Chapter 108
◎Death◎
Since sharing a room with Feng Ran, Duan Jingchuan has never been separated from her.
In his younger days, he couldn't sleep soundly if there was any noise around him. But with Feng Ran by his side, whether she was climbing on him or touching him, he could sleep peacefully.
The person who had taken up most of his bed tonight was gone, and he felt a little uneasy. He lay in bed for almost an hour, unable to close his eyes, feeling as if something was missing.
"Why don't I just send Madam over first thing tomorrow morning? Why should Madam be busy with all this for my brother's wedding?" Duan Jingchuan, who was all alone, slept with resentment. He suddenly got up and thought about the possibility of smuggling Feng Ran over from the backyard.
"It's just past dusk, I wonder if Madam is asleep yet." Duan Jingchuan recalled Feng Ran's carefree attitude and sighed silently. He figured he was the only one who couldn't sleep tonight.
Just as he was thinking about whether to light a candle and get a book to make do for the night, there was a sudden rustling sound from the window.
His tightly furrowed brows suddenly relaxed, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, he cleared his throat, and mumbled in a breathy voice, "So noisy."
He knew Feng Ran had sharp ears and could hear the sound. Then, he calmly looked towards the window and saw the gap getting bigger and bigger.
Feng Ran, on the other side of the window, quietly pushed it open. Not hearing the sound of anyone turning over inside, she assumed Duan Jingchuan was fast asleep. In her mind, she secretly calculated the possibility that he might be unaware of her presence and steal away.
Seeing that Feng Ran hadn't moved, Duan Jingchuan thought he had misheard. He put on his coat, prepared to get out of bed, and lit the candles.
Feng Ran heard the sound and knew that Duan Jingchuan had woken up. She stopped pushing the window open and instead pretended to say in a high-pitched voice, "My dear husband, open the door."
As Duan Jingchuan walked in the dark, he almost tripped over himself. His lips twitched. Where did he hear this strange accent?
Without further delay, he got up, lit a candle, and opened the window. Feng Ran, dressed in a single layer of clothing, thus entered Duan Jingchuan's sight.
He frowned and said in a less than pleasant tone, "It's chilly at night, why don't you wear more clothes? Come in quickly."
After speaking, he lowered his head slightly, put his hands around Feng Ran's waist, and gently lifted her up from the window.
Feng Ran's eyes lit up, and she said with a grin, "I've gained weight recently, but it's still so easy for my husband to carry me. You're getting stronger and stronger."
Duan Jingchuan gently pinched Feng Ran's nose. "Where have you gotten fat?"
Feng Ran patted her belly and said, "Look, I've gained weight."
Duan Jingchuan felt her breasts with his hands and noticed they were indeed fuller than before. He then changed the subject, feigning ignorance, and asked, "What's wrong? Is the bed in the backyard uncomfortable?"
Feng Ran was very honest, "I feel uncomfortable without you, so I plan to steal you away."
Steal him? Duan Jingchuan was full of questions. How could a man like him rest in the women's quarters?
As if knowing what Duan Jingchuan was hesitating about, Feng Ran started rattling off her reasoning.
"That courtyard is either your mother, a middle-aged woman, or your sister. What are you afraid of? Just get up early tomorrow morning and sneak back."
Duan Jingchuan opened his mouth, puzzled, and asked, "Why don't you stay here tonight and I'll quietly take you back tomorrow?"
Feng Ran immediately adopted a pitiful demeanor, her almond-shaped eyes turning into puppy-dog eyes, and said pitifully, "Don't you love me anymore? Do you want me to get up early?"
This trick never failed, and Duan Jingchuan was dragged to the backyard in a daze, unknowingly boarding Feng Ran's pirate ship, no, onto Feng Ran's bed.
Fortunately, the two of them were each other's best sedatives. When their heads touched, they both fell into a sweet dream.
Neither of them expected that a girl would sneak into Jinghua Courtyard in the middle of the night, enter the room where Huang Que used to live, and never come out again.
The next morning, Duan Jingchuan was supposed to sneak back to Jinghua Courtyard at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), but the two of them slept so soundly that it was already bright daylight when Xiuer knocked on the door to wake Fengran. The young couple then groggily opened their eyes at the same time.
The pupils dilate simultaneously, and they speak in unison.
Why are you still here?
"I overslept."
Judging from the sounds in the courtyard, the servants were already up. It wouldn't be pleasant to see Duan Jingchuan leaving through this door.
Feng Ran was somewhat embarrassed, and said helplessly, "Why don't you hide here for a while? I reckon Xiong Qi will come over and bring you clothes soon."
Duan Jingchuan could only nod helplessly; what else could he do?
It wouldn't be wrong for him to just go out, but when he came last night, he forgot to put on his outer robe.
Because Duan Jingchuan was inside, Feng Ran didn't feel comfortable calling Xiu'er in. Fortunately, Duan Jingchuan had long been trained to be an all-rounder, and dressing and styling his hair were no problem for him.
Finally, he even got the urge to draw Feng Ran's eyebrows, but Feng Ran immediately dodged far away, saying, "I won't draw them. I need to keep a low profile today, so I don't get looked at like a monkey."
Duan Jingchuan paused, then threw the snail-shaped hairpin back, examined Feng Ran again, removed the two bright hairpins, and nodded in satisfaction.
Then, still worried, he added, "Later, I'll shield you, and make sure no one sees us."
Feng Ran just didn't want to put random things on her face, so she came up with that excuse, but she didn't expect Duan Jingchuan to actually take it seriously.
She looked longingly at the two discarded hairpins, her heart breaking. Her favorite sparkly hairpins were gone. She said resentfully, "You were somewhat selfish."
Duan Jingchuan's ears turned red, and he said firmly, "I'll draw you a few more new designs in the future, and I guarantee you'll be changing them every hour."
Feng Ran dawdled for almost half an hour while getting ready, but no one rushed her.
The auspicious time is still early. At this time, it should be the bride's side that is in a flurry of activity. As the groom's relatives, they can enjoy some peace and quiet in the morning.
Just as Feng Ran was about to leave, Xiong Qi arrived late, looking rather unwell.
It was rare to see Xiong with such a dark expression, so Feng Ran teased, "Is it because I kept Xiu'er locked up all night, so you didn't have time to fawn over her? Why are you looking so dejected?"
Xiong Qi hesitated, unsure whether he should speak or not, and stammered.
Duan Jingchuan frowned. "Just say what you want to say."
Xiong Qi made up his mind and said in a low voice, "This morning I saw that Miss Biao stayed overnight at Jinghua Courtyard. After waking up early this morning, she was crying and sobbing at the entrance of Jinghua Courtyard, as if she had suffered a grievance. Today, both the front and back courtyards were busy, but fortunately, not many people saw her. I took the liberty of keeping her at Jinghua Courtyard."
Feng Ran didn't react for a moment and asked in confusion, "Why did she go to Jinghua Courtyard to cry? Why didn't she go to her elder brother's place to cry? Could it be that her husband would make her his legal wife?"
She thought this was Qin Lianhua's resentment; she had worked so hard to win over her beloved, only to be relegated to the status of a concubine. If this beloved were a legitimate son, it wouldn't be so bad, but he was born of a concubine. As a legitimate daughter, she had been humiliated. But in Feng Ran's eyes, she deserved it.
Duan Jingchuan wasn't as naive as Feng Ran. With a tremor of his eyelashes, he knew what Qin Lianhua was up to, and he was secretly furious.
If it weren't for her mother's instructions, she wouldn't dare to act on her own, no matter how bold she was. Did her mother just not want him to be happy? She would stuff everything, good or bad, right under his nose.
Duan Jingchuan's anger came too suddenly. Feng Ran belatedly realized what was happening and said in disbelief, "That lotus flower was aimed at you! Was it there to disgust you?" Her voice was sharp at the end because she was so surprised.
Seeing Xiong Qi and Duan Jingchuan both silent, Feng Ran wondered, "Is there anything you don't understand?" With a resounding slap, she smashed her subordinate's rosewood table into pieces. "Ha. He's gotten quite bold. Taking advantage of my absence, he actually tried to steal from my house. Has he lost all attachment to this world?"
Feng Ran was furious. Duan Jingchuan could understand this, and so could she. She felt even more disgusted by Qin's actions.
However, today is her elder brother's big day, and making a scene like this would be bad for everyone. A hint of ruthlessness flashed across her usually kind face. Since that's how it is, don't blame her for being impolite.
He waved at Xiong Qi and whispered something in his ear.
Upon hearing this, Xiong Qi's jaw nearly dislocated in surprise. Looking at Feng Ran's furious eyes, he was unsure whether he should have done this.
Just as she was about to ask Duan Jingchuan for help, Feng Ran's sinister voice rang out like a ghost: "If you keep your mouth shut, I will keep Xiu'er by my side for the rest of my life."
Xiong Qi immediately shut his mouth, which he had been trying to open, and left without even glancing at Duan Jingchuan.
Feng Ran smiled reassuringly at Duan Jingchuan, kissed his chin, and said sweetly as if nothing had happened, "Today is my brother's big day, and the front and back courtyards must be very busy. Remember to come and see me after you've finished taking care of things, my husband."
Not knowing what Feng Ran was up to, Duan Jingchuan naturally wouldn't stop her from doing anything, but he still explained, "I've only had a few interactions with my cousin, and you were always by my side, so please don't be angry, Madam."
Feng Ran felt a little sorry for Duan Jingchuan's cautiousness, so she gently hugged him and said in a muffled voice, "Why would I be angry? The fact that so many people are trying to steal you only proves that I have good taste! And having you completely under my control also shows how capable I am."
The anger at being tricked by his mother gradually dissipated. Duan Jingchuan bent down slightly, buried his head in Feng Ran's hair, and slowly withdrew his weak emotions.
Duan Yuze was, after all, a son of a concubine, and he married the legitimate daughter of a minor family. Because Duan Jingchuan's wedding was extremely frugal, Duan Yuze couldn't possibly surpass that, so he could only try to keep it as simple as possible.
Although Duan Jingchuan and Feng Ran are now Marquis and Marquis's wife, the servants still refer to them as the Second Young Master and Madam for the sake of easy distinction.
Although they could be addressed as "Young Master" in private, the servants knew perfectly well that in public, it was uncertain whether the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion would ever have a Young Master.
The wedding was not extravagant and ended quickly. Feeling bored, Feng Ran whispered to Duan Jingchuan, "It's really not worth all this trouble just for these three kowtows."
Duan Jingchuan was both amused and exasperated. The young lady dreamed of a grand wedding, but in his wife's words, it was all just trouble.
Male and female guests were separated. Feng Ran couldn't stay with Duan Jingchuan all the time. The two of them had just been elevated in status, and there were some appearances they couldn't avoid.
The young couple did not make an appearance at their wedding, and this was their first official appearance in a social setting.
With her changed status, everything was truly different. Feng Ran could sense the subtle glances from these ladies and young women, but none of them spoke hurtful words without restraint, unlike before.
She thought that this must be the real reason why Duan Jingchuan racked his brains to obtain this honorary title!
This world is never short of kind people, as long as you stand high enough.
Similarly, no one can enjoy flowers and applause forever unless you never fall from grace.
Despite the fawning and subtle probing from the crowd, Feng Ran's smile remained unchanged, as if it were a mask etched on her face. Even though she secretly despised these people, she didn't reveal it in the slightest.
But there's a little voice inside me, keeping a little notebook to keep track of accounts.
"That old lady in purple disgusts me, and that girl in yellow seems to want to be my sister."
She calculated, one by one, how much benefit she could ask Duan Jingchuan for to soothe the damage to her ears, nose, and throat.
Chunyu Lan also came over this time. Seeing that Feng Ran was almost frozen from laughing, she took the initiative to defuse the situation, "Sister Ran, I'm not feeling well. Could you take me to rest for a bit?"
Feng Ran nodded eagerly, put her arm around Chunyu Lan's slender waist, turned around and ran away, not giving the girls and young ladies behind her a chance to chatter any longer.
Only after she was out of everyone's sight did she breathe a sigh of relief and say gratefully, "Lanlan, you really saved me from a disaster. If it had been another incense stick's time, I probably would have had to make an escape to pee."
Chunyu Lan was overjoyed. "Sister Ran has really changed a lot. If I didn't know what you looked like before, you could really fool me."
Dignified and elegant, with ease and confidence – that's what Chunyu Lan saw in Feng Ran.
She could hardly imagine what kind of power had transformed Feng Ran, who used to find it difficult to even stand upright, into such a gentle and virtuous woman.
However, Feng Ran's answer shattered her illusions and fantasies.
She said expectantly, "The better I act today, the more grievances I can express to Duan Jingchuan in the future. Won't he have to cede territory to me and pay reparations?"
Chunyu Lan's heart was pounding with excitement, fantasizing about Feng Ran changing for love. But after hearing Feng Ran's words, the fluttering heart transformed into a giant pink bubble, which Feng Ran then used to smash directly at Duan Jingchuan.
Amused by her own abundance of ideas, Chunyu Lan's lips twitched, and she stared blankly at Feng Ran, wondering what else she could say.
Feng Ran didn't want to continue sharing her thoughts. Remembering that Chunyu Lan was just an unmarried young woman, she changed the subject, saying, "By the way, I heard from my husband that Shi Fusheng has already come to see you. How was it? Is his face still to your liking?"
Chunyu Lan blushed and said softly, "Young Master Shi's appearance is undoubtedly impeccable."
Feng Ran nodded with satisfaction, "It's good that you like looking at his face. He doesn't have any other redeeming qualities, except that he's good-looking."
Chunyu Lan disagreed, saying, "Young Master Shi is a very nice person."
Feng Ran touched Chunyu Lan's dimple and chuckled, "You've only known him for a few days. Spend more time with him and see how things go. If you like him, then let him marry into your Chunyu family. It will also bring you and your siblings more popularity."
"What?!" Chunyu Lan's watery eyes widened in shock. She stammered, "Marry?"
Feng Ran replied matter-of-factly, “Otherwise what? He’s penniless and holds no official position. He’s obviously just a gigolo. You don’t need to worry about him being vain. I can’t speak for other things, but if he truly wants to marry you, he will be devoted to you wholeheartedly. He’s a stubborn man.”
Chunyu Lan asked curiously, "Does Sister Ran know Young Master Shi very well?"
Feng Ran stroked her chin. "I don't really know her well, but she's definitely stubborn."
In truth, Feng Ran and Shi Fusheng had very little contact, but they likely shared similar tastes. People like Duan Jingchuan and Chunyu Lan were people they naturally felt drawn to.
Chunyu Lan is a gentle and kind girl. If Shi Fusheng is determined to settle down and start a family, he will naturally not miss this girl.
Of course, Feng Ran's thinking was also straightforward. She knew that Shi Fusheng was not a person of low character, and that he would not do anything excessive to Chun Yulan without a formal relationship. That's why she felt at ease introducing him to her.
If Chunyu Lan could have a sweet premarital romance, that would be a wonderful thing. If the two were truly destined to be together, that would be even better.
The commotion at the Marquis of Dingbei's residence only subsided after the moon had seen the entire scene.
The groom went off to his priceless wedding night, and the rest of the family breathed a sigh of relief, eager to take a bath and relieve the day's fatigue.
However, two more bolts of lightning awaited them.
After the wedding banquet ended, Madam Qin called the Marquis of Dingbei and his wife, Feng Ran, aside and casually expressed her thoughts.
"My lord, after having tea with Yu Ze's wife tomorrow, I will go to a nunnery in the suburbs for quiet meditation."
Lord Duan was taken aback, and said with a complicated expression, "You don't need to do this."
Madam Qin glanced at Feng Ran discreetly, her expression unchanged, and said, "My mind is made up, Your Excellency need not try to persuade me further."
She then pursed her lips and said with difficulty, "I know my request is a bit excessive, but Hua'er is, after all, my own niece. If she suffers any grievances in the manor in the future, I hope that Your Excellency can help her and fulfill my wish."
Qin rarely made demands of him, and this request was not excessive, so Lord Duan naturally agreed readily.
Feng Ran's lips curled up slightly. She had a feeling that things wouldn't be that simple. Could it be that Qin Lianhua really had the guts to frame her husband? She didn't think so.
Duan Jingchuan kept his head down, seemingly lost in thought.
Suddenly, Granny Feng rushed over in a panic, grabbing Qin Shi's sleeve and refusing to let go. Her body trembled as she stammered, "Miss, Miss Qin, she..."
Qin panicked immediately, tears welling up in her eyes. She said sternly, "What's wrong with Hua'er? Tell me!"
Granny Feng looked at Duan Jingchuan, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.
In her panic, Qin didn't care about anything else and grabbed Feng Mama's arm, urgently saying, "Speak quickly!"
Old Marquis Duan, growing impatient with the stammering, said in a deep voice, "There's nothing more to say."
Then, Granny Feng said in a tearful voice, "Yesterday, Miss stayed at Jinghua Courtyard. This morning, she ran out of Jinghua Courtyard crying, her clothes disheveled. Many servants saw her."
The conversation ended abruptly there, leaving the rest to their own imaginations.
Lord Duan's face was fierce. Everyone knew that outsiders were not allowed to enter Jinghua Courtyard, and there were only two rooms where the master could sleep. Qin Lianhua definitely couldn't enter the study, so it was easy to guess where she would rest that night.
Feng Ran and Duan Jingchuan, who should have been the most anxious, remained silent at this moment.
Duan Jingchuan seemed guilty, or perhaps afraid to admit it, his eyelids slightly closed, his breathing slow and gentle.
Feng Ran watched Qin Shi's performance with disbelief at first, then looked at Duan Jingchuan with a blaming gaze, and finally, as if she had no choice but to give in, she said with great grievance, "How can Hua'er marry Yu Ze again? She can only marry you now!"
"Hahahaha!" Feng Ran laughed uncontrollably as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world, and tears almost streamed down her face.
Looking up at Qin Shi, she said softly, "Mother, she looks down on her illegitimate son husband and has instead chosen a marquis. You really are being very shrewd for your cousin Lianhua."
Qin was feeling guilty and dared not look Feng Ran in the eye. She could only stare at Duan Jingchuan with a pleading look on her face. "I will be leaving the manor soon, Jingchuan. Keeping Hua'er in your courtyard will not be a problem for you."
Feng Ran wanted to laugh again. This was a combination of soft and hard tactics! Knowing that it was difficult to talk to her, she went to Duan Jingchuan to play the emotional card, hoping that Duan Jingchuan still had some motherly affection for his daughter and would help her find a good place for her niece.
Her chest and abdomen felt like they were filled with the stench of the five grains, and she felt like she was about to spew foul language as soon as she opened her mouth. She felt extremely nauseous and suddenly felt dizzy.
Lord Duan suddenly said, "Enough. Qin is ill. Starting tomorrow, she should go to her house in the suburbs to recuperate. Knowing that you are reluctant to part with your niece, let her serve you."
Qin looked at Lord Duan in disbelief and accused him, "They are all your sons, can't you treat them equally?"
Qin's meaning is very simple. Back then, Qin Lianhua lost her chastity to Duan Yuze, so Duan Yuze had no choice but to take Qin Lianhua as a concubine. But those who knew about it back then had long been silenced. Now this matter is just being repeated on Duan Jingchuan, so why can't it work?
Besides, Qin Lianhua did not actually lose her virginity that day, but yesterday, she ran out of Jinghua Courtyard in disheveled clothes, which was obvious to everyone. It would not be unreasonable for Duan Jingchuan to take Qin Lianhua as his wife, and she did not expect to be his legal wife.
Feng Ran laughed sarcastically. Old Marquis Duan glared at Feng Ran and stared angrily at Madam Qin.
"Do you know where Jingchuan stayed yesterday?" Before Qin could answer, Old Marquis Duan closed his eyes again, reluctant to continue. "Do you know whose room Qin Lianhua is in now?"
Qin was somewhat uneasy. He had clearly arranged and planned everything perfectly. Could there have been a slip-up?
Lord Duan didn't want to dwell on the matter any longer, and said slowly and deliberately, "Yesterday, Jingchuan slept in Fengran's room in the backyard, and he hasn't gone back yet. As for Qin Lianhua, she climbed into my bed early this morning. Are you satisfied?"
When she got to the last two sentences, Feng Ran was a little afraid that Old Marquis Duan would grind his back teeth to pieces, so she took a step back guiltily.
Unaware of the situation, Duan Jingchuan's eyelids twitched. He resisted the urge to look at his father's expression, but secretly took Feng Ran's hand, showing the old Marquis Duan that he and his wife were one.
Although Lord Duan didn't know the cause and effect, he could guess that these two unlucky people had plotted against him. He was really angry and didn't want to look at these two troublesome people in front of him. He would rather turn his head to look at Qin's distorted face.
Qin Shi thought that Duan Jingchuan was responsible for this, but when she turned her head and saw Duan Jingchuan's cold and ruthless gaze, her heart ached. She knew that the situation was hopeless and there was no room for maneuver. She immediately fell to the ground and said weakly, "Fine, I will leave with Hua'er tomorrow."
If Qin Lianhua continues to stay in the manor, she will definitely have no way out. Even if nothing really happens, she has already been connected with the father and his two sons. Even for the sake of reputation, the Dingbei Marquis's manor will not spare her life.
Feng Ran's move was undeniably ruthless, directly causing Old Marquis Duan to completely lose faith in Qin Shi, and incidentally cutting off any possibility of Qin Lianhua causing trouble again. Duan Jingchuan also saw through his mother's true colors and probably never wanted to see her again in his life.
For the rest of Qin's life, those she loved and those she didn't will all leave her.
Feng Ran was still unwilling. If she could cultivate her mind and body in the house in the suburbs of Beijing, she could still live a happy life for the rest of her life. But who would repay Duan Jingchuan for the bitterness of the first half of his life?
She cast a cruel gaze at Granny Feng, who shuddered as if being stared at by a vengeful ghost. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead. She dared not defend herself and could only prostrate herself on the ground.
Duan Jingchuan suddenly squeezed Feng Ran's wrist and shook his head at her.
Feng Ran reluctantly shut her mouth and turned her head away from Duan Jingchuan.
Duan Jingchuan simply smiled gently at the back of her head, then turned his head away, his voice gentle.
"Granny Feng is spouting nonsense and has led our master astray. I dare not keep such a person by my mother's side any longer. How about beating her to death?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of the people present all changed.
Feng Ran never expected that Duan Jingchuan would have the same idea as her and harbor murderous intent towards Granny Feng.
Lord Duan was surprised, but more pleased. This decisive and ruthless manner reminded him of his younger days.
Qin Shi and Granny Feng looked on in disbelief.
Especially Qin Shi, whose wet nurse was Granny Feng, how could she just watch Granny Feng die? She said sternly, "Duan Jingchuan, if you have any anger, take it out on me. Granny Feng only does things according to my orders!"
Duan Jingchuan didn't even flinch. He pulled out a stack of papers and two medicine packets from his pocket and threw them at Granny Feng's feet.
"Since Mother says so, does that mean she admits that Granny Feng did all these things at your behest?"
With trembling hands, Granny Feng picked up a piece of paper from the ground, glanced at it briefly, and her face turned ashen. She dared not plead any longer, and her body collapsed weakly.
Qin's eyes were also filled with disbelief as she stared at Granny Feng for a long time without saying a word.
Knowing she had no chance of survival, Granny Feng said weakly, "This was all done by this old servant. Madam was unaware of it. You may kill me or widow me, it is entirely up to you."
Feng Ran was curious about what was written on the paper. How could someone who was at the peak of their will to survive just a quarter of an hour ago suddenly plummet to the bottom of a precipice?
She snatched the paper with lightning speed, and before Duan Jingchuan could stop her, Feng Ran had already finished reading it.
"Go to hell!"
Feng Ran flew into a rage and kicked Feng Mama in the chest with all her might, sending her flying and shattering the screen. The kick continued at the same speed until Feng Mama slammed into the wall, whereupon brains and blood gushed out, and she stopped breathing.
Even Qin Shi, who was tugging at Feng Mama's sleeve, didn't fare any better. She was swept back three or four steps, her back slamming against the threshold, and she vomited blood on the spot.
They were caught off guard and shocked by the sight.
Feng Ran's movements were so fast that not only did Duan Jingchuan not have time to react, but even the old Marquis Duan, who had practiced martial arts for many years, did not expect this to happen.
He was instantly enraged and shouted, "Your Highness, how dare you be so insolent!"
Feng Ran, in a fierce manner, slammed the paper directly into the arms of Old Marquis Duan. Before she could say anything, her vision went black and she fainted.
Duan Jingchuan gritted his teeth, "Madam!"
A note from the author:
It's almost finished; there are about two or three chapters left.
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