Chapter 491 The Haunted Courtyard

Tang Bugui reached out and hugged Xiao Su Bao, his eyes showing a hint of heartache.

"Yes!" Tang Bugui said almost without hesitation.

Little Su Bao looked at her father and her smile was incredibly bright.

She knew it could be done!

"Thank you, Daddy!" The little dumpling gave her father a sweet smile.

Their conversation was overheard by a figure.

Qian paused slightly, a strange look flashing in her eyes.

If ghosts really exist, then... will he come to see me?

When Qian returned to her small courtyard, she looked up at the sky and felt a strange emptiness in her heart.

The children have all grown up; except for the fourth child, the other three are all married!

She's getting old...

Ms. Qian touched her face, her eyes momentarily dazed, but she quickly regained her composure.

Why all this sentimentality? When someone dies, they're gone. The living must look forward!

Ms. Qian gathered her thoughts and returned to bed.

She closed her eyes and soon had a dream.

She dreamt of the time when she met Mr. Don, when they were both very young.

Finally, the man in the dream waved to him, his mouth opening and closing as if he were saying something.

Ms. Qian suddenly woke up with a start, only to see a shooting star streak across the sky.

She paused slightly, her eyes glazing over.

I haven't dreamed about him in a long time. This time, he's really gone!

Ms. Qian shook her head slightly, but she couldn't fall asleep again.

Little Su Bao was unaware of these things. Tonight, after she and Tang Bugui lit incense for their mother, they talked with her for a long time.

The little girl lay on the bed and fell fast asleep.

Tang Si's wedding was arranged long ago, so there wasn't much for him to do.

However, Tang Bugui still found out about his family's plan to buy a house.

Tang Bugui was taken aback at first, but then said to Madam Qian, "The Gu family is very concerned about their reputation, and Lord Gu is not only interested in Tang Si, but also in the reputation of the General's Mansion."

Madam Qian was slightly taken aback, but then she heard Tang Bugui continue, "I have no son, so the family will all belong to Su Bao from now on. My sister-in-law and several nephews are so good to Su Bao. As her uncle, I can't help them in any other way, but as long as I'm alive, I will be their support!"

"This general's mansion is also their home!" Tang Bugui said solemnly.

Madam Qian was slightly taken aback by Tang Bugui's serious expression, but then she said, "I naturally know your good intentions, but..."

Madam Qian took a deep breath and then said, "But no matter what happens in the future, these children will definitely protect Su Bao..."

"Sister-in-law!" Tang Bugui was about to speak when Qian interrupted him, "Find a house first, so that these children will also feel some pressure."

Tang Bugui thought for a moment and nodded.

Tang Bugui knew that Qian was somewhat stubborn after spending the past few years with her.

After agreeing on these matters, Qian and Tang Cheng went out together to look for a house.

Finding a place to live is a big deal, and there are many things to pay attention to.

Ms. Qian originally did not want to bring Xiao Su Bao along, but the little girl insisted on staying.

They went to the brokerage firm.

There weren't many people in the brokerage; only a few were there to serve customers.

Qian had been to brokerage firms in An County before, but the people there weren't very friendly.

This was Little Su Bao's first time at a dental clinic. Her big eyes blinked as she looked around curiously.

Just then, a broker dressed in broker's clothes walked over.

"What would you like to buy, gentlemen?"

Compared to An County, the brokerage firms in the capital were much better.

Regardless of what they were thinking, their attitude was good.

Ms. Qian breathed a slight sigh of relief; it would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous.

After all, Shengjing is not some remote, backwater place like theirs.

"I want to see a courtyard!" Madam Qian said to the broker.

The broker glanced at the Qian family without making a sound, but his gaze finally settled on Tang Si.

Tang Si is now the newly appointed top scholar in the imperial examination, and the broker happened to have seen him once the other day.

"Is this young master Tang Si, the newly appointed top scholar in the imperial examination?"

The broker asked with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

She looks much more approachable than before.

The newly crowned top scorer, no matter what happens in the future, is someone that people like them can't afford to offend.

Besides, he has a general as his uncle!

"Yes, that's right!" Tang Si smiled slightly, showing no arrogance, but rather a warm smile.

The smile on the man's face became more and more genuine.

"How big of a courtyard would you like to see, and where would you like it to be located? And how much would it cost?" the broker asked enthusiastically to the group.

After thinking for a moment, Madam Qian said, "As for the courtyard, a three-courtyard or four-courtyard courtyard would be fine, but not too remote. It would be best if it were in the south of the city!"

Madam Qian couldn't help but ask, "How much silver will this cost?"

After a moment's thought, the broker said, "We don't have many of these courtyards on hand right now. The courtyards in the southern part of the city are all quite large, and... most of them belong to officials and their families."

"Oh right, I remember now!"

The broker's eyes suddenly lit up, but then he said, "I know a courtyard that meets your requirements, but this courtyard... is a bit troublesome!"

"This courtyard is located in the eastern part of the southern city, only a quarter of an hour's walk from the palace, but..."

The broker's expression was somewhat complicated. Finally, after glancing around, he said, "That place is haunted!"

Madam Qian was taken aback and was about to speak when she heard Xiao Su Bao say, "Why don't we go take a look first!"

Ms. Qian nodded in agreement.

The broker had only suddenly remembered this courtyard, which they had owned for several years without selling it.

Originally, a courtyard house with five courtyards like this would cost at least seven or eight thousand, or even close to ten thousand, but now the price has dropped to three thousand, and still no one wants it.

The house is in a good location, but people who go there always seem to have inexplicable bad luck.

Over time, no one wanted to go there anymore.

Thinking of this, the broker couldn't help but say, "That courtyard is cheap, but... I don't recommend that the top scholar go there. There's something really strange about it!"

Tang Si pondered for a moment and said, "A gentleman does not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, or supernatural beings. Besides, I act uprightly and sit honestly, so I have nothing to fear, even if there are ghosts or demons!"

Seeing Tang Si's tone, the broker didn't continue trying to persuade him.

He led his men in that direction.

Having walked more than halfway, he finally spoke, "Look, this is the residence of the Minister of Rites, and this is..."

This area is full of high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

However, the storefront itself is quite understated.

Madam Qian sighed inwardly, but soon they were led to a courtyard.

This courtyard is separated from General Tang's mansion by two streets. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but as soon as I entered this alley, I could feel a chill.

It was even colder than outside.

Qian's lips twitched slightly.

Just then, the broker in front said, "We're here! This is the only house in this row!"

Qian followed the broker and looked over; it was clear that no one had been on this path for a long time.

The snow on the ground was very thick.

"No one has been here for a long time. It snowed a while ago..."

The dentist offered a somewhat embarrassed explanation.

“It’s alright!” Madam Qian said, but her brows furrowed.

The gate here looks very dilapidated.

The broker walked ahead, his steps uneven as he made his way to the main gate.

Qian was helped forward by Tang Qi and Tang Shan, while Xiao Su Bao was carried by Tang Cheng.

As the group approached the door, the broker quickly took out a key and opened the side gate.

"The previous owner of this courtyard was a wealthy merchant from Jiangnan. He renovated it very well, but later his family encountered some trouble and they were about to go bankrupt, so he sold the house to us."

Even the dentist found it strange.

This house is quite legendary; every owner has lived here for less than three months.

Upon entering through the side gate, one sees a covered walkway covered in dust and leaves.

The ground was a bit dirty, and you could occasionally see some animal droppings.

The courtyard was covered with thick snow. Because we didn't go through the main gate, we could only reach one side of the screen wall.

"Ahem, no one has been here for a long time, it's a bit dirty!" The broker touched his nose, feeling a little embarrassed.

Ms. Qian didn't care, after all, she had raised so many chickens, ducks and rabbits before, so it was normal for them to have droppings.

"It's alright!" Madam Qian waved her hand, showing no sign of anger.

Tang Si's expression remained unchanged.

Seeing the state of the top scholar's family, the broker finally felt relieved.

He and his men took a quick look.

"There used to be a small pond here. If you like, you can raise fish here!"

The dentist diligently explained the procedure.

The courtyard, which has five sections, is quite large, and the garden inside is also quite spacious. Long corridors connect the various courtyards, and the environment looks quite nice.

Moreover, there are artificial hills and small bridges inside, which shows that the original owner was rich.

The more Ms. Qian looked at it, the more satisfied she became, and the smile in her eyes deepened.

Little Su Bao, standing to the side, looked at her mother's appearance and began to scrutinize her carefully.

The girl sensed a familiar presence as soon as she entered.

She had definitely never been here before, but the atmosphere and ambiance here felt somewhat familiar.

It's like... an enlarged version of the Tang family!

That's right!

Little Su Bao's eyes lit up instantly, as if she had thought of something.

Seeing the little girl's dazed expression, Qian also felt curious.

After walking around, Madam Qian couldn't help but ask, "I wonder how much silver these courtyards cost?"

Ms. Qian felt that her purse might not be enough!

Little Su Bao also perked up instantly and pricked up her ears to listen.

"To be honest, the proper price for a courtyard here would be eighteen or ten thousand taels of silver, and even then, you still wouldn't be able to buy it..."

Madam Qian wasn't in a hurry; instead, she waited for the broker to continue: "But this place is haunted, and the feng shui is bad..."

"We'll only charge the cost price, three thousand five hundred taels of silver!"

The broker overcharged by five hundred taels, after all, this courtyard was indeed worth a lot of money.

Ms. Qian was stunned. She felt like she was about to collapse, but when she heard the price, her eyes lit up instantly.

She has now calculated the family's finances, and it comes to about four thousand two hundred taels of silver.

This place definitely needs to be renovated...

"Can you lower the price a bit? After all, this place is practically a haunted house, and we're just helping you clear out your inventory!"

Mr. Qian said with a smile.

The broker didn't say much.

Their prices are naturally allowed to fluctuate somewhat.

"If you really want it, it's three thousand three hundred taels of silver, no bargaining. But once it's sold, there's no going back!"

The broker explained all the advantages and disadvantages of the situation to the Qian family.

After a moment's thought, Madam Qian said, "Three thousand two hundred taels of silver. If that's acceptable, let's go sign the contract now!"

The yaman breathed a sigh of relief.

I bought this house myself, so it's good that I was able to sell it now.

This price was exactly what he was looking for.

Tang Cheng and the others naturally had no objections.

What bad feng shui!

How could the feng shui be bad if their younger sister is there?

After all, they had never seen anyone more unfortunate than their own family!

Tang Qi, Tang Shan, and Tang Si had no objections.

The group went to the brokerage firm to sign the contract, and Qian gave them the silver notes directly.

The brothers knew their mother had money, so they didn't rush to say anything.

Little Su Bao also breathed a slight sigh of relief, a smile in her eyes.

"Mother, this courtyard is nice!"

After the brokers left, Xiao Su Bao leaned close to Qian Shi and whispered something.

Looking at Xiao Su Bao, Qian's smile became even brighter.

The Qian family was also very surprised when they learned that the Qian family had bought the house.

"Little sister, you actually bought that infamous haunted house!"

Qian Chaoduo frowned slightly.

After all, the Qian family were business people, and they had heard about this courtyard.

The merchant's family was wealthy before, and it's said that they bought this courtyard, but their business plummeted, and they almost lost everything!

Ms. Qian felt a little flustered, but when she turned her head and saw the light in the little girl's eyes, she felt much more at ease.

"Don't worry, brother, our family will definitely be fine!" Madam Qian said with a smile.

Qian Chaoduo wanted to say something, but was glared at by his own father.

"Alright, don't worry about these things. We can always sell them later!"

Qian Wangwang looked at his daughter and asked, "Will the fourth son's wedding be held at the new house or the General's Mansion?"

When Madam Qian heard her father talking about serious matters, she said, "We still need to stay at the General's Mansion. It's not something that can be sorted out here in a short time!"

"Yes, I also think it's better to stay at the General's Mansion!"

After Qian Wangwang finished speaking, he turned to look at his son and daughter-in-law: "Duo'er probably doesn't have much money on hand. You know that courtyard is very big. It will probably cost a lot of money to move in..."

"Dad, you don't need to say anything. Leave the renovation of this yard to my brother and me. We know some people who repair houses and make furniture. We'll make sure to do a good job for my sister!"

Qian Chaoduo patted his chest and said.

Mr. Ma naturally had no objections, and as for money, he had no problem with it either.

Ms. Qian wanted to refuse, but Qian Wangwang interrupted her: "Okay!"

Madam Qian pursed her lips, feeling a warmth in her heart. In the past, she had shouldered all the family's burdens alone, but now that she had her father and brother, she was truly grateful.

But she was also worried that her sister-in-law might be overthinking things, and just as she was about to speak, Madam Ma said, "Little sister, just tell your sister-in-law what kind of furniture you like. My family makes furniture, and I guarantee I'll make it just right for you!"

“My family builds houses…” Qian Lailai’s wife whispered from the side.

Qian Lailai's wife's family were bricklayers, and in recent years, their business has grown bigger and bigger, even having people working for them in Beijing.

Over the years, Madam Qian had had to put up with many people's attitudes, and seeing the way her sister-in-law and brother-in-law treated her, she felt increasingly warm inside.

Little Su Bao couldn't help but look at her aunt, the little girl's brows furrowing slightly.

My aunt was rather thin and seemed to be carrying a heavy burden in her heart.

She had previously heard Qian say that her aunt had taken a lot of medicine and prayed to gods and Buddhas because she had never been able to have a child, but in the end she still couldn't have one.

Little Su Bao thought for a moment and then secretly glanced at her aunt.

"Auntie, can Su Bao touch your hand?" Little Su Bao blinked and asked her.

Fang paused slightly, and remembering what her husband had said, she blushed and reached out her hand.

Little Su Bao's hand was clenched in Fang's hand.

Fang felt a tickling sensation in her palm; the little girl's skin was soft and comfortable.

Xiao Su Bao touched Fang Shi's hand and then placed it on her pulse.

After a moment, Xiao Su Bao asked, "Auntie, does your lower abdomen always hurt terribly when you have your period?"

"Ah..." Fang's eyes widened as she looked at her father-in-law and elder brother, her cheeks flushing red.

"Ahem, I have something to attend to!"

Qian Wangwang turned and left.

"Father, I'll go with you!"

Qian Manman also led Qian Xiaobao outside.

All that's left are Qian's Little Crispy Treasure and Qian Lailai.

Little Su Bao looked completely confused. It was just a matter of treating an illness; in her mind, there was no difference between men and women!

"Yes, it will hurt a lot, it feels like the pain is unbearable!" Fang took a deep breath and said seriously.

Little Su Bao snapped out of her daze, nodded, and then asked, "Can I touch my aunt's belly?"

Qian Lailai nodded hurriedly, then looked at his wife.

Actually, it doesn't matter to my older brother whether he has a child or not. There's no throne in the family anyway. As long as the two of them live a good life together, that's good enough.

But my wife was upset about this for a long time, and she has been feeling depressed about it ever since.

He was genuinely worried about his wife's health.

If their little niece can help them, they only need one child, regardless of gender.

I imagine my wife won't always look so sad after having a child!

"Does it hurt here?"

Little Su Bao pressed on Fang's belly and asked a question.

"No……"

What about here?

"No!"

After being questioned for a long time, Fang shook her head.

Little Su Bao suddenly thought of a reason.

She remembered what her master had said: some people are not in pain because of physical discomfort.

It's not because they have psychological problems.

Thinking of this, Xiao Su Bao said, "My aunt has a little health problem..."

Instantly, everyone's eyes fell on the little girl.

Little Su Bao was startled, but still said solemnly, "There seems to be a slight problem here, but a little medicine will do the trick!"

Fang's eyes lit up instantly, and she quickly asked, "Really? Really?"

After asking, I felt it was impossible, and I became extremely nervous.

"Really, just a month of acupuncture and medication will cure it. However, my aunt needs to exercise every day during this time and avoid overthinking!"

Little Su Bao said earnestly.

"Okay, okay, I'll do anything to have a child!"

Mrs. Fang was extremely excited.

Everyone else said she had no problems, but she just couldn't have children!

Little Su Bao then said, "Uncle, why don't I take a look for you too?"

"What? Me?"

Qian Lailai was taken aback. No doctor had mentioned treating him before; it was all for his wife!

“Yes, having a baby isn’t a one-person affair!” The girl’s eyes were so clear that Qian Lailai blushed.

Even Mrs. Qian felt a little embarrassed at this moment!

This girl really dares to say anything!

Just as Ms. Qian was about to say something, Xiao Su Bao had already grabbed Qian Lai Lai's hand.

After a moment, the little girl said, "My uncle's health isn't good either. He must have suffered some damage when he was young, but it's okay. He can take some medicine, get some acupuncture, and then you and my aunt can exercise together. He'll definitely get better!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened in surprise!

Qian Lailai felt incredibly guilty. Why hadn't he gone to the doctor sooner?

If he had known all this earlier, his wife wouldn't have been so upset!

"See? I told you it was my fault, but you insisted it was your problem. Now you're sure it's my problem!"

Qian Lailai looked at his wife and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Is it really not my fault?" Madam Fang pursed her lips, tears welling in her eyes.

"Really, really!" Qian Lailai held his wife's hand, feeling very sad.

"You didn't despise me when I couldn't have children, so I won't despise you either!"

Fang took a deep breath and grabbed her husband's hand in return!

Qian Lailai scratched his head and hugged his wife tightly.

The Qian family...

Imagine yourself as dead!

I don't want to see my little brother anymore!

After Xiao Su Bao examined the two women, Qian Shi carried the little girl out to prevent her own daughter's eyes from being polluted.

"Tell your mother the truth, what happened?"

After carrying Xiao Su Bao a little further away, Qian Shi spoke.

"It's my aunt's problem. Actually, they are both in good health. My aunt just has some menstrual irregularities, but that doesn't affect her ability to have children!"

The Qian family...

Can a young girl always talk about giving birth?

Her lips twitched, but she still nodded in the end!

“Your aunt’s older sister couldn’t have children in her husband’s family, so she felt there was something wrong with her.” Madam Qian knew a little about this, so she sighed and said to the little girl.

“That must be the problem!” Xiao Su Bao thought for a moment and then told Qian Shi what her master had said: “Actually, mental illness is more serious than physical illness!”

Mrs. Qian was taken aback...

"If someone feels that their body is not healthy and that they can't go on living, even if their body is healthy, it will slowly deteriorate. My master said that our bodies are actually very strong!"

Ms. Qian nodded. After all, she thought she was about to die, but who knew she would still be alive!

Mrs. Qian stroked Xiao Su Bao's head, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Yes, a mental illness requires a mental cure."

Just as Tang Si's wedding was in full swing, a figure slowly approached the capital.

Inside the palace, the Empress clutched her chest, her brow furrowed.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?" A palace maid rushed over to check on her Empress.

"I'm fine!"

The Empress shook her head, but her expression did not look good!

"It's good that you're alright. His Highness has been feeling much better lately, so please don't worry too much!"

The Empress nodded, but the worry in her eyes did not lessen much.

Thinking of something, the Empress said, "Yes, I know!"

After the Empress finished speaking, she looked outside as if she had something on her mind.

A strange emotion filled my heart, and I felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

On the other side, the person completely shrouded in darkness also raised their head.

"I'm back!"

His voice was soft, yet it carried a chilling quality.

Little Su Bao was decorating the General's Mansion with her mother and the others when she suddenly sensed something. Little Su Bao raised her eyes, her gaze flickering.

A faint golden light flashed in the little girl's eyes.

"Why do I feel a little uncomfortable?" she murmured.

"Where do you feel unwell? What's wrong?" Tang Qi asked hurriedly at that moment.

Little Su Bao looked at Tang Qi and immediately said, "It's nothing, it's nothing, I'm just feeling a little unwell, probably because I'm too tired today!"

"Oh, then you go and rest first, leave the rest to us!" Tang Qi said seriously, looking at Xiao Su Bao.

"Um!"

Surprisingly, Xiao Su Bao didn't argue.

The little girl returned to the house, and suddenly, a human face appeared before her eyes.

Little Su Bao wanted to see clearly, but the face suddenly disappeared, and the person's voice came to her ears: "Get lost!"

Xiao Su Bao's expression changed slightly, and she subconsciously opened her eyes.

This was her first time searching for the source of the crisis, but after just one glance, she couldn't see anything clearly.

On the other side, the man in black suddenly raised his eyes, as if searching for something.

"Who dares to spy on me!"

The man muttered to himself, then waved behind him: "Go check the southeast direction and see if there are any strange people there!"

"Yes!" A voice came from behind, and then the figure disappeared into the crowd.

The man raised his eyes and glanced around, then, as if struck by a thought, said, "The capital city is indeed a place where hidden talents abound. This aura..."

The man raised his eyes, his smile growing even brighter.

It only gave people a vague sense of chill.

The emperor felt his head throb even more, an indescribable pain.

Almost the instant the man entered the capital, the city's cold wind seemed to grow even colder.

However, none of this deterred the Tang family's determination to find a wife.

On the other hand, the Qian family also planned to hire some people to clean the yard before the end of the year.

But when those people heard that the Qian family had bought a courtyard here, none of them wanted to come.

In the end, Tang Bugui had people from the military camp come and help, and they were able to temporarily clean up the entire courtyard.

The rest can be done slowly after Tang Si gets married.

At this moment, Ms. Qian, who was looking at the bride price, thought of something and sighed.

"In the end, we've wronged you all!"

Madam Qian turned her head and looked at her other three daughters-in-law.

Sun Cuihua felt a little uncomfortable at first, but after thinking about it again, she felt that it was nothing.

After all, being able to marry Dalang was already a blessing she had accumulated over eight lifetimes.

"Mother, please don't say that. This is the capital, not home!"