The Little First Grand Secretary in My House

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Hearing this, Zhao'er immediately stopped and said with a smile: Master, there is something you can't let us know. Since the dog is staying, I'll stay and listen too.

Mr. Xue glanced at her, changed his usual temperament, and said in a bad tone: What are you doing here, a woman? How can you listen to a man's words?!

Zhao'er was not angry, but said a little aggrievedly: Then how can the eldest aunt stay? She is not a woman. Besides, the dog can't talk. I didn't watch it because I was afraid that he would say something to anger me. Lord.

In fact, her subtext was just that she was afraid that someone would bully Xue Tingyan, and no one present could hear it.

Mr. Xue stared at her. Now he really suspected that this girl was responsible for all this. He knew that Gou'er was a dull boy. Why didn't he go to the grave earlier and cry and complain that he didn't go there until later? But he went at this time.

Thinking of all the disobedient things this girl had done in the past, Mr. Xue felt disgusted in his heart. But he also knew that now was not the time to vent his anger, but to resolve the matter.

Since you want to listen, then listen. His tone was the same as before, but everyone could hear the dissatisfaction in his voice.

Zhao'er couldn't hear it clearly and stood aside.

Seeing this, Mrs. Sun also hurriedly dragged Xue Qinghuai away.

Since Zhao'er has stayed, let's stay and listen too. She laughed along with him.

Mr. Xue was immediately furious: Since you want to listen, just stay and listen.

So everyone stayed, including the four-year-old Mao Dan, and even Mrs. Zhou who was busy in the kitchen, stayed behind under the guise of cleaning the table.

In the huge main room, there was only an oil lamp lit on the square table. The wick jumped and the shadows were blurry. Everyone's eyes were looking at Mr. Xue. But he suddenly didn't know where to start. He looked around at everyone's faces with a heavy gaze, and finally landed on Xue Tingyan's face.

Actually, there's nothing wrong. I just want to talk about what the boss said a while ago about sending his children to a school in the town.

Zhao'er was inexplicably nervous and couldn't help but glance at Xue Tingyan and then at Mr. Xue.

The couple in the first house were overjoyed. They knew it would happen, and it was not in vain for them to endure it for many days.

Xue Qingshan couldn't hide the joy on his face. He looked at Xue Tingyan with pitiful eyes, then looked at the others, and finally landed on Xue Tingyan.

Dog, don't be discouraged. You are still far behind your talented brother. You will study with your uncle for another two years, and then my family will send you to study in the town.

This tone was too harsh at this time. Zhao'er had a sneer on his lips and wanted to say something, but Xue Tingyan pulled him back.

Xue Qingshan took all this in his eyes and sarcastically thought, no matter how difficult this girl is, she can only embarrass people in these trivial matters, and it will have no effect on big things. He smiled but said to Zhao'er again: Zhao'er, don't be angry. My uncle knows that you are a high-spirited person, but even a high-spirited person cannot be used as food, don't you think?

No one said anything in the room.

At this moment, Mr. Xue suddenly said angrily: Boss, what did you say!

Xue Qingshan disagreed: Dad, I'm not trying to persuade the dog not to be discouraged...

Mr. Xue's beard was shaking with anger, and he pointed at him with a cigarette pot: You don't need to persuade me. Those who want to go to the town to study are not talented people, but dogs!

As soon as these words came out, it really stirred up a thousand waves.

The room was silent for a moment, and soon Zhao's slightly shrill voice broke the silence.

Old man, what are you talking about? What do you mean if you go to the town to study, you are not a talented person?

Xue Qingshan also said: Dad, are you confused and talking about the wrong person?

Your father is not stupid, and he didn't say anything wrong. Those who go to the town to study are dogs, not talented people!

After saying this, Mr. Xue seemed to have lost all his energy and stopped talking. The eyes of the people in the room kept looking back and forth on the faces of Xue Tingyan and Xue Juncai, with surprise on their faces.

Xue Qingshan's smile broke, and Yang looked surprised.

Xue Juncai's handsome face flushed, Grandpa...

Mr. Xue waved his hand tiredly: Okay, everyone goes back to the house.

With everything said, everyone had no choice but to leave, but Dafang and his family stayed behind.

As soon as everyone walked out of the main room, they heard a commotion inside.

Old man, please make it clear, why do you mean that the person who wants to go to town to study is a dog, not my talented person!

It was Zhao's voice.

There is also Xue Qingshan, which is mixed with Yang's aggrieved and sharp cry and Mr. Xue's tired explanation.

No secret can be hidden under one roof, so everyone knows what happened.

*

Early the next morning, everyone got up.

However, he was not in good spirits, and it was obvious that he didn't sleep much at night. Especially Yang's eyes were a little red and swollen, and she looked like she was crying.

Xue Qingshan's eyes were also full of red bloodshot eyes. From time to time he looked at Zhao'er and Xue Tingyan with sinister eyes, but for some reason he didn't say anything.

The atmosphere was very depressing. No one spoke. Even though everyone was there and doing what they were doing in an orderly manner, the yard was surprisingly quiet.

After breakfast, Mr. Xue took a hoe and planned to go to the fields. Xue Qingbai and Xue Qinghuai did not dare to delay. One went to lead the cow out, the other picked up the iron plow and followed him out the door.

Xue Qingshan didn't stay at home anymore, and then went out, but he didn't know where he went.

Unlike the rest of the Xue family, Zhao'er was very happy.

Ever since she learned the ins and outs of the matter from Xue Tingyan last night, she had fallen into uncontrollable excitement. Don't say she was gloating about her misfortune. In her heart, she was supposed to be a little man. She was worried about having no money in her hand. This news was nothing short of great joy for her.

Knowing that the students who go to school are very particular, she deliberately found a piece of blue cloth that had been pressed at the bottom of the box for a long time. This was Qiu's dowry back then. Qiu gave it to Zhao'er to make clothes for her, but unfortunately she was reluctant to part with it. Now it's just right to use it to make a book bag for Xue Tingyan.

She cut the cloth, threaded the needle and began to sew, talking to Xue Tingyan without saying a word. At this moment, the door curtain was suddenly opened.

It was Xue Youcai, the second son of Dafang.

Xue Youcai is only seven years old this year, but he was born chubby and it is obvious that he is spoiled. After he came in, he scolded Xue Tingyan: You are like this, you are robbing my eldest brother, and you have the same name as a dog. You are not any smarter than a dog.

This child has a really venomous tongue, and he was spoiled by the elder couple. He has always been a little bully in the family, making everyone angry. The signs had been seen a few years ago, but unfortunately Yang kept protecting him, saying that he was still young and naive. He has grown up in the past two years, but unfortunately he is still naive.

Zhao'er didn't fall for his tricks. If anyone in this family had ever beaten Xue Youcai, it was her. Xue Youcai was afraid of her, but he also hated her. She stood up suddenly, and before she could say anything, Xue Youcai suddenly smashed a bag of things in his hand. It hit people all over the head and face, causing pain, and it also exuded a strange stench.

Zhao'er was hit twice and subconsciously tried to hide. Thinking of Xue Tingyan on the kang, he turned his back to protect him. Xue Tingyan was unprepared and was hugged by her. It was obviously inappropriate, but he felt blushing and his heartbeat was beating again.

After finally waiting for this wave to pass, Zhao'er finally let go of his hand. Xue Youcai had already run away, and the thing he used to hit them turned out to be dried cow dung.

Zhao'er was so disgusted that he chased him out.

She stopped Xue Youcai at the entrance of the courtyard, grabbed him by the collar without saying a word, picked up a branch from the corner next to him and whipped him.

If I don't beat you for three days, you dare to go to the house and uncover the tiles...

Xue Youcai struggled to escape, but was sore from Zhao'er's whipping. As he cried, he sat down on the ground and lay down on the ground.

This looks like a trick used by young children to play tricks.

There was such a big movement outside that everyone in the room was startled.

When Mrs. Zhao saw Xue Youcai being beaten by Zhao'er, she exploded: Who told you to beat my grandson? Stop it!

Zhao'er ignored her and scolded: Do you dare to do it again in the future? Why don't you imitate others who throw cow shit! What you said is quite vicious. Who taught you to speak like this? If you don't speak clearly today, I will not only If I beat you, I will take you to the river to wash your mouth later...

Yang also came out, and she screamed: Wang Zhaoer, you are crazy, you dare to hit Juncai!

Auntie, why don't you look at what he did? He didn't learn well at a young age. He followed the example of some women who uttered obscene words and threw cow shit at people. I'm going to tell you right now, your second brother has a name. , called Xue Tingyan, if you dare to call me a dog or not, I will beat you every time I see you!

Xue Youcai cried so hard that tears and runny nose came out. Unfortunately, no one could come to save him. Mrs. Zhao was so angry that she jumped up and down. Ms. Yang wanted to come up and stop Zhao'er, but was stopped by Heizi.

You usually see this sunspot with a droopy head and a lack of energy at all. He blocks people in front of him and lets out a low growl of warning. His sharp teeth are also exposed. Yang does not doubt that if she dares to step forward, she will The dog would pounce on her and give her a bite.

At this moment, a surprised voice suddenly sounded outside the courtyard door: What are you doing?

But Xue Qingshan came back from outside, and with him were not only Patriarch Xue and Zheng Lizheng, but also five or six villagers who were over fifty years old.

Seeing such a commotion at home, Xue Qingshan was surprised at first, then showed a wry smile and said to the people next to him: I won't mention what outsiders say about right and wrong. I only talk about being a mean dog, but there is absolutely no such thing. You dare to do this. This girl has always been a shrewd one and always makes trouble at home. If someone was really mean, she would have made a big fuss long ago.

What he said was puzzling, but Zhao'er was not one to be slandered, so he immediately retorted: Uncle, what you said is a bit slanderous. I usually respect my elders at home, and I don't. There is no such thing as noisy talk. There is a reason why I beat this kid today, and he actually scolded...

At this point, he was interrupted by Yang.

She came over with a worried and distressed look, snatched Xue Youcai from Zhao'er's hand and hugged him, crying: How old is he, how old are you? He is at the age when he is ignorant, and you are arguing with him...

Yang was whimpering, looking aggrieved and helpless. Xue Qingshan was also sighing beside him. Zhao'er no longer knew what the two of them were playing, it was time to finish.

Her face turned red with anxiety and she was about to explain again, when Xue Tingyan came out of the room and grabbed her.

He took two steps forward and stood in front of Zhao'er. He first respectfully called Chief Xue, Zheng Lizheng and the villagers. They are all from the same village, and they look up and down. As a junior, these are his elders.

After passing by with due etiquette, he explained to Ms. Yang: I hope my eldest aunt will not be angry. Zhao'er was also impulsive. She saw the talented boy scolding me for having the same name as a dog, and threw a lot of cow dung on me. That's why I beat the talented boy out of anger.

Xue Tingyan's behavior first gave people a good impression. Scholars should be gentle and polite. Next, I will take advantage of the opportunity of apologizing to explain the whole story in two sentences.

Zhao'er was not stupid. Her fault was that she was eager to explain everything clearly and had to go into unnecessary detail. However, Xue Tingyan only talked about the key points and nothing else.

He also spoke in a very polite manner. It is normal for children to be naughty, but to be so naughty as to insult someone as a dog is worthy of consideration, not to mention throwing cow shit at Xue Tingyan, his elder brother. At the same time, he also explained to Zhaoer why she was so impulsive and beat the talented boy.

Sure enough, after hearing this and seeing the forbearing expression on Xue Tingyan's thin face, Patriarch Xue and others couldn't help but sway to his side.

As for the headache, even the doctor couldn't explain the cause.

After sending the doctor away, her grandmother Zhao became angry on the spot.

She looked in her fifties, with her gray hair neatly pulled back in a bun. He has a long face, his eyelids are a little droopy, and his face becomes triangular-shaped when pulled, which makes him look particularly unforgiving.

Without Zhao's need to speak, Sun said: Zhao'er, it's not because the fourth aunt is talking about you, but you are a girl who likes to make a fuss. Could it be that you are deliberately torturing us all, even if you don't like it...

Before she could finish her words, she was pulled by the man Xue Qinghuai.

Okay, just say a few words. Zhao'er is not ignorant. Besides, the dog is already sick. It would be good to find a doctor to see him, so that the family can rest assured.

I said less, less said, and I didn't say anything...

You also said...

The couple went out talking and tugging. Auntie Yang smiled at Zhao'er and then said to her mother-in-law: Mom, let's go too and let the dog have a good rest.

Mrs. Zhao glanced at the dog on the kang, snorted coldly, turned around and left. Just from her posture, it was obvious that she was very angry.

In fact, this is indeed the case. The Xue family cannot be called a very wealthy family. To hire a doctor from the town costs at least one or two hundred bucks. How many times can the Xue family have to deal with this with their current wealth? ! In particular, the doctor's pulse diagnosis just now confirmed Zhao's guess that Xue Gouzi was deliberately pretending to be ill, and it was strange that she was happy.

Let Mrs. Zhao see that these two brats from the second house are deliberately torturing the family, but since the eldest daughter-in-law has come forward to persuade them, Ms. Zhao will naturally not say more.

Generally speaking, among the three daughters-in-law of the Xue family, Yang is the most popular with Zhao. The eldest has an unusual status, and Zhao is willing to give some face to the eldest daughter-in-law.

After Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Yang left, only the third uncle Xue Qingbai and the third aunt Zhou were left in the house. The two of them didn't usually talk much, and they didn't stay too long. Zhao'er thought that it was hard work for his third uncle to be busy in and out just now, so he sent the two of them out with a smile.

When he turned around and came back, he saw Xue Gouzi lying on the kang with his eyes open, as if he had lost his mind.

She didn't think much about it. She came to the kang and touched his head: Dog, don't think too much. They don't believe you are sick but have a headache. I believe you. Take good care of yourself and don't think too much.

Xue Gouzi glanced at her, his mouth was dry and his throat was tight: Zhao'er...

What's wrong? Are you still feeling uncomfortable somewhere?

Feeling these not delicate but very warm hands touching his head and face, Xue Gouzi felt a sense of reality and happiness that he had never experienced before.

She is not dead, and neither is he.

Although he didn't like some of her daily actions, and even hated her status as his child bride, he never thought about letting her die, so how could he be the one who killed his wife and son.

But Xue Gouzi was still very flustered, because that dream was too real. After experiencing that dream for more than seventy years, it was as if he had also experienced that life. But when I woke up from the dream, I didn't dare to look back after all the vicissitudes of life.

Zhao'er...

Why!

Zhao'er...

Um.

Zhao'er...

A stream of heat suddenly flowed out unconsciously from the dry eyes.

This frightened Zhao'er so much that she didn't even think about the fact that the little man would never call her that, let alone let her get close to him. She took his head into her arms and asked him anxiously what was going on. .

Seeing that he didn't speak and was just crying in his arms, Zhao'er couldn't help but misunderstand whether those people just made him think too much. From Zhao'er's perspective, the little man just had a lot of things on his mind and never said it out loud, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten this serious illness.

She patted his back again and again, holding him in her arms like she had held him when he was a child, and comforted him: Don't be afraid, dog. Even if they don't send you to study, I will send you there, and I will give it to you even if I sell iron. go.

*

After all, Xue Gouzi was recovering from a serious illness, and after experiencing such an incident, he drank some gruel for dinner and went to bed.

Zhao'er covered him with a quilt and then went to pack the backpack he had just brought back.

The backpack was filled with needlework and other items. These were rags that Zhao'er bought from the embroidery shop in the town. The reason why I got into this business was because I used to recruit children to carry bags made for women in the village and sell them in embroidery workshops.

There are no adults in the second room. Although the family is in charge of the food, money is needed for the pens, inks, paper and inkstones that Xue Gouzi uses to study, as well as the clothes, bedding and some odds and ends for the two of them.

It would be impossible to get money from the Zhao family. Although his uncle Xue Qingshan promised to treat his nephew as his own son, Zhao'er only saw the eldest son's child with a shiny mouth on weekdays, and Xue Juncai never cared about it. Lack of pens, ink, paper and inkstones. In comparison, the little man was as thin as a bamboo pole, with a bald pen that Xue Qingshan didn't use back then.

Zhao'er has always been a strong person. She couldn't bear to wrong the little man, so she had to rack her brains and look for money everywhere. There were no opportunities to make money in the countryside, so she went to the town and looked around. As long as it was within her ability and did not require capital, she would try to do it.

In the past few years, she has collected vegetables from the village and sold them in the town. She has taken jobs from the embroidery workshop and assigned them to the women in the village who are skilled in craftsmanship. She often goes to the mountains to find wild products to sell.

Now that she has done this business several times, Zhao'er is sweet-tongued and has a thick face. The owner of the embroidery shop cannot rely on her to grind, so he sells unwanted rags to her in packages. She took it back, trimmed it and cut it, then asked the women in the village to help make purses and other items. She could make a lot of money by reselling them in the embroidery workshop. It’s much better than before just collecting the wallets made by others and earning a penny from several wallets.

If it weren't for the money he made from this business, it's not known when Xue Gouzi would recover from his serious illness. Zhao would have given up the money to get medicine. The latter medicines were all bought by Zhao'er himself. She had to hide it, for fear that other people in the Xue family would find out.

When he thought of this, the corners of Zhao'er's mouth tightened.

She had always been nimble with her hands and feet, so she stopped fussing when she picked out some useful pieces of cloth. I chose clean ones and spread them out on the square table. I used scissors to cut these strange-shaped pieces of cloth into a uniform shape.

Zhao'er calculated this by herself based on how much fabric was needed to make a purse. It would not be more or less. She would not take out these rags for others to see.

It is not easy for country people to make a penny. If someone finds out about it, they will be robbed of the way to get the money within a few days.

Zhao'er also wants to use this to make money for her young man to go to the town to study. Only when she comes to see Xue Jun can he go, and her young man can also go. Zhao'er always prepared things with both hands. She knew that the big house would never let such good things happen to the little man.

It is better to ask for help from others than to ask for help from oneself, and it is better to rely on oneself than to rely on mountains and rivers for support.

Zhao'er has understood this since he was seven years old and had to be exchanged for money by his grandmother and father.

Zhao'er finished what he was doing and saw that the little man was sleeping soundly. He looked at the sky outside and saw that it was already dark, so he wrapped the arranged cloth in something and hurriedly took it out.