Return home
The next day, I returned home.
Tai Shi Zheng got up early on purpose.
She pulled the neatly dressed Cui Zhijun along, walking through the narrow and wide paths of the palace, attracting the maids who were sweeping and offering sacrifices along the way, who repeatedly greeted them.
Zheng looked out at the rising dust and smoke from the Bo Mansion, and the smiling faces, and responded enthusiastically, "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you, good morning to you too—"
Cui Zhijun stood behind her, his face ashen. He seemed unsure...
As the old saying goes: Like father, like daughter.
Cui Zhijun thought that he had personally experienced the power of Taishi Zheng. Then wouldn't her father, the god of war, be even better?
Cui Zhijun was already overwhelmed with the task of handling Taishi Zheng. Adding Taishi Zhengjiang to the mix, what would this stubborn man, who only knew how to study and teach but couldn't get along with others, do?
Cui Zhijun looked at the delighted figure before him with a hopeless look, wanting to ask the same question as Taishi Zheng: "Do I really have to go back?"
"Madam, madam—wait, you forgot to bring something."
Fu Yuanzi was panting as she caught up behind him, but her voice, calling out to Taishi Zheng, was as resounding as a bell. Zheng turned around, "Things? What? I don't have anything to bring."
Fu Yuanzi came up to her and Cui Zhijun, staring at Zheng with disapproval. She pointed at herself, "Me! Madam, you just dragged your husband away without even looking back. What about me? Why didn't you take me with you? I was going to follow you back home too! If my master doesn't see me, he'll miss me—"
Zheng was so happy about going home that she was overwhelmed. How could she forget such an important "returning gift"?
Fu Yuanzi was the maid that Taishi Zhengjiang personally selected for Zheng since she was five years old.
From the palace to the mansion, Fu Yuanzi spent more time with Zheng than anyone else. Zheng was as close to her as a sister, and Taishi Zhengjiang had treated her like his own daughter for so many years.
Now, Fu Yuanzi had gone with Zheng to the Cui household to serve, and her father felt as disappointed as if he had married off two daughters. Therefore, if Zheng forgot about her on this return visit, she would surely be scolded a thousand times by Taishi Zhengjiang.
Tai Shi Zheng suddenly let go of the sleeve that she was pulling, and Cui Zhijun fell out of favor instantly.
She quickly tried to smooth things over: "Oh, Yuanzi. It's my fault that I left in such a hurry just now and didn't see you in the yard. I didn't think of waiting for you outside. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Let's go home to see Dad."
After Tai Shi Zheng finished speaking, he took Fu Yuanzi's hand again.
Fu Yuanzi was easy to coax, and the two of them put aside their past grudges and walked forward happily, hand in hand. Only Cui Zhijun was left behind, wordlessly smoothing his sleeve, which had been wrinkled by Taishi Zheng.
Just when Cui Zhijun was about to walk away with a look of relief on his face, Tai Shi Zheng, who had returned with Fu Yuanzi, pulled his sleeve up again.
Looking at Zheng, she was holding Fu Yuanzi in one hand and Cui Zhijun in the other, and she was talking to herself: "Ah, look at my memory, how could I forget him again? I can't leave this with me. Why do I get scolded everywhere——"
The one-to-two action is really funny.
Cui Zhijun felt embarrassed and tried to break free from her restraints, "Taishi Zheng, let go. I can walk by myself."
"No, go away." Zheng refused him.
Cui Zhijun had no choice but to follow her willful behavior.
-
Outside the mansion gate, Fu Qile had already led his men to wait at the steps, and the car full of gifts had already been packed.
Seeing this, Cui Zhijun finally shook off the arm that was restrained by Taishi Zheng and came to Fu Qile. But before he could speak, Fu Qile smiled and called out, "Second Master."
Fu Qile looked up at the son she had watched grow up since childhood. Now that he was married and grown up, she felt indescribable relief.
She even compared Yuelan to someone who felt more sorry for Cui Zhijun.
"Madame Fu." Cui Zhijun nodded in response, and when he looked at her, he realized that she was no longer young.
But Fu Qile was still so capable. She turned around and talked about business: "Second Master, the return gifts are ready. You can set off now."
"Why are there so many people? Could they all be accompanying us?" Cui Zhijun glanced at the servants at the steps, somewhat surprised. These people even outnumbered the servants employed in the Yinzhu Yatang.
Fu Qile lowered his eyes and said, "Replying to Erlangjun, these are all orders from Shuren. They are serving today and in the past..."
"Serve?" Cui Zhiyun frowned suspiciously.
In fact, Fu Qile only said half of his words. The second half was Yu Yuelan's sarcastic remarks about the lack of people from the Taishi family and the poor hospitality. She wanted to let them see what they were capable of. Fu Qile felt that it was better not to learn.
But Cui Zhijun said in a deep voice, "Madam, please go back and tell Mother that we appreciate your kindness, but why make such a fuss? My wife and I will only need two or three servants, and please keep the rest for yourself."
"Madam, let's go. Don't miss the time." After saying this, Cui Zhijun stood in front of the carriage and decisively reached out to the steps.
Tai Shi Zheng, who was watching from the side, didn't react for a moment.
Madam? Who? Me—
"Oh, I'm here." Zheng finally came back to her senses, nodded and smiled at Fu Qile, and took Cui Zhijun's hand. Then, the two of them boarded the car swiftly. No matter how Fu Qile called him "Erlang Jun" again, Cui Zhijun ignored him. He knew that his mother must have had some bad idea.
The clatter of horse hooves faded away, and the gate of the Bo Mansion was left in the dust.
Taishi Zheng and Cui Zhijun sat opposite each other in silence. She looked at him with a deep expression, but she couldn't guess the reason. Zheng said bluntly, "Mother-in-law, you chose me as a servant with good intentions. Why do you think my husband is unhappy? Are you afraid that I might mind?"
"This matter has nothing to do with you." Cui Zhijun mentioned this indifferently.
He seemed to be holding back. Taishi Zheng could tell his anger wasn't directed at her, but Cui Zhijun was known for his submissiveness. What was the story behind this? Zheng wanted to ask but didn't dare. In the end, she could only hold it in and look away.
The way home always feels long.
During the three days since Zheng got married, although she has Fu Yuanzi and Cui Zhijun as her new companions every day, she always misses the time she spent at home.
Watching the cars coming and going on the road from afar, Zheng noticed the atmosphere was getting a little chilly and suddenly changed the subject: "You're going to see Dad soon, are you nervous, my dear? I was quite nervous when I accompanied you to visit the elders that day. Fortunately, you were with me, so I didn't feel so stage frightened."
"But don't worry about returning home today. Although Dad looks fierce, he's a good person. We don't have so many rules in our family. When we go home today, Dad will definitely go to the market early to buy fresh fish and shrimp, waiting to cook it for us at noon. Thanks to my husband, I am in for a treat."
Zheng's face was full of pride when she mentioned her father.
Cui Zhijun looked at the person opposite him with an expression of disbelief, "Personally... cook it for us?"
"Yes." Taishi Zheng nodded, not paying attention. "Although Dad's cooking is not as good as that of a chef with professional cooking skills, he is good at home cooking. Not only that, Dad does everything at home, from sewing to patching tiles. He is omnipotent. He takes all the -"
Is this really the Taishi family with a glorious family background?
Cui Zhijun had seen too many people and things with clear hierarchy and high status, so he was surprised by such ordinary days.
He fell silent.
But at the same time, Cui Zhijun also began to look forward to going to the home where Tai Shizheng once lived, to take a look at the days that belonged to her, a life that was different from his own...
-
The carriage stopped under the century-old plum tree outside Taishi's house, and Zheng jumped out of the carriage before Cui Zhijun.
It was still the same tall mansion, the autumn wind still stole the flowers, and the old man who used to peddle his wares along the street was still doing his peddling work day after day, "Selling herbs, fruits, melons, and vegetables. Come and see, come and see..."
The peddler's voice was still as loud as ever, and the drum he was shaking made a thumping sound, which attracted Zheng to turn her head and look to the east.
"Aung——" Zheng waved happily.
The peddler came to the door and put down his shoulder pole. "Hey, it's you, girl. We haven't seen each other for a while. How have you been?"
"I'm fine, Aung."
Tai Shi Zheng's affectionate call of "Uncle" made Cui Zhijun, who got off the car, very confused.
When the peddler saw the distinguished young man stepping out of the carriage, he said to Zheng, "Girl, this must be your servant, right? You are truly blessed to have found such a virtuous master. You must serve him wholeheartedly and ask your servant to find you a good marriage in the future."
Zheng sneered.
Grandfather, you still treat her as a servant!
"What do you mean by marrying into a good family?" Is she planning to marry again? Cui Zhijun asked in confusion.
Zheng ignored him. She just smiled and turned around to take Cui Zhijun's arm and pulled him forward. "Hehe, old man, why do I need him to find me a good family? Let me tell you, this guy is the servant of the Earl's Mansion! I'm already 'on his side'. I won't have to worry about food and drink in this life——"
The peddler was shocked when he heard this, and Cui Zhijun looked at her in surprise.
Only Zheng herself was laughing so hard that her whole body was shaking.
Although the old man was a little bit unbelieving, he still took out a simple hairpin from the box and handed it to Taishi Zheng as a gift.
This was the most the old man had to offer. He looked at Zheng and said earnestly, "Girl, it's not a good thing, so please don't despise it. Grandfather, congratulations on your wedding. I hope you will be blessed with happiness in the future."
When the old man congratulated, he said "May everything go well for you" instead of "May you have a happy marriage forever."
The meaning in his eyes was indescribable. He seemed to feel that a mere maid, having married into a wealthy family, would face misfortunes at any moment, and who knew where she would be in the next thirty years? He simply wished her happiness and contentment.
Zheng didn't refuse or explain.
She respectfully took the pearl hairpin with both hands, then pinned it on her hair and showed it off to Cui Zhijun, "My dear, do you think it looks good when I wear it like this?"
Seeing her acting so coquettishly, Cui Zhijun really wanted to escape.
Seeing that he didn't answer, Zheng moved closer and whispered beside him, "Aunt, this is a kind gesture. Just consider it a lucky gift. Cui Zhijun, give me the money."
When my wife gives the order, how can my husband not obey?
Cui Zhijun ruthlessly pushed the man aside and just as he was pulling out his purse from his sleeve to search for something, Taishi Zheng picked up a silver object and put it into the old man's hands. Cui Zhijun narrowed his eyes, angry but not daring to speak.
The old man felt the shining silver burning in his hand. "What are you doing, girl? It's just a worthless hairpin. I can't accept this money. I can't accept it."
Taishi Zheng declined, saying, "Grandfather, this is a lucky gift for you. It's for good luck. From now on, I'll be living in the Earl's Mansion. I don't know when we'll see each other again, and I don't know if you'll still recognize me. Please keep it. This is also a bond between us. You've always taken care of me when I bought things before. Besides, our Master Cui is very generous and has plenty of money."
Zheng's words were sincere, and the peddler was stunned. She took the opportunity to say goodbye to him, "Well, it's getting late, and I have things to do with my husband, so I won't chat with you any longer. I wish you a prosperous business—"
"Sheren, let's go." Before Cui Zhijun could figure out the situation, Taishi Zheng pulled him forward again.
The door of the mansion was gently pushed open, and the two men and the Cui family's messenger disappeared outside the door.
At that time, the peddler carried his shoulder pole, bit the silver in his hand, and said with a chuckle, "Hey, this girl is really good."
-
"Haha, Aung hasn't changed at all, he's still the same as before."
Behind the door, Zheng was touching the door panel and laughing so hard that she bent over. She found it funny when she thought about the scene of the engagement day.
However, from the moment Cui Zhijun entered the door, he stood in the corridor, speechless in surprise.
This Taishi family’s house… is so big.
I didn't expect that there would be such a family outside the inner city and the palace.
Seeing that no one said anything, Taishi Zheng turned around and touched Cui Zhijun, "Sheren? Master Cui? What's wrong with you? Oh! Master Cui, you are not still worried about the money, are you?"
"No, don't call me Sheren." Cui Zhijun withdrew his gaze.
Taishi Zheng snorted in frustration, then, with his hands behind his back, walked towards the front hall with a bright look on his face. Cui Zhijun followed behind, somewhat puzzled, and casually asked, "Where has everyone in the courtyard gone?"
If this were the Bo residence, there would have been five or six gatekeepers alone, not to mention the numerous maids and servants walking around in the front yard. However, the Taishi family was no small household, so how could there be no one there from the moment they entered? It was truly suspicious.
Upon hearing this, Taishi Zheng walked over, grabbed the washed ringo in the living room, and started chewing it. "Who is it? Dad?"
Cui Zhijun shook his head, and Zheng continued, "If it's not Dad, then who else could it be? A servant? Look, isn't Yuanzi here? She's the only one in our family who has a contract. The others leave after they finish their work, and are paid by the day. It's not time yet, so Dad should be the only one at home."
As soon as he finished speaking, the word "unbelievable" covered Cui Zhijun's face.
But soon, this emotion was transferred to Taishi Zheng. Taishi Zhengjiang came from the backyard, accompanied by a woman's anxious voice: "Master Jishi, please don't be like this, really don't be like this. I really have to go, I have to go..."
The people in the front hall, hearing these suggestive words through the wall, looked as gloomy as the dark clouds in the sky. No one dared to say a word.
Fu Yuanzi was horrified, and Cui Zhijun remained silent.
The bitten Ringo in Zheng's hand also rolled away at this moment. Her smile froze instantly. What...what was going on? Mom, you've only been gone for fifteen years, fifteen years, and your daughter has only been married for three days. How could Dad have changed his mind?
Tears welled up in Zheng's heart.
A ringing apple rolled to the feet of the newcomer. Taishi Zhengjiang stood in front of the hall. After bending down to pick up the ringing apple from the ground, he cursed at Zheng, "You little bastard, how shameless! I haven't seen you for three days, and you dare to waste things. This is something your father bought in the outer alley early in the morning—"
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