Subversion of the plot [Comprehensive]

The next day, Ping An and Shi Niang changed into half-worn clothes, combed their hair loosely, and covered their appearance a little. Then they took a basket of hot food, winter clothes, shoes and socks, and rented a car to visit the prison.Liu Da followed by the car and mentioned a few things about visiting the prison.

After spending some money, I went in very smoothly.

Liu Da was chatting with the jailer, stuffed dozens of copper coins, kept a plate of hot beef bought earlier, and a jug of wine.The jailer was very happy when he saw this, and his attitude became much better. He stopped embarrassing the two daughters who bowed their heads, led them to Gao Mu's cell, opened the cell door, and let them talk.

When leaving, the jailer reminded: "This person was told by his superiors. He was not allowed to visit him originally. Seeing that you are sincere, I am making an exception today. If you have something to say, hurry up. At most, I can only give you a stick of incense time, lest the superiors know about it." , it is also difficult for us to do.”

"Don't worry, we won't delay." Liu Dalian promised.

As soon as the jailer left, Shi Niang took off the cloth scarf covering her head, revealing a beautiful face, as if the damp and cold prison was brightened.The cell is at the innermost end, only a pile of straw, covered with a ragged bamboo mat, the quilt has long since lost its original color, and the cotton wool inside has long since clumped, so there is no warmth.

It was snowing outside today, but Gao Mu was only wearing a thin jacket, his face was pale and cold.Today's Gao Mu doesn't have the romantic and unrestrained style of the past, which makes Shi Niang feel very sad.

"Ten Niang..." Gao Mu felt warm when he saw her coming.He has always known that Du Shiniang is a warm-hearted and kind woman, very rare in Fireworks Alley. He used to visit her often as a benefactor, but he was never tempted.Who would have thought that a moment of kindness in the past would bear today's kindness.

How powerful the Zheng family is, their family was defeated, the wall fell and everyone pushed it, and most of the relatives and friends avoided it. This is normal in the world, although he is sad, he does not hate it.Shi Niang is willing to give charcoal in a timely manner, even if it is for the sake of repaying her kindness, he is still very grateful.

Ten Niang held back her tears, and hurriedly lifted the cloth from the basket, put the hot dishes and rice on the table, poured a glass of wine and handed it to him: "Young Master Gao, drink some wine to warm up first, oh, yes Now, put on your clothes first. It's cold and damp in this prison, and it's winter, and getting sick from the cold is a big deal." Ten Niang unpacked her bag, took out the winter clothes she had prepared, and said a little cautiously, "Young Master Gao knows me... I'm not very good at needlework, and I've never made clothes before, so you should wear them first."

"Ten Niang has a heart." Gao Mu has never worn such a simple winter coat, but he knows his own situation, so what capital does he have to dislike?What's more, Shi Niang sewed it by herself stitch by stitch, which is even more rare and sincere.Gao Mu didn't hesitate, and immediately put it on, and it fit perfectly.

Gao Mu is not a sour literati who waits for red tape, he accepts things from Shi Niang calmly, drinks wine and eats food, his body warms up and his heart feels good.

At this moment, Pingan asked, "Didn't the Gao family send you winter clothes?"

Logically it shouldn't.

Gao Mu said mockingly: "The butler, Uncle Zhou, gave it away. I used to have a lot of clothes. Uncle Zhou was afraid of the cold and damp in the prison, so he specially chose the best woolen clothes. But now I am a prisoner, and the Gao family has also lost. That's a good one." How did the clothes fall into my hands? The house is in a mess, Uncle Zhou has nothing to do with himself, and my father is getting old, I am afraid that he will not be able to stand the pain of prison, so Uncle Zhou should take care of his father."

Seeing his calm expression and not hiding herself, Shi Niang spoke her mind: "Shi Niang still has some money in her hands, about five hundred. Although it is not much, if the young master can use it, it will be considered that Shi Niang has exhausted it." A heart."

Shi Niang said that the "number of five hundred" was not five hundred in cash, but the estimated price of jewelry, pearls and jade.Although Shi Niang is a famous prostitute, the old bustard of Chunguangyuan only has money in her eyes, so she is not willing to let them save money privately. Money for ransom.In the original story, Shi Niang sank the treasure box angrily, saying that there were all kinds of rare treasures in the box, which were priceless. The jade bracelet has already been pawned and returned to Li Jia.Later, they had some expenses, and after deducting living expenses, Shi Niang felt that they could come up with five hundred.

As soon as Ping An heard it, she knew that she was not counted.

Gao Mu was taken aback, sighed, hesitated for a moment, and finally accepted Shi Niang's wish: "Shi Niang knows everything about the Gao family, the Gao family really needs money, but it doesn't need Shi Niang to give out five hundred, four hundred, right? Next time you bring a pen and paper, I will write an IOU with you."

Gao Mu felt that the life of the two women was not easy. If it wasn't for his difficult situation, how could he ask for their money?Their Gao family's ancestral home still has a sacrificial field, as long as they can be released from prison and return to their original home in the future, there will always be another way out.He thought that 100 taels would be enough for ten niangs to spend temporarily. Later, he could ask ten niangs what they wanted and take them back home together.With Gao's family taking care of them, no one would bully the two girls.

Pingan can naturally understand Gao Mu's meaning, and feels that Gao Mu really has a heart, is not hypocritical, and is able to consider others. If Shi Niang can marry Gao Mu, wouldn't it be an excellent marriage?

Earlier, Ping An was just teasing Shi Niang casually, but now she has really moved her mind a little bit. She looked at it coldly, Shi Niang really cared about Gao Mu, and Gao Mu had a good impression of Shi Niang... Although the friendship between men and women cannot be seen, but she definitely has a good impression .In the past, the Gao family was an official, and Gao Mu had a wife and a concubine, and had a reputation for flirtatiousness, so it was not a good match.

Although I have an idea, now is not a good time, so Ping An will not mention it.

Shi Niang didn't think too much about it, she was very happy to see that Gao Mu was willing to accept the money: "Don't worry, Mr. Gao, I have enough for my daily expenses, so I will borrow five hundred from Mr. Gao."

Neither of them said that the money was given away for free, not because they didn't want to, but because it changed their sincerity.

Two days later, according to the agreed time, Shi Niang came again, and Gao Mu directly handed over the money to the housekeeper Zhou Bo, which also made Zhou Bo full of inquiry and gratitude to Shi Niang.With money in hand, Gao Mu's case will go to trial soon.Ping An asked Uncle Zhou about this case, and learned that the dead man was once a servant of Mr. Zheng's family, and had no contact with Gao Mu at all, but there is nothing wrong with accusing him of the crime.The Zheng family insisted that Gao Mu came to the house to vent their personal anger and pick a fight. The servant resisted him, but Gao Mu beat him severely and died within a few days after returning home.

Someone from the Gao family helped, and the Zheng family became more powerful. After some games, Gao Mu was finally sentenced to exile for two thousand miles.The Gao family was originally from Luoyang. If they did not pay the ransom, they would be exiled to Fujian according to the law, and they would have to be rode before they were allotted. Not a few weak people died under the rod punishment.

Zhou Bo went up and down to manage the people in the yamen, and the executioner paid a full 300 taels, which made the other party agree to relax under the pressure of the Zheng family.Even so, no one could walk without a hundred sticks. Gao Mu suffered a lot in prison and was finally carried back.

Ten Niang burst into tears.

Pingan comforted her: "Don't be sad, Shi Niang, she just looks serious, just to hide from the Zheng family's eyes and ears. Uncle Zhou gave enough money, but the executioner took it lightly. He wore thick clothes in winter and didn't let them fade away." The clothes may not be swollen at all. Mr. Gao has been in prison for a long time, and his body is weak, so go back and mend it."

Shi Niang sighed, "Young Master Gao's business is over, and I don't know how Master Gao is doing. A few days ago, Uncle Zhou said that Mrs. Gao's condition is getting worse, so I don't know what's going on now."

"If you are worried, find some good medicine and send them." After all, they are women, no matter how concerned they are, they can't just go to the door in a daze. There are still a few old servants in the Gao family, and it's not that no one takes care of them.

Shi Niang immediately went to open the box to get the silver. As a high shepherd these days, she didn't know how much money was spent.However, this feeling is different from when she was with Li Jia. Shi Niang didn't expect Gao Mu to marry her, and she didn't even think about marrying Gao Mu as a wife and concubine. There is no return for giving, and I don't feel sad.

As soon as the twelfth lunar month enters, the year is approaching.

Every household is busy buying new year's goods, the streets are full of people all day long, and the business volume of paper goods shops has doubled.During the Chinese New Year festival, offering sacrifices to the ancestors’ graves requires incense sticks and paper money, and the New Year’s shop will also be closed. Usually, the doors will not open until the fifth or eighth day of the lunar new year, and things must be prepared in advance.Because the business is good, Ping An is also helping out, mainly looking at the things in the shop, so as not to damage the paper goods due to too many people.

Now this Taoji Paper Goods Shop is very famous, and some people heard that it is so rare that even if it is far away, they are willing to go halfway around the city to offer incense.We all know that the paper goods in this shop are very good, and those who have more money are willing to buy a few good paper goods during the New Year's Eve. Today, in peace, five pairs of golden boys and jade girls were sold. Ten of the beautiful little ladies were sold, and there were even more paper horse sedan chairs, gold, silver and ingots. These are usually relatives who have passed away within three years.

Ping An has been busy for a few days, discussing with Shi Niang about the Chinese New Year.

They live here to avoid misfortune, and those who stay here during Chinese New Year don't seem to be the case.Besides, their new house has been completed and they have their own home, so they don't want to stay here forever.

"I was just about to tell you. I'm just busy in the shop, and you and I can help. There are fewer people these days, so let's bid farewell to Mr. Tao, and come back to pay New Year's greetings after the Chinese New Year." Shi Niang said with a feeling of warmth in her heart. , When I think that I am already a good family this year, I have a family and sisters, and I can "go back to my relatives" during the New Year, just like ordinary people, the same as when I was a child.

As the new year approached, Zhao Qi and Sun Fu were all foreigners, so they must have returned home, so there was no need to worry about them even if they were out walking.As for Concubine Zheng... Young Master Tao told her both, there is no need to worry, Concubine Zheng didn't know about the two of them, she just thought that it was Zhao Qi who happened to save someone, and she was gnashing the Zhao family's teeth with hatred.

Tao Shuobai was waiting for the two pots of narcissus sent by Zhu Changxu. When she saw Ping An and Shi Niang came to say goodbye, she nodded without any other choice: "If you want to come to celebrate the New Year, you should always stay at home. If you need anything, just go with me. Mu Shan said."

Uncle Mu is in charge of the business of the store, Aunt Mu Yueniang is in charge of the back house, and Mu Shan is in charge of things like going in and out of the house, shopping, etc., and they are familiar with outsiders.

Knowing that he has a mild temper and doesn't pay much attention to the vain etiquette of dealing with people, Ping An is very grateful for saying such words.She had the cheek to ask for help, and made troubles again and again, but the other party didn't think much of it, on the contrary, she was able to take care of her like this, no matter how strange this family was, no one would shy away from it.

As a person who gets along day and night and eats in a pot, Ping'an Shiniang has noticed the strangeness of the master and servant in this family.

Although these masters and servants eat, sleep, and do business in the same way, they feel different from ordinary people. Except when they talk to people, they seem to be alive, and they are quiet and silent at other times, which often makes people ignore their existence.And Uncle Mu's family of four—Uncle Mu has been sitting behind the counter of the shop since he opened the door, and the old god is there, whether there are guests or not, he will always be safe, except for three meals, and he will not leave until the door closes after dark.Mu Shan, Mu Aunt, and Yue Niang are all busy with their own affairs. Once they are done, they consciously go into the warehouse to make paper goods. Dry, that speed is simply staggering.

Tao Shuobai's boss is just a hands-off shopkeeper. He has never asked about the affairs of the shop, and he has never seen the accounts at the end of the month. He has never talked about family affairs or asked about money...Of course, Ping An has never talked to the other party except for begging, and has never I heard this mysterious peach boy gossiping with his family members.

Shi Niang is a solid person, although she was surprised, she was also moved.Shi Niang said that this Tao Gongzi has a rich family background at first glance, and he doesn't have to worry about money, but he is stable. He just reads books at home all day long, let alone go to the fireworks land to have fun, and he doesn't hang out at all. The students who are studying are still behind closed doors.

Pingan often slanders, what does a big man do at home alone every day?Is it an otaku?I can sit still!

Probably, only when King Bin came, did the family seem alive.

People really don't talk about it, as soon as they think of this person, they come.Pingan, however, focused his eyes on the guard following behind him. The guard was holding a tray in his hand, covered with a piece of yellow silk cloth, and it was bulging inside, but he didn't know what it was.

Zhu Changxu happened to be puzzled by this, and stretched out his hand to remove the yellow silk cloth on it, and there were six white flour steamed buns inside.The steamed buns are smaller than ordinary people's houses, they seem to be warm, and they exude a faint fragrance of steamed buns, but no matter how beautiful and delicious they are, they are nothing more than steamed buns.

Ping An can be seen during this period of time. This Zhu Changxu, the king of Bin, is so good to Tao Shuobai. All anecdotes came to share with Tao Shuobai, and Ping An and Shi Niang were also in the know.Ping An couldn't help thinking sourly, when she was pursued by her boyfriend in college, the other party wasn't so considerate...

Ping An was taken aback for a moment, as if he had finally figured it out, and suddenly became enlightened.Looking at Zhu Changxu's words and demeanor again, he became more and more sure, and was immediately shocked and stunned.

Zhu Changxu didn't pay attention to safety, pointed at the steamed buns and said with a smile: "Today is 23, the steamed buns are steamed in the palace. This is the first pot in the imperial dining room. I said that I would come out of the palace, and the emperor knew that I had a steamed bun. Friends who are interested, I specially rewarded it. This thing is a favor for the minister’s family, and you don’t need it. It’s just a reward after all. I’ll give it to your servants later.” As he spoke, he seemed to finally see the two of Ping’an Shiniang, eyebrows Slightly picky, he added: "Well, one for each person, just right."

Six steamed buns, Uncle Mu, Aunt Mu, Mu Shan, Yue Niang, plus Ping An and Shi Niang, are not just right!

Ping An finally understood why Zhu Changxu was hot and cold towards her, and immediately said goodbye to Shi Niang, ready to pack her things and call Liu Dalai to pick her up.Just in time to bid farewell to Yueniang, remembering the steamed buns I saw just now, I reminded Yueniang: "It's 24 tomorrow, why don't you plan to knead the dough? Won't you steam the buns tomorrow?"

Yueniang didn't intend to steam steamed buns at first, the family didn't need to eat, and there was Ping'an Tenniang on weekdays, just pretending, and there were no relatives and friends to go around during the Chinese New Year, steaming so many steamed buns was a waste.But when Pingan asked, Yueniang smiled calmly and said, "The steamed buns are only steamed at 26."

Folks steam steamed buns at 26, and it takes two days earlier in the palace.

Pingan nodded, originally wanted to explain that he could stay and help out by sweeping the house and pasting the windows later, but then he thought again, Aunt Yueniangmu's house is really neat, and she cleans it very clean on weekdays. There is no need for big moves during the New Year.It was their new home. Although Liu Dasan lived there, the main room was empty, so they had to hurry over to clean and resettle, and also arranged for Liu Dasan to prepare for the New Year.

Yueniang suddenly looked out, said to Ping An, went to the upper room, and came over later with steamed buns.

For Yueniang's behavior, Ping'an was already used to it.Every time she didn't hear anything, Yueniang always left to listen to Tao Shuobai's orders, as if telepathic, of course she was just joking.

In fact, because Yueniang and others are puppets, once they are activated, there will be imprints of their masters in their bodies. Tao Shuobai doesn't need to speak, and can be driven by his heart, which is very convenient.

Yueniang took another clean white porcelain plate, picked out two steamed buns and gave them to Pingan: "Master, I told you and Shi Niang."

Thank you Ping An, and went back to the house with the steamed buns.

Shi Niang had already packed her things, and she smiled when she saw her carrying steamed buns: "I never thought that now, with the help of Young Master Peach, I would be lucky enough to be rewarded by the emperor for the Chinese New Year. It is worthy of being from the palace. It’s different from the home of the common people.”

Ping An picked up a steamed bun, and inadvertently saw a red stamp on the bottom of the steamed bun, which seemed to be the word "Imperial Kitchen".Hearing Shi Niang's words, she smiled and said, "The rice noodles eaten by the royal family are naturally the best. There must be some sugar added to the noodles, which makes them more fragrant and soft."

"Take it home and eat it hot on New Year's Eve." Shi Niang is not the kind of person who loves wealth and honor, but due to the constraints of the times, she has a natural awe of imperial power.What's more, Shi Niang valued these two steamed buns not only because of the emperor's reward, but also because she hoped that the family would share the steamed buns as a good omen.

Both inside and outside the palace are busy celebrating the new year. The palace is no better than the folks. Since the 24th, firecrackers are going off every day during the day, and firecrackers are going off at night. Everyone puts on a festive smile. The dull atmosphere was also relieved.

It's New Year's Eve in a blink of an eye.

The good show arranged by Zhu Changxu will be staged tonight.