The identity of the direct son - Xu I's prosperous world

Xia Jin opened three antique shops in central Beijing, and the business was good.

Because he was sheltered by the Dingguohou's mansion and had some contacts with Ji's mansion, and now Mr. Su Ruisu, who has been promoted to the Minister of the Household Department, is also a guest of his mansion. Besides these, he also has many other friends. If there are some contacts with high-ranking officials, the business will naturally go smoothly, and who dares to come to bully.

However, he has stopped managing the shop since a few years ago, and just hired a special shopkeeper to manage it.

Yuliu brought Xiao Lin to Xia Jin's mansion in person, and Xiao Lin carried a few boxes of snacks in his hand, which was not considered a noble gift, but this kind of etiquette was enough for frequent visits.

Xia Jin got married ten years ago. The daughter-in-law was just a woman who went to Beijing to look for relatives but found nothing and finally returned home without money. At that time, she and her mother had nowhere to go. They couldn't make a living, so they had to be hired.

Unexpectedly, she was used by this woman, and she had a relationship with her after drinking, but she didn't threaten her too much, she just hoped to be his concubine, Xia Jin refused, but this woman was pregnant, Xia Jin Helpless, I didn't want my child to be an illegitimate child, and I didn't want it to be a concubine, so I had no choice but to marry her. The children turned out to be a pair of twin boys. Xia Jin was happy with his son, so he naturally felt less jealous of her.

The child has become the source of all Xia Jin's happiness. Fortunately, this woman who relied on despicable means to get to the top is not bad. She manages the mansion very well, and often gives money to the poor. Seeing that Xia Jin has no love for her, she still treats her. Wanting to take a concubine for him, all these are virtuous means, and Xia Jin can't be picky about her at all. He himself was born as an actor. Although he became a good citizen and got some wealth later, he felt that a complete The girl from the down-and-out scholarly family can match herself as much as possible, and the way husband and wife get along, only mutual understanding and care can make the family flourish. So far, the life of the two of them is also very good.

When Yuliu arrived, Xia Jin was teasing her three-year-old and four-year-old daughter. The two sons had already gone to private school to study, and his wife was busy tidying up the things that had been moldy all winter to dry.

The whole house is a busy and thriving scene.

Because of Xia Jin's relationship with the Lingfeng class back then, Xia Jin and the Lingfeng class still have contact afterwards. When Yuliu was in the class, she had some contacts with Xia Jin. Later, she was redeemed, and the prince asked someone to get rid of her membership After changing his name to Liangmin's household registration, he and Xia Jin had more contacts.

The main reason is that he has stopped singing operas since then, but the prince really doesn’t have much time to visit him. He is idle and has no friends. The people he knows are either the young masters or noble ladies who used to sing operas, or the theater troupe. Of course, he can no longer meet these people, and he can't let them see him, so Xia Jin is the only person he can associate with.

Firstly, Xia Jin is a senior, so he won't underestimate him, and now he is a person of some status, and secondly, Xia Jin knows his difficulties, so he won't ask more questions.

Moreover, the aunt in Xia Jin's family also obeyed Xia Jin's words and would not say anything more.

Yuliu greeted Xia Jin, and went to tease Xia Jin's youngest daughter, Xia Yunxi, "Xi'er, hug me."

Xia Yunxi is a beautiful little girl, and because of Xia Jin's love and pity, she was raised to be very bold and delicate. At a young age, she also bowed to Yuliu like an adult and said, "Brother Yuliu, Xi'er It’s a girl’s house, so pay attention to the difference between men and women.”

Yuliu was amused by him, and said to Xia Jin, "Uncle Jin, Xi'er is really smart."

Xia Jin said, "It's just too naughty."

Xia Yunxi said sternly, "I'm not naughty."

Xia Jin's wife, Mrs. Gao, came to serve Xia Jin and Yuliu tea and snacks in person, and smiled at Yuliu, "Yuliu is here, but she won't leave until after dinner. Auntie makes the toon leaves you like to eat." Egg cake to eat."

Yuliu stood up and saluted, "Auntie is too polite."

Gao smiled and took her daughter away.

Gao Shi is a very ordinary-looking woman, and Xia Jin, who is very good-looking, makes people feel that she really doesn't match.

However, Mrs. Gao is very good at housekeeping. Although Xia Jin was forced to marry her, she didn't regret it at all afterwards, because being served by her was so comfortable.

The spring sun is just right outside, and the wisteria flowers in the yard are also in full bloom, and the flowers are fragrant.

Xia Jin didn't know who was raising Yuliu, but only knew that he was being raised by someone. The two talked for a while, but it was just a new show and a famous role that they both liked. Then Xia Jin said that Yuliu was raised by someone. Liu said, "You seem to be in better spirits recently. When you came to my place a while ago, I saw that you were depressed, so it's not good to ask you."

Yuliu lowered her eyelashes slightly and said, "It's nothing."

Xia Jin then said, "You are still young, your benefactor redeemed you, and then re-registered for you. Your benefactor is very kind to you."

There were only two people in the room, and the spring breeze blowing in from the door of the flower hall also carried the gentleness and warmth of spring.

Yuliu said, "Yes. He is a very good person and treats me very well."

Xia Jin said again, "Now is the time when you are deeply affectionate. It must be disgusting for me to tell you these things, but I am your elder, and I have no reason for you to respect me so much. It is very inappropriate to remind you of what you said."

Yu Liu said, "Uncle Jin treats me very differently, just like my biological uncle. I have no relatives, but Uncle Jin is relatives. If Uncle Jin has anything to say, just say it. I can only be grateful."

Xia Jin looked at it and said, "You are a smart boy, how could you not understand what I mean. I dare not say that people's feelings will definitely change. Some people will never change their minds for a lifetime, but even if they have this kind of heart, It's not enough, there are always many other things that people have to submit to. Your benefactor treats you very well now, but it's hard to say what will happen in the future. You are still young, so you should make other plans."

Yuliu lowered his eyelashes slightly, and lowered his head. He was silent for a long time, and then said, "Thank you, Uncle Jin, I understand what you mean. Since I joined the team, I have always wanted to earn some money , I redeemed myself later, I was a blessed person, and I met him when I was sixteen or seventeen years old, and he redeemed me for me, and even became a good citizen for me. He never restrained me, if I want to leave He, he also said, he will not blame me, he will send me away, I am not his slave, nor his plaything, I am the person he likes, such an honorable person as him, but so valued Me, treat me well, I really can't be ungrateful. Besides, I can't leave him, and I don't want to cause him trouble. Therefore, that's all I can do now. "

Xia Jin sighed, seeing Yu Liu was like seeing another self.

He said, "Does your benefactor have a wife?"

Yuliu whispered, "It's already there."

Xia Jin said, "You are like this, if his wife finds out, how will you face it?"

Yuliu said, "I don't know either, but I won't make things difficult for him."

After Yuliu finished speaking, she frowned and added, "Actually, I was with him before he got married, just..."

Before he finished speaking, Xia Jin interrupted him, "You are really confused. Could this have something to do with being together sooner or later? She is the lady of the family whom he is marrying, so what are you doing? You How can you get this kind of thought?"

Yuliu almost cried, "Yes. Uncle Jin, you are right. But, I really can't live without him. I have never been like this before, and I never thought I would be like this to someone."

Xia Jin frowned and remained silent for a while, then shook her head and said, "Leave as soon as possible. If you do this, you will only get deeper and deeper. Hearing what you say, he is still a young man, and he certainly has not established a family. Go up There are parents to control, there are wives and concubines, and there will be children soon. Do you think you will be good in the future. "

Yu Liu really felt that she was humbled into the dust in front of the prince, but he couldn't leave him anymore, and he didn't know what to do. Besides, he felt that the prince liked him very much, and if he left him, he wouldn't say no It's sad.

Yuliu said, "Uncle Jin, thank you very much. However, unless he doesn't want me, I can't take the initiative to leave. My free status was given by him, and it would be ungrateful for me to leave."

Xia Jin said, "Even if you love each other, there is no equality. You are just like a slave if you think about him like this. You can't say that you can't be friends, but you can still get some respect."

Yuliu immediately retorted, "He respects me very much."

Xia Jin stopped talking, stood up and went outside, the sun was shining from the tall jujube tree, and the spots fell on his body, he was tall and tall, with a proud figure, Yuliu looked at him I know that I have his luck, but I don't have his spirit.

Yuliu stayed at Xia Jin's house for lunch, and Gao wanted to keep him for dinner before leaving. Yuliu originally planned to spend the day here when she came, but she couldn't stay anymore, so she left.

Mrs. Gao packed two big packs of toon tree buds for him, two jars of sweet sauce made from wisteria flowers, and some other food, and even asked a servant to deliver them to him, saying, "This toon tree bud Hey, the wisteria flowers are all picked by myself in the yard of my house, and I always feel that the taste is more delicious, you can eat it, and you can take it when someone comes over."

Yuliu thanked her, hugged Xia Yunxi again, and then saluted Xia Jin, then took her servants to the outer courtyard to get into the carriage and left.

Xia Jin didn't smile, Gao Shi saw him like this, and asked cautiously, "Master, what's the matter?"

Xia Jin shook her head, "It's nothing, just looking at Yuliu, it's just worrying."

Gao said, "He is a good boy."

Mrs. Gao knew Xia Jin's background. Xia Jin's background was really not a secret. Unless Xia Jin moved to live outside the capital, people would not be able to find out. Therefore, Mrs. Gao also knew what to say and what not to say to Xia Jin. Afterwards, seeing that Xia Jin didn't want to say more, she hugged her daughter to coax her to take a nap, and prepared snacks to send to the private school for her sons.

The two young masters were in the private school, and they didn't come back for lunch at noon, they only came back at night, but Mrs. Gao was afraid that the food in the private school would not be good, so she always asked them to send some snacks at noon.

Xia Jin sent people to find out who the benefactor of Yuliu was, but they didn't find any results. Even Yuliu's deregistration and re-registration could not find any traces. It was with the family members of the officials who had been punished that they were exempted from guilt, and naturalized as well. Xia Jin felt that someone who could do things like this must not be an ordinary dignitary.

Xia Jin didn't ask anyone to inquire again, fearing that something might happen instead.

The elder brother of Marquis Dingguo Zhao Zhili passed away, and he happened to be called back to the capital by the emperor. He was supposed to stay in the capital, but the emperor thought highly of him and asked him to go to Guangdong and Guangxi to serve as the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi in January, and the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi as the governor There will be some problems, so this time the emperor sent Zhao Zhili to the far away and very important feudal officials.

He will take his wife with him to the post, but his eldest son and second son are still in Beijing. His eldest son has already become a second-class bodyguard, and his second son is still studying with the third prince.The eldest daughter married a vassal king and went to the fiefdom.Because he had been separated from his wife for many years and did not take a concubine when he was in office, he only had a youngest son who was only six years old and was conceived when his wife visited him.Now he is going to Guangzhou, saying that he wants to take his youngest son with him.

Knowing that Zhao Zhili was ordered by Guangdong, Xia Jin personally prepared a generous gift and came to congratulate him personally.

In fact, the two hadn't seen each other for many years. Before that, Zhao Zhili had been in Jiangnan and had never been back, so they had no way of seeing each other.But Xia Jin has always been taken care of by the Marquis of Dingguo, Zhao Zhili finally came back and had to leave, why didn't he come to see him and thank him.

Zhao Zhili's father passed away a few years ago. At that time, he was still serving as the chief soldier in the south. He only came back to go to the funeral, and soon returned to the south. Because the emperor took his love, he didn't keep his filial piety at home.

Now, he is going to Guangzhou again, and his elderly mother is in charge of the family affairs. The eldest son Zhao Yunxian got married the year before, and his wife is from Jinling. She is a very virtuous woman who can help As long as he manages the housework, Zhao Zhili can also take his wife to Guangzhou.

And the arrangement for the second son, Zhao Yunqian, is to see whether he will stay in Beijing or go to Guangzhou after accompanying the third prince to finish school.

But given the importance of the emperor to his family, and at least the prince accompanied him to study, he would probably be given a small official position in Beijing directly for him to practice.

It's not that Zhao Zhili can make decisions. From the time the child enters the palace as a companion, everything will be decided by the royal family.

In fact, he also hopes that the second child can take the imperial examination, but he doesn't know what the result will be.

Zhao Zhili and two trustworthy aides who have been with him all the time were discussing things. Taking advantage of the opportunity of serving tea, the steward who took care of him personally came and whispered a word to him. Zhao Zhili was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and then He asked the two staff members to go down first, and then said to the steward, "Take him directly to the study."

After responding to the matter, he retreated.

The study yard of Marquis Dingguo is an important place in a mansion, there are soldiers guarding directly at the gate of the yard, and there are only two most trusted people serving in the yard.

Xia Jin held a civilized staff from the West in his hand, which was much more beautiful than crutches. Holding it in his hand and leaning on it just supported his body.

Xia Jin is in the antique business, and he also sells some novelties from the West. He has studied this kind of Western crutches very much, and he likes it even more.

Xia Jin was wearing a moon-white round-neck gown, and the weather wasn't cold at the end of March, so he didn't wear too much, so his figure became more slender and tall, with an elegant demeanor.

He and Zhao Zhili were already the most ordinary friends, and it was a great blessing for him to be friends with the powerful Hou Ye.

He was led into the study by the steward. Zhao Zhili did not sit down, but stood by the window. He was pushing the window open by himself. Enough."

Zhao Zhili said lightly, "It's okay, serve tea to Mr. Xia."

The steward quickly agreed and withdrew.

Xia Jin stood there and bowed to Zhao Zhili, "Caomin has seen Lord Hou."

Seeing that he was holding a very thin crutch in his hand, Zhao Zhili couldn't help but darken his eyes a little, and said, "No need to be too polite, just sit down."

Xia Jin saw that Zhao Zhili didn't sit down first, so he didn't sit down.

Zhao Zhili laughed, "Why are you so polite, sit down quickly. I have been sitting and discussing matters with others, and now I just want to stand."

Xia Jin just went to sit. It rained two days ago, and the injury on his foot was a little bit worse, so he couldn't stand for a long time.

Zhao Zhili stood by the window, looked at him and asked, "Did you hurt your foot? Why are you holding a cane?"

Xia Jin smiled, and stopped being polite to him, and said, "Your Majesty is in the south of the Yangtze River. I think he is well-informed. Didn't you see that this is a thin crutch used by Westerners? It is lighter in hand, and Easy to use."

Zhao Zhili nodded and said, "I heard that your business is doing well."

Xia Jin said, "Thanks to Lord Hou, if it weren't for the support of the Hou family, the business would not be so safe."

Zhao Zhili said, "That means you are very good at doing business."

Xia Jin smiled and didn't continue to entangle him with this question politely, but said, "I came here today to congratulate Lord Hou. I heard that Lord Hou is going to be the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi again."

Zhao Zhili said, "It's all thanks to the emperor's grace."

Xia Jin looked at him, the sun was shining outside the window, but it also cast a layer of light on Zhao Zhili's face. After years of military service and high-ranking career, Zhao Zhili has completely lost the temperament of his youth. His face is firm, his eyes are deep, and he has a beard. , with a deep and majestic temperament, even at this time when he is very gentle, but it is still inaccessible.

The person she once liked so much now has the power and future, and has become such an excellent man, Xia Jin has no regrets about falling in love with him and leaving him back then.

The steward came in and served tea to Xia Jin, and Zhao Zhili also slowly walked back to the chair and sat down. The two were in different classes, and the encounters were completely different. After so many years, there was actually no common topic for a long time.

Xia Jin had no choice but to drink tea from the teacup to cover up the embarrassment caused by the silence between the two.

Zhao Zhili had no choice but to say, "The wound on your face seems to be healed, doesn't it?"

Xia Jin said, "It's already healed, no traces can be seen, thank you Lord Hou for your concern."

Zhao Zhili said again, "Do you still need to see a doctor for the injury on your foot? Who is it?"

Xia Jin said casually, "I have invited an imperial doctor in the palace to look at the relationship between Tuoji's mansion a few times. When the weather changes, just apply the medicine, and the stool will be much better."

Zhao Zhili felt sorry for him after all, and said, "If you need anything, you can talk to me."

Xia Jin hurriedly said, "Master Hou is too polite, I'm fine here. Besides, I have to be taken care of by the Hou Mansion..."

Zhao Zhili said, "You don't need to be polite. I'm going to Guangzhou. My eldest son is in the mansion. I will explain to him and the housekeeper. If you have something to do, just send someone over. They won't help."

Seeing his kindness, Xia Jin agreed, but he didn't think he would come to ask for help. Besides, he had done business in Beijing for so many years, and he also had a lot of connections.

It was really hard to say anything afterwards, so Xia Jin had no choice but to say, "If Lord Hou needs any antiques, whether you want to enjoy them yourself or give them away, you can come and tell me, and I will look for them for you."

Zhao Zhili nodded with a smile on his face.

Xia Jin couldn't stay any longer, and got up after a while to say goodbye.He didn't know how many years Zhao Zhili had been in Guangzhou, he sighed in his heart, and looked up at Zhao Zhili again, Zhao Zhili didn't know what to say, so he just said, "Take care."

Xia Jin swallowed the choked sobs in her throat, and cupped her hands, "Master Hou, please take care too, Cao Min is leaving."

Then turned around and left quickly.

Xia Jin left, Zhao Zhili sat back in the chair in a daze, thinking about what happened in his youth, it seemed as far away as his previous life.

Before he could think too much, the steward came in and presented him the gift list from Xia Jin. On it was a Jade Buddha, some souvenirs, and even a box of paintings.

The steward also said, "Master Hou, I will show you this Jade Buddha. It is the best white jade, the best carver, and a Guanyin of Compassion."

Zhao Zhili said, "Let's release it as an offering, and let me see that painting."

The steward went to bring the painting box that contained the paintings. Because the box was sealed, the steward would not open it to look at it. Zhao Zhili let the steward go out, so he opened the box himself, took out the painting and opened it. Inside was A picture of a lotus flower, the lotus leaves and flowers are well drawn, only one flower is in bud, which is awkward, Zhao Zhili remembered that this was drawn by Xia Jin not long after he learned to paint, Xia Jin is talented and draws well, but It was he who painted the budding Han Ou. He didn't have any talent in painting, but he just learned it out of your son's upbringing, that's why the Han Ou was painted so awkwardly.

Next to the painting is the poem written by Xia Jin back then, with the seal of "Xia Ri Qing Tan Lai Shi" engraved on it.

Zhao Zhili put the painting back into the box, and put it in the cabinet himself.

After a while, someone came to invite him, "Madam invited Master Hou to the inner courtyard, I don't know how convenient it is for Master Hou."

After Zhao Zhili passed by, Mrs. Hou smiled and said, "All the things that I want to transport to Guangzhou have already been packed, and the person to take with me has also been selected. Master Hou should take a look."

He took the list and wanted to show it to Zhao Zhili, and Zhao Zhili said, "Madam, you can just decide. I have read it or not, but there is no difference, and I can't see anything."

Mrs. Hou said, "Then what's missing at that time, just add more."

The six-year-old son came to ask Zhao Zhili to hug him. Zhao Zhili smiled and put the son on his shoulders. Mrs. Hou said, "Don't spoil him, or you will always play on your shoulders."

Zhao Zhili said, "Only when you stand tall can you see far."

He slapped his son's butt again, "Isn't it?"

After a while, Zhao Yunxiao came back to greet his parents, Zhao Zhili saw that Zhao Yunxiao had no expression on his face, so he couldn't help but said, "You are on duty in the palace, and you are still so straight when you come to answer the questions before the emperor!"

Zhao Yun said, "I have already been sent to the prince."

Zhao Zhili said, "Then you should take good care of the crown prince."

Zhao Yunxian said, "My son knows."

Zhao Zhili said, "You know, then why do you still look like this when you come back? Who are you showing it to!"

Zhao Yunxian had no choice but to hold back a laugh, and Mrs. Hou said, "I just came back, why are you training again?"

Zhao Yunxian hurried to his mother to beg him, "Mother, it's fine."

Zhao Zhili glanced at him and said, "Come with me."

In the study, after Zhao Zhili asked his son to sit down, he began to have a long conversation, "Your mother and I are going to Guangdong, you have to support yourself in Beijing, think twice before acting, and never act impulsively or impulsively." The emperor is in good health, upright and in his prime, and will remain on the throne for many years. How many people were crowned princes when they were young, but finally managed to ascend the throne steadily? The prince is the most difficult position. You are by the prince's side You must be very cautious when doing things. The most important thing is not to forget that the prince is also a courtier of the emperor. You can be a courtier first, and then you can become an emperor. You must remind the prince in everything, after all, you will be the prince's person from now on Now, if something happens to the crown prince, you won't be able to protect it, and our family will probably be implicated as well."

Zhao Yunxian's face became serious, "Son, remember father's teaching."

Zhao Zhili continued, "However, you have to do your best for the prince. The emperor and empress love the prince very much. You put the prince first in everything, and they will also see it. You need to keep in mind that you don't serve two masters. "

Zhao Yunxian said again, "My son will."

Zhao Zhili sighed, and said, "Believe in you, father, do your best. Take care of your second brother, he is just too honest."

Having said that, he asked again, "Is the marriage of the third prince settled?"

Zhao Yunxian said, "Not yet, the empress was focused on the fourth prince's body before, and the fourth prince's health is not in good condition now, so the marriage of the third prince has not been settled yet. His Royal Highness said that it has not yet been decided. It has not been decided, so the wedding date has not been fixed either. But it is said that the title has been drawn up, and Yuhang will be given to the third prince as a fief."

Zhao Zhili has been here for so many years, and he never figured out where the emperor's sons came from. He also guessed that they were born to Ji Heng's cousin, but later he gradually guessed that Ji Heng might be a hermaphrodite, but he has no evidence. .

Ji Heng treats the princes very well, that kind of feelings cannot be had by those who are not his own, Zhao Zhili always thinks so.

Zhao Zhili asked again, "What's wrong with the fourth prince, did the prince say anything?"

Zhao Yunxian shook his head, "I only said that I was sick, but I didn't know what it was. I thought it was very serious, and the prince had been frowning all the time."

Zhao Zhili nodded, and after pondering for a while, he said, "If the crown prince has done something wrong, you must warn him. If the persuasion fails, don't tell the emperor and queen yourself. You have to use your brain, you know?"

Zhao Yunxian lowered his eyes and nodded in response, but he thought about the fact that the crown prince was raising people outside. He wondered what would happen if the emperor and empress knew about it. I'm afraid I won't get good help from myself. He hesitated for a while, but still did not tell his father about it.

When Zhao Zhili returned to Beijing this time, he visited the emperor and empress a few times. Seeing that Ji Heng was always favored, the emperor treated him very well, and the two were loving and harmonious. He was also happy for Ji Heng.Ji Heng is a rare talent, he has his own ups and downs in his heart, he is a great talent, Zhao Zhili was very sad when he entered the palace, now seeing him living happily, he no longer cares about it.

It's just that the royal family has a lot of things to do, and he only hopes that Ji Heng can live a smooth and happy life.

Before Zhao Zhili left Beijing, someone sent a gift to Xia's residence. On the day Zhao's family left Beijing, it was raining lightly in the morning. Xia Jin got up early, had breakfast with her sons, and watched them get into the carriage. After leaving the private school, he also went to the shop and sat there for a day.