Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 585

"Cough, cough, cough..."

On the quiet mountaintop, the sound spread far and wide.These heart-piercing coughs seemed to shake the snow from the trees to fall.

"Sir..." Zhiran looked at Mr. Zhuang, who was bent into a ball, with a bit of compassion on his face.

On the far side of the stone road, two porters kept stamping their feet, trying to dispel the chill around them.

Perhaps they were conflicted in their hearts. They were looking forward to the weather, so that someone could go up the mountain in a sedan chair to enjoy the snow, so that they could earn a few meals; Feeling overwhelmed with food?
Especially today, the little old man, looking half-dead, is still coming up the mountain.But having said that, wearing big woolen clothes and sitting on a pack sedan chair, it is not too cold.

Nowadays, it is already counting nine weather.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Mr. Zhuang felt his throat was salty, so he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and covered his mouth.

When the cough stopped, he didn't even look at the handkerchief in his hand, but crumpled it into a ball and stuffed it back into his sleeve.

He straightened up slowly, and for a moment, Zhiran had an illusion that the little old man in front of him suddenly became taller and needed to look up.

"Why did you come here?" Mr. Zhuang's expression was extremely serious, and his voice was also somewhat cold.

Zhiran couldn't help but startled when he heard the words.

Mr. Zhuang turned his head, looked at Zhiran, and said slowly, "Is your demon gone?"

Zhiran had a wry smile on his face, looked at Mr. Zhuang and said, "Mr. has always cared for Cao Yong. Is this to clear the way for him?"

His expression couldn't hide his grief, his shoulders trembled slightly, and his voice was somewhat lonely.

It has been a full year since Zhiran went to Beijing.

Even though Zhiran has stayed in Xiangshan for more than half a year, Mr. Zhuang often comes here. The two drink tea and play chess.

The two talked a lot in witty words on weekdays, but they were never as straightforward as today.

Zhiran glanced at the porter in the distance, then at the old Mr. Zhuang, and sighed.

Mr. Zhuang didn't answer immediately, but looked towards the mountains in the distance.

The snow on the mountain has not melted, and the reflection in the setting sun is so beautiful.

"In my sixties, I have been a guest of the library for 30 years. I have lived the most leisurely life in the six and a half years since I came to Cao's mansion. Listening to operas, drinking, coaxing my daughter to practice big characters, all the joys of life lie here. "Speaking of which, he turned around, looked at Zhiran and said, "You have been in the Cao family for more than half a year, and everything is in your eyes. Cao Yong treats you with sincerity. You don't need to tell me about this. You should know. The old man came here today not to ask you to promise anything, and I hope you can think about it, if you have too many entanglements in your heart, you should return to the vulgar."

Zhiran was still listening carefully, but when he heard the word "returning to vulgarity", he was alert and hurriedly said: "Amitabha."

Seeing him like this, Mr. Zhuang couldn't help frowning, and said: "Have you studied and enlightened in Xishan for half a year, haven't you made a decision yet?"

Zhiran raised her head, her eyes were clear and firm, she shook her head, and said: "Mr. misunderstood, the little monk has converted to the Three Jewels, and has never thought of returning to the vulgar."

Speaking of this, he seemed to be enlightened, and the heaviness of the whole body was reduced, leaving only a face full of compassion: "The Buddhas who have achieved Buddhahood have ten powers, four fearlessness, eighteen different methods, four immeasurable hearts and Free life, free supernatural powers and other virtues. Wisdom, kindness and kindness are hard to say, but the little monk wishes to eliminate virtue and drive away the troubles and confusion in his heart."

"The evil that has been born will be stopped, the evil in the last life will not be born, the good that has been born will be increased, and the good that has not been born will be born. The little master is also a mortal, and sorrow and joy are not big things. I just hope that the little master will guard his heart , don’t fall into the devil’s way.” Mr. Zhuang said while pondering.

But it was about to change the sky, the sky suddenly darkened, and the top of the mountain also had a strong wind.

Zhiran's monk's robe was blown bulging by the wind, and Mr. Zhuang couldn't help coughing again.

Zhiran lowered her head slowly, closed her eyes, put her hands together, and said something in her mouth.

Although Zhiran said a lot, there was still nothing Mr. Zhuang wanted.While coughing, Mr. Zhuang glanced at Zhiran with a cold look in his eyes.

He glanced at the two Tovs in the distance out of the corner of his eye, and there was no joy or anger on his face.

Seeing him looking at each other, Natov stretched out his hand to touch his waist, and only put his hand down when he shook his head slightly as a gesture.

Zhiran opened his eyes, looked at Mr. Zhuang, and said solemnly: "Mr., you can't chase after the past. I have no resentment or hatred in my heart, but it's just confusion in my heart. Now, it is the blessing of the Buddha, so that The little monk Mao Sai suddenly understood. Don’t worry, sir, the little monk has no intention of harming the Cao family. The Buddha is above, the little monk dare not speak falsely."

When Mr. Zhuang heard this, a smile appeared on his face.

He thought about it, hesitated for a while, and said: "If the six senses of the young monk are difficult to break, it is all right to return to the vulgar. Cao Yong's brothers and feet are weak, if he knows..."

Before he finished speaking, Zhiran interrupted: "Sir, the young monk is in the Buddhist school. In the past 22 years, he has only been with the Buddha. In the past two years, although he has traveled to the capital, he has not stayed in a temple to practice, and his heart for the Buddha has not diminished."

The north wind is getting tighter, and the branches on the top of the mountain are shaking, making the snow on the top fall down.

Mr. Zhuang looked at Zhiran and saw that his expression was firm, so he didn't say any more.

Wanting to return to the same situation as when he went up the mountain, Mr. Zhuang sat on a pack sedan chair and walked wisely.

Both of them were very silent. Along the way, they heard the sound of sharp wind and chaotic footsteps.

The sky was already getting dark, and snowflakes were falling on the ground one after another. If you wanted to go back to the city, there would be too little time.

Mr. Zhuang and Zhiran rested at Biyun Temple for one night, and returned to the city in a carriage the next day.

Mr. Zhuang stopped coughing, but his face turned red and frightening.

When Zhiran saw this, she was also quite worried, unable to calm down and urged the carriage to go fast.

Mr. Zhuang was wrapped in a fur cloak and held a hand stove in his hand. Seeing Zhiran's nervous appearance, he was joking at first, but then he was dazed and couldn't keep his eyes open.

When the carriage entered the city and arrived at the Cao Mansion, Mr. Zhuang had passed out in the carriage.

The chief housekeeper, Cao Zhong, got the news, and hurried out to send Mr. Zhuang back to Rongyuan, and sent someone to Wang Ermenli to send a letter to invite the imperial physician.

*
Lanyuan, go to the room.

Mrs. Li sat on the edge of the kang, looked at Su Xin sitting in front of her with a smile, and said softly: "Speaking of it, we are not as good as your father and grandfather, but your grandfather is a few lifetimes away from the Cao family." It’s your mother. I met our master in 45 when we went to Beijing to send girls to the draft. She is a virtuous person, but she looks thin. At that time, I advised her to make up for it. Unexpectedly, But I went there in less than two years..."

At the end, with a bit of sentimentality, Li took out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of his eyes.

Su Xin sat on the chair on Li's right hand and listened quietly.

Hearing that her mother was mentioned, she straightened her body, her expression became a bit more solemn, and she said neither humble nor overbearing: "My servant Erniang also mentioned Madam's kindness to my servant many times before she was alive. If Erniang is still alive and knows that Madam is going to Beijing, I will be very happy. But the sky fails to fulfill my wishes."

Chu Yu sat on the chair opposite Su Xin, and was a little puzzled when she heard her say "Er Niang".Then I thought that the Dongshang family was different from the Cao family in that many of them had served as Beijing officials in the past, and they did not retain Chinese customs like the Cao family.

"Why are slaves not slaves? You don't have to make people feel ashamed! Speaking of slaves, who in the Qing Dynasty is not the emperor's slaves? Queen Mother Lafayette is a kind person. Maybe it's because of our master and God Bless father's hard work." , Let the girl come over, this honor is just for outsiders to see. What kind of family are we, how dare we bother the girl?"

Speaking of this, Mrs. Li sighed, leaned out, took Su Xin's little hand, rubbed it and said: "Poor, I heard that you have a new bride in your family. You married into your family after entering the palace." .Although bereavement may not be greater than nurturing grace, but in the end it is not as good as kissing my mother, and I have never lived together.

In addition to adding this little one last month, I gave birth to three children, but four sons and daughters.The third girl of my family came back a few days ago, and you should have seen her too.To be honest, although it didn't come out of my stomach, I love her more than her sister.

Look, I'm really long-winded. I just want to tell you that, since you have received the grace of the Empress Dowager, you have the right to be your own when you come to our house, and there is no need for outsiders.On my side, I have the right to have an extra daughter.Living in the guest room like this is not a long-term solution. A few days ago, I sent my mother-in-law to tidy up a courtyard on the east side.If the girl thinks there is something not cheap, don't be an outsider, let's add or subtract. "

Seeing Li Shi like this, Su Xin hurriedly stood up, bowed and said: "My servant thanked Madam for her kindness, but I have my life on my shoulders, so I dare not break the rules."

Li said with a smile: "Don't worry, don't embarrass the girl. It's just that the rules are dead, but people are alive. I heard that you were a servant in front of the imperial court. Except for the emperor and the masters of the harem, who in this world would dare to eat you?" Bear heart and leopard dare to instigate the girl to fail? Girl, don't embarrass me, otherwise, I will really confess the girl."

Seeing the level of Li Shi's words, Su Xin was irrefutable, and was thinking about what to say, when she heard a person stepping in from outside the door, it was Li Shi's big maid, Xiu Ying.

She looked a little flustered, took a few steps forward, and replied: "Madam, grandma, just now the housekeeper sent a message to the second door that Mr. Zhuang is ill, do you want to call the imperial doctor over immediately?"

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Li stopped laughing; on Chu Yu's side, she had already stood up.

"After all, you are getting old. Since the beginning of winter, you have been sick several times." Li Shi said, and said to Xiu Ying: "Is there anything else I can ask for instructions? Naturally, I have to bring the imperial doctor over immediately. Go and use it quickly." Someone told the big housekeeper that it was delayed carefully." Li said, calming down.

Xiu Ying went down in response, and Chu Yu said, "Ma'am, it's really worrying for the housekeeper to ask people to ask. Daughter-in-law, go and have a look first, and hope that there is no danger."

Mrs. Li nodded and said: "Well, go, go, if it's serious, send someone to deliver a letter to the yamen."

After Chu Yu left, Li Shi also lost interest in exchanging greetings, talked to Su Xin for a while without saying a word, and then asked someone to send her back.

*
Banyan Courtyard, the upper room.

Mr. Zhuang was lying on the kang with his teeth clenched.When he first entered the Banyan Courtyard, his face was terribly red, but now it is terribly white.

His skinny face was exceptionally peaceful, without any sign of pain.As if asleep.

Lian Qiu held a wet handkerchief in her hand, with red eye circles, and wiped Mr. Zhuang's forehead and wrist.

Xiqiu was standing on the ground, holding Niuniu by her hand, looking at Mr. Zhuang on the kang, her tears kept falling like beads with a broken thread.

Niu Niu has always been naughty, but this time she also calmed down and became more obedient. She raised her head and asked in a low voice, "Auntie, daddy is sick again?"

Xiqiu nodded with tears in her eyes, Niuniu's little face was wrinkled, she looked at Mr. Zhuang on the bed, pouted her mouth, and muttered: "Quack doctor, it's not good for Dad..."

After all, she is a child, and if she doesn't know how to lower her voice, Niuniu's voice is a little loud.

Lian Qiu was afraid of disturbing Mr. Zhuang's rest, so she hurriedly turned her head and stared at Niu Niu.

Mr. Zhuang was on the bed with his eyes closed, but after hearing Niuniu say "Daddy" twice, his eyelids moved and he opened them slowly.

Seeing the concubine and his daughter looking at him with concern, Mr. Zhuang smiled a little more, and said in a hoarse voice: "I'm fine...don't worry...it's just an old problem, drink two Just take the medicine..."

Niuniu originally called Mr. Zhuang "Father", but later Mr. Zhuang saw and heard how father and daughter get along in the teahouse restaurant, and many of them called him "Daddy".

After hearing this, he thought it sounded good to him, so he teased Niuniu to change his words.

Seeing Mr. Zhuang woke up, Niu Niu immediately let go of Xi Qiu's hand, ran forward, threw herself on the edge of the kang, and said, "Daddy, Daddy, get better soon..."

Mr. Zhuang looked at his daughter and wanted to reach out and touch her head, but he couldn't lift his arm.

During this struggle, a layer of sweat was added to his forehead.

Seeing her father like this, Niu Niu also felt a little distressed. She walked forward sensiblely, grabbed Mr. Zhuang's arm, and said, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. If you are sick, just take some soup. Dad will get better sooner." , Teach Niuniu how to ride a horse and archery."

Mr. Zhuang only felt that his body was getting lighter and lighter, and his consciousness was getting more and more blurred.

Deep sadness welled up in his heart.

He clenched his fists vigorously to make himself more energetic, and then opened his eyes and said to Lianqiu and Xiqiu, "You don't need to stay here, whoever takes Niuniu down, it's not too early, and Rest early."

Lianqiu and Xiqiu both stopped and shook their heads. Mr. Zhuang had no choice but to persuade him: "Is she really sick? Don't let Niuniu get over the illness, or take her to the backyard to rest."

This time, Lian Qiu took a look at Niu Niu and asked her younger sister to take her to the backyard to resettle.

Xiqiu's eyes were red, and before she could speak, Niu Niu had already grabbed Mr. Zhuang's sleeve, shook her head, and said, "Don't go! Niu Niu wants to be with Father."

Mr. Zhuang looked at his daughter's small face and wanted to speak, but he couldn't open his mouth.

He only felt a splitting headache and dizziness, but his eyelids could no longer be opened and closed heavily.

"Sir..." Lian Qiu's face turned pale with fright, her voice choked with sobs.

Chu Yu happened to be walking down the corridor, and just wanted to let the maid inform her, when she heard Lian Qiu's voice, she couldn't help being startled.He didn't care about many things, so he directly picked up the curtain and entered the upper room.

Lian Qiu stood at the side, crying endlessly, unable to speak.

Xiqiu knelt by the kang, took Mr. Zhuang's hand, and murmured: "Sir, sir, wake up..."

Seeing that Mr. Zhuang was still motionless, she didn't turn her head, and said directly, "Niu Niu, call someone quickly, call someone quickly..." The voice was full of panic.

*
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(End of this chapter)