Tranquility

When Tangning arrived in Weihai, it was still dark, so he found a humble inn, rented a room facing south, and went to bed as soon as he lay down.

As the sky was getting darker, red lanterns were hung on the large and small facades of Qingyi Lane. Two or three girls with heavy makeup were lazily leaning on the window frames, and their every move was full of seductive amorous feelings.

Of course, this is just the feeling of those men who are looking for flowers and asking willows. For them, they have long been numb. They have practiced these movements countless times since they were sold, and they have long been engraved in their bones. If they are lucky enough to be good in the future, this man The style in the eyes becomes the dust in the eyes of the world.

Originally, they thought that this night was another repeated nightmare in their hopeless lives. However, the appearance of a young man added a touch of bright color to their night.

He was wearing an unattractive Tsing Yi, carrying a heavy suitcase, and he didn't see any traits of a rich man, but they still scrambled to drag him into their courtyard, they all wanted to keep such a clean and clear person, Even if only for one night!

However, the young man was indifferent to their warm invitation. He struggled through this alley full of powder smell, and walked to the largest and most luxurious gate at the end. There were only two handsome turtle slaves at the gate, watching them around Dressed up neatly, I thought it was the concierge of a rich family.It is the largest brothel in Weihai, and there is no need for those low-level methods of soliciting customers.Those girls watched the boy enter the gate, so they could only withdraw their reluctant eyes, and once again lamented why they hadn't been sold into Piaoxiang Tower.

The moment the madam of Piaoxianglou saw Tang Ning, her eyes were glued to him; the more people who are rolling in the wind and dust, the more they can discover the precious qualities of people like Tang Ning, and the easier it is to be attracted to him.

She twisted her hips to face Tangning, giggled and said, "This is the first time this young man has come to our building. I don't know your name, what kind of girl are you looking for?" As she spoke, she put her hands on Tangning's shoulders.

Tangning took a step back and looked around. The room was luxuriously decorated, but it was very clean. It was completely different from the scene he imagined full of big fat guys hugging little girls and drinking.He withdrew his gaze and said, "My surname is Chen, and I'm looking for a girl in her twenties, preferably with a plump figure." At the end, he added, "Someone who is sensible and knowledgeable."

The old bustard raised his eyebrows, but he didn't expect this young man to have a strong taste.After thinking for a while, she said, "Young master, please follow me."

Tang Ning followed the procuress out of the back door of this room. Suddenly, his eyes opened up. He took a breath, deeply ashamed of his ignorance.It turns out that Piaoxiang Building is not only one building, nor two buildings, but buildings on two streets.

The old bustard led Tangning around to a remote bungalow, and said loudly, "Qiong Zhi, I'm here to meet guests."

Qiongzhi was cleaning the table when she heard the voice of the old bustard, she was in a daze, she thought it was an auditory hallucination, in her memory, the last time she heard her mother shout that was a few years ago, when she was the number one.

She opened the door habitually, and saw the old bustard standing at the door with a young man like this moonlight under the cold moonlight. If it had been a few years ago, she would have imagined that such a young man came to her specially, but now she just Some doubts asked: "Mom, what are you looking for?"

"Good girl, your luck has come, you will take good care of this young master tonight, you are also an old man, so I don't need to say the rules, hehe, a spring night is worth a thousand dollars, so I won't bother you two here. The old bustard said, giggling and turning around.

Tangning called her hesitantly, "Mom, this night's salary..."

The old bustard was taken aback, she actually forgot about this, "Hehe, the young master is not looking for a red card, if Qiongzhi serves you satisfactorily, you can just give her more rewards, alas, I am busy ahead, I We have to go first."

Tangning stared blankly at the plump back of the bustard. How could she go to a brothel without money?

Qiongzhi looked at Tangning's stunned look, and pursed her lips into a smile. Under the moonlight, she showed a stunning charm, "My lord, how do we talk in the room?"

Tangning was a little embarrassed, nodded and said, "Okay."

After entering the door, Qiongzhi poured tea, motioned Tangning to sit down, and asked, "Young master, do you want to listen to the music? Or..."

Holding the teacup, Tang Ning looked around the room. There was no valuable furniture, but it was neatly tidied up, and it didn't smell of powder. Although the quilt and bed cover were bright red, which is commonly used in brothels, they still had a refreshing smell after being cleaned up by the owner. .

He looked at Qiongzhi again, and looked at it from the perspective of a painter. Qiongzhi's facial features are very good, as long as he dresses up a bit, he can be a charming classical beauty.From an emotional point of view, he felt that the woman in front of him was an ink lotus.

"Your name is Qiongzhi, right? I have something I want to discuss with you."

There was no surprise on Qiongzhi's face. If Tangning really came here to prostitute, she would be surprised.

"My lord, it's okay to talk."

"I was entrusted by the eldest grandson of the Duke of Wei to draw some erotic pictures. I think you are good, so I want to use you as a template. Don't worry, it's not the kind of erotic palace on the market. It's just that the clothes are a little less."

When Tangning said this, her face turned red, and she couldn't continue.

"Yes, are you talking about Xia Houchun?"

"Exactly, you recognize him?"

"How can you not recognize that Mr. Xiahou has always been a frequent visitor to our place? Qiongzhi received many times when he was young. Now, if Mr. Xiahou still remembers Qiongzhi occasionally, I am afraid that Qiongzhi still cannot live in such a house. , and the days are as leisurely as they are now."

"So, what do you mean?"

"Mr. Xiahou wants it, and Qiongzhi is willing, so let's repay his care for Qiongzhi." Qiongzhi said a little sadly.

Tangning was silent. He originally wanted to use Xia Houchun's influence to threaten her not to tell about his painting, but he didn't want to become like this.

It's not yet August, and the moon is shining brightly outside the window.

Qiong Zhi is leaning against the window naked, holding the pipa halfway in one hand, flicking her fingers with the other hand, her long hair like a waterfall is scattered between her legs along the back, one plumpness is covered by the pipa, and the other is blocked by her arms Half way, just brushing under the red dogwood.

The bed next to it was covered with messy red silk, the floor was covered with messy clothes, the bright red candles were burning brightly, the window was as clear as water, but inside the window was the extreme sadness and despair.

It took Tangning three days to finally complete this painting. This painting used his painting skills to the extreme.He showed the painting to Qiongzhi, although he deliberately changed Qiongzhi's appearance and added some makeup to make the person in the painting more beautiful and enchanting, but Qiongzhi knew it was her just by looking at it, and her tears flowed down As she fell, that was her, wandering between inside and outside the window, struggling between hope and despair.

One painting is not safe. In case Xia Houchun didn't like this style of painting, Tangning planned to paint another painting with the opposite style.

However, when he picked up the brush this time, he obviously felt different from the past. He felt that the brush seemed to be a part of him, moving with his heart.He feels that in the world of canvas, there is no more restraint, he is so free and comfortable, and painting has become an ultimate enjoyment.

Here Tang Ning was obsessed with oil painting, but he didn't know that his fate almost took a big turn.

In the marking room of the Weihai government office, Ge Chong and Shui Mingxuan sat on each side, silently looking at the examination papers.

After an unknown amount of time, Shui Mingxuan rubbed his sore eyes, looked at Ge Chong, and saw the smile that hadn't disappeared in the corner of his mouth.

He was amazed, Ge Chong is notoriously unsmiling, did he see any prodigy papers?But to get his fancy, at least it has to be that kind, a young version of Ge Chong appeared in his mind, he shivered, and came back to his senses, only to see that Ge Chong actually put that paper in the category of failure .

Shui Mingxuan walked over involuntarily, picked up the paper, and saw the extremely correct and powerful block letters. Looking at the content again, he found clear thinking, meticulous analysis, and unique methods. Still failed the ranking, is Ge Chong an upright official?

Shui Mingxuan was not calm anymore, he took the paper and said: "Master Ge, I think this candidate is a great talent, how could he fail?"

Ge Chong stood up with a smile, leaned over to take the paper, pointed and said: "I have been an official for decades, and I have read countless exam papers. This paper is the most brilliant one. It's just that the old man can't help it when he sees this word." I know, this candidate must be under the age of the weak crown. You can see that his handwriting is powerful but not sophisticated. It must have been practiced with heavy weights. Master Shui should be more aware of this kind of trick than the old man.

The old man has also seen many candidates, and there are quite a few young and promising candidates. However, they were too smooth in the past, and most of them died early due to setbacks after they became officials, or they were ineffective. It's a pity, it's a pity.

Therefore, the old man wanted to make this examinee suffer some hardships, and go back to polish and polish it again. "

After listening, Shui Mingxuan smiled wryly and said: "Sir Ge is right, but there are unpredictable circumstances, who can expect that he will meet such an official who cherishes talents like Master Ge next time?"

Ge Chong didn't take it seriously, "It's the last thing in the bag. Since that big case back then, I think the examiners for the imperial examination have been selected well in recent years."

Shui Mingxuan was silent for a while, then sighed: "Originally, the court report hasn't arrived yet, so I didn't plan to say it, well, I'll know sooner or later. I received the news yesterday that three days ago, Mr. Yu Ge was killed by the emperor. The crime of treason is ordered to be imprisoned, and another day awaits trial."

"what!"

A test paper slowly fell onto the desk...

The second day of September is the day when the list is released.

The sun was shining outside, the birds were singing and the flowers were fragrant. Sitting in the flower hall of Duke Wei's mansion, Tang Ning felt uneasy.

Xia Houchun wore a sapphire blue uniform, and strode into the door, "Haha, I haven't seen Brother Tang for a long time. Last time, Brother Tang left in a hurry, and I haven't had time to congratulate Brother Tang. Isn't it because my siblings are in good health? Brother Tang Did you come back to Weihai this time to see the list?"

Tangning stood up, bowed deeply, and said, "Brother Xiahou, the next time I came here, I came here specifically to find Brother Xiahou. I just hope that Brother Xiahou can help us a little bit because of our acquaintance."

"Brother Tang doesn't have to be like this. If Brother Tang has any difficulties, I will try my best to help." Xia Houchun said casually. He had seen countless people like this who asked him for help once or twice, but he never thought that, Tangning looked like a noble scholar, it turned out to be this kind of person.

"My wife has always had heart disease and weak body. This pregnancy is very dangerous. The doctor said that it takes more than 500 years of ginseng to save her life. My family is poor. Where can I find such precious ginseng? However, my wife is the only daughter of my mentor. , is also a childhood sweetheart, I really don't want to see her go before me.

In the next day and night, I was anxious, thinking about it, only brother Xiahou might have such ginseng here.However, I don't have so much silver taels, I guess Brother Xiahou doesn't care about money, after much deliberation, only these two paintings are what Brother Xiahou needs, and I want to exchange them for a little ginseng, not the whole root, just enough. As she spoke, Tangning picked up a roll of canvas in the box and looked around.

Xia Houchun was a little moved. He didn't expect that Tang Ning's class of literati would put down his dignity for his wife's sake, and be so submissive.He sat upright, waved his hands to let the left and right back down, and then watched the scroll unfold slowly in Tangning's jade-like hands.

First, there is a haloing bright moon hanging in the dark blue night sky, below are the dark blue silky clouds, and then there is the sparkling lake water under the moonlight.

Xia Houchun leaned forward, his eyes narrowed slightly, as if sinking into the rushing silence.

Tang Ning suddenly lowered her lower hand, and the canvas unfolded in an instant. The snow-like blue silk was blown by the night wind, and the dewdrops were on the curvaceous waist. Some are entangled with the hair, some are drifted away with the night wind, and some are sprinkled on the water surface, making fine ripples.

Her slender arms blocked the fullness of her chest, and her buttocks were faintly visible in the water. She looked up at Qingyue with a peaceful and peaceful expression, and her beautiful side face was hazy and ethereal.

Xia Houchun had already stood up, but he didn't notice it until Tangning's hands were sore, he came back to his senses and exclaimed, "What a fairy!"

Tang Ning smiled slightly. This painting was entirely based on his imagination. It could fascinate Xia Houchun, and he was very satisfied.

He carefully put away the painting and picked up another one.

Xia Houchun suddenly swept away the things on the table in the flower hall, "Let's put it here for a look."

Tangning obeyed, placed it on the desk, and gently unfolded it.

Xia Houchun stepped forward with a smile, looking expectantly in his eyes, but the next moment, the smile froze on the corner of his mouth, "This is, Qiongzhi, right?"

Tang Ning was surprised, he had already processed Qiong Zhi's face, and the person in the painting only had two points of resemblance to Qiong Zhi, why did Xia Houchun recognize it at a glance?

Xia Houchun carefully put away the painting, put it away solemnly, and shouted to his confidant, telling him to fetch the ginseng.

After a while, her confidant came in with a box in her arms. Tangning opened it and saw that the ginseng had already taken shape. Not only did she have arms and legs, but she could also vaguely see facial features on her face. This ginseng tree might be more than a thousand years old.

He looked up at Xia Houchun, wanting to refuse, but thinking of Dr. Lu's words, the words stuck in his throat again.

Xia Houchun smiled, picked up a special blade from the box, cut off half of his arm, put it in another small box prepared by his confidant, and handed it to Tangning.

Tang Ning bowed deeply again, Xia Houchun helped him up, put his arms around his shoulders and smiled lightly, "No need to thank you, brother, your paintings are truly amazing, the first one in history, don't worry, only the two of us know about this, I will never Don't tell me, when your daughter-in-law is fine, you must draw a few more and give it to me as a thank you gift."

He didn't say thank you for his kindness, and Tangning wasn't hypocritical. Sister Cheng at home was still waiting to be used. He hurriedly bid farewell to Xia Houchun and left Duke Wei's mansion.

"Young master, he is just a poor scholar. How can you cut off his arm? In my opinion, it would be good to give him a few beards. This is for you to save your life." The confidant looked at the missing half The little man in the arm is very distressed.

Xia Houchun slammed his confidant, "What nonsense, my arm is on my body, where did I cut it off? What do you know?"

Xia Houchun looked at the box in his hand, and added silently, what do you know, you can let go of your dignity for the sake of your wife, let go of the aloofness of a literati, and let go of the future of life. Not only worthy of fellowship, but also worthy of respect.Besides, I was thinking of him painting more erotic palaces.

At noon, as soon as the yamen servants had finished posting the list, the students around immediately swarmed up, "Hey, don't squeeze, did I win?"

Jin Yongfu pulled Zhao Qian into the crowd to watch the list, "Haha, Zhao Qian, I actually won. Although the ranking is low, I am a candidate!" Jin Yongfu spoke incoherently.

"Hmm, do you see if I'm on the list?"

"Here, I tell you to read less, it hurts your eyes..."

The two people who were arguing didn't realize that a scholar in green shirt rode a pure white horse, brushed past them quickly, and left in a hurry.