In the south of the city, near the city gate, there was a household surnad Liu. Although their ancestors are not prominent and small families, the family has three houses, a hundred acres of land, and no shortage of servants. Last year, the local governnt recomnded the son because of his filial piety, and he beca the chief secretary in nearby Chang County. He was a clean and honest person.
Six months ago, a matchmaker ca to the house and offered the niece of a family with the surna Zheng to the son of the Liu family. The Liu parents found out that although Zheng Shus parents were dead, she had an aunt who was the head mother of the Marquis Wei family. Before Zheng Shu ca ho, she had lived in the Wei Manor for many years. They did not know why Zheng Shu had not married at an older age and returned to the Zheng family alone. But if they could take this opportunity to climb into the Wei family, they could not care about anything else. They did not hesitate and agreed to the marriage. Three months later, Zheng Shu entered the house. The parents of the Liu family were happy to see Zheng Shus outstanding appearance and generous dowry. They did not dare to put an elderly act and carefully served her due to her relationship with the Wei family. The Liu familys son loved his new wifes appearance and was pleased.
The Liu family thought that a good marriage had co down from heaven, and they had won a good marriage for nothing. However, in less than half a month, Zheng Shu started to change her face. Every day, she either disliked the crude food that was hard to swallow or chastised the servants for not serving her well. At first, Lius parents put up with it, thinking she was used to living in Wei Manor. It was only natural she would not be used to it when she married into their own family, so they were more careful about the service. Zheng Shu was certain the Liu family would not dare to do anything to her. She took out all her resentnt from being kicked out of the Wei Manor on her husbands family. After so ti, she not only scolded the servants at every turn but contradicted her in-laws. As for her husband, she scolded him for being useless, and she slept with him when she was happy but did not allow him to go to bed when she was unhappy. The Liu familys parents regretted it. They hate themselves for being greedy and have sown bitter fruits. Zheng Shu brought out the Madam of Wei Manor to press people at every turn, and they dared to do nothing else. The son of the Liu family was afraid of his wife and moving to the county and only returned a few tis a month. The house has beco Zheng Shus world.
It was already the third period in the morning. Zheng Shu was drunk last night and slept until now. She got up lazily and combed her hair when the parents of the Liu family saw a cart stop at the door. An old woman ca down from the cart with a slight limp and recognized it was an old woman who had co from the Wei Manor so days ago. Old Jiang saw the parents of the Liu family. She faintly looked at them and went inside as if they were her own family.
In the room, Zheng Shu heard Old Jiang co. She was happy and personally welcod her into the room, asked the servant to offer tea and fruit, laughing: A few days ago, Aunt ca to see . I do not know when we can et again next ti!
Old Jiang responded with a smile and threw a wink at her. Zheng Shu knew she should have sothing to say, so she dismissed the people in the room, closed the door tightly, and asked, Is there sothing you want to tell ?
Old Jiang beckoned her to her side and whispered to her. Zheng Shu listened, and her face changed slightly. When she hesitated, Old Jiang said: This is Madams order. Madam is suffering from Qiaos girl. She has no choice but to do so. However, she did not want to co out herself and took you as a considerate person. She gave you this matter secretly. If Qiao girl didnt harm you, how could you have been driven out of Wei Manor and married to such a shabby family now?
She said, glancing around the room with contempt.
Zheng Shu was touched and said through clenched teeth, What Aunt said is true!
Old Jiang smiled and said, Madam said, as long it is done, we can give any amount of gold and money. Madam gave so convenient money when I ca here. After saying that, she took out so money from her pouch.
Zheng Shu hated the Qiao girl. She was forced to marry the Liu family and thought it would be the end of her life. She didnt expect her aunt would suddenly plan to get rid of Qiao girl, which was what she wanted, and she sent her beloved Old Jiang to let her do sothing. After thinking about it for a while, she decided. Ill take the money and use it for the witch. The witch will not be willing that easily. Luckily I used to be friends with her. Ill ask her nicely, and maybe it will work out. You go back and wait for the news.
Old Jiang was pleased. They instructed each other, whispered, and conspired. Zheng Shu then sent Old Jiang out as if nothing had happened.
Wei Shao left Yuyang, and three days passed.
With less of a Wei Shao, Xiao Qiao was relieved of serving her husband and was much freer. In these three days, except for so family matters, she went to the north house in the morning, waited until Mrs. Xu went to bed, and then returned in the evening.
This night, Mrs. Xu took her dicine. Before she went to bed, she smiled and asked Xiao Qiao to stop guarding herself like this.
Xiao Qiao said, Since my husband is away on a trip, the west house is empty, and its aningless for to stay there alone. I would rather co here to keep grandmother company. Im afraid grandmother might think Im too clumsy and get in the way.
Mrs. Xu shook her head and laughed, Not at all. Grandmother would like to have you in front of all the ti. Im just afraid youll be too strained. Its boring to be with an old woman like . I know it in my heart.
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, Grandmother had a kind face. I cant get close enough. How can it be boring? When Grandmother is well, you dont need to drive away, I will be lazy myself. I hope grandmother will not bla then.
Old Zhong said, You have a filial heart. And this is also the right thing to do. The Old Madam doesnt need to feel guilty. When Old Madam gets well, youll love her back a little more.
Mrs. Xu laughed and said, Fine. If my grandson is not with , I will enjoy the blessings of my granddaughter-in-law.
Xiao Qiao helped her to lie down. After Mrs. Xu settled, she stayed by her side and saw her gradually fall asleep. Xiao Qiao got up, and Old Zhong sent her out. When she returned to the west house, she felt tired. After taking a hot bath, she ca out, put on her clothes, and sat alone in front of the lamp.
It was late. The dayti hustle disappeared, and the large Wei Manor fell into the night.
Xiao Qiao slowly dried her long hair and was lost in thought when Chun Niang ca and whispered in her ear. Xiao Qiao told her to bring soone. A few monts later, Old Huang from the east house entered the room in a veil, entered the room, and saluted Xiao Qiao.
Xiao Qiao told her to excuse herself and gave her a seat. Old Huang said she didnt dare.
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, Chun Niang said you have sothing to say?
Old Huang stepped forward and said in a low voice: These days, this servant received instructions from the lady, so I always keep an eye on Madam and Old Jiangs movents. Today afternoon, the Madam went to sleep. The Old Jiang changed her clothes, quietly left the house from the back door, did not take the carriage, and did not bring soone along. This servant is suspicious and follows her. Lady, you know where she went?
Old Huang paused. When Xiao Qiao cast a glance, she lowered her voice and said: She went to a house in the west of the city. I saw her slip in the back door as if soone was waiting inside and imdiately disappeared. I couldnt get close, so I just waited far behind. After a while, I saw her sneaking out and hurrying back to the house. The more I thought about it, the stranger I felt, and rembering the ladys orders, I ca to report it.
Xiao Qiao asked, Do you know whose family is that?
Old Huang said, This servant has been in Yuyang for decades, so I know so things. It seems to be the residence of the widow of a country marquis surnad Li.
Xiao Qiao told her to describe the location and address clearly.
She also asked a detailed question, and when it was clear enough, she told Chun Niang to hand over the reward money to Old Huang. Old Huang declined a few tis and finally accepted it, grateful.
Xiao Qiao smiled and said: Aunt did a good job today. Dont let the word out when you go back. If there are any changes, co back and tell .
Old Huang said, I dont dare to accept your courtesy. Ive always wanted to serve you. So, this servant will go back first, lest soone find out.
Xiao Qiao smiled and nodded her head. When Old Huang left, she pondered for a mont and asked Chun Niang, The other day you sent a letter out for . Is that person still here today?
Chun Niang said, He should still be here. I heard the young man say that he had an old friend in Yuyang, so he wants to stay for a few more days to visit his friends and then return after so ti.
After Chun Niang answered, she saw Xiao Qiao was silent as if she was thinking about sothing. She didnt dare to disturb her at first, but then she couldnt help herself and asked, I saw that you have been thinking about sothing these days. What has happened? Why do you ask about the whereabouts of the young man again?
The young man in Chun Niangs mouth was the one who sent a letter to Yuyang a few days ago on behalf of Bi Zhi and Da Qiao. In the letter, Da Qiao ntioned the mans na was Zong Ji, a son of a family in Xuzhou, and have a feud with Xue Tai for generations. His family broke in childhood, and he learned martial arts from a high-ranking person. The youth was a wanderer, wandering around with a sword. A few months ago, he returned to Xuzhou and failed to assassinate Xue Tai. When he was injured, Bi Zhi saved him. Zong Ji vowed to repay the kindness of saving his life. When he found out the couple wanted to send a letter to Yuyang, he said he had traveled to Yuyang and had one or two old friends there. He was willing to deliver the letter on their behalf.
In these troubled tis, the roads were full of dangers and obstacles, and communication between the north and the south was difficult. Not sure how many letters from the family had lost on the road. With Zong Jis promise, Da Qiao wrote a letter and asked him to send it to her sister.
In the letter, Da Qiao ntioned if there was a reply, rest assured that Zong Ji would bring it back. The day before, Xiao Qiao wrote a letter and asked Chun Niang to send it to the inn where Zong Ji lived.
At this mont, hearing Chun Niang ask her, Xiao Qiao pondered for a mont and said, Tomorrow, you accompany and go together to see that young man. I have sothing to ask of him.
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