Exile. Exile Chapter 41-43

After returning to the cottage in the town, Jiang Mao immediately asked his men to find a house for him in the village where Su Qingbai lived. He planned to live there.

Liu Yuqing frowned and said that the small mountain village was very remote, the road was not easy to walk, and it was not convenient to do anything.

Meanwhile, Hu Hong had no objection at all because Su Gongzi and Little s.h.i.+zi were all there.

Others, like Liu Yuqing, thought alike.

Jiang Mao packed up his things and moved to the small mountain village.

This time, there were no such mess things; there was no need to run for life or hide from anyone, he just came for Su Qingbai.

After he separated from Su Qingbai that day, they only met once. Su Qingbai had been busy all the time, and they were afraid that they would be seen by others if they met too often, so they never met again.

The thought of Su Qingbai and the little thing made him itch and he wanted to go right away.

He left in such a hurry that morning that he hadn't even had the baby in his arms.

When Jiang Mao thought about this, he called his subordinates and said, “Prepare a lot of food, clothing and toys for children about one and a half years old, and take them to my place of residence.”

When Jiang Mao came to the village gate, he dismounted and led the horse to the place where he lived.

On the way, he made a special detour to Su Qingbai's house.

Leading the horse, he walked past the door of Su Qingbai's house. The Su house's door was open. Madam Su was sitting at the door with a sieve beside her. There was something in it, probably doing some workmans.h.i.+p.

Pa.s.sing through the Su house's door, Jiang Mao came to his place of residence and was about to enter, suddenly he looked at the old willow tree not far away. Then his eyes were fixed.

Spring had just come. Little greenery emerged from the willow tree; the color was light, but also very beautiful.

There was a group of children playing under the tree. He looked carefully; it seemed that they were playing with mud.

Winter had only pa.s.sed, and it's not too cold.

The group of children had a good time, even though they were covered with mud.

Over their heads, the breeze blew and the willow's branches swayed.

At this time, a short and chubby child shakily came over, with a small shovel in hand, obviously wanted to join in.

But the group of children was playing on the ground in a circle. The chubby child circled around and couldn't squeeze in any way.

After squeezing for a long time, he still did not give up. His chubby body kept pus.h.i.+ng inside. Finally, he annoyed a big child. The big child was annoyed with his bothering and pushed the short and chubby child.

When the chubby child got up, he stood there. Just as Jiang Mao was watching with heartache, the chubby child found a place, obediently crouched down there and played by himself.

In the distance, someone shouted something to the children, but Jiang Mao didn't hear it clearly.

Then when the first child ran over, and a bunch of children followed up.

Under the willow tree there was only the chubby child left.

The chubby child looked around, stood up and went to the mud pile. The corner of his mouth lifted, and he shoveled the pile with a shovel.

Finally, without knowing why, he suddenly stopped shoveling and paused like he was thinking of something. Then he stood up, spread his legs, and sprinkled pee on the pile of mud. Lastly, after a decent shake, he wobbled away.

After a while, the big children came back again, they surrounded the original place, and played with the mud happily.

The chubby child, who had done bad things, left silently with his mouth shut.

Jiang Mao saw all this, but he just thought: why is that chubby so cute ne?

The chubby child did not go far by himself. Just as Jiang Mao was going to greet the chubby child, a young man came running over and said, “Caicai――”

Jiang Mao knew this person. This was Su Qingbai's nephew, Su Huai. They had met before.

Jiang Mao was the only big man in this area besides a bunch of children. Jiang Mao saw Su Huai, and naturally Su Huai saw him.

Once again ran into this Jiang Si, Su Huai's heart felt complex while his eyes were twinkling.

Little Uncle hadn't been to the county town for some time. He thought that Little Uncle and Jiang Si had broken off. He didn't expect Jiang Si to come to the village. It was obvious that this was still going on.

Su Huai grabbed Su Caicai and went home. He had to go back and ask Little Uncle what was going on.

The village was neither big nor small, but at least the kind of village that when a family moved in, the whole village would soon know.

The next day when Su Qingbai came back home, he heard a few news, but treated as nothing big.

After was.h.i.+ng and chewing on a steamed bun, Su Qingbai, who was free, took Su Caicai to the village to find Su Lingchuan.

There, the village chief found someone to build a very small house, to be used as a school. It would be built in the next few days. Su Lingchuan meant that it was best to start teaching immediately after the weather was warm.

It was very lively there. Many people in the village were looking forward and paid attention to it, so there was always a group of people around.

And it was heard that the new family moved to the village lived on the side of the school.

When Su Qingbai saw Jiang Mao, he was so shocked.

“You, why are you here?”

Jiang Mao took the chubby Caicai from Su Qingbai's arms and with one hand pulled Su Qingbai into his arms, saying, “I moved here. Why, not welcome?”

Su Caicai apparently recognized this uncle, but he was still a little shy. Seeing that his Dad didn't intend to take him back, he stayed in Jiang Mao's arms and remained motionless.

Su Qingbai was really scared, and he said, “It's so sudden.”

It's simply like putting yourself under his Dad's eyes ah.

Su Qingbai gritted his teeth and said, “If you don't move away, my Dad would have definitely found out here.”

“You're not coming to the county anymore. If I move away, will I see you later?” Jiang Mao refused to agree. “We are obviously one family.”

Su Qingbai asked him, “If you are staying here, what happen over there in the capital?”

Jiang Mao didn't care. “None of that matters.”

Instead of looking at Su Qingbai's panicky face, Jiang Mao hugged the meat dumpling in his arms and looked carefully at his little face.

He hadn't looked at this little kid carefully all the time. Looking at him today, he's lovely and beautiful.

They were standing at the door, not far from the school, where many people were busy working. People came and went in front of the door. Su Qingbai quickly pulled the father and son into the house.

It was understandable that many people came on the day the school was built. Although Su Lingchuan was dismissed from office, he had been third champion in Imperial examination and his scholarly knowledge was still there. Many people want to send their children here.

Coming here, Jiang Mao brought a lot of things with him. Just preparing for Su Caicai took a few big boxes.

Su Caicai was a person who bent down for five buckets of rice. When he saw so many toys, he pounced on them.

“Now that you're here, stay for a meal.”

Su Qingbai had not tasted Jiang Mao's culinary for a long time and missed it a little, but when he thought of his purpose of coming here, he refused, “I have to take Caicai to my Dad to see what I can do to help.”

“Then when you're done, remember to come for a meal. I'll wait for you.” Jiang Mao said with a smile.

Su Qingbai nodded, and then turned to look at Su Caicai. Seeing that he was surrounded by a pile of toys, touching this and that being extremely busy, Su Qingbai seized the chance to give Jiang Mao a hurried kiss.

Su Qingbai seldom took the initiative, and as soon Jiang Mao sucked on his lips, he refused to let go.

After the kiss, Jiang Mao released the man. Seeing Su Qingbai's cheeks reddening, he suddenly kissed him lightly on the cheek and said, “Come to me at night, too.”

Su Qingbai was timid and subconsciously wanted to refuse, but when Jiang Mao's eyes seemed to be looking forward to it, he could not bear to refuse and said, “Hmm.”

After the two people done with their talk, Su Qingbai held Su Caicai in his arms to leave. But Su Caicai held the toy with death grip, not letting go.

Su Qingbai was somewhat helpless, but Jiang Mao came forward with a smile and replaced the wooden car in Su Caicai's hands with a much smaller spinning top.

Before leaving, Su Qingbai looked at the man who smiled and watched them leave. “I'm sorry.” How could he let this excellent man stay in this small mountain village for him and even have to sneak in to meet him?

Jiang Mao smiled and touched his head comfortably.

When Su Qingbai went, so did Su Family.

Su Lingchuan had been at home for a while that he looked so decadent. Now he had something to do and became much spirited. Seeing Su Qingbai coming, he took Su Caicai in Su Qingbai's arms.

As a matter of fact, Su Caicai was brought up so big by Su Lingchuan alone. In addition to Su Qingbai, Su Caicai's closest relative was Su Lingchuan. Grandpa hadn't held Su Caicai for several days. Once Su Caicai thought so, he turned panicked. He hugged Grandpa and gave him several kisses without restraint.

Su Lingchuan had completely forgotten his previous dislike of Su Caicai. He had so many children and grandchildren but the most time he held was this one in his hands.

Su Qingbai watched, feeling that his son had the ability and charm to make everyone who didn't like him, to like him.

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The school was very small, and there was no big ceremony for its completion. Everyone in the village came to see it, and then went home for dinner.

Su Qingbai didn't go back together with Father Su. He said it to his Lao Zi and went towards Jiang Mao's house with Su Caicai in his arms.

“Little uncle――”

Su Qingbai looked back and Su Huai had caught up.

“Why don't you follow your grandpa home for dinner?”

Su Huai took Su Caicai in his arms. “Where are you going with Caicai? Take me with you.”

Of course Su Qingbai could not tell the truth. He pursed his lips. “I asked Aunt in the village to make Caicai's clothes.” The women in the Su family were not very good at making clothes. Or else, like Madam Su, when they made clothes, their children would grow up and they would not be able to wear it when it was done.

Su Huai's mind was clear. Obviously, this was not the direction of that Aunt's house.

“I happen to want to make clothes for my mother. Let's go together.”

Su Qingbai was annoyed. “You're not Caicai; still have to be held by Little Uncle to take you? Can't you go by yourself?”

“I heard that a family moved into the village. Since you don't want to take me with you, I'll visit that family.” After saying that, he held Su Caicai and went to Jiang Mao's house.

Su Qingbai was not a fool. How could he not knowing what was Su Huai's real intention?

He guessed that Su Huai might have met Jiang Mao.

That should be because Jiang Mao was acting ostentatiously like that. He felt that Jiang Mao had moved here on purpose.

Jiang Mao had cooked the meal earlier. He also was not surprised to see Su Huai and greeted him with a smile.

Stretching out a hand without smiling, Su Huai called out, “Jiang Gongzi.”

“Just in time, I've cooked the meal. If it's convenient, please stay for a meal.”

Su Huai thought: it is not very easy to eat his meal; have to wait from last year until now.

“Jiang Gongzi lives alone?”

Jiang Mao smiled and nodded. Sometimes Hu Hong would come too.

Su Huai's heart felt complicated when he saw the quite big house which was neat and tidy. He had worried about Little Uncle's simple mind and thought this person's mind was not simple. He was afraid Little Uncle would be deceived by this person.

He looked at this man who was also a rich man and did not expect that for his Little Uncle, the man abandoned his rich life, moved to a small village, washed and cooked, and did everything by himself.

Now it seemed that this man was sincere.

Su Huai turned very good-naturedly towards Jiang Mao a little bit.

Walking to the hall room, when he saw a table full of delicious dishes, Su Huai, who was holding Su Caicai was stunned. Is this man a cook?

Jiang Mao invited them to sit down and added chopsticks for Su Huai.

Before the dinner begun, Su Caicai pounced on the table. He was always the most active during meal time.

Jiang Mao hurriedly handed over a small saucer and said, “Knowing Caicai would be here, I intentionally cooked the meat and vegetable until it tenderized a bit.”

When Su Huai heard it, complexity rose in his heart. When they met before, this person obviously didn't know Caicai existed. Now, it seemed that they were actually father and son?

Without mentioning his conjectures, the dinner began. Su Huai sat down and a picked a vegetable to taste it. He was even surer that this man was indeed a cook.

Not to mention this person's culinary skill was really good, even if it was place in the capital city was also pretty good.

It was a good meal. Finally, Su Family's three people left with a satisfied stomach.

Su Huai thought that he had found out the details about Jiang Si, and that Jiang Si looked very reliable. It's very likely that if Little Uncle being this way with Jiang Si, then he would be very much more intimate with Jiang Si.

Little Uncle liked a man. This Jiang Si was a cook with no complicated background and reliable. He was also infatuated with Little Uncle and was in fact a good choice (for a spouse).

…

Madam Su and Su Dsao specially cooked a sumptuous meal for Su Lingchuan. But Su Huai, Su Qingbai and Su Caicai were absent. There were too many people missing that Su Lingchuan made the others to wait for them.

“It's good that you come back. Sit down and eat.”

Su Huai and Su Qingbai looked at each other and sat down quietly. Today Su Lingchuan was happy and the whole family had waited for them so long, therefore they couldn't just leave the table.

Madam Su took Su Caicai in her arms and invited her grandson and youngest son to eat.

The whole family was already hungry and picked up their chopsticks to eat.

“Why don't you two eat? Did you stealthily eat something delicious?” Su Er-sao, who still regarded them as kids laughed and asked them.

They shook their heads together and could not admit that they had eaten stealthily.

“Ya――” Su Caicai cheerfully laughed, being teased by his grandma. Su Caicai was happy, too. While he was happy, he suddenly put his claws in his pocket and grabbed an oily chicken leg from it. He handed it to his grandma's mouth and said, “Eat~”

Su Qingbai almost threw away his chopsticks. When did this boy hide a chicken leg behind his back? He didn't even find it.

The whole table turned quiet, leaving only Su Caicai who kept stuffing chicken leg into his grandma's mouth.

“Who gave it to him?” Madam Su took the chicken leg from his hand. “Look at the oil in this pocket.”

“Just now in the village, a villager gave it.” Su Qingbai quickly took Su Caicai and walked away. “I'll change his clothes for him.”

Su Qingbai had a thrilling day, but that's not the end. In the evening, he tried to find a way to warm Jiang Mao's bed without his family noticing about it.

That evening, Jiang Mao, who was usually gentle, did not show any consideration to Su Qingbai, and spent the whole night fooling around with Su Qingbai.

In the morning, Su Qingbai had to get up early and go home.

…

The beginning of spring had started to dense and the small mountain village also had tall gra.s.ses and the nightingales in the air. Jiang Mao had never seen such beautiful scenery before, because of the serious environmental pollution in his previous life and his busy career in his present life. To be included in these, although it was beautiful and a little simple, his heart felt very relaxed.

He had a couple of stone tables built under a row of willow trees. When Su Qingbai did not come, he sat under the willow tree to deal with official doc.u.ments.

There were often children to play here. The lively Su Caicai also had followed, and he had made one or two friends.

“Caicai――” Jiang Mao waved at Su Caicai and Su Caicai ran over, b.u.mpily.

Jiang Mao had somewhat disliked Su Caicai's name. Later, he knew that Su Caicai had a formal name, and he kept calling his formal name, Su Chengjun.

Who would have known, Su Caicai was used to being called Caicai and when his formal name was used, he would just ignore you. Jiang Mao could only call him Caicai.

The school was not far away. Although Su Lingchuan was a relatively grounded scholar, he couldn't help but flourish in poetry at the sight of this beautiful scene.

“Come and sit down, sir?”

Su Lingchuan looked over at the voice, and a young man in his twenties sat there.

Having been invited, Su Lingchuan, who was a good person to get along with, sat down.

“I am Jiang Si.”

“I am the teacher in this school.” Su Lingchuan introduced himself and looked at the young man on the other side.

He frowned, thinking that the young man was very familiar.

The next moment, he knew why he felt familiar.

Su Caicai was clamoring to run over, and when he saw Grandpa, he knew to good-naturedly call out. Then he got behind Jiang Mao and pulled out a small wooden car.

Looking at the sweat on the little thing's tired head, Jiang Mao took him over to wipe his sweat, and let him go again.

Su Lingchuan was shocked. He was stunned and didn't know what to say.

He always knew that his grandson was born by his son with a man. Now the man suddenly appeared here, with look was so similar to his grandson. How could he not think too much?

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Jiang Mao did it on purpose. If he waited for Su Qingbai to make up his mind to tell his Dad, who knew how many months or years would it be?

Although he had never had the opportunity to meet Su Lingchuan, but Su Lingchuan was a prime minister after all, he still knew what Su Lingchuan looked like. When Third Prince persuaded him to go to the capital city, there were two piles of portraits of officials, big and small, in his study. Su Lingchuan had a special status, and his portrait was on the top.

In the evening, Su Qingbai knelt down in front of his LaoZi while feeling aggrieved. Jiang Mao really, didn't even inform him.

Su Lingchuan was trembling with anger. He had been making plans. While he was still in good shape, he would save a little money after he had taught for several years and marry Su Qingbai a daughter-in-law.

For a while, he had watched Su Qingbai behave well, so he didn't try to manage him and felt that he was thoughtful. He, this Lao Zi would not be good to always educate his son.

Who would have known, when he had been neglecting Su Qingbai for a long time, Su Qingbai had been stirred up with man again.

“What's up with the new man near the school? You make it clear to me.” Su Lingchuan asked him directly instead of twisting around.

Su Qingbai didn't expect to be discovered by his Dad so soon, but it was Jiang Mao's obvious intention. It would be weird if his Dad didn't find out. It's just too sudden today.

“He, he is the other Dad of Caicai.” whispered Su Qingbai as he knelt and hunched, bowing his head to look at the ruler in his Lao Zi's hand.

Su Lingchuan stared at him, pointed at him with a ruler and asked him sharply, “Didn't you say you don't know who Caicai's dad is?” Was it a lie to him?

“I don't know what his name is, but I know what he looks like, and when I meet him later, I know when I ask him.” Su Qingbai had to answer honestly.

“And now?”

Su Qingbai looked up at his Dad and summoned up courage to say what he had wanted to say. “Now… I'm together with him again.”

As soon as Su Lingchuan heard that, the fire that Su Lingchuan was suppressing was immediately ignited.

Still together?

“Who is together again? I disagree!” Su Lingchuan was angry with him and roared, “Break up! Break up with him!”

“Dad…” Su Qingbai looked at his Lao Zi imploringly. “I like him.”

“Like?” Su Lingchuan pulled a cold smile, rolled up his sleeve, and took the ruler to greet Su Qingbai.

There was such a big stir inside that people outside had already discovered it.

Zhang Su was here today. He's here to meet Xu Qian. When he saw Su Lingchuan raised a ruler and was going to beat Su Qingbai, he rushed forward and pulled him. “Teacher, if there is something, sit down and discuss it properly.”

Su Lingchuan was so angry. He scanned the whole family which had come over; even his second son and second daughter-in-law came. Su Lingchuan swung a few strikes and finally put away his ruler.

Even if he was angry, he still could not ignore his son's reputation. If this was spread out, how would his son behave with integrity?

Madam Su was not magnanimous; she often had grievance. She just always liked to find Su Lingchuan to complain. With Su Lingchuan good temper, he had listened to her trivial matters for so many years.

Madam Su had told him that during her recent quarrel with Su Er-sao, when Su Er-sao was mad she scolded that Su Caicai was a monster.

Thus, Su Lingchuan had a feeling that these second son's and second daughter-in-law's mouths were not sealed. If there was any serious matter, if he could keep it away from her, he would try to keep it away from her as much as possible.

Su Lingchuan glared at Su Qingbai angrily. “From today on, you'll stay at home and not be allowed to go out without my permission.”

“You all right? Little Uncle.” Su Huai raised Su Qingbai up. “Why did Grandpa hit you? Is it related… to him?”

Su Qingbai smiled thoughtlessly and nodded, “My Dad, he finally knows.” The result was much better than he had expected.

Su Lingchuan went out and happened to b.u.mp head on with Su Caicai, who when he saw everyone walking into the house, he followed, but because of his short legs, he walked a long time before he arrived.

Su Lingchuan, regardless of Su Caicai's wishes, picked him up and took him away.

As Su Lingchuan carried his grandson to walk on the road to the village chief, he lowered his head and pressed a tuff of hair on Su Caicai's head.

What hadn't he experienced in his whole life? After several experiences of life and death, now that he was old, nothing was a big deal.

He refused to accept Su Qingbai's affair, wasn't because he couldn't let go of his pride or too stubborn.

It was actually that he really wasn't optimistic about Su Qingbai being with that person.

That person, he looked like a n.o.ble Gongzi who seemed to be from a rich family that had never suffered hards.h.i.+p. He's good-looking and fancy-dressed; a person who was the focus of the crowd. While his son looked beautiful but not very tall, wore gray clothes all day. He couldn't learn anything, had no money and no talent. For what reason would that person take a fancy to him?

Granted that person was blinded for a moment taking a fancy towards his son, how long would it last? Both of them were men.

…

When Su Lingchuan came back, he saw Su Huai standing at the door waiting for him. Su Lingchuan went forward.

“I'll hold him. This boy's heavy.” Su Huai took over the sleeping Su Caicai.

The grandfather and grandson walked into the house. Su Huai looked at Su Lingchuan hesitantly and said, “Grandpa, I think Little Uncle and Jiang Si are very good together.”

Su Lingchuan stopped and turned to look at Su Huai. “How do you know?”

Su Huai felt his heart hairy being stared at by his grandfather like that that. “I saw him once last year, and this year he followed Little Uncle to the village, and so I recognized him.”

In the end, Su Lingchuan didn't blame him for hiding it from him. He sighed helplessly; he didn't realize that they had been together for so long.

“That person… what kind of person is he?” Su Lingchuan asked him again.

“I don't know, I just knew he is Jiang Si. He's a cook and his family seems quite rich and honorable.” Su Huai answered honestly.

“A cook?”

For a while, Su Lingchuan was not very fussy about Jiang Mao's appearance. A cook; once people heard it, it gave the people a kind of steadfast feeling.

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> Chapter 44