Ban Lu Qin Jun - Chapter 6

Zuo Zhen Yu was stunned, he asked : “Want……want me to move out?”

This morning Yi Yun Zhai and Xi Ning just left with a flick of the sleeve, it was not midday yet, Xiao Daye already came to this backyard cabin, to discuss with him regarding wanting him to move out matter.

Zuo Zhen Yu was at a loss for a period of time. His parents had departed earlier, left behind a lot of money for him, he lived with Xiao Daye in this place, each month he gave some money to help out their family expenses. Since three years ago coming back to this place, he contracted a foul disease, his body became extremely in poor health, even going out to work was also unable to, walking for several steps, his head would have a dizzy spell, he only could stay in this place to spend the days, but the money with each pa.s.sing day had been used up, the Xiao family towards him also gradually changed, not like in the past.

Afterwards, to the extent they relocated him to reside in this broken house. The beautified pretense was because they were afraid he would infect his weird illness to other people, the truth was they wanted him to live by himself without any caring for him. Hastily moved him out, this was what could be regarded as the truth.

But his sick body already made him unable to live by himself. Even though he was fully aware that he was not welcomed in this place, he still didn’t have any way to leave the house to live alone. Besides, Yi Yun Zhai was coming. He had the chance to see him. It was impossible for him to go, also he was unwilling to go.

“Zhen Yu, it is not me, your uncle, the one who doesn’t want you to stay here. You carefully think about it, every month you only give a little bit of money, even a servant also cannot be hire, but I still provide you with the food and let you stay here. If not considering that you have helped Hong’r to find her mate this kind of big deal, since long ago I would have asked you to leave.”

“Uncle, you also know that my illness is getting more and more severe, how can I move out?”

“Do you want me to say it more explicitly? It is Yun Zhai who asked you to leave! He said it very clearly, he wished that he wouldn’t have to see you again forever.”

Xiao Daye straightforwardly shifted the blame to Yi Yun Zhai. Although since long ago he had been looking for a good reason to chase Zuo Zhen Yu out, only that recently he was busy entertaining Yi Yun Zhai, he still didn’t have the mood to pay attention to him. Who would have guessed that Yi Yun Zhai raised the subject first, asked him to move Zuo Zhen You out.

Zuo Zhen Yu received a great shock, it was like a strike of thunder exploded right above his head. After staggering for several steps, his head was dizzy that he nearly collapsed.

In a split second, he understood everything.

After what had happened last night, Yi Yun Zhai not only disgusted with him, also wished that he wouldn’t have to see him again forever, to avoid recalling the last night affair. He in his heart was not Xiao Lan Xun, merely a disgrace.

“I will move out.” He didn’t want to cry out right there right then. He resisted with great difficulty, not allowing his tears to flow out, “I will get my things ready, right away move out.”

Xiao Daye satisfyingly nodded his head, went out of the cabin.

☆☆☆

Xiao Hong’r was waiting for Xiao father outside the backyard. Once she saw him going out, she asked in a whisper : “Did he agree to leave?”

Xiao Daye snorted for several times, “Fortunately he was sensible and agreed to leave. Even if he didn’t agree, I would’ve still casted him out.”

“Father, Yun Zhai said in these several days he will marry me. By all means, do not let anything happen during this time, to delay our marriage matter.”

The grains hadn’t become rice*, Xiao Hong’r was still somewhat terrified. If the wedding night pa.s.sed, them two would become husband and wife, she wouldn’t have to be so anxious.

(t/n : *the grains hasn’t become rice : things haven’t finalized yet.)

Xiao Daye on the contrary, burst out a haha laughter, not at all taking his daughter’s anxiety seriously.

“What are you afraid of? Even if Zuo Zhen Yu himself went to Yi Yun Zhai, to tell him that he was Xiao Lan Xun, would he believe him? Merely looking at his face, it already could be determined that he is telling a lie. What’s more, his hair pin was already given to us, what evidence does he have to prove that he is Xiao Lan Xun? And also, he is a man, the one Yi Yun Zhai searched for is a matchless beautiful lady named Xiao Lan Xun.” Xiao Daye disdainfully added a line, “Does the him now look like one?”

Hearing Xiao father saying it in such a way, Xiao Hong’r still had a little worry. After all, Zuo Zhen Yu all along had been living in this place, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t tell the truth.

“Father, if he lived nearby, and accidentally leaked out the wind, a few of the busybodies would spread the rumor, it won’t be good. What if you chase him a little bit further, not allowing him to live in this village’s neighborhood.” Xiao Hong’r viciously raised a suggestion.

Xiao Daye felt that her worry was somewhat proper. Moreover, they drove away the critically ill relative from their house, this indeed would scar the Xiao Family’s reputation. If they made him move a bit further, there would be no one who’d know about his ident.i.ty, adding more to his contagious disease, there would be no one who’d dare to ask him further.

“Fine. I will ask the servant to send him to the outskirts of the prefecture capital. From here, it will be quite a distance. I presume this should not affect us.”

“Just let him stay away from us, the further the better. Until the time his illness brings him death, it will become all the more dead men tell no tales.” Xiao Hong’r showed a smiling face.

Now she only needed to wait the letter from Yi Yun Zhai’s father, to give them his consent regarding their marriage, then they would immediately get married. She would be able to become the Young Mistress in Yi family, spending an honorable and wealthy life.

☆☆☆

Yi Yun Zhai these past few days couldn’t sleep peacefully. Xi Ning extremely understood, his Young Master since that night, after getting drunk and spending a night in that cabin, could no longer sleep peacefully anymore.

It was obvious that this was definitely caused by that Cousin Young Master with weird illness! How could there be someone so shameless. Obviously he was a man, unexpectedly took advantage of his Young Master being drunk and committed such messy obscene matter. Truly detestable through and through! Fortunately the Xiao Family had moved him out, if not, merely listening to his qin, already could make one wanting to vomit.

Shameless lowly man. Probably he was this type of a man! Truly didn’t know, he wanted to take advantage of Young Master, what good could he get out of this? Cui! He had grown until this big, he had never seen someone as shameless as this lowly Cousin Young Master! Xi Ning furiously thought.

“Xi Ning. The night is so tranquil!”

The snow of the winter had fallen. The weather already became cold. Master Yi hadn’t replied for the letter due to this weather so it was delayed for a bit. Also because the weather was cold, the insects and the birds are also having their winter sleep, that’s why it was particularly quiet at night.

“Young Master, wait until you and Miss Lan Xun get married in this place, until that time, if Master saw you bring home Young Mistress, certainly will be very happy to see the Young Mistress.” Xi Ning said in minding their own business manner.

“Lan Xun……” Yi Yun Zhai softly heaved a sigh. Why after he had found Xiao Lan Xun, and was about to marry her, why couldn’t he feel even the tiniest bit of happiness?

It seemed like he and Xiao Lan Xun’s love three years ago was unreal. He actually didn’t love Xiao Lan Xun at all. Or else, why didn’t he have the excitement of being about getting married?

Father’s letter in reply hadn’t arrived yet, but he indeed wished that the letter didn’t need to come so early. He suddenly wished that this marriage matter could be delayed longer and longer, until the very end…… he didn’t need to marry Xiao Hong’r.

He didn’t know why he could have this kind of state of mind. However, the longer he got together with Xiao Hong’r, the more he couldn’t stand her.

The previous Xiao Lan Xun, was she such an unbearably vulgar, spoiled and unreasonable person? Or had he overly beautified Xiao Lan Xun?

Xiao Lan Xun in his eyes was the most beautiful girl in this world, nevertheless, though Xiao Hong’r and the previous Xiao Lan Xun were so similar, but he had always felt that her beauty was lacking the intelligence and the gentleness of the previous Xiao Lan Xun. It felt like there was only the face that was real, the other things were all fake.

“Tonight is too quiet……”

Yi Yun Zhai already said in a row several times the “Tonight is too quiet” line, yet the night must be quiet so that they could sleep well. Xi Ning honestly didn’t understand what he actually wanted to say. Was it because he couldn’t get used to this kind of cold and desolated place? After all, the Capital was bustling. Whatever they wanted, it would be available. This little village was quiet, there was nothing amusing.

He showed his consideration, asked: “Young Master, if you considered here as unbearably boring, we can go to the prefecture capital to listen to the songs, to have a jolly time for a while.”

Young Master recently was spiritless. The happiness from just meeting Miss Lan Xun seemingly had gradually dispersed within this short time they got together. Although when seeing Miss Lan Xun he was still treating her courteously, but he still could figure out, the way Young Master treated her and the three years ago Miss Lan Xun was different.

He knew Young Master deeply loved Miss Lan Xun, yet he couldn’t explain the reason why Young Master towards Miss Lan Xun was getting colder and colder. In his opinion, Miss Lan Xun was still Miss Lan Xun. He couldn’t understand Young Master’s way of thinking. Also couldn’t understand why Young Master treated Miss Lan Xun differently from the formerly that kind of intense doting.

Xi Ning looked at him, couldn’t help but secretly let out a sigh.

The night was quiet without the sound of qin. After the person in that cabin moved out, Yi Yun Zhai was unable to say what kind of feeling was in his heart. According to reason, he should say Zuo Zhen Yu was such a shameless man, to actually force him to commit the things between man and woman. He at that time was furious to the point of vomiting blood, but after his state of mind had calmed down, he actually missed his qin’s sound, his voice when he talked, also the eyes he used to look at him.

“Fine. Let’s go to prefecture capital. I feel so bored.”

Yi Yun Zhai was unable to explain why his heart would be depressed, but his heart all along had been extremely depressed. These past few days he couldn’t listen to the qin’s sound, it had caused him to be even more gloomy and felt unwell.

Xi Ning in an instant raised his body to prepare. As long as he could change Young Master’s mood to the better, wanting him to do hard manual work in the middle of the night, he would be willing. What’s more, it was to the land of warmth and tenderness to listen to the songs, it would be one of great enjoyments in this mortal world!

☆☆☆

Arriving at the prefecture’s capital, Yi Yun Zhai ordered for several women, purely wanted to listen to songs, unlike the last time in which he wanted to spend himself in the company of women. Xi Ning by the side was also listening with great interest.

Listening until the sky was bright, the two finally returned home. Who would have thought, when they walked on the fixed long road of the street, abruptly they saw the person whom Xi Ning didn’t want to see any more for all his life.

“This d.a.m.ned sick person, he’s still not dead yet?” It was not like Xi Ning was keen on cursing people, rather he was really very angry at Zuo Zhen Yu. If he wanted to be obscene, so be it, why should he drag Young Master?

Xi Ning stopped his steps. He wanted Yi Yun Zhai to take another road. Who could have guessed, on the contrary he stopped, his line of vision was hard to move away, murmuring said : “He seems to have become even thinner.”

Who cared whether he was thin or fat. Always seeing him already could make him angry to the utmost. It would be better to walk on another path! “Young Master, let’s change to another road!”

“What is he doing?”

“He arranges a vendor’s stand, seemingly helping people to write something. Making a little money from writing. Also helping people to compose the Spring Festival couplets*. Now he is hanging the Spring Festival couplets! It is obvious that new year hasn’t come yet. He writes this Spring Festival couplets for what the h.e.l.l for? It would be best if all of them couldn’t be sold.” Young Master was really generous. Still wanted to know about what he was doing. He himself, however, not at all wanted to know. It was because the Young Master was asking, he could only unwillingly give his answer.

“The weather is very cold, his clothing is scarce!”

Yi Yun Zhai wanted to move forward towards him, Xi Ning busily warded him off, angrily said : “Young Master, have you forgotten last time you suffered from his wicked plan? Don’t go there anymore! He doesn’t worth for you to look at him. The h.e.l.l with him wearing a little clothes or many clothes, the h.e.l.l with him whether he was thin or fat. Young Master, let’s go back to Xiao’s house! If Miss Lan Xun couldn’t see you this morning, she’d definitely would throw a tantrum and pout.”

Yi Yun Zhai was listening to Xi Ning’s speech, no longer moved forward. But his body as if had been nailed by someone, didn’t move at all. Xi Ning saw his expression of like being confused by a ghost again. It was clear that he wouldn’t make any movement.

Xi Ning unwillingly said : “Young Master, there is a wine house* by the side. Let’s go to the second floor, from the upper floor window we can see what he is doing. Let us go there to eat something to fill our stomach, Young Master, yesterday you didn’t even have dinner yet, don’t starve yourself.”

(t/n : * 酒樓 : Wine house is literally translated. It also can be translated as restaurant. XD )

Because he could see every act and every move of Zuo Zhen Yu, Yi Yun Zhai then reluctantly agreed with Xi Ning’s suggestion.

They went to the second floor, the meals also had been served, but Yi Yun Zhai ate only a little, his line of sight totally focused on Zuo Zhen Yu.

“He’s coughing again. Definitely the cough medicine has been used up!” Yi Yun Zhai worriedly looked at Zuo Zhen Yu bending low his body while coughing, “He wears such few layers of clothes, his body is already not so well, why didn’t he wear the winter clothes?”

“Maybe he doesn’t have money, so he can’t afford…...”

Once the words escaped the mouth, Xi Ning then regretted it. Because Yi Yun Zhai widened his eyes, said all of a sudden: “That’s right! He had shyly said that he was short of money. In the Xiao’s house already couldn’t afford fine tea, now he has to stay outside, certainly there is no one to look after him.”

“Young Master, it is already daybreak, let’s quickly go back to Xiao’s house!” Xi Ning helplessly persuaded him.

At long last, Yi Yun Zhai stood up, however, it was not to return to Xiao’s house, rather, he walked with a quick pace to downstairs, went to where Zuo Zhen Yu set up his vendor’s stall.

Xi Ning caught sight of this scene, he screamed pitifully. Since earlier he had known that once his Young Master’s expression like he was enchanted by ghost had appeared, certainly he would do something outrageous.

Heavily heaved a mouthful of air, Xi Ning unwillingly followed behind Yi Yun Zhai to Zuo Zhen Yu’s vendor stall.

☆☆☆

Zuo Zhen Yu upon seeing some people approaching, warmly asked: “Master, do you want to see some Spring Festival couplets? Or do you want to request for me to write a letter on your behalf?”

When he lifted his head and saw Yi Yun Zhai, straightaway he lowered his head. Obviously it was impossible for him to come to buy something. Then he didn’t say anything anymore.

Yi Yun Zhai didn’t mind Zuo Zhen Yu’s indifferent manner, he only minded that just now he was coughing to the point of painful.

He worriedly said: “You’re coughing again. I will right away ask Xi Ning to buy the cough medicine for you……”

“Thank you very much for Young Master Yi’s kindness. However, it is not necessary. My health I can take good care of it on my own.”

“What taking good care? If you are taking good care of it, why do you come out to suffer the cold wind, arranging this stall?” Yi Yun Zhai due to his worry, his speaking manner became harsh to the utmost.

Zuo Zhen Yu coldly said: “I am not very rich like Young Master Yi, can do as one pleases. I have no means of livelihood, only have attended school for several years more than other people, so I have proficiency in a particular field to make a little money from writing. If Young Master Yi doesn’t have any business, please quickly go away, don’t hold up my business.”

Hearing him speaking in such cold and polite manner, unlike how he used to talk to him in the past, Yi Yun Zhai didn’t know what kind of feeling was surging up. Anyhow, he couldn’t stand the feeling that Zuo Zhen Yu when speaking all along didn’t want to look at him.

“You arranging this stall, how much can you get? In one night, the money I spent for listening to the songs was much more than this!” He didn’t deliberately want to insult him, only that because of the moment of impulse out of anger he talked irresponsibly.

“I know my life is humble, compared to Young Master Yi who is rich and powerful it’s greatly different. Young Master Yi need not to speak out the mock. I didn’t know that Young Master Yi was coming to the prefecture’s capital. If only I knew, I definitely wouldn’t set my stall here, and hurt Young Master Yi’s eyes. I will go right away.”

Zuo Zhen Yi rolled up the only a little number of his goods and intended to leave. Yi Yun Zhai was looking at him, he was angry as well as sad, He didn’t purposely want him to be sad and have a hard time, even more not purposely wanted to force him to leave Xiao’s house.

“Could it be that the Xiao Family didn’t properly settle you down?”

“Xiao family’s honorable guest wanted me to leave, how could I still be extremely shameless to stay at that place?” Zuo Zhen Yu said until this heartbreaking point, resisting his tears and just went away.

Yi Yun Zhai wanted to chase him, Xi Ning pulled him back.

“Young Master, please, you don’t relate yourself with this outsider any longer! You are almost getting married. Why the need to be in an unclear entanglement with another man? How the Xiao family handled him, that is their problem, it has nothing to do with Young Master.”

“He is so thin, he is also thinly clad. You saw him just now coughing so severely. Where does he live now? Did the Xiao family actually settle him down or not?”

Seeing Yi Yun Zhai wanted to chase him again, Xi Ning could only rea.s.sure him, saying: “Young Master, you go and wait in the wine house first. I will go to check, he lives at where. How about this?”

Yi Yun Zhai hastily nodded his head. Xi Ning helplessly followed forth, fortunately, Zuo Zhen Yu’s health condition was not good, the walking pace was extremely slow. Walking not for a long while, he turned to enter a broken temple, and then didn’t come out anymore.

Xi Ning popped his head in and looked around the broken temple from the window. Upon a look, no matter how much he detested Zuo Zhen Yu, he couldn’t help but to sympathize with him.

It seemed like he didn’t mind the place, stayed in the broken temple, also, his livelihood seemingly was unlikely to continue on.

Xi Ning turned back to return. Explained clearly Zuo Zhen Yu’s present situation. Yi Yun Zhai after hearing this, both got angry and saddened.

“I asked them to move him out, not chase him out! No wonder he was unwilling to look at me, no wonder his manner of speaking towards me was not the same as before! He must believe that it was me who asked them to do it this way.” Yi Yun Zhai spoke in irritation.

Yi Yun Zhai whole face was like wanting to get back to the Xiao Family and fight them to death. It had caused Xi Ning to be scared and to pull him to stop him at once.

Ai, Young Master as long as it’s concerning that Cousin Young Master with weird illness, would just lose his rationality!

“Young Master, Xiao Family is Miss Lan Xun’s parents’ home. In the future they will be your in-law’s home. You are doing such a thing now, do you want to break off your marriage proposal with Miss Lan Xun? Because of a relative, you’re doing this, is it worth it? The Miss Lan Xun who you have been waiting for three years, don’t tell me that because of this matter you want to have a fall out with her family?”

Xi Ning spoke sentence per sentence, Yi Yun Zhai’s arrogance vanished at once. He dejectedly sat on the chair. Recalling Zuo Zhen Yu all alone lived in the broken temple, still needed to drag his sick body to set up a vendor’s stall in the street. It was obvious that his livelihood certainly would be unable to continue on. He wanted to help him to find a residence, then help him settle down.

Xi Ning heaved a sigh : “Young Master, the him now believed that you were the one who chased him out from Xiao family. There was also that kind of thing that happened between the two of you. I think it will not be good to approach him too closely. What if like this, we ask someone to daily come to prefecture capital to buy his Spring Festival couplets, make him have a better living, at least no longer need to stay in the broken temple. After he has a little money, he would be able to take good care of his own health.”

This method did not at all suit Yi Yun Zhai’s purpose, but what Xi Ning said was fair and reasonable. He could only reluctantly agree to it.

Returning to the Xiao’s house, Yi Yun Zhai a.s.signed his own servant to daily buy Zuo Zhen Yu’s Spring Festival couplets. He also wanted the servant to tell Zuo Zhen Yu that their Master appreciated his writing, wanted him to paint more of the painting of flowers and birds, gave him tips more than the price that Zuo Zhen Yu had set.