After a moment of hesitation, Gu Tingye sneered, took a step forward, and reached out to lift a corner of the door curtain.
On the kang, an old woman with disheveled hair was seen pointing at Zhu standing before her and cursing non-stop: "...You black-hearted bitch, your guts are rotten... We mother and I have treated you well, how can you be worthy of us?!"
Zhu smiled bitterly and shouted, "How dare you mention my husband? I've tried to persuade you so many times not to dwell on the title. It might be better for us to live a peaceful life! But you just wouldn't give up! Don't you know how courageous my husband is? You pushed him to rob, to fight, to kill and burn! He lost his life! It's all your fault! You killed him!"
The old woman struggled to sit up from the kang, cursing and spitting: "You, you dare to disobey..."
"What?" Zhu sneered, "You still want to divorce me?! You really think you have the ability to do anything!"
As she spoke, tears suddenly rolled down her cheeks. "Tingwei is dead, and you can still say that he was greedy and brought disaster upon himself. But my two children... You, blind old hag, it was you who invited that evil star into the family..."
The old woman almost fainted from anger. Before Zhu could finish, she picked up a glasses case from the kang table and threw it at her, cursing at the same time: "...If you can't stand the loneliness and want to find a new man, just say so directly. Stop talking nonsense. I was blind to find a jinx like you who will bring bad luck to your husband and children. If you don't see a man for three days, you're like a wild dog craving meat..."
All kinds of obscene words were unheard of, and Gu Tingxuan, who was outside the house, was speechless when he heard them.
When Zhu moved aside to avoid the glasses case, she saw the Gu brothers standing beside the curtain. She felt so ashamed that she wanted to die. Then she heard Xiao Qin's harsh scolding, and a surge of courage suddenly arose in her heart.
She walked out of the door, raised her head to the two brothers, and said word by word, "I have wanted to leave for a long time, but I couldn't bear to leave my children. Now that they are gone, I don't want to stay with her anymore. My eldest cousin's wife advised me to make things clear before leaving. Now that I have made things clear, my parents will come to pick me up soon. My two brothers, my sister-in-law..." She choked up and said, "I will say goodbye to my sister-in-law."
After saying this, she bowed low, covered her face and ran out quickly.
In this situation, Gu Tingxuan didn't know whether to persuade or stop them. He just stood there, at a loss. Xiao Qin inside was still cursing, and he didn't know whether he should go in.
Gu Tingye smiled and said, "My eldest cousin's wife is busy right now. Why don't you go over and take a look? That way, I can talk to the Madam."
Gu Tingxuan was overjoyed and hurriedly clasped his fists and left. Gu Tingye watched him leave and winked at the two guards outside the door. The two guards hurriedly drove three or four maids inside and outside the house out of the courtyard, then closed the door and stayed outside.
Steady steps led him into the inner room. Xiao Qin was cursing breathlessly and was shouting for someone to come in and get some water. But when she saw the person coming, she froze. She opened her eyes wide and trembled her fingers: "You, you...you..."
Gu Tingye slowly walked to the table, poured a cup of tea and placed it on the kang table, "Have a drink."
He looked closely at the old and dirty woman in front of him. The bedding on the kang was stained with stains, and it must have been several days since it was changed. She was only in her forties, but she looked like a dying person in her seventies or eighties. Her face was abnormally flushed, like a candle that was about to burn out, and finally burst out a few sparks - he nodded slowly in his heart, she was indeed dying.
Little Qin's cloudy eyes revealed deep resentment: "You, you, you actually dared to come near me! That's your own brother... You, you actually had the heart to kill him... You have such a cruel heart!"
Gu Tingye smiled slightly: "No problem, my third brother set fire and killed people in my house, and murdered my sister-in-law and nephew. His heart is no less cruel." In fact, Gu Tingwei was not killed by him, but was shot to death by arrows.
Like a dying beast, Xiao Qin looked at the man before her with resentment. He was so handsome and healthy, but her son and grandson were lying in a cold coffin, slowly rotting away. She couldn't swallow this!
Her biological father, the Marquis of Dongchang, was a man of fine tastes, willing to spend a fortune on a rusty bronze door knocker. Her biological mother was gentle and incompetent. Her childhood was so good, with pearls and jade, everything she could wish for. Whenever she went out to poetry gatherings and banquets, her grandeur and attire were the envy of her sisters.
Unfortunately, this good life only lasted until she was fourteen. The successive deaths of her parents not only delayed her marriage, but also deprived her of half her luxurious lifestyle. By the time her brother and sister-in-law took over the mansion, it was already a hollow shell, yet they had to maintain the facade, forcing them to suffer internally, cutting back, cutting back, and cutting back again. Finally, her eldest brother-in-law from the Gu family often provided financial support, but who knew that her eldest sister would also pass away.
It was at that time that her eldest sister-in-law suddenly mentioned to her about marrying into the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion. She remembered her sister-in-law's words that day clearly -
"Sister, it's not that I'm mean, asking you to be a concubine. It's really because you're old and it's not easy to find a good family. Our whole family knows how your eldest brother-in-law treats your sister. How can he treat you worse if you marry him? Don't even mention that lowly salt merchant's daughter, she'll be divorced sooner or later! Besides, can your eldest sister be comfortable with the one she leaves behind? I'm doing this for your own good. Although this marriage may not look good at the moment, there are benefits in the future. Yu'er's body, alas, is not destined for a long life. As long as you give birth to a son, it will be your son who inherits the title in the future! That little bastard born to Bai, can't you handle it?"
Her sister-in-law spoke eloquently, but she sneered inwardly. "No matter what you say, she still can't afford a decent dowry," she thought. "Marrying her brother-in-law as a concubine would save her a lot." Otherwise, marrying too low would bring disgrace to the Marquisate. She wanted to marry high... While her eldest sister was doted on by her husband, she also damaged the reputation of the Qin family. People outside always said that Qin girls were spoiled and difficult to raise, which was why she hadn't been able to get engaged before she turned fourteen.
The step-wife would have the idea of competing for the throne, mostly because the old husband had spoiled her; but she was different. From the day she married into the Gu family, she gritted her teeth and remembered that she could not suffer the injustice of being a concubine in vain, and the future Marquis Gu must be her son!
She asked the doctor carefully and observed closely. It was true that Gu Tingyu was indeed a sickly person and would not live long. So there was only one person standing in her way - Gu Tingye.
"What are you doing here?" she said through gritted teeth. "Are you here to laugh at me?"
Gu Tingye looked at her quietly for a long time before he said, "Do you really think I'm happy that my third brother died tragically?"
Xiao Qin said nothing and turned away angrily.
"After all, we are blood relatives. We have been climbing trees together to pick fruits since we were young. I stretched out my arms to catch him under the tree. When I couldn't catch him, I used my body to cushion his fall for fear that he would fall... Do I want to watch him die?" Gu Tingye was filled with anger, and he slammed his palm on the table, shaking the tea bowls on the table.
Xiao Qin turned around with a sneer, "What's the matter? Just now, you were scolded by your own daughter-in-law, and now you, the good second brother, are here to stand up for Tingwei and scold me, an old woman, to vent your anger? Fine, you are all good people, brothers and sisters are respectful to each other, husband and wife are loving, and I am the only one who is unforgivable! If you really want to do this, you should have given the Marquisate to your brother long ago!"
"You, don't you have any regrets at all?" Gu Tingye asked in a low voice with his eyes as cold as lightning.
"I only regret one thing. If I had known that you were so tough that you couldn't die, I should have taken action early, even if it would have damaged my reputation and aroused suspicion, and killed you and been done with it! Bah!" Xiao Qin spat out a mouthful of thick phlegm, but it fell weakly on the ground in front of the kang.
Gu Tingye laughed at himself in his heart, slowly turned around, pulled over a chair, brushed his robe and sleeves, and sat down on it.
Still not satisfied, Xiao Qin continued to curse loudly, "You wild bastard, born of a father but not a mother, a lowly salt merchant, how could your mother have taught you anything good? Bah, and you dare to try to curry favor with the rich! What? I'm dead now, and I'm still afraid of you!"
Gu Tingye was not angry. He waited until she had finished scolding him and gasped for breath before he slowly spoke: "A pair of grandchildren are gone just like that. You have been smart all your life, so you should know what happened." Judging from what Zhu said just now, this should be the case.
Xiao Qinshi hadn't expected him to bring this up so suddenly. After a while, she gritted her teeth and said, "... Yu Fangshi, that bitch. I treated her well, but she actually..."
"That's wrong. She was originally the eldest wife of the Yu family, with sons and daughters and an obedient husband. But you deceived her and ended up divorcing her. How can you say you 'treat her well'? Even recently, you have been diligently inviting her to your house as a guest. Don't you have other intentions?" Gu Tingye smiled sarcastically.
Xiao Qin suddenly began to tremble violently, like a dying river fish on a chopping board. Her flushed face quickly turned as pale as a deathly person. "You, you... could it be that you... you killed my grandson?!" Her voice was hoarse, like the cry of a ghost demanding revenge.
Gu Tingye was not moved at all: "I want to do good deeds for my wife and children. Unlike you, I will not do such a thing."
"Then..." Xiao Qin was at a loss. Although she was dizzy with anger, she knew that there was no need for him to lie to her at this moment.
Gu Tingye stood up, his hands behind his back, and slowly paced around the room a few times before stopping by the window. "After being divorced, Yu Fang could no longer stay in her parents' home, so she had to live out her days in a nunnery in the suburbs. You didn't want to bother with such a downtrodden woman, but people from the south kept sending money, each time carrying cartloads of food, clothing, and other necessities, saying it was Yu Fang's children who missed their biological mother. Around that time, Yu Yanran from Yunnan, as usual, sent New Year's goods to Minglan. Those servants were originally members of the Yu family, and since they didn't know the details, they stopped by the nunnery on their way back to kowtow to Yu Fang. It was these two things that sparked your evil intentions."
The more Xiao Qinshi listened, the more frightened she became. Her skinny hands, like chicken claws, tightly grasped the quilt: "You...how do you know all this..."
Gu Tingye looked at her coldly: "I knew it from the first day you invited Yu Fang to your home as a guest."
Xiao Qin burst into tears, "And how dare you say you didn't kill my grandson...! You black-hearted thief!"
"I didn't. From beginning to end, I only did two things."
Gu Tingye slowly raised his head. "First, I asked Mrs. Yu Si to take Gong Hongxiao to see Yu Fangshi before she left, and explain the whole story clearly. This will prevent Minglan from taking the blame and being cursed behind her back. Second, only the first time was the gift sent by Yu Fangshi's children. The rest of the time, I asked someone to send it from Jianghuai, using the Yu family's name, without even Yu Fangshi knowing. Therefore, you became more and more convinced that she still had influence in the Yu family, and you invited her to the house more and more frequently, which gave her the opportunity to make her move."
Xiao Qin whimpered in her throat and struggled with her trembling limbs, trying desperately to rush over. Gu Tingye pushed her lightly and she fell on the head of the kang, unable to get up. She gasped for breath and couldn't utter a word.
Gu Tingye sat back in his chair and said slowly: "You think you are a good speaker, and you deceived Yu Fangshi into believing you again, thinking that she also hates Minglan with all her heart and wants to join hands with you for revenge - in fact, it is not the case. She understands everything in her heart and has hated you to the core." In fact, it was because this old witch was no longer as glorious as the lady of the marquis's mansion, and was not as sharp-eyed and sharp-eared as before, that she was fooled.
Xiao Qinshi was like a poisonous snake with its tendons pulled out, lying limply and unable to move, and she uttered a hoarse voice: "I, I'm going to sue you... sue you, haha... The brave and loyal General Gu turned out to be such a villain! I'm going to ruin your reputation..." She was filled with extreme resentment and wanted to tear off his flesh with her nails.
"How can you sue?" Gu Tingye looked at her coldly. "She collected the clothes of those who died of the plague, scraped the sores to make powder, and bribed the servants of this mansion... From beginning to end, it was all done by Yu Fangshi. I just sent her things twice in the name of the Yu Mansion. Not to mention that the truth can't be found, even if it is found, it can only be said that Ming Lannian, out of her relationship with Yu Yanran, couldn't bear to see her stepmother in poverty and no one cared about her. Who can say anything?"
"You have such a cruel heart! They are your own nephews and nieces! How can you be so cruel..." Xiao Qin couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears while slapping the mattress.
Gu Tingye laughed sarcastically, "How strange! You can kill other people's flesh and blood without hesitation, yet others can't fight back? You treat Yu Fangshi so attentively. Is it because you pity her and regret having harmed her? No, it's because Yu Fangshi said that the next time Yu Yanran sends something to Minglan, she will find a way to mix something in it. That's why you're so close to her, isn't it? If it weren't for this incident, I'm afraid that was your original plan."
Xiao Qin's eyes were dull, and she sat motionless on the kang, muttering something in an unknown voice.
Thinking of the two children, Gu Tingye couldn't bear it. "To be honest, I don't know what Yu Fangshi was trying to do. But when I learned that Yu Fangshi was pretending to be on good terms with you, I knew she must be out for revenge. If you had had even a shred of conscience and thought of stopping and listening to your sister-in-law and driving Yu Fangshi away, the two children wouldn't have ended up like this."
"My sister-in-law said that you killed our son and grandchildren. She is absolutely right." After saying this, Gu Tingye slowly stood up and walked towards the door.
Xiao Qin was completely hopeless, her pupils dilated, she lay dejectedly on the kang, twitching slightly, the corners of her mouth crooked, drooling, even her fingertips could not move.
Seeing her ugly and miserable appearance, Gu Tingye suddenly thought of his childhood.
When his biological mother passed away, he knew nothing. From the time he was old enough to understand, he had only her as his mother. Back then, little Qin was gentle, beautiful, kind, and kind, and she treated him with all her kindness. When his father chased him and beat him, he would hide behind her without hesitation - he truly regarded her as his mother.
At that time, he had vaguely known that his elder brother Tingyu would not live long. As a little boy, he had made up his mind that if he inherited the title, he would be filial to Xiao Qinshi, love his younger brothers and sisters, and do everything for them.
He even thought that if only he were a little stupid, maybe he would be happier that way.
But he was incredibly perceptive. After reading "Zheng Bo Ke Duan," he knew what "flattery kills" meant. After studying the art of war for a few days, he understood how to "arrogantly defeat the enemy." Why did his mother desperately try to fill her own room with beautiful maids, while she kept a tight rein on the girls in his third brother's room? Why did she always order the servants to take her to brothels and wine shops, while his third brother had to study and practice martial arts all day?
Is this really for your own good?
Recognizing cruelty amidst doubts and growing up slowly in deception is so heartbreaking and a life-threatening experience.
Once upon a time, he trusted her and respected her so much.
Standing by the door, he lifted the curtain and paused it in mid-air. "My sister-in-law will report this to my eldest cousin's wife. Then I will have someone issue an arrest warrant and ask my sister-in-law to come forward and identify Yu Fangshi. Once Yu Fangshi confesses, this matter will be over."
After saying this, he strode out of the house without looking back; leaving behind the filth, deception, and conspiracy that had lasted for two generations and for decades, and made it a past that would never be mentioned again.
…
Two days later, someone from Coral Alley came to announce the death of Xiao Qinshi.
The funeral was simple, lasting only a day. A dozen or so members of the Gu clan arrived in groups of three or four, and the body was quickly buried not far behind Gu Yankai, next to Daqin. Zhu did not come to pay her respects.
Because Gu Tingwei was a criminal, no one in the clan mentioned giving him an adopted son. The huge family property of the third branch was suddenly ownerless, so Gu Tingye decided to divide it into four equal parts. One part was given to the marquis's mansion to repair the burned-down houses, one part was given to the fourth old master's branch, one part was given to the fifth old master's branch, and the other part was used as sacrificial land for the poor children in the clan to go to school.
This move was highly praised by the tribe, and the details involved will not be mentioned here.
Two weeks later, Duke Ying led his army back to the capital, accompanied by his still-wounded son-in-law and a long list of captives and spoils. He marched through the city gates in a state of grandeur, to the cheers and admiration of the entire city. Because Duke Zhang's age was no longer enough to attract the attention of females, the overwhelming amount of sachets, flower bags, and fruits he hurled were mostly directed at the handsome, middle-aged Uncle Duan Chengqian.
Uncle Shen, injured in the leg, was barred from riding through the streets. Melancholy, he even skipped the city gate ceremony and took a shortcut back home, having his personal guards carry him to the Zhang family compound. The first thing he did was call Madam Zou over, slapping her three or four times and furiously scolding her: "I told you to be more cautious, but you claimed your family was fine and gave away all the entrance and exit badges! And now what's going on? You almost caused trouble! It wouldn't be a big deal if you died, but you nearly implicated your wife and children!"
Shen Congxing wanted to bring up the old topic of concubines again, but Zhang still refused, so he had to impose a different punishment: twenty lashes of the family law and three days of starvation to eliminate internal heat. So, after her cheek was broken, Xiao Zou's buttocks were also bruised.
Then he scolded the eldest son: "You have read so much that you have become a fool! What is etiquette and what is the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children? Your mother has passed away, and the mistress is the boss in this mansion. You dare not listen to her? Well, if you don't like to listen to others, then be smart. You have no ability at all, but you only listen to the stupid words of a concubine and actually hide behind the cabinet. You have disgraced me for half my life! It doesn't matter if you are a man, but if a thief breaks into the mansion and your sister's reputation is in jeopardy, how will she live in the future?! Will you have the face to go to your dead mother in the future?"
The teenager was about to argue against the principle of "Aunt ≥ Stepmother" when he was kicked by his father with his good leg and was forced to kneel before his biological mother's spirit for a night.
Turning around, he saw his young and beautiful step-wife holding a jar. She smiled and said, "It's hot today, and your body is dirty and sweaty. Take this jar of fine medicinal wine to wash yourself."
As he opened the lid, a strong smell of alcohol like fire rushed to his face.
Shen Congxing shrank his injured leg and lowered his voice unconsciously: "Isn't this... a strong liquor?" Or a top-notch one at that?
Zhang's face was filled with pity and concern: "A mere jar of wine, no matter how precious it is, can it compare to your body? Lord, come here!"
An inexplicable chill ran down Shen Congxing's back.
…
Another half a month passed, and Minglan had already celebrated her double full moon. From weight to appearance, she had completely turned around. Gu Tingye was so happy holding his beautiful, plump wife that he immediately took out his weapons and went into battle to try out a few battles.
Tuan Ge'er held onto the door railing with one hand and asked in a baby voice, "I want to sleep with my mother, why can't I?"
Mother Cui was in a difficult situation as the problem was very complicated.
Tuan Ge'er seemed to understand: "Are Dad and Mom doing serious work?" Old Mr. Gongsun, who had just returned, had taught him that boys should be sensible when they grow up, and should not quarrel when their parents are busy with serious matters.
Mother Cui's face flushed: "Yes, yes, I'm doing the right thing!"
Tuan Ge'er felt confident and quickly showed off the four words he had just learned: "Is it a national affair?" Old Mr. Gongsun said that this was the most important event in the world.
Mother Cui's face flushed red. "...More important than national affairs..."
Tuan Ge'er suddenly realized: "Oh, then I'll sleep by myself." He wanted to be a sensible and good boy, and went back with his chubby little legs paddling.
The next morning, his father had already gone to court. Seeing his mother lazily up late, he brightened up and asked a series of questions, expressing his concern: "Mom, you and Dad were busy with state affairs last night. Were you tired? Are you done? Are you going to do it again tonight? Can you let me sleep in the room? I won't make any noise... Mom and Dad are... doing business."
Minglan, who was rinsing her mouth, spat out a mouthful of water.
The room was filled with silence, an awkward silence.
Luzhi looked like he was cut on the face, Xia He seemed to be about to faint, and Mother Cui wished she could find a hole in the ground to crawl into. There was only an innocent and happy little fat boy in the whole house, looking around, still unaware.
As expected, there is always embarrassment in life - how can such a life be lonely?
More than ten days later, General Bo finally returned.
This time, the Empress Dowager Shengde, who had been entrenched in the northwest for decades, was completely eliminated. The countless spoils of property were enough to fill the national treasury, which had been emptied of most of the money used for military operations. In addition, more than a dozen of Gan's followers in the army were killed.
The emperor was delighted and planned to reward him generously. General Bo, leaning on his cane and groaning faintly, said that he had given up most of his life and was truly retiring. He asked, "If the emperor wants to promote me, please promote his children and grandchildren." Seeing the old man's understanding, the emperor was even more pleased and generous. Generals Bo, Zhang, Chen, Gu, Duan, and others were all rewarded and promoted.
Reward those who deserve reward and punish those who deserve punishment.
Empress Dowager Shotoku's direct relatives, including her natal family and her close associates... Anyone who directly participated in the rebellion was executed and their property was confiscated. Their family members were demoted to become palace slaves or were sent to the Jiaofang Bureau. The next level would also be executed and exiled, and their property would be confiscated.
Ironically, Empress Dowager Shengde could not die and spent the rest of her life "resting in a side palace."
The Third Princess was sentenced to death by Bai Ling for "badly educating Prince Rui". Prince Rui, who was just over ten years old, was demoted to a commoner and imprisoned together with his parents - the young child was innocent, but it was a pity that such a mediocre person was at work.
These people were still dealt with with a loud noise, but Concubine Rong died silently due to illness.
The beloved imperial concubine's plot to murder him in order to ensure her son's succession to the throne was even more shameful than the emperor's second mother's inciting a rebellion. The emperor was not only furious but also heartbroken. The third prince, born to Concubine Rong, was immediately moved out of Changchun Palace and given a remote fiefdom, forbidden from ever entering the capital. If it weren't for Concubine Rong's cleverness, given the favor they enjoyed, the third prince would have at least received a rich and comfortable fiefdom.
The emperor knew very well that Empress Dowager Shengde's family had been deeply rooted for decades, with more than a hundred relatives and friends. Therefore, too many people should not be implicated, so as not to shake the foundation of the capital. Therefore, except for these principal offenders and accomplices, and their accomplices, the rest were given lenient sentences.
All the ministers praised the emperor for his wisdom.
This time, despite suffering a severe betrayal from his beloved concubine, the emperor was still able to remain generous and kind, thanks to the queen who had always been criticized by Minglan for being unreasonable.
At that time, a palace coup suddenly occurred. The confidant arranged by the emperor earlier immediately took the two princes to escape from the disaster through a secret passage. The queen could have gone with them (she would be the empress dowager if they came back later), but she not only refused, but also acted like an ignorant rural woman, doing nothing but throwing herself on her unconscious husband and crying loudly.
With snot and tears streaming down her face, she rambled on, her ramblings running from "Those years we chased grasshoppers together" to "How could you, a heartless man, abandon us, mother and son?" She pounded the emperor's bed and howled, nearly deafening the imperial physician administering acupuncture to remove the poison. The emperor didn't know if she'd woken up from her tears or from her annoyance; in any case, every time he opened his eyes or closed them, he saw this snotty, tearful, yellow-faced woman.
After the storm, the emperor recovered and finally realized that although his wife lacked the ability to rule the six palaces, lacked temperament and knowledge, she was truly devoted to him.
Although the beauties in the harem are charming, who knows what kind of hearts are hidden under their beautiful appearance? When he cannot have both loyal ministers and capable officials, he would rather keep loyal ministers by his side at all times and use capable officials occasionally.
In short, the conclusion is... the queen is pregnant again.
After the Ghost Festival, Gu Tingye gradually returned to normal work and had a few days off. He started to talk about taking Minglan out for a walk. At first, Minglan didn't care. It was impossible for an important official of the court to leave whenever he wanted. His intentions were good, but unfortunately the reality was cruel.
Unexpectedly, Gu Tingye went out before dawn that day and returned home early in the morning. Seeing that his wife was still in bed, he unceremoniously dug her out of the quilt and said excitedly - Let's go for an outing.
Minglan was well-trained and her belongings and clothes were packed by someone. She was carried into the carriage in a daze, not knowing where the carriage was going. She only felt that the sky was getting brighter as the carriage went on, and the air that seeped into the carriage was becoming more and more refreshing and pleasant, as if she had arrived in a sparsely populated mountain area.
The carriage kept rocking and rocking, and with the fresh air, Minglan felt very comfortable, as if she was lying in a cradle, and so... she slept even more soundly. Gu Tingye sighed as he watched her - he finally knew who little Ayuan looked like.
From early morning to noon, Minglan woke up hungry.
After setting up a table in the carriage and having lunch together, Minglan finally remembered to ask where they were going, but Gu Tingye remained mysterious and refused to say. He also rambled on about interesting anecdotes from the march—Old Geng had to write several pages home every night, reporting his daily thoughts to his wife. The word limit was over 300, and since he couldn't write anymore, the brothers had to help him write a few sentences.
Minglan suddenly recalled a day when they were having tea together. The women were talking about their husbands' letters home. Most of the military commanders would only write "I'm doing well, don't worry" and so on, but Madam Geng boasted that her husband had once written a very heartwarming sentence - "Thinking of my virtuous wife at home who works hard to take care of the household, I don't feel any hardship away from home."
"This sentence is appropriate, comprehensive, mature and righteous. It must have been put together by the old Duke." Minglan evaluated it based on her conscience. She thought this sentence was very good at the time.
"That was said by the seventeen-year-old boy from the Bo family. The old Duke added, 'One day without seeing you feels like three years. I miss you so much that I can't sleep.'"
Minglan: ...
After being led off the building, Minglan was too lazy to ask any more questions. The two of them laughed and enjoyed the scenery along the way. Finally, they arrived at their destination - there was a gentle mountain in front of them, with lush green trees and birds singing from time to time. Without waiting for Minglan to ask where this was, Gu Tingye carried her out of the car and pulled her up the mountain with a smile.
"If the Marquis wants to take me climbing a mountain, there are some in the suburbs of Beijing, such as Qixia Mountain, Zhenmian Mountain, Luoyue Mountain... Why do we have to come here?! Is there a big temple on the mountain? Are there any efficacious monks? Does the Marquis want to draw a fortune... Oh, I'm almost dying..." Minglan was exhausted and panting, holding up her skirt and moving up with difficulty. Fortunately, she was in good health and climbed well.
But no matter how much she complained, Gu Tingye just smiled and said nothing, half dragging, half pulling, constantly urging her to climb up. After climbing aimlessly for half an hour, Minglan felt her chest was burning and her breathing was like an old woman tearing through a bellows. Suddenly, Gu Tingye stopped and pointed ahead: "We're here."
Minglan didn't care about her image and sat down on a smooth, white rock. She wiped her forehead and cheeks with a handkerchief and looked around. It turned out to be a huge protruding rock halfway up the mountain. It was flat and clean. Probably, woodcutters usually rested here, so there were many round stones scattered on the ground.
She looked down the man's arm to the north and exclaimed in surprise: "Xiaoling Mausoleum?!"
Gu Tingye pointed to the white building not far away and said with a smile: "This is the south side of the Xiaoling Mausoleum. From here, you can just see the mausoleum of Empress Jing'an."
Unlike modern times, where you can sing Xintianyou in the Taj Mahal with just a ticket, the royal mausoleums were guarded by soldiers and were not easily accessible. However...
"My Lord, you want to take me to see Queen Jing'an's mausoleum?" She was very puzzled.
Gu Tingye pointed to the hillside above his head and said with a smile, "Not only that, there is a pavilion on the top of the mountain. According to legend, this is where Madam Liuli and Academician Gao worshipped heaven and earth."
Minglan was stunned for a long time and wanted to ask, "Did you find out that we were all transported here from another time?"
Gu Tingye touched her sweaty face, which was rosy and healthy. "You're not picky about books, but you particularly like to read the unofficial history and essays of these two people, right?"
Minglan said blankly: "...You, aren't you surprised..."
"What's so strange about that? In the past, I loved reading the classics of Huo Guang, the former general of the cavalry. You are a woman, so what's the fun in reading about civil officials and military generals? Naturally, you want to read the stories of extraordinary women."
Minglan was relieved and obediently let him lead her to look at the magnificent mausoleum together.
It was a clear and crisp autumn day with a bright and sunny sky. Under the light of the pale golden sunlight, the buildings where the dead lived also looked extraordinary and winding. There were dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, lions... and many strange beasts that she couldn't name. They were carved from white marble and looked lifelike, some with their heads raised, some with their hooves raised, and some with their wings spread. They were set against the bright vermilion carved railings, and stacked up layer by layer, like divine creatures and auspicious clouds rising from the mist.
The surroundings are covered with lush greenery, with hundreds of years old ancient trees and newly grown slender and playful trees stretching out their verdant branches, as if to give this solemn and golden royal cemetery a circle of ancient border patterns, which can be seen from far and near.
The two of them looked at each other for a long time. Gu Tingye exhaled and said, "Have you read Queen Jing'an's poems? What do you think?"
Ming Lanmo, to be honest, was very familiar with every song - "They are all excellent," she said.
Gu Tingye said: "She is truly stunning and stunning, but it's a pity that she has such a short life."
Minglan curled the corner of her mouth: How can an ancient civilization with thousands of years of accumulation not be stunning and magnificent?
Gu Tingye sighed deeply and whispered, "I sometimes wonder how many things would have been different if Queen Jing'an hadn't passed away suddenly."
This time Minglan didn't complain.
If Queen Jing'an had not died of poisoning... First of all, Bai would not have married into the Gu family, and naturally Gu Tingye would not have been born. Xiao Qin and her son would not have been able to take over the Marquisate, or without Gu Tingye's protection, the Ningyuan Marquisate would have been stripped of its title.
Regardless of other families, the fate of most people in the Gu family has changed because of this.
Of course, I will probably still encounter a mudslide and then travel through time tragically. At this moment, I am probably fighting wits and courage with my cousin Cao.
After staying for a while, the two set off again and climbed hard to the top of the mountain.
This half of the mountain is slightly steeper. Although it is not difficult to climb, it requires twice the effort. This time Minglan cooperated more, did not complain or complain. On the way, she met a woodcutter who was singing folk songs and smiled at him. As a result, the woodcutter almost rolled down the mountain.
The man turned around angrily, took the veil from the servant following him, and put it hard on his wife's forehead.
The two of them walked and stopped, talked and laughed, and finally reached the top of the mountain. Following the path pointed by an old woodcutter, they finally found the pavilion, which was named "Hopeless".
"Why did you choose this name?" The man frowned. It was really unlucky.
Minglan answered casually, "Madam Liuli once said that when there is no hope, hope is about to come." This statement was too dialectical and philosophical, almost clichéd, as if she had read it in a book called "Soul Soup".
The four dilapidated pillars have peeled off so much that their original colors can no longer be seen. The roof of the pavilion, which has seventeen or eighteen holes, is light-transmitting. There are seven or eight damaged stone pillars underneath. If the wind blows a little stronger, a few pieces of rubble will fall down.
For the sake of their heads, the two decided not to go in and sit down. They found a big pine tree with a towering canopy. The two servants quickly took out the soft stools they had on their backs, set them up and invited the marquis and his wife to sit down. At the same time, someone else set up a small pot and began to boil water for tea.
——The privileged class is so corrupt. Minglan sighed and quickly sat down.
"...One was born into a noble family, the other was from a lowly family. Who would have thought that in the end, their situations would be the opposite." The man's sigh was not new. Many people had made similar sighs.
"Do you look down on women like Queen Jing'an?" Minglan asked quietly.
"That's not the case." Gu Tingye shook his head. "Although Queen Jing'an has a somewhat unbridled temperament, she is still a kind person. Many outspoken ministers have saved their lives because of her persuasion. It's not easy for a woman in the harem to speak out so frankly."
"Then you look down on women like Madam Liuli?" Minglan asked again.
"I felt a little bit before. I thought she had let down Scholar Gao." Gu Tingye said slowly, "But after I suffered myself, I realized how rare it is to be so proud and upright, not complain about others, and be self-reliant and strong even when living among the lowest class."
Minglan raised her head and stared blankly at the pavilion not far away.
In terms of appearance, the Hopeless Pavilion and the Mausoleum of Queen Jing'an are as incomparable as flat-chested women and big-breasted women. However, the later endings of the two women perfectly echo those of the two buildings - happiness is mostly ordinary, even inconspicuous; while tragedy is often magnificent and glorious.
Minglan shook her head. She didn't want glory at all.
"...The emperor intends to send me to Sichuan to garrison the border. A few days ago, I have taken the initiative to ask the emperor for permission. At least two terms of eight or nine years." Gu Tingye said this slowly, like a thunderclap.
Minglan almost jumped up: "What! You're going to Sichuan? What about me? What about Tuan Ge'er? What about A Yuan? You're even asking for permission. How long have you been back? Don't you want a home anymore?"
Gu Tingye held a large palm-leaf fan and waved it slowly at her, saying with a smile, "Only by actively requesting an imperial decree can a good price be offered. I've already told the Emperor that it doesn't matter if he gives me any reward, I just want him to let me take my wife with me to my new post."
Minglan finally felt relieved, but then she asked anxiously, "Will the Emperor agree?"
Gu Tingye said seriously, "I told you, my wife's five elements are lacking in wood, and fire overcomes wood, which is why she suffered from the fire disaster one after another. My birth date and time are strong in water, and water overcomes fire, so my wife should be with me."
Minglan rolled her eyes and said, "I'd be surprised if the Emperor believed your lies! I'm afraid he'll give me a large water vat and tell me to soak in it constantly to alleviate my water shortage."
Gu Tingye laughed heartily, pinching her cheek through the veil, then said sternly, "I have begged the Emperor earnestly. I have had little kinship with my family since childhood, and have lived in despair until now. I beg the Emperor to have mercy on me and not separate my family any longer. If I wait for my return, my wife will be in trouble again. I will serve my country with all my heart and soul."
"And the emperor agreed?" Minglan's eyes lit up.
"Well, it's agreed, and the Queen is speaking on our behalf." Gu Tingye smiled slightly. "In the end, the Emperor said that although it has always been the case that generals stationed at the borders often leave their families in the capital, there are exceptions. For example, Prince Mu of the previous dynasty didn't send his wife and children to the capital. His family defended central Yunnan for many years, and in the end, the entire family died for their loyalty. How loyal was that? And that determined traitor would rebel even if his entire family was held under his nose. Isn't this a good example? As long as the monarch and his subjects understand each other, that's all that matters."
"Your Majesty is wise!" This was the first time Minglan shouted "Long live the emperor" from the bottom of her heart since she came to ancient times. "That's right. Those who really want to rebel are often willing to leave their families behind in order to make the monarch careless! How can you be so straightforward!" By the way, was Wu Sangui's eldest son castrated or dead?
Gu Tingye looked at her with a smile on his face: "Aren't you afraid that Shuzhong is not as prosperous as the capital, and that the southwest is hot and humid with miasma?"
"I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid." Minglan dragged a stool over to sit next to him, holding his arm and shaking her head repeatedly, shaking the veil of her hat. "As long as we're together as a family, I'm not afraid of anything."
Gu Tingye put his arm around her and whispered, "I think so too. Promotions are secondary. The most important thing is the longevity of our family. Life is short, so taking you around while you're still young will make it worthwhile."
Minglan's heart was filled with happiness.
Just like the sun's rays penetrating the thick dark clouds, the seagulls broke through the violent wind and rain to reach the other side. The pilgrims who traveled thousands of miles to make the pilgrimage cried for joy when they saw the white spire; it seemed as if all their previous hesitation and confusion became reasons for doubling their joy.
Gu Tingye held her arms tightly, "Shuzhong doesn't have so many bad rules like the capital. When the time comes, I'll teach you how to ride a horse, and you'll teach me how to fly a kite. We'll be together forever."
Minglan smiled and tears fell from her eyes, hot as the heat in her heart.
Let's go to the Land of Abundance. There is the Dujiangyan Irrigation System built by Li Bing and his son, beautiful and cheerful young men and women, fertile land and brocades as lush as flowers, and their promising future.
(End of text)
Extra Jade Bead
My name is Shen Yuzhu. I have an older sister named Zhenzhu and two younger sisters named Baozhu and Jinzhu. My older sister and I have the same mother, but my two younger sisters and I don't.
I've always felt sorry for my younger sister, because with such a festive name, everything she's worn and worn since she was little has to have something pig-related, like a bracelet with a gold pig head hanging on it, or plush shoes with little fat pigs embroidered in gold thread.
My younger sister is very depressed.
I think this can't be blamed entirely on my father, he is not good at naming, our names were all given by my mother. My sister is the eldest daughter, she picked a good one, I was born late
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