in spring

Chapter 342
Li You was stunned, unable to speak for a long time, but there was some fear in his heart: in case what Chunying said became true...he shivered.

The courtyard was silent, only a gust of wind blew past, rustling the branches and leaves outside the window.Chunying stood by the door and stared at Li You, who slowly sat down on the chair and covered his face with his hands.

Li Xia carefully moved his feet outside the door, and said softly: "Third young master, outside... there is a Mr. Hu coming to pay respects."

Hu Fei is here?Chunying was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly turned around and walked out.Li You quickly jumped up to stop her, then turned around and ordered Li Xia: "Please come in!" Then she looked back at Chun Ying with a pleading look: "I won't force you, really!"

Chunying sneered: "It's useless even if you force me. You can't deal with me alone, let alone adding him?!" She returned to her original position and sat down, looking out the window lightly: "That girl outside , but it’s called Hongye? Please bring me some hot tea!”

Hong Ye couldn't dodge it, she was stared at by Li You, her face blushed immediately, she answered in a low voice, hurriedly brought the teapot over to fill it up, looked at Li You timidly, and hummed like a mosquito: "Madam... ...Just now I asked someone to say...Third Young Master's homework is very important...Don't patronize to say hello...I don't know where to get a cheap relative..."

Chunying smiled lightly, Li You's face turned purple, and she clenched her teeth: "Get lost!" Hong Ye quickly ran away.Chunying glanced at Li You mockingly, Li You closed his eyes tightly, and when he opened them again, he had regained his clarity.He said lightly: "Thank you for your words."

Chun Ying said indifferently: "I am not for you, but for the people in this mansion who have the same background as me but are still struggling to survive here. If the Hou Mansion loses, they will be countless times more miserable than you!"

Li You was silent. He seemed to have finally realized that Chunying was different from any girl he had ever met before. She did not have the consciousness of being a servant in front of the master of the Hou Mansion. She was happy with the control of the Hou Mansion, she never regarded herself as the master from the bottom of her heart, and she cared more about the children of other families than she did about herself.How did things get to this point?He didn't find out that she had these thoughts before, was it because his mother beat her and drove her family to the estate, but he didn't help, or was it because he arranged her marriage without authorization?
There was no point in regretting now, maybe...he should change his attitude towards those around him a little bit, whether it was towards his mother, his wife, or the male and female servants in the family.He really can't accept the future described in Chunying's words, and in order to avoid that tragic ending, he is willing to do anything!

There was a small commotion outside the courtyard door, Chunying hurriedly cast her eyes in that direction, and the girls and daughters-in-law gathered in the front yard panicked and hid in the house because a strange man strode into the courtyard door.Chunying got up to meet him, and smiled at the man: "Are you here?" It turned out to be Hu Fei.

Hu Fei nodded, reached out to hold her hand, with anger and concern in his eyes: "Are you okay?"

"It's okay." Chunying cast a glance into the study, "You little brat is ignorant, let me teach you a lesson."

Hu Fei couldn't hold it back for a moment, he laughed out loud, and he quickly straightened his face again, the anger in his eyes no longer disappeared, and his expression became much more relaxed: "I knew that my wife was going out, how could these sons and brothers be opponents? !"

Chunying shot him a look, and Li You's polite words came from behind him: "Mr. Hu is here? Please come in quickly." Turning around, he found that he had wiped away the tears on his face, tidied his clothes in a hurry, and dun sued his face. With a polite expression mixed with respect, he invited Hu Fei to sit in the study.

Hu Fei's face darkened again, and he said in a somewhat blunt tone: "Young Master Li, you are too polite. I am only here to pick up my wife today, so I dare not stay longer. Can we leave now?!"

Embarrassment flashed across Li You's face, and he could only bite the bullet and say: "I have something important to ask my husband for advice, so please teach me. I was reckless earlier, if I offended you, please forgive me. " After saying that, he gave a long bow and bowed to the ground.

Chun Ying's eyes widened in surprise, and Li Xia, who was standing by the gate, couldn't help exclaiming: "Third Young Master!" The girls in the front yard were in a commotion.When had they seen the third young master so solemn and respectful?Isn't it the husband-in-law of a girl who once served in the mansion and married a wealthy family?What qualifications do you have to receive such a big gift from the third young master?Is he really that powerful?
Hu Fei felt everyone's eyes on him, but he didn't care.What scene has he not experienced?How can you be panicked by such a small accident?He gave his worry-eyed wife a comforting look, and then lightly returned a salute to Li You: "Young Master Li San, you are too polite, Mr. Hu can't afford your big gift!" Even though he said so, he But his expression showed that he didn't have the slightest idea of ​​"not being worthy".

Li You blushed, and turned sideways to give way to the door: "I really want to ask you for advice, please give me your advice, sir."

Seeing that he still didn't give up, Chunying frowned, secretly tugged on Hu Fei's sleeve, and shook her head secretly.Hu Fei smiled at her, held her hand behind his back, and walked into the study in a big way. Chunying couldn't help but secretly worried, and whispered softly: "This is a troublesome matter!"

Hu Fei also whispered back: "Don't worry, I know it well."

Chunying had no choice but to keep silent, but she was still puzzled, why did Hu Fei speak so firmly?He didn't even have time to figure out why the third young master called him here.

Hu Fei pulled Chunying into the door, and at the invitation of Li You, he sat down on the first seat on the left, no matter the etiquette, demeanor or speech, he was very decent, he didn't look like a businessman at all, but rather Official figure, the meaning of Guijie's children.On the one hand, Li You was being polite, on the other hand, he was secretly startled. It had been a few years since he hadn't seen him. The little man who had only some potential but was humble in those days turned into what he is now. You really can't underestimate him!
Chunying wasn't sure what Hu Fei wanted to do, but judging from his posture, he seemed to have a plan in mind, so she suppressed the anxiety on her face and cooperated with his actions calmly and generously.Li You changed Li Xia's order to serve new tea, asked for it once, and dismissed the left and right with confidence, even Li Xia was only allowed to stand outside the gate of the second entrance courtyard, and then simply and clearly said what he had just said to Chunying, and took the account book again. After showing it to Hu Fei, he lowered his head and listened attentively to Hu Fei's instructions.

Hu Fei flipped through the account books slowly, without any change in the expression on his face, as if he had known about such a thing for a long time.Affected by his attitude, Chunying also put aside her original surprise, and looked at the furnishings in the study with great interest.Ever since Li You got married and the Huanhua Pavilion was rebuilt, she has never entered this inner courtyard again. This is the first time she has seen the study's furnishings. To be honest, it doesn't feel as good as Li You's small study in the main room. It is elegant, there are fewer ancient calligraphy and paintings in the room, but more antique treasures, some of which smell of makeup, could it be that Fan Xiru cleaned them up?This is one of the responsibilities of a wife.

Sweat gradually broke out on Li You's forehead, and his breathing became a little heavier.Unable to see Hu Fei's thoughts, he felt a little impatience in his heart.

After Hu Fei flipped through the last page of the account book, he returned it to Li You, and then smiled slightly: "Li Sanshao means...to present this item to the imperial court? For what? You must know the terrible things involved here. Not one or two, many of them are relatives and friends of the family."

Li You pursed his lips and held the account book: "Why don't I know this truth? It's just... now that our family is in trouble, we have to do something to prove the loyalty of the Li family to the Holy One. There is nothing better than this... It can prove our sincerity. I also know... The big families are married to each other and have been friends for generations. They are good helpers in times of trouble, but they are also a big trouble. In the eyes of the superiors, water can carry a boat, and it can also overturn it. Naturally, the Holy Majesty does not want to be controlled by others. Now that the political situation is calm, the Holy Majesty has eliminated most of the rebellious party, and the rest are just minions, so there is nothing to be afraid of. When the Holy Majesty frees up his hands, we, the aristocratic families who have made great contributions, will show up. Jue, he is a thorn in his side. I cut off my arm first, to show my loyalty, and second... to protect the family."

Chunying raised her eyebrows, thinking that the third young master is not stupid enough, and sometimes he has some good ideas. Of course, he is still far behind, and he is not thoughtful enough.

Hu Fei smiled slightly: "So that's the case. It's rare that Li Sanshao has such painstaking efforts. I just don't know what Master Li is thinking?"

Li You said with a bitter face: "Father, I hope you don't do too much. If you can, you only need to let the Holy One know that we contributed the account books, and you don't need to let others know. In this way, even if those family friends are convicted He will resent us. Father’s concerns are also justified. If our family loses its arm, it will be useless to the Holy One. In the future... I am afraid that there will be a day when we will be eradicated. At that time, the Holy Majesty will not even have to do it himself. He will hate us The family members share your worries..."

Hu Fei nodded: "I understand." Li You's face lit up when he heard this.He knew that Hu Fei had something to do with the people in the General Secretary, and he might even be one of the spies sent by the emperor to Jiangnan. If he revealed these words to Hu Fei, it was equivalent to revealing them to the emperor. The current crisis should be half gone, right?
But to his surprise, Hu Fei didn't intend to accept the account book, but instead said: "How many clean-ups are there in the house?"

Li You was stunned for a moment, not understanding why he asked this: "Of course there are, there are about three or four..."

"Is there a Mr. District among them?"

Li You was puzzled: "Sir, do you know him?"

Hu Fei smiled slightly, and pointed to the account book: "Li Sanshao just hand this thing over to him, and don't need to say much about anything else, and don't ask too much."

Li You was confused, and was about to ask the reason again, when suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed, and his face turned pale: "Mr. Qu, he...he..." Could it be the emperor's eyes and ears in the Hou Mansion? !God, he didn't know anything!
Hu Fei calmly took a sip of tea, and said: "Li Sanshao, calm down, what is there to be afraid of? You should be lucky. At least the higher-ups don't really think that the family has something to do with the rebellious party."

Li You gradually calmed down. He finally understood why the emperor allowed the rumors to spread even though he knew that the Hou Mansion was loyal. It must be because he knew the inside story of the mansion. The father and son indulged Fan Xiru's behavior, which made the emperor feel dissatisfied. ?Perhaps what the emperor was dissatisfied with was his unwillingness to abandon the huge relationship network of the Marquis Mansion?Do you even think that you value your relationship with relatives and friends of the aristocratic family more than the emperor? !He suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.

As soon as he thought about pulling out the nail, he heard Hu Fei casually say, "Li Sanshao, don't do anything stupid." He was startled, and turned to look at Hu Fei, the latter was looking at him with a subtle look: "You are a smart person, so you naturally know the seriousness." His breathing gradually became disordered, and he forced himself to suppress the turmoil in his heart: "Mr. is right." He can't pull out the nail. On the contrary, he has to let the other party know that he knows that there is a nail, but he still faces it calmly.

When Li You finally calmed down, he began to appreciate Hu Fei for telling him the secret.He stood up again and saluted: "Thank you sir for your guidance! You... I am very grateful!"

Hu Fei smiled lightly and bowed his hand: "It's easy to talk about it, just relying on the relationship between Zhuo Jing and the family, I can't just ignore it, but because of my status, it is inconvenient to say some things clearly, and some things... It's convenient to do. Li Sanshao must understand?"

"Yes, I understand, I understand." Li You said respectfully, "It was because I didn't think carefully before that I offended Mr.." He saluted again and apologized.

Hu Fei laughed and forgave him graciously.Chunying wanted to laugh as she looked at her husband with a sense of humor - based on his relationship with the emperor's intelligence organization, and the fact that she was a child of the Hou's family, she was able to inquire about The name of the emperor's ears and ears is not surprising, and it won't affect the overall situation if he says it, but he got rid of the troubles in front of him with this name, and at the same time used a few vague words to subdue the third young master. After a big scene, even Hu Youren's skills are several times stronger than hers?

Hu Fei gave Chunying a wink, as if reminding her not to expose herself, she lowered her head and drank tea to hide the hint of a smile leaking from the corner of her mouth.

Li You's heart sank, and he spoke more easily. Seeing Chunying silently beside him, he couldn't help laughing and said, "Your Madam just gave me a big jump. It's just a word to Mr. For such a trivial matter, in order to prevent me from finding Mr., she almost poked someone with a hairpin. I didn't know she had such a temperament before, so she was so courageous and insightful, and she was a good match for Mr. It's a pity that the two On the day of great joy, I didn't know that I couldn't send a congratulatory gift, and I must make up for it in another day!"

This is to expose the festival of forced marriage back then, right?Chunying raised her eyes and smiled at him, happy to accompany her husband to act generous.Hu Fei smiled and cupped his hands: "It's easy to say, San Shao is too polite."

The three of them were chatting happily, but they heard someone shouting outside the door: "Madam and the third young mistress are here!" Then An Shi walked angrily into the courtyard with a girl, and Fan Xiru followed behind with a stern face, her eyes wide open. A little bit annoyed.

Anshi walked in hurriedly, seeing other men in the study unexpectedly, she was taken aback for a moment, and then furious: "Everyone in this courtyard is dead?! You won't even report a letter! Is it even the rules? Don’t even know?!” Scared Lixia and the others to kneel down, Hongye instead ran to her, lowered her head and whispered back, as if introducing Hu Fei’s identity——Chunying’s husband.

An became even more annoyed, and said to her son resentfully: "I told you earlier, homework is important! Those who greet guests are left to mother, let alone these relatives outside the three ways?! Said They are relatives, but they are actually servants, why do you bother to delay your homework instead?!"

Without waiting for Li You to answer, Fan Xiru said in a slightly harsh tone: "Mother-in-law is confused! How could these two be servants?! This Mr. Hu is the adopted son of Prince Wen County, so he is the adopted son of his daughter-in-law. Brother, how did you become a servant of the mother-in-law?! If word spreads, I don’t know what the people in Wenjun Palace will think!”

"Shut up!" An Shi turned her head and stared at her, "You always know that you are using your mother's family to suppress my mother-in-law, don't forget, I have a daughter who is the princess! You are the one who is confused! Talking back to your mother-in-law in front of outsiders?!"

Li You's face was ashen, and he couldn't help but glance at Hu Fei and Chunying. The former had a faint smile on his face, as if he didn't care at all, but Chunying was staring at him, with a hint of mockery in his eyes, and sighed secretly With a sound, he looked at himself with pity.

mercy?Why should she pity herself?Yes, because of that terrible future...

Li You shivered, gritted his teeth, and said in a cold voice: "Mother! My son is entertaining guests, why did you come here from the inner courtyard?! People saw the joke and thought our family had no rules. You should hurry up." Let's go back!"

An stopped the quarrel with his wife, and looked at his son in surprise: "Brother You, what's wrong with you?!"

(End of this chapter)