I wish for a long time

The sound of water kept echoing in my ears, and the endless suffocation in my chest swept my nerves, as if I couldn't breathe.

In the blue water, the familiar light pink figure stretched out his hand towards him, and was infinitely pulled away.

"Shao'er!"

Ye Jiu sat up in an instant, with beads of sweat sliding across his brows, panting heavily.

The surroundings were gloomy, the moonlight shone through the newly repaired window sills and fell on the brocade quilt, and the cool wind blew through her drenched middle clothes, Ye Jiu shivered.

She blinked vigorously, fumbled wildly to the side, until she touched a warm soft one, and finally let out a long sigh of relief.

"Ajiu, what's the matter?"

Qi Shao'an was still in a shallow sleep, and woke up after being bumped by the people next to him, and asked a question in a daze.

Ye Jiu's chest was still heaving, she held that hand tightly, shook her head: "No, it's fine."

Qi Shaoan finally woke up, looked at Ye Jiu sitting on the bed in the middle of the night, seemed to think of something, and quickly propped himself up.

"Have another nightmare?"

Ye Jiu didn't answer, but the increasing strength in his hands revealed her thoughts.

Qi Shaoan frowned slightly, and stretched his empty hands along the hem of Ye Jiuzhong's clothes. As expected, his tender skin seemed to be drenched with water, extremely moist, and even beads of sweat dripped down.

She shrank her heart, took the hands of the two people who were clasped, lowered her head and kissed, and said softly: "I'm here, don't be afraid, Ajiu."

Ye Jiu took several deep breaths, then nodded slightly, his complexion was a little pale against the backdrop of the moonlight.

Qi Shaoan helped her to lie down, patted her shoulder lightly, and coaxed her: "Sleep, I will accompany you."

Ye Jiu seemed to be gradually recovering from the chaos, looked at Qi Shaoan's cheek that was close at hand, turned sideways, and wrapped his arms around her waist, as if feeling that it wasn't enough, he nestled into her neck again.

The familiar fragrance of cold crabapple lingered in his breath, Ye Jiu's beating heart finally calmed down gradually, and his drowsiness climbed up again.

But Qi Shao'an who was woken up at this time could not fall asleep anymore.

She looked at the edge of the bed, her brows did not relax at all.

Ajiu has been like this for a month.

Ever since they came out of the capital and went all the way to Linjiang County, Ajiu would wake up in the middle of the night every now and then, chanting her name from time to time.

Not only that, even if she went out for half an hour during the day, she would go from house to house in the village to find herself.

Qi Shaoan's brows ached, and he clenched that palm tightly.

The originally warm palm was now a little colder than his own.

Feeling that the breathing sprayed on the neck was gradually becoming even, Qi Shaoan stroked her arm again and again, a trace of complexity flashed in his eyes.

If it wasn't for her leaving without saying goodbye, she probably wouldn't be so disturbed.

I can't wait to look at myself all the time, even at night I have to hold my hand tightly before falling asleep.

Even though he said countless times that he would not leave, it didn't seem to have any effect.

There was a little pain in Qi Shaoan's eyes, she stroked Ye Jiu's cheek with her fingertips, and sighed slightly.

She could almost guess what kind of suffering Ajiu must have been in the month she left.

"Hey, I won't leave you again."

……

"Fuck-!"

The chicken wrapped in flour slid into the pan, and the oil pan instantly stirred up small bubbles, covering the chicken.

Ye Jiu took the curved shovel and tapped it twice, waiting for the oil to soak the surface of the chicken, then turned it over with the shovel.

"smell good."

A small head protruded from the side of the kitchen, poking its head inwardly.

Ye Jiu looked back and saw that it was Mrs. Lin's son. He pointed to the bowl on the table next door and smiled: "Stone, there is a lot of oily smoke in here. Take the dishes out and wait outside."

Shi Shi nodded quickly, picked up the plate on the table, and smelled it vigorously: "This meat is also delicious."

Ye Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, turned his face and said to the side: "Nanyuan, the fire should be bigger."

The disgraced Nan Yuan resigned to his fate and picked up the firewood again.

"By the way, Shitou, where's your sister Qi?"

Shitou took back the steps he had just taken, and said, "Brother, you have built a school for the village. Mother and sister Qi went there to see it."

Ye Jiu nodded, "Call them back, dinner is ready."

Shitou let out a cheerful hey, and the ten-year-old boy ran out.

Seeing this, Ye Jiu concentrated on frying the chicken again, and Nanyuan added firewood beside him, and raised his head and asked, "Master, we have lived here for more than half a month, why don't you consider going to the magistrate's mansion to report first?"

After putting the chicken on a plate and sprinkled it with seasonings, Ye Jiu took the plate and replied, "Wait a little longer, when I go home."

"Go home?" Nan Yuan didn't recall it all at once, "Didn't we just come out?"

Ye Jiu glanced at him, "Nonsense."

"I'm talking about Yuncheng's home."

Shitou walked quickly, and it didn't take long to call Qi Shaoan and Aunt Lin back. Qi Shaoan glanced at the rich dishes on the table, and walked towards the kitchen with the corners of his lips slightly raised.

"I'm home."

Ye Jiu bumped into her as soon as he came out, and couldn't hide the smile on his lips as he looked at the person he was thinking about.

Qi Shaoan nodded obediently, then suddenly stood on tiptoe, and put a circle of red things around her neck.

Ye Jiu was stunned for a moment, looking at the flower wreath that suddenly appeared on his chest, he was a little puzzled, "This is..."

Qi Shaoan took the plate from her hand, and said with a smile, "The children in the village made it, and I want to give it to my brother who helped them build a school."

Ye Jiu stretched out his hand to touch it, and found that the little flower was still fresh, with moisture on it.

She bent her lips and smiled slightly, which was more satisfying than being promoted to the rank of official.

"Young Master Ye, how dare you cook for me, but I'm so mad at Mrs. Zhe."

Aunt Lin sent the little girl next door home, and hurried back, looking at Ye Jiu with embarrassment.

"No matter what the aunt said, my life was saved by you, but it was just cooking, so there is no need to make a fuss."

Ye Jiu smiled faintly, his gentle smile reflected the sunlight, making him look extraordinarily energetic.

Aunt Lin blinked for a moment.

Half a month ago, when the two terms "Qi Yatou's awkward husband" and "Qi Yatou's sister who was seriously injured and almost belched" were stacked together in her mind, she was stunned for a long time without recovering.

It took five or six full days before she accepted this appalling and subversive fact.

No wonder Qi Yatou came back in such a bright mood this time, with a smile on her face as if she didn't want money, which was completely different from last time.

Aunt Lin looked at a table of dishes exuding a charming aroma, and sighed slightly.

It's fine if the child is happy, besides, the young master doesn't say anything about his ability, and he does his best to the girl. Let's ask which family can do it.

"Come on, let's have dinner."

Ye Jiu touched Shi Shi's head, turned around and pressed him against the dining table, rubbing his palms together: "Ms. Lin, try my fried chicken, it's not me, it's super delicious."

As he spoke, he tore a chicken leg and put it in Mrs. Lin's bowl, and gave the other to Shi Shi.

Aunt Lin wiped her hands vigorously with her hem, and kept nodding her head.

The golden-yellow chicken legs are juicy, with brown-yellow powder sprinkled on them, which makes people appetite.

"It's delicious, it's hot."

Stone doesn't have so many rules, and he couldn't help eating it long ago, and he breathed hot for a while.

Ye Jiu couldn't help laughing, subconsciously tilted his head, and met those gentle eyes.

Qi Shao'an smiled slightly, his eyes seemed to be immersed in a clear lake, moist and shiny.

Ye Jiu squeezed her palm, picked up a chopstick of braised pork and put it in her bowl, "Although you don't like meat, you should eat some at least, how skinny you are."

Next to him, Nan Yuan silently picked up his job, he thought it was a very wise move for Dong Fei and Wei Yu to sneak to the school to help.

Qi Shaoan pursed her lips, although she was not very interested, she still picked up the chopsticks obediently.

Seeing this, Ye Jiu couldn't help squinting his eyes, and the corners of his mouth were raised high.

Aunt Lin was finally willing to take a bite, and after chewing twice, her eyes widened.

"Master Ye, your chicken is so delicious, I've never tasted it before."

Ye Jiu smiled like a little fox, "This is an upcoming dish in my restaurant, crispy fried chicken, the taste is not bad."

Aunt Lin nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, it's really delicious. If you open the store, you will surely overshadow the drunk chickens in Yingkelou."

Ye Jiu sneered and laughed, "Can you really sell it so well?"

Qi Shao'an on the side turned his head slightly, seeing her cute face with a silly smile, with his thumb rubbing the back of her hand, but he smiled silently.

"Of course, I tried it once before, and it's far worse than yours."

Aunt Lin couldn't stop boasting, and was even a little bit reluctant to take another bite.

"Then why not, I'll give the prescription to the aunt, and you can sell it for me."

Ye Jiu's serious words almost made Aunt Lin's chopsticks drop.

"Fang Zi, give it to me?"

You must know that a restaurant has been established in the market for a long time. In the final analysis, it relies on its own unique secret recipe, which is passed down from generation to generation and never exposed.What's more, in order to win a secret recipe, they did not hesitate to fight openly and secretly, and even lost their lives.

But this person is like giving a broom seedling, he doesn't care.

Not only the aunt, but even the stone was stunned, and she raised her head in a daze with the chicken leg in her mouth.

"Brother Ye, didn't you say that this is a new dish in the restaurant?"

Ye Jiu nodded, "That's right, this prescription is just for me to add to the icing on the cake of the restaurant. It's better to have it, and it's okay without it, but it must be more useful to give it to the aunt."

useful?That is of great use.

Although Aunt Lin is in the countryside, she is not a narrow-minded and self-confident person. She can predict the general outcome of this thing when it is sold.

"If you want to do it yourself, the oil and noodles can be picked up at 18 Mizhuang, and the price will definitely not treat you badly."

"If Madam thinks it will take a lot of work, you can also discuss cooperation with Xishuitang. With the flow of customers and security, it will be easier."

Aunt Lin was completely stunned, she didn't know what to do for a while, "I... I have received such a great favor from the young master, I..."

Ye Jiu stopped her words, "I just gave you a prescription. As for how much money you make, it's all your hard work, and it has nothing to do with me."

Seeing Aunt Lin's embarrassed appearance, Qi Shao'an tried to persuade her, "Ma'am, you and Aunt Wang saved me and Ajiu earlier, and then helped us hide our identities. We have never known how to repay such a great kindness, and now we should leave too. , this should be regarded as a little heart, and there is no hope."

Aunt Lin looked at the earnest appearance of the two, and the corners of her eyes were a little moist.

"You said that you didn't pay back. You came here to renovate the houses of the villagers and build a school for the children. You even paved the road out of the village to Linjiang. How can you say that you didn't do anything."

Aunt Lin hesitated for a moment, as if she had made up her mind, she raised her head and said, "Okay, my aunt should come down, but you should remember that Gubei Village will always be your home, and if you are wronged outside, you will come to my aunt's place, ah."

Ye Jiu and Qi Shao'an looked at each other, and replied with a smile: "Okay."

……

After staying in Gubei Village for nearly [-] days, Ye Jiu and his entourage passed the gate of Yanzhou magistrate in a grand manner, without stopping at all, and headed south all the way.

Du Zhihang wanted to keep her to play in Linjiang for a few days, and ask some questions in the books by the way, but he didn't catch even a single hair, leaving him alone to jump around the city gate.

His newly promoted and charming wife Xu Qiaoer watched him run around like a monkey for a long time, couldn't bear it anymore, and carried him back: "It's not like Brother Ye won't come back, he's gone, and you can't sleep until you finish reading the books today."

Out of Yanzhou is Tongzhou. Ye Jiu and Qi Shaoan traveled all the way, and they didn't show up at the gate of Yuncheng until one month later.

At that time, his life was hanging by a thread, but now he is returning home in good clothes.

Ye Jiu felt a little emotional for a moment.

Seeing Wei County Magistrate's familiar signature smile, she slapped Nanyuan's head with her backhand.

"Who told you to notify him!"

Nan Yuan covered his head aggrievedly, "Master, it's not me..."

Just as he was speaking, County Magistrate Wei rushed over to greet him, "A few days ago, I heard that County Magistrate Du said that the Marquis of Zhenyuan will drive to the small county of Yuncheng. Now it seems that what he said is true, and the officials have been waiting here for a long time."

After finishing speaking, he raised his head, looked at the people in front of him, and asked, "I don't know who is... Hiss, you are not from that restaurant..."

"Ah, yes, yes, yes, I am." Ye Jiu held his hand affectionately, "I am the shopkeeper who almost died when he was imprisoned."

Afterwards, she acted like she hated seeing each other late, "I didn't expect Master Mingfu to still think about the boy, but I'm really flattered."

County magistrate Wei was taken aback by her, and looked at them blankly, "Then...then you are..."

"Marquis of Zhenyuan" was interrupted by Ye Jiu before he could say it, "I'm the shopkeeper, so I happened to meet Lord Hou this time, so I just got a ride."

After finishing speaking, she turned her head to look at Dong Fei, who was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and said with a smile: "Yes, Lord Zhenyuan."

Dongfei's smile froze on her face: "???"

County magistrate Wei is also a smart person, seeing that Ye Jiu had "kindly" pointed out the real identity of the Marquis for him, he hurriedly greeted him, "It turns out that this is the Marquis of Zhenyuan. Blind."

Dong Fei, who suddenly became the focus of everyone, almost dropped the palace fan in his hand. Seeing Ye Jiu's small movement of clasping his hands together to make a petition, he raised a contrived smile:

"Ah, yes, I am the Marquis of Zhenyuan, and it's not for...to keep a low profile, yes, to keep a low profile."

The county magistrate Wei understood: "Master Hou is noble, sympathetic to the sufferings of the people, and unwilling to waste extravagance. He is really a role model for us."

He turned sideways quickly, "Master Hou is exhausted, the county government office has already cleaned up your room, please come along with the officials."

The corner of Dong Fei's mouth twitched, looking at Ye Jiu who was trying to hold back his smile, his breath was choked in his throat, but he was immediately welcomed away by the enthusiastic magistrate Wei.

Before leaving, County Magistrate Wei specifically explained: "Boss Ye, this Marquis of Zhenyuan has a lot of background. Since you are back, I will make some new dishes. Be careful, I am optimistic about you."

Ye Jiu nodded frequently: "Yes, yes."

It has been a long time since a high-ranking official came to Yuncheng, and the people were as if they had been spayed with blood. In front of the city gate and on the teahouse, there were densely packed people, which was even bigger than the last time the magistrate came.

Looking at the people receding like a sea tide, Ye Jiu stretched his body happily.

"You are not afraid that shopkeeper Dong accidentally leaked the trap, and then he will be sent to the prison."

Qi Shao'an stepped down from the carriage wearing a veil, his eyebrows and eyes were curved, and he looked very good against the setting sun.

Ye Jiu didn't worry, he took her hand and walked towards the city gate, "He still has the basic qualities of an actor, don't worry."

Qi Shao'an smiled helplessly, but that's okay, everyone's eyes were drawn away by the "Marquis of Zhenyuan", and they also had a lot of leisure, but it's just that Shopkeeper Dong suffered.

Ye Jiu and Qi Shaoan walked slowly along the main road, looking at the familiar street scene and food stalls, the long-lost sense of satisfaction filled her whole heart.

"It's better to go home."

The small courtyard of the Ye Family was still the same, with the two small black doors closed tightly, she stepped forward and knocked on the copper ring.

After more than a dozen beeps, there was no movement inside, Ye Jiu turned his head to look at Nan Yuan: "Didn't Bei Xiao say that the small courtyard is safe and sound, why is there no one around?"

The last time I thoroughly investigated the matter of the Chu Mansion in Yuncheng, I asked Bei Xiao to confirm that the small courtyard is so quiet now, she felt flustered for no reason.

Qi Shaoan looked at the sun, "Ajiu, don't worry, maybe he's still in the shop."

As soon as the words were finished, the door of a nearby courtyard opened, and a woman dressed as a woman showed her head, "Who are you? Are you looking for Brother Ye in this courtyard?"

The woman rushed out in two steps, and with a cry of a child crying "Wow", she rushed towards the two of them.

Ye Jiu and Qi Shao'an turned their heads together, only to see a woman staggering towards her, almost falling over.

"Qianyun??"

Ye Jiu was also stunned, especially when he saw the meat ball wrapped in red cloth in her arms, he blinked dryly.

Qi Shao'an hurriedly supported Qian Yun, saw two tear stains on her pretty face, smiled slightly, and wiped away her tears, "What's the rush, we can't run away."

Qian Yun was so excited that she couldn't speak, and stomped her feet while holding the little meat ball.Qi Shaoan looked down at the little doll in her arms, wrapped in a thick quilt, with a tiger head cap on her head, she was chubby and cute.

"Your child?"

Qian Yun finally regained consciousness and nodded, "My name is Xiao Baiyun, she's a girl, she's just full moon."

"Wow, you and Xiaobai actually have a child, and you didn't even tell me?"

Ye Jiu stepped forward, seeing the little baby sticking out his tongue, his heart melted.

Qian Yun sniffed, and said aggrievedly: "How dare you bother Big Brother Ye, you are so busy, you don't even know where to send letters on weekdays, maybe you are still expected to come to Xiao Baiyun's full moon wine."

Ye Jiu rubbed his nose in embarrassment. At the beginning, because he was afraid of getting them involved, he didn't even tell where he was going when he left. She has been the only one-way contact all the time.She sneered: "Oh, it's not coming back."

Qian Yun heard the words and asked again: "Then you still go?"

"After the beginning of spring, I will go to Yanzhou to take up my post. Anyway, it's not far away, so I can come back often."

And Qi Shao'an concentrated on teasing Xiao Baiyun, feeling itchy for a moment, and asked tentatively, "I...can I give you a hug."

Qian Yun handed the child over without saying a word, Qi Shaoan rubbed his hands, and hugged him cautiously.

"Hold it with this hand, hold it with this hand, yes."

Qian Yun taught Qi Shaoan how to hold the child, Qi Shaoan learned it seriously, and little Baiyun fell into her arms, with tears still hanging from the corners of his eyes, he let out two hecks, not knowing whether it was crying or laughing.

Ye Jiu stretched out his hand to untie the cloak from his shoulders, and wrapped it around Qianyun's body, "I'm just out of confinement, don't catch the cold."

It is the twelfth lunar month now, even if the climate here is milder, it can't stand the biting cold wind.

Qi Shaoan also noticed that they had stood at the door for a long time, and hurriedly said: "Yes, they are all mothers, and they still don't care about it."

As he spoke, he pulled the cloak over his body and covered Xiao Yun'er tightly.

Qian Yun came to his senses and quickly welcomed them into the room. Ye Jiu looked at the courtyard that was separated from the previous courtyard by a wall, and couldn't help asking, "Qianyun, why did you move out of the small courtyard?"

Qian Yun walked and said: "After all, the small courtyard is where you and Miss live. After I got married with Brother Bai, I wanted to move out, and I didn't want to be too far away from you, so I chose this courtyard, so that I can clean it from time to time. Fan, if you come, we will know as soon as possible."

A warm feeling flowed down Ye Jiu's heart, looking at Qian Yun who was already dressed as a woman, he bent his lips and smiled: "You're a big girl."

Qian Yun was taken aback by what she said, and then said embarrassedly: "Brother Ye, you suddenly said that, I am not used to it."

Ye Jiu said OK, and greeted Nan Yuan: "Let's go, let them catch up here, and let's arrest people."

Nanyuan's buttocks were still hot, and he looked blank: "Ah, who are you arresting?"

Qian Yun pointed in two directions nonchalantly: "Brother Bai is in the restaurant right now, Erhei should be in Xishui Tang, and he hasn't returned to the village yet, so you still have time to go now."

Ye Jiu tilted his head and gave a wink, "Qianyun understands me."

……

After the small courtyard was quiet for nearly a year, the chickens and dogs jumped again.

Ye Jiu took out her invincible low table, but found that it was a bit small.

Fortunately, Xiaobai's family bought a folding Eight Immortals table, which would be enough for this group of people to sit in.

Qian Yun was inconvenient, and Wei Yu followed Dong Fei to the county government office to support the scene, so the job of cooking fell on Ye Jiu and Xiao Bai.

Even Xiao Hei was thrown over to prevent the danger of the kitchen being blown up again.

"Erhei, Miss Yunxiang is pregnant, you should stay with her more, don't meddle with us here."

I haven't seen him for a year, and Xiao Hei is darker than before, taller and stronger, he has lost his dullness and childishness, and looks much more mature.

Not to mention Xiaobai, the young man was already shrewd and quick-witted. After this experience, he could faintly see the aura of the shopkeeper.

"And you, Qianyun just came out of confinement, you also go back to accompany her."

"Brother Ye, take it down. You almost blew up the kitchen last time. There will be so many people waiting to eat. I don't worry about you doing it alone."

Xiaobai pursed his lips, rolled up his sleeves and set fire to the fire, not giving Ye Jiu any room for repentance, and Xiaohei did the same, carrying a bucket and walking to the backyard.

Ye Jiu looked at the two exceptionally hard-working cubs, and felt relieved in his heart: Woohoo, my son has finally grown up...

"Well, look down on who."

She pouted, picked up the knife, and swiped it at the chicken's head accurately——

"Ah, ah, it's still moving!! Woohoo, whoever killed the chicken, can you do your job a little bit more responsibly!!"

Xiaobai & Xiaohei who just took two steps: "..."

Ye Jiu hugged the wooden pillar, his eyes were full of tears, Xiao Baimu stood up with a grim face, raised the knife in his hand and made a "click".

Then he stretched out his thumb: "Brother Ye, obey."

Ye Jiu frowned, and let go of the pillar: "Chicken is so cute, how can I bear it?"

"Boom boom boom——"

There was an abrupt knock on the door, and Ye Jiu turned around, only to see a woman in a peach red cloak, with peach blossom eyes and red lips, standing by the door, lightly knocking on the door with one hand, smiling brightly:

"Your takeaway has arrived, Alipay or WeChat?"