In Huainan of the Song Dynasty, there was a son-in-law named Chen Zhong. He came from a well-respected family, and his uncle held the position of Privy Councillor. In this family, most of the children are loyal and honest, and some still hold official positions in the capital. However, Chen Zhong is different. He is proud of his talents, personable, and thinks that he has outstanding talents, and one day he will be the top student in high school. Therefore, he is unruly and uninhibited all day long.
Due to the early death of Chen Zhong's parents, he lacked family discipline since he was a child. He recited poetry day after day, ** uninhibited, and almost squandered his family business. As he grew older, he still did not marry a wife, which made the elders and peers of the clan begin to be cold to him. However, Chen Zhong didn't care about this.
His father had a good friend who held an official position in Chang'an in his early years. Chen Zhong hoped to take refuge in him, but when he arrived in Chang'an, he found that the man had resigned and left. In desperation, Chen Zhong had no choice but to return to Huainan.
Chen Zhong originally thought that he could find support for this trip, but it turned out to be empty, and the entanglement was exhausted. It was a harsh winter, and Chen Zhong thought to himself: he was penniless, and now he barely went home and couldn't survive. It's better to run around first, look for opportunities to do some business, and wait for the New Year to make plans. And there were one or two acquaintances in Guanzhong, so he decided to continue to take refuge.
Chen Zhong worked hard all the way and finally reached the Fengxiang realm. Unfortunately, it snowed heavily, and he was trapped in the inn for several days. The shopkeeper came to ask for money, but Chen Zhong was already penniless. Later, the store stopped giving him food.
Chen Zhong thought that he had worked hard all the way, and now he had fallen into a situation where he couldn't even eat, and he couldn't help but feel sad and cried loudly. When a rich man heard the crying, he walked into the store and asked: Who is crying so sadly?
In the inn, the shopkeeper sighed softly and told Chen Zhong: "You are a showman, you have been here for a few days, but you are penniless. We can't provide food for free, you can see you're hungry. When the rich man heard this, he was very emotional: "When you go out, you have their own difficulties, and you continue to provide him with food, and I will bear the expenses." ”
Hearing that someone was willing to bear the cost, the store immediately sent Chen Zhong a meal. Chen Zhong was pleasantly surprised and asked the store why. The shopkeeper explained, and at this time, the rich man also came over. When Chen Zhong learned about the situation, he expressed his gratitude to the rich man and asked, "We don't know each other, why do you want to help me?" The rich man replied, "My surname is Sun, and I live next door to the hotel." Hearing your cry, I think you are pitiful, and you are still a showman when you ask, how can you starve? You eat something first, it's cold, and I'll ask the servant to bring you some wine later." ”
Chen Zhong was very happy and said that he wanted to repay the rich man for his hospitality. The rich man said, "I see that you are a good person, and you will become a great weapon in the future." When anyone is not in difficulty, they should be helped. As long as you stay here for one day, I will take care of you for one day. We'll make plans when the weather improves. Chen Zhong was very grateful after hearing this, and the two began to exchange some information with each other.
After the rich man left, Chen Zhong thought to himself:Thankfully! In a desperate situation, let me meet such a good person!
After a while, a servant came over and said that the rich man Sun had asked him to bring wine and food, and Chen Zhong was grateful.
After the rich man Sun left, Chen Zhong was enjoying the meal and asked the shopkeeper, "What kind of person is this rich man Sun?" His kindness is truly touching! ”
The shopkeeper replied, "Mr. Chen, this rich man is an extremely righteous man. He is always happy to help those in need, especially those who are interested in learning. He was known for his generosity. ”
Chen Zhong sighed: "It seems that his family is well-off, so he can be so generous. ”
The shopkeeper smiled and shook his head: "Actually, it's not, his family is not particularly wealthy." It's just that he is by nature and always does what he can to help others. For a reader like you, he is even more willing to help. This is also your fate. ”
A few days later, when the weather cleared, Chen Zhong asked the shopkeeper to take him to the house of the rich man Sun to express his gratitude in person, and planned to borrow some more money from him.
As soon as he saw the rich man Sun, Chen Zhong immediately knelt on the ground and said gratefully, "Thank you for your generosity in my troubles. If there is a need for me, I will do my best to give back. ”
Rich Sun waved his hand and said, "I'm not here to help you out of the mentality of asking for something in return. It's just that you are in a difficult situation and want to do your best landlord friendship. I don't need anything in return. ”
Chen Zhong had tears in his eyes: "I am a showman, if he has a bright future, he will never forget your great kindness today." ”
Rich Sun nodded: "So, what are your plans next?" ”
After hearing about Chen Zhong's predicament, Sun Caizhu proposed a solution. He invited Chen Zhong to stay at his home during the Chinese New Year and helped him connect with acquaintances in order to get some support. Although Chen Zhong was hesitant at first, he finally accepted the invitation of the rich man.
At the home of the rich man Sun, Chen Zhong was warmly entertained. Although Sun's home is simple, it is full of warmth and human touch. The two drank wine together and talked about their hearts, as if they had been friends for many years. In this strange city, Chen Zhong felt the warmth and care that he had not felt for a long time.
As night fell, the two continued to drink and talk. Chen Zhong's conversation was elegant and decent, which made the rich man Sun respectful. They talked very speculatively, as if there was no barrier between them. After three rounds of drinking, both of them were a little drunk. In the end, Chen Zhong fell asleep peacefully in the study of the rich man Sun.
The rich man Sun had an eighteen-year-old daughter named Yuzhen. She is beautiful and gentle, intelligent and virtuous, and is regarded as a treasure by the rich man Sun. Rich Sun wanted to find a promising talent to join the family, inherit the family business and take care of his old age. Yuzhen is not young anymore, and she already understands the relationship between men and women, but she has not met the right person yet. When she heard that her father had brought back a showman from the inn, she was very curious to see what kind of person it was.
One day, Yuzhen secretly glanced at Li Zhong and found that he was handsome and chic, and she was a little tempted. However, Li Zhong is a frivolous person, and he feels that Sun Caizhu values himself very much, so he is a little arrogant; I also heard that there was a girl to be married in the family, who was beautiful, so I wanted to marry her, but it was not easy to speak directly.
Li Zhong lived in Sun Caizhu's house for a while, and never mentioned that he was going to join his friends. And the rich man Sun also drank and chatted with him every day without any suspicion. Gradually, Li Zhong and Yuzhen fell in love with each other and began to secretly date. After a long time, it is inevitable that some clues will be revealed.
Sun Caizhu was a delicate man, he saw the problem from some subtleties, and began to doubt Li Zhong. When he was drinking with Li Zhong, he found that Li Zhong's words and deeds were a little unnatural, revealing some flaws. One day, the rich man Sun pretended to have something to do, and then quietly went home, and found Li Zhong drunk in the study, wearing a red dress, which his daughter Yuzhen had once wore, and there were sachets embroidered by Yuzhen herself.
Sun Caizhu was very angry and loudly reprimanded Li Zhong on the spot. After Li Zhong was awakened, he hurriedly covered his clothes. The rich man Sun asked him if the clothes were from **, and Li Zhong had to lie and say that because he felt cold, he borrowed a piece of clothing from Yuzhen to wear.
When the rich man heard this, he was even more angry, and he said, "Don't you have any clothes to wear?" You should ask me! How can there be any reason to borrow clothes directly from girls to wear? It seems that my adopted daughter is also not angry! ”
The rich man Sun angrily went to his daughter to settle the account, and happened to meet the maid Yulian. He asked Yulian: "You tell the truth, does Miss have a personal relationship with Li Zhong?" Yulian was too frightened to speak. When the rich man Sun saw this, he was even more convinced of his conjecture in his heart.
In the panic, Yulian couldn't hide it, so she had to deny it, saying that she didn't notice anything unusual. However, Sun Caizhu did not believe it easily, and approached her with a tough attitude. In the face of coercion, Yulian reluctantly confessed: "Li Xianggong was untidy, and the young lady felt pity when she saw it, so she gave him a piece of clothing. There wasn't much contact between them. ”
Sun Caizhu's face was full of displeasure, and he questioned: "How can a woman's clothes be given away easily?" What's more, that Li Zhong is full of alcohol, is he drinking in **? Yulian was silent, and the rich man Sun continued to deceive: "Li Zhong has confessed just now, if you don't tell the truth, I will never spare you." ”
Under the pressure of fear, Yulian finally told the whole story of Yuzhen and Li Zhong. After hearing this, the rich man Sun was furious and scolded: "What a shameless slut!" Do you want to find a wild man if you can't get married?! ”
Yulian defended: "Miss saw that the master was not at home today, so she privately invited Li Xianggong to drink. They swore to love each other and never fail each other, and used red silk and sachets as tokens of their love. ”
The rich man sighed, thinking that all this was the result of his own enthusiasm. Then he threw up his sleeves and left, no longer bothering about it.
In Yuzhen's heart, after Yulian was taken away by her father, her mood became empty. When Yulian confessed everything, Yuzhen felt unprecedented shame, she felt that there was nowhere to hide, and even thought of dying to apologize.
After Yulian returned, Yuzhen asked anxiously, "The matter has come to this, what should we do?" Maybe death is the only way out! ”
Yulian behaved relatively calmly: "Miss, don't worry. I noticed that the old man didn't seem very angry when he sighed and left. He usually has great respect for Lee Sang-gong. Getting rid of him now will not only offend Lee Sang-gong, but may also affect Miss's future. I suspect that the master may have gone to discuss countermeasures with Lee Sang-gong. ”
After hearing this, Yuzhen's heart calmed down a little: "I hope so." ”
As expected, Rich Sun really angrily approached Li Zhong and asked, "Xiucai, have you ever married a wife?" ”
Li Zhong replied fearfully: "I am wandering around and have not yet married a wife. ”
Sun Caizhu's tone was stern: "I saw that you were a talented person and intended to help you, but I didn't expect you to take revenge and do such a hurtful thing." How, you say, to solve it? ”
Li Zhong understood that he was at fault, so he knelt down and kowtowed: "Xiaosheng is ashamed of his love for his father-in-law, it really shouldn't be!" I will take responsibility for my impulsiveness, but please forgive me! ”
Rich Sun said helplessly: "Things have come to this point, what should you do for me?" It's all my ignorant daughter, how will you let her marry in the future? In this case, if you don't dislike the remoteness of my family, then join my family and become my old son-in-law, what do you think? ”
When Li Zhong heard it, he would feel that he was punishing himself, this was clearly a pie falling from the sky! He immediately kowtowed and said: "If I can do this, I am willing to make you a cow and a horse!" Besides, I have lost my parents since I was a child, and I have nothing to worry about at home, and I will definitely take care of you at your home until you are old! ”
Sun Caizhu reminded: "Don't be too happy too early, I'm afraid that you will change your mind in the future!" Li Zhong immediately swore and said: "I have a deep affection for Miss, and if there is any betrayal in the future, I will not die a good death!" Seeing Li Zhong's resolute attitude, Sun Caizhu randomly chose an auspicious day and held a wedding for the two of them.
On the wedding night, Yuzhen said to Li Zhong: "I originally thought that our fate was over, but I didn't expect my father to be so generous and fulfill us. You must cherish it and don't live up to his old man's expectations. Li Zhong said with emotion: "My father-in-law saved me in danger and married my daughter to me, which is a great kindness." If I fail him in the future, am I still a human being? ”
Since then, Yuzhen and Li Zhong have been like glue and have a deep relationship. Li Zhong studied seriously in his spare time. When the rich man Sun saw all this, he was secretly happy in his heart, and felt that he had not seen the wrong person.
Two years later, Li Zhong offered to take the imperial examination.
His father-in-law and wife were very supportive of him, packed his bags for him, and Yuzhen said goodbye to him with tears. To Li Zhong's surprise, his exams went exceptionally smoothly and he became famous in one fell swoop. During this time in the capital, he could not forget his wives at home, and decided to go home to visit them before officially becoming **.
When he returned to his father-in-law's house, the whole family was overjoyed, and the neighbors around him cast envious glances. Some people lamented that the rich man Sun is usually kind and charitable, but now he has finally received the due reward, and even his daughter has been stained with it. There are also people who talk about it, saying that all this is because he has an old relationship with Xiucai and has no choice but to marry him.
All kinds of gossip spread, but for Li Zhong, the most important thing is that he and his wife have become husband and wife, and the past is no longer important.
Satisfied, the rich man held a grand celebration at his home. Li Zhong is also a lover, and he enjoys this joy very much, and his house is always open to his friends. Subsequently, Li Zhong announced that he was going to Beijing to elect officials, and Sun Caizhu did not hesitate to sell part of his family property in order to support him. This period of celebration and profligacy has greatly reduced the family's savings. Although the family is in the middle of the road, they are still looking forward to Li Zhong's comeback after taking office, so they are not stingy now.
Before Li Zhong set off, Yuzhen said to him uneasily: "The last time you took the exam, I was very calm. But this time you are about to enter the officialdom, and I feel uneasy and even a little sad. I don't want you to leave me. ”
Li Zhong comforted her: "Don't worry, once I determine the place of work, I will immediately send someone to pick you and your father-in-law over." It's just a few days of separation, and it's not worth worrying about. ”
Yuzhen said: "I know it too, but I always have an ominous premonition, like we are about to face life and death. ”
Li Zhong replied: "Although the family will be deserted because of my departure, you don't have to be too sad. We still have many wonderful times waiting for us. The two talked for a while, and then hugged each other and fell asleep.
The next day, Li Zhong packed his bags and embarked on a journey to the capital. Yuzhen and Sun Caizhu waited patiently at home, looking forward to the early return of their son-in-law and taking them to enjoy happiness. After Li Zhong entered Beijing, he chose the position of Linhai County Lieutenant, and he planned to return to Fengxiang to pick up his wife and father-in-law and go to the post together. Just as he was about to leave, suddenly a voice came from outside the door, and someone shouted: "Brother, you can make it easy for me to find it!" Li Zhong took a closer look and found that it was actually a brother of his own family.
The clan brother told him that his family had not found any trace of him for many years, and recently heard that he had become famous in one fell swoop, and his uncle sent someone to the capital to pick him up and take him home after learning the news. However, they searched for a long time in the capital but could not find him. Now that he is about to take up his post, his family is looking forward to his return to his hometown and reunion with his relatives.
Although Li Zhong wanted to go back to Fengxiang to pick up his wife, he was reluctant to go back to his hometown. Hearing his brother mention this matter, he felt inconvenient to refuse directly, so he said euphemistically: "I still have some things to deal with, so I won't go home for the time being." ”
The clan brother laughed: "Don't be kidding, see that your bags are neatly packed, you can still go ** if you don't go home!" Li Zhong explained: "When I was down, I received a favor from a person, and now I am planning to go and thank him. ”
The elder brother said: "Although you have now obtained an official position, you are penniless. If you want to thank someone, you need a gift. When you have silver taels in the future, it's not too late to thank you. Besides, you went to work just in time to stop by and go home.
In fact, Li Zhong should have directly explained the situation at this time, but he always refused to confide in the truth and insisted on refusing to go home. The elder brother was angered by him and said angrily: "* There are people like you? After becoming famous, shouldn't you go home to worship your ancestors? You ask everywhere, is there anyone like you? ”
Li Zhong saw that his brother was angry, and felt that he was reasonable, but he blushed and didn't know how to respond. The elder brother is more decisive, and directly asked people to move Li Zhong's things to his own ship.
Seeing this, Li Zhong thought to himself: "I haven't been home for a long time, and I have always been looked down upon by them. It's also a good thing to be able to return home now! "When I get home, it's not too late to go to Fengxiang to pick up Yuzhen, but it's just a few days late. So, Li Zhong followed his brother back to his hometown. ”
When Li Zhong stepped into the house, he felt a completely different atmosphere from before. Everyone had a smile on their faces, and even his uncle, who was an official, cast a look of respect on him. Li Zhong's uncle praised his achievement, and then the subject changed to reveal his plan.
Li Zhong, your parents died early, and now you have a successful career, but you are unmarried. I think now is the perfect time to think about your personal life. ”
Uncle said, "I have already found a suitable partner for you, it is the daughter of Dr. Zhang Du, she is both talented and beautiful, I have already proposed marriage to her family before, and they agreed." I want you to get married before you go to work, and then go to work together. ”
Li Zhong was taken aback when he heard this, he was stunned and did not respond immediately. At this moment, if he is honest about his feelings, he should tell his uncle about him and Yuzhen. However, he chose to remain silent.
The uncle looked at him and asked suspiciously, "Li Zhong, what do you think?" Am I not thinking it through? All you have to do is accept the bride price and be your bridegroom's officer. ”
Li Zhong took a deep breath and said, "Uncle, please give me some time to think about it. ”
Li Zhong's uncle said resolutely: "Don't hesitate any longer, this matter is settled." ”
Li Zhong saw that his uncle's expression was so serious, he didn't dare to say anything. Back at home, Li Zhong was very conflicted in his heart, thinking: If I promise my uncle, what will Yuzhen do? But if I refuse, and I'm afraid of hurting my uncle's feelings, and someone else pays a bride price, what a good thing!
He thought again: It is normal for an official to marry two daughters-in-law, but Yuzhen should be made bigger, and Miss Zhang here is an official lady, how can she be a little wife?
Li Zhong struggled with this for several days, but was never able to make a decision. However, Li Zhong had a frivolous personality, and suddenly changed his mind a few days later: Yuzhen was just with me at first, which can only be regarded as an affair! Although we later got married, it was not an official marriage. Now that I'm an official, I should marry a lady! It's better for me to marry Miss Zhang first, and if Yuzhen asks in the future, I will let her remarry or force her to be small, not afraid that she will not agree!
It can be seen from this incident that Li Zhong is indeed a despicable villain. So, Li Zhong went to his uncle to get his life.
After careful consideration by both families, Li Zhong and Miss Zhang finally got married. Miss Zhang is not only beautiful, but what is even more rare is that she is talented and knowledgeable, Li Zhong is very satisfied with her, and he has already put Yuzhen's father and son in the back of his mind.
Li Zhong is not a person without conscience, occasionally he will think of the good father and son of Yuzhen, and his heart can't help but be touched. But his way of dealing with the problem is different, he did not choose to find Yuzhen's father and son, but chose to burn the clothes and sachets given by Yuzhen, trying to force himself to forget the past.
When Miss Zhang saw this scene, she was very puzzled. Under her questioning, Li Zhong finally revealed his past with Yuzhen. Miss Zhang is a virtuous and virtuous woman, she expressed her understanding and respect for Li Zhong's past, and even offered to let Li Zhong take Yuzhen and his son to live together, she would not mind.
However, because Li Zhong reneged on his oath, he was worried that things would be difficult to end after they came. At the same time, he was also afraid that Miss Zhang would feel unhappy because of this, so he chose to let go of this past.
At the beginning, Li Zhong still had doubts in his heart, worried that Yuzhen would come to the door. However, as time passed, he did not hear any news about Yuzhen's father and son, and he gradually relaxed.
Since then, Li Zhong and Miss Zhang have embarked on their official careers with peace of mind and have held many official positions in a row. Miss Zhang also got two opportunities to be sealed.
In an instant, ten years have passed, and Li Zhong has been promoted to the position of secretary at least and sent to Qizhou to serve. He set off with his family and arrived at his apartment and wandered around the backyard. Inadvertently, he discovers a small hidden door. When he opened the door, he saw a maid dressed in coarse cloth. Seeing this, the maid immediately rushed behind the curtain. Li Zhong became curious, and followed to check, and a woman walked out of the curtain. When he looked closely, it turned out to be his wife Yuzhen.
Li Zhong was originally ashamed in his heart, but when he suddenly saw Yuzhen at this moment, he panicked for a while. Yuzhen stepped forward, grabbed Li Zhong tightly, and burst into tears: "Wrongdoer, I haven't seen you for ten years, have you forgotten your past kindness?" ”
Li Zhong hurriedly explained: "I haven't forgotten you, it's just that my uncle forced me to get married after I went home, and I couldn't shirk it at that time, so I have today's situation." ”
Yuzhen said: "There is no need to talk about the affairs of your family, I already know everything." My father died of excessive sadness because you did not return, and the land property has also been lost, leaving me and Yulian alone. Therefore, we have come to you thousands of miles away. ”
But they wouldn't let us in, so we had to live in this empty house, and luckily we met you. Now that you have married a wife, I am willing to be your partial house, so as to end the rest of my life, and the previous things will be written off!
Yuzhen suddenly collapsed, her whole body collapsed in Li Zhong's arms, and she cried bitterly. Yulian was also on the side, silently wiping her tears. Li Zhong looked at the scene in front of him, and felt uncomfortable, but he was afraid of being discovered by people outside, so he hurriedly reassured Yuzhen: It's my fault, don't cry, I will be responsible. Now that I have a virtuous wife, if you are willing to be my concubine, the matter will be easily solved. I'll tell her now.
So, Li Zhong turned around and went to Miss Zhang and told her about his decision. After hearing this, Miss Zhang was a little angry: I asked you to take her over a long time ago, but you just refused, now that it is like this, bring her over quickly!
Li Zhong went back to tell Yuzhen and brought her to see Miss Zhang. After the two met, they gave each other a salute. Yuzhen said: Thanks to Madame's great kindness, I am willing to do some chores for you. Miss Zhang said: We are called sisters, we don't have to be like this.
Subsequently, Miss Zhang arranged for someone to help Yuzhen and Yulian tidy up the room. Yuzhen has a cautious and cautious personality, and she is deeply loved by Miss Zhang, and the two get along very well. Li Zhong felt guilty and was always embarrassed to spend the night in Yuzhen's room.
After a heart-sessed drink, Li Zhong staggered back, saw that the lights in Yuzhen's room were still on, and mustered up the courage to push the door in. Yuzhen and Yulian greeted him warmly with joy on their faces. When Miss Zhang heard about this, she joked: "You two have been entangled for so long, and there should be a result." ”
The next day, the sun was already high in the sky, but everyone still didn't see Li Zhong get up. Someone snickered: "It's been ten years, I guess I overindulged last night, and I still can't get up." The maids also whispered, but they did not get up either. Everyone was talking, but there was no movement in the room.
Miss Zhang heard the discussion outside, and felt a little unhappy: "It's time to get up, have you forgotten that you still have business to do?" She walked to the front with a maid and listened carefully. However, there was silence in the room, and even the door was closed. A servant knocked on the door, but no one answered. He tried to push the door, only to find it locked from the inside.
The family felt bad and worked together to knock the door open. The scene in front of them stunned everyone: Li Zhong was lying upright on the ground, bleeding from his mouth and nose, and his body was already stiff. There were no Yuzhen and Yulian in the room, and the bedding had not been touched.
Miss Zhang suddenly cried with pear blossoms and rain: "I don't believe they would do such a thing!" Could it be that they teamed up to kill Xianggong and then fled at night? Everyone shook their heads: "Impossible, this place is an important place for the government, how can they escape?" Not to mention that the door was locked from the inside. ”
Miss Zhang said:This blue sky and white day, after getting along for a few days, can you meet a ghost? Subsequently, he asked people to arrange Li Zhong's funeral.
As night fell, Miss Zhang's heart was particularly heavy, and she lay on the bed sadly. Just as she was about to fall asleep, Yuzhen suddenly came out from behind the bed and comforted her softly, "Madam, please don't be sad. ”
Yuzhen recounts Li Zhong's betrayal, and she and Yulian died one after another due to his departure, and after his death, she reported the matter to Hades. Yuzhen said that she had appealed to the underworld and received permission to ask Li Zhong for his life.
Now, ten years of resentment have finally been settled, and she is preparing to confront Li Zhong. Yuzhen also revealed that she came specially to inform Miss Zhang of the news, because she knew that Miss Zhang was a good person and did not want to hurt her.
Miss Zhang wanted to ask for more details, but suddenly felt a cold wind hit her, and she woke up instantly, only to find that it was all just a dream. As a reasonable person, Miss Zhang quickly understood the identities of Yuzhen and Yulian - they were ghosts, who came out of the underworld only to ask for Li Zhong's life. And Li Zhong has fallen into their clutches.
Miss Zhang knew that all this was the result of Li Zhong's own sin, and he did have a bad heart, so she didn't have too much resentment. It's just that the thought that this virtuous and virtuous woman will spend the rest of her life alone is really emotional. The bitter fruit of all this is because of the unladylike encounter!
Folktales