The red lady with a smile

Chapter 13

Xuan Qing originally thought that A Luo would arrange a cheap carriage for him, the kind specially responsible for taking the prostitutes back to the building, but the fact was the opposite. The carriage that A Luo hired was not only comfortable and spacious, but the driver was also very nice and accompanied him along the way. Seeing Xuan Qing talking and laughing made him feel better.

They didn't have any purpose in their conversation, they said what they thought of, after doing this for several days, Xuan Qing didn't feel bored.

After leaving Xichuan, the carriage headed south all the way, but Jinyuan Tower was clearly on the north side of Qi Yi. At first, Xuan Qing thought that the carriage deliberately went the other way, but after seven days, he realized that something was wrong, the groom did not turn his head at all. Meaning, this is obviously going in the opposite direction from Jinyuanlou!

Xuan Qing had a question in his heart, but when he asked curiously, the answer he got was even more surprising. The groom said that he had never heard that Xuan Qing was going to be sent back to the border town to collect money, and the order he got was to send Xuan Qing to Yizhou a place in the city.

Yizhou City is a place Xuanqing has never been to. It is about ten days’ drive away from Wei Mansion. It is very strange why Aluo sent him here. Could it be that he wants to find a way to return to the border from here? ?

Xuan Qing couldn't understand no matter what he thought, so he could only let the groom take him to Yizhou City.

Yizhou City is not as prosperous as Xichuan. It is a quiet small town with a pleasant climate and spring-like seasons. It is suitable for the elderly to take care of their lives. Therefore, many high-ranking officials and nobles have Beiyuan Beppu here to let their elders recuperate.

The groom took Xuan Qing into the city according to the instructions, and said goodbye to him after delivering it to the gate of a private house. Now that he had completed the task, Xuan Qing had no intention of embarrassing him. After all, the groom was very clear along the way. Knowing nothing about this matter, Xuan Qing didn't want to make it difficult for him.

Watching the carriage leave, Xuan Qing held the burden and looked around uneasily. It was the first time he came to a different place alone, and he felt really uneasy. A Luo didn't know what it meant, so he just sent him here, could it be , Is this his revenge! ?

Thinking wildly in panic, Xuan Qing stood where he should go or stay. Just when he was in a panic, there was a sound of opening the door. Come.

The sound of the door opening caught Xuan Qing's attention. He instinctively looked up in the direction of the sound, and saw a scholar carrying a bookcase came out of the door. He looked plain but refined, looked honest, and smiled There is also a dimple.

He seemed to be still taking care of his family, he was standing at the door saying this, Xuan Qing only saw his side face, after about a while, he finally said enough, turned around but confronted Xuan Qing face to face.

"...!"

Almost instantly, Xuan Qing's eyes widened in disbelief. At that moment, what he noticed was no longer the appearance of the scholar, but the woman behind him.

The originally inconspicuous appearance turned hideous because of the burn scar on the woman's right cheek. Xuan Qing was startled at first, but when he saw the woman's face clearly, the familiar facial features and shy smile instantly made her He thought of the past.

That year, not long after he was sensible, there was a sudden change in his family. His father, mother, and elder brother left him one by one, and the only remaining relative held his hand tightly. The warmth brought by Xuan Qing will be unforgettable for a lifetime!

"elder sister……"

Shouting this Jiu Yuan's address, the woman was startled when she heard the words, and looked at Xuan Qing in a daze. After the shock, the ferocious face showed tenderness.

"Xuan...Qing? Brother!"

It's strange to say that Xuan Qing's childhood memories have been blurred, and he can't even remember the appearance of his sister, but from the first time he saw the woman, he was sure that she was his own sister ——Yin Huaining, maybe this is the bond of blood.

Yin Huaining was already very excited when he called out Xuan Qing's name, and when Xuan Qing nodded in response to her guess, she burst into tears.The scholar who was about to go out just now saw her like this and canceled the idea of ​​going out. From the simple conversation just now, he also knew Xuan Qing's identity, so he invited him in.

Their houses are not big, and they are single-family houses, which are quite impressive compared to ordinary civilian houses.

As soon as they entered the door, two little radish heads suddenly sprang out from nowhere and rushed towards them, shouting sweetly, "Father, mother."

This sound immediately explained the relationship between Yin Huaining and the scholar, Xuan Qing was a little surprised, while Yin Huaining patted their heads nonchalantly, the scholar took them both by the hand for Xuan Qing to see, he followed each other and said to the children: "Youth Son, Xiao Zi, this is mother's younger brother, quickly call him uncle."

The two children, a boy and a girl, are both cute and bright, especially the youngest daughter, Xiaozi, who has big watery eyes with a smile, as if she can talk.Looking at her, Xuan Qing couldn't help but think of A Luo's little spring. Looking closely, the two little girls are really similar.

"uncle."

The children shouted, and Xuan Qing nodded embarrassedly after hearing this. He didn't expect to meet his relatives, so he didn't prepare a gift for the children. This "uncle" made him a little ashamed.

"Little brother, this is my husband Zheng Shao'an. These two are our children. The older boy is named Qingfeng, and the younger daughter Zitong..." Yin Huaining introduced to Xuan Qing one by one, and Xuan Qing also saluted her brother-in-law in due course. After that, Zheng Shaoan took the children out and left the house for their siblings.

Facing his sister alone, Xuan Qing relaxed a little, but he still couldn't adapt to the rapid change of the situation. Seeing his younger brother's troubles, Yin Huaining was not in a hurry. She asked Xuan Qing to sit down and slowly made him a pot of tea. Pour it into a cup and put it in front of him.

"Thank you." We haven't seen each other for many years, and the relationship is still there, but it is still unavoidable. Xuan Qing took the teacup awkwardly, causing Yin Huaining to smile softly.

"Little brother, you don't have to be too restrained in front of me." After saying that, Yin Huaining also sat opposite him.

Now that he had calmed down, Xuan Qing had the time to look at his sister's face carefully. The scars were shocking, which made him a little uncomfortable. "Sister, these years... have you had a hard time?"

Knowing that this is nonsense, but Xuan Qing really didn't know how to ask, so he had no choice but to enter here.

Yin Huaining was taken aback when she heard the words, then she understood her younger brother's thoughts, and then smiled and said: "There is hard work, but with today's life, the previous ones are nothing to be afraid of..."

Afterwards, without waiting for Xuan Qing to ask more questions, Yin Huaining told his younger brother about some things after they separated from him, so that he didn't seem to mind.

It turned out that when Xuanqing entered the men's house, Yin Huaining naturally entered the brothel, and the days afterward were much the same, learning to serve customers, auctioning first nights, and laughing with customers, doing the most despised profession.

Yin Huaining is prettier than Xuan Qing, quite attractive, she had read some books when she was a young lady, so she is not as obedient as other girls, and always has a kind of arrogance in her bones, guests often complain about this, the old bustard is quite dissatisfied with her, Even the girls who are prostitutes can't understand her.

Such a temperament is very unpopular in a brothel. Sure enough, it didn't take long before the incident happened. Yin Huaining was locked up in a dark room because she refused a client's unreasonable request. As a result, Yin Huaining was treated badly, even her pretty face was ruined, and her glory was no longer there.

Needless to say what happened later, Xuan Qing also understands her sister's suffering, what good life can a disfigured prostitute have!

Yin Huaining, who had lost her looks, was useless no matter how talented she was. She was transferred to work in a folk prescription in a brothel, washing and mending clothes for other prostitutes, and the bustard no longer let her go out to pick up customers.

"It's probably the so-called blessing and misfortune. I was transferred there. I didn't have any hope at first, but a fate made me meet the second young master of the Zheng family who was lost. This changed the future..."

Yin Huaining didn't say much about this period, but Xuan Qing could also imagine how hard-won the relationship between them was.

The Zheng family is a scholarly family, so naturally the young master is not allowed to find a prostitute as his wife, no matter if it is a wife or a concubine, but no one can tell the fate, the evil young master of the Zheng family just came to the brothel to find friends today, who would have thought To the point where she felt compassion for an outdated prostitute who had lost her beauty.

After going through a lot of ups and downs, in the end the Zheng family's second son was more affectionate than Jin Jian, broke off the relationship with the Zheng family, and used a sum of money brought out from home to redeem Yin Huaining's body, although the two can only be concubines, But after going through so much, Yin Huaining was content, she kept her duty, took care of her husband and raised her children, and only prayed for a safe reunion of her family, and did not ask for anything else.

"My husband treats me very well, always the same. In fact, even if he marries his wife again, I won't complain. But now that he guards me and my children like this, I am really content in this life."

Xuan Qing can understand her sister's thoughts very well. People like them have long since lost their extravagant hopes for happiness. It is already very good to have a place to settle down in their later years and have enough food and clothing.But now, her sister is better than expected, so Xuan Qing is relieved.

"I'm fine now, little brother, how about you? Why did you come here suddenly?"

When asked about himself, Xuan Qing was stunned, and he didn't know how to tell his sister. He didn't want her to worry, and he didn't know the meaning of A Luo sending him here. Under the embarrassment, he could only half brag and half truth speak out the current situation.

"That's the way I am, sister, you know... I was bought here and there, and then I met a nobleman not long ago, and he kept me for a few months, and now he sends me back upstairs when he doesn't need it. I just came here by the way. .”

"Is that so..." There was no lack of regret in Yin Huaining's words.

Xuan Qing knew what she was thinking, and didn't know how to comfort her for a while, so she said without thinking: "Sister, don't worry, everyone treats me well, no bullying or anything, and the guests are more kind, you see, otherwise how could you agree to me?" I'll go back upstairs by myself."

These words sounded particularly harsh to Yin Huaining, she also understood that her younger brother tried his best to appear as if nothing had happened, but she had also done this job, how could she not know the hardships and sorrows of this trip.

Sighing lightly, all she can do now is to do what her brother wishes and try her best to appear not worried.

"Little brother is fine... that's good, by the way, is the younger brother's deed of prostitution in the building now, do you have to go back upstairs in a hurry? Can, can you tell the boss in the building... to spend this year with my sister year."

Although it was an unfeeling request, Yin Huaining really didn't want to lose contact with her younger brother because of this. She thought that although she couldn't afford to redeem her younger brother now, family affection could always be given to her. This would last for a few years, and she would redeem her younger brother after saving enough money At that time, although he is still a lowly citizen, he will have a free life anyway, so she can feel at ease.

It is early September now, and there is still some time before the Spring Festival. Xuan Qing guessed that A Luo would send his deed of sale back to Jinyuanlou, so he still has to ask the little boss about this matter, and if he tells the little boss, He will certainly agree.

Out of a little bit of selfishness, Xuan Qing didn't want to go back to the building with a depressed mood, so he sent a letter to Jinyuan Building, which explained everything, and explained that he would live with his sister for a while, Will definitely be back next year.

Yin Huaining was very happy to see that her younger brother was able to stay, and Zheng Shaoan, who loved his wife dearly, was also relieved. Together with the children, they cleaned up an empty house that was not used on weekdays for Xuan Qing to live in temporarily.

The family is not well off, Xuanqing can tell that Zheng Shaoan makes a living by selling paintings and calligraphy and writing letters every day, the two children in the family are almost at the age of schooling, and the elder sister does some handicrafts at home to exchange money.Thinking that his arrival would bring a burden to his sister's family, he privately handed over most of the money he brought from the Wei Mansion to his brother-in-law Zheng Shaoan.

Zheng Shaoan was kind and kind by nature, and he was not dissatisfied with Xuan Qing. At first he refused to accept the money, but Xuan Qing insisted on giving it, saying it was a gift for the two children, but he couldn't hold back, so Zheng Shaoan had to accept it.

After they accepted the money, Xuan Qing felt better.He lives quietly at his sister's house, and spends most of his time helping with housework or playing with the children. He is neither lazy nor greedy, and rarely goes out.

Yin Huaining often persuaded Xuan Qing to go out for fun, secretly saying that it was okay to gossip, but Xuan Qing was always unwilling, and she felt really uncomfortable seeing her brother so self-confident.

But in Xuan Qing's heart, there was another thought.

Half of his reluctance to go out was because he didn't want to make it difficult for his sister and brother-in-law, and the other half was because he wanted to watch the couple at home, just that it would satisfy him.

It's an emotional transfer.The happiness that he could not get, but his only family member got it, Xuan Qing couldn't help being a little envious while being relieved, and sometimes he would even fantasize about what kind of life it would be if he could be like his sister situation.

Thinking of this, A Luo's handsome and cute face will appear in front of his eyes, Xuan Qing will not be able to help but laugh out loud, and when he has laughed enough, he will sigh again, feeling a little regretful in his heart.

A Luo is still young now, I am afraid that he will slowly forget himself in the near future... Unfortunately, if it is a few years or ten years later, he will definitely grow into an outstanding man, but at that time I was not lucky enough to see It's a pity at first glance!

Xuan Qing didn't tell his sister about A Luo, nor about Yaoren. He was afraid that her sister would ruin her peaceful life because she was worried about him.

That's it, that's good, don't think too much about it, and go back to work in the building after the year is over, it's plain, even though it's humble, it's better than being tortured and eaten a hundred times.

Xuan Qing really thought so, and tried her best to do so in a low-key manner, but some things are often unexpected and come suddenly.

Everything was fine at first, but after more than three months, Xuan Qing suddenly began to feel that something was wrong all over.

Even though it was a big winter in November, Xuan Qing felt unbearably hot, restless, and always upset, but no one provoked him, and even he didn't know what was wrong with him.

At the end of November, more symptoms appeared, and Xuanqing was even more wrong. He was always nauseated, his stomach was uncomfortable, his body was uncomfortable, his strength was lost, his whole body was lazy, and he wanted to lie down all day long. move.

Yin Huaining was worried when she saw her younger brother like this, and asked her husband to find a doctor to treat her younger brother, but the disease diagnosed by the quack doctor was even more absurd—you are happy, he is pregnant!

how can that be!

The facts are before our eyes, Xuan Qing is a big man, where is his ability to give birth, not to mention that others don't believe it, even the doctor himself is surprised, he has diagnosed it three times and it is clear that it is a happy pulse.

After sending the doctor away, Yin Huaining didn't take the doctor's words to heart at all, she only thought that her younger brother had a strange disease, and the symptoms were similar to pregnancy symptoms.But because he didn't know what medicine to use, in desperation, Yin Huaining could only use some simple tonics to nourish his brother's body.

Although he didn't complain about his sick sister and brother-in-law, Xuanqing felt uncomfortable in his heart. He caused a burden to them, not only the increase in household income, but also negative rumors spread.

After more than a month, as the New Year approached, Xuanqing's belly gradually grew bigger, and then rumors spread in the streets and alleys, saying that Zheng's family had an extra "monster relative", and then I don't know how it spread, and then even Yin Huaining has become a "fox spirit", and her child has also become a demon.

This kind of thing is not what Xuanqing wants to see, so even though his sister said it's okay, he still can't let it go, looking at his slightly protruding belly, he made up his mind to find a car and go back as soon as the Spring Festival is over...

It is easy to say, but it is not a little difficult to do.

Just after the New Year's Eve and the Spring Festival, there were very few coachmen who were willing to drive to the border, or they were willing to travel only after charging sky-high prices.

Fortunately, he was lucky, just when he was about to give up, he suddenly met a kind driver. He confessed that he was going to the border, and Xuan Qing was on the way, but he couldn't take him to the destination.

Now that it's the holiday, Xuan Qing is anxious to leave. He thought that he couldn't find a suitable driver here anyway, so he might as well leave with this man. They won't charge him for the car anyway. If he went to another place, he might find a car driver gone back.

Thinking in this way, Xuan Qing agreed regardless of his sister's stop. Three days later, he left this place of right and wrong wearing the bloated winter clothes his sister specially prepared for him.

The comfort of this carriage is naturally no better than that hired by A Luo before, plus Xuan Qing's body is uncomfortable, sitting on it is as uncomfortable as it is, but he has no regrets, his life can be said to be saved by his sister , now that she lives in a stable life, he no longer wants to bring her troubles and troubles. Although I don't know if I will see you again in the future, I am satisfied to see him now.

After driving for many days, Xuan Qing didn't care what the driver's destination was, until the driver said that he had arrived, Xuan Qing got out of the car and took a closer look.I have to say that God really loves to tease people, no, the driver's destination is not elsewhere, but Yaoxu Town where A Luo brought Xuan Qing and Wan Yue to live before.

What a coincidence, Xuan Qing couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

It's just that the coachman can't take him to another place, so he has no choice but to stay here temporarily, and then go to find other chariots and horses that can go to the border.

At this time, it was halfway through the first month, and the Spring Festival had come to an end. However, due to the cold weather, Xuan Qing searched for it for a few days, and there was still no horse-drawn carriage willing to go to the border in the small town.

This time, Xuan Qing was in trouble. Firstly, he didn't spend enough money. He was afraid that if he went on, he would not even have the money to hire a car. In addition, his body became more clumsy and uncomfortable as time went by.

If he is a woman, he is undoubtedly pregnant, but as a man, such a disease is really strange.

Once again in the dark alley, Xuan Qing was covered with cold sweat, he walked out slowly while leaning on the wall, his face was pale and bloodless, feeling his steps were weak, Xuan Qing felt that he should find a place to rest, But the inn had been checked out, and the carriage could not be found, so he really didn't know where he should go.

Unknowingly, he walked forward step by step, and unconsciously, he walked slowly to the familiar door of the house.

Both feet stopped in front of the red threshold, Xuan Qing was stunned, then slowly raised his head, seeing the familiar handwriting on the plaque, he himself was taken aback.

"Why are you here again..." Xuan Qing laughed self-deprecatingly, shaking his head.

This is no longer the place I should come to, because I don’t deserve it, and there was a male concubine in the past, but now I have gone to this level of modification, and I will be beaten back to its original shape—a lowly male prostitute who committed a crime, the Wei Mansion is not He deserves to be treated like this.

Just about to start to leave, Xuan Qing accidentally raised his head to face the sunlight, and for some reason, he was dizzy, and he had to stop and lean against the wall of Wei Mansion for a rest.

Coincidentally, while Xuan Qing was resting, the door of Wei Mansion suddenly opened from the inside, and the old housekeeper, Uncle Zhong, came out of the house. Xuan Qing outside.

"Isn't this Mr. Xuan Qing!"

Uncle Zhong is kind and kind, and Xuan Qing left a good impression on him before, so he didn't say anything derogatory.

Xuan Qing looked haggard, but still forced a smile to salute Uncle Zhong.

Seeing that others were wobbling, and couldn't even speak clearly, Uncle Zhong hurriedly stepped forward to support him.Xuan Qing wanted to refuse at first, but his body didn't obey. The moment Uncle Zhong helped him, he passed out in embarrassment.

◇ ◆ ◇

In the evening, Xuan Qing woke up again. It was no longer the scene at the door. He was sleeping in a simple cabin with a quilt on his body and a stove beside him, which was extremely warm.

"here is……"

"My lord, are you alright?" Uncle Zhong stood by the bed and asked worriedly.

Xuan Qing shook his head, barely propped himself up, looking at the unfamiliar environment around him, he didn't quite understand what happened for a while.

Fortunately, Uncle Zhong was honest and honest, and he told him without any concealment that he was the one who watched him fall and felt that he couldn't let him go, so he brought Xuan Qing to the servant's house.

The servant's house, as the name suggests, is the place where the servants of the Wei family live. Naturally, it is not as luxurious as the master's house, but it is simple and practical, and there is nothing wrong with it.

Xuan Qing thanked him immediately after hearing the words, and then wanted to get out of bed and leave. Uncle Zhong felt that he was too weak, and suggested that he stay and rest for a while. Anyway, we are all acquaintances, so it is not troublesome.

At first, Xuanqing didn't bother him first, but Uncle Zhong was very enthusiastic, which made it hard for him to refuse. In desperation, Xuanqing told Uncle Zhong that he had been sent out of the Wei Mansion, hoping that he would not take it too seriously Own.

Unexpectedly, Uncle Zhong was a little surprised when he heard the words. In fact, when he saw Xuan Qing alone, he faintly sensed that something was wrong, so he only took him to the rest room to rest. Still can't believe it.

"Why does Uncle Zhong find it unbelievable?" Xuan Qing asked strangely.

For a male prostitute, being divorced is not a rare thing.

Uncle Zhong smiled in embarrassment, but replied without hesitation: "Because the young master seems to like you very much..."

"Uncle Zhong, don't be joking." Xuan Qing himself thought this was ridiculous, "Ah Luo, how could the young master like me..."

"No, I like you very much when I look at him." Uncle Zhong insisted, "When you suddenly fell ill, the young master was really anxious. I have never seen him so anxious... After that Watch it every night, and don’t let others see it.”

Xuan Qing was greatly surprised, but still felt impossible in his heart, "Uncle Zhong, did you remember wrongly? At that time, the crescent girl gave birth. A Luo should be guarding her."

Xuan Qing didn't know the specific situation, nor asked, but according to his own thinking logic, why should A Luo be the wife and child who guarded the childbirth, how could he go to him?

"No, it's because the young master didn't guard the delivery room, but guarded you, so I remember it very clearly." Uncle Zhong twisted his beard and replied, "The young master drove away all the servants that night, and just guarded you. Miss Wanyue heard from the young master that she has hired a special stable wife and nurse to watch over her, and no one else can interfere... What, did no one tell you?"

How could there be!Xuan Qing screamed secretly, and the doubts in his heart also deepened.

But Uncle Zhong didn't notice his strangeness, and continued to think back: "And after the young lady was born, didn't the young master often hold you in the room for you to see and hug? This can also be seen... The young master has always thought that gold is precious, No one is allowed to touch anyone except himself, but he is willing to let you see and let you touch, does he like you or something?"

"Y-but..."

Although a lot of examples have been collected, Xuan Qing still can't believe what Uncle Zhong said. After all, the facts are in front of him. A Luo didn't keep him, and he also acquiesced in the matter of the medicine man.

"I can't tell...it's just that he is a little interested in me, and I can't say that he likes it, otherwise I wouldn't be here."

Hearing what he said, Uncle Zhong also sighed. He has lived for so long, and he has seen a lot of other people's favor and fall, so it is not surprising. Even if he liked it, it is in the past. suffer.

Out of sympathy, Uncle Zhong inquired about Xuan Qing's current situation, and knowing that he was worrying about going back to the building, he proposed to ask him to stay and work here for a while. Recently, there is a shortage of people in the mansion, so Xuan Qing came to work. Living and earning wages, although it is not in compliance with the rules, as long as he keeps his own place, nothing major will happen.

Xuan Qing also had no choice but to listen to Uncle Zhong's words and think that it is feasible. The so-called work is some simple tasks such as carrying water, picking vegetables, drying and washing clothes. Although his strength is not as strong as that of ordinary men, he can still do it.After weighing many things, and after hearing that A Luo would never come here in the near future, Xuan Qing agreed.

Although it is a servant's job, since the master is not here, the house is free, and there is no fatigue. The servants of Wei's mansion get along peacefully, and there is no bullying. Xuan Qing is here, changing into plain clothes, and it is quite leisurely.

Get up every morning to wash up, then fill up the water tank, sweep the yard, wipe off the dust, take a nap at noon, bask in the sun in the afternoon if you have nothing to do, water the flowers and plants in the yard, and only need to pick up meals at a fixed time, There are all kinds of meat and vegetables to eat, and such a day is not bad.