On this day, Xu Anping got up early in the morning and rushed to have breakfast with the Yu family. Seeing that the atmosphere was not bad, Daddy Yu's voice sucking the soup was louder as usual, and it seemed that today's porridge and pickles were more flavorful than some time ago; Aunt Yu didn't talk about Xiaohu being naughty, Yi Lian'er was wearing a plain cloth skirt, and she was still eating delicately as usual. Xu Anping gnawed on his nest head, and said casually without raising his head: "Auntie, I want to go to the county to find a job during this time of farming." Now that I'm in good health, I can't stay idle at home all the time. ”

Yi Lian'er raised her puzzled eyes, still stunned. Aunt Yu put the chopsticks on the table with a "snap", so frightened that Xu Anping almost bit his tongue, he was afraid that Aunt Yu would be angry, although he had never twisted his ears. "Anping, is the aunt missing a bite for you? Your body is just getting better, you can't eat and sleep well when you go out to work, if there are three long and two short, I can only jump the Taiping River......"

With the chattering sound, Xu Anping seemed to hear the tightening spell, and he really had a terrible headache, and he couldn't wait to directly open his throat and stuff the head of the nest directly into it, and quickly escape after eating. "Ahem, ahem!" I quickly took a sip of soup and felt a small hand patting my back.

Father Yu finished the soup slowly, turned his face sideways and took over the conversation. "it, don't talk about it. Anping is a great guy, and he is in good health. His body looks a little weaker, but he hasn't been sick a few times since he was a child. It's good to go to the city to see him, we can't keep him by our side all the time. Go out to see the world, you can still earn some flowers, don't be like us in the future, you can only dig in the soil. As he spoke, he turned to Xu Anping again, "Anping! Your father has also opened a mask for you, you are patient and smart and knowledgeable, see if you can go to the county to recognize an accounting master to learn to do accounts. You used to be an apprentice in a printing shop, and that's fine. If it weren't for this incident, you would have been able to become a small worker in a few years, and you would have been able to get a lot of money a month. ”

Xu Anping was secretly happy in his heart, and finally had a reason to go to the county seat. "I listen to Daddy Yu." After speaking, ignoring Yi Lian'er's worried eyes and Yu Xiaohu's excited expression, he hurriedly finished eating and was about to set off.

Before he reached the head of the village, he heard Yu Xiaohu shouting at himself from behind. "Brother Anping, Brother Anping! Wait a minute, I've got something to do with you. ”

"What's wrong? Little Tiger. I can't take you to the county this time, I'll be back in the evening. ”

Yu Xiaohu ran sweaty, panting and said, "Brother Anping, I... It's not about you... Go to the county seat. I have something for you. If you make money in the county, can you buy me some maltose and bring it back? As he spoke, he couldn't help but swallow, and then his face turned red again.

Xu Anping smiled and said, "Okay! Then you have to be obedient at home, and you have to protect your sister. You're a manly man now, you can't be naughty anymore, go back. ”

Yu Xiaohu immediately held his head high, nodded heavily, and turned around to walk back. After a few steps, he couldn't help but turn his head and say, "Brother Anping, don't forget to buy me maltose." ”

Xu Anping shook his head helplessly and walked on the road to the county. Recently, there has been no rain or snow, and the road surface is hard and dry, so it is very easy to walk. An hour later, Xu Anping had arrived at the county seat twenty-five miles away. At this time, just after the end of the day, when I entered the south gate, I saw that there were already many people on the street, and the hawkers were shouting one after another. In order to facilitate the task, he came to the county two years ago and has been working in the "He Ji" printing shop not far away. In the past, I felt that the county was very prosperous, but this time, from the perspective of future generations, it is not as lively as the township market, and it is much less attractive. Because of the task, Xu Anping went straight to the Renyan Market in the north of the city. As soon as I walked into the bustling market, I saw boys and girls who were planting grass and selling their bodies to bury their relatives, as well as a few well-dressed people pointing and picking and choosing. has seen a lot of tragic things, and Xu Anping has no fluctuations in his heart.

At this time, a thin middle-aged man with a smile on his face, but who looked obscene, came over, "This lord, the contemptible Wang Tiancai, has been a man for twenty years." If you have any requirements, just mention it, whether it is a yellow-haired girl or a young girl, or a family thug or something, you are satisfied! ”

Xu Anping looked up and looked around, completely clueless, so he said, "I'm looking for someone to Su, please help me call it." ”

"Find me the same, absolutely give you the lowest price." The middle-aged man looked at Xu Anping with no interest at all, so he turned his head and shouted angrily: "Ren Lingsu, someone is looking for it!" Then he missed his body and warmly greeted the person behind him.

"Coming, coming, who's looking for me?" Only then did Xu Anping see a small old man squeezing over from the crowd. The old man had blue eyes, a haggard face, a black mole on the left side of his lips, and two black hairs growing on it, his hair was tied loosely, and he wore a satin robe with money printed on it, which was obviously one size larger, and he habitually hunched his waist at the sight of people.

Xu Anping pulled Su towards the place where there were few people, "Master Su, I'm going to Deng Mansion to be a housekeeper, please bother." ”

As soon as Ren Ling Su heard this, he immediately straightened up, held his head high, and said proudly, "Oh? You're pretty well informed. The Deng family is one of the richest families in Qingping County, and they are indeed recruiting a family recently, and it is not easy for you to go! As he spoke, he pretended to rub his left thumb and index finger unintentionally.

Xu Anping continued: "Someone should have told you in advance, right? ”

The panic in Ren Lingsu's eyes flashed, and he said in surprise, "What do you mean?" I don't just promise someone this kind of thing. It's a rare opportunity, and it would be a shame to miss it. I heard that the Deng family's Ding Yueyin has five yuan, and there is meat to eat every three or five days, and there are a lot of red envelopes at the end of the year. Shaking his head and saying that it was a pity, it seemed that he was thinking about Xu Anping.

Xu Anping laughed secretly in his heart, daring to blackmail Lao Tzu, this old thing is really incompetent. "Then don't bother your old man." After speaking, he did not hesitate, turned around and left.

Ren Lingsu was also stunned when he saw that Xu Anping was not fooled. reacted, pretended to be abrupt, and hurriedly caught up. "Little brother, don't be in a hurry to go, stay and stay. I remembered that someone did greet me and said he wanted to do an errand for his nephew. Look at my memory, it's true that the older a person gets, the more forgetful he becomes. "I remembered that I had already sent ten taels of silver to the housekeeper of the Deng Mansion, and I lost the other ten taels of silver given by that person last night, and I didn't dare to let Xu Anping go.

Xu Anping also stopped and said narrowly: "Master Su, I'm really embarrassed. I also want to rush home to make sure I made a mistake. I'm really sorry for your trouble. ”

Knowing that the trick was discovered, Ren Lingsu said angrily: "Come with me, don't be stupid." Xu Anping followed behind Ren Lingsu, and turned around in the alley to a wide road. Ren Lingsu listlessly pointed to a big mansion not far away, "Well, that is the back door of the Deng Mansion, you are waiting for me here at the beginning of November 3rd." I'll take you to meet the manager of the Deng Mansion, whether you can enter the Deng family and become a housekeeper depends on your own creation. After speaking, he didn't care if Xu Anping had anything else to do, and left directly.

Xu Anping saw that it was still early, so he habitually circled around the Deng Mansion twice, looked at the height of the courtyard wall and the trees beside the wall, and walked through the surrounding alleys as if he was lost, silently noting down the route, terrain and buildings. Next, Xu Anping began to wander around the noisy street, bought a baked cake for two cents and ate it while walking, his eyes were still pretending to be unintentional at the shops on the street, and the "Deng Ji Silk Village" in the bustling area was quite eye-catching. Continue to walk forward, near the east gate of the county seat, and see a larger face of the "Deng Ji Silk Village", although there are not many guests inside, but they are all dressed in satin, wearing a staff hat, and there are two small houses around them. secretly said in his heart: The Deng family really deserves to be the rich family of Qingping.

After stopping for a moment, Xu Anping looked up and saw that the sun was already in the west, and estimated that it was too late, so he decided to return to Yujia Village. Walking down the street where I came, the flow of people began to decrease. Suddenly, I heard a woman shouting in a heroic and slightly anxious voice: "Get out of the way! Get out of the way! The carriage got out of control. Get out of the way! At this time, Xu Anping saw a pretty face that was so bright that there was no smoke and dust, and there was a hint of stubbornness, although his forehead was sweaty and the green silk was scattered, he still held on to the reins of the carriage tightly, trying to control the direction and avoid the crowd. A coachman chasing after the carriage was even more anxious, and he was about to cry, "Miss! Miss! Tighten the reins and don't let go! ”

Xu Anping saw that the carriage was rushing towards him, and his first reaction was to avoid the restaurant next to him. But I don't know what's going on, my heart moves, and I don't want this pretty face to have a little scar. So, he put his raised foot back in place, and when he saw that the horse was about to rush in front of him, he feigned panic and tilted his foot slightly but did not move, and raised his hand to the horse's head. It gives people the impression that this person has been scared stupid, and he wants to dodge but can't take a step, so he can only unconsciously block it with his hand. There were a few exclamations around, the timid woman had closed her eyes, and the woman in the car had her eyes rounded.

When Xu Anping stretched out his hand and was about to approach the horse's head, he suddenly increased the strength of his hand, imprinted it on the bridge of the horse's nose, and his body fell backwards with the reaction force brought by the horse. He deliberately controlled his body to fall diagonally backwards and fell to the ground with a "snap". The people around him let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly asked if the injuries were serious. Xu Anping cooperated with the concern of the onlookers, rubbed his chest and stood up and said that it was okay.

At this time, the carriage went forward a few more steps before stopping, and the girl handed the reins and the whip to the coachman, hurriedly squeezed through the crowd and came over, and asked with concern, "Little brother, are you alright?" What's uncomfortable? I'll take you to the doctor. ”

Everyone wanted to scold a few times, but when they saw that it was a girl with bright eyes and bright teeth, rich clothes and a sincere tone, they were really embarrassed to say anything.

Xu Anping glanced up, the girl's hair was combed into a flat and round peach, wearing a light cyan collared waist-length skirt, the anxiety in her eyes had not disappeared, her forehead was slightly red, it may have hit the carriage when the carriage stopped sharply just now, and her delicate lips looked even more rosy because of the clenched bite of her teeth just now. He put down the hand that was clutching his chest, lowered his head and said, "I'm fine." ”

The girl rummaged through her purse and said anxiously, "You were hit just now, how can you be okay." If you don't want to go to the doctor now, you have five taels of silver here. When you feel unwell, go to the doctor. As he spoke, he shoved Xu Anping's hand.

"I really don't need to." Xu Anping didn't raise his head, hit the dust behind him with his hands, squeezed through the crowd and left.

The girl returned to the carriage in confusion, still wondering if the boy was okay just now, and saw that the horse was sneezing and kicking his legs. When the girl got into the carriage, the coachman led the horse slowly with the reins in his hand, and his mouth was still muttering: "Miss, don't steal the carriage next time." It was too dangerous for the carriage to get out of control, but fortunately it didn't hurt anyone this time, otherwise it would have been a big problem...... The old lady blames me, and I can't afford it. In the future, it will be difficult for the eldest lady to go out......" "Got it, Uncle Wang." I'm not going to drive the carriage next time. "Miss, every time you say this, you still ...... when I'm not paying attention" In the chatter of the coachman, the girl arrived at the side door of the Deng Mansion, sneaked into the room, sat down and was in a daze, and murmured: "That little brother should be fine, right?" It's definitely fine." As he spoke, he also shook his delicate and small fist, as if he was cheering Xu Anping up.

At this time, Xu Anping was walking on the way back to Yujia Village, humming a little song briskly. "I should be able to get home in time for dinner. I told Aunt Yu that I had found a job in the rice shop, and I could learn to keep accounts while working, and I had a salary of 100 wen a month. ”

At the end of the morning of November 3, Mrs. Yu knocked on Xu Anping's door. "Anping, get up quickly, come and try the cotton clothes that the eldest lady made for you." Yi Lian'er, who followed behind, was still steaming with breakfast, and the tip of her delicate nose was already frozen red.

Xu Anping lit the lamp and opened the door, and hurriedly let Aunt Yu and Yi Lian'er into the room, and saw that it was still dark outside. "Auntie, you don't have to bother, how good it is to change this dress for Xiaohu to wear. The rice shop gives clothes to the workers. "Lian'er, put the bowl on the table, don't burn your hands."

"Where the clothes given over there will fit, they will wear the clothes made by the eldest mother. Xiaohu is still a little kid, as long as his clothes can cover his buttocks. ”

Xu Anping changed into a green cloth cotton coat, and looked at the dense stitches on the cloth spun by Aunt Yu, and a warm current surged in his heart. When she turned her head to show Aunt Yu if it fits, she was even more moved when she saw Yi Lian'er hurriedly put down her hands that were touching her earlobes. "This little girl is really sensible and distressing." I secretly made up my mind: this is my family. If anyone lets them be harmed, I will kill them.

After breakfast, Xu Anping took Aunt Yu's thousands of instructions and Yi Lian'er's reluctant eyes, and led the burden towards the county seat. Hurry up and hurry, and finally arrived at the back door of the Deng family's mansion at the beginning of the morning, and it was only slightly bright at this time. After nearly half an hour, Ren Lingsu walked out of an alley leisurely, and kept muttering: "What fucking luck!" I finally took a pair of double earth chiefs, and I met a double heaven supreme. I can't live this day. ”

Seeing Xu Anping waiting, Ren Lingsu said angrily: "Come so early!" Delay the master to sleep. He yawned a long time, then squinted and dozed off.

After Xu Anping heard this, he smiled and didn't react. After waiting for nearly half an hour, the back door opened, and Steward Cai stretched out lazily. Seeing Ren Ling Su waiting at the door with a young man with a burden, Steward Cai raised his head slightly and said, "Old Su, is this person honest?" The Deng family is a big family, so don't want some scum. ”

When Ren Lingsu heard the sound of the door opening, he immediately slumped his back and bent over, as if he had no bones. Hearing Steward Cai's question, he hurriedly replied flatteringly: "Don't worry, Master Cai, I won't dare to fool you if I fool anyone!" You are my food and clothing. This kid is my distant nephew, and he recently came to join me. I saw him as honest and reliable, so I brought him to you. ”

"Okay. Since you've packed the ticket, I'll believe you. And this silver ......"

"Cai Ye, are you stinky of me? If you give me money, don't you slap me in the face? If there is a business in the future, you will be enough for me to chew the grain. ”

"Then I'll count it with you next time. Whoever comes in with me. As he spoke, he beckoned Xu Anping into the Deng Mansion. Seeing that Ling Su was still following behind, he waved his hand and said, "Lao Su, what should you do!" Don't hang around here. ”

"Alas, alas! Okay, Cai Ye. Then you get busy first. Ren Lingsu bowed over and watched Steward Cai close the back door, before he spat on the ground, "What's the big deal!" It's not a dog of the Deng family. It's like a master, come if you want to, and leave if you want. After speaking, his mood improved, and he walked towards the north of the city singing "***".

Xu Anping waited in the courtyard. Steward Cai came over with a contract and said, "Your salary is four yuan a month, and your food and accommodation are in the Deng Mansion." I'll arrange what to do later. After signing this contract, you will be a member of the Deng Mansion in the future. I will go to the county government to convert you into a slave. ”

Xu Anping was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and then he reacted, Uncle Lin, the old Wang Ba, came to pit himself again. If my slavery was known to my dead parents, they would not be angry enough to come back to life. If Aunt Yu knew that she had changed her slave status privately, she would be angry. "Steward Cai, this may not work. My father was a scholar, and he wouldn't have let me change to slavery. Su Ye hadn't told me about it before. ”

Steward Cai was stunned for a moment, and then said angrily: "You are here to find happiness in Deng Mansion!" Come to be a housekeeper, you don't want to become a slave yet, who do you think you are? You have to sign it today, and you have to sign it if you don't. ”

"Maybe something got it wrong. Steward Cai, I'd better ask Su Ye first. With that, he turned around and left.

"How daring! Dare to tease you! Deng Wu Deng Liu, beat this thief and threw it out. I saw two sturdy men blocking the way and reaching out to grab Xu Anping's shoulders.

Just when Xu Anping was hesitating whether to fight back, a delicate voice with a little heroism came from outside the small courtyard, which seemed quite familiar. "Steward Cai, what made you so angry?" As soon as the words fell, Xu Anping saw through the arch the girl who was driving a horse-drawn carriage on the street a few days ago. The two looked at each other, and the girl's eyes flashed with a bright smile, and her big bright eyes narrowed unconsciously. He didn't dare to look more, so he quickly lowered his head and pretended not to know.

"Miss, why are you here? This is where the slaves live. Here's the thing......" Steward Cai explained the situation to the girl in a low voice.

"Oh, it's not a big deal either. You rewrite a contract and make a two-year living contract with him. The girl said lightly, and her eyes fell on Xu Anping's body again.

"But... But there has never been such a rule in the family! ”

"It's okay, I'll talk to my dad about it." Xu Anping glanced up, and the girl winked at him mischievously, as if to say: This time we are clear.

"Sister, sister! Where are you hiding? How I can't find you! A little boy's voice came from outside the courtyard.

"It's coming, it's coming." Before the silver bell-like words fell, the girl had already walked quickly.

There seemed to be a lingering scent of the girl's body in the air.