Zhong Qingkui pulled Xia Houshu all the way to the waterside pavilion in the Xingxing Pond before letting go. Then she panted and looked around before showing a satisfied expression.
Xia Houshu also followed her gaze and looked around. Surrounded by water, it was indeed a perfect place for whispering.
"You are so mysterious, what important thing do you want to tell me?" Xia Houshu asked.
"Actually, it's not a big deal." Zhong Qingkui said seriously, "I can't believe the speed of the news in your house, so it's better to avoid talking to others."
It is an indisputable fact that people in the Duke of Yue's palace like to spread rumors behind their backs. Xiahou Shu could not refute it, so he could only smile awkwardly and said: "There is no one else now, so you can tell me."
Zhong Qingkui then returned to the topic and preached: "I heard from people in our house that Cousin Xu and Dugu Xian also separated from Prince Zhao's house and lived alone. Their new house is separated from ours by two alleys. Now they are almost settled.
, so I will come over quickly to chat with you."
Xia Houshu was a little surprised, not only because of the news that Zhong Qingkui brought, but also because she actually made the trip herself to deliver the news. So, was she here to deliver the news, or was she here to see Xia Houyi?
She has seen how much gossip Zhong Qingkui has, but the Duke of Yue and the Marquis of Rongan are related by marriage, and Xu Ruolan, as a niece, will definitely send someone to report such a big thing as a family separation and relocation. There is no need for Zhong Qingkui to come here.
A trip. Obviously her purpose was the latter.
Zhong Qingkui obviously didn't know what Xia Houshu was thinking. Seeing her thinking hard, he couldn't help but be surprised and said: "You really don't know yet, do you?"
Xia Houshu put aside his speculation about Zhong Qingkui's true intention and shook his head.
She really didn't know that Xu Ruolan took her husband and separated from Prince Zhao's family. During this time, rumors about her were flying all over the capital, so she rarely went out. When she did go out, she met the two plague gods Qi Nan and Chu Li'an.
She didn't want to go out even more. And since the Fu brothers came, she was obsessed with learning horse riding and archery with them every day, having so much fun that she had no intention of paying attention to outside things. It was also at this moment that she realized
Her worried aunt Xiahou Mei has not had time to walk around since Xu Ruolan returned to her parents' home. It has been a long time since she came to talk to her mother.
But what Zhong Qingkui brought was indeed good news. Cousin Ruolan finally figured it out.
They had discussed before that if Prince Zhao's house opened the door to separate the second house, other descendants with backbone and courage would gradually propose to separate the house. Xu Ruolan was finally able to accept Dugu Xian's proposal, and the couple and their children separated as single families.
However, I think she still has some affection for Duguxian.
This is undoubtedly the best choice for them and their two children.
Perhaps, she should go and congratulate her.
"This is a good thing." Xia Houshu said sincerely, then looked at Zhong Qingkui and asked deliberately, "You came to me specifically today. Are you going to visit her new residence with me?"
"I just came to tell you so that I can be happy for Cousin Xu." Zhong Qingkui shook her head like a rattle. After speaking, she paused, looked at Xia Houshu who looked expectant, bit her lip, and persuaded: "
As for the matter of warming up your new home, I think you should not go there in person, as long as the gifts arrive."
She really came to see Xia Houyi!
Xia Houshu was secretly happy in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He sighed to himself: "That's right, considering my recent reputation, it's better to go out less."
Zhong Qingkui expressed deep sympathy for this and could only hold her hand and comfort her: "These false gossips will soon pass. Who knows who they will criticize next month, so you go in with the left ear and the right ear."
Come on, don’t take it too seriously.”
After hearing this, Xia Houshu tried his best to smile. It would be a lie to say that she was not worried at all. Although reputation is not as important as life, it is better to have it than nothing. She also wants to cherish her feathers.
But now, she really needs these rumors to block her marriage. She only hopes that after a while, those rumors that slander and slander her will be diluted by time like Zhong Qingkui said.
"Oops! Let's not talk about this anymore!" Zhong Qingkui suddenly raised her voice and forcibly changed the subject, "Let me tell you something new!"
When Xia Houshu heard something new, he immediately became interested.
However, Zhong Qingkui was talking about Zhong Lufu.
"My mother has been looking for five or six official media. I heard that she has a good candidate. I heard that she is the fifth son of General Cheng Wang's family of the Yulin Army. His name is Cheng Jian. Although he is not the eldest son, he is better than others because of his wit. Now he has
He is from the sixth rank of Yulin Army Commander, and he has a bright future. For this reason, my mother also invited my father to discuss it. It seems that my father is also very satisfied, and this marriage should be settled soon." Zhong Qingkui said with beaming eyes.
, "But when the third sister found out, she wasn't very happy, but she didn't lose her temper or make a fuss like before. She just lay on the bed and cried when she went back. I tried to persuade her for a long time before I persuaded her."
"Actually, I can't understand the third sister. Although we sisters were not born from the same mother's womb, my mother has never treated anyone badly, and she is especially devoted to the third sister. But she is always dissatisfied and feels that her mother is partial.
." At this point, she sighed again, "Sometimes when I'm angry, I also think, my mother is my biological mother, isn't it human nature for her to favor me? Just like Aunt Zhu loves her more, and the others
Both aunts love their daughters more. But I was afraid that my third sister would be sad after hearing this, so I always followed her, gave in to her, protected her, and gave her whatever good things I had. Even at the beginning of the year
The time she had a fight with you, I also preconceptionally thought that you bullied her, so I helped her speak up. But her marriage was different. Even if I understood it in my heart, I couldn't say anything, let alone dare to say it.
"
Xia Houshu was actually not interested in Zhong Lufu's marriage. She was a little disgusted even when he mentioned this person. Moreover, she was too busy to worry about anything else. However, seeing that Zhong Qingkui was distressed about this, she
It is inevitable to say a few words of comfort: "In the final analysis, this is the third cousin's matter, but she herself is unwilling to express her inner thoughts frankly and openly. She always places her hopes on others. In the end, her expectations are disappointed, but she
You blame others for not doing their best and never mentioning your own responsibilities. You and your aunt have done your best to protect her in this way, so there is no need to ask for trouble again."
Zhong Qingkui pursed her lips and said nothing.
Xia Houshu knew in her heart that no matter how she tried to persuade her, Zhong Qingkui and Princess Gong would never really let go of Zhong Lufu's matter, so she did not intend to spend her energy on it, and deliberately changed the subject and said: "I know how many of you
Everyone has had a crush on my second brother since they were young, and they all want to be my sister-in-law. But you have also seen the attitudes of the elders. There is no way to do this! And I don’t think my second brother has this kind of attitude toward everyone.
Thoughts on this aspect. There is a saying that a strong-willed melon is not sweet. Things like relationships have to be mutually agreeable, right? So don’t think about it in the future! Because even thinking about it is in vain! "
Zhong Qingkui reached out and pinched her, and said aggrievedly: "You are so stingy! There are so many women in the capital who want to be your sister-in-law, but you ignore them, but you keep an eye on a few of us!"
Xia Houshu hummed and said, "I don't care what people outside think or do, and I don't want to care. I don't know if you can be my sister-in-law. After all, it still depends on my second brother's own thoughts. But you are our own people, everyone."
We are all sisters, so we have to make things clear in advance, lest you all act like your third cousin and make the house uneasy."
Zhong Qingkui raised her face, looked at the sky, narrowed her eyes into a line, and said with a smile: "I admit that I like my second cousin, but not the way you think. I really regard him as my brother!"
You regard Xia Houyi as your brother, why do you still look shy when you see him?
Xia Houshu looked unbelieving.
"I know you don't believe it, but this is the truth." Zhong Qingkui looked young and mature, with a hint of sadness in his eyes, "Actually, I used to envy Cousin Chun and you the most. You both have your own brother, so what's the matter?
My brother helps me with everything, but we don’t. If my eldest brother was still here, my father wouldn’t have so many concubines, and my mother wouldn’t have to be sad, let alone worry about heirs, and neither would I.
I envy you."
Zhong Qingkui originally had two brothers, one was Zhong Xuanli, who was a compatriot with her mother, and the other was Zhong Lanjiang, who was born to Aunt Xie. Unfortunately, both of them died in infancy. Zhong Zan was so eager to have a son that he invisibly hurt the child.
Princess Gong neglected her daughter and also let down those concubines who had true feelings for him.
As an uncle, Xia Houshu had no objection to Zhong Zan, but as a husband and father, he was indeed incompetent. Xia Houshu could understand Zhong Qingkui's regret and said, "Qingkui, I also lost an elder brother. Even, I
I don’t even remember what he looks like.”
Hearing this, Zhong Qingkui suddenly burst into tears. She stretched out her hand to hold Xia Houshu's hand tightly and said guiltily: "I'm sorry, cousin Shu, I mentioned your sadness again."
Xia Houshu also wiped the wet marks on his face, forced a smile, and pretended to be generous: "You don't have to feel sorry, we are sisters, and those we lost are all close relatives. My brother was also
Your brother, if anything happens to you in the future, just come to my second brother. If anyone dares to say anything nonsense, I will be the first to refute it for you!"
After saying that, she stretched out a hand to wipe Zhong Qingkui's tears and said angrily: "Silly Qingkui, you and I are not much different in age, so I have never treated you as a child, but you are still young after all, don't think so.
If you worry too much, you will grow old quickly!"
After Zhong Qingkui heard the last sentence, her tears instantly stopped as if a valve had been turned off. She quickly shook off Xia Houshu's hand, touched her fragile face, and said in panic: "Really? Is it true that I'm overthinking?"
Will I grow old? Am I older than you now?"
If you can't speak, just shut up!
Xia Houshu felt the blood rising in his chest, but looking at Zhong Qingkui's anxious and innocent face, he could only hold it in and didn't want to talk to her anymore. God.
Zhong Qingkui didn't turn around for a while, blinking her big eyes and continued to ask: "Cousin Shu, why don't you speak?"
Xia Houshu tried his best to remain polite and gritted his teeth and said, "I'm afraid I won't be able to help but scold you!"
Zhong Qingkui looked innocent and didn't understand what she said that was wrong to offend her.
Xia Houshu no longer wanted to see her innocent and beautiful face, so he quickly pushed her toward the gate and warned her as he walked: "You have been out for a while, and my aunt must be very worried, so you should go home quickly.
Come on! My second brother and I have been very busy recently, so don’t stop by if you have nothing to do!"