么吃得住他。”赛观音是怕曹震疑心她跟吴铎有交情，所以特为辩这一句；接着又说：“你如果怕他；不妨防着一点儿。反正有件事，我可以写包票，这回再不会把你卖给你们二奶奶。” “这话倒也是。”曹震想了一下说：“我明天就找他。” “说到头来，你到底要他办什么？说来我听听，也许能替你拿个主意。” 原来曹震是决定将曹二奶奶的图章挂失，这得向县衙门立案；户婚细故，找到户房就行了。丈夫出面替妻子办这些事，名正言顺，绝无不准之理；只要县衙门有了案，存钱之处想不承认，或者要求本人来处理，道理上都说不过去。 “这么说，你一下子发了十五万银子的财，”赛观音笑道：“倒不嫌烫手。” “我倒还没有想过这件事。”他很快地有了主意，“这笔钱要拿来还债；公家的债，我自己的债都可以还了。再有钱多，置上百十亩祭田。花光拉倒。” “那，”赛观音又畅快、又好奇、又有些担心，“你家二奶奶会怎么样？怕不闹翻了天？” “闹不起来的，我先就给她一颗'翻天印'！” “这是什么法宝？” “一句话就把她堵住了；与其你拿存摺送人；还不如我来用。” 赛观音不作声，沉吟了好一会：“真是一颗翻天印；她的哑巴亏吃定了。不过——。” “不过怎么样？” “她能咽得下这口气吗？” “你怎么不问一问我，咽得下这口气吗？”曹震又说：“她的私房也不只这么些，有两箱子东西已运回娘家了。再说，她的私房那里来的，不就咱们曹家的钱吗？” 听他用了“咱们”二字，是把赛观音也当作曹家的人看待了。她心里自然高兴；为震二奶奶忧虑的心思，便抛到一边了。 “二爷，”赛观音忽然警觉，“你今儿个还是回去。因为有这件事，格外要避人耳目。咱们的日子长，也不争在一个晚上。你说是不是呢？” 想想她的话也不错；但总有些恋恋不舍，“我实在怕回去。”他说，“冰清鬼冷的一个人，真正万般凄凉。” “说得那么可怜！”赛观音笑道：“赏你一个'皮杯'吧！” 说完，满衔了一口酒，由灼热双唇中，度入曹震口中；接下来摸摸索索地温存了一会，听得远远传来打更的梆子，细数一下，是二更天了。 “快走吧！”赛观音说，“好在路也不远，辛苦一点儿，走了回去吧！我送你到巷口。” “不必，不必！给我一个灯笼就行了。” 一个人打着灯笼，踽踽凉凉地回家；门上一见诧异，怎么深夜独归，连兴儿都不带，这是从没有的事，但也知道他们夫妇吵得不可开交，所以不敢问什么，只陪着到了中门，代为叫开了门。再由看中门的老婆子打灯笼送了回去。 锦儿却还未睡；但也没有料到曹震会回来，急忙亲自迎了出来，一见面便埋怨似地说：“这么冷的天，这么晚才回来！” 曹震没有理她，管自己回卧室；锦儿便叫小丫头沏热茶、拨火盆。见此光景，曹震心不觉就软了；但他知道，这一回的言语行动，错不得一点，在锦儿面前亦须小心。因此，只是想着她去私会曹世隆送摺子的事；要这样才不会让锦儿的柔情把他的心拴住。 “在那里吃的饭？”锦儿问说，“要不要再烫点酒你喝？” 曹震不能不理；也不愿假以词色，只在鼻子里哼了一下。 曹震无可无不可地“嗯”了一声；锦儿却殷勤得很，不知是适逢其会，还是预先便有安排，摆了一桌子的菜和点心，而且无不精洁。曹震暗生警惕，不断地自我提示一句俗话：“无毒不丈夫！无毒不丈夫！” 由摆桌子、请入座、斟酒布菜；他对锦儿的服侍，一概以冷漠处之；于是锦儿也越来越气馁，最后终于忍不住说了句：“看见你这张脸，我一直凉到心里。” 这可不能不开口了！曹震反诘：“莫非你们做的事，就不教人寒心？” “说我就说我，说二奶奶就说二奶奶；别扯在一起。” 这就仿佛在说：二奶奶偷人，我可没有；你得分个清楚。曹震懂她的意思；但不以她的想法为然；当下责问：“不是你心里只有她；一点都没有想到我，我怎么会拿你们相提并论？” “你是怪我卫护二奶奶？” “已经不是什么卫护了，简直是心甘情愿蹚浑水。” 锦儿勃然色变，“你这话什么意思？”她瞪着眼问：“我淌什么浑水？” 曹震欲言又止，只是“嘿，嘿”连声，那种不屑与言的神情，自然使得锦儿更加恼怒。 “说啊！我淌什么浑水？你拿证据出来！” “哼！”曹震冷笑道：“我要说出来，你会恨不得有个地洞可以钻。” 这一下就让锦儿更不肯干休了，“怎么？”她想狠狠地责问：“我做了什么见不得人的事？你血口喷人，摸摸良心看。” 曹震也忍不住了，“你还嘴凶！我问你，隆官是怎么逃走的？”他说：