In the side hall, the furious elder brother chased the younger brother with a horsewhip. After being whipped several times, the younger brother hid with his head in his hands, wailing and pretending to cry, trying to make his elder brother soften his heart.
"Brother, stop hitting me!"
"I know I was wrong. I know I was wrong. Calm down and don't hit me yet."
Guo Honglei shouted angrily: "Stop!"
"Listen to my explanation. Don't hit me—Ouch!" Guo Hongxuan dodged left and right, scrambling around tables and chairs. He kept admitting his mistake, first instinctively holding his head in his hands, then, certain his brother wouldn't attack his head or any other vital part, quickly shifting to protecting his back.
Guo Honglei was furious, frustrated that his brother had failed to live up to his expectations. He steeled his heart, wielding his whip swiftly and accurately, striking his brother on the back. He demanded in frustration, "You're obsessed with lust! You're absolutely obsessed with lust! For a prostitute, you've disobeyed your mother, missed your exams, and ruined your career, and yet you still refuse to change. What on earth are you thinking?"
"The rainstorm blocked the road. It was God's will. If I missed it, I missed it. There's always a next time. Besides, even if I took the exam, I probably wouldn't pass. I told you all a long time ago, I'm not cut out for studying." Guo Hongxuan said earnestly, "Brother, if you want to blame someone, blame me. Don't make things difficult for Susu. She's innocent, and she's pregnant with my child."
In an instant, Guo Honglei was furious and his face turned ashen. "You are my brother, I have to take care of you. Who is she to the Guo family? Even if I am bored, I will not waste my energy to make things difficult for her!" After he finished speaking, he swung the whip.
Under his father's arrangement, Guo Hongxuan learned several sets of boxing and kicking skills when he was young. He also practiced martial arts for a while during his exile, but they were just fancy moves and he was no match for his brother at all. He was too embarrassed to fight back, so he dodged breathlessly and jumped up suddenly, protecting his back but not his butt.
The whip fell with a "snap" sound.
Guo Hongxuan covered his butt and screamed in pain, "Ouch!" His body tilted, and he was tripped by the leg of a chair and fell down in a mess.
A moment ago, Jiang Yushu pushed open the half-closed door. "Honglei! Let's talk it over. Don't move—Huh?"
When she arrived, she happened to see her tall and strong brother-in-law being whipped on the buttocks. She couldn't help laughing for a moment, but then she controlled herself and ran to grab her husband, saying, "Alright, alright, that's enough! Hongxuan has fallen to the ground. Don't hit him anymore. Sit down and discuss it. Be careful not to hurt him."
"I didn't want to do anything, but look at all the good things he's done! Today, I have to teach him a lesson and wake him up."
Guo Honglei was furious and couldn't calm down. He pulled his arm free with a slight struggle, gently pushed his wife aside, stepped forward quickly, and whipped her seven or eight times.
"Ouch..." Guo Hongxuan, face down, never fought back, crying out for help: "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, please quickly hold my brother, it hurts so much, please save me."
Jiang Yushu was worried that the situation would get out of hand, so she simply hugged her husband's arm and pulled him back, saying, "Honglei, sit down, sit down, calm down." She noticed it only when she got closer, and hurriedly reminded him, "Your wound has split open and is bleeding!" As she spoke, she forcibly snatched the whip, "Alas, your wound hasn't healed yet, stop moving around, give me the whip, give it to me."
The whip was rough, and Guo Honglei was afraid of hurting her hands, so he let go reluctantly. He looked down and saw: she was wearing a bamboo green robe, and blood spots were oozing from her chest.
"Ouch, ouch, my back, hiss." Guo Hongxuan turned his head and saw the whip in his sister-in-law's hands, and he felt relieved. He had grown up in a noble family and had been pampered since childhood. Although he had suffered a few years of hardship during his exile, after his brother and sister-in-law rebuilt the family business, he lived a wealthy and leisurely life again. As a young man with delicate skin and tender flesh, he was afraid of hardship and pain.
"You still have the nerve to cry?" The elder brother frowned and stared at his younger brother in disbelief.
My brother wiped his tears quietly and said, "It hurts."
Guo Honglei was furious. He pointed at his brother and said to his wife, "Do you know what he just said?"
Jiang Yushu held the whip firmly in her left hand, hiding it behind her back, and checked the man's injuries with her right hand. "What?"
"A prostitute. When her mother had just passed away and her coffin hadn't yet been buried, she danced and played the piano every day, often accompanied Hongxuan for drinks, and was even... pregnant." Guo Honglei's brows knitted together, bewildered. His chest heaved violently, clearly furious. "How could Fourth Brother actually believe that kind of woman was well-educated, filial, and sensible?"
"That kind of person, can you call him 'well-educated, well-mannered,' 'filial and sensible'? It's ridiculous! I really can't understand, Fourth Brother, what are you thinking? You haven't even married yet, but you've already got a mistress and created an illegitimate child. Your moral integrity is flawed. Who would be willing to marry their daughter to you?"
"I swear, I didn't mean it!"
Guo Hongxuan had no excuse and was filled with deep regret. "But, I was drunk and had sex. I'm a man, so I made a lot of mistakes. Anyway, I made more mistakes. Actually, ah, I regret it very much, but there's nothing I can do. It's my fault for not being able to hold back. Right now, I can only take it one step at a time."
Is beauty in the eyes of a lover a sign of love? Has love blinded her reason? Jiang Yushu didn't dare say it out loud, lest she add fuel to the fire. She pushed her husband down to sit, then leaned over to her brother-in-law, bent down, and asked, "Where does it hurt? Can you stand up?"
"Humph, it's just a few lashes. I didn't break his legs." Guo Honglei slammed the table, his head aching with anger. "How long do you plan to stay down there? Get up!"
Although it hurt, it didn't hurt anything. Guo Hongxuan groaned and stood up with the help of a chair.
Jiang Yushu walked around behind her brother-in-law, examined him carefully, and whispered, "Don't worry, there's no bleeding, which means there's no skin broken, let alone internal injuries. After all, they're brothers, and Honglei can't bear to use any harsh methods."
"Thank you, sister-in-law." Guo Hongxuan was sincerely thankful and whispered, "Luckily you came in time, otherwise, I would have received dozens more lashes."
Jiang Yushu gently warned: "Sit down, discuss it properly, and don't get excited." After that, she sat next to her husband.
However, Guo Hongxuan was whipped on the buttocks and it was so painful that he couldn't sit down and had to stand far away.
The three of them were silent for a while, and the atmosphere was solemn.
After a long pause, Guo Honglei sighed and asked seriously, "You just said you felt you weren't cut out for studying and wanted to join the army? Abandoning literature for a military career?"
Guo Hongxuan nodded firmly.
Jiang Yushu said, "My fourth brother told me about this as soon as he arrived in Tuning. If I hadn't stopped him, he would have secretly joined the army long ago. I didn't object, but seeing how impulsive he was at the time, I was afraid he would regret it, so I advised him to be cautious."
"Join the army? Well, that's great. It can both strengthen your will and allow you to serve your country." Guo Honglei changed the subject and asked sternly, "However, this is no joke. Once you join the army, you must abide by military regulations and are strictly prohibited from taking any unauthorized action. You will train every day in peacetime, enduring the cold and heat, sun and rain, and in wartime, you will go into battle, facing the glare of swords and the fierce battles. If you have thought it through, there is no need to wait until tomorrow. I will take you back to Tuningwei and register your name at the new recruits' barracks. How about that?"
Jiang Yushu hesitated to speak and looked at her brother-in-law's expression.
"Huh?" Guo Hongxuan was stunned. He had expected his brother to dissuade him, but he was startled and dumbfounded. He stammered, "So, so urgent? Inappropriate?"
Guo Honglei stared intently and asked in a deep voice, "What's wrong with that? You've never loved studying since you were a child, and you've been lazy and undisciplined. You've been scolded countless times by your parents and teachers. Thinking it over calmly, I think your family shouldn't force you to do something against your will. Therefore, I've thought it through and agreed that you can abandon your studies and join the military. I'll also try to convince Mother. Don't worry, you can join the army. As for where you'll go, you can choose for yourself. I won't interfere."
"Brother, why, why are you so easy to talk to all of a sudden?" The younger brother panicked, feeling trapped and unable to back down. He asked in surprise, "Do you really agree?"
"Of course, a man's word is as good as his bond." The elder brother frowned unhappily. "Besides, when it comes to serious matters, I've always discussed it with you."
Guo Hongxuan was speechless, standing there in embarrassment. After thinking for a while, he said hesitantly, "Sister-in-law is right. Joining the army is a big deal and requires careful consideration. I'm thinking about it now. I'll tell you when I've thought it through."
Guo Honglei said nothing and stared at his younger brother.
Jiang Yushu wasn't surprised at all and said bluntly, "Alright, don't panic. Honglei was just trying to scare you. If he really sent you to the military camp, the old lady would definitely be angry and might even be sick. That's why we didn't dare to upset the elders. My guess is that when you heard about the danger your brother encountered during his expedition, you were anxious and worried, and decided to join the army in a fit of rage. But now that Honglei has returned safely, you've probably changed your mind and don't want to join the army anymore, right?"
"Hehehe." Guo Hongxuan laughed awkwardly and scratched his head awkwardly, "Sister-in-law is wise."
Guo Honglei took a deep breath, unable to restrain himself, and slammed his hand on the table with a loud bang. He angrily asked, "So, you don't want to study, and you don't want to join the army. Then what do you want to do?"
“I, I…”
Guo Hongxuan stared at his brother's disappointed eyes, stunned. Suddenly, he felt a wave of shame and guilt. Unable to contain himself any longer, he blurted out, "That's right. I don't want to study, and I don't want to join the army. But to avoid disappointing my family, I didn't dare to refuse outright. I just studied aimlessly. I'm not cut out for studying! I started learning at the age of five, and now I've been studying for almost twenty years, and I can't even pass the exam to become a scholar. I'm a complete loser."
"Brother and sister-in-law, please don't worry about me. I'm just a loser, a complete loser." After saying this, he was overwhelmed with sorrow and burst into tears. "I always fail the exams. I'm getting more and more afraid of the exams. It's so annoying. I don't want to continue taking them. It's a waste of time and it's so boring."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Guo Honglei was startled, then his expression softened and he said soothingly, "I was born with talent that will be useful. You have a solid knowledge base, so why underestimate yourself? If you work harder, you should be able to pass the exam next time."
Repeated failures in the exams were indeed tormenting. Jiang Yushu knew the pressure of exams well from her previous life and encouraged him, "Don't be discouraged. Last time you ranked quite high, just a little bit short of—"
"No, it's not just a little bit worse, but a lot worse, and the gap is getting bigger and bigger. Thank you for your comfort, sister-in-law, but I know myself well."
Guo Hongxuan couldn't hide his frustration. His expression was dazed as he muttered, "From the time I was first learning to the time our family was confiscated, my father always hired talented men from the capital as teachers. I don't know why, I just couldn't get into the swing of things. The teachers were full of knowledge, and my brothers understood things instantly. But I, alone, just don't have the natural instinct for studying. The more I learn, the dumber I get. Lately, whenever I try to write, I get dizzy, my brain turns to mush, and I can't think straight. Last time I sat down in the exam room, I broke out in a cold sweat. I couldn't wipe the sweat off my palms, and I couldn't hold my pen. I was so panicked."
Jiang Yushu was helpless and frowned as she thought for a moment, "How about I try to find you a new husband?"
"My ranking has nothing to do with you, sir. It's my own fault. I panicked as soon as I entered the exam room."
Guo Honglei frowned, very puzzled. "Strange, you are obviously very brave. The examination room is not a battlefield. What is there to be afraid of?"
"You've always been praised for your 'talentedness', having passed the imperial examination to become a scholar. Third brother, though in poor health, possesses exceptional literary talent and consistently achieves success in every examination. He's already a juren." Tears streamed down Guo Hongxuan's face, and he stared at his brother with near despair, choking back tears as he said, "You're so clever, you think passing the imperial examination is easy, but you don't understand my struggles. I'm practically going crazy! I hate books more and more. The sight of a book makes me want to burn it."
"you--"
Jiang Yushu calmed herself down and signaled her husband to calm down. "Fourth brother, we understand your idea. Don't be impatient. Let's discuss it slowly."
"If I force myself to read any further, I might actually go crazy." Guo Hongxuan was extremely depressed. When he was beaten just now, he had faked howling, but now he was in real pain.
The couple looked at each other and felt that the situation was difficult and they were at a loss as to what to do.
After a long pause, Jiang Yushu slowly said, "Fourth brother is already an adult. Let him make his own decisions regarding his future. As the saying goes, 'There are top talents in every profession.' As long as you follow the right path, you can't be blamed."
It is difficult for my brother and sister-in-law, but I have no choice but to do my duty.
Guo Honglei's anger gradually subsided, and he asked seriously, "But among the 360 professions, studying is the most leisurely. Those who excel in learning will become officials. If you can't fully grasp the knowledge right away, that's fine. Your family can donate money to help you find a future. How about that?"
"No, no." Guo Hongxuan shook his head vigorously, resolute. "Thank you for your kindness, brother and sister-in-law, but I really hate books and officialdom. Even if I donate, it will be a waste of money."
Guo Honglei took a deep breath, his face as gloomy as water, and leaned back, leaning against the back of the chair with a headache.
The situation froze. Jiang Yushu tried to smooth things over, suggesting, "Fourth brother, this is a serious matter. You must consider it carefully. We'll discuss it in detail later, once you've made a decision! What time is it? I'm so hungry. It's time for lunch."
Guo Honglei had no better idea. He stood up tiredly and told his brother, "Wait, I'll call someone to check your injury."
"Thank you, second brother." Guo Hongxuan received a beating, but he showed no resentment. Instead, he felt guilty and said with concern: "Brother, your wound has split. Bandage it quickly. I'm fine."
"Hmm." The elder brother looked at his younger brother deeply, opened the door and left.
Before leaving, Jiang Yushu said gently, "There's always a solution to everything. Let's talk about it another day. At worst, you can choose a completely new path. As long as it's the right path, I won't object."
"Thank you, sister-in-law!" Guo Hongxuan finally put down the heavy stone in his heart. Although his future was uncertain, he felt light-hearted.
In a blink of an eye, summer has gone and autumn has come, and Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching.
It was a three thousand li journey from the capital to Xicang, trekking through mountains and rivers. Jiang Mingcheng and his party traveled for two months and arrived in Heqin on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"Sir, we're here!"
The carriage stopped. Jiang Mingcheng, full of anticipation, opened the curtains and looked out, "Is this the place?"
"Yes, I have found out that it is the newly purchased house of the Guo family!"
Jiang Mingcheng got out of the car and looked up at the plaque, feeling a surge of emotion. "Thinking back to those days, my parents, my second sister and I—" He paused sadly and walked towards the gate first. "Let's go and pay our respects to the old lady of the Guo family first."
"yes."
At the same time, outside the county gate
Several dusty imperial envoys also rushed to Heqin, carrying the imperial edict to Guo Honglei, and hurried into the city.
The author has something to say: The temperature is getting lower and lower, it's 8 degrees o (╥﹏╥)o The coldest year I remember was minus one degree, terrible!
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