"No, it's not Susu's request!"
Guo Hongxuan's eyes gleamed with pity, and he told his family in an appreciative tone, "Susu doesn't want to cause me any trouble. Since we've met, she's rarely asked for help. She'd often rather struggle on her own than ask for help, fearing that I'd be upset."
Jiang Yushu's thoughts turned quietly, and she asked tentatively, "But, even if she doesn't explicitly ask for help, she often gets your help in the end, right?"
"Because I insisted on helping her." Guo Hongxuan knelt, a smile etched in his voice as he recalled some pleasant memory. "If I knew about this and just stood by and watched, how cold and indifferent would I seem? Alas, she's too stubborn. We've had several arguments over this."
"Really?" Jiang Yushu and Tian Huakui had never met before. They didn't share the same ideals, nor did they become friends. She had no desire to associate with prostitutes, but today, she had to consider this matter as a household chore.
Wang stared at her youngest son, speechless for a long moment, her disappointment choking her way through. She angrily demanded, "I've given orders not to mention 'hunhun' or 'susu' in this house, yet you keep saying 'susu', deliberately trying to irritate your elders. Humph, the courtesan's mother died of illness, what does it have to do with you? They didn't ask for it, so you volunteered to help carry the coffin. What good do you get?"
Guo Hongxuan was unable to convince his family, and suppressed his impatience. "My son is just worried about Su and the safety of this weak woman, so he decided to accompany her back to her hometown. If everything goes well, it can be done in a month and a half."
Guo Honglei's face was expressionless. "A month and a half? It seems that you care more about the courtesan than your career, and have completely forgotten about the imperial examination."
"Fourth brother," Guo Hongzhe said anxiously, "The exam is almost over, and you're going to Qinzhou instead of studying hard? You, you—at least finish the exam first, then deal with other matters."
In recent years, whenever the topic of "exams and future" came up, Guo Hongxuan became impatient and particularly irritable. He frowned and retorted, "This isn't a trivial matter; it's a major one! Besides, I've calculated that, barring any unexpected events, I should be able to return in time for the exam." After a pause, he muttered dejectedly:
"Alas, I studied diligently several times before, but I failed every time. Perhaps I'm simply not cut out for studying. Also, I'm clumsy and not cut out for martial arts. Neither martial arts nor literature are good. I'm completely useless. I've repeatedly let my family down, and I'm incredibly ashamed."
The family members were stunned when they heard this and looked at each other.
Could it be... that you're suffering from test anxiety? Jiang Yushu suddenly realized what was going on and understood perfectly. She consoled him, "What are you talking about? You're so young, you shouldn't underestimate yourself. Your family's expectations are all out of concern. Just do your best. Who's going to force you to pass the exam?"
"Are you complaining that your mother is too strict?" Wang was reflecting on herself, feeling very disappointed with her mother and was hesitant to speak.
Guo Hongxuan hung his head. "How dare I? I'm just blaming myself. I'm nowhere near as good as my brother, I'm useless, and I don't have the ability to bring honor to our family."
Guo Honglei raised an eyebrow, understanding. He softened his expression and said soothingly, "If you're worried about fame and fortune, there's no need to worry. God rewards hard work. As long as you persevere and work hard, you will pass the exam one day. It's not uncommon for people to achieve great things late in life."
"The road to imperial examinations has always been difficult. Only those who persevere can succeed," Guo Hongzhe encouraged. "The teacher just praised your excellent essay a while ago. Fourth brother, don't be discouraged. Keep working hard. Maybe you'll pass this year!"
Jiang Yushu thought for a moment and said gently, "If you want to change your teacher or study in a different way, we can discuss it. My family will do their best to arrange it for you."
"Listen, your brother and sister-in-law are so tolerant and caring. You, little rascal, mustn't you be ungrateful!" Wang sighed and compromised, "You've always been playful. Your parents have repeatedly advised you to 'work hard,' but you've always ignored them and been lazy, forcing me to be strict. Forget it, from now on, as long as you work hard, I won't bother nagging you."
However, in the minds of those who have failed repeatedly, the earnest expectations, care and love of their loved ones are heavy, heavier every year, making it almost suffocating.
Guo Hongxuan felt mixed emotions and thought to himself: my second brother was promoted one after another, my third brother achieved fame, and my second sister-in-law also had an official position.
And I have accomplished nothing so far.
He felt frustrated, then suddenly grateful for his family's tolerance, then anxious about his repeated failures, then his confidence soared, then he became depressed... In the end, the desire to protect Tian Susu prevailed!
Guo Hongxuan made up his mind and promised, "I'm very grateful for my family's tolerance. I will work even harder in the future! But, alas, I've already promised Miss Su and Miss Tian, and I can't break my promise to them. In order to return to take the exam in time, I will set off in two days and reach Qinzhou as soon as possible. After burying her mother, I will return immediately and take another exam."
After hearing this, the family was stunned again and remained silent.
Finally, Guo Honglei frowned and asked again, "Have you really thought it through?"
Guo Hongxuan didn't dare to look his brother in the eye and answered in a low voice: "I've thought it over. Second brother, don't be angry. I, I really had no choice. It's too worrying for a weak woman to go on a long journey, just like you are worried about your second sister-in-law-"
"shut up!"
Guo Honglei could no longer endure this. His eyes blazed with brilliance as he spoke solemnly, "How can you compare your family to a prostitute? My concern for my wife is natural; your concern for the courtesan is unbecoming. If she is truly as 'pure' as you claim, she shouldn't be constantly accepting help from others, even though we're not related to her."
Wang was filled with rage, burning fiercely, and she gripped the whip again, "Exactly! How many favors does she owe? How is she going to repay them? Hongxuan, listen to me, I will never allow a prostitute to set foot in the Guo family!" After she finished speaking, she gritted her teeth and ordered:
"Lei'er, A'zhe, when mother closes her eyes, it will be up to you to make the decisions. The Guo family's reputation must not be soiled by people like 'Huan Hun, Su Su'. If you indulge your brother's willful behavior, your parents will not rest in peace in their graves!"
When the younger generation heard this, they stood up silently, not daring to disobey the angry old man. They bowed and replied, "Don't worry, mother. I will remember this."
"Fourth brother was just confused for a moment. He has already realized his mistake. You have scolded him and beaten him. Can you forgive him this time?"
Jiang Yushu calmed her mother-in-law, patiently asked seriously, "Fourth brother, do you really have to go to Qinzhou? Is it okay not to go?"
Guo Hongxuan was grimy, but he loved Tian Susu so much that he didn't hesitate to upset the whole family. He was determined and answered with a bitter face: "No, I can't go back on my word." He was isolated and helpless. After a pause, he asked cautiously: "Second sister-in-law, you are the most reasonable and kind-hearted person-"
Jiang Yushu understood and raised her hand to interrupt, then asked calmly, "Let me ask you first: Miss Tian and her daughter's tragic fate, is it related to the Guo family? Is it the Guo family's fault?"
Guo Hongxuan was stunned and shook his head.
Jiang Yushu asked again, "Which imperial law requires us to help her and her daughter?"
Guo Hongxuan touched his nose and shook his head again.
Jiang Yushu spoke frankly, "I'm a very worldly person, and a mother of three. I have to consider my children in everything I do. In daily life, people's words are scary. Frankly speaking, even if Miss Tian was a beggar, as long as she had good intentions, I would be happy to help her and would not prevent her from getting close to my children. However, she is not only a prostitute, but also a famous courtesan. How can I not have any concerns?"
"I hope that my family will be at peace. I like quietness. Therefore, my sister-in-law dare not show kindness carelessly."
"Fourth brother, you seem to be interested in marrying Miss Tian. This is really surprising. Putting aside the family reputation and the opposition of relatives and friends, have you never considered your own children?"
Guo Honglei said solemnly, "My opinion is the same as your sister-in-law's. In fact, you have helped her a lot, she should be content."
Wang slammed her hand on the table and sternly admonished, "'Raised by a little whore'! That's a complete insult. A normal person would be furious hearing it. You evil creature, you don't despise me, but your whole family does! If you marry a courtesan, where will our family's reputation be? If, if you persist in your wrongdoing, I'll just pretend I never gave birth to you."
The white-haired old man was heartbroken and helpless, sobbing and slapping his thigh, "My Lord, My Lord, you left so early and left this evil creature Hongxuan to me. I simply can't discipline him. If you are still alive, please discipline him in my dreams and scold him harshly to wake him up!"
"Mom, please, please don't be like this." Guo Hongxuan frowned, but did not intend to change his mind.
Jiang Yushu frowned, exchanged a glance with her husband, and discussed a few words with Guo Hongzhe. The three of them worked together to help their mother up and said to the kneeling man, "Well, since you've made up your mind and insist on going to Qinzhou, then go."
"What?"
Wang was stunned and immediately stopped him: "You can't allow this! At this critical moment, he should stay home and concentrate on studying!"
Jiang Yushu sighed, "Fourth brother's heart is not in books at all."
Guo Honglei took the lead and forcefully helped his mother away. "Hongxuan is already an adult. He is not Yu'er. You can stop him but not his heart. If he dares to sneak out in the middle of the night to keep an appointment, he must also dare to sneak away to Qinzhou. Unless you are willing to break both of his legs."
"Breaking his legs" was just a threat, and Wang Shi certainly couldn't bear to break her youngest son's legs. She was being carried out, worried, and said disapprovingly, "We can't let him do this! Honglei, you have to think of a way to control your brother."
Jiang Yushu gave him a look, and Guo Honglei understood and replied, "Okay, I'll find a way."
"Why?"
Guo Hongxuan was left alone in front of the ancestral tablet, at a loss as to what to do. He asked blankly, "Mother? Second brother?"
"What do you mean? You all agreed?"
"Mom, are you asking me to kneel down and reflect on my actions? How long should I kneel for?"
Guo Hongxuan shouted, "Hey, at least tell me the time!"
Wang was so angry that she said nothing and left with a headache.
Jiang Yushu opened the hall door. Guo Honglei stepped out without looking back. He replied calmly, "Ask your heart. Kneel for as long as you think you should."
"Ah?" Guo Hongxuan was dumbfounded. He looked up at the many spirit tablets, then lowered his head guiltily, knelt in agony, and had all sorts of wild thoughts in his mind.
A short while later, bedroom
Jiang Yushu helped her mother-in-law lie down and said, "You've been working so hard for a while, take a rest."
"Really let Xuan'er go to Qinzhou? Is this okay?" Wang frowned and sighed.
Guo Honglei replied in a low voice, "He refused to follow the bright and clear path his family pointed out, insisting on choosing a rough and dangerous path for himself. Whether it's right or not, he'll understand once he walks it himself."
"Everyone in the family tried to persuade him, but he wouldn't listen. All he could think about was Su--" Guo Hongzhe quickly changed the subject, "All about the Oiran."
Jiang Yushu sighed, "'Love springs from nowhere, yet it grows ever deeper. The living can die, and the dead can live again.' Fourth brother is completely irrational now. The more we try to persuade him, the more stubborn he becomes. Breaking up a couple is like pushing him into the hands of a courtesan. Old Madam, are you willing to let him go?"
Wang's eyes were red as she gnashed her teeth. "That vixen surnamed Tian, a vicious evildoer, has clearly got her hands on Xuan'er. Humph, she'll never set foot in the Guo family again! Otherwise, I won't be able to face my ancestors after I die."
"We have our own family rules. Don't worry, I will never allow Fourth Brother to act recklessly." Guo Honglei said resolutely, "Fourth Brother won't listen to advice and is asking for trouble. Let him suffer enough. It's best if he can change his ways. If he persists, he doesn't deserve Mother's heartache."
Wang was filled with worry, kneading her solar plexus, and racking her brains for a solution.
"Well," Guo Hongzhe, understanding his younger brother, asked worriedly, "Although our family experienced exile, back then, everything depended on our mother, brother, and sister-in-law. My fourth brother and I hardly ever had to worry about anything. Qinzhou is long, and we're unfamiliar with the place. Regarding my fourth brother's safety... what do you think, second brother?"
Guo Honglei had already made plans. "I'll make the arrangements. Don't make a fuss or pay any attention. We must teach the fourth child a lesson he'll never forget. If he can't break his playful nature and laziness this time, I doubt he'll ever change."
Wang wanted to stop him, but she didn't want her youngest son to be a failure for the rest of his life. She said nervously, "You must be very careful. He's your own brother!"
In fact, the couple had already agreed on a plan last night. Jiang Yushu comforted him, "It's natural. We're a family, how could we really ignore Hongxuan?"
Wang was worried and couldn't help but advise: "As long as he can repent, it's not appropriate to punish him too harshly. Alas, that evil creature can't bear the hardship."
Guo Honglei didn't agree, just nodded.
Three Days Later: Narrow Alley
Guo Hongxuan, wearing a bamboo green suit and carrying a small bag, ran excitedly to a small courtyard and knocked on the door hard.
A moment later, a master and servant appeared. Through the door, Tian Susu timidly asked, "Who is it?"
"It's me!"
The gate swung open quickly. As Guo Hongxuan stepped over the threshold, he looked up and met a pair of misty, tearful eyes. He hurriedly asked softly, "Are you unhappy that I came to see you? Why are you crying again?"
Tian Susu's skin was whiter than snow, her figure was curvy and graceful, her eyes were upturned, and her lips were naturally rosy and plump. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she looked pitiful. She choked back a sob and replied, "I haven't seen you for a few days, sir. Susu is worried and afraid that she will never see you again."
Guo Hongxuan gestured for her to come in with a look of sympathy. "What do you mean? What have I promised you that I haven't fulfilled?"
"Susu is a lowly person and is not worthy of your trouble." Tian Susu was in mourning for her mother. She wore a loose plain dress that did not reveal her figure, but when her waist swayed, she looked particularly soft and graceful.
Guo Hongxuan immediately said, "Again! Alas, you are belittling yourself again."
"Have you been blamed these days? It's all my fault. I have implicated you, the young master."
Guo Hongxuan waved his hand proudly, claiming to be taking credit for it: "It's just a few scoldings, it doesn't hurt, it's okay! But I was kicked out of my home, so I came here to seek refuge. Please take me in, young lady."
"What?" Tian Susu was startled and stopped, her peach blossom eyes wide open.
The author has something to say: Jiang Yushu: Don't stop him, just let him go! Let him experience whether the outside world is really more comfortable than home...
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