Rong Shu was unaware of the conversation between his mother-in-law and his father.

For more than half a month, her father had allowed her to ask for things. When her grandmother sent someone to scold her, he also blocked it for her.

When Rong Shu turned eighteen, it was the first time he saw Rong Xun look like a father.

But it was too late, she was no longer the little girl waiting for her father to hold her when she was young.

My father was in a state of disbelief when he left, looking a little sad. Rong Shu just pretended not to see it. After all, there would be someone to comfort him when he returned to Qiuyuntang.

Early the next morning, Rong Shu couldn't hide her excitement and got into the carriage, abandoning her gentle and calm demeanor.

Mrs. Shen looked at her: "Have you asked someone to tell Yunzhi?"

Rong Shu touched the tip of her nose guiltily, and she had forgotten about this.

Although Gu Changjin wouldn't care whether she lived in the Marquis Mansion or Zhuangzi, according to the rules, she should still inform her.

With a look of helplessness, Mrs. Shen opened the curtain and asked Aunt Zhou to send someone to Wutong Lane to deliver the message.

Not long after, the carriage left the city with the sound of rattling and headed for Mingluyuan on the outskirts of Beijing.

When the carriage left the city gate, the people sent by Shen also arrived at Wutong Lane.

When Gu Changjin came back from his shift, Chang Ji mentioned that Rong Shu and Shen went to live in Zhuangzi.

He had always known about the Qingheng Courtyard. When he heard what Chang Ji said, he subconsciously thought -

Rong Shu and her mother went to live in Zhuangzi, but the people in the Hou Mansion forced them to do so?

How long will it take for you to return?

When these questions popped up, Gu Changjin immediately had another thought in his mind: That's fine, she doesn't like the Marquis of Cheng'an Mansion, and she would probably be happier and more comfortable in Zhuangzi.

In the past, when she was in Yangzhou, she loved to stay in the mountains for ten and a half months. She said that one day in the mountains was better than ten days in the city.

Gu Changjin paused in taking off his black gauze hat.

here we go again.

Those things related to her always pop up in my mind like a thread.

Obviously he had never heard of those things, and they were never mentioned in Zhuiyun's letter, and Rong Shu had never told him about them.

But he just knew it.

Gu Changjin didn't want to delve into why he knew it. He half-closed his eyes, crushed the question that was lingering on the tip of his tongue, and said "hmm" lightly.

Chang Ji looked at his face. For some reason, for just a moment, his master's aura was very cold.

Could it be that there is something troublesome in the court again?

Thinking of this, he immediately took out a letter from his sleeve and said in a low voice: "Master, Zhuiyun has replied."

Gu Changjin's eyes narrowed and he asked Chang Ji to open the letter.

After reading, he held the thin letter paper and meditated for half an hour. Seeing that he was silent, Chang Ji did not dare to say anything. After Gu Changjin threw the letter into the copper furnace to burn, he asked: "What's on the other side of Zhuiyun?" But is there any bad news?"

"The fire in the theater more than ten years ago was indeed man-made. When the fire broke out, the entire theater door was locked, and the entire theater troupe was inside. Except Liu Yuan."

Chang Ji's pupils shrank.

"Is this burning an entire troupe alive? Such a cruel method must be the immoral thing done by Yang Xu's eunuch grandson! But what is Liu Yuan's attitude?" What is

Liu Yuan's attitude ? ?

Gu Changjin tapped on the desk.

Zhui Yun said that Liu Yuan looked at the fire that burned the theater building to ashes for a moment, and then followed Yang Xu back to his house with a smile. He made Yang Xu his godfather that night, and held a wedding in the house the next day. He happily sang a ditty to Yang Xu.

Gu Changjin pointed his finger and said, "It's hard to say."

What you hear is false, and what you see may not be true. Gu Changjin can't figure out Liu Yuan for the time being.

As for who the person behind him was, Gu Changjin also had no clue.

The man clearly held all the evidence of Yang Xu's crimes, but he only ordered Liu Yuan to send a secret letter from Yang Xu on his wedding day, saying that he was selling his official position and getting a title.

That secret letter could not defeat Yang Xu. If he had obtained the secret letter and sued Yang Xu in a hurry, not only would it not have hurt Yang Xu, but it would have made Yang Xu wary and even made his move to the Golden Palace more utilitarian. The emperor was displeased.

That person used the case of him and Xu Li'er to blind Yang Xu's eyes and make him relax his guard.

Yang Xu thought that by giving up his nephew and his position as the emperor's pen, the turmoil caused by Xu Li'er's case could be completely calmed down.

Unexpectedly, the moment he relieved himself, a riot in which tens of thousands of people petitioned vigorously started the civil servants' criticism of him.

After Yang Xu was imprisoned, Gu Changjin thought about everything he had done in the past two months, and soon realized that the first secret letter sent by Liu Yuan was a test for him by the person behind him.

Only after passing that person's test can he get the box of incriminating evidence and deliver it to Da Sikou.

Who is testing him?

Why did that person have to put Yang Xu to death?

To weaken the power of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, or to get rid of a chess piece blocking the way?

Gu Changjin stared at the ashes on the copper stove and slowly closed his eyes.

…

Time flies and it’s December.

Rong Shu lived in Mingluyuan for more than a month and lived a very comfortable life.

In addition to taking a few hours every day to look through the old account books of the Hou Mansion and check the accounts, the rest of the time was spent with Shen, mixing incense, playing the piano, and painting. Occasionally, I would cook some sweet soup for Shen herself.

Seeing her, Mrs. Shen was so happy to miss Shu that she drove her back to Wutong Lane on the 21st.

"It's been almost two months since you left your husband's house. If you don't return to others, you will be stabbed in the back. Yunzhi and Mrs. Gu understand your filial piety and allow you to return to the Marquis Mansion to accompany me, but you can't rely on others' understanding to push your limits. The New Year is about to come. It's your first New Year in the Gu family, so you have to come back."

Rong Shu hesitated, wanting to tell Mrs. Shen that the Gu family was deserted during the New Year, and it was not as lively as the Minglu Courtyard. .

But when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back.

Until now, she didn't dare to tell Mrs. Shen that she wanted to reconcile with Gu Changjin. First, her mother-in-law had been deeply hurt by this trip, and she really didn't want her mother-in-law to worry about anything anymore.

Second, grandma may not agree to her divorce.

As soon as A Niang knew that she liked Gu Changjin, she overcame all difficulties and arranged a marriage for her, just to let her marry the person she liked.

She once really liked Gu Changjin, and she didn't know how many times she teased her when she was embroidering the dowry.

Now she said she didn't like Gu Changjin, but in A Niang's eyes, she was just a child and wouldn't believe it.

On the matter of peace and separation, she was prepared to decide first and then tell the story later.

It's a pity that Ni Jing hasn't replied until now, and I don't know if she has found out about Wen Xi's whereabouts.

Ni Jing and Brother Mu will send letters to the old housekeeper in the house every four months to report that they are safe, and they will definitely send letters at the end of the year. At that time, Ni Jing will send her a message regardless of whether he can find someone or not.

Rong Shu went back to Beijing just in time to go to the general's mansion and ask.

After much thought, Rong Shu obediently returned to Wutong Lane with the old account books that he had not read yet.

At night, the lights in Songsi Courtyard were turned on again, and the dim lights in the corridor extended to the moon cave door, illuminating the frost and snow on the ground with a cool light.

Rong Shu reviewed the affairs of the house, and Gu Changjin heard what Hengping said when he was on duty.

When he entered Songsi Courtyard, Rong Shu was using a fumigation cage to keep warm.

Then he saw her knees bent, and the train of her lavender coat covered the smoke cage, extending the train into a small semicircular arch bridge.

Even without opening the skirt, Gu Changjin knew that her little feet must be right next to the small smoke cage inside.

This girl is most afraid of the cold. Whenever the weather gets cooler, her hands, feet and feet will look for heat sources.

Gu Changjin could still remember the feeling of her feet pressing against his calf in his dream.

His steps slowed down and he shook his head.

Mother Zhang was taking Yingyue and Yingque to place the charcoal pots around the Babu bed. She caught a glimpse of the man standing outside the screen door and said in surprise: "Uncle."

Rong Shu quickly looked back and saw Gu Changjin wearing an official suit. Standing there, she knew that he had just come back from the government office. He hurriedly got off the couch, put on a pair of butterfly shoes, and said with a gentle smile: "Your Majesty, I'm here for you."

She returned to Gu in the afternoon . The government then went to Liumiao Hall to pay his respects and was intoxicated by the medicinal gas.

She had just taken a bath, with dimples and flushed cheeks, eyes full of autumn waves, and her semi-wet hair hanging behind her. A few strands of hair on her cheeks were picked up by the wind coming in from the door.

It was probably because the wind was getting colder, and the delicate nose shrank unconsciously.

Gu Changjin subconsciously closed the door behind him and said, "How is mother? There are a lot of things going on in the Ministry of Justice recently, so I can't visit in person. I hope Madam can forgive me."

Rong Shu was quite surprised. He didn't expect this woman to be so busy. Mr. Gu, who forgets to sleep and eat, actually thinks of his mother-in-law.

A deep smile appeared at the corner of her lips, and she said gratefully: "My mother-in-law was hurt a little, but she is getting better day by day. Thank you for your concern."

Previously, before my mother-in-law woke up, he had sent Chang Ji to Hou The house sent things to her, and also allowed her to stay in the Hou Mansion to take care of her mother-in-law without having to rush back to Wutong Lane.

Aunt Zhou and Zhang’s mother Lao Huai said consolingly that my uncle was a considerate person.

Rong Shu would not think that Gu Changjin had feelings for her just because of Gu Changjin's thoughtfulness. He might feel more at ease when she was not in Gu's house.

But her gratitude to Gu Changjin was sincere. If he hadn't sent Sun Daoping to the Hou Mansion in time, she and her mother would have been separated forever.

Gu Changjin heard the gratitude in her tone, paused briefly, and said: "Xu Li'er has entered the palace and is now being taught by the queen's maid. Once the new year is over, the three judges will interrogate Yang Xu and his party. , No one dares to protect Yang Xu's life now."

He mentioned Xu Li'er and Yang Xu rashly, Rong Shu was startled when he heard it, and soon understood that he was trying to avenge Xu Li'er's safety.

Then he smiled solemnly, his crescent-shaped eyes were like lakes filled with stars.

"That's great. Lang Jun's efforts have not been in vain, and Li'er doesn't have to worry about meeting Yang Xu's people."

She was really happy for Xu Li'er. With Yang Xu's party gone, she could also be in the palace. Let’s get down to business in women’s history.

"Thank you, Mr. Lang, for coming with me to report that Li'er is safe." He said with another respectful bow.

Gu Changjin nodded lightly. He didn't stay long. After saying what needed to be said, he left the room and went back to the study.

Yingque puffed up her cheeks and said, "Why is my uncle staying in the study again? What's so good about such a cold place?"

Rong Shu had already guessed that he was really busy at this time in his previous life. I always stay in the study room.

Later, he would come to live in Songsiyuan, but she had the audacity to squeeze into the Arhat bed in the study room with him, and then forced him to return to Songsiyuan.

At that time, Rong Shu really wanted to sleep with him in the study. Unexpectedly, the Arhat bed was hard and cold, and she fell ill from the cold within a few days of sleeping.

Thinking of his behavior that time, Rong Shu's cheeks felt a little hot.

Now, a fool would go to the study to suffer the cold in vain. She put a charcoal basin on the bed and put down the curtains. No matter how cold the frost or snow is, it is as warm as spring. I don't know how comfortable it is.

Zhang's mother scolded Yingque with a stern face: "My uncle is busy with official duties, and he stays in the study for the sake of the people. You are too talkative here!"

Rong Shu shrank his shoulders and said with a soft smile: "Second Master sleeps in the study if he likes. He probably doesn't like to sleep on this bed in the study." After saying that, he put off his soft silk shoes and got on the couch, flicked the fine charcoal in the smoke cage, and continued to warm his feet.

Zhang's mother heard the ridicule in Rong Shu's words and looked at her suspiciously. Seeing that there was no sad look on her face, she breathed a sigh of relief and glared at Yingque.

Yingque stuck out her tongue and stopped talking.

Rong Shu had a good night's sleep.

As the New Year approaches, it’s getting colder and colder in Beijing.

On cold days, Rong Shu doesn't want to run out. Occasionally, he piles a few snow rabbits and snow cats in the yard for lunch, which is a fun way to enjoy the wild weather on a snowy day.

Although he rarely goes out, he still has all the New Year gifts, new clothes to be cut, and all kinds of festive peach charms, lanterns, longevity fruits, red dates and other festive fruits for the New Year in Gu Mansion.

Nowadays, the Holy Father does not like to have a lively New Year's Eve. In the past, there would be a palace banquet on New Year's Eve. However, in recent years, even the palace banquet on New Year's Eve has been cancelled.

On New Year's Eve, Gu Changjin was kicked home early in the morning by Minister Tan.

As soon as the carriage entered Wutong Lane, a clear voice was heard -

"Girl, please be careful where you step, don't fall."

Gu Changjin's heart skipped a beat, he slowly raised his eyes, opened the curtain and looked out. .

Several young ladies were putting up peach charms at the gate of Gu's mansion. One of them, wearing a red cloak embroidered with white plum blossoms, was standing on a high stool, standing on tiptoe and knocking on the peach charms.

The part of her wrist exposed in the air was whiter than the snow foam that fell on her body.

Gu Changjin pressed the left side of his chest and said: "Stop the car."

Heng Ping responded and pulled the reins to stop the carriage from a long distance away. Knowing that his master was afraid that the carriage would startle the people in front, he moved his hands very lightly. .

After Rong Shu finished knocking out the peach charms, Ying Que helped her get down from the high platform, held up the train of her skirt and looked back, then nodded with satisfaction.

"Look how well I hang it!"

"Yes, yes, among us, the girl is the best at hanging the peach charms!" Yingque said flatteringly.

Yingyue didn't respond. He stepped forward and put the copper stove in Rong Shu's hand, and put on the hood for her, saying: "I'll allow you to have fun like this, but you can't hang up the peach charms at the end. From that high Falling off your penis is no joke!"

She felt like her heart was clenching just now.

Rong Shu said: "Isn't this a peach charm specially sent by the people? I can't live up to the wishes of the people. I hung it at the gate. One day, when they see it when they pass by, they will be happy, right? Besides, when I was young - - "

Rong Shu originally wanted to say that I could climb higher than this when I was a child, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a carriage parked at the entrance of the alley, and his words stopped.

Hengping pulled the reins of the horse, and the horse moved forward slowly, and soon arrived at the gate of Gu's mansion.

Rong Shu quickly put away his monkey air, put on a gentle smile, and called out: "Mr. Lang." As

soon as Gu Changjin got out of the car, he saw two peach charms hanging by the door, with Suan Ni and Suan Ni drawn on them. Bai Ze wrote to Yu Lei on the left and Shen Tu on the right.

The painting is an ordinary painting, and the calligraphy and ink cannot be said to have bones.

"This is the peach charm that the common people sent to the house this morning, saying that they hope that your husband will be safe and have no fear of evil spirits." Rong Shu's peach blossom eyes gradually bent down, "In addition to the peach charms, there are also Tusu wine, longevity fruit, and hemp. Rod, golden cannon.”

The wind was blowing, and a few pieces of snow under the eaves fell on her hood. She still smiled as if she didn't know it, "The people are grateful for what the husband has done!"

On a frosty and snowy day, she smiled warmly. The sound was not even dispersed by the cold wind.

Every word is heard.

Gu Changjin looked at her for a moment, his Adam's apple rolled slightly, and said: "You haven't finished hanging the peach charms yet? I'll hang up the rest."

There were so many peach charms sent by the people that Gu Changjin even opened the kitchen door with two Peach charms are hung on the sides.

Rong Shu placed the remaining peach charms in a small cage and asked Gu Changjin if she could take the remaining peach charms to Minglu Yuan to hang them.

It is best to make new peach charms every year. It would be unsightly to leave the remaining ones to hang next year.

[The wishes of the people cannot be let down. 】

When Rong Shu asked this question, Gu Changjin heard her laughter when she was hanging the peach charms just now. He hummed lightly and said, "Madam, if you like it, you can take it."

After hanging the peach charms, it was completely dark.

The two of them put on brand new clothes and went to Liu Miao Hall.

Ordinary people's New Year's Eve celebrations are always lively and colorful.

The Gu family was very deserted.

Songsiyuan is better. At any rate, New Year pictures, peach charms, red silk, firecrackers, and happy fruits are all available.

There is no trace of the New Year atmosphere in Liumiao Hall. Even the lanterns are plain blue and not festive at all.

Mrs. Xu always gets sick whenever it snows. Just like in her previous life, this New Year's Eve banquet lasted only half an hour before breaking up.

Rong Shu and Gu Changjin left Liu Miao Hall side by side.

Zhang, mother and the other three deliberately stayed a long way apart, for fear of disturbing their master to develop feelings for each other.

Rong Shu was a little helpless, but there was nothing he could do.

The sound of "crunching" and "crunching" on the snow was particularly abrupt in the silence between the two.

Rong Shu decided to find something to do for himself, took out a candied date from his purse and ate it.

Gu Changjin glanced at her.

Noticing his gaze, Rong Shu took out another one and said, "Would you like to eat some candied dates, sir?"

She had not been a solitary eater since she was a child.

Gu Changjin said he wouldn't eat it, so Rong Shu finished the second candied date unhurriedly.

When the two of them were about to reach the study, Changji came over in the snow with a letter in his hand.

"Young Madam, the chief steward of the Protector General's Mansion has just sent a special letter from Lord Danzhu County."

Rong Shu was startled, and hurriedly took the letter and said, "Is Housekeeper Fang still there?"

"Then the chief steward, put it down . The letter then left, and I only asked Madam Tong to report that everything is fine with County Lord Danzhu and General Mu, and they will probably be able to return to Beijing to report on their duties when summer comes."

Rong Shu breathed a sigh of relief, nodded and smiled. Smile: "Thank you for your hard work." After saying that, he took out the red envelope and handed it over.

Chang Ji was startled and glanced at Gu Changjin out of the corner of his eye. Seeing that his master didn't look unhappy, he bent down and took the red envelope. Only then did he realize that there were two heavy red envelopes, and even the horizontal ones were prepared.

What a decent person.

Rong Shu took the letter and was anxious to go back to the house to read it. He thought about it and said, "The husband will probably be busy with official duties in the study today, so I won't disturb the husband."

After saying this, Yingying Yifu turned around and called Yingyue. Several people left in a hurry.

Changji always had the illusion that his master was disliked by the young lady.

Although the master originally planned to stay in the study, the meaning of the master's words and the young lady's words were completely different.

Listening to what Young Madam just said, it seemed like she really wanted her master to sleep in the study...

Rong Shu couldn't wait to open the letter when he returned to Songsi Courtyard. After reading the contents of the letter, Liu Mei couldn't help but frown.

How could this be?

After reading the contents of the letter twice, she raised her eyes, folded the letter, took out a document from the cabinet on one side, and stuffed it into her sleeve together.

Zhang's mother brought her a bowl of sweet soup. When she saw her reaching for the fox fur on the yellow pear wood shelf, she couldn't help but wonder: "Where are you going, girl?"

Rong Shu put on the fox fur and put it on a small altar to butcher Su. Liquor, smiled and said: "I'm going to talk to the second master for a few words, you don't have to come with me."