During the Ming Dynasty, there was a wealthy landowner named Pan Mei in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. He is in the prime of his thirties, intelligent and strategic, his character is deep and sophisticated, and he has a strong desire for wealth and femininity.
Pan Mei married at the age of 20, but has not yet had children. There is a small river in front of his house, and on the other side of the river lives a family of three, his father is named Chen Jing, who is 60 years old, and his mother Liu is a year younger than her husband. Chen Jing and his wife gave birth to their only son in their thirties, and they named him Chen Yu.
When Chen Yu grew up, she married the beautiful Yujiao. Yujiao is not only beautiful in appearance, but also gave birth to two sons one after another, the eldest son is called Chen Qian, and the younger son is called Chen Gong.
Although the six members of the Chen family live in harmony and prosperity, the hardships of their lives are difficult to hide. In order to improve her life, Chen Yu decided to borrow money to open a grocery store. Yujiao spun and weaved linen day and night, trying her best to help her husband make ends meet.
One day, Chen Yu decided to ask his wife Yujiao to take care of the store temporarily because of sudden discomfort in her abdomen. At this moment, Pan Mei, a local tycoon, happened to pass by the store, and his eyes were immediately attracted by Yujiao's beauty. In order to look at Yujiao a few more times, Pan Mei turned around many times.
Later, he even pretended to be a customer and walked into the store, but in fact, he wanted to take a closer look at Yujiao. He took the initiative to talk to Yujiao: "Little lady, I want to buy something." ”
Yujiao replied politely: "Please wait, my husband will be back soon." ”
Pan Mei heard Yujiao's tactful and moving voice, and his body instantly went numb like an electric shock. He thought to himself: "As a rich man, I have a lot of wealth, but unfortunately I can't find such a famous person as my wife." If you can marry her, you will have no regrets even if you die immediately. ”
Pan Mei met Chen Yujiao in a chance encounter, and unexpectedly had unhealthy thoughts in her heart. He thought that he heard that the Chen family was in a bad situation, and if he wanted to take this woman into his arms, he had to use some small means. Only by taking profits as bait can we find opportunities to succeed. After making up his mind, he secretly planned.
After a while, Chen Yu came back from the thatched house and asked Pan Mei politely, "When a noble person comes to the shop, what does the villain need of help?" Pan Mei said quietly: "I happened to be passing by here and wanted to buy something." Then, he picked a few random items. After calculating the price, Chen Yu said that it only cost three taels or two dollars. After Pan Mei heard this, without saying a word, she took out four taels and two coins from her body and handed them to Chen Yu.
Chen Yu saw that Pan Mei had given more money and wanted to return the extra silver taels. But Pan Mei said, "If you don't take this money, I won't take your goods." In desperation, Chen Yu had no choice but to accept the silver taels, and his heart was full of gratitude to Pan Mei.
At this time, Yujiao brought out two cups of tea, Pan Mei took the teacups, and admonished: "Brother, you are loyal and honest, why don't you go out and do some business?" Can you make a fortune guarding these groceries? Chen Yu replied: "It's just because my family is poor and I don't have the capital to do business." ”
Pan Meiman said nonchalantly: "This is not a big deal at all!" If you are willing to do it, I will pay and you will contribute, and we will share the money equally, how about this? When Chen Yu heard this, he immediately came to his senses and said excitedly: "If I can get your appreciation, I will definitely not forget your kindness." I will repay you like a dog and a horse. ”
Pan Mei waved her hand and said calmly, "Don't rush to thank me now!" We'll be here today, and we'll discuss it in detail tomorrow. With that, he went straight home.
After Pan Mei left, Yujiao walked out and said, "If he can give us some capital, we can take this opportunity to make a profit." ”
Chen Yu nodded in agreement and said, "I think this person is good, not only very practical, but also capable. He also gave me an extra tael of silver just now. With that, he handed the money to his wife.
Yujiao asked a little puzzled, "Why did he buy so many things?" Do these things really work? Chen Yu smiled and said, "We don't understand the life of rich people!" For a family like his, these taels of silver may just be a copper plate. ”
On the second day, Pan Mei handed out an invitation to Chen Yu to come to her home for a drink. At the banquet, the two talked about cooperation. Pan Mei proposed: "I am willing to give you a hundred taels of silver first, and you can go to other places to buy some cotton and come back to sell." If this plan is feasible, we can continue to work together in the future. If you agree, we will henceforth be called brothers. ”
Chen Yu was pleasantly surprised by how things went smoothly, and he thanked, "Thanks to your help, big brother. Afterwards, the two drank freely, and they were very drunk.
The next day, Yujiao said to Chen Yu: "Since the Pan family has already paid the silver, we should also invite them back, so as not to be told that they don't know how to be polite." ”
Chen Yu thought so: "What my wife said is extremely true. So they quickly prepared food and drinks and invited Pan Mei to share them at home. When Pan Mei visited, the Chen family father and son went out to greet her.
After chatting for a while, Pan Mei handed over one hundred taels of silver to Chen Yu's father, Chen Jing, and said, "When Ling Lang is familiar with the business, I will increase the capital." ”
In a joyful atmosphere, the father and son of the Chen family enthusiastically persuaded Pan Mei to drink, and the three of them enjoyed each other's company to the fullest, and the scene was extremely warm.
The next day, after saying goodbye to her parents, wife and children, Chen Yu went to say goodbye to Pan Mei again. Pan Mei not only personally escorted him to the side of the boat, but also repeatedly told him to take care of his health, showing deep concern.
After Chen Yu left home, Pan Mei frequently visited Chen's family and gave them various supplies. Two or three months later, Chen Yu returned home from his business. After meeting his parents and wife, he went to Pan's house to settle the accounts. Excluding the capital, he made a net profit of forty taels. He divided the money equally, and each of them received twenty taels.
Chen Yu went home with twenty taels of silver, and the whole family was extremely happy. They decided to hold a banquet to thank Pan Mei and regard him as a benefactor. At the banquet, Pan Mei said to Chen Yu: "I have raised another two hundred taels of silver, you can set off alone again." If we can make money this time, then next time we will do business together. Chen Yu agreed without hesitation.
A few days later, Pan Mei handed over the silver, and Chen Yu set off again to sell cotton. This time his business went more smoothly and he came back in less than two months. As soon as the settlement was settled, each person was divided into forty taels.
The Chen family was originally a poor family, but in just half a year, they easily earned sixty taels of silver. However, they didn't think deeply: how can there be a free lunch in the world?
A few days later, Pan Mei raised five hundred taels of silver and proposed to Chen Yu: "This time we have a lot of capital, and I will accompany you on a long trip." ”
The two said goodbye to their families and embarked on a journey together. After more than two months of arduous trekking, they passed through a Xiguan ferry port on their way back. The river is deep, the current is fast, and boats are scarce. Chen Yu was driving the boat in front, and Pan Mei secretly calculated in her heart that this was the best place to start.
So, he said to the boatman, "Please go and warm up the wine, and I want to have a drink with Brother Chen." The boatman went into the cabin and lit a fire.
Pan Mei then walked to the bow of the boat and said to Chen Yu: "Brother, you go into the boat to drink, and I will support the boat for you." Chen Yu was indeed exhausted, and was about to hand over the boat in his hand to Pan Mei. Who knew that Pan Mei suddenly exerted force and pushed Chen Yu into the turbulent river.
Chen Yu struggled hard and finally came to the surface, but Pan Mei slammed him with a boat, and after a few times, Chen Yu did not move. Pan Mei thought that Chen Yu was dead, so she called the boatman to come out to save people.
However, by the time the boatman arrived, Chen Yu had choked to death in the river. Pan Mei begged the boatman to pick up the body and bribed him to burn it in fire. In the end, Pan Mei returned home with only Chen Yu's ashes.
When Pan Mei returned home, she immediately cried to Chen Yu's parents about the incident. Chen Yu's family burst into tears when they heard the news of his death. Chen Yu's father carefully inquired about the situation, and Pan Mei began to make up nonsense, saying that she had tried her best, but she really couldn't save Chen Yu, so she felt very guilty. He also shirked the rules on the ship that no coffins could be carried, so he could only bring Chen Yu's ashes back. After listening to his narration, the people of the Chen family cried bitterly again.
Afterwards, Pan Mei settled all the accounts, and then sent one hundred taels of silver to the Chen family as compensation. Chen Yu's family was grateful, saying, "Thank you for your kindness! If you hadn't accompanied us personally, we wouldn't have been able to bring our son's ashes back to our hometown! How can we repay you for your kindness? ”
Subsequently, Chen Yu asked his two grandsons to wear linen and filial piety for him, and recited sutras to recommend him. They spent some silver for the funeral. The rest of the silver, which the family used to make ends meet, ran out in less than a year.
Because Chen Yu has passed away, her parents are old, and the family has lost her economy, Yujiao is facing the dilemma of being old and young, and life has become difficult again.
Under the pressure of life, the in-laws felt powerless, and they considered asking Yujiao to recruit a husband, hoping that he could share some of the burden for the family. However, the idea reached Pan Mei's ears, and he immediately came to dissuade him.
Pan Mei said to them sincerely: "I know that people's hearts are unpredictable, and everything may be fine at first, but after a long time, it will inevitably change. At that time, whether it was two children or two elderly people, they could be burdened by him. If you want to drive him out at that time, I'm afraid it will not be easy. ”
Pan Mei suggested that Yujiao should still keep the festival first, and support this decision with her own actions. He lent the Chen family ten taels of silver to relieve their urgent needs, and said that he would help if they were needed in the future. The Chen family is deeply grateful for this and feels that Pan Mei is really careful and thoughtful. However, they did not delve into why Pan Mei was so enthusiastic.
Half a year later, the Chen family faced the dilemma of living without silver, so they planned to marry Yujiao in exchange for some gift money. When Pan Mei learned of this, she immediately took action. He found a matchmaker and made some elaborate arrangements in private, promising that there would be heavy thanks after the matter was completed. This time, he was silently planning for the Chen family behind his back, hoping to find a good home for Yujiao.
At Chen's house, the matchmaker met with Yujiao's in-laws. She asked, "Your eldest lady is interested in getting married, what kind of family do you want her to join?" ”
Chen Yu's father replied: "As long as it is a kind family, it is good if she can be fed." ”
The matchmaker nodded and said, "Understood, I will find a suitable person and come back to tell you." Now there is a Pan Yuanwai across the river, and he is looking for me to find a concubine for him who is both beautiful and can have a son. I'm going to look for it now. ”
Chen Yu's father asked, "Is it the rich Pan Mei?" ”
The matchmaker replied, "Yes." ”
He asked, "Is this really the case?" Why don't you introduce my daughter-in-law to him? ”
The matchmaker replied: "Of course I thought about it, but I was afraid that the eldest lady would not want to be a concubine, so I didn't dare to mention it." ”
Chen Yu's father said: "You are wrong, you don't know our relationship with Pan Mei. In the past two years, we have received a lot of favors from him. What's the point of letting a daughter-in-law be a concubine! ”
The matchmaker said, "Since you agree, then I won't say more." I'll tell him now. So, the matchmaker went to Pan's house.
After the matchmaker left, Yujiao raised her doubts to her in-laws: "As the saying goes, I'd rather be a poor woman than a rich concubine." How could my father-in-law agree to him so easily? ”
The father-in-law replied, "You know what Pan Mei is like. Moreover, we owe him ten taels of silver. If you remarry someone else, the money must be returned to him. But if you marry him, not only do you not have to pay back the ten taels of silver, but he may give us more. Your mother-in-law and I are old, and I just hope that you can be closer to us and help our two grandchildren often, so that we can feel at ease. ”
After a while, the matchmaker walked in with an attendant and said with a smile: "The eldest lady is really blessed, Pan Yuanwai gave Uncle Chen thirty taels of silver, and asked me to tell you that tomorrow is a good day, and it is suitable to marry you." Hearing the news, the Chen family's in-laws were very happy and immediately agreed to this family business.
On the next day, the Pan family sent a sedan chair to marry Yujiao. Yujiao said goodbye to her in-laws, said goodbye to her two children, and then got into the sedan chair with tears in her eyes. After arriving at Pan's house, Yujiao worshiped her ancestors according to custom and saluted the wife of the Pan family. Subsequently, Pan Mei and Yujiao entered the cave room.
Seeing that Yujiao was white and beautiful, Pan Mei's wife was jealous. At this time, Pan Mei has successfully made Yujiao fall in love with him, and the scheming and patience in this are really impressive. However, Yujiao does not know the real cause of her husband's death and is still grateful to Pan Mei. Coupled with Pan Mei's funny personality, Yujiao gradually forgot about her dead husband and began to devote herself wholeheartedly to her relationship with Pan Mei.
Pan Mei and Yujiao enjoyed themselves to the fullest, and they were extremely affectionate, completely ignoring the existence of their main wife. Although the wife was jealous, because she did not give birth to a son, she did not dare to ask too much of Pan Mei.
Over time, his wife became angry and had a serious illness. Pan Mei doesn't care about the life and death of his wife, he only cares about Yujiao. A year later, Yujiao gave birth to a son for Pan Mei, which made his wife crazy with jealousy. Eventually, his wife died of illness due to excessive anger. Pan Mei was very happy to see this, and immediately straightened Yujiao into his wife.
Another year passed, and Yujiao became pregnant again and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Pan Mei is extremely fond of this newborn son, and her love for Yujiao is even more incomprehensible. He seems to be willing to do anything for Yujiao, and he simply spoils her to the sky. Time flies, and Yujiao has been married to Pan Mei for ten years. Now she has entered the maturity of thirty years old, and her father Chen Jing is also a seventy-year-old man.
Yujiao proposed to Pan Mei: "Master Pan, tomorrow is my father's seventieth birthday. The reason why I was willing to marry you in the first place was all his decision. Now I live a prosperous life here, while my family lives in poverty. I really can't get it! Why don't I bring some money and congratulate me tomorrow?" ”
Although Pan Mei was reluctant to spend this money, he knew Yujiao's firmness and kindness, so he reluctantly took out two taels of silver to her: "You go by yourself, remember to come back early." ”
Yujiao sorted out a box in the gap between Pan Mei's outings. She decided to go to Chen's house alone, and both sons were happy to see their mother return. She knew in her heart that her love and dedication to her family would be the most important asset in her life.
Chen Jing and his wife faced their daughter-in-law, with tears in their eyes and full of emotion: "Yujiao, you have been away from us for more than ten years, and we are looking forward to your return every day and night. However, you have not set foot in your house to see us once in all these years. Now, the two grandchildren spend a lot of money, and our family of four is living in a stretched stretch, and even basic food and clothing have become a problem. ”
After hearing this, Yujiao was full of guilt: "I know very well that you have suffered all these years. The Pan family is indeed wealthy, but the rules at home are strict, and the accounts are detailed, which is a world of difference compared to my previous home. Although I have the heart to help you, but the family is strictly controlled, and I cannot use a single piece of my family property. A few days ago, I found an old jar in the room of my late lady that had been dusty for many years. When I opened it, it was filled with gold and silver jewelry. Today, I've brought some with you. ”
As she spoke, Yujiao opened the box and displayed a pile of gold and silver jewelry, roughly estimated to be worth more than 500 taels.
Chen Jing was deeply pleased to see this scene: "It seems that you are still our family's filial daughter-in-law." Once many women get married, they will cut off the relationship with their original family, **Will they still remember their former in-laws? It is not easy for you to maintain this filial piety. Now the two grandsons, Chen Qian is fourteen years old and Chen Gong is twelve years old, I will give him most of the silver to do business, and in a few years I will give them two daughters-in-law, and I will have hope with your mother-in-law in the future.
Yujiao said to Chen Jing: "Although my father-in-law's birthday has not yet arrived, the purpose of my trip is actually to give you a birthday. Pan Mei also specially prepared two taels of silver for you. Chen Jing hesitated, and Yujiao continued: "You can accept it with confidence, it's all my idea." Chen Jing gladly accepted the silver and was very happy.
She immediately instructed her children to go grocery shopping and cook, hoping to share a warm reunion dinner with Yujiao at home. However, before she could reach the evening, Pan Mei sent someone to urge Yujiao to go home. Yujiao was worried that going back late would make Pan Mei dissatisfied, so she had to leave regretfully.
In the blink of an eye, ten years have passed. Yujiao has entered the age of no confusion, and her children have grown up. The eldest son, Chen Qian, has married and had children and has two lovely grandchildren. Chen Gong is also married and has a son and a daughter.
And Yujiao's eldest son born to Pan Mei is eighteen years old, married and has his own children, and the second son is seventeen years old and has just entered the palace of marriage. Although Yujiao is only forty years old, her children and grandchildren are already everywhere and live a very happy life.
Seeing that she had so many children and grandchildren, Pan Mei often said to people: "I do not seek the riches of gold and silver treasures, but I only want my children and grandchildren to be virtuous and talented." ”
One day, he and Yujiao were making beds on the water pavilion to escape the heat, and saw a pair of mandarin ducks playing on the water. Pan Mei pointed to the pair of mandarin ducks to show Yujiao, smiled and said, "Look at them, they are just as loving as us." Yujiao responded with a smile: "We sit here well, how can it be compared to them?" ”
After listening to Yujiao's words, Pan Mei knew that she was already in love. So, he pulled Yujiao to love in the water pavilion. It turns out that Yujiao has always been infatuated with Pan Mei, a pervert, and will come to her whenever she is free, day or night. Yujiao no longer shirked, and the husband and wife were like glue, and they were extremely affectionate.
When it was all over, the two began to organize their clothes. Yujiao picked up a bamboo pole and made a splash on the water, having a lot of fun. At this time, a frog appeared on a lotus leaf, and it looked very cute. Yujiao was playful, so she slammed the bamboo pole into the frog's head.
The frog was beaten into the water, but quickly surfaced. Yujiao struck the frog's head again, this time with too much force, and the frog was on all fours with its belly facing up, and there was no sign of life.
Pan Mei witnessed the whole process, and his heart was mixed. He looked at Yujiao, and the scene of killing Chen Yu eighteen years ago flashed in his mind.
As if controlled by some kind of magic, he said to Yujiao stupidly: "There is something I haven't told you, I'm afraid that you will resent me if you know." ”
After hearing this, Yujiao smiled indifferently: "We have been husband and wife for 18 years, and we are in love, how can we ever complain?" Now I want to be one with you. Even if there is a big thing, for the sake of your children and grandchildren, I can forgive you. ”
Seeing her talking like this, Pan Mei thought: Even if she tells the truth now, Yujiao shouldn't blame herself. picked up a pen on the spot and wrote down his crime that year.
Yujiao's face changed when she heard this, and she asked in a nervous tone: "Xiguan Ferry, that's where my ex-husband died." Did you design all of this? ”
The corners of Pan Mei's mouth curled slightly, and she smiled disappreciatively: "Otherwise? ”
Yujiao said in a deep voice: "You set up a situation to kill my husband, just to marry me?" ”
A hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes, "It seems that you really have a deep affection for me!" ”
With that, she folded the poem, tucked it up her sleeve, got up, and walked out the door. Pan Mei couldn't help but ask, "The rain has just stopped outside, and the ground is still wet, where are you going?" ”
Yujiao replied coldly: "The heart I paid for you is also deeply hidden. I'm going to fetch it for you, so that you may know what I want. Pan Mei sighed: "Even if you want to see it, you don't have to be so impatient, right?" ”
At this moment, Yujiao quickened her pace and hurriedly walked out of the door. Suddenly, she shouted loudly: "Pan Mei plotted to kill my husband and designed to marry me as a concubine!" He just wrote down the reason for the murder in his own hand, the son of the Chen family, come quickly! Chen Qian and Chen Gong heard their mother's shouts on the other side of the river and immediately rushed over. Many neighbors also gathered around curiously.
Yujiao informed everyone of Pan Mei's crimes one by one. Since then, Pan Mei's evil deeds have been exposed, and his conspiracy has finally been exposed.
At this moment, Pan Mei's two sons were in a hurry and hurriedly pulled Yujiao into the door. Pan Mei also hurriedly came out to stop it, but Chen Qian and Chen Gong saw that their mother was being bullied, so they fought back violently and taught Pan Mei a hard lesson. Yujiao hurriedly stopped them, and she said to her two sons: "This person can't fight, he has a grudge against you to kill your father, and the hatred is as deep as the sea." Follow me to the county government to avenge my father. ”
They quickly rushed to the county office, and Yujiao and her two sons shouted grievances together. When the magistrate heard this, he sent someone to bring them into the court. Yujiao presented a poem written by Pan Mei and recounted in detail the old incident of eighteen years ago. The magistrate was furious when he heard this, and he couldn't imagine that there were such brazen, cunning and treacherous people in the world. He immediately ordered Pan Mei to be arrested.
Faced with conclusive human and physical evidence, Pan Mei had no choice but to admit her crime. The magistrate felt that the trial was no longer necessary, so he scolded Pan Mei in court and sentenced him to beheading. After the approval of the superior, the execution was carried out.
On that day, a large number of people gathered in the hall.
After listening to Yujiao's story and witnessing the ruling of the county, they all discussed: This woman used to live a hard life in the Chen family, relying on spinning and weaving; Later, he went to Pan's house and lived a prosperous life, enjoying the service of slaves and tasting delicious food. She was not only promoted from a concubine to a wife, but also gave birth to children for the Pan family. The relationship with her husband has always been deep. Who would have thought that today she would confront Pan Mei in court and be forced to let her stephusband pay for her ex-husband's life. is really a heroine among women, extraordinary!
After more than a month, Pan Mei's verdict has come down. He sent someone to inform Yujiao and his two sons, hoping to meet in prison and arrange some funeral matters.
However, after hearing about it, Yujiao chose not to see Pan Mei and only let her two sons go. Pan Mei said to them: "This time I will definitely fight Chen Yu's death with my life, so that your mother's resentment has disappeared and the grace of the hair has been repaid." But why wouldn't she want to see me? I still have a legacy to entrust to her. ”
After the two sons returned home, they relayed Pan Mei's words to Yujiao. Yujiao said: "I have broken off with him, what face does he have to see me?" So he still insisted on not seeing.
In desperation, the two sons had no choice but to return to prison and tell Pan Mei what their mother meant.
Pan Mei felt very disappointed and angry in her heart, and thought to herself, "My last request for a dying man cannot be satisfied!" So he was furious at his sons: "I have been tortured in prison, and now I am about to be executed, and she has not the slightest sympathy!" She has been in the Chen family for 18 years and has enjoyed all the glory and wealth, you ask her, is she a member of the Pan family or a member of the Chen family? ”
When the sons returned home, they relayed their father's words to their mother.
Yujiao said coldly: "My eighteen-year husband and wife relationship with your father is not without kindness. It's a pity that his methods of dealing with the world are too ruthless and the city is too deep. Now he has confessed to the truth, and although he is your father, he has also become my enemy. Therefore, the kindness between us ceases to exist. You two are my own flesh and blood, and I am very reluctant to give up, but I really can't remember my father's unconscionable behavior. I decided to go to Chen's house as if I was dead. Say goodbye to the two of you! ”
The two sons knelt in front of their mother, tears streaming down their faces: "It is a righteous act for my mother to avenge her ex-husband. The father did something wrong and suffered the retribution he deserved. Needless to say. I beg Mother not to leave us. My younger brother and I are still young and need to be cared for and taught by our mother. After saying that, the two cried heartbreakingly, and their wives also came out to keep Yujiao.
However, Yujiao has already made up her mind. She invited Pan Mei's relatives as witnesses to hand over the family property, jewelry and clothing one by one. Then, she returned to Chen's house alone and re-lived a hard life of spinning and weaving. She endured all this willingly, and people expressed their sincere admiration for her.
In Chen Yu's family, her two sons experienced a twist of fate. With five hundred taels of silver from their mothers, they unexpectedly embarked on the road of prosperity and became respected rich people.
Chen Jing and his wife enjoyed their old age peacefully and lived to the age of 90 and died without illness. Yujiao also received the blessing of longevity, and her children and grandchildren were full and enjoyed the happiness of the family.
Persuade the monarch to do more good in the world, and don't act chaotically because of the small evil!
Folktales