Chapter 6: Resuming Old Business

My husband has long since distanced himself from such matters! Ying Niang could no longer contain her anxious feelings and hurriedly refused, saying, "Xu San, you should leave; my husband will not go!"

"This matter is not for you, woman, to meddle in!" Xu San suddenly shouted angrily, his face filled with rage. "It is all because of you, this unvirtuous woman, that you have confused Second Brother; otherwise, how could he be lazing around at home? Second Brother, I do not wish to interfere in your family matters, but you should get rid of this woman as soon as possible! In short, if you are willing to come, be at the Longqing Society's venue at the alley entrance tomorrow at noon; I won't say more!" After saying this, he shot a fierce glare at Ying Niang and slammed the door as he left. In short, if you are willing to come, be at the Longqing Society's venue at the alley entrance tomorrow at noon; I won't say more!" After saying this, he shot a fierce glare at Ying Niang and slammed the door as he left.

"Second Brother Gao, Second Brother Gao!" With a loud and boisterous shout, a thin and dark young man barged into the room without any hesitation, instantly causing Ying Niang to lose her composure.

In the following month, Gao Qiu visited the Su residence almost every day. To avoid giving the servants the impression that he was merely there to enjoy free meals, he often assisted Su Shi with handling correspondence and frequently engaged Su Shi's young son, Su Guo, in discussions on various topics during idle moments. Meanwhile, a myriad of news from the court flowed into his ears. Reports of the Western Xia disturbing the borders, officials in the court engaging in deceit, and even rumors involving the imperial harem allowed Gao Qiu to truly experience the gossip culture of the literati in the Song Dynasty.

Ying Niang had to admit that her husband's words were very persuasive; however, her past experiences told her that she absolutely could not agree. As soon as she uttered the word "but," she noticed her husband's resolute gaze. In the end, she swallowed all the words she wanted to say, rummaged through her belongings, and found a complete set of blue clothing, including a headscarf and leg bindings.

Just moments ago feeling greatly reassured, Ying Niang immediately grasped her husband's arm anxiously: "No, you cannot go!"

Gao Qiu did not expect that the Northern Song Dynasty also had corrupt referees and players, and he felt a mix of laughter and tears in his heart, yet he was filled with a sense of fighting spirit. After all, he had learned a bit about ancient cuju, and throughout elementary, middle, high school, and university, he had always been a key player on the school team. He considered himself somewhat skilled with his feet, and the only concern he had was about the rules.

The legendary experience of the authentic Gao Qiu is well-known throughout China; it can even be said that this individual, who rose from a mere ruffian to ultimately become the Grand Marshal of a nation, is a typical example of meteoric success. In simpler terms, it is akin to an athlete who entertains the masses transforming into a politician who holds the lives of the people in his hands, a difference that is nothing short of astronomical. It is lamentable that although he has become Gao Qiu, he ultimately still has to rely on the authentic Gao Qiu's skills to earn a living and support his family, a fate seemingly destined for him. In simpler terms, it is akin to an athlete who entertains the masses transforming into a politician who holds the lives of the people in his hands, a difference that is nothing short of astronomical. It is lamentable that although he has become Gao Qiu, he ultimately still has to rely on the authentic Gao Qiu's skills to earn a living and support his family, a fate seemingly destined for him.

"Second Brother, you must be joking. Naturally, it is the cuju match between our Longqing Society and the Bateng Society!" The lean young man, who had already been puzzled by not seeing Gao Qiu for over a month, was now even more confused. "I have heard for a long time that Second Brother Gao seems to have changed completely. Could it be that you really intend to lay low and give up?"

He did not experience much hardship during modern times, usually only knowing to ask his family for living expenses, completely unaware of how ordinary families make ends meet. Therefore, while he was focused on finding a way out, he largely ignored the difficult situation at home. Fortunately, he had long since taken out the watch and lighter he had hidden away; these items, whether pawned or sold to wealthy individuals, should be able to alleviate his urgent needs

Second brother, it has been a long time since we last saw you, and the brothers have been missing you dearly! This time, there is another competition in the society, and we can only rely on you. Boss Zhu from Qingfeng Tower has offered a reward of thirty guan; if we win, each person could pocket two or three guan!" The young man sat down on the stool without even glancing at Ying Niang.

Seeing Yingniang's cold reaction, Gao Qiu categorized the visitor as one of those unworthy friends. However, the other party's words stirred his interest. He was no longer the naive person he had been when he first arrived in this prosperous land, unaware of the value of household expenses. It is important to note that the current grain price ranges from 900 wen to 1 guan for a stone of rice. The last time, with the 1 guan from Old Man Gao and Yingniang's diligence and capability, they managed to sustain their household expenses for about a month. If he could receive a reward of two or three guan, it would be sufficient to cover expenses for one or two months, thus avoiding the need to sell off their belongings. With this thought in mind, he disregarded Yingniang's displeased expression and asked in a low voice: "What competition?"

A series of events left Gao Qiu with no time to react. By the time he understood the implications of Xu San's words, only he and Ying Niang remained in the room. At this moment, Ying Niang was markedly different from before; her face was pale, and even her eyes flickered with fear, as she actively avoided his gaze. Witnessing such a scene, and recalling Xu San's inexplicable remarks, he gradually began to think of the plots in those vernacular novels. Could it be that this seemingly virtuous wife truly had something amiss?

Gao Qiu did not recognize this fellow, yet at this moment, he could only feign ignorance and replied ambiguously, "What brings you here?"

However, Gao Qiu soon felt relieved. It is inevitable that there would be some rumors in the streets when a husband has not touched his wife for three years. The way Ying Niang cried and expressed her tenderness that night was certainly not feigned. If he were to doubt his wife because of a few idle words from others, it would be too petty of him. With this thought in mind, he walked slowly to Ying Niang, suddenly embracing her in his arms: "Don't worry, I don't believe any of those rumors."

However, he still obtained the information he sought. Zhao Ji, the eleventh son of Emperor Shen Zong, is the younger brother of the current Emperor Zhe Zong, and at the age of eleven, he holds the title of Prince of Suining, just one step away from becoming the Duke Wang in the future. However, according to the implications expressed by those literati, the current Emperor Zhe Zong is only seventeen years old and has no worries about having heirs to inherit the throne, which is why the brothers of Zhe Zong and the illegitimate sons of Shen Zong are not given much attention. Only Gao Qiu, who is well aware, understands that this Emperor Zhe Zong, who historically died young, had his only son pass away early as well, making it virtually impossible for him to leave behind an heir. However, according to the implications expressed by those literati, the current Emperor Zhe Zong is only seventeen years old and has no worries about having heirs to inherit the throne, which is why the brothers of Zhe Zong and the illegitimate sons of Shen Zong are not given much attention. Only Gao Qiu, who is well aware, understands that this Emperor Zhe Zong, who historically died young, had his only son pass away early as well, making it virtually impossible for him to leave behind an heir.

"Really... really?" The English lady, who had almost fallen into despair, seemed to have grasped a lifeline. With hope in her heart, she raised her head and said, "My lord, no, Gao Lang, do you really believe me? I..."

No! Having traveled from modern times, Gao Qiu's male chauvinism is no less than that of ancient men, and he cannot tolerate men who are lazy and rely on their wives for support. In his view, Ying Niang has already suffered too much; it is one thing that he cannot allow her to enjoy a comfortable life, but it is entirely unacceptable for her to toil in the embroidery and weaving workshops. He does not consider asking Su Shi for help, as his relationship with this scholar is not deep enough. He believes that seeking assistance for trivial matters would unnecessarily damage the good impression he has made on him. In his view, Ying Niang has already suffered too much; it is one thing that he cannot allow her to enjoy a comfortable life, but it is entirely unacceptable for her to toil in the embroidery and weaving workshops. He does not consider asking Su Shi for help, as his relationship with this scholar is not deep enough. He believes that seeking assistance for trivial matters would unnecessarily damage the good impression he has made on him.

"Ying Niang, listen to me. Currently, there is no extra money at home, and we haven't even prepared the fabric for spring clothes. Continuing to sit idly by is absolutely not feasible. I promise you, after the competition, I will return immediately, won't that be acceptable? You must understand, the reward of two or three guan is sufficient to sustain us for a while, and perhaps we can even engage in some business with that money. It is certainly better than the two of us sitting here lamenting our situation."

"Gao Lang, do you think you could speak to Scholar Su..." Perhaps feeling that her suggestion was too absurd, Ying Niang only said half of it before retracting her words. She then changed her tone and said, "How about I go to the embroidery or weaving workshop to find some work?" And the library.

"Do not say anything more; I understand the principle that many voices can melt gold, and I will not doubt you lightly." With a finger pressed against Ying Niang's lips, Gao Qiu proceeded to reveal his intentions, "However, I am preparing to participate in the cuju match that Xu Sang just mentioned."

Although the Su residence is pleasant, it is ultimately not Gao Qiao's home, and life at home must continue as usual. Despite believing that he is currently engaged in important matters, both Old Man Gao and his elder brother Gao Shen view him as idle and unproductive. Over time, Old Man Gao has paid less attention to his son, while his father-in-law, Song Tai, though stern in words, is soft-hearted and often brings some pork or similar items to help out. Ying Niang has also sold several pieces of her treasured embroidery, barely managing to sustain their livelihood. However, by the end of February, the rice jar at home was once again nearly empty, and this time, even Old Man Gao avoided his son and daughter-in-law.

I suppose I should pay a visit to the Su residence!" Gao Qiu gritted his teeth and made up his mind. The silver ring on his finger was his only keepsake, and of course, he could not sell it. However, he could no longer keep the watch and the lighter. As long as he could fabricate a story, he could entrust Su Shi to find a noble minister who had a penchant for curious and exquisite items, which should yield a considerable income. While he was nervously racking his brain to concoct the origin of these items, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door.

You... go ahead, but be sure not to get hurt! The mother, in her own hands, dressed Gao Qiu in a complete set of attire, feeling a mix of comfort and bitterness in her heart. "Perhaps those people will act ruthlessly, and maybe someone will bribe others to set traps. You must be careful!"