Bend Over [ 折腰 ] - Chapter 54

[Chapter 54]

When Lady Xu returned, Xiao Qiao handed over the matter to Chunniang, and went through all the servants and maids in the West Room that day. In addition to the few maids he had originally brought and Lady Xu’s side, the rest of the people, who did things honestly on weekdays, and the rest were flattered and patted, lazy and idle, their eyes fluttering around or looking unpleasant, all of them were sent out, and finally the number was reduced to half. One person guarded the door, four people took care of the courtyard, one of them designated one person to sweep Wei Shao’s study, the rest were not allowed to enter and exit, two people kept the small kitchen, serving Wei Shao’s daily life as before, a total of three people headed by Lin Miao, and two waiting for the various places. Clearly assigning things down, Xiao Qiao paid for all the people under him to add monthly money. In this way, not only was the courtyard much quieter, there were no eyes looking behind them, and the people who remained were all happy, and they had a sense of glory of being appreciated by the female monarch.

When Xiao Qiao first came here, the Wei family’s other rooms did not know, and it was inevitable that some of the people under the West House would look down on her. Now that more than half a year has passed, I see that she not only has the attention of Lady Xu, but even the prince has gradually become close to the princess. Although this is mostly a room affair, the next person is accustomed to observing the color, and over time, even if you can’t see it through the door, you can smell a few points. The next person and the Qiao family all shared the hatred of heaven, even Lady Xu and the male jun were like this, who dared to despise her. Moreover, the female monarch has now added monthly money to herself, and all those who remain are happy and rush to show their loyalty in front of Chunniang.

……

Although Yang Feng, the emissary of Yanzhou, met with Wei Shao last night at the wind feast, the “right thing” of the trip, according to the prevailing rules, will remain until today, and there is a meeting with official significance.

Gongsun Yang came to the office early this morning to prepare for the meeting between the prince and Yang Feng, but unexpectedly found that the prince was even earlier than himself, and when he entered, he saw that he was already sitting in the hall and was reading the Jian Mu on the case, and it seemed that there was still some time. Quite surprised, he asked, “Why did the prince come so early?” Wei Shao

said, “I went to Zhuo County a few days ago, and I piled up a lot of affairs, which must be handled as soon as possible.” Gongsun

Yang listened, and could not help but be solemnly respected, thinking that he did not protect the wrong person with all his heart and blood, and the prince gave up his wife at home, and came to the office early in the morning, not close to the female color diligently to this point, and in the future, he would not worry about big things. He didn’t dare to bother him anymore, and briefed him on some arrangements for meeting with Yang Feng in the morning.

Wei Shao said impatiently, “I have full authority to entrust Mr. Yang to meet with Na Yang Feng on my behalf, and send him back earlier.” What can be said with him? Gongsun Yang said, “The

lord is gone, I’m afraid the Qiao family will have other ideas.” Moreover, the Prince of the Qiao family also came with Yang Feng. If the lord has nothing to do, it is better to see him. If the Lord does not want to speak more to the emissaries of Yanzhou, I will speak openly on behalf of the Lord.

Wei Shao was silent.

Gongsun Yang assisted Wei Shao for many years, and he also touched his temper a little. Sometimes he was grumpy and didn’t listen to people, but if what he said was reasonable, even if he didn’t accept it at the time, he would always respond soon after that. Not to mention that in the past few years, with the gradual growth of age, the former “little bully” atmosphere has gradually been absorbed. Observing the color of the speech, seeing that he did not make a sound, he knew that he had agreed, and he said goodbye, and he withdrew first and arranged not to mention it.

When it was time to arrive, Wei Shao met Yang Feng, Qiao Ci and other Yanzhou and his entourage in the hall.

Qiao Yue sent Yang Feng over this time, there was nothing else to do, but it was just to take the opportunity to win over and repair the relationship between the two families. The meeting was tedious and boring. Almost all of Gongsun Yang was talking to Yang Feng, and what he said was still polite. Wei Shao basically didn’t open his mouth, and Qiao Ci had nothing to say. For example, when sitting on a needle felt, peeping at his brother-in-law, he saw him sitting in the middle, his eyes were scattered, he didn’t know what he was thinking, as if he had wandered beyond the void. Knowing that he must not be able to look at his uncle’s face, he couldn’t help but be even more ashamed. It was so easy to survive until the end of the meeting, Qiao Ci just breathed a sigh of relief, saw Wei Shao immediately get up from the bed, and strode out.

Qiao Ci was a little bored in his heart. If it weren’t for Mrs. Xu and Sister A’s retention, I just wanted to go back today. Following Yang Feng listlessly out of the gate of the palace, suddenly a person who looked like a soldier ran toward him, hugged his fist in front of him, performed a military salute, and said: “The prince ordered me to ask the prince, are you interested in walking around?” The prince may accompany the prince.

Qiao Ci was stunned, raised his eyes and looked forward, and unexpectedly saw that on the side of the road a few dozen steps away, Wei Shao was riding on horseback, turning his head as if he were looking in his direction.

He was astonished. He and Wei Shao looked at each other from a distance, saw that he still looked so cold, and guessed that he should be out of courtesy, so he casually called someone to ask himself. Sister Ah’s advice that day was always in his heart, where would he really be so ungodly, dare to ask him to take time to hang out with himself?

Besides, even if you really hang out with such a brother-in-law, even the best scenery will probably become a chore.

Qiao Ci immediately said, “Please tell your brother-in-law, just say that I thank my brother-in-law for his kindness, and my heart has received it.” I knew my brother-in-law was busy and didn’t dare to disturb him. And a few days ago, Cousin Wei had already taken me around. The

soldier took note of it, turned and ran to Wei Shao, and when he reached the horse, he gave Wei Shao a salute.

Wei Shao glanced at Qiao Ci, turned his face, pulled up the reins and rode away.

……

After dealing with the people under the Westinghouse, a day was almost over.

In the evening, when Xiao Qiao waited for Wei Shao to come back to dinner, he learned the news that after meeting Yang Feng and his party in the morning, he went to Fanyang again, and did not say when he would return.

Fanyang was another large city in Youzhou, and it was also Wei Shao’s military point, with 50,000 or 60,000 people stationed there. It is not very far from Yuyang, and it is a day and night journey back and forth.

Yesterday he had just returned from Zhuo County, and today he went to Fanyang again, and he had not heard any mention of it beforehand. Presumably something sudden happened again.

Little Qiao didn’t care much, just thinking that Adi Qiao Ci hadn’t returned during the day, and he didn’t know where he went at this time, so he went to the place where Qiao Ci lived.

Qiao Ci still did not return.

Little Qiao gave an order to the next person, asking Qiao Ci to come back to his place to report and go back.

It was getting dark, and Little Joe stood in the doorway, looking up at the servant woman lighting up the lanterns on the aisle one by one, looking intently, hearing a series of footsteps from the opposite side, and turning her face to look. Joci came.

Qiao Ci had just returned from outside, sweating profusely, and her clothes were stained with some dry yellow mud and dust. Screaming hungry. Little Joe took him to wash his face and wash his hands, and Qiao Ci wiped his sweat, washed his hands, and followed Little Joe to dinner. When he was half full, Little Joe asked where he was today.

Qiao Ci said that when he came out of the office with Yang Feng in the morning and he was going back to Wei Province, Wei’s cousin sent someone to find him to the school grounds. When he went there, he learned that there was a Luli Terrace outside Yuyang City, which was specially built for holding military exercises, and once a year, the famous Deer Li Conference, regardless of military rank, could be attended by everyone who had the ability. The content is divided into two categories: riding and shooting. The winner of the riding archery wins the deer, and the winner of the fight wins the deer. The two who finally won Lu Li not only enjoyed great glory and were admired by everyone, but also were able to leap into the Wei family’s pro-army Tiger Ben Army to hold important positions. It is said that Li Dian, the great general under Wei Shao’s account, became famous as a horse archer twenty years ago, and was reused by Wei Shao’s father Wei Liang, and gradually became a great general on the wei zhen side today.

“Sister, the Deer Li Conference will be here in a few days.” Cousin Wei told me to stay a few more days, and then I would see the scene of the big competition. He looked at my riding shot and was very praised. Let me come on the field and show my hand when the time comes. Sister, I want to go on! Qiao Ci’s

expression was full of eagerness.

Although the Qiao family is now in decline, but the good villain was once the lord of the party, Qiao Ci was born in the family, and naturally carried the pride of the children of the family. This is why he can’t stand the ridicule of others before the battle and rushes out to fight a vicious battle. Unfortunately, Qiao Family’s uncle Qiao Yue did not want to make progress, and blindly bowed to Wei Shao, and at last night’s reception banquet, Qiao Ci felt greatly humiliated, and the morning meeting at the Office of the Imperial Household further humiliated. My heart was originally sullen and unhappy. Suddenly knowing that there was such an opportunity to show his ability, with his youthful ambition, how could he miss it? When he came back, he immediately told Little Joe.

Little Joe hesitated.

“Sister! Please, don’t stop me! I only participate in riding archery! Nothing will happen! You know, I used to be at home, and I always excelled in riding and shooting, and even my father praised me! The

Qiao family had a horse farm, and Qiao Ping used to specially hire a famous teacher to teach Qiao Ci and Liu Yan, who was still living in the Qiao family at that time, to ride and shoot kung fu. Little Joe knew that Adi’s riding and shooting was indeed outstanding. Seeing him looking at himself with pleading eyes, he finally couldn’t bear to refuse and nodded: “Then be careful yourself.” We must not stand up for the sake of being tough. Just participate in it, winning or not winning is secondary. ”

Thank you Sister!”

Qiao Cimei opened his eyes and smiled.

……

Wei Shao did not return the next day.

Qiao Ci did not see anyone during the day, and only returned at night after dark, sweating profusely, saying that he had gone to the school yard to practice riding and shooting for a day. After eating, lie down and go to bed early. Again, I got up early in the morning and hurried to the school yard again.

Little Qiao knew that Ah Di was preparing for the deer li conference in a few days, and he didn’t ask much about it.

On the third night after Wei Shao left, it was dark. Usually at this time, Qiao Ci should have returned, but at this moment, he did not see anyone else.

Little Joe was a little uneasy and waited outside the West House. When he looked forward, he saw qiao ci’s follower, named Yu Lu, who had returned alone, carrying Qiao Ci’s bow and arrow, but did not see Qiao Ci walking with him.

Yu Lu saw little Joe and hurried over to bend over. Little Joe asked him where Qiao Ci had gone. Yu Lu said, “Wei Envoy Jun saw that Gongzi had been practicing hard to ride and shoot hard these days, and took him loose and boneless.” The boy said he would return soon. Afraid that the lady was worried, the slave came back first to complain.

This fish was first raised by the child in Joe’s house, and was named for its ugly appearance and bulging eyes like a fish. Qiao Ping saw that he was loyal and sent him to his son as a messenger. This time Qiao Ci went out, and he also followed Yuyang.

When Xiao Qiao saw Yu Lu speaking, his head was hanging, he didn’t dare to look at his own eyes, and he was suspicious in his heart, and asked, “Where did Wei Lingjun take gongzi to loosen his bones?” Yu Lu was

still hanging his head, and he couldn’t speak clearly.

“Speak quickly!” Little Joe sighed.

Yu Lu finally stammered, “Go to the music house in the city, which is called ‘Luo Zhongfang’, loose bones and bones.” After saying that, he blinked his eyes and looked at little Joe with an unhappy face worriedly.

Xiao Qiao has been coming to Yuyang for such a long time, and naturally he has heard of Luo Zhongfang, which is actually a high-end club for rich men to have fun. Upon hearing that Wei Yu had actually taken his brother to that kind of place, his heart was immediately annoyed, so he went back to his room to change his clothes, took Chunniang, Lin Mi, and another Kong Wu servant woman, immediately went out to sit on the carriage, and went directly to Luo Zhongfang.

Luo ZhongFang is located in a bustling area in the west of the city, and there are restaurants and brothels nearby. Compared with the general brothel, this can be described as a gold cave, the guests in and out of it are not rich or expensive, the so-called thousands of gold to buy a drunk, lying in the crispy breast does not return, naturally, the women here are also more versatile than other families, more colorful.

Little Qiao rushed to Luo Zhongfang, it was the most lively time of the day, the downstairs lobby was brightly lit, there were prostitutes sitting on both sides, and the sound of silk and bamboo was lingering in the ears. Wrapped in beautiful Ayara from Gangnam, Mihime, with a charming smile, greets the endless number of pleasure-seekers.

Xiao Qiao’s carriage stopped on the side of the gate in front of the factory, and he did not get off the car, letting ChunNiang and Lin Mi go in and ask people to come out.

The doorman saw that a carriage was stopped outside the door, and two servant women who seemed to be from a large household came down, waiting to be inquired, but they had already been pushed away by Lin Mi’s slap. The doorman saw that the two servants were fierce, as if the comers were not good, and did not dare to stop them anymore, and hurriedly asked who to look for. Listening to ChunNiang report to Wei Yu, she did not dare to be sloppy, and hurriedly pointed out the direction.

Xiao Qiao sat in the carriage and watched the figure of Chunniang enter through the window. After waiting for a moment, I saw Qiao Ci hurried out of the inside and ran to his carriage, bowing his head and not saying a word.

Xiao Qiao stared at Qiao Ci, saw that his cheeks were red, as if he had drunk a lot of wine, and there seemed to be a suspicious lipid mark on his neck, he was angry in his heart, and was about to open his mouth, when suddenly a person was quickly chased out of the door, looked up, and saw that it was Wei Yu who chased him out.

Wei Yu ran to Xiao Qiao’s carriage, looked at Qiao Ci, who was looking down at qiao ci who was dejected and silent, patted him on the shoulder comfortingly, and then turned around and said to Xiao Qiao, who showed half a face in the window: “Younger sister, don’t blame Qiao Gongzi.” I really don’t. Seeing that he had been practicing hard in the school yard for several days, he forcibly asked him to drink here, loose and loose, and had no other meaning. The girls sitting with them were also clean. Don’t worry, younger siblings. Xiao Qiao was

really angry in his heart, although he tried his best to endure it, his expression still revealed some annoyance, and he said coldly: “I know that after Adi came, these days Uncle Dabo bothered to take care of many things.” I should have thanked my uncle. Tonight I also knew that Uncle Da’s intentions were good, and he should not come here to spoil his interest. It’s just that my brother is still a minor, and when he was in East County, my father also strictly disciplined my brother, and he was not allowed to enter and leave the Wind Moon Place before he was a minor. If I have any offense, please ask Uncle Haihan. Uncle please defecate yourself. I took my brother back first.
After
she finished speaking, she nodded slightly at Wei Yu, looked at Qiao Ci, who was still hanging her head, and frowned: “Don’t you want to lead the horse and go back with me?”

Qiao Ci sighed, hurriedly led the horse, turned over and climbed up.

Little Joe lowered the curtains and the carriage followed.

Wei Yu watched Xiao Qiao’s carriage gradually drift away, looking frightened, alone in place, standing for a long time.

……

Xiao Qiao watched Qiao Ci riding in front of him and returned to Wei Mansion without a word. As soon as he entered the door, he immediately took him into his room and told Chunniang and Lin Mi and others to go out.

Qiao Ci’s face was blown all the way down by the night wind, and the wine color had dispersed a lot, but it was still red. He secretly looked at sister A, who was frowning, and couldn’t help but panic in his heart, looking at Chunniang like a helper.

Chunniang advised, “Lady Jun, Gongzi is also a first-time offender, and then say…”

“Chunniang, you go out.”

Chunniang shook her head and had to go out.

“Is that the kind of place you can go?”

As soon as the door closed, Little Joe reproached, “How did I teach you when I was at home?” How old are you? When you are not even sixteen years old, you dare to go to that kind of place! Qiao Ci’s

face turned red again because of shame, and she said, “Sister, I was wrong… I didn’t go at all, but when Cousin Wei called, there were brothers who had been in the school yard for a few days, one by one, all looking at me, I…”

He stopped, and looked at Little Joe with pleading eyes.

……

In fact, at present, the young people in the family family, like Qiao Ci, who have not yet reached the age of sixteen, although they still have one or two years to marry, but in private, there are not a few who have already had adultery with the maids in the family. People like Joci are outliers. Only because Qiao Ci was simple in nature and people did not understand it, he had not been very attentive in this regard before. After Xiao Qiao came, he drove away the maids on Qiao Ci’s side who looked dishonest, and on weekdays, he also consciously instilled in his brother the concept that he would live once in a lifetime and not be close to other women before marriage.

She didn’t have to train Qiao Ci to be a good man who could be measured by twenty-first-century standards. After all, the environment is here. But now, if you can teach a few points, you still have to teach a few points. As for the future, when her brother becomes an adult and marries his wife and establishes a career, she can’t control what he wants, she can’t control so far.

but now, she would never allow him to enter and leave a place like Luo Zhongfang.

……

Xiao Qiao listened to Qiao Ci’s explanation and suddenly seemed to understand something.

Adi himself probably didn’t want to go. It was just that Wei Yu shouted, and there were so many people on the side, he was probably afraid that he would be ridiculed if he refused.

Little Qiao looked at his brother’s twin eyes very well, and the sullenness he had just given birth to gradually subsided.

“Sister! Don’t be mad at me. I promise, next time I won’t dare to go—”

Joci pleaded pitifully.

“In fact, Sister Ah is also thinking about your body, and you are not sixteen years old yet-”

“I thought something had happened!” But it’s just a small thing, why such a big move?

Little Joe hadn’t finished speaking, when suddenly a voice came from behind her, interrupting her. Then, the door was “snapped” open.

Xiao Qiao turned his head, and saw That Wei Shao, who had gone to FanYang the day before, lifted his feet and stepped in, striding inward, while walking, and said so in a disapproving tone.

Qiao Ci saw that his brother-in-law had suddenly returned, listened to his tone, and seemed to be speaking for himself. Somewhat surprised, he opened his mouth slightly.

Xiao Qiao was stunned, and then he frowned slightly, and said coldly: “I am disciplining my brother, and the prince will also intervene?” Wei Shao

didn’t seem to hear it, and went straight to Qiao Ci and said, “You go back.” It’s just a small thing. If you come back late next time, remember to come back with a message earlier.

Qiao Ci looked at his brother-in-law, and then secretly glanced at the sister with a calm face on the side, and suddenly felt that there seemed to be a cool breeze blowing through the back of his neck, shrunk his neck, and hurriedly slipped out with his head down.

[End of This Chapter]