Jin Yu Dynasty

Throughout the Spring Festival, apart from the tasteless reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, there was nothing to mention.

There are usually dozens of people renting in the guild hall, some go home to celebrate the New Year, and those who don't go home invite three or five friends to go out to be lively and lively, and it becomes more and more deserted.

This is cheaper for Xuan Huaifeng.

He always liked to be quiet, so when he returned to the hall, he picked out a few thick foreign novels from the bookcase, and read them comfortably on the bed.

The guild hall pays the meal fee per head, although the food is not exquisite, the guy can still greet him, trying to figure out Xuan Huaifeng's temperament, he will not ask him out to eat outside the window when the meal is ready, he cleverly made a small plate and put it on the table. Bring in hot meals and hot dishes, and let him eat quietly in the room.

For several days like this, Xuan Huaifeng was so courteous that even Xuan Huaifeng felt embarrassed. Although he was shy, he took out [-] cents from the envelope and handed it to the clerk, which was regarded as a red envelope for the New Year.

Before you know it, a spring break has passed.

Xuan Huaifeng still went to school to teach.

At the beginning of March, when Xuan Huaifeng came in after class, the clerk in the hall took a sharp look at him and rushed over, "Mr. Xuan, what a coincidence you came back. Mrs. Nian just called and said she wanted to I was looking for you, I was about to hang up, when I turned around, I saw you entering the door."

Xuan Huaifeng thanked him and went to the phone booth to pick up the phone.

It turned out that my sister asked him to go to the reception tonight.

"Huaifeng, I don't allow you not to come. Tonight's reception, your brother-in-law and I have planned a lot of days. If you are disobedient, don't call me your sister in the future." Xuan Daiyun said a bunch of musts like pouring beans into a bamboo tube. The reason for attending the meeting was finalized, "Come before seven o'clock in the evening, remember to put on the new clothes I made for you, and dress up beautifully."

Speaking of this, no matter how many excuses Xuan Huaifeng made, it would be futile.

I hung up the phone and lingered in the room until six o'clock. I estimated that it would take about an hour to arrive all the way, and then I changed into a new suit for the Spring Festival and went out.

When we arrived at Nian Zhai, it was exactly seven o'clock.

The sun had fallen below the horizon, and in the far horizon, there was only a faint gray cloud left.

Xuan Huaifeng glanced at it from a distance, the Nian's house was brightly lit under the twilight, like a woman who puts all her effort into dressing up and waiting for her lover to arrive.

Presumably every light that could be turned on was turned on.

There were several brightly painted cars parked outside the gate, and some of them had small government flags in front of them. The blue and white flags occasionally swayed vigorously in the evening wind.

Xuan Huaifeng arrived at the gate.

The concierge of Nian's house recognized him, called "Master Huaifeng", opened the door, and asked him to go in to find Mrs. Nian.

It is said that the reception started at seven o'clock, but in fact, guests have already come. The Nian's house seems to have become a small open park. From the gate to the corridor, there are people standing everywhere in twos and threes. Most of the men are wearing suits, and the women are dressed up. They are different, some are in western-style skirts, and some are wearing cheongsams. They chat and laugh freely with wine in hand. Seeing Xuan Huaifeng pass by, they can't help but glance at his handsome and slender back.

Xuan Huaifeng hardly knew the people here, and he didn't like to strike up a conversation with people, so he stopped a maid with a plate of wine and asked, "Where is the wife?"

The girl smiled at him, and raised her chin towards the living room, "It's inside, I'm afraid I won't be able to get away from it."

Xuan Huaifeng walked to the living room.

Before entering the door, I heard the sound of clattering, and I went in to see that it was very lively and overcrowded.

The original set of Eight Immortals tables and chairs in the living room has long since disappeared. The place next to the wall is now an oversized long table covered with wine-red imported flannelette. All kinds of snacks are served in crystal clear glass dishes. .

Six or seven mahjong tables almost occupied the rest of the living room. Many people watched the game around each table. The people who spoke had to straighten their throats, and everyone's ears were buzzing.

"Huaifeng! Here!" Xuan Daiyun was playing mahjong, drawing cards with one hand, and raised his hand with the other, waving at Xuan Huaifeng twice in the air.

Only then did Xuan Huaifeng see his sister from one of the mahjong tables, she turned sideways in the crowd, and walked slowly over.

"Why did it arrive at this time?" Xuan Daiyun asked him casually while staring intently at the cards played on the card table.

"Isn't it seven o'clock? I'm not late."

"I told you to come early. But it's nothing. The people who come here for the morning session are a few acquaintances. The big shots haven't arrived yet. Today, the chief of the bureau and several directors of the divisions are coming," Xuan Daiyun said. Zhang Bawan told him, "When he arrives, don't be restrained, go up and say hello to him, just talk and laugh..."

Before he finished speaking, Xuan Daiyun's opponent suddenly giggled, flipped his cards down, "Nonsense!"

Everyone shuffled the cards again.

Xuan Daiyun took out his small wallet, gave the lost money to the opponent, stood up and said, "I forgot to tell Zhang Mama about something, you play two games for me first."

Xuan Huaifeng waved his hands, "I don't like gambling."

Xuan Daiyun smirked, "It's only one dollar a chip, what kind of gambling is it? If you lose, my sister will give it to you." He pulled Xuan Huaifeng and pushed him on the chair.

"Sister, I won't."

"Then learn. You don't even know mahjong, how will you get along with your colleagues and bosses in the future?"

While arguing, Nian Liangfu hurried in from outside the living room, he didn't know whether he was tired or anxious, his face was red and black, and he pushed away several guests who blocked his way with both hands along the way.

"You're still playing mahjong shit!" He came to Xuan Daiyun and stomped his feet desperately, "Quickly move away! Quickly move away from the table!" Turning to the people at the mahjong table who were staring blankly at him, with his hands outstretched, Falsely pushing in mid-air, "No more fights, no more fights."

Xuan Daiyun asked strangely, "What's the matter?"

"What's wrong? It's a big deal!" Nian Liangfu immediately turned his head back, "President Bai's deputy just called and said that President Bai will be here tonight!"

Xuan Daiyun still didn't understand, "What Chief Bai? Isn't the chief of your ministry Chief Liao?"

"I don't have time to talk to you now!" Nian Liangfu was so anxious that his forehead was shining, he rubbed his hands and turned around, "Quickly tell the servants to remove the table, Mr. Bai is a big Buddha that can't be invited, this time it's the pie that hit us It’s on my head. He’s just returned from studying abroad, he’s a young talent, and I’ve heard people say that he doesn’t like government officials playing mahjong and singing opera.” After a sudden pause, he raised his voice and called out to the servant outside the window, “Niangui! One phone call to withdraw the theater troupe prepared for tonight! Tell them not to come!"

Turning around, I saw a group of guests who were addicted to playing mahjong. Everyone was staring at him, and immediately shouted, "Remove the table!"

Everyone seemed to have just come back to their senses. They stood up and turned around. A few maids and servants hurried up to move the table.

A servant went over to ask for instructions, "Sir, two of the mahjong tables were borrowed from Mr. Zhang's house next door. Should we return them to his house now?"

"What else? Throw it all away! Don't keep it! Throw away the mahjong!"

Xuan Daiyun frowned, "What are you doing?"

"Stop talking nonsense, anyway, I can't let Mr. Bai see that there is a mahjong table in my house. Hurry up! Hurry up! Didn't you eat? Dally!"

Xuan Huaifeng stood aside, Nian Liangfu didn't even glance at him, he just urged everyone to clean up the living room, pointing fingers and yelling loudly.

"Sir," Nian Gui suddenly ran in from the door, "a lot of cars came outside all of a sudden, and a bunch of noble people came. It seems that Director Zhang is also inside?"

Nian Liangfu gasped, his face turned pale, "I just called, why did you come so fast?"

Looking around, the acquaintances in the hall who came to enjoy the autumn wind and eat and drink for free were standing everywhere, but only five mahjong tables were removed, and there were still two tables that hadn't been removed in time.

Nian Liangfu was so nervous that his fingers twitched, he pushed Xuan Daiyun hard on his back, "Go and block it, and come in later."

Xuan Daiyun was also overwhelmed by her husband's nervousness, took a step forward, and was about to leave the living room to meet the group of nobles, when a shadow flickered at the hall door, the guests had arrived.

There were several familiar faces in the crowd, the young and rich immediate boss Director Zhang, Director Chen of the Material Department, several deputy directors in the bureau, and Director Liao who was in charge of the Ministry of Education who was rarely appreciated. The young and fashionable beautiful family members followed behind.

This group of people are all officials of some status, and they are usually regarded as dignified figures when they appear on the stage, but now all the limelight is taken by the young man standing in the middle.

In his twenties at most, his facial features seem to have been finely carved by a master with a knife. They are deep and distinct, and his brows and eyes look capable and shrewd. This would make people notice his strength and make people feel vigilant, but the corners of his lips are relaxed and natural. The ground slightly raised a slight arc, as if smiling all the time, and made people relax their vigilance unknowingly.

Among all the men's suits and leather shoes, he was the only one wearing a moon-white fine silk camel hair gown, which accentuated his slender and well-proportioned figure, which was taller than ordinary men. stop on him.

Everyone came in with him, surrounded by stars like the moon, but they seemed afraid of offending him and didn't dare to get too close to him.

That pomp and prestige was even more formidable than the presence of the Prime Minister.

The living room suddenly fell silent.

Nian Liangfu watched the servants move clumsily to the mahjong table at the door, and wished he could faint before his eyes.

Facing the embarrassment of silence, the star-like man stood in front of the door, looked around the hall, and then laughed, "It's really presumptuous to visit suddenly. But the master is not unwilling to welcome guests, right?" The tone is cordial and friendly.

As soon as he opened his mouth, the whole living room felt alive.

"That's right! Xiaonian, the honored guest is coming, why is the host standing still?" Liao, who was standing next to him, immediately laughed, and said to Chao Nian Liangfu, "This chief Bai of the customs, but I usually want to Please invite a distinguished guest who can’t even invite you. Today he was willing to move to you, which shocked me.”

Bai Xuelan turned her head, smiled and talked to him, "Liao Weng made fun of you, when did I decline your invitation?"

With such a little time, Nian Liangfu found his tongue, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and hurried up with Xuan Daiyun.

"Neglect, negligence, I was flattered and dumbfounded by the sudden arrival of a distinguished guest." Nian Liangfu smiled, apologized to the two chief executives, and shook hands with several directors to say hello.

Xuan Daiyun also hurriedly greeted the ladies and ladies who followed him.

The guests were welcomed into the living room, and the maids came up with drinks. Taking advantage of this vacancy, the servants hurriedly continued to move the remaining mahjong tables out.

The Nian family couple naturally accompanied the two chief executives to exchange greetings.

"Chief Nian likes to play mahjong?" Bai Xuelan asked.

Nian Liangfu's heart almost jumped out of his throat, and he immediately shook his head decisively, "I hate mahjong players the most. They are noisy and unseemly. There are so many Chinese people. If everyone is doing serious things, don't waste time on mahjong. In terms of boring things, China has long been rich and powerful.”

The strength of this President Bai's family background should not be underestimated, and he is a great Buddha who must be worshipped.When he took office at the customs office last month, several articles he had written had already been respectfully read by Young Fu.

Nian Liangfu cunningly quoted a sentence from Mr. Bai’s article. Thinking of the mahjong table in his living room, he had to give a reasonable explanation. He coughed twice, pointed at his wife beside him with a serious face and said, “ I am ashamed to say that my wife also likes to play mahjong. We have quarreled several times over this matter. When I got home today, I saw a mahjong table in the living room again. I was so angry that I couldn’t speak, so I called The servant throws away the mahjong table and all the mahjong for me."

In fact, setting up the mahjong table is basically the idea of ​​young and rich.

How many officials do not prostitute, gamble or play mahjong these days?Director Liao and several directors not only love to play mahjong, but also like to gamble. Because they want to hold a reception, they deliberately set up a mahjong table, but they didn't expect to throw a stone on their heels.

Xuan Daiyun took a scapegoat, but it was related to her husband's official career, and he had vital interests, so of course he would not refute it, he just laughed lightly and said, "I also know that I shouldn't be beaten, but I was dragged by a few acquaintances. It’s the master again, it’s hard to get over it if you don’t agree. Liang Fu is pretty good at it, he never touches mahjong tiles.”

Bai Xuelan smiled knowingly, "Mr. Nian has read the article I wrote, right?"

In one sentence, Nian Liangfu was very embarrassed, and he waved his hands to explain, "No, no, no..."

"Those are just words on the scene, just talking, do you take it seriously?" Bai Xuelan seemed to be born with a smile on her lips, and said lightly, "Mahjong is the quintessence of Chinese culture, and I often play it. Since Mrs. Nian is a mahjong master, why don't you take time off from now on? Have a card game with Mrs. Nian?"

He talked and laughed happily, and the atmosphere suddenly became active.

Everyone did not expect that the new chief executive with an extraordinary background was so kind, he was really knowledgeable, and the atmosphere of fear and fear suddenly became much more relaxed.

"It turns out that Mr. Bai also likes this. Let me just say, they are all Chinese. How can they not play mahjong? The essence of Chinese culture, well, this word is used very well!" Mr. Liao laughed a few times, and shuffled the cards. Glancing at Bai Xuelan, "Boss Bai, I think it's better to hit the sun than to choose another day. There is no need to postpone the card battle. Let's start the war now, how about it?"

Nian Liangfu put his heart back into his chest, and his face was filled with spring breeze instantly. He hurriedly asked Nian Gui to bring back the mahjong table and mahjong that he "threw away" just now, and personally directed them to put them in the center of the living room.

Niangui asked again, "Sir, do you want to put the other mahjong tables back?"

Before Nian Liangfu could speak, Director Zhang shook his head, "No, no, there are a few mahjong tables together, and the noise is upside down, disturbing the interest of the chiefs playing cards."

Xuan Daiyun showed a troubled expression, "Aren't the director and his wife bored?"

"Where is it boring?" Several people said, "It's rare to watch the chief play cards. We want to watch the game, just to learn some skills."

There is only one mahjong table in such a living room, and the rest of the people look like they plan to watch the game.

It's just that mahjong is not a bridge game, only four people can play it, with a room full of guests, Mr. Bai and Mr. Liao must be in the battle, but the remaining two are not easy to choose.

Nian Liangfu didn't dare to offend his immediate superior, so he repeatedly invited Director Zhang to take a seat, and was planning to invite the other one. Director Liao, who was already itchy, waved his hand to Xuan Daiyun, "Mrs. Nian, take a seat."

"How does this work?"

"Mrs. Nian is the master, and she is also the poker player that President Bai specified to fight. Mrs. Nian, if you don't play, you will not give President Bai face."

Bai Xuelan looked at Xuan Daiyun with a smile.

Xuan Daiyun herself felt a little flattered, but she was also the commander's daughter, and she had seen many big scenes. Although she was happy in her heart, her face was still polite and reserved. She glanced into the hall from the corner of her eyes, and suddenly found that her younger brother was nowhere to be found. Xuan Huaifeng didn't know when she slipped away while she was not paying attention.

This reception was specially prepared with a lot of money for the young and rich to curry favor with the superiors. Xuan Daiyun specially called Xuan Huaifeng, hoping to find a way out for Xuan Huaifeng.

Now is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce Xuan Huaifeng to these heavyweights. Xuan Daiyun can't let it go anyway, don't look too far, and whisper to the maid serving drinks beside him, "Hurry up and find Master Huaifeng, just Said that I had something urgent to tell him and asked him to come here quickly.”

After finishing speaking, he smiled and nodded at the two chiefs and one division chief before finally taking his seat.

Xuan Huaifeng went out quietly when the living room was in chaos. He planned to see Mama Zhang and go back to the guild hall. He was talking with Mama Zhang when the servant girl came and saw him and hurriedly said, "Master Huaifeng, madam Tell you to come over and say there is something urgent."

"What's up?"

"It's urgent."

Xuan Huaifeng didn't know what was going on, he couldn't ignore his sister's words, so he had to go over again.

When I arrived at the door of the living room, I stood on the steps and saw that I was playing mahjong again, so I turned around and wanted to leave without making a sound.

But Xuan Daiyun was sitting at the mahjong table, his heart was not on the mahjong, he was anxiously waiting for Xuan Huaifeng to come over, and he kept looking up.

Although the people watching the battle at the table were surrounded by the inner three floors and the outer three floors, Xuan Huaifeng was tall and was on the steps, but she could still see it with a glance.

Seeing Xuan Huaifeng turn around, knowing that his younger brother was disobedient, Xuan Daiyun became anxious and raised his voice and shouted, "Huaifeng! Stop!"

She suddenly raised her voice and yelled, turning everyone's attention to Xuan Huaifeng.

Nian Liangfu's complexion suddenly darkened, he couldn't hold back a cold snort, worried about the presence of the guests.

Xuan Huaifeng was stopped by her, so he could only turn back, walked to the table, and asked in a low voice, "Sister, what do you want from me?"

In front of so many people, Xuan Daiyun felt embarrassed - he couldn't say that he wanted Huaifeng to come over to meet the two chiefs and find a job.

Fortunately, she responded quickly, and each of the directors and directors at the table smiled, and pretended to say something casually, "This is my younger brother Huaifeng, who is young and returned from studying in England."

After finishing speaking, he raised his head and gave Xuan Huaifeng a sideways look, and said, "I'm looking for you, of course I have something to do, didn't you see that I was playing cards? I was beaten twice by others, so come and help me."

Xuan Huaifeng smiled wryly, "I don't know how to play mahjong."

"No, it doesn't matter." It happened that it was Xuan Daiyun's turn to draw a mahjong. She took a mahjong in her hand, but she didn't immediately turn it over and handed it to Xuanhuai's mouth.

Under the eyes of everyone, it was Xuan Huaifeng's turn to be embarrassed, and he said dumbfoundedly, "Do you believe in this old-fashioned trick?"

"Are you blowing it off?" Xuan Daiyun gave him a half-smile and half-annoyed look, "If you don't blow it off, don't call me your sister."

Xuan Huaifeng had no choice but to bow his head and blow on the back of the card.

Unexpectedly, Xuan Daiyun turned over the cards, looked at them, and immediately burst into laughter, and said to the three, "Sorry, I'm really stupid." Pushing the cards lightly.

Unexpectedly, he touched all of them, and he also brought two plum blossom cards outside.

Their mahjong games cost more money than usual, ten yuan a chip, and according to the current rate, each player would have to give Xuan Daiyun 120 yuan.

The three losers didn't take this small amount of money to heart, counted the money with a smile, handed it to Xuan Daiyun, and reshuffled the cards.

While shuffling the cards, Chief Liao chatted, "Mrs. Nian, your younger brother is a great talent."

"You're too proud. In fact, young people don't care about their looks. They just need to be able to do things."

"It must be a good thing to do. Where is your brother now?"

"It's just a headache because of this. He studied mathematics, and he is not popular now."

Seeing the endless game of cards, Xuan Huaifeng wanted to pull back, but Xuan Daiyun secretly grabbed his trousers, touched the cards with one hand, smiled and said to Mr. Liao, "When my younger brother was studying in England, the professor Everyone said he was diligent and obedient. Unfortunately, when he returned to China, he had no chance to be appreciated by others, and not many people were willing to use him..."

"That's great, I just wanted to borrow it, but I'm too embarrassed to ask," Bai Xuelan, who was sitting across from her, suddenly interrupted her.

Everyone looked at him in puzzlement.

Bai Xuelan pointed to a row of cards standing in front of him, "Mrs. Nian, my hand is very bad. With your brother's blessing, how about blowing my hand and letting me touch my beard? If I win money , I'll be the host."

Only then did everyone understand what he meant, and burst out laughing, flattering each other, "Yes, yes, Mrs. Nian can't use all the blessings."

"Otherwise, it's too unfair. I should borrow it from President Bai."

"Then what about Director Liao and Director Zhang? It's better to treat them equally."

Mr. Liao is also a funny person who knows how to talk and laugh. He waved his hand and said proudly, "Let the fortune be given to Mr. Bai. Anyway, if he wins money, he will invite the host. We just need to eat our money back."

Director Zhang said, "I eat a lot, so I raised my hands to support Director Liao's words."

Everyone laughed again, very happy.

Bai Xuelan didn't pay attention to how the people around her said they were laughing, she always raised the corners of her mouth slightly, raised her eyes slightly, and fell directly on Xuan Huaifeng's face.

Although he was looking up obliquely, his eyes were like looking down, with a kind of oppressive force hidden in the ease and indifference.

It was his turn to draw the cards, he took the cards in his hand, but refused to turn them over, his eyes were still staring at Xuan Huaifeng standing behind Xuan Daiyun quietly, posing as if Xuan Huaifeng couldn't come and blow, he just The gesture of not flopping.

After such a delay, the entire mahjong game stopped, and those who played and those who watched were all waiting helplessly.

The atmosphere changed and fell silent.

Nian Liangfu would never let this future-related card game go wrong. Seeing Xuan Huaifeng standing upright like a wooden pole, he wished he could kick this ignorant brother-in-law twice, and hurried over to pat him on the shoulder, squeezing and laughing Said, "Come here, give President Bai a breath." Pushed hard.

Xuan Huaifeng was slightly staggered by his push, then stood upright again, raised his eyes, and slowly scanned his surroundings.

His appearance is inherited from his beautiful mother who died young. His eyes are big and bright, extremely energetic, and the black and white pupils move, and the brilliance flows, and everyone caught by his gaze can't help but suddenly blink, and they must look at those eyes clearly again. When he opened his eyes, Xuan Huaifeng had already turned around and walked straight to the hall door.

Everyone was stunned, looking at his tall and stubborn back.

Nian Liangfu yelled in his heart that it was terrible, but Xuan Daiyun was a little worried that his younger brother had been spoiled by his father all the time, and couldn't stand this kind of anger, and was about to stop him for a few words of comfort, but was already preempted by others.

"Huaifeng!" To everyone's surprise, the very hot President Bai turned out to be the first to call out.Bai Xuelan yelled towards Xuan Huaifeng's back, seeing that he not only didn't stop, but also showed signs of quickening his pace, she simply stood up and chased after him, "I haven't seen you in a few years, I was just joking, why are you getting angry..."