Even though they had different ideas, everyone still flocked to Shouan Hall. Mrs. Wang was especially enthusiastic and proactive, taking the lead, followed closely by her good son-in-law, Mr. Sheng Hong. ~
She woke up, but Mrs. Sheng was extremely weak and could only speak a few words with difficulty. Mother Fang was afraid that she wouldn't be able to bear it, so she didn't tell her what she really wanted to do. The old lady just thought that she was suddenly ill due to old age and met the Wang family. He also said that his in-laws came specially to visit him, and he tried his best to raise his body to express his thanks.
Uncle Wang felt guilty and could not accept the old man's gratitude. He took a few steps back and stood behind the people. Aunt Wang supported Mrs. Wang and stood on the bedside, with a hint of mockery in her eyes - her mother-in-law held Mrs. Sheng's hand and expressed concern. He said a lot of things carefully. If Dr. Lin hadn't warned her in advance, he would have pled for his daughter in front of the hospital bed.
Sheng Hong's performance was no less impressive. He beat his chest and cried bitterly. The filial piety in Manjing City was ranked among the top ten. On the contrary, Wang's cultivation was insufficient. He stood next to his brother with a face full of shame, lowered his head, and couldn't help it. Wipe away tears.
After a series of greetings, both true and false, the old lady managed to hold on. It was not until she saw Minglan and Changbai that she felt truly overflowing with joy.
"...I know...that you are in office...with excellent grades and good work...grandma is happy..." She looked at her tanned and strong eldest grandson, her eyes full of pride, and then saw Minglan lying beside the bed crying softly, and said with difficulty, "...silly "Child,... getting older... it's inevitable..." Minglan seemed to have a lump in her throat, holding back her tears and trying hard to put on a smile.
The man who had just recovered from a serious illness lacked energy and did not say a few words. Old Mrs. Sheng fell into a drowsy sleep again. Doctor Lin, with two dark circles under her eyes and new white hair on her temples, led everyone to the hall outside. She was extremely excited. Just now, the old lady was able to take medicine and eat on her own. As long as she takes good care of herself, she can recover.
Gu Tingye bowed with a long body and said thanks with a smile: "My old man is getting better this time, thanks to the imperial doctor's hard work. I will remember this friendship. I hope the imperial doctor will pay more attention to help with guidance and recuperation in the future."
Doctor Lin bowed and returned the courtesy: "You are so polite, Marquis Gu. You should do your best to nurse yourself back to health." This was what he was waiting for. Then he said that he had not replied for many days and prayed to be called home first so that he could look up medical books and classics. , prepare some more conditioning herbs.
This matter was agreed upon, and Sheng Hong sent Doctor Lin out in person with great gratitude. He also asked the steward to respectfully present a thick silver envelope. He wanted to say a few words, "Don't let my mother be poisoned." Speak out, but I can't say anything.
Imperial Physician Lin is such an experienced doctor. When Sheng Hong hesitated to speak, he knew the hidden meaning. In fact, he really wanted to say that thirty years ago, all the princes and grandsons of Prince Chong Mansion were vying for the throne. I'm vague, I'm living well to this day; your family's female relatives poisoned the old lady, what's the fuss about it? It's like a rebellion, I've never seen this in the world!
However, Doctor Lin didn't show anything on his face, stroking his beard and smiling: "They say old children, old children, this is true. The older people get, the more greedy they are. The old lady in your house must control her diet in the future. If you are hungry, try to eat as little as possible of anything sweet, raw, or spicy."
Sheng Hong was overjoyed and thanked him profusely. He secretly thought that this high-quality talent was different. He was not only professional but also worldly and could speak well.
After seeing off Dr. Lin, Sheng Hong felt the wind at his feet and returned to the hall relaxed. As soon as he reached the door, he heard another argument inside.
Mrs. Wang was heard saying anxiously: "...Since my in-laws have recovered, why do you insist on holding on to your aunt? Don't look at the monk's face or the Buddha's face. Grandma, please, where is the Shenjie Department? ?!Is this a place for people to stay? If you want to send your aunt in, you’re not going to kill her!"
Sheng Hong was shocked and immediately stopped walking into the house.
The Department of Caution was under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and was originally used to punish the female relatives of the emperor. Later, its business expanded. Women of powerful families who made serious mistakes, although their crimes were not serious enough to die, could no longer be seen in public. So they were all sent here. ~Shenjie Si is not an ordinary nunnery where female relatives are exiled. Once they enter, they are not allowed to come out again unless ordered by the emperor.
It was like a tomb of the living dead, located in a very remote and desolate corner of the imperial city. No matter how much scandal and turmoil there was outside, all the right and wrong went in with the people, and they were buried invisible, no longer able to probe.
Because of the secrecy, he has only heard of two cases so far. One is that when Emperor Renzong was choosing a concubine, Mrs. Jinyang Hou secretly sent someone to marry the marquis of Jinxiang who had already been appointed to the palace. The girl got sores on her face, which disfigured her face; secondly, when Emperor Wu was in power, Mrs. Cheng Guogong personally sent her two daughters-in-law in, but the specific reason is unknown.
So far, I haven't heard of any female family member coming out alive after going in. Most of them took the body out for family burial after they died. To put it bluntly, King Kang had three families, so it was not qualified to send people in, about We need Ningyuan Houfu to come forward.
As soon as his mind wandered, some of the words in the room leaked out, so he quickly pricked up his ears and listened.
"...Good boy, please, grandma, please... I know you hate your aunt very much. Isn't it okay if I ask her to go to the nunnery to recite Buddha's name and eat fast? I ask her to practice spiritual practice with her hair, otherwise it's okay to lose her hair and become a nun." Don't let her come out to harm people anymore." Mrs. Wang was in tears and begging hard, "Then the Shenjie Department really can't go! There are hard labor in there, pounding rice, washing clothes, chopping firewood, and eating only coarse tea and rotten rice. Your aunt has always been pampered and pampered, how can she hold on..."
Changbai said, "The Shenjie Department can ask relatives to visit twice a year. Grandma will visit more often. I think the people who come there will not embarrass my aunt too much. As for hard labor... I have done such an unjust thing, and my aunt still wants to enjoy her dignity." Is it rich and honorable?"
After a pause, he sarcastically said, "Are you talking about the nunnery? Remember seven or eight years ago, wasn't my aunt sent to live in the Kang family temple? After only half a year, my grandmother couldn't bear my aunt's pleading and went to the Kang family in person to beg for help. I was forced to let my aunt out again."
Aunt Kang was very good at dealing with her old mother. She could always tell her that she was soft-hearted and that the state's coercive units were more trustworthy.
Mrs. Wang said angrily: "You are so cruel! Isn't your grandmother dead? Why do you have to be aggressive?"
Changbai responded tit for tat: "Grandma is lucky to be alive. Firstly, the sky has eyes and Buddha bless me. Secondly, Dr. Lin has been treating me carefully. What does this have to do with my aunt? My aunt is determined to kill people!"
"But I survived after all!" Mrs. Wang struggled.
At this time, Gu Tingye interjected: "What the old lady said is wrong. People have different ways of living. My old lady has always been strong and healthy, but after my wife was poisoned, she collapsed and lost everything. She could have lived to a hundred years. Eighteen, now I can only live to one hundred and eight. I could have listened to plays, watched dances, climbed mountains and visited temples, and spent my old age with a smile on my face, but now I can’t live without soup and medicine, and I may still be in pain for the rest of my life. This lost life span, Decades of joy, old madam, how should my aunt compensate me?"
Changbai looked bitter and resentful: "What my brother-in-law said is that there is also Brother Quan. How can my grandmother molest her grandson in the future?"
"Exactly." Gu Tingye clapped his hands and smiled, "I don't know exactly how much we owe. We don't know how long my aunt will live, so we can't ask her to go to hell years in advance, or the old lady has difficulty moving. It's not good.
If you really go and break your aunt's hands and feet, just send her to the Shenjie Department, and the grudges between the three families will be wiped out!"
Mrs. Wang was dumbfounded and stunned - where did the Sheng family find such a magical son-in-law.
Minglan stared blankly at her husband's side face, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"My cousin dealt with my mother so neatly..." Kang Jin, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, with grief and anger on his face, "Then what should the mother-in-law do?"
Mrs. Wang actually wanted to ask this, but her youngest daughter was already resentful of herself and did not dare to say anything. When she heard her eldest grandson speaking, Mrs. Wang, who had thought she had escaped, was furious and glared at Kang Jin. (·
~ )
Changbai said calmly: "My mother was disrespectful to my grandmother and had an unfilial and rebellious heart. Naturally, she deserves to be punished. My mother will worship the Buddha, recite sutras, and pray for my grandmother."
Mrs. Wang breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "Exactly, I plan to create a Buddhist hall in the back room..."
"Not at home." Changbai quickly interrupted.
Wang was stunned for a moment and said awkwardly: "Yes, I made a big mistake. I should be looking for a pure nunnery in the capital..."
"It's not the nunnery in Beijing." Changbai looked at his mother and said firmly, "Mother is going back to her hometown of Youyang, where she will practice cultivation in the Sheng family temple, eat fast, chant Buddha's words, and repent. Except during the holidays, she is not allowed to leave home.
temple."
Wang made a sound, stood up straight, and screamed: "Isn't this going to jail?!"
Changbai said word by word: "If mother refuses, I will resign. If my mother is like this, she still doesn't regret her mistakes and refuses to accept punishment, I will never have the face to continue to be an official."
Minglan lowered her head and thought.
Wang has never been fond of Youyang. After marrying into the Sheng family for decades, she stayed in her hometown for less than a month in total. She had no relatives and friends there and could only rely on her uncle and family. In view of the relationship between Wang and her cousin-in-law,
Because of the relationship, it seems that the eldest aunt is willing to strictly urge her to "repent." In addition, the two cousins are close friends after all, and the eldest aunt will not neglect Wang's food, clothing, and daily life.
This method of punishment given by the eldest brother is excellent.
Mrs. Wang became anxious and hurriedly said: "...You kid, who are you blackmailing? If things don't work out at home, I can't worship Buddha in the nunnery. I have to go back to my hometown. I'm not familiar with the people there..."
"My mother left her family and was alone in front of the ancestors of the Sheng family. She thought carefully about her grandmother, everyone in the family, and what went wrong in the past few decades and whether she should have done it." Changbai walked over.
, gently caressing her mother and sitting down: "Mom knows my son, and he can do whatever he says."
Mrs. Wang was so panicked that she was sweating profusely and stammered: "Then...how long do I have to go..."
Minglan clasped her fingers in her sleeves - accessory to murder does not count, but intentional bodily harm to others is acceptable. Dr. Lin said that her grandmother would recover, so let's count it as a half attempt; at least...well, five years in prison...
"Ten years." Changbai said calmly, "Ten years later, when my mother has figured it out, she will come back to serve her grandmother."
Minglan secretly took a breath and gritted her teeth - she could occasionally go out to celebrate the New Year and celebrate the holidays. The sentence was not considered too harsh.
Mrs. Wang almost lost her breath, jumped up angrily, pointed at her son and cursed: "You are a bastard!" Then she ran out of the house like a gust of wind, covering her face and crying all the way. She didn't even notice Sheng Hong at the door. .
The room was quiet for a moment. Mrs. Wang looked at Changbai and was speechless for a long time. Kang Jin shut up completely.
Sheng Hong listened for a long time outside the house. The grandfather and grandson continued to argue. Mrs. Wang sometimes begged and sometimes cursed, but she didn't move at all and refused to give in. Sheng Hong thought about it and decided to avoid the front hall. , it is right to go to the back room to fulfill your filial piety in front of your aunt's mother's bedside, hold a bowl and taste some soup and medicine.
Finally, Mrs. Wang became angry and left. Uncle Wang asked if Aunt Kang, who was detained in the back room, could be taken away first. Changbai sternly refused, so he had to lead his other nephew Kang Jin away in dismay.
Minglan was still worried and wanted to wait until the old lady could sit down before leaving. Gu Tingye saw that she didn't want to go home at this time, so he very proudly asked his father-in-law if he could let the couple stay for a few more days.
Sheng Hong felt bitter in his mouth (he had to show off his filial piety for a few more days in front of his son-in-law), but he tried his best to welcome his arrival.
At this time, Haishi came to invite everyone to lunch with a virtuous face, as if nothing had happened, but the sister-in-law and her uncle came to stay at her parents' house, and the eldest sister-in-law carefully prepared a delicious meal, and laughed at Yan Yan's cloth soup. .
Facing an unfilial daughter, a scheming son-in-law, a paralyzed child, and a daughter-in-law who pretends to be stupid, Sheng Hong choked on the meal and had a stomachache. He could barely make it through the tea after the meal and hurried back to the study.
There are many vacant rooms in Shouan Hall. The house’s mother quickly arranged and arranged a clean and elegant room according to Minglan’s old preferences. Remembering that Minglan had the habit of taking a nap, she even laid out Minglan’s favorite white grass mat. Seeing that it was hot in summer, they were afraid that Minglan and his wife would be uncomfortable due to sweating, so they carried two large buckets of warm water to the side room.
Both of them were extremely tired. At this time, they could not have any charming thoughts about taking a bath. After washing, Gu Tingye stood in the room and looked around for a few times. He smiled at his wife and said: "It is indeed comfortable. Madam is so happy that she won't miss Shu anymore. I wonder if Madam will return." Remember, do you still have a child at home?"
Minglan lay on the bed and spread a thin blanket. When she heard this, she threw a bamboo pillow over and scolded with a smile: "Don't ridicule me, I also miss Tuan Geer. I sleep in my grandmother's house every day and dream about it!" "
Gu Tingye was very happy to be thrown away. He happily climbed onto the bed holding a bamboo pillow. Minglan untied his bun and gently spread it. She whispered, "I'm really sorry this time." But... alas, I really have no choice but to look after him. Mother Cui and Cui Xiu will definitely take good care of him."
Gu Tingye heard the sadness in his wife's words and gently stroked her back, "You really scared me this time. Looking at your usual honest and gentle demeanor, I really didn't expect that you would be so willing to risk yourself. Now you have changed." Personally."
After reading Gongsun Baishi's letter, he could hardly believe his eyes at that time. He surrounded his natal family, angrily denounced his biological father, forcibly captured people, framed them, interrogated, tortured, and fought to the death regardless of his own safety—— Is this still the smart and cunning Sheng Minglan who protects herself and will never do anything wrong?
Along the way, he felt happy and sad at times, unable to express what was in his heart. He only felt that he wanted to help her and protect her.
Seeing that Minglan lowered his head and said nothing, Gu Tingye sighed softly: "You still don't want to tell me, forget it..." After saying that, he was about to lie down to sleep. Minglan suddenly held his chest with one hand and looked up at him: "I said."
Gu Tingye sat cross-legged on the bed.
"Grandma's unreasonable disaster is actually my fault after all." Minglan looked solemn, "My wife has always acted inappropriately. Grandma has opened and closed her eyes for decades, and we are in peace. Kang.
My aunt didn't just come out in the past two years. Ever since we moved to the capital, she has often come to talk to my wife. At that time, she also encouraged and provoked me, but I didn't see the old lady having any fits."
The dull chirping of cicadas came from outside, and the hot afternoon sunlight slowly seeped in. There were many tall trees planted around Shouan Hall, reflecting the mottled branches and leaves on the thin white screens, thick black, light black, and
As pale as the twigs at the tail of eyebrows.
There were two basins of ice placed in the corner of the room, emitting a thin layer of water vapor and giving it a cool feeling.
Gu Tingye listened quietly.
"Grandma never told me, but I know that it was when Aunt Kang wanted to send a concubine to the house that year that she really angered grandma." Minglan picked up a banana leaf fan and shook it gently.
Simple and elegant, "Grandma was so angry that she lost her temper without caring about the face of her mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who had been with her for many years. She scolded the wife in public and actually made her kneel at the door of the Shou'an Hall and let people watch. From then on, the wife's heart
It’s just resentment.”
The cool breeze slowly flowed into the tent along the fan blades, tickling her fine hair and causing it to itch on the man's arm.
"After that, my grandmother was always worried that my wife would be instigated by my aunt, which would be detrimental to me, so she became more and more strict with my wife. She even took away my wife's housekeeping rights and asked my sisters-in-law to manage the house. My wife is the most aggressive and competitive person of this generation, and she even treats the master
She refused to give in. Grandma told her in public that she couldn’t come down from the stage, and the knot in her heart naturally became deeper and deeper, which gave Aunt Kang an opportunity.”
Minglan's tone was indifferent with a hint of sadness.
"It's not right for my grandmother to do this. After all, my wife has a daughter-in-law and grandchildren, and she must be given basic decency. Grandma can just close the door, teach her, and explain her in detail... In the past, every time my wife made a mistake,
Confused, that’s what grandma did.”
Tears filled her eyes. She seemed completely unaware and continued to speak slowly: "Grandma, why do you want to vent your anger on me? I am already married and will take care of myself. She is already at this age and is respected and raised by her children and grandchildren.
Isn't it good to enjoy the happiness in peace and comfort? Why do you get so anxious and angry when you hear that I have been wronged? After all, the eldest brother was born to the wife, so she is not afraid that the eldest brother will have a problem with her because of this, causing her to
Isn’t the evening view good?”
The long eyelashes finally couldn't hold the tears, and one or two drops fell, forming small dark circles on the soft cotton blanket. Minglan pressed the handkerchief to her face, slowly absorbing the warmth.
of moisture.
"Grandma really cares about me and is worried about me, which is why she got herself into this disaster... I know what the Marquis is thinking, but I can't lie to myself. That year when I gave birth to Brother Tuan, the wife wanted to be burned to death.
I, Mannia, wanted to hit me to death, but then the Marquis came and everything was arranged properly, I knew it in my heart."
"Because...I didn't do it, should Mannia be punished severely?" Gu Tingye's throat was so dry that it was difficult to say a complete sentence.
"Whether the punishment is heavy or not, it doesn't matter at all." Minglan shook her head slowly, her eyes red, "That time, the Marquis said, you don't care at all how Qi Heng is doing, you only care about what I think. Today I will also respond
The Marquis said, I don't care about Mannia at all. What I care about is what the Marquis did and thought."
The cool air gradually spread into the tent. Minglan put down the cattail leaf fan and gently rubbed the pattern of the banana leaves on it.
"In all fairness to Mannia, the Marquis did a very appropriate job. He not only stopped outsiders from gossiping, did not let those who were interested take the opportunity to cause trouble, but also did not embarrass me. Even if I think about it again and again afterwards, there is nothing better than this.
More appropriate arrangements have been made. But, you know, if you really care about someone in your heart, you will make mistakes in a hurry, and the so-called care will lead to chaos. Just like my grandmother..."
She raised her head and looked at him with big moist eyes, "When he heard that Mannia was going to hit me to death, did the Marquis panic and lose control? Even after knowing that I was fine, was he still furious and wanted to take care of me immediately?
Should I take revenge?"
Gu Tingye was at a loss and silent.
Minglan had tears in her eyelashes, covered her face with her sleeves, and said sadly: "I know, it's not right to say this, but... I always feel that the true love is not based on how many smart things he has done, but how many smart things he has done.
, how many stupid things have been done.”
Gu Tingye is not Qi Heng, He Hongwen, or any frivolous and ignorant young man. He has experienced deception, betrayal, and almost death. Because of this, his "concern leads to chaos" is even more valuable.
Like Mrs. Sheng, she has been miserable and mistreated for half her life, but she is still willing to wholeheartedly protect a child who is completely unrelated to her by blood. It is this that drives her to risk her own life and sacrifice for thousands of people.
Putting down her sleeves, her face was full of tears, and her eyes were pleading: "We will grow old together and respect and love each other throughout our lives. I will be a good wife and a good mother... Let's live a good life like this."
After saying this, Minglan lay down on her side, closed her eyes, and stopped talking.
Gu Tingye sat leaning on the bedrail, staring at her blankly, his curled body as soft as willow, quietly buried in the thin blanket.
Suddenly I remembered something she said a long time ago - couples in this world can get hurt easily if they get entangled too much. It is best to live a life of peace and vagueness.
He picked up the cattail leaf fan beside the bed and gently shook it for her.
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