"The blessing of having two wives?" Guo Honglei was stunned. After thinking for a while, he suddenly realized: It turned out that my wording just now was inappropriate, which made her suspicious and sulked.
Jiang Yushu flicked the wick, her hand steady and measured. She spoke slowly, "You told Xiaotao, 'The Guo family is no longer what it used to be. The old rules no longer apply. The law forbids exiles from enjoying the same happiness as everyone else.' From your words, you seemed deeply regretful."
"You misunderstood," Guo Honglei said seriously, "I didn't mean that."
"Oh? That's strange." Jiang Yushu tried to remain calm, absentmindedly packing the tinderbox. She asked curiously, "Since ancient times, hasn't having three wives and four concubines always been considered a blessing by men?"
Guo Honglei frowned and tapped the table with his fingers. He did not respond immediately, but thought to himself: With many wives and concubines, and surrounded by beautiful women, the descendants of noble families often enjoy the blessing of having many wives and concubines.
The Marquis of Jingyang's Mansion was no exception. In all generations, male descendants, both legitimate and illegitimate, could take in maids in addition to their wives and concubines.
Conventionally, there is no need to openly announce the taking of a concubine. If a man takes a fancy to a maid from any room or mansion, or even on a whim, he can take her in, and abandon her if he gets tired of her. As long as she doesn't do anything out of line, the elders will turn a blind eye and acquiesce to it for the sake of the overall situation and reputation, rather than severely reprimand her as if it were a scandal.
Guo Honglei came from a distinguished family and, from a young age, was acquainted with the turmoil of the women in the inner chambers, vying for favor, jealousy, deception, and intrigue. The endless, complex, and trivial household chores of a wealthy family were truly a headache! A voracious reader of sage texts, he held high aspirations, adhering to the teachings of his father and other teachers, and strictly observing gentlemanly etiquette. He had no time or desire to dwell on the affairs of his children, devoting himself entirely to his studies and career.
Even when it came to getting married, he thought his parents should make the decision, so he obeyed and got engaged to Jiang Yushan. However, as fate would have it, the person standing opposite him was Jiang Yushu.
"Why don't you answer?"
"Did I give you a hard time?" Jiang Yushu waited in vain for a long time, her heart hanging in the balance. She gritted her teeth, suppressing her deep disappointment. Her tone was a little impatient, "Could it be that you've always longed to have the blessing of a perfect couple, but were hesitant to admit it because of your concerns? If so, blame me for being so nosy. I'm so sorry."
Guo Honglei raised his head and answered loudly, "A real man is one who takes responsibility for his actions. There's nothing I'm afraid to admit!" The situation had changed dramatically. His family had experienced a major upheaval, with the passing of his father and brother. He had been tempered by the hardships he had endured, and had become more composed. He didn't want to burden his mother with the decision anymore, so he explained frankly, "This is a matter of great importance. Please allow me to consider it carefully, so that I don't make any mistakes in my wording and cause you more annoyance."
Jiang Yushu sat down and blurted out a retort: "Who is angry?" @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
“…No one is angry.”
Jiang Yushu came back to her senses, feeling awkward, and whispered, "Ahem, I was rude just now, please bear with me."
"It's okay." Guo Honglei smiled.
The sky was dark, and the cold wind rushed in through the gaps in the dilapidated doors and windows. The light of the oil lamp flickered. The two sat across the square table, looking at each other frequently.
The words were out of my mouth, like spilled water, and I couldn't take them back. I might as well take advantage of the situation and get an answer to avoid future worries and hurting myself! Jiang Yushu made up her mind, slowly grinding the ink, and said with a smile: "Actually, there's no rush. Take your time to think about it, and give me an answer when you've thought it through."
Guo Honglei said, "No need to wait, I've thought it through."
"So fast? Tell me about it?" Jiang Yushu stopped grinding the ink and listened carefully.
Guo Honglei acted decisively. He stood up, strode towards his wife, bent down, held her hand and continued to grind the ink.
"You..." Jiang Yushu was stunned. She was forced to grind ink. She was enveloped by the other's tall and strong body, and she was confused.
After a moment, Guo Honglei let go, picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and handed the pen to her.
Jiang Yushu was confused, but subconsciously let go of the ink stick and took the pen dipped in thick ink.
With his left arm in a sling due to a shoulder injury, Guo Honglei flattened the paper with one hand and motioned for her to write.
"Hmm? What are you going to write?" The tip of the pen was hovering over the paper, hesitant. Jiang Yushu didn't need to turn her head, a glance at the other person's profile, and they were close to each other.
After staring silently for a few breaths, Guo Honglei's eyes were deep and focused. He held Roupan again, exerted force with his right wrist, and quickly wrote a line of words on the white paper:
"We are married and love each other without a doubt."
Jiang Yushu's heart instantly raced. She held her breath, her eyes fixed on each word as it appeared, a mixture of surprise, embarrassment, and shame. Although she held the pen, the handwriting was so different, and her strength was weak, she couldn't exert any effort and was completely led by the other person.
Guo Honglei was completely focused, writing without hesitation:
"Enjoy yourself tonight, and be happy in this beautiful evening."
"A soldier, thinking of the long journey, rises to see what the night holds."
"The stars and the moon have both set, so I leave now."
The more she read, the more confused she became. Jiang Yushu's brows gradually furrowed, her eyes following the tip of the pen. When she saw the words "I am on the battlefield, and there is no hope of meeting you again," she couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Guo Honglei wrote it in one go, with a powerful brushstroke that penetrated the paper, and ended with:
"If I live, I will return to you. If I die, I will miss you forever."
This was written by a soldier in ancient times to bid farewell to his newlywed wife. It starts with "the loving couple has no doubts" and ends with "they will be reunited after returning in triumph, but will miss each other forever after dying in battle". It is heart-wrenching and touching.
@Unlimited good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
After signing, the two men remained hands folded, motionless.
Guo Honglei was silent for a long time before finally speaking. His eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity as he spoke firmly, "What's the point of having two wives? This young lady is naturally intelligent and clever, talented and beautiful, decisive and capable, and handles everything perfectly without complaint. I'm so lucky! This is even better than the so-called 'blessing of having two wives'. What more could I ask for?"
"Forget about having three wives and four concubines. As long as you are willing to follow me for the rest of my life, that's enough."
Jiang Yushu was deeply moved, her heart was both warm and sad, her eyes suddenly became hot, she wanted to say something but stopped herself, she gripped the pen tightly, her fingertips turned white.
"Why are you crying? What if I say something wrong again—"
"No! You're right." Jiang Yushu's eyes glistened with tears. She hurriedly raised her sleeve and wiped them away. She held up the paper, still wet with ink, with her left hand, and cautiously examined the last line. Her voice cracked as she sighed, "It's a good poem, and the calligraphy is good, but it's a little too sad, not very auspicious."
It wasn't auspicious, but it was true. Guo Honglei paused for a moment and suggested, "Why not burn it?"
"That's not necessary!" The cold wind blew, drying the ink quickly. Jiang Yushu pulled out her right hand, put down the brush, lowered her head, folded the paper, and solemnly put it into the box.
At this time, a strong north wind blew, making a howling sound.
"Hey?" Jiang Yushu was in a panic and tried to grab the light hastily, but it was in vain. The oil lamp was extinguished by the wind in the blink of an eye.
It was already pitch dark, and in an instant, you couldn't see your hand in front of you in the woodshed.
Guo Honglei also raised his hand to dim the lamp, but it was equally futile. He simply put his arm around his wife's shoulders and urged her, "It's getting late. We should go back for dinner. Let's go."
"Okay." Jiang Yushu's mind suddenly became clear, she felt refreshed, and her tone was light.
The young couple walked out in the dark, very close to each other.
Guo Honglei led the group around the desk. Seeing that she was no longer angry, he asked curiously, "What's with those two pots of vines? They're still thriving in the snow and ice."
"Interesting, isn't it?" Jiang Yushu said excitedly, "When I first discovered it, it was October. The autumn leaves had withered and the grass and trees all over the mountain had withered, but this one was the only one that was still green and eye-catching. It was still standing in early November, and it wasn't until several winter snows that it turned from green to brown."
Guo Honglei shook his head and warned, "Be careful of abnormal things. Stay away from it, it's poisonous."
"Don't worry, I'm being careful." Jiang Yushu sighed in distress, "Wild rabbits don't eat its leaves or tubers, so maybe it's really poisonous." As they spoke, the two stepped out of the door in the dark. She closed the door and lowered her head to take out the key.
Guo Honglei asked, "Is this room usually locked?"
"It's because that thing might be poisonous. I dare not leave it unlocked, for fear that the village children would accidentally eat it." Jiang Yushu took out the key, bent down and groped for it, and said with a smile: "It's too dark, I can't see it. Oh, there is a lantern in the house, I forgot it..."
The wind and snow gradually picked up, and the cold was biting.
In the darkness, Guo Honglei used his body to shield himself from the wind and snow. "I'll try."
"You are injured and it is inconvenient for you. Let me do it." Jiang Yushu declined politely. Her hands were shaking with cold and she accidentally dropped the key.
The two had no choice but to pick up the items at the same time.
"Found it!" Jiang Yushu smiled, not forgetting to support the injured patient as she stood up. She patiently locked the door with great effort, turned around and took a step, but bumped into his arms, startling her.
Guo Honglei took the opportunity to hug the person, forehead against forehead, and their breaths intertwined.
In an instant, the sound of wind and snow seemed to be far away in the sky, and my ears were filled with the sound of shallow breathing.
"I—" Guo Honglei just opened his mouth when he heard Cuimei calling from outside the courtyard wall:
"girl?"
Peng Changrong, escorting them with a lantern, asked in confusion, "Why is it so dark? Where are you, young master?"
Jiang Yushu was startled and pushed the person away without thinking and stood up straight.
Guo Honglei was interrupted, sighed, and replied loudly: "The lantern is broken, you came at the right time."
"Hey, here I come!" Cuimei trotted over, took Jiang Yushu's arm and walked down the stairs. Then, walking a little further away, she whispered, "I heard you and the young master had a quarrel. I wanted to intervene, but Nanny Pan wouldn't let me. It was so frustrating. Are you okay?"
Jiang Yushu laughed dumbly, "Who told you that? We didn't have a fight."
"Everyone is whispering about it, looking anxious."
Jiang Yushu said seriously, "We were just admiring the vines. Why are you arguing for no reason? You all misunderstood."
A few days later, several people gathered in a circle in the woodshed of a deserted house.
"How bizarre!"
"Unbelievable." Fang Sheng squatted in front of the rabbit cage, his eyes shining, and said excitedly: "In just two or three days, the injury has healed 50%. It's amazing."
Guo Honglei had recovered from his illness and was full of energy. He examined the rabbit's hind legs and asked, "Could this really be medicine?"
"It's definitely a good medicine for wounds! Haha, the hare is clever! I saw it with my own eyes. It rubbed its injured leg close to the medicine and healed itself." Fang Sheng grinned from ear to ear, fiddling with the brown-skinned, purple-fleshed tuber and saying excitedly, "I'll try and see if I can make a good medicine for wounds and benefit people all over the world."
Jiang Yushu was both happy and worried, and said cautiously, "Doctor Fang, this is new after all. Who would dare to try it before we fully understand it? What if it works at first but then becomes toxic? Wouldn't that be terrible?"
"This, this must be investigated clearly." Fang Sheng held the dagger, patted the vines, and poked the tubers, unable to let go.
Guo Honglei was about to give a few words of warning when he saw Lin Qin rushing over and reporting anxiously:
@Unlimited good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
"Sir, Lord Pan is here!"
The author has something to say:
Special note: The ancient poem in the article is quoted from "Farewell to My Wife" written by an anonymous author in the Eastern Han Dynasty (some say it was written by Su Wu).
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
