Honglou Xing

This time, only Jia Amnesty was called, but Jia Zheng's name was not mentioned.Jia Zheng became even more worried, and took all his family members to fidget in Jiamu's flower hall.

After a while, a young man who went to inquire about the news came back to report the news.

"Old lady, eldest lady, great joy! The emperor issued a decree, saying that the old man has made great contributions to solving the case, and that the old man has been promoted to the official secretary!"

When everyone heard this, they burst into joy.

Jia's mother could not close her mouth in surprise, and happily accepted everyone's flattery.Jia's mother's attitude towards Mrs. Xing also improved. While holding Mrs. Wang's hand, she held Mrs. Xing's hand at the same time, discussing about the celebration.

Mrs. Wang said with a smile: "Our family has double happiness, and we will hold a big banquet to thank the guests widely."

Mother Jia smiled and nodded, not caring what Mrs. Xing thought, so she asked people to prepare a banquet, and set up a table for her family to celebrate for the time being.There was no need for Xing to criticize Jia's mother face to face. Anyway, what should be done in the future is still in her hands.If their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law want to make a big deal, she still has to decide through her. She must have many ways to stop this matter.Therefore, there is nothing to worry about at this time.

Seeing that Mrs. Xing did not refute, Mrs. Wang thought she was better. She happily got up and went to Zhang Luo's banquet, and then discussed with Jia's mother the specific date of the banquet.

Xing pretended not to see or hear, so he left first.

The next day, Mrs. Wang invited Aunt Xue and her daughter back with Jia's mother's consent.Xue Pan was afraid of what happened in Rong Mansion earlier, so he stayed in the old house and lied that he was sick and did not come.

Now that Baoyu was sick a few days ago and no one cared about him going to school, Baoyu became more and more lazy, asking for leave for various reasons and staying at home to play.Jia Zheng occasionally scolded him once or twice, but every time Jia Mu scolded him back.Jia Zhengyu was filial to Jia's mother, so he had no choice but to ignore it gradually.

Jia Zheng hadn't paid attention to the management of the back house. Since his eldest daughter became a concubine, his popularity among his colleagues who were officials had risen sharply, and he was expected to be promoted.Jia Zheng was going to do his best to socialize and go about his own affairs. As for Baoyu, it was no big deal anyway, so he simply put it on hold for the time being.

Baoyu was free, and simply played happily among the sisters, becoming more and more perverse.Seeing that Baochai is here, Baoyu is even happier.Because he hadn't seen Baochai for a long time, he missed her very much, and he became much closer to her these days.

Aunt Xue was overjoyed when she heard that Yuanchun was named a concubine, and she would definitely not come empty-handed when she came to Rongfu again.Jewelry and mountain treasures are all generously presented, congratulations on the Double Happiness of the Rong Mansion.Since it was a double happiness to congratulate Rongfu, Xing naturally accepted the things on behalf of the family.Mrs. Wang looked a little anxious, but Aunt Xue thought about it comprehensively, and left another copy for Mrs. Wang afterwards.

Now, unlike before, the Second Household of the Rong Mansion is gaining power again.As long as the concubine Xiande in the palace is like this, it is enough for the second room to show off its power outside.Aunt Xue made some calculations. With Baochai's current conditions, if she wanted to marry an official family, there were families in the palace who were favored concubines, but Rongfu was the only one.No matter how good the capital is, there are some people, but they look down on their status as businessmen. Aunt Xue is not willing to give up, and she is even more worried that if she does not understand each other, her daughter will marry and suffer hardships.The Rong Mansion knows everything, and now that they are so powerful and prosperous, there is no reason for her to voluntarily refuse this marriage.

Mrs. Wang got the Xue family's things contentedly, and pulled her younger sister to ask her why she didn't come to see her a few days ago.

Aunt Xue wondered: "Sister thought I didn't know the reason why you persuaded me to move away? The old lady and Dafang disliked Pan'er and made trouble, so I don't have the face to take the initiative."

Mrs. Wang was a little embarrassed, and felt a little guilty towards Aunt Xue: "I had to lie to you by saying that at the beginning."

Aunt Xue smiled and took Mrs. Wang's hand and said, "I know you did it out of good intentions to save my face."

"It's good that you understand." Mrs. Wang laughed.

Aunt Xue's eyes moved, and she said again: "Now you invited me, so I dared to come. You see, I didn't even dare to bring that child."

Mrs. Wang felt even more guilty, and frowned, "I have wronged you these days."

"That's okay. I heard that my sister is also suffering and is still ill. I have nowhere to visit and neglect you. Don't blame me." Seeing Mrs. Wang shaking her head, Aunt Xue really didn't mean to complain, and smiled again. Then he took out a pair of top-quality white jade bracelets. "The high-quality mutton jade, I heard that wearing it for a long time can cure illness and bad luck. Jade nourishes people, my sister is not in good health, so it is most suitable to wear this."

Mrs. Wang was a little embarrassed to accept Aunt Xue's generous gift, but she was so happy to see this fine jade bracelet from ear to ear.She tried wearing the bracelet on her hand, the texture was cold and smooth, it was really extraordinary!

Mrs. Wang hurriedly made gestures to take off the bracelet, expressing that she did not dare to take it, but Aunt Xue stopped her and said with a smile: "Our sister, are you polite?"

Mrs. Wang agreed with a smile, and let go of her hand, and the bracelet was so safely worn on her hand.

Aunt Xue took a special look at Mrs. Wang, and said with a smile: "I heard that the marriage of your second girl is settled?"

"Well, it's Qiu Hanlin's second son. I heard that he is a good-looking talent. Who knows what kind of person he is, I have never seen it. The date seems to be set for this autumn. I forgot the exact time." Mrs. Wang replied .

Aunt Xue squinted her eyes and smiled, "Then this is a very happy event. Later, I will make a big gift for Baochai to give to your second daughter. It is also a sticky joy."

When Mrs. Wang heard the joyful words, she understood Aunt Xue's reason for coming.In detail, Baochai and Yingchun are the same age.Now that Yingchun has a home, but Baochai's side has not yet been settled, how can Aunt Xue be in a hurry?

Mrs. Wang accepted the gift, she was short-handed, so she was a little embarrassed. "Sister, don't worry, I'm putting this marriage on hold in my heart, and I'll put everything else on the back burner for now. In the past, the old lady liked Miss Lin, so she dragged on for so long. Now I don't think there's much going on with the Lin family. There is an empress who has taken the position of concubine, how can she have any reason to reject me? Even if she is unwilling, I am not afraid, I will send a letter to the palace later, asking the empress to make a will, isn't it true that Baoyu and Baochai's marriage Achievement?"

After hearing this, Aunt Xue felt relieved.As long as she is willing, this marriage will be done.Otherwise, don't blame her for not acknowledging her relatives. When the time comes, she and her own sister will pick out the accounts and settle everything one by one.

Baochai, Baoyu, Tanchun and others came to pay their respects to Mrs. Wang, and then walked to Jiamu's place with great difficulty.

"I said it would be nice for us to take a sedan chair. When will we go this way?" Baoyu complained.

Baochai smiled: "Our girl's family hasn't said anything yet, but you complained first. Your ancestors stopped talking and asked you to greet the master and wife, but there is only one without saying, so there is another side that hasn't invited."

Thinking of the eldest wife, Baoyu shrank her neck, shuddered, and showed a look of reluctance to go.

Just as Baochai was about to talk about him, there was already a woman over there who asked someone to bring a soft sedan over and take them outside the Hall of Rongxi.Several people got out of their sedan chairs, and then Baochai told Baoyu what he had been holding back.

"I said it's wrong for you to be so afraid of your uncle. Now your uncle has been promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and he is in charge of the appointment and dismissal of officials in various provinces. He has great power. You will inevitably go into official career in the future. With relatives like your uncle taking care of you, you can rise to the top. .What is the reason why you want to stay away from things that others can't even look forward to?"

When Baoyu heard Baochai tell her about her career as an official, she was so annoyed that she would die. She said to Baochai unhappy, "It's a good thing you said this. Sister Lin didn't tell me these things, otherwise I would miss her for nothing." .”

Hearing what he said, Baochai was very angry and choked.

Shi Xiangyun had a good relationship with Baochai, and he agreed with Baochai's opinion. He said to Baoyu, "Sister Bao is right, and she is only doing what is good for you. Don't know what is good or bad, and use other people's kindness to block the liver and lungs of donkeys. Many people understand this. why don't you understand?"

"Okay, you're all on the same road, I'm the one who doesn't live up to it and embarrasses you." Baoyu was angry, shook his head and left.

Tanchun hurriedly stopped him to coax him, winking at Shi Xiangyun and others.

Baochai laughed angrily, and didn't bother to pay attention to her, so she grabbed Shi Xiangyun and said, "Let's go, let's go and greet the eldest lady." After saying that, the two of them made gestures and walked to Rongxi hall.

Baoyu cast a glance at them, expressing regret.

Tanchun let go, smiled and said to Baoyu, "If you don't make amends, I will go too." Baoyu hurriedly pulled Tanchun back, and apologized to all the sisters with a smile.

Everyone is better now, let's go to Rongxi Hall to meet Mrs. Xing.

As soon as Xing put Brother Can to sleep, she asked the nanny to carry her, when Baochai and others came in to greet her with a smile.Xing smiled and excused them, and asked someone to arrange some good refreshments for the children.Yingchun and Xing Xiuyan also came to pay their respects to Mrs. Xing, so they joined in the fun.With the previous lessons learned, Xing Xiuyan was extremely shy of Baoyu, and sat and talked in front of Xing for any reason.

Seeing that this girl is polite and obedient, Mrs. Xing likes her even more.Tell her to go home another day to see his father, and take her words with her.

"No matter what, you have to ask your parents to come back with you and see me. Tell them, it's useless to hide from me for the rest of your life."

As soon as Xing's voice fell, Wang Shanbao's family came over with a look of embarrassment and told Xing that Xing Dequan had come.Mrs. Xing left the juniors in the room and went to see Xing Dequan in the side hall.

Xing Dequan just took his seat, he thought that his sister would get married with her as Mrs. Shangshu this time, and would have to wait for a while, but he didn't expect his sister to come out so soon this time.

Xing glanced at the sloppy Xing Dequan and asked him what's the matter.

Xing Dequan was not polite, he obviously congratulated his brother-in-law for being promoted to the high position of Shangshu, and then said that he was short of money and wanted to borrow some money from Mrs. Xing.The so-called borrowing, everyone knows well that there is no return.

"You came just in time. I just happened to have something to discuss with you and elder brother. It's okay if our family doesn't have a life. The so-called top beam is not upright and the bottom beam is crooked. I don't want my nephews to be like you. If you don't learn well I will pay for their schooling, but they will not live at home. I will ask someone to send them to the academy later. You don’t have to worry about food and clothing. As for how you live, I think you should go back and discuss it with your elder brother. , Think of a way to make a living for a long time. When you think about it, come and tell me, I will help you. But you have to work hard, think clearly, there is no second chance."

Xing Dequan was afraid of being poor, and thought it would be nice to get the money if he had a chance, so he nodded casually.

Seeing that his attitude was not correct, Mrs. Xing sneered and said: "Believe it or not, you have time to find out how the second child in my room is doing. If you are not sad, your end will be worse than his. At least this child is born better than you. You can still live in the shadow of your ancestors. After all, if you don’t live up to it, we will simply break the relationship and clean up."

Xing Dequan was horrified, although he didn't know what the Xing family was talking about, but thinking that the second master Lian of the Rong's Mansion was like this, what good could he be from Mrs. Xing's natal family?Xing Dequan took his heart, promised Xing's promise, and turned to his elder brother to discuss a solution.

Seeing that Lin Ruhai was going to Beijing, the Xing family also paid attention to what Lin Ruhai asked before, and began to think about whose family's girl would match Lin Ruhai.It's best for this girl to be good-natured and know how to manage the house well; she's also a witty person who knows how to love Daiyu so that she can be a reliable person for Daiyu in the future.

Coincidentally, a group of people were released from the palace this year. Back then, these women were selected to enter the palace because of their moral character, talent and learning.Since being selected into the palace at the beginning, the character must have passed the test, and the behavior was more regular, and he understood the principle of the word "rule".These women were only released from the palace when they were 28 years old, and they were more mature in age, so they would not be petty.Besides, at Lin Ruhai's current age, he would definitely not like a girl who just came out of the cabinet at the age of fifteen or sixteen.Not to mention the big gap in age and temperament, not to mention that it is not easy to get along with each other, and it is really embarrassing for Daiyu to be a mother and daughter with someone who is about the same age as her.

The Xing family plans to select from the group of people who are about to be released from the palace to see if they can choose a woman of similar family background and good character to match Lin Ruhai.

The Xing family does not easily do the matter of pulling red lines to protect the media. Since it is going to be done, it is natural to investigate to the bottom, and it is not allowed to match people at will to ruin people's lives.So this matter needs some time to investigate.

……

In another day, Lin Ruhai's big ship will land at the ferry in the capital.After more than twenty years, Lin Ruhai returned to Beijing again, feeling a lot of emotion in his heart.

Daiyu was accompanied by her father, and she had reliance in her heart, and her life was smooth and smooth along the way.

Since he was going to Beijing, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but come to see his daughter and remind her.

"I came to the capital for my father, one is to report on the job, and the other is to transfer. I am afraid that our father and daughter will settle down here, and we may never return to Yangzhou. Thinking about it, it is cheap. There are no relatives on my father's side." , now there are only one or two relatives who can move around from your mother's natal family. Your eldest uncle is reliable, and we come to Beijing with the intention of taking refuge. Uncles can also support each other in the court, so that they can gain a more secure foothold in Beijing."

Daiyu nodded, naturally understanding what her father said.

"Another point is that when you grow up, you will have a home in the future. I am worried about your future for my father, but I don't know anything about the back house. I still have to ask your eldest aunt to make decisions for you. As for your grandmother "Lin Ruhai paused, sighed slightly, and said to Daiyu in a helpless tone, "You should be filial to those who should be filial, but you must know how to measure it."

Daiyu understood what her father meant, that she told her grandma to get along on the surface, but not to have a deep friendship.The eldest aunt is different, she treats herself sincerely, but she can get close to her at will.In fact, even if her father didn't say anything, Daiyu knew it in her heart.Ever since her eldest aunt taught her how to know the world between people, she has seen many things more and more clearly.Although Daiyu disdains to associate with these people, she must be very clear in her heart, and guard against others is indispensable.

Lin Ruhai hesitated, but decided to confide in her daughter. "As a father, I didn't plan to continue the strings. One is that I am old, and the other is that I didn't have that thought at the time. I thought it would be fine to send you to your grandmother to teach. Now that I think about it, the previous decision was a mistake. You My grandmother's life is not good, and my body is not as sharp as it was raised at home. I am a man, and I don't understand the affairs of the back house. I am afraid that I will not take good care of you. Recently, I have been thinking twice, wondering if I should find you another Stepmother, you can also make up for my lack of care."

When Daiyu heard this, she was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, she felt that what her father said was very reasonable, so she bowed her head and acquiesced.

Lin Ruhai knew that Daiyu must be afraid of her stepmother, who was a complete stranger, and had no intention of coercion. He softly discussed: "It's also an idea. If you don't like it, I will definitely not marry again."

Daiyu shook her head lightly: "Father is in charge."

Lin Ruhai looked at his daughter with relief, the more intelligent and sensible she was, the more guilty he, the father, felt.The continuation of strings is just Lin Ruhai's idea, if he can meet a dignified and virtuous woman who is willing to take care of Daiyu for the rest of her life, that would be the best.If you can't, it doesn't matter whether you marry or not.Lin Ruhai didn't expect to marry a wife at this age and stay behind.

The next day, Lin Ruhai disembarked with his daughter, and people from the Rong Mansion drove to pick up their father and daughter.As for the salutes and other things, the housekeepers Lin Zhixiao and Wang Shanbao will take care of them.Lin Ruhai only needed to explain a few words, and then drove to Lin's mansion with his daughter.

As soon as the carriage arrived, the gate of Rongguo Mansion was opened wide, and Jia Amnesty, Jia Zheng and Baoyu and other younger generations personally took Lin Ruhai and his daughter in.Daiyu was led to Jiamu's place to meet all the female relatives.At the right time, banquets were held in the front and back yards of Rongguo Mansion to welcome Lin Ruhai and his daughter.The Xing family also specially invited the theater troupe. After the meal, Jia's mother and everyone watched the play happily.Everyone ordered a few plays, and halfway through the song, everyone felt a little tired, so they took a break for a while.Jia's mother had a happy corner, so Mrs. Wang quickly called her over.

That little opera singer is only fifteen or sixteen years old, but his life is bumpy and miserable.Everyone sighed and sighed after hearing this, and rewarded her with money one after another.

Shi Xiangyun, Baochai, Baoyu and others muttered behind him not knowing what to say about the little opera artist Xie En's kung fu.Mother Jia turned her head back with a smile and asked them, "What's interesting to talk about, and let everyone hear it."

Baochai looked at Shi Xiangyun, smiled, and said nothing.Baoyu carefully looked at Daiyu who was far away from him, hesitated to speak, and finally bit his lip, afraid to say anything because of taboo.

Xing and Daiyu followed Jiamu's voice and looked over, as did everyone else, looking at them juniors.

Aunt Xue looked at the actor, and she knew it all.She smiled and said to Jiamu beside her, "I guess they are like me. This girl looks familiar, she looks like a person."

Jia Mu didn't think much about it, and asked casually, "Who do you look like?"

Aunt Xue was taken aback, looked at the girls, but smiled and said nothing.

Baochai lowered her eyes and drank tea as if she hadn't heard anything.Shi Xiangyun was impatient and wanted to speak.Baoyu stares at her hurriedly and winks at her.

I don't know if Shi Xiangyun saw it or not, but she smiled and got up and ran to Mother Jia and said loudly: "I know, she looks like Lin—"

"Old Ancestor, I think everyone has had enough rest, tell them to continue singing." Mrs. Xing suddenly said loudly, obviously intending to interrupt Shi Xiangyun's words on purpose.

Everyone knew in their hearts who Shi Xiangyun was referring to, and also understood the meaning of Xing's loud interruption.Mrs. Xing was originally a majestic housekeeper, but now that she has given birth to a son-in-law, and her husband, Mr. She, is rising steadily, even Jia's mother dare not disobey what she says.Everyone is knowledgeable, everyone stays out of the matter, and dare not say much.

Shi Xiangyun was startled, turned his head to look at Xing's face again, his cold gaze just happened to look at her, Shi Xiangyun was so frightened that his heart shrank, he bit his lower lip aggrievedly, and honestly returned to his original seat and sat down.

Xing sized up the little actor in front of her, and said coldly, "You go too!"

The actor seemed to be frightened too, he bowed hastily, turned around and ran back to the back of the theater shed.

Baoyu and others were too frightened to say anything by Xing's scolding, and kept quiet for a while.Baoyu couldn't bear it anymore, glared at Shi Xiangyun, and scolded her for being troubled in a low voice.Shi Xiangyun felt aggrieved in her heart, she didn't pick out the words, she was just straight-hearted, unlike those people who were shrewd in thinking too much.She just said what was on her mind, and everyone thought the same as her. What's wrong with her just saying it?

Well, this time I was scolded by the eldest wife, she was innocent enough to be wronged, but Baoyu still wanted to talk about her.Shi Xiangyun was angry, as if he was easy to bully.Shi Xiangyun turned his head away, silently wiped the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief, weeping in grievance.

Seeing this, Baochai hurried to persuade her, Baoyu also panicked, and hurried to coax her.The more Pian Shi Xiangyun was coaxed, the more he felt aggrieved, and he couldn't help crying.

Baochai and others were afraid that Shi Xiangyun would make a big noise and attract the attention of Jiamu and others, so they quickly blocked her with their bodies and hugged her in their arms.

Shi Xiangyun also understood that the occasion was not right at this time, so he took a few breaths, held back his tears, and his mood was about to improve.At this time, she saw Xiaohong, the maidservant next to Xing, approaching, she smiled and said to Shi Xiangyun: "Madam sees that Miss Shi seems to be not feeling well, so she ordered my maidservant to help you go back to rest."

All the sisters were silent, apparently the eldest wife disliked Shi Xiangyun, fearing that she would make trouble and wanted to drive her away.

How could Shi Xiangyun not understand, he bit his lower lip tightly in grievance, held his last breath, and followed Xiaohong with no choice.

Baoyu secretly glanced at Xing's back, clenched his fists and said bitterly, "What's the matter!"

Baochai lowered her eyes and remained silent. After a while, everyone continued to enjoy themselves, and when she forgot about it for the time being, she turned her meaningful eyes to Mrs. Xing.Just seeing Daiyu holding Mrs. Xing beside her, she was smiling sweetly.