There is a white bone spirit in the village

Chapter 28

Lin Jiao was sent into the county town by Liu Datong in a bullock cart. The villages she passed by were also flooded, but the other side was flooded badly.After seeing a doctor who specializes in traumatic injuries, the injured leg was treated again, and a few medicines were prescribed, and it was said that it would recover after ten days of recuperation.Liu Datong followed Yang Jingxuan's words and sent Lin Jiao to the Yang family.Her house was also flooded, and she was tidying up the yard. After hearing what she came for, she hurriedly took Lin Jiao in, and settled down in a short while.

Lin Jiao stayed at Yang's house and was taken care of in every possible way. The two little dolls came to play with her whenever they had something to do.Yang's man's name is Sun Pingjie, and she has met him once, he is shrewd and bookish, and he is also very kind.In the past, he studied with his father who was a private school teacher, but he failed several times in the exams. He was not a sour person, so he took a rest and took Yang's family to the county town to do business. After several years of passing by the caravan mule team, the peddler has gradually become rich, and has been doing so ever since.

The water in the county town ran out after two or three days.Lin Jiao herself felt embarrassed and worried about her family. After a few days, she would be able to walk slowly, so she said she wanted to say goodbye and leave. Mrs. Yang asked: "My brother came here yesterday. , said that the water in the village has just receded, and it is still very messy. Besides, your legs are not fully healed, so you can stay for a few more days."

Lin Jiao was startled.On the second day she settled here at Yang's place, she heard from Da Mao that her uncle had come, but he left soon after, and the two of them naturally did not meet.I didn't expect that he came again yesterday, but if Yang Shi didn't mention it like this, I still didn't know it at all.

Lin Jiao couldn't bear Yang's retention and stayed for two more days. On the seventh day after arriving in Dashui, because of her insistence, Yang had no choice but to ask her man to pull a cart to take her back.When I arrived at Banyuepo, I saw dilapidated and devastated scenes everywhere.Many houses have collapsed walls, the village roads are full of deposited yellow mud, and there are traces left by the flood everywhere.The water in the field has receded, and the road surface is basically dry. The wheat that was just ripe has been soaked in water for days and its roots have rotted, and large pieces of it have fallen to the ground and dropped ears and rotten leaves. Can try to save some harvest.

Sun Pingjie sent Lin Jiao to him, and left in a hurry without taking a sip of water.Neng Wuzheng was sitting on the stone mill in the yard silently weaving a chicken coop, with two hens beside him pecking at the ground.Hearing the noise outside and Lin Jiao's voice, he raised his head in surprise and rushed to Lin Jiao: "Sister-in-law, is it really you who are back? Are you okay?"

Lin Jiao was afraid that he would fall, so she hurriedly supported him.Seeing his small face full of excitement and concern, a burst of warmth surged through his heart, he said yes, and helped Nengwu into the courtyard.Seeing that the chicken coop was gone, there was a trace of waterline on the wall that was higher than her roof, but the ground was clean and there was no yellow mud, and a courtyard wall was obviously newly built, so I asked.

Nengwu said: "I lived with my aunt in the Shi family for the past few days. Brother Qingshan also came back to live for a day, and was urged by my aunt to go back to the academy. I just went home yesterday. The courtyard wall of our house collapsed. Uncle Jingxuan helped to fix it, our food was washed away by the water, it was Uncle Jingxuan who brought the bag of food and put it with sister-in-law and your money jar, in the house."

Lin Jiao groaned, thought for a while, and asked, "Is he still in the village?"

Neng Wu nodded and said: "Yes. The county government sent a doctor down a few days ago to boil medicine in the courtyard of Uncle Jingxuan's house. He was afraid of spreading the plague and told everyone to go there every morning and evening to drink a bowl. It was Li My lord means, anyone who doesn't go will be punished."

The need to prevent the plague after the flood has long been recorded in ancient medical books, but the government rarely puts its heart into it.Lin Jiao didn't expect that preparations had already been made here.It seems that the county magistrate surnamed Li is indeed a knowledgeable person. It is rumored that he used to be a senior official in the court or something. Pin county magistrate.

"Awu, when it's time to drink the medicine, help me go with me!"

Lin Jiao said slowly.

In the evening, Lin Jiao took a bowl from her own house and was helped by Neng Wu to walk slowly towards Yang Jingxuan's house in the north of the village, where he was making medicine.I met some villagers on the road, probably also going to drink medicine.When she saw Lin Jiao, Lin Jiao clearly felt that their attitudes were completely different from before, and several women even greeted her.Passing by Yang Taigong's house, I saw that the gate was closed and hung with a hanging curtain. Only one of the original two stone lions was left. It was washed to the ground and no one helped it. Just spitting fiercely, Lin Jiao was puzzled, asked Sheng Nengwu, and found out that when Taigong Yang took over the granary of the public land a few years ago, he secretly took [-]% of each mu and secretly returned it to himself, every year.Now the granary of his family was razed to the ground by a flood, and when the public granary was inspecting the grain, the matter was exposed again, and he dared not even open the door for funerals.

When we approached the big house in the north of the village, we could smell a strong smell of medicine from a long distance away. When we got closer, we saw that the original gate was gone, and a section of the courtyard wall that was washed away by the water was completely flattened for entry and exit. , There are two large pots in the middle of the large yard, and several people are busy cooking the medicine.Lin Jiao looked around and saw that Yang Jingxuan was surrounded by seven or eight villagers. She didn't know what they were talking about, and looked a little dignified from a distance.He didn't notice Lin Jiao, but Lin Jiao stared at him several times.He has been exhausted for about these days, and he seems to be a little thinner.

The villagers who came soon lined up in front of the big iron pot to drink the concoction. When it was Lin Jiao and Neng Wu's turn, Widow Stone found her behind, and immediately pushed through the crowd and shouted: "A-Jiao, When did you come back? Said your leg was injured? Then why are you running here by yourself? Just tell me and I will send it for you!"

Widow Stone's voice was very loud, which attracted many people's attention, and soon a woman who had a good relationship with Widow Stone on weekdays said: "Don't talk about Gillian, even sister-in-law, you don't use it. The water has receded. But there are more things inside and out. If it weren’t for you two, we don’t know what we would be doing now. I’ll bring the medicine for you two tomorrow!” Everyone nodded in agreement, and the stone widow looked happy, but Modestly waved his hands and said: "Where and where, they are all from the village, how can they die without saving them. It should be, it should be."

Lin Jiao didn't pay attention to Widow Shi talking to others, her eyes only looked at Yang Jingxuan who was not far away.Seeing that he really turned his head and saw himself at a glance, he couldn't hide the surprise in his eyes, and suddenly felt a little complacent in his heart, he pursed his lips and smiled at him, took the medicine bowl and handed it to Neng Wu, then went to the side to wait for the medicine to cool down. Let it cool before drinking.

More and more villagers came to drink medicine, and there were always people around Yang Jingxuan.Lin Jiao saw that he glanced at her from time to time between talking with others, but every time he met her eyes, he turned away hastily.Thinking of the fact that he went to his sister's house twice a few days ago, but avoided seeing him, and he didn't respond when he smiled at him just now, he suddenly felt a little unhappy.He didn't leave after drinking the medicine, and saw an empty stool in the corner, so he helped Neng Wu to sit down together.Do nothing but stare at him.

Yang Jingxuan had seen her sitting upright by the corner staring at him with a sullen face, and she would stare at him wherever he went.It was nothing at first, but gradually he became uncomfortable. When talking to people, he almost got the wrong words several times, which made the old man on the opposite side think that he was in a trance because he was too tired from running around all day long, and said, "Dahe, since things have been discussed about the same It’s not too late to announce tomorrow. You can go to the meeting first. You are not hard-working, you are tired enough these days.”

Yang Jingxuan hurriedly looked back at Lin Jiao, and said, "I'm not tired. The village's rations matter is important. Just a few people came over to ask. Let's talk about it earlier, so as not to panic."

The third uncle exchanged glances with a few clansmen around him, then turned around and said loudly to the villagers: "I see that there are a lot of big guys here, so choosing a day is worse than bumping into the sun. Let's take advantage of this to talk about the things that the big guy cares about." .Anyone who didn’t show up should go and call. Ngawang, go and beat the gong!”

"Third Uncle, the handle of the gong has been washed away by the water, and there is only a gong with a bare buttocks left, how should I strike it?"

Awang asked honestly, but was scolded by the third uncle: "You don't know how to wrap a piece of wood or branch with cloth?"

Ngawang groaned and ran away in a hurry.After a while, the Dangdang gong sounded.Seeing that everyone was almost there, the third uncle asked everyone to be quiet, and said, "Everyone, we have gathered everyone today, and we have something important to talk about. God is not open, a catastrophe came at this time, we The summer grain cannot be kept. Fortunately, our ancestors had the foresight to build our village’s public granary on the sloping land, and escaped the catastrophe. The public grain is prepared just in case, and now we have to open the granary to release grain. It is distributed according to the head. The male population is divided into four parts, and the female population is reduced by half..." Seeing the villagers below discussing one after another, he said, "I know what you mean, because you think it is not enough, and I am afraid that you will not be able to get the next harvest. But there is no way to do it now. , the total is only a little public grain, the big guys tighten their stomachs and make do with it, and replanting the fields as soon as possible is the right thing to do!"

After the third uncle finished speaking, the villagers below poked in the direction of Yang Taigong's house and cursed, and sighed helplessly after the curse was over.

The third uncle waited for the noise to quiet down, and said again: "Although some people in our village were unfortunately killed in this flood, it can only be regarded as the blessing of the ancestors. Compared with other villages, I don't know how much better. Fifteen people were killed, and all of them were reported to the government. Except for Huang Erpi, who left behind a baby, most of the rest were elderly. The officials from the county came over to look at the corpses, and said that everyone else was flooded, only Huang Erpi There was a hole in the back of Pi's head, and it looked like someone had smashed it. Huang Erpi usually offended a lot of people by sneaking around, but at this moment, he couldn't find out who did it. I discussed it with Dahe, and this was revealed in advance. However, the most important thing now is to settle down the baby he left behind, and let the baby's cousin pick it up and raise it, and take all the public food from the field, and his cousin is also willing, let the big guys know."

When Lin Jiao heard that Huang Erpi had really drowned, she subconsciously took a peek at Yang Jingxuan, just happened to meet his gaze, and always felt that he seemed to know something, this time it was her turn to feel guilty, so she quickly pretended to be fine Turned his head the same way.

After the third uncle talked about rebuilding the ancestral hall and starting to distribute food tomorrow, the matter will be over.Seeing that Yang Jingxuan nodded and was about to announce the disbandment, someone below suddenly yelled: "Third Uncle, Mr. Yang accepted it because he couldn't see it. Master Yang was supposed to be the patriarch, and now it is justified. We all want Master Yang, don’t you think so?” Immediately everyone agreed.

The third uncle and the others looked at each other, and said helplessly, "The big guy's thoughts are the thoughts of the rest of us. I also mentioned this matter to Dahe, but he himself refused to let go, so there is nothing we can do about it."

When the villagers heard about it, they flocked around Yang Jingxuan to persuade him.Lin Jiao couldn't help but also supported Neng Wu to stand up, tiptoed to look at Yang Jingxuan in the crowd, saw him pondering for a moment, then suddenly looked towards her, her heart skipped a beat, but she didn't look away.

Yang Jingxuan glanced at Lin Jiao, saw her staring at him without blinking her eyes, hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "Thanks to everyone. Since everyone thinks highly of me, I naturally dare not shirk in such a difficult time, and I am willing to take over temporarily. This person, if there is a suitable person in the future, I will give up my position and retire."

The villagers cheered and applauded, Lin Jiao saw that the general situation was settled, she didn't know how she felt, she let out a little breath, she didn't want to stay any longer, she was about to leave with Neng Wu, when she saw Chun Xing's mother-in-law squeezed in from behind Went up to Yang Jingxuan and said, "Brother Yang, it is just right that you have become the patriarch, and there is a matter for you to decide. My daughter-in-law, who is immoral and immoral, was supposed to sink into the pond, but now she is hiding in the house alone. Close the door, I can't open the door even if I slapped my hand badly. Hurry up and deal with her according to the previous agreement, otherwise there will be no place for the ancestors of my Yang family to put their face!"

All around became quiet, and Lin Jiao also stopped in her tracks.

Yang Jingxuan said: "Since everyone calls me the master, I will tell you what I mean. Not only what I mean, but also what Mr. Li in the county means. Your daughter-in-law's matter has indeed violated the clan rules. It's just that the big Disasters, and then mobilize the crowd to sink a woman into the pond, which is considered inappropriate. This is one thing; a woman who has lost her husband should be determined not to marry her husband and keep the chastity, it should be entirely out of her heart. The imperial court awarded such a woman to build a memorial archway, and the original intention was to affirm them. Chaste character, not forcing all women in the world to follow suit, this is two. Since your daughter-in-law has no intention of keeping chastity, you can issue a letter of divorce to allow her to marry another. But she should not commit adultery before going out, according to my Great Xia law, etc. After giving birth to a child, the imperial staff is twenty to set an example to others."

Mrs. Yang said in dissatisfaction: "Brother Yang, this is wrong. Isn't this just taking advantage of that adulterer? The family regulations clearly stated that it is necessary to sink into the pond. People will not accept the rules like this. And I just let her go like this." , isn’t it a waste of labor at home?”

Yang Jingxuan smiled slightly and said: "The family rules were set in this way not to kill people, but to prohibit them. Although your daughter-in-law made mistakes first, she has this result today, which can be regarded as a wake-up call to those who come later. I asked You might as well make a compromise on what your daughter-in-law means. You divorce your daughter-in-law, and she is willing to give you ten taels of silver for future support, do you accept it?"

Mrs. Yang was still bowing her head in thought, another daughter-in-law behind her pushed her hastily and said loudly: "Master Yang is absolutely right, it is not auspicious to kill someone."

Mrs. Yang couldn't bear the ten taels of silver in the end, she stamped her feet and said: "Then my old lady will act as a sinner and spare this bitch. But let me be clear first, I will never let her go until I get the money! "

Yang Jingxuan said, "It's up to you."

Seeing that the matter was settled in this way, all the villagers talked about it.Lin Jiao also heaved a sigh of relief, Chun Xing was completely saved.For the ten taels of silver, it is estimated that Luo Hu is also willing to pay.

It's really all right now.Lin Jiao took one last look at Yang Jingxuan, and seeing that there were still people around him, she turned her head and helped Nengwu to leave. Before taking two steps, she heard a woman beside her say to the other: "I heard that the third uncle is making a fuss. Tell Mrs. Yang about a daughter-in-law, she is the daughter of her own niece. Not to mention Shui Lingjin, there is no one in the world that can match her needlework alone. Some time ago, Uncle Po even went to the city on purpose I talked to Mr. Yang and his sister about this, she was so happy, she said that it was just Zhang Luo..."

Lin Jiao purposely turned to the edge of the few acres of her own field on the way, and saw that the field that was supposed to attract labor was deserted, with only the setting sun shining on the rotten ears of wheat that had fallen all over the ground.After picking up a few ears and pinching them, the wheat grains that were originally plump and firm are now sunken in softly, and I can't help but feel melancholy.

The summer harvest was in vain.Now she was counting on Luo Huna's windfall.Guessing that he should be coming back soon, she has already made up her mind to go to the city to wait for someone the next day when her legs and feet are more agile.

"Awu, I caught a few fish, do you want to feed the horse?"

Suddenly someone spoke from behind, Lin Jiao turned her head and saw where Yang Jingxuan was leading Ma Li.

Neng Wu has been famous for this fish-eating horse for a long time, and when he heard Yang Jingxuan's voice, he immediately responded happily.Yang Jingxuan took him to Cao Pao, who was standing leisurely on the path, and taught him to feed the horse with fish. Seeing that he was quick to do it, he patted the old horse's head, and walked towards Lin Jiao.

Standing on the ridge of the field, Lin Jiao saw him walking toward her with his back to the setting sun, and suddenly felt a little nervous, and when he stood a few steps away from him, she smiled and said, "Congratulations, you have become the patriarch. Don’t forget to take care of Ah Wu in the future.”

Yang Jingxuan saw her smiling at him for the first time, but at the second glance, he felt something was wrong, as if he was a little unhappy.Unable to figure out why she was upset, she looked back at Nengwu who was touching the cannon's ear, and finally asked, "Isn't your leg still recovering? Why don't you rest for a few more days?"

Lin Jiao smiled and said, "My leg is not broken, it is almost healed. Thank you, aunt, she is really kind."

Yang Jingxuan let out an oh, and fell silent.

When he first saw Lin Jiao who came to get the medicine, he felt that he had a lot to say, but now he finally found her here, looking at the smiling woman standing opposite in the sunset, he didn't know what to say. Say what.After a short pause, he said, "It's getting dark, you guys should go back early."

Lin Jiao hummed, called Neng Wu to come over, nodded to Yang Jingxuan, then turned around and went back slowly.

A few days later, Lin Jiao heard the news that last night, Chun Xing's natal family came over, gave her husband's family ten taels of silver, and took her away at night.To others, this news is just an extra piece of gossip, but to Lin Jiao, it is great news—Chun Xing's natal family is also very poor, and also suffered from floods, so now she can't afford it no matter what. The only possibility of offering ten taels of silver in exchange for his daughter is that Luo Hu came back, and he paid for it!

Early the next morning, Lin Jiao took an ox cart to the city and rushed to Chenghuang.

(End of this chapter)