Volume 6: Dream Record Chapter 394 Pan'er sets off for Tokyo
"I know!"
Looking at Gu Qianfan's expressionless face, Xiao Qinyan knew that he still held a grudge against those old childhood events, so he explained angrily:
"But Qianfan, your grandfather and your uncle have always been prejudiced against me. The Gu family only cares about integrity and not practical matters. No matter how well I do, in their eyes, I am always a treacherous minister who comes from a poor family and likes to abuse power and flatter!"
"What about that geisha? Did they also force that geisha onto your bed?"
Looking at Xiao Qinyan who was trying hard to explain, Gu Qianfan directly spoke harshly to him. It was precisely because of this that Gu Qianfan had always hated and despised the singing girls and entertainers in the Jiaofangsi since he was a child. This was also the real reason why he was so rude to Zhao Paner when they met for the first time!
"I have never done anything to let your mother down!"
Hearing his eldest son bring up the old matter again, Xiao Qinyan was still very angry. He couldn't help but stand up from his chair and explained loudly:
"That prostitute, how could I possibly be attracted to her? That was a complete misunderstanding. You don't believe me, but you are an official now. I don't believe that you have never socialized. I was just playing around, how could you take it seriously?"
"Yeah?"
Looking at the eloquent Xiao Qinyan, Gu Qianfan couldn't help but snorted coldly, and said with disdain:
"Your good son Xiao Fan is young and promising, just like you when you were young. He doesn't like good ladies, but instead likes those singing girls who have left their families and returned to goodness. Mr. Xiao, how do you explain this?"
"What?"
Hearing Gu Qianfan say that Yuan Xudong likes those singing girls who have left their official positions and returned to goodness, Xiao Qinyan was slightly stunned and smiled:
"What's wrong with that? Fan'er is young and full of vigor. He's unmarried and he likes one or two prostitutes to relieve his boredom. Isn't that normal? Why are you making such a fuss?"
At this point, Xiao Qinyan looked at Gu Qianfan, who was still single, and said with a smile:
"Qianfan, you are different from Fan'er. You are my eldest son, the son I value most. Although you are not yet thirty years old, you are on the verge of reaching the fifth rank. Only those ladies from famous families with generations of noble families can be worthy of you. But I do know a few of them. Do you want me to help..."
Without waiting for Xiao Qinyan to finish his words, Gu Qianfan stood up angrily and shouted:
"Yes, I asked you to help me, and I owe you a favor, but that doesn't mean you can control my marriage!"
"You are exactly like me back then!"
"Who is exactly like you back then?"
Looking at the complacent Xiao Qinyan, Gu Qianfan could not help but yelled coldly, then turned and left. He did not expect Gu Qianfan to suddenly get angry. Xiao Qinyan was obviously stunned for a long while. After Gu Qianfan really left, Xiao Qinyan actually laughed loudly, looking up at the sky and muttering to himself:
"Shun Niang, you saw it, Qian Fan got angry at me. Over the years, he was always so polite to me, but just now, he really got angry at me. Shun Niang, I, I am so happy, so happy!"
After a while, a maid shouted outside the house:
"Husband, the housekeeper is back!"
"Come in!"
Butler Xiao brought a young servant into the main hall and stood by. Xiao Qinyan resumed his calm demeanor and asked:
"What is it?"
"Sir, the people below have already counted the 470,000 strings of cash left by Zheng Qingtian, but I don't know where to put it?"
Hearing this, Xiao Qinyan thought for a moment and then ordered:
"Allow 30,000 to his surviving family, and use Commander Gu's name to quietly distribute 40,000 to the casualties of the Imperial City Division as compensation. Finally, send another 200,000 to the capital to give to the Queen's brother, General Liu, and keep the remaining 200,000 in my private account!"
"Yes, sir!"
Looking at the housekeeper who quickly agreed, Xiao Qinyan said with a little dissatisfaction:
"The doctor who just helped Commander Gu change the dressing is someone I've never seen before. Where did you find this quack? He's been injured for fifteen days and is still very serious. Tomorrow you should replace him with the one who usually takes my pulse!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Also, send eight more capable black-clad guards to follow Commander Gu. In the next two days, whether he needs money, investigates a case, or interrogates someone, or wants to bury his comrades, you must obey his orders and do not neglect them. Oh, and as for the supplies in his courtyard, compare them to my share, and ask the kitchen to make more crystal dishes. He likes this the most!"
"Yes, sir!"
Looking at Xiao Qinyan who had given detailed instructions on everything, although Butler Xiao was shocked, he remained calm on his face. He agreed to everything and then bowed to see Xiao Qinyan off. After Xiao Qinyan left, the servant who had been standing by walked up to Butler Xiao and asked curiously:
"Dad, what is the background of Commander Gu? Why is my husband so kind to him? Should we inform Madam in the capital?"
"You bastard!"
As soon as the servant finished speaking, Butler Xiao turned around and slapped him, then whispered a warning and reminded him with concern:
"My husband has always ruled the country by military law. If you dare to spread a single word to the capital, the next time I slap you, it won't be my slap. Do you understand?"
"yes!"
Looking at his father, the servant covered his cheek which was hurt by his father's beating and said a little aggrievedly:
"Dad, I won't dare to do it again next time!"
"Come on, follow me to do the work. Study hard and learn a little more. When I get old, you will be the housekeeper of the Xiao Mansion. Do you understand?"
"Got it, Dad!"
"Does it still hurt?"
“It doesn’t hurt anymore!”
"Did I hit you too lightly?"
"No, no, it still hurts, it still hurts!"
"You bastard, you are so stupid, how can I let you take over the position of housekeeper of the Xiao Mansion?"
"Dad, Master Fan and I have a good relationship. He said before that I can be his housekeeper, so don't worry!"
"Are you serious?"
"Really? Master Fan and I have a very good relationship. Last time he secretly went to Zhang Haohao's place, it was me who helped him secretly open the door!"
"Asshole, what's so great about this?"
"No, no, I'm not showing off. What I meant is that Master Fan and I have a good relationship. You don't have to worry about my future!"
“I hope so!”
…
The voices gradually faded away. After Butler Xiao took his son away, Gu Qianfan appeared from the inner room next to the main hall. His expression was extremely complicated, and it was obvious that he had heard the conversation of everyone in the main hall just now.
…
The next day, the weather was fine and sunny. Willow trees hung low on both sides of the Qiantang County dock and peach blossoms were lush. It was a good day for traveling. Zhao's Teahouse, two carriages, two guards, and a dozen boxes of different sizes, Sun Sanniang looked at Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Yinping, who were about to go to Tokyo, and said reluctantly:
"Pan'er, Yinzhang, Yinping, you went to Tokyo, which is a thousand miles away from Qiantang. I don't know if I will be able to see you again in the future!"
"Yes, when Zifang passes the imperial examination, I will buy you a set of phoenix crown and bridal robe, and you can also live in Tokyo!"
Zhao Pan'er looked at the reluctant Sun Sanniang and comforted her. The journey was so long and if nothing unexpected happened, they would not know how many years would pass before they met Sun Sanniang again. Things would have changed and people would have changed. They did not know what the scene would be like by then. They said goodbye to each other for a while and the women cried. Sun Sanniang wiped her tears and walked to Yuan Xudong, blushing slightly.
"Master Xiao, you must treat Pan'er, Yinzhang, and Yinping well. Otherwise, when I go to Tokyo, I will teach you a lesson and cut you into pieces. Do you hear me?"
"I heard it, so you can rest assured!"
After taking a look at Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Yinping, who all had red eyes and tears in their eyes, Yuan Xudong looked at Sun Sanniang, who was also crying, and assured her:
"I will treat Pan'er, Yinzhang, and Yinping well. If you break this oath, I will punish you with five thunderbolts, okay?"
"Well, I'll believe you this time!"
…
After a short delay, when everything was almost packed, Yuan Xudong was about to call for departure, Zhao Paner hurriedly said:
"Wait a minute, there are still two boxes left!"
"And two more boxes?"
Hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Pan'er, and Yuan Xudong asked in confusion:
"Where is it? Why can't I see it?"
Seeing that everyone was looking at her, Zhao Pan'er said a little embarrassedly:
"I dug a hole under the south wall of the kitchen, and found two boxes inside. One was Yinzhang's dowry, and the other was my savings over the years. There were house deeds, land deeds, and some gold and silver ingots!"
As she spoke, Zhao Pan'er looked at Song Yinzhang and said with a smile:
"I have kept all your money safe for you. The reason I didn't give it to you before was because I was afraid that you would be ignorant and get cheated!"
"I understand, thank you sister!"
"It's okay. I'll keep this money with you from now on. You and Yinping should keep a close eye on it!"
"No, Yinping and I don't need to spend money, so let's just leave it with my sister!"
At this point, Song Yinzhang paused for a moment, then looked at Yuan Xudong and blushed:
"You can give it to Fan Lang for safekeeping. That's my dowry, and I think it should be given to Fan Lang for safekeeping!"
"so good?"
Looking at the shy Song Yinzhang, Yuan Xudong ordered Xiao Yan and Xiao Li to dig the box at the place Zhao Paner said. He walked to Song Yinzhang and in front of Sun Sanniang, Zhao Paner, and Yinping, he hugged Song Yinzhang's soft body and said with a smile:
"Then why don't you save some money as a backup plan? Don't you regret it?"
“No regrets!”
Being held in Yuan Xudong's arms, Song Yinzhang blushed and said in public:
"Wherever Fanlang is, that's Yinzhang's escape route. I believe in Fanlang!"
"Well said!"
Hearing Song Yinzhang's words of love, Yuan Xudong was overjoyed and said:
"When we get to Tokyo, I'll give you a house, okay?"
"Okay, thank you Fanlang for your love!"
"You're welcome!"
Looking at the well-behaved and lovely Song Yinzhang, Yuan Xudong liked her more and more. If they were not outside, he really wanted to pin her under him and pamper her. Even if he could not really do that, he kept holding Song Yinzhang in his arms and couldn't let go. Sun Sanniang, Zhao Pan'er, and Yinping girl all blushed and secretly spat, cursing Yuan Xudong in his heart for being so licentious and touching Yinzhang in broad daylight. What a pervert and a bad man!
At this moment, Xiao Yan and Xiao Li came out carrying two boxes, one big and one small. The big one was Zhao Pan'er's savings, and the small one was Song Yinzhang's dowry. Zhao Pan'er took a look and made sure that nothing was missing. Then they started to set off for Qiantang Wharf. Qiantang County was a thousand miles away from Tokyo, but fortunately, the water transportation was well developed and it would only take more than ten days to get there along the Grand Canal. If they went by land, it would take at least a month to get to Tokyo with so many boxes. Moreover, taking a boat was much more comfortable than taking a carriage. Yuan Xudong was reluctant to let his three young ladies suffer from the bumpy ride in the carriage. Sitting in the boat, he could also favor them comfortably at night and experience the joy of fish and water!
Along the way, the peach blossoms were gorgeous, but Yuan Xudong, who was sitting in the carriage, had no time to appreciate them, because the beauty next to him was more gorgeous than these blooming peach blossoms. If Sun Sanniang had not been in the carriage, Yuan Xudong would have turned into a wolf and eaten the beautiful Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Yinping girl in one bite. Even so, Yuan Xudong still stood in the middle, holding the weak and boneless Song Yinzhang in his arms, and Yinping girl was responsible for passing him fruit. Zhao Pan'er ignored him, but stood on both sides with Sun Sanniang, saying words of parting to each other, holding hands, with reluctance on their faces!
When they arrived at the dock, they found a merchant ship bound for Tokyo, but the captain refused to allow women to board. Instead, he said that his ship had rules and it was unlucky to bring women. He refused to allow Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Yinping to board. Yuan Xudong was about to argue with him, but Zhao Pan'er stopped him and stuffed a handful of silver coins into the captain's pocket, coaxing him:
"There are many women sailing on the Grand Canal. Whether they behave properly or not is up to you to decide."
After receiving the silver from Zhao Pan'er, the captain weighed it and said with a smile:
"Well, I see you have so many boxes and cages, so I'll leave the cabin for you. We'll leave in half an hour, so hurry up and move your things!"
"Okay, thank you, Master Zheng!"
As they were talking, Zhao Pan'er solved the problem. Xiao Yan and Xiao Li began to move the boxes into the cabin. Song Yinzhang and Yinping Yatou stood by. After the captain left, Zhao Pan'er looked at Yuan Xudong and smiled:
"I know him, Mr. Zheng. People in the shipping business like to go to brothels as soon as they land. I heard that he lost two hundred strings of cash in gambling with someone in Xiangyun Tower last month. Maybe he is short of money. He saw that we were carrying so many boxes and cages, so he wanted to find an excuse to ask for some change. Don't be angry with him. He is not a bad person, but a little greedy. Just give him some change. In return, he also helped us arrange the best cabin position. We can also see the magnificent scenery of the Grand Canal along the way, which is also good!"
"I see!"
Looking at Zhao Pan'er who was well-organized in her work and life, Yuan Xudong praised her with a smile:
"Pan'er, you are really my good wife. When we settle down in Tokyo, I will let you manage the family's money. You just need to give me a little pocket money every month, okay?"
"Smooth talk!"
After rolling her eyes at Yuan Xudong, Zhao Paner ran to the side of the boat and started chatting with Sun Sanniang. Half an hour later, the boat was about to weigh anchor, and everyone entered the cabin. Sun Sanniang was also about to go back. At this time, Yuan Xudong jumped off the boat, caught up with Sun Sanniang, took out a ten-liang gold ingot from his arms, stuffed it into her hand, and said with a smile:
"Sanniang, you must keep this gold ingot and do not give it to anyone else. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to Tokyo to find Pan'er. The Jiangnan dishes and tea cakes you cook are very delicious. You can open a restaurant in Tokyo. I will be responsible for paying the money and you will be responsible for cooking. How about this?"
"I can't..."
"Fan Lang, the ship is about to set sail!"
Hearing Zhao Pan'er's shout, Yuan Xudong looked at Sun Sanniang who had not yet finished speaking and said with a smile:
"Sanniang, I'm leaving. This ingot of gold will serve as my travel expenses. Haven't you always wanted to visit Tokyo? Once you've arranged your family affairs, if you have time, you can take a boat and arrive in Tokyo in twelve or thirteen days at most. Then you can see if Pan'er and the others are doing well or not. That's it. I'm leaving now. Bye!"
"Hey, Mr. Xiao, you..."
Looking at Yuan Xudong rushing towards the ship, Sun Sanniang couldn't help but be stunned. She held the gold ingot tightly in her hand for a long time without saying a word. With so much money, if she used it sparingly, it would be enough to go to Tokyo ten times, and she could also bring her family to visit Tokyo. But she owed Yuan Xudong a favor, which she was afraid she could not repay. She just hoped that he could treat Pan'er, Yinzhang, and Yinping well and not let them down!
When the ship set sail, Sun Sanniang waved to Yuan Xudong, Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang and Yinping girl who were standing on the deck of the ship and said goodbye loudly. When only the sail was left of the ship, Sun Sanniang wiped her tears, put the gold ingot given by Yuan Xudong into her arms and kept it carefully, then walked back home. However, she felt empty in her heart. She had known Zhao Pan'er and the others for almost nine years. The good sisters who had always been together with her suddenly left for another place, and there were thousands of miles between them. Sun Sanniang felt mixed emotions in her heart that were hard to describe!
When she got home, Fu Xingui and Fu Zifang were not at home. Before Sun Sanniang could ask anyone, the neighbor who lived next to her house saw her and asked curiously:
"Hey Sanniang, why didn't you accompany the child to the ancestral hall?"
"Go to the ancestral hall?"
Sun Sanniang was a little confused. Why would they go to the ancestral hall for no reason?
Before she could ask, the neighbor lady continued gossiping:
"Your Fu Zifang is going to be adopted by the widow Tao as her son. It's such a big thing, and you, as his mother, don't even go over to take a look?"
"Who is adopted?"
"Your Fu Zifang!"
After confirming it again, Sun Sanniang's face finally changed drastically, and she ran directly towards the Fu family's ancestral hall. She only had this one son, so how could she give her only son to someone else's family?
…
In the Fu Clan Ancestral Hall, Fu Xingui and his son Fu Zifang stood in the center of the hall, with the widow Tao next to them. On both sides sat the elders of the clan, and the younger generation of the Fu Clan stood behind these elders. With everyone's witness, the Fu Clan leader stood under the ancestral tablet, holding the adoption document in his hand and reading loudly:
"I wish to pass on my son Fu Zifang to my cousin Fu Xincai as his successor, and establish Fu Xingui, styled Renyuan, and Fu Xincai's widow, styled Shan, as his wife, Tao..."
At this moment, the door of the ancestral hall was pushed open by someone. Everyone in the hall was startled. The words of the Fu clan leader were also interrupted. Seeing Sun Sanniang breaking in, Fu Xingui's face changed drastically, and the widow Tao's face also turned pale. However, Fu Zifang looked indifferent and looked at his biological mother Sun Sanniang heartlessly.
"Sanniang, why are you here..."
Ignoring Fu Xingui, Sun Sanniang broke into the Fu family ancestral hall and went straight to the widow Tao to question her:
"Tao, although we are not familiar with each other, we have no grudges against each other. Why did you want to steal my son?"
Looking at the fierce Sun Sanniang, Tao covered her face and cried, pretending to be pitiful and crying:
"I don't know. I only know that my husband is gone and there is no one to take charge of this huge family fortune. Naturally, I have to find an heir from the younger generation of the same clan!"
"Bah!"
Seeing the pitiful Tao hiding her face and crying, the surrounding Fu family members all expressed their pity and secretly sympathized with her, but Sun Sanniang went straight to the core of the problem and said coldly:
"Fu Xincai is several rooms away from our family. Besides, there is no reason to give your only son to someone else for adoption. I raised Fu Zifang with all my hard work. If you want to interfere and reap the fruits of your labor, you are dreaming!"
