Yunshangju is the most famous silk and satin shop in Chengdu. It has a two-story long pavilion with green tiles. There is a striking couplet hanging on both sides of the entrance, which is taken from Li Taibai's popular poem "Clouds think of clothes, flowers think of faces, spring breeze Revlon on the threshold." echoes the name of the store.
Yaoniang went in and chose a piece of ready-made clothing. After putting it on, she found that the size was just right.
“Does it look good?”
Yaoniang finished dressing and turned around in front of Pei Liang. The dress she chose was a crimson jacket and a satin white dress, which outlined her beautiful figure and charming temperament very well.
Pei Liang nodded. His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't.
"You're so stupid, forget it"
Yaoniang, who was expecting to hear some compliments, was obviously disappointed and waved her hand to Pei Liang to pay quickly.
When she came out, she saw that Pei Liang was still holding the clothes she had changed into, and Yaoniang's smile suddenly became ambiguous.
"What are you doing with my clothes? Could it be..."
Pei Liang held up the bamboo hat on his head and coughed: "Don't think nonsense!"
"Then don't you lose it?"
Pei Liang hesitated again and again, and whispered: "Didn't you see the look in the boy's eyes when I took your clothes away, as if he wanted to swallow me alive?"
Yaoniang bent over and laughed. After she finished laughing, she said with a look of disdain, "Do you men all have this habit?"
"What's the hobby?" Pei Liang asked confused:
"You're still pretending!"
Yaoniang spat.
The number one scholar of the dynasty, "Liu Jinyan", was worshiped as the Minister of Honglu Temple and was promoted to the fourth rank. He was appointed by the emperor as the consolation envoy to Chengdu. Before the arrival of the alternate general, he was in charge of all military and political affairs in Chengdu. He was the most popular figure here.
His residence is located in the picturesque Queqiao Lane in the west of the city. It was originally the luxurious courtyard of the local chief envoy. It has five rooms and nine bays, with beams and brackets, green and green decoration, and it is majestic.
A black plaque hung directly above a pair of animal-faced tin rings at the door, with two large gold-lacquered characters written on the Liu family.
When Pei Liang and Pei Liang arrived in front of the Liu Mansion, it was already dark and it was time for the banquet.
After knocking on the door and reporting to the doorman, a man dressed as a butler came out.
"We are a distinguished guest. We have been waiting for you for a long time." The old housekeeper had a friendly face and invited Pei Liang and Yaoniang to the house politely.
Walk all the way through the screen wall, walk through the corridor, and come to the spacious and bright vestibule.
"You two have a rest for a moment. I will report to the master immediately." After the old housekeeper left, a group of maids came out to greet them. Pei Liang followed them into the flower hall. After sitting down, the maids began to make tea.
Pei Liang glanced at it and saw that the No. 1 scholar knew how to enjoy himself. The maid he found was not only young and beautiful, but the flower hall where he received guests had just been renovated, and she was full of elegance and luxury.
Unlike Pei Liang who was carefree, Yaoniang looked worried after she came in.
After making an appointment for a cup of tea, Liu Jinyan, dressed in casual clothes, walked in surrounded by four or five followers.
"Oh Brother Pei! I'm busy with chores, so I'm sorry for missing you. Please forgive me!"
As soon as Liu Jinyan came in, he bowed his hands in a very familiar manner and apologized repeatedly.
Pei Liang stood up, cupped his fists and saluted: "Your Excellency is busy with official duties, so I feel sorry for you that I still come here to bother you."
The young and handsome scholar quickly grabbed Pei Liang's hand and laughed boldly: "Brother Pei saved my wife's life, but I, the great benefactor of the Liu family, can come here today to enjoy the honor. The rich and beautiful people in the family It's such a great honor to be born, why bother talking about it."
After Liu Jinyan finished speaking, he glanced at Yaoniang who was still sitting, and asked tentatively with a concerned look on her face: "If Madam, you are slightly ill, I have a doctor with excellent medical skills in my house..."
"A common girl is pregnant and is unable to salute. Please forgive me."
Yaoniang immediately stood up and interrupted Liu Jinyan.
"Ah! Congratulations!" Liu Jinyan said congratulations to the two of them with a look of surprise.
Pei Liang smiled slightly: "Let the adults laugh."
Liu Jinyan stopped and said with a smile: "Brother Pei, Brother Pei, I'm not telling you, you should say hello in advance for such an important matter so that I can make arrangements in advance."
"It doesn't matter, where is Mrs. Liu?" Pei Liang changed the subject.
"Oh, the housekeeper has already notified you. She should be on the way." After saying this, Liu Jinyan waved to a maid.
"Are you going to see where Madam is?"
Pei Liang said quickly: "Just ask casually, no need to bother."
Liu Jinyan smiled and said: "After Madam came back, she has been grateful for Brother Pei's kindness. We and I must express our gratitude today."
"It's just a matter of effort. This time a foreign ship suddenly appeared crossing the river. Sir, you should take precautions in advance."
When Liu Jinyan heard Pei Liang's words, he nodded repeatedly: "I have received information. It is just a sightseeing boat of the alien race. They are not used to water warfare and cannot build enough warships. I have sent people to pay close attention to the alien race's every move. , I have everything within a hundred miles of Chengdu under my control, Brother Pei can rest assured."
At this moment, the butler came in and said, "Sir, everything is ready and the banquet can begin at any time."
Liu Jinyan laughed and took Pei Liang's arm: "Brother Pei, let's chat while we eat."
The banquet was held in the main hall, with bright lights, a cloud of servants, and beauties singing and dancing.
Liu Jinyan asked Pei Liang and Yaoniang to sit down, then got up and poured wine for Pei Liang himself.
Pei Liang glanced at him and saw Lu Qingyan, dressed in fine clothes, walking into the main hall accompanied by Xiao Wan.
"I've met Mrs. Liu." Pei Liang stood up and greeted her.
When Lu Qingyan came in, her brows seemed a little angry. She glared at Liu Jinyan first, then smiled and said a blessing to Pei Liang: "I have met my benefactor, and you are well."
"Qing Yan, you are finally here, sit down quickly."
Liu Jinyan quickly stood up and moved out the brocade stool.
Lu Qingyan didn't even look at him. After sitting down, she took the lead in picking up the wine glass: "My benefactor is a great benefactor, so Lu Qingyan does it first as a token of respect."
Liu Jinyan hurriedly stood up and raised his glass: "Ma'am, don't be anxious..." While speaking, Lu Qingyan had finished the wine.
Liu Jinyan looked a little embarrassed, but still smiled and handed over the wine glass: "My wife is quick to speak and eager to repay kindness. Liu also thanked Brother Pei here."
"I don't dare to take it seriously. Thank you Mr. Liu and Mrs. Liu for their warm hospitality." Pei Liang picked up the wine glass and greeted each other from a distance.
After both parties finished drinking, Liu Jinyan laughed, pointed to Yaoniang on the seat and said to Lu Qingyan: "Madam, please don't toast to Brother Pei's beloved wife anymore. I just learned that she is pregnant. You can't drink, so I ordered people to prepare good bird's nest and soup, which will be served shortly."
Lu Qingyan's eyes showed the gentleness and dignity unique to Jiangnan women. She immediately picked up a glass of wine, but the hand holding the glass trembled slightly in the air.
"Congratulations to my benefactor. I didn't mention it all the way. Please forgive me for treating my dear wife poorly."
"I didn't mention it to Mrs. Liu, I deserve the punishment."
Pei Liang drank three glasses in a row.
Yaoniang also smiled and picked up a cup of tea: "My officials have taken good care of me, and I don't dare to bother you. Yaoniang offered tea instead of wine to toast you two."
Lu Qingyan responded generously, and Liu Jinyan said a few polite words after drinking.
Liu Jinyan was active during the dinner, frequently calling for Pei Liang and Yaoniang to pick up their dishes. After the hot bird's nest and ginseng soup was served, he even delivered it to Yaoniang himself.
Lu Qingyan then winked at Xiao Wan, who nodded and left. When she returned to the table, she held a heavy package in her arms.
Lu Qingyan stood up and said: "If my benefactor needs help in the future, just ask. These are some small gifts prepared by me to express my feelings. I beg my benefactor not to refuse."
"That's right. From now on, Brother Pei can come to the house to see me anytime if you have anything to do. I've told the housekeeper that there is no need to notify you, just come in directly."
Liu Jinyan waved to the old butler who was standing respectfully beside him, and the old butler immediately took out two booklets from his arms.
"This is the customs clearance document made by my order. From now on, Brother Pei can come and go freely without any restrictions."
As Liu Jinyan spoke, he handed the booklet to Pei Liang's hand.
Pei Liang took the book and the package from Xiao Wan, clasped his fists and said, "In this case, it is better to obey orders than to be respectful."
"My benefactor, there is no need to leave in a hurry. The scenery in Jinguan City is not bad. You can take Miss Yaoniang around for a while."
Lu Qingyan reminded her thoughtfully,
Pei Liang nodded immediately.
In the end, Yaoniang hurriedly ended the banquet on the grounds of physical discomfort. Lu Qingyan and Liu Jinyan sent the two people out of the house until Pei Liang and Yaoniang faded away.
Lu Qingyan suddenly said: "What do you mean?"
Liu Jinyan, who looked calm, waved his hand to reject the servants, and said with a smile: "I wonder what happened to offend Madam?"
Lu Qingyan turned around: "Why are you so narrow-minded?"
Liu Jinyan said calmly: "Madam is complaining that I didn't send a housekeeper to notify you of Pei's arrival, so you can go out to greet him, right?"
Lu Qingyan looked at Liu Jinyan coldly: "You are the most hypocritical person!"
Liu Jinyan smiled and said: "Madam, madam, I know you have always been prejudiced against me. You have been refusing to come to Chengdu because of illness just to avoid me. But since you and I are married, we don't expect to be of the same mind. At the very least, we should be loyal. You should abide by it.”
"I have no regrets. It's you who has the unfounded suspicion." Lu Qingyan sneered.
Liu Jinyan's brows immediately showed anger that could no longer be suppressed: "Am I narrow-minded and unreasonably suspicious? You let an unrelated man board the official ship and travel with you, and even had secret meetings during the period, without any regard for your Identity, where do you want me to put my dignity as the number one scholar?"
"Despite this, I still love you in every possible way and hold back, but you still won't let me touch you with your fingers..."
Liu Jinyan, who was looking more and more excited, stopped and looked around as he said this, as if he was afraid of being heard by others.
"Liu, although I have no feelings for you, I have always adhered to women's ethics. You claim to be so capable, can't this be found out?"
Facing Lu Qingyan's questioning, Liu Jinyan's face softened slightly and he calmed down.
"Although your body has not forgiven me, your heart has always been with this bastard named Pei. Don't think I can't see it. He is a rough and tumble man. How can he compare to me? I'll put this matter aside for the time being. If you continue to struggle with him, don't blame me. I will hand a piece of complaint to my father-in-law for his comment."
Liu Jinyan finished speaking and walked away.
Lu Qingyan took a deep breath and glanced at the moon tonight, as clean as someone's eyes.
Pei Liang and Yaoniang were walking on the somewhat deserted street.
"There's something wrong with you today." Pei Liang turned his head and glanced at Yaoniang, who was walking with her head down.
"Are you blaming me for saying I was your wife when I entered the city? Or are you blaming me for talking nonsense during the dinner? Yaoniang's voice was very muffled.
Pei Liang shook his head: "Mrs. Liu and I have nothing to do with each other. I don't care what you say. I'm just afraid that you will keep it in your heart and feel uncomfortable."
Yaoniang stopped suddenly. When she looked up again, her eyes were red: "I have nothing to worry about, so we shouldn't come to Chengdu."
Before Pei Liang could say anything, Yaoniang suddenly acted like a child, kicking and beating him.
"Smelly Pei Liang, why are you so nice to me..."
As Yaoniang spoke, her voice became choked with sobs: "No matter what happens, you can't leave me behind."
Pei Liang felt a little guilty. Ever since Yaoniang followed him, he had shed tears frequently.
Yaoniang raised her head with tears on her face and asked again in a trembling voice. "Did you hear that?"
"I promise you," Pei Liang said softly.
———
Good rain knows the season, when spring is here.
Sneaked into the night wind, moisten things silently.
The wild paths are all dark with clouds, but the river boats are only bright with fire.
Look at the red and wet place at dawn, the flowers are heavy on the official city.
Du Gongbu's "Spring Night Happy Rain" is probably the most famous poem in Chengdu in history.
When Yaoniang woke up, she heard the patter of rain outside the window again.
After washing properly, Pei Liang brought the package presented by Lu Qingyan. After opening it, they were both surprised.
There was a bag full of yellow gold ingots, with a stack of silver notes in the middle. Yaoniang picked up one of them, each worth one thousand taels, and the last two were worth five thousand taels each. There was also a red sandalwood box at the bottom. After opening it, there was An emerald hairpin and two round jade pendants, with lifelike mandarin ducks engraved on them.
Yaoniang picked up the jade hairpin. The color was like a pool of clear water, translucent and bright, uniform and flawless. It was the best jade material among jadeite, and the carving was also very exquisite. It was obviously made by a famous craftsman in the world.
"I don't want the hairpin, but we each have a mandarin duck pendant." Yaoniang said, putting down the hairpin, taking out the jade pendant, and gave one to Pei Liang.
"Since it's your intention, put it all away." Pei Liang casually hung the jade pendant around his waist.
"It's okay, I sold it when I was short of money." Yaoniang put the box away.
"Mrs. Liu is so generous, I think she really loves you!" Yaoniang suddenly sighed.
"For someone with a distinguished background, it's natural for them to give expensive gifts," Pei Liang said.
"Yes! It's not like me. I have a bad fate, a bad background, a low level of education, and a bad temper. How can someone like this lady be gentle, dignified, and virtuous?"
"What's wrong with you?" Pei Liang smiled.
Yaoniang couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.
