Chapter 2 Gentle country

After agreeing on a place, You Wu accompanied Hu Xueyan to the Yiqing Courtyard.Yiqing's second child is on a business trip, and the new aunt, Aqiao, is very capable. While entertaining guests, she leads the guests into the big room, and at the same time sends "Xiangbang" to urge Yiqing's second child to come back. "How do you play?" You Wu asked, "Do you invite people over for a drink, or play cards?" "There's no need to play cards." Hu Xueyan saw that Aqiao's sister was white and pretty, and she spoke Wu Nong's soft words, which was more reasonable than that of Yiqing's second child, so she had a good impression, so she volunteered, "I'll be a 'flower head'. A 'double platform'!"

"How many guests does Mr. Hu have?" Sister Aqiao said, "There are fewer guests, it's not like setting up two tables." "Setting up two tables" doesn't necessarily mean setting up two tables. She said this to mean that she was the guest's "own person" and saved for him.Hu Xueyan is not very good at the rules of flowers, so he doesn't know how to answer.You Wu understood what she meant, and at the same time knew that Hu Xueyan would not have any guests for a while, so he said honestly: "Sister Aqiao's words are good! To be a flower head, there is plenty of time. Wait for the second child to come."

Sister Aqiao also agreed, so Hu Xueyan had no choice but to give up.The two of them were in the suite, lying on the mahogany kang bed and chatting, separated by a cigarette tray, waiting for Yiqing's second child. "This Auntie Qiao is not bad." Hu Xueyan said, "Isn't she going to be thirty years old this year?" "How?" You Wu smiled, "I'll be a matchmaker for you, okay?" Hu Xueyan smiled but didn't answer, he meant acquiescence, and was about to say something, when the door curtain was lifted, and Yiqing's second child appeared lightly, meeting Hu Xueyan must have some attentive questioning.Then, Gu Yingchun also arrived. He wanted to rush to the east and travel north. There was an unwritten rule that the host must be in a good place. He ate from one house to another. For business and social needs, Chun has a familiar account named "Hongyinglou Laoqi", who is in the "shop room" in the previous alley, and asks Hu Xueyan to go there to have a drink first, and then turn back to be in Yiqing. Hospital supper.

"There is no such rule." Yiqing's second child objected, "Naturally, we should set up the wine here first, and then go to the Hongying Building." Hu Xueyan also thought this should be the case, but You Wu had other plans, shaking his hands and said: "Follow the old way. Come back to eat late at night. My uncle will not go back to the silk shop, and I will 'borrow the dry shop' from you tonight." That being the case, of course, go to another place to eat flowers and wine first, and finally return to Yiqing Courtyard, after supper, you can rest and don't need to move anymore.So Yiqing's second child nodded in agreement, and planned to accompany You Wu to live in the "small house", giving Hu Xueyan his room in Yiqingyuan.

So we went to the Hongying Building together, entered the door and sat down, Gu Yingchun asked to get a pen and paper to write the invitation ticket.Hu Xueyan just got rid of the dust, worried about the complexity of socializing, so he stopped him and said: "Forget it, forget it! Just the three of us to play!" This time I changed the writing ticket. The first one was Yiqing’s second child. After finishing writing, Gu Yingchun picked up a pen and asked Hu Xueyan, "Uncle," he changed his address, "Which one is your name? Is it the sister from before?" Brother Xiang?"

"Don't be in the market!" Hong Yinglou's seventh brother said, "Meixiang's fourth will not do it in the last quarter." "Let's do this," You Wudai said to Gu Yingchun as the master, "you can be a 'link' and ask Lao Jiu to accompany my uncle." "Old Ninth?" Gu Yingchun said, "Old Ninth is a 'clean lady'!" The young prostitutes who have never been "combed" are called "Qing Guanren". Gu Yingchun means to remind You Wu that if Hu Xueyan is called "Hongyinglou Laojiu", he can only support him with eyelids, but Hu Xueyan understands You Wu's intentions. Quickly said: "It's good for the Qing Dynasty."

This said, the host does as the guest wishes, so Gu Yingchun sent out the game tickets, one upstairs and one across an alley, without any trouble, so when the table was set up, the second child of Yiqing and the ninth child of Hongyinglou were both When they arrived, everyone followed a "Wu Shi" who played the huqin, and prepared to sing and drink. The seats are very wide, and the "Miss" doesn't have to sit behind the guests according to the rules, but sit side by side. Hu Xueyan took the old nine of Hongyinglou to look closely, and saw her bangs covered her forehead, and she was still childish, so she asked, "How old are you this year?"

"fifteen." Hu Xueyan looked at the seventh child of Hongyinglou, and then turned to look at her, one oval face, one round face, with completely different looks and expressions, Yin asked again: "Are you two real sisters?" Asked this question, Hong Yinglou Lao Jiu smiled and did not answer, Gu Yingchun interjected and said: "Where are there so many relatives and sisters? However, Lao Qi is in charge of Lao Jiu's affairs." Hu Xueyan understands what he means, if you want to comb it, you might as well talk to the seventh brother of Hongyinglou, if he doesn't want to do this, he won't talk.

"Old Nine!" Gu Yingchun said, "What are you singing?" "I will sing whatever Master Hu likes to hear." "Hey!" Hu Xueyan laughed, "It seems that Lao Jiu still has a lot of stuff in his belly." "That's right!" Gu Yingchun said, "The Eighteen Changes of the Women's University, in terms of color, you can't see it yet, and in terms of art, it will definitely work in the future." "Thank you, brother-in-law!" Hongying Lou Laojiu smiled sweetly with two dimples. "On color, it will definitely be good in the future. A famous flower is worth cultivating."

"It's all thanks to Mr. Hu's support." The seventh child of Hongying Building followed Hu Xueyan's words, and then asked Gu Yingchun softly, where does he live? "Why are you asking this?" Gu Yingchun smiled, "Are you afraid that Mr. Hu will have no place to sleep so that he can sleep on Lao Jiu's bed?" "Ivory can't grow out of a dog's mouth!" Hong Yinglou Lao Qi punched him on the back with a fist, "I'll tell you!" He spoke very softly, Gu Gu Lu Lu couldn't hear clearly, You Wu was a little impatient, and said loudly: "If you have something to say, you won't talk on the pillow! Eat wine! Eat wine."

Seeing the guest's speech, the seventh member of Hongying Building hurriedly apologized with a smile, held the pot to toast, and asked her sister to sing a little tune, which made the banquet lively. After the song was over, a game ticket came and was handed to the old nine of Hongyinglou. She said: "I'm sorry! Please come and sit down later." She got up and left, and the table suddenly seemed deserted again. You Wu was very dissatisfied, "The stools are not even hot, and the game will change." He said, "This kind of flower wine is really tasteless!" With this statement, the seventh child of Hongyinglou was naturally uneasy, and if he said good things, he would make amends.You Wu ignored him, Hu Xueyan didn't bother to answer, the scene was embarrassing for a moment, Hong Yinglou's seventh brother felt embarrassed, so he blamed Gu Yingchun for not helping her, because he wanted to make her look good. "I don't blame you, you still blame me!" Gu Yingchun was also a little annoyed. "Okay, okay!" Yiqing's second child persuaded, "It all depends on my thin face, sister Qi would never dare to deliberately neglect a distinguished guest." While saying that, she pulled You Wu a little. Hu Xueyan felt that the boss was sorry for not saying anything, "It's all my fault!" He raised his glass to Gu and You and said, "Punish me with a glass." What is the reason for this punishment?Gu Yingchun was about to ask a question, but Hu Xueyan gave him a wink, implying that the matter should be settled, which made him feel more apologetic. After thinking about it, he said to Yiqing's second child: "Go to your place!" "This, how embarrassing!" Yiqing's second child looked embarrassed because of the loyalty of the "little sister". "It's very good here!" Hu Xueyan said intentionally, "Old Qi, please bring me a warm towel." As soon as she left, Hu Xueyan advised Gu Yingchun and You Wu not to take it seriously.The two didn't say anything, but Yiqing's second child was greatly moved, saying that he has a good temper and is considerate, who is lucky enough to be such a good guest. This remark reminded You Wu, so he pulled her aside and whispered in his ear, Yiqing's second child only glanced at Hu Xueyan with pretty eyes, nodded while listening, and finally said: "Put it on me." "Did you hear that?" You Wu said with a smile, "It's on the second child." Hu Xueyan understood and thanked him with a smile, but Gu Yingchun didn't understand, but he knew it was an interesting thing, and this funny thing would never happen in Hongying Building, so he stood up and said, "Let's go!" !" This departure made Hongying Lou's seventh brother feel bad, so Yiqing's second child and Hu Xueyan persuaded him, and finally sat down again, but his mood was already quite waning. Reluctantly sit until the clock strikes ten, it will be considered the final table.When I got back to Yiqing's second child's small house, I no longer served wine, cooked tea and chatted, but had the joy of getting together with good friends.Hu Xueyan talked about his experience in Huzhou and the anecdote about Liu Bucai.When You Wu heard it, he only thought it was interesting, but Gu Yingchun had ulterior motives. "This brother Liu is a rare talent." He said, "Can you ask him to come to Shanghai?" "Of course." Hu Xueyan asked, "Could it be that you have something else to offer?" "Yes! This person is a good material for 'bamboo strips'." Gu Yingchun said, "Ten Li Yichang is full of eccentricities. Only such a person can be solved. I want to invite him to accompany us specially, your son, The children of the poor, as well as some red officials in the officialdom, like to come to the barbarian field to see and see, and it is easy for them to have someone to play with them." This view was similar to that of Hu Xueyan, so he readily agreed and decided to write to find Liu Bucai the next day. Next came the big business talk, Gu Yingchun had a lot of ideas, from opening a theater to buying land, he talked about everything clearly and logically.But all business is based on the fact that Shanghai will surely prosper, and in order for Shanghai to prosper, we must first try to stabilize Shanghai.Although Yichang was not affected by the flames of war, it was always troublesome to occupy the county with a small knife.At the same time, the Jiangsu government and the foreigners are secretly competing with each other, blocking the traders, and the market of the barren market will also be greatly affected.After thinking about it in this way, Hu Xueyan had a new view. "Old Gu," he said, "I think it's better to get rid of my ticket as soon as possible." "Why?" Gu Yingchun asked very attentively, "What did you think about it?" "I'm thinking that banning silk tea from being shipped to Shanghai won't last long. If it goes on, both sides will suffer. Foreigners will be embarrassed, but Shanghai's market will also be depressed. Our approach should be to turn around and put the discord between each other Take away the reasons and make the officialdom trust the foreigners, and the foreigners trust the officialdom. Only in this way can Shanghai become lively. At that time, whether it was opening a theater or buying land, everything was going to be beneficial. Tell me, am I right?" Both Guy and You nodded deeply, "Uncle," Gu Yingchun said subduedly, "You have seen it deeply! This is what it takes to do big business. Doing a favor to the officialdom is tantamount to doing yourself a favor. Now both the Governor and the Fu Yamen hate the British for helping Liu Lichuan. This matter is a bit stiff, as if fighting against each other, but in fact both parties are regretting it. Taking the Chinese officialdom as an example, if the livelihood of foreign businessmen is really cut off, At the very least, the tariffs should be reduced. Therefore, the prohibition is really a last resort. If someone comes out to mediate, it is not impossible to settle the matter. But speaking of it, it is a businessman, and foreigners think highly of businessmen. It must be reasonable, that is, in our own officialdom, I don’t know how to use this line?” "There is a way, I think I can try it." You Wu said slowly, "He Xuetai!" "Yes, yes!" Gu Yingchun said, "This is a good way! Although He Xuetai is in charge of the examination of talents, he often gives memorials to talk about Jiangsu military affairs. I think it must be beneficial to meet him." "It's easy to meet him, but it will take some trouble to ask Mr. Wang to write a letter to introduce him." Hu Xueyan thought for a while and said, "I think so, why don't you go there by yourself and vote Mr. Wang's letter face to face? Did you see it?" If this matter can be done successfully, Gu Yingchun's reputation will rise immediately, so he is quite eager to try, and readily accepts Hu Xueyan's suggestion.It's just that he ran away rashly, empty talk is useless, he had to make contact with the British consul first, find out his intentions, and estimate whether there is a possibility of reaching an agreement before making a move.In this way, it is not a matter of three or two days. "This letter is also important." Gu Yingchun decided to take an extra trip, "I will go there first, get to know He Xuetai, and play by ear. Come out with a letter of recommendation, just don’t use it.” "It's up to you. What is said in the recommendation letter, you just write a manuscript, I send it to Huzhou, ask him to copy it, seal it and send it, wouldn't it be easy?" Gu Yingchun, who was full of enthusiasm, was about to start writing at that time. You Wu watched it past midnight, and he didn't want to miss Hu Xueyan's good night, so he dissuaded him, saying that it would not be too late to do it tomorrow.Then, together with Yiqing's second child, Hu Xueyan went to "borrow the dry shop". "Today is really negligent," Gu Yingchun said apologetically, "The drink in the Hongying Building was a disappointment. The old seven still asked me to invite you to join me. I am really ignorant." "That doesn't matter." Hu Xueyan said, "Anyway, it's a matter of spending a few dollars. I also want to have a place where I can invite friends to sit, so I'll be that cleaner!" "Forget it, little grandpa!" You Wu said, "I advise you to be like me." Gu Yingchun didn't quite understand this sentence, but Hu Xueyan did. If she likes Sister Aqiao, she might as well borrow a small house.Huzhou has established a portal and is already fighting famine, why bother to cause another trouble?But in front of Yiqing's second child, it's inconvenient to say no, so I had to perfunctorily say: "Let's see!" When we arrived at the Yiqing Courtyard, the lights were already dimmed, only a bar was buzzing in the front room upstairs.After arriving at the big room of Yiqing's second child, Gu Yingchun said goodbye first, and then You Wu said "Mingchaohui", Yiqing's second child smiled secretly and left together. Sister Aqiao never showed up, a young lady named A Cui spread a quilt for Hu Xueyan to put a pillow on, and then brought hot water to wash his feet.The chores are over, close the door and let yourself go. Hu Xueyan was a little uneasy, not knowing how Yiqing's second child made the arrangement, he just listened intently to the outside of the door, there were footsteps, they were all from far to near and then from near to far, no one had ever seen someone push the door in, and the chiming bell had already After hitting a few times, he laughed at himself as "an idiot waiting for his wife", and lazily went to bed. This day was quite tiring, I had something on my mind, but my eyelids were sore, and I fell asleep hazily.I don't know how much time passed, and suddenly felt a cold hand stretched out from the quilt, "Ah!", before he could speak, another cold hand covered his mouth. Hu Xueyan understood, and shrank back to make room for Sister Aqiao.She crawled into bed, her teeth trembling from the cold, and at the same time hugged him, her chest pressed against his back, intending to keep warm. "Why is it so cold?" Hu Xueyan turned around and asked quietly. "The guests in the front room are dead, and we don't leave until three o'clock." Sister Aqiao said, "It's my turn to be on duty today, and the wind is strong, so I'm freezing!" She took a breath and hugged him even tighter. . Hu Xueyan felt pity, turned over and stretched out her hand to tuck the quilt, Aqiao simply put her head on his chest, his hands naturally became dishonest.While groping, he asked, "Aqiao, how old are you?" "Guess what?" "Twenty-three." Hu Xueyan said, "At most twenty-four." "Twenty-four is coming to the next life." "Then how much?" "I am of the sheep." "It belongs to the sheep?" Hu Xueyan picked up Aqiao's slender five fingers under the quilt, counted and said, "This year is Jiayin in the fourth year of Xianfeng, Dingwei in the 27th year of Daoguang, and Yiwei in the 15th year, exactly twenty years old." "The more calculations, the better!" Of course, sister Aqiao knew that he did such calculations on purpose, but she was always happy in her heart. "Ah Qiao," Hu Xueyan made a negative article and then a positive one, "You really can't see that you are thirty-two years old." "Everyone says that Mr. Hu has a pair of powerful eyes, so you can't see it?" "I really don't see it!" Hu Xueyan asked, "For a talent like you, why don't you make your own room and help others?" "If you eat this bowl of rice, you will be an old woman at the age of thirty-two! Old people are worthless, who would want them?" "I want it." Hu Xueyan replied without thinking. Sister Aqiao is well-informed, so of course she wouldn't take his words seriously, and replied, "Since someone wants it, what kind of room do I need?" "That's not bad." Hu Xueyan asked again, "Who is in your family?" Asking this question is almost superfluous, but guests often like to ask this question, and sister Aqiao is tired of answering, "What does it do!" The words were simple and harsh, and Hu Xueyan had another layer of goodwill. He couldn't help but think of You Wu's words, and began to think seriously. At this moment and here, suddenly neither mouth nor hands, it is very abnormal, sister Aqiao couldn't help feeling a little strange, stretched out a hand to touch his chest, pressed left and right, which made him feel uncomfortable. Hu Xueyan was also surprised. "do what?" "Look, maybe you can figure out what's on your mind?" "How can I find out what's on my mind? I can only guess. You can guess what's on my mind." "I don't need to guess, I can feel it." Sister Aqiao said, "You don't like me." "Strange! How can you say that? Tell me a reason." "If you like me, my heart will beat. Now my heart doesn't beat at all, it's 'being Yisha'." "Wonderful!" Hu Xueyan laughed, "There is such a theory? I wonder how many men you have touched like this?" This sentence was indiscriminate, Aqiao was angry and sad, and she slowly pulled her hand away, turning her face away. Only then did Hu Xueyan realize that she had said something very boring, deeply regretful, held her still, and looked up to see the remnant flame of a foreign lamp on the dressing table, and sister Aqiao's two teardrops were clearly visible. "Are you angry?" Hu Xueyan said awkwardly, "Tell me a joke, why bother to take it seriously!" As he spoke, he wiped away her tears with his fingers, and kissed her face. Sister Aqiao remained silent, but she didn't express any displeasure either, she just tried her best to explain to herself, perfunctory the face of Yiqing's second child and Youwu, and coped with the night at least. Hu Xueyan lost interest due to this verbal twist and turns, and at the same time was too tired to talk. As soon as he closed his eyes, he felt sore. When I woke up the next day, it was almost noon, and when I looked sideways, Aqiao was naturally not there, but there was a long hair left by the pillow, and I held it in my hand. Thinking of the scene when Xiao came, I felt melancholy for no reason. At the same time, I also felt a little guilty, thinking that sister Aqiao must be very upset, and also let down the good intentions of You Wu and Yiqing's second child. Thinking about it like this, I planned to have a talk with Sister Aqiao first, put on my clothes and got up, coughed, and the door was pushed open immediately, and it was Sister Aqiao who came in, combing her aurora-bright hair, The face is a clear face without makeup, new ivory-like skin, light red lips, and a few freckles on the cheeks that look like tea powder. "Get up!" she said, with a glance, and put two fingers on her lips, signaling silence.Seeing her posture, Hu Xueyan naturally didn't dare to say anything, but was really a little confused, not knowing what words to be scruples about. "Don't reveal what happened at night!" I see!Hu Xueyan didn't know if it was because she came to accompany her, which didn't conform to the rules of the "Changsan", so she was taboo.I just feel that this is more interesting to have an affair, and I feel more and more regretful about the opportunity last night. It is not difficult to find such an opportunity again.When the little eldest sister came in with a slap in the face, and Aqiao sister made the bed and came to braid his hair, Hu Xueyan said: "Tonight I still have to borrow a bed." "Whatever you want." Sister Aqiao replied lightly. "It's still the same as yesterday." "What's the same?" He didn't know if she really didn't understand, or if she was pretending to be stupid, he thought for a while and said with a smile: "Come and feel my heart beating?" Sister Aqiao remained silent and lowered her eyes, as if she was concentrating on his braid. "Still mad at me?" "How can there be such a thing? Who are we, dare to be angry with a distinguished guest?" Sister Aqiao said seriously, "Master Hu, you must not say such a thing, if it reaches the second lady's ears, it will definitely say me." "No, no!" Hu Xueyan had an idea, "Can you ask for a day off?" "Why?" "I'll take you to a place to play." After pausing for a while, seeing her silence, I knew that it was not impossible to ask for leave, so I added, "I'll tell my second child that I will give you a day off." "No!" Sister Aqiao said, "I'll tell Second Miss myself. But, Mr. Hu, where do you want to take me to play?" "Playing is playing. Go to a theater, eat a big meal, and then go to a foreign company to see. What new jewelry do you have?" After saying this, sister Aqiao couldn't help showing a smile, the unhappiness caused by her mistake last night was finally eliminated. "Master Hu!" The little eldest sister came and said, "You Wu Shao said, please invite Master Hu to the small house for lunch." "Okay. I'll go." Hu Xueyan hinted at Sister Aqiao, "I'm leaving after dinner." As soon as Hu Xueyan arrived, Gu Yingchun was also there, with the same happy smiles on the faces of Youwu and Yiqing's second child, as if they were talking about something very interesting. It's getting more intense, obviously, the interesting thing he's talking about is related to him. "I was kept in the dark last night." Gu Yingchun greeted him and said, "This is also considered a 'small admission', congratulations, congratulations!" "How is it?" You Wu asked this sentence, and then said, "The second child said that she was on the bed—" "Nonsense!" Yiqing's second child hurriedly stopped her, and at the same time gave You Wu a supercilious look, "Master Hu himself doesn't know, so you want to tell me?" "That's right! What's so good about Sister Aqiao, my uncle knows it best when he's been there, so why should someone else tell him?" It was only when Gu Yingchun said this that Hu Xueyan fully understood, and his eagerness to seek compensation became even hotter, but he didn't know what to say in his mouth, so he could only smile without answering. "Eat first, or talk first?" Gu Yingchun asked, taking out two pieces of paper from his bosom. "Let's talk about things first!" Hu Xueyan looked at the bright sun in the window and asked enthusiastically, "Old Gu, is your carriage here yet?" "At the entrance of the alley. Where are you going?" "It's rare to be free, and the weather is fine. I want to go shopping for a long time." The three people looked at each other, it was still Gu Yingchun who asked: "How are you going to play? I will arrange it for you." "Let's talk later." Hu Xueyan pointed to the paper in his hand and asked, "What is this?" "The manuscripts of the two correspondences. You can read them!" One was to Wang Youling, asking him to send a letter to He Guiqing, introducing Gu Yingchun to visit him, and the other was to Liu Bucai, asking him to come to Shanghai.After reading it, Hu Xueyan still handed it back, and asked Gu Yingchun to send out the transcript. That's all there is to talk about.The meal was served, and she was drinking when Sister Aqiao arrived, she waved generously, and finally cast a wink at Yiqing's second child, and the two went to the back room to have a heart-to-heart talk. "It's not bad!" Gu Yingchun looked at Aqiao's slender back and said, "It looks like a 'skinny horse' in Yangzhou." "What's a 'skinny horse'? A live horse!" You Wu said with a smile, "Uncle, why are you thanking the matchmaker?" "Thank you, or thank you second brother?" "I should be on errand, of course it is Xie Laoer." "That's easy. Later, I'll go to a foreign company and pick out some jewelry. I'll go with my second child. I'll buy her whatever she likes." "Just kidding, why are you spending so much money? But," You Wu glanced at the back room and lowered his voice, "Who do you buy jewelry for? Aqiao is a powerful character, don't be a 'foreign plate' !" "If she was a powerful character, she wouldn't be my foreign player." "Yes!" Gu Yingchun praised, "Young uncle's words really hit the nail on the head and go deep." "Alright!" You Wu said to Hu Xueyan with a smile, "It's rare for you to make a foreign dish, so just take her with you. There's no need for the second child." "Let's go together, let's go together!" Hu Xueyan said, "There are many places to disturb the second child. I originally wanted to give her something to express my meaning." "Let's talk about it when we come back!" You Wu was noncommittal. So we drank wine and talked about some funny things.Soon, I saw Yiqing's second child and sister Aqiao come out one after the other, one was full of spring, the other was pretending to be reserved, anyway, the expressions seemed unusual. "Sit down and eat!" Yiqing's second child sat down to be the hostess, but Aqiao refused no matter what, saying "there is no such rule", and stood by, serving food and hot wine.The three male hosts and guests all followed her intermittently, looking at her with embarrassment. "Second Miss!" she said, "I will transfer if I have nothing to do." "Don't go, don't go!" You Wu was the first to shout. "Let her go!" Yiqing's second child gave You Wu a wink. It was easier to talk when Sister Aqiao left. She said that Sister Aqiao told her everything about last night.Sister Aqiao doesn't know what Hu Xueyan's idea is. If she really likes her, she is willing to play with her. If she thinks it's the face of Youwu and Yiqing's second child, she has to be perfunctory to her, then it's unnecessary . "People are here," You Wu pointed to Hu Xueyan and said to Yiqing's second child, "You ask him yourself." "Master Hu," Yiqing's second child asked with a smile, "What did you think about last night and you don't want to talk to her anymore?" "I don't have any reluctance. I'm afraid she won't, so I don't need to force it." "What?" You Wu was surprised, "You ignored her last night? Is it really a 'dry shop'?" Hu Xueyan nodded and said, "This is also a common thing!" "I can't stop the car." You Wu looked at Yiqing's second child and said, "I'm afraid she'll be 'three weeks, six o'clock', otherwise I would have used my brain." "Don't bring me up!" Yiqing's second child said sarcastically, "You can use your brain, just use it. Sister Aqiao has a very high vision, so she might not like you. Now that Mr. Hu compares, You are even more 'salt fish hanging on your nose - sniffing fish'!" When she said this, Gu Yingchun and You Wu both laughed, but Hu Xueyan was a little confused, "What is 'three weeks, six o'clock'?" He asked. "This is a common saying that came up in the barbarians," Gu Yingchun explained to him, "Three prayers are '21st', and six o'clock is 'you'. What is the combination of words? Think for yourself." "It turns out that the second child will be jealous!" Hu Xueyan said, "The second child is not that kind of person, and besides, Fifth Brother You will not make the second child jealous, otherwise, the people around us would not accept it." From these two sentences, Yiqing's second child has a better impression of Hu Xueyan, and is determined to promote his marriage with Aqiao sister, so when You Wu and Gu Yingchun talked about an acquaintance they both knew, they waved He took Hu Xueyan aside and asked what he meant. "Master Hu, are you preparing for a long round or a short round?" "What about the long game, and what about the short game?" "Short-term, I'll hire someone else, you borrow a small house, or it's just downstairs, and the tenant is about to move out, so it's more fun to live together. For long-term, things are more troublesome. For a man, he’s farming in Mudu, but it doesn’t matter, just leave it to me, and it costs two or three hundred taels of silver, and it’s settled. There’s nothing wrong with Sister Aqiao, Mr. Hu,” Yiqing’s second child said enthusiastically, "This matter, as long as there is no trouble with Mrs. Hu, you can do it." Hu Xueyan couldn't answer for a while, it was a good thing, but there were many obstacles, so he had to plan carefully, but he was afraid of spoiling Yiqing's second child's interest, so he thought about it for a long time and replied: "It doesn't matter if it's long or short. It’s always going to be a game. I appreciate your kindness very much. When the sky is empty, let’s have a good talk. Please keep it in your heart right now.” "I know." Yiqing's second child nodded again and again, "There is no rush for this matter. But, Mr. Hu, I have something else to say. Don't waste your money." These words are exactly the same as You Wu's advice. , It can be seen that everyone treats him as their own, which is what Hu Xueyan feels most comforted. Therefore, his interest became better and better, "Today's weather is really not bad." He encouraged Yiqing's second child and said, "Let's go for a drive together, and play with it for half a day." "Where are you going? Always think of a place." At this time, their voices rang out, and Gu Yingchun had heard it, so he interrupted and suggested, "How about going to Longhua to see the peach blossoms?" "Longhua?" Hu Xueyan was still unfamiliar with Shanghai, so he asked immediately, "Is it safe or not?" "Why is it not peaceful? There are still eighteen miles away from the county seat! Besides, there is Fifth Brother here, so what are you afraid of?" "Okay!" You Wu said, "If you are interested, I will escort you." After saying this, everyone became more interested. Gu Yingchun went to the entrance of the alley to hire a carriage in person, and Yiqing's second son sent someone to find Sister Aqiao, and they dressed and changed clothes at her place. They were all elegant. Light makeup, but natural charm, already stand out, Hu Xueyan is quite proud. There were two carriages in total, Gu Yingchun's own Hengsimei, which carried Hu Xueyan and sister Aqiao, left the alley, and galloped south, passing the inclined bridge, Gaochang Temple, an official road, which was quite wide.In this weather, everyone is willing to go on an outing, and there are many sedan chairs and horses all the way, which is extremely lively, but it is rare to see these two carriages, with the hood open, and the two figures passing by, so in the shadow of the wheels and whips, there are constant criticisms. give pointers.Sister Aqiao turned a blind eye to it, just sat steadily, not talking or laughing lightly, and couldn't see the wind and dust. When I saw the shadow of the pagoda of Longhua Temple, I also saw a long bridge.This bridge is also a victory in Shanghai. It is called the Baibu Bridge. It is twenty-four feet long and more than two feet wide. The horseshoes are strong and the wheels are rumbling. Not far from the Baibu Bridge is the Longhua Temple. This ancient temple, famous for its seven-level pagoda, is the only ancient pagoda in Shanghai.The carriage stopped in front of the pagoda, and Yiqing's second child and sister Aqiao were busy inviting incense candles to burn incense.Hu Xueyan recalled that when he first met Furong in Huzhou, before the Buddha statue, he asked for a lottery. "Picking lotus on the river" became a good lottery before the marriage, and he might as well do the same at this time. However, he didn't have to ask for it anymore, "Sister Aqiao," he said, "you might as well ask for a signature." "What are you asking?" Sister Aqiao thought for a while and said, "Okay, I'll ask for one." So she burned incense and asked for a lottery, and the lottery was taken to her, but she refused to show it to Hu Xueyan. She didn't know many words, so she only knew that this lottery was "Xia Xia", which was of course not a good lottery, for fear of ruining Hu Xueyan's interest, So I don't want to make it public. Yiqing's second child also asked for a lottery, but it was "upper", saying that it would be good for a wife, wealth and son, if a woman asks for this lottery, the owner will have a son, and Gu Yingchun congratulated You Wu , but actually made fun of Yiqing's second child. Just talking and laughing like this, strolling in the peach forest, browsing casually, the five people divided into two groups, Gu Yingchun didn't know whether it was intentional or unintentional, leading You Wu and Yiqing's second child, farther and farther away, leaving behind Hu Xueyan and A Miss Qiao is behind, just in time for a conversation. "You're tired!" Seeing her slender feet, Hu Xueyan couldn't help feeling sorry for her, so he pointed to a teahouse and said, "Drink a bowl of tea before leaving!" The teahouses under the white cloth sheds are almost all official guests, and there are one or two tables with female relatives, who are also sitting in secluded places, with their backs facing outwards, refusing to show their faces to others.Sister Aqiao didn't have any scruples, she chose a clean table and sat down beside the aisle, people coming and going, all of them took a look at it, and some of them had already passed by, and turned back for another reason, so as to take another look.But Sister Aqiao turned a blind eye to it, and when Dr. Tea came to pour tea, she hurriedly waved her hand to stop it: "Thank you, we will come by ourselves." Dr. Tea stopped, and Sister Aqiao rinsed the tea bowl with tea, took out a cheap white linen handkerchief, wiped the cup inside and out, then poured it up to 80% full, held it in front of Hu Xueyan with both hands, and poured it into her own cup. When drinking, it is also meticulous and clean. "I'm thinking, life is so wonderful and unpredictable. I dare say that no one can know what will happen tomorrow today." When Hu Xueyan expressed such emotion to Jing Shengqing, Sister Aqiao was naturally baffled, watching him blink with her pretty eyes, beckoning him to continue. "For example, yesterday, I never dreamed that I would see peach blossoms in Longhua today, let alone be with you." "What am I!" Sister Aqiao said, "The name is not well-born, it is worthless if it is broken, and nothing 'coincident' will happen to me." This passage made people feel abrupt, Hu Xueyan deciphered it carefully, and felt that it was meaningful, and it might be a test, so he didn't pursue it for now, but asked: "Are you born on the seventh day of July?" "Otherwise, why is it called this name?" "Okay! I remember your birthday very well. I will make it for you this year." "Ah yo!" Sister Aqiao was a little flattered, "I really don't dare to do it, it really beats me." "The days pass quickly, the peach blossoms have bloomed and the lotus blossoms, and the seventh day of July will arrive in a blink of an eye." Hu Xueyan asked, "At that time, I will take you to Hangzhou to visit the West Lake and see the lotus, okay?" "Why not!" Sister Aqiao stared at the tea bowl, blowing on the tea in her mouth, the tea was no longer hot and ready to drink, why do you need to blow on it?It can be seen that she is thinking about something. Of course, Hu Xueyan himself knew that these words could be interpreted as a hint that he intended to marry her back to Hangzhou, which must be what Sister Aqiao was thinking.I said a word unintentionally, if she really had such a misunderstanding, it would be too early to say it, now that I think about it, I feel slightly regretful, and at the same time pay more attention to her expression and words. "How many days did Master Hu delay this trip?" she asked. "Maybe, at least half a month, at most 20 days, we must return to Hangzhou." "I see. I agreed with Mrs. Hu, so I can't miss it." Hu Xueyan smiled but didn't answer, his smile was contrived to look unpredictable. Sister Aqiao is very rich in the city, seeing this scene, she didn't say any more, just looked at the leisurely shadow of the pagoda, sipping tea slowly, looking very leisurely. Seeing her attitude, Hu Xueyan was a little confused, and couldn't let it go.But then he laughed to himself, there was no one he couldn't deal with, and he was rarely irritable, what's going on at this moment?Thinking about it this way, putting aside distracting thoughts abruptly is also holding the mood of "stealing half a day of leisure", drinking tea and looking at flowers, just seeking to be comfortable.阿巧姐看他这样，当然更不便多说什么。两个人等于都在肚子里做功夫。 看看日色偏西，桃林中潋滟红霞，如火如荼，真叫“夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏”，再流连不走，天一黑，路上就不好了，于是仍旧照原来的样子，坐着马车，疾驰而回。 胡雪岩兴犹未央，同时要“守信用”，说了带阿巧姐去挑首饰，也要送怡情老二“做媒”的谢礼，一定要做到，所以特意关照古应春，先到黄浦滩禅臣洋行。 尤五记起胡雪岩的话，便特别注意阿巧姐，可是拿客人当“洋盘”？只见她初入店内，望着成排的玻璃柜和闪闪生光的珠宝首饰，颇有目迷五色之概，但很快地恢复了常态，看看古应春说道：“古大少爷，请你问问洋人，有没有男用的表链？” “男人用的？” “是呀！”阿巧姐笑着问，“怎么了？” “没有什么。我只当我没有听清楚。” 于是古应春跟洋人一说，立刻便捧出一只皮盒子来，打开来一看，里面有十几副表链，金银粗细，各式俱备。阿巧姐伸出手去，一条一条挑，最后挑了一根十八开金的，链子一端坠着一只铸得很玲珑的小金羊。 “这东西不错！”胡雪岩在一旁说，“再挑！” “不挑了。”阿巧姐走开两步，同时招招手把古应春邀了过去，悄悄说道，“这是我自己买的东西，千万不好叫胡老爷惠钞。请你替我付一付。”说着，手一伸，一张折得小小的银票，塞到了古应春手里。 古应春明白了，这是阿巧姐买给她乡下的丈夫的，自然不便让胡雪岩出钱，便点点头说：“我知道了。” 胡雪岩还在坚持着，要阿巧姐再挑一两件首饰，她只是袖手不动。又再三问怡情老二喜欢什么？她却不过情，挑了一瓶法国香水。 “算账吧！”胡雪岩取了一百两的银票，交给古应春。 接到手里，古应春也不作声，到账台上跟洋女人结了账，上车回到怡情老二的小房子，古应春才把他的银票交了回去，“你还阿巧姐六块洋钱。”他说，“表链子阿巧姐自己买，不叫你惠钞。” "It makes no sense." “日子长了，何争一时？”尤五这样说，心里也有替他们作撮合的打算了。 胡雪岩听得这么说，也就一笑置之。在那里吃了饭，怡情老二拉着尤五到一边说了几句，尤五又转达给胡雪岩：阿巧姐今天既然休息，就不想回怡情院，问胡雪岩的意思如何？ “那好办！”他说，“跟我走好了。” “要走就早走！不必在这里泡了。” “时候还早，”胡雪岩踌躇着说，“我们一起看戏去？” 这个提议没有人接受，古应春说明天要动身到苏州去见何桂清投信，尤五表示倦了，不想出门。其实都是托词，目的是要让胡雪岩跟阿巧姐早圆好梦。 这当然不宜在裕记丝栈双宿双飞。他由于尤五的推荐，住进一家新开的“仕宦行台”大兴客栈，是个小小的跨院，一明两暗三间房。阿巧姐认为太大了用不着，胡雪岩认为房间一定要多，会客才方便，有时客人来访，只为说一句知心话，稠人广众，大家都憋在肚子里不便说，结果高朋满座，尽是空谈，如果多一间空屋子作为退步，就方便得多了。 “照这个样子说，胡老爷，你是预备长住？” “是啊！”胡雪岩说，“丝栈里诸多不便，我想在这里长住，比较舒服。” “你不是说，”阿巧姐指出他的前言不符后语，“半个月、二十天就要回杭州吗？” “不错！”胡雪岩很从容地答道，“去了马上要来的，房间留着也不要紧，不过多花几个房钱，有限的。” 阿巧姐不作声，心里在盘算，既然如此，不妨备办一些动用什物，于是喊进茶房来，有条不紊地吩咐他去买办风炉锅碗等等，吃的、用的一大堆。胡雪岩心想，照此看来，已不用多说，至少一个“短局”已经存在了。阿巧姐也真是“做人家”的样子，为他打开行李，将日用杂件，布置妥帖，然后铺好了床，请胡雪岩安置。 等胡雪岩上床，她却不睡，将一盏洋灯移到窗前方桌上，背着身子，不知在做些什么。胡雪岩等得不耐烦，便即催问：“你怎么不来睡？我有好些话跟你说。” “来了，来了！” 于是阿巧姐移灯到梳妆台前，洗脸卸妆，又检点了门窗，才披了一件夹袄，掀开帐子，跟胡雪岩并头睡下。 “你晓得我刚才在做啥？” “我怎么晓得？” “你看！”她伸手从夹袄口袋中掏出一个金表交到胡雪岩手里。表是他的，却多了一条金链子，正就是她在禅臣洋行自己花钱买的那一条。 “我送你的。” “你送我的？”胡雪岩大感意外，接着浮起满怀的喜悦和感动，把表链子上坠着的那只小金羊，凑近眼前，仔细观玩，才领悟她特为挑选这一条链子的深意。她是属羊的，这只玲珑的小金羊，就是她的化身，怀中相伴，片刻不离，这番深情，有如食蜜，中边皆甜。 “喏！”她又塞过来一个纸包，“大概是胡太太替你打的丝绦子，好好带回去，不然胡太太问起来，没法交账。” 她猜得一点不错，原来系表的一条黑丝绦，是胡太太亲手所织，难为她想得这么周到。 “这条丝绦子，龌龊是龌龊得来！”阿巧姐皱着眉说，“本来我想拿它洗洗清爽，深怕你太太会问，是哪个洗的？就露了马脚了。男人绝不会想到，拿这条丝绦子洗洗干净！” 心细如发，人情透切，胡雪岩对阿巧姐刮目相看了。 一手把玩着“小金羊”，一手轻抚着活的“白羊”，胡雪岩才真的领略到了温柔乡中的滋味。“阿巧，”他忽然问道，“你把我当做什么人？”这话的意思欠明确，阿巧姐只有这样答道：“好人。” “是相好的好，还是好坏的好？” “好坏的好。” “那种好人我不要做。”胡雪岩说，“我是说，你把我当做你的什么人？” 这话就更难回答了，如果说是客人，则私赠表记，变作笼络客人的虚情假意，即有此意，阿巧姐也不肯承认，若说是心上人，又觉得肉麻碍口，想了想有个说法：“你是胡老爷，我自然当你老爷！” “老爷”的意思是双关，下人称男主人为老爷，妻妾称男主人亦是老爷。阿巧姐这样回答，要自己去体会，才有意味，胡雪岩当然懂，但为了逗乐，有意误解。 “你骂我'赤佬'？” 上海话称“鬼”为“赤佬”，苏州人则对邪魔外道的鬼祟，如“五通神”之类，为了忌讳，有时亦称“老爷”，意义与上海话的“赤佬”相近，所以胡雪岩这样歪缠。 “啥人骂你？”阿巧姐真的骂了，“你自己下作，好的人不要做，要做赤佬。” “赤佬自然不想做，老爷也不必。”胡雪岩涎着笑脸道，“阿巧，我做你的'姘头'好不好？” “要死快哉！”阿巧姐打了他一下，用道地的苏州话娇嗔着，“闲话阿要难听！” 越是如此，胡雪岩越觉得乐不可支，调笑闲话，几乎闹了一整夜。睡到第二天上午十一点，阿巧姐才起身，胡雪岩则还在呼呼大睡。 也不过是她刚刚漱洗好，有人来敲门，开开一看，是尤五和古应春。 “怎么？”尤五探头一望，脱口问道，“小爷叔到此刻还不起来！你们一夜在干什么？”阿巧姐脸一红，强笑道：“我是老早起来了，哪个晓得他这么好困？” 古应春走了过来，摸一摸那只洋瓷脸盆，余温犹在，笑一笑说道：“对！阿巧姐老早起来了。” 谎话拆穿，阿巧姐更窘，不过她到底经验丰富，不至于手足无措，依旧口中敷衍，手头张罗，把客人招待到外面坐下，然后去叫醒胡雪岩。 睡眼惺忪的胡雪岩，还恋着宵来的温馨，一伸手就拉住了她往怀里抱，急得阿巧姐恨恨地骂：“人家已经在笑了，你脸皮厚，我可吃不消！” “谁，谁在笑？” “尤五少、古大少都来了，坐在外头，你快起来吧！”阿巧姐又说，“说话当心些。”一面说，一面服侍他起床，胡雪岩只是回忆着昨夜的光景又发愣、又发笑、傻兮兮的样子，惹得阿巧姐更着急。 “求求你好不好！越是这样，人家越会跟你开玩笑。” “怕什么！”胡雪岩说，“你不理他们就是了。” 见了面还是有一番调笑，甚至可说是谑，尤五和古应春这一双未来的郎舅，像逼问犯人口供似的，要胡雪岩“招供”衾底风情。急得里屋的阿巧姐，暗地里大骂“杀千刀”！幸好胡雪岩一问三不知，只报以满脸笑容，阿巧姐总算不至于太受窘，当然，对胡雪岩这样的态度是满意的，同时也对他有了深一层的认识，嘴上尽管不听她的劝，做出事来，深可人意，是要这样的男人才靠得住。 “好了，好了！”胡雪岩终于开了口，“再说下去，有人要板面孔了。我请你们吃番菜去，算是替老古饯行。” 古应春未曾应声，先看一看尤五，两人相视一笑，又微微点头，是莫逆于心的样子，倒使得胡雪岩困惑了。 “你们捣什么鬼？” “不与你相干。”古应春说，“我今天不走，明天一早动身。” “怎么回事？”胡雪岩更要追问。 “跟洋人还有点事要谈。” 胡雪岩不甚相信，但也没有理由不相信，说过抛开，重申前请，邀他们俩去吃番菜。 “阿巧姐呢？”古应春说，“一起去吧！” “谢谢！”里面高声应答，苏州话最重语气，阿巧姐的声音，峭而直，一听就知道是峻拒之意。 胡雪岩微感不安，而尤、古二人却夷然不以为忤，“阿巧姐！”尤五也提高了声音说，“既然你不肯去，那么转去一趟，老二在想念你。” “要的，要的！”这一下她的声音缓和了，“我本来要转去的。”一面说，一面走了出来，手里捧着长袍、马褂。胡雪岩倒也会享福，只张开双手，让她替他穿好，为他一粒一粒扣钮子，然后掏出表来看了一下说：“走吧，一点钟了。” “咦！”古应春眼尖，“这条表链，怎么到了你手里？” 这是胡雪岩最得意的事，向古应春使个眼色，表示回头细谈，果然，在番菜馆里，他把阿巧姐的情意，津津有味地细说了给他们两人听。 “小爷叔！”尤五笑道，“你真要交鸿运了，到处都有这种艳福。” 这一说，胡雪岩的脸色反严肃了，“现在我自己都不知道怎么办了。”他说，“你们倒替我出个主意看。” 尤五和古应春又相视而笑，“事缓则圆！”古应春答道，“等我苏州回来再说，如何？” “你哪一天回来？” “现在还说不定，会见那些大人先生要等，光是投封信，见不着面，又何必我自己去？” “这话也不错，不过我希望你早点回来，”胡雪岩紧接着说，“倒不是为这件事，怕洋人那里有什么话，你不在这里，接不上头。” “不要紧。我托了个人在那里，尤五哥也认识的，如果洋人那里有什么话，他会来寻尤五哥，不会耽误。”话说到这里，西崽已端来了“尾食”，吃罢算账，是一桌鱼翅席的价钱，而尤五却说未曾吃饱。 “番菜真没有吃头，又贵，又不好。”尤五笑道，“情愿摊头上一碟生煎馒头，还吃得落胃些。” 当然，这也不过口发怨言而已，没有再去吃一顿的道理，出了番菜馆，访友的访友，办事的办事，各自分手，约定晚上在怡情院吃花酒。