Taohuaxi

Chapter 37
I have loved painting since I was a child.

In my memory, under the big elm tree in Zhu Mansion, my mother held my hand and taught me how to paint little by little.

I know what red fat color is, what ocher color is, what sandalwood color is, what "color does not block ink, and ink does not block color" means, what is virtual and solid shade, what is bright and clear penetration.

I also thought about making achievements in painting, but after my mother passed away, this wish was put on hold, and I only painted a few strokes for my own entertainment.

Hearing Cheng Huaishi's words today, I was a little surprised and a little worried.

"Painting in the palace is naturally different from that of the folk. I think there are a lot of details, but I have never been to the palace. I wonder... is it possible?"

Cheng Huaishi smiled and said: "Madam, you are too worried. If Mr. Zhang recommends you, no one will look down upon you. Don't you know that in the history of Qing Dynasty, Mrs. Zhao, the king of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, was not only able to draw the power of the rivers, lakes, and mountains of nine states, but also He can also embroider the topography of the Five Mountains and other countries; Xue Yuan in the Tang Dynasty was recorded in the literature for being good at painting portraits; Mrs. Li, a native of Shu in the later Tang Dynasty, was the ancestor of the ink bamboo painting method. Madam is smart and will definitely not be inferior to these women. I think, Madam Coming from a painting family, one should also pursue this. I never think that internal affairs should hinder a woman’s actions.”

I was delighted that he was so encouraging.

He has the clarity and openness of a scholar.

I nodded and said, "Well, I can try."

He put his arm around me and said, "Okay. The day after tomorrow, which happens to be the tenth day, Madam will go to the palace to have a look. It is said that there is a question test for people in the Twelve Prisons. I think Madam will shine when she goes there. .”

I couldn't help but smile and said: "I take my second master's good advice."

There was harmony and peace in the carriage.

I gently put my head on his shoulder and looked up at the green stubble on his chin, his Adam's apple, and his white shirt.Smell the strong fragrance of tea and ink on his body.This man I once worshiped with his spiritual tablet.My husband.

Open the curtain and look at the lights of the eight streets and nine streets of Beijing.

I secretly made a wish: May he and I be loving husband and wife and live happily forever.

The carriage arrived outside the Cheng Mansion, and he helped me get out of the carriage.

They both returned to the east courtyard.

He stood under the eaves, thought for a moment, and then told He Ming: "It's getting hotter. There are many flowers and plants in front of the court, which are easy to attract mosquitoes. Madam can't sleep well at night. Move these flowers away."

He Ming was confused for a moment and said, "Second Master, where are you moving to?"

With a happy face, Xiaoyin hurriedly grabbed him and whispered: "Where do you think you can move it! You blind little brat! You can throw these unsightly flowers and weeds wherever you want!"

She rolled up her sleeves and moved them with a few boys, and in a few seconds they cleared away all the flowers.

The eaves were empty.

The evening breeze blows thousands of times in the corridor, making it soothing and refreshing.

Footsteps and noises could be heard outside the courtyard.

The eldest mistress smiled before seeing anyone, and said: "This room needs to be properly rid of evil spirits. I have already informed the old lady, so you can just do it with confidence. What about talisman water, beans, peach wood sword, whatnot?" Come on everyone!"

Cheng Huaishi and I were standing at the door of the room when we saw her walking in with a few Taoist priests.

Cheng Huaishi frowned: "Sister-in-law, what are you doing?"

The eldest mistress said: "Hey, second brother, you are here too. What's going on is that in the evening, there are real people coming to ask for alms. You know, our old lady is the most religious person who believes in monks and Taoism, so she said to the real people After talking for a while, I mentioned that my second daughter-in-law had been married for so long, but she had no news. The real person explained that this was because there was evil in the house. The old lady and I were enlightened. You two, , You are young and have no health problems, why haven't you been happy? It turns out there is evil! No, I will bring some real people to drive it away..." Before she could finish her words, Cheng Huai's face turned pale. He said awkwardly: "No need, let them leave here quickly!"

The Taoist priests looked at each other.

The smell of Fu Shui is pungent and unpleasant.

Cheng Huaishi pulled me through the door and slammed the door shut.

The eldest mistress pretended to be sad: "Second brother, why don't you know what is good and what is evil? I, your sister-in-law, also have good intentions and think about the prosperity of our Cheng family."

Cheng Huaishi said: "Madam will be happy soon. I won't bother my sister-in-law."

The eldest young lady was mumbling something outside the door.

After a while, there was gradually no sound outside.

Cheng Huaishi looked at me with deep pity and self-blame in his eyes: "I think Madam must have received a lot of unwarranted criticism in the house for this. It was because I didn't think carefully. I was so busy these days that I didn't even think about it. . I can’t help my wife. I’ve made it difficult for her.”

He leaned down and said, "Madam, please forgive me."

I hurriedly pulled him up and said in embarrassment: "Second Master, what's the matter? I...I...how could I do it because of this...this..."

He picked me up and walked to the bed.

The sound of the wind is like Zhang Sheng from "The Romance of the West Chamber" on the stage, singing: If I share a tent with your passionate young lady, how can I be willing to ask you to fold the quilt and make the bed?
The next day, I opened my eyes and saw that the sky was already bright.

He was still lying next to me.He looked at me with an intensity that was unprecedented in his eyes.

"What time is it? Shouldn't it be time for the Second Master to go to the Yamen?"

He leaned over, kissed my forehead, put his clothes on me, and said, "I should have left a long time ago. I was afraid that you would be panicked when you woke up and couldn't see anyone."

"Go quickly. Don't miss anything."

He whispered in my ear: "I'll go back early tonight."

So he left reluctantly.

Walking to the door, he accidentally bumped into the door frame.

I lowered my head and laughed: "I turned around and got some injuries. Let's see what you say when my colleagues ask."

He looked back at me, with a slight smile on his resolute and elegant face.

The morning light illuminated his face.

You cannot chase the past, but you can still do it in the future.

I seemed to see a good time in the future.

(End of this chapter)