Chapter 36036 Sending Mother to Get Married
Du Qingtang was far away in the county town and knew nothing about the evil plot of Yuan Ping and his wife and the decision of Yuanshi and Du Qiya.
She is preparing for her monthly assessment in five days.
Qingyuan Academy holds a small test every month and a large test every two months.
Normally, odd-numbered months hold minor exams, examining classics and policy essays, while even-numbered months hold major exams, which, in addition to classics and policy essays, also examine poetry and the six arts of a gentleman.
It is November now, and it is time for the quiz.
Du Qingtang thought she was already very competitive, but she didn't expect that her classmates were even more competitive than her.
With five days left before the assessment, the atmosphere in Enlightenment Class D became tense.
The students who aspire to be promoted to Class C and further exempted from compulsory education are always reading. Apart from attending classes, they spend the rest of their time either reading or doing exercises. They even take a book with them when they go to the toilet, multitasking.
The students living in the dormitory often get up before dawn to read. Their reading voices are so rhythmic and loud that others complain. They get up and read with them while cursing.
As long as you can't roll it to death, roll it to death!
However, as a result, Du Qingtang had to cancel his daily morning reading and exercise plan and do it in the dormitory instead.
I read articles with Fu Wen, and if time permits, I can also do one or two exercises, then do some radio gymnastics and some simple warm-up exercises. After finishing, I wash up in a light sweat and start a new day's classes.
On the way to the classroom, Fu Wen bit into a bun and mumbled, "I'm going to take the illustrations to the bookstore before the exams in the next two days. I'm running out of ink sticks, so I'll buy some while I can."
"You can arrange it." Du Qingtang had already finished drawing the illustrations, but Fu Wen only finished it last night.
Fu Wen responded with a smile on his face.
She loved the feeling of having someone by her side anytime and anywhere. It made her feel so safe, like she was dreaming.
A month ago, she was not loved by her parents and was bullied by her classmates. She could not even imagine that in the near future she would have a gentle and considerate close friend with whom she could talk about anything.
As long as I think about the happiness of these days, returning home after the assessment and facing my parents will not be such a scary thing.
"I have a full class today, so let's go tomorrow afternoon."
"good."
......
The first class is a Chinese studies class.
When Teacher Sun walked into the classroom, the first thing he did was to check Xie Guang's recitation.
"You said earlier that you were too busy copying the Four Books and Five Classics to memorize them. Now that five days have passed, you should be ready, right?"
Nearly a hundred gazes came from all directions, and Xie Guang felt like a thorn in his back. He even wanted to overturn the table and leave.
He certainly wasn't ready.
His suffering began when he met Du Qingtang.
First, he was punished by Instructor Sun to copy books. He copied the Four Books and Five Classics five times until his hands were almost broken. Then he was punished by Instructor Qian to clean the archery field. He was surrounded by horse manure every day. Over time, his whole body was stinking. Everyone avoided him as if he were a dirty thing.
That's not enough.
After the horse riding and archery class that day, Instructor Qian reported Xie Guang's behavior. Professor Zhu, who was in charge of the enlightenment class, was furious. He gave him a serious warning and asked Xie's father to come over and criticized him in front of his father.
It would be bad enough to just be criticized, but I also have to go to Professor Zhu every day to receive ideological education.
With so many things piling up and heavy schoolwork, Xie Guang was so busy that he had no time to memorize the Four Books and Five Classics.
Teacher Sun knew the answer just by looking at Xie Guang's evasive eyes.
He heard about the farce that happened in the horse riding and archery class some time ago, about the conflict between Du Qingtang and Xie Guang. He couldn't say he was disappointed, but he just felt that this student was hopeless.
But he still wanted to try again.
"From now on, Xie Guang, you will sit next to the desk and listen to the lectures. I will check your academic progress every day. I hope you will study hard, be pragmatic and make progress, and don't let me down."
Xie Guang: “…”
There was a moment of silence in the classroom, followed by bursts of suppressed laughter.
"Thank you, classmate. The teacher really values you."
"Congratulations to my classmate, congratulations to my classmate."
Xie Guang: “…”
Du Qingtang listened to everyone's gloating conversation and opened his notebook: "VIP seats, really good."
Fu Wen didn't understand, but she didn't care. She just laughed foolishly, dragging out her words, shaking her head and muttering, "It's not that I don't want to take revenge, it's just that the time has not come yet!"
Du Qingtang couldn't help but smile when he heard this.
Compared to her initial cautiousness, self-abasement and introversion, when others showed her a little kindness, she would be like a frightened bird, curled up in anxiety, and panicked. Now Fu Wen is much more cheerful and emotionally stable.
This made Du Qingtang even more curious about her story.
In this way, Xie Guang was forced to sit in the VIP seat and began his highly anticipated alternative learning career.
Under the instruction of Professor Zhu, all the teachers in Class D turned their attention to him. He was tested in various ways in class, and had to clean the archery field and receive ideological education after class. He was extremely busy and miserable.
In this way, he would have no time to target Du Qingtang, and Du Qingtang could calm down and study hard for the academy's exams and the county exams that would take place soon, absorbing knowledge like crazy and making rapid progress.
......
The next day soon arrived. After finishing calligraphy and Chinese studies classes, Du Qingtang returned to the dormitory for a short rest, took the fifteen illustrations, and went to the bookstore with Fu Wen.
The boss was not at home, so only the shopkeeper received them.
The shopkeeper confirmed that the illustrations were fine and promptly paid the wages, not forgetting to do his boss a good job: "The boss went to the capital to check the accounts. Before he left, he specifically told me that if the two young masters come over, just pay them the wages."
During this period, Fu Wen went to look for arithmetic exercise books and calligraphy copies of the calligraphy master. The former was available, but it was too difficult and not suitable for a beginner like Fu Wen. The latter was sold out, with not a single copy left.
"Come back in a few days."
"Well, that's all I can do."
Du Qingtang and Fu Wen each received 216 copper coins. The cold and heavy copper coins in their hands made them feel particularly at ease.
With money, you have confidence.
The shopkeeper said, "These are the illustrations for the next two weeks. The drawing paper is ready for you two."
Fu Wen took the illustrations and drawing paper, gave half to Du Qingtang, but no one took them.
Turning around, I saw Du Qingtang staring at a bookshelf not far away, lost in thought.
"Qingtang?"
Du Qingtang came back to his senses and took the drawing paper as if nothing had happened. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Awen, wait a moment."
Fu Wen scratched his head: "Yeah, okay."
Du Qingtang walked straight to the bookshelf where the dictionaries were placed, took down the "Jiyun" with a clear purpose, and strode back: "How much is this dictionary?"
The shopkeeper reported a number, Du Qingtang paid, and left with the drawing paper and "Jiyun".
Fu Wen tilted his head to avoid the wine flag fluttering in the wind and looked at the dictionary in his friend's arms: "Qingtang is already past the age of enlightenment and literacy, but is it bought for the younger generation in the family?"
Du Qingtang hummed softly: "I guess so."
Fu Wen smiled and said, "He will definitely like this gift from Qingtang."
Du Qingtang gently stroked the hard cover of "Jiyun" with his fingertips. This was indeed a gift.
This is a gift to Du Qingtang, who is under ten years old and cannot afford the dictionary he likes because of financial constraints.
-
After returning to the dormitory, Du Qingtang hid "Jiyun" in the deepest part of the cupboard, as if nothing had happened. He continued to study with Fu Wen and practice exercises to prepare for the exam.
Three days have passed in a flash, and there is only one day left before the assessment.
At noon that day, Du Qingtang finished his horse riding and archery class. He felt sore all over and the inner thigh was accidentally scratched while riding. He went back to the dormitory, washed it, applied medicine, and planned to take a nap.
There was a knock on the door.
"Does Du Qingtang live here?"
Du Qingtang and Fu Wen looked at each other and went up first to open the door. The person who came was Grandpa Liu, the gatekeeper of the academy.
"That's me. What do you want from me?"
Grandpa Liu said, "There's a man outside claiming to be your uncle, and he says he has something urgent to talk to you about."
Boss Du has only two brothers, who are Du Qingtang's second uncle and third uncle in terms of seniority. However, they fell out over the division of the family more than ten years ago and have never had any contact with each other since they died. So these two are ruled out first.
She thought of her third uncle's sons. Although they were from the next family, his three sons were worthy of being called uncles by her.
Du Qingtang rushed to the entrance of the academy. The visitor was indeed his third uncle's eldest son. "Uncle, why are you here? What happened to my mother?"
Uncle Du had been running all the way into the city, sweating profusely. Upon hearing this, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and said in a hoarse voice, "Your mother is getting married."
Du Qingtang: “?”
Uncle Du: "Your mother has been waiting for your father for so many years. It wouldn't be a big deal if she found someone suitable to marry someone else. The key is that the man she wanted to marry is already dead."
Du Qingtang: “???”
Uncle Du said, "It was your uncle who brought them together. He kept it a secret from the villagers for the past two days. I only found out when he came to give me a gift this morning. My mother and my wife tried to persuade her, but your sisters refused to agree. We tried to persuade them in every possible way, but your mother just wouldn't listen and insisted on marrying him."
Du Qingtang: “…”
Isn’t marrying a dead person a ghost marriage?
It’s a pity that Yuanping and Zhu could come up with this idea.
What’s even more outrageous is that Yuan actually agreed.
Du Qingtang really wanted to pry open her brain and see what was inside.
It's either water or paste.
"I understand. Thank you for making this trip." Du Qingtang took a deep breath. "When is the wedding date?"
Uncle Du: "The night after tomorrow is said to be the day when that family invites a fortune teller to see the fortune."
Du Qingtang raised his hand and pinched his brows, his voice calm, "There will be an examination at the academy tomorrow, and no leave is allowed. I will go back after the examination."
Uncle Du nodded and said, "Then I'll go back first. Tang'er, you must persuade your mother. What kind of family would arrange a ghost marriage for their own son? Your mother is so foolish that she's jumping into the fire pit herself."
Du Qingtang felt the same way, but didn't want to mention it again: "Uncle, you probably haven't had lunch yet, right? Let's go eat first, and then you can go back after dinner."
Uncle Du refused, but he couldn't persuade Du Qingtang anymore, so he went to a nearby noodle shop to eat a bowl of noodles and returned to the village under the hot sun.
When Du Qingtang returned to the dormitory, Fu Wen saw the coldness still lingering between her brows and remained silent with great tact, only placing a cup of warm water next to her.
"Thank you, Awen."
Du Qingtang drank half a glass of water, exhaled, suppressed the complexity in his heart, washed his face, lay down, took a nap for half an hour, and continued to do the questions.
-
The next day, the monthly assessment came as scheduled.
That morning, Du Qingtang slept until he woke up naturally. He did no morning reading or exercises. He went to the cafeteria to eat and then rushed to the examination room.
Outside the examination room, Du Qingtang and Cao Xingcan met on a narrow road.
Cao Xingcan raised his chin slightly, conceited and arrogant: "Du Qingtang, this time I will take back the first place that belongs to me."
Du Qingtang: “…”
Du Qingtang didn't bother to pay attention to him and turned to walk into the examination room.
It is called an examination room, but it is actually a classroom.
There are only fifty people in a classroom, and each candidate sits alone with no one on either side.
Each class has five sets of examination papers, and the instructor must ensure that the examination papers of the candidates are different from those before, after, and on the left and right.
The above two measures have largely eliminated the behavior of mutual help during the assessment period.
Du Qingtang and Cao Xingcan walked into the examination room one after another, found their seats and sat down, placed their pens and ink according to their personal habits, and then waited for the examiner to come in and hand out the papers.
After about an incense stick of time, two unfamiliar teachers walked into the examination room and began distributing the examination papers without saying a word.
The slightly older instructor shouted, "No cheating is allowed during the assessment. Once discovered, you will be given a serious offense. This is a three-time offense, and if you do, you will be banned from employment!"
Another young teacher added, "Your test questions are completely different from those of the people around you. Please don't be complacent. I was once a student myself. I can tell what you are thinking just by blinking."
What I mean is, don't play tricks on me, you can't beat me.
Du Qingtang: “…”
Everyone: “…”
After being speechless for a while, everyone hurriedly sat up straight, looking straight ahead, for fear of being nailed to the pillar of shame of "suspected cheating" and having their reputation ruined.
Some of them also put aside their unspeakable little thoughts, regretting that they had not reviewed and prepared well, while cramming and racking their brains to recall the content taught in the teaching class.
Look at that pale face and the cold sweat on the forehead, anyone who sees it can't help but shake their head and sigh.
When Du Qingtang got the test paper, the first thing he did was to review the questions.
There are three questions in this quiz, two on classics and one on policy essays. The difficulty level is medium. As long as you listen carefully in class and complete the homework assigned by the instructor after class, you can basically answer all three questions.
After Du Qingtang finished reviewing the question and had a general idea, the sound of gong rang out.
"Everyone, you can start answering now."
"This exam will last two hours. You may submit your paper early, but you must leave immediately after submitting it..."
After the instructor finished reading the examination regulations, the older teacher stood behind the desk, while the other teacher walked to the last row of the examination room, stood with his hands behind his back, and then—
stare.jpg
Du Qingtang felt the burning gazes above and behind him: "..."
She took a deep breath, cleared her mind, picked up her pen, dipped it in ink, and began to answer the first question.
“In the teaching of the University, there must be regular work during the teaching period, and there must be study during the rest period.”[1]
This sentence comes from "The Book of Rites". The meaning is very clear. It emphasizes the importance of combining classroom teaching and extracurricular exercises.
The question setter changed the previous pattern of setting questions based on political ethics, ideology and behavior, and instead asked the candidates to talk about current education, which was bold and unique.
Du Qingtang put his left hand into his sleeve and wrote quickly on the paper. In just a moment, he had finished a 320-word essay on the Five Classics.
Next are the questions on the Four Books.
“A wise man works alongside the people to farm and eat, and governs while they eat.”[2]
This quote comes from Mencius, and means that wise men should farm and eat with the people, working together and then governing the country. [3]
This question is very simple. You can start directly from the importance of labor and the equality between the ruler and the people.
Talking about equality in a feudal society, I don’t know whether to say that he is wishful thinking or that he is too idealistic.
Du Qingtang complained in his heart, and wrote a 308-word essay on the Four Books in one go.
Next is the policy paper.
“To stand neutral and not lean to one side is a strong and correct act.”[4]
This sentence comes from "The Doctrine of the Mean". A gentleman is truly powerful only when he can remain neutral and impartial when handling affairs and maintain a fair, selfless and independent stance.
Only when combined with the previous sentence "A gentleman is harmonious but not swayed" can the essence of the doctrine of the mean be reflected - harmony but difference, softness with firmness.
After analyzing word by word, it becomes clear how to develop the argument.
Du Qingtang started his discussion from the perspective of the gentleman and quickly wrote an eight-hundred-word policy paper.
At this point, an hour has passed.
Du Qingtang put down the brush and stretched his fingers, kneading his stiff and numb wrists while reading through the article to ensure that the sentences flowed smoothly and stuck to the main idea. He then polished it up a bit, adding flesh and blood to the skeleton, thus making the article more full and vivid.
During the exam, Du Qingtang found three or five typos, so he corrected them and then copied the article into the test paper in neat regular script.
After doing all this, there was still half an hour left.
Du Qingtang put down the brush and raised his arms to massage his shoulders and neck.
Maintaining a posture for a long time causes severe pain.
Her movement instantly drew death stares from the two examiners.
The older examiner walked down and passed by Du Qingtang casually. Seeing that her test paper was filled with writing, he took a few more glances before leaving.
Immediately afterwards, another examiner came over as if nothing had happened.
Du Qingtang: “…”
In fact, there is no need to do so. How desperate must she be to cheat?
Du Qingtang checked it again and handed in the paper early after confirming that it was correct.
Cao Xingcan had finished answering the questions long ago and was fiddling with his brush out of boredom. When he saw Du Qingtang hand in the paper, he stood up suddenly, attracting everyone's attention.
But he had no time to care about that. He grabbed the test paper and strode towards the desk.
Cao Xingcan was determined to take the top spot and even wanted to hand in his paper before Du Qingtang, as he didn't want to be outdone by her.
Unexpectedly, Du Qingtang answered so quickly that she got there first and handed in her paper first.
Mistake! Mistake!
Cao Xingcan tried his best to catch up, but unfortunately he was at the back and was still a step behind, allowing Du Qingtang to be the first one.
Du Qingtang handed in the test paper, which was sealed by the examiner on the spot and could not be opened until the instructor had finished reviewing it.
"You may go now," said the examiner.
Du Qingtang agreed, bowed to him, turned around and left. She had no idea that someone was trying to challenge her in the order of submitting the papers.
When Cao Xingcan walked out of the examination room, he could no longer see Du Qingtang, and felt depressed.
He regarded Du Qingtang as his rival, but Du Qingtang never seemed to take him seriously.
"Damn it!" Cao Xingcan said angrily, "Just wait, I will definitely be the first this time!"
-
Du Qingtang knew nothing about Cao Xingcan's lofty ambitions. After handing in his paper, Fu Wen, who was in the examination room next door, happened to come out. The two of them returned to the dormitory together, packed their luggage and prepared to go home.
Except for festivals, students of Qingyuan Academy can have two days off each month.
During this period, the teachers of the academy will mark the papers intensively, and when the break is over, the examination results will be announced.
"No matter what the result is, at least I can be happy for two days." Fu Wen put the books into the bookcase. "By the way, Qingtang, the Four Books problem I did today, I have done similar ones before."
Du Qingtang half-hidden himself in the cupboard, not being able to hear what she was saying, so he stepped back: "Hmm?"
Fu Wendao said, "The test questions that the student from your village asked are similar to the questions from the Four Books that I took today. Considering the advice you gave me back then, I think my answers today are pretty good and I should be able to pass the test."
Du Qingtang put the clothes into the bookcase: "With your foundation, you will definitely pass the test, and getting into the top five is not a bad idea."
Fu Wen smiled broadly: "Then I'll borrow your good words."
After packing their luggage, Du Qingtang and Fu Wen left the academy together, one heading east and the other west, returning to their respective villages.
......
Fu Wen's family lives in Fujia Village, where most of the people have the same surname.
She set out at noon and walked for an hour and a half before she could see the outline of the old peach tree at the entrance of Fujia Village in the distance.
"Hey, Brother Wen is back?"
"It seems like he's having a good time in the city. He's gained some weight on his face."
As the woman spoke, she pretended to pinch Fu Wen's face.
Fu Wen's heart skipped a beat and he quickly dodged, smiling shyly: "The food in the academy is good, I couldn't help but eat more."
The woman curled her lips and said with a tut-tut sound: "Brother Wen, when you become successful in the future, don't forget your parents and Sister Ci. Sister Ci has been in poor health since she was young. In order not to affect your studies, she lives alone in a nunnery in the mountains..."
The endless chatter echoed in his ears again and again, ruining Fu Wen's good mood and making his steps heavier.
"Hey, Fu Wen!"
The sharp voice brought Fu Wen back to reality from her repressed memories. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a few skinny teenagers of the same age standing in front of a fence not far away.
They were her classmates who often bullied her when she was in the village school.
Seeing Fu Wen's downcast expression, one of them chuckled, "What? It's only been twenty days since we last met, and you don't recognize us?"
The others also laughed, with malicious expressions on their faces.
"Since she has forgotten, let her remember it again."
They approached Fu Wen, their fists clenched and cracking.
Fu Wen knew that these people's fists would soon fall on her.
They would ignore her cries of pain and pleas for mercy, and would beat her more and more fiercely until she lay on the ground unable to move. They would then laugh and enjoy her miserable appearance, and would say that she was like a drowned dog.
If it were in the past, Fu Wen would not run, nor would he dare to run.
Once the matter gets out of hand and becomes known to the whole village, my parents will definitely be angry and will give me another beating.
But now...
Fu Wen remembered what Du Qingtang had said.
"I've always been the only one who bullies others. Anyone who bullies me will be beaten back on the spot."
“Give and take as you would have them do for you.”
Yes, give others a taste of your own medicine.
She clearly did nothing wrong and was innocent from beginning to end, so why should she endure such unfair treatment?
I should fight back.
I should seek justice for myself.
Fu Wen was forced to retreat again and again, with a well behind him and a forgotten bucket from some unknown family at his feet.
There was half a bucket of water in it. She picked up the bucket with lightning speed and poured it hard towards the other side.
"ah!"
"Fu Wen, do you want to die?"
I don't want to die.
It is precisely because I don’t want to die and don’t want to be beaten or bullied anymore that I want to resist.
Fu Wen used all his strength and ran forward, rushed into the village school and rushed in front of the village school teacher.
"Sir, Fu Dahai and the others beat me!"
"They often bully me for fun, tearing up my homework, and even pouring cold water on me in the middle of winter..." Fu Wen choked up with grievances, "I don't want to be beaten anymore. Please help me."
The village school teacher was a student with a righteous character and was fair in his dealings.
Hearing this, he immediately flew into a rage and slammed the table with his ruler: "All of you, kneel down!"
The eight people, including Fu Dahai, were so shocked by the roar of the village school teacher that their bodies trembled, their legs went weak and they fell to their knees. They were pale and lay on the ground shaking like chaff.
Fu Wen looked at this scene and grinned.
She swears by the radish and meatball soup in the cafeteria that in her thirteen years of life, she has never felt as relaxed and happy as she does today!
-
Du Qingtang didn't know that Fu Wen took her as an example and did something great.
As the twelfth lunar month approaches, the weather becomes increasingly colder, and the wind feels like a knife cutting on the face.
Du Qingtang was not Yuanshi, so she would not endure hardship without any effort. She spent two cents to get on the ox cart, put the book box in the wind, and hid behind it, returning to Taoyuan Village comfortably.
During the slack season, except for those who go out to work, most villagers have nothing to do and gather in groups of three or five to chat.
Du Qingtang got off the ox cart, and someone immediately noticed her: "Hey, isn't this Tang Ge'er?"
"I haven't seen you for a long time. Tangge seems to have gained some weight."
"It's better to be fat. A strong body will give you the strength to study."
"Tang'er, why are you back? But..." The woman was nagged by someone beside her before she could finish her words. She swallowed the words back and said with an embarrassed smile, "Is the academy closed?"
"Oh, you still know about rest and relaxation?"
The woman held her head high and said proudly, "My nephew from my mother's side is studying in a private school. He told me about it."
Du Qingtang pretended not to notice the quarrels in these people's faces and kept a normal expression: "The academy will be closed for two days, I will go home and take a look."
"You really guessed it right, Tang'er, you should go back soon. Your mother and sister must be missing you so much after not seeing you for so many days."
Du Qingtang nodded, ignored the sympathetic looks, turned around and walked away.
"Ah, Tang Ge'er is also pitiful. He lost his father when he was born, and his mother is still confused."
"Yuan Ping and his wife are so cruel, they used their own sister to earn a betrothal gift."
"How much can a betrothal gift be? Isn't it just a bag of flour?"
"No! No! My sister-in-law is getting married in Dahe Town. I asked her yesterday and she said that the betrothal gift is about this amount."
"One hundred taels?!"
"Wow! This family is really rich. If I had known earlier, I would have married my daughter to them."
"Bah! You're using your own daughter for a ghost marriage, aren't you afraid of being drowned in spit?"
......
Du Qingtang returned home and found an iron gate. She opened the door and the house was quiet. Only six little goose yellow balls of fluff were running happily in the yard.
They probably had forgotten Du Qingtang a long time ago. As soon as she entered the door, they chirped and went into the chicken coop. One of them almost fell down. It flapped its wings several times before it could stand firm. It slipped in so quickly that not even a trace of goose yellow could be seen.
Du Qingtang: “…”
It made her look like a monster.
Du Qingtang went into the house and put down the bookcase. No one had lived there for many days, and there was a layer of dust on the tables, chairs, cabinets and bookshelves. She first opened the windows to ventilate, then went outside to get some water and wiped it with a wet rag. The room then looked brand new.
"I'm so angry! How can mother be so confused about right and wrong? I didn't let her marry him because it was for her own good, but she's doing well, and she says I can't stand seeing her do well. I just don't understand, what's so good about the Hu family? Why is mother so determined to marry him, and marry a dead man at that?"
Du Qiya's angry voice rang out outside the courtyard gate. Without even looking, one could tell that this girl must be as angry as a pufferfish, with her face puffed out like a chubby bun.
"Oh, mother is so foolish and is asking for trouble. We tried to persuade her and tried to stop her, but she still accepted the bag of flour sent by the Hu family. I wanted to throw the flour away, but mother slapped me."
"Should I just let my mother marry him? That old woman from the Hu family has those three white eyes, and she's not a good person at first glance. My mother is soft-hearted, and she only knows how to bully others. What if she gets bullied... Eh? Why is the door open?"
"It must be Tang'er. Third Uncle said she would be back today. Tang'er! Tang'er!"
Du Qingtang ran out upon hearing the sound, and was hugged tightly by Du Qiya who rushed in. He couldn't help but stagger and took a few steps back before he could steady himself.
"Seventh sister." She called softly.
Du Qiya listened to the peaceful voice in her arms, her nose suddenly felt sore, and she burst into tears: "Tang'er, mother doesn't want us anymore! She's going to marry someone else, she's going to marry a dead guy, wuwuwuwu..."
Du Qingtang was amused and helpless by her calling him "dead ghost". He raised his hand and patted her back gently: "I know, that's why I came back."
Du Qiya: "Tang Ge'er, do you know? Mom actually beat me for that dead guy. Not only did she beat me, she also beat Sixth Sister and Baya... wuwuwuwu..."
Du Liuya and Du Baya, who were named, heard the crying and felt a surge of grievance and fatigue, and their eyes suddenly became red.
Du Qingtang opened his eyes and found that his eldest sister, second sister, third sister and fourth sister were also there.
Including his previous life, Du Qingtang hadn't seen them for more than ten years, and he felt a little dazed for a moment.
Du Daya is 22 years old this year. She married into the Feng family in Xiaoxi Village seven years ago. Her eldest brother-in-law is a hunter.
The eldest sister is the strongest and most opinionated of the sisters. After getting married, she has her husband and parents-in-law under her control. In seven years, she only gave birth to a daughter, and her parents-in-law dared not say a word. She lives a very good life.
Du Erya has a gentle personality. She married into the Zhou family in Ping'an Village six years ago. Her husband is a carpenter. She gave birth to a son in the second year of their marriage. Although her family is poor, her parents-in-law died early and she has no close relatives, so she doesn't have any troubles.
Du Sanya and Du Erya are twin sisters, and they are also smart and capable. Five years ago, they married the second son of the Qian family in Ping'an Village. Their father-in-law is a student and their husband can read a few words. Now he works as an accountant in the county town. They gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, two years ago. Among the four sisters, they are the one who contributes the most to their parents' home. Although their parents-in-law are dissatisfied with this, they rarely argue with them for the sake of their grandchildren.
Du Si Ya has a hot temper, like a firecracker, who explodes at the slightest provocation. Before she got married, she often opposed Yuan and Zhu, and even beat up Yuan Sheng. Last year, she married into the Wu family in Yangliu Village. Her husband is a winemaker, but his craftsmanship is questionable and the business is slow, so he can only make a living. Currently, she has no children and lives a carefree life.
In their previous lives, the four sisters had a relatively good ending, all of them died of old age, but the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sisters...
Du Qingtang's eyes flashed slightly, and he found that except for Du Qiya, the seven sisters looked haggard, with dark circles under their eyes. It was obvious that they were very worried about Yuanshi's willfulness and ignorance.
Du Qingtang called everyone one by one, and then the nine sisters gathered in the main room and sat around the table.
"What's going on now?"
Du Daya sighed, "The day before yesterday, the Hu family sent a bag of flour, saying it was part of the betrothal gift. That's when we learned that Mom, at the instigation of her uncles... Yuanping and Zhu, was planning to marry someone else. We tried to persuade her, even getting down on our knees to beg her to think it over and not act rashly, but she refused to give up. She even said that the Hu family was well-off and that marrying into their family would bring her happiness."
"Over the past two days, my sisters and I have taken turns trying to persuade her. At first, Mom would see us, but today, when she saw us, she locked the door and hid inside. She refused to open it no matter what we said. We had no choice but to return home."
Du Si Ya sneered repeatedly: "I think mother has been fooled by those two black-hearted people in the Yuan family. She has lost her mind!"
She slammed the table and said, "Anyway, I don't care. I'm not mentally ill, so I don't want to be beaten or suffer."
Du Qingtang: "Then never mind."
Eight pairs of eyes fell on her at the same time, unable to hide their surprise and shock.
The four unmarried girls had already noticed the changes in Du Qingtang. Although the four married girls had heard about Du Qingtang's glorious deeds of collecting debts and breaking off engagements, they did not have any real feelings and just thought that she was being forced into a corner.
Looking back now, Du Qingtang's indifference and decisiveness are shocking.
Du Erya frowned and couldn't bear it: "Tang'er, no matter how many faults mother has, she gave birth to us and raised us..."
Du Qingtang sneered, mockery threatening to overflow from his dark eyes. "The grace of giving birth is certainly important, but she's so determined to abandon even her own children. Can we really tie her up and lock her up in the house?"
Du Erya was speechless.
Du Qingtang continued, "I'll go over there later and try to persuade her to think twice. If she still insists on marrying a dead man, then I will have nothing to do with her in the future."
Her words directly exposed the truth that the eight sisters were desperately trying to cover up—
Their mother didn't care about them, and more than ten years of living together could not withstand the ulterior motives of their uncle and aunt. Even kneeling down and begging could not make her turn back.
The bloody truth was right before her eyes, and there was no way to avoid it. Even the strong Du Daya had tears in her eyes at this moment.
"I..." Du Daya covered her face with her sleeves, choking and unable to speak. It took a long time for her to find her voice again. "Forget it, let it be."
What can she do?
Do we really have to tie up our mother and lock her up in the house as Tang Ge'er said?
You can lock someone up for a while, but you can't lock them up forever. If you keep locking them up, you'll end up becoming enemies. Why bother?
Du Qingtang routinely asked about the sisters' recent situation, and took the initiative to talk about some daily life in the academy. It was nothing more than studying and attending classes, which was boring and uninteresting, but they listened with great interest.
After half an hour, Du Qingtang went back to the house to pack his luggage, took out his books and clothes, put them in the cupboards and bookshelves, and then went to the old house alone.
In the main hall, Du Daya watched her go away, rubbed her aching forehead, and said with a relieved yet complicated tone: "Tang Ge'er has grown up."
Du Wuya said indignantly, "Big sister, you don't know how hateful those people are. Mother can't stand up... Big sister, don't blame Tang Ge'er. She was forced into no choice, so she became estranged from mother and severed ties with that side."
Du Daya shook her head: "I have wanted to do this for a long time, but mother has always stopped me. Then again, I am a very incompetent eldest sister. I have not been able to protect you brothers and sisters for so many years."
Du Sanya and Du Siya agreed, their faces full of self-blame.
Du Baya's tears fell like beads from a broken string, and she said softly, "It's not easy for you, eldest sister, third sister, fourth sister. If it weren't for you, mother would have married fifth sister to Cripple Li last year."
Du Erya patted Bamei's head and said, "Let's not talk about those unhappy things. Now I just hope that Tang Ge'er can have a promising future and preferably pass the imperial examination and come back with a good name."
Several girls couldn't help but burst into laughter as they imagined the scene of Du Qingtang passing the imperial examination and returning home in glory.
......
Du Qingtang came to the old house and Yuanshi had just returned from the Yuan family.
Ever since she agreed to marry into the Hu family, Yuan Ping and Zhu had become much gentler in their attitude towards her, and even asked Yuan Xue to invite her to dinner.
Yuan was delighted and the smile on her face never faded.
However, this good mood did not last long and came to an abrupt end when he saw Du Qingtang.
Yuan curled her lips and said, "Are you here to persuade me not to marry him?"
In the past two days, villagers and daughters took turns visiting the house, saying that Yuan Ping and Zhu had bad intentions.
Yuan was not happy to hear this. Ping'er was her younger brother and she was willing to do anything for him.
Besides, if she could really give birth to a son, not a fake one like Du Qingtang, she would be willing to serve three husbands.
Du Qingtang only asked: "Have you decided?"
Yuan Shi put on a stern face, completely changing her usual cowardice: "I have already decided. I will marry him tomorrow night. If you dare to stop me, I will crash into your father's grave and die."
Du Qingtang asked again: "Never regret it?"
"I will never regret it!" Yuan looked at Du Qingtang's indifferent face, and a feeling of unwillingness rose in her heart.
She did so much for her daughter, kept secrets for her, and planned her future life, but she didn't appreciate it at all. Instead, she went against her at every turn, almost causing her to become enemies with her family.
I've been accumulating resentment in my heart, so I decided to vent it all today.
"I won't regret it, absolutely not!"
After tomorrow, she will go to live a good life.
"Du Qingtang, let me tell you, the thing I regret most in my life is giving birth to you."
"If I could have, I should have let you die in my belly, or drowned you in a bucket of urine after you were born."
"Why aren't you a boy? If it weren't for you, I could have my own son."
Yuanshi laughed out loud, and her expression was a little crazy.
"It's a pity you're not. You're a money-loser who can only serve men and can't carry on the family line!"
Yuan's sharp voice echoed in the old house, her words were harsh and extremely vicious.
It wasn't like a mother treating her daughter, but more like treating an enemy with a blood feud.
Du Qingtang couldn't help but think that if her grandfather were still alive, he would definitely not be willing to say that to her. He would be so angry that his beard would stand up, and he would swing his crutch to hit the other person's head, and then flee in panic.
Unfortunately, there is no if.
Du Qingtang thought again, fortunately the door was closed and outsiders could not hear it, otherwise if someone heard it, it would be a troublesome matter.
Her studies were busy enough and she had no extra time and energy to deal with other things.
Yuan was eager to see Du Qingtang get angry and frustrated to prove that she was right.
Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.
"I understand." Du Qingtang said calmly, as if he was talking about what to eat for lunch.
In fact, she had heard this more than once.
Yuanshi forced her to marry Yuansheng, but she refused. Yuanshi then spoke harshly to her, asking her why she was not a man, calling her a waste, and saying that the thing she regretted most in her life was giving birth to her.
Admittedly, it was a little uncomfortable the first time she heard it, but after hearing it so many times, she had become immune to it and no longer felt any wavering in her heart.
Yuanshi didn't expect Du Qingtang to react like this. It was like punching cotton. Not only did she fail to vent her resentment, but she felt even more aggrieved.
"Over the years, among all the people in the Du family, the one I hate the most is you."
What a coincidence, I hate you too.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have to worry day and night, fearing that your identity would be exposed and I would become a sinner of the Du family."
But from the very beginning, it was you who took the risk and lied about my gender.
"Why don't you just die?"
"You shouldn't be alive!"
"If it weren't for you, maybe I would have a son, and I would have someone to take care of me in my old age, and the Du family would have a male heir to carry on the family line."
It's always the same few sentences, repeated over and over again, so boring.
If possible, I don't want to be your daughter.
Du Qingtang said calmly: "I know."
Yuanshi was deeply offended by her attitude, and anger and resentment flashed across her face, which was nearly forty years old but still beautiful.
It seemed that she could never do anything to Du Qingtang. No matter if she showed weakness on purpose or spoke ill of him, she could not shake Du Qingtang in the slightest.
Du Qingtang looked at Yuan Shi, whose face was distorted and right in front of him, and suddenly felt bored.
That's it.
Because of the kindness of giving birth to her, she could not bring herself to kill Yuan, so she could only let her fend for herself.
"I once sincerely regarded you as my mother, but unfortunately..."
Unfortunately, those filial piety and dependence were completely worn out by repeated tragic deaths and rebirths.
"From now on, our life or death has nothing to do with you. Whether you live well or badly after going to the Hu family is none of our business." Du Qingtang stared at Yuan Shi, his eyes expressionless, as if she were an insignificant person. "People always have to pay for their own decisions. The path they choose must be walked even on their knees. You've lived for thirty or forty years, you should understand this."
Du Qingtang left after saying this.
Yuanshi stood in the room, watching her thin figure gradually walk away.
"Crack—"
A gust of wind blew, closing the half-open door and completely blocking Yuan's sight.
......
Du Qingtang returned home and was met with expectant gazes from the eight sisters.
Du Erya asked anxiously: "Tang Ge'er, how is it?"
Du Qingtang answered irrelevantly: "Tomorrow, dress nicely and send mother out tonight."
The main room was dead silent.
There is no need to point it out, they already know the answer.
Du Daya took a deep breath, and the cold air rushed into her throat, making her internal organs and limbs feel icy cold to the bone. "I see, Tang Ge'er, you must be exhausted after coming back from the city, right? Go back to the room and rest for a while. I'll wake you up before dinner."
Du Qingtang was already used to taking a nap. Today he had an exam and was on a journey, so his eyelids were heavy and he was indeed a little sleepy.
She said okay, went back to the room, spread out the bedding, crawled in, closed her eyes, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
When she woke up again, it was half an hour later. Her sisters were busy outside. Du Qingtang took out the test questions given by Liu Tongsheng, took the essay she wrote in response to the questions, and went to Liu's house alone.
After not seeing him for many days, Liu Tongsheng looked thinner and a little listless, pounding his calves from time to time.
Du Qingtang thought of how Liu Tongsheng had injured his leg while taking the imperial examination many years ago, which had ended his career as an official. He said with concern, "The weather has been getting colder recently. You can try applying a hot compress before going to bed. It may relieve the pain to a certain extent."
Liu Tongsheng was startled at first, then he chuckled, and every wrinkle on his face relaxed: "Okay, I'll try it tonight."
Du Qingtang presented the essay with both hands: "Sir, I have finished all the test questions you gave me at the beginning of the month. Please review them."
Liu Tongsheng was quite surprised: "Qingyuan Academy has a heavy workload, and you actually finished it all?"
Du Qingtang remained calm and said, "You know, I'm pretty fast at solving problems. After I finish the homework assigned by the teacher in the evening, I'll do one or two problems. Over time, I'll finish them."
Liu Tongsheng smiled and twirled his beard, saying, "You are indeed diligent and hardworking. As long as you persevere, you will definitely be rewarded."
Du Qingtang bowed and said, "I will remember your teachings, sir."
Liu Tongsheng felt comforted. This was the only child who called him "sir", so he had to spend more time and effort on her.
He carefully read Du Qingtang's article, occasionally picking up a pen and dipping it in ink to make a comment.
A stick of incense passes in a flash.
"Well written, a big improvement." Liu Tongsheng put down his brush and took out a stack of rice paper. "My kids have done it. You can take it back."
"Thank you, sir." Du Qingtang took it with both hands.
Thinking of the Du family's misfortune, Liu Tongsheng hesitated for a moment, then said earnestly, "When Heaven bestows a great responsibility upon a man, it will surely test his mind and spirit, and exhaust his strength... Today's suffering will become a stepping stone for you, helping you stand higher and see further. Do you understand?"
Du Qingtang curled his lips, his eyes sparkling with light. "Teacher, your words have enlightened me. I will remember them for the rest of my life and continue to study diligently."
"Very good, go ahead."
"yes."
After Du Qingtang left the Liu residence, Liu Tongsheng's wife, Mrs. Hu, emerged from the east room, a look of both regret and relief on her face. "It's truly a blessing in disguise. Yuan Ruyi actually gave birth to such a sensible child. Her daughters are all pretty and capable, too. It's a shame she didn't appreciate her blessings and insisted on jumping into the fire pit."
"But then again, didn't the Du family sever ties with the Yuan family? Yuan Ruyi was badly betrayed by her brother, so why would she listen to him and marry a dead man?"
Liu Tongsheng took a puff of his pipe and glanced at Hu in the smoke.
His wife is good in every way except that she is simple-minded and cannot see the twists and turns in some things.
But it’s better this way, at least I can live most of my life without worries.
"You didn't really believe what Tang Ge'er said and thought her mother was deceived by Yuan Ping, did you?"
Hu: "Ah?"
Liu Tongsheng sighed and said patiently, "It's true that he subsidized his brothers, but it's also true that he starved his daughter and son to death. The villagers knew what was going on, but they just pretended to be ignorant."
Tang'er and his sister are really pitiful. What's wrong with being blind for once?
Hu hissed, "So that's it!"
Liu Tongsheng smiled, showing that the boy was teachable.
-
The next day, Du Qingtang slept until he woke up naturally, washed up, had a meal, and started to do his homework.
The test questions given by Liu Tongsheng are all the best of the best, which are of great benefit to her.
During this period, Yuanshi moved out of the Du family's old house and returned to her parents' home with a few worn-out clothes.
Tonight she will get married in the old house of the Yuan family.
Zhu went to the county town specially to buy her a brand new red short-sleeved shirt and long skirt, and also combed her hair into a beautiful bun. The two sisters-in-law sat on the kang and talked, one of them was pretending to be nice, and the other was shy and nervous.
Zhu chatted about this and that, and when she saw the time was right, she held Yuan's hand affectionately and said, "Sister, I've found a husband for Qiya."
She omitted the details of the indenture and the fact that the child was given to the wife to raise, and instead praised Mr. Wang to the skies, describing how romantic and dashing he was and how wealthy his family was.
"The most important thing is that as long as Qiya marries, the Wang family will give us a betrothal gift of 20 taels. This is not a small amount of money, just enough to pay off Yuanping's gambling debts."
After much difficulty getting the manager of the gambling house to agree to a few days' grace period, as the deadline was approaching, Zhu was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, fearing that Yuanping's hand would be chopped off and that Sheng'er would have a disabled father, which would affect his future career.
The Wang family is rich, and Du Qiya will enjoy a good life if she marries into them, and she can also pay off her gambling debts. Yuanshi thinks this marriage is perfect.
So what if I'm a concubine?
Some people want to do it but can't.
But she still had concerns: "What if Qiya doesn't agree?"
Zhu rolled her eyes and cursed the useless thing inwardly: "It's her parents' orders and the matchmaker's words, she can't refuse!"
Yuanshi thought so too. Although she married into the Hu family, she was still their mother, so it was natural for her to make the decision on marriage matters.
"Okay then, I'll go talk to..."
"You don't have to go. I'll go talk to Qi Ya tomorrow." Zhu's eyes rolled. "To be honest, I have two good marriage proposals in mind, which are perfect for Wu Ya and Liu Ya..."
The more Yuan listened, the brighter her eyes became. "Mother of Sheng, thank you for your trouble. The marriage of Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Girls is now in your hands."
Zhu smiled, but beneath her friendly appearance, dark venom was surging.
......
As the sun sets, the orange-red light envelopes the entire Taoyuan Village.
The loud sound of suona came from far away.
It’s the Hu family’s wedding procession.
The wedding procession was dressed in red and green, with a white cloth hanging around their waists. Accompanied by the sounds of gongs, drums and suona, it exuded a strange and eerie feeling.
Normally, for a big event like a wedding, the lively villagers would rush to watch as usual.
However, at this moment, the doors of every household were closed and there was not a single person on the street.
No, not every household is avoiding this haunting.
The Du family is the only exception.
The nine sisters of the Du family wore the most respectable clothes they had ever worn and stood silently at the door, watching Yuan Ping carry Yuan Shi into the sedan chair. The matchmaker flicked a white handkerchief, gongs and drums sounded, suonas sang happily, and they left Taoyuan Village at the moment the sun set below the horizon.
Du Qingtang looked at this absurd farce with an expressionless face: "Go back."
“…Yeah, okay.”
The nine sisters turned and went in.
Just at this moment, a gust of wind blew up the curtain of the sedan chair.
Nine departing figures came into Yuan's sight.
For some reason, she felt depressed, as if she had lost something very important.
"It must be an illusion."
She will have her own son, and someone will take care of her in her old age. She will become the most complete person in the world. How can there be any talk of loss?
The sunset fades and night falls.
Yuanshi hugged the portrait of Hu Laosan tightly in her arms, and the sedan chair swayed and merged into the endless darkness.
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