Alternative Telling of Dream of Red Mansions: Cherishing Spring

Chapter 19
In fact, men are the same.No one is not afraid of the decisiveness of time. If we untie this knot and understand the truth hidden behind time, we will successfully surpass life and death and eliminate all ignorance and pain.

Youth is a sea of ​​tender and charming flowers, a sultry apricot blossom soft rain.In my heart, I also know that the beautiful scenery cannot last forever, but I can't help it. I don't feel greedy, everyone is the same.Or, it is not greed, but, the short desolation of life itself, people have to plant those flowery beauty, not to attract fleeting years like water.

Shall we tie our hands and leave it barren to death?If so, is it ok?

The leaves in the forest rustled beside my ear, and a bird jumped out of the forest, fluttering its wings and flying to the sky.Xichun stood silently, terrified by the noise.She suddenly came to her senses, now that the war is in turmoil, where is the time to be sad for spring and autumn, and vomit blood at a tree of white crabapples?How much painstaking effort has been exhausted!When I think about it, I feel sore and tired.She turned around slowly and was waiting to go back, but she heard the sound of horseshoes behind her.Xichun turned her head and saw that it was her own car, so she stopped, and when someone got out of the car, Xichun was very surprised.

"Ping'er, why are you?" She asked in surprise.

"Girl, please." Ping'er saluted her hastily, and replied, "I'm here to take Grandma Liu into the mansion at the behest of Second Mistress." Xichun glanced at Ping'er when she heard the words, and saw that her face was burnt yellow. , the fundus of the eyes is dark, the flesh on the cheeks is thin and dry, the person looks infinitely haggard, and there is a feeling of desolation in his heart.In the past six months or so, things have been going on in the mansion. Although Mrs. Wang cut off Sister Feng's power with excuses, she had to rely heavily on her right-hand man - Ping'er.

Ping'er is used to things, he knows the way, he is neat and refreshing, and he wins the hearts of the people.Mrs. Wang puts a lot of emphasis on housekeeping, and it would be impossible without her.Therefore, Ping'er suffered a lot. On the one hand, she had to take care of Sister Feng's illness, and deal with her dependence and suspicion; Change them one by one.

Xichun's thoughts changed, and finally she put away her pity, and resolutely kept her mouth shut.Since when, Ping'er has lived a life in such a dilemma.She may not be ignorant of her suffering, must you pierce it and show pity?You don't have to.Ping'er is not such a hypocritical person, so he has always been able to bear it with patience and stability.Now that even Sister Feng has fallen, she is still surviving in the wind and rain. Perhaps she is weak and Qianqian, and she who can overcome strength with softness is the real person.

"Second sister-in-law knows quickly, you follow me to see her." Xichun smiled and nodded.Without saying much at the moment, he led Ping'er into the garden and walked to the place where Grandma Liu rested.Along the way, the two talked about things in the house.According to Ping'er, Sister Feng's illness is still protracted like that, and she is not getting better, and it is not too bad.But I don't know why she must be so anxious to see Grandma Liu, but she is different from others for this village woman, and she seems to have a little genuine affection for this village woman.However, Sister Feng has always had deep thoughts, and even Ping'er can't guess what she wants to do.

When they entered the house, Grandma Liu, grandparents and grandchildren happened to be in the house.Grandma Liu sat cross-legged on the kang and chattered, while Qing'er sat next to the edge of the kang and said nothing.Ban'er got tired of hearing it, so he took a stool and lay down at the door in anger, then turned around and shouted into the room: "I just don't believe what you said, so I was shocked what happened to her horse. The one who was bulldozed by a bull, you saw it, and you are still alive, so you made a fuss!" However, although he said it forcefully, he was guilty in the end.Suddenly he turned his head and saw Xichun coming, thinking that he was coming to punish him as his grandma said, he was so frightened that he yelled "Oh my god", slithered away like a wild cat, and disappeared.When Grandma Liu saw Ping'er, she immediately forgot to tell about the board's fall, called "Shentian Bodhisattva", and hurriedly got off the kang.She was so excited that Qing'er rushed to help her in a panic, calling: "Grandma, please slow down..."

"Grandma." Ping'er also held her by the arm, and said softly, "I'll pick you up to the house. Second Mistress misses you." Ping'er's brows furrowed unconsciously as he spoke, and he sighed, " There are many things going on now, and I won’t be polite to you, just follow me immediately, let’s get in the car and talk if you have anything to say.” Ping’er looked at Qing’er again, seeing her delicate features and quiet demeanor, he said with a smile, “ I'm afraid this is grandma's granddaughter, so take her with you."

Both Grandma Liu and Qing'er were very happy when they heard the words, Grandma Liu smiled at Qing'er, "You girl, you never thought you would have such a blessing, quickly kowtow to the girl! Thank you for your kindness."

Qing'er is obedient and wants to kneel.Ping'er stretched out his hand to stop it.Xichun suddenly thought of something, turned to Ping'er and said, "Lead them there quickly. Madam can't leave you there for a moment. If she finds out that you came to pick up grandma, I'm afraid I'll be angry with my second sister-in-law again. She is sick. , why get so angry?"

"I'll save it." Ping'er looked at her with a wry smile and shook his head.While talking, everyone was about to go out, Grandma Liu stepped out of the door with one foot, but Qing'er stood still hesitantly.Grandma Liu is a person with eyes, seeing that Ping'er is in a hurry, she doesn't dare to delay too much, she turned her head and scolded Qing'er: "You ignorant girl, why don't you leave, but you stay here?"

Qing'er looked at her, and said with an aggrieved voice: "Ban'er is gone!"

"Oh, you bastard!" Grandma Liu squinted and slapped her thigh, "What should I do!"

"Grandma." Seeing that they hadn't left for a long time, Ping'er persuaded Grandma Liu with an anxious expression on his face, "In my opinion, it's better to leave Ban'er here, it's not convenient for him to enter Second Grandma's room. "

"That's it..." Grandma Liu looked at her hesitantly, not moving forward.The only precious grandson is not with me, and I am really worried.

"It's me! I'll go look for him, and I'll just take care of Baner. When Pinger sends you back, you can go back together." Xichun watched from the side, and came to rescue him.When she spoke, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then trouble the girl!"

"We walked!"

For a while, the crowd was gone again, and a bunch of people went to catch up with other venues.Sometimes life is like this... From here to there, I keep migrating, constantly circling among all kinds of people, working endlessly, Xichun looks outside the door and thinks.Scattered, like an unexpected evening wind, silently, powerfully invades people's mind and body.Outside, it was getting darker again.Xichun looked up and saw the dark wisps of light and shadows in the sky, like the blue-gray skylight seeping through the crack of the gate of heaven when it was about to close. Because of the long distance, the light seemed dim and fragile, unbearable to grasp.There are servants in the garden who are busy coming and going, and the lamps will be lit in a while.She sighed and went out to find the board.

It is said that Baner ran away when he saw Xichun because he was afraid that Xichun would come to punish him.He hid in the artificial cave in the garden for a while, seeing that no one was coming to arrest him, he was greatly relieved, and slipped out to wander around.Occasionally, when I meet a servant, I don't care about him because they have their own affairs.Ban'er was having a good time, and he didn't realize it was getting dark around him. Then he remembered that grandma and Qing'er were still waiting for him to come home, so he shouted "No" and ran back.

"Grandma, I'm back!" Ban'er opened his mouth and called as soon as he stepped into the door.

"Grandma? I'm your grandfather!" Feng Ziying's servant grabbed Ban'er's neck and scolded with a smile, "Where did this hozen come from, shouting like this! Ah? It shocked our grandpa's driver!" Can you afford it?"

"Why did you say the same thing as that uncle driving the car?" Ban'er was afraid at first, but after hearing what he said, he felt kind in his heart, but he was not afraid anymore. He opened his head to the door, leaned closer to the boy, and made gestures. Said: "You people here are so easily startled! That's too timid, we only children can make adults startle!"

"Fart your mother!" The boy pushed Ban'er out and shouted, "You're talking nonsense, be careful I'll have your tongue cut off!" Before he could finish his sentence, Ban'er turned pale with fright He looked a little guilty, looked at the board, and thought to himself, why should I scare such a stunned young man who came out of nowhere?Thinking of this, he softened his voice education board, "This is etiquette, understand?"

"I don't understand!" Baner shook his head obediently, with a dazed expression on his face.The boy couldn't help laughing at his dazed look.Feng Ziying was changing clothes in the room, but when she heard the noise at the door, she turned her face outward and asked, "Mo Lin, who is outside? Can you break the rules outside?"

"Master!" Hearing his call, Mo Lin hurried in, and bowed to answer, "There's a stupid boy outside, and the servant reckoned that he went to the wrong door, so he called grandma when he came in."

Feng Ziying laughed when she heard that, sprayed all the water in her mouth on the ground, pointed at Mo Lin and smiled: "You hozen...you don't have a good word to say."

"Master, don't laugh, what the servant said is true. That stupid boy is still standing outside." Mo Lin laughed.He raised his head and saw Feng Ziying's calm face, so he was relieved.

"Let's go. I'll show you." Feng Ziying said, picked up a piece of silk at hand, folded it, put it in his sleeve and walked out.Ban'er stood at the door, because Mo Lin told him not to move when he entered, and he really stood still, not even daring to move his eyes.Feng Ziying came out and saw his stupid look, couldn't help laughing, and asked Mo Lin numbly: "Is that him, really dumb! No wonder you call me grandma. Mo Lin, in my opinion, is more stupid than you!" Feng Ziying said Smiling, he turned to ask Ban'er, "Who are you and how did you get into this garden?"

Ban'er stood in fear, seeing Mo Lin go in and come out, and now there is another young man in plain clothes, look at his demeanor—be good!Ban'er was beating drums in his heart, he couldn't be the one who wanted to punish me.After thinking about it this way, he kept shaking his head: "I can't say, if you don't forgive me, grandma said that someone will punish me for the crime of shocking the horse."

"Shocked horse?" Feng Ziying was stunned for a moment, realizing that he was talking about startled horses, and laughed so hard that she collapsed, panting, "You bastard, startled horses! I still startled cows! Tell me, who is it?" Your grandma, who did you come with?" He managed to finish with a smile.Mo Lin was beating the side drum for him beside him, urging the board: "You just say it, not to say that you will be punished for your crime!"

All of a sudden, I got a life-saving straw for Ban'er.He looked at Feng Ziying carefully, weighed it up and said, "I said...you won't be punished if I say it, right?" Mo Lin didn't dare to promise anything, and looked at his master with his eyes.

Feng Ziying smiled and said: "Speak, I will forgive you if you make it clear. If someone punishes you, I will help you to plead for mercy, okay!"

"Master!" Mo Lin looked at him in amazement, wondering why he made such a big wish, in case - it was a dignitary who bumped into him, could he be begging for this country boy?

"It doesn't matter, I have my own points!" Feng Ziying's deep eyes flickered, he raised his hand to stop Mo Lin's nagging, and said to Ban'er softly, "You can say it!" He calculated clearly in his heart, If he is really a big shot, how can this kid stand still?Now that it's time, he's still fine, most likely the matter is over.

"My grandma's surname is Liu, and my name is Wang Ban'er." Ban'er said boldly, peeking at Feng Ziying's face, seeing him listening with a smile, he mustered up the courage to continue, "I was brought in by Miss Four..."

"Wait a minute! Which fourth girl are you talking about?" Feng Ziying frowned imperceptibly and asked.

"The fourth young lady of the Jia family." Ban'er looked up at him, and continued, "The old lady has gone, grandma brought me and Qing'er to the funeral—"

"Take me to see her." Feng Ziying blurted out.As soon as the words came out of his lips, he was surprised by his abruptness, and turned back quickly, with a slightly unnatural smile on his face, and said to Ban'er, "You finish talking first, and then I will lead you to find her, okay?" His eyes flashed He laughed again, "You haven't gone back for so long, aren't you afraid that your grandma will be anxious?"

"That's right!" Ban'er clapped his hands and shouted, "I won't tell you anymore." After speaking, he turned his head and ran away.

"You wait..." Feng Ziying looked at his back and called out, then hurriedly retracted it, blushing, coughed and said to Mo Lin: "I mean you wait, you know? , know how to answer?"

"I know." Mo Lin replied respectfully.

"Hmm." Feng Ziying nodded in satisfaction, and chased after him with a flick of her robe, leaving Mo Lin standing there stunned.

At this time, Xichun had been looking for her in the garden for a long time.She looked around, but there was no sign of Ban'er, and she couldn't help feeling a little panicked.There are many outsiders in Tiekan Temple now, if he bumps into other people like in the afternoon... Xichun frowned and thought to herself, if there is any trouble again, she is not sure that she will be able to keep the board every time.

She could see that the lanterns in the outer courtyard were brightly lit at this time.The noise of human voices can be faintly heard in the ears, like the sound of waves in the dark night.Looking across the bamboo grove, the light also became cool and green, moving, moving, like fireflies flickering all over the sky on a summer night.

The fireflies are flying very lightly, maybe it is because there is no one around.If there is someone, it is very likely that the man caught it in a cloth bag, took it home, and only took it out when it was dark like ink, to show this cruel beauty to the beloved woman to win her favor.But when there is no one, it is also lonely to dance beautifully.Waiting for the same person, when she is at her best, the person she loves is not by her side.Why are the unrestrained freedom and the happiness of possession always so opposite and irreconcilable?

Xichun lowered her head again, deep in thought.The moon is gradually coming up, reflecting the silvery white of the cobblestone road, as if someone poured silver sand on the ground, stepping on it will make a quiet and subtle sound.

As she was walking, she heard the soft noise of forest leaves, thinking it was the wind blowing by, but when she bumped into a person, a man's breath rushed towards her.Xichun's heart skipped a beat, and she raised her head in surprise.

She saw Feng Ziying.

A closer distance than a step away.Thinking about it now, it seems to be the closest distance between them.between them.Xichun looked at this man with clear eyes.Being close, it is also convenient to watch him carefully.It was not unusual to see that he was dressed today, only wearing a gray poplin ermine jacket, a simple ponytail ribbon around his waist, and no toys around him.Although not luxurious, it is clean and spotless.Xichun suddenly thought of Baoyu who was used to hanging on her body, and compared the two, she couldn't help laughing.He still had the same gentle eyebrows, faint and sultry.The faint moonlight shines, the corners of the eyes and brows that hesitate to speak, slender and long.She remembered that day when she looked back and saw him smiling in the sun, she was so beautiful that she didn't know it.

"You..." she said quietly.She wants to ask, why are you here.

"I..." He also said quietly, just saying - I am here.

She lowered her eyebrows, and her heart was full of mountains and rivers.She found that his aura was ferocious like a beast, and the beast roared persistently and powerfully at the edge of her territory.Under his teasing, the beast in her heart also began to move around.If she can go forward on the sea alone without looking back, then Feng Ziying is the sea bird that can lead her back through the water.

"I miss you." She almost blurted out.Finally restrained, only one head was exposed: "I think..."

"What are you thinking?" Feng Ziying asked with a smile, intending to lure the snake out of the hole.

"I think I should go find Ban'er." She calmed down and said neither humble nor overbearing.

"Oh, it's not good!" Feng Ziying exclaimed pretending to be surprised.

"What's wrong?" she asked anxiously.I'm afraid of responding to bad thoughts in my heart.

"Ban'er... Ban'er is right behind me! You can't see it so close, isn't it because your eyes are bad?" He raised his eyebrows and showed a wicked smile.

Xichun saw that Guo was Ban'er standing behind him, and couldn't help but burst out laughing, her eyes were red after laughing, luckily no one could see it in the dark night.She was surprised that she was easy to laugh and happy with him, and his words and words had the power to seduce her.However, this is really bad, as if sitting alone on a cliff and staring at the blue sea, but no longer calm as a mirror.The aura around her was disturbed by him, and there was a strange and fresh breath surging.He is a flying bird with flapping wings resting on the calm sea, staying in front of her, bringing strange scenery.So, it is no longer a person, a heart, beating in silence and orderly.

Xichun held back her sadness lightly, and said to Ban'er, "You come back with me. We'll wait for your grandma."

"Don't go." He stopped her who turned around.She really stopped and looked back.Self-thinking is because of reluctance, that's why it's so easy to hesitate.Not because he stayed, but because she fell in love.

"Ban'er, come here." Feng Ziying beckoned to Ban'er, called him to her side, and said, "You know the way just now, and you will go back to play with Mo Lin yourself. If you can do it, I will reward you with a piece of silver." Here you are." As he spoke, he took out a big silver ingot from his sleeve and waved it in front of Ban'er.

Seeing that the silver was worth five taels, Ban'er was so happy that he took it and promised, "I know it!" Then he turned and ran away, so that Xichun stomped his feet and sighed: "This one has no eyes. My boy, why did you just send it away in five taels!" He spat at Feng Ziying, "You are shameless!"

Feng Ziying laughed out loud when she heard the words, as if she was listening to fairy music when she scolded him.He said with a stern face: "Why do you see it? I think this is exactly what the sages said about 'teaching students in accordance with their aptitude'! Isn't it good to do that?"

Xichun looked at him and shook his head with a smile: "I'm not poor with you, it's getting late, I should go back to my room. You should go back and settle down too." Saying this, she bowed, "Thank you for finding the board for me. I will lend it to you, remember to return it to me tomorrow morning!" As he spoke, he was about to move away, but his eyes caught something on the ground, and he picked it up and was about to return it to Feng Ziying. After seeing it, he asked in surprise, "This The thing is mine, when did it arrive at your place?"

"Why isn't it mine?" Feng Ziying smiled lightly, a pair of bright eyes caught her, and the infinite emotion in the eyes fluctuated.

Xichun was silent.

"I'm snuggling against the green and leaning against the red. You should remember that life is like a dream, and if you fall in love once in a while, I hope you will cherish it as you please." Feng Ziying walked along the path, singing slowly, and met Xichun's inquiring eyes.

"I'll write down what you embroidered on the veil. I don't know if it's right?" he said.Xichun looked at him deeply, nodded and remained silent.This was something she thought of unintentionally one day, and it was stabbed on the veil, and sometimes she remembered it occasionally, but at that moment, she was in a state of mind like standing in a fog and looking outside, and it was hard to explain what she saw.However, she looked at him now, as if there was a sudden gust of desolate night wind, the wind blew away the fog, and he stood in front of her, so that she could touch the miraculous truth in her heart.It should be a clear tactile sensation, and someone is walking on the heartstrings, dancing lightly and rustling.The ups and downs of those subtle thoughts are due to the presence of the man in front of him.

"What's wrong? Whether it's love or life, it's inevitable to cool down. The world is empty at the end, who can escape the day when the song ends?" She smiled uncomfortably.Since Sijia's mansion has been rich and honored for a hundred years, it is like a grand banquet, but now it only ends up as a cold tea.People who are born in the last days, even if they want to believe that there is light and infinite, but the sun is fading away, and their confidence is vain.

(End of this chapter)