Chapter 10, Qin Guanlan
However, the situation is clearly not right now
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No, I just feel like I probably can't get used to... these things. Li Jiajun also didn't know how to describe it, "Sigh, I will go take a break."
Do not attempt to guess the thoughts of the affluent
Oh. Li Jiajun knew that this was not the time to test the quality of the people in this era. Wearing such fine silk and satin, if something were to happen in that chaotic place, one could not blame others for not adhering to the law. All that could be done was to regretfully return and ask the kitchen aunt to cook a bowl of noodles.
At this moment, Li Jiajun dared not leave. She indeed wanted to plead for mercy, but usually, Jin He was a particularly kind presence. Now, the contrast was so great that she suspected there was some underlying meaning! ... But what if it really was the case that the men were sent to prison and the women were sent in by the Li family ... She seriously suspected that Qin Guanlan would come to set fire to things at night: "Jin He, these people are too troublesome. Why not just get rid of them cleanly and avoid unnecessary trouble."
The woman murmured as if in a dream: "He, he didn't go back, I don't know..."
It cannot simply end like this. Although she has never experienced it, she understands the profound hatred a man would harbor towards those who have wronged him after enduring six months of wrongful imprisonment. Moreover, at this moment, everything, both outwardly and inwardly, is unrelated to him. It is purely because the Li family has suffered a grievance with no outlet for their anger. With a wave of his hand, any lackey could rush forward to drag him away and cast him into the corners of human memory.
"Is our family really such a household?" Li Jiajun replied softly
Her words were probably so frank that they reached the heavens, and the people around her looked at her as if she were insane. Even Qin Guanlan struggled to lift his head, staring at her foolishly.
Li Jiajun was brought to the visiting area by his elder brother. The two prison guards seemed to be aware that there were deep-seated grudges between the visitor and the inmate. Even though Qin Guanlan was sitting in the corner, as soon as the siblings appeared at the iron gate, the guards each pressed him down onto the table, forcing his face against the surface, making it difficult for him to look over. However, his gaze remained remarkably calm and restrained.
Pah! What do you mean by Third Master! Look clearly, this is Third Miss! Where does the Third Master come from!
At this moment, she was both exhausted and hungry. Her body had not been in good condition since she forcibly quit drugs, and later there were subtle signs of relapse. Tossing and turning, she gave up on exercising and focused on recuperation. However, this illness is not so easily cured. Over time, she became accustomed to her state of being a burden.
"That should be enough," Li Jiajun said with a touch of seriousness. "Jin He, there's no need to invite trouble over such a trivial matter; I'm not even angry."
Zhang family?'' Li Jiajun looked towards Xueqing, who replied: ``It is the Zhang family that sells opium. A year ago, you said their product was impure, didn't you say you didn't want to go there anymore?''
The woman was still wailing: "Master Li San! Everything is my fault. You can make me work like a horse or an ox, just please let Guan Lan go! He is innocent! He is wronged!" While wailing, she was also climbing up!
Young Master Li no longer asked further questions and directly sent Li Jiajun to Aunt Zhang's small mansion before heading to the military camp. Upon arrival, he discovered that Aunt Zhang had gone out to play cards with her friends and would not be back until the evening. Li Jiajun felt gloomy and did not ask anyone to call his mother back. He casually ate a little and then went to his room to lie down and sleep. As he entered, he saw a servant carrying a batch of exquisite clothes into the master bedroom, which made him sigh.
Qin Guanlan closed his eyes and said not a word
The coachman shook his head and said, "Not far, but it will be quick!" He then looked at her with eager, bright eyes.
As summer approaches, the sun shines brightly during the day, yet he still wears a tattered winter coat. Despite the heat, he has fastened all the buttons to the bottom. His pants are nearly falling apart, a mix of black and white, revealing the cotton stuffing inside that is almost growing fur. His hair resembles that of a dog’s chew toy; although it appears to have been combed, it is matted together in a way that makes it stick up awkwardly, evoking a sense of Goku from Dragon Ball. His face is smeared with a layer of black mud that cannot be washed off, obscuring his features.
Stumbling along like a zombie for quite some time, Li Jiajun finally caught sight of the small red roof of his house. Just as he was about to cheer with joy, he noticed a person kneeling in front of his door
After taking two steps, the doorman suddenly sprang out from the entrance, bending down to grab the woman. The woman obediently stood up, her expression pleading as she spoke to the doorman. The doorman shook his head repeatedly, attempting to turn her in another direction. At that moment, two young doormen rushed out as well, joining in to restrain the woman. She seemed a bit confused and glanced back.
That should teach her a lesson; otherwise, she might think that our Li family let that despicable actor go out of fear
As the sky gradually darkened, she did not wish to linger any longer, so her steps quickened. Passing by a narrow alley, she noticed rows of rickshaws parked at the entrance. With the dinner rush approaching, the rickshaw pullers were hurrying to finish their meals and head to various restaurants to wait for customers. The alley was bustling with people coming and going, filled with lively chatter and a vibrant atmosphere
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Jin Lanzhi was crying so hard she was nearly out of breath: "Mother Jin, please have mercy, please have mercy. I originally thought that if I couldn't plead for Guanlan, and you were to send me in, I would go in. Even though there is a distinction between men and women, being separated by a wall, I would still be with him... But now, he has already come out..."
Li Jiajun merely glanced twice before quickening her pace to pass by. Once she turned back onto the main road, having passed by multiple times, she had already formed an impression of this area, knowing that after making a turn ahead and walking a short distance, she would almost be home
Oh right, send someone to their couple's home to check. If they have returned, come back and inform me. This way, we can avoid the situation where the husband leaves home and the wife comes here repeatedly to cause a scene, while others might think that Qin Guolan is having an affair with our Li family.
"Jun'er, if we are to put it this way, then his life is quite worthless at the moment. Why wait for him to rise to prominence?" Young Master Li spoke with an air of arrogance and swagger.
He had a look that seemed to say, "Isn't that your home? Why are you asking me?" Yet, he honestly pointed and said, "Just go in that direction, it's right. Do you want a ride? It will only cost you 20 copper coins"
He has already come out this afternoon!" Li Jiajun shouted, "What the hell, Third Master! Let go! Qin Guanlan has been out for a long time!"
When Li Jiajun first met Qin Guanlan, he felt that this karmic debt would last forever, and this hatred would be endless...
Qin Guolan and Jin Lanzhi are not a couple, yet Jin Lanzhi kneels before the Li family for Qin Guolan almost every other day. However, today Jin Lanzhi has been taken away to entertain guests by those smoking opium... She can guess what will happen without even asking.
At that time, the royal family had already declined, and the old prince earnestly hoped that his promising son-in-law could provide more support. Upon learning that Aunt Zhang had given birth to a daughter, he had even less to say. The first lady had never thought highly of Lord Li, and after having two sons to rely on, she regarded Aunt Zhang as relatively obedient. Moreover, after so many years of marriage, Lord Li had only one concubine, so she chose not to speak further on the matter. It was natural for every first wife to feel displeased, but evidently, she was much happier than the wives of the ten or so "younger sisters" outside.
"What are you looking at?" The elder brother blocked the way, "We are here to let you out. Whatever you want, we will compensate you. From September onwards, the Ronglu class will have exclusive bookings, and you can take the lead then."
Her first reaction was to wonder if Qin Guolan had come again, but her next reaction was to dismiss that thought. Although she couldn't see the man's face clearly, his demeanor, from his gaze to his physique, exuded an aura reminiscent of a certain "You can't die, but I can make you die" attitude, making it absolutely impossible for him to have been beaten by her in the morning and then come back to kneel on the street in the afternoon
She originally thought that with Mei Lanfang as a shining example, the status of actors in this era should gradually improve. However, she now understands that it is precisely because of Mei Lanfang's presence that the polarization within this industry has become even more pronounced
The woman remained still, holding her waist tightly: "Third Master, I have waited too long. I fear that Guanlan has already died inside. I cannot wait any longer. I beg you to say something; otherwise, unless my hand is severed, I will absolutely not let go!"
... I will leave my words here, goodbye. There is nothing more for Li Jiajun to think of; the ideas she could come up with at this moment are limited. Having said what she needed to, further discussion would be of no benefit, so she decided to leave.
On the way back, the elder brother asked, "So what do you plan to do?"
Li Jiajun still could not adapt to such blatant snobbery, yet he truly did not want to respond to the invitation from the opium den. He could only give a vague reply, dismissing Xueqing and the servant, closing the door, and lying on the bed to process the news of the day
At this moment, if we support him, he will think we are afraid of him; it is better to treat him as if he does not exist. We certainly cannot serve him tea and water. As for the necessary compensation, did you not already do that?
After waking up from a rest, Li Jiajun did not want to eat alone in the empty living room, so she wandered outside, intending to find a place by herself. The driver of the small mansion had been requisitioned by Aunt Zhang. She casually asked a servant and learned that good hotels could only be reached by means of transportation. After standing by the roadside and hesitating for a long time, she still could not bring herself to call the rickshaw that had been squatting nearby for quite some time
Jin He stood with her hands on her hips, striking a BOSS pose. Upon hearing the words, she was momentarily taken aback, looking at her in surprise, and then respectfully nodded: "Alright, as you say, Miss."
Too! Tragic!
"No way, arrest her and take her to the authorities. This is clearly an attack on our young lady! Hmph, Jin Lanzhi, is it? You've caused us trouble so many times, and because we haven't retaliated, you think the Li family is easy to bully? Today, you've even disturbed our third young lady, just a lowly actress at that. Do you really think you can leave here unscathed?" Jin He, with an imposing presence, placed her hands on her hips and pointed, "What are you standing there for? Take her to the police station!"
Your circle is truly chaotic
Qin Guanlan and Jin Lanzhi are probably of the lower class, easily subjected to bullying. Yet she believes she possesses a modern soul, while being firmly enveloped by the atmosphere of the Republic of China, unable to escape in the slightest.
Li Jiajun handed him twenty copper coins, and the money bag felt significantly lighter, yet he did not get on the vehicle: "I will take a walk; consider this as buying information. Let me ask again at https://www.hetushucom.com. Are there any places selling food along the way?"
At this moment, the old doorman was truly in tears: "Miss, what are you saying? You filthy woman, get up quickly!" He and another young man worked together and finally managed to pull the woman away. Hearing the commotion, Jin He’s mother and her daughter Xueqing hurriedly surrounded Li Jiajun, glaring angrily at the woman: "Why are you here again? That actor has been released from prison!"
Wori... Li Jiajun has a headache: "Do I need to respond to such greetings?"
What? The woman was stunned, "I didn't see him"
"Just ignore it. The Zhang family is no longer doing well. Recently, they were caught diluting their products, and they have been completely suppressed by the Li family's tobacco shop, unable to recover."
Due to her family's concerns, she has little experience with hiking and is not particularly looking forward to it. Although Shenyang is now touted as a major city, in the eyes of Li Jiajun, who has witnessed the grandeur of metropolises decades later, there is nothing particularly shocking or different about it. The only distinction lies in the vast open spaces, the rows of bell towers, churches, and perfume shops, as well as the crowded areas that are indeed quite congested. The charm of the ancient town is present everywhere, and the best aspect is the environment—there are no traffic jams, no incessant car exhaust fumes. The blend of Eastern and Western cultures, along with the integration of the ancient and the modern, is quite appealing.
Jin He stood in front of Li Jiajun and said, "Miss, please enter the house first, so as not to tarnish your eyes."
Moreover, the one kneeling is a woman
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Zheng and the hesitant Li Jiajun locked eyes
Li Jiajun felt it was quite tricky. Although she indeed thought that even if it meant bowing down to settle the karmic debts, she would not hesitate, she clearly sensed that this was not something that could be resolved by bowing. As for winning people over with virtue, do you really believe that?
No, no, no, please look at something else; I still want to take a walk
The elder brother also found it quite tricky, but he had a clear task, which was to release this unfortunate actor, throwing him far away. He did not care how complicated the girl's feelings were; if she wanted to come, she could just come to watch the commotion. Of course, he also harbored a thought of letting this amnesiac girl recognize some people so that she would not provoke trouble later.
Young Master Li fell silent
Their house is quite large, occupying an entire street, which makes the whole road feel desolate, rendering that woman particularly thin and miserable. Li Jiajun peered around the corner for a while, feeling conflicted for a long time, before cautiously making his way over.
It is all that little wretch's fault for ruining the mood. However, miss, how is it that you returned by yourself today? Did Aunt Zhang not send you? Otherwise, the doorman would have heard the commotion from afar and cleared out those who wished to disturb you.
Aunt Zhang can be considered one of the few fortunate concubines. She originally came from a poor farming background and had little education. While working as a servant in the Wang residence, she caught the eye of Master Li. At that time, the first wife held significant power, and she did not even dare to entertain the thought of becoming a concubine. Feeling wronged, she followed her strong-willed father back to their hometown after resigning. However, later on, Master Li, feeling discontented, impulsively went to the countryside to find her, only to see Aunt Zhang working in the fields with a large belly.
In the evening, the dismissed servant returned to report that Qin Guanlan had come back. He went somewhere in the afternoon, but it was unknown where. He only knew that the master had called him to prepare for a series of performances scheduled for a month later, and he did not refuse.
Li Jiajun asked, "Is it far?" Immediately regretting the question, he realized that if he asked the taxi driver whether it was far, the driver would likely say it was far even if it wasn't, just like a vendor selling melons would never admit that their own watermelons are not sweet
How would I know! Why don't you go home and take a look! What are you doing here! Am I so bored that I would get him out of prison and bring him home? It's not like he's some extraordinary handsome man that I need to hide!
... Father, although my mother is just a concubine, if you dare to take another concubine, I will kill you!
Li Jiajun was taken aback, and he found that Xueqing's reasoning was so sound that he was left speechless: "So what is the relationship between these two people now... siblings? childhood friends? close friends? Or... lovers separated by a marriage certificate?"
After being in a good mood for half a year, even the maid dared to give her a warning glance. Is she truly approachable, or has a good horse been ridden too hard
The coachman followed for another two steps, and seeing that Li Jiajun indeed had no intention of taking the carriage, he gradually came to a stop and fell behind.
Is this the reason she has never come into contact with Jin Lanzhi? Li Jiajun felt even more exhausted and waved his hand, saying, "Sigh... don't mention it..."
She bowed her head vigorously, causing Li Jiajun to feel uncomfortable all over, and he hurriedly dashed into the house, as if fleeing, while the sound outside seemed to still echo.
Li Jiajun wanted to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he was abruptly pulled back by Xueqing. At that moment, she had the same imposing presence as her mother, raising her chin and giving him a disdainful glance, leaving Li Jiajun momentarily stunned.
The price of the rickshaw was calculated based on various data. At that time, the currency situation was very chaotic. Although the Nanjing government flag was displayed in the 30 years outside the pass, it seemed to still be under the currency conditions of the Beiyang government period. Local warlords were in control of their own territories, each with their own economic system, making it possible to only estimate roughly. A clever companion provided the selling newspaper song as a reference, treating the rickshaw as a taxi, and thus arrived at this approximate price, which deeply moved the liberal arts student.
Xueqing wanted to say something, but ultimately did not. She first ran out to greet someone, and after returning and closing the door to the room, she helplessly said: "Miss, it seems that relying on you to remember is impossible. They are not a couple at all, so where would there be a couple's home? The Ronglu troupe is just a rootless small group. The actors inside either live in the troupe or with their patrons. If they still want to earn money and build a future, they absolutely cannot get married before becoming famous. The men are better off, but if a female actor gets married and is then summoned by a noble, should she go or not?"
... How is he involved again! Recently, everyone brings up Guanlan when they see her, is it some kind of intensive brainwashing? Li Jiajun was already emaciated, and at that moment, when that woman hugged her legs tightly, she immediately lost her balance and was about to fall backward. The young man who was chasing after her was particularly alert; he made a successful leap and landed behind her, just in time to catch their third young lady as she fell onto his back. At that moment, when that woman hugged her legs tightly, she immediately lost her balance and was about to fall backward. The young man who was chasing after her was particularly alert; he made a successful leap and landed behind her, just in time to catch their third young lady as she fell onto his back.
The elder brother squinted his eyes, and a wave of dangerous aura rushed towards him. Li Jiajun hesitated for a moment, then walked over to Qin Guanlan's side and said softly: "Although I know it is futile, I still want to say, I am sorry, sincerely... This grudge has grown so large that I estimate there will be no resolution. I just want to ask, aside from our entire family being ruined and me, Li Jiajun, having no place to be buried, is there any way to alleviate your resentment?"
It seems that in his eyes, she has already become a business deal secured; if she does not sit, others will lose a profit, and if she does sit... Well, please forgive her saintly and pure demeanor, as she always feels that the rickshaw is quite ruthless
Continue to remain silent
Miss, are we still afraid of a group of actors?" Xueqing glared in anger, "You have no idea, this woman has come here many times, and it seems never-ending.
She began to walk, but the rickshaw puller beside her followed along with an empty cart, saying: "Let me take you, you have already paid your money."
The maid, in a state of confusion, said: "Miss, I cannot see this, but that Lan Zhi is now the mainstay of their Ronglu troupe. When I went there, she had just been taken away in the car of the eldest son of the Zhang family. They asked me to convey their regards to you, saying that you haven't visited in a long time, and that Young Master Zhang is thinking of you. They have new merchandise, so do come by when you have time"
The coachman dreamily collected the money and continued to shake his head: "There are some, but you cannot eat them; they are all places where we fill our own stomachs, chaotic, and you cannot go there"
Having completed it, she seemed to see the barrage above Qin Guanlan's head indicating [Hatred Value + 1000] flying by
Then you go back and take a look! Li Jiajun felt a lingering sensation from his thigh to his waist as if it had been tightly squeezed, and couldn't help but touch his thigh and then his waist, finding pain wherever he touched, grimacing in discomfort
At this moment, Jin Lanzhi had already raised her head. The hair that had been neatly styled had fallen down in several strands, and her face was covered with tears that clung to her hair, yet could not conceal her delicate beauty. She looked terrified, shaking her head in tremors: "No, no, no, please, I don't want to go to the police station, I beg you, Third Master... Third Master... I beg you, I have finally waited for Guanlan to come out, I... I will bow to you, I will listen to everything you say! I beg you! You can hit me, but I don't want to go in, if I go in, I won't be able to come out, I beg you!" I beg you, I have finally waited for Guanlan to come out, I... I will bow to you, I will listen to everything you say! I beg you! You can hit me, but I don't want to go in, if I go in, I won't be able to come out, I beg you!
"What was said back then! You can do whatever you want! Just don't disturb our young lady! You said it yourself! If you disturb her! You can go to jail by yourself, and we won't lift a finger to help you. Now, what are you saying? You don't want to go in!" Jin He scolded angrily
Isn't it enough that Qin Guanlan has let go? What other reason does she have to come?
Jin Lanzhi quickly changed her words: "Thank you, Miss San! Thank you, Miss San!"
I can guess what you are about to say. Do not be afraid; I can guess even more, such as you probably do not want to perform anymore, and you wish to join the military? Or perhaps you want to go into business? Either to crush our family with military power or to overwhelm us through commerce? Right now, your mind is likely filled with thoughts of not underestimating the youth in poverty and that one day... I believe you; you have that kind of gaze, and you will not be unsuccessful. How about we make a deal? On the day you can kill me, I will definitely not resist, but you must not harm my family. What do you think?
Xueqing shook her head: "That circle is murky, who knows?"
Li Jiajun walked over and asked the rickshaw driver: "Brother, which direction should I go to reach the Li Mansion?"
The doorman, panting heavily, hurriedly caught up and, upon seeing the situation, was nearly moved to tears: "Quick, pull her up! Quick, pull her up! Oh, what is this all about! Hurry! You wretched woman! Don't let me see you again! If I do, I'll beat you to death!"
This situation has escalated dramatically. The woman let out a cry, and her small universe seemed to explode as she broke free from the three men and rushed over. Li Jiajun was utterly confused and terrified, almost turning to flee. The result of her stiff demeanor was that the woman grabbed her leg tightly, followed by a wail: "Third Master, please have mercy! Let Guo Lan go!"
In front, Jin Lanzhi, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt down and repeatedly bowed her head, saying: "Thank you, Third Master! Thank you, Third Master!"
"Get up! Get up, don't crawl up here!" Li Jiajun is a straight woman, covered in goosebumps, "This is disgusting! Hurry up, I'm going to throw up!"
What about Jin Lanzhi? Has she gone crazy with joy?
She did not turn back to see the expression of that person, while her elder brother followed closely behind, the atmosphere was tense.
What the hell, is this a place to seek justice? I think I've knelt in the wrong place
Xueqing entered and, seeing her expression, felt a bit puzzled: "Miss, what is the matter with you?"