Fang Ru's hands danced around wildly, trying to grip whatever she could hold onto, as if by doing so she would be able to change her fate, but it was no use, the sheets fell off the bed with her, and were pulled out of her grasp by a burly man; in the doorway only five shallow scratches left by fingernails, finally the grip on his hand slipped off too.
Without blinking, I saw the scene before those eyes, Hong Gu scanned me up and down, then chuckled in admiration, "You of course already know what this place is, but you weren't surprised or scared, and didn't cry or make a fuss. Have you accepted this?" fate? Or do you have other plans?”
After a pause, I said, "What's the use of being afraid? What's the use of crying? Would if I panicked and cried would you let me go? Could it be inviting a leather whip or some other punishment instead. Since the end result would be the same, I could at least choose a path that was less more painless. After this I am willing to obey your orders".
For a moment Hong Gu was stunned, then squinted his eyes and looked at me, “Have you ever seen anyone who carelessly fell into the water? however, the more they struggled, the faster they sank, and in the end they often died from drowning. As they thrashed, the water got into their noses and suffocated them to death. They did not know, that if they relaxed their bodies, even people who can't swim can float in the water. What's even funnier is that many people who drown are very close to the edge of the water, often, with just one breath, they can return to the shore."
For a while Hong Gu and I stared at each other, a smile appeared on both of our lips, but the meaning contained in it was not the same. Her slender fingers ruffled the hair on her temples, "What's your name?"
"Jinyu". Hong Gu nodded "I'll have a servant girl take you to your own room later, if you want anything, tell her, I'm busy right now". As he spoke, he turned around gracefully, about to leave, but his figure stopped, then he turned his head and said, “Actually, it can be said that I have saved your life. You can't avoid bad luck, then your fate will be really miserable." After speaking, regardless of my answer, he left without saying goodbye while shaking his hips.
I learned to dance, learned to sing, learned to play the flute, and even learned to embroider. Dancing and singing is easy for me. The Xiongnu people's temperament is warm and free, loves to dance and sing. Since I was a child I have danced around the bonfire who knows how many thousands of times, and I have also been taught by the best dancers in the palace of the Xiongnu king. Although the moves are not the same as those of the Han Dynasty, the principles are the same. It was precisely playing the flute and embroidering that made me have to work hard.
I don't know what other girls think of me, but I'm slowly learning it, when I'm alone I often blow the flute, especially at night, I like to play the flute on the moon, but until now I still can't play even a song in its entirety, what I played was either a song or a devil's cry. But I liked him a lot myself, I thought maybe Lang Xiong would, and one day I'd be able to play the flute for him on the full moon.
The ladies in the entertainment house had complained to Hong Gu many times, but Hong Gu had always sided with me, even going so far as to nag someone who complained about me, saying, if he had even half of my craft, they would already be famous throughout Chang'an City. I should be resentful of Hong Gu, but his face is beautiful, his disposition is shrewd, yet not stingy, even when he speaks he seems considerate, so after all, I can't feel resentful of him.
The days passed without a trace, when I managed to play Bai Tou Yin[] with great difficulty, the new year had arrived. New Year is a family holiday, when even the most flirtatious man returns home to be with his family, so that the house of dancing and singing, which is never empty, becomes silent. In this whole house no one has relatives or friends, either to convince themselves or others that they are not lonely, even an experienced Hong Gu spends a lot of money to decorate the house lavishly, whether good or not, but quite lively and heartening.
On the night of the thirtieth, Hong Gu called me, then called out to order the doors and windows of the house to be tightly closed. After that, he ordered the servants to light the fire to warm the room, then ordered the more than twenty girls in the entertainment house to sit around on the benches, the food and wine were served. Everyone, whether out of joy or out of grief, drank copiously, even Fang Ru, who was always glum and didn't want to mingle with others, didn't mind drinking wine at all.
Basically I couldn't drink much, while what I drank was the strongest kaoliang wine, after a few cups, my legs went weak and my head was dizzy, in a daze I crawled into bed and lay down carelessly, when I was a little conscious, I found it hard to breathe, after opening eyes, I saw that Fang Ru was sleeping soundly while lying on my chest, apparently she was using me as a pillow.
I looked around and saw that everyone was lying haphazardly, some were pressing on other people's legs or chest, the blankets were half open and half open, luckily the fireplace kept the room warm, so we didn't freeze. Unexpectedly, the chaotic room seemed quiet. I carefully lifted Fang Ru's head, gave him a pillow, then closed his eyes and fell asleep.
When I was almost asleep, I heard a voice from outside, soon someone was knocking on the door, the ladies grumbled, they pulled the blanket to go back to sleep, but Hong Gu immediately jumped down from the kang, then smiled at me, beckoning me to continue sleeping, he smoothed his hair, put on his coat, then stepped quickly out of the room.
I straightened my clothes, then looked out through the window, Hong Gu was saluting two men ----
one is old, while the other is young ---- the young man's expression is arrogant, he just nods slightly. The youth asked something to Hong Gu, and I could faintly hear him, “…the woman……the face……three months ago…fangzhu[]. ...." I couldn't see Hong Gu's face clearly, but I think he was a bit scared, while talking, the two men stepped in, Hong Gu wanted to block them, but out of fear pulled back his hand. He ran over shouting, "Everyone wake up! Get up quickly!"
The ladies on top of the kang lazily got up, those who were not too drunk crawled limply to their feet, then looked around them in confusion, while those who were more drunk still lay down. I saw that the situation was quite dire, so I quickly urged them to get up, "Hurry up, things are a bit tricky!" Everyone just came to their senses one by one.
Hong Gu opened the curtain, the two boys entered, then looked at each girl in the room one by one. The best singer in the entertainment house, Sister Shuangshuang, apparently knew them, she who had always been cold and reserved couldn't help but respect them while smiling, "On New Year's Day it turns out that an honored guest had already come to visit, it seems that everything will go smoothly this year." smooth sailing for our entertainment house, herewith Shuang er wishes Wu Ye a happy new year, may master be healthy".
Master Wu's tense face relaxed a bit, but soon became serious again, he nodded towards Brother Shuang, his eyes still watching everyone.
I hid in a corner of the room, when Mr. Wu's eyes landed on me, I saluted him with a smile, his expression immediately changed, he looked at me without blinking. While watching me closely he asked Hong Gu, "Where did he come from? When did he enter this house?"
Hong Gu's face was deathly pale, he hesitated and said nothing, Master Wu exclaimed, "You still haven't spoken the truth until now? Do you really not want to live?" Hong Gu trembled, looking down he replied, "He is from the county, three months ago he entered this house".
Master Wu looked at me and asked, "Is what this guy Hong said true?" I felt that aside from the most important thing that Hong Gu was telling the truth, so I replied, "His words are true".
Mr. Wu looked at me intently again, he muttered to himself, "It shouldn't be wrong, the face, time and identity match". He turned towards Hong Gu and gave instructions, “The person grand master has been looking for for half a month is of course him. problem, solve it yourself, I'll be waiting for you guys outside". The young man quickly drew back the curtain, and Master Wu immediately stepped out. Hong Gu saluted solemnly towards Master Wu's back, “Wu Ye's honor will always be Hong er's memory.”
Hong Gu was silent for a moment, then called out, “Except for Xiao Yu, everyone come out”. Shuangshuang glanced at me, then led everyone out quickly. Hong Gu stepped to my side quickly, his face was confused, he suddenly knelt down.
I quickly squatted down and supported him, “Hong Gu, don't be afraid, I don't know who is behind that Master Wu, nor do I know the intentions of that so-called great lord. , I only know that these few months you have given me food, drink and fun games, and also taught me many new skills". I just arrived in Chang'an, the more friends the better, after all, Hong Gu never really harmed me, I'd better forgive him.
Suddenly, Hong Gu's eyes filled with tears, his voice slightly sobbing, "Xiao Yu, it turns out that your soul is so big. I won't say much anymore, this time Hong Gu owes you a debt of gratitude and will always remember it". After speaking, he took out a medicine vial that was always in his chest pocket, took out a pill, then gave it to me. I received it and immediately swallowed it, Hong Gu gave me some water, after looking at me he said, "After drinking a cup of tea your strength will slowly return. But since I gave you medicine for a long time, it should take four or five days for your energy to return to normal." ".
I smiled and said "I'll wait". With gratitude, Hong Gu nodded, squeezed out a handkerchief so I could wash my face, helped me tidy up my hair and clothes, then took my hand and led me outside.
As soon as he saw me coming out, Mr. Wu's eyes fell on my hand and Hong Gu's holding hands, his face seemed much more relaxed, smiling he said, "Let's go!"
Hong Gu and I rode in a carriage that followed Master Wu's carriage. Until now I still don't really understand what happened, only know that we are going to meet someone, this person seems to be looking for someone who looks like me, and this person seems to have a high position in Chang'an City, because even an underling who doesn't being close to him was able to make Brother Shuangshuang who had quite a name in Chang'an behave so politely, as well as make the shrewd and shrewd Hong Gu frightened.
"Hong Gu, who exactly is the great master that Master Wu mentioned?"
Hong Gu said, "Do you really not know the employer of Shi Company?" I shook my head, "I just arrived in Chang'an, I have no family or friends, how can I know someone of such high standing? If I knew him, how could I be so curious?"
Hong Gu surprisedly said, "It's really strange, these past few years, the lord has never cared about the big or small trading affairs in Chang'an, the entertainment house that I manage also belongs to the Shi Company, every year, depending on whether business is good or not , I deposited money with the Shi Company, previously the Shi Company interfered in our business management affairs, but in recent years, as long as we obey the rules, the Shi Company doesn't care about us."
"What rules?" I asked.
Hong Gu's face turned red, "The countless rules, for example, don't kidnap women to work with."
I wanted to laugh but held it in, no wonder he was so scared. It turned out that he had broken the taboo. I held his hand and said, "I won't tell anyone about that incident. But after this."
Hong Gu quickly said, "Once is enough, after this I won't do it again. I'm too impatient, always want to make our house the leading entertainment house in Chang'an, although Shuangshuang's singing ability is outstanding, others are ordinary." -It's normal, I always wanted to find someone extraordinarily talented, but always couldn't find someone according to my wish, if the face is pretty, the posture is unsightly, if both are good, the flexibility is lacking.At that time, when I saw your agility, my heart sank greedy and obsessed, thus committing a grave mistake, after doing so I was worried about what would happen if Company Shi found out, but the rice has already turned to mush".
I heard that Hong Gu's tone was sincere, so I quickly smiled and changed the subject, "Hong Gu, these words of yours are praising me too much! I'm going to meet the Shi Company's grandmaster in a moment, but I don't know anything about Shi Company, Hong." Gu, can you tell me about the Shi Company?"
After hearing me, Hong Gu thought for a moment, then said, "Actually, I also know very little, because the Shi Company has always been running their business in secret, since I was young I lived in Chang'an, and have a wide circle of friends, but I've never met a lord. The old people said, Shi Company became rich because of trading gemstones. It happened during Emperor Wendi's time. country, almost all the gemstone, silk and spice shops, restaurants, gambling houses and entertainment houses in Chang'an, if not opened by the Shi Company, belong to them along with other companies.But after that the Shi Company suddenly stopped expanded, and in fact slowly let go of its subsidiaries, their activities are increasingly secretive. The past three or four years of their activities have not been heard at all, if only every year I don't have to report the books and deposit money to Mr. Wu, I even myself had forgotten that our entertainment house belonged to the Shi Corporation. However, it is true that 'a emaciated camel is still bigger than a horse', even though the Shi Company is no longer visible in Chang'an, no merchant dares to offend the Shi Company."
While Hong Gu was talking, I thought about it carefully, that person sent people looking for me, and was also able to draw my face, then he must be someone who has met me. A merchant of Chang'an, why is it so mysterious? In my mind suddenly appeared a scene of me riding a horse with Xiao Huo, could it be that person?
The horse carriage slowly stopped in front of a house, Hong Gu's face immediately turned serious and respectful, his everyday flirtatious demeanor disappeared.
Upon seeing us get off the carriage, Master Wu stepped forward and knocked on the door. From the outside, the residence didn't look any different from other merchant's houses, on the sign hanging above the door, only two simple letters were engraved, namely 'Shi's Mansion'.
After gently knocking on the door twice, Master Wu immediately stepped aside, then bowed, Hong Gu quickly stood behind him in a respectful manner. Why are the rules so strict? I sneered, but still stood to Hong Gu's right.
The door was opened without anyone speaking, a bearded old man poked his head to look at us, Master Wu immediately bowed, “Laoyezi, Xiao Wu is facing you.” Hong Gu also saluted.
The old man waved us in, his eyes fell on me, "Is this the person you found?" Master Wu replied, "That's right, after searching all over the place, we found him right under our noses. Everything is more or less true, what does Laoyezi think?"
The old man said, "Whether it's true or not, I don't know. The two people who were recently brought here have already been sent home." While speaking, he turned around and pointed the way in front of us.
Master Wu immediately lowered his head and followed him, Hong Gu and I followed him through the door. The old man led us into a small pavilion, "You all sit down!" After speaking he turned and walked out the door, a little maid who was around ten years old brought a tray of tea and served us tea, unexpectedly, Mr. Wu got up to thank, although Hong Gu and I were secretly surprised, but we immediately imitating his actions.
After serving the tea, the little maid withdrew with a smile. As soon as he came out, the old man came back in, his face full of smiles. Master Wu immediately got up and asked, "Is that right?"
The old man said, "That's right! You guys go home first. Grand master will decide who will be rewarded or punished.” After he finished speaking, he no longer paid attention to Master Wu and Hong Gu, but he said to me, “Little girl, come with me!”
I looked at Hong Gu, Hong Gu nodded, motioning for me to quickly follow that person. I also really wanted to know if this mysterious grand master really was Xiao Huo, thus, without any hesitation, I followed the old man.
After passing through the front room, we passed through a very small round door, in front of us there was a long winding porch that was brightly lit, the porch stretched over a lake, leading to nowhere. Due to the extremely harsh winter, on the smooth ice surface and lakeside, one could not see the green leaves of liu and peach trees, but the wide landscape spread out, making people excited.
This house doesn't look extraordinary, the front looks like an ordinary people's house, but the atmosphere at the back is extraordinary, after passing the lake, the scenery on my side became colorful, even though it was the height of winter, the bamboo forest was still thick, the fresh green color made happy heart.
The old man turned to see my face, smiling he said, "If you like it, come here to play later, I also like this bamboo forest, in summer it is cool, even in winter it is lush. There is a bamboo hut here, by the lake peach garden, orchid house and chrysanthemum pavilion". I smiled and nodded, then stepped to his side.
The bamboo forest was a cleverly arranged garden, the garden door was half open, the old man said to me in a low voice, "Come in!" I saw the old man didn't want to go in, so I saluted him, he waved his hand to tell me to come in.
In a corner of the garden, several large stones were piled up in an irregular manner, in the middle of which there was a bamboo grove, several pigeons perched on it, the green bamboo and the white pigeon contrasting each other, thus accentuating each other's colors.
A man in a green shirt was sitting looking up at the sun, a white dove crouched in his lap, beside the man's feet was placed a charcoal stove, over which water had been flowing for who knows how long, so that the water vapor was billowing rolls, in the middle the cold air the water vapor quickly condensed into mist, making his sedentary figure seem to be floating above the clouds. No matter in the desert or in Chang'an, wherever he was, the usual scenery turned into a beautiful scenery because of him, making people who witnessed it unable to forget it.
The scene in front of my eyes made me not dare to make a sound to disturb him, following his eyes, I looked up to see the sun in the sky, even though the sun was winter, but the light was quite dazzling, I squinted my eyes and looked at him, it turned out he was looking at me, his pair of pupils were like gems black, shiny and vibrant.
He pointed to a bamboo chair beside him, then asked with a smile, "Is Chang'an fun?"
Simple but friendly, he greeted me, my heart suddenly felt warm, the various questions that filled my stomach suddenly I didn't want to ask, because those questions weren't important, the important thing was that he and I came back by chance to meet here.
I nimbly stepped to his side, "As soon as I come I immediately fill my stomach full, after that all day staying at Hong Gu's house, how can it not be fun!"
He grinned and said, "I see you're doing well, Hong Gu's house is also good, if you leave the house now, no wonder you look a bit like a girl from a prominent family of Chang'an."
I thought of my messy appearance when I first met him at Yueya Quan, I was both embarrassed and a bit irritated, "I'm always fine, a human only needs clothes, like a horse needs a saddle".
A little maid came out of the house carrying a small square table, she set the table in front of us, then poured a cup of tea for me, when I received the tea, as long as my eyes swept across her face, my eyes immediately opened wide, "Puppy?"
With an extremely serious face Puppy said to me, “After this, call me Shi Feng, don't call me Puppy again, when a hero is unlucky then.” I looked at his earnest face while holding back a laugh, then repeatedly called out to him, “Okay, Shi Feng, Young Master Shi Feng, how did you get here?” He angrily glanced at me, "Jiu Ye brought me home". After speaking, he lowered his head and left.
Jiu Ye said, "Because grandpa Shi Feng was seriously ill, in a desperate situation he pawned the clothes you left behind, fortunately the head of the pawnshop came with me to Xiyu at the time, as soon as he saw the clothes, he immediately reported. I see that this little Feng is filial to parents, the person is also smart, someone with a rare trade talent, so I took him home".
I nodded, it turns out that he knew I was 'stricken by disaster' in Chang'an from Xiao Feng, "Has grandfather's illness recovered?"
Jiu Ye warmed his hands over the stove, "He is old and he has no place to live, he also went hungry once, if he can eat his fill, his illness won't be too bad, as long as he takes proper care of himself now, he will be fine. Said Xiao Feng he is always worried about you, go see him later".
I said, "Even if you don't tell me, I'll go and see him."
He asked, "Did Hong Gu give you trouble?" I quickly said, "No".
"What are you worried about?" he asked with a smile.
"Who knows what rules you two will live by? If it's like in Xiyu, thieves' hands are often cut off, Hong Gu is so beautiful, it would be a shame if that happened to her".
He looked down and thought for a while, "This matter isn't just between you and Hong Gu, if he is let off now easily, after this he won't be breaking the rules again, it's the weak women who will be the losers".
I turned to look at him, "Hong Gu promised me that he won't break the rules again. Is there a way that can satisfy both parties?"
He suddenly raised his eyebrows, "I'll just give this matter to old Wu to give him a headache! His troubled subordinate, why should I bother wasting his time on him?" His calm and gentle face, when he said those words, looked both amused and exasperated. I snorted and laughed.
The winter sun was quickly sinking, now the air had turned chilly, my eyes swept across his feet, then I smiled and said, "I think it's a bit chilly".
He picked up the white dove, then raised his hand, the dove flapped its wings and flew away. He offered his hand and invited me to enter, then pushed his wheelchair into the house, I stretched out my hand to help him, but I remembered the scene when he was about to get off the horse-drawn carriage, and immediately pulled my hand back.
When almost reaching the mouth of the door, suddenly the door opened slowly, but there was no one in the house at all, I was surprised to look around me, smiling, he explained, "On the floor in front of the door has been installed a tool, as soon as the chair the wheel passes, the tool is touched and the door opens by itself".