Chapter 107 Jealousy (First Update)
Xiao Jingkong's interruption caused the conversation to stop.
Seven days later, Gu Jiao went to the clinic again.
The clinic has been emptied again.
Gu Jiao frowned. She had forgotten to tell them last time not to ruin the clinic's business again.
The other person hadn't arrived yet; it was the young guard who had been kicked up a tree by Gu Jiao last time who led the guards to clear the area first.
Gu Jiao was a little angry.
Huichuntang is the only clinic in town, and many patients come for treatment every day. Asking everyone to leave would delay their treatment.
The man didn't keep Gu Jiao waiting for long; he entered the clinic wearing a straw hat.
A veil covered his head perfectly over his straw hat.
He could see outside, but people outside couldn't see his face.
"Young lady," the man greeted her kindly, his tone lighter than before, "your medicine is truly miraculous; my condition has not worsened."
There was even a slight improvement, but he didn't mention it yet, fearing it might just be his imagination.
Gu Jiao didn't rush to examine him, but said, "You're not allowed to monopolize the clinic in the future. The clinic is not your private property, and you have no right to ask other patients to leave."
The young guard gritted his teeth: "What do you know? Do you even know who my master is?"
"Shut up," the man snapped at the young guard.
The young guard realized he had almost said something inappropriate and reluctantly shut his mouth.
Gu Jiao said calmly, "I don't care who you are. Once you come here, you are a patient. All patients are treated equally. We don't judge people by their status, but only by the urgency of their illness."
The man slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed passionately, "What a noble spirit! Not judging people by their social status, but by the urgency of their illness! If all the doctors in my Zhao Kingdom were like you, how could we not cure the people? You, a woman, have such enlightenment..."
"Take off your pants!" Gu Jiao interrupted him.
"..."
The man's lips twitched. Couldn't he wait until he finished flattering him?
Gu Jiao began to examine him.
All the servants had left, leaving only the doctor and patient in the room. Even so, the man's face still turned red.
In contrast, Gu Jiao remained remarkably calm.
The man finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked, his face flushed, "Miss, how do you manage to remain so calm?"
Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh," and said, "I've seen it all before."
man:"……!!"
What outrageous and insolent language!
"This is your second shot today." Gu Jiao took out the penicillin.
Overwhelmed by the fear of being injected, the man panicked, "Wait, can I... um—"
The man froze and bit the blanket.
——
The provincial examinations in this dynasty were held in August, much like those in the previous dynasty. However, in order to settle in the provincial capital as early as possible, some candidates from remote areas began to set off from home in June.
Xiao Liulang has the Lin family's thousand-mile carriage escorting him, so there's no need to rush, but he can't set off too late either.
The two were making breakfast in the kitchen.
Gu Jiao asked Xiao Liulang, "When do you plan to set off?"
“Three days later,” Xiao Liulang said.
Is Feng Lin going too?
"Yes, I'll go too."
"That's good, at least we can look out for each other on the road." Gu Jiao trusted Feng Lin's abilities. He might not take good care of himself, but he would definitely take good care of Xiao Liulang.
Thinking of something, Gu Jiao asked again, "Will we pass through Song County?"
Songxian is Feng Lin's hometown. Xiao Liulang, his mother, and his brother also lived in Songxian.
Xiao Liulang shook his head: "No, the directions are different. If you're going to the capital by water, you can pass by."
There is a canal in Song County, and one of the two major salt transport routes of the imperial court is located near Song County.
Gu Jiao responded with an "oh".
On New Year's Eve, Feng Linsi shed many tears at home. If she could go home, she would feel quite comforted.
Gu Jiao said, "Then I wish him success in the provincial examination, and that he will go to the capital for the imperial examination next year and take the opportunity to visit his hometown."
These words didn't imply anything about anyone, but as soon as she finished speaking, Gu Jiao sensed something was wrong. How could she forget that Dean Li had told her that Xiao Liulang didn't want to go to the capital to take the imperial examination?
She never offered him any advice.
He has his own life and his own choices.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for Xiao Liulang to travel to the provincial capital.
Steward Zhou brought the carriage to the village early in the morning. Knowing that they needed to load luggage, he had the carriage stop directly in front of Gu Jiao and Xiao Liulang's house.
The Lin family was the richest family in the provincial capital and the dominant force in the salt transport industry. Their carriages were even more luxurious than those of the Marquis's mansion, with four tall and mighty steeds, each taller than an adult man.
According to the rules, merchants and the like are not allowed to enjoy such a high-standard carriage frame; it is a privilege granted to the Lin family by the royal family.
The carriage is spacious enough, and there's even a soft little couch inside, making it a veritable ancient-style RV.
Gu Jiao was quite satisfied with taking this to the provincial capital.
Many villagers came to watch the spectacle, but they dared not approach because of the imposing presence of the guards and the magnificent horse.
Only Gouwa, who was always overgrown with weeds next door, was fearless and kept climbing onto the carriage.
Xue Ningxiang awkwardly tried to lift the person down, but Gouwa refused.
Manager Zhou smiled and said, "It's alright, let him go up and sit for a while, just keep an eye on him so he doesn't fall."
Xue Ningxiang understood that she was benefiting from her neighbor's influence. She was a young widow in the village and had suffered countless scornful looks behind her back. Sometimes, human nature is not evil, but the environment is cruel. When evil becomes a custom, even good people will raise their butcher knives.
But today, this young widow, who was looked down upon by others, could openly hold her son and sit in a carriage that the villagers dared not approach.
She suddenly felt a sense of triumph.
The journey back would take a while, so Gu Jiao had prepared quite a lot of luggage. Feng Lin jumped off the carriage to help her carry her things, listening as she explained what was in each bundle.
Xiao Jingkong then sought out his brother-in-law and engaged in a conversation between men.
The location was still the outhouse.
Xiao Liulang was speechless. What strange quirk did the little monk have that made him have to take off his pants to talk to people?
Little Jingkong sat majestically on his little toilet, looking like a dragon throne to anyone who didn't know better. He had his aura completely under control!
He said seriously, "I'm leaving home again. This time I'll be gone for a longer period. Take good care of yourself and don't let your family worry."
Xiao Liulang didn't want to hear the little trumpet spirit's voice at this moment.
Xiao Jingkong continued, "Also, you are a mature candidate now. Don't expect anyone to motivate you; you must learn to get first place on your own."
Xiao Liulang: "..."
Did you always help me get first place in the exam?
"Alright, that's enough talk. Take care." After saying that, Xiao Jingkong reached out his little hand, intending to pat his bad brother-in-law's shoulder like an elder. However, he forgot that he was sitting on a small toilet, and when he tried to pat him, he only patted Xiao Liulang's butt.
Turning his head to look at the little hand grabbing his butt, Xiao Liulang: "???"
There were no classes at the private school today. Gu Yan was a person who liked to sleep in, but he still had Gu Xiaoshun shake him awake so he could get up and say goodbye to his brother-in-law.
Then he went back to his room to sleep.
"Is that all?" Feng Lin asked Gu Jiao, picking up the last bundle.
Gu Jiao nodded: "Yes, that's all for Liu Lang. I also made some pickles for you to take on the road."
"Okay!" Feng Lin happily went to the kitchen to get the pickles.
Seeing him come out carrying a large jar of pickled vegetables, Manager Zhou thought to himself, "The Lin family is the richest family in the provincial capital, how could they possibly lack a good meal for you?"
Soon after Steward Zhou tasted the pickles, he began to complain about why Feng Lin hadn't brought a couple more jars.
Now that everything was truly packed up, Gu Jiao saw Xiao Liulang onto the carriage.
Just as the carriage was about to leave, Zhou Shi and Gu Changhai, who hadn't appeared for many days, rushed over with Gu Dashun.
"Jiaoniang! Jiaoniang!" Zhou Shi's usual cold face was replaced by an extremely fawning smile. "Are you going to the provincial capital?"
As they were talking, Zhou and Gu Changhai arrived in front of Gu Jiao.
Gu Dashun came over somewhat reluctantly, carrying his bundle and lagging behind the others by a dozen steps.
Xiao Liulang frowned slightly, and Gu Jiao lowered the carriage curtain, indicating that he did not need to get down.
Gu Jiao turned to look at Zhou Shi: "What are you doing here?"
"Hey, what are you saying? My niece's husband is going to the provincial capital to take the imperial examination, how could I not come to see him off? Look, this is a small token of my appreciation!" Zhou said, handing a basket of eggs to Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao knew what she was up to and didn't reach out to take it.
Zhou was embarrassed, and she gave her husband a wink.
Gu Changhai coughed lightly and said to Gu Jiao, "Jiao Niang, the journey to the provincial capital for the imperial examination is long and arduous. Liu Lang has difficulty walking, so why not let Da Shun accompany him? That way, they can look after each other on the way."
"Who's looking after whom?" Gu Jiao asked bluntly.
Even though Xiao Liulang was a cripple, he did more work than Gu Dashun, who was able-bodied.
Gu Dashun was spoiled and pampered from childhood. He knew nothing but studying, and taking him along would only be a burden.
Gu Changhai choked.
As Gu Dashun's biological father, he surely understood that Gu Dashun was completely helpless outside the home, and he had to bring his clothes from the academy home to wash.
Otherwise, how could he have possibly sought help from Gu Jiao to ask Xiao Liulang to take him along?
Gu Changhai originally planned to take Gu Dashun to the provincial capital himself, but his family was struggling financially and could no longer afford the travel expenses for two people.
He had also heard about Xiao Liulang's recent tutoring business. The client was a wealthy family in the provincial capital who were not short of money. Da Shun had given it to them, saving them not only travel expenses but also all their food, clothing, and other necessities along the way.
He earnestly said, "Jiaoniang, your uncle may have wronged you in the past, but your elder brother has never offended you, has he? Your elder brother is focused on his studies and knows nothing about our past grievances and disputes, nor has he ever been involved. Your parents loved your elder brother so much when they were alive, how can you bear to see him suffer?"
While Gu Sanlang and his wife were alive, they did love Gu Dashun dearly. But how did Gu Dashun, who was loved by them, treat Gu Jiaoniang?
When Gu Jiaoniang was being bullied, did Gu Dashun stand up and say a single word in defense of his sister?
Even in that dream, Gu Dashun framed his brother-in-law Xiao Liulang for his own selfish reasons. He didn't do it in the end not because he had a change of heart, but because Gu Jiao intervened in advance.
So even setting aside the grudges between Gu Jiao and her elders, Gu Dashun is by no means innocent!
Madam Zhou chimed in, "Yes, Jiao Niang, just let them bring Da Shun along! Look how spacious this carriage is, one more person won't make a difference! Just let Da Shun sit here!"
"The coffin underground is quite spacious, why don't you go in and lie down for a bit?" The old lady walked out casually.
The villagers burst into laughter; Aunt Liu's wit never disappointed.
Zhou was so choked up she almost couldn't catch her breath: "How dare you talk like that?"
The old woman shrugged: "You talk with your mouth, or do you talk with your butt?"
Zhou was so angry she nearly fell over!
The villagers laughed so hard they almost fell over.
This is a sarcastic remark about Zhou's farting, but it's also Zhou's fault for digging her own grave. Doesn't she know that there's no joke an old lady can't understand?
She was the champion of the previous palace intrigue, and she managed to subdue all three thousand concubines in the harem. What is a mere Zhou woman compared to her?
“They’re not your Gu family’s children anymore, so why are you still clinging to us?” The old lady pointed to Gu Dashun not far away. “If you really want to take him along, that’s fine, but let’s make it clear beforehand that Liulang has difficulty walking. He’s not going to be Liulang’s boss, he’s going to take care of Liulang.”
Gu Changhai said politely, "Of course! Of course!"
As long as they can get on the train, that's fine. If Da Shun doesn't take care of Liu Lang after they go, can Liu Lang kick Da Shun off the train? Scholars value their reputation the most. If Xiao Liu Lang really dares to do that, they'll go to the yamen and make a scene, ruining Xiao Liu Lang's reputation!
The old lady said, "Words are no proof; let's put it in writing. Xiao Shun, bring me a pen."
Gu Xiaoshun went to the west room to get a pen.
The old lady said slowly, "Write it clearly: Gu Dashun must get up at 3 AM every day, buy breakfast for Liulang, iron his clothes, wake him up, help him undress, and personally deliver everything to Liulang, including his face wash and mouthwash. He must also wash Liulang's clothes and empty his chamber pot."
Zhou's expression changed drastically: "Why is there a chamber pot?"
The old lady ignored her and continued, "When it gets hot, he has to fan Liulang; when there are many mosquitoes, he has to swat them for Liulang. He can only sleep when Liulang is asleep, and he has to wake up if Liulang wakes up in the middle of the night. In short, he has to unconditionally fulfill any request Liulang makes, and he is not allowed to talk back or disobey, otherwise Liulang can beat him!"
"You...you..." Zhou was so angry that her heart ached. She almost leaned on Gu Changhai, but Gu Changhai's expression was no better than hers.
Zhou burst into tears, snot and sobs: "Fellow villagers, please be the judge! This is not taking care of him; it's clearly treating my Da Shun like a servant!"
The old lady looked completely innocent: "Huh? This is what servants are like? This is how you've treated the orphans of the third branch of the family all these years. I thought this was how you, the Gu family, took care of people!"
Even Zhou, with her thick skin, couldn't bear it any longer and left Gu Jiao's house in a sorry state with her husband and son.
Gu Jiao lifted the curtain of the car window and handed a money bag to Xiao Liulang: "I put some loose silver and silver notes in it."
Ten taels of loose silver, one hundred taels of silver notes, and actually the money shop's tokens were also inside, but they were sewn in quite discreetly.
Xiao Liulang nodded, took the money bag, and said to her, "I'm leaving."
"Mm." Gu Jiao nodded and watched him leave the village until the carriage disappeared at the village entrance. Then she turned and went into the house.
Gu Jiao looked at the empty west room: "Sigh, they're really gone."
As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed a shadow that had suddenly appeared on the ground. She turned around in a daze and saw Xiao Liulang appear at the doorway for some reason.
"Why are you back?" she asked, her eyes wide.
Xiao Liulang stared intently at him: "Something is missing."
As Gu Jiao watched him walk towards her, a series of little red hearts suddenly flashed through her mind: Is it me? Is it me? Is it me?
Did he leave me behind?
Gu Jiao blinked at him.
Then, he walked past Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao: "..."
Xiao Liulang came out of the west room, holding a provincial examination certificate in his hand: "Without this, you can't enter the examination hall."
Gu Jiao opened the door expressionlessly: "Take care, don't bother seeing me out."
Xiao Liulang glanced at her, a glint in his eyes. After leaving the house, he suddenly stopped: "If I said that no matter what the final result is, I will not go to the capital to take the imperial examination, would you still think there is any need for me to take the provincial examination?"
"Yes." Gu Jiao said decisively, looking at his back, "I hope that you will not go to the capital in the future because you choose not to go, not because you are not qualified to go."
Xiao Liulang clenched his fist, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "What if..."
Gu Jiao smiled and said, "If there's any trouble or danger, I'll protect you."
That's not what he meant, but... a strange emotion inexplicably welled up in Xiao Liulang's chest.
This departure truly marks the start of a new journey.
Gu Jiao returned to the west room and found an extra envelope on the table.
Gu Jiao opened the envelope, and a pair of bank cards fell out.
"They found it so quickly..."
The real purpose of dropping the exam papers is to return the bank's cards, right?
There was also a small note inside the envelope.
Gu Jiao now knows quite a few characters. When she opened it, she saw that it was written in elegant handwriting: "If you don't live in the Lin family, you don't need to be jealous."
The words "jealousy" were written with exceptional vigor and strength. Gu Jiao frowned slightly, wondering why she could detect a hint of smugness in the otherwise plain handwriting.
(End of this chapter)
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