Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

The second wife of the Wang family came in to say hello to the old lady with a sad face. The old lady of the Wang family knew that the Jia family was in trouble as soon as she saw the young daughter-in-law's face. "Is it because the Jia family refuses to withdraw their marriage? After all, they are a kind family. Generally speaking, reasonable people will definitely not withdraw their marriage just because of the girl's poor health. I'm afraid their family even sent expensive gifts."

"The old lady was lucky. Their family not only brought a lot of expensive things for the eldest girl to support her body, but also sent the wedding ceremony and Geng Tie. She said that the marriage between the two families was only a verbal agreement before, and now the Geng Tie is a supplementary gift." Come on. But the daughter-in-law didn’t dare to continue, so she came to ask the old lady what she meant.” The marriage between the Jia family and the Wang family is not acceptable, and this post is like hot coals.The second wife peeked at her mother-in-law, she felt like a pancake being tormented on both sides on a hot iron plate.

The old lady sighed, and said helplessly after a long time: "What else can I do, the big girl's scandal can't be spread, and I can only let it go. It's just that you and the Jia family thank them first for not despising my Ziqian. If that girl's illness can be cured, my family must send her a generous dowry to marry her. Asking her to serve her parents-in-law and support her sister-in-law is considered a courtesy of our family. If that girl is unlucky, we will invite the Duke and the Don't be sorry, Mrs. Gong, please give them another marriage proposal as soon as possible, and my family will also send a set of dowry to that girl. Originally, getting married was a happy event, but now the people in charge of my family are all in Liaodong, and the family is in a state of chaos. It's not good to make arrangements, wait for the old man and Ziqian's father to come back and have a good time to make arrangements. You have to entertain them well and don't treat them slowly." The second wife hurriedly said: "It's the daughter-in-law who understands. Now, tell people to treat them according to the example of relatives."

The second wife over there went out, and the old lady leaned on the couch alone and stared at the exquisite flower and bird patterns on the partition, lost in thought for a while, the room was quiet, everything became blurry after a long time.A breeze blows in, and the lifelike goldfish embroidered on the partition seem to come alive.The old lady blinked her eyes, only to realize that she was only dazzled. "Mingzhu, go and ask Ziji to come, I have something to tell him to do."

As soon as Mingzhu agreed, she went to send a message, and Wang Ziji came in after a while. "Greetings to the old lady, what did grandma call me?" Ever since Wang Changchun went to war, the only male in the family who could take care of things was Wang Ziji.In Hangzhou, he was still a shy boy who only knew to follow Wang Ziteng, but now he has become a lot more mature.

"Things at home have been hard on you these past few days. I used to think that you didn't grow up, and I was worried that seeing you would start a family and start a business, how could you support the family? Your father is too late, and he will still take care of your mother in the future. If you don't have a big heart How to control the family business. I didn't expect that you have experienced so much in the capital." The old lady looked at the little grandson with gratification in her eyes.

"Grandmother praised me. When I was in Hangzhou, everything was decided by my grandfather and uncle. I just followed suit. Now I am the only one left in the family. If I still hide behind the adults, I will not be a man in vain. What does grandma tell you?" Just say it. The eldest brother is still in the capital, and I still have someone to discuss with." Because Wang Ziji lost his father since he was a child, his temperament is calmer and softer than Wang Ziteng's, and he is a little less sunny and straightforward.

"You can't reveal this matter to your brother at all. It's not that grandma is cruel, it's really that grandma can't do anything about it. The whole family is prosperous, and every one is harmed. You also know that Ziqian did such a thing. Although she is a poor person Calculated. After all, women are always at a disadvantage. She is a girl who has not been out of the cabinet. How can she meet people. Your grandfather and uncle have just been promoted. I don’t know how many people are jealous behind their backs. Glory is your grandpa and uncle working hard with their lives, but who would care about those people. If you block their way, you will become a thorn in the side of others. Grandma can't implicate the whole family because of her. Even if you don't think about others Think, you should also think about your mother. She raised you up alone, and you know all kinds of hardships better than anyone else. Do you want your mother to be implicated and lose her reputation!" The old lady said, tears came down, and she stretched out her hand He took out a small box from his side, and opened it to reveal a delicate small porcelain bottle.

When Wang Ziji saw the bottle pouring cold water from head to toe, a chill rose from his heart: "Grandmother, this is for—" Although they are cousins, Wang Ziteng has always been very concerned about this nephew who has no father's protection. The children of the uncle's family also took special care of Wang Ziji.Even though he lost his father, Wang Ziji didn't suffer any grievances, and instead became everyone's darling.Thinking of Ziqian's next fate, Wang Ziji felt horrified.How come Ziqian is also the eldest daughter of the Wang family, but she is about to die at the hands of her family. If she falls into such a situation that day, will her family throw away their pawns and give up on themselves without hesitation like today?

Grandmother, grandson knew that grandma was in a dilemma, but what was she——Wang Ziji looked at the old lady as if she was looking at something extremely scary.How could he kill the cousin who plagiarized and got along with?

"Don't worry, a tiger's poison does not eat its children, and your grandmother is not a hard-hearted person. Originally, your grandfather had planned everything. First, he and Jia's family used the excuse of Ziqian's illness and marriage as an excuse to divorce. Anyway, the two families haven't made a formal decision yet. It's just a verbal appointment, and it's much easier to withdraw from the marriage. Who knows that the Jia family is unwilling to withdraw from the marriage. Now that your grandfather and father have become the favorites of the emperor, their family will not withdraw from the marriage. Lai Gengtie and Dingli are intended to solidify this marriage. If the Jia family refuses to withdraw the marriage, your grandfather’s plan cannot be carried out later, and the Hu family will not let go. The only plan for now is to call Ziqian Leaving our house. This is the separation of souls. After eating, people will be suspended animation for seven days. Even the imperial doctor can't easily detect it. You first arrange a place to house Ziqian, and then give this to her. The Wang family has never seen it again. This is her!" The old lady pointed the small bottle at Zi Jiliang and carefully put it back.

Ziji came out of his grandmother's room in a daze. In just half an hour, Ziji felt like a year had passed. The home he thought of before suddenly became strange and unfathomable.A gust of cold wind blew on his face, and Wang Ziji shivered all over. He woke up, straightened his clothes, and quickened his pace.He still has a lot of things to do quietly.

Hu Qizhong focused all his attention on the Wang family, he walked back and forth in the study a little anxiously, his heart was tormented alternately by joy and worry.Wang Changchun solved the chaos in Liaodong in one fell swoop and laid the foundation for the stability of the next few decades. He has indeed contributed a lot.It's just that Hu Qizhong didn't expect that His Majesty would suddenly appoint Wang Changchun as the Prince and Taibao of the University of Martial Arts!This is simply the rhythm of parachuting the cabinet and taking over the military power of the world.When Wang Dingqian was conferred the title of Wenhuadian University, he walked into the imperial study!Although Wang Dingqian has only a fourth-rank official title, he has become a close minister of the emperor. Hearing Wei Wang's angry complaints today, the emperor praised Wang Dingqian for his lack of nonsense. edict.Then wouldn't he become a close minister by His Majesty's side?It seems that the Wang family still has at least 50 years of prosperity.

Hu Qizhong was proud of his far-reaching gaze. If it wasn't for the accidental kindness he gave at the beginning, he wouldn't have had the secret communication between his son and the daughter of the Wang family. If it wasn't for his sudden inspiration that day, he wouldn't have lost a powerful ally.But if King Wei knew about his marriage with the Wang family——today, King Wei's cold face and dissatisfied tone appeared in front of Hu Qizhong again.

Hu Qizhong clenched his fists and clenched his teeth. He walked faster, and his powder-soled boots made a sound of thumping on the blue brick floor. "King Wei's actions are becoming more and more impetuous. He is greedy and short-sighted, mean by nature, and cunning and insidious. He is not a benevolent king, no matter what! A good bird chooses a tree to live in, and I can't sink with the boat!" Hu Qizhong slammed his left hand. With the palm of his right hand, he decided to leave King Wei's sinking ship.

But before he is ready to abandon the ship, Hu Qizhong will confirm the quality of his new ship.Hu Qizhong gritted his teeth and sat down at the desk, picked up his pen and wrote a letter to Wang Changchun.

A few days later, Grandson Donggong was seriously reading a letter.Xiao Zhongliang stood beside the grandson and waited on him. Seeing the corners of the grandson's mouth slowly curved upwards in joy, Xiao Zhongliang knew that Wang Changchun's letter must be good news. "What's going on with King Wei these days? Has Hu Qizhong, his think tank, taken office?" Grandson used to mention King Wei with disgust on his face, why did he suddenly ask him today?

"Reporting to Your Highness, the King of Wei still often enters the palace these days to pay respects to Concubine Dong Gui. His brain truster, Hu Qizhong, is really powerful. The emperor let her go to weaving in Hangzhou, but that Hu Qizhong used the excuse of illness to the officials to stay in the capital. Go to take office. There is a time limit for officials to take office. People from the Ministry of Officials urged him several times, but Hu Qizhong just refused to take up his post immediately. There is no way to ask King Wei to greet the Ministry of Officials, saying that some things have not been cleared and not called him. Leave. People in the official department can't say anything." Xiao Zhongliang couldn't figure out why the grandson became interested in Hu Qizhong.

"Oh, is that so? I heard that Hu Qizhong suddenly warmed up to Mr. Wang, please listen to me..." Taisun waved at Xiao Zhongliang, Xiao Zhongliang stared in disbelief: "If the news of Mr. Wang It’s true—that’s His Royal Highness God Bless! This servant will test it out—"

"No, if you come forward, I will come forward. If the truth will be confirmed, I'll go to greet the queen first. Didn't you bring a few apprentices with you? With a master as smart and capable as you, the apprentices can't be weak. The queen There are not enough people around, you can send two of them." The grandson gave Xiao Zhongliang a meaningful look, stood up and ordered loudly: "It's time to greet the queen."

Hu Qizhong still didn't dare to go to the Wang family to ask about his marriage without any shyness.He heard that the Jia family brought a lot of things to the Wang family through the boat that the Wang family sent fresh melons and fruits, and he couldn't sit still.On this day, Hu Qizhong changed into casual clothes after going through some ideological struggles, and went to visit Wang's house in a simple manner.As soon as he arrived at the intersection of the main street where the Wang family was located, Hu Qizhong got out of the car and walked towards the Wang family's mansion with a steady pace.

Before reaching the main gate of Wang's house, he saw several royal horses and a palace carriage parked in front of the gate of Wang's house.It turned out that after the old lady of the Wang family sealed the order, the queen mother and empress sent her to reward the old lady of the Wang family.Hu Qizhong listened to the servant's report and pondered for a while: "Don't go to the main entrance, let's go to the back."

When the people at Wang's house saw that it was Hu Qizhong, they immediately let him in very politely. The housekeeper inside had already received the news to welcome Hu Qizhong at the back door. "Our old lady and the second wife are busy and can't get away, and the second master is also in front. It's too short, sir, please go to the study for tea first. Please come over after the business over there." The housekeeper is attentive. led him to the study.

"It's easy, I didn't have anything important to do, but I just stopped by to take a look. I heard that the old man is coming back, and the late student may come to visit at that time. I don't know if the old man will have the face to see me." Hu Qizhong looked sincere And humble, like a poor relative in the countryside visiting a rich relative's house in the city for the first time, being careful and prudent in everything.

Sir, this is out of the question. A few days ago, the old man of our family wrote to say that Mr. Hu is a capable person. It is a great honor for our family to make friends with Mr. Hu. He also specially asked the second young master at home to learn from Mr. Hu. .Today, the queen mother and empress dowager in the palace sent people to present rewards. Our second young master was too busy in front of the old lady and the second wife. The second master specially asked that no matter what, please stay for lunch and wait for him When you are free, come over and ask Mr. something.The housekeeper said that a servant had brought tea earlier, and after a while, a table of tea fruits was neatly arranged.

Hu Qizhong looked at the behavior of the Wang family, and felt a little relieved, thinking to himself that the Wang family had been caught by him, so he had to acquiesce in the marriage.Their daughter also wronged her when she married my son.At this time, there were servants looking around quietly outside, as if they had something to say, Hu Qizhong knew that the Wang family must have a lot of things to do in the palace today.He thought for a while and said to the housekeeper: "Sir, just go to work, I'll just wait here. It's not impolite for everyone to use their own convenience." The housekeeper looked at Hu Qizhong, his eyes flashed with worry, and he squeezed awkwardly. He smiled and said, "Mr. is a distinguished guest, how can I lose my manners." He didn't look like he wanted to leave at all.

It turns out that the Wang family is still worried about me.Today the queen and queen mother sent people to Wang's house, but they didn't expect to come back by themselves.The Wang family must be worried that they would rush in rashly and expose their family's scandals.What a villain!Hu Qizhong felt that Zi was underestimated by the Wang family, and couldn't help feeling uneasy.It may be that Hu Qizhong's character has become very sensitive after experiencing the hardships of family business decline.His desire for revenge was particularly strong. Seeing that Hu Qizhong's face was gloomy, the housekeeper hurriedly explained: "Sir, don't get me wrong, because the old lady gave the order herself, and she said that the husband is also a relative of her family, and she will follow it in the future." Relatives entertained Mr., the rules of the family have always valued relatives. When Mr. came, the old lady should have come out to talk to him in person, but there were so many things over there, and there were so few people in the family that she couldn’t spare time to talk to him. Therefore, the old lady In particular, I asked Haosheng to stay with the husband and not wait too long. Since the husband insists on seeing the old lady now, I can only report it. In fact, the husband is also an outsider. I wait for the father-in-law next to the queen to ask, so I can introduce him to the old man .”

Seeing what the housekeeper said, Hu Qizhong dispelled his doubts, and he quickly waved his hands, "You are so late, how can you meet the nobles in the palace with this face." Even though he said so, his eyes were still eager to come out.

"Sir, there is no need to be so modest. In fact, the nobles in the palace have heard of Mr.'s reputation for a long time and want to visit Mr., but they know that Mr. has always been a noble person, so they dare not be rash. It just so happens today, why don't you ask Mr. to move forward, so that we can communicate with each other in the future." Take care." Wang Ziji's straightforward voice came from outside the door.Seeing that Wang Ziji had arrived, the butler withdrew. Hu Qizhong stood up and wanted to greet him, but was dragged by Wang Ziji to sit in the upper seat.

Hu Qizhong's eyes sparkled, his heart had already flown to the front.It's just that you can't be too explicit in front of Wang Ziji, a junior, and still put on airs and say Tai Chi: "No, no, I'm a famous person, don't run into some nobles in the palace."

Wang Ziji watched Hu Qizhong forget all his face and character in order to climb the dragon and the phoenix in his age, and he couldn't help being funny, but he still said to Hu Qizhong with a sincere face: "The identity is naturally our Wang family's in-laws, It’s just that there’s one more thing I’m late to ask you sir, and you know it too. The empress dowager and empress are very fond of my second younger sister. If the crown prince hadn’t passed away suddenly, my second younger sister would have been welcomed into the palace by now. It's not full yet, and my family can't handle the elder sister's marriage too much. When the master sees the nobles, don't mention my elder sister's marriage."

Hu Qizhong felt that there was a golden road in front of him, and when he saw himself recovering from poverty, he suddenly had a turning point!It seemed that the King of Wei couldn't get up, and if he got on the big tree of Taisun, he would go straight to Qingyun in the future. Thinking of this, Hu Qizhong was dazzled by the beautiful scenery imagined.I can't hold anything in my mind anymore, I just want to be able to connect with someone from the palace immediately.His face glowed with excitement, and the hand holding the teacup was shaking involuntarily.The voice became a little hoarse and excited.Hu Qizhong grabbed Wang Ziji's hand without the restraint and arrogance of the past, but thought of a child who couldn't wait: "I can save myself by not bothering my brother. Now let's go to the front to meet the nobleman."

Seeing Hu Qizhong's anxious look, Wang Ziji smiled secretly. This person usually pretends to be dignified, but he is a shameless villain. How could Wang Ziji understand Hu Qizhong's desire for power? The son has a bad temper, and there are so many flattery and flattery coming in and out, all of them are smiling faces.It's a pity that Hu Qizhong fell from heaven to hell overnight.Without the life of rich clothes and good food, those flattery and flattery, those smiling faces are gone, replaced by ridicule, contempt and insult, and abuse and insult are commonplace.Hu Qizhong understood that if he wanted to live a life as a master, he could not live without power, and he wanted to climb to the pinnacle of power.Become extremely powerful, let those who have insulted him before, those who have despised him taste the taste of being insulted and damaged.Therefore, Hu Qizhong has only one goal in his life: to attach himself to someone who is stronger than himself, to gain a little leftovers of power.

Naturally, Wang Ziji, who was born as a son and grew up in Qiluo Cong, could not understand Hu Qizhong who had suffered a lot, but this did not prevent Wang Ziji from acting in front of him as a simple and ignorant son of a family.

Along the way, Wang Ziji led Hu Qizhong to the main hall, where the old lady placed two grand master chairs with two beautiful eunuchs sitting on them.