The door was suddenly pushed open. Jiang Yushu was startled. She turned around and saw that it was her brother-in-law. She felt embarrassed and immediately turned her back. She hastily raised her sleeves to press her eyes and wipe away her tears.
"I'm sorry, I was rude." Guo Hongzhe was also embarrassed. He shrank his neck and hurriedly stepped out of the door.
Guo Honglei calmed himself down, put his right arm around his wife's shoulders soothingly, and asked in a deep voice, "Where are the officials? Why are they taking your sister-in-law to the government office?"
"I don't know the reason. They just arrived, looking exhausted. It seems that they are familiar with Zhuang Zhubu. They just ran to the gate of our house to drop a message and then went to look for Zhuang Zhubu." Guo Hongzhe stood outside the door, not daring to look into the room again, and behaved very well.
Jiang Yushu calmed down, her eyes slightly red. Confused, she opened the door and asked nervously, "Did the officer claim to be under the orders of Magistrate Pan? What crime have I committed? Why are they taking me to the yamen?"
"Don't panic, sister-in-law. The other party is very polite. He didn't say 'catch' but 'please'! He said that you should pack up and go to the county to see Lord Pan tomorrow or the day after tomorrow." Guo Hongzhe lowered his head, staring at the tip of his shoes, and silently said: Don't look at what is inappropriate, don't look at what is inappropriate.
Guo Honglei stepped past his wife and stepped out of the doorway, saying, "Don't worry. I'll go find the village head clerk and find out everything."
"Oh, okay." Jiang Yushu clenched her fingers nervously and said, "Then I'll wait for you to come back."
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Guo Honglei turned around, nodded and waved, signaling his wife to wait patiently.
"Second brother, I'm going too!" Guo Hongzhe trotted and followed his brother who was striding with his head held high.
Jiang Yushu took a deep breath, patted her forehead, closed the door and walked out. As soon as she stepped into the yard, she was surrounded by her family members and asked in panic:
"Miss, what's going on?" Cuimei was at a loss and said anxiously, "Just now, a group of officials came to the gate of the courtyard. They looked very unfamiliar and said, 'County Magistrate Pan has ordered that Guo Jiang should pack up and come to the yamen to pay her respects to the magistrate tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.'"
Xiao Tao and Nanny Pan both had their sleeves half rolled up. The former was carrying a basket of vegetables, while the latter was clutching a rag. Her face was filled with worry as she echoed,
"We heard the noise and ran out to ask for details, but they said they didn't know and left in a hurry."
"The two young masters and Manager Zhou just caught up and are looking for information."
Jiang Yushu raised her hand to quiet the chatter, and at the same time, her own pounding heart. She took a deep breath and said calmly, "I understand. Wait, when they come back with the news, we'll understand what's going on."
However, when it was getting dark, Guo Honglei brought his men back, but they returned with almost nothing.
At dinner time, the food and soup are steaming hot.
Although he became an exile, the etiquette of hierarchy between master and servant was deeply ingrained in him. Even if they were in harmony with each other on normal days, the former servants would not eat at the same table with the young master or lady of their dreams.
Therefore, when the Guo family had meals, they usually arranged two tables: one in the main hall and one in the kitchen.
Jiang Yushu and Guo Hongzhe usually stay in the main room, and Pan Ma and Cuimei were dragged in to avoid any awkwardness between the uncle and the sister-in-law.
But whenever Guo Honglei came home, Pan Ma and the other three would insist on leaving the kitchen and letting his brother and sister-in-law take their younger brother with them.
It was very hard for the exiles to farm, but fortunately the Guo family raised a large litter of rabbits, so they never lacked meat.
Tonight, the table was filled with rabbit stewed with potatoes, shredded potatoes with vinegar, multi-grain rice, multi-grain porridge with mung beans, as well as some pickles and stir-fried vegetables. Although there was no big fish or meat, it was delicious and flavourful.
Ever since the ewes began giving birth, Guo Hongzhe had been eating boiled eggs and stewed goat's milk every day, without fail. Coupled with his harmonious relationship with everyone, and Dr. Fang's meticulous care for the patients, he had become more relaxed and stronger. At the dinner table, he was relaxed, gnawing on a rabbit leg.
Jiang Yushu sighed, "We're leaving early the day after tomorrow. It's too rushed. But luckily I can still catch up and send you off tomorrow."
"I've inquired repeatedly, and Zhuang Zhubu also chimed in. The leader of that team of officials was quite straightforward, saying he didn't know the reason and was just following orders." Guo Honglei looked serious and comforted him, "But from what I can see, the officials mean no harm. County Magistrate Pan and Captain Pan are cousins, both upright men. There's no reason for him to bully a weak woman for no reason."
"Also, I've written to Brother Gong Shi, asking him to take care of things. You don't need to worry too much."
"Um."
Jiang Yushu stirred the mung bean porridge, feeling extremely confused. "I trust the character of both Master Pans, but why did they summon me to the county government office out of the blue? This is so strange."
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Guo Hongzhe rolled his eyes and couldn't help but interrupt in a low voice, reminding: "Isn't Lord Pei in the county government office? Could it be him... Ahem, I, I was just talking casually, I didn't mean anything else, brother and sister-in-law, don't be angry." After speaking, he picked up a piece of vinegar-fried potato shreds with chopsticks, tasted it silently, and observed his brother and sister-in-law secretly with the corner of his eyes.
She married me and is mine in this life. We understand each other very well. She is definitely willing to be my husband and wife in the next life and even in all the lives to come. What should I be angry about?
"Why are you angry? I'm not angry." Guo Honglei was full of confidence, holding his chopsticks in deep thought.
Jiang Yushu looked at her timid brother-in-law, who looked as if he had gotten into trouble, shook her head, and said gently, "I'm not angry either. However, I don't think it was my cousin's fault. He's new here, and officials are doing their jobs. The Guo family's files are in the county office, under the jurisdiction of the county magistrate, not the deputy governor sent by the prefecture. If ordinary officials could interfere with anything they wanted, wouldn't the government be in chaos?"
"That's right." Guo Hongzhe nodded in agreement and apologized, "I was just distracted."
Jiang Yushu waved her hand, "It's okay." She put down her porridge spoon, picked up a piece of food for the person who hadn't touched his chopsticks for a long time, and urged, "Forget it, don't worry, the boat will work itself out when the time comes. I'll go to the county to see Lord Pan and we'll see what happens. Let's eat first!"
"This is the only way for now." Guo Honglei came back to his senses, ate without saying a word, and ate quietly.
After a while, Jiang Yushu put down the spoon and took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.
Guo Honglei stared at the bowl of porridge and frowned, "Have you finished eating?"
"Yeah." Jiang Yushu's forehead was sweating. She picked up a fan and answered while fanning herself: "It's really hot today. You guys take your time eating. I'll go to the yard to enjoy the cool air." After saying that, she stood up and walked out of the main room.
Watching his wife walk away, Guo Honglei sighed, "Is this all she eats on a normal day?"
Guo Hongzhe hesitated for a few breaths, then glanced outside the door. He moved closer and whispered, "Since the beginning of summer, my sister-in-law has been like this a lot. She's fine during the day, but she only drinks porridge and goat milk for dinner. Whenever we try to dissuade her, she says, 'It's not good to eat salty food after drinking sweet things.'"
Guo Honglei shook his head and said nothing.
The next morning, the sun was above the treetops.
The war horses neighed, and their hooves, wrapped in horseshoes, made crisp sounds as they stomped on the bluestone slabs.
Guo Honglei and the other four were dressed in military uniforms and left home to return to the camp again. They were reluctant to leave once again, but no one could see the sadness on their faces and they pretended to be cheerful.
"We should return to camp. We'll visit our family next time we have time." Guo Honglei, riding his tall horse, looked down at his family and warned them, "As long as the Northern Qi are not defeated, there will be no peace on the border. You must be careful at home."
"I know!" Guo Hongzhe nodded heavily. "Every time they heard about the enemy, every household in the village went into the mountains to hide. Nothing will happen."
Thinking of the Cavalry Battalion, Jiang Yushu was extremely worried. However, there was no reason to stop someone who was thinking about his family. She forced herself to suppress her worries and said with a raised face, "Take care!"
"Don't worry." Guo Honglei stared for a moment. The military order was as heavy as a mountain. He finally steeled his heart, pulled the reins and turned the horse's head, "Go!"
Cuimei's lips curled up, but her eyebrows drooped. She waved goodbye and said, "Brother Rong, take care."
"I know! You stay at home and I will come back as soon as I am free." Peng Changrong was reluctant to leave, but he forced a smile and smiled at his wife who was not yet married to him, then rode his horse to catch up with his companions.
"Alas," sighed Madam Pan, her voice full of age and vicissitudes. "I don't know when these days of fear will end."
Jiang Yushu stood on the steps, watching the four figures disappear into the distance. She gritted her teeth, pulled herself together, and turned around, saying, "Don't be afraid. Sooner or later, happiness will come after all the hardship!" She acted decisively, calling out, "I have to go to the county tomorrow morning. Let's harvest the sweet potatoes first and plant a second crop. It's only half an acre, so we can finish it in a day."
"Okay!" Zou Gui and Hu Gang, two half-servants, were diligent and respectful, and took the lead in running to pack up the farm tools.
Zhou Yan's wife perked up and said with a smile, "Many of my acquaintances in the village want to see something new. Shall I go and call them?"
Jiang Yushu answered readily: "Okay! I agree."
The villagers had just finished the summer harvest, but they had no time to rest. They were working non-stop to prepare for sowing. Every household was busy burning wood ash and about to germinate the potatoes.
But as soon as the Guo family called out, they immediately called out twenty or thirty young girls and wives, carrying hoes on their shoulders and sickles in their hands, chatting all the way. After rushing to the sweet potato field, they divided into three groups: cutting the potato vines, digging the sweet potatoes, and making ridges to plant the second crop.
Dozens of people worked together and finished the job in just half a day.
The Guo family borrowed several carts and moved all the sweet potatoes, farm tools, and the remaining bundles of potato vines upstairs.
"Wow, it's only half an acre of land, and we harvested so much! If only we could weigh it to see how many pounds it is." The village head's wife bent down, picked up a sweet potato, weighed it, and marveled at it. She sighed, "Alas, we are obviously from a farming family, but when it comes to farming, we are not as good as those who changed their careers. If this gets out, people will laugh at us."
"I counted the baskets and estimated that there were at least 1,300 kilograms."
Food is the most important thing for people. The other villagers were excited and curious, and echoed: "Strange, she can get a good harvest whatever she grows."
"Don't you know? This is a new seed potato that someone is working on. Last year, when I passed by Guo's house, I saw her cutting the sweet potatoes into small pieces and growing them in water. She then raised the seedlings and planted them in pots, waiting for them to bloom. It was really interesting to watch."
"Born into a wealthy family in the capital, he is indeed extraordinary and knows a lot."
…
Jiang Yushu was used to being surrounded by compliments, and she was very graceful. With gratitude, she said, "Thank you all for taking the time to come. Without help, we would have been busy until dark. I've already asked the village head for this half acre of sweet potatoes. They belong to the Guo family and will be arranged by them. If you don't mind, you can take some home to try!"
"Oh my, how can this be so embarrassing?"
"We didn't really help much, we were just busy chatting."
The village head's wife rubbed her hands and asked with an apologetic smile, "There are a lot of potato vines left. Can you give me some? I have a sloping piece of land at home that's been sitting empty. I'd really like to plant some sweet potatoes there so the children can have a sweet meal."
"I have a sloping field at home too! I used to grow sweet potatoes, but the yield was too low. It was all so much work and effort that it wasn't worth it, so I switched to growing pumpkins."
"Give me some, too, okay?"
Jiang Yushu wasn't surprised at all. She waved her sleeve generously, "These are just potato vines. Take them all! Divide them up as you see fit. Each family should have enough for an acre."
All of a sudden, all the villagers were smiling and competing to help, loading large bundles of sweet potato vines onto the cart, eager to distribute them to each family for planting.
The next morning, the sun was shining brightly.
Two carriages stopped outside the Guo family courtyard. Zhuang Song rode in the first one, and the second one was given to Jiang Yushu. The officials rode on horses.
Jiang Yushu, wearing a thorny hairpin and a cloth skirt, was neat and elegant. Her every move was calm and unhurried, and she exuded a touch of heroism within her elegance. As she walked out, she instructed, "I'm away this time, and my return date is uncertain. Regarding the farming matters, you should proceed as usual. There's no need to wait for me to return, which would delay the farming season."
"Don't worry, we have probably all learned how to do the work in the village, so we shouldn't delay the farming season." After farming for more than a year, Zhou Yan is quite confident.
Nanny Pan warned, "Cui Mei and Zou Gui, you two go out with me and make sure you take good care of the young lady. Do you understand?"
"I understand!" Zou Gui was carrying a bag, looking thin and smart.
Cuimei carried her bag and answered crisply, "Don't worry, Ma'am. I will serve our young lady every step of the way!"
"I understand."
Having suddenly left for a long journey, everything was in a hurry. Jiang Yushu continued to advise, "It's hot in the summer, Third Brother, you'd better stay at home. When you have nothing to do, you might as well read a book, practice calligraphy, or play the piano. When I come back from the county, I'll bring you a few more books to cheer you up."
"Thank you, second sister-in-law." Guo Hongzhe had just seen off his brother and then his sister-in-law. The family suddenly lost two pillars of support. He suddenly lost his support, which made him feel depressed and anxious. He asked in a low voice: "You, you will come back as soon as you finish your work, right?" @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
Jiang Yushu stepped out of the courtyard and replied with a smile, "Of course! If I don't come back, what am I going to do in the county?"
"That's good." Guo Hongzhe couldn't stop thinking about it and was inexplicably afraid that Pei Wenfeng would take the opportunity to detain his cousin.
In a moment, Jiang Yushu and Cuimei boarded the carriage. Zou Gui and an official drove together, "Gee!"
Jiang Yushu opened the curtain, poked her head in and said, "Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I'm done."
"Take care!" Nanny Pan and others chased after him for a while, feeling extremely reluctant to let him go.
Three days later in the evening, Jiang Yushu and his group arrived at the Heqin County Government Office.
"waste!"
"You idiot, you messed up such a small thing, you're such a loser!"
County Magistrate Pan Rui was furious, his face as black as the bottom of a pot, and he angrily swept down teacups, official documents, pen holders and other items, making a series of "clang and crash" sounds.
A petty official knelt on the ground, trembling and kowtowing repeatedly, begging for mercy: "Please calm down, sir. I know I was wrong. I beg you to forgive me for once."
Pei Wenfeng sat aside and gently persuaded him, "Brother Pan, calm down. It's so hot, be careful not to get angry and hurt yourself."
"Oh!" Pan Rui smiled bitterly, his black hat soaked with sweat, and he slumped down in the armchair.
At this time, the officer entered and bowed to report: "Your Excellency, the exiled prisoner Guo Jiang requests an audience."
Pei Wenfeng paused in drinking his tea, his eyes looking deep.
"Oh?" Pan Rui's eyes lit up, his expression softened, and he ordered, "Bring her in quickly!"
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