Wen Yiqing has been busy with the opening of his shop recently, and only went home in a soft sedan when it was getting dark.
She held a box of Baozhizhai snacks in her hand, thinking about the clingy and cute little girl at home, and hurriedly walked in the door. Since going to school, Shanshan has to tell her what happened in school every day when he comes home. Today, I didn't see her when I got home, and I don't know how long I will be lost again.
Just as she entered the door, a servant summoned her, and Mrs. Qi called her over. No way, she could only change direction temporarily.
In Mrs. Qi's yard, the first lady and the other three ladies were all there, and Qi Qing was also sitting next to the old lady. They were talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
"Come, Qing Niang." Mrs. Qi said kindly, "Sit down here."
Wen Yiqing was puzzled. Ever since she personally rejected He Lanzhou's marriage, Mrs. Qi's attitude towards her has become much colder. She would not say a word to her unless she had nothing to do.
She found a corner seat and sat down. Mrs. Qi was not upset and asked warmly: "You are out for the day today. What are you busy with?"
"A little thing."
"If there's anything you need help from, Mom, just ask."
Wen Yiqing raised her eyes and saw Mrs. Qi smiling kindly. She said calmly: "No."
Her attitude was cold and she was clearly separated from the lively atmosphere in the room, but no one present took it to heart.
The third lady couldn't sit still at first, and said with a smile: "Qing Niang, we have all heard that a young master named Shen sent many gifts today, and they were all delivered to your yard."
Wen Yiqing said calmly: "A little thing."
"It's quite a lot. It's so piled up that the front door of the house is blocked."
"Third sister-in-law is joking, but this servant is exaggerating."
"I saw it with my own eyes." Qi Qing, who was sitting next to Mrs. Qi, suddenly spoke. She said innocently: "When we went to school in the morning, Uncle Shen stopped our carriage, and all those things were given to us. Gentle and kind. There are literary works from Yumoxuan, jewelry from Ruyifang, and snacks from Baozhizhai, so many things."
Third Madam: "What Uncle Shen?"
Qi Qing said: "I heard Wen Shan call him that."
Wen Yiqing glanced at her lightly, and when their eyes met, she closed her mouth and hid in Mrs. Qi's arms.
The third lady covered her lips and smiled again: "This Young Master Shen is really a generous person. None of those things are cheap, let alone giving them all at once. I am afraid that even if I search all over the capital, there will be no such generous Young Master. "
After she finished speaking, she paused, but saw that Wen Yiqing was motionless, without any reaction, and even his expression did not change. The third lady cursed an idiot in her heart and reminded her, "Qing Niang, you are a married woman. How can a man not know what he means when he gives something to a woman?"
Wen Yiqing said indifferently: "I have sent someone back."
"Sent back?!"
The third lady subconsciously looked at Mrs. Qi.
Mrs. Qi said lovingly: "Qing Niang, I heard that you and Mr. Shen are childhood sweethearts and have known each other since childhood."
"..."
Wen Yiqing nodded slightly.
The gift was delivered to the door during the day, and in one day, I found out all about that person's background and current situation.
In Yuncheng, everyone knew about the relationship between their two families, and the money manager was very efficient. Shen Yungui has been in the capital recently, and there is nothing shady about it. The uncle's house sent people to investigate, and they found out clearly in half a day.
"I have sent someone to inquire. Mr. Shen's family background is innocent and simple. He is still unmarried. You two have known each other for a long time and know everything about you. You know best. Since he is obsessed with you, it is better..."
Wen Yiqing interrupted: "You want me to get married again?"
Mrs. Qi's words were cut off midway, but the smile was still on her face: "Mom has already seen it for you. Mr. Shen is a good family."
Isn't that just a good family?
The Shen family is a wealthy businessman in the south of the Yangtze River. Their business is huge. It doesn't matter if you don't inquire. Once you inquire, you will find that even Zhenbao Zhai belongs to Mr. Shen!
Even if the uncle is in the capital and has seen the wealth and wealth, he will be speechless.
Wen Yiqing sarcastically said: "Are you interested in money this time?"
Mrs. Qi's face froze.
"Qing Niang, how can you say that?" The third lady immediately said: "Since Mr. Shen is interested in you, if you marry him in the future, you will not have to worry about food and drink, and you will not suffer any grievances. He is a good match, and I also have your best interests in mind." "
"If it was for my own sake, I shouldn't have mentioned this."
She had been hurt twice and shed tears twice. She had already seen clearly who was in front of her, and now she could not even frown when she heard this again. Wen Yiqing didn't want to hear any more and said in a calm tone: "I told you last time that you don't need to worry about my marriage."
Mrs. Qi's face darkened: "The words of the matchmaker are the orders of the parents. I am your mother, why can't I control it?"
The third lady also advised: "Qing Niang, don't get angry with me."
She was also surprised.
The previous one, He Zhuangyuan, was a favorite of the emperor, and the next one, Mr. Shen, was so rich that he was a sought-after candidate everywhere. This Wen Yiqing was just a widow from a small place with a half-grown child, but she was unexpectedly attracted by these two people. Competing to offer good things.
Let’s talk about the Treasure House. Zhenbaozhai is the only place in the capital. It sells Western things, which are rare and expensive. A peep show costs hundreds of taels of silver. There are so many customers every day that I don't know how much money I can earn.
If the money could fall into the uncle's pocket, why would she have to worry about the accounts every day? Even the days can be improved to a higher level.
"I think Mr. Shen is the best. He is handsome and capable. You and he are childhood sweethearts. Let's get closer." The third lady smiled happily and said, "Qing Niang, as long as you nod, I will find you tomorrow." Someone comes to your door to say goodbye to you."
Wen Yiqing looked at her coldly and said, "I won't marry."
"you……"
She stood up and picked up the box of snacks she had brought with her. "If there's nothing else, I'll go back first. Shanshan is still waiting." After that, she lowered her head and walked out quickly without waiting for anyone else's reaction. .
Mrs. Qi was so angry that she covered her chest: "She..."
The third lady hurriedly came over to calm her down: "Old madam, calm down. She has a close relationship with Mr. Shen, maybe she is just shy and embarrassed to deal with it. Just bring it up in a few days."
"Sorry?" Mrs. Qi sneered: "Is she embarrassed? Master Xiao He took the initiative to come to ask for marriage, but she refused without saying a word. Now that an acquaintance has come, she still doesn't agree. I'm afraid there are many young talents in the capital. It can’t even get into her eyes.”
"Old madam, how could Qingniang mean this?" The third madam said hurriedly: "She has been married once, the previous one has died long ago, and has lived a hard life, how can she not understand this? Besides, Mr. Shen's family How can she look down upon the wealth of gold and silver?"
The eldest lady watched the whole process and saw that Wen Yiqing was not shy, but sincerely refused to agree. She said: "Since Qing Niang refuses, then forget it."
The third lady glanced sideways at her and sneered: "Everyone has left, sister-in-law, it's too late for you to say such nice things."
The eldest lady kept silent and stopped talking.
…
Wen Yiqing walked very fast, the lantern in her hand swayed with her movements, and the flames flickered up and down. She lowered her head and walked quickly through the uncle's house, paying no attention to anyone she met on the way. It wasn't until he got close to the small courtyard where he lived that his pace gradually slowed down.
She took a deep breath, and when she raised her head, her expression was as usual. Thinking of the little girl at home, she couldn't help but smile softly on her face.
She was carrying snacks and as soon as she walked in, Nurse Chen came up in a panic.
"Miss, it's not good!" the wet nurse said anxiously, "Sister Shan has not come back yet."
"Not back?!"
"Yes. The young masters and ladies in the house all go out together and come back together. The school is not late, and the ordinary rice has not been cooked before the young masters and ladies are back. Sister Shan never runs around. If she has other places to go , I will ask someone to tell me." The nanny said anxiously: "It's dark today, I haven't seen anyone, and I haven't heard any news."
Wen Yiqing's heart tightened. Just now she saw Qi Qing in Mrs. Qi's courtyard. The students from the school had already returned.
"Have you sent someone to look for it?"
"Sent! I asked people to go to the school to ask, but everyone has already left!"
Wen Yiqing put down the box, turned around and rushed out.
She first went to the main room to find Qi Yun.
Qi Yun was studying. When he heard the news, he was immediately surprised: "I went to the study today to buy books. I didn't take the carriage at home. I came back by myself. Shanshan hasn't come back yet?"
"She didn't say anything?"
Qi Yun shook his head: "I saw her for the last time during lunch, and I didn't listen to what she said. She is usually obedient, and the masters will not leave anyone alone."
Wen Yiqing felt even more panicked, so she just said thank you and left.
Qi Yun chased him from behind and said quickly: "Aunt, I didn't take good care of this matter. I'll help you find Shanshan."
"No need."
Qi Yun would not agree, so he quickly followed her.
As he walked, he ordered the servants around him: "Go and call a few more people and ask them to look for it together. We must find Shanshan back."
"Yes, young master."
Wen Yiqing thanked him softly.
Qi Yun apologized: "Auntie, there is no need to thank me. I originally promised my aunt that I would take care of Shanshan in the school. Now that Shanshan has gone missing, it is also my fault."
But how can this be blamed on him?
Wen Yiqing had no intention of comforting him at this time. She was too busy taking care of herself, so she could only write it down in her heart.
The two of them turned a corner and saw the second lady coming towards them from a distance. Wen Yiqing wanted to avoid her, but to her surprise, when the second lady saw her, her eyes suddenly lit up, and she pulled the child beside her and walked over quickly: "Qing Niang, Xing'er has something to tell you."
Qi Xing hesitantly hid behind his mother: "Mother..."
Wen Yiqing frowned, "Second sister-in-law, I have something urgent to do now, let's talk about it when I get back."
"This is also a big deal for me." The second lady lowered her head and said sternly to her daughter: "Speak quickly!"
Qi Xing had tears in his eyes and wanted to hide, but was pulled out from behind by his mother. She glanced at Wen Yiqing. Normally her aunt was kind and treated her well, but now she didn't dare to look at her. She twisted her clothes and said timidly: "Shan Shan was left behind."
Wen Yiqing looked over suddenly, "What did you say?!"
"When school was over today, I sat in the carriage waiting for them. The second brother and the fourth sister came first. Before Shanshan came out, they said they wanted to go home first." Her voice became softer and softer, ashamed. De did not dare to raise his head: "Shan Shan was left behind..."
The wet nurse couldn't help but rushed forward: "Why didn't you tell me about such a big thing earlier?!"
"Fourth sister doesn't allow me to tell you." Qi Xing cried, "I dare not say it."
She is timid, her biological father died young, and her second wife is even more inconspicuous at home. She looks at people with trepidation. Although Qi Qing is younger than her, she dare not disobey Qi Qing. But this fact was too big. Seeing that it was getting dark and Shanshan hadn't returned home yet, she couldn't hide it and couldn't help but tell her mother.
The second lady looked guilty: "Qing Niang, I'm sorry, this is all my fault."
Wen Yiqing turned pale after hearing this.
Shanshan was still so young, she didn't dare to let her child wander around alone even during the day. The school was so far away from the uncle's house that even a carriage would have to travel for half an hour, not to mention it was dark today.
Although her little girl is usually big-hearted, she is the most timid and will hide in her arms when it rains or thunders. Her stupid head doesn't know the way around, and she always takes the wrong turn at home. At this time, the shop is closed, there's no one on the road, and it's pitch black. How scared should she be?
If she encounters a bad person, how can a five-year-old girl resist? !
The more she thought about it, the more panicked she became. Wen Yiqing staggered, and the nanny quickly supported her and reminded her: "Miss, there are still stones. The stones are with Sister Shan."
She grabbed the wet nurse's hand so hard that her knuckles turned white.
"Yes, yes. And there are stones." She cheered up quickly.
Shitou used to be a little beggar and is very smart. He is strong and can recognize the way. There are also stones following Shanshan.
Wen Yiqing bit the tip of his tongue hard and let the dull pain calm him down.
Qi Yun frowned. At this time, it was too late to ask anything else. He hurriedly said: "Auntie, I'll call a few more people and ask everyone in the house to look for Shanshan. They will definitely find him."
She nodded, picked up her dress and walked out, but was stopped by Qi Yun again: "Aunt, please wait at home. If Shanshan comes back, you will be the first to know. Besides, you haven't been in the capital for long. I’m not familiar with the roads in the capital, and it’s already dark today, and it’s even harder to recognize. Let the people in the mansion go.”
Wen Yiqing looked at him, "But..."
"I'll stop by the Yamen on the way and ask the officials to look for him together."
She had a pale face and hesitated for a long time before nodding. Instead of going back, she went to the front hall to wait. If Shanshan came back, she would be able to see him at a glance.
The wet nurse brought her a cup of tea. She shook her hands and the cup shook, making clear and crisp knocking sounds. She took a sip.
Everyone was gone, and the front hall was eerily quiet. She could clearly hear her heartbeat beating like a drum.
"Where's Qi Qing?" she suddenly said.
Wen Yiqing's face turned pale, and he gritted his teeth and squeezed out words from between his teeth: "She lost my child, where is she?!"
…
The night falls low and the moon hangs high.
A crow somewhere in the treetop crowed, and Shanshan's stomach also growled for the fourth time.
She lay on Shitou's shoulders aggrievedly, "Brother Shitou, are we there yet?"
"No."
"Then...how about I go by myself?"
"No need." Shitou said, "I have the strength."
"oh."
In fact, she couldn't walk anymore.
Shanshan lay on his back, the tender soles of his feet burning with pain. She is usually lazy and needs to be carried when walking. When she was at home, her mother and wet nurse pampered her, and she had never walked so many walks.
I usually sit in the carriage, talk to my cousins, and look at the scenery outside, as if I will be there soon. But when he started walking, Shanshan realized that it was actually such a long distance from school to home.
Shanshan asked again: "Brother Shitou, are we on the right track this time?"
Shitou said in a muffled voice: "It should be right."
Shan Shan sighed sadly.
They had seen the capital many times during the day, and Shanshan had patronized many shops, but at night, she didn't recognize them at all. All the shop doors were closed, and the streets became dark, as if a man-eating monster would emerge from the darkness at any time. Shan Shan shrank on the back of the stone in fear.
If she had gone alone, she would have been scared to tears.
"Brother Shitou, luckily I still have you. Every time I get lost, you can find me back." Shanshan said with lingering fear: "Otherwise, I don't know what to do."
"..."
Shitou said nothing, lowered his head and quickened his pace.
In the empty night, everything was silent, all sounds were amplified, and the night wind whistled past my ears.
The sound of horse hooves came from nowhere.
Shi Shi stopped and Shanshan straightened up with support on his shoulders, looking around in panic.
The sounds of horse hooves kicking and wheels rolling were inaudible at first, but in the blink of an eye they became clear, rumbling like thunder in the sky, ringing in my ears.
Shanshan's voice trembled: "Shi, Brother Shitou, what is it?"
Shitou didn't make a sound, but quickly hid behind her. He put down Shanshan and stood in front of her, looking warily towards the end of the road. In the dark night, his gray eyes were as bright as a wild wolf.
Almost immediately, the voice was approaching.
Several horses pulled a luxurious carriage and entered Beijing in the middle of the night. Lanterns were hung on the four corners of the carriage, and it came galloping with a bright fire. The guards riding around were all tall and straight, and the sabers on their waists collided with the saddles, making a loud sound. A dull sound. Like a sheathed blade, it hides its edge and is powerful.
The two children opened their eyes wide and pressed their backs nervously against the door panel of the roadside shop.
I saw the rumble of carriages and horses approaching. Suddenly, the guards and drivers tightened their reins, the horses neighed, and the carriages and guards all stopped not far from them.
Shan Shan swallowed hard.
She tried her best to move back, but her whole body was pressed against the door panel, and there was no way she could retreat. Her eyes were wide open, and she met the cold gazes of the guards in horror.
Sun, has Sun Dasheng ever fought such monsters?
A hand reached out from the carriage.
The car curtain was lifted, revealing the cold and steady face of the person inside.
Emperor: "Wen Shan?"
