Time: 2010-11-2111:56:03 Words: 12255
twenty-second
Ever since they talked about the Hua family that day, Zhang Haitao had not stepped into the photo studio. For the past few days, Xia Xinfa had been on tenterhooks. He was most afraid that his friends would fall out with him. Usually, he would hide whatever he could from them. Although he had never done anything bad or said anything bad about Luo Yuzhen, the only other person in the city who knew him well was his younger brother. Recently, there had been more and more fishing vessels about Luo Yuzhen, and the more he heard, the more dangerous it became. Some even said that the government had decided to put her in prison and even said that they would investigate her fooling around with those wild men when she was a student. He also knew that Luo Yuzhen was not a promiscuous woman. At that time, there was no one else except him and Hua Shiliang, and they did not mingle. Wasn't this a basin of dirty water poured on him, Xia Xinfa? Zhang Haitao didn't come because he wanted to investigate their past and the incident where he spoke up for Luo Yuzhen. The words that were said could not be taken back. He wasn't afraid of a lawsuit, but he was afraid that no one would take care of his daughter. Cowards could buy people to go to jail in their place. The Great Party could not do that. No matter how much money they had, they still had to sit down. He had wanted to call his daughter to his side several times to remind him how much money he had at home and where to put it. The most valuable equipment in the shop was a few camera lenses, all of which were from the German Zeiss brand. Your grandfather had spent more than half a kilogram of gold to buy them. He must not sell them. However, she thought that it would not do. If she said that, she would scare her daughter first. Who cares? He would just step on the watermelon skin and slide wherever he went. It had been three days, and he had not even gone to have breakfast. He no longer wanted to listen to the Hua family's matters, so he just stayed at home and drank tea and wine.
In the teahouse, Ah Liu hadn't seen Xia Xinfa for three days, so he thought that he was sick. He took advantage of the fact that there was no one drinking tea at noon and saw that he had come. Seeing that he was fine, he was relieved. Xia Xin sent a message saying that he had been busy these few days, so he didn't go for tea. Since Xia Xinfa asked him to have a drink, he wouldn't stand on ceremony and sat down obediently.
Xia Shujuan saw that her father was not very happy these few days. After dinner, she took the pipa and entered the studio. She opened the door facing south, pulled out a chair, sat down, and started playing it. It was windy and cool here. Dad was happy when he heard his pipa. She had been doing this for the past few days because she wanted her father to drink happily. Today, Uncle Six was here, so he only played the ? Moon Reflecting in the Spring ? to practice his finger techniques and relax.
Ah Liu didn't know the relationship between Xia Xinfa and Luo Yuzhen, so he told him what he had heard about her in the past two days. Xia Xinfa asked Six if he knew who was the one who started talking about Luo Yuzhen's dishonesty in school. Ah Liu couldn't figure it out. Anyway, it was Zhou Shouxuan, Weng Zitang, Xu Jingfu, and the others who were sitting at the table. Xia Xin couldn't figure out who it was. Other than Weng Zitang, none of these people had any grudges with the Hua Family. Could it be that they had also heard it from Weng Zitang? He asked Six to ask around. Six readily agreed. Six knew that he had a good relationship with Song Jingzhong, so he told Xia Xinfa about the quarrel between Song Jingzhong and Xu Jingfu yesterday morning. He praised Song Jingzhong for having the guts to fight with Xu Jingfu, who was a rich and powerful local boss. Moreover, martial arts are profound, damage medicine spirit, magnanimity is also big. Xia Xinfa knew that Six was genuinely praising him, and not just trying to please him. Xia Xinfa was usually nice to him because he was impressed by his temper. Ah Liu was not good at drinking. There was still a market in the teahouse in the afternoon. After eating, he thanked him and left. Only Xia Xinfa was left drinking alone. He thought that Song Jingzhong and Xu Jingfu quarreled because of his mother. His mother must be talking about the lawsuit between Xu and Cai during the Daoguang period. This old lady who never went out easily suddenly told this story on the street. It must be for the Hua family again. He was a little resentful that Song Jingzhong should not have advised the white-haired old lady not to get involved in this whirlpool, and he should not have quarreled with Xu Jingfu over this matter. Xu Jingfu was also a person who wanted the world to be in chaos. He was also ruthless. Who in the Hangjia Lake area did not have dealings with him? Which dock can't he find someone to find out about Song Jingzhong? A strong dragon can't fight a local snake. Moreover, this would make things even more difficult for the Hua family. If Xu Jingfu was not vicious, would he rely on a bunch of fruits to make a fortune? It seemed that Chen Chunfang had to deal with this matter. Men were the most ruthless, but they were also afraid that women would have the upper hand. What the hell, she came when she didn't want to be her cousin, but she didn't even show up when she wanted to come these few days. It wasn't appropriate for her daughter to call him, but she refused to do so. He was anxious.
In the afternoon, Qian Yangyi specially invited him to listen to the Suzhou Pingtan, saying that the "Painting of the Golden Phoenix" had already reached the part of the book "Qian Dudu Praying for Rain". This was a mystery book, and the teacher was good. It would be a pity if he did not listen. He also wanted to go and relieve his boredom, so he said goodbye to his daughter and left. Although Qian Yangyi had studied with him before, they were not on the same street and did not spend much time together. After they grew up, they also went about their own business. They were separated by mountains. When they met, they would only nod and occasionally exchange a few pleasantries. Their friendship had only deepened in the early autumn of last year.
Last June, the bandit leader of Tangxi, a neighboring county, was arrested by D City's police station, knowing that he was sentenced to death. Because he once wanted to take Qian Yangyi's wife, He Juanjuan. Qian Yangyi paid a hefty sum of money to hire the bandit leader of D City, Zhang Mazi, to come out and fight. Tang Xi's bandit leader had suffered a loss and had always held a grudge. Therefore, when he confessed his crimes to the police in D City, he kept insisting that Qian Yangyi had also been instructed by the Cowardly Party to kill two underground members of the Great Party. Qian Yangyi was immediately arrested. Qian Yangyi didn't dare to speak out about his feud with the bandit for fear of implicating Zhang Mazi, who was also wanted by the people's government. After repeatedly thinking about the date given by the bandits, he remembered that there was one person who could testify. That night, when he went to Hongxing Teahouse to listen to the ballad "Three Laughters," Xia Xinfa sat beside him. The two of them even commented on the few loopholes in the story that the storyteller had mentioned. After he finished reading, he went to a restaurant on the street for supper. Xia Xinfa also brought his daughter along. The two of them drank and chatted together. People who drank had no time, let alone classmates. Xia Xinfa asked his daughter to go home first. The two of them chatted and drank until one o'clock. After leaving the restaurant, he went to Xia Xinfa's house to drink tea for more than an hour. How could he have time to meet the bandits? Moreover, he had never interacted with bandits. He had been a businessman all his life and had never interacted with timid people in the government. Although he said this, he was worried that Xia Xinfa would not testify. This was not an ordinary matter. Who knew that Xia Xin would tell Zhang Haitao about listening to books and drinking. The police had to re-examine the bandit leader before they cleared the case and released Qian Yangyi. After he was released from prison, he went to thank Xia Xinfa. From then on, they often came and went, and their friendship deepened. Qian Yangyi had wanted to introduce her beautiful, elegant, and loyal cousin to Xia Xinfa several times. Xia Xin said that his daughter was still young and did not agree.
As the two of them walked on the road, Qian Yangyi whispered to Xia Xinfa that he should cut down on his contact with Chen Chunfang. He heard that Xu Jingfu had people spying on him. If Xu Jingfu caught hold of something, he would make him bankrupt! If you really miss this woman, you should also take your time to plan. You can't be impatient. I, Qian Yangyi, know how to repay kindness. If something happens to you, I won't stand by and do nothing. "I've heard about Xu Jingfu's tax evasion. In the past, I just didn't want to care about these things, so it went in one ear and out the other. If he really wants to touch a hair on your head, I won't let him off. Which man didn't have a lover? Was Xu Jingfu lacking? Recently, he even hooked up with Shi Peiran's concubine, Ying Lanfang. This f * cking bastard, he was still a controlled traitor. The fish shop is opposite me, so I can see you coming and going!
Xia Xin smiled and thanked Qian Yangyi for her kindness. He didn't hide anything and said that if it wasn't for his daughter, he would have married Chen Chunfang long ago. This woman wasn't a bad person, and doing that was also interesting. Instead, I gave this demon mother to Xu Jingfu, and now he's jealous of me! Forget it, forget it. I don't want to argue with others for a woman. There are so many heroes in history who have lost their reputation for a woman. Why bother? Didn't that strange case during the Daoguang era start because of a woman? I don't want to be such a romantic person. It's better to wait until my daughter grows up and find a good son-in-law to have grandchildren.
The storyteller was Yi Xiaolan, an old acquaintance of Qian Yangyi. Ten years ago, he went to Suzhou to do a sugar business and took a fancy to it. He spent a lot of effort but failed to get it, but the relationship between the two sides was very good. He thought that she had a good character. She wasn't like an ordinary artiste who had never been close to a man until now. She was only ten years younger than Xia Xinfa, and Xia Xinfa loved to comment on the ballad. Qian Yangyi had intentionally invited Xia Xinfa to listen to the book. The previous file was called Yuan Dangui, and he already knew Xia Xinfa. When she was young, she had even persuaded Xia Xinfa to follow her as an artist. Xia Xinfa let his father give him a good beating before he gave up on this idea. Actually, on the second day they arrived, Xia Xinfa had already treated them to a meal. It was only because he was in a bad mood recently that he rarely came to listen to books. Yuan Dangui really brought money to life. No wonder her stage name had been famous in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces in recent years. That day at dinner, she even half-jokingly said to him,"If only I had listened to it in the past, and now the sun is rising, ah, I would have become famous, ah, I wouldn't have become a lonely old man! "Xia Xinfa has to admit that he made a mistake. He was amazed by her talent. After all, they had been in love when they were young, and their feelings were still the same. When Yuan Dangui was telling the story, he would often glance at Xia Xinfa, who was standing below the stage, and occasionally evoke the feelings of the past. He thought that she had long forgotten about him, her lover from a small town, but who knew that she was still so affectionate. He was ashamed of his cowardice back then. This book really swept away a lot of his worries. Qian Yangyi didn't know about his past relationship with Yuan Dangui. After the show ended, she wanted to introduce Yi Xiaolan to Xia Xinfa. Xia Xinfa had no choice but to follow him to the building where Yuan Dangui and the others lived. As soon as they met, Qian Yangyi realized that they were acquaintances. After a cigarette, Xia Xinfa went downstairs first. While Yuan Dangui was walking to the stairs, Xia Xin asked her out for dinner the next day. Yuan Dangui was aroused and reached out to tap his forehead."Nai! Don't be afraid that the old man's coffin will come out to beat and scold you! By that time, he would be really bold! Ni Wuqu!" She smiled with tears in her eyes, and Xia Xinfa also felt sad. He went down the stairs with tears in his eyes. He knew that she would come tomorrow.
Xia Xinfa returned to the shop and saw his daughter dozing off on the rattan chair. He hurriedly urged Xia Shujuan to go upstairs to sleep. He looked at his watch and saw that it was only 3:30 p. m., so he sat down to repair the film.
"Xinfa!" Zhang Haitao carried a chicken and shouted as he entered the restaurant. Xia Xinfa almost jumped up in joy. Zhang Haitao placed the chicken on the ground and took the cigarette from Xia Xinfa. He said that he had something to do first and would come back for dinner later before leaving in a hurry.
The stone that had been in Xia Xinfa's heart for a few days finally fell to the ground. After all, we are fellow disciples. It seems that Zhang Haitao doesn't mind me being his senior brother. Actually, I only said a few words of truth. Xia Xinfa happily killed the chicken and hurriedly went to buy some vegetables, fresh shrimps, and eels. He even specially went to Wang Yuantai's Sauce Garden to carry a jar of ten-year-old Chenshan Brew. Where could he find such a good junior brother? He wanted to drink to their friendship. Xia Xinfa was very particular about the word 'eaten', and he was also a good cook. He was happy today, so he taught his daughter how to make drunken shrimp and how to stir-fry the famous Huzhou dish, shredded eel.
Xia Shujuan had been worried for a few days. This time, when she saw her father suddenly talking and laughing, her heart relaxed a little. She happily learned how to cook from her father and joked,"Dad, are you crazy? He was frowning and smiling.”
It was past six, but Zhang Haitao was still not here. Xia Xinfa knew that Zhang Haitao wouldn't break his promise. This matter was definitely not over. He was afraid that his daughter would fall ill from hunger, so he asked Shujuan to eat first. Shujuan insisted on waiting for Uncle Zhang Haitao. She respected this Uncle Zhang who cared about her very much, so she went upstairs to take a shower first.
However, Qian Yangyi invited him to attend a book session and even asked Xia Xinfa how he knew Yuan Dangui. It seemed that their relationship was not ordinary, but why had he never heard him mention it before? Xia Xinfa didn't want to talk about that sad past and only said perfunctorily," I know a lot of people in the Pingtan world, and my relationship with them is pretty good." Qian Yangyi wasn't someone who was easily fooled, but she was too embarrassed to ask any more questions. People always had their own difficulties if they didn't say it. He only told Xia Xinfa that after you left, Yuan Dangui only entered the room after a while, her eyes red. Yi Xiao Lan asked her what was wrong, she said that she accidentally knocked into a pillar and hurt. I didn't think so, but I cried. Xia Xinfa's heart ached as he smiled, but he didn't want to talk about it anymore, so he changed the topic. He asked Qian Yangyi if she had heard what he said about Hua Shiliang's wife. Qian Yangyi said it was quite a lot. I don't think Luo Yuzhen is a promiscuous woman. Sigh, if you're unlucky, all the trash will fall on your head. Some people had nothing to do after eating, so they liked to make up dirty words to insult others. Do you think Weng Zitang is a good guy? He's just a latrine mouth. Last time, you stabbed him by pointing at mulberry and scolding locust trees. Actually, even if you scolded him, he wouldn't dare to do anything to you. The lantern shell looked bulging, but it would flatten with a kick. You and Hua Shiliang had some friendship when you were alive, right? I think this case is a little unjust. When Qian Yangyi said this, Zhang Haitao came over. He hurriedly stopped and asked Xia Xinfa if he wanted to go to the lecture hall. Xia Xinfa said that he still had a lot of things to do at night, so he didn't have time to go. Qian Yangyi respectfully greeted Chief Zhang with a smile and left after giving him another cigarette. Qian Yangyi wasn't fawning on him. It was Zhang Haitao who cleared his name. He was grateful, but he hated that he didn't have the chance to repay him. The officials of the Great Party were impartial. Qian Yangyi did not dare to do him a favor or pull some connections. A real man would not care about time to repay a favor. He remembered the good ones in his heart, but he didn't dare to criticize the ones he didn't like.
Zhang Haitao had heard Qian Yangyi's words when he entered the door, but he pretended not to know. He only smiled at Qian Yangyi's compliments. He knew Qian Yangyi's character. She was afraid of the Great Party, but he didn't object. It will take some time for him to sincerely support the Great Party. Qian Yangyi isn't the only person like that. We still need to do a lot of work. "He's talking about the Hua family's case, right?" Zhang Haitao deliberately asked Xia Xinfa.”
Xia Xinfa was in a difficult position. After all, the Hua family's matter had not been settled yet, and he could not figure out Zhang Haitao's attitude. He was afraid that Zhang Haitao would find trouble with Qian Yangyi, and Qian Yangyi was not someone who could afford to lose. If she didn't say it, she would be afraid of letting her junior brother down. He could only smile.
"What are you laughing at? I'm asking you a question."”
Xia Xinfa thought of Luo Yuzhen and braced himself, saying,"If you want me to say it, I'll say it directly. Qian Yangyi isn't the only one in this city who said so. You should also visit others. Don't always force your senior brother to a dead end. You know, I can't lie to you.”
Zhang Haitao laughed. He thought to himself that this person wanted to be a real person, but he was afraid of the front and back. If he was really forced into a corner, he would also jump off the cliff.
Xia Shujuan heard Zhang Haitao's voice and skipped downstairs.""Uncle Zhang, if you hadn't come, my stomach would've been flat from hunger.”She quickly went into the kitchen to serve the dishes.
When they were drinking, Zhang Haitao didn't mention the Hua Family anymore, and Xia Xinfa didn't want to mention it either. He thought that what he had just said was enough. A good gong did not need to be struck with a heavy hammer. Shidi was much smarter than him.
"Uncle Zhang, do you think this shredded eel tastes good?" Xia Shujuan asked.”
"Your dad's cooking is delicious," Zhang Haitao said.”She tasted it." Not bad!"
Xia Shujuan was very proud. She said,"My dad's disciple made it today."”
Zhang Haitao thought that Xia Xinfa didn't have any disciples. He understood and said,"So it was my good daughter who made it." He only had one son and no daughter, so he really treated Xia Shujuan as his own daughter." Good, well done. You deserve praise!"-- Go back and tell your Brother Jianmin that this lazy kid should learn from you!”
Xia Shujuan poured him some wine diligently.
Xia Xin asked,"I haven't seen you for the past few days. Why are you so busy?"
Zhang Haitao said that he was busy suppressing the bandits and captured the bandit leader, handing over more than a hundred guns. The bandits around the White Cloud Bridge area were finally eliminated, and the local farmers clapped their hands in joy.
When Xia Xinfa was young, he had heard a folk song: " A wide white cloud bridge, rowing oars as a broadsword." That area was the main river that connected D City to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai. The river was deep and wide, and it had always been a place where bandits and robbers ran rampant. According to the older generation, there had never been a dynasty where the soldiers had exterminated all the bandits. Every time they exterminated the bandits, many soldiers would die and not a single bandit would be caught. After the Republic of China, the collusion between officials and bandits became even more rampant. If the cargo ships were not cleared in advance, they would definitely suffer. Wife-snatching, wife-bullying, kidnapping, and "burning" were often heard. The great party could capture the bandit leader and suppress the bandit nest. It was really a great harm for the people. Xia Xinfa admired the great party from the bottom of his heart and respected this junior brother of his, praising him repeatedly.
After drinking a few glasses of wine, Zhang Haitao asked about the strange case that happened in D City during the reign of Daoguang.
Xia Xinfa was very shocked, he smiled and said,"Good junior brother, don't make things difficult for your senior brother." Today, we only drink. Come, cheers!”He held a wine cup and waited for Zhang Haitao to raise his glass.
Zhang Hai Tao deliberately did not raise his cup, looking at Xia Xin and laughing,"You really don't know?"
Xia Xinfa raised his wine cup, unable to put it down. He smiled and said,"I'm afraid of you, the police chief. I'm a local. How could I not know? I dare not say it.”
"That's true. I also want to lure you into taking the bait. Then, I'll put you on the chopping board and cut you up one knife at a time. I'll braise you and steam you.”He raised his wine cup." You're smart. You didn't take the bait."”He touched the wine cup that Xia Xinfa was still holding and drank it in one gulp. It was crisp and dry, and he ate the food himself.
Xia Xinfa felt a little sorry for his junior brother. After drinking the wine, he poured a full cup and said,"Do you really want to hear it?"
Zhang Haitao lit a cigarette and smiled.”
Xia Xinfa patted Xia Shujuan's head and said to Zhang Haitao,"Your daughter heard it too. This is what your Uncle Zhang wanted me to say.”
Xia Shujuan laughed at her father's cowardice and deliberately said,""I'm not going to testify for you. If you want to say it, then say it. If you don't dare to say it, then shut up and drink. Uncle Zhang, don't you think so? My dad, he, he would pour out a basket full of copper and iron if there was nothing important. He didn't care if it was scrap copper or scrap iron. He hesitated and didn't dare to say what you wanted to know, as if he was talking about his life.”
Zhang Haitao patted the table lightly and said,""Well said! Senior Brother, oh Senior Brother, you've lived for so long, but you're not as smart and obedient as your daughter!”
Although Xia Xinfa was relieved, he still explained,"I heard it from my grandfather when I was young. Grandfather said that this was a true story. The old man had heard it from his grandfather. It was real wine, and there was no water in it. As for what others say, I don't care. If you want to listen, I'll tell you."
Zhang Haitao heard that it was his grandfather who told him about it. That was even better. He could check the reports from others. He said,"Tell me, my daughter heard it. I won't spank you."”
Xia Xinfa then told him in detail the story of the battle that he had heard his grandfather talk about.
After listening to the story, Xia Shujuan was also sleepy. She said,"Uncle Zhang, enjoy your drink." He went upstairs.
The two of them drank again, talking and laughing, and rambling on.
"Someone said that Luo Yuzhen was not a decent girl when she was studying in a girls 'middle school. You should know whether these words are true or false.”
Xia Xinfa's heart tightened as he stared at Zhang Haitao with a smile. After a while, he blurted out,""Junior Brother, your chicken isn't delicious!”
Zhang Haitao couldn't help but laugh."Why did I choke you again?"
Xia Xinfa's eyes were wide open as he said,"I say, Junior Brother, do you want to pull out my tendons or skin me? Am I really going to rebel too?"
Zhang Haitao saw his nervous expression and poured him some wine. He lit a cigarette and said,""You're an insider, so I'm asking you. What's there to be nervous about?”
Xia Xinfa sizzled as he smoked his cigarette, weighing Zhang Haitao's words word by word. If he said it was heavy, it didn't have any weight. If he said it was light, it seemed to be very heavy. Looking at Zhang Haitao leisurely drinking wine, Xia Xinfa probed,"What if I don't say it?" She thought to herself, You can't do anything to me.
Zhang Haitao took a puff of his cigarette and said,"What if I ask you to confess?"”
Xia Xin laughed, but the flesh on his face was trembling."What if I don't tell you?"
Zhang Haitao took a sip of wine and said,"What if I punish you?"”
Xia Xin laughed, the blood vessels in his temples were bulging. He said,"Are you really that heartless?"
Zhang Haitao picked up a drunken shrimp and said,"You're really that stubborn."”
Xia Xin laughed, tears welling up in his eyes."You really don't want your senior brother anymore?"
Zhang Haitao spat out the shrimp shell and said,"Who asked you to be so timid?"”
"I'm timid, but you're still holding on to me.”
"You're bold. I can't twist you. If you really don't know, how can I force you to make up a story? In the past, when I asked you about this place, you always answered me truthfully. What was going on? I still don't understand what's on your mind. I want to say it but I don't dare to say it. I'm afraid of implicating myself if I tell the truth, but I don't know how to tell lies. What if I want someone else to ask you? Isn't it obvious that you're bullying me because I'm your junior brother? If you want to beat around the bush with me, who should I twist if not you?”He picked up the wine cup." Come, drink a cup of wine to strengthen your courage." " Treat me as your junior brother, so be straightforward. Even if you had that thing with Luo Yuzhen in the past, I'll let you off.”
Xia Xinfa raised his cup and drank it in one gulp, saying,"You can't make wild guesses. Luo Yuzhen is not a frivolous woman. If you want to laugh at me for being a fool, I really wanted to hug her and kiss her at that time, but I didn't dare to. She only allows you to speak to her properly. There was once when I was too lustful. I hugged her, but I was slapped by her. Even if I let her go, she wouldn't run away. I asked her why she didn't run away. She said," I hate it when you touch me. I don't hate you. I know you love me too. Do you have to touch me just because you love me?" Hua Shiliang is more disciplined than you. Don't come looking for me if this happens in the future. At that time, I also paid attention to whether Luo Yuzhen had another man. It was a waste of time. Other than Hua Shiliang and me, she couldn't find a third man. In the second year of their marriage, I drank with Hua Shiliang. Perhaps I was drunk, or perhaps I was jealous. Anyway, I deliberately angered Hua Shiliang and said,'I've done that with Yuzhen before.'Hua Shiliang smiled and said,"You must have done it in your dream. I'm telling you clearly. One second before we consummate our marriage, Luo Yuzhen was still a virgin. Even her Ru room was the original." I'm a doctor, I know more than you.'That's all I have to say. Luo Yuzhen was a good woman! Kill my head with the same words! However, these things were only said when you asked me. I didn't even say it in front of a second person. -- Sigh, Luo Yuzhen, it's better if you don't marry a scholar!”
"It'll be fine if I marry you."
"It shouldn't have ended up like this, right?”
"Isn't she a widow now?"
Xia Xinfa shook his head helplessly,"You're underestimating Luo Yuzhen again. She's a good wife, a good mother, and a good sister-in-law.”
"She's so feudal."
" She is not a stubborn and conservative woman. When she was young, she even took to the streets to demonstrate with other students, shouting slogans such as 'Down with feudalism, Down with warlords'. She also told me that she wanted to advocate women's liberation and mocked the chastity archway. She was a person who would love until death. I have good eyesight, but fate is too thin. Not good, not good. I'm afraid people will say that I'm covering up for you again. Morally speaking, it wasn't against the law to cover up, right?”
Zhang Haitao only smiled, he understood that Xia Xinfa was telling the truth. Luo Yuzhen didn't look like an old woman. If there was indeed a discrepancy in this case, it could be said that she was a very good woman. If he could lead her to the path of revolution, she would shine with a brilliance that ordinary women could not compare to. He understood Xia Xinfa's sympathy and love for Luo Yuzhen. In fact, this was not wrong, but he did not want Xia Xinfa to be involved in Luo Yuzhen's matter. Moreover, Xia Xinfa did not have the courage to continue pursuing her. Zhang Haitao poured some wine for Xia Xinfa and said,"I won't 'twist' you anymore. After finishing this cup, it was almost enough. He would drink it again when he had the chance.”
Xia Xinfa also felt a little more relaxed. He quickly finished the glass of wine and joked,"In the future, don't take the chicken again. You almost smashed my teeth.”
"Then I'll take the duck."
"Aren't you worried about 'crushing' me to death?”
"I don't have anything with me except my mouth. I'm not afraid of swallowing you whole.”
Xia Xin laughed heartily,"Welcome, welcome." If you let me hide in your stomach, then I'll really be at peace.”
They drank tea for a while, smoked a few cigarettes, and chatted about photography before Zhang Haitao left the photo studio.
That night, Xia Xinfa slept especially soundly, but he was woken up by Mad Monk's wooden fish. He was so depressed, so annoying! He wanted to sleep for a while more, but Yuan Dangui fluttered in…He didn't dare to recall this sweet and bitter past, so he hurriedly got up and cooked a bowl of eggs for his daughter, stewing it in the pot. The sky was already dim. He picked up the birdcage and slowly entered Joy Pavilion. After not coming for three days, he felt a sense of novelty. He no longer sat at the table facing the river on the west side, but chose the table facing the river on the east side, trying to find peace in the midst of chaos.
Ah Liu placed the teapot and teacups on the table and stood beside Xia Xinfa, watching him adjust the myna. Seeing the bird jumping around happily, like the fat wife of the boss of the roasted seeds shop opposite doing the Yangge, he laughed and said,"This elf is even better at dancing than Aunt Dong.”
Xia Xinfa also smiled. He knew this Aunt Dong. She was a few years older than him. She wasn't ugly, just a little fat. When she was young, she was quite flirtatious. She was very popular among foot workers (porters) and small peddlers. Her husband also relied on her to open a roasted seeds and nuts shop. This woman loved to talk, laugh, and was bold. She was the first woman to walk into the Yangge parade in D City. People loved to watch her perform the Yangge. Every time she twisted through the crowd, there would be laughter and joy. This warm-hearted woman, no matter what level of people liked her. Ah Six compared his bird to this woman and he was amused.'Is that so? How can my bird not be likable? She's really a little elf. Not only is she good at dancing, but she's also good at singing!'
People came to drink tea one after another, and Six went to greet them. Xia Xinfa didn't even look at who it was, he just sat there and drank his tea, listening to the myna chirping, as if he was in a paradise.
Xia Xinfa seemed to see someone waving at the south end of the long bridge. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a nun. It was probably because of Luo Yuzhen. He really didn't dare to meddle in this matter anymore and pretended not to see it. After a while, the other side waved again. He was too embarrassed to pretend to be stupid anymore, so he could only leave the teahouse to see her.
Without waiting for Xia Xin to reply, she told him that she had gone to the Hua family yesterday and that Luo Yuzhen was sick. Xia Xin was anxious and asked what kind of illness it was, whether a doctor had been invited, and whether it was light or serious. She smiled and said that seeing how anxious she was, she looked like a sentimental person. I think she has a cold, but it's not light. It's probably because she's worried about that. I advised her to be open-minded and eat this loss in silence. She's the one who's tied down by this family. She's not as open-minded as I am. She said that this step was set. Even if she had to die, she had to turn this case around. Otherwise, the Hua family would have a harder time in the future. If you are really anxious for Yuzhen, you have to be anxious at this point. You can't just draw the bow and not shoot. I asked you, did you help him beg?
Xia Xinfa said,"Do you think I'm a person who only knows how to thunder and not rain?" I told you long ago."
"What did they say?"
"Who knows if he's willing to help."
"Aren't you only aware of what's going on outside and not aware of what's going on inside? Who didn't ask about good or bad luck after divination? You men are so bold that you don't even dare to do anything serious except to coax women. You're afraid of breaking your head when the leaves fall.”
Xia Xinfa retorted, his face burning red and his heart filled with guilt. He thought for a moment and said,"I want to help, but I'm not a cadre. I don't have any use for it." This was no ordinary matter. Who was willing to guarantee it? I said it, and he listened. Who could pat their chest if they could help? There were many people who cleaned up their own doors these days. It's already good enough that you can listen to me and not criticize me for being nosy. I really can't think of any other good ideas. If you really have a trick up your sleeve that can pull out the thorn but can't stab your hand, I'll do it even if I have to go up a mountain of knives or go down a sea of fire!
He smiled." You're talking nonsense. If you don't stab me, do you still need to go through a mountain of knives and a sea of fire?”In fact, she had already made up her mind and was deliberately provoking Xia Xinfa. When she heard him say that, she told him to ask the family members of the deceased if they had hired any other doctors or taken any other medicine besides Doctor Hua. She also asked them how their condition was and why their illness had relapsed. As long as these questions were clear, there was no need to worry about the problem being unclear.
Xia Xinfa thought that this was a good idea. However, if he had to show his face and ask, wouldn't it be obvious that he was stirring up trouble? He asked me, who sent you to investigate? No matter what I say, what others think. Of course, the government had investigated the family members of the deceased. If he asked now, it didn't matter if he bumped into a wooden nail. If he turned his face around and twisted it to the township government, wouldn't he get a rash and become a sore?
If he saw Xia Xinfa hesitating, how could the monk force others to do things? It was inconvenient to say more and he left unhappily. Men are sweet with words but cruel with hearts, women are passionate and have bad lives. Sin, sin, sin, sin! Luo Yuzhen, Luo Yuzhen, how did a smart woman like you get to know these two cowardly men!
Xia Xinfa also knew that he had said something spineless, so he couldn't be blamed for being angry. He walked with his head lowered and mocked himself for being a coward. Luo Yuzhen was right not to marry him back then. Since ancient times, beauties love heroes. What am I? Bear!
When the myna saw its master coming, it began to chirp, making Xia Xinfa even more annoyed. He angrily picked up the teacup and poured it into the birdcage. Myna was splashed with tea. It shook its body and flapped its wings, crying out even more fiercely. His heart ached again. As he fed her, he said,"Don't be angry. It's so annoying." He heard the guests beside him still talking about the Hua family." If it's not a dog barking, it's a wolf howling. Aren't you annoyed enough?!"-- I can't interfere with her family's matters, but you can!”The Myna seemed to understand what he said and stopped barking. It only blinked at him. Just as he turned around to pour some tea, the eighth brother started to call out again. Xia Xinfa heard it as if it was " Cha, cha, cha ". He looked at the eighth brother and listened carefully. It really was " Cha, cha, cha ". He usually praised the bird he raised in front of others for its humanity and spirituality. He then thought about the divination. Could it be that Guan Yin Bodhisattva wanted Eighth Brother to remind him? He had to deal with the Hua family's matters. He should go and inquire about the family members of the deceased! No! Yes! Yes! No! He was still wandering.
Xia Xinfa took the birdcage home and went out to buy groceries. He believed that Yuan Dangui would come, so he bumped into Chen Chunfang at the fish stall. He wanted to avoid her, but she stopped and looked at the vegetables in his basket. After commenting for a while, she suddenly whispered to him,"Dog X's Drug Lord told him about the musks. You've been looking for trouble with me these past few days." Xia Xinfa advised her to be patient, but she said,"I'm not afraid of him. Sooner or later, he'll cause a ruckus! -- You have to be careful." After saying that, he left in an imposing manner.
Xia Xinfa and Xu Jingfu had also studied together. When they were young, they often played with rolling copper coins and cutting chips together. Naturally, they knew Xu Jingfu's weight and were also afraid of risking their lives. There was nothing to be afraid of in his hometown, unlike Song Jingzhong who had gone out of town. Yesterday, Qian Yangyi had also said that if people didn't offend him, everyone would just let it go. The women you, Xu Jingfu, play with can't even be seated on a few tables. If it was in the old society, I would have made you a cuckold. Do you think Chen Chunfang would submit to you! He felt that his thoughts were ridiculous. Whose wife would not be angry if someone stole her? He was afraid of this and that when it came to serious matters, but he wanted to be a hero when it came to this kind of jealousy. He secretly laughed at himself for being a bear.
As soon as Xia Xinfa entered the shop, he saw Song Jingzhong talking to Xia Shujuan. He said,"Where have you been hiding for the past two days? Where's Chunhua? Why didn't she bring her along?”
Song Jingzhong only smiled and did not speak. Shujuan did not dare to reveal the secret, but she was afraid that her father would see it, so she had to turn her back and smile secretly. Xia Xinfa was busy taking out the vegetables from the basket and placing them on the table. He didn't notice Lu Chunhua, Yuan Dangui, and Yi Xiaolan, who had quietly walked out of the studio behind him. Lu Chunhua came up and covered Xia Xinfa's eyes.
"Daddy, guess who it is?" Xia Shujuan asked.”
Xia Xinfa touched a woman's hand and guessed that it was Lu Chunhua's. However, he deliberately said,"Let me guess-squeaky kittens.”
Lu Chunhua laughed out loud and slapped Xia Xinfa twice.
Xia Xinfa pointed at Song Jingzhong and said with a smile,"These two slaps will be on your account."”
Lu Chunhua turned Xia Xinfa around and pushed her in front of Yuan Dangui, saying,""Go and count with her."
Yuan Dangui quickly dodged to the side and pushed Yi Xiaolan away, bumping into Xia Xinfa. Yi Xiaolan was so embarrassed that her face turned red. Biting her lower lip, she stretched out her hand and pinched Yuan Dangui's snow-white arm."Nai (you) is considered generous. Let Nai (you) take advantage of Ni (me) first. If Nai (you) really wants to be serious, Ni will ask people to snatch it away.”
Yuan Dangui had made Yi Xiaolan twist in pain, so she could only smile and say,""Meeting you is also called not trying (no choice). It's my bad luck to let you take advantage of me.”
Yi Xiaolan understood the hidden meaning in Yuan Dangui's words, so she no longer retorted, smiling at Xia Xinfa,"Nai (you), don't bow to Guanyin.”
Xia Xinfa felt a little awkward. On the other hand, Shujuan was smart. While inviting the three aunties to sit, she urged her father to take the chickens and ducks to the neighboring restaurant to help kill and shed their feathers.
Yuan Dangui stopped Xia Xinfa and said that he had to go on stage in the afternoon, so he couldn't drink and didn't have to cook. For lunch, he would go to the neighboring Yipin Noodle Restaurant and order six bowls of shrimp fried eel noodles. At night, he would eat some snacks to fill his hunger, and then eat and drink after they left. Before the noodles came, they should talk. Xia Xinfa thought that this was a good arrangement, so he brewed some tea again and sat down to chat.
Lu Chunhua told Yuan Dangui that she heard from the county that D City and County would also carry out a reform of the opera in the new year. They wanted to stabilize the flow of opera artists and establish an opera association. There were a lot of Yue opera, Hu opera, and Huagu opera artists here. There were only a few Tanhuang singers in Quyi, and there were no Pingtan artists. Things are rare and precious, instigating Yuan Dangui and Yi Xiaolan not to stay in Jiangsu Tailun; There are too many Pingtan artists there. It's better to settle down in D County. The county will also pay attention to you. You, Yuan Dangui, can also get rid of that robber. He asked Xia Xinfa if it was okay. Although Xia Xinfa somewhat understood Lu Chunhua's meaning, he was not very clear. He only said it in a muddled manner. Yuan Dangui said that he had not considered this matter properly and would talk about it slowly. Yi Xiao Lan said that she was already Sister Yuan's underling anyway, so she would be wherever Sister Yuan was. However, there was one thing to be clear. A partner must be formed to the end. You can't partner with me on stage and find another partner offstage. Otherwise, even if it's a violation of the contract, I won't be polite and will definitely break up the couple. After saying that, he looked at Xia Xinfa and Yuan Dangui with a smile.
Lu Chunhua walked over and hugged Yi Xiaolan. She said to Yuan Dangui,""Tear off this sharp mouth so that she won't bite people.”Yi Xiaolan begged for mercy repeatedly before Lu Chunhua let go.
Song Jingzhong told Xia Xinfa that Luo Yuzhen had asked him to help Jiang Shanshan build a theater these few days. He was a little busy, so he didn't come to your place. If you can join me, consider it a favor.
Xia Xinfa heard that it was Luo Yuzhen who had intervened and Song Jingzhong had stepped forward. He wanted to agree but was stopped by Yuan Dangui.
Yuan Dangui told Song Jingzhong that since Chunhua wanted him to stay here, he had to build a decent bookstore. Xia Xinfa kept this stock for the bookshop. Moreover, this bookstore was handed over to your Brother Song, and he even forced Lu Chunhua to "give orders".
Song Jingzhong originally wanted to refuse, but when he saw Lu Chunhua winking at him, he hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Xia Xinfa said that since Jing Zhong had opened his mouth, he would accept the theater. It was indeed a good thing that Dangui wanted to set up a bookstore. There were no decent bookstores in the four neighboring counties. If we do it, it will bring glory to our D City. I'll accept this.
Yuan Dangui still refused to comply. He said,"Since Nai (you) has two units of banknotes, then Tong Tong will use them to run a bookstore. Ni (I) ask Nai (you), is it willing? Don't be cheeky, Ni (I) is serious, don't be too blunt.”
Song Jingzhong saw that Xia Xinfa was in a difficult position and thought that it was because of him. He quickly said," Your Sister Dan Gui has spoken her mind, so Brother Xinfa naturally agrees. I'll represent Chunhua and make a statement. I'll also take a share and guarantee that this bookstore will be built like Hangzhou. Are you satisfied now?"
"I'm afraid that I'll eat up all his possessions, scaring my son out of his wits. I'm so talkative that I'm bound by a seal. I don't even have a voice." Yuan Dangui glanced at Xia Xinfa and turned to Song Jingzhong."If you don't do it for nothing."
Xia Xinfa was gently pushed from behind by Lu Chunhua. He was afraid that Yuan Dangui would be angry, so he said,"Don't (you) gossip (can't) say Gewan like this. Even the Heavenly King wouldn't dare to say the word 'don't. Ni (I) will give the shares to you (now) at dawn, okay?”
Yuan Dangui looked at Xia Xin with deep affection and laughed, as if saying that he had not misjudged Xia Xin.
Xia Xinfa told Song Jingzhong about his quarrel with Xu Jingfu and blamed him for being too careless. He forgot that Xu Jingfu had many friends at the docks in Suzhou and Hangzhou. He told him to be more vigilant when he went out of the dock in the future to avoid suffering hidden losses. He told him not to go out in the future. The bookstore was set up and he was the boss. After stumbling in the Jianghu for more than ten years, it was time to settle down.
Song Jingzhong smiled disdainfully and said," Which dock doesn't have my friends? I'm afraid of Xu Jingfu. I'm not considered an experienced person."
When Yi Xiaolan heard about Xu Jingfu, she asked if he was the boss of Hongfu Fruit Store. Xia Xinfa said you know him. Yi Xiaolan nodded and said. The people in Suzhou's Changmen area were all calling Xu Jingfu a sly old fox who was known as the " Fried Loquat Pill ", the " Last Generation of Ximen Qing ", and the " Old Shaver ". He is my little sister's lover. My little sister told him to grow up, but he didn't dare to be short. What he did in Suzhou is in the hands of my little sister. No matter how great his ability is, it's useless in the hands of the Buddha.
After eating the noodles, Yi Xiaolan urged Yuan Dangui to leave. Yuan Dangui wanted to bring Xia Shujuan to attend a lecture. Xia Shujuan happily held Yuan Dangui's hand and followed him.
Song Jingzhong still wanted to drink a cup of tea, but his neighbor came and said that his mother was sick. He and Lu Chunhua hurriedly went out.
Xia Xinfa was the only one left in the shop, quietly drinking tea. He couldn't understand why his daughter would be so affectionate when she saw Yuan Dangui. Last year, he took Shujuan to Suzhou to ask a famous teacher to teach her how to play the pipa. Coincidentally, Yuan Dangui and Yi Xiaolan were performing in Jinmen, so he took Shujuan there. It was also Shujuan's fault for seeing the osmanthus like a relative. Before she left, she still held the osmanthus's hand tightly, more reluctant to part than him. After she got home, she often mentioned when she would visit Auntie Dangui again and why she didn't invite Auntie Dangui over to play. Last time, when Shujuan heard that Dan Gui was coming for dinner, she had made her busy ordering food, buying things, and making things. She would sit together with osmanthus when she ate. Even Yi Xiao Lan was present. Although Shujuan was also good, she wasn't as intimate as Dan Gui. Could it be that the two of them couldn't have loved each other in their previous lives, or was it hereditary?
Xia Xinfa slowly tasted the Biluochun tea that Dangui had given him, carefully thinking about the subtle mystery of the telepathy between his daughter and his old lover. He was excited but also depressed. He thanked his mother for giving him stubbornness, but he also complained about his father's cowardice that had seeped into his character over the years. He even hated his father's whip of propriety, which forced him to cultivate this garden of life on the small fields around him and reap the bitter fruits. He thought that perhaps life was like an olive, which could only let people taste the fragrance and sweetness from the bitterness…
In front of him was Yuan Dangui, who stood at the stairs with tears in his eyes, sending him off. He also saw Yuan Dangui waving his hand with tears in his eyes as he sent him and Shujuan away from Suzhou. He remembered the sad scene of her carrying a small suitcase and carrying a pipa as she left D City in tears when she was young…
Tears silently rolled into the Biluochun tea, and he drank this cup of fragrant tea that melted his bitter tears…
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。