mtl008 Chapter 861 Living in two separate courtyards to avoid being wiped out in one fell swoop
Chapter 861 Living in two separate courtyards to avoid being wiped out in one fell swoop
Song Dujuan said, "You need to arrange another courtyard for us. Our family will be divided into two groups to live together, and we need to postpone mealtimes by an hour."
She did this to prevent Song Ruier from poisoning the entire family and causing a complete wipeout.
In addition, even if something goes wrong, there is still room for development.
Song Ruier understood her meaning, of course. He knew that Song Dujuan had been a little clever since she was a child, but he did not expect her to be so cunning and shrewd.
At this moment, the anger she evoked in him was no less than that emanating from Qiao Lian'er.
He was so angry he wanted to grind his teeth to pieces.
“This will increase costs considerably. Although I have achieved fame and honor, I have not yet truly embarked on my official career and have little money on hand. How can I possibly support your demands?”
"It's alright. We don't need a big courtyard or fancy food. Just something presentable will do. Although you haven't become an official yet, you can still receive some salary, right? A tribute student is quite valuable. When others register land under your name to get tax exemption, you can also benefit. Do you think we don't know these things?"
Song Ruier wasn't stupid. He was doing what Song Dujuan had suggested. As soon as his left hand became usable, he immediately registered a hundred acres of land under his name. However, the fact that his right hand was crippled had caused him some trouble for a while.
Seeing that Song Ruier was still unwilling, Song Fusheng's face darkened again.
"You've already written a guarantee, yet you can't even grant your cousin's small request. What are you thinking?"
A hint of crimson had already spread across Song Ruier's eyes. He now wished nothing more than for this entire family to die. He clenched and unclenched his left fist repeatedly.
"Okay, then we'll do as you say."
"However, there are no other courtyards available for rent in this alley."
“It’s okay, we can stay a little further away. We can get there within half an hour,” Song Dujuan said.
Song Ruier, seething with anger, went to rent a courtyard for the Song family. She staggered a few times along the way, looking dazed.
As he walked out of the alley, a person suddenly appeared and stood in front of him with a smile.
"Rui'er, I wonder how you are feeling right now."
The speaker crossed his arms, looking relaxed and composed, as if he had just watched a hilarious joke.
Song Ruier glared at the other person, her eyes quickly turning red.
"Qiao Lian'er, it was you who caused this trouble!"
"So what? You also want to bring this whole family to my side. I'm just taking your advice. You're all alone in the capital, drifting and lonely. Now you have a whole family of relatives. It will be lively and bustling from now on. You should be happy."
"What's there to be happy about?" Song Ruier knew perfectly well that if he didn't get rid of this whole family sooner or later, he would be driven to his death by anger.
He said in a gloomy tone, "Don't think you're all set in your ways. You have the blood of the Song family flowing through your veins, and you enjoy a prestigious position. They won't abandon you and make you responsible for them."
Qiao Lian'er smiled, not caring.
"You know, if I want to, they will never see me. On the contrary, you will always be exposed to their sight. But it doesn't matter. They are family. It is only right to be filial to them. How can you run away from them?"
Song Ruier rolled her eyes and leaned back.
Upon closer inspection, Qiao Lian'er was nowhere to be found.
Whether she left too quickly or simply disappeared, Song Ruier was still terrified, even though Mu Tai mentioned it in his letter.
Indeed, to deal with such people, one needs equally extraordinary individuals to serve them.
Song Ruier decided to leave Qiao Lian'er aside for now. Right now, a whole house full of Song family members were trying to harass him and drain his resources. Getting rid of them was the most urgent thing to do.
He found a courtyard that was relatively far away, about half an hour's walk from the courtyard in front.
"What a coincidence," Song Dujuan said. "But it's alright. If we all keep in touch more often, we can spot anything that happens in time."
These words were spoken in front of Song Ruier, carrying a stern warning tone.
Song Ruier didn't want to deal with them anymore: "I'm going to study. You can decide what to do yourselves."
However, his train of thought was disrupted and became chaotic, making it impossible for him to concentrate on reading for even a short time.
Song Ruier suddenly grabbed the paper and book, almost tearing them to shreds, his face contorted in pain, but he managed to restrain himself.
He can't let these cockroaches and rats ruin his future.
Song Dujuan decided to stay in this courtyard. It would be better for Song Ruier to be under her watchful eye, and the second wife would stay with her.
Song Fusheng then led the people from the eldest branch of the family to another courtyard.
This was Song Dujuan's arrangement, so that each side would have a central figure.
They knew perfectly well that Song Ruier was no good person and had to be on guard.
The study door opened, and Song Dujuan walked in.
"What are you doing here?" Song Ruier felt extremely disgusted with Song Dujuan.
Of this family, Song Dujuan is the most cunning; she's the one who takes the lead and comes up with ideas for many things.
“Cousin, why do you have such a big problem with me?” Song Dujuan frowned.
"I'm just thinking about the whole family, wanting everyone to live a better life, and also wanting you to be able to fulfill your filial duties."
Song Ruier took a deep breath.
“I also want to learn. In the countryside, it’s not very useful for a girl to be literate and able to read, but it’s different in Beijing,” Song Dujuan said.
"So I've come to tell you that I want to read these books of yours, and I want to use these writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones. The more learned people there are in the family, the more prosperous and glorious our family will become."
Song Ruier's scalp tingled. Not wanting to get entangled with Song Dujuan any longer, he pointed to a bookshelf.
"You should take a look at those books. These books and notes of mine are for preparing for the imperial examination. Don't touch them."
Song Dujuan picked out a few books, prepared writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and took them out.
Reading is truly one of the best things in the world. Qiao Lian'er got to where she is today through reading, and she should read more.
One day, she might become a county princess, a county princess, or a princess.
At the very least, with enough education, she could find a decent family to marry into.
Song Dujuan glanced at the Song family members in the courtyard, pursed her lips, and looked away.
They've already settled down, yet they don't go out to find work; they just wait to be supported and rely on her.
Not to mention Qiao Lian'er, Song Rui'er also felt disgusted by this family.
The Song family has become entangled with Song Ruier. Since they are living under the same roof, Song Ruier is unhappy but can only endure it.
Qiao Lian'er finally got some peace and quiet.
In the blink of an eye, the time for the palace examination is approaching.
Pei Shijiu said, "If Song Ruier gets a good position, I wonder what kind of trouble she'll cause."
“He poses no threat to me,” Qiao Lian’er said.
Let's talk about someone with a crippled right hand. I'm afraid the emperor would find it difficult to entrust him with important responsibilities.
"Less trouble is always a good thing."
Qiao Lian'er: "What do you want to do?"
"Leave this to me." Pei Shijiu said mysteriously.