"You, you don't want to stay in Heqin anymore?" Jiang Yushu was dumbfounded, greatly surprised. She took two steps at a time to support the man and asked in surprise, "You want to go to Changping County?"
Xiao Tao refused to get up and nodded repeatedly.
Jiang Yushu was two years younger and less physically imposing. She pulled hard, but he insisted on kneeling. She gave up and sighed, "Why? Everything has a reason. Explain it all, and I'll hear it."
Xiao Tao's eyes were red and filled with tears. She looked up and cried, "I have no face to face you and I have no face to stay here. Please send me to Changping!" After she finished speaking, she could no longer bear the torment she had suffered in secret for several months and covered her face with her hands and cried bitterly.
"Why are you so shameless?" Jiang Yushu frowned, squatting helplessly. She asked face to face, "We've been together all day, and I haven't noticed you making any unforgivable mistakes. Everyone at home and in the village who knows you loves to praise you. What's wrong?"
Xiao Tao had been having trouble sleeping and eating lately. Last night, feeling guilty, she moved her bedding to Madam Pan's room and stayed awake all night. This morning, that knowing encounter had completely shattered her. She was at a loss for words, swallowing her deep shame as she replied dejectedly, "The Young Madam is incredibly intelligent and should have seen through it. I deserve to die for having such inappropriate thoughts about the Second Young Master. My crime is unforgivable. I simply cannot bear to stay in Heqin."
Jiang Yushu sighed, then suddenly realized, "So that's why?" She paused, carefully choosing her words, and asked gently, "There are no outsiders here right now. Frankly, I imagine that with the Second Young Master's family background, talent, and looks, there must be quite a few ladies who admire him. Right?"
Xiao Tao was taken aback. She had expected to be met with contempt and disgust, or even a harsh rebuke. However, the other party remained amiable and honest, replying, "Yes, this is unavoidable. But don't worry, the young master is always well-mannered and polite."
Faced with such a situation, it is impossible for a wife not to feel uncomfortable, no matter whether she was born and raised there or not.
However, according to the laws of the Gan Dynasty, "If a woman is jealous, she shall be subject to seven grounds for divorce." A wife must be virtuous and generous. Once she is caught with "jealousy", she will be at a disadvantage and will not win the argument even if she is right.
Jiang Yushu took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and forced herself to calm down. After thinking for a moment, she asked subtly, "You served me personally in the Marquis' Mansion. Could it be that you were already with him, with him... huh?"
Xiao Tao was stunned for a moment, her face flushed instantly. She shook her head quickly and stammered, "No, no! Although this servant had some improper thoughts, the young master never, never—never. If this servant lied, God bless you!"
"Okay, don't cry. I believe you." Jiang Yushu breathed a sigh of relief, then said with a worried sigh, "As the saying goes, 'A beautiful lady is a good match for a gentleman,' and vice versa. Alas, it's all because of that young talent that you've been so heartbroken."
Xiao Tao was stunned and confused. She said bewilderedly, "How can you blame me, sir? It's clearly my wishful thinking."
Jiang Yushu pulled herself up and pulled the man up, "Get up, sit down and talk! I'm no longer the young lady of the Marquis' Mansion, and I'm still young. Are you kneeling down to shorten my life?"
"I dare not." Xiao Tao leaned against the table and stood there in fear like a criminal.
Jiang Yushu's legs were numb from squatting. She sat down, bent over, and rubbed them. After a moment's thought, she said seriously, "Xiao Tao, I understand what you mean. But you also know that the Guo family is no longer what it used to be. The exiles have no choice but to move on, and their movements are restricted by the government. If you want to go to Changping, not only me, but even the old lady can't make the decision."
"Then, what should I do?" Xiao Tao said with tears streaming down her face, filled with regret and despair. "You've seen it, and I'm sure Cui Mei knows it too. I shouldn't have had such wishful thinking. At this point, how can I still have the dignity to stay in Heqin?"
Jiang Yushu waved her hands, suppressing her irritation and speaking calmly, "Why are you panicking? Don't worry, I can keep the rest of the people's mouths shut. No one will spread the news. Actually, there's nothing wrong between you two. There's no need to panic at all."
"But I feel ashamed. I know that you and the young master—" Xiao Tao choked up, feeling frustrated and guilty. "You have been kind to me, but I am restless and feel guilty for not being able to live up to your trust."
If the Jingyang Marquisate hadn't collapsed, which noble son wouldn't have been surrounded by three wives and four concubines, and a wealth of slaves and maids? According to the rules of the imperial court, the mother-in-law did nothing wrong, and she even had good vision by sending a gentle and virtuous maid to serve her son.
Taking in a concubine, I'm definitely against it, but what about him? If he's willing, would I force him to break up the relationship? Holding a heavy stick high for the rest of my life would make my arms sore and my heart tired.
Jiang Yushu felt a wave of annoyance and powerlessness, her heart hanging in the air, neither rising nor falling. With a long sigh, she forced herself to cheer up and said, "Stay put, I'll discuss this with your Second Young Master. No matter what, I'll give you a clear answer." It was also an answer for myself.
"Ah?" Xiao Tao raised her head suddenly, her face pale. She was so scared that she knelt down and hugged the other person's legs, begging in fear: "No! Madam, please don't tell the young master. I know I was wrong. Please send me away quietly and don't tell the young master. I beg you." As she spoke, she took two steps back and kowtowed desperately.
Jiang Yushu was startled and quickly held the man back, frowning and saying, "Stop talking nonsense. I never meant to chase you away. Now our family is helpless and can't travel back and forth between Changping and Heqin as we please. No one can go out on their own, not even to visit relatives. Oh, please don't make things difficult for me."
At this time, Guo Honglei outside the woodshed couldn't bear to listen anymore!
With a "bang", he pushed open the half-closed door and looked down at the maid with an expressionless face.
"Who?" Jiang Yushu and Xiaotao were surprised and turned their heads quickly.
Guo Honglei stepped through the threshold, walked towards his wife, and said in a deep voice, "There's no need to discuss. I'll make it clear right now: the Guo family is indeed no longer what it used to be. The old rules are no longer applicable. The law prohibits exiles from enjoying the blessings of a full family. Therefore, neither you, Biyue, nor Juan'er will be accepted. Xiaotao, there's no need to panic. Just gather your thoughts and find another family."
"Second sister-in-law." Guo Hongzhe stood outside the doorway, gritting his teeth and explaining awkwardly, "Second brother said he felt dizzy after lying down for so long and had to go out for a walk, so I brought him here. I had planned to see the sheep, hares, and vines, but who knew... cough." He couldn't continue, and tactfully said, "You guys chat, I'll go check on the sheep."
"Sir?" Hu Gang, having been dismissed from the distance, stepped forward and asked, "What's going on?"
Guo Hongzhe urged, "Hurry up and go! How can I have the nerve to interfere with what's going on in your brother's room?"
The master and servant disappeared in a flash.
The three of them were left in the woodshed, each with their own thoughts.
"Master," Xiao Tao knelt down with her legs weak, feeling ashamed, and asked tremblingly, "You, you don't blame this servant?"
Guo Honglei's face was gloomy, and he replied calmly, "As long as you can sort yourself out, I'll pretend I didn't know anything. If I didn't know anything, what's there to blame?"
"Thank you, Master, and thank you, Madam, for your generosity. I know I was wrong, and I will definitely change. I will definitely change!" Xiao Tao breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had been pardoned. She naturally preferred to stay in Heqin. It was out of guilt and remorse that she had suggested going to Changping. Dejectedly, she thought to herself, "Master, you're so good in every way, but it's a shame he's always so high and mighty, so imposing and unfamiliar, making it hard to get close to him. After this incident, he must resent me."
Guo Honglei advised, "You know how to be grateful, which is good. Go on with your life as usual and don't mention this matter again. Get up."
"Yes." From beginning to end, Xiao Tao was not scolded. She stood up hesitantly, looked at Jiang Yushu nervously, and seemed to be hesitant to speak.
Jiang Yushu sat there, her thoughts in disarray. She forced a smile and said slowly, "We've made things clear just now. If you still have any concerns, feel free to raise them. We're all farming together, and we see each other every day. It's not appropriate to harbor any resentment."
"No, no more!" Xiao Tao shook her head repeatedly, embarrassed and ashamed, and apologized with tears in her eyes: "I am sorry for causing trouble to you and the young master. In my heart, in my heart—" She was speechless, suddenly extremely confused, and stammered: "Lately, I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm confused and have no reason. I keep having random thoughts and can't control my mind."
It's obvious that you are suffering from unrequited love.
Fortunately, the condition is not serious and he is still rational, otherwise, you would not be willing to leave Heqin.
Jiang Yushu knew what was going on, so she interrupted him and changed the subject, saying soothingly, "There are plenty of beautiful women out there. There are countless men in the world! Don't worry, take your time and look for someone you like. Learn from Cuimei and make your own decisions. Find someone you like, and I'll help you two find a marriage. How about that?"
I make the decision myself? Xiao Tao clenched her fingers, her eyes confused and hesitant, and she replied awkwardly: "I am stupid and cannot compare to Cui Mei's cleverness. I can't learn from her."
Jiang Yushu patiently persuaded him, saying, "Everything depends on human effort. How do you know it won't work if you don't try?"
Guo Honglei looked around, curiously examining the lush brown vines in the pot, and suggested, "Besides Changrong and the younger Zou Gui, I have three other diligent and kind-hearted people around me. You might want to consider them. If you find anyone you like, just let me know."
At this point, Xiao Tao was stunned and almost forgot her purpose. She blushed with embarrassment and replied shyly, "No."
Jiang Yushu didn't sleep well last night and was not in good spirits. She said tiredly, "Lifelong matters cannot be rushed. You should be cautious and try your best to choose a reliable person to spend the rest of your life with."
"Go down." Guo Honglei waved his hand.
"Yes." Xiao Tao bent her knees, lowered her head as usual, closed the door, bit her lip and walked home. She was suddenly filled with worries, and suddenly felt relaxed, her heart was in turmoil.
When she entered the courtyard, Lin Qin was sitting at the door of the wing room, wiping his saber. The two of them met and exchanged a glance:
"What's wrong with you?" Lin Qin stood up and looked at the person with red and swollen eyes in surprise.
Xiao Tao hurriedly lowered her head, and then, thinking quickly, she answered vaguely, "The road was slippery in the snow, I, I accidentally fell."
"Where did you fall and get hurt?" Lin Qin approached, tall and strong, blocking his way.
Xiao Tao just wanted to hide, so she brushed past him and said as she walked, "I'm not hurt."
"Hey, why are you crying? Your eyes are swollen." Lin Qin was puzzled. He stared at the slender figure and wanted to chase after him, but stopped.
At the same time, in the woodshed
There was a large old square table and two chairs, and the young couple sat facing each other.
There were four treasures of the study on the table, two pots of vines on the windowsill, and a rabbit cage against the wall. Three wild rabbits were busy chewing grass, making crunching and rustling sounds.
It was a cold, overcast winter day, and dusk was deep. In the dim light, Guo Honglei glanced around and broke the silence, saying, "It's getting dark."
"Yeah." Jiang Yushu didn't even raise her head, but bent over the desk to write and draw.
Guo Honglei reminded him, "It's time to light the lamp. You're hurting your eyes by writing like this."
Jiang Yushu still didn't look up. "The fire starter is next to the inkstone."
"What are you busy with?" Guo Honglei stretched out his right arm and picked up the tinder.
Jiang Yushu never looked up. "Arrange the farming arrangements for next spring."
"It's still early." Guo Honglei knew she was angry, but he didn't know why. He asked tentatively, "Could it be that Xiaotao has been making a fuss about going to Changping lately?"
Jiang Yushu dipped her pen in ink and said, "No, this is the first time she mentioned it today."
"From now on, if something like this happens again, you don't have to discuss it with me. You can handle it on your own." Guo Honglei was injured in his left shoulder and had difficulty moving. He slowly fiddled with the tinder.
Jiang Yushu couldn't bear it, so she put down her pen and said, "Be careful not to tear the wound, let me do it." She stood up, bent down, reached out, grabbed one end of the fire stick, and pulled it, but the other party didn't let go.
"Let go, give it to me." Jiang Yushu tried hard, and Guo Honglei also tried hard, without saying a word.
If the two of them compete in physical strength, she will definitely lose.
"What are you doing?" Jiang Yushu was slightly annoyed and stared at him.
Guo Honglei finally let go and sighed, "I just wanted to get closer to see you. You're really angry."
"Who is angry? I am not angry." Jiang Yushu blew out the fire stick and lit the oil lamp.
Guo Honglei raised his eyebrows and asked: "Then why are you so stern?" @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
Jiang Yushu raised her eyes, unable to bear it any longer. She asked in a calm tone, "One day, if the Guo family makes a comeback, and the law allows it, will you enjoy the happiness of having two wives?"
The author has something to say:
Second Master Guo [cautious face]: What kind of question is this?
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