Chapter 13 2

--two-- Washing elephants in dog days is an annual grand event in the capital.The place where the elephants are washed is at the Xiangshui Gate of Xuanwumen.Every year on this day, dignitaries, literati, business people, and even excellent advocates and soldiers all go to watch, and there are often tens of thousands of people gathered on both sides of the strait.The rich masters have their own good way, paying a lot of money to rent the houses on both sides of the ring sluice.Due to the competition for rent, the rent was raised higher and higher, reaching twenty taels of silver a day.Some homeowners are smarter and set up seats on the side facing the river, renting one for two to three thousand Wen.Many homeowners made a small fortune because of this, and turned to start a business and opened a small shop.

Qiao Bainian rented such a seat, took his time, had breakfast, and slowly walked north from his residence on Hufang Bridge. How dare Qiao Bainian enter the capital? After Qiao Bainian and the white-clothed Taoist revealed their identities to each other, they decided to form a family to cope with the increasingly difficult situation.Prior to this, their respective secret contacts and preparations for riots were unsuccessful.The sages who were looking for were indifferent, unwilling to take the high position of "assisting the old master"; the common people and villagers who came into contact with them on weekdays were deeply hurt by the turmoil of more than ten years, and they only wanted food, clothing and peace, and refused to "follow the dragon".What's more, the new policies of the new dynasty, such as exemption from taxes and labor, rewards for land reclamation, etc., are wider than the way the people left for the people in the previous dynasty.Ordinary people are not like scholars, who talk about martyrdom and remembrance of the former dynasty.

For this reason, Qiao Bainian and the white-clothed Taoist soldiers divided into two groups: the three white-clothed Taoist masters and apprentices and Yuan Daogu, focusing on contacting and recruiting righteous people from all over the world, especially those green forest heroes who occupy the mountains as kings; According to the emperor's will, he wanted to enter the new dynasty to act as a spy and internal response.In order to sneak into the center of the imperial court, in addition to needing a lot of money, one must also have a decent background.Nanming's supply of silver is more than sufficient; to earn a family background, Qiao Bainian, the son of Gongsheng, naturally has to take the imperial examination.This year is the Ding You Year of Shuncheon Township Examination.Qiao Bainian had spent money to buy a bagong in the county and the government, and after the Dragon Boat Festival, he swaggered into the capital.He wants to knock on the door of official career with his rich wealth and unparalleled "talent".

"It's cold in 39, hot in 3 volts", Qiao Bainian was already sweating profusely when he walked to Xuanwumen.He looked up and complained endlessly.Around the Xiangshui gate, there are already mountains of cars and sedan chairs, thousands of people are moving, noisy and noisy, and there is almost no gap for pins.Relying on his own strength and strength, he pushed back and forth among the crowd, trying his best to get close to the Xiaolou Linhe where he had rented a seat, it was easier said than done!He seemed to be in the sea tide, being crowded to the south street corner by crowds for a while, and pushed to the moat bridge to the west by a greater force for a while.He was gasping for breath, sweating profusely, and couldn't help but think of the allusion in an ancient book that "the boos are like clouds, and the sweat is like rain".

The long whimpers of golden drums, big copper horns, and painted horns from Xuanwumen overwhelmed the dizzying uproar. "Coming!" "Coming!" The crowd became more excited and crowded.Qiao Bainian was in a hurry, and exerted great strength, folded his arms in front of his chest, erected two thick shoulders that looked like cast iron, rushed left and right, and rushed forward. "Brother Qiao, Brother Qiao!" A loud shout stopped Qiao Bainian's footsteps. "You, aren't you Tongchun?" Because Tongchun was the first person Qiao Bainian met when he returned to his hometown, and because of the marriage dispute between Tongchun and Menggu, Qiao Bainian had a deep impression on him. I recognized it.He grabbed Tongchun's hand and shook it enthusiastically: "It's been more than two years since I last met, and I've grown up again, like a young man!... Are you also in the capital? What are you doing?..." Meeting an old friend in a foreign land is a wonderful thing Feelings.In an instant, Tongchun forgot the old resentment, shook his hand excitedly, and shouted happily: "When did you come to the capital? How are the folks in the village?..." In the hot, crowded and noisy crowd, Sweat dripped down his flushed face, and his bright eyes shone with enthusiasm.

Qiao Bainian said happily: "All the villagers are well. My mother's body is not as good as before, and she is always getting old. Aunt Rong has grown up, and they often talk about your benefits. Back then..." Chun's eyes dimmed, his smile disappeared, the muscles on his face twitched faintly, and his tightly clenched hands loosened.At this time, the crowd was commotion again, and several powerful streams of people flocked to the moat bridge, shouting deafeningly.It turned out that the elephant was out of town!A large stream of people suddenly squeezed between Qiao Bainian and Liu Tongchun, separating them, and they were involuntarily swept in opposite directions by a huge force.Qiao Bainian waved his hands and shouted: "Where do you live?" Tong Chun waved his hands and answered, but the people were fascinated by those elephants as big as small hills, shouting wildly, Qiao Bainian even his own He couldn't even hear the voice, so how could he hear Tong Chun's answer?

After a lot of effort, Qiao Bainian finally squeezed into the small building, showed the note given to him by the owner of the building, and was led to sit on a chair by the window.Qiao Bainian wiped his sweat vigorously, and looked out the window.I saw a huge gray embankment suddenly protruding from the moat, and twenty-four elephants were lined up there.The sound of drums, like torrential rain, thunder, and sea waves, calmed down tens of thousands of noisy spectators on both sides of the strait in an instant: Oh, the elephant moved!Stepping away from the heavy stone pillar-like thick legs, I walked around!They entered the moat one by one, as if the mountains were falling into the water. Seeing the river rising to the bank, the people on the bank laughed and screamed and dodged backwards.The hot weather and the cool water of the moat must make these giant beasts of the southern country very happy. As soon as they entered the water, they swam happily, like a nimble dragon, without any stupidity.From time to time, they raised their huge heads, flapped their two cattail-leaf-like ears, and stretched their long noses freely. They sucked enough water to spray on their bodies, and groaned with satisfaction in thin voices.There are twenty-four elephants with a slave sitting on their backs, shirtless and shorts, and they are submerged in the water from time to time as the elephants enter the water.A naughty little elephant went into the water so deep that the elephant slave sometimes only showed a bun on the water.

Qiao Bainian couldn't help sighing: "It's a spectacle! Three thousand dollars is not in vain!" Someone behind smiled softly: "The spectacle of washing elephants is not only in elephants, but also in people." embarrassing.Qiao Bainian turned his head and saw a handsome scholar standing behind his chair, smiling and leisurely. The seats by the window of the building are 3,000 Wen per customer, which is already full; the seats are crowded with many standing customers, all of whom are buyers of the teahouse upstairs, and each of them is 2,000 Wen. But there is no seat at this time.Therefore, two thousand literary seats are rarer than three thousand literary seats.Qiao Bainian is not from the capital, so how could he know these tricks.But the people of the capital can conclude from this that Qiao Bainian is an old man who has never seen the world.

"Human? What's the spectacle?" Qiao Bainian asked puzzled.The scholar smiled but did not answer, only raised his head towards the river bank. "Hey!" Qiao Bainian exclaimed, "There are so many people!" Under the green pagoda trees on both sides of the Xixiang moat, people were densely packed. From the water's edge to the height of the embankment, there was no loess ground visible. Even the locust tree was full of people, and some branches were bent and trembling, which was very dangerous. The scholar's leisurely voice came from behind: "Humanity is made up like scales on both sides of the strait, what do you think?" Qiao Bainian felt that he was asking himself, and quickly turned around with a friendly smile: "I think it's more like a sunflower. The sunflower plate of the sun!" The scholar laughed loudly: "It's a good match, it's a good match! It's wonderful!" After the elephants had not bathed for a long time, gold was beeping on the bank, gongs were beeping, and the elephant slaves shouted and beat them with sticks as ordered. The elephant got up and got out of the water.Reluctantly, they arched their fat backs, and slowly landed ashore with three steps forward and two steps back.His pale gray body had turned black from the water.The crowd on the shore made way for them, which naturally caused a crowd of shouts.

"It's finished so soon?" Qiao Bainian was a little disappointed. "Not for long," Jun Scholar explained kindly: "After a while, they will be male and female, and they will go crazy when they are male and female. .Elephants lined up, guided by the colorful flags of Luan Yiwei, and disappeared into the ancient and tall city gate of Xuanwumen with stone-like steps that made the ground tremble.The tens of thousands of spectators near the Xiangshui gate were noisy and crowded again, and finally gradually dispersed.The water in the moat returned to calm, and the cool air slowly leaked out from the shade of locust trees on the shore, and entered the windows of the buildings facing the river.The guests who rented seats were a little tired after half a day of excitement, sweating, and shouting.The guys served tea and refreshments as usual.

On Qiao Bainian's table were first-class dim sum: a basket of small crystal buns, a plate of crispy dumplings with minced chicken and shrimp, a plate of sesame biscuits with yellow sides on both sides, and a large plate of Mingshengzhai beef sauce.Qiao Bainian invited Jun Scholar to come to his table for refreshments, but he did not refuse too much, and moved his seat generously. Qiao Bainian said with a cheerful smile: "It's so-called old friends at first sight! Xia Qiao Bainian, Yongping Mansion Bagong, took the Shuntian Township Examination and came to the capital." Clasping hands, saying disrespect to each other, Fang Juzhan gave way, and a burst of laughter broke out on the table next to them, attracting their attention.There were five or six people at the table, all in Confucian attire, chatting lively around the tea table: "...Xu Juyuan, do you remember? The one who wrote "Nandu Ji" a few years ago and scolded Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingzi as traitors, this year He was also listed in the provincial examination!" "What's so strange! Among the real talents, apart from Xu Yuanwen, Xiong Cilu and a dozen others, there are not a few candidates. Here is a poem chanting about this matter: Shengchao Special In order to test the virtuous, a team of barbarians went down to Shouyang. New bird caps were arranged at home, and old articles were arranged in the belly. Back then I was ashamed of Zhou Su, but today I think about eating the national food.It's not that the festival was suddenly changed, and the Xishan Weifern was gone! ""Ha ha ha ha! "People were laughing to and fro. Qiao Bainian and Zhang Han looked at each other and smiled, without saying anything. An old Confucian scholar stroked his beard and sighed: "What are you laughing at? Everyone has his own ambitions! "That's right! It's true that everyone has their own ambitions." Another Confucian scholar in a lake-colored robe smiled: "There are guests sitting around drinking wine, each talking about his ambitions. Some want to make money and treasures, or want to be the governor of Guangling, or want to ride a luan Ascension to heaven. A guest heard it and smiled and said: I would like to have both. I will wear a hundred thousand guan and ride down to Yangzhou on a crane!" Amidst the laughter, a young man with a beardless chin stood up, gestured for everyone to be quiet, and then Shaking his head, he told another story: "In the past, a person went to hell and should be reborn in the human world. He said to the wheel-turning king: If you want me to be a human being, you must follow my wish. The king of Hades asked what is your wish? The man said: Father is The number one scholar of Shangshuzi, around the house, thousands of hectares and five stone fields. There are flowers and fruits in the fish pond, and the beautiful concubines and wives are all virtuous.The house is full of gold, pearls and rice, and the box is full of Luo Qi and silver coins.Living in the first-rank princely position, enjoying prosperity and longevity for a hundred years.Hades said: "With such benefits, I will go by myself. How about waiting for you?" Another burst of laughter erupted, and the tea drinkers upstairs were all attracted by the interesting jokes of these people. Liu Tongchun hurried upstairs, saw Zhang Han, complained and said eagerly: "Master, you told me to find it! You can also say it when you go to the teahouse!..." "Tongchun!" Qiao Bainian was surprised Standing up confidently: "This Mr. Zhang is your master?" Liu Huichun first smiled in surprise when he saw Qiao Bainian, then blushed and became less enthusiastic: "Yes. Do you know my uncle?" Tongchun!" Zhang Han also said in amazement: "Do you know this Mr. Qiao?" "Yes. We are from the same hometown." Tongchun answered honestly, and after thinking about it, he couldn't help asking in surprise: "Why, both of you Is the uncle also familiar?" Qiao Bainian laughed loudly, and said: "It's really a coincidence!" Zhang Han also said with a smile: "This is called meeting a thousand miles away by fate!" The two were happy, less restrained, and drank Tea, snacks, lighthearted jokes.Qiao Bai came to the capital at the beginning of the year and needed support; Zhang Han was looking for a rich man who came to Beijing to take an exam for his livelihood and future; Hearing the news about Menggu indirectly... Zhang Han, who was full of smiles, was suddenly stunned, and the movement of sending the crystal packet to his mouth also stopped. wink.It turned out that they talked about the Shuntian Township Examination for Undergraduates that attracted the most attention: "...the scholars select the talents of the eight prefectures, and there are more than 4,000 candidates; There are more than 1,700 candidates. This year, the number of applicants is only 206, and I think most of them will be awarded to Gongsheng students!" "Why?" Several people asked at the same time. "If you don't see the tribute students, they are those who come from all over the world and Kyushu. Either their father and brother are high-ranking officials, or they are called rich and powerful in their families; they either make friends with gentry to gain a high reputation, or they use poetry and essays to intimidate each other. Everyone thinks that Gao Kui's money is good, and he can get it at his fingertips, but which one doesn't go to the joints and find the way? How can the freshmen match him!" It's not about being greedy for money and accepting bribes, it's about accepting powerful people. Just the same examiner Li Zhenye, I don't know how many places I have sold. There is no justice!" Wouldn't the high-ranking people never have a bright future? The people in power in the new dynasty don't care about it!" "I still don't understand? Which of the chief examiners and fellow examiners in charge of imperial examination affairs is not a member of the Han Dynasty? Obtaining the Four Books and Five Classics? People outside the Guan are straightforward and honest, and I’m afraid they don’t understand what it means to be able to understand joints. For example, Li Zhenye’s class of young people who are famous for their imperial examinations won’t pay attention to Mandarin adults who don’t know how to read and write!..." Qiao Bai asked Zhang Han in a young voice "Brother, who is this Li Zhenye?" This question was scratching the itch in Zhang Han's heart. Two, if you talk about Master Zhenye, no one knows it better than I do!" Looking at his expression, it seems that what Confucian scholars are talking about Li Zhenye is not bribery and cheating, but is actually accomplishing some great achievements.Isn't it surprising that those who are proficient in the articulation path are regarded as talented and quiet? Qiao Bainian raised his eyebrows in disbelief: "Why, you know the same examiner?" "Exactly." Zhang Han felt as relieved as if he drank a sip of ice water in the dog days. "Ah, disrespect and disrespect!...Maybe there are relatives?" Qiao Bainian tentatively asked cautiously. "You and I are both teachers and friends, and we have some relatives, so it's good for the whole family." "Oh, it's rare!" Qiao Bainian turned to Tongchun and asked, "You must have met this Master Li?" Seeing Tongchun nod his head, he was secretly happy. He never thought that he was so lucky. He flattered Zhang Han and said, "My brother is so lucky. Such teachers, friends, and relatives have been cultivated for several generations! This subject is sure to pass." !" Qiao Bainian smiled and patted Zhang Han's shoulder lightly.Zhang Han closed his eyes slightly intoxicated, stroked his delicate cheek with his pointed fingers, and smiled without answering.Qiao Painian approached and whispered, "Can you give me a hand, brother?" Zhang Han smiled and said drunkenly, "It's not difficult. Let's see if you are willing to make a move..." Qiao Bonian smiled young Ask lightly: "Really?" Zhang Han replied in a softer voice: "Believe it or not, it's up to you..." The voices of the two of them became smaller and smaller, and even Chun couldn't hear them.The two got closer, and the movements of their hands became more and more frequent. "Master Zhang, you are here! It was so hard to find me!" A middle-aged man in short clothes shouted when he entered the door: "Your wife asks you to go home immediately, saying that there is something urgent!" Zhang Han got up, and squeezed affectionately. Holding Qiao Bainian's hand, he said: "It's rare to meet today." Qiao Bainian smiled and said, "I hope it's settled." "Are you in such a hurry?" "Once a man says his word, it's hard to follow him on horseback!" Zhang Han laughed It became even more interesting, "Okay, brother, we will meet again at Yousheng Temple tomorrow afternoon." "It's a deal, let's have a feast first, and pay later. I hope my brother will come soon." Full of happy longing, each took his proper farewell.It's just that Qiao Bainian was a little puzzled: Why did the middle-aged man who came to invite Zhang Han smile while looking at Zhang Han's back?There was clearly an unconcealable treachery and schadenfreude in the smile. In the depths of the alley, there is a small courtyard with only three main rooms and a row of west wing rooms, hidden under a thick big locust tree.The small gate is also covered by two willow trees in green silk-like wicker.On the double doors whose original colors can no longer be discerned, there is engraved a cliché that was inscribed in an unknown year - "Prosperous business leads to the whole world, and rich resources reach the three rivers".Perhaps it used to be the residence of a small businessman, but now it is Zhang Han's "mansion". The gate of the courtyard is closed tightly, and the ground is full of shade.Due to the overlapping covers of locust trees and willows, although this small courtyard is located in a busy city, it is cool and quiet, with a unique cave.The curtains were drooping quietly, the door was closed motionless, and Cicada played a long tune, making noise tirelessly. Knowing that she suddenly stopped speaking, because behind the curtain came a woman's low-pitched, coquettish voice: "If the master really loves me, why not agree to this? If it's not for him, you have to do it for me!  … ..." The one who spoke was Zhang Han's newly married wife, whose nickname is Fen'er.At this time, she was only wearing a blood-red bellyband with a silver chain hanging around her neck, and a pair of white arms hooked around Li Zhenye's neck, rubbing this romantic Jinshi and undergraduate hand-picked examiner to death, and all the bones in her body seemed to be falling apart. . How is this going? At the beginning when Zhang Han made friends with Li Zhenye, he expected that the emperor would love Shaojun, and that he would sooner or later be divided into Qiuwei, so he offered himself to support him and open a door for his own branch.Seeing that Zhang Han had a lot of friends, Li Zhenye also wanted to use this to show off and get acquainted with "good masters" from all walks of life, so that he can make a big splash in Qiu Wei.The two suddenly became close friends.Zhang Han was poor, so he lived in Li Zhenye's apartment.A pair of close friends are inseparable, they stay close to each other day and night, share all the food and lodging, and are very close. Fen'er was originally a prostitute in Nancheng, and Li Zhenye redeemed her as a concubine, and she has been with her for more than two years. This spring Li Zhenye received a letter from his wife saying that he would come to Beijing to settle down during the Dragon Boat Festival.Li Zhenye had always been afraid of Hedong, so he wanted to sell Fen'er, but he didn't get a bannerman.One day, I occasionally chatted with Zhang Han and said, "You are bored among the guests, why don't you find a wonderful concubine to amuse yourself?" In the future, the family members will have a concubine as a gift to the capital. I will take care of all the house, bed curtains and other things." Zhang Han was so happy that he kowtowed again and again, thinking that even a hero in this world would be hard to compare with Li Zhenye.Fen'er had met Zhang Han before, and apart from anything else, she liked his handsome face very much.In this way, Zhang Han became the groom again. The new house and the bed curtains and quilts inside, and all the things that Fen'er brought with Zhang Han, are all old things of the Li family.Isn't Li Zhenye a person who hates the old, even his wife's visit to Beijing can't stop him from caring about Zhang Han's courtyard.Soon, Fen'er became a person with dual identities: in the evening she was the bride of the Zhang family, and in the daytime she was the concubine of the Li family.Mrs. Li was of course kept in the dark.What about Zhang Han? Three days ago, Li Zhenye came to see Fen'er.Taking advantage of her former husband's passion, Fen'er complained delicately: "The master doesn't miss the old love, why bother to get close again! I'm so pitiful, I should choose a rich man for my life. I just followed such a poor man Ghost, do you want me to drink northwest wind all year round?" Li Zhenye quickly comforted: "Don't worry, I've been planning for a long time. I think you have been serving you for many years, and you are very affectionate. I will make you sit firmly on the kang, and there will be no shortage of coal all year round! I Recently, Jiang Renlian Branch School. You can tell your groom quietly, teach him to find a good master, each master is 6,000, use plus two, I get a whole number, and your family has to use it. If you can find three people, your family will not use it. Can you sit for three thousand gold? Why do you need to worry!" Fen'er was overjoyed and told Zhang Han that night.Zhang Han was so happy that he yelled wildly, knelt down to Fen'er for a while, and bit Fen'er with his arms around him for a while, Fen'er smiled coquettishly and screamed again, and finally pushed him away.But he frowned, thought carefully, and said to Fen'er: "Instead of trying to scheme for others, why do you scheme for yourself. Why don't you just sell the joints to me, and I'll reward you with half the price, and the other half as a gift from him. That way, My husband won the election, and you will be my wife, so how can you envy mere three thousand gold? You should tell me this, and he will never refute your face!" Today, Li Zhenye came to this other courtyard again, and Fen'er acted coquettishly. , is to ask Li Zhenye to agree to Zhang Hana's further plans. Li Zhenye frowned and said: "It's hard to find a house examiner, who doesn't take this opportunity to get more? What good is it for Zhang Han! He has no money, second is not a powerful person, and third is not a real celebrity. Right now There are a lot of people, but the number is limited, I'm afraid..." "But what you said last time, let us find three good owners, you get 18,000, and we get 3,600. Even if we don't want to use the addition of two, every No matter how much the Lord wants from him, you won't be able to suffer a few coins!" Fen'er counted on Li Zhenye with her fingers, and the difference was not too big.Li Zhenye was speechless. Seeing that Li Zhenye wanted to do something, Fen'er got even more excited, twisted her body like a water snake, and cried, "I wouldn't do this little favor, I knew you wouldn't take Fen'er at ease! What are you doing here? Go back to your wife and sell it!" She turned over and pulled out Li Zhenye's clothes beside the bed, throwing them one by one on the wooden table beside the bed: "Put them on quickly! Go!  … ...I am so miserable! Woo...I will go to see my wife, I will accuse her, and I will die! What kind of life is there!..." Li Zhenye softened: "There is something to discuss, what's the matter with you? ?...I see you, Zhang Han, who is full of petty eyes, how affectionate we are calling each other!..." Fen'er clenched her small fists and punched Li Zhenye's chest hard.Li Zhenye smiled and said: "You are like that Qi girl: the son of the east family is rich but ugly, and the son of the west family is beautiful but poor. Both families come to propose marriage, but Qi girl said that both families are married, but live in the east neighbor and live in the west neighbor. . Aren't you such a water person? ..." Li Zhenye originally wanted to use this joke to tease Fen'er, but Fen'er was stunned for a long while, and then wept sadly, tears streaming down her face, and said sobbingly: "Is it my fault? Who told you to marry me as a child?" Mother-in-law?...Who told you to give me up to this poor man!..." Li Zhenye hugged her quickly: "Okay, okay, it's up to you, it's all up to you!..." Fen'er stopped crying slowly, turned her head and gave Li Zhenye a "puchi" smile, curled up like a cat, and rolled into the in his arms.Li Zhenye smiled and said: "One more thing, you go and tell Zhang Han: During my stay, his book boy Xiao Tongchun needs to be lent to me. It's rare to have such a clever servant." Fen'er gave him a look: " Your old problem has reappeared!" Li Zhenye denied again and again: "Don't talk nonsense! The thorns are so strict, what a joke!...Besides, I can't handle you as a fan, how can I take care of others?" Fan'er "huh" He let out a cry, unable to tell what it meant, and was too lazy to speak again. Zhang Han returned to the door of the house and stood still suspiciously: the room in the courtyard was quiet.He hesitated for a moment, stretched out his right hand, raised his pointed index finger and middle finger gently, poked on the door carefully and tried to push it, and it was locked inside!He bit his lip, a little bewildered. Tong Chun took a look and said, "The door is unlocked. The new grandma is at home. I'll knock on the door." root.He didn't dare to look at Tongchun, afraid of revealing his true feelings.In an instant, shame overwhelmed him, a shame that no man could ignore indifferently! ... But what about the future?What about official career? ... A shudder rolled over his back drenched in cold sweat. He woke up, gritted his teeth, endured the initial impulse, avoided Tongchun's surprised gaze, and slowly paced under the willow tree, trying his best to do something. Put on a relaxed expression.Tong Chun looked puzzled: dog days, hot and thirsty, clothes wet with sweat, not going home soon, why are you wandering outside your house?He said dissatisfiedly: "Didn't grandma send someone to invite you home? Or, I knocked on the door, and grandma blamed me, and I took care of it." Zhang Han's complexion returned to normal, and he just looked at Tongchun and smiled without saying a word.Even though he had an ugly smile, Tong Chun felt his acquiescence, so he boldly stepped forward to knock on the door. "Who is it?" Fen'er asked bluntly, drawing out her voice. "Grandma, grandpa is back!" Tong Chun answered with a raised voice. "Wait a minute!" Fen'er's voice seemed to be angry, but also seemed to be smiling. After a bag of cigarettes, the door latch rang, and it was Li Zhenye who came out!Tong Chun opened his mouth in surprise and widened his eyes.Zhang Han's face turned red again, like a cooked prawn.Li Zhenye's usual yellow and white face was like a layer of water rouge, making it radiant and radiant.Although he was somewhat embarrassed by the embarrassing scene in front of him, he was not unable to handle it.He patted Zhang Han on the shoulder lightly, and whispered in an old friend's intimate tone: "Go back quickly, something good is waiting for you!" Before Zhang Han could recover, he cupped his hands sideways and said, "See you soon." ", walking away under the scorching sun. Zhang Han collected his mind, and finally suppressed the strong jealousy and bitterness that suddenly appeared again.He returned to normal again, ignored Tongchun's gloomy face, put a smile on his face again, opened the bamboo curtain and walked into the main room.Fen'er came to meet him with a smile, pink gauze shirt, peach red silk trousers, lazy steps, twisted waist, Zhang Han looked over her shoulder, and saw the messy situation in the bedroom at a glance. Jue blushed again, but it didn't change at all the natural admiration on his face - he knew that this was the expression Fen'er found most attractive. "He agreed!" Fen'er said with a smile. "Really?" Zhang Han jumped up, the color on his face disappeared suddenly, his lips trembled, he grabbed Fen'er's little white hand, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and then said the following words: "All agree "Hey, what are you afraid of? Your hands are shaking! Originally, he said to give three amounts, one of which will be given to you, as long as you have half of the silver; , use plus two, use is still ours. Hey, this is what he asked me to give you, let it be destroyed after reading it... Is it just a joint?..." Zhang Han took it with trembling hands and took a look, then It was written on a piece of white paper: "In the article, fill in the four characters of life from ancient times, and use the word A as a mark." , I will never forget it for the rest of my life, and I must earn a wife’s order for my wife! Ma’am, I’ve worked so hard for you!” Fen’er’s noodles instantly flew up into red clouds, and she spat at Zhang Han: “Look at what nonsense you are talking about!  … I still need to borrow Xiao Tongchun!" "It's easy to say!" Zhang Han stood up, looked at the small piece of paper several times, tore it off twice, crumpled it into a ball and threw it away, and laughed loudly: "Haha , Haha, hahahaha! I, Zhang Han, have been working for half a lifetime, and I finally have a bright future!..." Seeing his dancing, Fen'er raised her slender eyebrows and smiled: "What are you crazy about!... Things haven't been done yet Cheng, have you been happy so early?" Zhang Han suddenly came to his senses: "It's really what you said, don't be careless!" He told Fen'er about the comments he heard during the day, and said worryingly: "If he privately teaches the joint There are only three or five people, and I will undoubtedly pass this subject. But nowadays, there are not a few people who pass the joint. In the future, high bids will rise, and low bids will be withdrawn. At that time, I will still be able to secure my half-price Zhang Han?" Fen'er frowned and thought for a while, then shook her fluffy hair, and said confidently, "It's okay! When he comes tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, I'll make it real and I'll take you!" Zhang Han was taken aback for a moment, and wanted to say: "He will come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow?" But when the words came to his mouth, it turned into: "Then it's all up to my wife to mediate..." When Fen'er went to the kitchen to prepare wine and dishes, Zhang Han quietly picked up the ball of paper from the corner of the room, unfolded it carefully, smoothed it out, and hid it in his arms. After entering the hospital, Tong Chun went straight back to his stuffy and hot servant room, fell on the bed, stared at the dark roof, and remained motionless.The conversation and laughter between Zhang Han and Fen'er reached his ears one after another.He doesn't want to hear it.He has roughly understood the inside story of the matter.It's all so dirty and nasty, isn't there a clean place in the world? ... He couldn't help but recall the blue and wavy Malan flowers covering the hillside, the small willow tree with green buds on the grassy cemetery, those clear, clear, affectionate eyes, that beautiful, embroidered Holding the fragrant purse of a pair of mandarin ducks under the double lotus... What a beautiful and pure time!It is as holy as the bright moon and as pure as the mountain spring! ...Compared to that, isn't there hell in front of you? ... He is depressed, he is troubled! The wine in Youshengguan is in full swing.Although there were no more than five or six guests, they were all rich men who could afford high prices.Zhang Han invited them to accompany him, nothing more than wanting to recruit leaders among them, so as to gain both fame and fortune.They also took Zhang Han to the seat, surrounded him, and listened to his bragging respectfully.At this moment, Zhang Han is full of joy and excitement: "...Brother Li is a young Jinshi, he is proud and arrogant, and he is a rare talent in the court! This subject is a fellow examiner, which shows that the boss values ​​it and has a bright future! Brother Li Yu Han is a teacher and a friend. He has been with him for many years, and his voice is the most intimate. As for this subject..." The envy of the guests arose spontaneously, which made Zhang Han feel very comfortable. He wished he could stop talking and just close his eyes to enjoy the joy of being proud.But the sound of horseshoes outside the gate distracted him.He glanced over there from the open window sash, then slapped the table, stood up, and said joyfully, "What a coincidence, he just arrived when I was talking about him. You see, brother Zhenye is here, and he is already watching If you dismount before, you must be looking for me!...Let's go downstairs to greet me, and I will introduce you!..." Zhang Han was happy and proud, speaking incoherently.Li Zhenye's sudden appearance made him very grateful, no matter what Li Zhenye came to do, it would give him a chance to show off and earn enough face.He pulled up his robe and hurried downstairs, slipped on the stairs and nearly rolled down.Fortunately, Qiao Bainian reached out to grab him, he laughed, and everyone laughed too.They were all a little excited: to see such a key person at such a critical moment, but whoever wants to go to the imperial examinations?At this moment, they are like gods to Zhang Han.While Qiao Bainian was supporting Zhang Han, several people rushed to see and slap the dust on Zhang Han's robe that had never been stained, and the voices of condolences came one after another: "Did you fall?" "Be careful!" "Let me help you!"... At the stone steps in front of the building, Zhang Han and his friends greeted Li Zhenye.Zhang Han respectfully bowed and cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Brother Li, come to me?" Li Zhenye was sweating and his face was covered with dark clouds, and he said, "If I don't look for you!" Li Zhenye had already approached him, slapped Zhang Han more than a dozen times, and scolded loudly: "You ungrateful bastard! I treat you wholeheartedly, how dare you slander me and ruin my reputation outside! ..." Everyone was stunned, dreaming that they would see this scene.Qiao Bainian was the first to come to his senses, and quickly stepped forward to hold him back, and everyone followed suit, trying to resolve the two.Zhang Han was so ashamed that he wanted to die, he was ashamed.However, Li Zhenye ignored all this, beat and scolded to vent his anger, turned around and strode out of view, jumped on the horse's back, there was a sound of whips and horseshoes, and he disappeared in an instant. Just now when Li Zhenye went to meet Fen'er, Fen'er told him Zhang Han's worries according to the original plan, and originally wanted to settle the matter.Unexpectedly, Li Zhenye did not examine the origin of the public opinion, but decided that it was Zhang Han who had talked about his merits and demerits to others outside. He was immediately furious and galloped to look for Zhang Han, acting out such a farce. After a long time, Zhang Hanfang reacted, jumped up and yelled: "Li Zhenye, what are you! You are the real ungrateful!... Wait and see, everyone, I will definitely scold him at his house when I go back today, scolding! Ugly scolding! A real man will never swallow his anger!..." The crowd hurriedly tried to persuade them, they said grandiose good things in their mouths, but they couldn't hide their contemptuous expressions on their faces, and soon they left with excuses one after another.In the end, only the host, Qiao Bainian, was left, suppressing the disappointment and contempt in his heart, reluctantly accompanying Zhang Han, who was still babbling and cursing Li Zhenye. Qiao Bainian's impatience is already reflected in his words.Zhang Han suddenly stopped chattering, looked at Qiao Bainian shrewdly, and said, "The things you and I talked about yesterday can be finalized, right?" Qiao Bainian smiled unhappily and did not answer.I thought this person was too shameless, he was clearly a liar and scoundrel! "This matter just now must be a misunderstanding. Brother, don't lose your chance!" Qiao Bainian couldn't help but said: "The same examiner treats you like this, what joints can I get?" Zhang Han raised his pointed fingers, stroking His face was flushed red from the beating, and he said with a smile: "It's no wonder you don't know the inside story. This person has two things in my hands, and he will have to give in in the future." Qiao Bainian shook his head slightly, he didn't believe it.Li Zhenye's actions just now were by no means the actions of someone with a handle. Zhang Han hesitated for a while, and finally made up his mind. He whispered about Fen'er's origin and Li Zhenye's borrowing of Tongchun, then squinted his eyes triumphantly, and said: "It's about domestic pets and foreign pets, how can he not care about it?" "Qiao Bainian was evil in his heart, and wanted to slap his shameless handsome face again! He finally managed to hold back his face without turning his face away, looked at the pine shade in the courtyard, and said: "Fen'er's matter, you two are wishful thinking. Tong Chun is that passer-by!" Zhang Han said with a smile: "I would rather忘了，同春是贵同乡哩！同春倒真不是那种人，不然也不会脱籍了。就算是落花有意、流水无情吧，也是钓鱼的香饵，他李振邺总要照拂一二的。况且，那关节我已到手了……”“哦？“乔柏年转脸过来看他。 张汉斜眼看看乔柏年，忽然哈哈大笑，说：“尊兄真可谓谨慎，在下如此推心置腹，你还不信吗？……这样吧，你先付半数，事成之后再付一半。”“若不成呢？”“不成？"张汉脸色一变，面颊上肌肉抽搐着，使他眉眼都扭歪了，咬牙切齿地低声说：“若叫我身败名裂，一无所得，我就跟他拚了！"他抬头触到乔柏年诧异的目光，连忙收敛，又在脸上堆起笑容，爽快地说：“我立字据，如果不成功，这一半退还你！"乔柏年望着张汉，半天没作声。 为了达到他必须达到的目的，他不能放过一线希望，只得同意，付给张汉四千两的银票。 回到住处，乔柏年止不住阵阵恶心，后来扶着桌子痛痛快快地呕吐了一阵，把佑圣观里那一顿丰盛的山珍海味吐了个干净。