Chapter Ninety-One: Still as Water
It was almost dusk, outside the Xiding Gate by the Guangji Bridge, Xia Shunqiu was anxiously waiting, only Jian Chun was alone. Not far away, a carriage was waiting, and a coachman was also looking around, he was Yu Tao, the driver of the Tang Mansion. He was not worried about Miss Xiafu, but worried about his master running back and forth.
According to the agreed time, a morning had already passed, Tang Tong was waiting at Xidingmen, seeing that the time had not yet arrived, Lan Tingshu was afraid that Xia Xun and Qiu would be in a hurry for a long time, so he hurriedly rode a horse to inform him. I can't wait for a while, and I'm afraid that Lan Tingshu will go to greet him again, so it's been three trips back and forth, and even Yu Tao is secretly anxious, don't talk about Xia Xunqiu and Jianchun.
On the fourth trip, Tang Tong didn't come with a ride, followed by a fast horse and whip, and Lan Tingmei who was sweating at the other. When he arrived at Guangji Bridge, Lan Tingmei grabbed the horse and jumped down, threw the reins to Tang Tong, and asked him to tie the horse.
ran in front of Xia Xunqiu and said, "My brother was locked up by my father, what should I do?", bowed down breathlessly, and it seemed that as soon as he knew, he ran over without resting.
Xia Xunqiu was even more anxious, with questions, "How did you reveal the news?" How did the Marquis of Yunyang know?", both of them asked each other, and neither of them had figured out how to do it next.
Tang Tong did not tie the horses, but led two horses to them. It was also a gasping suggestion, "The matter has been revealed, and besides, it is getting late, and the city gates are probably closed, so we can only wait for tomorrow to make plans.".
"No! I have to rush back, aren't you in charge of the city gate?", Lan Tingmei looked at Tang Tong anxiously.
"My aunt! Open the city gate without permission, and I, the city gate captain, will be able to do it.".
"I don't care! It's all your people, who knows?", Lan Tingmei stood up, ignoring nothing.
Xia Xunqiu, who was on the side, didn't want the two to stalemate, so he came out to persuade; "If you know people and faces, you don't know your heart, so you're afraid that someone will sue you, so it's better to be cautious! And where are we going in the wilderness?".
This is indeed a problem, Lan Tingmei has never thought about it, it is certain that Tang Tong will have a way. So he turned to look at him, "It's up to you!".
"There is one of my mills in Zhoucun ahead, so I can go there and rest for the night.".
"I still have to go back, otherwise my father will beat me on the head.", Lan Tingmei still insisted on her opinion, it seemed that she would not give up until she achieved her goal.
It's okay to escape by herself, but Lan Tingmei can't end up like herself, and looks at Tang Tong eagerly, "Think of a way!" You've got to find a way!".
Tang Tong hesitated for a moment, then suddenly jumped on the horse, "Get on the horse!" I'll have you pulled up with a hanging basket.".
Lan Tingmei's heart lit up, and she quickly got on the horse and followed Tang Tong with a whip. There is no half-pillar incense time, a horse gallops over, and is looking forward to the summer and autumn and the spring, at a glance it is Tang Tong.
"Miss! Tang Gongzi is back!", Jian Chun was so happy that he jumped up, to be honest, it was already dark, just the two of them and Yu Tao, without Tang Tong, who was in charge, Xia Xunqiu was really worried and afraid.
When Tang Tong rode in front of him and jumped off the horse quickly, Xia Xunqiu's heart quieted down. Has Miss Lan entered the city?", this was just a routine question, she knew that Tang Tong would not even be unable to do this little thing.
Tang Tong just nodded, "Miss Xia, get in the car!" There is still some way to go in Zhoucun.".
It wasn't until Xia Xunqiu and Jianchun got into the carriage that Tang Tong waved his hand to let Yu Tao catch the car, and he followed behind. Sitting in the canopy, Xia Shunqiu and Jianchun, hearing the sound of horses' hooves behind, have an innate sense of security in their hearts, and sometimes can't help but open the curtain to see, in this dark night, there is a person like Tang Tong to escort, it is a great relief.
When they arrived at the Zhoucun mill, the proprietor came suddenly, which made the foreman of the mill stunned, and quickly asked people to cook, called people and personally participated in cleaning up the room. Taking advantage of this free time, Tang Tong took Xia Yue Qiu Jian Spring to visit the mill.
As soon as the water is full, the mill has to start, and this is the time for the stone mill to operate. Xia Xunqiu and Jianchun saw the water pushing the stone mill for the first time, the workers were operating, the grains were poured in, and after a while, they became fine white noodles, compared to the artificial stone mill they had seen, I don't know how much faster, and the two of them could see it.
Or Xia Xunqiu understood first, "How did Lord Tang come up with such a good way?".
"Jiangnan grinds noodles like this, your uncle is directly transported, and I have to do it myself.", Tang Tong smiled suddenly.
Jian Chun was born smart and wise, and he saw it at a deeper level, "One less businessman, one more profit, no wonder Tang Gongzi's business is doing well!".
Jian Chun's words shocked Tang Tong's heart, ordinary people can't see this layer." It's not my idea, it's the shopkeeper's idea.".
Ordinary people will definitely monopolize it, but Tang Tong is not. This made Jian Chun suddenly respect." This shows that Tang Gongzi will use people, and it is also your merit, why be humble!".
"Shame! My heart is not here, I can only choose capable people.", Tang Tong was a little embarrassed.
"Then where is the heart of Lord Tang?", Xia Xunqiu couldn't help but be curious.
Tang Tong was a little dumb when he heard this, and replied after a while: "Of course, in the official career, the more the official becomes, the bigger the business, isn't there a current example?".
Xia Xunqiu knew that he was talking about his grandfather's family, and at this time he found out that Tang Tong's ambition was not small, and there were many officials in the capital who did business, but they were not big, and they were not as good as the Cao family. Will this person in front of him suddenly emerge? Xia Xunqiu didn't dare to think about it, and he didn't want to think about it, who would predict the future.
"Then I wish Lord Tang what he wants!", Xia Xunqiu has a kind heart and always hopes that others will be good.
After eating, Tang Tong went for a walk with Xia Xunqiu and Jianchun by the stream, and when they were tired, the two came to the stream and sat down, and Jianchun sat aside with interest, not disturbing the two.
The two did not sit very close, at least two positions apart, after all, men and women do not kiss. Jian Chun deliberately avoided it, which made Xia Xunqiu feel uneasy, and his fingers kept pulling, not knowing what to say.
"Actually, I want to live this carefree pastoral life, stay away from the hustle and bustle for a lifetime, don't have to worry about livelihood, don't have to guard against and calculate others, and can sleep peacefully every day.".
Tang Tong, who broke the tranquility, never thought that he would say words far away from the world, which surprised Xia Xunqiu Bi. Turning his head to look at Tang Tong in confusion, his eyes were full of surprise.
"Am I very naïve, and I can only feel this way with you here and now, Miss Xia, do you know why?", Tang Tong also turned his head to look at Xia Xunqiu when he spoke, only to see that the eyes of the two were looking at each other.
Xia Xunqiu understands a little, but it seems that she doesn't understand anything. Without thinking about it, the words came out, "I once wanted to live such a life with Lan Tingshu, but the sky didn't follow my wishes, but I didn't expect Lord Tang to also express this emotion.".
I don't know if Xia Shunqiu is a reminder, or a real state of mind. Tang Tong didn't dare to forget to think to himself, "Nine times out of ten, there are people who are not as happy as they should be, including me and you, and you will not be with Lan Tingshu in the future.".
Xia Xunqiu was surprised when he heard this, and he didn't understand that Tang Tong didn't comfort himself, and he had to hit himself with despair, and looked at him angrily.
Tang Tong shook his head a little unbearably, "Don't you want to do it?" In fact, since King Yu interfered in the marriage of the two of you, it was a bad thing. I could have broken the game today, but I didn't want to succeed.".
"I know you're right! But why can't people who love each other be together? I still have to suffer from this.", Xia Xunqiu said from the bottom of her heart, she just didn't understand, and she didn't even want to understand, just because she couldn't accept such an ending. As he spoke, he cried out loud, and the tears kept falling.
Tang Tong wanted to wipe her tears, but he couldn't do so, so he could only comfort him with words, "Marriage is destined by heaven, which means that you two have no fate, everything has to be thought of, and there will be a good marriage waiting for Miss Xia in the future!".
How could Xia Xunqiu, who was still grieving, listen to this, only thinking about God's injustice to herself, hoping that tomorrow Lan Tingshu can break free from captivity, and can come here to meet him and go to the harbor of happiness together. Knowing that the matter has come to this, and still thinking about luck, I just can't let go of this relationship." I can't be with Lan Gongzi, I have a dead heart.".
As soon as these words came out, Tang Tong was shocked, and Lan Tingshu, who was imprisoned at this time, should also think the same. After all, it's not two people who fall out or one person who turns his back, the more external forces are, the more they can't break up a pair of lovers, but rather enhance the cohesion between each other.
When Xia Xunqiu's mood stabilized, Tang Tong tried his best to comfort, "Lan Gongzi has not given up, if Miss Xia you give up, then Lan Gongzi's efforts are not in vain, listen to me, Miss Xia!" You don't want to think about it.".
Tang Tong was very anxious when he spoke, as if he was afraid that Xia Xunqiu really couldn't think of committing suicide, Xia Xunqiu couldn't help but smile when he saw the corner of his mouth, "What did Lord Tang say?" Don't say that Lan Gongzi won't fail me, but without Lord Tang's sincere persuasion, I will definitely not do stupid things, rest assured!".
Seeing that Xia Xunqiu was no longer in confusion, Tang Tong was much relieved, "I said it! How could Miss Xia not think about it? It turned out to be tempting to me, and it scared me!".
Xia Xunqiu smiled knowingly, "In this situation, with Lord Tang by my side, I really shouldn't belittle myself, I hope Lord Tang will not be surprised!", he stood up and saluted, which was regarded as an apology.
Tang Tong couldn't help but stand up, "Miss Xia is polite!" Don't do this.".
The two were polite to each other, and when they raised their heads one after another, the two of them looked at each other inadvertently, and there was a fleeting feeling, Tang Tong knew in his heart what it was, it was the man's possessiveness at work. And Xia Junqiu's first feeling is that Tang Tong is worth relying on, and it is better to be a bosom friend.
The first to avoid turned out to be Tang Tong, who saw from Xia Xunqiu's eyes that he was defenseless, but he was trying to possess her, and he couldn't help but feel ashamed of his thoughts, and he was embarrassed to avoid her gaze.
"What should we do tomorrow?", suddenly Xia Shunqiu said what he had been thinking about for a long time, but he hadn't thought of well.
"No hurry! I'll go back to the city tomorrow morning to find out the news, and then make a decision depending on the situation!", Tang Tong replied very simply. It seems that he has a plan in mind for a long time, and he just wants to use the best solution.
"Can you be more specific?", Xia Xunqiu wanted to know what Tang Tong thought, as if he wanted to dig out his treasure, and wanted to know if it was a novel method.
Tang Tong hesitated, but still looked at the other party and said: "Xia Xiang must be asking, Miss Xia said that she was annoyed, she walked along the Jishui River to breathe, and she didn't want to miss the morning when the door closed, so she stayed here for the night, there was no evidence, at most a few words of reproach, but I can't help you. Besides, if things are there, you won't think we're eloping, right?".
"Then how do you explain it?", Xia Xunqiu didn't want to hurt Tang Tong, it was worried from the bottom of his heart.
Tang Tong smiled weirdly, "Just say that you can't enter the city, but my subordinates saw it and told me, in order to repay the kindness of the carry, go down to the city wall, bring you here, and entertain you!", smiled innocently after speaking.
The method is good, but Xia Xunqiu felt that his father would not believe it, so he shook his head, "How can my father believe such a shameful thing, I am worried to death!".
"As long as you don't want to say it, I will never say it! Xia Xiang and Yunyang Hou won't say it, but I'm worried that two of them will say it. Miss Xia, do you want to say?", Tang Tong was expecting her answer.
"I won't! Who are the two people who will say it?", Xia Xunqiu is thinking that things have come to this point, and any more nonsense will smear her parents and make them unable to raise their heads, which she can't bear.
"Lan Tingshu wanted to say it but couldn't spread it, only Lan Tingmei was left, it was possible for her to do this, muddy the water, and then destroy the marriage with Yu Wangfu, in fact, this is in vain, Miss Xia, what do you say?", Tang Tong was completely thinking about Xia Xunqiu, and analyzed what was going to happen or was going to happen.
Xia Xunqiu nodded, "Lan Gongzi is imprisoned, and he must be married for this. It's not good for anyone to make a fuss.".
Tang Tong was sincerely happy that Xia Xunqiu had seen things thoroughly, and exclaimed: "Miss Xia is really sensible. If Miss Lan comes tomorrow, you have to persuade her."...
"Will she come tomorrow?", looking at Tang Tong in disbelief as he spoke.
Tang Tong just smiled weirdly, "Why don't we make a bet!", Xia Xunqiu was not sure, he just shook his head and refused, he was too unconfident in his heart.