After becoming a widow, I became the mother of seven children

After Yan Qingqing looked around, he found that most of the people were similar to him, and they basically came for the rewards from Ding Mansion.

It's just that their clothes are better than Yan Qingqing and Yuan Huiniang, at least they don't have as many patches.

But their expressions were more nervous than Yan Qingqing's. Think about it, since you are here for a reward, a lot of thought and money must be spent on preparing birthday gifts.

Take the cake made by Yan Qingqing as an example. Although it didn't cost much, it took a lot of energy and thought from Yan Qingqing. It’s just that labor is not worth much these days.

Yan Qingqing's mentality was very calm. It would be best if she could get a reward. If she couldn't get it, she would have a big meal. Anyway, she wouldn't lose money.

Soon, servants from the Ding Mansion came over to arrange for Yan Qingqing and the others to serve at the standard table of eight people.

The banquet noodles are very good, including Sixi meatballs, braised lion head, fried pork with green onions, Dongpo pork, and several seasonal vegetables.

Yan Qingqing and the others at the table were all staring at the table and drooling, but they had to restrain themselves. He was afraid that if his birthday gift caught the eye of Mrs. Ding, she would be embarrassed by her appearance.

Yan Qingqing had no such worries at all. She ate the food on the table with big mouthfuls and gracefully.

From time to time, he would give Yuan Huiniang a pair of chopsticks. Yuan Huiniang was deeply moved.

Although Yan Qingqing ate elegantly, her speed was very fast. Soon half of the food on the table had gone into the two women's stomachs. By the time others reacted, Yan Qingqing and Yuan Huiniang had almost eaten.

During this period, a steward from the outer courtyard came over and called several people in, saying that their birthday gift, Mrs. Ding, liked it very much. Needless to say, the next step was to reward them.

Seeing that the banquet was over, Yan Qingqing sighed. It seemed that the birthday cake she made was probably gone.

When Yan Qingqing wanted to get up and leave, a steward hurriedly walked into the inner courtyard and asked, "Is Yan Qingqing from Canghe Village still there?"

Yan Qingqing felt happy after hearing this, but it didn't show on her face.

He stepped forward and said, "The civilian woman is Yan Qingqing. I wonder why the person in charge is looking for me?"

The steward said happily: "What else could it be? Of course it's a good thing. The old lady really likes the round birthday gift you made. She asked me to take you to the inner courtyard."

After hearing this, Yan Qingqing nodded calmly and said, "Okay, then the person in charge will lead the way."

When the steward saw Yan Qingqing being so calm, he couldn't help but look at her.

Although the Ding Mansion is not extremely wealthy, it is one of the richest households in Chengyang County. Most people would look around for a while when they come to their house, but Yan Qingqing's clothes are obviously not as good as those of ordinary people, but this He looks indifferent but like someone who has seen the world.

When Yan Qingqing came to the inner courtyard, the plants and trees looked more luxurious and exquisite, and after walking a few steps, it felt lively.

A well-dressed maid was waiting outside the door. Seeing this, the steward said to the maid: "Miss Xi'er, Yan Qingqing is here."

Xi'er looked Yan Qingqing up and down and said with a smile: "Madam, please come inside. The old lady is waiting in the room."

Yan Qingqing nodded and said, "Sorry to bother Miss Xi'er, but I'm not a lady. If you don't mind, you can call me aunt."

Xi'er smiled and made an invitation gesture to Yan Qingqing, and then said: "Auntie, come in quickly, the old lady is waiting for your reply."

Yan Qingqing slowly stepped into the room and saw a large table filled with more than a dozen people, both men and women.

It is said that men and women do not sit at the same table at the age of seven, especially in wealthy families. Yan Qingqing thought that those who could sit together like this must be Mrs. Ding's own children and grandchildren.

Yan Qingqing smiled and gave a Wanfu salute to the old lady Ding who was sitting in the middle, and said: "I wish the old lady to be as blessed as the flowing water of the East China Sea, and to live as long as the evergreen pines in the Nanshan Mountains. May you shine with the sun and the moon, and never grow old in the spring and autumn." "

A few words made Old Mrs. Ding, who was sitting on the main seat, smile brightly, and she said several good words to Yan Qingqing.

This old lady Ding's hair is combed meticulously, she wears a Fu Shou smear on her forehead, she is full of heaven, and her eyes are easy-going. At first glance, she is a kind old lady.

Especially when he smiles and his eyebrows are crooked, people can't help but feel good about him.

While Yan Qingqing was observing Old Mrs. Ding, Old Mrs. Ding was also looking at Yan Qingqing.

Old Mrs. Ding felt that Yan Qingqing was dressed in shabby clothes. But he has a calm demeanor, neither humble nor overbearing, which suits her very well.

After looking at it for a while, Mrs. Ding said, "Did you make this object? What's its name?"

When Yan Qingqing saw Mrs. Ding's question, she answered truthfully: "I did make this thing. It's called a birthday cake."

Old Mrs. Ding asked with some confusion: "The name of the birthday cake must be for celebrating birthdays, but why have I never heard of this thing?"

Yan Qingqing smiled and replied: "There is an allusion to this cake. It is said that there are many small countries on the west side of the sea. They believe that the time of a person's birthday is when his horoscopes are at their weakest.

It is the easiest place to be invaded by evil spirits, but cakes can ward off evil spirits.

Those high-ranking officials in the West will make birthday cakes on their birthdays, firstly to celebrate the birthday, and secondly to ward off evil spirits and pray for blessings. "

Mrs. Ding nodded after hearing this, and then said: "When I was young, I also liked to read some miscellaneous books. I remember a travel book mentioned that there are people living in far away places. Their appearance and customs are the same as ours. Not quite the same.

I have always longed for the opportunity to take a look, but I didn’t expect that thanks to you, I would have a different birthday today. "

Then he asked Xi'er, the eldest maid next to him, to cut the cake.

Fortunately, the cake made by Yan Qingqing is double-layered, and each of more than a dozen people can get a piece.

Mrs. Ding took a bite and said with a smile: "It's soft, waxy, sweet, and delicious."

Old Mrs. Ding started to speak, and all the children and grandchildren were full of praises. Especially the fat man sitting next to Old Mrs. Ding smiled and said: "My son really helped his mother today. This cake is so delicious. It's a pity that everyone It’s just such a small piece.”

Mrs. Ding glanced at her fat son and said with disdain: "Look how fat you have become, and you still think about eating all day long."

After saying that, everyone sitting there laughed. Although the family was very kind, Yan Qingqing did not relax his vigilance. After all, it was a wealthy family, and it was impossible for there to be no disagreements in private.

After Mrs. Ding almost finished finishing her cake, she said to Xi'er beside her: "Go and get ten taels of silver, then go to the warehouse to get two pieces of cotton cloth, and get two boxes of pastries for your aunt to take back. .”

Yan Qingqing felt happy after hearing this. Ten taels of silver was not a small amount. After all, her current total possessions only amounted to more than 200 copper coins.

Yan Qingqing did not refuse, quickly thanked Mrs. Ding, and then followed Xi'er to get her things.