Chapter 19 Chapter 18 Western Paintings and Portraits
one
After Lidong passed, the Kang family invited a painter.
Du Yunqing heard from the housekeeper, Lao Xia, that this is a painter in the capital with excellent skills, especially good at painting portraits.In order to avoid the boxing chaos and came to Shanxi, the wealthy families competed to hire him to paint the portrait of the Venerable.
Du Yunqing asked: Who are you going to paint?
Lao Xia said: Everyone wants to paint, especially Sanniang and Siniang, who are the most enthusiastic.Chasing me every day: When can I paint?Among the men, the eldest master ignored the matter, the third master went out, and the fourth master didn't say anything, but the second and sixth masters were willing to draw.Even He Juren from the Jiaguan wanted to paint, so how could he be the one to do it!
Du Yunqing said: Isn't the old man the most respected teacher!If He Juren wants to draw, draw one for him.
Lao Xia said: How could it be his turn!Even the second and sixth masters can't get their turn, so how can they get him?
Du Yunqing asked: The artist's shelf is so big, he has to pick and choose?
Lao Xia said: This painter is really arrogant, but he can't choose who to paint and who not to paint.It was the old man who was eager to paint when he saw it, so he said: This year, there have been natural disasters and foreign disasters, and the outside business has suffered a lot. Let's be more frugal.This portrait is just me and the old lady!Others wait until the times get better before talking about it.After the old man said this, the gentlemen and ladies dared not say a word, so how could it be his turn to raise others?
Du Yunqing said: The old man wants to paint, he paints, but I don't want to paint!You tell the old man, I don’t want to paint anymore, save a copy and give it to He Juren.
Lao Xia hurriedly said: How can this be done?This time, the old man invited the painter here, it is really just for the old lady!
for me?Du Yunqing smiled bitterly.
Lao Xia said: This is the truth.Ever since the old lady went to Xugou to meet the empress dowager and the emperor, she felt refreshed when she came back, and she was very interested in everything, and often talked about the many benefits of the old lady.
Du Yunqing couldn't help but snorted coldly.
He often said that he was too worried about outside business these years and left the old lady in the cold.Half a month ago, as soon as I heard that such a painter had been invited to the Cao family, I told me: After the Cao family is done, quickly invite the painter back, no matter what!The old man said bluntly, these years have been too negligent, he should have hired a painter for the old lady to draw a portrait, why didn't he take care of it?None of you remind me?A few years ago, the old lady was well-groomed, and it was time to draw a portrait, why was she negligent?Therefore, this time, the painter is invited here, it is really for the old lady.
Du Yunqing snorted coldly again.However, since the old man met the current emperor and empress dowager, there have been some changes: he has some regrets for her, and even has some respect for her.But it's too late!Now, she is neither worthy of his confession nor his respect.Portrait of someone like her?Haha, aren't you afraid of losing your Kang family?She said:
It's for me, I don't want to draw it either!If I draw my current appearance, won't I be afraid of humiliating their Kang family?
Lao Xia smiled and said: The old madam now has the dignity of a nobleman more and more!
Du Yunqing glared at Lao Xia, and said: If you want to flatter, you can come here casually.I don't like to hear it!
Lao Xia said: This is not what I said, everyone said so.
Who said so?
Lao Xia said: The third master, the fourth master, the sixth master, the third mother, and the fourth mother all said so.Du Mu and Song Yu often said this in front of the old man.Even He Juren said the same thing.
Hmph, do you really say that?It's fine for others, how can I say what I like, the third and sixth masters will say the same?Especially the third master, who has become half of the family now, would you say that?What he said was just an act of politeness.But she couldn't help asking:
The third master also said the same?
That's not it!The third master has always respected the old lady, since he took over the foreign affairs in the first month, when he mentioned the old lady, he respected him even more.
Who knows what Lao Xia said is true!
Du Yunqing said: They say that I look like a queen, and I don't want a portrait.Whoever wants to paint, paint for them as soon as possible!
Lao Xia also had patience today, she sneered and refused again and again, he didn't seem to care, he still lost his smile and said:
Ma'am, I haven't told you yet!This painter in the capital is not an ordinary painter. He has learned painting from foreigners.The portraits are painted with Western techniques, the hair is fully visible, the flesh and blood are palpable, just like real people!old lady look
Only then did Lao Xia unfold the roll of canvas in his hand: a small portrait of a woman.This is the sample brought by the artist.
When Du Yunqing looked at it, he immediately recognized that it was a Western oil painting.When my father was on a mission to France, he brought back this kind of Western oil painting.The first thing he brought back was, of course, his own portrait.Seeing this kind of Western painting for the first time, it can shock people.From a close look, it looks lumpy; from a distance, the father on the canvas is even more realistic than a real person!My mother was fascinated by it, and asked my father to draw a picture for her when he asked my father to go on a mission again.As for my father, I most want to draw a portrait of my grandfather.But for the portraits of foreign painters, real people must be present, and every stroke is imitated by the real thing.How could mother and grandfather come to France in person?Besides, my grandfather had died by then.
My father had no choice but to bring an old Chinese portrait of my grandfather, and asked a painter in the capital to draw a portrait of my mother, and took it with me.A Chinese-style portrait drawn with pen and ink, even if it can be vivid, is only roughly uniform, and it is difficult to see the subtleties, and it is even more difficult to have a sense of flesh and blood.My father really hired a French artist to paint foreign portraits of my grandfather and mother based on the Chinese portraits.When I took it back to look at it, I didn't know if my grandfather looked like it. Anyway, my mother was out of shape, and she didn't look like her at all.But the woman on the canvas is beautiful and graceful.Mother said that was her.
Now, my father and mother have also followed my grandfather and passed away.
When Du Yunqing saw this western oil painting, she not only thought of her deceased parents, but also thought of the old days, and also found that the woman in the painting seemed to be affected by something?This is also an exceptionally beautiful, exceptionally elegant woman who just hides something deep in her eyes.what is that?It's not something satisfying, and contentment doesn't need to be hidden.Not too much pain.Is it bleak?Is it depression?Most likely it was depression.The melancholy always wanted to hide, but it was difficult to hide it cleanly, revealing some imperceptible traces.But it is this trace of melancholy that is hard to hide, that really touches people.
Madam, this is a rare painter, right?
Du Yunqing couldn't help feeling a little tempted, and said: Is it time-consuming to paint this kind of Western painting?
Lao Xia hurriedly said: This painter is very skilled. He only made a draft according to a real person, and it took a day or two to finish it.For fine work, he closed the door and did it at home, so the old lady couldn't be tired.Too time-consuming and tiring, who wants to invite him?
Du Yunqing said: Let's draw for the old man first.
Lao Xia said: The old man told me, first ask the painter to paint for the old lady.Recently, he has been worrying about the business in Xi'an and Jiangnan, as well as the recent situation in Beijing and Tianjin, so he can't calm down.What the old man meant was to ask the artist to concentrate on painting the old lady first.
The old thing really has regrets?It's a pity that everything is too late.
Du Yunqing said coldly: Then call the painter Ming'er to see me.
Lao Xia obviously breathed a sigh of relief and left with satisfaction.
On the day Kang Hunan came back from Xugou, he set up a banquet in the old courtyard.He also didn't invite others, saying that it was just to sit down with the old lady and talk about the scene of meeting the current emperor and empress dowager.There are only three masters and four masters who are called to accompany.He also said that the banquet was all cooked by Song Yu, and it was Yangzhou style.
This surprised Du Yunqing.old stuff what does that mean?
It is not surprising that the old man who always liked to describe himself as an emperor finally saw the current emperor and empress dowager with his own eyes. He was ecstatic.Ever since he heard that the emperor and empress dowager had fled to Taiyuan, he had been thinking about how to see the holy face in person.Now, this great wish has finally been fulfilled. When you set up a banquet, you should also set up a few more tables, and invite some dignified guests, right?What is the intention of only inviting her, an old lady who has been like an abandoned woman for a long time?
Du Yunqing wanted to refuse, but was attracted by this inexplicable abnormality, so she agreed coldly: What kind of medicine is in the old thing's gourd?
After entering the table, the old man seemed more excited than usual, but on the surface he still seemed to be quite peaceful.He said: This time going to Xugou to meet the emperor and empress dowager is the first time in our Kang family.It's a pity that today's Shengyan is too disappointing!Therefore, it is not worth publicizing, I just tell you behind closed doors.
The third master said: It is a big event to see the emperor after all.The old man was summoned in the name of the business again, especially a big event!A stele should be engraved in the ancestral hall to remember this great event.
The old man immediately glared at the third master and said: Don't talk too much!Today I talk about the situation of meeting the emperor, just for the old lady.You are with me, just listen to it, don't talk too much.What a monument!Seeing this kind of emperor who abandoned the capital and fled, is it worth erecting a monument?
Exclusively for the old lady!It was too harsh for Du Yunqing to hear the old man say such things in front of the banquet.She couldn't help but interjected: The third master also had good intentions.He escaped from the capital, after all, he is also the emperor.
The old man didn't care about her interjection, changed his high-spirited tone, and continued: You don't know how wretched the emperor is, how wretched he is!Sitting there like a fool, unable to say a word.The queen mother asked him to ask questions, but he couldn't get a word out.Sitting there foolishly and stupidly like that, really doesn't have a holy face!
The third master couldn't help but interjected again: I heard that once the New Policy of 1898 was abolished, the emperor put the queen mother under house arrest.After suffering this kind of crime, how could he recover his spirit?
The old man was very upset, and said with a low face: You know everything, then we will listen to you!
Seeing this, Du Yunqing was very happy, and deliberately said: I have also heard what the third master mentioned.The current emperor is only carrying a name, and he has long since become an abolished emperor.
The old man really gave her face today, as soon as she spoke, he was no longer angry, his face and tone changed, and he still said with high spirits: I see his face, he is really not worthy of occupying the most holy and supreme dragon court!Even the Empress Dowager Xi who dared to abolish the emperor, what kind of saint does she have?Worse!During the audience, she asked a lot of questions, all like a village woman, only focusing on small things!This is the Empress Dowager who has ridden on the emperor's head for many years and covered the sky with one hand in the court?Show it to someone, not the kind of woman who is too mediocre?There are women like this all over the world.
The third master wanted to say something again, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he stopped.
Du Yunqing saw it and asked, "Third Master, what's your opinion?"Speak!
The third master hurriedly said: Didn't want to say anything?
The old thing said: The old lady told you to say it, so hurry up!
Only then did the third master say: On the way to escape, how can the empress dowager have the majesty of the golden palace?
The old man sneered and said: What I saw with my own eyes is no better than you!She just dresses up again, can she have the majesty to look down on the world?Let me see, this woman's appearance and charm are really not as good as the old lady's.
These words frightened Du Yunqing even more!The Empress Dowager's appearance and charm are not as good as hers?How can this be compared?The old man regards himself as an emperor, so compare her with the queen mother?She didn't want to have such a daydream.I don't want the third master to say: we believe this.
When the old man heard this, he said: You interrupted me indiscriminately, just this sentence, I didn't get away with it!
These words made Du Yunqing feel inexplicably abnormal.
The dishes cooked by Song Yu have been served one after another.The old thing pointed out attentively and advised her to taste it.It is really Huaiyang style.In particular, there are three sets of wild game, including wild pheasants, turtledoves, and sparrows, which are delicately packaged, and they are so crispy and fat, with a fragrant aroma.Du Yunqing remembered that her mother only made this dish once in the next year.She has not tasted this dish for many years.Of course, the old man loves to eat wild game, Song Yuping may often use this kind of food to curry favor with him.But Song Yu has been here for almost a year, and this is the first time she has been invited to be an old lady.
Taste southern cuisine, and it's so grand!
Why did the old man suddenly become so attentive to her?
two
The painter is still very young, only in his twenties.Asked him, he said that he was already thirty-two, which is really not the same.His surname is Chen, and he is actually from Hangzhou.
Du Yunqing couldn't help but said: My mother is from Songjiang, Songjiang is not far from Hangzhou, right?
The painter said: Not far.
Du Yunqing said: I heard that you are from the capital?
The painter said: In recent years, I have made a living in the capital, just doing portraits for officials and officials.
Du Yunqing couldn't help but said: I grew up in the capital when I was young, and my father was an interpreter for an envoy to France before his death.
The painter said: No wonder, the old lady is extraordinary.When I was studying Western painting, I studied under a French painter.
Where can I learn to draw?
in Shanghai.It's just that I'm dull, and I can only draw the surface of Western painting, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to show the true face of the old lady.
You can paint as much as you like, I won't be picky.
The old lady is so magnanimous, I am even more terrified.
do not mention it.When I was young, I heard from my late father that Western painters were not born noble, but were more straightforward and open-minded, and did not avoid the world.The old man and I have seen your paintings and are satisfied.
Your family is so magnanimous, I really dare not show my ugliness.
Did you learn painting from the French and learn some French?
I am dull and stubborn, and I really haven't learned a few words.
Western dialect is difficult to learn and not pleasant to listen to.
Although this cautious painter has no western charm, he still has some good feelings from Du Yunqing.His background in the south of the Yangtze River, his profession as a painter, his connections with the West, and his earning a living in the capital all reminded Du Yunqing of the old days.Since entering the Kang family, this painter is also one of the very limited people she has seen outside of businessmen.Therefore, it made her feel a lot of emotion!She has been imprisoned in Kang's family for more than ten years, and the outside world is so far away from her.The old yearning for France is hardly like a dream.Even the capital city that he was familiar with when he was a child is already out of reach.
In Xia Tian, when she heard that the imperial court had lost the capital, she was not surprised at all.What does the capital have to do with her!When her parents passed away, she didn't even have anything to worry about.And in this world, who would care about her?there is none left.Sanxi, the driver, probably really died.
Naturally, painters were not allowed to enter the forbidden area of the old courtyard.His portrait is arranged in a hall in the guest room courtyard.Lao Xia has furnished this hall magnificently.The early winter sun shone obliquely on the window paper, and the room was very bright.
The painter asked Du Yunqing to sit on a Ming-style armchair in front of the window, and looked left and right, and there seemed to be something wrong.
Du Yunqing asked: Is there anything wrong?
Painter Chen hurriedly said: No, no.
It was obviously inconvenient for him to say something, so Du Yunqing pressed: "If there's anything wrong, just say it!"I have to listen to you.
The painter kept saying: very good, very good.If the old lady doesn't want to dress up, then I will draw up a drawing.
Du Yunqing said categorically: I hate dressing up the most!He piled everything on his body and head, as if the things in the bottom of the box were afraid that the world would not know them.
The painter hurriedly said: "The old lady is very nice in ordinary clothes."Housekeeper Xia of your mansion once told me to draw the old lady's dignified attire.
Du Yunqing even said flatly: Don't listen to them!
Naturally, I will follow the old lady's orders.The painter quickly agreed.
When the light in the room dimmed that day, the painter really drew a sketch for her.When I came to look at it, this draft drawn on paper with charcoal was very detailed: Is the woman on it her?It was a noble and beautiful woman, even more noble and beautiful than the woman on the sample brought by the artist.
Is this like me?
Du Mu, who has been waiting on the sidelines, said repeatedly: "Like, it's so similar!"The more you look at it from a distance, the more it looks like it!
Du Yunqing took a few steps back, she looked more like a living person, but the light was dim, so she couldn't take any further steps back.Is she really that beautiful?
The painter said: The winter has become shorter.After being tired all day, the old lady only typed out a draft.This is sitting sideways in front of the window, and the light shines from one side.Tomorrow, the old lady will have to work hard to draw a draft with the light shining in front of her face.The old lady has extraordinary weather, so I don't dare to be careless, so I need to write more drafts to facilitate my consideration.Or the old lady will take a rest tomorrow, and ask the old lady to come out another day?
Du Yunqing said: How can I be tired when I sit idle?Painter Chen, you have worked hard.Tomorrow, I will still listen to you, don't worry too much.
The painter hurriedly said: I am very grateful for the understanding of the old lady.The old lady will be tired for another day tomorrow?
Du Yunqing said: Just listen to you.
Sitting in one place for a whole day, saying that you are not tired is a lie.It's just that you can talk while sitting, and it's not boring to ask the painter some gossip.Although Painter Chen was concentrating on paper and brush, he was absent-minded and cautious when answering, but after all, he could hear some fresh breath from outside.The current situation of Jiangnan and Beijing Normal University, she is really alienated.During the question and answer, sometimes she made some mistakes in answering questions that were not asked, which could make her laugh.
On weekdays, how could she have such fun!
As soon as she arrived at the guest room on the second day, Lao Xia hurried over and scolded Painter Chen: Didn't it be agreed, I just ask the old lady to work hard for a day, why is it endless?Can our old lady spin you around like this?
Before the painter opened his mouth, Du Yunqing said: Lao Xia, I can't blame Master Chen for this, I agreed.
Lao Xia said: I'm afraid he also saw that the old lady was too easy-going, so he didn't rush to work and made one day's work into two days!
Du Yunqing smiled and said: Lao Xia, you are talking in layman's terms!Western painting, I have seen it earlier than you!The kung fu of foreign painting is all based on comparing real people and real scenes.Make a sketch according to you, and let him draw it when you go back. It's almost too soon, and I don't know who it looks like when I draw it!I saw that Painter Chen was willing to work hard, so I said, don't rush too much, one day is not enough, two days.It should be a few days, a few days.
Lao Xia quickly lost her smile and said: I am afraid that I will tire the old lady!
Painter Chen said: Adding today is enough.The old lady has an extraordinary appearance and knows Western painting. I am afraid that my skills will not be good, so I have to work more stupidly.
Lao Xia said: Then you should rest for a few days before painting, how can you make the old lady spin around?
Du Yunqing said: This is what I agreed to, so you don't need to say more.
Lao Xia had no choice but to order Du Mu and the other two male servants to take care of them carefully and retreated.
Lao Xia's extra flattery also made Du Yunqing feel abnormal.However, she didn't think deeply about it. Anyway, if the old man's attitude changed, he would naturally change too.
Today I sat facing the door and window, so I had to sit a lot farther back.Painter Chen looked left and right again, refusing to start work.Du Yunqing asked what was wrong again.
This time, the painter made it clear: this hall is too deep and the light is poor.However, it doesn't matter.
Du Yunqing said: I just sit in the front.
Painter Chen stepped back, looked at it, and said: That's it.Going forward, I had to retreat to the door.
Outside the door, the early winter sun was shining brightly, and there was no wind at all.Du Yunqing suddenly had a whim: sitting under the eaves of the porch outside the house, basking in the sun, asking him to paint and gossiping, it must be interesting.So he said:
I thought the room was not bright enough, so I simply sat outside the room.It's sunny and windy outside today, and it's refreshing to bask in the sun.
When the painter heard this, he hurriedly said: "It's winter, how dare you ask the old lady to sit outside!"No, no.Poor light is also beneficial, and the picture can be soft.
Du Yunqing wanted to find new interests outside the house, so she asked: Can I paint while sitting under the sun?
Painter Chen said: "It is possible, and it can even show the vivid skin color of people under the sun."But in the winter, it is absolutely impossible!
Du Yunqing smiled and said: It's not feasible in hot weather!Sitting under the poisonous sun on a hot day, I asked you to paint, but if you didn't finish the painting, you would have matured long ago.
Du Mu, go back and get me that silver fox cloak!
The painter and Du Mu tried their best to dissuade him, but how could Du Yunqing listen?In the end, she followed her wish and sat outside in the sunshine under the eaves of the porch.In addition to wearing a silver fox cloak, the male servant also put a brazier at her feet.So, it doesn't feel cold.
It's just that Painter Chen is nervous.He made a rough sketch like a sketch, and then took out the paint, trying to capture the color, texture, and expression of the old lady's face.The bright sunshine in the early winter really made this lady shine, making her look like a different person from the room.Such an opportunity is too rare.But he really can't wait too long.When the old lady spoke, he almost didn't have time to respond.In this way, it was not until the afternoon that I sketched the old lady's unique and charming face.He quickly quit the job.
Back in the room, Du Yunqing asked for a drawing, but saw a face, and was about to ask a question, but was attracted to her: such a radiant face, is it hers?The hair hasn’t been painted yet, but the eyebrows and eyes are so realistic, the black eyes seem to be bottomless, everything can be hidden
Du Mu asked strangely: After most of the day, only one face was drawn?
Painter Chen hurriedly said: The portrait is all on the face, and elsewhere, I can easily repaint by relying on my memory.This also caused the old lady to sit outside for too long!
Du Yunqing asked Du Mu: Do you think this looks like me?
Du Mu looked back, and said, "Like, it's even more like the one from yesterday. It's colored, it's really alive!"It's a pity that it's just a face.
Painter Chen asked: Madam, you don't look too dazzling, do you?
Du Yunqing pondered for a while, and said: You don't need to draw me so well.
Du Mu said: The old lady is like this.
Painter Chen said: If the old lady has anything, please tell me.From now on, I will not dare to tire you anymore.
Du Yunqing said: I've said it before, I won't be picky.Painter Chen, you have worked hard too.
Du Yunqing didn't say anything more, called Du Mu, and left first.
Painter Chen breathed a sigh of relief.When he painted portraits of rich officials and officials, almost all the masters wanted you to paint realistically, but they refused to sit for a long time and asked you to sketch.Therefore, he also practiced a kind of kung fu, painting by memory.According to the real person, it takes half a day to draw a draft, but in fact it is just some notes for memory.There is much more in mind than in sketches.Furthermore, even if you are an official in Beijing, most of them are new to Western painting, so it is easy to explain.But this old lady in the Kang Manor, her youth and beauty are beyond expectation!The old man is over seventy, and the old lady is so young?In particular, her fun and generosity, and her indifference to the West are even more unexpected.As soon as he saw her, he wanted to paint her well!This noble lady is actually willing to ask him to sketch for two days, and even willing to sit in the sun.In the winter sun, she is really charming, making you more interested in painting.
How lucky.
He will also make the lady lucky: paint her an excellent portrait.
three
After returning from the guest room, he rested and had a meal, and then the old man came to talk again and asked about the painting situation.After the old thing left, Lao Xia came to condolences again, complaining in a fuss that he shouldn't be at the mercy of the painter and sit in the courtyard to suffer from the cold.Du Yunqing was in good spirits at that time, and said that she wanted to bask in the sun, so she couldn't blame the painter.Until the night was getting dark, she sat down with the light on and chatted with Du Mu, she didn't feel any discomfort.It was only in the middle of the night that I woke up from the cold, followed by a fever, and felt uncomfortable all over.
Is it really freezing during the day?
She endured it and didn't disturb Du Mu and the others.But the sudden cold and hot weather has refused to stop, and the ups and downs have taken turns, and the intensity has intensified.Only then did Du Yunqing become convinced that she was frozen during the day.
Is she already this weak?She didn't sit outside all the time during the day. After sitting for half an hour, the painter and Du Mu urged her to go inside to warm up for a while.Come out again when it's warmed up.Perhaps, it was the cold and heat that caused her to catch the wind and cold?
If she is sick, she will be sick, and she will not regret it.After all, the past two days have been pleasant.In the eyes of this strange painter, she was still so beautiful, a beauty that even she herself had long forgotten.The beauty is still there, so what!The old man's sudden hospitality also reminded him of her beauty?He remembered again, so what!She doesn't care for the old man's hospitality.Maybe she should tell him clearly about her infidelity!
Accompanied by the illness, Du Yunqing rummaged through the pain in his heart, and could no longer sleep peacefully.My throat looked like it was on fire, and it was already dry. I really wanted to drink some water.But she endured and didn't wake Du Mu up.If Lu Bu was here, he might have been awakened.But she tossed and turned like this, Du Mu actually slept peacefully as usual.
Early the next morning, Du Mu found out that the old lady was ill.Soon, the old man came over, followed by Lao Ting, Lao Xia, Fourth Master, San Niang, and Fourth Niang.The fourth master consulted a doctor and said that he had a cold.But the old man ordered sharply: "Hurry up and go to the city!"
Go to the doctor.Lao Xia even complained about the painter.
Du Yunqing really didn't know what happened, she suddenly became so noble.Headache and brain fever are also common, but it has never been so earth-shattering in the past.When the old man is attentive, the whole family is attentive?
But why is the old man so attentive all of a sudden?When he went to Xugou to see the current holy face, he suddenly became kind?Or was he really dreaming of an emperor and found out that she also had a holy figure?
Hmph, Holy See!
A well-known doctor was invited, who took the pulse and said it was a cold due to exogenous infection, so it didn't matter.Du Yunqing drank two doses of medicine every day, and after four or five days, she was almost healed.
During this period, the old man came to visit her every day, chatting and talking a lot.Du Yunqing didn't want to pay attention to it at first, but it happened like this every day, she finally couldn't help it, and said:
I'm used to being quiet here, and it's not a serious illness, so I don't need to make you worry about it.I heard that there is chaos outside, enough for you to worry about.I am also satisfied if I ask the servant to send an inquiry!
Kang Hunan laughed after hearing this, and said: If there is any chaos outside, let it go.I don't care if it's messed up in front of the house.Can I always bear this burden for them?The burden has come to an end, and I will not bear it for them.The sky is falling, let them do it themselves.I also thought about it, how could it be enough to worry about them?These years, I haven't even had the time to gossip with you, I really miss it!I don't care about anything in the future, the sky is falling, let them take care of it, we only enjoy our happiness!
Du Yunqing just sneered in her heart: Is there anything else you can't think about?But he still said: The third and fourth masters are also worthy of their duties, you don't have to worry about inside and outside, you can just concentrate on your gold and stone inscriptions.
Kang Hunan sighed and said: After all, gold and stone are ruthless things!
Du Yunqing didn't expect him to say such a thing, so he said: If the inscriptions on gold and stone tablets were living things, they would be annoying!
Kang Hunan said: I'm really not speaking out of anger.I was suddenly taken aback when I personally saw the embarrassment of the emperor and empress dowager fleeing!I have been fond of gold and stones all my life, loving them, loving them, caressing and caring for them.It's just that I love it so much, but forget a joint: can you keep it?Now the emperor and the empress dowager abandoned the capital and fled. What did the treasures in the palace bring out?nothing!They didn't even bring out one or two of Beijing's salaries from the national treasury, let alone gold and stone calligraphy and painting?In today's troubled times, with the dignity of the imperial court, the capital cannot be preserved. I am a villager, how can I preserve those dead things!When disasters come, people have legs and can run; gold and stone inscriptions have no legs and are ruthless, and they can't avoid water and fire.You are hurting it for nothing!So, I thought about it too.
Did he think about it that way?
From this comparison, business, money, success or failure, profit and loss, what is not the case?Born in such a troubled world, and with such an incompetent court, no matter how much you worry about it, it will be in vain!I'm old too, and I don't want to take care of anything anymore. I just want to stay in this old nest and retire with leisure.I have already told Lao Ting that the houses on the east end have been tidied up carefully and warmed up.I'm moving here and spending the winter here.Over the years, I have treated you too coldly.
He's going to move over here for the winter?
When Du Yunqing heard this, she was really surprised.In memory, since she married into Kang's family and became an old lady, the old thing has not lived here a few times.Now, I suddenly want to move here, why?It's really like what he said, after seeing the holy face in person, he was greatly disappointed, disillusioned with the world, and wanted to go home and find a job?
Du Yunqing was too unwilling to believe it was true, but what the old man said seemed too true.However, even if he really, really regretted her, she would not be able to accept this kind of friendship.
Therefore, Du Yunqing didn't say anything more, but just listened to Kang Hunan indifferently.
About ten days later, Lao Xia sent Du Yunqing's portrait over.
The frame is not large, it is of ordinary size, and it has not been matched with a photo frame, and it is only stretched on the wooden lining.But she in the painting still surprised the owner of the painting: in the finished portrait, she is more beautiful, more elegant, and more noble than in the draft!She was sitting on top of the magnificent hall, but all the grandeur was not bright, falling into a layer of darkness, only her face was illuminated, dazzlingly bright, like sitting under the bright sun.In this beauty, elegance, and nobility, her eyes are still unfathomable, but they are too distinctly rippling with a kind of melancholy.Yes, that is too distinct a melancholy!
Lao Xia asked: Madam, do you think the painting is successful?
Du Yunqing asked back: Lao Xia, do you look like me?
Lao Xia said: I think it looks like it!The old man saw it and said it looked like it.
He watched it too?
read.The old man also went to the guest room to see the painter's painting.The old man looked at the portrait of the old lady and said directly: the foreign painting is still realistic.
After reading the old things, don't you think her melancholy is too obvious?Lao Xia doesn't mind it?Maybe, she's always been like this?That painter Chen tried his best to make her more beautiful, but didn't he hide the heavy melancholy for her?If you cover it up, you won't look like her, will you?
Lao Xia still asked: Madam, what do you think?
Du Yunqing said: It doesn't look like it to me.
Lao Xia hurriedly said: Like, anyone who saw it would say it looks like it!The second master, the fourth master, the sixth master, the second mother, the third mother, and the fourth mother all looked at it and said they resembled each other.The bystanders can see clearly, but you can't see your own clearly.
Du Yunqing said: If you say it looks like it, then it does.
Then find a good craftsman and set an exquisite photo frame for it?
Put it here first, and I will take a look at it calmly.Is the painter gone?
Where can I go?I also want to make a portrait of the old man.
Du Yunqing looked at her portrait day and night, and gradually took everything lightly. She gradually lost sight of her beauty, elegance, and nobility.Only the melancholy that was too obvious did not fade away, it seemed to become more and more clear.
The old things haven't been moved yet, but the servants have been cleaning and tidying up there.Du Yunqing felt terrified at the thought of the old man coming to live.Even if he really wanted to come and stay with him day and night, it was hard for her to accept it.He is old, maybe no longer looks like a beast.But she herself is not the old lady she used to be.
No one knew about her infidelity, not even a little gossip?
After Sanxi disappeared suddenly, she cried and yelled at Lao Xia, and said clearly: She loves Sanxi and cannot do without Sanxi!But this old Xia is so dumb, can't hear anything?She went to Sanxi's house a few times by car to inquire about the news, Lao Xia didn't feel strange?
She caused an earth-shattering disturbance, and no one in the Kang family was suspicious of her. On the contrary, she felt that she was too merciful, a great kind person, and felt so sorry for a servant!In fact, they felt that she would never dare to rebel against the old man.
When the old man returned from his trip to the south, Du Yunqing also told him how he loves Sanxi, how Sanxi knows how to love others, she really can't do without Sanxi.The old man looked indifferent, as if he didn't pay attention.He was even more certain that she would never dare to do anything out of the ordinary?
After the new year, fists are in chaos, disasters happen one after another, who can care about her?In the summer, the Gospel Church in the city was captured by the boxers. She was frightened and fainted when she saw the black heart of the teaching ghost Liu Fengchi with her own eyes.When she woke up, she shouted all the way: Who killed me?I have an affair with Sanxi, and you don't want to kill me?She knew what she was shouting then.The coachman, Du Mu, and a guarding martial artist listened all the way.Come back, can you tell Lao Xia?But there was still no rumors circulating.
You want to annoy the old stuff once in a while, but you can't do it?Even if Sanxi died in vain?
The old thing is going to be moved here, she must tell him clearly about her infidelity.He still doesn't believe it?
Four
After a few days, the housekeeper Lao Xia still asked for the portrait of the old lady.He told Painter Chen, the portrait, the old lady was very satisfied, and the old man was also very satisfied.Just like this, draw another big one.Don't feel sorry for the materials, the cost of work and gift money are indispensable to you.There is only one thing, don't tell anyone about adding a large painting.The same goes for the members of the Kang family, the old man didn't want them to know.
Painter Chen agreed, but didn't think much of it.
After Lao Xia settled for a painter, word spread that the painter should concentrate on making portraits of the old man, so don't bother to look at them.The weather is also getting colder, going in and out, the house is not warm, the painter said it will hinder the oiliness of the paint.
Putting it this way, it really works: who wants to hinder the portrait of the old man?
Lao Xia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
This painter from the capital has been doing portraits for big households in Qi Taiping area for some time.When Lao Xia Chu heard about it, he told Lao Ting next to the old man.Lao Ting also passed on the news.But the old man was not interested in the painter.Lao Ting said: The old man didn't say a word at that time, as if he didn't hear about it.
Lao Xia refused to give up, thinking that Lao Ting hadn't made it clear.He looked at an opportunity, and told the old man face to face: this painter is so skilled, and how the rich family rushed to hire him.You Qi said: Using Western painting methods, the master's family will never be painted as barbarians, with red hair, blue eyes, and old men, but more realistically, with a sense of flesh and blood.
But the old man was still not interested, and said: The sky has collapsed, and you still have a portrait?
Only then did Lao Xia give up.
He never expected that not long after the old man came back from Xugou, Lao Ting came to him and asked him: Is the painter in the capital mentioned before still in Taigu?
How would I know!Why do you ask this?Lao Xia didn't react at the time, and said such a sentence casually.
Lao Ting glared at him and said: I care about you, I ask you?It's the old man asking you!
Only then did Lao Xia come to his senses, and hurriedly said: I'll go find out right away.If you want to be here, please come back?
Lao Ting said: The old man only asked if he was there, he didn't say whether he was welcome or not.
I will send someone to inquire immediately!Please call back to the old man, I will inquire right away.
After inquiring, it turned out that this painter Chen was painting at Cao's house.Lao Xia replied to the old house, and the old man confessed: When the Cao family is done, he will be invited.
Lao Xia boldly asked: Please come, just for the portrait of the old man?
The old man asked back: Where is the Cao family?
Lao Xia said: I heard that I painted a lot, and I also painted for the female relatives.
The old man said: Come here, draw for the old lady first, and others will talk about it.
God, this is what Lao Xia wants to hear!
這句話可不是僅僅關乎畫像的事，它是康老太爺發出的一個極重要的暗示。只是，在康家能聽明白這個暗示的，僅兩個人：一人就是管家老夏，另一人是老太爺的近侍老亭。
老夏在康家做總管也快三十年了，不稱職，能做這麼久？所以，老夫人與三喜有私，豈能瞞過他的耳目！但這件事簡直似石破天驚，不僅把他嚇傻了，幾乎是要將他擊倒。
老太爺在康家是何等地位，老夏是最清楚的。老太爺一向重名甚於重財，老夏也是深知的。這位失意的老夫人竟然做下如此首惡之事，簡直是捅破天了！而出事當時，康家閤家上下，連個能頂槓的人物也沒有！老太爺南巡去了，說話有風的三爺正在口外，聾大爺、武二爺、嫩六爺，在家也等於不在。暫理家政的四爺，又太綿善，就是想頂罪，也怕解不了恨。此事一旦給老太爺知道，必是雷霆震怒，廢了這個婦人，宰了車倌不說，還必得再尋一個出氣筒，一個替死鬼！
尋誰才能解恨？
只有他這個當管家的了，還能是誰！
何況，跟老夫人私通的，正是他手下管著的車倌！不拿他問罪，拿誰？
在康家撲騰了大半輩子，也算是小有所成，家資不薄，就這樣給毀了？
所以初聽此事，老夏也是決不願相信的。
去年夏天，初來向他密報的，是康家的一個佃戶。杜筠青與三喜常去的那處棗樹林及周圍地畝，就為這個叫栓柱的佃農所租種。
起先，栓柱只是發現棗樹林裡常有車轍和馬糞，也並不大在意。棗林裡未種莊稼，樹上的棗兒還嫩小似豆，牲口也糟蹋不著什麼。後來，發現是東家老夫人的車馬，就更不敢在意了。
東家老夫人坐著這種華貴的大鞍馬車，常年進城洗澡，他也早見慣了。大熱天，進棗樹林歇一歇，那也很自然。所以，知道是老夫人的馬車後，遇見了，也要趕緊迴避。事情也就一直風平浪靜的。
但杜筠青做這件事，本來只為反叛一下老東西，並不想長久偷情，所以也沒費多少心思，把事情做得更隱秘。三喜呢，開頭還驚恐不安，後來也不多想了，無非是把命搭上吧。做這種石破天驚似的偷情事，兩人又是這種心思，幾乎等於不設防了，哪有不暴露的！
那個栓柱本也摸著些規律了：老夫人的馬車，是在進城洗過澡，返回路上，才彎進棗樹林裡，歇一歇。那也正是午後炎熱的時候。所以，他也儘量避開此時。那一天，午後歇晌醒來，估摸著已錯過那個時辰了，栓柱便提了柄鐮刀，腰間挽了把麻繩，下地尋著割草去了。天旱，草也不旺，餵牲口的青草一天比一天難尋。棗樹林一帶，早無草可割，這天也只是路過而已。
本是無意間路過，卻叫他大感意外：東家的車馬，怎麼還在呢？正想避開，就聽見一聲婦人的嘆息，是那種有些沉重的嘆息。栓柱不由生出幾分好奇，就輕輕隱入林邊的莊稼中，向那車馬那頭偷望了幾眼。
這位卑微的佃農，實在也不是想看東家的隱私，無非想偷看幾眼老夫人的排場吧。當然，也想窺視一下老夫人的尊容。老夫人的車馬常年過往，但都是深藏車轎中，連個影子都看不見。可今日這大膽窺視，卻把他嚇呆了：
一個婦人雖坐在車轎中，但轎簾高掀著，婦人又緊倚轎口，腿腳便伸了出來；年輕的車倌靠近轎口站了正奇怪這車倌咋與婦人靠得如此近，才看清車倌竟是在撫摸婦人的一雙赤腳！他真不敢相信自家的眼睛，但怎麼看，也還是如此，那個婦人真真切切是伸出一雙赤腳，任車倌撫摸！
那婦人是東家的老夫人嗎？栓柱所聽說過的，只是老夫人還年輕，沒纏過腳。眼前這婦人，既還年輕，也不是小腳，而那輛華貴的馬車分明是老夫人常坐的老天爺！
栓柱被眼前這一幕，嚇得大氣不敢出。這可是撞上晦氣了！要真是老夫人，這不是撞死嗎？他不敢再看，更不敢動，要能憋住，這可憐人真不敢出氣了。但滿頭滿身的汗水，卻止不住地往下流。
幸虧沒待太久，就見另一位婦人匆匆由大道趕來，遠遠就朝棗林喊了聲。車倌聽見，忙將轎簾放下了，車上的婦人也退入轎中，跟著，車馬便駛出棗樹林。
車馬遠去了，可憐的栓柱依然驚魂未定。老天爺，怎麼叫他撞上了這樣的事？這個婦人是東家老夫人嗎？要不是，那還好些。要真是，那可吉凶難卜了！萬全之策，就是快快把這一幕忘記，不能對任何人說，打死你也不能說。可這事，你不說，也難保不敗露的。一旦敗露，只怕東家也要追問：那片棗樹林租給誰了？是死人，還是串通好了，也不早來稟報？
真是左思右想都可怕！
不過，此後一連許多天，再沒有發生這樣的事。老夫人的馬車依然三天兩頭的往城裡去，但再也不進棗林裡歇涼了，來去都徑直行進，一步不停。
What's going on here?事情敗露了？不大像。老夫人的車馬還是照常來往。也許，那天坐在車轎裡的婦人，並不是老夫人，而是與車倌有染的一個女傭？要是這樣，那就謝天謝地了。他真就可以閉眼不管這等下作事了。一個車倌，做這種偷雞摸狗的事，即便敗露，東家也不過將這孽種亂棍打走拉倒，不會多作追查的。
其實，栓柱並沒有這麼幸運。那天杜筠青與三喜在棗林多耽擱了時候，是因為呂布來遲了。呂布遲到，又是因其重病的父親已氣息奄奄。她剛返回康家不久，父親便升天了。從此她告了喪假，代她跟隨了伺候老夫人的，是個新人。跟著新女傭，杜筠青與三喜自然難再上演先前的好戲。
可惜，沒過多久，老夫人就以新女傭太癡，攆走不用。攆走礙眼的，那石破天驚的大戲更放開演出了。
栓柱見棗林裡禍事又起，驚恐得真要活不成了。他已經認定，這位婦人就是老夫人。不是老夫人，哪能三天兩頭坐了如此華貴的馬車，不斷往城裡去？老夫人做這種事，要是在別處，他也是決不會多管閒事的。可在他租種的地畝上做這種事，那不是要毀他嗎？
如此驚恐萬狀，也不過只是熬煎自家吧，他哪敢去告密？即便去告，東家會信他？就是信了，東家還會不會留他？東家為了名聲，會不會滅口？總之，栓柱一面目擊事態發展，一面也只是在心裡企盼：快不敢再造孽了，你們也有個夠吧！要不想活，就挪個地界，我還得活呀！
可人家哪管你活不活呀！這倆東西，倒越瘋得厲害了。由城裡回來，車馬一進棗樹林，車倌就抱起那婦人，鑽進莊稼地。起先幾次，還悄沒聲的，到後來，笑聲哭聲都傳出來了。尤其是那婦人的哭聲，叫栓柱聽得更心驚肉跳！
做這種事還哭？那是覺得羞愧了，不想活了？
老天爺，要死，可千萬不能死在這地界！
人家瘋完走了，栓柱不免要鑽進自家的莊稼地。倒也不是滿目狼藉，莊稼沒糟蹋幾棵。可你們就不能換個地界？老在一個地界，容易敗露，懂不懂呀？
人家不換地界，栓柱只能一次比一次害怕。即便這樣，可憐的栓柱依然未下決心去告密。到後來，他甚至暗中給那一對男女放起哨來了。人家來以前，先把放羊一類的攆走。人家來了，又藏在大路邊，防備有人進去。他也不大管棗林裡是好事壞事了，只要不出事，就好。
但他把這一切憋在心裡，哪又能長久？所以，到後來熬煎得實在難耐了，才悄悄對自家婆姨提了提。誰想這一提，可壞了事了！他知道自家婆姨嘴碎，心裡又裝不下事，就一直沒跟她吐露半個字。你已經憋了這麼些時候了，跟了鬼了，又跟她這碎嘴貨提？
婆姨聽了，先是不信，跟著細問不止，末後就高聲罵開了。栓柱慌忙摀住她的嘴，呵斥道：你吼死呀，你吼？怕旁人聽不見？
婆姨倒更來了潑勁，扒開他的手，越發高聲說：又不是你偷漢，怕甚！明兒我就叫幾個婆姨，一搭去棗樹林等著，看他們還敢來不敢來？
栓柱見婆姨這樣發潑，心裡多日的熬煎忽然化著怒火，掄起一巴掌搧過去，就將女人撂倒。
這婆姨頓時給嚇呆了，歪在地上，愣怔了半天沒出聲。
栓柱見女人半天不出聲，問了句：你沒死吧？
婆姨這才哇一聲哭出來，呼天吼地不停。
栓柱急忙怒喝道：嚎死呀？嚎！還想挨扇，就說話！跟著，壓低聲音吩咐，剛才說的事，你要敢出去吐露半個字，看我不剮了你！
婆姨還很少見男人如此凶狠，就知道那不是耍的，嚥下哭嚎，不再吱聲了。
婆姨雖給制服了，栓柱仍不敢太鬆心。他知道，自家女人心裡肯定裝不下這檔事！平時屁大一點事還撂不住呢，老夫人偷情這麼大的事，她能憋住不說？不定哪天忘了把門，就把消息散出了。攤了這麼一個碎嘴婆姨，你後悔也沒用。思前想後，覺得只有一條路可走：不能再裝不知道了，趕緊告訴東家吧。與其叫婆姨散得滿世界都知道，哪如早給東家提個醒？
栓柱雖是粗人，但還是通些世事的。決定了去見東家，也未魯莽行事。先經仔細思量，謀定兩條，一是得見著東家管事的，才說；二是不能以姦情告狀。只是說，給老夫人趕車的車倌，總到棗樹林裡放馬。毀幾棵莊稼倒不怕，大熱天，就那麼把老夫人晾半道上？進一趟城有多遠呢，還得半道上放一次馬？這車倌是不是欺負老夫人好說話？這麼說，還穩當些吧。
只是，栓柱往康莊跑了幾趟，也沒進了東家的門。他這等佃戶，把門的茶房哪拿正眼看待？張口要見管事的，又不說有什麼緊要事，誰又肯放他進去？經多日打聽，他才知道老東家出遠門了，四爺在家管事。四爺常出來給鄉人施醫捨藥，是個大善人。摸到這消息，栓柱就用了笨辦法：在康莊傻守死等。真還不負他一番苦心，四爺到底給他攔住了。
可在當街哪能說這種事？
栓柱看四爺，真是一個太綿善的人。原先編好的那一番話，對四爺說了，怕也是白說吧？於是，他急中生智，對四爺說：小人因地畝上的急事，想見一見夏大管家，把門的愣不叫進。求四爺給說一聲，放小的進去？
四爺果然好說話，和氣地問了問是哪村的佃戶，就過去給門房說：引他進去見老夏！
門房不但不再攔擋，還給引路呢。老天爺，進一趟東家的門，說難真難，說易也易。
five
老夏初見佃戶栓柱，當然沒放在眼裡。四爺發了話，他也不很當回事的。四爺在他眼裡，本也沒佔多大地界。發了話叫見，就見見，幾句話打發走拉倒。佃戶能有甚事？無非今年天雨少，莊稼不濟，想減些租子吧。
可這佃戶進來，就有些異常，鬼鬼祟祟，東張西望。這是什麼毛病？
bold!我這地界是你東張西望的？有什麼事，快說！我可沒空伺候你！老夏不耐煩地喝了聲。
栓柱立刻跪倒了，說：夏大爺，小的真是有要緊的事稟報。
少囉嗦，說！
栓柱又四顧張望，吞吞吐吐：我這事，只能對夏大爺說，只能對大爺你獨自一人說
這麼囉嗦，你就走吧，我可沒空伺候你！
大爺，大爺，真是緊要的事，關乎東家
老夏見這貨太異常，才忍了忍，叫在場的傭人都退下。
說吧，少囉嗦！
栓柱就先照他謀好的那一番話，說了一遍。可老夏忍著聽完，破口就罵道：你活夠了，來耍我？東家的牲靈啃你幾棵莊稼，也值得來告狀？還驚動了四爺，還不能叫旁人聽見？我看你是不想種康家的地了，對吧？滾吧，康家的地畝荒不了！
栓柱見老夏一點也沒聽明白自己的話，頓時急了，只好直說：夏大爺，我實在不是心疼幾棵莊稼，是棗樹林裡出事了！
出事，出了什麼事？
小人不敢看，還是請夏大爺去看吧。
狗雜種，你專跟我囉嗦？
小人實在說不出口，小人實在也沒敢看！
你這狗雜種，關乎誰的事？
老夫人的車馬上，能坐著誰？
Who else?
趕車的吧，還能是誰！
老夏到這時，才有些明白了栓柱密報的是件什麼事。可老天爺，這怎麼可能！他急忙將栓柱拉起來，低聲作了訊問。栓柱雖遮遮掩掩說了些跡象，老夏已明白：老夫人是把康家的天捅破了！
他厲聲喝問栓柱：這事，還給誰說過？
栓柱慌忙說：誰也沒敢說，連自家婆姨也沒敢對她說！這種事，哪敢亂散？Don't die?
truth?
truth!要不，我下這麼大辛苦見夏大爺，圖甚？
看你還算懂事。從今往後，無論對誰，你也不能再提這件事！膽敢走漏風聲，小心你的猴命！聽見了吧？
聽見了，聽見了！
老夏把栓柱打發走，自己呆坐了半天，不知如何是好。這個女人，真是把康家的天捅破了。康老太爺是何等人物，哪能受得了這等辱沒？康家又是什麼人家，哪能擔得起這等醜名？廢了這個女人，宰了三喜這孽種，壓住這家醜不外揚，都是必然的。還有一條，十之八九怕也逃不脫：受辱的老太爺一定要拿他這個管家開刀，一定要把他攆走！
剛聽明白栓柱密報的是一件什麼事，老夏立刻就意識到：這位杜氏老夫人，是把他這做管家的也連累了。
保全自己的慾望，慢慢叫他冷靜下來。不能慌張，也不魯莽。他必須妥當處置，把這件事壓下來！這不是對老太爺不忠，對康家不忠，倒正是為了你老人家不傷筋動骨，為了你康家不受辱沒，當然也為了保全我自家。
老夏鎮靜下來後，正想傳喚孽種三喜，忽然又覺不妥：先不能動他。想了想，就吩咐人去老院叫呂布來。跟前的小僕提醒他：呂布正歸家守喪呢。
老夏這才明白過來：難怪呢，呂布奔喪走後，杜氏不要新女傭跟她！是嫌礙事吧？
可呂布呢，她就不礙事？她被收買了？
當天，老夏套車出行，秘密去見了一次呂布。在莊外僻靜處，幾句恫嚇，呂布就說了實話。但只承認老夫人體撫她，進城時，常常准許她回家探望重病的父親。伺候老夫人進了華清池，她就往家奔；到家見與老父一面，說幾句話，又趕緊往回返。緊趕慢趕，老夫人在半道上也等半天了。她實在不是成心違規，一來思父心切，二來有老夫人應允。
再問，也問不出別的來。老夏也只好暫信她的話。也許，杜氏只是以此將呂布支走，並未太串通了？
回來當晚，老夏就在一間秘室，提審了車倌三喜。
這孽種進來時，倒一點也不慌張，好像康家能長久任他瞞天過海似的。老夏已怒不可遏，舉拳就朝案頭擂去，響聲不脆，卻很沉重。緊跟這響聲，怒喝道：狗雜種，還不給我跪下！
三喜乖乖跪下了，依然沒有懼色。
老夏又朝案頭擂出一聲來，問道：狗雜種，知道犯了什麼罪？
知道，是死罪。
狗雜種，竟然說得這樣輕快，平靜，一點也不遮掩，更不作抵賴。難道已聽到風聲，知道有人來告發？
誰說你犯了死罪？
我自家就知道。
知道今天要犯事？
反正遲早有這一天。
狗日的，還是滿不在乎。真不想活了？
犯了什麼死罪？explain!
夏大爺既已知道，不用多問了。
狗雜種，他倒一點不害怕，一點不在乎！是指望老夫人能救他，還是豁出去了，甘願把狗命搭上？豁出去吧，你的狗命值幾文錢，卻拖累了多少人！早知如此，何必挑這麼英俊的後生做車倌！
盛怒的老夏跳過來，朝三喜那不在乎的臉面狠搧了一巴掌。挨了這一巴掌，狗雜種依然面無懼色！
三喜，你還指望那淫婦能救你？狗雜種，你做夢也夢不了幾天了！
夏大爺，我早知道有這一天，該殺該剮也認了。
狗雜種，你倒豁出去了！你以為佔了老夫人的便宜，佔了老太爺的便宜，搭上狗命也不吃虧了？可你是把東家的天捅破了，你要連累多少人！就是千刀萬剮了你，能頂屁事！
三喜不說話了，但也還是不大在乎。這孽種，真是不怕死？
審問了大半夜，打也打了，罵也罵了，這萬惡的三喜始終就那樣輕鬆認罪，視死如歸，對姦情倒不肯多說一字。這狗東西，對那淫婦還有幾分仁義呢。人一不怕死，也真不好治他。
老夏只好喚來兩個心腹家丁，將三喜結實綁了，扔進一處地窖裡