Human feelings are like water, and world affairs are like clouds.
The Fourth Old Master and the Fifth Old Master never imagined that their clansmen who had to rely on them yesterday would dare to speak like this today.
The elders of the clan who were invited had shaky teeth, but they still talked about their words and spoke eloquently. From Shang Yang's promulgation of the "Division Order" to the etiquette of the past dynasties, any family with a prosperous clan line must establish a branch, which is beneficial to each family.
Prosperous and able to help each other... There are a lot of parallel people and six people, which can be summed up in one sentence: since the family is divided, everyone should live in his own place.
What do you mean, Mr. Marquis? After the death of their parents, there are some brothers who have a good relationship and are willing to live together. However, I have heard of people relying on their parents, uncles, and eldest brothers, but I have never heard of uncles relying on their nephews.
of.
Oh? You said that Mrs. Tai is still alive and well? But the eldest sister-in-law of Erxuxian is much younger than your two uncles. You must not say that your unwillingness to move out of the Hou Mansion is because you are 'reluctant' to leave your sister-in-law.
You talk about Gu Tingyu. He is too weak to support his family, and it is understandable that he needs help from his elders. But Gu Tingye is very lively.
The 'achievement' of the Hou Mansion today is inseparable from your active participation. Thank you for your support, thank you for your help, and thank you for your meticulous care over the years. Now you have retired with great success. Your glorious image
and noble sentiments will remain in our hearts forever.
Goodbye, walk slowly, and don’t see you off.
The fifth old man was trembling with anger and couldn't get up from his chair. The fourth old man patted the table and stood up: "If you want to stay, you can stay. If you want to leave, you can leave. When will it be someone else's turn to tell you what to do!"
He was a ruthless person, so he just acted like a rogue, pointed at the people sitting in the back with their shrinking necks, and cursed loudly, "You guys are shameless, you used to stick to your dog's skin like plaster, and you lived by picking up old teeth."
, now that I have seen that I have fallen into disgrace, I am here to add insult to injury! Let me tell you, I won’t leave yet! He Ye, if he has little ability, will come to chase people away on his own!"
The momentum is very majestic, but unfortunately, he has a good plan, and others have a wall ladder.
After a while, Gu Tingxuan walked in from outside the house with a cold sweat on his head, and whispered a few words in his father's ear. Then the fourth old man's face changed drastically, he gritted his teeth and paused for a while, slumped down in his chair, and stopped protesting.
Such an unexpected turn of events is actually not surprising at all. Without Minglan asking, the fourth room leaked out on its own.
It is said that Gu Tingbing was sentenced to exile, but there is a huge difference between the same three thousand miles to the north and the west. Three thousand miles to the north of the capital is just outside the mouth. Not only is it a land of ice and snow, and the people are desolate, but there are also intrusions and invasions from Jie slaves from time to time; don't say you have thought about it.
On a good day, if you can go home with all your beards and tails intact, it will be like smoke rising from your ancestral graves.
But three thousand to the west is different. Since Emperor Wu pacified the Nurgan Dusi, Jinzhong and Fenyuan have been basically cleared and peaceful. In addition, the imperial court has been operating for decades, and it has initially achieved results. It has cultivated fertile land and stationed troops to guard the border. It is to go further west.
There are also many villages and counties; except for the entertainment industry, which is a little worse (the average age of female workers in brothels is over thirty-five years old), everything else is fine.
Except for a very small number of prisoners who have been sentenced to exile (unlucky Comrade Lin Chong), there is still room for negotiation for the rest of the prisoners to be given a lighter sentence. Because of this, every year when the court sentences prisoners to exile, the Ministry of Punishment and the Yousi Yamen will
Business is booming, and it’s so lively that people are almost crowded (what a great unit).
Gu Tingxuan was a kind brother. He was running around carrying silver these days, trying every means to make Gu Tingbing's journey more comfortable. He could take off his shackles, take a carriage and horse, and bring two servants with him. The destination was a relatively peaceful small town in the northwest.
Town, there is no need to eat and sleep in the open air, eat hair and drink blood. Seeing that it was almost unblocked, unexpectedly something went wrong.
At first, Ni Wang was involved in a wide range of things, and many aristocratic families were involved to some extent. Many of them were similar to the Gu family's crimes, which were semi-minor or not serious, more than flattering, not full of connections, and not enough to be disobedient. The family also had some powerful connections.
While running around, the Gu family was pulled out.
What were the most serious crimes in ancient times? Collaboration with the enemy (treason) and rebellion (intent to subvert the country).
Generally speaking, in the ancient society with strict classes, if you are at the center of power at the top of the pyramid and have a strong background, you can rape a common girl, trample people's fields with horses, or even do a few corruptions.
With one knife, the house is confiscated and no one is left, that's the end of it (if you meet a relative of the emperor, this item is exempted).
Only the above two items, once violated, will be punished without discussion. As for whether to punish three tribes, nine tribes or ten tribes, it depends on the mood and character of the emperor at that time.
However, the crime of rebelling against the king is treason.
From this point of view, the Gu family's sentence was a little too light. After all, they actually helped the Ni Wang handle matters and pulled strings.
The Gu family only involved one person, Gu Tingbing, but there were several fathers, uncles and nephews. They only lived in exile for three years? They were often sentenced to more than ten years in prison. Naturally, these families refused to accept it.
What, the Gu family only bought some beauties? Our family only helped with a few actors and actresses! Is it that the social harm of busking is so much greater than that of selling oneself?! Do you have any conscience and justice? Who buys handsome boys and young men?
People also expressed strong dissatisfaction! This is discrimination against chrysanthemum red fruit. Isn’t the usage the same?
——Okay. The above is Minglan's imagination. After listening to the wonderful rumors Xiaotao inquired about, she fell on the couch, unscrupulously beating the bed and laughing silently. ~
As soon as the matter was brought to light, the Ministry of Punishment also felt a headache.
Although the Gu family's case was ordered by the emperor, it was the Ministry of Punishment that imposed the specific sentence. When receiving the order, they thought of their intentions and gave Gu Tingbing a light sentence. But now... if the matter gets serious and a few good officials come across (
It's troublesome for your Ministry of Punishment to watch people serving dishes. Those who are exempted by the decree cannot move, but those who are convicted can be severely punished.
Within a few days, there was news from the Ministry of Punishment. It was said that Gu Tingbing would be re-sentenced, and he would either have to migrate an extra two thousand miles (a high-risk border area), or he would have to migrate an extra seven years, to make up the whole number, ten years, without discount. The Fourth Old Master still needs to make a
A large sum of silver was 'redeemed'.
The fourth old man was really scared this time.
I want to make money, but I have already put in a lot of money, but there is a bottomless pit in front of me, and I don’t know if it will work yet; I want to walk, since the fifth-grade false position he originally wanted to attack was kidnapped, he was naked and naked, and even entered the main hall of the Ministry of Justice
Not going.
After receiving the news, Aunt Liu and Mrs. Bing Er were in a daze. When they woke up, they both went to the Fourth Old Master to ask for help. They pulled up their sleeves and hugged their thighs, cried and wiped away their tears. They made a fuss day and night. The Fourth Old Master
He was helpless and couldn't help himself, so he asked his eldest son to ask Gu Tingye for help.
I don’t know what Gu Tingye said in the study, but Gu Tingxuan came out dejected. When he went back and revealed what had happened, he scolded the furious fourth old man.
This went on for two more days. On this day, Sister Rong and Sister Xian were standing in the house, reciting "The Story of Peach Blossom Spring" loudly. Minglan sat up and listened with a smile. The words of "The Story of Peach Blossom Spring" Pure and elegant, Minglan Su liked her character. In addition, the two little sisters had clear voices and cute faces, and the whole room was full of joy. Even Sister Xian's wet nurse looked at her with joy.
After she finished reciting, Minglan nodded in appreciation; Sister Xian obediently leaned over, hugged Minglan's sleeve and swayed, saying coquettishly: "Second Aunt, we recited it, you have to keep your word!"
Ming Lan smiled brightly and caressed Sister Xian's little face: "Of course it counts. I'll ask Dan Jue to carry the cage over later, and I'll also ask Manager Hao to build a hut for the little white rabbits, okay?"
Sister Rong, who was leaning next to Sister Xian, also had her eyes lit up, and she said in a low voice: "Can it be... two-layered, with grass leaves and flowers on top." Minglan laughed and said deliberately: "Okay. But you have to learn something more."
"Chengchengcheng! Just point out an article and I will definitely watch Sister Rong's back!" Sister Xian has already rushed to agree, and Sister Rong is also eager to give it a try, her little face is flushed, she is smiling brightly, her eyes are A clear and innocent place.
Minglan felt a little relieved.
If it were her own child, she would have grabbed her neck and yelled, "You little brat, you don't want to learn," or "If you don't learn hard, I'll skin you off," etc. How can I be so tired? !Sister Rong has no interest in books and has a stubborn temper, so it’s really hard to guide her. Alas... now there is a way out.
As soon as the young ladies were sent away, before they could take a breath, there was a commotion outside.
"Mrs. Bing'er looks bad. Madam, you... be careful." Lu Zhi rushed in quickly and reported in a low voice.
It turned out that the female relatives of the fourth room were coming to fight in a group. Minglan was frightened, and she immediately cheered up and cheered up to fight.
The guests came in and sat down, and they both met each other.
In fact, what Luzhi said was too conservative. Not only did Mrs. Bing'er look bad, but also the entire female family in the fourth room looked gloomy and ugly.
After serving tea and greetings, Mrs. Bing Er hurriedly told Gu Tingbing's story and asked Minglan for help, regardless of the fact that the maid was still there. I left green branches and peaches in the back room just in case, and there were bodyguards if there was a fight.
"Second sister-in-law." Minglan lowered her head and blew on the tea. The pastel bowl with goose yellow bean paste and green background gently stirred the amber waves in the tea bowl. She said gently, "I told you last time, what happened outside, gentlemen." , I won’t interfere. If the Marquis takes action, that’s good. If he can’t, then the Marquis must have a reason why he can’t. It’s useless for the second sister-in-law to tell me these things.”
As if the last string had been broken, Mrs. Bing'er stood up quickly, stared at Minglan with bloodshot eyes, and said, "You can tell what you said! Do you want everyone in our room to die?" You are the ones who are satisfied?! Okay, okay, I’m going to die right now!”
Minglan glanced at her, unmoved at all, still smiling: "Second sister-in-law is joking again, second cousin is doing fine, but you are going to seek death, but I don't know what to do with the nephews and nieces?" The trick of seeking death will not work on her.
The fourth old lady looked tired and sat quietly without saying anything. Mrs. Xuan seemed to be very angry. Looking at this scene, she loudly said to Mrs. Bing: "Why don't you sit down! Why are you so angry at your younger siblings? What do you mean? Marry and follow your husband. The two Ye brothers have had big ideas since they were young. What does it have to do with their younger siblings?! Isn’t it unlucky to talk about life and death when you open your mouth and shut up!"
Mrs. Bing'er didn't want to die at first, so she came down the steps, leaned on the chair and cried: "What can I do?!" While crying, she said to Minglan: "I know that the person in my family has offended Mr. Hou, but can't I
Look at the monk's face and the Buddha's face. After all, he belongs to the same ancestor. How can he watch his brother suffer! The Marquis is so cruel, so unwilling to save..."
With a bang, Minglan placed the tea bowl heavily on the small table, her face as cold as frost: "Second sister-in-law, you have to speak with your conscience! What does it mean to not save someone even if you die!" She straightened her back and stood up, looking at the three of them.
The female family member passed over her face, and finally landed on Mrs. Bing's second wife. She sneered: "Second sister-in-law went outside to find out how people who have committed common affairs with our family are convicted now! Some have their homes confiscated, and some are exiled.
There are also beheadings! It’s a prison sentence, how many people and how many years are involved?!”
Her voice was high-pitched and filled with anger. Minglan took a few steps forward and stared at Mrs. Bing'er urgently: "Now in our family, the fourth uncle is fine, the fifth uncle is fine, and the brothers are fine too. Let's fold them all in, and we'll still be around."
Give it a lighter sentence! Huh huh...who is running around and doing the hard work! The second sister-in-law is better off, she wiped it all out with one sentence!"
Her charming eyes were big and long, narrowed into a sarcastic look, "I used to think that the Marquis was a little unkind, but now I see, huh, it turns out that people don't always think well of you when you do good deeds, and you even complain about it!"
"
After saying that, he sat aside angrily and refused to speak any more. [Ye*] [*]
At times like this, Mrs. Xuan usually comes out to smooth things over, but today she seemed to be angry and deliberately kept silent. When Mrs. Bing saw this, she turned around and threw herself at Mrs. Xuan, tugging and crying:
"Sister-in-law, you are talking! You are always on good terms with your siblings, so why don't you say a few words! How can it be possible to see your brother suffer!"
Mrs. Xuan's sleeves creaked as her sleeves were being pulled. She pushed her sister-in-law away angrily and said lukewarmly, "What can I say? She's just the sister-in-law in the next room, not Grandpa Taisui!"
Mrs. Bing'er was so angry that she had no place to act wild. At that time, she pointed at Mrs. Xuan and shouted: "I know how you feel about it! You have to kill me. You two evil-hearted couple can monopolize the family property!"
"
Mrs. Xuan was also angry. She stood up, took out a few pieces of paper from her sleeves, slapped them on the table, and said loudly: "Come and see what this is?" Everyone looked over and saw a few pieces of paper.
Colorful tickets.
Mrs. Xuan's face turned red with anger and her neck became thick: "These days, in order to help the second brother to do things, we have to spend money everywhere, but over the years, everything has been in the hands of the second brother, and we have not even touched a penny.
! Now we have to use silver, and my father-in-law has been complaining all day that money is tight, so my family has no choice but to use the things at home to pawn!"
The more she talked, the angrier she became, and finally she said bitterly, "Sister-in-law, I have never gotten a needle or a half of thread from you in these years, it doesn't matter! I am worthy of you as your sister-in-law, please keep your mouth clean."
If you make me anxious, everyone will stop living!"
Mrs. Bing'er was speechless. She was reluctant to give out the money. She wanted to leave some capital for her children and herself. She originally wanted to count on the father-in-law, but she didn't know that the fourth old lady was also so stingy. She was in tears and could not say anything for a moment.
Seeing the internal strife in the fourth room, the fourth old lady finally couldn't sit still anymore, straightened up, and begged: "Minglan, although you have only been here for a short time, I can see that you are honest in your heart. Now your two brothers, Bing, are like this
, the child below him is still young, so you don’t have any sympathy at all?"
Minglan raised her head and looked at the fourth old lady with a strange look: "I would like to ask the fourth aunt, when Lord Hou left home, did you know how much silver he had with him? Is there anyone who can take refuge when he goes out? Jianghu people are very brave and ruthless.
, Is he safe? Where is he and what is he doing all these years? Does anyone know about it in such a big house? Can anyone ask? "
She paused when she asked, and every word was like a chisel or a sword, extremely sharp. To put it harshly, Gu Tingye died outside in those few years, and there was no one to collect the body. Minglan was filled with contempt,
He just said lightly, "Now that Mr. Bing has his parents to worry about him and his brother and sister-in-law to run for him, he is much better than Mr. Hou back then."
The fourth old lady couldn't answer this question. After a while, she looked ashamed and said in a low voice: "I also know...this child was wronged back then."
The corners of Minglan's mouth were slightly curved, with a hint of sarcasm: "My nephew, think about it, it's better for me to feel sorry for my own man first, and then to feel sorry for other people's men." Her sympathy limit is very low, and is only given to a small number of people.
Mrs. Bing's second wife saw that even the fourth old lady had stopped talking, and couldn't help but become anxious. Just as she was about to speak, Minglan turned her head and spoke first: "Second sister-in-law, please be more straightforward. According to Mr. Hou and Mr. Bing
He can be regarded as the most benevolent and righteous person in the world."
She deliberately emphasized the word 'affection'. Mrs. Bing'er was dumbfounded. Minglan looked at her expression and said with a smile: "Now that things have come to a point, instead of coming to beg the Marquis, the second sister-in-law might as well go back and beg the fourth uncle.
"
"Please, what are you asking for?" Mrs. Bing'er's eyes flashed.
Minglan felt scornful in her heart and said lightly: "Second sister-in-law, pretending to be confused while pretending to understand is not a panacea."
The five-bedroom house is much simpler. Now we have started to pack up all the belongings and people, and we will be able to move in about ten days and a half.
Speaking of which, as long as it was not intentional, everyone knew what Minglan meant.
Mrs. Bing'er sat down slumped. She didn't look like she was separated from the family. She could enjoy the shade under the big tree, especially now that even the Fourth Old Master was gone. Mrs. Xuan closed her mouth tightly and said nothing.
The fourth old lady looked around at the two daughters-in-law, sighed, took Minglan's hand, and said plaintively: "I know my nephew has resentment in his heart. Over the years...his fourth uncle and Brother Bing are indeed not good.
Yes; but, Minglan..."
Her voice was choked with sobs, "We will definitely move away, but for your sister's sake, do you want to wait for two more years? She is about to find a family. If she can get out of the Hou Mansion,
That……"
Minglan calmed down her thoughts, turned around to face her, and softened her voice: "Fourth Aunt, I understand your difficulties. However, let alone two years, just two months, I am afraid even the Marquis would not be willing.
Don't blame him for being cruel, just think about those two money matters back then."
The fourth old lady suddenly raised her head and asked intermittently: "What's the matter...?"
Minglan stared at her and said quietly: "It's a matter about Hongxiu Pavilion and a matter about Wansheng Bank."
Mrs. Bing'er suddenly raised her head and said sharply: "That's right. Those two things were revealed by my family, and they also identified Brother Ye. Is it possible that he holds a grudge like this! He..."
She couldn't say any more, because Minglan looked at her with cold eyes like blades.
Minglan stared at Mrs. Bing's wife closely and said word by word: "I won't say who is right in this matter today. But what exactly is going on in this matter, God knows and the earth knows, Mr. Bing knows, and others know.
.If my second sister-in-law is magnanimous, she can go to the Bodhisattva and swear a curse against that black-hearted and fearless person!"
Mrs. Bing'er felt guilty for a while. She had not yet entered the house when the former incident happened, but she knew about the latter incident. At that time, she was secretly glad that there was someone who took the blame. She had no money and could avoid punishment.
Mrs. Xuan's eyes widened. She was a little fuzzy at first, but now she was thinking about it all over again in her stomach. She gradually revealed her eyes with understanding, and then looked at Mrs. Bing'er with even more disdain.
The fourth old lady sighed in her heart. She had seen both of these things. Even if she didn't know the inside story at the time, she later came to understand that the behavior of the two fathers in the fourth room was indeed despicable. It was no wonder that Gu Tingye held hatred in his heart;
At the beginning, I knew how to protect myself and didn't speak up for Gu Tingye, so how could I demand anything from others?
"Could it be that this grudge has been forged?" the fourth old lady said with a trembling voice.
Minglan let out a long sigh and said softly: "I just don't want to keep this grudge, so I have to separate now. Now the Marquis is in a rage, it's better to vent his anger first. As time goes by, nephews and nieces
When we are all grown up, and there are many children and grandchildren... After all, I can’t write two characters of Gu in one stroke. The Marquis is kind-hearted, so how can he bear grudges against the younger generation?”
She didn't want to get into trouble with an innocent person. Although Gu Tingying was the daughter of the Fourth Old Master, she still hoped that she could marry happily and smoothly.
When she heard the word 'junior', Mrs.
Wei Ying found an errand.
In the future, with the help of my uncle, I will work harder, and at least I will have some protection in the future. However, I can't talk about this matter to death right now, otherwise I will be scolded by the entire fourth house as "stirring in and out", and we will not announce it until the house is divided.
Good; because of this, Gu Tingxuan felt sorry for his father and younger brother, so he tried his best to help.
Mrs. Xuan had long seen that Gu Tingye and her father-in-law had deep grudges. If they lived together and had quarrels and quarrels all day long, who would Gu Tingxuan help? Helping the elder would offend Gu Tingye; helping Gu Tingye would be considered unfilial.
If the residence is open, Gu Tingye and the fourth old man will never see each other again. At that time, Gu Tingye will remember the benefits of Gu Tingxuan in the past. She and Minglan often come and go, but they will get more help.
So from the very beginning, she was in favor of living in separate houses.
After this conversation, no matter how stupid the fourth old man was, he knew that he would not be able to get away with it. After delaying for another three or four days, seeing that the madam was still "sick in bed" and did not speak for the fourth and fifth bedrooms, he gave up and asked
The elders of the clan told him that he would move away immediately.
So the fourth room also began to busyly pack up their belongings.
After decades of entanglement, the finances had to be clearly divided, the domestic servants had to sort out their relationships, take away what should be taken away, and keep what should be kept; everything was going crazy, and for a while, the Gu Mansion was quite lively.
The autumn light is just right, the air is dry and fresh, and the windows are open. Minglan is leaning on the soft light purple cloud-patterned pillow, holding a warm snow pear rock sugar and white fungus soup, and slowly scooping it up one spoon at a time.
, a faint sarcastic smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Although she had met the deceased Mr. Gu, she thought that he must have been a kind and loving patriarch, which is why he had always protected his two younger brothers under his wings, and they were so naive and ignorant today.
Of these two uncles, one is a tyrannical scoundrel who only knows how to behave in a nest, and the other is self-righteous and innocent.
As long as the two of them are experienced, the moment Gu Tingye rises, they should think about how to clear up the past grudges, how to carefully apologize, and how to smooth out the past grudges. It would be better for them to just show off their elders' power, thinking about
Taking advantage of others and trying to maintain a relationship, but in the end...it didn't matter how loud his voice was, Gu Tingye didn't even need to make a move, they couldn't stand it anymore.
In the face of powerful force, their teeth and claws show how weak they are.
Moreover, Gu Tingye was reasonable in requesting to live in a separate house this time.
Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the Celestial Kingdom has been based on Confucianism, which emphasizes the "uniqueness of the terminal of power."
When applied to the national level, this theory means that "there are no two days in the sky, and there are no two masters of the country"; when applied to the issue of heirs, it is the system of eldest son inheritance; when applied to marriage, it is the system of monogamy and multiple concubines.
Through countless bloody lessons, the ancients clearly realized that once the end of power is dispersed, endless disputes and troubles will follow. Therefore, from Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, they had to cut down the vassal vassal and replace their uncles and uncles.
The cousins and nephews went back and forth more than a dozen times to make them completely honest. Therefore, the carefree ancient men took the initiative to formulate rules for wives and concubines, restrained themselves with etiquette and rules, and put the inner house under the management of the main wife, so that they could feel at ease outside.
To prevent a fire in the backyard.
The same is true for family separation. When their parents are alive, the children do not need to separate the family because the father, as the head of the family, has enough authority to handle conflicts within the family; when the elder brother is alive, the younger brothers do not separate the family because they have elders.
"Brother is like father"; but when even the elder brother passed away.
When the nephew becomes the head of the family, if the uncles are still at home, if there is a disagreement within the family, the nephew has the power to make the decision according to the clan etiquette; but according to the custom of respecting the elders, the nephew should respect the opinions of the uncles.
As a result, the end of power will be destroyed, which is very harmful to a family.
Therefore, if the Fourth Old Master refuses to leave, he will not get any support from etiquette and law. In addition to Gu Tingye's current power, it can be said that the Fourth Old Master is bound to lose. Gu Tingye doesn't even have to do anything, just watch indifferently.
The real trouble is the madam.
She has always had a good reputation, even if some people doubt her intentions, but if she came out to cry as the eldest sister-in-law, she would look pitiful, afraid of being bullied by her successor, and beg the elders of the clan to keep her two uncles.
, that would be difficult to handle.
"We have to make this deal with that person first; the rest is not a problem."
Gu Tingye's handsome face is obscure and unpredictable, and his deep eyes are like the sea, revealing endless indifference.
Waiting day by day, watching step by step, until the wife shrank her neck and stopped caring about the matter, it actually meant that she had acquiesced. At this time, Gu Tingye proposed to separate the house and live separately. He didn't have to sacrifice eight hundred, he would
Wound a thousand enemies.
He was born with a fierce and fierce character, the world is like sand, and he is as soft as tough. After many ups and downs, he slowly ground the fire and ice rivers into a perseverance and patience like the abyss.
"You are too upright, and you may not be able to guard against the evil tricks." He whispered in her ear, his eyes as calm as the sea, pity and intolerance at the same time, "There are many people, there are many things to do. After leaving these miscellaneous things, you are too slow."
Just take your time and sort it out.”
Minglan knew what he was worried about. He was worried that he couldn't protect her.
Her heart felt soft, and she stretched out her arms to hug his neck, pressing her cheek tightly against his slightly thorny cheek, which warmed her heart.
On the road of house fighting, she is not talented enough and still has a lot to learn.
The author has something to say: Don't talk about the left and right prime ministers. They are not the end of power. The court needs checks and balances, but power can only fall in one place in the end. For this reason, the clan, the queen mother, the regent, the courtiers, and the relatives are all fighting one after another.
.
But we can't do this within the family. If we have two wives and create checks and balances, the family will immediately become chaotic, okay?
Not to mention the various anecdotes from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, such as the virtuous wives of Jin Wen Gong who gave way to each other for the position of the main wife, and Wen Gong's daughter who gave up his virtuous wife to his eldest wife.
In fact, at that time, because the succession system was unclear and the bloodshed was so fierce, it was commonplace for brothers to kill each other.
Let’s just talk about the marriage after the Qin and Han Dynasties, when the monogamy system was basically established.
However, in ancient times, there was still the term "equal wife", but except for a few special circumstances, it mostly happened in the homes of merchants.
Because transportation was not convenient in ancient times, merchants had to travel back and forth to set up shops and so on, so they needed more wives to manage them. This was more popular in the Song Dynasty.
**The last person to carry forward the equal wife system was Comrade Hu Xueyan.
Because his business was getting bigger and bigger, he couldn't trust professional managers, so he trusted his concubine and hired many heroines to help manage the business. Everyone, regardless of size, lived together peacefully.
However, the facts proved that the ancestor's words were right. After Hu Xueyan's fall, his remaining family property was in chaos due to the competition between his wives and concubines, and even the hope of final revival was gone.
In contrast, Shanxi merchants, who have been prosperous for hundreds of years, seem to have more say. They resolutely abandon the concept of equal wives, and some families are not even allowed to take concubines.
Now it seems that the saying "Marry a virtuous wife".
In fact, from the very beginning, in ancient times, wives were positioned as co-managers of the family, rather than simply as tutors for their husbands.