Alternative Telling of Dream of Red Mansions: Cherishing Spring

Chapter 4
Mother Jia let out a long sigh.There was an old man's insight into the world in that tone, like the desolation and bleakness that only appeared in autumn.Her insight into everything is as clear as the sky in autumn.

She surrendered in front of Xichun's soft tears, but she was still a little embarrassed, thinking: "Who will you ask to accompany you on this journey?"

The mandarin duck stood up in a calm and unhurried manner, and said lightly as if removing the moose dust from Hu Po's hand: "Old ancestor, can I go with the fourth girl?"

Mother Jia laughed.She agreed to this micro-service trip.She doesn't believe in others, but she has to believe in Yuanyang.Yuanyang is the first proper person around her, more trustworthy than her son and daughter-in-law.

Xichun walked to Jingyuan.

Without asking her to order, Yuanyang waited at the door tactfully.

Xichun stepped into the courtyard, and the courtyard was also silent and deserted.

Xichun stood at the door.She wants to knock on the door.She heard someone in the room.

That person's voice is—Jia Zhen.

he!Are you here too?

Xichun came neither early nor late, but just in time to hear those few words.

"You went to look for Keqing again, but Ruizhu smashed it to pieces. Ruizhu is dead in the coffin now, she is very smart! No one will let her go if she is alive! Keqing is also dead, so she hanged herself in Tianxiang Tower! You This old whore who kills thousands of knives! You promised me not to touch Keqing again! You come here to become a monk, and I will eat and drink for you! You practice your way, you become your fairy, why do you want to go back and destroy it? Me and Keqing?"

——Like a sudden hurricane in a calm sea.

Xichun was so shaken that her mind was broken.

A wave of ups and downs, another wave of attacks.She heard Jia Jing say again——

"Zhener's words are so clever! Keqing is a beauty. You don't know this Dongfu, or I don't? To tell you the truth, I knew that Keqing was not an ordinary girl as a father. It would be a pity to be enjoyed by you alone! It's just for my father. It's just that old people have to give in, if it was a few years earlier... Besides, did you give Keqing to me for no reason?"

Keqing is a stunner!Yes... Keqing is a stunner!Then who told me, what am I?Xichun thought precariously.Like being in a stormy sea, she was driven into the bottom of the sea one after another by the waves.

The pain that dissipates the body and bones, and the bitterness that is full of thorns.Also, the sin of never being reborn.

The rain in Xuanzhen Temple is still falling, and it tends to fall more and more. The autumn leaves are trembling in the cold rain, and Xichun's skirt has been wet by the water under the porch.

There was a lot of rain.

Xichun was very, very grateful for the rain, if it wasn't for the rain, there would be children waiting on the porch nearby.there's no more.They are afraid of the cold and hide in the house to avoid the cold.

No one heard Xichun's footsteps, and no one saw her cry.

Do you want to go in and see him?Xichun stood there in a daze.She already knew everything she should know.And her father Jia Jing's insensitive appearance can be heard without looking.

She wasn't actually close to him.When she was very, very young, as long as she could remember, she saw those people in Rongfu: the silver-haired ancestor, the dignified and serious second aunt, and the gentle and demure sister-in-law Zhu.At that time, Xifeng hadn't married yet, and Mrs. Wang was still in charge of the house.The weather in the mansion is like a fire in a hand stove, always quiet and warm, a little dull.

She still vaguely remembered the appearance of big brother Dianzhu, he was not as handsome as Baoyu, but he was more heroic than Baoyu, vigorous, hot and flamboyant like a hot spring.Sister-in-law Zhu has always been such a quiet and peaceful person, but when Brother Zhu is around, her smile is brighter and her clothes are brighter than now.

These graceful and beautiful people have nothing to do with her.They are adults and she is a baby.The world of adults and children is like the sky and the earth, far away, day and night.

They come to see her occasionally, hold her, and talk to her.Xichun didn't know what they were talking about.She only remembered that bit of image, like a picture blurred by time, the face was blurred, leaving only the outline drawn by colored lines.

Like the legends about becoming immortals one by one, the people in those memories are so uncertain.

Later, brother Zhu died of illness, and sister-in-law Zhu's face and clothing gradually faded, turning pale into a lady made of ink lines, living contentedly like a bamboo fence hut.

Baoyu, exploring spring, welcoming spring, cherishing spring.They grew up slowly together.

Baoyu loves to play chess with Tanchun, who is quick-witted and bold, and often comes up with some bold and novel games; Tanchun likes to play chess with Yingchun, because they are all concubines, born of aunts, and no one will look down on the other; She, Xichun, she is too young, no one wants to play games with her.And she doesn't like to play, laugh, or be lively, as if the thorn of loneliness is bred in her blood.

Later, Daiyu came.

Then, only Daiyu's name was engraved on the tree of time belonging to Baoyu.

From the beginning to the end, she was surrounded by only maids, mother-in-law and nuns.She didn't feel lonely or uncomfortable.This is natural.Hou Men was deep, and gradually, it became deep into the sea.Man has become the night pearl of the bottom of the sea, the coral of the bottom of the water.True wealth is to be so unfathomable and hidden.They are not poor families, and there is only one step away from the door to the chaimen.

This is a century-old noble family, the home of a prince, with a deep courtyard, cold and quiet time.

Xichun was born here, and her roots are intertwined with these proud and towering old trees.In her whole life, she tried all the predestined methods in this life to untie this knot, but to no avail.

However, Xichun did not suffer much grievances, and Jia's mother was shrewd and fair.The hairpin ring skirt jacket, the three people who welcome Tanxi all have the same decorations, and the three people all have the same arrangements for food and clothing.She once said to Mrs. Wang and other people: "Don't pay too much attention to Zhengshu, just care about whether the child is good or not. Whoever is reincarnated is destined. Needless to say, Baoyu, I will not allow you to suffer any more for their sisters." , even Huan'er, Aunt Zhao is not suitable, if Huan'er doesn't live up to it, it's fine, if he is sensible, I don't allow anyone to despise him."

At that time, Xichun was too young, and she was sitting beside her, but she still couldn't hear Jia's mother's overtones.

She grew up so quietly.

The word "mother" doesn't have much warmth in the royal family, or in the palace of princes and princes.It just proves that there is a relationship derived from life between a woman and you; there is a connection between you, which cannot be chosen and cannot be broken.Your kindness, or your iniquity.Other than that, nothing.It's not family affection, maybe it's still an obstacle.Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty killed Mrs. Gouyi in order to establish the crown prince, and Wu Zetian strangled his own daughter to death in order to ascend the throne...

Mother and child, mother and daughter, the most intimate person, can also be the westward Liusha River that blocks life.

Goose feathers can't float, but what sinks to the bottom of the reed flower is family affection.

Mother, in Xichun's impression, is just a title.The people around her seemed to be people who had nothing to do with her mother.Yingchun's mother disappeared into the mansion like a bubble; Tanchun's mother was still there, often jumping out.But for such an unsuitable person, even Tanchun himself didn't want to talk to her, and he was too afraid to avoid her, lest he be contaminated with her vulgarity.

So mother, to Xichun, is really meaningless, just like the umbilical cord, which is broken after birth.Or as Tanchun said, it might not be as good as the flowers in our room, which can be refreshing for a few days.Even on birthdays, Mother Jia took her aunt, sister-in-law, and sister Feng to have fun together, but there was nothing wrong with mother.

She asked once, and the old ancestor said that her mother was dead.Since then, she has regarded herself as an orphan.

A lonely but happy orphan girl.

A peaceful and comfortable life was maintained until the age of 15.That year, Xichun officially returned to the East Mansion for the first time.

She happened to reach the age of Ji that year.

The gift of Jiji means a lot to girls.The change of hairstyle also implies the transformation of life.Our ancestors established cumbersome etiquette rules a long time ago.Girls and girls, girls and young women.They all have their own exquisite manners in speech and manner, clothes, jewelry and hair buns.On this day, the girl's hair must be combed by her mother.It is beautifully and delicately combed, combing the youthful hair full of luster and hope, and also combing the chaotic spring heart of the girl.

Grow up, grow up, and from now on, you will be a big girl who can promise others. You must behave like an adult, don't be playful, talkative, or open-mouthed.From now on, you will be an adult.The elders always gave such admonitions with emotion, which made the girl shy.The earnestness of the elders is tantamount to telling them to be more patient, this spring girl is like a prison and will soon be worn out.

Mrs. Xing combed Yingchun's hair, and Mrs. Wang combed Tanchun's hair.Time moves forward like four seasons, and soon, soon, it will be Xichun...

Xichun touched her black hair and thought, who will comb my hair?The one about Yingchun is too ordinary, and the one about Tanchun is too precious.Xichun wants to have a unique, unique and beautiful hairstyle like the roses in April.Walking again and again, a little different fragrance oozes from the hair.

One month before her birthday, Xichun was already preparing and looking forward to it.What she wants most is to be combed by her ancestors.The ancestor was a blessed person, kind and affectionate.She has seen such a big world, and the bun she combed for herself must be gorgeous.

She asked the mother to prepare black sesame powder for her, the plump and most symmetrical sesame, crushed with a small white jade mill, mixed with walnut powder, and made into a bowl of hot water every morning; Help her wash her hair and nourish it with the best eggs.

At that time, she loved her hair like her life.

Suffering and suffering, like everyone who lives in anticipation, the state of mind suddenly becomes difficult to be stable, the hours of the day pass extremely slowly, the dawn is late, and the dark is also late.The peaceful fleeting years are suddenly covered with thorns like roses.

Finally, when it was her birthday, Xichun got up early, let everyone dress up beautifully, and went to Jia Mu's upper room to say hello.The whole family is here, which is more grand than the big day of the two sisters.Xichun compared them secretly, and felt a little more happy.

"Kowtow to ancestor Jin'an!" She knelt down politely, said with a smile, and then looked around everyone.

good good good good!The old ancestor laughed and said, "Help the fourth girl up quickly. Poor girl, what can I do to compensate her father for her knee injury?" Everyone laughed, and a group of people rushed to help her up. Some praised her for being polite, others praised her for being beautiful. .

Father!While standing up, Xichun was stunned.She suddenly remembered that she had a father, but it is said that he had already gone to the Xuanzhen Temple outside the city to practice Taoism. The current Dongfu has been taken care of by her brother Jia Zhen for many years.

"Fourth girl, come, come to grandma." Mother Jia waved on the cloud couch.The one who is by her side today is not Baoyu, not Daiyu, not Baochai, not Xiangyun, but Xichun.

Xichun walked up slowly and sat down next to Jiamu, smiling coquettishly: "Old ancestor, my granddaughter would like to ask you to give me a bun, is it okay?"

"Me?" Jiamu laughed, "Okay, look at this room, there are no soft people, everyone is plotting against me." What Jiamu said made everyone cover their mouths. laugh.

Sister-in-law Zhu took Xichun's hand and smiled: "What a clever little thing!"

Xichun smiled and said nothing, depending on the situation, grandma would not refuse her request, today is her big day.

After the laughter died down, Mother Jia said again: "Si girl, grandma can't comb your hair for you today."

Why not?Xichun really wanted to ask, but she held back, her upbringing taught them not to be alarmed, to deal with everything calmly.She was still smiling, but when she smiled, tears came down.

I wouldn't have said it if I knew it... Today is her big day, has grandma forgotten?Why reject her in front of so many people?Her request is not too much.

She was sad, and took out the handkerchief to wipe away her tears.It was still Li Wan who was careful and sharp-eyed, and smiled when he saw it a long time ago: "Look, the old ancestor made all four of us tears down."

Xichun hurriedly stood up, lowered her head and said: "Whatever is your sister-in-law saying, how dare Xichun be angry with my ancestors, but I am not blessed."

"Stupid child." Jiamu pulled her to sit down, put her arms around her, and said with a smile, "Blessed or not, how can you talk like that on your birthday, and I'm not afraid that my old man will feel uncomfortable! Grandma hopes that you are all blessed. I heard from grandma that it's not that I'm afraid of trouble and don't care about the fourth girl. Grandma has already arranged the most suitable person for you, and your sister-in-law will help you comb the bun."

Xichun held back her tears and asked in surprise, "Why is my sister-in-law combing for me?"

Jia Mu said with a deep smile: "Silly boy, don't you hear that elder brother is like father and elder sister-in-law is like mother! You are Jing'er's daughter, and you are from Dongfu after all. Naturally, your gift of Jiji must be completed in Dongfu." To tell you the truth, I am not afraid that your aunts will be offended, Zhen's daughter-in-law is the first person I like in my grandchildren, and she is..." Jia's mother paused almost imperceptibly, "She is yours again. Sister-in-law, it's perfect for you to comb your bun. After a while, your elder brother's car will pick you up. You go back to your room and get ready, don't cry any more." Mother Jia took out a handkerchief and wiped Xichun's tears.

"Yes, old ancestor, then I'll go back and prepare. Xichun will leave first." Xichun smiled.She knelt down again with good manners, and asked Ann to leave.

"Good boy, go back." Mother Jia looked at her lovingly.Xichun was greeted with such a pair of eyes, and she understood the love and kindness inside.She didn't doubt Jia's mother's arrangement at all.She was just thinking: My sister-in-law, will she have a pair of dexterous hands in spring to make a bun as beautiful as a rose for me?
She vaguely remembered that she was a stunning beauty.

Not long after Xichun returned to her room, she saw her mother-in-law coming to invite her.The people were sent to the front of the hall, and out of the hanging flower gate, a green silk cart had been pulled by many young men, Xichun sat on it, all the women put down the curtain of the car, and Fang ordered the young men to lift it up and pull it to a wide place, Then he got on the tame mule, went out of the Xijiao gate, went east to the main gate of Rongfu, and meandered to Ningfu.

Xichun entered the Xijiao gate, and carried it to a place where there was a shot, and then replaced the Ningfu's servant to carry it to a hanging flower gate.The mother-in-law Fang helped her get off the sedan chair.Xichun supported her mother-in-law's hand and entered the Hanging Flower Gate. The servant girl who had been waiting for a long time came up to welcome her, accompanied by Feng and Luan, smiling and saluting Xichun.After seeing the ceremony, they surrounded Xichun and left towards Qin's bedroom.

As soon as you enter the door, there is a sweet fragrance, which makes people's eyes go soft.Xichun looks coldly at Keqing's bedroom, which is rich in fragrance and rich in fragrance, extremely luxurious, and the furnishings and utensils are all that ordinary people can enjoy.Although she was young, she often heard people talk about Uncle Zhen and Grandma Zhen in the East Mansion. Her brother and sister-in-law were a rare love between husband and wife.When I saw it today, it was true.

Xichun is like a person who has strayed into a fairyland. In the mysterious and quiet environment, she suddenly has a heart of admiration for Keqing. She wants to know what kind of woman can be loved by her brother with all his strength.

After a while, I heard the faint sound of hairpins ringing Yao Pei, as clear as silk and bamboo.Someone raised the crystal curtain, and Qin came out from the inner room with fluttering clothes.

When Xichun saw her, she would salute: "Sister-in-law Wan'an."

"Fourth sister, get up quickly." Mrs. Qin had seen her in the room earlier, so she caught up with her and reached out to help her.

A pair of catkins, the skin is like cream.Xichun raised her eyes to look at her, and Chu Yan's mind was swayed, she really had a good-looking complexion, moreover she was graceful and delicate, and her movements were flamboyant.She secretly compared in her heart, there is really no one in the two mansions who can compare to her.

"Sister-in-law, you are so beautiful." Xichun said with a blushing face.In front of a stunning beauty, she suddenly felt ashamed.

This is the first time Xichun sees Qin Keqing.

"Fourth sister, what are you talking about, aren't you beautiful?" Qin raised her hand to touch her face, and smiled softly. Xichun seemed to see a budding flower slowly blooming in the morning of spring.

Beautiful, unbelievable.

During the few steps in Xuanzhen Temple, Xichun seems to have walked through the past.She remembered the first time she met Keqing, her smile, her easy-going look.She was as calm as if she had never encountered any evil spirits.

Thinking of Keqing several years later, Xichun suddenly understands her father.Why is he willing to give up the power and position in his hand, but also want to kiss his daughter-in-law's fragrance.Ke Qing is like a courtyard full of spring scenery, so beautiful that it is hard to let go, she fills everyone's eyes with wantonness.

A stunner is a woman who is irresistible to both men and women.

Xichun was suddenly able to understand the weakness and powerlessness of a man, and all his ethics and morals were unbearable, like a light blow from a knife.

They all love her, but love her from the wrong position, love her selfishly, and destroy her selfishly.

She remembered that day, that day, Qin Keqing's performance was so calm and impeccable.Except, except, a tear she fell in Xichun's hair.

Mrs. Qin took Xichun by the hand, led her to the dressing table and sat down, the attendant brought her a golden plate, Xichun saw that there were newly folded roses in it, delicate and fresh, just what she wanted, and she sat upright, looking at the golden plate in the bronze mirror. The petite daughter smiled.

Ke Qing said: "Just now I saw that the roses in Huifang Garden were in full bloom, so I ordered them to break a few branches and use them in a bun for the fourth younger sister, okay?"

Xichun's brows were filled with joy, she never thought that this sister-in-law whom she had never met would be so gentle, peaceful and understanding.At this moment, her original doubts were swept away, and she just thought happily: the old ancestor is really a saint, seeing the aura of sister-in-law, she can't go wrong with the bun she combed for herself.

But from the bronze mirror, I saw a drop of water falling from Qin Keqing's face and falling into her hair.

"Sister-in-law, are you crying?" Panicked, Xichun turned her head and asked, "What's wrong with you, are you unhappy?"

Qin hurriedly wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, and smiled again: "Why am I unhappy? I just felt it for a while. Xichun, I... Xichun is going to be a big girl too."

"Feeling?" Xichun sat upright again.She remembered that her grandmother had told her not to move around when combing her bun.Otherwise, you will be laughed at if you comb out a crooked bun.She only felt that crying was a sad thing. As for what kind of emotion she felt, she couldn't imagine it. Most of it was a momentary thought of something, and it would be fine after a while. In short, it was not as shocking as crying.

"Sister-in-law, don't cry, okay? I like when you smile, I feel like the whole room lights up when you smile. You cry..." Xichun thought about it carefully, and smiled at the person in the mirror, "You can cry It's beautiful, but when you cry, I feel flustered, and I don't know how to comfort you."

"Okay, I won't cry. If Xichun told me not to cry, I won't cry." Qin Shi really smiled.

"That's it, sister-in-law, you should smile more, you are such a beauty..." Xichun smiled and said affectionately.The outlines of the two figures in the bronze mirror are similar.At that time, there was still some affection in Xichun's eyebrows, mountains and eyes, which could not be extended, and seemed pure and childish.She looked at the mirror and thought to herself: If only I could be as beautiful as my sister-in-law in the future.

"Fourth sister, you don't know that beauty is evil." Qin said leisurely.

"I don't believe those gossips, saying that women are troublesome. Sister-in-law, you are a good person, and I know you never hurt anyone."

(End of this chapter)