Chapter 56056 The Sin of Adultery
The fire in the nunnery dyed half the sky red. Even after the carriage had driven a long way away, if one looked back, one could still see the flames rising into the sky.
A quarter of an hour later, the carriage stopped near Qingyuan Academy.
Du Qingtang used the clean water in the teapot to wash her hands. She glanced to the side and found Fu Ci with his head down, looking unhappy.
"What's wrong?"
Fu Ci raised his head, his face was wet, his eyelashes were wet, like a Shiba Inu that had just been pulled out of the water - the corners of his mouth drooped, and his smile was gone.
Coupled with the red and swollen fingerprints covering half of his face, he looked even more pitiful.
"Qingtang, am I too cruel and cold-blooded?" Fu Ci twisted his fingers and spoke incoherently, "I shouldn't... After all, they are my family... The grace of giving birth to me is greater than heaven..."
At that time, she was filled with anger and disappointment, and was on the verge of exploding. She just wanted to retaliate fiercely and continue to be Fu Wen.
Now that I have calmed down, I feel that this decision is too shocking.
If she were discovered, she would be criticized and infamous forever.
Not only that, but Du Qingtang will also be criticized by thousands of people. Fu Ci doesn't want his friend to be criticized because of her.
Du Qingtang put down the teapot, and there was a soft "bang" sound.
Fu Ci subconsciously shrank his neck.
Du Qingtang: "Fu Ci."
Fu Ci whispered, "It's Fu Wen."
Du Qingtang selectively skipped this topic: "Do you want to have a child for your biological father?"
Fu Ci quickly shook his head: "No! I don't want to!"
She would rather die than...
Thinking back to Father Fu’s greedy and ugly face, Fu Ci felt a churning in his stomach.
Even though he hadn't eaten a single grain of rice or a drop of water in the past few days in protest, Fu Ci still had the urge to dry heave, or even vomit violently.
Du Qingtang lifted Fu Ci's chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. His voice was barely audible: "Fu Ci, perhaps you don't know yet, but your parents are planning to sell you to the old nun in the temple."
Fu Ci's pupils suddenly shrank, the color drained from his face, and his breathing became rapid.
The nunnery is a den of brothel, and the nuns inside are all doing shameful things.
Fu Ci could easily guess what would happen if she was sold to a nunnery.
Du Qingtang withdrew his hand, leaned against the carriage, and looked at Fu Ci with eyes as calm as water: "Since you have done it, don't regret it."
Fu Ci blinked and his breathing gradually became smoother.
"You were acting in legitimate self-defense. If they don't die, you'll be the one dying." Du Qingtang laid the bloody truth before Fu Ci. "Fu Ci, you must always remember that in the face of life, nothing else is worth mentioning."
Family, friendship and love are certainly important, but when your life is at stake, all of these must be put aside, and if necessary, they can even be abandoned altogether.
Du Qingtang gave an example: "If one day I am caught by someone and they ask me to kill you in order to survive, I will definitely do it."
Fu Ci's eyes widened in disbelief: "Qingtang!"
She instantly forgot about her troubled parents and brother, and didn't care about her sadness anymore. "You're not that kind of person! You single-handedly went deep into the wolf's den and saved me from the dire straits. There's no one better than you in this world!"
Du Qingtang crossed his arms and snorted, "That's the kind of person I am."
Fu Ci's face turned pale with anxiety: "No!"
Du Qingtang didn't want to argue with her. It was like two elementary school students quarreling, so childish. He lifted the curtain and jumped out of the carriage: "Stop talking nonsense. It's late. Let's go back to the academy quickly. We have classes tomorrow."
Fu Ci was annoyed, but he still followed obediently: "What about the carriage?"
Du Qingtang pointed to the front right, and Fu Ci realized belatedly that this was the market. The direction his friend pointed was exactly where they could rent carriages. He scratched his head and said nothing.
Du Qingtang walked over, returned the carriage, and took back the deposit for the mortgage: "Let's go, go back."
Fu Ci nodded and jogged after him.
......
After arriving at the academy, Liu Agong opened the door and looked at Fu Ci intently.
The night was dark, and Grandpa Liu was old and his eyesight wasn't very good. He didn't notice the slap mark on Fu Ci's face. He just smiled and said, "Studying is important, but you also have to take care of yourself."
Fu Ci responded gently, grabbed Du Qingtang's sleeve, and walked towards the dormitory step by step.
"Stop pulling my clothes."
"I'm scared."
"This is a college, not a nunnery."
"I've been locked up in the house these days. They don't even light the lights when it gets dark. I'm scared."
"......what ever."
Fu Ci smiled with his lips pursed and his eyes curved.
After returning to the dormitory, Du Qingtang went to the bathroom to get a basin of hot water for Fu Ci to wash up.
During this time, she waited outside and recited "Mencius" silently.
The door opened before I finished reciting "Mencius".
Fu Ci came out, his hair slightly damp: "Qingtang, I'm fine."
Then Du Qingtang took over the washing up.
After washing up, Du Qingtang took out the medicine from the cupboard: "Come here, I'll apply the medicine on you."
Fu Ci touched her cheek and felt a dull pain in the red and swollen area. She gasped and pretended to sit down on the bed.
Du Qingtang caught a glimpse of this and spoke out to stop him: "Fu Wen slept on that bed. There's blood on it. It's very dirty."
Fu Ci took a closer look and saw a large bloodstain on the bed sheet. He jumped three feet high and stood far away: "What's going on?"
Du Qingtang said calmly, "If Fu Wen makes me unhappy, I'll talk to him about it."
Fu Ci: “…”
How can there be blood when speaking the truth?
However, Fu Ci did not sympathize with Fu Wen, but felt happy instead.
Fu Wen always bullied her and caused her to bleed profusely several times. She could just take it as retribution.
Thinking of this, Fu Ci looked at Du Qingtang with sparkling eyes, hesitated for a moment, walked up to her and hugged her gently.
As soon as he touched it, he left and quickly retreated.
"Qingtang, thank you."
"Thank you for coming to save me despite the danger."
"Thank you for solving everything for me, so that I can be Fu Wen again."
"I know you said those words before to comfort me and for my own good."
"I've thought it through. Fu Wen's parents and sister have perished in the fire. I'll be returning home soon to attend the funeral."
"I have no regrets, but I feel relieved because I am free and no one can hinder me anymore."
As Fu Ci spoke, he took Du Qingtang's sleeve, his eyes full of dependence and trust.
Those three people only wanted to use her, and their intentions were disgusting. There was no need for her to hesitate any longer and cause her friends to be unhappy.
She also didn't believe that Du Qingtang would choose to kill her in order to survive.
Qingtang appears cold on the outside but is actually kind-hearted. Fu Ci doesn't believe a single word she says, and instead interprets it as guidance and instruction for himself.
Du Qingtang: “…”
She really brainwashes herself.
Du Qingtang was speechless and simply skipped this hypocritical topic. He pointed to the stool and said, "Apply the medicine first, then go to sleep. We can talk about it tomorrow if there is anything else."
Fu Ci nodded, moved a stool and sat under the lamp, raised his face and let Du Qingtang apply medicine to him.
After all, "men and women are different". After treating the wound on his face, Du Qingtang stuffed the medicine into Fu Ci's hand and said, "Take care of the wound on your body yourself." Then he turned and walked out of the dormitory.
After taking the medicine, it’s time to go to bed.
Fortunately, there were spare sheets and quilts in the cupboard. Fu Ci changed the dirty ones and planned to dispose of them when he had time tomorrow.
She looked at the bed curtains that had been under the bed for two days and were covered in dust. She cursed Fu Wen in her heart, turned off the lights, and lay down on the bed.
The familiar bunk bed, the familiar scent of soapberries, all the fear and helplessness of these days disappeared, leaving only a full sense of security.
Fu Ci closed his eyes and fell into a sweet sleep.
She will surely have a good dream tonight.
-
"So you two are back together again?"
The next morning, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci appeared together, causing a sensation in Class A of Tongsheng.
Seeing them sitting together again, Cao Xingcan raised his eyebrows and asked with interest.
Everyone secretly pricked up their ears.
Classmate Du was as taciturn as ever: "Yeah."
Classmate Fu was filled with shame: "It's all my fault. I acted like a spoiled child for no reason and made this matter known to everyone without any regard for Qingtang's feelings. I have deeply realized my mistake and solemnly apologized to Qingtang. Qingtang has forgiven me, and we are reconciled."
The crowd booed in disappointment.
"It seems I can't take advantage of the situation."
"So the problem lies with classmate Fu. Knowing one's mistakes is the best way to improve. Admitting one's mistakes is the best way."
"Classmate Fu has finally returned to normal. I always felt that the previous classmate Fu was weird, and the current one is more pleasing to the eye."
"I think so too."
"What a pity! I had hoped to become close friends with classmate Du."
"Add me in, and we'll be the Three Brothers of Peach Garden!"
"Stay away from me, no one is going to take you with them."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Cao Xingcan looked at Fu Ci deeply and sat down behind Du Qingtang.
He knew that there was something fishy about this matter, and if he sent someone to investigate, he might find some very interesting things.
But he didn't do it.
The process doesn't matter, as long as the result is good.
......
There were only Chinese studies and etiquette classes today. After class, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci took their homework books and went to Du Ji Snacks.
As I left the academy, Third Uncle Fu from Fujia Village came up to me, panting as he said, "Brother Wen, the nunnery caught fire last night, and your parents went to see your sister. They never made it out, and we haven't even found her body."
Fu Ci's expression changed drastically: "What?!"
Uncle Fu repeated it again.
Fu Ci was stunned and murmured, "How is it possible? How could my parents... Uncle, you must be lying to me, right?"
Uncle Fu slapped his thigh and said angrily, "Why would I lie to you? Don't just stand there. You're the only one left in your family. Your parents and your sister are counting on you to go back and take care of the funeral!"
Du Qingtang pushed Fu Ci, and Fu Ci woke up as if from a dream. He quickly wiped his eyes and ran out without saying a word.
Uncle Fu hurriedly caught up: "Hey, wait for me!"
Du Qingtang returned to the academy and asked for five days' leave for "Fu Wen" before going to Du's Snack Shop.
After a busy period at noon, business is a bit slow now.
Du Qinglan was lying behind the counter, reading a book with great interest. Seeing Du Qingtang coming in alone, she couldn't help but ask a few more questions: "When can Ah Wen come? Tang'er, do you know what happened in her family?"
Du Qingtang glanced at the book in her hand. It was The Analects of Confucius. "Her father, mother, and younger sister have passed away."
Du Qinglan exclaimed: "What? How come three people at the same time..."
Du Qingtang remained calm and said, "Awen's younger sister has been in poor health and has been recuperating in a nunnery since she was young. Her parents went to visit her, but the nunnery caught fire that night. It happened so suddenly that they couldn't escape."
Du Qingju was serving food to the diners when she heard this and couldn't help but sigh: "Life is unpredictable.
"Awen must be very sad." Du Qinglan sighed, and suddenly remembered something and frowned, "But if this happens, I'm afraid Awen won't be able to take part in next year's college entrance examination."
Du Qingtang said, "There's nothing we can do about it. The imperial court has issued a clear decree prohibiting taking the imperial examinations during the period of mourning."
Since Du Qinglan could think of this, she and Fu Ci naturally considered it.
It's only three years, but it's better than falling into a brothel where life and death are uncertain.
Du Qinglan and Du Qingju both sighed.
Three years of mourning means three years of not being able to take the imperial examination.
By that time, Tang Ge'er would probably have already prepared for the provincial examination, and the gap between the two would have widened completely.
However, they also believe that Tangger and Awen will not become estranged because of this gap.
Du Qingtang walked around to the other side of the counter and tapped the pages with his fingertips: "Where have you read? Is there anything you don't understand?"
Du Qinglan stopped sighing and nodded vigorously: "Of course there is, there is one right here..."
Du Qingtang answered for her, and Du Qingju listened the whole time, seriously and attentively.
Seeing this, several diners couldn't help laughing.
"Du Tongsheng is really patient. He even teaches his own sisters to read."
"If my boy could be half as good as Du Tongsheng, I would be thankful."
"If you ask me, there's no need for a girl to study. No matter how much she studies, it won't be as good at work and having children as it will win her husband's favor. But the boss opened a shop at such a young age and made a lot of money, so it's good for her to know a few more words."
How could the girls not hear the sour taste in these words and the contempt for women? They felt a little uncomfortable in their hearts, but they did not show it on their faces.
Du Qingju smiled and said, "You're right. A girl needs to be good at work and be able to handle both the house and the outdoors to be liked. But Tang Ge'er said that reading can make you wise. We can tell at a glance whether a person is good or bad, whether he is upright or harbors evil intentions."
Du Qinglan disagreed: "Aunt, you are wrong. Girls should learn a few more words. That way, if you meet a beast after you get married, you won't be restricted in every way and unable to write a divorce letter."
The two girls, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, kept talking until the woman's face turned pale and blue. It was more exciting than a dyeing factory. She pulled her little grandson, who was eating voraciously, and walked out.
The little grandson refused to leave and howled loudly, so she covered his mouth with her hand.
"What's the point of getting a divorce? A divorced woman becomes a slut. She'd be better off hanging!" The woman turned around and spat, "You're always showing up in public, and you're not a good wife at all. Whoever marries you will be in trouble for the rest of their lives!"
When the diners heard this, even the most chauvinistic men frowned.
"Boss, don't take Zhang Zhaodi's words to heart." The woman who spoke was a kind-looking woman. "My family lives in the alley behind hers. Her daughter's husband died less than a year after her marriage. Her in-laws all supported her to marry someone else, but she refused and threatened to commit suicide, forcing her daughter to remain a widow."
The woman continued, "And her daughter-in-law gave birth to two daughters in a row. After giving birth to the second one, she broke down and couldn't have another. She forced me to hang myself. She's just an old hag, very evil. Don't listen to her nagging. It's good for girls to be literate. If my family had the means, I would also let my daughter and granddaughter learn to read and write."
These words comforted the girls greatly, for the heavy expression on the woman's face, which had been caused by her previous actions, eased a lot.
After closing in the evening, on the way back to the courtyard, the girls talked about what happened during the day.
Du Qingmei sighed, "It's not easy for women in this world. The Three Obediences and Four Virtues, the rules for women, layer upon layer of shackles are put on them, weighing them down so much that they can't even stand up straight."
Du Qinglan couldn't help but feel relieved: "Fortunately, mother is gone, and Tang Ge'er is open-minded and insists on letting us read and learn to read. I don't want to become a foolish person like her one day. It's really terrible."
Du Qingzhu suggested, "It is said that the county magistrate's daughter holds a poetry gathering every year, and all women, regardless of social status, are welcome to participate."
Du Qingju clapped her hands and said, "Let's go together then. Perhaps we can unite and help more women learn to read and write."
Du Qingtang walked aside and did not participate in their conversation.
She can be a guide, but not a leader.
They have to work hard on their own to decide how to go about their future and realize their dreams. She cannot teach them step by step.
......
Walking into the alley where the Du family's courtyard was located, Du Qingzhu suddenly exclaimed, "Is there someone sitting at our door?"
Du Qingju hesitated a little: "Why does she look like our mother to me?"
As they were talking, the five of them had already reached the door of their home.
When I got closer, I saw that it was indeed Yuanshi.
Yuan Shi was still wearing her dark green short-sleeved shirt and long skirt. Seeing them approaching, she slowly stood up, one hand on the wall, the other on her waist, and complained unhappily, "Why are you back just now? I've been waiting for you for so long."
Du Qingtang noticed her movements and narrowed his eyes slightly.
Du Qingmei asked indifferently, "Why are you here?"
Du Qingzhu looked unhappy: "How did you know we live here?"
Could it be that my second sister's elbow is bent outward?
Among the eight sisters, the second sister is the easiest to coax. If Yuanshi says a few nice words to her, she might become dizzy and foolishly tell Yuanshi their current address.
Yuan Shi did not hide it and said frankly: "I went to the village to ask, and someone told me that you lived nearby, so I came here to ask."
Du Qingzhu's eyes flickered.
I wrongly blamed my second sister. Slap her in the mouth! Slap her in the mouth!
There were people peeking out of the alley. Du Qingtang looked at them one by one, and they all shrank back guiltily.
"If you have anything to say, come inside and talk."
At the youngest's command, Du Qingmei immediately opened the door.
As soon as the door opened a crack, Yuanshi couldn't wait to squeeze in.
The girls followed closely behind with twitching lips.
Du Qingtang closed the door and asked calmly, "Tell me, what do you want from us?"
Yuan touched her belly, her tone full of excitement and pride: "You have a younger brother."
Girls: “???”
Du Qingtang: “…”
Although she knew about the affair between Yuan T and Hu Lao Da and Hu Lao Er, she really didn't expect that Yuan T could still get pregnant after thirteen years.
Yuan's words caused the four girls' brains to freeze. They stared at her in astonishment, and it took them a long while to find their voices again: "What did you say?"
Yuanshi smiled, her face full of maternal radiance, and she was more amiable than the girls had ever seen: "He is a boy, your younger brother. As his older sisters, shouldn't you show some respect?"
Du Qingtang: “…”
A gust of wind blew, and the broom by the wall fell to the ground with a bang.
The girls came to their senses, their hearts in turmoil.
"Didn't Hu Laosan die a long time ago?"
"Who is the father of the child?"
"Although it was a ghost marriage, the Hu family also went through three matchmakers and six betrothals. Mother, did you commit adultery behind the Hu family's back?"
"Sister Zhu, please keep your voice down. Be careful not to be overheard."
Du Qingzhu laughed and said sarcastically, "That's right, this is not a glorious thing."
"Shut up!" Yuan Shi was embarrassed and annoyed. "Don't care who his father is, he is still your brother. I heard that you opened a shop in the city and can make a lot of money every day. Tomorrow you will go to the government office with me and transfer the shop to me. When your brother grows up..."
"laugh--"
Du Qingtang sneered and stepped forward: "Yuan Ruyi, I have never seen anyone as shameless as you."
Yuan was stunned: "What did you call me?"
Du Qingtang ignored him and said, "If I were you, I would stay at the Hu family and hide the evil child in your belly, so that no one would find out and accuse you of adultery."
"What? Adultery?!"
Du Qingtang turned a deaf ear to the girls' exclamations. She had grown a lot taller this year and could easily look down on Yuanshi.
Du Qingtang looked down at Yuan Shi with a sneer on his face: "God is watching what you do. Who gave you the courage to come to me and ask for my things?"
Yuan Shi was so angry that her fingers were shaking. She pointed at Du Qingtang and said, "I'm your mother, and you dare to talk to me like that! You really think that just because you passed the exam and have become powerful, I can't do anything to you, right? Be careful or I'll report you to the government for being unfilial!"
Du Qingtang didn't care: "Go ahead, at worst I'll sacrifice my fame and accuse you of adultery."
The girls' expressions changed instantly.
"Tang'er!"
It's not worth giving up fame and fortune for a Yuan family!
Yuanshi didn't expect Du Qingtang to be so cruel. Her heart sank and she wanted to retreat.
Just when she was in a dilemma, Du Qingtang took another step forward and whispered in her ear: "Or, how about I kill the evil child in your belly and then send you down to make amends to my father?"
Warm breaths brushed against her ears, but Yuan Shi felt no warmth at all. She stumbled back a few steps and shrieked, "You beast! You will be punished!"
Du Qingtang said nothing and just looked at her coldly.
Yuan suddenly realized that Du Qingtang could really do it. She reflexively covered her stomach, pushed Du Qingju away, and ran out of the door.
Du Qingju was caught off guard and staggered after being pushed by her. Du Qingtang was quick to help her up and prevent her from falling.
"Tang Ge'er, what did you say to scare her away?" Du Qingzhu laughed maliciously, "If she loses the baby in her belly because of this... ah!"
Du Qingmei slapped her on the forehead: "Nonsense! Tang Ge'er can't bear this crime!"
Du Qingzhu's mouth was pouting so much that an oil bottle could be hung on it. He rubbed his forehead and muttered, "That's right. Tang Ge'er has a bright future. We can't let her ruin it."
After a brief silence, Du Qinglan asked: "Tang Ge'er, that child is really..."
Everyone stared at Du Qingtang intently, like prisoners kneeling on the execution ground waiting for the moment of execution.
No, at this moment they are feeling much more painful than this.
They had already accepted Yuan's remarriage, but why did she...
"I asked someone to go to Dahe Town to inquire about the Hu family. The person said that she and the eldest and second Hu brothers behaved very closely, and it didn't seem like an ordinary brother and sister-in-law relationship. After that, I went to Dahe Town myself and confirmed it."
The gate knife above their heads fell and the girls closed their eyes.
There was no pain at all, but it was worse than death.
"Why would she do that?"
"Why else? For my son."
"Could it be that the wives of Hu Lao Da and Hu Lao Er just watch and do nothing?"
Du Qingtang said: "They don't know, the Hu family is hiding it from them."
"vomit--"
Du Qinglan covered her mouth and ran to the side, vomiting violently.
Although the other three girls' reactions were not as intense as Du Qinglan's, their faces also turned pale, and they felt more uncomfortable than if they had eaten something dirty.
Du Qingtang looked at them and could almost imagine how much criticism would be caused once the evil child in Yuan's belly was born.
Not only the Hu family, but also the girls from the Du family.
Because they have Yuanshi as their mother, they will be labeled as bad people and become "the same as her mother". Even if they look at other people in the future, they can only be matched with the lowest class of trash.
Not to mention that Du Qingmei and Du Qinglan are determined to become female teachers so that more women can go out of their homes and learn to read and write.
Their lives and their dreams will be completely destroyed by Yuanshi.
Du Qingzhu pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from Sixth Sister's face, which was covered in tears. She said viciously, "She's a troublemaker. If she dares to come here again, I won't care if she's pregnant or not. I'll beat her up!"
The last ray of sunset fell below the horizon, and the night quietly enveloped the courtyard.
Du Qingtang bolted the door and said, "From the day she remarried, she has had no connection with the Du family. If you see her again in the future, you don't need to bother with her."
"That's exactly what I meant."
"That's it."
"Don't think about these unhappy things. I'm already hungry after a busy day. Let's cook first. I still have to study the Analects with Tang Ge later."
The girls perked up and got busy. Du Qingtang looked at the slowly rising crescent moon and walked into the west room.
Since he is the Hu family's child, let the Hu family deal with it themselves.
-
Because of Yuan's uninvited arrival, the girls were a little absent-minded for the next few days.
Du Qingtang pretended not to know and continued teaching them to read and write as usual.
On the fifth day, Fu Ci finished the funeral and returned to the academy.
Everyone knew that her loved ones had died in the fire, and they hid the sympathy and pity in their eyes.
"Classmate Fu, I feel deeply sorry for your loss."
Fu Ci remained silent and only nodded slightly in response.
Cao Xingcan glanced at Fu Ci's pale face, and then asked her while discussing an arithmetic problem with Du Qingtang, "Fu Wen is in mourning and can't attend the literary gathering at the end of the month. Do you want to go with me?"
In Daxia, scholars were allowed to study outside during the period of mourning, but were not allowed to engage in any entertainment activities.
Du Qingtang turned his head away: "I'm not going either."
Cao Xingcan was not surprised. The two of them were inseparable all day long, going in and out together. If Fu Ci was absent, Du Qingtang would definitely not go.
But even so, he couldn't help but sigh, and a faint envy flashed through his heart.
"Then I'll find someone else."
"Hmm." Du Qingtang paused. "Du Ji Snacks is going to release a new dish. It's meaty. Ah Wen is in mourning. Do you want to try it?"
If it was the second grandson of Cao, he would definitely sneer at him.
But now the person sitting in front of Du Qingtang was only Cao Xingcan.
"Okay." Cao Xingcan looked calm, but there was a glimmer in his eyes.
......
Fu Ci was in mourning, so he put his work in the shop on hold for the time being, so Du Qingtang went to Du Ji Snacks alone.
As the year draws to a close, the shop's business is booming. The girls are so busy that they have no time to rest. Du Qingtang also goes to the front to help. They only have time to catch their breath when the shop closes in the evening.
Du Qingtang took off his robe and asked Du Qingju, "Have you finished reading the medical book?"
Du Qingju took her robe and hung it on the wall. "I've read it twice and written down the effects of the herbs in the book. I've also memorized the twenty-eight pulse patterns. I've only checked the pulses of my fifth sister and the others, and they're almost right."
Du Qingtang had no medical knowledge and had no intention of testing Du Qingju. He simply asked her, "Do you want to formally become her disciple and learn medicine?"
Du Qingju's eyes lit up: "Can I?"
Du Qingtang curled his lips: "It's still early, there's still time to set off now."
Du Qingju was so happy that she almost jumped up: "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Du Qingtang asked the other three girls to go back first, and drove the donkey cart with Du Qingju to Huimin Medical Clinic.
There were people coming and going in the clinic, and two doctors were seeing patients.
The two waited for a moment, and the older doctor stood up and walked towards them.
The old doctor looked at Du Qingju intently for a few seconds and asked, "Is it her?"
Du Qingtang nodded: "This is my elder sister. She will be an apprentice in your clinic."
The old doctor twirled his beard and tested Du Qingju on the spot.
Du Qinglan could answer all the questions in medical books fluently, but she would honestly say she didn't know anything she had never seen.
The old doctor hesitated for a moment and said, "Okay, you can stay and come back tomorrow morning."
Du Qingju was ecstatic: "Thank you for giving me this opportunity!"
Du Qingtang looked at the old doctor and smiled slightly.
After all, they had been through hardships together, and the old doctor was still loyal and did not reveal Du Qingtang's secret to anyone, but he was a little greedy.
There’s nothing wrong with loving money, as long as you get it in a proper way.
So Du Qingtang donated the formula of talcum powder and frostbite cream to Huimin Medical Clinic, on the condition that Du Qingju be an apprentice there.
Throughout Qingyuan County, there had never been a woman working as an apprentice in a medical clinic, but the old doctor was attracted by the huge profits brought by talcum powder and frostbite cream, so he agreed without hesitation.
The old doctor is very skilled in medicine and started out as an apprentice. Whether Du Qingju can become his apprentice depends on her performance.
When we returned to the courtyard, the girls surrounded us.
"How is it? Did it work?"
Du Qingju smiled brightly: "From tomorrow on, I will be an apprentice at Huimin Medical Clinic."
"Ah! That's great!"
"I'll go make a few more dishes to celebrate!"
After a few days, smiles returned to the girls' faces, and the courtyard was filled with laughter again.
-
Dahe Town.
Mrs. Hu Dasao and Mrs. Hu Ersao were sitting at the entrance of the alley, sewing shoe soles with a few familiar women.
The woman next to Mrs. Hu stared at the shoes in her hand and asked curiously, "These don't look like you would wear them yourself. Could they be made for Yang Ge'er's mother?"
Yang Ge'er is Hu Dasao's grandson and is four years old this year.
"No, I made it for the third daughter-in-law." Mrs. Hu threaded the needle. "It's almost Chinese New Year, so I made her a new pair of shoes."
The woman sighed, "You are very kind to her."
The others nodded in agreement, saying that they would not make shoes for their sisters-in-law.
Mrs. Hu Dasao and Mrs. Hu Ersao looked at each other, smiled and said nothing.
Old Mrs. Hu was notoriously difficult to deal with in the alley. They had suffered a lot at her hands until Yuan Shi married in last year.
Yuanshi was beautiful and gentle, but she was a good worker and could take care of Old Lady Hu comfortably by herself.
They were happy to have some free time, but felt bad, so they decided to make a pair of shoes for Yuanshi as a thank you gift.
"Please, give me something to eat."
The women looked up and saw a ragged and dirty little beggar, who looked no more than four or five years old, begging for food from them.
"Please, I haven't eaten in days."
Mrs. Hu had no intention of giving it to him, but when she looked at him, she suddenly thought of her clean, fair and plump Yang Ge'er, and she couldn't help but feel soft-hearted.
"Come with me, I'll get you something to eat."
"Thank you, grandma!"
Mrs. Hu took the little beggar into the alley, and Mrs. Hu followed them back as it was getting late.
When I reached the door, I could faintly hear the laughter of Old Lady Hu and Yuan from the crack of the door.
In all these years, Old Mrs. Hu had never smiled at them so warmly.
The two sisters-in-law felt unhappy and stopped for some unknown reason, wanting to listen to what they were saying.
......
In the yard, Old Mrs. Hu and Yuan were making clothes.
It was said to be made for Old Lady Hu, but in fact it was made for the baby in Yuan's belly.
Half a month ago, Yuan always felt nauseous and wanted to vomit. She went to the clinic and was told that she was two months pregnant.
Yuan was overjoyed and told the good news to Old Lady Hu and the two Hu brothers as soon as she returned.
Now that Hu Lao San had a successor, Old Lady Hu changed her previous harsh and sarcastic attitude and became kind to Yuan Shi.
At this moment, she smiled and said, "No matter whether the baby in your belly is the eldest or the second son, when the time comes, you can go to my mother's house to give birth to the child, bring him back and register him under the name of the third son. The eldest and second sons will love him as their own sons, and when the family is divided in the future, he will also have a share in the first and second houses."
Yuan stroked her flat belly, feeling secretly happy.
She knew that her son was still useful, and the girls in the Du family could give her nothing except making her angry.
Yuanshi had never thought about the possibility that she was pregnant with a girl. Before, it was because of Boss Du that she gave birth to daughters one after another. Now it was a different person, and the Hu family had only male children, except for the eldest sister-in-law. She would definitely give birth to a boy!
She only hated that damn girl Du Qingtang for being too stingy and refusing to give her the shop.
Yuan cursed in her heart, causing Du Qingtang's identity to be exposed and beheaded by the government. She said shyly, "Thank you, mother, and thank you, uncle..."
Before he could finish his words, he heard a loud bang.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were startled, looked up, and their faces changed instantly.
The ones standing at the door with murderous looks on their faces were Mrs. Hu Da and Mrs. Hu Er.
"Bitch!"
Mrs. Hu Dasao and Mrs. Hu Ersao rushed over, grabbed Mrs. Hu's hair, and slapped her hard in the face.
Old Mrs. Hu was old and was no match for Mrs. Hu. She was beaten so badly that she had no power to fight back and screamed with blood in her mouth.
On the other side, Hu Ersao used all her strength to push Yuanshi to the ground, and then slapped her left and right, making Yuanshi dizzy and screaming.
"I saw how hard it was for you to take care of me, so I stayed up late to make shoes for you. Is this how you repay me?"
Yuanshi only felt a sharp pain coming from her lower abdomen, which became more and more severe, even worse than the pain on her face.
It was not until Hu Ersao stood up from exhaustion that Yuan looked down and saw that the hem of her dark green skirt was stained red with blood.
"Son! My son!"
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