He Shen

Shanbao originally wanted to inspect his own property, but he failed. According to legend, his uncle, Niu Hulu Junbao, came back with his family.

When he came home from school, he suddenly found that there was a lot of traffic in front of the usually deserted house. How could it be so lively, Shanbao almost thought he had gone to the wrong house.

"Brother, is this our house?" Fu Bao tugged at Shan Bao's sleeve and asked sincerely.

Such a big ostentation must not be a robbery.Shanbao thought about it in his heart, he raised his legs and walked towards the door, a young man in green clothes and blue hat ran out of the porter immediately, his eyes were very lively, and he asked with a smile, "You two masters, this is..."

Shanbao took Fubao's hand, put his heart out, and sneered, "I should ask you, why are you trespassing on my house in broad daylight?"

The servant rolled his eyes, bowed his knees and bowed to Shanbao, and said with a smile, "Slave greets the uncle and the second master. It turns out that the second master and the elder master have returned, and the master has been thinking of the two masters for a long time." See Shanbao frowned in puzzlement, and the servant explained cleverly, "Master, my master is your second uncle. The master came to Beijing by order, and arrived early today. He learned that the two masters are in school, so he didn't let the slaves Write a letter to the master. The master has just returned from the palace, and ordered the servants to welcome the second master and the second master."

Shanbao was taken aback, second uncle?He is not the original Shanbao, and his understanding of this second uncle is limited to his cousin Fangbao who mentioned it once or twice.Shanbao gave Fubao a wink, and Fubao also looked blank.

The servants in the courtyard came in and out, moving things, and the normally quiet courtyard suddenly became lively.Shanbao secretly sighed, this second uncle seems to be quite wealthy, but he came suddenly, the airborne troops, so Shanbao couldn't help being suspicious.

The young man led the way, and as soon as he reached the second gate, a woman came out, followed by two maids. This woman was dressed in a royal blue satin flag dress, she was slightly fat, with two or three gold hairpins on her head, and her face was round. Round, with a pair of crooked eyes revealing a smile, he took Shanbao's hand and asked with a smile, "This is the second master, right? The master and wife have been waiting for a long time, and they are all looking forward to the return of the second master. Look at this appearance, how handsome it is."

The two maids pursed their lips and laughed, the woman pulled Shanbao and walked in. Shanbao stopped and did not move. He drew back his hands and put them in front of him, with a hint of coldness in his bright eyes. She slipped on the woman, raised her eyebrows and asked with a smile, "I don't know what to call this nanny? Mrs. Mrs.? I remember that my parents have passed away. Who is this Mrs. and Mrs. please tell me?"

The mother-in-law's face froze, she slapped her face to hide her embarrassment, and said with a smile, "Look at this mouth of my servant, I'm used to barking, and it's not easy to change it for a while. The servant's surname is Zheng, and the uncle called my servant Zheng Madam. It’s the second master, the second wife, and the young master Ge Ge who are looking forward to the elder master and the second master.”

Shanbao nodded slightly, his happiness and anger invisible.

Grandma Zheng didn't dare to do it again, she led Brother Shanbao to a yard next to the main house, a big red felt curtain was hung outside the door, and a little maid outside said, "The second master and the second wife are looking forward to the two Where's the young master?" With a smile, he opened the curtain.

A warm fragrance hits the face, the fragrance is of high quality, clear and not vulgar.Look at the room is full of furniture, although Shanbao can't tell what kind of wood it is, the exquisite taste can be seen just by the carvings and strokes on it.

A young woman wearing gold and silver came out from the inner room, followed by a group of women, daughters-in-law, maidservants and servants. The flag dress is made of purple satin with dark patterns, with a string of jasper beads hanging on the front of the lapel, and a pair of jade bracelets and gold bracelets on the wrists, which jingle as they move, the sound is clear and melodious.Holding one of the hands very affectionately, the woman smiled slightly, her voice was gentle and sweet, revealing affection, "I am your second aunt, this is the first time we have met, come in quickly, your second uncle is waiting. Daddy It’s tiring to have to go to school to study in cold weather.”

"His second uncle, the children are back." The second aunt smiled and pushed the two of them in front of Jun Bao. Jun Bao sat on the kang by the window, his appearance was similar to Fu Bao's, his eyes were slightly red and swollen, and his expression was a little tired.

Fu Bao didn't know his second uncle well, and he didn't know how to react to a room full of strangers, so he turned to look at his elder brother.Shanbao has a lot of thoughts in his mind, he can't figure it out, there are too many things to consider, he has to deal with the present first.Shanbao pursed his lips, the circles of his eyes turned red suddenly, he opened his mouth, his voice was choked up, as if he was overwhelmed by thousands of grievances, he asked, "Did the second uncle offer incense to Mafa and Mama?"

Shanbao said a word, and the lively room was instantly quiet and a needle could be heard.

Jun Bao's eyes became hot, he turned his face away and nodded, saltiness welled up in his throat, and for a moment he didn't know how to speak.After being away from home for more than ten years, things have changed and people have changed, how can he not feel guilty, Jun Bao almost shed tears for a moment.It was Shanbao who said, "Second uncle and aunt please sit up, nephews pay respects to second uncle and aunt."

After the Shanbao brothers saluted, the discerning mothers-in-law and girls all became more cautious: what a powerful young master.

The second aunt also let a pair of children meet the Shanbao brothers. The ten-year-old daughter, nicknamed Xueya, and the eight-year-old son, named Jiabao, are well-behaved.In particular, Jiabao has the same round face, big eyes, and cute appearance, but he and Fubao are like brothers.

When everyone was seated, Shanbao took the lead under Junbao and asked, "Second uncle came back, why didn't he send a message in advance? If it's cold today, it took a lot of work to clean up the yard, right?"

The house has not been occupied for a long time, although it has been cleaned and the brazier is set up, it is still chilly to the bones. Jun Bao also wore a thick woolen cloak in the house, and sighed, "How many people do I have to alarm when I go back to my house?" No. I heard that your brothers are all studying in Xian’an Palace, so it’s not worth letting you delay your homework.” His eyes fell on Shanbao’s face, and Junbao got up and said, “Your room is very neatly tidied up, and I didn’t look at it carefully before. , this courtyard is so noisy that people can't be quiet, let's go to your place to have a conversation. Jia Baoer, let's play with your second brother."

The second aunt hurriedly called the mother-in-law to bring some snacks to coax the little ones to eat, and then talked to Fubao.

Shanbao nodded slightly to Fubao, and went to his yard with Junbao.

Hongyan heard the movement and ran out of the house, her pretty face was still a little nervous, the family who came suddenly didn't look like robbers, but they were rich and scary.

Shanbao asked Junbao to sit on the couch, pulled up a chair and sat beside the brazier, and said, "Red Goose, make some tea."

Red Goose was not as lively as before, slightly embarrassed, and brought two cups of tea, Shanbao took one and handed it to Junbao, and said casually, "Second uncle's family just came back, I'm afraid they are not familiar with the family, you go to the second Auntie listens and asks for food, or it may be useful for you."

Hongyan retreated lightly, Shanbao held the teacup and took a sip.

"In these years, I was first in Yunnan, and then I was transferred to Guangxi. I heard that my eldest brother..."

"Ama passed away due to illness three years ago." Shanbao lowered his eyes, his eyelashes curled up, and the long eyelashes showed a touch of pity, "I haven't heard Ama mention you very much, and I don't know your news. There is no message to send. I only heard Uncle Fang Baotang say that you are on an official job in Yunnan, but I don’t know the details.”

Jun Bao was not in the mood to drink tea, and sighed, with an unconcealable sadness in his tone, "I don't have to hide it from you, it's not something glorious. Back then, I left home privately with your second aunt, I didn’t dare to ask my family to know my whereabouts... When I was young, I felt that if I didn’t succeed, I wanted to save face and refused to go back. Later, I was timid because of the closeness to my hometown... I only found out about your Ama half a year ago, Shanbao, it’s hard for you It's gone." Glancing over the rough white porcelain cup in his hand, Jun Bao asked straightforwardly, "What's the matter at home?"

His family is not a wealthy family, but they are officials of several generations. When Jun Bao was young, there was no shortage of maids and mothers-in-law. Now that he has not returned for many years, he can't bear to think that his family has fallen to this point. I think of what my friend said if……

Shanbao laughed at himself, "After my mother-in-law passed away, Ama married a stepmother, who is the daughter of the Suochaoluo family who is now the official minister. When Ama passed away, Fubao and I were still young, and the things in the house They were all moved by the stepmother, and they were sold, and then she returned to her mother's house. The patriarch and uncle couldn't see it, so they accompanied me to Suo Chuoluo's house, and then they wanted to go back to several villages."

"Too much deceit!" Jun Bao smashed the teacup on the low table at hand with a bang, his tiger eyes stared round, as if he was about to spew fire, and his majestic arrogance made people want to bend over and be subdued, " Why did the eldest brother marry such a vicious woman to come in! He asked Chuuoluo's family to take my Niuhulu's family too seriously!" All the previous doubts were proved, and Jun Bao was furious for a while, wishing to go and ask for it immediately. Chuoluo's family asked for an explanation.

"Just study hard. Since I'm back, I'll leave this matter to me. A woman with a big appetite, she's not afraid of choking to death." Jun Bao sneered, with a hint of evil in his eyes.

What an unexpected joy, Shanbao was happy not to offend others, and said smoothly, "Then there will be Second Uncle Lao."

Junbao raised his head and looked at Shanbao without showing any emotion.Shanbao hurriedly asked, "Is the second uncle returning to Beijing to report on his work, or..."

"The emperor ordered me to go back to Beijing and serve as the left servant of the Ministry of War. I will live in Beijing in the future. Don't worry."

Shanbao was a little surprised. The Minister of the Ministry of War is not a petty official. He can do anything like a cat or a dog. This second uncle is really strange.

"Since the second uncle and the second aunt are back, and the uncle and aunt are the elders, let the second uncle live in the main courtyard. This courtyard is more spacious, and Fubao and I will not choose any courtyard." Shanbao was sensitive, bowed his head and used The copper stick fiddled with the charcoal fire in the charcoal basin, seemingly casually mentioning it.

"The main courtyard is the courtyard where the eldest son and grandson should live, so there is no need to move it around, it's troublesome." Jun Bao has been in the officialdom for many years, and he is not stupid to be able to survive the fat vacancy of the Ministry of War at a young age.Although Shanbao's words were vague, he answered firmly and gave Shanbao a reassurance.

Shanbao secretly scolded himself for being careless, but his face was still gentle and gentle, smiling slightly, showing no flaws.

"It's these furniture. I have people re-imitate them. These elms and poplars can be given to the servants in the servants' room." Junbao was not relieved of Shanbao's carefulness Going up, he tapped on the long couch under him with his fingers.

"I use it very well, and the second uncle doesn't need to spend money."

"It's not bad for this little money. Besides, you still have to have the ostentation that your children should have. It's too shabby." Jun Bao pointed to a pair of enamel big blue flower vases on the ancient shelf with a smile, "just It's not bad for a bottle."

"It's a gift from a classmate." Shanbao smiled, "Second Uncle really has good eyesight, this pair of bottles is the most valuable in the whole house."

Jun Bao laughed, "I heard people say that you read well in Xian'an Palace. Although the paintings and calligraphy in this room are a bit immature, they are also a bit cute, just like the fonts. Uncle Yu came back with me. Dao is going to visit friends, and he will arrive in the capital in a few days. He was a Jinshi in the 15th year of Qianlong. He is very knowledgeable and can write well. I will ask him to guide you. However, this person is a bit stupid in terms of knowledge. You are stubborn, and I will teach your younger brother homework when I have time."

The atmosphere began to become harmonious, Shanbao was reckless once, and naturally picked a safe topic, and asked with a smile, "I think my younger brother will also be at the age of entering school. I wonder what second uncle is planning?"

"It is naturally the best to be able to enter the Xian'an Palace, but we have to wait for the recommendation of the patriarch and the governor next year, and there is still a test. I don't know if that animal has this blessing." There are many dissatisfaction in Jun Bao's words, Shaking his head, he said, "I've been busy with official business, so I don't have time to discipline him. Your second aunt is a woman, and she only pampers and pampers her wholeheartedly. She was enlightened only last year. I haven't read a book of "The Analects of Confucius" until now, and I haven't read it the first time." Read it through. Well, I was thinking, if I can’t get into Xian’an Palace, I’ll go to Jingshan to learn.”

Xian'an Palace official school is all students of the Eight Banners, but Jingshan official school is partially covered, and the grade of the students has been lowered in terms of their background.

Shanbao refilled his tea and drank half a cup of Fangdao, "In the future, when you become an official in the court, civil servants and military generals will also be different. Fubao doesn't like reading very much, but he is good at riding and shooting. The Manchus build a country with martial arts, Xian'an The entrance examination school for the palace also separates civil and martial arts, I see that my younger brother has a tiger head and a tiger brain, he is lively and active, and he is a good material for martial arts."

Shanbao was handsome and gentle, his gestures carried a kind of unhurried and elegant charm, and even the voice of his speech was neither high nor low, just right, pleasant to the ear, and natural.Jun Bao smiled, and suddenly asked, "Shanbao, where did you hire the horse that teaches boxing at home? I think he has a crippled leg, but he behaves well, like a general in the army. group."

Shanbao was amazed by Junbao's eyesight. He was always careful, thinking that Junbao had just returned from a long journey and asked about Ma Quan. Could it be that there was something wrong with this person, so he hurriedly explained, "That's right, Mr. Zhongyong's mansion The third child, named Fu Kang'an, is my classmate in Xian'an Palace. I originally wanted to find a boxing master for Fu Bao. Quan used to be a soldier beside his second elder brother and concubine Fu Long'an, but he injured his legs and feet because of protecting the Lord, so he became an offering in their house. It was Fu Kang'an who recommended him here."

Jun Bao raised his thick eyebrows, "You have a good relationship with Fukang'an?"

Shanbao didn't know how to answer, so he could only say vaguely, "Fortunately, we have some contacts."

Jun Bao has been in the officialdom for a long time, so he naturally knows how dignified the Duke Zhongyong's mansion is, he didn't want Shan Bao to have such a relationship inadvertently, he said with a smile, "Then it should be good to fight."