Chapter 56: Joke. He has done many things recently that he cannot tell Pei Ji...
Pei Su was supposed to be the invigilator, so he arrived at the Imperial Examination Hall before dawn. After all, the Enke was an additional examination, so the start time was naturally different.
There was a long queue in front of the Imperial Examination Hall, with both young and old people, each holding their own examination tools and bedding, shivering in the cold wind. The hardship at a moment did not matter, as long as they could achieve something in the future.
They were all looking forward to it, hoping that one of them would be able to pass through the Dragon Gate.
"Check carefully. If anyone is found cheating, he will never be able to take the exam again. Think carefully!" The gatekeeper of the Imperial Examination Hall shouted loudly with a serious expression and a majestic demeanor.
Pei Su sat below the Shangshu, watching the examinees being stripped naked and searched. The candlelight reflected on his face, making his eyes clear.
After the examination, the examinees filed into the Imperial Examination Hall. After entering, they had to undergo another round of search before being divided into their respective examination rooms.
As the chief invigilator, Pei Su would naturally not show favoritism. Those people probably knew his temper and did not arrange those who took advantage of the situation into his examination room.
But it also makes us understand that if we plan ahead, anything is possible.
Once you enter the examination hall, you cannot leave for three days. During this period, candidates have to eat, drink, defecate, urinate and sleep in the examination hall, so the entire examination hall immediately falls into silence.
During the three days of the Enke, court officials did not need to attend court.
Pei Ji didn't have to get up early, so he naturally had more free time to accompany He Zhi. He always stuck with him and would not go to the palace until urged.
He Zhiliao understood his intentions and didn't want him to worry too much about her, so she always cheered herself up and spent time with him.
The most important thing is that he has figured out what to do and will no longer let those emotions bother him.
"Then I'll leave first. You should have a good rest at home. Don't go out when it's cold, to avoid the slippery roads due to snow." Pei Ji was urged to leave, but he did not forget to give He Zhi some instructions.
The person being reminded naturally nodded heavily, fearing that if he responded slowly, he would waste more time.
After sending Pei Ji away, He Zhiliao sat back on the couch, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand, as if he was struggling with something.
"Young Master, I heard that there was a commotion at the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion." Chun Jian hurried back after hearing the news.
It's time to make a fuss.
He Ruman was raised by the He family and was spoiled all the time, which led to his arrogant and unreasonable character. Naturally, he needed everyone to praise him.
Not to mention that the family of Duke Zhou's Mansion was so kind and polite when they first met him, but that was only before his marriage. After marriage, there was no need for a dowry, so they could naturally treat him however they wanted.
He was already desperate after suffering inhuman torture. If he found out that his mother's family knew that Duke Zhou's Mansion was a den of evil, but still sent him in... If they didn't make a fuss even after this, then He Ruman would have become a god.
Chun Jian was a little confused. "Then what should we do next? We can't just let that crazy woman go so easily! Not a single person in that man-eating den is good!"
[Please prepare some small gifts and we will go back.]
"I understand!" Chunjian laughed immediately. It turned out that he wanted to go back home to watch the fun!
After he left, He Zhiliao called Yanhua and Xixin over. The two stood in front of him, confused, waiting for his instructions.
He Zhiliao knew that Pei Ji had many capable people under his command, including those around his two brothers, but he didn't have much contact with them on a daily basis, so he didn't know much.
But Yanhua and Xixin had some skills. He vaguely remembered that when Pei Ji brought them to him, he told him that they were both knowledgeable in pharmacology, so they should be able to make what he wanted.
【I need you to help me with something. 】
Yanhua and Xixin exchanged a glance, becoming nervous, yet still saying, "We servants will obey your orders, Lord Zheng. However, I don't know what you want us to do."
He Zhiliao looked at them, his lips moving slightly.
Yanhua and Xixin looked at each other and nodded.
Chun Jian quickly went to the housekeeper to prepare a small gift. He had even attended He Ruman's banquet. Now that He Ruman was coming back, it made sense for him to go back to the mansion to take a look.
What's more, Zhuang Hongxiu probably thought that he would never go to Jing'an Marquis Mansion again in his life, so she dared to go so crazy. He had to go and take a look again, but he didn't want to see her continue to be proud.
After greeting Qin Yurong, He Zhiliao took his men to the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion.
As the New Year draws to a close, the streets outside are bustling with activity. Even when sitting in a carriage, one can feel the festive and cheerful atmosphere. Even the cold wind blowing on one's face is not as cold as before.
Some of the people passing by recognized the Pei Mansion's carriage and stopped to make way, some even whispering where it was going.
Seeing that the carriage was heading towards the street of Jing'an Marquis' Mansion, she couldn't help but praise him for his kindness and nostalgia for being willing to go back and take a look.
He had not informed the Jing'an Marquis Mansion in advance that he was returning, so when the doorman saw him, he was a little shocked, but he hurried to report it and then ran to welcome him in.
He Zhiliao didn't mind waiting in front of the door in the cold wind for a while. After all, he was in a good mood at the moment and he still wanted to go in and see the lively atmosphere of the He family, so naturally he wouldn't care about these trivial matters.
"Pei Zhengjun is here." Yanhua shouted.
This sudden shout actually caused everyone in Jing'an Marquis' Mansion to come to greet him, and they didn't even have time to compose their expressions.
He Zhiliao had a smile on his face, and his watery eyes took in everyone's expressions. He saw that He Zhiliao's face was still full of anger that was not yet hidden, so he knew that he had arrived in time.
"My son is back." He Hongan looked at him with a smile, "How come you have time to come back today? Your son-in-law isn't with you? That means you have to come back after the New Year."
He was talking to himself like this simply because he wanted to chat with him, and he was even more afraid that he would stay here and spread what happened here everywhere.
He Zhiliao smiled, neither nodded nor shook his head.
Zhuang Hongxiu, however, took He Ruxi and hid back in fear. She never thought that He Zhiliao would come back. If he actually came back, shouldn't he hate them so much that he didn't want to see them again?
"Hearing that the Third Young Master had returned home, our Zheng Jun thought he'd come back to visit." Xi Xin smiled, "Our Zheng Jun asked if the Third Young Master was doing well?"
He Ruman sneered, "I'm married to the Duke's Mansion, so I'm naturally living a good life. There's no need for you to be so hypocritical!"
Xixin's face turned cold, "Sir, you are too disrespectful to our Lord, for him to speak like this!"
"I am now wearing silk and satin, gold and jade jewelry, and I am the legitimate son of the Duke's Mansion, so of course I dare to speak like this! How dare you, a little maid, be so presumptuous in front of me?" While speaking, He Rumen did not forget to straighten her clothes and stroked the jade bracelets on her wrists and the jade beads on her neck.
It was as if he was showing off how good his life was now, and also as if he was reminding himself that his life was really good.
He Zhiliao raised his hand slightly to stop Xixin from continuing.
He looked at He Ruman with a sneer and pity in his eyes. Only such a fool would pretend to be arrogant in front of others and think that everyone else is a fool.
He smiled and raised his chin slightly towards Harumi.
Chun Jian immediately took two steps forward and respectfully handed him the box of ointment. He smiled and said, "Third Master, why are you so angry with our Lord? Our Lord is the one who cares about you the most. We all know the temperament of that person in the Duke's Mansion. This ointment was given by the palace. It is most effective for skin injuries. Please don't be polite to our Lord."
These words were like a sharp knife, piercing He Ruman's heart directly. Bright red blood oozed out from the blade, as if it was going to drown everyone present at the moment.
He didn't even have time to feel embarrassed about his bluff being exposed. He just looked suddenly at the He family.
It turns out, even He Zhiliao knew that the Duke's Mansion was not an easy place to get out of! It turns out that everyone knew it, but they still wanted to push him into the fire pit! And they wanted to watch him make a fool of himself!
"Mother! Tell me! Did you also know that Duke Zhou's Mansion was a hell of a place, but you still watched me jump in without hesitation? Did you just use me as a springboard to create a future for my second brother and fourth sister?" He Rumen shouted in a somewhat collapsed manner, but his hands and feet seemed to be frozen in place, and he didn't dare to get any closer.
Zhuang Hongxiu was silent with tears in her eyes. Although she was a bit old, she was well maintained and had a unique charm.
At this moment, her eyes were red, and she used her slender fingers to wipe away her tears with a handkerchief. This look made He Hongan feel a little distressed.
He immediately ignored his guilty conscience and turned around and said, "Your mother is doing this for your own good. She hopes you can marry into a good family. You're only making her sad!"
"I'll only make her sad? I'll only make her sad!" He Ruman sneered, then laughed loudly. His expression slowly changed from confusion and shock to disheartened despair. He patted his chest heavily as he spoke. "I've been sensible and obedient since I was young. I did whatever my mother told me to do, and it's still the same today. But I firmly believe that my mother watched me jump into the fire pit of no return, but she could only burst into tears and didn't even give me an explanation! I can't even question it!"
It was clearly he who was wronged and suffered the disaster, so why did he become a sinner who was unacceptable to heaven just because he asked a few questions?
He never felt that his mother had ever treated him unfairly, but now that he thought about it, wasn't it unfair to raise him to this state without disciplining him?
Even though he has a wealthy family and has no worries about food and clothing, the way he looks now is because he was not well brought up, right?
He Hongan was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say. He could only raise his finger and point at him awkwardly, as if he had nothing to say to him.
Seeing that the situation was about to reach a stalemate, Zhuang Hongxiu finally wiped away her tears, held his hand miserably, and cried bitterly, "My child, I'm sorry for you, but I really do this for your own good. Being the legitimate son of Duke Zhou's mansion is a blessing that others can't even envy!"
"Blessings... Then tell me, what blessings will I get after getting married?" He Ruman breathed a sigh of relief. He was just glad that it was just him on his wedding night without those concubines and maids in the backyard, otherwise he would really have died in the house.
Under the glittering golden clothes that he thought were precious, he actually hid his tattered and bruised body.
Where is the blessing?
Zhuang Hongxiu was speechless again, but she was also annoyed by the continuous questions. "Mother has always considered everything for your own good. When have I ever treated you unfairly? This time is just an accident. Please don't be angry anymore."
He Ruman's eyes were completely dim.
He was allowed to do what he wanted in the little things, but he failed miserably in the most important matter of life. However, he could not help but feel resentful, because this was the only bad thing that happened.
He Yao and He Ruxi looked at each other, and naturally did not dare to respond, for fear that this unprovoked fire would burn them.
He Zhiliao calmly took a sip of tea, his brows slightly furrowed, and the fragrance of the tea faded a little.
Chun Jian immediately raised his hand and asked the maid to bring more tea, as he must not let his young master suffer.
He Zhiliao's leisurely appearance was in stark contrast to the noisy people in the He family. He only regarded these people as snacks to accompany his tea, and took a sip of tea every time he listened to a paragraph.
No one spoke anymore, and the atmosphere suddenly became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
However, it made their breathing sound heavy, making people feel suffocated.
"Stop arguing!" He Hongan once again showed his masterful demeanor, "Today is the day you return home, so don't cause any more unpleasantness."
He Ruman was completely quiet, and adjusted his mood in a few moments. I just don't know if it was really good or if he had other plans.
He Zhiliao also stood up at the right time and prepared to leave.
I don’t know whether He Hongan was too happy or really wanted to make up for his son who had owed him so much, so he actually asked him to stay and have dinner with him.
When something is abnormal, there must be something wrong.
Under normal circumstances, He Zhiliao would certainly not agree, but today he had his own plans, and He Hongan's invitation actually helped him inadvertently.
He followed him, and Chunjian stayed by his side. Yanhua and Xixin didn't want to go in either, so they just stood guard outside. If something went wrong, they would rush in to protect him.
After all, it was He Ruman's return banquet. Although the food was not as exquisite as the one on the wedding day, it was also a rare standard in Jing'an Marquis' Mansion, which showed that they still attached great importance to his return home.
However, everyone knows whether they value him or the Duke Zhou's Mansion.
Although He Zhiliao was not here to eat, he arrived suddenly, so the food was naturally clean, so he could eat it with a little more peace of mind.
Chun Jian knew every expression on his face, and he would only use chopsticks to serve dishes from dishes that Zhuang Hongxiu had used.
During this period, He Hongan also played the role of a kind father, and from time to time he would ask He Zhiliao about his recent situation, his plans for the coming year, whether he would return home during the New Year, etc.
He Zhiliao just smiled and shook his head and sent him away.
He Zhiliao felt unsatisfied with the meal and quickly put down his chopsticks. He sipped his tea and observed everyone's expressions calmly while drinking.
It all seems awkward.
"Zhengjun, it's getting late. You should go back home and take your medicine." Xixin came in at the right time to remind him, and was also speaking to the people in the Marquis' Mansion.
Upon hearing this, He Zhiliao slowly stood up, and the others followed suit subconsciously. He smiled at He Hongan, and without even making a gesture, he just walked away.
Watching this family hypocritically flattering each other was really ridiculous and funny, and I was too lazy to watch it anymore.
As soon as he walked out of the house, he was blown in the face by the cold wind. Chun Jian quickly opened the umbrella to block it in front of him and protected him as he left the Marquis' Mansion.
"Young master, please go slowly." Chun Jian was about to help him get into the carriage.
He Zhi put his foot on the stool, but before he could move forward, he was stopped by He Rumen who had chased after him.
"etc!"
He Zhiliao turned sideways, and the umbrella covering his face was slightly opened, revealing his delicate and beautiful face, which was hundreds of times brighter than when he was in the Marquis' Mansion, which was enough to show how well he was living in the Pei Mansion.
Bitterness and jealousy surged in his heart. He only regretted that he was not the one who married into the Pei Mansion... But it was useless to say these things now. He couldn't always dwell on the past. He had to make plans for his future.
Harumi asked, "Second Master, is there something wrong?"
He Ruman ignored him and looked up at He Zhiliao, "How did you know that?"
Just as He Zhiliao was about to speak, he was interrupted again, "I can't read lip language, Chunjian, you speak!"
Harujian naturally wouldn't listen to him. He turned to look at his real master and only dared to speak after getting permission.
"When word spreads outside that something good is about to happen, you'll know."
He Ruman chuckled sarcastically, "How do you know what my mother knows?"
Chun Jian glanced at He Zhi as usual before continuing, "The eldest son of Duke Zhou is a playboy, with countless concubines and wives in his backyard. Anyone who investigates carefully will know, and the Marquis knows it too."
"Everyone knows it, but I am the only one kept in the dark. Yet they have to watch me fall into the fire pit..." He Ruman sneered.
He's just a stupid joke.
He Zhiliao raised his eyebrows slightly, seeming a little impatient.
Chun Jian then gave another strong prescription, "Our Zhengjun also attended the banquet on the Second Master's wedding day. It was also on that day in the ancestral hall that your mother admitted to knowing about this matter. She also wanted to use you to pave the way for the Second Master and the Fourth Miss."
The betrayal of his mother, who had always loved him, forced He Ruman to admit that perhaps he was favored, but after weighing the pros and cons, he could only be the one abandoned.
He couldn't understand it, let alone accept it.
That betrayal was like tearing his tendons and bones, making him want to take everyone to hell with him.
"So you came here today just to laugh at me?" He Ruman still stuck out his neck like a belligerent rooster, and tried to flap his wings that couldn't fly and yell.
He Zhiliao nodded and shook his head, saying yes and no.
He Ruman didn't ask any more questions. What good would it do to ask more? He Zhiliao hadn't harmed him. Seeing him living so well would only make him more jealous.
Thinking of this, he turned around and left with some jealousy, as if he didn't want to look at him again.
He Zhiliao is also like this, and Zhuang Hongxiu cannot give birth to a good child.
After returning to Pei's house, Chun Jian immediately asked the kitchen to prepare some more food and brought it over, and helped him sit on the couch to warm up.
"I'll get you some snacks," Haru said. "The He family's place is awful. Even eating in peace is impossible."
He Zhiliao raised his lips and smiled, but did not refute his words.
Chunjian was busy running around, so Yanhua and Xixin could rest a little. On weekdays, the three of them always served him together and rarely had the chance to rest at the same time.
The three days of the Enke ceremony passed in the blink of an eye.
The Ministry of Rites, the Imperial Examination Hall, and the Hanlin Academy worked almost all night. After receiving the test papers, they directly arranged for people to correct them in the Imperial Examination Hall.
Stay up all night and forget to eat and sleep.
Finally, on the night of the 28th, all the papers were graded and ranked, but there was no rush to post the imperial edict.
After all, the New Year is just around the corner.
Every household posted couplets and hung red lanterns, and the houses were decorated to look particularly festive.
There is always a holiday during the Spring Festival, so Pei Ji has time to stay with He Zhiliao, helping him to look after the accounts and sending people to deliver New Year gifts to various shops and farms.
He Zhiliao didn't expect that the shop and the farm were so powerful. He was not short of money now, so he asked them to deposit all the money into the bank as usual.
"It seems that my mother-in-law must be so powerful that she can make them so loyal..." Pei Ji sighed again. Those people have been doing trivial and repetitive things day after day for ten years, but have never thought of betraying and leaving. How powerful must that be?
He Zhiliao smiled with his eyes curved. Although he didn't know, it sounded like his mother was really powerful.
Seeing him smiling happily, Pei Ji couldn't help but pinch his cheek and said, "You are also very capable. I have been too busy recently and haven't taken care of you much."
It's okay with me. I can play by myself.
He has done a lot of things recently that he cannot tell Pei Ji, but those are all things he should deal with himself, and it is really fun.
"Since you're so good, how about we spend the New Year alone?" Pei Ji held him in his arms, rested his chin on his shoulder, tilted his head and gently bit his earlobe, begging in this way.
He Zhiliao felt numb all over after being bitten by him, but still shook his head.
This was his first New Year after marrying into the Pei family, so naturally he had to spend it with his family. How could he close the door and spend it with just the two of them?
No matter how you think about it, it's a bit too rude!
"Zhizhi~"
"Husband~"
"My dear~"
Pei Ji hugged him and called out to him, kissed him, rubbed him, and pinched him, as if he wanted to treat him like a dough and do whatever he wanted with him.
Even in the face of beauty, He Zhiliao still refused with a firm will.
Not only that, he sniffed with particular grievance, slightly frowned his delicate eyebrows, and it seemed as if water had appeared in his eyes.
He raised his face, which already looked "wronged".
"Husband, do you want me to be scolded by my father, mother, and brothers, and be considered an impolite person?..."
Pei Ji was speechless.
Pei Ji was stunned.
"No! I'm not!" He quickly explained, putting on a righteous air. "I always listened to you. Look at me... I've been talking nonsense again and made my sweetheart unhappy. Blame it on me, blame it on me!"
He Zhiliao had already completely grasped Pei Ji. He leaned in his arms and smiled secretly, completely unaware that his slight trembling had been noticed by the people behind him.
Pei Ji felt an inexplicable itch in his teeth, so he didn't let go of his plump earlobes, gently nibbling and biting them...
He Zhiliao only felt his earlobes burning, so he kept moving around to hide, but because he was imprisoned by Pei Ji, he could only offer his neck.
When the two were being so intimate, Pei Su, who had been sleeping for a whole night and a whole day, came with slightly weak steps.
Pei Ji tidied He Zhiliao's clothes before letting him in. Seeing Pei Su's expression relieved a lot, he couldn't help but smile, "Second brother is feeling better now. You fell asleep in the carriage, and Mom and Dad thought you didn't make it..."
He Zhiliao gently tugged at his sleeve and asked, "Why are you saying these things on such a festive day?"
Pei Su, however, had long known about his carefree nature and chuckled, "After I passed the exam, I thought I would never go there again. It was really hard to endure, but luckily I went."
"Then everything has been taken care of." Pei Ji laughed, "You came here just to tell me all this, why don't you take a good rest?"
"The results will be announced right after the New Year, and the Ministry of Rites also has to prepare for the grand court meeting on the first day of the New Year. They're really overwhelmed, so I thought of telling you in advance, but I almost disturbed you." Pei Su said with a low laugh.
He is gentle and sharp, but at this moment a hint of darkness is revealed from his gentle appearance, just like Pei Ji.
It can be seen that all members of the Pei family have this temperament.
He Zhiliao understood his joke and took a sip of tea a little embarrassedly, even making more small movements.
Pei Su smiled and said considerately, "Don't be ashamed. I'm sorry for being so abrupt. I'm at ease with your deep affection."
He Zhiliao always felt that what the other person said to him was always meaningful.
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The author has something to say: Pei Gouzi: "I suck! I kiss! I bite! I gnaw! I knead! I pinch!" [love eyes][love eyes][love eyes][kiss][kiss][kiss]
Little Cicada: I’m about to turn into a ball of dough, who’s going to take care of me [poor][poor][poor][please][please][please][please][please][please]
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