Qinhuai Wuyi Lane has always been a prosperous area in Jiangning City. Although it is not as spacious as Zhuque Street or Confucius Temple, it also lacks the stench of copper and has more of the literary and ink atmosphere accumulated in history.
"In the past, Wang Xietang's swallows flew into the homes of ordinary people." Although today's Wuyi Lane is no longer a wealthy place where only Wang Xiena and others can live, but with such a great reputation, it is not a place where ordinary people can live, including the nouveau riche.
.
In the past two days, one of the houses, which has a simple appearance and an elegant and exquisite interior, has been rented.
At this time, in the yard, a middle-aged woman wearing a gray-blue sarong was directing several servants who were moving things, frowning and shouting from time to time.
During the formal ceremony, Master Li, dressed in men's clothing, quietly walked into the courtyard and was about to enter the room when a middle-aged woman saw him and her expression suddenly dropped.
"You went out again? Didn't I tell you? Don't go out and run around if you have nothing to do. Jiangning is not the capital. What should I do if something goes wrong?"
Li Shishi smiled and said: "Mom, I understand, didn't I dress up in men's clothing?"
The middle-aged woman snorted: "You think you can just dress up in men's clothing, and you think others can't tell you are a woman."
Li Shishi said: "Mom, haven't I just arrived in Jiangning? I just went outside for a walk. Besides, I didn't go alone. I met my elder brother today, and he followed me."
The middle-aged woman sneered at her words, "Don't mention that Yu Hezhong, he's not a good guy either. When he sees you, he nods and bends down to stick to you...like a shameless dog."
Li Shishi said helplessly: "Mom, don't say that, Brother Yu is actually quite good. Besides, we used to be neighbors, and you know Mom too.
The middle-aged woman snorted: "Mom, I am not an unkind person. If it weren't for him, he would be an old acquaintance, but I won't let him enter this door."
"It's just, Master! It's not what my mother said to you. You are too far away from Hezhong. It doesn't matter to miss the old relationship. It doesn't matter to invite him to a few parties. But have you ever thought about it? His family background is far different in talent and learning. Some poems
It would be a loss of face to ask him to participate. If you really lose face, if you want to defend him, you will not only be easily misunderstood by others, but also bring trouble to him. He may also misunderstand him, thinking that you are interested in him, Shishi, and he may have to push your limits.
.”
"Human! You still need to be self-aware. If you want to be together for no reason, and you won't get it in the end, it's better to make it clear as soon as possible. Mom knows that you are soft-hearted, Master, and this is also for your sake. If it's time to break it off, let him die as soon as possible.
This heart, stop this thought."
Master Li sighed softly: "I know, mom."
As she spoke, the woman walked into the side room, put down her long hair, and began to remove her makeup. When she restored her outfit and let her hair down, she suddenly became gentle and graceful again.
The skylight came in from the window. A woman in a pink dress sat down in front of the small window. She seemed to think of something. She opened the four treasures of the study, picked up the brush on the side and looked at it. Then she stuck out the tip of her tongue and lightly touched the tip of the brush.
Licking it gently, the movement was simple and elegant, but it carried a charming aura.
The middle-aged woman wrinkled her head slightly: "Master, I have told you about your problem a long time ago. You are a talented woman famous all over the capital. Don't be like a child who licks the tip of your pen before writing."
The woman smiled lightly: "I understand, mom."
As he spoke, he put the brush into the ink, kept silent for a moment, and began to draw on the white paper.
The middle-aged woman rubbed her forehead and sighed, "Let's not talk about it anymore. Just do whatever you like...I heard that you went to the old alley today. How is it over there now?"
Master Li said: "Not much has changed. It's still the same as before. It's just that there are fewer acquaintances. The old man who taught piano is no longer there..."
As she spoke, Master Li kept writing. In a moment, the old alley appeared on the paper. She thought about it and drew a few more figures on it.
Then he said softly: "Well, I also met someone I knew before...
The middle-aged woman's surname was Li, and her name was Li Yun. In the early years, she put some of her children in the alley to learn music and singing skills, and they fostered them for two years. Among them was Li Shishi, who was also familiar with the situation there.
Many impressions.
At this time, when I heard Master Li talking about old acquaintances, I thought of Yu Hezhong, and I became wary, frowning and saying, "People I knew before? Who are they? Male or female?"
Master Li thought for a while and said, "Mom, you still remember that we used to live in the middle of the alley, with a family named Ning who had a bluestone at the door."
Mother Li thought for a while and said: "You are talking about the Ning family! I have some impressions. I heard that there used to be a wealthy family, and some people had obtained academic honors, but then several prodigal sons were born, and the family fortune was completely ruined.
I remember that everyone in the Ning family seems to have passed away, and there is only one child left!"
Master Li said: "Well, Xiao Ning is the only one left in their family now, and the one I met today is Xiao Ning."
Mother Li said: "I remember this Xiao Ning. He was only twelve or thirteen years old when he left Jiangning. His parents had already left, and the entire Ning family was in disarray. The remaining branches had little to do with them. Unexpectedly,
After all these years, such a child has grown up smoothly."
"How is this kid doing now? I remember sitting in the alley every day reading, but he shook his head, obviously not the material for reading. How did you recognize him?"
Li Shishi smiled and said: "Mom, Xiao Ning has changed a lot now, especially his temperament, which is very special, like a person who does big things. I saw him sitting at the door of Ning's courtyard with a book in his hand, and he
I went up and asked, and then I found out it was him."
Mother Li said: "What's so special? Master, please don't be deceived. Although we are acquaintances, we haven't seen him for so many years. Who knows what he is like?"
After saying that, Mother Li warned again: "Master, don't think Mom is nagging you, but don't be with that Yu Hezhong, because you won't miss the old friendship with him."
Master Li sighed slightly and shook his head helplessly: "Don't worry, Mom, it's just a childhood acquaintance. I was a little emotional when we first met. Besides, Master Shi knew so many people when we were children, how can we have so much friendship? We meet in a different place, we have known each other before.
Yes, it's fate, just chatting for a few words, maybe we met once today but never again in the future."
Mother Li nodded happily: "That's good. Don't associate with those who can't catch up with you. Having one Yu Hezhong is enough. If you often come to see you, we can reminisce about old times and build relationships. We love each other.
Lou can no longer do good deeds."
Li Shishi said helplessly: "Mom, you think too much. There are so many people coming here to make friends. Even Xiao Ning is doing well now. Not only does he have a good temperament, but he is also well-dressed and has a maid with him. If I hadn't gone there,
I said hello, but she still didn’t recognize me.”
"You think people want to get close to me, but maybe they turn around and forget about it!"
Mother Li said proudly: "Hmph... Just based on Shishi's beautiful face, any man will not be moved when he sees it. Even if he looks calm on the surface, he must have something on his mind. Shishi, please don't underestimate your own charm..."
Master Li smiled helplessly: "Mom, please stop bragging here. Is there anything else?"
Mother Li seemed to have remembered something: "By the way, there is one more thing. Recently, for some reason, the news of your coming to Jiangning has made a big fuss here. There are even many rumors spreading about what you want to do.
If all the literary talents in Jiangning are competing with each other, there must be someone behind it who is adding fuel to the flames, and I don’t know who it is.”
"However, Master, with your huge reputation, this kind of thing is inevitable. I think it's better to go with the flow and set up a time or two to hold a poetry meeting or two so that the bumpkins in Jiangning can see what the capital is like.
"
"Of course, I know that Master, you are not here for fame or competition. You are just here to relax and see your old home. Mom promises you that, apart from the poetry meeting, if you have free time,
You can walk around and take a look."
"In short, let these local bumpkins in Jiangning who want to become famous through you open their eyes and see what is the number one courtesan in Tokyo. They are not something they can touch.
Li Shishi smiled helplessly: "But, will this offend others? Then they will say that I am arrogant. Besides, Jiangning is also a big place with many talented people, so I might lose!"
Mother Li said: "How could you lose? We are from Beijing. It's not my mother who blames you. You have such a good temper and don't want to offend anyone in anything you do. It's the same in Bianjing."
"But these people in Jiangning, even if you hold back, they will not accept your mercy, let alone show mercy."
"Actually, you don't have to worry. I know the details here in Jiangning. I used to have an acquaintance named Yang Xiuhong who opened a Jinfeng Restaurant and was very famous in Jiangning."
"It is said that this year is the worst year in Jiangning. Those who are currently popular, Qilan and Luo Miaomiao are not good at all."
"Even my sister is a weirdo. I don't know how it happened. The most popular Qingguer under her, named Yuan Jin'er, is said to have run away. The other woman is also said to have ran away from Jinfeng Tower.
, it is said that he opened a business house and did business on his own."
"She's so angry. The two women are too. They can't live a good life. Why don't they find a young man to marry and go back to be young ladies? They have to be in the public eye and run a business. I don't know what the two women can accomplish in such a difficult life."
As she spoke, Mother Li secretly looked at Li Shishi. In fact, when Yang Xiuhong said it today in Jinfeng Tower, she couldn't help but think of her daughters, especially Li Shishi. She must not let anything happen to her. Now that she has the opportunity,
I need to warn you quickly so that Master Li won't have to give up like this one day.
However, it was obvious that what she said was in vain. Master Li on the side listened with bright eyes. After a while, he said: "These two sisters are quite admirable..."
Mother Li's heart tightened and she said: "Teacher, what nonsense are you talking about! You must not do this. Mom treats you as her own daughter."
Master Li comforted him and said, "Mom, don't worry, I won't imitate them."
Mother Li quickly changed the subject: "Shishi, mom knows that you are a conscientious person, so you will definitely not do this or leave mom and run away."