Wait for you
After a few pleasantries, Bao Nian turned around and started moving the long table outside. Tai Shi Zheng followed behind him and helped to take out the wooden box for the change.
Arriving next to Bao Nian, Zheng couldn't help but ask, "Sister-in-law, didn't Senior Brother Liu go home last night?"
"Did you hear everything?"
Bao Nian didn't stop what he was doing. He watched her carefully align the gap between the tables and then took the rag beside her to wipe it.
Zheng nodded and Bao Nian said yes.
Zheng then brought up what she had seen and heard the previous night. "But last night, my Erlang and I ran into Senior Brother Liu at Zhouqiao, drunk as he came out of a tavern. He ran away as soon as he saw us. Did something happen? Should we go look for him?"
Bao Nian was a little surprised when she heard this, but she did not accept Zheng's suggestion.
Bao Nian said, "Forget it. Let Madam Zheng worry about it. He'll be back when he's supposed to. We should be serving our guests. It's so early, haven't you two eaten yet? I'll get you some freshly steamed red bean paste buns. Sister Zheng and the others made some gourd soup this morning, and there's still some in the pot. I'll serve it all up for you."
"Thank you, sister-in-law."
Zheng thanked him, then turned back, feeling something strange. Liu Yugeng should have come home to announce his good news and say he was safe. Why was he completely silent now? But since Bao Nian didn't pursue the matter, what else could she say?
-
Cui Jianchun sat on a bench in the store, silently observing everything about Bao Nian. She was the only one who knew everything clearly.
But before Liu Yugeng made his choice, she still hoped to give her mother one last chance. She hoped that the man named Liu Yugeng would never go to Yuxiao Temple. She hoped that the woman named Baonian would live a peaceful and stable life forever.
Zheng stepped in and saw Cui Jianchun in a daze. "What are you thinking about?"
Cui Jianchun raised his head and said, "I'm not thinking about anything."
Sitting on the other side of the bench, looking out at the increasingly bustling Baohefang street, Zheng asked, "Chun'er, what do you think of this noodle shop?"
Cui Jianchun looked around.
She couldn't figure out why, she just thought the store was clean and bright, and the people working there were simple and hardworking, so she told him the truth.
Zheng smiled, which was considered as some affirmation from her.
Looking at the busy figures of the women coming in and out, Zheng took advantage of her free time to talk about them with Cui Jianchun.
"This is Zheng's sister. Her husband broke his leg while working as a stonemason a few years ago, and all the work at home fell on her. However, there are many places in Bianjing that hire workers, but not many that hire women. She has three children to take care of, so for many years she has been sewing and doing odd jobs for others. Our sister-in-law Cangyi met her on the road and introduced her to work here."
"That's Qin's elder sister. She lost her husband at a young age and also raised her children alone. They both have similar experiences, but as you said, Chun'er, they are both simple, hardworking, and... resolute."
Cui Jianchun couldn't believe it. Despite the hardships of life that had worn them down, they were still so vibrant and radiant. What kind of strong strength must this be? Cui Jianchun, who had been kept in seclusion for many years, couldn't help but sigh, this was a world she had never seen before.
She seemed to be the same as them, yet also quite different.
Thinking of Bao Nian again, Cui Jianchun pretended to ask casually: "What about her?"
"Sister-in-law Bao Nian?"
Zheng glanced back at the kitchen and told Cui Jianchun about Bao Nian's visit to Beijing and her experience with Liu Yugeng. It was during these descriptions that Cui Jianchun summed up Liu Yugeng in two words: stubborn and self-willed, and weak and incompetent.
At the same time, she also felt a lot of compassion for Bao Nian.
As they were talking, Bao Nian came over with red bean paste buns and gourd soup, and Zheng hurriedly thanked him.
Cui Jianchun, however, stared at Bao Nian from the side, as if she was making some kind of decision. Bao Nian looked at her with doubtful eyes, "Ms. Chun'er, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Cui Jianchun came back to his senses and replied awkwardly, "No...no."
Bao Nian and Zheng smiled at each other and said, "I'll get busy then. Enjoy yourselves."
-
The two of them had breakfast. Cui Jianchun took a bite of the red bean paste bun. It was just as Taishi Zheng had described, soft, sticky, and sweet. These women's cooking skills were truly amazing. But just as they started eating, Xia Buyu rushed over, as if he had smelled the food.
As soon as he walked in, Cui Jianchun's face instantly turned red, and the red bean paste bun in her hand was crumpled into a ball. Zheng noticed something and couldn't help but laugh. Xia Buyu still greeted her warmly as usual, "Zheng - Oh, what a good luck today, sister Chun'er is here too."
Cui Jianchun nodded softly.
Xia Laowu pulled a stool to the side of the table, pointed at the red bean paste buns on the table and asked, "Can I have one?"
Cui Jianchun suddenly raised her eyes and accidentally met Xia Buyu's fiery gaze, and quickly dodged. Ever since returning from the Ministry of Rites that day, she would often think of this bright young man. Seeing him again today, Cui Jianchun was happy in her heart, but her face was nervous.
After lowering his eyes, he carefully pushed the bamboo basket in front of him.
Cui Jianchun dared to respond, "Okay."
But before Cui Jianchun could finish his words, Xia Buyu put the red bean paste bun as big as a fist into his mouth and bit off more than half of it.
Cui Jianchun looked up and widened his eyes.
He has a good appetite, eats with great relish, and enjoys it very much...
Cui Jianchun was afraid that the person in front of him would choke on the steamed bun, so he quickly pushed the gourd soup on the table that he hadn't had time to touch to Xia Buyu, "Eat slowly...don't...choke."
"Sister Chun'er, you are so kind. But I'll just drink hers. You eat more and eat until you're full." Xia Buyu looked at Cui Jianchun with a touched face, but then he turned around and grabbed Tai Shi Zheng and drank half a bowl of gourd soup in one gulp. Not even a cent was left.
...Sister Chun'er, eat more, eat enough? So, this brat ate all her up?
This time, it was Zheng who stared at Xia Buyu with wide eyes. She raised her hand and punched him in the head, but the two of them continued to interact as usual. Zheng asked, "You're really rare. Normally, you'd be up until noon, but why are you up so early today? Did you know our Chun'er was here?"
Xia Buyu was an idiot. Zheng threw the question at him, but he answered frankly, "No, how could I know that Sister Chun'er was here? Besides, I didn't get up early. I didn't sleep a wink last night."
Zheng held her forehead and smiled bitterly.
Cui Jianchun lowered his head, and Zheng couldn't show it too obviously, so she just followed Xia Buyu's words and said, "You didn't close your eyes? What's bothering you that keeps you awake?"
Who would have thought that Xia Buyu would suddenly slam the table and stand up, startling everyone present.
Cui Jianchun and Tai Shi Zheng's eyes pierced through him.
Xia Buyu's strength was so strong that the door panel trembled three times. Zheng's sister even rushed out from the kitchen and shouted, "What's going on? The earth is shaking? The earth is shaking?" Xia Buyu knew that his actions were a bit exaggerated. He quickly turned around and bowed to Zheng's sister to apologize, "I'm sorry, I made too much noise, too much noise. I'll be careful, sister, you are busy-"
Upon hearing this, Zheng's sister turned around, and Xia Buyu sat down at the desk again, lowering his voice to a minimum.
It was so quiet that no one around could hear it.
"I'm telling you..."
Zheng finally couldn't stand it anymore, and in a fit of rage, she said bluntly: "Xia Laowu, can you be more normal? If you keep going like this, how will you ever get married?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Cui Jianchun burst out laughing.
She was laughing at Xia Buyu and said he was funny.
But the brother and sister, who had never seen Cui Jianchun like this, couldn't help but cast their eyes on her. Xia Buyu even stared at Cui Jianchun, saying in surprise: "Sister Chun'er, are you smiling? I thought Sister Chun'er couldn't smile..."
Cui Jianchun's smile gradually faded as he spoke, and the blush that followed became even more intense.
Zheng took over the conversation, "Xia Laowu, don't interrupt. Let's get down to business."
Xia Buyu finally came to his senses and said something that shocked Taishi Zheng for a long time. "I thought about it all night yesterday, Zheng. What if I pass the imperial examination in the future? Do you think someone like me is really suitable for serving in the court? How can a blockhead like me write anything good? In the end, don't I still have to rely on my father and the Xia family? So I've figured it out. If I want my father to truly respect me, I have to create something on my own."
"Sister Chun'er is here today too, so she can be my witness."
"Zheng, I'm going to Weizhou to fight."
-
Later, after sending Xia Buyu and Cui Jianchun to the street corner of Baohefang, Taishi Zheng watched Cui Jianchun board the carriage while Xia Buyu stood holding the horse. He couldn't help but ask, "Old Fifth, have you really thought it through? Are you really going to the war? This isn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision anymore?"
"What? Are you going to mock me like them, saying I'm overestimating my own abilities and having wild dreams? You can't do that. You're the first person I told this to."
Xia Buyu smiled calmly.
He has too many titles as a child of aristocratic families. They always mention the Xia family first and then Xia Buyu.
Xia Buyu had once considered living this way, but it wasn't until that day, before the Ministry of Rites' list, when he saw those who had studied hard and succeeded, each rejoicing in their achievements, that he suddenly realized that they had achieved their goals by working hard to realize their ideals and ambitions. What about him? Would he share their joy when he achieved his fame? He was still being pushed forward by his father.
Xia Bu Yu was at a loss as to his direction and the meaning of his existence.
Therefore, leaving Bianjing, leaving the Xia family, and going to a distant place was the result of Xia Buyu's careful consideration.
Zheng could see that he had truly made up his mind. Zheng just found it hard to accept Xia Buyu's change for the time being, but she would always stand by him. "If you've really made up your mind, Lao Wu, I support you. Go ahead, go out and try your luck, maybe it will make you a better person."
"I'll help you repair the book for my elder brother and ask him to take good care of you."
"Zheng, you're so nice." Xia Buyu smiled with narrowed eyes.
Zheng urged the person in front of her to leave, "Alright, no matter what happens tomorrow, you have to send our Chun'er home today. Let's go, and walk slowly."
"Okay, don't worry." Xia Buyu mounted his horse.
Cui Jianchun sat in the carriage on his way home and said goodbye to Taishi Zheng, "Cousin, please don't see me off."
The young man on horseback escorted the girl's carriage slowly forward. The two of them sat silently, separated by a bamboo window. But little did they know that the girl sitting alone inside was looking out from time to time. Cui Jianchun was looking at Xia Buyu's bright face.
The wind inadvertently lifted the bamboo curtain, and Xia Buyu turned his head and saw a pair of calm eyes.
This time Cui Jianchun forgot to dodge and stared at him intently.
Outside the car window, at just the right distance, Xia Buyu held the reins, his back swaying as the horse walked. He looked into the girl's eyes and suddenly asked in a deep voice, "Sister Chun'er, do you have anything you want to say to me?"
Yes, I have a lot to say.
Cui Jianchun fell silent and turned her head away again.
They had barely met when the young man before them was about to depart for a distant land. She, too, was plagued by misfortunes, facing an uncertain outcome. She wondered if she had the ability to turn things around and change the fate her mother had determined.
So she didn't dare to speak and chat with Xia Buyu. Cui Jianchun shook his head in the carriage, and Xia Buyu had no choice but to drive the horse slowly.
But after walking for a while, Cui Jianchun suddenly called out, "Yu Ge'er."
Xia Buyu looked back, and Cui Jianchun said again, "Can I call you that?"
Xia Buyu was surprised at Cui Jianchun's boldness, but she was clearly a shy person - this girl was so interesting.
Xia Buyu was surprised, but he smiled and replied, "Of course."
Cui Jianchun finally let down his guard and said to Xia Buyu, "Thank you for saving me in front of the Ministry of Rites that day. You left in such a hurry that day that I never had the time to thank you. Brother Yu, thank you."
The spring breeze blew across his face at the right time. Xia Buyu continued Cui Jianchun's words, "I was at fault that day. Sister Chun'er doesn't need to thank me. I should be the one apologizing."
The sky is bright,
The two of them smiled at each other, and neither of them spoke again.
-
Xia Buyu had sent her to the intersection near the Bo Mansion to avoid suspicion. Cui Jianchun said goodbye to him, her eyes filled with reluctance, but what could she do? Fate had not favored her, and she and Xia Buyu had probably ended up here.
As the sound of horse hooves rang out,
The carriage and the young man driving the horse began to move in different directions.
Cui Jianchun turned around to look at Xia Buyu's departing figure, and suddenly raised his voice to call out to the driver, "Stop."
The sound of the horse being reined in suddenly stopped the young man's raised whip.
Xia Buyu turned around, puzzled, only to see Cui Jianchun hastily leapt from the carriage and ran towards him, skirt lifted. But when they were staring at each other across a forked road, Cui Jianchun stopped and firmly asked Xia Buyu, "Brother Yu, life in Weizhou is tough. This is a farewell. Will we meet again?"
Xia Buyu, covered in the light of heaven, turned his horse's head and faced the girl standing in the dim light.
Right now, he had no idea why the person in front of him asked him this question.
But Xia Buyu was still willing to respond to Cui Jianchun's inexplicable question, "Yes, Sister Chun'er, if I win the battle and become a powerful general, I promise you that when I return to the capital, I will come to see you first. Do you think it's feasible? I know where your home is now~"
Cui Jianchun's life was filled with hope again. Even though she was now standing in the shadows, the person she was looking at was full of radiance. Cui Jianchun smiled knowingly and replied softly, "Okay, I'll wait for you to become the general."
-
On the 24th, it rained continuously.
This was the fourth day after the results were announced, and the third day that Chu Fanghua had met Liu Yugeng.
The afternoon rain pattered against the windowsill. Cui Jianchun leaned against the window as usual, watching the raindrops hitting the banana leaves. However, the only difference today was that she raised her hand and pushed open the window, no longer keeping it closed, isolating herself from the world outside.
The second room has been unusually quiet these days, so quiet that Cui Jianchun almost forgot what Chu Fanghua did that day.
Cui Jianchun stared at the wet courtyard wall. She had always harbored fantasies. She imagined that Chu Fanghua would suddenly have a change of heart and let the matter go. She imagined that God would bless her and that everything she had accidentally heard outside the door that day was just an empty dream...
But the peaceful time was soon broken by a maid coming from outside the yard.
The maid saw her young lady open the window and lean on the windowsill lazily, and couldn't help but say something: "It's really rare today. When did the young lady like to open the window?"
When? Is it when someone lights up your heart?
Cui Jianchun didn't respond.
The maid brought the fruits and vegetables distributed by the kitchen and walked into the boudoir. Seeing that the young lady didn't respond, she changed the subject. "Well, it's strange. The young lady said that it rained so hard today that you'd get muddy if you went out. Why would the Second Madam go to Yuxiao Temple to burn incense at this time? Wouldn't it be better to wait until the weather clears up? The gods won't blame us for bad weather. Tell me, young lady, am I right, young lady?"
The maid put down the fruit and looked back, only to see Cui Jianchun running out into the rain, carrying an unopened umbrella. She chased him out the door, but he had already vanished, leaving only the wide-open window, through which a few petals of wild flowers drifted in.
"My dear, where are you going again..."
-
Yuxiao Temple is deserted on a rainy day.
An oil umbrella that is so worn out and has mottled marks on it stands out in the center of the pavilion, making it even more eye-catching.
It was the familiar thoroughfare. Today, he stood in the east corridor, staring at the Lingguan Hall, the man in the eye-catching crimson official uniform, shrouded in secrecy. He had never seen anyone so arrogant in front of the Lingguan. Liu Yugeng seemed to notice his presence and turned to glare at him.
Gan Dao looked at him calmly and was suddenly startled.
A person's eyes could become so fierce in just three days. This was enough to show how filthy the soul Liu Yugeng had once suppressed beneath his skin was. Gan Dao then bowed with his whisk and turned to leave.
Liu Yugeng retracted his gaze and looked directly at the immortal in the spiritual official.
He had been in the court for three days, but he had already seen the world. When Liu Yugeng walked into the court in this official uniform, he was just a small-time imperial censor who was at the mercy of others and did trivial work. But when he walked out of the court wearing this uniform, everyone would respectfully address him as "official".
This was the "respect" he had never received before.
Having tasted the sweetness, his desires grew wildly, and he abandoned all loyalty and righteousness. What Liu Yugeng wanted was more than just the title of "official", was it that simple?
So, when that exquisite oil-painted umbrella, even one with a landscape painting on it, was opened beside him, Liu Yugeng replied impatiently, "Madam, I accept your proposal three days ago, but I wonder if you have any clever ideas to make this happen?"
Chu Fanghua raised the corners of her mouth with a cunning look. She slowly took out the divorce letter from her bosom, and every word of it confirmed their evil deeds.
Chu Fanghua said, "I knew you wouldn't let me down, sir."
"Here, this is a drafted divorce letter. Bianjing has many people and many gossips, so a divorce letter needs to be certified by the government. Kaifeng Prefecture is now ruled by Prince Bei, and if things go wrong, it will inevitably give people a chance to talk. So all you have to do is sign and seal this divorce letter, and then find a way to trick her back to Xingren Prefecture. I'll take care of the rest. Any charges of infidelity or unfilial piety will be considered as the seven grounds for divorce, and the government will judge her. You just need to draft the engagement letter and submit it to my house. When the time comes, you and my son will get married. The Queen Mother will give you a new house. You can just wait and live a good life."
Liu Yugeng took the divorce letter without any change in expression. He simply hid it in his sleeve and replied softly, "I am grateful for the Empress Dowager's gift. From now on, I will serve the Chu family. Madam, I am very fortunate to have such a pleasant cooperation. I will be returning home today."
Chu Fanghua smiled silently.
The sins and karma in front of the Lingguan Temple, Chu Fanghua and Liu Yugeng ended up being in cahoots with each other.
At that moment, a small noise from the temple's porch caught Chu Fanghua's attention. She turned back and saw a figure hurriedly rushing out of the temple. She immediately sent someone to chase after it. The old woman looked at the familiar umbrella and stopped in her tracks.
Returning to the Lingguan Temple with nothing, the old woman leaned close to Chu Fanghua's ear and whispered softly, "Madam, it's Sister Chun'er."
After hearing this, Chu Fanghua narrowed his eyes and shouted sternly, "Go back home."
-
Cui Jianchun ran away, the dirty rain muddy her skirt. Everything was developing in the bad way she expected. Her mother did not pick up her conscience. Cui Jianchun knew that she was likely to be discovered by her mother. She had to rush home before Chu Fanghua returned home.
This way there is room for maneuver.
But standing at the intersection where traffic was flowing left and right, Cui Jianchun wondered if she should go talk to the woman called Bao Nian and give her a heads up. She couldn't just stand by and watch Bao Nian being deceived by them, kept in the dark, while she only cared about herself.
On the left is the way home, and on the right is the long street leading to Baohefang.
Cui Jianchun hesitated and fell into a dilemma...
In the end, it was the kindness of putting oneself in others' shoes that made Cui Jianchun run to the right regardless of anything.
When Cui Jianchun arrived at Baohefang, Bao Nian was just coming back from shopping.
Cui Jianchun recognized the simple figure at a glance. She took two steps and grabbed Bao Nian's wrist, rushing into her sight. Bao Nian looked at the person in surprise. She subconsciously wanted to break free, but suddenly responded: "Ms. Chun'er!?"
Cui Jianchun was pressed for time and didn't bother to talk much with Bao Nian. He said bluntly, "Listen to me, Liu Yugeng is coming home today. Remember, don't listen to anything, don't believe anything. And don't go back to Xingren Mansion with him—"
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